#and of course danny is suffering in the background

[stars-obsession-pit]

A ghost that hunts ghosts? Score!

Jack and Maddie are obsessed with ghost hunting.

So when they found a ghost who seemed to have an Obsession with hunting other ghosts (because why else would a ghost fight its own kind?), they were ecstatic!

Their kids weren’t that interested in ghost hunting, but here’s someone who will definitely be able to relate with them and who could also help them with new avenues of research! Heck, he’s even using some of their tech already!

Now they just have to figure out how to file adoption papers for someone who isn’t legally alive…

[somnoir]

Bats and Phantoms - Part 5

Part 4 | Masterpost

Jason and Phantom

Danny has noticed a pattern ever since he punched the Joker to death.

He's lost multiple things over the course of the past few weeks. Once, his laptop was smashed to bits during an attack by Bane (he really should have Tucker reinforce all his electronics). The next day, there was a new Wayne tech laptop on his counter.

When he visited his favorite cafe, his usual orders were paid for the next month. The barista refused to tell him who bought his month's supply of Living Dead. She was smiling a little too much in his opinion (he'd have to ask Tucker for a background check on Chelsea now. He liked her, but damn him if she was working with the crime lord.)

Danny knows very well that Gothamites either mug people or get mugged. And yet for the entire time, he hasn't gone through that BS... At all. It's almost nice.

He's done his best not to get caught up with the Bats, except for the fucking Red Hood. He tries to stay low, knowing that the Bats—especially Batman—was very strict on his no-kill-rule. Red Hood in the other hand... Unfortunately, he can't escape the bastard if all he wants to do is follow Danny around and gift him the most random shit. But if he's gonna deal with the Red Hood, then he's going to use it for good.

In other words, he was going to let the man feed him with godly food that he'd never been able to have. Danny's a decent cook but the Red Hood was almost godly when it came to cooking.

"You're never gonna leave me alone?" Danny doesn't even turn away from his laptop once he hears Red Hood slip into his apartment, shamelessly crawling through his window. He's so fucking sure there's a bunch of containers in his arms or maybe a reusable bag, but there's a bunch of containers. Filled with food.

"Someone's gotta keep you fed." Red Hood softly hums, passing Danny from where he was sitting on his floor while his dry eyes were watching instruction videos. By this point, Hood might be playing Tetris in his fridge with the containers. (Danny hopes there's chicken in there)

He doesn't move, doesn't want to.

Red Hood pokes his cheek.

Danny grunts in reply.

His cheek is poked again.

He might just bite the guy's hand off.

"Go away."

"Eat and then sleep."

"Perish."

"C'mon now, darling. You gotta take a break or whatever the hell you're studying for will go away."

"I will stab you."

But apparently, Red Hood isn't intimidated by his threats, already picking out one of the containers, heating it up, and then proceeding to make Danny suffer from the scent of something chicken. He's so hungry, he's sleepy, but he has exams! He has deadlines! A part of him wanted this handsome and sexy crime lord to pamper him but he'd drown in that contaminated ecto (Lazarus) than admit it.

And then his laptop is confiscated by a crime lord. Danny suddenly finds himself sitting on the Red Hood's lap and being forced to eat. At least the man isn't feeding Danny himself.

He was just enjoying the chicken casserole, sleepily trying not to stab a fork into his mouth while Red Hood has his hands on Danny's waist, caressing and cooing at him to keep eating.

The next day, he wakes up in his bed, tucked in, and the scent of freshly made coffee from his kitchen.

(God, his siblings are going to make fun of him for this)

Jason likes Danny. He'd actually tell himself that he legitimately adores the tired and unhinged college student. He wants that crazy little shit like he's gonna blow up the world if he doesn't. Because he wasn't just Joker's killer. Danny Fenton unknowingly became Jason Todd's avenger, the one person to actually avenge the second Robin. And he's just...

The infatuation would have been almost selfish, if not for the fact that Jason grew to actually fall for Danny after making sure the young man was okay. He's done his best to keep Danny away from the Bats. He didn't need Batman fucking this up for him.

Danny was so... strange. In a good and endearing way. He was dedicated to his studies, and tried to live his life but helped when he could. He's seen Danny stop by crime alley a couple of times just to help feed the kids, just to hand over blankets and what seemed to be his old clothes that nobody would be wearing. He was kind, and brutal if he wanted to be. Aside from the Joker, Jason had witnessed Danny almost drown a man for trying to kidnap a meta child in the same alley. The bastard was left for dead but survived when someone dragged him out.

Oh, Jason was in love. Horrifically so.

Honestly, he was kinda screwed at this point.

He's pretty happy that he doesn't share a class with Danny. If he did, he might not be able to focus on the lecture knowing that the very thing that calms the pits inside him was so close. The possibility of getting lulled into sleep was pretty high. But their schedules didn't even align and he barely saw Danny on campus. But he'd be lying if he wasn't trying to catch a small glimpse of him.

It's one of those days that he doesn't try looking for Danny when he's got some papers for Lit. But this was different.

Riddler is a maniac, even when he tries to be harmless. Anyone who failed to solve his riddles sometimes got blown up. Gotham U ends up becoming one of his targets. Jason just so happens to be there, waiting, watching, unable to operate out of his suit. The Waynes were not the Bats. They tried not to be to keep their identities face.

He needed to keep everyone away. He needed to keep them safe, even as Jason Todd. Fuck.

Riddles. Riddler liked his riddles, plagued the city with them. Barbara's voice is in his ears immediately, reciting Riddlers gods damned questions.

"I hold dreams cast by the desperate and bold,

My heart is silver, my whispers cold.

I’ve seen generations, yet I do not age,

A quiet witness to joy, love, and rage.

Though rooted in stone, I endlessly flow,

Reflecting the sky and the world below.

Look beneath where wishes sleep,

There lies a secret, dark and deep.

What am I?" Babs' voice is shaky, just a bit before she's hardened steel in seconds.

Jason cursed under his breath, trying to figure out the riddle. They weren't stupid. They've done this before and Nygma's Riddles were hard just for them, especially Tim and Bruce. But even so, Jason was raised by Batman. He could do this.

The words were complex, the poetic nature was irksome. But Jason took just a couple more minutes before he's identifying the answer.

"A fucking fountain. Gotham U has three of those." Jason responds immediately, sucking in a deep breath as he quickly evacuates his classmates and urges them out the building. "East, north, and south."

"Red Robin and Orphan en route to the south fountain. Robin and Nightwing to the east." Oracle quickly says, "Batman to north. Signal and Spoiler are evacuating everyone from the building. Hood, get out of there—now!"

No can do, Babs, he thinks to himself and goes running to the northern part of the campus. Batman can't do shit alone, even if he insists on it. They've learned not to let him.

He arrives before Batman, already rummaging through the fountain for the fucking bomb. If it was beneath the fountain then he'd have to destroy it, but if it was already attached to the water? Shit.

One second later, he's trying to find anything to destroy the cement, and then another passed. Jason is staring at a strange young man, white hair, green eyes—it reminds him of the descriptions of Wraith and Specter that Damian and Dick repeated. He blinks, meeting eyes with the maybe Ghost Hero. He flinched, looking into glowing Lazarus—a purer hue—eyes. "The bombs under the fountain?"

"Uh... Yes!"

The ghost nodded, phasing his hands through the fountain and a second later, he's dragging out a bomb. Fuck, it only had ten seconds to spare. Both of them stared at it, wide eyed as they panic on what to do. But the stranger doesn't seem to pay too much attention and proceeds to swallow the bomb.

"WHAT THE FUCK—"

An explosion—muffled and small—boomed through the courtyard and Jason stared at the smoke and flames covering the ghosts head. A coughing fit is heard through the smoke and the stranger is waving it away, whining about the horrible taste of burnt food.

Lazarus eyes look back at him, blinking before offering Jason a radiant smile. "Sorry about that! I'm Phantom, by the way. Was just passing by when I heard about the bomb." He offers Jason a hand, still smiling.

"Oh, uhm... Any relations to Specter?" Jason immediately asks, trying not to die from his own stupidity. Way to go Jay, immediately interrogating another guy that makes the pits all mushy and warm.

Fuck, fuck fuck. Was he going to fall for everyone that calms the pits? Fuck, he didn't want to cheat on Danny (Jayyoudelusionalidiotyou'renotevendating.)

Phantom tilts his head, before he's laughing loudly. "You've met my little sister?"

"No, but she saved my brother from a kidnapping."

"Is that so?" Phantom smiled, clearly amused. "Well then, I must bid you adieu. I can see that your city's knight has this all handled."

Just then, Batman drops just behind Jason. DAMNIT, B! GO AWAY!

Phantom just glances at Batman, amused before he takes Jason's hand and pressed a light kiss to it. Cold lips pressed against his hand and he's immediately blue screening. Fucking shit, this was the exact same scene he's read in those books about the heroine getting saved by the mysterious man who'd later on be her sexy enemy/lover. FUCK!

Phantom goes back to speak, but all Jason heard were a couple of trills and chirps, a language he couldn't understand but... It felt familiar.

"Ȋ̵̢̨͍̹̺̼̜͉̳͍̮̠̯͙̤͈̥͔̰̤̐͐͜ͅ ̴̡̤͔̪̠̗̤͉͙͓̥̺̗̎͒͒̔̎̑̀̑͜͝w̷̧̖͍̝̹̤̪̞̭͎̞͓̟̪̗̱͕̑̃̃̓̀̔̀̆̋͒͛̂͜ͅi̴̧̢̧̡̡̩̻̗̬̦͉͎̮̠̤̬̪͇̖̦̘͚̟̪̠̠̪̣̪̖͇̤̣̱̪̺̩̘̼͐̇̂̂͛̿̀͗̃͑̔͋̈́̐̽̿́͊̃̄̿̄̊́̔͘̕͜͠͠͝ͅļ̴̨̢̢̨̡̢̫̘͍͉̞̝̙̹̘̜͎̩̟̰̹̙̟͉̳̯̹̫̼͉̬̯̼̪̖̿̒ḷ̸̨̱̫̣̪͖̤̩̖̮̙̋͛͆̓͜ ̴̨̨͉̩͉̠̖̖̫̠̬̥̮̲̦͙̦̜̱̺̠̫̤̫̐̑͂́̇̆̐̋͂̈́͘ş̷̛̘͎̬͙̖̜̞̗̣͍̲̒̎̈͋̄̄͛̑̈́́̌̐́͋̃͑͑̈͛͋́̂̂̂͂̈́̌̄͊͂́̓̆̎͑̕̚͝ȩ̶̛̝̮̳̭̘̪̰͚̗̖̪̤̟͊̃̐͛͆̄̀͊̄̓̒͝͠e̶̡̢̧̨̢̨̢̛̞̖̤̲̱̯̘͇̖̹͖̻̱̜̼̹̠͙̺̞̽͌̍͗̿̒̃̍̆̽̓͂͗̽̈́̀͝ͅ ̵̢͚͔̦̹͚̱̝̪̗̽̕͜ỷ̵̛̲̘̟̭̬̩͇͖̮̉͋̑̽͂͛̆͆͂̃͋̀̎̆̑͊̃͛̐́̄̊͗̄̾͋̈́̕͝ỏ̶̖̹̍̍̈́̓͊̍͑́̀̈̇̄̐͐̔͛͌̊̀́̈́̍͑͆͑͒̈́̅̌́̄̉́̇͐̒̈̍̀̎̽͝͠͠͝͝��̭̱͇͔̲̝̜̹̹̗̗̮̪̗̬̥̜͍͉̻ư̴̢̡͕̯̱̫̗̠̪͓̻̜̪̣̞̟̩͎̗̜̹̯̮̱͎̳̖̹͙̖̬̖͕̙͔̲͊̾͂̓̓̀͆̂̏̀̅̀̉̉͊̈́̅̎̍̇͋̽̿̒̓͐̄͛͊̄̉̽̏͛̋̓͗̍̎̆̒̄̕͘̕͝͝͠ͅ ̷̦̰͈͒̀̆̓̈́͑̂́̇͌̑͒̿̐̈́̅͋̎̄̎͒́̒͒̈́͊͛̚̚͠͝͠͠n̷̢̢̦̟͎͚̹̜̜̞͇̝̲̦̻̩͖̦̮̅̌̔̌͛̅̐̈́̋͌̂͋̈̋̎̈́̈̾̊̊͌̽̿̂̐͆͂̌͐̅́̌̚̚ȩ̵̨̧͔͔̩̭̦͈̪̟͉̦͚̘͚̥̰̰͓͓̤͉̫̳̜̲̲̖̘̜̮̠͉̪̤̤̮̣̫̼͓̦̣̤͖̘̹̉͐͗͆͆̉̐̂̀̄͑͑̄̈̒̀̈̀̀̎͘͜ͅx̶̝̘̼̟̜͎̲̪͎̥̖̠̼̀́̎̔͂͂͐̀̓̓̾̏̅̀̌̐̌̀̑̆̃͝͠ţ̵̢̭̫̫͇̟̣͓̲̦̩͉̞̞̳̬̞̘̙͈͓͈̺̱̮̮̘̠̤͔͍̼̼̳̳̳̦̼̣̼̹͍́͐̍͒͆̎͒͊̊̎͛͑̅̿͂̀̍̎͐́̋͛͗͗́̄͒̾͒͆̏̀̀̽͑͌̓͗̚͝͠͠͠ͅͅͅ ̷̨̧̡̮̝̜̟̠̦̳̼̝̭͖̭͚͎̦͕̦̩̺͓̺͚͈̺̤͋͌̔̏̒̾̓̈̅̃̑̏̓̂̚̚͜͝t̸̛̳̯̻͙̼̳̤͎̦̙̟͌̊͋͐̐͊́̑̈̽̎̎̾͂̓̉͆͗̐̇̏͋̕̚͝͝į̵̡̖̠̝̬̠̲̞̩̼͖̦̺͎͖̺͉̘̦̜̜̬͇̠̗̠̬̥͕̭̙̜̳͕̯͈͔̫̤̝̲̫̥͑̃͋̇̊̈́̍̈̉̑͛̈́͌̓̈̈̀̚͜͝͝͠͠ͅm̸̡͓̦͗͗̉͗̒̈́̂̆̿͒́͆ȩ̷̡͍̙͇̫͖̣͙̝̣̣̻͕͈͍͎̣̹̟͓̲̔̀̎̓͘͘͘͠,̶̢̨̨̧̧̢̖͖̠̲̞̮̘̮͉̩͔̭͕̻̝̤͚̻̭̘͈̮̥͉͎͙̜̭̿̿̆̑͗̌̈̈́͛͋̂̑̆̄̈́͋̈͐̑̍̆͂͆̂̌̍̅͊̍̌̓͘̕͝͝ͅͅ ̷̦̦͚̞̖̖̗̎̋̐́̍̆̾̑̾́͌̔́̀̿̀̓̂͒͐̑̋͊̒̈̕Ȑ̴̢̢͉̟̠͍̲̠e̷̢̡̢̡̡̨̨̢̨̛̝̰̪̠̥̠͓͍͔̗̩̯̺͕̬̮̳͎̩͈̼͕͙̯̟̦̺̣̠̺͔̓̉̈́̈̀͋̂̂̈́̆͑̏̅͌̌̂̓́̐͒̈͒̅͊̀̑̂̿̐̂̒̆̓̂̐͗̚͜͝d̶̢̧̛͇̙̰̺͉͔̼̘̩̟͎̖̪̻͖̥̳̠̣̖͎͈͓̳̯̤̲͔̻̱̝̿̈́̆͛́͛̆̄͛͒̿̈̊̉̈́̆̃̒͋́̽̒͐̀̃̑̂̔̋̈́̍̀̀̐̅̄̇͝͠ ̴̡̡̧̡̟̥̟̝̮̟̘̯̺̳̗͚̮̭͍̘̰̭̹͈͈̱̦͎̝͍̺͎͕̼̝̼̝̦͋̾̏́̐̍͌̍̋͒̕͜͠ͅḨ̵̡̧̧̤͓̖̺̭͕͉̖̝̲̖̙̣̳͚͙͚͇̙̼̻͖̺̼͉͖̞̤̞̝̭̂͐̒̑̓͂̈́́̉̽̇̀́̌͂͑͜ͅͅǫ̶̨̢̧̳̠̱̻͉̦̳͚̜͓̭̯̳̘͕͎͍͖̟͖̹̞̤̘̣̖̰͓̙̩͍̻͖̘͚̠͕̗͍̮͙̼͍̪̰̾̂͌̓͗̃̀͗̈́̚ͅõ̸̧̨̡̢̧̡͎̺̭̬̼̱̟̝͔̲̣͖͍̭̜̣͔̠̗͍̯̣̬̮͚̔ͅd̸̡̹̠̹͍̝̜̍̈́̄̇͋̈́́̈́̈̎̎̀̉̍̎̔̋̒͒̔̒̇͐̀̀́͌̊̉̓͌̕.̴̛̛̛̫̹͍̯̟͓̒̀̈́̑̈̏̓͊̽̈́͊͗͒͌͌̏̌̔͌̏́̄͊͒̽̏̏̏͆̅̐͋̐̿̿́̐̈͐͗̊̏̔̚͜͜͝͝"

(Later on, Danny gets one hell of a tongue lashing from his siblings for eating a fucking bomb. At least Red Hood comes to visit with some dessert to make the flavor of bomb go away.)

[asmolfolk]

Twisted wonderland with a Grandparent!Reader

ਈՉ࣪﹑Just a quick heads-up! There will be ALL characters separated and all of them together (Ace and Deuce are the only ones who have separated and an 'Adeuce' one.)﹗ִ❀ ᘏ It's mostly comfort but there are some angst from their backgrounds... Also, I'm sorry if it's too short! :´(((﹗ִ❀

ᘏ Alsooo! Tyy so much for the likes and for the comments! I'm so happy that ya'll like it!! ❀

First things, just want to clear up some TWS.

Mentions of toxic relationships with parents [Riddle]

PTSD and Trauma [Riddle and Trey]

Jealousy over others and bad thoughts because of it [Riddle]

Insecurity [Riddle and Cater.]

Depression [Cater]

Prologue┆Savanaclaw┆Octavinelle┆Scarabia┆Pomefiore┆Ignihyde┆Diasomnia┆NRC STAFF┆Special Characters.

Heartslabyul 

The friendship between you and the Heartslabyul wasn’t just Ace and Deuce, it ran deeper. They – Adeuce - started seeing you alone most of the times as Epel had to follow Vil’s strict schedule and had tons of things to be done too.   The first thing that Adeuce thought to do? Invite the Grand-uh Prefect to the unbirthday party. They came all giggling while helping you and Grim out of the Ramshackle, talking about something they wanted to do with you – you were just happy to be around them. 

When they brought you to the unbirthday, it was mostly quiet. Trey was the first one to interact with you – impressively. He was quite surprised to see you but made no remarks, only asked if you had any allergy or something of the sorts to make sure there was things you could easily eat. 

Trey was such a sweetheart with you too, he was careful and made sure to link his arm with yours. 

“It’s like this, not... Whatever you two were doing.” He said with a sweet smile – at least in your vision it was. Deuce seemed a bit nervous while Ace was looking around as if nothing happened. 

“Now, if you let me, how about I show you some stuff beforehand?” He made sure to talk to you about the most important rules or, at least, the rules that were easy to break if you are in a unbirthday party. 

Right after him, the one who you spoke with was Cater. However, you two didn’t talk that much. He was mostly focused on making sure everything was okay and trying to subvert any bad situation – while taking pics of course. #Grandyforlife. 

The one and only who made things more... Strange for you were Riddle. You could see him staring you, every movement you made and every talk you had with others. 

“Come now, you can for sure eat a bit more, can’t you?” 

“Oh please, do not hold on the sweets!” 

“Come on, big mouth!” 

You were always helping the others, making them feel at ease to eat more. He was quiet, too quiet even when you indulged a bit too much on Adeuce eating a bit more. You were a sweet person, a literal parent that tries to make the other actually live and not survive... 

Something he never had. 

He could only look at you babying others. He didn’t let himself fall, not with you... Because he knew that if he let himself have a taste of what it’s like having a nice grandparent, then he would never be able to live again. 

It was only in his Overblot that everything spilled out. You could see how much everyone there, not only Riddle, had suffered in silence. Had been betrayed by life or by other adults... You feel responsible to help them. 

Riddle Rosehearts.

General.

You will know more about your relationship in a direct manner.

Nicknames for you: Grandparent or whatever preferred shorten version you want [Nanny, Danny, Granny, Grandy, Grandpa, Grandma] He doesn’t know how to properly give nicknames. 

Riddle isn’t the kind to simply let elders do handwork, he sees it as unproper. Know that you will NEVER lift a finger when he is around – when he and Epel work together, you simply don’t even breath without help. 

He is always worrying too much, sometimes you will need to make him know that you are not ‘fragile’. 

He has a REALLY bad temper but you know how to calm him down, you two are working together on his temper. 

He opens up to up for every single thing on his life. He always tries to not get too defensive when you speak about his family – he KNOW his parents were abusive, however, a part of him still clings to them. 

He, and lots of others, fault a lot his mother – when you brought that his father also does have fault, he was quiet for a long while. ‘Enabling bad behavior is as bad as doing it, didn’t you say that?’ You would quote him and the world – suddenly – has another light. 

He is your second adopted grandkid there... Well, at least that has a document to prove it.

Also, if you didn’t think he would go that far – he is currently trying to make you stay at heartslabyul. If you want that or not... It’s up to you. He will accept your take no matter what.

Lore.

You will know more about your relationship with the said character in a lore-like way. Knowing why they are so close to you, how did you change him.

At first, you two didn’t talk much. It wasn’t for any bad reason – not at all – Riddle was simply too ‘into his own world’, trying to keep the peace while uhm – escaping from Floyd. It’s not like he hates you on sight, he actually thinks you would be the best fit to take care of... Ace and Deuce’s acts.   However, things changed... And it changes A LOT once he overblots. 

It was like seeing for the first time. He just watched as you would indulge into letting the others eat freely, it made him sick. Not because he didn’t agree with that – but because he never had that. He never had anyone sneaking out food for him [well, just once but Trey got caught.] 

The thing about Riddle is that he isn’t actually mean. He is just... Hurt. He still is dealing with emotions and the sudden ‘freedom’, he knows that he isn’t the best for others – too strict – but he, now, is trying to be less strict in some way.   That’s when you came along. Riddle would actually enjoy your company, not only do you ease the tension of the past-overblot but you defend him; 

Riddle is a bit of an old man in young shoes so it makes sense that you are so... Twinning in this one. 

One thing about him, though. Is how he apologized to you, sending some letters and a tart only for you. He didn’t know either or not you wanted to see his face, he was a bit scared – so he never did ‘properly’ apologize [if you consider face-to-face apologies as the only proper way.] 

Once, you decided to approach Riddle after a while. He was reading something on the library, he was quicky to greet you. 

“Prefect... How greet seeing you...” The shocks of his overblot still hits him, not only did he try to fight... maybe kill students, he almost had hurt or killed you. That’s bad enough, he should NEVER had done that. “I hope that you had found my letters of apologies, right...? Deuce told me that you really liked the tart.” 

“Yes, young one. I have. Though, it’s a bit disappointing to see that you won’t talk with his old fellow right here.” You would say as you sat next to him. “You shouldn’t feel responsible for everything.” 

“...I- I had done so much wrong. It- It didn’t feel right talking to you like it never had happened.” He would say, avoiding to look directly at you. 

“But you wouldn’t. My dear, do you think that I hold any grunges against you? Oh, no. I do understand the point, where you came from... Everything. You were hurt, in more times than just one, it’s not ‘unusual’ for someone like you to... Overblot.” Hearing your reassurers only made him feel even more... sad. “It’s not your fault, Riddle. And it’s not too late for you to change your ways... You mother doesn’t define you.” 

It was only after this talk that he actually opens up and is more talkative with you. He didn’t know how much he needed to hear that – not from his friends, but from an elder person. It didn’t take too long before he started being closer to you. 

Always making sure to safe some sweets for you and being overly kind, even. For a while, you thought it was just him trying to properly apologize in his own way... But again? It didn’t take too long to see what was actually happening. 

It was easy to connect the dots: He was treating you as if you were his real grandparent. The overly sweet comments, always trying to make sure you are alright – never too cold, never too hot... He also seemed a bit pouty every time Epel came to steal you from the unbirthday parties. 

So, what does one do?... Welp. 

It was noon. He was drinking his 4 p.m tea when you suddenly appeared with a very proud and giggling Cater right behind you. He was astonished, looking everywhere on the room and trying to think what was happening... Maybe it was time to say goodbye? Did you already think he was a burden or- 

“Riddle.” You called; in the softest tone you could muster. “I’m here for more than just talking, but please – Do not overthink. It’s nothing bad, alright?” As you got closer to him, letting a paper on his desk. “Well, it’s not a legal document as I have no identity on this world... But I thought it would be nice to have one of those.” 

Papers of adoption. It was OBVIOUSLY made for funsies, it didn’t even have a proper signature of a legal place – it was just Cater’s... AND CROWLEY??? Well. Even with the legal implications, Riddle couldn’t help but just stare at it.   He felt... Seen. No, not just that... Loved. 

He had never been seen as a child, never was saw as someone other than a trophy and – for someone – to CHOOSE him as a child, made something inside him broke. He got his pen, managed to sign in too much proper and just smiled. “I- I’m... Thankful I-” He stumbled over his words, not even being able to keep eye contact. 

What you did next? Oh, what every grandparent does with their grandkids. A hug. You hugged him so close, making sure not to ruin his perfect attire – however your effort was lost as he simply nuzzled himself in, as if it was a Koala hugging a tree. This hug was... Something. He was almost squeezing you but you didn’t care, you could see how much he needed that. And you were happy. “My grandson, you shouldn’t worry about anything now.” 

Yes, he is your second - ‘legal’ - adopted Grandson. Congratulations!! The rest of the heartslabyul were so happy! You already brought so much light to his world; it was only understandable that you would make him even less strict – at least for one week... or one day, his happiness would make him ignore some stuff, right? 

No. 

 BUT fortunately for the students, you were around more often, so... At least they will get headpats? 

Out of everyone on Heartslabyul, Riddle is the one who most sticks out for me in this hc. Not only he - of course - NEEDS an adult to be around for him. I feel like he would need it even more. Everyone knows the problems that he has: Stress, Anger issues, PARENTS [not only his Mother!! His father IS an enabler, which can be considered equal bad :(], strictness, insecurities and friendship. I think that him and Cater are the ones who will mostly beneficiante of having YOU.

Trey Clover.

General

You will know more about your relationship in a direct manner.

Nicknames for you: Grandparent or whatever preferred shorten version you want [Nanny, Danny, Granny, Grandy, Grandpa, Grandma] 

Trey likes letting you bake and/or cook something from time to time, he often asks about recipes while trading his own with yours. He often loves to compare – in a playful way – about the pastries. He never gets offended and will stop if you feel offended by it in any way. 

 Most importantly, Trey doesn’t ‘baby’ you. Different from Riddle, he knows that you will need assistance here and there but it wouldn’t be every day and... Every single act that you do. He is mostly the one who makes sure that Riddle knows that – most of the time – you won’t need help and that when you do, you will tell. 

Trey is also one with the difficulty of opening up to orders. He is too mature, however, has a bigger problem that many close their eyes to: He bottles up everything. Every fear, every little thing that puts him in discomfort, he doesn’t speak up. 

Trey is your first successfully adopted grandkid. Yes, I am not lying, he is simply such a sweetheart that it didn’t take too long for your grandparent instincts to come. 

He says he doesn't mind you staying at Ramshackle. [He is plotting to make Crowley not being able to refuse to transfer you to Heartslabyul.]

Lore.

You will know more about your relationship with the said character in a lore-like way. Knowing why they are so close to you, how did you change him.

Trey was the one who always did help the two troublemakers to bake some goods for you. He knew since the beginning that you were around and he deeply did care, after all, he was teached to not only respect the elders but to help as much as he can. This made him being the second third years that interacted with you. [Other than Cater, of course.] 

Comparing him to others, you didn’t think he needed much help – he had all figured it all, didn’t he? Every plan, every moment, anything that was happening around him was thought through. It was only after a fight that you saw the problem lingering in. 

He was too... Parentified. He was sweet, yes, but his ‘perfect’ actions now take a different turn in your eyes. His fears turned more ‘noticeable’ to you... So, you stood there. 

One thing about him is that he would never ask for emotional help – he knows he has problems like everyone else, but that is it. For him, there’s no reason as to why people would care about those ‘little problems’. 

After all, Riddle has it bad. Ace and Deuce need your attention so they don’t do stupid things and, well, Cater is Cater [That man is a question mark] but he knows “they needed it better than him��... Right? 

He couldn’t breathe. It was there, lingering on his skin, brain, eyes, on everywhere... He could feel it. The same feeling as that exact day. That gutfeeling, that disgusting turning feeling on his stomach – the feeling of being screamed at, the feeling of being in the wrong... When he just wanted to help. 

He just wanted to help. 

Somehow, it wasn’t what Riddle wanted. His explosion was ‘justified’ but him screaming at Trey like that? It wasn’t... But he said nothing and just took in to avoid conflict. Always. 

Avoiding it even if it hurted him more. 

Avoiding it and trying to forget the words. 

Avoiding it and trying to just pass through one more day. 

And you found him in the kitchen. Not the usual well-kept Trey, no, this was a way more... Quieter, he wasn’t cooking, just seemed... Sad. He wasn’t crying, but it was clear that it didn’t mean anything.   Him, not crying just shows how things are more... Different with him. Should be played with way more care and cautious, I would say. 

And that’s what you do. You came in, softly tapping the door. 

“Are you busy, Trey?” You asked, not missing how he simply shakes his head. He already knew you were there. “Oh... Dear, what happened? You seem so down...” 

It took a while, Trey seemed to be fighting his own internal monsters. He looked to his hands and then just sighed. “I guess the pressure got to me. It’s nothing to care much, I promise, Prefect. I’ll be okay in no time.” 

“Well... Life is like that, right? However... As your friend, dearest, I can’t ignore your lone suffering. To me, it’s something to care for.” You said, reassuring him and softly tapping his shoulder. “Look... I know how things can be difficult, especially when you are in the spotlight. You got it all figured it out, don’t you? How to calm yourself, how to deal with your emotions... But is it all healthy when you don’t tell others how exactly do you feel?” 

“I already do it, prefect... It’s-” He sighed “It’s just I wanted to avoid it. Sometimes the fight gets worse and I couldn’t do it, not there or with Riddle... Look, I understand your worry. But, truthfully, you don’t need to worry that much about me... I can do it, I just need to breath and stay calm.” 

“If you keep everything that makes you like this under the covers, do you think they would change? I know people are different... That’s why, Riddle would listen. He may be... Well, a strict one, but he is your friend.” You smiled “Go talk to him afterwards... Or when you are ready for it, but please do talk. Those things are important to be said... Even if they cause more conflict.” 

He knew you had some points. But he hated it – he still had some ptsd from that day and it was difficult keeping it under the facade. He decided to, after a while, really talk to Riddle.   It helped. But he knows it wouldn’t help that time... But that’s ‘life’ isn’t it? 

He stayed closer to you after that day, not only because he – of course – knows how to care for you a bit better. He is simply trying to avoid anything bad happening in your way. 

You noticed what he was doing more times than he could say. So, you did what every grandparent would do. 

“Grandson, can you pass the salt?” He almost spilled his tea all over himself while looking at you with those wide eyes. And then, not even a second later, his eyes softened and he just passed it. “Thank you so much. Oh, dear, I love this little-” 

He heard your rants about your country’s foods. He made a small note to try to search for it in his own and make it for you, to ask you your favs and try to make it so it remembers you of your home. 

He – just like you – just accepted this new role. As grandparent-grandchild. He didn’t mind it, truly, even though he already has his family, his heart is big enough to fit an entire country. 

You two, of course, also noticed a very jealous looking Ace, a supportive Deuce and a very confused yet amused Cater. However, you do hear Ace saying something like ‘It should’ve been me...’ 

He is your first [not documented] grandson. Not only that, he simply matches you. He sneaks out some goodies for you, keep mental checks of your health and makes sure you are always well. He simply fits on the role that much. 

He is simply the perfect grandson, isn’t him? 

Every time that it’s almost night and you see him always sending you a message, you think that. Every time that it’s morning and he sends you a message, you think that. Every time that it’s close to the hour that you need to take any medicine and he sends you a message, you think that. 

Trey simply does his best, even when not present. He is always there, reminding you to take care of yourself, to let yourself heal and be loved. 

Trey is a someone that many doesn't gaze, of course there are some that look up or even like him in a deeper level... However, do they understand what he passes through? Just like others, most of his inner turmoil is left aside to deal with 'bigger problems' in his mind. Of course, he still is very upfront about his feelings - he is direct. That's why it's so easy to think about scenarios with him. He is always ready, always prepared, always taking care of everything... That must be exausting. You are his reminder that he is also valid.

Cater Diamonds.

General.

You will know more about your relationship in a direct manner.

Nicknames for you: Grandparent, 'Gray' or whatever preferred shorten version you want [Nanny, Danny, Granny, Grandy, Grandpa, Grandma]

Unfortunately, you weren't that close with him. He was a sweet person, wasn't him? Always there but never going too much on you. He always seemed a bit forced, but you thought that it was just part of the 'Influencer gig'.

He was always… There. Looking, lurking, you almost thought that you did something wrong, his eyes lingered too much on others and then on you. You failed to realize that he was actually longing for something, longing to be loved by you like the others did too.

Because of the long – and hurtful – distance, he always took the first steps between you two. However, as time went on, it became easier for you to understand him, to see the real him – even if, sometimes, he didn’t want anyone to notice the real him.

Lore.

You will know more about your relationship with the said character in a lore-like way. Knowing why they are so close to you, how did you change him.

Cater has troubles... Some big ones coming in. First of all, he can’t see a way to really bound with you over socials so he just tries to minimize his use of slangs to avoid explaining around you. 

He was surprised that you weren’t offput by his use of slangs or his love for social medias. He thought you would be a bit more like Trein than Lilia in that aspect, but you weren’t that upset or seemed to judge him that much. 

Going straight to the point. He saw how you dealt with everyone. How you always were there, taking care, making sure everyone is alright – even the first years, gods, even the staff. He couldn’t help but feel a bit left out... But, that’s alright! Cay-Cay is good and feelin’ alright! 

He wishes he was. 

Putting a mask is something many can do, easily or not. He saw Vil doing, Crowley – in every parent meeting – does it and, gods, every influencer does it... Why is it different when it’s him?! Why do you suddenly want to know about him?! 

Why now? 

Why now?! 

He wishes he hadn’t let the mask slip. It was just a fast comment, just a passing by thought but you caught it. 

“Are they really my friends?” 

He didn’t even though he said it out loud, you seemed to know what he thought or said though... So, did he? Why did JUST you notice it? Is he that forgettable to others too? 

He couldn’t let you inside the walls he created, couldn’t let you BE the one to hold his hand and say that everything is okay. He couldn’t. He couldn’t be a burden to someone, he couldn’t make someone’s life as miserable as his own... 

 But you were there. After following him, were just rubbing his back as you watched him crying. He was trying to understand what you were saying, but his head was turning. He knew you were trying to help him, that you were there for him... But your words didn’t reach his ears. He liked the sound of your voice, though, he just let your voice guide his thoughts and let himself drive off. 

It was only when he woke up and you were bringing him some food that he managed to let out a breath. “I’m sorry- I'm so so sorry, I- Did I make you sleep here? I’m-” 

“Cater... Please. You don’t need to apologize, never... You did nothing wrong, trust me... Oh, dear, to have you thinking that you need to apologize over something like this...” You regretted not noticing the obvious signs now. “I am the one who should apologize, I didn’t notice it... I’m sorry.” 

There was a silence while he ate. 

“Do you want to talk about it?” You offered, looking at him. “Because, I’m not going until we talk...”

 You stayed with him until he needed to go to classes. It was such a heartfelt conversation... He couldn’t help but take your words. He always saw himself as ‘a fleeting’, never as someone that would make a good remark on people. 

He, in every sense, hated the idea of being there. Exposed and vulnerable, he hated the fact that you knew him more now... But he loved it too. He needed it, someone that not only understood him but supported him more than just ‘Oh, you like that social media thingy, right?’ 

He wanted to be loved, more than just a passing romance, more than just a friendship that would last only a year... He needed something durable, something that wouldn’t be left behind. 

Your teaching, your words, not ANY of those would be. 

So, he did what was right. 

He just let the papers on your desk while you were reading something. You immediately stopped reading, let the bookmark on the page and took the papers. “Now, now... What is...” You weren’t believing what you just saw... Did he really print an adoption paper? “Oh...” 

“...I do hope I’m not too forward with that idea- I mean, I don’t even know if I’m fit to be adopted like that- I'm sorry-” 

You cutted him short with a big hug and so many pampering pets and words. “Oh, dear! I’ve been thinking about this for months! It makes my heart so warm that you reached out first... Oh, I’ll sign this right again, grandson! I’ll make sure that everyone knows... Let’s take a picture for that magicam!” 

He is your first legal grandson! He started printing more adoption papers to give to others, some refused and others were eager to sign. It was so fun, he felt even closer to you, being the one to help you find the others and everything. 

Being Cay-Cay was fun but being ‘Grandson’ was way cooler. 

Cater, out of everyone here, is the most difficult to tell. He doesn't do friendships that he thinks would last forever, he knows they wouldn't. He would have to move out, lose contact and if they ever meet again it wouldn't be the same. He is a person who experienced that cycle over and over. I personally don't think he would be very entusiastic about an elder Yuu at first. He probably only truly started to care after some weeks? Or he always did care, but more into the 'Oh, wait an old person' and less into 'let's help him bcuz we fwens!'

Deuce Spade and Ace Trapolla.

General.

You will know more about your relationship in a direct manner.

Nicknames for you: Grandparent, Cool granps or whatever preferred shorten version you want [Nanny, Danny, Granny, Grandy, Grandpa, Grandma]

The duo was ALWAYS making messes... And you were the one to actually try to keep them down. You slowly became responsible for them, being the one people would often call to talk about whatever had happened with them, you slowly became more than just ‘their friend’. 

People would often tell you about the things they did, if they were too distracted in class or whatever more. Most of the times, even Riddle would call you to try to get someone to talk senses into the boys. 

However, they did change a bit. Less reckless, less immature, they actually started to help you more – Deuce already did that however with Ace’s help it was easier. Ace was actually more into helping you as time went on. 

If Ace was already everywhere even before settling into the ‘Grandson’ role, he simply seemed to have a ‘6 sense’, always showing up when you needed him. 

As for Deuce, it was way more about trying to help you like he wished he had helped his mother. However, he sometimes needs to balance his own life up and ends up needing your help- But, he always makes up to you. 

Deuce was always the most responsible one out of them two, but, when paired with Ace – his working braincell seemed to take a break. Even then, he is a sweet one, always helping, always trying his best. Even if he ends up messing up a bit, you know that his heart is truth.  As for Ace, he was always an enigmatic one. Not because of any ‘unknown’ reason, it’s simply because he seemed to always forget that you are old. Like, he would pass through some comments like: ”You run like you are old- oh wait” or something of the sorts. He started to slowly notice what you could do and what you couldn’t, he is still a messy one, but he always tries to not make anything to actually get you angry... Or too angry with him. 

Lore.

You will know more about your relationship with the said characters in a lore-like way. Knowing why they are so close to you, how did you change them.

We both know they never let you out of sight for so long… Well, or out of your ears. You would constantly hear people complaining to you about something they had done, as if you were their actual grandparent.

Also, let me get this through: Ace was a bit of an asshole at first but Deuce was always sweet. You could hear them always arguing about something Deuce had done or Ace had done. As time went on and not only their friendship but your friendship with them had developed. Things changed A LOT.

Now, Epel needs to actually throw hands to be able to be the one sleeping on your room. Actually, all the First Years now have troubles trying to keep up. Because, in the end, doesn’t matter your age or whatever, you will always be their best friend.

Because of that, play a bit into your favorites and see their eyes shining. [But never let them know that EVERYONE is your favorite, let them have a bit of pride.]

“I TOLD YA, I’M THEIR FAVORITE!” Deuce was almost going in Delinquent mode as he grabbed Ace by the collar. “THE NIGHTGOWN YOU WEAR? GUESS WHO WASHED IT?!” 

“Aw naw dude, did you seriously wash those things? Ew...” 

“What- What do you mean ‘ew’?!” Deuce let Ace go “...Do you not wash those things? Ace, what the-” 

“Naw, I do. I was just messin’. I don’t need to say anythin’, I know I’m their favorite. After all, they always send heart emojis when talking to me... Oh, and good morning gifs.” He said proudly. 

“They send ME good evening gifs.” 

“WELL, they sent me a message ONE minute ago!” 

“They sent me one too!” 

The message read: “If you two don’t stop arguing, I’ll not give a piece of my pie.” 

To be honest, you don’t need to change or do much to actually see the difference your presence brings to them. They feel more motivated; they are actually really cute and sweet every time you are around.   Even in the basket games, Ace would always smile directly at you. While Deuce would always talk with Jack to do less heavy and longs runs whenever you are because he knows you like to participate with them. 

With everything said and done, Ace and Deuce were not happy that they weren’t the first ones you adopted. I would say they were offended. 

It was close to 8 pm when you heard a soft knock on your together with some strange sounds. When you opened the door, there both of them stand. They were looking at you as if you had jumpscared them. 

“Well, well, well... Look who is there! Goin’ to sleep and wouldn’t even tell us about the whole thing...” said Ace, crossing his arms – imitating how you used to stand every time you were scolding him. 

“Sorry for coming in such late hour” While Deuce apologized, Ace rolled his eyes. “But- We know that you like... Adopted Cater and Riddle.” 

“Oh... It’s not an actual adoption, it’s just a print paper... Haha... Did you guys got jealous?” You asked, not missing how Deuce just looked to the ground and Ace just shrugged. 

“And what if?” 

“Then, I guess you two should come in and sign the papers. I was going to make you all sign them after meeting Riddle, but I couldn’t find you.” 

You couldn't miss how their eyes shined and the fact that Ace had to turn his head around for a bit. You let them sign the pap

They never felt so dumb but you know, it was worth it. They started coming more and more around. You could see how incredible happy they would always get every time you talked to them. Their smiles were enough to make you feel like coming to this world was worth it. 

They were always telling the others First years how they are your first grandsons or something like that. 

You can only smile while seeing how they are absolutely loving their grandson role. 

Let's be honest, it doesn't matter who you are - the first years would always stick to you and absolutely be your friends. They would ALWAYS be there, helping and making sure you are okay... They are simply the cutest things, aren't them? Out of everyone, they are - absolutely - the ones you would miss the most.

Tags.

@minkyungseokie , @frootloopscos , @ravenswife , @evilscientistwithbadintentions , @hogwarts9.

[musicfeedsmysoul12]

This is a crack idea and a crack ship

Klarion Bleak and Danny's in his Phantom form having to Jessica rabbit and Roger rabbit type thing

Were Danny's the hiking of the infinite rounds powerful kind and might be mischievous time from time again but still always saves the Day

While Klarion's the witch boy enemy of Dr Fate , Lord of chaos all those chaotic things and a can of worms

To imagine to just imagine the Justice League surprise when they're dating Danny using his go sleepy at the wrap around Klarion and then to flirt with him in front of everybody

Doctor Fate so used to this bullcrap and desperately wants Danny need to break up with Klarion who knows that's never going to happen in the background Klarion being dragged off by Danny into a portal for their date night and pet playtime they let Teekl and cujo play with each other

The image of Dr. Fate just slapping a hand over his face with a deep sigh when Danny shows up is so funny.

Danny, who has been offered a membership with the JL, declines.

Of course they’re all talking about this, and then Dr. Fate hears of it. He goes on like a 45 minute rant about Danny and Klarion and how ‘I don’t care chaos, order and Balance is needed I wish they’d break up’.

And it turns out that Danny can’t fight either Fate or Klarion as he is balance itself, but as a hero he still needs to be chaotic to be in balance.

(And it turns out Nabu got into so much shit earlier for trying to force Danny to work with them which ended up having him removed from the helmet and a new Lord of order elected while Nabu is in time out. This sparks a very loud yelling match from the JL about it since what the fuck.

And then they learn Nabu wasn’t actually that good of a guy but separate story)

Now they have to deal with Klarion openly dating Danny in the most dramatic of ways. And everyone has to suffer it.

Everyone.

[adaines-furious-feast]

you GOTTA tell me more about danny dude!

Ah my beloved who nobody will let me kill…

I can’t remember if you’re on the server so this is probably some background.

Danny was in his freshman year during the events of Fantasy High: Junior Year and is somehow oblivious to everything. My first roll with him was a nat one on an insight check he had a -1 modifier to and that kind of sums him up.

His dad’s a wizard. As far as he knows, his mom was a wizard. So he has to be a wizard. That’s how that works. And he miraculously did an entire year of wizard classes with a negative two to intelligence because he is in fact a sorcerer. 

Danny’s doing his best to ignore that fact because his dad will kill him, or worse, if he finds out. So instead he throws his all into pretending to be a wizard and geology club. He is far too into crystals and their “magical” properties. Not the actual magical properties, of course, but the spiritual magical properties. He’s been spending weeks trying to figure out what’s the best stone to give to someone to say sorry for accidentally putting an owlbear in their classroom, because it’s important.

Danny’s just the sweetest little guy. He goes to church with Bucky because he knows it’ll help with Mr and Mrs Applebees. He’ll protect Ruben and Kipperlilly with his life. He’s lost three focuses and his spellbook and doesn’t realise lost property exists and they’re all there. He gives pretty good advice, but also thinks Baron is the sex ed teacher because it’s really hard to change his mind once he locks into an interpretation. His uncle is Connor Counterspell and he’s allergic to shrimp.

Of course, Danny has a nice happy backstory like all of my characters do. TW postnatal depression and attempted infanticide .

So his mother was a sorcerer, and had been hiding that from his father their entire relationship. But obviously that’s not going to help her and it’s all building and building. Add onto that the complicated hormonal changes that come with pregnancy and something had to give. She suffers from postnatal depression and Danny’s dad does try to get her help but doesn’t fully understand. Until she’s trying to flood their home to kill Danny. Danny’s dad tries to get them out but every time he opens the front door he’s just in another room in the house. He doesn’t want to hurt his wife. He’s trying so hard to not hurt her. But she casts something high level and permanently scarring not on him but on their child and he doesn’t have a choice.

But all Danny knows is his mom got killed in an attack by a sorcerer and he has a kind of cool birthmark. Whether or not that attack led to Danny losing a few brain cells, who’s to say? And while his dad is fine with him knowing sorcerers, Danny has to be a wizard or go to Mumple. Those are his options. But he’s going to try to do something because he’s not very good at suppressing his surges and he’s worried about hurting people.

[destinyc1020]

I have to disagree with that anon about defending the critics. I get their overall point that of course applies to most journalists, but quite a few with TCR were downright nasty. Calling it an 'overlong sob story' absolutely implies a total lack of empathy in the writer. As someone who deals with mental illness, a disorder that is not DID but that is similarly trauma based, the reviews slamming it (which, again, were not the majority - I think out of the ones I read there were about 5 that were unfortunately snarky instead of thoughtful) were borderline ableist to me in the way they approached their critiques. I could tell that those critics not only did not have experience with mental illness, but that they lacked empathy as well. It is just a huge, huge bummer to see modern film and tv criticism turn into a battle over who can create the most scathing headline, it disrespects the hard work done by people who come together to make art.

I'm so glad Akiva did that interview. For my part, it made me feel a lot less alone. The whole show did. It was well made and well acted, the production design was on point, I think the writing was compelling too. Even with the flaws, I don't think it remotely deserved those handful of critics trying so hard to tear it apart. I'm so glad that it seems to have found success in audiences - and I honestly worry about RT scores not just for this project, but for all. I don't think RT is a great method to determine if something is watchable or not. I loved Martin Scorcese's take on RottenTomatoes and other aggregate sites. He went in pretty hard and called them a disgusting spectacle, and lol while I wouldn't be that hyperbolic, I think he has a point! Scores and numbers should not dictate the value of a show or film. I kind of wish we could get rid of the scoring system and just rely on actually reading critic articles instead - I think that would encourage people to think more critically and also to think more for themselves.

Also just want to say I love your blog Destiny! You always have such a great and balanced view of things and it's just appreciated in this fandom

First of all Anon, I'm so sorry that you went through whatever trauma that you've endured, and I hope you are getting any help that you need for any mental/emotional struggles that you go through. 🥰❤️

As you know, that's something that touches me deeply, so I do hope that my followers are doing well, and taking good care of themselves, physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, etc. 😊

Anyway, I can see how someone who has the background that you have could view the reviews for TCR as a bit harsh and unsympathetic...maybe downright apathetic even.

I agree that sometimes SOME critics may forget that real people deal with these issues that are being depicted in these films that they watch. Honestly? I think when you watch as many films/TV shows that they have to watch and critique, I think it can sometimes make you a bit calloused and it just becomes a bit of a "job". Unless something really grabs you and your attention from jump, it might become a bit redundant watching film after film, project after project. Don't forget too that some of the critics were more so taking out their anger and frustration at Akiva and the "rules" that were set forth w/regards to not mentioning DID at all in their reviews. To their defense, it IS a bit hard to write a review for TCR WITHOUT mentioning the fact that Danny is suffering from DID. Nearly MOST of the series is Danny talking to his therapist, and trying to pretend that the series isn't about helping a person with DID come to the realization of his past and his condition is kind of challenging, ngl. It still doesn't make the reviews any less hurtful though, so I get it.

At this point, I just think that as long as you (the viewer) enjoyed the series, that's all that really matters at the end of the day. 🤷🏾‍♀️

Also just want to say I love your blog Destiny! You always have such a great and balanced view of things and it's just appreciated in this fandom

Aww...thanks sis. ❤️

[spider-stark-loser]

Random post for the day since It's been awhile since I posted something. Time to fix this thing I did a way while back I think It deserves a better introduction since I planned the plot a little bit better.

Like I stated in that post I have created an original story named Resonance Revolution: Chronicles of the Unbound so time to get started.

Welcome to the cyberpunk dystopian world of Lumina Prime that Is powered by something called Resonance Energy a city full of life and technological sight until the government decided to start doing tests on the population and started them badly that's went a group known as Crimson Nexus rised to defeat the oppressive government that Is under the cruel leadership of Director Maximus Volkov and so the rebel group started a fight against the government during this conflict the Resonance Energy was stolen and lost for fifteen years until a small group of kids/teens of different backgrounds meet to be the heros the city needs.

Introduction time to the main group.

Bright

A charismatic loyal fifteen year old boy that lives in the residential quarters of Lumina with his mentor and adoptive father an ex soldier named Ethan Sullivan, Bright doesn't know anything of his background before Ethan took him in as a baby but his desire to enter the prestigious Echelon Academy lead him to uncover the truth about him especially when an armor appears during an outburst revealing that he can be the only hope linked directly to the Resonance Energy, now the things Bright knew completely change he has to embrace this new part of him especially his powers considering he is half machine and human.

Danny Ramirez

An stubborn nine year old, Danny lives in the Shadow districts scavenging things to survive in order to get food and money after his parents abandoned him he had to mature and grow a little bit face because the world can be a cruel place, he doesn't like the way things are being handled in Lumina people suffer because of the government; he gets in trouble especially with the Enforcers but that changed when one day against his will said police system put him in Echelon Academy to serve Lumina Prime where he meets Bright and annoys him the heck out of him. Danny is a good hacker getting easily into things and he is pretty smart for his age but that gets him in trouble, now he has to follow Bright to save Lumina Prime bringing it to its original glory of course it would be tricky due to his trust issues.

Malik Jenkins

A sassy and serious nineteen year old boy, Malik lives in the Opulent Towers the richest place of Lumina Prime. He comes from a respected family of rescuers that made their way into fortune but Malik doesn't want to be like them at all that's why he spends his time hanging around in the Shadow Districts to smoke and even sell drugs an archetype of a bad boy; accidentally will encounter Danny and Bright when this due end ups in the fire rank of the Crimson Nexus against the Enforcers where Malik would have to step in to save them and eventually have to join them to get back the Resonance Energy, he is very good with weapons so he can protect the group very well sometimes he gets angry by losing his patience on how the mission would go but he tries to remain calm for the sake of the group.

Nia Johnson

A popular eighteen year old girl that doesn't fit in the standards of how a popular girl should act who lives in the Opulent Towers, Nia is the only daughter of the Johnson family so she is expected to follow into their footsteps and would inherit a lot of money some even might call her bratty but Nia adores doing mechanical jobs in secret from her family. She thinks the people from the Opulent Towers should not mix with the other people from the rest of the sectors/districts of Lumina Prime but that changes when she meets Bright, Malik and Danny in a meeting with the Crimson Nexus in which they should not be there, of course Nia will join them and try to understand what is happening around her even.

Asher Steele

A funny seventeen year old who lives in the Shadow Districts but likes to fool around in the Industrial Zones of Lumina Prime, Asher is an orphan his parents who he has not memory about them were killed by the Enforcers he is strange case between human and robot an extraordinary hybrid, he end ups saving the group from a chase with the Enforcers and end ups joining them, Asher can joke around no matter the situation but also has good surviving skills which he teaches to the group sometimes he feels like an abomination of nature but he is the only one that understands Bright on the way he feels about his human machine nature; he can talk spanish due being latin but he slightly bad at it.

That's all I will share, I feel this is better than the original post hopefully you guys enjoy.

[teruel-a-witch]

thinking about how danny spent very little time with steve before he (correctly) deduced that he suffered a lot of parental neglect ('you weren't hugged as a child, were you?'). of course, steve's knee-jerk response is to deny that because people who had an abnormal childhood don't realise it wasn't the norm because it's the only life they knew, only when they tell a 'funny' story that is met with a horrified look of someone who grew up in a well-adjusted family that they are confronted with the uncomfortable truth: that the perfect 'childhood' they lost after the trauma wasn't so perfect after all.

the fact that steve was only angry because of abandonment and not the cold bootcamp way he was raised shows he didn't know any better. even when he had a mother she wasn't the kissing-a-skinned-knee-better kind. it would still take years of therapy and gentle coaxing from danny for him to unpack all of that.

i can imagine many a time steve probably shared what he thought was an amusing 'anecdote' from his childhood only for danny to go all compassionate 'aw, babe' on him.

'what's the story behind this scar?'

'oh, it's kind of a funny one, i was playing outside by myself and heard pathetic whining nearby. turned out a stray dog fell into a construction pit. poor gal couldn't get out on her own so i climbed down to get her out, except my hand landed on a piece of rebar and... well. it was a kind of deep cut, but clean, i couldn't stitch it up by myself yet because i was seven so i put some antiseptic on it and waited for my mom to come home from work. it hurt a lot but i didn't cry because my mom always said 'big boys don't cry'. when she saw what happened she yelled at me and since it wasn't infected she said there's no need to go to the doctor, sure it would scar without stitching but the scar would remind me to be less clumsy and not to jump into pits willy-nilly. anyway, isn't it funny how clumsy i was when i was 7. why are you looking at me like that?'

it's honestly a wonder steve ended up with such a soft and big heart despite everything, because neglect could have made him cold, selfish, hard, insensitive to the feelings of others because no one cared about his.

instead, steve loves 'fixing broken toys' (literally and figuratively, ex. him gently gluing back the small cat figurine that danny broke) this 'child forgot lessons of love untaught' is surprisingly good at comforting people and being gentle.

there's a reason his big soft heart is what danny loves most about him. because he understands, given his background, how easily steve could have been different, could have perpetuated the cycle instead of breaking it.

truly, he has so much love to give. because no one wanted it from him, he never had anyone to give it to.

he was taught to shove all those soft feelings deep because they are only an obstacle in being a perfect soldier.

and then there's danny who says 'i'll take it, give it all to me, i want it, it doesn't make you weak, it makes you strong, that's why I love you, babe', and steve can finally pour all that love he's had pent up into someone, show his gooey centre without fear of being stabbed into it.

it is any wonder he decides he is gonna love danny till his dying day. tragically, since no one's taught him what love looks like he never realises danny loves him in return.

[fox-sama97]

Potential continuation of my danny takes Constantine's soul snippet. I've thought a lot of the background and reasons for Why Danny would do this, What happened to cause this, Who is on his side, Who he specifically blames, and What the response of Amity Park is. What the ultimate end goal of Danny and Amity Park is.

Still need to think a but more about how I will reveal this information during the course of the story (start with it? Reveal steadily through flashbacks and dialogue/JL investigation is my current favorite). Figuring out how exactly Danny and Co will carry out their plans and how the JL will respond. Figuring out if any more of Danny's people will suffer for this and how much. Figuring out how much the JL will suffer and if any die. Figuring out if Danny and Co will actually get their ultimate goal, or if the JL will manage to mitigate it. Figure out if Danny will redeem and not be Dark Danny anymore, and whether he will be accept the power of the Crown during the story to fuel his efforts, at the end of the story as part of redemption, or reject it completely because of the cost.

It'll be fun! Will try to keep people updated here on my progress to this and if/when it becomes an actual story. It'll be posted on my ao3, Snow Guardian.

[lucifer-is-a-bag-of-dicks]

I wanna talk about Agent F

nabbed some pics from this post because @monotype-on-phantom has a great collection of background characters (go check their 'background characters' tag for more excellent screenshots!)

but yeah guess what, School Kid 6 Agent F looks just as Definitely An Adult in the show as she does in the game gdksksbj

seems like she's good friends with Star

unfortunately she's also been at the school from the very beginning of the shows which makes the undercover GIW agent story a bit tricky since it pre-dates Phantom's presence

unless her purpose to begin with was to keep an eye on the Fenton kids because the GIW are super interested in the Fenton's work, and maybe they're interested to see if growing up around constant exposure to ectoplasm did anything weird to them

which would actually be super interesting because would she notice when Danny starts developing his powers if that's the kind of thing she's looking for? what if the GIW know that Danny suffers from some mild form of ecto-contamination and is a little Less Than Normal? what would make this super funny tho is if they still don't make the connection that he's Phantom

Wes figures out immediately that Agent F is clearly An Adult and at first suspects that she's an undercover cop (absolutely nobody believes him of course, like the fuck Wes that's Star's friend Felicia she can't be a cop)

but once the ghost shit starts happening and 'Felicia' starts casually pushing anti-ghost propaganda and she seems to know just a little Too Much about ghosts Wes is like 'hang on a minute you aren't a cop YOU'RE A GIW AGENT AREN'T YOU' and then he proceeds to spend the rest of his existence trying to convince her that Danny is Phantom

but she's just not having it, one she won't admit to him that she's GIW and she wants nothing more than to distance herself from this weirdo before he blows her cover, two she doesn't believe a ghost can also be a human, she thinks Danny might have some ghostly attributes but he doesn't set off her ghost radar (he only blips it from time to time which would be expected from someone who's ecto-contaminated), and also she's been watching this awkward geek all year and there's no way this kid could be Phantom

like he gets beaten up by Dash all the time, and he desperately wants to join the popular kids and be a part of that crowd, and keeping his identity a secret would be in opposition to that

also he doesn't flex his new superpowers for attention, he doesn't use them for anything (other than the occasional prank on Dash but he's smart enough to do that when nobody else is around), he doesn't use them to impress Paulina, he doesn't use them to get onto a sports team, he just doesn't use them to increase his popularity at all

an adult looking at this from the outside, an adult with preconceived notions on how dumb and impulsive teenagers are, could not believe that a teenage boy would be able to control that temptation

he's not Phantom, he's just mildly ecto-contaminated, possibly has some minor abilities he either can't control or doesn't realise he has, and that's about it, Phantom is just an ordinary unrelated ghost with no secret identity who just happens to look similar

besides, there have been depictions of Phantom throughout history, long before Danny was born, there were sightings of him at a university in the 80s, in ancient Rome, at the Salem witch trials, he was even found in a drawing from a boy's diary in the 1940s, the more they look the more they find artwork and stories of a being with his appearance or power, too many and too similar to be coincidence

unless Danny Fenton is somehow capable of time travel he couldn't possibly be Phantom

[razmerry]

Your favourite little warrior beetle man for the ask game <3

MAN I HAVE BRAINWORMS ABOUT. MAN I'M POISONED IN THE HEAD ABOUT. PATHETIC LITTLE BACKGROUND CHARACTER WHO ATTACHED HIMSELF TO ME

sexuality headcanon

Bi but he never thinks about romance... too focused on Friendship and Fighting. Like a shounen protagonist

gender/pronouns headcanon

he/they nonbinary Beetlewhisker real

rate them out of ten

1000000000/10. perfect no notes

favorite thing about them

OKAY so he has such a fun personality for a background character from the little moments you see in oots. And then he has a surprisingly heartrending death, preceded by him being MONUMENTALLY stupid. And he suffers for eternity! how could I not love him!!

least favorite thing about them

I think his editing errors are really fun. Actually I'm not sure this is something I dislike after all, maybe some people saying that he joined StarClan after the Last Hope battle but only cause it interferes with my Personal Headcanons

why i first started liking/disliking them

I always sort of had a fondness for him cause he was a neat background character, but in 2019 I made a PMV featuring him and Antpelt and that really ingrained me to him

do i relate/project onto/kin them?

no he is not me, he is my beautiful son

favorite quote/moment

my fav ship

Ooh I kind of like him and Juniperclaw together... blorbos in hell <3

my fav platonic friendship

Him and Pricklekit his littlest brother!! I love the idea of Pricklekit fetching him in StarClan

a ship i hate

He is not important enough to have any real ships haha. I make the rules here

do i prefer canon or fanon?

BOTH. He is a funny lil guy in canon and then I make all the rules about him

random headcanon

I will fight to the DEATh defending him being a himbo. THE RULES AS FOLLOWS; 1.) he is a jock. He's training in the Dark Forest, which always makes character stronger, and he was clearly strong enough to be invited to an important meeting. He actively sought out of the Dark Forest meaning he likes getting stronger! 2.) he is pure of heart. He was the only one to try walking out of the Dark Forest when they revealed their plan to kill their Clanmates, and even apologized to Brokenstar genuinely. My sweet sweet boy. 3.) he is dumb of ass. Good Lord this boy is empty-headed. The quote above is just one example, but his other major non-DF appearance is him reporting about Mothwing's actions to Mistystar and having zero idea what he's talking about. No thoughts in that beautiful head of his. And of course he told a demon who'd just been talking about murder, to his face, "no thanks I do not want to kill people. but I respect you okay bye bye :)"

what color do i picture them as

cat breed headcanon

My brainrot progressed so severely that I commissioned @nanistar to draw my design of him lmao

unpopular opinion

No one has opinions about him except me and like 4 other people god bless

things i associate with them

beetles, rotting plants, tears, fish

song i associate with them

"In The Pines" by Danny Farrant

favorite MAP/PMV/AMV with them

Sorry to self-promote but I literally made a 3-minute PMV about him

[redrobin-detective]

because I could not stop for death

because I could not stop for death / he kindly stopped for me / the carriage held but just ourselves / and immortality ~ Emily Dickinson

Danny Fenton was dying, properly this time.

Somehow, in the back of his head and in his worst nightmares, he knew it would end this way: bleeding on the floor of his parents’ lab where it had all began. He was so hot he felt like his skin was on fire, blood and ectoplasm were dripping all over him and his lungs and heart were working overtime to try in vain to keep him alive a moment longer. He’d imagined at the time that there would be more screaming but death, in the end, was turning out to be a quiet little affair. A lonely table set for one.

“Danny, Danny come on, you-you gotta slow down your breathing, just relax, for me, please,” Sam moaned, more than making up for his lack of noise. She was shaking and touching him all over, his chest, his face, his hair. Normally she jumped right into action but she had to know, deep down, that there was nothing she could do. All that was left was to watch her panic and cry, it wasn’t his favorite image. 

“Vlad!” He heard Tucker scream cry into the phone, “please it’s Tucker, Danny’s dying I think. The Fentons had some new invention, something about his core, please we don’t know what to do!” 

Ugh Vlad, he was probably going to be so happy Danny was on his way out. He wasn’t looking much forward to his last images being his archenemy gloating. Tucker hung up and reached down to grasp Danny’s hand so hard it hurt. “Don’t worry dude, Vlad’s coming. He knows so much about you half ghosts that you’ll be fixed up on no time.” Right, Danny was already dead. If calling Vlad, feeling like he did something, helped Tucker move on then he’d deal with it.

Danny tilted his head to the side where Sam’s fingernails were carding through his hair. It was getting harder to see with the blood pouring out of his eyes but he looked at her, and tried to memorize her face. He’d never been able to tell her how much he loved her, that any day spent with her was a blessing. Tucker too, his best bro and a part of his soul. His best friends in the whole wide world, through thick and thin. God, he was going to miss them.

“Glurk,” he said, trying to convey those feeling but the fluids in his mouth and airway made it impossible. “Blerh.”

“Shh shh shh,” Sam soothed, “it’s okay, don’t try to talk.”

“Daniel!” He heard Vlad’s voice shriek as he materialized in front of the portal. Sam and Tucker were violently pushed out the way. Danny wanted to be angry at his loved ones being taken away in his final moments but anger was for the living, he barely had the energy to breathe. This death was too long and too short all at once. He made eye contact with Vlad who all at once lost the frantic edge to his tone and and instead knelt on the floor. “Oh my dear boy. What did they do to you?”

“What is going on?” Sam demanded, shoving her way back in. Danny was glad, he could see again like this. “Why aren’t you doing something!”

“There’s nothing to be done,” Vlad said in a flat, monotone, he picked up one of Danny’s hands and patted it gently. “His core is dying, it’s like a ghost’s heart. It contains their very essence, it is from which everything they are comes from. If Jack and Maddie somehow disrupted it then there’s nothing anyone can do to save him.”

“But he’s human too,” Tucker defended, grabbing Danny’s other hand. His human warm skin burned but the contact felt so good, he twitched his fingers closer to his friend’s. “He-he doesn’t need a core, he’s already got a heart. So, so he doesn’t have powers, we can do normal again.”

“You-” Vlad hissed before taking a calming breath. “The accident that made Daniel like this irreparably altered him. His core was as much a part of keeping him alive as his other organs, without it, his body is shutting down.” Vlad turned down to look Danny in the eye and saw true, genuine grief in those hateful red eyes. 

“I cannot imagine the agony you are going through, I’m so sorry. I’d say it will be over soon but,” a hitch that sounded almost like a sob if it was coming from anyone other than Vlad. “But you’ve hovered on the edge of death for years, son, and you’ve always been such a fighter. You have minutes at most but those minutes are an eternity when you’re suffering.”

Sam and Tucker’s sobbing blended together in the background, Vlad was saying something with a miserable, stunned expression. The swirling of the portal in the background seemed louder than anything, louder than his heart beat pounding and pounding as it ran it’s last race. 

“Daniel, Danny,” he focused his eyes back on Vlad who had a stubborn, unhappy set to his brow. “Do you want me to make the pain stop? An ectoblast to your chest will end your life instantly.”

“Don’t you dare touch him,” Sam shrieked, coming back into view and looking like she was trying to fight Vlad off. “You do anything to him and I’ll kill you!” Tucker just sat and stared at him, like he too was trying memorize Danny’s face.

“It’s a mercy, Samantha or do you want his last moments on earth to be drowning on the blood in his lungs.”

“Sam, he has a point. I don’t- I don’t think we can fix this.”

“No! No we always fix things, I’ll do it myself if I have to!”

Danny’s vision was starting to go, more black than anything else. He closed his eyes and readied himself for the inevitable. 

“Time Out,” Danny opened his eyes and found he was no longer in pain. He was standing up and apart from where he’d previously been lying. Sam had her hands in Vlad’s face and the older hybrid was snarling something at her. Tucker was midmotion trying to stand up, presumably to get Sam but the three of them were frozen in the moment. Danny turned and found Clockwork floating, looking very out of place in his parents lab. “Good evening, Danny.”

“You that short on cash that you work part time as a grim reaper?” Danny quipped out of habit. He looked down at his body and grimaced a bit, that wasn’t a pretty sight. No doubt traumatizing for Tucker and Sam. God how were they going to explain this to his parents? “Gonna ferry me across the River Styx? I don’t have two pennies but I think I have a bloodied $10 on me.”

“You’re core is dying and you have 17 seconds left in this world before all your organs give out and finish the process you began when you turned on your parent’s ghost portal,” Clockwork explained as he changed into child form. 

“O-okay,” Danny said shakily, trying to be brave even when he was so, so scared. He was going out whether he wanted it or not but he refused to leave crying. “Nice of you to come say goodbye then but, uh but unless you have something to say then you should let me go back. No one knows better than me that you can’t outrun death. Thanks but I’m uh I’m ready.”

Clockwork stared at him for a bit, not sure how long, time was weird like this but he changed forms a few times. “You’re quite the remarkable young man, Danny Fenton.”

“Uh thanks,” Danny added, once more looking at his body which had, according to Clockwork, a 17 second expiration date. “What’s going to happen? Am I going to become a ghost? Does heaven or hell exist for someone like me?”

“I don’t get to decide what happens, I merely see options,” Clockwork stated easily, taking his time. “If you die naturally you’ll become ghost, a mere shadow of who you are now and one who would fade fairly quickly. You don’t have strong enough anger or regrets to tie you in the real world for long.” Not great but okay he supposed, hell for his friends and family though. “You could let Plasmius deliver his mercy kill, destroying what’s left of your ghost core and ensuring you do not come back.” Better, probably won’t help the Fruitloop’s instability but he can’t save everyone.

“That one comes with it’s own caveat but I’ll get to that in a moment,” Clockwork explained. “There is a third option where you get up off the floor and walk away.” Danny blinked then looked back at his body which certainly wasn’t walking anywhere but into a plush casket. Clockwork opened his hands and the Ghost King’s Crown materialized in his hands. “If you accept your claim to the King’s Cown, it will revitalize your core and your life would be saved.”

Danny blinked.

“By sealing Pariah Dark, you won by proxy and established a legitimate claim to the throne. The Zone has been without a king for millennia, most have forgotten the old rules. Those who remembered were not too keen on a half-ghost child assuming leadership and kept you in the dark. If Plasmius ends your life then your claim transfers over to him, which he is aware of. It had been his plan all along to trick you into defeating Pariah so he could steal the Crown from you at a later date, a much easier opponent.”

Danny’s mind was overloaded with information, he didn’t know what to focus on first. He stared at his 17 seconds from death face and tried to process it all. Crown? Claim? Vlad?

“Of course,” Clockwork tutted, “he didn’t plan on your dying and in such a gruesome fashion. If he kills you and takes your claim, he would spend his remaining years ruling the Ghost Zone in a just, controlled fashion for your memory. He destroys all the stable portals and keeps the ghost and human worlds separate.” Clockwork became and old man and titled his head, “it’s not a bad timeline, all things considered.”

“And if I take it?” Danny asked quietly.

“You’re compassionate, brave and motivated, you have all the makings of a revolutionary king,” Clockwork smiled. “The Zone would experience and unprecedented era of peace, there would be positive interactions between human and ghosts for the first time since life and death split into two. Your name would spoken with reverence for the rest of time.”

“But I don’t want to be king,” Danny frowned.

“I know, I’m sorry,” Clockwork stated. “Which is why I am giving you the choice. If you pass peacefully there will be no one to claim the Crown and life will continue on, ghost attacks and all. If Plasmius kills you, he becomes an effective but unmemorable king. If you take the Crown, you can get the chance to tell Sam and Tucker how much you love them.”

Danny rubbed at his face, he didn’t want to die but he’d be sealing away his entire future with a move like this. He didn’t even know if the Crown would let him go with death, maybe he’d die and be stuck as the Ghost King until his core finally gave out lord in who knows how long. Eternity was an awful long time to carry such a responsibility. He couldn’t bring himself to ask, too afraid of the answer.

“Is there ever a timeline I became an astronaut?” He asked instead. Clockwork hummed, seemingly unsurprised by Danny’s non-sequitur. 

“Yes, in one of the few universes where you never walked into the portal. You never go into space what with human politics putting a halt on the programs but you work for NASA. You leave Amity Park at 17 and don’t come back save for your parents’ dual funeral.” He paused and Danny felt read down to his very bones, “from the moment you became half ghost you were always heading for this moment. The circumstances varied but it always came down to you and the Crown. Time is straining to continue, to see how this drama plays out. Will you accept it and all the joy and grief that comes with it?”

Danny looked over at Vlad, still mid-sneer but there was a scared desperation in his face. He and Vlad sniped at each other all the time but Danny didn’t really hate him and he didn’t think Vlad did either. Leaving him alone, plus making him be king was a heavy burden to put on his enemy. 

Sam and Tuck probably wouldn’t recover from this, he’d put them through so much already but he just knew that they’d never be the same. Could he do that to them? Take the easy way out and leave them to suffer? Mom and Dad didn’t deserve to come home to a dead son, the truth would come out and they’d never forgive themselves. Jazz certainly wouldn’t, she was 2 states over at University but he could already hear her angry, grief-stricken screams. 

Death, death was quiet. It was quiet and merciful and sad, but it was also easy. And Danny Fenton had never once taken the easy route. He reached out and took and the crown before shakily placing it on his head. He gasped, throwing his head back as his core swelled, taking up residence once more right next to his heart. Clockwork smiled, looking like the cat who ate the canary. 

“The Crown of Fire, pardon me the Crown changes with each core, the Crown of Ice is now yours as is the Zone. Your reign begins now but so too does the rest of your life. People are waiting for you. Time in.” Danny slammed back into awareness on the floor of his parents’ lab, the floor he’d almost died on twice. 

He sat up as cold radiated off his body, causing frost to crawl down his arms and along the floor. Sam, Tucker and Vlad, who’d been frozen up until now, jumped back to life. There was a new, familiar weight on his head that he didn’t dare acknowledge. 

He squeezed his eyes shut and said a silent goodbye to a quiet, normal life. It wouldn’t be all bad, he could be happy like this but the Crown still felt like a iron manacle around his neck. But he got used to the ghost powers, he could get used to this too. Maybe one day he won’t look at the stars and say ‘what if?’

“Danny!” Sam shouted, throwing herself into his arms soon followed by Tucker. Their warm weight, their relieved sobs, their shaky breaths in his air, now this was something worth living for. He squeezed them tightly.

“But how dude, you were at death’s door!” Tucker asked, still not letting go.

“You accepted the Crown,” Vlad said evenly, “I wasn’t aware you even knew about your claim. Who told you?”

“You don’t know everything, Vlad,” Danny sighed, sitting himself upright. Ugh his shirt was covered in blood and ectoplasm. He needed to trash these clothes before his parents freaked. And find a way to hide the floating ice crown on his head. 

“Even an old man can be surprised every now and again,” Vlad said wearily. He stood up to his full height before startling Danny by dipping down to one knee. “Then allow me to be the first to welcome my new king and wish him well.”

“I thought you wanted this,” Danny questioned.

“I do, I did,” Vlad said, unusually off balance. “To be quite honest, I’m not sure how to feel about it but, right now, I’m just immeasurably happy you’re alive, little badger. Now I best be off, enjoy your kingdom, my liege, I’ll be sure to come bother you some time soon.” Vlad disappeared in a swirl of pink leaving just him, Sam and Tucker still clinging to him.

Danny may have a kingdom, a job he didn’t want and his whole life decided in a spur of the moment choice, but he also had something very important. He squeezed his friends tightly.

“I love you guys, thank you for being my friends even though I have the worst ideas for activities. Dying? On a Sunday night? How lame is that?” Sam laughed, a bit hysterical but it was real and it made Danny feel weightless. 

“Don’t do that again, buddy,” Tucker breathed into his shoulder. “So you gonna explain what just happened and why you’re apparently the Ghost King or something?”

“Yeah, yeah I will but let’s get changed first. Mom and Dad will be home soon and I think I’m going to need to have a conversation with them about my new job.” 

[asterekmess]

Beta Reader Request

Hello! Here we are again! (This post is current as of 10/25/21) I’m looking for not one, but two Beta readers, to join my current Beta in working on my sterek fanfiction. If you’re interested, please read the details below the Read More.

I’ll preface by stating the obvious: Because I’m a broke ass fan, there is no pay, unless you consider getting to read loads of sterek fic before it’s been published a payment. Of course, betaing for me comes with being credited on the fic itself. Applications will Close on 11/11/21

All applicants must be 18+ and able to work on explicit works.

To try something new, the betas I choose will be on a ‘contract’ of six months. After this point, we can either go our separate ways, depending on interest level and how well things are working, or discuss extending the ‘contract’ forward. This will allow me to make sure that the beta work I'm receiving isn’t suffering from someone being burnt out, losing interest, etc, and that no one ends up stuck betaing for me after they’ve stopped enjoying it.

What I’m looking for:

-Strong understanding of English grammar and vocabulary, along with previous experience with creative writing.

-In-depth readings of the work, including understanding of characters, atmosphere, flow, etc. Attention to detail. Not just overview opinions. I want to know why something works or doesn’t work, not just that it Does/n’t.

-Ability to handle betaing graphic scenes including sex, violence, gore, etc. (If there are exceptions, they can be discussed with me during application.)

-Understanding of Teen Wolf in general, characters, settings, and main plotlines of the entire show. Having seen the entire show is not a requirement.

-No rough betaing. I am not looking to get dragged or scolded.

-No soft betaing. While compliments are welcome, I don’t need extensive cheerleading.

-Time and dedication. This will need a lot of time. There is a lot of fic, and sometimes it’s very long. 100k+ fics are not uncommon. Furthermore, it takes a long time to write, and sometimes I need to be able to converse with my Beta about it in-depth to discuss plot issues, concepts, arcs, etc.

-Ability to work with others. I intend to have multiple betas going at once. Editing may overlap, you may disagree with the other beta, etc.

-Flexibility, both with the edits and with the projects worked on. Jumping from one fic to another and back later will be common, unless another method is discussed with me.

-Open-mindedness. My work involves multiple sexualities, multiple areas of neurodivergence, mental health issues, etc.

-Effort. Beyond the betaing itself, some fics will require background knowledge of previous fics in the series, and if they haven’t been read, they will need read.

-Respect. It needs to be clearly understood that these are my fics, and any and all changes will be my decision. Edits may be rejected, ideas may not be followed, characters will be written as I choose.

-Accessibility. I need to be able to get ahold of you. Constant access isn’t expected, but getting a response within a couple days at most is needed.

-Honesty. I need to be told if there is an issue. If it becomes too much, if life circumstances change and you need to stop, if you need a break, if you are unable to work on a certain fic for whatever reason. I need you to be honest with me about what you can and cannot handle.

-Passion. Reading, editing, and discussing sterek fanfiction this much is a lot, and it’s easy to get burnt out. I want to avoid this, and starting with someone who is as passionate about sterek as I am will help greatly.

What the work is like:

If you’re following me then there’s a good chance that you’ve read one of my fics on AO3 before, but you should know what to expect.

Universes: Canon divergence, canon rewrite, alternate universes, fusions, crossovers (rarely)

Relationships: Main - Stiles/Derek (that is it.) Background – Boyd/Erica, Boyd/Erica/Isaac, Jackson/Lydia, Jackson/Danny, Scott/Allison, Allison/Lydia, etc.

Usual Character Depictions: Positive: Stiles, Derek Mostly Positive: Boyd, Erica, Isaac, Sheriff Stilinski, Lydia, Cora, Kira, Allison, Ms. McCall, Danny, Heather Versatile: Deaton, Braeden, Peter, Jackson, Talia Hale Mostly Negative: Scott, Ethan & Aiden, Chris Negative: Deucalion, Kate, Gerard, Jennifer

Common Tropes/Themes: Stiles has ADHD, Stiles has Anxiety, Good Alpha Derek, Spark Stiles, Mates, Happy Ending, Fluff, Smut, Found Family, Demi Derek, Demi Stiles, Friends to Lovers, Pining, Getting Together, Pack Feels, Angst, Graphic Depictions of Violence

I do not write dark fics, and stay away from the majority of darker tags. I don’t write sad endings, Major Character Death (not permanent anyway), cheating, or (very) unhealthy sterek relationships. If there are any tropes/concepts you are either worried about or hopeful for, we can discuss it in your application.

Most of my works in progress are at least 20k, going up to over 100+k, mostly in past tense, and always third person POV. I mostly use Google Docs/Drive and the editing/comments system there.

Expected Beta Reader/Writer relationship: I see my fanfiction as work that I love. I enjoy being friendly and having a good time with my betas, but the work comes first. I don’t want to feel guilty asking you to look something over, or letting you know that there’s a problem. Similarly, I don’t want you to feel guilty for telling me if you need to stop or step away for a while. Specific details aren’t required, and I’m not going to get mad. I just need to be told. Ghosting me or lying to me about what you’re able to handle will result in me looking for a different person to work with. As stated above, I need to be able to get ahold of you, whatever messaging system we decide on. I find it helpful to vent/talk out loud about issues or ideas im having with fics to my betas, bouncing thoughts off them or just getting the words out to someone who knows what I’m talking about. If you aren’t comfortable with this, we can discuss it in the application.

Warnings:

-I’m not a consistent writer, and there may be gaps between me sending or updating fic. There may also be a rush of things in a short period of time. If this is an issue, we’ll discuss it.

-Moving between unfinished fics is the name of the game, here. If you’d prefer I wait to send you something until it’s finished, or go chapter by chapter, etc, you guessed it, we’ll discuss it in the application.

-If there are certain things that you cannot work on, be it squicks or triggers, etc, I need to know beforehand.

-I have opinions and views of characters in the show that may not always line up with yours. I do not like Scott McCall, and rarely if ever write him from a positive perspective, but he is far from the only character that I have opinions on. Keep this in mind.

-Do not offer your services if you’re expecting any kind of beta work in return, as I’m not able to provide it.

Application Process:

If you’re interested in applying, please do so through my private messages, not with an ask.

Within your application I need: Preferred Name Age Time Zone General Level of Teen Wolf Knowledge Previous Experience (if any) with my writing-A New Perspective specifically, but anything else as well Previous Experience (if any) with betaing Genres/Tropes that you aren’t willing/able to beta. Preferred genre/tropes to read/beta Anything else you feel I should know right off the bat

There will be more questions, but that’s the information I need to start with. After questions, I will send a sample piece for betaing so I can see what kind of a Beta job you can do, and whether it’s compatible with what I’m looking for.

There will be a deadline for having the editing job finished, so that I can look through any/all applications before making a decision.

Getting the sample chapter does not guarantee becoming one of the betas. Not being chosen as one of the betas is Not a judgment on ability. I’m just looking for people I think I’ll be compatible with, who can help me improve my work.

I know that this is a lot, but it’s important for me to find betas who understand what they’re getting into and are willing to put in the work. The amount of things I have going on in my fanfic folders is too much for any one Beta to deal with, so I’m hoping to even things out a little by having multiple.

I have so much Sterek to share, and I’m really hoping to get some more help making it as good as it can be.

[clynnra]

Strongest Together

After that disappointing last ten minutes of the series finale, I didn't think I would ever write for my beloved boys again. But, thanks to binging lots of episodes of the show on ion since it started airing there (happy to post this story on one of ion's Five-O Fridays) and reading many fix-it fics, I had to do this for Danny. I will be forever bitter that our last glimpse of him ever was hurt (physically and emotionally) and alone on Steve's beach. So this is my way of fixing that sad image. There's background (literally, just a few minor mentions) Steve/Catherine and Danny/others, but this is a McDanno story. I didn't want to vilify Steve, since he should take care of himself and find peace, so I hope that comes across. Finally, eternal thanks to my beta PhoebeMiller for making my story way better than it was with her fantastic feedback about story line, diction, and all the grammar. She's an awesome writer in her own right - go read her wonderful stories! And always thanks to SheppardMcKay for inspiring me to post fic.

Steve and Danny. Danny and Steve. Steve left Danny. Danny was alone.

Sighing, Danny knew he had his kids, his family and the team. But that didn’t mean it didn’t hurt so fucking much. Days like today, it still hurt to breathe.

Danny didn’t begrudge Steve finding his peace. Or his taking care of himself. Hell, he tried to instill self preservation in his Neanderthal time and again. But when Steve finally took his advice and put himself first, it had ripped Danny’s heart to shreds.

It still hurt so damn much because of the way Steve left. The timing sucked. Just out of the hospital, Danny could barely walk even with his cane. This proved Steve was hiding the depth of his own suffering. Normally, he'd never leave Danny when he was injured. Danny smiled and remembered Steve raiding his house for cookies after he'd been shot in quarantine. The fondness bubbling up just about killed him.

More memories of this year from hell came back, and Danny had to sit down. He'd moved himself into Steve's house after Doris died because he sensed Steve needed him. The loss was just too much after Joe's death. When Joanna had died, Steve was there for him, cooking him eggs most mornings, claiming routine was good. Danny knew Steve was talking about himself, too.

They'd fallen into something Danny dared call a relationship when he was awake late at night, insomnia raging. He and Steve lived together. They ate meals together most nights. They walked Eddie, locked up the house and said good night like a couple.

A couple of idiots, Danny grumbled now. Or was he the biggest idiot? He'd made this huge leap into what proved to be a lonely abyss.

What hurt the most was Steve pretty much rejecting the idea of the two of them growing old together on that beach. Danny didn't know for sure when his best friend would return from his Kung Fu adventures. He'd only counted on Steve coming home at some point. Now, when he replayed their last conversation, the dagger twisted in his chest even more.

The sad fact was - Danny loved Steve. Not just like a friend. He loved him like I want to spend the rest of my life with you even though you drive me crazy, you caveman. He never told Steve he was in love with him. Danny was scared and convinced such an admission would be suicide. Because he feared their friendship would be over, was so sure of it, in fact, that he kept all of his feelings locked away. He didn't want to fuck up the best friendship he'd ever had.

Not to mention, Steve was straight. He'd never given Danny any hint that he was interested. Unless you counted Steve's octopus arms and his total disregard for Danny's personal space. Which Danny did not dwell on. No way could he let himself go there. That's why he'd pushed Steve into dating. First Brooke and then the vet. Neither had really worked out, and Danny did not allow himself to question why. He would have kept on searching for the perfect mate for Steve, too, if he hadn't left. Even though Danny wanted it to be him.

No one knew Danny's secret. Although he mostly dated women, he had a few relationships with men while at Seton Hall. He kept his attraction to men close to the vest. He'd thought his college experiments were in the rearview mirror until the giant goof stole his crime scene.

To distract himself from the heartbreak over Steve’s dating, he’d focused on reconciling with Rachel in a vain attempt to stitch his family back together. Yet, no matter how hard he tried, it just didn’t work since he was in love with Steve. When they finally figured out they were better as friends, Rachel shocked him with advice to stop dithering and tell Steve. He was so taken aback by Rachel’s accurate insight into his heart, past all his bullshit, he’d gone to that bar and met Joanna. Like so many other things in his life, hooking up with her to forget Rachel and Steve had ended all kinds of bad. Spectacular didn't even cut it. Joanna's death wasn't his fault. This he knew. But he couldn't stop feeling guilty. She was with him in the car because of how he'd chosen to mend himself, and she'd died after everything he'd done to try to save her.

And of course, there was Catherine. He envied her for having Steve the way he wanted. She knew every inch of him. She knew so many more secrets.  Steve had opened his heart to her - and what had she done? She'd pulled a Doris. More than once. And the idiot took her back.

Weren't they a pair? Danny knew he was a hypocrite for being angry with Steve about getting back with an ex time and again. He didn't care. He couldn't help feeling upset that Steve was with Catherine (probably this very minute) and not him.

+++++++

Three months had passed since Steve left, and Danny’s PT was coming along well. He texted Steve a few times a week to check in, while Steve returned his texts within a couple hours. They’d spoken on the phone a few times, and Danny lost himself in the comforting cadence of Steve’s voice. Their calls ranged from about 20 minutes to almost an hour, and their talks were nice. But during one of their conversations, as he listened to Steve chatter on about what he did in whatever destination he was currently staying, Danny realized that Steve’s journey to find himself didn’t include him. Steve didn’t need him like Danny needed him. And that revelation punched the breath out of him. He tried to cover it, but Steve, with his keen SEAL senses, heard it.

“Danno, you okay?” Steve interrupted his story about what he saw in Scotland.

“Yeah, babe, I’m ok. Just still get tired sometimes. Had PT this morning and energy kinda zapped. You mind if we pick this up some other time? I’m gonna have a lie down.” Danny chewed his lips as he lied. It was a white lie, but still.

“Ok… you take care buddy. I love you.” Steve said with a note of concern.

“You too.” replied Danny. He couldn’t tell Steve he loved him on their calls because he didn’t want Steve to hear how in love with him he was. Texting “love you, too” was fine, but when he said it, he felt his heart in his throat.

Putting his phone down, Danny glanced around himself. He was still at Steve’s house sitting on his couch. Eddie was laying on the floor nearby. And Danny came to a decision. Steve was out finding himself, and Danny really needed to do the same. He had spent so much of the past ten years being part of Steve and Danny that outside of being a father to Grace and Charlie and being on the task force, he‘d kinda lost himself. He felt like his life wasn’t making sense after deciding to just be friends with Rachel and then the tragedy with Joanna. He knew that in order to move on with his life, he had to make a change. He would always be there for Steve, but it was time he was there for himself.

A few days later, Steve called again. This time he was in Ireland. He told Danny about the beautiful scenery there, and after he was done, he asked, “So, what are you up to now, Danno? PT almost done right?”

Danny took a deep breath and started. “Funny you should ask that. I, um, I’m gonna move back to my place, Steve.”

There was a moment of stunned silence.

“Why? Danny, is something wrong?” Steve replied, trying to keep a lock on his emotions.

“No, babe.” Danny grimaced and continued. “I just, uh, think it’s time to move back. You know, you’re out there trying to find yourself and your peace without me…”

Steve gasped, “Danny…”

Shaking his head, Danny kept going. “and that’s fine, Steve. I’m not trying to make you feel bad. You deserve to find the peace and happiness you need. I just need to find myself again a bit. After Joanna died, I felt sorta lost. And I was starting to make sense of my life again before Daiyu Mei swooped in…” He didn’t mention and when you left me. Danny shook that thought from his head.

“So, I need to do this. To remember who I was before I was part of Steve and Danny…” he finished with a fake chuckle.

“Danno, are you sure?” Steve asked, a note of sadness in his voice.

Danny nodded even though Steve couldn’t see him. “Yes.”

There was another moment of charged silence.

“Ok, Danno, I got it. You need this, so I got your back. Whatever you need. Hey, I gotta head out, but I’ll call again, alright?” Steve sounded like he was happy for Danny but wasn’t quite believing it.

Danny replied, “Sure. Bye, babe.”

Steve said clearly, “I love you, Danny.”

“You too.” Danny croaked out. When the call ended, he dropped his phone next to him and covered his face with his hands taking in a few deep breaths.

It was time to find who he was again without Steve.

+++++++

Danny finally completed his eight weeks of PT, and his doctor okayed his return to light work aka paperwork. He still had to check in each month since it was his second gunshot wound in his chest in two years. As part of his process to return to Five-O, the governor mandated Danny to complete visits with his therapist since he survived such a traumatic experience. At first, he was annoyed he had to go to therapy again; he’d rather eat pineapple on his pizza. But during the couple of months of sessions about his kidnapping and near death at the hands of Daiyu Mei, he found himself working through various issues including the death of his partner Grace, his guilt over Matty, his complicated relationship with Rachel, Grace’s kidnapping and almost fatal car accident, Charlie’s paternity and medical condition, as well as other work related stresses and traumas. The governor’s directive for Danny’s therapy was once a week for two months, but he continued past that, and for a few weeks, he was going twice a week. He just unloaded whatever was burdening his mind and heart. He felt stronger for it. He even told the therapist about his feelings for Steve, and she suggested that to find closure or peace about it, he should consider discussing his feelings with Steve. Danny knew she was right but wasn’t ready yet. However, talking things out gave him the perspective he needed.

With the end of PT and his ongoing therapy doing well, he told the kids first he was moving out of Steve’s house. They were shocked, Tani near tears while Junior took the news stoically. But once Danny told them why, they were very supportive and helped Danny move to his now renovated place over two weekends. Lou, Quinn, and Adam also chipped in their time to help with Danny’s move. Since Junior moved in with Tani, they figured out a schedule of who would check on Steve’s place and when including the upkeep of the grounds. Junior and Tani told Danny once he was cleared for regular work, he could share some of the maintenance duties. They'd take care of it for now. Tani joked that maybe they could get Kamekona to hire some of his family. Danny rolled his eyes and smacked her. None of them had enough money for that enterprise.

Eddie was another story. Poor guy was just adapting to his master being gone. Now they were relocating him. Danny decided Eddie would live with him, and Junior would take him as time allowed since he loved Eddie, too. It was a good arrangement, as the loyal dog loved each of them. And he enjoyed the extra attention he was getting.

Danny felt like things were starting to get back to the new normal without Steve while he was at work doing paperwork and running point for any cases from HQ if needed. He surprised himself that he got the hang of the HQ computer table after getting lots of help from the team. Quinn was especially patient, and he appreciated it.

While Danny settled back at work, he still kept in contact with Steve. His best friend would mostly text him to check in with how things were going and send some pictures of gorgeous landscapes and appetizing food. When they did talk on the phone here and there, Steve would catch Danny up on things with him. Danny winced when Steve spoke about Catherine, but tried to sound as supportive as possible. He had to keep reminding himself that if Steve was happy with her, he would just have to accept it. And during one of these phone calls, Danny promised himself that he needed to start dating again. He may be in love with Steve, but he also owed it to himself to move forward and not spend the rest of his life pining after his best friend who was happy with the love of his life.

In a bold move, he asked Adam to be his wingman, explaining he needed to shake things up. He wanted to reclaim who he was before Daiyu Mei and even before his last disastrous attempt to get back with Rachel. What he left unspoken was his need to reinvent himself without Steve.

Adam didn’t even raise an eyebrow and had replied, “You got it, brother. You were there for me when I was lost without Kono, so I’m here for you.”

Danny was so grateful. They went to nice bars, the types professionals patronize. Danny did score dates with some doctors, lawyers, and accountants. He surprised Adam by dating both men and women, but after that initial shock, Adam supported his choices, even offering to set Danny up with friends. He even went on a few double dates with Adam and Tamiko. The companionship was nice, and the sex even nicer, but Danny didn’t feel like any of these people would help him get over Steve. At least he felt like his life was more balanced and not just focused on Steve all the time.

When he first mentioned to Steve that he was dating again, there was a silence long enough that Danny thought the call dropped. He could easily FaceTime Steve but just could not find the courage to see his beloved face again. The phone calls offered distance, a buffer. And Danny needed it so he could continue to support Steve and survive his updates when they included Catherine.

Just when Danny was ready to ask his best friend if he could hear him, an exaggeratedly upbeat Steve jumped back in.

“Hey, buddy, I’m glad you’re getting out there again. You deserve to be happy, too.” His voice cracked on the last bit.

After that last odd tone from Steve, they continued like normal when Danny filled him in on the latest with Grace and Charlie. The rest of the call was pleasant with some of their usual teasing.

But on the next call when Danny mentioned how he and Keith went on a double date with Adam and Tamiko, Steve choked and started coughing on the phone.

“Hey, babe, you ok? Don’t choke on the butter in your coffee, alright?” Danny joked.

Steve got his breath back and said, “Sorry, went down the wrong tube. Wait, so you’re dating guys now, Danny?”

Danny didn’t care for Steve’s tone, but answered, “Well, I did date a few guys back in college, but just stopped once I met Rachel.” He didn’t mention and once I met you. “Is that gonna be a problem for you, Steven?”

Steve quickly responded, “Of course not, Danny. I’m just shocked you never told me this in the over ten years we’ve known each other. And for the record, it’d be hypocritical of me if it was.”

Now it was Danny’s turn to gasp. “Wait, when the hell were you dating guys, Steve? In all the years we’ve been together, you’ve only talked about women.”

Sighing, Steve said, “Well, I didn’t really date guys, Danny. When I was deployed, I helped my teammates out like they helped me. So to be more specific, I’ve had sex with guys, but not actually dated them. I enjoyed the sex and was even attracted to some of the guys, but DADT kept me from being open about being sexually attracted to men.”

Danny couldn’t help himself. “Did Cath know?”

Steve chuckled briefly. “Of course, man. I told her I slept with several men and was attracted to some. She was cool with it since she had some bi friends and family.”

Danny admired Steve’s honesty, and he wanted to be honest, too.

“Steve, dating these men and women - it’s nothing serious. Don’t get me wrong, the company and sex are great, but they don’t compare to you.”

It sounded like Steve sniffled on the other end of the line. His voice was slightly hoarse. “And just so you know, partner, no one will ever replace you. No one can. Hey, we gotta grab some food…”

Danny teased, “Try not to ruin your food with pineapple, you animal. Enjoy your meal.”

Snickering, Steve added, “Copy that.”

Steve’s voice became sincere again. “I’ll call you again soon, Danno. I love you.”

Automatically, Danny replied, “You, too.”

Steve’s breath hitched before saying, “I miss you, Danny. Talk to you soon. Bye.”

Danny exhaled, “I miss you, too. Bye, babe.”

Once Danny placed his phone down, he was like, good going Williams. You almost told him you’re in love with him while Cath was right there. Don’t be an idiot next time.

+++++++

It had been a week since that eye-opening phone call and about six months since Steve left, Danny had been back to regular responsibilities at work for about a month. His therapy sessions were twice a month now. He was still seeing people but didn’t feel the desperation to date like when he first started a few months ago. He felt confident in his own skin again, feeling better both professionally and personally. But he was still in love with Steve. Danny finally decided. Fuck it. I’ll always love the maniac, I just have to live with it.

And it came to a head during one of their phone calls almost two months later.

Danny couldn’t keep himself from asking, “You happy with Cath, Steve?”

There was a pause before Steve said, “I wouldn’t know. She left about two months ago on another CIA assignment. She offered to come back when her job was over, but I told her that I need stability and consistency and her work didn’t provide that. I said I was proud that she found her way and happy for her that she loved her job. I told her that I would always love her, but she deserved someone who was in love with her.”

Danny’s heart sped up with hope. “So, what are you saying, Steve?”

Steve pushed air through his nose. “I’m saying that I couldn’t commit to her because I’m in love with you.”

“Steve…?” Danny’s voice shook with emotion.

“Danny, every time I told you I love you when we ended our calls, I meant it as I’m in love with you. You never repeated it to me so I assumed you didn’t feel the same way. But once you told me you dated guys, I got hopeful again. And after that phone call, I stopped sleeping with Cath. And she knew something was up with the no sex but never called me on it. That’s just not what we do. Things are easy for us, and when they’re not, we still pretend that they are. But my heart couldn’t just be satisfied with what was easy and familiar anymore. I needed the challenge and passion. I need you.”

Danny confessed, “Babe, I’m in love with you, too. I just couldn’t tell you since I thought you had your happily ever after with Catherine. When I figured you guys were permanent, I dated to move on without you. But it’s no use, Steve. I want you. I want everything with you.”

Choked with emotion, Steve whispered, “Danny.. I’m coming home.”

“I’m so glad, babe. I love you.”

+++++++

Two days later, Danny was at baggage claim. He spotted Steve immediately, tall and gorgeous with a full beard and short but longer than military regulation hair. Steve saw him too, and his face lit up with a huge smile that crinkled his eyes. They moved quickly through the crowd to each other. As he got closer, Danny spotted the specks of white in Steve’s hair and thought it just made his big goof even more handsome. Finally, they were in front of each other. Dropping his duffel, Steve wrapped his arms around Danny hugging him tightly. He tucked his face into Danny’s hair and inhaled deeply.

“Danno, I missed you so much.”

Danny just squeaked out a “me too” while he hugged Steve. He was too busy inhaling the travel worn scent of Steve. He couldn’t get enough of the man he loved. He rubbed his face into Steve’s chest, reveling in the physical presence he had wanted so much all these months and at long last had.

They moved so their foreheads were resting against each other. Breathing the same air, not aware of the bustle of the people around them.

Danny broke their peaceful bubble by moving his face away so he could look into Steve’s eyes. “Did you find the peace you needed, babe?”

Huffing and licking his lips, Steve shook his head. His left hand held Danny’s face as his gaze never wavered. “Not yet, but I’m working on it. I know I’ll get there with therapy and what I need most.”

Danny tilted his head questioningly at Steve.

“You.”

Then Steve kissed Danny. Eyes fluttering closed, Danny returned the kiss. Like this thing they were doing happened every day.

Feeling a surge of joy, Danny broke the kiss with a smile. Smiling himself, Steve opened his eyes.

“I think I need you to repeat yourself, I didn’t quite hear you,” Danny said with a smirk as he pulled Steve down again. This time, the kiss was firmer. Danny nipped Steve's bottom lip and he opened his mouth. Always the control freak, Steve cupped Danny's face so he could move him where he wanted. He hummed contentedly as he tasted Danny. A couple times, their teeth clacked, but their tongues soothed the minor mishaps. The frantic exploration continued until they needed air.

Eyes opening and panting a bit as their lips parted, they grinned at each other goofily.

“I think we gave the airport enough of a show, babe.” Danny joked.

Steve chuckled. He sobered a bit and said, “Danny, I love you.”

Danny smiled brightly as his heart thudded happily. “I love you, too, Steve. Let’s go home.”

“And where is that exactly?” Steve asked mischievously.

“Wherever you and I are together.” Danny replied quickly.

Appeased, Steve grabbed his bag and slung it on his left shoulder. He pulled Danny under his right arm as they walked to the car.

Danny with Steve. Strong on their own. Strongest together.

FIN.

[beardedmrbean]

JERUSALEM (AP) — Ukrainian therapist Svitlana Kutsenko thought she was making progress with her patients — army veterans recovering from mental trauma suffered during fighting with Russia in 2014. Then, war erupted again.

Now, five months after Russia invaded Ukraine, Kutsenko says the situation looks bleaker than ever. Many of her patients have returned to the front lines, while ordinary citizens scarred by the horrors of life in wartime are now seeking treatment.

“Sometimes it’s bearable, sometimes it’s not,” Kutsenko, who lives in Kyiv, told The Associate Press. “Some people are suffering from huge fear — fear of death, fear of their relatives’ death and some are pretty angry about what’s going on and they want to somehow take this anger under control.”

Kutsenko was among 20 Ukrainian mental health professionals who spent the past two weeks in Israel receiving training on how to treat trauma cases.

Israel, which has gone through numerous wars with its Arab neighbors and has a large population of Holocaust survivors, has deep experience in treating psychological or mental trauma.

But in Ukraine, awareness for recognizing and treating mental trauma remains relatively low. And despite a conflict with Russia that has been ongoing since 2014, the country is not equipped to deal with the massive numbers of people affected by the Russian invasion.

Kutsenko said that there is a great difference between treating patients struggling to come to terms with events from the past and helping people who are under fire cope with grief and fear in real time.

“Right now, in Ukraine, it’s not just, you know, shooting and people" being killed by missiles and bombs, says Kutsenko, adding that torture, rape and other terrible acts are also happening.

The course’s instructor, Danny Brom, says treating mental trauma in Israel has taught him how to provide therapy to victims who are both post-traumatic and still remain in immediate danger. These lessons, he says, have helped him relate to mental health professionals from conflict zones across the world and especially Ukraine.

“They understand that we Israelis know what we are talking about. This ... has happened to us in the different wars, so there’s a very special connection between them and us. They really feel that we understand what we are talking about,” said Brom, a clinical psychologist who is director of Metiv, an Israeli nonprofit that trains mental health professionals to treat trauma victims.

The group included 20 psychologists from across Ukraine, including some who have been displaced throughout the war. The course included training in cognitive behavior therapy techniques, or CBT, which are commonly used to treat depression and anxiety.

Larysa Zasiekina is a psychologist from western Ukraine, where internally displaced people have flocked to seek refuge from the fighting.

Prior to the war, she treated adults but now she sees mothers and children who have had to suddenly leave everything behind as their husbands and fathers head off to battle.

Zasiekina says the course has given her new methods to cope with this new reality, especially when it comes to working with youth.

“We used a lot of imaginary exercises and I think these exercises are very good for children because actually they have a lot of imagination,” says Zasiekina. “They want to play."

Throughout the course, the participants were never far from having to deal with horrific news from back home.

During her time in Jerusalem, Kutseno got word that the building across from her family home in Vinnytsia, where her parents still live, had been bombed. Her parents weren't harmed in the barrage, which killed 23 people that day, but it was a terrifying reminder.

“Even being here, feeling safe, war is still (in) the background of everything I do here,” says Kutseno.

“It’s not like I will get back to something that will have changed,” she added. “What I will find there is war.”

[five-rivers]

Ok I’ve been thinking about your “The Chain of Kings” story way to much for having only read it less than 24 hours ago. It’s really great but I keep thinking about the timing and other things in your story.

Why didn’t they wait for Danny to be a bit older? It wasn’t as if he was going anywhere. That timing just ensured 40-50 years of suffering for his parents and 60-70 years of suffering for Sam, Tucker, and Jazz.

Especially if every portal was closed with no hope of opening in their lifetime. With that timing didn’t everyone involved just ensure that five (six if Valerie gets involved) new ghosts would form from the people left behind? Five (six?) ghosts with bad obsessions over freeing Danny from the Ghost Zone and taking him away from those that brought him there in the first place?

Five very powerful ghosts if obsessions matches their power as a ghost.

Please hear me out! I know it sounds crazy but Regardless of if Maddie and Jack knew that Danny was the Phantom or if Jazz and the others left them in the dark. Their son disappeared the same night that the portal closed. They would spend the rest of their lives trying to reopen a portal that wouldn’t. That would lead to a bad obsession where they might just try to rip the fabric of space open to the human world. (Valerie might count as this because she thinks that Danny was taken because of his involvement with her)

Jazz, Tucker, and Sam would be a bit more obvious towards Turing into ghosts. They would probably try every method that they could think of to open a portal or even just contact ghosts that they knew. And they would be able to link Vlad and Ellie disappearances with Danny’(if they were in frequent contact with Ellie) so they feel like they failed three people. That guilt over not being able to save any of them could turn into obsessions too. That’s not including any preexisting obsession that might have existed before they lost Danny that would have been caused by feelings that they should have been able to do more to help him. And maybe since Sam, Jazz, and Tucker all had experience as ghosts from past encounters they might be powerful enough to take on the people that prevented them from saving Danny in the first place.

I’m so sorry if this doesn’t make any sense but I just can’t stop thinking about it!!!!

Why and how do you come up with such wonderful and thought provoking stories!!!!

Thank you!!!!!

It’s a good point!  

Unfortunately, the Ghost Zone runs on Fisher King logic, which meant that Clockwork and co. were operating under a serious time constraint.  Once Pariah lost his right to rule, the Ghost Zone started decaying.  They really gave Danny as much time as they safely could.  I think I sort of imply this in the story, but I don’t think it’s stated outright.  

Also, forty years is a long time to come to terms with stuff, and there’s not, like, a lot of evidence about what happened lying around.  As far as they know, some event could have just wiped out everything ghostly, everywhere.  They wouldn’t necessarily come to the conclusion that Danny needed to be ‘freed’ from the Ghost Zone.  

I could see them Obsessed with finding Danny or bringing him home, especially if they died immediately after his disappearance, but what does that mean to someone who is, themselves, a ghost?

Anyway, lots of trauma all around, but ‘making sure the universe stays intact’ trumps other considerations.  Sam, Tucker, Jazz, Jack, and Maddie might become ghosts, but the events in the story don’t necessarily make it more likely.  

Of course, this is all just my background reasoning.  Like anything else, you can have your own thoughts about it, especially about stuff I haven’t explicitly written in yet.