#anyway next time maybe some actual adventuring finally?

[unclewaynemunson]

More often than not, it doesn't work out.

Robin first learned that lesson with Vickie, when she thought she found the love of her life but ended up breaking things off because the way in which Vickie mirrored her anxiety back to her enhanced it tenfold and it turned out to be completely exhausting to keep up with that after the first wave of butterflies had died down.

After Vickie, there was Laura. Laura, with whom it seemed to work out until she told Robin that she couldn't bear keeping up with her weird, unsettling and way too vivid nightmares about Russian spies and monsters from fantasy stories every other night.

After Laura, there was Julia. Julia, who was amazing for four whole months until she told Robin with tears in her eyes that she couldn't tolerate the cheating anymore. It didn't matter how often Robin told her that sleeping with someone didn't necessarily mean sleeping with someone, that Steve was like a brother to her – and that the whole thing was utterly ridiculous in the first place because Robin was very much a lesbian. Needless to say, it didn't work out.

Then, there was Amy. Amy, who, like a cruel twist of fate, actually cheated on Robin. It was only a one-time thing, a drunken kiss during some stupid party, but it was enough to damage Robin's trust in her irreparably. So it didn't work out.

Up until then, she had chalked it up to a string of bad luck or maybe bad taste. But after Louise (who brought up the nightmares again), Valerie (who wanted some adventure in the bedroom and had to guide Robin through a panic attack filled with inexplicable flashbacks when she tried tying her to the bedframe), and Mathilde (who made a problem of Robin's regular 3am calls with Steve when neither of them could sleep), she starts to wonder if it wouldn't be more probable that it is herself who is the problem instead of this whole list of girls.

“Don't you dare say that about yourself,” says Nancy with fire in her voice when Robin finally dares to voice that thought out loud.

They're both lying down on Nancy's brand new couch, a pair of legs dangling over each side and their heads right next to each other in the middle. Except for that couch, the living room is still empty. Boxes are piled up everywhere, still waiting to be unpacked, but they can wait a little longer.

Robin is happy to have Nancy at her side again. It's been a while: college and differing career paths kept them separated through the majority of their friendship. But now Nancy has found her way back to Indiana, only half an hour away from where Robin has been living with Steve and Eddie ever since Mathilde broke up with her a few months ago.

She hasn't really been dating anyone since, and now that Nancy is also living in Indianapolis, she wonders if she'll ever feel the need to. No girl would ever be able to compare to Nancy Wheeler, after all; Robin knew that much as soon as she saw Nancy stepping out of the U-Haul wearing pastel-pink dungarees, with all grown-out curls cascading over her back and a thick layer of eyeliner around her beautiful doe eyes.

“Well, it could be true,” Robin presses on.

“No it can't!” Nancy says it in such an indignant tone that it makes Robin snort skeptically.

“I'm serious, Rob.” It sounds stern. “I know you and I know it's not true. It's not your fault.”

“You're seriously telling me I've been dating seven girls over the past seven years, and none of it worked out, and it's all because of them? All those relationships were wildly different; I'm the one consistent factor in all of them, Nance.”

“Yeah, but that doesn't mean you're the problem.” Nancy says it like it's obvious. “Maybe the problem is that you've been picking girls who all have one single thing in common, and that is that they never wanted to make the effort to really listen to you.”

"Huh." Robin closes her eyes for a second, taking her time to let those words sink in. She never thought about it that way. “You think so?”

“Yeah. Mathilde was a bitch anyway,” Nancy says matter-of-factly. “I mean, did she ever ask you to explain why you've been feeling the need to call Steve in the middle of the night lately?”

Robin shrugs. “That's a bit difficult to explain, isn't it?” she points out.

“That's what I'm saying,” says Nancy. “It's exactly why you keep picking out those kind of girls. Because if you're with someone who will actually listen to your story, you're gonna have a problem. Right?”

And, well, shit. It's not like Robin asked for a free therapy session here, but... Nancy is right. Of course she is. She always is.

Robin turns her head to the side, exchanging her view on the white ceiling for a much better one: Nancy's face, so close to her own that she can take in every little detail. The elegant slope of her nose, the wing of her eyeliner, the freckles on her cheeks, her perfect lips... Her face in this en-profile position is mesmerizing. It's not the first time that the thought comes to Robin's mind that Nancy looks like someone who should be in old paintings.

“Do you think you'll ever try to find someone who listens to you?” Nancy asks.

Robin tries to imagine that scenario; it's difficult. Not just because she doesn't really know how that would work in the first place, but mostly because she doesn't actually want to.

“Nah,” she says, trying to make it sound casual instead of really fucking sad.

“Why not?”

Because nobody can ever compare to you anyway, she thinks. But she bites her tongue and shrugs, turning her head back to the ceiling.

“That would be way too complicated, wouldn't it?”

Nancy shuffles and sighs; Robin feels her breath tickle against her cheek.

“I guess,” she mumbles.

“How did you do it?” Robin asks.

Nancy's dating history is not as tumultuous as Robin's. After things ended between her and Jonathan, she had been solo for a while. Then, there had been Ben, and then Kurt, and then it had again been just Nancy for a long time.

“Did what?”

“Did you ever find a way to tell Kurt about all the shit?”

“Nope.” It doesn't exactly sound like she tried very hard.

“Why not?”

“Because I did the same thing you did,” Nancy says. “Chose the wrong people to do that with. So I didn't have to think about it.”

That doesn't feel completely fair to Robin; Nancy had been with her boyfriends longer than Robin had been able to keep even one of her girlfriends around.

“I liked Kurt, he was nice,” she remarks in an attempt to point out the difference without being too blunt about it.

Nancy sighs. “Yeah, he was nice, but he wasn't... Right. I knew that from the beginning. Same with Ben. Even with Jonathan, in a way. Or Steve, even though I was too young to realize it.”

“What do you mean, not right?”

“Boys.”

“Wha-” Robin turns her head sideways so fast that she's lucky she doesn't pull a muscle.

She sees how Nancy's eyes drop from the ceiling and slowly find their way to Robin's face.

“Took me a while to figure that one out,” she says quietly. “But yeah.”

Robin wishes they were lying in a different position; one that would have made it possible for her to take Nancy's hand and squeeze it gently, or to wrap an arm around her, or to pull her in for a hug.

“Thank you for telling me.”

A soft smile is tugging at Nancy's lips. She looks at Robin like she wants to say something, then looks back up to the ceiling again, and Robin copies her movement, biting her own tongue again in order to give Nancy the time and space she clearly needs right now.

Usually, Robin struggles with silences; she'll feel words pile up inside of her until her need to fill the empty space will take over and she'll inevitably start rambling. But this one actually feels comfortable. She wishes that they could keep lying side-by-side on this couch for the rest of the day.

Unfortunately, they can't, though. There's still way too much work to be done. So Nancy hauls her to her feet and soon, the couch gets company of a coffee table, a couple of cozy armchairs, a bookcase, a TV... There are boxes filled with books, kitchen appliances, picture frames, video tapes, clothes; there are closets that need to get assembled and a heavy bedframe that they can barely get to where they need it.

It feels like it will never end, but after two long days of hauling furniture around, the apartment starts to look like a home. A home for which Robin gets a spare key. It rests cold and shiny against the palm of her hand, where Nancy has dropped it, and it makes her realize how real it is that Nancy is finally living close to her again.

Nancy's couch becomes just as much of a home for Robin as her own living room. It's where the two of them share stories, tell secrets, laugh loudly, cry ugly... It's where they watch movies until deep in the night, snuggled up to each other under a soft blanket. It's where they read books side-by-side on lazy Sunday afternoons. It's where they listen to music together and where they listen to what the other has to tell about their day or about anything that's on their minds. It's where Robin finally gets the courage to tell Nancy that nobody has ever listened to her the way Nancy does. It's where Nancy scoots closer towards her to press a kiss against her cheek, right before she finds Robin's lips and they share their first kiss, warm and homely and perfect.

More often than not, it doesn't work out. But once in a lifetime, it does. And once is exactly enough.

[dragonmama76]

All's Faire in Love

Written for 'charm' @steddiemicrofic | Word count: 548 | Rating: G  | CW: none

“Robin,” Steve grumbled, “When you said you wanted to go to a fair this is not what I expected. I was thinking rollercoasters and cotton candy?”

“I definitely told you it was a Renaissance Fair. Eat your turkey leg like a good barbarian so we can check out the vendors.” Robin continued.

“You didn’t tell me what a Renaissance Fair was,” he muttered. “Where are Eddie and Nancy anyway?” Steve decided he’d rather ditch the greasy turkey and tossed it as they passed a trash can. He had agreed to come hoping to spend the day with Eddie, maybe garnering the courage to hold his hand or something but the man had disappeared into the crowd while Steve was ordering his overpriced food.

“They’re saving seats for the joust!” Robin replied over-enthusiastically. “You’ll love it, there’s lots of fighting. Did you know that jousting is actually the official sport of Maryland?”

“I….did not know that. But that sounds cool.” Steve resigned himself to an afternoon of people shouting, “Huzzah!” and allowed himself to be guided into a row of colorful stalls. Robin began shopping in earnest and Steve wandered around checking out some weaponry. This, at least, was interesting. Steve was so engrossed in conversation about the differences between a mace and a flail that he realized he had lost sight of Robin. Thanking the owner of the stall he moved back out into the crowd. As he stood looking a little lost, an older woman covered in colorful scarves waved to get his attention. She beckoned him over and as he approached she called out, “I sense you need some romantic advice. Come in and I’ll read your cards.” Steve rolled his eyes but Robin suddenly reappeared and insisted he go for it. “It’s on me,” she announced with a glint in her eye as she passed some cash over to the fortune-teller.

Steve sat down at the table and the woman began to lay down cards. “This first card represents you,” she began, “Death.” Steve frowned. “Not a literal death, dear, but a change. A change in the way you love, who you love or perhaps…how you love?” She avoided his gaze and flipped the next card. “This represents the object of your affections. The Hierophant. Upright this indicates someone traditional, but in this case it’s inverted and indicates someone unconventional who doesn’t strictly conform to society.” Steve couldn’t help the grin that spread across his face. “Finally this card represents your relationship and what path you should take.” She turned over the card and Steve snorted. “Yes, the Fool. Actually a very positive card which in this case indicates a new adventure. Be bold. Take risks and do not fear rejection.” Steve huffed out a breath. So he should make a move?

Before he left she pressed something into his hand. “What’s this?” he asked. “I can see you still need a push, so it’s a little love charm. Give it to the object of your affections and see what blooms.” Steve thanked her and exited the stall.

Later, watching the joust, Steve leaned over Eddie, and brushed his lips across his temple and handed him back the guitar pick. “I recognized you,” he whispered, “Next time just ask me out like a normal person.”

[upsidedownwithsteve]

Bad For Business: Level Two

Steve Harrington x fem!reader [2K] An enemies to lovers au. Arcade coworkers, who love to hate each other, get too competitive about Dig Dug and share a mutal annoyance for the kids that like to pester them. Choose your own adventure by picking an option at the end of the chapter. “I’m gonna need you to stay late tonight,” Murray said through a mouthful of his sandwich. You startled, realising he was talking to you. Robin sunk down in her seat, her eyes trained on her microwaved pasta. “The games are getting serviced, but they’re not gonna be done until, pshh, midnight? Maybe.”

“What?” You stared at your boss, your own lunch forgotten about. “But Robin was working that, wasn’t this already, uh, discussed?”

“Buckley has a medical appointment,” Murray replied, too busy staring at some coffee stained sheets of paper to give you any attention. “And I don’t like to pry into my employees personal lives, so, you’re it, kid.”

You turned, neck snapping to the girl. She was already grimacing, knowing fine well that you knew there was absolutely no appointment. Your friend had spent all week gushing about a date she had at the weekend, you just assumed it was Sunday, not Saturday, seeing as she was already on the rota for the late shift. 

“Oh no. I hope you’re not too sick, Robin,” you said through clenched teeth. 

The girl sunk further down, her nose level with the table and her lukewarm pasta. She had the good grace to wince and mouth ‘sorry’ at you, eyes wide and apologetic. 

“Anyway, you and Harrington can utilise your time and do something productive, like cleaning the popcorn machine,” Murray waved a hand, distracted, knocking his coffee mug dangerously close to the computer. 

The popcorn machine hadn’t worked since 1973 but you didn’t bother mentioning that, too hung up on the other name that Murray had lumped yours with. “Harrington?” You glared between your boss and Robin, who was now positively morose. “Steve? Steve’s on the late with me? No. No.”

Murray laughed, a mean cackle that told you there wasn’t really any point in arguing, but you tried anyway. “Murray, please, c’mon. Can’t Argyle do the late? Carver? Literally anyone else?”

The man snorted, finally turning on his computer chair, the wheels protesting and he was grinning at you, gaze amused through his wire rimmed glasses. “They’re busy.”

“So am I!” You attempted, voice cracking. 

“You owe me approximately…” he turned back to his desk, rifling through the mess there until he produced what looked to be your timesheet. You bit back a swear. “…five hours this week. And that’s not including the forty minutes you were late this morning, so, I think we can compromise on you doing the late and keeping your job, alright?”

You didn’t say anything, just turning back on your chair to slump down to Robin’s level, arms folded and eyes stormy. The girl knocked your ankle with her own, mouthing another apology across the table, and if it weren’t for the fact she’d been trying to work up the courage to ask Nancy out for months now, you would’ve definitely have done something childish, like knock her pasta off the table. 

But you didn’t. You were fine. It was fine. 

“Make sure you lock up properly when you leave,” Murray reminded you unnecessarily, ‘cause that was Argyle’s bad habit, not yours. “And play nice with Steven - but not too nice.” He ruffled your hair as he passed, already leaving for the day despite the fact there was four hours left of opening. “There’s cameras everywhere, and some of them actually work. We don’t gotta see that, and I got out of the porn business years ago.”

Silence settled over the staff room as he slammed the door behind him, his last comment making Robin firmly push her lunch away. You blinked and stared at her, both of you thinking too much. 

“Is he… was that a joke?” She asked, hesitant to know the answer. 

“I have no idea.”

—————

Steve arrived as the last of the staff left, coming from his day off to spend the next six hours with you in the dark arcade, waiting for a team of greasy haired men to push some buttons on each machine, wiggle a joystick or two and then demand a couple of hundred dollars for their effort. 

It was unnerving to see the boy in normal clothes, no real need for his staff shirt or name badge. His white t-shirt made him look even more tanned, sunkissed from the afternoons spent by his pool, the cotton lit up ultraviolet under the arcade lights. 

“What time are they comin’?” He asked in lieu of greeting, heaving himself up to sit on the desk, narrowly avoiding the bag of chips you’d been snacking on. 

You huffed, an annoyed sound that the boy was so used to, snatching your chips away before he could crush them further. You shrugged, moving away from Steve, eager to put some distance between you and him, ‘cause he smelled too damn nice. 

Like sunscreen and summer, leftover chlorine and a cologne that was probably more than his last paycheck. It was annoyingly distracting. 

“Don’t know, Murray said anytime between seven and ten.” You were already tired, draping yourself over the counter, used ticket stubs sticking to your arms. “This fucking sucks.”

“Didn’t you miss me?” Steve grinned, spinning on the desk to face you, his legs crossed in front of him as he leaned forward, taunting. He was good at giving you the eye, that gaze he gave all the girls, thick lashes fluttering, honey brown stare all soft and warm. 

Too bad it didn’t work on you. 

“No. But I’m glad to see you managed to pick up a sense of humour as well as an STD by the pool today.”

Steve laughed, unperturbed by your vicious comment. It hurt less when you smiled at him like that, all pretty and pleased with yourself, smug about it. “You’re particularly catty today, princess. Still not managed to reclaim a Dig Dug victory?”

“Fuck off.”

Steve grinned. Riling you up was his favourite thing to do. But all too soon, you were pushing yourself away from the desk, chips forgotten about, and rounding the counter. You sighed, looking around the empty arcade as if doing anything was better than talking to him. 

“I’m gonna refill the ticket machines,” you declared, not looking at him when you spoke. “Murray said you need to clean the popcorn machine, so, Godspeed.”

Steve blanked, staring at you as you walked away, bare legs lit up in pinks and blues under the lights, your shorts a constant distraction for him. He hated them. “Wait, what? The popcorn machine hasn’t worked in fucking years.”

“Not my problem!” You waved him off before turning the corner, disappearing behind the chunky machines that had stood since the beginning of the seventies. “Have fun, Harrington.”

Steve let the service men in an hour later, the silence that had fallen over the arcade interrupted by mechanical beeping and the switching on and off of each machine. He hadn’t seen you since he’d first arrived and the fact that he’d only managed to get one rise out of you was severely disappointing. So he searched through the large room, navigating the rows of games in a way he knew all too well, each screen flashing invitingly, the promise of a new adventure stuck behind each one. 

He knew where to find you, it wasn’t all that hard. But he still stopped to watch from afar as you bashed the buttons on the Dig Dug machine, swearing softly to yourself when the game didn’t do what you wanted. It beeped angrily, the screen flashed and a patronising ‘game over’ sign flooded the black background. 

“You’re doing it wrong,” he called out, too happily. 

You spun, scowling at the sound of his voice, his cheery negativity, his wide smirk. A sound of dismissal left your throat, annoyance clear on your face, but you couldn’t resist the bait. “There’s like, three buttons and I only need to use one of them,” you snapped, “how can I be doing it wrong?”

Steve joined you at the machine, leaning on the side of the bulky game, lit up by the flashing neon lights that hung above it. He was six different shades of yellow and orange, all golds and ambers and peaches across tanned skin and brown eyes. He was smug looking, eyes flickering from yours down to your fingers that were prodding at the button, bashing it furiously as you tried to blow up the Fygar’s that were in your way. The game beeped again, angry, and you were back to the main menu. 

Steve’s name flashed obnoxiously from the top of the leaderboard, the number one beside it, setting your teeth on edge. You pushed another coin into the slot, took a deep breath and tried to ignore the boy beside you. 

Steve only managed another minute or two of polite silence before he was sighing. “Jesus, look, like this, yeah?” His hand covered your own, the one hovering over the button and you froze, staring at him from the side of your eyes. “It’s about timing, not how hard you can mash the button into the board.”

You knew how to play. You were number one last week, you weren’t a novice, Dig Dug was your favourite game. You should’ve shaken him off, snarled something mean about men thinking they always knew best but you were frozen, still staring, looking at the boy like a deer trapped in headlights.

Steve pressed his fingers over yours as the game restarted, the tinny, electronic music beginning all over again. He was methodical about it, pressing the shooter only when the enemies got close enough, a vast difference to the way you manically shot on sight. But he frowned when he realised you weren’t moving at all, the joystick frozen in your other hand. 

“C’mon, you’re not exactly helping,” he complained moodily. “S’wrong? Scared I’m trying to seduce you or somethin’?” 

You scowled at that, shifting under Steve’s touch, glaring at him from where he still stood beside the machine; one, warm, wide hand still covering yours. His fingers were so much bigger than your own, swallowing your own against the buttons. 

“As if you could,” you were quick to shoot back, but you ducked your chin, glaring at the screen through your lashes. “More concerned about where your hands have been.”

You heard him huff out a laugh, a breath through the smirk that seemed to always be on his lips when he was around you. He pressed your fingers down again when you tilted the joystick, successfully blowing up three of the little pixelated enemies on screen. 

“Now, now, princess,” Steve’s voice was low, smooth. You hated it. “Don’t act like you weren’t letting Carver drape himself over you last Wednesday.”

You wrinkled your nose at the memory, not liking Jason Carver any more than you did Steve, but at least the latter didn’t invade your personal space like Jason did. The blonde boy seemed to think his old letterman jacket was a one way pass into a girl's pants, no matter how long it had been since high school had ended. 

You had absolutely no interest in Jason, you never had and you told him as such on the daily. But it was still fun to say, “you sound jealous, Steven.” You smirked the same as him, letting your gaze slide to him from the side of your eye, watching as he frowned, cheeks rosier than normal in the arcade lights. 

“Don’t flatter yourself, sweetheart,” he bit back, eyes focused on the screen, his fingers jabbing over yours a little harder than before. “You’re not my type.”

It shouldn’t have cut you as much as it did, a cheap jab, wrapped in barbed wire but it stung all the same. You sneered, a nasty thing, shrugging Steve off, his hand moving from yours and leaving it cold. You pressed the button alone, blowing up the pixels until there were none left and the level cleared. The screen flashed with a new high score and you tilted the joystick with more force than necessary as you typed out your initials. 

Your name took first place on the leader board, knocking STEVE H. to the number two spot. The boy didn’t say anything as you walked away, his eyes on your bare legs, as usual, the taste of regret sitting heavy on his tongue. 

[alex51324]

OK, so it is actually thematically relevant, but not necessarily in a good way

I've mentioned before that a lot of the flaws in OFMD S2 seem to stem from DJenks and the team trying to eat their cake and have it too: when they have two things they want to do, but can't--or don't have time, budget, whatever--to make them actually work together, they just jam them both in anyway.

The biggest of these is, of course, having Izzy die at the end, and a "kind ending," where Stede and Ed launch a non-piracy-based life, while the ship and remaining crew set off under the leadership of the younger generation.

As I've also mentioned before, Izzy's death makes narrative sense as a setup for a revenge arc in the as-of-yet-hypothetical Season 3. The finale gestures toward that with Zheng suggesting they team up, she to avenge her fleet, Ed to avenge his lifelong right-hand man--and the rest of the crew, presumably, to avenge their unicorn.

Ed shrugs his shoulders and fucks off to start an inn, and the rest of the crew sail off for new adventures. That ending would make sense as a series finale: Ed and Stede, having accomplished what they wanted to do in the field of piracy, launch a new, land-based life, while the other sail off to new adventures under the leadership of the next generation. It hasn't quite been earned yet, at this point--for one thing, Stede and Ed have some relationship issues to work through--but given another season, it could work really well.

The trouble is, that you can't cram a happy ending and a sequel hook into the same five minutes. Neither one actually works. You can kind of make out the general idea of both elements, but what actually comes across is the two captains flitting off into a doomed, whim-based venture while giving, a most, maybe half a fuck about Izzy's death.

And the reason that's thematically relevant, is that wanting two contradictory things and once, and refusing to choose between them, is the core of Ed's internal conflict.

He's bored of being Blackbeard, and he's tired of doing violence, and he wants to be soft and open and have genuine relationships with people--but he also wants the respect and deference that come with the Blackbeard brand.

He wants, as we see in the Gravy Basket, to be a simple innkeeper--but for the guests to never be rude or demanding (because they secretly know he could kill them).

He wants to be able to offer a half-assed apology and be embraced without criticism (because he's Blackbeard and they don't actually have a choice).

He wants to be a fisherman who does not actually have to catch any fucking fish (because the other fishermen should be impressed and grateful that Blackbeard is slumming it with them).

Most of all, he wants emotional intimacy with Stede, without vulnerability and the potential of getting hurt. (Because the main thing the Blackbeard persona always was, was a way not to get hurt.)

Ed's entire arc is painting a picture of a man who doesn't know how to make hard choices between two things he really wants.

And season 2, especially combined with the scattershot, contradictory postseason interviews, paints a vivid picture of a showrunner with the exact same problem, artistically speaking.

That may be part of the reason why that aspect of Ed's character is so convincingly and compellingly depicted, but it doesn't bode well for the show actually resolving the conflict.

[littlespacereader]

I haven’t regressed for a while because you know, life sometimes gets in the way. But I finally got a moment after class to have the rest of the evening off and just regress. At first I was worried I wouldn’t be able to regress after a stressful day at college. Then I literally was two second into a Blue’s Clues episode with Steve and suddenly I’m a baby😂 Steve just had the magic touch🥹💞

I felt inspired to write a cute fic with him and a little reader. I’m actually thinking of making a mini series of fics with a little reader in a kids show. What do you think? Would you guys like something like that? Let me know😄

So please enjoy another “side quest fic” I didn’t plan on writing😂💞

Looking for Blue’s Clues🐾

Caregiver!Steve Burns & GN Little!Reader

Tags - scavenger hunt, Steve is the most gentle and patient CG ever, hand holding, hugs

I held my head up high as I walked through the woods, stuffie in hand, backpack on my shoulders, wandering around on my own little adventure. I needed this, just some time away from the busy and hectic working world. I just needed some time outdoors to regress in peace.

And that’s what I did. All my supplies shoved into my backpack, my favorite stuffie in hand, I am ready to go! I started on a trail, following the winding trail through the thick woods. I’ve been on this trail before, it’s calm, quiet and peaceful. Perfect for a regression day.

As I kept walking I noticed something with my usual trail. The trail split into two pathways. One, the usual path, went right and down towards a river. But now there’s a left path, a path that’s never existed before. Maybe the parks department decided to make a new path for everyone?

There was something deep down inside of me that filled with excitement for the new adventure. I looked to my stuffie in hand, “What do you think (stuffie name)?”

Though they didn’t outright say it, I knew my stuffie wanted me to go forward towards the adventure.

“You’re so right! New trail it is!”

The path wasn’t very different than the other trail, though it did go deeper into the woods. But there was a clearing up ahead, I could see there was a colorful neighborhood with a yellow house.

A blue dog ran infront of me, stopping me in my tracks. She began talking to me before she skipped away. I smiled to myself, a blue dog?! That’s a first!

Suddenly out of the corner of my eyes I spotted something. On one of the tall trees next to me is a blue paw print. I walked over and looked at the print and smiled. Why would there be a blue paw print here? Did that dog leave it behind?

“A clue!”

I quickly turned around to be greeted by a man in a stripped green shirt. He smiled, happy to see me as if he knew me his whole life.

“You found a clue!”

“A clue?” I pointed to the blue print.

“A blue’s clue! Great job! You’re very smart.”

I couldn’t help but smile at the praise. “Thank you, but I wasn’t even trying.”

“You weren’t trying to find blue’s clue and you found it anyway? You’re better at this than me! Wow!” Again, the stranger glowed with praise.

“I’m Steve, it’s so nice to meet you.” He put his hand out to shake.

“I’m Y/N. It’s nice to meet you too.” I gladly shook his hand.

“Now that we have our first clue, we gotta put it in our handy dandy notebook!” Steve pulled out his notebook from his back pocket, popping the crayon out from the top and flipping to the first page.

He stood along side me so I could see what he was drawing. “So our first clue is a tree. We’ll start with two big lines for the trunk of the tree, then we’ll draw smaller lines on the top for the branches, then we’ll make this curly lines for the leafs at the top of the tree. There, a tree.” He looked up from his drawing to smile back at me.

“Our first clue is a tree. So what could Blue want to do tonight after dinner with…a tree?” He asked me.

I began thinking of all the possibilities a tree could mean. What does his dog want to do tonight? “Maybe she wants to play fetch with one of the branches of the tree?”

Steve hummed in agreement, “Good idea, maybe she does watch to play fetch. But we have to find the other clues to be sure.”

I nod my head in agreement but I can’t help but ask. “How many clues are there?”

“There are three clues. Once we find all three clues we sit in our thinking chair and think, think, think. Because when we use our minds, we take a step out of time and we can do anything that we want to do.” His smile is utterly contagious because I smile just as big as him.

“I’m really going to need your help to find the other two clues. Will you help me find them?”

“Yeah!” I practically jump saying.

“Really? Thank you! You’re the best! Now, this second clue must be around here somewhere…Lets go this way.” He hold his hand out to me as a silent offer.

I appreciate him not being pushy or just grabbing my hand. It was an invitation if I wanted it, so I took his hand in mine. Together we walked to the yellow house I saw earlier.

Steve opened the door and lead the way into his house. It’s beautiful with its peach tone wallpaper and big red chair in the living room.

“That’s the thinking chair,” Steve pointed out, “Once we’ve got all three clues we’ll sit there and think.”

Then it was off to the kitchen to further find a clue. Inside on the counter top is a family different spices.

“Y/N,” he squeezed my hand, “I’d like to introduce you to Mr. Salt and Mrs. Pepper and their children Cinnamon and Paprika.”

I couldn’t believe my eyes as the Salt and Pepper shaker waved and talked to me.

“Bonjour Y/N! Welcome to our home!” Mr. Salt waved.

“So wonderful to have you here.” Mrs. Pepper added.

“So nice to meet you both.” I smiled back.

But then my eyes caught it, across the kitchen on another counter top sat a bag of marshmallows. And on the bag? A big blue paw print!

“Steve! A clue! A clue!!” I squeezed his hand back and was jumping out and down.

“The flu? You don’t look sick to me. Here let me check.” He held his hand to my forehead. “No, you don’t have a temperature.”

I couldn’t help but giggle to Steve. “No! A clue! Over there!” I pointed to the paw print.

Steve gasped and quickly the two of us ran over to the bag of marshmallows. “So our second clue is…marshmallows. You know what we gotta do. We gotta put this clue in our handy dandy…”

“Notebook!”

“That’s right! Our notebook! Now, a marshmallow. We’ll make two round lines on the side and an oval on the top. At the bottom we’ll make half a circle to connect the sides. There! A marshmallow! But what could Blue want to do tonight after dinner with…a tree and a marshmallow?”

The two of us stopped and started to think about the clues. There were pretty different from one another. It would be hard to tell what they meant together.

“Maybe she wants to play fetch then eat some marshmallows?” I suggested.

Steve gasped and nodded his head, “Maybe! But I think we should find our last clue before we decide.” I nodded in agreement.

Mail time, mail time mmmmaaaaaiiilllll ttttiiimmmmeeee

“Oh! The mail is here!” Steve grabbed my hand and together we ran into the living room. Blue and him started dancing around happy for the mails arrival. After a minute I started to join in the fun.

“Here’s the mail, it never fails. It makes me want to wag my tail. When it comes I want to wail, MMMMMAAAAAIIIIILLLLL!!!”

Steve plopped down into his thinking chair and held his hand out for me to sit as well. “You’re more than welcome to sit on my lap or on the arm of the chair. Whichever is more comfortable for you Y/N.”

After a moment of consideration, I chose to sit on the arm of the chair next to Steve. The mailbox stretched into the room and over to our chair. “Mails here! Mails here!”

“Mailbox! I’d like you to meet my friend Y/N. Y/N, this is Mailbox.”

“It’s nice to meet you.” I smiled to the purple mailbox.

“It’s nice to meet you too! Infact this letter is for you.”

“It’s for me?”

“Yup! Here you go!” Mailbox opens his lid and Steve grabbed the letter for me.

“We just got a letter, we just got a letter, we just got a letter, wonder who it’s from.” He went to open the letter but paused and looked to me. “Y/N this is your mail. Would you rather open it or would you like me to?”

“Could you open and read it?” I asked a bit shy. But Steve brought me back to feeling comfortable with his warm smile and nod.

“Of course I can. Now let’s see, oh! It appears that this letter is from a (stuffie name here).”

I gasped and looked down at my stuffie. “It’s from (stuffie name here)?!”

“Uh-huh. That what it says. The letter goes,

Dear Y/N,

Thank you for always taking such great care of me. Thank you for always coming to me whenever you need extra love and comfort. Always know I will forever be with you even when you have to go to school or work. There’s always a piece of me inside of you just as there a piece of you inside of me.

Love you always,

(Stuffie name).”

Tears started to fall down from my eyes as I looked at my stuffie in hand. They looked back up at me with a smile and a wink.

“What a beautiful letter! Your stuffie is very grateful for you Y/N, just as I’m sure you are for them. Oh, I don’t think we were introduced. It’s nice to meet you (stuffie name).” Steve leaned over and shook the stuffie’s (hand, paw, fin, ect.)

“They said it’s nice to meet you too.” I add back to Steve, wiping the happy tears from my eyes.

“Are you okay?”

I hum in agreement. “My stuffie was just so nice.”

“They seem great! You’re perfectly matched because you’re great and they’re great too.” Steve smiled. “Now, would you like to take a moment here or would you like to go find the last clue?”

“The last clue!!”

“Alright!” He stood up and offered his hand again. I jumped off the chair and took his hand in mine again. “Off we go looking for clues…but ummm…where do you think we should go?”

I looked outside and saw the sunsetting. It might be nice to get some fresh air again. “Maybe outside?” I offered.

“Great idea! Follow me.” Steve led the way as we ventured back outside.

Outside we started to walk around the town. Steve showed me the eye doctor where Blue’s friend Magenta got her new glasses, then there was the present shop where his brother Joe works and another house down the block where his cousin Josh lives. The town seemed so nice and peaceful.

Since we didn’t see anymore of Blue’s clues we ventured back to Steve’s house and into the back yard. There it seemed all of his friends were handing out around a picnic blanket, tree and a fire pit. WAIT A MINUTE! THE FIRE PIT!

“Steve!! A clue!! Another clue!!” I pointed out again.

“Really?! Where?”

“There by the fire pit! The final clue!”

Steve gasped and looked at the fire pit. There, at the base of it was the clue.

“A clue!! Our final clue! And it’s on the fire pit. You know where we need to put this, in our handy dandy…”

“NOTEBOOK!”

Steve grabbed his notebook from his back pocket and began drawing. “So our last clue is…a fire pit. We’ll start by making a cylinder for the fire pit. Then spark points for the fire inside of it. There, a fire pit!”

He closed the notebook then looked at me just as excited. “We have all three clues! We have to sit in our-.”

“Think chair!!”

“Yes! Come on!”

The two of us raced back inside the house and over to the thinking chair. Steve sat in his usual spot and I opted for the arm of the chair again. Blue ran over and joined us, to see if we got it right.

“So now that we’re in our thinking chair, let’s think. So what could Blue want to do tonight after dinner? What’s our first clue?”

“A tree.”

“That’s right! A branch! Good job remembering. So our first clue is a branch. But what was our second?”

“Marshmallows!”

“You’re right it’s marshmallows! You have an amazing memory.” He smiled.

“Finally our last clue is a fire pit. So what could Blue want to do tonight after dinner, with a tree, marshmallows and a fire pit?”

The two of sat in the chair together and think, think, think. They did seem random at first but they meant to go together. Then suddenly it hit me!

“Steve! I’ve got it! I’ve got it!!”

“What is it Y/N?”

“Blue wants to use the wood from the tree to make a fire so that she can roast marshmallows!”

Steve’s face lights up to the idea. He looks to Blue who start jumping around the room happily. “You did it Y/N! You figure out Blue’s Clues!”

Steve jumps up and put his arms open to me. I immediately run into them, getting a big hug from him. “You are so smart! I am so proud of you!”

Tears build up in my eyes hearing the admission. He’s treated me so sweet for hardly knowing me. I haven’t felt this safe and happy in such a long time.

“Come on, let’s go outside and get ourselves a marshmallow.” Steve says as we break apart.

The two of us join the rest of the neighborhood outside to roast some marshmallows. There I meet Joe and Josh as well as the rest of the family including Magenta, Sidetable, and more.

I sat next to Steve as the evening turned to night. We looked up at the stars above as we ate our marshmallows.

“You know, you could stay if you wanted?” Steve said after a moment. I looked at him shocked at first. “It’s just that, you did such a good job finding all the clues. And Blue and I loved having you here. Plus, I could look after you and show you the rest of the town and-.”

He stopped himself. “Sorry, what I’m trying to say is. If you like to stay you’re more than welcome to. I’d love to have you here. And before you say anything, I don’t mind your regression. I’d love to help take care of you and maybe even possible be your Caregiver. So what do you think?”

I immediately began to tear up again. “I’d love to stay and I’d love to have you as my Caregiver.”

Steve’s nervousness turned immediately to happiness as he put his arms out again. I didn’t waste any time as I joined him in a hug.

“I’m so happy to hear that Y/N. I think you’re going to be the best person for this town. I couldn’t be more happy to have you here Y/N.” Steve added as we broke apart.

“I couldn’t be more happy to be here.” I smiled back.

[pluckyredhead]

The Lost Titans in Canon: Jason and Eddie

Because I am very normal and VERY excited to finally start posting The Lost Titans on Monday (mark your calendars!), I'm also going to start doing some in-depth posts on the canon relationships between these characters. Some have a lot of history, some have only met in passing, and some (Koryak) have never been allowed to hang out with anyone outside of the ocean.

We're starting with Jason and Eddie, whose relationship is referenced in exactly two (2) comics, but it has me in a chokehold anyway.

The first of these is Blue Devil #19, where we learn that Jason and Eddie are pen pals:

THESE BABIES. I AM DYING.

(In case you can't read the cursive, Eddie's letter says "That jewel thief had been hitting the posh Rodeo Drive shops like clockwork - one every Saturday! So when I learned Miggles' was displaying the Star of Pakistan, it was an easy guess where he'd show up next!" and Jason's says "Dear Kid Devil, Thank you for writing to me! I think being pen pals is a swell idea and I'm looking forward to reading all about your adventures! But to start with, let me tell you about a case I'm working on right now...!")

It does sort of make sense that Jason and Eddie would have been teamed up, because they were pretty much the only kids in the DCU at this point - it was 1985, and the Titans were all around 18, while Jason and Eddie were like...12 or 13, maybe? And I genuinely can't think of any other kid characters from around that time.

Anyway, it is a very short story - only four pages - but it ends with the boys realizing they fought the same bad guy and teaming up to catch him:

I love how much shorter Eddie is than Jason. What a little nugget.

The only other reference to this friendship comes literally 22 years later, in Teen Titans #42, after Eddie gets his powers. While running over his origin, he drops this:

THAT'S RIGHT, EDDIE BLOOMBERG IS RIDE OR DIE AND DON'T YOU FORGET IT. Fun fact: Jason had actually come back from the dead two years before. It's unclear if Eddie knows that, because he uses the word "was" here - Jason did attack Tim in Titans Tower in #29, but that was before Eddie joined the team, so who knows?

Anyway, that's the Jason and Eddie friendship in canon! Now I am going to go back to writing letters to DC begging them to let these two team up again.

[fallingforfictionalcharacterss]

Do you remember the scene in the fourth book, where Draco is turned in to a ferret? Could you write something where the reader finds Draco, unaware that it's him and takes him to her dorm and he has to stay for the night? Like reader and Draco usually don't get along (maybe Gryffindor reader) but she talks with Hermione about him and everything. And when the reader wakes up the next morning it's not a ferret but Draco lying next to her and she gets super embarrassed? Would be great if you have an idea on how to write it.

Thanks for your request! I really hope that this makes some sense since I struggled with writing it in a way that it all sounds logical. Hope you like this anyway!

The ferret

“It is my very great pleasure to inform you that the Triwizard Tournament will be taking place at Hogwarts this year.”

Dumbledore´s words still echoed in your head. This had been the most amazing message in a very long time. You knew that this year would be amazing. Instead of hunting down giant snakes or supposed serial killers together with Harry, this year you would be able to lean back and watch someone else experience all the adventures. You on the other hand would watch the bustle from a safe distance. There was nothing that could go wrong this year, was there?

You walked along the long corridors with Hermione, Ron and Harry, chatting about the most obvious topic after that announcement.

“It´s unfair that no one under the age of seventeen is allowed to participate. I mean it´s not my fault I was born too late.”, Ron grumbled.

“There´s a reason for this rule Ron.”, Hermione explained for the tenth time. “It´s too dangerous. We aren´t educated enough to participate at the tournament. I´m sure that the challenges will be very demanding.”

“And besides.”, you added, “I don’t think we would stand a chance against the older ones. I heard Diggory and Warrington want to participate. They would have some lead anyway.” “Yeah, but imagine all the money… You could do so much with it….”, Ron´s voice sounded dreamy.

“Maybe your family could finally afford things that aren’t used already, Weaselbee.”, you heard a voice sneering behind you.

You rolled your eyes. Draco Malfoy somehow always managed to appear in the most adverse moments.

“Just ignore him.”, you mumbled, as you felt Ron tense next to you.

“Oh yeah, Weaselbee, listen to her. You´re probably too stupid to think for yourself. Lies within the family as my father has told me.”

Now, Hermione and you needed to grab Ron and Harry by their shoulders so they wouldn´t turn around right away and hex Malfoy in the middle of the hallway. Not that you would have resented. But Malfoy wasn’t worth a second of detention. And luckily Hermione thought the same.

“No one can tell me Malfoy wouldn’t take the chance to participate if he would have one.”, Hermione muttered.

“Obviously. Just another chance to give himself airs.”, you agreed with your friend. “Could you imagine Malfoy as our champion?”, Harry asked. “He wouldn’t even last ten seconds.”

“Dad told me some students had died in the tournament. Wouldn’t be a shame if this would happen to Malfoy though.” Ron´s face was still red, but he smiled at his cruel thoughts. “All the things that could happen to him…”

“He probably wouldn’t even dare to compete in the end.”, Hermione said.

“Or would give up as soon as he breaks off a fingernail.”, Harry laughed.

“His father would definitely hear about this.”, you chuckled, making all of you laugh.

Even though you would never admit it, you kinda missed the blond Slytherin boy over the summer holidays. Without his sneered remarks, life was way more boring. But all in all, you corrected yourself, you hadn’t missed Malfoy himself, but more the way you and your friends made fun of him. There was no other reason for you to miss him. Because you had never really liked that boy. And there was nothing that could change that.

It was your first actual day back at Hogwarts. Today, the classes had started again. Even though you had missed many things about school, homework wasn’t one of them. And after only one day, you had already loads of them. That´s why you were at dinner early, before returning to the library, to finish some of your assignments. You didn’t want to fall behind already. But not even two hours later, you felt your eyes getting heavy. With a sigh, you closed the book before you and put it back on the shelf. You saw Hermione a few desks away, delving into a book. You didn’t dare to talk to her, since you knew how much she hated it when you disturbed her while she was studying. Also, all you wanted to do by now, was get back to your dorm and in your bed.

As you walked through the already empty corridors, you suddenly heard some whimpering. You stopped and turned your head in different directions, trying to locate the noise. That´s when you saw it. A tiny white ferret crouched in one of the corners, cheeping pathetically. Carefully you took a few steps toward the pet. It was shaking frantically and its fur looked scrubby.

“Oh, you poor thing, what happened to you?”, you spoke up.

You had always had a soft spot for animals and to see that little thing that looked so beat up, made your heart clench. When the ferret saw you coming, it only crawled more into the corner, too exhausted to actually run away.

When you kneeled in front of it, the whimpering got only louder and the shivering more intense. It was obviously scared, but as far as you could see, it wasn’t hurt.

“What am I supposed to do with you?”, you asked the ferret, even though you didn’t expect an answer.

Slowly, you extended one arm and then with a quick movement you grabbed the ferret, picking it up. It squirmed, trying to escape your grip, but you were skilled in those things. Since you could remember you had always brought hurt animals home, driving first your parents and later your roommates crazy. But you didn’t care about their opinion and always fed the animals up, before releasing them into the wild again. After a few minutes, the ferret seemed to calm down, not trying to escape anymore.

“Are you hungry? We could take a look into the kitchen and ask if they got anything left. What do you think? And tomorrow we will take you to Hagrid. He will know what to do with you.”

With that, you changed your original plan to go directly to your dorm but headed towards the kitchen first.

You sat on your bed in your dorm, eying the ferret worried. The house-elves in the kitchen had given you some raw meat and water for your newest nursing case. But the ferret hadn’t touched the food yet. It had drunk the water as if it was dying of thirst, but its fur had bristled when you had tried to feed it with the raw meat. Instead, it seemed to be very interested in the chocolate on your nightstand. But this obviously wasn’t the best choice for a wild animal, so you refused to give some of it to it.

You were just trying to convince the ferret once more to try some of the raw liver, when Hermione entered the dorm. As she saw the animal on your lap, she scrunched her face.

“Once more (Y/n)?”

“I found it in the castle. Completely lost. But now it doesn’t want to eat.”

You looked at Hermione scared.

“Maybe its sick?”, your friend suggested.

She stepped closer to look at the ferret, but as she did so, it quickly got up, trying to get away from her. Luckily, you caught it, before it could disappear.

“I´ll get it to Hagrid tomorrow. He´ll know what to do.”

Hermione raised an eyebrow.

“Hagrid? He´s probably gonna feed it to some of his creatures.”

As if the ferret knew what she was saying, it squeaked indignantly. You put the meat aside and carefully caressed the fur of the ferret.

“Don’t worry, I´ll make sure he won´t. I just want to ask him if he has any idea what´s wrong with it. And when it´s fit again, I´m going to release it far away from Hagrid´s creatures and all the owls flying around here.” You glanced to Hermione´s bed, where Crookshanks was lying, eyes fixed on the small thing on your lap and licking its muzzle. “And cats.”, you added.

“Do you think it’s a pet?”, Hermione asked. “Maybe it belongs to one of the students. I mean it looks different from the ones roaming around outside of the castle. Just look at its fur. It´s so light, almost as if someone bleached it.”

You shrugged your shoulders.

“Maybe I should ask around tomorrow. But are ferrets allowed as pets?”

Now it was on Hermione to shrug her shoulders.

“I don’t think so. But I also don’t remember that it´s forbidden.”

“I´ll take care of it tomorrow.”, you yawned. “At first I need some sleep.”

You looked at the ferret.

“You too, don’t you?”

Once again, it seemed as if the ferret understood what you were saying since it got up from your lap and tripled over your bed, straight to your pillow and curled up right in the middle of it. You laughed.

“I´ll take this as a yes.”

After you had gone to the bathroom, you grabbed your pyjamas, starting to change your clothes. You couldn’t help but feel as if the ferret that was still curled up on your pillow watched each of your movements closely, probably only waiting for you to open a door or a window, giving it a chance to escape.

Hermione, who was already laying in bed, put her book aside.

“By the way, have you heard what happened in the Great Hall at dinner?”

You shook your head. When you had been there, most of the students hadn’t arrived yet and after dinner, you had only been in the library and the kitchen.

“Padma Patil had just told me. I met her on my way back here. Apparently, Professor Moody had hexed Malfoy.”

Hermione chuckled and you stared at her in disbelieve.

“He did what?”

“Hexed Malfoy. Padma hasn’t seen what had happened, but Parvati had told her. Apparently, Malfoy had disputed with Ron and Harry. And when Harry turned his back, Malfoy wanted to hex him. But Professor Moody was faster.”

You laughed.

“What did he do?”

“Transfigured him into a rat, Padma told me. But she wasn’t sure about that. Parvati had only seen him running down the hallway afterwards.”

“And did he turn him back?”

Hermione shrugged her shoulders.

“I think so. Professor McGonagall was there too. She was certainly furious. Don’t think she appreciated this. But even if he didn’t, transfigurations of humans only last for a few hours.”

“Poor Moody, It takes some time until Professor McGonagall loses it, but if she does, I don’t want to be near. He´s lucky if he doesn’t get hexed himself.”, you chuckled.

“And she´s right. Transfiguration shouldn’t be used as a punishment.”

You raised an eyebrow.

“Even if it´s Malfoy?”

“Even if it´s Malfoy.”, Hermione confirmed.

But then she chuckled.

“But I would have loved to see this nevertheless.”, she grinned.

You laughed.

“Me too. We have to ask Harry and Ron about it tomorrow immediately. I need a detailed report.”

“Do you think Malfoy will let this matter rest?”, Hermione said, now a little bit more serious.

You shrugged your shoulders.

“What does he want to do? And besides, he´s probably way too scared of Moody. Kind of understandable, I guess.”

“Probably his father will hear about it.”, Hermione chuckled, making you grin.

You let yourself fall onto your bed and tried to shove the ferret on your pillow to the side, but it squeaked in protest, trying to defend its cosy position. You sighted.

“You are just like Malfoy, you know that? You could be kinda cute if you wouldn’t be so annoying. Also, now that I think about it, your hair looks very similar.”

“I´m sure I misheard this (Y/n). Did you just call Malfoy cute?”, Hermione said in a mocking voice.

You felt your cheeks redden. You hadn’t thought about what you had just said. Not that you actually thought Malfoy was cute. You didn’t like him. At all. But you also had to admit that besides his many bad qualities, he also had some good ones. Not only he was good-looking and an amazing Quidditch player, he was also very smart -his grades could nearly keep up with Hermione´s- and of it wouldn’t be against you, your friends and your house, his humour could actually be funny.

“I said he could be cute.”, you corrected your friend, as you snuggled yourself under the warm blanket. “If he wouldn’t be such a pain in the ass.”

Hermione rolled her eyes.

“Yeah, but he´s one all the time. And besides, tell me one good thing about him.”

“I don’t know. He´s clever, he´s a great seeker, he´s always good for a laugh- even if it´s unintentionally most of the time-, he´s got beautiful eyes…” You stopped when you saw Hermione´s gaze. “And he´s originated from a family full of people who would judge me for being friends with you and not thinking I´m something better since I´m a pureblood.”

The last sentence you said in a stilted voice, making Hermione laugh.

“I was actually worried about you for a moment (Y/n). I would have taken you for the last person to defend Malfoy.”

“I didn’t defend him. I just made some objective observations. I mean even you can’t deny that he´s grown attractive over the holidays, don’t you?”

“You don’t expect me to answer this, do you?”, Hermione asked.

“Relax, I´m just joking.”, you calmed your friend down. “And no matter how good-looking or smart he might be, that doesn’t matter if he stays the idiot he is.”

But as you turned off the lights and lay there in the silence, you came to the conclusion that even if you had said those things to annoy Hermione, they weren’t completely untrue. Draco Malfoy was for sure handsome and you had to admit that you might be missing something in your life without his constant teasing. But as long as he stayed the spoiled brat he was, your feelings towards the Slytherin boy wouldn’t change a bit.

That´s what you thought as you drifted off into sleep. And as you did so, you felt the tiny ferret next to you carefully cuddling itself into the crook of your neck.

Your alarm woke you up rudely the next morning. With a switch of your wand, you quickly turned off the annoying noise. You heard Hermione growling in the bed next to your quietly. The first days after the holidays were always the worst. You didn’t dare to open your eyes yet, trying to prevent your sweet dreams from slipping away completely. You felt the source of warmth next to you and turned around to nuzzle your face into it. You inhaled the comforting smell of expensive cologne and pines and listened to the steady heartbeat, just as calm as yours. You felt an arm wrapping around you and sighted in comfort. You could have lied here like this forever. You felt as if you were protected from all the harm out there. As if everything was just fine, even if it was just for this moment. You couldn’t remember a morning neither in school nor at home, where you had felt that good. And the reason for this feeling was the person right next to you, who now pulled you even closer, so your head could lay on their chest. Why hadn’t you felt like this earlier?

Because normally, no one was lying next to you. Within seconds you sat up, now fully awake. The room was still dark, but you could clearly see the contours of someone lying next to you. In your bed. Someone who hadn’t been there when you had fallen asleep. You screamed loudly, grabbing the blanket to cover yourself, crawling to the end of the bed, to get as much distance between the person and you. Rising up, as they heard your scream, the person screamed as well in a high-pitched voice, trying to grab the blanket as well, but you were still clinging on to it.

“What the hell is going on here?”, you heard the sleepy voice of Hermione.

With a switch of her wand, she opened the curtains, making the sunlight fall into your room.

You stared at the person on your bed in disbelief.

“Malfoy? What? How? Why? What are you doing here? How did you come in?”, you stuttered, as you recovered from the shock.

“Asks the person who brought me here.”, Malfoy muttered, his cheeks were red, but probably nothing compared to how much your face had heated up.

“What? How could I… No, why should I bring you here? Are you kidding me?”, you asked, feeling the anger boiling up in you.

Was that some kind of cruel joke? How dared he sneak to your dorm and into your bed and blame you for it?

“If you would stop being such a do-gooder, you may not drag innocent people into your dorm, who had been cursed and aren’t able to defend themselves.”, he snapped back.

“What?”

“The ferret.”, you heard Hermione´s voice from the other side of the room.

You stared at her in disbelief.

“The ferret?”

“Remember? Professor Moody had hexed Malfoy. It wasn’t a rat. It was a ferret.”

“Sometimes even you have some bright moments, Granger.”, Malfoy sneered.

“Wait, wait, wait, let me get this straight.”, you said, before Hermione could reply something unfriendly. “You were the ferret I found yesterday in the corridor?”

Malfoy nodded.

“Why didn’t you say something?”

Malfoy rolled his eyes.

“Well, you aren’t that bright, are you (Y/l/n)? How could I? I´ve been a ferret.”

“But you could have done something. Anything. To make us notice. By Merlin´s beard. You slept in my bed. You heard how Hermione and I talked about… Oh good lord, I even changed in front of you.”

You hid your face in your hands in embarrassment. Malfoy grinned cockily.

“Not that I would have minded.”

“I think that´s my cue. I´ll get ready somewhere else. See you at breakfast.”, Hermione said, before grabbing her things and opening the door.

“Wait. How do we get him out of here?”, you held her back.

But Hermione just shrugged her shoulders.

“Down the stairs and through the common room.” “How are we going to explain that?”

“I won´t have to, you brought him here, you will get him out.”, Hermione grinned, obviously enjoying your desperation.

“Mione.”, you whined.

“I´ll think of something (Y/n) how I´ll get the other out of here. But first I´ll get ready and unlike you, I don’t want Malfoy watching me.”

She quickly closed the door behind her and the pillow you had thrown into her direction only hit the wood.

“Great friends you have.”, Draco rumbled.

“Says the boy, who was not in his dorm for an entire night and no one noticed.”, you countered. “Now just get out of here, this is more than embarrassing.”

But Draco just grinned at you and laid back again.

“What part exactly love? That you slept in the same bed with me? Or that I saw you in your -by the way really adorable- underwear? Or that I heard every single thing Granger and you talked about the last evening?” With each of his words, you felt your face redden more and more until you feared you might burst into flames right away. You grabbed the blanket and wrapped it around your body, crossing your arms in front of your chest.

“You were neither supposed to hear nor see any of these things. If someone should be embarrassed, then it´s you.”

But Malfoy looked at you unimpressed.

“I´m the victim. I was hexed by a professor and then kidnapped by you.”

You laughed in disbelief.

“Kidnapped? I wanted to help you. Well, not you, the ferret. I mean, you are… You were the ferret. But I didn’t know…”

“But you also can´t blame me though, can you?”

You clenched your jaw. He was right. You couldn’t.

“Well, if it was so horrible here, you might as well leave now.”, you snapped.

Slowly Draco sat up and looked at you. His gaze grew more intense and made shivers run down your spine. Unintentionally, you wrapped the blanket tighter around your body.

“I never said it was horrible though. Well, except the food.”

He scrunched his nose. You let out a small giggle at the thought that you actually wanted to feed the spoiled Draco Malfoy with the residues from the kitchen. Malfoy looked at you pleasantly surprised as he heard your laugh.

“Well, sorry about that.”, you chuckled.

“I´m sure if I would have been an actual ferret, I would have enjoyed it though.”, he said, making you laugh once more.

“See? Sometimes I can even make you laugh intentionally.” As you remembered the conversation with Hermione the last day, you felt your face heating up again.

“Right, about that… Just don’t pride yourself on that, okay Malfoy?”, you said, avoiding his gaze.

“Don’t worry, I´ll just forget it if that´s what you want.”

You looked at him in surprise. You had expected that he would hold every word you had said against you. The positive things as well as the negative ones.

“Okay. Well, thanks, I guess.”

“It´s fine. I mean you are right. I wasn’t meant to hear this, so I shouldn’t nail you down for what you have said.”

You nodded thankfully.

“But can I ask you one thing about it?”, Malfoy asked, his voice sounding serious.

You sighted.

“Sure.”

“You said you might think I´m cute if I wouldn’t be…”

“If you wouldn’t be you?”

“If I wouldn’t be such an idiot sometimes.” You nodded.

“Did you mean this?”

You hesitated. Have you meant it? You remembered the feeling when you had woken up next to him. You hadn’t known it was him, still, you had had the feeling as if you could trust him. As if you had been safe. You slowly nodded.

“I think so.”

“So if I might…”, Malfoy stopped and scratched his neck. “If I would try to avoid some topics in the future, do you think… Well, that the two of us might be able to… get along sometime?”

You looked at him in surprise, but for Malfoy, the patterns duvet cover seemed to be very interesting now.

“It´s not just about the comments, you know? It´s about the fact that you believe in the things you say.”

Malfoy nodded.

“And if I… if I would try to change that too?”

“You know it´s not that easy, don’t you?”

“Yes, but I think it might be worth a try.”

He glanced up at you, throwing you a shy smile, that for some reason, made your heartbeat speed up. You couldn’t help but return your smile.

“I think so too.”

Malfoy sighted in relief.

“I promise I will try.” But then his cocky smile returned to his face. “But honestly, you would miss it if I wouldn’t tease you anymore, wouldn’t you?”

You laughed.

“But I wouldn’t mind if you wouldn’t insult my friends, family and house every time you do so.”

Malfoy looked slightly embarrassed.

“Well, I might try. But I won’t promise anything.”

“Neither will I.”

Your gaze caught his and you felt some goosebumps on your skin as he smiled sweetly at you. But then another thought crossed your mind.

“Why that change of heart though?”

Malfoy shrugged his shoulders.

“You look cute when you sleep, I guess.”, he said.

You weren’t sure if he was honest or joking. Probably both.

“You know that sounded creepy, don’t you?”, you laughed.

“Sorry.”, the boy chuckled. “But it´s true though.”

You weren’t quite sure how to answer. Then your gaze fell on the clock.

“Shit.”, you cursed. “Already that late?”

You got up, grabbing some fresh clothes.

“You really need to leave. Don’t want to be late on my second day.”

“Shouldn’t I wait for you?”, Malfoy asked, but you shook your head.

“I need to get ready first.”

“Wouldn’t mind watching. It´s not like I´ve never done before”, the boy said teasingly.

“Out. Now!”, you laughed.

Malfoy got up and went to the door.

“See you around (Y/n).”, he smiled.

“See you around.”, you said, before you added: “You need to go left and then down the stairs and through the common room.”

Draco nodded and threw you a last smile, before he left the room.

You had just gathered all of your things when you realized, you had forgotten to tell him something important.

Quickly, you left the room.

“Draco?”, you called.

But then you heard a loud bang and a string of curse words, you didn’t even know.

“Would it have hurt you to tell me that those stairs turn into a fucking slide, (Y/l/n)?”, he yelled from downstairs.

“Are you hurt?”, you asked worried.

“Only my pride.”, he grumbled as he got up again, in a not-so-elegant way.

“Normally that´s how boys are prevented to get into the girl's dorm. But looks like it doesn’t count for transfigured ones.”, you explained to him from the upper landing.

“Then I´ll have to get myself turned into a ferret every time I want to visit you?”, Malfoy mocked.

“Maybe you don’t have to sneak into my dorm every time you want to do so.”, you countered.

Malfoy laughed.

“We´ll see about that love.”

Taglist: @xodracomalfoyxo @marigold-morelli @writingwitch007

[indigos-stardust]

Four Keys: Skhadu (Shadow)

So I'm gonna be real guys I am filled with guilt that I have not posted their lore and stories, I'm just too much of a perfectionist so I'm just gonna ramble like I'm talking to a friend so I can get all of this out

Tw for child abuse, but its not descriptive its just part of his story

So Skhadu is an illegitimate prince of the draconic people in this fantasy world. He hates his father (Ganondorf <3) and his fathers Advisor/Mage (Vaati <3) even more!

He hates not having real power but still being forced into doing crap for everyone and then not even having the freedom to make his own choices.

Hes kinda been forced into this enforcer role, where he kinda has to terrorize anyone trying to plan some rebellion or coup or whatever. There's a lot of issues especially with the Kings great hibernation coming and the rumor of their only valid heir, Skhadu's half sister, being extremely ill. Like "Oh hey I might die" ill.

She would be the one with the crown and guardianship of their fathers Realm (kingdom wise and centuries nap wise). So if she's out for the picture, or at least weak, then that leaves alot of room for plenty of others to take a chance at power.

Point is though, Skhadu still has to attend stffy formal events, be constantly controlled so he doesnt "Embarrass the crown even more", and train to just do whatever everyone else orders him to do. The training is very brutal, and with Vaati being the one teaching him his magics? No very fun...

Not to mention he's constantly disrespected and humiliated, he has no choice, no freedom... just occasionally pity. It's what his father said preventing him from being killed.

So Skhadu runs away. He's still a prince. Just a Prince of Theives now. Or that's what he proclaims anyways.

He wants to make as much money as possible with as much chaos and fun as he wants thank you very much! Get real power on his own! Cause as much chaos and destruction however HE wants to! Not worry about responsibilities or appearances! Or Vaati threatening to lock him in a cage for two weeks without any food again! Adventure! maybe a girlfriend! Freedom! Money!! That he can actually use!!!

He even has the skills for it too- All his years stealing, sneaking, and fighting Vaati has payed off! And he's not only read about plenty of techniques, he's even learnt from other thieves<3 he's definitely found his place

SURPRISE: The heir, his half sister, really is ill. Fatally. He is the next best thing to an heir they have. The closet thing to keeping power in the family. They'll offer him whatever he wants if he comes back.

Skhadu does not want to come back. He finally got real freedom. Real happiness. He understands how much the "power" he'd get is just a lie. He's not interested. Responsibilities are gross. He'll live in secret and have an AWESOME time doing that thank you very much. The colorfully worded letter containing his own scales proves that.

So the manhunt ensues. He'll never be caught- Hes too smart, too clever-The crumbling Kingdom can suck it and figure out their own issues! Not force him to! Hed rather end up in a jailhouse again than being publically executioned whenever a new coup shows up.

Or just live in hell being nothing but Vaati's puppet. He knows he can't run away forever though.

Buuuuuuut, something does catch his eyes...

There's some little haggle of misfit adventurers looking for some "triforce" artifact or whatever. Something about "finding the sacred keys" or some crap. It sounds like a bunch of guys high of fairy dust believing in some folk tale, but Skhadu knows better. Because he knows that's what his father was searching for. To restore the power of their kingdom, and become a god. Skhadu had just thought he was a madman. But with the evidence he's seeing... Maybe Ganondorf is not.

It's supposed to take the energy of one's soul and mix it with their greatest desire. Fueled by the raw magic of the elements, their wildest dreams can come true... Even defeating death.

Its.. probably an exaggeration, but based on the actual viable magical documents, it does seem entirely possible he could use it to save his sister. He's NOT doing it because he "cares" about her or whatever. Shes stuck up and overly perfect! Skhadu is just doing it for his own interest, its a dog eat dog world afterall. If she can be the heir then they'll stop hunting him, and he'll be free!

Besides, those adventurers or whatever? They're a bunch of saps, it'' be super easy to trick them! He'll just let them do all the hard work and steal it from them at the very end! Yes, yes, he IS a genius, and a very handsome one at that.

Sure he'd be a traitor to the throne and his new "friends", but really, what's one more lie to the pile?

[trashboatprince]

I'm still on a writing streak of just doing stuff with Fourteen, it seems.

Soooo... I wanted to write up something with their first night of being a retired Doctor, after Fifteen departed for his own adventures.

As always, I use they/them for Fourteen, but because they never correct anyone on this because they don't care, other characters will refer to them with 'he/him/his'. It's not rude, they just don't know.

On with the fic!

--

The Doctor stood there quietly, staring at the spot where the bi-generated TARDIS had been standing. Where had it flown off to? To another planet? Maybe to Barcelona? The planet, not the city.

Maybe it was in the past, lots of years and days the Doctor had never visited yet. Or into the future, lots there too.

Or maybe he's just in the vortex, having a fun time exploring his TARDIS as this Doctor had with their own.

"Ready to go?" Donna asked, a hand gently touching their shoulder.

The Doctor's eyes glanced at the spot where their TARDIS had stood. It was moved now, UNIT was going to take it to the location where the Noble-Temple family had been staying for a few days now. Apparently, it was a both a safe house and a temporary home until UNIT could fix their old one.

With a bit of work, the Doctor could repair the damage with the TARDIS. It was a bit troublesome to repair damaged buildings as such, but the Doctor could do it. None of the Time Lords were around to stop them.

They could be in the TARDIS now, flying to the location, but in their dazed state of just... taking all of this in, they had agreed with Donna about just letting someone drive them there in a car. Donna had said something about the Doctor needing some rest, and a tired Time Lord piloting sounded like a dreadful idea.

Probably was, actually way. The Doctor had once nearly flown the old girl into a white dwarf because they had been awake for two weeks straight without a single nap. Not one of their better moments, really.

"Yeah." The Doctor finally replied, gently bouncing on their feet. Oh, right, they had no shoes. He had gotten them in the bi-generation. What an odd thing, they wondered if he'd stop by to return them. And then shirt. And the tie. And maybe the undergarments. Oh, and the socks.

"He'll be alright." They heard Donna say, then felt her take their hand. "Just as you will be. Come on, I called Shaun, he said the family is safe and sound. Kate had given them the armband things. Gramps is with 'em."

"Good." The Doctor nodded. "Was worried about Wilf, but he's stubborn, he'd be fine anyway."

Donna smiled at them, walking them towards the elevators. They rode them down quietly, the Doctor's mind buzzing with thoughts while their body felt like it had ran five marathons in five hours.

Fifteen hours.

Is that really how long they'd been this Doctor? So much had happened from the moment they stood on that cliff, confused and excited. They had fought Daleks, a Sycorax queen, accidentally helped in the genesis of the Daleks, told a bedtime story, reunited with their best friend in order to stop an evil, adorable warlord, scarred themself for life by fighting a clone at the edge of the universe, and now just bi-generated while fighting one of their most terrifying enemies.

Had they stopped?

Even for a moment? Or was it only a slow moment in the chaos?

The New Doctor and Donna were right, they needed to stop and rest.

The next thing the Doctor noticed was that they were outside, being led to a discreet UNIT car, where a kind looking employee stood, smiling at him. "Thank you." She said as she opened the door for them and Donna.

"You're welcome." The Doctor smiled back, giving a nod, before slipping into the backseats.

Once they and Donna were in, the employee went to the driver's side and got in, and started to drive off. The Doctor leaned back into the seat, sighing softly. The rumbling of the car, the soft music from the radio (was that Moonlight Serenade they heard?), and Donna leaning against them had the Doctor feeling relaxed for the first time since they sat on top of the TARDIS, eating ice cream with one of the most important people they've ever met.

They didn't even register that they'd fallen asleep until someone gently shook them.

"Is he alright?" They heard the driver ask.

"Yeah, the dumbo's finally ran out of steam. He can rest when he's inside, but for now, up and at 'em!" Donna said, pushing the Doctor up from where they had been leaning against her.

They blinked a few times, glancing about. Outside the windows was a nice, average looking home. Two stories, a cute garden, totally normal. UNIT knows how to blend in when they have to.

They got out and stretched, wincing as their bare feet touched the pavement. Once they got back into the TARIDS, they'd get into some new shoes. Probably some new clothes.

The driver waited until Donna was out before driving off, and a moment later the front door of the home opened. Rose was standing there before she rushed out, hugging her mother tightly. "Mum! You're okay! Oh, you're okay!"

"Course I am!" Donna laughed, tears spilling from her eyes. "Oh, honey, are you? Everything alright?"

"Totally okay! Totally fine!" Rose smiled as she pulled back, then looked at the Doctor. "You're okay too!"

Suddenly, the Doctor found themself with their arms full of Rose Noble. They blinked, before returning the hug, smiling. "Right as rain! Just really, really tired."

"You look like you could use a nap." She laughed before glancing down. "Where's your shoes?"

"Long story." Donna sighed dramatically. "Really long story. Come on, I want inside! I'm starving and exhausted, and in need of a good sit down! You too, space man."

The Doctor followed quietly into the home, where they were greeted by a grateful Shaun, who thanked them for keeping Donna safe and for saving the world (had Donna mentioned that?). Sylvia and the Doctor exchanged looks, a silent thank you and you're welcome. Wilf was practically jumping for joy in his chair, and the Doctor rushed over, giving him a hug.

"I told you! I told you all that he'd save us! He always does!" Wilf cheered.

"Yeah, but our Donna helped too! If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't have figured out who was behind the Giggle." The Doctor stated.

"The Giggle?" Shaun frowned. "What's the Giggle?"

"We'll... tell you over dinner." Donna waved a hand about. "Speaking of, what's on the menu!"

--

In all of the time that the Doctor had known Donna, they had only attended a few dinners with her family, and they weren't exactly... great.

There was the haunted house thing, that turned out to be alien ghosts. They were supposed to have spaghetti hoops, but due to a spook, they had pizza instead.

Then there was the whole thing involving Wilf's old friend, and when the Doctor had stupidly gotten involved with an issue between Donna and Sylvia. That had ended terribly. The food was alright though.

Would the whole Beep the Meep thing count as one? Kinda, maybe, probably. It was dinner time. It had smelled pretty good.

The Doctor watched the family before them, catching up in the few days they and Donna had been gone. Neither of them had talked about what happened when the TARDIS had taken off after the coffee thing, Donna hadn't bothered to mention it.

The Doctor was thankful for that.

They quietly ate, finding that vegan chicken alfredo was actually pretty tasty. Apparently, Rose was vegan, or vegetarian, they weren't quite sure, so a lot of meals were planned with her preference in mind. The Doctor had eaten meals like this, their sixth incarnation had been a vegetarian himself, and made a smashing good nut loaf.

Well, the Doctor found that this body seemed to like this sort of thing too, and still liked bananas, considering they ate two while dinner was being made. Donna was strict, saying they needed the energy, and the Doctor didn't complain.

However, they discovered that tea was absolutely disgusting to this new-old mouth. Which was a shame, this old face loved tea, it helped them back on that Christmas day so many years ago. Well, regeneration was a gamble, you never knew what would change.

"Alright, alright," Rose spoke up, "you're stalling. What happened while you two were off in the stars? What happened when you came back?"

The Doctor swallowed their bite of food and set down their fork. "Oh, just... a few random stops throughout history. Accidentally met Sir Issac Newton. Who, let me tell you, was hot."

Rose snorted at this and Donna cackled. The Doctor side-eyed her. "You brought it up first!"

"Oh yeah, sure, Mr. 'He was so hot!'" Donna smirked and the Doctor promptly looked away.

"Anyway, we ended up... uh... we ended up on a space ship, several trillion miles away from here." They scratched the back of their neck. "The edge of the universe."

"There's an edge?" Wilf asked.

"Yeah." Donna added. "It was surreal, just... nothingness. For miles and miles, a voice of nothing but the dark."

It was quiet, and the air was heavy. "Why was there a ship there?" Sylvia asked.

The Doctor toyed with their fork. "Wormhole, my guess. Deposited it there. It was void of life."

"But what about-" Donna started, but the Doctor looked at her.

"They were Not-Things. They told us they were not alive."

The silence returned, and the Doctor took a drink of water from their glass before continuing. "I'm not... ready to talk about that stuff yet. We escaped, that's what matters. Then we ended up here, with Wilf. And UNIT took us to their headquarters, where Donna figured out what was making people act so angry."

And they told what happened, with Donna adding in. They told about the Giggle, and the toy shop, but not what horrors they saw in there, neither were ready for that. The Doctor talked about the Toymaker, and what he was like.

Donna mentioned the weird musical number. The Doctor spoke about the bi-generation.

"So... there's two Doctors now?" Rose questioned, looking excited at the idea. "That's never happened before!"

"It's a myth of the Time Lords. An impossible regeneration, but possible in the strangest of circumstances, like when being killed by a being from another dimension."

"Or having regenerative energy stored in your extra body part coming into contact with a human?" Donna asked and the Doctor tapped their nose.

"Exactly. Impossible, but possible under circumstance." They turned back to Rose. "He's out there, the Doctor, doing what we always do."

"But what about you?" Sylvia spoke up. "What will you do? You're not running off with my daughter again. If you try, I'll slap you into next week!"

"And I don't doubt it." The Doctor frowned, the slap had healed easily, thanks to still being within the first fifteen hours of regeneration, but it had HURT.

They sighed, slumping in their seat. "I'm honestly not sure what I'll do. I think I'm grounded for a while, which isn't bad. I think. I dunno, I've never done... domestics before. Well. I have. But not this me, the meta-crisis me has."

"How do you know that?" Donna tilted her head.

The Doctor gave her a lopsided grin. "Weird shenanigans! Met Rose, Rose Tyler, when I was all chins and bow ties, but also when I was curly haired and having memories issues. Long, long story! But she told me she's living a good life with her husband, the other me, and they have a daughter! Oh, I bet she's brilliant! My friends always have brilliant kids!"

They grinned at Rose now, who laughed, giving him a small swat on the arm.

They laughed a little before looking at the family before them. "The other me, the New Doctor, he wants me to relax, to take it easy. Donna wants that too. Guess it's what I'm set to do for a while. Not sure what that entails, but it might mean a job. Or a house. Oh! I've never owned a house before. I had a car once, I wonder if Bessie is still about..."

The conversation lightened after that, with the family chattering about their own homes, the fact that Sylvia needed a new car, which she said with a nasty glare at the Doctor, and how Donna got a job at UNIT. When did that happen? Oh, who cares, Donna would be perfect for UNIT, her bossy attitude and office skills would have that place running perfectly!

After dinner and dishes, Shaun gave Donna and the Doctor a tour of the house, where the bedroom of the bottom floor was for Wilf and Sylvia to share, since she wasn't great on the stairs either. Upstairs had a room for him and Donna, one that Rose occupied, and the last guest room was, well...

"You... want me to stay here with you guys?" The Doctor asked, dumbfounded. "Why?"

Donna scoffed. "Of course we do! You're now part of the family! And don't tell me you aren't, space man! You and I have been through so much together, and because of you, my family is safe and sound. Hell, if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have my family. I wouldn't have Shaun and Rose."

She took his hand, giving it a good squeeze. "You're one of us now, as long as you're here with us. With me."

The Doctor stared at her quietly, blinking twice.

Sarah Jane Smith had once told this face ages ago that they had the biggest family in the world. And now it felt like it just got a little bit bigger.

They swallowed, their eyes felt wet, and they grinned. "I'll be the most annoying sibling."

"Never had a sibling before, but I don't doubt it." Donna laughed. "Didn't expect anything less."

--

The family was asleep, and the Doctor was in the TARDIS. It had been in the backyard before they arrived, but they only just not slipped out to check on her.

They took a trip into the wardrobe to grab some clothes and supplies for their room in the house. "You can believe it? A bedroom? In a house? Weird! But hey, it's got a bunk bed in it! You know I love a bunk bed! Bunk beds are cool."

THe TARDIS hummed in response as the Doctor dressed in their jimjams, the familiar pair they had worn over the years, a gift from Jackie Tyler. It was nice that they still fit. They tied their robe closed and looked up at the ceiling. "I'll check on you tomorrow, alright?"

She hummed again, lights changing to green, the faint scent of wet grass and pine entered their nose. She knew they'd keep that promise.

Then, faintly, they heard a knock, from far away. The lights changed to orange, and the scent of warmth, spices, and sunshine came to the Doctor.

Grabbing their overnight bag, they rushed out to the console room and heard a knock from the doors. They ran down the platform and threw open the doors, but saw no one.

"Hello?" They said, glancing around at the dark yard.

Glancing down, they noticed something at their feet. A pile of clean clothing, a pair of shoes, and a note written in a familiar language of circles and lines.

'You forgot something, kid. See you later.'

The Doctor laughed, shaking their head as they heard the distant sounds of a fading TARDIS.

Maybe resting would be okay. He was doing just fine, so why shouldn't they?

They had a family to help them along the way.

Putting their clothes into the bag, the Doctor closed the doors to the TARDIS and made their way back into the house, for their first night of temporary retirement.

--

I love getting to throw in references to audio stories, books, and comics into my fics.

Also, I do color association for characters and orange is very much Fifteen's color. So, if I do more of these little notes from him to Fourteen, they'll be in orange. Fourteen would be blue.

[11thsdoctress]

“you’ve changed.” [10th to 11th Doctor / Reader]

Fandom: Doctor Who

Ship: 10th/11th Doctor / Reader

Word Count: 1947

Summary: After an argument with The Doctor, and leaving the TARDIS, you went back to your semi-normal life, but due to some nightmares, and maybe fate, you never thought you would meet the same alien with a new face.

Request: nope

He used to call you “my Cinnamon”.

“You’re sweet like cinnamon, love.” He would usually say that to you every time he would back hug you, and you didn’t mind it.

But now, that moment is now just a memory.

Five months ago, that was the last time you saw the blue police box vanish into thin air on your back lawn, The last time you and The Doctor talked, it didn’t end on good terms, both of you were practically yelling in the TARDIS, and you walked out of there, and moments later, the TARDIS vanished.

“Actually, you know what? Don’t bother even coming back here, I hate cinnamon anyways.” sure it was childish for him to say that, but both of you were in high temper so all sense of logic was thrown out of the window.

With that being said from him, you just left the TARDIS right after that event,

It’s been a while since you’ve been traveling with The Doctor, ever since that day, your life was quiet and normal, it was in a sense, odd. In your current daily life, it was just the sounds of cars, birds, people, and the telly, it was, in a way, oddly boringly normal, you were so used to the sounds of the TARDIS, the whirring of the sonic screwdriver, and of course, The Doctor yapping away about the day’s destination or adventure.

Ever since after that day, you’ve changed. 

You try to isolate yourself from people most of the time, and you changed how you looked as well, just to keep your mind off the Doctor. But two things stayed the same, your love for the Doctor, and the fact you couldn’t blame him for what happened that caused the both of you to part from each other.

It doesn’t help that you still get nightmares from some of the adventures, from the Slitheens to the Weeping Angels, a lot of the times, this made you wake up unbearably early in the morning, tonight was one of those nights. Every time it does happen, you silently curse the fact that every nightmare reminded you of him.

You frantically wake up, screaming sometimes, and finding yourself screaming for the Doctor to save you, only to be reminded that you were alone in your space.

Facing the clock on the nightstand, it read, “2:35 AM”, you sighed as you rubbed your face, silently thanking your past self for sleeping at ten in the evening, you dreaded these nights, it always ended up with you staring at the ceiling, waiting for time to pass by, before getting up for work.

Getting up and heading to the bathroom felt like a chore, you looked at the mirror and you noticed the dark shades under your eyes, and the tired look was becoming more obvious as more nightmares happened.

You remembered that every time you had nightmares, the Doctor would be next to you in case, and sometimes even hold you close so you would fall asleep again quickly. That made you confused about your feelings towards the Doctor.

So when the TARDIS vanished for the last time, you were relieved that you didn’t have to be afraid of your feelings about the Doctor, but at the same time, you were hurt beyond comprehension, since you didn’t know when you would see the Doctor again, and you’d fear that you’ll never see him again.

You finally snapped back to reality when your childhood friend, Amy Pond, snapped her fingers in front of your face, “Hey, you alright? Come on, you need to open the coffee shop, you can’t just be daydreaming out here.” She was pushing you downstairs into your own store from your space upstairs, as she was helping you set up. “Thanks, but you didn’t have to help me get my butt out and help me set up, after all, I still owe you a cup,” you say as you put the menus and cups on display.

“Still, you look so down in the dirt for the past few months, and it’s only now I get to see my lovely quirky little best friend.” She handed you your apron, and you nodded and wore it.

“And I didn’t want to bother you, since you were traveling a lot recently with your boyfriend, Rory? Right?” You were getting ready to make a couple of cups for both of you and Amy.

“Yeah, but I had to make time for you.” She smiled as you grabbed a jug of cold brew from the fridge, pouring it into the cups, before handing one to her.

“Also you might wanna add two more cups of coffee since Rory and a friend are coming over in a short while.” She leans on the counter, 

“So this friend, do they go with you on travels?” You asked as you started preparing the two drinks, 

She nods, “He does, as a matter of fact, he reminds me of you, energetic, quirky, and just an adult child.” she smiles.

“Hey!” you say, playfully pretending to be offended, which made both you and Amy laugh,

The both of you were enjoying your time together, then you went back to professional mode when you heard the bell of the door rung, and two men were entering the shop. 

“Okay, Rory, whatever you say.” The taller man, donning a bowtie, told the shorter man as he looked confused,

“Boys.” Amy shot a glare at the both of them, which made them instantly quiet, before turning back to you and dragging the shorter male.

“This is Rory, my boyfriend, and the other..” The taller man froze as he looked at you, which made you confused, there was this feeling that you knew this man, but you weren’t so sure until he spoke.

“C-cinnamon?” He spoke softly as he looked pale and on the brink of tearing up, which made you freeze and the couple confused at his reaction.

“By the way this is..” Amy pointed at the taller man, and as she was about to introduce him, you already knew.

“D-doctor?” You spoke out as you were trying to keep yourself together and not just immediately burst into tears, you had tons of emotions running through your body, but you had to look cool, calm, and collected, you didn’t want to be hurt over again, you don’t want to experience the same pain over again. 

“You both know each other?!” Amy exclaimed as she looked at the both of you.

“Ponds, may I talk to her alone.” His voice was a tad bit unstable but gentle and sad. They nodded and went outside the shop.

“Y-you’ve changed.” He started off as he carefully goes closer,

“I should be the one saying that to you, didn’t expect that regeneration did that much.” You bitterly joked as you looked away, not realizing that he was closer than you expected, last time you saw him, he was wearing a striped brown suit, styling his hair in an organized mess sort of way, now he wore a light brown coat, with dark brown pants, adding a bowtie and suspenders to his shirt, and his hair was now a bit longer and was styled properly.

“Look, I know I should’ve apologized sooner, but I didn’t know what to say.” he begins, “I didn’t know what had gotten into me, I didn’t wanna lose you, risk getting you captured or killed, and I… I really didn’t mean what I said back then… I-I’m sorry..” he was tearing up and it was a painful sight to see. “I’m sorry for telling you all those nasty things, I’m sorry I pushed you away, I’m sorry I didn’t apologize to you sooner, I’m sorry that I wasn’t able to tell you how much you mean to me and-” You just suddenly pulled him into a familiar embrace, he immediately melted to your touch, He had missed the way you held him, and for him to be able to feel that again, made him shed more tears.

“Doctor, it’s okay, I’m fine now, Although I’m still recovering from what happened before, I’m much more okay now, all that matters now is that you apologized, and if you want, you can make up for the lost time by staying, but you don’t have to-”

“I want to make up for the lost time.” he says, “and I wanna make up for what I should’ve done back then.”  He slowly looks into your eyes, as you held his cheek and wiped a tear from his face with your thumb.

“Then, Do it, Doctor,” you say as you were now anticipating what he’ll do.

He held the back of your head and slowly kissed you, he was kissing you like he was waiting for this moment for a while, it had a hint of desperation and carelessness, but yet still gentle and passionate, as his other hand was finding yours, slowly intertwining your fingers with his, and deepening the kiss before pressing you against the wall, and with his chest pressing on yours. 

The both of you kept on going until the both of you had to catch your breaths,

“I’ve noticed feelings from and for you, Cinnamon, I’m sorry that it took me this long to be able to tell you, that I love you…”

“Enough with the apologies Doctor…” The caffeine was starting to wear off as you were now trying your best to keep your balance and not fall off.

The Doctor notices this, his happy face dropping to a concerned look, holding you, making sure you don’t fall, “Are the nightmares still getting to you?” 

You could only nod in response as you yawned.

He thinks for a bit before smiling at you, “Ah yes! I know just the fix!” He helped you up the stairs, to your room, he had first helped you get comfortable on your bed, grabbing the extra pillows and placing them next to you, before finally, removing his jacket and laying next to you, making you lightly blush.

He chuckles as he noticed this, so he scoots closer and cuddles you like how it was before, with your head next to his chest of two hearts, and his arms around your waist, sometimes he would play with your hair and watch you fall asleep. Bit by bit, you let the sleepiness take over you, and the Doctor was now finally happy and whole with you in his arms, He kisses your forehead before he too, drifts off into sleep. 

Hours later, you wake up to the Doctor’s arms wrapped snuggly around your waist, you looked up a bit, and he smiled as he looked at you back, “Good Morning Beautiful.” He kissed your forehead as he snuggled up to you since the TARDIS was more chilly than usual.

“Do we have to go somewhere, Doctor?” You asked, silently hoping that this moment would last longer,

“Nope.” He said as he plays with your hair, “Actually, I don’t want to move until we have someplace to be.” He chuckles softly, making you giggle and lightly blush at his response.

“Or is there somewhere you wanna be?” he asks 

“Actually, I don’t mind where we go, as long as I’m with you, that’s all I need.” He nodded, “Let’s stay like this a bit more before getting the Ponds for a day in 1890, we’re going to meet a master of color.” He held your hand and kissed it as well, “I can’t wait to be with you for the rest of existence.” He smiled and kissed your forehead once more, “My sweet cinnamon.”

===============

Author’s Note: man- it took me days to get this done, I hope to write more for ten since I also love him as much as I love eleven, but I hope you enjoyed reading, feel free to request or comment, like, or reblog, small stuff like those mean alot to me.

[punkflower11]

Choose Your Own Adventure: Miles Morales - Part 1

————

“You like him.”

“I really don’t.”

At this, Gwen gave him a look.

“Fine. Maybe I did, whatever. Look, can you just help me out?”

“You should ask him instead.” She told him.

“I don’t want to. That’s why I’m asking you.” Miles emphasized.

"Miles," She says, "Ask. Him." with that, Gwen stood, leaving Miles at the lunch table to go put her tray away. Rubbing at his temples, Miles remained at the table wallowing away in his own grave misfortune.

It was almost comedic when thinking of how the whole thing had come about, really. Fresh from the script of some cliche, over-the-top Hollywood film Miles' current predicament was truly as testament to the saying anything can happen.

Following the events of the latest multi-universal fiasco, Miles had finally returned to his (real) parents after suddenly disappearing for days with zero communication from either end. Never mind the fact that Miles had made it back relatively OK to his very much alive mother and father, it didn't excuse him seemingly dropping off the planet for several days, even if he had saved it.

So when his parents had confronted Miles' about where he'd been, his brain, panicked, had hastily supplied him with the response Girlfriend. From there, he was able to create an alibi about feeling hurt and upset and in his state of mind had decided to leave home temporarily and stay with his Girlfriend while his mental health recovered.

Did Miles feel guilty about emotionally manipulating his parents for a lesser punishment? Oh absolutely. But desperate times called for desperate measures.

In retrospect, it was foolish to think that he'd be able to get away with it cleanly. Now don't get him wrong, Miles was eternally grateful that his parents had been so supportive about it all. Just not as much when when lighthearted prodding from his dad of ‘You ought to bring them over for dinner sometime,’ eventually became more persistent gradually progressing to the point of shameless guilt tripping on the part of his Mom displayed by her subtle disappointment every time Miles showed up to dinner on without his fictional girlfriend. It was getting ridiculous.

Ultimately Miles had to given in and bite the bullet, no matter how hellish it might be; and as such bringing us back to his current dilemma.

Chasing after Gwen, Miles once again began pleading with her.

"Gwen, I'm begging you. I'm actually so screwed right now, it'll be a miracle if I make it to next week."

"If you don't want to ask Hobie then I'm sure Pav would be more than happy to help." She suggested, unmoved.

"It wouldn't work, Pav isn't subtle like that." Hobie even less.

"I'm sorry, Miles. I'm sure you'll figure it out."

Leaving Miles to stew in his misery, Gwen rushed off to make her next class. Mulling over his options, Miles now sat alone in the virtually empty cafeteria. He could take Gwen's advice and ask Hobie for help anyways, or alternatively he could go ahead and ask Pavitr like Gwen had suggested; even though he wasn't too enthusiastic at the idea of pulling another person into the whole mess.

[sanjisblackasswife]

I’m currently in my first watch through of one piece and got to /that part/ in marineford with Ace 😢💔 I’m heartbroken! Could I request some Ace fluff please? Maybe Ace finding out his crush actually likes him back? He talks about not deserving love/to even be born but that man deserves the world! I love him so much 😫

A/N: I remember almost a year ago my best friend told me she was finally starting her One Piece journey and after I think the first month or so I asked her who was her favorite so far and she said Ace and I immediately laughed….good times. ANYWAYS THO—Enjoy!

Ace Finding Out You Like Him Back(FLUFF)

Black Fem Reader in Mind

WC: 1.2k

CW: Very Fluff, Confessing, Kissing, Not proofread yet

He has had a crush on you since the day y’all met , but he didn’t realize how much he liked you until Marco pointed it out

“I DO NOT?!”

“Then why do you blush so much when you talk about her?”

He wanted to be in denial about it so much solely because he knew you couldn’t like him back. He never had much luck with ladies in his life.

Sure they flirted with him, and he had his small fair share of one night stands, but he never felt satisfied. He was curious at one point what it would be like to be with a partner that would love him for him, but alas he just pushed those feelings aside until he met you

You were so funny, and charming, and sweet to those around you. You even were like a mother/big sister to those you barely met when you both were out adventuring together.

You two became as thick as thieves, where ever you were he was and vice versa.

Ace developed feelings for you a few months after getting to know you, but it wasn’t until it got outted by his big brother that now he’s very awkward around you.

Ace became difficult to act normal around you and as much as he hated it he wanted to prevent you from finding out his feelings towards you

It’s been 2 weeks he has been trying to keep distance and you immediately noticed. You both now eat at different times. Ace is gone when you’re awake and there on w the ship while you sleep. It sucked because you assumed you probably made him mad somehow

Marco (and everybody on the MD) notices your slump mood and asks what’s wrong. You of course only confide to your big brother and Marco slaps the hell out of Ace for it because wtf is his problem ignoring you for almost a whole month for no reason

“GO TALK TO HER, MAN? She is miserable without you!”

Hearing the bad news about how his actions effected you made his heart sink. He would never EVER try to purposely hurt you, he didn’t really know how to properly express himself and just tell you the truth so here is now, in front of your room door pacing back and fourth fiddling his fingers.

“I like you, Y/n’— no that’s too direct—‘We should go out sometime’—-too desperate….—‘You’re so beautiful let’s date.’…..maybe—-“

His thoughts were thrown out when you opened the door, you must have been napping because you looked drowsy, you were wearing some shorts and one of his old shirts hanging off your shoulder.

“Oh…hey Ace…” you yawned wiping your eyes, you always looked so cute and cuddly to him when you first wake up.

He missed you so much and didn’t even realize it until he seen you again.

“Come in…it’s cold…” You moved back to let him enter, he took off his hat and inched his way inside as you closed the door, biting his lip contemplating what he should say next,

“What um—-“

“I’m sorry!” Was all Ace could muster up as he bowed in front of you, “ I’m so sorry I’ve been avoiding you! I didn’t realize how badly I was treating you until Marco told me. I’m…Y/N I’m so sorry…”

You were startled at the sudden apology from him, it’s not like you were mad at him, but you’d be lying to say it didn’t hurt you a little you both weren’t hanging out as much anymore. You seen his troubled face still bowing and you walk over to him to grab and hug around his neck, you missed his smell and warmth so much.

“Y/n—“

“I missed you, dummy…”

Ace’s eyes grew wide, hearing those sincere words come from you made him blush, and his heart pound. “Now,” He thought, “Tell her now…”

“You’re okay though right? You didn’t avoid me because I made you mad?”

“No!” He immediately shook his head looking down at you, fisting your his shirt tightly. “No you could never make me mad Y/N! You—you um…fuck…”

Ace was defeated he pulled away scratching his head to sit on the edge of your bed, you were confused. What’s up with him? You sat beside him, he looked as deflated as he was when you first met him,

You and Marco seen him sitting on the MB crouched down with his face in his knees after being thrown by WB all day once again.

“Y/N…I been avoiding you because…I…”

Ace grown frustrated with himself, you pretty eyes not leaving his when you speak, the amount of worry in your face, you were so beautiful in his eyes, it crushed his pride knowing he couldn’t speak to you so carefree anymore, because he knew if you rejected him. There would be no way he could rekindle your friendship with him.

“Ace..” you pulled his cheeks to look back at you, your thumb rubbed over his small freckles on his face, leaning into your touch like a cat you smile warmly at him. “Talk to me….what’s been going on?”

He sighs, grabbing your wrist to lower them he mutters, “Hypothetically speaking… Have you ever liked someone Y/N?”

“Oh…um…yeah I have.”

“Do you like someone now?….hypothetically…”

“Well hypothetically …Yeah. I do.”

Ace heart sank. Of course you do. You noticed his face frowning and you giggle to Ace’s dismay he’s a bit annoyed by it.

“What’s funny?”

“You, dummy.”

“How?”

“Because…hypothetically speaking ….what if I told you I liked…a guy…and he was very sweet…strong…funny…Lowkey a hot head….can’t express his feelings for crap…oh…and he’s my best friend.”

“You like your best friend?! Who is that?!”

Your lit up eyes lowered to dumbfounded, you tilt your head and scoff playfully.

“Ace be so forreal right now…”

“I AM WH—OH!”

“OH!” You mocked and laugh. “You dummy. Or are we not best friends?!”

“NO NO WE ARE WE ARE —I—I um…I didn’t know you felt that way….why?”

“What you mean why? You’re Ace! I adore you! You get me! You’re …you’re like…I don’t know…I just…really like you… probably even more than that…”

Ace couldn’t even begin to believe what he was hearing, maybe you were playing a prank because he hurt your feelings, “No seriously, Y/n..”

“I am serious! Ace I know…I know…about…not feeling worthy of love…but…if anybody else besides your brothers don’t show you it…I will…because I do love you….Ace…”

You could see his eyes gloss with tears, cheeks red as his necklace, as much as you could tease him instead you pull him by his neck to peck his lips lightly,

“I do love you, Ace.” You repeat on his lips to make sure he knows. The last thing you would ever do it play with his emotions like that.

Ace let out an airy chuckle before kissing you again, this time more firmly, holding you close as if your were ganna disappear in thin air.

“I…I love you, too….I’m sorry I—“

“Mmmhm NO more apologies just kiss me your lips are very soft and warm.”

Ace laughed at your kisses, pulling you on top of him not wanting to let go. His heart felt so warm feeling you, this was probably the first time in a long time he had a genuine smile across his face.

“Thank you for loving me, y/n..”

“Thank you allowing me to love you.”

[deliciousdefendorinternet]

a little list of some things I Hope to see if they do a 4th film.

also if you have any ideas of little things you'd like to see in the next film I'd love to hear them.

anyway my list would include.

its gotta still be a Bro zone centered adventure no side-lining them or any of the same crap they pulled with the world tour characters their still very much the focus. on whatever Journey the plot requires Poppy and Branch to go on and this way we see more of them learning abut each other like the other Bros being surprised by Branch's survival skills. and how he came to learn them and finding out just how dorkish Clay has become in his interests and how pampered and sheltered Bruce has been. to the point he's totally out of his element when they have to travel through forests and such. 2. a main villain that Judges Bro zone as a family this is a bit of a petty desire of mine lol but I'd love it if we had a villain who openly looked down on B zone. maybe the main villain is some sorta loner who believes in family being a weakness and nothing else so they judge Branch for letting his Brothers back into his life when he proved he was capable of surviving on his own. and also they just have a bitterness towards the concept of family for personal reasons so they see how flawed Bro zone are yet the fact that their still together as something to be mocked. 3. an actual none comedic mention of Grandma given how TBT sorta used her as a comedic gag in the two scenes in which she was relevant. so I just want her to for once be brought up without a bad Joke ruining the emotions of it like FR I just want one scene where she's brought up. and you actually just let the characters be serous about it maybe Branch finally tells them exactly how she died after refusing to talk about it for ages. and maybe he still blames himself somewhat for her death and was worried the brothers would think the same if they found out. 4. I've said about this one before but I Hope we see other Grey Trolls in the society it doesn't have to be a major plot point just something we see in the opening briefly. like I said before maybe Branch just casually Hanging out with other permanently Grey Trolls from different Tribes or even them having their own little group or something would be nice to see. I think the group idea would be a nice bit of worldbuilding and development as it would kinda show how differently Pop Village handles these kinda things now. where they aren't just about toxic positivity and brushing serous stuff to the side anymore but are actively encouraging people to talk about their darker emotions and such. 5. this one is probably the most unlikely on this list but I'd kinda like it if we saw Branch's colours get worse again and him actually feeling somewhat ashamed of it. maybe trying to hide it from his Brothers out of fear of either being judged or pitied. I just love the angst idea of him being found out and in a somewhat upset and frustrated way saying that he doesn't know why its happening again. claiming he's fine and that it must just be some kind of mistake on his bodies part and that it isn't his fault this time as that isn't who he is anymore. upsetting Poppy and his Brothers seeing him so clearly upset but obviously desperately trying to hide it and also the notion that he's ashamed of his Greyness and he sees it as something other people would blame him for is pretty sad. like I said it probably won't happen but Honestly I love the idea of actually showing his colours get worse again and him being insecure about it. especially in front of his Brothers it'd be emotional to see them see him this way. 6. another one that's maybe a bit out there but I kinda wanna see Peppy die as I feel him dying has some good story potential. for one it gives some angst to Poppy for a change she could blame herself as his death could happen as result of her actions maybe her not listenening to other people again. and trying to solve the conflict with the villain her own way results in them all being in danger and her dad dying to save her. and as a result her actions actually have permanent consequences for a change and she blames herself tho maybe on the outside she tries to slap a smile on her face.

but Branch sees through it and he can actually have a nice moment of helping her through things and even relating a bit given he blamed himself for what happened to his Grandma for years. plus it'd give Viva some heartbreak since she only just got him back in her life after all these years and now she's lost him again. which I feel in the end could bring her and Poppy even closer together. and like I said after TBT and the first film I'm desperate for some Poppy angst to balance things out a tad and actually give us some more scenes of Branch supporting her again. 😅😅😅😅 anyway those are some things I'd kinda like to see in a future film what about you?

[xbomboi]

YOU 🤝 ME

SCREENWRITING

Could you possibly elaborate more on your EQ movies?? I'm really interested in this Cove Sunset... 👀

oh yeah actually i would love to talk more about that! so basically i wrote two movies intended to be the penultimate and the final installment in the Equestria Girls series since that’s definitely never going to get an official ending. i wanted to tie up loose ends…

i made a poster for the second one of the two that i made a few years back right here. but anyway…

the first of the two is called “Royal Nightmare.” the premise is as follows: it’s now spring of the girls’ senior year, and rarity has made the decision to run for queen of the spring fling after being robbed by sunset she tried to run for princess years ago. but when rarity gets possessed by dark magic, sunset has to confront her repressed baggage from the past if she wants to save her friend before it’s too late.

basically, this one deals a lot with sunset’s past with rarity. the film has a mix of the events taking place in the present day as well as flashbacks to the past, being the girls’ freshman year. it covers stuff like sunset arriving for the first time, her meeting flash, how she rose to power, and what she did to rarity (i changed it up just a tad because the junior novelization is a Weird book). it also has a lot of focus on rarijack as well.

the other one, intended as a finale movie, is titled “Forever Friendship.” after finally graduating from canterlot high, the girls are about to move onto the next stages in each of their lives. however, sunset still has unfinished business in regards to herself. together, the girls set out on one last adventure to uncover the truth behind sunset’s family and the sunset from their world. but could this be end?

this one is basically, like, giving sunset closure. in it i explore sunset’s origin and the truth about the Other sunset shimmer. it has an entire conflict that revolves around a discussion of the moral dilemma that comes with having magic in the human world. at heart it’s about sunset finding her purpose once and for all. i can’t say much else without spoiling it.

royal nightmare is complete in THEORY but needs a lot of, like, extra fleshing out and possibly the addition of a few more scenes. also, forever friendship is now missing a song or two because i removed one scene entirely and instead repurposed the song for royal nightmare. also ALSO, they’re a bit old now and i approached them differently than i did when writing for ever after high. i wasn’t totally thinking about completely matching the tone and more about cinematics. it’s not that i bumped the ratings up, but i let dialogue be lengthy and… idk, nuanced? i guess? more so in forever friendship than royal nightmare, at least. and there’s probably an occasional typo in them both.

i would share them, but the thing that makes me hesitant is the fact that for the songs, i made an unlisted youtube playlist of myself singing them each just for people who read them to have reference when the scenes pop up. it wasn’t so embarrassing when it was just being shared between myself and my friends, but the audio is kinda bad and there’s no music it’s just me singing. i didn’t even have the same range as i wanted for some of the songs or the characters so i sound wonky in it. and i can’t redo it now because i’m older and my voice has dropped so that’s a no-go.

idk, maybe i could give in with enough convincing.

[ravenalla]

Please correct me if I’m wrong but from what I know Helluva Boss is written by only three people right? That being Viv, Brandon, and Adam. And while I’m sure ideas are bounced around here and there with the team, the way this season is going is begging for an actual writers room with more experienced people. Not saying those three don’t have any experience, but it’s clear they don’t know how to mesh the comedy and serious moments together well at this point. Part of writing is knowing when you need to omit stuff because it doesn’t fit the tone or story progession that you have established, even if you very badly want to include it. The writing for Helluva Boss in contrast feels they are forgoing any sense of coherence so they can stuff in whatever they like even if it goes against previously established plot points and try desperately to get to you pity these awful characters instead of letting them learn from their mistakes and grow as people naturally. Again, if this had stayed a dark comedy, that would have been passable, but now they are trying to tell a serialized dramatic story with arcs and emotion, and it’s just failing because that is not these writers expertise. This is complete speculation, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Viv’s aversion to any form of criticism is affecting it.

How many times must we see something terrible happen to Stolas because the show wants you to keep crying and pitying over without having these characters actually navigating it themselves? How many times will Blitz acknowledge he’s an awful person but not actively try to change his behavior in anyway and revert to the exact same character the next episode? How many times will Moxxie have to learn confidence because it’s the only arc they can think to do with him while Millie is a walking prop and Loona flip flops between liking her dad and physically abusing him for no reason? To the people who keep saying “just wait the shows not over yet!” we are basically halfway through season 2, there is no damn reason why Millie shouldn’t have had ANYTHING on her own yet or why Blitz and Stolas should be repeating the same “uwu he doesn’t love me” scene over and over again. If you give us what should be moments of character development but never actual show it through their actions or behaviors after the fact, it’s not character development at all, it’s cheap scenes you threw in cause you wanted the guise of something serious without actually taking the screentime to commit to it. And yes, the Stolas Blitzo stuff is probably going to pay off eventually, but it’s annoying for the audience to watch this will they won’t they game in almost every single episode just waiting for when the characters will finally change or have at least SOME type of acknowledgement of all they’ve been through instead of just keeping the status quo of another “Stolas looks sadly at his phone,” “Blitzo doesn’t really care about him until there’s one millisecond showing maybe he does 🥺.” Unless your a hardcore shipper, people won’t stick around with that forever.

The show wants to have world-building, quirky characters who are bad people, tons of villains, funny sex jokes, emotional investment, and a complicated romance, but there’s a reason lots of media fails when it tries to be everything at once. The Stolitz plot behind every episode now is sabotaging parts of the show that promised wacky demon assassin adventures, and the less serious moments like the Loona doctor B plot in turn ruins the atmosphere of the dramatic scenes associated with the Stolitz plot. They wanted to show a serious abusive arranged relationship through Stella, but they also wanted her to have be a campy bad guy so Stolas could have a reason to cheat on her so he wouldn’t look like the bad guy. This leaves us with confusing contradictions like Stella written as being legit mad about him cheating and wanting him dead while hinting at them having at least a positive public image as a family once through the background paintings, to suddenly her not having ever cared about him and seeking him out “cause she likes tormenting him” while she also now didn’t want him killed I guess because she’s opposed to the divorce because the Goetia want them together??, but then wanting him killed AGAIN after even though the Goetia probably always wanted that guy alive and her brother has to come in for no reason to make her look like an absolute dumbass.

Same with Loona. They try to give her development with Blitz, but they never do anything with it and by the next episode she’ll be beating the shit out of him again. “She’s a moody teenager!” She’s a woman in her twenties and I don’t care about her sometimes finding appreciation for her dad when she’ll just kick him in the nuts right after because physical abuse against a spouse is serious but with a daughter it’s funny I guess. And again, the entire argument fans have to justify this constant loop of creating and forgetting about character development is “just wait they probably have a plan.” Nah bro I’m pretty sure they just still wanted to throw edgy dark comedy in there and to do that they had to ignore any positive character changes it seemed like happened until a future episode specifically is written to continue that arc. Also the world building and class system in general is just bad when they actually choose to acknowledge it, which is rarely. It’s still so unclear whether hellhounds are seen as actually sentient autonomous people or pets, and it just makes scenes with Loona super weird sometimes. Same with imps, for an apparent underclass they sure seem to be able to go wherever they want and do whatever they want without too much trouble, and until the latest episode we’ve never seen any imp discrimination be a major factor besides comments from Stolas (which we are now choosing to ignore because Stolas can’t be a bigot that has to learn to be a better person, Stolas is perfect 🙃)

Yikes this got longer than I meant it to but overall Helluva Boss just could really benefit from some more inputs in the writing, not just ideas for story or jokes but someone who actually knows how to properly balance and structure this kind of stuff into an episode. As is it feels very disjointed, especially this season. I don’t think this show would ever be perfectly for me, just because I don’t find the humor at all funny and that’s kind of what makes the show, but at the very least it’d be nice if the actual plots and world these characters navigate was fun to watch, but most of the time it’s just not anymore, because you don’t get to actually see most characters interact or what their relationships are, and if you do they hardly ever change from what they were until suddenly it’s relevant for the plot. Blitz is uncomfortable around Stolas and is tired about being treated like a play thing, wait no now he’s turned on by Stolas’s flirting even though we’ve never seen that before and this is right after they literally had a huge fight, wait nevermind now Blitz doesn’t care again. Moxxie is always weak and sensitive when an episode is about him but suddenly super strong and has no problems killing in any other episode (“We’re not going up there just to massacre we need clients! -S1E3, exactly what he and Millie do to an entire audience of innocent bystanders in the Cherub episode and they don’t care). Stolas is super perverted and sees Blitz as an object, wait nevermind we’re just gonna change his entire fucking backstory so his behavior will look justified even though that man would literally have to be a the dumbest person in Hell to not see Blitz did not care and was actively repulsed by him all throughout season 1, yet continued to act that way to his supposed “first friend” because..he thought it was a sexy game or something they were playing? Even as a retcon for an excuse it’s still bad. Helluva Boss has no rules it sticks to, no jokes or character behaviors it refrains from even if it harms the quality, it’s just a badly written fanfic with pretty animation.

[slexenskee]

Nest (Oneshot)

Someone, at some point, somewhere in one of my inboxes, asked me something about Hawks's more bird-like traits. I wish I could remember... literally anything else about it so I could track it down and answer it properly, but I can't so here's Gojo being sick and Hawks building a nest about it

[link] (or read below)

Getting sick is a normal and uncommon fact of life— unless your name is Gojo Satoru.

This is his reasoning for how he idiotically misses the signs of his own incoming misery until it’s too late to avoid it. He’d had a sickly early childhood, mainly due to a premature birth and a finicky eating schedule, but by the time his Six Eyes and his memories had awakened he’d gotten through the worst of it. There was still the usual gamut of runny noses pervasive in the public school system, but eventually he’d learned to filter out the worst of the pathogens. Some common viruses, like the cold or the flu, changed too quickly each year for him to do it reliably, but as he got older he just learned to keep a healthy(ish) diet and a decent(ish) sleep schedule and avoid them. 

In hindsight, that it took him this long into his parenting adventures to finally catch something from Eri was actually rather impressive. Kids were the penultimate vector of diseases; sticky hands, constantly touching everything and everyone, and spending notable amounts of time around other small human-shaped vectors of diseases made catching an illness an inevitable outcome for any parent. As it turns out, Gojo Satoru and his invincible barrier was no exception.

Anyway, so finally getting sick wasn’t that surprising, even if he wasn’t thrilled with the experience. 

But Hawks’s reaction to it… well… okay maybe that shouldn’t have been surprising either, but it sure was a bewildering thing to wake up to.

He wakes from a groggy, disorienting sleep with a head that feels stuffed full of cotton (or maybe just congestion) and only a vague recollection of how he ended up back in his bed. He thinks he actually fell asleep on the couch with Eri on his chest, but at some point he remembers being carried off somewhere. 

Eri had gotten some kind of bad head cold from her daycare. Nothing life threatening, or even warranting a trip to the pediatrician, but painful to deal with nonetheless. He hates to see her so obviously unwell and unhappy, and especially hates how little he can do for her when she’s like this. He’d stayed up with her through her miserable coughing fits, gave her steam baths when he could, and made sure to keep her on a steady clip of simple foods and fluids. In the process, he’d slept poorly himself, and spent most of his time stressing out about her and forgetting to eat or drink fluids himself. 

At first, he just assumed his poor constitution could be blamed on a criminal lack of sleep. Then he tries to take a breath through his nose and ends up in a coughing fit instead, and realizes not only is he still sleep deprived, but now also sick. 

Gojo collapses back onto the bed, sighing as he resigns himself to a pretty unfortunate next few days. 

He rolls over onto his side, hoping to clear out his lungs that way, and ends up with a nose full of Eri’s hair and a cat yowling in protest. 

This isn’t particularly unusual. Eri still sleeps with him on occasion, and when she does she sometimes forgets to close the door behind her and the cat prowls in at some point and makes a nuisance of himself by curling up right where Gojo wants to put his legs. 

But when Gojo opens his eyes to swat the cat off the bed, he’s met with a peculiar sight. 

He blinks bleary eyes out at the scene, a bit bewildered, and wondering if his head cold is making him hallucinate. 

The bed is… full of junk. 

Well, not junk exactly, but a strange and random collection of various household items that, at first, make no sense to Gojo. Every throw pillow in the house seems to have made its way into a vague circle around the perimeter of the bed, and draped across them are all the spare sheets, random pillowcases, a few sweaters, a pair of fuzzy socks he thinks might belong to Yui, the throw blanket that lives on the couch downstairs, and even a few throw blankets he doesn’t even recognize. 

He reaches for the nearest one, a plaid thing he’s very certain he’s never seen before in his life. It’s silky soft, and also still has a tag on it. He rubs his fingers across the smooth fabric, then moves to the sweater that’s bunched up next to it. It’s also quite soft. Everything on the bed is soft, he realizes. It’s not just an arbitrary assortment of all the fabric items in the house— it’s an assortment of all the softest fabrics in the house, laid out in a conspicuously circular arrangement around him. 

Gojo’s not entirely certain, but he thinks this is supposed to be some kind of nest. And he appears to be in the center of it. 

For a long moment, head still fuzzy with sleep, he just stares out into it incredulously. Then he shrugs and grabs one of the random blankets and throws it over him and Eri, snuggles back up to her, and falls back asleep. 

//

Hawks returns to the room when the light is low, so quiet Gojo almost doesn’t stir even as the other man moves about the bed. He reaches out blindly in the direction of the noise, catching the Hawks’s sleeve. 

“Oh,” Hawks says softly. “You’re awake? How are you feeling?”

Gojo gives an unintelligible grunt in response. Hawks just chuckles, moving closer to push the hair off Gojo’s forehead. “Yeah, I figured as much. I’ve got water and medicine, if you’re up for it.”

Gojo eventually summons up the energy to open his eyes. At some point, Eri and Meow have disappeared, leaving him rather lonely in this crowded bed. 

He blinks up at Hawks. “... You made me a nest.”

He made a nest, and then put Eri, all the softest things in the house, and even the cat in it with him. If he wasn’t so out of it right now, he’d be dying from the adorableness of it all. 

Hawks looks a bit abashed as he looks down at his arms. Gojo realizes he’s got a collection of sheets and pillowcases in his arms that had formerly been strewn around the edges of his the bed. “Ah… yeah. Sorry about that— I kind of made a mess! I’ll clean it up and put these in the wash.” 

Gojo frowns up at him, blaming his wretched sinuses for the way it takes him so long to realize Hawks doesn’t just look bashful, but perhaps even a bit self-conscious. He tugs a little harder on the man’s sleeve, wishing he felt a little more coherent so he could properly explain himself. 

“Don’t clean it up,” he says, voice rough with sleep. “I like it.”

“Oh,” Hawks looks surprised, and a little pleased. “... You don’t mind?”

Gojo shakes his head, which from the way his head starts swimming in dizziness after, was probably not the best idea. He has to close his eyes to stave off the nausea, and Hawks immediately starts fussing over him and urging him to sit up and take his medicine. As he does that the hero walks over to the blinds and slides them shut, dousing the room in blissful darkness. He gives a sigh of relief; he’d forgotten how sensitive he gets to light when he’s sick. 

“Better?” Hawks asks. 

Gojo makes a noise of acknowledgement, setting down the empty glass as he smiles up at him. “Yeah, thanks.”

“Of course,” Hawks replies easily, returning to his side. He settles at the edge of the bed, careful not to dislodge all his hard work, gaze worried. “Do you need anything else?”

He’s about to say no, before he thinks better of it. He makes a show of looking around the bed. “You know, it’s a pretty nice nest,” he starts, slowly. “But I think it’s missing something.”

It’s cute how Hawks sits up at attention, suddenly very alert, looking both eager to please but also a bit offended. “Missing what?” 

Gojo grins at him. “You.”

Hawks rolls his eyes. “That was embarrassing for both of us,” he mutters, but nonetheless slides in next to him without protest. 

Yeah, his game’s usually better than that, but whatever, he’s sick and he still got what he wanted. 

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