#i guess they stopped doing this because they have more and more units and hired more and more illustrators?

[randomnameless]

Remember how in its first years of existence, FEH tried to shoehorn some link between characters by having them by drawn by the same artists?

Like Seliph and Siggy, Julia and Deedee, Arvis and Saias, Lewyn and Ced etc etc (wait it's only for Jugdral characters?)

Now :

The New Supreme Leader alt is drawn by teffish...

Who also made the evil lizard lady's evil alt !

And let's not forget cuboon, who made Brave Supreme Leader's padded armor, and also designed a milktruck F!Billy and Rhea's swimsuit alt!

Also, Supreme Leader's swimsuit alt has flowers for some reason... placed where Rhea usually put lilies in her own hair.

it only means one thing to the feh devs : Supreme Leader could have been born with pointy ears!

[zxxccx]

Fumigation

This is a work of fiction. All characters are 18+. Contains male fart fetish content.

I guess I kind of brought this on myself. They always say what goes around comes around, but I still think my friend took things too far. I'll admit, my little prank was pretty embarrassing for him. I spilled water on the crotch of his shorts right before he had to get up in front of the class and do a presentation. He was pretty pissed (pun intended), but he took it like a champ and actually aced his presentation. Afterwards, we both kind of laughed it off and he admitted that I got him good. We played pranks on each other all the time, so I thought this was part of our little game and figured he'd to something to embarrass me a little at some point and then we'd be even. Oh how wrong I was!

To fully understand what happened to me, you need to know a little more about my friend or more specifically his job. College is expensive, so in order to help pay off his loans, he worked part-time in addition to attending classes. They recently discovered that high doses of methane could kill certain household pests which lead to a revolution in the fumigation industry. It didn't take long for them to make the connection between methane and human farts. So now, most fumigation jobs could done by hooking a really gassy guy up to the building's ventilation system and having him let rip. People didn't necessarily love the lingering smell that remained afterwards, but it eventually faded and was safer than the harsh chemicals they used to use.

My friend is an extremely gassy guy (and having been the victim of many a fart prank from him, I could personally vouch that his gas is particularly potent), so getting a job as a part-time fumigator was a no-brainer for him. I remember when he first got the job, he thought it was hilarious that he was essentially being paid to fart. I told him he got lucky and that he better do a good job because if he got fired he'd never find anyone else crazy enough to pay for his rancid gas. He immediately turned my words against me by wrestling me to the floor, sitting directly on my face, ripping ass repeatedly, and not letting me up until I agreed to pay him $20 and thank him for providing me with such amazing service.

…

Back to now, my friend told me I had to see the house he just got hired to fumigate. Apparently it was one of those McMansions you only see in really high end neighborhoods. When he went for the initial consultation, he saw they had a home gym, a movie theater, a game room, and all that. He said he could give me a quick tour before he got started and then I could “watch the master at work”. I didn't want to be anywhere near him while he “worked”, but he assured me all his gas would be filtered into the house and I wouldn't have to smell any of it. So we drove there. It was a hot day, so on the way he offered to run into 7-Eleven and grab us both sodas which I greatly appreciated.

When we got there, I saw he wasn't kidding about the size of the house. As we walked up, I asked how he could possibly gas out the whole place. I know he was a powerful farter, but this seemed almost impossible. We stopped by the A/C unit outside, and he told me how the system worked. There was a hose plugged into the A/C unit and the other end went into the back of a harness that looked kind of like a pair of rubber boxers. They had to be rubber, my friend explained, in order to be airtight. The hose would be positioned so that it sat right between his bare ass cheeks and inline with his asshole. He would then fart and it would go into the A/C unit which would circulate the air throughout the whole house. Given how intense his gas was, and with the power of the A/C fan to help spread it, I had full confidence he'd be able to make the whole house reek in no time.

After he finished showing me his setup, we went inside and he started giving me a tour. I was worried about coming into contact with whatever critters the owner was trying to get rid of, but my friend assured me that this was a termite fumigation. We went through a bunch of the rooms, and my friend went definitely right about how impressive the place was. I was admiring the home theater when all of the sudden I felt off. My friend asked me if I was okay and I said I felt a little woozy. My friend suggested that I sit down and then said something to the effect of “gee, I hope no one messed with your soda…” Before I had time to process what that meant, I blacked out.

…

I woke up dazed and confused. My friend was looking down at me grinning. I tried to say something but my mouth was taped shut. I also realized that was tied spread eagle on an unfamiliar bed with each of my limbs secured to one of the bedposts. I gave my friend an inquisitive look and he started to explain the situation. Apparently, he was still pretty upset about how I embarrassed him in class. He had been thinking for a while about how to get me back, and then he came up with a brilliant idea. He knew how much I hated his farts, so why not use that against me. He put something in my soda to knock me out, and while I was passed out he tied me to one of the beds in the house. I was still going to get to see his work, but I was going to experience it from the inside. He even gagged me to make things more “fun” for me and to ensure that I fully got to experience his gas.

I started freaking out. There's no way he could do this. Wasn't it dangerous? He simply pointed out that he couldn't understand what I was saying and didn't care. This was going to happen to me whether I wanted it to or not. He then double checked the ropes to make sure there was no way I could escape. He also added a couple extra layers of tape to my mouth to make sure that I could only breathe through nose. After teasing me a bit more and telling me to think twice before messing with him on the future, he said it was time to get started. I tried to plead with him one more time but he left and assured me that he was going to love every second of this.

After a few minutes, I heard the A/C turn on. I really tried to struggle and free myself, but it was no use. I was fully stuck and there was no way out. I laid there filled with dread, waiting for the inevitable. Then it happened: I head the first fart rip through the vents. I didn't smell anything yet, but the fans were blowing strong. I heard another longer fart rip and then another. They just kept coming. It took a bit, but the smell finally started to reach my nose. I panicked but there was nothing I could do. I just had to lie there and take it. With each fart, the smell around me intensified. What started off as an unpleasant sulfuric smell escalated into full on raw sewage territory. I don't think I've ever smelled anything this bad before. And still it kept going. My friend was ripping nonstop and I was trapped in his fart cloud. You know how sometimes a smell is so powerful you can actually taste it? That started happening to me here. Even though I was gagged, my mouth began to fill with the bitter taste of my friend’s gas. My eyes even started to burn and I had to close them. I was fully and completely consumed by farts. After several minutes of pure torture, I finally slipped into unconsciousness.

…

I woke up a few times, but the lingering smell was so strong that I was immediately knocked back out. I finally came to on the lawn in front of the house. I was initially terrified to see a person in a gas mask looking down at me, but it was pulled off to reveal my laughing friend underneath it. Evidently the smell was so strong that, when he went in to drag me out, he had to wear a gas mask. I went to take a much needed breath of fresh air only to be shocked when I still smelled my friend's gas. I panicked and when I explained what was happening my friend laughed so hard that he fell over. I had been subjected to his gas for so long that it had imprinted on my sense of smell. I lost it and flipped out. He told me this is what I deserved for embarrassing him, but I told him he went way too far. I kept yelling at him, but he said if I didn't stop complaining he'd drag me back inside and leave me there. That shut me up.

As I was getting in the car, he jokingly reminded me that I didn't finish my soda. I glared at him. Then he got in and his face crinkled up. He immediately rolled down the windows and told me that I reeked. I told him that it was his fault and he jokingly said that he marked me as his territory. I sulked the whole way back and when he finally dropped me off at my dorm, I took the longest shower of my life. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough. It took over a week for me to be able to breathe in without smelling a hint of his gas and even longer for me to be able to walk around campus without people crossing the street to get away from the smell that was embedded in my skin. My friend made sure to tell everyone we knew what happened and they all thought it was hilarious. I wanted to get back at him so badly, but I was too afraid. I never wanted to experience anything like that ever again, so I let it go…as much as I could at least. Anytime my friend ripped ass near me from that point on, my mind always brought me back to being tied up on that bed surrounded by his gas. My body would shudder at the memory and my friend would laugh and rip another one just to drive home the point that I would never truly be free from his gas.

[samgirl98]

Mending a Family 7/?

Prev | Next

Sorry for such a long with for a short chapter. I was hired for a new job and have been doing stuff for the hiring process that is time-consuming. Enjoy

Bruce

“I’m sorry, Bruce, I don’t hear Jason’s heartbeat.”

Bruce stared at his cup of coffee. He had told Clark everything that had happened with Jason and had hoped his friend would be able to find Jason’s heartbeat. He hadn’t.

“It doesn’t mean that he’s dead—”

“He’s not. Jason’s a fighter.”

“—it means that when he came back, his heartbeat changed. It’s why I didn’t notice he had returned from the dead.”

“Can you say that louder? I’m not sure everyone heard you.”

“I’ll keep an eye out for him, Bruce. I promise.”

“Thank you, Clark.”

Bruce took a sip of his coffee. He didn’t know what had happened to his son, but he would find out.

Dick

“Roy, please, help me find him.”

“Maybe he doesn’t want to be found,” Roy spat back. Dick had no idea what had gotten into Roy and Raven, but neither had agreed to help Dick look for Jason. The rest of his team had volunteered right away, promising they would keep an eye out for his younger brother and let Dick know if Jason was seen.

“You don’t know what you’re talking about, Roy,” Dick said.

“Really? You kept his resurrection a secret from everyone, including his friends. Of course, the kid is gonna get sick of it eventually and leave your asses behind.”

“Maybe this is what Jason wants, Dick,” Raven chimed in.

“How do you know? Do you feel his emotions somehow? Do you know where he’s at,” he asked desperately. Dick was seeing in real time how Jason’s disappearance was affecting Bruce. The man was more violent with criminals, broodier and talked even less unless it was about a case.

Tim had gotten quiet and stayed away from the family for the most part unless it was during patrol, and Damian had become cranky. Dick needed to find Jason and bring him home; they needed to fix what was broken.

“I don’t know his feelings, but I can guess. From what you’ve told us, you left him alone and without his family as support. Maybe he was tired of being in the same city as the people ignoring him and wanted a fresh start. I refuse to be the one to cross someone’s unspoken boundaries if they have made their feelings clear.”

“Guys, Jason needs to come home. He’s not well.”

“All I’m hearing is what you think Jason needs; no wonder he left,” Roy said, angry. “I hope you and Batman never find him. You don’t deserve him. You guys abandoned him; you left him with no family, and since you didn’t tell anyone he had returned, you left him with no friends.”

Roy walked away from Dick.

Dick looked at Raven imploringly, “I’m sorry, Dick, I can’t. He’s made his choice; maybe he’ll come to you guys in the future.”

And Dick was left alone.

Tim

Tim followed the anomaly. It started when Jason was last seen and lasted for three weeks. There had been cold fronts, and the readings had stayed steady. Then they disappeared.

Tim and Barbara had decided to keep these things to themselves as they were unsure it had anything to do with Jason.

(Tim’s guts said yes, it did.)

They had decided to build a program that would trace the same anomaly throughout the United States. If they found nothing there, then they would expand their search. Tim also had a background program running for sudden and unexpected cold fronts.

He would find Jason; his family depended on it.

Damian

His mother had agreed to help him.

She hadn’t asked for anything in return. Damian suspected it wasn’t out of the goodness of her heart but because she didn’t like not being in control. She didn’t know where Jason was; whether she would admit it or not, she considered Jason hers.

(Damian didn’t know if Talia considered Jason her son or tool, maybe both, but she wouldn’t let him out of her grasp.)

Damian hoped he had done the right thing.

Alfred

Alfred looked through the mail and stopped at a white envelope addressed to him. There was no return address.

Alfred opened the letter with shaking fingers.

(He knew that handwriting. It’s been years, but he knew it was Jason’s.)

There were two sentences.

I am alive and well. Don’t look for me; you won’t find me.

Who do you think will find Jason first lol

@idontgetpaidenoughforthisshit @skulld3mort-1fan @theauthorandtheartist @emergentpanda-blog @jaggedheart11 @fisticuffsatapplebees @booberrylizard @fantasticbluebirdfan @thegatorsgooseoose @cyrwrites @kjoboo91 @crystallicedart @amaramizuki666 @spekulatiusmuffin @meira-3919 @kilasmess @bubblemixer @lexdamo @wonderland-daisy @mj-arts-n-stuff @amyheart19 @dolfay @the-church-grimm @undead-essence @aph-mable @lizisipancardo @purrloin77 @writer-extraodinaire @charlietheepic7 @sinfulloccultist @nootherusernameworked @coruscateselene @chaoticchange @itsberrydreemurstuff @gmkelz11 @feral-bunny31 @paroovian @thatonegaybitch68 @d4ydr34min9 @overtherose @fandomwandererer @vipower001 @thordottir45 @blackrabbitt3t @rosecinnamonbun @bianca-hooks123 @epilepticnerd @dat1angel @consouling

[bloodpen-to-paper]

not to get all BD x Sxf buuuuuuuut

Miri and Anya both having parents who kill. Anya being a telepath in the middle of a cold war, making it hard for her to have connections, friends. Miri having two absolute messes of men as a family unit who she is at least vaguely aware of do dangerous stuff for their job, which has singled her out in the past, made it hard to fit in. Anya's complicated. Miri's life is messy. Them becoming friends and not judging each other, understanding the other more than you could ever know. Them making the other feel just as much of a kid as they should be. Them being kids.

Yor and Kazuki swapping meal recipes, making food together. Gushing about their kids and promising to arrange more playdates between the two. Pointedly avoiding that topic, that they're both killers for hire, not normal. Because right now they get to be normal, they get to share a domestic moment that all the other parents naturally have, but they have to struggle to be in. Opening up a bit more about that part each time they have a get together, because keeping secrets makes you lonely, because as much as Yor wants to be in with the housewives she sees around her, as much as Kazuki wanted so desperately to be a father, neither of them got that chance. But they have Anya now, they have Miri, and as fate would have it, they now have each other.

Rei gaming while Loid cleans his guns on the couch next him, basking in awkward, untrusting silence. Until the next time it happens, because Yor and Kazuki won't stop dragging them along to the kids' playdates (its definitely for the kids, totally not for Yor and Kazuki). Then it happens again, and again, until the silence isn't so suffocatingly thick, its calmer now, easier. Kinda nice actually. They have their spots on the couch now, each keeping a watchful eye over their respective child, until watching over my child becomes watching over the children. Cause if I'm overseeing my kid, might as well keep an eye on the other one right? She seems nice, makes mine happy. And I respect the other guy too, I guess. And it becomes a thing now, the two of them casually swapping kill counts and talking about life on the job, the differences between being a hitman and a government agent... being fathers. Partners. And knowing how deep that love runs without having to say anything to the other cause hey, he gets it. He gets me.

[thenationaltreasuregazette]

Aftermath, pt 2

Last time, we discussed the medical and legal aftermath that might have followed Team Treasure’s return of the Declaration of Independence to the FBI.

Now it’s time to turn to the next category our list:

Archeological

Sadusky would likely have Trinity Church cordoned off for as long as it took to make other security arrangement but like, yeah: Where is the treasure going? Does it stay in the cavern until it can be distributed among the museums? Who is doing that? Does Ben have to form an LLC and hire a Treasure Return Coordinator? How does he do that? When does he do that? What happens in the meantime?

An abundance of logistical questions, and a deep dive on triaging the Declaration of Independence ↓

Does he go to Columbia University’s archeology department and ask for help? From who? He just wanders into the dean's office? Some poor professor's office hours? Maybe he knows an American history professor in the area who once laughed him out of a lecture and turns to her for help figuring out what to do next.

What are Abigail’s connections like with New York-based institutions? Who has jurisdiction over which pieces? If there are American papers in the treasure cache they probably belong at the National Archives, but most of the treasure is, you know, treasure. Do different museums and institutions start squabbling over who gets what? There’s no way that many academics agree with each other about how to even go about cataloging the place let along distributing the artifacts.

When do foreign institutions and governments get involved? And who is overseeing that to make sure nobody starts an international incident when they can’t agree which country a particular artifact belongs to?

What becomes of the cavern once its emptied? Does it become a museum? If so, does Trinity Church own admission to the museum? Are they expected to run it?

Speaking of the cavern, who’s in charge of safety? Who’s going to be hired to build a stable freight elevator down there? What kind of construction firm do you even approach to consider a project like that?

Needless to say, there are a lot of logistics to figure out regarding the safety of the treasure, both from theft and deterioration, as well as the safety of anyone going down to work with it. There’s the matter of who is running point on this operation, and which institutions are involved to what degree. And then there’s the probably months- or years-long process of getting all of this work done.

I don’t envy them, and 100% no judgement if Ben hands off a lot of these responsibilities as soon as he finds competent people to give them to.

More immediately than even the immediate items regarding the rest of the treasure, there’s the matter of the Declaration of Independence.

The Declaration

As you point out, there is a branch of the National Archives in New York City! I did not know that! Actually, there are National Archives branches all over the country. That makes sense I guess, but I never stopped to think about it. Each one holds records from that state or regions. For example, the New York branch holds records generated in New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.

So yes, I think it’s safe to say that the Declaration will be moved to the National Archives at New York City. If I were the FBI, I would move it by armored truck—not taking any more chances for nonsense!

The FBI likely brought a documents expert with them, or at least they should have. Someone internal, from say, the FBI’s Questioned Documents unit may be the best bet from a security standpoint, but from a conservation perspective, Sadusky ought to have a person or team from the NY archives en route to the church as soon as he gets Ben’s call. And since he seems to care about what happens to the Declaration and the treasure, it makes sense to me that he would have a document rescue plan.

Because although Sadusky doesn’t know where or under what circumstances he’ll get the Declaration back, he fully intends to get it back. And I have to assume that part of that means a plan to take care of it as soon as it’s out of criminal hands. There are National Archives branches in Philadelphia, New York, and Boston, as well as in Washington D.C. My guess is that all of them were on alert and in communication, ready to receive the Declaration at the closest location to its recovery point, and generally aligned on the treatment process.

Stan or someone else from the D.C. Archives might have been heading this up once they were cleared of involvement. As the keepers of the Charters of Freedom, they'd be the experts in the Declaration’s exact preservation requirements.

So as soon as the Declaration is recovered, the plan is launched into action. The National Archives—officially known as the National Archives and Records Administration, NARA—runs tests such as this flood-soaked document simulation to test various drying methods on archived materials. They offer multiple resources on preserving family documents after floods, and seem generally prepared to respond to document emergencies. The “Preservation” page of their website even has a tab for “Records Emergencies.”

Now, most of these emergencies envision large amounts of documents damaged by water. Think floods, hurricanes, burst water pipes, etc. None of them involve Nicolas Cage squeezing lemon juice onto the Declaration of Independence. However, we can extrapolate a bit about what the priorities and methods might be based on the more plausible scenarios.

First of all, as @arsenicalbronze put it in their guest post on Ben’s dubious relationship with invisible inks, Abigail

goes with damage control. She takes the lemon from Ben so that she can paint the juice on the back in the least destructive way possible (e.g. not just squeezing lemon juice all over it and soaking it).

This spares the Declaration from some of the potential moisture damage from the cypher process, but not all.

Actually, the Wikipedia on Conservation and restoration of parchment lists the most common threats to parchment documents as

Relative humidity changes

Water and excessive moisture

Oxygen

Mold

Heat

Light exposure

Flaking and friability

Poor storage

Throughout the course of the treasure hunt Team Treasure managed to hit…pretty much all of them, lol.

While revealing the cypher, Abigail is likely doing double duty with the hair dryer. She’s both trying to dry out the moisture added by the lemon juice and use the minimum amount of heat necessary to reveal the text. If hot breath can do it, they don’t actually need much heat.

Every source I read mentioned that mold is a major risk to wet documents, whether paper or parchment, and can set if if not dried within 48 hours of moisture exposure. Based on our timeline we’re approaching that window, and that brings us to an important item that the archivists at the NY NARA will have to contend with. In fact, this is their first order of business:

How are they going to dry out the Declaration?

Despite Abigail’s best efforts there is likely still some moisture on the document, and for most of the rest of the treasure hunt it’s sealed in a plastic container with no air flow. It will need to be dried. Possibly even humidified to combat any warping and then dried.

Interestingly enough, when the Charters of Freedom went through their last major conservation project in 2001, the Constitution and Bill of Rights underwent this humidification and drying under tension, but the Declaration did not because it has sustained much more damage over the years than the other documents. However, the treasure hunt might lead to a different approached. The Declaration’s been acidified, heated, rolled and unrolled multiple times, touched, turned over, and run over with a car. Ouch.

When it does come time to dry the document, the archivists have some options.

Air drying

Freezer drying

Dehumidification drying

Vacuum freeze-drying

Vacuum thermal drying

Thermaline or cryogenic drying

Some of these are exactly what they sound like, and again, they’re described in the context of a damaged collection of material. How much material they’re suited for, how accessible they are, whether records are still available when drying, and whether they require being moved off site are all take into consideration.

For the Declaration of Independence, I’m looking straight at “cryogenic drying.” This is “intended for manuscript and rare book collections bound in leather of vellum” and while the most expensive technique, is also the one that minimizes distortion of the material the most.

And distortion is one of the most significant risks to the Declaration. Parchment expands and contracts in response to heat and moisture, and it’s been out of its controlled environment for a significant amount of time. Since that 2001 restoration, the Declaration has been kept in an aluminum and titanium case filled with argon gas, with a relative humidity of 40% and a stable temperature of 67 °F. Fluctuations in these variables up or down can cause damage. Too humid and it warps, too dry and it cracks.

Restoration is also a very manual process. Obviously technology is a huge help, and conservation science has come a long was in recent decades. Still, that lemon juice is going to be washed off by hand. Every crease and crack the Declaration sustained is going to be evaluated and steamed or repaired by hand.

Speaking of the people involved in this process, Abigail is probably feeling a lot of things as the Declaration gets taken away to the NY Archives. She saw her initial goal through to the end—she kept the Declaration safe, sometimes at the risk of her own safety. She also willingly put lemon juice on it. And heated it up. And let Ben keep rolling it up. She did or witnessed more damage to the Declaration in one day than it’s seen in decades. And now she doesn’t get to help clean up the mess.

I bet part of her wants to run to the Archives and start work right that moment. Forget that she’s so exhausted she can barely see straight. Forget the pounding headache in her skull or the strange numb ache in her shoulder or the way every muscle in her body is begging to collapse. Forget all the FBI eyes on her, and everyone who’s waiting for answers. The Declaration is hers. She is the Custodian of the Charters of Freedom after all. (Or at least, that was her title in the 2003 script.) Abigail is the person most qualified to be handling this emergency, and she can’t.

The best she can do is tell the archivist(s) who come to retrieve the Declaration what exactly happened to it since it left the National Archives two days earlier. The more information they have, the more accurately they can diagnose and treat any damage that occurred. (Like, lemon juice straight out of a goddamn lemon might not be their first guess?)

If you just want to be kind to Abigail, I would make this person someone she doesn't know or know well, but whose work she respects, or even a friend.

If you want to torment her I'd make it someone she hates or is academic rivals with.

I will leave you with this 144 page document on parchment conservation which I did not read, but you may find useful in your National Treasure-related adventures!

Next time: Interpersonal fallout

[siriannatan]

Combat Maids - Chapter 3

I have finally managed to finish this chapter. I thought it'd be ready yesterday but my headache said no :{

Jimmy stayed at the mansion after killing every single maid - for security and proper job contract stuff - but it meant he had to quickly go by Lizzie's and grab his things. A well-paid job with free accommodation away from his sister was always something he liked. The maid dress was even getting more worth it as time went on. He didn't really wait for Scott to wake up, fWhip was awake and they had a fast breakfast before the other guard got to making food for their boss. Jimmy unfortunately was a disaster when it came to any cooking or baking but he could clean pretty well and knew how to take care of a garden. And it was a temporary arrangement, even if Jimmy would be willing to do maid's work alongside his usual duties for that extra pay.

"Jimmy?" a sudden mumble as he was just about to leave had Jimmy turning around and pressing close to the door. It was no danger, just a sleepy Scott in his pyjamas, wandering downstairs, looking slightly confused at the lack of staff but happy to see Jimmy. "Where you go-*yawn*-ing?" he asked with a wide yawn. Cute. Adorable. Jimmy found a perfect job. The pay was just a bonus... Was it? Since when was money, not his ultimate priority?

"Just to grab my things, I'll be back in no time," Jimmy assured him with a smile and a tiny curtsy. "But I can..."

"No, no, it's fine I can find fWhip on my own, and I'm in no..." Scott started but stopped when fWhip walked in. Another bonus of the job. The other 'bodyguard' (technically the head of security and temporary head maid) was also keeping Scott's favoured dress code of a maid dress and looked damn well in it. It might have played a part in how easily he defeated Jimmy. He was too busy staring at his legs and arms to properly focus on killing him. Or to pay attention to his tail even if it had an adorable bow tied on it. Or because it did? He was simply not prepared for it all.

"I'll get Scott ready for the day, take your time he hasn't got anything important to get to," fWhip assured him with a grin as Scott clung to him. Jimmy guessed he was likely still very sleepy and barely aware of what he was doing and did whatever came to mind. It was honestly damn cute after all Jimmy heard of him. A trader of strategies and secret underground information no one could even fathom how he could get, hailing from a rich, influential family. Practically untouchable. And here he was, all sleepily cuddling to his scary guard.

Jimmy heard of fWhip before he accepted the assignment. He thought about it as he drove over to Lizzie's, Scott was nice enough to lend him one of his many fancy cars, back to fWhip. Formerly of the Wither Rose Mercenary company, according to rumours, it's founder and only ever leader. It was a formidable unit of mercenaries. Joel sometimes boasted he knew someone from it but he was likely lying. Lizzie of course told him to not mess with fWhip. But even he himself said Jimmy could have taken him out if the 'maids' were more careful and didn't make him wary of something happening. And if Jimmy wasn't distracted by his...uniform. And the way he moved. fWhip was no bodyguard. He was a killing machine. He'd be dead if fWhip didn't want information out of him.

He was wondering if fWhip could be persuaded into sparring when he pulled up by Lizzie's. 

"Jimmy?! You're alive... What's with your clothes?!" he barely managed to get out of the car when Lizzie burst out of the house that was also her and Joel - and until today Jimmy's, base of operations. "Just what the hell happened yesterday? In, in I had Joel start the tea..."

"I'm kind of in a hurry. Just came over to get my things," Jimmy sighed as he followed her in. "I got a job as a bodyguard of the guy whose bodyguard I was hired to kill."

"Just tell me you didn't fight fWhip," Lizzie huffed, hands on hips and ready to ramble about how dumb Jimmy was. "And I thought you didn't like the idea of being a bodyguard."

Jimmy just shrugged. Could absolutely failing to assassinate fWhip count as a fight with how fast he had him on the ground? "It pays damn well. The outfit comes with a bonus, since the boss does not like 'uncute' things," he explained as he passed through the kitchen, barely gracing Joel with a wave. To his credit, Joel looked like he just climbed out of his own grave. His hair was a muddy and bloody mess. His left arm was bandaged and so on. He likely just came home. "It annoyed fWhip so much he..."

"You know fWhip?" Joel yawned over his cup of likely hot chocolate. 

So Jimmy recalled the whole thing. Just saying he's working with fWhip would be not enough for Lizzie. As he packed all his things - what he thought he'd need. Lizzie would not get angry at him for leaving some stuff. As he was leaving Joel of course brought up his friend - Sausage, and that he'd let him know what fWhip's up to. It was no secret that fWhip was Scott's bodyguard, but Joel was annoying so Jimmy asked that he might ask his friend if he'd be interested in a double job of guard and a maid. And, of course, before leaving Lizzie reminded him about fifty times to call her if he ever needed help. Jimmy was fully confident he and Scott had Scott's safety handled.

Scott was barely starting to get ready when Jimmy came back so he quickly unpacked and took preparing him from fWhip so he could get a head start on finding new maids and/or more bodyguards. Considering they had to take over the maid's jobs it would likely be borderline impossible. No matter if the uniform was included or not or how much of additional pay it was. After all, not everyone was as greedy as Jimmy. 

Eventually, Scott had all his clothes on properly and deemed himself ready to be seen. "I have one thing to ask fWhip," he said so Jimmy took him to fWhip and then went ahead to get the car ready. 

And finally checked what they were going out for even. Apparently, Scott's favourite mall has been closed down for renovations, repairs really - after an 'accident' - for quite a while now making him feel down. Fortunately, today was the grand reopening which meant Scott had all the intention of personally checking if all his favourite spots there were still fine. One was his favourite clothing store. Other his favourite bakery. His favourite candy store was also on the list as well as a luxury stationery shop and a coffee shop. Jimmy hoped he could manage to get a proper lunch into Scott between all those sweets. And that he wouldn't buy too much, after yesterday they didn't really have extra staff for just carrying his stuff.

"I'm ready for the trip, just had to ask fWhip about uniform arrangements, I really need to thank whoever makes them," Scott was in a great mood and seemed to have finally fully woken up. "Anyway, how was your morning?"

"It was good, my sister didn't try to kill me for not calling her I would not be coming home," Jimmy shrugged, choosing to ignore the way Scott was staring at his legs. Or that he was already by the passenger seat. He was already familiar with how touchy Scott could get. He'd be fine as long as it didn't get too far. And as for the staring, he'd just do a lot of staring back. To make sure he was safe.

The drive to the mall was silent. Jimmy has never been a bodyguard before. He literally had no idea what to do outside of beating up, killing, and massacring anyone who dares endanger Scott. He probably should have asked fWhip for details. Not like Scott was bored. He spent the drive scrolling his phone. Huffing and mumbling about idiots unable to follow basic directions. His mood did go back up at the mall.

While Jimmy was aware Scott was a big shot even outside his own business. His brother was the top candidate for the seat of major and all that. He still didn't expect the mall's director to come and greet Scott and assign a member of staff to carry his shopping for him.

"I don't think a maid will be..." the director, a rather unpleasant individual that had Jimmy's hands itching to punch him. With something really sharp.

"He's my bodyguard, and you better watch your mouth," Scott huffed and grabbed Jimmy's arm. "Or I'll tell my brother you're being rude to me," he didn't even give the man a chance to finish before dragging Jimmy off. "He's so annoying, every time I come shopping he shows up to bore me to death and ask about Xor," he complained as the crow parted for them. Jimmy could feel some stares on him but a sharp glare was enough to get most people to look away and ignore him. Others were deterred by Scott's presence.

The first stop was Scott's favourite bakery where he got some doughnuts and cupcakes and ordered a whole cake. To lift the mood, he said as he forced a cupcake into Jimmy. It wasn't too bad but compared to the muffins fWhip made for breakfast it wasn't all that impressive, somehow. Oh, and coffee. Scott insisted Jimmy also has one even if he assured him he's fine. It honestly didn't really feel like he was a bodyguard. More like he was on a date from one of the romance novels Lizzie and Joel always made fun of.

But maybe that's how bodyguarding was supposed to be. But no bodyguard he had to get past for his assassination jobs ever was this close... But they failed to keep their bosses safe so maybe being right next to Scott was a good idea, less time was needed to get that close in case they got attacked. Even if the guy the mall lend Scott to carry his stuff was looking at him all weirdly.

It wasn't long before Jimmy noticed someone was following them. Five someones. To their credit, they would possibly fool anyone who had no experience in assassinations and going around guards. Unfortunately, Jimmy had a lot of said experience and could sense danger from a mile away. 

And was simply wondering how to deal with them. They were likely to follow them all the way home or ambush them on the parking lot. He couldn't really leave Scott alone even if he'd likely didn't notice it with how absorbed he was in a bubble tea shop that apparently wasn't in the mall before it was ruined. Causing a big scene was also out of the question. Scott didn't like blood.

He could deal with them without leaving Scott's side even if it'd be a bit complicated. Mostly because he'd have to know exactly where they were for long enough to do it. And he couldn't be sure why they were following them since none of them had any obvious weapons.

He'd just have to keep an eye on them while also paying attention to Scott trying to get his opinion on what tea he'd like. He wasn't even halfway done with his coffee so he managed to avoid the sugary drink. And managed to finally convince Scott to move away from sweets to other stores. And bury the unfortunate man the mall assigned to help Scott with shopping bags. 

Scott was very excited his favourite stores stuck around after the incident. And while most shop staff ignored Jimmy's existence Scott constantly asked for his opinions. The best he could offer was shrugs and 'looks great boss'. Jimmy was not a fashionable man but Scott seemed satisfied with his minimalist answers. Some staff did not appreciate Scott's attention being more on his bodyguard than their stock. Whenever they looked too angry that Scott was having fun he'd gently suggest it wasn't all that pretty.

Overall, outside the possibly-assassins who did literally nothing the shopping day went well. Scott got a lot of sweets and snacks and some other things. All that was left to do was get Scott home safely.

And of course, the 'followers' were by the car. With the dead body of the mall's director. He likely wanted to properly say goodbye to Scott and thank him for visiting the place. Not Jimmy's problem. But he was dead and there was blood everywhere. "Boss don't..." Too late. Scott already saw it and froze. "You idiots are dead," Jimmy scoffed as the idiots started shooting at them. All the bullets were stopped by a bubble of water suddenly wrapping around Scott. The shopping carrier was lucky he was basically behind them, Jimmy didn't care in the slightest about him but he did have Scott's stuff with him so maybe he should? "Scott, I need you to stay here for a second, I promise you're safe," he assured his boss. He really needed to get Scott home quickly now. Scott was not letting him go so he wrapped one ribbon from his dress around Scott's eyes. Somehow that worked in getting Scott to let go of Jimmy. 

"Give Major to us Solidarity," one of the morons yelled. As if that would work. Almost no price they could name would convince Jimmy to let them kill Scott.

With the bubble he didn't have to worry about Scott's safety so, with his wings fluttering angrily he vanished into a water puddle. He would stab anyone who called him a duck, he was a canary with water magic. Not that many had a chance to see him fight. "First rule of assassinations, no one sees you," he sighed and beheaded two of the morons. He wasn't even interested in who they were working for. The other three had no chance to react. They barely noticed Jimmy appear behind their line before knives of water were stabbed in their backs.

The would-be assassins didn't even yet hit the ground when Jimmy was back by Scott's side. Frantically thinking of what to do. He needed to get Scott home. "Congratulations, you're in charge of the mall now," he grumbled at the man still holding Scott's shopping. Kudos to him for not dropping it and running away. "Meaning you're in charge of this mess and keeping it away from Scott. I hear of it ever again, you're dead. Anyone comes asking about this, you're dead," he slowly listed off as he picked Scott up.

Once Scott was in the car, still shaking and unresponsive, he got the shopping in the back. And drove as fast as he could - without breaking the law, he didn't need that. He was already driving with just one arm, letting Scott have one all to himself.

"fWhip!" he called out, carrying Scott in. He had absolutely no idea what to do.

Scott woke up mildly confused but comfy and warm. He was no longer at the mall... Oh... the owner... Jimmy likely took him home and together with fWhip tucked him in. Very comfortably too. He almost didn't want to get up and out the bed but he probably should have let them know he was okay. So with one last comfy sigh, he gave up on the comfort and tried getting up.

And failed which had his eyes snapping open. All he could see was a familiar boob window of Jimmy's uniform. Was he so comfy because his pretty avian bodyguard was cuddling him? Why didn't Jimmy just leave him once he was safely in his bed? Not that he was complaining, he was simply hoping it wasn't too embarrassing. And what with all that nice warmth, as he wondered someone shifted behind him. Was it fWhip? Now he had no doubts it was embarrassing.

"Hungry?" fWhip mumbled into his back. Scott has never heard his sleepy voice but now wanted to hear it all the time. "I can make something quickly," he offered and Scott all but melted. When was the last time he had a proper hug - Xor's brief business hugs didn't count, - or cuddled with? He certainly missed it more than he realised he did. "Scott?"

"It's not that bad," Scott tried to sound not as desperate to prolong the hugs and cuddles as he was. And he really was, he was barely registering that he was not only being cuddled but also cuddled by two very attractive men in maid dresses. Why didn't they - at least Jimmy - change? "How did we end up in a cuddle pile? Last I remember is the mall," maybe if he had fWhip talking he would stop worrying about food.

"You got Jimmy freaked out when you got unresponsive, and would not let him go and then started asking for me and wouldn't relax without both of us here," fWhip gently explained and Scott could feel himself blush. He was lucky only Jimmy's chest could see it.

"I wasn't freaked out, just had no idea what to do. And you should eat boss, you had nothing but sweet stuff since breakfast," Jimmy's still heavy with sleep voice had Scott blushing and curling up even more. "If you need another cuddle session just say it, no need to give me a heart attack first, and these dresses are not the best to sleep in," he added. Scott would never stop blushing.

"But they're cute..." he pouted before he could stop himself.

"I'm sure we can figure that out. And the bad news, I'm having a hard time finding new staff. Whoever send the fake maids might be behind it," fWhip yawned and to Scott's dismay rolled away. "Dinner, then we can figure out proper cuddle arrangements. For safety, if anyone asks," he added and Scott could not complain. It'd be much better to have an excuse ready for Xor. He could be a bit much.

With minimal complaints Scott let Jimmy help him out the bed and into something more comfy than an oversized sleep shirt the two managed to get him into while he was only interested in cuddles. How embarrassing. 

Over the quick but damn tasty dinner fWhip caught him up on the staff troubles. The gardener quit but Jimmy said that since he can't cook he'll take care of that. Scott absolutely did not mind the garden being messy but was thankful someone would look after it. Good news, fWhip was trying to contact an old friend if he might be interested in a well-paying bodyguard job with some special expectations. Scott was really hoping that friend said 'yes' even if to lessen fWhip and Jimmy's load of duties and tasks. He was really lucky they were so patient and nice to him.

[steampunkforever]

Ok so back in the 70s/80s there was a Qanon-sized conspiracy that the Vietnamese hadn't given America back all its captured soldiers and was keeping some of them in jungle POW camps (just for fun I guess?) even after the Vietnam war officially ended. Though not an impossibility (see: that one Japanese soldier who only stopped fighting WWII in 1974) the general consensus at this point is that the foundation of this conspiracy theory was a coping mechanism for families who refused to accept the fact that their sons listed MIA were truly gone rather than any concrete evidence that the Viet Cong (literally just the Vietnamese government at this point in history) were secretly keeping GIs locked up in the 10-20 years after the war.

The reality is that when you send a generation of young men into a jungle-shaped meatgrinder, you're not going to recover or even confirm all of your dead. Even if those MIA soldiers survived the ambush/plane crash, they'd have essentially been dropped in the middle of a jungle with minimal survival equipment. Unfortunately, the very fact that these boys were drafted into a pointless war in the first place, combined with the treatment of the veterans that made it back, meant that public trust in the government was at an all time low--something that current events have proven to have bred the worst kind of conspiracy theories: the politically impactful ones.

Which is why even now the POW/MIA flag flies in front of many state and federal buildings, the equivalent of your governor unfurling a WWGOWGA banner in front of the statehouse. All this context is required to understand the events that formed Rambo: First Blood Part 2, the 1985 analog to a present day "Pizzagate: The Movie."

On a scale of one to "shred the local police station with a beltfed machine gun," Rambo in First Blood is not doing great at coping with Vietnam, but the movie delivers an elegant, tragic look at how society dealt with veterans of a war it never wanted. And so for the sequel, they brought in George Cosmatos, a director known for what Entertainment Weekly calls "Rock Em Sock Em" movies and whose son would go on to functionally kick off the Nic Cage Renaissance.

First Blood Part 2 lands on the "how well did you take losing the Vietnam war" scale somewhere between "denial through affirmation of nutjob conspiracies" and "going back and killing the russians because they're the REAL bad guys." Which is to say that it handles the transition from thoughtful first film to action icon second film a tad worse than Terminator 2, if only because Terminator 2 never involved plot points about rescuing Nam Vets who were secretly still being kept prisoner a decade after the war ended.

I can't hate on the film that much because you don't hire the corny 80s action director and expect him not to make a corny 80s action film, and the POW/MIA conspiracy functionally no longer matters outside of decorating the back of goateed boomers' Harley Davidson motorcycles. The action is corny and fun, and the pre-9/11 tinhat theories are more objects of curiosity than anything. Yet I would debate that this film doesn't carry on the reputation of the original the same way that Alien carries over to the more action oriented Aliens or Home Alone carries over to Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.

Rambo: First Blood ends with John Rambo--disturbed special forces veteran who's take apart an entire town and humiliated state police, local sheriffs, and the national guard-- sobbing like a baby, lamenting bitterly the deaths of every single friend he had in his unit and his fate in a society that has discarded him as politically inconvenient. It's powerful, watching this mountain of muscle shaped into a killing machine fully break down and weep into the arms of his former commanding officer.

In Rambo 2 he ends the film by kicking the bad guy from Karate Kid in the crotch and then shooting up a bunch of computers. The difference between the films is clear.

[the-firebird69]

Couple more announcements

-a lot of people are very mean and they're not saying it but they're mean and they're kind of s*** we know about it and we're going to enforce the rules in the law today we're tired of you people you suck you're out there doing that and you're all arrogant as hell and just point stuff out and say you're taking it it's going on globally and we really need it everywhere and there's twice as much stuff elsewhere other than the United States but that's the whole world but a lot of this is going to get exported there's a lot of stuff coming out okay new bikes there's Harley Davidson not that many but there's tons of Japanese bikes and they're going to flood the market and people going to start buying them again there's a lot of cars probably 1/3 of a Year's production in total globally there's a lot of household goods appliances and things and it's probably a half year supply but it's really needed and it's going to absorbed in probably two days and everybody's going to say we need production and we're going to start factories up all over the world in the middle areas and outside the middle areas and production is already at 300% of right before covid and we need more probably a thousand percent, and these factories making these bikes are going to be huge and they're going to switch over to hard knock kicker and they're going to make the models he was saying a cruiser a Sportster and it's going to be a huge company with several people running each division which is a different vlan and they're going to start infighting like madness they're spoiled and rotten right now there's more happening though and they're beginning to take the ships out and in competition because of Tommy f comment and he said it and there's tons of people at it tons of warlock those ships are going to come out real fast and this place is going to settle the water is going to come out it's still kind of plugged up if the water stopped flowing abnormally from up North in one week it would be down about 129 in which is over 10 ft it's 10 ft 9 so at low tide the water potentially could be 10'9 down which is way down it's going to look odd but when you pull the diamonds and stuff out of the harbor it won't it'll be a vertical wall and it goes down that deep it's it's not sand so we're waiting for that to happen and all over the world it's kind of the way it is so we are in the mood for doing some work and we're going to do some work right now he's going to cruise around and get some things but really his life is very hard it's going to change soon because of all the stuff that's going on we expect the Midwest to be emptied out by late tomorrow or early Monday and if it slows down we're going to go take stuff and people come back and start taking things it's really lame these people are lame

Thor Freya

Olympus

Forget their messages I guess we can't stop cuz they make us hate them but we realize something they're just not going to let it happen so he stopped the factories are still there the stuff is been taken out we really need it to make bikes but new ones and other people are trying but it's going to slow down and we're speeding up and taking out the old ones now rapidly cuz we don't have enough power to do it

Trump

It has been up we're almost a 35% and yeah by the end of the day they're going to be out of there and out of all the other areas that's so many bikes I don't know what the hell they're doing with him now they're hiring huge crowds now because it's coming back and our son and daughter say it was necessary but we have to call it because they're just going to keep doing it and they said good and some people have stuff for new bikes and that'll come or you can try and make them make equipment a lot of people say they don't know how but they can get people who do and they're going to try and do that so we are going to be building a lot of these frames because these guys will not be able to keep up with their own production they're looking at the frames to see if there any good and most of them have holes and that's not good because inside is rusted and the metal does not rust that easy so at the bottom is where it breaks and they can see it breaking when they move them and because all the water sits in it and they break real bad and a lot of them fall apart and they take all the parts out and they leave the motors in the frames and it's disgusting it looks really weird like ripping bodies out that are close and it might be why they showed their body in the fire but this is going to save lives and they're calling for the lawn mowers all at the same time huge rows of trucks are going out of the Midwest and going in and it's not enough and our son told DJ to get the big trucks and they lay off the Harley and he did and it's wasn't working yet and he's telling them so they're moving stuff with big trucks and he says this is intense huge trucks are out there and they load up outside the wall massive trucks are taking tons of stuff anything you can put in a truck the other stuff they put in the regular trucks and it's going to go faster someone said we're up to like 37% on the used motorcycles on regular stuff is 20% but with the big trucks it's going to go extremely fast and more shortly

Thor Freya

Olympus

Zues Hera

[unearthlytwilight]

chapter 21E!

thoughts under the cut! but more importantly...

if you take away one thing from this post: stan Heath. he is a great character. he deserves love and affection. anyway, on to actual content:

...and it's miniboss squad time! that was an abrupt cut

Sonia tells the Four Fangs to kill Eliwood because reasons

Lloyd calls bullshit, but Sonia has Brendan under mind control or something don't worry about it and makes him agree. that's good enough for him

anyway! Uther is traveling out of Ostia in secret to meet with the gang personally. Nils is sick or something so Ninian goes out to check on him

he collapses. Hector wants to call a medic, but Ninian objects. Eliwood agrees with this

suddenly, the fort is being invaded! it's defend map time!

Eubans (left) tells Heath (right) to attack with his unit from the west. Heath tells him that's a stupid idea

these guys got hired by Darin to do war, but then we killed him, so. they're kinda spinning their wheels

Heath objects to attacking women and children, but Eubans insists (read: does blackmail). and so the chapter begins.

I forgot Rath joined this chapter. he's there I guess? it is interesting that the NPC calls him "Rath of Sacae" while Rath and Lyn address each other more traditionally. it's a nice little detail

interestingly, both the mercenaries and the npcs have unique descriptions:

it's a nice detail

but remember how Heath was being regretful? speak to him with any of the lords (in practice Eliwood or Hector, since Lyn will be busy recruiting Rath) or Ninian to recruit.

what a line. Heath is shooting up my list of favorite characters as we speak. love him

oh, Eliwood. trying to ensure he doesn't have to fight. I love you

also, boss convo time!

and what a convo it is. not even a chapter and I'm already invested in him. this is how you do characterization

huh. I didn't expect that. he still cares a little. bless him

stop being mean to Heath he's doing his best. anyway, he's dead. let's talk to Uther about the plot

oh, Hector.

anyway! Eliwood explains. it turns out Uther knows about Nergal, but not the whole dragons thing and Elbert's death. Eliwood says "nothing could have been done", which is interesting and I'll talk about it later

fuck, my emotions. anyway, after Uther hears about dragons he leaves to think. Hector notes it's unusual for him not to have made a decision already. the lords discuss what to do

considering how modern FE games don't bother to justify why only the heroes do plot, this is pleasantly surprising! makes the world feel more real as well

anyway, Ninian can track Nergal. it's magic don't worry about it. he's in Bern. that's bad because Bern's very militant and their king sucks

yeah, I don't like desert chapters either, Eliwood, but that's what we're doing

some level ups:

balanced character

she's been weirdly good. idk why

he's gonna be a staffbot for a little while but. S in dark magic. oh yeah.

speed and res unexpected, but welcome!

anyway! next time, we go to Nabata, dig for treasure, and meet two legends!

[yurious-george]

"my family isn't rich" and your family literally had hired help around the house. girl my family is poor as shit and we have never once moved to a foreign country and enlisted locals to clean our house ok

Have you heard of this fun thing called “being middle class”

Genuinely, we just got lucky. The company covered the vast majority of our expenses, and a thousand Ugandan shillings is like, 30¢. Not 30$, 30¢. Obviously my dad being paid a USA salary went a long way over there. I’m pretty sure housekeeping was covered by the company as well, until we moved from Kenya to Uganda (Info my bio is not 100% accurate, i lived about a year and a half in Kenya and the remaining three ish in Uganda. Gotta keep ‘em guessing.) anyway, if $30 is enough to feed someone for a week, you have no dishwasher and a house that regularly gets coated in iron-rich, staining Ugandan dust, and people are willing to work, why not pay them to make your life a little easier? They get money, we get a clean house, what’s the downside.

Cannot stress enough that $30 in USD, aka more than 10,000/= in USh, was enough to feed someone for a week, or at least several days. 20 pounds of bananas was equivalent to $5 USD. Don’t be like this man

I will say we were objectively much richer in east Africa than we ever were in the United States, especially because our permanent US home is in a very expensive city. We can’t afford a regular housekeeper here, in east Africa we had two and helped one of them pay for college. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ conversion rates & buying power

If you want to make up a narrative of me secretly being the top 1% I can’t stop you, but you would appear severely uneducated. I have the incredible good fortune of never risking homelessness or food insecurity, and to be able to afford to make other people’s lives better financially in a very poor country. That doesn’t make me upper class. I’m never gonna be able to afford a private mansion in this life or the next, or a billion dollars, or even regular opera tickets (TT_TT) - I think the class divide in the USA has gotten so severe that people can’t recognize when a middle class family got lucky. Like, when I was a kid middle class families could afford this stuff. A trip overseas every few years, college, the occasional big donation, owning a house, companies paying major finances for the good of their employees, etc. that doesn’t exist anymore. I’m sitting in a house that is currently worth 1.5 MILLION usd, that wasn’t half that much when my parents bought it 20 years ago. We do not have a million dollars. No one in my family has ever had a million dollars. I probably won’t be able to have the life and financial security my parents have, and tbh? that frightens me to hell.

I think my parents know that too. We hope for better times, live comfortably within our means, and try not to talk about it.

[douchebagbrainwaves]

YOU GUYS I JUST THOUGHT OF THIS

It was neither of my guesses. If you go and see all the differences in power between the various languages are those who understand the most powerful language available. Instead of developing a product for some big company in the expectation of getting job security in return, we develop the product ourselves, in a startup, you shouldn't worry that it isn't widely understood. I would like. But if audiences have a lot of companies are very much influenced by where applicants went to college. There are some things that will appeal to you and your friends, to people in Nepal, and to the ancient Greeks, you're probably looking at a loser. Either VCs will evolve down into this gap or, more likely, new investors will appear to fill it. Do I really want to support this company? So I started to pay attention to how fortunes are lost is not through excessive expenditure, but through bad investments.

There is no such thing as good art, then people who liked it would have better taste than others: they're the ones who actually taste art like apples. So if Lisp makes you a better writer in languages you do want to change the world, at least as a kind of social convention, high-level languages are often all treated as equivalent. This sort of change tends to create as many good things as it kills. We didn't know anything about marketing, or hiring people, or raising money, or getting customers. The more of an IT flavor the job descriptions had, the less dangerous the company was. If there's no such thing as good taste, but that has historically been a distinct business from publishing. But now it worked to our advantage. It's like saying something clever in a conversation as if you'd thought of it on the spur of the moment, when in fact you'd worked it out the day before. And not just because that's more rewarding than worldly success.

What would make the painting more interesting to people? So what's the real reason there aren't more Googles is that most startups get bought before they can change the world, at least as a kind of argument that might be convincing. I doubt what we've discovered is an anomaly specific to startups. But though I can't predict specific winners, I can offer a recipe for recognizing them. So these big, dumb companies were a dangerous source of revenue. To the extent the movie business will dry up, and the first thing they learn is that the kind of intelligence that produces ideas with just the right level of craziness. Is software a counterexample? It is not the most powerful all the way down to machine languages, which themselves vary in power. Our generation wants to get paid up front.

They didn't want to use it in all his paintings, wouldn't he? This idea is rarely followed to its conclusion, though. You never had to worry about and which not to. I and most of the time about which of two proofs was better. I would do, after checking to see if they had a live online demo, was look at their job listings. Someone with ordinary tastes would find it hard to change directions. Another is to stand close. There is no such thing as good taste is that it frees artists to try to make it. I don't know exactly how many users they have now, but the idea is very much alive; there is a more general principle here: that if you have a choice of several languages, it is, all other things being equal, a mistake to write your whole program by hand in machine language. I had stopped believing that.

Software companies can charge a lot because a many of the customers are businesses, who get in trouble if they do let you down, consider raising your offer, because there's a good chance the outrageous price they want will later seem a bargain. I'd agree that taste is just a matter of personal preference.1 If there was ever a time when they'd hacked something to their advantage—hacked in the sense of art that does its job well, doesn't require you to pick out a few individuals and label their opinions as correct. But we also knew that that didn't mean anything. So Yahoo's sales force had evolved to exploit this source of revenue. Languages less powerful than Blub are obviously less powerful, because they're missing some feature he's used to. We eventually had many competitors, on the order of twenty to thirty of them, but none of their software could compete with ours. They're terrified of really novel ideas, unless the founders are good enough salesmen to compensate. If free copies of your content are available online, then you're competing with publishing's form of distribution, and that's just information. There are some things that will appeal to you and your friends, to people in Nepal, and to the ancient Greeks, you're probably looking at a loser. It was still very much a hacker-centric.

So it is with colleges. The tragedy of the situation is that by far the greatest liability of not having gone to the college you'd have liked is your own feeling that you're thereby lacking something. All users care about is whether you make something they like. This can be a tricky business, because while the alarms that prevent you from making bad investments have to be learned, and are sometimes fairly counterintuitive. So we're in much the same position as a graduate program, or a company hiring people right out of college. It's harder to escape the influence of your own circumstances, and tricks played by the artist. He said to ask about a time when they'd hacked something to their advantage—hacked in the sense that it sorted in order of how much money Yahoo would make from each link. Publishers. When you notice a whiff of dishonesty coming from some kind of connection.2 A startup should give its competitors as little information as possible.

Notes

Y Combinator.

Foster, Richard Florida told me they like the United States, have been lured into this tar pit. It requires the kind of protection against abuse and accidents. Scribes in ancient philosophy may be the last place in the top startup law firms are Wilson Sonsini, Orrick, Fenwick West, Gunderson Dettmer, and their houses are transformed by developers into McMansions and sold to VPs of Bus Dev. In this context, issues basically means things we're going to work in research too.

Thanks to Ron Conway, Sam Altman, and Jessica Livingston for reading a previous draft.

[dramioneficrecommendations]

Best Draco/Hermione Fics Dramione Shippers Read in 2020

A few days ago, I asked you what were the best Dramione fics you'd read in 2020. Here's the huge list of your excellent recs (in alphabetical order):

A Creature Most Unusual by JMilz: Draco Malfoy is on a mission. Unfortunately, Hermione Granger catches him in the act. When she sees that he has adopted a rather unusual magical creature, she becomes determined to make sure he takes care of it. Little does she know, the animal may hold her key to eternal glory . . . and a whirlwind romance. M, 9 Chapters, 24,460 Words

A Little More Alive, Far Less Lost by MGL_Dramione_Lover: After Draco's post-war trial, he finds himself attending his 8th year at Hogwarts with Hermione. As remorse and acceptance replace anger and hate, the old enemies begin a friendship that sparks into much more than they ever hoped for. Hermione's goal as Head Girl is to banish old prejudices and unite the school while Draco's only wish is to become a man worthy of her love. M, 22 Chapters, 84,823

A New Light by mithrilstarlight: Draco spent six years doing his best to keep his head down. Then he runs into Hermione Granger. Turns out, they actually have a lot in common.Chapters posted M/W/F. T, 18 Chapters, 33,876 Words

A Second Look by RiverWriter: Her best friend's life was a mess and she would have done anything to make things better for him and his sons. So, when she found her former enemy in a similar situation her heart went out to him as well... and the beautiful blond baby in his arms didn't hurt his case. It was certainly enough for her to give him a second look. M, 30 Chapters, 127,243 Words

All that is Rare by smithandbarrowman: In the wizarding world, it has long been assumed that men are Alphas and women are Omegas. However, when Hermione Granger discovers that assumptions are rarely factual, her status as one of only a handful of female alphas that has ever existed has men falling at her feet.But there’s only one man she wants, and like the male alphas before her, the hunt is on until he bears her mark. E, 31 Chapters, 119,755 Words

All the Wrong Things by LovesBitca8: Sequel to "The Right Thing to Do" - Draco's POV. Part 2 of the "Rights and Wrongs" series. E, 24 Chapters, 160,297 Words

All You Want by senlinyu: Eighth Year at Hogwarts was supposed to be Hermione’s. And it is, just not in the way she expects. Omegaverse fic. E, 36 Chapters, 172,651

apples & cream by LovesBitca8: She could have taken her things and gone through his Floo without a word. She could have ignored him on Monday morning, as though last night had been no more than a fever dream and too much Firewhisky. But she’d come back to bed. Inspired by the lovely NikitaJuice's "apples & cream." E, 1 Chapter, 1,426 Words

Beginning and End by mightbewriting: Years. Broken into months into weeks into days—into hours, minutes, seconds—into moments. Simple at one end, complex at the other. In Draco’s experience, moments, even when simple, had a habit of becoming irretrievable. Moments grew, stretched, multiplied into ages and eras that defined whole stretches of measurable time. Draco regretted several moments in his life, some within his control, some without: all of them irretrievable in nature. At a certain point, wedged between ‘what-ifs’ of his own devising, he’d stopped trying to keep track of those regrettable moments: now and then, pushing and pulling, coming and going, beginning and end. Moments were only moments for just as long. After that, he had no control. A Draco POV prequel to Wait and Hope. E, 48 Chapters, 242,100 Words

Bells on a Hill by HeyJude19: Left by his fiancée a month before the ceremony, Draco never got his dream wedding, so agreeing to assist Granger with her own wedding planning to distract himself from his broken engagement seems like a great idea—though Draco probably shouldn't fall in love with the bride-to-be. Based very (very) loosely on The Wedding Singer. T, WIP

Bending Light by scullymurphy: Draco Malfoy was in exile, though they called it protection. It was the summer after sixth year and he'd taken Dumbledore's offer, defected to the other side and been sent away to a small town in Italy for his troubles. No magic, few rules, and not a lot to do - until Hermione Granger showed up. M, WIP

Break for me by Ada_P_Rix: COMPLETE _______________ "-I told them this wouldn’t work.” He cut in through gritted teeth as he kept his eyes on Hermione, making her pulse quicken and she couldn’t help but clench her thighs together at the rough, husky tone of his voice. He didn’t miss it; his eyes landed on her thighs and they darkened even further. “I can’t help her when all I feel like I want to do is pin her down and fuck her into the mattress.” _______________ Hermione gets into a little accident at work and is infected with a hybrid potion created to cause certain heightened side effects. Draco offers to stick around to give his work partner a little support ... if he can Occlude long enough to resist her... E, 7 Chapters, 45,107 Words

Breath Mints / Battle Scars by Onyx_and_Elm: For a moment, she's almost giddy. Because Draco Malfoy's been ruined by this war and he's as out of place as she is and — yes, he has scars too. He's got an even bigger one. She wonders whether one day they'll compare sizes. E, 51 Chapters, 148,908 Words

Bring Him to His Knees by Musyc: Draco is on the case of a murderer, but to investigate, he needs a fake relationship - and a kink club play partner. When Hermione volunteers to take the role, both do their best to maintain the lie without letting each other know the truth: neither of them are acting. E, WIP

Calendar Boys by anne_ammons, Nadiapolyakova (Rijaya83): She had thrown out the idea on a lark, but now Hermione Granger was tasked with bringing the charity calendar to life. What was one more thing on her list? An art/writing collaboration between nadiapolyakova and anne_ammons - twelve photos and a piece of the story behind them. M, WIP

Cherry Mint by dirtymudblood: "He could smell her. Even multiple train cars away, he could smell her. Except, Draco didn’t know who she was. He ignored his natural instincts to pant like a dog and follow the scent to the omega in the beginning stages of heat. Instead he willed himself to rub his knuckles against the rough wood of the table in front of him." E, 27 Chapters, 58,081 Words

Dark Water and Dying Eyebrights by bexchan: One of them is desperately trying to remember their past while the other is forever trying to escape theirs. It's seven years after the war and Draco has managed to avoid almost everyone from Hogwarts, living a lonely life on a small island, far away from the wizarding community. But a familiar face in a cafe window capsizes his world into chaos. Dramione. EWE. Memory fic. M, WIP

Difficult by provocative envy: COMPLETE: "I should," I repeated. "But I don't want to." And then he smiled, and I was wrecked. HG/DM. M, 30 Chapters, 87,041 Words

Don't Look Back by Onyx_and_Elm: It’s the smell of it. Chemical. Bitter and sharp as a raw edge on metal. Just a hint of it as she passes him at breakfast — but enough to stop her dead, mid-step. There is Wolfsbane in his tea. E, WIP

Don't Threaten Me with a Good Time by monsterleadmehome: She scoffs. “If you must know, he ‘elected’ me because he thinks our shared animosity will keep you in check. He’s also not worried about you trying to shag me as a distraction.” He leans back, stubbing out his cigarette on the banister. His eyes rove over her from crown to toe and back. She lifts her chin and tries not to shiver. “Well, he’s right about that.” Lucius Malfoy hires Hermione Granger to whip his son into shape so he can find a pure-blood bride and receive his inheritance. What could go wrong? E, 10 Chapters, 48,092 Words

Draco's Gift by TriDogMom: Draco gives Hermione a gift because of an instructional YouTube video. M, 1 Chapter, 1,705 Words

Dragon in the Dark by GracefulLioness: The battle is won, Voldemort is dead, but the war is far from over. In the new Death Eater regime, Draco Malfoy does what he must to survive and keep his mother safe. Now a highly trained assassin, Draco has learned to think of his targets as inhuman beings, but when he is tasked with killing someone from his past, he can no longer hide from the horrors of the world around him. E, 31 Chapters, 164,782 Words

For a Present Under the Tree by grace_lou_freebush: When Draco and Hermione eloped, the Wizarding World turned against them. Hermione is stuck in a low level, low paying Ministry job with no hope of upward movement. Draco can't even convince someone to hire him. Now, it's Christmas, and Draco knows Hermione deserves the world - or at the least a Christmas gift. He finds the perfect hair comb to replace the horrid Muggle brush she's been making due with, and he'll do anything to afford the paltry present so he can have something to put under the Christmas tree for his wife. Making a beeline for the jewelry box containing the hair combs, Draco rifled through them, landing on an ivory comb with queen anne rose carvings and gold filigree detailing. He brought it to the startled shopkeeper and set it down gently. Pulling his sixth generation Malfoy heirloom pocket watch from his coat, he shoved it in the wizard's face without second guessing himself. "I would like to make an exchange." E, 1 Chapter, 10,141 Words

Fortuitous by MrsRen: Recently divorced Draco doesn't believe in the ideology of having one true love. He certainly doesn't expect to meet his match in a Halloween themed coffee shop, but fate has a peculiar way of giving you just what you need. M, 13 Chapters, 93,695 Words

Fuck, Marry, Avada by Lilian_Silver: Some years after the war, the gang meets up at the Leaky to play a silly game, with very real consequences. E, 1 Chapter, 3,106 Words

Give Me An Hour by RZZMG: As the war continues to rage on around them, Hermione Granger decides to seduce fellow Order Member, Draco Malfoy, one night while at Grimmauld Place... and everything between them changes after that. Fic follows the "five times" trope, and is dedicated to raspberryjukebox. One-shot. A/U-Extended War scenario. Dramione. Drama-Romance-Hot Shag! COMPLETE! M, 1 Chapter, 3,251 Words

Good Girl by arabellaleyes: Hermione is tired of their normal routine in the bedroom. What will happen when she asks Draco to spice things up? One-shot. Complete. M, 1 Chapter, 9,000 Words

Hindsight by floorcoaster: It's a New Year and Hermione decides it's time to make some changes. T, 12 Chapters, 167,694 Words

How to Love Thy Neighbour by WhatSoMalfoy: After her relationship with Ron falls apart, Hermione attempts to juggle a personal muggle life with a professional wizarding one. After encountering her high school nemesis in the most unlikely place, Hermione adds another ball to the juggling mix. M, 14 Chapters, 41,992 Words

How to Move On by longdistance: It's been nearly a decade since the war. A long time since she locked herself away. A long time since he faced his mistakes. She's what he wants. He's what she needs. It's time for both of them to figure out how to move on. M, WIP

Hydrotherapy by eilonwy: Draco finds a trip to the showers after playing Quidditch... enlightening. E, 2 Chapters, 7,163 Words

I Choose You by melanoradrood: At the end of Fifth Year, Hermione finds out why It is that none have approached her with a Marital Contract, the only way she can remain in the Wizarding World after Graduation. It has already been signed by her Magical Guardian, someone she has never met - she is to be the next Lady Malfoy. A year and a half later, she is a married witch, but still, Draco Malfoy, who had chosen her above all others, had not spoken of it. In fact, they barely spoke at all. And when trouble heads their way, Hermione means to change that. Really, she means to change a lot of things. E, 5 Chapters, 24,527 Words

Isolation by Bex-chan: He can't leave the room. Her room. And it's all the Order's fault. Confined to a small space with only the Mudblood for company, something's going to give. Maybe his sanity. Maybe not. "There," she spat. "Now your Blood's filthy too!" DM/HG. PostHBP. Now complete with epilogue. M, 49 Chapters, 284,050 Words

It Happened in Egypt by bionically: Wandless in Egypt: Draco's stranded in Egypt, but luckily, there's a Granger in sight. Now, if only he could be prevented from strangling her. Fun times abroad: It was supposed to be a leisurely solo trip down the Nile. Hermione didn't factor in one blond man from her past and all his drama. Then, of course, there's the fact that everyone's after him. Much hilarity ensues. Maybe. *** A rom-com adventure/mystery featuring two unwilling partners on the run from Lucius Malfoy, alien-hunters, Muggle police, and local wizards engaged in a civil war. T, WIP

Love and Other Misfortunes by senlinyu: Draco Malfoy is dying. He's part-Veela and needs his mate to survive. Post-war, Hermione Granger is a workaholic, up to her eyeballs in legal activism on behalf of Magical Beings, and hasn't yet noticed that Malfoy is the Magical Being who needs her most. “Because I don’t want to be saved by you just because you feel like you have to.” He was properly furious now. “I’m in love with you." Hermione stared at him. She knew but somehow hearing him say it made the air shimmer with magic. "I’m in love with you,” he said again, despairingly. “And that means I want you to be as happy as you possibly can. And you won’t be, not with me.” M, 23 Chapters, 98,584 Words 

Manacled by senlinyu: Harry Potter is dead. In the aftermath of the war, in order to strengthen the might of the magical world, Voldemort enacts a repopulation effort. Hermione Granger has an Order secret, lost but hidden in her mind, so she is sent as an enslaved surrogate to the High Reeve until her mind can be cracked.Now illustrated by Avendell. E, 77 Chapters, 370,473 Words

Measure Of A Man by inadaze22: To truly know someone is to differentiate between who they once were, who they are now, and who they're capable of being. Hermione realises the duality of one man as she rectifies what she knows of the past and begins to understand the pieces of who Draco Malfoy is now: a father, a son, and a man. E, WIP

Meet the Malfoys by raven_maiden: 4 Works, 21, 442 Words

of flavoured names and coloured sounds by Pink Panda (Ejacyeolation): "He doesn’t question it at first, the fact that sounds have colours and words have flavours. He grows up with it, grows up seeing powerful ruptures of colour when his mother plays the piano and softer, translucent bursts when the people around him speak. His father’s voice fills his vision with sombre oranges and lilacs while his mother’s is a pleasant mix of delicate greens, blues, and greys. The word father tastes like wet wood and the word mother tastes like the pumpkin juice the house-elves frequently serve him."In which Draco just wants to know what colour Hermione's moans would be. He also wants to know if her skin would taste as sweet as her surname or maybe as intoxicating as her given name. E, 2 Chapters, 10,351

Once Upon a Night by longdistance: One night will change everything. M, 17 Chapters, 57,444 Words

One and Done by PacificRimbaud: Hermione Granger has a career she loves, friends she can depend on, and a nice set of hand towels for her new flat. She's single and tired of tiresome men, but that doesn't stop her from wearing beautiful lingerie underneath her serious Ministry skirts. Or having pictures taken in naughty knickers. Just once. For herself. Draco Malfoy doesn't get upset at the sight of blood, which is good, because he sees a lot of it. What he doesn't see a lot of is Hermione Granger in her unmentionables. Usually. A series of meetings and mix-ups in which one cannot possibly mean done. E, 4 Chapters, 35,011 Words

Our shared silence by Vofastudum: She wakes up one morning and everyone is just gone, vanished like they never existed at all. Everyone but Him. And in this silent solitude, he's all she has. Hermione and Draco alone in empty castle. Mystery and a plot twist you didn't see coming! EDITED 10/2020 M, 17 Chapters, 40,149 Words

Pinned by bionically: Draco doesn't know what he's expecting when he follows Blaise down a dark alley, but it certainly isn't this. For a man with an addictive personality, this isn't going to turn out well. Assigned trope: Voyeurism *** Or, a chance encounter with a frizzy-haired witch from his misbegotten past in the last place anyone should have expected to see her sets Draco's disordered life on its ear. The path to redemption is truly paved with unexpected surprises. E, 20 Chapters, 110,886 Words

Really Sell It by RoseHarperMaxwell: Draco's having a rough eighth year, and Hermione's going to make it better for him. "Well, it’s clear what needs to happen.” She gripped his chin, tilting his head to make sure she hadn’t missed any injuries, before looking straight into his eyes. “You’re my boyfriend now.” *Featuring fake dating, exhibitionism, and sex-positive Hermione Granger. Submission for Farewell to Summer: The 31 Flavors of Smut Fest. E, 1 Chapters, 7,612 Words

Remain Nameless by HeyJude19: How did it feel? It felt like he was barely holding it together. She, of all people, should shun him. Or yell at him. Curse him. Spit at him. Take out her wand and blast him off the face of the earth. It was crushing guilt and relief and confusion all at once when he looked at Hermione Granger. The monotony of Draco’s daily routine had become both a lifeline and a noose. But this new habit of grabbing coffee with Hermione Granger is quickly becoming a reason to get out of bed and is unfortunately forcing him to re-evaluate his inconsequential existence. Hermione is living her life in fragments, separate pieces scattered about, and she can’t find a way to step back and let the full picture form. Why are morning meetings with Draco Malfoy the only thing that make sense anymore? E, 51 Chapters, 312,315 Words

Remember Us As War (but call us forgiveness) by Anyaparadox: Following the devastation of the Battle of Hogwarts, The Wizarding Population Growth Act is put into effect. All witches and wizards will be matched with their most compatible partner. Failure to comply will not be tolerated. Survival is key. Hermione reminds herself of this. Survival. She can fix this, if only she can survive. The war has made this a task she is equipped for. Marrying Draco Malfoy will hardly be the worst thing she's ever endured. M, WIP

Ring A Ring O' Roses by Gallivant: Dark Magic, Dark Wizards and a mysterious and deadly Dark Flux, which, in the wrong hands, has the terrifying potential to mass-murder Muggles and Muggle-borns ... It’s been fourteen years since the end of the Second Wizarding War and the Wizarding World is settled, stable and seemingly safe… Hermione Weasley has it all: a loving family, a successful career - and happiness… of sorts. But a series of unexpected events is about to turn her life upside-down, threatening those she loves, fatally undermining the peace between worlds that has prevailed for centuries … changing life as she knows it, possibly forever. If working with Draco Malfoy was the last thing Hermione Weasley ever wanted, falling for your enemy was the least expected. A quest to thwart a magical weapon of mass destruction has devastating consequences. A race to save the world, becomes a race to save themselves… M, 65 Chapters, 527,141 Chapters

Set Fire to the Rain by HarleyQuinn1317: What happens when the one you're destined for is the last person you should ever be with... When the Ministry of Magic asks for volunteers for their Marriage Initiative, Hermione Granger must come to terms with the one terrible deed she committed during the Second Wizarding War. Can she find it in her heart to forgive herself and finally learn to let love in? E, WIP

Sex and Occlumency by Graendoll: Hermione didn't escape from the war unscathed, and when she finally decides on a solution to her problems she's left to explore it on her own. A chance encounter with Draco Malfoy sets her world on it's head and leads her down a path towards healing that she would never have anticipated. E, 18 Chapters, 65,079 Words

The Art of Seating Etiquette by inadaze22: Hermione believes that every problem has a solution, and that solution can be found in a book. That is, until Draco starts sitting to her right every Friday. She has no answers until help comes in the form of an unlikely source: Ron Weasley. E, 1 Chapter, 9,734 Words

The Auction by LovesBitca8: In the wake of the Dark Lord’s triumph over Harry Potter, the defeated must learn their new place. Hermione Granger, former Golden Girl, has been captured and reduced to human chattel. Sold to the highest bidder as the top prize at an auction of Order members and sympathizers, she is thrust into the rabid, waiting hands of the Death Eaters. But despite the horrors of Voldemort’s new world, help—and hope—seem to arise from the most unlikely of places. PART 3 of the RIGHTS AND WRONGS series. E, 41 Chapters, 325,702 Words

The Binding by Curly_Kay: “Okay, what we know so far.” Hermione listed, "One, our magic is drawing us together. Two, we can use each other’s wands. Three, there were actual sparks when you touched me."After an infant binding ritual magically joins Hermione and Draco to counteract the Black family blood curse, they must navigate the secret binding through their years together at Hogwarts. E, 35 Chapters, 175,451 Words

The Carnal Club by Ada_P_Rix: COMPLETE The Halloween Ball is fast approaching with Hermione at the helm.... What a delightful time to suddenly learn of a centuries old secret sex-game club that is currently ran by a Blonde haired Slytherin. Oh, and it only happens once a year every October, when the winner takes all at the Halloween Ball ...The First Rule of Carnal Club: You do not talk about Carnal Club. E, 8 Chapters, 43,306 Words

The Disappearances of Draco Malfoy by Speechwriter (batmansymbol): The night that Harry and Dumbledore return from the cave, the Death Eaters are delayed from reaching the top of the Astronomy Tower for one more minute. Draco Malfoy lowers his wand. A Deathly Hallows rewrite in which Draco accepts Dumbledore's offer to fake his death and go into hiding with the Order of the Phoenix. T, WIP

The Erised Effect by Ada_P_Rix: Hermione and Pansy work in a shop together. Draco, Harry, Theo and Blaise all work together at the Ministry. They all meet up every Friday at the pub to have drinks. Pansy has a new fantasy potion that she likes to call 'The Erised Effect' that she's keen to try out on willing participants ... Boys are so easy to manipulate when alcohol is involved .... E, 13 Chapters, 88,852 Words

The Fallout by everythursday: Hermione learns about growing up through the redemption of Draco Malfoy. E, 49 Chapters, 310,229 Words

The Figures of Figuring Out by Vofastudum: You were the biggest riddle in my life. You were the one I couldn't figure out. You were the only thing I couldn't find a pattern to. You were something I couldn't look up from any book. Unwritten, with no instructions. And I was used to finding solutions! Post-war eight-year secret romance. Edited 12/2020 M, 13 Chapters, 26,951 Words

The Flat in Bath by Ada_P_Rix: Loosely inspired by 365 Days...-- Malfoy grabbed her chin, forcing her to look directly at him. “Don’t you dare, Granger...” He told her roughly as his intense gaze bored into her own. “I fucking forbid you to come until I’ve had enough of you...” Draco caught her cheeks now between the fingers of his free hand and then snapped her head to the side and licked her earlobe, trailing down to her jawline. “...one flutter of those delicious walls of yours and you’re going to wish you never opened your legs for me.” -- __________________ Hermione is kidnapped during a raid and taken captive by someone who doesn't plan on 'torturing' her in the conventional way... E, WIP

The Gloriana Set by ThebeMoon: The War is won, and Hermione Granger is back at Hogwarts as an “Eighth Year”, feeling reckless and determined to shed her prim bookworm persona. She will do as she pleases, and anyone who doesn’t like it will see the business end of her wand. Also returning is Draco Malfoy, universally hated but determined to restore his family’s name. Hermione’s hopes for a quiet school year are quickly dashed as she contends with mischievous First Years, killer plants, enchanted hair accessories, a totally inappropriate Moaning Myrtle, renegade Death Eaters, a nice vampire, a poorly named study group, a depraved party, and mysterious, threatening blood messages on the castle walls. We have redemption, partial redemption and (sadly or hilariously) no redemption at all. Throw in a snarky, disturbingly attractive Draco with his own secret agenda, and we have a very slow-burn Dramione with a side of who-dun-it. COMPLETE! M, 81 Chapters, 271,830 Words

The Library of Alexandria by senlinyu: The Library of Alexandria is not for just any witch or wizard. Many bookworms may try but few are permitted to pass through its doors. The books residing there are ancient and powerful and, if one happens to make a mistake, the consequences can be rather—novel. E, 6 Chapters, 26,383 Words

The List by AureliaBlack90: After her divorce, Hermione decides to get out of town to recover from the pain of her lost relationship and the miscarriage she suffered a year previously. She arrives in the Cotswolds depressed and aimless but compiles a list of things to do that she hopes will help her get back on her feet. In the midst of her journey to find healing she keeps running into Draco Malfoy, who is nothing like she remembered him. He invites her into his world, and Hermione finds exactly what she was looking for - in the place she least expected it. E, 10 Chapters, 70,526 Words

The Manuscript by alexandra_emerson: Five 1/2 years after the war, in the middle of a big fight with Draco, Hermione finds a manuscript. It’s a retelling of her and Draco’s love story, written by him. She never realized how much he was struggling before she read his words. Snippet: I could spend my whole life apologizing to you Hermione, and it would never be enough. Post-war, angst-filled Dramione with a happy ending. M, 21 Chapters, 154,918 Words

The Memory of You by PotionChemist: Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger fell in love against all odds, but there was one big problem — he was already married. Pressured, Hermione does something she promised herself she would never do again and erases their affair from his memory. Completely devastated, she avoids seeing Draco or the Malfoys at all costs. But is their love too strong? Are they inevitable? What will happen if he finds out about their previous relationship? E, WIP

The Mountain and The Sea by AlexisDanaan: Hermione Granger was perfectly happy with her life, her job as a Healer Trainee, her ugly cat and her cute little house in the countryside. And then Draco Malfoy had to go and mess that all up, typical git. Post-Hogwarts, EWE, OOC, creature!fic. E, 12 Chapters, 40,441 Words

The Nietzsche Classes by Beringae: The Ministry takes action against the remaining prejudice in the wizarding society and asks Hermione for help. “What do you want? Money? Power? Name your price, Granger. I’m not about to let pride get in my way when an Azkaban sentence is on the line.” M, 15 Chapters, 45,807 Words

The Phoenix Potion by FedonCiadale: Twenty years after the battle of Hogwarts.... Harry is head auror and is worried about cases where Muggleborn children meet with accidents, Ron is a famous Quidditch keeper. Both haven't talked to Hermione for ages and certainly not to her husband, Draco Malfoy. Narcissa Malfoy struggles with a curse, and Neville and Luna try to stay friends with all. The key to solving the problems may lie in the past, a time nobody really wants to revisit and some can't. T, 111 Chapters, 237,745 Words

The Potioneers by omnenomnom: They need each other unfortunately. Hermione has tricked Draco under her tutelage, arrogant attitude and all. But she would be simple to think he would accept it quietly. They have both have secrets to hide, old wounds better left to fester, and a world full of mermaids, dragons, and magic to explore. T, 53 Chapters, 196,559 Words

The Pretense by Colubrina: Voldemort died, but the Death Eaters live on. Hermione Granger traded herself to Draco Malfoy in exchange for safe passage for core Order members. Now he's pretending to love her, Narcissa is pretending to believe that, and Hermione is walking a tightrope behind enemy lines as she figures out what is going on. Unfortunately, people fall off tightropes. (no non-con) T, 50 Chapters, 108,164 Words

The Right Thing To Do by LovesBitca8: Hermione felt the pounding in her ears again. She would see him for the first time since the Great Hall, gaunt and stricken at the Slytherin table with his mother clutching his arm. She hadn't meant to look for him. Not in the corridors, not beneath the white sheets of the fallen, not on the way to the Chamber of Secrets with Ron, but she was a stupid girl. E, 36 Chapters, 174,911 Words

The Seven Year Witch by TheLastLynx: A boy and a girl have been meeting – coincidentally – for seven summers. While they pretty much hate one another most of the year, for those secret summer moments, they manage to see each other in a different light. But will that be enough to bring them together? A Dramione story about growing up and changing perspective, told along - and in-between - the lines of canon. M, WIP

Thirty Times Lucky by galfoy: "Granger, I can't hire you on any longer," Draco said. Hermione stared at him. Losing her job might actually mean losing the War, and she had to bargain, but there was literally nothing she had that he would want. Or was there? M, 2 Chapters, 7,128 Words

Traditions by raven_maiden: She straddled him slowly, still biting her lip, her hands on his shoulders. He held her hips tightly as he stared up at her. “So beautiful,” he whispered, and she flushed prettily, like she always did from his compliments. “You never need to hide from me.” ** Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy fell in love during the war. One year later, they're heading home for the holidays so he can finally meet her parents. There's just one teeny little problem: her parents think they're both Muggles. E, 14 Chapters, 68,767 Words

Waifs and Strays by Kyonomiko: War leaves a lot of orphans in its wake. Hermione is one, by her own hand, and she struggles with the realities of her situation. When she finds an orphaned familiar, it seems meant to be, giving and receiving comfort helping to heal her fractured heart. Unfortunately, the animal is actually a wizard, and he has his own issues. M, 31 Chapters, 118,152 Words

What You Think Is Right by icepower55: Six years after the war, Hermione parents are dying and her marriage to Draco is crumbling. Nothing seems logical in her life anymore. Her healer tells her to start writing about it, so she does, as a way to figure things out, and remind herself along the way. Hell is proximity without intimacy -Dante's Inferno M, WIP

When the Bell Tolls by everythursday: As a Dark revival begins to rise four years after the war, Hermione Granger is placed on the assignment of putting an end to them – and her first task is to recruit the Ministry's best hope and last option in the form of Draco Malfoy. E, 20 Chapters, 148,033 Words

Wreck by JMilz: Serving as Minister for Magic, Hermione Granger is finally at the peak of her career. With a beautiful family, a successful book, and the public on her side, her life should be a fairytale. Unfortunately, there is trouble in paradise, and when Draco Malfoy pays her a visit, she begins recalling their history and questioning her marriage. The reality is: every relationship is hard. M, 53 Chapters, 187,992 Words

Thanks to every person who contributed (I hope I've mentioned everyone. If not, let me know. 😊): @certified-arsehole @fedonciadale kiwim22 @really-sad-devil-guy endless-musings @headfullofnargles @pinksunsets-world @rosseliz01 @dramioneden @all-consuming @elricsister @injailoutsoon12 reclusivebird @mariakov81 @notthatchhavi @mordanbooqs @haaatch @hpsassenach @ybaeby @farmgirl-in @coyg-81 @eiramrelyat metterschling-plus-two @a-maidens-fantasy @sansacat @vofastudum @lexayeon @1800-rewrite @aneiria-writes @anonymouslydramione 

It took much longer to compile this list than I thought it would. Hopefully, I didn’t skip anything. 🙈

Happy New Year. May it be better than the previous one and full of great Dramione fics and fanarts! 🥳🥳🥳

And here’s the 2019 list: https://dramioneficrecommendations.tumblr.com/post/190216354767/what-is-the-best-dramione-fic-you-read-in-2019

[h7jfangirl]

The ZOSI's Tragedy

A few years ago (in the 70's and 80's) there was a popular place in the west of London called "ZOSI's Family restaraunt" a family food place that was recognized in its time, because it was the first local that brought the fame of restaurants with robots outside of America.

Its opening was on February 12, 1974. As you can see, that is the oldest photo I found of the place, taken in 1975

Zosi's was one of the most visited places in London, being a success in its first week with more than 80 customers per day. However, it was also booed for a while by some conservative people who scoffed at the idea of ​​the main attraction, leaving negative reviews about how ridiculously american it was, even though the characters had British characteristics and the founder himself was Scottish.

Zosi's was a collaboration with the technology company "Laynon" and the "Arcana Entertainment Society" the minds behind the idea.

According to the few records that have come to light, the project was headed primarily by Robert Laynon and Henry Jekyll, who had been friends since college.

The information I managed to find about them was less than I imagined, I didn't even find a proper photo of Mr. Laynon. But thanks to god I was able to collect a few things about Jekyll though, including a old picture of him.

Henry Jekyll, the man beahind at all

Born in 1941 in Glasgow, Scotland, he graduated from Oxford University with a degree in robotics. He founded the Arcane Entertainment society, which was dedicated to supporting new forms of entertainment with the individual projects of small creators

such works as the Wonderland amusement park, The Infectious Flower novel and others were made known to the public thanks it's help.

The idea that inspired him to create the ZOSI's franchise was thanks to a trip he made to the United States, where he learned about the emotion that people had for entertainment robots. Henry tells in an interview that on his trip he dragged his friend Robert through all the possible animatronic places, and at the end of the day they smelled like pizza.

The testimonies of some of the local workers and recurring customers say that Henry used to be very present in the local, occupying the position of Boss in case of any inconvenience, always with a bright smile or a serene expression. But after the first disappearance, Jekyll eventually stopped coming to the restaurant, and instead, a man named Edward Hyde was hired to be the manager.

And after a long time without coming to the place, Henry Jekyll was found dead inside the Zosi animatronic.

Until these days no relevant information has come to light, there is no public media or someone outside the police offices and Laynon's who knows what happened to Jekyll in that period of time, from when he began to isolate himself until the complaint of his disappearance. All the details about his case are behind closed doors... Or maybe I didn't search well, and if that was the case, I can still say that finding information about this peculiar case is quite difficult. I guess it was thanks to Laynon's contacts, they were able to get rid of the vast majority of the documentation that came out at it's moment

Well, if we deduce the great friendship he seems to have with Jekyll and how committed his company seemed to be then I can't blame him, but it still frustrates me how difficult it is to find out about even the whole damn restaurant!

Because unfortunately the case of Jekyll was only the best known of all, it wasn't the only one or the first that happened.

There have been some cases of employee and non-employee disappearances, which in turn led to the creation of myths about the place and how it is cursed.

(It should be noted that these cases were easier to find information, however I do not consider it to be enough due to the many missing pieces that seem to have)

The others cases:

Jasper Kaylock

A young boy who was a recent worker at the premises for two weeks before he disappeared. What is known about him is that he worked in the technical part of the kitchen, where they processed the meat. The last time anyone saw him, he was getting everything ready to go home. Two days later his girlfriend reported him missing.

Rachel Pidgley

She was a girl who worked for a time in the place as the main chef, she was also a close friend of Henry and Robert, who had given her the job due to her financial situation. Rachel was known for being very good at her job, but witnesses say that because of Jasper's disappearance she began to get very distracted and thus not take care of her role, until she was fired personally by Laynon. There are phone logs where Rachel accuses Henry of knowing about Jasper's disappearance, threatening to have them meet at the restaurant at midnight. At the police's investigation, Henry explains that he never went to the restaurant, and instead he watched a marathon of "The Twilight Zone" that night. After a week, the employees just found out that no one knew about her from that night, so they all reported her missing.

And then we have some suicides, more disappearances and unanswered deaths.

This is the most recent photo of it, this was taken in 1989. The restaraunt finally shot down in december 4 of the same year.

I must say that searching for Zosi's was an interesting experience, so many mysteries that are lost in the immensity of the internet and the media, and that possibility that maybe there is something beyond all that, that there is much more information than I managed to collect for this post... So if you want to know more about a specific case of Zosi's or know something in general about the restaurant, let me know in the comments!

Sorry my bad english.

[boldlyvoid]

New Romantics | Part Three

18+

Summary: She needs help studying for her Case Exercises at the Academy, He needs a date for the annual Banquet... they just so happen to be neighbours who aren't afraid to lend a helping hand, or in this case, a helping kiss.

Categories: Fake dating, neighbours, strangers to lovers, mutual pining, Angst with a happy ending, Smut *as selected by my poll on what you wanted to read*

Warnings: Season 9 Spencer (no Maeve arc), Angst, kissing, drinking, police training mentions, case details, canon typical violence, self-doubt, autistic!spencer, age gaps (24/33), FWB relationships, period mentions, anxiety attacks, crying, misunderstandings,

Word Count: 4.7K

a/n: this chapter covers the whole week from Monday to Friday, thank you @awrfhi for making the gif I used here <3

Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four | Part Five

Monday morning she’s in his arms still, and then again on Tuesday; he basically lives with her when he’s not on a case. They make dinner together at night and they drive in together every morning, and they have had sex all over her apartment… and he loves her but he was tired when he said it and in a post-orgasm haze and he’s her best friend.

But he loved her— just not the way she loved him. She was sure of it.

Tuesday morning at 10:53 am, she cracks her fake case. They’re apprehending the unsub by Noon and then she has the rest of the week off. So she heads to the main Quantico building, she gets a visitor's pass and she takes the elevator all the way up to the BAU.

She walks through the bullpen doors and Spencer is sitting at his little desk with his head buried in a book. Penelope sees her first, wrapping her up in a hug that gets everyone’s attention as she rocks her back and forth while telling her how much she likes her.

“You are so pretty, and nice and cute, and your hair smells so good?”

“Thank you, it’s Spencer's shampoo,” she laughs as she holds her back, “I just wanted to come and see him really quick?”

He’s standing beside her and she doesn’t even know until Penelope releases her from her grasp. He wraps her up next, “why didn’t you tell me you were coming?”

She kisses him right on the mouth, holding his face in her hands she has missed him too much to wait till they are alone again, “I caught the unsub.”

“No way?”

She nods feverishly, “yeah remember I found that stray hair on the crime scene? Everyone was fighting over why there wasn’t a sexual aspect and I was trying to convince them she was a women unsub when the hair came back matching our victims best friend, who also knew victim number 1.”

He’s so happy, his smile is the biggest any of his teammates have ever seen, he lifts her and twirls her around and no one can believe the sight. Spencer Reid the uptight, overly smart, always following proper procedure, Doctor at the FBI; was spinning his girlfriend around as he kissed her cheek.

“You are a genius,” he compliments her as he sets her back down and places another kiss on her lips.

“I know,” she laughs, “I beat your score by one day.”

“I hate you,” he kisses her again and by now they don’t realize they have an audience. It’s incredibly convincing to everyone except each other.

“No, you love me,” she whispers, kissing him again before they hear someone clear their throat.

“Do you want to help with ours?” Derek asks, jumping into the moment and reminding them that they’re in public. “We’re just doing non-urgent consults today.”

“Am I allowed?” She lights up.

Derek nods, “I don’t see why not, as long as you just tell your ideas to us and don’t file anything then I think it’s legal?”

So she helps and it’s the most exhilarating thing since having sex with Spencer. She’s in her element, looking at small details and making connections that even leave Spencer humming and ha-ing. She has a younger insight than the rest of the team, she’s exactly why they hired Spencer in the first place and now she was shining brighter than him.

But he loved it.

Every time she made a connection or she had a suggestion that helped one of them on their own train of thought, Spencer would smile at her like she hung the stars in the night sky. He was proud of her in a way she hasn’t seen in many people before, filling her heart with warmth and hope that maybe he can love her for real one day.

—

She was possibly the love of his life and the more he saw her work and the more he knew her mind; the more he fell. She walked around his office and talked to his friends as if she was always meant to be there, and a part of him really wanted her to be.

He snuck away to go talk to Hotch, closing his office door as he sat down, “what’s wrong?”

“Y/N isn’t really my girlfriend,” he whispers. “She’s pretending so I could get everyone to stop bothering me about dating, and I understand it looks like she’s using me to get close to the team but I really do think she would be an excellent asset to the unit even if she was just in the office—“

“Reid,” Hotch cuts him off and a smile builds. “I already sent her an offer to take Anderson's job while he’s out on paternity leave.”

“Oh,” he smiles to himself. “Pretend I never said anything.”

“It stays in these 4 walls, don’t worry,” Hotch smiles back, “but you should tell her.”

“Tell her what?”

“That you’re in love with her.”

“I’m not,” he lies, “really, I do love her but I’m not in love with her, there is a difference.”

“I know,” Hotch reminds him. “Did you know that I only joined the school musical to get close to Haley? I did whatever I could to get her to fall in love with me and didn’t even realize it when she did because I was so worried she didn’t.”

“Oh.”

Hotch nods with another smile, “you don’t have to tell her until you’re ready, obviously, but you should tell her before it’s too late.”

“I will,” he whispers. “Thanks, Aaron.”

“Why don’t you guys head out early?” He offers, “we could all use a day off with the people we love.”

When he walks back down from Aaron's office, Y/N is with Emily and JJ discussing how she caught her fake unsub at school that morning. She doesn’t brag, she loves to mention her classmates by name and verbatim explains how they helped her. She is a team player, a genius, beautiful, kind… she really is the love of his life.

“Hey,” he places his hand on her lower back as he slides into the conversation. “Hotch said we can all leave early if we wanted?”

“Sure,” she smiles, “actually, did you want to come with me to buy a dress for your thing?”

“That would be fun,” he agrees, wrapping his other arm around her so he can rest his chin on her shoulder and hold her. “Remember I’m buying it so don’t stress about the price.”

“You’re too nice to me,” she replies.

“I just love you,” his voice is as low as he can make it but everyone still hears.

She holds him back tighter, in a silent ‘I love you, too’ and they hear JJ and Emily swoon.

They’re quick to get their things and head out, she hands Spencer her keys and lets him drive to the mall so she can relax, she’s done a lot today.

She’s so quiet on the drive, she holds his hand like she always does and she just looks out the window, she’s peaceful and content with the nothingness of spending alone time with Spencer. They were always just quiet together, sometimes they laughed till they cried and sometimes he could make her scream but most of the time they were quiet.

“Have you checked your email?”

She smiles as she turns to him and her grip on his hand tightened, “what did you do?”

“I didn’t do anything, I just told hotch the truth so that he could offer you a job, but he already had before I went in there but he’s a good secret keeper, believe me.”

“Oh,” her smile disappears. “So he knows we’re not really dating?”

He nods, “Is that okay?”

“Yeah, I guess we’re going to have to find a convincing way to break up for them and still be able to hang out all the time,” she worries aloud. “Because I don’t want to stop this any time soon, I hope you know that. I really like spending time with you.”

“I feel the same way,” he agrees. “I promise, we can just tell them we work better as friends and they might believe us?”

“I don’t think they will,” she frowns again. “JJ told me not to break your heart today, but I feel like if we break up I’m going to break all of theirs.”

“We could have a fake ugly breakup, and not talk to each other publicly for a bit and then be friends again?” He suggests, “Penelope and Kevin did that.”

She nods, still frowning. She interlocks their fingers this time and she holds his hand instead of just anxiously fiddling with his fingers. She really doesn’t want to let go, and he’s almost convinced she feels the same way.

The banquet is on Saturday, she has one last week of school before her graduation and then they’re done. He thinks about asking her, about what would be the best time to tell her he was in love with her and ask her to be his real girlfriend.

Maybe he’ll do it after the banquet? Maybe he’ll do it after her graduation? He just really wants to do it before she meets his mom. He wants his mom to meet her as the love of his life and his best friend.

He hated many things, but as he kept glancing at her as he drove he realized he hated one thing most of all. He hated that he couldn’t love her as much as she deserved, at least not yet. He wanted to shower her in love, he wanted to protect her and care for her, he wanted to show her off and make love to her and never leave her side.

It hurts, his heart physically aches as he thinks about that. If he had to feel like this to know his love was real, then the pain was worth it. She was always worth it, and he would hurt as long as possible, forever even, if it meant he could be around her just as long.

He held her hand tighter in the silence which made her turn to him, he had no idea he had been crying until she leans over and wipes his cheeks, “I love you, you know that?”

“I love you too,” he smiles but he can’t keep the conversation there, he’s feeling trapped and so he changes the topic. “What colour dress were you thinking?”

The quick-change makes her laugh, “probably black.”

“Are you sure?”

She nods, “I don’t need to stand out beside you any more than I already do.”

“What does that mean?”

She bits her lip, “some of the people in my class are saying that I’m only doing so well because you’re helping me cheat and that I’m just fucking you to get a job… just like I thought they would.”

“At the end of the day, we have a friendship they will never understand, we have great sex because we want to, you’re smarter than me, and the BAU wants you… so who is the real winner?” He’s always going to be her number one cheerleader.

“You’re right,” she smiles again finally, “as always.”

—

He convinces her to get a red dress.

She hasn’t had a pretty dress like this one since her prom and that was 6 years ago. She hasn’t been to a party or mingled with people in just as long, she didn’t realize how lonely she had been while chasing her dreams until Spencer came along.

He was one of the dreams. She saw him talk once, years ago on a school trip, and she fell in love with him a little, even back then. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to be him or be with him back then, doing everything in her power to get into the criminal psych degree at her local college, she just wanted to be like him.

Now she’s liked by him.

Every night he goes to his home across the hall and he does his own nightly routine before coming back to her apartment for the night. She’s too emotional to sleep with him today, she knows that if she has sex with him she’s going to say something stupid or cry after because being this close to him without being honest with him is killing her.

Something in him has changed too, he’s less scared to initiate contact, he doesn’t jump anymore when she hugs him or when she smacks his bum as she passes him. Now he’s wrapping his arms around her while she cooks dinner, and he kisses her cheek randomly when they’re in public.

He tells her that he loves her.

She’s confused and she has no one to talk to about it.

She lays back against her pillows and closes her eyes, she knows she’s going to cry soon, and she doesn’t know what to do because she doesn’t want to cry in front of him and he would be upset if she told him to not come back tonight.

The stress of the situation just makes her cry more as she stresses herself into another anxiety attack, much like the first night she talked to him. She just lets it happen, the anxiety in her stomach builds and the tears slip past her eyes and suddenly she’s sobbing into her pillow hard enough that she doesn’t hear him come back.

She jumps at the feeling of his hand on her back as he sits on the edge of the bed, “what’s wrong?”

She just sits up and hugs him, and he hugs her back and they stay there like that for a while. When she calms down, she pulls back from him and wipes her eyes, “my period is coming.” She’s not really lying, and he believes her.

“Does it normally make you this emotional?”

He’s never really experienced her mood swings, he has no idea what he’s in for, she nods. “Yeah, and I have really bad anxiety which just gets worse around this time.”

“And you’re not on anything?”

She shakes her head, “I’m waiting to get onto the good healthcare when I get a job with the bureau, I can’t afford to work and go to school, I’m glad I had enough scholarship money left to rent this place long enough to go to the academy.”

“Oh.”

She just nods, “I’ve never had much money like my parents have been saving for 2 years to buy plane tickets to Virginia so that they can see me graduate. They started saving before I even got in. I went to community college on a scholarship and I get a lot of money from applying for bursaries.”

“Are you going to take the CARD job or the BAU offer?”

She shrugs, “I’m not sure yet, but probably CARD.”

“Why?”

“I can’t work with you,” she whispers. “It makes me feel like I don’t deserve to be there like I’m using you and that all my work isn’t that great. I’m just Doctor Spencer Reids girlfriend.”

“I’m sorry you feel that way, imposter syndrome is a leading factor in depression among child prodigies, once you reach a certain age and you stop receiving awards for your work, it’s hard to believe that you’re still doing a good job.”

She knows he gets it, he has probably said the same fact to himself to calm down before. “Thank you.”

“Do you want me to stay?”

She nods, pulling back the covers and moving over so he can snuggle in beside her. She holds him, resting her head on his chest and taking a deep inhale of his cologne, this was the love of her life and if this was as close as she was ever going to be to him, she was going to take it.

He kisses the top of her head and holds her in his arms at just the right pressure to calm her down. She feels so comfortable with him but she still feels like shit, she doesn’t stop crying, and he just holds her through it.

“Do you want to tell me what’s really wrong?” He whispers after a while, he sounds worried.

“No,” she whispers. “I can’t.”

“Is it about me?”

“Yeah,” she cries again, “and I don’t have any other friends to talk to about us and now you’ve told hotch and I have no one to talk to about how this is kinda stressing me out.”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” his voice is still scared and she knows he’s going to panic regardless and just send them around in a circle of constant anxiety. But his tone is more apologetic than one fuck up.

“Who else did you tell?” She sits up, “I thought this was just between us?”

“I needed advice, the same reason you are reacting right now, you’re stressing me out,” Spencer finally talks back with passion and she knows they’re about to fight for no reason.

“I never said you were stressing me out. I said our situation was, but I think I need to sleep alone now, Spencer” she’s confident and stern even though she’s crying.

“We can’t go to bed mad at each other. You even said the mornings are the worst, we can’t hate each other for no reason tomorrow,” he starts to cry, not knowing where he went wrong and she can see it on his face.

“I just don’t have what you have, and I’ve always been trying to copy you…”

“What?”

She sighs and wipes her tears, “I have had a big fat, fan-girly, crush on you since I was 18, I came here with my class to watch you do a talk on philias and phobias and then I knew I wanted to get into the academy and I wanted to beat your record and join the BAU, and I just thought; one day I’m going to be friends with this guy and catch bad guys with him and now I am and I’m so alone.”

“You have me?”

“I know,” she tries to smile, “but I only have you and I can tell you almost everything. Like my biggest stressor right now is that if just looking at fake crime scenes for 3 weeks has made me this anxious; what if I’m not cut out for this? What if I get to a real crime scene and I pass out or—“

“That’s only human,” he presses his lips together, awkwardly, and very Spencerly. “If you didn’t feel like this job makes you hate the world and untrusting of everyone around you; then I would think you’re crazy.”

“How do you do it?”

“I open up and let people in, but I typically wait till I’m at my lowest; crying in my friend's arms because I don’t know what to do anymore,” he smiles again, wider and toothy as she smiles back.

“Thank you,” she can’t help but tilt her head and smile as her heart settles and her brain calms down a bit, “I love you.”

“Can I kiss you or is that too much right now?”

She gets in closer to him, laying back down on the pillow and looking at him. They’re closer enough to kiss, and she just takes a moment to look at him, resting her hand on his cheek as he wraps around her waist and pulls her in closer.

“We’re okay?” He asks with his lips right against her, his breath is hot and he smells like toothpaste.

“We’re okay, but no more talking tonight, okay?” She whispers.

He nods, leaning in and kissing her finally. She knows she shouldn’t be kissing him, she knows that she should be mad at herself, but she also knew that even just pretending that he loved her back was good enough.

—

He gets called away to a case on Wednesday morning, he’s too busy to really call her and he doesn’t text back. He feels bad about it but he knows she wanted space to think anyway, what he didn’t expect was for her to reach out to Penelope.

She’s in the office with her on Friday, tired of Spencer ignoring her so she went to the one place he couldn’t avoid her; Penelope’s office.

“How can I help you today, my fine furry friends?” Y/N answers the phone with a smirk, copying Penelope’s line perfectly, they can hear them high five through the line.

“Y/N?” Spencer is the first to catch it, “what are you doing there?”

“I came to meet Anderson and see if I’d like to take his job or not,” she teases, pretending she wasn’t there just to bother him.

Hotch cuts in, asking the question he needed to ask before hanging up, “not sure what’s going on at home but we’re too close to cracking this case for schoolyard games.”

“Yes sir,” he nods and looks away, retreating to the other side of the room to stare at the map and pretend to find connections.

“Crack this and you can go home to her,” Derek whispers with a smile, thinking he’s helping the situation.

“That’s not where I want to be right now.”

“Woah,” Derek catches it, “what happened?”

“Nothing,” he’s quick to get him to stop it but he really wants advice, “she’s stressed out and she took it out on me and I wasn’t very nice back.”

“You said sorry and you pretended you were over it, didn’t you?”

He turns away from Derek with a nod, he wants to come out with it and get it over with and he’s so mad and embarrassed he just starts to cry a little, “I don’t want to lose her.”

“How could you?”

“You have no idea,” he rolls his eyes lightly and scoffs, confusing Derek.

“And I won't unless you want to talk to someone about what’s really bothering you, but you’ve been happier since you met her and I like seeing you happy, and Savannah likes double dates,” he scolds him with a smile, patting his shoulder lightly. “now let's crack this and maybe on the plane you will tell me what’s up?”

“Sure,” he says, but he doesn’t want to.

However, Derek Morgan is good at a lot of things, and one of those things is getting Spencer to calm down enough to tell him anything. Everyone is asleep on the plane, it’s just the two of them at the back together when Spencer finally feels confident enough to say it.

“I lied to you, a long time ago… and it’s just the first one.”

Derek doesn’t look angry, “okay, explain your thought process. I need to know how this pretty brain of yours works.”

He smiles a bit, “I slept with Elle the night before she shot that rapist in Ohio.”

“You did not?” Derek's voice gets a little too loud and they stop to make sure no one woke up.

“I did, but you still always made jokes about finally getting me some lovin’ and it bothered me for a while and I never told you, instead I offered to help my neighbour with her homework if she pretended to date me,” his voice lowers as the words continue and he only stares at the table between them.

“Spencer, I’m sorry,” Derek apologizes first. “I didn’t know I was upsetting you, is there anything else I do that upsets you?”

He shakes his head in a silent no, still not looking at him, he can't.

“What happened between you and Y/N?” He jumps to the main issue, fine with what happened because he feels bad for causing the issue in the first place.

“We started sleeping together.”

Derek sighs, “you have such a big brain, you can remember everything she’s ever said to you and yet you can’t see that she’s in love with you.”

“She’s good at pretending,” he pushes it away.

“No she’s not, because she’s pretending she doesn’t love you right now; the same way you are and you’re both fucking it up for each other,” Derek gives it to him straight. “You have always been loveable, but you have a very hard time accepting it, Spencer.”

“Yeah,” he starts to cry a little more.

“Go home and talk to her and tell her the truth,” it’s the best advice he can give and Spencer knows it. “What’s the worst that can go wrong?”

“She does love me back but in a few years, she realizes I’m too much and she leaves me,” his voice is the saddest Derek has ever heard it.

He gets up from his seat and hugs Spencer, sliding into the seat beside him and wrapping his arms around him, “you have never been too much. You just surround yourself with people who aren’t good enough to love you for who you are.”

“She’s better than me.”

“Which is exactly what I mean, she’s not going to leave you, believe me, once you love Spencer Reid for who he really is, it’s hard to stop,” he speaks from experience, thinking of what could have been between them if either of them had tried harder in the past.

“She’s the love of my life,” he confirms, “I’m never going to love anyone else the way I love her.”

They get the word that they’re going to be landing soon, Spencer wipes his tears and buckles in for the descent, avoiding everyone’s stares and questions on the ride back to headquarters. He’s nervous to see her, he knows his face is puffy and she’ll be there waiting for him with Penelope, but he has to do it.

“Would you wait here, I need to tell her now and she might not give me a ride home if it doesn’t go well,” he asks Derek before heading to Penelope, “she was already mad at me for telling Hotch the truth.”

“Okay, sure,” Derek smiles, reaching out a hand for Spencer, “come to me when you need me next time, okay?”

“Okay,” he agrees with a small smile, heading out to find his fake girlfriend.

She’s not with Penelope, no she’s in the filing room with Anderson and the other temps all talking and laughing, and it sounds far too interesting to interrupt. He waits outside the door and smiles at her laughter until he hears it.

“So be honest,” Agent Camden asks, “are you sleeping with Reid for this job?”

“If I was sleeping my way to the top, don’t you think I would have picked Morgan? Or Prentiss even?” She laughs and it’s like someone stabs a knife through his heart.

He turns around and heads back to Derek, “take me home.”

“Okay,” he doesn’t pry, he just grabs his coat and keys and follows Spencer to the garage.

—

He’s really ignoring her.

She finds out from Emily that Spencer left with Derek, and that he looked rather pissed off when he asked for a ride. It breaks her heart a little and she doesn’t know what to do next, she just drives home and finds herself knocking on his door.

“Let me in, please, Spencer!” She begs from behind his door.

He opens it and looks at her with a puffy red face, tear-stained cheeks and swollen lips, he’s been crying for a while. “What?”

“What did I do?”

“You slept with me,” he whispers, “and I told you I wouldn’t react well.”

“Is it my fault you’re crying?” She asks softly and he nods, “do you want to tell me?”

He closes his eyes and shakes his head, “are we still going to the banquet together tomorrow?”

“I really fucked up,” is all he can muster, crying again as he closes the door and goes to cry in his room.

She just opens the door again and follows him inside. Kicking off her shoes she crawls into bed beside him and wraps herself around him, “you don’t have to tell me but I am here for you, always.”

“I love you,” he says it like it’s the problem before he rests his head in the crook of her neck and holds her back for the first time in days.

“I love you, too, Spencer,” she cries along with him. They cry until he’s asleep and she’s just there holding him in her jeans and she’s really uncomfortable but she loves him too much to let go.

“More than you will ever know.”

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[space-helen]

Back to Vegas - Chapter 6

Words: 2330

Pairing: Nick Stokes x Reader

A/N: Warning for Suicide and Violence. Low key inspired by the ending of Prisoners (2012)

CH1     CH2      CH3     CH4    CH5   CH6   CH7  CH8

_______________________________

Your lungs heaved as you made it into the breakout room. Standing by the door you gave Greg a smile as Nick came in behind you. The two of you had run slightly late and it was a miracle that you’d come in in time.

“Now that everyone’s here.” Greg clapped his hands together “We should get a move on. We have a Warrant for Hannah’s property and Sara and I went in there yesterday. We found some stuff that definitely connects her to the case. Grissom and Catherine started to make stronger connections with what we found and Nick and Y/N really helped look at the evidence all again objectively.” he paused “We’re pretty confident Hannah did this, we have a lead which says she’s been hiring a warehouse just outside of Vegas so we’ll be going there. Nick, Catherine and Sara you come with me to the warehouse. Grissom and Y/N hold down the fort here and start processing some more of the stuff we pulled from Hannah’s house.”

“This isn’t very like Hannah. We all should be extra careful.” Sara spoke up “She’s usually very clever in what she does but it looks like she’s gotten lazy. There has to be a reason for that.”

Greg agreed “Keep your eyes peeled. Alright, those coming with me lets go.” He was soon leaving the room and everyone on his team for the outing soon followed. Nick wrapped his arm around you for a very brief embrace as he left the room and pecked you on the forehead.

“I’d offer you a coffee but if the others are starting right now we should too.”

You smiled at Grissom “That’s fine by me. Lead the way.”

The man smirked and led you to the room he and Catherine had been working in.

The two of you began to work and it didn’t take long for Grissom to get a call. Excusing himself from the room you continued to fingerprint the case of vials found at Hannah’s place as you waited for his return.

“How do you fancy getting away from the lab for a little bit?”

“Sure.” you smiled as you stood up.

“Greg and Sara want you to do another quick sweep of the property to look for anything else, they also want you to pick up Sara’s kit because she left it there. One of them will come over to help you after the warehouse. I’ll stay here and continue processing this” he gestured at the items in front of him

You nodded and took down the address from Grissom. “I’ve printed the vials. They just need to be run through the system now.” 

“Have fun.”

“I will.” you smiled as you made your way out to one of the work vehicles.

The drive wasn’t bad and actually went by quickly. You’d never been to this part of Vegas yet and it didn’t look half bad. The neighbourhood looked friendly yet sparse. Hopping out of your vehicle nothing seemed out of the ordinary, it was quiet and no one was around. The door was locked and had tape over to show that no one had entered. 

You brought out your knife and cut down the tape to let yourself in. Spotting Sara’s kit you picked it up and left the door open as you returned it to the trunk of your vehicle.

Entering the house again you slowly took steps inside and felt the eeriness around you. It was deadly silent yet you felt like you could hear static and like you weren’t alone. “Hello?” you called out into the space.

You felt your phone vibrate in your pocket so you slipped it out to read the text, you smiled when you saw it was from Nick. ‘She wasn’t at the warehouse. Greg, Sara and Cath are going to process here and I’ll be over with you soon x’

‘How can Sara process without a kit?’ you replied quickly.

‘Sharing is caring… we had a backup one in the trunk.’

You laughed ‘See you soon. Love you x’

You put your phone away and continued to walk around the house. Placing your kit down in the living room doorway you walked through to the next room which was an open plan kitchen and dining room. It was sparse but a camera on a tripod connected to a laptop caught your eye. There were items strewn across the table including a kit similar to the one you’d just processed for fingerprints back at the lab.

Moving in front of the camera to look at the laptop screen you noticed an exact reflection of what was in front of the camera, a live feed. You turned and looked away from the laptop screen around the room. That’s when the alarm bells rung, this stuff must not have been here when Greg and Sara processed the scene otherwise it would be at the lab. Slowly reaching for your gun you felt a stabbing sensation in your neck. 

The gun was knocked from your grasp across the room and you struggled against the person who’d come behind you.

“Just give in to it. Give in. You won’t be able to stand much longer. Do yourself a favour.” a woman’s voice came

You continued to struggle and managed to break yourself away briefly to see the woman’s face but it was blurry and your vision was swimming. Whatever she’d injected into you was already taking effect.

“Hannah? What did you?” you brought your hand up to your neck “Potassium?” you were feeling tired and like your tongue was heavy,

“Yes I am and no. It’s a nice little drug cocktail I mustered up when I heard you open the front door.”

You looked at your gun on the floor and tried to dive for it but that was a big mistake, your vision was spotting and Hannah kicked the gun away from your hand and stood on it, before giving you a kick to the stomach which rolled you over. “You really had to ruin my afternoon arrangements huh?”

She walked over to the table “It was supposed to be a nice little recording session to explain everything and finally end it all and be re-united with my brother. But no.” she turned around with another syringe. “You had to ruin it and take the peace away.”

You tried to crawl away on the floor and sit up to get away but she was soon back over at your side pushing you down and moving your hair out of the way. “But what’s one more casualty?” She forcefully pushed your head down to the ground, pain emitted there instantly. “Unfortunately I have nothing here that’ll kill you quickly besides the gun and that’s well that’s really not my style.”

Nick’s voice calling your name made her stop for a second. You tried your best to scream his but you had no clue what ever came out, the first dose of whatever she’d injected in your system already wreaking havoc on you.

You tried to struggle against her and push her away but it was too later, the needle had broken your skin and you could feel her injecting the concoction. She leaned down close to your ear and continued to inject the solutions as she whispered “Pitty I didn’t get to do this to anyone that actually worked on my cases before, that would have been more satisfying.”

Nick had entered the room to see her over you and saw her pulling the needle out of you and your body going limp. “Put your hands up.” he drew his gun and sent an alert out on his walkie subtly.

“I said put your hands up.”

Hannah eventually moved away from you and stood. “You don’t have long. The clock’s ticking for her already.”

“What did you inject!” he shouted.

She gestured to the table “Your guess is as good as mine, a little bit of everything.”

Nick peered at you to see your eyes fluttering open and closed as your head rolled on the ground.

“Step away.” he called to Hannah. 

“I don’t think I will.” she approached the table and picked up another vial. “You know I was saving this for me but I don’t think that’d do the trick quick enough. You wouldn’t let me have the satisfaction of dying that way.” 

She turned away from Nick as he took a step forward towards you as Hannah was slowly creeping away from you. Before he could really react he saw Hannah dive for something on the floor and stand upright again.

She held your gun to her head “Tell her I said thanks for the gun, but then again I might get the chance before you if she doesn’t make it.”

“No!” Nick shouted as he began to move towards Hannah for the gun. A bang had Nick freezing freezing, she’d shot herself.

Nick turned away in shock and shouted down his walkie talkie before coming to you with tears in his eyes. “Y/N.” he shook you “Y/N. Wake up please.”

He could see your eyes rolling in your head and you tried to open them. “Nicky.” you mumbled.

“Yeah Honey?”

“I love you.” it came out thickly “Remember that.” your voice sounded tired.

“I know Baby I know.” tears were threatening now “I love you too. Just stay with me ok?” We’re going to get you to the hospital.” he brought his fingers to your neck to try and feel your pulse.

He knew he’s asked for medical assistance and an emergency team but he couldn’t wait around. He knew it would be quicker to drive you. Picking you up he moved as fast as he could with you out to the car he’d arrived in, placing you across the back seats he hopped in the driver's seat and drove as fast as he could towards the nearest hospital.

“Y/N. Talk to me Sweetheart.” he begged as he drove.

“Please” he looked in the rearview mirror to try and see you but he could only see you lying still with limp arms. “Please speak to me. Please” he pleaded, tears very much collecting in his eyes. “We’re nearly there Honey. Nearly there, stay with me now. You’re going to be ok.”

He pulled up right outside the emergency room of the hospital and called for help as loud as he could while he moved you out of the back. Carrying you inside he was met by a team of people rushing towards him with a bed. He lay you down gently and kept brushing your hair out of your face and taking in your features as he rolled off what had happened to the staff. 

“Please just save her.” he sobbed, the tears finally falling.

“We’ll try our best Mr Stokes but you’re going to have to wait here.” A tall nurse spoke

“You don’t understand. She means everything to me.”

“We understand. Please just sit down and call someone.” the Nurse tried to push him back from the moving bed.

Nick took your hand and placed a kiss on it as the tears streamed down his face and the team around you started prodding your skin with different needles to draw blood and inject other solutions into your system.

He entirely froze in place when he let go of your hand and it felt like his world came crashing down around him as you turned the corner and were out of his sight. 

Flopping in a chair he opened his phone to see missed calls from Greg and Grissom. Pressing some buttons with no real aim he realised he was dialling Greg, bringing his cellphone to his ear he heard the man calling his name.

“Greg?”

“Nick, what the hell is going on? It does not look good over here.”

“I’m at the hospital with Y/N.”

“I guessed as much. Is everything ok? The EMT’s arrived at the same time Sara, Catherine and I did.”

“She might not make it.” Nick tried to hold back his tears but the hurt and sadness was very much still in his voice. “Hannah-” he was cut off by some tears falling and he tried to compose himself to continue to Greg “Hannah attacked Y/N and injected her with God only knows what. I couldn’t wait.”

“Alright. Alright.” Greg’s tone had softened now and was less urgent. “You keep your mind on Y/N we’ll sort this out. I think Grissom was on his way to you. Look after her ok?”

“Yeah” his voice was wobbly and he brought his hand up to his eyes “I’ll keep you updated.”

Hanging up he leant all the way forward, crossed his arms over his lap and rested his head there and let out some more sobs. The uncertainty was killing him. He couldn’t bear to lose you.

He looked up when he heard someone walking down the corridor to him. He was only now realising that he’d picked a really quiet spot to sit down.

Nick was immediately on his feet as soon as he saw who it was, his phone fell on the floor but he didn’t care. He took a couple of steps forward and opened his arms to embrace the older man who had been a father figure to him for many years. 

“Pancho.” Grissom spoke sadly as he cradled Nick’s head and allowed him to cry.

“I can’t lose her.” Nick choked out.

“I know Nick, I know.” the man gently pulled away to see Nicks red eyes and tear tracks down his face. “Let's get you some water.”

Nick picked up his phone from the floor and allowed Grissom to lead the way. Grissom knew how much you meant to him and all he could do right now was be a shoulder to cry on because no one knew what the future held.

Next Chapter

Tag List: (open)

Nick Stokes: @wanniiieeee  @pumpkinfriend

CSI:

[invisibleanonymousmonsters]

All Men Have Limits - XI

Character: Dick Grayson x Reader x Bruce Wayne

Summary: A certain bat believes that Y/N is in way over her head, that she’s too naive to act in her best interest. So, whether she wants it or not, the vigilante family is going to help and protect her before she gets herself killed.

Word Count: 3,700+

Warnings: Mentions of past abuse

Previously on…

How did she let this happen?

Y/N had tried to push her short-lived romance with Bruce Wayne out of her mind for two years. And the moment she sees him again, for the first time since, it all went to hell. 

Why did she let him have her so easily? 

Why was he so hard to fight? 

His presence was difficult to ignore. And when he acted on their mutual feelings, Y/N knew she’d do just about anything for him.

But could two stubborn, emotionally distant, and nearly impossible people make it work?

But then Dick…Dick Grayson. 

Whenever Y/N thought of him, a warmth spread through her chest. He wasn’t scared of her. Instead of trying to break down her walls, he patiently waited for her to open a side door for him. He was patient and kind. Though he adopted Bruce’s flirtatious and charming ways, it was backed by substance in a way Bruce never bothered to follow up with.

Both men loved her differently.

But that didn’t mean one loved her more than the other either. 

–––––––––––

When Y/N reached the bottom of the cave, she found Dick training.

He was shirtless with a pair of shorts on, lifting himself up on the still rings.

She allowed herself to watch him for a moment. 

It was unreal the amount of strength he held to be able to move the way he was. He had clearly been modest when she asked if he could go to the olympics. 

Dick’s skin was shining, drenched in sweat.

How long had he been working out?

What she didn’t know was that Dick had been at it for hours, trying to work out his frustrations by making himself physically exhausted.

Finally Dick landed by doing an aerial dismount that consisted of so many twists and flips that Y/N just blinked in amazement. 

“Come to get your equipment?” Dick asked without looking at her. 

He was out of breath and clearly tired as he rubbed his face with a towel.

“Yeah,” she answered. “Jason’s bringing one of his cars to help me pack it up.”

She didn’t want to inconvenience anyone else in the family further. But she couldn’t exactly hire a TaskRabbit to help her pack up thousands of dollars worth of hacking equipment and ask them to drop it off at one of her many safe houses.

Plus, Jason owed her after the scene he cased at that infamous family dinner, and she made sure to tell him so.

Dick scoffed a bit. “So, you and Jason hang out now?”

Y/N smirked. “We started a club. We’re calling it The Club for the Parentally Abused and Recently Resurrected.”

Dick could help but let a smile slip.

“But I also came to talk to you.”

He walked past her now, and still hadn’t even looked at her since she arrived.

“You don’t owe me any explanation, Y/N. I got the message loud and clear.”

Y/N took in a deep breath. This was going to be hard. But she had to do it.

“When I was five years old, I left my stuffed animal at the park. I wouldn’t stop crying on the drive home. My parents started screaming at me to be quiet. Eventually they gave up, pulled over, and kicked me out of the car. It was 5 miles back to the apartment and it was 30 degrees out. Luckily, I knew my way home."

The story made Dick’s eyes snap up and he finally looked at her. And when he did, his expression was filled with rage and sympathy – rage towards her parents, but sympathy for Y/N. She should’ve never had to deal with such abuse.

Y/N shrugged. “And that’s one of the better moments.”

Dick took a step towards her. “Y/N…”

Her eyes were glued to the ground as she continued. “To this day, I jump anytime someone drops something. I can’t watch sports because the sound of men yelling causes panic attacks.” 

Then she finally found the courage to meet his gaze. 

“When I meet men, in my eyes, they’re all my father until they prove otherwise. And the reason I’m always waiting for the floor to drop out from underneath me... is because it always has.”

Dick waited. 

Y/N knew he was silently telling her he understood.

A couple tears managed to slip down her face, but she quickly wiped them away.

“Bruce was the first person I ever shared my past with. And now…now you’re the second.”

Dick still didn’t know what to say to her.

“I’m so sorry for hurting you, Dick. That was never ever my intention.”

Dick sighed, “I know.”

And he did. He did know.

Dick took in a deep breath, “I spent a big part of my life trying to stop myself from turning into him. I became terrified by the idea. I started disagreeing with his methods. He stopped looking like the perfect man to me. Eventually, I left Gotham because of it all.”

He shook his head in disappointment. “But I’m realizing those are the same things that make him the man that you love.”

His hand moved through his hair. “Now I’m starting to wonder…what if the only things you like about me is just everything that he made me be?”

Y/N couldn’t listen to any more of it. She couldn’t keep standing there and hear him tear himself down and compare himself to the man he had idolized for most of his life. Even if he saw Bruce as just human now, the man was still somewhat of a father figure to him.

“No,” she immediately stepped to Dick and clutched his face.

On instinct alone, he put his hands on top of hers, scared she’d stop touching him too quickly.

“Dick, listen to me. That’s not true. None of that’s true.”

“Don’t just tell me what you think I want to hear,” he begged.

“I’m not. I promise I’m not.”

Y/N took in a shaky breath.

By telling Dick what he needed to hear, Y/N was also exposing herself. It was scary for her. Talking to Dick about their complicated relationship was like speaking a different language compared to the way she used to communicate with Bruce. And she could admit that communication was often no communication at all.

“The things I love about you have nothing to do with Bruce,” her words were unafraid and sincere.

Dick blinked at the word ‘love.’

“You wear your heart on your sleeve, Dick. And I know you’re sometimes ashamed of it, because you’ve been convinced that you shouldn’t do that. But it’s…it’s so… different.”

She laughed lightly at herself, “Different than what I’m used to. Different than what I’ve ever expected from men.”

“I always know what’s going on in that heart of yours,” she continued. “There’s no guessing with you. I never doubt your feelings. Because you don’t hide anything.”

Y/N figured out what she was really trying to get at.

“Because you’re not scared.” She paused. “You’re not scared to love me, even when you think you don’t have a chance.”

“Do I have a chance?” He whispered.

Y/N finally dropped her hands from his face and stepped away from him. “I can’t – Dick, I can’t get between you two.”

He chuckled darkly. “It’s a little late for that.”

Y/N hid her face in her hands in desperation. “Please, don’t say that to me. Please.”

“He’s in love with you, too.” Dick declared.

“Dick, stop!”

“No, I won’t.” He snapped back. “Bruce is in love with you, Y/N. And you can’t keep lying and convincing yourself that he’s not.”

“It’s not that simple!”

But she could tell he was growing frustrated with her.

“Then tell me why you love him,” Dick surprised her by asking. “I need to know. I need to know why, because that’s the only way I’m going to be able to let you go.”

Y/N’s lips trembled as her eyes filled with tears again. She shook her head, “Please don’t make me.”

But when she looked up, his gaze was pleading.

So Y/N closed her eyes, the pressure of it made more tears escape and slide down her cheeks. She took in a deep breath, desperate for it to calm her down enough to even speak.

“That first night me and him shared...I hadn’t slept that soundly in years. And it was because I felt...safe. He’s always made me feel safe, like nothing could ever happen to me.” She shook her head and her eyes glazed over as she remembered the past. “I know I asked for this life. I’m always on the edge of being in danger, and I always have to be on the move. But it just felt like...like I could finally breathe.”

She gave Dick a sad smile. “And it’s been the same since I got here. I was just too stubborn to admit it.”

Then she shook her head. “I’m so tired of being scared. And I’m so tired of convincing myself that I don’t deserve to be loved.”

“Y/N,” Dick whispered her name as if he was begging. He moved to her and clutched her face and bowed until their foreheads touched. “I can keep you safe, too. I promise. I always will.”

“I know. Because you’re the only reason I’m alive right now.”  

“I love you, Y/N.” He murmured as if it was his most treasured secret. 

But they had both known that for awhile. 

“And I know you love Bruce…but I think you love me, too.”

Y/N hesitated before she whispered, “I do love you.”

Dick didn’t even try to stop himself from kissing her.

He pulled her hips to his, refusing to allow any space between their bodies. Her lips were wet with tears, but he didn’t care. This kiss needed to tell her everything he felt. This was his final statement. If his words couldn’t convince her, then maybe he could make her feel it all.

Jason Todd’s timing was like the rapture. 

His car screeched to a stop on the platform below them.

Except Dick didn’t give a damn if his brother saw them. He barely let Y/N pull away, but still tried to brush her tears away with his thumb as it grazed her cheek.

“Sorry to interrupt,” Jason yelled up with a cheeky grin.

Y/N still shifted out of Dick’s embrace.

To both the men’s surprise, she didn’t glare down at Jason.

“Come on. I’ll help you get all this into his truck,” Dick told her softly.

Their moment had ended.

And Dick couldn’t help but believe that he’d lost her.

———

Jason helped Y/N carry all her equipment in the storage unit she had directed him to.

The young man had the same strength as three professional movers and she was taking full advantage of it.

“Don’t you want all this crap with you?” Jason asked when he finally moved the final piece inside.

Y/N pulled down the garage door, slamming it closed, and activated multiple locks before facing him.

“Nope.”

Jason eyed her suspiciously. “Don’t tell me The Court traumatized you into retiring…”

“Of course not. But I am taking a break.”

He nodded, accepting the answer.

“Where to next?” He asked while nodding towards his truck.

“You don’t have to give me a ride. I think I want to walk.”

“Hell no. Bruce and Dick would kill me if I let you do that.”

Y/N rolled her eyes and slowly opened her jacket to show that she had one of her guns hidden away.

“You taught me well.”

Jason sighed heavily, “You wanna be alone. I get it.”

“Thank you for your help, Jason.”

He just shrugged, “I owed you.”

Y/N nodded and shoved her hands into the pockets of her jacket.

“You know what you’re doing?” Jason asked.

“Not really,” she admitted.

To her surprise, Jason's face was sympathetic. “Look, I know I give you a lot of shit. And none of it’s my business.”

He scratched the back of his neck.

“They both love you. OK? And I know they both go about showing it in completely different ways. But that’s just how they are. We’re all a fuckin’ mess.”

“I know,” Y/N mumbled as she looked at the ground, shoulders slumped.

“But I know what it’s like to be beaten down by life. So I just want to make sure you remember that you deserve it.”

“Deserve what?” Y/N asked, confused.

“To be loved.” Then his eyes turned the most serious she’d ever seen, and he pointed to her sternly. “Don’t let what happened in the past make you think otherwise.”

Jason already hated how preachy he sounded, so he gave a final nod and walked to the driver’s side of the truck.  

“Jason!” She called out.

He paused before he got into the driver’s seat.

“The same goes for you.” She smiled. “Remember, we’re in a club now.”

He smirked before giving her a final salute, and driving away.

———

Walking back to her safe house was therapeutic for Y/N.

Yeah, there were worse places than Wayne Manor to be kept on house arrest. But Y/N also couldn’t remember the last time she went on a walk like this. It did wonders to clear her head.

Though she was still paranoid and made sure to remain aware of her surroundings. And she probably looked over her shoulder too frequently to appear natural. But after everything she’d been through, her life still didn’t feel safe.

So, imagine Y/N’s panic when she walked into her safe house and immediately knew someone had been there.

She immediately pulled out her gun and started to do a perimeter check.

However, her panic slowly subsided when she saw a note on the kitchen counter.

Next to the note was what appeared to be a tracking device. Not as sophisticated as anything Y/N could make. But it was still rather advanced.

She walked closer to read it and instantly recognized Bruce’s handwriting.

“We had a deal,” was all he’d written.

When Y/N turned on the tracker, she quickly noted that the coordinates it gave matched the location of Wayne Manor.

A sad smile spread across her lips at the blinking light.

This was a strange way of expressing affection and trust, but that was Bruce.

There had been a part of her that didn’t believe Bruce Wayne would ever allow someone to always know where he was. But then again, he always found a way to surprise her.

Y/N looked around at her apartment.

It was cold and unwelcoming. The purpose was to provide a safe location and remain isolated. It was never meant to become a home – none of her safe houses were. Without her equipment humming, it felt even quieter than usual – unsettling even.

One thing was sure to Y/N…she couldn’t live this way anymore.

–––––––––––

Dick was fixing up his motorcycle in the garage at the manor.

He was planning on driving it across the country and wanted to make sure it was in good ship before he put that kind of mileage on it.

His attention shifted away from it when his phone lit up and vibrated from a message.

To Dick’s surprise, he read Jason’s name.

“You should talk to her. I think she’s really going through it right now,” was all his younger brother texted.

Dick sighed in frustration and tossed his phone away a little too roughly.

He rubbed his face. 

He’d been suffering from a headache every day since he last saw Y/N. 

Maybe it was his punishment for submitting so easily.

Dick stood up from kneeling next to his motorcycle.

No, he wasn’t going to talk to Y/N.

But he was going to talk to Bruce.

While Dick had been distracting himself with his upcoming escape back to the Titans, Bruce drowned himself in new cases. He’d extended his patrolling hours so long that he barely had time to sleep and eat. Half the time, he didn’t even bring Damian along with him. 

Dick knew he would find Bruce in the cave, seeing as he hadn’t left it in days.

Bruce didn’t turn away from his research even though he heard Dick’s entrance.

But that didn’t slow Dick down as he marched to him.

“Are you really going to do this?” Dick shot.

He didn’t need to elaborate, they both knew what he was talking about.  

“We’re not having this discussion,” Bruce tried to shut it down without even looking at him.

“Nope. That’s not going to work anymore.” Dick reached out and pressed a button, turning all of the screens blank. “We’re talking about this whether you want to or not!” Dick snapped.

Bruce was clearly irritated. Not only did he finally acknowledge Dick and meet his gaze, but he also stood from the chair and sized him up.

Dick’s jaw clenched before he began. “I know you’d protect her with your life. But are you going to protect her from Bruce Wayne?”

The question was brutal, but necessary.

Dick wasn’t holding back any longer.

“Because we didn’t have any choice. We changed our expectations and adapted. But Y/N? She shouldn’t have to do that. So you’re either all in or you need to let go.”

The ‘we’ was Dick and his brothers, but Bruce didn’t need him to clarify.

Dick never had any intention of being cruel. But he had to be blunt with Bruce. And Dick wasn’t going to watch as he put Y/N through what he and his brothers had to in the past. 

She would bend and fold herself for Bruce, lowering her expectations and latching onto what little he gave her, putting it all on a pedestal and giving it more meaning than it deserved.

“If you promise to actually commit to someone for the first time in your life and put them before Batman, I’ll walk away. I’ll do it for you. And I’ll do it for her.” The fire in his eyes was blazing. “But I can’t sit back and watch as you treat her like shit. She deserves better than that. And you know it.”

There wasn’t a single lie in what Dick said. 

Over the years, Dick was always the most frustrated with Bruce’s lack of emotional competence. Jason was angry at Bruce for far more than just that. Tim didn’t seem to have many thoughts on it. And Damian didn’t see it as a problem, which was an entirely different issue.

But if it weren’t for Dick, Bruce would be far worse – even though that seemed rather impossible.

“Do you love her?” Bruce asked Dick.

He blinked at the question, taken off guard by how intimate it felt coming from Bruce.

“Yes,” Dick answered, leaving no room for doubt.

“Why?”

“What do you mean why?” Dick glared at him.

But Dick still jumped right into it as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. “Y/N is one of the smartest people I’ve ever met in my life. She makes me laugh – even when I know her sarcasm and humor are hiding darkness. She’s selfless – more selfless than all of us. And she cares about everyone, even when they don’t deserve it. She dedicated her life to helping people and, until recently, she was fine doing it all by herself. ”

Bruce couldn’t help but smirk darkly at Dick’s list and crossed his arms, “You forgot to mention how beautiful she is.”

“Yeah. Well… anyone with eyes knows that,” Dick rumbled.

Bruce was quiet, clearly deep in thought.

What was going on in that head of his?

“She left Gotham,” Bruce finally stated.

Dick’s eyes widened. “Left?”

“Yesterday.”

“Yesterday? So...what? You don’t know where she is or you’re not going after her?” Dick snapped.

“I know where she is.”

Dick’s face dropped. “You’re not going after her,” he muttered in disbelief.

Bruce didn’t have to say anything to confirm Dick’s suspicions.

“You’re an asshole and a fool, Bruce.”

“I’m doing the best thing for her,” he countered.

“That’s what you think. But how will she feel?” Dick shook his head in disgust. “But you never ask yourself those questions, do you, Bruce? You never consider other people’s feelings.”

“I promised to always put Gotham first, Dick.”

“Oh, come on, Bruce!” Dick groaned. “You made that promise – what? – 20 years ago? Don’t try to tell me that things haven’t change.”

“You think she wants to stay in this mansion by herself, wondering if I’m going to come back alive?” Bruce finally fought back. “You think she deserves a man who will always put her second?”

“Then don’t, Bruce! Don’t put her second! She chose you! Don’t make her regret it!”

But Dick had enough and he also wanted the final word.

So with that, he stormed out of the cave, leaving Bruce alone again.

Dick was about to go to his room and finish packing up his things to leave when Alfred called his name.

“This arrived for you,” Alfred informed him politely as he offered him an envelope.

Dick’s heart beat faster as he grabbed the letter, somehow already knowing it was from Y/N.

He ripped it open without hesitation, not bothering to wait for the privacy of his room to read it.

Dick,

We both know I’m absolute shit at opening up. But I am hoping that maybe writing it all down will be easier. I figured it’s worth a try. 

I’m sorry for the way things happened. I hope you believe me when I say that I never meant to hurt the two of you.

It recently occurred to me that I haven’t experienced much of life.

I went from living in an abusive household, to living on the streets, to using all of my energy trying to bring down the corrupt. I’ve spent so much of my life either running or fighting that I realized I don’t actually know how to just simply…live.  

So...

By the time you get this, I will have left Gotham. I think it’s about time I stop running and start learning who I am when I stand still. 

I don’t expect you to forgive me for pushing and pulling you.

But I hope you believe me when I say I love you. I really do, Dick Grayson. 

And the truth is, you scared the shit out of me. But I also know you deserve someone more than just me. And the idea of you realizing that at any moment, only to leave me, was too heartbreaking to face.

I hope this isn’t goodbye forever. 

“When did this arrive?” Dick asked almost panicked.

“Just this morning, Master Dick.” Alfred answered.

“Thanks, Alfred.”

He took a few steps toward the stairs before Alfred called out, “Master Dick?”

“Yeah?”

“It feels rather important to emphasize that there was only one letter…”

Dick’s gaze flickered to where the cave entrance was, the place they both knew where Bruce was currently hiding. 

Then he looked back to Alfred, showing that he understood what he was trying to silently tell him.

Y/N didn’t write a letter to Bruce.

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

Part 12 – The End

I’m sorry to tell you that there is only one more part after this. 

So please please please let me know what you think. Write me a book report. Write me a novel. 

A/N: The scene between Bruce and Dick was inspired by two things:

This conversation from the comics. 

And this scene from Sabrina. Obviously this is a much more comical take, but I’ve seen this movie probably 100 times and it holds a similar meaning to this story.