#it just took robin a while to learn how to make that contact

[theodoresgirl]

I see you like dabi... Can you write something with dad dabi??

Dad!Dabi Headcanons

a/n: dabi as a dad, Personally a favorite. Never actually attempt to write it so here we go. lmk if you want more<33

warning: Some 'canon' parts and fan-canon. my personal opinion, delulu.

— —

★ — Dabi’s the kind of guy to first react negatively towards you saying you’re pregnant. He’s never imagined being a dad, His own pushed him down when he gained a “better” son. It would take some reassurance, Like telling him you believed he would be a great dad, and that he was nothing like his father. He would slowly be open to the idea of being part of the kids life.

★ — Dabi’s by your side whenever he can, between the LOV and planing his pay back to his own dad.

★ — Dabi’s holding your hair when you get sick, He’s bringing you food late at night on his recruitment patrols.

★ — He’ll even bust out his old hair braiding skills (he might be a little rusty at first) to keep it out of your face during hot flashes. he learned braiding with fuyumi’s hair when they were younger.

★ — Dabi keeps you and the baby a complete secret, To make sure he knew that if something happened to him. You and the baby wouldn’t be targeted

★ — Dabi would be terrified to touch your stomach, he isn’t normally a feel bad kind of guy but he didn't wanna accidentally hurt you or the baby. It takes some time before he can rest his hand on your belly or lay his head on it.

★ — He tries to attend at least a few doctor appointments, but he misses the birth because of his identity. He'd get really upset ith

★ — Some time after you have the baby, you and him would be sitting on the couch, The baby was sleeping and he lets slip he wants another one. “to give it a friend” lame excuse but hey, It works. He wouldn’t ask for another one but if you asked he wouldn’t say no.

★ — He first sees his daughter when you come home. He’s right there, He heard you talking outside the door and getting your keys.

★ — He was sitting in a chair at the island counter. Safe to say he’s been there for 3 hours waiting.

★ — For awhile he just sits on the couch while you hold her. He’d be scared, again. He didn’t wanna harm her.

★ — She looked exactly like him at her age. Red hair, teal eyes, a big smile.

★ — Sometimes you’d wake to go the bathroom and see a empty place next to to, and noise in the nursery. Dabi would be sitting in a rocking chair mumbling about who knows what while his little girl just slept on his chest. He’d never admit it though, if you brought it up he’d say you were really tired and hallucinated it. (you didn’t)

★ — His phone lock screen was of course his motorcycle, but his home-screen was a picture of you passed out with baby girl.

★ — Second pregnancy around he would probably be outed as toya, Depending on the outcome (we are gonna go the happy delulu root) he'd have contact with his sister, maybe even natsuo. You drag him out to lunch with his sister.

★ — He'd always have his arms around you, around your waist, on your hips and stomach.

★ — He'd definitely rubs the fact his family loves him to his dad, no doubt. He'd brag about how his daughter is always following him around, and his future partner is perfect and loves him for him.

★ — Dabi also definitely got your daughter to say dada first, Even though it took 2 years she finally said her first word. it would be when you went out with his siblings. He sends you a video of her sitting on the couch in one of those Ariel princess dresses. She clear as day she says 'dada'. He teases you about it a lot.

★ — At first you'll have to force him, but after awhile the only movies that are on the tv at all times was Disney & barbie. (His favorites are Barbie and the Magic of Pegasus & Robin hood)

★ — Dabi would lay down on the floor while his daughter played with his hair and feels his scars.

★ — Dabi also by now stopped using his quirk, which over time slowly his scars began to heal.

★ — He was present for your 2nd child, your sons birth. To say he teared up is a understatement. He stood by your side the whole time, he wasn't willing to miss it this time.

★ — Your son looked again, was a mini dabi, but white hair.

★ — When your daughters quirk forms its just like dabis, She ran into you and his room one morning giggling excitedly about having a cool quirk like her daddy. His face was pure fear, could her skin handle the heat? or was it like his?

★ — Dabi would watch when she'd use her quirk, to make sure she didn't get hurt, and she never did. That made dabi relieved.

[atimeofyourlife]

A group thing?

written for @steddieholidaydrabbles prompt: no upside down au | rated: t | wc: 944 | tags: no upside down au, pre-steddie, steve x corroded coffin Steve gets a job in a record store in Chicago, and a familiar group of guys come in looking for a place for their band to play. Who knows where it could go

Getting out of Hawkins was the best thing that had ever happened to Steve. The plan had been cemented between him and Robin when they started working at Family Video after the freak fire at Starcourt, the result of an electrical fault caused by the cut corners and corrupt construction. They were both going to work as many hours as possible at Family Video, so they could save up ready to move away after Robin graduated high school, with Steve planning to follow her to wherever she went to college.

The plan led them to Chicago, with Robin getting accepted to study linguistics at the University of Chicago. They found a small, relatively affordable two bed apartment, and did everything they could to make it theirs. While Robin worked on her degree, Steve found work at an independent record store. Even though it was still retail, he found it much better than working at Family Video and Scoops Ahoy had been. There was no uniform, the manager was pretty chill, and employees could choose anything from stock to play over the store's sound system. Steve did tend to play a lot of Queen when it was his turn to pick, but he was learning a lot about other genres from his coworkers' tastes in music.

But Steve's favorite part of the job was the live music. There was a small stage area that local bands could book and come in and play for free, in a chance to get more experience playing. Some of them weren't the best, but some of them were amazing. It was something that made it feel less like work. Some bands were pretty regular, and Steve was starting to form a real friendship with some of them.

"Hi, how can I help?" Steve asked as he came back to the counter from the stock room where he'd been processing a delivery with his coworker. There were a group of guys all waiting around, so he assumed that they were a band wanting to get a play spot. There was something familiar about them, but he couldn't quite put his finger on what.

"Er, hi. We've just moved to the area, and a buddy of ours told us you let bands play here for free." The guy at the front with long hair said, seeming to be the leader.

"Yeah, we do that. Just give me a moment." Steve ducked down to grab the folder from under the counter. "So the boss is the one who makes the final decisions on all the bands, so I'll just need to take your details, and she'll call you back to arrange everything. And I can give you the information sheet with everything you need to know."

The band took the sheet, and murmured a little amongst themselves.

"Okay, so if I can start with the band name?" Steve asked, pulling out a sign up sheet.

"Corroded Coffin." One of them replied.

Steve wrote it down, and tried to make conversation as he did. "You said you guys just moved here? Where'd you come from?"

"This shitty, small town in Indiana. You've probably never heard of it."

"Uh huh. And a phone number we can contact you on?"

The number got rattled off for Steve to note down.

"That sounds a lot like where I'm from. You wouldn't be from Hawkins, would you?"

"Yeah, we are."

"I thought you guys seemed familiar. We probably went to high school together." Steve said. "And your names?"

Each said their names as Steve wrote them down. The last one, who had seemed to be the leader, "Eddie Munson."

Steve looked down at the sheet, before looking up at Eddie. "You used to sell, right? At a picnic bench in the woods behind the school."

"You used to buy? Then do we get your name, big boy." Eddie asked, leaning on the counter.

"Steve. Harrington." Steve replied, watching hesitantly as they all seemed surprised.

"King Steve, what brings you to working in a place like this?"

"Trying to make rent. My parents cut me off after I graduated, and I'm pretty sure it would be a total disownment if they knew half the shit I got up to now. So me and my best friend moved up here after she graduated. She's in college and I'm making sure we can afford our shitty two bedroom apartment."

"Now I want to know what you get up to." One of the others said, Steve was pretty sure he'd said his name was Gareth.

"Let's just say I know what the bandanna in Munson's back pocket stands for." Steve winked as he said it, and couldn't help laughing as they all spluttered slightly. "I've got all the information I need, and I'll make sure to put in a good word with the boss for you."

Steve was working when Corroded Coffin were playing at the store for the first time. He was on hand to help them get set up and make sure everything went smoothly.

"I think that's everything, you guys can start playing when you're ready, and I'll let you know when your time is nearly up. Do you need anything else?"

"How about a kiss for good luck?" Eddie asked.

Steve smiled before pulling Eddie in by the shirt and kissing him deeply.

"Hey, what about the rest of us?" Gareth called from behind his drum kit.

Steve just shrugged, before going around and kissing each of them softly on the lips.

He made his way back behind the counter, looking forward to what could come between him and the band. Friendship, or maybe even something more.

[love-toxin]

OH GOD...

I saw your porn star Steve drabble, and I...

The fruity four taking your virginity, but all of them are pornstars and they're all yandere for you.

CAN YOU IMAGINE????

HEH.....HEH.......HEHEH!!!!

(cws: fruity four, modern/pornstar au, f!angelface, only the slightest inkling of possessiveness, camming, mentions of anal/pegging/dark sexual fantasies/squirting/femdom/sex toys/masturbation/virginity loss)

So. As we've established: Anal King Steve. But as for the others, they range with varying degrees of notoriety and popularity, but they're all pretty well-known nonetheless because they all associate with Steve, who is by far the most recognized.

Obviously, most of Steve's work is anal-based, although he didn't necessarily start out that way. He mostly just made use of a spicy twitter account to post his nudes and a couple videos, and before long he got contacted by an agency for some newbie scenes and ended up getting super popular. He mostly started out with just the generic stuff, but with peppering his self-directed movies with his preferred kink, his career really took off and he became very well-known in the anal category. Plenty of videos with titles like "(Insert porn actress) gets her ass stretched for the first time by King Steve", where the content is usually sweet and only on the cusp of being rough. But he's delved into the genre of painal plenty of times before, and while he's a gentle giant most of the time, he's deliriously sexy when he's being mean and holding down his chosen costar to pummel their poor ass into submitting to him.

Nancy's an acquired taste. Her femdom videos can either be sweet and very darling with all her cute clothes and girl-next-door appearance, or they can be brutal and she can exercise the full extent of her dommy mommy persona. But she's actually in one of the top earners for her category because of how big her singular donations can get--in a private camshow, she can earn up to thousands of dollars just by offering the pleasure of degrading whoever it is that's paid for her precious time. Pegging is one of her popular categories too, with both men and women happily submitting to Mistress as she turns their subby little brains into mush. Despite coming off as a top, she likes bottoming and being a little more relaxed and submissive too, she just usually keeps that for home sex so she can keep up her image online.

Robin's a very popular sub online, she has people flooding her comments with sweet, needy compliments and envy at the girls she does movies with. She cams a lot despite coming off as awkward and shy oftentimes, and it makes her some serious money especially when she does request streams, where she's completely at the mercy of her viewers. She's had to replace her donation-controlled vibrator several times now, since it's such a popular event on her livestreams that people will pool their donations on repeat just so Robin ends up cumming uncontrollably when it doesn't stop, terrorizing her poor, sensitive clit on the highest setting for all her viewers to enioy. She does a lot of squirting videos ever since she learned how to make herself do it, although she's also a fan of tribbing and facesitting too, especially when she's the one getting absolutely ruined by a pretty girl on top of her.

Eddie's pretty popular as a non-traditional pornstar. He started out doing more hardcore stuff, uncommon kinks and other stuff that tickles the fancy of those who like darker fantasies, and he stars less in actual productions and mostly relies on twitter and his OF. He does everything from knifeplay, handcuffs, and cnc to choking and heavy bondage, slasher cosplays and blood kinks and waxplay and hard domination--and then, here and there, he'll surprise his viewers with a very intimate and affectionate video with lots of kissing, hair stroking, and praise whispered into his partner's ear. He's got range. Lots of thirst traps and desperate people in his DMs, despite being so accessible he's got that aura of being some cool, unattainable man with a dick thick enough to break you. But he's such a senseless dork in real life, it's honestly such a shocking shift in personality for anyone that might only know him online.

And when the four of them individually announced their "group collaboration" with the other three, all four fanbases went wild. Four incredibly hot pornstars moving into one house together, with all the opportunity for collaborative videos one could ask for? It's a dream come true for any fan of theirs, save some of the obsessive weirdos and creeps. However, the fifth room in their new house poses a bit of a problem--it's a waste to leave it empty, but they don't have anything to really fill it, so Steve decides to post an ad for a roommate but avoids any association with his or the other's profession. Don't want some stalker or psycho moving in just to try and take advantage of any of them, so Steve just puts up the ad in a Hawkins-based forum and waits to get a response.

When you show up on their doorstep, though, fuck. He didn't think you'd be this cute in person, even though you had sent a picture to identify yourself along with some of your ID to sign for the lease. Being from out of town you'd been desperate to find a place to stay on your low budget, and you didn't mind living in a co-ed with multiple people, so you fit the main two standards. As for everything else, you seem eager to keep things clean and you offer to help out with whatever chores that need doing, as long as they're within your capability, so you're perfect in that sense. It's obviously a little awkward when Steve has to warn you about their careers, though, so you have time to back out before you sign the papers--he tries to make it as clear as possible that they're not working a prostitution ring or anything, and that they in no way expect you to participate, and that they have a schedule for filming and will run changes by you well in advance so you can avoid certain rooms or be out of the house to do something else. But you seem fine with it, and you aren't even really familiar with their accounts which is kind of a relief, so it really turns out well when you move in and start living amongst your very attractive roommates.

It's nice for a while. They're all kind to you, and you get to know each other pretty quick, but there's tension in the air. Nancy can tell you're inexperienced by the way you seem so flustered around the boys when they wander by in their underwear, and how you react to the simplest gestures of kindness or flirtation like it's the most flattered you've ever been. When Robin compliments your style and tells you how gorgeous you look before you leave the house, you look so shocked and utter a "really?" that's so sweet she makes it a point to compliment you way more often. But Eddie's the one that extracts the truth out of you, that you're a virgin, after a few drinks you two share following a late night out at the movies. He doesn't kiss you that night, but that's when he realizes he wants to.

A little while after that, after Eddie swears to shut his mouth but you feel comfortable enough to mention it in passing to the others, you decide to sate your curiosity and do a little research on your roommates and they're happy to give you a tour. They ease you in slow with Robin's account on phub, show you some of her teaser videos on twitter and her camsite, and they make it fun--they do it in the style of a movie night, getting snacks and cracking jokes as they screenshare Steve's phone to the tv as you pore over each of their portfolios. Gradually, you make your way down the list to their collaborations and the harder stuff, the mean and degrading clips that have your tummy buzzing as you sit between them on the sofa. They finally get to their group account, filled with all the stuff they've filmed in the house--some of it you've heard through the wall and touched yourself to--and you get to see them teasing each other in real life while they moan and sweat onscreen.

You get to watch Robin ride Nancy's face while she tugs on her hair, hips jumping and belly concaved as she gasps and whimpers out the sweetest dirty talk you've ever heard. They scroll over a link to phub titled "King Steve punishes Eddie the Banished with rough barebacking" with a thumbnail showing off Eddie's fucked-out face as Steve has his foot on the back of his head, eyeliner smudged and tearstreaked while his partner's cock is almost completely buried in his ass. Nancy insists on showing you a video they've filmed of her pegging Steve on his bare mattress, clearly taken just as they were moving in--that certainly hadn't stopped her from plowing him into it though, his arms wrapped tight around her as he clings to her chest and moans out pleas for her not to stop. And all the while she's teasing him, suggesting that maybe she should have the title of "anal king" after this.

You're so wet an hour into this showing that it's ridiculous. You're squirming so bad in your seat that you're practically begging one of them to touch you, no matter how quiet you are as Steve asks if you're cool and you nod a yes.

"Sorry, honey. Too much?" Eddie queries, stretching his arm out a little further from where it's draped over the couch, just barely touching your shoulders but not enough. He smiles to reassure you, about to suggest that maybe you all can switch from the porn to watching a movie instead--but then you blurt it all out, and the feelings that have been building up for months are suddenly all hanging out in the open.

"Would you take my virginity?"

They're struck silent, looking back at you with wide eyes that render you mute in seconds--you know that was such a mistake, it was too far, and you pray to god that Steve doesn't just throw you out. But you also fear the awkwardness of living out the rest of your lease with your roommate-turned-friends thinking you're a weirdo, and in some way it might be better if you just got kicked out.

Then they start exchanging looks. They start grinning. And when they finally deign to acknowledge you, the precious little virgin squished up between Eddie and Nancy on the couch they've fucked on a hundred times, you feel like you're the bunny facing the jaws of wolves upon wandering into their den. Steve reaches over Nancy's lap to rub your knee through your jeans, and his eyes flutter to a half-lidded expression of desire, before he speaks up in place of all his other romantic partners.

"We can do whatever you want, baby. Just no cameras this time--I want you all to us for this."

[chiefdirector]

Reunion | Thomas Thorne | BBC Ghosts

no.23: Forced to watch (I took this quite liberally)

There was many quirks to being dead. There was the fact that you could walk through walls but could be seated on furniture. Or the fact that nobody with a pulse could see you but sometimes, if you were lucky, you were gifted with an extra ability. The one that plagued (Y/N) the most though was the face that she could not leave the grounds of which she died upon.

She had died in Button house, or as it was known then Higham House, when on a visit with her husband, she had suddenly take ill. He husband had gone to fetch for a doctor but by the time he had returned with help, she had already passed. Her first memory of being dead was watching her husband weep over her still warm body.

It had not taken long for the other spirited residents of the house to learn of their new peer. Mary and Kitty tried to console her, especially when (Y/N) saw Humphrey’s detached head. Robin simply observed her for a while. But even as she, rather quickly, made peace with her untimely demise, there was a feeling that she couldn’t shake.

The feeling grew stronger and stronger as the days passed, until eventually she found herself walking into the main parlour room of the house where she was greeted by a crowd observing an argument.

Instantly she recognised the voices. One belonging to her husband’s ghastly cousin, Francis Button. He was a vile man, and not one she could tolerate for very long. Despite the many times he had tried to worm his way into her life , she always dreaded his visits. The last she saw him was in the day she died, where he had offered her tea; being free of him was one of the few things she welcomed in death.

Stood across from him was her husband. Standing tall and proud, Thomas rebutted something Francis had said. (Y/N) wasn’t quite sure. But she didn’t mind. She had not seen Thomas since he had found her still body upstairs.

(Y/N) heard ringing in her ears as the minutes seemed to pass like seconds. She couldn’t make out what anyone was saying. Instead she just followed the crowds as they made their was outside.

She stood, frozen in place as Thomas and Francis stood opposite to one another. She wanted to turn away but her legs felt stuck. The speed of what happened was to fast to comprehend. One second they were back to back, ready to duel and then next had a bullet launched into Thomas’ side.

(Y/N) rushed down to his crumpled form, reaching a hand out to only have it go through her chest. She closed her eyes, trying to get the image of him bloody from her mind. “Oh Thomas, my love.” She cried out, despite having nobody to hear.

“My darling flower?”

(Y/N) whipped her head up to the voice. Beside the corpse of her husband stood his spirit. He looked shaken, understandably so. “Thomas.”

“You’re dead. You died… how are you here?” Thomas said, frantically looking around before his eyes made contact with the corpse on the ground. “Oh.”

“I can explain everything.”

“No need,” Thomas looked back at his wife with a melancholy smile. “I have you again, darling. The rest will come as it may.”

Masterlist | Whumptober Masterlist

@ailesswhumptober

[acowardinmordor]

I'm never going to write it, so here, enjoy some suffering as I combine multiple fics and tropes into a bouillabaisse of angst.

----

Eddie isn't quite dead when Steve, Robin and Nancy get back to them. Since the gates are starting to weaken, it's a mad rush to get everyone through. Steve gets Nancy and Dustin through so they can at least sort of help catch Eddie -- who is entirely unconscious and lacking a lot of blood. The gate is narrowing, the Upside Down is trembling, and Steve doesn't ask, just hefts Robin up and gets her through.

She makes it, but by the time she lands and looks up to yell for him to haul ass, everyone can tell that Steve won't make it through. The gate is too narrow and they don't know, they won't risk finding out what happens if the gate closes on him.

It's closing with exponential decay, so the slow creep it started with becomes a rush, and he yells for them to get to the damn hospital.

Then he's gone.

And look, they're furious and horrified and yes, they want to go after him right this second, but Eddie is dying and Dustin's leg is broken, and they don't even know if Max is okay. Besides, its not like they know how to open a gate.

It's a few days before Team Cali gets to Hawkins, and everyone, including Max in three casts begs El to open a gate.

And she can't. Something about how Henry died, something about the hivemind and the interconnection to the whole world. She knows it's still there, but she can't reach it. She can't find Steve either.

So a few days becomes a week, and Will won't answer questions, because he knows what its like to be alone there, and telling the others when there's no hope of rescue is cruel.

Then Eddie wakes up, coherent for the first time after the infection and the fever and the pain meds. They tell him, and they try to prevent the survivor's guilt - which was already awful - from destroying him. Robin gets it. She was the last through. Steve could have gone first and left her there, but they both know he never would.

They bond over it in the next few weeks as he recovers and leaves the hospital with a few hundred stitches.

After a month, they hold a small memorial, even though they haven't reported it. Without a body, it would take more paperwork than any of them can bear to complete.

The G-men took the Munson trailer, so he, Robin and Wayne are at Harrington's place for now. And if Eddie snoops a little when the others are at work, learning more about this idiot that died instead of him, its understandable.

The way he has all the scraps of his relationship with Nancy, dwarfed by the notes and dumb gifts and mementos of the gremlins. The enormous first aid kit, right next to the enormous supply of hair spray. The box of things from before '83, shoved in a corner, but not forgotten. Post its with important dates. A bank statement showing that his parents left him the house, but no money to cover upkeep or taxes. A scratchy budget where Steve so obviously prioritized his friends over himself.

Eddie learns about Steve Harrington and wishes he could trade places. Eddie is selfish and an asshole and a failure, and he isn't worth what it cost to save his life.

No matter what Robin says about being last through, Eddie knows it must have taken longer to move him, so if it wasn't for Eddie, Steve would have made it. If Eddie had died instead of clinging to life --

When Eddie develops a cough, everyone winces in sympathy as his still achy wounds protest the movement. When his cough gets worse, they consider contacting Owens about Upside Down pathogens.

When he has a coughing fit while the others are out, and ends up with a few blood stained petals in his hand, it takes a few seconds for him to understand.

It takes a few more for it to really land.

He spends the next hour over the toilet, first vomiting, then dry heaving as he sobs.

Because see, Hanahaki might be rare and a remnant of ancient magics, but it's well studied. The sufferer has to be in love and pining. They have to have no hope of the person they love ever reciprocating.

It isn't always fatal. If they confess, and they're rejected, they'll die within a day. If they confess, and it's reciprocated, the flowers fade within a day. If they fall out of love, the flowers fade within a week. If they stay silent they'll live another month from the first petals.

There is a surgery that can remove the affliction and the affection. It's safe, it's a priority treatment in every hospital, and the only side effect is emotional disconnection from the person who caused it.

But none of that is what has Eddie sobbing.

Cause see there's another thing that science knows for sure. Hanahaki will not, does not, absolutely cannot bloom if the person they love is dead.

[elizabethemerald]

A Shade Darker than Red: Part 5

Previous Part

Danny and Jason trained frequently in the Ghost Zone. Of course their “training” was more accurately called “playing.” Tag, catch, hide and seek. They were games, mostly for kids, yet they still taught the new ghost about his powers. Jason learned how to fly, how to turn invisible and intangible, and how to create ecto blasts. Danny also taught him a lot about both the lore of the Infinite Realms and Astronomy. 

He talked several times a week with Jasmine about his life in between training sessions and lectures. He talked about his father being a criminal and his mother being an addict. He talked about losing her and having to live on the streets. He talked about becoming Robin and how magical it was for him. He eventually was able to talk more about his first death, about being betrayed and abandoned, then coming back, feeling like he came back wrong. He still couldn’t remember any details about his second death and Jazz insisted that it wasn’t unusual and that it was just his brain and his core trying to protect him.

It felt… strange. Comfortable. He felt loved and cared for in a way he hadn’t realized he missed and needed. He wondered why he hadn’t gotten any therapy when he first became Robin. Did the others need therapy too? It frustrated him that this was the first time he felt someone was really putting in the effort for him. Almost like he was actually worth that level of effort. 

More and more Jason was finding that the strange siblings that were Danny and Jazz actually cared for him. Loved him. Welcomed him into their little family of two and while he missed his other family and wanted to see them again, he felt good. 

He had no way of knowing exactly what was happening in Gotham after his death. 

.

A sick kind of tension hung in the air. Each of them set in their own thoughts. They were, first of all, Bats and thus detectives. Each had investigated in their own way, using their own skills and contacts. Then they had come together and compared notes, which all pointed to one horrible conclusion. 

It was Killer Croc, strangely enough, contacting Red Robin that was the final stroke. He had found a body, disposed of in the Gotham Sewers where he was known to roam. Croc was a known cannibal and had eaten more than a few corpses that had fallen into the sewers, making work easier for the city’s mafias and harder for the Bats. But he proved that he wasn’t as much of a monster as others assumed when he recognized the body and brought it to the surface. 

Dick was filled with fury as he once again stood before the dead body of his brother. He wanted to run off in a rage, he wanted to beat Bruce to a pulp like he had done with Joker. It was Damian who stopped him. Damian, who knew he had even more blood on his hands than Jason had, feared that if Bruce beat Dick in a fight that he would be the next one to disappear. 

Instead they stepped back and they planned. Batman had his paranoia, and he had trained it into all of his wards. They could be just as paranoid as him, and combined they were the best tactical fighters and strategists in the world. There was a reason one of the Bats ended up as the de facto leader of most teams they were on. Combined they could match Bruce wit for wit. 

Their planning reached its peak when they were all sent a communication from Bruce. Each of them were expected for a meeting in the Batcave. Team meetings weren’t rare in of themselves, but all of them at once was out of the ordinary and had them all tensing up. Clearly, Bruce knew they were on to him. 

Emergency plans and contingencies were made. Superman was called and asked to keep an ear on Gotham. Flash was on speed dial with instructions to extract them before the first ring had completed. Each of their contacts were instructed on where they would be and how long they expected the meeting to go. 

They each took turns denying the meeting request and submitting an alternate meeting location and time. They argued back and forth about who had responsibilities they couldn’t postpone or who hated which location, just like they usually did, however this had an additional reason. They couldn’t allow Bruce the chance to set up a location to his advantage, or some place with limited escape routes. 

Finally, after much arguing back and forth, which Stephanie especially excelled at, Damian cut them all off angrily with a demand that they just meet in the game room of the manor. Barbara planned on calling in from the clock tower, as much as she hated not being able to be there, so that Bruce couldn’t put up another signal Jammer. 

The others entered the game room a few minutes before the meeting started. Bruce was already there, but Cass had been there even earlier to make sure he didn’t tamper with the room. Alfred came in and served them all tea, then after a signal from Damian stayed, with his back to one of the walls, watching over the family and enjoying some tea himself. 

“You all have been avoiding the cave, we still need to patrol the city and-”

“Shut the fuck up Bruce.” Dick snapped, causing Alfred to raise an eyebrow. “We know about Jason.” 

“Yes, Jason has been missing for several days now and-”

“We know you killed him.” The sharp words silenced Bruce and Alfred leaned forward in surprise. 

Tim threw a packet of papers down on the table. 

“You had Fox create a jammer, specifically designed to work against the trackers we use.” 

“You forgot, Father, that I was raised by the same assassins that trained you. I recognized the signs of you attempting to hide the scent of blood on you.” Damian snapped. 

Cass signed her observation next. “You: not worried about Jason. Knew where he was.” 

Barbara spoke up from her spot over the video call. “You did a good job hiding your digital footprint, but you couldn’t hide everything. And when you and Jason disappeared at the exact same time? We connected the dots.” 

“Croc found Jason’s body in the sewers. Said he owed Red Hood enough not to dispose of the evidence.” Dick growled the words out, fury still written in every line of his body. 

For the first time an emotion crossed Bruce’s face, just a hint of annoyance before he wiped it away. He always treated Killer Croc like a mindless beast, and now he was realizing he had miscalculated. Alfred looked stunned. 

“Master Bruce I-, Bruce-, Mr. Wayne-, How could you?”

“Red Hood had taken numerous lives, and his criminal enterprises were only growing.” Bruce finally said as if he were reporting on the Riddler or the Falconies, not his own son. “I had given him enough leniency, enough chance to step away from the path of crime he was one. When he refused, it was high time that Red Hood was brought to Arkham, where he couldn’t hurt anyone else.” 

“And then you beat him to death! Jason, Robin! Stop acting like he’s some common criminal!” Dick shouted. 

“I determined that it was highly likely he would respond to my attempt to bring him into custody would result in violence. So I came prepared.” Bruce’s voice was monotone. Controlled. 

“And you specifically attempted to hide all signs of your murder?” Damian asked, pain clear on his voice even though he tried to hide it.

“I was simply planning for contingencies.” Bruce said. “Red Hood would escalate to violence. I planned accordingly and met him in kind. I of course knew that I would not be able to completely hide Hood’s transgressions, so I ensured I had the proper time to present the evidence here. Which is what this meeting had been about, if you would like to get to it-”

“Are you shitting me Bruce?” Dick was on his feet. “You harp all the time about your precious line, about how you can’t ever kill, and then you murder Jason? Your own son?” 

“Red Hood was never my son.” Bruce finally showed real emotion, rage painting his face. “My son died at the hands of the Joker. And a twisted monster came back in my son’s body. Now that monster is gone.” 

Dick was shaking in fury, and looked half a second from diving across the coffee table to try and strangle Bruce. It was Damian standing that stopped him. Damian was shaking as well, though for a different reason. 

“I have killed more people than Todd even tried to.” Damian said, his voice thick with emotion. “It is clear if you have taken to extrajudicially executing whoever you feel that I am no longer safe in the Manor. Richard, would I be able to stay at your apartment in Bloodhaven? I will be sure to pay my share of the rent on time.” 

Dick swallowed thickly, but nodded. 

“Of course, Baby Bird. That’s what family is for, taking care of each other. No matter what.” 

Damian gave Dick a stiff bow before turning to a clearly thunderstruck Alfred. “I hope the care of my animals will not be too much of a burden until I can arrange for their transport to a new domicile?” 

Alfred gave him a nod, fury and grief carved into his face in even measure. 

“Of course, Master Damian. I will do my utmost to ensure they have the best care. Do you need any assistance packing?” 

Damian shook his head and Dick followed him out of the room, taking a moment to shoot one last glare at Bruce before he left. Tim stood next and gestured to Duke. 

“Do you want to bunk with me? It would cut down on your commute to GU.” Tim said. 

Duke shook himself and nodded. “Yeah, that makes sense.” He turned to Bruce. “There was a time I used to look up to you. You can say that your son died at the Joker’s hands and never came back all you want, but I need you to know, today is the day you pushed the rest of your sons too far.” 

Both boys left, Tim wiping tears from his face as he wrapped an arm around Duke’s shoulders. Barbara out to the two girls who remained in the room. 

“Team Batgirl sleep over here at the Clock Tower?” She asked and Cass and Steph both rose together. Cass stared down at Bruce. 

“I killed once. Never Again. You’re lucky.” Her mouth worked as she signed, as she tried to contain her emotions. Steph immediately wrapped her arms around Cass. She spit on the ground at Bruce’s feet. 

“I became Spoiler because my father was a murderer. I didn’t expect I would end up working under another murderer.” 

The two girls left arm in arm. Cass silently sobbed as her family broke apart, the man she had looked up to so much had betrayed her and crossed the one line she considered sacred. 

“Mr. Wayne, I think it is high time I tender my resignation.” Alfred said, his emotions once again hidden by his British Precision. “Consider this my two weeks notice. Since the manor will be without proper staffing, I would suggest you find somewhere else to stay until trusted staff can fill the open positions, perhaps the Watchtower would be best for you.” 

He turned away, then hesitated for a moment, before he turned back to gaze at Bruce, his grief now fully visible on his face. 

“You’ve been as good as a son to me, ever since you came under my care. I’ve treated each of your wards as if they were my own blood, as if they were my own grandchildren. I have loved each of them in my own way, just as I loved you. I never agreed with your strict adherence to your Rule. I’ve long thought that Master Jason was right and you should have put the Joker down like the rabid dog he is.” 

Alfred took a deep shaky breath and walked away to the door. 

“Even with my willingness to take a life to protect my family, or to avenge them, I still would never kill one of them, no matter what they had done. That is the love I have for my family. You are fortunate you once enjoyed that love too. Goodby Mr. Wayne.” 

Alfred turned off the lights to the room as he departed. Barbara signed off soon after and immediately sent the video copies both digitally and physically across the world as a form of insurance in case Bruce ever decided to target any of the rest of them. 

Bruce Wayne, the Dark Knight, Batman, was left… alone… in the dark of his empty house, staring at nothing as fruitless plans and empty contingencies spun uselessly in his head. 

.

Far away, and in a dimension that was just next door, the Ghost King sat on his throne as he listened to the supplications of two of his citizens. He was alone in his throne room with the two ghosts, any other supplicants or citizens of the Realms were elsewhere. 

“Please,” They begged. “Please. Our son has lost his way. We know you can’t reach him, but please, watch over our grandchildren. He’s already sent one on his way to you. Please, they still have so much life to live, and if he continues on this path it will throw our city into chaos.”

King Phantom, High King of All Ghosts, King of the Infinite Realms, nodded his head. His crown flared brightly as he swore to watch over the grandchildren, both blood and adopted of Thomas and Martha Wayne. Their words confirmed his ideas and Jazz’s theories about their newest charge and for the wishes of the Waynes and the protection of Jason Todd, Danny Phantom would watch over the city of Gotham and its heroes. At least those that were still on the path.

[cephalog0d]

Okay, but like. There's the whole joke about Bruce recruiting children to be his sidekicks, but honestly there's only really one that fits that.

And it's Jason. And the whole story there is, frankly, unhinged. Aaaaand then he died.

(I'm specifically talking about "first post-crisis origin stories" here because Jason and Dick, in particular, have both had multiple major retcons and revisions over the years, and some of them dramatically change how things happened.)

Like okay. Going backwards, you've got Duke who joined/led a whole Robin-based gang at a time when Bruce wasn't even Batman. You've got Damian and Cass, who were both literally born into the world of masks and capes and heroes and villains, so they weren't ever really not going to be part of it. Steph might have taken inspiration from previous heroes but she made her own identity and repeatedly refused to stop involving herself in the vigilante lifestyle. Tim, obviously, basically strong-armed Batman into letting him be Robin, despite Batman's protests.

Dick's a little more complicated just because there's so many versions, because that's what 80 years of comics and multiple universe reboots will do, and there's kind of a general trend that earlier pre-crisis versions were more of Batman being like "hello, child, would you like to be my sidekick" and later versions have leaned harder and harder into the idea that Dick was absolutely going to do this anyway, regardless of what Batman had to say about it. But even in the first post-crisis version, the flashback in Batman Year 3, Dick says he wants to find a way to keep people like that from hurting others again. When Alfred questions Bruce's offer to train him, Bruce says that Dick should learn to do things the right way if he's going to do it. It's not hard to extrapolate that, much like later versions of the origin story, Dick was going to get himself into this one way or another. (Batman (1940) #437)

And then there's Jason. Whose backstory has also had a lot of (sometimes major) revisions over the years (remember when his adoption was, like, some kind of Joker-originated long con? Fucken Nu52, man). But the original post-crisis version is pretty straightforward. Steals Batman's tires, gets caught and sent to Ma Gunn's Secret Criminal School, intervenes when Batman goes to investigate, immediately gets offered the chance to be Robin based entirely on that.

Which is itself kind of unhinged. That Bruce saw this kid who was living on his own stealing tires and went "Hey you would make a good Robin" as his very first instinct.

But if you've never read Jason's post-crisis origin, or it's been a while, it's honestly even more unhinged than that because that arc starts with Dick getting "fired" as Robin specifically for the reason that he got shot by Joker and Bruce freaked out about how the Robin identity has too many enemies and therefore Dick, a legal adult with approximately a decade of training and experience, should not use the identity anymore.

(And it's specifically about the Robin identity, in this version, because when Dick says he's not going to stop the crime fighting thing Bruce's response is basically "I know and I didn't expect you to". Honestly I could also say a lot about this version of the Robin/Nightwing transition vs. later ones and how this one definitely feels like the Heavy Hand of DC Editorial in the fact that they had no contact for so long afterwards, because the interaction really doesn't feel like it warrants that in this case compared to some later versions, but that's a whole other too-long ramble.) (Batman (1940) #408)

And then a few weeks later Bruce turns around and picks up a random kid, a literal child, and goes "Hey you would make a good Robin!"

And I think a lot about how fucking wild that is. And it's not like the people writing just didn't notice. Dick's big argument with Bruce when he finally comes back to Gotham and meets Jason isn't about the fact that Bruce took in another kid, or even necessarily about Dick feeling proprietary over the Robin identity, the thing he's angry about is that Bruce said it was too dangerous for him, an adult, someone who has trained with Batman for a decade and was already highly physically trained before that for his whole life, to be Robin, and now Bruce has turned around and painted that target onto some random new kid. He pushes, repeatedly, trying to get Bruce to justify himself and this absolutely irresponsible decision, and Bruce gives a lot of answers about how Jason was on a bad path and needed this outlet and eventually just admits that he missed having a partner. (Batman (1940) #416)

And like. Dick's right, is the thing. He is 1000% in the right in this argument. If he can't be Robin anymore because of the danger, how in the hell is it anything like a good idea to hand it over to someone way younger, way less trained, way less experienced, and expect that that wouldn't end in tragedy?

And then it did.

And yeah, Bruce, it is kinda a lot of your fault.

[robinchan-hananomi]

One Piece 1099

I think the montage of Kuma traveling around the world was really impactful. Because we know those aren’t the only places he had been. He had gone to any and all places he could in order to find any possible way to heal Bonney.

However it’s interesting that those places made an impact on him. That they impacted him enough that a few years later when he made the decision to help the Strawhats, he thought of those locations.

The fact that Kuma was able to send the Straw hats to places that would most help them shoes just how well Kuma knew the crew and the places he had been. He had known Mihawk would be able to train Zoro, that Nami the navigator would be safest in Weatheria. He knew Chopper, the doctor, would be best at that island with all the medicine, and Franky the shipwrights had the best chance with Vegapunks’s home island. I think he wasn’t overly sure what to do with Sanji, because to be honest he had no way of knowing that Iva would be freed and would be able to train Sanji in the battle cooking. I think he just took the chance of sending Sanji to something associated with the Revolutionary Army and hope for the best. In a similar fashion I think he took a chance with Robin too, sending her to Tequila Wolf knowing that eventually the Revolutionary Army was going to show up. I think he did a similar thing with Usopp, recalling Hercules and figuring he was a good person to help Usopp out.

Brook and Luffy were the only wold cards. We learn Shakky had an influence in sending Luffy to Amazon Lily, which means he likely saw Brook, a walking skeleton that he knew nothing about, recalled that during his travels there was a group who had a satanic religious practice, and figured that Brook would figure out how to make the best of it.

Kuma is a very intelligent and well traveled man. Through his travels in trying to best help his daughter he learned of many places. Then through his time as a Shichibachi he probably sent many people to places that he thought would best deal with what they needed. I just like how it relates to his later actions and ties it all together to show just how big of a heart Kuma has.

In addition, it also drives home just how fucked the media is in One Piece. Media is a very powerful tool, which is why Morgan’s is an Emperor of the Underworld. We see how Morgan’s can spin events however he wants and has the majority of the world believing his version of events. After all, it would be almost impossible to argue against what they are hearing.

The World of One Piece is pretty isolated. They have limited contact between islands, usually made by Transponder Snails. Depending on the type of snail would determine how far they can contact. Most only have short range, meaning they can only talk between the immediate islands. There are some transponder snails that can cross significant distance, and depending on where you are they may be easier to attain, like Barto’s crew having one that connects to a transponder snail all the way in the East Blue. The other key is that you sometimes need to know the transponder snail number to get the correct snail. Some just broadcast to anyone nearby, as seen in Punk Hazard.

So while Transponder Snails can help, primary way of getting out news in One Piece is the News Coo’s, which are all controlled by Morgan’s. It’s kinda concerning how so much information is controlled by one man. And while officially Morgan’s works for the World Government, the reality is that he does what he wants. Morgan’s doesn’t care if the information is true, he cares about entertainment which is why the Revolutionary Army disregards what he writes and try’s to use their own information network to get information.

[moonah-rose]

Blind Love

Quick Robin & Original Character(s) ficlet.

Set many, many years in the past, during one of the periods where Rogh "went mad for a bit".

Tw: insanity, delusion, grief, animal death

Aelfwyn and her sister had never been close. Their parents had done little to discourage rivalry and resentment between the two as they grew up. Quite the opposite in fact. Competition was seen as healthy for children growing up in their harsh, war-loving tribe. But their patents had taken it to extremes, showering one child's victories with praise and scolding the other, then when the girls turned their bitterness on each other, they were told to wrestle it out and not stop until one drew blood.

That blood had typically come from a nose bleed or a deep scratch across the cheek from sharpened fingernails. A couple of drops at most.

Not an entire puddle, enough to fill a goblet fit to offer to the Morrighan, gushing from a hole in one of their skulls after a blow from a rock had caved it open. As Aelfwyn stood and stared down at her own corpse, she thought maybe even her cruel parents would think this a tad too far.

Breathing heavily, she heard a thud as the rock fell to the ground. Her sister, Lliefa, was standing over her, pale as the snow. The anger that had burned in her eyes moments before as they'd scuffled was replaced with an almost childlike expression of terror and loss.

"Wynny....Wynny, sister, I am so sorry..." She began to weep, the tears falling down her cheeks disturbing the painted symbols that had been given to her on her coming of age ceremony only a few days earlier.

Only eighteen. Twins, though they didn't resemble each other. Lliefa had inherited their mother's emerald eyes and blessed red hair, while Aelfwyn had her father's square jaw and plain brown locks. Lliefa however, did have his temper.

Maybe that's why Aelfwyn found it hard to cling to her anger when the truth of what happened hit her. That was her body, her face that she'd seen from the rare reflecting glass that they were lucky to have hanging in their hut. It was her blood that soaked the grass.

She was dead. Killed by her own blood. But Aelfwyn could see the blow hadn't been intentional, or at least Lliefa hadn't been in her right mind at the time. If she had, she wouldn't be falling to her knees and throwing herself over Aeflwyn's body to weep as she now was.

Aelfwyn sighed, closing her eyes. Grandmother always advised her to breathe out all her unwanted rage as an offering to the Morrighan, or to Wotan. She knew she should be furious at her sister right now...but all she felt was sadness and pity.

Blood crimes were one of the biggest affronts to the gods. Siblings could slay each other in fair combat. But this had been a blow while her back was turned, an attack spurned from Aelfwyn saying cruel words she'd regret forever.

There was nothing she could do to the girl that would be worse than what the fates had in store for her.

"I forgive you, sister. Please, just return my body back to the tribe. Let me receive the proper rites so the gods will take me to the next world." She pleaded, reaching out to touch her sister's shoulder only for her hand to pass through.

The contact made her retch. She gagged, stomach lurching, despite not having eaten all day. They'd been sent out to hunt, their parents offering a reward to whoever came back with the largest kill.

She supposed Lliefa would win hands down. Aelfwyn hoped their parents would keep to their word.

It was rather painful to watch her sister try to carry her back to their settlement, being the shorter of the two of them. Aelfwyn tried to follow close, hoping her words with pierce through the veil.

"No don't pull me by my head! Look, you're making things fall out, that might make me dumber in this world!" Even in death, her sister still managed to vex her; "Maybe if you learned how to bind and carry your kills better instead of leaving it to me!"

But before she could rant some more, Aelfwyn took another step and then was shoved back in the opposite direction. She turned, blinked in confusion, then tried to follow again.

Same thing. Back away from the path.

"Sister! Sister, I'm trapped! Please do the ritual properly so I can be free, please! For Danu's sake, don't skip the part where you eat my heart!"

"Shh!"

She froze. Who just shushed her?

Turning to her left, she spotted a figure sat against the base of a tree. He'd managed to camouflage himself with the foliage as she'd approached but now she could spot the skin of a....man.

No, wait.

"Are you....Are you the Wild God of the Dead?!"

"SHHH!" He said again, a finger on his lips.

"Oh, I...sorry." She lowered her voice, not wanting to anger him if he was a god.

Though his image didn't resemble any carvings she had seen.

"Me just got her to sleep." He muttered, one arm curled against his chest.

He wore the most basic and mis matched selection of furs. No real fabrics or patterns. There were those who chose to live fully out in nature away from the tribes but they were usually shamans and nomads. This man looked as though he'd never slept in a hut in his life.

Or death, she supposed.

"Are you a spirit too?" She asked, quietly, stepping closer; "What's your name?"

"Dunno."

"You don't know your name?" She frowned.

He shook his head; "Name in shadows right now. Can't be bothered to go find. Shadow where memories go to hide when brain too loud and scary."

Definitely not a god, Aelfwyn realised. The man sounded like those in her tribe who smoked too much of the relaxing leaf until it wore off and paranoia sent them mad. How long had he been here?

"I'm Aelfwyn of the Horseli. What was your tribe called?"

The man blinked, tucking his arm up again; "Tribe no have name. Children of Moonah. Other tribe be children of Sunne. Other children of Earth Mother. Good tribe and...bad tribe."

"Where are they now?"

"....Gone. Gone up to stars. Me stay. Me always stay." The voice sounded so very old, even though there wasn't too many signs of age on him as one would expect. No grey hairs, hardly any wrinkles.

His blue eyes that didn't quite meet hers stared out in a deep, agonising loss that chilled her bones.

"You're all alone here?" She asked.

He began to laugh; "Ha....Ha ha! No, silly horsey tribe lady! Me not alone. Me have Moonah! Your tribe....They give thanks to Moonah, yes?"

Something in the way his brow furrowed told her she should answer carefully.

"We call her Rhiannön. Yes, we give thanks and ask for her blessings each month."

"Oh....Yes, have seen you and tribe do ritual at Moonah ston. Very good. We come and join you, though you not see us."

"Us?"

"Me and daughter."

"Oh. You have a child here?" She glanced around.

The man nodded; "You...want to meet?"

"Yes, I love kids. How old is she?" Her heart stung as she realised she'd now never have ones of her own, not in that life.

"She...She only just been born..."

Aelfwyn blinked; "I thought you said she was with us on the last full moon?" Almost a month ago.

"Me did."

It took a second for the penny to drop, horrifying Aelfwyn at the realisation. Of course if the baby was a spirit, like her father, she would still be a newborn if that was when...

"I'm....I'm so sorry."

"Why sorry?"

"I...never mind," She shook her head; "Can I still see her? I'm good with babies, I've helped my mum deliver a few."

"Okay...if promise to be very careful..."

"I swear by the gods."

The man leaned forward and pulled back a section of his fur covering his front. Aelfwyn nearly startled back before she heard the tiniest snuffling sound.

Peering closer, she spotted a tiny ball of grey fur curled against the man's chest. It twisted, mewling a little, then poking out a black dot of a nose.

"Ain't she bootiful. Me very proud dad." He smiled down, "Say hello to Horsie Lady, Kya."

"....It's a wolf pup." Said Aelfwyn.

Another chuckle from the man; "No, no, no, that just fur me swaddle her in. She look just like me, see? Have same ugly nose."

There may have been a wild resemblance between the two creatures but she was certain the little thing was not a human babe.

But the man was looking at it with as much devotion in his eyes as any parent she'd seen when holding their baby for the first time. She doubted there was anything she could say to convince him otherwise.

Aelfwyn forced a smile; "She's lovely. Her mum not here?"

The man's face darkened with weariness and pain.

"....Go up to stars with rest of tribe...They all go up and leave us behind..." He sighed and then twitched his head; "Too many babies. Mum can't feed them all. Little one die. Me wait. Me watch. Me listen to her cry and beg for milk but she left behind. Just like me. So I wait. Then when she stop cry, I pick up..."

Except the cub was still crying for milk it would never receive, nuzzling its nose against his skin and finding nothing to sate it.

"...She mine. She my cub. Her cry just like my Kya so she must be same...spirit reborn, yes?"

He seemed to be trying to rationalise it, probably due to how Aelfwyn was looking at him. She couldn't hide her doubt.

But then the druids did say part of their souls returned to the earth to be born anew.

"I understand." She nodded, wanting to placate the man; "Can I hold her?"

"You have milk for her?"

"Uhh...no." Even if she did, she didn't think that was something she'd be comfortable with in any world.

The man shook his head; "She keep wanting milk but I tell her that Daddy no have boobies to give milk. Have to wait until Mum come back with brothers and sisters. Not long now..."

She no longer knew if he meant his real family or the wolves that had abandoned their runt.

Aelfwyn looked down at the pup again. Its eyes were closed, probably forever, but it wriggled and pawed against the man.

"Shh, shh, little one, we safe. Horsie lady good me think...." He rocked the pup close; "She know my scent. My skin. It always dark for her, you see. She won't know who you are if I hand over. Might think me left...Can't ever leave. Never."

"That's okay. I won't take her-."

"No, no, no," He clutched the cub tight, shaking his head fearfully; "No take. Not last one. She all I have. Please."

"I said I won't touch her. Not if you don't want me to." She dared to reach and touch the man's shoulder instead.

He struggled to steady his breathing as he looked at her with those haunted eyes.

"....You have leak in head." He whispered.

Aelfwyn touched the back of her skull and felt the indent along with a moist matt in her hair. When she looked at her fingers there was no blood.

"Sibling rivalry." She tried to jape, as it was all she could do.

"Me try to stop. Yelled at you both to shut up so no wake baby."

"Sorry about that." She sat cross legged beside the man; "Maybe I can make it up to you by helping you look after her? Children aren't supposed to be raised alone."

He nodded; "....Everyone raise together. Peace and love..." He stroked his thumb over the soft, velvet ears of the cub; "She miss her mum and siblings and cousins...She miss a lot of people."

"I bet she does." Aelfwyn whispered, her heart aching for the poor man.

She'd always thought of wondering spirits as mysterious or wise, even playful. She'd never expected one to be so sad.

"Here..." The man carefully handed the cub to her; "Mind head. Best she get to know your scent."

"You sure?" She never thought she'd feel so honoured to be passed a wolf pup.

He nodded; "We family now. Aelfwyn of Horsey Tribe."

The pup whined in distress as she was moved away from the only source of comfort she knew and into Aelfwyn's arms. The man kept his arm close to her, the sleeve of grey wolf fur close to the pup's nose.

"Me here, Kya. Daddy right here. Daddy always stay." He promised, voice cracking; "She not hear me before when I say...When she and her mum found body and they scream...she not hear me say I here..."

His voice trailed off again as his eyes glossed over. Aelfwyn held the cub up to her skin above her dress so it was resting just above her heartbeat.

Her other hand reached to squeeze the man's fingers.

"She hears you now. She knows." She did her best to reassure him, just as she'd seen her mother do to anxious parents.

This was a whole other case she hadn't been trained for.

"You look tired. I bet she's been keeping you up all these nights like babies do." She said, softly.

The man nodded, "Been waiting for mum to take her turn...She be here soon...She always come back to visit....Be here very soon...."

"I'm sure she will. How about you try to have a nap? I'll look after this one. She'll be safe with me, I swear."

Hesitation and fear twitched in those lips again for a moment. Then he saw how the pup was starting to yawn and relax against Aelfwyn's chest.

He smiled, his eyelids clearly heavy. When had he last slept? No wonder he'd lost his mind.

"You wake when they come back? Please?"

"I will."

She tugged him to lay on his side and use her thigh as a pillow.

"Be good for horse lady, Kya. Daddy just take little sleep. Be good girl..." He whispered before closing his eyes; "Be good...Stay...Must always stay..."

Aelfwyn sighed, stroking the man's ragged mane while cradling the pup in her other arm. This was not how she imagined spending her afterlife. She hoped her sister would hurry up with the ritual so her spirit could move on...

Assuming that's how it worked. She wondered if she was desperate to become the same as the man on her lap, trapped and driven insane, clinging to whatever shred of company he could and convince himself it was his lost kin. The thought terrified her.

"We'll just have to wait and see, won't we Kya." She whispered to the cub.

[ro-botany]

I never ended up finishing Shadows of Valentia (I know, I know, I’m getting to it), so it was... probably about a year or so after the game came out that I heard anything about the extra Grima backstory it introduced. At first I wasn’t sure how I felt about it. I didn’t know if the Big Bad Evil Guy in Awakening really needed that much backstory, given that at the time I felt their role in the story was as a force of nature more than an individual.

Now that it’s had time to stew though, and my interest in Awakening has been piqued again by that Risen King Chrom unit in FEH... I’ve been doing some thinking on that whole situation, and I might be changing my mind. It adds some interesting flavour to Grima and to Robin.

I’m a bit fuzzy on the timeline of Archanea’s history, but the important part for right now is, of course, Forneus. The man who created Grima. There’s a lot of Frankenstein DNA in Grima’s origins, enough that I feel like it HAS to be intentional.

We’ve got a scientist consumed by grief over the death of a loved one who starts experimenting with creating life, who manages to make a creature, only to near immediately find terrifying. The scientist eventually tries to kill their creation and dies in the process. Similar too is the stories’ insistence that the creations are inherently bad, were evil from the very start... in direct contradiction to the order of events begging you to sympathize with the creature.

A young Grima, barely a baby, smiled at their creator; and their creator thought that terrifying. They were only a few months old when their own father tried to kill them and they were forced to defend themself. They were sealed in a labyrinth for centuries, in total isolation save for the risen dead. When they finally lay eyes on another living human—Alm and Celica and allies, bearing weapons no less—of course they attack. The only contact they’ve had with living humans thus far is their dad who tried to kill them. Alm and Celica destroy Grima’s physical body, and... presumably, they find a way out after that, since the seal on the door is gone now.

(I know Forneus writes about the young Grima supposedly planting “violent thoughts” in his head. But that feels a bit like bullshit to me, honestly. One of Awakening’s themes is that you are not defined by your bloodline. Why would we backtrack on that and say this baby came out of the test tube already advocating for genocide? Hell, why are we trusting Forneus’ opinions on that to begin with? He’s a deeply unethical mad scientist who regularly murdered people for his experiments, I’m pretty sure he was having and acting on violent thoughts long before Grima grew a consciousness.)

Despite that fantastically rocky start to life, m!Grima’s 5* level 40 dialogue in Heroes suggests that Grima might have even tried to get along with humans for a time. I mean, just look at this.

[Humans] have no qualms asking for divine assistance when it meets their fickle needs... But how quick they are to shun their benefactors once they get what they desire. They become arrogant and make the same mistakes repeatedly, incapable of learning the folly of their ways. They claim their actions are for the good of others, but that's merely a show of self-indulgence. Humans are selfish.

That sounds like they’ve had time to observe humans. After they got out of the labyrinth they must’ve spent time just... around people. Either they witnessed what happened to other dragons-regarded-as-gods, or they themselves tried out being a god for a while (seems likely, given Plegia), and felt like their early experiences with humans were only getting proved on the large scale over and over again.

And if all of Forneus, Alm, Celica, and the allies of the latter two decided at a glance that Grima was evil and needed to be destroyed, how many more times did people try to destroy Grima after that? How many people took advantage of their powers, only to “shun their benefactor” later? What does that do to a person’s worldview and their view of themselves when they’re already predisposed to fear and hatred due to their early experiences?

Grima’s insistence that one’s destiny is rigid and immutable, their self image as an incarnation of despair—it all makes a lot more sense with this context. Grima is Frankenstein’s monster writ large, born of a man’s grief, named an abomination from birth, given the powers of a god and a thousand years of reasons to wield them for destruction. “The ugliness of mankind has turned me repulsive. It's the world that wants me to be evil.”

Whatever else you think of them, there’s a tragedy in a monster that is only so because they were never given the chance to be anything else.

[writingwitharlo]

A Secret Language

a/n: MY FIRST ST FIC!!! this took way longer than expected and is therefore a big chungus

anon: steve and eddie with “It’s been a while since you tickled me.” (33)

Tickle Trope Prompts

(Stranger Things; Steve, Eddie)

3845 words

CW: implied masturbation

Eddie liked to touch. This mostly applied to soothing any anxiety his body had no other way of expelling. Whether that was picking at the dry skin of his cuticle, twirling a strand of hair between his fingers, peeling off labels from beer bottles - the list was endless.

Eddie also liked to touch people. Not inappropriately, obviously. Just in small, casual ways. Little touches like elbows and shoulders and knees bumping together in close proximity, ruffling of hair, a pat on the shoulder - that list was equally endless. 

Of course, he couldn’t just go around touching whoever he pleased and for a long time he didn’t even know how much he had craved that form of affection until new people entered his life like a stampede. 

New people who didn’t think he was weird- Well, maybe they did, but they liked that about him. New people, who actually enjoyed spending time with him and valued his opinion. It was still an adjustment, not just for Eddie, who had to learn quickly that not everyone liked to be touched. But Eddie was a quick learner, and surprisingly observant.

So, he noticed the way Nancy always moved back when someone brushed up against her even just accidentally, maintaining a secure bubble of space for herself that she only allowed to be crossed on the rarest of occasions.

Eddie also noticed how Robin hated any touch that wasn’t completely obvious when it came. He had witnessed Steve sneaking up behind her on too many occasions not to notice. How her body visibly tensed when she sensed a presence behind her and the surprised yells she let out every single time, without fail. It took poor, oblivious Steve more than one scolding to realise that Robin did not appreciate his antics in the slightest before he finally stopped.

And then there was Steve. What didn’t Eddie notice about Steve? Perhaps he noticed too much for his own good. Steve, who had never pulled away from any of Eddie’s touches, whether he had planted them on purpose or without thinking. Steve, who let his leg relax enough so his knee bumped with Eddie’s whenever they sat beside each other. Steve, who would ask for hugs whenever a specific amount of beers was in his system. Eddie had counted them. It was eight.

Perhaps it was this mutual understanding that brought the two boys closer together as time went on. The understanding of how healing touch could be, how it could be its own secret language.

It took some time before their touches turned more playful, deliberately placed to draw out a reaction from the other. At first it were harmless shoves and nudges, which turned into messing up of caringly styled hair and tripping each other up when walking, which turned into headlocks and squabbles and ended with the addition of tickling.

The discovery had happened accidentally, at least that’s how Eddie remembered it. Stuck in a particularly secure headlock, Eddie was forced to grip onto Steve’s waist for balance which worked like a charm in releasing the headlock altogether. It wasn’t until Eddie had straightened up that he noticed Steve keeping his arms protectively close, wide-eyed with a grin tugging on the corner of his mouth.

From that day on, Steve easily became the victim of one of Eddie’s tickle attacks about three times a week. Even when Steve tried to fight back or make the first move, Eddie always managed to get the upper hand. Too quickly for Steve’s liking. 

The attacks never lasted for long, at least not at first. But the longer their little game continued, the greedier Eddie became. There was this thrill he got from that kind of contact. Or was it just because the contact was with Steve?

To be fair, Eddie had not dared to tickle anyone other than Steve, besides Dustin on occasion. But that was different. Dustin needed to be reminded to respect his elders. Steve… Well, Steve just made it way too easy. 

Eddie wouldn’t consider himself a skilled tickler. How could he? He had barely had any sort of physical contact with anyone for years. Steve would probably blame it on being a skilled guitarist or something like that, because nobody had ever taken him to pieces the way Eddie had. Not that he would ever say that to his face, of course.

Either way, Eddie craved more. More choked protests, more flailing limbs, more hearty cackles and frantic giggles, more heated cheeks and tears of mirth, more twitching muscle beneath his fingertips. It was addictive and the addiction was infuriating.

Eddie found himself lying awake at night, cheeks almost sore from smiling as he replayed the sound of Steve’s laugh over and over in his head. His fingers itched to draw out more of the heavenly sound, making him restless. Dragging his fingers over his own bare torso just wasn’t quite the same, even if it did still that craving for the time being.

It wasn’t until one autumn morning that Eddie awoke with a sensation that filled him with dread. There had only been about three occasions before where Steve’s laughter had followed Eddie into his dreams. But this time was different. And it was bad.

Eddie lay as still as possible, staring at a dark spot on the ceiling as if it would help. But it didn’t and he couldn’t bear the sensation any longer. Hesitantly, he moved his hand down his torso, following the light trail of hairs beneath his belly button until he reached the waistband of his boxers. His hand paused and after a slow, deep exhale, it plunged beneath the fabric.

The problem was taken care of in no time, Eddie’s brain filled with images of that pearly white grin and scrunched up nose until he was done. He was still catching his breath, cheeks lightly flushed as he cleaned up his mess before getting dressed, ready to pretend like none of that had actually happened. 

Two more times Eddie pretended like nothing happened until the feeling of guilt and shame turned his stomach into knots. There was no denying it at that point. He had a big, fat crush on Steve Harrington.

It wasn’t right. He knew better. A touch was never just a touch. At least when it came to girls, that’s what he knew. So why should it be different with a guy? Nobody should think like that about their friend- their best friend. He didn’t know any best friends that acted the way he did with Steve. Not in that way. He cried when it happened the fourth time. 

Practically overnight, it seemed that Eddie’s hands were sewn into his pockets. The colder, brisker weather was the perfect excuse and he didn’t think Steve would even notice anyway. 

Steve noticed. Perhaps not right away but he did. He didn’t really complain when the regular tickle attacks were reduced to the occasional jab or pinch at first. When they disappeared completely, that’s when he noticed. When his hugs were no longer reciprocated and what was previously a lingering hand on his shoulder, was now a brief fistbump with his arm, that’s when he became worried.

But Steve wasn’t good at bringing up emotional stuff - it was something he was still working on - and he thought, hoped perhaps, that this behaviour was temporary. Three weeks passed until Steve’s patients broke. 

“Hey, Ed?”

“Hm?”

“What’s been going on with you?”

“What do you mean?”

The Munson trailer was cosy and surprisingly warm considering the freezing temperatures Hawkins had been experiencing. Steve pulled one foot onto the lumpy couch, tucking it beneath the other thigh as he tapped some ash from the joint into a nearby ashtray.

Steve had practically invited himself over to Eddie’s, telling him something about his parents having some important business friends over and that he would rather be anywhere than at home. That they had been on his case even more than usual recently and that he needed to take a load off. 

How was Eddie supposed to say no to that? He let him into the trailer, glad that it was already dark out and the lights in the trailer were dim so that any flushed cheeks could go unnoticed. He rolled a joint for Steve before settling back on the floor beside the coffee table where he had been before the unexpected intrusion, writing up a new DnD campaign.

Steve had watched in silence for a while, occasionally letting his gaze wander around the room to see if anything had changed. It felt like it had been ages since he was in the trailer last. Quiet music was playing from somewhere, something slow and calm.

They had passed the joint back and forth a couple times before Steve broke the silence. Weed made Steve honest, Eddie had noticed.

“I mean…” He paused to take another drag, holding the smoke to give him time to think before releasing it with an exhale. “You seem different. Feel like I’ve barely seen you recently. And when I do you’re…” He waved his hand a bit as he took another drag, making Eddie gaze up at him. “It’s like you’re barely there.”

Eddie rolled his eyes and held his hand out for his turn. Only Steve could make things sound so dramatic. “Well, I’m right here, Harrington,” he replied once he could take a drag of his own.

Steve huffed a bit at the reply and pulled his other foot up so he could sit criss-crossed, leaning forward so he could see some of what Eddie was working on. But the lights were too dim and his eyes blurred the letters anyway, so there was no point. He rubbed at his eyes as he leaned back, head tilted back against the backrest.

“It just-...” Steve took a slow breath. “It’s been a while since you tickled me.”

Eddie froze, gaze slowly lifting from the papers before him to the other boy, relieved to find him staring at the ceiling. It hadn’t been ‘a while’. It had been three weeks. That was ages, an eternity. “Okay,” he replied slowly, dragging the word out as if to imply for Steve to elaborate since he didn’t know what else he could say himself.

Of course Steve stayed silent and Eddie’s knee began to bounce beneath the table. “Are you-” No, these were dangerous waters. “Is this your way of telling me that you miss it?” He did his best to sound teasing, sarcastic, as if there was a smirk on his voice when there was only panic.

“Well… Yeah, kinda.”

Not the answer he was expecting. Shitshitshit. Steve lifted his head as he continued to talk but before his eyes could find Eddie’s, he was already focusing on his papers again, scribbling away as if he were writing real words. 

“But other stuff, too. I mean… you’re all the way over there-”

“I can’t write from the couch,” Eddie argued quickly, which was the truth. It had not stopped him from abandoning his task to join Steve for a smoke in the past though. He seemed to remember the joint in his hand and took one last long drag to finish it off, holding the smoke in for as long as he could. 

“Alright, well… You made Dustin sit between us when we went to see Star Trek.” Eddie could feel Steve’s eyes on him and he was becoming hot under his gaze. He did do that, there was no denying it. 

“And you refused to get in the front seat when I dropped you off after your last DnD session. The last four DnD sessions, actually. And you know how much I hate having Max in the front.” Eddie lifted his head again, just as slowly as before only to find Steve pouting at him. Damn, he looked cute. Close to a petulant child but still cute.

Eddie’s face was hot from his neck all the way to his ears, which were luckily hidden by his hair. 

“So, what is it?”

Eddie blinked. “What’s what?”

“What’s been going on with you?”

Eddie was backed into the corner and he could feel it. Shitshitshit. Fuck. His heart was racing faster than he would like and his hands were starting to become clammy. “N-Nothing.” He got to his feet, mumbling a quick ‘I need a drink’ as he shuffled over to the fridge.

The light cast a dim glow onto Eddie’s face and just for a few moments he closed his eyes, allowing the cooled air to hit his burning face before grabbing a can of coke. He shut the door, ready to turn back when he bumped into something solid beside him. Steve. 

“Are you avoiding me?” There was something hurt in Steve’s voice and it broke Eddie’s heart.

“N-No.” His feet moved back slightly, the proximity too overwhelming for the moment. “I’m not avoiding you.” It was a lie. This time he was physically backed into a corner, the edge of the kitchenette counter making contact as he took another small step back. 

Steve’s head tilted to the side, hands coming to rest on his hips. “Okay. Then what about all the things I just said? Because I didn’t make them up?” Curse Steve’s stubbornness.

Eddie tried to act casual, leaning back against the counter as he picked at the tab of the can, never even opening it. “It’s not-... I- I don’t want people to get the wrong idea.” That wasn’t a lie.

Steve frowned. At least Eddie imagened a frown in the pause that followed. He wasn’t exactly looking at Steve’s face. “What people?”

“You know, just-” He waved his hand uselessly. “People.”

There was another pause. “No. I don’t know.”

Eddie sighed and shook his head, about to head back over to the coffee table. “Just forget it-” But as he was about to take a step forward, so did Steve, forcing him back against the counter. 

“Why won’t you tell me?” Eddie was expecting some annoyance but as his eyes flickered up to the face that was so much closer now, all he saw was hurt, and concern -  creased brows and worry.

“I-... I uhm…” Eddie felt hot again. He swallowed and he was sure Steve could hear it. He wanted to look anywhere but at Steve but his eyes wouldn’t tear away. “I don’t-”

“I have ways of making you talk, you know?” Steve’s head tilted to the side again. The concern was fighting against something trying to take its place. And was that a smirk tugging on his lips?

“No, you don’t-” Before Eddie could even finish the words, the room was spinning. The coke slipped from his fingers as he yelped and it tumbled to the ground with a clatter. Blinking rapidly, he found himself looking down at two pairs of socked feet and the grubby tiles of the kitchen. “Steve- Agh!”

A noogie, really? They weren’t kids anymore. “Fuck off, man!” Was this his way of making him talk?

“I told you what I want.” This was certainly not how Eddie had imagined his night to go.

“Eat shit!” Eddie knew it was no use tugging on Steve’s arm. He was simply stronger. One thing Steve seemed to have forgotten was what happens when Eddie wants to get out of a headlock.

One hand slipped up his back so far as it could reach before moving to Steve’s exposed side while the other gripped onto Steve’s knee. It took him one second too many to realise what was about to happen. An indignant shriek, frantic giggles and a buckling leg later, the room was spinning again.

With a muffled thud, both boys hit the ground, their bodies entangled and piled on top of each other. Steve reached up to move his hair out of his eyes with a groan but was quick to snap his arm back down as vicious fingers formed a claw over his ribs.

“Nonono, Ed- Eddie!”

It seemed as though Eddie’s floodgates had been opened. The itch he had been denying to be scratched was gripping him, taking control of his hands as they seeked out the sensitive spots they remembered. One hand at his ribs, the other at his hip and Steve was howling.

Eddie had found a way to half straddle him and half lay on top of him, keeping him on his back despite his useless kicks and desperate protests. Steve’s free hand, the one not protecting his ribs, came up to grip at Eddie’s shoulder. Eddie figured it was an attempt to push him away but the laughter had Steve weak, as usual. So, of course he took his opening. 

Steve’s back arched off the floor when the claw from his hip darted right into his armpit. He bucked his hips a couple times before his silent laughter rendered him useless. Only now did Eddie realise that he was laughing too, clearly enjoying his friend’s misery. His friend…

Eddie’s hands stilled suddenly and he moved to sit up, clearing his throat awkwardly. His whole body was burning, only this time he wasn’t sure if it was due to the proximity or the exertion. It didn’t matter. He moved to a crouch but before he could rise up, the room turned into a blur for a third time as something solid collided with him from behind. 

With a grunt, Eddie landed face first in the worn down carpet beside the kitchen. Luckily, he had been able to catch most of his weight with his hands but before he got a moment to turn around and question the culprit, warmth settled against the back of his thighs. Eddie’s breath hitched and the counter attack began. 

“Don’t think I’m done with you yet, Munson.”

Eddie was mainly surprised by the lack of breathlessness in Steve's voice, having expected him to take longer to recover. That’s all he really got to think about as those rapid squeezes focused right above the back of his knee, firing up the nerve endings all the way up his thighs. Not good. Very much not good.

“Fuck, Steve! Get off, I mean it!” He tried to sound as serious as he could but his own giggly voice was ruining that for him. Lucky for him, Steve hadn’t thought to pin him down or lay on top of him.

With a bit of a struggle, Eddie managed to flip onto his back, which ended the attack on his legs but opened up all the other spots he would have been able to protect otherwise. He wasn’t going down without a fight. 

They grappled for a while, shouting for the other to give up while maintaining their own stubbornness. Steve got Eddie on his back more often, just because he was stronger. Eddie was more nimble, though. This time he brought one hand up between them, fluttering his fingers against Steve’s belly, where the fabric of his shirt hung loosely from his frame.

Steve yelped and flopped right on top of Eddie, who groaned quietly while still trying to get free and avoid the other’s questioning. It was useless.

“Why won’t you tell me?” They were the only words Steve had repeated over and over since the counter attack.

“Fuck off!” The heat in Eddie’s voice disappeared when a smile betrayed him, shoving at Steve to get him off. 

“Tell me!”

“No!”

“Munson, tell me!”

“Why are you so stupid?” Eddie grabbed either side of Steve’s face-

“Well, that’s just m- hmb.” and brought their lips crashing together. 

Everything stopped. For all he knew, Hawkins and all of the world had been swallowed up by the Upsidedown after all. But when Eddie finally pulled away again, Steve was still right there, staring back at him with wide eyes. The skin beneath his fingers felt hot, so Eddie released him and scrambled to sit up. “That’s why.”

He can’t help the bitterness that seeps through as he gets up, brushing himself off before heading back over to the coffee table. He slumped back down on the floor, staring blankly at his scribbles as he waited for Steve to run out or come over to hit him or anything. Anything would be nice. Out of all the options he had, Eddie would not have put ‘laughing his ass off’ on the list.

Except, that was exactly what happened. It started with a couple chuckles at first and quickly grew to full on hysterics. Eddie’s brows furrowed together in confusion. He couldn’t see the other boy from his spot on the floor. All he could see was a mop of brown hair on the floor just past the counter. 

“Eddie!” Steve called out when he got enough air in his lungs but Eddie refused to answer, just watching the mop of hair move until he was fully out of sight. There was a groan and an attempt at composure before Steve came into view again. Slowly, he lifted himself to his feet, gripping the counter for support as the occasional wave of laughter still shook through him, making it hard to stay upright. 

“Eddie.” Steve wiped at his teary eyes before spotting the other over on the floor, slowly staggering over towards him. 

Eddie tried to remain as still as possible despite his trembling, hoping silently that Steve might not see him and just decide to go home. He continued to hope even when Steve was already coming to crouch beside him.

Eddie’s brows stayed furrowed, eyes slightly widened as he tried to see as much as possible in the dim light. Steve just stared at him with that goofy grin of his, the one he only wore when he had given up on trying to stop smiling. “What?” Eddie asked, trying to sound annoyed or at least impassive.

Steve blinked, his head tilting to the side like a curious puppy with his warm eyes sparkling in the dark. “You’re an idiot.” Before Eddie could ask what he meant, lips were against his again, softer and less forced than his but still eager.

Eddie couldn’t comprehend. Perhaps he was too high to comprehend and it didn’t matter. All he knew was that Steve hadn’t run out or tried to beat him up but rather came back for more. There were so many unformed questions swirling around in his mind, all of which he refused to acknowledge as he gripped onto Steve’s shirt.

A loud bang made the two fly away from each other. They looked around, panicked and confused before realising what had happened. Their eyes met and this time, both of them fell into hysterical laughter, gripping the other for support as tears filled their eyes that were impossible to hold back.

The can of coke Eddie had dropped had chosen that exact moment to explode on them, the carbonation bursting through the weakened seal that Eddie had fiddled with. 

Almost symbolically, with the release of the carbonation, all tension between the two boys had vanished. 

[viscerax]

robin x male reader where he gets picked on a lot and robin offers to teach him some self defence moves and one thing leads to another where the reader develops a crush for robin? (love ur fics btw)

Stand Up For Yourself

"Hey, Y/n! Where you going, cunt-wad?" You winced and kept your head down, trying to ignore the calls coming from three of the many people who constantly harassed you throughout your day.

It used to not be like this. You used to be treated normally. You never really stood out or caught the attention of any girls, but you didn't mind that. Thats not what you wanted.

It started after you had told your best friend, someone you thought you could trust, about your crush on one of the boys in your class. He told you that he wouldn't tell anyone. He lied.

After that, everyone treated you differently, and thus, the constant bullying and harassment began.

You made a sharp turn, quickly shuffling into the closest bathroom, which thankfully was empty. You perched on top of the toilet seat, struggling to remain balanced and quiet.

You heard the door slam open and hit the wall, and the chuckles of Matty and his goons flooded your ears. You just sat there, praying they would give up and leave.

"Hey, I know you're in there. You're not fooling anyone." Matty was now standing in front of the stall you were in. When you stayed silent and still, Matty scoffed and kicked the bottom of the door. "Come on out, Freak! We just want to talk!"

You flinched at the loud noise of the door rattling. You debated on whether or not it would be better to stay there and wait for them to break down the door, or just go and get it over with now.

Just as you were about to get up and open the stall, the bathroom door slammed open, making you quickly perch back up on the seat.

"What are you dipshits doing?"

Matty and his goons all went silent. They just murmured and began walking towards the exit.

"The next time you fuck with Y/n, I'll beat the shit out of you. Make sure you let everyone else know that, too." For a moment, you were confused as to who had entered and defended you, but it only took a few moments for it to finally click.

Robin Arellano. The toughest kid in school. You had never really talked to him before. You only knew him from watching him get into fights. He intimidated you, but not in the way that you were scared of Matty or Moose or any other kid that picked on you. It was more of the kind of fear you would have around a celebrity. You just wanted him to think you were cool.

"You can come out now, they're gone. They won't bother you anymore."

Now you felt embarrassed. Embarrassed that you were cowering in a bathroom stall while Robin just so easily scared Matty away.

You sighed and opened the stall door, turning to look at Robin. Who was washing his hands in the sink. You glanced down and noticed that the water in the sink was turning red, and he had a slightly pained expression on his face.

"You have got to learn how to defend yourself. Otherwise, they're just going to keep treating you like that. All you gotta do is throw a good punch, knock someone down and off their pedestal, and they won't fuck with you no more." Robin looked up to make eye contact with you through the mirror. He gave you a bit of a smile, and you couldn't help but feel flustered. You looked down at your feet, shuffling nervously and playing with the straps to your backpack.

"I can't fight. I'm thin as a toothpick. Id get knocked on my ass by a leaf." You chuckled, leaning against the wall and glancing back over at Robin.

"Its not really about how bulky you are. I mean, I've beaten Moose down before, and he looks like a mini body builder. Hell, I could probably take down Pinball Vance Hopper if I wanted to." He sighed and shook his head. "As if I'd want to do that. But the point is, its more about strategy, and knowing where to hit. I'll tell you what. My tìo has got this punching bag in our basement. I can teach you how to beat the shit out of those fuckers. Just so long as you promise to actually use it the next time they pick on you, 'kay?"

You were very surprised at first, but quickly nodded. "You'd do that for me?" You were shocked that he was so friendly with you. Any of the boys in the school had treated you like you had a disease. Like if they spent ro much time around you they were going to start turning gay too. But Robin didn't seem to care. It made you happy, relieved even, that maybe this was a potential to have a new friend.

That Friday, you had finally convinced your parents to let you stay the night at Robins. They were weary of letting you go anywhere alone these days. Not that you could blame them.

You followed Robin on his way home, smiling and chatting with him happily. For once in the past few weeks, you finally felt happy. Besides the few weird stares you got leaving school, no one bothered you. Which was rare.

That night, the two of you had brought a few blankets, pillows, and tons of snacks into Robins basement. Robin popped a Pink Floyd cassette into his player. The two of you cleared up the space around the punching bag, just in case.

Robin gave you a few tips. The best way to throw your first punch was take a quick step forward, quick step back, quick step forward, and swing. He drilled it with you a few more times before letting you try it on your own.

You landed one blow on the punching bag with enough force to make it sway back and forth on the chain it was attached to. It wasn't much, but it felt like a big accomplishment to you. The pride welling inside of you blocked out the temporary stinging pain in your knuckles.

The two of you continued doing that ober and over, and then sparred with eachother for a bit until eventually the exhaustion started to hit you like a wave, and the two of you were payed down on the king size mattress that was covered in blankets, pillows, and the open bags of candy and chips. You were sitting on one end of the bed, trying to take up as little space as possible while Robin sat a few inches away from you, eyes glued to the TV as he popped another chip in his mouth.

You couldn't help but glance over at him a few times, admiring every little detail. You knew it would only end bad for you to develop a crush on him though. You felt so guilty for looking at him, and had to force yourself to stare at the TV and focus on anything else but him.

Robin noticed your discomfort, but he decided to not bring it up.

"Robin?" You finally looked over at him again. Robin turned to look at you, giving you that signature smile he always looked at you with.

"Yeah man, whats up?"

You sighed, fidgeting with the bag of chips in your hands. "Wh-why are you being so nice to me. I mean, surely you've heard what they've said about me. I mean, I just figured you deserve to know. I-I'd feel bad if you didn't know and I was just taking advantage of your ignorance and-" this was something you did often. You always pushed other people away before the could hurt you.

Robin just chuckled and set his chips down, turning his whole body to face you. "What? That you're gay? I don't really care about that. You're chill. You're a good friend, so why should it matter if you like guys. And besides, it would be pretty hypocritical of me to judge you for that." He let out a loud laugh, turning to face the TV again.

You just sat there for a moment, dumb-founded. "So are you-?"

"Yep." He seemed so calm and non-chalant about it. It surprised you, amazed you. That must be why he never paid much attention to the dozens of girls drooling over him.

You just smiled and turned to face the TV again.

Over the next few weeks, you happily grew closer and closer to Robin. You were happy to have a friend again. A friend who didn't judge you for who you liked. A friend who treated you like a normal human being.

But you also noticed the other feelings you had for him. The way your stomach flipped inside out anytime you saw him, or the goosebumps you got whenever the two of you touched, or how excited you got to stay the night with him and get more fighting lessons.

You tried to tell yourself that you had no chance, that he was way out of your league, but you couldn't help the way your heart fluttered anytime you looked at him.

It was another Friday night at his house. This time, the two of you were simply hanging out. You were playing cards on his bed while some Queen cassette played in the background.

Everytime it was Robins turn, you would just stare at him, admire the way his eyebrows furrowed as he tried to figure out his move, or how soft his lips looked, or how much you wished you could reach out and run your fingers through his hair.

Robin looked up to notice that you were practically in a trance. He smirked as you suddenly realized that you were staring and looked down at your cards, pretending like you were trying to decide what move to make.

Robin let out a low chuckle, which made your cheeks flush an embarrassingly bright shade of red.

"Something wrong, Y/n?" He teased, setting his cards down and resting his chin in his hand.

"You're really pretty, Robin." You mumbled. Shit. You spoke without thinking. Was Robin going to be disgusted? You knew he was gay, but still. He probably just saw you as a friend and now you just ruined the only friendship you had and-

"You think so? You're not so bad yourself, Y/n." He chuckled again, he seemed to be enjoying how embarrassed you were.

You looked up at him, locking eyes with him, unsure of what to say. Luckily you didn't need to say anything, since Robin seemed to have that covered.

"Do you have a crush on me, Y/n?" That cocky smile on his face mixed with the question was enough to make you feel lightheaded.

You dumbly nodded, words failing when you opened your mouth.

"Good, because I like you too." Robin sat up and leaned over, completely disregarding the cards on the bed. He plopped down next to you, and you froze, unsure of what to do.

"C-can i-" you locked eyes with him, then glanced down at his lips, then back at him again.

Robin nodded, and you tentatively leaned in, pressing your lips against his. Kissing Robin was simultaneously everything you expected and completely different. The feeling of your lips hurriedly and sloppily moving against his made you want to pass out right then and there.

After a few seconds, the two of you pulled away and rested your foreheads against each other. You stared into his eyes, smiling so wide your cheeks were sore.

The both of you weren't sure what to say. But nothing really needed to be said. You both liked each other, and that was all that mattered to you.

A/N: i am so sorry that this one is kinda sucky and rushed!! But still, I hope you enjoy it!!

[unhinged-with-no-gender]

I'mma ask the Rasmodious one later cause I want revenge!(ʘ言ʘ╬) Kk so I want part 2 about Seb cheating on farmer(^▽^), k so I want Seb to fell out of love on the lady(hehehe)and realized that he love farmer and was happy about his life with farmer, the farmer can be with another bachelor(≧▽≦) or you can make them together again if you want oh! Can you write the reaction of pelican town about the cheating? And maybeee father figure Rasmodious?(. ❛ ᴗ ❛.) Cause it will be interesting (I still simp for anime portrait tho just want the reaction) k so bye!(｡•̀ᴗ-)✧

B) I gotchu (ps I did kinda take some creative liberties, I know it'd be better to keep it vague but I had a bit of an idea yk?) (The theory that Abigail is secretly Rasmodious's daughter is practically canon in my head btw so it is canon in my writing unless otherwise requested)

Warning: light profanity, sex mentioned (not explained)

Towns reaction to initial cheating (Highlights)

Sam was disappointed in his friend. He thought you were cool! And you were so good to him. He couldn't have picked a better s/o for his friend. He stops talking to Seb as much, wouldn't talk to him at all if it weren't for the band. Doesn't consider him a friend anymore.

Abigail is also disappointed, but she gets it. She's lighter on Seb than Sam is.

He refuses to tell his family, so they don't even know, but they're so curious, especially Robin.

Rasmodious is PISSED. He noticed your behavior was off when you were bringing him some mushrooms he had requested, and had pulled the story out of you. He mumbled something about needing to protect those young girls in town from someone like him before sending you off. You noticed from here on he requested more random things from you, and when you'd deliver them he'd ask you how you are and would give you advice.

It was rough getting back into how things were before. You didn't enjoy farm life as much without Sebastian there. It just wasn't the same around town without him.

You had isolated yourself after he left. Sebastian wasn't close with many people in town, but Robin was. She was the local carpenter, and he was her son. Instead of hanging around town, you stayed at the farm, fearing judgement from the townsfolk.

Sebastian was living both at home and with his new partner. He could never get over the guilt of what he did to you, but damn could this new girl make him feel things he never thought he could, at least, she could in bed. Day to day life was different with her. She never woke him up with breakfast, coffee, or even a good morning.

As time went on, he found himself missing those moments more than he enjoyed great sex. He realized that's all she could do for him. He realized he had fucked up. She would never give him the little moments to cherish.

While things took a turn for the worse for Sebastian after the breakup, you had finally started to recover. It wasn't long after the breakup that you and Sam started to get closer. He reminded you of Sebastian in some ways, but he was so different in so many others.

You two got close, and you had the idea that he wanted to take it further than just friends, but you couldn't see yourself with someone so soon, and he seemed to respect that even without you needing to say it.

Sebastian eventually stopped spending so much time in the city. He broke things off with his new partner, learning from his previous mistakes, and started dwelling in the basement at Robins even more so than he used to.

The next major catastrophe happened when the band went to perform in front of Gus's. You had been avoiding their little gigs, not wanting to see Sebastian, but Sam had begged you to come. He performed little mini gigs at the farm for you by himself, but he couldn't be a one-man-band, they were still a band no matter the tension between members.

So you watched them perform. It was nice, Sebastian wouldn't even make eye contact with you but you didn't know if you could hold it if he did. No, the thing that made this a disaster was Robin. She has to know why you two broke up, no one would tell her anything!

The performance reaches it's end, and the band members start packing up their equipment to go. Despite this, Robin still stands in front of you, trying to decipher everything by any means possible.

She doesn't take the news well. She's so upset, and that's when Sebastian and Sam appear. Robin turns to scold her son for his actions, you don't do that to a person! He still can't make eye contact with you, but he can with Sam, especially after Sam pipes up, agreeing with Robin that his actions were nasty.

The two boys bicker until Abigail shows up to yell at them both. You notice the wizard also seems to be watching, though he's a bit further away. He had also helped you through your funk when Sebastian cheated, though in a different way from Sam. He offered you advice, and you took it. It sometimes felt like your grandfather was still around when the wizard was there, giving you the fatherly advice you need.

Abigail manages to shut them both up, and you can finally talk it out. You all agree to be civil from here on out, and Sebastian admits to realizing his mistakes, and that he missed you. Unsure if you can forgive him, you accept his apology.

Sam still seems peeved that you'd even talk to him, and tries to claim he's been here for you this whole time and Abigail shuts him up real fast.

So, farmer, it's up to you. Who would you choose?

[a-little-unsteddie]

Happy 500! I am so happy for you 💗! For the prompt w37. famous au (i want you to go hogwild) but Argyle/Steve

the moment i saw this prompt i knew i had to fulfill it as soon as possible because!!!! permission to go hogwild!! thank you so much!! i hope you enjoy what i whipped up! (coughs this also may or may not have an alternative version that i started writing and abandoned because i thought it was too much but if you wanna see that version too i’ll finish it and post it, too!)

37. Famous AU (Steve/Argyle)

Prompts || AO3

Steve wasn’t obsessed, despite what Robin insisted. Steve just had a healthy interest, that was all. A director that simply went by ‘Argyle’ had directed so many of Steve’s favorite films, and when he had learned that the man was planning on hiring for a new film, Steve had jumped at the chance to audition. He had immediately called Robin and told her to submit his portfolio for the audition. Since then, Steve hadn’t stopped checking his emails, voice mails, DMs on various social sites, just in case he hadn’t seen the acceptance to move forward with the physical audition.

He’d also been stalking Argyle’s social media accounts just to see the goofy pictures he always posted.

Robin called him obsessed.

Honestly, even if Steve didn’t want to admit it, she was probably right. He couldn’t stop refreshing his instagram page, holding his breath for any sort of update from the director. Robin was trying to be a good manager and drag him out to some sort of party that some big wig was hosting, to make connections, but he just didn’t want to go out.

“What if Argyle’s people contact us while we’re out?” Steve asked, biting his thumbnail, looking wildly between Robin and his phone.

“Then they’ll leave a message and we can get it in the morning,” Robin said, throwing her hands in the air. Steve suddenly realized actually, maybe Robin was right, he was a little obsessed, huh? He took a deep breath, nodding.

“You’re right. I’m sorry. Okay. I’ll go.” He said with another nod. Robin grinned, Steve squinted, “Why do you look so smug?”

“I do not,” Robin said, rolling her eyes. “Go change, something fancy but, like, feel free to be a whore.”

Steve let out a loud laugh at that, knowing that he had a bit of a reputation around the scene as someone who wore extravagant things. It was something he prided himself in. This time, Steve went with a sleeveless blue turtle neck that was made out of velvet, tight white jeans and a necklace made out of quartz beading. He enjoyed how the shirt showed off his broad shoulders.

“Are you finally done getting ready?” Robin asked, waiting for him by the bottom of the stairs as he exited his room.

“You can’t rush perfection, Robbie. Let’s go,” he said, brushing off imaginary lint from his shoulder. Robin rolled her eyes, walking towards the door with him where a sleek black car was waiting to take them to the party.

“Who’s even hosting the party?” Steve asked, sometime later as street lights passed them in a blur.

Robin hummed, suddenly looking nervous, “Uh, you’ll see!” She said, grinning at him. “Oh, look! We’re here!” She said, gesturing to the door that was currently being opened for them. Steve blinked, sure that they were just driving through the city moments ago. Shrugging, he stepped out, smiling at the flashing lights as he and Robin walked the short distance between the car and front door. The party had already been going for at least an hour, Steve knew, as Robin had spent most of the day trying to convince him to go and he had only agreed once the party was starting. It probably was fine that they were fashionably late.

The moment Steve entered the house, he suddenly knew exactly who was hosting the party. He leaned over to whisper into Robin’s ear.

“What the fuck?” He hissed, eyes darting around the semi-familiar decorating. Steve had seen it often enough on Argyle’s feed, or on a documentary that had been done on his directing style.

“Well! Someone had to make sure you didn’t panic about tonight!” Robin said, holding his elbow, smiling at some of the other celebrities that had made an appearance tonight.

Steve was cut off from responding when suddenly a loud, serene voice greeted them, “My dudes! You made it!” The voice said, to which Steve turned and came face-to-face with the man he had been lowkey obsessing over the last several weeks.

Steve forced a smile onto his face, hoping that it adequately hid the all-consuming panic that washed over him. “Of course, sorry we’re late,” Steve said, looking at the other man sheepishly. Argyle was wearing a bright outfit, something that he was normally seen in, so it wasn’t something that particularly surprised Steve to see.

“No worries, man,” Argyle said, smiling at Steve in a way that let him know that the director was definitely partaking in something. “Just glad you could make it, Stevie, can I call you Stevie?” He asked imploringly, looking completely at ease, which Steve found himself jealous of because it felt as though his heart was beating so hard it had to be visible—at least audible.

Steve felt his cheeks heating at the nickname, a shyer smile overtaking his features as he responded, “That’s fine,” he confirmed softly.

“Sweet,” Argyle said, pulling him into a hug, which caused Steve to freeze before wrapping his arms around the other man as well. He blinked rapidly as the man pulled back with a smile, “Let me show you around, Stevie,” he said, before leading them away from Robin, who didn’t follow. Steve swallowed thickly, feeling completely off-kilter, like his entire world just tilted on its’ axis.

Steve found himself being shown to a quieter part of the house, where there were fewer people around. It looked as though this was reserved for people close to Argyle, which Steve figured made sense, but he was confused as to why he was being invited to this inner-sanctum, where the likes of Jonathan Byers and Eden Bringham were lounging, as well as a few others that Steve recognized from Argyle’s instagram, but didn’t remember the names of.

“Stevie, this is Jonathan, Eden, Chrissy, and Eddie,” Argyle introduced, to which everyone looked over and smiled in greeting. “Everyone, this is Steve,” he said, and Steve thought it was odd that it was already alien to hear his ‘legal’ name falling from Argyle’s lips. Unknown to Steve, Argyle had purposely introduced him to them using his proper name to avoid the others from calling Steve ‘Stevie’, wanting the nickname all to himself.

After being introduced, Argyle led him to the far side of the room, to a loveseat that was already half taken up by Eden. Argyle sat and dragged Steve down onto his lap, which, while Steve definitely didn’t mind, found himself squirming in place anyway.

“It’s good to meet you, Steve,” Eden said, smiling in the same serene way that Argyle smiled, which was a little unnerving to see on her in a way that it wasn’t on Argyle.

“You, too,” Steve returned with a smile, always polite even if he was confused. He leaned closer to Argyle’s side, “What am I doin’ down here?” He asked quietly, looking at him with open confusion. “Not that I mind,” he added after a moment.

“Well,” Argyle said, smiling at him in a way that should’ve felt absent, but wasn’t, “Robin sent in your portfolio, and I liked what I saw, so I wanted to make sure we got along, Stevie. Think of this as the audition,” he explained, which didn’t shed light on why he was in Argyle’s lap, but did sort of explain why he was invited to the inner-sanctum. He had heard that Argyle’s auditions were a bit more casual than others, but he hadn’t expected this sort of casual.

“That makes sense,” Steve said, trying to settle in his new spot. Argyle helped him get comfortable, gripping his hips and adjusting him until he was sitting between Argyle and the end of the couch, with his legs thrown over Argyle’s lap while the other man had his arm around Steve’s shoulders.

From there, conversation picked up around them and soon enough it felt as though Steve was just hanging out with a couple of friends. Steve wasn’t sure how much time had passed before Argyle checked the clock and groaned.

“Aw, bummer, I gotta make an appearance upstairs,” Argyle announced, nudging Steve slightly to get off.

“I can join you,” he offered with an easy smile, “make it a little less unbearable?”

Argyle’s face brightened, “Perfect, Stevie. Let us go,” he said, offering his arm. Steve flushed, grabbing it.

They made their rounds, making small talk with a few of the guests, making sure that they were making appearances in a few different conversations. It was the most boring part of the night, but Steve didn’t mind. He didn’t particularly understand how he got there—hanging off the arm of Argyle, but he didn’t mind being the pretty thing on this particular arm. Eventually, they were able to escape, this time out to the balcony rather than the basement.

“Wow,” Steve breathed, taking in the view, “that’s gorgeous.” Argyle glanced at him and smiled.

“Almost as gorgeous as you, Stevie.”

Steve turned to him in surprise, feeling heat flood his cheeks. He smiled shyly, which Argyle easily returned with confidence.

“Thank you,” Steve breathed, turning to look back out at the view. He felt Argyle move to stand behind him, wrapping one arm around him and the other rest on the railing in front of them.

“What are the chances of a date, Stevie?” Argyle asked, with a confidence that Steve envied.

“With me?” Steve asked, needing to be sure. Argyle hummed affirmatively. “I’d say they’re pretty good,” he admitted softly, smiling as Argyle cheered in his ear.

“Then, will you go on a date with me, Stevie?”

“Absolutely.”

Steve was definitely obsessed.

[daddysfangirls-dc]

UnTamed Ch.4

Prev | Next

A friendship blossomed. They continued to talk even when the holidays had passed, and winter had ended. They spent every day together. If they couldn't meet during the day, she'd take advantage of knowing his nightlife. She visited him on patrol. Of course, they didn't talk during these moments, but she was still there. He learned to recognize her in any form.

They learned a lot about each other. She understood that Damian had been born somewhere in Eastern Europe, possibly a cult, definitely Arabic. His mother brought him to Gotham to his unknowing father, Bruce Wayne. He wouldn't talk about what his life was like before then or his mother. She concluded his life before wasn't all good or something he'd like to look back on, and he and his mother were not on the same terms. He likes art filled many canvases and journals with his work. He had a pet cow and was a vegetarian. He liked animals, which is probably why he liked her so much.

Damian learned that she was born in Gotham and raised on the streets. She refused to elaborate on who and how she was raised. She's a metahuman and had her abilities as long as she can remember (Since birth or after). Her powers extend to her knowledge of animals, anything she could put her mind to. She enjoyed flying and preferred her animal self more than her human self. 

They learned a lot about each other, more from sitting in each other's company and just watching and listening than actually interrogating each other. Months had gone by, and she could confidently call Damian a friend. He still struggled to call her anything above acquaintance, although she believed he thought more of her even if he didn't say it aloud.  It wasn't like he had anyone else to say. 

"Whatcha doing?" oh, how she enjoyed the twitch in his brow as she spoke improperly in his ear.

"Writing," he ignored how she leaned onto his desk.

"Writing what?" 

"Names, I refuse to keep addressing you as girl"

She went through a flurry of emotions, first upset he was insulting her, then confused as to why he would want to name her, then joy and excitement that she would get a name. She was going to have a name. People were going to call her something. 

She reaches for the paper, and he pops her hand away." I want to pick a name."

"No, names... The first name is a gift."

"You're going to give me a gift?" she grinned as he 'tch' and refused to make eye contact. 

"Astraea"

"Astraea?"

"Astraea, after the Greek goddess of justice, innocence, purity, and precision." She told Damian how she had helped children in Crime Alley and other lower areas of Gotham. He thought the name fit with her work. She took care of the innocent and the pure. 

"Astraea," she whispered as she grinned, took her face, and blush dusted her cheeks. "Astraea,

" she said in a singsong voice. She did a little twirl and dance. "Astraea," she giggled. " How do you spell that?" she watched as he wrote her new name on paper. "That looks beautiful."

Damian watched as she twirled about, whispering her name to herself. Overjoyed. " Sounds beautiful."

"OH! Do I get a nickname too?"

"A nickname? Is the name I've given not sufficient-not enough?"

"NO! NO!" she kneeled before him. " It's a perfect name. Thank you for."

-

Astraea would introduce herself for several weeks, " Hi, I'm Atsraea," whenever she met Damian. She loved introducing herself and saying her name. Although she didn't tell anyone else her name, she had no one else to tell, and she loved to say it aloud. Damian indulged her by saying her name constantly, often using her name instead of her pronouns. She loved hearing it. It filled her with glee.

One night, Astraea was alone on a roof with Robin. He monitored the streets below while she pranced around on the roof behind him, softly singing her name. "Asta," she turned to him, confused. He repeated it: " Asta, A-S-T-A, Asta." She was momentarily confused before she realized what he was spelling and what it meant.

She was momentarily confused before it dawned on her what he was spelling and what it meant. " Asta?" he didn't turn around. " I'm Asta?... I'm Asta... Hello, my name is Astraea. My friends call me Asta...well, friend. You!" She noticed the twitch in his lip but ignored it, letting him pretend to be uncaring. He cared, Just couldn't wouldn't show it. 

His comm came to life with Oracle giving him instructions and directions, patching himself back in and confirming himself in route; He gave her a wave, whispering Asta as he jumped off the ledge, disappearing into the night; he heard her giggle as he swung away. He couldn't stop this smile. 

[terry-perry]

Good Enough

Pairing: Past Eddie Munson x Reader

A/N: I don't know what this is, tbh. Came to my head in snippets, and this was my attempt at piecing it all together lol

Hope you like!

It was one of those "your fate across the crowded room" moments. In a way, it was. Robin had invited you and Eddie to the party. She knew you wouldn't be able to work this out on your own. So, this was like giving fate a bit of a nudge.

"She sees him," Robin pointed out to Steve when she saw that you spotted Eddie several feet away from you.

When he noticed that Eddie's back was still turned, Steve decided to grab his attention by using the pizza bagel he had. He used it by chucking it at the back of Eddie's head. It got his attention right away as he was ready to face his attacker. But he was soon caught off guard when he locked eyes with you.

"Looks like our job is done," Steve said as he draped an arm over Robin. "They're on their own now."

----

You threw daggers at Robin who was currently feigning a conversation with Steve. You knew this was all their doing.

You turned your attention back at Eddie, whose eyes were still on you. You then looked at the drink you still had on you. You didn't know if you wanted to gulp it all down or go splash it in your friends' nosy faces. You decided to go with the former and downed it all, wincing as its burning taste went down your throat.

Your eyes stayed glued on Eddie as you made your way to him while wondering if it was really the alcohol making your legs feel like Jell-O. Before you knew it, you were face to face with him. You were mere inches away as you shared a small smile. He was the first to speak.

"Out of all the parties, in all the towns, in all the world, you crash mine,"

You couldn't help but melt. "You saw Casablanca,"

"You left the tape at my place. You were right. It was good."

"Told you so," you were teasing before turning semi-serious. "So, um, how have you been?"

You knew breaking the proverbial ice was needed until you could get to what you really wanted to talk to him about.

"Is that what you really wanted to ask me?" He asked as if he was reading your mind.

It was his ability to read you so easily that made what you want to tell him all the somewhat easier.

"I just wanted to say..." you began with a heavy sigh. "I'm sorry. I acted like...like a real bitch. I let what others thought influence my decisions because I thought that was what was best. I look at Nancy and Chrissy, how they chose things -- people -- over their popularity like it was no problem. But the thing is, they were always people with minds of their own. Me? I always had to follow someone, go along with what everyone else was doing."

You kept holding onto the eye contact, needing him to know how sincere you were. "When it came to you, the only thing I should've been listening to was my heart."

"And what's your heart telling you to do now?"

"Well, even though I don't deserve one, I'd really love a second chance."

He took his hand, placing it on your cheek as he gave you a warm smile. The tears you held back finally escaped. Some of them landed on his hand as he continued to caress your face.

"There's nothing I want more than to tell you yes,"

"But you're not gonna?" You inquired, worried. Your smile soon vanished with more tears starting to form.

"What you just said about being a follower, I get that," he gave out a sigh of his own as he thought about his own experiences that brought him to where he was currently. "This past year, I've done nothing but run from my mistakes. I couldn't make a decision for myself unless someone else was around to make it for me. I think if I want to learn how to be my own person, I have to do just that. Be on my own."

God, that just made you want him even more. But you knew better.

"Can't say I'm not disappointed," you admitted at least.

"I still care about you," he said. "And I'd really like for us to be friends."

Your smile came back. It wasn't exactly what you were hoping for, but you were still very much wanted it seemed.

"I'd like that too," your smile then turned a little cheeky. "You know friends make out every now and then right?"