#let me know if you need additional tags btw!!

[echonidae]

an icon of Salem for JadeTheGriffin over on dA!! :D

[lost-in-fiction-like-ur-mom]

Can I request a Hunter x female Y/N comfort/whump paternal fic plz? <3

Btw I loved your Crosshair x Y/N fic <3

Knight in Rusty Armor

Hunter x Reader

Summary- After a bad run-in at a market, Hunter has to save you and Omega. You can't help but feel like a failure for not being able to protect Omega by yourself...

A/N- Thank you so much for requesting! I'm not completely confident in my ability to write Hunter, but I tried my best!! Hope this is what you had in mind, XoXo.

Word Count- 2,118

You could feel his gaze on you from a mile away. It seemed that no matter the circumstance, Hunter was there.

While you were grateful for him, always- you couldn't help but feel like he didn't trust you. Well, maybe trust wasn't the right word. Nevertheless, he had to accompany you and Omega for a trip to the market.

Everyone had been flying for days and needed a place to resupply. Stretch their legs. You offered to take Omega to shop for some new clothes. She had rips in her shirt- ones that were barely held together by your sewing. So it seemed natural that you would take her, being the only other female on the ship.

Even before landing, you brought up the idea of you and Omega going to Hunter. You wanted to spend some time with her alone. One might have even said mother and daughter bonding...

He turned you down immediately. Rightfully so, as it was a foreign place. But you still wanted to compromise.

That's where you were now, looking through bounds of outfits. Varied from dresses, pants, jackets, and finally shirts. Hunter kept his distance. He did understand that Omega needed some 'girl time' with you, as Tech called it. He also understood that you two were the most important people to him, and he wanted to protect you at all cost.

When you and Omega stepped into an actual establishment for children's clothes, Hunter stood outside the door. Close enough that he could hear Omega laughing.

She picked through a rack, showing you the shirts she thought looked silly. The two of you got a couple odd looks, but neither of you cared.

A particular neon-green tube top grabbed her attention. She picked it up and joked that she wanted it.

"Yeah, very stealthy Omega." You said, playfully.

She giggled and put the shirt back. The two of you proceeded to go to the cashier with the 3 other shirts you found. Ones that fit her and were darker tones.

You immediately noticed that the owner of the store had a sour look on his face. This resulted in you putting on an cheery attitude, being extra kind.

"Ten credits." The yellow man stated, ignoring your pleasantries.

"T-ten?" You sputtered out, shocked. The tags on the clothes clearly stated 'one credit each.'

"Three for the clothes, and seven for the ones you insulted. Now an additional two for arguing with me." Since when was asking a question arguing.

Omega looked up at you, wondering what you would do next. You didn't have Ten credits on you, though you knew Hunter would let you tap into his personal stash if you asked. In this matter however, three shirts were not worth ten credits.

"Sir, i'm sorry about the comments. But we meant no harm. I can give you three credits for the shirts, as they are priced. No more." You reasoned with the man, knowing how bad Omega needed new clothes.

"You are not leaving this store until I get fifteen credits from you." He grumbled and reached for his blaster.

"Excuse me?" You were taken aback. Who did he think he was? Your own blaster was already raised.

"We don't have fifteen credits, and will be leaving now." You said, dropping the clothes. You were frustrated that the day had turned bad.

"Then she can work them off." He shoved his blaster to Omegas temple. Omega had left her energy bow back at the ship, and her borrowed blaster was on the side of her leg.

"We really don't have time for this, sir." You said before effectively disarming him. Your own blaster shot right past his shoulder, missing on purpose. It distracted him long enough for you to knock his blaster out of his own hand. Omega reached down to grab it- both guns now pointing at him.

It was as simple as it seemed, the guy was inexperienced. What the two of you didn't anticipate was Hunters call.

After rushing outside, the building was surrounded by men that looked like the store owner. Yellow with three horns on their ugly face.

What you would find out later was that the store owner had a bad temper, and went ahead to call for back-up. He was determined to make you all pay. Insanely petty if you could say so yourself.

Nevertheless, firing commenced. Again, it was easy. Even though they had numbers, they didn't possess the same skill as the three of you. Maybe that's why you got cocky?

Maybe that's why you found yourself with a blaster pointed at the back of your neck. The store owner! How did you forget him, you and Omega had rushed out without a second thought.

"This time, disarming me won't be so easy." You felt his breath on your ear, disgusting.

"Put the blaster down. Now." Hunter commanded. If you had your thoughts straight, it would have been really sexy.

"I don't think I will. I want 100 credits. For my time, and having to deal with these ratchet things you call humans!" The man insulted.

You smirked, "Not a wise decision." You remarked. Now it was personal- Hunter did not take insults to his girls lightly.

"Yeah, and what do you know? You're the one with a blaster poi-" He was interrupted by Hunter shooting him. Hunter wasn't as forgiving as you. The man fell, you didn't even look to see if he was alive.

With a puff Hunter started, "Let's get back."

"Are you okay!" Omega jumped to your side, calling your name.

Her voice sent a pang down from your spine to your stomach. She shouldn't be worried about you... She should feel safe and protected. All she saw was you getting risky and dumb. Now she thought she had to worry about you... You felt shame rush to your cheeks in a pink hue.

This Hunter took notice of, he was confused. There was nothing to be embarrassed about? At least he didn't think so.

The walk back to the ship was mostly silent, except for Hunter confirming we would try another market soon.

You kept your head up, now being over-cautious, hand hovering your blaster. That was until Hunter took your hand in his. He smiled at you. He could feel the tension off your body. He'd ask about it the second you got some alone time.

You looked at him and swallowed. You only felt more guilt. How was he so collected but ready to engage in combat at any moment. All of it just made you more insecure, what did you bring to the table?

Your thoughts were interrupted by Omega, pulling on Hunters free hand.

"Hunter! Can I pleeeeease get some!" She gestured to a bag of sweets for sale. A mix of fruity candy, lolli-pops, and chewing gum.

"I don't know Omega." He started, but after seeing her face fall he followed it with- "Okay, but you'll have to share it with Wrecker."

She jumped up, hugging onto his arm. "Thank you! You're the best dad ever!" She giddily said, snatching the credit he held out for her.

His face brightened up, it was his turn to wear a light pink hue. Omega didn't even seem to realize what she said, but you gripped Hunters hand tighter.

"Dad... I like it." You leaned onto him, resting a head on his shoulder. Your arm now fully wrapped around his.

"She probably didn't even mean to say it..." He doubted, not wanting to think anything that wasn't mutual.

"Don't sell yourself short, Hunter." You said, not looking up at him, but rubbing your cheek on the material of his shirt.

Omega bopped back over and the three of you headed back to the ship.

Sleep escaped you, tossing and turning. The thoughts of the market kept you awake. This was not normal. You had all been in crappy situations like that one, why did it affect you so much?

Having Hunter save you wasn't something you resented, it was quite attractive. Just this instance. You had been so careless... You could have put an end to it all, but forgot to immobilize the main threat. You huffed and puffed, trying to get out your frustrations.

You were so lost in thought, that when Hunter placed a concerned hand on your shoulder- you jumped. He pulled away instantly, thinking he might have hurt you in some way.

"W-what?" You asked, squinting up at him. It seemed that no one else was awake, Hunter being the only one on watch.

"Hey, hey, what's wrong, sweets?" He asked, hearing his nickname for you was enough to calm you down. At least, enough to get up and settle in one of the cock-pit seats.

You took a deep breath and sat up. He steadied you, an arm wrapping under your armpit to hold you.

"Just can't sleep." He knew there was more to the story. That was a big part about why you loved him. He was more than attentive, and the most selfless lover you could ask for.

"Come sit with me." He suggested, pulling you up with him as he stood to his feet.

He still had a hand rested on the small of your back as he led the two of you to the cockpit,

"So, what happened at the market?" You looked down, shame flooded out of you. Seemingly for no reason. You opted to sit down before answering.

"I let Omega down... There's nothing else to it. It was obvious." You almost felt angry that he didn't see the situation as you did.

His face scrunched up, eyes burning at you. He blinked several times before replying- "What are you talking about?"

With a groan you spoke again, "I can't even protect her from an angry, stupid, vender! You had to save us!" Your voice cracked at the end.

"I thought you didn't mind wh-" You cut him off

"I don't, I just-" You grumbled, frustrated that you couldn't find the right words.

"It's okay, you didn't let anyone down. Everyone is safe, it was just a small mishap." He reasoned, hating that you felt anything less than perfect. If only you saw yourself as he saw you.

You took a quick breath, "One day it won't be a 'small mishap' and something might happen to Omega. I was careless! Now she knows I can't protect her. I'm supposed to be the person she can run to... She must be so disappointed."

You let your head fall into your hands. You rested there for a moment, that was until Hunter made his way in front of you. He gently grasped your hands in his.

He lifted one of your hands to rest on his cheek- the tattooed one. You moved your thumb across the black lines.

"Omega thinks the world of you... nothing will change that. Who knows what would have happened if I wasn't there. If I hadn't called you out, you would have been able to think on what to do with the owner, right?" He explained, trying to shift some of the blame to himself.

You nodded at his words. At this he brings his free hand to rest on your cheek, matching yours on his. His words made you feel some relief, but you couldn't deny how you still felt guilty. Guilty that Omega may have thought differently now.

"Thank you..." You sniffled out, his words making your eyes water.

You leaned in for a kiss, only to be interrupted by a rustling.

Omega. Her light voice called your name, just before jumping onto you and Hunter. He held her steady as she fell into your arms.

"Today was so fun... I'm not disappointed!" You gasped slightly at her words, "You heard all that?" You had a worried look on your face.

"You guys are my family. I'll always feel protected with you." She leans into your arms, head resting just under your shoulder.

"I don't care about the mean guy, I had the best day ever... Can we visit the next market we find as well?" She said, excited, looking up into your eyes.

How could you say no to her sweet face?

"I think Hunter, Wrecker, Tech, and Echo should come too. Maybe they will have as much fun as we did shopping!" You and Hunter both laughed at this.

"i'm not so sure shopping is Tech's thing." Hunter joked.

You laughed again, wiping off the last tear on your face. Your anxieties had finally died down.

Hours later, Hunter would find you both asleep in the pilots chair- Omega rested snugged in your arms. That is, with evidence of the last candy all over Omega.

A/N- Thank you so much for reading! I didn't have a strong vision for this one, but I told myself I had to finish it before starting another. I also went off of some Star Wars article saying that 1 Credit is equal to 5 USD. Sorry if I got that wrong! As always, I am open to constructive criticism!

Tags- (lmk if you want to be tagged as well!) @thethreeeyed-raven @knight-of-flowerss

[she-posts-nerdy-stuff]

Symbols I would be making sure were present (or adding) if I were producing the Six of Crows TV show

(Btw I’ve been writing my own script for a bit of fun since the cancellation news so if anyone wants to see that I’ll tag you, and the save S&B petition is also on my page if anyone wants the link)

EDIT: Sorry I should’ve put this I forgot; SA reference warning for the second point, nothing explicit but in talking about Inej’s experiences and the experiences of women in Greek mythology 🖤

FLOWERS. I want geraniums on the Exchange balcony from chapter 2 and I want reference to the geraniums at 19 Burstradt, I want Matthias the big brooding yellow tulip contrasted with the red tulips laid on his chest and in the water after his death, I want crocuses at the Hoede manor, I want jurda blossoms in Jesper’s flashbacks and maybe Kaz’s too (and probably crocuses in his), I want geraniums hidden all over the caravan and circus tent in Inej’s flashbacks, I want wild flowers in Wylan’s hands on the way to St Hilde’s that get discarded in the lobby, I want wisteria growing outside St Hilde’s, I want blue tulips painted on the floor tiles at St Hilde’s, I want white roses all over Nina’s room in Ketterdam and I want to hear the comment about how all the flowers at the White Rose are perfumed by hand, I want a cascade of geraniums falling all over Kaz and Inej as they tumble of Goedmed Bridge, I want lavish flower arrangements at the Menagerie accented by peacock feathers, I COULD TALK ABOUT THE FLOWER SYMBOLISM IN THESE BOOKS FOR YEARS I WANT IT NOTICED LET’S GO

BIRDS. I want crows, I want pigeons, I want nightingales (that one’s my personal addition but oh boy do I have reasons; Nightingales are a symbol of immortality in literature and could be painted on the tiles at St Hilde behind the wisteria for all the same symbolic reasons the wisteria’s there; in Greek mythology Philomela prayed to the gods to escape her Tereus, who had raped her and intended to kill her, and they turned her into a nightingale, representing freedom and imprisonment at the same time because she’d lost who she was so this wasn’t true freedom DO YOU UNDERSTAND HOW BADLY I NEED A NIGHTINGALE TO CROSS THE SCREEN WHILST INEJ CONTEMPLATES HAVING COMMITTED MURDER AND HER PERSONAL MORAL AND RELIGIOUS IMPLICATIONS OF THAT!!?? I’m going crazy), I want more emphasis on the bird cage in Heleen’s office because in its three seconds of screen time in season one I was SOLD on how genius it was, I want peacocks EVERYWHERE, I want to be so committed to the birds vibe that we can start throwing in a whole load of new birds for other symbolism!! Let’s have owl symbolism around Wylan and Jesper, let’s have heavy emphasis on Nina as the little red bird, let’s talk about the nightingale again because I’m obsessed

KOMEDIE BRUTE. I have talked before about how I think the costumes each character wears are symbolic and directly linked to their arc but it was a long time ago and I updated it a few times based on replies so if anyone wants a full updated version of my thoughts on that lemme know, I also wrote a thing about how I think Mr Crimson could possibly be an omen of death so again if anyone’s interested let me know - I’ll either tag you or write a post fully involving all my Komedie Brute thoughts. I want Nina as the lost bride, Wylan and Inej in matching grey imp costumes, Kaz in the madman’s mask, Jesper and Matthias as Mr Crimson, all of them as Mr Crimson with a black tear in their masks, silver coins thrown all over the staves, costume shops on Ketterdam streets. I want Jackal masks and Drüskelle “costumes” in plain view on market stalls and in shop windows, and as an add on to that I want references to Nina’s fake Kefta being Kerch-made and uncomfortable to wear.

PURPLE. I want purple stadwatch uniforms, I want purple kruge notes, I want purple decor in the Geldrenner, I want purple silks in Inej’s flashbacks.

TREES. I want so many reminders that trees are sacred to Fjerdans!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This has already been done really well in the show but I would want to maintain it; I want to see Matthias praying when Wylan fells the tree before the Ice Court heist, I want his indignation over the relevance of the sacred ash tree, I want to see the look on Nina’s face when she realises Brum has walked her all the way around the sacred ash instead of crossing underneath it (at the time she thinks it’s because she’s pretending to be a prostitute but later we understand it’s because she’s Grisha and I know we couldn’t have had Nina’s internal thoughts in this scene even though I wish we could have but we can still have hints!!!)

SEALS AND STAMPS. I want to see a blue wax seal with a peacock feather pattern, a black seal with a crow, a pale green stamp for the bank, a purple stamp for government correspondence, I want a stack of letters with unbroken red seals with a laurel wreath crest hidden under Wylan’s mattress.

RELIGIOUS SYMBOLS. Ok there’s loads we could say here but specifically I want “rich as saints in crowns of gold” contrasted with “if it was worth anything Heleen would have taken it. But this is just a simple token of faith that my mother stitched”, I want the imagery of Ghezen contrasting the imagery of the Saints contrasting the imagery of Djel, and I so so badly want “Djel is the god of life, not death”

[shinelikethunder]

seriously though, it's incredible how much of my "maybe titties again?" goodwill tumblr torched in 30 seconds through obnoxious UX alone:

i am browsing around in the android app. i see a post about disabling some new content filter. this is the first I've heard of it, even though my version of the app does turn out to have it - they put it in place before adding any mechanism to let me know it's there. strike one.

i go to settings > dashboard, the place where all the settings about what you do and don't see are supposed to live. no sign of it.

i go back to the settings menu. squint at it. see an unremarkable entry near the bottom called "Content you see" that isn't highlighted or marked as new in any way (even though i can't even visit anyone's blog anymore without having to actively tap past an FYI tooltip that can't be turned off, every single time, shilling weeks-old gift features that I've already used)

...oh, that's where my custom tag and keyword filters went. no prior indication they'd even been moved!

i have a lot of filters set up. like. a LOT. i now have to scroll past every single one of them, tag AND keyword, uncollapsed and unabridged, just to see whether there's another setting hiding underneath. on mobile! even the desktop site is more polite than this, jesus

just to recap so far: the only reason i even know to look is that i saw a random post about new content settings, and i would never have bothered with all that scrolling if i weren't crusty and paranoid about sites that hide vital settings in the depths of Menu Hell. i mean, that'd be crazy, right? surely listing all those filters with no collapse is a signal there's nothing worthwhile underneath them.

oh no wait, there they are!

it's not just one toggle, it's FOUR new settings!

all of them are set to "hide everything and never even let me know it was there"

even though there is a "blur" option that would've let me know that stuff was being hidden from me without actually showing it

even though i have, in the past, gone into every iteration of the adult content settings that tumblr has ever rolled out and affirmatively ordered it to show me the titties

THEY ARE NOT TOGGLES. EACH ONE OPENS A SEPARATE MENU SCREEN. every single one of the FOUR new settings needs like 3+ taps in the android app just to put it back to normal.

does turning on the catchall "mature content" setting cause the three more specific ones to default to "show" and let me pick restrictions as needed like a goddamn adult? NOPE, i have to go into the stupid little menu for every single one

it's almost like you didn't want me to find them and, having found them, wanted to make me pay as high an annoyance tax as possible to opt out of being nannied

the dashboard banner that eventually shows up, btw, says nothing about having been voluntold for additional filtering, and also just dumps you out in the general settings menu and leaves you to fend for yourself, with no indication of where this shit is hidden or what "this shit" even is. and that's downright friendly next to the link in the announcement post that's apparently been kicking people out of the app and onto web.

this is not how you get a rightfully mistrustful userbase to be optimistic about putting scarlet letters on their own posts. this is not how you convince anyone that it's just a courtesy, not a scarlet letter, or that it won't be used to punish and stigmatize you the instant the wind shifts direction.

in the most practical here-and-now terms, this is also not how you get people to USE the new content warnings on their posts! artists, especially, are hardly gonna jump to flag anything as mature if it means every single one of their followers - regardless of age, previous adult content settings, or whether they're in Apple's walled garden or not - has just been silently opted out of ever knowing it was there. (this goes double if it requires more than one sentence to explain how to reverse it. which this new setting seems almost deliberately designed to do.)

look, i want the titties back, okay? i would be delighted if this turned out to be the first step towards bringing them back. i know Tumblr is under duress from Apple that affects how they can do whatever they're doing here. but the way it's being rolled out sucks needless ass, and if they wanted my hope and trust, well, those are easier to muster up when I'm not going in grouchy about the frustrating UX of an app that's just taken hostile action against my prior explicitly-affirmed preferences.

[dovand]

i am as always thinking about 14 and the nobles... specifically 14 & shaun. CRIMINAL lack of 14 & shaun content . excuse me that is my emotional support deranged lovers-in-law prongs of a queerplatonic throuple V. that is my little scrinkly wet cat and his chill saint bernard friend. that is my symbiotic relationship weirdos who sleep back-to-back to 14 can a) leech his body heat b) cuddle donna c) not fall off the bed. that is my favourite “both wake up early but one of them is being clung to like they are a teddy bear and it is Not Shaun, who is making ‘too bad’ faces at 14 and tiptoeing away” dynamic.

(14 either ends up dozing again after he wakes up early or just lays there curled up thinking—but, either way, when shaun shows up with breakfast in bed every sunday, he is treated to the beautiful sight of the two huge autism creature eyes peering up at him from behind the most bedraggled mop of hair ever seen. whether there are any thoughts behind those eyes depends on whether their owner has been napping or Pondering)

(yes this is all made up in my head!!! yes i am dismayed by there only being FOUR FICS (4!!) using it as a tag and none of them (afaict) doing it in a qpr way. where is my deranged weirdplatonic polycule!!!)

further insanity under the cut pleasseee please please read. please i need to be insane about this with people

(also btw this post is about queerplatonic doctordonna, doctordonna shippers i love you and you are welcome to contribute but it is a Little squicky for me so if tag ur additions (so i have a heads-up) that would be so lovely and i would adore you forever <3)

shaun likes listening to people ramble and 14 likes rambling so it is a regular occurrence to find the two of them like. standing in the kitchen holding cups of tea except one of them is actually drinking the tea and one of them is talking too rapidly about equivalent exchange to remember to blink, let alone have a sip of earl gray that has veered violently past lukewarm and is headed straight for room temperature

if 14 is in a not-wordy mood tho… thru shaun’s expert tutelage he has mastered the art of the Dad Nod. he passes shaun in the hall and gives him a little nod. shaun gives him one back. 0 words are spoken but they understand each other on a deeper level than if there had been.

they go on a Family Outing to a thrift store. rose and donna disappear to the dressier sections. shaun creeps along the racks of trousers, solemnly comparing seemingly identical pairs of jeans. 14 follows him and stares for a while, then silently hands him a loudly patterned pair of shorts. shaun takes them without question and adds them to his basket & sylvia loses her mind just a little bit when she sees him wearing them

(^ this inspired by going thrifting w my friend and looking @ everything and then finding her dad looking thru the racks of shorts comparing two beige ones, and my friend handing him a pair of pink shorts with penguins on and him buying them. because he has some . i think plaid shorts? at home and when he wore them his wife said he looked gay. so he’s trying to do it More) (it's an incredible family dynamic there. i have no idea what is going on)

god jesus. 14 learns how to cook so he can be the housething (as opposed to housewife or househusband. he is just a weirdgenderthing. little creature). someone buys him a nice apron and he wears it with so much delight. chases everyone else out of the kitchen so he can concoct something lovely. runs out into the garden to stick something into an oven in the tardis kitchen because “i am not working with enough ovens, here, people!”. organises the pantry and gets this crazed look if anyone tries to stop him. “how will i know where things a—” “it will be LABELLED.” brandishes a label maker that DEFINITELY is not from modern-day earth given that it seems to take dictation as input and can print in colour and has not needed a refill of paper even though he has extensively labelled EVERY PLASTIC BOX of stuff in the pantry

sometimes he gets into Moods where he needs to solve a problem before it makes his head explode and that used to be a like. tinkering in the tardis thing. where he’d have himself and whatever poor companion he was with just floating in the time vortex for a week while he tries to make this bit of the tardis do what he wants it to. now it’s a day or two spent almost entirely in the kitchen trying to find the scientifically optimal method by which to make meringues. he starts gesturing dramatically with a spatula forgetting it is not a sonic screwdriver. makes a sonic spatula. realises he doesn’t often need to like. scan a pancake for malware. sadly puts the sonic spatula away

he is absolutely a nightmare to watch movies with btw bc a) can’t sit still b) so tall. either he is bouncing his leg and shaking the whole couch or he is stretched out across the entire sofa. no in between. donna buys a thick rug so he can just lay on the floor. the rug is TOO comfortable and he starts just spending time laying on the floor which would be fine if he thought to turn the lights on because people keep almost stepping on him while he’s having 4am Floor Time (on the nights he's not drooling all over donna's pillow)

if anyone else has thoughts about Them PLEASe share i will love you so much and forever. doctor~donna/shaun weirdcule is the only thing in my head

[appocalipse]

hi!! could you please do a steve drabble with 60 & 70? and congratulations on 600!! <3

thank youuuu 💘 i love your writing btw <3  also i turned this into an exes to lovers, i hope it's okay and to your liking 💋 | “You were never my second choice” & “They're not you” with Steve Harrington.

“I think we should stay a little bit more, just to be sure,” he says. “What if you have a concussion?”

Steve Harrington is standing by the bed, shoulder resting against the white plain wall like he's all calm and relaxed — though his expression is anything but that.

He was at work when he got the call; now he could honestly thank his mom for something: when the local hospital called, she picked up the phone at home. She even went as far as to call him at Family Video and let him know the reason behind the call: your girlfriend, she'd said, she's in the hospital.

Steve didn't even acknowledge the fact his mom didn't know you two had broken up — though it has been a few months now — because when she repeated your name, he felt as if the world had stopped spinning. He mumbled a few almost unintelligible words at Robin — Y/N, accident, gotta go. But he thought she somehow understood, because she nodded her head vigorously and said go, watching as he clutched his keys tightly, running as if his life depended on it. 

Well, not his life. 

Your brain now registers his arms crossed over his chest, a familiar crinkle of worry between his warm brown eyes; he straightens his posture and stares down at you with utmost intensity. 

“I don't have a concussion,” you guarantee, your voice small. You're exhausted, yes, but his presence, his proximity, keeps you alert. 

You shift on the bed, about to get up, and he rushes to your side at lightning speed. 

“Hey, hey, what are you doing?” Steve nods at your ankle — on a cast — and the crinkle between his brows deepens when he turns to you once again.

You're painfully aware that he's touching your forearm — gently, respectfully, only in hopes of keeping you steady should you need it…but still touching your forearm. Not completely unlike all the times he’d touched this exact same spot before, in a completely different situation, an utterly different dynamic... 

“I'm going home. They said I could.”

“They didn't say you should.”

“It's just a sprained ankle, Steve. I'll live.”

You stand. He looks about ready to panic, hand firm on your arm.

He's wearing his Family Video uniform, you notice. Stripes under the vest, even that little name tag. Up close, he smells like good memories and heartbreak, like lazy mornings and sweet words and all the things you wish you could forget. 

But you can't. 

“Were you at work?” you ask.

His gaze is soft. He can read you like a book. “Don't worry about that.”

“They shouldn't have called you,” you insist, too quickly, too embarrassed. Too familiar. “I'm sorry, I completely forgot you were my emergency contact. I should have-”

“I don't mind.”

“I don't want to bother you.”

“You're not bothering me.”

“Steve,” you try to adjust yourself to the additional weight of the cast on your left foot. He stares at your face as if he is afraid you might break. “You should go back to work. I don't want you to get fired because of me.”

“I won't be fired. Robin will cover for me. Are you sure you don't want to stay a little longer just to be sure?”

“Steve.”

“I can't just leave you here. Let me drive you home, at least.”

His tone is almost pleading.

“You don't have to,” you say, well aware that every minute this close to him is a new opportunity to make a mistake. “I can call-”

Who? None of your close friends have a car, you recall, maybe a bit late. You couldn't lie; he would know in a heartbeat. Steve also knows that your father is normally out of town this time of the month, and so all your excuses die down your throat.

All but one.

“I could take the bus,” you shrug. Sounds silly even for you.

Steve frowns. “Don't be ridiculous.”

Later, when you reach your front door with his arm around your waist — for support and nothing else, you assure yourself —, you’re not really sure of the hows and whys, and maybe it’s better that way. 

There are memories coming to the surface; you try to push them to the back of your mind as he leans down to grab the spare key. It’s under a small vase beside the porch, but he remembers it on his own. You don’t have to say anything.

You both enter. The house feels oddly warmer.

The sun is setting outside, painting his silhouette golden against the doorframe. “Are you hungry?”

He gently hands you the crutches you got from the hospital, making sure you have a firm hold on them before letting go. 

“I’m not gonna break, Steve,” you say. As if his concern doesn’t make you feel all warm inside.

“I know,” he’s biting the inside of his cheek. Anxious. Not looking at you at first, then staring like there was no other choice. “So, are you? Hungry?”

“I don’t know. Not really.”

“When was the last time you ate?”

He takes your silence as a bad sign.

“I”ll make something for you,” he says.

“Steve-”

But he’s already moving on to the kitchen, towards the fridge and the cabinets. He knows where everything is.

You half walk, half limp towards him with the help of the crutches. He watches your every movement from the corner of his eyes, trying to be subtle — but failing. He looks like he’s experiencing physical pain just from seeing you hurt.

“You don’t have to do this.”

“Sit down and rest. Please?” Steve indicates a chair nearby, hands quickly sorting through everything you have in the kitchen — not much other than a bunch of ramen and a few carrots, he notices, defeated. And worried. How are you even alive eating like this?

He’ll lecture you about that later. Maybe he can even convince you to let him go grocery shopping for you.

Steve settles on a canned soup he finds stored in the back of the cabinet after checking if it’s not expired. He is halfway through warming it up when he glances over his shoulder and catches you staring back at him.

An eternity seems to pass between the moment your eyes meet and when you open your mouth and say, not particularly thinking it through before doing so, “I heard you had a date tonight.”

He’s taken by surprise, that much is clear. “I…Who said that?”

“Dustin.”

Steve rolls his eyes, turning his back on the soup once he’s sure it’s safe to leave it on its own. “Of course he did.”

“It’s okay,” you say. And it should be.

He’s silent for a moment. Then he sits down across from you, leaning back on the chair with his arms crossed. So close yet so far. 

“Is it?” he asks.

“Of course.” No, it’s not.

His proximity is suddenly suffocating, his gaze suddenly heavy. Your eyes prickle and you’re not sure why.

“It smells good,” you stand up, not bothering, or remembering to, grab the crutches as you start for the stove, not one bit interested in the soup but pretending to be so. 

Steve is up in no time. Which is good, because you trip almost immediately, and his hands on your waist are the only thing keeping you from falling over unceremoniously.

But now he’s close. Closer than before. Closer than he’s been for the last few months you’ve spent apart.

“Careful,” he says, not moving an inch.

Your traitorous, traitorous eyes end up on his lips. You don’t want to get away from him, but you must. 

And yet, you don’t move.

Then, unexpectedly, almost unintentionally, he lets out, “You know none of these dates will ever lead anywhere, right?”

You’re not entirely sure you’re breathing now.

“Why not?”

“Because,” he whispers, taking his time, “they’re not you.”

Or maybe you’re breathing too fast. Is there such a thing? Suffocating on too much oxygen?

Maybe more like on too much love.

“Steve,” you mumble. He leans down, closer, the sound of his name on your lips pulling him in. 

Then….

“We broke up.”

“No,” he says, lips brushing against yours as he speaks. “You broke up with me.”

He tilts his head to the side, too close, and your breath catches in your throat. 

“Steve.”

His voice is nothing but a whisper, “I miss you.”

Your lips part. You wanna reply I miss you too, so much, but you’re breathing each other, his hands now hugging you tighter, closer, more desperate, and there’s a voice in your head saying you should probably remember why you broke up with him on the first place.

So you do.

“I can’t do this. We can’t do this. You’re…”

You step back, not half as gracious as you’d hoped, but still — out of his reach. He lets you. No resistance, arms falling back to his sides.

His eyes tell a different story, though.

“I’m not the one you’re missing,” you say, your own eyes prickling with tears. “Not really.”

“Y/N-”

“I don’t wanna be your second choice, okay? I won’t.”

“You were never my second choice!”

He sighs; licks his lips, runs a hand through his hair. Steve’s a mess; he wants the words, the right words this time, but he feels like he can’t think straight, like you’re slipping through his fingers once again.

It’s complicated. Everything is so complicated. 

He wants to make it simple.

He takes your hands in his; gentle, familiar, comforting. Your touch anchors him, his thoughts, his feelings — here, where he wants to be.

“There was never even a choice to make, Y/N,” he brings your hand to his chest, movement gentle, and places it over his heart; carefully, in no rush, finding the exact spot where you can actually feel his heart beating under your palm. 

For you.

Maybe he’s being cheesy, he thinks. But he's helpless; Steve couldn’t care less if he does.

“It has always, always been you, from the moment we met, this heart has been nothing but yours, all yours, Y/N. And even if you don’t want it- even if-” he gives your hand a gentle squeeze, eyes wandering everywhere as he tries to grasp the words once again. “I was yours long before I had the guts to let you know. I'd rather be here eating canned soup with you then anywhere else with anyone else.”

[dolldefiler]

Update, update, update.

This is long and boring so feel free to skip this :)

Hello, hello, everyone. I've got a couple of things to throw out there so let's begin with some good news. I joined Tumblr on 23rd January and it's almost been a month now. In that time, I've received a fair number of followers and notes which is pretty crazy (I don't know why the new followers != total followers). Considering the themes I write around, I figured I'd primarily get a bunch of hate mail (which I have, but the love I've received has drowned that out), so thank you!

I did also pop up a Ko-fi link on my bio briefly. Someone sent me some money (thank you btw) and then I took it down because I felt bad. There are definitely more charitable causes in the world than some guy who writes out his fantasies. Never mind, I've received a bunch of DMs and asks telling me to keep it up (which is crazy to me because why would you give anyone money for content when you can consume it for free). I'll pop it back up when I feel like I've written enough to justify it, which I think is a suitable compromise.

Now onto the bad news. I've been away for a few days and my upload speed will continue to be slow for the foreseeable future. It is a little difficult to juggle acting like a rapist online when you're getting brutally raped by constant university deadlines. I'll still post, but probably not at the rate I was going at before... Unless I decide I want to procrastinate my work.

Also, regarding DMs and Asks, I'll rewrite those sections in my intro post because I've come back to about 100 additional asks in 3 days, and a slightly smaller number of DMs. If I don't answer you, it's not because I hate you, I'm just hella busy.

Onto the issue of hate mail and whatnot, I completely expected it so I have nothing to say about it (besides, if you're reading this, I expect you're probably not going to turn around a call me a vile piece of shit for whom medieval torture methods should exclusively be brought back into fashion). That being said, I've talked to a close friend and the concept of potentially adding content warnings and the such to my work came up. I've developed my writing through talking to people and posting comments on Reddit, so I've never felt the need to add these, and I figured tagging my work would work just as well. Is this something you'd like me to do going forward? I'll add a poll.

And finally, to wrap up, here's my to-do list for this blog:

Add coloured text to old posts (and new posts going forward)

Potentially add content warnings

Hopefully pluck up the effort to edit my work

And that's about it. Sorry for yapping so much. Thank you for sticking around. Much love. Big hugs. I'll catch you later, alligator. Byeeeee.

[aidaronan]

✨Fic Writing Review 2023✨

Tagged by the incomparable @greatunironic and my beloved @wynnyfryd.

Words and Fics

58, 889 words published on ao3

Plus at least 14,975 or so words of unpublished things that are started and incomplete.

At least 30 new ideas and/or WIPs.

8 published fics on ao3 + some new additions to the drabble/ficlet collection + many tumblr fics/microfics

One completed collab with @sparkle-fiend and one collab (two really) with @sparklyslug in the works

Two monsterfucker fics influenced by the Steddie FanExpo NoLa crew and getting crossfaded as fuck in the French Quarter after meeting Guiseppe Quintilliano.

Top 3 by kudos

Cassiopeia, Orion, Bootes (aka he was a gator boi) Like I Always Do (post-starcourt hurt comfort) Nothing Hurts (Like Your Mouth) (oops! all monsters. vamp eddie and were steve banging in a mausoleum)

Fandom Events in 2023

Lex's Spicy Six Spring Fanworks Challenge

Multiple @steddiemicrofic challenges: read here.

Upcoming Projects

Two Stranger Things Reverse Big Bang fics. Hilariously, neither of them are Steddie as the main pairing, but I think at least one is likely to hit novella length. I can't say a lot due to secrecy, but I feel safe saying one is a gen fic and one is f/f.

One tiny baker!steve/rockstar!eddie collab with @sparklyslug, hopefully out this holiday season.

One bigger collab with @sparklyslug in the spring if we keep our enthusiasm together long enough.

Will keep trying to plug away at the witches fic. I have, admittedly, lost some enthusiasm for them but I do know where the story is going. If you love this one, please be loud at me but in a non-demanding way lmao. I need you.

Two Fandom Trumps Hate fills of at least 10k for @withacapitalp and my dearest, Andi.

Eddie Bio project.

???Who Knows??? But there will probably be monstercock involved.

Some personal chat, rules, and tags under the cut.

Doing some oversharing because I'm starting to think it's vital that we all are honest about our struggles so we don't feel alone and so we know we're not failures. We're just people.

It's been a low production year for me. It's been a difficult year in general, but sometimes change is hard even when it's change you need.

Over half my year was eaten up with job hunting, moving, and trying to adjust while feeling the depressive effects of not having a local friend/support network yet or enough money for whatever the fuck the economy is, esp in this area relative to my salary. A good deal of my body of works for 2023 were written pre-move. Hell, a good deal of them were written in the first quarter. (Which, btw, shout out to anyone else who often feels a bittersweet sort of regret at not being productive in the current internet environment where you feel like you're old news if you can't keep up an unsustainable output. I love you, same, it's prob not true anyway, and here are 200 forehead kisses. <33) All of that said, I'm feeling much better lately. I've been reading again. Writing again. Feeling like I'm living again. I'm looking forward to another arbitrary border of time and on filling that border with joy, especially queer joy and weird joy and the intersection of both of those. As they say: let's fucking gooo.

I still love it here. I know steddie won't be forever for me, just like other ships before them weren't forever for me. But I'm having fun and have been really enjoying some of the connections made in this little sandbox.

On that note:

Rules: Feel free to show whatever stats you have. Only want to show Ao3 stats? Rock on. Want to include some quantitative info instead of stats? Please do this. Want to change how yours is presented? Absolutely do that. Would rather eat glass than do this? Please do eat glass, I’ve heard it’s good for your gums. Tagging, even though I know some people have already been tagged: @sparklyslug, @wormdebut, @banannabethchase, @just-my-latest-hyperfixation @messessentialist @rainbow-nerdss @plutosrose @thefreakandthehair and anyone else. @ everyone who keeps this fandom rippin' and roarin', kissing you, kissing you, kissing you

[sukunasdirtylaugh]

Becoming Enemies with Gojo Satoru (BEEF Series)

(JJK SPOILERS BELOW)

description: mentions of recent jjk spoilers, gojo unsealing. this post was originally going to center around my girl shoko because what did our girl go through??? and also I added the reader as a sort of moral support for her and since she's a caring friend she sort of ends up having some 'beef' with gojo (maybe I should call it that).

additional tags: slow burn (series), enemies to friends to lovers, future mentions of mental health struggles (not in this chapter), and witty conversations to come.

warnings: mentions of drinking and smoking. Enemies to friends in this post. idk what this is btw, it's like a mix of head cannons and a story so enjoy!

Becoming enemies with gojo satoru starts before meeting him. It starts in the manifestations appearing in Shoko’s face. The bags under her eyes, the slight change of mood, and the new cigarette box you spy from the corner of your eye. 

Becoming enemies with gojo satoru feels justified, reasonable to hold dislike at the world’s strongest when a fellow friend of his dwells in the past, in stress of bringing him back. You assume if he was this bad of a friend, then surely he’d be a terrible partner. 

You grow to resent the man. 

Becoming enemies with gojo satoru leaves your stomach with an unsettling feeling. You mentally throw profanities at the man while you pick up Shoko from the bar, nudging her to get some rest. Her hair is disheveled and you begin to worry if she’s emotionally in the now or then. 

It doesn’t matter as long as he returns, she says that drunken night. He has to return. 

You worry if she’s doing it for her sake. 

Becoming enemies with gojo satoru has altered your concept of time, you feel as though you’ve spent years hating the man burdening your friend. 

“We’ve found a book,” shoko tells you one night, “It might work.”

Becoming enemies with gojo satoru means that you’re not there for him. You’re not there when he’s unsealed. You’re not there when he defeats Sukuna or Kenjaku; you’re a busy woman with an occupied schedule working alongside Shoko. If no one has, you have made it your personal goal to stick beside her. Even as much as she may grumble, you know deep down she appreciates you. 

And you wouldn’t have it any other way. 

Becoming enemies with gojo satoru has centered your life. You hear daily news in the jujutsu world that the man has been acquainted with a young man who is believed to be immune to something (you don’t pay enough mind). “There’s still a chance for you to get out of this world,” Shoko informs you one sunday night, “Being a jujutsu sorcerer can bring you pain, so it’s not too late if you wanna call it quits.” 

You lean forward and squeeze the hand of your friend. 

“I’m not leaving you in any world.” 

Becoming enemies with gojo satoru comes with the luxury of not having to think about him for a few days now, until you walk in on him and Shoko conversing inside a patient room. Your friend calls your name, “This is Gojo. Gojo, this is my friend and colleague.”

It takes more effort than you’d like to admit to smile and shake his hand. “Pleased to meet the pretty lady.” The white haired man grins, “Let me guess, you also cheated your way through med-school?”

You wished your hand were made of fire. 

Becoming enemies with gojo satoru makes you raise your guard. He has been visiting Shoko’s lab for a few days now, and while you won’t ask Shoko why, you hope he’ll leave soon. His face is starting to tire you and his height makes you wonder if he could really lift you. His hands seemed strong enough. 

Maybe it was best to consider a vacation. 

Or a date. 

Becoming enemies with gojo satoru is harder than you’d like to admit. You think this one late night. The lab was busy and paperwork needed to be filled, so you offered Shoko you’d stay to finish. 

“Hey!” a long hand waves, calling your name. “You’re Shoko’s friend. What are you doing here late at night?”

You feel yourself deflate, great.

“I’m going home,” you answer coldly, hoping that he’d get the message to leave you alone. 

He doesn’t. 

Becoming enemies with gojo satoru turns to tolerating his presence, including his jokes.

“Do you normally get out of work in these ungodly hours?” you ask, enough for the man to know you’re not happy with his presence. 

“You mean cursed-ly hours.” he laughs to himself as if it were the funniest thing to have crawled out of his mouth, “but not always. You see, curses linger during specific hours of the day, generally defined by their grade level. So you can have a grade 1 curse one night, and a special grade for another.”

It was like you were being schooled first grade math. 

“Uh huh,” you nod, not really impressed by what he had to say, “So what grade did you get this time?”

He grins, “Special grade.”

Oh. 

 “So you made it back in one piece.” you say, half sarcastically, motioning to him with your eyes.

The sorcerer beside you is quick to use the scan you give him to his advantage. Yup, all arms and limbs intact. Pity. 

“Why?” he asks, teasingly. “Wanted to check me out?”

“Absolutely not.” 

“Then… why are you blushing?”

“I’m wearing blush, idiot.”

[mysterious-moonstruck-musings]

This is not me over here watching y’all collectively lose your shit over the latest Destiny & Deliverance chapter drop. 😈🤣

For real though… thanks for all the positive feedback and love! It was a rough chapter for us all and we still have a ways to go for our happy ending. We will get there though!

Also, big thanks to the Anons that submitted asks. If you missed my responses to those, check them out here. I threw in some details you all might be interested in.

Don’t forget to check out the fic extras for additional insight on Dieter and Talia. The new series Deconstructing Dieter Bravo launched with this latest chapter. There is a lot of good stuff to come with that!

I wanted to say welcome to all of my new readers! I got some comments from new folks this time around. Or maybe they were lurkers that finally made themselves known? Either way, welcome to the party. I invite you all to join our in depth discussions. I also welcome predictions and theories. They give me life. It’s a good way to get extra teasers out of me too. 😉

For Tonight’s Discussion….

@for-a-longlongtime (best beta ever btw 💜) and I were discussing earlier, is this chapter more devastating than the mom trauma chapter? More shocking than Talia deleting Dieter’s number?

How far have I gone on the angst meter? I need to judge how far off the edge I’m about to push y’all. 👀🥴

Tag List: @rhoorl @bitchwitch1981 @readingiskeepingmegoing @runningmom94 @for-a-longlongtime @hisandsnakes @chaoticfestninja @survivingandenduring @partyofone3413 @cakipy-blog @titlee78 @poodlebae @guelyury

Let me know in the comments below if you would like to be added to the tag list.

[yourfavoritewitchbitch]

okayy. i’ve had some time to process badge bunny, lol.

they need to have babies asap (which you know from my reblog from @listenupneutrogena

i feel like a chapter of his proposal would be a great addition to this story with some amazing ass smut (which you write beautifully), but it’s ultimately up to you since you’re the author 💜

i don’t want this series to end, lol. i’m incredibly glad i came across it in one of the gator tags, hahaa

this series has made me fall in love with a side of gator i wish they explored a little in the show

i lost my train of thought, hahaa. will come back if i have more, lol

gator and bunny for ever 💜

Jess! You're so incredibly sweet! 😘

1. Babies will come probably sooner rather than later once these two finally settle down... 😂 Not trying to give anything away... 🤭

2. I think you read my mind! The proposal is currently in the works!

3. I'm not quite ready to let them go either, so you are definitely getting more of them!

4. Gator may not have gotten his happy ending in the show, but I sure as hell will give him one! He deserved better!

BTW ILY for this! ❤️

[ansxit]

Witches, Curses, Dream Lords Oh My!

[Morpheus x Reader (Howl's Moving Castle Au)]

a/n} AAAAAA OH MY GOD YOUR GUYS' SUPPORT IS LITERALLY AMAZING I LOVE ALL OF YOUR NOTES THEY MAKE MY DAY !!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️ ((Btw, just comment if you want to be part of a tag list for this series!))

(Also!! Please reblog + like!! It would really mean a lot to me !! <3)

- In a world with witches and wizards, one the most feared and skilled of them all is a loner by the name of The Sandman

TW] Implications of low-self esteem, Verbal Harassment, The act of digging nails into someone's wrists

~Chapter One~

You were sitting at your desk, gently sewing together some additional touches of a line of hats the shop wanted to sell for the oncoming season. Humming softly to the music box that lay open beside you, you reached to grab another pin while the afternoon train came rolling down the tracks. Black clouds trailed behind it, momentarily shading the window in the lobby. You paused, waiting for it to pass until you continued your work, and started humming again.

“Oh! Y/n didn’t you hear the clock chime?” Your manager stood in the doorway, holding her jacket and gloves. “You don’t have to keep working, why don’t you come out to the festival with us?”

“I'm alright, thank you though,” You smiled at her and held up one of the hats. “I just want to finish the rest of these pieces, besides, I have plans to visit Johanna this afternoon.”

She put a hand on her heart and sighed.

“You two are sweet, Y/n. Alright, let me know if you need anything! Make sure you tell her I said hello.” You nodded and she walked out to the waiting girls in the lobby.

“Do you see it?” One of the girls in the other room exclaimed, and you leaned back in your chair to see them all looking out of the long window.“There! Just beyond the clouds!”

“See what?” Another girl asked.

“The Sandman’s castle! Oh, I wonder if he's visiting town for the parade!”

“You don’t think he's really back in the Wastes again?” A younger girl asked. She nervously wrung the hems of her sleeves. “You've heard the stories, he tore out a young woman’s heart last time- who knows what he did to it afterwards!”

“Well you won't have to worry about that,” The first girl’s smile turned into a snicker. “He only steals the hearts of pretty girls~”

“Hey! That's not nice!”

You stood up and rolled your eyes, moving to close your door when a different girl exclaimed,

“No! There’s his palace!” And against your better judgment, you turned to look outside as well.

A puff of white smoke shot out of the castle; if you could even call it that. It looked more like a village on legs, with decaying trees clinging on to what little leaves they had left. It creaked on rusty hinges as it moved further up the mountains, and when the fog finally caught it— it was gone again. Royal planes zipped by, waving the bright pink and yellow colors of your country. They hovered where the castle just was for a few heartbeats, until carrying on with the patrols.

“He's just a coward.” The first girl rolled her eyes. “He's been on the run from the King for how long?”

“Girls!” Your manager called from the door. “Let’s go!”

The other girls giggled as they walked away, already moving their focus to the festival they were celebrating. A strange, compelling, feeling kept you in a daze as you stared after the long gone palace. If you stared hard enough, you thought you could still hear the whining of the machinery behind the clouds. Your heart tugged wildly and you stumbled out of your reverie, bracing a hand against your doorframe to keep from falling over.

A handful of breathing exercises helped to calm you down. You had never had such a reaction to the Sandman’s castle before, but then again, it had never been so close to the town before, it typically liked to walk itself along the mountains or distant plains to make quicker getaways.

When your heart finally stilled, you sat back down and tried to ignore the trembling in your hands. But working couldn't do you any good, you've already completed most of the hats, and anytime you tried to pick up your needle, you would only drop it again.

The finished hats stared back at you as you rested your head in your hands, boredom and nervousness gnawing at the ends of your brain. The town outside was bustling, everyone getting ready for the big celebration that was the Spring Festival. With a determined sigh, you stood up, dusted off your dress, and gathered your personal belongings.

-

“The city is much more alive than I thought.” You commented to yourself, narrowly avoiding the carriages as the square filled with pedestrians and soldiers. Most areas would soon become blocked off for the parade that should be happening in just fifteen minutes. So everyone that had procrastinated was trying to get to where they needed to be for the best view of the festivities.

You noticed the bus that was headed north of the town rang its boarding bell, and you jogged to catch up before it took off. Its compartment was packed full of people, so you just held the outside railing to keep from falling out. Ten minutes later, you got off and looked down at the bakery’s address, and started walking towards its direction.

Several cars honked at you as you traversed through the road, and the brightly colored flags being waved by the marching guards caught your attention. The parade through the Wastes should be starting at any minute. You thought about the large crowd of people and cringed, deciding to take a detour through the alleyways to avoid the insanity of the Spring Festival.

You looked down at the address again, trying to mentally figure out how many more turns you had to take to make it out to the main road again. Some shuffling caught your attention, and you realized you had almost run into a pair of guards.

“Why Hello– It seems like a lovely lady lost her way,” The blond guard commented, leaning in closer than you would have preferred. His friend took notice of you as well, a dangerous smile growing across his face.

“Oh, I'm not lost, so if you'll excuse me–” The brunet guard blocked the other side of the alleyway, slyly leaning against the rifle he held.

“What's the rush, why don’t we take you for a drink first?”

“No thank you.” You tried to be firm, but it felt like you had done nothing more than whisper by how quickly they laughed at your statement.

“I told you, you always end up scaring all the pretty ones.” The blond teased his friend. “I think it's the ugly whiskers you've got growing out of your nose.”

“I think I prefer her more scared than shy.” He purred and he and his friend stepped closer. Your heart was hammering out of your chest and you were ready to turn around and run when a pair of footsteps sounded behind you.

“Sorry I took so long, I was looking everywhere for you, my dear.” A cold hand pressed against the small of your back and a towering figure leaned over your shoulder. “I see you’ve found some new friends…”

“Back off, buddy.” The blond guard challenged, and the brunet puffed up his chest. “We’re busy here.”

“Is that so?” The black haired stranger smiled. “I could've sworn you were both leaving.” With his left hand, he tossed some dust onto their shoes, and to your shock– the guards stood up straight and began marching away from the two of you in unison, exclamations of their surprise going with them.

“What.. what did you do to them?” You stammered, watching the two guards walk out into the parade and then vanished into the crowds.

“They’ll be fine,” He dismissed, and he withdrew his hand— you’d forgotten he was even holding you— and then held his arm out to you. “Where are you headed? I’ll escort you in case they come back.” You glanced at his arm before looking up at his face. He was… certainly handsome. Wispy dark hair floated around him as if he were suspended in water, and we wore an oversized black jacket that could fit the skies within them. Below that was a white poet’s shirt, and a red ruby hung from his neck, somehow glinting in the shadowed alleyway. His jaw was chiseled and his lips were strung into a light smile.

“Oh, uh, thank you. I'm headed to Cesari’s. The new bakery that's downtown?” Your face grew hot as he leaned in closer to whisper into your ear.

“I don’t mean to alarm you but I'm being followed. Just try to act natural.” He didn't entirely back away from you as he started walking, still remaining close enough that you could feel the cold chill of his entire body. Despite your circumstance, you felt pleasantly warmed by his presence.

You gripped his arm just a little tighter when you passed other people in the alleyway that you wouldn't normally expect to see. A creeping feeling of anxiousness arose when a particularly well-dressed couple stopped when you passed them; and suddenly turned around and began following you.

“My apologies, it looks like you’re involved now.” The stranger held your arm closer to his side, suddenly taking off at a much faster pace, attempting to outrun whoever was behind you. As you both darted through the twisting maze of the Waste’s alleyways, you noticed a whole group of people blocking your way out. Bile rose in your throat as they all grinned, and then you noticed a black void where their eyes should have been. “Hold onto me,” Your black-haired savior commanded, and you barely had enough time to react before he jumped into the air, well above the walls that lined the alleyways, and even further above the buildings standing next to them.

You shut your eyes, expecting to plummet back towards the ground for a sickening death. “Johanna is going to kill me for dying.” You thought sadly. But the brutal impact never came. Gentle laughter came from beside you, and a small wave of embarrassment washed around you.

“You can open your eyes, it’s safe up here.” The stranger laughed, and your sheepish emotions transformed in shock as you realized you were floating over the town below. “Now you just straighten your legs, and start walking.” And just as he said, you began walking through the air as though on invisible platforms. He adjusted your grip on your arm to hold both of your hands instead, and he leaned his head over your shoulder. His wispy hair tickled your skin and your face flushed as he leaned against your neck. “You’re perfect at this, my dear.”

You noticed the bustling city below you, they looked like little ants from the height you were walking at. There was a slow descent and the two of you stepped in unison onto the spire of the town hall. You noticed a familiar sign above a quaint building with red shingles.

“Down there,” You motioned with your hand. “That's Cesari’s.” Your savior nodded and pulled back, simply deciding to hold just your left hand as he led you to the balcony. You'd be lying if you said you didn’t miss his closeness already. The thump echoed as you landed, and he held your elbows to steady you as you remember what it felt to be under gravity again. After he was certain you wouldn’t fall, his grip changed back.

“I’ll lead them away from here, just stay put so they don’t follow you.” He still held your hands, and you had a feeling he was not keen on letting go. You both didn’t blink as he leaned just a little closer, and you swore at this proximity, he could hear how fast your heart was beating. You glanced down at his lips, and then back up to meet his gaze; And oh gods how did you just now notice his eyes.

They were a beautiful, deep black, reflecting the light as though they were made out of glass. You felt as if he were gazing into your soul, pinning down all of the characteristics of yourself and laying them for the world to see. A ring of white danced around his iris, and you felt as if he held twin stars within them. Your brain short circuited for just a moment, and only then you realized he was still waiting for you to respond.

“Okay,” You whispered, worried any more words would ruin the trance you both appeared to be stuck in. Barely a moment had passed but it felt like just enough to last you a lifetime, and then maybe another infinite amount of years.

“That's my girl.” He winked and with the flourish of sand, he vanished– so quickly and without a trace it left you wondering if you'd dreamt the whole thing.

-

“Y/n L/n!” A commanding voice shouted across the hall from you as a ball of protective fury ran towards you. A hint of fear shook you as Johanna tumbled into you, grabbing your hands and pulling you into a bone-crushing hug. You went to lean into it, but all too soon the Constantine was gripping your shoulders and staring you down. “Someone just told me you floated down onto the balcony, for the love of anything holy, tell me it isn't true.”

“So I didn’t imagine it then, did I?” You pondered aloud, glancing back out of the window. It was no use, he was gone with the crowds, but your heart behaved as though he were still breathing right next to you. Johanna pinched the bridge of her nose and you looked back at her.

“Johanna!” A friendly male voice called, “You could use my office, if you’d like.” Her shoulders tightened just slightly, You assumed it was to hide her discomfort, and she gave him her best customer service smile.

“No thanks, I should really get back to work.” You both made eye contact again and she just barely managed to not roll her eyes. She grabbed your hand and led you to the basement of the restaurant. Workers were busy lifting heavy boxes and lugging around equipment, but most of them still turned to smile at Johanna. She would always give one back, but it quickly fell away when they looked away.

“You are so lucky to be alive right now, Y/n.” She finally said when they were in a quiet area. “That man was obviously a wizard, and if he was the Sandman--”

“But he was kind, and polite.” You argued absentmindedly. The mysterious man just couldn't leave our mind, and you still felt the ghostly feel of his hands along your back and wrists. A pleasant chill cascaded down your spine. “He rescued me, Johanna.”

“Okay… and if he were the Sandman he would’ve taken your heart and; Oh I don't know, eaten it?!” She rubbed her forehead and pinned you down with a stern gaze. “You have to be more careful, you know, they say even the Corinthian is on the hunt again. I can’t bear to have anything bad happen to you.”

“I'll be okay, besides– the Sandman only takes the hearts of pretty girls, so I don’t have to worry about that.”

“Y/n I swear on our King’s name if I hear you speak like that about yourself again—”

Her rant was cut short when a familiar coworker of Johanna’s peaked her curly-haired head through the doorway.

“Jo? The cakes have finished,” She wore long plastic gloves, and her tan skin was dusted with flour. You also noticed some dessert batter caked into her apron. “And, the patrons miss you, of course. Oh, Hey Y/n!”

You waved at her and Johanna rolled her eyes playfully.

“I'll be there in just a minute, Rach. Try not to lose any customers while I’m gone.” Rachel snorted and leaned against the doorframe.

“It’s a miracle we don’t lose them with your oh-so wonderful customer service. But I guess I’ll manage; I’ll see you around, Y/n.” And she slunk back into the kitchens, out of sight.

Johanna stared where she stood for an extra few minutes when you stood up and dusted off your clothes.

“Alright, I didn’t mean to keep you for so long, I just wanted to say hello.” Johanna looked back at you and sighed deeply. You both walked out through the back door and she stopped you before you could fully take off.

“Y/n, do you really want to spend your life in that dusty hatter’s shop? You could move in with Rachel and I, she loves you– she won’t mind,”

“It was very important to my parents, Jo, you know this. Besides, I’m doing just fine on my own.” You tried to slink your hands out of hers, but her grip was too strong.

“I know, but is it really what you want to do?” You wilted under her gaze and gently pulled your hands out of her grasp. This time she let you. “It’s your life, maybe it’s time you stuck up for yourself and lived it. Or maybe just stuck up for yourself in general.” She added dryly. A flare of embarrassment riled up inside you, but you managed to control it before you started shouting at her.

“I’ll see you around, Jo.” You said shortly, and without even a hug goodbye, you turned your back to her and started walking home.

Her words had genuinely meant a lot, (and hurt a lot more than you would like to admit.) They always did whenever she commented about the life you led. She was your best friend, most of the time you would even consider her your sister. But her concern in your personal matters felt invasive at times, and you just wanted to prove you could handle an adult life on your own.

As you boarded the bus back to the upper side of town, you pondered her words a little more. She always had your best interest in heart, you know this, and a part of you felt horrible for being so short with her. But a small voice still nagged at the back of your mind, one that whispered she needed to mind her own business; that you could handle it. You fiddled with the seams of your sleeve and you continued to think about it all the way back home.

-

A sigh of relief left you as you finally entered the shop, lighting the candles and locking the door. You had just put your jacket and hat up when you heard the door open, and a young man in a light brown jacket entered the store. His dark sunglasses reflected the low firelight, and you wondered why he would need them at this time of night. He glanced around briefly before turning his full attention onto you.

“Excuse me, sir.” You tensed as you turned to face him. “But we are currently closed– our hours are on the sign out front.” You were absolutely certain you locked the door behind you, but waved it off. It had been a long day, you probably just forgot about it on your way in.

“I have to give him credit,” the stranger disregarded your remark, slid his hands into his pockets and examined the many displayed hats. “Dream always managed to surround himself with pretty things.” Your fists clenched at his comment, wondering who he could ever be talking about.

“Pardon, who is Dream?” You questioned him, but he didn't elaborate, just kept smiling. Remembering what Johanna had said, you gathered your courage, and briskly moved past him to open the door.

“Well, I’m sorry sir, but we are closed. So if you’ll please exit the premises, or I will alert the authorities.” His grin sickeningly widened more, and he reached up to take off his sunglasses.

“Standing up to the Corinthian~ Now that takes guts, Ma’am.” Fear crashed against your back in tidal waves and you moved to run out of the shop, but the eyeless zombies from earlier were blocking the way. You turned back, but he was already a hair-length away from you. A scream escaped your mouth as he grabbed your wrist, blunt nails digging into the skin, and the smell of burning flesh wafted through the air until it was the only thing you could smell. With what little courage you had left, you went to stare him in the eye– but whatever air was left in your lungs dissipated as you stared into two more bloody sets of teeth where his eyes should have been.

An agonizing, searing pain flowed throughout your body, and you fell to the floor, convulsing as the dark magic diffused through your bloodstream.

“My regards to the Sandman,” He smiled wide, showing off all six rows of teeth, and then he was gone— locking the door behind him.

-

(Please reblog + like!! It would really mean a lot to me !! <3)

[funmalibmillie]

I channeled my inner Deku to do this fake analysis on Mineta Minoru for my bakudeku fanfic: Ripple. My background in reporting and research came in handy! Note: All of the text here is a false analysis I made up for this character and visual drawing of said character is not mine! The text is not canon! Made for funsies!

Ripple (67489 words) by MaliBMillie Chapters: 10/15-Liplocked & Shellshocked Fandom: 僕のヒーローアカデミア | Boku no Hero Academia | My Hero Academia (Anime & Manga) Rating: Mature Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence Relationships: Bakugou Katsuki/Midoriya Izuku, Bakugou Katsuki & Midoriya Izuku, Midoriya Izuku/Shindou You, Kaminari Denki/Shinsou Hitoshi, Ashido Mina/Kirishima Eijirou, Jirou Kyouka/Yaoyorozu Momo, Aizawa Shouta | Eraserhead/Yamada Hizashi | Present Mic, Aoyama Yuuga/Mineta Minoru, Midoriya Inko/Yagi Toshinori | All Might, Bakugou Masaru/Bakugou Mitsuki Characters: Bakugou Katsuki, Midoriya Izuku, Kaminari Denki, Kirishima Eijirou, Ashido Mina, Jirou Kyouka, Sero Hanta, Original Characters, Shindou You, Shinsou Hitoshi, Yamada Hizashi | Present Mic, Yaoyorozu Momo, Class 1-A (My Hero Academia), Midoriya Inko, Bakugou Katsuki's Parents, Yagi Toshinori | All Might, Bakugou Mitsuki, Bakugou Masaru Additional Tags: Endgame Bakugou Katsuki/Midoriya Izuku, Pro Hero Midoriya Izuku, Pro Hero Bakugou Katsuki, Alternate Universe - Pro Heroes (My Hero Academia), Aged-Up Bakugou Katsuki, Aged-Up Midoriya Izuku, Bakugou Katsuki is Bad at Feelings, Bakugou Katsuki Swears A Lot, Pining Bakugou Katsuki, Canon-Typical Violence, BAMF Midoriya Izuku, BAMF Bakugou Katsuki, Midoriya Izuku is a Ray of Sunshine, They are gay your honor, Jealous Bakugou Katsuki, Angst and Feels, Fluff and Angst, Post-Graduation, Post-War, Bakugou Katsuki is a Dork, Bakusquad (My Hero Academia), Jirou Kyouka is in the Bakusquad, Bakusquad Being Idiots (My Hero Academia), Let Midoriya Izuku Swear, Shinsou Hitoshi is a Good Friend, Bakugou Katsuki Needs a Hug, Characters Are Pro Heroes (My Hero Academia), Aged-Up Character(s), Soft Bakugou Katsuki, Confident Midoriya Izuku, New Year's Eve, Bakugou Katsuki Loves Midoriya Izuku, Midoriya Izuku Loves Bakugou Katsuki, Midoriya Izuku Has One for All Quirk, Midoriya Izuku Needs A Hug, Regretful Bakugou Katsuki, Time Travel, Alternate Universe - Time Travel, Protective Bakugou Mitsuki, Good Parent Bakugou Mitsuki, Good Parent Bakugou Masaru, Angst and Romance, Angst and Humor, Idiots in Love, Temporary Character Death, Bakugou Katsuki-centric Summary: When a New Years Party ends in tragedy and he fails to win Izuku from Shindo, Katsuki Bakugo falls into despair. However, an unexpected stranger? with a quirk called “Ripple” comes along and gives him the chance of a lifetime: three days to change the past. Will the explosive blonde succeed or will the Symbol of Victory lose…again? NOTE: Entire Story is mostly completed until Chapter 9. I had WAY too much fun getting these images together for this fanfic. Thankful for Canva, that’s for sure! BTW, images provided are mostly made on my Canva Account, but any picture involving fanart of the MHA characters are NOT mine. When I know the artist, I make sure to credit them. If I have the wrong artist or am missing giving them the appropriate credit, please message me.

[intrinsicepiphany]

Okay Hazbin Hotel fanfic creators.... We have to talk.

Please for the LOVE of all that is good Learn to Tag! 😭

I know tagging can be hard to learn. Im still learning about tags in this app (btw let me know if I need to add tags to this post or any of my posts)

This is a Big pet peeve of mine that I can ussually ignore but I have never seen it as bad as this Fandom.

Here is the thing team. Just because the couple appears in a few lines in your 7 chapter story doesnt mean you need to main-tag the relationship. This is particularly bad for the Charlie/Vaggie tag.

There are additional tags you can use instead such as "background <insert couple>" or "established <insert couple>"

The primary relationship tags are typically only used for relationships that are predominately part of the story or have a direct impact. Just because charlie appears doesnt mean her relationship tag needs to appear.

Also if you intend to break a couple up in like the first 5 paragraphs just tag it "past <insert couple>" or "<insert couple> breakup"

I just went in to the Charlie/Vaggie AO3 tag and nearly the whole first page is everything BUT charlie/vaggie fics.

Like I get it as a cannon couple if you are writing say an Adam/Lucifer fic or a Huskerdust fic then Charlie/Vaggie will probably be a couple in this fic but you dont have to tag them as a main ship unless their relationship impacts the story. Tag them in additional tags instead.

Its great you want to tag so people are aware but the thing is if everyone tags everything using tags to filter becomes Useless.

Im also pretty sure this isnt the only tag that is crowded with over-tagging.

Here are some resources if you have questions about tagging

And this one is users referencing common tagging methods and common rules most writers apply.

[raleighcarrera]

anTiquity thursday

thanks for tagging me miss jade @zigtheeortega !! sorry it’s not a twc wip but i already posted my last abandoned mason fic KJFDGHJKFDHG

anyway this is great because i actually was working on a follow-up fic in my colt x mc kings & queens series but i lost interest in it. so here’s the first 2,000 words

tagging​ @pixeljazzy​ in case u would also like to dredge up any old wips

(g.uns / s.hooting tw btw)

***

“Here,” Colt said, passing the empty beer bottle in his hand over to Jamie, inclining his head across the back lot, “Bring that over there.”

Jamie eyed the low wall with trepidation. “Not while she’s shooting like that,” he said fairly.

Colt rolled his eyes at him, taking the bottle back. “I’ll do it,” he sighed, pushing to his feet with a groan. “Go get me a new one.”

Ellie didn’t hear him as he made the short trek across to where she was standing, legs planted hip-width apart. Silently, he watched her for a moment, her dainty hands curled confidently around the gun she was firing, one shot after another after another. The bullets pinged off the wall, the last shot that rang out only grazing the beer bottle she was aiming at – lightly enough to rattle it, so that the bottle fell over on its own and shattered against the cement.

Ellie huffed in annoyance, lowering her arm. Spent shell casings tumbled to the floor. “Fuck,” she said, miserably.

Colt leaned into her field of vision, then, neatly depositing his empty beer bottle where the old one had been. “C’mon, reload,” he urged, miming with his hands in case Ellie couldn’t hear him over the ear plugs she had in, “You’ve got this.”

She did, and he moved back around to stand behind her, arms sliding around hers until Colt’s fingers gripped Ellie’s on the gun, her back pressed snugly against his chest. As her shoulders tilted, the light caught the diamond on her left ring finger just right, her engagement ring sparkling in the sun.

Nine carats, just like she’d asked for. He didn’t know why he’d ever bothered arguing about it in the first place.

“You’re aiming too high,” Colt murmured into her ear, gently lowering her arms a few inches. “And you have to hold steady, or it’ll go wide. Lock your elbows.”

She did. His index finger tapped hers, encouraging Ellie to pull the trigger.

Bang. The shot was a dead hit; the Corona bottle shattered to pieces, tumbling backwards over the wall.

He smiled as Ellie turned around with a scowl of annoyance. “You’re such a show-off,” she said, thumbing the safety back on and handing the gun over to him.

Colt shrugged, his obnoxious grin widening. “What?” he asked, “You looked good. You almost had it.”

“Don’t patronize me, I’ll knee you in the dick,” Ellie mumbled, bouncing up onto her toes for a kiss. Colt obliged her with a laugh, catching her chin in his free hand.

With Jamie gone, they were alone in the back lot – the people working on putting the pool in weren’t around today, so there was no one to stare as she slipped her manicured hands into the back pockets of his jeans.

His eyes lingered on the low neckline of Ellie’s tank top when she pulled away. Colt let his hand drop to her shoulder, then pressed his thumb into the dip at the base of her throat, dancing his fingers down over her collarbone.

“I want to bite this,” he said lowly. “Are you done yet?”

Ellie hummed interestedly. “Yes,” she answered, “But – I need you to come with me tonight.”

Colt felt his brows knit together as he tried to envision the paper calendar in their shared office and what might’ve been written on it. If there was work or a meeting on Ellie’s mind, it had completely slipped his. “Tonight?”

Ellie stared back at him, unimpressed. “To the florist.”

Right. Sometimes he sort of forgot that, in addition to everything else on his plate, he was partially helping plan the wedding of the century, at least in Ellie’s mind.

“I knew that,” he insisted, smiling charmingly at his fiancée. “Because we obviously have a lot to talk to her –”

“Him,” Ellie corrected, though she looked amused.

“—him about,” Colt finished, without missing a beat. “On account of how you really want that… roses… arch, for the ceremony.”

Ellie paused for a too-long moment, but he didn’t waver, even if he was sweating on the inside. Finally, she said, “I guess you do listen, sometimes.”

“Baby, I hang on your every word,” Colt declared, emboldened by his victory, letting his arm curl around her shoulders. “How could you even think I’d forget about the florist?”

Jamie came back with his beer just as Ellie opened her mouth – presumably to tell him to shut up – the look on his face unsure as he handed it over. “There’s someone here to see you.”

Colt traded him the gun for it, shrugging carelessly. “Do they have an appointment?”

Jamie’s eyes darted back and forth between them, as though he was about to deliver a piece of unpleasant news. “It’s Logan.”

He felt Ellie still beside him. Colt sighed, then handed the full beer bottle back to Jamie and took the gun from his hands.

“Relax,” he said, as Ellie shot him a look, tucking it into the waistband of his jeans, “I’m not going to use it.”

“Did he say what he wanted?” Ellie asked Jamie, ignoring him. Colt folded his arms across his chest, gritting his teeth.

Probably, he had some fucking problem he wanted their help with. Probably, it would involve monopolizing all of Ellie’s time. Probably, he was going to give her those pathetic, sad, wobbly wide eyes until she agreed to do whatever he wanted, and he’d be stuck standing to the side, watching –

Her hand found his back pocket again. Ellie patted his ass twice, and Colt sighed, letting the anger deflate from his shoulders like a popped balloon.

It was kind of annoying, how effortlessly she could read him. But he knew Ellie was probably right and he was probably wrong. Probably, everything was going to be nothing like it had been the last time the three of them were together.

Hopefully, whatever Logan wanted wouldn’t take very long at all.

“When’s Raven supposed to be back?” he asked abruptly, squinting up at the sun.

Jamie winced. “Not for another two hours. You guys want back up?”

“No,” Ellie snorted, “Logan’s harmless. This is just… bizarre. We’ll handle it.”

If she was rattled by the thought of seeing him, Colt couldn’t tell. Ellie’s face was smooth and free from emotion as the two of them walked inside, placid like she always was whenever they had a role to play. If he didn’t know any better, Colt might think they were out at a party or taking a meeting in a club, instead of at the shop – the one place where neither of them usually bothered with pretense.

Part of him had expected Jamie to be wrong, somehow. Just the name Logan felt like a ghost’s, and Colt had figured it was impossible for him to be back now, or at all, when it had been so long. But sure enough, as they emerged onto the shop floor, there he was, as broad-shouldered and dimply as ever, boyish face at odds with the frame of a man as old as they were.

His eyes looked even older, like the years since Ellie’s high school graduation had been harder on him than the two of them. Jesus – it had been almost a decade, after all. Seeing him standing there made Colt feel all the years at once, and they felt like a lifetime.

“Hey,” he said, apropos of nothing. Logan nodded at him, then looked over at Ellie. “Cool space.”

“What the fuck are you doing here?” Colt asked.

Ellie smacked his stomach with the back of her hand. “It’s good to see you,” she said, more politely. “I… God, it’s been so long. How are you? How’ve you been?”

Colt bit his tongue. Did she have to sound so interested?

Logan lifted his arm and ran his hand through his hair. The stilted way he half stepped forward and then stopped made Colt wonder if he’d wanted to hug Ellie and thought better of it at the last moment. “Good, I guess. I’ve been in Detroit, mostly, but – I mean, you guys could probably guess that I need your help.”

Of course. Privately, Colt thought he had some nerve showing up and asking for a favor, and half a mind to tell him so. They had managed just fine on their own. They hadn’t called in any IOUs from any of his old friends, even though he’d wanted to, sometimes, when things were particularly hard and everything felt so unfair.

“We’re listening,” Colt said, doing his best to sound bored.

“Well, I – shit, did you guys get married?” Logan was bug-eyed, staring at the giant engagement ring on Ellie’s hand.

“Not yet,” she answered, before Colt could snap at him, his razor-thin patience bending precariously. Of course Logan had managed to push all the right buttons. There were few things Ellie loved more than showing off. She held out her hand obligingly and Logan stepped forward, dipping his head for a better look.

“Wow,” Logan laughed. Colt closed his eyes to stop them from rolling back into his skull. He searched his brain for a list of reasons not to throw a punch and came up empty, bar the irritating thought of swollen knuckles and Ellie’s disapproving frown. He supposed those were deterring enough.

“We do actually have shit to do today,” he said, “If you don’t mind.”

Logan blinked, pulling back abruptly. “Right.” He cleared his throat. “Well, there’s no easy way to say this. I need to steal a car.”

Neither of them moved, and he knew Ellie was wondering the same thing he was. Where was the catch?

As the silence stretched on between them, Logan winced. “From a museum,” he continued slowly. “Under police surveillance.”

Beside him, Ellie tensed almost imperceptibly. Colt hoped he was wrong about why. Still, he asked, “The NHRA?”

“That’s the one,” Logan said cheerfully. “You guys probably heard about the –”

“Exhibit on loan from the National Museum in France, yeah,” Ellie interjected. “What do you want with it?”

Logan’s eyes darted to the floor. He shifted his feet awkwardly. “I’m in debt,” he admitted, “I owe a guy. And in two days they’re gonna move the car he wants off the main floor and into storage until the guys from Europe come and pick everything back up. So my window’s closing. And – look, I really want to do this without anyone getting hurt.”

He looked meaningfully at Ellie, who glanced away. Colt bit back a sudden, violent urge to insist that Logan never look at her that way, or try to make her feel fucking guilty about something she had nothing to do with.

Logan stared evenly back as Colt glared at him. He seemed unsurprised that they all knew what no one was saying.

But Delaney kept tabs on every single cop in the city, so of course he knew that Ellie’s father was working the museum. Even if he hadn’t already known, it was no surprise. Detective Wheeler seemed to show up on every case that might have something to do with cars or the daughter he’d so desperately tried to control. Over the last few years, they’d gotten pretty good at navigating around him.

Ellie’s fingers dug into his side just as Colt opened his mouth to tell Logan to fuck off and die. He cut her a look out of the corner of his eye. “What’s in it for us?” she asked levelly.

Logan’s eyebrows lifted. He looked at Ellie in surprise. “Seriously? You guys don’t think you owe me one?”

Colt shot Ellie another look, doing his best to convey that he was at the very precipice of his boiling point. Did they fucking think they owed him one? He had to be kidding.

Please, Colt begged with his eyebrows, Let me punch him. Just a little bit.

Ellie rolled her eyes. “I don’t see how.”

Colt exhaled, folding his arms across his chest.

[insomniac-jay]

Back Breaker [Roysophia]

Synopsis: Roy likes the fact that Sophia can crush him a little bit too much.

Additional tags: I have got to start writing Sophia speaking Spanish and Egyptian more, Dick talks out the side of his neck, based off a headcanon, Sophia is wearing the Meg Thee Stallion Nike bodysuit btw

@punkeropercyjackson @mayameanderings

"Roy, what the actual fuck is wrong with you?"

"I don't know what you're talking about. I'm perfectly fine."

Dick shook his head while the other Titans either looked on with concern or expressed their own disbelief. Roy was a tough guy--slashed, shot, stabbed. You name it, he's been through it. Criminals often expressed having a hard time keeping him down. But this, this was something else.

Here he was sitting up in a hospital bed with a broken ribcage, smiling like he couldn't have lost his life if someone didn't get him there in time.

"I think you need an intervention," Donna commented.

"I don't see what the big deal is." Roy shrugged. "We were just training."

Dick pinched the bridge of his nose. "Roy, you know Sophia's stronger than you by a lot, right? So what the hell makes it a good idea to let her crush your ribcage?!"

That's how the trouble began.

As a warrior, Sophia had to make sure she was always in peak condition. Weekends were spent training when friends didn't make plans. Though she didn't subscribe to the human concept of a diet. Too restrictive for her tastes.

She was seemingly too busy powerlifting to notice Roy stroll into the gym.

Not that he minded. It gave him a chance to get a look at her body. And thanks to that new bodysuit she bought, seeing her in action was even more of a spectacle.

Her muscular legs glistened with sweat the more she lifted along with a firm, strong back on display with how form fitting the bodysuit was. Behind was amazing and no doubt the front would be just as great.

Roy was amazed at how stacked Sophia was underneath the armor. All that heavy armor and weapons and shields hid that amazing body from him and everyone else who came across her when she was Angeknight. Roy's seen his fair share of muscular women but none were like Sophia.

Whoever was responsible for giving Sophia her genes, whether it be the Angels or the Amazons, he had to thank them.

"Hola, guapo. Is there anything I can help you with?" Sophia set down the barbell, letting out a powerful thump. "Or have you just come to watch?"

Roy was right about the front. It was incredible. The black bodysuit really brought out now only her muscles, but her curves as well.

"Actually, there is something you can help me with."

Sophia raised an eyebrow.

"Oh? And what's that?"

Sophia could feel Roy's heart beat fast as she wrapped her arms around him in a bear hug. Apparently he wanted to know just how strong her grip was; and to be honest, she did too. There was a reason she had to get unbreakable toys as a child. Of course she knew why he really asked her to do this, but kept that to herself.

Roy, on the other hand, was giddy as all hell. His biggest dream was coming true.

"Ready, Sophie?"

"Of course, eashqi."

When the others heard very audible bone cracking, they raced to the gym to see just what the commotion was.

And that's what led up to now.

"Did you even try to escape?" Garth asked.

"Nope. Why would I when I can just sit back and let her work her magic." Roy sounded so proud of himself, and he was. Hopefully Sophia wasn't taking this too hard. Maybe she'd be up to do it again at another time. "At least you have a right to speak on it, Garth. Unlike a certain someone."

Dick narrowed his eyes. "Roy-"

"How many times have you ended up in the hospital because Kory manhandled you, huh?"

After some more talking with his teammates, they left. Roy was now even more free to be proud of his actions. Almost an hour later, there was another knock at the door.

"Roy?"

Sophia's voice.

"Come in, babe."

Sophia walked in and took a seat beside his bed. She always looked gorgeous even in civilian wear. Sophia rested her hand on top of his, rubbing a few of his knuckles.

"Looking hot." Roy was glad she came to see him since he was starting to miss her. And with them alone, it would be more intimate.

"Thank you. Did I fulfill your wish?"

"Fuck yeah."