#neal don't come back

[firebirdsdaughter]

So bc I saw a post and I’m paranoid/self conscious…

… Allow me to explain what I mean about Peter (and Neal) being out of character in s5.

A lot of it is tone—Peter just feels more dismissive and indifferent of Neal than even in the first season. It’s like their relationship went backwards a bit, or that he feels more like Kramer? I dunno exactly how to describe, but there’s scenes where just something missing and he’s too harsh and detached and it feels like it’s forced. Like he just doesn’t feel like he’s taking Neal’s feelings as seriously as he usually does. He’s not the same type of gruff fatherly as before. He’ll just suddenly start treating Neal like just an asset or something. As for the whole forged evidence/bribing thing, though… It’s not him being upset that’s out of character. Of course he’s upset, and angry, and conflicted. That first argument is beautifully painful, bc of course Neal refuses to back down, and that moment where he just holds out his hands to let Peter arrest him… Gah. Peter’s always been very by the book, and while he’s bent those rules and covered for Neal… It’s never been something like this. Never case tampering. This is serious. This could come back to bite them years down the road. So of course he’s mad, especially bc it was for him. He’s been trying to keep Neal out of crime, and now here’s the kid committing it for him. What’s ooc to me, is him telling Neal he did it bc he’s ‘just a criminal.’ That’s not my Peter Burke. My Peter would ask for space as he tries to decide how he feels/what to do. As he tries to reconcile w/ himself what has happened. ‘I know you did this for me and that’s why it’s so upsetting.’ But never that. It’s just a blatant example of Peter being forced to treat Neal worse to ‘justify’ Neal’s bratty behaviour.

Which brings me to Neal—oh my gods is he a whiny brat in s5. I hate the way he treats Peter like Peter is deliberately holding out on him and acts all righteous bc Peter… Won’t let him do whatever he wants. If Neal were distancing himself from Peter bc of his father, that’d be one thing, but every time he starts whining about Peter not magically producing the results he wants, or starts going on about how he should just be allowed to take shit ‘bc it’s there’ like an entitled brat… I just wanna smack him. I feel like he also regresses to just wanting the cheap thrill of taking things, when it feels like a more realistic progression for his character would be finding more moral, less self centred reasons to do so. Neal realising that Peter’s fighting a losing battle for him w. the FBI and risking his own job, Neal seeing how horribly tortured Peter is by his action in getting him out. After the discovery about his father, I’d believe Neal seeing the negative impacts of his presence in his loved one’s lives a whole lot more than the positives. I can see him falling into the trap of thinking he can’t change and he’s just hurting the people around him, trying to take matters into his own hands not bc he’s throwing a hissy fit that Peter can’t magically make other people do things, but bc he’s actually considering others and realises what kind of issues lobbying for him has caused Peter and El and everyone else.

There’s plenty of opportunity for drama and tension w/out forcing them both to be jerks to each other. Like I made a post about what I think a better course would have been Neal considering other people for once and how his actions effect them—Neal realising that his philosophies are actively hurting the people around him, and being in a such a bad place he doesn’t realise that they’re okay weathering it to have him around. I will go down w/ the ship that there’s a missed opportunity in killing off Warren Cole and not having Neal start to think about how easily that could have happened to Peter bc of him. There’s still good moments, absolutely, I can name several, like Peter being protective of Neal when there’s a sniper, or when Neal is shot by the sniper, but periodically, both Neal and Peter suddenly start being shallow jerks bc the writers are rushing and looking for conflict. And that’s not right to me.

[omegalomania]

the full apple music interview with zane lowe is out! we got snippets of it when love from the other side dropped, but they finally rolled out the full thing. here are some highlights that stood out to me :)

patrick describes pete's lyrics as what gets him out of bed in the morning. if pete doesn't send him lyrics, he doesn't write a song.

andy and pete used to draw fake snake tattoos on each other using magic markers as kids omg?

so evidently patrick was the one who got covid during hella mega tour. and he hated it and he was miserable and that's when he called neal avron about the new record lmao

patrick says that joe was hesitant at first and he was the one who said that for this record he wanted to make something that they could all savor and spend time on and patrick was immediately on board with that

pete says patrick's job is to interpret him because pete calls his mentality a "little bit off" but patrick is capable of understanding him and translating it

patrick describes his and pete's creative relationship as "twin speak." it's not linear and it's like living in his brain a little bit. he calls it the "weirdest thing i've ever seen" when pete can just Tell that some words that patrick adjusted weren't ones he wrote despite not remembering writing them. patrick says he's gotten better at connective tissue and knowing how pete would say things

pete: back in the day patrick was like, "what's the difference between cry and weep i will KILL YOU. THEY'RE THE SAME THING. I'M GONNA KILL YOU RIGHT NOW."

zane says patrick's vocals are next level for this album. pete agrees that he kills it on this album and said he never would've expected that voice coming from him when they first met. zane says patrick could sing a recipe and it would be good. he then passes patrick a recipe and patrick. sings it???

patrick: i'm not gonna belt it. (starts belting) NINE INCH PIE PLATE ROLLING PIN

patrick says that pete doesn't mean to have rhythm to his words but there's a rhythm to them all the same and patrick can find this syncopation in his words and thinks it's amazing

more talking about patrick and pete's Magical Mystical Transcendent Soul Bond. patrick says "if we were one guy, we'd be an INCREDIBLE DUDE"

patrick and pete say that interviews with all four of them are hard because it's chaos and everyone's talking at once but it all makes perfect sense to them and no one else. zane says that sounds like fun flkjdfd [i agree please do this more it's a joy]

pete says joe really stepped up and wrote a lot for this record!

patrick: "joe is kind of a conundrum because he's this really talented...he's a brilliant writer, a brilliant player, but pete and i became the "team" and it wasn't really a plan, but that's just kind of how it happened. [brief tangent about the hiatus] we come back from the thing and joe is this fully-formed writer with a very distinct - he has one of the most distinctive writing voices. when i hear his parts, when i hear his ideas, i could pick them out of a crowd. like i know the way joe writes, and it's VERY joe." part of the process with post-hiatus was integrating him into the writing process more.

discussing the hiatus and fame and pete says his life kind of "blew up" and took it pretty hard. apparently during production for folie paparazzi actually broke down the gate to neal avron's house

patrick goes on a big tangent about how bad things got during the height of pete's fame. "part of my role is to tell his story. i'm a composer. that's what i like to do. i work on movies, i work on shows, and i work on pete. pete has a story that needs music, and if he's removed from himself, if he's not even able to access himself because he's behind all of this stuff, i don't have a story! so not only did i not have my buddy, which was heartbreaking in its own way, but then i also don't have a purpose as an artist."

patrick says that andy is always ready to play but when you get him happy to play, it's another level

"and trohman, there were these moments where he...he got so excited."

patrick describes writing what a time to be alive as wanting to write the saddest, most desperate song you could hear at a wedding. pete bursts into laughter and calls it "so twisted"

talking about other endeavors outside the band - patrick talks about composing and said joe's been super busy with his book and writing for tv and because there are so many deadlines for stuff like that, it's what hammered home to him that fall out boy needs to not be that. "there's something special about this that can't be...this has to be passionate and art."

discussing how scared patrick was of his own voice while the band took off. patrick was really scared of the song saturday at first because there are some really exposed vocal moments. he describes saturday as a song where everyone in the band lets each other go for it.

zane calls fall out boy the "emo blueprint" and says they were unapologetic in being emotional. patrick immediately says, "that was pete. i don't think we could've done that without him." he and joe were basically kids and patrick was too anxious to talk on stage.

zane says, "i remember interviewing you in the early days and i felt like every time i asked you a question i was bullying you." pete IMMEDIATELY loses his shit.

"in another life where i didn't have a pete...cause saturday, i did write most of that by myself...so there's a world where that song exists without the band. there's no world where i sing it in front of people without pete."

pete says every night before they put out a new song he calls patrick up and gets really scared and wants to back out and patrick talks him down every time

they talk about how scary it was when arm's race released and performing it at the amas. patrick starts laughing rly hard as they get into how there were giant crickets on stage and the crowd was just stone-faced and utterly nonresponsive and their stage manager was utterly panicked

towards the end patrick really loosens up and starts swearing more dlkfjdfd

[luvstarss]

Family Dinner

ReaderxJJ

Warnings:None!Fluff :)

This one is a long one so buckle up!

"I'm really not sure about this" JJ says turning to me with a worried look on his face "Jay there gonna love you" I reassure him as I quickly take my eyes off the road and look over to see him biting his lips which is something he did when he was nervous. "I promise," I say as I use one hand to hold his."I don't know," he says nervously

"If u need to leave we can but we have to go in at least okay?" I say with a reassuring smile "Mhm" he mumbles in response.My parents were having a family dinner, so they invited JJ as they wanted to meet him, and he was nervous. really nervous.We pull up at my house in the Twinkie that John B had lent us for the night. "home sweet home" I say as we both jump out of the van and walk up to the front porch

"JJ relax it’s gonna be fine I promise baby"I say softly as I give him a soft kiss. he nods as I open the front door "Mom I'm here!" I shout as my little sister comes running up to me "Lia!" I shout as I pick her up and hug her tightly "Hi!" she squeals wrapping her arms around my shoulders and burying her face in my neck.

"Lia I want you to meet JJ"I say with a smile as she lifts her face up and looks at the boy next to me "Oooo" she says and starts making kissy noises. Me and JJ both let out a laugh as I put her down and she goes running off. "Dad!" I shout him into the living room as we go and sit down on my couch. I slowly grab JJ's hand as my dad walks into the living room. I feel him tense up "You must be JJ!" my dad says with a smile as JJ stands up and shakes my dad's hand "You hungry?" my dad asks as he sits on the couch opposite us.

"Yeah starving" jj says with an awkward laugh as he sits back down next to me. "Well good to meet u JJ I'm gonna go help in the kitchen," he says with a smile as he goes back into the kitchen "See it's fine," I say reassuringly as I rub circles on jj back "Yeah your dad seems nice" JJ replies with a smile. Before I can reply Lia comes running in with her crayons and paper "What you drawing Lee?" I ask "Me and JJ," She says bluntly "Oh you are now are you?" I say as I look at JJ with a smile and then back at her.

"Yep," she says as she starts scribbling on the paper with different colours. "I think she might like you," I say to JJ with a laugh "Just a bit," he says returning a toothy smile " I really appreciate you coming," I say softly "Of course," he says in the same soft tone as I give him a small kiss on the lips "Ew!" my sister shouts as she stands up with the paper in her hand and hands it to JJ

"Why thank you," he says as he looks on the paper to see a scribble of her and JJ with hearts around the page. Lia lets out a giggle and runs into the other room "Wow cam I think you have some competition" JJ jokes "Yeah yeah" I laugh My mom walks into the living room "Sorry about not coming in sooner!”Hi I’m her mom Melanie" she says as JJ stands up to greet her but my mom just pulls him into a hug. After a few seconds, they both pull away with a smile.

"Thank you for the invite by the way it means the world"JJ says as my mom sits down in the same spot my dad sat previously and JJ sat back down next to me. "It's my pleasure I've never seen Canm so happy," she says with a serious look "Mom stop ur embarrassing me" I reply as my face goes red.

"Well I think Lia likes me even more than your daughter does," jj says to my mom with a laugh as he passes her the drawing. My mom looks down at It and laughs "God she isn't half a hand full" my mom says shaking her head. "Dinners almost ready if u guys don't mind would u guys set the table?" my mom asks her eyes flickering between me and JJ "Yeah of course" he replies. I let out a groan as he pulls me off the couch and into the kitchen. We both start making the table as my sister sprints into the kitchen

"JJ JJ!" she shouts whilst pulling on JJ's arm "What's up Lee?" he asks softly as he neals down to talk to her. my heart immediately melts. "Can u come and help me draw please please pleaseeee" she begs whilst still pulling on his arm "Go on its fine ill finish setting the table"I say with a smile as he gets dragged back into the living room by Lia "Sooo" my mom begins "Sooo" I repeat with a grin "he's a cute one" my mom says returning the grin "yeahhhhh" I reply.

I finish setting the table and look into the living room. I see j sitting cross-legged on the floor helping my sister draw a picture.

At that moment I knew.

My mom comes up behind me and rests her chin on my shoulder "You love him don't you" she says "I think I do" I say softly "Hes a good one keep him close" my mom replies with a smile " Thats if Lia doesn't steal him from you" she adds with a giggle "mhm" I laugh "Alright well go get him and your sister dinners ready" she says giving me a kiss on the cheek as she goes back to putting food on the table. "I see you guys are having fun," I say walking over to them.

"Can close ur eyes!" my sister says "Quick cover them!" she adds as ij puts his hands over my eyes. "Hello to you guys too," I say confused. "Wait here!" my sister shouts as I hear her run off and come back. She gives JJ the okay to let me open my eyes "Well I don't know what u guys are plotting but dinners ready" I say as I help jj up and we walk into the kitchen "Smells amazing Melanie!" JJ says as we all sit down at the table

"Thankyou JJ but please call me mel" She laughs We all begin eating "So how did u and JJ meet?" my dad asks as he puts another mouthful of food in his mouth.

"Well you know how I work at the surf shop? well, jj is really good at surfing so he would buy supplies at the shop then you know we started hanging out" I say with an obvious smile painted on my face as I turn to him as I see the same grin on his face.

"Aww JJ do u work?" my mom asks "Not fully at the moment but I help Cam at the surf shop a lot and I fix cars here and there" he replies as he has a mouthful of his food. JJ places his hand on my thigh as my sister begins "JJ can we show Cam our drawing after dinner?" she says across the table "Yeah of course" he replies with a smile "You guys made me a drawing?" I ask

"Yep we did," jj says with a nod as he turns me witha grin "Your sister is quite the little artist" he adds "Mhm" Lia agrees with a proud nod. We finish off our food and we all go and sit in the living room. Obviously, JJ sits next to me and My mom and dad sit on the couch opposite us whilst my sister runs off and comes back with a piece of paper.

She looks at JJ for a second "Go on give it to her Lee" and with that Lia comes up to us and hands me the paper “why Thankyou”I say as I look down at it to see a picture of her me and jj all holding hands "awww I love it lee" I say in awe as I pick her up and hug her tightly.

After a moment she pulls away and just sits on my lap facing me "I wanna see the drawing!" my mom says as JJ hands her and my dad the paper. They both let out a laugh and give the paper back to JJ "Me and Lee make quite the team don't we" JJ smiles as he gives Lia a high five.

"Im starting to think you like Lia more than me," I say jokingly with a smile as I put her down "Well I meannnn" JJ jokes as I slap him on the shoulder lightly "You're a good man JJ your old man raised you right," my dad says. my heart drops. jj stiffens in his seat. I grab his hand and rub my thumb against it.JJ just smiles awkwardly and shuffles in his seat.

"Well me and JJ better get going we're meeting our friends later," I say with a smile at my parents as we both stand up. "Of course, it's been lovely meeting you JJ," My mom says hugging him once again "Good meeting you too," he says with a smile "You're a good lad JJ," my dad says shaking his hand "Bye JJ!" Lia shouts running up to him as he bends down and hugs her “Bye Lee!”JJ says to the little girl as he stands back up.

"Youll have to babysit her one day with JJ" my mother says to me with a grin "I think she might like that" I say with a laugh "Alright love you guys ill see you guys later," I say as I open the door and go to leave "Love u guys thank you for dinner!" JJ shouts with a smirk. We both laugh as I jump in the passenger seat and jj drives "Well they really like you," I say with a giggle. “

Im glad I was so nervous" he responds with an awkward laugh "I knew they'd love you," I say with a smile "Your sister certainly does," he says turning to me with a smile on his face. "You know I'd love to babysit ur sister sometime you know? like your mom said" JJ says climbing into bed as I join him putting my head on his bare chest as he plays with my hair "Id like that.My heart literally melted when I saw you helping her draw" I say looking up at him

"Really?" he says showing that mesmerising toothy smile "I love ur smile you know" I say out of the blue as I look at him in awe "you do?" he questions his face scrunching up"I really do" I say with a serious look on my face "well I happen to like your smile as well" he says pulling me up and kissing me.

I let out a giggle as I prop my chin on his chest and continue to look up at him "You know me and my mom were talking about you "I say "You were? Oh no what did I do wrong?" he says a worried look painted on his face "No, it's good I promise. I was watching you and Lia play and i realised" i pause for a minute

"i love you JJ" i say my breath heavy it's not like we weren't serious of anything but this is the first time i'd ever said i love you. "I love you too baby" JJ replies as he kisses my forehead.

[cevansbaby-dove]

Your feeling sick so Andy cares for you

Pairing:Husband!Andy barber X Wife!Reader.

Warnings: none that I know of just fluff.

You woke up to a stabbing pain in your lower stomach. You groaned sitting up in bed. You felt hot too, you slowly get out of bed and check your phone and see you were early for your period.

God okay that sucks. You thought as you walked into the bathroom to get ready for the day, you husband Andy was out already it seemed. so you just grab one of his shirts and leggings after putting a pad on.

You walked out into the bedroom and hear a buzz from your phone. You picked it up and see that Andy texted you.

Andy-Good morning honey I had a case around six so I left early today, I will be home around noon. I love you wifey 😘

You just sent a thumbs up and walked into the hall and walked into the kitchen. You gasp softly feeling the pain get worse.

You grab the medicine and pop them into your mouth and then chase it down with water, you didn't dare have coffee knowing it doesn't help you at all the first two days.

You sat at the counter feeling your head pounding "great timing Aunt flow!" You groaned then hear your phone buzz you looked and saw Andy texted yet again.

Andy-Mrs Barber what's with just a thumbs up with my text? everything ok?

Y/N- I'm sorry honey aunt flow came early so I feel so bad right now, :(I love you.

Andy- Do you need me to be home early? I can bring over some soup and we can cuddle in bed...I can talk to Neal about it. 🥺

Y/N- Really Hon i'm ok I took some ibuprofen for it just now I should be fine.

Andy- Y/N now I won't be able to work my mind will be on you...i'm leaving now be home in five.

You smiled softly, You two have been married for three months and since you two got married he has always been there for during times like this.

You sip on your water when you hear a car park and Andy shuts the door. You turn and hear him walk in. "Hey baby" He walks over lightly rubbing your shoulder. "I got your favorite soup why not sit in bed ok? I can grab your blanket and your laptop and we can watch your rom-coms. Ok?"

You smiled at his touch. "hmm ok ok" he kisses your head and says. "let me warm up the soup then I'll get you into bed."

He walks around the counter and grab a pot to get your soup on. "you didn't have to come back babe i'm ok here alone"

Andy says as he stirs the soup. "Nope I don't let me girl be alone when she's in pain"

He grabs a bowl and says. "be right back" he walks away and sets the bowl on the nightstand then grabs your stuff and sets the bed up and walks back to you and picks you up. "Andy!"

You giggled. "I can walk" He smiles as he walks to the bedroom. "I know but I like to no..I love to spoil my wife"

he sets you on the bed and kisses your head and he gets out of his suit and grabs a grey shirt and gets into shorts and then gets in bed by you.

You look at him. "you really don't mind cute movies I like?" he smiles. "not at all my girl can watch anything i'll just keep you cuddled and happy" he wraps his arms around you as you start a movie and you lean on his chest.

"thank you for coming home baby, I love you so much" he kisses your head. "I love you too"

Tags:@angelbabyyy99 @patzammit @bookishtheaterlover7 @cutedisneygrl @armystay89 @nicoline1998enilocin

[fob4ever]

patrick stump & neal avron on tape notes podcast (12.15.23)

songwriting stuff, demos, lyric process, a bunch of things! they talk about the songs lftos, heaven iowa and smfsd.

long summary under the cut!

talked about how they sat outside “emo” because they leaned more towards hiphop/rnb, but also how they didn’t fit in the “pop” genre too and how they would be put on pop shows and “comparatively it was like slayer was playing” lmao “but we’re still a pop band!”

they experimented with reggae and 90s shoegaze and hardcore during the pandemic

they recorded most of stardust together in neal’s house :D at the beginning it was mostly just neal and patrick working together, at the end of the day everybody would come in to listen

patrick said he got “kinda obsessed” with streamlining pete’s lyrics in the chorus over the past few albums: “pete is very wordy. he has all these ideas that take up a lot of space.” and that their manager sat him down at lunch and said “don't do that. you guys used to ramble. why don't you ramble?” and lftos was the first song patrick put together after that convo

lftos writing process: patrick followed what he was feeling, and most of what he did in that song were things that years spent working in pop music had scared him off on doing.

the “every lover's got a little dagger in their hand” lyric tied it all together for patrick: “[i was] singing that line and EAGERLY emailing neal: listen to this!”

they play a little of the lftos demo (16:55). it's wild. VERY guitar-forward

“neal and i lost most of the demos for [folie a deux].” the burning of the library of alexandria. to me

talks about how the folie demos were infinitely stranger than the final versions, “psychedelic at times”

for stardust, they didn't really keep much of the demo stuff- patrick: “and my demos are pretty decent!”

lftos piano demo (21:35)

patrick: i want some drama. when i look back at our records, our best ones start off with a sense of melodrama

they play individual parts of the lftos instrumentation (31:25), andy's drums, pete's bass, joe's guitar. <3

bridges are patrick's favorite thing to write, because he just gets to play

patrick: "pete doesn't even send lyrics in lyric-form, he just sends words. and it's interesting when you see it- it's almost like one-liner after one-liner. and i'll just get an email of those, and then you kinda have to figure out what thematically goes together, what feels like the same song. but then i also try to keep lyrics together as much as possible, because i feel he's in a place where it does feel like one thought."

"when i read it, there's almost a passive thing where i just imagine what it sounds like to me. and [the lyrics for heaven, iowa] scared me a lot, because it felt kind of sparse, and i don't really like sparse- i don't really like singing by myself. [...] i don't like being so front and center, and i could tell that there was something really intimate about this song, and it was a big challenge for me."

everybody immediately went for the heaven, iowa demo- it's from the first stardust session and it took the longest to complete because patrick wasn't satisfied with just his voice over keys- "it was too naked."

patrick doesn't ask pete about lyrics because: "first off, he will not explain things. but second off, i think there is something to that. where i'll read his lyrics, and i'll interpret it one way, and years later i'll realize it's another way. there's so many double entendres that i've only gotten decades later, i'll be singing and go, 'OH it's a sex thing.'"

patrick really attaches to the story of a lyric, the craft of it, and then years later he'll be like "oh that was a HEAVY lyric. [and] pete must have felt that thing! i don't really question it when i'm writing- it's kindof unfair on him, like, should i check on him?"

heaven iowa instrumental demo/instruments isolated (53:30)

patrick would tell joe to "go nuts" on heaven, iowa!

neal talks about the ambient guitar pedal joe plays during heaven iowa and how it worked really well. patrick says this was the kind of thing that saved (the song).

patrick and andy double drummed at the same time in the studio for heaven iowa! <3

pete told joe to go "full slash" at the end of heaven iowa : )

patrick almost didn't send out the demo for the title track, smfsd! he was almost sure no one was going to like it, even though he liked it. but he sent it out, and it "kept surviving"

both patrick and neal brushed smfsd off because they assumed they "couldn't do that", but pete really pushed for it, which surprised patrick.

so much for stardust demo (1:25:07) patrick plays drums on it, sloppily. which he freely admits to lol. it is quite sloppy indeed

patrick: "i'm a drummer too, but andy and i are very different drummers. and it's very cool translating our things between each other, because he comes from metal (...) and i'm more a funk drummer."

lotsa joe layering in heaven iowa and smfsd : )

it was patrick's idea to do a lyrical callback in lftos/smfsd, and pete was hesitant about it. but patrick pushed for it, becasuse it made sense as "story beats"- "it's like 'empire strikes back'!"

patrick doesn't like to putz around the studio that much, he just wants to be recording something.

patrick: "my routine [during the writing of the album] was just to make it to the studio as on time as i can be- i have adhd, it's very difficult- but i'd be there within 10-15 minutes of when i was supposed to be there, and then we'd just work through it."

patrick's advice: FROM ELTON JOHN: when you find your producer that understands you, stick with them. patrick: "and that was on a record we didn't do with neal, and i remember thinking [makes unsure noises]..." also prioritize in the short-term, what's important. take a step back.

neal's advice: if music is your passion, do it, and do it all the time

patrick was afraid people wouldn't like him "rambling" in songs, even though it was honest and natural to him. he was terrified of doing it again, thinking people wouldn't like it. but people did! "don't subvert yourself too much."

the host asks for them to choose a stardust song to close out the podcast, and patrick chooses what a time to be alive :)

the end

[pleasantlycrazyworld]

I saw you wrote for all three boys during date night and I didn’t know if it was fine to ask for headcannons of them separately with reader. Like what would dating them look like?

It's always okay to ask for that! I love doing headcanons for the boys! Sorry it took so long but I'm back to writing!!! I hope you enjoy it!!!

Billy-

Billy is so rough around the edges but for you, he is a sweetie (I'm such a sucker for that type of love)

He wants you to know he really does love you! So he tries and does whatever he can for you.

Most of the time he shows his love by protecting you and making sure you're safe. This can be shown when you two are at a party, he makes sure you don't over drink and if you leave to go to the bathroom he holds your drink to make sure no one messes with it.

He is a bit over-protective of you and sometimes that can lead to arguments but it does come from a good place. He just doesn't want to lose you.

He calls you his angel because he really views you as an angel that was sent to him

Ever since you two got together he's been less angry, less violent, and more friendly to Max and her friends.

Billy figures out that he's truly in love with you when you find out about his dad. That night he showed up bruised up and when he told you it was because of his dad it took a lot in him to stop you from going over there and making Neal have matching bruises.

His favorite type of date is driving around town with the windows down and once you get to your special spot he pulls out a blanket from the trunk and you just watch the stars. However, he never looks at the stars...he only ever watches you.

Steve-

Spoils you every. single. time. Doesn't matter how

He hates his parents but that doesn't mean he won't use their money to spoil you.

Calls you his princess because he knows you deserve the world and he will give it to you somehow.

He worships you, especially if you've been with him since his king steve era. He knows how awful he was during that time of his life and he can't believe you stayed with him through all of it.

He realizes he is in love with you when you hold him closely after a night terror. He hides his trauma from a lot of people. He's the strong one for so many people and he isn't used to people taking care of him so when he woke up to you waking him up one morning around 2 am he knew that you were the one. You held him close to your chest that night and played with his hair for hours, letting him feel that you were close, that you weren't going anywhere. That night he fell asleep to your heartbeat and finally didn't have any sort of night terror.

His favorite type of date is cooking together! He loves the intimacy and domestic vibes that come from it.

Eddie-

Gets insecure at times. He trusts you but he knows there are other guys who could spoil you more than he can. He doesn't like that he is so much poorer than the others in town, he feels awful when he can't pay for something you want but he knows you both love each other so much so he tries not to focus on it.

Such a sweetie to you! He treats you like a queen because you are to him

He writes songs about you but if you hear them he will deny it all! He says he doesn't do love songs but it's clear he's just a lovesick puppy when it comes to you

You are his baby. He would call you sweetheart but....what if his guitar gets jealous?!?

He realizes he is in love with you when he comes homes one night after Hellfire to see you already there making dinner for Wayne and him. You didn't realize he had arrived since you were talking to Wayne about how his job was going, but it made him realize that you were the one. Anyone who takes time out of their day to not only take care of him but also his old man will forever have his heart.

His favorite type of date is when you come over, order takeout, and just listen to music. He tries and teaches you how to play the guitar and every time you do well he gives you a kiss.

Tagging: @sweet-villain @b-ritney @ghosttownwherenoonegoes @eiightysixbaby @zestychili @livinnadaydream @tiannasfanfic @djkeruigbbygirl @emmyshortcake @bloodthirstybreedingbunny

@bookshelf-dust

If you like please comment, reblog, and even request an idea for me to write!!!

[happilyfeatherafter]

Happilyfeatherafter’s ficrec Fridays

Back back back again, and I don't know guys, I think we should all just totally stab Caesar! Welcome back to a new fortnight of fics that I’ve read and loved recently.

If you want to find more you can see my previous rec lists here!

15 March 2024

Are You Writing From the Heart? by  @luckshiptoshore is now complete!! Congrats Luck! Full disclosure, Luck is one of my very best friends, but that just means I know not only how much of a talented fic writer she is, but also how much of her heart and soul she poured into writing this love letter to queer storytelling, season 4 Destiel as a romcom, meta text (and subtext), and finding out who you really are when society and your upbringing is fighting against you. Castiel is a ghostwriter for L.S. Shore's Supernatural novels about Neal and his brother. Caught in a storytelling rut, Cas finds himself adding the fallen angel character of Bel...what could possible go wrong? Meanwhile at his local writing coffee shop spot, he meets the handsome stranger Dean who is an up and coming standup comedian and Supernatural fanboy. They because firm friends, but that's definitely it because Cas is straight....right?! Following these two dummies as they FAIL TO USE THEIR WORDS is a total joy, as Luck's humorous and emotional writing paired with her eye for detail is so very on point, and I'm so excited more people will finally get to read this story in full.

Baker Six by komodobits because !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cannot tell you how goddamn excited I was to get this email notification and finally be back in 91w world, and to witness these early stages of Dean and Cas' relationship through Dean's eyes at last. This barely needs a rec because it's THEE 91w Dean, but komodobits hasn't missed a beat in getting back inside their heads and I was once again swept away by this iconic love story against the odds. Head the trigger warnings as always, this is truly on the front lines as a medic in a war zone. Baker Six was written for the very good cause of the fandom Palestine fundraiser, in support of the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund. Please donate if you can!

Truth & despair by @shallowseeker was a recent discovery and such a fascinating read! It's set in a post-15x18 verse, but importantly it features a fun Sam narrative perspective that delights in his lens by...being a bit of an unsympathetic oblivious dummy (affectionate). I really appreciate a crunchy Sam characterisation and oooboy does this pay off. Dean is steeped in his grief for Cas, and Sam is oh so concerned. He reaches out to Mia Vallens to understand his own grieving, and that leads to him making a discovery...Dean's memories of Cas' death aren't what he claims happened. With the unwelcome reappearance of Chuck (he lost...didn't he?) and LITERAL sinkholes appearing in the fabric of the universe, can they figure out what's happening to save Cas and save the world? This wip plays with physics, theology and narrative fuckery in such intriguing ways. I can't wait to see how it wraps up in the next two chapters.

The Leap by @friendofcarlotta started reading this one when Tina reshared it on Leap Day...because of course. I'd actually read it before but it more than lived up to the reread. 'Castiel Krushnic is a police officer in Soviet-occupied East Berlin. He is also gay, in a city where that’s a dangerous thing to be. One night, he meets Dean Winchester, a mechanic from the American sector. Their mutual attraction is instant, and a convenient hookup quickly turns into a passionate love affair that defies all rules and expectations.' Meticulously researched, emotional, heartrending and thought provoking. I highly recommend taking the leap on this fic!

See you in two weeks and OMG it's @deancaspinefest time!!!! I'm so excited *clears calendar*

Tag list under the cut - let me know if you'd like to be added to be notified of future recs!

@dean-you-assbutt-cas-loves-you

[pluckyredhead]

hey! if you have time, do you have any recommendations on what comics to read for a good grounding for the arrows? i know you have a roy-specific reading list, but if you have any comics recs for the family in general, or especially mia and connor, i would be forever in ur debt 💜 thanks!!

Sure! Here's a Green Arrow/Arrowfam recs list, with emphasis on Connor and Mia, in chronological order:

Green Lantern/Green Arrow: This has been collected under various names but anything with "Green Lantern/Green Arrow" in there is likely to get you what you're looking for. These are the iconic Hal/Ollie teamup stories from the 70s by Denny O'Neil and Neal Adams (originally published as Green Lantern (1960) #76-87 and #89. Ollie had been around since 1941 but it wasn't until around this time that he really developed into the character we know him as today, and this is a great introduction to that. It also contains "Snowbirds Don't Fly" and "They'll Say It'll Kill Me But They Won't Say When," the two-part Roy addiction storyline; the beginnings of Ollie's relationships with Hal and Dinah; and John Stewart's first appearance. These comics are 50 years old so they are definitely dated in many ways, but they're masterpieces and so, so beautiful to look at.

Green Arrow v1 (1983): This four issue miniseries is hard to find but I love it. It's basically what if Ollie starred in an Agatha Christie novel, and it's so fun.

The Longbow Hunters: The miniseries that created the "modern" Ollie (this was in 1987 but that's still "modern" according to comics historians). Ollie and Dinah relocate to Seattle and deal with several serial killers, including Shado. Great characterization, beautiful art. Content warning for sexual violence and torture.

Green Arrow v2 (1989): Continues on from The Longbow Hunters and runs for 137 issues. The first 80 issues are written by Mike Grell (who wrote and drew The Longbow Hunters) and they're all very solid. If you're just looking for Connor, he is introduced in #0, which comes between #90 and #91 (comics lol); he's a regular character until #100, at which point Ollie dies and Connor becomes the lead for the rest of the book. If you really just want to read about Connor, you can completely skip to #102, which is the first one he stars in properly, and just read from there. He's delightful in them and the art is solid. Content warning in that Connor's globetrotting adventures mean a lot of ethnic stereotypes and orientalism, sadly.

Green Arrow v3 (2001): This is the book where Ollie comes back. It begins with "Quiver" by Kevin Smith and Phil Hester which is my FAVORITE GA book of all time and serves up Arrowfamily in a way it's never been served before: we get Dinah, Roy, Connor, AND this story introduces Mia! This volume unfortunately gets worse as it goes along and by #60 it is hot garbage but I would recommend the following key issues:

#11-15, "Sounds of Violence," in which Connor gets shot and Ollie loves him so so so much.

#32, in which Roy and Connor bond.

#34-39, in which the Arrowfam fights the Riddler and Demons; a very good Mia story.

#43-45, in which Mia is diagnosed as HIV positive and becomes the new Speedy.

Green Arrow v I don't even know anymore, the Rebirth volume (2016): After about a decade of just unreadably horrible comics, this is very much a return to form for Ollie: he's a swashbuckler who is dating Dinah and raging against injustice again, and that's how I like him. It's not a perfect comic but it was such a breath air after so many years of crap.

Green Arrow v who knows (2023): This is the current comic and it is a shot of joy straight to my heart every single month. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

[ace-oreos]

Dar Reads Lady Knight: Ch. 3

Finally back at it! This chapter covers a lot of ground considering it's fairly short, so I will probably have more to say than I did for the first two. As usual, commentary/favorite quotes are below the cut.

Love the Alanna and Neal moment on page 49... the whole "good question, next question" conversation. It would be super cool if we got a little short story of Neal's time as Alanna's squire. I can only imagine what that was like given their personalities.

"He said last night you're a bear for vegetables - Sir Nealan, that is" (pg. 50). Tobe's only been with Kel for a short time and Neal is already teaching him well, haha.

Cleon makes his entrance. I have to be honest, I'm happy with the decision Kel makes re: Cleon. She doesn't feel the same way she once did, and she knows it wouldn't be fair to either of them to try to continue the romance, Cleon's impending marriage aside. I was never a huge fan of Kel/Cleon, but I was glad Kel got to enjoy a healthy relationship while it lasted, considering how some of Alanna's relationships went.

"She didn't want Cleon as a lover now, of that she was sure. There was work to be done. She wanted no lovers until she had settled the Nothing Man's account" (pg 51). Not gonna lie, I really, really like these lines. There is work to be done, and devotion to duty has been the foundation of Kel's philosophy since day one.

I should note that I don't dislike Cleon as a character. He's doing the honorable thing by marrying someone in order to provide for the people he's responsible for as lord of Kennan.

I love the scene when Tobe asks Kel why she's crying, and her explanation: "It's not the war, Tobe. I've been shot at. I can bear it. I'm crying because my friend is unhappy and everything is changing." First of all, relatable. Second, I love the respect that already exists between Tobe and Kel - his first reaction isn't to make fun of her, but to sympathize.

Kel asking Duke Baird how he can still go and do his duty even after seeing the brutality of war firsthand makes me feel things. And his response that all he can do is his best. Ugh. Feels.

Baird asking Kel to keep an eye on Neal if they are assigned to the same post alsdkfj. Kel and Neal friendship 2kforever.

Owen's back! Gotta love Owen. The way he tries to be as formal as Wyldon trained him to be while still being irrepressibly Owen is so funny. What a gremlin.

Poor Kel, being worried that Wyldon doesn't trust her ability as a knight after all. If I were in her position, I'd probably feel the same about the possibility of getting a "safe" assignment. Especially since she knows that people will say she's not cut out to be a knight if she's not out on the front lines.

Kel and Wyldon's dynamic. Amazing. Wyldon has come so far since First Test, and Kel is willing to see that. I think anyone else would hold a grudge against Wyldon for the way he treated Kel if they were in her shoes, but she's willing to see past that.

Kel's going to do her duty if it kills her. This girl. I wish I could properly express what she means to me.

Mistress Fanche makes her entrance when Wyldon is showing Kel the refugees. Considering what she's been through, I don't think it would be fair to dislike her for her attitude.

"[Wyldon]'s happy, she realized, stunned. Training us - that was his duty. But he didn't like it. He's comfortable here, in the dirt and the cold, with people to defend" (pg. 70). I wonder if Kel realizes how similar she and Wyldon are when it comes to duty. She'll do whatever he orders, even if she privately disagrees or dislikes it, but at the end of the day she's happiest when there's hard work to be done.

The Kel and Owen moment at the end of the chapter. Kel's right - Owen is growing up well. They are 100% ride or die, and I am here for it. When Owen says he would do anything to help her, he means it. Kel hasn't had a lot of experience with that so far, what with several of her peers trying to sabotage her during her days as a page, so I imagine Owen's genuine loyalty must mean the world to her.

[tina-mairin-goldstein]

Do you think he was ever in love with Bedelia like he was in love with Will? I ask this because Bedelia says they were both the "brides of Hannibal". But Hannibal never courted her like he did with Will, Bedelia came into Hannibal's life much before Will but he never pursued her like he did with Will.  Mads said he wanted a future with Will unlike with other people he hooked up with Alana, Bedelia or Anthony. He took her to Italy as a consolation prize when Will betrayed him. Even in Italy H was pining about Will all the time and telling Bedelia how much he loves Will.  I know he slept with Bedelia but he probably slept with Anthony too and he slept with Alana, Hannibal is a hedonistic guy who sleeps around. For him  sleeping with someone doesn't mean he is in love with them.  On the other hand he took a bullet for Will, went to prison for years for Will, made a human heart for Will, jumped off a cliff for Will, committed a whole massacre for Will. But when Will confronts Bedelia, she pretends as if Hannibal held them in the same regard which is obviously not true. Hannibal would choose Will over her in a heart beat and even she knows it  but yet she acts as if Hannibal sees them both equally. I don't understand why? 😭 Why do you think?why make herself seem like a competition when she is not?

Hmm, this is a very tricky question! Anon, you might have sent me the same ask twice, since I received two that are worded exactly the same, so if I will be answering both here. Answer is under the cut, because it is LONG.

Though Hannibal wore his 'person suit' around Bedelia, I believe there is a connection between them. Even with the suit on, he allowed her to see many different parts of him, parts no one else got to see. He was gushing about Will to her, before he realized he loved Will. He allowed himself to be vulnerable in ways in front of her, and when he fled after Mizumono, he went to her house. He might have assumed she wasn't coming back, but it wouldn't be a stretch to say he smelled her on Jack or Alana at some point, so he knew she was back. He knew she would return home. I think he took her to Italy so he wouldn't be alone, so there would be someone knew him and had seen behind the veil still with him.

For Hannibal, I think sex is not a 'sacred' thing. In ways, it could be seen as another way of taking part of someone, and I think he views it very casually. Everyone has basic needs, and there's nothing wrong with satisfying those needs. Looking at it that way, while I think he was jealous that Margot got to share that with Will and conceived a child with him, which he could never do with Will, I don't think it totally mattered to him in the end (I believe he never intended for the baby to die, that he told Mason in an attempt to protect Margot, not because he was jealous). After all, he was sleeping with Alana, and I don't think it was to make Will jealous, it was because he had a need and Alana was the best person to satisfy it.

Bedelia is much the same. Unlike the others, he let her see him and she accepted it right away. She didn't need any time to process it and while she ran, she never rejected him. She was his cure for a broken heart. I don't think he actually slept with Anthony (the time shown indicated there might not have been any space for that), I think he might have made out with him, and that was one reason he had to die. Because while he was a Will substitute, in the end he wasn't Will, so Hannibal killed him.

From Bedelia's view point, matters are different. I actually wrote a fic exploring these emotions. I think she believed she could tame Hannibal in some ways. Because she saw him and didn't turn away from what he was, because he let her see him. She could have shot him at any point while he was in her house and been justified in it, but she didn't. She said she was curious, and I think she was, about Hannibal and about herself. When he set Neal Frank on her, she got in touch with the side of herself that wanted to crush the wounded bird. Being with Hannibal allowed her to explore that and, in letting him live and seeing what he would do, live through the darkness in him rather than facing her own. And she taunted him that he wouldn't get to eat her when they parted. She viewed herself as in control, the one that got away. She could have left any point, could have turned him over the authorities any time she pleased, but she didn't. I would say there is no 'love' between them, not in the common definition of the word. There is a connection, but not love in the way the English language can describe.

Will, forever and always, will be Hannibal's great love. He would never take the bullet, go to jail, cause a massacre, or allow himself to be pulled off a cliff by and for anyone else. But Bedelia was the first person to see him and accept him for what he was, so there will always be that connection between them. Bedelia was the first person to be seduced by Hannibal and his darkness. Will was the last. I think Bedelia might have been attracted to Hannibal, might have even thought herself in love with him during their med school days (I think they met then, don't remember, if not, head canon) or at some other point. I think she loves the idea of him, and the darkness he allowed her to touch.

And when Will, the person who would be the one thing she could never be, came up to her and confronted her, she touched that darkness in herself again. She knew he was as dangerous as Hannibal, and she wanted to taunt him. Like I said before, she was the first to be seduced by Hannibal, the first to accept the darkness in him, and that is the one thing Will would never have. It is no small stretch to say that she has a side of Hannibal Will will never, ever have.

I think Bedelia might have wanted someone to love her as Hannibal does Will, maybe wanted Hannibal to love her that way, but he never could, so that could explain the baiting.

They CAN both be viewed as Hannibal's brides. They both got separate sides of him. In the end, Will gets every part of Hannibal, but they both held separate sides of him, and he gave them different sides of themselves. It's not a stretch to say that Bedelia wanted Il Mostro for herself, because he was the only person who allowed her the darkness in herself, whose own darkness was worse. I think she loved the darkness and the danger.

So, in conclusion, I think there is a type of love between Hannibal and Bedelia, but it is far different from what Hannibal has with Will. There will always be that connection between them, and Bedelia will always hang onto it.

Both she and Will are his brides. She was his first, and Will was his last.

I hope this answered your question! This was very hard to answer, and I hope I was able to explain myself well enough.

[mingisdoll]

Alternative Remedies

Includes: gn!witch!reader, idol!fwb!San, cursing, yelling, a teeny bit of violence, mentions of stress, angst with a fluffy ending? cockwarming, size kink, homeboy is playing with your ass a lot lol

@newworldnet

Thank you to @bunnliix for giving me the drabble title

Done.

That's what you were.

Just utterly fucking done.

You were just supposed to relax and help Mr. Gold and Belle take care of baby Gideon but nope! You had to go on a small quest with Snow White and David Charming. Emma and Hook were taking care of baby Neal and you couldn't use Henry as an excuse to opt out of this quest since the young boy was with Zelena. She wanted to bond with him a bit more and Regina volunteered to take care of baby Robin. So now here you were.

Sitting in the back of a cop car

With the Seven Dwarves

And they were yapping about such damn nonsense. You forgot your earbuds at home so you couldn't ignore their endless bickering about whatever the fuck they were on about. When it was time to catch the bad guy, you teleported out of the car and in between Emma's parents.

The quest was easy. You took out the bad guys with ease. So why were you so fed up? Simple.

Dopey swung his pickaxe and tried to hit the bad guy but they dodged at the last second and the tip of the axe slashed your arm. What was worse was that it was laced with magic.

Light magic.

And you dealt with dark magic for the main part.

When you screamed, or screeched in pain, random bursts of spells were expelled from your palms and everyone was blown backwards.

Which leads us to now.

You were yelling at Dopey for being stupid and not paying attention to where the axe was thrown and Grumpy stood up for him. Poorly may I add.

Snow and David swore they say smoke come out of your ears as you cussed out Grumpy. The angry dwarf remained stoic but the couple could tell he was afraid for his life.

"SCREW THIS! SCREW ALL OF YOU! FUCK THIS SHIT! I'M DONE!"

You threw Dopey's pickaxe to the side and teleported out of the forest in a puff of smoke. You were now in your apartment, sighing to yourself as you laid on the bed. Then, a notification appeared on your phone and you were about to tell whoever texted you to fuck off when a look of pleasant surprise appeared on your face.

You didn't think twice about responding back. Choi San was definitely someone that could help you with your stress. It's even better since he knows you're a witch so you didn't feel the need to cover up your words if you were going to rant to him plus you can poof in front of him anytime you'd like

San: Hey, baby

San: I'm in town

San: Well, technically I'm in New York lol anyways

San: My group finished the first concert for our American tour and I told them that I was gonna stay behind since they wanted to go out. Told them I wasn't feeling too well.

San: Wanna come over? We don't have to fuck. I just want you close to me.

And that's how you ended up in his room, straddling him and kissing him fiercely. He matched your ferocity and grabbed your ass a lot. He squeezed your hips and played with both of your cheeks for a bit before pulling away.

You: Sure. I'll be there in a bit. Lemme get ready.

San: I'm in the same hotel as last time. I'll be waiting, kitten.

"Bad day today?"

"Oh you don't know the half of it, Sannie."

As you ranted about your day, he mindlessly played with the hem of your jacket and listened to your words tentatively. He cradled your face and kissed your forehead softly.

"I know you put a spell on this jacket so your memory doesn't get fucked up since you're outside of Storybrooke. But may I remove it for now? I want to feel you." He asked gently. "I thought you didn't want to have sex." You were confused. "I don't but still. I need you with me. Do you catch my drift?" He clarified and it dawned on you. "Yeah you can remove it for now. I need you as well." He smiled at your confirmation before slowly shrugging off your jacket and setting it on the nightstand. You took off your leggings and San brought you into a deep kiss before licking his fingers and plunging them into your hole. While he was doing that, you took off your shirt and so did he.

You forgot how wide he was and you almost came on the spot.

As you were admiring his strong build, he sunk you down onto his equally thick cock and you moaned loudly. He chuckled smoothly and leaned in to nip, kiss, and lick at your neck. He missed marking you up. You tried your best not to squirm around since you were just cockwarming him, but with the way he was smacking and grabbing your ass, you couldn't help but wiggle in his strong hold. He pressed you against his semi naked form and just held you. He may have been shirtless, but his sweats and boxers were just pulled down to the middle of his thighs.

You mindlessly ran your hands over his broad shoulders and gawked at his firm chest, tiny waist, sculpted abs, pretty collarbone, muscular arms, and his face.

Oh his face was to die for.

Sharp jawline, sharper eyes, a pretty nose, pretty lips, high cheekbones, and

Was that an eyebrow slit?

"Nice brow slit." You commented randomly and he smiled. You found it endearing when his smile made his eyes crinkle and almost close up. "Thank you. I wanted to try something new." He explained. "Well you look nice."

For the rest of the time, you were just sitting on his cock, moving every now and then to keep him firm so he doesn't go limp and slip out. You definitely needed this. You felt all your stress wash away and you sighed in content as you looked down at the man that was holding you down onto his cock.

Choi San will be the death of you.

[firebirdsdaughter]

Something I wish…

… Was that we had had a villain exclusive to Peter. Adler, Keller, James, Pratt, even Hagen and Rachel, their focus is on Neal, their connections are to Neal. Sure, we had Kramer, but he was more of an antagonist than an outright villain. Never tried to kill anyone, at least. Maybe if they hadn’t been cancelled they would have gotten around to it, but I’d’ve loved an arc villain who was more focused on Peter than Neal, or only focused on Neal bc of Peter. Some old case, some enemy from the past. Peter had a life outside for Neal, and he’s good, I’m sure he made some enemies of his own. Woulda been nice to have the plot flipped or even just have the target be Peter himself for once.

[royalsunshinehotel]

The Alchemy (Neal Sampat x Work Wife! Reader)

A/N: I'm on a real fluff kick at the moment, please enjoy this little ficlet! this one's for America's #1 Neal girlie @hecuba-of-troy

From the first moment that Neal set foot in America, he was more than aware that he’ll be in too deep with the culture shock. It would be overwhelming, and he’d learn to live with that. The risk outweighed the unhappiness he would have felt had he stayed home. 

That was several years ago, and still, New York City had surprises for him, the most important one being, you. 

The self-proclaimed “work wife” that he’d befriended since your very first day. 

Neal had never been one for work-life balance, coming as the second-born heir to a restaurant chain in London, so this was alright. And it happened quickly too, you snuck right in as his desk mate, and now he’s bringing you your morning bagel the way you like, and you deliver a special creamer only sold by a man in a bodega next to your apartment, across town. 

And there were the evenings, saturated and gloomy, at Hang Chews, the standard post-shift hangout. You’re three margaritas deep, wobbling off the karaoke stage after a solo attempt at “California Dreamin’ ” It has been a long day, that’s the only song you can sing after a long day. 

Thankfully, you’re able to make your way back to your stool at the bar, most of your co-workers had gone home, and from your expression, Neal said you had an hour max before you completely faded and got ‘hangry’. He was your work husband, in the noise and the lights of the ‘greatest city’, he knew exactly what to do to care for you. 

You’re the kind of dizzy someone can only get after pushing themselves. He knows that too. You ate that damn bagel he got you, and some of the drinks at the bar. 

He gets out of his seat to ‘greet’ you. Your brows knit together and he knows your “mystery” headache has begun to work. 

"Yeah, I'll settle up, you sit here and don't move." The lanky boy reaches for his wallet to close out your shared tab for the night. Of course the two of you shared a tab, it was easier. That’s what friends do. 

"I won't move, Mealanananai ." You giggle and Neal wants to die, but in a good way somehow. Ever since Will had seen fit to spill the tea on his real name, his drunk friends had made an attempt. His mother had been right though, it was a “right musical” name. 

Neal quickly settles his and your tab, and Tamsin the bartender gives him a look that makes his heart skip. He signs his bill, trying to subtly gulp. 

"Good luck pal," she says. He nods. He needs luck to wrangle you. 

The neon from the karaoke corner burns a little too bright as Neal tucks his wallet away and offers you his arm, 

"Why thank you sir," you say a little too loud, waving goodbye to the bar, and they wave back. They tend to do, only when you do it. 

“What a day Neal!” You exclaim, as his long arm loops through yours. It’s a great gesture, and helpful at the tattered state of your ‘work’ heels. 

“Yeah, I’m going home now.” You have a blue leather couch calling your name, and he knows it. 

“I’ll walk you out,” he says, and he does. 

You shudder in the cold night air. New York was tricky with weather, especially for someone newer to the city. Neal doesn’t flinch, he’s too comfortable, with you on his arm. 

“One day you’re gonna remember a sweater.” He mocks, lightly, as you eye his comfortable Sherpa-lined jacket and thickly knit sweater, blue. Your phone buzzes, the lyft driver is on the way.

"Keep dreaming chump.!" You tease.

"You can't get in here with me." Neal opens his coat to reveal, a likely very warm torso.

"You know I'll do it." You'd jump in that sweater with him so fast! You were drunk enough and he had very weak wrists!

"I know you will, now what car are we looking for?" He questions, but you're already moving towards him.

"Let me in!" You shout, giggling as you wrap your cold arms around him, covered by the jacket. His cheek is pressed against the top of your head. A beat passes, as the two of you sway together. 

“You alright? It wasn’t a great news day today.” 

“I’m good. Well not ‘good’, but I will be when I get home.”                   

“I think I get that.” He scrunches his nose, and your drunk self feels the urge to put the bridge of his nose  in your mouth. There was no way Neal could truly be this oblivious. Neither of you move.

“I know you do.” Of course he does! You had been flirting since the day you met him, and it was ridiculous to be written off as a ‘work wife’, when you both could be so much more. 

Jesus Christ this was annoying. 

There’s a lovely moment where your desk partner pauses, your hands warm in his pockets. He’s perfectly able to lean down and kiss you in the mouth. Maybe he’d grip your chin, maybe he wouldn’t do anything but you were right there. 

You know he won’t do it, you know he’s too focused on work to take a shot at someone technically his supervisor. He’s Neal. He’s going to be kind and treat you like a full person, who’s just as complicated as he is. 

It’s Neal, he’s going to do everything for you and ask for nothing in return. What made you insane about Neal was the fact he was just so focused on doing the best work he could, but he remained kind. Any man you met in Manhattan either had one or the other, which was annoying to say the least. 

Next Friday, maybe you should drink again. You could have had another shot before you finally break whatever the two of you are into pieces. You have a chance to do so now, but you don’t take it. 

“Goodnight Neal, don’t miss me too much.” You pout,  taking a half-step away, and watching him trip over himself to get the door of the first taxi that pulled up on the somewhat abandoned street. 

“Text me when you get home.” He says, and he means something else by it. 

“Same for you.” You half-smile, your remaining comrades stumbling out of the bar, Kendra with a few days worth of Chinese Takeaway, as she usually got on Fridays, “See you Monday.” 

You slide into your seat in the taxi, letting Neal pause, before shutting your door. You take a deep breath, from the bottom of your lungs, as Neal- your Neal gets smaller in the rear view mirror.

[suntrait]

P.O.V: In love with my best friend

Yes, it's getting harder and harder for Neal to try not to think of Stella in any other way. Not that it was any different when they were kids, but the time they spent in different schools during high school didn't help much, but now, it seems like everything has come back even stronger. His heart beats faster when he sees her, hears her or thinks about her. Stella doesn't know how much he admires her, she is caring, dedicated and is fighting to pursue her dreams of being a writer, even though her parents don't approve of her choices. But in Neal's head he only has doubts, does she feel the same as him? Could he ruin years of friendship if he said or did something?

(before / next)

[denydefeat]

I never really post wishlist stuff so here, under the cut, is a long list of my muses with vague ideas for wishlists with them. DM me if you're interested in any of them. ALL of these (and all my muses tbh) are open to shipping like let's go.

Nesta - accepting eris' offer :)! Robb - making it to king's landing and winning the war, liberating the North, and getting Sansa back to safety, then having to head out and find Arya. Violet - anything in her marvel or ouat verses tbh I spent a lot of time on those Shelley - taking over the Victory Project after killing Frank. Max - coming back after that summer for the start of college, much to everyone's surprise and keeping his escapades close to the chest (idk the timeline of that show it was a fucking mess lmao) Heather - surviving pls dear goD Denny - surviving pls DEAR GOD Mark, Amanda, Lawrence, Logan - I want to write more about their dynamics with each other (these are just the four I write) as apprentices to John. We only briefly get Mark and Amanda interacting - gimme more. Bruce - let's throw out the entire mcu because it's fucking trash for him thanks. Brunnhilde - More of her relationship with Carol :( Kamala - Building of the young avengers lets GOOO Loki - anything :( Satoshi / Krad - I was always, always interested in the idea of the seal not working/lasting on the portrait and years later, Satoshi and Daisuke being re-possessed by Krad and Dark and having to deal with that as young adults, likely college aged. Too young for it to have passed onto their child, but too old to be able to use the same excuses of the past. Sid - I am fuLLY CONVINCED SID IS THE FATHER AND JESSE IS A RED HERRING (I already have this going I just wish more people cared about HIMYF) Brian - Going to NY and seeing Justin again. :)! Snow White - anything :( Charming - I have about 90420934902 aus for him honestly. I have so many ideas for this stupid idiot. Neal - surviVING AND COPARENTING WITH EMMA AND REGINA SHIPS DON'T FUCKING MEAN YOU HAVE TO KILL A GOOD CHARACTER WHO LITERALLY WAS THE REASON RUMPLESTILTSKIN MANIPULATED REGINA INTO CASTING THE FUCKING CURSE MY GOD THIS SHOW PISSES ME OFF anyways Davy Jones - returning after the 'curse' is lifted from Will Turner, because someone must always be there to ferry the souls to the other side Ben Solo - ANYTHING :( Jyn - her and Cassian getting evacuated just before the explosion and surviving, assisting the Rebellion. Finn - training as a jedi (either trilogy re-write or post trilogy) Jar Jar - i s2g if someone doesn't write with Sith Jar Jar... Anakin and Padme - either an au where she convinces him to run away with her and leave everything behind and raise their children on Naboo before Obi Wan shows up and he believes her when she says she didn't know he was there and they enlist his help in staging their deaths OR an au where he convinces her to join him on his path to the dark side. (i write both so I'll write either) Carolyn - escaping the dark planet after surviving the stabbing, living off of the creatures that would be her demise, fixing a ship in the darkness, built by lights she manages to fix throughout the rubble, and fires made along the way. finding other riddick characters / riddick himself Coriolanus Snow - Exploring more of his additions to the games and how he helped to curate them to be the spectacle they became. Annie - Not having anyone to volunteer for her so having to go through the Quarter Quell with Finnick (Hi I love PAIN). Not escaping the Arena and being taken back to the Capitol. Madge - Watching the Games with Katniss' family and thus being there when the blackouts happen and escaping District 12 with Gale and everyone else to District 13. Kili - surviving PLS Renesmee Carlie - more of her dynamic growing up in a town that's definitely got an attraction for the supernatural. Bella - not taking Edward back immediately, actually being pissed that he lied like what a dick Sam - imprinting on LEAH jfC WHAT A WASTE (or better yet, Leah being the first wolf to change and imprinting on HIM thanks) Garrett - torn between natural instincts, love for Kate, and never letting himself be tested by a challenge, learning how to survive and satiate on animal blood vs. human blood

[doesthatsuggestanythingtoyou]

Once Upon A Dream

> lady lesso x fem!reader

> warnings: none

> note: i based your family [Prince Phillip, King Hubert, etc.] on Disney's Sleeping Beauty.

> most characters came from different series related to the Grimm Brothers stories.

“I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream”

~

“Oh it's so nice watching them find their happy ever afters!” Dovey gushed at you.

Humming, you nodded and stayed silent. It was a known fact that you, the sister of Prince Philip, has not yet found her own happy ever after. And now, it's most likely that your niece is going to find hers before you.

Speaking of the ever, you heard a squeal and then a body collided with yours. “Aunt Y/N!”

“Careful now, Beatrix.” You held her by the arms and smiled at her. “You wouldn't want your aunt to fall over, would you?”

Beatrix laughed and twirled. “Never!”

“But, I'm here to tell you...” Beatrix leaned and whispered. “Neal kissed me!” Dovey gasped, overhearing the conversation and clapped.

“Oh I'm so happy for you, Beatrix!”

Smiling, Beatrix replied. “Thank you Professor. Now I do believe that a certain prince is waiting for me.” Beatrix winked at you and left.

“Have fun!” You called. “But not too much fun!” You laughed as Beatrix tripped because of embarrassment.

“Oh don't be so strict, Y/N.” Professor Emma Anemone poked your side, causing you to flinch.

Rolling your eyes, you scoffed. “I can't have a new Bellerose running around before my niece even gets to the middle of her story.”

“Bellerose?” Dovey and Anemone asked simultaneously.

“Our surname.”

Professor Anemone nodded and pursed her lips. “I always forget your last name.”

“Well, don't bother memorizing it. King Hubert's last name isn't that special.” You gave a shrug and took a wine glass from a server's tray.

“Yes it is! Don't you remember? You brother slayed–” As Dovey started to narrate the story of your families life, you tuned her out and looked at the window. It was pitch black outside, yet all of you inside were covered by the brightest lights ever imagined.

You only left your reverie when someone knocked the wine glass out of your hands.

“Oh dear! My apologies! I'm so sorry!” You looked down and saw a man's back, he was picking up the shards of the broken glass. Deciding to help, you crouched down and picked up a piece.

“I am really sorry–” The man was cut off as he saw your face.

“Y/N.” You said with a smile, before snapping your finger and all the shards were gone.

Shaking his head, the man stood up and helped you up. “Well, Y/N. I'm really sorry, it's not normal for a prince to bump into princesses.” He shrugged and scratched his nape. “But hey, not everyone needs to be normal.”

You smiled at him and raised you eyebrow. “What's your name? You keep rambling but you never say your name... Prince?”

“Oh! It's Prince James.”

“Prince Charming's brother?”

Prince James gave a chuckle and glanced behind you. “Well, there's my date. I'll see you later Princess Y/N.”

Dovey and Emma crowded around you as Prince James left.

“Not a catch?”

“Too princey?”

Rolling your eyes, you smirked. “More like too occupied with his date.” You pointed to another teacher and Prince James talking.

Dovey and Emma nodded in understanding and left you, again. ‘They really like leaving me alone and then coming back to pester me for some reason.’

Sighing, you grabbed another wine glass and wandered outside. Walking through the corridors of the school, you suddenly remembered what it was like being a student. What is was like being with her–

Huffing, you shook your head and pushed the castle door open. “No, you will not think of her.”

Welcomed by the gentle yet cold breeze of the night, you shivered and regretted not wearing a sleeved gown. You rubbed your palms together and walked towards the side of the bridge.

Leaning against the concrete, you closed your eyes and exhaled. After 18 years, you finally had a moment in silence. Ever since Beatrix was born, you were always beside her, not even having a time for yourself. Although you loved your niece, it was time for her to distance herself from you to finally start her own story.

“I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream

I know you, the gleam in your eyes is so familiar a gleam

Yet I know it's true that visions are seldom all they seem

But if I know you, I know what you'll do

Singing your sister-in-laws song, you started to dance by yourself. Basking yourself in the moonlight, you didn't even notice a figure looking and watching you dance on the other side of the bridge.

You'll love me at once, the way you did once upon a dream”

Clapping was all you heard as you finished your song. After a few moments, you opened your eyes and whirled around, only to see the dean of the school for evil, Lady Lesso.

“Such a marvelous performance, dear.”

“Lesso.”

“What? No thank yous? And I thought Evers were polite.”

“Well spare me from your stereotyping, Lesso.” You huffed and looked away.

Lesso raised her eyebrow and walked towards you, once in front of you, she put her finger under your chin and guided you to look at her. “Look at me when we're talking.”

Narrowing your eyes, you pushed her hands and turned to leave but she caught your wrist and tugged you towards her. “Now now, don't be disrespectful, princess.” she whispered, you felt her presence so close to you that it didn't take you enough strength to lean against her. After all, she was the one tou considered your ‘happy ever after’.

“That's right.” Lesso gripped your waist and put her chin on your shoulder, lightly kissing the bridge between your neck and shoulders.

“This isn't a dream, right?” You whispered, fearing that this was only an illusion made by your own mind.

“Only if you want it to be.”

Lesso brought your hands up and kissed the back of your palms. She closed her eyes and whispered,

“But I have to tell you. For me, this isn't just a once upon a dream.”