#sorry for venting in the tags but |:) i am having such a brilliant time

[bizarreandjarring]

OK so i live in the US and let's say that i hypothetically work for a certain four letter german grocery chain that likes to value efficiency. now i get a lot of customers who like to tell me about how they don't understand why nobody wants to work these days, and why is everywhere understaffed, people are so lazy and don't want to work. while i stand there doing 3 jobs for the pay of one and slowly having my humanity melted away

so we recently put in self checkouts and now i have a whole new set of complaints (from exactly the same crowd) who tell me they hate the self checkout and wish it wasn't there and how its making the service worse etc etc. and incredibly, multiple people have complained to me after going through self checkout "why would i want to use this machine i have to do so much more work, i should be getting paid to check out my own groceries. it's like why are you making me do it i don't want to work at the grocery store"

[deadlysoupy]

Faultline

Rating: General Audiences Relationships: Brainstorm/Perceptor, Brainstorm & Perceptor, Brainstorm & Nautica Tags: Hurt/Comfort, Angst, Fluff, Mind Manipulation, Happy Ending

Perceptor is a hard mech to handle when it comes to his patience with Brainstorm. Thus, after Brainstorm gets his load of Perceptor's fury, the Ship's Number One Genius takes matters into his own hands — and attempts to make Perceptor fall in love with him.

It goes in the exact opposite direction.

my Secret Solenoid gift for @elmonstro !!! thank you @secretsolenoid-revived for hosting the event and being so very patient with me!! first time doing anything like this event and i had,, troubles. also huge shoutout to @trashhole who beta'ed this mess i wouldn't be there without them!!

posted on AO3 (requires an account) or under Read More for easy access!

It’s quiet in the lab today. Not a good quiet, not the kind of quiet that makes Brainstorm excited to get going and create something incredibly genius, and slightly explosive. Not the kind that makes him focus and drift from reality itself in search of the unexplored, to make the unreal, real.

This quiet had him slightly tilting his back to throw a look at a laser-focused Perceptor and envy the fixation he has had with his own project. Because he, as it stands, cannot get the anti-gravity blaster to work. Try as he may, re-wire, calculate from the beginning – nothing seemed to help. He considered banging his helm on the table, but that would only damage the equipment. 

After a while of struggling, Brainstorm decided to seek assistance. Two heads are better than one, obviously – even if one is more genius than the other. 

Which had been a bad decision from the start. And he should have known it, too, because whoever distracts Percy from his work is to be stricken with a fiery glare and such a passive look it could kill the desire to ask in just about anyone. Anyone but Brainstorm.

“Hey, Percy, do you think I should re-adjust this or leave it as it is? It isn’t working right,” Brainstorm says with a half-finished component in hand, its insides dangling in the air when he swings it. He slides into Perceptor’s line of vision, occupied by a biocell beneath his microscope. It leaves a silence hanging between them. 

Perceptor doesn’t even blink, let alone vent in his general direction. So, Brainstorm tries again, the tone of his voice slightly more rough around the edges. 

“He-ey, ships’ genius number two! Get out of your head, it’s begging you to dissect it, c’mon!”

His lab partner’s faceplate shifts from cold concentration to a slight frown, one you wouldn’t notice if you hadn’t looked hard enough. He notices it anyway. 

“Brainstorm, whatever complication it is you have right now, I assure you, it can wait until I’m done.”

“Waiting would require patience! I’m kind of at the brink of my own discovery here – at least tell me if you think it needs work?” Brainstorm pleads, shifting his approach, his optics round, but Perceptor is unrelenting. 

Brainstorm’s optic-ridges furrow.

“You’re mean, you know that? A real stick in the mud. A stubborn mule. A…” Brainstorm gestures his free servo in search of a new expression to throw. His vents get hotter.

“Are you done?” 

“Oh, I’m sorry, am I distracting you?” Brainstorm’s wings flutter in exasperation as the air inside his mask gets a little too warm. “My work is important too, if you didn’t know! And I would love it if you could pull your helm out of your aft once in a while!”

Perceptor’s shoulder plates answer Brainstorm as he straightens up and looks at him with such a fire in his gaze that burns Brainstorm’s insides. His mouth a perfect line, but the sharp edges of his optics and the brilliant light behind them are what turns Brainstorm’s entire resolve around. 

As he backpedals, Perceptor’s watchful optics follow him until he’s at his desk again, and only then does the scientist turn away to chip away at his work once more, as if nothing had ever happened.

Brainstorm has trouble forgetting the incident even hours after. 

Truly, it is Perceptor’s fault. He is the one missing Brainstorm’s potential, his drive. Now his gun sits alone, it’s insides full of holes, and Brainstorm tosses it a look more than once like it had personally offended him.

So he does the best thing he can – he drowns himself in the work that most would call “unethical” and “useless��. What else is he supposed to do, really? It would not hurt to put his other work on a pause until he deals with his more pressing problems. Mainly – his lab partner being an uncooperative aft.

Days later, Brainstorm stares at a flat metal plate, its silver and smooth top reflecting his faceplate in a morphed and grotesque image, his servos firmly planted into the workstation. It had nothing Brainstorm-like in it – which is what makes his cords uneasy, optics never settling on one detail of the device.

Despite all of his efforts, despite the drive that went into his work, he couldn’t put it to use. He’s not that kind of bot – not even when he’s full of sadness and bitterness. 

So, he puts it away in their lab, far from the prying eyes; he burrows it under the pile of other failed experiments and fried chips to be long forgotten. 

At least his honour is saved.

That is, until someone else finds it.

Brainstorm never liked Whirl much. If it wasn’t him, then it was Whirl who could turn everyone's attention to himself, a chaotic force of nature. And sometimes – or most of the time, really, – he tended to cross the line.

“Oh, hey, what’s this thing?” he says, putting an eerily familiar disc in his servos, its shiny surface glinting in the lab’s bright lighting.

Brainstorm’s never run faster in his life. He does almost trample over the scrapped projects Whirl’s been digging through, but he catches himself in time.

“That,” he grunts while gripping one side of the machine to pry it away from Whirl’s claws, “is none of your business.” 

“Stormy, you should know by now – everything is my business,” the menace answers back, his optic glimmering and squinting. The device is then pulled, but Brainstorm has a good grip on it, and he tugs right back. 

Brainstorm dares a quick look to his left – Perceptor is too engrossed in his documenting to pay attention to them – which, in the heat of the moment, gives Whirl an advantage. 

He pinches on Brainstorm’s pede and blunt pain betrays his reflexes. Whirl manages to pry away the machine and hold it above his frame while he helplessly reaches for it; his efforts in vain. 

“‘Make-Perceptor-love-me machine’? Seriously?” Whirl reads out loud while Brainstorm struggles against his hold to snatch the device away. Out of all the things to label, he decided on that one?

“Wait, Whirl–”

“Oh, this is gold,” his optic shines with malice and Brainstorm only has two solid seconds before he can hold Whirl’s pedes to stop him from going straight for Perceptor.

They both topple down like cards, and Percy’s definitely noticed the fight by now. He peers from the table they usually keep the scraps behind, a little too close for Brainstorm’s comfort. 

He pulls Whirl’s impossibly tangly pedes away from Perceptor – because the aft is long too, curse his impossible build – and Whirl huffs in effort, but Brainstorm notices the device is still in his pincers. 

“Whirl, I swear to Primus, if you don’t stop I’ll–”

“Got it!”

Brainstorm gives Whirl one last pull and collapses on the floor backstrut-first. Tangled in a web of pointy joints, along with a couple of wires from the pile. 

What he just heard could not have been anything good. 

He grunts as he scrambles to his feet, some forgotten wire still stubbornly stuck on his servo, and looks up at Perceptor. 

The disc looks tiny in comparison to their joints, but Brainstorm spots it on Perceptor’s pede as his lab partner pulls the device away, definitely making contact. Brainstorm doesn’t know if it’s a good thing or not; at least he can test it.

The reaction is delayed by two seconds, but Brainstorm catches the barely noticeable tremor and electricity running through Perceptor’s frame, starting at his pedes, and ending at his processor. Presumably, of course. Brainstorm’s wing twitches. 

“Uh… hey, Perceptor, are you okay?” Brainstorm asks in a surprisingly small voice he doesn’t remember having. 

He regrets ever having the idea of making such a machine in the first place.

Perceptor’s cold, unwavering stare gives him a chill. A loud thud makes Brainstorm’s frame jump as his machine is thrust into his servos. He scrambles to hold it properly, a stare etched into him. 

“Get out of my lab. Now.”

Percy’s voice booms, echoing through the whole lab – their lab, as Brainstorm had priorly thought. 

His processor can come to only one conclusion: he had invented the complete opposite of what he had intended to. Not this aggressive ignorance, not this hatred. He wanted admiration, not hate – not again.

He has no time to make sense of that revelation as he scrambles for the exit, pushing away the bots who had probably heard the commotion and came to poke fun at him. 

He continues to his habsuite, the device close to his chassis, a slight fog creeping into the edges of his vision that doesn’t leave until he’s slamming the door shut. 

Brainstorm slides down onto the floor, pulling the machine closer, almost crushing it with his servo – or hoping to, at the back of his mind.

The silence fills his processor and ugly static pours out. 

How could he think it was ever going to work? He’s no manipulator. Making guns, weapons of destruction, and something that would twist reality and emotional stability of a mech is a night and day difference. He shouldn’t have invented this cursed thing, should never have been this angry, this pitiful, and frag, everyone was watching him, how is he supposed to prove he was good at something– 

One, two knocks at the door tremble his frame as he presses against the door. A muffled “Hey, Stormy, it’s Nautica” beyond the door causes Brainstorm to shift in his seat. 

No knocks come after, but Brainstorm’s emotionally aware enough that his amica endura is still there. Waiting to put a comforting servo on his shoulder – one he doesn’t deserve. 

He manages a sigh that trails through his entire frame. Then he gets up and shuffles to the berth, his servos pressed tight against its flat surface.

The door creaks open, Nautica’s purple paintjob standing out from the shining light of the outside corridor against his dim room. “Hey, Stormy. Can I come in?”

He gives her a look that she reads as inviting, closing the door behind her. She takes a seat next to him, still servos on her lap.

“You know I’m here for you, right?” she says after a few minutes of silence. Brainstorm stares at the floor. “Whatever you need. And I’m sure Perceptor didn’t even mean it back there, you know how–”

“He did, though,” Brainstorm croaks out. Nautica’s frame leans closer to his. “I– I messed up. I wanted an easy way out, but I messed it up again. What kind of a scientist am I if I can’t even make a mind control device work properly?”

Nautica moves a little closer to him and puts her servo on his. “At least it worked, right? And we know the problem, so we can fix it.”

“But he hates me, Nautica.”

“You don’t really know that. I’m sure we can convince him to cooperate on a project with you. Until then,” she removes her servo that seems to leave the warmth on his plating well after their talk, “try and get some rest, okay? We’ll figure this out, I promise.”

She leaves him with a tender smile, shutting the door behind her, and letting him and his thoughts linger under the shadows of his unlit walls. 

In the meantime, he figures out his next steps.

Next day doesn’t come easy, but Brainstorm is considerably more determined to mend the broken trust. His processor doesn’t scream profanities at him, at least, and he would consider it progress. 

Nautica catches up to him in the hallway when he’s on his way to the lab.

“Brainstorm! Do you actually know what you’re going to do? This needs a plan or… something.”

“Nah, I’ll figure it out when I get there,” he says, waving his free servo that isn’t holding the culprit of his problem.

Nautica steps forward before he can enter the lab, his cool demeanour slightly broken. “Okay, wait, I have to confess something. I’ve already talked to Percy the night before: he agreed to help you with one project, as he’d said.”

Brainstorm arched an optic-ridge. “Wait, really?” 

“Yeah, but only one. So you have one chance, got it?” she says, as sternly as she can, yet Brainstorm can’t help but smile at her worrying. 

“Aw-w, thanks, Nautica! You always know how to help out a friend.”

She rolls her optics with a fond smile before cycling and pushing him into the lab.

“Hello,” Perceptor and his carefully folded servos, along with the best passive-aggressive look, meet him right at the entrance, and Brainstorm has to take a step back to regain his footing. “How may I be of assistance?”

Brainstorm coughs into his mask. He vaguely registers the door behind him sliding closed, Nautica’s work wide and proud. “Well, now that you’ve mentioned it,” he dawns, peeking into Perceptor’s personal space despite his better judgement; the scientist leans backwards only slightly, to Brainstorm’s delight, “there’s this tiny little thing wrong with my newest invention. It is imperative that we work together to mend it, as a lot, and believe me, a lot, depends on its success. So, what do you say?”

Perceptor’s field shifts from passive observation to open disgust as Brainstorm talks. And it stings, of course. But, somehow, in the moment, he understands it. The loathing, unease, hatred, – those aren’t new concepts to him. 

What truly intrigues him after a few seconds, though, is the cool response Perceptor gives him. 

“Alright, then. Let’s get this over with.”

Because… huh? Perceptor, in his twisted mind, under the direct intention of outright hating Brainstorm’s cords, agrees to help. Brainstorm’s inner core dances to the feeling of appreciation, of simply earning Perceptor’s attention and kindness which he has always possessed.

They work in silence once Brainstorm expresses what needs to be done with the machine to “fix” it. Each on their own little workshop, pouring familiarity over Brainstorm’s processor, yet swirling with alienation. 

He knocks a fragile chip off the table while fidgeting with the casing, his wings fluttering in desperation, and the sound bounces off the walls of the soulless lab. Perceptor only tosses him a look, but a look that Brainstorm will have to push to the back of his memory cords to make peace with. 

He never wants to earn that look again. It makes his resolve to complete their work as fast as possible all the more potent. 

Just two hours after, they have their pieces done and assemble the machine together. Their shoulders pressed close, but not touching, the invisible gravity pulling Brainstorm closer.

Staring at them is their own reflection, the two of them this time, the bottom of their faceplates inflated as if in a ugly mirror. 

“Now, what are you going to do with it?” Perceptor wonders.

Brainstorm sighs as he takes the device in his servo with careful precision not to grip the wrong side. “Fix my mistakes.”

And he thrusts his servo into Perceptor’s chassis.

It does not have the same effect as Brainstorm has hoped. Instead, Perceptor catches his servo, but doesn’t squeeze it or draw it away. 

So Brainstorm lunges at him. They fall to the ground, knocking some lab equipment on the floor, the sound of their frames making contact loud in his audio receptors. Brainstorm has to reach out in order not to collapse on Perceptor’s flat chassis completely. 

Before any of them can adjust to this position, Brainstorm on top of Perceptor, their pedes inbetween one another, Brainstorm sticks the bottom of his doom on his partner’s chassis. 

Perceptor has his optics closed. Until he shutters them on and off, letting the silence fill both of their cords. Another, familiar shock courses through Perceptor – Brainstorm can taste the electricity this time. His frame catches heat from underneath, and his own vents shorten.

A subtle sigh pulls Brainstorm out of the trance. “What did you do this time?”

And, Primus, how quickly his world can become right again. Perceptor’s voice is even, but Brainstorm catches the light in it, the teasing and love behind it. The notion almost makes him outright giggle – but he doesn’t have time for that. He smiles wide behind his mask anyway, Perceptor’s tiny smirk reflective. 

“Oh, nothing, just goofing off. As usual.”

“You do not ‘goof off’, Brainstorm. On the side note…” his optics dart around, “why, exactly, are we on the floor?”

“Oh, right!” Brainstorm pulls his pede from underneath him for support and deftly stands up. He reaches a servo out for Perceptor, who takes it with a warm smile. 

Brainstorm takes both of Perceptor’s hands once they’re up. He stares into his blue, genius optics, and his spark melts. 

“Percy, I’m… sorry. I know you weren’t angry at me when you said those things, I know it because it’s right, but logic goes out the window when you’re… me. I’m sorry for trying to control you, for having those betraying thoughts. You’re the best lab partner anyone could ask for, and I’m very grateful to have you after so many mistakes. Will you… forgive me?”

Perceptor soon brushes his digit over Brainstorm’s servo. His faceplate warms, and Perceptor’s gaze is kind on him. “I will. I appreciate you telling me the truth. In honesty, I was not aware I hurt you. I apologise for that. In turn, would you be able to express your feelings more… genuinely next time? To let me know when you’re hurting.”

Brainstorm registers his wings flying up. “Oh, of course! Or, well, I can try, but that counts too, right?”

They laugh together, and soon find themselves taking apart the “Make-Perceptor-love-me” machine. Brainstorm flushes more than once. He doesn’t miss Perceptor’s shoulderplates nudging him, precariously. 

Staying up until late, they walk past a lab table with Brainstorm’s failed experiment in complete disarray, wires and bolts pulled apart. Brainstorm doesn’t mind it. Not when he has the real thing right beside him, their servos interlaced.

[arlcn]

long text post below

just reread the shinigami deku au and jttou fic by @i-just-want-to-destroy and i am on the FLOOR. but you can obviously tell who’s the favorite here lmaoo

-i think off-white was the first fic i read from author if i’m not wrong. and it made me feel so empty inside after reading it because wow, but that’s me with almost all of their fics tbh. i have no idea what bleach is but i’m tempted to waatch it now bc of this fic?? (i am so sorry. i have no idea how to draw the traditional clothing.)

-i finished retry in one go after i found it in the ‘izuku has a quirk’ tag, and i cannot bear to reread it again because i’ll probably die if i do. but anyways, how do i even start? there are so many elements that i love in retry and the way you characterise deku is amazing and i like how you still kept some of canon deku’s personality while also adding the toll of his quirk into it. also, it’s probably the most realistic ‘return by death’ izuku fic out there that i’ve seen. if i ever feel down retry will probably be my go-to vent fic. :3

-I had a lot of fun drawing nush deku’s funky suit and cards and pigeon and hat and just abt everything really. every fic inside the series is amazing and magical and spendiferous and awesome and brilliant and wonderful and really underrated. i know it was intended for a more niche audience but still i cannot stress this enough. (also i found nush through a rec of a miser’s dream because i was asking for shinsou and izuku commiting crimes together and. it is my greatest choice by far.)

-I literally have no words for jttou other than the entire positive plethora of vocabulary because how one managed to fit so much worldbuilding inside a single fic is unreal. the unreliable narration and the slow reveal had me reeling and rereading the fic like 5 times and i’ve been reccing this on discord like crazy after that.

Also: i just really want to say that all of your worldbuilding fics are written so beautifully. I love your writing style too. Thanks for writing. :D

P.s.: I’ll stop being annoying and brainrot someting else after this lmao.

P.s.s: (holy fuck i forgot demonology deku. rip)

[red1culous]

Listen to Me

A/N: Huge shout out to @jumbojamba47​ for the brilliant idea for this fic and helping me out with it.

“I think that it would be better if we…” you start before being rudely interrupted yet again by Natasha.

“Thanks but we go this way. Steve will take the overpass. I’ll clear out the underpass. And you just stay here until we get back” she barks out her orders. The three of you hunkered down behind some tall bushes 100 metres from a (relatively) small Hydra operations base in the Balkans.

“Natasha with all due respect…” you try again. In your defence you knew this base better than either of them having once been held against your will there before being rescued by Shield.

“No!” her answer is final and this time she doesn’t even glance at you.

“What?” you say your anger starting to bubble over.

“I said no, L/N. We do it this way or you don’t participate at all” she spits out.

Steve shoots you a sympathetic smile. “Natasha listen I know you’re…” you try again but this time she just gets up and starts towards the entrance of the the Hydra base.

Steve sighs and gets up to follow her, “she just wants what’s best for you, Y/N” he says before running after her. A few minutes later you lose sight of the both of them and scream in frustration into the crook of your arm. This was the 3rd mission that you’ve been on that Natasha has had you sit out. You were more than able to look after yourself but after your kidnap and torture at the hands of some Hydra splinter cell where you were held for over a month, Natasha has been ultra protective of you to the point that it’s starting to affect your personal (and romantic) relationship with the redhead. Sometimes she wouldn’t even touch you for fear that she might hurt you. It was driving you insane. What was worse is that there was no way of speaking to her about it. Every time you broached the subject with her she would shut off completely.

You would check in on the coms every 2 minuets for updates. Occasionally you would hear grunts and groans indicating  that Steve or Natasha were were being met with some resistance but overall it seemed that everything was under control. You were still seething that the way Natasha treated you but knew better than to let it affect the mission at hand.

“Steve” you called into your earpiece, “updates”.

“All clear up here. I’m heading to the roof access exit to wait for Romanoff” he says clear as day.

“Great. She shouldn’t be too far away” you reply looking at the monitor on your lap showing the location of Steve and your girlfriend as 2 red dots moving along the facility.

“Natasha updates please” you speak again.

Nothing but static.

“Natasha” you sit up slightly noticing that her red dot hasn’t moved yet.

“Shit” you say to yourself.

“Language Y/N” Steve reprimands you, “what’s wrong is it Natasha?”

“Possibly. She isn’t responding and her tracker isn’t moving” you say worry lacing your words.

“I’m going back. You can lead me to where she is” he says without hesitation.

“No Steve, I’m going in” you start to pack away the tablet and load your pistols.

You hear Steve huff, “not a chance, Y/N, I’m going”.

“Steve listen. I am the one who knows this base best. If you go there it’ll take you 15 mins to get to her location. It’s gonna take me 5. I can get her out of there” you speak in a hushed tone as you make your way into the clearing towards the hidden entrance in the side wall.

“Stay put Y/N I’m already moving” Steve says brushing you off.

You’ve had it up to here with the two of them babysitting you. Through gritted teeth and probably steam coming out of your ears you say in a low voice, “just because you are an all powerful entity and Natasha acts like the Virgin Mary please don’t treat me like a McNobody. You just sit your ass down on that roof and stop being such a bitch and wait for me to get there with Natasha! Can you do that Steve?”

He stops in his tracks and back-pedals a little. After a few moments of silence you hear him mutter out something that sounds like an OK to you. Satisfied you continue on your trek towards Natasha’s last known location. Having taken the air vents you reach her in no time. Nat you call out not seeing her where her tracker said she would be. You hear muffled groans and some soft coughing from behind a door.

Slowly you push open the door, your gun at the ready. The dimly lit place appeared to be some sort of store room. You found Natasha sitting on the floor behind the door her pistol in her left hand.

“Nat!” you rush towards her and check her for injuries, “are you ok? You didn’t answer the coms”

“Yeah that guy was distracting me” she looks behind you to a soldier lying lifeless in a pool of his own blood.

“You’re hurt” you say reaching into your backpack for your bandages.

“It’s just a flesh wound” she bites her lower lip as you wrap her thigh up. The hole from the stab wound is oozing blood and it take you 3 wraps of bandages before it starts to slow a little. She watches as you work silently. Still a little mad at how you were treated you focus on the wound and will yourself not to look up at her.

When you’re all done patching her up you squeeze her arm, “all done let’s get you out of here” you say helping her up to her feet. You sling her arm over your shoulder and carry most of her weight as you make your way to the roof.

With how slow it was taking Natasha you call in to the coms.

“Steve I have Natasha. Stab wound to the thigh. Change of plans. Meet you at the river in the forest” you say calmly leaning Natasha against the wall so the both of you could rest for a while.

“Are you sure?” Steve says sounding frantic.

“Yes. See you there in 15” you really did not want to shout at him again so kept it as short as possible.

Looking towards Natasha who is leaning heavily against the wall you shoot her a smile before taking her arm one more time. Instead of going the ‘normal’ way you take her through a grate in the floor which leads to a large sewer complex.

“Are you sure this is the right way?” Natasha speaks softly after walking for 7 minutes.

“This is the right way” you answer curtly.

“Hey, stop stop stop” she says putting her weight behind her literally forcing you to stop. You look at her surprised and before you can say anything she adds, “I’m sorry for being a hard ass”.

You huff.

“Y/N I’m serious” she pulls at your chin so you’re facing her, “I heard what you said to Steve and yea, I have been unfair”.

“Baby it’s ok” you say reaching for the hand holding your chin unable to be upset with her looking so pale and fragile.

“No it’s not, don’t say it is” she scolds you.

You just raise your eyebrow at her. She smiles and continues, “Sorry. I was just so worried you know after the last time…”

“I know”

“I’m sorry” she says again.

“I know”

“Can you say something other than I know. It’s unsettling” this time she cups your cheek.

“I love you” you say and she softens at the words. A smile tugs at the corner of her lips.

“I love you too” she leans forward and kisses you on the nose, “now get me out of here and I’ll show you I’m no Virgin Mary” she says struggling to maintain a neutral facial expression.

You chuckle at her words, “yes ma’am”.

As you turn the bend and reach the mouth of the sewer. In the distance Steve is waiting by the river. He runs when he sees you two and helps support Nat’s other side as the three of you walk towards the extraction point.

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

Tagging: @natasharomanoffismywife​ @imnotasuperhero​ @ellebellerules @cybeleceto​ @silverwing2522​ @thelastavenger-3000​ @peggycarter-steverogers​ @niquey-salvatore​ @rooskaya-yelena @jumbojamba47​

I made a doo doo and mixed up who wanted to be tagged in what. So if you want to be on the taglust for everything plse let me know. Or likewise if you want to be removed also hit me up [ill oblige but not before crying buckets].

[imagines-to-quench-thirst]

Dating a tattoo artist

Imagine: being a tattoo artist and your boyfriend being part of it

This was a fun idea I had. I hope you like it. Enjoy ❤️

Victor Creed

-he is here for it

-since his loooooonnnnggg life is well long he loves to tells stories of tattoo artists he met Japan, Brazil, New York, New Zeland...

-and you can bet that he will have the most elaborate tattoo you can think of since he said so

'You want a tattoo? From me?'

'Yes, I trust you.'

'That's the problem, Vic, you could end up with a dolphin tattoo on your arm.'

'.... Well... I still trust you?'

-after that, he was a little bug just to be on your good side which you took full advantage of

Being on top, commanding him? Sure

Handing you the remote even though it's next to you? Of course

Helping you choose an outfit even though you are indecisive and he has a short fuse? Hell yeah.

-when the day came you tattooed him a small quote that described him

"Tough times never last but tough people do"

(Robert H. Shuller)

'I love it. Thank you kitten.'

Loki Laufeyson

-Since he was in the cell for most of his life (in my universe that's the worst thing happening for him, he didn't die nor his mother) he doesn't know what a tattoo artist is he thinks that's an alternative art form he is supportive

-after you talk to him describing the definition of tattoos and the art behind it he is very much perplexed

'So mortals pay you to pierce their skin with black ink to paint...something????'

'Tattoo something on their skin and yes.'

'With pain in mind?????'

'Yes, and it looks awesome.'

-when he heard the story of your tattoo shop he decided to tag along to see the magic

-he saw how men and women tattooed others while they squirmed in their seats he chuckled at the sight of it

'Darling you could have told me.'

'What?'

'You torture people with the needle machines and coax them into paying you. Brilliant.'

'Suree~~~~'

-he stayed with you to help you with the pain giving without a medical license

'I'm a God. I'm above it.'

'No one is above the Inspection.'

Thor Odinson

-since his depression and weight gain he is very much informed of the world of MTV tattoo show "How far is tattoo far?"

-so he very much thinks that tattoos are a stamp of disgrace

-and keeping that in mind he is frazzled why are you doing a job like that

'You are a shame barer?'

'Shame-what...? Thor! I'm not. The show is a disgrace to the tattoo world.'

'Shame~~barer~~~'

'Just come with me and spend one day and see it for yourself.'

-Thor is reluctant much to his words but still, you sat him down in the waiting lobby he chats up the customers a.k.a big muscular dudes that are already tattooed from the neck down

'So... what is your shame? What horrible deed have you done to come here?'

'Excuse me!?'

'You must be here to condemn your shame by immortalizing it with a flesh sticker.'

-at this point, the muscle dude stood up ready to attack Thor but you intervene quickly

'Marc, stop!'

-the man turned around hiding his tight fist behind his back

'Y/n, already done? That's fast.'

'Marc, you know that you were released 7 months ago and you are still on parole. Come on. Stop it.'

'He insulted me and-and my tattoos. Your tattoos. You know how am about your work.'

-Thor hears that as stands up grabbing Marc's arm examining the tattoos in amazement

'My darling, I want that felsh sticker as he has.'

'.......... Sure........ Wait here. Let's go, Marc. I need to vent.'

Steve Rogers

-Steve knows what tattoos are since he has seen the stick and poke of his fellow soldiers but never a photorealistic tattoo in your portfolio

-he is very much intrigued how you made that look like a real person on someone's skin knowing very well there is no eraser

-loves to ask how do you achieve such colors that simply jump out or how you make a fabric that of a shirt or some patterns, he is armed with questions

-and since he is an art wizard himself he loves to have a painting duel with you, you paint on his skin with watercolors and he paints on the canvas

-that's one of his favorite moments

'What did you draw?'

'A dolphin kissing a penguin.'

'What?!'

'Just kidding I painted the building in Brooklyn where you lived.'

'Did I tell you how much I love you?'

Bucky Barnes

-this man thrives to see you fulfill your dream and passion

-especially when he picks you up, he parks the car exiting it and walking in seeing you talk to your employees and customers exchanging stories and laughs even though in the near distance is the buzzing sounds of the machine guns

-you see him and grab his hand giving him a peck on his lips as a cheeky grin is stuck on his face

-as you talk about your day he always asks the question

'Were there any wusses?'

-alluding to men who cried out form the stinging pain, eventually tapping out to take a break

'Yes, a big dude Marc. Ordered a neck tattoo with details. Tapped out in 15 minutes.'

'I knew it!'

-he enjoys in the hilarious stories you can make up... I mean tell

Bruce Wayne

-you already know the drill he has money he will give it to you but politely delined

-he tried to help with purest of heart but still, the answer was no

-he loved to see your shop filled with many customers as he walked incognito, sunglasses and a cap saying he wasn't a private appointment with the head tattooer

-Let's just say you were pretty much in tears of laughter as he reveled his face

'At least you tried, Bruce.'

-he loves to talk about tattoos and the process of healing if it's on top of a scar

-you are hooked on the conversation and even make him some sketches

'A huge dragon on your back with black and gold lining.'

'Okay but how about initials of my parents?'

'That sounds... Better much much better.'

-so the day of his tattooing comes you tattoo in his inner arm putting the letter T. & M. W.

'Thank you Princess.'

Clark Kent

-Clark loves to see the vast tattoos so much that he wants one but he knows that his body will "absorb" the tattoo too fast making it disappear in a few months maybe weeks

-but still, he loves to see how your gaze is sharp focused on the tattooing even when HE walks that is how much you are focused

'Alrighty, Marc you are done.'

'Thanks, Y/n, you are the best.'

-Clark also loves to hear the influx of comments of your artistry even if he's a little jealous

-he loves to see just how much you are happier to follow this insane passion

'You are an inspiration Y/n.'

'Why?'

'Because... You just are.'

Arthur Curry

-you already know that Fishman is tatted to perfection and he is here for a tattoo lover as well

-if you ever have someone asking for a Maori style tattoo Arthur will be a fair judge, that's what he says

Case#1

'Why do you want a Maori tattoo?'

'Um, sir beca-'

'It's Mr. Aquaman. Continue.'

'Oh, sorry. Mr. Aquaman, I want it because I find them cool.'

'Just cool? Do you think that the abundant culture of Maori people is cool? Go home boy.

Case #2

'You want a Ta Moko? Do you what that is?'

'Sur-sure, it's a tattoo of the Maori people.'

'Ufff... Do you know how much of a meaning Ta Moko carries? Why don't you go to the Yakuzas and get a tebori.'

'They would kill me.'

'Of course, and I'll whoop your uncultured ass with my two hands.'

-you turned to the now pale boy

'Run.'

-the man ran like the wind as the Aquaman caught him easily giving him a cultural lesson of Ta Moko

Orm Marius

-he kinda has a small soft spot for tattoos especially those with a loving meaning lover, family...

-and he likes to "inform himself" about it so he asks a ton of questions even asking what kind of tattoo would suit him

'I think a small red tattoo would suit your taste.'

'I like the tattoos who can hold audios.'

-with that sentence, he left you frazzled as you google and got the special ink kit gifting it to Orm as a present for being a nice guy and not killing anyone

-he immediately records his audio in secrecy and handing you the ink

-after you tattoo the ink you hand him your phone with the app to scan the audio

'Hey, Orm. I'm just reminding you that I love you. So much. It's Y/n if you forget... Somehow.'

-later that day you doused him with kisses

Joker

-that man oozes with tattoos *cough*damaged*cough*

-and you can bet that he wants more of them he brings into your home the whole tattoo parlor just so he can have a private session with sex mixed in

-you gladly tattoo him patching up some of his tattoos he has outgrown them

'Why did you tattoo Kick Me on your back?'

'I won a bet.'

'Are you sure you won?'

'For sake of this question I did.'

-you cover the kick me tattoo with a large red dragon with green eyes

-he stands up looking at the tattoo in the mirror

'Sweets, you just got a huge tip.'

Duncan Vizla

-for him, tattoo nowadays are dumb in his time tattoos were means of solidarity with people who are bounded by the same ink and gun

-but keeps his mouth shut about it not to offend your dream even if it's tattooing dancing hotdogs

-he loves to pass your parlor when he finishes grocery shopping just to see you in action

-he loves to arrive at the parlor if you are doing a night shift just to keep you safe and in good company

-he loves to bring you lunch and watch you eat it with such content and happiness

-it melts his heart and just wants to make you more food

-but as he is present for the good he is here for the bad

-if he is somewhere anywhere you just need to call him and he is there in a minute be it a drunken person not wanting to exit or an aggressive man trying to grope someone in the shop

-he is ready to kill them if you say so

'You okay sweetheart?'

'Um-yeah...Thank you Donut.'

'Nonsense. That's my duty.'

[bangtan-madi]

Top Albums of 2020

I was tagged by the amazing @joonni to list my top nine twelve albums of 2020! This was honestly so hard, but so fun. I love any tags to do with music xD (Your music taste was amazing btw! Sorry I went a little crazy and did a few extra lol.) Thanks lovie 💓

I went with the albums that I loved as whole (aka I loved most, if not all, of the songs) and listened to the most this year. Some choices have deeper meanings, while others were just flat-out enjoyable. I also stuck with albums that came out this year only, but I wasn’t sure if that was inherently part of the challenge. I wasn’t too picky on the criteria, just went with the ones that made up the score for my 2020. All albums have Spotify links incase something catches your eye! (Apologies for my extra-ness; I added recommendations from each album and a brief...ish explanation as to why it made the list.)

Also, they’re in no particular order, because this was difficult enough...

Map of the Soul: 7 by BTS

Explanation — This album was my first comeback as part of the BTS Army. There are so many tracks that I adore, and I honestly can’t remember the last time I was so excited for music. It breathed life into my Spotify, it was the album I listened to the most this year, and Black Swan was my most listened song. The differing music genres that they played with, all the way from orchestral to trap to hip hop and synth pop, left me more and more excited as the songs progressed. If there was a #1 on this list, it would be MOTS:7.

Highlights — Interlude: Shadow, Black Swan, ON, We Are Bulletproof: The Eternal

Zero: Fever Part.1 by Ateez

Explanation — This was the soundtrack to my summer. I hadn’t heard much from Ateez, but what I had heard, I wasn’t a huge fan of? Maybe I hadn’t been grabbed yet, but oh boy. Zero: Fever definitely did that. Every track is such high energy and memorable, so it was so hard to pick favorites! I’ll always think back on this one for summer, and will be transported back to plenty of sunset commutes.

Highlights — Fever, Thanxx, One Day At A Time

The Dream Chapter: Eternity by Tomorrow x Together

Explanation — Until this mini album, I had only listened to TXT in passing. I liked their stuff, but I feel like this is where they really found their stride. TDC:E caught me totally off-guard, in the best way possible. To me at least, this one is a work of art. Each of the six tracks is so entrancing, and so different from each other while still working together as a cohesive story. And don’t even get me started on the MVs! This is an album that I listen to for feels and fun, which to me, TXT are just brilliant at. 

Highlights — Fairy of Shampoo, Maze in the Mirror, Eternally

Dystopia: The Tree of Language by Dreamcatcher

Explanation — It took me forever to find a girl group that I could really stan, like hardcore. This comeback for Dreamcatcher was when I realized they were it for me. This album in particular is so diverse. Their voices are both haunting and beautiful, and the way they interweave rock/alternative elements into their music has always turned my ear. They are so different from so many other girl groups out there, from the sound to their stage presence to their aesthetic. I will never stop talking about them, and this album really shows the best of their work thus far.

Highlights — Red Sun, Sahara, Paradise

BE by BTS

Explanation — How could BE not be on this list? What a perfect end to a shitty year. There’s something so comforting yet uplifting about this one, and I will happily admit I cried when I first heard Blue & Grey. Who am I kidding, I still do. There’s only one other artist I have listed on here with two albums, so BTS is in good company. What more is there to say other than BE was the warm hug we all needed.

Highlights — Life Goes On, Blue & Grey, Dis-ease, Stay

Heng:garae by Seventeen

Explanation — This is another group that I hadn’t listened to much before this album. I was so surprised and excited. Every song that passed, I found myself smiling more. Their voices are astoundingly beautiful, and the songs are sickeningly catchy. Another album that I go to just to have fun. It’s one of my favorites to just put on when a day is good, but doesn’t Seventeen make it a little better regardless?

Highlights — Fearless, Kidult, I Wish, Together

The Untamed by various

Explanation — If you’ve seen the Chinese drama The Untamed, then you know exactly why this is on there. This album is a collection of songs that are themes for the characters in the show, most of which are sung by the actors themselves. Let me tell you; I don’t know a lick of Mandarin, but these are some of the most stunning songs I’ve ever heard. It’s one of the things that drew me to the drama to begin with; everything, including the music, is breathtaking. The classical Chinese sound plays so well with the character’s stories and singer’s vocals. They tell stories all on their own and give the drama so much depth. Even if you’re not a fan of the show or webtoon it’s based on, give this one a listen. You won’t be disappointed!

Highlights — [Wen Qing] woodland, [Wen Ning] Chi Ni, [Lan Xichen] Bu You, [Jiang Yanli & Jin Zixuan] Yong Ge, [Interlude] Yi Nan Ping, [Nie Minghao & Nie Huaisang] Qing He Ju

Humanity (Chapters I & II) by Thomas Bergersen

Explanation — If you know anything about me, you know how important orchestral music is to me. It’s been a huge part of my music journey ever since I was in middle school. Thomas Bergersen has been my favorite composer for years; the way he integrates the classical with the modern is just...there are no words. These two albums cannot be listed separately; they’re part of a seven-part project titled Humanity. Chapters I & II came out in 2020, and honestly, I have no words. The way he tells a story through almost entirely lyric-less work is just immaculate. I’ve never felt more powerful, emotional, or inspired than when listening to these two. I cried when I first heard Your Imagination and Materialize. No matter how I am feeling, whether I need inspiration or hope or just some peace of mind, I go here. I’ve never felt more healed than when listening to his work. If you take a chance to listen to anything on this list, PLEASE. Give these a try. 

Highlights — We Are One, Wings, Humanity, Your Imagination, Materialize, Innocence, The Stars Are Coming Home

Brightest Blue by Ellie Goulding

Explanation — I don’t listen to a ton of western music that isn’t orchestral or lofi, but I used to adore Ellie Goulding. Halcyon was my entire teen-hood. When I saw she came out with a new album this year, I gave it a listen for sentimentality reasons. And boy, I still love her. Her voice is both angelic and haunting, and her sound is so unique. The messages given in these songs are powerful, potent, a tad bit bittersweet, and especially valid for young women navigating adult life. Also the instrumentals backing her vocals are often big and grand and symphonic, filled with piano and violin. That’s enough to get me to listen. And to top it all off, the collabs she has on this album are so fitting for each track, it’s absolutely beautiful.

Highlights — Start, Cyan, Ode To Myself, Woman, Flux, Overture, Slow Grenade, Hate Me

Beneath Your Waves by Sleepy Fish

Explanation — If there’s one kind of music that shuts off the little anxiety bug in my brain and gets me to work, one that isn’t as intense as orchestral music and that doesn’t put me into sensory overload like orchestral sometimes does, it’s lofi. And Sleepy Fish does it so freakin’ well. This album that came out this year is one of my most often repeated over and over. When I’m struggling with sensory issues at work, I put this one repeat and my mind just...goes...quiet. It’s like medicine. And the tunes are so catchy and sweet. I’m instantly transported to someplace magical, some seaside city straight out of a Ghibli film, and far away from the things that are troubling me. Then I can finally get some work done, get to sleep, or just quiet my mind. If you struggle with sensory issues or anxiety like I do, give this album a shot. Also, the album titled My Room Becomes The Sea from 2019 is excellent.

Highlights — Velocities, Sunbreak, Swimming, Nights Like These, Winter Winter

WOOPS! by Woodz

Explanation — Another mini album that is just a blast to listen to, but it also has such a soft side that hits me in the feels. I don’t see a lot of people talking about Woodz, but you all should give him a listen. He’s so talented, and his voice on this one is just *chef’s kiss* everything. The mixing is also impeccable and pairs so well with his vocals.

Highlights — Bump Bump, On my own, Sweater, Tide

D-2 by Agust D

Explanation — I mean, we all knew this one was gonna be dope. Yoongi did not disappoint. This mixtape is so different from most of the stuff I listen to, but I absolutely adored it. The truth and rhythm and pure talent in each and every verse stuns me still. I find myself especially drawn to this one when I’m frustrated (not exclusively, but often, ‘cause 2020.) Both his truth and sound give me a safe place to feel that frustration and anxiety and vent/work through it. I don’t know what it is about Yoongi, but to me, all of his work is like a comforting friend going, “Hey, you’re totally valid and okay for feeling this way...but it sucks, doesn’t it?” 

Highlights — Daechwita, People, Dear my friend

Now, I’ll tag these lovely people! Only if you wanna :)

@kooala​ @cultleaderyoongi​ @yoontopia​ @hobicomeholla29​ @helenazbmrskai​ @moon-write​ @dreamcatcherjiah​ @ditttiii​

[oikaw-ugh]

100 days to go before Christmas!!!

(Block the tags #jose mari onii chan and #whenever if you don't want to see me hyping for Christmas)

I'M SORRY IF I HAVEN'T DONE THIS FOR DAYSSSS GDJSJSJ 😭 I KEEP ON FORGETTING IT I AM A SHAME

Anyway! Let's take a break with my Christmas stories. Let's talk about how I get mad.

Okay lmao. This isn't random. I lowkey went to this randomizer and I ended up with "What are you like when you get mad?"

👁️👄👁️

Let's see if you all still find me kind and cute with this-

Hmmmmm. I fall silent most of the time and I like to take it all in (NOT HEALTHY KIDS PLS VENT OUT UR ANGER IN A HEALTHY MANNER) but when i get mad, like MAD mad

I insult your art 👁️👄👁️

HSJSJSJSJSJ I KNOW I'M NOT THE BEST. I AM LEARNING TO DRAW MYSELF AND DRAWING IS NO JOKE BUT WHEN I GET MAD, WORDS JUST GUSH OUT AND BEFORE I KNEW IT, I INSULT SOMEONE :((((

Back in 12th grade, we had a theatre play contest and let's just say I'm part of the behind the stage crew. Supposedly, I was only a scriptwriter and was only expected to write the script and I can yeet.

Then my classmate (who is the director of the play for our strand) was like: Lei? The props?

👁️👄👁️ WDYM ThE pr0ps

So anyhow, there! I became a member for the play. And like, there are only 2 of us who are scriptwriters and the rest are actors and she expects us to do the background, the music, the costumes ;-;

We ✨ need ✨ help ✨ my brilliant mind said.

So I asked for Julianna, another classmate's help. Since she kind of does craft and arts, too.

Clearly told her we needed her HELP. Not her LEADERSHIP. Lol. But she started??? Bossing us around??? Like??? Dafuck???

She was being a bitch when we bought materials and she disregarded some of our ideas, too. She's yeeting away from our theme which irritates me!

She swatted my hand one time when i tried reaching out to her????? And she cried???? Like?? Why? 👁️👄👁️

She kept on pestering the other scriptwriter about stuff. And it pains me to see how the other scriptwriter is just so done with Julianna I had to intervene.

Julianna: Juanita (the other scriptwriter), about the mask, who will do it?

Juanita: what mask?

Julianna: Didn't you say we're making masks?!

Juanita: I have no idea-

Julianna: tHIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN NO ONE LISTENS TO ME-

Me: jULIANNA IT WAS ME WHO SUGGESTED THE MASK BUT WE DIDN'T PUSH THROUGH W IT CAUSE U SAID IT SUCKS!

Screamedthatinfrontofthecrew-

Both Juanita and Julianna paused bc of me suddenly screaming. Everybody thought I was done but NOPE LMAOOOO

Me: YOU AND YOUR SHITTY ART. CAN'TBELIEVEYOU'RENOW18ANDYETYOUDRAWLIKEAN8YEAROLDYOUSHOULDBEASHAMEDSTOPBUYINGTHOSEARTMATERIALSYOU'REONLYWASTINGYOURTIMETHISISN'TPRE-SCHOOLYOUBITCH.

I...screamed...that ;-;

And i cried on my way home because of the anger and exhaustion (the director still calling me while I'm on my way home is not helping)

Also, did I ever apologize to Jualita? N o. Because she didn't, too and I am still mad of what she did on our play :l

I think this happened when I was younger, too. But not as intense as this one.

Shoutout to Ate Nich! @angmarwitch for this wonderful idea!

[gingerteaonthetardis]

i was tagged by @sunniebelle. sorry it took a few days, dear!

top five ships?

doctorrose. in whatever form i find them.

teninch. is this a cop out answer because it encompasses basically all of my interests? maybe!

fremione. the definition of sweetness and light; my go-to fluff pairing.

dramione. this ship is my vestigial tail and i will never be rid of it.

aaaaand tuckerrose. or really, my general unnamed peter/billie pairing ship name.

lipstick or chapstick?

oh, chapstick. i haven't worn lipstick since college, probably, because i am an ancient and wizened crone who does not seek beauty—only hydration.

last song?

dreams by kelsey lu. literally cannot recommend her enough, just generally, but i especially love the ambience of this song.

last movie?

emma. (2020) because i compulsively watch it when i'm bored, or sad, or watercoloring—or all three!

last television show?

the thick of it. specifically season one. i tend to watch it whenever i'm stressed and need to vent out some anxiety via malcolm tucker. he had me at "useless as a marzipan dildo.”

reading?

i just finished the fifth season by n.k. jemisin which, i believe, is a modern classic and a brilliant contribution to the science fiction genre. it absolutely kicked my ass, in the best possible way, and i can’t wait to continue the series.

i also just finished the atlas six by olivie blake! i was super excited about this book because i've been a big fan of olivie's fics for years, and the concept for this original novel really intrigued me. it did not disappoint, and i’m very excited for the next installation.

(also, nobody panic about those links. they’re just to goodreads, in case you feel like checking those books out. lol, i am an affiliate of nothing and no one.)

fic wise, i have been avoiding whofic lately (because i've been writing so much of it) and instead have been reading and re-reading some faves:

don't you know you've got the best of me? by raquians. (hp. wip. fremione. a rewrite of the entire series and one of my favorite soft universes to return to, time and time again. friends, it's just hermione getting what she deserves for... as of right now, six chapters straight—affirmation, friendship, and love!!)

stuck with you by gallifreyslostson & larxenethefirefly. (dw/ttoi. complete. tuckerrose. a story set in pete's world, in which a jaded old bastard makes contact with the atomic bomb that is rose tyler's smile. possibly one of my favorite fics of all time.)

the gloriana set by thebemoon. (hp. complete. dramione. an eighth year fic with some of the best characterization i've ever seen. part mystery, part romance. draco is a dick, hermione is neurotic, and hogwarts might not survive them falling in love.)

meet me on the equinox by lostinfic. (sdoacg x broadchurch. complete. hardy x hannah. travel blogger hannah is running from something. and alec hardy always runs towards trouble. predictably, they collide. absolutely love this story.)

random things that make me happy?

my new grapefruit-scented candle, because it reminds me that it may be snowing in may, but the weather is bound to be beautiful somewhere.

watercoloring! even if i’m shit at it!

my relatively easy access to beautiful places, like waterfalls and trails and old cemeteries. even in isolation, i can wander around the wonderful world, and i'm very lucky to be able to do that.

tagging: anyone who wants to do this! truly. if you’re here at the bottom of this post, because you actually cared enough to read my nonsense thoughts and opinions, consider yourself tagged.

[ciarawritesmarvel]

hide and seek (and cheat) - bucky barnes x reader

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader

Word Count: 1.6k

Warnings: There’s some language but like you already know that I swear

A/N: Welcome to Day Eight of Hello Spring by @ibwhellospring! It’s incredibly late and I am incredibly sorry, but I have exams next week and so I’ve been very busy. I’ll continue to write these as and when I have time! Lots of love to you all, and I hope you're doing impeccably well. 

Prompt: In their closet, he/she found...

masterlist in my bio and tags in the reblog! please drop me an ask to be tagged in bucky, steve or all the hello spring pieces!

---

It was time.

All your training, everything you’d ever done in your life worked up to this. As you stood in a circle surrounded by your teammates, looking at their determined faces, the fire that burned brightly in their eyes, you knew they were all thinking exactly the same thing.

It was time.

For the annual hide and seek competition.

Tony had introduced a number of important competitions over your years as an Avenger, competitions designed to boost morale and encourage team building and bonding with members of the team you may not work with all too often. This was a brilliant idea in theory, however he hadn’t particularly thought through just how competitive his teammates were and how willing they would be to turn a friendly competition into all out war. The latest laser tag day proved that point perfectly.

“We’ll quickly go over the rules, since its Scott and Peter’s first time playing,” Tony announced and everyone’s eyes turned to the two; Peter whose cheeks were slightly red as he gave a little wave and Scott whose silly grin couldn’t be contained. Neither of them stood a chance today, “Everyone gets a chance to be the seeker. You count to 300 whilst everyone hides. People are allowed to keep moving around whilst the seeker is seeking. You have half an hour to find as many people as possible. Once the timer is up, which I have synced with the watches you’re all wearing, you come back here and we start again with the next seeker. Points both for finding people and for not being found. Most points at the end of the day wins. Are we clear?”

Peter put his hand up. You bit back a groan.

“What do we do once we’re found?”

“You trudge back to where we’re standing right now with your tail between your legs, kid,” Tony answered and Peter nodded solemnly. You were almost impressed. It seemed someone had briefed him on just how serious today was.

“Oh and usual special rules apply too: Loki, no apparitions, Clint, stay out of the vents, Thor, don’t trap yourself in with Mjolnir and Wanda, power down.”

The four grumbled, something about natural advantages and fairness, but Tony wasn’t listening. Vision, who had been standing motionless in the corner of the room, suddenly walked forward and entered the circle, whispering something in Tony’s ear, to which he nodded. Vision promptly returned to his position in the corner.

“New rules: Peter, no webs and Scott, stay the same damn size you are now.”

Both of the newbies protested, but they fell on deaf ears.

“Worst adjudicator ever,” Scott mumbled, giving Vision a side eye that he didn’t really understand.

“First up, Banner.”

“Oh, you’ve got to be joking Tony, everyone has the best hiding places on the first go,” Bruce whined but Tony shrugged, claiming that it was alphabetical order and that he’d just have to be good at seeking. It was when Bruce started protesting that Tony’s real name was Anthony that you stopped really listening. Already, you were choosing from the hiding places you’d been scoping out all year, deciding which would be the best one to pull out against Bruce.

“300, 299, 298-”

“RUN!” Peter practically screeched and you all paused, looking at him searchingly before scattering in different directions, pushing past people and heading towards your separate destinations. Today would be a long day.

You were more than ready.

---

So far, so good.

You’d managed two rounds without being found, the first time hiding in one of the washing machines in the laundry room and the second hiding in the vents, since it was only Clint who wasn’t allowed inside them. As it turned out, everyone else had the same idea too and so Clint ended up finding nobody and was incredibly angry about it. Nobody would tell him where you’d all been.

Now it was Bucky’s turn to seek and you grinned as he turned from everyone, covered his eyes and began counting. You had the perfect hiding place for him.

Minutes later, you were inside Bucky’s closet, amongst the henleys and the leather jackets. The smell was strangely comforting, mainly because it was just so distinctly Bucky. You had just a slither of light through the crack between the doors but it was almost total darkness and there was only just enough space for you to stand with your back against the rear wall and the top half of your body covered by the clothes hung there.

There was no way he’d check for someone hiding in his own room. Genius. Even if you did say so yourself.

It only took a few minutes to hear the whining of Scott echoing through the corridors, who’s clearly been found first. You heard footsteps coming towards the room you were in and assumed they were Scott’s own, returning to the base point of the game.

But then the door opened.

Shit.

You held your breath.

The footsteps wandered around the room and you heard him stop by the bed, which you assumed he was looking under. And then the footsteps began to walk towards where you were hiding. You pressed yourself as far back into the wardrobe as you could and squeezed your eyes shut.

He opened the closet door. There was a beat. You briefly wondered if he might shut the door and walk away, if maybe he couldn’t see you behind the clothes.

“Hi baby,” came his voice, whispered and teasing and light, and you let out all your breath at once in a strong huff. He held out a hand to help you out of his cupboard but you smacked it away and pushed your way out on your own. Pushing hair out of your face and smoothing down your jeans.

“How’d you know to look here?” you pouted and Bucky smiled lovingly at you, reaching up to cup your face with one hand.

“I know you better than you know yourself. You thought I wouldn’t check in my own room because who would be stupid enough to hide in my own room. Right?”

It would have been flattering that he was able to read your thoughts so well if it hadn’t been the most annoying thing in the world right at this moment. You groaned.

“Right,” you conceded and then suddenly your eyes widened and you jumped back away from him suddenly, leaving his hand to drop uselessly by his side, “What are you doing?!”

“Relax, doll, everyone’s hiding. Scott’s back at base. It’s just us,” his last sentence had a hint of something else in it, something low and playful. You glanced towards the door, just to make sure, before taking the step forward and pressing your lips to his. It was fleeting, nothing like your usual heated moments in a cleaning cupboard or languid moments in the morning before you snuck back to your own room. It was sweet and familiar, and Bucky tasted like the cinnamon swirl he’d had for breakfast.

You pulled away again, but left your hand on his chest, only just noticed that his own arms had wrapped themselves loosely around your waist. Bucky grinned at you, using two fingers to hold your chin.

“You want me to pretend I haven’t found you?” he asked seriously and you gasped in mock offence, pushing yourself away from him with force.

“You taking pity on me, Barnes? I don’t need anyone’s help to win this bloody game,” you argued back fiercely, only really half joking but you knew he was teasing and that you would never dare to cheat in such an important contest.

“Was jus’ offering!” he held his hands up in surrender, “I just don’t want you too upset when you lose.”

You glared at him. Saw him trying to conceal his laughter. Narrowed your eyes. Before he could blink, you had him by the collar and were pushing him into his closet, closing the doors with a slam and grabbed the large katana sword on the wall and slotting it through the handles. You saw the doors rattle. But he couldn’t get out. You grinned triumphantly.

“Y/N!” he exclaimed, the shock in his voice only instilling you with more pride. You looked through the tiny crack between the doors and saw just Bucky’s eye peering out at you, completely taken aback with a spark of panic.

“Good luck seeking from in there, punk,” you said nonchalantly, because if you couldn’t win today, you sure as hell weren’t going to let him win. You walked out of the room and closed the door, ignoring his pleas for you to let him out. Instead, you turned on your heel and sauntered back to the base to wait until the end of Bucky’s seeking time.

You guessed that nobody would be joining you there for a little while.

“So you and Y/N, huh?” Bucky screamed, actually screamed, as Scott appeared beside him the cupboard and his movements backwards and away from him almost sent the closet falling to the floor.

“What the fuck, Scott!”

“Sorry,” he said, and Bucky could see the blush travelling across his whole face even in this dim light, “When you found me, I shrunk down and climbed up onto your shoulder to watch you find people and get some hiding ideas. But this is way better honestly.”

Bucky closed his eyes and let his head rest against the wardrobe wall.

“Get out,” he said softly and Scott nodded.

“I mean, that’s fair,” he admitted as he shrunk down again and ran out of the gap in the wardrobe, leaving Bucky alone and contemplating the life choices that had brought him to this exact moment.

[homodnp]

creator tag

rules: It’s time to love yourselves! choose your 5 favourite works you created in the past year (fics, art, edits, etc.) and link them below to reflect on the amazing things you brought into the world in 2019. tag as many writers/artists/etc. as you want (fan or original) so we can spread the love and link each other to awesome works!

thank you to the lovely @judearaya @outphan and @alittledizzy for tagging me!!

1. life is but a dream (fic)

an underrated lil baby of a fic, at least in my biased opinion. i’ve always found most comfort in understanding and using natural imagery, so although those lads never go outside i wanted to write a fic about what might happen on such an occasion. at the time it also didn’t help that i’d asked a friend of mine (whom i’ve liked for years) to go rowing together cus it was late summer and why the fuck not. we were making arrangements, but then she just stopped texting at all for two weeks and nothing came of it. it was rough, so i vented my heartbreak by imagining a universe where at least someone else could get the rowing date they wanted.

2. the king (fic)

again, this was a result of my own personal life - you guessed it: heartbreak! i was driving into town, healing over someone who had recently rejected me, listening to this fic’s song, and then i realised “this is like how i imagine phil felt in 2009 before oct 19.” because pining for someone who is sending mixed signals, pining for someone who seems confused even though in your eye there is no clearer answer? that is some relatable shit. writing this was largely therapeutic and helped me come to terms with my own situation, through exploring fic!phil’s feelings. because this fic was more than just surface pining: it is about all the insecurities, all the anger, all the panicking which comes with it. the key to it was that anyone reading it knows that things do turn out for the better and dan does choose phil, even if neither can see it now. so for myself, it was reassurance that when life hits rock bottom there’s only one way up, that the present does not reflect the future. but at the same time, even if things are destined to improve, it is beyond your knowledge and your feelings now are still valid. you are allowed your anger and your sadness, but do not take it as the end.

3. ‘talk abt dnp love languages and the way they express them pleasee’ (meta)

back in days of old when i got anons, sometimes i did a bunch of interpretation/analysis stuff, and this was probably my favourite to write. i don’t have much to say about it here other than that it’s something i’ve seen people discuss at length and i hopped on the opportunity to give my two cents on it lol

4. ‘you are the drum!’ (gifset)

my first ever gifs, the day i got photoshop completely legally *cough*. are they good quality, rich in technique? fuck no! was i, and am i still, pleased with them? fuck yes! especially because if every phannie were to have a ‘niche’ in what phandom stuff they like to indulge in, phil being a fond guy is definitely mine. :’)

5. first impressions (gifset)

for what is probably one of my favourite gaming vids of theirs ever, my second of two gifsets i’ve done so far - i would have done more but i have legit no idea what i’m doing wrong that makes them so low-definition. each gif was also more saturated than the one before, which i did not intend. oh well, i am not a good gifmaker and i own it! (but send me all your tutorials please, i need ‘em!)

overall?

the reason i only included two fics in this list is because they are my only two so far. i want to do a lot more fic-posting - you will not believe the number of wips i have in my fic GD folder right now. my 2019 has been absolutely chaotic which is why i haven’t posted much, in many ways i’m surprised i’ve got anything done at all lol. but it’s been a good year for me, definitely a brilliant one for the overall phandom. may 2020 be kind to us all. happy new year!

i am so sorry if i miss anyone, it’s just off the top of my head that i am tagging: @karcathy @elisethephangirl @phlanetary @toxicnebulaae-deactivated201912 @imdyingriprip @autumn-in-phandom @calvinahobbes @itsaravetree @throwing-roses-into-the-abyss @owodnp @incognitovampiregoblin

[thorne93]

Stan Lee University (Part 16)

Prompt: What would the Avengers be like in college, more importantly, what would they be like if Y/N existed around them?

Word Count: 1266

Warnings: drama, language, welcome to fluff town

Notes: This is based on a HC from @carryonmyswansong. They helped brainstorm and write part of this series. In this AU, no one will have powers, everyone is a normal human. Beta’d by @carryonmyswansong

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

About two weeks into Stephen’s program, you two had opened a Google Docs to share thoughts. Not so much texting, but just more like thoughts that hit you throughout the day. Sometimes you responded to them, other times, it was just a think tank. He wrote in one color, you wrote in another.

Today, he was venting to you about a patient he had. He was on his break, and he was typing furiously. 

“We’ve got this woman who has all these symptoms but I can’t figure it out and the doctors are stumped. It’s maddening.”

“Does she have mood swings?” you wondered.

“Yes. It’s crazy. Do you think it’s bipolar disorder?”

“No. How is her speech?”

“Deteriorating.”

“Have them check the right hemisphere of her brain.”

“What?”

“Biopsy her brain, check for Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis.”

“That’s oddly specific.”

“Correct. I’m not WebMD… I’m giving you something useful. If that isn’t it, continue searching.”

“Okay, give me a bit to get back with you.” 

Within three days, Stephen called you back on video chat. 

“Holy shit, Y/N, you were right.”

“I always am, but what about this time?” you wondered idly.

“The patient. The woman with the weird symptoms.”

You immediately dropped what you were doing and gave him your full attention.

“I was? I am?” 

“Yes! The biopsy proved she’s got what you said she has. We’re starting her on her treatment today. Y/N, you saved her life.”

You shrugged. “We went over it in one of my classes. I found the illness interesting.”

“Well she owes her life to you.”

“Just… giving back, that’s all.”

“Well the doctors here don’t see it that way.” 

“Huh?”

“After the results came back, they thanked me, they were really laying on the praise, but I told them it was your idea, and they want to get you into an office.”

“What the hell do you mean?” you asked, incredulous. “I’m not licensed.”

“No, but they want you to consult. The Dr. Marcum that works here knows the psychiatrist at that office near campus, Dr. York?”

“The office that Wanda works at?”

“Yeah, they want you to do a co-op. You’ll get college credit, and you’ll get paid.”

“But Wanda’s already there, with her internship.”

He shook his head. “They said they really want you there, for the spring.”

“But, why?”

“Well, you clearly know something. A whole team of doctors here was stumped, along with five students.” 

“I’m flattered but--”

“If you really don’t want it, I’ll tell them, but personally, it sounds like a fantastic opportunity, a way to get paid, and something really nice to put on your resume.”

“I know,” you agreed with hesitation.

“Medical schools would really love something like that,” he said encouragingly.

You sighed. “Alright, fine, have them set it up.”

“Great! So you’ll get credit for the spring, but they’d like you to start sooner, if that’s possible?”

“Yeah, I can start tomorrow if they want,” you informed, since New Years was two days ago.

“I’ll let them know. I’m really proud of you.”

“Thanks.” 

“I gotta go, but I’ll get you in touch with them.”

You nodded and he wished you a goodbye before ending the call. 

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

Two days later, you showed up to the office. It was an office with about three psychologists and two psychiatrists. As soon as you walked in Wanda was at the front desk and you stopped, before realizing you were there for you, not her.

“I’m here to see Dr. York?” you said to the blonde, middle aged receptionist. 

“Ah, are you Y/N?” 

“I am.”

“Great. I’ll go get him.”

As soon as she left, Wanda peered at you. “What are you doing here?” she demanded, eyeing you up and down.

“I, uh, I’m here--”

“Ah! There she is. The doctor in training,” Dr. York said, his arms opened. He came over and shook your hand. “It’s such a pleasure to meet you. Dr. Marcum told me what you did. Brilliant, just brilliant.”

“Just got lucky,” you noted.

“Hardly. I think you’ve got a real knack. A strong instinct. I like that. Alright, so we’re going to have you consult. I’d like you to rotate around the office, sitting in on some of the more difficult patients to get a read on, how does that sound?” 

“Great, I’d be happy to do so.”

“Now, because of HIPPA you’ll have a lot of paperwork to fill out but that shouldn’t be a problem, right?”

“Not at all.” 

“Fantastic. I’ll get Beth to get you that paperwork immediately and we can get to it.” 

“Thanks.” 

“I’m sorry, uh, Dr. York, is Y/N here coming onto the internship or…?”

He peered at her. “Oh, I’m so sorry, Wanda. I forgot, you two go to school together. No, Y/N will be our consult. Technically, she’ll be your boss, as she’ll need certain case files and such.”

Wanda’s eyes enlarged. “I’m sorry?”

“Well you sort our cases, Y/N here will be dealing with them, reading them over.” 

He nodded at the two of you, smiled, and told Beth what to get you. Beth left and you just looked at Wanda.

“What the… What strings did you pull?” she demanded, crossing her arms.

“I helped diagnose a patient correctly in London, that’s it.”

“Anyone can use WebMd,” she scoffed.

“Yeah? Then why did a team of doctors and students miss something I caught? If it’s so easy to just Google it, no one would ever go to the doctor.”

She shook her head and picked up a box. “Let’s just hope you can keep the streak, wouldn’t want you to embarrass yourself.”

“You mean like you’re doing right now?”

She glared at you and turned on her heel to walk down the hall.

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

Two days into the internship, Dr. Prescott approached you in the hallway as Wanda was coming up behind you and you were leaving Dr. Eldrich’s office with him.

“Ah, there you are, I’ve been looking for you,” he noted. “What do you make of this? He’s got delusions, but he’s only seeing his dead mother. Do you think it’s schizophrenia or something else?” 

“Well, it depends on--” you began to answer, but Wanda cut you off.

“I don’t think he was asking you, Y/N. He was clearly asking Dr. Eldrich,” she snapped.

Both doctors looked at her before Dr. Prescott’s eyes slowly slid back to you. “No, I was. I want to know Y/N’s take on it.”

It took every fiber of your being to not turn to her and smirk like an asshole, but you refrained. 

“In fact, you should probably be taking notes on what she says,” he instructed. 

She balked before ripping the cap off her pen and holding her notebook up.

“As I was saying, is he Haitian?” 

“He is, actually. Why does that matter?”

“In their culture, it’s pretty normal. While the hallucinations aren’t great, I think he’s got severe depression. He isn’t dangerous, if he’s only seeing one person. Did she recently pass?”

“Yes, about two weeks ago.”

“Yeah, then it’s probably depression that’s triggering it. He’s not crazy, just sad. We’ll have to help him through the stages of grief. I’d advise against any medication at this time, since they believe in holistic medicine.” 

“Copy that. Thanks.” He nodded to Dr. Eldrich, then Wanda, and swept down the hallway. 

“Excellent diagnosis,” Dr. Eldrich noted.

You shrugged. “I just hope I’m right.”

“I’m sure you are. Thorough and thoughtful. Just what the world needs in a doctor,” he said with a smile. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Forever Tag List

@essie1876

@magpiegirl80

@letsgetfuckingsuperwholocked

@iamwarrenspeace

@marvel-imagines-yes-please

@superwholocked527

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@rda1989

@munlis

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@bubblyanarocks3

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@damalseer

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Steve Rogers

@nedthegay

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@alwayshave-faith

@elleatrixlestrange

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@lenawiinchester

@esoltis280

@patzammit

Bucky Barnes

@nedthegay

@lostinspace33

@alwayshave-faith

@elleatrixlestrange

@ultrarebelheart

@lenawiinchester

@its-not-a-tulpa

@esoltis280

@thirstresponsibly

@valecitainwonderland

@buckybarnesappreciationsociety

@howling-at-that-moon @sneakygitsune @whiw0lf

Loki Odinson

@lostinspace33

@ultrarebelheart

@lenawiinchester

@esoltis280

@tngrayson

@wangdeasang

@harrymewmew

@jayfantasyatyourservice

SLU

@eagleandthebutterfly

@disneyfanatic77

@disneyoncerlover815

@meraki–mei

@fcavalerro

[elenatria]

I adore you. You're amazing. You deserve a break and a rest, as well as the ability to vent about whatever. Life's rough, but I'm sure you'll pull through

Awww... >//__>;

My question is, how long should a break last? Sigh!

I do have my ups and downs, and it’s ridiculous really because I make people feel uncomfortable with my fatigue and insecurities and frustrations and and and--

I will explain. I have FOMO, like a huge case of FOMO. That’s it really. So usually when I dive into a fandom for the first time I want to consume *everything*, every story, art, headcanon, conversation, discord chat, historical facts, you name it. 

But, inevitably, after six months fandom fatigue kicks in (btw I hate discord chats, the experience has been less than pleasant whenever I tried it, wayyyyy too many people to deal with).  So I have to start filtering my fandom experience which is... not who I was when I first started fangirling this or that pairing. I sometimes get tagged and added in stuff that I cannot follow and that both gives me guilt trips as well as triggers my insecurities when I get to see people’s brilliant ideas and group efforts that I cannot participate in. 

It’s silly, I could just ignore and move on, instead I make a huge fuss about it or I just stop getting online for days. And people who have honoured me with their ideas and initiatives may get hurt, and they just don’t deserve that kind of entitlement, they don’t deserve to feel ignored or rejected because of my big mouth. 

The “rough” part of my life is basically this: the stress. The demotivation. I haven’t looked into the reasons behind it (yet). Stress when I’m breaking my brain over a new chapter that takes ages to finish, stress when I don’t have enough time within the week to draw, stress when I don’t get the response I was expecting (while I was breaking my brain), stress when my mind is too saturated to take in other people’s headcanons and ideas. 

I suppose insecurity has a lot to do with it, and being distracted easily.  So, like, when I’m busy writing a chapter I can’t afford distractions, and when I’m being idle while someone else is being active I’m like “Why am I not active?? What’s wrong with me??”. A contest with everyone else, but basically with myself. Stress. 

So now that you see me finally answering is because I’m feeling a bit better. Reducing the “noise” makes me feel better, staying away from social media and large groups too (I’m afraid I prefer going solo) - even if that takes its toll on my online friendships and the people I should have paid attention to long ago.

[khadij-al-kubra]

Can I Bar-row Your Attend-tion  (ch3)

Pairing: Roman/Patton

Characters: Roman, Patton, Logan, Virgil, Thomas, Joan, Talyn (some OCs)

Word Count: (who’s she? never heard of her? XP)

Summary: Roman and Patton are two bartenders at a local bar & grill with some serious chemistry. However, the only people who don’t realize it are each other, and one of them is in a relationship…on the rocks.

Author’s Note:

Hey friends! What’s this? Two chapters in one week!? Don’t get used to it, sadly. I want to get content out ASAP, but my work schedule sucks. For now though, here’s the next chapter in the Bar & Grill AU, and I am SO thankful to see all the positive feedback so far and am happy you’re enjoying it! If you’d like to be in the tag list for future chapters in the Bar & Grill AU or other works by me, let me know. And as always feel free to leave a comment in the messages or reply if you have any notes or constructive critiques. I’m always open to writing advice. Enjoy!

<--PREVIOUS

Chapter 3: Premium Chemistry, Shaken not Stirred (POV- Roman)

It was a slow Tuesday night at the bar & grill, just a dozen of regulars either having dinner at the tables or drinks at the bar. The Sanders’ employees were by no means slacking on their jobs, yet there was an air of comfortable easement. Which suited Roman fine. He’d just come from another long rehearsal before his shift and frankly it had left him in no mood to be overly charming to any new faces tonight. Fortunately for him, Patton was patient enough to listen to him vent.

“…And THEN Fred—you know, our Angel? Ugh, I can’t believe I have to kiss him—anyways, he goes and tells everyone my idea but then just rephrases it differently and takes credit for it. If that wasn’t bad enough, they all go along with it and tell Fred what a great idea he had, especially our stage manager Kiersten, or should I say Kier-satan! Curse that little lesbian Lucifer—I swear those two divas are in cahoots—but it was MY idea in the FIRST place! UGH I can’t stand them! I may also be one of the hot popular leads in the cast, but at least I’M not a jerkity-jerk-two-faced-jerk…Gaghhh, I don’t even know what I’m saying anymore!”

“Roman, take it easy! I know you’re upset but you’re starting to spill,” said Patton.

Indeed he had overfilled one of the glasses and now there was a small puddle on the counter. Good thing it was just club soda from the nozzle and nothing expensive.

“Oh! I’m so sorry,” he said as he fixed the last drink. “Here’s your Old Fashioned, Sal. Just like you.”

“Thanks pal,” said the mustached contractor with a wink.

“And your third Shirley Temple, Imani. You might want to slow down there.”

“Very funny Roman,” said the hijabi. “Save the over dramatics for your rehearsals.”

“I am NOT being over dramatic…not this time anyway,” he pouted, wiping up the spill he’d made with a wet rag.

“Of course you’re not,” said Patton, patting his shoulder sweetly.

Very few things could take even an ounce of enjoyment out of theatrical experiences for Roman, but lying diva cast-mates was one of them. Sadly, he’d been cursed to work with two. In the last few weeks of rehearsals Roman had come to befriend most of the cast and production team. However Fred had proven himself to be an entitled actor that only gave the time of day to his own clique, and Kiersten was—for lack of a Patton approved word—a bitch who was fake nice to everyone only to subtly undermine everyone else’s opinions, even the director! Roman absolutely hated people like that!

“Hey Patton,” said Lizzie, another regular, from the other side of the bar. “Can I get a gin for me and a whiskey sour for my lady love here?”

For once Lizzie was in a black dress and not her usual EMT uniform. Beside her was a curly haired woman in a rose pink dress that complimented her olive skin-tone perfectly. Yas queen, Roman thought. At least someone around here was getting lucky in the love department.

“Coming right up Lizzie! Goodness, it is so nice to finally meet you Maya,” said Patton, ambling over to his customers.

“You know my name?” asked Maya looking pleasantly surprised.

“Oh of course! Lizzie talks about how wonderful you are all the time.” Then Patton gasped loudly. “Is that an engagement ring I spy? CONGRATULATIONS you two! Here, have a celebratory cookie. Aw heck, have two! You deserve it.”

“Thank you,” they said, smiling as Patton handed them each two mini chocolate chip cookies from his apron stash.

As Roman watched his co-worker he couldn’t help but silently gush. This was the thing he loved most about Patton- how sincerely kind he was. The bespectacled angel never put on airs or had ulterior agendas. There wasn’t a single catty bone in the cat lover’s huggable body (ironic given how allergic Patton was to cats). If he listened to or remembered a little detail about you, it was because he genuinely cared about you as a human being. And for Roman, who worked in the competitive and often shady world of theater, that was a rare and beautiful quality in a person.

Everything about Patton was beautiful.

“I think that spot there is clean enough lover boy,” said Sal, his mustache twitched in a smirk.

“Right. Thanks Sal—wait, what do you mean lover boy?” he asked.

“Listen, Ro,” Patton said coming back over. “I understand why you’re so upset and your feelings are completely valid. But you can’t let people like that get you down and ruin the whole experience for you. That’s how bullies like them win. You get along with the rest of the cast, right?”

“Yes, they’re fantastic,” he said. “Our Mimi and I have even become good friends.”

“Aaand your director is nice and fair, right?”

“Very. He’s downright brilliant.”

“And you’re having fun being part of this show, right?”

“Of course! RENT is an institution!”

“Then that’s all that should matter! Just do your best, ignore the rest, and remember to have fun with it!”

Roman chuckled at Patton’s dad-like gesture. So adorable.

“I suppose you’re right Patton. It’s just frustrating. I can’t stand deceitful people like that. They really get under my skin! ...Anyways, enough about my drama. How are you Patton? Anything new in your life?”

For some reason Patton seemed surprised by the question. It’s not as though Roman wasn’t interested in the other’s life. In fact, he was very interested in it. Wanted to be a part of it even…part of his world. Now is not the time for mental Disney references, Roman. Then Patton beamed. Dear lord, its like he was made of sunshine.

“I’m doing pretty great actually,” said Patton. “In fact, I’ve started volunteering at the local animal shelter on my days off. It’s not Veterinary school, but pretty close enough.And I still get to help cute little animals.”

Of course he would spend his rare free-time helping others. He truly was an angel sent from the heavens. ‘That’s wonderful Patton! I’m happy for you, truly.”

“Thanks Roman. That…means a lot to me.”

“And how’s it been with my temporary replacement?”

“Not bad. He gets along with the customers well enough, although he can’t hold a candle to you.”

“Well of course,” Roman waved his hand dramatically. “I’m basically Lumière.”

Patton giggled. “Actually, aside from looking alike, you wouldn’t think Remy and Logan were related. He’s a lot more laid back. Although he does have a habit of showing up late for work, and I think he might have a bit of a coffee addiction.”

“A bit?” Lizzie called from across the bar. “Please, that guy probably has more coffee in his veins than blood!”

Roman laughed. “Coffee can be pretty addicting. That’s why I switched to drinking chai lattes. They certainly taste a lot better too.”

“Huh. Interesting…”

For some reason Patton seemed to be staring at Roman’s mouth. Good lord, did he have something in his teeth? He turned his head away to slyly check. Phew! All good.

“Well at least one of us is getting along with our new co-workers. Unlike me,” he grumbled. Stupid Fred. Stupid Kiersten.

“Aw Roman, isn’t there something I can do to cheer you up?” asked Patton.

“I doubt it, but I appreciate the gesture Patton.”

Roman sighed, propped his elbow on the table and rested his cheek in hand. As much as he loved being in RENT rehearsals it was taking a chuck out of his treasured time with Patton. Now not only was he forced to deal with two diva bitches, but also someone else was having time with his Patton, probably falling for him just as much as Roman had and waiting to make a move. What if Remy charmed Patton enough that he’d actually break-up with Dio for the guy? What if he was more Patton’s type, more worthy of the sweet man’s love than him? What if his replacement was more handsome than he was!?

Wait what am I thinking? There’s no one more handsome than me. Still… Suddenly there was a staccato tapping on his shoulder. Roman turned from his musings to see Patton grinning at him. The man was practically vibrating with giddiness.

“Can I just, say something crazy?” he asked.

At this line Roman shot up like a meerkat. No. He’s not… Patton wiggled his eyebrows at him conspiratorially, biting his soft looking bottom lip in excitement. He is! Roman did a quick sweep of the bar & grill to make sure there was no sign of Logan. Lenient as their friend boss might be, he’d never let them get away with an impromptu Disney number while they were supposed to be working. Luckily Logan wasn’t around. Probably still in his office. Good.

Roman gave Patton his most dashing smile. “I love crazy!”

“All my life has been a series of doors in my face

and then suddenly I bump into you,” Patton sang.

Roman joined in on cue. “I was thinking the same thing! ‘Cause like,

I’ve been searching my whole life to find my own place.

And maybe it’s the party talking or the chocolate fondue.”

“But with you,” Patton did a slide to the right.

“But with you” Roman slid to the left. “I found my place.”

“I see your face.”

On ‘face’ Patton lightly booped his nose and then stepped out from the bar. Roman followed suit. They had more room to move with and around each other.

“And it’s nothing like I’ve ever known before!

Love is an open door!

Love is an open door!”

Roman knew that Patton could sing, having hummed Disney songs together before, but he’d never had the pleasure of hearing it in full. Patton’s lovely tenor voice blended perfectly with his own baritone vocals. They even nailed the harmonies!

“Love is an open door!”

“With you!” Patton pointed.

“With you!” Roman pointed back.

“With you!”

“With you!”

“Love is an open door.”

Roman couldn’t help laughing out loud. Patton’s joy and whimsy truly were infectious.

“I mean it’s crazy.”

“What?”

“We finish each other’s—

“Sandwiches!” Thomas shouted from over at the kitchen window, holding a plate of club sandwiches.

“That’s what I was going to say!” Roman called back indignantly. 

Then he felt Patton pulling him by the hands to the center of the room as he skipped backwards. “I never met someone”

“Who thinks so much like me!”

“Jinx! Jinx again!” The two grinned as they nailed the pinky swears.

“Our mental synchronization

Can have but one explanation.”

“You”

“And I”

“Were”

“Just

Meant to be!”

Perhaps spurred on by the theatricality of the moment (definitely not his secret feelings), Roman dared to take Patton’s hand and wrap his arm around the other’s waist. Then he led Patton into a waltz. It was a bit sloppy but in a silly lighthearted way. He adored the flustered look on Patton’s face.

“Say goodbye”

“Say goodbye”

“To the pain of the past.

We don’t have to feel it anymore!”

In the back of his mind Roman knew that they were drawing attention to themselves but he didn’t care. Only Patton was in his world in that moment, and thus his world was bright and joyful and perfect. Patton was perfect.

“Love is an open door!

Love is an open door!

Life can be so much more!”

“With you!”

“With you!”

“With you!”

“Love is an open doooor…” Patton finished the song with a giggle. God I love this man.

Suddenly the place was filled with applause. Roman swore he even heard someone whistle from the kitchen. It wasn’t very loud given that there weren’t many people at Sanders’ tonight, but the energy was certainly boisterous enough to match even a full house. For some reason, Talyn was handing money over to Joan. Even Virgil seemed to have appeared out of nowhere and was clapping as he leaned against the wall. Where did he come from? I swear that guy is like a shadow sometimes.

That’s when Roman realized he and Patton were still holding onto each other. They were face to flushed smiling face. So close he could see the pure honey color of Patton’s eyes. Roman could lean in, feel just how soft those sweet lips truly were if he wanted to, and dear lord did he want to. So far yet so…close…

STOP! STOP! HE’S TAKEN YOU IDIOT! The flaring red alarm in Roman’s brain brought him back to the reality of the situation. Roman stopped himself and settled for just smiling at Patton. Way too close Roman. You nearly ruined the best thing you have with the best person in your life. Dio doesn’t know how lucky he is.

“Just KISS already ya goofballs!” Dakota shouted from across the room.

Terrence shut him up by smacking him on the back of the head form the table opposite him, but it had already been said. It was out there now, spoken to the universe. Roman’s entire face was burning and his co-worker was just as red beneath those freckled cheeks he wanted to kiss so badly. Oh great! You’ve embarrassed him! He immediately let go of Patton’s hands, laughing it off awkwardly. He already missed the warmth of those soft gentle hands. If only his heart would stop fluttering.

“Ahem.” Oh no.

Roman slowly turned around to find Logan standing there. His arms were crossed, his face stone-like, and yet to Romans surprise he didn’t seem angry. In fact, he would swear there was an amused glint in his dark eyes.

“Well. That was quite the performance. Highly unprofessional in this setting,” he said, adjusting his glasses.

Patton stepped in front of Roman, arm held out protectively. “It was my fault Logan. I was the one that started singing. Roman had a really bad day and everyone was already taken care of. I just wanted to cheer him u—

Logan held up a hand, and Patton closed his mouth with a pop. “However…given that it is nearly empty in here, save for our regular customers and they all seemed to enjoy the show…I shall let it slide this one time.”

“Wow. Thank you Lo—“

“Just don’t make a habit of it, or else it’s dish duty for the both of you.”

Roman gulped, picturing all those burnt cheese encrusted pans. His nails would never survive. “Understood specs.”

“Excellent. Now, if you’ll excuse me, there is a shoebox full of bank statements in my office that need organizing.”

Logan walked away with an almost giddy smile. He really is a happy little nerd at heart. Roman shook his head fondly as he and Patton returned to the bar.

“Nice little show you put on,” said Virgil, suddenly standing at Roman’s end of the bar.

“Gah,” Roman jumped. “We really need to put a bell on you, shadowling.”

“Hi Virgil!”

“Sup bro?”

“Need me to place an order for you?”

“Nah don’t sweat it. I already asked Thomas while you guys were having your Disney mania moment. You two were getting pretty cozy at the end there.”

Roman’s ears felt hot again and he shot a panicked look at Patton. The fatherly figure either hadn’t heard that last part or was pretending otherwise. How DARE Virgil embarrass his own stepbrother like that! Wait, is he blushing too? Is that a good sign or a bad one? Okay, just play it cool Roman.

“Oh don’t be ridiculous, Cruella de Virgil. Patton was only trying to lift my spirits after an arduous rehearsal, which he did as always. Uh-I-I mean-like you always do with any of your friends! Nothing special or non-consensually romantic about it!”

Roman laughed weakly but thought he’d played it off well. Patton no longer looked embarrassed at least. Although…his smile seemed a bit off.

“Yep! Just helping out a…friend,” said Patton.

“I do feel better now. Truly,” said Roman. He covered Patton’s hand with his own and gave a reassuring squeeze, knowing how much the man loved physical affection. “Thank you for lifting my spirits Patton. It means a lot.”

“Anytime Roman,” said Patton.

“I hate to interrupt fellas,” said Sal, “But we’re out of beer nuts here. Mind getting some more?”

“Woops! Sorry ‘bout that kiddo,” he said to the older gentleman. “We should have another can of them in the supply room somewhere. Be right back.”

Roman watched the pseudo padre practically prance to the back storage, unable to ignore how good those khaki jeans looked on him from behind. He felt ashamed at his having the male gaze but DAMN IT ALL, how could a man be both sexy and cute at the same time? That’s not FAIR!

“Geez, you do have it bad, don’t you Princy?” said Virgil.

“Whaaaat? Pshh me? Have feelings for Patton? Knowing full well he’s my co-worker and already taken? You-you impude my honor! I-I do not secretly…love…Patton…”

“Falsehood,” said Logan passing by with a box in his hands.

This had Virgil and pretty much everyone else seated at the bar in a guffaw. He shot them all dagger eyes but even he knew this was a weak response. Heck, if the cyborg had picked up on the feelings he’d tried to hide then clearly he hadn’t done a very good job. His shoulders sagged in defeat.

“Is it really that obvious?” he asked.

“YES,” They all answered.

“Subtlety isn’t exactly your strong suit,” said Imani.

“That’s true,” he sighed. “Wait, you don’t think Patton—

“Don’t worry bud, he doesn’t know. I love my brother but he’s about as oblivious as you are dramatic.” 

Roman gave a fake-offended gasp, but even he knew it was a gesture weakened by his relief. Thank goodness Patton was still preoccupied in storage. Come to think of it, he’s been going back there a lot lately…I hope he’s okay. Probably just sneaking off to text his boyfriend, the lucky bastard.

“Seriously though,” Virgil said, “you really should just kiss him already. Or at least tell him how you feel. You know, carpe diem and all that.”

“Virgil…I’d be lying if I said doing either of those things hasn’t occupied my every waking daydream since I met that beautiful man!” Roman sighed loudly, setting down the towel he’d thoroughly wrung out. “But I don’t dare to risk ruining our friendship if he doesn’t feel the same.”

“Some risks are worth taking. And that’s coming from the guy who won’t risk going outside if there’s even a slight chance of scattered thundershowers.”

“But…your tagger symbol is your initials inside of a storm cloud.”

“The irony doesn’t escape me.”

“Besides,” said Lizzie, “I don’t think it’d be too big a risk since Patton clearly feels the same about you.”

“Wait, wha-what?” A glimmer of hope rose up in Roman chest.

“Hey, what the heck Lizzie? I have a bet going on!” Imani shouted from the other end of the bar. Wait, what bet?

“So do I sister!” Lizzie playfully stuck her tongue out at the Muslim woman then kissed her fiancé.

“Wait, wait, back up! What the heckity-heck with five abs in one peck—

“That’s a visual,” said Virgil.

“—makes you think Patton could possibly have feelings for me? Are you certain? Did he say something to you?”

“Well no, not in words per se. But he sure does show it pretty darn clearly,” said Sal as he took a swig of his drink. Then he held it out, silently asking the bartender for another.

“How so?” Roman asked as he mixed another Old Fashioned.

“For one thing he gets real touchy feely with you. Always going in for hugs and squeezing your arm and the like.”

“Patton’s always like that. He’s a very affectionate man.” One of his most endearing traits, Roman thought.

“True, but with you he’s extra,” said Sal as he took his drink.

“Plus, whenever you show up for you shift, he gets super bubbly,” said Lizzie. “Even by Patton standards.

“Not to mention you two just fucking waltzed around the room together,” said Joan as they passed by with two orders of nachos.

“Aaand he sang a Disney song just to cheer you up,” said Talyn as they brought Terrence and Dakota their checks.

“And don’t forget I grew up with the guy,” said Virgil. “I recognize his puppy-love face and he definitely gets it around you.”

“But,” said Iman with a resigned huff. “You want to know the biggest tip off? You are the only person here who he never calls kiddo.”

Roman’s mouth was opened prepared to protest, but this last bit of evidence took the wind right out of his chimes. He couldn’t remember Patton ever referring to him by his favorite fatherly term of endearment. Did that truly mean he saw Roman as more than a friend? Could he really be lucky enough to have somehow earned the affection of someone as kind, beautiful and wonderful as Patton Cline? Could the light of his life truly see something in him worthy of loving? If that’s the case then maybe Roman did have a chance! Maybe they could be more than friends, maybe—

“I…I can’t.” Roman signed, shoulders slumping with lost hope. “You’re right, I should be honest with my feelings. And perhaps what you say about Patton may be true. But there’s one glaring obstacle you’re all forgetting about; he already has a boyfriend. An awful creepy one but nevertheless…he is taken. And as much as I hate my snake-faced rival, Dio is the one Patton has chosen to be with. Not me...which means that is what he wants most.” 

Roman did his best to swallow back tears threatening to make a jailbreak from his eyes. “So long as that is the case, I will not disrespect Patton’s choice by coming between them. That would be dishonorable of me and unfair to Patton. And I love him too much to ever do anything that could possibly hurt him.”

He could practically feel all of their eyes on him, but none of them said anything. They merely turn back to their drinks or meals. Roman was glad of it. He didn’t think he could handle them trying to convince him otherwise. He was more than willing to suffer in silence if it means doing right by the man he loved.

When he looked up at Virgil though, his best friend, there was a look of understanding in the artist’s eyes behind his bangs. Perhaps even respect.

“Fair enough,” Virgil said.

“Order up Virgil,” said Thomas.

He held out the to-go bag, for once leaning outside of the kitchen doors instead of the windowsill. The cook was giving Roman a look of sympathy. Had he been eavesdropping between orders?

“Thanks Thomas,” said Virgil grabbing the bag. “I already had Logan ring up my bill when I came in, so I’m just gonna duck out.”

“Okay. See you next time then. And Roman…hang in there buddy.” 

Then the young cook retreated back into the kitchen. Yep. He definitely eavesdropped. Surprise, surprise. Was everyone in Sanders’ privy to the Chilean soap opera that had suddenly become his love life? Or lack thereof.

“For what it’s worth Roman…I’d be cool with it.” Virgil scratched the back of his neck beneath his hood. “I think you’d be really good for my brother.”

“Wow...Thanks Virge,” said Roman, humbled by the anxious man. “That really means a lot.”

“Whatever,” Virgil scoffed. “Just know that if you do ever break his heart, I’m gonna kick your ass.”

Roman chuckled. “Believe me Dark Knight, I’d kick my own ass first before I let that happen.”

“Good.” Virgil put on his large headphones and two-finger saluted him. “Later.”

Roman watched his friend leave Sanders’ and looked through the glass window as Virgil parkoured away, his black clad figure merging into the dark of the night. It was nice to know that Roman had his approval, though it hardly mattered. Not while Patton wanted to be with someone else.

“I’m back!” said Patton.

“Gah!” Roman jumped a little at Patton suddenly appearing behind him. Seems both brothers have a talent for appearing out of nowhere.

“And I brought beer nuts.” He poured them from the large metal cylinder into the small table bowls at the bar. “Here you go kiddos. What’d I miss?”

“Nothing! Nothing of interesting. Certainly no missed confessions or anything…Uh you sure were back there a long time. Did you get lost or something?”

Patton smiled back at him, but it wasn’t his usual ear-to-ear smile. If Roman didn’t know any better he’d say his eyes looked a bit red behind those glasses.

“Nah, I had to make a quick phone call to…anywho, it doesn’t matter. So didja miss me Roman?”

Roman. Not kiddo. ”Always Patton.”

His partner in bartending crime and unknowing thief of his heart chuckled in that childlike manner he had. Then he turned back to work, cleaning glasses and humming the song they’d sung together only moments ago. Even as he did such a simple task Roman couldn’t help admiring him. Those fairy dust freckles, kind eyes, soft looking waves of hair, and warm smile…he truly was the sun in his sky; So close and beautiful, yet so very far away.

Roman sighed and said softly under his breath, “More than you’ll ever know.”

NEXT-->

Tag List: @altruistic-skittles @thekeytohappiness-is-you @canadian-crofters @icecoldparadise @bluebloodstains @purpleshipper @patchworkofstars@axyzel @hissesssss @beautifully-terribly @pink-and-purple-flowers@jynxlovesluck @thatsanswitch @6tick6tock6 @hanramz-the-fander @azlinne @helplesscreator @thestoryofme13 @bibbidi-bobbity-booyah @accidental-sanders @moonstonefox12 @hissesssss @smokeyrutilequartz @phlying-squirrel @madly-handsome @puns-and-patton @notveryglittery @eequalsmcscared @safesandersides

[calligraphist-artemisia]

I’ll Take Her Place (Chapter 19)

Summary: AU. When Allura breaks the news that she is to wed Prince Lotor in order to continue the peaceful relationship between Altea and Daibazaal, Pidge knows that she has to do something to change that. And so, with a little help, she comes up with a new plan. A better plan

Pairings: Keith/Pidge (main) ; Shiro/Allura (minor) and Hunk/Lance (minor) ; one-sided Lotor/Allura

Edit 11/18/2018: Since inserting links is currently causing my posts to not appear when you search through the tags, I’m removing them from my most recent chapters until this issue is fixed. To find the rest of the chapters, just check my page and it’ll be under “My Voltron Fanfiction”. I’ll be doing my best to keep the masterpost up-to-date. (For mobile users, every chapter has been tagged with “arranged marriage au”, which may be your best shot at finding the other chapters.)

To find me on AO3 or fanfiction.net, my penname is “kishirokitsune”

Chapter 19

Why?

Why was it so hard to tell her?

It should have been so simple! It was only one sentence: “I am Keith.” That was it. Easy.

Keithir growled into his pillow, his ears pinned back as he took a moment to vent his frustration. He really wanted to tell her as they sat there at the overlook on Olkarion, but every time he tried, he couldn't get the words out. Either she beat him to talking by offering him a piece of dessert or one of the local wildlife would make a noise to distract him.

(Okay, so that was a poor excuse. He knew that. He didn't need Thace to tell him that no less than five times since they arrived back at the Castle of Lions.)

At least he managed to surprise her with one final gift – the book on Galran technology he ordered just for her. The beaming smile on her face was well worth the effort he put in to get a copy printed and bound for her, which was rarely done as digital versions were considered easier to deliver and took up less space. Personally, he thought it was nice to have a few physical copies around.

Other than his inability to tell her the truth about his alias, their date to Olkarion had been fantastic. The food was delicious and conversation flowed as they sat and looked out over the forested valley. It was more perfect than he'd dreamed.

Everything about his future had shifted over the course of the last two months, which he had expected when he agreed to Katie's proposal, and yet...

Keithir rolled over onto his side, contemplating his unexpected friendship with the Green Paladin. A friendship which was steadily growing towards something more.

He slowly exhaled.

That was the reason it was so hard.

He liked her.

A lot.

For more reasons than he could accurately put into words.

And it terrified him, liking someone that much. If he went about things the wrong way, telling the truth about “Keith” could ruin the balance they'd established. It could bring down their whole friendship!

That was why he needed the right moment. It was why he didn't march down and knock on her door to tell her the truth.

I don't want to mess this up. The desperate thought seized him, derailing the rest of his thought process. But what if I'm already too late?

“Pidge, you look beautiful!” Allura gushed as Pidge stepped out of the fitting room.

“You said the same thing about the last fine,” Pidge said, twisting to check out her reflection in the mirrors around her. Just like the last five, the dress flowed over her body and down to the floor. The silk-like material was light and the skirt shifted with every movement, while the bodice pressed firm against her, accentuating her slight curves.

Nilani eagerly moved forward to help her arrange the skirt, tutting over the length and altogether simplistic design. “It needs something else. More layers? No, no, that would be too much. Perhaps beading? A lace overlay?” The half-Altean rambled on to her herself, paying no mind to Pidge's put-out expression at the thought of trying on more.

When Nilani invited her down to try on “a couple” of gowns, she'd expected three or four, not the twenty-seven waiting for her once she arrived. And that was after Allura and Lance had to step in to curb Nilani's desire to put her into more elaborate gowns, reminding her that Pidge had requested a simple, more modest style.

Allura cleared her throat. “How do you like it, Pidge?”

“Uh, well...” Pidge tried to focus on her reflection and ignore the way Nilani hovered nearby. It was pretty enough, with wide straps over her shoulders and a scooped neckline that was almost too low for her comfort.

“A no, then,” Allura said, recognizing the uncomfortable pause for what it was. She strode over to the rack of gowns as Pidge stammered out excuses, not wanting it to seem like she hated all of the hard work Nilani was doing to accommodate her.

Nilani herself watched the princess with curiosity in her gaze as Allura went through the rack until she found one that met her approval. She carried it over to Pidge and pushed her back into the dressing room, going right along with her to help unlace the back of the one she had on.

“Sometimes you have to be a little more forceful about these things,” Allura advised in undertone. “Nilani is a brilliant seamstress, but sometimes she gets so caught up in what she's doing and how she can make it even better. Don't forget, this is all about what you want. If you look at it and you don't like it or if you'll feel uncomfortable wearing it, you won't offend her by telling the truth.” She stepped back when the dress was loosened enough for Pidge to slip out of it. “Now tell me, what do you think of this one?”

For a moment, Pidge thought Allura was testing her and she almost turned it away without really looking at it, but the lace turtleneck caught her attention and the more she looked at it, the more she found herself liking it. “I'll try it on.”

Allura beamed.

Daibazaal.

The home world of the Galra.

Pidge was a bundle of nerves as Keithir helped her down from the shuttle and she set foot on Daibazaal for the very first time. There were only a few guards there to meet the pair of them and Shiro, who Keithir picked as their chaperon for the trip. She'd already been told it would be a low-key affair, with few actually knowing the date and time of their visit, so the lack of crowd was an expected thing and helped a little to calm her. At least she wouldn't have a big audience if she messed up.

She held onto Keithir's hand, letting him take the lead while she looked around, mesmerized by the massive, gleaming buildings and the unusual reddish sky. Architecture wasn't really her thing, but that didn't make it any less fascinating to see the stark differences between the more sleek and bright Altean buildings and the sharper edges the Galra were prone to.

They quickly moved into the citadel, escorted by a handful of guards. Keithir was quiet at her side. Actually, he'd been quiet for most of their journey, lost to his thoughts and unusually inattentive.

What if he's changed his mind?

It wasn't the first time that thought crept in to poison her good mood. And just like with the others, Pidge pushed it away. If Keithir had changed his mind, he would tell her. Or she hoped he would. They only had two weeks and three days left until the end of their courtship and then they would make an official announcement of their engagement.

Pidge became hyper aware of how warm Keithir's hand was around her own.

Two more weeks.

She swallowed, glancing up at his face, wondering if he'd realized the same.

Their courtship was coming to an end, bringing their marriage into full focus. She wracked her mind, trying to remember what, if anything, she'd read about Galra engagements. Was there a proposal involved? How was it done? And what about the engagement period? Were there rules or steps to follow for those three months as well, or were they going to be too busy with wedding planning to worry about that? What about--

Keithir gently squeezed her hand. “Is everything okay, Katie?”

“Oh, um, yeah,” Pidge lied unconvincingly. “Sorry, I was just thinking about something. Where are we going first?”

“It's not anything interesting, but I thought I'd show you and Shiro where you'll be staying while we're here. You'll share connected rooms. I hope that's alright,” Keithir said, raising his voice enough for Shiro to hear as well.

“That sounds perfect. What better way for me to keep an eye on Pidge?” Shiro said teasingly.

Pidge rolled her eyes. “Ha ha.”

Shiro took her sarcasm in stride. “Well, that is my job as your chaperon.”

Keithir looked amused by their banter. He waited until he was sure they were done before telling them the rest of his plans for the evening. “Mother and father ave invited us to join them for dinner. After that, I thought I'd show you around the citadel, if you'd like.”

The spark of anxiety that came up every time Pidge thought about talking to Emperor Zarkon fizzled out with the knowledge that Keithir wanted to give her a tour.

But what if--

Pidge violently beat back her dark thoughts as she squeezed Keithir's hand and smiled up at him. “That sounds great.”

He was going to be in so much trouble if Thace found out what he was doing, but he just wanted a quick moment alone with Katie. They were safe at the citadel; not even Lotor would dare try anything right under Zarkon's nose. (Not that he had to worry about that, as he'd been assured Lotor was off-planet.)

Dinner went smoothly thanks to Shiro, who struck up a quiet conversation with Zarkon regarding security at the wedding. Katie seemed much more relaxed without the Emperor's attention on her and it was a relief to see that she was comfortable talking to the Empress when asked about her current projects. All of that gave him the confidence to do what he'd been meaning to do for weeks.

He couldn't keep waiting for the perfect moment to present itself, so he'd have to create one himself.

There was a balcony he loved to relax at. Well, it was more of a retired crosswalk for the guards, which overlooked a stretch of the inner-city to the east. The view was a spectacular one and the wind was rarely harsh.

“Wow,” Katie breathed as she leaned against the rail, gazing out over the capital city.

As much as he wanted to, Keithir didn't allow himself the pleasure of standing back to watch her for long. He walked up next to her, close enough that they were almost touching. “I've always come up here when I wanted to be alone to think. Something about it helps me clear my head. Makes it easier to talk about things.”

His heart was pounding in his chest as he turned to meet her eyes. “Katie, there's something I need to tell you.”

“Is something wrong?” she asked, looking almost afraid to hear the answer.

Keithir shook his head. “No! No, nothing's wrong. I just...” He paused to take a breath. “I'm--”

“Well now, isn't this a pleasant surprise.”

The sound of that voice, thick like too-sweet honey, had Keithir instinctively moving in front of Katie, shielding her from view. He narrowed his eyes as his brother joined them on the balcony. Behind him was his personal servant, who stood back with his head bowed.

“What do you want, Lotor?” Keithir demanded.

Lotor made a show of acting shocked. “Why, I merely saw my dear little brother and his bride-to-be out here all alone and came to say 'hello'. Is that such a crime to you?”

Everything about him was cold and controlled, his voice ringing with a falsely pleasant tone that set Keithir's nerves on edge. Whatever his brother was there for, it certainly wasn't to say “hello”.

“Well now you have. You can go now.” Keithir didn't care if he was being rude. He wanted Lotor as far away from Katie as possible, as soon as possible.

Lotor tutted softly, whether from the demand or something else. “And leave the two of you alone? As your older brother, it is my duty to escort you back to your chaperon. After all, it would be most unfortunate if anything were to happen to you while you're out here all alone.”

Behind him, Katie inhaled sharply at the unspoken threat.

“We can find our own way back,” Keithir said, maintaining eye contact for another few seconds.

Show no fear.

And then, calmly and dismissively, Keithir turned and ushered Katie away from the balcony, wanting nothing more than to get her back to Shiro and off of Daibazaal. His parents would understand his reasons for cutting their trip short.

He needed to talk to Kolivan. Everything about what just happened felt weird to him.

And since when did Lotor have his personal servant follow him around the citadel?

“Keithir?”

A gentle touch to his arm had him slowing down so Katie wasn't running to keep up with him. “Sorry,” he apologized. “I didn't think – He's not supposed to be here. I don't know how he found out we were visiting.”

“It is weird,” Katie agreed, easily keeping pace with him as they descended a flight of stairs. “Shiro needs to hear about this.”

“You can tell him on your way back to Altea.”

“You're coming with us, right?”

Keithir didn't hesitate for a second. “Of course I am.”

I'm not letting you out of my sight.

On impulse, he reached for her hand, threading their fingers together. Katie looked startled by the action, but didn't pull away. Instead, she moved a little closer. And despite everything, a tiny burst of affection settled in Keithir's heart, soothing him.

Whatever Lotor was planning, they'd get through it. Together.

[linaofthemyscira]

White House Down (Part 4)

Pairing: Secret Service!Jason x Fem!Secret Service!Reader

Words: 1778

Prompt: Duke Thomas, the President of the United States of America is a huge target for the world. However, Jason Todd, one of the best Secret Service agents in the White House, doesn’t let President Thomas out of his sight. Then you come along, and let’s just say you’re a bit of a distraction. While Jason wrestles with your presence, the White House is attacked which throws his whole world off. Now Jason must work with you to save one of the most important people in the world and the fate of the United States.

Warnings: foul language, mention of PTSD

A/N: Here is part 4! Sorry it took so long! PLEASE READ THE NOTE BELOW PEEPS!

(This is a polite reminder that if you are on one of my tag lists and you change your URL PLEASE let me know because ya girl doesn’t have the time or patience to track your new URL down so please TELL ME! Also, tags for this story are still open, SO SEND AN ASK IF YOU WANNA BE ON THIS STORY’S TAGLIST THANK YOU AND GOOD NIGHT!)

--

“Hey, [Y/N]....[Y/N]....hey wake up…” you heard a muffled voice. You blinked a few times, seeing blurred colors and figures, but soon your vision came back to normal and you exhaled.

“She’s okay,” the voice said. It was Dick.

“Dick?” you asked.

“Yeah, it’s me. Are you okay? After we hit the deck, you started shaking and curled into a fetal position while screaming. Jason carried you out and back here,” he asked. You sat up slowly, holding onto Dick’s shoulder to help you.

“Uh, I guess it was my PTSD,” you scratched your head.

“Damn...I should’ve known…” Dick looked at the ground.

“I’m sorry,” you apologized.

“There’s nothing to apologize for,” Dick told you. You nodded and looked around. You weren’t in the oval office, you were in some windowless room with several other agents, including Roy and Tim. But you didn’t see Jason or the President, which set off alarms in your head.

“Dick….Dick where’s Jason and Mr. President?” you asked frantically.

“Uh….we lost them in the rush to get to the safe room. They’re out there somewhere,” Dick pointed to the door.

“What?!” you exclaimed. Dick brought a finger to his lips and shushed you.

“Dick….we need to fucking find them. The country is at stake,” you whispered furiously. “Are there any hostages? Tourists?”

“Yes…” Dick trailed off.

“Jesus, Dick. That’s it, I’m going out there and finding Jason to help him,” You started standing up.

“No, [Y/N]. You just went through a panic attack because of PTSD, you need to rest a little,” Dick stood up and grabbed your wrist, which you immediately yanked away from him.

“I know what I need, and that’s to help Jason and find the President,” you said lowly. Dick frowned, but you were determined and he knew if he didn’t get out of your way, you would move him.

You took off your jacket, knowing it would be too much of a distraction, and put your hair up and out of your face. You noticed you didn’t have a gun on you anymore and you turned to Dick.

“I need a gun. Fully loaded.” You held out your hand. Dick took two guns from two separate agents and handed them to you.

“Take two,” he said. You checked the guns’ ammo and then put them in your holsters.

“Okay. Keep me on channel 3, I’ll be back….soon hopefully,” you told Dick.

“Good luck,” he patted your shoulder. You nodded and headed for the door.

“[Y/N]....” Roy called out. You turned to Roy a bit with a raised eyebrow.

“If you see Jason out there, alive, tell him...he better save the cinnamon bagels from the break room because I paid for them,” Roy told you. You groaned and rolled your eyes.

“Roy, just...okay, whatever,” you scoffed and turned to the door. Some of the agents told you to be careful, and then you were gone.

“She’s gonna die,” Roy told Dick. Dick looked at Roy with a disappointed expression and shook his head.

“Come on, Roy,” he whispered as he walked away from him.

--

As soon as you had stepped foot into the open White House hall, you exhaled nervously. It was empty, but you were still anxious. You took out one of your guns and looked around to see where you would go. You carefully calculated your next moves and put them into action.

“There is no way that there was only ONE secret service agent and the president in this fucking pretentious White House. Find ALL of them, and leave no one alive,” a woman’s voice said. You quickly ducked into the ladies’ bathroom to avoid being seen. You put your ear to the tiny open crack to continue listening.

“Yes ma’am,” a group of men said.

“Check the bathrooms! Kill all agents on sight. No mercy,” the woman said. You quickly and silently shut the bathroom door and hid in a stall.

“She must be in charge...and she has henchmen...you know what? Kudos, even though she’s technically a terrorist,” you whispered to yourself. “But how am I going to get out of here alive?”

You looked around for a vent to crawl through, but the only vents in the restroom were the small rectangular ones.

“Fucking hell,” you muttered. You looked down at your garb and equipment, then thought of a brilliant idea.

After a few minutes, the henchmen entered the women’s bathroom quietly.

“Wow...why is the ladies’ room so much nicer than ours?” you heard one of the men say.

“Because….they’re ladies...they keep things classy and clean,” another guy said. You made a face and rolled your eyes.

“Shhh, there’s probably someone in here,” one more man said.

Suddenly, your stall door was kicked down and there was a gun pointed in your face. On instinct, you screamed in fear, but it was believable enough for the henchmen as they took a step back in surprise.

“Please don’t hurt me!” You whimpered and leaned back on the toilet seat you sat on.

“It’s a civilian,” one of the men remarked.

“No shit Sherlock,” another guy said. That sparked an argument between the group of men, which allowed you to reach behind you to the empty space where the toilet seat ended and grab one of the guns you hid back there.

“Shut up, ya morons! We have to take the civilian back to the hostage area.” The leader of the group announced. He moved his way to the entrance of the stall, but as he turned to you, he was met with the barrel of your handgun.

“Oh honey, I’m not just any civilian,” you smirked.

“Shit…”

--

“Well….that was….easy I guess,” you sighed and pushed loose strands of your hair out of your face. You stood in the middle of the group of men, who all now laid unconscious on the bathroom floor. You speedily unarmed the men, taking one of their assault rifles, reloading it, then taking the rest of the ammo, a walkie-talkie of theirs, and a few knives.

Once you were ready, you exited the bathroom as silently as possible. The hall was not empty anymore. Two henchmen stood guard at each end of the hallway and walked around in place.

“Dammit. That bitch took extra measures,” you said under your breath. You took a few minutes to see how you were going to get past the guards. Once you had your plan ready, you enacted it.

You silently skipped around the hallway, dodging the guards’ line of sight. Occasionally, one of them one would turn around, but you managed to get out of the way before they spotted you.

Finally, you approached the guard at the north end of the hall and, without trying to making a sound, you snapped the guard’s neck. You caught him before he hit the ground and dragged him out of the hall so the other guard wouldn’t see.

“Alright buddy, I’m sorry I had to do that--actually,” you silently chuckled, “I’m not, but I’m talking to a corpse so who cares? But I’m gonna have to take some of your things, you shitty motherfucker.”

You took the bulletproof vest off of him and slipped it over your torso, then tightened it so it fit. Then, you proceeded to hide the body and continue your search for Jason and Duke.

“I really hope you’re still alive, Todd…”

--

“Where are they?!”

The gloved hand flew across Jason’s face so quickly, he didn’t have time to register it. The noise of the smack echoed off the Oval Office’s walls, where Jason and Duke were being held, hostage.

He looked back up at the woman with a chuckle and his signature smirk.

“You’re gonna have to try a lot harder than that if you want information out of me, sweetheart,” he bit his lip, trying his seducing tactics on his opponent.

Much to his chagrin, they didn’t work and the woman pulled out a gun, aiming it at his forehead. Jason’s smirk faded as he kept a straight, emotionless expression on his face.

“That’s not exactly what I meant,” he remarked.

“I’m only asking once more: where are they?” she growled and pressed the barrel of the gun against his forehead.

“I’m not telling you. Go ahead. Shoot me. I don’t give a shit,” Jason hissed at her. The woman barked at one of her men in a foreign language and suddenly Duke was being dragged out before Jason’s eyes.

The woman pointed her gun at the president and glared at Jason, who now had a more concerned expression on his face.

“Now will you tell me where I will find your colleagues, Jason?” she asked.

“Jason, don’t do it. For fuck’s sake, do not tell her,” Duke groaned.

“Mr. President--” Jason started.

“I said no, and that’s an order!” Duke growled at Jason. Jason frowned and looked back up at the woman. Before he could say anything, a voice from behind him spoke.

“Talia! Aymil is not answering to his radio,” one of her men told her.

“And?”

“None of his squad is either. Neither is Issam, and some of the American guards you hired, and they were all in the same quadrant.” the man said. Jason raised an eyebrow in confusion, trying to find a logical explanation on how several men in the same area could suddenly stop responding to their radios.

Talia narrowed her eyes and walked over to her subordinate. “Find out why, Trevejo. I’m busy.”

Out of nowhere, gunshots sound off and everyone in the room looked around as if the source would magically appear in front of them.

“Out of my way!” Talia shoved some of her men out of her way as she exited the oval office to find out was going on. Several of her men followed her outside, leaving only a small number in the room.

Jason visibly relaxed, but when a body hit the floor, he knew something was up. He looked around at the remaining guards, who stared at each other in confusion and then Jason saw it.

One by one, bullets flew into the room, hitting each guard square in the forehead. In a matter of seconds, they were all dead on the floor of the oval office.

“What the fuck?” Duke whispered.

“I’m asking the same question, Mr. President,” Jason looked around.

Then, a figure dropped down from the ceiling, which greatly startled both Duke and Jason. The figure stood up, turned around and Jason’s eyes widened, not in fear, but in shock.

“Hello, boys,” you said with a cheeky grin.

-- 

TAGGING:

Permanent Tags:

@ladyalexa @impulsivesuperrobin @batarangtotheheart @little-lesbean-queen @where-is-my-jason-todd @pinkwitch21@pamelaivy @makeup-wonder-woman @jasontoddandhisguns @dick-graysns  @solis200213 @books-netflix-and-pizza @dramatic-and-young @ioczurma @sarcasmismyfirstlove @food-flowers-friends @princessonly2 @the--iceberg--lounge  @timsflannels @dc-hoe @draketimbers  @imaginingadifferentlife  @letmestargaze36 @poison-for-breakfast  @spacedragonsattack @yana-tardis-drwho @spidey-hood  @ohhthatsjxsontodd @redhoodsdoll @hmushkova  

Jason Tags:

@steverogerssexuality @starryrevelations @sonoflac  @boosyboo9206 @saraah2112 @jason-todd-rh @southsidefandoms  

Story Tags:

@zuni21798 @tessathegirlwonder @xlatinaaxx  @dickiesbooty  @chrys-1029 @dc-comics-gal @scientistsarecool @perforabuntsaggittis

[scaryjk-archive]

hey!! i’m back with another follow forever. the last time i did one was like..two urls ago, and since then, i’ve made lots of new mutuals who i adore! this was rly hard to do bc my laptop isn’t working, so i had to do it from mobile (yikes), and the gif looks bad bc i made it from my phone, but i rly wanted to show my appreciation! 💝

here, i’ve only tagged my mutuals, but pls know that i love and appreciate my followers (and any mutuals i might have accidentally missed 😅) so much!

💌 = i love seeing you on my dash n u make my day!

💘 = you’ve impacted my life in a very positive way!

🎀 = special mention at the end

# - i

@1jmins💌 @1milktae💌 @1ove-jk💌 @1taehyungs💌 @4agstd💌 @angelbabyjk💌 @angelkooki💌 @blueyoongles💌💘🎀 @chuusgf💌 @clairelions💌 @cloud9s💌 @converseksj💌 @cryjeon💌💘 @danceofnymphs💌 @daydreamsmv💌 @droplettae💌 @dwjjk💌 @gayjks💌 @gayoongis💌 @guksheart💌 @hixtap3s💌 @ho5eokie💌 @honeystae💌 @honeyyjeon💌 @icingsuga💌 @ilujeno💌 @ilysmyg💌 @inkcanaries💌💘🎀

j - p

@jeonbus💌💘 @jeonsberry💌💘🎀 @jiminblackhair💌 @jjkez💌 @jkcypher💌 @jkks💌 @jlmin💌 @jmluvbot💌 @jung4ook💌 @ktheaven💌💘🎀 @kthwhy💌💘🎀 @lonelyladybug87💌💘🎀 @lovesmilk💌💘 @lovinpjm💌 @makniae💌 @mistrejin💌 @mulletkth💌 @netsujo💌 @nightttae💌 @ofjjk💌 @okjimin💌

q - z

@rea1love💌💘 @rmgay💌 @rubytaes💌💘🎀 @selcoutthh💌 @seouljjk💌 @sleepiemoon💌💘 @smeckjin💌 @softjeon💌 @souljeon💌💘🎀 @sugaism💌 @sugamoonhobirising💌 @tae-eyebrows💌 @taesflower💌💘 @taetaez💌 @taetle💌💘 @taev-gucci💌💘🎀 @teashyung💌 @uchibas💌 @v1ive💌 @vangtae💌💘 @velvet-chae💌💘🎀 @whysocereus💌 @wowjeon💌 @wvaterlily💌 @yyoongiis💌

blueyoongles; cg, i don’t even know where to begin when it comes to you. i met you through gi (like i did with most of my mutuals), and immediately i just knew what kind of person you were. honest, kind, thoughtful, and caring. whenever any of us in the gc are having a rough time, you’re always one of the first people to offer advice. you’re so kind to me, even when sometimes i don’t deserve it. i hope you find lots and lots of happiness in life cg, because you deserve nothing less 💕

inkcanaries; gi i’m gonna b honest with you, i have absolutely no idea how we became mutuals. one day u just showed up on my dash and i was like, “o shit.. she’s funny.” you’ve made tumblr a wonderful place to be (most of the time), and i think i’d be so lonely without our little talks about stupid things, like mothman and the dorty bubble. i love u so much gi, so get out of your head sometimes and please realize that you are wonderful and kind and capable of anything you set your mind to! i hope you’re always happy 💝

jeonsberry; asya i know, i know, we rly don’t talk much! but i’ll just say, you’ve always been incredibly kind to me. your tags are literally so cute and you’re such a kind-hearted soul. i appreciate all the posts you tag me in, and i’m grateful that you always seem to keep me in mind when you see jungkook stuff 😅 ilu and i hope you’re well!! if you ever need someone to talk to, my messages are always open to you 💖

ktheaven; nadine, i’m p sure our time zones are different so i’m not certain when you’ll see this, but i have so much tk say to you!! firstly, when i joined tumblr, you were one of the few people to actually greet me. you’re so sweet, and you always mention me or tag me in cute things that manage to lift my spirits when i’m sad. i can tell from when we’ve talked, and from the asks that you’ve left me, that you’re an incredible person with the biggest heart. i hope you can find lots of happiness in your life 💘

kthwhy; my dear anya!! i know you’re super busy rn and i’m not sure when you’ll see this, but i had to mention you here! everyone should know how silly and funny and sweet you are. you always drop lil messages in my ask box and you cheer me up so much!! not to mention you’re so funny, and i’m a sucker for a good sense of humor. i hope you’re happy, and healthy 💝

lonelyladybug87; mikae i could literally write about you for HOURS but who has the time 😥 i’m sure everything i say will sound repetitive and silly but, out of all the people who have come into my life, your prescence has graced me most. seriously, i’m not sure how i would keep myself together without you. you make me laugh, and you’re brilliant, and so kind, and i’ve never known anyone quite like you. you’re the one person who i know always has my back. i love you baby 💕

rubytaes; megan!! wow, remember when we met like, what, 6 months ago? 7 maybe now? idk it’s been a long ass time but i remember it so clearly. you left me a cute ask abt one of my fics n then we became mutuals! tbh i didn’t think we’d become friends as quickly as we have. i’m so grateful to have you at my side when i need to vent 😥 idk what i’d do without your advice (bc youre old, and you know what youre talking about). i know sometimes you have struggles of your own, and i’ll always be a (metaphorical) shoulder to cry on if you need one 💖

souljeon; emma!! u absolute sweetheart! u angel! where would i be on this god forsaken website if not for you? firstly, you’re adorable. i’ll go ahead and say it. you’re so sweet and you always like my stupid text posts and sometimes u leave me asks and i’m so grateful! your queue is what keeps me going on most days (have queue felt a little off today?) and i appreciate your kindness more than you can imagine! i hope you’ll find happiness in your life 💘

taev-gucci; lisa where do i even begin here? making a kpop blog (which is something i never thought i would do) was odd at first, especially bc i didn’t really have anyone on this site to talk to! and then you swooped in, and became one of my very first mutuals, and stole my heart. you literally light up the groupchat, and i appreciate your advice and honesty so very much. i know sometimes you have your ups and downs too, but remember that i am always cheering for you! 💝

velvet-chae; last but not least, katy. an actual angel that has descended from heaven and blessed me. i can’t even remember what the gc was like before you (fun, i’m sure), but now that you’re in it, it feels complete. i admire how kind-hearted you are. to me, that’s rare to find in people. you’re the friend that appeared in my life when i didn’t even know i needed anyone, and i’m grateful for everything you’ve done for me. just know that if you ever need anything, i might not be the best at advice, but i know how to be a good friend, and i’ll always listen to you and offer you what i have. i love u very much darling, and i hope you can be happy, because you deserve it 💕

so this was long, and i probably forgot some of my mutuals, or accidentally skipped some urls when i was going through them 😥 sorry if i missed you, but i love u all, n i hope u can all find the love and happiness u surely deserve! 💘