#the close range com set up

[glossykissies]

clark and his gf who’s all sad because her friends keep ditching her and he’s trying to make her feel better.

love you so much on both blogs!

i like this as bsf!clark who’s in love with you so he hangs out with you and all your girl friends and is basically apart of your group — just so he can be near to you.

you’d planned a girls night, and clark was fine with that because… well, he had stuff to do around the barn anyway. you’d been excitedly rambling about it all week — buying facemasks, ordering pizza and pulling out the best girly romcom dvds to ensure a perfect night… until they all cancelled.

you were a sweet, sensitive soul who didn’t take well to disappointment, so clark’s heart sank when the phone rang, your best friend picking up only to be met with your snivels.

“look, hey, don’t cry — i’ll come over, okay?” he coo’s, his natural instinct being to coddle you and just hope it didn’t come off as patronising. you usually seemed to like it.

“what— what about the barn? ‘said you were busy with it tonight—”

“ah, the barn can wait.” he blows it off. you can’t see him but you know he waved his hand as he said it as if to convince you even more of its unimportance. “my old man’ll understand. he thinks you’re a total angel. infact i think he’d be more mad at me if i didn’t go to see you.”

you sniff, twiddling pathetically with the phones curly wire. “well… if you’re sure…”

“completely sure. i’ll be over there as fast as i can.”

clark was a little too excited, having to convince himself not to use his super speed.

he didn’t expect you to be so upset however, ending up beside you on the couch with a hand on your back as you cried. he knew it would be rude to ask if your emotions had anything to do with your menstruation cycle, he wanted to slap himself for even thinking of it — but he wondered if that had a part to play.

“i just feel like i always put in effort with people but there’s always something more important.” you rant, swiping beneath your eyes in frustration. clark shuffles closer, tentatively placing a hand on your back.

“mhm?” he urges you on in a gentle tone, hoping to ease you into a more relaxed mood.

“i was excited.” you pout, turning to face him — seeming to be at the end of your meltdown. he presses his lips together with a sympathetic smile.

“yeah, i figured. i mean, look at all this effort you went through setting this up.” clark validates you, lifting a hand to gesture to the way you’d decorated the living room with snacks and movie options, blankets strewn across the couch creating a comfortable atmosphere. “i suppose we’ll have to enjoy it just the two of us.” he grins, mindful of his tone — not wanting to seem like he wanted to take advantage of this situation, even if he secretly did.

“you’ll even do facemasks with me?” you let a smile slip, peering up at him through wet eyelashes. he grimaces like he’s pretending to think about it as you giggle, now being the one to shuffle closer to him.

“you gonna put cucumbers on my eyes?”

“oh yes, the full spa experience.” you tease, and clark can’t help but reach up and brush the final tear off your cheek with a fond smile. you lean happily into his hand, which doesn’t go unnoticed.

“i’m lookin’ forward to it.”

clark effortlessly takes your mind off things, a natural at distracting you with dumb dad jokes, debating over pizza toppings and lastly making silly observations about the rom-com you’d landed on.

you’re sleepy — clark had noticed you always got sleepy after eating a big meal, and after tearing through copious amounts of pizza you’d allowed yourself to lay on his chest, tired eyes glued to the screen as he strokes your back, afraid to even breathe wrong incase you come to your senses and crawl off him.

you couldn’t help it, he was just so big and warm — it would be a waste for him to take up all that space and for you not to use it. you figured you were close enough to cuddle anyway, thigh cocked up in a half straddle on his lap, sleepily giggling at a point he made.

“i just don’t get why the main love interest is being played by a forty year old.” he shrugs and you chortle harder against him.

“y’so warm.” you muse out of nowhere, drunk on tiredness. it had to be nearing 2am at this point; and you’d totally let your guard down. you feel his heart skip a beat against your ear.

“uh— really? oh, well… thanks. i think?”

“s’a good thing clarkie.” you shift until you’re looking up at him, faces inches away, body to body. clark licks his lips, brows furrowed slightly as tries (and fails) not to glance at your mouth. “thank you for hanging out with me.”

“y—eah.” he rasps, voice breaking at the low volume. he clears his throat, and you take an extra second longer to look at him before dropping your head back down, body getting heavier over the minutes that pass as you slowly succumb to sleep. clark stays awake, unable to sleep a wink, too consumed by the feeling of you on top of him.

[ellehoops]

21 WIT NO KIDS

masterlist

i know you wanna see, know you wanna be in my b.e.d

one. player p

girls were a place holder for p. come and go. cum. and. go. they blew up her phone at all times. it was ironic really, she could go to an away game and fuck a girl in the opposite teams jersey. player p was insatiable. when she saw something she wanted, she wouldn’t stop till her got it.

and shit, she wanted gwenyth grey. from the second her fine ass walked into the gym on media day paige’s sophomore year, she knew. she’d be tapping that, whether it be today or next year.

she knew flattery doesn’t work on girls like gwen. she also knew gwen doesn’t like athletes, which was a known. after a freshman kk tried to hit on her. that resulted in a laugh straight to kk’s face. the kicked puppy look was made fun of for weeks after that.

after paige bought gwen a vodka soda she walked over to the booth all her friends were sitting at. she pinched yanna and glared at her. soon, without the barrier, paige slid into the seat beside gwen. setting her drink in front of her.

“here, g.” paige whispered in gwen’s ear, gwen smiled to paige before turning her attention back to morgan who was telling her about her recent visit home. paige rolled her eyes before meeting azzi’s gaze from across the table.

azzi smirked at her before asking morgan a question, taking her from her conversation with gwen.

gwen smirked, knowing the “rizz” that p was so known for was going to come out.

paige leaned back in the booth and adjusted her hips, bucking up and settling back down. her arm went behind gwen, who was trying to hide her chuckling.

paige thought this was it, gwen would be in her bed by the end of the night. “so, ma, how my photos lookin’.” paige kept her eyes low as her gaze fell down gwen’s top.

“i don’t know, they don’t look as good as my tits. do they?” gwen leaned her head on her palm, elbow rested on the table. kk smirked and shook her head, knowing gwen was eating this up. she broke player p.

paige sat with her mouth slightly open, tongue darting out to wet her lips. her gaze still down gwen’s top. “no, they don’t.”

gwen looked, amused, to kk. “p, whatcha doing?” aubrey rang out from the other side of the table. paige’s eyes snapped up from gwen’s chest. her face flushed. the girls howled in laughter. “fuck yall, bro.”

she narrowed her eyes at the shorter girl, “especially you, kamorea.”

everyone gasped, “government is crazy. excuse me ladies.” gwen laughed before patting paige’s thigh to get up. paige swallows hard before sliding out of the seat, offering her hand to gwen who was standing up.

“m’lady.” paige jokingly bowed. gwen rolled her eyes, “always the gentlewoman. especially when you text the hoes, right?” gwen whispered the last part so only paige heard. paige chuckled humorlessly, giving gwen’s ass a tap as she walked away. “you got my number, ma, text whenever.”

gwen walked away and whispered, “i’m gonna make you wish you were dead.” a grin blooming on her face. maybe she should entertain this, humble player p. paige had a self smug smirk on her face as she manspread in the booth.

after gwen had gathered jackie and gotten her drunk ass home, they laid in bed talking about their night. jackie was still tipsy but only enough to make her giggly which made gwen’s eyes twitch a bit.

“so you and paige were pretty close, yeah?” jackie said, barely looking at the shitty rom com movie on. gwen smiled at jackie, “i mean i know she likes me.”

“but you don’t do athletes.” jackie whispered before taking a swig out of gwen’s waterbottle.

“i’m not doing shit. paige ain’t hitting, that’s for sure. but maybe i can’t flirt back and then ghost her. maybe humble her a little bit.”

……..

“bro, paige, gwen was feeling you!” kk hit the blonde on the back at practice the next morning. paige smirked and put her hands up. caroline, who was standing beside them grimiced, like she was embarrassed for them. Her eyes met aubrey’s who just shook her head with a laugh. “you guys don’t actually think she was into you, right?”

paige and kk looked to caroline, confused. “she was feelin’ me, i swear bruh! when she got up she touched my thigh.”

aubrey just laughed and walked away leaving caroline to just shake her head and continue shooting threes. paige looked to kk with shock, “i’m not faking that shit.”

soon geno came back and barked orders at them. about thirty minutes into their practice, gwen showed up. her curls back from their straightened shape, but slightly looser from the heat she’d been using on her hair. her uconn soccer hoodie fell over her, in a slouchy way. she was obviously tired, but not hungover.

gwen settled in the seats in the practice gym. she pulled her hair into a clip, showing her chunky gold hoops, before slipping on her glasses then setting up her camera equipment. paige and gwen lock eyes, she lets out a open mouth cocky smile and a wink. she’s about to roll her eyes but remembers she’s supposed to be breaking player p, so she smiles and waves. before snapping a photo of her smiling with a basketball. looking from behind her camera to see paige smiling and shaking her head.

“you’re gonna be the death of me gwenyth grey.” paige whispered to herself before stealing one last glimpse of the girl fiddling with her camera.

at the end of practice after the girls got out of the post practice circle with geno, gwen began packing up her stuff. she looked up to see azzi and ice smiling down at her. “hey.” gwen smiled, looking back down to put her things in her tote bag.

“hey, gwen. we are going a movie night, just wondering if you’d like to go. you can bring jackie if you want. but we’d love to have you.” azzi’s voice was soft as velvet. always kind and smooth. ice had to chip in, “and seeing paige around you makes me piss myself.” azzi smiled but pinched ice’s side. “she’s kidding.” they all let out an awkward laugh before gwen stood up, still shorter than them though.

“no, yeah, that’s cool. where?” gwen asked as she opened her contacts, handing her phone to azzi to put her number in.

azzi grabbed it and put her number in, “paige and i’s dorm. i’ll text you. i can’t believe you don’t have my number, ive known you since freshman year.”

gwen smiled at the two girls and said her farewells and began to walk out.

shit this was gonna be so much fun.

girl you know the deal, i gotta keep it real.

heyy guys….. sorry this took a while, school is kicking my ass.

[maevebabyy]

CONFIDENT

lara raj x fem reader

a/n - part 2 to push n pull, there’ll be a third part to this LMAOO

wc - 2.5k

a piercing squeal rang through your car as your best friend, sophia, dramatically placed her hand over her mouth, almost choking on the guyabano juice she was sipping on.

“jesus! i’m gonna crash the car, soph!” 

“sorry,” the filipina covered her mouth again, her eyes wide with excitement and surprise. “it’s just– she said what?”

you took a deep breath, gripping the steering wheel a little tighter. “...that i must be really good with my fingers.”

sophia’s jaw dropped once more, bursting into laughter shortly after, setting her juice down into the cup holder. “oh my god, that’s so bold! what’d you reply with?”

you could feel yourself turn into a tomato, recalling the way lara had leaned in closer when she said it. “i mean, i didn’t know how to respond! i was caught off guard! i kinda just said… yeah and nodded?’

“yeah and nodded?” sophia echoed, shaking her head in disbelief. “that’s your big move? what are you, a middle schooler? you could have played it up! ‘oh, you think i’m good with my fingers? wanna find out?’”

“what if she really just meant that i was good with my fingers in like a guitar way though!” you countered, trying to defend yourself. “i don’t wanna just assume that lara swings like that.”

sophia rolled her eyes, a playful smirk on her face. “girl, if she’s leaning in that close like you said, she’s definitely not just talking about your guitar skills.”

“soph, can we not?” you groaned, swatting her arm playfully with your free hand, “this isn’t a rom-com.”

the older girl laughed, leaning back in her seat. “but it totally could be! can you imagine? ‘coming this june: two girls, one guitar, and a whole lot of sexual tension!’”

you couldn’t help but giggle at the thought, your best friend was too unserious. “june? seriously? and god, it was a mistake telling you this, you’re making everything so suggestive!”

there was a moment of silence as you focused on the road, the gentle hum of the car filling the space. then, sophia’s tone shifted, more earnest now. “but really, you need to be more confident, y/n.”

you raise your brow, humming lightly in response, “where’d this come from?”

the filipina grins once more, “as your best friend, with my amazing intuition, i’m telling you right now, y/n. you’ve got a really good chance with lara.”

“and what makes you say that, soph?”

“I’m telling you, best friend things.” 

you shoot her a skeptical look, but she continued, her enthusiasm infectious. “seriously! there’s definitely a spark there if everything you’ve told me is true. just be more confident! just be a little flirty and reciprocate the energy, especially when we’re in south korea!”

“south korea?” you raise an eyebrow, laughter escaping you. “how am i supposed to be flirty when i can barely talk around her?’

sophia waved her hand dismissively, her confidence unwavering. “that’s because you’re a hopeless gay, but!” she said, popping the but, “that’s why you have me!”

you shake your head at the playful jab, chuckling lightly. “gee. thanks for the vote of confidence, soph.”

“anytime, y/n.” the older girl laughs, sipping on her guyabano juice once more. “but seriously, just flirt a bit more, it doesn't hurt to tread the waters a bit.”

you hum in response, nodding your head to sophia’s words. the idea of being flirty, especially with lara, felt like a huge jump, but maybe that was exactly what you needed.

with the trip to korea as part of mission two on the horizon, you imagined the possibilities there. maybe you would listen to sophia– after all, what was the worst that could happen?

-

as you stepped into lotte world, the vibrant atmosphere wrapped around you like a warm embrace. the air buzzed with laughter and excitement, the colourful lights of the rides making themself prominent. you glanced around, taking in the sights: families with cotton candy, friends squealing on roller coasters, and couples taking selfies against the backdrop of the stunning castle at the centre of the park.

you couldn’t believe you were actually here, yoonchae made a passing comment about how she wanted to go to lotte world with the rest of dream academy to pd bang, and here you were– actually at lotte world.

you’re pulled out of your thoughts as you hear one of the dream academy supervisors telling you girls to gather up so you could be split into groups.

once everyone was gathered, the supervisor began assigning groups. “you’ll each have some time to explore, take pictures, and enjoy the rides. just make sure to check in around halfway, so around 2 hours!”

your heart skipped a beat when you found out you’d be in a group with lara, sophia, megan, yoonchae, daniela, and manon. it felt like the universe had conspired to create the perfect scenario.

sophia nudged you playfully, “someone got lucky.” she whispered, a teasing smile on her face.

you couldn’t fight the small grin that appeared on your features, excitement bubbling inside you. being in the same group as lara during your day at lotte world was a complete godsend. as the supervisor wrapped up the instructions, your gaze wandered off to lara, who already had her eyes on you. she gave you a small smile, almost smirking at the way your eyes widened when you caught her gaze.

“let’s go explore!” daniela exclaimed, already pulling out her phone to capture the moment. the group erupted in agreement, and you fell into step beside lara as everyone began to move. 

“where to first?” sophia asked, bouncing on her heels.

“let’s hit the roller coaster first!” manon suggested.

“you sure you can handle that though?” daniela teased.

“please, i thrive on adrenaline,” manon shot back with gusto. 

the roller coaster, a massive structure twisting and turning against the sky, loomed ahead. as you approached, the thrill in the air intensified. the line moved quickly, and before you knew it, you were strapping yourself into the seat beside lara. your heart raced, a mix of anticipation and definitely not because you were so close to lara. 

as the coaster climbed higher, you could feel your stomach drop. you glanced at lara, who was practically bouncing in her seat. how was she so excited? you were about to pass out from the thought of the drop. 

you swallowed hard, the ascent feeling endless. the clattering of the tracks was nearly drowned out by your heartbeat. with one final lurch, the coaster crested the peak and paused for a heartbeat that felt like an eternity.

then, without warning, you plummeted down, the rush of air hitting you like a wave. lara screamed, but her laughter quickly followed– it was very different from you, who was holding on to dear life as you feared for your own life. 

when the ride finally came to a halt, you stumbled out of your seat, breathless and a little winded. “never doing that again…”

lara was doubled over with laughter, her hair tousled from the ride. “you survived! that’s a win!” she said, flashing you a grin that sent your heart racing again. damn, you couldn’t catch a break, could you?

“i think i need a moment you replied, leaning against the railing to steady yourself. the thrill had been exhilarating, but you weren’t sure you were quite ready for another round just yet.

“c’mon y/n!, we’re just getting started!” manon exclaimed, pulling out her phone. “let’s get a group photo!”

as the others gathered around, you couldn’t help but admire the way lara’s eyes sparkled with excitement. when she stepped closer to fit into the frame, your heart skipped again. you leaned in, acting casually, and have a quick smile for the camera as if the butterflies in your stomach weren’t going crazy.

“okay, one, two… cheese!” megan announced, capturing the moment. everyone laughed as they struck silly poses, but you felt a rush of warmth as you noticed lara leaning slightly closer, as if wanting to be part of your space.

“what’s next?” yoonchae asked.

at the korean girl’s question, sophia clapped her hands together, “teacups!” 

with no objections, the filipina girl started dragging everyone toward the spinning ride.

honestly, the thought of spinning in circles again made your stomach churn slightly. but the way lara’s eyes lit up at the idea made it hard to resist.

as the group made its way to the teacup ride, you listened in on the group’s conversation. the lighthearted banter making good background noise as you were trying to steady your beating heart.

once at the ride, the vibrant colours of the teacups spun around you, each one more colourful than the last. “ooh, let’s go for that one!” lara suggested.

“sure, let’s go.” you agreed, pointing to a cup adorned in vivid yellows and pinks.

you both climbed in, with lara settled opposite of you so that the weight could be evenly distributed. before you could grab the wheel in the middle, lara beat you to it, a mischievous grin on her face.

“looks like you’re at my mercy now,” lara teased, her fingers already spinning the wheel, the ride starting to move.

“oh no, what have i done?” you laughed, trying to keep your balance as the cup began to spin faster.

the colours blurred around you as lara twisted the wheel with enthusiasm, her laughter mixing with yours. you couldn’t help but feel a thrill, even as your stomach turned slightly from the spinning. “okay, okay! slow down a bit!” you called out, but she just grinned wider.

“not a chance!” she replied, clearly enjoying the chaos.

when the ride finally slowed and came to a stop, you stumbled out, feeling slightly disoriented but better than when you got off the rollercoaster. “you’re absolutely sick” you joked, clutching your stomach. 

“i don’t regret anything.” lara giggled, stepping off the ride as well.

with two rides done, the group decided to take a break and grab some snacks. as you walked over to a nearby stall selling cotton candy, you could feel lara’s presence beside you. “getting cotton candy?”

you nodded as response, “yeah, i mean, it’s practically a rule when you’re at an amusement park, right?”

“well, if we’re going by rules, we gotta hit up the haunted house next.” lara grinned.

“sure,” you chuckle, “but try getting the others to say yes to that”

you offer lara a piece of your cotton candy, scanning the crowd. “actually, where is everyone else?” you wondered, noticing that the group somehow drifted apart.

lara shrugged, her mouth full of sugar, “probably off taking pictures or getting more food. let’s just go!’

against your better judgement, you agreed to lara, not wanting to miss out on a chance on actually getting some alone time with her. 

as you approached the haunted house, the dark, ominous facade loomed before you. the creepy sounds and flickering lights creating an eerie atmosphere.

“hm, i don’t think it’ll be that bad” you say genuinely.

“famous last words.” lara giggled.

you weren’t joking though, having sophia as your best friend meant that you’d also deal with her interesting fondness for haunted experiences, making you somewhat resistant to haunted houses.

the line moved quickly, and you two were already stepping side the haunted house. the dimly lit entrance was lined with cobwebs, and the air was thick with an unsettling chill and fog. as you went further in, the sounds of eerie whispers and creaking wood surrounded you.

“okay, this is kinda creepy,” you said, trying to sound brave as a particularly loud bang echoed from the depths of the house. 

lara laughed, nudging you with her shoulder. “what happened to being all tough and brave?”

you chuckled, trying to brush off the nerves. “well, i might need a little backup. you know, just in case a ghost decides to jump out at me.”

“oh, is that what you’re hoping for?” she teased, her voice playful yet laced with a hint of something deeper. “to get spooked and have me save you?”

“maybe,” you said, glancing at her with a soft smile. feeling bold, you say your next words, thankful for whatever deity above that you didn't trip over your own words. 

“but i was thinking more along the lines of a rescue where you pull me close and i, uh, ‘thank’ you later.”

lara stopped in her tracks, her eyes widening with surprise before a grin spread across her face, a light blush dusting across her cheeks as well. “damn, okay y/n, i wasn’t expecting that from you.”

a small grin appears on your face as you watch as lara shakes her head, giggling at your comment.

as you moved deeper into the haunted house, you found yourself brushing against her more frequently. each flicker of light seemed to bring you closer, your shoulders occasionally bumping together as you navigated the tight corridors.

“okay, that’s just a prop,” lara said, pointing at a creepy skeleton hanging from the wall. “but i’d rather– AH!”

just then, a loud blood curdling scream echoed from nearby, causing you to flinch but makes lara jump slightly and yelp.

without thinking, you pull lara closer, wrapping your arm around her waist. the warmth of her body against yours sent a rush of adrenaline through you, eclipsing the fear of the haunted house.

just as quickly as you pulled lara closer though, you let go right away, afraid to have crossed some boundaries.

you felt your heart race as you pulled away, suddenly acutely aware of the closeness you’d just shared. “sorry, i just kinda did it on instinct,” you said, trying to play it cool, but the heat in your cheeks betrayed you.

lara chuckled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “no need to apologize. i mean, who wouldn’t want to be saved by a sturdy hero like you?”

your breath caught at her choice of words. “oh, so you think i’m sturdy?” you replied, leaning in a little closer, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. “i mean, i guess i… i do have some good qualities.”

you repeated sophia’s words to you like a mantra as you said that. just be confident, but ultimately that failed you for the next part to come.

lara’s gaze met yours, a playful smirk spreading across her face. “definitely. you seem like someone who could hold their own… in more ways than one.”

you swallowed hard, your pulse quickening. “yeah, well, it’s, um, easier to be… reliable? when it’s… y-you know, in a haunted house,” you stuttered, your confidence wavering slightly.

she raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the moment. “oh, i’m counting on it. i might just need to put that to the test. out of this haunted house of course.”

you took a deep breath, careful not to mess up your next words, but once again failing. “j-just let me know when you, uh, wanna put that to the test, then.”

a/n - terribly rushed, it's 3 am and i clocked out at 11 before i even started writing this. WEIRD PACING!!!

[toulousewayne]

Catching Strays Pt:III🐈‍⬛💎✨

Red Hood x male!reader who’s a cat burglar with a similar M.O. to Catwoman who’s on a crime spree.

Summary:Your a Cat Burglar who’s dressed similarly to Catwoman. You enjoy the thrill of the chase.

—————

Red Hood’s bike races down the highway, he weaves through traffic pushing his bike to its limits.

He glances down at the screen following the signal. “Please don’t do it.” He huffs as he rushes down a ramp off the highway and onto the main road of East Gotham, still rushing his way through the streets.

—-

Black Mask laughs to himself from his office, he just broadcasted to the GCPD and Batman that he wants 50 million dollars or he’ll release the bio weapon,and if Batman or any of his sidekicks come after him he’ll detonate the virus.

“You think they’ll come lookin’ boss?” Black Mask has his back to him looking at the Gotham City skyline. “The Bat ain’t stupid enough to come here, he’ll be looking for where I’m spreading the virus, good luck to him. I’ve got some insurance this time.” He chuckled.

—-

Y/n landed on his feet in the sewers, he stood up and looked around. He knew he could enter the building itself he’d have to work his way up. He began to run down the tunnels. The only sound was his footsteps and the sound of drilling. He came to an overhang and looked down to see Black Mask’s men setting up lines and tubes.

He crouched and walked for a moment before he noticed a table with blue prints and supplies.

What are you idiots doing?

He glanced at the blueprints and took a few pictures of them. He began to move along until he heard voices from around the corner.

“I’m in charge of this project not you, you’re just the hired muscle!”a man threatened, Y/n peeked around the wall and saw the man get picked up by his throat.

“You misunderstood enano, your boss has me overseeing this project. So get back to work,” he threw him and he landed close to Y/n who accidentally knocked over a bottle.

The man came into the light and Y/n saw Bane for the first time.

“Men, I think we have a rodent problem.” He chuckled and Y/n moved fast.

———-

“Red Hood what’s your ETA?” Batman’s voice filled his com. Red Hood raced into a turn, down a street and barreled towards Black Mask’s office.

“I’m nearly there.”

“Stop, don’t approach. He’s counting on that.”

Jason wanted to ignore him, he was seconds from reaching his destination but he looked up and moved as a gunshot nearly took his eye out. He turned down an alleyway as another gunshot range out.

“Snipers.” He growled.

“Any idiot how he can get in, Robin and I aren’t far from your location. He won’t get away with this.”

Jason shook his head, and noticed a open sewer grate,“Stray hasn’t done anything to Black Mask. He’s in over his head.”

“I don’t mean him, so long as he doesn’t kill him. “

“Well then you better hurry up because I don’t think Black Mask is working alone.” He noticed the room Stray was in and he was leaping out of the way of Bane’s attack.

Red Hood fired his pistol one of them nicking Bane’s shoulder. “Step away from him Bane, I won’t break those arms.”

Bane smirked, “So this is your pussycat, well then I’ll be extra careful with him.” He pressed the button on his wrist and Y/n watched in horror as he doubled in size, his veins extending and turning blue, his demeanor become more deadly.

“I’ll break you both into pieces!” Y/n back flipped away from him and leaped up to where Jason was.

“Friend of yours?”

“Not mine.” He fired at him which pissed him off more.

“Go!”

“I’m not running, from whatever that thing is.” He cracks his whip. The two smirk before jumping out the way of a barrel being flung at them.

Red Hood and Stray dodged out the way of Bane’s attack and would attack him while he was distracted.

Soon though Bane got ahold of Red Hood and through him through a wall sending him flying. Stray jumped and wrapped his whip around Bane’s neck. He jumped down from the rafters and choked him.

“I’ll—break—you.” Y/n took his claws and severed the tube in his head causing him to scream. He got down and moved away from him running to Red Hood who was getting to his feet.

“That’ll hurt tomorrow.” He dusted himself before turning to Y/n who wore an unreadable look.

“Let’s go.” He turned for the stairs. Red Hood followed him upstairs into the main hall of the office lobby.

“You can’t kill him, I get he’s your father—“ Y/n turned toward him and glared.

“Don’t, has many heads as you’ve let roll I don’t care what you or Batman thinks. He owns me.” Y/n sprinted for the elevator and slide inside it as the doors shut. Red Hood was now in a room with armed guards.

“Thanks Cat.” He ready his pistols but then the lights when out and the sound of glass shattered. Smoke soon engulfed the room and one by one they became picked off.

“Where is he?” Batman and Robin emerged from the smoke.

“Penthouse, we have to hurry.”

——-

“Honestly you and Nightwing have rather interesting taste in suitors.”

“Not now.” Red Hood sighed as they entered the penthouse. Batman went inside first and they took in the sight of a struggle.

“He’s gone.” Batman turned to the desk and saw it mashed to pieces. He picked up a black phone that had a shattered screen.

“Tt, a waste of a trip,it seems your friend is just as sneaky as Kyle.” Robin turned to leave the two men in the room.

“No blood, I think Black Mask was waiting for him. “ Red Hood stopped before turning to the giant window.

“The roof.” The two rushed out the room and toward the stairs until they were on the roof. Black Mask had Stray in a headlock as he was getting inside the helicopter.

“Get back Bats,I’ve got a hostage. I’m getting out of the city!” The helicopter was seconds from take off.

“Let him go!” Red Hood clocked his pistol but Black Mask did the same pointing it at Stray’s temple. Blood present on his face.

“You’ll die a painful death.” He spat at the man who pushed the gun farther toward his face.

“I’ll blow your head off kid, you’ve caused me a lot. And I don’t care if your kid I’ll fucking paint this rooftop red, you heard that Batman I’ll fucking repaint this roof.” He pulled them into the helicopter as it took off Red Hood ran to the edge and watched as it began to fly toward the city.

“We—“

“I’ve got that covered.” The Batplane came racing toward them and stopped at the edge.

“Robin follow us on the road, don’t lose Black Mask’s signal.” Batman ordered hopping inside with Red Hood joining him, they flew toward the helicopter.

——-

Stray is still in Black Mask’s iron grip and still manages to piss him off.

“What you not man enough to look at your son tarface.” Black Mask tightens his hold around Y/n neck.

“I will kill you kid, you maybe my flesh blood but your no kin of mine. I’ll drop from the chopper.” He spat. Y/n looked around but his weapons were seized and his mask too.

“Y’know you kinda look like her.” He chuckled watching the city as they passed by.

“Go Fuck yourself.” Y/n spat at him which earned him a hard shove. He nearly fell out the chopper but was grabbed by his collar.

“I really am starting to remember why I never wanted kids. “

The Batplane is now directly behind them and begins to fire at the helicopter.

Black Mask grabs an assault rifle and fires back at them. “I’ll kill you Bats!” Y/n yanks on Black Masks arms and he fires around the small aircraft even hitting the pilot. Black Mask yanks Y/n and stares at him.

“Your dead kid.” Y/n takes his claws and slashes Black Mask’s chest. He pushes Y/n full force and spirals down to the city below.

It’s all in slow motion, the bright and vast city surround him, window after window, balcony and neon signs fade past him.

He barely notices the figure the grabs him and grapples them to safety. It’s only once his feet touch the surface of the rooftop does his world stop spinning and he’s back from cloud 9.

“Did that bastard hurt you?” He looks up at the Red Hood who his clutching Y/n like he’s the only anchor he has to reality.

“No..I’m fine you caught me.” The look up and seen the chopper spiral and crashes into Gotham Bay. The Batplane flies toward the crash before returning flying farther into the city.

The rain starts again, though nearly move to get out of it. Instead Y/n lifts his hands to the help and removes it.

Jason’s face is back before him. The jet black hair matted to his skin, the white tuff proudly in the front it too was wet from sweat and the rain. The scar across his face that Y/n gently traced with his thumb. His eyes still covered by the red domino mask.

“Stray—“

“Call me Y/n.” He cut him off tracing his thumb now just below the bottom of Jason’s lip.

“Well if we’re on a first name basis, I’m Jason.”

“And somehow Handsome that suits you.” Jason pulled him close. He took his hand and pried off his last mask allowing Y/n to see those pretty green eyes.

“I’ve wanted nothing more than to hold you, you are something special to me, someone—I’ve never felt this before.”

Y/n grinned before pulling Jason’s head closer. “Well Red, I think that call that being smitten.”

Jason smirked, “Well my little thief I can say you’ve cracked the code to my heart.” Jason kisses him and the two men hold one another has the rain showers them from above.

When the finally break away his when Jason pulls away with a slight scowl.

“Did I do something?” Jason shakes his head at him press a quick kiss to his forehead.

“No, my family was listening and are killing the moment.” He slightly yelled the last part which caused Y/n to laugh.

“Well then I guess you better not keep them waiting.” He pulls Jason in for another kiss this one more passionate and gentle than the first one. He pulls away and smirks.

“I’m beginning to like this, a lot.” He grins holding his Stray.

“Well it’s just the beginning.” Y/n hands Jason his helmet and grins. Jason wraps his arm around Y/n’s waist.

“I think I know a guy who can get you some new gear, though he’s kinda broody.”

Y/n smirked, “Who your Father?” Jason blushes and looks away.

“Aww you want me to meet your Dad.” Stray tracks Jason’s emblem with his free hand.

“Babe I will leave you on this rooftop.” He fastens his helmet and grapples them away.

“You wouldn’t dream of it, you’d miss me teasing you to much Red.”

“I’m a lucky guy.”

“You sure are Red, you sure are.”

[sinsmockingbird]

STEALING THE PRIZED GEM | Tetra (Edge of Nightfall)

PAIRING: Tetra x Afab!Reader

WARNINGS: Smut, NSFW, Sub!Reader, Dom!Character, Consensual Kidnapping, Gentle Sex, Loving Sex, Fingering, Praise, Nicknames (Tetra calls you gem)

AUTHORS NOTE: Being stolen by a handsome woman like Tetra? Yeah I wouldn't mind, because it just tells me how I'm the most valuable gem to her.

BEING THE daughter of powerful, rich parents always meant you had to attend the extravagant banquets and balls that they would throw. You never enjoyed them, but you went because you had to in order to uphold your family name and image.

You were standing off to the side of the ballroom, trying to give yourself a moment of reprieve from the amount of people you've had to converse with that night. You were only an hour in and already you were exhausted, feeling that familiar headache beginning to make itself known.

If you had it your way, you'd be at home in your apartment, dressed in your pajamas cuddled up on your couch watching stupid Rom Coms with your beloved girlfriend. Who sadly wasn't around, not that she ever could be, leaving you alone and basically suffering in silence.

But then everything changed when the lights in the grand ballroom went out, making gasps and shouts arise. Then a spotlight shined down, illuminating a small terrace above, where someone could be seen sitting on the edge of the rail, dressed in a pristine suit. But it wasn't just anyone, it was your beloved.

"Attention ladies and gentlemen!" Tetra's voice rang out loud and clear, and you could feel your heart hammering in your chest in fear of what your girlfriend was about to do. "Apologies for interrupting the party, but I came here to pick up a very special lady."

Tetra's eyes roamed over the crowd of people, searching for a specific person, searching for you. And when she found you in the crowd, you could see a smile spread across her lips, and in that moment you really began to fear for not only her, but yourself as well. Because what was this fox planning?

"Well there she is, the prized woman I came for," With those words, you watched in horror as Tetra pushed herself off the rail and over the terrace.

You let out a cry of panic, fearing that the woman was plummeting to her death, but in a flash of movement she swung her body, and used the chandelier she held onto to propel herself into your direction. You had no time to react or process what was happening until Tetra was wrapping an arm around your waist, tugging you close against her body and pressing a button on the side of her belt.

Suddenly you were lifted off the ground and heading up towards the windows on the ceiling, where one was missing and allowing you into the cold, crisp air of the night.

As soon as your on the roof and Tetra is setting you on your feet, she let's out a wistful laugh, ignoring the screams below as she holds you tight. "Well that went better than expected!"

"B-Better than expec- Tetra what the hell!" You yelled, pushing yourself away from her, eyes wide with shock and disbelief as you stare at her. "What was that?!"

Tetra raised an eyebrow at your sudden outburst, though kept her distance as you began to pace back and forth in front of her. "That was me saving you from another one of your parents boring balls."

She said it so simply and matter of fact, that you stopped and looked over at her in disbelief. You saw her adjusting the suit you just noticed she was wearing, and you had a momentary pause of checking her out. You had to admit, Tetra could pull off a suit so well.

"That was more you kidnapping me, actually," You mumbled, averting your attention away from her when she met your gaze, a small flush spreading across your face.

"Was it really kidnapping?" Tetra cocked her head to the side, seemingly just realizing that her actions were indeed considered kidnapping. She had simply seen it as saving you since the moment she had the idea.

"Yes, it was," You can't help but let out a laugh, shaking your head at your girlfriend. "You know you've really just earned yourself on my parents bad side, officially."

"Like I wasn't already," Tetra muttered, chuckling softly under her breath before she tilted her head to the side, hearing the sound of approaching sirens. She then looked back at you, holding out one of her gloved hands. "So the police don't catch me... is it alright if I wisk you away from here?"

You rolled your eyes at her, but you couldn't help the fluttering of your heart at her actions. So you didn't hesitate to take her hand. "Yes, you now have my permission to go through on my kidnapping."

"At least now I have your consent," Tetra smiled, raising your hand up and pressing a gentle kiss against the back of it, making you flush further.

⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺

Once you had made it to your apartment, far away from the ball, it didn't take long for Tetra to have her lips against yours. You had barely unlocked the door and stepped in when she gently cupped your face and leaned forward, capturing your lips in a deep kiss. It left you flushed and dizzy, the feelings only this phantom thief could arise out of you.

"At least let me enter my own home before you do that," You mutter with a small laugh, locking your front door behind you both and leaning your back against it as Tetra moved her hands down to your waist.

"Sorry, not sorry. I just couldn't keep my hands off you any longer," Tetra stated, her hands caressing your hips while she gazed down at you with a love you knew was only reserved for you.

"I think you mean your lips. Your hands have been all over me since my kidnapping," You pointed out, making the thief chuckle in amusement before her eyes roamed across your body, drinking in the sight of you in the dress you were wearing.

"Well, with that dress on, you really can't blame me for not being able to keep my hands off you," Tetra purred, her voice becoming low and seductive as a predatory look entered her eyes, something that made you gulp.

Your hands tightened their grip on her suit jacket, your face flushing more as you felt her tug your hips forward until you were flush against her body. You let out a small sound, something that had Tetra chuckling under her breath before her lips were on yours again.

Things were a bit of blur after that until your back was flush against your bed, your dress and undergarments discarded, leaving you bare for Tetra's eyes. She took you in like a predator assessing their prey, her movements smooth and methodical as she undressed in front of you, until she was only in a pair of boxers and a sports bra.

"My precious gem," Tetra whispered while crawling onto the bed and moving over you. One of her hands glided down your body, making your back arch and allowing her eyes to admire you looking so beautiful under her. "My prized jewel."

Her words send a shiver up your spine, knowing that no matter how many priceless artifacts and jewels she's stolen, in her eyes, you were the most priceless gem she's ever caught.

You suck in a breath as you feel Tetra's hand move between your legs, which unconsciously spread apart for her. You whimper as soon as her fingers make contact with your dripping core, and you hear her groan softly under her breath as soon as she feels how wet you are for her.

"You're so wet, gem," Tetra murmurs, making you hum. She leans down to kiss your neck, being loving and gentle while she begins to push two fingers inside you.

You gasp and quickly wrap your arms around her shoulders, holding onto her tightly as you take her fingers into you so perfectly. Your breathing is heavy as you adjust to the intrusion, feeling Tetra pepper kisses all over you while singing you praises. For a phantom thief, she could be so loving and gentle when it came to you.

"You can start moving..." You whisper, leaning your head back against the pillows, lightly biting your bottom lip while giving her a look that always had her knees buckling.

"I promise to be gentle," With those words, Tetra began to slide her two fingers in and out of you, stretching you wider and causing pleasure to shoot up your spine.

Tetra was true to her word, being gentle and loving with you, taking her time with giving you pleasure. It was all you needed, being with her and feeling every ounce of love she had for you through her delicate touches and movements. She treated you like you were the most priceless jewel she was stealing, and in a lot of ways, you were.

It felt amazing, feeling her lithe fingers dragging in and out of your pussy, her blunt fingernails rubbing against your walls. It was really no surprise that you were already getting close. Tetra knew your body so well, knowing exactly how to quickly work you to the edge.

"I-I'm getting close..." You whispered, your arms tightening around her shoulders, one of your hands tangling itself into her silvery hair.

"Mmm, cum for me, gem," Tetra purred, working her fingers a bit faster, while her thumb moved up to rub small, but firm circles onto your clit.

It had you tumbling over the edge not too long after, your voice rising in pitch and body shaking and tensing as you came all over her fingers. Tetra kissed all over your face and shoulders, whispering more praises to you as you began coming down from your high. You were still shaking slightly, trying to catch your breath as you recovered.

You couldn't help but giggle afterward as Tetra pressed kisses against the tip of your nose and the corners of your mouth. She smiled, finally laying a kiss onto your lips, deep and loving.

"You're such a fox," You muttered as soon as Tetra kissed you, making a grin spread across her lips.

"I'm aware of that. There's a reason why I'm known as the Fox," Tetra teased, making you roll your eyes and lightly hit her shoulder.

"Shut up," You stated, a smile on your face.

"Mm, make me," The challenging smile Tetra gave you made you narrow your eyes at her, and you happily took the challenge.

You made a sudden move and flipped her onto her back, straddling her waist and pining her wrists above her head. Tetra's eyes were wide, shock evident at your bold moves, before a laugh fell from her lips, and she relaxed against your bed, looking forward to what you had planned for her.

"Call this some revenge for my kidnapping," You smiled, your free hand moving down her body, feeling her muscles flex under your touch, before grabbing the hem of her boxers and tugging them down.

ENDING NOTES: Tetra has always been one of those characters I've held a bigger love for than what I portray, so I went a little wild on writing this for her.

[billythesimp]

Never Judge a Film By Its Cover

⋘ 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑎...

Thank you for the request Client_Clover! I hope this is too you liking, I've never done work like this when it comes to basing interactions off of aesthetic/genres.

Wise w/ gothic-alternative-sweetheart! reader

𝑃𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑖𝑡...��

Tagging: ☘️ anon

tw: none

⋈ Wise is used to all kinds of people in both kinds of works, whether it’s helping a client in the hollows or approaching a customer to recommend a new tape they figured would be to their liking. No matter the person, he is able to adapt to their personality and knows that better than to judge a person by their looks. He has an eye for these kinds of things, picking up on the littlest details of his customers which makes him a great salesman when it comes to film options. 

⋈ When he started taking an interest on one of the regular at the shop, he was thrown for a loop when he first laid his eyes on them. In a way, they reminded him of Ellen a bit, a very low energy personality who looked around the place with hooded eyes and a ‘Don’t approach me’ attitude. Their clothing choice was also interesting to say the least, wearing different monochromatic articles that could run from looking like a mess of nets and off-shoulder tops to high waisted skirts paired with long trench coat vibes.

⋈ Of course, the many times they come by they only view the tapes and even are with a group of friends from the looks, everyone being the complete opposite of what they seem like, cheerful and bubbly they stand out with a serious case of RBF. [Resting-Bitch-Face] But that makes him even more intrigued, who is this person and what are they like. How do they attract such bright people despite their gloomy-gothic approach? He figures this out one day when they come into his shop looking for something, walking out of the staff only room to find them at the counter.

▿

“Oh, sorry for the wait. Could I help you with something?” 

They only scratch at their cheek, eyes wandering away from Wise’s gaze before presenting a film in hand. “Uh, yeah. Could I rent out this tape?” He only looked down at the tape in question, the genre surprising him to say the least. “Oh sure. Just Oh~ Sweetie today?” The nervously nod, a faint blush painting their cheeks like dapped out watercolors. He rang it up, smiling to himself before handing over the tape. 

“Alright, you’re all set. The return policy is usually a week from today, but feel free to drop by anytime before then. There’s a fee for late returns, but feel free to call the store if you have any questions. Thank you for your business.” Their eyes gleamed in excitement as they held the case in hand, Wise could almost see the sparkles emitting off of them before they waved him bye with a sheepish smile blessing his vision. Once out the store, he could only stare before smiling to himself again.

⋈ Since then, he is always greeting them while also discussing new films that would be to their liking. Mainly ranging from rom-coms to fantasy-adventure, he has gotten to knowing them to the point where they’ve become close friends. Wise enjoys their conversations as they always mention their favorite part of the tapes; he recommends them with childlike innocence, glowing brightly with a cheerful disposition. They invite him out sometimes when he’s clocked out for break, treating him to noodles or listening to some new records across the street. Another place they are a regular at, learning more about their interesting taste in music that fits their aesthetic.

▿

He’s asked about your lifestyle once, giving him a nervous response while twiddling with your fingers. “Ah, well, I get that question a lot. I always had a fascination with gothic fashion and the aesthetic as a whole, so I wanted to express my love for the art form by wearing what I found comfortable. People are surprised when I mention that, but many people I’ve met say that it’s really cool, so I continue to express myself freely- sorry, I’m probably rambling now.” Your yapping slowing into a nonsensible muttering which Wise assures them that he doesn’t mind it one bit.

“Well, I think you're pretty- neat! It’s pretty neat, so I can’t argue with you on that.” He nodded along, seeing how they only skipped beside him with renewed confidence. “Thank you, Wise!”

⋈ Whenever he’s out and about, should he spot them in their usual circle or looming over a display alone, despite the aura they have hovering over them he still makes it a habit to call out to them. The moment before and after they spot him makes his heart flutter, how they look over with a subtle glare before perking up and grinning cheekily and waving him over. Really, it’s a sight to behold.

⋈ Maybe one day they’ll be more than friends, but neither of them would admit it. No number of soft touches and gentle smiles will push them to confess their little attraction to one another. So for now they’ll cuddle up on his bed while watching another film. As friends, yeah really close friends.

[delimeful]

WIBAR Intermission: Visiting Home (1/3)

G/T July Day 17: Home

this intermission has 3 parts, taking place during different points in the WIBAR timeline. this chapter takes place before LMMR/Act 2 of WIBAR! baby time :)

shoutout to nyn for inspiring the last scene with Roman at the end! 

warnings: negative assumptions, mentions of blood/hunting/injury, mild fear/nervousness, other than that it's all fluff (literally)

-

Despite the tension buzzing at the back of his skull, Virgil found that being planetside again was surprisingly… nice.

He would have preferred that it was an uninhabited area— or at least, that it wasn’t one of the only places in the universe that had aliens he really, really couldn’t afford to terrify— but he couldn’t deny that feeling the ground under his feet and the sunlight on his skin was soothing, a balm he hadn’t known he’d needed.

It wasn’t the same as Earth, not really, but Patton’s home planet was close enough to familiar that he found tension seeping from his overwrought muscles despite himself.

He shook some of the dazed contentment off, flicking a glance over his shoulder and reminding himself that if any of the locals saw him, it could spell Capital-D Disaster.

His little excursion into one of the less populated natural areas near the little port town was entirely unplanned, and all the riskier for it, but they simply hadn’t had any better options.

Patton had been putting off visiting his family for longer than anyone would have liked— first with the excuse of healing from his injuries, and then with the financial strain that had come from his crewmates dedicating the bulk of their time to searching for him, rather than doing their usual delivery and transport jobs.

(The strain of providing for an entire new off-the-books crewmate, too, Virgil knew. He tried to avoid taking up too much, resource-wise, but there was only so little he could eat before his symptoms went from barely-tolerable to unmanageable.

The adrenaline crash and resulting sprains after he’d intervened in the raiders’ attack had been a painful reminder that most days, his body felt like it was barely holding together at the seams.)

Finally, they’d managed to weave together a cover story believable enough that the trip was set in motion, with the caveat that Patton would go planetside to visit, and Virgil would stay on the ship, up in orbit, firmly out of range of discovery.

Patton hated the idea of lying to his loved ones, wanted more than anything to introduce Virgil and prove he wasn’t the monster the galaxy thought he was, but even his stubborn optimism hadn’t held up under the combined forces of the other 3/4ths of the crew.

It was too dangerous for word to get out about Virgil, especially after the close call they’d already had, narrowly averted thanks to Remyy. Between Logan’s points on the historical government response to rumors of rogue humans, Roman’s assertions that bounty hunters of all kinds would begin targeting them, and Virgil’s own intense discomfort with the idea of his existence being revealed to others when he’d only just gotten free, Patton had conceded, if a bit morosely.

So, things had proceeded according to plan… right up until Patton’s clutchmates commed in, requesting that they bring the Mindscape down so that they could fill Patton’s quarters and kitchen with a variety of gifts and supplies to remind him of home after he left.

Patton hadn’t been informed. A surprise, they’d said, meant to show their love and care for their sibling in a way that would linger as long as possible.

It was a cultural custom, apparently, and Patton’s hard headed tendencies must have run in the family, because they’d refused to take no for an answer without a good reason.

Unfortunately for the reason in question, informing them that there was another crew member onboard who couldn’t be seen by anyone else would only defeat the purpose of staying off planet in the first place.

And so, after very intense sweep of the ship to hide away any trace of Virgil’s presence, he’d swept his old cloak around his shoulders, followed Logan offboard, and let himself be guided to what seemed to be an unoccupied area of the coastal jungle that surrounded the local populace.

Logan had requested he stay in the general area until he returned from corralling the busybody relatives, and then rushed back to the ship where Roman waited, looking more harried than Virgil had ever seen him.

It was an awkward, stressful situation, sure. But he still couldn’t help but marvel a little at the thick, dark fronds of the trees and the almost powdery texture of the grey-white sand beneath his feet.

He hadn’t gotten very many chances to actually appreciate the wonder of being in space, on alien planets, with how much of his stay so far had either been locked in cages aboard ships or on the run, too busy trying to survive to take in the scenery.

Running his fingers over the corkscrew-patterned bark of one of the nearby tree trunks, Virgil didn’t notice the slight rustling of a nearby brush.

—

Marren had thought the alien an intruder at first, had skidded to a halt and narrowly avoided toppling out of the underbrush right in front of them.

Behind her, Robbyn and Denel tumbled against her back with the beginnings of peeped complaints at the interruption of their game.

“Ssst!” Marren made a whistle that was more air than sound, her baby feathers ruffling up in pre-emptive upset. “Quiet, there’s a stranger!”

Unlike any other game, her playmates immediately went silent, eyes growing round and nervous. They all knew better than to catch the attention of a maybe-dangerous unfamiliar alien.

Especially now. One of the older kids had told horror stories about smugglers when the grown-ups weren’t listening, insisting that straying fledglings would get all their feathers shredded off and fed to the horrible monsters at the bottom of the Spacesea, where starlight and ships alike couldn’t reach.

They’d gotten in big trouble for the tall tales, but the story had already been taken up by the waves and couldn’t be squashed, especially with the fearful but dedicated belief of younger fledglings.

“Is it a monster?” Denel asked, already looking more fluff than form.

Marren… couldn’t really tell.

They were huge, even bigger than the Draellex spacefarer who had come to do a presentation for her class last season, but most of their features were also obscured by the long, deep grey cloak that they were swathed in.

“They’ve got hands,” she reported instead, because the stranger was touching various plants and rocks with nubby, strangely smooth fingers. “No claws, though.”

“Maybe a trader ship came early?” Robbyn offered thoughtfully. Their downy soft pink feathers were the least fluffed up between the three of them, their gaze focused on the alien with an intense curiosity.

“We woulda seen it, right?” Marren replied dubiously, before going quiet for a moment as the hooded head of the stranger turned and paused as though listening.

She didn’t continue until they turned back to their slow inspection of the wildlife, letting out a tiny peep-peep-peep of relief. “The only ship that came down is Uptel Patton’s, and he’s only got two playmates.”

She’d only met one of her Uptel’s friends in person, and only when she was a baby baby, way before her first molt, so she barely remembered it, but there were plenty of pictures in her Elder Uptel Farrun’s home. Patton’s parents were always happy to talk about their spacefarer son, and Marren always got a fun trinket from her Uptel when he visited.

Well. Almost always.

He’d seemed very distracted when she’d seen him this morning, enough that he’d barely noticed her amongst the many relatives that had swarmed to greet him after his longer than usual absence.

Something bad had happened to him, Marren had been told, which had made his parents’ home feel all sad-grief-loss whenever she visited, but he was all better now.

She wasn’t so sure. Everyone around him had felt like relief-joy-kinship at the sight of him, sure, but her Uptel had never flinched away from preening before.

“Maybe he got a new one?” Denel asked, still half-hidden behind Robbyn but not quite as frightened.

Marren made a considering chirp, and then began shuffling under the wiry branches as quietly as possible, seeking out a closer bush.

“Where are you going?” both of her playmates asked in very different tones.

“Gonna look closer,” she replied, and then froze as the answer carried farther than she meant it to.

The stranger turned sharper this time, and searched the clearing with tiny back-and-forth movements of their head.

“Patton?” they called after a moment, and Marren almost startled back in shock: the alien had spoken Uptel Patton’s actual name, not the Common version, and sounded uncannily close to an actual Ampen.

If it weren’t for how impossibly big the stranger was, she might have thought it was a simple prank, a couple of older kids stacked on top of each other under a form-disguising cloak.

Her gaze trailed down and finally focused on the familiar glow coming from the shadowed neckline of the cloak. She would know that glow anywhere!

“They’ve gotta special charm!” she crowed, and pushed past the branches to dart out into the open, intent on inspecting her Uptel’s newest friend.

Patton’s friend stumbled back hard with a sharp inhale, and Marren abruptly remembered that it wasn’t polite to startle people, especially strangers, and slowed to a stop. She angled her head up to try and peer into the shadows of the hood, squinting her eyes almost closed in as innocent and friendly a look as possible.

“I’m Marren,” she introduced herself, using the little bit of Common that her Uptel had taught her. “The stars greet you and so do I!”

That kind of greeting was more for actually being up in space with all the stars, but she figured it was the thought that counted.

Patton’s friend muttered something in an unfamiliar language, their tone soft, and then lowered themself to a seated position, much slower than they’d moved before. “My name is Virgil. It’s… nice to sea you?”

Marren let out a peal of chirping laughter, nearly knocking herself off balance with the force of her amusement.

That was definitely one of Uptel Patton’s friends, alright. He was the only bondrelative she had who put silly word jokes in his greetings like that.

“Can I sea you?” she shot back brightly, and when that didn’t seem to make it through, she pretended to move an invisible hood down from her own head.

Friend Virgil went all stiff for a moment, before speaking again. “I don’t think… uh, that’s not a good idea. I’m… I’m shy.”

Marren was distracted for a moment by puzzling through the words; it was an odd combination of Common and Ampen words, some of them a little smushed together until they almost seemed like a new word entirely.

Once the meaning behind the answer registered, though, she made a long, protesting whistle. “I’m not gonna be mean to you! Denel’s shy, too, you guys can get along!”

“Denel?” Friend Virgil echoed, again pronouncing the name eerily accurately, and Marren heard a little peep of alarm from behind her.

Antennae twitching with frustration, she turned and gave the bushes her best irritated stare, fluffing up indignantly. “They’re Patton’s friend! They’ve gotta be nice to me, I’m his favorite telit! Stop acting so new-hatched!”

“You’re his only little cousin,” Robbyn was speaking to her as they hopped into view, but their wide eyes were locked on Friend Virgil like they’d just found a shiny new stone. “Can they talk?”

“Kinda,” Marren chirped back, since it seemed like Friend Virgil knew more of the spacefarer tongue than their native one. “I know enough space words to translate! Probably.”

“You’re going to hurt your throat,” Robbyn cautioned in their best know-it-all voice. Marren was saved from having to answer by the thud of Denel tripping his own way out of the bush.

With his underlayer all fluffed out like that, it was no wonder that he accidentally rolled a few feather-lengths along the ground, squawking in high-pitched, babyish alarm as he tumbled.

Friend Virgil leaned forward so quickly that even Marren peeped in surprise, but all they did was set a humongous cupped hand next to Denel to keep him from toppling any further. Denel pulled all his limbs in with a panicked squeak as he bumped into the helping hand, and turned his head to peer up at Friend Virgil nervously.

“Safe and sound,” Friend Virgil crooned, in the sort of lullaby sing-song tone that was usually used to soothe hatchlings. “Okay, good, okay?”

It took Denel a stunned moment to respond, but when he chirped affirmative, the waver in his whistle had faded to almost nothing. He slowly uncurled, and even reached out for balance as he got back upright, looking absolutely awestruck.

He was way more aether-sensitive than most fledglings, Marren recalled, which meant that Friend Virgil must have been radiating some deeply trustworthy energy. As always, she had been totally right! Of course Patton’s friend was nice!

Marren wasted no time in spinning back around and darting up to Friend Virgil’s legs, giving them her best pleading expression.

“See? We can all be friends, you’re big-nice and nobody will be mean to you! Please please please?”

—

Virgil was not good with kids.

Specifically, he wasn’t good at saying no to kids.

Back home, they’d always picked up on it the moment they saw him, like sharks catching the scent of blood in the water, except the sharks were twelve year olds and the blood was Virgil’s inability to tell them not to draw on him in sharpie.

He’d finally found something that humans and aliens had in common, it seemed, because Marren– the apparent leader of the little group– had immediately figured out exactly how to use the Ampen version of puppy dog eyes against him. It was like nature had designed them as adorable feathery pom-pom creatures as a tactic designed to target him, specifically.

He hadn’t stood a chance.

As such, he found himself seated in the middle of the small clearing, his hood lowered and face exposed for anyone to see, being used as an actual, literal human jungle gym by a bunch of chirping alien fuzzballs.

The playtime racket must have been attracting more, because it felt like every time he looked up, three or four entirely new bundles of fluff had appeared, racing around his feet or climbing up the side of his cloak, chattering between themselves in strings of tweets and whistles.

The namecall they used for him wasn’t quite accurate, sounding more like ‘frrr-kul’ with a rolling trill followed by a chirp that only occasionally resembled the latter half of his name. They seemed to have a much harder time than Patton making the non-bird sort of syllables, which made sense, seeing as they were itty bitty babies.

“Frrrr-kul!” one of them called gleefully, summoning him over to the other side of the clearing for the newest round of whatever it was they were playing.

Virgil wasn’t ashamed to admit that something in his chest squeezed a bit as another fledgling turned dizzying little loop-de-loops in front of him, presumably leading him over to the new spot. For once, the heart palpitations he was experiencing around strange aliens were almost entirely cuteness-induced.

Almost, because there was still a solid chunk of his brain panicking viciously about how tiny and soft and fragile they all were, hence him moving at the pace of a seasick slug.

Marren had put forward a half-hearted complaint about how slow he was moving, to no avail. As it turned out, the only thing more compelling to him than a kid’s heartfelt request was the fear of accidentally hurting one of them.

It had taken him at least fifteen minutes just to stop flinching every time one of them fell or flung themself off of his knee or shoulder or— for one very stealthy candidate— his head, only to tumble lightly back to the ground unharmed, the impact entirely cushioned by their fluff.

He’d caught the first five or six on sheer instinct, which had only prompted even more to partake in the fun new ‘game’, until he gave up and accepted his fate as a living launch pad. Thankfully for his stress levels and long-term heart health, they had moved onto another game quickly enough.

He was slightly less thankful that every game so far had included him being scampered over, without exception, but he should have figured as much just from being friends with Patton, honestly.

His latest role seemed to be a very ill patient, as one of Marren’s friends walked around—and on— him carefully, calling out chirped instructions and sending the rest of the participants scrambling into the nearby brush. Within a few moments, they’d return with leaves, twigs, and other forest detritus, which would then be painstakingly applied to the top of his hand, or his chin, or wherever else the ‘doctor’ gestured to. Half the time, the makeshift bandages would flutter off the moment Virgil shifted even a little, prompting chitters of delight as the kids hurried to re-apply them.

Still better than any healthcare he’d gotten on Earth, honestly.

Seeing as his current job was to lay in place morosely like that guy from the Operation board game, he eventually closed his eyes and let himself relax a little, trying to hide an irrepressible closed-lip smile.

A few rounds later, he heard a chorus of what sounded like Patton’s favorite greeting chirp, but in a range of much higher pitches. He cracked his eyes open, expecting another gaggle of fledglings had showed up, and instead found that Logan was standing at the edge of the clearing, arms all dropped limply to his sides in shock.

Virgil went tense, only managing to repress his flinch because a good portion of his brain was still dedicated to monitoring where all the babies were around him, and currently at least ten were clinging onto his person. “Okay, listen. This was not my idea.”

Logan carefully tucked his hands behind his back in what Virgil first mistook for a polite gesture, only to emerge with what was unmistakably the portable camera he used whenever he was collecting video data for later.

“...Really?”

Whirr-click. Logan didn’t even bother looking apologetic as he began recording Virgil’s pint-sized tormentors. “If Patton didn’t get a memento of this, he would never forgive me, facetiously speaking.”

Rolling his eyes, Virgil slowly shifted up to his elbows, a startling amount of leaves fluttering down from his hair. A tentative hand feeling around in his hair revealed a fluffy stowaway, who peeped in displeasure as Virgil carefully disentangled them.

Talk about having a bird’s nest for hair. That was probably a sign that he needed a trim, but for now he could only laugh to himself, using two fingers to try and soothe the ruffled feathers of the fledgling that had apparently seen his head as prime real estate.

“You’re… very good with them,” Logan commented, shuffling closer with uncharacteristic tentativeness. “Is it normal to take on a parental role for children that aren’t under your care on Earth?”

Virgil snorted, and then leaned forward a little to help keep one of the more tenacious fledglings clinging to him from losing their grip. “It depends on the person, but honestly? A lot of humans are total suckers for anything cute making baby sounds, human or not. Sometimes to the point that the keener wildlife will take advantage of it and lead us to babies that are injured or out of reach because they know that odds are, a human will help.”

“Truly? Non-domesticated species, as well?” Logan replied, visibly distracted from his slow approach by the implications. “Cooperative dynamics between sapient species and local fauna are present on many planets, but for almost all studied Deathworlds, such a thing is unheard of. The risk is higher in harsher environments, where a much more competitive nature is required for survival.”

“Yeah, for real. I used to work as an assistant… uh. An assistant animal-healer, and people were always bringing in abandoned babies they’d found. Sometimes they were actually in need of help, but sometimes they definitely weren’t,” Virgil huffed a little at the memories, holding still as a fledgling took a running leap to jump from one of his knees to the other. “It was well-intentioned, though. Lots of people hate to see a baby left alone and jump to conclusions, since you’d never do that with a human infant.”

Logan’s hands twitched, and Virgil carefully shrugged one shoulder, giving him permission to record the information.

“Just make sure you don’t write stuff about babies or kids down where anyone could get to it,” he cautioned, chewing on the edge of his lip. “I trust you, but I don’t trust, y’know… the rest of space. Better safe than sorry, right?”

“Correct,” Logan confirmed, having heard that exact catchphrase from Virgil probably about twelve times a week. “Am I alright to approach?”

“What?” Virgil raised an eyebrow. “Yeah, of course, just be careful. I mean, you’re definitely safer for them to be around than me.”

There was a relieved angle to Logan’s ears as he stepped forward, nimbly avoiding a few of the fledglings chasing each other back and forth like feathered tumbleweeds. “I disagree. They seem quite safe in your hands,” he said. “I have no doubt that Patton would be ecstatic to know that you’ve managed to make some friends amongst his kin despite our need for secrecy.”

Right. His cover had been blown five minutes in by the Ampen equivalent of a bunch of grade-schoolers. Crap.

“Let your mind remain at ease,” Logan added, either correctly reading the panic on his face or just guessing from the not-inconsiderable experience he had with Virgil. “With Ampens this young, I’m certain that your positive impression as a playmate will be the bulk of what they mention to their families. I’ve already heard a few of them refer to you as ‘Patton’s shy friend,’ so I imagine most will come up with the rest of the answer on their own assumptions.”

"'Patton's shy friend'?" Virgil felt his ears redden as his face heated up, and there was a chorus of delighted whistle-squeals from the nearest fledglings.

“You change colors just like Uptel Patton!” Marren shouted excitedly, and, well.

There were at least four different species of alien he knew of that shifted colors in all sorts of ways, from a gradual chameleon shift to the rapid flush of an octopus. This was one trait that wasn’t likely to make anyone think ‘Human’.

“Do another color!” A small harmony of encouraging peeps and eager gazes.

“Uh…,” Virgil cast a helpless look of his own Logan’s way. “I mean, I can probably do purple if I hold my breath for long enough?”

“Alright,” Logan cut in urgently,“I think it’s time that Virgil get back to the ship, actually, you’ll have to play with him again the next time we come to visit. Yes, yes, everyone off now…”

–

Miraculously, they’d managed to get through the entire impromptu visit without either of Patton’s flockmates seeing any errant belongings, broken cabinets, or any other indications of the highly illegal and infamous Deathworlder they definitely had onboard.

Roman let out an exhausted snort, trying not to shift impatiently as he stood by the boarding platform and waited for Logan to return with Virgil. If Patton was there, he would have given him a disappointed look for being so blatantly untrusting, but he wasn’t, and it had been a long day, so Roman could be on edge if he wanted to, okay?!

Thankfully, Logan chose that moment to step out from the shade of the forested area, exchanging an assessing look with Roman before deeming the path clear and beckoning Virgil to follow him on board.

The Human padded after Logan, footsteps eerily quiet as always, and… huh. He looked a lot less stressed than he’d seemed when they’d all but shoved him off the ship a few hours ago. Roman tried not to feel immensely suspicious about it, but he glanced down to check his hands for blood anyhow.

He was mostly sure that the Human didn’t actually have any murderous designs, especially not on anyone from Patton’s hometown, but they’d set him loose in a random forest with little to no guidance. Roman couldn’t rule out the idea that Virgil had entertained himself by hunting down some of the local fauna or something.

There was nothing, though, and so he forced his eyes away and checked in briefly with Logan instead. See? He could be cordial when he wanted to! He was a beacon of toleration, okay?

The claim fell a little flat even in his own mind, but he was promptly distracted by the tiniest hint of a whistle. He straightened up, alarm shooting through him as he swiveled his head this way and that, searching for any surprise witnesses.

His gaze fell on the Human as Virgil passed him to board the ship, and Roman stiffened at the sight of three fluffy bundles perched in the swoop of the Human’s hood. “Stop right there!”

Virgil went still, shoulders hunching upward like a bristle and eyes bizarrely wide, and Roman let his tail scrape from side to side for a moment as he glowered, only growing more certain of his guilt.

“I knew it, those are fledglings! Let them go this instant,” he started, planning to end with a suitable threat to ensure the safety of the smallest and most vulnerable of Patton’s kin, only for the Human to somehow go even more stiff and frozen.

“Oh my god, where?” He hunched over slightly, eyes flickering down to scan over his front and arms. “Are they okay?”

Roman pulled up short, admittedly disoriented at the show of clear and abrupt concern. One of the fledglings cheeped in dismay, and Virgil’s head tilted, following the sound.

“Guys, that’s not safe,” he groaned, and then repeated it in Ampen tongue. “Not safe. Not good, not safe, okay?”

His hand twitched up like he was going to reach for them, but then he hesitated for a moment, before slowly turning around so that his hood faced Roman. “Can you help them out? I know they’ve got all the feathers and stuff to keep them safe, but I still don’t want… I don’t want to jostle the hood and knock them out or something.”

“I… yes,” Roman said, feeling like he’d just been hit by a paralyzer shot. He reached out and scooped the fledglings out of their makeshift nest, watching as Virgil’s shoulders grew more and more taut. The Human didn’t trust him, but he held still anyways. “You’ve got, ah. Leaves and twigs. In your head pocket.”

“I bet I do,” he muttered, before taking a few slightly too-fast steps away once he’d checked that his fuzzy passengers had been evacuated. With soft, cautious movements, he patted down the rest of himself, including his other pockets and even the folds of his overcloak. “I think I’m good.”

“That was very dangerous,” Roman scolded, looking down at the trio with disapproval.

Virgil shuffled slightly, looking at him more directly than he usually did. After a moment, he spoke. “They’re fine, right? It’s not their fault, they just think it’s a game.They’re… they’re only babies.”

This was what worry looked like on a Human, Roman realized with a jolt, and managed to choke down his initial offense at the very idea that he would hurt them. He’d assumed the same at first glance, hadn’t he? Virgil had never seen him with kits before, and didn't know very much about him. Roman hadn’t exactly been sharing information or encouraging any bonding, and it wasn’t like the Mindscape had provided very many opportunities for interacting with younglings thus far.

Stars, he hoped there hadn’t been any kids on the smuggler ship. The very idea made him sick.

“Of course they’re fine,” he replied a bit shortly, cradling them a little closer. “Kits will be kits. They didn’t mean any harm, like you said.”

“Oh. Okay, that’s good,” Virgil said, some of that odd tension falling away. He looked back down at the kids. “Uh. Bye, little guys. Stay safe.”

He mimicked a farewell trill with uncanny accuracy, and the fledglings all echoed it with varying levels of mournfulness. Virgil waved as he edged his way up the ship’s ramp backwards, like he thought the kids would ambush him the moment he took his eyes off of them.

Seeing as these three had somehow snuck past a Human’s senses, Roman almost couldn’t blame him.

“When I next see Patton, I’m going to tell him to have a serious talk with you all about being too adventurous, you hear me? Crewmates are not for climbing,” Roman lectured as he carried them back to the main path. He paused to think about how hypocritical that lesson would be coming from Patton, who took any excuse to perch on Virgil. “Oh, for stars’ sake.”

Well, whatever. This was just a one-off. What were the odds they would ever be bringing the Human back here, anyhow?

[curiositydooropened]

Ranged • 00: Prologue

After Hell brought Horror to the Heartland, America’s dirt roads and open woods began to fall to rot and ruin. To prevent further inter dimensional slips, the government dispatched several workers, such as yourselves, to travel the country saving small communities. 

Pairing: special agent!Steve Harrington x special agent!Reader

Wordcount: 922 - This fic is episodic.

Warnings: very slowburn, coworkers to lovers, angst, hurt/comfort, canon-typical violence, canon-typical gore, weapons, fighting, murder, viruses, decay, monsters *This chapter contains mentions of animal harm, blood, and vomit/nausea.

This blog is 18+ only. I do not give permission for any of my fics to be duplicated, reposted, or put into AI. Thank you!

Navigation • Masterlist

---

Moodboard • Episode 01: Firetower

Blood shone in thick, dark splatters across a freckled cheekbone. It stuck his hair to his ear and his collar to his throat. It stained a shoulder. You watched it glimmer under street lamps, watched the clench of his knuckles around the steering wheel, watched the bob of his Adam’s apple as he avoided your gaze.

There was no point saying it anymore, the words exhausted their meaning a year ago, but it was true nonetheless. You can’t save everyone. You both knew it. It didn’t hurt less.

You mopped at the blood splatter on your own cheeks with a spare t-shirt to flirt a discount out of the motel attendant. He slid you a key on a novelty ring while Steve parked on the far side of the lot.

You’d set the phone on its receiver by the time he exited the shower. You rinsed bloody clothes in the sink and brushed your teeth and slipped into an oversized t-shirt. You couldn’t remember who it belonged to. Maybe you’d picked it up at a thrift store along the way. 

“Owens?” He asked, voice gruff, eyes red. A claw mark dug into the flesh of his cheek, to the bone.

You reached into your duffle for the first aid kit to procure ointment and a butterfly bandage. “Sit.” 

He sighed, but did as instructed, towel falling to his shoulder. He winced as you patted ointment into his wound. “Did he say where to go next?” 

You nodded, pressing his flesh together until it wrinkled near his eye. “Small town in Western Montana. Locals think it’s the water supply. Park ranger called it in.” 

“How far?”

“Eight hours.” You zipped the kit closed and wedged it back into your bag.

“Okay,” he muttered, tossing his towel into a corner near the sink. He stretched sore muscles with a groan, and you watched the bruise on his ribs bloom in greens and browns. The swelling was down significantly from two days earlier. “We’ll leave first thing.” 

He meant first light. You glanced out a fogged window at the glow of street lamps. The vacancy sign buzzed bright red. The sky remained dark just beyond.

“Okay.” You sighed and toed under linens that had yellowed years ago. 

Steve triple checked the lock and toted his bat from the nook near the front door to his bedside. Then, he pulled his lighter from his pants pocket and shook it to his ear. By the look on his face, it needed a refill. He placed it to the bedside table between you, just beside the Bible.

“Are you okay?” He’d asked it four times already, a compulsion you’d learned to ignore.

“Yes.” You knew better than to reciprocate, knew he wouldn’t answer you anyway. You had minimal sleep hours left. It wasn’t worth the fight. You can’t save everyone.

“I’m going to turn the light out.” He warned, sliding himself into his own double bed. A large hand reached beneath an orange lampshade and the room went dark.

The darkness was spotted orange and blue, and you fought back the images of Steve’s fists meeting and elderly man’s face. You fought back the screams that rang in your ears, the copper taste on your tongue, and that pang that lay permanent in your nostrils.

Steve shifted in his bed, springs groaning beneath his weight, and you honed in on him instead. Every night, you fell asleep to the steady in and out of his breath, the comfort of him an arm’s length away.

—

The ranger’s uniform matched the coffee and cream in your styrofoam cup. The confusion knit between his brows matched those of dozens of local law enforcement across this country over the last year. You flashed you badges and asked him to take a seat, and hours later you were holding your hand over your nose to mask the smell of decay.

The corners of Steve’s mouth pulled upwards in a grim apology, sipping his own coffee.

A room full of National Guardsmen looked aghast. There was no guarantee a burn of that size could stay contained. Half of the state could be up in flames by the end of the week.

“Better than the alternative.” You promised.

The Spread started on a cattle ranch north of town, the herd dwindling as calves and heifers slipped into cracks and broke legs and necks. A large crevasse rotted through a patch in the back forty, splitting the land down the middle from government land near to the rancher’s estate.

On the back side, it seeped into the river. Trees were downed and turned to mush and rot. Where once sat a hunting perch, now folded into a vat in the ground.

The Ranger had taken you up by four-wheeler, an excursion neither of you had been prepared for in slacks and blazers. You supposed those were hazards of the job though, wading through the remnants of a hillside in nylon stockings.

Steve rolled the cuffs of his sleeves up past his elbows to dive into the meat of a fallen tree. It came back green and gooey, but nothing had nest inside. Not yet, at least.

“You called just in time,” he wiped his hand on his pant leg and you dry heaved a little.

“So this… virus,” the Ranger gestured to the pocket of melted flesh, root to branch, “it can infect humans too?”

“If it festers too long,” you nodded.

“And what might that look like?” He asked like he already knew the answer.

---

[A/N: Here she is. These two have been my new best friends lately, the one thing I've written that actually stuck because it felt good. Let's hope it stays that way so I can keep riding this train. I don't know how often I'll update this, but it'll be on-going. I'd love to write blurbs, and I have a few episode locations/monsters in mind.

I'd really appreciate it if you reblogged and/or left me a comment. Or if you're more inclined, head to my Ao3 and leave me a comment there. It'd really mean the whole world. xoxoxo]

[oldiesstationlover11607]

hey i’ve never requested anything from you but ive been devouring your works and holy cow you’re such a great writer!

i was just wondering if you could do a josh x plus size reader? i usually don’t see povs where the readers size is specifically larger than average? idk? it’d just be nice for my self esteem 😭

Movie night - Josh Dun x Plus sized!Reader

Warnings: none really super fluffy

Word Count: 1689

A/N: I hope this is okay! I haven't written for a specifically plus sized reader before so hopefully it's okay. I tend to stay away from image specific stuff bc that way everyone can enjoy the fics and feel good about themselves but anything for an anon who needs a pick me up!

It was Friday night, which meant one thing: movie night with Josh. Ever since we’d started dating, it had become a tradition. At the end of every week, we’d snuggle up on the couch, binge-watch movies, and devour far too many snacks. Sometimes we’d pick a theme—like action or rom-com—but tonight we were keeping it simple. It was just us, our favorite movies, and more snacks than two people should reasonably consume in one sitting.

I’d spent most of the day in comfy clothes, which was my go-to attire for a night in. Oversized t-shirt, leggings, and fuzzy socks. I felt comfortable in my skin around Josh—he never made me feel like I had to dress up or look a certain way. And honestly, he’d never been anything but loving and supportive, always making sure I knew just how beautiful I was to him. No matter how insecure I sometimes felt, he was always there to lift me up.

It was getting close to the time he’d promised to come over, so I busied myself by tidying up the living room. I fluffed the throw pillows, straightened the blankets, and adjusted the lighting just right—soft and warm, the way we both liked it. I’d already picked out a few movies we could choose from, ranging from lighthearted comedies to emotional dramas. We always ended up talking more than watching, but that was part of the fun.

Just as I was about to sit down, I heard a knock at the door. I smiled to myself, knowing exactly who it was. Opening the door, I was greeted by the sight of Josh, arms laden with bags—each one brimming with snacks. He had a grin on his face that was nothing short of contagious, and his excitement was clear in the way he practically bounced on his toes.

“Hey babe,” he said, leaning in to kiss my cheek as he stepped inside. His lips lingered for a second longer than usual, warm and soft against my skin.

“Hey,” I replied, closing the door behind him. “Are you trying to feed a small village or just us tonight?”

He laughed, that easy, carefree sound that always made my heart feel a little lighter. “I may have gone a little overboard, but I figured it’s better to have too much than not enough, right?”

I shook my head, already knowing what was in those bags. He always bought way too many snacks, but it was one of the things I loved most about him. He was thoughtful, always wanting to make sure I had everything I could possibly want—even if it was far more than I needed. He made me feel cared for in the smallest of ways, like remembering my favorite flavor of chips or grabbing extra candy just because he knew I had a sweet tooth.

“I’m not complaining,” I said, taking a bag from him and peeking inside. “You got my favorite candy!”

Josh winked at me. “Of course I did. I know how much you love those.”

I set the bag down on the coffee table and turned back to him, pulling him in for a proper kiss this time. He wrapped his arms around me, his hands resting on my waist as he kissed me back gently. It was the kind of kiss that made me forget everything else for a moment, just sinking into the warmth of him.

“Missed you today,” he murmured against my lips.

“I missed you too,” I replied, smiling up at him. “But I’m glad you’re here now.”

He stepped back, eyeing the stack of movies I’d left on the table. “So, what’s the plan? Are we going with something funny or are we trying to cry tonight?”

“Depends,” I said, raising an eyebrow. “How much crying are we talking about? Like ‘a single tear’ kind of crying or ‘sobbing uncontrollably into each other’s arms’ crying?”

He laughed again, his eyes crinkling at the corners in that adorable way they always did. “Maybe we stick with something in between? I’m not trying to have an emotional breakdown tonight, but I’m also up for something with a little heart.”

I nodded in agreement. “Alright, I can work with that.” I picked up one of the movies from the pile. “How about this one? It’s sweet but still funny.”

“Perfect,” he said, plopping down on the couch and patting the spot next to him. “Now come over here. I’ve got all these snacks to share, and I’m not eating them alone.”

I laughed, grabbing a blanket before joining him on the couch. I tucked myself into his side as he wrapped an arm around me, pulling me close. The warmth of his body against mine was comforting, and I couldn’t help but sigh contentedly. There was something so simple yet so special about moments like this—just the two of us, no distractions, no pressure. It was our time, and it felt perfect.

We started the movie, but as expected, we were more focused on each other than the screen. Josh tore open a bag of chips, offering them to me first before taking some for himself. I reached for the candy, popping a piece into my mouth as I settled even further into his side. His hand absentmindedly played with the ends of my hair, a small gesture that always made me feel so cared for.

“You know,” he said after a while, his voice soft, “I love this. Just being here with you. I know we go out sometimes and do fun stuff, but I think this might be my favorite thing.”

I looked up at him, my heart swelling with affection. “Really?”

He nodded, his eyes meeting mine with that familiar warmth that always made me feel like the most important person in the world. “Yeah. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I love going out and doing things together, but I think there’s something special about just being with you like this. No distractions, no crowds. Just us.”

I smiled, resting my head on his shoulder. “I feel the same way.”

For a moment, we just sat there in comfortable silence, the sound of the movie playing softly in the background. I could hear the gentle rise and fall of his breathing, feel the steady beat of his heart against my side. It was peaceful, and I couldn’t help but think about how lucky I was to have someone like him in my life.

Josh shifted slightly, his arm tightening around me as he leaned down to press a kiss to the top of my head. “You’re perfect, you know that?”

I let out a soft laugh, feeling my cheeks warm at his words. “I don’t know about perfect, but I’m glad you think so.”

“I’m serious,” he said, his tone earnest. “I love everything about you. The way you laugh, the way you take care of people, the way you just… exist. You’re beautiful in every way, and I don’t ever want you to forget that.”

I felt a lump form in my throat at his words. He always knew exactly what to say to make me feel loved, even on days when I didn’t feel so great about myself. It wasn’t always easy for me to feel confident, especially being plus-sized, but Josh never once made me feel like I wasn’t enough. In fact, he went out of his way to remind me just how much he loved every part of me—something I was still learning to accept for myself.

“Thank you,” I said softly, my voice thick with emotion. “I don’t know what I did to deserve you.”

He smiled, pressing another kiss to my head. “I’m the lucky one.”

We fell back into silence after that, but it was a comfortable one, filled with the quiet assurance that we didn’t need to fill every moment with words. The movie played on, but I couldn’t focus on it. My mind was too preoccupied with the way Josh’s hand rested on my waist, the way his fingers occasionally brushed against my skin, reminding me that he was there—that he was always there.

As the movie came to an end, I let out a contented sigh, stretching out slightly but still staying curled up next to Josh. He glanced down at me, a soft smile playing on his lips.

“Want to watch another one, or are you getting tired?” he asked, his fingers still tracing lazy circles on my hip.

I considered it for a moment before shaking my head. “I think I’m good for now. I just want to sit here with you for a little longer.”

“Sounds good to me,” he replied, pulling me closer.

We stayed like that for a while, the soft glow of the TV screen casting shadows across the room. Josh’s hand found mine, intertwining our fingers as we sat together in the quiet. It was moments like these that reminded me why I loved him so much. It wasn’t just the grand gestures or the exciting adventures—it was the quiet, intimate moments where we could just be ourselves, no expectations or pretenses. Just us.

Eventually, the night grew late, and Josh helped me clean up the remnants of our snack feast. He gathered the empty chip bags and candy wrappers, all the while making me laugh with his silly comments about how we’d eaten enough to last a week.

As we finished tidying up, I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed with love for him. It was in the small things, the way he always made sure I was comfortable, the way he went out of his way to bring all my favorite snacks, the way he made me feel like the most important person in the world just by being himself.

And as we settled back on the couch for a final snuggle before calling it a night, I knew that I couldn’t ask for anything more. Because in that moment, with Josh’s arm wrapped around me and his heart so clearly intertwined with mine, I felt complete.

And that was more than enough.

//

REQUESTS OPEN

[chainsawmanicure]

Getting Pizza With the Scarecrow

hey guys. this is a fanfic i had started writing a few months ago about TNBA jon. idk why but i really feel like posting on tumblr dot com and getting some sweet notes. so hear it is.

Trigger warning: talk of food, mention of eating a lot of food (mentioned pizza eating competition), just food stuff mainly, mention of stalking

summary: u go to get pizza, but ur situationship decided to tag along

It was afternoon in Augusta, Georgia, and you were so hungry you could hardly press the gas pedal. Pangs of hunger shot through your quivering frame like bullets through a gun range. As you zoomed down the street, you noticed a sign up ahead: Mellow Mushroom. "oh Thank god," you thought to yourself, "something other than mcdongles...." for your stomach yearned for nourishment, though not from the likes of such an establishment as McDongles. Ough

     Pulling into the parking lot, you felt a strange coldness envelop you. You turned around to see if there was anyone else in the car. Sure enough, in the back seat sat Jonathan Crane... The Scarecrow. your old friend from college. He was tall, so tall you wondered how he'd managed to hide himself in your brand new 2024 Nissan Leaf (I googled compact cars). However he'd managed to, for some reason now he decided to show himself. His face was mangled beyond recognition. You couldn't tell exactly if it was his face or a mask, but his mouth opened and closed along with his words and his big white teeth shone clearly in a permanent  grimace. He was wearing the same wide brim hat, tattered jacket, noose, and tight pants as he usually did, and next to him his big stick laid across the seat.

"Jonathan." you greeted, not too surprised at his appearance. You'd suspected he'd been following you for some time now. At home, you'd noticed patterns of unfamiliar wet bootprints on the floor, and missing items from your trinket box, refrigerator, and massive pile of dirty clothes which had built up in the middle of the bedroom.

     In college, he had displayed an interest in you, often getting a little too close to you and staring at you from across the lecture hall. He'd always had weird ways of showing his interest in you, and expressions of friendship. Well, you weren't really friends. Not anymore, at least...

     Too tired and hungry to properly address him or ask him how he got in your car, you stepped out and started towards the restaurant. You soon heard the car door slam and felt Jonathan's presence behind you once more.

"Hungry?" he asked, stepping beside you as you pushed open the door of the establishment.

"Believe it or not, yes. I think someone's been taking all my soup and bread, and I've had nothing to eat at home." you shot him a mildly accusatory glance after saying this.

Jonathan didn't respond immediately. He knew you were aware of his visits to your apartment. He'd intended it to be that way... a reminder he still cared. A reminder he still remembered.

Jonathan: "Maybe someone wants to know where you buy such lovely soup and bread."

You sighed. "Costco. Now are you seriously going into this joint with me? I'm gonna be arrested for being in kahoots with the Scarecrow."

Jonathan: "Calm yourself. We're in Augusta, Georgia. To these people, I'm just an ordinary freak."

     The person at the table like when you walk in and theyre like ok follow me you know? They smiled politely through fearful eyes up at you and your companion before quickly scuffling away, leading you to an empty table.

The joint was fairly empty, save for three individual men and a young couple sharing a peach iced tea. Jonathan pointed at the couple.

"Perhaps they should've gone to Steak and Shake. They have milkshakes there, better for romantic sharing."

"Shut up, Jonathan. Shut up right now," you replied.

     The host scampered away after leading you to your table, and you were left waiting for the waiter with a set of menus before the two of you.

You sat on one side of the booth, and Jonathan sat across the table from you. You were surprised he hadn't sat next to you and squeezed you against the little wall thing dividing this booth from the one on the other side. That seemed like something he would do, but not today apparently. In fact, other than infiltrating your brand new Nissan Leaf, he had been acting rather civil. Civil, of course, as opposed to the clingy curious and weary endangered animal behavior he had exhibited so many years past.

     You watched as he surveyed the menu, holding it delicately in his big long grey hands. You didn't remember those hands being so grey and so... scary. Even harmlessly holding a pizza menu, they seemed as though they meant to instead hold your throat, to squeeze and squeeze until the lights went out. And by lights going out, I mean like, you die.

     He'd positioned his big stick at the back corner of the booth, and it had fallen so it poked against your shoe under the table. He set the menu down after a moment and spoke in that unearthly rasp of his, "I think I'll get a slice of the Kosmic Karma, and a peach iced tea, like the one those two lovebirds are sharing," he pointed once more to the young couple, who had now finished their first tea and gotten a refill.

"Well, I just want cheese," you said. "I think I'll get a whole pie. I'll take the rest home."

Jonathan chuckled, though with his raspy hush it sounded more like a weak cough.

"Take the rest home..." he repeated humorously, "what makes you think you won't devour the whole thing now?"

     And with that old familiar clingy freak swagger he possessed, he leaned forward and held your chin gently with his big long fingers.

"I think we both know how much of an animal you can be," he teased, though his expression contained zero percent of the flirtation his voice tried to sell. (if that makes like literally any sense at all)

     You swatted his hand away. "That was a long time ago." You hadn't eaten a whole pizza in one sitting since the pizza eating contest of sophomore year... None of your friends were able to attend it, but Jon was there. Oh, yes he was... watching intently with his curious and vaguely frightened eyes as you wolfed down eight slices of sausage pizza in under 7 minutes. He had seen a side of you no one else had really witnessed... seen your wrath, your gluttony, your pride, your... lust.

In the nowtimes, he sat before you, hands flat on the table, beady white pupils boring down into your own normal black ones. His demeanor was cold. He knew you were pushing him away, trying to forget what you two had shared all those fateful years ago. You didn't want to remember, but with him sitting before you, wearing his new sexy skin, you had no choice.

     The waiter arrived and shot the scarecrow a sideways glance before clearing her throat. "Hello, thank you for joining us today. May I ask what you two would like to drink?"

You looked at Jon, but he gestured for you to speak first. "I'll have Dr. Pepper, please." The waiter nodded and turned to Jonathan.

"I'll have the peach iced tea," he didn't shift his gaze from yours for a second, "with two straws."

[arlana-likes-to-write]

Eyes Closed by Ed Sheeran

Summary: Maria wasn't sure what to expect when she turned after being gone for 5 years. But she wasn't ready to learn that her wife is gone and her daughter is now 10 years old. But life goes on.

Warning: death of a major character (it's Natasha), grief, angst with a happy ending, Maria needs a hug, drinking, guilt, fluff

Word count: 4.0k

“Maria!” She heard her name called out and her body was moving before she realized what was happening. She was standing on the sidewalk, chest heaving and the sound of horns blaring.

“What the hell happened?” She asked Fury. There was a crowd forming around them. She hated the amount of eyes on her and the whispers. There were so many whispers.

‘Oh my god!’ ‘Are they back?’ ‘Can I borrow someone’s phone?’ ‘I can’t believe it!’ Before she could run up to a random citizen and demand what they were talking about, a portal opened and she shielded her eyes from the light.

“Maria Hill,” she didn’t know the man in front of her. “We need your help. The fat of the world depends on it.” Maria was not one to hesitate when the answer was to follow him, she never disobeyed a direct order. But she hesitated to join him. She needed to find her family.

“Hill,” she looked at Fury. “Go. I’ll find them.” Maria trusted that he would, she stood by his side enough times to believe him. With a nod, she stepped through the portal.

More portals opened around her as the rest of the Avengers appeared around her. She stood where the compound once stood facing an army. She took her gun from her belt. There were so many questions that raced through Maria’s head but two rang louder than the others - where was Natasha? Where were you?

*     

Every time you tried to step forward your feet remained as if you were glued to the spot. It was over. You won. But at what cost? You stared at the scene in front of you as the ashes of the compound settled. Pepper knelt in front of Tony with Peter and Rhodey around her. You wanted to grab him by his chest, shake him, and scream, ‘Get up! Get up! I can’t lose you.’ But you remained standing where you stood until you heard someone call out your mama’s name. “Natasha! Natasha!” You spun around to see who was calling out of her. Of course, those who were blipped away wouldn’t know. Natasha was gone, sacrificed herself for a stupid orange rock to bring everyone back. To bring the woman who was standing in front of you back. You heard stories about her, scrolled through pictures on Natasha’s phone, and fought tooth and nail to preserve every memory you had of her. It was hard. She said your name so softly but it felt so loud to you.

“Mom,” you whispered back.

  *  

Everyone was surprised when they found out Natasha and Maria were looking to expand their family and adopt. It wasn’t that they thought they’d be bad parents but one was an active Avenger and the other was the Deputy Director. It was dangerous and hard to start a family in their line of work but that didn’t deter them. However, adoptive agencies were a little reluctant to accept them. After months and months of declined applications, they were starting to lose hope. Until they found you. 

In true Avengers-style, the couple found you while on a mission to raid a HYDRA base. It was an easy mission as those that were guarding the base didn’t put up much of a fight. They were clearing out the building when one of the agents called over the coms for assistance from any available female. Natasha and Maria were the closest. When they arrived, the male agent was standing guard by the door. Natasha entered the room while Maria was debriefed. The room was set up as a bedroom and the Black Widow was a little confused about what was wrong until she heard a sound, metal against metal. The sound came from underneath the bed. Natasha hesitated to pull her gun when she saw you, a child no more than 4. “Hi sweetheart,” Natasha smiled and knelt. She heard Maria walk behind her but she kept her eyes on you. Her hands were up to show you she had no weapons. “You're safe,” Natasha whispered. “We won’t hurt you.” You hugged your knees closer to your chest. 

“We can take that off of you,” Maria said, pointing to the metal chain around your ankle. Your eyes were wide and scared as they flickered from Maria and Natasha. Soon you crawled out from underneath the bed. The dress you wore came to your knees and it was caked in dirt. Carefully, Natasha moved closer to you and used a bobby pin to undo the metal chain. Once it was off, your legs couldn’t hold up your weight anymore and you fell into the Black Widow’s arms. She lifted you with ease, not liking how light you felt in your arms. 

“You're safe,” Natasha whispered, looking at Maria who moved to stand next to her. The agent ran her hand over your hair and down your back. “You're safe.” 

*    

Maria held open the front door of the apartment you used to call home. It hadn’t been touched since Natasha brought you here before turning to the Avengers’ compound. There was a vague memory of the Black Widow resting you on the counter as she ran around the apartment to pack a bag. The pictures you drew were still on the fridge. Maria gently closed the door behind her. “We’ll have to go shopping for a new bed and clothes for you,” Maria said. “But we can do that tomorrow.” You nodded, picking up a framed photo that was left on the counter. It was of you, Maria, and Natasha when you were younger. The three of you were eating ice cream, with big smiles, and ice cream all over your face. Life seemed so simple back then. “Tonight you can sleep in our,” you looked at her. “My bed,” she corrected herself. “You can sleep in my bed and I’ll take the couch.”

“No,” you said, placing the photo face down on the counter. “I mean I can take the couch. I don’t mind.” Maria shook her head, walking over to you.

“It’s okay,” she forced a smile. “It’s only for one night.” She placed a hand on your shoulder and then on your cheek. Her touch felt foreign. “I can’t believe how big you’ve gotten.”

“5 years,” you whispered. “It’s been a while.” Maria nodded. You didn’t miss the way her eyes turned glossy with tears but quickly went away.

“Yeah it has but we’ll be okay,” you weren’t sure if you were okay. There was an ache growing in your chest. Each time you took a breath in it hurt. You wanted your mama back. “Why don’t you go get changed into something more comfortable and I’ll figure out dinner?” You nodded. “You still like cheese pizza.” A smile crept to your face.

“Yeah, I love it.” Natasha was surprised by how much pizza you could keep down. You turned around to walk toward the direction of your room but you stopped. Maria had a point all the clothes in there you outgrew and the clothes you had were destroyed when Thanos attacked the compound. You sighed and opened the door to Maria’s room.

The room, like the rest of the apartment, lay untouched for the past 5 years. You ran your hand over the made bed as you walked to the closet. It was like you were standing in a time capsule. In the closet, you picked out a shirt and a pair of sorts that you had to roll up to fit you. Instead of returning to the kitchen, you sat on the ground, back against the bed. With your knees bent, you rested your arms on them. You tried to keep the memory of her arms around you before she stepped onto the platform, or the last time she kissed your forehead, or the last time she told you she loved you.

“Why did you do it?” You asked about the empty room. “Why did you have to leave me?”

  * 

Maria grabbed a beer from the fridge, ignoring the artwork that decorated it. She ignored the photo you flipped over and every other photo that decorated the space as she sat on the couch. 5 years. She and so many others were gone for 5 years. The last time she saw you you were 5. You were 5 and Maria left you with her mother to go help Fury when Thanos snapped his fingers and half of Earth’s population was Blipped away. Maria leaned back on the couch and stared up at the ceiling.

After Tony’s funeral, Maria found Clint at the property’s edge and made him tell her everything that she missed. His entire family got taken and he became the Ronin to deal with the loss. Then the time heist and the sacrifice needed for the stone. For 5 years, Natasha led the remaining Avengers to keep the world in order and raised you. When the time came, Natasha gave her life for her family to come back.

Maria should have been there to fight in Wakanda, to help raise you, and to remind Natasha every day that she loved her. Taking a sip of the beer, she looked around the apartment. It was her idea to get a place away from the Avengers so they could be a family and give you a normal childhood. Natasha fell in love with the place because of the open floor plan and the balcony that overlooked the city. The way her face lit up when Maria handed her the keys will live on in her memory forever. They danced in the kitchen with no music just the two of them. Maria closed her eyes, draping her arm over her face. Everywhere she looked she saw her. Her best friend. Her lover. Her wife. Natasha was gone. Life was so unfair but it must go on.

*   

They said time would heal all wounds. That even the deepest feelings of sadness, disappointment, and anger would gradually go away as time passed. But you believed they couldn’t be more wrong. With each passing day, the ache grew and grew. All you wanted was to be wrapped in your mama’s arms to be safe and happy. If only you could press rewind and stop her from going with the others.

You knew that meant Maria and everyone else wouldn’t be back or worse Uncle Clint wouldn’t be with his family. That made you feel guilty. It wasn’t like you weren’t happy that Maria was back. You were but you wanted to keep her at arm's length away. Your heart couldn’t handle more loss. There were times Maria wasn’t sure how to act around you. She would forget that you weren’t 5 years old but you were a preteen that could do things for yourself. It was a delicate dance you were performing and you were just so tired.

 *

“She hates me, Clint,” Maria said, glancing in the direction of your room. You went to bed early, claiming you weren’t hungry. So Maria made a plate for you and put it in the fridge if you changed your mind. The archer chuckled. “I’m being serious. It’s like we are walking on eggshells around each other.” She took a bite of her dinner but it tasted bitter in her mouth. She forced herself to shallow and through the rest of the food away. She poured herself a shot instead. Clint sighed.

“She doesn’t hate you,” he said. “It’s gonna take time for you both to find a routine.” Maria sat down on the bar stool taking another shot. It was probably a bad idea but a few shots might help ease this pain. It had been 4 months since she turned and in those 4 months, the pain never got easier. “You have to remember that Nat was all she had for 5 years.”

“Yeah,” Maria took another shot. “I missed 5 years.”

“You're a good mom, Hill,” Clint said. “Nat wouldn’t shut up about it.” She could hear the smirk in his voice and it made her laugh. When was the last time she laughed? “I’m so sorry, Maria. If I stopped her or convinced her, your family would be whole.” She closed her eyes, feeling her throat burn as she tried to keep her tears away. One managed to escape and she allowed it to all down her cheek.

“Then your family would have a hole too,” it was almost comically at the situation she found herself in. The Bartons were her family. Laura and Clint saved her life countless times while on missions for SHIELD. “You know how stubborn Natasha...,” she paused. “Was.” She heard the hitch in Clint’s breathing. “She had a reason for everything.”

“That she did,” he sighed. “If you need anything you call me, okay? Day or night. You aren’t alone.”

“Same to you,” Another short was poured. “Give my love to Laura and the kids. We’ll come out to visit soon.” They said their goodbyes and hung up. The apartment was once again quiet as she downed the shot and walked over to her bedroom. Flickering on the light, the bed lay untouched. She couldn’t bring herself to sleep in it. There were too many memories locked away in these walls. She would come in here, change quickly, and leave just as fast. Tonight would be no different. She changed into one of Natasha’s sleeping shirts and a pair of shorts. Instead of leaving, her eyes glanced at a photo on her nightstand. It was of her and Natasha at one of Tony’s parties, the lights from the fireworks glowing on their face. She was pretty sure Pepper took the photo. “It’s been a while, my dear,” Maria whispered, tracing Natasha’s face with her fingers. “I’m still holding back these tears dealing with the cards life dealt,” she looked away from the picture and towards the bedroom door. “Delusion is here again and I think you’ll come home soon. I can’t help but miss you.” She placed the photo back in its spot and walked back into the living room.

She grabbed the bottle of vodka and sat back on the couch, taking a sip instead of pouring a shot. She felt so alone even though Clint said she wasn’t. She didn’t know how to be a mother to you or live her life without the woman she loved by her side. Finally, the dam broke and Maria allowed herself to cry.

*

You woke up, gasping for air. The blanket you used was drenched with sweat. It was the same nightmare that plagued your mind for months - Clint returned without Natasha, the compound exploded, and Thanos killed Tony, Maria, and everyone that you loved. It was torture. After a few deep breaths, your heart calmed down. You expected to be welcomed by the quiet apartment but you heard crying. On quiet feet, you slipped out of bed, out of your room, and passed the open door of Maria’s room. That was another surprise. For the past 4 months, the door was closed. In the living room, you saw Maria on the couch. Her hand over her mouth to muffle the sound of her tears. But you saw how much her body was shaking as each heart-wrenching sob tore through her. You’ve never seen her cry, not at the funeral or on nights when you got up to use the bathroom and she was still awake. Was she holding it in for your sake?

The floor creaked underneath you and Maria spun around to face you. She seemed startled by your sudden appearance. “Hi,” her voice shook as she forced a smile. “I’m sorry if I woke you.” She whipped away her tears. “Are you okay? Do you need something?” Wordlessly, you walked over to her and without hesitation, you hugged her. You felt her tense up but soon she wrapped her arms tightly around you.

“I miss her so much,” you cried against her, letting your tears fall. Almost every night you cried and muffled the sound with your pillow.

“So do I, sweet girl,” Maria whispered. She shifted you so you were sitting down next to her but her arms never left you. You felt her tears as she burrowed her face in your hair. You just didn’t lose your mom. Maria lost her best friend, her life partner. You were so selfish, lost in your pain and grief you never bothered to reach out to her.

“I’m sorry,” you said. “I’m - I’m so -so sorry,” Maria forced you to look at her but kept you within arms reach. “I’ve been a horrible daughter to you. I wasn’t the only one to lose her and you kept trying to connect with me and I kept pushing you away. I’m so sorry mom,” You fell into her arms again, and each sob you let out shook your body.

“Sweetheart,” Maria whispered, cradling your head and gently rocking you from side to side. “It’s okay. It’s okay. We’re okay, I promise.” She whispered gentle reassuring into your ear until your violent sobs turned into quiet hiccups but you refused to let go of her. Maria sensed your hesitation to let her go so she lifted you with ease and carried you to her room. She gently sat you on the bed. You let go of her. “I’ll be right back,” she said.

“Promise?” You questioned. She smiled and this time it wasn’t forced.

“I promise, carina (sweetheart), she kissed the top of your head and you watched her leave the room. For the past 4 months, you wanted to be alone. You pushed and pushed Maria away and enjoyed the silence of your room. Now you hated being alone. You picked at the skin around your thumb as you waited and only stopped when she returned, holding two water bottles and a cloth. She placed the water on the nightstand and sat in front of you. You crossed your legs to give her more space. With gentle hands, she used the cloth to wipe the tears off your face. The silence was comfortable unlike before when it was tense and awkward. Once she was done, she handed you the water. “You have nothing to apologize for, mjia,” she said when you were done drinking. “I get it. For 5 years, Natasha was,” You cringed at the past tense usage for your mama. “All you had. She was the one there.” You heard the guilt that laced each one of her words. It wasn’t her fault. It was Thanos. You took your hand in hers. “The last time I saw you you were a spunky pain in my ass 5 year old,” you giggled. “I’m surprised you remembered me.”

“Of course I remember you,” you said. “Mama would tell me stories about you and her during your SHIELD days. But I started to remember the moments that we shared. We colored and watched Scooby-Doo and ate cheese pizza until I got sick.” Maria laughed, whipping away a tear that fell. “I was just scared.” You admitted.

“Why?” You sighed, looking at things around the room. You looked at everything except the woman in front of you.

“I don’t want to lose you too,” you said. “I watched Uncle Clint return without Mama, Uncle Tony died from his injuries, and Uncle Steve went back in time to be with Peggy. Everything is changing, nothing is the same except the truth is everyone is gone.”

“And life goes on.” Finally, you looked at her. She was staring at your connected hands.

“Yeah, life goes on.” You whispered. “But you are here and I’m here, right? And you won’t leave.” It was an impossible request as you knew she was still an active agent and Avenger.

“I will always come back home to you,” she compromised. You nodded, rubbing your eyes with your free hand. Maria smiled. “Come on let’s get some sleep.” Without thinking, you pulled back the covers and got comfortable. You didn’t miss the way Maria rolled her eyes. When she turned off the overhead light, you turned on the night light. “Move over,” she said. “I forgot how much of a bed hog you are.” You laughed, moving over to make space, and turned off the light. For the first time in a long time, the darkness didn’t scare you.

“Goodnight Mom,” you said. “I love you.”

“I love you too sweetheart,” you smiled, turned your back to Maria, and closed your eyes. But you waited to fall asleep. Maria tossed and turned, sighing a few times soon she fell asleep. She had to be exhausted. Quietly, you sat up and stared at her. It took a moment for your eyes to adjust to the low light but you looked at your mom’s features. It was the most peaceful you’ve seen her. With a sigh, you fished a picture out of your pant pocket. The picture went everywhere with you, even in the dark you knew every detail of it. One night at the compound, you found a Polaroid camera and you figured it was Wanda’s. As Natasha was making dinner, you ran over to her and threw your arm over her shoulders to take the picture. It was blurry, and a little out of focus, and your mama had flour all over her from making pizza but it was perfect.

“Watch over us, okay?” You whispered to the picture. “And keep mom safe. Please. I love and miss you, Mama.” You kissed the photo and slipped it back into your pocket. You stayed awake, hands behind your head, and stared up at the dark ceiling. Everything reminded you of her and you felt a lump form in your throat. Over the past 5 years, the best memories you had with Natasha were late-night talks on the roof. She told you stories of the stars, about her past, and her hope for the future.

‘I think I want to move out of New York,’ she said one night. She was staring up at the stars like always while you sipped on hot chocolate. 

‘Really?’ You questioned, setting the mug down and wrapping the blanket tighter around you. ‘And go where?’ 

‘Anywhere,’ she whispered. ‘When your mom and your aunt come back. I’m going to take all of us away from this. I’m done,’ she leaned back on her hands. ‘A nice house with a lot of land so we could get a dog or a cat.’ You always wanted a dog. ‘Kind of like what Clint did with his family. So we can be together, safe, and happy.’

‘Promise?’ You found yourself asking. Finally, she looked at you. Green eyes locked onto yours. 

‘Yeah,’ she smiled. ‘I promise.’ 

You turned back on your side, tears running down your cheek. “Why did you break your promise?” You whispered, closing your eyes. You squeezed them so tight color danced behind your eyelids. Every tear you shed you tried to keep it down, not wanting to wake your mom. But you heard her shift in her sleep and pull you into her arms. Now your head rested on her chest while her hand drew circles on your back.

“I got you,” she mumbled, voice laced with sleep. “I promise. I got you.” Promise. A promise was a declaration or assurance that one would do a particular act or that a particular thing would happen. But what was a promise if you feared it would be broken?

_

Part 2

[feralferrule]

Charity and Decadence, Chapter 6, You Don’t Have to Ask

Echo x Earthling force sensitive female reader oc ( reader has a nickname)

Word count 2323

Fic Masterlist

Warnings: spicier chapter MINORS DNI, descriptions of lactation and breastfeeding an adult, sexual arousal, reader has intense sympathetic nervous response to nipple stimulation, some trauma response, comfort and fluff, mentions of captivity and starvation

Notes and illustrations at the bottom

You and Tech spoke in hushed tones just inside the door to the makeshift med bay on board the Marauder. It looked as though it had been thrown together with salvaged parts and was lit with a variety of scavenged light sources which cast the space in a greenish pallor.

“We had quite the skirmish with the Separatist droids at the Poletek village.” Tech explained, “Echo held his own through the entire battle. He seemed fine until we boarded to leave when he collapsed. My scans showed an electrolyte imbalance and dehydration. On top of his obvious emaciation.” Tech said.

You could hear the stair raising, door sealing and feel the engines firing up outside. You took your duffel pack off your back and set it down near the cot that took up a good deal of the small space.

“I knew he must have been an impressive soldier.” You said then looked down at Echo again, “You should have seen him when Tambor Wat assigned me to his care. He was almost dead,” you sighed. You knelt down in front of him, careful to not be in striking range in case he woke up on the defensive side. “Hey,” you said gently, “ Hey, Sweetheart, it’s me. I'm here with you, you are safe.”

Tech’s eyebrows raised up behind his goggles, “Sweetheart?” he mused under his breath.

The ship rumbled and you could feel it rising.

You smiled at his reaction, but then Echo flinched. His eyes snapped open but unfocused and he started scrambling his legs to push back into the wall more. He looked up at you, and seemed confused. You raised up your goggles. His eyes flicked back and forth between yours. You released and removed your breather mask.

His pale golden eyes widened as he studied your face, moving around your features, “Ner kar’ika? You’re real?” His voice was hushed but deep and richer than most other clones.

You scooched closer, close enough to reach for his hand and bring it to your heart and caress the side of his face with the other like you did back at the tower. “Yes, I’m real and I’m here.” You let your guard down and your heart totally open to him and you could feel his amazement and joy. And his heart aching for you. Aching to hold you yet unsure of his body and of touching you with it. You could see yourself through his eyes and you did shine like a star in the darkness.

You were pressed closer together by the momentum of the ship accelerating up through the atmosphere.

He slid his hand up your chest, along your neck and caressed your face.

“I thought you were just a dream.” He looked so tired and started to sink down the wall a bit. You moved closer to him and circled your arm around underneath his shoulders and held his hand to your heart again. You could feel a muscle tremor in it, tetany from his system overtaxed by the rescue and battle.

At this point Tech was starting to fidget awkwardly. He cleared his throat, “I’ll just step out and give you some time, if you need me press this com, I’ll leave it here on the cot.” And he was gone in a flash. You caught a glimpse of the space beyond the door and noticed the other men were no longer just outside. Tech seems adorable, you said to yourself.

Looking back down at Echo in your arms you met his golden eyes and your heart stuttered at the hungry glint in them. You put your hand up to cup his on your face. Sighing shakily, you said, “Hey, I know you must be exhausted, but you need to hydrate and get some nutrients in you.” He looked away and you felt some fear and discomfort start to bubble up. Calmly you added, “It’s ok I don't mean to poke you or hook you up to something…and definitely not a ration bar,” you glanced at the one he tried lying on the floor partially eaten, “...Do you remember what we did back at the tower?” Your heart was beating faster. You were not sure if he even remembered or how he would feel about that fully conscious. Would he be disgusted or feel infantilized?

He looked up at you, “that.. wasn’t a dream either?”

“No”

He moved your hand down from his face, “I can’t, can’t ask you to do that.” He was conflicted for sure but it was shyness and self-loathing over top of longing. You noticed he was staring at his legs, at all the tubes piercing his arm. Revulsion rolled off of him.

“You don’t have to ask,” you said and removed your hand from his to undo your jacket.

His eyes widened and watched. The light in the room suddenly seemed harsh to you as you felt more exposed. So you focused on the light circuit and dimmed them. He looked curiously around the room and then at you. You gave him a sly little mysterious smile and pulled your now very tight breast band down, exposing a firmly full breast and dripping nipple. His eyes zeroed in on it and dilated. He swallowed. You shifted your position to bring your arm back around his head to support him again and drew him in and leaned your tit to his mouth. Desire and hunger rolled off of him which you felt were not just coming from his empty stomach. You licked your own lips feeling his anticipation rolling off of him.

“Are you ok with this?” He asked, his eyes locked on your nipple as you drew closer.

“Yes, Echo, I want to.” He looked up and met your eyes. “Ok? So you don’t die.” That seemed to settle some conflict he was feeling and he took you into his mouth. He closed his eyes and started to suck. You felt his tongue press your nipple to the roof of his mouth. A wave of energy rolled all the way down the core of your body and your underwear dampened as your pulse throbbed in your pussy. You could feel the milk-flow let-down reflex as a flush of heat traveled up your spine. You saw a flash of light as your pussy clenched. You blinked and stifled a breathy moan. He swallowed quickly several times, almost gulping.

“Careful,” you cooed a little breathlessly, “not too fast.”

You stayed like this for several minutes. You didn’t think he noticed the intense effect this had on you just now which was a relief, how would you explain that? You hummed one of the soft melodies you’d hum to him at the tower, adjusting yourself to not block his breathing. He looked up at you. You smiled and caressed his head and trailed down to the implant over his chest. You could feel his heart beat and wondered about the implant there and the ports lower on his abdomen. Looking at those lower ports you noticed a bulge lower down. Well you weren’t the only one turned on, you mused with a little relief. You realized that you probably were affected by his attraction to you. After all he’s been through, especially today, he was still able to get it up. How would he feel inside you? Ok Stop. He’s had your cream. Shut up, brain! As the ship bumped around with some turbulence your thoughts came back to your surroundings.

You stopped him, shifted him around, switched sides and propped him up against you more as you leaned against the bunk. You were both less awkward with each other now but you did notice he tried subtly to hide his erection. As he latched on you let your affection for him grow in your heart, finally sure that he felt the same. He reached his arm over and around your waist as he drank you down, while you poured all the healing and warmth and tenderness you could into him through the force. His body warmed in your arms as he grew increasingly drowsy and was getting sloppy. He had some milk dribbling around his chin and he wasn’t sucking anymore.

“Hey, Echo.”

He blinked his eyes barely open and you lifted your boob up a bit out of his slackened mouth. He felt so heavy against you now and your arm felt achy so you cradled his head and shifted over to lower it into your lap. You used your thumb to wipe off a drop of milk next to his mouth as he gazed up at you smiling a little. He had a healthier flush to his face now you thought despite the dimness of the room as you finally tucked your boob away.

You heard a shift in engine sounds and the unmistakable feeling of jolting into hyperspace. With that you released a tension that you didn’t realize you were holding. You were truly away from your captors now. It felt too good to be true, you took a deep breath to ground yourself and wiped the tears that started to fall. When your back and arm relaxed enough from having held him so long you asked, “ Do you want to try to use the ‘fresher?”

He hiccuped and snuggled his face into your tummy, “Naw, comfy.”

“Well I have to. There’s a nice cot in here and I bet I could find you a blanket and pillow.”

He sighed and while he never wanted to move again he knew he had to let you get up. You helped him rise to his knees and shuffle over to the cot. He got on and you helped him position his legs. Then you started opening cabinets, was this place doubling as a galley? And armory?? There were provisions and detonators and drink packs next to bandages and bacta. You located a couple blankets. One you kept in a roll for a pillow and slid it under his head, careful not to snag a port, and you shook out the other draping it over his body and legs.

You knelt down and squeezed his hand, “I’m going to go out. Here’s the com Tech left. If you need anything I’ll come right back.” You opened his hand and pressed the com into it, leaned down and kissed his forehead. He blinked at you with a loopy smile. Totally milk drunk.

“Vor entye, yaiyai’ika…. jatisyc” he almost slurred. And closed his eyes, passing out completely.

You smiled at him not sure what he said besides ‘thank you’ and felt your heart squeeze with affection. Standing and turning to the door you realized you had to close up the jacket. You closed up the jacket, instantly feeling too hot, and opened the door to Tech who had his fist up knuckle ready to knock at the door. He had taken his helmet off but still had his goggles on. You studied his face. There was something familiar about him that you couldn’t quite put your finger on. He looked down at you and then into the tiny med bay at the sleeping form of Echo. He seemed cautious as though he wasn’t quite comfortable with either of you.

“I see you found blankets. His color looks better than before, how much fluid were you able to administer?”

You smiled slightly, “Enough. I’ll clean the room up but first I need the ‘fresher.”

“Ah it is that door,” he pointed down the ship, “but I can tidy up quickly. We are going to have a meeting in the cockpit when you are ready.”

Of course they must all have a ton of questions for you. You grabbed your bag and slipped into the fresher and finished up in there as quickly as possible, all the while thinking about your new freedom. You were so tired and hungry but exhilarated about being free. You splashed some water on the back of your neck trying to cool yourself down, exited the fresher and made your way back forward toward the cockpit. You could hear snoring coming from a space off to the side. Tech emerged from the med bay/storage room and caught your attention.

“I am confused, what exactly did you administer to Echo? His blood sugar, electrolytes and blood pressure all read normal now, but you don’t seem to have used any of our supplies. Did you have supplies on your person that you brought from the tower?” His eyes were bright with curiosity.

You smiled and said, “I was charged with his survival at the tower. They had him on an inadequate level of nutrition in the life support system. And he was starving to death. There were no solutions given by the Techno Union. So there was only one thing I could do to keep him alive.”

Tech waited expectantly for you to continue. You looked up and down the ship and saw no one approaching so you stepped into his space, backing him into the med bay more and quietly said, “I breastfed him.”

Tech’s eyebrows shot up. His eyes looked from you to Echo, back again and down at your chest. He blinked and glanced to the side as you stepped back from him.

“I suppose you did have supplies on your person.” You laughed at how he said that, which made his eyes twinkle, “That is the most logical solution in that situation- and the current one.” He stared past you a moment, “For all we know he is probably the only one of us clones to have ever been nourished by human milk,” he contemplated, licking his lips and rubbing his chin. “Assuming you are human, you do seem to have bioluminescence?” He was about to ask you something and you were about to ask if he meant that he was a clone when someone cleared his throat outside the door.

🥛🥛🥛🥛🥛🥛

Notes:

“Vor entye” -Mando’a, thank you, literally ‘I accept a debt’

“Yai’yai’ika”- Mando’a with artistic license. Yai’yai means richly nourishing, a Mandalorian description of dense high calorie food. “Ika” is a diminutive suffix that turns a word into a cute or familiar nickname or pet name. I think I’d pronounce this YAY-aye-EE-ka. But I don’t know enough about the language to be sure.

“Jatisyc” -Mando’a , delicious

Inspiration:

Roman Charity by Peter Paul Rubens, c. 1612

[thebrokenmechanicalpencil]

Cold hands.

( @quibble-auk This happens way way after the Dropmix trials, when the two problem gladiators have sorted themselves out. I wrote most of this in one sitting, it just kept getting longer. Maybe everybody is in character, I tried to proofread it but my brain is actually so done. So..Yeah-)

Tw. Gore, violence, pain, war, over all lots of badness.

-

Technically they were not supposed to be having problems with rogue Decepticons trying to encroach on the outpost. 

Their coms said the enemy was contained.

 Yet Dropmix had to send Comet out to keep the threats neutralized. 

The young pretender was there on technical business, on his way back to his home base after a long mission. The young mimic  had stopped to check on them when he saw they were having trouble.

Dropmix had to admit, he was grateful.

Another wave of gunfire rang through the air past the horizon. It sparked and lit up the sky. When Dropmix looked up from his newest casualty, he felt his optic narrow. He and his team were never supposed to be this close to the front. Ever. 

Their usual protection of armed bots were called up to head off the movements at the pass, the others dead. It meant they were sitting ducks drowning in casualties.

Jeopardy and the large mech worked in sync, the surgeries were not as clean as they should be, but they had no time to smooth  the edges of their welds. The front was moving in fast. Dropmix couldn’t give the orders for them to move until the mechs under his hands were stable, some part of him hoped that the autobot forces could push the Decepticons back and give him time. But the world never seemed to give that out freely. 

He huffed deeply glancing up to survey the medbay, nurses and aids rushing to keep up with the influx. During the chaos the operating room now housed more than one patient at a time, Jeopardy working on his own on the other, a nurse assisting.

He trusted Jeopardy completely as the medic worked, closing up mechs with a clench to his jaw. A complete natural, not a tremble in his hands. Pride worked its way through Dropmix, Jeopardy had improved at working under pressure by miles.

“This one is stable Dropmix,” the younger mech quickly allowed the aids to rush in and take the bot to the recovery room. “ Arrow, get the next mech in here!” Dropmix added the mech to the countless frames already housed there, they couldn’t take much more. Eventually it would be impossible to actually care for all the casualties if they didn’t have room.

“Sonar! Start putting the low risk wounded in the private rooms, keep them marked and leave the doors open!” Music still hummed in the back of his mind, keeping any sort of anger at the situation at bay. Whoever had planned this attack must have lost their minds.

“There's only a couple left in triage! No more transports either Doc!” Arrow panted, his red plating flared with stress, the Aid covered in energon from carting the wounded.

“A couple isn’t a number Arrow.” Jeopardy bit out as another mech was set in front of him. While he worked on quickly sterilizing his hands Dropmix closed up his own patient.

“How many?” All because transports stopped landing didn’t mean the wounded had stopped trying to come in. Dropmix knew the seekers were never above shooting down an Autobot flyer, armed or not. They couldn’t afford to relax on this. Not yet.

“Two, the injuries aren't high risk. The nurses can work on them-”

Jeopardy’s plating flared from across the room as his nurse explained the injuries of the mech on his table. Dropmix didn’t have time to ask about them however, as the mech under his knife began to twitch.

“Of course-”

-

Outside amongst the shell fire and debris Cometeater kept watch.

He had taken down two mechs that had slipped past the front’s enforcements, which he could feel was closer than it ever should be. In quick steps he began another lap around the perimeter of the base, allowing himself to go on all fours to cover the ground quickly. He hoped he wasn't the only mech on the ground trying to guard the outpost, but it sure felt like it.

He had found two of the soldiers left  that usually kept watch on the base dead on the east side. They had managed to kill the con, but bled out due to the utterly overwhelmed medical facility.

Comet elected to not mention it to Jeopardy when this was over. He knew the guilt would eat his friend alive.

The air was thick with the smell of death now, chips of bots crunching underfoot as he went. He almost missed the seeker as it came crashing out of the sky. He stopped and watched as the red and green thing exploded far out in the horizon. In cascading flames and a resounding boom that rippled through the pretender’s skin. He shook his helm quickly moving again, intentionally  breathing in the smells of the war.

Any smells that didn’t belong got dissected, and trailed.

He went around the base again, padding softly and without a sound. Then the smell hit him. Wild and burning it scorched his nose.

Comet felt his whole body scream in distrust, and then in fear. Mingled with the horrible smell was fresh energon. In a flash he was running hard after the scent, hoping he could cut the source off before it broke into the base. 

His legs burned as he tore down to the south side after the smell, how the hell had this thing gotten past him? When he had stopped to look at the seeker? Guilt and rage billowed through him. If those mechs  died because he was sightseeing he could never forgive himself.

The door was wide open, the emergency locks undone to probably help with the influx of wounded, the smell heavy and making tears burn in Comet’s eyes. He didn’t stop though, darting past the door. No, he had no time. Surrounding the now open door, were the bodies of medical Aids, probably trying to lock down the barrier after bringing in mechs. 

They didn't make it.

Comet threw himself into a dead sprint down the halls, claws scraping as he desperately followed the stench of danger, he didn’t even stop when he saw the damn thing. 

-

In the medical wing Dropmix did another round on the living patients, checking and taking notes. The flood of wounded had stopped, for now. Leaving the staff to rush and ready themselves for another wave. Dropmix had the whole staff on their feet, moving mechs and reporting their injuries where Dropmix and Jeopardy could access them. The mech stretched his back as he glanced down at the reports. It looked as if two may have had complications in their surgeries. One’s breathing was ragged, but that could have been the stress from surgery. Or the amount of rust the mech had inhaled. Dropmix quickly told one of the nurses to begin a deep clean of the mech’s vents, a cursory one hadn’t been enough.

Jeopardy was working with the other, who’s internal temperature had climbed far too high during surgery. The young mech was checking the fuel line, and double checking the mixtures of needed medical grade fluids. 

Dropmix however could not relax, an itching in the back of his processor. He hadn’t heard an update from Cometeater. The organic he knew didn't have an internal com link, so accessing it took a little longer for him. But silence and delay were different, he hadn’t said a word since he reported the dead mech’s outside.

Dropmix wasn’t worried for the young male, he  didn't allow the thought to even sit and make its case. Cometeater was supposed to com him, and he hasn’t. 

Till his internals blipped with a new message.

: Lock the outer west door of the A-12 hall:

Then he heard the screams. 

-

Comet was bleeding heavily, his side busted. But he couldn’t let this thing get any closer to the medical bay.

It was hardly a mech now, the Decepticons had done something to it. The horrible smell was the thing’s half rusted frame, thick lines of some chemical lodged inside its internals. Poking out of its spinal strut like a deranged fan of quills. 

It didn’t seem to feel pain, roaring in a thrash of crushing gears and gnarled engine noises. 

They had done something to it.

Comet jumped again, digging his claws deep into the armor and letting out another warning screech, internally begging the noise to reach Dropmix and he’d know what it meant. Comet had no time to check if his message went through, hoping the medic got his warning.

The thing screamed and reared trying to get the smaller creature off its back, it twisted and tore at its own plating trying to reach him. Comet held on, his limbs shaking from the effort as the ugly misshapen bot bucked. Comet tried once more to get the damn thing’s neck, he had pried the armour off in his last attempt. Which had led to him almost getting crushed against the walls while hanging onto the creature’s back, then lobbed down the hall.

Comet’s teeth clamped on nothing as one of those clawed hands narrowly missed him,  Cometeater rearing up and away scrambling for purchase on the sunken in armor. Then the mech took advantage of his change in position, and slammed his sharp helm back onto Comet’s face. 

Comet cried out as the edges sliced him, blood pouring down his front as he struggled to just hold on. He couldn’t let go.

The thing did it again, wrenching sideways and getting Comets eye.

Comet screamed.

Agony bloomed past his exhaustion as his eye went dark with his own blood.  Under him the mutated mech moved his helm back to try again. The ex gladiator grit his teeth and forced himself to take his chance. Comet unlocked his jaw and blindly went for the beast’s neck cables.

He locked his jaw and with what remaining strength he had, he ripped. 

Burning.

His cells sizzled loudly in his ears.

It hurt everywhere.

Comet let out an agonized wail as the mech’s energon sprayed him. But it didn't do what it usually did, it didn't just numb his mouth and coat his face. It scorched him. 

He couldn’t hold onto the horrible creature as the acidic energon worked its way into his eye, eating into his open wounds.

A horrible noise echoed around him as he hit the ground, the creature screaming as its throat only bled harder from the pure amount of fluid jetting from the wound. 

Comet realized with a jolt however it wasn’t just the dying mech who was screaming.

Cometeater’s mouth was open wide with pain filled screeches, as the pain only grew worse as it burned through him. He shook his head violently trying to get the blood off. His own claws scraped his face as the agony only worsened, shorting out any pretense to sentience.

Something was eating him.

Burning and eating him from inside.

He needed it out.

The loud crash of the mech hitting the ground shocked him back from the pained fog, Comet on all fours panted hard trying to think. To form thoughts as the acid ate away at him.

He could not panic.

He needed a medic. Now.

The moment the thought hit him he was fighting for his control again, almost drowning when the acid ate through his armor on his chest, and began to melt his flesh.

Breathe Comet.

Comet focused on the footsteps, trying to breathe. Trying to not let panic swallow him. If he lost it he wouldn’t survive this.

Jeopardy crouched beside him trying to look at his face past the blood and gore. Comet could smell he was afraid. 

The smell hit a switch and suddenly any control he had began to slip through his fingers. His whole body convulsed in utter misery.

“NO- No no Jep get,” He was interrupted as another wave of burning cinched his eye. 

The blood was eating him.

“DROPMIX!!” The scream tore from him before he could choke it down, his breathing hard and fast as that panic came back and bit down. He didn’t realise how badly he was writhing, before a large blissfully cool servo shoved him down.

“Cometeater stop.”

The deep baritone cut past the panic like a knife, Comet stole a breath while he could. He couldn't see anything on his left side as Dropmix pressed him down. Instead of panicking, Comet almost wept. Dropmix could fix this.

“Jeopardy get the bases out of the lab. Now.” The mech watched him with a smooth calm expression, optics critical. Comet couldn’t hold in the pained groan as the acid bit him, “I know, easy Comet.”

Cometeater forced himself to focus on Dromix’s cold icy scent, almost numbing in juxtaposition with the absolute heat burning him all over.

“This is going to hurt like hell, focus Cometeater.”

Cometeater did as he was told, zeroing in on the cool thumb that was rubbing circles on his unhurt shoulder.

Then his face prickled with an excruciating pain akin to being burnt alive.

Comet hadn’t realised he was gripping Dropmix’s arm. He focused on the hard edges and the circles that hadn’t stopped, stuffing every other instinct into the furnace that was his upper left body.

“I know Comet I know, Jeopardy get his chest, hurry he won't be able to make it if he loses anymore down there.”

Inside is body every muscle clenched from stress, cramping and twitching as another hard wave of the pain crashed into him.

Focus, keep breathing. Dropmix hadn’t let the organic go once.

The pain finally dulled. Slowly the burning faded, his body relaxing in twitches and sharp jumps.

Exhaustion.

Comet felt so heavy.

He could feel his head start to roll.

“ Comet you need to stay awake.”

[psychotic4ghost]

Strength Together a story by Psychotic4Ghost

TW: Blood, medical, guns, violence, mild language WC: 2.4k

Masterlist <- Chapter 4 // Chapter 6 ->

Ophelia paced the small living space in the safe house she was stationed in. It had been a few hours now since they had left and she was growing to hate the silence. The men who were stationed outside and in the safe house didn’t speak much to each other or her, making these last few hours incredibly lonely. 

After the fifth hour ticked by, the men outside the safe house began to shout. Something was wrong and the hairs lining her arms stood on end as she tuned into their words. 

“We’ve been found. Get her in a vehicle now! Move! Move!” One of the guards shouted, unfortunately his words were followed by gunfire and it sounded close. 

Ophelia had followed Ghost into the shooting range many times but she always had earmuffs. She had never heard gunfire without them before and it was loud, too loud. Her hands flung to her ears as she stifled a cry. Strong hands gripped her under her arm and dragged her outside. He had her medical bag slung over his arm as he pushed her out the door and into an armored truck. 

“They found us, Doctor. We need to move and fast.” One of the guards she had learned was called Sergeant Fang, demanded as he moved faster than she could. It wasn’t long before he had her in the truck. She could see two of the five guards laying dead on the ground near the safe house as the truck sped off. The other three were in the truck already, heads sticking out of the truck windows, ready to fire back if needed. 

“Where are we going?” Ophelia shouted over the chaos. 

“The next safe house. It was marked on your map, remember?” Sergeant Fang responded as he focused on driving down the dirt road to the next safe house which was 3 clicks away. 

Ophelia tried her best to calm her heartbeat, something was wrong, not just with them over taking her safe house, but there was something else keeping her nerves from calming. 

“Captain, do you copy?” Sergeant Fang asked through his coms now that they had managed to cover some ground. 

Ophelia could hear the faint static of Captain Price responding on the other end of the small earpiece Sergeant Fang wore. A small wave of relief washed over her, Price was alive. 

“Ghost? I thought that man couldn’t be taken down.” The conversation was one sided for Ophelia but that alone told her what she needed to hear. Her heart sank, tears threatened to spill.

“She’ll be at the safe house ‘hound’. I’m sure you can see that the safe house ‘rover’ has been overrun.” He listened for a beat. “Yes sir, I’ll have her medical station set up as soon as we get there. Over.” 

Ophelia turned her whole body towards Sergeant Fang in anticipation of any shred of good news. 

“Ghost is injured. Bad. If you don’t start working as soon as they reach us, he won’t make it.” Fang informed her as he pushed the accelerator down as far as it would go. 

Mixed emotions flooded her, he was alive but not for long if she didn’t do all she could. “Are Gaz and Price okay?”

“As far as I can tell, yes. The safe house is just up ahead. They should be close. Check your GPS to see how far out they are.” Sergeant Fang was more than helpful with his calm tone, keeping her from fully breaking down. This was the most action she had ever been in. 

The new safe house wasn’t that different from the first, the same run down look but somewhat cleaner on the inside. Sergeant Fang was quick to set her new base up. The other two men stood guard as she set up her station. She cleared the full sized dining room table of any debris, making a place for her to work. She pulled up a chair from the table and began laying out her supplies. She had no idea what his injury was but she prepared for it all. 

“Is she set up? We don’t have time!” Gaz could be heard shouting from the front of the building, startling Ophelia as she placed her sterile case of tools out on the chair she prepped. 

“What happened to him?” She asked as she rushed for the door where Price and Gaz were lugging Ghost in by his arms, feet dragging behind him. 

“Bullet wound, I think it nicked his external jugular. There’s a lot of blood but he’s still alive, barely.” Price nearly shouted, adrenaline taking him over as he and Gaz placed Ghost on the wooden dining table. 

“Move, move!” Ophelia had just finished snapping her last glove on as she shoved Price and Gaz out of the way with her hips and elbows. 

“Gaz, on the other side of the table, now. I need you to get this armor off as fast as you can.” Ophelia took a deep breath before barking her next order, not caring that these men were above her in every rank possible. “Price, I need you to get gloves, splash your hands with that bottle of alcohol and get those gloves on. I’ll need your help.” 

Neither of the men questioned her demands as they jumped into action. “I need to remove the mask.” Ophelia said with hesitation. 

Price nodded, pulling out a surgical mask from one of the chest pockets of Ghost’s plate carrier. Ophelia turned away as Price stripped Ghost of the mask, still wanting to respect the privacy he would have wanted. After Price placed the black surgical mask over Ghost’s nose and mouth, she began doing all she could. When it came to getting him oxygen, she had Price do what he could to cover Ghost’s face, unfortunately, this was where her respect for his concealment ended. 

Price was right, his external jugular had been nicked and the amount of blood he had lost was fatal. She worked on removing the bullet as carefully as she could so as to not harm his jugular anymore. If anything cut through the vein fully, he wouldn’t be able to make it. Everyone held their breath as she worked. Gaz paced the living room and then somewhere outside, claiming he needed air. Ophelia didn’t blame him, she would kill for some fresh air right about now. 

The captain was a huge help to Ophelia, doing everything she asked to a tee. The operation was done. She had removed all the shrapnel she could before stitching the vein and the rest of the wound. Ophelia slumped back in one of the dining room chairs that sat next to the table Ghost was still laying on. She eyed his face as she caught her breath. He was breathtaking, his skin was a cool tan that nicely complimented his dirty blonde hair accompanied by a shower of very light freckles. His facial hair was short but long enough to hold shape from his mask being pressed against it all day. 

Around his cheeks, chin and upper lip was a shadow of more dirty blonde stubble. As if he hadn’t shaved in a few days. That has to be annoying with the mask rubbing against it all day. His face was peppered with light scars and some deeper. Over his left cheek, coming down from the apple of his cheek to the base of his jaw was a clean cut scar, as if someone took their time carving it into his skin. 

His chest was the same, though even more knicks covered his skin. Across each side of his ribs were very deep scars, they weren’t clean as if someone had ripped through his skin harshly. More knife marks littered his skin, another large one slashed from the top to the underside of his right pectoral muscle. Many more deeper cuts adorn his chest and abs, ones Ophelia could study for hours. His skin was her newest novel and she felt she would never be able to put it down. 

“How’s he doing?” Gaz asked as he finally returned once Price informed him she had finished her work.

“He’s stable. I was able to remove about 96% of the shrapnel and I pray the remaining 4% won’t hurt him…it shouldn’t.” Ophelia sighed, her throat was rough from her barking orders and then not speaking for hours as she worked. 

Bloodied cloth lay all around her feet and on the table around Ghost. She was far too tired to clean up her mess right now. And he couldn’t be moved yet so there was no point. 

“When do you think he’ll wake up?” Price asked as he handed Ophelia a fresh water bottle. 

“No idea. I can’t monitor him like I usually would. We need to get back to base as soon as we can so I can better monitor him. There’s too many unknown variables here.” 

“We’ll load up as soon as Sergeant Fang and his team give us the all clear. We can’t move when Makarov’s men could still be out there.” 

Ophelia nodded to her captain as she turned her attention back to the large man sleeping on her makeshift workstation. She wanted nothing more than to get him hooked up and monitored as soon as possible. The rest of the night was going to be long as she watched over her patient. 

˗ˋˏ ♡ ˎˊ˗

The night had fully passed and the sun peeked over the horizon as the loud winds of the helio filled Ophelia’s ears. They were finally heading back to the base after one more gun fight, taking out the rest of the Konni team that was in the village. Nolan was being taken to the gulag where he belonged. However, he and Makarov were to be kept on completely different cell blocks. 

Ophelia finally managed to get Ghost hooked up to the proper machines and monitored. She refused to leave his side though, even after her routine checks. Price and Gaz grew worried as she refused to leave her clinic, the two would take turns checking on her and Ghost as the week passed by. 

He was in no way in a coma and had woken up a few times but he was so out of it that he never seemed to remember any conversation he had. Ophelia would change any tubes he needed through the days, making sure he was fed as he wouldn’t be able to eat on his own for a while. 

“He’s recovered from worse, Lia.” Price tried his best to comfort Ophelia as she had her head pressed against the cool metal of her desk. Her desk was in a small office, just big enough for a standard desk with her chair and one on the other side of the desk, two medium sized filing cabinets and one standard size anatomical skeleton. To her left, the direction her head was facing, was a glass window that had blinds for privacy if she needed it but she currently had them open so she could watch Ghost at all times. 

“I know. You told me…but…I just worry. It’d be the same if it were any of you.” She forced her eyes to stay open, grabbing about two hours of sleep in the week he’d been in her clinic. The two hours were separated into about fifteen minute increments as she would snap awake moments after realizing she had fallen asleep. 

She listened to the soft beeping of his EKG through her open office door. “Can you please let me look over him while you get some sleep? Some food too?” Price was doing everything he could to get her to leave her office. “I can’t, what if he wakes up?” 

“Then I’ll be here for him. After you’ve showered, changed, and grabbed at least a few hours of sleep, I’ll come get you if he’s woken up. You’ve told me what to do if he does so many times. Lia, sweetheart, I’m begging you.” 

She could feel the genuine worry in his voice. With a very heavy sigh, she pushed back from her desk. “Fine. I’ll be back as soon as I can.” 

“No, Lia. Sleep. I’ll have Gaz check on you and I promise I will not leave Simon’s side.” Price placed his hand in the small of her back, pushing her out the door. Gaz was waiting at the entrance of the clinic to escort her to her quarters which were just down the hall. Both men were worried about her collapsing on her way there, this way Gaz could catch her if she did.

“C’mon, Lia. Let’s get you washed up.” Gaz was gentle with her as he spoke, he gingerly placed his arm around her like a side hug as he guided her to her quarters. 

“I’m gonna stay in your room till you’re done showering, I don’t want you slipping.” Gaz sat on the edge of her bed after handing her a stack of clothes he picked out for her. 

Her shower was difficult as she couldn’t stop thinking about Ghost laying on the wooden dining table back at the safe house. The panic she felt that he could die. The moment he was pulled into the safe house, he became her patient and she would do anything she could to save him. The idea of him dying, as her patient and as her friend, scared the hell out of her. 

This was the first time since she was moved from the first safe house that she’s been given a moment to think. Tears pushed past her eyes and rolled down her cheek as she took it all in, she was so close to actual gun fire. Then Ghost was brought it, nearly dead and she had to stop thinking, go into doctor mode and it wasn’t till now that she could come back to herself. 

After turning off the water and getting dressed in the cozy pjs that Gaz picked out for her, she stepped out of the small bathroom that was connected to her room. Gaz was still seated on her bed, he was scrolling on his phone as he waited for. He put it back in his pocket the moment he heard the door click open, “Feelin’ any better?” He asked with a soft smile. 

“Not really. This has been the scariest week of my life, Kyle.” 

“I know, I know. C’mon, let’s get you in bed. It’s currently 0200 hours, I'll wake you up at 0900, does that sound good?” Gaz stepped away from her bed so she could climb into it, she nodded her head gently before pulling the blankets over her. She was exhausted, she never heard the door shut as Gaz left, falling asleep before any more words could be exchanged. 

˗ˋˏ ♡ ˎˊ˗

<- Chapter 4 // Chapter 6 -> Story Masterlist // Main Masterlist

[turtlesaus]

Twin Brother Donatello - TurtleDuck AU

(Most of the design choices were inspired form Pinterest, IDK who drew them cause literally noone cited their sources x-x) (Art updated!)

Back at it with Donatello!;

Donatello Hamato

Nicknames: Don,Dee, Tello Race/Species: Turtle Mutant/Yokai Age: XXX (Changes though time) Height: XXX (Same as age) Gender/Pronouns: He/Him/Them Job: Tech Guy/Coms Guy/Co Leader

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Personality

Donnie grew up in a highly supportive family, with his twin andyounger siblings always there for him, and always understanding what he's going through. As a result, he's more open about how he's feeling, trusts his brothers much more commonly, and is confident in his place in the team.

Sometime he get overwhelmed with touch, sound, or sight, but his family always has his headphone and glasses at the ready, and know when to back off.

He was goven a lot more freedom to build with many things due to his twin getting him almost anything he wanted to use, even Uranium. His tech is a lot more high-power and complex, fully decking out his whole team.

He is a caffeine guy, be it coffee, tea, or energy drinks, but has a strict bedtime of 11:30 pm, set by his older brother.

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Power(s)

As mentioned in my Leo post, Leo was the first to activate his Ninpo, however, Donnie was in fact the second. When Leo first learned of the powers, he and Donnie were the one's who learnt and tested the differnt reaches of the power.

His Ninpo is much the same as cannon, however because he has had much more time to tinker around with it and understand it, he has fully intagrated it in to his tech, and is able to create near anything outside of 'living' creatures.

He specializes in close-hand combat and long-range combat, but prefers somewhere in the middle. Proficient in the Bō staff and, of course, firearms, Donnie is known both as a badass Bō Specialist and a Supreme Gunman.

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Backstory

After his twin stepped forwards into the leadership role, Donnnie stood next to him as his 'right hand man', becoming somewhat of a co-leader. Working late nights with his twin to finalize missions is not uncommon.

When the surface became an option, his tech quickly gained originality and specialization, becoming extremely modern, even futuristic. With Ninpo it only went furthur, and by now he probably has built almost everything technological in the lair.

With the new additions to the family Donnie quickly got their mesurements and build specialized tech, giving them armor and weapons as fast as humanly possible, as to protect them.

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Family Dynamics

Donnie & Leo

Leo and Donnie are twins, and Donnie reluctanly accepts the fact. The two are the eldest, but are able to act like kids around each other. Donnie considers Leo is leader, and will accept no other, with undying loyalty in highly dangerous situations being his MO.

Donnie & Raph

With Raphael's anxiety, Don has learned to show his blueprint, albeit simplified, to him to help him clear his worries. When Raph gets overwhelmed Don will, without hesitation, lend him his headphones or sunglasses.

Donnie & Mikey

PB&J Duo, get together well. Mikey will bring Don ideas, Don builds them either with him or later when he has free time. Half of the cool tech ideas came from Mikey's notebook. Donnie loves to coddle and love on him.

Donnie & Casey

Brains and Brawn duo, but they both love bombs and chaos. Donnie builds him explosives, then Casey uses them. Besties for life.

Donnie & April

When April and Don first met, they instant linked and were almost never apart. The two of them are very loyal to the family, and both run both the family group chat and the older siblings group chat.

(Others to be added later)

[hfy-kot]

KOT prologue pt 2 of ?

Captain Ides stood in the command room of the Ark Ship New Eden, being told by the numbers, that they were going to lose, and they were going to die.

The fleet around New Eden stood at 6 stations and 45 ships, with ancient weapons and scrap yard fixes fleet wide. There was a fleet coming, and they were in no shape to get far enough out of the way, nor able to win. The ships that could escape couldn't get far enough, fast enough to get away.

Head of engineering, Sam Kelly, burst through the command room door. "Captain, I think I have a solution" the hyper active redhead babbled out, bouncing on their heels. "I would love good news Kelly. Please give me good news."

"I think I can get the old sub-space transmitter to work, and if we can get a transmission out..." They trailed off, the Captain already rolling her eyes.

"We could what Kelly? Get told no, and that we're on our own at FTL speeds? Anyone close enough to help has already been asked and said no."

"The sub-space transmitter can reach Sol, it can reach home." They mumbled with hope and awe.

"Sol has been dark for 200 years, not a pip since they lost the war and abandoned the rest of us. Do you really think that some random SOS, from across the verse, they'll suddenly CARE?" Captain Ides was exhausted and hopeless, she needed news and help, not some fantasy of a miracle savior.

Kelly was inching their way out of the room. "Sorry Captain, I'll let you know if I figure out anything else, sorry." They backed out of the room, before running back to the engineering center, a plan already spinning itself together. They wouldn't need to power it until it was put all the way back together, and after Sam found Sol's sub-space coordinates. They would only get one shot, the captain would be pissed, because that power will have to pull from somewhere, but they could worry about it later, they had 5 hours to rebuild the fleet's salvation.

3 hours till the Kroack fleet arrives, and Captain Ides is drinking her 8th cup of coffee in as many hours, walking lines in the floor of the command room. She has ran out of things to do, waiting on her extinction and watching hopeless repairs and preparations.

"Jess, wake me in an hour, I doubt much will change much."

Captain Ides woke up with a jolt, something just set off the emergency power in 70% of the ship. Something was very wrong with her ship, and at the worst possible time. She checked her wrist com. They had less than 2 hours to contact, and now they were in a dangerous spot, without the attack on its way. "Jess, report. What the hell just happened?"

"Something triggered a massive power surge to Engineering. The ship defaulted everything to low lights, and pulled power from all non essentials. Unfortunately it looks like the power surge blew out about 2/3 of the sensor array. All of the long range and most of our short range is gone." First Mate Jess rattled off, looking bleak.

Captain Idea was wide awake now as she thought of what could've possibly done this. The entire Ark would know if they blew a generator, just losing one wouldn't drop that much power. Her mind raced through section after section of the ship. Until she hit engineering. Sam wouldn't disobey a direct order, not right now of all times. Right?

"Jess notify the rest of the fleet we need them to direct comm their senors, all of them. I know it'll be a lot of data, try to run it through LIBRA. If we still have the power. I need to go to engineering" Idea grabbed her coffee cup and quickly exited the room. " If I'm right, I'm going to eject that red head out of the nearest air lock" she darkly thought to herself

Sam Kelly, Chief Engineer, sat in the floor of the Sub-Space room. They blew out everything in the room, including the door locks. But the maintenance bot was working on the door, so they just had to wait. They got the transmitter put together faster than any time they read through on the exo-net. Sol's cords were buried in the archive but still not a challenge. But if the Captain was right, and no one answers, or not fast enough, they were all going to die. Sam laughed to themselves. Even if they didn't do anything, everyone was going to die.

They stood up to stretch their legs, and await their fate. Death or salvation, they knew that they had done everything in their power to save their home.