#tuning in with my inner robin

[starlitfloret]

𐙚 buying a little who plays an instrument a baby version of it ! watching them smile and giggle about the new song they’ve made just for you , happily plucking strings and hitting keys (..◜ᴗ◝..)

maybe it’s a playdate with another tiny , and they make something together !!

my goodness baby , you’re such a good little composer !!!

[c-u-c-koo-4-40k]

Here's a funny kinda nostalgic post for commenting on.

In Husbandry Warhammer what media normally designed more for kids do Space Marines enjoy? (Aka what media are they latching onto because it is healing their traumatized inner child?)

I'm gonna go through some of my totally unbiased opinions. And if you're favorite legion isn't on here...

Comment it with your thoughts!

Thousand Sons - Take your damn pick there's so much magic based media but of course the Owl House is up there for recent examples.

...some of the Loyalist Thousands Sons do get a bit...existential when the plot line of the tyrannical Emperor Belos gets expanded upon.

Ironically despite its fictional nature Thousand Son or other psycher space marines use certain scenes in it almost like training videos for their offspring.

Ultramarines - You can't Tell me these guys wouldn't like Bob the Builder, and Thomas the Tank Engine. The main characters are Blue and so much of trains and building is logistics! And Cyberspace! Logistics is mostly math so Cyberspace is in there too.

Death Gaurd - Zoboomafo, the focus on flora and fauna is quite enjoyable for marines literally in tune with the cycle of life. Children's shows in general often use simpler language which is easier to understand or translate for Marines still coming to grasp with ancient terran languages. The similarly enjoy The Wild Thornberries

Nightlords - Goosebumps. They LOVE Goosebumps and 'Are you afraid of the Dark?' No I will not explain it.

Blood Angels - Art Attack! Never watched the show myself but Damn it looks fun! And perfect for craft inclined Blood Angels.

Alpha Legion - The animated Carmen Sandiego cartoon! Deception, mystery and most importantly disguises! What more could a hydra want? And Blue Clues...because.

Salamanders - Dragon Tails. Love watching it with their family or kids. The show has a big focus on family itself and giant lizards it's practically made for them! Would probably also like Dinosaur Train.

Emerperors Children - Steven Universe. The art, the music, the messy drama of the characters that makes them weep and the existential dread of being similarly tied to a parent or family that is...complicated.

They find a lot of comfort and catharsis in it.

Black Templars - Veggie Tales. Okay JK kinda they would like that just swap out God for God Emperor. Also...Winnie the Pooh.

Is it just because Pooh is Yellow like their gene father? That's not entirely it but they approve of the little yellow bear who isn't the brightest but he does his Best Okay!

I could also see them using it as another weird allegory for the God Emperor loving and protecting because in quite a few episodes of "The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh," Christopher Robin shows up to help Pooh and Friends out of their predicaments.

Iron Warriors - Reboot! My sister loved this show as a kid, and given its focus on computers/a digital world I could see them enjoying it! Also they like Cyber Space because Math. And...Chip and Dale rescue rangers But! They like it specifically for the scenes with Gadget because she makes cool things and they also want to make cool things/find a way to make them work.

See a video on AstartikTok about an Iron Warrior making a remote controlled roller skate and putting the families pet rat on it.

The rat is unharmed and even seems to enjoy the ride.

Dark Angels - Redwall. God that series gave me Nightmares but it Was still technically a kids show....technically. Also Jane and the Dragon, they like the medical aesthetic.

Space Wolves - No I'm not saying paw patrol. Blue Clues and Bluey! But All the legions have Marines who like Bluey! There's hardly a demographic on this planet that doesn't have a legion of Bluey Fans!

Also the old Tarzan Disney animated series because it was actually pretty damn hot shit! And full of cool action scenes fighting giant frightening animals.

White Scars - My Little Pony Friendship is Magic. Yes because horses, and yes because it espouses the values of community and collaboration and it has a kicking soundtrack. And White Scars are one of the few legions who both accept psychers but also acknowledge their inherent danger. They have a big focus on meditation and not becoming lost to the power you wield and finding support in those around you. They appreciate the similar messaging in the show.

War Hounds and World Eaters - Lazy Town. Because all of them want to become as strong as Sportacus and be able to lift a fuckin pyramid with a grappling hook from an airship!

Please stop them, the Pyramids of Giza need to stay where they are. Don't let them cause an international incident.

Ravengaurd - Ruby Gloom. They enjoy the macabre atmosphere merged with the cheerful main character. Plus the music isn't half bad.

Some tags for ya'll if you wanna jump in! And don't hesitate to comment about legions already mentioned if you've got more ideas about shows they'd like.

@egrets-not-regrets @gallifreyianrosearkytiorsusan @bleedingichorhearts @barn-anon

@kit-williams @bispecsual @angronsjewelbeetle @virozero @sleepyfan-blog @passionofthesith

@beckyninja @felinisnoctis

[dazedantics]

Cowls and Chemists - Batman x Reader

I plan to have a chapter for each bat boy (the Robins and Batman) so about five total for sure, then I don't know what after that. I don't know where I'm going with this so bear with me.

You're reading Pt 1

The skies are darkest at nights, clouded over and crying onto the pavement. Your shoes tap in the blue as they carry you along. Droplets streak down foggy windows, reflections blurring where you walk past.

The same old city bustle blows through each building. White noise at this point really.

You keep your head down, one foot in front of the other, and keep a securing hand on the leather strap across your shoulder. Just a few blocks more and you'd be home.

There are plenty of others out at this time. Some returning to their apartments, sitting under flimsy bus shelters, out for a walk. Officers stationed around every other corner. Standard affair.

But there are also the others that most hope not to run into.

Armed groups hunkering along to paint the town, big thugs bullying their way into rundown structures, grinning punks threatening suits. And worst of all?

The masks.

Not the criminals who bury their faces behind cheap cloth.

The ones lurking on the rooftops.

The ones in capes.

The ones that bleed into shadows.

They show up in silence, a fright to those they help. A terror to those they fight.

Vigilantes, they call em.

Some say they're good for the city, heroes even. Others think they need to be locked up the same as the rest.

They only show when something bad is going to happen.

A modern boogeyman.

You'd rather not spend time spooking yourself thinking of them.

You shake off a chill, shoulders squaring under your rain coat, and continue on.

Just past this alley now and you'd have passed the dangerous part of your walk.

Keep one foot in front of the other, draw no attention, eyes down, grip tight on your bag.

Heavy steps click behind you.

Your breath fills your chest as you tune in to the sound, hoping they'll pass ahead of you.

One, one, two, two.

Right behind you. And getting closer.

Judging by their footfalls they're two, maybe three, feet taller than you, probably heavier. Can't tell what they're carrying. Probably not targeting you for a real reason based off how obvious they're being. But if they planned to steal, they'd snatch anything they deemed valuable. And you couldn't lose that laptop in your bag.

You kept walking, pace normal, and looked up into the glass of the building in front of you through your lashes.

It wasn't the clearest sight, but you could see the shape of the man behind you. A drooping jacket hood hung over his brow, construction jeans on, padded boots clunking in the puddles.

Not a member of any faction it would seems. Probably just a guy down on his luck.

When you turned down that corner the officers and their guns would be out of sight. Them from you and you them.

A block or so after and then this guy was likely to strike.

Your hands already being in front of you made it easy to be discreet in reaching for your coat's inner pocket.

The cylindrical vial sat steady against the fabric.

It was in the testing stages right now and certainly not intended for such a low level villain. But if worse came to worse, at least you'd be able to test it live.

It wasn't long before the man advanced, hand on your shoulder to pull you back to him, dank breath on your cheek. You felt the sharp nudge of a blade digging into the low part of your spine

"You seem like a nice person so it's hard for me to do this, but they promised me something I ... y-you wouldn't understand. Just ... gimme the bag and I won't have to hurt ya."

Huh, not in a faction but currently being bullied by one? Recruited by one? That'd make things a little more dicey.

You pulled out the vial, hiding it in your sleeve before bringing your hand back down.

"I'm afraid there's nothing valuable in there. But my wallet has some cash if that's what you're after."

"No!" They sucked in a breath trying to calm themself. You could feel the nerves radiating off them. "N-no. They don't want money. Look just give me the bag or they're gonna come in and- just ... we both don't want that. Please."

No money, hm? Then they definitely knew about your research. Not good.

You spotted a couple of people eyeing you both. One crossing the street from your right, another leaning against the shop beside you, then some down the block heading straight towards you. Probably some closing in from behind.

They all bore a purple symbol on their collars.

What faction was this?

Well, no matter what it was, you're not sure your tool was gonna be enough to affect all of them. Could still try but, what then?

"Please hurry, they won't let you go if they need to get involved."

Might as well try it on the one.

"Well then, I'm sorry you had to get caught up in this."

You thumbed open the cap, spraying the brown contents over your shoulder into the man's face.

They were startled more than anything. Dropping their weapon and screaming as they rubbed red eyes.

And the others advanced instantly.

Here's to hoping the Gotham police were any good.

You snatched up the discarded knife and shoved the man into the person who'd been following behind. You spun around, prepared to take on the nearest man coming from the shop, blade poised up for an attack.

But all for naught.

Cause the moment you turned 'round, a flash of red and green jumped down in front of you. A dark cape lined by gold fluttering behind them.

They punched the assailant with an armored glove, sending them crashing to the ground, then dashed towards the second crossing from the street.

A single lettered emblem glittered against their chest.

Distracted by the hero, your friend behind you got up from under the screaming man and chased for you again. Yanking your bag strap harsh enough to make you stumble back into him.

You reconciled by slashing away at the strap so you'd at least have hold of the bulk of the bag.

One side snapped and the stranger nearly fell back from the force of his own pull. But they had quick reflexes and growled as the landed a heavy fist to your temple.

Your vision turned static for a moment, ears whining as you fell to the floor with a thud that springed through your body.

You squinted open your eyes as you felt the bag torn from your grip. Watching a sideways vision of the man running off, back the way he'd came.

Ain't that a shame.

You shut your eyes again, rolling onto your knees and tried to get your bearings again.

Of course you had everything in your computer backed up and saved elsewhere. But there's no telling how fast whatever faction involved in this would get into your notes and rush into replicating and producing.

Then again, you pushed yourself onto unsteady feet, what state were you in to go after them?

Blinking the blur away you took in your surroundings.

Three others lay limp on the sidewalk, caped crusader no where to be found. You walked forward, dropping down to lift one by their shoulders, eyes focused on the purple print on their collar. A circle with an emblem of ... well you're not sure what the emblem was supposed to be.

You pulled out your phone, shaky hands snapping a picture before getting back up.

You'd have to look into it when you got home. First, you needed to track your robber.

You nearly bumped into the small kid behind you as you turned around.

"Are you alright?" They asked.

The slight accent the had caught your ears.

They looked up with a stone face, lips curled with a lasting pout, a leather bag tied to their hip by the broken strap. The steady pour of rain made their colorful amor shine like candy. Big cape soaking on the wet floor underfoot. Green mask protecting their eyes from you.

Robin.

You smiled softly, leaning against the wall for support, slipping the phone back into your pocket.

"Am now thanks to you."

"You're bleeding." They stated. "Those criminals hit you hard."

You reached for your head, fingertips drawing back with a dark red stain. You hadn't even noticed it running down your cheeks.

"It would seem so. You're strong to get out unharmed like me. And brave too."

They stepped forward, taking out some gauze from a pocket on their utility belt. They pulled you down by the lapel of your coat and started to dab away at the mess dripping off your face.

You chuckled at their force.

"You should get a check up soon. Make sure everything's okay. I can escort you to the hospital."

"That's alright, you've helped a lot already, kiddo."

They grunted, finishing their patch up before stepping back. "Any idea who those people were?"

"Your guess is as good as mine, kid." You dropped the knife you had previously taken from the first guy. "Hope you can forgive my desperation for taking that. Not all of us are trained like you."

You couldn't see where their eyes were aimed, just the subtle tilt of their head in a certain direction.

"People should learn self defense, especially out in this city. At night. Alone." They untied the bag, holding it out to you. "They took this. Why?"

You shrugged taking it, ditzy smile on your face. "Why does anyone steal in this city? Anyway, I can't thank you enough for your help, Robin. Don't let me take up anymore of your time."

They hummed, watching you a moment longer. "I can take you home. Make sure no one else surprises you."

The narrow in your eyes was slight and quickly recovered. "Oh it's really not a problem, you heroes have more serious matters to attend to I'm sure. Besides, my place is just up ahead, not far at all."

You kept your smile sweet and open as you backed away, waving in a way you would a child sat next to you on a bus. Polite but clear enough that you wanted to leave now.

Robin stood in place, expression unchanging as they watched you retreat down the street.

Who knew what he was thinking.

You turned around at some point, curving down the next street, walking past your house for a ways until the masked boy was out of sight.

Waiting, perched along a wall, the water you'd fell into soaking now to your skin under the breeze. You looked into the bag. Everything was still there, laptop outwardly undamaged. Still, you'd need to double check once you'd returned home.

You rested your head back, looking up into the gloomy sky. Waiting a few moments more before returning down the path to your apartment.

At least your first encounter with the vigilantes in this city was with the youngest one and not the hulking behemoth dark as night.

Damian stood there as you left, eyes on you till you turned the corner, focused on the leather strap tailing behind the bag.

He saw when you cut it. Had been watching you since he'd first noticed you were being followed.

You explained your taking of the knife as if it were triggered by self defense. Yet you hadn't attacked your stalkers at all other than with the pepper spray.

You were as focused on the bag as the others were.

Definitely something to look into now.

He looked down at the fallen.

Five total, unassuming faces, none wearing garb that could identify them with any of the common trouble making groups in this part of town. 'Cept for that symbol on their collars.

He studied closer.

Wasn't a mark he was familiar with or that he'd heard about from the rest of his team.

Would need to check that out too.

He turned towards the man who'd attacked you first.

They hadn't moved since you'd pushed them down, just curled into themselves with the heels of their palms pressing into their eyes.

They didn't bear any symbol on them. How were they involved?

He crouched at their side, keeping his voice level. "Who do you work for?"

They didn't answer, just whimpered on, curling tighter into themselves.

"What were you after?"

Still nothing.

In shock? He'd be no help then.

Standing upright he made swift work of the group, tying them up for the police to cross by. Scanned any necessary evidence, profiles, location, time, fingerprints, then grappled up into the dripping clouds.

That tracker he'd planted should be useful in keeping an eye on this group's target for the next few days.

[curlycarrion]

Night watch

Reader: fem reader in mind. Comparing to Nami and Robin and use of the words pretty and beautiful

Warnings: Talk of insecurity from the readers perspective. It's only for a small short portion and it's mild but if you feel that may make you uncomfortable please be warned

Context: Unable to sleep Sanji comes to visit you

Wc: 2.4k

A/n: Here's my second fic so far, I'm honestly enjoyin writin these. It's a little more self indulgent but sfw so I hope y'all don't mind ^x^ I hope y'all like it 💛 ( also happy Valentine's for those who celebrate it ) oh yeah also, I got the idea for this after spammin 'I carrion (Icarian)' by Hozier into my skull so do with that what you will

It was quiet. Unusually so.

The night high up above the ship while sat in the crow's nest usually was, being so far away from the snores of the sleeping crew will do that. But no, it was more silent than usual. The sea was in a rare state of calm for once. No frantic waves that crash against the wood of the ship and violently rock her inhabitants, no rumbles from winding and curling sea kings lingering from deep below the surface, no hint of marines or rival pirates on the horizon.

It was just calm. The moon shining down in glittering silver streaks on the waves that are gentle as they lap along the length of the Sunny, leaving you in near silence to sit alone with your thoughts. An opportunity to do what you liked without fear of teasing from the others no matter how lighthearted it was.

The silence was too deafening. Not even the guttural snores from some of the men sleeping next to him able to cut through the thick quiet. The cool night air reaching him even under the covers of the blanket draped over his frame. The silence thrumming in his inner ear only to be covered with his thoughts that won't seem to cease. First from what to cook in the morning, then to the unusually uncomfortable feeling of his shirt folding over itself beneath his back as it catches on the sheets, then to the familiar cold and dark surrounding him despite knowing that there's no reason to fear it. Not anymore, that's what he tells himself at least when he feels the fabric around him opposed to the memory of stone that drains the warmth from you.

Below deck things were in a similar state of calm, the soft rocking of the deck leading everyone to obtain a restful slumber. Similar to that of a crib or the curl of a parents arms around their child that breathes comfort into the bones of the crew.

All except for Sanji.

Deciding he'd had enough of staring into the void of the men's quarters he rises from his resting position to step outside and have a smoke. Hoping the familiar taste of nicotine on his tongue would calm him, even a little. If not then he'd just go ahead and get started on preparations for everyone's meal, if he's not going to be able to sleep he might as well make himself useful. Stepping out into the open air and lighting his cigarette as he takes in his surroundings. The night that should be comforting at the moment only making a strange sense of loneliness root into him before remembering you up above. Nigh watch. Some company might do him some good. Pleasant company at that. You never really seemed to turn him away and he's almost certain you won't now despite the late hour.

As he climbs his way up he slowly starts to hear the welcome sound of your voice. Already feeling his thoughts begin to quiet knowing that your presence is close by. Though there was something different to the sound this time around. It sounded sweeter, it was soft, there was a tune to it… you were singing. Something new and foreign to him but still leaving a warmth to settle in his skin and into the cavern of his chest. The sound of it was a little muffled due to the distance between the two of you but that was swiftly remedied by him hastening his climbing.

Soon enough he finds himself beneath the hatch of the crow's nest. His ears picking up every sound and syllable possible without opening the door. Unsure of if you would stop your singing if he did, which was the last thing he would want. If your singing voice was actually any good he would never be able to tell. Not due to being tone deaf, but because any sound of your voice being the equivalent of a choirs grace upon him. You could sound like a crow with a cold and he would still listen to every word from you like gospel. Each pitch of your voice like a balm to whatever wound plagued him mind, if even for a moment. He finds his feet moving before his mind can catch up, hands reaching up to open the hatch and climb inside. The need to see you overcoming his desire to listen.

Inside he sees you sat beside one of the large windows, blanket wrapped around your figure. More to provide comfort than to actually stave off any cold since the night was a pleasant temperature due to the climate you were currently sailing in. The note filled tones of your voice ceasing when the squeak of the hinge and floorboards meet your ears. Head whipping around to look at the tall man entering the space.

"Oh Sanji.. it's just you," letting the tension fall from your shoulders you speak once more " what're you doing up? Couldn't sleep?" Sanji lets a small string of smoke escape from his lips, the tendrils curling into the air and dissipating when he steps closer.

"Sleep is not coming easily to me tonight, no. I thought I would come to see how you were doing.. the night watch can be lonely with no one else awake." He answers as he brings himself to sit beside you. Quietly taking in the comfort you provide and giving you a smile.

"What I didn't expect when I stepped up though was to find a little songbird in the nest. Do you sing to yourself every time you hide yourself away up here mon chou?" He finds some satisfaction to see the slightly shy look to cross your face, watching you gather yourself after you had realized he heard you after all.

"Oh uh.. yeah, yeah I do most of the time." You answer softly as you avert your eyes away for a moment.

"It helps to pass the time." Sanji's expression warms at the admission. Imagining what the many melodies that cross your lips at night are as they float off into the air to be unheard by the rest of the crew. Knowing you would likely shoot down the notion of singing for him if he requested it he decided to ask a different question, not wanting to push his luck too much despite wanting to hear your voice not blocked by the wood of the hatch.

"And what were you singing if you don't mind me asking?"

"It.. it's a song based on Icarus." Sanji's eyebrows raise curiously at the answer, removing the cigarette from between his lips as he gives you his undivided attention. Not that he wasn't before but this had raised his interest in what you were singing.

"Icarus?" He parrots while looking to you. "The one who fell to the sea after his wings melted?"

"Mhm the same one." You hum in confirmation, hands fidgeting idly with the edge of my blanket and back leaning against the wooden wall behind it.

"Though.. the song takes a different turn than the actually story goes. It's kind of a love song, a more sad one… but a love song nonetheless. At least in my opinion." 'Ah, so that's why you had seemed more shy about admitting it' Sanji thinks to himself. He watches your expression while you talk and after you finish, taking it in along with the features of your face. It was something he doesn't think he could find himself growing tired of.

"Do you frequently sing yourself love songs?" He asks next, feeling it was the next natural course of conversation save for asking more about that song in particular.

"I.. I do, the more sad or quiet ones mostly." Curling your knees to your chest and bringing your heels to rest on the seat of the bench you continue.

"There's just… something nice about them, comforting in a way I suppose." Sanji lets the silence settle for a moment after you'd finished speaking. Mulling over your answer for a moment.

"Is it something you want?" He asks quietly, realizing the question might've sounded a little vague he narrows it down further.

"Love I mean, someone to share your life with after this is all over." The question seems to have struck a chord, watching your eyes as they turn away from him.

"It, i-it is. Though I know it's not something I will probably find." Sanji's eyes widen in surprise at the words leaving you. Not expecting them from you in the slightest.

"Why?" He asks quickly after you had spoken, your answer being something he couldn't quite believe. You are silent for a few moments, debating on whether or not to answer the question. The deafening quiet of the room returning to dig its way into their ears once more. Leading Sanji to believe that you weren't going to answer, though eventually you do peep one out.

"Well I'm not exactly the most um… desirable thing around. I'm not pretty like Nami and Robin, and I'm not smart or clever like them, I'm ugly and quiet and awkward and, and I'm just something someone would want-" Sanji quickly cuts you off from speaking. Not able to bare hearing you tear yourself down and speak such lies for another moment. The words leaving you making his heart stutter and sink, feeling the beating in his chest as he trains his eyes on you and snuffs his cigarette.

"No," he says firmly and with a sense of urgency "no, no you're perfect. You're everything I've ever dreamed of." He feels a stirring in his stomach. Hands reaching out to cup your cheeks and turn your attention to him, wanting to make sure his every word settled their way into your mind. Even if you didn't believe him, even if you thought he was lying, he wanted to make sure you knew what he felt when he looked at you. Feeling the warmth of your cheeks beneath his palms as his fingers curl past your jaw to brush beneath your ears.

"Every step you take whether it be to me or away leaves me breathless. Every breath and word from you is something that would make me crumble if I ever lost it." His thumbs gently smooth over the curve of your cheek, relishing in the feeling of your skin in his touch. The solitary of the night making him a little more bold in his words. Feeling like the calm and quiet is urging him to let out every thought and feeling he has ever had for you despite the fear of you not feeling the same. Not that he expected you to.

"Your eyes have the stars laying in them that I would pray to every night if it meant they would turn to gaze at me. Whether they're filled with the rage or exhaustion from a fight, the mirth from whatever you find funny at the time, or the sorrow of whatever you carry." He leans closer to you. His eyes beginning to reflect the dewy look that yours had taken.

"Every time I see you walk into a room it's like the world has become right and that the sun has finally turned to face me. I would gladly melt in the light of your sun and be your Icarus if I could even be near you for one lovely moment." His thumb softly moves to collect the tears beginning to slip down your cheeks, while he doesn't like the sight of your crying he takes it as a sign his words are sinking in.

"So please don't don't say you're undesirable or that you're unwanted. A world where that is true is one that doesn't exist, and it's a world where I'm not breathing." He takes in your face as he finally finishes speaking. The wide glassy eyes, the tremble in your lip, the burning of your cheeks seeping into his hands. It's something he'd burned into his memory. Finding you beautiful as your overcome with emotion. Eventually he goes to release you from his hands, not wanting to overstay his welcome with his touch no matter how much he craves to keep you to him. His thoughts telling him that you would never feel the same, something he is not a stranger to in the slightest. You'd never want someone like him.

At the feeling of his hands begin to lift you quickly stop him. Yours pressing on top of his on your cheeks as you sniffle and shake your head the best you can.

"Please don't go." The words are quiet and wobbly, whispered into the room as your hands press his into your skin more.

"You can't say that and then just leave. You can't just say that and not let me say that I love you too." His head snaps to you. His heart rapidly kicking up in response to the words. You liked him? You really did? It was almost inconceivable to him. The thought that you, the one who has seen him flounder around women, has seen him make a fool of himself, seen some of his worst moments.. that you had reciprocated, he couldn't believe it. But the way you were looking up at him. It was impossible to deny. He saw the way he looked at you reflected back at him. Something he had never noticed before when he was too focused on his work or your presence whenever you would grace him with it.

He quickly pulled you into his embrace. Arms wrapping around you tightly, almost feeling that it's not close enough. He finally had you in his arms. The scent of your conditioner and your skin filling his senses. Something he thought he would never be able to obtain. Leaning back just enough to where he can look into your eyes once more, noses almost brushing against one and other.

"Do you mean it? If you don't I don't think I will ever recover." He asks quietly, his breath mixing with yours as takes in everything of the moment.

"I do." He doesn't even give you time to say another word as he feels his heart skyrocket from elation. Crashing his lips to yours as he feels like he's overflowing with a joy and love, pouring his feelings into you and finding that the same is being returned. One hand cradling into your hair and the other meeting your back to pull you closer, arms wrapping around his neck to keep him in.

He had always expected his first kiss with you to be different. Gentle and soft after taking you to the most beautiful places he could find and proving himself to you, but this…

This was more perfect than anything he planned.

Finally finding the home of you within his grasp as you both sat high above the world.

[wesleysniperking]

if i could write well i’d write a fanfic about usopp somehow getting separated from the strawhats and landing on a island where there’s a ton of other black people there.

if he were to stay there for a few days, maybe a week, how much damage could that fix? probably a little bit. but a few people to help him with his hair, to connect him to new sides of blackness, to open up to him and let him indulge in their culture could be sooo good. especially if the culture is based in stuff like inner peace, meditation, spirit cleansing, etc etc. if he could find a sense of inner peace, a way to breathe when he’s scared, a way to stabilize it could help him with his anxiety AND his observation haki. my boy need a week of silence and saging fr. i haven’t quite figured out how the crew would react to a changed/changing usopp yet tho. and i’m totally projecting half of my trip into re-connecting with my blackness onto him(i grew up around black people during but when i was forced to move i was suddenly the only black person in my whole grade. at 16. lowk damaging stuff but my family was still black so i held strong) but everyone projects a little so it’s okay!

tips from black people, being around black people (who in usopp’s case are not trying to kill him) could be sooo goood for him

Okay but now you’ve got me spiraling in the best way. I love your idea of Usopp getting separated from the crew and ending up on an island full of Black people. Just… what that would do for him. Even if it’s just a few days or a week, that could be huge. Not just in helping him feel seen—but in letting him rest, decompress, and connect with a side of himself that he’s never been able to fully explore. Imagine him getting tips on how to care for his hair, finding people who understand him without judgment, and being welcomed into a culture that’s rooted in things like inner peace, meditation, and spirit healing? That alone could help with his anxiety and strengthen his Observation Haki. A week of silence, saging, and soft head pats—please. My boy deserves that badly.

And yeah, I definitely feel you on projecting—it’s not even projection at that point, it’s just relatability. I grew up with my Blackness reinforced by my family too, but when you're suddenly the only one in the room, that shift hits hard. That kind of isolation changes how you move, how you speak, even how you brace yourself. I think that’s exactly why Usopp, out of everyone, would be so in tune with microaggressions and subtle bias—without even trying. Because he lives with that sort of inner radar. He’s been the odd one out from day one.

And honestly, the Straw Hat crew’s reaction to a spiritually recharged Usopp would be hilarious. Nami would probably feel left out. Luffy would be like “Whoa, what’s this vibe? I like it,” but also get weirdly (adorably) jealous. Sanji and Zoro would start beefing over whether or not Usopp’s about to dip and start a new pirate crew. Meanwhile, Robin would casually drop a full dissertation on diasporic identity and Black cultural preservation, and Brook would probably start writing a song about it.

But yeah—being around Black people who aren’t trying to kill him would be such a gift for Usopp. Just safe, affirming energy. People who could say, “Yeah, brotha—you belong here.” I’d read the hell out of that fic if you ever wrote it. Or I might just have to write one with that as the blueprint! You really got me thinking, Anon.

[chrisodonline]

Quick (Not Really) Notes on 9-1-1: Nashville

I've been meaning to do this for a bit, but what we know is very little:

Chris is Don Sharpe, Fire Captain, dad to son Ryan (TBD) and husband to Jessica Capshaw's character. Don Sharpe is the main character description we have.

Look for more info to come soon, at least by May 13th when Disney does its Upfronts. That includes where it will be on the schedule. Right now: the best guess is it would be the 8PM/7PM slot on Thursday, and lead into the moved OG 911. The sandwich between local news and pre-tunes would be the show's best chance. Some new (non-911) fans will probably tune in for the cast. Others might go ahead and watch it because they recognize broadcast veterans.

This definitely feels like one of those symbiotic things: a spinoff gives ABC another way to make money off of OG 911 while keeping it on the air despite the increasing costs each season. So they're probably eyeing/hoping for at least 3 seasons. 5's no longer the magic one for syndication since that's not really a thing, but I'm sure if it earns its keep it'll be fine. For reasons also mentioned above, ABC seems to want those dedicated TV viewers who are deciding what to watch for the night versus bringing new TV viewers. (That's why you cast someone who spent 14 seasons on a show with healthy ratings that was used to save more than one time slot.) It also depends on just how sweet the filming incentives are for Nashville, which was the main reason they chose it for a location.

I've seen comments that it would start shooting in May, but as with everything, we'll see. It sounds like the episode count got expanded but to what, not sure. Again, another best guess is that it went from 13 to 18.

Now that I've done all the business-y musings, more personal ones. I just want to say that I get more excited about Nashville as the location the more I think about it. It's not overdone as a locale. I also grew up on country music, specifically in the 90s. And 90s Country was just something else, guys. Reba McEntire made mini-movies among other things. (And rodeo's a big deal here even though we're note really rodeo country.) And when I think about little Grade School Z in the 90s, she would be FREAKING OUT that Robin from Batman Forever is doing something country-music-adjacent. Like, all the great stuff rolled into one thing. So, my inner 90s Kid from the Deep South is giddy. (Don't tell her about all the other stuff going on right now, though.)

And lastly, for business of tags. Of the ones already made, 911: NV seems to be the safest and one I'll be using for those who don't want to have to go into the main tags.

[paperbackribs]

The Gift (12 of 15)

previous: Chapter 11 Midnight Movie (NSFW) next: Chapter 13 It's Pretty (NSFW)

Last chapter, Steve succumbed to temptation after being under Eddie's heated gaze while watching Rocky Horror and then again later as he Sees what Eddie gets up to in bed. This chapter, Steve has some sobering realisations about the extent of his feelings.

Chapter 12 The Path Chosen

Eddie’s dodging him, Steve’s sure of it. He’s barely seen the other guy for over two weeks now except for picking up the kids from Hellfire and waving across the school parking lot when he drops Robin off in the morning. Their friendship, Steve thinks glumly, has been reduced to concrete and exhaust fumes because he couldn’t keep his hand off his dick.

“I fucked it up,” he confesses to Robin. She has her French homework spread out on his kitchen island. She likes the length of space and how high she can sit, she says about using it.

At the moment, Robin is carefully spreading mustard to match the exact square of her sandwich slice before adding the ham and cheese in its precise order. Steve has argued that there’s no order; top is bottom, and bottom is top, but Robin insists that she knows what it is, even if she can’t quite describe it.

“How’d you fuck what up,” she asks, inexplicably smoothing out the ham’s creases.

“Movie night. I had a... moment with Eddie. And I did something that I shouldn’t’ve.”

If he hadn't been such a horndog then maybe he wouldn't have weirded Eddie out and would still be able to see the other guy, wouldn't feel his absence like some terribly empty wound.

Because Steve has missed Eddie something fierce. Family Video has been one long dull exercise in earning minimum wage, he hasn't been able to elbow Eddie at a double entendre on movie night, nor been able to catch his laughing eyes when Steve asks whether the kids won their D&D game or when he refers to a gargoyle as the garage guy.

He's missed that little zip of Eddie's attention in a way that makes his nerves feel deadened and dull. Steve hasn't been able to tell Eddie about his day and listen to him reframe it into the most ridiculous story. Or watch Eddie shine with that inner light he has when describing the next riddle or monster or trap of his campaign or the absent look on his face as he hums the same tune over and over, trying to lock down the right notes.

All Steve wants is to look across the room and see the armour of his outfit, the charm of his performance, and Eddie's handsome face with its myriad of teasing expressions.

Steve caved to a moment of temptation and, in doing so, lost one of his best friends in a single night. Well done, he sarcastically congratulates himself on his unexpected overachievement.

Robin interrupts his self-flagellation, “Is this when you were practically humping the couch pillow?” She takes a big bite out of her sandwich, savage despite the care she’d put into its construction.

Steve’s mouth gapes open. “You saw that?” He exclaims.

Robin smirks, “Where’d you think that sneeze came from? I’m all for you two getting together, but I don’t want to actually see you fucking. I practically had to hose off the pheromones when I got home.”

“Oh my god,” he moans into his hands. “Eddie’s going to think I’m the creepiest creep to ever creep across Hawkins.” All that time trying to not act like he had a secret insight into Eddie's private world all gone down the shitter because he is a horny perv.

“I don’t know why you’re so bothered,” she shrugs. “You weren’t the only stink I was showering off that night.”

Steve peeks out between his fingers. “Yeah,” he asks, hope rising in him: Robin doesn't lie, not even to make him feel better.

She snorts before finishing off the last bite. “The guy practically caged you in before the movie started and then he eye fucked you the entire film. I got why you were having your way with that poor innocent pillow; I just didn’t want to be a spectator in the Horny Olympics you two had going.”

A bubbling feeling of cautious confidence rises in Steve’s chest: maybe he had all this wrong and Eddie wasn't avoiding him. No, he stops himself, Eddie is definitely avoiding him but maybe it's not for the reason he thinks. Like when he'd misunderstood the intention behind Eddie's questions early on, thinking that Eddie was wary of the power Steve held when he was actually asking about why Steve would risk his life for him.

Eddie shares with him a lot more than Steve had ever thought would be possible at the beginning of their friendship. He thinks that the connection has given him more of an insight into Eddie's life beyond literally seeing through his eye. It's helped Steve to ask questions he's not thought to ask, and, in turn, he's come to know Eddie's tells beyond the flamboyant performance he often uses as a shield.

That's been the problem, Steve decides, he's allowed Eddie to dodge him. Steve should have pinned him down and demanded to know what Eddie's been thinking at least a week back when he'd known for sure that he was avoiding him. If the other guy had felt even a glimmer of the attraction that Steve feels for Eddie, then maybe he has a chance at something beyond their platonic relationship. Something based on the solid foundation of their friendship with the possibility for so much more.

He chews at his cheek as he acknowledges the other, uneasy feeling alongside that ballooning of hope in his chest. If he wants honesty from Eddie, then he needs to be honest as well. He needs to tell Eddie about the connection and what Steve has been Seeing. A necessary conversation before he can even think about trying to persuade Eddie to try and flesh out this pull between them.

“Besides the eye thing I need to tell him how I feel," he tells Robin decisively. "I can't let him slip away because I didn't sack up and tell him that I want him in my life. As more than a friend," Steve clarifies.

“Yeah, dingus. That’s a given," she rolls her eyes but her tone is not unkind. "Now are you going to go get your man?”

Steve sticks his middle finger up at her over his shoulder as he rushes out to the bimmer. He’s pretty sure Eddie’s probably home on a Wednesday night and Robin has her own set of keys so she can lock up when she leaves. Or stay, he doesn’t care. He might just appreciate her sleeping over tonight if it all goes to shit.

The sliver of the new moon is rising in the darkening sky and it seems to Steve that it pulls him in the direction towards Forrest Hills. An encouraging glint like a sharp needle waiting for Steve to thread and weave an unmapped pattern.

Just as he had created a new path in saving Eddie, Steve experiences the blossoming conviction that his next actions will determine the unrolling tapestry of his future, that he can choose his next steps and, in doing so, challenge destiny. A path created by Steve's self-determination rather than some fixed map he needs to blindly follow.

The sudden understanding that what happens next is in some part a consequence of his actions and in other parts up to Eddie's subsequent reaction leaves his hands sweaty on the steering wheel as he pulls up in front of Eddie’s trailer. Noting with relief that Wayne’s red pick-up isn’t here but Eddie’s white van is. Pulled haphazardly to the side, Steve sees with fond exasperation.

How can Eddie be so loud and messy in some ways and so self-contained in others? The hope that had kept him buoyed through the drive dips again at the thought. Robin may have been just picking up on the loud Eddie, some hormone-driven horniness that naturally seeps in within any range of Tim Curry in fishnet stockings. And maybe what was going on inside Eddie has nothing to do with Steve, nothing to want to do with him if he takes the past couple of weeks to heart.

“Stevie, is that you?”

He whips his head up at Eddie’s voice, who is opening the trailer door even as he calls out Steve’s name.

He wiggles his fingers back in greeting. Eddie simply raises his eyebrows questioningly.

He just needs to push off the wall, Steve reminds himself. Otherwise, he and Eddie will continue to tread water and he’ll get nowhere. Or worse, he won’t have Eddie in any capacity as a friend or otherwise.

With a steadying breath, he gets out of the car, slamming the door behind him to walk up to Eddie, hands in the back of his jeans pockets.

“Hey,” he says simply, looking up at Eddie who’s above him on the doorstep. Hoping that he's not about to be turned away before he even gets the chance to make this better.

Eddie looks down at him pensively, before stepping back and holding open the screen door. Steve accepts the invitation and follows him in, clenching his jaw as he automatically glances up at the corner ceiling where brown plywood is barricaded against the apricot-painted wallboard.

It really wasn’t that long ago that they were falling in and out of that thing, terror thick in his throat, scared that he was going to lose Dustin or Robin or Nancy. Terrified that he didn’t have eyes on Max and the rest of the team to keep them safe but trying to trust in their bravery and ingenuity.

And then there was Eddie, who he’d only started to get to know. Who he’d already come to like quite a bit, Steve realises belatedly.

The impact of the poorly chosen road would have on Dustin had weighed heavily on Steve’s mind when he’d decided to do what he could to thread his own path for Eddie’s fate, but he had also been thinking of Eddie himself.

Eddie, who was great with the kids, keeping Dustin’s smile bright while reigning him in from stupid choices like trying to join them on Lover’s Lake. A guy courageous enough to reflect on and admit to feelings of jealousy and admiration in the midst of an eerie forest. A man who looked so frustrated with himself and scared, speaking of his actions as if he were a coward yet repeatedly diving into dangerous waters, metaphorically and literally.

The wonder on Eddie's face as he looked up at the Upside Down sparkles had left Steve breathless. The play of light above them a dull comparison to the shimmering delight in Eddie's wide chocolate eyes, squeezing at Steve's heart and making it impossible for him to look away.

Steve hadn’t been able to comprehend the idea of letting Eddie go, of never seeing his bright eyes and charming dimples and had decided he could easily sacrifice his body and spirit to ensure he’d see Eddie leaning in towards him once more, an irreverent comment on the tip of his tongue and an invitation in the corner of his eyes.

He had wanted Eddie long before the connection, Steve realises with a racing heart.

It wasn’t much more than that yet, just a glimmer of desire from a flirtation in the worst of all moments to be thinking about his love life. Something far more paler than what he feels now, but the cornerstone of it nonetheless. He had seen to the core of Eddie, his kindness and courage and soul and wanted to know him even more so.

Christ, he’s been such an idiot this entire time.

Steve runs a hand over his face, stunned by the depths of how clueless he’d allowed himself to be. When had he become such a coward?

He’s been like one of those stupid fucking frogs that continues to sit in the cooking pot as the water heats, boiled over before he knows it. Cooked and done and ready for serving. His feelings building and layering on top of each other until his mind and heart were willingly woven into a complex tapestry built for Eddie, and Eddie alone.

Why hadn’t he allowed himself to at least try to have more with him before this became a muddled mess?

Steve stands at the centre of Eddie's home, his racing heart beating wildly in his throat, sure that Eddie is not going to want to have anything to do with him once he understands just how deeply Steve’s been invading his privacy. The uncanny part of him continuing to force himself into Eddie’s private world and Eddie will be sure that he can never trust Steve again.

But it has to be done, no matter Eddie's final decision.

Resigned to getting this conversation over, Steve drops his hands and looks over at the other man.

Eddie’s shifting nervously in his jean shorts and socks. His hair stuck up at one end as if he’d been napping and he has on that No Remorse shirt again, but Steve isn’t distracted by the sensuality of Eddie this time. Rather, he’s wondering how he willingly looked past the depth of his feelings for him this entire time.

He hadn’t needed to see Eddie getting his rocks off to know that he is captivating, but he had needed it to shake loose whatever self-denial he had been determined to hold onto. To realise that his preoccupation with knowing about Eddie's thoughts and feelings and opinions or dreaming of ways to secure his attention were not because of a simple platonic regard. Rather, it was all a reflection of the deep, abiding well of a familiar and exquisite emotion.

“What a fucking idiot,” Steve mutters to himself.

“What?” Eddie frowns.

“Shit, no,” Steve hurridly holds out his palms. “Not you, me. Can we talk?”

If you liked anything, please consider leaving a comment over on Ao3 :-) It would make my day!

Taglist

My taglist is always open, so let me know if you want to be added. Likewise, if you want to be removed, let me know. :) If I've missed you, definitely tell me because it's an accident!

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@whackyrach

[bigfan-fanfic]

Damian " Beloved I have to know, how did you figure out my inner most secrets? Both me being Robin and my... Family past." Bf " Umm... I just knew you were different. I didn't know until you told me." Damian " But you knew and suspected, how?" Bf " I sensed it?" Damian " Such highly tuned instincts."

Instinct, yes. Not because the family is just plain weird lol

[sleidog]

17 and 3 for commander ask hi! @avaeeart

17. How many people truly know your commander? i think for the most part, Slei wears his proverbial heart on his sleeve, he's very open and is absolutely awful at lying he loves his friends/guildies very much, and i'd argue the only people who don't 'truly' know him are probably the people around him who don't make equal effort slei for me was my idea of taking a character who wasn't destined for a greater purpose and was just in the wrong place at the right time when things went down regarding the commander before him quitting, and he happened to read a note he left that basically said 'if you're reading this, you're commander now, congrats' in a snarky tone slei is a character to me who has a complicated stance with his morals, i usually place him somewhere on chaotic good spectrum because he's very robin-hood like in how he conducts himself and lives by a shoe string budget himself :') he's very much 'just some guy' he has no unique power beyond being very in tune with animals, and treats his guildies no different than his friends, he doesn't really see himself as this big shot guy i suppose so providing you meet him half way, he'll be your friend for life [even if he might hide how he feels a little from people who aren't directly in his inner circle, it's a morale thing more than anything] 3. Who was your commander closest to prior? slei is lucky that the people he's closest to haven't really changed! in his normal canon, his best friends [teo and treab] are right there alongside him through most of the campaigns he goes on in AU terms, those two don't appear to make more room for others in this story, so i'd call them as his closest buddies there as well :> slei is 1 year older than teo and treab, but they're his best buddies, even if he has disagreements sometimes with treab in particular

[inner--islands]

Interview with Golden Brown (December 2023)

Golden Brown is the work of Stefan Beck. This year, on Inner Islands, he released Weird Choices back in February and Wide Ranging Rider in September. Here we get to hear more about his creative practice and other musical endeavors from this year.

1. What are some recent inspirations?

I was lucky enough recently to see Bela Fleck, Edgar Meyer, Zakir Hussain, and Rakesh Chaurasia play live. It was an absolutely mind blowing performance that I'll carry with me for a long time. Their album As We Speak has been a favorite of mine this year and it was such a treat to see this music live. Four brilliant musicians playing acoustic instruments, they create this amazing sound that is somehow greater than the sum of its parts, even though they are all absolute masters of their instruments. Zakir Hussain is a mad genius of rhythm and the most melody forward percussionist I have ever seen live.

2. You have been playing live a fair bit this year. How has it been translating your pieces into the live realm? Do you take a different approach from the studio versions?

It's been fun trying different approaches with live versions of songs. They do usually take on a different character than the recorded versions. With some of the Wide Ranging Rider songs, this has involved changing from acoustic to electric guitar and incorporating some effects. A few times I've experimented with weaving a few songs into a flowing suite if they are all in the same key/tuning. I try to do things a little differently each time, improvising and changing arrangements. One of my favorite gigs this year was opening for the River Arkansas at the Fox Theater in Boulder. I was lucky enough to have my friends Macon and Robin from the River Arkansas play bass and drums with me on a few songs. They are super talented, intuitive musicians and brought such a fun and different vibe to the music.

3. How composed vs. improvised are the pieces on Wide Ranging Rider? There are obviously strong melodic motifs in every piece, but are there also sections that are more freeform?

Wide Ranging Rider is the first Golden Brown album to be fully written throughout prior to recording. I usually rely on some of the serendipity of layering improvisations when making music, so this felt really different. Improvisation played into some of the arrangements with the additional textural elements of electric guitar and keyboards on songs like Ambergris and Dusty, but the fingerpicked acoustic guitar for each piece was fully realized prior to recording. 

4. How do you write a piece like Wide Ranging Ride I or II? Is it following a feeling or trying to capture an image? How does it go for you?

I didn't have a specific image or feeling in mind when writing, but there is a certain energy that flows throughout. It's kind of tough for me to put into words, but there definitely is shared DNA between those two pieces as well as Little Rider and Withywindle. Similarly, Cobwebs and Sage and Scurvy have some melodic elements and vibe in common.

Wide Ranging Rider I has been something I have been playing for about 20 years, but didn't feel complete until WRR II came about. I was writing a lot in open G tuning (DGDGBD), and at some point realized that several of the themes I was working on were connected. Originally, WRR I & II were arranged into a single long suite, with WRR II sandwiched in the middle of WRR I. Eventually, I decided I preferred them split into separate pieces to open each side of the LP. But I may try and play the full suite live at some point.

Wide Ranging Rider I and II as well as Kirghiz Light are linear compositions. The form is something closer to ABCDEFGA rather than a more typical progression of like ABABCB or ABA.

5. Do you feel like your work with the guys in Prairiewolf has influenced your solo work at all?

I do! It's been really wonderful making music collaboratively in addition to my solo pursuits. And I am lucky to have Tyler and Jeremy as bandmates who I can bounce ideas off of. The most apparent influence is on some music I'm working on for release in 2024 hopefully - it's kind of my version of a Bill Laswell style ambient dub album. I used a drum machine for a few of the songs, a first for me as Golden Brown. I had a lot of fun running the drum machine through my effects and kind of live dubbing the rhythm track as I recorded it. And Jeremy was kind of enough to play some synth and keyboards on one of the songs. It's pretty different in sound from most of what I've done before, though High Tide at Gold Beach (2012) is probably closest. The end result I think will be the most Prairiewolfish I've made music under the name Golden Brown.

6. How did the Prairiewolf group come together? The three of you fit together in such a nice and seamless way.

It was serendipitous for sure. We had all sort of met online and gathered to try it out in early 2022. It wasn't perfect from the get go but there was definitely some synergy there. It's been really fun to watch it develop. Jeremy and Tyler both are really good listeners as well as excellent musicians, and we share a lot of common musical ground. I try not to take it for granted that it works as well as it does. We are working on our second album together and it's pretty exciting. We have a good batch of songs, more than we can fit on one album, and it seems like we are continually coming up with more. We've also leaned into playing live this year and have gotten into some good zones as a result. 

7. Who might a dream collaborator be with someone from an older generation?

Bill Frisell for sure. I can't think of anyone who's had a bigger impact on my music. My dream would be to have a musical voice as emotive, singular, and recognizable as Bill Frisell. My dad first played Good Dog, Happy Man for me over twenty years ago and that music has become integral to me as a musician. I love almost everything Frisell has done but that album, Ghost Town, Nashville, and the Intercontinentals are very special.

8. Do you have any rituals to get you in the zone to work on music?

Not really, often it's just a matter of playing and trying different things until the conscious part of the mind turns off and I am relying more on my instincts. Sometimes that can happen quickly, sometimes it can take a long time. And sometimes in the moment, I have no idea whether what I'm working on is good or not and just need to set it aside for a listen with fresh ears later on. But the one thing that does really help is having my little music room downstairs - to be able to play whenever I feel like it without having to set up/take down makes a big difference in terms of getting in the flow.

9. You had mentioned that The Actual Star was an influence on your Weird Choices album. Were there any literary inspirations on Wide Ranging Rider?

The Lord of the Rings trilogy was definitely an influence. Withywindle is named for the river valley in the old forest where the hobbits encounter Tom Bombadil. I felt like the melody/picking pattern kind of reminded me of Tom Bombadil bopping along through the forest. Jeff Vandermeer was also an influence, more on Ambergris than anything else (maybe with the juxtaposition of the natural/organic element of the acoustic guitar with the modified, delayed sounds of electric guitar and keyboard.) But I was also reading his Southern Reach Trilogy when a lot of the music on Wide Ranging Rider was being written and arranged, so there is probably more influence there under the surface as well.

10. Words of wisdom you like to recall in times of need?

Robert Hunter's and John Perry Barlow's lyrics from the Grateful Dead songbook have deeply soaked into the core of my being. I have a list of affirmations from Dead lyrics that is an endless wellspring of solace and inspiration. Apologies in advance, this is extra nerdy.

Every time that wheel turn round, bound to cover just a little more ground

Nothing left to do but smile, smile, smile

I love you more than words can tell

Love is real, not fade away

We can discover the wonders of nature

Inspiration, move me brightly

Light the song with sense and color, hold away despair

Without love in a dream it’ll never come true

If you get confused just listen to the music play

Shall we go, you and I while we can?

The future’s here, we are it, we are on our own

Wake up to find out that you are the eyes of the world 

Wake up to find out that you are the song that the morning brings 

Sometimes we live no particular way but our own 

Sometimes the songs that we hear are just songs of our own 

I will find my own way home

I’m a stone jack baller and my heart is true

More than just ashes when your dreams come true

Once in a while you can get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right 

One way or another, this darkness got to give 

Let there be songs to fill the air 

A box of rain will ease the pain and love will see you through 

I’ll get up and fly away 

Don’t give it up; you’ve got an empty cup only love can fill

[wolfverse-stories]

Our Broken Justice

(An X-men/Young Justice/Gifted crossover)

Chapter 1

     "So how are you feeling about going to the hall?" Hal asked, "Excited?"

     "To be honest a little nervous," Lorna said turning to her mentor "After all I've only been your sidekick for a year the others have been training so much longer than me"

     "And you've trained harder than any of them" he smiled "Believe me you've earned this" They walked over to the entrance of the hall where the others were waiting.

     "Welcome to the Hall of Justice" Green Arrow smiled.

    "Headquarters of the Justice League" Aquaman added. Two speedsters suddenly joined them.

     "I knew we’d be the last ones here," Wally said crossing his arms.

     "Ready to see the inner sanctum?" Green Arrow turned to Speedy.

     "Born that way" Speedy smirked.

     "I’m glad we’re all here" Aqualad smiled.

     "Have all five sidekicks ever been at the same place At the same time?" Wally asked.

     "To be fair I am still new at this whole sidekick thing" Lorna pointed out.

     "Don’t call us sidekicks" Speedy pushed past them "Not after today"

     "Sorry" Wally apologized"First time at the Hall, I’m a little overwhelmed"

     "You’re overwhelmed, Freeze was underwhelmed" Robin scoffed "Why isn’t anybody ever just whelmed,"

     "Why can't you ever be just normal?" Lorna rolled her eyes.

     "Robin, Speedy, Aqualad, Polaris, Kid Flash, welcome you-" After the first few words Lorna kind of tuned Red out.

     "Make yourselves at home" Flash offered. Robin and Wally jumped into their chairs, while Aqualad and Lorna calmly sat down.

     "Quick debrief to discuss the coincidence of four Ice Villains attacking," Batman said before turning to the teens  "We shouldn’t be long"

     "That’s it?" Speedy demanded "You promised us a real look inside, not a glorified backstage pass"

     "Roy, you just need to be patient" Greenarrow tried to calm him down.

     "What I need is respect?" Roy turned to the others "They're treating us like kids, worse-like sidekicks! We deserve better than this" The others just sat there quietly "You're kidding, right? Today was supposed to be the day, step one in becoming full-fledged members of the league" The teens stared at each other.

     "Well, sure" Wally spoke up "but I thought step one was the tour of the HQ" 

     "The Hall isn't the League's real HQ," Roy said waving his hands  "It's just a false front for tourists, a pit stop for catching Zeta-beams to the real thing, an orbiting satellite called the watchtower" All the mentors stared disapprovingly at GreenArrow.

     "I know," he said "but I thought we could make an exception"

     "You're not helping your case stand down or-" Aquaman demanded but was cut off.

     "Or what? You'll send me to my room?" Speedy threw his hat on the ground "Guess they were right about you four, you’re not ready" Suddenly an alarm came from the computer.

     "Superman to Justice League" Sups called "There has been an explosion at Project Cadmus"

     "I’ve had my suspicions about Cadmus," Batman said thoughtfully "This may present the perfect opportunity to in--"

     "Zatara to Justice League Wotan is using the amulet of attain to blot out the sun" Zatara flashed on the screen.

     "Cadmus can wait," Batman said "All Leaguers rendezvous at Zatara’s coordinates" he then turned to the teens "Stay put"

     "Don't worry you'll get to go on missions when you're ready" Hal assured them before joining the rest of the league quickly.

     "How are we ever supposed to be ready when they treat us like...like sidekicks" Wally grunted.

     "My mentor, my king, I thought he trusted me," Aqualad said sadly.

     "Trust?" Lorna snapped "They don’t even trust us with the basics!"

     "What is Project Cadmus?" Aqualad asked.

     "Don’t know but I can find out" Robin smirked jumping on the computer" The screen said Access denied "Heh, Wanna bet?" He typed something getting in "Same system as the Batcave, Project Cadmus is a Genetics lab here in D.C. That’s all there is, but if Batman's suspicious, maybe we should investigate"

     "Solve their case before they do," Aqualad said thoughtfully "It would be poetic justice"

     "Hey" Robin laughed "They’re all about justice"

     "Uh guys I'm all for showing our mentors but this is a terrible idea" Lorna jumped in only to be ignored.

     "Just like that, we're a team on a mission?"Aqualad asked.

     "Stop pretending you don't hear me!" Lorna shouted

     "We didn't come for a play date," Robin said still ignoring her.

     "Then let's go," Wally said picking up Lorna.

     "You do know kidnapping is illegal," she said as they rushed to Cadmus.

Timeskip      Wally zoomed up the wall grabbing two falling scientists. He tosses them on the roof before slipping. He manages to catch himself on a window ledge.

     "It’s what’s his name-flash boy" one of the firemen yelled.

     "Kid Flash! Why is that so hard?" Wally mumbled to himself.

     "Oh, I am so using that" Lorna laughed helping another one down. Robin landed on the roof next to Wally helping him up. They all snuck inside turning around a corner to see some guy getting on an elevator.

     "Who uses an elevator during a fire?" Lorna asked.

     "This is wrong" Robin pulled up a HoloScreen "This is a high-speed express elevator, it doesn’t belong in a two-story building"

     "Neither does what I saw" Aqualad added before forcing the doors open.

     "And that’s why they need an express elevator" Robin ducked under his arm, then shot his grappling hook letting himself fall. The others quickly followed "I’m at the end of my rope" he said as the others jumped onto the narrow platform. Robin bypassed the security and Aqualad pried open the doors.

     “Welcome to Project Cadmus,” Robin announced before Wally bolted off.

     “Kid, wait!” Aqualad shouted, but the speedster didn’t stop. He falls in front of some massive creatures standing barely dodging them. He quickly ran back to the others.

     “No, Nothing odd going on here,” Aqualad said sarcastically looking over the corner.

     "This place is guarded better than Fort Knox" Lorna commented as they reached another locked door. Robin quickly started hacking causing the door to open.

     "This is how they hid this massive underground facility," Wally said pointing to a weird-looking generator "The real Cadmus isn’t on the grid, It generates its own power with those creatures"

     "I don't like this, we should go" Lorna looked around warily.

     "You seem on edge, even for you" Wally joked.

     "It's just, my brother was taken here before I was born" She looked at the floor "he died before I ever got the chance to meet him"

     "I'm sorry" Wally's eyes softened putting a hand on her shoulders.

     "Whoa! Look at the stats on these things- super-strength, telepathy, razor claws, these are living weapons" Robin's eyes widened.

     "They’re engineering an army, but for who?" Wally asked crossing his arms.

     "Wait, there are two more files," Robin said looking at his screen. "Project Kr. and Mercury, they're both triple-encrypted, I- I can’t-"

     "Don’t move!" They turn around to see Guardian with Genomorph on him "Wait, Robin, Polaris, Aqualad, Kid Flash?"

     "At least he got your name right" Robin teased working on the Kr file behind Aqualad so Guardian can’t see him.

     "I know you" Aqualad spoke up "Guardian, a hero"

     "I do my best" Guardian smiled standing up tall.

     "Then what are you doing here?" Wally asked confused.

     "I’m Chief of Security" he responds. "You’re trespassing, but we can call the League, figure this out"

     "You think the League’s gonna approve of you breeding weapons?" Wally demanded.

     "Weapons?" Guardian looked at them confused "What are you-" the G-gnome’s horns begin to glow. The hero's head fell forward "Ugh my head" He looked back up "Take them down hard! No mercy"

     "Must you always piss everyone off?" Lorna asked turning to Wally.

     "I can't help it, it's part of my charm" he smiled. Robin threw a smoke bomb in front of them then shot his grappling hook at one of the support beams. Wally dodged a Genomorph but just barely. Guardian charged at Aqualad but missed knocking off a Genomorph. Lorna waved her hand and slammed his helmet against the wall knocking him out. Wally grabbed Lorna and ran through the smoke over to Robin "Way to be a team player, Rob!"

   “Weren’t you right behind me?” Robin asked hacking into the elevator. They all jumped in the elevator before the creatures could.

     "I knew I shouldn't have followed you idiots" Lorna groaned after the door closed.

     "Come on you know you love us" Robin smirked.

     "We’re headed down?" Aqualad asked.

     "Dude out is up" Wally pointed to the roof.

     "Excuse me?" Robin asked offended "Project Kr, it’s down on Sub-Level 52"

     "This is out of control" Aqualad rubs the back of his neck "Perhaps we should contact the League"

     "Project Mercury is there too" Robin interjected turning to Lorna "I managed to decode one of the files I think Project Mercury is your brother" 

     "My brother's alive" She put her hand over her mouth. Robin nodded "Then I'm not leaving without him," she said determinedly as the elevator came to a stop.

     "Which way?" Aqualad asked looking down the hallway.

     "Halt!" a Creature yelled, horns glowing red as he lifted two waste bins telekinetically, throwing them at the teens. They dodged as Robin threw a disk at him. Wally darted around the corner, knocking a scientist to the ground. The doors behind him started to close "Hurry!" the others joined him. Robin started hacking the door 

     “I disabled the door" he let out a sigh of relief "We’re safe"

     "We’re trapped" Lorna corrected him.

     "Uh, guys" Wally called "You’ll want to see this" In the center of the room was a pod.

     "Whoa!" Robin gasped. Inside is a raven-haired boy with a white suit that has Superman’s symbol. 

     "Robin, hack" Aqualad commanded as the other two just stood in shock.

     "Weapon Designation Superboy, a clone force-grown in sixteen weeks?" his eyes widened in shock "From DNA acquired from Superman"

     "Stolen from Superman," Aqualad said crossing his arms.

     "No way the big guy knows about this" Wally agreed.

     "Solar Suit allows him to absorb yellow-sun radiation 24/7" Robin continued to read.

     "And these creatures?" Lora pointed to one on the projection.

     "Genomorph Gnomes, telepathic, force-feeding him an education" Robin relays sourly.

     "And we can guess what else," Wally said sorely "They’re making a slave out of Superman’s son"

     "Now we contact the League" Aqualad demanded but there was no signal.

     "This is wrong" Wally frowned looking at the trapped clone. Lorna gaves a short nod.

     "We can’t leave him like this" Robin agreed.

     "Set him free, "Aqualad said turning to the boy wonder "Do it" Robin hacked the pod and it fell away. Superboy's hand clenched, as the G-gnomes begin to hiss again. His eyes snapped open and he launched himself at Aqualad. Superboy was on top of Aqualad his fist coming back to hit him square in the face.

     "Whoa! Hang on, Supey" Wally tried to hold the Kryptonian back.

     “We’re on your side!” Robin yelled. Superboy gives Wally an uppercut knocking him into a display cylinder. He flopped to the ground unconscious.

     "Get away from him" Lorna jumped in between Wally and Superboy her eyes glowing

     "I don’t want to do this" Robin threw a smoke blaster on Sup's chest unleashing gas right into his face.

     "Enough!" Aqualad yelled as he punched him knocking him back into his pod "We're trying to help you" Superboy broke the pod and threw both boys against the wall. Robin slammed against Lorna knocking her out.

More stories / Next

[theballadear]

Starting this off with I am not arguing I wanna build on your points!

SUNDAY CHARACTER ANALYSIS BELOW!

The whole point of Sunday is he did horrible but he did them being religiously brainwashed! In the newest quest we see Sunday's inner conflict of who he was before Gopher Wood (Sunny/Wonweek) and the Sunday we all know today. We also know that Gopher Wood believed in the Order and Sunday did to a point as well, however, Sunday went rouge at the end. Instead of resurrecting the Aeon Sunday nearly became one because Gopher Wood's religious grooming. That's exactly what it was and we know this because of voicelines like:

Sunday and Robin we're abused. I'm past the story and I didn't take screenshots so I'm riding on trust me bro however, trust me bro. We know from the quest the whole reason that Gopher Wood adopted Robin and Sunday was because of their tune with the Harmony. Each of them are extremely powerful and were born like that. After their planet was destroyed and their mother dead a seemingly "nice man" adopting you doesn't seem so bad until it is. I forget where it says this but one of the main reasons Sunday was so obedient to Gopher Wood and why he did whatever the man said was because had he not, the duty would be passed onto Robin. Robin would have to resurrect the Order, Robin couldn't be able to sing anymore, Robin would suffer. So Sunday suffered instead. We can also infer from voicelines and the story that Sunday most likely has OCD:

His OCD was very much fueled by Gopher Wood. We know from the loading screen dream master that for most of Penacony, Sunday was not pulling the strings as well as from the main storyline quest where it's revealed Gopher Wood is, as the loading screen states; "The master of the Dreamland and the true leader of The Family in Penacony. He operates behind the scenes, pulling strings, and delegates the majority of the actual management of the Oak Family". Sunday was a front and a tool. Gopher Wood spent his entire life trying to take the sweet dream from the Watchmaker and we know this from a series of books found in Penacony but specifically I'd like to bring up Clockie; Dream Memoir - Dreammyth Escapade where an assassin attempted to kill the Watchmaker but the assassin, upon being arrested, told the Bloodhounds that it was Gopher Wood who hired him. After much conflict and battle, the Watchmaker pittied Gopher Wood (something he shouldnt have done) and decided to let bygones be bygones. Now when the Watchmaker became old and disappeared Gopher Wood took over the sweet dream and the Watchmaker set in motion his plan to call for the aid of The Nameless. In between all that Gopher Wood adopts Robin and Sunday and in Gopher Woods original plan he had wanted Robin to resurrect Ena the Oder however Sunday hijacked this mission and hid Robin away instead and I believe from voicelines hints kills his abuser (Gopher Wood) to protect Robin.

Sunday: Well if there can't be two suns in the sky. I'll step up and take down the other sun, if necessary.

Gopher Wood: Do you believe in karma?

Sunday: If karma exists, then everyone has their own karma. You have yours, and I have mine.

Sunday: And my karma has nothing to do with you, Mr. Gopher Wood.

Gopher Wood: Alright, since you are willing to sacrifice yourself for her, I'll grant your wish.

Sunday want Robin to suffer. Everything he did he did for her. Sunday's ideals shared with players during the scene where well, he's sharing his ideals, they don't align with Gopher Wood. Now something that can happen to traumatized and neurodivergent people when religious trauma is involved is mania. During this state many experience delusions of grandure and believe they are in fact god. Sunday was in a manic episode for who knows how long. (If you'd like more proof around this I can provide, I just think this I getting long LMAO). Also proof that Sunday doesn't believe in gods:

"If you are born weak, which god should you turn to for solace?"

Sunday is an insanely complex character. He has done horrible things but he was delt a bad deck of cards and thought it was his only way out. A lot of people find comfort in him because we can see past his facade he puts on to protect himself. He was never manipulate because he wanted to be, it was because he had to be. This is another common trade those who have been abused as a child develop due to survival instinct. Sunday's entire new story quest he spends it trying to fix his mistakes, he severed himself from his halo so that he would be in pain while fixing everything because he believes he deserves to suffer. Then to top it off he attempts to kill himself in a very Scaramouche esc metaphor for suicide. Sunday has Jesus motifs because his entire life he made himself the bad guy so Robin wouldn't have to be.

He's not perfect. He still hold on to a lot of his bad coping mechanisms. He's unstable. But despite all that he knew he should join the express to heal. Jade let him go without any payment of anything not because it'll come to him later, but because the greatest form of suffering Sunday could have is to keep on living and that the things he would do to himself were far beyond more painful then any punishment she could think of.

So yes while having grievances against Sunday is totally acceptable, people are not crying over him for no reason.

I'll never believe your tears, Sunday.

I want to say this upfront: as a character, Sunday works perfectly fine for me. But I absolutely can’t stand how the fandom obediently swallowed such a stupid retcon of his character. And I can’t stand fandom stripped him of all blame. Time and time again, I see posts like: “Oh, my precious little sunshine! Don’t cry... Oh no, he’s crying in his ultimate! He didn’t deserve this, poor thing!”

And I’m left wondering: what the hell?

What the hell was HoYoverse thinking when they gave us a dictator with a god complex (borderline chūnibyō syndrome) as an antagonist? A character who defended someone who sold children into slavery. Someone who mocked a slave for their origins. Someone who placed himself above the local police and even above the very creator of Penacony. All while chaos reigned under his (and Family’s) rule in Penacony. Within Penacony, everything’s a mess: banditry, alcoholism, shady financial dealings. Criminals hide from the hounds in the Dreamscape, and Sunday defends them, driving the hounds away. Many people work for pennies, losing any chance at a better future. And some have even been dragged back after death, turned into lifeless husks just to serve as local attractions.

Sunday knows how to act righteously, but he chooses to do things his own way instead. That’s his whole arc. He became a god (boss version) for the Dreamscape and felt zero guilt over the fact that Penacony under his rule remained a pit of sin and filth, far from any kind of paradise.

And then, we defeat him. He regrets... but only regrets losing. His remorse isn’t about what he did—it’s about being beaten. He’s ready to do it all over again, just with a different strategy.

So again, what the hell?

Why does HoYoverse give us a character like this (admittedly fascinating because he’s ridiculously stubborn, manipulative, selfish, and unhinged), only to suddenly turn him into a martyr, a lamb, and a tragic victim we’re supposed to feel sorry for? Poor Sunday, who only wanted the best but ended up dooming everyone to suffer. They’re so insistent about making us pity him that it’s disorienting. What’s the point? No one’s going to believe it. He locked his own sister in a cage, justified slavery, carried out vigilante justice, and controlled the fates of millions. No one’s going to believe he’s a victim...

Except they d i d. And that’s what pisses me off the most. People have forgotten that just a year ago, he was the thorn in everyone’s side, deliberately hurting those around him with glee. Now they call him “sunshine,” “poor thing,” “precious baby.” They wipe his tears during his ultimate move, saying he doesn’t deserve to be imprisoned, doesn’t deserve to face the consequences of his actions. Are you all out of your minds?

Why didn’t Kokolia get a chance? Why didn’t Tisok 2 get a chance? (Tisok 2 is from a side quest about a ruler whose memories were erased. In it, we’re shown that she was a tyrant before losing her memory. The NPCs ask us, “Does she deserve redemption?” And no matter what, the NPCs will yell, “No, absolutely not!” Funny. She doesn’t deserve it, but Sunday does?)

The idea that he isn’t to blame is also questionable. He and Robin grew up under the same person’s wing. Robin was constantly told her perspective was wrong, yet did she grow up as a submissive follower? No, she grew into a truly strong person capable of thinking for herself. But Sunday? He basked in the praise for his bad decisions. He’s just an overgrown brat who decided the world is his playground.

So no, I will never believe in his redemption. I will never believe he’s changed. HoYoverse can’t convince me that he’s repented or truly regrets his sins, because as long as he’s free and has done nothing for society, it’s all meaningless.

He will never have a place on my Express. The Express will never be his home. He will never stand among the people who’ve become my family.

[stylesparker]

Lovergirl

PAIRING: Robin Buckley x Bi!Reader

WORD COUNT: 2.3k

A/N: I am deceased after writing this, I love Robin with my whole heart. Speaking as a bisexual, she is my dream. Comment and reblog if you love as always <33

“What’s with you constantly having music blasting in your ears, huh?” Steve strides up beside you, moving the headphones away so you can hear him.

You glare at him, smacking his hand away as he chuckles, “Listening to my music is better than listening to your stupid mouth, Harrington. Besides, isn’t it smart considering the situation we’ve found ourselves in.” You nod towards Max and Lucas in front of you, the girl trying to ignore the boy beside her just as you are.

“I’m just wondering! What are you listening to then.” He asks nonchalantly. You screw your eyebrows up in confusion, debating on whether you want to humor the guy or not.

“What’s with the sudden interest? You finally want to get the scoop on my amazing music taste-”

“Don’t get ahead of yourself, Y/N, I’m just bored and making conversation.” You laugh, hitting him in the arm. Despite Steve being your best friend, you have a feeling he’s gonna make fun of you for this.

You look away from him, your eyes examining the dirt intently in front of you,  “Lovergirl, Teena Marie.”

It takes a moment, but as soon as it clicks, his eyes widen in excitement, his arms darting out to grab you, but you quickly move away giving him a pointed look.

“NO WAY-”

“Don’t you dare, Steven.”

“Doesn’t Robin call you that?” He whispers in your ear so none of your other friends hear, especially one particular girl behind you. “Ever since she started calling you that, I swear you’ve had this song on repeat-”

“Steve.”

“Yeah?”

“Shut the hell up.”

He nods, his lips forming into a tight line. “Yep, yeah, okay.”

You look back towards Robin and Nancy, trying to look the least suspicious as possible, as you do so. They make no indication they’ve heard your secret conversation in the midst of their own, so you take a breath and keep moving forward. You don’t know why it frightens you so much if she found out of your crush on her, or even the fact you like girls, but for some reason it does. Even though you’re like ninety-nine percent sure she’s into chicks too, you don’t know how she’d feel knowing you’re still into guys too. Most of the time, people expect people to go one way or the other, not both, and if she wasn’t okay with that it would break your heart. Robin is one of the nicest people you’ve ever met and you know she probably wouldn’t, but the fear is still in the back of your mind, haunting you ever since you came to terms with your feelings. The only person who is aware is Steve, and god, is it frustrating that he definitely knows something about her too, which is probably the fact she’s a lesbian.

It’s almost as if the smirking boy beside you can hear you inner turmoil as he nudges his arm against yours, giving you one of your own pointed looks. You huff, getting ready to push him onto the ground and beat the crap out of him, before Dustin, who’s in the front with Eddie, calls for a snack break, smiling and pointing towards the gas station across the street. Robin and Nancy catch up with the rest of the group, standing next to you on your other side.

Robin grins, “Well I don’t got any money, so who’s paying?”

***

You walk up and down the aisles with your music blaring in your ears, tuning out the rest of the world for the time being while the kids run around picking up a whole bunch of snacks that’ll probably only last them until later tonight. You skip a track that starts playing, and close your eyes as you listen to the female voice vibrate through your brain. Robin is near the door eating her chips that Nancy bought for her. Nancy told the boys that she would only pay for you, Max, and Robin if you guys wanted anything since she didn’t have that much cash, earning her groans in response.

“C’mon, Nance, I just want a soda-”

“Cut it out, Steve, I’m not buying it.” She squints at him with her arms crossed, pushing a pouting Steve in the direction of the kids who were fishing through backpacks and pockets for any loose change. You laugh to yourself quietly, walking towards them near the counter. You stand there watching them as they pay for their various food items when you feel a light tap on your shoulder, making you turn and look up at Robin.

“Wanna’ chip, lovergirl?” She asks coyly, offering her hand forward for you to take a chip from her. You place your headphones around your neck, taking it and thanking her softly. Your heart beats hard against your chest as she continues to feed you small pieces of chips, your mouth curving up in a smile when you realize this is her way of making sure you eat today. Even if it’s small.

“Your total is $20.56.” The cashier says without a hint of emotion in his voice. His eyes look sunken and he looks like he’s the most bored person on the planet. 

Dustin hands him two fives, seven ones, and a bunch of change. The cashier takes it, but looks at him like he’s about to punch him across the face. He sighs tiredly and starts counting the money. 

“I have $19.74 here, not enough.” 

Dustin smacks his lips together, “Shit.” He digs through his pants again, trying to find any more money and he comes up empty. He looks back at Lucas and Max with a hopeful look on his face and they shrug. “God damn it, well looks like you’re not getting your gum then Lucas-” 

“Jesus,” you roll your eyes, digging in your pocket to pull out a couple singles, “here.” Dustin takes it from you, looking at you like you just handed him a million dollars. He gives it to the cashier and immediately grabs their items. Steve pats your shoulder, offering you a drink of his soda, but you decline, shaking your head as you guys make your way out. Robin holds the door open until you walk out, letting the door slam closed. The cool breeze that hits your skin makes you shutter and sends goosebumps across your arms. She glances at you, her eyebrows furrowing. 

“Are you cold?”

“A little,” you shrug, “I”m fine though.” 

“I’d give you my sweatshirt, but I don’t have one with me right now. I would though if I had one.” She rambles, giving you a smile. 

You giggle, “Thanks, Robin.” She hooks an arm through yours, pulling you into her side as you fall into step aside one another. 

“So, which of the kiddos do you think is gonna cave first and ask if we can go home to take a nap?” She inquires. 

You tap your chin, “Hmm, it won’t be Max, because the girl literally runs on like two hours of sleep a day. So that just leaves Dustin and Lucas, and I think Lucas will do whatever Max does, so I think it’ll be Dusty bun.” 

“Hey, I heard that!” Dustin yelled back at the two of you. 

“No you didn’t!” You yelled back, feeling Robin laughing at your side. 

No doubt, not even an hour later is he asking if they can call it a night, not because he’s tired of course, but they need to get some more strength before they face Vecna. 

“Of course, Dusty Bun, why don’t we stop at Nance’s so you can get your beauty sleep, yeah?” Eddie taunts him, making Dustin smack him in the shoulder. You were already pretty close to Nancy’s anyway, so the group makes it’s way there. It got quiet among the group, but Robin still stayed close by you, switching it up and holding your hand. You felt your cheeks heat up, hoping she didn’t notice a change in your anxious breathing pattern. As soon as Nancy unlocked the door to her house, everyone filed inside, taking off their shoes and hanging jackets if they had them. Her mom called out for her from the kitchen so she detoured to talk to her, letting the rest of you know you could just go downstairs and get comfortable. Lucas opens the door to the basement, everyone following him, until Eddie almost trips down the stairs. Steve’s hand juts out, grabbing the back of his jacket before he can face plant into Max’s back. His face blushes when he thanks him, and everyone chuckles before they claim their seats. Robin spots the couch and practically yanks you in that direction, pushing you gently so you sit and claiming her spot right next to you.

“This is ours.” She says proudly. 

“Hey, who says you get the couch!” Dustin complains. 

“We did.” You retort triumphantly. You and Robin high five each other, making Dustin glare at the both of you. 

He turns around, making sure the two of you are out of earshot before he groans at Steve, “Why are they like this?” 

“They’re just perfect for each other.” Steve mumbles under his breath as he flops down on the chair in front of you. 

It wasn’t long before the night had caught up with you and you had, without knowing, fell asleep right on Robin’s shoulder. Robin gazes over at you, her eyes widening in surprise, but also excitement. She almost feels giddy at the fact she’s the one you chose to sleep on. Well, maybe not chose, but you still sat here with her. She moves ever so carefully so she doesn’t wake you up, shifting her arm out from under her so she can wrap it around you and tug you into her side. You shift, make a small noise, and settle back down. But not before you bury your head into her shoulder and get comfortable. She looks at the ceiling to take a deep breath so she doesn’t start physically freaking out. Her hand rubs gently up and down your arm, comforting you in your sleep. The rest are out, everyone having had the same long day as the two of you had. It took her only a couple minutes to pass out right along side you. 

When you woke up a couple hours later, it was still very much dark outside. Your eyes flutter open, adjusting to the darkness around you. Once you realize you’re practically in Robin’s lap, you have to stifle a shriek. What the hell.

Robin, the ever so light sleeper, shifts at the movement in her lap and peeks an eye open to look at you. You stop moving out of her grip once you realize you’ve woken her up. 

“I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to-” you whisper fearfully. 

“Hey, hey, you’re good. You’re okay.” She tries her best to reassure you. “You fell asleep on my shoulder so I thought this would be more comfortable for you. You don’t have to stay here, not if you don’t want to. I-I’ll move over there-” 

“No, no, you don’t have to do that.” you shake your head. You set your hand against her shoulder, not letting her move. You’re both still for a moment, realizing the placement your in. Your heartbeats are erratic and you’re pretty sure her hands are probably as sweaty as yours. Her eyes quickly glance down at your lips before quickly moving back up again, but you saw it. She knows you saw it. 

“Y/N-”

“Robin-” 

You say at the same time, making you smile at each other shyly. 

“Y/N?” 

“Yeah?”

She breathes deeply, “If this question I’m about to ask makes you super uncomfortable or like, makes you think I’m disgusting you can just ignore it and forget what I said. But, if you so happen to um... not find me disgusting then I would very much like to continue what I ask-” 

“Robin?” You interrupt.

“Yeah?”

“Ask the damn question.” You laugh. 

“Right, yeah,” she chuckles nervously, “Uh, can I kiss you?” It catches you off guard, sure, but you don’t waste a second. Your hands rest gently on the sides of her face as her arms snake around your waist to pull you against her. Her lips taste like the strawberry chapstick you watched her put on earlier. Her face is so soft as you hold her, but you feel like she’s the one holding you together. If you weren’t in a room full of kids at the moment, you would be a puddle in her hands. They stay gripped on your hips, but start to slowly rub up and down your thighs. You pull away from her, heaving a delighted sigh. 

Resting your forehead against her own, you ask her, “Have you always felt this way about me?” 

She nods, “Ever since I met you.” She smirks, like she just thought of something. Her nose scratches against yours gently, “You’ve always been my lovergirl.” 

Your face heats up furiously, making you groan and shove your head into the crook of neck. She giggles, trying to pull you out to see your face. 

“Robin...”

“Yeah, baby?” Your hand comes to the side of her neck, and you look at her lovingly. You shake your head, and all you can think of doing is kissing her again. 

Four hours later, the two of you are fast asleep, you partly on her lap. Steve and Eddie start stirring from their sleep, looking around, and both of them manage to see the sight in front of them at the same time. Eddie rubs his eyes as if he can’t believe what he’s seeing. He looks to Steve and Steve looks at him. 

“You got any clue, man?”

Steve shrugs, leaning back and closing his eyes, “Not a clue.”

[ggomos-maribat]

[18/?]

original prompt | complete masterlist

The problem with babysitting your siblings during patrol is that they get reckless. Just because there's an unknown force saving them without them realizing it, they get complacent.

For example, they lose their fair share of Batarangs.

More specifically, Damian loses a lot of Batarangs.

Inari scowls when she finds another one sitting near the edge of a rooftop. Isn't a Batarang supposed to come back to you?! Why don't you ever pick up after yourself Robin?

She slips it into her collection and jumps down into a street to follow Robin. Casting her invisibility, she waits until he's in an alley with a dead end before flicking the blades one by one.

Fwoop.

One pins down the corner of his cape. Robin halts, pinned into place. "What---" He draws his sword. "Who's there?!"

Fwoop. Fwoop. Fwoop.

Before he can register what's happening, more Batarangs fly by, attaching him to the wall until he can no longer move. His katana drops to the ground when one of the Batarangs catch his gloves and trap him to the wall.

"Show yourself!" Robin growls.

Inari doesn't move from her hiding place. Instead, she snaps a photo with her staff and turns on her earpiece to secretly tune in the family comms line. Unfortunately for Robin, he's not able to turn on his comms.

"Has anybody heard from Robin?" Batman asks.

Inari watches with amusement as Robin tries to reach for his ear but fails miserably.

"He went west, right?" Says Red Robin.

"Red Hood, you're nearest. Check in on his location."

Inari grins and leans back to wait for Jason. Red Hood drops into the alley in no time, takes one look at Robin, and doubles over laughing.

"What---what happened to you?!" Red Hood cackles.

"They appeared out of nowhere!" Robin struggles against the Batarangs. "I am guessing that they are my lost Batarangs."

Red Hood snorts. "They came back to haunt you?"

"This is not a laughing matter, Hood! Free me!"

Red Hood snickers. "Hold on a sec." He puts a finger to his helmet. "Hey, Replacement? Yeah, I did. You have to come here . . . No I won't say why. Just come here."

Next, it's Red Robin's turn to laugh at Robin, who glares and flails.

"Take these away!" Robin yells.

"Yeah, yeah, in a minute." The two vigilantes move to his side and Red Robin snaps a quick photo.

Inari smiles to herself proudly. Lesson learned, Damian.

Taglist:

@tinybrie @sinoffalsejudgement @its-maemain @kamarallil @toughluna @golden-promises @whatamoodhoney @trippingovermyfeet @m4ster0fnone @alexizlazy @plz-excuse-my-inner-gay @maybeanalien0-0 @imchaotic-dontmindme @ev-cupcake @flowers-n-fandoms @crusherccme @ji-nk-ies @depressed-bitchy-demon @duskyashe @multplelifes @authorpendragging @iloontjeboontje @thatonecroc

*if you want to be tagged, feel free to ask in the comments and I'll add you to the taglist :)

[pleasantlycrazyworld]

Eddie munson x female reader 

authors note: Inner thoughts are Italic, text messages are bolded, and this is set kind of modern day, there is talk of texting lol. Smut and after care is towards the end 

Requested by: @harringtonfan4​

You and Eddie have been friends for a few years now, you guys became friends when Eddie stood up for you against Jason and his friends. He saw you get harassed by Jason one day at the library because you were reading some "lame" book and the rest has been history. The two of you do nearly everything together, it's like you're inseparable, but neither of you is complaining you both absolutely love each other's company.

Eddie hasn't told you how he really feels about you though. From the first time he met you he knew he had feelings for you but the more that you two hang out the more he falls for you. He knows how quiet and shy you can be so he's extremely protective of you and you love that about him. You've never felt so safe in your life as you do when you're with Eddie.

Eddie has been worried all day, he hasn't seen you at all so he started to think the worst. Dustin can tell that Eddie is starting to think you’re dead some where so he lets him know that you were actually in the bathroom with Nancy and Robin. Thanking Dustin for the information he went to wait by the door to see how you were doing when he overheard you talking to them. "I just feel like I'm so behind, I haven't had a real kiss let alone sex" you huff, "I don't know how to tell him that I want him to be my first time, what if he doesn't find me attractive? What if it ruins what we have?" Nancy scoffs while Robin tries to reassure you but Eddie tunes them out, who is this mystery guy? No one is good enough for her especially not good enough to take her virginity. He's stuck in his own head as he leaves to go back to lunch.

For the rest of the day he is trying to figure out who you were talking about. As he is about to leave at the end of the day he over hears you tell Robin you're home alone this weekend. He gets in his van and clenches his jaw, what if she has that guy over? What if he takes advantage of her? He shakes his head, that is not going to happen on his watch!

Eddie goes to family video and he picks up some of your favorite movies. His plan is to show up with movies and snacks and act like you two had a movie night already planned. Hopefully if there is some guy already there or heading over there, once he sees Eddie at your house he'd be scared and run off. He walks into family video and huffs as he sees Robin walking from the back trying to fix her nametag. She waves at him and looks confused when all he does is scoff and roll his eyes, “what died in you Munson?” He mumbles a response and she rolls her eyes not hearing a word he said but deciding its best to leave him be. He picks up your favorite movies and goes back to the front to check out. “This everything for you Munson?” Eddie just nods and Robin scoffs before pausing when she sees the movies he chose. “Going to see Y/N I see” she laughs holding up his picks. “We had a movie night planned...” he mumbles but she looks confused, “She didn’t say anything about that” he just shrugs and takes the movies back before heading back out to get to you sooner. 

He definitely speeds to your place and is there in a shockingly fast amount of time. Heading up to your door he is about to knock before remembering that there might be another guy in there. Jealous boils in him so he doesn’t bother knocking and just pulls out the key you gave him. He heads inside and sees you sitting on the kitchen counter on the phone. “No Nance I think I might just call Eddie and see if he wants to hang out while they’re gone” he smirks hearing his name leave your mouth and he is dying to know what Nancy is saying on the other line. “You just want to make out with him” Nancy responds chuckling and you gasps “Nancy!” 

Eddie clears his voice and you nearly drop the phone. Seeing its Eddie you calm down and smile at him before saying goodbye to Nancy. “What are you doing here Ed’s?” He blushes kind of embarrassed remembering why he is there. “I...I. Well we had movie night” he stutters trying to lie even though he can tell you definitely didn’t believe him. You look at him confused before just shrugging it off, “I must of forgot about it” you mutter and Eddie tries to act shocked “What? Do you already have other plans?” You shake your head in disagreement and Eddie sighs feeling relived. 

You jump off the counter and go to the living room taking the movies out of his hands, “You got all my favorites!” You squealed and pull him into a hug, which brings him a sense of pride knowing he made you excited but also makes him blush lightly feeling you so close to him. You pull away and quickly move to the couch “put one of them on!” He laughs at your excitement and puts on one of the movies. 

You are in the middle of the third movie when you start getting text messages from the group chat you’re in with Nancy and Robin, ‘So have you made out with him yet?’ You gasp slightly reading Nancy’s text but you nearly scream reading Robins, ‘Who cares about that, have you seen his dick yet?’ You must have reacted audibly because Eddie looks over at you concerned, “Everything okay”, you just nod softly not daring to look him in the eye nor trusting your voice to verbally communicate. ‘Robin! That’s not going to happen’ you can just imagine her rolling her eyes, ‘Well not with that attitude’ now its your turn to roll your eyes. Eddie starts growing jealous seeing how you’ve been on your phone for almost the whole movie now, “What are you talking about?” He asks with jealously laced in his voice. You hide your phone and mutter “nothing!” a lot quicker then he is comfortable with, making him huff. 

You phone continues to buzz throughout the movie making Eddie grow more and more jealous. Finally he snaps “you know what, I’m just going to go home, invite whoever this amazing guy is over!” You look completely shocked by his outburst, “What are you talking about?” He rolls his eyes, “I’m not an idiot, obviously there is someone you’d rather be spending your night with! Who is he? Someone popular, someone handsome, someone better then me?” His voice begins to break showing you his true insecurities. “Eddie...there is no guy...Nancy and Robin has been texting me about this thing...” You really don’t want to explain to him that you’ve been asked if you’ve seen his dick yet but you don’t want him to be insecure either, and you can tell he really doesn’t believe you. “Yeah right...” he mumbles sadly as he gets up trying to leave. You panic and pull him into a kiss. He freezes feeling your lips on his before he pulls you closer by your hips, deepening the kiss. 

You moan feeling him pull you so close to him, he smirks against your lips and slowly starts to lick your bottom lip. You open your mouth allowing him to slowly add his tongue into the kiss. You start to gain some more confidence as you start to climb into his lap. He pulls away and the sight in front of you makes you even more wet. There sits Eddie Munson, underneath you with swollen pink lips, and his big brown eyes staring up at you with nothing but love and lust in them. “Sweetheart...” Eddie mumbles, “I thought there was another guy...” Your eyes widen, “Oh Eddie, it’s always been you”  you shyly admit, he begins to lean in and kisses you again but much more rough this time. You gasps feeling so much loved and desire in the kiss before you start to kiss him back.

He softly grips your hips and starts to grind into you, he knows you’ve never done this before so he wants to be as gentle as possible but you’re making it really hard with all the beautiful noises that are escaping you. 

He moves so you are on your back and he starts kissing down your jaw to your neck, “going to leave some marks, is that okay sweetheart?” You nod quickly completely lost in the feeling of his lips on your skin, he smiles softly and starts to suck on your soft skin as you moan his name he starts leaving more marks. He pulls away and admires his work. “You’re breathtaking sweetheart” he mumbles before he asks “can I take off your clothes?” you nod weakly but he stops you, “need words sweetheart” you blush before saying “please...want to feel you on my skin” He moans at your words before removing your shirt and bra, he stares in awe at your naked form and it’s not until you try to cover your chest that he is broken from the trance. “Oh sweetheart don’t cover yourself” he leans down and starts to kiss your chest “absolutely beautiful” he mutters into your skin making you giggle. 

He starts leaving a trail of marks and kisses as he moves down your chest and stomach. He reaches your bottoms and he softly tugs them off, you blush feeling vulnerable but from the look on Eddie’s face, you’ve never felt so beautiful. 

He starts kissing your thighs and with each kiss he whispers more praise, with each word that leaves his mouth you squirm more and more making him get  bolder with his actions. 

He finally reaches where you need him the most and he makes you jump at the feeling of soft kisses being left on your clit and one of his fingers slowly moving inside you. “Oh Eddie” you moan and right there Eddie concluded that your moans were his favorite sound in the world. 

Eddie goes to lick your clit but you pull him up by his hair making him moan. You smirk, “ hair pulling huh?” you asks cocky which makes Eddie blush before nodding. “Eddie...need you in me please” you beg softly making him melt on the spot , “you sure you’re ready sweetheart?” You nod quickly, “really need your cock in me” His eyes widen slightly not expecting such dirty words to leave your mouth. “Whatever you need sweetheart is what you get” he kisses you softly as he begins to thrust into you as gently as possible. You squeeze your eyes shut trying to not focus on the pain of being so stretched out, he’s much bigger then anything you’ve used before. He keeps kissing you and whispering praise to ease your mind “I know it hurts right now but m’promise it’ll feel so good soon, being such a good girl for me sweetheart” 

As he continues to thrust softly you start to moan louder “harder...please need more Eddie” you moan and he nods into your shoulder feeling a slight relief that he can be more rough now. He starts thrusting deeper into you making you scream his name as he hits your g-spot perfectly. You trail your hand down to your clit but he slaps it away before you can get to it. “I’m making you feel good” he starts to rub your clit which makes your head fall back from the feeling of his rough fingers against such a sensitive spot. As he continues thrusting into you, you start to feel the pleasure build up. 

“Gonna...Oh Eddie I’m going to cum” you moan loudly making him moan with you, he nods before telling you “cum for me. Oh sweetheart be a good girl and cum all over my cock” You nod quickly before you scream his name feeling the pleasure snap in you as you cum on his cock. He moans feeling your walls tighten around him and he waits until you’re doing cumming before he pulls out and jerks off cumming on your thighs. 

The two of you are completely blissed out of your minds as he try to come down from your highs, he kisses your head gently and promises he’ll be right back before leaving to go get a warm rag to clean you up. You wait for him to come back as you lay there with a smile that won’t leave your face. 

As he walks in he sees your smile and chuckles softly to himself. A sense of pride swells in him as he knows he’s the reason for that smile. He walks back over to you and starts to softly clean you up, once he’s done he asks “what do you need? Food, water, a blanket, I’ll go get whatever it is” You smile at how sweet he is being and you shake your head “just need you, come cuddle please” you ask with wide eyes and his heart melts seeing the love that’s in them. He smiles and lays next to you. He pulls a blanket up to cover you two and holds you close. As you drift to sleep the last thing you hear is him whisper “I love you” 

Taglist:  @manyfandomsfanvergent​

@ceriseheaven

I really hope you enjoyed! This is my first time writing smut so I hope I did it justice lol. If you did like it please consider liking, following, commenting, and reblogging it all means the world to me! 

[marmorafarms]

Gridball Jerseys and Cigarettes, Chapter 3

Hello and welcome back to a new chapter! I hope you're enjoying it so far! You can also find this on my ao3 marmorafarms

Things might seem like they're moving fast, but stay tuned to see what happens!

Pairing: Sebastian x Alex

Rating: 16+

Word count: 1,933

Warnings/content: Weed use, alcohol use, sexting (not explicit)

Enjoy!

This was a bad idea.

Like…a really bad idea. After downing a few shots, Alex could already feel his head getting fuzzy. He couldn’t go back to the house drunk, no way! His grandparents would be asleep, they had bought his story about buying a gift, so they wouldn’t be waiting up. But if they woke up when he opened the door, they would definitely grill him about his drunken state.

But Alex couldn’t find it in himself to care. The five of them were laughing loudly in the back of the van Sam had rented, getting crossfaded when Abigail brought out her stash of weed. Alex joined in when they started smoking and shared a grin with Sebastian when he passed Alex the joint. There was no shotgunning this time, but the memory was clearly at the front of both of their minds.

As the night wore on, they talked about the concert and how well it had gone. Alex was sure to praise each of them for their performance, and Emily wholeheartedly agreed with everything he said. He tried to ignore Sebastian scooting closer to him, pretending that he didn’t notice. For the life of him, Alex couldn’t figure out why Sebastian was sliding over. He turned to say something to Emily and missed the conspiratorial looks that Abigail and Sam shot each other.

“Hey um, Emily!” Abigail said, standing up. “I think I dropped my earring near the stage. I borrowed this pair from my mom…can you help me find it?” 

“Sure!” Emily said, bouncing to her feet. 

“Cool,” Abigail said, hopping out of the van. “We’ll be back soon!”

“I uh…I need to take a leak,” Sam said as soon as the two girls left. “I’ll be right back.” 

Alex watched Sam scramble out of the van, and realized with a jolt that he and Sebastian were the only two left. He looked over at his friend, who still had the joint in his hand. He was watching Alex with hooded eyes.

He’s drunk. And high.

Alex said nothing as Sebastian put out the joint and crawled around until he was facing Alex. Slowly, he moved forward, and Alex’s legs parted.

He’s drunk. And high. He doesn’t know what he’s doing.

“Hey,” Sebastian said softly. He was on his hands and knees, right in between Alex’s spread legs. This wasn’t happening, this couldn’t be happening! Alex closed his eyes and breathed out through his nose. Too fast. This was happening too fast.

“H-hey,” Alex said back, opening his eyes back up. He knew he looked nervous, and he was sure the smile on his face looked stupid. 

“How are you?” Sebastian asked, placing a hand on Alex’s thigh, and biting his lower lip.

“I…I’m…what’re you doing?” Alex asked, looking down at Sebastian’s hand. It had moved down to Alex’s inner thigh and was slowly inching its way up.

“Do you want me to stop?” Sebastian asked, retracting his hand as though he’d been burned.

“No!” Alex blurted out in a too-loud voice. Sebastian laughed, and Alex looked away, cheeks burning.

“I just didn’t think you uh…you were…”

“Interested?” Sebastian supplied, and Alex nodded. Sebastian looked thoughtful for a moment.

“I’ve always been interested,” he finally said, making Alex blush even harder. “You’re hot , you have to know that, right? But…you’re also really nice and…I missed you.”

“You mean after we stopped hanging out?” Alex said quietly. Sebastian nodded. God, why hadn’t either of them even attempted to be friends again? Sebastian was usually shy and never left his room, so okay, Alex would give him a pass. Maybe. But he could’ve said something to the darker-haired boy. He could’ve gone over to Robin’s and asked to see Sebastian. But he didn’t.

All they did was exchange pleasantries at festivals and nod to each other when they passed in the street. Nothing more, nothing less.

“When you came up to me when I was smoking, I was really surprised,” Sebastian said. “But also really happy? I dunno. I tried to give you your space in the beginning after everything with your mom. But I got too chicken shit to say anything after things started cooling off. I guess I thought it was too late, that too much time had passed. So you coming up to me…it felt good.”

“Wouldn’t’ve been too late,” Alex murmured. “Wish I’d had this view a long time ago,” he said, the words slipping past his lips before he could stop them.

Sebastian blinked and then gave him a dopey grin. “You like me in between your legs?”

Alex nodded. Sebastian sat back on his knees and cupped Alex’s cheek. Slowly he began to move forward. Alex’s eyes began to flutter shut as Sebastian’s lips drew closer. He could feel his friend’s breath against his lips, and his heart was pounding hard in his chest.

CRASH

The two jolted apart as something slammed into the side of the van. There was laughter, and Alex realized it was Emily. He mentally cursed her, a surge of annoyance shooting through him. He had been so close to kissing his crush and of course, she had to ruin the moment.

Sebastian scrambled out of Alex’s lap as the door opened, but clearly, they’d been caught.

“What were you two doing?” Emily asked with a wicked grin.

“Nothing,” Alex moped.

“Uh huh,” Emily said, raising a brow.

“No he’s right,” Sebastian said. “Nothing happened because you slammed into the van and opened the door.”

“Oh um…whoops?” Emily said, looking abashed. “I can go?”

“It’s fine, don’t worry about it,” Sebastian said. Alex was slightly disappointed, but honestly, the mood wouldn’t be the same as it had been before. He wondered if this chance would ever come back up again. He sure hoped so.

Abigail and Sam returned shortly afterward, and they began to discuss where everyone would be sleeping.

“We’re not driving back,” Sam assured both Emily and Alex. “We knew we were going to get shitfaced, so we rented some rooms at a hotel that we can walk to. The brewery owner said they wouldn’t tow us if we left the van here overnight.”

“You could stay with us,” Sebastian suggested. “I don’t think the hotel is booked. We got two rooms,” he said casually, and Alex was pretty sure everyone in the van knew where he was going with this.

“I can’t,” Alex said bitterly. “My grandparents don’t know I’m here, and I think it’d be a bad idea if I came back tomorrow instead of tonight. I want to, I just…I can’t.”

“Sucks man,” Sam said, and Abigail and Sebastian nodded in agreement. “They need to chillax.”

Alex felt a bubble of laughter rise up and escape him, tears forming in the corners of his eyes. Sam looked surprised.

“My grandpa would rant for days if he heard anyone say the word ‘chillax,’” Alex explained. “But you’re so right, he does need to chill out.”

“I’m going to go back to Pelican Town with him,” Emily said, and for some reason, Abigail pouted at these words.

Emily hopped back out of the van, and Alex followed. But he was suddenly stopped by a hand on his wrist. He turned and saw Sebastian standing there.

“I don’t have your number,” Sebastian said simply. He handed over his unlocked phone and looked at Alex. “You should put your number in. I’ll text you, okay?”

Alex nodded, and swiftly entered his number. He handed it back, and Sebastian looked at it critically before adding a heart eyes emoji by Alex’s name.

“That’s better,” Sebastian said, looking over at Alex with twinkling eyes. 

“It is?” Alex said, getting a laugh in return.

“I can delete it if you don’t like it,” Sebastian said.

“Don’t you dare,” Alex said with a glare, and a small smile tugged at the corner of Sebastian’s mouth.

“C’mon Alex, we’re gonna miss our bus!” Emily called out, waving her arms. Alex sighed and made to leave, but Sebastian stopped him once more.

“I’ll send you something fun okay?” he said with a wink. Alex blushed at the implication, and Sebastian waved with a wiggle of his fingers before turning back to his friends. Emily shouted his name one more time, and Alex ran over to her. They walked back to the stop, both of them pretty tired. The bus ride would be long, and Alex knew he was pushing it when it came to the time.

The bus arrived about 15 minutes later, and the two friends boarded, chatting about the night they just had. Emily was thrilled when Alex told her about what happened between him and Sebastian.

“I’m so sorry I interrupted! I didn’t mean to! I was playing keep away with Abby’s earring, and ran over to the van. If I had known…”

“Don’t worry about it,” Alex said. “Maybe it’ll happen again.”

They were nearing the Pelican Town stop when Alex’s phone dinged, and he looked down. There were two texts from an unknown number. One was an image, and the other was a simple “Sleep well.”

Alex opened the message to see what the picture was and nearly dropped his phone. It was a selfie of Sebastian. The look in his eyes was sultry, and he was lying back on his bed in the hotel room. It was from the waist up, and his was shirt off, the waistband of his red boxers visible. Alex’s mouth watered as he stared at the dark-haired man’s chiseled physique. He had seen Sebastian cutting wood and breaking stones with Robin before, so Alex was well aware that the man was fit. But knowing something and seeing something were two completely different things.

“Something tells me you’ll get that kiss,” Emily said, and Alex jolted, realizing they were still on the bus. Emily was looking over his shoulder, staring at the picture.

Alex pocketed his phone, and Emily giggled. Their stop arrived, and Alex realized he needed to respond. But he couldn’t just respond with words! No, that wouldn’t do. Sebastian had sent a hot picture, and Alex needed to return the favor.

Alex followed Emily back to her place, picking up Haley’s camera and putting it in an unmarked shopping bag that was laying around. It looked convincing, and he thanked her before heading back home. Luckily, he didn’t wake his grandparents when he entered the house, and he slipped into his room without incident.

Alex plopped on his bed, looking around the room before finally getting an idea. He stripped, and then piled some pillows in front of his crotch as he lay back, propped up by his headboard. He bit his lower lip as he took the picture, and then sent it to Sebastian.

“Will do,” was the message he sent along with it.

It wasn’t long before a message popped up on Alex’s screen.

move those pillows

Alex grinned and began to type.

you can see that after we go on a date, not before

Not even ten seconds later, Alex’s phone dinged again.

name a time and place

Alex’s heart began to race. Did Sebastian actually want to go on a date with him? For real? He had just been kidding!

you just wanna see this dick

Alex pulled some PJs on and settled into his bed. Before he turned the lights out, he peeked at his phone.

nah, that’s just a plus. I wanna see you.

Alex’s heart melted and he sent Sebastian a quick date idea, bidding him goodnight before finally falling asleep. Tonight had truly been amazing.