#~1500 words

[skimmingmilk]

That scene from Lilo & Stitch (2002) where Nani sings "Aloha 'oe" to Lilo the night before she thinks social services will take her away but it's Sonic staying with Tails till he falls asleep the night before the guardianship court hearing

Oh, absolutely. That scene has been on repeat in my mind for the past several days, my friend. I totally get it. Not sure if you've read it already, but I do have this bonus scene from that night (“I’ll stay until you fall asleep.”) that I wrote a little over a year ago for "Sometimes the Picket Fence isn't Perfect." But with Lilo and Stitch (2002) fresh in my mind and feeling so soft about that scene in particular, I decided to add onto that night a little bit as a writing warm-up. It's recommended to read that fic first for context if you haven't already, then come back here, but please enjoy 💙

For eleven years, Sonic didn’t have a family. 

He’d never been the right fit for anyone, never knew what it felt like to be part of something bigger than himself. His edges too uneven and colors too vibrant to simply press him into an empty space in a puzzle and watch him fade into a picture perfect family. On his own, he’d always been enough to paint the whole picture. What you see is what you get. Just Sonic the Hedgehog.

To think it took less than a year to turn his entire worldview on its head.

Despite telling Tails how important it was for them to get some sleep the night before their guardianship hearing, Sonic was still wide awake hours after the fox kit had finally drifted off. He said he’d stay until he fell asleep, but for once he couldn’t bring himself to move. By the dusty moonlight filtered through the open window, green eyes traced a path they’d long-since memorized across Tails’s shadowed face. Even in the dark, he could tell the creases of concentration and worry lines had been smoothed out by the peace of an unconscious mind, too busy recharging for the day ahead of him to be bothered with what-ifs or hypotheticals.

On normal nights, Sonic could relate.

This was anything but.

No matter what the court’s decision was in several hours, nothing would stop them from being family. He’d meant that. It hadn’t been an empty platitude to placate his best friend into going to bed; it was a fact. One he’d fight to the death to defend. 

Sonic the Hedgehog spent eleven years without his family. He wasn’t going to give it up because some stranger refused to sign a scrap of paper. Their imperfect pieces fit each other and the picture they painted together had been beyond anything Sonic ever could’ve imagined.

People always assumed Sonic saved Tails but, while that was true to some degree, it went both ways. Sure it was a lot of work having someone depend on him when he didn’t know the first thing about taking care of anybody but himself, and there’d been times where he wondered if he’d done the right thing by taking Tails with him in the first place. If it had been selfish to keep him. But when the coolest kid on the planet looked up at him and called him his big brother…

How was he supposed to say no to that?

Tails saw him from the very start. He got him on a level no one else had ever bothered to aim for. And he loved him anyway. He wanted him anyway.

Those two days where he’d disappeared, Sonic’s world had been thrown off its axis as a new doubt took root that he hadn’t let himself question since he made the decision to be Tails’s brother. Was he what Tails needed? Was he what Tails wanted? Was the picture they made together, the one Sonic thought was perfect in all their imperfections, what Tails envisioned for his life?

Or did he want something… more?

Something Sonic couldn’t give him.

A mom. A dad. A picket fence. He couldn’t imagine what else. Not when he’d give the kid anything—everything.

…Including give him up, if that was what he really wanted.

But it wasn’t. He didn’t. And Sonic should’ve known, should’ve trusted, that Tails wanted their little, funny-shaped family just as much. That he’d been just as scared of losing it all.

“Will you stay forever?”

“Sonic?” Tails’s sleepy voice slurred his name, cutting through the thoughts clouding his mind. “How come you’re still up?”

Sonic’s smile came easy in the dark. “Guess my mind decided now was as good a time as any for a race or two,” he chuckled. 

“Mm? Thinking hard ‘bout something?”

“Nah. Don’t worry about it, keed. Go back to sleep.”

Brow creasing, Tails squinted at him, trying to make out his features through a half-lidded haze. “…You stayed.”

“Said I would, didn’t I?”

Tails continued to observe him despite the urge to sleep weighing heavy in his eyes. He was searching for something in his response, something Sonic thought he’d tucked well-enough out of sight.

“M’not going anywhere either.”

“Huh?”

Tails sighed gustily and tugged on the part of his blanket still beneath Sonic until he got the picture. He’d never bothered to get under the covers, content to lay atop them while his thoughts gave his feet a run for their money, so he sat up and shifted to the edge of the mattress. He hadn’t been cold, though now that it had been brought to his attention, he could acknowledge the light sea breeze blowing in through the open window making his skin prickle beneath his quills. Tails threw the blanket back and patted the indent he’d left behind, still warm from where he’d been lying.

Sonic settled into his spot beside Tails, tucking himself under the blanket. Tails gave him a moment to get comfortable again before he squirmed over to him, a warm, soft bundle of fur that nestled against his side. It was Tails’s turn to toss an arm and a tail across Sonic, their weight a surprising comfort and not just because he was a little cold.

“Not goin’ anywhere,” Tails repeated, eyes closed as his voice faded into a mumble. “S’okay, you can sleep, too.”

A lump formed in Sonic’s throat, his eyes boring holes into the ceiling as he stared up at it. He could fully understand Tails’s desire to flee to the wilderness to sleep beneath the stars again. To see the sky and the moon and the shadowy tops of trees instead of solid walls closing in on him on all sides.

Tails’s paw gently kneaded against his chest.

“If this doesn’t work,” Sonic croaked, his voice barely a whisper, “I’m sorry.”

They wouldn’t let themselves be separated, they wouldn’t allow it, but the life they’d have to lead… a life on the run, hidden away from society where they could never be found, and cut off from the friendships and supports they were just starting to build here… Tails didn’t deserve that. It wasn’t what was best for him.

Tails deserved a life that was full and bright. A life where he could shine to his fullest potential. A life that wasn’t built on fear and mistrust of everyone around them.

That was why he started all this in the first place. So Tails wouldn’t have to worry or wonder or want things that he couldn’t have. What he thought he didn’t deserve to have.

“M’not,” Tails murmured. “You tried. That’s what matters.”

“I could’ve done it different,” Sonic argued. “I could’ve done better. More. I should’ve told you—”

“You did it your way.” His voice cracked on a yawn before he nuzzled his cheek against Sonic’s shoulder. “Might not’ve been perfect, but that’s okay. S’what you always tell me, right?”

Sonic released a shaky exhale and some of the pressure in his chest eased up, even with the weight of Tails’s arm still holding onto him. “Think the stakes are a bit higher here than usual, keed.”

“Higher than beating ‘Buttnik and saving the world?”

“A bajillion times higher. I can beat ‘Buttnik with my eyes closed,” Sonic huffed. “But dealing with people who decide things like who gets to have a family and who doesn’t… never been too good at that. Never been too good at listening or following instructions or doing what I’m told…”

“No one tells Sonic the Hedgehog what to do,” Tails parroted, too tired to give it the “oomph” it usually carried, but the conviction was still there. “But you still do your best when it matters.”

“What if that’s not good enough this time?” Sonic whispered.

“Mm-mm-mm,” Tails hummed with a sleepy shrug. “But I’ll love you anyway.”

Sonic dragged his stare from the ceiling to look down at the mop of orange fluff snuggled against him. It wasn’t a shock, not when it was something they knew even if the words mostly went unspoken, but hearing it was still something else entirely. A bright splotch of color in the picture of their family. 

Sonic looped his arm around Tails, keeping him where he was, where he belonged. Right by his side. “I love you, too. No matter what. You know that, right?”

“Mm…”

“Tails?”

“Mmhm…”

An airy chuckle escaped him, gently jostling the two of them as Sonic’s smile returned, hopelessly fond. “Thanks for the pep talk, little bro. Don’t know what I’d do without you.”

And he never wanted to find out. Now that he knew what it was like to belong to a family, to matter so much to someone, and to realize they mattered, too, Sonic couldn’t see life without it. He didn’t want to.

Maybe it was selfish to take Tails away if the verdict wasn’t in their favor. Maybe it had been selfish to take him from the start. But if being selfish meant Tails knew he was wanted and loved and important to someone… then it would be worth it. If they had to run away, Sonic would find other ways to give Tails the life he deserved. Together, they could do anything. They were a team. A family.

And nothing would ever break them apart.

[strangersteddierthings]

Jealousy Looks Different On You

Title wonderfully suggested by @shoujo-wizard! Thanks so much because I was struggling to title this.

[Part One] ✨ [Part Two] ✨ [You Are Here] ✨ [Final Part]

It is not often in Eddie's life that he's left without words. So rare it is that Eddie can remember them all and tally them on one hand.

The first was when his mom died. He was so at a loss for words that he didn't speak for over a month, too lost in grief. And looking back on it older and wiser, a little bit was him knowing that it wouldn't have mattered if he'd spoke, his dad wasn't around to answer.

The second was when Wayne got The Call from his dad, when Wayne had to tell Eddie that he was going to be moving in with him permanently. That his dad wasn't coming back 'round for a long time.

The third was the first time a guy kissed him. Eddie was eighteen and had just learned he wasn't going to graduate the first time. He'd gone to Indy, ending up in gay bar that clocked his fake ID and wouldn't sell him alcohol but did let him in so he could be surrounded by other queers for the first time in his life. Eddie'd ended up in conversation with a guy old enough to drink and when he'd kissed Eddie there were no words, just a surprised gasp and then more kissing.

The fourth time (and this one is arguable due to him being in shock) was when Steve, Dustin, Robin, and Max had found him in the boathouse. It had taken him a while to find his voice before he could answer Dustin and learn that monsters are real.

So, Eddie is not left speechless often. Eddie's usual response is to get defensive, loud, or angry. Sometimes (most times) all three. He'd been rapidly approaching loud and angry until Steve shut him up with a quick list of how exactly Eddie fucked up.

Fucked up before he'd even had a real chance.

God damn him and his stupid fucking mouth! If he could go back and slap 21-year-old him in the back of the head, he would. He'd smack him good and then grab his shoulders and shaking him while screaming for him to shut up shut up shut up you are ruining your chances with Steve, and you don't even know it!

He can't go back, though. He can't unsay and unsay and unsay all the stupid, useless bullshit he's spewed over the years trying to throw Steve off course. Because that's what he was doing. Time and time again, finding guys who looked nothing like Steve to get his rocks off with, waxing lyrical about the ideal partner for him being as far from Steve as possible.

Eddie knows that's what he was doing because he stopped talking about it all so much when Steve, quiet and hesitant and shy for the first time ever since Eddie's known him, had come out to him. He wouldn't make eye contact, instead telling the wall behind Eddie 'I, uh, I've been learning new things every day, living here with you and Robin, and I. I, uh, I've learned new things about myself, too. Things that I think were... were always there but I was scared to look at for too long. But, um, because of you and Robin, I don't think I'm scared anymore,' and then Steve looked him right in the eye and said, 'I'm queer, too. I like girls, still, but also guys.'

God. Fuck! Fuck fuck fuck, that should have given it away! That Steve, nervous and fucking shy had made eye contact with him to come out. Like it was important that Eddie hear it and know it. And Eddie...

Jesus fuck, all his stupid, idiot, dumb-as-fuck past self had done was nod and say 'cool' before promptly changing the subject. At the time, Eddie had written off the look on Steve's face as Eddie bombing the Supportive Friend Response but now he sees it clearly for what it was.

Is.

Eddie breaking Steve's heart for the first time. Instead of giving any indication of liking Steve, Eddie'd all but solidified to him how disinterested Steve already thought Eddie was. Steve had said 'I like girls, still, but also guys' and only now can Eddie see that Steve meant 'I like girls, still, but also you.'

Eddie can see it all with this new knowledge adding perspective. Eddie had dug his own grave trying to hide how in love with Steve he was that he dug too far. So far that it worked. Why would Steve bother to tell Eddie he loved him when all Eddie had done was tattoo a clear and plain 'You aren't what I want and never will be' right across Steve's heart.

And now...

Now Eddie's sitting on a couch that used to be theirs. Could still be theirs if Eddie wasn't such a fucking coward all those years ago.

Instead, what is really happening is he's sitting on Steve's couch, crying silently, as he mourns what they could have been, should have been. And Steve's still standing before him, looking all the more uncertain and worried the longer Eddie's silent.

It takes all of Eddie's willpower to open his mouth and force out words. "I'm so fucking sorry, Steve. I-I'm so sorry."

Steve's brows scrunch, the space between them furrowing, and Eddie is struck with the same desire he always has when Steve's face does that. He wants to reach out and sooth it with his thumb, kiss it away.

"I should have- should've been more honest," Eddie says and his words feel as hollow as the tone of his voice. "You're right. I should have said something. Shit, I've basically spent our entire friendship sprouting lies so you wouldn't see the truth and it's fucked it all up."

Steve frowns at him, hands clenching and unclenching at his sides but he doesn't speak. In fact, he hasn't said much at all. His one rant was short but succinct and even though Eddie wants to hear his voice, wants Steve to sooth his guilt by accepting Eddie's apology, he knows it's too soon.

How can he possibly expect Steve to tell him he's forgiven when he's been unintentionally hurting him for at least five years?

Eddie looks down to his shoes and finally finds the strength to lift his hands, to wipe away the tears that streak down his cheeks. He shoves the heel of his palms into his eyes, taking a deep breath in and letting his hands drop as he breaths out. Once he feels a bit more put together, he looks back up at Steve, who is still standing awkwardly in his own living room, looking unsure.

"Have I been... hurting you this whole time?" Eddie asks, even though he's sure of the answer and hates himself for it.

"Yes," Steve says slowly, "and no. It's not that simple. I knew I wasn't what you wanted, it's not like you... strung me along or promised me anything. I hurt myself wanting you, but I couldn't stop."

Eddie lets out a whimpering sound. "No! Don't you get it? That's not- Steve, you are the one I wanted, want, more than anything else."

Steve's face twists again, angry and hurt.

Eddie rushes to continue. "I know it doesn't seem like it. I know. Because I hid it, Steve. I hid it so well that you believed the lies. That you believe what I wanted was everything you," Eddie's throat fills thick and it's hard to speak but he has to say the words, even though he hates the thought; hates that Steve thought it, "was everything you weren't and that's a lie."

Steve scoffs, a quiet and angry thing. "I don't know if you remember but we lived in this apartment together for eight years. Eight years of having to hear just how much you wanted whatever the guy of the week was giving you. These walls are thin."

Eddie does remember. Of course he does. The glares Robin would shoot him for disrupting her sleep and how Steve would rib him about having a fun night. He also remembers the change that came once Steve had come out to them. How Robin's glares turned from annoyance to actual anger. How Steve stopped teasing him and never met his eye the mornings after.

"I do enjoy kink," Eddie clarifies, because it's true, "particularly BDSM. But Steve, please, you have to believe me. I'd give it all up if it meant having you."

Steve sighs, like Eddie's said the exact thing he thought he would and wishes he hadn't. "I believe that you believe that."

God, Eddie's really, really, fucked this up. "I do believe that! What is all of, of that," he waves his hand in the air, a need to move something but unable to stand from the couch that could have still been theirs, "compared to you? The person I trust more than anyone else in the world? The person I'll never have to hide the occasional nightmare from because you already understand? Who knows all there is to know about me and still-" he skips over his words here, fearful that the truth might have changed between the bar and here, "-still loves me anyway?"

He watches Steve' Adams apple bob as he swallows before speaking. "I'll always love you, Eddie. That will never be the issue. It's just... what if love's not enough?"

And now, Eddie pleads, "but what if it is?"

-

For the timeline here, since I know have decided on one is this: Season 4 happened but Eddie lived and was cleared of charges but still had to get outta Hawkins ASAP. Steve, Robin, and Eddie shared an apartment in Chicago while Robin when to college. Robin lived with them for the 4 years she was in college and then an additional two until she got a serious girlfriend and they moved in together. Steve and Eddie, now 26 and 27, continued to live together until Eddie and his new band finally got their break when Eddie was 29. Eddie moved to LA then at the request of the label and Steve's stayed in that original Chicago apartment since. Steve is currently 31 and Eddie is 32.

@xxbottlecapx @im-sam-fucking-winchester @novacorpsrecruit @thewickedkat @dreamy-jeans137 @everywherenothere @hangingupinthehallway @estrellami-1 @queenie-ofthe-void @dreamsteddie @acowardinmordor @steviesummer @kinryuuki @genderless-spoon @paperbackribs @steddiecameraroll @yesdangerpls @jackiethevampireslayer @skitchskatchbat @sani-86

[merrigel]

(high-pitched and excited voice) RENAAAA

Been watching NezumiVA's absolutely fantastic Higurashi streams lately, and since we're starting her question arc, I wanted to do a little something for this sweet sweet babygirl who has never done a single thing wrong in her life, and who definitely isn't already making me so so so sad oh god

Go do your best honey!! Oyashiro-sama wills it!!

[drabbling-doll]

Doll takes care of Mech Pilot

~~ in which we find broken things taking care of broken beings and other way around ~~

At first (not technically first, because there were events preceding this), the room was empty, only a lone doll was in it, furniture taken away, the inhabitant lying on the ground when its joints needed to rest. Its past witch named it Blue, after the elaborate patterns on its porcelain hands. The dear witch was now buried in the cemetery of Avian Lane 52, sector 5, row 4, grave number 23, Ywess Thornton. Blue made sure her grave was orderly and pretty.

Blue went to see this errand, fresh flowers in its hand. It would kneel at the grave for the next day or two, depending on the weather. It wouldn't want to further deteriorate before proper scrapping as part of Miss's legacy. It was clearly defective, it was turning off randomly, and no one wanted to claim it. After three months of that, or when losing permanent residence, it would be signed for decommissioning by Act 4295 paragraph 541. It was okay, turning stray wasn't something Blue was capable of.

It was approaching the graveyard when it noticed a woman blocking the small side entrance it usually used to enter. It waited for a bit. Autumn wind was rustling the leaves around.

"Please, if Miss could only be so kind…"

The woman's eyes looked upon the doll and were so barren. Is it another doll, perhaps?

"Does that one have a place to stay?" asked Blue. "Negative," replied the unknown doll. It spoke military, like a combat doll! "It can stay where this one stays, there is a room and its Miss liked to take care of strays, it would serve her legacy." There was no reply, but Blue remembered how Miss did it. "Here, come with this one!" it said and took the other doll's hand, then took her to the Miss's grave, where it knelt, but only for an hour or two, then they walked to Miss's past home.

~~~

It didn't take long to notice that the other doll was kind of strange. In the first place, It seemed to use the toilet, which is very unusual for a doll. But maybe it just went to clean it and flush, it should be done from time to time, so at first, Blue let it by. Then, the other doll drank water. Well, maybe it is thinking of drinking tea. Blue didn't offer any. And why wasn't it still, but still moved a bit? Then, the strange doll went out and returned with half eaten bread. But the most shocking thing was that it ate the bread. This alarmed Blue very much.

"Why did that one eat the bread?" asked Blue. "Was hungry," replied the strange one with a flat voice. "Hungry? But… is that one not a doll?" "No…" "Then…"

Then it made a horrible mistake!

"Please Miss, please forgive this one, it apologizes. It thought that… it means, it thought Miss was a doll, it is very sorry."

Silence for a while. Blue used the moment to recollect its thoughts. It already invited the strange woman to its Miss's home, there is no going back from that. She seemed to be a stray, doll or not. Maybe this changes nothing, just requires a different type of care.

"Would Miss like to stay here?" Blue asked her. There was no reply. "Can it know Miss's name?" "A10." "It's nice to meet Miss Ayten!" said Blue and did a curtsy with a smile.

~~~

Upon closer examination, the situation was not so pleasant. The money for Blue's errands left by its witch was sparse, and most of it was already used on flowers for Miss's grave. The apartment it lived in was to be rented soon by its witch's family. Blue promised to look after it in the meantime. But for now, Ayten had a place to stay.

Blue went to buy some groceries for her. She didn't have any preferred choices, so it bought nutritious things, as Miss looked a bit undernourished. She also smelled a lot, and when Blue showed her the bathtub she immediately undressed, went under the shower, and let the water fall on her without any movement.

Blue took care of Ayten and scrubbed her body. This whole procedure revealed several things about Miss Ayten. First, the malnourishment was severe. Second, she had plug entries on her back. Third, there was a barcode on her body. From examining these clues, Blue came to an understanding that the new guest was a mech pilot. This novelty was turning misses like Ayten into almost mindless beings capable of only piloting giant machines. They were used for construction, disaster recovery, or wars, but there wasn’t one right now. Sometimes, it happened that they turned stray, like dolls, especially when they were… insufficient. Blue's witch frequently talked about this with a strange vigor in her eyes.

Doll didn't exactly know how to care for a mech pilot, but it has to start somewhere, for example, turn on the refrigerator again.

"It will have to go to buy many things, it can take a while," doll explained and left and returned and rekindled the flame in the kitchen and made food for Ayten, which was probably too spicy, so it tried again and again, until new Miss didn't get a rash or other adverse reactions from it.

~~~

After two weeks, everything stayed the same, the only thing that changed was that the new Miss started to gain some weight. A progress!

Then the incident happened. Blue was cooking in the kitchen, when suddenly there was smoke everywhere, Blue was safely placed on the ground away from it and Ayten was opening the windows.

"Please Miss Ayten, please forgive this one. It is defective and sometimes it just turns itself off for a while." "I guess we both are huh," said Ayten in reply. Doll counted six words on its hands. That's the longest sentence the new Miss said yet! "Thank Miss Ayten for taking care of it and the kitchen." "Yeah… gotcha. I won't let anything happen to you." "That is very kind of Miss." During the conversation, Blue noticed a strange gleam in the eyes of Ayten. Like if life was returning to them, but it quickly faded.

~~~

Money was almost gone. Blue eventually had to find work. But according to law, dolls couldn't work alone, only in service of its Miss witch. And Blue didn't have one.

"Miss, if it would…" it tried asking Ayten. No response. "Please forgive Blue, but it is very important for Miss's well-being." That got her attention. "The money Blue used to buy food and things for Miss is almost gone and it needs to work to get more, but it needs to have a witch for that and it doesn't have one and no one wants it and…" the Something which ran inside the doll puffed a bit of air out of its ears. It couldn't ask for this. No. "It can't work without the witch so…" Puff. Ayten looked at Blue without blinking. "Please, it is really important, otherwise there wouldn't be anything to eat…" That somehow made the light return to Ayten's eyes. "But, I'm not a witch," Ayten said. "It understands," said Blue very dejectedly. "Would just signing something be enough?" Blue might have jumped a bit when it heard that. "Yes, Miss!" Then… just before the glimmer from her eyes dissipated, Miss Ayten smiled! It was the most beautiful thing for Blue to see.

~~~

Somehow, it easily found a work in the archive. Dolls apparently were in high demand there. It explained it is narcoleptic, even if it wasn't, but it was close enough for them to understand. It was alright for them, it was an archive job and Blue promised it will make up for the lost time.

~~~

Blue found that the apartment was to be rented out in a month. After a consultation with Miss Ayten, in which Miss said exactly zero words, but nodded faintly, Blue found a new home for them. Very small, with one bed, but it was enough. They don't take up much space and Blue didn't need a bed anyway. For Ayten, it was an improvement, as she slept on the bare floor before. Blue directed her to bed the first few days and then Miss went there on her own.

Then it remembered… Blue was to be decommissioned! But it can't now, can it, it officially has a witch now. Miss Ayten was a… strange Miss though. Blue was a broken doll and it got a broken Miss. Its witch never wants anything, there are no orders for it. Doll missed orders a bit, but it found it can function without them just as well. Before, it read stories about mech pilots recoveries and of love blooming later. Recovery didn't seem to happen in this case, maybe these were just fairy tales. Maybe it is like that because both of them are broken? Miss smiled sometimes though, which was like seeing an angel.

Most importantly, there's the Purpose now. And where there is Purpose, there is love. Blue will see to it.

[fatalism-and-villainy]

I’m trying to untangle The Problem of Garashir (not the least because, well, I’m writing the pairing) -

and I think honestly one of the biggest… roadblocks? bits of untapped potential in the pairing? is that we never really see their relationship put a strain on their ideological convictions.

Which is to say, “the societal institutions we’re subject to are corrupt, but our love is pure, so we’re going to abandon those institutions for each other” is, whether implicitly or explicitly, a common framing in fanfic featuring them (such as I’ve seen) - and to be fair, it’s a common romance trope in general. But I can’t say it works for me for these characters. And part of that is that imo the show doesn’t sufficiently set that up with its development of the relationship between these two characters, but another part of that is that I simply don’t see a world in which that kind of relationship dynamic/approach would fit with their characterizations.

To address the first point - there are never any situations involving these characters in which their fundamental values or institutional loyalties are challenged as a result of their relationship. At no point does Garak, for example, have to choose between Cardassia and his affection for Bashir. (I’ve seen people read The Wire that way, but I don’t think the reading works - The Wire is a fantastic showcase for Garak’s worldview and value system and the cracks and contradictions therein, but even though Bashir’s unwavering commitment to helping him despite what he’s done is certainly unprecedented and moving to him, his underlying value system hasn’t changed by the end of that episode.) And while Bashir’s faith in Starfleet and the Federation does get rocked quite a bit over the course of the show, it’s never because of his friendship with Garak.

Instead, I’d say that with some exceptions (like The Wire), their friendship in the early seasons is usually framed as a respite from their serious responsibilities or moral dilemmas. This especially true of Garak, who is likely not used to someone simply enjoying his company with no ulterior motives whatsoever, but the narrative maneuvering of the show also does a lot to shield Bashir from the reality of who Garak is. Yes, he gets a taste of that in The Wire, when Garak goes out of his way to impress upon him what the reality of his life as a spy truly was. But that’s still only verbal testimony, and only confined to what Garak has done in the past. Bashir is largely absent from all the shit that Garak pulls during the show!

And I’m not complaining that, say, the events of The Die Is Cast take place between Garak and Odo, because it makes thematic sense for it to be Odo for that arc. (And I love that friendship.) But Garak and Bashir do not get a plot like that, or like In the Pale Moonlight, where Bashir is directly exposed to or complicit in Garak’s immoral behaviour. The closest we get to an actual serious ethical clash between them is in Our Man Bashir, which is a goofy comedy episode. (And it’s worth noting that Bashir calls Garak’s bluff and shoots him in that confrontation! Yeah, he likely missed on purpose, given what we later learn about his magic hand-eye coordination, but he’s still unwilling to compromise on his heroism for Garak’s sake. It’s actually a pretty Cardassian gesture, which is probably part of why Garak loves it so much, but it does say a lot about where their priorities are re: their commitment to their values vs. each other.)

And I think the lack of more serious, plot-relevant ethical conflict between Garak and Bashir is a real loss for the show, because one thing I find really interesting about their relationship is that - in contrast to the examples of Odo and Sisko up there - Bashir is the person in the cast most able to hold Garak accountable. He’s repeatedly established as one of the most firmly moral members of the cast, and his righteous anger at seeing those morals trodden upon is one of his most defining character traits in the later seasons. His unconditional forgiveness of Garak in The Wire is lovely, and it is an important moment in the development of both their relationship and Bashir’s character. But in the long term, once we get into actual serious, consequential war and espionage plots? And if we’re imagining them in a long term committed relationship? It wouldn’t be sustainable, and it doesn’t feel in keeping with Bashir’s character that’d he have endless reservoirs of patience and understanding specifically for Garak. And it’s precisely because Bashir is uniquely able to grant Garak forgiveness that he’d also potentially be uniquely able to chastise him.

(This is why, by the way, my headcanon as to the in-universe reason why they don’t seem as close in the later seasons, paternity deathbed reveals and occasional flirty bantering notwithstanding, is that Bashir was seriously fucking pissed at the stunt Garak pulled in Broken Link, both in terms of the personal betrayal and the destructiveness towards sentient life, and that it created a significant rift between them.)

All of that is to say - my biggest regret with the show’s sidelining of their dynamic isn’t the fact that their relationship never becomes romantic (not a chance of that in the 90s, and also these writers were pretty terrible at writing romance) but that they never get to have an argument. An actual serious, non-flirtatious, two-sided, genuinely-angry-at-each-other-argument. I want to see conflict! (I honestly think that their exchange in What You Leave Behind comes the closest to the kind of conflict I’d like to pick up on in post-canon fic - where they are conciliatory in the moment but still have this really wrenching chasm between them, and unresolved frustration as a result of that chasm.)

So as an extension of these thoughts, I actually really like that we’re not given the basis for a traditional “us against the world” style romance plot. I like that these characters are clearly deeply fond of each other and significant to each others’ development, but have other important connections (Garak especially, since despite being only a recurring character introduced through Bashir, he integrates into the broader cast) and other priorities besides each other.

Furthermore, despite the significant differences in their value systems, one very fundamental thing they have in common is how passionately devoted they are to their respective causes. For Garak, it’s Cardassia. And while his idea of what it means to serve Cardassia, and what Cardassia needs, undergoes a lot of change over the course of the show, I don’t see any version of Garak in which Cardassia is not his first love. For Bashir, it’s altruism and helping people, as well as his intellectual curiosity - aims which are reflected in Starfleet and the Federation for him but ultimately higher ideals.

And I don’t think either Garak or Bashir would admire the other nearly as much if they were willing to let go of everything they hold dear for the sake of romance. They’re both far too committed to being a part of the world. Garak may have some fun with trying to shake Bashir of his optimism, but ultimately Bashir’s goodness, his fierce conviction that no one deserves to suffer, are among the most compelling aspects of his personality. And if Bashir is ever going to actually enter a serious relationship with Garak, he’s got to move beyond flirty intrigue and literary banter and see Garak as someone who’s proactively committed to goals that Bashir can respect. If they’re coming together as a couple, it’s because their aims and beliefs have come into alignment in some way.

And to be fair, a lot of post-canon Cardassia stuff is doing the latter. But I also want more… conflict within that framework, I guess? I don’t want a romantic relationship and the act of getting together to be the endpoint of whatever reconciliation of values they need to work through. And that’s part of what I’m trying to untangle in planning this fic of mine - especially regarding how fraught romantic commitment feels for them. For Bashir, there’s the problem of not only reconciling himself with what Garak has done, but also of choosing to be with someone whose impulses and entire cultural belief system places duty and institutional loyalty above personal feelings. And for Garak, there’s the fact that the most devoted and emotionally intense relationship he’s had in his life thus far has been with Tain, who embodied Cardassia for him - and as a result, I doubt he quite knows what to do with the possibility of a serious relationship with Bashir, who is very emphatically not Cardassia. He’s not used to being divided in his passions!

It’s not that I’m never capable of being moved by post-canon stuff that involves Bashir being charmed by how slippery Garak is, or them generally being quippy and fond of each other (I’m not made of stone here). But I’m never satisfied with just that, because that escapist element never feels like it translates well from the early seasons of the show to post-canon, and because it never engages with what I find the most fascinating about what’s set up with their whole dynamic. (And I especially dislike it when it feels like Bashir’s character is getting shortchanged in terms of his complexity and moral convictions being excised in order for Garak to get everything he wants.)

[wakkiwitch]

I can't stop thinking about what Stoick was thinking after HTTYD, when dragons lived among them and his son taught him their kindness and intelligence.

Like Valka was right, and if he had listened to her fifteen years ago then they would still be together.

That is all.

[doyouknowthisjewishcharacter]

Do you know this Jewish character?

[cranberrymoons]

don't slow this down

buddie | rated e | 2,581 words | getting together, domesticity, intimacy, hand jobs

They’re twenty seven hours into ninety six off, three more days of nothing stretching out in front of them. Nothing but this, and Buck, and the early afternoon sun pouring in through the big loft windows. "I guess I don't have to go."

[read on ao3]

[youruinedmylifebynotbeingreal]

Help I can’t stop laughing at my own wip fic

[spicyvampire]

Smooth criminal

THE SIGN (2023) EP. 1

+ Bonus : Evil nasty jellyfish

[vulptalia]

re: ur last post with the videos, i’d very much be interested to hear more on ur thoughts abt alfred and arthur’s relationship — the good and the bad — when alfred was growing up if you feel like sharing!

Anon, I could speak for hours on this (under the cut)

I’ll start with a blanket disclaimer that this is all my head cannon based loosely on real history and personal preference, and very very sparingly based on the actual Hetalia Cannon. Oh also TW for verbal/physical abuse.

The Nation personas, as I see them, are human-adjacent manifestations of a society under one sovereign nation. This is very open ended, I have no specifics on what quantifies when a persona is “born,” but nonetheless as far as humans are concerned: they know of these personas and have their own complicated relationships with them.

In blanket terms I think these personas were often deified by their cultures prior to the renaissance. Personas like Ancient Rome, or China, or even Japan were probably seen as immortal gods for long periods of their nations’ history. I’m no theologian so I can’t speak to how their existence would influence real life religions of the time, so for the most part I just say they go hand in hand. But nonetheless, to put it simply, the personas have always been seen as others. As I mentioned they are (practically) immortal, and age at an indiscriminate rate (more or less related to the existence of their nation), so pretty non-human in that regard.

I head cannon that Arthur was born in the Dark Ages, perhaps late-800CE. Because of Christian beliefs of the time he had multiple attempts on his life as a baby, as he grew slowly compared to other new-borns, and (evidently) couldn’t be killed. Eventually left in the woods to die, Arthur managed to survive, and grow, and spent decades away from people to avoid violence against him. However, come the establishment of a unified England under Athelstan (? Forgive my English history knowledge) and the establishment of other nations in Europe around the same time, with their own personas (HRE), the English began searching for their nation’s persona and Arthur revealed himself. He was around 200 years old at this point but physical appearance wise he was probably 12-14.

From there on out Arthur was an established figure of the monarchy and lead, (for the most part) a very luxurious life as the English established themselves as a hegemony in Europe. Ofc there’s things like the Hundred Years War, etc, but at this time I think Arthur was becoming very adjacent to his people; power hungry. He enjoyed the life of conquest and empire. Come the age of New World exploration and the knowledge of native tribes along side English and Spanish colonies in the Americas, Arthur most likely advised the English that another persona was likely born, and should be found as part of the race to claim North America.

I head cannon that Alfred was born in the Roanoke Colony (I found this fic shares the same interpretation and I love that!!! <3), and come whatever happened to the Roanoke settlers, Alfred was taken in by a local Native American tribe. I’ve done some research into local tribes during the time period but, in wanting to respect culture and get my facts right, I haven’t settled on a particular tribe or nation. Though I lean towards the Paspahegh. Alfred was of course a unique baby as well, taking years to grow into a toddler, however in alignment of Powhatan beliefs, I believe the Paspahegh would’ve seen Alfred as more akin to an offering: an example of healthy land, a healthy child. This to say, they had no interest in harming him and were not dissuaded by his slow aging.

Of course, as history would go: following the settlement of Jamestown and the Paspahegh Massacre, Alfred was given directly to Arthur (at his request) to raise and tend to. Alfred would be around 20 but physically he was 4, maybe 5. He doesn’t really remember the Massacre, and Arthur doesn’t talk about it.

Initially in the conquest for the New World I believe Arthur was very head strong and goal oriented, but actually meeting Alfred changed that for him. He had of course planned to raise this child for the sake of the English empire (a loyal colony), however he didn’t anticipate actually caring for him. Arthur falls for him hard and having Alfred actually causes him a great deal of anxiety. He fears Alfred will be attacked by people like he was, and he fears what the future holds for him. At this point in history Arthur had seen hundreds of battles, had fought in bloody, brutal wars, and worst of all had seen what people were capable of doing to things they feared. So, Arthur has a house built outside of Jamestown for him and Alfred, and he begins to raise him in solitude.

He’s strict, and of course very English. Alfred is raised in silks and taught piano with a private English education. He’s not allowed to leave the property and he certainly isn’t allowed to speak to anyone who isn’t Arthur, or the rotating house staff. However, Alfred is lively, and very American. He wants to play in the dirt, he wants to be anything but sheltered. From just the first few years together this sparked Arthur’s harsh parenting (to put it simply).

Think, aristocratic. Children should be seen, not heard. Slouching at the table got a slap on the wrist, dirtied clothes? A harsh lecture. “You should be grateful.” Alfred would misbehave, Arthur would yell.

Arthur was often called back to England, and thus spent months, if not years away from Alfred. During these trips Alfred learned to sneak out, and met Davie. I’ve mentioned this “rotating house staff,” who are obviously human, who serve for a time and then change their post (aka return to England). As my “cannon” goes Alfred grew from ages 4/5-16/17 from 1607 to 1770: meaning he grew about 11 years over the span of ~170 years. This to say Alfred was around different humans, though they were all trained royal staff, aka not personable. They guarded the land, fed Alfred, taught him his lessons, but never stayed longer than 3-4 years before being replaced; to a child living life-times longer than them, those few years might as well be a matter of minutes. So, growing bored and antsy whilst Arthur is away, Alfred escapes the confines of his home and meets colonists. The first human Alfred actually got to meet and speak to on his own, as far as I’m concerned, is Davie.

He visited Davie throughout his life, so presumably at least 50 years of watching what would one day be his nation, begin to flourish. Being "America" he probably not only felt a kinship with the colonists he met and observed, but also longed to be living with them and quickly grew tired of his English life-style, and the selfish rules Arthur imposed on him. I can't recall what the show states is cannon, but I don't think Alfred ever tells Arthur about Davie (at least, not while he's young). When Arthur returns from trips abroad Alfred acts as if he never left the house, and the staff don't snitch out of fear of capital punishment(lol). Instead Alfred spends years attempting to gain his own freedom from under Arthur's strict control of his life, attempting to persuade and getting in numerous arguments. He insists the world is not as horrid as Arthur states, and Arthur doesn't buy it for a second. Under duress of the Seven Years War their relationship fractures even more, and conveniently at the same time the American people are beginning to dread colonial rule.

In his own personal act of rebellion against Arthur, and as a final straw (running away from home) Alfred sought a seat at the First Continental Congress, solidifying himself in alignment with the American people, and revealing himself publicly as the nation’s persona. (Educated folk of the time most likely knew of Alfred’s existence but probably hadn’t considered him a contender this early in the revolution). From there of course, independence in declared, the nations go to war. As they say; the rest is history.

TLDR?;

Alfred was the first chance of a normal, human life Arthur had ever been given. He loved him, he loves him, more than anything but he didn't know how to care for him in a way that wouldn't smother him. Arthur had an ideal version of Alfred and Alfred's life in his mind and he would do anything to make that vision an reality, even if it meant ignoring Alfred's wants, even if it meant yelling at him, or hitting him. However, Alfred couldn't know this, he was a child, he loved Arthur, he loves him still, but he resented him for forcing him into a life he never asked for, and punishing him whenever he rebelled against it. The Revolution is the first of many small steps in mending their relationship, and it takes literal centuries of growth on both their parts until Arthur is willing to admit wrong doing and Alfred is willing to forgive.

[waitineedaname]

POV for the no excuses writing meme, please 👀 (i love this game so much!)

a bit of context: this is for my lesbingqiu wip inspired by that "can yuo put that out on me" tweet! the wip is from binghe's pov, so here's shen yuan instead. she strikes me as the kind of person to think being thirty makes her old (it does not lol)

--

Shen Yuan wasn't sure why Shang Qinghua had insisted on dragging her out drinking if she was just going to abandon her at the first sight of her situationship across the bar. She didn't care if Shang Qinghua insisted she needed to go out more! She had work to do! Never mind that her "work" these days mostly amounted to opening her dissertation document, glaring at it for an hour, and then closing it again. She was simply getting too old to go out drinking. She was thirty now; she might as well join a knitting circle if Qinghua was that worried about her social life.

She continued grumbling to herself as she lit her cigarette. It was much quieter outside the bar, though she could still feel the music thumping through the wall behind her. She would give Shang Qinghua another five or ten minutes to prove she hadn't completely forgotten about her, just long enough to take a smoke break, and then she'd leave. She could go home, change into her pyjamas, and spend the evening working through her reading list like she'd originally intended.

Her plans were interrupted by a sudden spike in the bar's volume as someone opened the door and stumbled out into the alley beside her. Shen Yuan nearly dropped her cigarette as she was suddenly confronted by the most absurdly beautiful woman she'd ever seen.

She wondered deliriously for a moment whether there had been a modelling event that she didn't know about, because there was no other explanation for a woman this gorgeous being loose in the wild. Her dress hugged her curves in all the right places, and she had the kind of artful curls that Shen Yuan thought only existed in professionally styled wigs. Her bone structure was fine, and her skin was perfect. Seriously, was Shen Yuan hallucinating?!

The woman was also, Shen Yuan realized, extremely drunk. She stumbled over her high heels, reaching out to support herself on the wall with a groan. Shen Yuan's hands itched to reach out and support her, but she resisted the impulse.

"Are you alright?" she asked instead. The woman looked up, startled, eyes wide as if she hadn't realized Shen Yuan was there. Absolutely no way those eyelashes were real. They had to be falsies.

The woman made a slightly incoherent noise, and Shen Yuan frowned. How drunk was she? She then abruptly stood up straighter, though she was clearly still supporting herself on the wall.

"I'm fine," she said, surprising Shen Yuan with a low, smooth voice like honey. "I just needed some fresh air."

Shen Yuan nodded sympathetically. Poor thing. "Drink a little too much?"

The other woman's lips pursed in a pout. "My friend ordered shots," she explained.

And then just let her wander off?! Shen Yuan would like a word with this friend of hers. "You should be careful with those," she cautioned. "They can get you drunk very fast."

The woman nodded with the earnestness of an eager student. "Jiejie is very wise."

Oh, she was far too cute. Is this what people were referring to when they talked about blessed interactions between drunk girls at a bar? Never mind that Shen Yuan was hardly buzzed herself. She wanted to pat this girl's head and give her more wisdom, even if this wasn't really her area of expertise.

"Would jiejie keep me company while I sober up?" asked the other woman, her speech slightly slurred and her dark eyes pleading. As if Shen Yuan could say no to eyes like that!

"Of course." Shen Yuan nodded. It was her responsibility, after all! A code of sisterhood, to look out for drunk girls! "What's your name?"

"Luo Binghe." She found a more comfortable position leaning against the wall, resulting in her curls spilling over her chest. Shen Yuan foolishly tracked the motion, then forced her eyes back up to Luo Binghe's face. Aiyah! That dress really left very little to the imagination! Wasn't she cold?! Should Shen Yuan offer her jacket? "What should I call jiejie?"

"Shen Yuan." She lifted her cigarette to her lips and took another drag in the hopes that it would make Luo Binghe's appearance less distracting. Luo Binghe was staring at her with an intensity that made her want to squirm. "Are you here for some special occasion?"

Luo Binghe just continued to stare at her for a while. Poor thing, she really must be drunk. Shen Yuan knew how slowly she processed things when she was drunk. She could be patient with the girl. "My friends wanted to celebrate me starting graduate school," Luo Binghe eventually explained. Her pretty features pulled in a slight frown. "I think it's just an excuse for them to get drunk."

Shen Yuan chuckled at the petulance on Luo Binghe's face. "Maybe, but that’s a worthy thing to celebrate. Congratulations on starting grad school."

"Thank you, Shen-jie." Luo Binghe's expression softened into a smile again, still laser-focused on Shen Yuan's face.

Shen Yuan took a moment to look Luo Binghe over again. Grad school, huh? Shen Yuan struggled to believe that, but she couldn't see why Luo Binghe would lie. It's just, Shen Yuan was in graduate school, and she felt horribly outclassed by the girl in front of her. With looks like hers, she could easily become an idol or something! She didn't deserve to waste away in academia like Shen Yuan, though she admired Luo Binghe's academic drive. And so young, too...

"You seem awfully young for grad school," Shen Yuan said. It could be that she just took good care of herself, but she wouldn't have been surprised if she'd said she was still an undergrad. "How old are you?"

"I'm twenty-five," Luo Binghe said.

"Twenty-five," Shen Yuan repeated. Twenty-five! And she was here, talking to thirty year old Shen Yuan outside a bar. Shen Yuan's earlier impression was right; this really was not the scene for her. "I think I’m officially too old for this bar. People will think I’m a creep if I keep coming around here." She took another drag from her cigarette, feeling morose over her age. "When I graduated high school, you would’ve been thirteen. Isn’t that weird?"

It had seemed like Luo Binghe was sobering up, but she suddenly wobbled on her heels. She was staring intensely at the cigarette in Shen Yuan's hand. "Can you put that out on me?" she slurred.

Shen Yuan's heart rate spiked. Ah! How could she be so oblivious? What kind of helpful jiejie was she if she was blowing smoke in Luo Binghe's direction?! "Oh! I’m so sorry, I should’ve asked if it was okay to smoke near you. I’ll put it out." She quickly ground it out on the wall. Luo Binghe made a pitiful noise of complaint, but that's okay, Shen Yuan had this handled now! No more smoke when Luo Binghe had specifically wanted to get fresh air!

"I know it’s a bad habit," Shen Yuan attempted to make an excuse for herself, her fingers itching with nervous energy. "It gives me something to do with my mouth and hands. I guess I should get a fidget cube or something less bad for me, but…" She trailed off with an awkward laugh.

Luo Binghe's eyes were still wide and slightly wet, fixated on her hands. Poor thing, the smoke must've made her eyes water. She opened her mouth, but she was interrupted by the door to the bar opening with a slam.

"Bing-jie!" A girl burst out of the bar, covered in jangling jewellery and not much in the way of actual clothing. She latched onto Luo Binghe's arm, speaking way too loudly to be sober. "You left your Ling-er all alone in the bar!"

Luo Binghe's expression immediately soured, but based on the way she didn't shove the other girl away, it was clear she knew her. Ah, Shen Yuan realized. This must be the friend who'd ordered the shots. Well, she'd just been planning to keep an eye on Luo Binghe until she sobered up or a friend joined her, and here was the friend. Her company was no longer needed here.

"I should probably get going," Shen Yuan said, giving Luo Binghe a soft smile. She had been scowling at her friend, but when she looked back up at Shen Yuan, her eyes were wide and puppyish again. "Get home safe, okay?"

Luo Binghe nodded, once again reminding her of an earnest student. "I will, Shen-jie."

Shen Yuan waved and left the alleyway. She sighed and pulled out her phone to call a cab. Shang Qinghua could find her own way home. Serves her right.

Still, the night wasn't a complete wash. Even as she made her way home, her thoughts drifted back to Luo Binghe. Did she get home alright? Was she drinking enough water? Would she be too hungover in the morning? A girl that pretty and that drunk could be a real target for unsavory people. Shen Yuan didn't doubt that she could handle herself -- those arms of hers were impressive -- but she couldn't help but worry.

Ah, well. Worrying wouldn't do her any good. It's not like they'd ever see each other again.

She put thoughts of Luo Binghe aside and decided to put her energy towards preparing orientation for her department's incoming graduate students.

[littlecrow4]

How we feeling about this??? Good? Bad?

Part of a fic I’m writing

[abyssalgardens]

man so beautiful he utterly demolishes 4+ months of artblock in an instant

[yj-polycule]

Batgirl, devastated after breaking up with Superboy, sees Wonder Girl and starts having ideas?

Dear requester, I adore you greatly for giving me that good CassCassie / CassCass concept because I stumbled upon that ship my accident and now I am fully invested.

- - - - - -

Cass was familiar with the concept of pain. She had to be. Every moment of her childhood was dedicated to mastering the art of inflicting as much pain as possible as effectively as possible. So no, pain wasn't anything new in Cass's world.

She just wasn't aware that a broken heart was such an effective means of causing it.

It wasn't that a broken heart was a new concept to her either. She had become quite familiar with it upon watching shows with Barbara or talking with Tim about his relationships of the past, yet she was blissfully unaware of how painful that single concept could truly be.

Maybe it was because it was her first heartbreak. The first real relationship she has had, and the first ending to one she has come across. Maybe it was because it wasn't a messy situation that brought them apart, that it was civil and a clean break that made her heart contract in on itself as they agreed that they were better off just remaining friends.

Didn't mean it hurt any less.

Tim helped. Despite him having known Kon for longer, the Robin still opted to spend him time with Cass, keeping her company, distracting her from the pain constricting in her chest, and just letting her know that it was normal. The playful jabs at the Kryptonian made laughter come much easier, knowing they were coming from a place of knowledge, rather than blind insults she had heard people commonly spew when addressing someone's ex. It was reassuring. Comforting, having her new friend be there for her.

It was in one of those moments of peace when the request came.

"Wanna join me for movie night this week?" The two were occupying the couch in the middle of the clock tower, Tim sprawled across the sofa with his legs resting on Cass's lap as she was staring blankly at the TV running across from them, not really taking in anything from the show that was playing. She felt her expression pinch, knowing who typically attended his weekly movie nights.

"Kon-el?" She forced the name out, feeling her chest tighten ever so slightly as it slipped between her lips.

"Can't make it this week. Something about Clark needing his help with something at the fortress of solitude or something like that."

"Ah. Filler then." Tension leaked out of Cass's shoulder at the confirmation Kon wasn't going to be there and cast her attention toward Tim, who had his face pinched in a soured expression.

"No... but kinda? As much as I know Cassie loves us, I doubt she could survive both Bart and I rambling for who knows how many hours without actually loosing her sanity." A small hum came from Cass at the explanation, a small smirk coming to her face.

"Sacrifice, then." Cass shifted her weight to avoid the pillow being half heartedly thrown her direction, smirk splitting into a true smile as Tim sat up, glaring at her with no real heat.

"I have other reason! Bart and Cassie have been wanting to meet you, and considering Kon won't be there I thought this would be a good an easy way for you guys to meet. Ya know, without the world ending and shit." Cass laughed softly, finally shoving the younger's legs off her lap. It honestly didn't sound like a bad time, plus she had been wanting to meet the rest of Young Justice, considering she has heard plenty about them from both Kon and Tim.

"Sounds fun. You'll pick me up?" Tim nodded at the question, a smile across his face before shifting himself to lean more fully against Cass, clearly satisfied with his work. Brown eyes rolled fondly as she pushed her weight against his, the two falling back into silence, gazes locked on the TV ahead.

-----

Saturday afternoon rolled around with no real fanfare, just Tim leading Cass to a small house in the suburbs of Gateway City. The younger was rambling about anything and everything while Cass just nodded along, happy to just listen as they approached the unassuming front door. A moment later the door slid open, revealing an older woman with brown hair, who's gaze skimmed over the two before falling into a welcoming smile.

"Tim, glad to see you could make it. And who is this?"

"Hey Ms. Sandsmark, this is Cass my..." Tim paused, turning his attention to Cass with a pinched expression as the two made eye contact. "Sister?" Cass gave a short nod. "Sister. Cassie and Bart wanted to meet her so I invited her, hope that isn't a problem."

Ms. Sandsmark's face warmed up as she looked at Cass, opening the door fully and signaling the two to come inside. "Not an issue at all. It's great to meet you Cass. The others are upstairs, but Bart might be in the middle of emptying my kitchen. I'm sure you know the way." Tim gave a nod toward the brunette before looping arms with Cass and pulling her deeper into the house and up a single flight of stairs. Cass let her eyes bounce around the space, taking in as much of it as she could.

It was a stereotypical suburban house, or as much as one as Cass could figure out from the media she's consumed. Pictures of a young girl with blond hair were scattered among the walls, awards and certificates hanging among them, addressed to both a Helena and Cassandra. The house as a whole had a warm, pleasant feeling to it that put Cass at ease as they finally stopped in front of a bedroom door, Tim throwing it open without abandon.

"Cassandra, meet Cassandra. Cassandra, Cassandra." Tim strut into the room, signaling toward Cass before shifting his hand toward a blonde teenager sitting in the middle of a twin bed against a wall. Cass watched as hazel eyes rolled in amusement before the other teenager pushed herself to her feet and walked over to the two bats, shoving Tim playfully toward the bed before turning her attention to the older of the Bats.

"Helpful as always Rob. I'm Cassie, nice to finally put a face to the name," The blonde, Cassie, extends a hand toward Cass, who stares at it for a moment, taking in the other's body language. Relaxed, unguarded, powerful, welcoming... pretty.

Cass paused, her mind replaying that last observation over and over again as she just stared at Cassie's hand. Cassie's face fell slightly as she glanced over at Tim, clearly trying to decipher if she did something wrong. Hesitance, worry. Almost instantly, Cass reached out and took Cassie's hand, giving the other a reassuring squeeze and smile.

"You too. Tim talks... highly of you." Cass tries to put as much reassurance in her voice, hoping to get across to the blonde that she was being genuine. The hurt melted away instantly, replaced with a smug look as hazel eyes glanced over toward Tim, who has already written off their introduction in favor of paying attention to his phone.

"Does he now? I didn't know he knew how to give out compliments." The teasing was rich in the demi-goddess' tone as Tim instantly shot up a middle finger in their direction, startling a laugh out of both of them. Cass found any hesitation melting off her at the sound of Cassie's laughter in the small bedroom. A warm feeling settled in her stomach as the blonde's attention was turned back to Cass.

"Come on, let's get settled somewhere before Bart comes back and throws himself on top of all of us," Cassie grabbed Cass's hand lightly before dragging the older teen toward the bed. It was almost too easy how Cass followed the pull, letting herself be directed by the other into a comfortable position between her both and the demigoddess.

The trio all settled into their place, Tim leaning against Cass, unintentionally pushing her into Cassie's side. The two made brief eye contract, Cassie simply smiling at the other and pushing her weight equally back. Cass didn't even notice her face heating up with a slight blush at the action.

She also didn't notice, that for the first time since the break up, her heart wasn't in pain. Instead, it was replaced with a soft feeling of comfort and worth.

That was probably something she could address later.

[tomaturtles]

IT'S KAWOSHIN DAY!!! As well as the last day of Kawoshin Week :') It's been such a blast, gonna miss it when it's over

Kawoshin Week Day 7: Cuddling/domestic fluff! + Sleepover and Spinoffs (again)! Based on the Campus Apocalypse sleepover chapter ☺️