#I love the Teal Mask it was so much fun it’s just really funny that everyone basically hated each other

[camping-with-monsters]

// teal mask plot spoilers under cut

I think if the entire plot of The Teal Mask was an AITA post most people would respond with ESH. Right. Not counting Ogerpon though she literally did nothing wrong.

#The Kiwi Speaks #spoilers in tags #The Teal Mask #Pokémon #Pokemon scarlet #Pokémon violet #Pokémon scarlet and violet #Pokémon ScarVio #does ogerpon have a body count? yes. #was she justified? in every fucking right #Carmine was an asshole to you and Kieran #than she turned you into an asshole to be an asshole to Kieran #then you found out the loyal three were royal assholes #so then she made you even more of an asshole #then she questioned why her brother turned into an asshole #also Kieran’s sitrus Berry belly drum Poliwrath. that’s just a dick move on it’s own like good fucking grief kid #where the fuck are your manners boy. that’s disgusting of you to even try that #not to mention the whole town was an asshole to ogerpon #kitakami more like kitakasshole #I love the Teal Mask it was so much fun it’s just really funny that everyone basically hated each other #they hyped up Ogerpon as the villain and she turned out to be the only righteous character in the entire story pretty much #anyways I love you ogerpon baba grill

[fatuismooches]

hiii, if your requests are still open, can i request headcannons of dottore and reader in the sumeru academia (romantic)? Have a nice day 💕

♡ 𝐃𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐮 𝐀𝐤𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐲𝐚 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 ♡

synopsis: The prestigious Sumeru Akademiya was filled with interesting and unique characters. But none of them came close to the man shrouded in rumors and loneliness, Dottore.

includes: dottore w/ gn! reader

notes: Of course I can! This was very fun to write, as I love this idea so much. I hope you enjoy this!

Even though you had grown up in Sumeru amongst the greatest scholars and had access to knowledge, you never wanted to become a scholar and go to the Akademiya. You had seen people suffer for years over their research and take half of their lives to graduate. In no way did you want a strict and consuming life like that. You were quite content with being an adventurer for the Guild, as you were very strong and could hold your own easily. That was until you found out your parents had signed you up for the Akademiya without your knowledge, and all your items were moved to a dorm room there. You were highly upset and wanted to leave immediately, but something stopped you. Maybe it was because you were already here, and it’d be a pain to go back and face your parents immediately. And maybe some of those smart scholars could help you with some fighting techniques. So you decided to stay to test the waters, just to see what the Akademiya life was like.

You still didn’t try that hard though, and instead struck deals with other scholars. You found out that many of them weren’t very strong. They couldn’t test their devices, or go to old ruins or dangerous places for their research by themselves without paying a large fee to hire someone. So instead, you would do anything fighting-related for them, and they would help you with the work in return. It was really good actually, whenever you were partnered for some group project with some random person, you’d do all the fighting while they did the academics. This resulted in good results from their research, so the professors at least briefly knew of your existence out of the mass amount of students. It helped that you were patient and kind, so many people grew to like you. This is why many people ran to warn you about the man named Dottore you happened to be partnered with this time.

Apparently, he was a teal-haired man with red eyes who always donned a mask, so no one knew what his real face looked like. Rumors about his dubious experiments and malpractice always floated about but there was never any concrete evidence to convict him. Despite this, he was so incredibly smart that even the top professors acknowledged his intelligence. He rarely left his room, but when he did, the hundreds of students in the hallways would scamper to the side, leaving a clear-cut path for him to walk. No one would dare talk to him, and some were even scared to step close to his dorm room after Dottore’s only roommate left, saying they’d rather live on the streets than with that “madman.” While many people begged you to ask the professor for a change of partners, you were intrigued by this so-called freak and monster. Maybe since you’ve already seen all kinds of monsters in the wild so you weren’t that scared, but you wanted to meet this Dottore.

You walked down the hallway in which Dottore’s room was. It was a normal hallway, with normal rooms, and Dottore’s room all the way at the end of the hall was no different. It was a bit funny to know how people were scared to do such a mundane thing. And so, you raised your hand to knock but before you could, the door opened a crack and a distinct red eye peered at you. How’d he know you were there? You faltered a second but composed yourself, ready to make your introduction, but he sharply interrupted you.

“I already know who you are, and why you’re here. No need to waste time,” Dottore said dryly, noticing as you blinked awkwardly at his less than pleasant attitude. He didn’t say anything else as he eased the door open some more, letting you come in.

It was darker than normal because much of the curtains had been pulled shut. You gazed at your surroundings. His room was more of a workshop and lab than a living space. Different kinds of tools scattered about, clipboards and papers, oh, and he even had Ruin Guard parts?! Wait, was that a syringe? 

Dottore eyed you carefully, arms crossed. He was already secretly surprised at your boldness, as no one besides him had stepped foot in here in ages. In truth, he hoped to drive you off with his usual rudeness and questionable room, so you’d go and ask the professor to let you have another partner, so then he could work alone in peace. Oh, how wrong he was.

“Wow! Your room is so cool!”

A moment passed in silence as Dottore had to make sure he didn’t hear things. “What…?”

“I’ve never seen any other student’s room look like this!” You bounced over to a random desk and squinted at some papers. “And I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone research this kinda stuff before,” you hummed, trying to hold it up to the light to read.

It took Dottore another moment to process what you said, but he quickly grabbed the notes from your hand. “These aren’t for your eyes, idiot,” he scowled, for once not sure what to say because no one had ever said that to him. He became even more confused when all you did was laugh.

This was Dottore? You were prepared for a lot worse from the rumors, but definitely not this. And furthermore, he was quite attractive even though he had a smart mouth. You shook your head, feeling as though this would be quite interesting.

“Hey, why don’t we start that project already? I promise I’ll be of good help to you.” Thus began your days as Dottore’s assistant in Sumeru Akademiya.

Dottore was still internally shocked that you willingly volunteered yourself as his partner. Initially was super suspicious of you - you had to be lying, or playing a prank, or planning to leak all his work to outsiders. Barely said a word and brushed you off at first, but found it harder to keep up the act when you continued to be sweet and patient with him. Eventually gave up when you kept barging into his dorm for his company and beating the shit out of his tormentors in front of him.

After the two of you finished the first group project, his chest twinged a bit, a feeling he only felt long ago, when he was chased out of his town with pitchforks and his first few months of being shunned at the Akademiya. He questioned why. Oh - it was because now that the project was over, you’d never talk to him again. But this thought only flitted in his mind, as he refused to think about it any longer, quickly resuming his research. Oh, how he would be wrong again. A few days later, there was a familiar banging on his door, and he unconsciously moved quicker than usual to open it.

“Oh hey Dotty! Move over, I gotta move my stuff into your room?”

“What?” This conversation was starting to feel too similar to the first one he had with you.

“I’m your new roommate starting today, of course! Haha!” You laughed merrily as you handed him the transfer papers. He was too shocked to berate you.

“Hey, is your bed the top bunk bed or the bottom one? I can’t tell because all your science stuff is on both.”

You and your unusualness were going to be the death of him.

After Dottore warms up to you, it is impossible for him to let go. You will forever be with him. Unfortunately pre-relationship, he comes off like an asshole despite him trying his best since he actually likes you. When he tries to convey how he’s glad you’re his roommate now, he probably ends up saying something dumb and insulting, and then cringes in private later at his horrid social skills. Please tell him your feelings first, he keeps screwing it up and you’re probably tired of that. When you confess, he acts so confident but is questioning himself and you so badly - how can you really love someone like him? Buries these conflicting thoughts and is genuinely eager to finally someone who cares. He was one who has no one else in this world besides himself, but he now you too. 

Room dates!! This man doesn’t like leaving his room due to all the stares he gets, and he doesn’t like when you’re not with him, so a lot of dates are in the comfort of his room. Well, you’re the one who made it comfortable, after organizing all his messes and buying new decorations and soft blankets for cuddling. I don’t know how the Akademiya is structured, but imagine you and Dottore lying against each, looking out from your high-floor dorm room window out at the city at night <3. (Dottore is in no way a sap for this kind of stuff, but it makes you happy, so he can deal with it.) Dates where you help him tinker with stuff. The two of you buy something, dismantle it, and then rebuild it for fun. Dates where he rambles on for hours about his new theories and future experiments, and the plans that he will fulfill. I don’t know if you can consider experimenting in his room a date, but yeah. Also, you spoon feeding him food because if you don’t he’ll forget to eat.

Dates where he takes you to different locations and makes you fight enemies that he wants the material and drops of. You make him hide behind rocks so he doesn’t get hurt, but he secretly takes notes of all your fascinating moves. Would give you advice after on how to save the most stamina and energy, which moves would give you the most power. Honestly, he could make you a lot stronger with just his observations and words. Dates where he takes you to ancient domains and ruins. Dottore takes notes of all the ancient scribbles and puzzles for his research while you fight for both of your lives. Since he’s a student he still has more free time, he just chooses to spend it on research. Dates where you forcibly drag him out for picnics at night so no one can bother the two of you or stare. Tells you about how all the stars in the sky are lies, apparently. Thinks reciting complicated formulas and scientific facts is romantic.

Dottore carries you easily in the Akademiya. He could do two different reports on the same topic and make them completely different. If you ask him to do so, he’ll moan and groan but ultimately get it done quickly because he’s a genius, and also he loves you too much and would kill a man if you really wanted him to. You don’t need any other partner besides him, Dottore insists. No one can explain the concepts better than him, and no one would take hours to explain them to you either. But he is a bit competitive so if you happen to do better on a test or assignment, Dottore would get all pouty. He likes being the smarter one in the relationship. (You have to convince him that he definitely is and that you got this far with his help.) Also, you taking off his mask so you can kiss his face. This takes so much trust, and it probably happens first in the pitch darkness where you still can’t see his face yet.

Times where the two of you make fun of the people who bullied you. Dottore can be real nasty especially when people are mean to you. You have to calm him down. Study dates happen quite often as well. But you have trouble focusing on all of those hard things so you try to distract and bother Dottore by wrapping your arms around him and snuggling into his neck. He gets all grouchy but gives into cuddles after some persistence. Even though you still didn’t have much desire to graduate from the Akademiya, you vowed to remain Dottore’s loyal assistant for however long. You hoped these days would continue forever, but all you knew was that no matter where Dottore went, you’d follow after, much to his pleasure. Neither of you would have it any other way <3.

taglist: @heyhazelnut101, @peepopeepopeperoni

#genshin impact #genshin impact x reader #genshin x reader #il dottore #il dottore x reader #dottore x reader #fatui x reader #fatui harbingers x reader #fatui harbingers #genshin impact il dottore #genshin il dottore #dottore genshin #dottore fluff #dottore

[a-tale-of-legends]

So uh. I put this in my drafts cause in mobile the asks are written funny when I try to answer them. But for some reason I can't go back and edit it???????? Which is. Weird. Good thing I took a screen shot.

Anyway.

( points to May/Brendan, Calem/Serena, Ethan/Lyra, Dawn/Lucas) Do they mean nothing to you anon /j Buuuut yeah, from the looks of it most protags are separate via timelines. I don't usually have a problem with this, since so far whenever there's an npc protag they aren't really doing....much. If you're lucky you get a Dawn/Lucas or Serena/Calem that tries to be very active in the plot, but outside of that they aren't much of a character. Calem/Serena tried to be buuuuut they failed imo. I think it really comes down the fact that if there's more than one protagonist in the game, one is gonna be less of a blank slate that the player can project on than the other. Which isn't a bad thing, I love giving the protags some personalities ( it's partially what started the Legendverse), but the whole point of the silent protag is for the player to project onto them. That, and Gamefreak sure doesn't make them as interesting as they could be. Lyra/Ethan are the biggest offenders of this imo. They. Really don't do much outside of tutorial stuff. You don't battle them, you don't fight with them, you rarely get any real depth from them like. I hate saying it, but if they weren't in the story at all it wouldn't have changed things, which really sucked to say cause I like HGSS. All of this is to say that this is why I have dual protags in my au. For granted,almost all of them are ocs, but they still share the protag title, just separated by "main" and "secondary".

Okay with all of that out of the way, to your ask anon. When it comes to hc about Juliana and Florian, it's...well it's not hard but it's annoying. Bc visually they're just Gloria and Victor 2. At least at first. Ironically I think the dlc art actually gives me a few ideas. This I'm treating these two as separate characters, so no genderfluid Florian/Juliana today.

Juliana: An excitable girl with a love for battling. Is known to throw rules away in favor of something more "fun"....whatever that is. She's generally very brash, and doesn't exactly think before acting. This bit her in the back Teal Mask, however. Afterwards she kinda.....lessened in terms of her usual energetic self. She became more serious and stoic faced- still Juliana, always Juliana, but the events of Teal Mask really brought her down. The last thing she ever wanted to do is to hurt a friend. In Indigo Disk she kinda adopts this serious, no nonsense persona which is admittedly, very weird, even for her. Seeing Kieran the way he is kinda makes it worse. She's a bit more....angry here. Whether it's at herself, others, Kieran, no one knows. She probably doesn't know. But through it all she just wants to make things right again.

Florian: The opposite of Juliana: a fucking nerd. Moreso wanting to focus on his studies than anything else, Florian is a skittish, rule follower to the T. Too bad the plot of SV ( and Juliana if we're doing dual protags) drags him into nonsense. But honestly it's a good thing overall. He becomes less rigid, a bit less fearful. He actually ends up enjoying himself more than he ever does and even makes some amazing friends to boot. Teal Mask was great for him! Until it wasn't. I like to think he bonded with Kieran very easily, both being somewhat shy, and an admiration of those who they deem stronger than them. When things hit the fan I think Florian was.....off. He was hurt. Very hurt. And he definitely beat himself over it. But he never let it show? In fact it seems that he's gotten more carefree as time goes on and a smidge more interested in battling. By Indigo Disk, Florian just seems like a brand new person. He seems more confident, more carefree, even leaning into Drayton's jokes a little. And yet, when he sees Kieran that mask sorta cracks. He's scared out of his mind. He doesn't know what to say or do no matter how much he thinks about it. But better do retreat, than face it head on, right? In the end, he just wants the same thing as Juliana, but is struggling to find an answer.

This post is getting long so I'm just gonna end it here. Sorry to anyone who wanted to see Gloria and Victor! But I hope you enjoy these hcs! They were fun to make!

#r answers #pokemon juliana #pokemon florian

[gay-otlc]

Keepers Of The Chaos (Chapter 1)

The first chapter of the Tumblr KOTLC Fandom Fandom story is here!

Summary: Tam, Linh, Keefe, Biana, and Fitz are part of the tiny fandom for Keeper of the Chaos, and Tam and Linh's podcast convinces some of their other friends to watch it as well. The group finds themselves strangely invested in this show, where students at Tumblr High School who work together to write about an elf named Sophia, cause incomprehensible chaos, and fight their rival Pinterest High School.

Content warnings: Cursing

Word count: 1204

Read on AO3

Linh leans into the microphone. "Welcome to the Twins of the Chaos podcast," she says.

"Where some chaotic twins discuss our favorite show, Keepers of the Chaos," adds Tam. He tugs at his silver tipped bangs. "I'm Tam, and my sister's Linh, and today, we're going to be talking about why you should watch KOTC. Now, if you're one of our five regular listeners, you've probably already seen it, but feel free to share this with a friend or relative to convince them to watch this show!"

Smiling, Linh takes the microphone back and continues. "In this show, there's a group of very, very chaotic friends who all go to Tumblr High School together. As soon as they return after New Year's, their principal informs the school of a writing competition taking place between high schools, with other opportunities for extras like drawing or animation. Every member of the winning team gets a free scholarship to an arts school the characters all want to go to, but don't like their chances of getting in normally or paying, so they sign up. Through the nine episode season, taking place over the month of January, the characters in the writing competition start on the premise, get sidetracked, come up with some truly horrifying ideas, write some gay short stories, and, as the title promises, act very chaotic."

"Now, the writing prompt that the group has to build on is kind of... fuckin' weird," Tam says, barely resisting the urge to roll his eyes. "They have to write about a girl named Sophia, who's twelve years old and can read minds, who meets a teal- yes, teal- eyed boy named Finn, who tells her she's an elf. Then, she travels to the elf world, where she struggles a bit at elf school, makes friends with some other elves, learns that she is an illegal creation of a rebel group called the Dark Duck, and another rebel group- the Rarelynoticed- tries to kidnap and kill Sophia and her friend Deck. And yes, we're aware that the names are shitty but the characters in the show really get into mocking them, so that's an upside."

Linh laughs a little at the names. "There are a lot of rebels, you might have noticed," she adds.

Tam nods. "Yeah, I noticed. There are a lot of rebels because their government sucks. There's a council of twelve really old elves, and only two of them are alright, then one of those two dies, and then one of the previously bad ones turns good."

"The characters in the show were given a very detailed list of worldbuilding, plot, and character details. We don't have to read the whole thing, though- they just consult it when it's relevant."

"But writing about Sophia and the Dark Duck isn't the only plot of KOTC, thankfully. We also get to see the competitors writing Dark Duck interact with one another and have fun. It makes connections to real life events- mainly through Bernie Sanders memes, but whatever. Bernie Sanders memes are funny."

"Bernie Sanders memes are funny," says Linh, nodding seriously. "And yes. There are some romantic ships in there- like Amelia and Akki, or Shai/Lynn/Tater, but there are also close friendships, and you get to see the group bond over their shared desire to get the scholarship, and their collective love of chaos, so the more platonic aspect is definitely given screen time as well."

"Which, given how often shows center only on romance, is really great," Tam agrees.

"The show also does really incredibly with including diverse characters. Pretty much none of them are both straight and cis, and most of them are neither."

Tam grins. "Right, and no one really makes a big deal about it. They mention it when relevant, of course, and some have homophobic parents, but they have depth beyond getting the authors ally cookies or whatever. Everyone uses correct pronouns, or apologizes when they screw up, and everyone's pronouns are validated no matter how 'weird' or 'confusing' it might be."

"The show also has a lot of good religious diversity, with quite a few Jewish characters, who make sure it's very clear that they're Jewish."

"Yeah, one of the characters- Shai- starts a movement to turn all the Sophia and the Dark Duck characters Jewish as well."

"It doesn't succeed, but good job to aer for trying," Linh says, sighing sadly.

They fall silent for a little while as Tam checks their episode outline, scribbled in Linh's rather illegible handwriting. "Linh, what the fuck does this say?"

Brow furrowing, Linh asks "You can't read my handwriting?"

"No, I can't!"

She sighs. "It very clearly says 'great characters- discuss,'" she huffs.

"Yeah, no one can read your handwriting. Also, we should probably cut this out when we edit."

Linh nods. "Probably, yeah."

Tam leans in closer to the microphone and starts speaking into it again. "The competition has fifty something participants- fifty two, was it?" He looks to Linh for confirmation, who nods again. "Fifty two. But somehow, all of the characters have their own distinct personalities and stories and interests, and they're shown as complex human beings."

"Yeah, that's always been my favorite part of the show. The characters are just so interesting. Canon manages to focus on them a lot more than I would have thought possible, but it still doesn't give us all the details- since it has to balance so many people, it can't spend a long time focusing on just one- so there's a lot of room for speculation in the fandom. Some get noticeably more or less focus than others. Like, Lynn and her fiancees get kind of a lot, while I wish some of my favorite characters like Specs or Charlene got a bit more screen time. But everyone gets some, no one gets too many, and the fandom is there to fill in the gaps!"

"Yeah, and the fandom is fantastic," says Tam. "There aren't a whole lot of us, which we wish would change because the show is really great, but we're a good fandom to be in. There's not usually a lot of discourse, and there are so many talented people making content. lordofthesnuggles's theories for season two are always so detailed and logical that I lowkey suspect he writes for the show, and thehunkiestofhunkyhair makes fantastic fanart."

Snapping her fingers, Linh exclaims. "Oh, and les-biana has the best fanfictions."

Tam coughs, and mutters "Yeah, you like Biana's fanfictions."

"Oh, like you're any different with Keefe," Linh huffs.

There aren't any visuals, so no listeners of the podcast can prove Tam was blushing. "Anyway, the first- and currently only- season starts with everyone signing up for the competition, no idea what they're in for, and ended with half of them wearing sleeping masks with teal eyes painted on and the other half watching the chaos with mild amusement. It's entertaining as fuck, and very well written, so do go check it, recommend it to your friends, let Keepers of the Chaos take over the world, whatever you like."

"Thanks for listening to the Twins of the Chaos podcast, and have an amazing day!" Linh finishes, and she stops recording.

#shai types things #tumblr kotlc fandom fandom #cursing tw #shai's writing

[fairestwriting]

title: piece of my world

word count: 1562

summary: Phoebe shuts off the game before she goes to bed, but it doesn’t seem to end there.

commissioned by @invaderphoeb ! hope you enjoyed it and thanks so much for the support <3 also available on ao3 here !

guidelines for commissions are here, in case anyone else is interested

That game had an interesting prologue.

Phoebe chuckles when she switches the phone off, letting her face meet the mattress for a second, smiling. She had fun with it, there were more chapters to look into later, but for now the prologue would have to be enough — It was that long already, all of its parts stretching far into the night.

She yawns, turning around on the bed, now laying on her back instead of her stomach. It had been her friend’s idea to have her play it, knowing her love for Disney movies and its villains, and she’s grateful for the recommendation. It had been a fun night.

But naturally, everything needs to come to an end, and this far into the night, Phoebe really needed to get some sleep.

Hopping off the bed, they leave their phone on the nightstand and dig into their closet for a couple moments before retrieving their favorite pajama set, changing without thinking about much of anything. They hang the clothes they’d been wearing previously on the chair near the desk, then get under the covers, snuggling up until they’re comfortable.

Pip, their dear teddy bear, had been resting on the nightstand, next to the phone, but soon enough it’s in their arms again, squeezed tightly as they nuzzled it with a small smile.

It’s funny seeing how the personalities of the villains translated into these characters, how they held that sort of familiarity she felt when she watched the movies, but turned into something new and refreshing. She didn’t know exactly who was who yet, just a handful of scattered names her friend had mentioned to her, but seeing some elements on the character’s designs, she had a couple of guesses here and there.

It was an interesting game, really. Phoebe was excited to play some more in the morning, she thinks, and drowsiness began to cloud her mind.

That cat, Grim, with his blue flames a boasting, prideful dialogue, and the headmaster Dire Crowley, with that mask and flashy blue clothing, stay in her mind for a bit. Kind of like they’re staring at him through water, Phoebe sinks into the pool of her thoughts, slowly fading away as sleep takes over, and they don’t leave.

What a funny game. She wonders which characters she’d get to know in chapter one — Which villains were personified there, and how. Crowley’s words, in that specific tone of voice he had, echo along incomprehensibly, and she thinks of this one red haired boy who had chased after Grim in the story.

In Phoebe’s blurred vision, he’s running like that, in those robes. She wonders where he was headed, briefly.

. . .

“What happened here?”

“Where the hell did this come from… who is this person?”

“Are they conscious? Everyone, step away…!”

The world blurs and unblurs, everything darkened with the still not faded unconsciousness of Phoebe’s brain — Not many thoughts run through her mind, is she dreaming? The place around her can barely be seen, but it doesn’t look like her room.

No, it doesn’t look like her room at all.

It’s purple all around, odd lighting comes from a chandelier and hanging lamp lights in a sort of lavender or reddish tone. There are windows on the walls, decorated with intricate framing that looped in all sorts of arabesque-like designs, long dark purplish curtains covering their corners, mirrors all around.

Near those walls, coffins floating ominously, emanating glow from a circle on their very centers that kept fading in and out, with all those people around him too, Phoebe notes vaguely, but he can barely move. He feels something poking at him, first at his wrist, then on his face—

“What are you doing? Don’t touch them like this, or it’ll be off with your head…!”

What…? Phoebe tries to open his eyes, but it’s difficult. The voice is eerily, slightly familiar, the line definitely so, taking her way back to watching the classic Alice in Wonderland in a rainy night, curled up in blankets and holding her—

The teddy bear. Where was it?

“Oi, it looks like they’re waking up…” A rougher, deeper voice comes into play after a couple of steps, Phoebe still can’t see right, but she knows there’s a man looming over her, intense eyes that stand out between darker skin and hair.

Her vision unblurs slightly, for a moment. She sees the slash of the scar across his eye.

“This looks strange…” A faraway mutter by an analytical voice, quiet yet it calls for Phoebe’s attention, she sees another tan man on the borders of the crowd, long hair cascading over his shoulder. A shorter one with white hair and red eyes standing by his side. “Kalim, stand behind.” He says, it comes out commanding, misplaced when it came to the image he got through

“Ehh, Jade, what’s going on? Did the entrance ceremony just get interesting?” Another faraway sound, a giggle among many other mutters.

“Mm, it seems so, Floyd.”

Blur again, but it doesn’t last too long before it leaves again, and the faint shapes of other people come back into Phoebe’s field of vision. The voices around Phoebe don’t stop talking, gawking at them like they’re some sort of lab rat to be experimented on, they want to stand up and tell them to back off, to ask where the hell they are, what sort of dream is this? But they can’t move at all, every limb feeling like it’s been cemented onto the floor.

Despite the way their eyes kept darting around, not even their lids could stay fully open—

“What the hell is that…” Someone else is giggling, leaning forwards, a sly smile with orange hair and red eyes.

“Shush, you’re gonna get into trouble, and we didn’t even get sorted yet..!” A person nearby, short dark hair and eyes of the same color, scolds them.

Phoebe is mostly trying to move. Wiggling fingers or toes, squirming, but it’s like they’re trapped into their own body, fading in and out of consciousness, only one foot into the bizarre dream, and the other…

“Has the headmaster not said he’d check where that person came from?” The voice near the one Phoebe could link the name Floyd to asks, just a tad closer, had he taken a couple steps towards them? “I don’t believe I see him anywhere.”

“Super weird, huh. I like it.” That Floyd drawls, sounding just on the edge of a giggle. “Hey, Jade, d’you think they’re from anywhere we know? Maybe some first year who just passed out here?”

“What are you… you two, get away from them, what excuse would you tell if they found you hovering over an unconscious body?” A new, unfamiliar voice perks up. Looking around drowsily, Phoebe finds the source of that duo, two tall teal-haired young men, a third, smaller and silver-haired one popping up between them through the crowd. “Keep away. This is not our problem to solve—”

“Eh, but Azul likes getting up on other people’s businesses, doesn’t he.” Floyd laughs.

“Now’s not the time for this!” A new voice scolds — the boy who’d said that familiar phrase, off with your head, she finds out he’d been small, red haired, and…

Realization hits even through the haze. Was that the game’s prologue?

“Really, where is that headmaster…”

“You know you can’t trust that guy, all he cares about is…”

“But it’s more interesting like this, right? Entrance ceremonies are so boring…”

Murmurs and more murmurs around them. Phoebe resigns herself to the dream. Maybe she’d wake up. Maybe she’d tell her friend about it tomorrow morning, laughing about how easily the game had trickled into her head, turning into this weird frenzied fantasy.

Because it wasn’t real, right? There’s no way something like this could be!

“Silence!” Another voice — One easily recognized, even before the eye-catching figure of a man in flashy garments and a bird mask steps in hurriedly. It’s that headmaster Crowley, his eyes glowing slightly in the dim light. “Don’t crowd around the unconscious person like this—”

“But do you know where they come from?” The scarred man with a deeper voice says, but takes a step back anyway. The headmaster looks around, frantic.

“Of course! Of course I do, perhaps they’re a student, just…”

“Is that… is that teddy bear glowing?”

The headmaster gasps, Phoebe feels a spark of energy hitting her mind again — Her teddy, she pleads in the back of her mind, trying to move, to look around, and she finally sees Pip, laying right next to her, who would now, but a soft glow emanates from the plush of its body. Phoebe’s efforts go towards stretching her arms to grab it, just hold it again, but it’s still impossible.

“This doesn’t look good.” The headmaster says in an uncharacteristic, quiet voice. “Students! Kindly do step back, I’ll be taking them to the infirmary?”

“But are they a student?” The bossy red-haired boy questions. “Headmaster?”

The voices begin to melt and muddle together like ingredients stirred into the same strange syrup — Phoebe sees glowing eyes through a mask very clearly as her body is picked up, internally panicking before the teddy bear is also taken from the floor and placed within her arms.

It doesn’t take too long for everything to go black again.

#twst #twisted wonderland #disney twst #disney twisted wonderland #twst oc #commissions tag #dire crowley #riddle rosehearts #jade leech #floyd leech #leona kingscholar #jamil viper #lis writing

[always-horny-for-fictional-men]

La Lune Cache Un Côté Sombre Part Two

WARNING: THIS FIC HAS TRIGGERING ASPECTS. TALK OF SUICIDE, SUICIDE ATTEMPTS, MENTIONS OF SEXUAL ABUSE, MENTIONS OF VIOLENCE, AND MENTAL DISORDERS. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE DON'T CONTINUE IF YOU THINK YOU MIGHT NOT BE COMFORTABLE WITH THESE SUBJECTS.

Fandom: Ikemen Vampire

Pairing: IkeVamp x OC/ Dazai x OC

Rated: E for Explicit

Type: Full Fic/Angst (fluff and some smut later on)

Word Count: 1561 words

The girl reminded him of himself. She was just like him in the weeks before his own death. That was concerning to him. He would have to keep an eye on her........

The man led me to a room, where the gentleman from earlier was sitting in a chair. He stood up, smiling.

"Hello again, mademoiselle." I inclined my head, dug his pocket watch out of my pocket, and stiffly held it out to him.

"You dropped this." His eyes widened slightly.

"I was unaware that I dropped it. Thank you for returning it." With the same gentle hesitation as when he put my earring back, he took the pocket watch from me. He then looked at the man beside me.

"Sebastian, why don't you gather everyone in the dining room? We will be just a minute." The man- Sebastian- bowed and left the room. He's the butler. I almost wanted to laugh. A butler named Sebastian? What a cliché.

"Please, sit. We have much to talk about." The gentleman gestured to one of the chairs nearby. I took my backpack off and sat down, tucking it between my legs.

"I am le Comte de Saint-Germain. You may call me Comte." I nodded absently, fidgeting with a loose thread on my sleeve. 

"Selene."

"You must have questions, Selene."  He crossed his legs, his folded hands resting on his knee.

"What is this place?"

"This is my home. And it is also the home of several great men from across history." I furrowed my brows. Is this him trying to be cryptic?

"What do you mean by that?"

"Exactly what I said. Everyone living in this house has made a dent in history, one way or another."

"Get to the point, 'Comte'." I heard à voice coming from behind me. I turned around to see a man with burnished golden eyes and long, messy brown hair leaning in the doorway. Comte sighed.

"I was getting there, Leonardo." Leonardo chuckled and walked over to us. 

"Nice to meet you, cara mia." 

"I'm not your darling", I snapped at him. He grinned, amused. His jovial mood was grating on me. 

"Selene, this is one of the men I was talking about. This is Leonardo DaVinci." My eyes widened. 

"That's impossible….. Leonardo DaVinci died hundreds of years ago….." Either they were lying to me or something more…. mystical was going on.

"I'm not dead, at least I don't think I am", he joked. Comte leaned towards me.

"I am telling the truth, ma cherie. I must also tell you that we are no longer in the 21st century. By going through that door, you have traveled back in time to the cusp of the 19th century." He's not lying. In that moment, everything felt like it was crashing down on me. I looked down at my lap.

"Great. Absolutely fantastic," I muttered.

"Cara mia?" I looked up at the men in front of me. They were both wearing similar looks of concern.

"Are you ok? I mustered a slight smile in an attempt to mask the dark feelings bubbling up inside of me. 

"I'm fine. So am I stuck here or is there a way to go back?" I was asking the obvious question because I felt like I had to ask, not that I wanted to ask. 

"Well, the door opens once a month. You could go back then but I get the feeling that's not what you want, is it?" I met Comte's eyes and studied them for a moment. I shook my head slightly.

"Not really, no….."

"In that case, you can stay as long as you like. Anything you need, I can provide." Guilt and anxiety welled up in the pit of my stomach, making me feel almost sick.

"You- you don't have to do that. I don't want to be a burden, I can-" I was cut off by Leonardo.

"Cara mia, you won't be a burden." Comte nodded.

"I'm always willing to bring in another resident." I was about to say something whe Comte turned to Leonardo and said,

"I'm sure that Sebastian has gotten everyone together by now. Why don't you escort Selene to the dining room? I will be there in a minute, I just need to finish something up." Leonardo nodded and started walking towards the door.

"Come on, cara mia. I'm sure everyone is excited to meet you." I sighed, got up and turned towards the door.

"Oh, and Selene?" I looked back at Comte, who had a serious look on his face.

"Just know that everything you learn in the next couple days is the truth." Uneasy, I nodded and followed Leonardo out of the room.

Comte watched her leave, apprehensively. There was something in her eyes that he did not like. He had seen that look before. He had seen it in the eyes of at least one of his residents. Pulling out some paper, he started writing.

As soon as we started walking down the hallway, Leonardo started pestering me.

"So, what were you up to before you got here?" I shrugged, my eyes trained on the carpeted floor.

"Just finishing up my bucket list." Leonardo raised an eyebrow.

"It wasn't a very long list. Going to the Louvre and seeing the Mona Lisa was the last on the list." Leonardo paused.

"The last….. What were you going to do after you finished?" I looked up at his face, his expression was unreadable.

"I don't see why that is any of your business." Before he could reply, the man from before walked out of a doorway nearby. Sebastian, his name is Sebastian. 

"I was just about to go get you. Everyone is getting restless, come." Sebastian ushered us into the most extravagant dining room I had ever seen. It was full of people, all of whom looked very different. I was sure that I wouldn't forget any of their names.

The moment we walked through the door, every eye turned our way. I froze, wishing that I could hide. I felt a hand on my shoulder and stiffened. I glanced up at the owner of the hand, Leonardo. Removing his hand, he searched my eyes with a silent 'are you ok?' I gave him a small nod in return and he turned to everyone in the room.

"This is Selene, she's going to be staying with us for a while. No funny business. Especially not from you, arthur." The man closest to me with dark blueish hair and- holy crap he has nice eyes- he made a noise of disappointment. 

"But that's half the fun!" He was grinning ear to ear. "Arthur Conan Doyle, love. Pleasure to meet you." 

That name rang a bell in my head. I pulled my backpack off my shoulder and started rummaging through it. I pulled out one of my books and held it out to arthur.

"Like, this Arthur Conan Doyle?" He took the book from me and studied it. a look of surprise crossed his face. He started laughing. 

"I like you. We just met and you're already surprising me." The pink haired man nearby peeked over Arthur's arm at the cover of the book.

"The White Company?" Arthur slung an arm around the mans shoulder.

"Why yes, Newt. It's one of my less popular works." Newt shoved Arthur away from him in disgust.

"You could tell me that without touching me, thank you." He took the book from Arthur and handed it back to me. "I'm Issac. Issac Newton. Please, for the love of god, don't call me Newt." 

I nodded and murmured a thanks. Next, a man with dark hair and teal eyes spoke up. 

"I am Napoleon Bonaparte. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to ask." I gave him a small smile. He seemed nicer than my textbooks always made him out to be. 

"Where's Jean, Napoleon?," Leonardo asked. Napoleon sighed.

"He's hiding again. He doesn't like gatherings like this." I raised an eyebrow.

"Who's Jean?" Napoleon tilted his head to the side. 

"Jean D'arc. You'll meet him soon enough. He does come out of hiding every so often." I raised my other eyebrow. Jean D'arc is a man? Why am I not that surprised? a haughty man with white hair spoke up.

"He's probably hiding up in the attic again." He turned his violet eyes on me. 

"Wolfgang amadeus Mozart." As soon as he told me his name, he looked away. I would have assumed it was out of embarrassment if his facial expression did not change. The next guy was almost bouncing up and down in his chair.

"Ooh! Me next!" He gave me a smile that was as sunny as his hair. "I'm Vincent. Vincent Van Gogh. It's so nice to meet you! I hope we can be good friends."

I was so mystified by the literal ray of sunshine sitting there that I barely noticed the brown haired man sitting next to him start to speak.

"Calm down, broer, we don't want to work hondje up too much." I glared at him.

"I'm not your pet. and I can guess who you are. Theodorus Van Gogh. I would say it's a pleasure but it's really not." a grin spread across his features.

"Feisty hondje." I rolled my eyes as Comte walked in. 

"Sorry I'm late. Have you met everyone, Selene?" I nodded.

"I think so." Sebastian spoke up.

"Monsieur le Comte, Dazai-san is the only one left." Right as Sebastian finished talking, a clatter rang out from behind us.

#cybird ikemen vampire #ikemen vampire fic #angst #ikemen vampire dazai

[shiro-0197]

Oh bae grrr don't apologize!! I'm just glad your day was alright, and I hope you get some rest tonight!! My day was okay. I was just in front of my laptop since I had classes, and then I finally finished my slides, and had another leo meeting. My brother was a royal pain in the ass the whole day istg, but I'm fine now :) thanks for asking btw!!

Aww but that's so admirable! Gotta love teachers like that, haha. And I totally get that! That one uni I researched is probably the one I've set my eyes on. I've done EXTENSIVE research on it, so I don't want to set my sights on other places. What about you? Do you have any specifics for your future uni?

ikr?? He's just grandpa Kuroo to me istg. He's also an ENTP, and I vibe really well with ENTP's, so haha I think that'll also be cool.

I AGREE SOMUCH. Shōyō is just such a cute smol bean. He'd be the best little spoon, honestly. i agree thoo, they're all amazing characters, and probably would be so fun to hang out with 😭

that's actually pretty great!! I hope the cases come down to double or single digits soon!

oh nice!! And aaah I've heard A LOT about Russian food, it honestly sounds delicious. (I just love hearing people talk about food and culture. I could read/listen to them for hours istg). And aw that's such a cute story. I'm sure they were all really glad you introduced it to them. Confuzzled tho... Y-you don't like cottage cheese? :O

Yes you should be proud!! Today I was ready to kill my brother, then I saw your message(‼️) and I decided I could let him live a little longer, because I was busy reading it.

Ah yes!! Your country's flag colour too!! Tho the blue is such a pretty shade, it's like a teal? So pretty‼️💖💖💖. The Malaysian flag is just like an off-brand US one 😭🤚

and aw I'm glad I'm right! I only know one other person who has white as their favourite colour, and she's the best (Angel). So maybe both the cool people in my life like white xD my favourite colours are pink and yellow :>

Yes, why wouldn't they be? I cherish anything anyone makes for me, and especially you, because you're truly that special. Love you!! Sleep well, sweet dreams :))

—ari (gone back to signing my name with lame ol' Ari because I'm out of ideas. Also. I'm getting territorial over my nickname because at today's leo meeting there was this other guy also named Ari and we DID NOT vibe well grrr)

Hey hey!!! I know I answered like ... 24 hours late which sucks a lot, very sorry :(( I'm hoping your day went good today too!! Tell me about it?

Oh I'm glad you got the work done! Mind showing me a few slides? I'm curious hehe~ Also I'm going to have to detach your brother's ribs for bothering you, my apologies😁

Yeah!! They really make me feel like there is a reason to keep going. Like, at least to make them go "that's my student!!"😭

Well, since I got all the research done for me, I just mostly did research on what its actually like to be a translator, you know? I read through like 24 articles on both languages I know and I think I'm prepared xD I'm gonna look up the unis my teacher suggested soon though, and probably question some of the students because I'm desperate like that😝 Hopefully that'll pay off

Hehe, yea, the way he acts like he has seen life is adorable in a way. That's so cool though, imagine having the luck to have your personality match your favorite character's😭 I really wish I had an extroversion trait in my mbti xD I'd really need that ..

YES also you saying he'd be a little spoon made me want to cuddle him SO BAD I'm JSJDJWJDJ I want to give him a headpat and squish his little cheeks .....

Not gonna lie, I wish I could spend a year with one character each day. How cool would that be? You get a hang out and maybe learn something new. Then live in pain for the rest of your life because they wont be here anymore but that's nothing to worry about

I really hope so too!! Honestly this has been crazy. And the way everyone still refuses to cover up their nose... sometimes I wonder if it's ok to mock people who got COVID, cuz like, it's not always their fault, but when you saw that person without a mask before and now they're in the hospital, it's kinda funny, in a rude way. I'm an asshole, I know, I'm sorry😔

Yes yes, if you ever get the chance to try it, you should!!! I'm really sure you'll love it. You should try adding ketchup and mayo mix as well! It'll do magic

Oh no, I LOVE cottage cheese (mixed with sour cream and sugar..🥰🤤🤤), I just really hate it when its cooked or baked. Like ... that's it, its warm and so much soggier now. What have you done? You ruined it. Congratulations! You've lost my respect. Well, not you of course, anyone who cooks cottage cheese xD it's like water, it sucks when warm.

Awh what !!!!! That makes me so happy??!?!? I bring you that much joy you pass up on murder ?!?? That's a lethal strike ma'am were getting married again

Yeah!!! I also kinda like the symbolism. And the story. Which is an honor for this whole place because I really dont like this country xD dont ask why~ personal reasons. Though it's so much more peaceful than others, so that's also great hehe. The Malaysian flag is kinda funny now that you call it like that😭😭😭 I still think it looks cool though!! I'd call it "Asia's USA" but that would, uh, be more of an insult, considering the state (see what I did there? Haha states... haha) of the country right now😓

Welp, the purest people like the purest colors xD just kidding, we're all probably chaotic~ at least out of everyone I know, everyone with white as their favorite has done something no normal person would do (ex. One of the color-white-lovers I knew tried stealing 7 shopping carts😐 I really didnt believe him until he showed me the photo of the fine he got.) Pink and yellow are such a good combination🥺🥺 they're like peach and sunset and uhh... PB&J, if that counts? Peanut butter is now yellow, deal with it😔 Anyway they're really pretty, together or not !!! what's your favorite hue?

Daww... you're so sweet... I'm melting🥺🥺😭💕💕 just so you know I also created a separate album for the stuff you drew me <3

I hope you sleep well tonight!!! You deserve it after all♡♡♡

Dawwh😭😭 I know what it feels like. Sometimes people with your name embarrass themselves so much, it makes you embarrassing because you have the same name. It's not the situation you're in, but uh ... another example? xD I could change your tag to "Shortcake🍰💕" if you'd like😝

#Ari💕 #i know you said not to apologize but #i mightve worried or frustrated you so😡 #im very sorry!!! #i love you!!! #💕💓💕💞💞💝💓💖💞💖💕💝💓💖💕

[ai-suru-hito-yo]

Waiting For Someone To Release Me (Pt 5)

Summary: Your life has become rather busy, leaving you no free time to spend with your friends, but John comes up with a solution for this. However, the night may just end in disaster.

Warnings: angst, jealousy, tears, tiny blond tempers, broken glass, a steamy moment, and some fluffy, vomit-inducing charm.

A/N: I just want to make it abundantly clear that Brian has no interest in reader other than a friendly one. He is, of course, excited to have reader take interest in his interests, and they get along well, but (as you may have caught in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it line in the last chapter) Brian has met Chrissie. Also, John, Roger, and reader have no clue about anything. Freddie is, so far, the only one suspicious about there being a bit of a love triangle forming here. And, just for curiosity’s sake, I imagine reader as right smack between John and Roger’s ages. So, John is 20, reader is 21, Roger is 22.

It had officially been two weeks since “The Party” and your bond with your new friends had only grown stronger—more so with one of them in particular. John had driven you home in a peaceful, companionable silence, the both of you stealing glances at each other and giggling like children whenever you made eye contact. Like a perfect gentleman, he walked you to your door and no further, and left you with an achingly chaste kiss and a promise to call you over the weekend.

You had walked into your flat the next afternoon after a quick run to the shops to your phone ringing, and quickly dumped your shopping onto the counter as you raced to the phone.

“Hello?” you answered breathlessly.

“Uh...(Y/N)?” a familiar voice answered.

“Hi John. Yeah it's me. Just got in.”

“Oh! I'm sorry, I can call back later if you like,” he answered, sounding a little unsure.

“No!” you nearly yelled down the line as you struggled to remove your coat. “I mean, there's no need. Now is perfect. I'm so glad to hear from you, John.”

You had spent the next two hours talking about nothing and everything. And nearly three hours the next afternoon. And an hour every evening since then. The more the two of you spoke, the more convinced you were that John was just about the most interesting man you had ever met. You had gathered just how incredibly intelligent, kind, funny, and hard-working the man was, and the more you knew about him, the more you wanted to know. You simply could not get enough.

Roger had been a frequent presence throughout your workdays, coming to the cafe regularly on his breaks. You always made a point to chat with him for a few minutes, asking his opinion on how things were going with the band (“brilliant!”) and his schooling (“absolute rubbish, I don't know why the bloody hell I try anymore!”) as well as keeping him up to date on your own studies.

Unfortunately, because the band was working so hard, you and John had not had a moment to yourselves since your rendezvous at the after party and the trip home afterward. You had seen him in person once since then, when Freddie dragged you and the boys out shopping for new stage wear. You had tried to worm your way out of it, hearing the slightly manic way Freddie spoke about his plans and knowing it was a bit of a tense topic within the band. However, Freddie insisted you must have some dress sense after he had last seen you in “such a fabulous outfit, darling, you must have at least an ounce of understanding of fashion and I NEED all the help I can get when it comes to these heathens!” Once you had arrived and met up with them outside of Grannie's, you were glad you had come along upon seeing the look on John's face. He clearly wished he was anywhere else on earth in that moment.

You stood next to him and gave his hand a quick, reassuring squeeze, which he returned gratefully. He seemed much happier to see you there.

“Chin up, buttercup. It'll all be over soon.”

“You've never been shopping with Freddie. You'll eat those words,” he said with a dramatic eye roll before entering the shop behind Brian.

You certainly ate every last bitter word.

“I'll never be doing that again,” you said sternly, pressing the phone to your ear and your free hand over your eyes, trying to find some relief for the headache that had settled in about halfway through the previous evening, sometime between the fifth jacket for Brian and the third belt for Freddie, and stuck with you all day. It had left you feeling unrested and irritable, making your 4 hour shift at the cafe feel more like 12. Thankfully Roger had not come in that day. You were sure you could not have handled the sunny mood he seemed to bring into the shop with him every time you saw him there. You were just about to mention this to John when you heard a voice in the background cut in to the conversation.

“Listen, sweetheart, Freddie's finally showed up and we need to rehearse. Brian's brought in a totally new song and it's going to take some work, so I have to go,” he said softly.

“Do you really have to? I've hardly had a chance to talk to you in three days and barely saw you last night,” you said, not bothering to mask the pout you were sure was evident in your voice.

“I'm sorry, (Y/N), really I am,” he said, then paused. “Tell you what. Tonight probably won't be very pretty, but how about you come along tomorrow night? You can sit in and see a little bit of how we work, and I might actually get to see you for more than 10 seconds at a time. Plus I've got a surprise you might be interested to know about.”

“A surprise? John what have you got up your sleeve?” you ask him, eyes narrowed though he could not see you at the moment.

“Come tomorrow and you'll find out,” he said with a hint of a smile in his voice. “I can pick you up at quarter to eight, yeah?”

“Yeah, alright. But this better be good, mister!” you said as if he was putting a huge imposition on you though you were actually very excited at the prospect of seeing all your friends again and getting to hear them play some more music.

“Great! I'll see you then, sweetheart,” he said softly. “Goodnight, sleep tight.”

“Sweet dreams,” you answered, your now regular goodbye falling naturally from your lips with a small sigh.

You rang off and set about putting your things away and making tea, preparing to settle in for the evening, feeling excited and optimistic for the following day.

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You were once again stood in front of your full wardrobe, staring into it's depths as if somehow your clothes would rearrange themselves and reveal something new that had mysteriously materialized in the last hour you had been rifling through it. A knock sounded on your bedroom door and Sarah's fiery head poked in, looking you up and down in surprise.

“(Y/N), why aren't you dressed?! Your ride is here!”

“He what?!” you practically shouted, jumping to your dresser to start rifling through for a clean pair of tights. “He's early! He said he'd be here at quarter to eight!”

“Uhm...,” Sarah pointed to the alarm clock on your bed, which was flashing 7:47. “I'd say he's pretty punctual.”

“Fuck! Sarah what am I going to wear?!” you started flinging sweaters and blouses out of your wardrobe, not really looking at any of them, as Sarah tried not to laugh at you. She quietly stepped forward and pulled out a gold corduroy skirt and striped sweater from the mayhem now strewn across your bed, and pointed silently at the teal blue tights hanging halfway out of one of your dresser drawers. You quickly grabbed the items, smacking a kiss on Sarah's cheek, and pulled them on in record time, managing to fall over only once.

“What would you do without me, huh?” Sarah teased you.

“I have no idea. I owe you one, babe!” you grabbed your purse and pulled on your boots, making your way quickly to the living room to find John standing by the door, wrapped up in a beautiful red coat and grey scarf.

“I'll remember that!” you heard Sarah call from down the hall, but you ignored her, as you only had eyes (and ears) for John at the moment.

“Hi,” you breathed, happy yet nervous to see him again. It was also the first time he had set foot in your flat and you were a little anxious as you had not been prepared for this.

“Hello,” he said softly with a sweet smile. He reached out to take your hand and brushed a soft kiss against your knuckles. His lips were a little chapped and rough against your skin, but you felt warmth bloom from where his skin made contact with your own and radiate across your entire body. You were sure you must be blushing and cursed your decision to only wear the barest amount of make-up tonight, as you probably looked like a walking tomato now. John, however, smiled wider, revealing the cute little gap between his front teeth, his eyes crinkling adorable around the corners, and brushed a thumb across your cheek.

You ducked your head down with a shy smile, addressing your toes when you next spoke. “Shall we head out? We don't want to keep the others waiting.”

John laughed. “Oh I guarantee we could wait another ten minutes and still be the first ones there. Punctuality is not in any of their vocabularies. However, you're probably right. It's started to snow, so we might need to take it slow.”

You reached for your coat hanging near the door, and your scarf beneath it. John took your coat while you knotted the warm wool around your neck, then held your coat out and helped slip it up around your shoulders. You called out to tell Sarah that you were leaving and were not sure when you'd be back. She called out a “have fun and be safe” which caused you to groan internally. Sarah was lucky she was such a good friend, or you might have to kick her to the curb.

John reached for your hand as soon as you had made sure you had your keys and that the door to your flat was firmly shut. He gently swayed your hands between you as you made your way to his car, which he opened for you to get in first. It was still warm from his drive over, and you melted into the comfort immediately. John switched on the radio, and both your faces lit up as the iconic riff of Cream's “Sunshine Of Your Love” sounded through the car's speakers.

“You like Cream?” John asked, eyes twinkling in the low light.

“Yeah of course!” you answered, reaching out to turn the volume up a little. “This bass line is fantastic. Such a feel-good kind of song.”

You both sang along as the funky riff filled the interior of the car, forgetting your earlier shyness and giving in to the fun, arriving at the studio space where Queen was rehearsing just as the song was fading out. John quickly put on the parking brake and turned the engine off before he hopped out and over to the passenger door to help you out. You were honestly amazed by how much of a gentleman he was. You had never been treated in such a manner by anyone before, and just by this simple show of kindness you felt yourself falling for him even more. You had spent so long putting up with Charlie's bullshit, and almost as much time alone since you had broken up with him. It felt like a thousand and one nights, waiting in your loneliness and isolation, and suddenly here was someone treating you like a treasure. You felt warm and happy and a little bit overwhelmed by it, but honestly would not give it up for anything. You were falling hard and fast for this young man you had only known for about a month now, but it felt right.

Lost in your thoughts, you had failed to notice that John was now leading you up a rather steep flight of carpeted stairs, complete with creaks and water stains, to a rather stale-smelling room. It was spacious and well lit, but obviously rarely used up until recently. One corner was piled with a few tables and chairs in various states of disrepair, all obviously pushed out of the way of the makeshift drum riser where a rather large and elaborate kit was set up. A few amps were strewn about the place, as well as what looked like a large speaker case and a few distortion pedals set off to one side. John set his own instrument case down on the opposite side of the drum kit before turning back to where you stood in the middle of the room.

“Can I take your coat for you?” he asked, reaching out nervously before dropping his hands awkwardly to his sides again. You smiled at his adorable awkwardness and quickly shrugged off your coat, handing it and your scarf to him with a word of thanks. He carefully carried them over to one of the tables and laid them down gently. You turned around to take in more of the room, noticing the worn but comfy looking couch against the wall separating the stairway from the room, as well as two doors off the room which you supposed were probably a bathroom and a closet of some sort. You crossed to the couch and took a seat, brushing out any perceived wrinkles in your clothes before smiling up at John.

“Do you mind if I...?” he asked, pointing behind him toward his bass and amp.

“Not at all! You're here to practice, not entertain me. Pretend I'm not even here,” you answered. You were rather excited to be here and potentially hear some new music, but did not want to be an imposition on the band or any of its members.

“Well, I don't think I'll be able to do that,” John flashed you a smile as he pulled his bass out, plugged it in, and started fiddling with volume knobs. You watched in fascination as he tweaked the tuning and tested the tone, setting everything to his exact specifications, before he worked through some riffs to warm up.

Halfway through the third warm up, you heard footsteps on the stairs behind you and turned just in time to see a mop of dark curls peek around the dividing wall at you.

Brian flashed you a quick smile before taking off his coat and moving toward the speaker you had noticed earlier. He sat down on it, reaching behind it to fiddle with something you could not see on the backside, before producing a cord which he plugged into his Red Special. You soon realized it must be an amp, but it was the strangest amp you had ever seen. It looked like a plain speaker, not unlike one your dad had on his own stereo system, and nothing like the other amps and monitors around the room. Brian saw you looking puzzled at it and waved you over. You stood and joined him.

“Impressive, huh?” he said, patting the top of the amp. “Wait until you hear it. It's something special. I bet I spent two hours experimenting with it's capabilities when Deacy brought it in.”

“So it is an amp, then.”

“Mhm,” Brian answered, going about tuning his guitar.

“It looks nothing like any of the others. Is it some kind of special set up for your custom guitar?”

“Oh, no, nothing like that!” Brian answered with a slight laugh that shook his shoulders. “John made it.”

Your head whipped up to look at Brian, then you spun to look at John. He noticed the sudden movement and stopped in the middle of what he was playing.

“What?” he asked, eyes wide under your scrutiny.

“You made this?” you asked, pointing behind you at the amp.

“Uh...yes?” he answered.

“As in, built the whole thing yourself,” you were amazed, these gents surprised you more and more every day. Not only were they good looking and quite talented, but it seemed they were all geniuses, too.

“Well, sort of,” he answered, and he pulled the strap of his bass over his head, setting it down on a stand to join you next to Brian. “I found the parts to an old transistor in a skip a few months back. Took an old blown speaker, rewired a few things, a little soldering and a 9v battery later and I had a practice amp. Brought it along thinking I could use it here as it doesn't have the best sound quality, but then somebody stole it away and claimed it as his own.”

Brian just stuck his tongue out and went back to his tuning. You stood there in awe, finding yourself somehow even more excited to be invited along that night.

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

Finally twenty minutes later the last two members of the band showed up, Roger complaining that he tried to leave on time, but Freddie felt the need to change his shirt no less than four times, causing a fifteen minute delay and for all the parking near by to be filled up by the time they got there, further delaying them as they had to walk two blocks from where they parked. It wasn't until after Roger got this full rant out of the way, tossed his coat aside randomly, and turned to sit behind his kit that he seemed to realize there was an extra person in the room. His face suddenly lit up, his whole attitude changing like someone had flipped a switch.

“(Y/N)? Didn't know you'd be here!” he said, shaking out his long, dark blond hair.

“John invited me along,” you answered. “We've not gotten to see each other for more than 30 seconds since your last show, so I thought I'd take him up on that offer and tag along.”

“Oh,” Roger turned to John with a strange look on his face, but it quickly melted away into a pleasant smile. “Well, (Y/N), get ready to rock'n'roll!”

With that, he planted himself behind his kit and went to town, smashing and banging loud enough to wake the dead. You glanced toward Freddie, who simply rolled his eyes and pulled a notebook from the bag he'd brought with him.

An hour passed by in the blink of an eye, and you were having the time of your life. They played through a few of the songs you recognized, and soon were on to working Brian's new song. After twenty minutes spent arguing on the same chord progression (mostly by Roger and Brian) and eye-rolling (Freddie) the boys finally decided they needed a break to cool down and recharge. Roger and Freddie headed outside for a smoke while Brian headed downstairs for a drink (it was then you realized the rehearsal space was over a small pub) leaving you along with a quiet but clearly annoyed John. You were unsure how to approach him and so just stayed quietly seated, watching him work through another song.

You had leaned back against the couch and closed your eyes for a moment when you suddenly heard a huff and a loud clanging. John had angrily strummed against his bass before putting it down rather forcefully and striding over to one of the doors. He quickly disappeared inside, obviously angry and needing a moment to himself. You decided to give him his space, not wishing to push him too far. A few minutes turned into five, and when you heard no noise and did not see John reemerge from the room, you decided to go ahead and try talking to him.

You stood and slowly crossed to the door, knocking gently and calling to him softly as if speaking to a spooked animal.

“John? Is everything alright?” You reeled back as the door suddenly opened, and you were quickly pulled inside.

“Wha-?” you were silenced as a pair of lips descended upon your own, warm and soft but insistent. You melted against the body in front of you, not realizing just how much you craved another kiss from this man until it was given to you.

Just as quickly as the lips came they were gone as John pulled away, panting slightly, pressing his forehead against yours.

“I'm sorry, (Y/N),” he whispered, warm breath fanning across your jaw. “I didn't mean to be so rough. I didn't think they'd fight like this with a guest around. I'm so sorry you had to witness that. I’m just...sorry.”

You carefully reached up toward John's face, cupping his jaw and lifting his eyes up to meet yours which were finally adjusting to the dim light.

“Hey, hey, no, don't be sorry,” you said softly, smiling at him. “You've nothing to be sorry for. Sure it was a little awkward, but bands fight. You guys are all so immensely talented and clearly perfectionists when it comes to your music. Of course you're gonna bicker and pick and disagree. You all expect the best each of you has to offer out of each other. There's nothing wrong with that. It's also clear you all care a lot about each other. I'm not worried about it and you shouldn't be, either.”

Green eyes looked into your own (y/e/c) ones for a moment before John was surging forward again, lips capturing your own in a breathtaking kiss. You answered in kind, your hands once again brushing through thick sideburns and tangling in soft brown locks as you were pressed gently up against the wall behind you. Large hands came to rest on the slight curve of your hips, warm and heavy, a very much welcome presence.

You felt a tongue gently sweep against your lower lip and you parted your own slightly, letting John in. You subconsciously pulled a little tighter on the hair in your fist, which caused John to moan softly. You pulled away, afraid you had hurt him, only for him to chase your mouth and gently pull your lower lip between his teeth. You gasped, pushing your hips against his, tummy brushing against an obvious bulge beginning to form. John whined brokenly as you felt his hands slide around your hips and down to your bum, pulling you flush against him. You no longer knew where you ended and he began, slowly becoming entangled into one being, so lost in each other you had failed to notice the door knob rattle until the door flew open and the dim room was flooded with light.

John took a step back from you as you untangled your hands from his hair, resting them instead against his chest. As your eyes adjusted to the light, you could make out Freddie's surprised face, eyes wide and apologetic.

“I’m so sorry! I just came looking for the-” he tried to explain himself, but was cut short.

“What the fuck?!” a shriek came from the room beyond and you could see Roger standing just a few feet behind Freddie, having just shrugged his coat back off and turned toward the room again. Brian was standing wide eyed but silent in the corner, clutching his guitar and looking like he wanted the floor to swallow him whole. John turned to stand in front of you, blocking you slightly, but you fought your way forward, confused.

“Roger, what's wr-” you were cut off as Roger picked up Brian's beer bottle and threw it, hard, against the wall.

“What the fuck, Rog?” Freddie yelled, shielding his face from the spray of ale and glass. Roger started toward you, but Freddie reached out with a surprising amount of strength and held him back.

“YOU! What the hell, Deacon? I thought you were my friend! What the fuck are you doing?” Roger screamed, fury in his eyes. All you could do was let out a little squeak, slightly terrified at the wild animal before you.

“What the hell is your problem, Roger? I am your friend!” John shouted back, clearly confused.

“You are my problem!” Roger tried once again to lunge forward, but Freddie pushed him back and shouted at him to calm down and be civilised. Roger stood still and tense, breathing heavily like an enraged bull readying to charge.

Brian was still quiet and frozen like a deer in headlights at the other side of the room. Freddie was looking between the two angry men with a furrowed brow, an arm out in front of Roger to hold him back. John continued to look confused and a little hurt, and you had begun to silently cry, also confused and hurt, as well as overwhelmed by the roller-coaster of emotion you were on.

You locked eyes with Roger for a brief moment, and his face immediately crumpled. He no longer looked angry, just defeated.

“You know what? Fuck this,” he said quietly, then a little louder, “Fuck this! This practice is over.”

The four others in the room could only watch as the blond stormed over to where his still snow-dusted coat was draped over a chair, grabbing it angrily before banging his way down the stairs and slamming the door.

John turned to check that you were okay, cupping your face and swiping at your tears before pulling you in and holding you close as sobs wracked your body. You had no clue what had just happened, but the feral creature you had just witnessed was nothing like your friend. He looked and sounded like the man you had come to enjoy spending so much time talking with at work, the man who you had come to regard as one of your best friends, but his actions had been terrifying. You felt that you had triggered this meltdown, but you were completely unsure why.

As your tears subsided, you could hear John speaking angrily with Freddie between attempts to soothe you. He himself sounded rather shaky, and Freddie sounded shocked and breathless. You finally pulled away from John to reach out to Freddie and pull him and John to the couch with you. John wrapped an arm around you as Freddie smoothed your hair away from your face.

“Freddie, w-what just happened?” you pleaded with him.

“I’m...not sure, darling,” he answered slowly, exchanging a glance with John over your head. “But there better be a damn good explanation for this.”

“Bri's gone after him,” John chimed in, voice still shaky with anger and hurt. “Hopefully he'll catch up with him and keep him from doing anything stupid.”

All you could do was nod in agreement, leaning closer into John's side as Freddie held onto your hand, the three of you left to wait for any word from Brian.

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@itsametaphorbriansblog @queendeakyy @reavenedges-lies

#Waiting for someone to release me #wfstrm #john deacon x reader #john deacon x you #roger taylor x reader #roger taylor x you

[candyredterezii]

I recall your sudden karezi spam (thank you for it btw it tossed a bunch of hot coals into my freezing soul) so could you say a few (Not) words on what do you think of karezi/how do you feel about it all?

CRACKS MY KNUCKLES

Okay

So i really dont post much karezi like I did back in the day, and I seem more of a Roserezi shipper now and what not but

despite all of that

Karezi is still gonna be in my life blood. Anytime I see teal and red together at ALL im hit with? a bittersweet feeling.

I feel I mentioned this a lot but Im so heartbroken that Karkat and Terezi never got any kind of closure. 

Their friendship was one of my favorites, the bickering and teasing masking genuine care for each other. 

Terezi wanted to take Karkat around Prospit waiting for him to finally wake up on Prospit so she can show him around

Karkat being concerned for her living alone in the woods and offering/suggesting she move into the block next door to him 

Yeah he was an asshole, oblivious to her feelings for the most part and hurt her

But they were kids. We are all guilty of that. And despite that, he still came to her and wanted to help her after she got messed up with Gamzee

He sat down and talked with her. 

He was ready to fight and save her when Gamzee was beating her before/during Game Over

Im a huge sucker for that “two characters who pretend and seem to hate and tease each other but secretly love and grow to love each other” kinda shit

TBH. I didn’t even want or care if karezi was “end game”

What I wanted was their friendship. I wanted them to be as close as they were. I want them to be best friends again. I want them to fucking talk, get closure, apologize, make up. 

I loved their friendship so much and their relationship I remember falling in love instantly. They were funny, cute, and just! enjoyable to me.

Honestly I feel dave/kar/ezi wouldve been a fun ship to see, i feel their dynamics together and antics wouldve been so enjoyable! And they wouldve had closure and forgiveness and their relationship built on toxic jealousy and child drama wouldve melted away into a fun and accepting love for each other but. Alas. 

But yeah thats my two cents on it I guess soidujfhg

#Anonymous #candyredask

[sinkingorswimming]

Prompt: how'd you find my address

*hey hope you’re down with a super ridonk X-Men based AU*It’s always the same for him—the thrill of the crowd, the roaring applause, the  cheers and acoustics and reverb and backing tracks spun by his DJ. His new costume’s oddly sedate—dark indigo covered in expensive beading over mesh and purple bedecked additions. His eyes are masked in matching indigo and purple make up to hide his eyes. 

Dazzler got his start on Youtube in a similar incognito state, filming with his face cut off and his uniquely tailored lighting a distraction from anything but his voice while he put his touch on “Cranes in the Sky,” “New Rules,” and even “Fool For You.”

The lighting still exists in his live acts, though—blues patterned like deep sea waves for ballads, red and pink for the passionate hard beats, purple and white for the fun dance tracks, explosions of gold and sparks everywhere to close out the final encore.

People always ask about his lighting designer. He demurs.

His manager Celestino and aforementioned mixer Phichit know the truth that his parents and sister don’t. They can’t—until mutant rights actually gain a real foothold, he’ll lose it all if he’s exposed. 

So by day he’s Katsuki Yuuri, pre-law at NYU, and at night he blows out the speakers and the crowds at Webster Hall. Ciao Ciao swears he’ll sell out MSG in two years max, but…he’ll see.

It’s a show night and he does his make up, rests his voice. Phichit yammers in the background about some social media thing since he manages Dazzler’s IG page and Twitter too. “Someone really wants you to read their RPF of you and the King,” Phichit says with a chortle. “Apparently his actual girlfriend is a beard, and you’re his true love.”

Yuuri pauses putting in the violet contacts (with prescription) he uses that glow in his lightshows. “Really.”

“Yo, I think it’s funny,” Phichit replies. “All ‘cause you got drunk at that SNL after party when he was the musical guest.”

“Shut up,” Yuuri grumbles as he completes the transformation. Tonight’s outift is a deep teal metallic stretch with a gold star on the back shaped like a sunburst. The boots are the best part—over the knee and same metallic teal as the jacket. He looks great.

“You look great,” Phichit confirms. “Chris outdid himself.”

“Mmm,” Yuuri agrees, sipping the chamomile he grinds a Xanax into. Stage fright. Preposterous but crippling. He has no choice.

There’s a commotion beyond the green room door, and Yuuri—Dazzler now, rather– and Phichit both snap their heads towards it.

”What the hell?” Phichit narrows his eyes a little. He holds up a finger to Dazzler, then disappears in an implosion of air that smells like sulphur. 

Dazzler gags as Phichit reappears in the same spot. “Don’t do that so close.”

“Sorry but—there’s weird shit out there—” Phichit says. “Like…silvery liquid animal things? Like T1000…but they’re…four leggers with talons and they’re like some kind of wrecking crew. We should—probably bail.”

“Ciao Ciao,” Dazzler says.

“Ciao Ciao turns to metal, Ciao Ciao can deal,” Phichit reminds Dazzler. “We’re meatbags. We gotta scoot!”

Dazzler doesn’t argue as Phichit puts an arm around him and they, as Phichit calls it, BAMF elsewhere. They’re limited by distance, so he manages the roof at least. 

Except the roof is swarmed by those silver things, making gross sounds like if they were a hive of metal cobras. “How’d they even get here? What are they?”

A loud whistle rings from a nearby rooftop. Dazzler and Phichit book look—there’s a golden flash similar to the emblem on Dazzler’s coat followed by sounds of small objects darting through the air. The—things get clipped but not felled.

A stranger lands in front of Dazzler and Phichit—he wears a black and hot pink suit with pouches. His hair is also silver, and it’s in a mullet of all things. He looks back over his shoulder at them for a moment, eyes lingering on Dazzler. Then he winks, gesturing with a hand that…does he only have four fingers?

“Hope my luck doesn’t run out,” he says. His eye gleams gold as he whistles again and a creature that looks like a much too large standard poodle charges the things. “Good girl, Makka!”

A brief flash glimmers in Dazzler’s periphery—there’s a six armed woman with a severe bun and sharp cheekbones like a diamond saw in white. Each arm has a sword from a different culture. She spins and dances like a whirlwind towards the unassuming mullet dude and without even thinking Dazzler puts his two hands together like he’s mimicking a gun, winces, aims, and fires a huge blast of ambient energy into her. It’s a beam of prismatic light that’s solidified to where it knocks her off the roof to the street below.

“Did you know you could do that?” Phichit whispers.

“Kinda?” Dazzler hedges. More of the silver things appear from some kind of messed up black hole thing, and Dazzler this time opens his palm upright and a large glowing rainbow ball forms. He pitches it like a grenade and it explodes, taking out the remainder of the monsters.

Pink suit silver mullet turns to them, and gives Dazzler a bright grin. He picks up his hand (yeah he somehow only has four fingers what the fuck) and he kisses Dazzler’s right ring finger. “Thank you, pretty boy,” he says and…he sounds Russian for some reason. “It’s good to know that you had my six.” He looks Dazzler up and down in a very obviously flirtatious and sexy manner. “Better than good.”

Dazzler’s face turns red as he wrests his hand out of his grip. “Um—” he clears his throat. Phichit makes a noise like a sitcom audience member watching a live taping of a make out session.

“Who are you? What happened?” Phichit grins and winks. “Are you…married? Single? Going steady? Dazzler here hasn’t been on a date since Obama was still President so like—”

“Phichit!” Dazzler shrieks.

The man smiles, his eyes crinkling at the corners, and his giant poodle sits next to him with a smile and pink tongue hanging out. He’s devastating, Dazzler thinks. Oh god. 

The blue eyes sparkle. “I’m named Victor, but everyone just calls me Longshot. It’s my stage name. You really bailed me out here—sometimes, not often, I get scared my Luck Power won’t work.”

“Luck Power? Are you a mut—” Dazzler stomps on Phichit’s foot, and Phichit waps him with his tail in reply, though Longshot can’t tell thanks to the image inducer. “Jackass.”

“I’m sorry to cause you trouble,” Longshot continues. “But as they say, the Revolution will be televised!” 

“Revolution?” Dazzler asks. 

“Frightfully long story,” Longshot says. “I can…explain over food.”

“He’d love to,” Phichit blurts. Then he shoves Dazzler bodily at Longshot, the singer’s face turning beet red and Longshot’s own cheeks dusting a deep pink while he gives him a sweet smile. 

Dazzler looks up at him, contemplating running. His life is complicated enough—pre-law and LSAT prep balanced with being a rising pop act. 

Is he really adding superheroics to the resume?

“Did you retrieve him?” 

The six-armed woman shakes her head. “No, Lord Yakov. He managed to escape thanks to some kind of metahuman intervention.”

“Hm,” the Lord and King of the Yakoverse says. “Metahumans? Are they…entertaining?”

“The footage is impressive,” she admits.

“Good,” he answers. “We’ll run in the prime Thursday slot. Oh…and Spiral?”

The woman once called Lilia gives him a curious look.

Yakov smiles. “Send some insurance next time. Send in the Fairy.”

Spiral grins.

For reference, Longshot: http://marvel.wikia.com/wiki/Longshot_(Mojoverse)Dazzler: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dazzler

#dazz and longshot au #prompt fill #victuuri fic #yoi fic #x-men au

[joseph-kaine]

The Ultimaverse Presents: The Teal Titan #2

“But… he works with the Vigilant!”

“Yup.”

“And he hurt you?”

“Yup.”

“Why?!”

“Yup- I mean, I don’t know,” she says as she look back at him, “look, don’t worry about it.”

“I am worried about it! I’ll go fight him, right now!” He runs off to his toy chest in his room as Morgan just continues to drink her beer. After a bit, he comes out dressed in his Halloween costume that’s way to small, but he refuses to let her throw it out. The costume is of Jericho, the flagship hero of Foster City. His costume is a mostly red suit of armor with a big J on the chest, blue streaks, a full face mask with cat ears, eyes, mouth, and whiskers. Not to mention it even has a tail.

He flexes his muscles and pulls out the cheap, plastic, retractable claws.

“Where’s Lock? Take me to him right now.”

Despite his bravado and suicidal mission to take on Lock, she cracks a smile. It always makes her happy to see him in his costume.

“Well, I should clarify that Lock didn’t do all of this to me. He just made it worse.”

“So? I’ll still take him on!”

“As much as I’m sure you could’ve taken him half an hour ago, it’s bedtime, kiddo.”

He looks down, totally defeated by the realization and takes off his mask. “Okay… but can I sleep in my Jericho costume?”

“I don’t know what the point of telling you not to is, you’ll just put it on anyways after I leave the room. Yeah, keep the costume on if you want.” He giddily jumps around runs to his room and jumps in bed. Morgan walks over to him and tucks him in under his blanket covered in superhero insignias.

“Goodnight, son, I love you,” she tells him, with a beaming simper on her face. He hugs her tight, “goodnight, ma. Stay safe…”

“I’ll try.”

Morgan stands up and flips on his nightlight. She leaves, slowly closing the door behind her while trying to be as silent as a mouse.

When she turns around, she sees a woman sitting on her couch. She’s a dark skinned latina woman wearing a domino mask with black wings under her arms connected to a skintight blue jumpsuit. Morgan, not recognizing the intruder, pulls a knife behind her back and glares at her. She barks at the stranger, “Who are you?”

“There’s no need to be alarmed.”

“Oh, I’m plenty alarmed. Tell me who you are, girl, or things WILL get messy.”

The mysterious woman stands and nods, “apologies. My name is Blackbird. I know who you are and what you’re really capable of. You have powers that have yet to be tapped into.”

Morgan has to bite her tongue to hold back laughter. She clears her throat and glares at her, “okay, even if I did have powers, how the hell would you know about them.”

“My friend is an alien telepath.”

“Of course. For every ten people, there’s one goddamn privacy invading telepath. So if I have powers, why haven’t I discovered them by now?”

“You did. Once. When you were five years old.” The Titan’s glare becomes as cold as the arctic, and just as harsh and unforgiving as she pulls out her dagger. “I’m going to count to five. Then you’re gonna leave my house, Little Birdy.”

“What’s the matter, Morgan? Angry because you can’t remember your past.”

“Shut up.”

“Don’t know what happened before you became ten.”

“I SAID SHUT THE HELL UP,” she screams while launching the knife at Blackbird. It barely misses her, just millimeters away from her face. She can feel the cold steel and smell the toxic poison that’s lathered all over the knife.

“Your son’s gonna be up with you screaming like that.”

“His walls are soundproof. He can’t hear anything of what we’re saying.”

She frowns, “you’re paranoid.”

“And you’re dead. You don’t know me. You don’t know a thing about me!”

“You’re not getting it, Titan. I’m here to HELP you. You’re a metahuman, and whether you want to find out if I’m telling the truth is up to you.”

Morgan mulls it over while she grips the knife strapped to the back of her pants. After almost a minute of contemplation, she lets go of the dagger and nods.

“So. If I’m a metahuman, how exactly do I use my power.”

“It needs to be activated through fear.”

“I’ve been in a lot of fear. Why haven’t my powers activated before.”

“True fear. The kind of fear that comes from personal attacks. You once were in a truly fearful situation before. You activated your powers, and you incinerated your father.”

“My father left before I was born.”

“As far as you know. What can you remember of your mother?”

“She… she was… she…”

Morgan pulls on her hair and grits her teeth, “I CAN’T REMEMBER! I can’t… can’t remember anything…”

Blackbird cocks her head and points at her side, “umm… Titan?”

“What?”

“Look at your hand.”

The vigilante looks down at her right hand, which pulsates with electricity. Her wrist is looped with a wristband of flames, and above that is a spiked vine which runs up and around her arm up to her shoulder. She looks back up with eyes as wide as a cat’s, “what is this? What’s happening?”

“Looks like trying to remember your past brings out your powers. You’re an elementalist, Titan.” Her vines slither into a hole in her forearm, which seals back up, the flames fizzle out, and the electricity travels into her fingernails. She inspects her hand very closely, totally speechless.

“The Freedom Force can help you harness your powers, Titan.”

She ignores this statement, “Why do you keep calling me that?”

“Huh?”

“You heard me. You’re in my house, you know who I am. Why do you insist on calling me by my alias?”

She smiles slightly, “because as far as I’m concerned, you’re a hero. So if you don’t mind, I’m going to continue to address you as such, Teal Titan.”

“Well, I guess do as you please. I won’t stop you, even if I’m not a hero, but to get back on topic, I work alone.”

“Suit yourself,” she shrugs, “but here. Take this. Just in case.” The metahuman throws her a card, with the Freedom Force symbol on it and a number. Morgan looks at it, and when she looks back up, Blackbird is flying out of her window into the night sky. The Titan grumbles and tosses the card onto her dining room table as she walks to her room.

7 AM. The next morning.

Miss. Knight gets out of bed, her back aching, arms and legs still deep in their beauty sleep, and craving even a drop of coffee. She walks out of her room to Tyrone sitting on the couch, watching cartoons.

“Hey, son,” she yawns while walking to the kitchen.

“Good morning, mommy.”

“What are you watching?”

“The Rocky cartoon.”

“... Rocky has a cartoon?”

He looks at her as she drinks down a cup of strong, black, french roast coffee. “No, not the boxer. The superhero. You know, from Generation Next?”

“Oh. I don’t remember him.”

“Hmm. Well, his cartoon is all kiddy. I don’t like it.”

“You don’t? You seem like the target demographic.”

“I don’t want to see Rocky get a pie thrown at him. Why isn’t he fighting supervillains?”

“Beats me,” she says as she finishes downing her coffee, “I need to get to work. I’m going to call Car-“

At that moment, the door unlocks and swings open, and a chipper sounding voice comes from the entrance.

“Honey. I’m home!”

The mother and son turn, Tyrone gleefully shouting, “Dad! You’re back!”

A handsome black haired, 6’ 3”, muscular man with stubble, hypnotizing silver eyes, and skin like caramel. Is smile is stunning, and he walks up to his wife, giving her a passionate kiss on the lips. Morgan’s eyes roll back as she holds him tight. Her husband slowly pulls away and he whispers, “miss me?”

She doesn’t have the words to respond so she just slowly nods. Tyrone immaturely laughs and his dad runs up, lifting him and putting him onto his shoulders. “Ahhhhh, you think that’s funny?”

“Yeah! Woah! Put me down!”

He runs around in circles with him on his shoulders, the whole time the kid screams with excitement, before he puts him back down. He pats his son’s head and looks back at Morgan. “Umm… me and your mom need to go talk. Privately. Here,” he hands him a movie case. Tyrone excitedly takes it and reads the cover. It says, “The Ant 2: Revenge of the Shadow”. The boy’s eyes grow and he excitedly kicks the floor repeatedly.

“YAY!”

“I picked that up while on my business trip. Have fun.”

As the boy runs to the dvd player and puts in the movie, Morgan puts her hand on her husband’s hip and takes him into the bedroom, the door locking behind them.

The two continue their unfinished business, but she cuts it off and puts her hand on his chest. “I-I have work today, Jerry…”

“Take the day off. It’s been three weeks since we’ve seen each other.”

“I can’t. My boss would chop my head off with a guillotine.”

Jerry nods quickly and runs his hand through her hair, “of course. You should get ready.”

“I am. We have a bit of time. How was your trip.”

“It… was good, but…” his voice is shaky and sounds anxious.

She starts to kiss his neck as she asks, “What is it?”

“Well… let’s just say, I’m going to have a lot more time to spend with our son.”

Morgan looks up at him, “what?”

“I quit.”

“I know, I know, but why?”

“Didn’t pay enough for the days they were expecting me to spend away from my growing son and beautiful wife who deserves a lot more attention from me. When they asked me to stay during my son’s birthday, that was the straw that broke the camel’s back.”

She breathes heavily, barely able to contain herself from tackling and expressing her affection for him, and she bites her lip.

“It gets me so hot and bothered when you act so fatherly.”

He smirks and holds her hand tightly, “I know. But you have to get to work.”

“Fuck. You’re right.”

She backs away and goes to her dresser, taking out her daggers and her badge. Jerry walks out of the room and sits down next to his son. Morgan slides the daggers into her boots and goes to the front door in a hurry.

“Bye, guys. Have fun watching the movie.”

She opens the door and runs down the stairs to get to her car.

#short story #issue 2 #Teal Titan #superheroes

[jennifercxlman]

Heartbeat Races

Jennifer was nervous, beyond so. This guy she'd offered to cook for was one of her rare nice dates. He had been charming and dedicated himself to a good job, he was funny and sure there was chemistry. Just not like Grey and truthfully, the thought stewed in the back of her mind like a bad hangover. Jen ran her fingers over her attire, dressed in black skirt and a long teal top, she rubbed her hands together, glancing to the cooking food on her stove and a grin illuminating her at the knock on her door, "Come in," she called, moving towards the parted door.

Grey found himself sitting in his apartment bored and alone. He had gotten back from work not too long ago and the quietness was driving him insane. Rolling his sleeves up, the brunet put his beer down and decided to invite himself over to his neighbors home. After their first night together, who knew what kind of surprises could come up? Knocking and walking in, the boy smiled, the aroma of food in the air quickly make his stomach ache with hunger. "Smells delicious."

Jennifer paused, her body not really entirely sure what to do when she saw Grey walk in the door; not her date. "Erm, Grey," She sung slowly, glancing up at him through fluttered lashes, "This food is... is for mydate," she rushed, hoping he didn't quite click onto all her words that rushed from her nude lips. Her fingers knotting in the material of her skirt.

Grey was taken aback at the sound of 'date'. No, technically they weren't together, and they had only known each other for what? A week? but somehow, he couldn't fight back the feeling of jealousy bugging him. Plastering on a fake smile, pretending to be surprised he chuckled a bit. "A date? Wow, that's um-awesome." he smiled with encouragement. " A date." he repeated as he nodded trying to grasp the idea of her on a date with someone else.

Jennifer didn't look at him, turning towards the food and checking the Mexican meal she'd prepared earlier in the day. The smell of spices and chicken infusing the air. "You can have some after –– or in a to-go box if you like? I made too much anyway," she offered with a gentle smile, her head tilting back to him as her straightened locks fluttered into her dark hues for a moment. "He'll be here soon but we can hang out after, i'll come knock ––" Jen didn't even get to finish when there was a knock on the door. "Hey James, come in!" she hollered with a smile, "This is Grey, my new neighbour."

Grey let her go on, biting down on his tongue to keep himself calm. Hearing a knock at the door, the male immediately looked up, trying to see what asshole was coming in through the door. Seeing how excited she was, Grey knew he would have to come to accept it and be respectful. Or maybe not, he didn't really give a damn. Staring her date down, he simply gave a quick nod of the head, not even a hello slipping from his lips.

Jennifer noticed the silence; almost hostile nature of Grey. She was partially wondering why he was still here. Was he jealous? Curious? no, of course he wouldn't be jealous of it all. He probably didn't like her like that. Letting James press a kiss to her cheek, she glanced to Grey awkwardly. "I'm sorry, he's not usually this quiet," she mused to James, raising her brows at her neighbour before opening wine. Now did she have to get three glasses? Since he was here or did she wait for him to leave? It was a situation that Jen couldn't seem to gauge

Grey felt like he was overstepping boundaries. He should have left by now, he was just being awkward. Seeing him press a kiss against her cheek, Grey quickly turned into disgust, luckily without the two seeing. Shoving his hands in his pockets, he turned to Jen already understanding that he should be leaving. "I should go." he simply stated, voice lower than usual and already heading towards the hall to his own apartment.

Jennifer waited for a moment, the look on his face and tone suddenly his a note in her; like it had upset her. But her and Grey were nothing more than neighbours who had a fragmented night of sex. Even if she did like him to the degree she did. "Bye," she called gently, turning back to fill two glasses of wine and plate the start of their dinner. "I'm the best cook you've ever met –– i hope you remember this," she whispered, pressing her lisp to his cheek.

Grey headed back into his apartment, deciding to slip out of his clothes and into his grey colored sweats, deciding not to go with a shirt due to being in the comfort of his own home. Grabbing another beer and plopping on his couch, he kept his tv low wondering what was going on the other side of the hall. He gave about twenty minutes before pushing himself off the couch and heading across the hall again, deciding to have some fun. "God, I am starving." he spoke without a care, walking around her kitchen and grabbing himself a plate, not caring that the two were in the middle of their 'date'.

Jennifer would've laughed if she didn't have company. Heck, maybe even welcomed it. But with her feet intertwined with his and bodies leaning over the dinner table. She froze, jaw dropped at Grey lounging around her apartment. Mentally cursing him, mentally cursing herself. Truth be told, she'd gone on a date with James after the promise of he'd changed, no more abuse or screaming. No more pain for the fun of it. For some peculiar reason the brunette gave him that chance to prove his worth. But this type of thing was the type to rub him up the same way. "I'm so sorry," she whispered against James' lips, pushing from her chair and moving to the kitchen. "What are you doing?" she questioned, her tone a hiss.

Grey began to gather utensils and a plate, serving himself some food left on the stove. Not bothering to look back at them, he made himself at home right until he heard the small brunette at his side. Looking down, he gave a shrug. "Grabbing some dinner?" he said as if she was in the wrong, plopping down pieces of chicken.

Jennifer glanced down to her feet, consumed with anger, disappointment and confusion. "Please, stop making my life hard," She sighed, rubbing her head before and giving it a shake. Moving back to join Grey with an unreadable expression. "I'm sorry babe, I don't know –– I honestly don't get what he's doing," She sighed, glancing over her shoulder before noticing the curling of James' fist. "James, don't." She whispered, catching his balled hand in hers.

Grey looked down confused. Make her life hard? What did that mean? Stopping himself, he looked down to the floor not knowing exactly what he wanted out of this. Closing his eyes and sighing to himself, he knew he needed to respect and do better. Listening to hear speak and turning his head in their direction, he could already see a balled up fist. He really didn't want to fight with Grey if he knew better. With a scoff and a shake of the head, Grey walked out once more, making sure to slam the door behind him.

Jennifer couldn't focus after that, not on the date or James. The slurs he spat about Grey left her in silence, too worried to defend him or even herself in the situation. "I'm sorry," she cooed to him. Looking at the man who had changed so much in a year. The man who had been the love of her life for years; even when smacking her skull of radiators. So she didn't know what sparked the fuse, what caught the bomb. But in seconds his fist had met her eye and made plans for their next date. "Fuck ––" she cured under the depth of her breath, cradling over the counter.

Grey stood in the middle of his living room, silence driving him insane. What had come over him? Since when did he act that way? Feeling angry with himself, the glass plate in his hand flew across the room, shattering quickly against a wall. Taking a deep breath, he looked at his surroundings before grabbing a shirt and heading out the fire escape, needing fresh air.

Jennifer heard the smash from across the hall, panic sinking in her, had she upset him too? Her fingers grazed her right eye; it was already puffing and no doubt purple. Moving to the bathroom, she glanced to it. Not being able to stomach it, she layered foundation. Covering the growing wound. Changing into her shorts and a hoodie, she grabbed Bailey, stepping from the door of her apartment and looking for that familiar face of Grey. Pandering to the fire escape when she saw the door swinging open slightly. Her body moving towards it and peeping out, "Grey..." she whispered

Grey looked out at the view before him. City buildings and a beautiful orange sunset blessing the sky. He sat silently, arms resting on his knees until he heard someone approaching. Not bothering to look back, he let his head fall down. "I owe you an apology." he began, knowing it was Jennifer immediately. "I was acting like an ass and it'll never happen again." he finished, looking up at the sunset once more.

Jennifer didn't look at him immediately, letting herself sit down next to him and admire the orange bliss that spanned the sky. Things like these helped her to breath, to be okay with it. She hid the right of her face from him, hidden by a mask of hair and sweater material she'd bundled up by her face. "It's okay," she whispered, shrugging her shoulders. "He's... sensitive to things being a certain way –– it's nothing to worry about, I'm fine." she winced, keeping her gaze in the orange misted tones and hues that shot across, watching them dull and face.

Grey kept his eyes down as he played with the fabric of his sweats. He kept quiet listening to her, growing confused. "Yeah, I can see that.. He was ready to hit me without hesitation." he muttered with a slight scoff, not realizing that Grey wasn't his target but in fact Jennifer. Sighing softly, he turned to face the brunette, an arm wrapping around her gently and pulling her into an embrace.

Jennifer paused for a moment, biding herself not to cry. She'd come too far with James to let him break her into tears; Grey wasn't going to know. Not ever, it was her dark secret to hold. "Hmm, he's like that. He used to do a lot of fighting so it's his reflex," she shrugged, running her nails over her bare legs as she felt him pull her inwards. Her body tensing in the moment before relaxing into him.

Grey let his hand caress her skin as he continued to look out towards the sunset, now growing darker. "He needs to learn how to control himself, if your first instinct is fighting or hitting something, then you're just completely at wrong." he muttered, thinking back to before he was adopted and how much trouble he used to get himself in for fighting.

Jennifer let a weary laugh fall from her lips. "We tried, he went to all sorts of management classes, talked to therapist, even got that bullshit hypnotisms –– he just... finds it hard to communicate. But he's had a rough time so I kinda get it," Her fingers scanned her cheek, wincing slightly before burying herself back into her jumper.

Grey shook his head, he could never understand people with such behavior. Maybe not everyone was like him. "Right..." he whispered while giving a nod, he refused to continue talking about the guy, knowing she would defend his actions regardless of what came out of Grey's mouth. There was history there, history he wouldn't understand.

Jennifer fell into silence, resting her head on her knees for a moment. Allowing the breeze to waft brown locks into her face, hiding the smudged and probably wiped make up. A long, slow exhale parting her lips as she sat there in silence; taking it all in. "So... any love life you've got going?" she piped

Grey tensed up at the mention of his love life. He knew he had someone back home, supposed to be much more serious than he made it out to be at times. But that wasn't something he needed to share with Jennifer at that given moment. "Other than having a one night stand with my neighbor, nothing else goes on for me." he mentioned with a shrug, hoping she would change the topic immediately.

Jennifer faltered for a moment, glancing up to him in the dim orange bask. "Right," she nodded softly, wondering how things had gone so crazy and debating in her mind if she'd ruined things. All she wanted was to be loved, loved like she loved Bailey, who was merrily asleep in the crease of her jumper, occasionally snouting a snore with her tongue falling out.

Grey scratched at the back of his neck, knowing he had made things awkward. But when were they going to talk about it? Were they just going to stop and see other people or continue their little fun? "So since you're dating James..." he tried to begin, not able to look at her. "That night was just, whatever?" he asked, not knowing how to form a sentence for a moment like this.

Jennifer froze, even her breathing stopped. What was she supposed to say? No, I arranged that date before you moved and hey –– he's my abusive ex of three years and before you moved here, the wrong kind of screams echoed my halls. So she shrugged, "me and James are complicated," she sighed, her fingers running over Bailey's fur, snuggling her in between her sweater and thighs. "Just whatever –– was that what it was for you?" she inquired, dejected slightly.

Grey looked down at her, trying to understand what she was putting together. "I mean- no, it wasn't whatever but if you're dating someone else, maybe we shouldn't be involved?" he questioned. But what a hypocrite he was, knowing very well he was doing that already anyway. Leaving a fiancee back home and sleeping with Jennifer. Nice one, Grey.

Jennifer nodded. "Maybe we shouldn't." she remarked, her tone sourer than it intended to be. To say she was a mess and conflicted was an understatement. Her fingers caught her locks and brushed her hair behind her ear. "Maybe I should just leave you to it," She whispered, hugging Bailey closer to her as she rubbed her eye; would he end up like last time but now with Jen lying to Grey about it all.

Grey didn't quite understand how to take her tone. He felt confused and couldn't find a solution to end it. "Look Jen-" he tried, looking up at her. Such a connection for only numbered days of knowing one another. "I'm here for you, okay? Regardless if it's just a chat or a good fuck.." he tried to joke around, wanting to make her laugh. "I'm right here.."

Jennifer stopped in her steps. "What Grey?" she croaked, turning around to face him, exhausted from the night. Exhausted from far too much shit that she didn't need to deal with. "Thanks," she nodded, managing to crack a small smile. "But I'm sure you'll regret offering that service eventually."

Grey kept quiet, furrowing his brows. He still wasn't understanding. "Don't think that'll ever happened." he said softly, wishing he could just kiss her in the moment. But now, there was some sort of dominance in the air that he couldn't break.

Jennifer let a smile sit on the corner of her lips, pressing a kiss to his cheek before adjusting Bailey in her arms. "The last one did, so I promise to take it with a pinch of salt and appreciate it. I'm sorry –– I'm such a debbie downer," she laughed, shaking her head to free her face from hair and adjusting her hoodie around her neck.

Grey chuckled softly, his eyes planted on her. "I don't regret it." he whispered, his hands coming up to push strands of her beautiful brown hair away from her face. "And you aren't, you're fine-okay?" he chuckled.

Jennifer flinched from him for a moment, her eye was covered but it seemed to be a natural reaction; to hide the bruise –– prevent being hit. But a few moments later she looked up at him, not saying anything, "Mhmm. Whatever you say," she whispered with a shrug of her shoulder, her fingers tracing Baileys back in distraction.

Grey felt distanced all of a sudden from Jennifer. A barrier between them that he couldn't get through. "Right..right." was all he said with a nod, not sure on how to feel.

Jennifer looked up at him with watery hues, "I'm sorry –– sorry you got the worst head case of a neighbour but I...somethings I can't talk about. James is one of them and...oh man," she whispered under her breath. "I'm a bit of a mess, in fact a whole lot of a mess. I mean, the staff in the hospital, starbucks and hotel down the road know me off by heart and you're the first neighbour I've had in years. People aren't my thing and I like pushing people away. It's better, easier –– for you and for me,"

Grey looked down at Jennifer, worry written all over his face. "So what you're telling me is you're pushing me away?" he asked softly, afraid of her answer. It had only been a couple of days but he had never found himself so comfortable and so happy than with his neighbor. His only friend around and already having the door slammed in his face.. Why?

Jennifer 's hand captured his cheek, her eyes sadly meeting his for a moment. "Because I won't ruin you, like the last soul who lived on our floor, James won't make threats and be obscurely difficult and I'm afraid Mr. Leyva,there are way cooler people than the girl you're stood here with." she sighed, dropping her hand and biting at her bottom lip. She couldn't tell him, it would change his view on her completely. She was ashamed about it enough as it was.

Grey now comprehended that they had to keep their distance. Even if he didn't agree with it. For some reason, Jen was insisting which he wouldn't argue against. Looking away from her and giving her his back, he now looked out to a dark sky decorated with enough stars to keep him busy for the night. "Nice meeting you, Jen. If you need a cup of sugar or milk just let me know." he simply stated, bitterly.

Jennifer furrowed her brows at him, anger consuming her. Why didn't people get it, was she so bad with words? was she such an awful person. "You don't fucking get it," She cried, tears weltering as she turned away from him, cuddling Bailey. "You're so lucky," she whispered, carrying herself and her dog inside, seconds into her door it happened. She broke, tears streaming down her cheeks as she swiped the plates off the counter. Letting them hit the floor with a sharp cry of their own.

#chatzy