#ain't no rest for the wicked || ic | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

ravingramblings · 6 months

Text

Fated Order: Twisted Wonderland

Ch 1: No Rest for the Wicked

The Remnant Order is underway and you've already solved 2 of the Psuedo-Singularities. After having a debriefing with Mash and Da Vinci, you head to your room to shower and get some well deserved rest. You turn the lights off and climb into your bed, pulling the covers up and getting comfortable. Closing your eyes, you swiftly drift off to sleep, exhausted.

In your dreams, you see a mirror. Green flames flicker in the mirror's reflection. An unknown male speaks.

"Ah, my dear esteemed benefactor… My proud, beautiful flower of evil. You are truly the fairest one of all. O magic mirror, thy wisdom I entreat… Reveal unto me the visage I seek…"

A black carriage is drawn by horses toward a gate. On the other side stands what seems to be a massive castle with many spires. The full moon illuminates the path ahead. The scene returns to that of the mirror, and the voice speaks once more.

"You, whose image the Dark Mirror did beckon forth… If your heart bids it, take the hand of the one reflected in the mirror."

The silhouette of a hand takes shape within the mirror, enticing. The image is replaced by that of a vermillion flame.

"As flame reduces even the stars to ash…"

A shard of ice appears next.

"As ice seals away even time itself…"

Vibrant green energy swirls within the glass.

"As great trees even swallow the sky…"

The imagery fades to black once more.

"Fear not the power of darkness. Now – demonstrate your power."

A bright light grows, originating from the mirror, until it completely overtakes your vision. Then, nothing but darkness and that mysterious voice.

"To me. To them. To yourself. The hour grows long and time is scarce. Keep steady your grip, no matter what may come…"

You're startled out of the dream by the sound of something trying to open a locked door. You open your eyes to complete darkness. Feeling around, you seem to be in an enclosed space. Had you been unconscious in your coffin upon your return from a rayshift? That can't be right, considering there would probably be a lot more commotion had that been the case. So what happened then?

"I better hurry up and find that uniform before someone spots me…" Somewhat of a nasally, quirky, whiny voice speaks from the other side of the door.

This is also a voice you've never heard before. Could this be a random staff member you've never spoken to before? Why are they looking for a uniform in your coffin? Why do they fear getting caught?

"Urggggh… This lid weighs a ton!"

Did the coffin door get stuck? You try pushing on it from the inside.

"Try this on for size! Mya-ha!"

You don't think you like where this is going. Suddenly, blue flames overtake the front of the coffin and you yelp. You kick open the door at the same time it gives way. The first thing that occurs to you is that this is not Chaldea. But that's to focus more on later; more importantly you bat down the bit of flame sparking on your robes, of which you've never seen before.

"What?! You ain't supposed to be awake!" You now see that the voice belongs to a gray, cat-like creature with flaming ears and a forked tail. You assume it's a magical beast or something, because last time you checked cats don't look like that, nor do they talk.

"What are you? A hellcat?" You squint at the small creature in front of you.

"How… How DARE YOU! I am no mere CAT! I'm Grim, sorcerer extraordinaire!"

"Fou!" Out from your coffin pops none other than Fou. Curious how he always manages to sneak along with you. The small beast scampers onto your shoulder and perches there.

"That thing is more of an animal than I am! Tch. Whatever. You… human! Just gimme your uniform, and be quick about it!"

You cross your arms. "I have a name, you know? And why would I give you the clothes that I'm wearing? They're the only thing I'm wearing and they wouldn't fit you, since they're human sized." Fou makes a sound in what seems to be agreement.

"Oh-ho! You got a lotta nerve talking back to me, human! The name's Grim. Believe me, you won't forget it! Now gimme your uniform, and be quick about it! Cause if you don't… you're going to regret it!" Blue flames flicker to life again and lick at your legs.

Jumping back, you yell at him, "Hey! Stop trying to roast me, you little rat! You're gonna set this whole place ablaze!"

You start to hear a muffled yelp from another coffin, accompanied by some commotion from inside. Next thing you know, the lid flies open and out jumps your dearest kouhai, Mash.

"Senpai, are you in trouble? I'm here to help!" She rushes over to you with a determined look on her face.

"Hey, come on! I'm on a tight schedule here!"

More fire spews forth from the cat-like beast and Mash maneuvers you both away from its reach, grabbing your hand and making a run for it. You burst through a set of doors and dash down an open corridor. You pass what seem to be classrooms and a perfectly trimmed courtyard. At last you both flee into a library. It's like one you've never seen before, and there are a couple of books literally floating around. You take a second to catch your breath.

"Hey, Mash? Do you happen to know where we are? Cause I have no clue."

As soon as you finish speaking, you feel a flare of heat and Mash pushes you away from it again. Standing there, looking smug, is the hellspawn.

"Foolish humans! Did you really think you could slip away from ME? Now, unless you wanna get burned to a crisp, take off those– Me-YEOW! That hurt! What gives?"

Behind Grim stands a pale man, dressed in a suit, holding the offending whip. He hosts a coat with an impressive blue collar and plenty of dark feathers. On his face is a crow-like mask that covers only the top half of his face. The man has beady gold eyes, pointed ears, and wavy black hair. The black top hat on his head has a blue ribbon around the base, with a decorative mirror, keys, and a feather arranged aesthetically.

"Consider it tough love," he starts to scold the gray beast. He then turns to you and Mash. "Ah, I've found you at last. Splendid. I trust you both are some of this year's new students? My, were you ever eager to make your debut." He crosses his arms. "And bringing a poorly trained familiar with you? That is a clear violation of the school's rules."

His voice rings a bell, but you can't tell why. Also, this does seem to be a school, but not any that you are familiar with.

"As if I'd serve some lowly human! Now lemme go!"

"Yes, yes. Rebellious familiars always say that. Do be quiet for a bit, won't you?" The mysterious man places a hand over Grim's mouth.

"Mmmrrph!"

"Yeah, he's not my familiar, I've never even seen his species before today. If anything, Fou here is more like my familiar than that little guy." You shake your head, disagreeing with the man's assumption, before motioning to the small beast still perched on your shoulder.

Unfortunately, it seems he completely ignores you. "Dear me. Of all the students I've dealt with, you two are the first with temerity enough to open their own gates and step out of them."

You go to speak up, but he continues to scold you.

"Does the very notion of patience elude you? No matter. Your orientation has already begun. Let us return to the Mirror Chamber."

"Uhhh, student? I don't recall signing up for school." You look over at Mash and she shrugs back at you.

"You awakened in a room full of gates, did you not? All of the students here at the campus arrived by passing through such gates. Although typically the students have restraint enough to wait until I open them before waking up."

"Yeah, so, that hellcat totally tried to cremate me within mine, so no way I was staying in there. Then Mash heard the commotion and decided to help me not get roasted alive."

"Yes, I helped my senpai evade the flames and we ended up running down here." She nods resolutely.

"Fou-fouuu!"

"You're the one who insisted on bringing it, so curtailing its behavior is your responsibility!" He raises a hand to his chin, "But now is not the time for such prattle. You've a student orientation to attend! Go on, now. Make haste."

You deadpan. He's been prattling this entire time. "Well, first of all, where are we exactly?"

Mash nods. "Yes, this does not seem to be the Clocktower, nor the Atlas Institute."

"Hm? Have neither of you fully regained consciousness? The timespace teleportation must have addled your memories… Well, these things happen, I suppose. I shall explain it to you while we walk. Truly, my magnanimity is boundless."

With that the man turns and starts to walk back the way you came, Mash and yourself following after him. However, you both follow at a distance, so you can speak to one another without him hearing.

"So far, our situation seems pretty bizarre, but that's not too unordinary for us. I think I remember going to sleep in my bed last night, so I have no clue how we got here; I assume that's the same for you. We don't know where 'here' is yet, he didn't seem to recognize the Clocktower, nor the Atlas Institute. We seem to be in more modern times, considering our surroundings, and they know of magic, however not of some of the most famous modern magic institutions."

Mash nods and enters her own input, "These uniforms are not any I recognize either, and the magical energy feels different here. It's not quite on the same scale as the Age of Gods, but not quite the same as our modern magic either. We need to see if we can set up a connection with Chaldea, so we can communicate with them."

"Let's prioritize finding the nearest leyline, if any, and finding out more information on where we are."

Mash nods in response to your order, "Yes, Master, orders received!"

You find yourselves back in the courtyard when the man begins to speak again, "Ahem. This is Night Raven College. It is an institution for students the world over who demonstrate a rare aptitude for magic. It is the most prestigious academy of its sort in all of Twisted Wonderland. And I am Dire Crowley. Having been entrusted with its care by the chairman, I serve as headmage.”

“Twisted… Wonderland?” You question, your expression scrunching up in confusion. You and Mash share an inquisitive look, then direct your attention back to Crowley. “And you have magic here?”

“Only those who the Dark Mirror perceives as having a talent for magic are admitted to the college. Those who are selected are summoned to the campus through those “gates”, which can appear anywhere. A black carriage bearing one such gate should have come to meet you.”

This elicits a hum from your throat as you bring a hand up to your mouth in contemplation. What he’s describing sounds like the strange dream or vision that lingers in the recesses of your mind. “I recall a dark forest…” You mutter to yourself. Mash looks at you curiously.

“Senpai?”

“That black carriage serves to receive a student chosen by the Dark Mirror. It too bears a gate that connects to this campus. And, as you know, sending a carriage to meet someone on a special day is a time-honored tradition,” Crowley says matter-of-factly.

“Huh? Time-honored tradition? Where and since when?” You shake your head in confusion. Mash looks at you and shrugs, looking just as lost as you are.

Grim starts to fuss at this, squirming in Crowley’s grasp. “Mmfff! Mmmmmmfff!”

“Now, let us attend to your orientation,” the headmage ushers you all along, bringing you all back to the mirror chamber.

As your group enters, you hear voices speaking, the first of which being a boy with hair as red as a rose and eyes a striking silver. “We’re done with orientation and dorm assignments? All right, new students - let me be clear. At Heartslabyul House, I am the law. Break the rules, and it’s off with your head!”

The next to speak up is a dark-skinned boy with long, brown hair, sharp green eyes, and lion ears that occasionally twitch, proving their authenticity. It’s a bit odd, as you don’t quite know what he is, but he’s certainly not a Servant. He yawns, looking extremely done with everything. “Well, that ceremony was as boring as ever. I’m going back to the dorm. If you’re in Savanaclaw House, follow me.”

“New students! Allow me to be the first to congratulate you on your achievement,” this comes from a boy with glasses, silvery hair and eyes, and a beauty mark near the bottom corner of his mouth. “As dorm leader of Octavinelle House, I am honored to have the opportunity to support you in what I hope will be a fulfilling campus experience.”

Another voice speaks up to address the group, the owner being a very handsome boy with lilac colored eyes and shiny, blonde hair with purple highlights. “Hey, does anyone know where the headmage went? He disappeared midway through the ceremony…” He trails off.

Before any from your group can announce your presence, yet another voice chimes in. Though, when you look for the origin, you notice it comes from a floating tablet. “Some headmage he is.”

“Maybe he had a tummyache?” Another boy with dark skin responds; he has short, white hair and ruby red eyes.

Crowley finally pipes up, “I most certainly did not!”

“Ah, speak of the devil,” the first boy mutters once more.

Ignoring this, the headmage continues. “If you must know, I was searching for the new students who’d failed to show for orientation. You two are the only ones who have yet to be assigned to a dorm. Step up to the Dark Mirror, and be quick about it. I’ll watch your weasel.”

Grim growls in response to this.

“Again, not mine, but whatever,” you mutter under your breath as you and Mash step up to the Dark Mirror.

Mash goes first, gazing deep into the mirror as it sizes her up.

“State your name.” A face that looks more like a mask is present within the mirror, a scowl etched into its features.

“I am Mash, Mash Kyrielight,” she states, clearly and confidently.

“Mash. The nature of your soul is… unclear to me.”

“What did you just say?” Crowley questions in bewilderment.

“Magic resides in her, this much is true. However, it does not suit this place. The sound of it, its color, and its shape are not any that I’ve bore witness to before. Therefore, no dorm would be appropriate.”

Everything is silent for a moment, then the headmage gestures for you to take your place in front of the mirror.

“State your name,” the mirror states again.

“Y/F/N Y/L/N.”

“Y/F/N. The nature of your soul… is the same, it does not suit this place.”

Silence takes over once more, then Crowley asks, “Are you suggesting that the black carriage went to retrieve two people who are incompatible? But that is absurd! The student selection process has not erred once in its century of existence! How could this have happened?” He brings his hand up to his face curiously.

Grim struggles until he frees himself. “Mmmph! Nnnrgggh… ME! Let ME have this student’s seat!”

The headmage glares at the small beast, “Not so fast, you hyperactive weasel!”

“Unlike those humans, I totally belong here! So let me be a student here!” Grim crosses his arms with a smirk. “Look, I’ll show you! My spells’re the cat’s meow!”

Almost as if sensing the coming chaos, the red haired boy shouts out in warning, “Everyone, get down!”

With what seems to be his best attempt at a roar, Grim unleashes a burst of blue flames within the room. Mash quickly covers you with her body, materializing into her Servant’s attire and manifesting her shield.

The boy with red eyes begins to yell. “AHHHHH! HELP! I’m on fire over here!” He frantically hops about, his tail end smoking. You rush over to help pat out the flame.

“Someone catch that blasted animal before it sets the entire school ablaze!” The headmage shouts out.

The boy with the lion ears sighs, “Ugh. Can I go now, or…?”

“Oh? I thought you fancied yourself a hunter. Go and help yourself to that plump little morsel!” The handsome boy raises a brow with a smirk.

“Too much effort. Do it yourself,” the lion eared boy immediately quips back.

“Allow me to handle this, Headmage Crowley. If none of you are up to the task of catching a small animal, I will accept the responsibility.” Magnanimously, the boy with the glasses offers.

“WTG Azul. Rackin’ up those participation credits,” the tablet sounds off.

The boy with the red eyes looks at you with a bright smile. “Ah! Thank you! You really saved me there!”

“I’m sorry, were my instructions unclear?!” Crowley exclaims, frustrated.

Entirely uncaring, the green eyed boy responds, “Preeetty sure you can handle catching one mangy weasel all on your lonesome there, headmage.��

“How many times do I gotta say it? I’m Grim, spellcaster extraordinaire! I am NOT a weasel!” The offending creature continues to run his mouth, much to all of your chagrin.

Azul chimes in, “Aren’t you a spunky little fellow? Riddle, would you be so kind…?”

“Furry miscreant. I will abide no rule-breaking. You will be judged by my hand.”

Riddle and Azul begin to chase after the creature and you turn to look at Mash. “Mash, go and help them. I’ll stay and help out here!”

“Orders received, Master!” And with that, Mash runs off to aid the two mages in subduing the cat beast.

**I do not own Disney's Twisted Wonderland, Fate: Grand Order, or any of the characters present in either series, all proper rights belong to the proper owners.**

#twisted wonderland x reader #twst x reader #twst x you #fgo x reader #fate grand order x reader

61 notes · View notes

forest-falcon · 6 months

Text

WIP Wednesday

Adding to my Thunderbirds fic with OC Lieutenant Tamara Fielding & Jonesy (both firefighters who work with Chief McCready). The fic is written completely out of order (my brain refuses to be anything but chaotic!)

💙👨‍🚒👩‍🚒🚀☔

Tam set her coffee down on the countertop of the front desk and dragged an office chair towards her.

God she hated paperwork, especially during the winter months. Maybe she could shred the whole pile...create a fire in the foyer - anything to thaw out her frozen hands. Then again, arson, as a rule, was somewhat frowned upon within the firefighting community. Killjoys.

Tam cradled the quickly cooling coffee, attempting to leech the remaining heat from it.

"You gonna drink that or buy it dinner?"

"Oh I'd take it to bed with me if I could, but I've somehow gotta make your numbers look good so Chief McCready doesn't fire your ass."

"Sounds like an easy day to me. I am, after all, Jonesy... the living legend."

Tam arched a brow as he flexed

"Hmmm...those weren't the words I was thinking of."

"Well I'm not sure you can use ruggedly handsome in a report?"

Tam took a sip of her coffee.

"I've known cats with smaller egos than yours."

Jonesy grinned.

"So why's Chief got you hooled up here anyway? I miss my partner in crime. The probie ain't bad, but I want my work wife back."

Tam took an elongated slurp of her now-iced-latte, before the phone mercifully rang.

"Hold up, I've gotta take this."

Jonesy gave a mock salute, winked, then headed in the general direction of the lockers.

"London Fire Brigade"

"Guess who?"

"Scott?"

"Guilty as charged!"

"How...err...how are you? Sorry, I wasn't expecting it to be you. Is everything okay, I mean, is there a situation we can assist with?"

"Oh! No, it's just a friendly call. I've asked EOS and John to cover any incoming calls to the station while we chat."

"That's...erm...thanks?"

"So! In answer to your earlier question - I'm well. Bored as hell, stuck doing paperwork, but you know what they say...no rest for the wicked!"

"I'm not sure anyone in your family really fits that description."

"Honestly? Even after Gordon switched the letters around on your keyboard?"

"That was him?"

"Like I said, wicked."

There was a brief pause.

"How's everyone else? I don't think I managed to catch Virgil before I left."

"Ah yes. Tyre factory fire in Madrid. To be fair, he's not one for goodbyes. But yes - the rest of the family's well. Kayo, I think, is missing the female company already as she's being proper ornery today. I think Alan's gonna have to game standing up as she kicked his arse good n proper sparring this morning."

Tam chuckled despite herself.

"Poor Alan."

"Anyway, just thought I'd drop you a line to see how life back at the station was going?"

"Oh. Well...s'been okay. Chief McCready has me on desk duty today thanks to the whole surfboard incident. Told her my head was fine, but, yeah. Here I am checking fire alarms, fitting car seats and making coffee. Life in the fast lane..."

"Hey, don't knock it. I've spent the day crunching numbers."

"You love numbers."

"Yeah, not these numbers though. Hey! We could swap? You do my Tracy Industries calcs and I'll brew the coffees?"

"Sure, I mean, only if I get to work in your office? The London drizzle and concrete doesn't quite stand up to your sea view."

"Deal! I'll bring One around as soon as I can suit up!"

"Oh, and I should warn you...don't drink the coffee. It's the cheapest instant sh*t they could find...and it's decaf."

"Ah now, that may be a deal-breaker you see..."

"Damnit"

"Yeah. Can't be pulling all night rescues on weak wanna-be-coffee."

"You wouldn't cut it here then Commander...better stick to your paperwork."

"Touché! Anyway...I better head off and let you get back to it. It was nice hearing your voice. Maybe we can grab lunch whenever I'm next in London?"

"I'd like that."

"Great, I'll get John to locate the nearest McDonald's for us."

There was a click as Scott hung up.

Tam chuckled.

"Jackass."

#thunderbirds are go #thunderfam #thunderbirds fanfiction #scott tracy

18 notes · View notes

samantha-and-her-chaotic-desires · 7 months

Note

Question: I'm attempting to fit Lackadaisy characters into that one 'Every friend group should have...' meme, but I'm kinda stuck at the moment and would love your input.

I'm dead set on having Nico and Serafine in the 'Mean Bisexual' and 'Even Meaner Lesbian' spots respectfully, and I'm thinking Ivy and Freckle fit pretty well in the 'She/they's' and 'He/they's' spots, though Freckle could also fit in the 'Short King' spot, but the rest I'm not sure about. Rocky could either fit into the 'Bimbo' slot, the 'Short King' slot, or the 'Token Straight on Thin Ice' slot (even if he definitely ain't straight), but Mordecai could also fit in 'Token Straight on Thin Ice' slot (even though he also ain't straight) and I'm really not sure who to put in the 'Astrology Bitch who has Everyone's Birth Charts Memorized' (Though Wick could fit in there if I changed it it 'Rock Bitch who has Everyone's Birthstones Memorized') and 'Short King' is still open if Rocky and Freckle don't end up taking it. Plus, even if I get them sorted, I still have at least one or two slots open.

What do you think?

anon I'm cackling

and you're right, Mordecai isn't even CLOSE to straight, but the Token Straight on Thin Ice. Nico and Serafine's spots are good, as well as Freckle and Ivy being in she/they and he/they...

Wick is def the Rock Bitch who has Everyone's Birthstones Memorized, and for Short King??? hnnnghghhhhh Rocky. Explosive Short King (just googled his height YES he is short king)

I hope this input is okay! I'm so sorry for the late response, I meant to answer this earlier.

#lackadaisy #every friend group has #mordecai heller #serafine savoy #nicodeme savoy #rocky rickaby #ivy pepper #calvin freckle mcmurray #sedgewick sable #lackadaisy mordecai #lackadaisy serafine #lackadaisy nico #lackadaisy rocky #lackadaisy ivy #lackadaisy freckle #lackadaisy wick #ask #answered ask #thanks for the ask! <3

15 notes · View notes

talesfromthecrypts · 2 months

Text

Tagged by @meduseld (HI HELLO)

Rules: shuffle your on repeat playlist and list 10 songs that show up.

Heart Shaped Box - Nirvana

Delirious - Prince

Jailhouse Rock - The Blues Brothers

Laudanum and Arsenic - Daniel Hart (IWTV Score)

Rocking the Boat - Ice Nine Kills

Points of Authority - Linkin Park

I Feel Love - Kinga Preis (The Lure Soundtrack version)

Ain't No Rest for the Wicked - Cage the Elephant

Faust - Paul Williams (Phantom of the Paradise soundtrack)

Dela - Johnny Clegg & Savuka

tagging: @aethelreds, @mysteriums, @andtwelfth, @jennathearcher, @losthavenmine, @hellboys

#it's brittany bitch

13 notes · View notes

phantomraeken · 10 months

Text

Thanks for the tag @thiamsxbitch

P - Psycho Killer - Talking Heads

H - Hourglass - Set It Off

A - Assault & Batteries - Ice Nine Kills

N - Not Allowed - TV Girl

T - Teen Idle - MARINA

O - Overwhelmed - Ryan Mack

M - Mansion - NF

R - Rob A Bank - Confetti

A - Ain't No Rest For The Wicked - Cage The Elephant

E - Electric Love - BØRNS

K - Killer Queen - Mad Tsai

E - Ex's And Oh's - Elle King

N - New Americna - Halsey

Tagging: Anyone!! Most of my mutuals were already tagged.

18 notes · View notes

muertarte · 11 months

Text

PARTIES: @notpigmeat @muertarte

SUMMARY: Jazz is looking for a new date spot, and Metzli ends up being the only tour guide available. Jazz immediately tries to flirt. Will it work?

TIMING: Current

WARNINGS: None!

Jazz was in desperate need for a new place to take his dates. The ice cream shop he frequented started questioning why he brought so many women there. One could imagine the woman he had brought that last time didn't find it amusing.

Jazz wandered the streets of Wicked's Rest. Coffee shops and bars littered the map. "These ain't it." He said as he passed yet another pub. He needed something unique. Something that would make his dates swoon.

A place like…MuertArte?

The red door and black exterior stood out next to the monotony of beige, all but beckoning any soul curious enough to enter. So, he did.

It was early afternoon when the speaker chimed, announcing another patron. Metzli peered around the corner, seeing a man on the search for something. “Hm…” They hummed to themself, placing the clipboard on the counter to scribble a few notes for the latest piece they were archiving for next month’s rotation. The artist wouldn’t be too happy that their piece wasn’t sold, but it would have another chance. Metzli was more than good at their job. They’d see to it.

With a final flick of their pen, the vampire’s deadpan stare met with the stranger’s visage. He was still searching—or was it canvassing? In all their years in the clan, Metzli observed many mannerisms, memorizing what each one meant. There was purpose to every slide of his eyes, but what was it? As much as they hated talking, Metzli knew their paranoia would not be sated until they got to the bottom of whatever he was doing.

Sighing, they adjusted their suit jacket, rolling their shoulders as they approached, movement rigid and cold. “Can I help you?” Metzli looked up to the ceiling, focusing on a single point, “You are looking for something.”

Jazz didn't immediately respond. He took a step back and observed this tall, lanky person that walked up to him.

"What's good, baby? I'm just taking in the sights." He said slickly. He licked his lips and bit the bottom one. Jazz liked tall and lanky. He wasn't getting flirty vibes but he's been able to change that before.

"This chick must have some serious paper." He thought to himself. All types of paintings lined the wall; each one looking more expensive than the last.

There was no baby in sight. What the hell was that man talking about? Metzli looked around, trying to find this misplaced child, but they found none. “There is no baby. Have you bought ticket? If not, there will be no sights.” Logging into the front desk computer, Metzli saw that the last patron was thirty minutes ago. The man in front of them had definitely only been there a few minutes. So, no, he hadn’t bought a ticket.

Metzli rounded the desk and tilted their head, almost ominously, as they watched the man look at the paintings. When it looked like he was turning back to them, they finally spoke up. “You have not bought ticket. Are you going to?” They shifted their weight from front to back repeatedly, wishing they were back in the curation room. Paintings were so much easier to be around.

"There is no baby."

"What the hell is she talking about." Jazz thought. He figured this cutie was playing hard to get. He let out a chuckle expecting one back. "Alright I'll buy a ticket. Unless there's a discount for sexy people?" He ran his fingers through his hair. No one has ever resisted his fingers running through his hair.

To be perfectly honest the paintings did appear interesting. He figured he could actually take in the actual sights of the art.. after getting a phone number of course, he thought.

Their brrows knitted together with confusion, unable to decipher what the hell this man was trying to say. Why would there be a discount for sexy people? Even if there was, Metzli took one good look at the man as he ran his hand through his hair, and shook their head internally. Definitely not their type. Not sexy. At least, not to them. “No such thing as sexy discount.” They stated blandly, face stoic.

“There is child discount, elderly discount, and student discount. That is it. It is fifteen dollars for entry.” Metzli paused, tapping their foot as anxiety rose. As much as they didn’t want to, they knew they’d have to personally give the man a tour with Rachel and Gavin busy. “If you buy ticket, you can have self-guide or have guide like…” Metzli swallowed, “Like me to tell you about works. Your choice.” They clenched their jaw and balled their hand into a fist, somehow still maintaining a face devoid of emotion.

Jazz had flirted with countless women in his days as a boxer. Clenched teeth and a balled fist was never a good sign.

"You're a tough cookie, baby. Here. I'll take the tour." He said with a wink as he slid a $20 bill across the counter. He didn't show it but he was pondering if he came on too strong.

He looked down and saw the tapping foot of an incredibly impatient person. "My bad, honey. You must be taken."

Metzli wanted to bite. Frustrations were reaching an all time high and the peak had nowhere to descend to. They supposed they could take a breath and hold it there. Release the tension with a hunt after the tour.

“Not a cookie. A person.” They took a breath, and took the money, handing over a ticket and change before circling around the front desk. “One moment.” Metzli disappeared into their office and took the moment of reprieve to stretch and remove their suit jacket. Having a little extra room to move always helped.

Returning to the front, Metzli kept their eye trained on the path ahead, nodding to the statement. They’d heard the colloquialism before in reference to Leila. The thought of her alone was enough to settle their nerves. “Yes. Taken. Have girlfriend.” They paused, rolling their shoulders and proceeding down the hallway to begin the tour. “Now follow. We will begin with new exhibit from local artist Natalia Anderson. She uses two mediums. Marble and oil.” Stopping in front of the first painting, Metzli waited for any possible questions their guest may have.

Jazz's toothy grin faded away. He'd never given up on getting the number of someone he was flirting with. "Just need some time to break the ice." He thought. This ice was thick as an iceberg. He followed quickly as this beauty had quite a long stride.

They stopped in front of a painting. He admittedly wasn't listening to the name of the artist but he thought that the painting was really nice.

He rubbed his chin, "Wow. It's so… metaphorical." He said trying to sound artsy. He at least hoped he didn't sound stupid.

There was a pause. Maybe he should ask a question but he didn't have any. He was out of his element. If only there was a painting of an athlete or a pretty girl he'd have plenty to say.

They made eye contact with each other for what seemed like a little bit too long.

It’s so…metaphorical.

Metzli blinked slowly, just once, obviously annoyed by the poor attempt to critique the art. Now that was why they did their best to avoid giving tours. Dios, they needed to hire more guides. Having only Rachel and Gavin was not cutting it anymore.

“You sound like idiot.” Metzli broke the eye contact, rubbing their eyes to try and refocus. At that point, they just wanted to give the guy a refund. Or better yet, maybe a snack was in order.

No. No. They couldn’t do that. MuertArte had to be protected. The lack of planning alone would prove to be to the gallery’s detriment. For now, Metzli would keep their gallery meals to only forgers. It was safer that way.

“Do you even like art? Why are you even here?”

"Geez, what's with the insults?" Jazz snapped. Why are the cute ones always so rude? He gave up on getting the number out of pure frustration.

He looked at the art piece again. He thought hard about something to say but he just couldn't think of anything. It was paint on a canvas! Big freakin' deal!

"Sorry I'm not some artsy prick! I'm here because I'm looking for cool date spots but it seems like y'all don't like the uninitiated. Whatever, bite me." Jazz said as he raised a middle finger. He wasn't usually this mean but hell what was he supposed to do?

He wanted to leave but he wouldn't give this chick the satisfaction. After all, he's a paying customer.

"What would one actually say about this painting?" He asked with a vindictive grin. If he was going to stay he was going to get his money's worth out of this tour guide.

Anger burst into Metzli’s chest. Like a levee bursting on the hottest day of summer. The lights, warm as they may be, became too bright. A ringing filled their ears, and they hardly heard what was being said until bite me echoed in their mind. Now that was something Metzli could do. They’d already had it as an idea before, but now they were being told to do it. How could it be bad if it had been a demand?

Metzli licked their lips, fangs beginning to extend. Just one bite and this idiot would finally shut his—wait. The vampire blinked, straightening their posture as a new question presented itself. Taking a grounding breath, Metzli looked at the painting, brows furrowing together with thought.

The piece was haunting. The moment the curator laid eyes on it, they knew they had to have it. Anderson depicted a screaming figure, using masterful skill with her brush to create something moving. Metzli had many things to say about it. That’s what made it easy to speak, words tumbling off their tongue quickly and breathlessly. “The piece captivates viewer with sense of dread. It easily gives energy of humanity locked deep inside the woes of the figure’s screams.” Metzli stepped closer, their passion shining through as they gestured to the painting. "The dark color palette and the intense, wide void creates a sense of foreboding. It gives sense of falling in. Like you are being consumed by the scream just as they are.”

"......ok then." Jazz said quietly. Where in the hell did she get all of that from? It sounded real artsy farty. A bit much though.

"Easy, lady. It's a nice piece I guess." Jazz thought the intensity was weird but he hung on every word as the curator spoke. He could definitely use these words on his next date. But the way these words were said…. If they weren't so mean Jazz may have considered leaving his number behind.

The passion for art that was just displayed was something that Jazz respected. His tour guide’s eyes lit up the same way his did when he heard the bell ring at the start of a boxing match. "At least you're nice to the art." He chuckled.

Metzli snapped from their reverie, anger pluming in their chest just as it had before. “I am not lady.” They gestured to themself, to the pin just above their pocket square. “Read my pronouns.” Metzli demanded, shoulders inching toward their ears with tension squeezing them. If they weren’t so flustered, they probably would’ve given their guest a little more grace. He wasn’t being malicious by calling them a lady. It just seemed to be a part of his typical vernacular.

Regardless, Metzli took a deep breath and rubbed their face tiredly. At least he noticed how much they revered the art they curated. “Art speaks many languages.” They spoke calmly that time, shoulders relaxed and downcast. “Keeps things quiet while it say many things. Say things artist cannot.” Metzli looked back to Jazz, wishing the tour to be over. They weren’t sure how much longer that could take the social interaction.

“I will give you refund. I cannot do this tour.” Metzli turned on their heel and stopped short of exiting into the lobby. “I give apology. Too much happening. No more…what do they call it?” Metzli had heard the term both in person and in a book. They perked up when their mind filled in the gap. “No more social battery. Have very small one.”

Jazz couldn't help but feel embarrassed. How had he not noticed the pronouns pin on their shirt? He was the one being a jerk the entire time. He sighed.

Jazz briefly remembered when he had first learned of Muhammad Ali. A cocky boxer that was born under a different name. When he decided to change it to Muhammad Ali it's like the entire world pushed back. Ali had beaten many an opponent senseless for calling him his dead name. Jazz always made sure that he would always call people what they wanted to be called and that included pronouns.

"That's my bad, fam. I didn't notice. Maybe it was your beauty that blinded me." He raised an eyebrow slightly. He honestly didn't mean it in a flirtatious way. The proverbial ship had sailed as far as getting their number went.

"I don't need a refund. I found exactly what I came here for." Jazz held his hand up and gestured that he didn't want money back. "I'll be back. Soon." Jazz took in the art piece one last time, "Hm… yeah that's definitely dread I'm feeling." He grinned at his tour guide before turning on the spot. He flashed the peace sign as he began strolling towards the door.

As annoying as the man had been, Metzli could see a new, more genuine side of him when embarrassment flooded over him. They considered for a moment that maybe they were a bit too harsh, becoming part of the problem themself. People so often ostracised Metzli, made fun of them when they were so clearly still in the room, that they were too quick to judge the man. Before they could properly apologize though, he turned on his heel and was exiting the door.

Metzli stood there like a deer in the headlights, blinking with lids of confusion. He said he’d be back soon. They’d try harder the next time to be more welcoming. “Okay,” Metzli nodded, looking at their hand and making the peace sign at themself. They mimicked what they’d seen and did it in return, a gesture of good will. The two would meet again.

#wickedswriting #bloody ink #writings #jazz and metzli #c: jazz #pronouns and peace signs

8 notes · View notes

openheartfanfics · 11 months

Text

Newly Added Fics

June 10 - 16, 2023

ETHAN X F!MC

Ain't No Rest For The Wicked - @inlocusmads ☁

Ethan and Alma Hudson have a heart-to-heart while Jane teaches all the right things to a young Ethan Hudson, but at the wrong time.

All For Me - @potionsprefect 📷

Victoria indulges in some ice cream.

Degree of Fancy - @amortentiaopenheart 📚🛸

[mini: wip] New school, new friends….and a best friend?

Part 4

Intern Year - @cariantha 📚📷

[extended: wip] Follow Sawyer Brooks through her first year of residency at Edenbrook.

Moving Day

Pride through the years - @coffeeheartaddict2 ☁🏳‍🌈

A look through some of the key Pride Parades that Casey has been to. TW: mentions of homophobia

You & I - @jamespotterthefirst 📚🎭

[mini: completed] Her husband’s colleague seems a bit too interested in him. Dread sets in when they have to go on a work trip together.

Part 3

PLATONIC/THE GANG

Zodiac Fun - @liaromancewriter 📱

Cassie is all about love that's written in the stars.

SIENNA X M!OC

Birthday Girl - @liaromancewriter ♥

Sienna enjoys her birthday present.

Pardon The Pun - @liaromancewriter 📱

Max and Sienna text each other punny memes.

TOBIAS X F!MC

A Family Affair - @jerzwriter 🦚🏳‍🌈

Several months into their relationship, Tobias takes Casey to meet his late father's family. TW: Some characters are anti-pride/queerphobic

SUBMIT OPEN HEART FICS & WRITERS HERE

#open heart #open heart choices #choices open heart #open heart fanfics #open heart fanfiction #playchoices #choices fanfics #choices fanfiction #ethan ramsey #ethan ramsey x mc #sienna trinh #sienna trinh x oc #tobias carrick #tobias carrick x mc #newly added fics

10 notes · View notes

themculibrary · 5 months

Text

AO3 Fics Masterlist 5

Links Last Checked: April 13th, 2024

part one, part two, part three, part four, part six

Ain't No Rest for the Wicked (ao3) - Kellyscams steve/bucky E, 305k

Summary: Steve's just moved back to Brooklyn after spending ten years in California trying to make a life for himself as an artist right after high school. Having escaped to the other side of the country following the sudden death of his mother, Steve feels guilty about abruptly leaving all his friends for so long, unfulfilled, scared and nervous about started college at his age, and unbelievably lonely. So when he meets Bucky Barnes, a young sex-worker, at a bar the night before his first day of classes, temptations might be too high to resist.

One night paying for sex with the most sinfully gorgeous guy is nothing to brag to the papers about, huh?

S'not like he'll ever see him again anyway...

...Right?

Anew. (ao3) - IViv tony/stephen M, 130k

Summary: In death, there was no glory, no redemption, no salvation.

Only darkness and ice—or that was what Tony thought. He closed his eyes in a Siberian bunker and opened them again on his 41st birthday, with War Machine flying into the distance.

A Soft Place to Land (ao3) - Ink_Vault betty/ned, peter/flash N/R, 98k

Summary: "With great power comes great responsibility." Yeah, right. More like, with great power comes stab wounds and bloody sheets and a hero complex that could take down even the strongest of men. And Peter, well, he isn't the strongest of men. Not to mention that Peter's hero complex doesn't exactly extend to himself.

May still doesn’t know that he’s Spiderman. Because of this, she also doesn’t know about his increased metabolism, hunger, strength, sensitivity, everything. He didn’t really notice, for the first few weeks, until he hears May on the phone with one of her work friends discussing how she didn’t realize how much teenage boys eat. Peter immediately stopped eating.

Flash knows something is up. He knows the signs, or at least he thinks he does. And he's going to get to the bottom of things, one way or another.

Bend Around the Wind (ao3) - Scyllaya loki/tony E, 403k

Summary: A few months after the battle of New York the God Loki appears back on Stark Tower under chaotic circumstances. This time however he is on the run. Tony Stark gets caught up in the crossfire and is taken along with the Aesir. Can the two of them ever make truce in order to get away? And even if they do, how does one escape from such a dark corner of the universe, when they are so very far away from the Nine Realms, that not even Loki knows the way back home. But first, they need to survive.

Call Boy (ao3) - L1av steve/bucky E, 149k

Summary: Bucky Barnes was skyrocketing through promotions at his advertising firm. Now, a partnership position is opening and if Bucky wants to see his name on the building, he needs to impress not only Mr. Tony Stark, but his wife Pepper. To do this, it takes a team, a couple to be exact. Bucky asks his ex-wife Natasha to set him up with the perfect girl, blonde, tall, thick thighs and huge tits, but with the personality that’ll get Pepper all smiles.

What Bucky gets? Tall, blonde, thick thighs…and a penis. Can this male escort pretend to not only be Bucky’s fiance but also impress Pepper enough to win Bucky the promotion? Is he going to impress Bucky enough to get him to sleep with him?

Steve loves working for his tip.

Circling Back (ao3) - chaya steve/bucky E, 59k

Summary: Steve looks for Bucky, Bucky finds Steve, Steve tries desperately to put Bucky back together. Bucky tries desperately to let him. (Spoilers for Winter Soldier.)

Clint Barton's Super Secret Snipers' Club (ao3) - sara_holmes clint/bucky, steve/tony T, 67k

Summary: Clint Barton's Super Secret Snipers' Club. (Invitation and pending mental health evaluation required.)

"When Steve brings Bucky back to the tower for the first time, Clint’s first thought is that Tony Stark’s pride and joy is quickly becoming a less of a very tall and expensive ‘fuck you’ in the faces of investors who don’t believe in self-sustaining energy, and more of a superhero rehabilitation center."

Boyfriends, compromises and learning to like oneself.

Dearly Beloved (ao3) - Hollyspacey darcy/steve E, 21k

Summary: Darcy has 99 problems, and her first assignment for SHIELD is, like, 98 of them.

As if going back home to deal with all of the people who made her childhood miserable wasn't bad enough, she's also stuck in holy matrimony with a surly supersoldier who can't even deal with her under normal circumstances.

Distracted by a Dime (ao3) - happyaspie steve/tony T, 56k

Summary: Peter Parker thinks he has everything figured out. Where he can eat, sleep and make a little bit of money. What he needs to do in order to continue attending Midtown High and being Queen’s friendly neighborhood Spider-man. How to keep his entire situation under wraps and most importantly, who he can trust.

Then, along comes Tony Stark with an offer he can’t refuse. The plan is to remain professional, to not get too close to the Stark-Rogers’ family. Not getting comfortable means not slipping up and saying anything that he can’t take back.

...but for Peter- things rarely go as planned...

Do I Deserve This? (ao3) - id_rather_be_reading_3 T, 72k

Summary: When the Avengers find a malnourished, traumatized, enhanced teen in a Hydra base, they manage to convince SHIELD that the kid is better off in the Compound than the SHIELD Headquarters.

Peter Parker thinks his luck might finally be changing for the better, until he hears a conversation between Captain America and Iron Man that terrifies him--if the superheroes find out that Peter was an assassin for Hydra, he feels certain they'll kick him out--or worse, send him to the Raft for a punishment he surely deserves.

Can the Spider manage to keep his bloodied past a secret from a room full of mind readers, spies and military? It'll certainly prove harder than he'd thought.

G.I. Joes and 2AM Diners (ao3) - OhCaptainMyCaptain steve/bucky E, 100k

Summary: They look nothing like what they used to. Time and life have completely changed them. But as they sit there in silence, eating two halves of one cupcake, letting Brooklyn remind there where they came from, and enjoying a sky full of stars… They are those same little boys, somewhere deep down. For just a second, you’d be able to see them again.

And Bucky thinks to himself that maybe it’s little moments like these – fleeting as they may be – that remind him why life is still worth living.

just say you do (ao3) - biblionerd07 steve/bucky T, 173k

Summary: Steve just wanted a job. He wasn't expecting a marriage proposal. And he certainly wasn't expecting to accept.

Making The Best Of It (ao3) - dentalfloss clint/phil T, 33k

Summary: “He’s not telling us everything,” Fury reached out and shut the projection off, “I’m not comfortable with this.” Coulson didn’t respond, didn’t need to. “Let Rogers know I want Barton watched; he doesn’t go anywhere alone until we understand exactly what’s going on. I’m not losing him to some egotistical mind-f***ing blade-dancer who has mentor issues and wants to take it out on our asset.”

Phil nodded efficiently. He couldn’t agree more.

Moving Home (ao3) - loves_buckybarnes layla el-faouly/steven/marc E, 38k

Summary: Layla is missing living in Cairo so she asks Steven and Marc if they want to move to Cairo, her father left her the house in her name, the house she grew up in, so they decide to go visit and see if they want to live there.

Natural Talent (ao3) - 27dragons, tisfan bucky/tony E, 47k

Summary: Bucky is Boss of the Commando territory, carved out of Hydra's territory with blood, tears, and sweat - mostly his own. He has a reputation in other territories for being hard and ruthless, but his own people know him as a generous, considerate leader. He protects his land and his people, but otherwise keeps his head down. He has no intention of getting embroiled in any of the other territories' disputes. That is, until Bucky finds himself in possession of a beautiful companion and learns that the man is far more than he appears.

Ordinary Workplace Hazards, Or SHIELD and OSHA Aren't On Speaking Terms (ao3) - scifigrl47 clint/phil, steve/tony M, 25k

Summary: Tony Stark has once again engineered something that might well lead to the downfall of Western Civilization. No one's really surprised. This time, however, it might just be the lesser of two evils.

Clint and Phil hate playing pickup, but damn, Clint loves the Roombas, and damn, Phil loves Clint, though he's not really sure why sometimes. It's time to play Hide-And-Seek with hostile robotic AIs in the SHIELD home office.

Pavlov was a Jerk (ao3) - BeneficialAddiction clint/phil E, 77k

Summary: Clint Barton: World's Greatest Marksman, submissive, high-functioning disaster.

When Clint comes in to SHIELD he's been on his own for almost four years, and he's been keeping himself level using conditioning techniques he's learned from a lifetime of abuse and neglect. Phil Coulson is the first to notice the imbalance – Clint's system seems to be all punishment, no rewards - but Phil's tastes aren't exactly average and it's none of his business anyway. Certain that what he wants is not at all congruent with what Clint deserves Phil keeps his distance, until a mission gone wrong sends the archer tumbling into an nasty case of subdrop and neither of them have any other choice but to take a chance on the other.

Such Sweet Revenge (ao3) - ali_aliska bucky/tony M, 167k

Summary: When the Rogues are back in the States after being pardoned, the New Avengers want nothing to do with them and as far as Tony is concerned, if he never speaks to them again, it'll be too soon. After all, he didn't spend the last year putting himself (and his family) back together only for his former co-workers to ruin all of his hard work.

But then he gets a hand-written letter from the Winter Soldier himself, apologizing for the events that transpired and an off-handed comment from Rhodey about Rogers failing to take care of an obviously miserable Bucky Barnes sets in motion Tony's new, oh-so-evil plan to get some payback.

After all, what better revenge than to steal the Winter Soldier away from his best friend?

The only problem: Tony sucks at being vengeful, but apparently he's an expert at inadvertently falling in love.

Urgent Care (ao3) - Jo (jmathieson) clint/phil E, 45k

Summary: When a gorgeous young paramedic named Clint Barton walks into Dr. Phil Coulson's ER, both of their lives get a lot more complicated.

Winter Undone (ao3) - DCAngst steve/bucky T, 74k

Summary: What if, after the Endgame battle, Dr. Strange used the time stone to save Tony and undo 80 years of Hydra for Bucky? In other words, 1945 Bucky ends up in 2023 and has to come to terms with…a lot.

#themculibrary #marvel #mcu #masterlists #ao3 #ao3 masterlist

4 notes · View notes