#bc maybe at some point he DID know Bones well enough to know when he's fucking himself over. But all the Bullshit that theyve gone through

[dootplusone]

(OG post has Reblogs turned off. You can find it here!)

(OG post has Reblogs turned off. You can find it here!)

(If the OP would prefer this post not link back to the OG post or is otherwise is not okay w/ this post in reference to theirs, please let me know in some form so I can delete/edit it as needed.)

Thinking. Abt this but with Bones. Like. Post-Tholian Web? Post-Mirror Mirror?

For AOS, could be after Into Darkness and/or Beyond.

A Bones who's just. So anxious. So stressed. So overwhelmed that it starts taking a toll on his health. Maybe he doesn't even realise - or maybe he does and tries his best to push through it until it knocks him on his ass. Kind of in the vein of "You don't actually know how tired you are until you stop. And then you just physically cannot start again." It becomes his new baseline, a problem that just brews and storms in the distance.

And he just carries on. And keeps going and going and going until one day he realises that 'Oh fuck, I'm not okay' and has about 5 seconds of warning before he straight up collapses, doesn't matter if it's on the bridge, in the madbay, on a planet - he's going down. (Maybe a repeat of Tholian Web where he just straight up faints into Spock's arms? Full whammy, why not)

Maybe it's a high-tension situation getting resolved that does it. The pure relief of it reminds him of how tired he is. How tired he's been for a while. His body sees that momentary rest and goes "More of that, please. And I'm not asking."

And he's so rendered by it that he doesn't grumble about being coddled like he normally would when he wakes up. He knows not to fuck with the medbay staff - they're just as firm as he is on recovery, and that's not by accident - and he knows that Spock and Kirk will be hovering, because they see any problem as something they, too, should shoulder the burden of.

...And because they're some of the most protective people in the damned universe. And that goes for pretty much all the people on board the Enterprise.

In some scenarios, it's just a case of letting his body and mind rest properly. In others, there's a lot more recovery involved than anyone initially expects. Luckily for him, he has a found family who are determined to be there with him at every step. It just takes a couple reminders, every once in a while.

#leonard bones mccoy #star trek tos #star trek aos #whump #back on my bullshit #aos bones fretting over Jim and Spock and their injuries; completely forgetting that hes also a little worse for wear #thinking back to dustykneed's post abt him being fucked up and grieving after ST:ID and. Lets just make it even more physical #After the issues they face from that; Spirk are more aware of Bones' tendency to brush things off. are more equipped to take care of him #when he needs it; just as he does for them. He's so stubbornly self sufficient and it worries them. But they're equally as stubborn and #loving. Unstoppable Force meets Immovable Object. I feel like post ST:ID is where they kind of Learn that Bones keeps shit on the down low #Because like. Bones will complain. Unless it's smth that's just affecting him. And then he suddenly keeps it to himself. When he complains #abt that whole fiasco he complains abt Jim dying. Abt Spock almost dying on that planet. About how they all almost died. But he doesn't tal #about how HE almost died from that fucking torpedo almost blowing up on him. Not a word. Jim forgot it had even happened until like. Carol #brings it up in passing. Maybe she has nightmares on the incident. But he realises Bones has just NEVER fucking mentioned it despite him #being the master complainer. That sets off the first alarm bells. And then maybe Uhura asks Jim how Bones is doing bc she knows that Bones #would just say he's fine. But Jim is like ??? Bc why wouldn't Bones be okay. And then she realises that HE HASN'T realised that Bones is th #kind of motherfucker to suffer in silence. and she's like Jim. Jim he literally ran himself to the ground trying to revive you. Jim. Are yo #kidding me have you NOT TALKED ABOUT THAT??? ANY OF IT??? Thus... Jim realises or maybe even Remembers what Bones is like #bc maybe at some point he DID know Bones well enough to know when he's fucking himself over. But all the Bullshit that theyve gone through #and the fact they work in entirely different parts of the ship kind of. Alienated them a bit. And suddenly hes like. Oh. Oh No. Oh FUCK. #because Jesus how the FUCK does he even approach this. But he manages it. And Spock gets in on it too as he slowly gets to know the doctor #And then post-beyond its like. Yeah. All three of them gang up on each other. That includes Spock and Kirk making sure Bones is as Fine as #he always says he is. #anyway. Yeah. I just think Bones probably stresses and overthinks too much but god forbid anyone comfort him. Self sacrificing bastard #wow this is a lot of alphabet soup im so sorry AHAHA

[brodieland]

.˚ 𓈒 ࣪.𝝑𝝔 I'd let her light me on Fire ´ˎ˗

Leo Valdez x Fem!Reader Synopsis: after three weeks, the girls get a new roommate that Leo may or may not be quite familiar with!!! Warning(s): do I need to say cursing anymore Word Count: 2379 A/N: this is a normal AU, no godly shit 😛 why did I make Leo a lil bit of a loser?? also im gonna mention it now bc im lazy LOL, the dorms are like the ones in Gilmore girls (it makes me wish Yale was real💔) like they have the common area with the rooms connecting off of it, also writing in this pov is kinda annoying why did I do this, now lemme shut up Part 1

After a good 3 weeks in the amazing Los Angelos, it was time to go home. Well, not home, school. Weirdly enough, the seven felt a little bit homesick from being away for so long, but that cleared up when they remembered they were going to have to sit in the van for another 5 agonizing days. FUN!! And no, Leo did not almost fall asleep at the wheel, that was just Hazel's motion sickness getting to her, making her see things if you will.

When they made it back, they all felt like zombies when they were trudging back to their rooms. Safe to say the second they finished unpacking, just like in LA, they all passed out.

The next day, at around 10AM, the boys were sitting on the couch together eating cereal and just talking when Percy's phone went off.

"Yo I just got a text from Annabeth," Percy said with mouthful of cereal. "They're finally getting their fourth girl."

Leo was intrigued by this. Ever since that one night in LA, he hadn't really stopped thinking of Y/N. One thing about Leo, he never had the warmth of a family. When he ran away from his foster homes, all he had was the warmth of a fire every night to keep him going before he got dropped in a new home, one colder than the last. Now he associated the warmth of a fire with a girl, one he met once who had a crazed look in her eye when she saw the lighter go off. Leo had a thing for girls on the weirder end, but he was totally fine with that.

"We should go," Leo suggested. Y/N's voice still rang in his head, 'I gotta go now, maybe I'll see you around. Leo Valdez.' Now this was delusion at its finest, but he didn't care.

"Of course you want to meet the new girl," Jason chuckled as he got up toward the kitchen. Leo gave a half-assed laugh that no one paid mind too. Percy texted Annabeth back saying that they were on their way. Leo had a little pep in his step on his way to the girls floor. When they got there, Percy did a secret little knock on the door and Annabeth opened it, quickly kissing Percy before allowing everyone inside.

"'cough' Corny 'cough'" This earned Leo some chuckles, but was utterly ignored by the lovely couple in front of him.

"Right this way everyone, me and Hazel were just watching a movie. Pipers helping her unpack." Frank and Percy made their way to the couch along their girlfriends while Jason followed Leo toward the empty room. Well, the no longer empty room.

When Leo pushed past the door, he saw a girl leaning forward grabbing stuff from a duffle bag. She had on some low waisted baggy jeans that sat just right by her hip bone, and a crop top that showed off her figure. A beautiful slim waist and hair that flowed down her back. 'Wow.'

She stood up straight, like she sensed Leo eyes lingering and staring at her. When she turned around, a smile quickly flooded her features. "Oh my god, hey there stalker boy." She chuckled as Piper and Jason gave him the weirdest look.

"Hey I'm not a stalker! If anything, you're the stalker. How'd you know where I went to school?" Leo began walking closer and waving his finger around to make his point.

'Well," Y/N poked Leo's forehead, sending his head back ever so slightly. "I didn't. This is the boarding MY PARENTS decided to send me too."

"Can we pause for a second," Piper interjected. "Do you two know each other?"

"Oh of course," Y/N beamed. "Back like 3-4 weeks in LA, I was just minding my business, right? Then suddenly I felt eyes on me, so I turned and saw him staring at me!"

"I had to stare-,"

"Oh you HAD to stare?"

"Well, yeah?? You were literally trying to light a jungle gym on fire??"

"That's dramatic."

"Oh so that's why you came back late with a giant smile," Jason teased. Leo turned and gave him a look like 'bro your selling right now', but Y/N just started giggling and walking closer.

"Aw I had you kicking your feet and grinning," she started pinching his cheeks, swinging his head from side to side. "Be honest did you miss meee??"

Piper and Jason couldn't help but laugh at the situation their friend was in, knowing he probably didn't mind it all that much.

"Miss you?" Leo grabbed her hands off his face. "I hardly know you??"

"Yeah okay," Y/N turned back around to continue to unpack. "Well you can stand there and keep staring, or you could help me unpack." This was a hard decision. Stare at a masterpiece among art, or do work. Leo ended up helping though, not even noticing Piper and Jason excusing themselves.

While Leo continued to help unpack, he made it to one of the last book bags of clothes. When Y/N turned her eyes widened. "Leo don't open that one."

"Hm, what'd you say," she was too late. He already opened it and dumped everything inside in front of it, some landing on his feet. Though, it wasn't really clothes, more so underwear and bras. "That's what you said," Leo said lowly.

"Well um, I got it from here Leo. Thanks for the help," Y/N was a little embarrassed to say the least. How could she not be when the guy she'd been thinking about just dumped her underwear on his feet.

"No yeah you got that," Leo said as he backed away to the door, knocking into the dresser on his way. "I'll be out here," and he stepped out the door.

He left her in the room (where she stood just there for a good minute), as he joined in the rest of his friends in front of the tv. "Hey guys."

"Hey Leo-" Percy cut himself off when he looked down, and started laughing.

"Whats so funny?"

"Look down," Annabeth snickered, making the rest of the people on couch laugh as well. For a fact, the last thing Leo was expecting to see was Y/N's underwear tangled with his ankle, but that's exactly what he saw. The look on the boy's face was seemingly unreadable, but he was definitely embarrassed as he lifted up his foot and pinched the underwear off with his thumb and pointer finger. Now watch this for perfect timing!!

"Um, Leo," as Y/N stepped out the room to ask the awkward question, but she cut herself off. "Oh my god Leo did you just try to steal my underwear??"

Leo started stammering over his words as Y/N started making her way over to him, grabbing the underwear. "Uh NO! Why would I want your underwear??"

"Well, you just had it," she laughed.

"Well not on purpose obviously," Leo crossed his arms. "Like what do you think of me hello??" She started walking back to her room.

"Well, you were already a little stalker," Y/N leaned on the doorframe with the doorknob in her hand. "Now we can add pervert to the list!" She let out a laugh that made Leo think he was in heaven listening to the angels above, then he remembered why she was laughing at him as she shut the door.

He could've sworn his eye twitched. Because obviously she knew he didn't take it, she just found it funny to mess with him. Call it flirting if you will.

"Dude, that's not how you flirt with girls you know," Frank joked from the couch. Now it was their turn to laugh at Leo.

"Yo what is this, 'national pick on Leo day?'"

"The joke wasn't funny when you said it yesterday, and it shockingly isn't any funnier today," Hazel chuckled.

"But seriously, how do you get a girls underwear tangled around your ankle before getting your first kiss," Jason asked, making everyone laugh some more.

"Why does the whole village feel the need to gang up on me right now?"

"To be fair you make it really easy," Piper added. "Do you even talk to girls other than the ones in this room?"

"No and this ones really pretty so can we cut me some slack??"

Y/N stood in her dorm, leaning up against the closed door listening in on the conversation going on in their common area. "This one." She giggled as she listened to them all berate Leo for his lack of skills with girls. As the conversation died down, she spent the next ten minutes or so unpacking before walking back out and joining the others.

When Y/N arrived this morning, the girls quickly made her feel welcome. It was really refreshing compared to most, if not all, the other schools she'd been to.

She walked out and saw everyone laid out on the couch. The only space open was conveniently next to Leo, which was fine considering he had some popcorn with him (bless Piper for convincing the school to let her keep her microwave). When she plopped down next to him, she leaned closer to grab some popcorn and whisper, "what movie are we watching?"

When Leo turned to face the girl next to him, he could've sworn he felt chills go down his back. It was just like that night in LA. "We're watching Fear Street, we planned on watching all three when we came back."

He had popcorn breathe. "Oh fire, I've been wanted to watch these too."

When she saw Leo laid back and comfortable, she took her chance to sit somewhat closer, slipping her arm under his and wrapping it around, leaning her head on his shoulder. His nervous system may have rebooted but that's besides the point.

When the bowl in front of the two was now empty, Leo started to stand, quietly gesturing Y/N to follow him. Leo led her into Piper's room, where the microwave and some snacks were. As he knelt down looking for food, Y/N sat down on the bed and watched Leo.

"So, how ya been?" Leo asked. "Considering you were living on the streets."

"Oh it was so hard, fending for myself in these dangerous streets as a small feeble woman," Leo chuckled. "It wasn't that bad, I was just staying in my car. Me and my beetle against the world."

"Yeah, I get that," Leo sat on the floor while the microwave started to spin. "I lived in my van a lot, I even named it festus."

"A van? Like scooby doo type shit? Cause that'd be pretty sick."

"THANK YOU! Finally someone understands me."

"I'm a pretty open minded person." The microwave peeped.

"Popcorns ready."

"How is there even a microwave in here you," Y/N asked.

"Pipers pretty persuasive I suppose." Leo sat down with the bowl of popcorn just eating it. He patted the spot on the floor next to him gesturing the girl in front of him to sit. She slid over and started eating the popcorn.

"You know, I'm kinda hungry for some actual food." She turned over to Leo. "Is there somewhere here to get some food?"

"Cafeteria's open?" She smiled and pulled the bowl of popcorn off of Leo's lap before grabbing his wrist and pulling him up and out the door. Y/N was snickering as she pulled Leo out of her dorm into the hallway before stopping and turning to him.

"I don't know where to go, still new here."

"Well naturally," he rolled his eyes and laughed. "Follow me, m'lady."

She didn't realize how hungry she was for some real food till she caught a whiff of some Mac n cheese and chicken tenders. Popcorn was cool and all, but this was much better.

"You don't have an ID yet right," Y/N nodded. "I'll treat you then."

She smiled as she followed him to the food, "Such a gentleman. Is this an apology for stealing my underwear?"

People gave weird looks before going back to what they were doing. "Dude you can't just say that," Leo rubbed his temples.

"I mean, it's true," She shrugged and started filling her plate with some gorgeous Mac n cheese and chicken tenders. When she finished Leo paid for both their meals and they sat at a table across from each other. "God this shits good."

"You sound starved.."

"To be fair I was saving my money for gas while I was out. Shits expensive so not as many full course meals as you'd think."

"Well, while your here I could make up for that, treat you some more like the gentleman I am."

"Aw, are you flirting with me?"

"Why is it working?" Leo joked (He wasn't joking).

"Woah, big talk from a guy who hasn't had his first kiss," she laughed but Leo just dropped his forked and stared straight at the girl in front of him.

"When did you-"

"Thin walls you know," she winked.

"It's not funny."

"Maybe just a little."

"I've kissed millions of girls!" Leo retorted.

"Really? Name one."

"A gentleman doesn't kiss and tell," Leo winked and Y/N just rolled her eyes.

"Ya know if you were honest it could've been a millions and 1." He looked straight at you. "Just kidding!"

"Is your biggest joy in life just making fun of me?"

"Maybe.. yes." She said as she took the last bite of her food. The two stood up and went to throw away their empty plates. They made their way back to the girls dorm. When Y/N opened the door she saw everyone about a fourth of the way through the third fear street movie. "We're back."

"Where'd you guys go," Piper asked.

"To eat, I was hungry," Y/n smiled as she plopped down in the same seat she sat in before, shortly followed by Leo. They both slid into the same positions as earlier, with their arms intertwined as they laid their heads on each other, but this time, it weirdly felt more comfortable. This was gonna be a fun year!!!

#percy jackon and the olympians #percy jackson #percy jackson pjo #percy pjo #leo hoo #leo valdez hoo #leo valdez pjo #leo pjo #leo valdez x reader #leo valdez x you #leo valdez x y/n

[mdhwrites]

you've said the collector isn't a kid bc he's been alive for thousands of years, but isn't he still mentally (and physically for that matter) a kid though? or at least that's how i think the show wanted us to perceive him as

(though the show never makes it clear if the collector's species just age much more slowly than others, or if being trapped for so long caused this specific collector to never age during that time)

for the record i do 100% agree abt the collector being a monster, so i'm not trying to argue with you on that/excuse the collector's actions just bc """""he's a kid"""""

So... This is one of those things that can't really be proven or disproven. On the one hand, you have the fact that you do not need to be mentally a child to be childish. Also, you can also be a child physically but have had to grow up quickly so you have the worldview of an adult. Not only that but we don't know how his people age. He was apparently old enough to work with his brothers (he knew their guidebook on genocide) but... Apparently a couple thousand years hasn't changed him whatsoever.

The thing that stops me most from claiming he is a child... Is the Draining Spell. In fact, even more than his lines about playing in bones, how Belos likes to torture the Grimmwalkers, destroy them, etc. like that that proves he knows what death is and is kind of extremely evil with how much glee he takes of all of this, just the fact that he KNOWS the draining spell at all is not a good sign.

That is not a spell a kid learns. That is not a spell a kid is taught. MAYBE some very evil or naive kids might accidentally read it but to be able to regurgitate after having been away from such books for literally thousands of years? Let alone to be able to even theorize with someone else on how to do it on a race of people that didn't exist before you were imprisoned. That means you mastered that fucker. You are the draining king! You sapped the magic out of people for FUN. That is how much you like this spell.

Also, if we want to claim he's just a dumb kid who doesn't like death or hurting people, doesn't like mass genocide like his brothers did... What the fuck was the conversation with Belos? What was ANY of them?

"I wish for a spell that can kill all witches upon this land. To make them extinct."

"Oh, you just mean make them sleepy, right?"

"...What?"

Belos is not exactly a subtle person at the height of his ability, let alone as Philip who BARELY is even okay at his job. He used mercenaries and two people who obviously were ready to believe anything he said. MASTER MANIPULATOR! So how is it that the Collector's childish views made him okay with this? It's not like the witches imprisoned him? Hell, he was willing to work with the Titan Trappers who VERY explicitly wanted to murder Titans for him but he just calls them weird. Like... Collector, you had literally NOTHING else to do than talk to these two people. Did you literally never listen to ANYTHING they said?

It doesn't make the Collector come off as a child. It just makes it so S2 Collector is literally a different character. The two are entirely incompatible. Even if they acted the same, the knowledge base and morality of the two Collectors is too severe for them to co-exist.

BUT. Like I said: I can't firmly prove that the Collector does not have a child's mind because while S2 Collector absolutely is just childish and gullible, he is not naive nor is he a child, except in physical appearance. S3 Collector though? That's a lot harder of a sell. He literally just wants to have fun and friends and is too self centered to care about if other people are having fun too. His fun prioritizes everything. That... Honestly still isn't actually a kid's point of view. Kids aren't inherently monsters. They do feel bad for their actions, even if they want to be justified in having fun. Admittedly, the Collector does EVENTUALLY do this as well so it's still kind of there but really awkwardly when put beside even everything else in S3.

After all, he presents King with the same book that has his brother's instructions to kill everything. A kid would not pull that out. They wouldn't risk for a SECOND that being seen. At least... Not a ten year old like this. Not unless we want to say that the Collector is a literal toddler, which is not the vibe TOH is going for. No, he's old enough to know what he's doing is wrong, just not old enough to actually do something about it I GUESS.

You're not supposed to think about it, like most elements in the show. Just like how you aren't supposed to think about how Amity bullied Willow for YEARS. Or how Hunter has probably killed wild witches in the past. There are inherent, core parts of these characters that you're just supposed to ignore so that they can be redeemed and given hugs because they never actually did anything wrong. So the show can tell you they're good people, rather than addressing and showing how they've stopped being bad people.

So yeah, we can argue about if The Collector is or isn't meant to be a child. It doesn't really matter at the end of the day, especially when good luck being actually able to say one way or another. I still won't claim it. I will just claim that he is a monster before he is ANYTHING else.

And I think that's way more important.

======+++++======

It is fun how TOH takes a shot at redeeming the gems in SU and how the fandom rallies around killing the villain being TOH's final subversion when the Collector is RIGHT THERE. You know what also redeemed one character who then went into personally decided exile while also killing the big bad but did it way better? Amphibia with Andrias and the Core. *sigh* Just a side tangent from my Discord recently I wanted to share.

I have a public Discord for any and all who want to join!

I also have an Amazon page for all of my original works in various forms of character focused romances from cute, teenage romance to erotica series of my past. I have an Ao3 for my fanfiction projects as well if that catches your fancy instead. If you want to hang out with me, I stream from time to time and love to chat with chat.

A Twitter you can follow too

And a Kofi if you like what I do and want to help out with the fact that disability doesn’t pay much.

#the owl house criticism #toh critical #toh #the owl house #The Collector

[corn-fanfiction]

SAVIOUR COMPLEX (Mark Hoffman x F!Reader) (Pt. 12)

(Pt. 11) (Pt. 13)

Rated: M

Tags/TWs: aftercare/ language/ past abuse/Mark Hoffman being a c*p/reader's life is complicated/ Mark is protective bc it's his job but he's also problematic/because he's a c*p/ Detective Gibson/slight description of bloody boo boos

“You know what I was thinking?”

You and Mark lay in your bed. He's caressing your head and you have a hand resting on his broad chest. Your bodies are slack from sex and you're still coming down from the high.

“What's that?”

“Something Gibson said,” you feel Mark stiffen. “No, not that. But…I think he had a point. A shitty one, but maybe true? He said that I was wasting my life. My talent.”

“Prick doesn't know what he's talking about.”

“I don't know. Maybe not. But still, it got me thinking…what if I could be doing more?”

“What if?”

“You gonna talk in more than one sentence at a time?”

“Fine. Do you remember what you said when we first met?”

“Um…I'm pretty sure I said a lot. Which part?”

“You said that you keep your life small on purpose. That it was control.”

“I said that?”

“You know you did.”

“Hm.” You kiss his bicep. “What about it?”

“Well, what if your desire for control is what's holding you back? That you're scared of letting it go?”

“You're a psych now?”

“Alright, fine.”

He goes to move from the bed but you pull him back playfully. He falls, you hold him to you and run your fingers through his hair.

“I don't know…you know, I have a BFA.”

He smiles up at you. “No shit.”

“Yep. English. Wanted to go into publishing.”

“So why didn't you?”

You shrug. “Ted. Needed me to work so I put everything else on hold.”

“What about now?”

“I don't know. How do I move away from the control without being afraid to fail?”

“Well, you just have to trust that someone will catch you.”

You laugh a little. “No one can guarantee that. We're all alone at one point or another.”

“Not you. Not again.”

“Yes, even me. Things happen, Mark.”

Sensing your shift in mood, Mark sits up and brings you with him.

“Hey, look at me. You're never gonna be alone again, you hear me? Never. I won't let it happen.”

You stare deep into his eyes and can barely see color for the way his pupils are blown. His breathing is heavy. He means it.

You almost feel bad for getting him worked up so you pull him in for a kiss. A hand comes to rest on the side of your neck and you sigh, leaning into his touch.

“I guess I never really thought about what else my life could be. Never thought I'd have time.”

“You do. As long as you're with me, I guarantee it.”

Maybe something about that phrasing should strike you as odd but when he takes you into another kiss you hardly care, just allow yourself to fall into him.

If he wasn't so caught up in you, Mark would be horribly bored.

Nothing at his day job, and his night job is suspended indefinitely until he can shake the precinct from you.

It's a standard day of Mark clocking in, going to his office, paperwork, patrol, stopping by some crime scenes.

It's a standard day, until he gets a phonecall.

“Hoffman.”

“Mark!”

Mark creases his brow in curious thought. “Gibson?”

“Hey, we’re down at the abandoned museum on the Bailey Waterfront. We need you down here now.”

The corner of Mark’s mouth quirks up. “Hang on, let me get my recorder. Say that again.”

“Dammit, Mark. I’m being serious. It’s an active Jigsaw trap. I’m not stupid enough to think you won’t be helpful here.”

Fuck! Mark curses to himself. Who the fuck is this guy?

“Alright, I’m on my way.”

You get the call in the middle of work and you have Gerri speed you from the restaurant to the hospital. They don't mind to do it, of course, especially considering the fact that you can't stop shaking. It's bad enough that Mark's a cop; it's even worse that he's attached to the Jigsaw case, even if unofficially at this point.

You have to press your forehead to the cool glass of the window simply to focus on that sensation, rather than the nausea emanating through your bones. You've never been a patient person. Today it's worse.

The receptionist directs you and Gerri back to the ICU where you're turned around by five different attendings until you finally find the area occupied by Mark and Gibson. Mark's jacket and button up are off and he's in the process of getting stitches in his leg.

“Jesus,” you gasp, actually getting a good look at the drying blood and the new blood that oozes from the wound. He has other garden variety scrapes and bruises, but the worst of it seems to be the leg.

But he smiles when he sees you.

“Hey, baby.”

You sigh in partial relief and hug him the way you can from his spot sitting on the bed. He presses his head to your chest and you circle his scalp with your fingernails.

“What happened?” You ask as the panic begins to settle some more. He's calm, so you're growing calmer.

Mark hesitates and you clock it. You look over at Gibson.

“What the hell happened?” You repeat, this time with an obvious accusatory tone laced into your words now that they're directed at Gibson.

“It was another trap, I called Mark in.”

Fury shoots up your spine. “So you kick him off the case just to bring him back in and get him sent to the fucking hospital???”

You make a move towards Gibson but Mark lands a gentle hand on your bicep.

“Hey, he saved me.”

You look between them, your anger paused.

“What?”

“Got caught in the crossfire of a trap. Some buckshot. Gibson pushed me out of the way before I got fifty holes in me-”

You can't listen to it anymore without visualizing it perfectly and you hold him again. Maybe he senses the severity of your concern because he holds you back with his free hand.

“Hey, hey I'm alright.”

But all you can see are those photos of Ted that Gibson showed you with his body bloated and his limbs removed. Mark getting even a whiff of a bullet has tears pooling at your eyes. Any other day you'd kick yourself for being so weak, so vulnerable in front of strangers and, worse, Gibson.

“I'm sorry,” you whisper into Mark's hair. “I can't. I can't lose-”

“Hey, baby, sit down.”

You hear the scrape of a chair behind you and you sit.

“Thanks, Gerr,” Mark says. You reach behind you to hold their hand.

“You don't have to stay.”

“You sure? I don't mind.”

“I know and I appreciate that. I'll be fine.”

“Alright.” Gerri gives your hand a final squeeze and smiles at Mark before leaving. Over Mark's shoulder, you can't help but notice Gibson watching the interaction. You also finally notice that he's alone. And even though you hate him, he still saved Mark, and you feel a stab of pity in your heart.

“Gibson? You okay to get home?”

His eyes widen in surprise, not only that you'd talk to him, but that your words are suddenly considerate.

“Of course. They didn't take my legs,” he responds with sarcasm. You roll your eyes.

“You're right, I'll never ask about your well-being again.”

“Oh, so nothing will change.”

You decide that you're done with the interaction so you lean your cheek against Mark's shoulder and wrap your hands around his large one, content to stay as close to him as possible.

You take Mark home. You've never been to his apartment but the doctors said that he shouldn't drive on his hurt leg. You can't help but sneak glances over at him. He's sweating, still coming down from the pain. His face reflects yours only hours ago. His eyes are closed, his forehead resting against the cool glass. You're reminded of the instincts that overtook you during your movie night. But what you want now, to rest your hand on his neck then up through his hair. To kiss his eyelids as he falls asleep. He feels safe around you. Your heart swells at the thought.

His house is really nice, all rich and dark wood. You carry him into the living room and sit him on a leather sofa. He lifts his arm and flicks on a Tiffany lamp.

You press the back of your hand to his forehead.

“When did they give you a fever reducer?”

“It's been a minute,” he grunts, turns his head.

“Okay. Bathroom?”

He gestures to the back hallway by the staircase. You quickly tuck a lock of hair behind his ear before disappearing to the bathroom, grabbing a washcloth and giving it some cold water. You bring it back and lay it across Mark's forehead. He sighs into the sensation, and you're not proud of the way the sound makes you feel.

You like making him feel good. You like taking care of him.

Mark sits up to retrieve some preplaced glass of water from the coffee table and takes a long gulp. You watch as some of the water escapes the corners of his mouth and drips down the muscles of his neck. You swallow.

When he finishes, he gasps. He opens his eyes and finds yours.

“You can't look at me like that right now,” he mutters, lids heavy with sleepiness from the drugs.

“I'm sorry,” you whisper with a small smile, stroking his hair.

“It's not fair,” he's getting sleepier.

“I know, I'm sorry. I'm mean.”

He turns into your arm and kisses the soft skin there. He hums.

“I love you.”

And you're too stunned to acknowledge those words before he's snoring softly in your arms.

You wake up to banging.

You jump, jostling Mark who's still in your embrace. He's not quite awake but the sudden noise has you on high alert. You grip Mark's arm just in case you need to shake him awake. You're almost certain it was a banging on the front door.

Silence. You're frozen, heart pounding in your ears.

The banging comes again and you jump.

“Mark! Mark, open the door.”

Now that's interesting, you think, slightly less afraid at Gibson's voice coming through the door but still on edge, because it's- you check the clock- 3 am.

You decide to wake Mark. He grumbles.

“Mark. Mark, I think Gibson's at the door.”

More banging. Mark is managing to open his eyes. At the very least you need the noise to stop, so you help Mark to a sitting position and go to the door yourself. When you open it, you see Gibson on the other side…with about five other cops behind him. Your stomach drops. He looks about as surprised to see you as you do him and his entourage. But he also looks exhausted, like he hasn't stopped moving since he left the hospital hours ago.

“Where is he?”

Your grip on the lip of the door tightens.

“What's going on?”

“Move.”

“No.”

You can't stop yourself from saying it. You can't believe it, but you also know immediately what this is. It's impossible, and you're not going to let it happen.

“Obstruction of justice. You want to get charged, too?”

Gibson looks over your shoulder and you follow his eyes. Mark stands in the hall, or limps, rather. You want to go to him, of course you do, but you can't move.

“I'm not gonna tell you again,” comes Gibson's voice. You look between the two men, count the police outside one more time just to be certain.

“You can't,” you whisper to Gibson, your voice wavering.

“I ain't got a choice.”

Gibson pushes in past you and your back hits the wall. Mark limps towards you but doesn't make it far before two officers have a hold of him, cuffing his wrists behind his back. He fights, what little he can, and one cracks him under the knee. He cries out in pain.

“Stop it!” You shout and run forward, but not before someone can catch you around the waist. “He's fucking hurt!! He was hurt doing his job! This isn't fair!”

“Mark Hoffman, you're under arrest under suspicion of conspiracy to murder and active murder, specifically for the killing of Theodore Simpson-” your heart cracks at Ted's name. “And many others. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you on a court of law-”

Gibson carries on but you push your way to Mark, managing to touch his face one more time.

“I'm gonna get you out of this, okay? I don't know how but I will-”

Someone has you again and Mark…Mark is silent. Doesn't return any affection or offer any of his own. His eyes stare you down though, like he's trying to communicate something. But before you have even a chance of deciphering what that could be, they're walking him out the door.

You do attempt to follow but Gibson has a firm grip on your arm. On instinct, you swing your free hand around to hit him but he catches that one too, and twists you to where both hands are caught and you wince in pain.

“Don't try to fight me.”

“Fucking let go!”

“I get that this is hard. Don't make it worse for yourself.”

You struggle a bit more and he finally lets you go, but by the time he does, the cruiser with Mark inside is already on the main road. You curse, cry, punch the door and grab your hair.

“Fuck you. This isn't fair.”

“There is hard evidence. I know you don't wanna believe it-”

“You were just at the site with him-!”

“I don't know what happened, but it happened, okay?”

He's got you cornered, but almost in a way that is an attempt at calming you. Like you're a wild animal.

“No. I don't believe you. Or I don't believe that it's real. Someone's setting him up.”

Gibson rolls his eyes and pinches the bridge of his nose.

“It doesn't make sense! If it was Mark, why would he have stuck around for this long. Are you saying he put himself in that trap a year ago? Does that part make sense?”

“So I don't have it all figured out! But there is reason enough to put him behind bars, at least until we get this thing straight.”

You're all turned around. There are a couple more officers watching your interaction while they should probably be locking the place down-

Oh. Mark's apartment is probably a crime scene now.

“I, uh-”

“Come on. Let's get you home.”

Gibson goes for the door but notices you not following him.

“Don't make this difficult, for the love of god.”

“There's no fucking way I'm getting in a car with you.”

Gibson sighs in exasperation.

“Look. What happened the other day was completely unprofessional and I'm sorry. Shouldn't have happened. But please. Can this night just be over?”

You don't budge.

“Motherfuck- Zimmerman!” Gibson calls over his shoulder. One of the cops comes running. “I'm telling you, in front of her, that I am going to take her home now. If something happens to her, or if for whatever reason she doesn't make it home, you know she was with me. This is me alleviating her fears. Got it?”

The poor cop looks between the two of you before nodding in a slight and confused panic.

“Good. Get back to work.”

Gibson turns back to you as Zimmerman sprints back to his job.

“Alright. Shall we?”

You can't be alone. You hate it. The one person you rely on to keep you comforted in this strange brand of insanity is now locked into it.

You try to get something, anything out of Gibson in the car but he's tight-lipped. Once he drops you off, you lock your front door and sit behind it. Then you make it to your couch, then to the bathtub, filling it with scalding water.

I don’t know. This is the second time you’ve been involved. First time, you’re a witness and get his operation shut down. Second time it’s your ex in a trap. Not to mention…

I’m just saying, who else has been there the first time, and a second time?

If anyone of us would be Jigsaw, it would be Hoffman.

Irony of ironies, you never did like puzzles, and you certainly don't love being the supposed center of one. But this one is looking a little too clear. Like the picture on the box is insultingly simple and yet you insist there are pieces missing. It's a 100 piece puzzle. Just figure out the edges and work your way in.

Yes, coincidences can be bizarre and yes, they can fuck up a life. But when do you stop and take stock, and say “something about this isn't right?”

Is it when the man you love may or may not be a serial killer?

Yes, this is where most people would stop.

You grit your teeth as the water burns you.

Do you maintain some semblance of control by cutting your losses? Because at this point there is a very good chance Mark could go to jail. And with the surmounting evidence, most people would think he deserves it.

And yet you haven't seen any evidence, only heard theories that make sense when you, or they want them to make sense.

If only you could talk to Mark…

But you know they won't let you anywhere near them.

So you need someone else. Someone close to it like he is. Like you are. Someone who's been there.

You drain the tub. You wrap yourself in a robe and sit at your computer.

You've got work to do.

#mark hoffman #fanfiction #mark hoffman x reader #saw fanfic

[qqtxt]

hiii uh first of all can I be 🫧 anon? I feel like i might come here a lot just to talk or request so sorry from future me 😭

Okok! So like me thinks the members handling an insecure reader? I don’t know if you’ve already done that but recently because of a lot of things and my period i’ve been kind of depressed and feeling like i’m not good enough for anyone and that i’m ugly, so maybe like comfort from txt ?? If you don’t wanna do the whole group than I would really like if you did Huening Kai! Thank you so much! ( ＾◡＾)っ❤

- 🫧 Anon

hi lovely!!! yes!!! so sorry this took a while to get around but i wanted to finish up the mini fics first and i didn't want to answer this ask just yet bc i was saving it to answer with the written blurb! with requests like these i'd prefer to have it with just one member (as the ones with all members take much longer and i'd want to get them out quickly when people requests something!). it's long overdue but i do hope it offers you comfort of any sort and that you're feeling better!

[🐧] embrace

✿ pairing: kai x reader / non.idol!au / small mention of food / word count: 838 words ✿ when some days get a bit too difficult, kai's here to carry them with you [masterlist 🌸]

as playful huening kai was known to be, he was still the lovable sweetheart that knew when the days got difficult for you. it's like he feels it in his bones, in his nerves, in the way you breathe and exists around him, it's like he has the fine print on the back of his hand that lets him know you're not feeling the best.

kai struggles with words sometimes, finding that it's so difficult to get everything out that he wants to say in his mind in fear he'd be too emotional to get his point across. so what does he do? well... for starters, you return to the hints of jasmine and honey wafting in the air. the dim glow of light on the hallway is what lures you in to put your bag down, ditching your coat, locking the door and your curiosity gets the best of you.

as you reach the bedroom, you spot a familiar looking figure hunched over the bed. creaking the door to a push, lightly ajar, the sound makes the shoulders of–"kai?"

with jumped shoulders, he looks over his shoulder with wide eyes. a small 'o' forming on his mouth and when he stands, you're able to peek at the plushie on the center of the bed. while you're surprised, there's something deep inside you that allows you to show the genuine gratitude you feel at the inkling that he might've caught on with the way you've been–"ah, i didn't know you'd be back so soon,"

you swallow and fiddle with your fingers, but kai's gently smoothening his fingers between yours to hold. 

"i guess you're just in time to head for the bath first," he easily shakes your hands away so he can grip onto one of them, tugging you to follow his lead to the bathroom. just as he walks around you and assumes you'd follow, the way you remain put is what gets him to turn around to see that you remain unmoving.

"what're you doing?" your voice is soft, and while kai wanted to avoid... exactly this. (for now, at least, he thinks he'll be able to explain later but... well, might as well get on with it...)

"trying to take care of you," he answers as a matter of fact, now returning to stand in front of you with a small smile. he hates how you gaze down to your hand in his and the way he rubs the back of your hand with his thumb as if he's gently caressing your heart does nothing to hold back your soft, cracked why?

he gapes. it's like you don't know. or you don't believe his intentions. and he knows it's not that he didn't try hard enough but it just... it just feels like stress might've gotten to you lately. the insecurities that swift by every now and then that swims in your consciousness... kai knows that well. and he hates that he can't make them go away indefinitely. 

but every time you feel that way, he's prepared to combat them. (some days more aggressive than others, he'll admit)

"because i love you," he doesn't hesitate in saying with his full chest, yet, in a tone that is delicate as it tugs on your heartstrings. he keeps hold of one of your hands, the other now reaching up to pillow against your cheek, "and knowing, feeling that you might've been feeling low these few days, i wanted to try to make you feel better."

he lifts your chin up with the hold he has on the side of your face, aligning your gaze until he sees how your gaze softens. from a guarded, stonecold expression earlier, it's melted down your defenses until you're left vulnerable in front of him. he knows there's a 'why' hanging on the tip of your tongue and he's quick to answer before you have the chance to ask.

"and seeing you sad, makes me sad. so we can't have that, now, can we?"

he watches as you swallow, shaking your head after. he chuckles and nods, "good. now, bath first. food later."

when he tries to make you follow him and you don't again, he huffs and turns around with a frown, "c'mon now, just let me–"he stops talking when you shake his hand off so you can spread your arms out. the plea lining your eyes, the begging to be held. it's like that was all you needed. that was all you wanted. and it hits him harder than it should've when his heart drops at the sight. oh, huening kai, you fucking idiot–he strides up to you and puts his arms around you, pulling you close to his embrace.

the bath... the food... it can all wait. for now, this was all you wanted. with the way you release the heavy breath held in your chest, arms squeezing kai's waist and burying your face to his neck, kai knows the longer he holds you, the lighter you already feel.

#qqtxt: anons #qqtxt: 🫧 anon #txt huening kai #huening kai scenarios #huening kai x you #huening kai #huening kai txt #hueningkai x reader #huening txt #hueningkai #txt stories #txt x you #txt imagines #txt x reader #txt scenarios #txt reactions

[shytastemakerthing]

Hello! I saw that your matchups were open and I’d like some please?

For twisted wonderland, some romantic and platonic maybe? Idk. I kind of don’t know what I’m doing lol

Things about me bc that’s probably important:

- I am very……..very scatterbrained. I can remember what happened 10 years ago but not last week. Yesterday is nothing to me. My memory is either crystal clear or blurred completely, there’s no inbetween.

- Sometimes whether it’s late at night or just after a good movie I have what I call “crack energy” where I’ll start laughing hysterically at the most mundane things or at random things that I say.

- I have a lot of nervous tics, like picking dead skin on my fingers and rocking on my feet but I also have a few verbal ones as well (idk what else to call them, I make these random noises that change slightly depending on my mood).

- Depending on the circumstances I can either be extremely adaptable and rise to the occasion (like emergencies or when someone needs first aid) and in others I end up having a lot of anxiety than is healthy to the point where I’ll start to shake/count money wrong (the line at DQ starts to get pretty long). But either way, I’m very good at trying things out at least once.

- I?? I love frogs and snakes and all sorts of critters. I also love macabre decorations like animal bones used to decorate picture frames? I live for that. Mushrooms have been among my favorite types of fungus for years, I love seeing how people have studied them.

- while I’m not the most athletic person, I do take a Brazilian jiu jitsu class twice a week and I’m close to testing for my final belt in a self defense class. It’s really fun, but violent (In my first class I learned the guillotine choke which has become my favorite since then).

- No matter what happens I try to look on the bright side of things, although with a slightly morbid twist. Like, for example, “if this campsite floods and we’re swept away, at least we’ll be a cool news story to read about” or something. Also, I love to travel and visit people.

- I am very affectionate, but when a certain time of the month rolls around I am very VERY emotional, and it’s awful the two days leading up to it. When I’m really angry at something I have what my family calls a “death glare” that my brothers are apparently terrified of. It’s only something I can properly pull off when I’m properly mad, and I I can’t think about it either or else it doesn’t work. If I’m not angry, I might be crying over something small (usually the result of a whole bunch of other things spilling over into a breakdown.

- I have a weighted stuffed octopus and it’s become one of my most prized possessions. I have a lot of stuffed animals but it’s become my favorite bc I love feeling weight on me for some reason.

Hope that was enough, have a good night amazing human!!!

Hello and thank you for your request!! I hope you are well and in regards to this request, I did both a romantic and platonic match up!

Enjoy!!

Romantic:

I match you with........

Jade Leech

🍁 As soon as he heard about your love for mushrooms, you gained an invitation to join thr mountain lovers club as well as an invitation to come and help him take care of his terrariums pretty fast. He is committed.

🍁 You both often find each other swapping cacts about various mushrooms that you have learned about all while watching each other as if you both just hung the stars in the sky (Floyd sees this and gags..... he's lonely)

🍁 Speaking of Floyd, Jade has had tk take care of him for a good long while and his own personality so needless to say, he can handle you being scatterbrained better than anyone else. Honestly, he says that Floyd is so much worse so this is actually pretty nice.

🍁 To help with how your brain can be in recalling much of anything, he has left quite a few little sticky notes all around for you to find with needed information. Every single day, there is one on your door reminding you to take necessary breaks and to eat something.

🍁 Now, these anxious habits of yours? He has plenty of much better alternatives for you to help with this, mostly goes for picking your dead skin. He would happily whisk you away for an easier and far more relaxing mean of getting rid of it, free of charge. He is very well intune with your emotions and anxiety to know when it all begins even before you do. Anxiety has gone down because of this eel.

🍁 He does not mind your affectionate nature (again, Floyd), and to be honest, he quite loves it. Just make sure there is no one else around to see such softness and we will be just fine.

🍁 And when that lovely time of suffering arrives (IYKYK😭), he has everything that you need before you even say it.... EVERYTHING. Water? Check. Snacks? Grabbed all of your favorites on the way here. Pain mess? He keeps them even in HIS dorm. If a mess has been made? He has already has a warm shower running for you and while you're standing there, he has already changed the sheets and got dirty ones in tbe washer, fresh sheets on the bed, followed by your favorite drink, snack, book, and/or movie ready. Then helps you wash up, gets you in fresh clothing and now you're relaxing comfortably in bed wktn your loving eel.

🍁 Overall, if there is anything you need, Jade will a absolutely have it ready for you. He loves when you hike with him for new mushrooms or surprise him by showing up at the lounge, or even just your presence alone, he is very much happy.

Platonic:

I match you with......

Azul Ashengrotto

🐙 I saw that you have a weighted octopus plushie and that settled this debatebfir me as for a platonic matchup. (I want one now but y'know....*cries in broke*)

🐙 Azul would be the absolute KING at heloig through your nerves and anxieties. Look, he may not look it, but he has plenty if these issues himself, and he has found many helpful ways to work through them that he will be sharing with you, free of charge because you're able tk keep Jade in check, which also helps to keep Floyd in check.

🐙 He saw your weighted octopus plushie and nearly lost it because it was probably the best thing that this poor boy has seen (somebody please give the octopus a hug, he needs it). He has gotten you more.

🐙 As his dearest friend, as he likes to refer to you as, you do get discounts at the lounge. And ONLY you. It's not much as he still wants to bring in the madol, but hey, something is a lot better than nothing.

🐙 Speaking of Madol, if he hears your struggling a hit lately, of are just running a bit low and are in need of some things, he is on his way to your aide, no contract needed (honestly, he stopped trying after a week after seeing you would never sign one, and you're also dating his vice housewarden, who happens tk be his right hand mand, who also happens to be his childhood best friend).

🐙 I can see Azul as someone who would like some macabre things. He lived under the ocean, the ocean is a very dangerous place, and you use what you have. Skeletal remains are among those things, so this live of yours would not bother him. He'd even help you collect.

🐙 Overall, a friendship with the hoursewarden of Octavinelle and the leader of the infamous trio has quite a lot of benefits for you. Not that you are complaining. Great perks, discounted food, and so much more. It's certainly worth it.

#twisted wonderland #twisted wonderland x reader #twst x reader #twst #matchups #twst imagines #disney twisted wonderland #romantic #jade leech #twisted wonderland jade #jade x reader #twst jade #jade leech x reader #twst azul #twisted wonderland azul #platonic #azul ashengrotto

[cheryyori]

NIGHTMARE EYES PT. 1

pairing(s): steven grant/fem!oc for this part mainly (platonic dane/fem!oc, mentions of dane/sersi, eternals reference mentioned)

summary: Sunny Lee is adjusting to living in London, and a fearful encounter with a ghost leads her to hiding out at the British Museum on her way home from work.

warning(s): mental health illness, possible inaccurate depictions of DID (I tried my best to research tho in spare time, also based on events in the show), horror elements, gore/blood elements

author's note: ok so here my fic idea, but it's bare bones bc I haven't been in the best mood to write this down properly but I wanted to share this idea with everyone else. It's very messy so sorry about that. Probs some gaps in between but I'll fill it in a more edited version.

Other than that enjoy this word vomit bullet point for my fic idea.

Red italicized is Izanami either speaking or in Sunny's head & italicized is speaking in Korean

NEXT》

5 years. 5 years had passed since the Snap. Half of the entire population of the Earth disappeared. And only 1 year since the Avengers correct that.

5 years, yet it felt like 5 seconds to her. She remembers being in her room. Her brother had just turned 18 last she saw him. He'll be 24 in less than 2 months from now. She was supposed to be 34 but Sunny Lee still sees herself as 28, it was the age she last remembered her to be prior to the Snap.

The Blip returned the missing other billions of people on Earth, but there was still the aftermath to deal with. People lost their jobs, homes, their livelihood from the past 5 years. Sunny was fortunate enough that her parents still lived in the same house she disappeared in before explains to her what happened.

And with her return, a voice screeched so loudly in her head.

"Thank goodness, that you're back! Ungrateful that the other gods from the other pantheons did nothing to restore the balance of life and death?! Absolutely wretched--"

"Shut up."

Ok that was a bad idea to say that to a goddess, but her head was spinning. Thankfully the voice didn't say any more, she assumed that the goddess knew that her mind was still processing things..

What did her parents and siblings mean that 5 years has passed? It was still 2018 right? Right?!

Unfortunately it was not, its now 2024, a year passed since then and now Sunny is living in London. A new work opportunity arrived through her old college friend Dane. Said that there was a teaching position open to teach kids about palentology, her second love next to photography and painting. Blame Jurassic Park for that.

She took it, not like she had any other options since her old job unofficially let her go within the last 5 years she was gone. Great.

So here she was.

"Ugh. What a day." Another day of teaching. She didn't mind though, the kids were nice and they were interested in today's topic.

"Rough day with the kids?" Dane asked. The two were off and were walking down the road to the bus.

"When is it not? I love the kids but sometimes they're a bit to rowdy for me. Maybe I should switch to teaching college student like you."

"Well you know me, children make me nervous."

"So I've heard many times before," she scoffed. A sudden silence fell among them before she spoke again, "anyways how are you holding up? You know with Sersi and, erm, well...."

Though she wouldn't have believed herself unless she saw it (and she did while the 3 of them were walking home from work when some creature attacked them, and she thought she had it bad with the ghosts, she also admitted to Dane that she sees ghost, he took it oddly well), but Dane girlfriend was apparently an alien wizard? Well maybe not a wizard (but her tricks sure damn make her seem like one) but an alien for sure.

She had apparently been taken back by...whatever that thing was that took her. And apparently Dane hadn't been doing to well. How could she blame him, they were the sickly epitome of the "honeymoon phase" it was obvious he was devastated he couldn't do anything.

"My best...as best I can really," lately Dane had been distant. Their usually nightly talks on the phone were cut short along with their Tuesday night karaoke and drinks which had all ceased together. Sunny thinks it's because of what happened with Sersi so she didn't push.

"Ok. Ok," she nods, she didn't want to say anymore. Or at least nothing he haven't heard before. She can relate to what it's like to lose someone. Although Sersi wasn't dead, not to their knowledge at least (they're hopeful that she still alive, but maybe imprisoned of sorts with the other remaining Eternals that were on Earth).

"Well what about you, last we talked, you were complaining about being a bit lonely."

"Oh let it go. I was going through a sad episode after watching my dramas," she groaned as the atmosphere around them lightened a bit.

"Perhaps it's time to go on a date, you know use those silly old dating apps instead of letting the voice in your head lead you to the catacombs" oh pass! No way she'll do that.

"Yeah no, I don't think so...." she mutters.

"Fine well then at least try to meet new people, I'm worried that I'm the only friend you have." Ouch. Harsh but true.

"You are the only friend I have."

"See!" "Don't see me! You know exactly why you're my only friend! You think people can accept the notion of someone seeing ghosts so easily like you?!"

The two continued bickering until a cab pulled up before them.

"Are you sure you don't want me to see you home?" Dane asked, "You know I wouldn't mind."

"I'm fine, I've been doing this since I've gotten here, plus I doubt the God in my head would let me die from some petty mugging," she told him, pushing him into the cab first, insisting that she'll just take the next one.

Dane seemed apprehensive, but relented after threatening her to text him as soon as the next cab arrived and once she was home (or if any trouble happens, thought it went unsaid).

Once he was gone, she stood in place, waiting for the next cab. She was alone with her thoughts, oddly it was peaceful not to hear the goddess' voice every second and to also not be forced to help a very deadly ghost pass onto the next life.

She notices the headlights of a cab come close and raises her hand to hail it over when she took notice of a woman just a few feet away from her.

Huh. How come she didn't notice the woman before? The cab was nearing close, and usually Sunny would let the woman go first, but she's tired and also clearly exhausted. Plus it was late and she was here first.

"Excuse me, I hate to be like this but I was hear first," she said slowly, the woman turned her head. Odd, why would anyone be wearing sunglasses at night?

An odd chill ran down her spine as she shifted in her place uncomfortably. I mean, the woman did see her waiting for the cab first right?

"I mean...you did see me standing here first right?" She voiced her thoughts out. There was a short silence before the woman replied.

"I didnt..." the woman's hand reached toward her glasses before pulling it off, "I can't see."

She lets out a yelp before using one hand to cover her mouth. In place of where the woman's eyes were supposed to be, were instead two bloodied, gouged out holes. HOLY FUCKINF SHIT!! She wants to cry, she's gonna fucking cry!

She took a step back as the ghost had her hands out, trying to find where Sunny was.

She stared at the ghost, slowly inching more and more away until her feet accidentally knocked some trash over, gaining the ghost attention and grabbed her arm, making her jump.

A scream left her lips as she tore her arm away from the ghost and fell backwards. Forget the damn cab! She need to gtfo of here now!

Without a second thought she got back up (stumbling a bit) and turned back to run, God knows where though.

Tbh maybe should should have thought this through as she ran down the streets with a blind ghost slowly following behind but the fear when the ghost had grabbed her made her lose all rationale honestly

While Sunny was running away in panic, a certain Goddess watching, shaking her head.

"Hm, its always the scary ones she attracts hm?" The goddess mumbles before following after.

Tbh she had been running for a bit now and she could still hear the ghost trailing slowly behind. Maybe she needed a place to hide while the ghost passes.

Sure, but where the fuck is she gonna hide at?? She glanced across the street and saw the British Museum. She quickly makes her way to the front to see it was still open despite it being so late. Great, hiding spot found!

She didn't waste time as she slipped through the door, crouching behind a pillar close to the entrance. She waited as she saw the ghost across the street. A few moments of lingering before the ghost disappeared into a different direction. Oh thank god--

"Hello?" She lets out a scream as she turned to see a man with dark curls and very tired brown eyes.

The man jumps at her scream, dropping the two boxes he was carrying in his hands and was trying to calm her down, "Oh god, I'm so sorry I shouldn't have snuck up on you like that! I'm such a bloody knob!" He apologized. Sunny calmed herself, taking a deep breath and placed one hand on the pillar she was leaning on and the other one her hips.

"Oh God, no, I-um-" she took another deep breath before turning to him. Oh shit, its her cute neighbor! And here she was looking like a mess in front of him, so much for making a good first conversation with him.

"Um, it's fine, sorry," she said again, "I was...erm I was just hiding out for a bit, you know?" She shrugged not really trying to give out anymore info than needed.

"Oh? Like from some shoddy ex or something like that?" He guessed. Oh great, a perfect lie to bounce off of now! Thank you cute neighbor!

"Yeah, something like that," she lied. You know like a liar. She cleared her throat before standing up straight, "Again, I'm sorry for screaming like that, I was kinda pumped full of adrenaline from running to find a hiding spot."

"Oh no, it's quite alright, I should be the one to apologize, I don't know why I thought it'd be smart of me to sneak up on a very pretty woman like you, you just seemed familiar for a moment that's all," he said, rambling over his words.

What? She blinked, taking in his words before saying: "You think I'm pretty????" The way his eyed grew comically large would have made her laugh if it weren't for the fact she's still a bit on edge from the ghostly encounter she had (and maybe slightly stunned from his comment).

"O-oh well, I mean yes, but-oh bullocks, I mean I'm sure you've probably heard this before from others, yeah?" He stutters, a big flush on his cheeks. She blinks.

"You're cute, bus boy," she says. Well at least they both made a fool out of themselves in front of each other.

"Sorry?" He blinks this time.

"Um, well we're neighbors, kinda, we also take the same bus every morning, sometimes you sleep on my shoulders when you sit down next to me." And you're cute but she doesn't say it out loud this time.

Hearing this his face becomes even more red upon hearing this. "Oh bloody-! No wonder you look familiar, I'm terribly sorry about that, I didn't mean to fall asleep on you--"

"Its fine, you looked like you needed it so I didn't bother waking you up usually," she answered with a smile.

She glanced at the fallen box filled with assortment of items, paperweight, plushies, and some other trinkets, "Oh god I'm sorry, here let me help you!"

"No, no, it's fine-" he tried to stop her but she's already reaching down to pick everything up for him, and picked up one of the boxes, "Its fine, it was my fault to begin with, me sneakin' up on you."

"Its alright, it's the least I could do for making you drop everything, I did look kinda suspicious hiding over here."

"Maybe just a bit," Ooh, he's a little sassy one huh. She lets out a soft chuckle.

"Sorry," she says, still holding the box in hand before realizing, "O-oh uh, where would you like me to put these at?" she asks. He blinks as if he in deep thought before she spoke to him.

"Oh yes, right! Well if you're going to be stubborn about it," he led her back to the gift shop where he was planning on restocking before the end of his shift. He stumbles overs his words as he introduced himself. Steven Grant. Steven with a V, he added.

Cute, she thinks.

She followed him where he told her that he worked at the museum's gift shop.

"Really meet any interesting people that stop by?" She asked.

"Not really," he shrugged, "Usually, just the normal tourists and students from school trips, but even then they don't seem as interested in most of the exhibits," he sighs, placing one box on the front table. She did the same with the box in her hands and noticed how Egyptian theme was their main seller.

"Cute," she mutters as she picked up a hippo plushie, playing with its arms. Steven smiles as she handed the plush to him.

"Not exactly accurate if you ask me, yeah?" He says, "This is supposed to be the goddess Taweret. She represents motherhood and childbirth, there's myths of her having a violent nature hence why shes usually depicted as a hippo," Steven explains before moving onto the plushie of Anbuis. Sunny smiled and nodded as he went off an Egyptian tangent.

She was impressed and genuinely intrigued, he was like walking Egyptian Wikipedia. The way his eyes lit up as he talked about Egypt was endearing, it made him more lively. Thinking on this, she found it odd if he knew so much on ancient Egyptian civilization and culture.

"Why are you a gift shopist if you know so much about Egypt?" She couldn't help but ask, "I'm sorry but wouldn't you be best suited as maybe one of the tour guides instead?" Once she saw him visibly deflate she felt her heart clench.

"Unfortunately no one's interested in me being a tour guide, too bloody useless as my boss always says," SAYS WHO?!

"Wae?! Who said that huh?! I dont think you're useless Steven, maybe a little dorky but definitely not useless," she said, "If you ask me, I think you'd make a great tour guide!"

He was startled by the sudden Korean, but his eyes lit up at what he did understand, cheeks now pink, "You think so?"

"Of course, anyone who take one look at you when you talk about Egypt would know how knowledgeable you are," she said.

Steven smiles at her, eyes bright and wide. She felt her heart burst at how absolutely stunning he looks.

"I'm sorry I realize we've been talking for a bit but I haven't gotten your name," he said.

"Oh. Oh! Right, I'm Sunny," he give her a look, "It's not actually my name, its a nickname since people tend to mispronounce my name often," she added.

Sunny, cute nickname, he thinks.

"Yeah, I can relate with others not getting your name right too," he mutters. Remembering how his coworkers barely remember to get his name right. Before he could say anything else, a loud voice interrupted two.

Apparently it was his boss, a short blonde woman that kept chewing on some gum. Sunny frowned as she berated Steven. How could anyone be mean to someone so cute like him? He was a precious puppy.

She's gonna protect this puppy now.

His boss continued to chew him out for bothering the guest. He makes himself look small, a stark contrast to how he looked just minutes earlier as she continued to berate and call him useless.

She didn't like that at all.

"Actually, I'm just waiting for Steven to finish up soon, we have plans to grab some late night tea and snacks before heading back home," Sunny said. The woman looks up at her, eyeing her up and down.

"Stevie, I didn't think you'd had it in you," his boss said, "Or any friends for that matter." Tf does that supposed to mean?! He's a literal cutie pie!

She sees the look he has, exhausted. Exasperated even, with a tinge of hurt in his eyes at her last comment. An absolute bitch.

Confrontation wasn't something she was found of, she liked to stay in her lane and minded her own business. Her eyes glance back over at Steven and she stand ups straight.

She could tell that the blonde woman was relishing in Steven's nervousness as he looked down at his feet.

Yeah, she really doesn't like that at all.

"Well, I can assure Steven is much more capable than you think, Miss..." She glanced down at her name tag, "...Donna..." she says with a tight lipped smile, "Quite dependable, really, unlike some who people I've seen so far," Steven face flushed under Sunny's comment.

"In fact Steven here was also telling me some interesting facts about the mueseum, I was disappointed to hear that he wasn't a tour guide here, I'm sure the children I teach would have loved him," she said, "Suppose I'll have to find some other museum that seems to have more competent workers that don't berate other employees for helping out their patrons. Oh what a shame," she says, feigning a look of disappointment on her face.

The way Donna puffs her cheeks, Steven couldn't help but stare in awe. Bloody fantastic she was. Sunny smiled as she could tell the woman was trying to think of a remark but left, not before yelling at Steven to go back to work.

Once she was gone, Steven took a deep breath before turning back to her, "That was bloody brilliant," he says, "I can't believe you just did that," a short laugh escapes from his lips, "You don't know how many times I've wanted to tell her off," he said.

"Neither did I, not really a fan of confrontation but I couldn't stand there and let her put you down like that," Sunny said. He felt himself in a daze, wondering how he ended up here.

He was having a bad day, he woke up late and missed the bus (barely making it to work but was still chewed out by Donna). He had to deal with irritable customers for the whole day and he was going to restock the gift shop before leaving when he stumbled into Sunny and now here he was.

"You really didn't have to wait for me, dear," Steven said as he restocked the display front.

"It's fine, I get to hide out here as well so it's a win-win for me," she replied.

"From your ex, right?" He asked, "Well they must be a right twit for bothering you to this extent?"

"Uh yeah, the ex..." she nodded, looking away from him. Definitely not the ghost she was trying to hide from. Tbh she rather be faced with a pushy ex than this, at least she could punch them in face for bothering her. Ghosts not so much...

Once Steven was done with his shift, the two left the museum (although Sunny took a moment to gaze around the area before moving, not taking another chance to encounter another ghost) they made their way towards a korean food truck. She ordered him some kimbap (veggie, rice, seaweed roll) since he had mentioned that he was vegan.

Steven was nervous, he's never has anyone to walk home with. Especially a very pretty woman. One that's also his neighbor as well. He held the, oh what did she call it? Kimbap? In one hand as she explained what it was made of to him.

He felt his heart squeeze as she took into note that he was vegan (despite that it was just a simple offhand comment). He's never tried Korean food before, so he was ecstatic to try it out.

They sat down by a fountain, eating their food. It was fucking delicious.

"Oh wow, never tried korean cuisine before," he took a bit of his kimbap. Her eyes lit up as she leaned close to him.

"Oh you should come over to my place, I can cook some for you if you'd like!" She suggested, eating some of her dumplings. He thought he was gonna choke. He coughed as she reached over and patted his back.

"Oh my god, are you alright, Steven?!" He took a moment before telling her that he was fine.

"J-just startled that's all," he says. His face was burning now. After they ate, they headed back home, once they neared the front of their apartment.

After that night, the two seemed to continued to talk to one another, walking to the bus stop and meeting each other for lunch.

Dane gave her an earful when he found out what happened but it quickly turned to teasing as he found out how she fancies her neighbor.

"Is that him?" Dane pointed out one day as the two were walking out of the classroom to see Steven nervously standing by the entrance, clutching his messenger bag, "He definitely your type," he nods.

"What's that supposed to mean?!" She elbows him before making her way towards Steven, "Steven, what are you doing here?" She asked. He smiles before noticing Dane. He felt his chest tighten and frowns slightly. Jealousy was a disease they say. Although Steven doesn't really want to admit such a thing.

"I had an early shift today and I thought of visiting you," he said, "Even bought some lunch for you as well," he added.

She felt her heart swell. Why was he such a cute and sweet guy? Dane cleared his throat, gaining both of their attention, "Oh, right! Steven this is Dane. Dane, Steven," she introduced. The two men stare one another, staring each other down before Steven smiles.

"Cheers, mate," he said, "I don't think she's mentioned you before."

Dane looks at her and grins. She's gonna kill him.

"Oof, this is how you treat your best friend?" Dane feigned hurt, "Well, she's mentions you often," Dane teases, "Something about the cute gift shopist that likes to eat her homemade kimbap."

She smacks Dane before turning to Steven, telling him to ignore her before she leads him away, "Have fun, remember to stay safe! And don't do anything I wouldn't do!" Dane calls out.

Yeah she's definitely gonna kill him.

So, Sunny's sure she has a huge crush on Steven. I mean who wouldn't? Hes a sweet and charming man with the most kindest eyes. And Steven had definitely fancied Sunny ever since he saw her moved in and the time he saw her talking on the phone when she stepped onto the lift (he would die before he'd admit that to her). But ofc the two were nervous to make any moves on each other.

Steven decided to wait until she was done with her job before they walked home. Truthfully he knew she was teacher, but he didn't know she working here. He was in awe at some of the displays and artworks. Once they had lunch, he sat in the back of the classroom when the students returned.

And goodness did he gush as she interacted with the children. He felt his cheek hurt at how much he was smiling as she knelt down and use two toy dinosaurs for her presentation. The way childen giggled and laugh at her quips and how eager they all looked.

Ok maybe, yeah. Maybe it might be more than a crush for him (again he'll die before he admits it out loud to her or anyone else for that matter).

Once done for the day, they left. They talked on the bus ride, mostly Steven asking her more about her job.

Sunny obliges and tells him how she originally was a photographer for an art exhibit before working her (she leave out the details of her being blipped tho) and had doubled majored in photography and palentology.

Steven thought the combination was odd until she told him she was loved Jurassic Park with the brightest gleam in her eyes.

Cute. He makes a note to watch Jurassic Park to talk to her about it at a later date.

They soon arrived at the front of their apartment complex. As they walked near the entrance, Sunny noticed something in the corner of her eyes.

She jumps as she saw Izanami standing across the street. The goddess stared at her, dressed in a black stylish dress and held a black umbrella in one had and wilted white lilies in in other. What the fuck, always the one for dramatic huh?! Why couldn't she just leave her alone?!

Seeing this Steven placed a hand on her shoulders. "Are you alright, love?" He asked.

"Uh, y-yeah, let's go in, it's starting to become a bit chilly," she said, taking his hand and headed inside, taking the elevator to their floor.

Steven berated himself for acting like a stupid school boy with a crush as she held his hand. Feeling flustered and his hands becoming clammy.

She hastily pushed Steven inside first before taking a quick glance back to see the goddess gone. A soft sigh left her lips before she heard a voice.

"Make haste, dear, the spirits are growing restless tonight."

SHUT UP Sunny thinks as she lead Steven to the lift.

Steven doesn't say it but he noticed the shift in her posture suddenly. She's jittery and her hands are shaking. He wonders if she saw something that spooked her.

She leans and press the button to their floor, when she hears it.

"3rd floor please..." "Oh sure," she mutters to herself. "Who are you talking to, love?" Steven asks.

Sunny blinks. She looks back at him before glancing over her shoulders quickly and she sees it.

The head of a pale, ghastly woman hanging from the top of the lift. She feels her legs about to give out and grips Steven's shoulder from falling.

"Oh dear, are you alright?" "Y-yup just peachy!" She stuttered and leaned against the wall next to the buttons, hastily pressing on the open doors button.

"Are you sure you're quite alright? You're looking quite pale now! Are you feeling sick?"

"I think I just need some air, don't worry much about it, look see where here!" As soon as the door open she stumbled out and took a deep breath.

Steven doesn't say anything but he's concerned for her and helps her to her flat with his arms wrapped securely around her, "Are you sure you're quite alright, do you need me to call someone to take care of you? I would offer to stay but I don't want to overstep if it makes you uncomfortable," he added.

She was about to reply when the lights in hall started flickering. Steven looks up frowning, "Bloody hell, there's always something wrong with these damned lights. I should call it in for the landlord tonight."

Sunny knows it wasn't some faulty electricity or wiring going on, she glance behind him and saw another ghost. This one more gruesome than the one she saw in the lift.

She did her best not to throw up at the sight.

It stood tall, its neck longated and twisted. Warts and puss all around with two dark holes where she assume it's eyes were supposed to be.

She stumbles back against the door, staring at the creature. Steven asks her again what's wrong and notices her staring behind him. He tried to glance but she heard a voice to stop him.

"If he glances at the creature, it'll follow him."

"No wait!" She grasp his head to look at her instead. Faces close to each other. She feels her cheeks heat up as she stares into his eyes then at his lips. He does the same thing.

Before long she pulled him closer for a kiss, it wasn't long but she hoped it was enough for the spirit to disappear from them. He took a second to process her lips on his before slowly kissing back. The kiss was awkward, a simple peck on the lips before she felt him press his lips harder against her. It was oddly cute how he tried his best. Had it been anyone else she'd stop and cringe. After a few seconds, she pulled away and glanced behind him again.

The spirit was gone for now. She lets out a sigh and placed her head on his chest before it suddenly hits her.

Oh god.

OH MY GOD!

She stares back at Steven who seemed just as shocked as she was. He was in a daze, blinking every so seconds to fully process what had happened.

"Oh," she squeaks, pulling away from him as she covers her lips with her hands. What the fuck. She can't believe she did that.

"I..." he opens his mouth, but Sunny doesn't want to hear him, scared that he might have regretted it.

"Bye!" She opens the door to her flat and slams the door in his face before he could say any more. She leaned against the door and slid down to sit on the floor of her flat, face red and in hand from embarrassment.

"What the fuck," she gasps softly, "Why? Why did I do that?! Oh God, he's never gonna want to talk to me again!"

Meanwhile, Steven stood outside dumbly. He blinked and he was suddenly home, he glanced around and felt his eyes grow heavy and tired. He didn't want to sleep just yet, he want to go up to her door and ask her if she felt the same. Maybe take her out on a date.

Steven blacks out.

ONE WEEK LATER

Sunny sighed as she sat in her room. It's been a week since she kissed Steven that night. No calls, texts, and anything. She hadn't seen him either. She knew she shouldn't have done that and shut the door on him out of panic. Maybe at least talk to him to apologize for that part, and tell him to forget it if he didn't have any feels for her outside of platonic ones. God she's an absolute idiot.

She would have thought he was ignoring her but she hadn't seen him all week, even his bitchy boss said Steven hadn't been in. So where was he?

Apart of her was worried something has happened to him. God forbid that was the case.

She was deep in thought when she heard the door knock. Sighing, she stood up and opened the door. She was startled to see Steven at the door.

His posture too. Steven was always hunched over to a degree, keeping his head down and arms fidiling with the sleeve of his shirt. Now he was standing straight and more loose compared to before. He even looked taller despite how they were close in height.

"Steven? Oh my god, are you alright? Where were you? I haven't seen you all week!" Before she could ask him anymore, he placed his hands on her cheeks. She stopped, taking in his appearance.

Instead of his usual wide and soft eyes they looked different. Hard, sharp, narrowed and almost wild--feral even.

She blinks, "S..Steven?"

This kiss was hard, filled with fire and passion. He lightly nipped and sucked on her bottom lips. Definitely more experienced than the first one. Shivers ran down her back as one hand went down to the small of her back and pulled her closer, as if scared that she would disappear from his grasp.

He stared at her, thumbs brushing against her cheeks as if taking in this moment before he leaned in and pressed his lips against hers, unlike that night she kissed him -- soft lips pressed together and nervous teeth clattering together -- that kiss was inexperienced and gentle.

This was different.

When he pulled away, he panted heavily as he press his forehead against hers. Her cheeks were flushed as he pressed her body against his, she didn't realize it before but Steven was surprisingly muscular. Oh god how didn't she notice that before until now?!

"...can I take you on a date?" He says softly, but his voice was low and deeper than usual, and she thinks his accent is slightly different than his usually posh Brit one. She thinks it's because of the lack of air from the kiss just now and doesn't think much on it.

No thoughts, head empty from the kiss.

"Hm?!" She squeaks at his response. He lets out a low chuckle and pecks her lips.

Was that a fucking smirk? Since when did Steven know how to smirk???

Her mind was swirling as she tried to process what had happened. But it's fried.

He ran one hand down her back and rested it on her hip, "A date," he says, "Can I take you out on one? This Friday, I heard there's a good steakhouse," he added.

"....okay."

"I, uh," she blinked once more, "but aren't you vegan?" She asked.

He chuckles again. "Yeah, but I wanted to give you a good time," he said with such ease. Like he knew she would ask him that, "Don't worry about me, I can just order some salad for myself."

He smiled softly, this time. Resembling more of how she remembers him as, but it was off somehow, "Great." He kissed her lips once again, "I'll text you the details, night," he added before leaving.

Sunny blinks.

So she guesses she has a date this Friday now.

#moon knight x oc #moon knight fanfic #moon knight x reader #moon knight #steven grant x oc #steven grant x reader #marc spector x oc #marc spector x reader #jake lockley x oc #jake lockely x reader #nightmare eyes au

[marvelmusing]

Back with a thought about In Another Life bc I can't get it out of my head...

What if the books are already Reader inserts with Alina? Like... it's a sort of fairy tale version of the reality? A much darker reality 😱

Since I've seen the show and found out about the plot and the ending of the books the thought of this story being in the wrong genre bothered me so much. I think it should be a fantasy war story, gritty and dark and maybe even horror laced into it. YA is just making it feel a bit cheap for me. What could have been if the focus is not on the love triangle and Mary Sue Alina?

The war, the hunting of Grisha, the racism, the genocide, the scheming and plotting to get to power. Living for hundreds of years just to see these and you don't expect him to be desperate enough and do anything to stop it? - this is not YA material

Sorry about this ranting here 🙈

Do not be sorry about ranting, and especially not about shadow and bone’s potential as a dark fantasy (or even just an adult fantasy)

I have so many thoughts about this

Alina should be mid twenties. She should have a good position as a senior cartographer. (Because I hated reading how Alina wasn’t even that good of a mapmaker, like please give her a smidge of self esteem and some talent besides her hidden Grisha power).

A lot of her work is done in Os Alta, or maybe even Poliznaya. Maybe she’s seen the Darkling a few times before. She still hears the frightening stories and rumours about him, but she doesn’t internalise them and believe them as fact. But she’s still a little scared of him.

Maybe at the orphanage, they told the children stories about a sun summoner who would save Ravka. Ever since she left their care at sixteen, Alina hasn’t believed in the saints or a sun summoner.

But then gets assigned to cross the fold with a few other cartographers. People that she cares about. The volcra attack, and she has to watch the only family she’s ever had, the one she’s made for herself, be torn to pieces by horrific monsters. A volcra grabs her, and the light comes out.

The tent scene I wouldn’t change too much. Alina would be more bewildered than in denial. I’d keep the anticipation, and the show of the Darkling’s power, the knife and the calling of her power.

She’d be less defensive towards Ivan and Fedoyr during the journey to Os Alta. I’d keep the Drüskelle attack, and the Darkling using the cut to save her. Later, Grisha would share stories of Drüskelle around the campfire, tales of pain and loss.

To be honest, in the books there wasn’t actually that much romance between the Darkling and Alina. Whenever she describes what she feels about him, it just sounds like his amplification. And I don’t think the Darkling even expected to fall for her either and didn’t know what to do with himself when he did.

So I’d keep the romance elements from the show: the horse riding, the talking about the fold, the Darkling telling her about the people he’s lost and how alone he is.

Random side note: I think writing the book in third person would have been interesting as well (we wouldn’t be limited to Alina’s point of view)

For the rest of the story I have two main ideas.

Either:

Alina grows into her power, and sees that taking down the fold won’t fix things. She claims the amplifiers herself, and joins the Darkling’s secret band of followers who are plotting to take down the monarchy and win the wars. Insert politics and schemes here. The Darkling and Alina have a pull to one another that they don’t acknowledge for the sake of their plans.

The Darkling is the third amplifier that Alina needs. Alina refuses to kill him, because she’s in love with him, even as he pleads with her to take his life for the sake of Ravka and Grisha. Maybe she does it, and the book ends with his funeral like in Ruin and Rising. Maybe she brings him back using merzost and that’s her final action that makes her villain arc complete.

Or:

Alina somehow finds out that he’s the Black Heretic, and decides to confront him about it. The Darkling then commits to his villain role (sorry Aleksander but you could have been a lot more evil). He threatens Alina’s friends (her new Grisha friends, and the cartographers), and she’s forced to pretend to the whole world that her and the Darkling are going to destroy the fold. Outwardly they look almost like a couple, but secretly she despises him. They argue in private and there’s lots of tension.

Alina figures out that she needs to kill the Darkling to claim his power. There’s some internal conflict, because she hates him so much, he’s threatened her friends and manipulated her, but with all the pretending between them she’s uncertain of her feelings. She’s helped him do awful things, does that make her an awful person? Is he the only one who can truly understand her?

Maybe she kills him and takes his power - either disappearing once the fold is destroyed so that she can’t hurt anyone else or she becomes a tyrant worse than him.

Maybe she doesn’t kill him, instead they take the crown by force and rule together.

To be honest I’m leaning more towards the second plot idea

-

Now I’m going to say sorry for ranting. I went a little overboard with this, but I think the Grishaverse had so much potential in a different genre

Also, the Grishaverse has a lot of similarities to another book series called The Black Magician trilogy by Trudi Canavan which I thought was really good and I think some of the elements of that series would have worked well in the Grishaverse (although I haven’t read it in a while) - I’ve also just realised that was the first fandom I ever wrote fanfiction for

#grishaverse #grishaverse au #grishaverse meta #shadow and bone #grisha trilogy #shadow and bone au #darklina au #alina starkov #aleksander morozova #the darkling #my mutuals (affectionate) #answered asks #thanks for the ask!

[roobylavender]

okay final thoughts having watched winx all of the way through

the strongest characters individually are imo stella, musa, and sky. (1) love how stella craves love and validation and collapses in on herself bc all she’s received all her life is anything but, yet the people who drive her to rise above it are the ones who recognize she has humanity underneath her exterior left to spare—sky constantly believing she’s capable of good no matter how far she falls, musa knowing from the first that stella harbors wells of guilt. her slowly and steadily rising to the challenge of looking her mother in the eye with no fear in her bones to shake her. GOOD (2) musa as a mind fairy constantly having to sift through and filter out the thoughts and emotions of everyone around her despite having the propensity to care deeply is a really refreshing twist on the character! her season two plot with willingly giving up her powers to feel some semblance of peace not just with respect to the overwhelming thoughts but also the guilt she has over influencing her boyfriend’s feelings bc she couldn’t take constantly sensing his anger. perfection. (3) sky and his DADDY ISSUES. honestly i’m so impressed with how they managed to add depth to someone who was originally so bland like the fact that they took his general goodness and evolved it into a constant need to take care of and worry about others so he doesn’t have to worry about himself is simple but it holds loads of potential (esp with respect to his relationship with bloom but more on that later), even moreso now that he’s wracked with guilt over killing the father who abandoned him as a child to raise someone else, all to save the foster father who raised him bc he killed his bio father in the first place. i love MESS

aisha and flora and terra hold a lot of potential but i’m not quite sure they’re as well developed yet in terms of personal journeys. aisha seems to constantly be playing a support role to everyone else even though in the cartoon she was important enough to warrant an entire season long arc (which i hope they will adapt in some capacity!), flora is only now getting started (though i love where it’s going given the end of season two like yes go proactive horror queen), and terra’s coming out plot was lovely but we still don’t really have a sense of what she wants to do with herself personally aside from being desperate to fit in. i am also really upset that the fatphobia she experienced in the first season was more or less grazed over and hardly apologized for properly by any of the involved parties. maybe they decided to ditch using that as a plot point and if they did i’m glad but i wish if they included it in the first place that it was properly concluded

speaking of the fatphobia. riven. riven to me is one of those characters whom the writers meant to write as your standard redeemable bully slash fuckboy type except as always they went for overkill at the outset and then had to massively backpedal thereafter to allow the character to fulfill their overarching story needs. season one riven and season two riven are two whole different animals. season two riven feels way more reminiscent of the original character with his standoffishness and snark but nonetheless underlying good intentions. it’s absolutely shitty that the thing between him and terra has yet to be given proper closure bc season two riven is definitely capable of owning up to his prior comments. if he can fix his attitude with musa he can fix it with terra

i realize i haven’t talked about bloom yet. bloom is frustrating to me in the sense that she’s more a conglomerate of actions than she is necessarily a character. she’s constantly defined by her reactions to events rather than any standard habits or behaviors of her own beyond constantly steaming with tension. and that’s understandable to an extent given a huge part of her character arc is about desperately searching for her origins but it also gets tiring when there’s nothing else to her beyond that. she’s a character far more sustained by her relationships than she is by herself and atp i’m desperate for them to get over her origins closure by end of next season so we can actually move on to her being a real character

as for the romances. i feel a little bad for samusa now having rewatched the full first season bc the idea of their dynamic was not actually a bad one although it was incredibly rushed and so i don’t think there was much of an opportunity to actually grow attached to it. which is why what they’re doing with rivusa is fabulous bc the original cartoon setup for their relationship was terrible.. literally no substance just throwing two people at each other until they liked each other and then throwing drama in every now and then for funsies lmao. i’m glad that building a friendship first is priority here and that there’s that connection the two of them have between them with not wanting to be where they are but nonetheless having to take the hand they’re dealt in some capacity. and then them subsequently finding an unusual solace in each other’s company despite the initial antagonism. it’s very refreshing! as for skloom. are they still the basic bad bitch and useless boyfriend. yes. but i think they’re afforded a little more depth here primarily bc of the way this version of sky factors into it. the way his constant tendency to take care of and fix other people is juxtaposed against bloom’s almost reckless tendency to dive into problems headfirst makes their relationship very sweet to watch unfold bc bloom can clearly take care of herself but sky still wants to help as much as he can. and that’s all standard fare but it’ll be esp interesting now that they’re separated by the portal and sky will have to deal with not being able to help her and instead needing to focus on helping himself

the lack of budget and screen time is a serious point against the show. there’s so much plot they have to try to cram into sex or seven episodes so things at times move very quickly and clumsily. sometimes several weeks pass in canon that feel like only the difference between one episode and the next. it’s a show way more suited to longer episodes per season than it’s being afforded

almost every main cast member can act decently except for skloom’s. which makes their relationship in the show that much funnier bc you can tell they’re clearly going off of how in love with each other they are irl and if they weren’t their attraction to each other and compelling nature as characters would be incredibly weak. i mean tbf in sky’s case it already is all that man does is make pathetic puppy eyes at the screen and make me coo like the proud mother of an ugly pup. he’s lucky his character has that much substance bc he’s not the one capable of serving it

the lore is actually very interesting if a bit amorphous and disjunct. i think it’ll get better with time as the context around aster dell expands and i look forward to it provided they get renewed. i wanna see the witches and how they justify their existence compared to the original cartoon

#that’s about all i can think of for now i have a major paper due tomorrow so my brain is fried #to be deleted

[dont-offend-the-bees]

weapon!Ed piqued my interest but I also must know about the evocative The Elusive 80s AU

Got another ask about 80s AU so I'm gonna focus on weapon!Ed here! This is, bizarrely, the first fic idea I really got for this fandom — and I say bizarrely bc it was inspired by a conversation with a friend about an anime I haven't watched in forever! I don't remember a lot of the intricacies of the lore, but it was called SoulEater, and the very basic bare bones premise was there are people who can turn into Weapons, people who wield those weapons (Meisters), and they work together to kill witches and collect their souls. I'm not particularly fussed about the witch killing/soul collecting aspect, but the weapons and meisters deal caught my imagination! I just started thinking, with all the conversation to be had about Ed and how he either code-switches or just generally masks aspects of his personality and brings forth others depending on who he's with and what role he's trying to fit into, it would be quite interesting if he was a weapon who changes his form! He's feared and renowned for his image as a big, scary whaling harpoon (wielded with great respect and deference by Izzy Hands), when Calico Jack is in town he's a big, fuck-off cannon. With Stede (who's frankly Not a Meister and mostly just holds on for dear life while Ed does what Ed does best, but does sometimes get creative in ways that keep Ed on his toes) I could see his form changing as their relationship and their trust grows, until Ed finally settles into the form that feels the most like Him; something deadly but precise, something weathered and well-loves, and something devastatingly elegant because he wears fine things well! Not written much yet bc I keep going back on forth on the structure/POV I want to go with, but I wrote a little intro that I'll pop under the cut!

Ask me about my WIPS! Weapon!Ed fic intro ⬇

The flag was misleading, really. Always had been. You see a whacking great pirate flag cutting towards you across the waves, probably fair to assume to bloody great warrior skeleton was the focus of it. But it isn’t, never was, and people know it. Most people. And anyone who doesn’t’ll find out soon enough, and it’ll be just about the last thing they ever do.

Nah, the skeleton’s a stand-in, really. The skeleton’s just there to look badass. Anyone shaking in their boots because woooaah, that’s a whacking great skeleton man up there! is missing the point. It’s not about the bloody skeleton; it’s about what’s in his hand. 

Granted, it’s not the best applique harpoon in the world. He’ll own up to that. The fella that stitched it up for him, he wasn’t exactly what you might call an artsy type. Just some lad, really — some lad who didn’t last too much longer after the fact, gutted in a raid and tossed to Davy Jones. It looks more like an arrow than a harpoon, a big arrow, not all that frightening at all really. But that’s what the towering reputation’s for, yeah? Get people blubbering at the very notion of catching your flag in their sights, what’s it matter if the flag in question’s a bit shit? Nah. It does the trick alright.

Terrible bloody likeness, though.

Blackbeard gazes thoughtfully up at that shitty little harpoon now, considering it. Wouldn’t have got very far in this big bad pirate career if he really looked like that, would he? Maybe if he maimed enough people it’d sort of balance out. If your guts are falling out, probably doesn’t matter much if it was some poxy white toothpick that did the job. But it doesn’t have the same drama, does it? 

If there’s one thing he’ll never tire of in this fucking boring old line, it’s the drama.

And if there’s one thing he’ll never take for granted, it’s someone out here doing something fucking interesting like, oh, you know — not giving a flying fuck about him or his stupid flag.

“Captain,” comes familiar voice from his back.

“Izzy,” he shoots back easily, crossing his arms. “All ready to board, I presume?”

“Yes.” The unspoken but hangs in the air.

Turning round, Blackbeard regards the man. “Spit it out, mate.”

First mate Izzy Hands regards him right back, his mouth pinched in that little line of distaste it’s been carrying ever since it first uttered the name Stede Fucking Bonnet. “I’m merely wondering if this is the best use of our time and manpower, Captain.”

“Well. Got nothing else on, have we? C’mon, it’ll be fun.”

He can tell Izzy wants to argue, but he won’t. Oh, he’ll voice his concerns, he’ll try and guide Blackbeard’s hand and he’ll take initiative when needed, but at the end of the day he’s loyal to a fault, and what his captain says goes. It’s good. It’s why Blackbeard trusts him. Why he gets such an important job, him and no one else.

Blackbeard holds out his hand. “C’mon, then. You’re on duty, mate.”

Izzy Hands, with a warm, living hand of flesh and blood and not a flash of white bone in sight, reaches back.

Yeah. His likeness on the flag is even bloody worse.

#ofmd #our flag means death #answers #my fanfic #thanks for the ask friend!! <333 #i think this one could be pretty cool if i ever buckle down and pull it together xD

[bitch-butter]

Directors cut thing on my story 😘

oh my god...🖤 you mean this story??

~ so much rambling down below ~

o b v i the inception for it was All You talking about myriad activities involving fingers, as one does, but my first instinct is always to take it to a place of webgott because they effectively live inside of me like my head is an apple and they're a worm slowly eating me alive. but the idea was also Very much suited to The AU, and I hadn't written any baberoe since down comes the night, so I took the plunge so to speak.

the thing about writing them in down comes the night is it was still sort of challenging, even though they're barely in it, because I find people either travel blind when it comes to baberoe or they show up with Many expectations, and I'm not really very good at writing to what people necessarily expect because I'm an insufferable contrarian at heart. so what I love the most about The AU is getting to come to a ship that (though I don't Know them as well as I know webgott) I think I'm pretty familiar with, but get to see them as somewhat removed from the expectations I was holding myself to writing them in another fic. that isn't to say it was Easy bc it was not, partially because it was a prompt from a friend, but also because their dynamic was incredibly new so I literally did some stretches (i.e. notes/exercises) and limbered up enough to try and get my hands on them, which was helped along by...

Sometimes when they’re together it’s like his head takes his heart by both shoulders and shakes his entire spirit back and forth yelling: you’re going too fast, you’re going too fucking fast. It can be a helpful brace, that little bit of bone-rattling doubt. Not of Babe. Never. Fucking again, he’s going too fast. He can’t help it that he’s never felt this for anyone else before, this weightless, incandescent, homecoming feeling he gets when he catches sight of Babe’s hair, a flick of his wrist like blades in the light, his smile, his smile, and all that lives inside of it. Maybe they’re going fast emotionally, but that should be allowed, shouldn’t it? If two guys move faster than the speed of light emotionally with each other but nobody is around to hear it does it make a sound? That second drink might have been a mistake.

the fact that Gene had a really accessible energy to me. dropping into him in a sense I got a lot of tension, but not any sort of rigidity, which created a really interesting tightrope of emotion that he moved across. because I hadn't worked with them really I could have chosen either of them, but I was drawn to the idea that both Babe and Gene are already fully immersed in not just the idea of each other but in realizing the sort of capital r Relationship they want with each other, and yet I got the sense that Gene was more push and pull about it solely because up until this point he hadn't had that kind of attraction to someone before. I see him in many combinations of humans but none really containing much substance, so to then be in a position where he's having Real feelings of connection, partnership, affection etc. it is understandably a little foreign to him. so there's that constant Yes No Yes No with him, because he's head over ass but he's flexing a completely new muscle for himself that he kind of needed Babe to bring out to begin with.

(a mentioned but unexplored tension at play is also the tension of Ari energy and Taylor energy, as they are both intensely powerful but they each trade and pass between each other in their themes, especially at the time the fic takes place, and I think that element adds to a specific rhythm.)

which obviously isn't to say there's any less happening internally with Babe, because he's having a battle of his own on the inside, but the sort of slow reveal of how they work and the story of the night I thought had a little more vicarious pleasure when taken in on the side of a guy who really would have just been happy to have a cocktail and spoon that night.

“Just surprised. Surprised at both of us.” Babe looked back to him with a gentle furrow in his brow. “Why surprised?” “I don’t think anyone has ever said that to me before,” Gene admitted, searching down through his own life, sex dotted all through it like stars in the sky, fucking legion, and tries to think of anything that can match what he and Babe have had in their beginning. “Never had to.” Mouth bunching at one corner, Babe took the words in with a slow nod. “I don’t think anyone has ever let me say it before, so.” It makes him pull Babe in close, leaning down so he can wrap his arms over his shoulders and kiss into the red shine of his hair in the dim kitchen light. “At least we’re in this together, huh?”

at least in my mind Babe entered into the night Knowing what he wanted to ask for, so everything on his side is leading up to the conversation they ultimately have. and on the surface obviously it's Just a conversation about phalanges but Because they've been taking things incredibly slow it's a statement for him to turn around and say he's going to take it there. which is a favorite trope of mine, I admit, when a truth gets brazenly spoken after being denied/rejected for so long, so obvi I had to shoehorn it here a little bit. because, again, Babe hasn't had a Relationship of this manner before, and has had a past where he was pretty disrespected and not really seen as being a Whole Person (as opposed to a Hole Person lol). so now being in a position with Gene where he's being recognized as a human with singular wants and needs and he's actually experiencing being Heard, it allows him the mobility to control the speed of their intimacy in a way. though it is mutual, I think Gene gives a lot of the power over to Babe at least in this way because not only are they still learning each other but he sees something in Babe's strength and his openness that is sort of humbling to him. so it made the most sense to me that not only should it be Gene's pov but Babe should be the one to ask.

you know I loved writing it, I love talking about it, and now I love writing baberoe (particularly spooky baberoe 🌙🖤)

(also, a Lot of this was written in my journal by the pool because I will admit you caught me at a vulnerable moment on vaca so I just spent days at the beach writing and it was truly heaven, I wrote most of this, I wrote the end of Rivers, I wrote like three prompts, I think I'm supposed to just live on vacation. so this fic is married in my mind to being incredibly relaxed, and feeling dreamy and warm and free of stress lol)

thx babe ~

#baberoe #asks #in local news i love baberoe! #i'm lester holt and this is babeline

[drewsaturday]

randomly watched last night in soho instead of sleeping bc i realized i don't watch movies but doing so flosses my brain a little. anyway thoughts now that it is not 4 am

ellie must be protected at all costs, big autism energy

jacosta is not someone i have the braincells to articulate, but i think she was written as a Mean Girl really well. surface level getting along, projecting her insecurities onto others ("why'd ellie talk about that she must be looking for attention" from the girl who tries to make everything about herself etc)

ellie's different styles throughout the movie were very cool to see

i liked the twist about the old man not being jack. at a certain point i'd wondered if it could be that other guy, but i went back to it being jack til the twist.

i liked how supportive ellie's teacher was as well as her grandmother

i also really love the wish fulfillment of getting to look back at mistreated girls of the past and hug them and tell them you understand

however

and i say this as someone who did go in knowing there were some twists so i knew to look out for stuff and maybe that ruined the experience

last half of the film kinda didn't feel as tight? idk, all the visions of the dead guys seemed to take too much time aj;skdjfklj the bleeding of dreams and reality, while i know it was a result of hallucinogens that maybe became more permanent, broke the logic for me as well. i know ellie can see/sense those energies awake or not, and the sleeping was meant more to body swap her and she became more aware of those energies as a result of those experiences but idk, felt random at times. why did one experience give her a physical mark (hickey), did the others, etc.

lots of plot holes. like ellie not getting impacted as bad by the poison as she should've, or not facing consequences for almost stabbing jacosta (maybe ppl just claimed she was being dramatic since... jacosta...), no real consequences for how much she broke down either, though i imagine the ending skipped over the time that may have taken place in. i do wonder if she explained the truth to the cops and forensic evidence of all the charred bones proved her right and they chilled out about her breakdowns.

wouldn't. that many bodies in the floors and walls perhaps cause a noticeable smell.

i feel like ellie's love interest was too accepting. i know he talked about their shared understanding of being outcasts and he seemed enamored by her. and i think it certainly was a choice to have a black man be the safe man, which is nice. but i can't help feeling a hashtag Feminist Film ended up neglecting racial issues by just... kinda using him for anything ellie's story needed at that time. i don't rly know anything about him, and maybe i don't need to, but it feels like a disservice or afterthought.

also something felt weird about the more unhinged screaming done by ellie and sandie. it felt over the top or too incoherent to me so it was distracting, but maybe it's just the way their accents go.

the sandie reveal as being the old woman was just... not serious enough? between the editing and the way she went about it all villainy just didn't feel it fit for me. maybe i misunderstood the vibes of the rest of the film but it felt out of place. i didn't mind the dream-like cgi of the stairs and glass etc though because i think the dreamy quality fits the... dream theme j;asdklfj

i did enjoy it and would like to rewatch knowing the twists sometime. but it just does feel like the second half suffered a lot in ways that unwound it from the first, but not in a way that... fits ellie's unwinging mental state if that makes sense j;lksdfkj.

i'm also rly glad i got to check it out, i don't get to go to movie theaters and stuff so when new films drop i froth over the trailers and read the wikipedias or youtube breakdowns of it and i had for this a bit (remembering very little by the time i did watch it.) i usually forget about the film bc im used to doing so without looking for it by the time it would end up on a streaming site or whatever. so it's just nice to finally check this out after loving the trailer.

#txt

[payphoneangel]

For the commentary!! The dinner "date" scene from A Midsummer Night's Dean- it's one of my favorite scenes <3 (I only quoted one part, but I love this whole sequence)

“Hey, I can be hoity-toity! Watch, even if they have burgers— which I doubt they will— I’ll order something else! Something so fancy, and unpronounceable, and outlandishly expensive, it’ll wipe that smug grin right off your face!”

Cas rests his jaw on his palm. “Oh, you’ll really show me then.”

Dean’s about to deliver a super witty and charming comeback when he gets distracted by the way Castiel’s fingers splay across his face. The soft lighting of the restaurant makes his eyes look dark and vast.

He suddenly finds the drink menu at the table incredibly interesting. “I mean look at this. Sixteen dollars for the house whiskey? Who am I, King Midas?”

“I certainly hope not. I wouldn’t want to turn to gold.”

“I… ah…” Dean opens his mouth but whatever he was going to say dies in his throat. That almost sounds like a pickup line.

Cas isn’t flirting, is he?

He can’t be.

Directors Commentary asks

OH AMND MY BELOVED AMND. Listen i could say I love all my children (fics) equally but that is. that is simply not true.

A Midsummer Night's Dean has always been a personal favorite of mine. In tone and topic it was simply a joy to write from beginning to end. I had been struggling a lot getting the plot of Innervate ironed out, so to take a break I wrote this with one goal in mind: Get Sillay with it (and keep it simple!!)

The restaurant scene was just a BLAST to write. Who doesn't love when Dean and Cas go on their not-dates?? Oh yeah they're definitely just getting all gussied up in their silly little outfits to go get some intel from the service workers. NO OTHER REASON.

Something I wanted to play around with in this fic was the idea that the biggest obstacle between Dean and Cas being in a romance was this wonderful misconception on Dean's part: He doesn't believe that Angels are capable of feeling attraction to humans (or at least, him).

Dean putting himself into Hellish Situations entirely of his own making is a very fun aspect of his character that I wanted to explore. However, I thought the idea of Dean doing this through repressed sexuality reasons was just kind of overdone at this point? That and I think that's not giving him enough credit for his self-awareness. So that's why I really loved the mindset of him being unconvinced Castiel is able to feel those types of emotions.

I made it pretty obvious throughout the fic that Dean is openly queer. He knows, Sam knows (Sam's queer as well), Cas ABSOLUTELY knows. It's just background noise at this point. Which is why the restaurant scene is so fun because poor long-suffering Castiel is TRYING SO DAMN HARD to jump Dean's bones and he just Refuses to Get It.

I wasn't really able to explore it fully in the fic (bc it's entirely Dean POV), but the reason that Cas is never direct with his feelings is because he's trying to speak Dean's language.

At the very end of the fic, once they have their heart-to-heart (guest starring Cas' chest hair), Dean has this realization that Cas HAS, in fact, been flirting this entire time. He has the internal monologue: 'Has he actually been flirting, then? The whole time? Who— where did he learn to do that?'

And the answer is YOU, Dean!!

Dean is all references, asides, and innuendo (which is why he's so great for the mc of a Shakespeare fic). This man has to go through at LEAST 5 traumatic events in a day before he's open and honest about his feelings. And fortunately (or unfortunately) for him, there isn't anything very traumatizing happening (besides maybe Cas getting love potioned for Sam). All to say, Cas spends the most time with Dean. So by speaking tongue-and-cheek, he's trying to meet Dean where he's at. Very well-meaning, but not great for open communication's sake.

So we have the dinner scene, where they're having fun doing their thing, and it's just obvious that they're into each other. Castiel is literally (or, as literally as he can) saying 'Dean, I want you to touch me.'

But because Dean 1) Has it hard-wired in his brain that Cas is always and forever "Castiel, Unwavering Angel of The Lord, Holy Pain in the Ass Who's Above Dumb Human Emotions," and 2) Is always, on some level, feeling undeserving of love (esp from Cas), it's just NOT clicking in his brain.

It's not until Dean learns that Cas is being affected by a LOVE spell that he starts to realize that maybe there could be a chance for them!!

Just a few other fun parts of the fic I want to mention:

At the beginning of the ch2, when Dean's getting ready for their not-date, he has an aside of, 'Why the fuck did I pack so many socks?' And the reason is because in ch1, he's packing socks when he gets distracted by Cas' gray-sweatpants-dick-outline. He lost track of how many he was throwing in the duffel.

I can only describe what happens to me as being occasionally possessed by a dj who died in the 70's because I will sometimes just get absolutely stuck on Some Song from the 70's. This happened to me with Brandy (You're a Fine Girl) by Looking Glass while I was writing AMND. Hence why the waitress in the restaurant is named that, why Dean orders a whiskey and Cas wine, and why Dean starts flirting with her using the lyrics before switching tactics when she's not interested.

Cas' angel powers hit a second light bulb when Dean calls him sunshine (that of which Dean doesn't notice, because he's too busy internally kicking himself for saying it's his and Cas' anniversary). Cas IS just as easily flustered when it comes to Dean as Dean is when it comes to Cas. He's just more stoic so it's a little harder to pick up on.

At the end of the fic, when Sam's fucking off to go hook up with someone, I originally had a specific person I was alluding to. It was going to be Spencer from iCarly. However, the dialogue was too bulky and beside-the-point, so I had to cut it. Just a ghost of Spence is still left when Dean's teasing Sam by saying, “So who’s the lucky hottie? An Elle Woods type? Or maybe some weird artsy guy, someone who just screams ‘California?’”

In ch3, when two festival-goers walk by smelling skunky, that's actually an insert of myself and my beta reader <3. We're usually in each of my fics if there's any kind of crowd scene.

#vinny answers #THANK YOU FOR ASKING!!! #I could talk abt this fic for days i s2g

[the-acid-pear-ocs]

Okay I'm gonna run down the events recently happens in Stardew Valley talking of my thoughts and ideas and everything.

Okay so basic run of events: Damon goes to the mines and is nearly killed. He goes back home exhausted and at the verge of death. Due to blood loss he accidentally drops a bomb inside the shed and cannot react quickly enough to run away or put it out or whatever.

THAT'S the canon framework. Unofficial bc i reset the day but canon anyway. Very similar to how Mila lost her leg funnily enough. Considering they are my first and last saves and considering they both are dating Emily... It's sussy 👁️👁️

Anyway that aside. Let's point out some other facts.

1- Damon was already in bad fucking shape because he had died in the mines the day ago too. Going to the mines right after probably was a terrible idea. There's something to be said about his self preservation skills.

2- Because he was in the mines and because he's a fashion icon he was actually mildly well prepared!! He had the squire's helmet and "iridium" pants. Can't for the life of mine remember the t-shirt tho but... It probably wasn't as protective. So while severe brain damage and facial scars might've been avoided, just as severe damage to his legs, the same cannot be said about his torso and arms.

Now, let's go slightly over the happenings OUTSIDE of Damon's perspective! Because what about Emily and the baby huh??

Well i, i actually don't know if Emily was in the house? I assume she was. So: your husband comes back from all day out in the mines, you don't see the state he's in but you assume it's alright. An hour passes. Suddenly, deafening loud sound. Worried, you run outside. The shed next to your house, the shed your husband works at, destroyed. Burning, in fact. And in between the debris of the machinery that was blown up and the fire and the wood burning down you see the shine of the helmet, same helmet you saw yesterday when you went to bed, same helmet that made you chuckle because you couldn't believe someone would be comfortable sleeping with that but he reassured you it was fine. Your husband is below the wood and fire and debris.

Now i actually am not sure what one is supposed to do in this situation because i don't think these people own a fire extinguisher 😭 but maybe someone else on town would so despite it being 11 pm i think in the desperation Emily would run into town begging for help. Not like the explosion wouldn't have woken up many around already, of course.

I feel like the damage would've been severe enough for Harvey to not be able to help out alone, that is once and however Damon is pulled out. He definitely got his chest stabbed something and he might have a few broken bones. More than one limb got to be barely saved, very broken bones and at least one finger got lost.

He's cut he's burnt he's broken his lung is about to collapse and he's losing so much blood so they have to transfer his ass to a hospital in the city.

God, can you imagine the aftermath too? Having poor Emily be questioned by the authorities, everyone trying to figure out what the fuck happened... Honestly it would be actually embarrassing when discovered what DID truly happen.

By the way, i think the ghosts might've interfered. Y'know, AS much as a ghost can. But the sheer fact that Damon survived and didn't like, get all his limbs blown apart and shit, considering a MEGA BOMB BLEW UP RIGHT BESIDES HIM is a miracle on its own as the doctors would later agree.

Emily would've probably wished to be able to stay by his side on the hospital but she couldn't do that, having the newborn baby and the whole farm to take care of now... But i want to believe the other residents would take turns helping her. She would be so fucking heartbroken and stressed though...

Mr. Qi would probably interfere in some level with Damon's recovery tho, I'm sure. I mean, this was but a very unfortunate accident and he liked Damon! He was doing a good job!! It wasn't his time yet. So he might have mailed a little gift that might have helped speed up the recovery.....

I feel like Vynil would also visit him in the hospital. Somehow she would find out and that's how Emily had to learn her husband had a sibling he never mentioned 😭 she might even go ahead and help in the farm temporarily until Damon is well enough 😳

Most people probably couldn't go visit him but i feel like one or two close friends might've gone out of their way to check on him... Like Kent and Willy 🥺 the rest would probably still send gifts and letters tho <33

I don't want to even think about how this would've affected Emily mentally... Like her husband nearly killed himself by not knowing his fucking limit!!! She would be sooo pissed when learning the truth like what if the fire spread out what if the house burned what if he just fucking DIED what was gonna be of Verde then he can't be so selfish like this he's not alone anymore he has a family and and and !!!!!!

I doubt she would say that to Damon's face tho. Not like that at least.

Dw for Damon mentally tho, he would just be upset at the time wasted and... Maybe a little self conscious about the left over scars on his body but hey, they look kinda sick actually! Like battle scars. He would probably be most upset about the money though which would ironically make him try to work harder again which, would make Emily get grey hairs.

Although who knows maybe the whole shed was rebuilt as a little gift for him!! That would be nice of the town, to give ever so little back to the man who gave them so much...

I will try to think his wounds and similar thru later. And do a lil arts of it . . .

#[stardew valley ocs] #[damon] #forgot i never fucking posted this fsr omfg

[servin-up-surveys]

survey #003

(from the 27th)

Who knows you better than anyone else? My mom. Would you ever want to go to Brazil? Yeah, sure. How did your parents meet each other? They were coworkers. What profession do you think is the most under-appreciated? Teachers. To a depressing degree. Are there any medical conditions that run in your family? Oh Jesus, a lot, including diabetes, high blood pressure + high cholesterol, cancer, pretty sure depression, and uhhh I know there's more, but I'm blanking rn. In your opinion, what is the most toxic personality trait? Gaslighting, probably. Manipulative behavior as a whole. What band has the best guitar solos? I gotta hand it to my babes Metallica. Where is your favorite place to take a nap? My bed. Who is the biggest jerk you’ve ever met? Colleen. I still have trouble putting together how the hell I called her my best friend when she was just mean, to everyone. Have you ever swerved off the road to avoid hitting an animal? I have never been in that situation and I pray to GOD I never am. I would have an absolute and total breakdown if I hit an animal. What’s a tradition you hope never dies out? Um idk, I gotta admit I don't care about tradition much. Have you ever grown your own herbs? No. Do you read the nutrition labels on the packaged food you buy? Usually not, admittedly. What were some of your favorite classes you took in high school? My absolute favorites were Art and German, but Mythology was also very fun. Have you ever gone through a bad breakup? lmao take a seat, my friend Do you believe in Jesus? I'm pretty sure it's a documented fact he existed, but I don't believe in his miracles. Has anyone ever used a cheesy pickup line on you? Maybe at some point. Are you hard of hearing? I hear volume fine, but I do have some sort of auditory processing issue where I have trouble understanding what people are saying a lot because their words just sound like a jumble of letters. Would you ever want a statue made of you? omg no, one of this body is enough. When did you last go for a run? Dear lord, I don't go on runs. The last time I ran was in fuckin high school gym lmao How many bones have you broken in your life? One in my wrist. Where are you currently? I'm at the desk in the spare room. Do you have any cats? I have one spoiled brat, lol. What’s your favorite love song? I've had a soft spot for "When It's Love" by Van Halen since HS; I even wanted it to be my first dance song for maaany years. Still might be. Have you ever had vertigo? Yes, I actually had a decently long streak of experiencing it regularly to where I had medicine to take for it. Has your house ever been robbed? No, but a gang did try to break into my childhood home when Ashley and her friend were home alone, and god only knows what they might have done. That memory just chills me to the goddamn core, knowing my big sister could have died that day. I'm pretty sure that was the straw that broke the camel's back and led to us moving. Have you done a breathing exercise recently? Uhhhh I think I may have done heavy breathing recently to calm down over something? idr What food/drink did you last waste? Awhile back, Ma and Nicole made a chicken dinner that I just did not like. Felt bad throwing it away. If you have a partner, do you have a song? I have no idea if he considers us having one, but "I Don't Want to Set the World on Fire" by The Ink Spots can make me tear up because he sang it to me once when we were cuddling in bed and it come on his music player lasdkjfk;alwj;wej;qiwjefroiwqer Have you ever dug a hole? What for? Yes, as well as tunnel systems bc I liked to pretend to be a meerkat lmaooo I was a weird kid Have you ever fainted? What from? Yeah; I've told the story enough, so I'll just share the doctor's theory: dehydration and being in a shower that was too hot (and thus humid) when I was barely conscious. Do you know a Chelsea? I in fact do, she's Colleen's younger sister. Got along with her a thousand times more than Colleen. I should catch up with her. She's a mom now. :') Are you currently barefoot? Yeah, we don't wear shoes in the house. Do you think you look better with long hair or short? Oh, ABSOLUTELY short. You couldn't pay me to go back to long hair. He likes my hair now, but Girt would actually love to see me with really long hair again and I was just like NOPE SORRY SIR What have you found to be the best remedy for nausea? Take medicine. I do NOT handle nausea well, so I go for that quick. Do you prefer black tea, green tea, or herbal tea? I hate tea. Have you ever been to one of your teacher’s houses? A few, yes. I know there's my 2nd/5th (I had the same instructor) grade teacher, as well as my 4th, for reasons I can't entirely remember. Then there's Miss Tobey, my high school physical science teacher, who is now literally our landlord, lmao. She's pretty much family. Have you ever been on a missions trip? No, because I'd much rather not spread the glorious word of a deity who either doesn't hear or doesn't care. Does your mom sew? She knows how to. What is your favorite type of tree? I love wisterias and weeping willows. Giant sequoia trees are also just absolutely breathtaking; I'd love to see one irl. OH, one more: rainbow eucalyptus. What an aesthetic. What are three of your favorite country songs? "When the Stars Go Blue" by Tim McGraw, "Travelin' Soldier" by The (Dixie) Chicks, and uhhh "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts, maybe. Maybe something by Carrie Underwood's up there. I don't exactly remember a lot of country songs. Have you ever drawn a picture of a skull? Yeah. Have you ever found a mouse in your house? Yeah, we had 'em sometimes when we lived in the woods. What is your favorite zoo animal? Meerkats, of course. I also think seeing the polar bears is extremely cool (when kept in adequate conditions, of course), just because it's such an environmental contrast. And they're SO BIG. How many times have you been stung by a bee in your life? Once, at least I'm quite sure I was stung. Me nor Mom could find the stinger in my pants leg, so perhaps it was just some random pain that happened while a bee was nearby, idk. Do you like ducks? Yeah man, little waddle bois Are you afraid of snakes? Not at all. I have a pet snake, want more, and want to eventually be able to herp primarily for snakes, haha. Are you afraid of spiders? I'm more uncomfortable around them than snakes, but I'm not horribly scared of them; they startle me more than anything. Like, if I suddenly noticed a massive spider on me, I'd certainly spaz out. If I am aware of one's presence, though, I actually enjoy seeing the lil guys. Tarantulas, however, I just flat-out adore. Big hairy negative one brain cell babies. Would you rather own a poodle or a chihuahua? We actually have a chihuahua, even though it wasn't a breed Mom nor I particularly wanted. It was a rescue sort of thing, and don't get me wrong, we all adore her. If I had to choose between the two though, I would definitely favor a standard poodle, they're pretty. Who is your favorite superhero? I don't have strong feelings on superheroes, but I've always liked Spider-Man in the movies I have by chance seen. Deadpool too, but he's an anti-hero. Are you flexible? Those days are LOOOOONG over, my friend. Can you throw a football? I've never been able to correctly. What were three of your favorite things to do during recess when you were a kid? Go on the swings, dig tunnel systems in the sandbox with friends, and play 4-Square on the basketball court. Have you ever ridden a horse? Only ever at fairs or similar events. Looking back I feel so bad for those horses. Did the home you grew up in have a doorbell? Wow, I actually don't remember. I don't believe it did. Does your current home have a doorbell? Yes. Have you ever driven a race car? No, not interested. What was the last artsy thing you did? A few days agao I started drawing, but i didn't get far due to my tremors being so goddamn insufferable. Everything was just messy. Have you ever taken piano lessons? No. Name someone you know who can play the saxophone. I don't think I do know anyone. Have you ever been in a band? I was in the middle + high school band. Have you ever bowled a strike? Yes. Oh my god, story time: the first time Girt and I tried dating, our first date was the bowling alley. I prepare for absolute decimation by saying I am going to suck. First roll, fucking strike. I think Girt just about walked away. I was absolutely cackling alsdijfaliwe it is to this day one of the funniest things that's ever happened to me. I sucked the entire rest of the day btw, lmaoooo. What is your current favorite video game? It doesn't mattere what day it is, my two faves will always and forever be Silent Hill 2 and Shadow of the Colossus. What are three baby names your friends have used that you like? There's Peresphone, Scarlett, and Jaspen. This isn't an easy question for me to answer 'cuz most of my (old) friends used ridiculously southern names that make me want to gag. Are you allergic to peanuts? No. Are you superstitious? No. Do you own a Magic 8-Ball? I used to growing up. What color is your Christmas tree? I want to say it's a dark shade of green. I am dying for a black one with faux frost and snow when I have my own place. Do you ever listen to CDs anymore? No. What are three medications that you take every day? Three out of too many consist of Lithium, Clomipramine, and Bupropion. Have you had COVID? I have not. Have you ever ridden in an ambulance? No. Where was the last place you flew on a plane? Back home from Illinois. Cupcakes or donuts? Both are bangin', but god do I love donuts. Have you ever gone sledding in the snow? I have! I think in Ohio when I was very young, we went to some BIG ol' hills to slide down, and also at an old house where there was a slope by the winding road, we (me, sisters, and neighbors) played around there. I can't even remember what we used. Have you ever ridden in a taxi? No. Have you ever seen a leech in person? Omg yes and I hate them. Parasitic creatures as a whole just creep me the fuck out. What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in the past year? Probably that sometimes the little drops of good feelings you get out of something that is primarily hurtful ain't worth it. AKA, sometimes you have to let toxic people go, no matter how much you love them, if you want to care for yourself. Do you own any tiny versions of larger things? Maybe? What are two things you’d tell your child self that you wish you would’ve known then? 1.) Don't turn to religion/God for answers, and 2.) keep fucking pushing and keep faith in herself and her own strength, because look at us, we got through it all. Did you used to play hopscotch? Yes. What’s the first letter of your best friends name? Technically "D." Do you have anything monogrammed? I do know I have a traveling bag with my name on it from my childhood; my sisters had one, too. I also have some jewelry with "B"s on it, I know, and I think that's it? Monogrammed stuff isn't something I seek out or even like much. Did you sleep well last night? Once I was able to fall asleep, yes. I hadn't even wanted to go to bed, but to be healthy I forced myself. Took a while to knock out, but I got there. When is the last time you checked your mail? I'm gonna check it now, actually. So I was trying to change my primary blog on Tumblr right, and I think I fell for a scam code and accidentally terminated my account lmao and they better give it back lsdjkfal;wekjal;kewjr Do you have strong opinions about religion? Oh, I sure fucking do. Are there any popular dance moves you are good at? No, I don't dance. Have you ever seen a flash mob in person? No. Have you ever struggled with acne? As a teenager, yes. I distinctly remember noticing it was majorly chilling out when I was in the shower in NY at my uncle's place using my Biore scrub. I was like... 19, I want to say. Did you enjoy High School Musical when it was a thing? I wasn't crazy about it, but it was fine. It was my lil sis who was obsessed and is the only real reason I'd even seen it. Do you know anyone who has a crush on you? I wouldn't call it just a "crush." Do you have any outdoor allergies? Yep, pollen. Have you ever joined a moshpit? Omg no, I am absolutely not into the idea of those. You're literally just hurting each other?????? like why???? What cover do you think is better than the original song? The first that comes to mind is Disturbed's version of "The Sound of Silence," originally by Simon & Garfunkel. Would you ever like to learn belly dancing? NO. Even if I had a nice stomach, still no. I'd be too self-conscious. What’s one of your favorite memories related to an animal? Oh god, there are simply so many. I'll tell the story of Ike, though, because he truly made me feel special. At the Sylvan Heights Bird Sanctuary, the male Abyssinian ground hornbill - Ike - bonded with me. He came right over to the fence and let me pet him, just chilling there for what was a really long time. One of the employees said she'd never seen him do this before. It was honestly so magical, and if I remember accurately, he wasn't too happy when I had to pull myself away from him, haha. I will always cherish the pictures and video I got of him and his mate Rosie. I still wonder a lot if he's still alive. Do you suffer from any mental illnesses? A lot, although with an entirely new doctoral team examining my mental health, some diagnoses are being reconsidered. The lead doc has said it's just very unlikely I actually have as many conditions as I've been diagnosed with and that they may just be overlapping symptoms, which is very true. Have you ever had to have a tooth cut out? Nope.

#survey #surveys