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#golly this looks nothing like my normal stuff
punsmaster69 · 16 days
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9/MAR/20XX
"Uuugh."
frisk groaned as they wiped up a mess of orange juice.
"How did I even manage to miss that badly?"
"We are all a little loopy in the mornings."
"Golly. The cup was RIGHT there... and yet you still missed!"
"Maybe you should leave that to Toriel still, huh?"
flowey laughed at frisk's misery.
"Flowey, be nice."
"...Though, I am more than willing to assist you if you need help, my child."
"I can pour it normally. Just... not right now, apparently."
"like she said - it's mornin' still, and you just woke up. don't beat yourself up over it."
i glance to flowey.
"and don't let any flowers beat you up over it, either."
"I'll say what I want!"
a stern look from toriel.
"....."
he huffs and goes back to picking the cereal out of his marshmallows.
toriel gave this a disapproving look too, but it's a regular occurrence.
she helped frisk pour another glass of orange juice, and they slumped back in their chair, deflated. don't know if i've ever seen a kid look more upset while drinking oj.
"Are you still planning to follow Sans home after you eat?"
they looked at me.
"paps won't be back until around ten."
"I'm good to hang out with you until then."
"alright."
"Flowey, will you be-"
"Staying here."
"I don't want to be around those two nincompoops alone for two hours."
again, an occurrence too regular for her to bother saying anything about anymore. these days, she almost doesn't even notice the insults sometimes. i think everyone else tunes them out a little, too.
——
"...."
"so, are backwards shoes the new thing?"
"..What?"
frisk paused and looked down.
"........"
"How."
they started walking again.
"No wonder they felt weird."
"you wanna stop and fix 'em?"
"I'm gonna take them off at your house anyway, so I'm gonna just deal with it until then."
"well, c'mon - this way. i know a little shortcut."
——
a ball of paper bounces off my skull.
frisk slams their head into the side of the couch, not accounting for the fact that it'd hurt.
"Aggh-"
"careful."
uncrinkling the ball, there was the start of a drawing with scribbles where the legs would be.
i folded the page back up, and they loosely smacked it out of my hand.
the paper smacked them in the face.
". . ."
".....jeez."
"lady luck's got a vendetta against you, huh?"
sitting bolt upright, they shouted.
"Not just that, but I keep messing stuff up - and then having the WORST luck with just about everything else!!"
throwing their arms up in the air...
and immediately hitting my brother on accident, who just entered.
"Oh mY GODDDDD-"
curling forward into a ball.
"welcome home, bro. you're a bit early."
"HELLO..."
looking with concern at the human groaning annoyedly on the couch in front of him.
"...UM."
"IF YOU'RE UPSET ABOUT HITTING ME, WORRY NOT! I AM A-OKAY!!"
"IT TAKES MUCH MORE THAN THAT TO HURT SOMEONE AS STRONG AS I!"
"not just that - their luck's been shot all day."
"And shit."
he sat himself onto the couch and dragged frisk like a stuffed animal to his chest for a hug.
"HAVE NO WORRIES - THE GREAT PAPYRUS IS HERE TO BALANCE YOUR POOR LUCK OUT WITH MY OWN INCREDIBLE LUCKINESS!!"
"AND NOW THAT I'M HERE... WHAT ACTIVITIES SHALL WE DO, HUMAN?!"
".....Can we just sit here?"
"WH-"
"sounds good to me."
"WAIT, WHY??"
"Nothing bad can happen if I do nothing at all."
"sound logic."
"NO, IT ISN'T! NOTHING GOOD CAN HAPPEN, EITHER!!"
"If you're here, that's good. That happened and I didn't do anything to cause it."
"WELL, YES. BUT THAT WAS INEVITABLE. I WAS ALWAYS TO COME HOME AND HANG OUT - AS ALREADY PLANNED."
"And I wanna hang out by doing nothing."
"......"
"we could at least put on a movie."
"...."
"DOES THAT SOUND NICE, FRISK?"
"...Yeah."
"and i'm pretty sure we've got popcorn still."
"we'll do a movie night."
"IT WILL MAKE YOU FEEL BETTER FOR SURE!"
——
they dumped the bowl of blackened kernels into the trashcan.
they sighed defeatedly.
"..W-WELL. THAT'S OKAY! WE'LL JUST MAKE YOU ANOTHER BAG."
he opened the cabinet and grabbed the popcorn box, reaching in and... patting the empty inside.
"......."
𝘴𝘭𝘢𝘮.
𝘴𝘭𝘢𝘮.
𝘴𝘭𝘢𝘮.
frisk pounded their head against the sink door. i put my hand between the door and their forehead to lessen the impact of the blows.
my brother gently pulls them away from the door by the shoulders, turning them around.
"NOW, NOW. THIS IS OKAY, TOO!"
"WE STILL HAVE-"
"me and undyne split the last of the chips the other day."
"...WE CAN STILL STOP BY THE STORE AND GET YOU A SNACK THAT DOESN'T REQUIRE ANY PREPARATION!"
"here, i know a shortcut."
"Another?"
"yep."
"COME ALONG!"
——
exhaling every bit of air they had, frisk looks between the cash on the counter, and the total on the screen - thirty cents short.
quickly appearing beside them, papyrus moves all their cash back into their bag (slipping an extra ten in) and pats frisk's head as he hands it back.
"DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT, FRISK. I WAS GOING TO PAY ANYWAY!"
the way they looked at the machine, you'd think it was about to reject papyrus' card or blow up or something.
it didn't. he quickly waved goodbye to the cashier as he scooped up frisk's items into a bag himself. he passes it to frisk, and they take his hand. with the other, he grabs onto my hand.
"MAYBE WE CAN WALK! FRESH AIR SHOULD DO EVERYONE SOME GOOD."
halfway down the sidewalk, a branch catches frisk's bag. the bag tears; their chips and candy fall to the floor - sweet tea rolling away.
i stop it with my foot, picking the other items up as well.
"i'll pack 'em. no problem."
taking the torn bag and shoving it into my pocket, we continue walking.
a bit further on, papyrus spots a puddle on the side of the road. spontaneously grabbing frisk and lifting them up, a car speeds past and sprays him with water - i just barely get out of the way.
frisk remains unsoaked, thanks to my brother's quick thinking.
"...WHEN DID IT RAIN?"
"sometime last night."
"AH. I SEE."
"Thank you Papyrus. I'm sorry."
"DON'T BE! IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT."
"maybe we take a shortcut after all."
——
the rest of the day, papyrus is extremely diligent in making sure nothing else happens to frisk. in the end he secretly seems thankful for the doing-nothing choice.
it really is easier to keep someone out of bad luck's way when they're sitting still.
papyrus makes tomato soup for dinner, deciding nothing can go wrong with that. to be absolutely certain, he cools it to nearly room temp before serving any to them. when frisk almost spills it, he hands them a straw.
"...isn't that a bit much?"
"It's fine. Not like I haven't used one for soup before."
"CERTAINLY NO WAY TO SPILL IT WITH A STRAW."
succeeding again, he messages tori to say he'll keep them just until bedtime.
"YOU NEED A BAD-LUCK COUNTERBALANCE LIKE ME AROUND TODAY."
frisk nods in silent agreement.
both me and frisk are impressed at his ability to navigate around unlucky situations throughout the night, but i suppose he 𝗵𝗮𝘀 been dealing with 𝘮𝘦 forever. avoiding messes is basically a special skill of his at this point.
when it was time for frisk to go home, paps was still pretty worried and accompanied them all the way home - apparently even going as far as to tuck them in himself, according to toriel.
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blerb-f1 · 9 months
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This one goes out to @leclerking and their lovely anon! I saw that ask and suddenly felt compelled to write my first FF in like 10 years. Hope it ain't too bad because golly gee i haven't written since it was actually 2011. I also don't know how to do this Tumblr thing so i hope it works lol. Also, i kinda ignored parts of the prompt but not like purposely but i really can't do that because that isn't my personality and your girl is struggling. Anyway, enough rambling. I hope this is fine still.
RBR!Sebastian Vettel x Ferrari!Fem!Reader
Y/N stood in front of the hotel rooms mirror, desperately trying to force her hair into some kind of suitable hairstyle. Something that wouldn't make her look like an absolute buffoon. Something that would convince her team that she was a viable member coming into the future.
Currently, life sucked. Ferrari was rethinking her staff contract quoting "Cost Cutting Measures". Cost Cutting her ass, more like saving money for the execs to waste on vacations or something. Additionally, her mother had started jumping on the whole "Married by 22, kids by 25 train" and started calling her a withering vegetable that no one would like. Telling yourself that you, you're a cool rock and nothing hurts you is one thing, but having your mother repeat mean thoughts iis different. That shit sticks. Couldn't a Gal enjoy her life for a moment before settling down?
Y/N finally gave up, resorting to her hair just staying loose with some spray on glitter on top. That stuff would stick everywhere but nothing would be able to worsen this day by now. Her dress already almost entirely covered in glitter, she felt like it almost was a wall against all the outside forces, which were ready to fight her. Especially that walking, lovable, hateable nuisance called Sebastian Vettel with his cursed curly hair.
One last breath. Air in, air out. 'You got this', she muttered while checking her appearance one last time.
-------------------------
As it turned out, she didn't got this. Seeing her Ferrari Coworkers all happily dancing, enjoying her life, while her great F1 Dreams were sitting on a knife's edge drove her mad. Sebastian had sent her a wink along with a cheeky expression coming from the Red Bull table. Normally she'd be ready to throw hands at him. Maybe steal a touch then and there. But not today. She was about to follow her dream of working for her Idols Team.
She sat in the darker part of the stage, eyes still focused on Sebastian as she saw movement at the Mercedes Table. Michael Schumacher had gotten up and walked towards Sebastian. Seeing those two together always irked her weirdly. Schumacher was her Idol, Sebastian was the rude thought that woke her up at night.
________________________
"ANOTHER WIN FOR VETTEL!" the announcer screamed loudly, his voice penetrating Y/Ns Ears badly. She pressed her hands on top of her ears as she saw her favourite Nuisance approaching, not that she'd ever let him know. His smug grin practically made her blood boil.
He stared into her eyes, savouring the defeating expression she showed.
"Well, Schatz, what do you say now, huh? Need me to show your Team how to drive a car?"
She sighed. He always called her Schatz which grated her nerves badly.
"Oh Honey, don't need you to do that. But you'd better go ahead and give your car the stroking she deserves. Kinky Kylie has the only ass you'll ever get close to and she deserves it after carrying you to victory"
Y/N crossed her arms, giving him a disapproving expression. Sebastian's Eyes widened for a short second before returning to his usual smug grin. "At least Kylie runs well. Never seen a Shitbox like yours." He turned around to leave before facing her one last time : "You know, your ass could be the next one if you'd like?"
Y/N scoffed. "In your dreams, Vettel."
—------------
Michael seemed to talk to him about something. Important Driver things propably. Weirdly though, he kept glancing in her direction as if telling Sebastian something related to her? Did he hear about her getting axed? Telling him that this Nuisance would be gone? 'No, unlikely 'Y/N thought.' Michael Schumacher wouldn't do something like that. Not to a staff member.' Nonetheless, her thoughts kept spiraling and tears started threatening to spill out of her eyes.
She quickly collected her purse and rushed to a side hallway, sinking down on the cold ground as large shimmering droplets started spilling down her face.
Life sucked. What was she supposed to do? She left school and started working for Ferrari. She didn't have any other plans, this goddam Team was her Dream!
The woman leaned against the wall, the cold surging through her thin dress as a cold stream of air hit her shoulders. She opened her teary eyes and glanced in the direction of the cold stream. Of course, he had to appear. Sebastian Vettel in the Flesh. He quickly stepped towards her with an almost concerned expression on his face. Concerned? He? For her? Y/N tried to bite on her lip to stop the tears from spilling but-
"Don't". His voice being so much much gentler than usual. "That only hurts but doesn't stop the tears"
She scoffed. "Why do you care?"
Sebastian slid onto the ground next to her. "Because I can't stand seeing a pretty girl like you crying. Who made you cry like that?" he asked before turning towards her. His face returned into his usual cheeky grin. "Or are you crying because you can't have me?"
"Shut up Vettel" she managed to mutter in between sniffles before grabbing a tissue to wipe her tears.
Sebastian relaxed against the wall, staring at Y/N. "Tell me what's going on. Crying won't do shit, you know. Gotta tackle those issues before they blow up more than they already do."
She just stared at him again. "Why" punctuating each word. "Do you care?"
"MaybeIDontWantToSeeYouCry" he quickly answered.
"Weren't you happy to see me cry after a race?"
"That's different. So, What's up? Talk or I'm telling Michael to solve this." He gestured widly.
Y/N blew her nose before finally giving up. No chance of winning today. She stumbled over her words for a second before finally speaking.
"Ferrari wants to axe me. And mom threatens to disown me if I don't get married soon."
"Oh"
Of course. He wouldn't give her a real answer. This stupid-
"Oh Schatz." Sebastian spoke. "That's a tough situation you got there. I don't know why Ferrari would want to let you go but honestly, their strategies are sometimes stupid as fuck so I'm not surprised. And you, getting disowned, because you aren't married yet?"
Y/N stared at him wide-eyed. ".. Yeah"
Thoughts seemed to rattle in his brain as he noticed Y/N starting to shiver in the cold room. Slipping out of his jacket before draping it over her shoulder which gained him a bewildered expression.
"That's more like the Y/N I like, you know. No tears."
".. You like me?"
"I uhh" he blushed. "I never said that! But I can't have you gone from F1, that won't be the same without you. I could talk to Christian. If you'd be fine with Red Bull of course?"
Y/N still was bewildered. He…actually liked her? Enough to talk Christian Horner into letting her join? She felt her stomach churn at the thought of leaving the Ferrari and joining Red Bull of all Places. But somehow the idea of staying with him sounded nice. Very nice.
"You mean it?" she asked, pulling the jacket tighter.
"I do." Sebastians Expression was very serious. She'd never seen him like that before. Not smug or teasing but honest. This was enough to convince her to give in. She let herself sink onto his shoulder, hands falling into these damned soft looking curles as her face laid against his neck. He only felt his neck heat up more before letting his hands rest on her waist.
"Does that mean Yes?" he asked, almost shyly.
She learned forward and pressed a Kiss against his Lips, Hands locking into his hair. "Is that enough of an answer?" His brain was long gone, melted. Flirting was great. He was great at it but Y/N made his Thoughts go wild. Kind words turned into teasing mean remarks but that somehow worked out well didn't it? As his own hands slid through her glittery hair, Y/N asked a Question:" What were you and Michael talking about there?"
The difficult one. Mean question.
"He noticed you looking down and asked me to check on you, quoting you'd be embarrassed by someone older doing it or something"
She hummed against his chest, reveling in the warmth that his body provided. "I guess the Marriage Issue is also solved."
—-------
After almost one long hour Sebastian and Y/N emerged from the corridor, looking noticeably more disheveled / covered in glitter than before while stealthily trying to return to their seats. Corinna, who said next to her Husband, sent him a warm smile." See? I was right about them. You know, Was sich liebt, das neckt sich."
—---------
TL:
'Was dich liebt, das neckt sich.' German proverb meaning people who love another tease another
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narsh-poptarts · 3 years
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HEYY! Do you have requests open? if yes... May you draw your favourite LU boy with a big smile and wide open arms just saying "NARSH'S ART IS AMAZING! LOOK AT ME, I'M BEAUTIFUL!"
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YOU!! YOU!!!!!!!!! gaaaaah i apologize for this being so late but finally i have gotten around to it!!!!! This is for you LinkedAnon!!! spreading so much love and happiness to all those around tumblr!! Love you much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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quillsareswords · 4 years
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Could you do something with Damian and a really cuddly, clingy, touchy-feely reader? I feel like his brothers would be v confused about the whole situation bc Damian's just chillin and always seems neutral to what's happening while reader is just like, koala bear hugging him and stuff all the time.
Firstly. I love this concept with every fiber of my being because, oh good god, it's me. Thank you so much for bringing this to inbox, because I've been lacking on inspiration lately, and this is just what I need right now. Thanks doll!!
Prompt List // Masterlist (in bio)
Tim stops dead in his tracks, cereal bowl nearly slipping from his hand as he halts in the doorway to the huge living room. He pauses, before cautiously asking, "What is this? What am I looking at?"
Damian's arm twitches against your back, the only give away that he's been caught off guard. You seem just as relaxed, sprawled on top of him like you've been there your whole life.
You don't even look at him, eyes still glued to the phone screen shining up at you from the floor, which you're facing with your face pressed against Damian's shoulder. "You've known me for five years and you still haven't learned my name? Rude."
He blinks. "Sure, sure. Right. Because it's absolutely normal for anyone to successfully get within a foot of Damian and not get knocked out."
You snort, but it still isn't enough to pry your attention away from your phone. Damian either, as he reads a book over your shoulder, which is settled under his chin. He must be tired or in a terrifyingly good mood, if he hasn't shoved you off in hopes of hiding emotions from his family. That's what he usually does when he gets caught with you, anyway.
He's been tiptoeing around the subject of you for a solid year and half now. It wasn't exactly easy, seeing as you're also a family friend, what with being a vigilante and all. You're Damian's partner, have been for three years, and you're in the manor often enough that you have your own room, right next to Damian's.
Still, even with no clear answers from either of you, the whole family has suspected a relationship for a long time.
But Damian isn't very touch oriented. In fact, he's been known to go to nearly astonishing lengths to avoid being touched at all.
And now here he is, you laying on top of him, out in the open, absolutely unbothered by Tim catching it.
Tim decides quickly not to risk Damian's mood spoiling while he's around, so he backpedals and heads for his room.
• • •
Jason doesn't come to the manor often, but when he does, there's usually a decently concerning reason for it. This time, he's waiting out a possible kidnapping by one king pin or another. You haven't been paying as much attention as you probably should.
Now, he's trotting down the steps from Bruce's office to fix a suspicious rattling noise his motorcycle has been making for a shameful period of time.
However, he stops beside the super computer, looking a little aghast and far too dramatic for the sight.
Damian side-eyes him, still typing away, but his head doesn't move. It really can't, because you're resting your head on top of it.
You're resting your full weight on the back of the chair, which Jason now realizes isn't the tall backed chair that usual sits there, with your cheek buried in the soft looking bush that is Damian's hair. Your eyes are closed, and your arms and draped over his shoulders, hands laying on his chest.
Jason catches himself staring when Damian's side-eyeing turns into a curious glare. Tentatively, Jason points to you, and raises an eyebrow.
Lowly, Damian somewhat patiently answers, "She's half asleep."
Your eyebrows slant together. "Hmm?"
Jason's expression becomes more confused. "She sleeps standing up?"
"Apparently," Damian mumbles.
Jason, more than a little perturbed but Damian's oddly placid demeanor and your absurd sleeping habits, shuffles the rest if the way to his bike, grabbing the toolbox on his way.
• • •
Dick sitting on the floor, wrapped in a blanket—correction, three blankets, facing the rest of the living room, where Damian sits on one couch, and Duke occupies the other.
"No no, I'm not saying Bella wasn't smokin, I'm just saying that those facial expressions and life decisions were questionable enough to make a guy think twice," Dick tries to reason.
Duke makes a face. "Bro, are you kidding? If a chick stares at you from across a lunch room and you've never spoke to her, you don't even try."
Damian scoffs. Duke raises an eyebrow, and just when he's about to beg for the story of who tied him to a steel chair and forced him to watch Twilight, you shoulder the double door open.
Damian doesn't look up from his newest book, which could be deemed rude if you weren't so close and comfortable with one another. "Evening, Beloved, how was your drive?"
You say nothing. You drop your bag by his feet, crawl the rest of the way onto the couch, and collapse. Your head in on a pillow between Damian's thighs and the arm of the couch, the rest of you divided unevenly between his lap and the rest of the couch.
He glances away from the pages briefly. "Traffic?" His hand slips under your shirt to gently run blunt nails up and down your spine.
For a moment, you're quiet, and neither of the two older men know how to react.
Then, without warning, you wail into the pillow. "Who the everloving fuck drives a Winnebago through central Gotham at six o'clock going fourteen miles an hour?"
Duke barks a loud laugh, before he claps a hand over his mouth in fear of a punishment. But a man can only do so much, so he sits with his hand over his mouth, giggling like a fifteen year old listening to a dirty joke with his parents in the room.
Damian chuckles lightly, white teeth peeking through a little smile that he's trying to suppress, much for the same reason Duke is doing his best not to let you hear him laugh.
Dick is more focused on the two of you, and the fact that his baby brother has grown up and changed for the better so much—
• • •
Cassandra climbs the stairs with some difficulty, thanks to two new sets of stitches and a few too many fresh bruises.
It's nothing a few days of relaxation won't fix. It was worth it, to see Poison Ivy put back behind bars—even if it did take four of you.
Shortly after arriving back, you and Damian had disappeared up to his room, after you'd both been checked over by Alfred. Aside from some intense bruising and a fee cuts and scrapes, you'd both been spared.
She knocks on his door a few times. With no answer, she loudly turns the handle and pushes the door open slowly, giving you enough time to correct her if need be. She knows at least one of you are in here, because the light is on. "Alfred sent me to tell you that there's dinner, if you want–"
She stops. You are, in fact, both in the room. However, neither of you are conscious.
Damian is sprawled haphazardly across his bed, face half squished into a pillow.
You're flopped across his back, horizontal across his bed, likely also with a pillow, but she can't see your face to be sure.
For a moment that feels a little intrusive, she stares, eyes wide. Not because he's in only boxers and you're in shorts and a sports bra (neither are necessarily a new sight, with one makeshift locker room in the Cave and a city with way too many privacy-surpassing emergencies), but because she's never witnessed Damian allowing another person to be so close to him while asleep.
Even on week long stakeouts that confine them to one room, he claims one corner for himself and doesn't tolerate that invisible boundary to be broken, especially when he's asleep.
She wouldn't even be so surprised if you were passed out in his reading chair, or even on a pile of blankets in the floor, or hell, even if you were on opposite sides of the bed. But you're literally as close to him as you could possibly be. And he's still sound asleep.
She closes the door and backs away slowly, a little smile on her face, even though she was too tired to laugh at the joke Bruce tried to crack a few minutes ago.
• • •
Bruce sits, almost impatiently, on a stone bench by the fountain the middle of Gotham City Gardens. The whole family had come here for the day, on invitation of the organization's owners. Of course, not everyone was officially recognized as family by anyone outside the Manor, so there were quite a few plus ones—you being one of them.
Of course you were. You're always invited. Over the years, it's become a running joke. A trip to the grocery store? (Y/N) must be invited. Walking from the W.I. building to an ice cream parlor and back? I bet (Y/N) is invited. At one point, Damian became so simultaneously annoyed and amused by it that for a week, you really did join him on every single outing. No one knows how exactly you made it across Gotham in six minutes flat to help him pick up cereal but by golly you managed it.
Bruce is currently waiting on you and Damian, who swore to meet him here for a few pictures (at Alfred's request). The pair of you had gone off on your own after about an hour of meandering around with his family, and no one has heard from either of you since. He would be worried, but you were both too excited about this to get into any trouble that would risk being sent home early.
Your laughter finds him before you do. It comes from around a corner of tall hedges, and shortly after, so do you.
You're smiling ear to ear, giggling like a school girl, elbows balanced on Damian's shoulders, about as precariously as you are on his back. That is to say, quite stable. Damian is grinning as well, his arms linked around you're knees at his sides to keep you as stable as you are. You've got an ice cream cone in each hand, one obviously having had more attention than the other.
Bruce's heart swells in his chest at the absolute joy on his son's face.
Damian stops not too far, shifting your weight to free one hand. You help, carefully resituating yourself to hold yourself up easily. You hand him the neglected ice cream, resting your now free hand on his shoulder.
"Sorry, Father," Damian sounds a little winded, and Bruce wonders if the running he heard earlier had been you two. "Somebody found an ice cream bar and insisted we stop before meeting you." He doesn't sound apologetic in the least.
"Hey!" You laugh, flicking the back of his ear as payback.
As payback for payback, he takes the edge of his cone between his teeth, and uses his free hand to give the back of your knee a quick pinch, before he occupies his hand again to tilt the odds in his favor.
You squeal and jerk. "Damian! You're gonna make me fall, and if I go down, you're coming with me!"
Bruce laughs loudly.
• • •
Alfred is on his way to the library to finish the afternoon chores. All he needs to do is straighten up in there, and he can call it an evening. Just in time, too, as one of the local channels is running a Downton Abbey marathon tonight that he doesn't particularly want to miss.
He pushes open the doors to get a little extra fresh air, but pauses just inside the doorway.
Damian is stretched out in one of the plush leather chairs, his long legs propped up by his ankles on the coffee table, head resting limply on the back of the chair. You're curled up in his lap, head on his shoulder, legs folded up on either side of his thighs, arms wound around his back. His hands are folded together on your back. You're both fast asleep.
The elder man is suddenly flooded with memories of the boy's first few months in this manor. In this room, even. He was politely feral, as Bruce had once put it. He was so uncomfortable all the time, though he fought not to show it. It was so new to him, to be openly cared for the way his family tried to care for him. Most people he met back then treated him as the cold, rude, trained assassin that he presented himself as.
So many overlooked the terrified ten year old boy that shook beneath the armor and the weight of the mantels he was expected to take up in so few years.
Of course Alfred had been paying attention to him all this time, all the growing he's done and the man he's becoming. He's always been proud.
But it's here, in this exact moment, that Alfred really takes in how different he is now, compared to then.
Not only did he find the strength and the trust to forge a close bond with you, one that would arguably outlast just about anything it was forced to endure, but he'd fostered such a sweet affection for you. He's found the space within himself to make room for a great love for you, and his family, and his friends.
And you're so good for him. You remind him of the things he could be, if he wanted, and not of what he should be or could have been. You provide him a sense of normalcy when he needs it, and battle ready companion when he needs that.
You look past the blazing armor of controlled aggression and lessons learned to reach the beautiful soul he is. And most importantly, you love him for all of it. You manage to dig so far beyond what he's been taught and the walls he's put up, that you look at what was meant to be the perfect soldier and you see a pillow to sleep on. You trust him with everything, including your vulnerability, just as he trusts you.
Alfred marks the page of the open book on the floor, closes it, and leaves it in the table for you later. He leaves as quietly as he came, in hopes of leaving the two of you undisturbed.
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feralnumberfive · 3 years
Text
The Rewatch Academy: Episode 6 of Season 1
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“The Day That Wasn’t”
I am in no way a good analyst so my little analysis and speculations probably sound a bit goofy or pretty wild and probably mean nothing at all. Everything I put into this post about each episode is purely what I noticed or thought, whether it’s funny or serious. I will be making jokes, so please just leave it at that (in no way am I trying to make fun of an actor and or character!) I am also in no way saying I noticed this stuff first. This is just what I noticed while rewatching these episodes
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| 1x01 | 1x02 | 1x03 | 1x04 | 1x05 |
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☂ Klaus is lucky that he never got the briefcase shot up
☂ *Hears Klaus flush the toilet and talk* Luther: Oh good, you’re up
☂ Also Luther gave Klaus about two seconds to get up before hounding him again on getting downstairs
☂ Sounds like Tom’s accent slipped a little bit when he said “three days”
☂ Yeah they needed to have a family meeting right away and yet they took the time to go get coffee or at least order it and have it delivered
☂ “Old bastard” and “Our little psycho” 
☂ I still don’t get at this point how they wouldn’t believe Five. Look at him, he himself is evidence of his time traveling! He was gone for 45 years, but to them it was only 17. Either way they try to grasp at that, Five would look older if he made it back without messing up. He knew about their father’s death without anyone telling him. I really think all the mistrust comes from the way he looks and the way he acts (they obviously believe he’s just crazy right now)
☂ “What did Five even see?”
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☂ Also throw back to 1x02 and I didn’t realized this until now but Five doesn’t have his tie
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☂ I know it’s for the title card gag but no one questions the random umbrella falling and popping open
☂ I aspire to be as sarcastic as Hazel
☂ So where exactly is The Commission HQ at? Is it a random location in the real world? If so then wouldn’t normal people happen to stumble upon it? What about their location in space in the comics? Is this in space?? All we know is that it’s in/based off of the year 1955
☂ “I’d like to discuss the logistics of my family’s safety at your earliest convenience.” He cuts right to what’s most important to him. No “How will you stop the apocalypse?” or “What’s my job?” and even “How will my body replacement work?”
☂ Five sounds almost like he’s snapped back into a work mindset. He's suddenly polite and calm with The Handler. Maybe being back in a work environment has made his brain automatically switch into being more professional. However he might also be acting this way to try to throw her off of him being antsy with a plan
☂ Here's some Commission posters shown throughout 1x06
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☂ One of us, one of us, one of us-
☂ So basically The Commission makes up history? How do they know what to do and when to make something happen? How do they know it’s right? And what’s The Commission supposed to do when the world ends? Haven't they already fixed stuff in the past or are there just continuous time loops so they need to make sure things happen over and over again? If multiple historical events happen with multiple ways they are made, then which one gets to be in the original timeline??
☂ Dot: No hard feelings! 😁
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Ma’am does it look like he’s going to accept that
☂ Wait why are Hazel and Cha-Cha considered the best Temporal Assassins if Five was/is the best?
☂ Well Five has the job of taking down the Hindenburg again but this time from behind a desk. So it’s possible to accomplish “corrections” without actually having assassins do the work. So I guess there’s just so many timelines that they need to fix every single one of them over and over? That sounds like a pain in the ass
☂ TUA portraits!
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☂ Y’know I have to agree with Allison on this one. Vanya was left out, however she’s offering to talk with her about the important family matter and Vanya is just denying it. I get she’s upset, but her sister is offering to include her. After Vanya leaves Allison immediately wants to go after her to talk with her. On the other hand Allison should have told her it was an emergency meeting and that they didn’t have the time to ask Vanya to join them
☂ Klaus seems genuinely concerned/upset for Vanya
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☂ “We need to figure out what causes the apocalypse. Now, there are loads of possibilities. Nuclear war, asteroids.” Wow spot on, Luther! I can’t believe they actually included foreshadowing for both apocalypses (even though technically it was a chunk of the moon, not an asteroid.) I wonder how much foreshadowing for S3 was put into S2.......
☂ I know it’s big joke about Luther and the moon, but the poor guy just really believes that he was on the moon for an important reason. I mean if I were in his shoes I would believe him too since he had to send a lot of daily updates and samples
☂ “Klaus shockingly has a point. What gives us a win this time?” Shhhh careful Diego, he’s right behind you
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☂ Luther is initially the only one onboard with Five on trying to stop the apocalypse. All the others want to go off and do their own thing before the world ends. He tries to get The Umbrella Academy back together to work as a team, but his leadership skills are now severely lacking. Do people *cough cough* mainly people who hate him *cough cough* overlook Luther wanting to also get his family together to stop the apocalypse with his family? Definitely. 
☂ “We need the full force of the Academy to stand a chance.” Well golly gee, Allison, what did did Luther just try to do? Was that not him trying to round up all of The Umbrella Academy to stop the apocalypse? 
☂ Even though Vanya is ranting, how does she not hear all the creaking metal and shaking cars?
☂ *it’s sunny around them but just the block they’re walking on is rainy until she calms down* “ThAt’S a CoInCiDeNcE.” 
☂ The hall floor and Diego’s floor are so dusty
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☂ It’s sweet that Diego wants Klaus to get clean in a safe way instead of going cold turkey 
☂ Dot, what does “utter silence” mean to you?
☂ “Look at you, deadly little thing.” You’re not wrong, but I don’t think he appreciates being called “thing”
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☂ Such a smug smile
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☂ So how does Five know all of this about Karl and his son? Does it talk about Otto never washing his hands in the file? That seems like an oddly specific detail but I guess in a case file it gives as many details as possible for the worker to figure out who needs to get assassinated
☂ There are a few cog references all relating to The Commission, so I wonder if this is a nod to “Teenagers” or if they’re just using this terminology
☂ Odd tattoos (sorry for the super blurry pic)
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☂ “Can I ask you a cuckoo bananas question?” Hazel is such a fun guy
☂ “Wouldn’t it be nice to kill who you want for a change?” You mean like straight up unhinged murder? 
☂ The first time I watched this Hazel and Cha-Cha scene I for sure thought that Hazel was a dead man
☂ This scene just absolutely breaks my heart 💔
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☂ *skips 25:24-27:42*
☂ Diego is just so accepting to everything Klaus is saying
☂ I’m sorry, are we suddenly on the set of The Phantom of the Opera?
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☂ Diego, I think you’re forgetting a very important person in your life who you let down too who is also dead......(poor Ben can’t believe what his brother just said so he leaves)
☂ “Ordinary is not a word I’d use to describe you.” You’re right, it’s “Extra Ordinary” ha! Sorry Vanya, I had to use that joke
☂ Well at least we know Five ate a sandwich 
☂ How exciting! The same division that made a simple candy taste like a candy from the past, but technically it’s not the past since The Commission HQ is based in 1955, is building a human body! That sounds so promising 
☂ Sooooo whatever happened to Five’s new body? Is it just sitting in a lab somewhere?? Or is The Handler just lying about it to try to get Five to stay at The Commission?
☂ With the amount of time Five was staring at the suit, it obviously hurt him to know that while he has a new body within reach, he’s not going to get it because he’s about to leave
☂ “Course it’s a bit easier to see from 30,000 feet.” What is she talking about Reconnaissance aircraft? There was no mention of aircraft though so why would she bring that up? My closest guess is that she’s referring to strategic bombing in general, or even the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
☂ It sounds like Five suddenly has a New York accent when he says “operator” when talking to The Handler about Gloria
☂ Fuck you, Veggie Tales Hargreeves
☂ *skips 36:47-39:48*
☂ Well there’s your hit, Klaus
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☂ I love the camera moving with Klaus as he falls and the transition into Vietnam
☂ “Lock and load, Charlie’s away!” Wikipedia’s definition of a “Charlie” is  an American military slang referring to the Viiet Cong and North Vietnamese soldiers
☂ Klaus desperately calling out for a medic hurts my heart
☂ Well Luther if you had left then your body wouldn’t be the way it is now
☂ *fucking skips 45:41-50:00* 
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☂ Ooooh I just really love the entirety of the “Kill Of The Night” scene! If you listen to the lyrics it’s about someone luring someone into a trap to get revenge because they messed with the wrong person (it’s also about love but we’re going to ignore that part). I personally believe it’s aimed at The Commission from Five because the entire time it plays he’s messing things up for them and in some way it’s like a little bit of revenge from him
☂ Why is Gloria confused on who Hazel and Cha-Cha are? Hasn’t she heard their names a ton of times especially since they’re some of the best assassins?
☂ How did Five know which tubes to put the messages in? 
☂ You can see at this part how Five immediately gets anxious and antsy. He has a wild look in his eyes. From this point onwards he’s constantly moving, shaking with energy, anticipation, and probably a little bit of anger
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☂ “You’re a great disappointment to me.” That’s definitely not the first time he’s heard that
☂ “I don’t belong anywhere thanks to you. You made me a killer!” The first part of that stings. Obviously he feels like he doesn’t belong anywhere, but again I think has to do with the whole “good” and “bad” thing that’s going on. He feels like he doesn’t belong at home because he’s “bad” and has done a lot of dark stuff to get home (it doesn’t help that Luther voiced his acknowledgment of this  to Five and now he has that in his mind that Luther knows and somewhat views him as “bad”). Five 100% feels shame in what he has done, and definitely has an issue of coming back to his family with blood on his hands form what he has done. He doesn’t belong in The Commission anymore because he doesn’t want to stay there to do their dirty work to kill or give out kill orders. He’s done with that or at least wants to be done with that life.
The last statement though is Five taking his anger and guilt about being becoming an assassin out on The Handler. She brought him into The Commission, which in turn he became the best assassin across The Space-Time Continuum. It’s not something he’s proud of, and he never enjoyed killing (as much as I want it to be the DNA alteration I just don’t think it exists in the show or at least not yet). However The Handler replies with “You were always a killer. I just pointed you in a direction.” which you can immediately tell has struck a chord with Five. For the briefest second he looks taken aback and his eyes ever so slightly open wider in shock, whether he took that as the truth or just a terrible accusation isn’t exactly clear. Either way he doesn’t like being accused or hearing the truth out loud of always being able to be murderous, a killer. 
I believe it’s a mixture of The Handler just trying to get into his head and a combination of the truth. Reginald trained The Umbrella Academy to use brute force, but that doesn’t mean Five had killed anyone but he was definitely violent when it came to stopping bad guys (not to mention in the pilot script he was called a “Ruthless little war machine” after violently attacking and decapitating a bunch of mannequins)
☂ Diego: I’m going to go kill Hazel and Cha-Cha!........Riiiiight after I get done walking with my mom in the park
☂ He’s so happy to see Klaus again 
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☂ ✨Gremlin✨
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☂ Who exactly does Five owe a debt to? Maybe his family after accidentally leaving them and now he wants to save them? Or is it a singular person?  
☂ Ouch! Now that’s what I call a problem later!
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☂ 
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☂ Five using “Ya’ll” is weird to hear
☂ Five is talking to his siblings like he knows what’s been happening but in reality he’s rarely been at home so how would he know
☂ I love that Five doesn't even answer Diego at the end and instead just stares at his siblings 
☂☂☂☂☂☂☂
Feel free to comment or reblog with things you have noticed too!
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camsthisky · 4 years
Link
Bruce crouches on the ledge, hidden by shadows, just out of Commissioner Jim Gordon’s sight. It’s easier with the bat signal lit up, and usually Bruce would play up the dramatics, try to see how long his partner could keep a straight face.
Tonight is not a usual night, though.
For one, his partner is missing. They’d split up to investigate a warehouse, but ten minutes in, Bruce had gotten a panicked, “B, they’re—”
After that, nothing but static on his comm. Bruce had searched the warehouse top to bottom three times.
No Robin.
And now this. The bat signal lit up. Bruce had no clues as to where Robin could be, and he can only hope that this interruption is connected.
He slips from the shadows just as Gordon turns to light another cigarette.
“Holy—”
Gordon startles at the abrupt sight of him, clutching at his chest. Bruce’s heart aches at the lack of Robin trying to muffle his snickers that usually accompanied the reaction.
His grief doesn’t show on his face.
“Would ya quit scaring me like that? I’m not as young as I used to be.”
Bruce says nothing. Gordon sighs, fishing something from inside his coat and holding it out for Bruce to see.
“A kid from Gotham University showed up at our front door about twenty minutes ago, absolutely scared out of his mind. He gave this to us,” Gordon lightly shakes the object—a communicator, Bruce realizes. Sleek. Small. Too well-made for any of the usual Gotham suspects. “Kid said it’s for you.”
“And the student?” Bruce asks, taking the communicator from Gordon.
Gordon stuffs his hands into his coat pockets. “Conference room downstairs. I asked one of the ladies at the front desk to watch over him and take his statement since I’m pretty short-handed tonight. She should be finishing up soon.”
“Hn.”
“You’re real talkative tonight.”
Bruce doesn’t bother to respond to that. He growls, “What else.”
“Nothing we can’t handle ourselves,” Gordon sighs. “Nothing urgent, at least.”
He sounds exasperated, and Bruce knows from talking to Gordon during the day that the GCPD is slammed with cases that the city council won’t sign off on asking for Batman’s help. Not to mention all of their internal affairs issues.
Downstairs is probably a real clusterfuck.
Still, Bruce has other priorities.
“Any leads on the sender?” Bruce asks.
Gordon pinches the bridge of his nose. Migraine, probably. “No. Apparently, the kid was drugged and kidnapped. He woke up a few blocks from here with a note.”
“The note?”
“Being processed as evidence,” Gordon tells him. He hands over a photograph. “Here. Don’t say I never did anything for you.”
The note. Bruce doesn’t recognize the handwriting. There’s no signature, either. Just a few words: Go to GCPD. Device must go to Batman.
Vague. Bruce should get back to the Cave and analyze it right now. It may be connected to Robin. He has what he needs from the Commissioner, and usually by now, he’d have vanished off into the shadows.
But tonight’s not usual. For some reason, Bruce hesitates.
The communicator crackles to life.
“I assume that my lovely device has reached the fabled Batman’s hands,” a voice says. “That’s good. I was getting tired of babysitting.”
Bruce stiffens. Definitely connected, then. Gordon blinks at the device, his brain starting to connect dots. Unfortunately, he’s missing some of the key dots. He’ll only be working with half a picture.
Bruce doesn’t draw it for him. He stays silent.
“I’m assuming you’re listening,” the voice says, and this time, Bruce can hear a commotion in the background. “Bring the brat over.”
Gordon’s eyebrows shoot up.
“Fuck you, you bald jerk!” Bruce’s pre-teen ward yells out, and if he didn’t have the cowl on, Bruce is pretty sure he’d be heaving out a sigh, because of course Dick is antagonizing them. “I’m pretty sure I know exactly what I’m talking about. The color scheme is atrocious. No flair, or anything. What are you, second-rate kidnappers? Where’s your pizazz?!”
“Will you shut up?!” another voice cries, probably whoever was ordered to bring Dick over to the first voice.
“It’s literally illegal for me to stop running my mouth. If I’m quiet for more than thirty seconds, the world’ll explode. Now let me go so I can kick your mustached, jumpsuit wearing asses ten ways to Sunday!” Dick yells.
“Not happening,” the first voice says.
“Ow!” Bruce’s heart seizes at Dick’s short cry of pain. “Hey, Mister, I think you missed your calling as a meat tenderizer!”
“Batman’s on the line,” the first voice tells Dick, and this time, Dick does go quiet. “You wanna speak to him, then you behave.”
There’s one, two, three, four, five seconds of silence. And then—
“B?” Dick call out, sounding tentative in a way that puts Bruce’s nerves on fire. There’s static in his brain, and he’s barely able to push past the fuzziness to hear Dick ask, “Are you there?”
Somehow, Bruce manages to sound like his normal, gruff, Batman self when he says, “Robin.”
Dick exhales loudly. And this time Bruce can’t help the fond eyeroll when Dick starts chattering again.
“Good golly gosh, Batman,” Dick says, sounding ten times brighter than before, like he hadn’t just been using language that would have made Alfred wash his mouth out with soap. “You wouldn’t believe how dull this place is. I mean, you’d probably like it with how dark and dreary it is. Perfect for bat brooding.”
There’s more commotion, some angered and exasperated shouts from the background of the communicator, but Dick keeps talking.
“And holy Batman, B, when they surprise adopted me I did not think that I was gonna have to deal with more black. What’s with old guys and monotone colors? D’ya think it makes you look manly?”
“That’s enough, kid,” the first voice says. Then, to Bruce, “If you want the chatterbox traffic light back, you’re going to meet me on 32nd by the old batting cages. Oh, and you’re going to bring me a file from the GCPD.”
“File?” Gordon finally steps in.
“Ah, so the Commish was listening in. Oh well. Yeah. Jaquelyn Briggins. Her file, or you don’t see the kid again.”
“Fine,” says Bruce, before Gordon can put his foot in his mouth. “Fifteen minutes. The batting cages on 32nd.”
The line goes dead. Bruce makes sure it’s temporarily disabled for sure with an attachable EMP.
“Get the file,” Bruce demands.
Gordon sighs, exasperatedly, but walks towards the roof’s door. “I’ll get it. Meet me in my office.”
Bruce goes from roof to window in seconds, slipping into Gordon’s office before the commissioner gets there. Once he brings the file, they pour through it.
Thirteen minutes.
“What’s this guy want with Jaquelyn Briggins?” Gordon asks. “There’s barely anything in here.”
Which is better for them, Bruce thinks as he scans the two sheets of information a third time. More information would take time to sort through things that don’t matter. In this case, all the info Bruce needs is right in front of him.
Eleven minutes.
Bruce takes a picture with his cowl lenses. “I’m borrowing the file.”
Gordon doesn’t look happy. “That’s illegal, you know.”
“So are vigilantes.”
“Bring it back,” Gordon sighs.
Bruce grunts an affirmative, and then he’s off.
The journey to the meet up place is practically a blur. He’s at three minutes when he reaches 32nd street. He reaches the batting cages at two.
He perches from a nearby roof ledge, scanning the area.
Dick’s information is as accurate as always. Four men stand outside the batting cages. There are two men holding Dick, one grabbing each arm. Dick’s staring down a third man, and the last is looking around the practically abandoned street.
One is bald. Two have mustaches. All of them are wearing black jumpsuits. The one standing in front of Dick is wearing rings, which match the scratches on Dick’s cheek.
Nothing else is out of the ordinary. He double checks, sends a discreet message to Alfred to prep the first aid kit and start researching Briggins, and makes sure Superman’s frequency is on hand if things get dicey.
Then, Batman gets to work.
Dick knows he’s there. The way he squints his eyes and grits his teeth as he chatters—yells, really—at the ring-wearer is enough for Bruce to know that much. The kid is yelling louder, now, raving about the goons’ lack of fashion.
It’s agitating them enough for Bruce to slip from the rooftop, landing almost soundlessly in the shadows. He tenses, waits for one of the goons to start yelling at Dick, and then rolls out smoke pellets. They work almost immediately, and Bruce makes his move.
It’s only been a few years since he and Dick have started working together, and even less since they’ve worked together well enough to seamlessly fight half-blind. But, Bruce is careful, and soon, he has the lookout and one of Dick’s captors knocked out with well-placed blows, and as Dick takes out his other captor, Bruce catches the throat of the ring-wearer and slams him up against a chain-link face.
“Who is Jaquelyn Briggs?” Bruce growls out. He pays no attention to the fight behind him. Dick takes the last man out in less than ten seconds. The ring-wearer’s eyes are wide. Bruce slams him against the fence again. “Tell. Me. Now.”
“My—She’s my cousin, man!” the guy croaks, hands scrabbling at the glove crushing his windpipe. “The police—hrk—covered up her death! I know it!”
Bruce lets the ring-wearer fall to the ground. He starts to tie him up after he alerts Gordon to the situation.
Dick crouches down by the restrained ring-wearer, head tilted. “I don’t get why you had to surprise adopt me to find out whether or not the police covered up your cousin’s death. You could’ve just asked Commissioner Gordon and he would have helped you!”
Bruce sighs. “Robin.”
Dick looks up at him. “What? It’s true.”
“Stop using the words ‘surprise adopt’. It’s not funny.”
Dick smirks. “Au contraire, Mister Batman, sir. I think it’s hilarious.”
Bruce rolls his eyes under the cowl. He’s going to be hearing this one for a while. But, he thinks that he can probably live with it, now that his kid is back where he’s supposed to be—right next to him.
“We’re leaving, Robin.”
“’Kay! Bye, surprise adopted father who is no longer my surprise adopted father!”
“Robin.”
“Just say I’m funny and I’ll move on.”
“No, you won’t.”
“You’re probably right.”
Bruce rolls his eyes again, fonder and even more exasperated than the first time. He ushers Robin forward, and then they disappear into the night, the only trace that they were there the four men they’d tied up and left for the police.
Dick chatters the whole way home. Bruce wouldn’t have it any other way.
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cryptidofthekeys · 3 years
Text
The Adventures of Tiny Robbie
Wow, me? Writing fluff? And writing another story this quickly? Not foretold but it’s here! I figured I’d get this one outta my list, I knew it wouldn’t be a SUPER long one from the beginning  but I hope y’all like it anyway, no trigger warnings for this one except maybe tooth rotting fluff lmao
The cute lil font I had for a certain part in this story doesn’t show up here so r.i.p that
Robbie was shambling throughout the house as he usually did, he didn’t really have anywhere to be in particular, he was just roaming and looking around, overall today had been a pretty good day for the zombie! Chase played some games with him, Jameson had a tea party with him as well! ...Granted, Robbie tried to eat the cup at the end, but he couldn’t help it though! The cup looked pretty and had pretty flowers on it! And he’s eaten flowers before and they tasted good so why couldn’t he eat the cup? Robbie… Didn’t understand it but he saw Jameson’s distress and backed off, he understood at the very least that for whatever reason if he ate the cup, Jamie would be sad and he didn’t want that! He hated to see any of the others distressed because he knows it’s bad, it feels bad and icky… Maybe next he’d try to find Anti, he hadn’t seen him in awhile so that’d be his next task so long as he didn’t get distracted by anything! Meanwhile…
Marvin was nearby, he noticed Anti’s door open to his room and he quickly took out his wand, he grinned mischievously “...This will be payback for ruining my stuff earlier, you nasty glitch…” He muttered to himself, he slowly got into position and waited for the glitch to come closer, at first he heard Anti grumbling slightly and then he finally heard footsteps coming closer, and closer… And closer… And… ...NOW! He jumped out and chanted a spell really fast before waving his wand, and casting it to… ...O-Oh… Oh no! Robbie was in the way of Anti! He was going to get hit by the spell, as Marvin called out to him to get out of the way, the zombie slowly turned and suddenly he felt, well he wasn’t sure how to describe the feeling, it wasn’t really painful but he did let out a slight yelp of fear and held his arms up as a shield, and for a few moments nothing happened so Robbie lowered his arms and blinked slowly, tilting his head, and he looked back at Anti and then tilted his head as he noticed… “...A-Attiii…? T-Taalllerrrr…?” Robbie watched as Anti kept getting taller and taller but then he seemed to piece it together, it wasn’t JUST Anti getting taller! He was getting… Smaller? Or something…? As things finally stopped growing around him, the zombie turned around and noticed, okay… Everything was giant now.
He let out a small whimper and clutched at himself, he flinched upon feeling hands suddenly around him, they were gentle but it was still scary, it was something new and something he didn’t understand… As the hands lifted him up, he blinked and looked up toward Anti’s face who looked… Shocked, but then he held Robbie closer to his chest with one hand "̸͡.̷̀̀..̢Rob̛́b̕įe̡͟͜, ̡͘͟ç̴̛o͞v̴̧ęr̶͏ y͜͠è̢̧r̵̕ e̷͟͞a̢̨ŗ̸͞s̷ ́f̷̵o͏r҉͟ a̶͘ ͞͠s̛e͘͝҉c̴͢.̸͟͜.͏.͢" The zombie was confused but did as told and placed his hands over his ears, he didn’t notice the knife form into Anti’s other hand until he raised it up at Marvin "̵͝Yo̴͠͠ú͟ fu͏c͠k̕i̶ń͟g̨͘͜ ̀͠Ì̧ ̧D I̵͜ ͢O͘ ͡T̵͞҉!"͏  Even with the zombie covering his ears, the yell still sounded a bit loud, he didn’t like this, he heard the two talk with each other, it sounded like they were bickering, but it was more like Marvin trying to defend himself and Anti yelling at him for t h i s… “I was aiming for you, not him! How was I supposed to know he was in front of you?!” Anti’s eye twitched at this, he grinned however even though it was clear he was still pissed "͏͘͏Y҉͞o̴u ҉̶d̸̡o ̶͠ŗ͝ea̵͞l̶͠i̴z̀e ͏t̵̡͡h͢҉a͠t̕͝͏ ̸o̕n̸͝l̶̡y ͏m̕a͠k̷̛ȩs̡ ḿ̷͡e̡̡ ҉M̵̡͢ ͠Ù ̷͠C͜ ̀H͝ ̨m̸or͏e̛͡ ͞ą́͘n̛g̸̕r͜͡į͜͜e̷r͠ ̢̡a͘t̨͜ ̕yo̶u ̴̢b͞ ̶̷̀u ҉t͠..̷.͢ ̴͟Y͢a̷͞ ͞ķ̴n̵̛ow͝,͘ ҉͟i̷͝n͠s͝͠t̢͠e͡͞͠ad̸ ͟ơf̧ ͜͝͠Ḿ͞E͏̀ ̴k̶il̢͏́li͢n͢͝g͘͡ ͝y͏͏o̸u̸̡,̸͏̛ ̢h̶̴o͝w ͘ą̵̀boứ̧t̶ y̨͘͞ơ̢͘u͝ ̢f̢͘a̛c̛͞e͜ ̴͞͡t͟͡͞he ͢c̵̵͜o̸̕ǹs̨̀́e͢qu̡ȩn̸c̡͞e͝s of͏ ̧͟y̡͠͠o̡u̷ŕ̀ ̷̡́a͜c͞t̷͟͞ì̢o͟͜ņ͏s̡?̷̨ ̀I̶'̵l̡̀l̵̛ ̨̕l̶̕̕e҉̸t̶̡ ̡́͟t͡h́e ̶̢O̡̨T̷͘H̨͜E͏͢R̴̀͞S̶͟ ̨̛k̀i͜͜ll̶̀ ̢y̴͢͏o̴͏u thèm̸̛s̵̸e̕ĺ̵̡v̴̸es͠͏~" Before Marvin could even think about opening his mouth to retort, he heard Henrik’s voice call out “What is all the yelling about? What is wrong?” He sounded tired and pretty irritated if anything.
Next came Chase’s voice as the two walked down the hall “Yeah dudes, what’s goin’ on?” Anti turned to the two and grinned "̶̡W̛h҉̛y̵ d͠͞o͏͝n̷͝'̶̡t I ś̛h́͠͝o̧w҉̵ y̶e̴ ̡͜t̀wǫ w̕͡͝h̶̢͡at̢͠ our̡̀ ̸͢Ẁ̧ÓN̵D͏E͠R̀F̨Ų̷̷L̷ l̴͏i̷t͞t̷́l̡͠e҉̴̨ ma̕g̢͞ì̡͡c͠i͞an̕ ̴͏͢d͢i͟͝d̛͝ ̀̕m͜y̴̢̕s̴̶e̸͠l͘͘f̶̨,́҉ ̛͏h̨͏m~̨҉?͜͡"̀ And then Anti held Robbie out, who blinked and looked up toward Henrik and Chase, they were really big too… The zombie felt like he was about to start crying, everything was so much bigger, so much louder… And it seemed Henrik and Chase both noticed him about to burst into tears, even Anti, the three turned back to glare at Marvin who smiled nervously “...I-I was… Aiming for Anti… I-I was trying to get… G-Get back at him…! H-He ruined my things…!” Henrik looked toward Anti “Give Robbie to Chase for a moment, and Chase? ...Go take Robbie to Jameson’s room please… I’d like to have a chat with Marvin for a bit” Anti nodded "͞T̡̀͝h͟'̸͡ ͏̸f͠͝͞i̸̷̡r̷͝ś͘͟t̢ ̸ţ̛͢h͡i̡̛n̡g̵ ̴ẁe̡'̶̢v̡͘͠e̸͝ ̵͘E͏͠V̶̕E̷̡͡R̶͡ a҉̕gr̢ȩ̡e̴̕d̶̀ ̸͘o̕͢͟n̷,͝͏ ̵̷d́o̶c̵t͏҉o͜r͏.͟͡.̢.͝͏~̸̧" Anti gently handed Robbie to Chase even though he was a bit hesitant to do so… Chase quickly walked off toward Jameson’s room, he heard Marvin desperately trying to get out of this, saying that they could talk about this and the last thing Chase heard before leaving the vicinity entirely was “Oh, we’re going to talk about it, alright” From Henrik who sounded just as unhappy as Anti had… (Hen’s gonna get Anti’s ass too for breaking someone’s things bc he isn't INNOCENT by any means)
Chase looked down at his hands at Robbie who looked like he was sobbing now “H-Heey… Heyy… Robbie buddy… C’mon dude, it’s alright, it’ll be okay… I know it’s scary, being that small… Everything’s so much scarier being that small, trust me… H-Heh… I’ve been there, no thanks to Marv…” He grumbled slightly but held Robbie against his chest, the zombie immediately nuzzling into him, still crying “S-Scarrreeedd… W-Wann… be… big againnn…” Chase sighed “I know buddy… I know… We’ll get it sorted… For now, let’s get’cha to Jamie’s room lil duder… It’ll be extra quiet there…” Robbie sniffled and nodded his head and then Chase was heading down the hallway and finally knocking on Jameson’s door, it took a few minutes but finally he answered the door and signed [ Ah! What brings you here, Chase? Is there a problem? ] Chase sighed “Uh, I guess you could say we got a SMALL problem on our hands…” He grinned a little sheepishly before holding out Robbie who waved at JJ, the man paused for a moment before mimicking a sigh [ ...Let me guess, Marvin’s doing? ] Chase nodded and then Jameson invited him in, he gently closed the door behind himself and finally… Robbie was relaxing a little bit more.
It was always pretty quiet in Jameson’s room, he had some very faint old timey music playing usually but it was nothing that’d hurt Robbie’s tiny ears, Robbie looked at the tea set “Ch-Chaa…? D-Daaadaa…” Chase looked down at the tiny zombie “What’s up, kiddo…?” Robbie pointed to the tea set “D-Doowwnnn…! Downnn!” Chase looked a little nervous but he carefully placed Robbie down on the table by the tea set, the zombie smiled and looked up at the giant objects, he seemed… Fascinated… Sure, it was still scary to the zombie with EVERYTHING being so large but he reached out a hand and gently touched the cup, he was so small compared to it, he could easily climb into the cup and fit in it! ...And then he was doing so, he climbed on up and tumbled a little into the cup and peered up at Chase and Jameson who was watching him, he giggled and smiled a little lopsidedly “...C-Cuuppp…!” Robbie pointed to himself then the cup, this made Jameson smile while Chase chuckled “If he fits he sits…” Jameson then looked back toward Chase and began signing [ So, you said Marvin did this? What EXACTLY happened out there? ]
Chase sighed “...Well ya see, Marv was tryna get back at Anti or some shi…” Chase paused, glancing down at Robbie who was giggling and waddling around in the cup before looking back toward Jameson who had that one look on his face “...Something like that… I think Anti broke some of his things” Jameson sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose [ Golly, that demon really does love to pester people… ] Chase nodded “Hen and Anti are probably givin’ Marv a lecture right now as we speak… Of course m’ sure Anti’s gettin’ a lecture too, heh… Dude ain’t gonna get away t h a t easily” JJ nodded [ I hope Henrik isn’t being TOO harsh on Marvin at the very least, the doc can be… A pretty intimidating fella when angry ] Chase chuckled “Yep, he sure can… I mean, I won’t deny… Robbie is even cuter than he usually is…” The two looked down to Robbie who was now climbing out of the cup and waddling around on the table, he looked to the kettle and it was even bigger than the cups and he looked more fascinated now then scared, Robbie then walked closer toward Jameson and held his arms in the air, jumping up and down “U-Up…!” JJ smiled at this and held his hand down, as flat as he could manage so Robbie could have an easier time of climbing up, the zombie still struggled a bit but not nearly as bad.
Once Robbie was on his hand, Jameson carefully and slowly lifted the zombie up, he giggled while being lifted up, this wasn’t AS bad as Robbie was thinking previously, sure, he’d still prefer to be normal sized again but for now… He could manage! Jameson then placed two fingers down onto his other hand, watching Robbie take a hold of them and he used his fingers to dance around with the zombie who was giggling and dancing along, he used one finger to carefully help Robbie twirl around and this made Chase clutch at his heart, a look of adoration on his face, he mouthed an ‘Aww’ so he wouldn’t interrupt this moment as Jameson continued to ‘dance’ with Robbie for a few moments, before the zombie finally let go of his fingers, JJ smiled brightly at this and gently booped Robbie’s nose, the zombie clapped and seemed so happy and giggly before his stomach suddenly started gurgling, he looked back at Chase “H-Huunngrrryyy…” Chase stood from his spot “Alright kiddo, I’ll go get’cha some food, you stay here…” Robbie quickly spoke up “N-nnnooo…! W-Wan… Go.. With…!! W-Wan s e e… Differ… di… n-neeeww…!” Chase looked a little confused by that but Jameson quickly grabbed his attention.
[ I believe what Robbie wants is to see the difference with things now that he’s a wee fellow! He wants to see how different the world is now ] Chase perked up at that and smiled “...Well… I guess it wouldn’t hurt, but, Robbie, you gotta promise me you’ll be careful… It can be very dangerous when you're that small” The zombie giggled and nodded “Proomisse p-ppaapaa…! Prrromise I…  Be saaafe…!” And then Robbie was jumping up and down, making grabby hands for Chase who gently took a hold of him, he smiled as Robbie nuzzled into his chest and got comfortable, he gave a nod toward Jameson since he couldn’t really wave but the other seemed to understand, he waved nonetheless and then Chase was walking out and looking around, he saw no sign of the others… He hurriedly padded off toward the kitchen and once he got there he gently set Robbie down onto the counter, the zombie looked… Amazed, sure, he definitely seemed intimidated by all the new things that were much larger than himself but… He had an aura of curiosity, and he quickly put that curiosity in motion by exploring around the counter, gently placing his hands on various things or standing next to it to see the sheer size of it.
Chase chuckled, “Havin’ fun lil duder?” Robbie giggled and nodded “Mmhm…!” Chase was happy now that Robbie was less scared and having much more fun, definitely a different reaction then how he felt when he was tiny, but also… He had to worry about Anti when he was tiny, Robbie won’t thankfully… “What’cha want to eat, kiddo?” Robbie paused for a few moments, he seemed to be thinking before he finally spoke up “M-Meeaat…! Pleease…” Chase nodded and told Robbie to stay put which he surprisingly did so, the zombie waited patiently for the other to bring his food back and when Chase brought the slab of meat back, the zombie’s jaw nearly dropped, t-thankfully it didn’t because sometimes his jaw could… Fall completely off… But the zombie’s eyes were practically sparkling as he stared up at the giant slab of meat, his mouth watering as he got up and rather quickly sped toward it, he stopped in front of it to gaze up at it (keep in mind, this is raw meat, Robbie doesn’t,, really like cooked meat actually but to be fair I mean, he has nothing to worry about eating raw meat he IS a zombie after all) he placed a hand against it and tore a chunk off and began munching away, this made Chase a little nervous so he quickly chimed in “Don’t eat TOO much, okay kiddo?”
Robbie nodded, still tearing off bits and pieces here and there to consume, he ate pretty slowly but eventually he seemed to get his fill, he ate a bit more than Chase would have liked him to but seeing the bright smile on the zombie’s face made it worth it, he could have a little extra… After Robbie was finished he took the slab of meat and put it back in the fridge, he had originally put it in the fridge a bit earlier since he was the one preparing Robbie’s food this time, the egos usually took turns with making sure Robbie gets fed, after all they know how dangerous he is when he doesn’t… That thought made Chase shudder and he shook his head, walking back over to the counter and looking down at Robbie “F-Fooodd… Gooodd…” The zombie mumbled, and for a few moments it was calm and peaceful… Until Jackie popped his head into the room and his voice was loud as he called out to Chase, this made Robbie whimper and hold his ears “L-Loouudd…!” Chase quickly whipped around and pressed a finger to his lips “Jackie…! Shush…!” Before Jackie could open his mouth to question why, Chase stepped to the side and pointed toward the counter, Jackie stepped a bit closer to get a better look and then he saw a tiny Robbie sitting there, covering his ears and whimpering softly.
Jackie quickly put a hand over his mouth, mostly because aww Robbie was even more adorable! But also… He felt bad for scaring the other, he toned his voice down as best he could “Sorry lil buddy… I didn’t know you were in here…” Robbie looked up to Jackie and nodded “I-It… Okaaay…” He spoke out, to which Jackie smiled at, he then turned to Chase “So… What happened to him exactly?” Chase sighed “Marvin was aimin’ for Anti or somethin’ because he broke some of his stuff, he didn’t see Robbie standing in front of Anti at first and so… Robbie got hit by the blast” Jackie’s eyes widened a bit “...Jeez… Lemme guess, cause I did hear someone getting lectured a few minutes ago, that was probably Marvin in there, huh?” Chase nodded “More than likely dude, I mean… Both Henrik and Anti were pretty angry at him” Jackie shivered at that “Dang… Hope Marv’s alright in there… I know how Henrik’s lectures can be” Chase nodded, a look of sympathy on his face “...Don’t we all, bro… Don’t we all…” Jackie then held a hand down on the counter and Robbie carefully climbed up onto it, the zombie looked down and gently began patting at the gloves, giggling while doing so “So...Soo..fft…! Soft…!” Jackie smiled at this “Aww… So cute…” He watched Robbie pat at his gloves for a bit.
Robbie seemed to really like the texture of Jackie’s gloves, despite being leather they still felt so soft… And warm and snug… And that’s when Robbie really started paying attention to other details… He remembered Jameson’s hands were a bit smaller than the others seemed to be and much softer… Chase’s hands were usually warm and very comforting, Jackie’s hands were covered by gloves but the gloves felt nice and now Robbie was gently grasping at one of Jackie’s fingers, he really WAS small… Even their fingers were a bit bigger than he was! He wrapped his arms around Jackie’s finger in a hug, nuzzling his face into the gloves, and both Chase and the hero swore, if Robbie didn’t stop now, they were going to have some sort of cuteness overdose… “Heh… You having some fun there, Robbie?” Jackie asked to which the zombie replied with a giggle and then a nod, and for a bit, the zombie played and messed around with Jackie’s hands, trying to even do what he did to some punching bags on occasion, this made the hero smile brightly “Ooh…! Big strong boy…!” Jackie praised, truthfully though it felt like a feather grazing his fingers when the zombie punched his fingers, but hearing the other giggle and clap and look so happy? ...Robbie didn’t need to know the truth on this matter.
And then Jackie felt his phone buzzing in his pocket, he carefully handed Robbie back to Chase and pulled it out, his eyes scanned over the message and sighed “Ah, duty calls…!” Chase nodded and both him and Robbie waved goodbye to Jackie who quickly ran off, meanwhile Robbie was papping at Chase’s hands to get his attention, he looked down “What’s up, kiddo?” The zombie pointed “Wanna… See… Others… See Maarr… Henn… A-Attiii…! Wan… See…” And there was a pause, the zombie huffing a little in frustration as he tried to show Chase what he meant instead, he made some motions at the other’s hands and placed his hand against one of his fingers, hoping Chase would understand somewhat “U-Uhh… You… Want the… Others to hold ya, is that it dude?” Robbie sighed ...Close enough at least so he nodded “Mmhmm…!” Chase thought about it for a moment before sighing “Well… Let’s go see if Hen’s done with his lecture…” And then Chase was heading off in that direction, he held Robbie close to his chest and kept him mostly covered just in case, he walked down the hallway and toward Marvin’s room, he figured the others would be in there, luckily enough for his and Robbie’s sake, there was no loud yelling, he could hear some talking now as he got closer to the door, he knocked on it and it fell silent for a few moments before Henrik had opened the door.
He looked at Chase then down to his hands, noticing him cradling Robbie toward his chest “Ah… How’s he doing, Chase?” Henrik did smile a little, even though the zombie being small was a bit nerve wracking for him he wouldn’t deny, seeing Robbie like this made his heart swoon… “He’s doing alright now, Hen… Heh… If anything I think the lil duder enjoys being small now…! Robbie actually wanted to come in here, he uh, I think he wants you all to hold him, or somethin’ like that… I didn’t… Really understand…” Henrik nodded and held a hand out, Chase carefully handed the small zombie to the doctor and the zombie giggled at this, he looked at Henrik’s hands and began comparing them to his own, grasping at his fingers and inspecting them… He didn’t like that Henrik’s hands felt a bit rougher than the others, that made him frown a little, however despite the rough feeling… Henrik held him in such a gentle caring manner, his hands were just as warm if not a bit warmer than Chase’s… Henrik was smiling at this and he chuckled “I suppose he has been curious about all these new changes, yes?” Chase nodded “At first he was a lil scared… But uh…” And Chase paused to clear his throat.
“It looks like he’s been interested in random items around the house, he’s been comparing himself to those and our hands a lot… He did it with Jameson’s, Mine, and Jackie’s so far…” Henrik nodded, watching as Robbie gave his hands some paps and played with it as if his hand were some form of toy… “Well… I’m glad he seems to be more curious than frightened… I remember when you got turned tiny, woo boy… Chase, you were just a ball of anxiety” Henrik smiled while Chase grumbled and crossed his arms “It was scary dude… Being that small? Especially around a certain someone…” Chase glared over at Anti who just gave him a menacing smile and he cackled a little "̢̧Hȩh͜.̡́..̷͠ ̷̶Ş͡a̶y ̴͟M̧a҉rv̛in͠͏,̴͘͞ ̧́͟w͜͠h͠y d̵́͡ò̧n̶̵'t͏'̸̛c̡̡h̴̡͞a͢ m̷͠͞a̴͜k̷͟è̷͘ ͜͡Ç͟͠h͢àse ̵tįn̸͜y̶͜ ̸aga͝i͞n̨~̷͞?̡̕͞ ̛͘I̢͟'̨d̸̀ ̵l̢ove̷ ̛͝ta͞͞ m̨e̵s̢͡s͏ à͏r͝oư҉n̕͘d̡̛̕ ̸w̷̸͡ì͟t̵̵h̡ h̷͝i̕͢m̨̀ ̵a̢̛͞g̨͘á͟͜i͘͝n~̶́" Marvin glared at Anti as well “No, the next time… It’ll be YOU I hit with that spell… You disgusting glitch…” Anti chuckled and grinned at that "̴͝Y̶̷̕'̴s̵̛͠ho̷u͡҉͠l̛̀d̨͟ ̛r͏ ̢̛͞é̶͜ ̵͢͟a͢͟ ̴ļ̶̛ ͘͢l̶͢ ̨͢͢y̶̸ t̶̡̛ŗ̸͘y͝ s҉̸o͢͢͝me̛͡t͏͡h̀͟͝in̵̶͝'͢ ̢n̛è͘w͘.̕.̶.̸̕͞ Les͏ţ͢ ͢y̸e̴͜ ͟҉͏ẃa̛҉̵n̡t̢ ̡i҉n̛̕ ҉tŕo͏̨ubl̵̕e ҉̸a̡̛͡ga̶͟i̸͡n͢͝,̸͠ ͘͟hm͘m҉~?"̕ Marvin huffed at that and turned away from Anti, meanwhile Henrik had turned to glare at the pair “Alright… That’s enough you two…” He warned, this made them immediately hush, meanwhile Robbie was giggling and reaching out for Marvin “Mar-Mar…! Maarrr…!” Henrik walked over and let Marvin have the tiny zombie.
Marvin smiled at him “Hello little darling… I’m very sorry Robbie, you weren’t the target of that, I hope you can forgive me…” The zombie giggled “It okaaay…! S-Scaarry at firrrst… Buuut… F-Fun now…!” And then Robbie was messing around with Marvin’s hands, his hands were even softer than Jameson’s! His hands felt much more smooth as well, a little cold but nothing too bad… Marvin smiled as he watched Robbie mess around with his hand and fingers, hugging at them and placing his hand against them “...Oh yes, I should say, the spell will wear off before the night’s out, so he won’t be tiny forever…” Chase nodded, okay that’s relief on his part, on all of their parts really… Anti watched Robbie play with Marvin’s hands for a bit as did the rest of them, the zombie climbing all over them, almost making them all panic when he lost his footing, he quickly corrected himself however and kept crawling around, after Marvin’s hands were inspected Robbie turned toward Anti and pointed “A-Atii… H-Hold…!” He made grabby hands for the other who, for once, actually looked a little nervous "̡͏̨Y'̶w̡a҉n͜͠t̢ ҉̨m̛ ̢͢e̶͞ ̛͜͢t͜o͘͜ ̷̨͞h̢̛ol͏͞d͘͟ ̧͝͝y̸͠a͘͘͡?͘ ̨.̢.̶̴.̕I͞͝-̀͠I҉̕ ̵̧̀d̡̛u͟n̷͠n͏̵o̧͟.҉̀.̡́.͢͢" The glitch looked down at Robbie who kept making grabby hands, he looked like he really wanted Anti to hold him, he even had those puppy dog eyes which made Anti sigh.
"͏͜͏.͢.̷̛.̕͢F̡̀͏i͝n̕ȩ̴.̧͘͝.̧͏.̧̀͞" Marvin was admittedly a bit hesitant to give Robbie to Anti but the zombie was squirming around and he seemed so excited, he reluctantly handed Robbie to Anti who was cupping his hands together and it was such a strange sight… To see Anti so nervous… Only with Robbie had they ever seen such a different side of him… Anti watched as Robbie giggled and papped at his hands, then he grabbed onto a finger and repeated the process as he did with all the others. After that, Anti seemed to relax a little, and he completely forgot there were others around… He let himself smile genuinely as he took a finger and gently started tickling at the zombie, he was being EXTREMELY mindful of his claws as he did so of course, luckily for him, the zombie seemed to squeal with laughter at this, the two had such happy looks on their faces "A̷͘ḩ̸͜.́.͘.͝ Y̨e̛͜͜'̵̛ve̛͞ ̸̡alwa̵̢ỳ̷s ̧͞b̢͡ee̸n ̶a ̸͡c̕u͏͜t͏̛e̢'͜͠e̕͘͜n҉ h̴͞ąv͡e͘҉n't'̶̸ch̨͟͠a̕?” Robbie gripped at Anti’s finger after a moment and that made Anti stop, the zombie giggled again “G-Goottt yooouuu…!” Anti was still smiling, he nodded and sat down on the bed "͜͏Ye̛͘p̴..̷.̡!͠ ͝Ỳ̴e̵ ̵g̷̛ot̸ ̀̕͢m̵͘e͘̕͞ a̧lri͜ǵh̢t̡̀.̵͜͟.. ̀͞O҉͟r͢.̵̴.̛͜.͘ ́H̢́҉ a͞ v̢ ̕e y o҉̕ ̀̕͠ú̀͠~͏?" And then Anti let some strings form from his fingertips, they gently grabbed at Robbie.
The other egos flinched upon seeing strings but they remained silent and continued watching in awe… Robbie giggled and squealed as the strings wrapped around him, encasing him like a cocoon actually “Attiii… Goottt meee…!” He was making happy gurgling sounds now, that made the others' nerves ease, when Robbie was REALLY happy, he’d make some gurgling noises and while they didn’t… Sound pleasant to most, to the egos they knew what it was an indicator of… And then Anti manipulated the strings once more, the strings then unwrapped themselves from Robbie’s tiny form and let him rest in Anti’s palm, they dangled in front of Robbie who begun to grab at them, batting at them almost like a cat even at times, and then the strings were helping Robbie up, he kept a hold on them and just like how it happened with Jameson earlier, Robbie began to dance around on Anti’s palm with the strings, the strings curling around his arms and back to give him some extra support, just to ensure he didn’t fall off while moving and spinning around, the two did this dance for awhile, Anti smiling brightly and Robbie giggling all the while.
Eventually Robbie stopped and the strings released him, he sat there on Anti’s palm and watched the strings disappear into thin air, he was always amazed how Anti could do that… Robbie seemed satisfied now with his discoveries and little mental notes about their hands and random objects… Now he wanted to try something a lot more different “Attii… Put me doowwnn… Pleease…” Anti was originally going to hand Robbie to Chase but then Robbie clutched onto his finger “N-Nnnooo…! O-Onnn grrround…” Anti looked toward the others who looked concerned “U-Uh Robbie… I don’t know…” Henrik was the one to speak up and then Chase chimed in “It’ll be kinda dangerous to just… Leave ya down on the floor kiddo…” Robbie pouted “...W-Wann… Go… Jamie room… Myself…” Robbie seemed determined and his mind was set on being put down and going off on his own, the three looked at each other before sighing “...Alright Robbie… We’ll let you do this… But, STRAIGHT to Jameson’s room, understood kiddo?” The zombie’s eyes lit up and he smiled lopsidedly “Mmhmm…! J-Jaaam’s roommm only…!” And then Anti was gently setting Robbie onto the ground, and at first the zombie looked around, seeing all three of them staring at him and woah… It felt even BIGGER now that he was on the ground! He shambled over to Henrik and looked at his shoe for a few seconds.
He inspected his height compared to that before he smiled and seemed to get what he was looking for, it was so fascinating to the zombie how different the perspective was! Now, Robbie had held a tiny person a few times! Some of the other egos got shrunk before! He remembers pretty vividly actually of holding Chase, it felt… Weird to be one that could be held in the palm of someone’s hands, he kind of understood now why Chase and some of the others had been so intimidated but after a while, the intimidation fades! Well at least it did for Robbie! He was so curious and intrigued by everything! He waved goodbye to the three and headed off and out the door, he felt a LOT more slower than what he usually was and seeing how far it was to Jameson’s room made the zombie stop dead in his tracks… ...Oh that was… a LOT farther than what he previously thought but the zombie puffed his chest for a moment and got a determined bold look in his eyes and slowly, very slowly he was off… Heading right toward Jameson’s room way down at the end of the hallway, being a zombie did have its perks, he didn’t get AS tired as easily as regular humans seemed to.
Robbie actually had an idea in mind he wanted to discuss with Jameson in fact, this is the very reason he embarked out on his own, he wanted this discussion to be in private with JJ! He looked up as he was passing by a shelf, it was so large right now, Robbie was tempted to climb up it just to see how well he could manage… But no! The zombie shook his head and looked back down the hallway, he had a mission to do and he was going to do it! ...This might take a while though even still… Meanwhile back in Marvin’s room, Marvin looked at Anti and he was smiling a little “You know… We might not get along in the slightest but… It’s nice to see how close you and Robbie are, that darling boy looks up to you a lot…” Anti scoffed and crossed his arms "̴̨͘T̸̛́e̢͡ļ̷l̨͘ ̡҉a̶̕n͘yb̧̛͜o͟d̨̢͠y͠ a̛bo̴u̢t ͏̨̧w͏̕h͡a̷̸t ͜h̸͠a̢p͞pe̸̕͝ǹ͜e͠d̀ ̶a̛ņ̢d̕ ̴̴͜Ì҉'l͏͞ĺ ̧̨͏g̶u͝t̡̀͜ ̀͜y͜o̷u̷" Marvin rolled his eyes “...Figures as much… ...I solemnly swear I will tell no one” Anti huffed and the two said nothing else to each other, meanwhile Chase and Henrik were… Admittedly both trying to calm each other down, they were very worried over Robbie venturing out all on his own but, they knew if they didn’t let him, he’d just be upset with them, they knew deep down… Robbie had to do this, he WANTED to and he was determined, so they’d just have to hope he made it there safely, sure there really wasn’t anyone else who could be out there right now since Jackie had left but still, anything can happen when you're that small.
Eventually, Robbie had gotten closer and even from where he was he could hear the faint old timey music growing closer and closer… This had taken him a LONG while to get to even just the doorway (but luckily time skips are a thing in stories n such) and finally after what felt like it could have been a LONG few minutes, Robbie had finally made it in the doorway and he saw Jameson messing around with his little booth, he was placing his finger puppets in order and getting everything neatly organized, this was perfect… Robbie shambled in the doorway and over toward JJ, it took him another few minutes but he got there and called out to JJ who quickly turned his attention to the zombie, he mimicked a gasp and gently scooped Robbie into his hands, he then set him down onto the booth and began to sign [ Good golly! Robbie?! How did you get here? And why aren’t the others monitoring you? ] The zombie giggled and smiled brightly “I maade it herre… All by… self… I wannttedd too… Wan… Taalkk abbbout… Stuff…!” JJ raised a brow [ Well what is it little fellow? I’m all ears! ] And then Robbie motioned for Jameson to lean down, the man did so and Robbie slowly began to whisper his ingenious plan to JJ, and it did admittedly take a few moments for the zombie since for one, his voice was already slowed and a bit slurred and two sometimes he just couldn’t think of the right words.
After that Jameson smiled brightly [ Oh Robbie, dear… That’s the bee's knees! Yes, yes, we can do that…! Let’s get everything set up and then I’ll go get the others ] The zombie clapped and giggled excitedly, the two got to work, well… Mostly it was Jameson but Robbie did help out with some things that he could actually carry, after a bit of setting everything up it was perfect! Jameson clapped as did Robbie and then he began to sign [ Everything should be in order now…! Shall I go get the others? ] The zombie eagerly nodded “Mmhmm…!” Jameson helped Robbie behind the curtain and left him on the sill of the booth and then Jameson had stood up and walked out, the zombie was so excited! And a little nervous at the same time, he waited for JJ to return with the others, double checking and making sure everything was in the right order, he looked over everything and it seemed to be just fine and then he heard multiple footsteps, they sounded like they were trying to be quiet as the approached and entered the room.
Robbie carefully peered out from behind the curtains and saw Jameson leading Henrik, Chase, Marvin, Anti and even Jackie! They were ALL here! Robbie didn’t think Jackie would have even showed up since he was busy with the call he got earlier but he definitely wasn’t complaining! Meanwhile Jameson was signing to the other egos [ Gentlemen and Anti… ] He began, noticing Anti only smiled at him, although this wasn’t a friendly smile like the one he gave Robbie, this was more so a menacing one… Either way, Jameson tried to shake it off and continue [ Take your seats, right here in front of the booth please! ] And then Jameson was heading behind said booth, watching as all the egos sat down on the floor, he didn’t have much time to get chairs but also his room wasn’t necessarily big enough, either way, they didn’t seem to care about chairs… [ I am proud to present to you all this evening, Jameson Jackson’s Jolly Jaunts! Featuring a special little zombie we all know and love, Robbie~! ] The egos clapped for a moment before going silent as Jameson ducked behind the booth, and then the curtains were slowly pulled back and the show began…
Jameson pulled out one of the signs he prepared for this and held it up, it read the title of this evening’s show { The Friendly Zombie! } After a few moments of letting the others read it he quickly pulled the sign down and then placed one of his finger puppets on, he held it up so the others could see and began moving it a little, acting as if it were talking and then he put it down to grab another sign, had he been on an actual stage he would have had a better way of doing this but for now, this would have to do… He held up another sign that showed what the puppet had said { Golly! Today sure has been peaceful! I sure do hope nothing s t r a n g e happens! } And then the sign was gone and the puppet was back up there, just pretending to walk around before Robbie shambled onto the stage, gurgling and groaning, looking like an actual stereotypical zombie from a horror movie, Jameson made the puppet place a hand over its mouth for a gasp and then started moving it around MUCH more frantically { Egad! A zombie?! Don’t eat my brains good sir! } Robbie continued gurgling and groaning as he slowly shuffled toward the man, Jameson made the puppet jump before running away.
The zombie stopped dead in his tracks and looked down, sighing a little, Robbie looked very dejected by what just happened, he turned around and shambled back off stage and then Jameson held out another sign { Golly, he sure looked sad didn’t he? You are all probably wondering why that is, well stick around and find out! } There went that sign and Jameson pulled out another puppet, this time a puppet of a lady who was making her way through the booth all gracefully, she looked around and for a moment she looked as though she was about to walk off stage before the sound of a stick crunching could be heard, the woman jumped and looked around frantically before Jameson held another sign up { EEP! W-WHAT WAS THAT?!? } And then that sign went and the woman was shown to be looking around frantically still and then a familiar gurgling sound started, Jameson also must’ve had something that played music as some suspenseful music started playing in the background before finally… Robbie shuffled out from the stage, gurgling and groaning like previously, the woman jumped once again.
Jameson made it look like the puppet was screaming and then held up a sign that literally just said ‘AHH!!!’ on it (not gonna do the fancy font for something simple | Well jokes on you past me the font doesnt even work so R.I.P) As the zombie headed toward her, he looked like he was about to reach out before the puppet’s arm slapped him in the face, JJ was extremely relieved he didn’t accidentally knock Robbie off there… And then he made the lady run away screaming, like the last time the poor zombie had that dejected look and he sighed, once again turning and shambling away off stage, and then out came another sign { After a lot of complaints from people… A devilishly handsome Detective had decided he’d step in and investigate this so called ‘Zombie’ } Down the sign went and next came a puppet that looked a good bit like Jameson himself, walking around and looking for some clues, Jameson made the puppet put a hand to his chin before another sign came out { Now if I were a Zombie… Where would I be…? }
The detective pondered for a moment before he pointed, as if getting an idea, a sign coming out that said ‘Aha!’ before quickly disappearing and then Jameson made the puppet wander and the scene changed into a night background (it’s been a day background in like a London street-esque kinda setting i just forgot to specify that) and then it looked like a graveyard, the music changing into something more spooky to fit the atmosphere… The detective creeped around the graveyard, looking around before seeing a zombie sitting by an open grave, he quickly came over and saw the zombie was crying, Jameson made the detective jump at that, the detective despite being just a puppet was… Surprised…! He didn’t expect to see a crying zombie ever in his life, he walked over and gently patted the zombie on the shoulder who turned around, sniffling a little and wiping at his eyes “G-Gooo… Aawaaayy… I-Im… a mmonstterrr… N-Noooboddyyy l-liikess mee…” A sign came out { Now what makes you say that little fellow? } The zombie sniffled again “...E-Everrryone… rrrann awaaay…” The detective nodded at this and he looked down before another sign appeared { I see… Is that all you wanted all along, was just someone who likes you? A… Friend perhaps? } And the zombie nodded at this.
The detective puppet then looked as if he were laughing, but it wasn’t directed at Robbie { I see! Well then, come on little one, let’s go set the record straight, shall we? } The zombie was confused at this, he was also shocked the detective hadn’t ran away like all the others did, however as the puppet held out its hand, the zombie gently took a hold of it and they walked off stage, and then the background changed back into the streets, Jameson held up his other hand with the lady and man puppets from earlier, they looked to be discussing their incident before the detective came out with the zombie holding his hands, the two puppets jumped and acted like they were screaming before JJ pulled another sign out, he had to be a bit more careful this time with so many puppets and stuff, he was still so anxious he was going to knock Robbie off stage { Eek! It’s the Zombie! Detective! Look out sir! } and then the sign went down and the detective shook his head.
{ There has been a BIG misunderstanding here folks! You see… This Zombie isn’t dangerous, he was just misjudged from the start! He never wanted to hurt anybody! He was merely in search of a friend! } And both the puppets gasped in shock, meanwhile the zombie nodded at this “...Ittss trrruuee… I’m sorry... f-foorrrr frrrightening yoouu…” There was a pause before both puppets came over looking down slightly and moving a bit slowly and then another sign { We’re so sorry Mr. Zombie! We should have given you a chance to speak before judging you like that! } Robbie smiled a little and nodded “Itt… ookaay… R-Robbieee… Underrrstaand… Was scarryy…” The two puppets nodded before the detective looked like he was laughing before turning to the audience as did the other puppets and Robbie himself { Well that clears that mess up! Now I think we should all remember this one folks! The important thing here is to NEVER  judge a book by it’s cover! }
And then the puppets along with Robbie himself took a bow and then a ‘The End’ card popped up behind them this time, the egos started clapping at this, well clapping a bit quietly for Robbie’s sake of course, all of them standing up while doing so, meanwhile the puppets and Robbie continued to bow for a few moments before the curtain closed on them, and then JJ removed the puppets and let the card fall down, he scooped Robbie up into his hands and stood up, the zombie was smiling so VERY brightly, he looked extremely proud of himself and JJ did as well, the others finally quit clapping and Chase was the first to speak up “Duude that was epic...!” Henrik nodded “Yes, that was really wonderful...!” Marvin was the next to chime in “Very entertaining, well done darlings~!” Jackie then pitched in “Like Chase said! That was awesome…!” And finally Anti who was smirking "̧̛Eh̷͘͘, ̀͠n͘o̕t ̷̀̀b̶a̢d͜҉ ̷̶a̷t̴̸̀ ͏a̷l͟͝ĺ̢͡~̴ ̵́N̶̨͜ev̴͘͢e̵ŗ̴͜ ̷̶k͢nę̶w̸̨ ̴͘͜R͟o̡bb͠ie̵̵ c̀ơ̵ul̵̀d͏͢͞ ͞a̴ct͡҉͠ ͘s̴̕o͏̢͘ ̵w͟e̶̡ll~̷̧̧" He cooed, this made the little zombie bounce up and down and giggle, Jameson meanwhile held him with one hand so he could sign with the other [ Well it was Robbie’s idea in the first place! He was a bit nervous with everything but he did so wonderfully! ]
The egos all cooed their praises, both praising Jameson and of course Robbie as well since he was the little mastermind behind all this, and as they were doing so, the zombie’s eyes drooped a little and he started yawning, he stretched out a little and laid down in Jameson’s hands, the other egos seemed to take notice of this, they quieted down a lot more and Chase smiled at this “Looks like he’s finally tuckered out…” Marvin piped up “Indeed, seems the star of the show could use some good rest~” He snapped his fingers and suddenly a bed small enough to fit Robbie appeared, he handed it to Jameson who smiled and gently placed the bed down on his dresser, he then carefully placed Robbie into it and tucked him in, the zombie’s eyes were still open slightly, the old timey music faintly in the background was only making him more drowsy, he yawned again “...R-Robbieee… s-sleepy…” He muttered, rubbing at his eyes before Chase spoke up “Go ahead and get some rest, kiddo…” The others said goodnight to Robbie except for Jameson who signed goodnight obviously and then the zombie slowly closed his eyes, not too long after that he was sound asleep, softly snoring…
It had been a long day and a long adventure for the tiny zombie, that was for certain but... He’d be lying if he said it wasn’t a fun one! Robbie would remember and cherish this day for a long time.
(Alrighty that’s it, this came outta nowhere but I had fun writing it, hope y’all like it too! Also god, me? Writing soft Anti? It’s SO fucking r a r e! I write soft Anti so rarely but this was too sweet n cute to ruin ...hes still a bastard but not near as bad were this angst, anyhoo- here y’all go, some fluff for ya!
I figured I’d, kinda write the egos how I used to in a way but this time I’m more so proud and confident in myself, I’m proud of this story and I hope y’all enjoy it as well)
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jinnoit · 3 years
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nicknames
Harlow is one that keeps to themself A LOT. In the beginning of their story, I have them really just sticking to themself and trying not to catch any extra attention. They even have a cross necklace they wear to RAD to make sure everyone keeps far away from them. So, it stands to reason that though they got fairly close to the brothers, they still kept their distance (at least for a few weeks, first letting their guard down with either Mammon or Asmodeus) and didn’t really develop affectionate nicknames for the people they met in the Devildom. So I made some up anyways.
Demon Bros + Sides getting nicknames from Harlow
Lucifer- no nicknames to his face, but refers to him as Big Brother from like the novel 1984. No one gets the reference at first until Satan actually reads the book. They let it slip when Lucifer's around once and instantly he knows they mean him. "I didn't know you saw me as a brother figure, Harlow," "Nah, if anything, i see you as a bother figure, amiright?" proceeds to get ass beat into next week. Harlow still says it from time to time.
Mammon- again, no nicknames to his face at first, but they jokingly say to Levi ONCE: "Yeah I'd have to shake off the Onceler first." Satan and Levi both get the reference and the three of them just sort of devolve into giggles when talking around mammon and referring to him as "onceler" or "oncie". Mammon remains confused and thinks it's just a human insult. Levi- weeb. nothing else to explain. peeves him off quite a bit. Satan- Harlow wouldn't dare make up any nicknames about him behind his back, but would call him "catboy" from time to time to get his attention. they have also developed the ability to dodge random flying objects. Asmodeus- they are head over heels for each other, so they call him every petname under the (implied Devildom) sun. At first it's normal stuff like "dear" or "sweatheart" or "my love" but they eventually devolve into "my greenbean" or "sugar booger" and their personal favorite "my fine china" and Asmo just loves them all, reciprocating in kind but his get more grandiose. It gets to the point where they never refer to each other by their real names ever again except maybe sexytimes bc asmo is just that vain Beelzebub- they call him Beel just like everyone else, but Harlow's midwestern culture would get to them and start calling him bubba or bubby or bub. Not only because the last syllable in his name is literally -bub but also because he's a lil brother figure to Harlow. He goes uwu every time it happens because Harlow doesn't really want to use his nicknames around the other brothers, lest they catch on. Belphegor- none because Harlow doesn’t like him. even if they were able to [spoilers] they likely wouldn’t be close. Diavolo- at first Harlow is scared to call him anything other than Lord Diavolo but after some time getting to know him, Diavolo reassured them that it’s okay to drop the Lord title when speaking casually. After even more time, Harlow just starts calling him Dia and he delights in it like oh golly gee i have a nickname now Barbatos- no nicknames for Barbatos bc Harlow thinks it unprofessional, but they refer to him as Barbz in their head forever solidifying their association of Nicki Minaj and the demon butler. If they ever got into Black Butler maybe perhaps they’d think of Sebastian or Claude as well. Neither of these ever come out in conversation. Simeon- again, no nicknames would naturally arise out of their acquaintanceship. If they do become friends tho, they might not-so jokingly refer to each other as spouse because of the immediate need to parent Luke. “Husband darling, our son is looking for you.” (In a 1950s housewife accent) “I am in the dining room, my lovely spouse.” (Might just be unrequited love on Simeon’s side. Ouch I just hurt myself.) Luke- wants to take him seriously at first, so they don’t use any nicknames at all. But over time they would probably call him bubba when he’s around. When he’s not around, it’s “our son” or “our child” and Simeon just gets a kick out of it. Solomon- no nicknames because that’s not the kind of friendship they have at first, but MAYBE the occasional “bro” or “dude”. MAYBE EVEN “old man” when they’re specially feeling like being a nuisance.
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Strike two, two struck
Listening to Our Fake History podcast again. Episode on whether the city of Troy was real. One guy 'discovered' a certain city by going to an area and asking the people nearby where the ruins of that city were.
And then the host says something like "Can you really say something was 'discovered' if the locals already knew about it? That's like saying you "discovered" a continent where millions of people already lived! But I digress."
Gee, thanks. We really needed to be graced with the stunningly original take "colonialism was bad, actually." Being #woke was *totally* worth derailing your own podcast.
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Also, my flat was home invaded by drug dealers over some kind of feud with Mike, there's literally blood all over the walls and carpet as I type this, I'm the only dude here who wasn't involved, Mike's window is smashed, the bad guys got away, and golly gee gosh I'm really looking forward to the next few months of paranoia.
Especially since they saw me recording them. In a video so crap the cops didn't want it.
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My biggest concern about my body when I woke up that morning was "I hope this ear infection clears up soon."
These guys might come for me on the street. And thanks to the beneficence of her Majesty's government, all I can use to defend myself is a dog training whistle, my belt, and the old Mark I feet.
Needless to say, if I was in the US, I'd at least be looking into... certain products from certain manufacturers. Heck, I would've at least bought pepper spray months ago, when someone got stabbed to death in public nearby.
If not sooner.
Then again, if I lived in Yankland, I'd be dealing with an entirely different set of imminent threats to health and safety.
At least the cops got the phone the yobs left behind. The obvious burner the criminals came back for.
As I'm typing this, I have a headache, presumably from stress.
I don't drink.
But some days I really, really want to.
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PS: Mike said Charlie said it's a good thing I stayed in my room, as police say one should for a home invasion. That I'm not the physically confrontational type. I would've just gotten hurt.
True. I'm more defensive-minded. Back home, I used to carry around an improved club I made from a broken fan's stand shaft when I hung the clothes out in our backyard, which was screened in by bushes. Especially if I was the only one home. Or with my mother and/or the kids she babysits, who wouldn't increase my Effective Military Strength, shall we say.
I'm pretty sure I couldn't get away with that here, especially not without an actual fan.
Well, at least there’s a lot of crap in the front hall I could use to Jackie Chan if I absolutely had to. And their numbers would count for nothing in the narrow pass. Especially if I tip the bikes over behind me.
Still, I’m losing sleep and worrying about every normal noise I hear outside my window. Could it be them Coming Back?
At least my old habits of “have a plan to defend yourself against everyone you meet” have come in handy.
I’m also worried that the police could take “so you Googled protecting yourself” as some kind of mens rea. Even though, y’know, of course I would after an attack. 
I have a few pocket items that I can use as weapons, and I literally checked through a VPN to make sure one of them didn’t say “tactical” or anything in the ebay listing. Which wasn’t why I bought it in the first place.
I also watch a lot of self-defense videos. Because I like writing tactical stuff. And also the paranoia from the last time I was nearly attacked. And did I mention I’m from an extremely violent country?
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oxnardsart · 3 years
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Before I'm too busy with a new game, here's another Boxer Beats page! http://boxerbeats.thecomicseries.com/comics/27 --- “You know what? Let’s do it.” Lesbuni decided. “You? Me? Together?” Nishi asked. “Mostly just me. You can come if you want.” “If it’s exciting enough I probably will!” the dino gave a confused smile. “I’m going to talk to Foxie.” Lesbuni took in a deep breath. “You’re gonna tell her that we’re doin’ it!? I don’t think she’ll like that.” “The doing it that we’re doing is telling Foxie whatever I tell her!” Lesbuni yelled. She and Nishi left the stadium and headed over to the Do-Gooders headquarters. She knew Foxie was in the jail there, and it was too much to keep waiting. Lesbuni waited for her turn to talk to Foxie. The Do-Gooders had a little area where visitors and criminals could talk together. This is where Nishi normally kept in touch with Foxie. It was a lonely experience for the fox, stuck there every day. People weren’t likely to visit a jail every day of their lives just to keep you company, so whenever someone stopped by it was exciting! But Lesbuni had waited twenty minutes for her chance to talk to Foxie, and she wasn’t showing up. Two minutes later, “I don’t think she’s coming...” Nishi frowned, “It’s been twenty-two minutes.” “Give it a little more time...” Lesbuni sighed. She was still tired from screaming with Don earlier today. She closed her eyes for a second and... “LESBUNI WAKE UP!” Nishi busted his lungs out - Lesbuni woke up with him right up in her face. “You fell asleep!” Lesbuni yawned and stretched, “How long have I been asleep for...?” “A minute.” Nishi honked. “That’s it! I give up.” Lesbuni threw her hands in the air and got up, “Twenty-three minutes? Wow. She sure doesn’t care about keeping us waiting.” “Oh, now it’s twenty-four minutes...” Nishi reported. “Wow. I must be dead to her,” Lesbuni growled. It was an adorable little bunny growl. She’s too cute to be scary and mad. Tee hee. “Lethbuni! Nithi!” A lispy alligator came running into the room, “You two gotta come quick. Foxthie ithn’t in here - the’th in the boxthing ring!” No wonder she hadn’t showed up. Lesbuni immediately ran out the door. She was sure she could catch Foxie if she hurried! The moment Lesbuni got back in the Boxer Beats stadium, she heard Oxnard over the mic, “Aaaand onto our next fight. Congratulations Foxie on making it through another round - you sure showed that fruit-suiter where to shove his banana.” Lesbuni smiled - that sounded like the Foxie she knew. But she had to find her before she left! Lesbuni was standing at the stage entrance, looking out to see if Foxie was anywhere near the ring, but there was nothing. She looked towards the different exits to try and catch her leaving, but there wasn’t anyone around... That meant Foxie was gone. Lesbuni sank to her knees. She was so tired of how the two always missed each other. Gaydar ran in from the entrance and tried to stop himself as soon as he saw Lesbuni, but the clumsy gator slipped and fell on his butt. The stadium lights all fell on him, the crowd began to laugh and clap. “Gee golly, hehe! Good thing I gotta rump made of thteel~” Gaydar turned to his side to show off his tail, rubbing it teasingly for the crowd - who gave an aroused cheer. No wonder everyone loved him! Gaydar snapped out of it and whispered to Lesbuni, “Nithi’th thtaying at the jail in cathe you mithed Foxthie...” He looked around for Foxie, but Lesbuni’s disappointed expression, and being alone meant they were probably too late. “Come on Lethbuni! We jutht have to go back...” “I’m not going.” Lesbuni pouted and left the stage. She found a hallway and sat alone for a bit. It felt like the people Lesbuni cared about were always out of reach. And just in time, Nishi, Gaydar, and Macaroni all found her in the hallway. The rabbit groaned internally - she felt like they would give her an obvious lecture and push her to go see Foxie. “Heeey Lesbuni...” Nishi smiled, “Foxie couldn’t stay, so don’t worry about going back... but Mac had an idea!” Lesbuni looked annoyed at the thought of having to do anything. “How about a girls’ night out?” the older penguin lady asked. “We can take our minds off our partners and go have fun.” Lesbuni wasn’t expecting that. “Can Gaydar and I go to the girls’ night out too?” Nishi pleaded. Gaydar waggled his bare hips and winked. “Acthually, alligator anatomy can kinda make me look like thome girlth thinthe m-” Nishi covered Gaydar’s mouth. He knew Lesbuni didn’t like hearing about anatomical details. “You’re not gonna tell me what to do about Foxie?” Lesbuni looked up curiously. “Nah, we figured you’d hate that.” Nishi laughed. He was right! “But we weren’t sure if you’d want to go out...” Macaroni worried, “we can do whatever you want to.” Everyone looked at Lesbuni and let her decide. “I... haven’t gone dancing in a while...” the little bunny blushed. “I’m not good at it, but... it’s kind of fun...” “I wanna go danthing~!” Gaydar wrapped his arm around Nishi, “I know how to cut a rug, I’ll thow ya how it’th done!” Macaroni Penguin started to tap her feet and flap her wings, “Would you dance with me, Lesbuni?” The little bird chuckled, “I travelled down here alone, so I don’t have anyone to dance with...” “Oh that’s gross. Mac’s so old!” Nishi joked, “She’s probably like a hundred!” Lesbuni got up on her feet and took Macaroni’s wing in her paw. She couldn’t believe she was going to go dance with a grandma, or hang out with guys on a girls’ night out. She had no idea what to expect, but she was ready for it! “Let’s dance our asses off,” the rabbit cheered as she left the stadium with her new, weird friends. Round 3 After a refreshing night with her pals, Lesbuni was ready for another day in the ring. They were getting closer to the finale! “I’m kinda surprised...” Lesbuni told Nishi as the two of them headed to the stadium, “I didn’t think I’d get this far!” “I’m surprised too - but I knew you’d put up a good fight!” Nishi grinned, “I know you’re a shy bunny, but whenever you get in arguments you yell and puff out your little chest - I’d be afraid to fight you!” Lesbuni crossed her arms and scowled. “I didn’t mean your little chest. I meant ‘cause you’re a little bunny!” He smiled, “I would never comment on your lack of, uh...” “That counts as a comment!” Lesbuni snapped, “They’re none of your business.” “I agree,” her buddy giggled, until they saw the group of professional boxers protesting Boxer Beats. “Uh oh.” They were rowdier today because their calm leader, Stan, wasn’t around! “Hey, it’s that boxer bunny again,” growled one of the strong lion boxers. “You’re not boxing today, little guy?” “Nope.” Lesbuni quickly replied without even looking at him. “What do you mean, Lesbuni? You’re scheduled to fight today!” Nishi responded. “Dude, Nishi, quiet!” Lesbuni glared at him. “Ha! So you are coming in today?” The lion picked up the cardboard box and shook it, “Show us how you get in here! I know there’s stuff inside!” “Isn’t that a box of briefs?” Nishi chuckled, “We’re going to Boxer Beats. That’s what the competition is called,” he looked down at Lesbuni, “or is it Boxer Briefs?” Lesbuni took Nishi’s hand and hurried them out of there. However, the lion began to follow them. “If that box isn’t the real entrance to the Boxer Briefs competition, I’m gonna follow you two until you go to the real one,” the stalker lion growled. “You won’t want to miss your fight and lose the competition, right little rabbit?” Lesbuni was pissed. Now she had a guy stalking her, and trying to stop her from competing in Boxer Beats! She wasn’t going to let some jerk prevent her from trying to see her girlfriend, but most importantly... “I am NOT going to be stalked by anyone. ESPECIALLY not a guy.” Lesbuni turned around, her angry eyes looking right up at the big boxer. Nishi huddled behind her and nervously started playing with his phone. “I bet you do this to animals all the time if you think it’s okay to stalk anyone.” The little bunny growled, “It is NOT okay to do this. This is harassment.” The lion raised an eyebrow, “I’m not harassing you, lady. I can walk wherever I want.” He rolled his eyes, trying to sound polite, “I happen to be going to the same place you’re going, so can you please lead the way?” “No.” Lesbuni made herself clear, and after a moment of silence, “Well? I’m not leading you anywhere. So GO. If it’s not harassment, leave.” The lion lost his polite smile, “Okay, it wasn’t harassment before... but it is now.” Lesbuni was a firm believer in educating the stupid. She grabbed a book from her bag and threw it right at the lion’s face. She knew to go for the eyes if she had to fight an attacker, but he was too tall for her to reach. The lion blocked the book throw, but Lesbuni was ready to fight. With his hands covering his face, Lesbuni used her short height to attack his knees, feet, and groin. With a few hard hits, the lion bully was hurt. Lesbuni grabbed Nishi’s hand and made a run for it. “Oh my gosh, this is so scary!” Nishi cried as they ran far down the street, making sure the lion was still down. “Are you okay?” Lesbuni kept running, “Yeah! Attack and run.” Lesbuni was always skeptical of guys, and for once her paranoia and education helped her against one! “While you were saving our butts, I called for help!” Nishi showed her his phone. “Hey kids,” a tall, scary figure suddenly sprang up behind them. Nishi and Lesbuni screamed! After a moment, they realized it was their scrunky-looking friend, Fuxie. Nishi and Lesbuni screamed again! “Who do I get to beat up, where is he?” Fuxie asked Nishi, “He didn’t hurt ya?” “No no, we’re fine! Lesbuni kicked his butt,” Nishi grinned, “but you can go kick it some more before Officer Goatella gets here.” Fuxie laughed, eyeing the small rabbit, “Really? The little lady did it? Cool.” Their punky fox friend went to go kick at the guy the two had escaped - keeping him down until the Do-Gooders arrived. Lesbuni was proud of herself! She got praise from one of the toughest girls she knew, she protected her friend Nishi from getting hurt, she stood up for herself, and she made sure nothing got in the way of her competing in the tournament! Finally seeing her girlfriend again was going to be the best reward she could get. “Welp, that’s all taken care of...” Fuxie sighed, the fun part was over. “Nice to see Officer Goatella in action though~” She grinned as she checked out the goat arresting the lion stalker. “Goatella the gorgeous! Gee, I don’t know what I would have done without you guys - I mean, girls.” Nishi laughed, “I wish I was as tough as you three are.” “And I wish Goatella would use her handcuffs on me~” Fuxie growled playfully. Goatella was ready to head back to the DG headquarters, “You sweeties did such a good job defending yourself against that very handsome, muscular lion. He could use a tamer,” the motherly goat smiled. “I could use a tamer too,” Fuxie grinned with a wink. “That’s gross, Fuxie.” Nishi stuck out his tongue, “You’re not as smooth as-” “You’re completely hairless and bald everywhere, I know.” Fuxie smirked. “Don’t say that in front of Goatella!!” Nishi whined. Goatella smiled politely and kneeled down to the short rabbit, “Great self-defense, Lesbuni.” Goatella put a little Do-Gooders sticker on her shirt, “You don’t have to be an officer to be a Do-Gooder! Keep up the good work.” The lady goat smiled and left the scene while Nishi and Fuxie kept bickering. “Okay you two, I gotta go.” Lesbuni waved, the stadium up ahead, “Thanks for helping me get there safe!” “You would’ve anyway, ya little ass kicker,” Fuxie laughed. “We’re coming too, wait up!” Nishi and Fuxie headed off with Lesbuni. The three joked around while watching the show. The little rabbit was sincerely surprised someone as tough and scary-looking as Fuxie thought a shy little rabbit like her was tough! But she liked having Fuxie’s respect, and felt accomplished having tough ladies like her and Goatella on her side.
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punsmaster69 · 5 months
Text
15/OCT/20XX
"Frisk, don't hand me to this trashbag!"
flowey looked at frisk and they stared back.
apparently losing their invisible argument, flowey sighed.
frisk handed flowey's pot over to me, and nodded like it was a business transaction.
——
"An empty field? What, are you gonna try and take me out while you have the chance?"
i removed flowey from his pot and planted him in the dirt.
"....."
"What? Do you want me to run away?? Couldn't even muster the strength to kill me yourself, you-"
"it's a beautiful day outside."
flowey froze.
"don't you wanna stretch your roots?"
he stared at me, still suspicious. disappearing underground, he reappeared on my right.
"that's all you can do?"
he shot a few vines up from the ground.
"......"
"..What? WHAT?! What's with 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 face?"
"I- I can do more! Watch!!"
flowey assaulted a nearby tree with vines and circles of white pellets.
something felt familiar about it.
"......can't help but feel like those were yours."
"..What?"
"had a nightmare. pretty sure it was you in there."
"Golly! I'm the stuff of your nightmares? How 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗰!"
"in that nightmare..."
"snowdin had gone silent. everyone either evacuated.."
"or blended with the snow."
"that old lady behind the door... she went quiet, too."
"....."
"it's not the first night i've bore witness to a trail of dust and slaughter in my dreams."
"normally i'd just chalk it up to be a nightmare; nothing more, nothing less. but.."
"...that look on your face."
"you should think it's just some nightmare, too."
"yet, you have that look of someone who knows exactly what i'm talking about."
"......"
"timelines.. resetting..."
"everything about it.. sounds like i'm talking nonsense."
"and maybe i am, to a point."
"...still. you're here,"
"listening."
"that's gotta count for something, right?"
"...Look. You know what I did."
"You're gonna kill me, right? Because why wouldn't you? I killed everyone you ever loved time and time again!"
"..Just to see what happened."
"......"
"do you think that even the worst person can change?"
"that everyone can be a good person, if they just try?"
"...guess i said that before, huh?"
"....."
"i think i've got my answer."
"...?"
i looked up at the sky that was now glowing orange. faint stars dotted the view as the afternoon came to a close.
"you have the ability to take this all away, don't you?"
"I can't RESET anymore. Only Frisk has that power now."
"you still have that capacity to cause hurt. even without time-bending abilities."
"if you truly wanted to, you could probably take me out right now."
"I'm not doing that-"
"right."
"and whether you would have said the same before.."
"well."
"that doubt is enough to prove you've changed."
flowey seemed to contemplate it, looking up at the sky with me.
"......."
"doesn't mean you're not still a complete asshole, though."
he whipped around to face me.
"HEY! You're not exactly great either!"
"takes one to know one, i guess."
"Trashbag!"
"shithead."
"Moron!"
"buttface."
"Motherfucker."
"not yet."
a white pellet barely missed my face.
"Maybe I WILL kill you, after all!!"
"can't die just yet. i made a promise to my bro."
"That you wouldn't... die?"
"yep."
"...….."
"Hah... he probably accidentally asked the impossible."
"don't plan on rolling over and dying anytime soon. not yet."
flowey sighed.
"....You.. well, I don't actually know if you were 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘥 dead."
"But.. you didn't wake up."
"..when'd this happen?"
"Here, on the surface."
"how'd we get out without the last human soul?"
"No, I mean-"
"𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 time."
"Frisk didn't want me to tell you, because that'd mean admitting to going back on a promise."
"......."
"It's kinda pathetic, how much everyone cares for you."
"...."
"huh."
"...is it inevitable?"
"I don't.. I don't think so."
"You're already way better now than you were around September last time."
"I don't know what you're doing differently, but keep doing it!"
——
"....Hey."
"You won't blab to Frisk about what I told you just now, right?"
"nah. of course, i don't love that they went back on their word.."
"Their heart was in the right place!"
"i can agree with that."
"you won't tell paps either, right?"
"Of course not! If he knew that he failed to protect you, even just once..."
"It'd rip his heart to shreds!"
"I'm surprised you're so.. okay with that."
"With knowing you probably died."
"...Recently."
"apparently i almost didn't wake up already."
"What?!"
"papyrus said i was completely unresponsive to everything. didn't move but once the whole time."
"said i only shambled my way to the bathroom to throw up blood, then collapsed again."
"when something like that happens.. what can someone do besides accept that he might die?"
"...You're not giving up already, are you?"
"...."
"You can't!"
"...yeah. i can't."
"made a promise, remember?"
"If you die, Frisk will have to load their SAVE again. Which means that everyone will relive the past four months, over and over again until you survive."
"You HAVE to live this time."
"Got it?"
"jeez. you're making it sound like you 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦."
"You KNOW I can't."
"I wouldn't care about you, even if I could!"
"yep."
"...What? WHAT?"
"I wouldn't!"
"ok."
"...Yeah!"
i flopped over onto my back.
"Huh? You're not really gonna fall asleep THERE, right?"
"don't see why not."
"You know what? End up eaten by wolves, or kidnapped, or whatever. I don't care."
"I'll just get to rub it in your face that it was your fault."
"Later, trashbag!"
"seeya."
——
"THERE YOU ARE!"
"IF IT WEREN'T FOR FLOWERY TELLING ME YOU WERE HERE, I MIGHT HAVE BEEN SEARCHING FOR HOURS!"
he noticed the open sky, starlight illuminating a look of awe.
papyrus laid himself out on the field beside me.
"I SUPPOSE YOU CAN STAY FOR A LITTLE BIT LONGER."
"YOU SHOULD TAKE YOUR TELESCOPE OUT HERE SOMETIME!"
"yeah?"
"YEAH!! I BET YOU COULD SEE A LOT FROM HERE!"
"......"
"..WHAT?? HOW CAN YOU FALL ASLEEP AGAIN IN THE FACE OF SUCH BEAUTY?!"
"SIGH."
"IS THERE ANYTHING YOU'RE BETTER AT THAN SLEEPING?"
"....OH!"
"YOUR X-RAY IS TOMORROW."
"MAYBE IT'S BETTER IF YOU SLEEP, AFTER ALL."
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rustic-space-fiddle · 5 years
Text
Things about Five that terrify me + some other things I noticed
He snapped a mop handle and shanked a baddie with it
he casually pulled his tie from around the baddie he strangled and put it back around his own neck like he was getting ready for work or something
He used a bargain mart trowel as a lethal weapon
He just pulls guns out of knowwhere?? Like his dads rifle????? When even??? That handgun he threatened the handler with??? Where did he get that???? Who is your dealer, Five??????
He sewed up his own gunshot graze with only minimal wincing (and then put a cute little bandaid over it, bless him)
He literally pulled out a knife, cut himself open, rummaged around under his skin like he was looking for the tv remote in the couch cushions, and pulled out the tracker chip like it was nothing
He heard one of the baddies groaning so he wandered over, crouched down, and snapped the guys neck??? With his little child hands??? I know he’s almost 60 in his head but just the image of this kid snapping a guys neck as if that was just something he does on a daily basis????? Holy heck that’s terrifying
His gremlin smile. Was his dad the Joker or something??? Good gravy
He pulled an eyeball out of a dead man’s hand, not knowing it was a fake eye at first and not even being a hardened assassin yet
He called killing the rando who apparently causes the end of the world “basic math”. Like I totally get what he means, but once again: FROM THE MOUTH OF A CHILD IT WIGS ME OUT
he was ready and willing to kill for a mannequin (love of his life)
His unclear understanding of what/who Dolores is. I can’t tell if he understands that she’s not sentient and can’t feel or love (my brain is telling me “YES SHE CAN HAVE YOU NOT SEEN TOY STORY” as I write this so heck maybe that’s his logic), but it’s kinda scary how fast he attached himself to her (we see him with her barely a few days after getting stuck)
His “I’m an old man who’s seen and done everything” complex
(From here on will just be things I noticed)
He was a really bouncy kid—bounced out of the bank, bounced at the dinner table, bounced up the stairs. He was a bouncy boy
He legit looked terrified to get his tattoo??? Like I know they all were, but usually he seemed like the “idgaf” type. What gives?
He is constantly putting his hands behind his back or in his pockets like some smarmy lil punk, both when he was a kid and after becoming a jaded killer. He also likes to sit with his ankle on his knee (note tattoo scene, he’s the only one not sitting normally, and also the scene in Vanya’s appartment). A few traits that survived all odds, I guess.
He only willingly let Vanya take care of him. He didn’t ask her too, but she made it clear she intended to do it he didn’t fight or say “I’ll do it myself”. He just rolled up his sleeve and let her help. The only other time someone else helps him like this is literally when he’s barely conscious and cANT bite off their hands
*SHANKS TABLE TO GET ATTENTION FROM NEGLECTFUL AND ABBUSIVE FATHER*
Also, the way Reginald eyed Five at the dinner table when he noticed him looking at him. How many times had Five used the minimal “quality” time to rag on him about science stuff????
We really see that he hates what he’s become when he says “I don’t belong anywhere, thanks to you. You made me a killer.” Up to that point, he doesn’t really go into it. He tells Luther that he didn’t enjoy the killing, but he never seems to actively show loathing for what happened to him. He’s too focused on saved his family and the world. But when he says that to the Handler, you can see that he’s really angry, and I kinda think that going back to his family and finding that he doesn’t really fit anymore and knowing that he can never go back really drove it home. Big oof, basically.
When his life is threatened, he doesn’t seem to panic too much, but when his family/loved one are, he actually looks scared (referring to jaded Five rn). Trying to stack his family? ANGER/FEAR. Trying to stack Dolores? SO MUCH FEAR NO NO NO (legit almost shot Luther—I wish he had sometimes tho)
Dolores telling Five that she doesn’t like it when he drinks is just essentially just Five telling himself that he doesn’t like it when he drinks. Does he examine his own flaws through Dolores berating him?????? Good golly he needs therapy
He never once give up hope that they can save the family. Like, the mOON WAS CRASHING INTO THE PLANET and he just “OKAY BUT LIKE ITS NOT THAT BAD WE CAN FIX THIS”
When he chucked the water bottle at Klaus for dancing with Dolores “GET OUT” (this killed me oml)
The fact that “Dad” was the third name out of his mouth in the apocalypse. I don’t know what to make of it. It just makes me wonder.
His little red wagon
Bundling up Dolores for winter even as a grown man (GET HIM THERAPY OH MY GOODNESS)
he was out for 45 years, but he said he was with Dolores for 30. He found her almost immediately after getting stuck, so..... did the Commission take her away????? Did he leave her like “it’s not safe I don’t want you to lose your other arm”???? Like wtf happened???? Is the reason he screws up the equations because he didn’t have Dolores to fact check him for 15 years????
(Last one I swear) Mom patching him up in ep 7 is the first time she’d gotten to take care of her boy Five in 17 years AND it was the first time Five had been taken care of by his Mom in 45 years. :’)
EDIT: ALSO TO WHOM DOES HE OWE A DEBT EXACTLY??? WHOMST???
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melyaliz · 4 years
Text
Past loves and future babies pt. 5
Masterlist
Fandom: Marvel 
Summary: Trying to Dance over their issues 
Pairing: Steve Rogers x OC
Notes: This took a bit of a turn I wasn’t planning but I actually like it this way. Let me know what you guys think 
All Masterlists @melyalizarchive​
Connect with me! AO3 / Instagram / Pinterest
DONATE or REQUEST
---------
Giggles, they bubbled up and floated around the room filling it with fizzy magic. Steve tried to remember a time he had come home to such a sound. And if so, it had been a long time. There had been so much silence after Thanos. And before that the noise was anything but laughter. When you are on the run laughter wasn’t really a daily occurrence.   
Dixie stood in the middle of the living room in a sports bra and legging stretching. Her phone propped up on a chair where she was watching something. Her hair pulled back in a messy ponytail as the light back lit her in a way that made her almost look like she was glowing. 
She looked so different from the girl yesterday. So much more relaxed, in her own element. 
Bucky was right. He didn’t know this woman at all. But she didn’t know him either. And at least he was in his own home. She had left everything and everyone for this. 
Part of him debated just leaving. Letting her enjoy herself without him around to ruin it. 
“Hello Mr. America.” 
Too late. 
She smiled up at him from her warrior on3. A big cheesy grin that seemed to light up the already bright room. It was infectious and he couldn’t help but smile back. Standing up she pulled at her ponytail.
“Don’t stop on my account” 
“Ohh enjoying the view of my sweaty body?” she giggled swaying her hips as her hands moved over her body in an exaggeratedly sexy motion. She was silly, something Steve was slowly learning more and more. 
“So what are your plans today?” 
“Wasn’t really sure, what do you guys do for fun around here?”
“Well Sam enjoys the large media room, Bucky and I like to hike around the property, Wanda and Vision normally cook, It really just depends.” 
Dixie nods thinking it over about to respond when her stomach spoke for her. Letting out a loud growl. Chuckling Steve nodded toward the kitchen.
“Have you eaten?” 
“Lunch sounds amazing, I was going to shower and then figure out how to work that fancy kitchen.” 
“I can start something if you would like to take a shower.” 
“I won’t say no to a hot guy making me food” Dixie giggled spinning around heading for the bedroom, “Be back in a bit” 
“Take your time” Steve called after her fighting back a smile. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad. It seemed like she was startling to settle into the place. Plus making food would hel[. Something to do. Something he can control. 
Dixie sighed letting the warm water wash over her. Trying to clean away any anxiety she was feeling about being alone with Steve again. It was weird because at this point they had (quite literally) slept together. But she still felt like she was with a complete stranger. 
A beautiful stranger 
But a stranger none the less. 
Although as she walked back into the main room watching Steve walk around the kitchen he didn’t feel that much of a stranger. His blue eyes met her as she came closer. A platter of meats and cheeses.
“I figured you could make your own sandwich if you want or just eat whatever.” 
“Ohhh so fancy” Dixie giggled, “Is that wine?”  
He smiled pouring her a glass, “It is” 
“You know how to make a girl feel special.” 
“So what did you do for fun?” Steve asked, helping himself to some meat and cheese.
“Oh I’m just a simple girl, some binging Netflix is always fun. I am very partial to cheesy 80’s action movies.” Memories of her and Mac sitting on a beat up old couch they had gotten from craigslists with a pack of cheap beer between them. Laughing like nothing else mattered. Calling out lines and guessing what would happen next.  
It felt like a lifetime ago. 
“Oh and what made the 80’s so cheezy?” Steve perked up, many people had recommended things to him but cheesy 80’s action hadn’t been one of them. He was honestly not even sure what that was. 
“Oh man I forgot you missed stuff.” Dixie said taking a sip of her drink mulling it over. Would it even make sense to a man who spent most of his life in the 30’s and 40’s. 
“Yeah, I have been keeping a list of things I need to catch up on.” Steve said, pulling it out. Dixie instantly lighting up.
“Wait you have a real honest to goodness list, lemme see!” 
Taking it she flipped over the pages, “Man Star Wars? It’s insane to me that you missed all this stuff. I mean it makes sense but… golly gosh jeez whiz” 
Steve raised an eyebrow fighting back a smile, “Jeez whiz?” 
“Yeah old man, we are going to have to start working on this.” The idea of experiencing movies like Indiana Jones and the Matrix with someone who didn’t know anything making her excited. 
“Actually I had a better idea.” picking up a remote he clicked play. Soft music started to play. Moving around the large island that broke up the kitchen and the living room he held out his hand to Dixie who watched him. Her playful smile slowly melting from her face. Eyes studying him intently. Unsure.
“What?” she asked, looking from his hand to his bright blue eyes. Her stomaching flopping slightly. Shuttering as if she was standing on the edge of something. Something high up. That vertigo, gravity pulling you down. 
“Can I have this Dance?”
She felt sick, slightly off balance, “Are you serious?”
“Don’t like dancing?”
“I’m not very good” 
Steve wasn’t stupiud, he saw the shift in her. Bucky’s words coming back to him. You’re a stranger to her as well. “It’s ok, I… I want to try ok” 
Dixie wasn’t really sure what try meant. Try dancing? Try to get to know each other? Try romance? Try, the small voice in the back of her head sang. Try something. 
Slowly she slipped her hand into his, those unbalancing nerves swaying even harder as his hand gripped hers. She was fighting her better judgement. All the warning bells that told her to step away from the ledge. But he was right. They had to try. The world was counting on them. And if this would help him commit to their destiny then she would have to give a little. 
As she followed him into the center of the living room she hoped it was worth it. Hoped that no matter what happened it didn’t crash and burn around them. That she could navigate herself between that fine line of caring for someone and not falling in love.  
He smiled down at her as the music played slowly moving. She giggled again and his smile grew. 
“You have a great laugh.” 
“Uh, thank you. I like your smile. The real one anyway.” 
“Real one?” 
“Yeah not that uptight, I’m trying to make you feel at least one. This one.” she pointed toward his face and nodded her approval. 
“I guess I should apologize for being so… uptight.” 
“It’s ok” she nodded, “This whole situation is kind of…”
“Awkward?” 
“Eminently.” 
“Well at least we are on the same page.” 
“If there is one thing I have learned growing up as an awkward kid was” Dixie paused for a moment, “Lean it to the awkward.” she leaned forward as she spoke her bright eyes looking up at him. He smiled down unable to picture the beautiful woman in his arms as an awkward kid. However, some could say the same about him.  
“Ok then,” he said leaning forward, his forehead brushing against her’s. Their faces only a breath apart. Barely touching, eyes locked on one another. Caught up in the moment. “I’m going to kiss you.” Steve whispered his words drifting through her gently stirring something deep inside that made her shiver as he broke that abyss between them meeting her lips with his own. 
Steve’s kiss felt like a question. Asking her what she wanted, asking himself if this was right. His kisses were always slightly hesitant, holding back slightly. Searching as if looking for something that wasn’t there. 
Or maybe someone. 
As he slowly pulled away Dixie licked her lips. Trying to hold back the words that raced through her mind. Suspicions that seemed to be slowly confirmed with each passing second. 
“What is it?” 
“What?” Steve looked down at her confused, “What is what?” 
“There is something wrong, what is it.”
“It’s not you” it was quick, defensive. Dixie couldn’t help but take a slight offence to it. 
“I never said it was” her voice soft, eyebrow raised slightly. Hard eyes studying him, peeling down the layers of the man in front of her. Trying to understand who he was. What had happened to him. 
Steve sighed looking away for a moment. Heart heavy. Memories of wounds that hadn’t healed yet. Were still fresh. Still bleed deeper than any of the scars on his body. 
Peggy. 
“What?” Dixie asked again, her hand gently rubbing his arm. He met her gaze, deep blue and so broken. It hurt her. All those fears she had about her own walls. They were nothing to whatever was pushing away from. 
Because he was already broken. He was suffering from what she had feared for herself.
“Try me.” 
“I… it’s not you” his words empty, hollow. Like a plea trying to protect her. Trying to fall on the sword for a woman he didn’t even know. Trying to be strong. 
“I’m a good listener.” she let out a soft chuckle, “When I want to be.” 
“I just,” he sighed, running his fingers through his blonde hair. Unsure. Knowing it was wrong but… he needed to let it out. Needed to try and push this pain away. And then he looked down at her. Wide eyes looking back at him. Waiting. This wasn’t her fault. This wasn’t for her. She was just some girl. “Forget it”
Turning he walked toward the stereo turning off the music “This was a bad idea.”
“What?” Dixie felt herself flush with anger. Heat building up burning inside her bright and hot. “Don't you walk away from me Steve Rogers!” She snapped grabbing his arm. He froze turning shocked. 
“W….”
“I gave up everything to be here the LEAST you could do is be honest with me!” frustration building up. Bubbling from where deep inside her. The injustice of it all. Reminding Her again and again. She was the only one trying.  
“Don’t push it.” his words flat, a warning. Tired but a warning. 
“Try me,” she said again, crossing her arms over her chest. Holding on tight to herself. Trying to hold back all the things she really wanted to say to this man in front of her, “what are you scared of?” 
“I’m not scared” he said, “I’m FINE” 
“Clearly, you can’t even get it up” 
“Excuse me?” 
“You can’t even do what I’m here for, something is blocking you WHAT. IS. IT?” with each word she thrust her finger into his hard chest. Pushing him. Forcing him to take a step back. It didn't hurt but… it made him mad. Who did she think she was? 
“Stop that,” he said, grabbing her hand.
“Stop what? Trying to get to know you? One of us has to try!” 
“I’m trying” 
“Yes because running away the moment you could is trying SO hard” 
“Are you mad I left this morning?” 
“I’m mad you won’t talk to me!” 
“I’m talking to you right now!”
“No you’re not, you are trying to pour sugar over shit. Asking me to dance. Letting me decorate my room. Kissing me” she pulled her hand out of his pushing him with both of hers with enough force that he took a step back word, slightly off balance. Was it just him or were her hands hot? A heat that spread across his body.
“DAMN IT Dixie STOP!” 
“Stop what!?!” she snapped pushing him again. “At least one of us is trying!”
“I wasn’t even supposed to be here!” he snapped, the straw that broke the camel’s back. Shattering his strong glass box that increased his emotions. Shards scattering around them tearing at them. Ripping through their insecurities and doubts. 
“What?” 
“You want to know the truth, woman? I’m not even supposed to be here.” 
“What do you mean you weren’t even supposed to be here…” her voice was hoarse, laced with shock “were you going to die?” Memories of her own childhood rushing back. Darknesses that creeped in when no one was around. When it felt like she could never be free. 
Her question was like ice water on his fire. Cooling him off so that he was standing there gasping for air. 
“No I… I was going to leave everything for someone.” 
“I…” she stammered unsure how or what to say. All her suspicions confirmed yet so many more questions filling her up. 
“Like I said it’s not you,” he said, turning. His words ripped into her. A million cuts pouring out polling around her. His large back to her unable to face her and what his truth would do to her. 
It only took a few steps and he was gone. Out the door. Running from her. From the reality that not only had he ruined his own life with his delusions but someone else’s too 
Like she said. She gave everything to come here. 
To a broken man  
 ------------------------------------
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rokutouxei · 4 years
Text
lips against his mouth
ikemen vampire: temptations in the dark arthur conan doyle / mc (avril) | T for language | 2902 | [ao3] somehow even if you know you’ll always lose the game to arthur, you keep playing. losing is worth it anyway. | @ikevamp-holiday-exchange happy holidays, @littlelady-blackwell, I hope this is to your taste!
Holiday season in the mansion was nothing less than as extravagant as its master. In truth, the celebration was less for the religious significance, and more for the sheer luxury of it—one that Le Comte would not dare miss out on. 
While the untouched-by-time duo expressed no exact preference for their meal, the rather interesting mix of cultures of the other mansion residents led to a very colorful spread on the table—among many other dishes, some Kerststol for the Dutch brothers, some foie gras and caviar for the French soldiers, some dainty wagashi for the Japanese author, a variety of puddings and pies for the two Englishmen, some Glühwein as requested rather curtly by the musician, and, mostly for the humor of the time-slipped cook of the night, the closest he could get to his hometown’s favorite Christmas meal: take-out fried chicken cooked with 11 secret herbs and spices.
You beam. “Well, seems like our work here is done.”
“We made a good team, I think.”
You and Sebastian started your preparations long before the sun rose, and your hands were full with work from that moment on. But now that you’ve finally finished plating all the multiple courses of the multiple cuisines of multiple meals, it seemed very much worth it. A beautiful aroma—just about the smell of Christmas, gingerbread, pine cones, cinnamon—wafts from the dessert tray waiting on the side like a blessing, enticing people toward the beautifully laid table with everything from soups and salads to a beautifully carved duck.
At exactly six o’clock, the mansion residents slowly made their way out of their rooms and into the dining hall, each one marveling at the feast in front of them.
The dinner is, of course, nothing short of a success. Le Comte applauds both you and Sebastian for a job well done, and everyone is munching happily on the comfort Christmas food in between sips of wine and rouge. At some point, Vincent shares a story about Christmases with his family when he was much younger, and Mozart—in a drunken half-stupor—also interjects with a few of his own stories. The holiday cheer envelops the entire room, but something is missing, and you desperately try to fill it by being busy half-listening half- trying to shove a bit of everything on the table onto your plate.
Until he arrives, at last.
At first you don’t pay attention to him. Vincent and Dazai greet him rather happily when he enters—“Christmases are better when you’re complete,” Vincent says with a happy hum—but he doesn’t make a move to approach you. When you sneak a peek, he’s piling up with some pudding and a slice of an apple pie he’s surely saved to give for Isaac, based on how it’s placed on his plate. But you don’t raise your voice, don’t bring it up, just continue to focus on the flow of conversation, and now it’s Napoleon talking about Christmas masses at the Notre Dame. Not today, you tell yourself, you won’t give him what he wants.
Until he begs for it.
“Well hello love, fancy seeing you here.”
In a moment he has one arm slung around your shoulder, and his bangs brush against the soft of your cheek. You don’t even turn to look when you answer. “Why are you late? Where were you?”
“Why, if you’re that cross at me, I can imagine you’d be furious at how old chap Theo isn’t here yet either,” Arthur says.
“At least he had the decency to tell me he’d be out late tonight for a client thing,” you bite back. When you turn to Arthur and he only grins back, you push a large bite of kerststol into his open mouth before turning away again. “I’m not listening to your excuses. Finish your food.”
“Little bird, don’t be upset.” He presses a gentle kiss to your cheek, and he sounds so concerned your little faux anger is starting to thaw at the edges. “I went to get you a present. And a game.”
One thing you hate—because you are absolutely weak to it—is when Arthur relies on a moment of vulnerability to get you to turn to his side. Every damn time he does this, you insist this is some sort of manipulation, but on the other hand Arthur likes to call it “an act of love.” Today, Arthur relents by pressing his chin against your shoulder rather softly, and winding his hands around your waist.
Oh, drat.
“I’m not upset,” you finally relent. You lost that one from the start. “But a game? What game?”
The face Arthur makes—half-grin, half-smirk—only spells trouble.
But that’s the face you fell in love with, and if you were ride or die with it ‘til the end.
“You know how Le Comte has lived a bloody long time now, right?” Arthur begins. “Now, I was snooping around once—no need to ask why—but I found this nice old bottle of Chartreuse in the cellar. Not just aged old, but straight-from-the-first-ever-casks-made old. Authentic antique stuff. Probably taste like god’s alcohol. Thought I’d come back for it some other day, but I never really got to, and based on my last look at Le Comte’s room, he hasn’t taken it up with him yet. So it should still be there.”
You know where this is going, but you’d rather confirm the crime first. “So what do we do?”
“Simple: we find the bottle, and we drink it,” Arthur says. “But not just drink it, we play a game with it. When—and I say when—we find that bottle, we play truth or drink. First one to get drunk loses.”
“You don’t have the best alcohol tolerance, Arthur.”
“Neither do you, and that’s why I’m betting on mine.”
“Fine,” you surrender. Only a few minutes with him and it seems like he always has the upper hand. And yet somehow you don’t dislike that. “But the one who doesn’t find the bottle gets a glass headstart.”
He grins, gesturing toward the unattended door. “That’s what I like about you, pet. Let’s go.”
-
Because life is unfair and you are not the mind behind legendary detective Sherlock Holmes, Arthur finds the bottle before you. He hums happily as he pulls out the dark Chartreuse bottle out from the shelf, leaving you astounded in front of the white wine bottles. He says something about knowing the year Chartreuse was made and the order everything was arranged, but that doesn’t matter anyway because you’ve lost.
Luckily, he doesn’t doom the both of you into drinking in the cellar, so after carrying out a pair of beer bottles and also one with red wine, the both of you make your way to the garden, settling under the gazebo, the only light the dim glow from the mansion and tiny specks of starlight. You place the beautiful crystal glasses you’ve “borrowed” from the little feast on the table and Arthur pops open the drink.
“This isn’t the only reason you took us down here, is it?” you ask him, as he pours some Chartreuse—a beautiful green-yellow liquid that smells amazing.
“Is it so bad I want to have my lady alone to myself on Christmas Eve?” he says as he finishes pouring his own glass. “How about a toast to a wonderful holiday?”
You do a toast and drink under the night sky, faintly hearing the bustle from inside the dining hall. Arthur turns towards you and gives you a look.
“Would you rather be back inside with the rest of them?”
You pause for a full moment—just to mess with him; you see his expression slowly shift—before answering, “No, I’d rather be out here with you.”
“Golly, sure like to give me a heart attack, don’t you?” he chuckles. Then he turns towards you with a glint in his eyes. “Let’s play the game, Avril.”
-
The penalty of single glass of Chartreuse headstart? That hit hard. After you downed it you immediately regretted saying it in the first place. What kind of confidence did you have in that moment that you’d find the bottle first anyway? It was Arthur who saw the bottle before you even began. He was bound to win. But a game is a game and it must be played.
You swirl the Chartreuse on your glass and turn to Arthur.
“Since I had the first glass, you answer first.”
“Sure,” he says, tilting his empty glass towards you.
“Let’s start with something simple,” you consider. “After you turned into a vampire, what thing was the hardest change for you?”
“Oh, those kinds of questions. I was thinking the naughtier kind.”
You glare at him. “Hey, you don’t have a say on the questions I ask. Just the answers. C’mon.”
“Well,” he pauses. “I think the one that took a while to adjust to was the food. Or rather how it wasn’t needed anymore. Sure, Sebas cooks meals as normal, but it’s not the same kind of satisfying as with, say, humans eating food. Rather like a vice, really: enjoyable, but otherwise rather empty.”
You frown, thinking of the plates and plates of food you’ve eaten with Arthur. “But it’s not as bleak as you make it out to be, is it? It’s still pleasant, right?”
“Of course it is!” he says. “Especially when it’s with you.”
The smile returns to your face. “Okay, your turn.”
“How experienced are you when it comes to sex?”
You feel your face flush bright red, and this isn’t the alcohol, you’re sure. “What?”
“No objections allowed on the questions,” Arthur says, mirroring your answer earlier.
You huff. “And then what? You’re going to get jealous and blame me for it?”
“That’s assuming there’s anything I can be jealous of?” he hums. “I already have you. Why would I still be jealous?”
You look hesitantly at Arthur, and he points at the Chartreuse bottle as if saying, if you don’t trust me, then drink? But you do trust him, you do, and that’s the hard part. You sigh in defeat and whisper a vague detail in his ear, something just enough to sate his interest and nothing in gory detail. You squeeze your hands on your lap. Your greatest worry is that he judges you, after all.
But he only smiles at you. “Interesting! Thank you for entertaining my little curiosity.”
You are filled with relief. “Why were you so curious about it anyway?”
He shrugs. “Just wanted to know where you learned to be like that.”
You’re sure all your blood has now rushed to your cheeks. “Arthur!”
“Yes, yes, okay, I’m stopping,” he laughs, shrugging you off. “Your turn.”
“Next time ask a better question,” you say while pouting. You consider your next question as a point of counterattack. “Oh, oh, I have a good one.” You raise your glass towards him. “I know you were always chasing after ‘little skirts’ and all, and you’ve made an entire living out of it in the past—”
“I did not! Who said that?”
“—but my point is, have you ever—even just tried—to be with a dude? Even just once!”
Arthur considers this for a full moment, pursing his lips and even running his tongue over it, before he takes the Chartreuse bottle and begins to fill his glass up. Your jaw goes slack.
“Really? You’re drinking to that?”
“Some men have to keep their secrets, you know.”
“I won’t judge you, Arthur.”
“I know you won’t,” he says, before he downs the contents of the glass. “But this relationship would benefit from a bit of mystery, don’t you think? Besides, this game is no fun if no one drinks.”
“Fine,” you say, relaxing back into your seat. “Your turn.”
“Okay. What’s the thing you like best about me?” Arthur asks.
In that instant, you can think of a million answers, and listing them would maybe take you forever, but you decide the best one to say is nothing, so you pour some Chartreuse into your glass.
He pouts. “Now you’re doing that just to spite me.”
“So what if I am?”
“Oh, I’ll find a way you’ll tell me, one way or another,” Arthur concedes, and you only smile as you take your drink.
You don’t know how long the two of you sit out there drinking, but if the moon was any indicator, as it soared across the night sky, then you’ve spent a good amount of time out here. The questions don’t run out, from the mundane to the absolutely scandalous, firing at each other, seeking outrageous answers with the confidence of a drunk man on remembering what occurred overnight. At some point you switch from drinking as a penalty to drinking for the fun of it, and it doesn’t take long for the Chartreuse to go empty, and so Arthur pops open the next bottle, and the next. Luckily, the tipsiness doesn’t hit you enough to make you black out, just very gooey on the edges, and eventually you end up lying with your head on his lap. By this time you’ve given up the glasses for drinking straight from the bottle—“like a real pirate!”—which you alternate taking swigs out from.
Tongue loose, you look at Arthur’s blue, blue eyes and smile softly. “Hey, you know that thing you asked earlier?”
“Mm?”
“About what thing I liked about you?”
He pouts again. “Yeah, you refused to answer it.”
“No, no, no, baby, don’t pout,” you say, reaching out for his face. “There’s a reason for it. And it’s because I didn’t want to tire my tongue out talking. Because it’s everything.” You feel a grin form on his face. Taking this as a sign of approval, you begin to babble. “I like you. You know how weird it is to be this attracted to someone? Even I didn’t think I could fall in love like this. Just completely, fully, over-the-moon… ugh. I love you. I love all of you. Every single square inch of you, even your big, big, big, big”—a moment to consider—“brain.”
Arthur clears his throat and gives you a knowing smirk, to which the two of you laugh.
“Baby,” you coo. “I have another question.”
“What is it?”
You take a moment as if considering your question, but then realize there is nothing you have to fear when you have Arthur next to you. You stare at him with eyes filled with an infinite love, and ask, “Why did you choose me?”
Taken off-guard by the look on your face, Arthur turns away from you and looks up at the mansion, where he sees the faint shadow of Le Comte and Leonardo talking by the balcony. The party must have long been over by this time. Behind the mansion is a vast black sky, illuminated by the dim blue light of stars.
He begins to stroke your hair with his hands, soothing fingertips smoothing out the strands. You nuzzle against him—nearly purr, like a cat—but don’t insist on the question, don’t rush him, and Arthur doesn’t quite have the courage to look at you yet because he knows if he does he might just burst into vulnerable tears.
What a silly question, he thinks. What does it mean to choose when there are no other options? Sure, he’d been playing around but it wasn’t like he was looking for something like this. He hadn’t expected he’d be able to find something like this at all. Arthur loved the game—and he loved to play it, and he thought he could play it forever and ever and ever.
He couldn’t. He didn’t want to, anymore.
So no. There were no options. But that doesn’t mean that he had only chosen you because there was no one else. It was how he did not want anyone else. No one had passed the test. No one else had the qualifications. There was an entrance exam to Arthur’s heart and you had aced every single assessment.
But even that wasn’t right. You didn’t go out of your way to seek him out or romance him. It was all rather… organic. You weren’t just a hopeful, you weren’t some sort of candidate. You weren’t a selection on a list. You never were.
Arthur’s voice hides deep inside his voicebox like a scared mouse, like if he dares make a sound he’ll be found out. But he knows these are words that deserve to be heard. So he says it.
“I didn’t choose you, little bird,” he finally dares to say, his voice small and weak like it’ll crumble, with the bottle’s lips against his mouth, “It was you who had chosen me.”
But by the time this answer leaves his mouth you had long fallen into the realm of sleep, snoring lightly and rather adorably on his lap. Not that it matters, Arthur thinks, as he finishes the rest of the bottle and stares out at the sprawling garden. He doesn’t even need alcohol, the next time. He’ll say it again and again and again if you ask.
Tomorrow he’ll give you your Christmas gift. But he knows that no matter what he gives, it will never match the gift you have given him in allowing to be his.
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venomous--fics · 4 years
Text
everything i wanted CH1
It’s a Date.
Relationship: Peter Parker x Robot!Stark!Reader
Words: 4.4k
A/n: The pacing seems kinda rushed, but trust me, it’ll work out. This chapter is setting stuff up. Feedback is appreciated! Requests are open! Shoot me a message if you want to be in the taglist for the new chapters!
STORY: 
Being a teenager was hard. It was even harder when you were never allowed outside of the famous Avengers Tower. You’ve been stuck here for 15 years. Every time you asked to go out and do anything relatively normal, your dad always shot you down. He almost seemed paranoid, like the very second you left, a meteor would fall from the sky and crush you.
Implausible, you thought, but not impossible. You haven’t brought it up in a while, because you knew your dad must’ve been getting so tired of hearing it. But you just wanted to go outside…. You can always see kids walking home, or to a deli shop with their friends and backpacks. They always looked so happy and looked like they were telling good stories. 
You wanted that. You wanted friends, but all you had was an old tattered rabbit named Cuppy. You loved him, and he’s been with you since day one, but, sometimes… His silence was harsh. 
You were told to stay out of Tony’s lab, especially today, as he was going to be showing the new recruit the rope, and talk serious business… But you were growing agitated in your room. You pushed yourself off your bed and marched your way to the lab, knowing full well that your dad has strict rules about you being in there, even if there was no important business to attend to. 
Somehow, you had mellowed out halfway there, and froze in front of the door. Should you really be mad at him? He only meant well. You froze when you heard voices coming into the living room area, and you panicked, not wanting to confront anyone anymore. You meant to move yourself to sit on the couch, but amidst your anxious state, you tripped over the coffee table and fell face first into the floor. 
“Are you okay?” a shocked voice asked, rushing over to you.
“I’m okay,” you said sheepishly.
You turned and saw the prettiest boy in the entire world. Of course, he was the only boy you’ve ever seen your age, but boy, he was still so pretty. You didn’t need a mirror to tell you that your eyes were probably wide and shining, mouth hung open in awe.
He was wearing Edith, the glasses you helped your dad design. You could still tell that behind the blue lenses, his eyes were brown, and his hair matched. he looked like a deer in the headlights for another moment while he helped you up, and then a smile spread across his face. You weren’t sure what was going on, but you felt warm inside. Almost like there were butterflies. 
You blinked a few times before looking over his shoulder at your dad, who just had his hand covering his face. Disappointed or in shame, maybe even embarrassment, you weren’t exactly sure.
“I haven’t seen you around..Are you new?”
You stared back at the boy, who was still awkwardly holding your hand, you looked down at your hands before looking back up at him, “N-no, I.. Uhm, I…Live here. I’m.. Uh, Y/n.”
“Oh!” he chirped, “You’re Y/n? I’ve heard so much about you!”
You smiled again, feeling your insides freak out. Golly, he was adorable. People from the outside must be cute, but this boy, holding your hand, looking so gosh darn attractive in those silly glasses… Was the cutest person in the world. Would it be weird to say that? To his face?
“And you are..?”
The boy seemed confused, almost like he didn’t hear what you said, before snapping back to reality, “Oh! I-Yeah, I’m.. Parker- PETER! My name is Peter. Parker. Peter Parker.”
“Nice to meet you, Peter..” You said kindly, almost like you were an old computer having to reboot. Funny.
Peter realized he was still holding your hand when he heard Tony clear his throat. He immediately retracted them and held them at his sides, and you could’ve swore you saw his cheeks turn red.
“Well, Parker, think it’s time for Happy to take you home?”
“Yeah, right. Of course.” Peter stammered, bumping into the same table to you had just tripped over a moment ago.
“I’ll..” you looked at him, “See you again? Peter?”
He just met you, but he liked how you said his name. It was cute.
“Sure! I’ll be back tomorrow.”
“Okay.” you smiled.
You watched Peter leave and you ran to the window up front to watch Happy pull away in the dark car. You were already wondering if Peter was looking at you from the window. What was his favorite snack? Favorite hobby? Does he have friends? 
And much like the romantic movies you had stolen from your mom, you rested your cheek on the palm of your hand. This was the part in the movie where the love interests meet. 
Tony, who knew too much, and knew how this would play out, had to do everything he could to keep you away from that kid. For your sake. What would Peter think if he found out the truth about you? You didn’t even know what you were..
“So, are we reenacting Romeo and Juliet now?” Tony asked, sarcastically. “Original or Leo DiCaprio?” you asked, not tearing your gaze away from the window.
Tony thought for a second. He furrowed his brows in confusion for a moment before he just said, “No.”
“Why?”
“Come on,” Tony hesitated, what do normal parents do in this situation?
“Yes?”
“Well–….Peter is just…Look-” Tony sighed, he’s never done this before… If that wasn’t obvious enough, “Now, listen.”
“Listening.”
“Peter needs to focus on this internship thing.”
“Being Spider-Man isn’t an internship. It’s a full time job.”
“Y/n.”
You turned to look at your dad, “Dad, c'mon, how long did you expect me to play dumb? I know everything around this … house.” You paused, “I guess, technically, to me, it would be a house.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Dad, we live here. I’ve never left here..” You thought about it, “Guess it’s more like a prison.”
Tony crossed his arms, a bit offended. The tower wasn’t a prison. It was a safe haven. He had it built for everyone he cared about to take refuge in. 
You turned your attention back out the window, crossing your arms on the window sill and resting your chin on them. You looked down at the lights and winding streets below with longing. Why couldn’t you be where all the normal people were? Why did you have to be some sort of caged bird?
Tony opened his mouth to say something, sarcastic probably, but you cut him off, “Am I sick?”
“What? Heavens, no.”
“Is there…Something wrong with me?”
“No..”
“Then why can’t I go outside and be normal? Why do I have to stay in? Or on the Towers yard? That’s not very fair…”
Tony knew this was going to happen. Yet, even knowing that, he hadn’t prepared himself to handle it. He was hoping you’d just never actually question why. What the hell was he supposed to say? 
“It’s complicated.”
“You always say that.”
Pepper, to everyone’s surprise, stepped in, “What he means is..”
You glanced at her when she took a seat next to you and fixed your hair, “He’s just afraid of you getting hurt.”
You huffed, “That’s normal, though.”
“Maybe so…But, doesn’t mean we want it to happen.”
You figured the conversation was going to go in circles. It always did. You’d beg to go outside, into town, something. They’d promise you that they’d tak about it, but they never did. Rinse, repeat. Your mom took your silence personally this time.
She never said it, but it always hurt to have to pretend like she didn’t know why you couldn’t be normal. Part of her wanted Tony to just DO something about it. Even if his choice would hurt. In all honesty, you were never meant to stick around this long, but everyone got so attached… Tony was so proud of what he’d done, but now, Pepper seemed to be regretting it. She loved you, and that was the problem. 
It felt wrong, almost. It felt so cruel to string something as innocent as you along with their cruel game of house. She and Tony played the roles of mom and dad, even though, deep down, they knew that it couldn’t stay that way forever. How would they explain what was happening when they were old and dying, and you remained 15? 
How were they supposed to explain that you weren’t even a real kid? They figured you’d realize when you remembered that you’ve never eaten anything before. You’ve never gone swimming, obviously… But you always chalked this things up to different excuses. Some super powered alien. A special human who just never gets hungry.. Always something.
Pepper would lay awake at night, wondering if…You knew what you were, and maybe you were playing your part too. She wondered what it was like for you. Had Tony programmed you to actually love? Or were you just a super computer that just… Knew what to do. How awful this life turned out to be.
A life was created out of nothing, to fill a huge void, when in reality, they should’ve just adopted. But Tony knew that would’ve been wrong as well, seeing as the name ‘Stark’ would’ve pushed them to the very top of the list, moving parents who’ve been on the waiting lists for God knows how long. And Tony thought he’d humor himself.
There was no way he could make an AI THAT advanced. He swore he’d never do that again after the whole Ultron incident. But Tony has never kept his word, so, it was easy to go against it. It started as a joke, but then he stopped sleeping for days at a time. He became obsessed with finishing what he started.
He thought about all the things he’d do with the child he created. He’d take them to the park, to the library, hell, to the moon if they wanted to go. But all that changed when he actually finished the thing. What if someone who wanted to destroy him got a hold of the code? 
It could be the end of the world. Maybe people would think Tony was some sort of freak for playing God and creating life from digital files and spare parts. He wound up deleting the code after everything was complete. No even saving it to a back up drive or anything. You were a one and only type of deal. If anything were to happen to you, it would be permanent.
So he kept you inside. Nobody would hurt you. Nobody would use you. You couldn’t get broken… You’d be okay. You’d be just fine, he thought. Guess he was wrong. That’s a first. 
Both of them were so lost in thought, that they hadn’t notice you leave the room. You had gone to your bedroom, almost like routine. You crawled into bed, thinking about everything. 
You remembered the one time you overheard your Aunt Natasha and Uncle Bruce talk about the fair that was down at the pier. They were talking about it to Steve and Bucky, who had never gone to try any of that type of thing. They had left in the evening to go, and you remember watching from your bedroom window. 
You remember the big wheel with lights. It looked so small from where you were, but you were still hypnotized by it. You could see the rides that spun and carried people up in the air.. You wanted to go. You wanted to know what real fun was like.
You recounted another time of disappointment. You dad had promised to take you to Europe, because him and your mom had business there, so they promised that Happy could take you sight seeing. He even bought you a camera. But they left without you. You remember asking why you couldn’t go… “Change of plans, kiddo.”
And what about the time they had to fight Uncle Loki and the aliens? You helped as much as you could, and you had even showed off the mini iron suit you had built in your free time. What did you dad say? “No, you have to stay put.”
You remember destroying that suit. What was the point in having it if you couldn’t put it to use? Why did they always do this to you? Normally you’d let it go, but, after meeting Peter, you wondered why you couldn’t be like him.
You shut your eyes, forcing yourself to just cut it out. They weren’t bad people. They obviously loved you. They wouldn’t keep you around if they didn’t. You relaxed a little and everything just kinda slipped away as you fell asleep.
The weeks were passing rather fast, but that didn’t seem to bother you anymore. You had a friend now. You and Peter had started a new, exciting routine. 
Everyday, even if he didn’t have “intern” work with your dad, he’d find himself in your room. Activities changed from day to day. Some days you’d talk about what Peter did at school, or you’d help him with his homework.
Much like the cliche’d movies you loved so much, you found yourself wanting to be with Peter as much as possible. He never ceased to make you smile.. He always laughed at your jokes, and you laughed at his. It felt right.
“Oh!” Peter exclaimed, pulling his beat up phone out of his pocket, “Ned and I finished our lego Death Star set yesterday.”
“Ned?” you tilted your head like a confused puppy, “Lego?”
“You don’t know what Legos are?”
“The..” you paused for a moment, “Building blocks?”
“Yeah!” he smiled so sweetly, “Don’t tell me…you’ve never been allowed to have a lego set.”
You looked around your room, “I’ve never had one, no. Pretty sure my dad would think it’s a waste of time.”
“I’ll bring you one tomorrow. We can build it together!”
Together? A real project..?
“That would be really,” what did the cool kids say, “Groovy.”
Peter let out a little laugh again, “Groovy!”
You peeked over at his phone, “So, who is Ned?”
“Oh! He’s my friend! I’ve known him – Since forever, really.“ 
“That’s a long time.”
“You’ll have to meet him sometime.”
“I’d like that. Could always use more friends– N-not that… You’re not enough. You’re plenty- I mean, you’re…” you rubbed your arm nervously, “I mean you’re pretty cool.”
Peter put his phone away and lightly elbowed you, “Thought you’d say I was groovy.”
“I sense that you’re making fun of me. Does..Is groovy even a thing anymore?”
“It is now.”
You weren’t sure what to bring up now, so you shuffled through your mental index cards, but you came up with nothing. You two sat in a surprisingly comfortable silence while Peter shuffled through his text books and skimmed his notes. 
“Sorry that I don’t have much to talk about,” you said in unison.
You both looked a bit surprised and flustered at each other, your cheeks turning red as you both giggled. 
“It’s fine,” again, you both said, “Sorry.”
You both laughed. How silly this must seem to both of you.
“That doesn’t normally happen,” Peter smiled at you, “It’s alright. I don’t mind if it’s quiet.”
You moved closer to him and looked at his notes. his handwriting looked just as cute as he did. That didn’t surprise you at all. Peter got his phone out again and put on some music.
You’d never heard most of the songs he listens to. There was the occasional Led Zepplin, Queen or even AC/DC in the mix, but some of the songs were newer. Outside what your dad blares over every speakers in the tower, so his “creative flow” doesn’t get interrupted if he leaves his lab, you didn’t really bother with music. Of course, there were the rare times where you’d sit with your mom in the living room area and you enjoyed her music while she read. She was much more of a classical music type of woman. She enjoyed Tony’s music, but would often complain that it’s too loud, or it’s just noise. She did it just to rile him up a bit, mostly.
“Don’t mind most of these. Ned likes to add to the list.”
You’re learning a lot about Ned through the songs he’s obviously picked. You slumped against the side of your bed and looked at the ceiling. Peter noticed and immediately went rummaging through his backpack.
You were a bit startled when a light, papery item was dropped into your lap. You looked down at it. 
“What is.. it?” you asked, innocently.
“A comic book.” he replied, “C'mon… Really? You haven’t read a comic book?” You looked at Peter, and then down at the thin book, picking it up and opening it. Covered was much too dark for your tastes. Batman? Seemed a bit too…gruesome, didn’t it? Half man? Half Bat???
“I’ve heard of them, but, never got to look at one.” You said, flipping it open and reading over the first page.
“Well,” Peter started, setting his book aside and taking one side of the book, “This is about a guy named Bruce Wayne, but he’s actually Batman.”
“Gross.“ 
Peter adjusted your hand, and you weren’t sure if it was intentional, but your fingers were touching, and you were no longer staring at the book, or even hearing what Peter was saying. You were looking at him.
”-And that’s why he became Batman- But, I mean, if you want to read about it, I have the rest at home. My Uncle Ben collected them, so I have boxes full.“
“I think I’d like it.”
Peter had never looked so thrilled in his life. You wondered if that meant something, he was Spider-man after all. You still had so much to learn, but, a chime from his phone let him know that it was time for him to leave for the day. It got harder and harder watching him go, knowing that you had to stay behind. You felt like a lost puppy in that aspect. Everything became so mundane without him around, and that’s saying something.
You days were now spent waiting at the window for Peter. You learned the schedule. Based on what the internet told you, most schools got out at 3:15ish. And depending on how Peter gets here, it takes anywhere from 15-30 minutes. So if he arrived later than 4:00, you worried a little
But, much like clockwork, you saw the boy arrive right on time. And just as promised, Peter brought a lego set and more comic books the next day. It almost felt like Christmas. He welcomed himself in and the two or you went to your room, again, much like routine. 
You eagerly took the lego box from him while he set the stack of comic books on your computer desk. He watched you examine the box, and he had to be honest, it must’ve been a little weird, but.. He liked you. You were pretty cool. Most girls think the stuff he likes is weird or stupid or childish.
“A rocket ship?” you turned the box over and sat on the floor, “How exciting!“ 
Peter joined you a moment later, helping you carefully open all the little packages. “Yeah, Ned and I never got around to this one. I was planning on getting rid of it, but, I figured you’d enjoy it.”
You looked at all the little pieces that were scattered on your floor. You felt so.. Happy. You were so excited to finally do something normal.
Peter picked up the instruction booklet and opened it, “Now, this is going to take awhile, but let’s start at step one.”
“What is step one?”
“Find this piece.” Peter showed you the picture, “And it looks like we’ve made a mess.”
You looked at the picture again, and then at all the pieces, and almost as if it was an automatic response, you over excitedly snatched the correct piece off the floor, “Found it!”
Peter, who looked a tad bit afraid at your enthusiasm, chuckled weakly, “Good job! Now the next piece.”
“And we just keep doing this?”
“Yep. We find the pieces, then we snap them together until the rocket is done.”
“This is the greatest thing I have ever done.” you whispered in amazement as you looked for the next piece.
Peter snorted and helped you put the pieces together. The cycle repeated until half the rocket was done and Peter decided it was time for a break. He shimmied over to your desk and took a comic book off of it. 
You crawled over and joined him, “Is it the Batman again?”
“Of course.”
“Why is he called that, he’s not even a bat…Seems, incorrect to me.”
“Because he hates bats.”
“Why would he name himself after something he hates?”
“Well, technically, he’s afraid of them. So, he wants people to fear him.”
“Oh,” you said, “I get it.”
You didn’t get it.
Peter handed you the book, and you decided to actually read everything and not just skim it. You had to admit, whoever drew it did a pretty good job. You could already tell there was going to be a lot of drama.
“And if you can’t stand the books– There’s some movies too.”
You didn’t lift your eyes from the papers, “You think we could watch them together?”
You then remembered the bits in the movies where that would be an invitation to a date.
“I mean like.. You could.. Tell me stuff about.. Things.”
“Sure!” Peter replied, “I’d love to-” he started laughing, “Tell you stuff about things.”
“You’re making fun of me again.”
“That’s what friends do, Y/n.” he couldn’t stop chuckling.
“Friends?”
You had figured you two were friends, but you couldn’t have been sure. There were always people in the movies would who pretend to be nice.
“Yeah, we’re friends. Aren’t we?”
“Yeah..”
“Kinda surprised you’d want to be friends with someone like me,” you two had, once again, said in unison.
“We got to stop doing that.” Peter said.
“Why are you surprised?”
“Well, I mean, you’re you and I’m.. Me.”
“You’re so cool, though.” you said softly, lowering the book, “Like, you know all this cool stuff! And, hey, you like hanging out with boring ol’ me.”
“I don’t think you’re boring.”
“No?”
“Nah.” he replied, looking over at you, “If you were boring I’d be taking a nap.”
“Hey,” you chimed, looking away from the comic book and over at him, “Do…You think.. We could …”
How would you ask the rest? Could we hang out somewhere else? Not like the living room, but.. Outside? Your place? Is that creepy??
You awkwardly looked down at the comic book, “Ah, it’s dumb.”
“I won’t think it’s dumb. I swear.”
“I was going to ask if maybe.. You’d want to hang out somewhere else. Like.. The park? I…I’ve never been to a park before.”
“You’ve never been to a park?” Peter didn’t seem to think you were serious, until he realized that every time he has seen you, it’s always been here. It wouldn’t seem so weird to anyone who knew you, this was your home after all. But he also realized that you’d never once asked to go somewhere else.
“Oh,” he said after a minute or two, “Yeah! We can totally go to a park!”
“What’s a park like, anyways?” You look at Peter, “All the movies I’ve seen make them seem like… Fun places.”
“Guess you’ll find out tomorrow, huh?”
“Tomorrow?”
“Yeah! After school, of course!“ 
Oh boy, you didn’t have a lot of time to ask your parents. You knew your mom would definitely let you, but your dad? Whole ‘nother story. You could also just messed with the security system a bit and sneak out.. Because you’ve never told anyone, but you rewired a few security features back to your room. You had found a "super secret’ panel behind your bookshelf, so using your Stark brain, you may have broken a few of your dads rules.
It’s nothing major, just…Y'know, you have the ability to disable the cameras, Friday, JARVIS, and the alarms in just your room. Needless to say but you had thought about running away just to be able to get out, so, maybe you can just skip asking your dad and be spontaneous for once.
"What park would we go to?”
“Uuuuh…” Peter looked around for a piece of paper and a pen and he gathered some, scribbling down a name, “It’s near where I live- Few blocks, actually.”
He handed you the paper, and your fingers had touched again, so you were convinced that he was doing it on purpose. You felt that fuzzy feeling again.. Maybe you were getting sick. Was that bad? That’s never happened before. Peter looked at his phone, “I should probably get going! But, hey- Uh, if you want..”
You over to him again, “Yeah?”
“Maybe, again, if you want, I could take you for a swing around New York too.”
“Sight seeing with Spider-Man?”
“Sure! If you wanna call it that…” Peter began to ramble, “I mean, it’s more like your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man doing a favor for a–”
“Like a date?” you cut in, tone laced with curiosity and innocence. You felt oddly brave for some reason.
you watched as Peter clamped his mouth shut and his face turned bright red as he tried to find the right words to use. He just looked over at you and nodded shyly. 
“Like a date,” he said quietly after a moment of thinking.
You both chuckled about it, Peter’s more out of nervousness than anything else. You stood up with Peter and walked him to the door, seemingly talking about nothing and everything all at the same time. 
“So… It’s a date?” he asked, sounding like he needed confirmation that he wasn’t dreaming.
“It’s a date.” you replied sweetly, leaning on the door as he walked outside. He waved to you with a huge grin, and you waved back, like a love sick puppy. As soon as you shut the door, it dawned on you that you just did that. You asked Peter B. Parker on a date. After talking about being friends, you jumped the gun and asked him out…Technically, you literally asked him out- But.. Oh boy, you’ve really out done yourself this time.
You turned around to go back to your room, and you jumped when you saw your dad standing a few feet away, arms crossed. He didn’t look happy. 
“A date… Huh?”
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Worm Liveblog #122
UPDATE 122: Kill the Endbringers
Last time Dinah had been taken to a hospital, and there was a very good chance Skitter would get everyone in trouble by letting her desires and ‘I know what’s good for you’ attitude cloud her judgment. Thankfully, she realized that before it was too late! Now what? Let’s find out.
Well looks like Dinah is convinced she won’t be accepted back into her home. Wow, the chapter has barely started and things are looking pretty rough already. Reminder Dinah is young. This kind of thoughts must hurt, wow. Skitter, trying to smooth things over, promises she will be received with arms wide open. Welcome home, Dinah!
“They will want you.  Just wait,” I said.  “They’ll welcome you with open arms, and there won’t even be a hint of fear.”
Oh dear. Don’t make promises that are out of your control, Skitter. Seriously, if this doesn’t go like she is saying it will...that’s going to scar Dinah so badly, and completely break her trust on Skitter. This is not good at all. I hope Dinah’s fears aren’t rooted in reality, I really do.
She even is worried because she looks pretty bad, consequences of Coil’s mistreatment and also the drugs. She thinks it’ll remind her family she has powers and freaks people out with predictions. Hmmmm...with some luck seeing her so...um, emaciated may invoke feelings of pity, perhaps some guilt if they’re aware Dinah feels so out of place. I almost would suggest she takes a look at the odds she will be welcomed back, but...but I fear they may not be favorable. Oh, geez...ignorance is bliss?
I’m not even human anymore.”
“You’re definitely human, Dinah.”
“Then why do they call us parahumans?  Doesn’t the ‘para’ part mean half?  Paraplegic, only half your body works.  Parahuman, half human.”
Hmm...is that really what ‘para’ means? I mean, paranormal sure doesn’t mean it’s half normal, it’s way above that. Paragliding is...um, it sure isn’t half gliding. Parasite doesn’t mean half a site, it’s all about adding an intruder into a body. The conclusion I’m getting is that ‘para’ is not really a reliable prefix. Thank you for coming to my linguistic discussion, was it too noticeable I have no idea what I’m talking about?
The next paragraph is Skitter making the point I was making, that ‘para’ doesn’t really mean ‘half’. She even brings up the word ‘paranormal’, like I did! Aaah, same wavelength! And she finishes her argument by saying her parents can’t judge her for stuff she didn’t choose. To that Iiii will have to disagree. They certainly could. They shouldn’t, but they could. Nothing to do but hope they don’t. I wonder if perhaps Skitter will get to talk to them before they see Dinah? I’m not entirely sure it’d be a good idea or not, but...perhaps she should consider that. Maybe.
The reason why Skitter is so aware of things like prefixes and semantics is because her mom used to be an English teacher. She has continued paying attention to that sort of things as a way to remember her. Honestly that’s pretty sweet of her. It’s...it must be nice to have something to remember your deceased loved ones by, like that. I’m glad. Speaking of family! She also mentions how she has a father, and how he is, well, not someone she has seen for a while because she puts him in danger.
As expected, the effects of Dinah’s withdrawal happen pretty quickly. Dinah is already heaving, with Skitter holding her hair. Damn, I hope she’ll be okay – but she says she won’t, the painkillers didn’t help at all. Afterwards, she says once again there’s no way her parents will accept her. You know, from how many times she’s saying it, I’m starting to fear she’s right. I want to think they will, but...with how much she has repeated it...I fear she’ll do something that’ll force the futures where they don’t accept her.
“And even if they do take me, it’ll be weird, because they can’t ignore my power now.  They pretended I didn’t have one.  Pretended I was an ordinary kid.  Pretended the headaches didn’t mean anything, like they pretended the heart disease wasn’t a thing.”
“Heart disease?  You?”
Dinah shook her head.  “Not me.”
She didn’t elaborate.  Related to her trigger event?
Oh. There’s that too. It’s going to be impossible to pretend things are fine and back to normal when Dinah was kidnapped because of her powers. I mean, measures will have to be taken so something like that doesn’t happen again, right? That’s got to include some sort of tinker technology, or guards, or something. Also, they’re a former mayor’s family. That could be used as a cover story of sorts for any noticeable security measures.
Reassuring Dinah this is the drug withdrawal talking, Skitter gets a comb and tries to make her look more presentable, so at least the parents don’t have a first sight of a young, haggard girl in the middle of the throes of withdrawal. Golly, I get shivers just from thinking about how Dinah will look. She’s feverish, she’s sweating like crazy...this won’t be pretty at all, obviously. But surely Dinah’s parents would look past all that and take her back, right? At least because seeing her like that will make them worry. Right?
...right?
Dinah asks Skitter to go knock on the door and bring her parents out. It’s time to face the music, let’s see how this particular subplot ends. Crossing fingers for a positive result! Skitter goes to the entrance and rings the bell, it doesn’t work. Instead she knocks on the door and lets a pair of flies go inside, she finds Dinah’s parents. The father takes a frying pan and gets ready, in case it’s an attack.
...
Skitter still has her costume on, doesn’t she? Cripes, what a thing to find when you open the door. No wonder the father closed the door right away! Damn! Still, I’d like to think that, if villains were to attack a residence, they wouldn’t be politely knocking on the door. Not that this fact is going to make the dad lower his guard, is it.
Of course, their first reaction is to think Skitter is trying to extort them – a reasonable thought, given she’s a villain and the first thing she says is that she has their daughter! Well, she said she brought Dinah, but still. Skitter hurries to make things clear, and doesn’t mince any words. Better that way, probably. Better for them to be aware of what Dinah is going through, than seeing her sorry state and then fall into more despair. I mean, the blow will be hard, but it’s...easier when you’re aware of what’s coming, no?
...
Gosh, that must be a nightmare for any parent.
“She has abilities, then?” the dad asked.
Oh. They didn’t know? If they didn’t, then that really adds to Dinah’s fears, then. Would they accept her, even though she has a power? Honestly, I had interpreted it all as the parents trying hard to pretend she didn’t, but...there’s really no point to feign ignorance here. Even if Skitter is a villain, she already has Dinah in her clutches.
Even though Dinah is still afraid, she accepts Skitter’s help and steps out of the car, being brought towards her family. Contrary to what Dinah was predicting – and much to my relief – her parents don’t hesitate to approach. The mother immediately hugs her, the father comes behind just a second later, which I’m sure was more out of caution towards Skitter than because of anything from Dinah. There we go! A family reunited, and there doesn’t seem to be even a bit of trouble brewing. Times will be hard for them, given Dinah’s withdrawal, but I’m sure they’ll be fine. I hope.
The father even thanks Skitter! Which she tries not to acknowledge. The guilt of having been indirectly responsible for the kidnapping in the first place, you see. There’s also something else, something that’s somewhat selfish, but perfectly understandable, in my opinion:
I wasn’t sure I felt good about that.  I’d gotten this far by making the most out of every resource I had available, and by being smart about things.  This was throwing away a resource, tying my own hands.  The decision felt dumb, even as I knew it was the right thing to do.
I know, right? It’d have been so tempting to try to convince Dinah to stay and give advice about how to fight the end of the world. Dinah herself saw that in the cards, so to say. If Dinah hadn’t said it, I think Skitter would have kept her, justifying that with how it was to prevent the end of the world. She’d have promised herself that she’d return Dinah once the end of the world was averted, even if that took two years, no? I don’t know what the rest of the Undersiders would have said, but I doubt they’d have tried to return Dinah to the family. All in all, Skitter has done the right thing, even though it may feel dumb right now.
With nothing else to do there, Skitter asks the driver to get going. She also finds two pieces of paper, probably left by Dinah. I hope they’re not meant to be private, because Skitter will have to ask someone else to read those for her. Perhaps they’re little predictions about odds? Possibly about the end of the world?
Scene cut!
Heeeere’s the team! The team and also Ballistic, who isn’t part of the Undersiders, but personally I’m not discarding he may join in some manner. The situation kind of demands it. Parian is also here.
I turned to Parian.  “Didn’t expect to see you here.”
“Tattletale got in touch.  I… I apparently missed a lot.”
“You’re up for this?”
“No.  But I want to know what’s going on, in case it affects my territory.”
Oh dear! I’m pretty sure it involves the entirety of Brockton Bay. Welcome to the Noelle situation, Parian, we’re very screwed right now. There’s only one hour and forty minutes until dawn, and then it’s showtime. Probably.
There’s been one sighting of Noelle. What’s she doing, I really have to wonder. Is she just wandering around aimlessly? Either way, Parian makes a wiener dog for everyone to ride, which is simply hilarious. Here comes the cavalry, riding a wiener dog! Hah! Awesome.
“This is so lame,” Imp said.  “How are you supposed to build a decent rep if you’re caught riding a wiener dog?”
Aw, come on, Imp, it’s great! Don’t be like that.
There’s some nice banter that ends in Imp having to settle for the plush wiener dog, while Skitter rides on Bentley with Heckpuppy. Along the way, Tattletale asks if everyone is okay with she taking charge, and they all ask Ballistic for an assessment of how dangerous Noelle is. Give the deets, pal!
“It’s why I’m here.  Consider Noelle a triple threat,” he said.  “She’s strong, she’s got nothing to hold her back, now, and she’s smart.”
She’s a natural tactician, he says. I’m going to have to doubt that a little, not because I doubt Noelle isn’t smart, or able to come up with plans. I’m doubting it because, well, she was in a gaming team. That’s completely different to something like this. Skills usable there may not transfer to other things. Still, it’d be bad to underestimate Noelle. It has been said a lot about how she’s very dangerous, I’m sure she’ll be a genuine threat.
Whooops, Ballistic is sitting out of the fight. So is Parian, but that one isn’t really terribly surprising, Parian has nothing to do with any of this beyond protecting her territory. The reason why Ballistic is sitting out is because he’s sure Noelle will use him against them somehow. That’s...a reasonable concern, really. It can happen.
...is Skitter seriously underestimating Noelle right now? Come on, you can’t be serious. Ballistic says the reason why Noelle was fooled with all the lies she was told was because she trusted Trickster blindly. Even though he got her into this situation in the first place, technically? I guess that, although she blamed him, she saw him as the only one who could help her. He being the only one visiting her must also be a factor, I’m sure.
“He became team leader more because he’s fast at thinking on his feet than because he’s good at making the right call.  He took it on himself to make a whole lot of wrong calls.  I let a lot of that slide because he used to be a friend.  And maybe because they weren’t blatantly wrong.  Just a little wrong, a little disagreeable.  But at some point every call was a disagreeable call and every word out of his mouth became a white lie.  He started lying to us for what he saw as our own good.  Not Noelle with her delicate state, but us.”
I read earlier Noelle was good at being intuitive and making moves because she read the situation well. This paragraph here makes it sound like they named Francis the team leader because he was the closest they got in terms of skill.
Speaking of Trickster! He may make things much worse, or he may be of help, depending on if he’ll help them or not. Personally I think he won’t help. Tattletale just said his focus would always be on Noelle and himself. No way he’s going to do a thing if it’ll hurt Noelle, even if it’s to save Brockton Bay. What does he care, if this isn’t even his world?
There’s some briefing about what Noelle can do, I don’t really see anything we don’t already know. What’s important to remark here, at least the way Ballistic says it, is that they have to get this all done before Noelle makes clones. Parian tries to say those clones are people, Ballistic quite reasonably says they’re not. And yeah, they’re not. The way those Cody clones were acting...yeah, I doubt they could be considered people. Oh boy, there’ll totally be some clones going on, right? I bet some if not all of the Undersiders will have to face clones of themselves.
As a general rule I still don’t like clones, but...honestly, the way Worm is doing it, it seems like it could be interesting to read! Neato!
The regeneration will be somewhat troublesome, especially since it’ll make it much harder to kill her. Skitter right away says she doesn’t want to do that unless there’s no other choice. Hum.
Ballistic turned my way, and he had a funny tone in his voice as he asked, “How do you think you’re going to handle this?”
“Containment,” I said.  “If I get enough spiders together, I could try to surround her in web.”
Hum. You know, I’m not sure containing her will be a terribly good idea. She has gotten stronger; the kind of long-term containment she’d need would have to be carefully planned in order to work. She can’t just be shunted into the Birdcage, after all! And anything can happen in the time it takes to finish a vault or something to contain her. It’s way too dangerous, way too risky. I’m not sure it’s worth it. I hate to admit it, but...maybe lethal force has to be considered? Because Noelle is pretty close to being too dangerous to not subdue lethally anytime soon.
I mean, personally I think it’s not impossible the characters will figure a way to defeat Noelle without killing her, but...given the situation...I admit lethal force is more and more like a necessity here. Oh well! Skitter has been really resourceful in the past, it’s not really impossible she’ll figure something out!
Still, Tattletale accuses Ballistic of having no consideration towards Noelle because he’s suggesting to kill her, and needless to say, Ballistic didn’t like that at all. Geez, Tattletale. That could have been handled waaaay more tactfully. I can’t blame Ballistic for deciding to leave right away, he doesn’t even wait for the sausage dog to stop moving before he gets off. Welp! There gooooo all the chances of Ballistic joining the Undersiders. No way it’s happening now, or at least it’s much less likely.
Then again...maybe I’m being too callous about Noelle? I just think she is a huge danger, given everything that’s been shown. It’s always possible I’m just taking it waaaay too callously. After all, it’s way easier to make these calls when they’re fictional characters in a story.
In what’s another possibly bad move, they try to convince Parian to fight. She refuses, asking what she can do to protect her territory. She’s not interested in dealing with Noelle.
“I really don’t think we have a choice.  You fought Leviathan,” I said.
Parian shook her head, “I almost wish I didn’t.  I only did it because I promised myself when I was a kid, when I first learned about the Endbringers, that I would fight them if I ever got powers.  That’s why I did it, because I didn’t want to betray the kid version of myself.”
“Wouldn’t your child-self want you to do this?”  I asked.
“I don’t know.  But I didn’t make any promises to myself about this.”
Honestly I can’t blame her for not wanting to get involved in that. Leviathan is an Endbringer who threatens to destroy so much of the world. Its name makes everyone tremble in fear. Noelle is...well, for now, she is more of a domestic affair for the Undersiders. I don’t discard the possibility Parian will have to fight at some point, but right now? I think it’s fair she doesn’t join the fight.
Not really any time to discuss it further, because they encounter the heroes. They’re right over there. Hi! Guys, there’s a pseudoEndbringer about to destroy the city! It’s another day in Brockton Bay – and I’m so making that the slogan for Worm: It’s Another Day in Brockton Bay.
Miss Militia is here, and her immediate reaction is to aim at them with a rifle. How welcoming. There’s some wreckage here, and Miss Militia wants to know if the Undersiders had anything to do with it. Skitter very truthfully replies they were indirectly responsible, which...is that really the best thing to be saying?
...maybe, because it’d be coming out at some point, anyway.
Miss Militia’s reasoning is that there are reports that fit with what the Undersiders have done in the past, and a hero has been kidnapped. Huh. Noelle is already making her move, it seems! How screwed are we?
“Vista,” I finished Miss Militia’s thought.  “You’re talking about Vista.”
Huh. That so? That’s one versatile combatant out of the fight, indeed. I remember Skitter had mentioned earlier that they should ask the heroes’ help so they could bring containment foam and also have Vista use her powers to help. That’s going to throw a wrench into Skitter’s hopes for containment. Right now, though, the priority is explaining to the heroes they didn’t do this...directly, and that Noelle is a huge threat. That shouldn’t be hard to convince, right? I hope, at least. Time to take a look!
...or not. It’s an interlude. Well, I guess that was a time for a cliffhanger, but it certainly wasn’t what I wanted to read, I admit. I wanted more of the current situation. I hope this interlude will be worthwhile, because...yeah, I wish I could skip it to continue with the story. But hey, let’s tackle it. Onwards!
Kevin Norton, hm...the name doesn’t sound familiar. Then again, it’s likely it has been a while since I read it, so it’s not impossible I just don’t remember him. Hell, it’s possible a Norton was already shown and this is a relative. Who could this man be? He has a dog, too.
“I’ve saved millions of lives.  Billions.”
Another hand signal bidding another small woof of agreement.
He’s making some hefty claims, too. I won’t be surprised if he’s telling the truth, though. A lot can happen in Worm. Who knows, maybe he singlehandedly prevented a widespread tragedy, by foreseeing it or something. Who knows.
Nobody’s paying Kevin Norton any heed. Some parts of his clothing are pretty much falling apart. Kevin talks to the dog he’s with, saying he’s not getting much money and calling himself ‘the most powerful man in the world’ when asking for money. There’s not really much success here, so instead he decides to give the vital backstory info for the reader’s benefit. Just who are you, Mr. Kevin Norton?
Seems like he was in this area ages ago, and so much has changed since then. Kevin reminisces, remembering people who treated him well, and hopes they’re okay. Meanwhile, he gets some comfort for himself by saying he has a lot of responsibilities and he hasn’t shirked them – in fact, he makes it sound like the mere thought of having left them aside is the worst thing that could ever happen.
Also, he’s very alone. Nobody to support him, it seems. As if the world wants to make things a little worse for him, it starts raining.
Seems to me Kevin has regrets. There sure is a lot of talk about courage and cowardice here. Perhaps it’s related to he being the most powerful man in the world, according to himself? Maybe if he had been a little braver, he wouldn’t be in that position – like being the most powerful man in the world ruined his life. It’s one of those ironic things so popular in fiction, no? I wonder what’d be Mr. Wildbow’s take on it.
A woman gives Kevin ten pounds. So this is England, most likely. Quite a distance from Brockton Bay. Kevin braces himself for the judgmental scolding people who give him a lot of money usually give, and the woman doesn’t do anything like that. Instead, she makes conversation, praising the dog and asking why it’s called Duke. Kevin brings up once again he’s the most powerful man in the world. Boy, he’s fixated on that.
“Are you okay?” she asked.
“Hm?” he perked up, withdrawing his hand.
“You had a look on your face.”
“Just wondering when the last time I had contact with another person was.  Might have been a few years ago.  Pastor gave me a hug as I left his shelter.”
“That sounds so lonely, Kevin.  Years without human contact?”
“Not so lonely.  I’ve got one friend,” he said, scratching Duke’s head.
Lisette nodded.
“But you shouldn’t forget.  The little stuff.  Even a handshake?  That’s something special.  Meaningful.  Value it, even if you get it every day.”
A lonely existence with many, many years without contact. Meaningful contact that wasn’t, say, the brush of fingertips when giving money. Makes me wonder what kind of life Kevin used to have before. So much melancholy in his tone, that’s for sure.
Kevin asks the woman – Lisette, is her name – to walk with him while he talks about himself. While the woman comes with him after some hesitation, she keeps her distance because hey, no harm in being cautious. Kevin starts talking. The beginning of his problems happened when he got into a relationship with a woman who in the end wasn’t really the right one for him, but he doesn’t blame her for his trouble. In the end, Kevin realized he’s gay. Still, that wasn’t the cause for the destruction of his relationship, anyway. It turned abusive in pretty much all ways possible, and Kevin left after a while. Since then he’s been living on the streets.
The place he has taken Lisette to is where he slept first. A bit of nostalgia there – I guess...we all look to our beginnings, huh.
Lisette is asked to hold Duke’s leash for a moment while Kevin got to the water’s edge, splashing some on his face. The situation takes a turn for the unexpected when suddenly there’s a golden man floating there. Huh. Parahuman, no doubt. Duke seems a bit...hm, ears flat against the head is a sign of apprehension, right? And Lisette is speechless.
You know, unless something changed very drastically in Worm and I don’t recall/didn’t notice, there’s only one golden guy floating around untouched by debris and dirt. Is this Scion? Did Scion just...appear out of nowhere to hang out here?
“Hello old friend,” Kevin said.
The only answer was the pouring rain.  The golden man didn’t speak.
“Wondered if I would see you here,” Kevin continued.  “Been a long time.  I’d nearly convinced myself I’d imagined you.  That old dog over there, he wasn’t even born when I left, and he’s on his last legs now.  Twelve years old.”
Apparently he did, and it’s not the first time. Kevin had met him before, in this same place. Probably after leaving that abusive woman. Kevin nonchalantly returns to Lisette, and reveals Scion wasn’t ever that guy’s name. An alias, really, like all parahumans have.
This here is the reason why Kevin is the most powerful man in the world. Oh, please give more details! I’m actually intrigued by that. What’s up?
So, looks like I was right in that he met Scion shortly after he fled, encountering him and finding out Scion is sad – even if golden man’s face never changes, he’s sad in the inside, and has always been. Kevin hadn’t liked that and went to shout at him for being more miserable than Kevin was back then. Since Kevin wasn’t instantly vaporized with a laser beam back then, I guess Scion didn’t take offense to that.
In a fit of frustration, Kevin shouted at Scion why doesn’t he go and help someone. Why doesn’t he do something useful with his powers like save people or something. I guess he didn’t use to do that before, hm. And so, since then, Scion has been the hero everyone knows...because that’s all Scion has, it seems. He’s empty, according to Kevin. Saving people is...pretty much all he has. So that’s why Kevin says he has saved billions – he gave Scion the push to go be a hero, and therefore countless lives have been saved. Good thing it was Kevin who found him, then. If Scion was as easily influenced as Kevin is making it sound, then someone coming and telling him ‘hey, go commit crimes’ could have happened too, and things would be so much different right now. Maybe there’s an alternate universe fanfic with such a premise, it could be interesting to write and/or read.
According to Kevin, Scion understands, he just...doesn’t say a thing or react much or even does anything. He marches to the beat of his own drum, except when Kevin gets his hands in the way and makes him stop the beat for a second.
“It’s almost like he’s autistic,” Lisette said.
“How’s that?”  Kevin asked.
“Too connected,” Lisette said.  “Too much in the way of stimuli, drowning everything out.”
“Enhanced hearing, hearing the whole city at once?”
“Maybe.  Or maybe he senses things we don’t,” she said.  “The most powerful person in the world, and looking at him now, he’s like a child.”
Huh. Interesting thought. I wonder if that’s what’s going on. Sensing too much at once, and willfully having to cut the connections to things – or perhaps even unconsciously as some sort of protection mechanism for his psyche. Could be, no? If so, it’s a bit of a miracle Kevin got through to him at all. Hmmm...lucky, that was.
“Why?  Why avoid him?”
Kevin didn’t take his eyes off the golden man.  “He scares me.  He chose me to listen to, of all people.  I’m the most powerful person in the world, just because of that.  Because I can tell the strongest, most capable man in the world what to do.”
Hmmmm...yeah, that sounds like it can be kind of unnerving. Scion is...a mystery. His origins are unknown, all that’s known is his actions, and those are thanks to Kevin. Kevin’s nudging is what has built Scion, pretty much.
At this point I just have to wonder if maybe there’s something up with Kevin and he doesn’t know it. I mean...there’s always the possibility Kevin is being deceitful in some way, but...I don’t know, something about him seems kind of sincere. I don’t think he’s hiding something. Why is Scion listening to him, of all people? There has to be a reason, no?
Still, that’s...such a scary thought. Because since Scion doesn’t even give any indication what he’s thinking, or how he’s interpreting things, if Kevin says a wrong word some bad stuff could happen, and I think Kevin is well aware of that. Honestly, anyone would be terrified. I know I would.
It seems Scion returned every once in a while just to listen to Kevin talk. Kevin just...tended to oblige, not really minding it much, until one night Kevin said something. Something that somehow got a reaction from Scion, and given how it was established he doesn’t bother reacting to anything, that’s very significant. Kevin doesn’t say what it is, but later Scion said it and the entire world latched onto it. That scared Kevin to no end. Okay, what was it? No way this intermission won’t say it! With all that’s been said about it, Mr. Wildbow just has to, no? I want to know!
“What did you say, if the word wasn’t Scion?” Lisette asked.
Ah, I see. So, I don’t really remember the details about Scion’s one and only word, but I faintly recall it was, well, ‘Scion’, and that’s why they’re calling him that. It seems Kevin said something and Scion latched onto it, but it actually was a word similar to that one.
Shenanigans ensue when it’s revealed it was actually Xion, because Kevin is a huge Kingdom Hearts fan and wanted to share some theories he had been building.
Okay, no, hah! Just joking. That’s just what came to mind when trying to think of something similar to ‘Scion’. I got nothing, I admit. Can’t think of a word.
“Only realized later.  Was talking about home, religion and family.  Talking about a memory from my childhood.  Don’t even remember it that well, now.  But the word he paid attention to was Zion.”
“That’s Hebrew, isn’t it?”
I went to search ‘Zion’ in Google, of course. The first result is Zion, a reggaeton singer, but unless Scion here is about to bust out some urban rhythm, that can’t be it. The next result sounds more like it:
Zion (Hebrew: צִיּוֹן‎ Ṣîyōn, LXX Σιών, also variously transliterated Sion, Tzion, Tsion, Tsiyyon) is a placename in the Hebrew Bible used as a synonym for Jerusalem as well as for the Land of Israel as a whole (see Names of Jerusalem).
That’s from Wikipedia, of course. So, as I see it, maybe it can be a hint about an origin. Nothing indicates Scion popped up into existence twenty years ago or whenever Scion first appeared floating in the air, maybe he has existed for way longer than that and heard that word before. Could be a hint about origins? Hm...
The other possibility is that it’s not so much something related to him, instead it’s something he’s familiar with. Or maybe he’s searching for it. I don’t know. Something’s up with that word, that’s all that’s plainly obvious. Doesn’t seem Kevin here has any ideas, either.
The reason why Kevin came here was to talk to Scion, and make a request. Seems that Kevin once told Scion to go fight the Endbringers, but he fears he wasn’t specific enough, that maybe he should have said to kill them so they couldn’t hurt anyone anymore. That because of that, Scion just...wasn’t bothering to try all he could to kill them, and that because of his bad choice of words, a lot of people have died. Boy that’s terrifying. It’s pretty much what I had said earlier. Part of me almost hopes this doesn’t work, if only so Kevin doesn’t blame himself for all the death and destruction.
Kevin is close to death. He came here to get his affairs in order, which he’s doing by telling Scion that about the Endbringers, and also by telling him to come to Lisette here if he ever needs anything.
Kevin sighed.  “I’m here to get my affairs in order, and you’re most important after Duke.  I want you to keep doing what you were doing.  Help people.  Try to communicate with the good guys more.  I told you to do that before and you didn’t listen, but you should.  And if there’s a problem, if you need someone to listen to, someone to visit from time to time, look for this young lady.  Lisette.  Because she’s good people.  She’s a better person than I am.  Braver.  Has to be braver, if she’s stopping to talk to a homeless motherfucker like me, following him someplace.”
Wow. That’s got to be pretty awful for Lisette. Here, Lisette, you deal with the superpowered guy who doesn’t even give any indication he wants to listen to you. Honestly, it’s a bit of a curse, given how much grief that brought Kevin, and how Lisette, who is privy to why exactly it made Kevin so antsy, will have to undergo it too. It sucks for her, honestly. Goodness gracious.
I’m not sure if Scion will come to her or not, but...what’s done is done, no? Guess she...well...will have to deal with it, if he does come. I know it’s not like Kevin could have asked her permission because really, who’d say yes? But still, wow, that’s rough for Lisette.
Of course, Lisette seems kind of panicked about this. With good reason!
Kevin didn’t turn around or stop walking as he raised his voice to respond over the sound of the pouring rain.  “Good deal, isn’t it?  Ten pounds to become the most powerful person in the world.”
Methinks she may be regretting giving those ten pounds, honestly. That’s pretty rough.
That’s where the interlude ends. I see the tags here, where the character names usually are written, only has ‘Scion’. I guess that means Lisette won’t appear anymore, which is...understandable, honestly. What are the odds she goes to hang out in Brockton Bay for no reason at all? As I see it, it’s possible she’ll appear in a future interlude, but that’s it. I hope she’ll be okay, even if she was given this burden to deal with.
So, the intermission was...it was interesting. Somehow, although half of the time I’m annoyed by intermissions, Mr. Wildbow always manages to deliver. I can’t remember an interlude I ended dissatisfied with. I guess next time the story continues! But for now, this update is over.
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