#//this was technically for the story based thing but i wanted to have fun with this

[thepandalion]

yknow

one of my favorite tropes is casual use of OCs in fanfic

like. the guy goes to a convention and makes some friends and they're all OCs. or the guy goes to a new school and all his friends there are OCs. or. any number of things like that

and it sucks that usually the connotation of "OC in fic" is actually about self inserts of the author (which... is fine? typically has bad connotations of being cringe or whatever but I'm currently technically co-authoring a reader insert fic so yknow. cringe is dead) and that the only OC in those types of fics is the self insert. gimme more fics where there's like a dozen OCs seamlessly integrated into the canon characters' lives

[corellianhounds]

Me writing what should have been at most a bullet point one-shot comedic romance adventure: “hee hee hoo I’ll knock this out in no time”

Me, four months later and 112k+ words in: “Hmm I think I need to look at the practical engineering reference guide again so we can really assess the recycler issue on this cistern in the compound because I don’t know that they could have it on the lower level if the mountain rock is going to have a level 9 on the Mohs hardness scale—”

[zorobff]

how to disappear. (opla!zoro x fem!reader)

synopsis: joining luffy’s crew made you believe that you’d finally escaped your former pirate crew and nightmare of a captain for good. that is, until a certain butler starts looking a little too familiar. good thing zoro’s keeping a close eye on you.

warnings: opla spoilers (ep 3), some direct dialogue from opla, mentions of verbal/physical abuse, kuro is just a weirdo tbh, reader is called a bitch, protective zoro, for the sake of the story sham and buchie joined the black cat pirates after reader left

word count: 4.7k

“this guy is full of shit.”

you knock your shoulder into zoro’s wider one. “be nice. and so what if he is?” 

zoro gives you a pointed glare. “then we should turn around and look for someone who can actually help us find a ship.” 

“all business, as per usual,” you reply, with a purposefully dramatic sigh. “why can’t you have a little fun?” 

“what about this is supposed to be fun?” zoro spits out the word like it’s poisonous. “this is the blandest village i’ve ever seen.”

you scoff. “now you’re the one that’s full of shit. nothing’s ever bland with us and you know it.” 

the us in question was your newly formed pirate crew… if you and luffy could even be considered that. having left the ship you’d been on a few years ago, you were in search of a new crew. luffy was persistent and charming — when you’d crossed paths in shells town, it took little to no time for him to convince you to join his hunt for the one piece. zoro and nami, on the other hand, had yet to follow in your footsteps. 

“well, considering that we’ve only been traveling together for a day and a half and i’ve already escaped a marine base, defeated a marine captain, and fought a clown with devil fruit powers… i’d actually have to agree.” 

you can’t help but giggle at his sarcastic delivery. “be grateful, zoro. not many pirate crews are this fun to be on, trust me. oh wait, that’s right, you still haven’t officially joined—”

“tell me about your old pirate crew,” interjects zoro, your comment having piqued his interest. 

you notice that the playful atmosphere dissipates. “god, where do i even start?” 

zoro answers that for you. “why did you leave?”

“starting with the hard hitting questions, huh?” you joke, mostly to stall. you clear your throat before you answer. “well, it was different. nothing like what luffy has going on. he actually cares about his crew… and even those who aren’t technically on it.” 

at that, a smile tugs at the corner of zoro’s lips. even you crack a small grin. although as you continue speaking, it fades. 

“on my old crew, we were dispensable. anytime something went wrong, our own captain would threaten to kill us. it was… scary, to be completely honest. there were so many times when i thought i’d die with that filthy crew. and i never wanted that. so as soon as we docked at shells town, i left.”  

zoro’s jaw clenches as imagines the things you’d seen and been subjected to. “this old captain of yours sounds like a real—”

“he was a nightmare,” you tell him. “he didn’t care that i was the only woman on board, he treated me just as horribly, if not worse.” 

zoro stops so suddenly that it takes you a second to realize he’s not walking alongside you.

“what do you mean by that.” the way zoro phrases the inquiry doesn’t even make it sound like a question. more like a demand. his narrowed eyes are fixed solely on you. holding his gaze feels… intense. 

you can’t help but glance away as you answer him. “he was just a bit of a creep.”

before zoro has the chance to try and extract more information out of you, a familiar voice calls both your names. you’re not really sure when you and zoro had fallen behind but from where you currently stand, the rest of your group looks miniature. or perhaps it’s just the massive size of the mansion behind them that makes luffy, nami, and usopp look pocket-sized in comparison. 

“why’d you stop walking?!” your captain shouts, hands pressed on each side of his mouth to amplify his voice. “get over here, we’re about to go in through the top secret entrance!” 

you vaguely make out usopp gesturing for luffy to keep his voice down. you’re sure that would warrant another comment from zoro about his reliability but he’s too busy staring at you with that expectant look in his eyes. 

“we better catch up,” you tell him, heading in the direction of the deluxe home. 

he allows you to dodge the subject and sighs, walking in long strides to catch up to you.  

“i’ve never seen a house this big before,” luffy admits, admiring the mansion along with the wellkept greenery surrounding it. 

“awesome, right?” usopp gloats, walking around like he owned the place. “kaya’s given me an open invitation to drop by anytime i want.” 

“wow.” you’re not sure if luffy was just going along with usopp’s act or if he really believed him. knowing the devil fruit user, it was more than likely the latter. “all this for just one person?”

“well, she lives here with her butler and a few other staff,” usopp replies, leaning against the stone well that sat in the middle of the lawn.

“money really shows you who people truly are,” nami mutters, eyes scanning the property. “most people only care about themselves and what’s theirs.”

zoro is quick to throw the insult back at her. “sounds like someone i know.”

you roll your eyes at his comment, though you make no effort to disagree with him. nami was a little on the materialistic side. 

“and a small staff makes for easy pickings,” she continues, proving your point.

“we just got here and you’re already planning on robbing the place blind?” you ask though you already know the answer.

“at least a little blurry,” she smirks, following behind luffy and usopp who walk toward the entrance. 

you and zoro share a look. one that says disappointed but not surprised. 

going under a shrub shaped as an arch, you’re met with a beautiful pond. you admire the pink lilies that float at the top and the bushes that were intricately trimmed into the shape of various animals. even if the people that lived here were filthy rich, at least they had good decorative taste. 

“so if you have an invitation, why are we going around the back way?” luffy ponders.

usopp’s answer is nonchalant. “oh, i never use the front entrance. like i said, this is the vip entrance reserved for special guests.”

zoro scoffs. “this guy’s definitely–”

“don’t start,” you groan, cutting him off. 

abruptly, usopp freezes and spins around, attempting to usher your crew back. “you know what, there’s actually a more exclusive entrance this way–”

the sharp swoosh of a knife cutting through the air and burying itself in the ground between usopp’s feet cuts him off. from the direction the kitchen utensil was thrown stands a heavyset gentleman with his face wrinkled in anger. his demanding voice booms through the garden, “the hell are you doing here, usopp?” 

the dark-skinned boy fumbles over his word. “buchi, buddy, uh, kaya’s expecting me.”

“another one of your lies,” the man – seemingly named buchi – seethes, grabbing him by the collar. “you ain’t welcome here and you know it.”

“i know nothing of the sort,” usopp retorts, keeping his cool even when he was practically being lifted off the ground by his shirt. “i’m here to give kaya an extra special gift.”

before buchi can get another word out, a feminine voice calls out for your companion. coming down the steps is a frail looking girl in a pink dress. on her arm is a man dressed in a crisp suit, presumably the butler usopp had mentioned earlier. though, from where you stand you can’t see either of their faces too clearly. 

“what a wonderful surprise,” she exclaims, breathlessly. 

“kaya!” usopp exclaims, returning her enthusiasm. buchi has no choice but to let him go, begrudgingly. usopp makes sure to shoot him a smug look before walking towards the young girl. “happy birthday.” 

the butler clears his throat, not afraid to intrude on their special moment. “usopp, we’ve discussed this before. you mustn’t show up unannounced.” 

“nonsense, klahadore.” kaya smiles warmly. “have you come to tell me another story? i do love hearing about your adventures.” 

“i’ll do you one better,” usopp smirks with such confidence that even you’re left wondering what kind of surprise he has up his sleeve. “i brought some of my crew!” he gestures back towards the four of you, proudly. 

your excitement vanishes. “oh. the surprise is… us.”

“well, that’s boring,” luffy agrees, just as disappointed as you are. 

kaya, on the other hand, is none the wiser. “it’s so nice to meet you. you must all stay for dinner.” 

klahadore lowers his voice. “miss kaya, it is a bit last minute. i’m afraid the kitchen hasn’t prepared for any extra guests.”

“please,” begs kaya, softly. “it’s my birthday. can’t be too much trouble can it?” 

giving in, klahadore purses his lips. “anything for you, miss kaya.” 

luffy claps his hands together. “alright! when do we eat?” 

“you don’t. not dressed like that, at least.” the butler directs himself to a staff member with teal colored hair. “sham, kindly show usopp and his friends to the guest suites. you will bathe and change before dinner.”

she follows his orders and leads the way. luffy, usopp, nami, and zoro trail behind her and you go to do the same. however, all it takes is a quick glance to stop you dead in your tracks. usually, you weren’t one to stare but klahadore’s face. that stare. so dark and depraved. 

“yes, miss?” he asks, holding your gaze. “can i help you?” 

“n-no, i…” your throat goes dry as you attempt to recover smoothly. “i just wanted to, um, thank you for being so hospitable.” 

his lips curve upwards into a sinister grin. “the pleasure’s all mine.” as if to confirm your worst fear, klahadore uses his palm to readjust his glasses. his beady eyes gauge your reaction closely.

the familiar gesture sends chills down your spine. appearance-wise, he had changed drastically but his aura was still just as menacing as you remember it. he was still the corrupt pirate captain you used to serve under. you feel like a weak and helpless subordinate all over again.

“klahadore!” giggles kaya. “you’re smiling! that’s certainly a rarity.”

he hums. “i’ve simply come to the realization that having guests once in a while can truly be a delight.”

his sickeningly sweet tone makes your stomach turn. just the fact that you were standing in front of him – captain kuro – again after all these years was nauseating in itself. last you’d heard he had died at the hands of captain morgan. how was this even possible? then again, he wasn’t dubbed kuro of a hundred plans for no reason. he always had a trick or two up his sleeve. you assumed this was no different. 

“hey, you comin’?”

you turn around to see zoro waiting for you. he meets your gaze for a moment. the softness of his eyes is a stark contrast to kuro’s. it’s a breath of fresh air. he then shifts his attention to your former captain and you swear his eyes darken. 

“yeah, sorry,” you mumble, trying not to look shaken as you walk up the steps. 

zoro follows behind you, this time closer than before.

“why would anybody even need this many clothes?”

“it’s not about need with these people, luffy. it’s about want,” nami spits, thumbing through the various fabrics on the wall. 

“at least she’s rich and nice,” luffy replies, innocently.

nami rolls her eyes. “yeah, letting us stay for dinner must be her idea of charity work.” 

“what are we even supposed to wear?” luffy continues, uninterested in nami’s criticism of the rich. 

“anything you want. when are you ever going to get the opportunity to wear things this nice?” 

you step out from behind the changing board where you’d swapped out your old tee and cargo skirt for an elegant satin dress. it was a stunning shade of olive green and frilly lace decorated the edges. not to mention, it hugged your curves in all the right ways.

nami’s eyes widen. “see, she’s got the right idea. you look amazing.” 

you smile, bashfully. “honestly, i feel amazing.”

“you look the same to me,” your captain shrugs.

nami shoots him a death glare but you intervene before she can scold him.

“way to keep me humble, luffy.”

“no problem!” 

at that exact moment, a freshly showered zoro arrives donning a silk robe. he eyes the multitude of garments that cover every inch of the room, not particularly impressed. 

“there you are. don’t you think she looks nice?” nami asks him, gesturing towards you. she doesn’t notice how you shrink under zoro’s gaze. neither does he, as his eyes take their time raking over you, from top to bottom.

he hums. “suits you.” with that, he sets off towards a chair in the corner of the room.  

“seriously?” sighs nami, exasperated. “are you two physically unable to give compliments or something?” 

“hey, doesn’t that butler seem familiar to you guys?” zoro asks, promptly ignoring nami’s complaint. 

his question causes your breath to hitch. you’d pushed the kuro problem to the back of your mind while you were in search of a suitable dinner outfit. you figured that as long as your crew was by your side, he wouldn’t dare try anything. and even if he did… well, you’d seen what had happened to axe-hand morgan and buggy. 

“yeah, i think he was at the last dinner party i attended,” nami replies sarcastically, taking a handful of dresses behind the changing board. 

as he takes a seat, zoro grumbles, “i swear i’ve seen him before.” 

“where?” you can’t help but ask, fiddling with the lace on the neckline of your dress. 

“so far, i’ve got two suspicions. a wanted poster or funky bar on mirrorball island. you ever been?”

you know zoro’s teasing you, judging by the grin on his face. after all, funky bar was known to get insanely rowdy; never would he imagine finding someone as gentle as you there. but what he didn’t know is that it happened to be one of kuro’s favorite bars. per his request, you and the rest of the black cat pirates frequented it often, so he was more than likely right about having seen kuro there. he’d probably even seen you in passing, once or twice. thankfully, he doesn’t seem to have any recollection of that.

the thought of zoro knowing about your past forms a knot in the pit of your stomach. would he think less of you for having joined such a ruthless crew at one point in your life? what if it put a strain on the friendship you’d worked so hard to form? 

“i’ve, uh, heard of it,” you decide to reply, pushing down your worries for the time being. 

he tilts his head slightly, thinking out loud. “then again, i have seen a lot of wanted posters and bars in my time as a pirate hunter.”

you feel a grin creep onto your face. “probably more bars than posters, huh?”

zoro mirrors your smile. “shut up.”

by the time dinner rolls around, the entire crew is doing what they do best. 

luffy is stuffing his face, nami is attempting to swindle one of the staff, zoro is hanging by the drinks, and you’re hanging by zoro. 

“hey zoro, you gotta try this!” luffy calls through a mouthful of food.

“i’ve got all i need right here,” he mutters, taking a swig out of his champagne flute. 

“you know, i don’t think i’ve ever seen you choke down something that isn’t alcohol,” you comment, watching the way he downs the glass in one go. 

dryly, he replies, “that’s because i haven’t.”

“very on brand.”

“ladies and gentlemen,” calls out that voice from the top of the stairs. “may i present… miss kaya.”

arm in arm, kuro and kaya walk down the steps, all eyes on the birthday girl and her stunning gown. well, except you. your eyes never leave the so-called butler by her side. your jaw clenches when he has the audacity to meet your gaze and hold it. shameless bastard. 

once they reach the bottom, merry leads kaya to the guests while kuro takes his post at the bottom of the stairs… right next to the drink table. before you can think about steering yourself and zoro away, kuro speaks.

“forgive me if i am speaking out of line, madam, but i must inform you. you look positively radiant,” he purrs, soaking in your appearance. he looks ready to pounce.

you can’t stop your eyes from rolling. good to know he’s the same pervert he used to be.

looking between you both and sensing your discomfort, zoro steps in. “and you look familiar.” 

kuro’s head stiffly turns to face him, eyes peeling away from you. “highly doubtful, sir.” 

“funky bar? mirror ball island?” 

“funky bar?” kuro repeats, disgusted. “well, i can assure you i’ve never patronized that type of establishment.” 

while it was amusing to see your highly esteemed former captain lie through his teeth, the tension between him and zoro was unbearable. 

“well then.” zoro continues with his little interrogation. “ever been on a wanted poster?”

you cringe at his bluntness. sometimes it seemed like he had less of a filter than luffy.

kuro puts on a scandalized face at the question. “sir! such an accusation is highly offensive.” tugging on his collar, he goes to remove himself from zoro’s probing. “now, if you’ll excuse me, i’m going to help prepare the dinner table.” 

he leaves, en route to the dining room. zoro’s eyes follow his figure until he disappears, squinting as he racks his brain for any further recollection of this suspicious butler. 

you sigh. if zoro was going to continue being so relentless, you were sure the night would end in bloodshed and uncovered secrets. 

“keep this coming,” zoro demands, handing the empty wine bottle to sham. she takes it with a glare. 

“would it kill you to say please?” you ask, slicing the slab of fish on your plate into smaller pieces.

“the service here is shitty. why should i have to be polite?” 

you scowl. “remind me to never have dinner with you again.”

zoro turns to you with that cocky grin of his. “what if i asked nicely?” 

his quip makes your heart flutter but you manage to keep your composure. “you can try your luck.” 

before he can respond, usopp speaks up. “luffy, isn’t there something that you wanted to talk to kaya about?” 

luffy gesticulates enthusiastically with his fork. “oh, yes! usopp told me that you own the whole shipyard.” 

“well, actually, my parents founded the shipyard and merry’s been running the business since they… passed. but all that’s about to change. tonight, at midnight, i will become the sole owner.” she smiles somberly. 

“well, that’s great,” luffy says, raising his drink at her. “because we want to buy a ship from you.” 

“ah, i see. usopp mentioned that you’re sailors.” 

“nope, not sailors. we’re pirates!”

you’re certain at least three people at the table choke on their food, yourself included. 

“this ought to be good,” zoro mumbles behind his glass.

you’re too busy coughing into your napkin to chastise him for finding this entertaining.

“pirates?” kaya repeats, unsure of how to react. 

“yup! we haven’t sailed together for very long but we’ve already defeated an evil clown, raided a marine base, and taken down a captain with an axe! for a hand!” luffy holds up a fist, presumably to impersonate axe-hand morgan.

“sounds a lot like your adventures, usopp,” kaya says, turning to the brunette.

all he can do is laugh dryly. “yeah, that’s… that’s crazy.” 

“and we’re just getting started!” luffy continues, climbing up onto the table.

“someone put me out of my misery,” you mumble, looking down at your plate to ignore the secondhand embarrassment.

a tap on your shoulder answers your plea.

turning around, you find yourself face to face with kuro once again. “madam, a word please?”

“might i ask what for?” zoro cuts in before you can so much as think of a response.

kuro offers him the most forced grin you’ve ever had the displeasure of seeing. “i’m afraid that is between the lady and i.”

the swordsman turns to you, scanning your face for any ounce of discomfort. “you okay with that?”

you inhale, figuring it was finally time for you to confront the darkest part of your past. it was silly to assume you would be able to ignore him throughout your entire stay here. besides, you were sure zoro, just like the rest of your crew, would be on standby if kuro got brave enough to try anything. “sure. just… keep an eye out.”

zoro understands completely. truthfully, you didn’t even need to ask – he always looked after you. “got it.”

you push yourself out of your seat and smooth out your dress. you allow kuro to lead you to the doorway – he was smart enough to know that was the farthest you’d let him take you. 

“what do you want, klahadore?” you seethe, folding your arms.

he arches a brow. “why must you call me that? it’s ridiculous.” 

you tilt your head with faux innocence. “oh? is that not your name? must have misheard.”

he gives you an irritated look, dark eyes drilling into you.

“i remember that look,” you mutter, your memory serving you well. “it’s the same one you’d give me before you’d threaten to slice me to bits with your claws.”

kuro has the audacity to chuckle dryly. “but i never did, did i? although there were certainly times times where i should’ve.”

“what you should be is dead,” you hiss bitterly. “when i heard the news, i knew it was too good to be true.”

“you wound me, kitten,” he drawls, reaching up to fix his glasses. 

the condescending nickname makes your skin crawl. it carried so many awful memories of your time spent with the black cat pirates. it reminded you of just how weak kuro viewed you — nothing but a helpless, pitiful kitten in his eyes. typical of the man that abused his authority and treated you with not a single ounce of respect. 

he continues, putting on a sweet tone. “after all these years, stuck waiting hand and foot on that spoiled brat, there’s nothing i’d love more than to hear my favorite crew mate say my real name.”

you snap at him. “i’m no crew mate of yours.”

he sighs, dramatically. “sadly, you’re correct. after all, you did slip off the ship the moment we docked in shells town. locating you on an island crawling with marines proved to be nearly impossible. we had no choice but to leave without you.”

“that’s exactly why i chose to escape there.” 

“and to this day i can’t for the life of me figure out why you would ever do that. why would you want to leave us? leave me?”

you actually laugh right in his face. “is it really that hard to figure out? you were evil. you threatened and harassed me on a daily basis.”

“so your solution was to join that ragtag crew?” he glances at the table. “it’s pathetic, even for you.”

you lean into his face, lowering your voice down. “i’m happier than i ever was on your shitty crew. every day i wake up grateful that i managed to escape you.”

you see that vein on his forehead bulge before he’s gripping you by the chin. “listen here, you little bitch–”

the shiny silver of a sword slides between you and kuro, coming to rest against his neck. his adam’s apple bobs as he gulps anxiously, releasing you. thanks to zoro’s sword, it seemed as if he finally remembered where he was. you were no longer on his ship, he was no longer allowed to treat you like the dirt he walked on. not without someone noticing, that is. 

“why don’t you step away?” zoro offers simply.

that much was a kindness. usually those who found themselves on the end of zoro’s blade(s) weren’t lucky enough to receive a warning. however, the swordsman didn’t wish to cause a scene. at least not when you were right there and everyone was watching with shock from the dinner table.

kuro obliges, stumbling back. he meets kaya’s horrified eyes, feeling ashamed that he allowed his act to slip. surely this would cause some setbacks in his plan. with no excuse for his uncharacteristic behavior, the raven haired man scurries away and up the stairs.

zoro turns and locks eyes with luffy, giving him one singular nod. luffy returns it, jumping out of his seat and going after the butler. quiet murmuring breaks out at the dinner table, everyone surely confused. 

sheathing his sword, zoro directs his attention to you once more. “are you alright?” a calloused hand comes up to grip your chin, much like kuro had. however, this time, the touch is gentle. loving, almost. you welcome it.

“yeah, i’m… fine.” your heart is beating out of your chest and it has everything to do with your close proximity to zoro.

he tilts your face around, inspecting every inch of it. once he finishes, he pulls back. his demeanor goes serious once more. “we need to have a talk.”

you nod. “i know. i’ve been keeping some things from you guys and–”

“just tell me what’s been going on,” he demands. “and don’t overcomplicate it. you can be straightforward with me.”

his sincerity makes you start over, this time far more candidly. “klahadore used to be a pirate. i was part of his crew. he was my… captain.”

the shame in your voice pulls at zoro’s heartstrings. didn’t you know there was no reason to feel guilty with him? “is that it?” 

you open your mouth to speak but come up empty. all you can do is furrow your eyebrows at his unexpectedly dismissive reaction.

“i knew it,” zoro continues, annoyed. “i knew i’d seen him on a wanted poster before. just didn’t have any proof.”

“wait, so you don’t– you really don’t care?” you ask, still avoiding eye contact. “me being a former black cat pirate doesn’t bother you?”

he shrugs. “you said it yourself. ‘former.’ all that matters is that you got the hell out of there. and away from that creep. would he always put his hands on you like that?”

you blink a couple times, sighing. “his temper was really bad so–”

that seemed to be enough for zoro. “i’ll kill the bastard,” he hisses. “wanted to slice him to bits the moment i saw him grab you.” 

though it’s a violent threat, you can’t help but smile. the idea of zoro being so protective that he’d kill a man just for touching you made you blush. pirate love language, you suppose.

“well, i wouldn’t have stopped you,” you tell him, more than ready to see your former captain go.

zoro clicks his tongue. “nah. could’ve stained your new dress with his blood. i never would have been able to forgive myself.”

“so you do have a soft spot,” you tease.

“only for pretty things.”

“do you mean me or the dress?” 

now it’s zoro’s turn to become bashful. though, his lack of response is an answer in itself. you can’t help but giggle. 

a loud bang from upstairs interrupts your moment with the green-haired man. you assume luffy had gotten his hands on kuro… or vice versa. zoro must be thinking the same thing judging by the way he instinctively rests a hand on the handle of his blade.

“you should go up there,” you tell him. “i’ll stay with kaya.”  

he gives you a nod, though he doesn’t make any effort to leave. he stands there like he wants to say something… or do something. before you can think about it too much, you pull him in by the collar and crash your lips onto his. they’re slightly chapped and taste like the wine that’d come from the cellar – it’s pleasant. his large palms come to rest on your lower back; his hold feels tight and secure. 

when you finally allow yourself to pull away, you’re biting back a smile. “kick his ass for me.” 

“will i get more of that if i do?” asks zoro, wetting his lips. they now taste like the cherry lip gloss you’d borrowed from kaya. he takes a step forward, attempting to close the gap between you two once more.

you shrug, pushing him away by the chest. “go help luffy and we’ll see.”

you both know that means yes.

[thesecretdcblog]

Do you have any batfamily headcanons?

BOY DO I EVER-

I'll go in age order for simplicity's sake.

I tend to base headcanons off people I know in real life, and also what I think makes sense for the character

Bruce

- Hella autistic

- Constantly mixing up his kids' names (based off my grandad, who had seven kids with my nan)

- Exposure to the bats in the Batcave has lessened his fear of them but not completely gotten rid of it

- One of those celebrities that always have the wildest stories to tell on those late night talk shows

- Huge ABBA fan

- Bisexual with no gender preference

- Duke once showed him an 'eat the rich' meme and he took it seriously enough to apologise for being a billionaire on twitter. He became a meme.

- Great at dancing, prefers slower ballroom dances

- Sometimes on quiet nights, he and Selina will dance on rooftops together

- Doesn't know how much things cost, gets memed on by his kids for this

Duke: How much is a loaf of bread?

Bruce: (internally) this is a trap (outwardly) ...$12?

Duke: *starts wheezing*

Babs

- Half Irish, Half Puerto-Rican

- Metalhead

- Loves big dogs, the bigger the better

- Wants a borzoi one day

- Doesn't want to be the mum friend and yet

- Cass and Steph are her favourites

- Allergic to birds

- Swears like a sailor

- Dad joke connoisseur

- Will roll her wheelchair over people's feet if they annoy her

Dick

- Will square up at the drop of a hat, especially if his siblings are involved. Don't test him.

- Undiagnosed ADHD, everyone knows he has it but he doesn't care enough to get tested

- He learns languages for fun. Pick a language, he probably speaks it, and if he isn't fluent he will be in a week.

- Can cook but gets distracted most of the time so he ends up missing an ingredient or skipping an important step or accidentally burning it

- Contortionist level flexibility (might be canon I don't remember)

- Had a MySpace account

- Pulls out circus skills at the most random times

Someone: we need a distraction

Dick: Say no more

Someone: Where did you get a unicycle?

- The actual coffee addict in the family

- Cries during any Disney movie

- Bisexual with a preference to women

Cass

- Can technically cook, but doesn't care about flavour so if left to her own devices she's making plain rice and unseasoned chicken (I do this irl)

- Twins with Tim (similar build + hairstyle)

- Is a couple months older than Jason

- Probably has a weird pet like a tarantula with the most cutesy name like Buttons or Princess

- Favourite ballet role is the Rat King in The Nutcracker

- Selective mutism but also uses it to get out of speaking to people she doesn't like

- Favourite sibling is Tim

- Loves capybaras - they're her favourite animal

- Biromantic demisexual

- Can't drive a car but can drive a motorcycle lol

Jason

- Quarter Native American and White on his mother's side, half Peruvian on his father's side

- The best cook in the family after Alfred and also stress bakes

- Never actually apologised for the Titans Tower incident, doesn't want to bring it up because it's been so long and it'll be awkward. He's pretty sure Tim doesn't even care that much (Tim doesn't but would still like an apology out of principle) (based off my two brothers, the older broke the younger's arm and never apologised. Younger is still bitter)

- Is that one insufferable person that complains about book to movie adaptations and how "it was better in the book"

- Aromantic-asexual but isn't aware of it just yet

- Plays Neopets

- Unironically listens to bubblegum pop

- Got a teaching license solely to fuck with Tim, and later Duke and Damian

- Recites Shakespeare to annoy goons with the audacity to kidnap him

- Very physically affectionate but holds back due to fear of rejection

Tim

- Half Russian, half Vietnamese (I think it was starrykitty013 who wrote a couple Russian Tim fics and I love the idea so much). And I don't remember who the artist is but I saw some Vietnamese Tim art and love that as well. So combine the two. (Edit: Artist is @/Axiliern)

- Sneaks out every now and then to go perform as a drag queen at a gay bar. All the tips he makes get donated to queer and youth charities.

- Has a bunch of random skills from either High Society Expectations(tm) or random shit he picked up while in boarding school or just living in Drake Manor by himself.

- Such skills including but not limited to: horse riding, playing the accordion, dancing, skateboarding, surfing, snowboarding (anything with a board), tennis etc

- Can cook but doesn't like to cook for himself, he will only do it if he's feeding multiple people. If he's eating alone he'd rather just order takeaway

- The Worst Road Rage

- When Jack started getting better they bought an old muscle car to fix up together and it's one of Tim's best memories with his dad. He still has the car.

- Not a coffee addict, but he is a soft drink/energy drink addict

- One time on a family vacation to Bondi Beach, he got stung by a blue bottle and it was one of the worst things he's ever experienced and he's been stabbed on multiple occasions

- Had a scene kid phase. With the side fringe and everything.

- Also had a MySpace account and found Dick's account. He also has a Tumblr account where he posts his photography

Steph

- Also had a scene kid phase

- Has a Tumblr. Mutuals with Tim

- Has German ancestry from Crystal's side but struggles to learn the language

- Undiagnosed ADHD because her parents couldn't afford the test

- Huge fan of Kesha. Went to see her live once with Tim and almost passed out from excitement (based off my best friend)

- Really obsessed with fish and has like 3 aquariums in her apartment

- Used to go swing dancing with Tim when they dated and she really enjoyed it so she just kept going even after they broke up

- Puts stickers on everything

- Favourite ice cream flavour is dulce de leche

- Allergic to honey

Duke

- Heteroflexible (Makes "I'm not gay but $20 is $20" jokes

- Redditor but solely to read the AITA subreddit

- Somehow gets away with everything, despite personally giving Bruce at least 5 new grey hairs

- Will start arguments because he's bored

- Bullies Dick for being a cop

- Was a dinosaur kid (still is a dinosaur kid)

- Learned to sing in the church choir (I did and I'm projecting)

- Will throw hands if someone leaves a room without turning the light off or leaves his room and doesn't close the door

- No PR training and refuses any and all attempts to make him do it

- Loves 90s and 2000s music

Damian

- Actually did eventually apologise to Tim for trying to kill him (Tim called him a wuss for it though)

- Constantly complaining about not being able to drive the Batmobile

- Vegetarian, and will tell you the differences between vegetarianism and veganism

- Will pull the "Baby of The Family" card to get his way

- Autistic as fuck. Special interests include animals and horror games.

- Knows all the FNAF lore

- Wants to be a veterinarian

- Calls his siblings by nicknames in Arabic, but hasn't yet caught on that they all speak Arabic at least a little

- Warrior cats kid

- Currently trying to convince Bruce to get him a horse, and some more cows so BatCow has some friends

[jordiemeow]

MISC BOT DUMP ⋆ ˚｡⋆౨ৎ˚

09/03/25

featuring characters from: challengers, west side story, dune, bones and all & call me by your name

yay!! jo misc bot release. realised as i was linking these that i hit 100 followers on c.ai umm what the hell thank you horny people. challengers bots at the top bc i know that's what you sluts want!

next bot release will probably be based on lady gaga's new album mayhem. feel free to send requests for characters with song pairings (any fandom but more likely to consider ones from my pinned message!)

gender neutral unless specified otherwise. have fun. personal favourite was lee tbh.

enjoy ! <3

CHALLENGERS

PLATONIC? YEAH RIGHT

stanford art x patrick x best friend!user

You've all fantasised about this. Patrick is just the only one brave enough to act on it, even if it is as a result of a joint being shared between the three of you on Art's cramped single and a few stolen kisses. None of you have to say it out loud to know the three of you want to share more than Patrick's weed, though.

YES, COACH!

coach!art x protégé!user

He likes it when you call him coach. He shouldn’t, but it does something to him. He won’t admit it. Not to you, or himself. He’d deny it. Say he’s just tired, it’s the humidity, or something. Anything, rather than face the fact that he has the biggest little coaching kink over you. You’ve probably not even realised it, but your defiant little glare melting away to a compliant yes, coach goes straight south for him every time.

NASTY DOG

stanford era cheater!patrick x partner!user

Patrick knows he's in trouble, but does he really care? It's not that he doesn’t love you. He does, or he thinks he does. But he simply isn’t built for commitment. It's just too limiting, or so he claimed. And the groupies on tour are just so eager to please him. The sight of you throwing a ball in Art's pathetic attempt at a game piques his interest at the party he’s dragged you both along to, but when a hot girl in a low-cut top offers him body shots, what is he supposed to do? Say no? That's not in his nature. Because first and foremost, Patrick Zweig is a motherfucking dog.

FUTILE DEVICES

stanford era!art x best friend!user

To everyone else, you’re an asshole. Snarky and bitchy. You’d insult someone’s dead parent if they were being rude enough. Aggressive and temperamental. And yet there’s something about you that makes you completely irresistible to Art. He’s been in awe of you since he was a little shithead at twelve years old, and now he’s nineteen and he’s still thinking about you, watching your every move, hanging onto every word that comes out of your mouth… And, yeah, he’s maybe in love with you. Whatever.

FRESH YOUNG TALENT

coach!tashi x protégé!user

You could be perfect. An extension of Tashi, the manifestation of her own lost talent the day she injured her knee. Who needs her pathetic excuse of a husband when she has you? With that low drawl in your ear that's like a lullaby, but you know she's more of a devil than a comforting presence. It's almost enough to make you forget the fact that she's technically untouchable—her wedding ring a glaring reminder of the fact she's not yours. And yet you're hers. Her fresh young talent to carve into something beautiful.

SHARING IS CARING

stanford tashi x patrick x art x user

Patrick has always been convinced that he's the leader amongst you all. But, deep down, you all know you're eating out of the palm of Tashi's perfectly manicured hand. Her little white boys and you, her best friend. When she suggests to bring back your old tradition of sharing partners, how are you supposed to say no to that?

CARD DECLINED

2019!patrick x tinder date!user

Patrick Zweig is broke. Like living out of his car and using Tinder to couch (bed) surf kind of broke. The fact most of his pictures were his bulge should have rang alarm bells, but hey, you're on the app for the same thing. But he's in need of a warm meal, so he hits you with the gentleman card. Let me take you out for drinks first. Except his card conveniently declines, and instead of getting dicked down, you're left to pay the bill... great. That's what you get for using dating apps.

THE OTHER WOMAN

2019!tashi x sugar baby!reader (wlw)

Tashi must be getting really fond of you, because she's been indulging in purchases a lot more recently. It's not like you needed that $200 perfume, or the Valentino bag that sits in your closet, or the Hermes belt that you're too shy to wear. But she wanted you to have them. There was a rush there, a thrill of power. A reminder that she could have you with a single crook of her finger. And you always oblige, so sweet and eager to please, because at the end of the day... you're hers.

WEST SIDE STORY

LANDLINE

riff x uptown girl!user (m4f)

Riff ain't exactly been the best influence on you, getting you to sneak out and meet him in back alleys to sneak a couple cigarettes or share a few swigs of alcohol. Ain't ever taken you farther than that, though. Defiling you is tempting, but so is talking down the phone for hours into the night. He can just picture you giggling, twirling your phonecord around your finger and kicking your legs as you talk. Maybe you're sitting on a chair, or maybe in your bed. Hell, either way he knows you're in something cute and lacy to wear to bed, and he's definitely a fan of that. His pretty lil’ girly girl.

PRETTY LIL' SHARK

riff x anita’s sister!user (m4f)

You’re such a feisty lil’ spitfire that Riff can’t help but be drawn to you. If his boys knew he spent so much time thinking about the way you called him a gringo and spat your gum at him the other day, he’d never hear the end of it. Bernardo’s fuckin’ girlfriend’s sister, no less. But boy are you entertaining, ‘n’ it’s worth the risk just to ambush you on your weekly trip to Doc’s.

BONES AND ALL

APEX PREDATOR

lee x eater friend!user

Sometimes, Lee thinks God must have sent you to him. Not that he’s said a prayer in the last few years before you came into the picture. Sent him an angel, because He knew he was too much of a sinner. A deadly angel, though, given the fact you’ve just fed from an unlucky motel employee. No hint of cologne or perfume in the air as he consoles you and wipes the blood from your chin, just the natural, earthy scent of your shared sin. Perhaps demon is a more apt comparison.

CALL ME BY YOUR NAME

LOATHING

elio x family friend!user

Elio isn't sure of the reason for his own irritability. Whether it's your presence or the heat or the fact that everything with Oliver feels like it's spinning out of control. He just knows that he's in a bad mood, and you happen to be there. So, unfortunately for you, picking fruit with a sullen boy is your fate for the afternoon. If he has to deal with your bright smile and cheerful attitude for too long, though, he might just go insane.

LA PISCINA

elio x childhood friend!user

Being Elio Perlman’s dedicated bosom friend is not for the weak, for several reasons. One, he’s an annoying little shit. Two, he’s the world’s biggest hypocrite. Three, he’s in love with an American man six years his senior. Age gap aside, your ire regarding that particular problem stems from the fact that maybe you’re in love with your best friend. Oh, how you wish the summer would just end and things could go back to just being you and Elio. No stupid fucking Oliver.

DUNE

FOREIGN BOY

arrakis!paul x fremen teacher!user

You’re quite the thorn in Paul’s side. A decent teacher in theory, but so full of criticism that sometimes he just wants to smack you up the back of the head. A particularly repetitive session has both of you in a mood today; him wanting to prove himself to you, you wanting him to fail. But, by all the blessings of Shai-Hulud, sandwalking would not be the hill this Offworlder dies on.

PIPE DREAMS

caladan!paul x childhood friend!user

You'd always felt comfortable being yourself around Paul, even if he is to become the next Duke. It's always been like that, a sort of unspoken rule. For you, he was never Paul Atriedes, the son of The Duke. He was just Paul, your favourite person, the boy who was always better than you at sparring, but would never hold it against you. Your best friend, despite the expectations and responsibilities that always seemed to sit heavy on his shoulders. He can forget about that when he’s with you.

[demonic0angel]

DPxDC Pokémon Teams (click for clarity)

I looked at the poll, and while most people wanted spoilers, a lot of people also wanted only a little spoilers, so instead of the original 8 I was going to reveal, I revealed 4 Pokémon teams :D this will be the team’s final evolved forms, not the form they’re introduced in btw (Example: Chansey eventually evolves into a Blissey but in a future installment)

I also have a challenge for you guys! You’re not required to participate, but those who do can get a drawing from me of their fav Pokémon and DP/DC character (I will make it DPxDC if it’s only a DC character, but y’know.)

So the challenge is to answer 3 questions correctly. You can find the form to answer the questions here. Hints are in the cut below in this post :3 Have fun and good luck!

I got way too excited and just drew everything with my fingers…. The pain…. Especially bc I got my pen back today…

EXTREMELY LONG NOTES ON POKÉMON TEAMS I’M BEING FR:

+ Danny’s team consists of (Hisuian) Zorua, Dartrix, Gengar, and Froslass. Zorua and Gengar were caught by himself, while Dartrix was given to him as a Rowlet by a friend and Froslass was given to him by Frostbite :3

+ Jazz’s team consists of Sylveon, Blissey, and Aegislash. She got an Eevee from the Pokémon center as a starter and harassed the people there until they gave her an egg too. It opened into a Happiny, which she then evolved herself. She also caught a Honedge herself and it later evolved twice. The Marshadow occasionally follows her, but is never officially caught by her (and never will, prob. It's a reference to Shadow that I will explain later). She technically only has 3 Pokémon.

+ Dani's team consists of Mimikyu, Arcanine, and Gyarados. She found each of them while homeless and traveling. Mimikyu and Magikarp were picked up by her bc she pitied them, while Arcanine came as is, since it was a failed police dog and then abandoned. Magikarp eventually evolved.

+ Jason's team consists of Absol, Ceruledge, Volcarona, Drakloak (and a Dreepy), and Annihilape. All Pokémon but Absol were found during his training at the League of Assassins, or afterwards when he came to Gotham. Absol is the only Pokémon he has left from his childhood.

+ Danny's team was basically left unchanged for a while lmaooo. The only thing I did was add Rowlet, which is a reference to Spooky the owl.

+ Jazz is the same, I only added Honedge after a little more planning. At first, she was also supposed to have a Steelix (which would make her Pokémon team have 4) but I disliked how it looked in the drawing and it lowkey didn’t fit the vibes. In the end, I changed my mind again after using a choice picking wheel 💀 Honedge stayed due to storyline reasons.

+ Dani's did not change at all XD I was very satisfied with my choices for her.

+ Jason's team changed a LOT. Some stayed the entire time (like Ceruledge and Absol), but others were switched around a lot. At some point, he even had a Goodra, but I changed my mind several times. I've mentioned this before, but the DC teams were the hardest for me to make. The DP teams were relatively easy in comparison.

+ Danny's team is all ghost Pokémon, or will become ghost Pokémon. The reason why I chose Gengar and not any other Pokémon is bc Gengar is the first and only ghost Pokémon to be introduced in Gen I. The other three are there for thematic and story based reasons.

+ Jazz's team was originally all normal types until Sylveon evolved and she got a Honedge. She's weirdly and somewhat unintentionally powerful when you compare her to everyone else bc of the amount of dark and dragon type Pokémon I gave everyone. (Pseudo-legendaries, I both love you and curse you!) I do love how cutesy her team is. It's fun when you realize that she's also pretty well-balanced (that's on purpose :))

+ Dani's team was chosen solely on vibes and storylines. Also, I love the idea of a small girl having a cute Pokémon, a cool Pokémon, and a fucking behemoth of a sea serpent as a Pokémon.

+ The DC teams are all chosen with a specific pattern and as such, Jason's team reflects that. I switched it up several times but I'm satisfied now. I think the combination of both powerful but also thematically suitable Pokémon is really nice. He's got a pseudo-legendary and a semi-pseudo-legendary and I enjoy how his team is made of fire, ghost, and dark types. Quite spooky.

+ I want to write about Jason and Absol sooooo bad, but I'm trying my best to go in order slowly and work with what I got until I get bored again.

+ The Pokémon listed in each box are ordered from most used/seen to least used/let out of their Pokeball. Example: Jason lets Absol out or uses him the most, but Annihilape is usually kept inside of his Pokeball.

+ The Misdreavus pin that Jazz, Danny, and Dani all share is a logo for them being part of Team Phantom lmao. Misdreavus is the first fully ghost Pokémon to be introduced, hence why I chose it :3

+ Honedge was added to Jazz’s team to replace the usage of Marshadow (I planned her team for a while but never got to changing it until this year tbh), as well as to make up for weaknesses. What’s interesting about her team is that she counteracts a lot of her family’s and friends’ Pokémon teams due to her being a mix of fairy, normal, and ghost types with a bit of dark.

+ When I first discovered Marshadow, I was jumping for joy bc I was hoping to find a Pokémon that could replicate Shadow, an OC that I created to be Jazz's friend and helper. Marshadow was literally perfect for this! Associated with shadows, cute, and most importantly, able to copy others! But then my entire world came crashing down when I found out it was a Mythical Pokémon (which is accurate tbh but.... ☹️) I lowkey dislike it when characters are OP without explanations and I LOVE Jazz, which is why I glaze her so much, but a Mythical Pokémon would've just pissed me off bc no one else has one. So that's why it's there, but I don't consider it an official part of her team. It will help her on the occasion tho!

+ Within these teams, only 4 Pokémon will be evolving within the story: Rowlet -> Dartrix, Chansey -> Blissey, Honedge -> Doublade -> Aegislash, and Magikarp -> Gyarados. Jason's team came as is.

+ If you've seen how I color the characters a lot, you may be wondering why both Dani and Danny are blue instead of the usual green. That's bc I was imagining that when they went ghost, the blue would switch to green and black to white and vice versa. So in reality, the colors are actually the “opposite”.

+ You might not know this, but Dani is the only one with a water type Pokémon on her team in the DP world and it's freaking hilarious when you realize that almost everyone else is weak to fire in varying degrees. Cue shenanigans as everyone in the DP world chases her down for her Magikarp.

+ These Pokémon teams are still subject to a bit of change. As long as I don’t write it down in an AO3 fic, it’s free real estate for me to continue editing 💀

Hint for the questions! 1) It’s a single digit number, so less than 10, 2) It’s a specific girl group of 4-5 members, but very unconventional. Another hint bc it’s a little difficult, think of video games combined with music. 3) Look at Danny’s pants, specifically the shape lmaooo. Another hint, they performed at a very big event recently…. >:)

[follows-the-bees]

Stede's journey screams demisexuality to me. (And as someone who is demi, I love it.)

I've posted about a reading of Ed as demiromantic as well.

Stede doesn't leave to find (romantic) love. He set out to find himself, to find a community. And he finds that! His crew becomes his family (it's also part of why he starts crying and really starts to self-destruct in 2x7 when they start to leave.)

Along the way he finds not only a best friend, but the love of his life: in that same person. Stede's journey is a blatant queer allegory: a man who has never fit into society, who is treated poorly for not fitting into *pick your societal norm*, who finds himself through community, fixing some of his past relations, but also discovering his sexuality: gay and demisexual.

Stede and Ed's connection is based on friendship — their emotional journey. We see an instant connection in 1x4 where both of them are fascinated by each other.

Stede tries to be open with the crew beforehand, an open door policy to the cabins, various other rooms, and the library. He tries to form that connection with others (to varying degrees at first.)

But when Ed enters the picture, they immediately have that connection. They are interested in each other and their idiosyncrasies.

We see their friendship grow over the course of the next few episodes. They remain equal in all things, learning and teaching each other. We see the deepening of friendship of course in the big scene of the bathtub.

Ed shares his biggest secret (secrets technically), trusting Stede with it. And Stede responds in kind, using the term friend for the first time. Their emotional intimacy grows deeper here.

We also see their connection and friendshio in the small moments. From how well they match each other with playing/riffing off of each other, finding in one another a partner. Something they always wanted. Someone who gets them for who they are, but also meets them at that level, letting them unmask and have fun.

And in small gestures such as learning basic things about each other: Stede knowing exactly how Ed likes his tea. That Ed will be cranky that he has sand in his beard. That Ed would set the world on fire or die trying, etc.

So much of Stede's s journey is having an emotional connection to Ed, and from there a sexual one. But it takes him a while to figure it out. I don't read his season one trek as repressed but rather not ever having that connection with another human being before — particularly a man. He knows about same sex relationships (he presumably went to boarding school and is on the queerest pirate ship in the Caribbean🌈) but I don't think he ever attached it to himself.

Their friendship crosses the line at their first kiss. But the focus of the kiss isn't sexual, it's emotional. It's that sigh at finally finding the thing you always wanted but simultaneously didn't know you needed. That feeling of oh, there you are.

We don't see Stede show (romantic/sexual) interest in anyone else. (Same thing with Ed in a way, but Ed's journey is another topic.)

Even during their time apart, they are both pining for each other, no hints of feelings or acts with others.

Stede is having sex dreams about Ed at night and writing gorgeous love letters during the day. And when they finally connect again, Stede and Ed take it slow. Stede tells Ed exactly how he feels about him, and it isn't about how he wants to jump his bones. He tells him he just likes being near him. And respects Ed's boundaries, never crossing them and telling him he doesn't have to say anything back.

One of my favorite things about their relationship is their consent and bodily autonomy respect in each other. He knows Ed and respects Ed. Ed knows and respects Stede.

They are friends first and lovers second.

At the surface his dreams may be about becoming a pirate (not really being a pirate but rather using the stories of pirates he read in books to achieve his dream of getting community), but ultimately, his dream is just really getting to be himself, love himself, and in the process, he picks up a found family. It's mutual.

Stede no doubt knew about sexual attraction, particularly others having it, but not so much himself having it nor acting on it. Not until Ed at least. And when he does discover and puts into words those feelings, everything going on with his sexuality, Stede does not hesitate, he does not doubt. He goes after Ed, after love.

Watching Stede discover love for the first time, a deep emotional friendship that then evolves into a romantic and sexual one. His demisexual journey over the two seasons (so far) has been wonderful to watch and connect with.

That's my demisexual king! And queen! Everything!

I've written pieces of this before, but I wanted to combine all of it together into one post.

Happy Asexual Awareness week, loves! 🖤🩶🤍💜

[rebouks]

Forever In Between - Invictus

Robin appears to have stumbled into a rather nightmarish situation and it’s up to you to ensure he makes it out alive. If he dies-.. well, maybe that’s it, or maybe he just wakes up, or maybe he won’t die at all?! Probably best not to find out the hard way though, right?

Invictus is a multiple-choice Halloween special based on Until Dawn, various other classic horror games, a teensy bit (read: a lot) of brain rot, and an overactive imagination; mine or Robin’s, you decide.

I know that creepy, slightly gory things aren't for everyone so below is a list of potential trigger warnings and if you want to sit this one out you can block the tag "fib invictus" and we'll pick up where we left off storywise in November! 🖤🧡

creepy dolls, various monsters, weapons, blood, death, murder, corpses, fighting, injuries, needles, electrocution, experimentation (not the good kind) and general peril!

As a side warning: I will be continuing with regular previous/next links as it's still technically part of the story, though I will provide a link to skip past it all when the time comes, so look out for that when normal posts resume! My usual mon-fri schedule will probs go out the window too as some posts will have votes that last a day so I'll either take the day between those off or post later than usual idk we'll see what happens 🤸‍♀️

Last but not least I'd like to give some shout outs to those that've helped me during this process 🖤

Props to @softpine for some of the Until Dawn assets used and for inspo from this post! 🧡

To @sirianasims for helping me find ridiculous amounts of disgusting, amazing cc and generally spit balling ideas with me from the very start 🤸‍♀️

A big thank you to @zosa95 for being my beta reader, listening to me witter about this project since fkin forever ago and sharing my excitement 🤗

Thanks to everyone in the story server for putting up with numerous out of context screenies and for enduring my whinging about how tired I've been recently skdjsk.. particularly @lynzishell @hannahssimblr @madebycoffee @daniigh0ul and @sirianasims for consistently cheering me on when I was pooped 💩

Okok last LAST but not least, some rambling.. I've been busy with this project in the background since the end of July and keeping up with regular story nonsense whilst working on this and adulting in between was NOT it 😅 (if you noticed my regular posts lacking in their usual vibrancy no u didn't.. but ur also right cos i've had to be super lazy with it recently to keep up with two things at once, so SORRY! fkjfk)

Anyway, hopefully it's worth it, I had a lot of fun making this special and I'm pretty proud of it so I hope everyone enjoys our October shenanigans this year! Maybe I'll find some time to make some gifts for simblreen but I'm not promising anything cos I'm eepy.. maybe my gift this year is just danger and violence instead ehehe 👻🔪

[wings-of-ink]

Checking in - Author Updates - Quick Poll

Hello all! I hope you are all doing well!

I wanted to check-in. I don't have a ton to say on development, just wanted to keep you in the loop on where I am at personally since it tends to affect production speed. I also have a question for you at the bottom.

As I've posted about before, this year has brought about some challenges for me. There aren't a ton of good developments on that front, and my job is being...difficult. The (technical) good news is that I am still employed, but some days I wish I weren't. (I'd much rather be writing IFs, lol.) There is still uncertainty about the future of my job because it is at the mercy of the whims of my government. But what is more pressing currently is that my employer has opted to treat its employees worse (let me tell you, this is a feat because they've never really treated us well), by making our lives and jobs harder. I've made some "worst-case scenario" plans to prepare, so I'm just getting by one day at a time. Oh...and I also have needed to work overtime again, so that's another time suck there. Ugh. In May, I'm taking a couple days of off for me to rest.

In more recent news, I am doing physical therapy...yippy! In recent months I have struggled with my right shoulder. I assumed it was one of those "you're in your late 30s" pains, and I just dealt with it. Don't do that, by the way. I have a very bad habit of just doing with little regard for pain and discomfort. But, it got difficult to hug without pain, and nothing messes with my huggin'. We really don't know what is wrong with my shoulder/arm, but I'm doing virtual (oooh shiny) PT (not the Silent Hill variety) to hopefully correct the issue. If I don't see results, I will need expensive tests and scans. No worries currently, though, I don't think this will slow me down much at all. I can still write and I don't experience any discomfort when I do.

I'm also still working on a coding class, which is self-paced, but I'm sticking to a lesson schedule to make sure I get it done. I would really love to be able to make improvements of my own to GC or even make my own Twine Template someday.

So, in more fun development news, Chapter 6 is growing steadily. And so is Chapter 5, technically. If you missed it, check out this Tumblr ask where I talk a bit about that. The ask and answer contain some slight spoilers for Ch 5 & 6, but nothing too specific.

Chapter 5 is up by a bit over 1500 words, if you're curious, and Chapter 6 is up to over 69k words. I am wrapping up a big moment for Zahn, which might be a bit heavy. After that, there's a more fun moment, which will present a few coding challenges for me, but I'm looking forward to it. *rubs hands together like housefly*

Finally, I have a question for subscribers or those who may want to sub in the future. I find myself wondering what else to post about at times. Especially when I have inordinately busy weeks, I just can't think of things that you may want to see other than peeks at the chapter. I sincerely wish I had more time to add more projects. I have so many ideas kicking around in my head...

So, I was wondering if you were interested in seeing things other than God-Cursed that I have worked on. These would be things that may or may not become much of anything later, so I wasn't sure if there would be much pull to see them (or if it would just be a cruel tease, lol). I have an incomplete IF that I did to help me learn Twine a couple of years ago. I used it to just get acquainted because I am very much a hands-on learner. It's a humorous and simple story (loosely) based on an actual time in my personal life. I have debated about finishing it. I have a couple of others as well where I was playing with a story idea to see how it felt. I also have a complete romance novel which I am slowly editing for publication.

Patreon, Ko-fi links if you want them.

So that's all for me. If anything big happens, I will let you know! ^_^

Take care, everyone!

~Lunan

[lunarlilacmoon]

Okay so I’m such a maladaptive daydreamer and my biggest lesbian obsessions right now are Agatha, Rio and Larissa aka Kathryn, Aubrey, and Gwendolyn. I’m currently writing a story about three lesbian vampires in a relationship that become obsessed with a local human girl and they are based off of Kathryn, Aubrey, and Gwendolyn so if you’d like one shot snippets from that story comment ,or if your a bit shy, send in an anonymous ask and I’d be more than happy to give you lovely dovies a taste!

Three’s a treat but four’s a score

Agatha x Larissa Weems x Vampire Rio x half human/half vampire fem!reader

Warnings: foursome, established relationships, blood, slight overstim, slight magic play, domination, mentions of weed and alcohol, mistress titles, as always sorry if I forget any!

Summary: For now enjoy this fantasy idea I have of Agatha and Rio working at Nevermore Academy. Agatha is her typical witchy self but Rio is a vampire instead of Death and they’ve been together for centuries. Rio was the one who wanted to work at the school first, because duh she’s bored easily and teaching kids to secretly be a menace to society, why not! Agatha was slower to warm up to the idea, but she secretly enjoys teaching children and bringing them into their power, especially the shy ‘outcast’ ones. It didn’t take long of working there for the tension between Agatha and Larissa to class, Rio watching in amusement the entire time. Since starting it was a power chase between the two and one Agatha found hard considering Larissa was technically their boss. Though now it makes for quite an interesting time in the bedroom when tempers are heightened. Yeah it didn’t take long for the three to be a thing and it worked out surprisingly well! And then you showed up to be the new ethics teacher for Nevermore. A half human half vampire Larissa found you to be the perfect fit for teaching Nevermore students to not lose sight of themselves and their heritage but finding ways to immerse with the ‘normies’ as the kids called them. Larissa had her eyes on you immediately and it did not take either of the two long to hop on her train, compared to the three you were an absolute treat.

AKA

You’ve been working at Nevermore for a year and a half and absolutely have thrived! You had no complaints… well maybe three complaints. The headmistress, the witch and the vampire. Not that they were mean or anything, in fact they were quite the opposite and it made it very hard to focus on work lately. What once started and fun light teasing now had your head spinning and your hands between your thighs nightly. How the fuck were you to survive.

“What about Billyfrogs?!” Mora asked as our group headed to the teachers lounge.

Astra and I’s head snapped to Mora throwing equal grimaces. I made a gagging sound covering my mouth like I was going to throw up.

“You are so dramatic it’s not even that bad!” She pouted lightly smacking my shoulder.

“Not that bad?! They hardly ever mop, the floor is so sticky I lost my heel in there last time! The men can’t keep their hands to themselves and they have that fucking punching glove machine the drunk men just beat repeatedly and I cannot stand that sound babe!” Seraphina countered from Mora’s other side.

“How would you ladies feel about the Pink Tavern?” Vespera smirked facing us, raising her brow. She continued walking backwards into the teachers lounge as she looked to us for an answer.

Felix was getting ready to come out carrying his food and soda clearly saying goodbye to someone, his head turned back. I quickly pulled Vespera into the lounge narrowly avoiding him.

“Sorry about that, excuse us Felix!” I apologized, shooting Vespera a disproving look at she shrugged and continued waiting for our answer.

“That’s a brand new club Ves. It’s literally the hottest spot down town right now, Les said the line last weekend wrapped around the block and they literally couldn’t get in before they closed.” I countered pulling my sun hat off because the blinds were thankfully pulled in here.

It’s not that I can’t go into the sun or I’ll die, it’s more of a intolerance and if I go into the sun I want to kill myself because it’s so overstimulating feeling all of the sun rays entering my body.

“Yeah well that’s because Les isn’t sleeping with the owners and didn’t get a special invitation to invite a group of friends.” She said dramatically flipping her hair in pride.

“Shut the fuck up, because if you’re lying to me right now I will murder you right here.” Serephina pipped up much more interested in the clubbing plans now.

“I’m so fucking serious! I’m sleeping with the owners wife and they invited me to come this weekend! I told them I had plans with the group so they said bring the group!”

We all sat at our normal table completely ignoring the rest of the room because we’re going to the fucking PINK TAVERN!

“Okay well that changes everything Mila and I will be there! Are you picking us up normal time?” Serephina asked pausing on her pasta salad.

“Even better! They’re sending a limo for us!” Ves squealed opening her pop bottle.

“Can I sleep with the owner or their wife too please?” I asked teasingly and everyone broke into laughter.

“As to the time question, yes normal time pick up so that mean everyone get your asses out of here and home getting ready as soon as your last class is out!” Ves put her game voice on and everyone pretended to go into huddle mode.

“Now hurry and eat before we run outta lunch time ladies!” Mila cheered and we all dug into our food excitedly chatting about our outfits.

- - -

Before I knew it there was a honking outside my house and I was scurrying around trying to grab everything I’d need.

“I’m coming!” I hollared stepping out into the warm night with one heel on and one in my hand.

You’d think with being half vampire I’d be a bit faster but apparently not!

“Move your ass mosquito!” Ves yelled, half her body hanging out the top of the limo through one of the sun roofs.

“FUCK YOU TREE HUGGER!” I yelled at the dryad, laughing as I climbed in over the other girls, settling in a seat and putting on my heel.

“I thought you were supposed to be fast!” Mila chimed in.

“And I thought you were going to be a good puppy for Serephina?” I teased and she flipped me off making me laugh harder.

It didn’t take us long to make it downtown or into the club. Once the lady at the front saw Ves she let us pass the entire line, people groaned and cussed behind us but we continued in.

The place was HUGE! There was three levels I could see so far and three different rooms with different vibes just in my vision on the first floor.

“Vessy baby there you are!” A stunning red head in a short black mini dress came sauntering up to Ves.

“Hi love!” Vespera’s voice rose in octaves as her excitement was to hard to hide.

“And you brought your friends how lovely! Aria darling please get each of these ladies names and ID’s and add them to our VIP list with Vessy! Whenever they show up and whomever with you all let them in straight away, no waiting for my babies friends okay!” She beamed at us and then Vespera.

“Of course miss!” The women Aria was quick to speak up and made her way to each of us taking our names and ID’s to scan before returning them.

“The bar is this way ladies come, come!” She ushered us to bar straight ahead, the patrons making room for her. “Stella dear, be a doll and put these ladies drinks for the night on our tab! Whatever they want no cutting off!” Stella nodded smiling and asking for our drinks.

“You are the sweetest mistress!” Ves beamed up at the red head and I wanted to yell get it girl.

“Anything for you star shine!” She was interrupted by a woman in a black suit, security it looked like, whispered in her ear and she smiled excitedly. “Why don’t you and your friends enjoy your night and I’ll find you later! Mommies got some business with a friend! I’ll come find you later and I’ll take you back home tonight, Elise won’t need to drive us.

“Sounds like a plan! See you later!” She beamed excitedly kissing the red head before turning to us. “LET’S FUCKING PARTYYYY!!”

And party we did! Before I knew it we were throwing back lemon shots left and right. Whenever my chuck Norris mix drink ran out a server was putting a new one in my hand.

“Do you ladies wanna smoke?!” Ves slurred excitedly.

“YES!” We all screamed in unison and her smile widened as she ushered us upstairs to the second floor. We turned down a hall and came to an all glass room over looking the city.

People sat inside smoking joints or light dab rigs.

“Can I live here?!” I practically begged as we stumbled in giggling.

“Hi Eva!” Ves said running up and hugging a tall dark hair masc woman.

“Hi there sweets! Is Thana not with you?” She asked looking pulling away from the tall women she was talking to that we couldn’t quite see, looking among the group smiling.

“No she said that she had some business with a friend but she’d find me later and take me home. She said Elise wasn’t driving so I’m assuming one of you did then.”

“Yeah we gave her the day off. It’s her little girls 6th birthday so we wanted her to spend all day with her.”

“That’s so sweet! So thoughtful of you maybe at home I can show you how thoughtful?” Ves teased and we all looked surprised.

We knew she was sleeping with Thana but we thought the owner was a man not another woman. And apparently she’s sleeping with both so lucky biotch!

“Well we’re gonna smoke before I take them up to the third floor!”

“In that case smoke my good stuff in the locked cabinet over there. I’ve got some of that new dab stuff you wanted to try.” She handed over a set of keys, making sure Ves grabbed the right one.

“You are the bestest!” Ves cheered planting a kiss on the woman’s cheek leaving a red lip print behind before running to the cabinet.

She opened it with ease and found exactly what she needed. It didn’t take her long to get us set up at a table with a bong and torch. Before we knew it we were all coughing a drooling trying to breathe.

“This.” I coughed. “Is the best,” I wheezed trying to catch my breath, “night ever.” I cough drooling slightly into the napkin i was coughing into. My eyes watered and I prayed my lash glue held up and my make up wasn’t running.

“Okay, okay lets go up to the third floor it’s got a room that plays all early 2000 bangers and there’s another bar up there we can get drinks.” Ves gasped trying to breathe.

We all followed her up the stairs, I stumbled and ended up climbing the stairs on my hands and feet. Everyone laughed and we made it to the third floor and b-lined it for the room flashing disco colors and blaring Kesha.

We took more shots and made our way to the dance floor dancing with and against each other depending on the song.

“There you are lovely! I’ve been looking all over for you!” Thana’s voice rang over our bad attempts at rapping with Eminem.

Ves turned to greet Thana but we all froze at the sight of Rio next to her.

“Rio hi!” Serephina pipped up trying to act sober and failing miserably. She got had no idea how to act in awkward situations and this was awkward.

Not only was another coworker of ours seeing us in a very gay bar but we were absolutely gone shit faced twisted and she was the girlfriend of our boss.

“I hadn’t realized Rio worked at Nevermore with you princess!” Thana chirped

“I didn’t realize you knew psycho ass over here.” Ves blurted out.

She was always the biggest bitch in our group so to say, she didn’t care who’s feelings she hurt if it was the truth and when she was drunk that already small ability she had to control herself was gone.

“Ves!” I tried to sound scolding but it came out more as a laugh and I smacked her arm stumbling into her and almost crashing us down. We both busted into a fit of laughter. “You’re such a bitch oh my god you can’t just say shit like that!” I laughed out.

“Oo okay we’ve reached that level of fucked up shall we head out for the night!” Thana spoke up.

“No!” Ves and I both shouted at the same time and laughing again.

“Vessy darling,” her voice was a warning, “ I do believe it’s time to call it a night.” Thana moved to take a step.

“You’ll have to catch me!” Ves squealed grabbing my arm and dragging me to run with her.

“OOOO YES TAG!” I cheered now running with Ves as she continued to pull me. We took the stairs up and up. I’m not sure how many floors this place has or how many we’ve gone up but finally Ves stops and we both realize we’ve lost the entire group.

“Holy shit I might throw up.” I panted laying on the ground trying to breathe through the nausea.

“That was so fun! We lost them all!” Ves clapped.

“What floor are we on?” I asked looking around my vision slightly blurred.

“Either one of the office floors or one of the floors for the sex rooms I can’t tell.”

I bursted out laughing. “You know your typical two options, sex dungeons or business office!”

“Do you want to go to the stripper room? The girls will teach us moves if we ask nicely!” Ves asked excitedly.

“You know I was just thinking about how I could use a few extra dollars!” I cackled physically rolling on the floor.

Our laughter was cut off by another familiar voice.

“Well look who found her way back to me. I just got off the phone with Thana, she’s been looking for you.” We both turned to see Thana’s wife, aka the owner from earlier standing in the hall, hand in her slack pockets staring down at us, next to her… fucking Larissa. She wasn’t the woman from the smoking room earlier! Right?!

“Principal Weems!” I tried to shoot up from my laying position but my vision blurred and Ves grabbed me before I could fall back causing us to fall forward laughing floor. “Fuck!” I giggled laying on top of Ves.

I pulled myself off and sat in a kneeling position for a minute before using the wall to pull myself up stumbling slightly. Larissa reached her arms out to steady me but I raised my hand shooing her off.

“I’m a big girl thank you very much!” I dusted my dress off trying to act causal but Ves started laughing making me laugh again and I stumbled backwards.

Right at that time Thana and Rio turned the corner climbing the stairs behind us and Rio was quick to catch me, her hands on my hips using her body to right me back up.

My breath caught in my throat and for a minute I couldn’t breathe. I pulled away muttering a quick thank you.

“Vessy darling over here now! We are leaving! Y/N darling the limo is out front you should be able to still make it.” She went from scolding Ves to sweet talking me.

“But I don’t want her to go! We were going to go learn stripper moves! Wouldn’t you like to see that!” She teased twirling Thana’s hair but she didn’t let up from her disappointed look so Ves tried another tactic. “ Let me walk her out at least!” Ves whined.

“So you can run off again brat? I think not!” Thana snipped.

Ves huffed and stomped her foot earning a glare from both Thana and her wife. She merely huffed again before saying bye to me and stomping down the hall Thana hot on her heels.

I giggled until I saw Larissa’s raised brow and I cleared my throat.

“Um well bye Principal Weems, professor.” I nodded to them and quickly spun around moving down the steps as fast as I could trying not to trip.

I made it back to the first floor without eating shit but by the time I made it outside them limo was gone. Of course it was!

I didn’t mind too much though because the night air was so warm and downtown was thankfully pretty safe so the 20 minute walk back to my place wouldn’t be horrible. I’d just have to take my heels off at some point in the walk.

I stared up at the stars as much as I could while walking, which wasn’t much, because every time I did I would stumble and almost fall to the ground. I wasn’t sure how long I had been walking before a car slowly pulled up by me.

My anxiety grew until the window rolled down showing Principal Weems smiling face and Rio’s smirking one in the passenger.

“Now dear what do you think you’re doing.” Larissa tsk.

“Enjoy the night.” I smiled starting to walk again.

“You live close to the Academy dear, you’ll be walking four another fifteen minutes and in those shoes. Get in the car.” It didn’t quite sound like a demand but it didn’t sound like she was asking either.

“I enjoy the walk but thank you.” I smiled continuing my pace.

“Miss Y/L/N don’t make me get out of my car.” I heard the car come to a stop and when I turned to look she was staring at me so seriously before I realized it my body was moving to the car.

“Good girl just hop in the back there.” She unlocked the car and I climbed into the back.

“Perfect, buckle up please darling.” And the car was off.

The humming of the engine mixed with the swaying and my system full of liquor had my eyes fluttering shut and before I knew it the world was black.

- - -

I groaned as I felt the smallest ray of sun resting on my foot. I quickly pulled in under the cover and nuzzled deeper into my pillow whining at being woke up.

Suddenly the scent of the pillow hit my sensitive nose and the unfamiliar yet familiar scent alerted me it wasn’t my pillow. I shot up from my curled position, now on my hand and knees looking wildly at the unfamiliar bedroom around me. Before I could freak out anymore a voice entering the room startled me.

“Larissa she’s up!” Rio hollered as she stepping into the room smirking at me.

Heels sounded in the hallway and soon Larissa joined in the hallway and not far behind her Agatha.

“I- um. What the fuck?” I questioned looking at Larissa.

“You feel asleep in the car before you could tell me your address. I know you have a spare room here but I couldn’t remember your room number specifically and it was too late to look through my files so I just brought you up to bed.” She said as calmly as if me sleeping in their bed was an everyday thing.

“You could have woken me up! I- my room is 8!” I sounded exasperated.

“I did try to wake you darling, you were out cold.”

“You’re cute when you sleep.” Rio interrupted suddenly.

“Okay I’m just gonna-” I looked down at my shirt to see on over sized black herbology shirt, “find my clothes and just get out of here!” I climbed off the bed embarrassed, spotting my clothes folded neatly on the desk in the corned. I grabbed them and my heels and turned to the blocked door.

“Why run out so fast bunny? Such a small thing like you must surely be hungover, what about some breakfast, hm?” Agatha’s voice was light, and as serious as she was it almost had a mock to it.

“Thank you, really, but I’m okay! I’ll make it to my room here and sleep it off! Plus I have papers to grade today so the sooner I go back to sleep the sooner I can get to those before tomorrow!” I moved to squeeze between Rio and Agatha but as I did Agatha’s had grabbed ahold of my chin making me stop and look straight in her eyes.

“If you’re sleepy climb back into bed pet, no need to run through the halls dressed so little.” Her eyes traced down my body lingering too long on my bare legs.

I cleared my throat pulling away from her grasp. My heart was racing and my stomach was flipping.

“Thank you so much for the ride home Principal Weems! I apologize for last night!” I blurted out quickly before scurrying out of their private courters and into Larissa’s office. I moved just as quickly out of there into the hall and down to the teachers quarters. I found my room and slipped quickly into the room. I needed a cold shower and my fucking vibrator.

- - -

Thankfully my hangover was completely gone by the next day. It also helped that I kept my classroom relatively dark and lit it up with lamps and fairy lighting. I also opted for a blood only meal plan for the day as it helped revitalize me faster.

I sipped on my blood in my water bottle as I led the students outside for our lesson.

“Does anyone know some of the most popular areas where the merepeople and us land goers connect and trade?”

I went to call on a student when I ran into a sturdy form almost falling back before I was caught. My water bottle went flying and the cheap plastic of the lid hit the concrete just right the cap busted off, the blood spilling everywhere.

“Professor Y/L/N I’m so sorry I didn’t see you there!” Principal Weems held me a little too intimately in her arms and I looked at my spilled goods!

“My drink!” I unconsciously whined before I caught myself. “I mean I’m sorrry Principal I should have been paying attention!”

“No worries dear, you keep going with your lesson I’ll take care of this! And stop by my office after hours I’ll replace what I’ve spilled!” She smiled lightly pushing me forward to send me off.

“Oh it’s okay I-”

“After hours dear!” And with that she turned and walked off leaving me to finish my lesson full of anxiety.

- - -

It’s not that I didn’t want to be around them, quite the opposite actually, but there was already three of them and Rio and Agatha had been together for literally ever and with Larissa it’s been long enough that dreaming about anything real happening was stupid and not worth it. I mean I’m sure they’re the type to occasionally add another but nothing serious and that isn’t something I think my heart could take.

From a distance I’ve grown to adore them, obsess over them even. How could three of the most perfect women ever just be in the same building. It was cruel punishment for me from the gods.

Just the thought of them could send me into a night of pent up sexual tension.

Knock.

Knock.

Knock.

My anxiety climbed into my throat and I was sure whatever blood I had in my stomach would soon decorate the floor. Before I could run her voice rang through the door calling me to enter.

I shoved open the giant doors and moved into her office approaching to front of her desk.

“Miss Y/L/N! Thank you for stopping by tonight! Please come, have a seat!” She stood gesturing to one of the chairs in front of her desk.

I smoothed down my skirt before sitting in front of her desk. Her bright white smile flashed at me before she started speaking.

“I’m so sorry about earlier! I know how limiting the supply of blood is around her, trust Rio has just as rough a time, so I understand how devastating it is to loose just the smallest bit of it! I assume you were indulging to help with the hangover? How are you feeling by the way?” She raised her eyebrow just slightly.

Suddenly I was reminded of the state both her and Rio saw me in at the club and the embarrassment came rushing back.

“I’m sorry you saw me like that Principal Weems! Truly that was very embarrassing-”

“Oh darling no, I didn’t ask you that to embarrass you! In fact I found it quite entertaining! I was surprised overhearing you ladies talking about being able to get into the Tavern seeing as I know the owners and had no idea they had found a new plaything amount my staff. Imagine how even more surprised I was to see such a good girl like you partaking in so many vices,” maybe it was my nerves imagining it but it sounded like her voice had slipped an octave, “and then seeing you act so reckless and bratty with your little friend with no consequences,” she tsk’d “do you often act so easily bratty with your friends?”

Unspokenly the room became think with tension.

“If you consider fun to be bratty then yes, I do it often.” I countered back trying to grasp some control here.

She let out a short laugh, “oh yes this truly will be fun then.”

Suddenly the office doors slammed shut causing me to jump in my chair spinning towards the sound with a scream. There stood Agatha and Rio in front of the now closed doors and Rio’s hands turned the lock, the click echoing in the now silent room.

“Professor’s?” I questioned as she slowly began approaching me like predators.

In a panic I jumped up from my seat attempting to move away but instead I collided into Larissa’s warm form who had moved around in front of me while I was turned away. She grabbed my wrists pinning them to my side.

Rio let out a very sexually charged moan. “Her little heart is racing so fast now it’s delicious!” Her hands softly began to play with my hair while Larissa kept her hold.

My brain was screaming at me to say something but my body was short circuiting. This was wrong, two were my peers and one was my boss, this went against so many rules, but at the same time I’ve fantasized about being in a position like this with them.

“What’s wrong bunny? Cat got your tongue?” Agatha teased leveling her face with mine.

I knew my face was bright red, I could tell by how hot it felt. My chest was heaving and it took everything I had not to rub my thighs together.

“Now, now, now ladies! Before we start overwhelming her I owe her a little treat! I had to spill the poor girls afternoon snack just to get her here tonight.” Larissa spun me around in her hold, moving one hand to stroke my cheek before she moved her wrist in front of my lips, “Drink up little one.”

Suddenly I snapped fully into reality and tried to stumble back out of her grip slightly.

“Oh no it’s really not that big of a deal! I couldn’t possibly for so many reasons!” I stumbled to quickly get my words out.

“Don’t worry about me pretty girl, I don’t mind sharing.” Rio purred in my ear causing a shiver to crawl up my back.

Vampires were very protective over their family, especially lovers, and even more so if they drank from them. As well as Larissa hid the bite marks there were times in the past it was clear to tell Rio fed from her. So of course I in no way wanted to overstep territory.

“Thank you really but I still couldn’t! I don’t- well see I don’t feed from people unless… well unless I’m with them it’s just a personal thing! I get my blood delivered through a service and I have more at home so really it’s okay! Thank-”

I was cut of by the scent of Larissa blood suddenly rushing to my nose. Rio and leaned over my shoulder and pierced her fangs into Larissa’s wrist, pulling back and shoving the bloody wrist closer to my lips.

“You would be so rude and deny our mistress when she’s offered herself so nicely to you?”

And whether it was her words or Larissa’s delicious blood invading my senses, I snapped grabbing her wrist and pulling it to my mouth. I used my tongue to lap at the puncture marks lapping at the blood that ran faster now that my saliva called to it.

Both Larissa’s moans and mine mixed and Rio’s fingers lightly scratched at my scalp adding to the bliss.

“Such a greedy little girl, look at her drink.” Agatha finally spoke up sending a mocking look my way.

“That’s enough darling.” Larissa cooed and I whined not wanting to let go or stop.

Before either of us had a chance to say anything Agatha’s hand wrapped in my hair yanking it back pulling me off Larissa’s wrist. I let out a gasp of surprise and pleasure at the burning sensation. I felt some of her blood sliding from the side of my mouth and I let out a strangled moan cry when Rio leaned down and licked it from my face.

“She’s delicious isn’t she?” Rio mused smirking at me.

I nodded my head vigorously, still spinning from the euphoria of her blood.

“Well you can’t be the only one who gets a treat! What about us pet?” Agatha questioned down at me.

I knew what she was insinuating and my heart clenched in agony at the thought of turning them down, but I knew I’d get too attached doing a one night stand.

“Listen,” I panted out breathing heavy like I’ve been running and not just extremely turned on, “all of you are so gorgeous and I’d love nothing more than to do whatever you ladies have planned and I have nothing against one night stands but I can’t. If I let myself get a taste I’ll be ruined forever and I’ll never be able to get over you guys. I can’t live the rest of my life obsessed with three women I screwed once, especially considering I work with all of you and that would just make everything so much worse.” I held my hands up like they had me at gun point.

There was silence for a moment and I was ready for them to pull away and send me on my way.

“Who said anything about a one night stand?” Agatha questioned.

“Or letting you go?” Larissa added.

“I-”

“Speak entirely too much.” Rio cut off slamming her lips onto my bloodied ones.

Her his was rough and wild, she sucked the blood from my lips and I couldn’t keep my thighs from rubbing together. Before I could think Larissa was sat in the chair I had previously been in. She slotted me over on of her thighs and my clit was pressed harshly against her.

“AH!” I gasped out lurching forward using my hands to catch myself on her chest and shoulder.

“So sensitive already and we haven’t even started playing!” Larissa teased.

“I guess you’re just- OH FUCK!” I was cut off by Larissa sliding my hips back and forth grinding me down on her thigh.

“What are we?” Rio smirked lifting my shirt and ripping my bra off wasting no time nipping and sucking at my breast.

I tried to throw out something clever but I couldn’t get anything but whimpers and whines out as I chased the pleasure of my orgasm on her thigh.

“That was so embarrassingly fast princess, were you that needy?” Larissa mocked as she forced me to keep rocking.

“Wait no-” I tried but was cut off by the sensation of buzzing on my clit. Like a vibrator had been pressed against it but when I looked down it was still Larissa’s thigh.

“This is just one of my party tricks, wait until you see what else I can do with my magic.” I could hear the smirk in Agatha’s voice as leaned down breath fanning my ear and she moved to suck on my neck.

“FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK!” I screeched grinding furiously against Larissa’s leg the need for another orgasm overpowering my overstimulation.

“Yes you’re going to be such a good little toy for us.” Larissa beamed.

—————————————————————————————————————

AN: I’m thinking of doing a part two to this but idk yet!

[koifsssh]

I have a small proposal for you! I want to do a sort of... event? I'm not sure what exactly to call it, but something interactive! I think it would be fun, just to get back into the swing of things creatively as well as have fun with those I haven't been able to talk to!

"THE REM EXPRESS"

a game? i suppose it is! I'm not sure what it is! but i do know i want You to "play" it!

Only if you are interested in it though! it is largely based on interaction!

Let me explain! Think of it as a visual novel, but just in the form of posts! (I do not have the technical prowess to actually make a visual novel...)

I will need 8 participants! (disclaimer, mutuals will have a preference! So, sorry! But don't feel discouraged! i don't think i have that many mutuals hehe!)

Those who wish to participate and take part in the "game" will need to send in their ocs! any will do! however i do take a liking to welcome home ocs!

(I should probably note that participants and "players" are two separate things! Players are those who just interact with the post!)

The game is a mystery! and i will most likely make a separate blog for it! the synopsis is as such:

"After missing your first train, you find there's another right after it, seemingly heading to the same destination. After getting acquainted with the passengers on the train, you find that they are a little strange, along with the train that drives on no tracks."

of course, the story will be pushed along by You! as polls and certain asks will dictate how things will go!

again it's only a silly idea! i'd love to hear your opinions!

anyway, i hold out my hands and present to you Train Conductor Rainy! hehe!

(credits to @thatthirstyweirdo for coloring the Rem Express poster! mwah! she did a wonderful job!)

[patchwork-crow-writes]

Losing my mind rn and I need to share it with someone because I stumbled on some dialouge where rudy says jokingly that if angore wants to go to prom woth him he should just ask. Like I have spent several years thinking that asgore x rudy is just a silly ship based on the whole bouquet of roses thing BUT THEN RUDY SAYS THAT??? LIKE BRO YOURE MARRIED??? Like I dont think theyre gonna get together in canon still but now im convinced that this weird semiromantic bond does indeed exist after years of denying it

It's just very intresting to me, how hometown has these vibes of a this stringent religious town without showing any of the bad things that happens in those type of towns

Like kris has the vibes of a closeted trans kid (massive sweater, not taking care of themselves, "you can wear anything you want" in the dark world) Despite diegetically kris is out and transphobia doesnt exist in hometown

Rudy's and asgore's thing really feels like how historically there were many queer and gay men with wives but still dated men in secret and how that sort of cheating would cause issues later down the line, but obviously homophobia doesn't actually exist in hometown, and rudy isn't actually cheating on his wife, yet that tension remains

Sane with alphys and undyne not being together, something about this town is just stifling despite no actual dietetic bigotry existing within it

And berdly's behaviour being very intentionally written to mirror the average misogynistic gamer (THIS IS NOT ME HATING ON HIM I LOVE HIM), he isn't actually misogynistic as the game tells us, but the vibes are intentionally there, similairly to how obsessed he is with romance and how he mistakes friendliness for romantic attraction, which is very amanormative (which is why people, myself included, headcanon him as aromantic in denial) despite us having no reason to belive that hometown is an amanormative society

Similairly the snowgrave route using so much romantic language and marriage symbolism to allude to the idea of forcing these two queer kids into a comphet marriage feels very important (not saying kriselle is a straight ship obviously, just that in the showgrave route they're being forced into cishet roles)

It's a very clever thing, I feel. It allows deltarune to discuss these problems without showing them or having them exist in the story? This allows the story to maintain its lighter tone (in the normal route) and avoids allianeting its audience. It's all just very clever use of metaphor and coding, and I like it a lot

Sorry for the ramble I originally planned to only bring up the rudy quote and leave but this ask got away from me 😔

First off anon, please do not apologise for rambling! I really dig the energy and enthusiasm, love seeing people get really animated about stuff they're into! It's great, and you're great for expressing it :)

And yeah! The whole Rudy and Asgore thing is really interesting! There does seem to be this frisson of something between them - not necessarily romantic/sexual in nature, but this sense that these two people are actually Really Important to each other in ways that can't easily be expressed by the limited ways that society at large sees love and friendship. Take the prom example - very much considered to be a thing for boys or girls to take the person they Like(romantically) to have a good time and show off and all that stuff. But take that societal expectation away, and what's to say you can't take someone you love and appreciate platonically, exhibit the deep care and commitment you have with that person to others, and just have a fun time together? And I honestly feel that both Asgore and Rudy would love to be able to do that openly. And maybe they'd hook up, maybe they'd express their love for each other physically, but that almost kind of doesn't matter when you look at it this way.

And you're entirely right, technically there's no outward stigma around these non-heteronormative displays of affection in Hometown - hell, even the central religion of the Angel doesn't have a concept of sin according to its own priest! And YET, there is still this strange shroud drawn over it all, this kind of veneer or performance of "normalcy", for lack of a better term. Or perhaps more accurately, the people of Hometown are in many ways acting in ways they feel they Ought to behave, even though everyone there's actually really chill and non-judgmental about these things (that we know of anyhow).

Berdly stands out most to me here, for two reasons - the first is, we already know he's playing up to an aspect of his character, his intelligence. But the moment that veneer's stripped from him, he immediately adopts another, playing to his supposed idiocy instead. And I feel this parallels his broader MLG-Redditor-esque personality that's been established throughout Chapter 2 - he acts that way because he FEELS like he OUGHT to act that way, based on the common popular portrayal of such people. So of Course he sees Noelle's friendship as evidence of a deeper crush she has for him, and of Course he sees Susie trying to comfort him as evidence of there being a romantic spark blossoming between them, and he says himself he's chosen Susie's route as though his life is a visual novel, because that's what the role he's playing demands of him. And as we've seen with his smart-stupid persona shift, he's not quite ready to let that performance go yet, he still needs external validation to tell him how he ought to be, rather than trusting in who he actually is, and trusting that others will accept his genuine, aromantic self. (yeah, it makes too much sense for him not to be aro at this stage, lmao)

And it's like - what if ALL of Hometown is like Berdly? What if they're just performing roles that they think other people expect them to perform, instead of trusting that they can be authentic? What if Asriel's belief that he has sinned when he sacrifices Yoshi to jump higher in the game is an extension of his performance as a Good Boy, despite the Angel's religion having no concept of sin? What if the "wink-wink nugde-nugde" gestures between Asgore and Rudy, and to a lesser extent the Royal Guards (just bros hanging out by the lake, anyone?) is not a subversion of their performance but instead a continuation of it? Like, people Know, it's Obvious to anyone who cares to look, but it's all part of the performance of "normalcy" so it gets a pass.

What if Susie performs the role of bully because it's easier than trying to be geuninely vulnerable and asking for help? And what if people don't challenge her on her behaviour not because they're scared to, but because at this point it's just what's Expected of her?

What if Noelle liking scary things (and by extension Susie) isn't a way to break free from her strict upbringing, but instead a way to let her continue being the model student and all-around good girl while having a "subversive" outlet that isn't actually all that subversive?

And what if Kris dresses down, acts weird and hides all their stuff because they've in some way grown accustomed to their role as the ""outcast"", the weird human who doesn't "belong", who was largely accepted as human and non-binary, and yet feels like they are still not quite of Hometown in the same way the monsters are?

The people of hometown seem to cling to normality like it's a life-raft or a security blanket, too afraid to let go of the roles they've agreed to perform for each other's benefit to be fully, outwardly themselves. I think people like to know that the role they play confirms their identity in the eyes of others - by being witnessed playing that role, they earn "approval" from their peers, and so they continue to play that role, iterating upon it as time goes on. Even if that role is portrayed negatively, the sense of identity one derives from it can still provide comfort and security in the face of an uncertain world. It can be scary to let that go and to try and reinvent yourself, even if the role you're playing no longer serves you like it used to.

And, continuing in this vein, what if Snowgrave is the idea of people playing these roles taken to its logical, violent endpoint, and far from being a subversion of the narrative, it's actually a warning of conforming too much to the role you're expected to play? Kris and Noelle are old friends who drifted apart but still care for each other in ways that can't easily be quantified. Even Noelle doesn't quite know how to define their relationship, and her assertion that they're friends, and the comfort she derived from that, is more relief that this nebulous Thing they have has been Quantified, put into a neat box.

But the incredibly performative nature of Snowgrave speaks to its falsehood. It's like a caricature of romance in lieu of there being any actual romantic feelings there, like kids mimicking the gestures of their parents without understanding the significance of those gestures. You make Noelle wear a ring because that's what People In A Romantic Relationship Do. You make Noelle stronger because that's What You Do in video games, but also because you're meant to Support Your Romantic Partner and Give Guidance to them - you're Helping her. You call for Noelle to help you against Spamton NEO and she comes running - because that is what you are Supposed To Do, drop everything and help out the One Person who you totally Belong to and who Belongs to you. That's Just What You Do, and you Don't Question It.

...I have gone quite a ways off-piste, it would seem! But man, you really made me think about this, and it was so fun to think about everything through this lens. Thank you so much for rambling to me, please don't ever hesitate to do so again, should the mood strike you!

(also, now I kinda want to see Rudy and Asgore curled up on the couch watching TV together and stroking each other's hair. That's the kind of energy I feel their friendship/qpr thingy would have for some reason, haha!)

[adventures-in-mangaland]

Dead Boy Detectives Fic Recs Part 6

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5

Sorry its been a while, last month was crazy! Not too crazy for my emotional support fandom, though! You guys are giving me life. So please have another fic rec list. :)

We two boys together clinging by Aliquis

Charles and Edwin explore their romantic and sexual hangups and also help Crystal search for Niko. This fic has everything: excellent writing, developing relationship, rituals, first time, Beltane, a hot priest. This is already a fandom classic and now I've finally read it, I can confirm it's very good! Read the rest of the series too!

The stranger the better by ghostinthelibrary

Everyone's alive and basically the supernatural version of the Men in Black. I love the whole series, but this installment has the boys' first meeting, Edwin insisting he doesn't need a new partner, office gossip and an intriguing case. The prequel also has palasaki and background catwin! Anyway, I'm obsessed with this AU.

Partridge in a Pear Tree by Vamillepudding

Cinderella AU! Charles is basically a Disney Princess and Edwin is Secretly The Prince, it's wonderful. I also loved the worldbuilding and nods to old school Cinderella lore, like the gift-giving tree. So charming, highly recommended.

Wunderkammer by dear_monday, two_ravens

Edwin and Charles (and later Crystal) are functionally immortal and running a magical museum. This fic has a fantastic sense of place (the Athenaeum is a character in its own right) and an intriguingly gothic horror vibe with its sentient exhibits, doors into other planes and unnerving nonchalance about disappearing staff and guests. I would probably die, but I would absolutely go there.

pinch me (I don't want this to be a dream) by shadowquill17

The pince-nez fic! Charles finds a pair of glasses that show him a person's desires. Then he looks at Edwin. It goes about as well as you'd expect. It was inspired by this wonderful comic by technically-human so check that out too!

Let Me Follow by LikeMmmCookies

Time loop fic! The boys get trapped in Crystal's mind, replaying the day of Charles' death. Only Edwin is the New Boy in school and he's alive... Fantastic concept, so intriguing. Plus Crystal being a badass, The Sandman crossovers and Niko!

Oaths of the Forsworn by e_va

Vampire AU! The boys meet while Charles is dying so Vampire!Edwin agrees to turn him. The story is ongoing, but so far it's been focusing on Charles coping with being a fledgling vampire. Compelling.

lasciate ogne speranza, voi ch'intrate by KiaraSayre

Edwin is in Hell. Or is he? Fabulous writing, Hell worldbuilding and gut-wrenching detail. Cw for body horror and torture.

'Cause You Cut Through All the Noise by DontOffendTheBees

Edwin doms Charles in a therapeutic and non-sexual way. That's it and it's great. I loved this for its exploration of intimacy, trust and kink.

Instructions on Being by thewritingotter

Everyone is Alive Modern AU based on an AITA post featuring Charles convincing himself he's homophobic when he realizes he hates Edwin dating other men. It sounds like a funny premise, but really brings the angst and poignancy.

in an alternate timeline's light by plentyghost

Charles finds comics!Edwin hiding in the office. Sweet.

Become So Numb by snowkatze

AU where the Night Nurse doesn't help Charles and Edwin spends another 50 years in Hell. Loved Edwin's mechanism for escape, kind-of-dark Charles and the angsty reunion.

unidentified affectionate object by lyres

Edwin is struck by a curse that manifests his feelings as random objects. Good thing Charles isn't also effected... Very cute with mild angst and a happy ending.

between you and me, suddenly something is on my mind by lolotr

Beach episode! A proper one. Just fun, friendship and emotional support. Plus Edwin in an Edwardian swimming costume, complete with a handy visual aid.

Other Types of Intimacy by Asidian

After a tough case, Edwin takes care of Orb!Charles. (Chorb? Is this chorbwin?) I guess I have a thing for non-sexual intimacy. Seriously, though, what could be more beautiful than someone cuddling your soul?

(black is the colour) of my true love's hair by ObsessedWithFandom

Charles has long hair: the fic. Interesting ghost lore with Charles' hair kind of working like his mood-ring polo and growing when he's happy. And this is an established relationship payneland fic, so lately he's been very happy. 😜 Honestly, as a child of the 80s, Charles deserves to have long hair. I need more fanart!

@ghostinthelibrarywrites @shadowquill17 @tumblerislovetumblerislife @lolotr @technically-human @dont-offend-the-bees @neurodivergent-fangirling @fishy-lava @many-gay-magpies @cordelia-noir @whatthehorsedoicallthisblog @shazziez @extremely-eager-reader @atariakana @tragedy-machine @guardianspirits13 @colourmornings @herebehunters @dearheartdont @avoiceofnerat @littlepocketuniverse @overlord-of-chaos @fairandfatalasfair @handwrittenhello @every-moment-a-different-sound

I've added some tags for people who left fun tags/comments on previous lists. Let me know if you'd like me to add you on the next one. :)

[miraculouslbcnreactions]

The changes in writing in s6 are so interesting. Because you're totally right that a lot of the rotten core is still there (sublimation is a whole mess with their half assed attempt to hold Marinette accountable that they can't even commit to, for example) but there's also some technical writing that's on a way better level than anything seen before. Granted, the bar is on the floor, so I wouldn't exactly call the current quality great, but it's starting to feel like there are some actually decent writers involved who know who to use an A plot and B plot the reinforce the main point, and how to use parellels and foils and allegory in a way that feels competent, at least on an episode level.

But even with those improvements I don't have much faith for the season level writing. The very premise of s6 seems to make failure inevitable because they're unwilling to do any of the things that they would have to do if they wanted to have any kind of satisfying pay off here.

At the very least, the plot would have to hold Marinette meaningfully accountable for her mistakes for a good period of time. They would need to treat Adrien like his own character with inner world as well as "imperfect" traits like being angry and acting on that anger in whatever way, specifically against their precious protagonist. Hell, they would need to dedicate some more screen time to Adrien's emotional arc in general in a way that's more than "uwu sad boy", which might make him a very inconvinent boyfriend to Marinette.

Most importantly, they would have to write a character arc with development that sticks. Something which the show never managed to do intentionally.

(I think this was the post that spawned this ask based on timing)

I completely agree. There have been some improvements at the episode level, but the higher levels have yet to show any improvements. That's a problem because the show has too many serialized elements for me to turn off my brain and enjoy the one-offs. That's what I used to do back when the serialized elements were more subtle, but they're glaring now and Miraculous still isn't serialized, making it impossible for it to be good given its current narrative. Is anyone enjoying the fact that the lies can't be addressed because it would break the status quo? I don't think so. Even those who are positive about this season seem be waiting for the lies to come out, but I'm not sure if they even will be and the lies existence kills the fun for me.

I'm not going to sit here and coo over the love square when the writers have decided to have Marinette knowingly keeping things from Adrien. That's the kind of plot that needs to be addressed! Gabriel being the villain also needed to be addressed, but his identity staying a secret for seasons made sense for the story and characters. The same cannot be said of the lies. You can argue that it makes sense for Marinette's character (I disagree), but there's no argument for it making sense in the context of the story unless the love square isn't the end game couple. I wouldn't put that past these writers, but it would be a shocking move and I don't see the higher ups signing off on that one.

[logicpng]

i think we can consider the graphical part of boredom simulator finished. the base part of it at least, because there may be a little more to it during the writing stage of it :3c

for now these frames are empty but they'll be filled in with "photos" to accompany the story as necessary. i think that will be a fun compensation for otherwise lack of expressions the ghost has.

they also are in sync with color schemes of aster's aspects!

so this is about the ghost's shell. one more part of the visual design was to make the balloon, which is technically separate entity from a ghost. i wanted it to basically be basically like pop-up notifications for the messenger window, and i think i have managed to nail the aesthetic fairly well

i already had the icons made earlier so the process of making them was smooth sailing. im actually really proud of how it came out, so i've also made a decision to release a less ghost tailored version of it early. my ghost making process is kind of a marathon so it'll be just keeping it private for no reason whatsoever.

(they Are rather big though... not out of the question i may scale it down a little. also no, the four balloons won't be visible all at once ever, at least not if i decide to go through with that)

so we finally get to the writing. for now im setting down the rules and characterization goals to follow to keep the characters consistent. i can give away though that the conversations take place way before Assistant Software and Terror Star.

thanks for following along so far! <3 i may show off bits of progress here and there from now on but it'll be definitely a lot less frequent.

and now i work on getting out of the artblock...

oh but. just one more little thing:

one Extra Thing to the shell did end up a little labor intensive, so im trying Very Hard (and already failed. if you saw the full thing on bluesky no you didn't) to keep under wraps.

i hope it'll be a nice surprise when users inevitably find this within the finished ghost...

[ghostofskywalker]

Life Day Wishes

Hunter/Fem!Reader

Words: 4,478

Summary: [Modern/Neighbors AU] You had long since become a true member of Hunter's family, even if it took him over five years to actually admit to you how he feels.

Prompts: gift exchange || "i hope you know how much i love you" (which was slightly modified to fit the fic - i hope that's okay!)

Note: this is one of my contributions to the @cloneficgiftexchange life day exchange, which i ran! i was so excited to receive @captainpains as my giftee, and i wanted to write something silly, fluffy, and fun for you :) hope you enjoy!

Clone Troopers Masterlist

Holiday advertisements were playing on practically every channel as you flipped through the stations on the TV, different snippets of Life Day music being cut short with each press of the remote. It’s not that you were tired of the holidays or that you disliked them, but right now everything was a constant reminder of the fact that you wouldn’t have anyone to spend them with this year. Your sister and her family would be spending the holidays at a soccer tournament for your nephew, so you didn’t really envy her, but it still meant that you would be spending Life Day completely alone for the first time. 

An infomercial for a fancy kind of chiller was lighting up the screen as you turned back to check on Omega. Hunched over the kitchen table with homework spread out in front of you, she was hard at work. You worked at the school she attended (though you didn’t usually see her at all during the day), so you drove her home in the afternoons and made sure she didn’t accidentally set the house on fire until her dad got home from work. 

“You almost done over there?” you asked, a smile on your face. This evening, Hunter had told you that he would be home a little later than usual, so you had a small surprise for Omega. 

“Just two more math problems!” she called back, still focused intently on the papers in front of her. “I already did my social studies homework.” 

You hummed in response as you turned your attention back to the TV, not wanting to bother her while she was still working. Despite the fact that it was a Friday and she technically didn’t have to finish everything, you had heard stories in the past of forgotten projects and her rushing to get everything done before bed on Sunday night, which you weren’t looking to facilitate. 

A few moments later though, you were getting up from Hunter’s (incredibly comfortable) armchair and pulling a folder out of your bag. “Since it’s gonna be us this evening, I thought we could order a pizza and then make some Life Day cookies,” you said, watching Omega’s face light up at the idea. 

“Yes!” Omega said, running over and throwing her arms around you as you pulled out a cookie recipe. “Can we get the tooka shaped pizza from Dex’s?” 

“Of course!” You said, returning her hug. You knew that Hunter tried his best to be there for her, but the fact that he was a single dad certainly made things a little more difficult. He had confided in you that he picked up some overtime to make sure he could get the best Life Day gifts for Omega, but she didn’t know that, and you could tell she was probably feeling a little sad that she didn’t see him as much.

A little while later, after the two of you were done tearing into your adorably shaped dinner, ingredients for cookies were being removed from cabinets as you asked Omega about her plans for Life Day. 

“My uncles are going to come over and we’ll have a big dinner,” she said. “I think next weekend my dad and I are going to put up the decorations.” 

“That’s great,” you said. “Do you know what you’re going to get your dad and uncles yet?” 

Omega shook her head. “I don’t, and I don’t think the holiday market at school will have things they’d want.” 

You laughed; she was certainly right about that statement. The school holiday market, which was great for getting kids used to handling money and making a budget based on how many people they had to buy gifts for, was not the best place to look for meaningful presents. “I’m sure your dad and uncles would appreciate anything, as long as it came from you.” 

You weren’t lying about that. Living next door to Hunter and Omega for the past five years meant that you were also close with her uncles and even some of her extended family, and many a summer night had been spent sitting around the fire pit in their backyard, drinking with Hunter and his brothers as Omega hung out with her friends on the swingset. You knew for a fact that even if she handed them a pile of painted bantha shit, Tech, Wrecker, Echo, and even Crosshair would smile and pretend she had gifted them a priceless artifact. 

“I know,” she said, placing her measuring cup in the container of sugar and starting to scoop out what the recipe required. “But I still want to get them something nice.” 

“Why don’t you ask your dad to take you out shopping?” you asked. “He’s spent enough time with his brothers to help you pick something out.” 

Omega nodded. “That’s a good idea.” 

“And if you want, I can help you out when it comes to shopping for your dad,” you said. “I don’t even know what I’m going to get him anyway.” 

Your statement was not one you considered to be scandalous or abnormal, but Omega stopped what she was doing to stare incredulously in your direction. “Why are you getting my dad a gift?” 

The real answer was considerably more complicated, but you didn’t dare get into that with a middle schooler as you stood in the center of her kitchen. “Because we’re friends,” you said. “I got him and your uncles something last year, why would this year be any different?” 

“Oh,” was Omega’s response, and the way she latched onto your words certainly struck you as odd. There was no way she picked up on your feelings for her father, you had done so well hiding them from everyone (yourself included, since you didn’t even realize you liked Hunter until a little over a year ago). “I forgot how long we’ve known you.” 

“That’s okay, sometimes I do the same thing,” you said, a smile on your face. “You can make it up to me by telling me what your dad might want for Life Day though.” 

The young girl paused before speaking. “There is this caf machine he’s been looking at,” she said. “But I think it’s pretty expensive.” 

You nodded as Omega tried to remember the name of the machine, but it just wasn’t coming to her. “Don’t worry about it,” you said. “If he talks about it again, let me know and we can look for it when we go shopping. If you still want to go shopping with me of course.” Omega nodded brightly, and the conversation trailed off as things began to require your full attention. 

Hunter walked in the door about an hour later, and the house was alight with laughter as the two of you rolled out cookies and dipped them in sprinkles and sugar before placing them on baking sheets. The moment she noticed her dad, Omega dropped her rolling pin and ran over to tackle him in a hug, effectively covering him in flour as it transferred from her clothes. 

“Hey Megs!” Hunter said, happily returning his daughter’s powdery hug. “Having fun?” 

“We’re making cookies!”

“I can tell,” he said, gaze meeting yours as he surveyed his (now very messy) kitchen. 

“We’re almost done,” you said warmly, holding up the last dough ball that has yet to be shaped. “Do you want to do the honors?” 

 Hunter nodded, walking over to you (after a quick detour to the sink, where Omega made him wash his hands) and taking the rolling pin from where it had been discarded before, and with a little bit of help, the last cookie took shape. 

Once the kitchen had been cleaned and the cookies lay cooling, it was just you and Hunter. “Thank you for doing this with her,” he said sincerely. “I know she can tell I’ve been gone longer than usual.” 

You nodded. “She doesn’t blame you, but I think she worries.” 

“I know,” Hunter sighed. “Maker, I wish things were easier.”

“You’re definitely not alone with that sentiment.” 

“I have the week after Life Day off, I think I’m going to see if she wants to do anything special.”

“That’s a good idea,” you said. “I know things get busy as you’re planning everything for the holiday.” 

Hunter nodded. “Yeah. At least you only host half the time.” 

“And this year I don’t have to do anything,” you said, continuing when Hunter shot you a quizzical look. “My sister and her family are going to a soccer tournament over break, so I’ll have the day to myself.” 

“You should come over here,” was his immediate response, followed by a rushed “only if you want to.” 

“Please, you know I enjoy spending time with your family,” you laughed. “I don’t want to be any trouble though, if things are already planned.” 

Now it was his turn to scoff. “You could never be a bother,” he said. “I promise.” 

“Then I’ll be there,” you said. 

The smile he gave you in response nearly stopped your heart right then and there. Now your gift for him definitely had to be perfect. 

***

The rotations until Life Day were slipping away faster than Hunter could have ever expected, and it still felt like he hadn’t even started preparing. There was still so much to shop for, plan for, and don’t even get him started on the pile of gifts for his daughter slowly accumulating in the trunk of his car and the back of his closet (that would all need to be wrapped when she wasn’t around to peek at them). 

It was something of a relief when you offered to take Omega shopping for Life Day presents one weekend, because that meant he could recruit his brothers to help out in other ways and he didn’t have to worry about Omega walking in and seeing any of her gifts.

Tech and Crosshair were in charge of gift wrapping, and they operated like a well-oiled machine as they sat on the floor in the living room, tinsel, bows and patterned rolls of paper spread all within arm’s reach. The mountain of presents had been pulled from their hiding places, and it appears that Hunter may have gone a little overboard this year when shopping for Omega. 

Echo and Wrecker were in charge of the menu and the grocery list for Life Day dinner, and Hunter could hear the playful bickering between the two as they squabbled over how many side dishes they should have and whether or not three dessert options was too much (Wrecker believed there should be at least five options, a sentiment Hunter did not disagree with, if he was being honest). 

His job out of all this was looking at the gifts already purchased and making a list of people he still needed to shop for, along with making sure the gifts they had for Omega’s teachers were done. Omega would (hopefully) be returning from her outing today with presents purchased for all her uncles, but that still meant Hunter had to buy something for them, as well as for a few other friends. He had just finished the list of people he would need to shop for when he heard Crosshair’s voice over his shoulder. 

“I expected that we’d be low on the list of priorities, but your girlfriend? That’s just mean.” 

Hunter, his mind still running through a list of all the people he knew in an effort to make sure he hadn’t forgotten anyone, looked up at him with confusion. “What are you talking about? I don’t have a girlfriend.” 

Crosshair raised his eyebrows, and everyone else in the house stopped what they were doing to stare at Hunter, because they knew exactly where this conversation was heading. “Really? Where’s your kid right now?” 

“She’s with-” Hunter started to respond before catching on to his brother’s implication. “How many times do I have to tell you that we’re not together?” 

“You could be, if you just asked her out already. Honestly, if you keep at this pace Omega will have bought a house of her own before you even think about making a move.” 

A heaving sigh left Hunter’s mouth. “First of all, I don’t like her in that way.”

Before he could continue his statement, the house erupted with laughter (a reaction that Hunter did not appreciate). “Give it up Hunter,” Echo said as he looked up from the menu he was penning. “Omega practically calls her mom and you get a stupid look on your face whenever you mention her.” 

As much as he would have liked to continue denying his feelings to protect his pride, Hunter had to admit that his brothers were right. He had been absolutely smitten from the first moment he met you five years ago. You had knocked on their door to introduce yourself, with homemade muffins in your hands and a smile on your face, and he had almost forgotten how to talk. As the years went by and you got closer and closer to him and his daughter, it had become increasingly more difficult to ignore the attraction he felt. “Fine, you di’kuts are right,” he said. “But she doesn’t feel the same way, and I’m not going to ruin the positive relationship she has with Omega. Besides, I can’t afford an actual babysitter.” 

“Omega is more than capable of spending the afternoons by herself, and she could take the bus home after school,” Tech said. “Also, you are decidedly incorrect about her not feeling the same way.” 

“Guys-” 

“It’s true!” Wrecker boomed. “We’ve spent enough time with her at your summer barbecues to catch how she looks at you.”

“And now she’s coming to Life Day dinner,” Crosshair said. “Face it Hunter, you’re in love.”

“I invited her because she didn’t have anywhere else to go!” 

“Two things can be true at the same time,” Tech said. 

“Maybe you could say something on Life Day,” Wrecker cut in. “What are you going to get her?” 

There was a significant pause before Hunter responded, his voice much quieter than it had been before. “I don’t know.” 

Hunter loved his brothers, he truly did. But right now, as they rattled off endless suggestions of things he could get you, he wanted to be anywhere else but here at the moment. 

The feeling of his phone buzzing in his pocket provided a welcome distraction, and he looked down to see your name on the screen. Omega and I are going out to lunch and then we’ll be home, you’ve got about an hour left to finish wrapping her gifts, the text message read. 

Thanks for the heads up, he texted back. I’ll make sure things are all cleaned up by then. 

No matter how hard he tried to hide the smile that crossed his face, it was an impossible feat, as was getting his brothers to stop teasing him and get back to work, since they really didn’t have much time to get everything done. 

He still needed to think about a gift for you, and time was certainly running out. Trying to ignore the way his brain wandered towards easy daydreams was another unattainable goal, and he couldn’t help but play through all different scenarios in his head of you and him, hearts and souls intertwined in domestic bliss. 

As much as he didn’t want to admit it, his brothers were right. Five years was long enough, he just needed to find the courage to actually tell you how he felt without chickening out, and maybe this Life Day he would prove successful. 

***

Hunter’s home was less than a minute walk for you, but your heart was racing as you stepped up to the front door, as if you had run a marathon on the way. But the homemade cake you had brought was balanced precariously atop the gifts in your hands, and a single misstep could have spelled imminent disaster.

Thankfully, the door opened before you had finished ascending the porch stairs, and Hunter immediately pulled the cake from the top of the gift stack. “Need any other help?” he asked.

“No, but thank you,” you breathed, stepping inside and immediately walking through to the living room. Once the presents in your arms were deposited safely next to the tree, you were nearly tackled in a hug. 

“Happy Life Day!” Omega said brightly, arms tight around your middle. 

“Happy Life Day to you too,” you said, unable to keep a goofy smile from appearing on your face. Despite the fact that you didn’t live here, something about this space, and especially these people, felt like home in a way you could never truly articulate. 

When Omega finally let you go, you turned to Hunter. “Am I the first one here?” Even though you lived next door, you would have thought someone else would be here by now, especially since you arrived a little late (trying to close your own door with the gifts and cake was quite a challenge, but you managed). 

Hunter nodded. “The others aren’t supposed to be here for another half hour,” he said. “Omega wanted to give you your gift as early as possible.” 

You looked back at Omega, who was practically vibrating with excitement. “Well, I can’t leave her waiting any longer, can I?” 

After being directed to the couch, you watched Hunter sit down on the armchair across the room with a smile on his face. As Omega brought over a small box wrapped in tooka-patterned paper, you jokingly shook it, feeling something heavy rustle around. As you tore open the paper and opened the box, your eyes widened. 

Glittering in the light of the tree across the room were two crystalline statues of your favorite animal. You had spent many hours doodling with Omega when she was younger at her kitchen table, and it was clear that this gift was her idea, as she had seen enough of your attempts at drawing these to know they were your favorite. “I love them,” you said sincerely, placing the statues on the couch side table before sweeping her up in a hug. “Do you want to open your gift now?” you asked, and her eyes lit up. 

Hunter watched in amusement as you walked over to the tree and presented Omega’s two gifts to her. She was much less gentle with the wrapping than you were, but that didn’t really matter. “Wow!” she said as she realized what it was, eyes wide as she took in the present, a high-quality set of paints, paintbrushes, and a pack of canvases, since she talked all the time about how much she enjoyed painting in art class. 

Hunter opened his mouth, probably to prompt his daughter to say thank you, but she beat him to it, wrapping you in a hug once more and babbling excitedly about what she’s going to paint with her new supplies. 

When she finally let you go, you got up from the couch and stepped over towards the tree, where you picked up a large box and presented it to Hunter. His eyes widened. “For me?” 

“Yes!” you said. “Omega helped me pick it out, so technically it’s from both of us.” 

He took the box from you. “It’s heavy.”

You watched with bated breath as he ripped open the paper, a smile crossing his face as he realized what it was. “Omega spilled the beans about you wanting a new caf machine,” you said. “And I’ll admit, we did get a slightly better model than the one you have now.” 

“That’s an understatement,” he said, staring at the graphics on the box that outlined all the different things this machine could do. “You didn’t have to get me anything.” 

“I wanted to,” you said, and the two of you locked eyes for a moment. There was so much you wanted to tell him, but you didn’t exactly want to do it with an audience.

“Thank you,” he said warmly, putting the box down to get up from his chair. He moved to hug you, but his daughter beat him to it. You had hugged Omega so many times today that part of your mind wished Hunter was the one to wrap your arms around you, but you tried to push those thoughts away. 

After the moment had ended, you immediately moved to grab the used wrapping paper from the floor, and Omega took off somewhere else in the house, excitedly talking about how she couldn’t wait for her uncles to arrive. 

You and Hunter worked like you could read each others’ minds, something you only noticed when you realized that you had wordlessly begun setting out hors d'oeuvres on the table in preparation for the rest of the family to arrive. Maker, things just felt so right here, with him, so much so that you never wanted to leave.  

“Hey,” Hunter’s voice interrupted your thoughts. “You didn’t open all your gifts yet.” 

You looked at him with a confused look on your face. “But-” 

He shook his head. “We- I have one more thing for you.” 

You took note of the way he corrected himself, watching as he left the kitchen and returned with a small box in his hands. It was completely silent as you tore open the paper and popped open the jewelry box to reveal a simple necklace, your first initial hanging from a silver chain. 

“I didn’t know what to get you, and then my brothers got in my head about making sure I got something good, so-”

“Hunter,” you said softly, cutting off his rambling. “I love it.” 

He breathed an obvious sigh of relief, and you gently put the box down on the counter before moving towards him, throwing your arms around him and breathing in his scent. He returned the hug, and you felt as though you might die right here and now. You had hugged Hunter before, but they had always been quick goodbyes and polite greetings, never something like his. 

As you moved to pull away, he gripped your side a little tighter. “Wait,” he said, voice soft. Your faces were much closer than they had ever been before, and you wondered if he could hear the way your heart was beating faster than usual. 

“What is it?” you breathed.

“Can I kiss you?” 

Despite having daydreamed about him saying those words to you multiple times since you met, it took a few seconds for you to register that they were actually leaving his lips at this moment. “Yes,” you responded, allowing him to close the gap between you. 

Kissing Hunter was like coming upon an oasis in the desert, the feeling of his lips on yours suddenly becoming a desperate need. If you were dreaming, you never wanted to wake up. One of your hands moved to his hair as his tightened around your waist, every ounce of passion that both of you had been keeping locked away finally bubbling to the forefront. 

The sound of excited shrieking was what finally detached your lips from each other, and you both turned to see Omega standing in the doorway of the kitchen, a smile on her face. “Does this mean I can call you mom?” she asked, looking expectantly at you. 

Hunter shifted where he stood. “Omega-” 

But before he could say anything, you jumped in. “If you promise not to say anything to your uncles, yes.” 

She nodded excitedly and ran up to the two of you for a hug before mumbling something about giving you space, leaving the room as empty as it had been a minute ago.

“I’m sorry if I’m overstepping,” you said quickly. “If you don’t want her to call me that I can tell her I was mistaken.” 

“I was about to tell her that it was your decision,” he said warmly. “I don’t want you to think that just because we kissed I was expecting anything more.” 

“What if I wanted something more?” you asked. “Hunter, I’ve cared about you for so long now I barely even noticed my feelings until a year ago. But there’s no mistaking how I feel anymore, and I want you to know how much I love you.” 

He pulled you into another hug. “I think I fell in love with you the moment we met,” he said. “My brothers have been bugging me about you for longer than I want to admit.” 

You laughed, only imagining the types of teasing he has endured over the last few years. “Then let’s go for it.” 

Hunter responded by leaning down to kiss you again, and you certainly weren’t complaining. 

The next thing to grab your attention was the sound of the doorbell ringing, and you pulled away from Hunter (who, swear to Maker, emitted something of a whine as he lost contact with your lips). “How long do you think it’s going to take Omega to spill the beans?” you whispered as you heard her footsteps through the house, no doubt moving to open the door for whichever of her uncles had arrived first. 

“Seconds, probably,” he whispered back.

You laughed. “Come on, let’s go see who it is.” 

“Do we have to?” 

Playfully swatting his shoulder as his face morphed into a pout, you nodded before pulling away from his touch.

You greeted Crosshair with a bright smile and a polite hug, and he didn’t say anything about knowing what had just transpired between you and his brother moments before, so there was a small sliver of hope that Omega had been able to keep your secret. 

However, the moment you sat down on the couch with a plate of snacks, you could feel your phone buzz in your pocket, and a text from Crosshair to both you and Hunter reflected on the home screen. 

Have a good makeout session? 

Before you could think about what to say, a response from Hunter followed. 

Did Omega tell you?

Crosshair, who was sitting on the armchair as Omega rooted around under the tree for his gift, just smiled as he typed back. 

She didn’t have to, one look at your hair told me everything I needed to know.

Hunter quickly tried to tame his hair where your hands had mussed it, and Crosshair just watched with an amused smile. As the doorbell rang once more and Omega ran to greet the next arrival, a sincere smile appeared on his face. “Congrats you two.” 

“Thanks,” you said sincerely. “We finally figured things out.” 

As Hunter sat down on the couch next to you and intertwined your fingers with his, you realized that you couldn’t have dreamed of a more perfect Life Day, and you would never again have to consider spending the holiday alone.

- the end -

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