#(and the book i definitely abandoned months ago that i need to get back to PLEASE)

[sherlock-is-ace]

.

[hischeapcigar]

the rock in our throats

Pre-outbreak!Joel Miller x fem reader

Summary: Joel and Y/N face the society reacting to their age-gap. 

Word count: 7.2k

Warnings: MISUNDERSTANDING-TROPE, ANGSSSTTTTT, SMUT SMUT (these are definitely not in order or you’ll be spoiled) MDNI 

a/n: im back with another Joel fic!!!! This is a whole rollercoaster so buckle up!!! Also know that Snow, Lace girls) and Lock (boy) are three of my OCs, I named them after inanimate objects just so they don’t offend anyone with the same name. <3 comments and reblogs are appreciated. 

Feet with their mind of their own carried you downstairs with a speed of light. You had heard Joel’s truck pulled in the driveaway, causing you to abandon the book you were reading to keep your mind from racing about his arrival. 

Just as your feet planted on the floor, your eyes fixed on the door as it slightly pushed open revealing the man you had hopelessly fell for two years ago. He hadn’t acknowledged you as he quietly shut the door. Turning around, the pair of warm brown eyes set on you, when he sees you standing there in your pajamas, adoringly staring at him, his face softens. 

He dropped his bag, a sigh of relief escaping his lips and within a heartbeat you launched yourself at him. Arms flying around his neck as his hands gripped your waist, steadying you. 

“Missed you so much” you mumbled in his neck. He tightened his grip on you at the admission. 

Joel had been to San Antonio for a week to negotiate a contract with a customer.

“Me too, baby,” he whispered, bringing his right hand to stroke your hair

You pulled away as you realized he must be tired, but before you could ask anything, he pulled you into him,

 “Shouldn’t have stayed up, ‘s late” he placed a kiss on your lips that you were quick to deepen. You sighed as he lightly bit your bottom lip. 

“Mmm, couldn’t sleep without knowing you made home safe,” you smiled up at him, “you hungry?” 

He shook his head no, loving the way you treated him like a child and cared for him.

 “Not hungry, back pain ‘s all, wanna sleep” 

You smiled drop as he gently tugged you towards the stairs. Your small hands in his much larger ones. He led you to the bedroom you shared for the past month,

Moving in with Joel after almost two years of hidden relationship was a way to make it official to everyone that you both were together. Though whatever you had anticipated could happen, did happen; continual discussion of your age difference, about him being divorced, about you being naive, about him being a father. 

Given that you both placed a high priority on your relationship, you hadn’t truly heard the gossip by your own ears. However, you had observed the glances that were directed towards you on two separate occasions when you and Joel were present at the mart.

His steps halted in front of Sarah's door, “she was good?” he asked over his shoulders. 

You nodded your head, “Joel she’s not a kid, of course she was alright,”

He pulled you in the bedroom, as you continued, “Plus i think since i moved in, we’ve bonded even more” 

Joel was quick to introduce you and Sarah once you both had confessed the love to each other. And Sarah was quick to welcome you in her life. It was perfect among you three. It was your perfect world. Except that you had to face the world outside your bubble, which was a little too far from perfect. 

 Joel turned around to peck your cheek, “so proud ‘f my girls” 

My girls. You smiled

You were his. You belonged with him. With them. The fact still released butterflies in your stomach. 

Joel took off his shirt and winced. Your facial expression displayed a distortion of worry which Joel was quick to observe, “back’s hurtin’ is all, don't worry,'' he smiled as he tucked a strand of hair behind your ear, pulling your forehead close to his lips to place a chaste kiss. 

“We need to get some gel, Joel” you reminded him

-

This is how you found yourself standing in the mart, in front of the shelf with gels. You had dropped Sarah school before heading here. Joel was asleep when you both left. Sarah wanted to meet her dad but you suggested that she lets him get enough sleep and meet him when she returns from school, to which she happily agreed.

Skimming your eyes through the rack, you found the one you were looking for, Voltarol. You grabbed one and walked toward the counter. You picked a few snacks on the way there. 

“y/n?” you heard a lady call your name

Turning around, you met none other than the most gossipy woman of the town, Nancy. 

“Hi!” you put on your best fake smile to greet her

“Whatcha got there?” she asked, eyes already prying your arms. You could have taken a basket but snacks weren’t planned. 

“Oh, just snacks” you shrugged, you kept your answer short, avoiding the long conversation

“And, what’s that? A gel?” she asked earning a groan from you, 

“Yeah, Joel’s got a back pain so i figured-”

“Of course!” she exclaimed startling you

Looking at your furrowed brows, your confused stance she continued, “I mean,” she sang, “Joel’s old. Don’t you think you’re too young to settle for that old man and tend to his back pain?” 

Your heart sank at her words, and more at the amount of venom that dripped from that single sentence alone. 

“Don’t you think you’re a little too nosy in others’ decisions?” you spat as you moved to the side, 

“Jeez, relax! You’re turning into an old grumpy woman. Maybe something about the company-” 

You left before she could say more. The longer you stood, she would’ve fed you with her sick mindset. 

Of course Joel was old. But that never lessened the love you had for him. You had been with guys around your age and all you ended up with was a broken heart and then came Joel, treating you like a real gentleman would.

You both took sufficient time to make a decision about living together. Your relationship being a secret never attracted comments but once the news spread through the town about you and Joel living together, every other mouth was murmuring about you both. 

Staying in most of the time had its perks; you never found out about all the gossip. But it could only last so long. 

You paid the cashier before hurrying to your car. Settling in, you took a  few deep breaths. 

She’s just being mean. I won't let her ruin my day. Her words don’t mean anything. Joel and I love each other, that's what matters the most. 

As soon as you closed the door, entering the house, you were met with silence. Joel‘s still asleep. 

Placing the snacks on the counter you climbed the stairs, a gel in your hand, and a planned massage for him in your head. You opened the door to see Joel lying on his stomach. With his moments you could tell he had woken up and then his voice sounded, 

“Where’d ya go?” eyes closed, he muttered, his voice hoarse. You crossed bed to stand on his side, 

“Dropped Sarah, and picked this” you grinned, showing him the gel 

He squinted his eyes to read the label, “darlin’ you didn’t have to” he turned around to lay on his back. 

“Of course, I had to!” you tapped his legs, urging him to sit up. He obliged without any protest and god did you love it when he was submissive to you, knowing the outside world would never see this soft Joel. 

“Still hurtin’? You asked as you noticed a slightest distress in his face as he sat up

“A little” he grunted

You tugged at his shirt, “off” you demanded 

“You don’t have to-” he looked up at you as he rubbed his eyes

“I know, Joel. I want to” you softly cut his sentence 

He layed back on his stomach again as you straddled his legs. Just having him naked except for sleeping boxers, totally submitting to you, sent a tingle down your core. But you ignored it. Your only focus was to make Joel feel better. 

You squirted some gel on your palm, setting the tube on the side, 

“I’ve never done this before,” you warned him,

“Neither have I, honey,” his muffled voice giving rise to a small giggle leaving your lips

You carefully splayed your hands on his lower back as you spread the gel. the delicious combination of the hotness of his skin mixed with the coolness of the gel stirred something in your stomach, 

Focus. Focus. Focus 

You pressed your fingers in his muscles, feeling the knots. He moaned at the relief. 

“Felt so good,” he muttered, 

You continued massaging his back, digging your fingers wherever you felt the stress. Taking notes of and following what brought him pleasure, you moved your small hands through his back and shoulders. Occasionally scratching his back with your nails and pulling the sounds of pleasure from his throat. 

All the sounds he made did not help, but only worsened the condition between your legs. You felt giddy, knowing you made him feel this good. 

You only prayed that the wetness between your legs didn’t seep through your thin pajamas and on his skin. Because this was about him and him only. Completely oblivious of Joel's situation underneath you, that after a few digs and dips of your fingers he started getting hard and by this time he was rock hard. 

“Baby” he breathed, “st-stop” he started to move, his cock taking control of his brain, 

You were startled, immediately getting off of his legs, “did- did i do something wrong?” you asked innocently,

He laid on his back as he stared at the ceiling, his breaths heavy “no darlin’, you did a good job, ‘s jus’-” he huffed as he took your hand and placed it on his member

Your mouth hung open as you felt his cock through his boxers, your mouth salivating just at the imagination,

He looked at you, waiting for you to say something, 

“Good thing I know how to take care of that too,” you smirked as you moved to hook your fingers on the waistband of his boxers as you slowly, teasingly, slid them down, closely watching his reaction change.

“That’s my gir- mmph”

 As soon as his cock sprang free from its confines your gaze immediately left Joel’s. 

His angry reddened tip, decorated with beads of his precum stood hard. You wasted no second in stradling his laps. Your petite fingers wrapped around his member, thumbing on his tip; spreading his leak through the length. You pushed your hair to one shoulder as you bent forward, maintaining eye contact with Joel’s hooded eyes, you kissed the tip, earning a strangled moan. 

You smirked, loving the effect you had on him. His eyes begged for more. You hollowed your mouth, taking his length in your mouth. Your fingers toying with his base. The taste of him was the first taste of your day. His hand made its way to your hair, guiding your mouth; in and out.

“Jus’ like that, baby” he praised 

 He grunted when you twirl your tongue around him, his cock twitching letting you know he’s close. 

“Such a good girl, f’ me,” you watched his eyes closed as he bucked his hips in your mouth, losing himself in the pleasure. 

You quickly removed your mouth, saliva spilling from the sides of your lips, 

“Eyes on me,” you demanded and god did that turn him on 

“Y-yes mami, please continue” he struggled to keep his eyes open, with your plush lips wrapped around his thick cock. 

He guided his cock to your throat causing you to gag. He smirked, repeating the action until tears spilled from your eyes. He used his free hand, gently wiping the tears. 

Perfect combination of rough and soft

You were soaking wet at this point, his dick in your mouth, hand fisted in your hair, and his sinful moans and grunts in your ears. 

He guided your head away, as he manhandled you and in a split second your positions were switched. You gasped as your head hit the soft pillow while Joel towered over you, on his knees. 

“That…was impressive” you breathed as Joel connected your lips in a feverish kiss.

“I’ve still got some strength y’know,” he mumbled as he pulled away slightly before he captured your lips again. It was nothing soft and slow but all teeth and tongue fighting for dominance. 

You would've just giggled at his response but instead you felt a pang of hurt in your chest, 

Joel’s old. Her voice rang in your ears as you blinked your eyes to focus in the moment

Joel grumbled tasting himself on you. Too lost in the kiss you missed when his hands slipped to your sides, pulling down your pajamas and panties in one swift motion. 

You broke the kiss, “Joel” you took a deep breath, his eyes finding yours, waiting for your command, “fuck me wreckless” 

His smirk grew at the command, “yes, m’lady” 

His fingers found your cunt in an instant. You moaned at the contact of his calloused fingers with your aching center. 

He circled your clit a few times before plunging his middle finger knuckles deep without a warning, 

You screamed, “of fuck, Joel-” 

“M gonna wreck you, darlin” he grunted as he drove his finger in and out while his thumb pressed on your pussy, making you squirm, 

“Nngh feels so good” you moaned, 

“So needy, huh?” his eyes glued to throbbing pussy and the juices it squirted, 

He added another finger, building the pressure and maintaining the pace. You felt the knot in your stomach tightened. 

“Close, mmh Joel, i'm close” you struggled to speak, your knuckles turning white as your gripped the sheets beneath you

You arched into his touch, your legs started to tremble as you felt the climax reach. He used his strong free arm across your stomach to keep you in place as he assaulted your cunt. 

“Cum for me, darlin” 

And you did, right then and there. You closed your eyes as you screamed his name like a prayer,

“Look at me” he ordered and you blinked away the tears that had formed in your eyes to obey him, 

He held your gaze as he lowered his mouth and lapped the juices you had released. He devoured it as the first meal of the day,

“Taste so good,” he mumbled more to himself

He drank every drop until you finished. Your chest heaved as he climbed on top of you and connected your lips,

You both moaned in unison as you tasted yourself on his lips, 

“Ready?” he asked as he guided his cock to your entrance

You nodded your head, 

“Words” he spat

“Yes, yes Joel, I'm ready!” you whined, 

And he slipped in, inch by inch until he was balls deep. 

He had fucked you countless times but his size always surprised you and your pussy always hugged him like the first time. 

“So fuckin- tight, this pussy,” he grunted as you adjusted to the size

“Move” you croaked and he obliged, setting a slow and steady pace, 

“My pussy,” thrust “mine to ruin” thrust, harder, “mine to love,” thrust, harder and faster, 

Your walls clenched around him at the words, at the possession, 

He had picked up the pace, fucking into you relentlessly. It wasn’t usual he fucked you this hard but you asked for it, and you were glad.

“So thick” you breathed

He sat on his knees as he wrapped your legs around his waist, holding you there, pounding into you through a different angle, brushing your g-spot everytime. 

“Right there, yes” you bit your bottom lip, 

“Don’t hold back, darlin’ let me hear you” his pace was unbelievable, you felt nothing but him. The coil tightened in your stomach, it was embarrassing how quickly he was pulling another orgasm out of you, splitting you in half,

“Joel, can i cum–” 

“Not yet darlin” he stuttered

The feeling was a lot, you tried your best to hold back. The feeling of his cockstretching your walls, his balls tingling your inner thigh in every thrust. Your thighs twitched, as he held them tightly around him, 

“Joel, please-” you begged, 

His thrusts started to become sloppier, his cock twitched inside you and he nodded, 

“C’mon baby, milk my cock,” he urged

That made you trip from the edge and you came, harder. Your mouth forming incoherent words between his name

He never stopped his movement throughout your high, only when you were done did he spill his seeds, covering your insides with his release. 

He let go of your legs as he collapsed over you, making sure to shift his weight to his elbows

He looked ethereal, post sex suited him so well. His skin glowing with sweat and morning light. His brown curls were a mess. He placed a lazy kiss on your forehead, then lips, “you ‘kay?” he whispered

You nodded, too blissed out to reply verbally. Too much in awe of his soft, sweet side. 

He pulled his cock out and you both winced. He pecked your overstimulated cunt once causing you to shiver before he left for a cloth. 

He cleaned both of you, murmuring praises on your skin as he wiped your legs. 

“Wrecked ya, huh?” he said as he observed your fucked out state, 

You hummed in response, “forgot you even had a back pain” 

“What back pain?” he feigned confusion as he tossed away the cloth, causing you to giggle 

You knew you couldn’t share your encounter with Nancy at the mart, you knew he was already silently insecure about the age gap.

-

Joel was quick to return to work after his trip to San Antonio. He headed to a bar with Tommy before returning home. The brothers conversed about a deal that Joel had made.

“Hey, there’s Frank, wanna come?” Tommy said, looking over Joel’s shoulder. 

Joel turned his face to see Frank talking to a woman before bringing his attention back to his neat whiskey,

“No, ‘m a’right here” He grumbled, watching Tommy leave from his peripheral vision

He downed his half empty cup before he ordered another. He zoned out looking at his whiskey, his fingers tracing the rim of the glass. 

A low grunt beside him caught his attention, turning his face and he was met with Arthur ordering his liquor. 

Joel returned his gaze to his whiskey and taking a sip, 

“Howdy, Joel? How was San Antonio?” Arthur asked

“Was fine, made a deal” Joel replied, already wanting an out from his company. His head is already cloudy from drinking.

“And how’s ya little thing doing?” Arthur leaned, instantly causing Joel to lean away. He wasn’t sure he heard it right

“What?” Joel barked,

“Ya know,” Arthur swung his wrist gripping the glass of whatever he ordered, he shrugged, “that sweet little y/n-” 

“Watch your mouth” Joel growled

“All i’m saying is she’s too young, deserves someone who can actually take care ‘f her” if Arthur was any sober he would’ve shut up after Joel’s first warning, but he just mindlessly continued,

Joel’s bore a hole on the side of his head with his intense gaze, his grip tightening on the glass as he watched Arthur speak, “jus’ feel bad for her, stuck with you–” 

Joel gathered Arthur’s collar in his hand,

POW!

Joel’s fist collided with Arthur’s jaw in a swift motion. 

-

“- and when i told Chris about it, he was equally appalled and said, no offense” Lace lightly held your arm before quoting her boyfriend, “it’s a phase for you and that you’d get over Joel, either way its- ” you gaze shifted to Snow who stood beside Lace, offering you an apologetic smile,

Snow and Lace were your best friends since school. Snow never judged you for your relationship with Joel. Lace, on the other hand, did not always agree with your choices even if she did love you. 

“Lace,” you began, cutting her rambles, “i’m happy, isn’t that enough?” you sighed, tears brimming at the corner of your eyes. 

The three of you were at Millie’s, one of your mutual friends, birthday party. It was your first public appearance after moving in with Joel. you were too scared to join but Lace and Snow were adamant about you joining them. 

Few of the girls asked you weird questions but thanks to your two friends who cornered you to avoid more conversations. 

Lace was quick to notice your eyes, as she took your hand, “of course! but-” 

“No ‘but’s, we’re done. I think I should head home, it’s pretty late,” Snow announced, your gaze darted to the clock, 11:45 stared back at you.

“Yeah, i’m leaving too-” 

“y/n?” it was, Auburn, one of Millie’s friend who you met twice at parties, you knew she cheated on multiple boys just because she thought she was too good for them, “wh- are you guys leaving already?” Auburn looked around the three of you,

“Yeah, can’t stay out late, y’know” Snow carelessly answered as she fished something from her bag, leaving the kitchen

“And let me guess, y/n, you have to go home to your old man?” Auburn directed at you

“Well, at least I have someone to go home to,” you knew it was a cruel jab, but you didn’t care at the moment. 

She gasped, clearly taken aback, “Wow, the old man-” 

“It’s Joel” you interrupted, to which she only rolled her eyes before continuing, 

“Yeah, poor Joel, i mean, having to deal with you every single day, God, i’d be damned” 

Before you could reply, Lock showed up at the kitchen door, “hey, I was leaving, ya need a ride? Snow’s in the car” He was one of your close friends. 

Lock got a nod from you before you pointed at Auburn, “Maybe you need to grow up,” you muttered, already heading out of the kitchen before you heard her voice, “don’t go falling in love, it’s all about good fuck-” you shut the door behind you,

You quickly got into Lock's car, not bothering to bid anyone goodbye. Your vision was glossy, you held back your tears through the small distance to your house, 

It was around 12 when you stepped in the house, the television was on in the living room. You peeked to see sarah on the couch,

“Sarah, what are you doing up?” your voice was harsher than intended, 

She jumped and you almost felt guilty for the way you scared her, 

“You’ve got school tomorrow, go to bed. Now.” you scolded watching her turn off the tv as she muttered a small ‘sorry’ heading upstairs. 

Joel still wasn’t home. And as an unspoken rule, you didn’t want to go to bed without him, like he doesn’t without you. 

You removed your earrings, placing them on the table before you slumped on the couch,

The voices in your head growing, 

Is this wrong? 

Why can’t they keep their noses out of my relationship decisions?

Does Joel feel that I'm way too young for him? 

Is he embarrassed too?

 The longer Joel took to come home, the louder the voices became, 

Does Sarah get questioned about me and Joel?

Does Sarah still like me?

Does Joel still-

You heard the door unlock and you brought yourself up. Joel stumbled in, you knew he had a few drinks. Quickly you got up to hug him and to have him silence the noises in your head, 

Too disappointed about your night, you didn’t notice the bandage on his knuckles, or the sour expressions he wore, as you moved your body to hug him, 

His figure stiffened against you. His hands coming up to your arm as you shuddered under his touch, 

“What’s wrong?” he muttered as he stroked your hair, putting aside his pain to try and heal yours.

You shook your head, not wanting to feed his insecurity, “party was a bit exhausting” you lied

“C’mon baby,” as he moved you both toward the couch, “ya wanna talk about it?” 

You straddled his lap burying your head in the crook of his neck, inhaling his scent of whiskey and cigarettes 

His hands traced your back softly and you whimpered, you loved Joel so much. 

You picked your head up to face Joel. He looked tired. Nevertheless, one of his hands cupped your face and instinctively, you placed a kiss on the inside of his wrist before intertwining your fingers with his, and that's when you felt the skin of bandage under your fingertips, 

“What happened?” it was your turn to be concerned

He stayed quiet for a beat, both of you looking in between you, your intertwined hands but feeling miles away emotionally,

“Just a random cut, nothing serious” and it was his turn to lie,

That was the turning point of your relationship. 

“C’mon let's go to bed,” Joel suggested,

-

The next few weeks went by the same. Everywhere you went, they talked shit. Sometimes you defended but other times you were tired of talking back knowing they won’t stop either way. 

You noticed how Lace kept pushing Lock to you. Always calling him over when you had plans with her and then leaving quickly so you and Lock can spend some time alone. He was a nice guy, but you only saw him as a friend, nothing more, nothing less. And Joel knew it too. 

But oh when he kept getting “with Lock” as your response to his “where ya at”, did he start to feel otherwise. Almost everyday at work he was defending his relationship with you, and after knowing you’re with Lock most of the time, he started believing the criticisms. 

“Things alright between you two?” Tommy carefully asked Joel one day,

“Yeah, why?” Joel didn’t remove his gaze from the contract paper in his hand,

Tommy shrugged, “i don’t know, been seeing her with that Lock guy a lot these days so–”

“Look good together, don’t they?” another man chirped in, but as soon as he received a deathly glare from Joel he backed off immediately. But the words stuck with joel, look good together

That night when you clung to him, like you always do, he didn't reciprocate. The voices in his head were getting loud and you weren’t there to silence them. 

-

“Where?” he snarled 

It was just another rough night for the two of you. Joel had canceled plans with you because work buddies are insisting on game night , delaying it to the next week. Both of the times Lace and Snow had swung by. With Lace reciting her “you deserve better” mantra. 

Earlier this week, Snow had asked you to go shopping for her vacation. And you couldn’t say no, given she had dropped her things just because you were depressed when Joel canceled the plans for the second time. 

If he could, why couldn’t you?

“Shopping” you put another popcorn in your mouth as your eyes fixed on the movie. 

You were upset. You were mad at him. And the whole week had passed without Joel noticing it. Maybe it was about time. 

You felt his eyes on the back of your head. You wanted nothing more than to turn around and make up for the lost time. Clear all the distance that had somehow forged its way between two of you. 

But you didn’t. You resisted. You wanted to check your and  his limits

“Of course, and Lock is gonna be there” Joel scoffed, placing his hands on his hips where he stood at the back of the sofa you sat on. 

That hit the button instead. You exhaled a shallow breath, not believing your ears, 

“What is that supposed to mean?” you turned to face him, his typical annoyed stance in display for you; fingers pinching the bridge of his nose.

“You know very well,” his eyes met yours for a brief second, before he moved to exit

To say you were furious was an understatement. You abandoned your popcorns and movie as you scurried away to chase him,

He faced the cabinets before he heard your angry stomping in the kitchen. 

“What the fuck, Joel?” you barked

He just stood there, leaning against the counter. His arms folded against his chest as he glared back at you,

Frustration bubbled inside of you. Taking a step closer, you let the anger get the best of you, 

“You fucking canceled on me for sake of your buddies,” you were fuming, “you didn’t even notice me being upset” you voice rose with every sentence, “and now you’re accusing me?!” 

“Lower your fucking voice!” he roared causing you to shudder, 

“You’re unbelievable, Miller” you back stepped to the door of the kitchen before you left 

As soon as you stepped out of kitchen you spotted Sarah sitting on the sofa hugging her legs,

“You guys are fighting again?” she mumbled

Your heart shattered at her state. You were quick to sit by her side, engulfing her in your arms, 

“Oh no, honey,” you kissed her hair, “it’s just- you know- we don’t always agree on the things” you caressed her hair

She sniffled, facing you, “so- so you’re not leaving, right?” her wet eyes shining with hope and that was not helping to your breaking heart, 

Your throat tightened so you stuck with shaking your head ‘no’ and a tight smile

Few minutes had passed and Sarah was already asleep on your shoulder. You calmly woke her so she doesn’t hurt her neck in that position. Tucking her in the bed, you closed her door and were met with Joel.

He stood there, shifting his weight from one foot to another. He jerked his head in the direction of your shared bedroom, asking you to join him, and so you did. 

Once the door closed, he turned to you, grasping your small hands in his, 

“I’m sorry” he croaked, “for everything,” 

You looked up at him and gave him a sincere smile as you nodded, “let’s go to sleep,” 

None of you talked about your feelings. None of you shared about the insecurities that you both had regarding each other. None of you reached out for the other to cuddle. 

-

“I’ll wait outside, you can grab whatever you need, yeah?” Joel said as he digged his wallet for his card 

You only nodded as taking the card and hopping out of his truck, rushing into the mart. 

Joel lit a cigarette as he watched you from the driving seat. He knew this was all wrong. It was a lose-lose situation. He couldn’t be with you openly, scared of more rude comments towards you (he could manage the ones thrown at him) but still everyone was aware of your relationship and hence, bringing up the topic out of nowhere.

You, on the other hand, were embarrassed, feeling Joel didn’t want to be seen with you. You both had moved past the point of discussing your feelings and knee-deep in the mess

Once you returned, Joel tried to reach for your hand but you were quick to pull away. It was like a reflex and you almost regretted it. Almost. 

He cleared his throat in an awkward way, “uh- you’re still up for Bill and Frank’s party tomorrow?” 

“Yeah, but I’ll go there with,” you swallowed, too hard to push the words out of your mouth, “with Lace,” 

Joel took a double look at you, “uh, any specific reason?” he asked trying his best to stay calm,

“Yeah, she wanted me there to help her with outfits and make up so i might as well leave with her,” you shrugged, nervously tugging on your nails.

“Okay,” he said lowly, almost as a whisper,

-

“Don’t make dinner tonight” Joel said a few hours after you both had got home, 

“Why? Are you with your boys tonight?” No matter how much you tried to keep the anger at bay, somehow it slipped, 

Joel sighed, as he walked to you, his eyes trained on you. But your gaze couldn't meet his. As if you were hiding something, like you were not honest, except that you were. You were just fed up with your fights with Joel. Fed up with not sharing thoughts like you used to. 

“No, I'll get take-out on my way back,” he said. Your brows furrowed, “We’ll just relax and maybe watch a movie, your choice. How does that sound?” he explained his plans for the night, 

You nodded, “okay, sounds good, but can we maybe dine out? There’s this pretty place-” 

“Baby, I really want just the two of us, we can go next time, ‘kay?” he pressed his lips on your forehead, 

You gave him a tight smile, “sure” 

All you wanted was for him to love you openly. All he wanted was to keep you from any and every hurt even if it meant he had to avoid being seen together. If only you both spoke your feelings. 

-

“Honestly, I think he’s not opening up to you because you won’t get it since you’re young, y’know?” Lace said as she fixed her dress, “Do you really think you’re the best match for him? Woman his age are dying to marry him,” 

You tried to stop another flood of tears threatening to fall from your eyes. Your eyes were already swollen from the crying you had today at Lace’s because you were watching your relationship with Joel fall apart. It was all perfect when the world didn’t know. The bubble had bursted.

“You’re right,” you sighed,

-

Joel didn’t really prepare for his appearance as much as he did for the looks thrown his way when he moved with you. You and him didn’t know how to handle the criticisms and that had your relationship at stake. 

He arrived at bill and frank’s and eagerly started to look for you. But you were nowhere to be found. He had texted you but there was no response from you. Were you even coming?

He met with his friends and like a habit, everyone asked about you. 

He stepped on the front porch, desperately escaping from endless questions and trying to muster up excuses of your absence. Two shots in, he felt his brother hand on his shoulder, “heartbreak?” Tommy asked as he sipped his whiskey, 

Joel only grunted in response, not really paying attention to his question, “so when did it happen?” 

That had his attention, “what?” 

“The breakup and that” Joel followed Tommy’s gaze. 

You had just gotten out of the car and stumbled your way inside. Lock’ hand pressed to your lower back as he guided you inside the house. Lace quickly trailing behind you both, struggling with her own dress. 

Joel’s lips parted in shock. How could you do this? What was happening? The liquor had started to dizzy his mind. 

The look on Joel’s face was enough to let Tommy know that he was oblivious to the situation just like him. 

“There’s someone I'd like you to meet,” Tommy said carefully, and convincingly.

Joel eyes took a few seconds before moving from the door from where you had just entered the house, 

He just nodded in response, before he chugged the entire bottle in one go. 

He was mad. He was disappointed. He was angry. But most importantly, he was hurt. But one thing about him, he was a hard person to go and confront. Why would he do that when he can do things he won’t remember the next morning? 

The last sober thought was you. Then the rest was alcohol in his veins controlling his mind.

—-----

You left Lace’s apartment as you hurried to Lock' car. 

“Hi, Lace is coming, told me to go,” you said as you greeted him, 

Lace took solid 10 minutes before she appeared on the entrance door of the building. Those 10 minutes you listened to Lock talking about some girl he’s madly in love with and will ask her out tomorrow. She was a friend of your friend, she was nice. You were genuinely happy for him. 

You were on your way when you checked your phone. You didn’t realize you had missed a text from Joel. You swiped to reply to him, telling him you were on your way. But Lace snatched the phone from you, 

“Enough using phone for tonight,” she grinned 

You instinctively chased her hand and turned to the backseat. Unknown to you, your dress had stuck in the door. 

Rip. 

You heard and felt your fabric tearing from your back. With your shocked expression, Lace was concerned, 

“I think I ripped my dress from the back,” you said slowly, reaching your hand on your back and you felt your skin. “Oh my god, I just ripped my dress!” you cried,

“Is it something a needle and thread can fix?” Lock asked as he tried to calm the chaos you both had created, 

Lace inspected the ripped part, “i think so, i can do it but where do we get the needle and thread?” 

“Frank has it,” Lock informed, 

Your face was contorted in worry, your phone long forgotten, 

“Okay, Lock you cover her way up to the restroom, I’ll go get the things I need from Frank,” Lace ordered as you all got off the vehicle. 

And so you all rushed in. Your mind was directed to; will Lace be able to fix my dress? 

You didn’t greet anyone as you bolted toward the restroom. Lock stayed outside as you rushed inside. Lace quickly returned and fixed your dress. 

“And all done!” she said excitedly

You turned your neck to the mirror to see that indeed she had done a good job. 

Leaving the bathroom, you parted ways with Lace and Lock as you went out looking for Joel. 

“Hey! Have you seen Joel?” you asked Bill,

“Why yes, he’s finally got some sense back,” he tilted his glass in Joel’s direction, 

There stood Joel, no, there swayed Joel in the arms of a stranger. Joel’s arms linked loosely around her as her’s around his neck, pulling him closer, 

“perfect match,” Bill added, 

Your lips parted to say something but no words came out, “wh-” you began but were immediately cut by Bill as he clicked his tongue and shook his head, 

“Don’t go ruining a good thing now, kid,” 

You couldn't avert your gaze from the scene in front of you until it was blurred by your tears. 

“Excuse me” your voice shook, as you turned away, tears spilling as you ran to the restroom again. 

How bad you wished you didn’t leave the restroom, or that you left a little later until he detached himself from her. 

Did he really fall out of love? Did he really let them dictate him? You wanted to go and confront but-

You broke down. Bad. 

You didn’t mind your makeup, that you put on with precision, smudging. Your knees hit the bathroom floor as you cried your eyes out. 

The ringing of the phone caused you to take a break. Taking out the phone more tears fell from your eyes as Joel’s name displayed on your screen. 

The ringing ceased and a text followed a few minutes later, 

Joel: Where are you? 

You scoffed at his text. You wanted to go to him and scream at him. But you didn't want to give in to all the people who told you this was never gonna work. Sure your relationship had gone down the hill since last month. But was ending the relationship really better than running in a circle every other day? Loving Joel only in the boundaries of your house? 

You wanted to go home, Joel’s house, and move out. This wasn’t going to work. You had decided. The thought of officially ending the relationship pulled new strings of tears from your eyes as you texted Lace about going home before you stuffed the phone in your purse. 

Just like you had entered, keeping your gaze lowered, you left the exact same way. You heard the unmistaken sound of a voice calling your name but you couldn’t stop and turn. No, you kept moving. 

You exited the main gate and walked on the side of the street. You were walking quickly, wanting to go away from him as fast as possible. You heard the familiar voice called you again, 

“What is it, Joel?” you seethed as you turned around. 

You looked horrible, you knew it but you couldn’t care less right now. 

Joel eyes widened at your appearance, 

“Jus’ wanted to ask, how long have you been with Lock?” he whispered as if even he was ashamed of asking the question. He looked down, prepared for any answer that you had to offer

Your heart dropped at his question, “what?” oh how bad you hoped you heard it wrong, 

“Ya heard it,” he muttered, “i saw you both, ‘s okay, i understa-” 

Before he could complete his sentence, you had walked up to him, staring deep in his eyes, “are you fucking kidding me right now?” your voice was low but hid a menace beneath it, 

Joel stayed quiet, he looked at you but his eyes were empty. 

“Are you serious, Joel?” your voice shook, all of your power was used up at keeping your tears from falling, 

“How about you tell me about you dancing in someone else’s arms?” your voice rose and you pushed him back, “was that what you've been doing in my absence?!” you hit his chest, “tell me!” your voice wavered and once again the dam broke, “tell me Joel!” 

The sides of your fist kept colliding with Joel’s hard chest as you let everything out, “tell me why were you so embarrassed of me? Of us?” joel stayed silent as he received your weak punches and watched the tears stain your face

“Tell me where did we go wrong?” you energy had drained before you slowly uttered the last question

“When did you stop loving me?” that was his last straw, as he held your wrist just as you were pulling away, 

“Don’t” he said firmly, “anything but that” 

“We’ve fallen apart,” you croaked, “Gonna take a miracle to save us this time-” 

“I still love you,” he promised

You shook your head as your released your hands from his grip,

“Then tell me why didn’t I feel loved?” you whispered 

Joel once again fell silent, “I-” he shook his head, wanting to wake up from the worst nightmare,

His throat tightened, he wanted to tell you that he wanted to protect you. But your outburst told him the only way you would’ve felt protected was if he held your hand in front of everyone. 

He began, not knowing what to say but his mind screamed one thing, 

Don't say goodbye, don't say goodbye

You wiped the tears from your face as you took a deep breath, 

“Goodbye, Joel” 

You turned and walked away as Joel stood still. The wind blew cold against his skin. 

Did he throw away the best part of his life? 

It’s alright, Just two hearts breakin’ even tonight

You’d go and get on with your life, he’ll get on with his’, broken hearts can’t call the cops, it’s a perfect crime.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[a-very-sparkly-nerd]

Rayllum Month 2024! (3/13)

he's got hands that make hell seem cold

July 5th - Hands/Touch-starved

~

Callum had grown up affectionate. Hugs traded around like coins, so much love made plain and clear and simple just in the way he ruffled Ezran’s hair, how he tickled his sides, how Ezran would sometimes wordlessly plop into his brother’s lap with a dramatic sigh.

So, Rayla figured–hoped–it would continue. Hoped he wouldn’t mind her… clinginess.

She’d never been one to half-ass things; go big or go home. So she stretched out on the couch in Callum’s room as he sketched, picking up a book and kicking her legs up in his lap as nonchalantly as she could manage.

“Hey,” he said pleasantly, tossing her a gentle smile, and Rayla couldn’t decide whether she liked it or not.

“Hi.”

“How was your day?” As he spoke, Callum took her ankles and settled his arm over them to get more comfortable with his sketchbook, the simple motion sending tingles through Rayla’s legs and all the way up to her spine.

She shrugged, studying the book written in some old flowery tongue. Blech. “Boring.”

He smiled with amusement, lacing fingers through hers. “I would’ve thought your crazy-cool slish-slashing could never be boring.” He drew her closer, looping an arm around her shoulders and letting her head rest on his.

Yeah, it definitely continued. He’d definitely cuddle her, hug her, whatever she asked. Color rose to her cheeks, and Rayla hoped her voice didn’t wobble as she said, “It can get monotonous.”

He grinned. “Hey! You used my big word!”

Suddenly Rayla wasn’t sitting on his couch, but standing back on the Cursed Caldera two years ago with terror snapping her spine straight, cracking jokes and being dumb with him, Ezran, and Ellis and Ava. She smiled, too, carding a hand through his hair. “I figured you could use a win.”

Sketchbook abandoned, Callum turned to look at her with a raised eyebrow and huge, dorky smile. “I’m pretty sure I’m winning right now. A beautiful elf in my lap…”

“Oh, I disagree,” Rayla teased, heart beginning to pound in her chest, her throat, her wrists. “This isn’t in your lap. This”–she shifted so she sat on his lap, not straddling him but sitting sideways and praying she hadn’t gone too far–“is in your lap.”

He put an arm around her waist, head going to her shoulder. “My mistake, then. What are you up to now?”

She turned on the baby-adoraburr eyes, ones she remembered Callum never once being able to refuse in that too-brief time they’d had to be senseless idiots. “Cuddling you?”

Callum kissed her nose, his fingertips skirting under her shirt to hold her waist, so close to her hips that Rayla’s breath hitched. “You certainly are.”

“I missed you,” she decided to comment, hoping against hope it wouldn’t lead to Big Feelings Time. Gods knew they needed it, but she just wanted to sit here and be held by her prince–if he was even hers anymore–until long after she fell asleep– preferably for eternity.

He nodded somberly, twiddling a braid between his thumb and forefinger. “I missed you, too.” A hand found just above her knee, technically her thigh but not quite, not the way she would’ve welcomed. “What’s this about?”

“I just…” Rayla glanced down and shrugged. “Want to catch up on cuddles.”

Body flush against hers, Callum finagled her so her head rested against his chest, hugging and rubbing circles into her back. “Always. I’m always up for cuddles.”

Rayla sighed, settling and letting her weight fall on him. Letting him support her in more ways than one.

Read more on AO3!

[sil-writes-fiction-too]

A New Life, You and I

Levi Ackerman x GN!Reader

Genre: hurt/comfort (more comfort than hurt), fluff

June of Doom, Day 7: "What happened?"/"Stumbling" (late entry) @juneofdoom

CW: mentions of injuries

A/N: this is very short and I wasn't sure where I was going with it, but I think it's cute. This takes place after the last chapter of AOT, Levi and the Reader are in an established relationship and live together in a small cottage :,)

A loud, clattering sound coming from the kitchen pulls your attention away from the book you were reading, startling you. At first you think that perhaps some sort of critter has managed to enter your little home and that it made a ruckus in its exploration of the kitchen while searching for food, but then you hear a familiar, annoyed grunt coming from the room and suddenly you are on your feet and running.

“Levi??” You call out with concern more than evident in your voice, and when you reach the kitchen you let out a small gasp at the sight of Levi on the floor surrounded by various utensils, bags of tea and a miraculously unbroken jar of honey. His wheelchair waits abandoned in a corner of the room, quite far away from him. “What happened?” You ask as you hurry over to help him get back up.

He grunts again as he tries to not weigh you down while you pull him up. “I fell.” He mutters in a flat tone, as if you asked him a stupid question, and it makes you huff a little. “Yeah, no shit...” You mumble as you carefully help him back into his wheelchair, holding back a little hiss from how tightly he is gripping onto your arms for support. Once he is sat back down you take a look at the mess still strewn about the floor. “... Were you trying to make yourself some tea?” You ask while you bend down to pick up all the stuff that fell down, noting the open overhead cabinet that's definitely emptier than how you left it.

He huffs, his shoulders stiffening up a little as he looks to the side. “Yeah...” he grumbles rather dejectedly, and you immediately recognize the embarrassment and annoyance in his expression. It breaks your heart.

When things finally got to an end a couple months ago you felt nothing but relief. You and Levi both survived and maybe you'd finally get a chance to leave the past behind once and for all. Sure, that relief soured pretty damn quickly when you realized just how extensive Levi's injuries were... but he was still alive and breathing, and you thought that, compared to everything else, this was just a small hurdle. Nothing you couldn't face together... And you still feel like this.

However, as happy as you were to finally have Levi at home with you, that's also when you began to realize that perhaps this was a little more than a small hurdle. For Levi especially. After everything that's happened he mostly looked tired, rather than sad. At first he looked like he accepted his new living conditions rather quickly and that he didn't let the changes bother him too much... but you see it sometimes. The way his frown deepens when he accidentally drops something after absentmindedly reaching for it with his right hand, the flashes of pain across his face whenever his injuries start acting up for whatever reason... and the frequent antsiness in his demeanor whenever he gets up off his chair to try and walk for a little. That last one in particular seems to take a toll on him.

The doctors have encouraged him to try and take a few steps every once in a while, but they were very clear on him needing support and not pushing himself too hard in order to avoid injuring his body further. And you, on your end, made it very clear to Levi that he can rely on you. You know he is grateful for your presence, he'd never take it for granted or see it as a nuisance... but it is more than apparent that he wishes he wouldn't have to rely on you for so many things, especially when it comes to the simplest of tasks. He was humanity's strongest no more than a few months ago, for God's sake! And now he can barely take a couple of steps without stumbling or folding like a piece of paper. You can almost hear these thoughts echoing from his mind.

“Mh... You know, we should move all this stuff somewhere else. Keeping it up there is just impractical.” You state as you clear a small space on the kitchen counter to accommodate all of the things Levi uses to make his tea. You make it a point to arrange all of the items neatly, cocking your head to the side when you are done. “I think we need some cute jars for all those tea leaves... and maybe a little rack?” You scrunch up your nose in thought as you observe the little tea corner work in progress. You hear a small scoff behind you.

“I'll come with you to buy that stuff. I don't trust your tastes.” He comments in his usual sarcastic tone, making you laugh. “How very dare you!” You exclaim as you turn to him with your hands placed on your hips, pleased to see that he already seems to be less tense than before. “Uh huh, remember the curtains that didn't fit the windows? 'Oh Levi, these are just perfect for the kitchen!' and then they didn't even reach all the way down.” He repeats your words from when you first started decorating your shared home, but still uses his deadpan tone while imitating you. Honestly it just makes you laugh harder. “You're an ass!” You huff in mock annoyance, crossing your arms over your chest. “And you keep buying mismatched stuff...” He grumbles, secretly adoring the sound of your laughter.

You sigh, raising your hands. “Alright, fine, that may be true... I will make sure to consult the real artiste when we go on our next shopping trip.” You say jokingly, making him scoff again and roll his eyes at you.

“Hey Levi...” You begin while stepping aside so he may get closer to the counter. A simple “mh?” is the response you receive. “Would you make a cup of tea for me as well?” For a moment he stills, with his hand in mid-air as he was reaching for one of the bags that contain his tea leaves. “I like yours the best...” You add as a smile slowly curls your lips when you notice the tips of his ears turn slightly red.

“...Yeah.” The way his voice softens makes your heart melt in your chest.

[jimraisedmeup]

TICK // 10.1 - magic man

Pairing: Eddie Munson x Fem!Reader

Rating: mature (angst, language)

Word Count: 1800

A/N: this is the epitome of drama. sorry, not sorry.

☾

Cold, late night so long ago When I was not so strong you know A pretty man came to me I never seen eyes so blue You know, I could not run away it seemed We'd seen each other in a dream

☾

February 14, 1984 - junior year

Eddie tapped his pencil on the desk with nothing but resentment.

After school detention was a literal hell. His punishment was to write lines, I will not vandalize school property, over one hundred times on the paper in front of him. But it wasn't his handwriting, or his paper, or even the detention itself, that irritated him.

It was the fact that you were in there with him, sitting a mere four desks away, and he hadn't heard a goddamn word from you in over two months.

He stewed over what you could possibly be writing lines for. Have you ever even been assigned detention before? A few punishments popped into his mind that he thought you deserved.

I will not abandon so-called friends.

I will not be the epitome of avoidance.

I will not ignore Eddie Munson in the halls every fucking day.

I will not make out with a man on New Year's Eve then literally act like he's a stranger the next day.

The pencil suddenly snapped in his hand, and Eddie threw the pieces on the floor.

Mr. Eulin, the unfortunate teacher supervising this detention, immediately saw this. Eddie could have snorted with arrogance at the fact that Eulin actually looked up from his Anne Rice novel to shoot him a nasty glare.

"Munson, pick that up or it's another detention for you tomorrow."

"Oh, woe is me."

"Excuse me?"

"Nothing, sir."

"That's what I thought. Now clean up the mess."

Eddie looked towards the windows, bright warm light shining through the dusty panes of glass. It was a freezing February day in Hawkins, but the sun seemed to wish differently.

He knew that you were looking at him. He could feel your eyes on him, even though you were a few rows back. Anger rose up, like a disease feasting on its victim, his stomach turning over. There was no controlling it now.

Lacing his words with instigation, he touched the piece of paper in front of him, crumpling it slightly. 

"Sir, I would much rather watch Buckley pick up the pieces."

Eulin stared at him again, his bushy eyebrows rising up in surprise as he flopped his book on the desk. 

He knew he was already dead set on another detention. Like a wrongfully accused prisoner on death row, Eddie Munson felt the need to be vindicated. What else did he have to lose? It was fucking Valentine's Day, of all days, and your stare on the back of his head in detention was burning holes through his skull.

"Now, why on God's green Earth would your fellow student do that? You got a bug up your ass, Munson?"

"Maybe. There's definitely something up there, sir. Wanna check?"

The old man before him nearly had an aneurysm. Exactly what Eddie wanted. He didn't even need to turn his head to see your reaction, he could literally hear you fidgeting in your chair, picking at your fingers.

 "Munson! Out, now. Let's go, tough guy." Eulin stood up, pointing at the door.

Faking reluctance, Eddie also rose from his desk. All of the students in the room were focused on him now. Honestly, he just wanted an excuse to get the fuck out of the same room that you were in.

Before leaving the classroom, Eddie balled up the paper on his desk and chucked it at you. It hit your chest, making you jump, but you still refused to look him in the eye.

In the hallway, Eulin still had his index finger out, this time in Eddie's face.

"You think you're untouchable, don't you?"

Eddie leaned against the locker behind him and didn't respond. He turned his head away from the educational professional trying to verbally assault him.

"Munson. Listen up. You're going to end up just like your father. Doesn't surprise me one bit that you're in detention every other week these days. I would shoot myself in the foot before I'd believe you would graduate."

Inching closer to Eddie, Eulin's face began to redden. At the close proximity, Eddie visibly flinched, resisting the urge to bitch slap the man with a fat finger too close to his face.

"You are the scum of Hawkins."

☾

"Come on home, girl" he said with a smile "You don't have to love me yet, let's get high awhile But try to understand, try to understand Try, try, try to understand, I'm a magic man"

☾

The classroom door was already open, but you slammed it against the wall anyways.

"Fuck you, Eulin."

Taking a step back from the brown eyed boy on the lockers, Eulin was stunned to see another one of his students beginning to cause a scene.

"Girl, you better get back in the-"

You laughed rudely, immediately interrupting him. "You think I'm going to let you talk to him like that?"

"What's going on here? Buckley, get back in that classroom," Eulin choked out.

Eddie stared unabashedly at you. One hand was clenched in a fist, ready to go down swinging at his teacher's harsh words. His other hand rose to his own mouth in shock.

But you ignored Eddie's presence, as usual. You just hounded Eulin.

"Sir, I'm not going back in there." 

Your words were polite on paper, but the tone of your voice was the exact opposite. Eulin seemed as speechless as Eddie. 

A few seconds of stuttering, and Eulin finally found a comeback. "Buckley, don't you dare get involved in this. Don't be a failure like Munson."

Eddie audibly gasped as you actually spit in the teacher's face, saliva dripping down Eulin's cheek.

"Fuck. You." 

And then you were gone, rushing down the hallway towards the doors leading outside.

☾

Winter nights we sang in tune Played inside the months of moon "Never think of never let this spell last forever" Well, summer lover passed to fall Tried to realize it all Mama says she's worried, growing up in a hurry

☾

"Buckley! Buckley! Helloooo, feral woman on the loose!" 

Eddie ran after you, abandoning detention, abandoning Eulin standing dumbstruck in the hallway. He finally caught up with you as you made your way through the parking lot, your hair flying in the frosty wind.

"Hey!" he touched your shoulder, trying to slow you down. "Will you talk to me?"

You shrugged his hand off and kept walking. "What's there to talk about? Eulin's an asshole. End of story."

"Oh, sunshine, I think there's a lot that needs to be discussed between us."

"No idea what you're rambling on about," you mumbled.

"You gonna ignore me for another two months?"

You almost paused for a second. Eddie knew your mind was racing, he could see how tensed your muscles were as you stormed past the parked cars. 

Eddie continued to poke at your temper. "Where are you even going? You don't have a car, you don't have a license. You don't even know how to drive!"

Turning on him in a flash, the look in your eyes made Eddie stop in his tracks. 

"Maybe I'd know how to drive if you actually taught me like you said you would!"

Eddie snorted. "C'mon, now. That's not what this is about. People don't just spit on teachers because they're butt hurt about not being able to drive."

You threw your hands in the air, let out a frustrated laugh, and stomped away. "You're the one who brought up the license thing! You're such an infuriating creature."

But Eddie was surprised to see you stop right at his van, which was parked at the back of the lot. You sat on the rear bumper.

Now it was his turn to be dumbstruck. 

"Happy Valentine's Day, Eddie," you exclaimed sarcastically. "Take me home, will you?"

☾

"Come on home, girl" he said with a smile "I cast my spell of love on you, a woman from a child" But try to understand, try to understand Oh, oh, try, try, try to understand, He's a magic man, oh, he's got the magic hands

☾

Instead of taking you back to your own house, Eddie drove towards Forest Hills trailer park. He knew that you were confused, but you remained silent in his passenger seat the entire drive, peeling some paint off the trim of the door.

The van came to an abrupt halt in the grassy area of his uncle's trailer. Eddie could see a few small kids running around the other homes, screaming and playing.

He was struck with nostalgia from his childhood, back when things weren't complicated by a doomed future and unruly hormones and a drunk father in jail for dealing drugs.

"Why'd you bring me here?" you uttered quietly, ripping him from his tortured thoughts.

"This is my home now, Buckley. If you would have been a good friend the last couple months, you'd know I moved in with my uncle a little sooner than I anticipated."

Eddie didn't try to hide the bitterness in his voice. He wanted you to know how hurt he was. Before you could get a word in, he snapped on you.

"Did you even think about checking on me when my dad went to jail? The whole damn town was talking about it. I'm really living up to the infamous Munson name, aren't I? I'm a pariah, a phenomenon."

You chewed on your lip, staring heatedly out of the window. "Of course I thought about you."

Gripping the steering wheel, he was seething. "So why have you been ignoring me? You act like New Year's never happened. So help me God, if you don't answer-"

"You know why I was in detention?"

Distracted, Eddie's leg bobbed with anxiety. "No, but you've piqued my interest."

"Eulin caught me trying to put something in your locker this morning."

"Something? What something? Why would that land you in detention?"

You huffed. "A letter. And I got detention because I wouldn't give it to him."

Eddie thought for a moment and laid his hand out dramatically. "May I have my letter, then?" 

You gently slapped his outstretched palm away from you.

"No," you replied offhandedly. "I tossed it."

He rolled his big brown eyes and opened the driver's side door, hopping out. The snow crunching underneath his boots was harsh. The cold air filled his lungs, forcing his nerves to calm and bringing him back to some kind of reality.

Walking around to the passenger side, he opened your door for you. 

"Come inside, then. I can make us some hot chocolate."

☾

But try to understand, try to understand Try, try, try to understand, he's a magic man

☾

(song lyrics credit: "Magic Man" by Heart)

TAGLIST for this series if you would like to be notified when I post new chapters!

taglist: @siriuslysmoking @emesis-nemisis @ishouldclean @thegirlblogstuff @amandaauroraelli @melonmonstereater @well-be-okay-dear-valentine @maridevial @sp1dyb0y1008 @totallynani @the-historical-biscuit2468 @borhapgirlforlife19 @insert-geeky-things-here @daggerdear @mewchiili @nvrendfangirl @lausnotverybright @psychotickoda @hiimerinhime @salvinaa @heyyallitsnaomi

[cariantha]

If Only I Could

Book: Open Heart, Book 2, Chapter 7

Pairing: Dr. Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Dr. Sawyer Brooks)

Rating: General

Warning: A couple curse words

Category: Angst (with an OK ending)

Word count: 1.3K

Summary: After conducting surveillance on Louise, Sawyer is frustrated with Ethan’s mixed signals.

A/N: I am participating in the Luck of the Draw event hosted by @moodmusicmonday. I drew the song The Enemy by Andrew Belle. It inspired a little angst. There were definitely some lyrics that spoke to me. I bolded the themes/keywords that I used as prompts.

Not before a final squeeze, Ethan releases the grip on her hand to put the car in park. He shifts his body to face her and she responds in kind. As his grateful eyes connect with hers, he cups her cheek.

“Thanks again for doing this with me. I… I appreciate you, Sawyer. More than I could ever properly express.” 

She feels the sincerity in his touch, hears it in his voice, and sees it in his loving expression. Leaning into hope this will be the moment that the reset business is forgotten, Sawyer wraps one hand around the wrist that still tenderly holds her face. The other hand on his shoulder slowly pulls him in. 

The cautious strategy backfires, giving Ethan too much time to process what was about to happen. As his convictions overwhelm him, he suddenly withdraws, taking her hands in his to hold them down.

“We shouldn’t,” he says with a sorrowful shake of his head. 

Sawyer wastes no time pulling herself free, turning away and scrambling for the door handle. Despite the sheets of rain still coming down, she hurriedly escapes his pity, jumping from the car and slamming the door behind her. 

Ethan slams his hands on the steering wheel. “Shit!” 

Sawyer is halfway to the side entrance of the hospital when she feels his hand on the back of her arm and turns to face him. 

“I’m sorry.” 

“It’s fine, Ethan. We don’t need to do this,” she says, shrugging free from his hold. If she’s learned one thing from her mentor it’s how to be fashionably numb in emotional situations. And in this moment she tries her best to channel that energy, failing instantly with what comes next out of his mouth.

“Sawyer, it’s just…you know how compli-”

“I knowwwww!” she growls, shaking fists in the air. “You don’t need to tell me it’s complicated. You don’t need to tell me you’re doing this for me or my career. I know…” her voice cracks, “but that doesn’t make it sting any less, Ethan.” 

The tears are disguised by the rain that falls upon her face, but glossy eyes give away the depth of her frustration. With crossed arms she stares at the sad reflection looking back from a puddle and recalls something Ethan said earlier. 

“Why didn’t he ever resent her the way I did?”

“Hmph,” she shakes her head in defeat.

“Talk to me.”

“If only I could resent you,” voicing her inner thoughts, “...if only it were that easy.”

“What do you mean?” he wills her to look up at him.

Just a little while ago, in a parking lot across the street from a rundown motel, Sawyer listened sympathetically to Ethan’s heartbreaking family history. Her heart broke for both father and son. But as she stands here now with Ethan’s childhood memories replaying in her mind, she feels for Alan Ramsey. She understands the conflict between head and heart.

“...she said she needed to go to the grocery store, and then she just… didn’t come back.” 

She knows it could never compare to the deep dejection that the Ramsey men must have felt when Louise unexpectedly left. But as of a few months ago, Sawyer can now say she understands what abandonment feels like.

She believed him when he said they would make it work. Only to realize he had broken that promise when he disappeared into the jungle with no word. No opportunity to ask questions. No way to get answers. No chance to say goodbye.   

“[He] was beside himself...thinking something terrible had happened to her.”

Sawyer recalls the increasing dread as each day passed with no contact. Did he even make it to Brazil? Had he been attacked by militant guerillas or actual gorillas? Had he fallen ill from an Amazonian spider bite, or worse, from the disease that he was there to help prevent? Did he fall and get lost in the rainforest, or worst of all, did he fall and get lost in the arms of someone else?

“...he’d been dumped.”

Dumped. Deserted. Rejected. Cast aside. Forgotten. Just a few of the sentiments that described how it felt learning Ethan Ramsey was alive and well, and had the ability to communicate but chose not to. At least not with her.

“She made a fool out of him!”

Finally looking up to answer his question, “Maybe I’ve made myself the fool, but I just can’t seem to hate you. We had something...no, we still have something and despite the repeated rejection, I cling to some shred of hope," she exhales. “Maybe that’s how your dad felt about your mom.”

“I tried,” his whisper barely audible over the patter of rain still falling from the gray sky above. 

“What?”

“I’ve tried,” he enunciates louder, “to make you resent me. And when that didn’t work, I tried to make you my enemy. But it’s impossible to hate you too.” Forgetting they were out in the open, Ethan takes a step forward and delicately wraps his fingers around her wrist. “I’m sorry that everything is so upside down. I wish things could be different.” 

Even with all the moisture around them, his touch ignites a spark. But the thrill is quickly extinguished yet again.

“Ethan? Dr. Brooks? You’re both soaked to the bone! Is everything okay?” Harper calls from under an umbrella.

Remembering their surroundings, he quickly lets go of Sawyer as his ex steps up beside him. Harper’s hand finds the back of his shoulder and the affectionate display makes Sawyer shrink back with a familiar pang of doubt. 

“Uh, Dr. Brooks fell and I…I was making sure she wasn’t hurt,” his concerned eyes scan Sawyer for evidence of further injury, but not the physical kind.

Whether he intended it or not, the double meaning was not lost on her. Sawyer heard more truth in that statement than lies. She did fall. She fell hard. And it does hurt. More than she is willing to admit. 

“Thank you, Dr. Ramsey,” she plays along pretending to look herself over. Finally lifting her eyes to meet his gaze, she is deliberate with her word choice. “Just a few bruises.”

“Ethan, since I’ve caught you here, I’ve been meaning to ask…” Harper’s voice fades into the background as his focus remains on Sawyer’s crestfallen demeanor. “So? Shall I set up the meeting?” the question snaps him back. 

“That’s fine,” he answers, not caring what it is that he just agreed to.

“Great, I’ll look for some time on our schedules. Now come on, let’s get out of this nasty weather,” she suggests leading the way. 

Sawyer turns to follow Harper indoors but Ethan stops her. 

“Rookie, hold on a minute. I’m…I’m sorry our timing is off. You know if the circumstances were different we’d…that I would…” he trails off looking for understanding in her eyes. “You…you know that, right?”

Sawyer visibly deflates her shoulders and nods affirmatively. “And I think that’s why this,” she gestures between them, “...this is really confusing sometimes.” 

“I agree.” 

With no other solution coming to mind, Sawyer tries to move them forward the best way she knows how. “Can you just do me a favor? Every once in a while can you pretend it’s the first day of my intern year and unleash the rude and arrogant Dr. Ramsey? That would help me not want to kiss you all the time,” she jokes.

“Well, I suppose if it helps,” he offers politely before twisting his features into a pretend scowl. “Your taste in men is concerning, your judgment questionable. You are severely lacking both bark and bite when you’re angry, and you are entirely too quick to forgive.”

He walks off without another word, but after a few paces glances back with a satisfied smirk.

“What an asshole,” she smiles back.

Tag List: @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics @potionsprefect @jamespotterthefirst @annfg8 @peonierose @socalwriterbee @tessa-liam @jerzwriter @quixoticdreamer16 @mysticalgalaxysstuff @inlocusmads @txemrn @trappedinfanfiction @mvalentine @takemyopenheart @ofmischiefandmedicine @openheartforeverinmyheart @doriopenheart @coffeeheartaddict2 @genevievemd @starrystarrytrouble @hopelessromantic1352 @kyra75 @lsvdw-blog

[lorkonsghost]

I'm sad today for a few reasons work, and the soon to be three year anniversary of a friends death I will now tell you why I prefer bad mother Talia and why his favorite Robin was Damian Wayne. My friend was raised from birth to 14 years old not knowing who his dad was and mildly abusive mother I don't want talk about all thing she did because she's going to take up most of story and the sole reason my friend dead so fuck her. But when my friend was 14 because his mom got fired from her job and she didn't want to actually go looking for a job she dropped my friend off at his bio dads told him he was his son and left. Now like Damian he looked just like his dad and his dad had no clue he had a kid and unlike Damian he had no siblings and his mom 100% had no good relationship with his dad and definitely took advantage of drunk college kid who 16 years younger than her. So imagine your 35 year old man and the woman who he had sex with once almost 15 years ago tells you have kid and he looks like you but dose that even matter she just abandon her kid at his door step and like Bruce Wayne he doesn't kick the kid out or blame the kid but has DNA test done to prove he his well you know what happened he was his kid. So know he goes to court to get parental rights so he doesn't have to go back with his mom. Now some more Damian Wayne similarities he was angry who had undiagnosed autism who was neglected by his mother was desperately touched starved but his dad was a saint and tried to help him the best ways he could. Let me tell you I wish this story had happy ending but he got good few years after that we met up read comics together at my place since me and my family have decent comic collection I can't remember the run name on top of my head but we read the run Damian was introduced he was so happy a kid who had same shit hand dealt I remember my first time reading hating how Talia was depicted but now it my favorite Talia because everytime I read it I remember my friend and his shit hand and how his dad tried to help his son. Now I should explain why it's his mom fault my friend dead he was diagnosed with something I don't feel totally ok with sharing since you could find out who was with it but safe to say he was told he needed to be in assisted living situation shortly after his mom tried to force the court to put him under her care again since she would be given tax exemption from him just living their and she hired a really good lawyer and my friend saw his and his father's hand in the case and their was a good chance she could take him back so instead of even chance with living with her again he killed himself the trail never even made it to court. This is why I like bad mother Talia because every time I write something she deserves her getting her just deserts I feel a little better it's or anything bad happening to her I know it was the creator being islamophobic I don't care if can write legally distinct fanfic about a person who I hate and getting beaten up I'll take it.

I feel like you guys are owed some more facts about him he used to call his dad his Batman when he talked about him. He eventually had a step mother who actually tried to be a mom but sadly she only knew him for a few months I remember her crying the hardest at his funeral how it wasn't fair she couldn't hold him longer apparently she couldn't have children so when she learned her boyfriend at the time had a kid although he was adult she was happy. He liked Godzilla a lot he had some of black and white movies. He was the only person I ever met who liked the batman and Robin movie the one bat suit nipples and Mr freeze. He had hated when people ignored him he would start to hit your arm until you at least acknowledged his existence he tried this once with a teacher and he got detention so fast. He wanted to work in 3d animation. He owned but never read the homestuck epilogue books. I only got one thing from him sadly his 3d model folder I would show you guys his work but I can't look at his art without crying so I rather not.

Goodbye my friend my Damian Wayne from your Jon Kent

[skzhocomments]

Mafia Book #2 - PART I - The Black Iris - Chapter 6 - Revenge

Story masterlist - please consult it for the summary of the story, trigger warnings etc.

General masterlist

Wattpad | AO3

Chapter 5 | Chapter 7

---

PART I - THE BLACK IRIS

Chapter 6 - Revenge

chapter word count: 3.5k words

~Minho's POV~

Finding those three scums was easy.

Kidnapping them and confining them in one of our abandoned buildings was easy, too.

What was difficult, though, was to not knock the teeth out of their mouths myself. I wanted to be the one to put a bullet through their heads for hurting Iris. I respected her too much, though, and knew she had her own plans with them, even if she wouldn't vocalise them.

It's been shy of six months since we spoke about it, and I regretted moving so slowly with her revenge, but as they say, good things come to those who wait, and patience is a virtue. I needed to plan everything carefully before kidnapping them, since they were influential people and we didn't want anyone actually finding them, or even worse, us.

Anyways, the only thing that matters was that now we're there, with these bastards tied against some chairs, their hands cuffed, and their eyes and mouths covered.

I was reluctant to bring Iris here at first, would it just trigger her bad memories? Would it actually do her any good?

But still, it was not my call to make. I just did what she asked, and brought them here, and seeing the way her eyes sparkled when she poured boiling hot water on their genitals made me realise I made the right decision in suggesting she gets revenge.

She first started with hurting them. She cut them up, pushed them, punched them, then she took care of them and nursed them back to health, just so she could do it again. She kept that up for weeks, making sure to feed them and give them water once every few days; not too much, for she didn't want them to become spoiled, God forbid, but just enough to survive.

She would sometimes only watch them and listen to their conversations without them knowing she was there, her eyes blank, devoid of any sympathy.

After a few weeks, her approach became more extreme. She started doing all sorts of CIA level torture tactics on them. She would watch them obsessively and even asked Seungmin to make a device for her that would pour water droplets on their foreheads every few seconds, just so that they can never fall asleep; she would take their blindfolds off after turning on a bright lamp, which was a shock to their eyes that have been deprived of light for weeks.

I started worrying she could be more of a psychopath than I was, which would definitely be another first, but Iris never failed to surprise me. It was clear she grew up watching true crime.

"Who are you?" One of the men cried.

"Hmm," Iris started. It was the first time she was speaking to them ever since we took them. The idiots realised all three of them are together but couldn't connect the dots to figure out why they were there in the first place, not when Iris let them speak for only short periods of time.

Just how many vile things did they do in this formation, for them to not realise it was Iris?

"Just tell us what you want! If it's money... just tell us how much!" Another man shouted. The fact that she took the covers off their mouths at the same time meant she actually wanted to listen to what they were saying and talk to them.

"Did you press on record?" She chuckled.

"Record? What do you mean? Record what?! You fucking bitch, just so you know, after I get out of here-"

"She looks like such a slut like this." She interrupted the guy and sent a powerful slap his way, making his head turn. The sound of the impact resonated in the whole room, making the other two guys squirm in their chairs.

"I'd enjoy it more if she stopped crying." She continued, slapping another guy – probably the one who said it so many years ago.

"Look, I don't know what you-"

"Should we write something on her and take a picture?" She slapped the last dude just as hard. "Do you want to know who I am?" She chuckled again. "Fine."

Iris made her way behind the guys and undid their blindfolds, and I just watched the show with my arms crossed in one of the corners of the room.

"Ahh, three pairs of beautiful eyes!" She laughed and put her hands on her hips.

"It's you..." one of the men spat at Iris, but she just laughed harder.

"Missed me?"

"She's fucking crazy..."

"How dare you do this to us?! Don't you know who we are?! Once we get out-"

She went behind them and put a cloth in his mouth, tying it at the back of his head. Then, she did the same to the other two, just to make sure they're quiet.

"Minho." Iris turned to me, her mouth in a slight pout. She was so damn cute. "They think they're gonna get out of here."

I laughed. She was simply the devil reincarnated, and I remembered when my eyes first locked with hers all those months ago. Fuck, she's even more beautiful now than she was then.

"Poor them." I replied, watching her sway her hips in my direction, completely enchanted.

"But you won't." She turned to them just as she reached me in the corner of the room, and they looked at her, their eyes hopeless. I knew that expression all too well. "You won't get out of here, because I can't forgive you, and I'm bored of you. Since you all loved watching me so much, to the point of filming me, I'm gonna give you one less show. You can thank me in hell. Now, stop squirming around and watch."

Iris grabbed my collar and pulled me in for a kiss, her tongue playfully licking my lips as her fingers worked on the buttons of my shirt.

"Is this why you asked for a bed in here last week?" I chuckled.

"Mhm. You're quick." She continued kissing me, and I broke the kiss and moved down to her jaw.

"I thought you wanted to let these guys have a good night's sleep for once."

"As if." She chuckled.

"You're insane. Remind me to never get on your bad side." I whispered in her neck just as I started kissing and biting it.

"I'm insane? Minho, baby, you haven't touched me ever since that night six months ago. I craved for you every single day, but I was too scared... Hand holding, kissing and dates aren't enough for me. I want all of you. I'm greedy." She moaned as I bit her neck.

"I didn't want to make you uncomfortable, but trust me, there's nothing more I want to do than fuck you, Iris." I took off her blouse and she folded in my arms. Fuck, her skin was so soft, her hair smelled so good, and she was just as sick in the head as I was.

"I love you so much." She confessed.

"Fuck, love, me too, I am obsessed with you. How did I find someone so perfect for me?" It was true. I was utterly consumed by Iris, and I wanted her so badly, it burned.

She grabbed the gun from my leg holster and put it in my hand, her fingers then working on opening my zipper.

"Hold onto that, baby, I'm gonna need you to use it later."

She took off my pants and took my dick in her mouth, licking from top to bottom skilfully, her tongue swirling around my tip. I was already rock hard, and couldn't help but roll my head back when she deepthroated me. She was way too hot like that, on her knees in front of me, wearing just her bra and a skirt that should've come off ages ago.

Blowjobs became a common occurrence after my last mission four months ago, but in this scenario, it was giving me the thrill, and I felt myself wanting to burst immediately. It was hard to control myself.

The three guys were helplessly watching the gun in my hand, their faces stained with tears and some dried blood from Iris' previous shows. They were watching me, their gaze all too familiar, beginning me with their eyes to stop this madness and save them.

They didn't seem to realise that it was futile, I was as fucked in the head as Iris, if not more, as I've been doing this for so many more years compared to her, and if they wouldn't have made any sounds, I would've probably completely forgotten they were there.

The only thing I cared about right now was the way her lips felt around my cock and the vibrations from her muffled moans when I bottomed down deep in her neck.

I've always been sort of a closeted exhibitionist, so this scene was simply exciting, unlocking a fantasy I didn't even know I had.

I grabbed Iris' chin and made her look at me as I pulled out my cock from her mouth, then I helped her stand up and get on the bed, and the fire in her eyes let me know these guys held no power over her anymore.

I took off her pants and returned the favour, eating her out as her moans filled the room. I finally got to taste her, and oh, fuck, how sweet she was.

Unexpectedly, she raised her hand in the air and pointed to the dude in the middle.

"That one." She whispered, rolling her head back, and I understood what she meant immediately. I continued kissing her thighs while I looked back to aim properly, and without missing a beat, I painted the room red.

Entering two fingers inside, I curved them upward and focused on Iris' moans, which was not an easy task with the other two pigs squealing for their life as they watched their friend's life slip away from him due to the bullet hole in his forehead.

Iris grabbed a fistful of my hair and kept my head in place. I was sure she was close, so I continued licking her clit as my fingers worked tirelessly in her, and she let go.

"You're so pretty cumming on my fingers like this, doll." I praised her, watching the hearts in her eyes as she looked at me.

"Doll again?" She chuckled. "Fuck, that was so good. Please fuck me. I need you so badly."

I complied, putting my body on top of hers and entering her quickly. I've been patient enough.

She put her hands around my neck and pulled me closer, kissing my mouth and tasting herself on my tongue. We kissed for a while, when she pulled back and pointed to another dude, the one closest to us.

"You're taking advantage of me." I chuckled.

"Of course. Aren't you mine to take advantage of?"

I changed our positions and put her on top, thrusting into her while pointing the gun at the poor guy and shooting. The last guy that was left was now crying harder than ever, realising he has no way out of his fate. If Iris played with them until now, giving them false hope that they might get out of this, it was now certain for him that there was no hope left. He was a dead man.

This must've been the guy that hurt her the most, considering she kept him alive the longest and let him live his last moments in distress, knowing what's sure to come.

Iris fucked herself with my dick and bounced up and down as she pleased, coming for a second time. I loved seeing her use me like this, I loved her body, the expressions she made, and her beautiful, fucked up mind. I loved everything about her.

I loved her.

"I'm so close, doll." I told her, beginning to thrust myself into her again and keeping her body pressed against mine.

"Fuck, Minho, fill me up baby."

Music to my ears. She must've not been aware of the effect she had on me. How could I not listen to her every command, when they sounded so appealing?

In just a few thrusts more, I released myself inside of her, feeling the way her walls squeezed me tighter and listening to her breathe in my ear.

"I love you." I kissed her for a long time, just enjoying her presence. "Do you want to kill the last one?"

"I'd like to, but I don't know how to work a gun, and I don't feel like hurting my hands anymore. My palms still hurt from slapping them earlier." She said, so I took her palms in mine and kissed them ten times, making her chuckle.

"I'll teach you. Come." I stood up and helped her up as well, and we got dressed. I then put the gun in her hand. "You have to hold it tightly with your right hand, and secure it with your left-"

"You didn't secure it though, did you? You held it with only one hand."

"That's because I'm a pro, love. You'll learn." I kissed the side of her head.

"Will you teach me this as well?" She looked at me hopeful, and I nodded. She was already so good at close body combat, why not teach her this as well?

"Of course. I will do anything you want, my love. But until then, safety first, hm?"

"Okay." She nodded happily. "Now what?"

"Your legs, move them like this." I showed her the way you properly assume the Weaver stance, as it was the most stable one, also providing a slightly better accuracy, even if you needed to have some aim to use it properly. Oh, well, it's not like it mattered if she missed his head once or twice.

"Like this?" She turned to me, her eyes glowing.

Fucking hell, I am obsessed with this girl.

If this is what Chris felt for Emilia, no wonder he's so devastated even two years later.

But if it ever came to it, would I kill Iris if she betrayed me? Would I just cast her away? Would I still love her?

Fucking hell. My feelings are too much.

"Yes, doll, exactly like that. Where do you wanna hit him first?"

She smirked and pointed the gun down, towards that man's groin. I chuckled.

"Wasn't the hot water enough?"

The poor man started shaking his head vigorously, as if begging Iris to reconsider, but she was dead set on taking this dude's manhood before taking his life.

"What, dude? You made her the sociopath she is today!" I went over him and kicked his leg, as he hopelessly watched me, still pathetically pleading with his eyes. "The audacity some men have!" I spat, then went once more behind Iris and hugged her from the back, my hands guiding the gun in the right position.

"What, do you think I'm a sociopath?" Iris asked, as If offended.

"No, love, I don't think so. I'm sure of it."

"Mean." She scoffed, then chuckled slightly. "Now what?"

"Now, pull the trigger." I whispered in her ear, and she did with no hesitation, the bullet hitting the guy straight in the manhood.

"Okay, that was quite fun!" She spoke triumphantly as the dude cried out in pain. His companions sure had it easier.

"Yea? Do you like shooting guns?" I kissed her neck.

"I'm not sure. I like shooting this trash."

"Should we kill him now? I'm quite hungry. Let's go on a date and celebrate. Eat something good, drink some champagne..."

"Sure." She moved away from my grasp and turned around, giving me the gun. Her hand was slightly shaking. I gladly took it from her, not wanting her to rush into doing something she was not ready for or that she could regret. For me, it was another story. I could've killed 1000 of these dudes with no remorse, especially for her.

I would've done any crime for her, and she seemed so aware of it, it was dangerous.

I hugged her again and grabbed the back of her head with my hand, guiding her to my shoulder. She snuggled against me, and I didn't let her watch as I pulled the trigger and killed the last guy.

~

After seeing her shenanigans, it became crystal clear to Chris and to everyone else in Stray Kids that Iris would be the best person to gather intel on others through physical or psychological torture. Her knowledge on psychology was extremely valuable, and on one hand, I was glad the team finally started acknowledging her more, but on the other, I worried.

I.

I.

I worried about her well-being. How fucked up was that?

I was so afraid of her being uncomfortable and feeling guilty for torturing people, especially since it was different from the three guys. She had a personal vendetta against them, but other people she didn't care for or know were a different story.

I voiced my concerns to Chris, and the only thing he did was laugh in my face.

"Wow, you really care about her." He said, his eyes cold. "But you know better than anyone that no one stays here unless they are valuable in some way."

"Do you really want me to leave?" I asked him, my eyes even colder.

"Leave?" He raised a brow. "You? Would you ever leave this life – everything you've ever known – for a mere woman?"

"Be serious. You know she's not a mere woman to me. I love her."

"It hasn't been that long, how can you love her?"

"Don't be a dick. You and Emilia started dating after way less time." I was never one to bite my tongue.

"Don't you dare-"

"All I'm saying is, don't be a hypocrite. If she were alive, wouldn't you have left this life behind if she asked you to?"

"But she's not." He replied bluntly.

"But you would. So, either you finally accept Iris as my partner and let her stay here without her needing to do anything about it, or I'm fucking gone, man." I turned around to leave, but his next words stopped me dead in the tracks.

"What if she's the one who came to me and asked to let her take on this role?" He chuckled slightly.

"... what?"

"I already accepted her as part of our team, man. She wants to be useful to us, to you, but I appreciate your love outburst. I'm glad you found someone."

This fucker.

I left without saying another word.

~

I knew Iris wanted to join me on missions, but how could I possibly be okay with that, when I cared so much about her? Last month I accidentally hit her too hard when teaching her a move and she fell, taking a vase down with her, which broke and cut her left wrist. She bled for a long while, and I almost cried, for fuck's sake.

Needless to say, she had to get stitches, and we never trained inside the house again.

I made my way to the gardens and saw Hyunjin reading something on a bench.

"Hey man, what's up?" I asked, watching him flip the pages quickly.

"Not much, waiting for your girlfriend to finish up."

"Finish up what?"

"She's in the greenhouse."

I nodded and left in a rush, wanting to see her and ask her about her conversation with Chris. She was indeed in the greenhouse, painting a field of flowers – black irises.

"Hello, doll." I said, kissing her right temple.

"Minho. I'm almost done here. Wanna go on a date?" She smiled.

"Of course. Should we go see a movie?"

"Sounds good."

"Iris, can I talk to you about something, though?"

She put the brush down and looked at me.

"Did you talk to Chris?"

"You figure me out too easily." I chuckled. "Why do you want to put yourself in danger so much?"

"I just want to... be part of your universe, you know?" She smiled.

"But coming with me anywhere is way too much." I frowned. "It's dangerous, and-"

"Chris said the same thing actually." She chuckled.

He did?

"So we reached a compromise. I'm just going to do what I'm good at – I'm gonna work with Han and find out everything we can about our targets, and I can come with you if you're going on gun trades."

"Gun trades? Hmm... I see."

True, those were not as dangerous, especially ever since we started selling them throughout Europe. Whenever we had to seal a big deal, it felt just like travelling for a business meeting.

"What do you think?" She asked, and I initially thought she was talking about the compromise she made with Chris, but after watching what her gaze pointed to, I realised she meant the painting.

"It looks beautiful, Iris. But why black?"

"I figured black suits me the most. Doesn't it?"

"Isn't black associated with depression and pessimism?" I frowned, and she started laughing.

"It is, but it's also associated with power, strength, and authority. That's what I want to be..."

"Then yes, it fits you well." I kissed her cheek, and we both stood up.

"Also – don't you always wear black? What is this double standard?!"

"Yea, but it's different when I do it." I protested. "Although I can't lie – you're hot as fuck in black."

"Hmmmmmmmm." She frowned and then chuckled slightly. "So, to the movies?" She grabbed my hand and looked at me, and watching her beautiful eyes, I just knew that the word 'love' was too simple to describe how much I cared for this girl.

"Yes. Let's go." I nodded lazily, focusing on the way her hand felt in mine. My thumb brushed over her knuckles and my grip was tight, for I never wanted to let go.

"Damn, I crave some nachos and popcorn... and even that washed out drink..." She mumbled, and so we went to our date night.

---

Chapter 5 | Chapter 7

[firstdivisiongirl]

Luffy, Zoro and Sanji with a reader new crewmate that is secretary a fairy, and finds out because feel the wings after a hug.

Hi! I hope you are doing well. To be honest with you, I did my research for this by looking at the Pixie Hollow series of books and movies lol. I hope you like it because I really had so much fun!

Luffy:

You and Luffy needed to sneak into a marine base to help your new fairy friend, Cordelia escape from captivity.  She had the power to heal wounds using water and control any amount of water that was around her.  You were new to the Strawhats, but they didn’t know that Cordelia was your sister and you were a water fairy as well.  You had been hiding your wings from them for about 2 months now.  You were afraid that they’d try to use you the same way the world government wanted to use your sister.  You had finally found your sister.  “Cordelia,” you exclaimed, "come on, it's time to go.”  She grabbed your hand and followed you and Luffy.  When you got to the edge of the base, you didn’t know how you were going to get back to the ship that was now sailing away. 

“Gomu Gomu,” Luffy said as he stretch right arm, encapsulating you and Cordelia in his arms.  Oh no, you thought, he’s going to find out!

“SLINGSHOT,” he yelled as the three of you shot through the air and onto the Merry.  When you arrive back on the ship you tan to your room, not coming out for the rest of the day.

***

Later that night, everyone had retreated to bed. Everyone except for you.  You walked to the head of the ship and you noticed someone sitting on the head, it was Luffy.  The one person you were avoiding.  You walked up near the head.  You knew you had to face this sometime.

“Hi Captain,” you said sheepishly.

“Hey Y/N.  You okay?  I have a question?”

You swallowed, “Sure, what’s up?”  You were definitely sweating now, afraid he was going to use your powers or worse, abandon you.

“What were those things on your back?  If you have a rash or something you should probably see Chopper.”

“Luffy…” you said.  You knew you had to tell him.  You took off your jacket that you always wear to hide your wings,  “I’m a water fairy.”

The coat fell to the ground revealing translucent aqua wings that had hints of a dark royal blue outlining them.  Luffy’s eyes widened.  “That’s so cool.  But why didn’t you show us a few months ago when you joined? That's amazing!”

“I was afraid you’d use me or abandon me like everyone else does,” you said,sniffing and tearing up as you looked at your straw hat wearing captain.

“Why’d we do that?  You’re my nakama,” he replied putting his straw hat on top of your head in hopes of cheering you up.

You looked at him wide eyed, “Really?”

“Of course.”

You hugged him and cried happy tears, soaking his red vest shirt thing.  “Thank you Luffy,” you said before breaking away from his hug.  This felt like such a beautiful moment.

“Can I ask you something, Y/N?”

You smiled, “Sure.”  

“Do fairies poop?” he asked, officially ruining the moment.

Zoro:

“I’m sorry sir, I’m in a happy relationship,” you said to the drunken stranger.  This man kept flirting with you for what felt like hours.  No matter how many times you told him to buzz off he just wouldn’t.  You were hoping that this lie would get him to.

“I’ll leave you alone,” he said, “if you can introduce me to the lucky person.”

You started to sweat profusely, staining your heather gray tank.  You looked around the bar, hoping maybe Sanji was there when all of a sudden Zoro walks up and hugs you. Thank goodness. Wait, oh shit, you thought.

“Hey babe.  Sorry, I’m late, I just got caught up with some business,” Zoro told you, making sure the man could see his swords on his hip.  “Is this guy giving you trouble?”  He smirked at the man.  You know that smirk he has when he’s ready to slice someone in half.

“I’m sorry sir.  Wow, you know, look at the time.  I better get home, it's getting late,” the man said nervously.  He ran, well more like stumbled out of the bar and away from you and Zoro.  

“I owe you one Zoro,” you told him while sipping your drink.

“No problem Y/N.  You’re not used to pirate life yet.  You can’t fight or intimidate anyone.  You looked like you needed help.”

You looked down at the bar counter.  You had just joined the Strawhats a few weeks ago as a botanist.  Your dream was to collect plants from every island you visited and create a garden containing plants from all over the world.  Chopper thought that was impossible since plants needed all different climates to grow but he didn’t know your power.

“Can you tell me what the hell is up with your back?  It feels like you have wings or something,” Zoro said bluntly.

Your eyes widened.  He must have felt them when he hugged you.  You grabbed his hand and ram out of the bar and into the alley right next to the bar.

“Zoro, can you keep a secret?”

“Of course Y/N,”

You closed your eyes.  All of a sudden, your wings start to grow out of your back.  Zoro’s eye (yes eye)  widened and his mouth dropped open.  He had heard of fairies but never really believed in stuff like that.  That was until he saw his new crew mate with wings covered in roses in different shades of pink with green leaves and thorns intertwining in them.

“Plant fairy?  So that’s why you want to collect all those plants.  You know you can keep them alive in any climate cause you can control the conditions for each plant.”

“I thought you didn’t believe in stuff like that,” you questioned the moss head sarcastically.

“I didn’t but I was clearly wrong.”

“Are you mad?  Do you hate me? Do you think Luffy will kick me off the crew?”  You looked down at the ground.  You were scared that they would leave you because they were your family even in the few weeks you’ve known them.

“No, why?” Zoro laughed, causing you to relax and look up at him, “seriously, we have a singing skeleton and a talking reindeer doctor.  Luffy doesn’t care what you are.  None of us do, your nakama and that means you're stuck with us.”

You smiled widely and hugged the swordsman.  Your eyes locked with his before a familiar sound interrupted you two, “Come on it’s the straw hat.”

You both laughed in unison, “Guess we have to save our captain,” you said, “does this happen on every island?”

Zoro exhaled, “sadly yes.” With that, Zoro started running while you started flying in the direction of your captain (well Zoro did get lost).

Sanji:

“Sanji,” you said to the chef of your new crew as you sat in the kitchen while he washed dishes, “ how would you feel if I was, let's say, a fairy?”

He turned around from the sink to face you.  He walked over and gave you a hug.  “ oh Y/N! I’d still love you and find you beautiful and…”. He broke the hug and looked at you confused.  He hugged you again.  “Are you trying to tell me something?” He asked, looking at you with such compassion.  “You can tell me anything.”

“Sanji, I’m a fairy.  I’m a healing fairy.  I know you probably…” your words were cut off by him kissing you.  His lips were soft but his hands were rough, you could feel the cuts on his hands on your cheeks.  He was extremely gentle. After a few seconds, he broke away.  You sat looking into his blue eyes, the same blue as the sea you were sailing on and just as easy to get lost in.  “I’d never hate.  I love you,” he looked down at his feet, “I know we haven’t known each other long.  I mean you just met a few weeks ago but…I just know.”  He looked at you again, this time it was his turn to get lost in your sparkling (e/c) orbs.

“Do you want to see my wings?”

“Only if you are comfortable, my love.”

You stood up and closed your eyes.  As you did, a pair of beautiful gold wings appeared on your back.  They sparkled like treasure and looked like a stained glass window of different shades of gold.  You grabbed his hands and a golden light shined around his hands.  The light disappeared after a few sends and his once cut up hands were perfectly healed and soft.  He looked up at you and smiled softly.  You smiled back happy to let your secret out.

“Since we’re sharing secrets, can I share one with you?” He asked nervously.

“Of course, you accepted me and my secret.  I’ll do the same with you.”

“I’m a prince, but my father was…abusive you could save.  I ran away and ended up here.”

He looked down, now crying.  The memories of his terrible childhood flashed in his mind.  You grabbed his cheeks and made him look up at you.  This time you kissed him in the same way he kissed you earlier.

“I don’t care where you came from, Sanji.  I’m just happy you came to me now. I guess we’re boyfriend and girlfriend now.  That works for you my love?”

Sanji grabbed his nose as it started to bleed and his eyes turned into hearts.  He passed out on the floor of the kitchen.

“I’ll take that as a yes, my prince,” you laughed to yourself bending down to heal your now unconscious simp of a boyfriend.

Please do not copy, modify, translate, or repost my writing on other platforms. Comments, reblogs or likes are highly appreciated!

[bylightofdawn]

2023 Wrap Up.

It’s officially New Years in Texas. 2023 has been a weird year for me, one that both dragged and flew by way too quickly. There’s so much pain and awfulness going on the world right now that it’s hard to not dwell on or carry that into 2024 but I’m going to try and keep this relatively light-hearted and positive if only because I want to try and start the New Year on a positive note. For me personally? I didn’t really do anything big or notable but I had some smaller but meaningful victories.

I made a New Years resolution (something I’m pretty vehemently against because I always feel disappointed in myself when I don’t follow through) that I was going to start writing again and I would try and write every day. I didn’t manage every day but boy howdy did I still keep up that resolution. The major project of course being Seeds for the Future which I clocked in at 176,456 words minus I want to say around 10,000 words which I’d previously started like 3 years ago before abandoning it. So we’ll call it 165,000 to make it even-ish.

Holy. Shit. 165,000 in one year. I did not in a million years think I had that in me. And it’s been a wild ride. At points I felt like I was being ridden by a damned demon that was demanding I write this NOW. I was especially busy the first six months or so and then I burned myself out which….completely understandable when you consider your standard basic fiction book is around 70,000+ so I wrote two fucking novels in six months length-wise. But I also wrote a bunch of other stuff. I wrote A Fragile World Between Sharp Teeth which I’m still absurdly in love with. Wrote two whole-ass Witcher fics this month and one Star Trek fic as well as some other WIPs.

By my calculations I wrote -drum roll- 233,383 words in 2023.

223,383 WORDS WRITTEN ARE YOU SHITTING ME

And actually followed through on a New Years Resolution.

I also forced myself out of my comfort zone in little ways. I pushed myself to take action on my health to try and figure out the cause of my chronic pain and while the diagnosis was a bummer as was getting diagnosed with diabetes on top of everything else this year, I am proud that I forced myself to do it. I also did silly things like bleached my hair and dyed it all manner of crazy colors.

I think for 2024 I’m going to try and hold myself accountable for my health. I desperately need to go back to therapy and as much as I hate to admit it, I need to join a gym and strengthen my body. It will be the best thing I can do for my RA if I can help strengthen my muscles and I think it will help with my pain levels. It just...it sounds like so much effort though and it scares me so we’ll see how that journey goes. I’m going to keep plugging away slowly but surely.

I’m also going to keep trying to write in 2024. I have so many fic ideas I want to write. I’m definitely not going to do anymore crazy fucking 100K fics again. It definitely takes a toll on me creatively and not going to lie, after a while it feels like I’m just kinda screaming into the void because the sad truth of the matter is, long-fic will turn readers off and they won’t click or interact with it. And eventually my imposter syndrome reared its ugly head and the last half of this year and trying to finish Seeds has been a slog for the most part and not one I enjoyed.

Now, I’m going to go pour myself a glass of Moscato, eat some stupidly expensive caprese salad and I think edit the first chapter of my Gallahir sequel. I think I might be able to get it up and posted today if I can edit the first chapter tonight. Thank you to all my tumblr buddies, both new and old who have stuck it out with me through everything. I love and appreciate y’all and I am hoping you all have a happier, more kinder year than 2023.

[semperintrepida]

For that writer meme...

2, 5, 6, 8, 13, 18 aaaaaand 20!

Please and thank you :D

Howdy, Anon!

2. Tell us about what you’re most looking forward to writing – in your current project, or a future project

I'm excited to resume working on a book I have in progress called Irredeemable, which is going to be my apology to deimos!Kassandra for what I did to her in Breaking. 🤣 It's a redemption story with a side of slowburn and I am very excited to be writing from deimos!Kassandra's head after writing about her from an oblique angle for the past three years.

5. What character that you’re writing do you most identify with?

I can't say I identify with the fictional characters I write about, but there's definitely a part of me in every POV character I've ever written. Perhaps I latch on to characters who can provide some aspirational wish fulfillment. Kassandra has the physicality and unshakeable confidence. Kyra has the exceptional memory and ability to adapt to the moment. These are not qualities that I have in great amounts, but I sure as heck would like to!

6. What character do you have the most fun writing?

Right now? Kyra. She's so fucking complicated, and writing her dialogue has brought me joy—as well as a fierce challenge. Everything she says holds at least two layers of meaning.

deimos!Kassandra in Irredeemable is a close second. She's Kassandra coming back from the dark side and channeling her lets me play with some emotions that aren't so nice. 😈

8. Is what you like to write the same as what you like to read?

Yes. I write the stories I want to read, and all too often those don't exist so I have to conjure them myself.

13. Do you share your writing online? (Drop a link!) Do you have projects you’ve kept just for yourself?

This page is the gateway to the writing I've posted online, both fanfic and original work. I'm mostly writing fanfic these days so that gets posted for public enjoyment. (That said, I originally wrote "The Breaking" just for myself, and was only later persuaded to share it in public.)

18. Do any of your stories have alternative versions? (plotlines that you abandoned, AUs of your own work, different characterisations?) Tell us about them.

"The Breaking" got an amusing AU just a few weeks ago: What if Kyra had managed to kill Deimos early in the story, what then? That story probably had the most faffing about in its earliest stages, when I was writing my way into the plot. There's a version of that story that doesn't skip the five months between chapter 1 and 2. 😬 There's also a version with an Isu component that became a darling that I absolutely had to kill.

I think Breaking is an outlier due to its complexity. Prior to that book, my stories have tended to align with a strong central vision, appearing a bit like Athena, fully formed from my forehead.

20. Tell us the meta about your writing that you really want to ramble to people about (symbolism you’ve included, character or relationship development that you love, hidden references, callbacks or clues for future scenes?)

Gonna stick this answer under a cut to save your dashboards...

Let's talk about the snake imagery in "The Breaking." If you've played the game, you know that the Cult of Kosmos's sigil is one of twined vipers, and though I've written a story where Deimos has broken free of the Cult's control, she's kept the viper sigil as her own.

Snakes are strongly associated with Deimos, so it's telling when such imagery begins to be used around Kyra:

An eagle would batter its wings against the bars until they broke. But flying's not for me anymore. I'm closer to the ground, slithering, shedding my skin, trying to make myself small enough to squeeze between the bars and escape.

And:

My arm moves, the blade slides and hisses for a long while, but then a quiet sigh from the bed pulls me out of rhythm. Your head turns, slowly, in time to watch me test the blade's edge against my thumbnail. Sharp enough to cut to the bone if I need it to.

Let's just say I'm hinting some things about Kyra's character progression. 😅

[Fun meta asks for writers]

[florilegiumofblips]

I caught a glimpse of myself almost as soon as I left the house. Aslant in a reflective window.

But it was too late to turn back. And I was too tired.

I had pulled the skirt from a bag of items I took to Encinitas on an afternoon in mid-May. There was a woman there I liked. A wizard with a needle and thread. She transformed clothes that no longer fit, or never did, into something my mother would approve of.

I arrived to find the shop shuttered. So I turned on my heel and toted the bag back to Palm Springs.

Everything I own is in bags. Plastic bags. Bags of books and bags of shoes and and bags of important documents that my father tells me I must not get rid of.

There is the bag of clothes for Goodwill. And the bag of electronics that I have yet to recycle.

And then there is everything else. There is no rhyme or reason to any of these bags. After four months, whatever pattern first existed has long since been abandoned.

Order giving way to just-getting-by.

I am thinking that after today this skirt will go into the Goodwill bag.

I’m getting to be ruthless about what must be given away.

I bought myself a large, tan tote a few weeks ago and have decided it will be the only purse I own until I am the sort of woman for whom men buy expensive bags.

I am not holding my breath.

I am trying to remember that objects are not memories. That I don’t need one to have the other.

I am leaving my home. Moving out.

The reasons for staying has, by some not-so-small-miracle, been broken. Or dissolved. Done away with. By both of us, all of us. Amicably. Or, well, as amicably as thing can be when two people who were once friends no longer are.

It happened two weeks ago. I was only told yesterday.

Until yesterday it was simply a wonderful game of make believe. If I could leave tomorrow, what would I get rid of? The chest of drawers, my bed, the small side table? That trunk there. And books--which may well be the hardest to abandon, but how heavy they prove in transit.

There will come a time when I will collect these things again. But settled will have a new working definition.

So let me never again drive to an Ikea in LA to outfit the whole of home. This is my new prayer. It is small and not terribly pressing, but it is nonetheless true.

Less is the new working mantra. And so I am reorganizing bags and jettisoning furniture.

Finally with an appreciation for that word, jettison. To jettison. To dump, drop, throw out, unload, throw overboard.

It is a sinking ship. And I am throwing things overboard.

When I was twenty-four I visited Australia for the second time. Stayed with a friend and his girlfriend in a single story home. The girl had just moved in. Done it in a day. Never again do I want so much stuff, she said. I think of those words now.

And that house. That perfect, eclectic, deliciously imperfect home. With a coffee shop across the street, a park on the corner, and a backyard in which they hung their clothes to dry.

I want less. Bed bugs will do that to a girl. And age, age too, I think.

At dinner on Saturday night, Julie remarked that I have strong Walden tendencies. She is right. Of course, she is right. And the question of why I am in New York grows ever more voluble. The thing is, my Thoreau inclinations have grow in in direct proportion to the time I’ve spent here. Ten years. Ten years of an unrelenting, unforgiving, terribly crowded tangle of streets.

Too many people, not enough trees.

Walden is a new watchword. A place I am in search of. Admittedly, not totally sure as to what it is or where to look.

Soon I’ll tell the story of these last few months. Of how seventeen bed bug bites led to a silent apartment and a pink cup placed front of the cupboard. And I’ll look for clues in my own words. I'll search for warning signs in my own skewed memory of the thing. And I think, when I see the story written down, I’ll be able to say this: no one can be charming all the time. And if, outside the home, one always is, beware what goes on within it.

I’ll say that I was motivated by fear and what’s done in fear must be undone. The universe has a beautiful way of dismantling such things.

And now it is done.

And the pretending is over.

For me, more than anyone.

[alexsyndrome]

I need to finish this book I started over a month ago. I read like 70% of it in less than a week and then abandoned it until yesterday. It’s just Water For Elephants, one of my comfort stories which I’ve read at least once before. I’m going to try and finish it today and start a new book tomorrow. I was on such a roll with reading, then became distracted upon starting my new job. It’s much easier to mindlessly scroll on my phone during my free time. I need to break that habit and immerse myself with hobbies instead! I want to get back into playing Zelda, painting/re-rooting dolls, planning out my clown gig, and definitely reading more!!

[shimmerbeasts]

Jinx cocked a brow at him when he remarked how it was easy. She smiled in sad bemusement and said: "When I am keeping to myself, I am apparently abandoning the team." She raised her shoulders and rolled her eyes with an expression of chagrin on her face. "It's not my fault that I need breathers after every training and meeting session. Seriously, Lux may make boring beautiful, but it is still, you know, boring."

Her fingers flexed underneath her books as she wanted to follow the impulse to gesture around. Given that she was currently carrying her books, all she could do was a little shrug. Shiro and Kuro poked their head out of the jute bag, Jinx was shouldering on one side. Watching the conversation semi-unfold, the familiars yawned and retreated back into the cosiness of the bag.

"You've gotten so bloody lucky", Jinx admitted, "Seriously if it wasn't for Lux, I think the others would have kicked me out of the team months ago. Poppy definitely. Janna too. I don't think Lulu gets what's going on. That first semester has her head in the clouds. Seriously, this whole lot could do with a more relaxed approach to everything. It's like I got paired with the fun police."

She sulked and shook her head. "Flare's trying to make buddies with the other team", she said, "Yah know? Ahri, Miss Fortune and that whole lot. She seems to be determined to 'fix' that awful first impression, she left on Ahri. I mean, yeah, Flare put her foot in her mouth big time, but come on. That chasing will just make this bad impression worse. I am more concerned with that blond guy on her team. Ezrael. That sparkle boy has been after Lux ever since he laid eyes on her. I would love to let a glitter bomb erupt in his butt. It might be messy, but I think he would get the message."

Kuro came floating out of the bag. The Tatzelwurm familiar circled Jinx and miaowed, bumping his head against her cheek. Jinx laughed and patted his snout. "Alright, alright!", she called, "I'll ask him, Mister Impatience." Looking at Ekko, Jinx said: "Kuro insists that we oughta get something for lunch. What do you say to some Indian or Chinese food? We could get that rainbow-coloured cotton candy you love so much as a dessert."

@shimmerbeasts "Ekko, can I ask you something?"

Jinx caught up with her brother and wandered beside him, easily keeping pace. The girl was carrying a pile of books on mathematics and animation. She was a bit out of breath, from her last training session with the other Star Guardians. Her expression betrayed her bitter mood only by how sullen she looked.

"How do you do it?", Jinx asked, "How do you get along so exceptionally well with all your teammates? I only ever really get along with Lux, and whenever I have to train with one of the others, it is like I have to pull my teeth out!"

She gave a theatrical groan and put her hands against her cheeks, tugging upon them as she rolled her eyes hard. "Seriously, could Poppy and Janna be any more sticks in the mud? Training with either of them is such a chore. At least, Lulu kind of makes stuff funny. I miss Lux! I wanna train with her! Not the rest of this lot."

Getting along was a stretch to be honest. Ekko was just naturally a chill person, so it was hard to not come across as friendly. This just meant that many people, including anyone outside of his team liked him. However, he could admittedly careless about them.

Did he work with them? Yes? Did he do what the universe think they needed to do? Yes. However, there was a darkness in him that the others didn't have. Going on all of these world saving missions, playing hero? Even training. That wasn't something he voluntarily did. It was merely something he tolerated it.

"Oh that's easy." Ekko started, smiling over at his sister, heterochromic eyes staring into hers. He could feel Waku resting on his shoulder as they walked down the halls. "I just keep to myself for the most part and apparently they think i'm pretty 'chill', as they put it."

He didn't know much about them, her team but he did know they weren't the fun type, either. Truly he felt bad that his sister way paired with a group like that. "I suppose it's also because I don't mind my crew, they don't get on my nerves. I feel for you though, I don't know how you can handle them at all." Ekko adjusted his own books, so that they weren't applying too much weight to one shoulder. "You deserve a more fun team than that. Where is lux, anyway?"

[mindofharry]

Be My Baby

In which Prince harry and Princess Y/N are set to marry and are more than happy about it. They celebrate in more ways than one.

AHHHH!!! ITS HERE!!! FINALLY! Prince harry is my guilty pleasure. pls treat him with the respect he deserves. these two are officially my favourite people ever.

fluff & FILTHY SMUT!!!!!! feedback is welcome as always! <3

“Princess Y/N is arriving soon, Harry” Anne, the queen of england said putting down her tea. Harry is the prince, next in line for the throne - Marriage is very important to the throne and for the throne. Anne has been very strict about that, preparing Harry for marriage. Princess Y/N of wales, is who Harry is meeting with today. Hopefully, to settle a deal. Harry has never cared for marriage or for a partner. He’s a lone wolf as his family would describe. But if he wants to be king, he needs to marry. And Y/N is looking like the only option at the moment.

Harry nodded putting the paper down and looking up at his mother. He pursed his lips leaning back in his seat.

“Is something the matter, dear?”

Harry shook his head “No, mother. Just tired” he lied, reassuring his mother. Anne didn’t press any further just got one of the servants to pour her more tea. She could read harry very well, she knew her son better than he knew himself. Y/N is perfect for him. Even if they do not marry, she will be a life long friend. But anne is sure they will marry within the year.

And Queen Anne is never wrong.

Y/N was late.

Harry was beginning to become bored, don’t get him wrong he loves his sister and mother. But he can only take so much. All he wanted to do was to be curled up with a book in the abandoned side of the castle - no one except for the young prince had been there. It was locked up for years before harry found the key, it was like a whole new world in there. It was dirty, messy, filthy - just how harry liked it. He decorated a room in there, and it’s like his safe place from all of this. All of these stupidly important responsibilities. His safe haven.

They were meant to be meeting, talking about their futures together. If his mother thought this was what was best for the country, then harry would push through. He hadn’t see Y/N in years, meeting when they were both much younger. No pressure, just the two kids playing in the fields. Y/N was beautiful, so care free. Harry wished he was like Y/N - the only think she seemed to care about were the moon, the sun and the stars. They never saw each other again after that, they have both obviously seen each other in papers and at events. But never talked. Y/N didn’t know why, neither did harry. They weren’t on the same chapter in life. But now, they’re both willing to do what is best for their country.

And maybe it wouldn’t be too bad marrying a soon to be king.

A servant comes into the dining room bowing at the styles family. Harry waits for him to speak - except a tall girl, bumps into him making the servant fall foward. Y/N (the tall girl) giggled, before clearing her throat and bowing at the styles family. Harry smirked and leaned back. Anne was standing a smile on her face as she saw her soon beaming for the first time in months.

“Your highness” Y/N said bowing, nearly falling down again. But she grinned covering it up. Her dress was long and tight - her mother made her wear it. She would much rather be in a nice flowy dress in the woods right now. Maybe reading about the sun. But her mother needed her to do this, so Y/N would.

Y/N’s father died a couple of months back, it was sudden and no one saw it coming. So her mother needed her to marry as Y/N is the oldest of four girls. They needed a man of the house and once Y/N married, harry would be that man. Y/N didn’t like that one bit. She could be the man of the house if she wanted to. She didn’t understand why they needed a man to pay for things, to do stuff for them. Women are just as capable. But there was no fighting with Y/N’s mother. And Y/N knew she was having a rough time without her husband and Y/N’s dad.

“Princess Y/N, it’s good to have you here” Anne said, as a servant helped her back into the seat. Y/N had the same treatment but she looked rather uncomfortable. She was seated infront of harry, which was glad of. It’s a nice view, she’ll admit. He had grown into his baby face, she thought. And that hair. Fuck, that hair.

“Thank you for inviting me, your highness” Y/N said smiling softly. “Your castle is amazing” She said and Anne nodded pointing around at the paintings. “I actually just got these new paintings in from a new artist in rome. Just beautiful, right harry?” Anne said, giving harry the look. His mother is giving him that look a lot recently, Anne just wants what is best for him and harry just doesn’t seem to care at all. It’s like he’s away from reality. In another universe half of the time. Anne was hoping Y/N would be able to bring him back down to earth, but from her entrance in here - Harry and Y/N are a lot more similar than she thought.

“Yeah, they’re beautiful” Harry said staring at the girl infront of him. Y/N blushed under his stare. She had never felt anything like this before for a man. Her stomach was in knots and her cheeks were getting hotter by the second.

The dinner was nice. It was quiet with Y/N trying to keep up the small talk - Anne was impressed with that. Everyone she had invited to the palace would only talk when spoken to, but Y/N had a certain way about her. She had manners of course, the kindest soul, but she talked. She could talk all day if she was allowed. She just never ran out of things to say. But the food was really good, so Y/N was quieter than usual. Harry had one question: did they feed her in the city? The way she was eating was like she had been starved for years.

“This is amazing” Y/N said putting her fork down. Anne grinned at the girl nodding to herself. She had found a keeper.

“Harry, why do you show Y/N around? She’s going to be staying here for the next couple of weeks” Anne announced and Y/N nearly choked on her water, she tapped her chest.

“I am?-“

“she is?”

Harry and Y/N both spoke at the same time, Anne tutted and ordered the servant to fill up her wine.

“Your mother and I have arranged it. Everything you have is here already, you’ll have your own quarters too. Your horse is being transported down here as we speak” Anne said making new room for arguing. “Y/N your mother said she would be happy for us to host you here if the dinner went accordingly. And i think it went more than accordingly” Anne continued sipping her wine.

Harry and Y/N looked to each other their eyes both wide with amusement and shock. Only their parents would do this.

“Now, run along. Gemma and I have some talking to do” Anne ordered, the servants came and helped the princess and prince up following them out of the dinning room. Y/N was rather uncomfortable with the servants being everywhere, she had a lot more freedom at home.

“Hey, you wanna do something fun?” She asked and harry raised an eyebrow in amusement.

“Hey! Intruder” Y/N yelled and the servants looked around quickly, harry was startled when Y/N laughed loudly taking his hand in hers and running down the hallway towards the abandoned part of the castle. Harry grinned and laughed loudly as they ran together.

This girl, he thought.

The door was locked. Harry brought a key out of his pocket and Y/N laughed loudly making harry shush her as he unlocked the door. Quickly they made themselves into the abandoned quarters and giggled to themselves when they heard the servants feet making their way to this side of the castle - but immediately they turned away, knowing that they weren’t allowed on this side of the palace.

Harry was distracted with locking the door, but Y/N was amazed. She looked around at this place and couldn’t help the sigh that escaped her. This place is really fucking amazing, she thought. It’s obviously abandoned, that man she could tell - but it was still so beautiful. Paintings, upon paintings and books at every end. There was high ceilings and stained glass windows giving a nice hew to the room. Y/N brought her hands to her hips and spinned around her dress moving as she did.

“This place is fucking amazing!”

Harry laughed and finally got the door locked popping the key back in his pocket. He moved beside the beautiful girl and didn’t say anything. But Y/N knew.

“You come here often?” She asked and Harry nodded.

“Found it a couple years ago. Think it was my fathers” He said and Y/N sighed looking around.

“It’s beautiful” you’re beautiful, he wanted to say but he bit his lip instead walking in the direction of his safe haven. Y/N quickly caught up placing a hand on his, harry flinched at the touch. This definitely wasn’t allowed. If anyone saw they’d have to marry immediately. But nobody was here, he reminded himself. And with that he squeezed Y/N’s hand a little tighter.

Harry opened the door the room he had been coming to for years now. It had a few chairs, a huge window with curtains on each side, a fire place in the middle and blankets and pillows surrounding the room. Y/N smiled to herself as she saw harry become more himself. It was like this room allowed him to be himself.

“You come in here often?”

Harry nodded making himself comfortable on one of the pillows, Y/N soon followed sitting very close to the prince. Harry had no complaints at all.

“I come here most days. When i need to take a breath, escape my mother and the stupid royal family” Harry said and Y/N giggled leaning in to harry, their lips close.

“I can think of many ways we can escape reality. Why don’t we try one of them?”

Harry let out a sigh and placed his hand on Y/N shoulder, it fell down her arm to her waist. Harry had been with people before, he had kissed and pleasured many, many people. But never did he feel like this. He felt as if she was a goddess, and she would brake it the touch of his finger. She looked almost fragile, like a painting.

“Kiss me, Harry” She ordered and harry wasted no time, placing his lips on hers.

Her lips are soft and gentle, just as harry had expected. He moved his hands up her hips to her shoulders again, Y/N moaned letting harry's tongue into her mouth. Harry groaned and pulled away smirking at that flushed look on her face. He loved it.

Y/N bit her lip standing up, unzipping her dress. She turned around, the only thing she had was a small night dress and corset. Harry cursed under his breath standing up behind her. Everything felt so intimate. They both felt a lot of things, Y/N never wanted this to stop. Harry hugged her from behind, kissing the back of her neck. After a few seconds, Y/N turned around in his hold, holding his gaze. She began to take off her corset and night dress, now bare. She felt confident in Harry's glare, he made her feel good. He sucked in a breath looking down at her perky breasts, her nipples hard from the temperature of the room. He made a mental note to put the fire on after this, Harry knew you two would be in here for as long as you possibly could. He knew his mother would be beyond pissed that they had gone off alone together.

Harry placed a hand on Y/N’s breast, teasing her nipple with his index finger. His rings were cold on her skin making her whimper. Harry smirked at the sound, lowering his head and taking her nipple in his mouth his tongue swirling the nub of it. Y/N’s hands found harrys hair and she tugged on it hard.

“Fuck” She cursed and harry let go with a pop, again he smirked at the sight of the princess. So undone and flustered. Harry absolutely loved it. Holding her gaze, he began to undress unbuttoning his shirt and pants. Heat rushed to his penis, as Y/N watched him undress.

“Want to have you in my mouth” Y/N said, getting on her knees. She knew she would have bruises by the end of this - but she knew it would be worth.

“Don’t make me cum” Harry ordered, Y/N just smirked and pulled his underwear down almost drooling at the sight of his red, cock full of pre-cum. What a sight, she thought. And it’s fucking huge. Bigger than she thought that’s for sure.

She hummed, pumping harry’s rock hard cock. His head flew back, a moan filling the room. Harry wished her hair was pinned back, he needed some to grip. He took both of his hands and gripped the side of her head. Y/N spit on his cock, keeping eye contact with harry.

“Shit”

Y/N licked the tip, running her tongue over the slit, tasting the saltiness of his pre cum. Harry’s eyes rolled to the back of his head.

“You taste so good” She moaned, finally taking his full cock into her mouth. Her hands began pumping the base of the shaft, as she sucked him off. Harry moaned, but tapped the side of her head.

“Need to be in you, no more foreplay” He said and Y/N pouted whipping her lips.

“But i like having you in my mouth” Y/N argued, harry smirked pecking her lips, tasting himself on them. He hummed in agreement. “Next time, let me fuck you” He said kissing her neck, Y/N sighed and placed her lips on his before crawling over to the fireplace - there was a white sheet layed out. Y/N lay down and harry kissed down her stomach, teasingly kissing her thighs. “You’re definitely wet enough for me, aren’t you princess?” Harry said slapping her pussy, Y/N moaned and nodded.

Slowly, harry thrusted into Y/N making them both whimper. “Fuck, you feel so good” Harry said, kissing your lips. Y/N just moaned, gripping his back and putting her legs around his waist. Harry began to move faster, his hands either side of Y/N.

“Faster” Y/N said and harry complied, pounding into her. The moans coming out of the both them were enough to make them both cum within seconds. And that’s basically what happened. They both climaxed, harry falling down into Y/N’s chest. Y/N only felt pleasure and ecstasy.

Shit, her mother picked a good one.

***

“Fuck” Y/N panted into harry’s mouth as he took against the wall. They were left alone for ten minutes, and this happened. They were looking at the new paintings and architecture Anne had got, browsing around the hall. Harry had convinced the servant that his mother was calling and of course the poor servant couldn’t dismiss it, so they had a good ten minutes while the servant searched for the queen.

Harry pounded into her the paintings on the wall knocking loudly, Y/N laughed loudly making harry put a hand over her mouth.

“Don’t want to attract any attention, do we princess?”

They continued their hot and very messy quicky and then made their way to the gardens. Y/N and harry soon found that the gardens would be another safe haven. Beautiful flowers and when the sun is shining a beautiful place to sit and relax.

They couldn’t wait to marry - seen as harry wants Y/N in his bed, all the time. They fuck like bunnies, it’s amazing how they haven’t been caught as of yet. When they get their own palace, harry will christen to the whole place. They’ll fuck in every corner. Every room. Every library and garden.

Y/N looked at harry smiling as he lay on the grass. No one was around as the servant hadn’t arrived back. Y/N quickly looked around before pulling harry into what she could only assume was a place to keep all the fruit and veg away from foxes. It was closed off and you could lock it from the inside.

“Jesus christ Y/N” Harry mumbled kissing your neck as you leaned back on a bench.

“Another round?” You asked with innocent eyes.

“Another round” Harry confirmed lifting up the bottom of her dress and pushing her down so she was flat on the bench. He kissed up her legs, biting down on her thigh.

He pulled up her night gown and saw her bare pussy, wet and glistening just waiting for him. He could cum at the sight. He moaned kissing her thigh, teasing her.

Y/N tugged at harry’s hair, giving him a warning. “Stop, teasing” She pouted and harry smirked finally making his way towards your pussy.

Y/N closed her eyes when she felt harrys breath against her core. “so wet, princess” Harry said, the vibrations going right through her body making her jerk up a little. Harry loved the affect he had on her, the littlest thing would make her jolt with pleasure.

Harry spread her legs a little more, his tongue licking up her slit. Y/N’s tugged on harry’s hair, moaning loudly. Harry watched her unfold becoming so flushed, but Y/N looked so very beautiful in this light.

He pressed his lips to your clit, flicking his tongue up and down. Your hips moved with his tongue movements, harrys hands made their way to your hips trying to get them to stay in place. You wrapped your legs around his shoulders and began to shake and moan.

“Fuck me” You murmured coming down from your high.

“Oh, i will princess”

The days went on and more fucking occurred. Again they fucked like absolute bunnies. They were sure everyone knew by now, but the servants were way too afraid to say anything. Anne would have everyone’s head if she found out what they were doing.

“I can’t wait to marry you” Harry said laying down beside her in their safe haven. Y/N smirked rolling over on her side. He was so beautiful. His eyes, his freckles, that one dimple that came out when he laughed. She was so lucky to call him hers.

“You just want to have me in your bed everyday” She said and harry pretended to think about. “Hmmm, yeah” He said, making Y/N laugh loudly before pecking his lips.

“Can’t believe you’re mine” Harry said pushing her into his chest. Y/N grinned pecking his neck and looking up at him.

“Forever”

[thevindicativevordan]

Why isn't Nightwing a bigger deal? He has all of Batman's skills and Superman's faith in humanity and is arguably the most beloved hero in the DCU, but most people seem to know him either as the leader of the N̶o̶t̶ ̶J̶L̶ Teen Ttians or just Robin.

Thank you for asking me about Nightwing, I've been wanting to write a piece about him for a while now. The short version is that everyone who claims Dick becoming Nightwing was him "moving out of Batman's shadow and becoming his own man" is completely wrong.

Dick Grayson is a fantastic character, someone who saved Bruce Wayne in-universe both by forcing Batman to grow up a bit, and the countless times he saved Batman's life as his partner whether as Robin or Nightwing. Dick saved Batman in the real world as well, hard to believe but Batman was actually in danger of being cancelled due to poor sales early on. Enter Robin, a young daredevil audience stand in the creators hoped would get kids interested in reading Batman. And it worked! Sales on Batman doubled once Robin showed up which is crazy to think about, but Dick Grayson has always been a popular character. Cartoons like Teen Titans, Batman: The Animated Series, and The Batman only helped grow his audience.

Character-wise, Dick Grayson really does fill a number of crucial roles in the DCU. For Batman, Dick is proof that Batman is a positive force. Meeting Batman helped change Dick for the better, helped him heal after his parents died. With Dick, Batman can take comfort in knowing that yes, he has made a difference in the world for at least one orphan boy, which is all he wanted when he lost his parents himself. To the wider DCU, Dick is a friendly face who convinces others that Batman is competent and not a complete asshole. He took this kid in, trained him to be one of the best heroes the DCU has seen, and did it all out of the kindness of his heart. That someone like Dick can confront the evils of Gotham and not break means there's still hope for that city. As Robin, Dick has led the Titans and is an icon in his own right as The Sidekick, the original, the one every other Robin is built around copying or contrasting. The one all other superhero sidekicks are drawing on as a basis. As Robin Dick Grayson is very much on Batman's level.

Just not as Nightwing. As Nightwing, Dick has been a second rate Daredevil which means he's a third rate Batman (fully prepared to get hate for this but I've read and enjoyed the Miller and Bendis DD runs so I feel entitled to my opinion). A typical Nightwing run tends to go like this: Moving to Bludhaven (which is Gotham... but WORSE!), Dick Grayson usually enrolls in a pointless job we don't care about in order to provide some meaningless soap opera drama that doesn't go anywhere. Patrolling the city as Nightwing, he fights a variety of bad guys who are usually rather lame and unthreatening, with his big bad being a Kingpin knockoff called Blockbuster. Villains are fought, long running plotlines are set up, then everything is abandoned because it's Batfamily event time, and Dick has to run back to Gotham in order to play sidekick again. Usually his involvement is completely superfluous and it would've been better if the writer had gotten to opt out. By the time we finally get back to Nightwing's solo plotlines, the audience has usually ceased to care and the run gets cut short.

That's how Nightwing has been since the New 52 at least. Anyone who thinks that's "becoming their own man" is out of their mind. Dick is so thoroughly in Batman's shadow that he got shot in the head and spent a longer time as "Ric" which everyone fucking hated and sold like shit, than he did as Agent Grayson which was extremely well-received. Reiterating: Ric went on longer than Grayson because of a fucking Batman plotpoint Tom King wanted where Bruce was sad and cut off from the Batfamily because of Dick getting shot. Not just calling out King either, how many times was Kyle Higgins Nightwing run derailed because of Scott Snyder's crossovers? Or how about that entire run getting dumped to the side because Johns wanted to out Dick during Forever Evil, a Justice League/Lex Luthor story? DC has repeatedly made their contempt for Nightwing clear, he's Batman's sidekick still in their eyes, and he serves whatever story role the Batman writer wants.

Hell his best stories tend to have been the ones where he's not Nightwing. He was Robin in a good chunk of the Wolfman/Perez New Teen Titans run. Morrison really showcased his depth as a character when they wrote him as Batman, their time with Dick under the cowl was actually one of the first Batman runs I ever read, and no Nightwing run has ever matched it in terms of quality in my humble opinion. Scott Snyder's work with DickBats also was a high point for the character, showing Dick as competent and examining his relationship with Gotham and the Gordons. King and Seeley gave him one of the best comic runs with Grayson, a series where he wasn't even a "superhero" technically! When it comes to actual pre-New 52 Nightwing runs that are highly recommended where he *is* Nightwing, there's Chuck Dixon and uhhhhhhh... Tomasi's brief run before Dick became Batman? It's not exactly an overwhelming list.

Look there has been good work done with Nightwing, I'm not claiming there hasn't been. Tim Seeley wrote a great run with Nightwing Rebirth. Seeley fleshed out Dick's Rogues Gallery with cool new ones like Raptor, he brought back old foes like Dr. Hurt (why oh why couldn't you have brought back Flamingo too?), he gave Dick's world some character it solely needed. Bludhaven under Seeley is pretty much the only time I've really felt like it lived up to being Dick's city.

The problem with fictional cities is you have to put in the work to give them the character of real cities. You have to make the cities feel like characters in their own right. Gotham is the best example of this, it's a character all it's own, one that tells you a lot about Batman and his cast. In contrast Bludhaven is usually one of the worst. Any place that wants to claim to be worse than the city that is built over the gate to hell and gets wrecked every other month by the Arkham freaks has to really put in the work to compete. Simply put, Bludhaven typically fails utterly. There's nothing about it that makes you really buy it's worse than Gotham, I mean does anyone really think Nightwing's Rogues wouldn't get their lunches eaten by Batman's? No, no one genuinely buys that. When Bludhaven claims to be worse, it just comes across as tryhard, an attribute that does end up telling you about Nightwing in unintentional ways.

So Seeley didn't do that. Instead he created a city built for a hero like Dick Grayson. Someone who is bright and flashy, but does have an element of darkness to him. Someone who loves the spotlight, but often uses it to obscure. Seeley turned Bludhaven into Las Vegas, and that was the fucking best concept for Bludhaven I have ever seen, it makes so much sense. Las Vegas is the "Entertainment Capital of the World" and isn't that the perfect city for a hero who got their start working in the circus? Isn't the aesthetics of the gleaming casinos, the glamorous sex appeal of the performers, and the spectacle of the shows, all being used to cover up the seediness of mob bosses meeting backstage perfect for Nightwing? It's so utterly unlike New York City, yet Las Vegas is still dangerous, it's got a crime culture all it's own. Seeley used it to great effect, as did Humphries during his brief run, and I will always be pissed that DC didn't continue to use it. That should have stuck around and been the definitive look for Bludhaven.

How Seeley's take on Bludhaven was treated feels like a small scale version of how Nightwing in general gets treated. Whenever creators pitched ideas for him, if editorial thought there was potential to break big, they asked for those ideas to be repurposed for Batman instead. Anything big or good gets repurposed for Batman or tossed to the side so Nightwing can go back to his default: having irrelevant adventures in a city that is supposedly worse than Gotham but can't live up to it. Just like how Nightwing is supposedly better than Batman but never gets to show it. Goddamn it's so frustrating seeing his potential get wasted like that.

The Nightwing book should be one of DC's most ambitious books in terms of storytelling. You can go from traditional superhero stories, to romantic soap opera, to spy stories, to crime noir, to horror, to cosmic adventures, and ALL of them would fit because Nightwing is someone who has a foot in both Gotham and Metropolis. He's got friends everywhere on every team, and has been a hero longer than most Leaguers have at this point. No reason DC should still be afraid to let him loose and insisting on hewing close to what Dixon established almost over 30 years ago is only holding him back. At the very least get him some better Rogues, why the hell didn't he get to keep Professor Pyg? That's Dick's villain not Bruce's! Bullshit that they didn't let Dick keep him. Hopefully Flamingo comes back, with a slight revamp I think he'd make a great reoccurring Nightwing Rogue.

Luckily it does look somewhat like Nightwing fans have reason to be optimistic. While Taylor isn't to my taste, DC clearly views him as a "big" writer, and that they put him on Nightwing says a lot. Taylor has been selling well so far, so hopefully he gets to tell his story, hilarious that even he lampshaded having to write Dick running over to Gotham for another tie-in after Taylor's big opening arc was all about Dick committing himself and his money to Bludhaven. Scott Snyder is apparently working on a Black Label Nightwing book which will explore how he's a different detective than Bruce. The Gotham Knights video game has him as one of the main stars, and while Titans is... controversial, it's one of the most popular streaming shows and Dick is the main character. There's a lot of content coming that features him in the starring role, and that will only help his star rise further.

For the first time in, well, ever it feels like DC may be serious about elevating him. Time will tell if it pays off, but I for one choose to be optimistic that the 2020s will be a turning point for Dick Grayson where Nightwing becomes hugely popular in his own right. Not just as Batman's sidekick.