#(edward puts the pipe away)

[volturiprincess]

You kill me

Caius Volturi x Vampire mate

Summary: Mated to the Ruthless Volturi King Warnings: Language, mentions of death, Angst, Caius internal thoughts 🤭 A/N: I kept changing my mind of how I wanted to write hence why it took me like 2 weeks to work on it, there will be a part two to this. Also this was inspired by the song "Me Matas" by Eslabon Armado, at this point its like a mini series of One-Shots being inspired by this group. Second A/N in the end. Enjoy :) Word Count: 4k+ (Didn't realize it was that long)

Here's part 2. (finally)

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(I loved him in this era, gold is his color, but he looks so good in red also)

“Well brother it appears you have found your mate”

I looked up at Aro who was looking at Caius. Mate? Whoever it is. I am so sorry for them. I have heard stories about Caius being this ruthless king who had no sympathy for human life, much to what my twin brother Carlisle has told me but he did say that Caius did have a love for the arts. Still I never had the chance to even meet the kings or anyone in Volterra, from the time my brother was part of this coven I was in South America exploring as always. The only reason why I'm even in Volterra was because Edward decided he wanted to kill himself for the reason he thought that Bella was dead. Alice brought me along not really telling me why, only said she needed my help.

So now I am here in the throne room staring at the other three kings. I could feel the blonde one staring at me but I avoided eye contact. Aro with his creepy like gaze swiftly moved toward me and my family,

“It is an honor to finally meet the infamous sister of Carlisle, may I?”

He extended his hand and I knew what he wanted. Carlisle told me about Aro, so I obliged without wanting to put the kids in danger. With one touch I relived every thought and memory I have ever had, it was strange seeing everything I have been through flash before my eyes. I pulled my hand away when I heard a slight hiss. It didn't come from Aro but it did leave me curious. 

“Magnifico! You will make a wonderful mate to my brother and a perfect addition to this coven”

My eyes widened at his words, what does he mean mate to his brother. ME. Since when? How?

“I beg to pardon?”

“It appears you are the mate to my brother Caius”

No way, the mate to the blonde, I was just badwording him a minute ago and now I'm his mate. Instant karma for me. My eyes then wandered slowly to the blonde and he already had his gaze on me, just from his face I can tell he was displeased with the unraveling events. I felt a small hand grab me and I looked slightly into the eyes of the one I was the closest to, Alice. 

“You knew didn't you?”

She looked down and I knew I got my answer, I looked up at Edward who had a flabbergasted look and cling more to Bella. Now I'm starting to think if Carlisle knew about this, did Alice tell him and Esme, my eyes widened slightly at the thought that I might never see my family again. I didn't even want to look at anyone in this room, not even the piercing blood red eyes that belong to my now mate. Aro was the one to break the silence

“Well with that cleared why don't we go on with the plan”

I totally forgot why we were here, I also forgot that Aro was on the verge to kill Bella and as much as I don't really like her, I might as well do one more thing for my family 

“That won't be necessary Aro”

The raven head looked at me with a look of curiosity 

“Why’s that?”

“What if we made a deal?”

I could literally see the spark or interest in his eyes, he looked like a child who was going to be rewarded with a prize for behaving. He nodded toward me to continue

“You spear my family and I stay”

What surprise me was Caius was the one to speak up next

“No deal, that human is a liability, she knows to much”

I looked at the blonde with narrowed eyes

“What if my family promised to change her soon?”

Nobody dared to talk but Aro piped in

“If they follow through with the promise then we will allow it, but you remain here and they go”

I nodded and then instantly a guard who had such elegance that would put the Greek gods themselves to shame led my family out and I was about to reach out for them when a beast of a man grabbed me. I looked up at the giant and my initial thought for a minute was “Why is he good looking?How can he be so tall and…have muscle in all the right places, again the greek gods themselves would be jealous”, That hiss sound was heard again and the giant let go of me. I looked around the throne room for where that hiss came from but everyone seemed to stand in the same place as before. Aro gave instruction to the twins who I remember my brother told me about, Alec and Jane, to take me to Caius private chambers. At the mention of that I almost wanted to make a run for it. The two led me away and I felt Caius' gaze on me the whole time as I was leaving the room.

Eventually I was left alone in the room, I had to admit it was a lovely room, it did seem fit for a king but also for a man of art. I felt strange being in his room alone, I don't even know the vampire and now I have to be with him for eternity. This is also unfair, why couldn't I at least say goodbye to my brothers kids, I might never see them or my brother again, I just got back from traveling and was set to settle down with my brothers coven for once. I only got 5 years with them. Maybe it's my fault for always wanting to explore and be on my own but life was cut short for me and I never got that chance when I was human.

Mine and Carlisle’s father forbade me to go out without my brother by me, I couldn't even go down the street to get a loaf of bread for dinner alone. Not that I don't love spending time with my

brother, but I always had that curiosity to go be alone and explore the world. Until that fateful day of my ‘death’, it happened after Carlisle was pronounced ‘dead’, and from that father was more strict than ever, I never got a chance to get a breath of fresh air, day and night at home; cleaning, cooking, reading, sewing, and etc. It got repetitive very quickly, so I decided one night to run away. That night I knew my father was away on another vampire hunt, so I knew I would be alone. I packed a small bag and went out by the back door. So far my journey was good, I decided to head off to York, I read books about this town and the gothic architecture was a must see. 

I had a good 10 miles away from my home, when it happened, I was walking along this path in the woods when two random men came out of the blue and took advantage of me. They left me there barely breathing and in my growing cold blood. I was minutes away from dying when a familiar face came into my hazyview, I knew who it was and before I could even say his name everything went black. It was not until days later I woke up in a small clearing and Carlisle came into view and explained everything to me. I was glad to see my twin alive but at the same time I was not thrilled with the idea that I had to drink human blood. Me and Carlisle with time discovered the concept of drinking animal blood and that helped. Soon after we were accustomed to the life of vampires we parted ways. I wanted to travel but he wanted to spend time in Italy. 

At this moment  I wished I stayed with my brother this whole time but then that meant I would have met my mate sooner and would have not met my brother’s coven. My mate…I was always curious to find out who they would be, I could see how my brother and Esme looked at each other, or how my brother’s children looked at their significant other, even Edward for once looked happy. I never knew I would even find them, I spent a lot of time alone and didn't really think about settling down or even finding my mate in this lifetime. I thought for sure I was destined for solitude, but it appears I was destined to be with the ruthless Volturi King. 

Speaking about him I didn't even notice he came into the room and was seated in one of his Victorian burgundy styled sofas. I blinked a couple of times to make sure I was not seeing things but he spoke up 

“You should really learn to be aware of your surroundings, I even gave you a kiss on the forehead and you didn't even notice or flinched”

My eyebrows furrowed in confusion and I saw he had a slight smirk on his face, he was teasing me. I didn't even know whether to be surprised or pissed at this, in different circumstances I would have joked back. In a blink of an eye he was in front of me, towering over me, I would have looked up at him but I wanted to stand my ground. I felt him lift my chin up and I faced his bright ruby red eyes that seemed so enchanting. 

I tried to avoid eye contact but his eyes were like a lure, once you got a glimpse there was no way to look away. He started to lean in until he was inches away from my lips, “keep it together y/n, keep it together y/n”. But then Blondie whispered “Con tempo” and he was gone. I was relieved but at the same time I had a hint of intrigued.

Flashback….

Year 1700 – From the stories I have heard from the townspeople and from our father, they made the vampire life seem so horrible, that a vampire is only seen as a monster. But I have never felt such a peace like state, from being controlled, to losing my brother, to my ‘death’, I finally have forever to be free with my brother. And as of right now me and him are laying in an open field in the outskirts of Italy, gazing at the stars as we have been doing the past 30 years already. 

“They had it all wrong, did they not, lyle?”

“I can not say I disagree but you have a point, I would've never pictured our life to turn like this”

Life really has never been better than this moment. I appreciated the times me and Carlisle would spend at night talking about the latest book we read or how we want to further our education in medicine and the arts. I want to travel more but it seems he has other plans. I can sense it.

“Just say it, I know there is something”

In the corner of my eye I saw that he took an unnecessary breath. I knew what he was about to say would hurt me, he always did that when he had to break bad news to me, even when we were little, he always acted like the big brother.

“I was confronted by a coven of Vampires, they call themselves the Volturi, they been around for millennials, they favor the arts and science, and they have more knowledge than any human could ever dream of knowing and they have an impressive collection of books on everything, they offered us a spot into their coven, I said I would talk it out with you first”

I knew he made his decision, I knew this is something he has always wanted to do, he wanted to know more about the background knowledge of Vampires and more on old medicine and arts. Even that intrigued me but that would mean I would have to settle down and live out my life in some coven and stay in one place for eternity.

“Carlisle…you know I would never want to stop you from your education, I was the one who persuaded you to have an interest in the medical field, so I'm not going to be one to hold you back, I would rather die than to stop you from this.”

“I figured you would not want to join, I thought that maybe I would be able to convince you. I don't like being separated from you, your everything I have left of family”

I looked at him with a saddened look

“I know Lyle, but you know I don't like to be contained in one place forever, I need to be out and about, exploring and having the life I never got the chance to have”

He sits up looking out in the open field, I know he really wants me to join him, and I want to but there's still so much to explore still. Sitting up also I extend a hand toward him and a Lily flower bloomed within my hand, he looks at it with awe 

“A Lily Flower? Mothers favorite…”

I gave him a small smile “It took me a while to learn how to create it, still not used to having this ability but I only managed to create a Tulip, next time I see you I will show you a whole garden of flowers”

End of Flashback.

We had that conversation over 300 years ago already. Even when we finally did reunite and I lived with him and his coven, I didnt show him what I was working on with the time I was away from him. I am actually outside in the Volturi gardens creating a whole new garden with fresh new flowers that are both rare and exotic but also some common ones. I think what fascinated Aro about my ability is that I can create poisonous flowers that can knock out even the strongest of vampires out cold (I accidentally knocked him out the first month I was here for 5 days straight). And that was already 5 months ago since that “accident”, from that Aro just let me be in the garden alone and doesn't dare interrupt me unless I request his audience. 

With my short time here, I actually became close to Marcus. Even though it took a while to get him to talk to me, I  caught him in the gardens one day and I saw he was overlooking a dying yellow lily. I instantly healed it, he turned to me slowly with a very small but very pleased look, he mentioned later that it was his late wife's favorite flower. He reminded me of Carlisle, we tend to talk a lot about plants and philosophy, we even had small arguments on certain philosophies. With Aro from the accident I'm still wary about him, he creeps me out sometimes and when he does that one laugh I don't know whether to hold in a laugh or wonder how such a laugh can come out of him. With the elite guards, we are slowly building trust with each other. Just the other day I managed to make Felix and Demetri laugh when I accidentally made an “erotic" looking plant. They reminded me of Emmett and Jasper. As with Jane and Alec, they are still wary of me, but I can see they are starting to warm up to me.

And how can I forget Caius? Having him as a mate has been interesting. I don't see him as often but when I do, he does a tactic of a quick and go. I could be doing something as reading a book in the King's private library when he appears and leaves a longing of his aura and then vanishes. It frustrates me so I decided to just ignore him. 

Caius POV:

As soon as Jane came in with our “guest”, I felt a strange pull and was overcomed by the strong smell of roses. It was an addicting smell, I must know who it's coming from. I notice the human and internally I'm thinking “all this dramatic antics for this human? This Cullen boy was all set to end his immortal life because of her?” even I'm not that dramatic. I scanned the rest of the entourage and one of them reassembled as a human sized fairy, she’s almost the polar opposite of Jane. I didn't pay much attention to her for it being one of them caught me completely off guard. My mate… she's breathtaking, just from her looks I can tell she has an eye for art like me. Sadly her eyes are gold like the rest of the Cullen coven but that can easily be changed with time. It was not until Aro said she is Carlisle's twin sister that I lost it internally.

Why is life so unfair? Millenniums of existing and waiting for my mate to come along to find out she's the sister to the one person I absolutely despise . Out of everyone why a Cullen? The minute that “Vegetarian Doctor” left my respect for him vanished. But why is she avoiding eye contact with me? What has that Carlisle said about me? Great, I barely find out she's my mate and she hates me. Why would she hate me? I like to think I'm straightforward and speak my mind without hesitation, what is there not to like about me? I'm also quite dashing myself if I must say, I take a great deal of myself and I at least don't have that weird laugh Aro has.

As if on cue I heard Aro do that said strange laugh and I was snapped out of my thoughts to see Aro was holding her hand to read her thoughts, without a thought I hissed in displeasure. She's my mate, nobody can touch her but I. Have I always been possessive? Didn't think of myself as the possessive type, I'm just being reasonable. I must know what Aro has seen from her, I want to know everything there is to know about her, everything she has seen and done. Hopefully she has not been with another man or even a woman, I'm not judgemental, but it seems I also have a jealous side. What is wrong with me today? I am suddenly having all of these out of character personality, I blame her. 

When she offered a deal, my anger took over and I said no deal, even if she said she was going to stay. Of course she's going to stay, she's my mate, in no way was I going to let her walk away after I waited millenniums for her. After my little outburst on her Aro said for Felix to take her to my chambers but the way she looked at him when she was grabbed by him made my eye twitch involuntary, I did that hiss sound and Felix immediately let go. 

When the throne room was set for clear I had to go see her up close. When I arrived at my private chambers I noticed she was in a trance like state, as if reliving a past memory. Wanting to respect her I waited it out. She did after a while and that is when I striked first, with my speed I was in front of her gazing down on her, she's more beautiful up close. I think I might like the color amber now, the way her eyes are so full of light and warmth is so wonderful to witness. I leaned in thinking I might kiss her but I decided to tease her. I want her to be the one to break first even if I'm already secretly hopelessly falling for her.

Y/n POV

It has been a very confusing couple of weeks. I think I'm conflicted with whether I should keep ignoring Caius by not being flirty in return like he has been with me or should I just reciprocate the same behavior toward him. Trust me I do want to get out of this weird faze we are dealing with but the way that man is so bipolar sometimes is astonishing to witness. Our latest incident resulted in Felix and Demetri carrying me out of the library while Aro and Marcus consulted with Caius. The funny thing is Caius walked in all suave and flirty.

“You know I always find it difficult to look at you without falling in love with you”

Not wanting to give him a satisfaction that his words made me feel a certain way, I brushed him off

“So don't look at me, it's that simple”

“That simple? Have you no idea that when I look at you, all of the beautiful work you do in the gardens is put to shame with your beauty, how your voice is sweeter than the richest of blood, or how your eyes have conquered me?” he scoffs “As if that's simple amore”

I shut my book and set it on the table already getting sick and tired of his little suppose clever tactic to get me to confess my undying love to him

“You know you walk in here all suave and seductive or whatever you call this, and then you leave before I can say anything, in the 4 months I have been here, not once have you sat down with me and had a full on conversation with me”

“Well i'm a king, im busy, I have matters to take care of, things you would not know how to deal with”

Now it was my turn to scoff at him

“Busy? With what? I have talked with Marcus and he says you mostly are in the throne room looking at old text that I bet you have read at least a thousand times so far, your just avoiding me because i'm a Cullen, I am well aware you despise my brother and his coven”

That for sure shut him up but unfortunately what I said fuelled his anger.

“How dare you speak to me like that! Conspiring behind my back with my own brother! I have done nothing but be patient with you and been a great mate to you!?”

How can he say such a thing about being a great mate when there are times I don't see him for days and when he does appear it's only for a couple of minutes.

“You are unbelievable, you being a great mate to me? How can you say that when one) I don't even see you that often. two) you haven't even bothered to talk about actual things instead you seduce me and three) you just assume every time you flirt with me that I like it or I will return the favor. Well news flash I don't like it, maybe my brother was right about you”

Using his vampire speed he was up in my face in an instant glaring down on me, I might not be able to read his thoughts but just with his eyes you can see how pissed he is.

“Your brother!! Are you also conspiring with him about me behind my back! Some mate you are to me. I have been patient with you, I have been all sweet talk with you. How am I supposed to know what you like and don't like if you never speak up, I was starting to think you are mute”

I could now feel my own anger rising at his words

“Well maybe if you actually took time in your supposed busy day to sit down and talk to me I would start to open up to you and be more affectionate with you but I never say anything because you always vanish in a blink of an eye. Your so childish for doing that, hiding from someone who is a whole foot shorter than you, pathetic”

In all of my decades of existing as a Vampire, I have never been caught off guard until now. I was in a literal chokehold as I was kissed deeply by Caius. WAIT he's kissing me? H-how did this even happen? I was absolutely horrified by the turn of events. My reflexes finally kicked in I pushed him away roughly from me and I took several steps away from him. How dare he kiss me like that without my permission? Who the fuck does he think he is to even do such an action on me? To add to that, the freaking blonde had a small smirk but his eyes held a bit of pain and shock. I haven't the slightest idea of what to do next, I won't lie and say I didn't enjoy the kiss but I didn't want our first kiss to be like this. 

We just stood in silence, I wanted to say something but I don't know what exactly, I must have been too deep in thought because when I looked up he was gone. 

A/N: Ooooo cliffhanger, I had to do it, part two will come out at some point (to be honest I have not started to work on it yet but I have a basic idea of how it will end).

[just-my-latest-hyperfixation]

⚙️ Steddie Big Bang 2024: Project Reveal ⚙️

I am stoked to reveal my project for the @steddiebang2024 - an action-filled, steampunk-inspired Steddie adventure. I'll be collaborating with the amazingly talented @cuips-not-cute on this one, and I can't wait to see what they'll create! 😍✨️

Summary and snippet under the cut

⚙️ Excerpt

“Look,” he finally says. “We've been over this. The doctors said it's perfectly normal. ‘s called phantom limb or whatever the fuck. Can take years to go away, sometimes never does. It's fine.”

Gareth shuffles unhappily. “Yeah, but-”

“No buts,” Eddie insists. “I appreciate your concern, Gare, I really do. But to be perfectly honest with you, I’d rather hack off another limb than go anywhere near those shallow, sanctimonious, rich assholes ever again, so they can take that money and shove it right up their-”

“Eddie, shut up, for fuck’s sake!”

Gareth's voice cracks around the last syllable and Eddie trails off with an irritated groan.

“What? Why?”

“Just-” Now that he thinks about it, Gareth is sounding weirdly nervous. Eddie frowns at the wrench in his hand. “There’s, um …”

“No, by all means,” says a new voice. “Let him continue. He hasn’t said exactly where to shove that money yet.”

Eddie shoots out from under the transporter and nearly crashes into a pair of legs.

“What the fuck?” he blurts, slamming his feet down in a desperate attempt to brake. His right leg creaks and the metal foot scrapes over the floor with a harsh, grating sound. Eddie thinks he sees sparks, briefly. “Hey, look where you’re-”

There’s a guy staring down at him. A guy in an embroidered waistcoat with tails so long they nearly brush the shafts of his shiny leather boots. He's leaning on a carved walking stick, raising an elegant eyebrow from under a swoop of shiny, chestnut hair. Eddie decides then and there that he hates that douchebag.

“Where I’m going?” Douchebag finishes his sentence. “I was just standing here. Maybe you should-”

“Yeah, well,” Eddie sneers, finally remembering to sit up and push his goggles back. The movement leaves a black smudge of oil on his forehead, wet and sticky. “It’s still my damn shop, good sir, so excuse the fuck outta me if I don’t go out of my way to kiss your-”

“You’re Edward Munson then?” another voice pipes in. “Of Munson’s Machinery? You own this place?”

Eddie blinks. A girl is peering over Douchebag’s shoulder. She reminds him a bit of one of those tall monster birds with the long necks he saw at the zoo once - all gangly limbs and jerky movements and nervous eyes. Ostriches? Yeah, he thinks that's what they're called.

“Eddie is fine,” he says automatically, then remembers he's still mad at the both of them. “I mean … what's it to you?”

Douchebag huffs a sound that might pass as a laugh, if only his face matched the noise.

“Nevermind,” he murmurs and turns to go, making to put his preposterous top hat back on. “This was a stupid idea anyhow.”

“Steve?” The girl latches on to his arm and yanks him back. Douchebag makes an annoyed, whiny sound and Eddie can feel his own mouth twitching into a grin. “Be nice?”

While Douchebag pouts and grumbles something unintelligible under his breath, she turns to Eddie with a strained smile.

“Sorry about him,” she says, fingers awkwardly tugging on the dispensers of her billowy pants. “We talked about this before coming here, or at least I thought we did, only right now I'm honestly wondering if we had the same discussion, because you're sort of our last chance, so it would really befit us to treat you with some basic-”

“For fuck’s sake, Robin,” Douchebag blurts. His hand flies up like he’s trying to scrub it down his face, or pinch his nose maybe - one of those theatrical, overdone gestures of long-suffering exasperation - just that he’s still holding the stupid hat and almost whacks himself in the forehead with it. “Just go ahead and tell him everything, why don't you? That'll do wonders for our negotiation position, I'm sure.”

“Excuse me, what position?” asks the girl. She throws up her hands, so suddenly that her dispensers twang with it, and Douchebag flinches. Eddie’s starting to like her more and more. “And I'm asking that in all honesty, dingus. This place is the only option we have left. Our position isn't just shitty, it's literally non-existent. There is no position, Steve. So you can either try again and behave like a decent human being or we can just go home and forget about the whole-”

“Ugh, alright,” Douchebag snaps. “I'll do it, I'll do it.”

He shoves himself past the girl and her shit-eating grin so that he can glare down his nose at Eddie. Eddie, who is still crouched on the ground, glares right back, head tipped into his neck.

“I, um-” mutters Gareth, shuffling off the workbench and gathering his half-finished breakfast. “I'll just … I’ll come back later, I guess. See ya, Eddie.”

Eddie makes a vague sound of acknowledgement as he bustles out, but doesn’t bother breaking his staring contest.

“So, Mr. Munson,” Douchebag drawls after a second or two. “Would you be interested in a job offer? I heard you’re one of the best mechanics on this side of town.”

[bettyfrommars]

Dr. Munson & The Monster

mad scientist!Eddie x The Monster x fem!Reader

Based on a sweet ask I got about how Reader's boyfriend cheats on us, and then we get revenge with his dad. I'm sure this was not what they had in mind 👀 my apologies. wc: 1.7k

18+Only, mature content, smut, cheating, mention of monster sex, unprotected p in v, oral (f receiving), creampie, breeding!kink, mention of being forced to live at the castle, mention of male impotence. Frankie and Reader are 25+, doctor!Eddie is 40+.

Things with you and your boyfriend Frankie were complicated.  When he first put you over his shoulder and carried you back to the castle, determined to be your mate, you wondered if it would work out.  But, you’d grown to love that zipper-neck lothario, and the enormous cock attached to him.  Munson’s Monster was famous by that time for being the first reanimated human, and he had so many women throwing their panties at him, it was intimidating for you at first.  

“Baby,  where are you going?” You called to him from the bed where you were in one of your sexiest nightgowns, draped perfectly to expose the curve of your hip that drove him bonkers.

“Out!” But he didn’t actually say it, he just grunted it, stomping off toward the balcony on stiff legs.  He liked to use the thick vines on the side of the building to climb down.

He flung the terrace doors wide open, and you watched him make his clumsy descent with a shake of your head.  “You’ll break your neck again one of these days, you know that baby? Just use the front door next time!”

He was too busy banking on his arm strength to hold his substantial weight to look up at you, but he did offer a growl and a grunt, and by the time he dropped to the ground in a crouch, there were tears glistening on your lash line.

The first few months together had been so rich with discovery and the promise of new  love. Frankie mated you from sunup to sundown, stretching you out and chasing his release with animalistic passion, the likes of which you’d never experienced before. After a few weeks, you were confessing your love; there was even talk of planning an October wedding.

But, the honeymoon phase was over, as they say, and word had made its way back to you that Frankie was getting in bed with every village woman within arms reach.  They all snickered and laughed behind your back when they saw you in town.

You watched him stumble into the night, and then you peeled yourself away from the balcony and wiped your eyes.  

You didn’t want to be alone again.  The only people who lived in the castle besides you and Frankie were Dr. Munson, his assistant Igor, and a housekeeper named Frau Blucher.  You put your silky robe on and brought a candelabra downstairs with you, following the golden glow of light coming from under the door of Dr. Munson’s library.

You knocked first, because he was a very private man, and you were paranoid that he hated you for whatever reason.  Maybe he didn’t think you were good enough for his creation?

“Enter,” a gruff voice bellowed from inside.

Edward Munson, brilliant surgeon and mad scientist, was hunched over his desk, fingers flying from inkwell to paper as he scribbled notes in his journal.  Long, dark curly hair wild around his shoulders, with a touch of gray at the sides, and fingertips stained black from the ink.

“What do you want?” He grumbled, never looking up from the paper.

He knew it was you.  He recognized the way your footsteps sounded on the floor above, the cadence of your knock, the way his heart jumped into his throat whenever you were near.

You shut the door behind you, pushing it until it clicked.  A cozy fire roared in the hearth, the air smelled of old books, pipe tobacco, and leather. You intertwined your fingers in front of you and went to take a seat by the fire.

Eddie finally glanced up, your silence making him curious.  That was when he saw your puffy face and the tears in your bloodshot eyes.  The horrible way his “son” treated you was no secret among the house, and sometimes his thoughts found their way to wondering how it would’ve worked out if he’d found you first, and not Frankie. 

With the pen still in his hand, he sat back in his seat.  “I’m sorry this keeps happening. You deserve much better than this.”

You snapped a look at him.  He was always so grumpy with you, this was the first time he’d ever offered you any semblance of comfort.

The nightgown under your robe was so tight to your skin that he could see the outline of your breasts and the way you weren’t wearing any undergarments.  He cast his eyes back down at his desk, ashamed for even allowing himself to dream.

Pausing in the middle of the room, on your way to the couch by the fire, you were struck with a sudden epiphany: Dr. Munson was attracted to you.  How had you never noticed it previously?   The way the light from the fire danced on his skin, making his dark eyes sparkle.

Driven by loneliness and a sudden, rabid burst of horny, you slinked over to the big oak desk, hitching your ample hip out to rest it at the edge.  The muscles in Eddie’s jaw flexed, eyes anchoring to yours, refusing to let them roam your body like they wanted to.

“What do you want from me?” His tone was tight, his cock twitching in his pants at how close you were.  “You should go back to your room.”

What you wanted was to get back at your neglectful, cheating boyfriend.  He got to have his fun several nights a week with whoever he wanted.  Why couldn’t you have the same?

You came around the desk to be closer, now your leg was touching his.  You let your hand graze up along your inner thigh over your nightgown, lips parted as you watched him from under hooded eyes.  “I want you to touch me, doctor.”

Dr. Munson hasn’t been with a woman intimately for years.  Mostly because he was a recluse who had no patience for the small talk required for getting to know someone, but also—he’d been harboring a secret crush on you since that first day Frankie brought you home.

His eyes flicked from the outline of your cunt to your face.  “Show me,” he told you, pushing the sleeves up on his shirt.

Eager to please him, you ran your hands up your thighs to shimmy the silky skirt up around your hips, giving him the perfect view of your kitten.  

Eddie’s mouth went dry at the sight, his brows knitting together.  He inched forward to brace one hand on your thigh while the other worked a finger along your slit, hissing at your wetness.  You yanked down the front of your nightgown to play with your nipples.

“Get on the desk,” he demanded, unbuttoning his shirt.

You had your knees bent, feet on his shoulders, quivering as his fingers spread you, his tongue seeking out the special nub that Frankie could never find.  The scientist that he was, he had studied a woman’s anatomy extensively, and wanted to use his gathered knowledge to please you.

“Your mouth feels so good, doctor,” you whimpered.   

He pulled away, chin dripping with a mix of saliva and your arousal, and then he worked a finger down, slipping in one, two, and then three.  You were all the way back on the desk now, knocking things over as you writhed, spilling the inkwell.  

He got to his feet, pushing his pants down to expose a generous pink length. You propped on your elbows to lick your lips and watch as he rubbed the tip along your slit with a groan, frowning in concentration.  

“Is this what you want?” He mumbled, pulling open your lips to watch how well you took his tip.

You sat up to meet his mouth, fingers clawing into his crazy hair as you forced his lips open with your tongue.  “I want you to give me a baby,” you begged. You found each other's eyes then, hovering on the implication of what was being asked. “Because we know Frankie can’t.”

It was true.  As much of a medical miracle and scientific treasure Frankie was, Dr. Munson suspected his sperm was no longer viable. Sometimes he blamed his skill as a surgeon for how Frankie had turned out, but he had to be gentle with himself—that brain Igor found for him was not the organ of an intellectual.  

Locking eyes with you, he sank all the way in, filling you to the base at first thrust, making you both cry out.  He cursed, bracing his hands on the desk for leverage to piston his hips against you.  You held his face between your hands and matched his need with your tongue.

His deft fingers moved from working your nipple to your clit, watching you unravel before his eyes.  It wasn’t until he felt your walls flutter around his cock and heard you whimper his name that he allowed his release.

He grunted, fingers digging into your soft hips. He hadn’t tended to himself in days, and so the potential for seeds to be planted deep in your womb was strong. 

 It took a while for him to finish pumping it all in, and then you stretched back on the huge desk, planting your feet, knees wide.  Maintaining eye contact with him, you used your fingers to push his cum deeper inside of you, tilting your hips up, holding it there, and then rubbing the excess up through your folds, before bringing them to your mouth to suck. 

He kissed your stomach and your breasts, up your throat, sticking his own fingers inside to keep any from leaking out.  “Stay like this until I say you can go,” he mumbled against your mouth.  “And when it starts to drip down your leg, I want you to remember who put it there.”

“Yes, doctor,” you whined, listening to the plop of the tiny ink droplets as they fell from the desk and collected in a puddle on the floor. 

[prettypinkporkchop]

Just Ask Her!

Embry call x fem reader

Quil, Embry, and Jacob have been good friends with you for a long time. Since high school, really! You've been there through everything. You were there when they ghosted you and joined Sam's gang. Now, everyone is out of school, Jacob is obsessed with Bella, Bella is all over Edward, you, Quil, and Embry are still stuck like glue!

After that, you and Embry have been flirting like crazy. There's a spark there, but you are just too shy.

Here you are, sitting on a rocking chair on the front porch at Sam and Emily's place. For some reason, the dudes are gone. Something about a hiking trip?

Emily, let's out a big and content sigh. "It's so peaceful here. Ever thought about moving here with us? You're here more than you are at your own place in Forks." She side eyes you with a smile, sipping her mug. You know exactly what she's hinting at. "Em, cmon. It's not like he would take us seriously if I tried." You chuckle, but deep down, feel sad. "Y/n, trust me. The dude wants you. You see how me and Sam are? Kim and Jared? Rachel and Paul?" You nod your head. "There's a lot to explain. You really do need to speak to him about it. What? It's been a year since he changed." You think about her words. It was a year ago when he cut his hair and when you and him couldn't stay away from each other.

Emily's phone rings. She picks it up, "Hey Billy."

"Oh!"

"Yes, sir. On our way."

She panics and stands up, grabbing your mug and running to the kitchen. You stand up, confused. She comes back out with her keys. "We have to go to Billy's. Jacob got hurt during the battle." You run with her to her truck. "Battle?!" You ask. Tf? She speeds off, not even answering you.

You stand next to Embry while you guys listen to Jacob scream. "I had it!" Leah hisses. "Oh shut up, Leah." Paul hisses.

Embry's warm hand wraps into yours, locking your fingers. You look up at him with furrowed eyebrows. "What is happening?" You ask.

Everything has been put into place. You know about everything now. One thing, you and embry are so stinking awkward.

Embry looks over at you while you stare at the TV. "Yes?" You blush and look over at him. "You're just beautiful." His finger trails over your jaw and chin. Your face tingles, and you want to kiss him so bad.

You lean in and press your lips on his. He kisses back instantly and puts his hands on your face, burying his fingers into your hair. You get closer to his body, pressing your chest on his. He sucks in a breath through his nose and squeezes his eyes, slightly whining.

The feeling of love is overwhelming. Fire has ignited between you two.

------

Jared twirls you around around the bonfire. The moon is huge, nearly full! You are twirling, around to the music. Then, you and Kim start dancing together.

-in the distance- Embry's pov

I watch y/n as she dances with Jared and Kim. God, she's so beautiful.

"Bro, just ask her!" Quil groans. I chuckle and look over at him. "You guys kissed, right?!" Leah pipes in. "Yeah, we did." She grabs my shoulders shaking me. "Wake up, Embry! This isn't high school!" She yells.

"Fine!" I scream back while laughing.

She is right. We are adults now. If she kissed me, she felt the imprint. She never told me if she has or not, just that she accepts the bond. I'm so in love with her. I can do this.

I make my way to the dancing girl, grabbing her waist and pulling her into me. She yelps and looks up at me. "Hey, Embry!" She blushes. The redness in her cheeks is the cutest thing.

I lean down and press my lips to hers. She's shocked at first but wraps her arms around my neck. I pull away and look into her eyes. "Would you like to be more than friends? Like, uh, a couple?" I ask awkwardly. "Yes!" She squeals and jumps on me, wrapping her arms and legs around me. I wrap my arms around her, holding her tight so she doesn't fall. I press kisses on her head. Happiness takes over me, and I spin around, making her laugh. I set her down and see everyone circled around us with their arms crossed. "Fucking, finally." Quil smirks.

[cerenemuxse]

"He Squawks!"

7th October 1963

The story can be found at @eosr-by-muxse for easier access.

Under an agreement between James and the rest of the North Westerners, after every October 6th, James is allowed to spook any of his fellow co-workers. This year has a bit of a surprise for him.

For Traintober 2023: Day 8 - Bird

~

In Tidmouth Yards, three engines were laughing about as they cleaned up the little mishap one of them caused. Troublesome Trucks had been derailed by accident.

“Thon wis quite a scare, Jim!” piped up Donald with a chuckle. “Ye could’nae even wait a single day noo, could ye?”

James laughed loudly. “Of course not! It’s past my birthday, just like we agreed~!”

“We ken, auld man!” Douglas said cheekily as he pulled a Troublesome Truck back on the line. “At least we won’t be needin’ the cranes.”

“Ye’re gettin’ better at spookin’,” Donald added with the same cheekiness.

“As if I was never good at it!” huffed the red medium-sized tender engine playfully, giving a cross look at the Scottish twins. Within seconds of silence full of steam being bellowed, all three engines burst into laughter once again as they continued pulling the trucks back onto the tracks.

Once they were done, Donald asked. “Sae, who’s yer next victim?”

“Emily, of course! As always.”

“As always?” asked Douglas with a chuckle. “Sae we’re always first? How sweet, Jim.”

With another playful huff, James replied, “Well, you’re the furthest away from my branch line, and I haven’t seen you both in a while, except for the weekends, that is.”

“We saw ye yesterday, auld man,” reminded Douglas.

“But still-!”

“We get it, Jimmy,” interrupted Donald. “Still cannae believe ye’re turning fifty-ane ance this month is over.”

“May I remind you that you’re both fifty-four years old. You’re both not that much older than me, ‘auld man,’” James retorted with a tease, mimicking the twins’ Scottish accent.

“Alricht, get goin’ then if ye want tae catch Emily,” huffed Donald, shooing the larger engine away. “We dinnae want the Big Man findin’ oot aboot this.”

“Right!” puffed James. With two sharp whistles from the polished brass object, James reversed and gathered his goods train that was headed to the docks. Half of the train was from the Ffarquhar Quarry and the other was from the Goram Fell Quarry, so the trucks were full of stone. Thankfully, these trucks weren’t Troublesome Trucks. Otherwise, they would’ve gotten James back for the incident that had occurred moments prior.

The red medium-sized tender engine pulled out of the yard with his goods train and went onto the Main Line, heading towards the Brendam Branch Line.

…

Brendam Docks was busy as usual with Salty bustling about and Cranky loading and unloading cargo. Goods trains were being set up as James approached Cranky.

"Here's James!" he exclaimed, whistling sharply. "Here's my train, Cranky!"

"You're gonna have to move along, James!" exclaimed Cranky with his typical grump. "I need to load another train now. You can put it underneath the dock manager's building for now!"

Without another word, James whistled once more and moved ahead. He made sure the brake van of his goods train sat right outside of the roofline of the building. Once that was done, he collected his brake van and moved along, only to find another engine stalled ahead.

Although James hadn't planned on adding this particular engine to his list, he gave it a second thought. With a soft but mischievous chuckle, he whispered, "I've been a little too nice to Edward."

His driver, Fred, caught wind and immediately spoke up. "Oh, don't you even think about it!" he whispered hastily as he grabbed the handbrake. "Come on, old boy! We're gonna be late!"

"Pft! We'll be fine. I'll only take a moment!" he whispered. Fred and George looked at one another before giving in, with Fred letting go of the handbrake. James snickered as he approached the blue medium-sized tender engine as slowly as he could. Knowing that Edward lacked the ability to open his smokebox door, James moved closer than he typically would. Once he was at the halfway point of Edward's goods train, he stopped, making sure Edward hadn't taken notice. The other engine didn't do anything but hum about, presumably waiting around. With a devious grin, James rushed forward with full force and hollered, "I'm behind you!" as loud as he could.

Edward let out a very loud squawk, startled by the sudden scream and red blur rushing past him.

James immediately pulled on his brakes the moment the sound left the other engine's mouth. The noise had shaken him out of his joy, making it short-lived. Slowly, he reversed until his smokebox aligned with Edward. He popped open his smokebox door, seeing Edward's face.

Edward's eyes were blown open, his lips creased together in a thin straight line, and his cheeks were burning to a near sooty black.

"Did you just-?" began James.

"Naw!" immediately squeaked the smaller engine, trying to be stern. "Naw, I didnae!"

"You squawked like a seagull!" exclaimed James, flustering Edward even further. "I can't believe it! He squawks!"

"James, please-!" he insisted, still trying to be stern.

"I wonder if Duck quacks?" asked James smugly. "Now wouldn't that be a treat?"

"James!"

"Oh, I won't tell anyone, Edward, if that's the problem."

"Well, aye, but-!"

"I've gotta go now! Talk to you later!" exclaimed the red medium-sized tender engine giddily before rushing off, leaving behind a very flustered Edward.

~

Just a fun short story! Looks like I did get a chance to join Traintober this year just for a bit.

[bella-goths-wife]

A plan set in motion

Evil trio x reader, yandere cullens x reader

You sat with Victorias head on your lap in your room as the tv played. The four of you had gone further into Seattle and changed motels but Vicky still wanted you to room with her.

You had come to find that the group was pretty nomadic. They preferred to travel than to stay in one place. This was a lifestyle you could see yourself liking, you had always wanted to explore.

“(N/n) which of these guys would you date?” Victoria questioned out of no where while pointing at the tv the two of you were watching

“Why?” You questioned with a puzzled look

“Well if I’m gonna help you find a mate, I need to know your type of guy” she said nonchalantly

“Who says I need a mate” you asked confused

“I do” she announces “having a mate will bring out your happiest self, it’s like you’ve finally found a piece of yourself you always needed. I want that for you”

“I’m pretty happy here” you reassured as you went to play with her hair admiringly

“Just humour me” she says playfully

“Fine” you sigh out “I guess id go with joey”

You pointed to the darkly dressed boy on the tv screen. He was a bounty hunter who tested the limits of his team and questioned authority.

“Oo someone likes a bad boy” Vicky giggled out

“Shut up” you throw a pillow at her face

She pulls an offended look before hitting you back. The attack only stopped when the door opened and James with Laurent walked in

“Sorry to bother you ladies” James said as he sat down, Victoria instantly joined him and he put his arm around her

Laurent came to sit next to you, he ruffled your hair affectionately and you laughed gently.

“What’s up” Victoria asked with a kiss to James’s cheek

“We wanted to discuss you, y/n” Laurent said as he turned to look at you with a serious look

“What about me?” You asked before a panicked thought crossed your mind ��your not sending me back are you?!”

“Of course not” Victoria reassured while Laurent gently stroked your hand

“We wanted to talk about what the cullens did to you” James clarified

“I’ve told you everything, I promise” you say quickly

“We know, but there’s some stuff they’ve done to you that you don’t know is wrong” Victoria said “we just want to make sure you know what they did”

“What do you mean?” You asked fearfully

“They shouldn’t have binded your chest” Victoria says with disgust in her eyes “they were trying to keep you younger, if you were a human it could have seriously hurt you with how tight they wrapped the bandages”

“It’s fucking disgusting” James scoffs out angrily

There’s a moment of silence as you contemplate what they said, you knew the cullens were abusive but some things they did to you went completely over you head.

“We want to help you” Laurent breaks the silence

“You’ve already helped me, I’m away from them” you said with relief on your face

“But they will never stop looking for you” James said and you felt an anxious feeling build up “even now they have connections looking for you”

“What do we do then?” You asked and James and Victoria share a look

“We kill them” Victoria states

“Impossible” you dismiss the idea “many clans have tried and failed”

“But many clans don’t have they’re prized possession with them” James corrects

“And with the human pet they have, they’re vulnerable” Victoria says with excitement

“How would we even do this?” You question doubtfully

“We make the cullens think James is after the human” Victoria explains “they’ll rush her off and prepare for a fight which gets her away from lover boy and has the family separated”

“I’ll then lure the human away with threats of killing you, that gets her to a location away from the other vampires where I will drink her blood and kill her” James carried on “this puts Edward in a vulnerable spot but also while the others are on a wild goose chase looking for the girl, we pick them off one by one”

“We start with Alice, so she can’t see the rest of our plans” Laurent pipes up “then Victoria will target Rosalie and I will take on esme”

“With the women gone, it puts the men in vulnerable positions because of the mate bond” you say as the plan pieces itself together

“Exactly” James says with a proud smile “I will take on Edward and Victoria will handle Emmett all while Laurent kills off Jasper”

“What about Carlisle?” You ask fearfully

“We leave him for you” Vicky says with a smirk

“I won’t be able to take him on alone, I’m too weak I was never taught to fight like the rest” you confessed

“We will be there to help, we just need his precious daughter to distract him until we get there” Laurent explains “but you will kill him, it’s your right”

“We’ll train you to fight” Victoria reassured “and we’ll make sure you get to be the one to kill him”

“I don’t know if I can” you say sadly, not because you cared for Carlisle but because your fear of the patriarch paralysed you

“Aren’t you angry?” James questioned with confusion “these people humiliated you, abused you and exploited you and you don’t feel rage over it?”

“Of course I’m angry” you defended yourself “I’m furious, but anger doesn’t make me a better fighter”

“But we will” Victoria jumps in “we will teach you to use your anger, to make it your power”

“Take this revenge and know for the rest of eternity that you won against those sick bastards” James encourages “know that you fought back and won after they disgraced you over and over again”

You feel motivation and rage fill every pore. You see they’re eyes on you and feel happiness come to you. They want to help you, to protect you

“Are you in?” James asked expectingly

You imagined tearing Carlisle head from his shoulders, lighting ablaze his pot like body and watching it burn.

“Yes” you nod your head “I’m in”

And with that, your revenge had formed into a plan

[quotidian-oblivion]

Wouldst THou be okay with questions???

What’s your favourite thing to do at 2am (follow up question, fic recs??????)

Love

'Course! I has puts blanket permission it on le pinned post.

Read/write fics. Unquestionably. And eat junk food (like ferrero rochers *cough cough*). If i was alone in the house at 2 am, i would probably be singing out as loud as i could.

But *sigh* I end up doing schoolwork half the time. The other half I'm laying in my bed, and sleep-deprived me takes over and magically produces a fic and its outline leaving daytime-me to write it out and expand on it.

Fic recs... hmmm... Lemme go visit my bookmarks and link the links here.

Okay, so Repletion by sardnoic-sprite is rlly good. Actually lol, im providing analyzations + some minor info and ideas on the 2.0 version of the fic to sprite rn. In this one, Uncle Edward does exist and is a certified asshole and abuser. He tries to control Tim and keep him away from the Bats and threatens to hurt Tim real bad if the Bats try to contact him.

Zugzwang by sardonic sprite is rlly good too! Very hurty. Much angst. Ra's captures the batfam and challenges Tim to a game of chess. Each move is dangerous. A small mistake puts any of the Bats at risk. And Tim has to predict which batfam member will get hurt depending on which chess piece he moves.

And the whole series of Celebrity Batwaynes by sardonic-sprite is rlly good too! It had me cracking up so much. But ofc there's angst there too, but mostly crack and i adore this series with my life. It's about the Gotham vigilantes, some rogues, and the Waynes doing internet challenges like Buzzfeed quizzes and other stuff too.

My Mummy Has Tattoos by I_is_a_fangirl_yee is v v angsty. And yes, im being prejudiced rn but what im not being prejudiced abt is the fact that i screamed out loud in class while beta-ing this fic.

Now, The Dream Of Flight by A_Canceled_Stamp is an excellent fic I will never stop yakking about. The plot is literally just Tim falling off a building. But the writing? The emotions captured within the writing, the pure act of storytelling through actions described by text is something out-of-the-world.

I adore Instead Of All The Colors I Saw by SilverSkiesAtMidnight. It deals with Tim dealing with the aftermath of Titans Tower and his relationship with Jason and oof- the angsty dialogue is PEAK.

All of Vamillepudding's works. Well, at least the Batman ones, those are the only ones i've read. But they are all. Just. So. Good. The writing and oh- the ideas especially. Definitely some of the greatest Tim joins the batfam early fics to ever have existed.

Living Dead Boy by Terranphuem. *SCREAMS*. This fic. Let me tell you, this fic. It reached into my heart, grabbed it and teared it out then bandaged it and put it back in again. It's about Tim encountering Jason from when he just rose from the grave. And Jason's catatonic and everything and Tim helps him all by himself (with special help a little later) to make him "good enough" to return back to Bruce. SUCH A GOOD READ ISTG.

untitled titan's tower fic #89268439 by Ashynarr. It's, as the title says, a TT fic, but in this one, Jason finds Tim's old fanfiction account and tortures him by rereading some stuff from there to Tim XD Doesnt get the attention it deserves imo.

come back home please by PurpleHeartsOne. Gosh, the writing in this one... it is Up There with the Greats. I love how the emotions is captured so well here and also how smoothly the progression of chapters goes! The character development and- oh! The character reveal! Ahhhhh! Please do mind, it is still incomplete 8/10 chapters rn.

sipping the piping hot tea by BlueTee. In this one, Tim sips tea and destroys Jason instead of Titans Tower happening. Gosh, i loved the nonverbal reactions so much 😂

Conference Room 2B by motelyfam. It's part of a series, but it's so good, it deserves its own special appearance. Big bro Jason Todd! And theater kid Jason Todd! They're both in here!!

of crime lords and literature by adelfie. Aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh! The writing! The fucking- *slams table* THE WRITING!! It's a TT AU where Tim asks help from Jason for English h.w. There's more obviously, but that's where the plot starts. It is. so good.

don't drop the baby (i'm the baby) by Ms_Trickster. I will never ever ever shut up about this. I read this twice and both times I teared up. Both times. This fic means a lot to me on a personal level. Basically, Tim accidentally time-travels and meets a baby version of himself.

Late Night encounters by paperxcrowns. Oh gosh oh gosh oh gosh oh gosh! I adore this fic! Not only is the writing especially good, but the story line, the slow and smooth and excellent progression of events and character! Ahhhh! It's about Tim meeting Jason accidentally at a cafe and him somehow accidentally helping Tim with his homework and becoming friends.

just be there by TaraLaurel is so so good. I wrote a fic inspired by it (it's Shiver btw, the title of the inspired fic). Heck, I love all the batfam fics written by them (I haven't read the other fandom fics). This one is touch-starved tim drake and who doesn't love touch-starved tim drake! But more particularly, the writing. The fucking- writing. I'm like, the person who reads fanfics, but the ones with good fucking writing become my favorite cuz then i can kinda read it again and learn from it yk? It's like, looking up to people. And I look up to this author. How they describe emotions through nonverbal actions and verbal actions and subtle actions but also the inner monologue as well. Love it all.

Lastly, I've been saving this for the end. Rebel Without A Clause by DangerBeckett. This fic covers topics like classism and has Deep Stuff in it which is so so fun to read! I started commenting from the third chapter. Then by the fifth chapter, my two-sentence comments turned to two-page comments. As did with so many other commenters. I love the author and their writing. It is truly top tier. I love the character development going on too and the retrospection of topics and events through fiction and fandom. Truly excellent. Honestly. I can go on and on. And I have! It's about Tim meeting the batfam through galas and slowly getting adopted by them. It's in-progress still.

Those were too many fics probably lol. But I kept going through my bookmarks like "Oh! I forgot about that one! It was so fun". Happy reading! Thanks for the ask! ^^

[hockeyandhrsepwr]

How on Earth?

*The boys try to embarrass Eddy, but things don’t go the way they expect*

The hockey boys are at a house party and have decided to spice the evening up with a little game of truth or dare.

“Eddy, your turn” Luke says and the boy rolls his eyes. “Dare.”

“Okay, think of the cheesiest pick up line you can, then say it to a girl of our choice & try to get a date.” The boys start snickering and looking around the room. “Her!” Duke points to a group of girls chatting in the corner “Bruh there’s four of them. Be specific.” He rolls his eyes. “The redhead in the black top. 20 bucks you can’t get her number.”

“Ooh, 30 he gets shut down right away.” Luke pipes up.

“15 he can’t get a dance with her” Comes from Mark

“Wow guys, thanks for the support.” Eddy flips them off as he makes his way towards the girl.

Duke snickers and the guys ask him what’s funny “She’s in my management class. Ive asked her out before but she said she doesn’t like athletes. And she definitely saw him over here with me.” He rubs his hands together. “There no way he doesn’t get shut down.”

Y/n POV

You’re standing chatting to a few friends that lived in your first year dorm, when someone taps you on the shoulders. Your friends are smirking and you turn to see Ethan Edwards, one of the hockey players. You know a few of them from classes but haven’t met him yet. You can see Dylan over his shoulder smirking. Oh shit, he’s wearing glasses. They’re my weakness, especially given how cute he is even without them.

Ethan POV

Holy shit she’s hot. The girl looks up at me questioningly. I’ve forgot what I’m supposed to say.

Y/n POV

He clears his throat

“Sorry, I just had to come over & say, my eyesight may be crap, but I can still see you’re an absolute catch. “

It takes a second but you laugh. “Really?”

His face falls, so you rush to finish “It was cute!” And his face perks back up. “So if I asked you if you want to grab a drink?” “Now or another time?”

He smiles “hopefully both?”. Damn he’s cute. You smile back.

“How about coffee tomorrow morning?” You wink

“That sounds good! Can I get your number so we can sort it out?”
“I’m thinking more we could maybe grab one now at my place and then see…” you trail off, hoping he’s picking up what you’re putting down. It takes a sec, but he seems to get it & blushes. He nods, dopey grin on his face. “I’d like that”

“Okay, Why don’t you give me a few minutes to tell my friends I’m leaving & then ill come grab you”

He nods & heads back to the boys as you walk off in search of your party buddy.

No one POV

Ethan walks back over to the boys, getting razzed because he didn’t get her number. They ask what pick up line he used, and the response is overwhelmingly “what the hell?” “Please tell me you didn’t”

Duker starts up “God thats embarrassing man. Of all the possiblities, you come up with that? No wonder it didn’t work!” He finishes just as someone approaches the group

Y/n POV

You sling an arm around Dukes shoulder as you say hey to him, Mackie & mark, who you’ve had classes with at some point over the last 2 years.

“Sup boys, having fun?” They nod. “Cool, Eddy you ready?”

He nods & extends a hand. You grab it and pull him towards you. “Bye boys” you call over your should as you pull Eddy away “see you Monday Duker.”

You head out and start the walk back to your apartment.

Back at the party

The boys are speechless. “How in the fuck did that work?” Mackie muses

“Guess its not that she’s doesn’t like athletes, she just didn’t want you” Luke laughs as he nudges Duke, who’s still staring at the front door.

“Legend” Mark says, as some of the junior guys make their way over. “Did Eddy just take a girl home?” Jacob says, and the boys relay the tale. “Alright! He’s got game.”

[lesbiandarvey]

im sorry mike hasn't been gagging for this man for this slander 😭 he's wanted to get fucked by that man from day dot, but pushed that pipe dream away because pssssshh like that'd ever happen. little did he know then that harvey did want him then and would go on to fall completely in love with him.

mike's love life went down a different plotted-out path instead. but in beginning and in end he still would be 1000% down to fuck that man

also insanely stupidly puts harvey above his actual relationship several times lmao

mike's lust for harvey has been the king of gifsets on gifsets over the years of suits

yes yes yes i do agree with that! my point, which admittedly i did not explain thoroughly lol is that, throughout the show harvey gets hit on by men. a lot. i mean the most notorious example of this is the scene between him and edward darby in jessica’s office where darby says “such a lovely face” about harvey and harvey laughs it off but is clearly uncomfortable with it. and then travis tanner who’s the epitome of “you should be addicted to shutting the fuck up / you wanna fuck me so bad it makes you look stupid” and then theres that lawyer who made the cruising joke in s2 where he says to harvey “the only man im here to SOLICIT is you harvey” and THEN. CAMERON. and all that that implies with being harvey’s boss and his lover when harvey was in his 20s.. and sean cahill, who i think harvey was flirting with to get him to help get mike out of prison…… anyway. i think harvey has some issues with feeling used tbh with feeling like “just a pretty face” that people wanna fuck him but not Be with him or make any effort to listen to him or take care of him

and my point was that men dont want to sleep with harvey they want to Fuck him. like theres a huge difference there. and mike doesn’t approach sex or his friendship with harvey like that at ALL he doesn’t want to Fuck harvey, he just wants to watch movies with him and take him to dinner and get high with him. and maybe that includes a sexual relationship, but in a much softer more considerate way than harvey is used to. there isn’t that level of ownership that other men in the show express towards harvey—and THAT is why harvey fell in love with him

[creepling]

Idk if you still do this but maybe a scenario about dano riddler getting a panic attack from seeing a rat (ophranage memories coming back to him) and a male/gn reader comforts him?

<?> the ratcatcher - e. nashton

edward nashton x gn!reader / <1k words

tags: angst to comfort. reader helps edward through a panic attack. childhood trauma. musophobia. i think i depicted more c-ptsd than a panic attack in this but they kinda go hand in hand??

an: hey thanks for the request!! sorry if i didn't do it any justice but i liked your request and wanted to try it out. also just sorry in gen for not much uploads, i'm swamped with uni deadlines and haven't had motivation to write much, but your request helped that so ty<3

It was time for spring cleaning, and Edward took it upon himself to clear the cupboard beneath the sink. He was guilty of putting random things in there; plastic bags, pest poison, and cleaning products with no organisation. He got to work gutting the abundance of plastic bags, each revealing how dark it was inside the cabinet.

“Hey, can you get me a flashlight?” Edward asked you.

You fetched the torch from another storage cupboard full of junk and tossed it to Edward, noticing the trash pooling around him.

“Damn, was that all in there?” You asked.

Edward flicked the flashlight on, guiding the light inside the dark cabinet. A strong scent of dampness emerged from the darkness, overwhelming Edward immediately.

His hand began to tremble.

“Y-Yeah, I have a habit of stuffing things in it,” Edward nervously laughed.

The smell was familiar in the wrong ways. Images of the mouldy walls in the orphanage. He was breathing in the mould, day in and day out, a constant cough plaguing his childhood.

“I’ll clear all this,” You said, picking up the plastic bags and taking them to the bin.

Edward sucked in a breath, continuing to look inside the cupboard. The pipes were moist and leaking. That caused the mould. He kept a mental note to ask you to fix it. Or this could be something that cannot be restored. His past has come back to haunt him, clinging to the walls of his home. He will never escape this. The darkness in the cupboard will claim him, swallow him whole. A lump began to grow in Edward’s throat.

Edward shined the light to the far corner, where the mould clung higher up, its black centre claiming the corner of the wall. The light revealed a ball of greasy brown fur the size of a shoe. The light startled it, flashing black beady eyes. Its yellow teeth bucked out in fright, and Edward’s eyes widened. It scurried the opposite side, and its sudden movement made Edward drop the flashlight and back off from the cupboard.

The thump of the torch on the ground startled you. You rushed to Edward, witnessing him crawled up in a ball, clinging to his trembling limbs.

Edward was absent. He was back there. Waking up from a light sleep, the mould filling his lungs. The rats nibbled at his fingers, their eyes glistening in hunger. He felt no pain. His fingers were too numb from the cold. His limbs ached, and chills overcame his body. He could not move. He could not scream. All he could do was look at the rats eating away at his cold skin, his eyes wide in panic.

“Edward, please, look at me,” You sat with him, soothing his back, brushing his hair away from his forehead. Once Edward managed to make eye contact, you asked him to breathe slowly. You breathed in and out slowly, and he attempted to copy your pace.

“The rat is gone, Edward. You’re not there anymore. You’re here with me, okay? I’m not going anywhere,”

Edward began to nod, but his heart was still racing. Tears began to run down his cheeks, and you gently wiped them away. “Tell me what you need,” You said.

“St-Stay with me,” He pleaded, gripping the fabric of his shirt.

You nodded, “I’ll always be here. I love you, Edward. More than anything in this world,”

Internal anger filled your mind, but your eyes stayed empathetic. Gotham was fucked up. How many others are out there, traumatised by this city? Someone must pay for this, but you kept your thoughts to yourself. Edward needed comfort, not a reminder to seek revenge.

Your voice helped soothe Edward’s mind. His breath became level, and a sense of calmness came over him. Suddenly he was exhausted, and his tensed arms grew limb. He tried to get up from the floor, but you helped him.

“You okay?” You asked.

Edward nodded, staying quiet. He wrapped his arms around you and lightly kissed your forehead. You smiled up at him, cupping his cheek into your hand, sadness swelling within you at his tired eyes.

“Let’s just go to bed, huh?” He suggested. You nodded, guiding him to the bedroom where you lay with Edward in your arms, soothing his tired body until he fell into a peaceful sleep.

[caesarinsalata]

Before the next Part,

Here is an intermission set at the start of his rehab!

Fair warning, this is a longer read than the other parts, I think it's longer than the Prologue.

(Is Ed's shirt blinding enough for ya'll? 🤣)

Intermission

Rehab Progress

“Listen, Amestrian-”

“What does being an Amestrian have to do with anything? We’re all people here, and I have a name, you know. It's Pinako Rockbell, you nitwit.”

The Alchemist sighs. “Ms. Rockbell….I specialize in Healing Alchemy. He doesn't need your help.”

“It is not my intention to step on any toes; I'm just asking for some time with the boy to fit him with a prosthetic.”

She was given an inquisitive look. “Prosthetic?”

“Yes, I specialize in the manufacturing of metal prosthetics. It's a very popular business model back in Amestris due to the constant wars border-to-border.” Taking a puff from her pipe. “He's got to be healed enough for a fitting by now, isn't he?”

“Uh- yes? He’s not categorically ready to put pressure on it or do activity that rushes blood to the area.”

Pinako waved a hand at him and turned away, walking down the stairs. “No need to worry about that. Just have someone bring him to my shop for a fitting soon. He'll be of more use to you with a functioning leg again.”

The Alchemist didn't know what to make of this woman. He knew of the practice of metalworking; Xerxes was the main source of armor for the neighboring countries, not to mention jewelry. But turning them into a working limb of some sort sounded otherworldly. He was thinking about not even considering her offer. Albeit, this kid really needs to get out of the palace and give him a break from dealing with his tantrums.

Quite a few days later, back at the shop, the Rockbells got to work on readying their workstation for the up-and-coming client that was believed to be on his way today. Pinako had gotten a heads-up from a herald the palace had sent. She didn't get why they couldn't just come down themselves, carting Ed behind them. But at least they sent someone to let her know that today was the start of relinquishing him from palace arrest.

A downed slave didn't have much use for anyone, so she's surprised they waited this long to get Ed walking again. Needless to say, this nation hasn't seen the butchery Amestris treats as an everyday occurrence. Pinako had seen the absence of battle scars on individuals of Xerxes. This reality may not look good for her business at the current moment; however, there's always time for the Queen of Amestris to get bored and storm Xerxes for their copious sand, just for entertainment purposes.

“Winry, is everything ready?” Pinako strolled into the main shop area, inhaling her pipe. She scanned the room to see everything in place.

“Yes, Granny!” Winry was tying an apron around her waist as she turned to Pinako. Reposing her hands on her hips, she looked so proud of herself. She's trained well as Pinako’s apprentice.

“Good, good…” Exhaling a puff of smoke. “You're still too young yet to take on a project by yourself, but in due time you'll do just fine.”

Winry smiled. “Thanks, Granny.”

“We can build this project together, but I'll let you do most of the work. How's that sound?”

“Can't wait!” Winry balled her fists and had stars in her eyes. Pinako smiled; she loved this kid so much.

“Al….I'm slipping.”

“Stop moving, brother.”

The brothers were just a few blocks away from the Rockbell establishment. Alphonse walked while carrying Edward on his back. He moved Ed higher and repositioned his hands under his upper thighs, consciously avoiding the sensitive area.

“How's that?”

Ed grunted from being bounced and grabbed Al's shoulder firmly. “Better….but this is still embarrassing…”

“Why?”

“Why do you even have to ask that? I'm the older brother, and you're carrying me.”

“Well, it is getting tiring; would you like to trade places?” Al looked over his shoulder to see Ed glaring at him. Which makes him chuckle.

“Ha ha, very funny, Al.” Ed huffs and sharply strikes Al on the head with his fist. Not, by any stretch of the imagination, sufficiently hard to hurt him.

“You need to learn to rely on people, Ed. I don't mind doing this for you. Especially if it leads to you walking again…”

Ed slumped against Al’s back, his arms sticking straight out in front. Al continued to look forward; the air around him was solemn.

“You haven't been yourself lately, and I miss being able to see you every day. With the alchemists keeping you in isolation,…. It's been hard on Mom and I…”

Ed looked at the back of Al's head. “Al…I’m-”

“Hup!” Al bounced Ed again to stop him from finishing what he was going to say, making Ed think he was about to fall. “Sorry about that; what were you saying, brother?”

“H-Hey! Watch it!” Ed exclaimed a protest, but chuckled and relaxed against his brother. Al didn't want to hear him apologize again. Ed knows it wasn't his fault, but he couldn’t help but feel like a burden since Al had been taking up his end of the work in the palace. “Nothing…”

Al murmured a reaction and continued in silence. Ed glanced around, definitely noticing the looks they'd been getting. As though it wasn't sufficiently strange to see somebody getting a piggyback ride, they genuinely couldn't rip their eyes from Ed's leg,…or the scarcity of it in that department. It made him self-conscious. They had decided to tie the left leg of his pants in a knot at about the knee to safeguard the dressings still wrapped around his thigh. He'd figured the dressings would make it more self-evident, yet presently, the shortfall of anything was agonizingly clear.

He hid his face in the nape of Al's neck. He outwardly groaned. Al didn't seem to acknowledge the noise and just kept walking. Of course, the brothers knew most of the people in this town, but it still didn't help when most of the looks Ed got were downright pitiful. He's sufficiently certain they had no idea what had transpired, but it's not like publicizing the information would alter the expressions on their faces.

Finally, they made it to the shop. Pinako had been waiting just outside looking for them.

“Ah, just in time. Hello, Alphonse.”

“Hi, Granny~”

“Where is your brother?”

“He's right here!” Al turned slightly to reveal Ed’s flat expression. He gave a slight wave of a hand. “I'm here…”

“Ah, Ed…” Taking a puff of her pipe. “Didn't see you there.”

Edward's eyes narrowed down at her. “What's that supposed to mean, you hag?!”

Pinako smirked around her pipe. “Oh nothing, small fry….” Turning to walk back into the shop.

Ed almost climbed off of Al's back in anger. “You get back here, you Witch!”

Al about lost his balance while trying to hold onto Ed. “Careful, Brother! I don't wanna drop you!”

Edward seethed as he gripped Al's shoulders. His temper scarcely calmed when Winry popped her head out.

“Would you just get in here, Ed. While the sun is still up?”

As Al walked onto the shop floor, Ed pouted a bit but stayed quiet.

“Set him down over there, Alphonse.” Pinako pulled on her gloves and pulled up a stool.

“Yes ma’am.” Walking over to a cushioned chair, Al slowly bent at the knees and guided Ed onto it.

“I got it Al.” Ed let go of Al's shoulders and placed himself down once he could touch the ground with his good leg. Al only moved out of the way once he was sure Ed was sitting.

“How long has it been?” Pinako took a puff of her pipe then placed it on a saucer. Ed just looked at her like she just spoke a foreign language and expected him to respond in kind.

“How long…?”

Alphonse cut in. “About two moons ago.”

“That should be long enough…Winry, take a look at the scarring and see if he's healed enough to at least do a fitting today. Then we'll take measurements.”

“Right!” Winry took the stool Pinako brought over and sat on it, hovering her gloved hands over Ed's tied pant leg.

“May I?”

Ed just blinked at her since this was all new territory to him, but he came back to reality and stammered out, “Yeah, go ahead….” He knew this had to happen, but he didn't want to see what it looked like either. He just watched as Winry pulled the knot apart and rolled the pant leg up his thigh, revealing the bandages.

“You okay?”

Ed looked up from his leg to Winry. He didn't realize that he apparently looked awkward and anxious. “I'm fine.”

She paused for a minute to gaze at him, then, at that point, moved to track down the end of the wrapping. When she lifted his thigh slightly, Ed had to shift his hip a bit to support his weight in the chair. Delicately unwrapping and rerolling the bandage to set it aside, Winry was finally able to see the damage, firsthand, caused by the King.

“Just tell me if anything hurts. It's really important if anything is tender or painful.”

“Got it…” Ed mentally prepared himself for pain.

Winry began poking and prodding at his stump. Around the sides and at the base of it, where it had scarred from sealing the wound.

The muscle in Ed’s thigh constricts. Winry looked up and stopped. “Does it hurt?”

“No…it's a…tingling sensation…”

“It could be nerve damage.” Pinako spoke up, standing off to the side, watching Winry massage Ed's thigh.

“Overall, it seems to have healed rather nicely. The seam is virtually gone and the scarring isn't all that lamentable.” Winry set his thigh down, but continued to touch in certain places.

Ed was fascinated by simply watching her hands move. He didn't have the foggiest idea about how she knew what and where to touch and what it implied. He's read his fair share of anatomy books, but seeing it in action was something to behold.

“Is it common for people in Amestris to have fake limbs?”

“More common than you think, kid…” Pinako crossed her arms. “It's a shame, but that's why I do what I do. It's something that gives people a reason to go on.”

Ed hummed and peered down at his legs. He couldn't bring himself to look at it for longer than a second. He felt a bit sick seeing the scarred tissue. Winry had started taking estimations of his thigh. She had to know the size of his leg and the length of it to appropriately fabricate his leg to match the other. “How long does this take?”

“You won't be walking on your own anytime soon.” Winry chimed in while she wrote numbers down. “So don't get any ideas, Ed.”

Offended, Ed crossed his arms. “I’m just asking. It's not like I'm itching to get back to clean-up duty.” He pouted, turning his head to face Al. Averting his gaze to look down. “Although I don't want Al to do all the work forever…”

“I already told you not to worry about that, brother.”

Ed knit his eyebrows together. “Still…”

“Work can wait; your rehabilitation is more important. Especially if you want your freedom back. I know you don't want to have to rely on Al anymore, not to mention at all, Ed. But let those who care help you sometimes.” Winry stood up and went to get an attachment for the model.

Ed groaned and scratched the back of his head in frustration. “Yeah, yeah, I already got the whole spiel from Al here…”

Al chuckled and Winry sat back down.

“But thanks for this….” Ed didn't look at her, or anyone, for that matter. He appeared to be embarrassed, yet it seemed as though he was only appreciative of this open door, given that he was going out of his mind after being disabled for only a few months.

Winry just smiled. ‘No problem, Ed. Now,” Squaring up her posture, she presented her hands, palm side up, to him. “I'm going to need you to sit on the edge of your seat so I can size you up.”

“Okay…” Ed took her hands and used her support to pull himself forward.

She cradled his limb in between her legs. Holding his thigh up enough to slide the open end of the attachment over his skin. She was more concerned with securely fastening it to him without obstructing his blood flow or causing discomfort, and she was unaware that Ed was practically observing everything she did. Pivoting at the waist to prehend the leg itself and drape it across her thigh to line it up with Ed's.

“I'll have to readjust it when you stand up…” Winry idly talked to no one in particular while she attached the leg and locked it in place.

Ed didn't particularly like the feeling, but it's supposed he's going to have to get used to this for the foreseeable future. Only then did he realize what Winry had said.

“Wait…you want me to stand up? How do I know it won't buckle or shift or-?” He looked panicked.

Winry frowned, bending the prosthetic at the knee to set it on the floor. “Are you trying to insult me, Ed?”

Ed stammered. “No! No! I didn't mean-”

“This is just a test; your model will be an impeccable fit, so it won't budge no matter how much you're bound to move.” Winry stood up and pulled the stool back and away to give them space, holding her hands out to him again. “Now stand up.”

Ed raised his gaze and studied Winry's face. Unquestionably, he trusted her completely, but right now, he didn't really trust himself. He last walked months ago. He had been sleeping intermittently. He wasn't psychologically ready for this phase of his recovery, but in order to eventually stand on his own two legs again—even if one of them is artificial—he would need to muster the courage to fall repeatedly.

Reaching up, he once more took her hands in his. She curled her fingers to firmly lock her hands around his, pressing her thumbs into his skin. To him, this was a sign that he was going to struggle, and she was already preparing to support his weight. He took a deep breath, looking down at the prosthetic first before positioning his good leg under him.

“Take it slow and easy. You need the leg to fully extend before you put weight on it fully. I don't want it buckling on you.”

“That's reassuring…” Ed sighs and premeditates that he will put most of his weight on his good leg. Not so much because he didn't trust this contraption that was attached to him, but more out of nerves and fear of falling. He struggled to pick himself up and relied a good bit on Winry’s support.

Everything seemed to be going just fine. Winry stepped forward with one foot to hold the prosthetic to the floor, just so it didn't move without Ed’s knowledge. She wanted to make sure he could comfortably stand so she could properly see how he positions his hips. She upheld his hands and peered down at his hip, the leg, and his stance. Analyzing how the leg shifts and moves. Glancing at Ed's face, he didn't appear to be confident at all.

“Center your weight so that I can see how you normally stand.”

“That's easier said than done…” He felt a bit shaky to her, but he complied and shifted to his left.

Winry continued to support the leg when he shifted the extra weight. Ed calculated his breathing as he fixated on simply standing. This, by itself, was not an easy task.

“I'm going to step back a little so it's just you on that leg, okay Ed?”

“Wait! Hold on just a second!”

“Ed, relax. You're doing fine.”

Ed gritted his teeth then folded his lips inward, peering down.

“Don't look down, you'll upset your balance. Look at me, Ed. I need you to stand on your own to get the proper measurements.”

“Gimme a minute, okay?” Ed was getting irritated, mostly with himself. He didn't feel sure enough about himself and his equilibrium to give up Winry's hands.

Winry loosened her hold on Ed's hands, giving him a moment to gather himself. She felt the tension in his fingers. He intermittently gripped her fingers tightly, digging his nails into her gloves a little. She let a moment go by, and he began to loosen his grip.

“Don't think about it too much. You should be able to balance yourself like it was your own limb.”

Ed's fierce golden gaze caught her eye for a second. He was really working through it just to do this. The determination in his eyes said it all. She was pleased with him, yet she really wanted him to concentrate now, she’ll have to tell him later. A glimmer of concern appeared in his gaze when she gradually removed her hands.

“If you absolutely need it, Al’s ready to catch you.” Winry quickly grabbed some tools off the table and busied herself with the particulars. Marginally adjusting the straps like she said she would and taking measurements accordingly.

“You're doing great, Ed.”

“Don't patronize me…” Ed grumbled and felt warmth in his cheeks. His arms themselves were parallel with the ground as he fought to balance himself. A look of concentration was plastered all over his face.

Ed was just a bundle of nerves right now. Al's hand had made its way into his line of sight, confidently waiting to be his knight in shining armor if he decided he wanted gravity to claim victory over him. Now that Ed was standing on his own, with the infrequent tug and pull of Winry's hands, he could actually see himself benefiting from this prosthetic thing. Even if he was just barely standing like a toddler, this was progress for him. He didn't like that he couldn't shift his weight. Every time he thought about moving his good leg, Winry would touch his thigh and push or pull in a direction to straighten him back out.

He hasn't been standing for long, yet his hip is starting to protest. Not to mention his stump. Indeed, there appeared to be cushioning inside the leg, yet putting his weight on something that wasn't intended to bear this sort of weight in this manner was beginning to hurt.

He gulped and felt his body start to shake; it was getting a bit uncomfortable. He willed himself not to say anything in fear of giving up too soon. How long might other new clients, at any point, remain here while getting a fitting? He didn't want her to start over or take additional time if he was unable to take the discomfort. He sucked it up, gnawed the inside of his lip, and gazed at the back wall.

“Brother?” Of course Alphonse noticed the strained expression Ed was trying to hide.

“I'm fine, Al.” The words that came out were a bit shaky and not at all reassuring.

Winry seemed to be done and sat her tools back on the table, recording a few additional notes and numbers. He attempted to see what she was writing; however, losing a bit of focus caused his balance to waver. Comically flailing his arms as he teeters, he managed to right himself after letting out an undignified ‘Wo-ah!’. Sticking his arms straight out to the sides to brace himself and wearing an obscure expression.

Winry turned, leaning on the table with one hand, she raised an eyebrow at him. “The shakes making you weak at the knees?” She found his demeanor amusing.

The light jab at his expense was irritating. “First time jitters…” Ed affirmed through gritted teeth, staring her down with fire in his eyes. If he could move without making a fool of himself right now….

She motioned for Al to help her guide him back down to a seated position, but Ed opted to take it upon himself, visibly relaxing and letting out a sigh.

“That's going to be part of your rehabilitation. First standing, then walking. It's important to get your leg used to the prosthetic and the pressure of being used.” Ed just groaned a response.

Pulling the stool back in front of him, she sat and unlocked his leg, setting it aside. He didn't like how fast she took it apart; it was a bit unnerving.

“Well this sounds like it's going to be a very annoying year…” Ed grumbled.

Winry shook her head, unbuckling Ed's leg and finally letting it breathe. “You won't be jumping off roofs in a year, Ed. Sorry to break it to you, but you'll be down and out for at least three.”

“Three!?”

Idly unrolling his pant leg to recover and tie it for him, taking his hand to place the roll of bandages in it. “Yes, three.” She subdued him with an intense gaze.

“You're relearning the fundamentals of walking again. It's going to take time. All the same, you'll be doing a lot of sitting too. You can't be on it at all times.” Closing his hand around the roll, she touches her finger to his knuckle. “And you don't need to wrap it anymore. Give it some air and keep it moving.”

Ed looked from his hand to her and blinked. Then deciding to groan dramatically and slouch. “You're killing me…”

Winry gave him a smug grin. “Actually, I'm saving you. It wouldn't kill you to appreciate me sometimes.” Patting the top of his thigh before standing and going to the table to organize her things.

Ed leaned forward, pressing a hand on his right knee and huffing. “I said thank you!”

“Yes. Yes, you did.” Winry points at him playfully with a tool in hand. “But I expect a lot more of those in the future.”

[thepastisalreadywritten]

In London during the late spring of 1953, preparations for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation were reaching their denouement.

Couturier Norman Hartnell was completing a dress to outshine any other.

Tucked away at the back of Hartnell’s lavish Mayfair townhouse, a team of embroiderers were finishing stitching a floral garland on the ivory silk bodice and crinoline.

Pastel thread, jewels, sequins, beads and 10,000 seed pearls were sewn as Commonwealth emblems and British flora around an English Tudor rose scattered with diamond dewdrops.

Six young, aristocratic maids of honour, including 19-year-old Lady Anne Coke – best-selling author Anne Glenconner – were being drilled like guardsmen by The Duke of Norfolk, responsible for organising the coronation, as they rehearsed the walk to the Abbey altar, with his wife, the Duchess, standing in for The Queen.

“If the Bishops don’t learn to walk in step,” he remonstrated, “we’ll be here all night.”

The photographer Cecil Beaton, well-versed in photographing crowned heads and aristocrats in the Vogue studios, was prepping a vantage point in Westminster Abbey, high up by the organ pipes, as the best location from which to capture the ceremony.

It would be a long day; he’d fill his top hat with sandwiches to sustain him.

Nearby, at Garrard, the Crown Jeweller and his team of master craftsmen were hunched over workbenches altering the Imperial State Crown to fit the young Queen’s head.

Garrard had made the Crown in 1937 for King George VI – a replica of the crown designed and crafted for Queen Victoria, which contained virtually all the same stones symbolic of centuries of Royal history, fitted around a purple velvet cap and ermine band.

Clusters of diamond-set crosses and fleurs-de-lis linked by swags of diamonds, supported by sapphires, emeralds and pearls in the form of oak leaves and acorns, dazzled around the massive 317.40 carat Cullinan II diamond, the Second Star of Africa, cut from the largest diamond ever discovered.

Above it sat the Black Prince’s Ruby – in fact, a spinel, worn by Henry V at Agincourt – while the 104 carat oval Stuart sapphire gleamed at the rear of the band, with the cross atop the orb set with the sapphire from Edward the Confessor’s ring.

King George VI requested Garrard create an inner “hammock” style fitting, like a guard’s officer’s bearskin, to distribute the nearly three pounds of weight evenly on his head.

Reshaping the circlet for Queen Elizabeth II involved remounting the stones and motifs of which it is composed, as well as repositioning and lowering the arches, all of which required craftsmanship of the highest skill. 

The aim was to improve the strength of the crown with lightness of weight, which isn’t easy with large stones, and those which were cut nearly 300 years ago.

They were working against the clock. The new Queen required time before the ceremony to become accustomed to the crown’s feel and weight.

“There are some disadvantages to crowns, but otherwise they are very important things,” said Her Majesty, recalling its heaviness on the 65th anniversary of the coronation.

“Fortunately, my father and I have roughly the same shaped head, so once you put it on, it stays.”

The media demanded constant updates on Garrard’s work, with the coronation making broadcasting history as the first service to be televised, adding to the sense of pressure.

In addition, two gold Armill bracelets of sincerity and wisdom, symbolic of the monarch’s bond with the people needed to be finished, which were replacing the 17th-century enamel bracelets dating from the coronation of King Charles II.

In previous ceremonies, the Armills had been carried, but these were made for the Queen to wear, decorated with two rows of engraving and Tudor rose clasps with red velvet linings.

Garrard was also inundated with cleaning requests.

“No one had worn their jewellery or tiaras during the war,” explains Lady Anne.

“People were queuing to have their tiaras, which were like great fenders of diamonds, stomachers and necklaces cleaned.”

On the day, 2 June 1953, it poured with rain.

Lady Anne remembers arriving at the Abbey:

“It was pretty dark and cold. Our dresses weren’t lined, there were clothing coupons after the war you see.

A tiny thread of blue cotton had been placed on the floor in the Abbey, so the Queen knew where to stand.

When the procession began, we walked past row upon row of tiaras, as well as people in their National dress.

The Queen walked a bit faster than the Duchess had in rehearsals, so we had to adjust our steps.”

The ceremony ended at 2 o’clock in the afternoon.

Hartnell left after watching his historic dress sweep down the aisle followed by the procession of royal pages, maids of honour, peers and peeresses sparkling with diamonds, looking, he remarked:

“Like a lovely hunk of fruitcake, the damson jam of velvet bordered with clotted cream of ermine and sprinkled with the sugar of diamonds.”

Beaton rushed to Buckingham Palace to photograph the Queen theatrically against a painted backdrop, holding the orb and sceptre and wearing the Imperial State Crown.

The Crown Jeweller Garrard remained until The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh had taken lunch in the Abbey annex, in case any last-minute adjustments to the diamond-encrusted Crown were needed.

“Cecil was waiting when we all returned from the Abbey,” Lady Anne continues.

“He had everything set up for the photographs, and that’s when I really noticed the Crown and jewels glittering under the bright lights and took note of it all.

The Queen looked so young, beautiful and vulnerable, so the contrast of seeing her crowned with all the regalia was extraordinary.

She was weighted down a bit, but I remember thinking it was terribly poignant.”

A tense moment followed.

“The Duke of Edinburgh was fussing around, and Cecil got irritated, put his camera down and said, ‘Oh Sir, would you prefer to take the photographs?’” Lady Anne laughs.

“The Queen looked a bit horrified, and The Duke wandered off. You see, The Duke would have liked the photographer Baron, but it was The Queen Mother who adored Cecil.”

Later, it was still rainy and dark outside.

When the gleaming, crowned figure of The Queen appeared on the Buckingham Palace balcony, she shone with a sense of tradition and permanence.

With the Imperial State Crown, she wore the Coronation necklace and earrings, made in 1858 by Garrard and worn by Queen Alexandra and Queen Mary, including 25 brilliants suspending the Lahore diamond drop.

Time will tell if the Armills will return to being carried at the Coronation of HRH The Prince of Wales, and if he has inherited the Windsor head shape, but should substantial adjustments be required, the crown will appear once more unchanged.

The historical continuity of the regalia, and the fact the crown is still in constant use, makes these jewels created in the Garrard workshop the most potent in the world.

[wolf-in-a-trenchcoat]

I'm bored, so have a (possibly) triggering first chapter look-see of my Ouizzy fic "A Dance With The Devil" that I'm gonna post. I plan to rewrite it to be more canon-accurate but also throw in a little personal spice since I love writing angst.

Also! For those of you who happen to read it anyways, I'd absolutely LOVE some feedback. (That includes the negative feedback. I don't get better unless it's given, and I strive to better my writing). Alright, let me put the trigger warning so we can be prepared!

TW/CW: implied/explicitly expressed abuse, canon typical violence, panic attack, mild aggression, and mentioned amputation and consumption of a toe.

⚠️Reader's discretion is advised.⚠️

Chap 1: Izzy's Torment.

Edward was in a horrid mood again.

Well, Blackbeard.

As typical, Izzy tried keeping things running as smoothly as possible, only speaking when spoken to and snapping orders at the crew if any were caught slacking. He spent the majority of his day limping around the deck, weight leaned on his cane. His foot fucking hurt, and the bandages around it chafed and caused the somewhat healing wound to open and bleed.

Izzy bites back a curse. Literally just a week ago when Blackbeard returned from being willingly captured by the English, Izzy had been force-fed his toe. He remembered that night with very little fondness despite the relieving excitement that coursed through him seeing that dark, malicious glare from Blackbeard. He swallowed thickly, once again reliving having to consume a piece of himself. How fucking poetic.

Leaning against the railing of the Revenge, Izzy stared out into the expanse of water surrounding the ship. The sun was hanging high in the sky, beating down on the deck in exhausting heat. He pulls away, sighing roughly and turned heel towards the lower decks to check in on the crew, to make sure they weren't slacking. They had a tight schedule, and Izzy made sure of it so they would stay busy.

As he descended, he could hear soft murmurs and hurried conversations before they went completely silent. Izzy's stony glare cast over the crew as they stand awkwardly in a circle, eyes directed at the ground as if in submission. Maybe it was genuine submission- that's all Izzy had disciplined into them in his fourteen hour power-trip when Edward was gone.

"What's with all of this... nonsense? Having a little chat with each other? Talking feelings?" Izzy rasps in lilting sarcasm, leaning on his cane with a scowl. No one responds, all except Jim. Their eyes remained trained on the ground, something unusual and out of character to their normally intense glare.

"We need an intervention." Their voice was slow but sure, and then the intense stare strays to Izzy. There was a small shock that ran through him, so subtle he wasn't sure it even happened. He nods his head upwards, chin slightly higher in curiosity.

“An intervention, ay? Ed wouldn't be too fond of that.” Izzy points out, tapping his cane against the floorboards to emphasize it. He sauntered forward, his scowl turning softer. “It's suicide to try and talk him out of this.”

“Still- it'd be better. For all of us.” Frenchie piped in, nervously looking anywhere that wasn't the shorter-statured man. Izzy had noticed the bard was very iffy about eye contact, fluctuating between a hard stare and no eye contact at all. The first-mate didn't know what to make of it, and instead decided it wasn't worth his time- knowing Stede Bonnet's crew, they'd have Izzy soft-side up and forcefully coddled like he was part of their crew. Part of them.

“Get back to work. Fuckin’ useless twats.” Izzy snarled, turning away. A deeper part of him knew that Jim was right- hell, even Frenchie! Of all people, excluding Jim, Frenchie actually had a point- one stating that sitting idly by would only make things worse. Izzy would never admit it, even in his dying breath that he agreed with Stede fucking Bonnet's maniac of a bard. Shame worms its way up Izzy's spine, settling in the center of his chest like a weight in his ribcage.

He… wanted to mutiny against Blackbeard. The one thing Izzy swore his life to uphold the name of, and here he was regretting his choices. A sickening feeling sits ominously idle in his gut, like a viper waiting to strike… waiting until Izzy is distracted. The first-mate swallowed back the rising pain in his throat, stalking off to the top deck and not even waiting to see if the crew listened.

He found himself below deck in his cabin. He was pacing the cramped room, hands tangled in his graying hair, trying to calm the raging storm of emotions in his mind. Izzy was never one for emotions, always keeping them bottled up until they all came out in spiteful insults and barked orders. Right now was not one of those times.

In a swift attempt of releasing his pent up self-destructive loathing, he grabbed a stool and threw it against the wall, the wood exploding into splintering shrapnel as it made impact. Izzy let out a strained shout, heaving in breaths as his attempt of control became vain. He had never let the thought of mutiny cross his mind.

“Fuck. Fuck!” Izzy growls, sitting roughly on his rickety cot and burying his face in his hands. He was sure his death was imminent if Blackbeard heard any whisper or word of possible opposition. The crew would die alongside Izzy if they didn't cower to the Kraken's absolutely mental demands and pressuring emotional manipulation.

Izzy Hands wanted to turncoat on Blackbeard, the man- no, the myth- he helped create. To break the promise he had made so long ago that it became the very air he breathed to upkeep. All for just a little taste of comfort in a trying time that won't last. He was stupid for letting himself be so… invested in the damn crew. How they felt, how they saw him, how they fucking bitched and moaned about how horrible Blackbeard treated them and yet, Izzy understood. How, he'd never know and even if he did, he'd never tell.

Of all people, Israel Hands understood their pain. Of all things, he could empathize with their distaste and wariness of Blackbeard's volatile behavior. The only grace Izzy gave the crew was being the one who took the brunt of all of the Kraken's anger and physical violence. And he wanted it. He deserved it.

A strangled sob left him, his heart hammering in his chest as his throat felt like it was closing. The walls felt like they were closing, his vision tunneling into the abysmal darkness of his own mind, eating away at whatever control he had garnered before it all went black. Silent. His body ached, his chest tightened and he couldn't breathe. He blindly grabs at his shirt, the collar, ripping at his clothes just for some air. Another noise left him as his struggles proved fruitless and he felt suffocated in the weight of this newfound desire to flee. To run from his past, his choices, his actions.

And as if it were as sudden as it set in, he calmed. His breathing was still yet heavy and sharp, sweat soaking his brow and clothes. He was shaking, hands gripping the front of his leather vest like his life was on the line. And it was. If he even told Ed about any of this, he'd lose another toe- no, his entire foot, maybe his life. He inhaled sharply, shakily. He had to set this right.

Whatever it was he needed to do, he'd do it. He stiffly removed his hands from his shirt, gingerly flexing his fingers to get feeling back into them. Smoothing back his disheveled hair and wiping his forehead with his sleeve, he took in a steadier breath. He'd steel himself, force back all of this panic and anguish and become Izzy Hands again. Cold, stoic, and damn near emotionless. Calculated- not some emotional disaster who couldn't even fathom not being dependent on his captain.

[isrighthand]

𝐄𝐃𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐃 sent:

❝  if you’re gonna keep risking your life for me than you’re also gonna let me patch you up without a single complaint.  ❞ 

 " It's my fucking job, "   Izzy grumbles. No complaining is one of the few orders which he'll outright dismiss if Edward doesn't say it in the right tone, particularly when blood is slowly dribbling from the wound he'd taken for Edward in the raid. It's not even a fucking bad one. He'd parried fast enough that he hadn't been gutted - the cut itself is a mere few inches wide, shallow. It had been the action of diving between his captain and a sword that seems to have Edward pissed at him. Though he's not really sure why.

He sits in Edward's quarters, the shaded room scented heavily with pipe smoke and incense much more welcoming than the bright, loud, exterior where the crew are still dragging loot across. Izzy somehow looks both smaller and larger without his vest or his shirt, his attention stuck on the door.

" There could still be crew left alive, "   Izzy mutters. Anyone could pop up and slit someone's throat if they aren't being careful.   " They're probably putting the boxes away without a single fuckin' care, there's a system. "

@blackflcgs​

[arandomperson5647]

Me attempting to fix Edward strikes out

Soooo, this is my first ever post (not including the anniversary thing).

I've considered posting this here but I never officially decided until now. Y'all know the infamous "Edward Strikes Out" episode? Well, about 2 years ago I did a small rewrite of it. Back in the day, for some reason, I used to write in a transcript form, so that's why it looks like this. I've also considered rewriting it in a "novel" style (idk what it's called), but I haven't done it (yet??). I actually posted this on the Thomas wiki when I first wrote it so it might be familiar or smth, idk. I'm gonna tweak it a bit but it's mostly the same as the original.

*One day, Edward was going to pick up some pipes at Brendam Docks, but then he noticed Thomas admiring a new breakdown train. James and Gordon were there too.*

Edward: Who’s that?

Thomas: That’s the new breakdown train. He looks very strong, strong enough to lift you up Gordon!

Gordon: *scoffs* Really? He looks useless to me.

Edward: How come?

Gorden: Can’t you see? He doesn’t have an engine. He can’t go anywhere.

Edward: So? That doesn’t mean anything.

Gordon: It means an engine would have to waste time collecting him.

Thomas: And how is that any different to the other breakdown train?

Gordon: Well, Umm...

Thomas: Haha, looks like I got you there. *then he puffs away*

Gordon: Still, he’ll just get in the way. There's no point in two breakdown trains. Besides, Judy and Jerome are two cranes while this guy is only one. He's probably not as strong.

James: I agree with Gordon, there’s no way he can be really useful.

*Edward then chuffs to the breakdown train to introduce himself.*

Edward: Hello, you’re the new breakdown train, right?

Rocky: *sadly* Yes, I am.

Edward: Is something wrong?

Rocky: I over heard what those two engines said, they don’t think I’ll be really useful.

Edward: Don’t listen to them, they’ll change their mind once they see you in action.

Rocky: Thanks, I’m Rocky.

Edward: And I’m Edward, nice to meet you. I’d better get going, I don’t want to be late.

*Edward was delivering his pipes, but couldn’t stop thinking about Rocky.*

Edward: *to himself* I’m sure Rocky is very useful, he’s probably just as useful as the other breakdown train.

*Edward was so busy thinking about Rocky, that he almost passed a red signal!*

Edward: Oh no! *Puts his brakes on.*

*Edward braked so hard, it caused his pipes to fall all over the track.*

*Then James arrived.*

James: What happened here?

Edward: I braked too hard and my pipes fell onto the track. We should get Rocky.

James: We can’t get Rocky, he’ll just get in the way, we should get Harvey.

Edward: Are you sure?

James: I’m 100% sure.

*James’ crew calls for Harvey. A few minutes later, Harvey arrived.*

Harvey: Wow, that’s a lot of pipes, it will take me a long time to get these back on the truck.

James: Just do what you have to do.

*A few minutes later, Thomas shows up behind James.*

Thomas: What’s going on?

Edward: Harvey’s getting the pipes back onto my train.

Thomas: Wouldn’t it be faster if we used Rocky?

James: We’ve got everything under control, you just need to be patient.

Edward: What if we use the breakdown train?

Thomas: We can't, I saw Percy on the way over here and he's using them.

*Just then, they heard a whistle.*

Thomas: *gasp* That’s Gordon’s whistle!

*Gordon was thundering down the line. Everyone was yelling “stop!!” But it was too late. Gordon had crashed into the pipes.*

Harvey: Oh dear, I’m not strong enough to lift up Gordon.

James: But weren’t you able to lift up Percy?

Harvey: Yes, but he was a tank engine, not a big tender engine.

Edward: That’s it, I’m getting Rocky, he’ll be strong enough to lift Gordon onto the tracks and be able to put the pipes back even faster.

*Edward goes to the docks to get Rocky*

Edward: Come Rocky! It’s an emergency! Gordon has come off the rails!

Rocky: I'm ready. GO GET 'EM, EDWARD!

*Edward couples up to Rocky and heads to the accident. When he got there, Rocky went right to work. Everyone was amazed on how strong he was, even James and Gordon were impressed. Soon, Rocky had gotten all of the pipes back into the train.*

Gordon: Thanks Rocky, I’m sorry I thought you wouldn’t be really useful.

James: Me too, you’re really strong and you got those pipes up really quickly.

Rocky: Thanks guys, and it’s okay, I’m just glad to be really useful.

[riddlethat]

@exghul asked:   024.   an underground / illegal fighting club . 👀👀 𝑺𝑬𝑻𝑻𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝑷𝑹𝑶𝑴𝑷𝑻𝑺 (accepting)

Edward hates it. He hates the smell of stale sweat seeped into the walls, the floors, the dirt-packed corners. He hates the slips and cigarette butts littered around. He can’t stand the mindless screaming or the crowd, wedged and undulating. The two men in the center wailing at each other red-purple-bloody.

He needs it, though—people to do his dirty work and the protection—and Edward sticks his cane in a crack on the ground, crossing his wrists. The woman sneers.

“Sure, Riddler. Maybe if I were losing my mind.”

Edward smiles, minkish. “You can’t lose what you never had.”

Fists coiling, face twisting, she half-stands but nothing comes of it. Both men in the ring smack the ground like wet bricks and the crowd gasps. Then, dead silence. 

Edward whips his head around, watching as everyone steps away...

A child appears, Robin, and he springs to his feet.

"What-?" 

Any second now, a large black shadow will swoop in. Chaos will erupt, people sprinting for the exits. Bodies will fly and the police will come screeching in.

Water drips from a nearby pipe, and no one comes.

“I know he's here. Where is he? Tell me.” Teeth gnashing, the words spill out. The thought infuriates him: Batman leaving a child to him like he’s too good for Edward. Like Edward is nothing. But it’s all instinctual—Batman couldn't know he was here—and he slowly unwinds his body, forcing a put-on smile.

"In a rush to leave the nest?" he plays, more like mocking. Men loom watching around them. "It's not like I’m doing anything wrong.”