#And I do think Edwin only ended up in Hell because he expected to after being sacrificed

[greyskyflowers]

I like the idea that, I've seen mentioned a few times and love it, the boys turn into those little orb things when they're like completely, if they were human they would have passed out, exhausted.

I imagine a soft glow, warm to hold, about the size of an orange, a little weight to it and it doesn't float but drops to the floor and rolls like a ball ~

⚪️⚪️⚪️⚪️⚪️⚪️

It really isn't surprising after everything with hell, Esther, and Niko, that Edwin shifts.

He looks exhausted, and Charles still sees him terrifed and bloody in Hell when he closes his eyes, swaying a little bit where he stands listening to Crystal, and Charles knows what's going to happen before it happens.

The softly glowing orb doesn't even have a chance to drop before Charles snatches it, carefully tucking it away in his coat. It's a warm, little weight against his side.

He loves Crystal, Edwin does too even though he huffs about it, but she doesn't need to see Edwin like this. No one needs to see Edwin like this. The thought of it feels like calling attention to an open wound, advertising a vulnerable spot for someone to exploit or further hurt.

Thankfully, they're all finally free to go home. He doesn't like the idea of leaving Crystal but there's a growing itch to get back home and she shoves him towards the mirror and tells him she's meet up with them later.

Neither Charles or Edwin like being out when one of them is like this.

The first few time it happened, Charles hadn't really thought about it too much. And it happened a lot those first years after his death. He often overdid it, everything going fuzzy before going dark, and then he'd wake up, usually pressed against Edwin's side on the little couch. He always woke up on or next to Edwin and it'd been startling the first few times but he always wakes up comfortable now, no rush to get up.

The first time Edwin shifted in front of Charles, he panicked. Refused to let go of him until, after what seemed like days, Edwin shifted back. Still relaxed enough that he hadn't immediately shoved himself off Charle's lap and he hadn't fought the hug too hard either.

He's only see Edwin like that a few times but to be on the other side of it, he understands why Edwin always relaxes when Charles shifts back. It's a powerful and terrifying feeling, to hold something so small and vulnerable and know it's the most important person in the world to you.

As he got to know Edwin more, Charles had the horrible realization that Edwin had been in Hell for over 70 years and surely he must have been exhausted plenty of times when down there. What happened to him when he shifted?

Charles didn't know what Hell looked like or what really happened down there but he pictured the little orb rolling around on the floor, being kicked, or someone finding other ways to hurt it. He had finally asked, so worked up he hadn't even thought about if Edwin would want to talk about, because he needed to know.

He'd gotten a gentle look from Edwin and an answer.

While he was absolutely exhausted in hell, he never shifted. Hell takes a lot of things away and the relief of sleep or unconsciousness is one of them.

So, honestly, Edwin had lasted longer than Charles thought he would. He half expected that he'd have to lunge for the orb as soon as they fell back through the door from Hell.

Thinking too much about Hell and Esther makes him a nasty mix of furious and terrified, so he forces himself to focus on the present.

He holds Edwin closer his chest as he sinks onto the couch. He's emotionally exhausted and in the silence of everything, finally has a moment to think about the love confession on the stairs of hell.

He doesn't know what to do with that liar but he was right when he told Edwin they had forever to figure it out.

He lays out on the couch, feet hanging off the far end and his head on the armrest, the orb on his chest and his hands almost petting at it. Holding it like this means that when Edwin shifts back he'll be sprawled over Charles, something that will probably have him flustered and immediately trying to get up and off.

Charles hopes he's sleepy and comfortable when he changes back though, that he just settles there without over thinking it.

Just the two of them existing together in the same space.

[nix-nihili]

"kiss me."

it's a whisper, soft and breathy, and when charles doesn't say anything at first, edwin wonders if he'd said it at all; if the words had ever made it past the terrified tightening of his throat to sit between them like a ticking time bomb.

but the arms wrapped around him, grounding and warm as the sun had been on a crisp, bright day when he could still feel anything beyond his own orbital path's personal sun, tighten, loosen, then tighten again.

finally, charles pulls back from the embrace and stares at him – catalogues him. edwin resists the urge to shrink away. this is charles after all. charles who has seen him at his very worst in Hell. charles who would burn the world before ever even thinking of hurting him. charles who he is wholly, surely, utterly, in love with.

charles who may love him back.

edwin almost expects charles to pose a question, to ask him if he's sure? as if he could ever not be sure about this.

but charles doesn't do that.

there are hands on edwin's face, cupping his jaw, his chin, his cheeks, gently, oh so gently. another arm brackets his waist, pulling him flush against charles, closer than they already were. edwin sucks in an unneeded breath, his own hands suddenly unsure of where to rest but he doesn't get a chance to properly panic because-

because-

his first kiss had left him feeling like a fish out of water; surprised and confused. all of it had happened so quickly that edwin hadn't gotten a chance to process much of it at all.

but when charles tilts his head closer, closing the gap between them with a gentle tremor in his frame that edwin mirrors, the surprise that accompanies it is for an entirely different reason.

charles kisses like he's afraid. charles kisses like it's his last. charles kisses like he's withholding.

edwin shall not have any of it.

with a crashing tidal wave of confidence, edwin reaches up to hold charles' face, one hand sinking into his curls as he deepens the kiss. there's a gasp, the hand on his waist tightening, and edwin takes advantage of the opening with fully formed intent until they're both crushed together, utterly unsure and uncaring as to where one of them begins and the other ends.

it doesn't matter. none of it matters. all that matters is the positively sinful sounds charles seems to be unknowingly making, causing edwin to sink and fall and topple into the all-encompassing pit that is charles rowland.

a tick, or two, or a hundred pass before they finally separate, panting with the force of it all.

"that was-" charles starts, then stops, gaze flitting all over edwin's face with an entirely different sort of cataloguing aim. edwin finds himself doing much the same: charles looks delightful, cheeks barely coloured crimson, curls falling out of place, and eyes wide.

his lips look thoroughly kissable, a quality edwin had not realised could be heightened and he almost pulls charles in again before charles says- swears, "I love you."

there is a place in edwin's chest that once contained his beating heart, an organ that had only found itself thrumming away thrice after his death: twice in hell and once in port townsend.

and then, here, standing across from charles, does edwin find his heart restarting to the sound of those words. the three words that leave him reeling far more than the kiss ever could have. the three words that pull him closer to the centre of his orbiting pathway to leave a softer, but just as searing kiss.

"I love you too," he says into it with a smile and a beating heart and a love that is mirrored.

[fairandfatalasfair]

I know people have posted about this before but it honestly it striking how much the boys do not default to violence as a way of solving problems. They're detectives in the classic sense - they're looking for clues and unravelling mysteries, and most of the time they can handle things with subtlety instead of force. It's not off the table, but it's very much an option of last resort.

The first time we meet them they're dealing with a ghost that is actively trying to kill them, and they're not fighting, they're running. While trying to figure out what happened so that they can go back in with a better strategy. Even when the cursed ghost catches up with them, Charles hits it exactly once, to get enough breathing space that they can get back to the office and get the resources they need to break the curse. Their plan with Becky was to slip in and out while Esther was distracted - they only ended up in a fight because hauling Edwin and Becky out of the magical void took longer than expected.

And as much as Charles comments in Ep. 3 about puzzle solving being "Edwin's way" and hitting things with a cricket bat being his, that absolutely goes for him as well. In the flashbacks where he confronts his friends, he pulls them off and puts himself between them and the kid they're beating up - he doesn't continue the fight once the victim is safe. In the Devlin house he's visible shaken and upset from the first round of the cycle, but it's not until they've witnessed the murder several times and Edwin's plan to break the loop has failed and he's confronting the possibility that there may not be another option that he tries to fight Devlin directly. Most of what he does with his cricket bat is pull it out and plant himself between Edwin and whatever he's decided is a threat.

I suspect that's part of why Edwin was so rattled by the first encounter with the Night Nurse - not because it was wrong or unjustified, but because it's not normal for Charles to hit first.

And these are not normal circumstances! Charles has been pushed pretty hard at this point, and has just been assaulted in a way that Edwin probably isn't fully cognizant of, and was acting urgently to stop the Night Nurse from doing the same thing to Edwin. I think his reaction was absolutely justified, and possibly necessary. And I think Edwin's response, whether it was intended that way or not, did read as condemnation - at least to Charles who is already beating himself up for not being able to protect the people he loves and doubting whether he's a safe, trustworthy person.

But I also think it's notable that the next time he deals with the Night Nurse - after he's processed some of his feelings of anger and helplessness, after he's been reassured that he's still the best person Edwin knows - he takes a different tack. She's still imminently threatening to split them up and send Edwin to hell, which is probably Charles' worst nightmare. But this time he turns to negotiation, to appealing to her sense of justice, to looking for a loophole that could let them stay together. He's back to trying to solve problems by working through them.

And in fairness, the fact that she came back after being eaten by Angie is also a pretty strong indication that trying to fight her wouldn't have worked. But I do think it says something about Charles' attitude to the world that despite describing himself as "the brawn" and thinking of himself as the fighter between him and Edwin, his reflex is still to problem solve first, to use force defensively and only when necessary. That yes, he's angry and justly so, but unlike his father, or the boys who killed him, he doesn't choose to turn that into an excuse to hurt people. That his use of force is judicious and careful and is always, always about preventing harm.

[neousfics]

Dead Boy Detectives Fic Recs (A Form of Genius Edition)

If you liked my fic A Form of Genius try reading a few of these excellent fics which inspired it: The Case of The... by sphisticatedyet Words: 6,689 Rating: T Status: Complete Summary:

Edwin wants to call it The Case of The Acid-Spraying Cephalopods, because that was what the actual case was about.

Charles wants to call it The Case of The First Kiss, because that's the only part that actually mattered.

---

An unfortunate run in with a monster leaves the Dead Boy Detectives stranded at (newly undead) Niko's apartment without any clothing, so Edwin borrows her dressing gown. Charles realises some things. Review: Edwin in a dress Edwin in a dress Edwin in a dress Edwin in a dress Edwin in a dress Edwin in a--

You make me feel like I am whole again by ch3kov Words: 1,284 Rating: G Status: Complete Summary:

Edwin didn’t turn back to his book. “What are you thinking about?” Charles glanced back up at him, at flecks of sunlight dancing in brown pupils, at the innocent curiosity on his face, and thought, fuck it. “Would you want to– would you want to kiss? Uh, me. Would you want to kiss me?” He blurted, eyes wide as his brain caught up with his mouth, but he didn’t retract the question and he didn’t look away. He just met Edwin’s shocked gaze as the other boy processed what he’d just been asked. “S–Sorry?” Edwin finally stuttered, turning rigid next to Charles’ likely stupidly relaxed form. Charles bit his lip, sliding his feet from the table back to the floor and turning in his chair to face Edwin properly.

“I think it might help me to figure stuff out. To figure us out. But if you don’t want to, or you want it to be only if I’m absolutely sure–” “Okay.” “...What?” “Okay,” Edwin’s eyes were wide, and he was (ironically) pale as a ghost, but he nodded slowly. “You can kiss me,”

Review: Short, sweet, cute as hell, we love boys figuring things out

Once Again (with feelings) by Becci Barnes (BeccEEE) Words: 3,336 Rating: G Status: Complete Summary: Even after returning to the comfortable familiarity of their London-based Agency, Edwin’s mood is as gloomy as the weather outside. Although Charles doesn’t really expect his mate to open up about it, he tries to provide some help talking it through. He definitely wasn't ready to be asked such a frank question, for precisely two reasons: 1) Edwin was very peculiar when it came to trying new things. 2) Charles never believed his friend was into kissing at all...

Review: Good characterization, the boys feel really comfortable with each other and I love that, very wholesome kissing + Edwin deserves a chance to be kissed by someone he actually likes lmao

Ice lollies by Th30L14m Words: 3,343 Rating: Technically Unrated but it's Explicit Status: Complete Summary: What begins as harmless teasing on an unusually warm May day ends with a lesson for Charles never to underestimate his best mate and his dedication to research.

Review: I want Edwin to be a slut so bad it hurts and this helps Made You Look by Baby_Spinach Words: 6,436 Rating: M Status: Complete Summary: "You let him get away?" Crystal says. "I thought you said this'd be a cakewalk!"

"Thank you for your contribution, Crystal," Edwin says testily. "Clearly we were wrong, and now another innocent may die because of it. Happy?"

"All right, settle down, you lot…" Charles says in the placating tone he's been using a lot more since Crystal's integration into the agency. "Yeah, we underestimated the pervy git and he's now running around wearing Edwin's face. So what are we going to do about it?"

-OR-

A shapeshifting incubus takes on Edwin's likeness. Charles gets very confused.

Review: Incubi and Succubi being a vehicle for personal growth is my kink, also really fun writing and characterization. I could definitely hear the characters saying all these lines + Edwin is not treated like a 5-year-old which is greatly appreciated

2 dead 2 boy by ObsessedWithFandom Words: 29,894 Rating: M Status: Complete Summary: It had been pretty obvious to Crystal from the start: their closeness and comfort with each other, the way they moved in sync, the way Edwin couldn’t quite contain his jealousy at Charles’ interest in her. She’d seen it before (where?), a relationship that one person wanted open and the other didn’t but would go along with, out of love. Ah, lack of communication. The enemy of polyamory.

Or: Crystal comes to the horrifying realization that these boys are not dating, and leads them to enlightenment (polyamory).

Review: I have quite the soft spot for a good poly fic and I thought this one was very well done + well researched, the communication felt genuine and it was thoughtful, cute, interesting, and fun

you will never be unloved by me (you are too well tangled in my soul) by emryses Words: 4,091 Rating: T Status: Complete Summary: A night in Port Townsend, after Hell, Charles and Edwin talk.

“You really didn’t remember what you look like?” Charles asked. “I fear I’ve already forgotten again," Edwin said. The admission didn’t sound sad, just factual. So Edwin was being very Edwin about this. It was only natural, then, that Charles became very Charles about it all. “You have a very straight nose,” Charles said. “And, um, a sort of soft jawline—strong chin, though. Thick brows, and high cheekbones. Your hair is brown, and your eyes are green. You get a little crinkle between your eyebrows whenever you’re doing practically anything.” Charles demonstrated by glowering playfully in Edwin’s direction. “Thinking, reading, telling me off.”

Review: Explored the genuine and kind aspects of Charles personality which I appreciated

It started with Eyeliner by CosmicJukebox Words: 4,598 Rating: T Status: Complete Summary: "What do you propose we do in the meantime then? You’ve already packed your bag of tricks, and I’ve read everything we should need to know to handle the case at least thrice."

Charles opened his mouth, then closed it again, looking at the floor. After a moment he seemed to shake it off, hesitantly meeting Edwin’s gaze. "Well… I'm still not entirely ready."

Edwin blinked at him in confusion. "You're not? Have you forgotten to pack something?"

"Nah mate, haven't put my eyeliner on have I?" he said, grinning lopsidedly.

"I hardly see how that will keep you busy. It’s like you said a minute ago, it only takes a moment to change our appearance."

"Usually yeah, but… I was kinda thinking that today I'd do it the old-fashioned way," he said, producing a pencil from the back-pocket of his jeans. "And that... maybe you'd like to join me?"

Review: I think it ought to be fairly clear why this inspired a fic like AFoG

Spiral All the Way Down by H2OGIRL48 Words: 3,153 Rating: M Status: Complete Summary: “You alright, mate?” Charles asked while suppressing a laugh.

“Yes, um, yes of course.” Edwin mumbled trying to get his composure back.

Charles watched his eyes drop to where he was still holding on to his arm, probably curious on why Charles hadn’t let go yet. So was Charles to be honest. But he didn’t want to let go. Not yet. - Or, Edwin figures it out while Charles catches up.

Review: the tags refer to this as "pretty porn" and I'm inclined to agree

run my fingers through your hair by shadowquill17 Words: 3,647 Rating: T Status: Complete Summary: Charles knows that Edwin likes his hair neat and tidy, solidly stuck to his head, dependable. It's his way of doing things. But even Edwin can't control everything, and sometimes his hair gets a little messy during cases.

Charles can't stop thinking about it.

Review: If you're disappointed by the lack of time I spent exploring Charles realizing Edwin is pretty, than this fic is for you

Comment if you have any other fics you think people who enjoyed AFoG would enjoy! Thanks for all your support, my darlings <3

[unlikelyjapan]

s2e3 rewatch notes

One more before the weekend...

"When I was a kid anything that would give me some type of excitement, or amusement or enjoyment would get fucked ... Sometimes they'd try too hard, or they'd make promises they weren't able to keep" - everything in Carmy's AA statement can be related to cooking, the restaurant, drawing, Claire - pretty much the sum of Carmy's parts now.

Second Carmy/Syd kitchen scene:

Carmy is always the first to ask about anyone's parents (but only to Syd) - just like he inquires about Syd's Dad, his first concern is to ask about Marcus' mom while they debate sending him to Copenhagen. Family and people, in general, are always at the forefront of his mind, while progression is always at the forefront of Syd's (even if she does genuinely cares and checks in, it's secondary)

Carmy's "I want to make a suggestion" to go out was so loaded - it was obviously a premeditated move that he wanted to do the food tour with Syd. "I think WE need to go out, and we need to try some stuff"

After he tells her he'll see her in an hour, Goodbye Girl by Squeeze starts playing, and the track ends as Tina realizes that Ebra isn't ever going to be by her side in class *dies twice*

Richie dropping off his daughter: I have a precocious 6-year-old daughter as well and.....they tried to squeeze way too many lines into Eva to advance Richie's storyline when it should have come via Tiff or something - I hate being a negative nelly, but this part is so botched/lifetime drama-y.

(His obvious tenderness is sweet though)

10:44am call with Claire: this is only 2ish hours after his AA talk - I guess the subject matter was resonating with him?

Her forcing the convo on how ingratiated she is with his family makes me throw up my hands and say "no wonder the guy had a fucking panic attack later!". I was just highlighting how in AA how his family tries too hard sometimes - this is a prime example with her "I know all the fuckin' Faks" jousting.

And my god, she knew he was about to tell her that he was busy today, and she claps back "can you not make this weird?" - it literally harkens back to his family's bullying and expectations that Carmy will pacify them. (I know she can't know all this, but damn)

This part of the conversation gets its own bullet point:

"You know, he [Fak] told me that you guys are really close and that he's your best friend" - I didn't realize the first go around how bold the attempt at enmeshment was. With Fishes as context, the toxicity levels in this conversation are off the rails.

Also, her demented smile when she says "really?" when he says "no...no, Fak's not my best friend" - aggghhhh!

"No, no. He is. He's probably my best friend"

What the hell is this? "That's interesting, to sit with, for you" with the continued weird little smile -this isn't flirting, this is her relishing in the fact that she can manipulate him.

Why didn't I clue into how caustically fucked this scene was the first time? I think I was so distracted by the whispy dialogue and cadence of the conversation that I actually blacked out of the dialogue. Thank goodness for subtitles, because this script is mildly psychotic to read.

I know Storer said that one of the themes of this season is "winning is losing" - Claire is definitely playing to win at all costs. Is s2e10 showing that she lost? Or am I sitting through this dialogue again next season? I NEED TO KNOW.

Anyways, Secret Teadrops by Martin Rev (google the lyrics) plays as sydney enters Kasama - God, the music suggests she was thrilled to be spending a day out of the usual context with Carmy, and her checking her phone constantly is killing me.

Twenty Five Miles by Edwin Starr starts playing at the start of the food montage, just as Sydney gets the text from Carmy that she'll be doing it alone.

"I've been walking for three days and two lonely nights, and you know that I'm mighty mad"

After the owner of Avec tells her that she needs a great partner above all else, the lyrics blare again with "although my feet are tired, I can't lose my stride" - she can't abandon faith in Carmy just yet.

After the Pelican meats scene where the butcher (I forget his name, sorry!) tells Syd that he and his wife lost their restaurant in Bucktown after a business partner cut and ran, the song again blares with "I'm SO tired, but I just can't lose my stride"

Syd starts to adjust her language to "I'm not exactly solo" in the next restaurant scene- ugh - painful.

Enter conversations about profit sharing. Naiya assumes that she and Carmy are INVOLVED involved, and when she finds out they're just "gentleman's agreement" partners, she basically tells her to watch her back. Syd registers the statement, but looks so dejected, like she knows she's on a fool's errand now.

The lyrics flare one last time simply with "I've got to walk on"

Cue Carmy's phone going to voicemail as she has the jitters on the loading dock. She looks so sad, but also resigned to her fate at this point.

Sydney calls Marcus right after trying to call Carmy looking for any kind of sign or reinforcement. We're at the triangle again, with Marcus interpreting it one way, and Syd....really not reading anything into it at all.

I feel like Fak making fun of Marcus for "looking forward' with that big, dumb smile on his face means he knows Marcus' affection for Sydney.... and I'm starting to realize all the plots I don't like are the result of Fak's intuition and/or meddling.

Syd awkwardly trying to poach BOH workers is adorably baller and shows how aggressive she is just now realizing she needs to become- and she's so terrible at it, and I love her.

Future Perfect by Duretti Column (what an awesome deep cut) playing - I love that this part of the montage is Syd diving deep into herself and her more analytically-bent creative process and fuck everyone else. It's just her carrying the creative load of the restaurant right now, but she's truly free.

Lyrics repeat "You tell me stories, you speak in pictures"

She's being absolutely present ("Don't live in the future") and letting the food and the city that birthed it speak to her honestly and it's just so beautiful. The old family pictures surface in her memory alongside the plates she's crafting - her own contribution to the chaos menu, her past and present combined, her future (The Bear) undetermined.

Back to The Bear with "Make You Happy" by Tommy McGee playing in the background - I feel like enough ink has been spilled on this scene, but honestly read the lyrics here - ack.

One small observation after Carmy says "I'll let you know" - in the background, Marcus looks completely defeated, Fak's suppressing a laugh or something, and we get Richie's "ooooooohhhhhhh!"while Carm gives him dagger eyes. Y'all....these are not great men.

Syd rightfully realizes she needs to get the fuck away from everyone in that instant if she's going to do anything productive with the inspiration she's culled from her day of exploration and calls in the favor from the kitchen. I love that it almost immediately cuts to her there with her emotional support spoon 🥺

The ravioli failure - i.e. the fantasy vision of the food she had on the plate during her journey day not matching the reality of what she can craft on her own = the fantasy vision of the restaurant/life she could craft with Carmy not matching the reality of what she can is forced to craft on her own.

Oof, taking a break for a few days now....

[breyito]

Fear your sins, not your monsters: Part Four preview

Little sneak peak of Part Four of "Fear your sins, not your monsters", since the new chapter is still not ready and I love how this part turned out (and I'm very proud of this moodboard!):

A/N: Graphic depictions of violence and torture, references to Edwin's time in Hell, tho for once, he isn't the one suffering.

As soon as the Night Nurse clicked her fingers, Edwin did too. As he went down the spiral staircase to hell, her consciousness followed right behind him. The scream she left out was one full of surprise and dread. 

You think he never told me about you? 

Edwin's voice whispered in her own head.

Charles told me what you did to him, what you made him relive, before he threw you off that cliff.

He was falling and falling and falling and it was red light and it was fire and brimstone and sulphur-

Of course he did. I only let it go because in the end, you helped us. I did not think you needed a reason not to traumatise us further since you're working with us. 

He sounded angry, and defeated. She caught a glimpse of disappointment in the corner of his mind.

But since you're proven me wrong just now, I will prove to you why using the trauma of kids for your own gain is such a bad idea.

If you want to dive into my memories so badly, you’re living them with me!

The Night Nurse had not expected this outcome when she went to find the missing kids she was, unfortunately, forced to keep an eye on. She had known, subconsciously, that the older ghost knew magic. But she had not expected this level of knowledge and novelly from him. Finding out her methods, how do they work, and how to counteract them was near genius level work. 

But he had not only counteracted them had he? No, he had found a way to drag her down with him. To be in complete control of the magic she had inflicted upon him. 

Childish giggles began emerging from the shadows. The sound of falling steps made her look down, and she saw her own bare feet stepping into puddles of blood and gore. Green light began to flicker in the corner of her eyes. She felt her heartbeat in her throat, going impossibly fast. Long, twisted hallways began forming in front of her wide eyes, spiralling in all different directions as she ran and ran and ran.

She was sweating, and gasping, but always quiet. She was hurting, and bleeding, but always quiet. She was afraid, and crying, but always, always, always quiet.

Until she couldn't be quiet anymore, and ran into a wall, making a dull noise. She heard the clacketting noise of the monster's feet and felt herself be pierced by one of its claws. She was dragged away, to be unmade by it.

It hurt, it hurt so much. She could feel pieces of herself be torn away, flesh tearing and bones snapping, and the wet squelch of the monster feeding itself with her body.

She could smell rot and faeces and knew her intestines were being slurped up again. She tried to look away, and only ended up looking at the dead eyes of a thousand versions of her. She closed her eyes, wishing for death, and opened them again in a new body. 

She woke up, and she was in Hell. She sobbed.

She gasped, and she was being dragged from her bed, only in her small clothes. Betrayal tasted acrid on her tongue, as she saw the face of her crush in the group that was laughing at her pain. She struggled, but only made the skin of her wrists and ankles chafe and burn from the ropes. The gag cut into the skin of her mouth. The chanting began, amongst the laughter. The screaming began too, soon after. Then the pain of being unmade for the very first time.

She woke up, and she was in Hell.

And now she was at his mercy. Not because of anything he had done specifically, but because she had already decided the duration of the tour down his most traumatic memories and her own powers would not let her change it. It was not a long time, but it was not a short time either. He could have freed himself from her spell, but instead, had decided that she should experience this as all her victims have done.

She woke up, and she was in Hell.

The demon that got her soul didn't even want it. He just had to do it, because of bureaucracy. So he played with her a little, a horrific but in hindsight rather straightforward introduction to pain. She had no threshold for pain back then, so every slash of a knife felt like the ultimate pain. The same with every drop of molten metal on her back, every fingernail torn or every eye poked through with a spike. And when the demon got tired of her screams, he sold her to a new demon and a new slew of Horrors.

She woke up, and she was in Hell.  For years, and years, and years, she was in Hell.

(You might get another peak if you tell me the other reference in the moodboard ;P)

[blackjackkent]

Clicking around randomly in our little hell room opened up a new conversation with...someone; I can't really see anyone that we're talking to but it's definitely happening.

I'm getting big vibes of the Gauntlet from DAO.

Say what?

LOL.

Okay, I'm not entirely sure what this means. I'm *assuming* it means you can add extra people to your party beyond the ones you already have? EDIT: Springy has informed me that it's just a last-minute party reshuffle if you want to do one, and also that if you do said reshuffling, someone is going to end up stranded in the hellplane and the game never makes it clear that there's any way for them to go home. XD

So we're not going to change things up here, but I am going to go down the list quickly, because I'm quite amused by some of these as options; Caden really has a pretty narrow list of people he'd actually like to fight alongside and most of them are already with him.

Anomen. Caden met Anomen in BG1 for like a mission and a half and then he was summarily dropkicked out of the party to make room for Minsc and Dynaheir. He was a Super Honorable Paladin guy and he and Caden were pretty bemused by each other at best.

Cernd. Last seen after (according to my liveblog records) handing his son off to unrelated druids and wandering out of the party.

Dorn. Met very briefly in BG1 and was a complete jerk iirc.

Edwin. ???? Fuck that guy.

Haer'Dalis. LOLOLOLOLOL. Can you imagine? Last seen stalking off in a cloud of aggrieved thespian pride after Aerie tossed him to the curb for trying to fight Caden to the death for her heart. I don't know what he would do on being summoned into a hell dimension by Caden, but it would involve a long speech, a dramatic flourish, and the most incredibly stupid actions possible.

Jan. We met this guy once and saw him get carted off to prison; he sat in the journal for quite a while and Caden and I never gave enough of a shit to follow up on it.

Keldorn. Aw. Paladad. If it weren't for the 6-person party limit, Keldorn would be one of the few that Caden would be tempted to pull into this whole mess. He liked Keldorn, in spite of his faults. (That said, we left him trying to recover his broken relationship with his wife and Caden wouldn't want to interrupt that, especially not given how likely it is they all might just die in here.)

Korgan. Literally who? (Wait, was that the evil dwarf that we had in the party for like 0.5s in BG1?)

Mazzy. YAY MAZZY. The only person in this list Caden would unequivocally bring along if the game allowed it. Best halfling fighter buddy, good head on her shoulders, gets along with everyone in the party, and is voiced by Jennifer Hale. 10/10 no notes.

Nalia. Good kid, naive. Caden wants good things for her, but those things do not include fighting at his side in hell.

Neera. Oh god. Neera aggravated Caden to no end on the 3-4 occasions they spoke together, each of which was about 5 minutes at most. Basically all he knows about her is that she has a history of making weird magic shit happen for no reason. Not someone he wants lighting every fuse in the place.

Valygar. We met Valygar for one mission back in the middle of BG2 and Caden liked him well enough but that was a very surreal quest and he really doesn't feel the need to extend the relationship.

Viconia. LOL. Everyone remember the conversation where everyone shouted at Caden simultaneously for like ten minutes?

And then finally, scrolling down the list...

o.o;

Oh.

:'(

I have no intention of either bringing him or abandoning him in a hell plane, but I did click on this with the intention of reloading just to see what happens, because a) Caden could use closure if some is available, as Yoshimo's betrayal was one of the deepest cuts he ever endured and b) that boy is DEAD. So I'm curious how this would be addressed.

:(

I think Caden actually did make this request, not really expecting anything to come of it, but hoping against hope that perhaps Yoshimo's shade could be brought back just long enough for them to...talk? Reconcile? But even the boy with the god of death inside him has limits to what he can command.

[ghostpaynes]

Sorry to be petty on main this annoyed me because it could have been its own post but was reblogged from mine so I'm gonna say something

I'm bad at explaining things but this doesn't seem right.

Again he was ready to gloat and be rude until he talked to Despair and saw the paper. He was fully ready to hold onto the anger he felt but after the talk and getting more information he saw broader picture

This is literally something I would do so I am projecting.

Edwin is a realistic person and helping someone escape hell is not an easy task especially when chased by something that is killing him over and over. Plus there's countless people who might not deserve to be there so the wanting to help one person is just kinda weird to me. He doesn't just do things impulsively and that's impulsive. What would he expect to happen when he got out? Would it be expected he just leave?

And while you are right he doesn't have to forgive to have compassion the look he gave, this one looks more fond (not suggesting this in a romantic way more an understanding way idk might be flubing that one up)

And there's also the fact that after this Simon's able to go to what I presume is his actual after life because at the end of his stuff Death shows up.

I also just don't see Edwin holding grudges with a mix of this and his stuff with the Cat King I think he sees the good in people more often than focusing on the bad.

But idk different interpretations and such that's just the vibe I got off of it and how I interpret him others are allowed to think differently

Edit because I wanted to add: Edwin said, under truth magic, that he only helps ghost because he wants leeway on if he gets sent back to hell. A lot of his actions, while again, partly driven by kindness, is at least to him selfish acts. While with Simon he gains nothing besides getting more targeted by the Lost and Found and Night Nurse. While he has a kind heart Charles safety is his top priority and bringing Simon back not only puts him in danger but Charles as well. It's wreckless something that Edwin doesn't do

Thinking about how angry Edwin can gets in moments of (rightfully mind you) being hurt. How he was ready to say (again rightfully) nasty things to Simon but then was taken out of the situation seeing that he didn't mean to and that he chose even a little to forgive him which lead him to move on.

(And if you say he didn't why would he offer to get Simon out if he didn't forgive him? Why would he want to help if he was still holding to that wrong)

And thinking about Monty and how he yelled and was so angry and after reflection he probably regretted it because now real Monty has nothing. He has no friend and no witch to be a familier too. He's truly alone. And even if he betrayed him there was still sincerity and regret. And this witch killed two of his friends one of which as far as he knows doesn't get the chance to have another life.

I also don't think it's to far out of range for them to carry a book that might have the grusome spell Monty went threw to become human and then a bird again. But that is something better he doesn't know

[phantoms-lair]

Phantom Detective Meets the Dead Boy Detectives (And Death)

Visiting London has been a lifelong dream of Shinichi's, and now he'd done it. And even better it was with Ran, and he'd gone to see the Sherlock Holmes Museum, and solved a case, and best of all no one in this country knew he was dead on sight. (Well besides Ran and her father, but still). 

It was nice to just be a tourist without being the 'Phantom Detective'. He much preferred being 'Holmes’s Apprentice'. 

"Doyle would have eaten you up. His love of spiritualism and deductive reasoning all in one person?" 

Shinichi jumped. 

He hadn't noticed anyone approach, not since Ran left to check in with her father, but now there was an extremely pale young woman, dressed head to toe in black. Not his favorite color, but thankfully she had more of a Goth vibe that the more threatening one the organization used. "Spiritualism?" 

The young woman smiled at him. She seemed so familiar, but at the same time he was certain he'd never seen her before. 

"Authors aren't their characters. Holmes believed in nothing but what could be seen and observed. Doyle, on the other hand, strongly believed in ghosts and spirits. It was a bit of contention between him and Houdini." There was an excitement in her voice, like his when discussing his favorite mystery novels.

"I'm sorry, who are you?" Shinichi had a feeling. Not a bad one, more a feeling of being overwhelmed. She didn't set off his ghost sense, there were no tears running down his face, but this whole situation reeked of Danny's side of things. 

"You know who I am." She said with a pleasant, but knowing smile. 

Except he didn't. But he did. It was like the answer was clawing at his brain, trying to tear it's way out. "You're not human." 

"No, I'm not." She agreed. 

"And you never were human. Or a ghost." 

"Partial credit. I do have to be human one day a century, so I have been human."

 She was old. Shinichi, knew it in his gut. Older than just a few centuries, older than humanity. Okay, this was obviously a supernatural thing, maybe if he tried leaning into his ghostly instincts more he could-

 And just like that he knew her. "Death."

“You got it!” She said, grinning like, well, like the opposite of everything his human side ever considered the spectre of death to be like. “I don’t usually talk with mortals, but you guys aren’t exactly mortals. People with one foot in my realm, but who I haven’t taken? It’s so cool!”

“Thanks,” Shinichi said, rubbing the back of his neck in slight embarrassment. 

“Anyway, I was wondering if, since you’re in town, I was wondering if you could help me with a couple of ghosts I’m having trouble with.” “I’ll try, but I’m not Danny. Ran’s always been the better fighter between the two of us.”

“It’s not fighting,” Death assured him, “You see one of the died at a really weird time-”

~

Shinichi stood in front of the treehouse and sighed. They were in there, just like she said. The emotionless tears that fell from his eyes proved it. "Can we talk? Ghost to Ghosts?"

Two heads cautiously peered cautiously out the window. They apparently could mimic the living well enough to pass, but right now their eyes were just an empty white. Well, they were listening, at least. "I'm Shinichi Kudo, visiting from Japan, and I've been asked by a third party to discuss afterlife options with Charles Rowland." 

"He's working with her." The blond boy hissed.

The brown haired one leaned out the treehouse window. "I told her, I'm not leaving without Edwin."

 I couldn't take Edwin where Charles was supposed to go. And Charles didn't belong where Edwin was 

"Did you ever wonder why she didn't press the issue at the time?"

"She was busy." Charles sounded defensive. "Someone kicked all the damned out of hell and they were mucking things up for the living. I'm sure I'm not the only person they killed." 

That was...okay look Shinichi had gotten a lot better about ghosts existing, but he was not ready to deal with the fact that there was a couple of days where the worst of the dead walked among the living and it wasn't a global mass hallucination like he'd always thought. 

"Death doesn't decide where people go. She's simply the end, not the destination after. She has no control over where the people she takes end up." 

Did Edwin belong where Edwin was? 

He thought he did 

"You're detectives. Think. Don't you find it odd that the rest of Hell's residents were rounded up and returned, but not Edwin?"

 "What does that have to do with any-"

 "She didn't want to take me back." Edwin whispered, cutting Charles off, his eyes wide with realization. 

"Well, we can all agree you never going back there." Charles said in a huff.

"She didn't want to take me back." Edwin was firmer now. "But she could have. So if she wanted to get us, why didn't she?" 

"From what she told me, souls need to be taken when they die. Edwin was taken. Charles wasn't. And that's causing problems. Well, maybe not causing, making it easier for problems to happen?" He was human, even if a ghostly one, and his brain flat out wasn't wired to understand some of what she'd apologetically tried to explain. "The point is, Charles needs to go to an afterlife. But that afterlife can be right here."

"If my afterlife can be right here, why do I need to be taken at all?" Charles challenged. 

"I don't know." Shinichi huffed. "I'm a ghost, not a god. I don't know how the underpinnings of it all work. But I do know she doesn't hunt down ghosts. There are entire communities of us, and I don't know if you get the news, but you would not believe what they get up to in America." 

"It's America." Edwin said in deadpan. 

"Point." Shinichi smiled at the joke. "Look, she doesn't want to forcibly press the issue because your own perceptions affect it. So if you believe she's dragging you somewhere you don't want to be, that's where you'll end up. But it's been years and the hiccup of you not being taken is gaining size like a snowball going down the mountain. It's getting close to the point where she'll have to do something like it or not. 

"And what's your role in all this?" Edwin questioned. 

"Convenient Messenger." Shinichi shrugged. "You wouldn't stay still around her long enough to explain it, and might not have believed her if she did. And I can provide empirical proof that she doesn't mindlessly chase down ghosts to whisk them away to the afterlife." He paused considering. "Though as I said, she has no skin in the afterlife realms game. So if you see an entity trying to cajole you to their side of things? Not working for her, feel free to ignore."

The two heads disappeared into the treehouse and Shinichi waited for them to talk it over. Finally they poked back out. “You said you can prove there are other ghosts out there?”

“Sure.” Shinichi pulled out his phone and called a familiar number. “Dani-tan, it’s Shinichi. I’ve got a couple of ghosts here I need to convince other ghosts exist. No they are not in worse denial than I was, I’m trying to convince them that Shinigami doesn’t force ghosts to an other planar afterlife. I’ll pass you along.”

Shinichi levitated the phone up to the treehouse. Charles took it warily. A young girl with black hair waved at them from the screen. “First things first. Can you prove you’re a ghost?” Edwin asked. “Of course.” The girl reached into the neck of her hoodie and pulled out a necklace. She lifted it above her mouth and made a show of dropping it in. She swallowed it, then phased her hand through her torso and pulled it out. “Tada!” “Okay, that’s some proper ghosting. How many other ghosts do you know, especially ones that are older than Kudo?” Dani snorted. “Please. Shinichi is the babyest of baby ghosts. I’ve known more ghosts than living people, though that’s in the process of changing, and some of them are centuries old. I think Pandora is the oldest, she’s from Ancient Greece.”

“And none of them are worried about Death coming after them?” Charles asked. “Why, they’re already dead? Been there, done that. There are actual things to worry about, like Hunters with ectoplasmic weapons or other ghosts that have been around forever and have let their power outweigh their common sense. Have you really had no contact with other ghosts? We need to get you some friends! Anything else?”

“I think we’re good.” Edwin turned his attention to Charles as Dani hung up. “What do you think?”

“It seems  like they’re telling the truth but…what if they’re not? What if it’s a trap to take me away?” “I don’t think it is. Kudo was right, if she managed to get all the souls back to hell just like that, there’s now way she couldn’t have just sent me back as well. And if she isn’t going to force me back to Hell, then she’s probably not going to force you somewhere else. And worse comes to worse, these past few decades? They were the best of my life.”  

“Mine too.” Charles admitted. “And if I really am causing problems…I don’t want to be responsible for something like what happened to me to happen to anyone else.” He looked out the window. “I’m ready.”

“That’s great!” Shinichi jumped a few inches in the air, startled as Death appeared beside him as if she’s always been there. He hovered nervously for a second  before setting his feet back on the ground.

Charles gulped and floated down, Edwin close on his heels. “So I just take your hand?” “Simple as that.” Death extended her hand as she'd done in the attic of St. Hilarion's and hesitantly Charles took it. The sound of wings filled the area around the treehouse and Charles was gone. 

“No,” Edwin whispered, falling to his knees.

“He’ll be back,” Death promised. “He just needs a minute to sort himself out properly. But in the meantime there’s something you should know. Lucifer quit.”

Shinichi pinched the bridge of his nose and Edwin’s jaw dropped. “He can do that?”

“Apparently so.” Death smiled warmly. “And in his abdication he gave up everything. His lands, his followers. Everything that was his, everything that was ever given to him.”

“Including souls.” Edwin whispered.

“Being a ghost is a half step into the afterlife. You can certainly stay here, but you don’t have to. And if you and Charles ever decide to go further down the road? You never have to go back.”

“Edwin!!” And Charles was there, running up to his best friend. “I’m back! You were right and…I feel better. Like I was being weighed down a lot and I didn’t realized it until the weight was gone, you know?”

“I do,” Edwin agreed. “Thank you, both of you.”

“I’m glad we got this worked out, but I’ve got plenty to do. See you at the your next murder investigation.” Death waved and she was gone.

“This day has been so weird.” Shinichi grumbled. “Okay, do either of you have a cell phone?”

They looked blankly at him.

“Okay, we’re going to go into town and buy you guys a phone and figure out how we’ll get it charged. I’ll give you a few numbers, including my own, for people who can help you get used to things and get connected to other ghosts. Then I am going to curl up with my girlfriend and watch relaxing shows on Netflix.”

“You have  a girlfriend!?”

Shinichi sighed. Japan was looking better and better.

[captainjimothycarter]

What are Steve's wedding vows to Peggy?

Hey i wrote something since like Saturday. kinda proud of myself despite BAD anxiety over this.

--

“Are you ready, Steve?”

The question came from Edwin Jarvis, the man sticking his head in through the curtains to smile at the nervous Captain. Steve just held up the bowtie in despair, trying to hide the shake in his fingers.

“I can mull down hundreds of Nazis. I can fight Hydra to the bone and-and nearly be killed by a frozen tundra, but what defeats me is a god dang bow tie!”

Jarvis laughed as he stepped into the small side room, giving him a comforting smile. “You know,” he mused as he started to do the tie. “When I was marrying my Ana, I was so nervous I fainted right as we got to I do.”

Steve felt himself gap, looking the man up and down. He could picture that, not that he would say it. He felt like he might faint before he even got out to where Bucky and Colonel Phillips were waiting for him.

“When I came to, my head was in Ana’s lap and I insisted she was an angel. She practically is - not that I’ll ever insist anything different. She’s never let me live that down, that rascal. The point is, Captain Rogers,” the man smirked as he finished the tie and smoothed it out along Steve’s neck. “It’s okay to be nervous.”

“I’m...Captain America, I shouldn’t be nervous, I wasn’t nervous when-”

“Let me ask you something,” Jarvis spoke over him, patting the guy’s shoulders to get him to sit down. He pulled a comb out of nowhere and started to fix Steve’s mousy hair from his constant fingers combing through it. All Steve could do was look on in the mirror. “When you bulldozed through of Hydra agents or lead your Howling Commandos through countless missions or did whatever you did in what the reports do not say, were you nervous?”

“Of course not, those guys depended on me. I couldn’t afford to be nervous or second think my actions, someone might’ve died.” Plenty of people did, in ways Steve could’ve never stopped or predicted unless he’d been there, but he was one person.

Not that Jarvis was asking about this.

“Exactly. They depended on you. You needed to be ready for anything, to overcome anything Hydra would’ve thrown at you. Yet with Miss Carter, you’re nervous about your wedding? It’s practically a tradition to be nervous. Do you know what that means?”

“That I’ll fumble my vows or drop the rings and it’ll roll into a gutter, never to be seen again?”

Jarvis snorted and lightly squeezed Steve’s shoulder. “No, Captain Rogers, it does not. It means that you love her. You love Miss Carter with every fiber of your being. It means you, my friend, will have an amazing wedding and marriage. Even if you do fumble, you can do no worse than me and fainting.”

Steve covered his face, trying to stabilize his breathing. He did love Peggy - Jarvis was right. There was no doubt about that. He loved her. Loved her so damn much he might explode. He just...was nervous.

“Being nervous,” Jarvis continued as he put the comb away and tilted Steve’s head up to inspect himself in the black and white suit. “Being nervous is a tradition. It means you love her. I’m sure Miss Carter is nervous too.”

Steve’s mouth opened to counter, Peggy couldn’t be nervous - he’s seen her stare enemies dead in the eye and not miss a beat. He’s seen her let herself get shot if it meant saving the hostage. He’s seen her survive countless trails and still stand on top at the end of the day. There’s no way Peggy was nervous. Yet, the second he opened his mouth to say something, Bucky stuck his head through the curtain.

His hair was perfectly parted thanks to his mother’s intervention. He was sure the second his ma wasn’t looking, he would mess it up. The suit he wore was a little on the older side, insisting he got to wear his dad’s suit to this wedding.

“You ready, Stevie? That green isn’t a good shade, bud.”

Steve gently swatted at Bucky’s chest as he adjusted the suit once more, trying to take in a deep breath to calm down.

“Shut up. I’m just...nervous. How’s everything looking? We ready?”

“Ready as we’ll ever be. Ole Phillips is grumbling as ever. Dugan is waiting up there, Angie is ready. We’ve already had to stop the niece and nephew from throwing the flowers everywhere.”

“Oliver and Penny really like those roses, huh?” Steve’s lips twitched into a small laugh at the idea of the kids going haywire with those roses. “And Peggy? Is she…?”

“Ana and Rose and even Howard are in there, it’s alright.” Seeing his friend’s panic look, he smoothed down his suit again, the metallic hand glimmering in the dull light of the chapel. “Let’s get this party started and get you two crazy kids married.”

--

“Always knew you two would end up together,” Phillips grunted as Steve stood nervously, shifting from foot to foot. “From the second she laid eyes on that scrawny form of yours.”

Steve laughed, a more forceful laugh given the nervous state he was in. He watched Jarvis politely sit down after checking in on the girls, Rose already coming up to stand by them. Bucky clapped Steve on the shoulder, squeezing him too hard.

“Told you,” he chuckled. “You two were meant to be…”

“‘cept you shouldn’t have shown up in the bar when we were having your public funeral,” Dugan interjected. “Not the best idea, Cap.”

“You’re lucky Carter didn’t shoot you on the spot, coming up with a soiled uniform, and half that glass in your chest,” Phillips grunted.

“Wouldn’t have hurt as bad, if-”

Steve stopped the second he heard Ana playing the piano, turning on his heels and towards the door.

He watched Oliver and Penny run through with the flowers, throwing them everywhere but the floor. His little giggle and the laugh through the chapel made him relax a little, but the second he saw Peggy, everything was back in full force.

She was...beautiful, spectacular. A thousand words he couldn’t think to say. His mind nothing but a fine-tuned sound of buzzing as he watched her slowly walk through that door. Ana had worked perfectly on that dress, the trim, the lace, every down to the last details of the pearls knitted into the collar.

Steve could feel the tears burning in his eyes as she slowly stood in front of him, hearing in the corner of his mind, Phillips muttering about sap.

He loved her.

“You look…” Steve struggled with the word as he held onto her glove-laced hands, looking down at them and slowly back to those beautiful hazel eyes that he’d fallen in love with before he even knew what color they were.

“I know,” Peggy finished, squeezing his hands. “You look pretty dashing yourself. We-”

“How about we get this show on the road, huh?” Phillips asked, breaking the silence, and the music slowly melted into the background. “We all knew we’d end up here today. It was just a matter of time and if it was legal or not. I expected you two to just waltz into my tent one day and demand to be married, the laws and logic be damned.”

“Almost,” Steve mused, shrugging his shoulders. Phillips’ grey eyes were trained on him, brow rose as if to ask what. “I proposed to Peggy after she’d been shot during the hostage situation of ‘44.”

“Son.” The tone said all and the Howling Commandos laughed the loudest. Steve glanced over to see Peggy’s side of the family, most with pursed lips. They still weren’t pleased that their daughter was marrying a Yankee.

“We told him to do it,” Dugan interjected.

“Dared him, actually,” Jones added.

“Double-dog dared him,” Bucky said.

“Actually, we told him to do it or we would on his behalf,” Pinky reminded them.

“We-”

Phillips’ look silenced Falsworth on the spot, the man clearing his throat and stepping back in line. “We’re no longer at war, boys, you don’t have to keep defending your Captain under insane circumstances. I’ll never forget about the damn goat incident.”

--

It was only a few minutes later before Phillips cleared his throat again and nodded towards the couple. “The couple has written their own vows. Ca-Steve, would you like to go first?”

Steve blinked as he felt Peggy’s eyes on him, trying to calm his racing heart down. “Okay, yeah. Yeah,” he breathed, taking the paper Dugan had passed him. “I stayed up till 4 in the morning working on this. Mr. Jarvis had to eventually take the pen from me so I’d sleep.”

“And he didn’t accept my help,” Howard muttered just loud enough for Steve to hear, making the Captain flush.

“Okay, here it goes,” Steve breathed, unfolding the paper and trying not to let how nervous he was shown. His hands were already starting to shake and he was afraid sweat would ruin the ink.

Peggy’s hand gently closed around his wrist and offered him a comforting smile. “It’s okay, darling. Just us. Not a whole platoon of guys to play Star-Spangled Man With A Plan.”

If he wasn’t blushing then, he was now.

“Peggy, I…” Steve looked down at the paper and back up at her. He could hear Jarvis’s voice in the back of his head telling him that when he got up there, he’d know what to say. Fumbling or not.

“Peggy, I love you. I’ve loved you ever since I first laid eyes on you and I didn’t know it. I didn’t know what the color of your lips was or the color of your eyes or your hair or even your uniform. I didn’t know the true sound of your voice or the smell of the roses on your skin. I didn’t know much then - hell I don’t know much now -”

A few people laughed and Steve lowered the paper, looking dead into his wife-to-be eyes.

“I didn’t know much then. I just knew you were hell on high heels and damn anyone who got in your path. When you first knocked out Hodge, I felt my breath taken away. When you ran for the grenade too, I wanted my last sight to be of you, swore I was goin’ blow myself up to a million pieces. Our first conversation in that car might’ve been one of our lasts and I was glad it was with you, someone who understood me. Understood what it was like to be discriminated against because we’re us… Because I was sickly and small and you were a woman, a girl, a-”

“You still don’t know how to talk to women, do you?” Peggy asked, blinking the tears from her eyes and making Steve give a wet laugh.

“I”m afraid not, how I managed to get you to fall in love with me is a wonder. The point is, Pegs, I love you, from the bottom of my heart. All through the war, we talked about what we wanted after. I insisted on a white-picket fence, a house in some neighborhood, that we’d build the perfect life together and well...you saw where that lead us. Me to a watery grave and you punching me out when I showed up at that bar. Even if I was late for our dance.

I just...I love you. Life has taken us on insane turns from clearing our friend’s name to-to living in LA for a few months. To...to here. To me finally getting the guts to purpose to you. Or more like catching my breath. I need you in my life and I’m lucky to have you. I’m more than happy to sit on the sidelines and let you work, to raise our kids or tend to a home, to do anything you ask. I’m more than happy to just be yours. I just...I need to be yours like I need to breathe. You are my life, Peggy Carter, and I’ll have no other but you. I’m lucky to be your husband, to be by your side through it all.”

Peggy didn’t bother to hide the few tears running down her face, thankful Angie had fixed her makeup just right to prevent the tear streaks from showing. She cleared her face off with the handkerchief Rose had given her and sniffled.

“Sap,” she laughed, shaking her head. “I stayed up late last night but not writing these vows. I...told myself I knew what I was going to say when I got up here, but I’m mistaken. I can only say I love you, Steve Rogers. You are my life. My soul. When I was young, I insisted I wouldn’t marry. I insisted my life was to slay dragons, rescue knights, be a pirate. To be anything but the lady my mother wanted me to be.

I insisted I knew what I wanted for myself. That I-I wanted to be a codebreaker and I was good at it. I-”

“And saved our lives with it,” Howard said, causing them to laugh.

“Yes, Howard, thank you. I am good at it. I’m great at it. I insisted that’s all I could do to help the war effort, to maybe consider becoming a nurse but my mother and Fred forbidden it. I insisted I loved Fred because my mother did. I insisted that I could do some good by staying home, being the good wife, and keeping my head down. I insisted on a lot of things but for myself…

It took Micheal’s death for me to see there was more for me out there. The SSR was life-changing for me. Getting to serve under Colonel Phillips’ here, getting to meet you, even if you were...different.”

“It’s okay, call him a shrimp like I did,” Phillips interjected, making Peggy give a wet chuckle. “Kid got that sandwich after all.”

He swore the man smiled at him - even if Steve wouldn’t admit it.

“You were different. You stood out from the rest and it was because of your good heart. Yes the grenade incident, but you helped the nurses around the base. You helped collect herbs for them when we ran out of pain killers, you remembered decades-old healing practices that your mother taught you. You gave some of the guys, even if they were bastards to you, advice on how to fix their broken shoelaces or how to even hide the knives better in their clothes. You were kind and sweet-hearted and I wanted you from the start.

Even after your serum, you didn’t change. You saved that kid. You saved me, even if I was quite upset about it.”

“You did yell at me a lot for pushing you out of the way,” Steve interrupted, remembering that chaotic day.

“You were running with no shoes on and shoved me out of the way of an oncoming car. I had to yell about something.” She smoothed down his suit and sighed, shaking the veil. “Even after that, Steve, I...I love you. I loved you from the start. During the war, that love only grew. I thought we hid it well.”

“No,” Bucky snorted. “No, you two did not. Everyone knew.”

“Yes, thank you, James,” Peggy huffed, giving her friend a roll of her eyes. “That love for you grew and I’m only sorry we didn’t act sooner, that we didn’t kiss more or-or risk it to just touch each other in blatant public when we needed the comfort because it was a war. I am sorry that it took this long to get here - but we’re here. Look at us. We’re here, sweetheart. We’re getting married after all in a setting of our choice, with our friends and family. It’s worth the wait.”

“You’re always worth the wait,” Steve whispered, swallowing the lump in his throat.

“I love you,” Peggy whispered, squeezing his hands. “I loved you then, to now, and forevermore. I’ll never stop loving you, no part of my soul will be complete without you. You are my light, Steven Grant Rogers, as I am your compass, your true star north. You are my light and I want nothing more from you than a life that we paved together.”

There was no dry eye around them, even the grisled Colonel was sniffing slightly and wiping at his eyes. He squeezed the book in his hand and gave the couple a warm smile. “Aren’t you two kids sweet? Why don’t we wrap this up so you two can kiss like how you did in the supply closets?”

Steve felt his ears burn, turning back to Peggy and holding her hands. He wasn’t sure how he survived the rest of the ceremony. Of Bucky bringing the rings to them, his ma’s old ring that Howard had cleaned up and engraved with their wedding date on it. Peggy’s father’s wedding band.

He wasn’t sure how he barely got the words I do our before Peggy was jumping on him to kiss him and Steve’s arms found a way around her frame to pick her up and kiss the life out of her.

The wedding they dreamed of and feared that they never had.

A life yet to come with many memories down the road.

[maddie-grove]

Little Book Review: Sin Eater

Author: Megan Campisi.

Publication Date: 2020.

Genre: Alternate historical fiction (?).

Premise: Strap in, y'all, because this is complicated. May Owens, an orphaned teen laundress in Fake Elizabethan London, is arrested for stealing a loaf of bread. Expecting to be hanged, she's instead sentenced to be a Sin Eater for life. This means hearing confessions from the dying and then eating foods that symbolize their sins off their coffins. There are various other unpleasant requirements--speaking to no one except when hearing confessions, being forced to wear a non-removable collar, getting one's tongue tattooed, social ostracism, eternal damnation if one doesn't do everything right--but it does come with free room and board. Then the Sin Eater who's supposed to be mentoring May gets tortured to death. Why? A deer heart (symbolizing the murder of royalty) appeared on the coffin of a deceased lady-in-waiting, and the mentor wouldn't eat it because the lady-in-waiting had confessed to no such thing. Can May figure out what the hell is going on, adjust to her weird new life, and address a bunch of lingering childhood trauma?

Thoughts: Sin-eating, as depicted in this novel, never existed in Britain. Campisi was inspired to write this novel by a real-world tradition that started in and near Wales as early as the seventeenth century, but died out completely by the 1920s. Accounts vary as to how socially stigmatizing it was to be a sin eater; at best, they were poor, disreputable people doing a low-status job, and, at worst, they were feared and despised as people who had traded away their immortal souls and possibly consorted with demons. However, it was definitely not an island-wide, state-sanctioned role that people were officially sentenced to; it didn't require body modification, nor was it solely assigned to women.

In short, Campisi has created a fictional tradition that technically could have existed in Elizabethan London (as it doesn't involve magic or technology that didn't exist at the time), but demonstrably did not. This puts her in an interesting position that most historical fiction and fantasy writers don't find themselves in, because she has the following options:

Write a straightforward historical novel that just happens to have this one weird, fictional thing going on, with no further explanation. This would probably be the easiest option, but she either has to put an awkward author's note at the beginning or run the risk of readers thinking she knows jack shit about Elizabethan London.

Write an alternate history novel in which she explains how her version of sin-eating came to be in Elizabethan London. (Off the top of my head: Welsh people brought the tradition to London and other parts of England after migrating, but it only caught on in a big way as a response to the Black Death, during which time it developed distinctly English characteristics. The pious Henry VI was the first monarch to officially recognize it; however, the crueler official requirements didn't come about until the reign of Henry VIII, for reasons similar to the passing of the Tudor Poor Laws. Edward VI tried to ban it, but Mary I brought it back with a vengeance. Now it's allowed, but only because Elizabeth I branded it as an Anglican thing.) I think this makes for an interesting setting, but it is a lot of work for a story that's really just about one regular girl and some Tudor drama.

Write a story that takes place in a world that's similar in some ways to Elizabethan England (geography, level of technology, etc.), yet is substantially different. Maybe there's a young reigning queen, but she's not the often-disfavored daughter of a king with six wives; instead, maybe she had seven brothers who all died untimely deaths. Maybe the country's been torn apart by decades of religious conflict, but sin-eating is at the heart of the conflict instead of Fake Catholicism vs. Fake Protestantism. This might actually be the most organic way to handle things, but it does put the book in a weird place, genre-wise; people who want to read straight-up historical fiction won't be into it, and people who want to read fantasy might be put off by the lack of magic.

Any of these are better options than what Campisi chose, which is an unholy union between #1 and #3. Sin Eater is set in a world that's almost identical to Elizabethan London, except that (a) Campisi's version of sin-eating exists and (b) everybody has slightly different names. Instead of Queen Elizabeth, we have Queen Bethany, the daughter of King Harold II and his second wife Alys Bollings. She had an older sister named Maris, daughter of Harold II's first wife Constanza of Castile, who was a Eucharist. Harold II's third wife was named Jennette Cheney, whom you might think had a son named Edwin or whatever, but no, she had no children. What. You might also think that Jennette had a brother named Titus Cheney, who married Harold II's sixth wife and widow Katryna Park or whatever, but also no. He was named Titus Seymaur (no relation?) and he was married to Katryna...Parr. Confused yet? Because God is always called the Maker, and clergy are always Maker-men who preach sermons in Maker-halls, but Judas is still Judas and Eve is still Eve. Also, Roma people are called "eg*psies" (honestly, if you're going to make up a stupid word, at least use the opportunity to make it not a slur); it's something of a relief that the Jewish characters are just Jews. Oh, and the whole thing takes place in Angland.

This is some of the most irritating, distracting world-building I've ever encountered. It doesn't help that the only reason for the fake Tudor drama is a rather tired, mean-spirited mystery involving Queen Elizabeth/Bethany's secret baby and Katryna/Katherine Parr's long-lost daughter. And it's a shame, because when the story focuses on May--a lonely, angry, scared girl struggling to do the right thing and make a place for herself in the world--it's emotionally compelling. Her mixed feelings towards the fellow outcasts who start squatting in her home are particularly well-done, as are her encounters with religious outsiders. The mechanics of sin-eating are also fascinating; I liked seeing May visit dying people of various ages and stations in life. I think a person without my exact pet peeves would enjoy this novel a lot more, but it still wouldn't be great.

Hot Goodreads Take: There are many criticisms of this novel that I agree with, such as bad world-building, a weak mystery, a sophomoric understanding of religion, and gratuitous unpleasantness. (I love the dark, I love slippery things, but there was no reason for the tongue tattoo except to drive home that this whole thing sucks for May. I did not need to be further convinced!) There are also criticisms that I get, even if I don't feel the same way; for instance, I like the weird, bitter heroine, but I understand that she's not for everyone. On the other hand, one reviewer states, "I also didn’t care or need to know about the author’s childcare arrangements that she acknowledges at the end of her book." Like...cool, reviewer, but I don't think you understand the point of acknowledgments. They're to thank people. Are you going to complain that you "don't care that the book was manufactured in America, as the copyright page says"?

[naferty]

Stony high school sweethearts where Tony, taken in and adopted by Edwin and Ana Jarvis, attends public school and gains a huge crush on the resident bully beater and shrimpy hero Steve, aka as his best friend, and has said feelings reciprocated. The two date and are practically glued to the hip. No different to them growing up together as besties. Now there’s more hand-holding and the occasional kiss. 

They spend every minute that they can together and would spend plenty more if only there were more hours in the day. So they settle for hours at night to share a bed and cuddle. 

Now Ana and Sarah are lax when it came to the two dating, but even Steve and Tony know they have to put their foot down when it came to sleeping together. Having sleepovers as best friends is one thing. Having sleepovers as boyfriends is another. They’ll say no if the two even try to ask.  

Instead, they’re ninjas and decide to sneak into each other’s rooms through their windows at night. Tony is just small enough to fit through Steve’s small window and Steve, well, Steve can fit through almost any with his tiny stature. 

Every night, may it be school night or weekend, the two share a bed together, swapping every now and then with whichever bed is more convenient or closest. They get so used to this that on the rare nights where one can’t make it to the other and they try to sleep alone they have the most horrible rest a teenager has to endure. The next day it’s pretty obvious to all the two didn’t get proper rest.

They make up for it the next time they can sneak into each other’s room. Cuddle the hell out of each other. 

Then it starts to happen. 

Growth spurts. 

It’s not that bad on Tony’s end. He gets a few inches more on him and he does widen out a bit, but he blames that one the many burgers they chow on. All in all, he still fits through Steve’s window no problem. Every now and then getting snagged by the shoulder but always pushing through. 

For Steve, it’s the absolute worst. He gains a few inches around the same time Tony starts to get them, but unlike his genius boyfriend, Steve. Doesn’t. Stop. One month he’s shorter than Tony. The next he’s equal to Tony. A week after he’s an inch taller than another and than another. At one point Tony demands he tell his body to chill the fuck out with the growing but alas, his body doesn’t listen. 

Not only that, Steve’s body widens, too. To a greater extent than Tony’s. One minute, Steve’s shoulders to waist ratio is that of a stick. The next, he’s a walking dorito and a hazard to window frames. Especially Tony’s window frame. 

At the start of gaining those few inches, Steve is still able to push through the window no problem. When those inches reach Tony they start to notice Steve getting stuck and needing to shake himself in order to squeeze in. They don’t talk about it after it first happens and ignore it the seven more times it happens, hoping Steve will stop growing and finally settle on his height. 

They rely on Tony doing most of the sneaking, but one night Tony is unable to leave because of reasons so it’s up to Steve to get his infiltration going. He gets out his home no problem and reaches Tony’s window in record time. Up he pulls himself and through he goes. At least that’s the plan anyway. The moment his shoulders touch the frames he’s stuck instantly. He wiggles around, pushing in inch by inch with his legs dangling. He kicks wildly to gain momentum just as he had done the past few times this has happened. 

Tony tries to help by grabbing the edge of Steve’s shirt and yanking, stretching the material and doing nothing for Steve’s situation. Eventually, Steve admits defeat and pushes back to dislodge himself only to realize... he won’t move. 

“Tony, don’t panic. I think I’m stuck.” 

Tony does panic. Boy does he panic. He can’t have Steve dangling out his window at this time of night. What if a neighbor sees? Sees the lower half of a random person outside his window? The neighbors might think someone is breaking in, or Tony is trying to sneak someone inside. Both of which are equally bad because it’ll result in them calling his parents and he can’t have that! 

Tony pushes. Steve pushes. The frame creaks but nothing changes. Steve is really stuck there and they are both dead if they don’t do something soon. Steve admits defeat and is ready for his honorable death. Tony is too young to die. 

Tony, frantic, calls up the gang for help. Less than twenty minutes later here are Natasha, Clint, Bruce, Thor, Sam, Bucky, Rhodey and Pepper standing on Tony’s lawn. Their hair tussled in different shapes and forms and all wearing a variety of pajamas and looking at these pair of legs dangling out Tony’s window. 

They laugh for a good minute before working together to each grab a hold of Steve’s long legs and pull. Steve pops out from the woodwork like nothing. He’s not expecting the sudden release and falls face-first on the lawn. The gang pat themselves over a job well done, say their goodbyes and wish the two luck on figuring out how to get Steve inside and if he gets stuck again they’re not picking up their phones this time. 

Tony and Steve are left alone again. They put their heads together to try and figure this out. A lightbulb flicks on in one of their heads. 

“Do you want to try the front door?” Tony says. 

“Yeah, yeah I’ll try the front door,” Steve agrees. 

[softest-cinnamon-roll]

Could I get a part 2 of that reddie office au??

part two to this prompt 

* * * * *

Eddie watched as Beverly sat on his bed, scrolling through her phone in excitement. Occasionally, she’d glance up at him with wide eyes, grinning from ear to ear which only made Eddie groan internally and wish he had never opened his mouth.

“I can’t believe it’s been almost a week and you haven’t messaged him yet. He was clearly into you!” Bev gasped, throwing herself back on Eddie’s bed dramatically. “Richie Tozier gave you his number and you haven’t messaged him yet. Why not?”

A flush rose up on Eddie’s cheeks and he looked away from his friend and down at his own phone. Richie’s contact name stared back up at him and a nervous flutter overtook his stomach. “I don’t know Bev, I just…I’ve been hurt before and I also don’t want this to affect him joining the company.”

Bev scoffed, “Eddie, how many times have I told you to quit that shitty job. They don’t give two craps about you and even though you do a pretty important job, most of them think you’re there just to run after them and fetch teas and coffees.”

Eddie sighed, because Bev was right, she always was. Eddie’s job was rubbish, and he hated having to wake up every morning and go do a job he hated more than anything in the world. The only thing was, it paid well and he had an apartment and car to run. He needed the money more than the happiness. “I can’t quit Bev…I need to find another job first and no-one is hiring at this time of year.”

“No-one is hiring at any time of the year because you’re not looking…” Bev sighed. Just then her phone went off and she glanced at it before standing up. “That’s Ben, we’re going to catch a movie. Seriously Eddie, call him. Go out on a date, see what happens. Be spontaneous for once.”

She left him with those words of Marsh Wisdom and Eddie locked the door behind her, collapsing onto the sofa. He flicked on the TV to some Hallmark Christmas movie and curled up under his blanket, occasionally glancing at his phone. There was no way he could call Richie Tozier. There was no way that he had been serious when he gave him his number. He was probably drunk. Yeah, that’s it.

The following day was Monday, and Eddie was back in the office of hell. As he made his way to his desk, Bradley stopped him and passed him a piece of paper with coffee orders on it. Eddie opened his mouth to protest, but Bradley was already talking. “We have a meeting this morning. Important one. We need these coffees pronto or you might find yourself out of a job.” With that, he walked away, leaving Eddie with the list.

Eddie knew better than to argue, as Bradley would just tell someone he’d broken a rule and he’d end up with another write up. He sighed and made his way to the kitchen, making quick work of the orders before setting them on a tray and heading to the large boardroom. He knocked three times and when he was called to enter, he opened the door and wheeled the tray inside.

What Eddie didn’t expect to find when he opened the door was Richie Tozier sitting in one of the seats. Their eyes locked and his cheeks turned a light red as he smiled just a little. Before he could greet him, Bradley’s high pitched voice was in his ear, “Jesus, I didn’t mean from the kitchen! I meant from the actual coffee shop! You can’t expect Mr Tozier to drink this crap!”

Suddenly, Eddie’s face was red for a completely different reason and he glanced around the room to see the other colleagues looking completely embarrassed, including Mr Gray. The boss cleared his throat, “Now, Elmar, please go and fetch the coffees from the coffee shop. Immediately.”

Eddie started to back out of the room, but before he made it to the door, Richie cleared his throat and everyone turned their attention to him. “This coffee is fine actually. Also, I thought his name was Eddie and he worked in the Risk Department? What is he doing fetching coffee? Don’t you have interns for that?”

“Oh the interns have much better things to be doing,” Bradley laughed. “They are here to learn, after all, not fetch coffee. That’s what Elmar is for.” The other clients and colleagues in the boardroom snorted, covering their mouths to hide their obnoxious laugh.

Tears filled up behind Eddie’s eyes and all he really wanted to do was hide under a table and never have to see any of these people ever again. Yet, as he was about to leave the room and run all the way home, Eddie stopped and turned back around, facing the group.

“I quit.” He muttered, immediately feeling a weight lift off of his shoulders. He spoke a little louder; “I quit. I am handing in my resignation effective immediately. I never want to see any of your faces ever again. I am done being your busboy, I’m done with you treating me like shit and pretending I’m not even here! Also, my name is Eddie not Elmar or Edwin or any other name you call me by. It’s Eddie!” He let out a breath, whipping his head to Richie who was staring at him in shock. “Also, you shouldn’t sign a deal with them. They’re just going to con you out of all your money. I’ll be expecting my last paycheck on payday.”

With that, Eddie left the boardroom, making his way back to his office and starting to pack up his things. He wanted to be out of there before Mr Gray caught up to him and screamed at him for speaking to Mr Tozier in that manner. In all honesty, at that point, Eddie couldn’t give a shit. He pulled his bag over his shoulder and waved a flimsy goodbye to Annabell who was staring at him from the front desk in shock.

As he passed the board room to head to the elevator, he spotted Mr Gray, Bradley and Monia trying to convince Richie to still sign the deal that was sitting out on the table. Just before he reached the elevator, Richie looked up and their eyes locked for the second time that day. He sent him a shy smile before stepping into the elevator and pressing the ground floor button.

The feeling of stepping out into the fresh air, stress free and finally out of the dead end job made Eddie feel like he was on cloud nine. He only managed to make it a few hundred yards down the street when he heard someone calling out his name from behind him. He turned out, his eyes widening as he realised it was Richie Tozier running towards him.

“Eddie, hi.” Richie smiled, catching his breath. His cheeks were already red from the cold air, hair tousled from when he’d been running his fingers through it. Eddie thought he looked much more handsome than he had at the party. “You never text…”

Oh, right. Eddie hadn’t messaged Richie because he had been scared, yet here Richie was standing in front of him after running after him. “I- I wasn’t sure the offer was genuine. I didn’t want to end up being the brunt of a bad joke...again.”

Richie’s smile dropped and he glanced behind him, “Honestly, after seeing all that in there? I don’t blame you.” He took a step forward. “But I want you to know that I was being genuine, I wanted you to text me. I was going to ask you out on a date, and I wanted to get to know you.”

Eddie flushed, tucking his blonde hair behind his ear as he looked down at the pavement. He looked back up, smiling just a little bit, “Well...if I’m not too late?”

“You’re definitely not too late,” Richie grinned. “How about I take you out to lunch and you tell me more about how this company was planning to con me out of money?” He asked and held out his arm for Eddie to take. “And in return, I’ll wine and dine you like you’ve never been before. How does that sound?”

Unable to say no, Eddie nodded his head and reached out to accept Richie’s outstretched arm. “It would be my pleasure.”

* * * * *

@richietoaster @tozier-boy @eds-trashmouth @bitchbrak @sloppybitchreddie @its-stranger-than-you-think @maximusfraker @jem-carstairs-is-perfection @thejadeazalea @halfway-happy353 @tinyarmedtrex @inthebreadbinwrites @kat-ships-everything @takeourpure @lo-v-ers @that-weird-girls-blog @studpuffin @s-s-georgie @reddie-for-anything @trashmouthtozierr @richietoizer @girasol-eddie @bi-bi-richie @honeybeehanlon @mars-14 @reddiesetandgo @marsisaplanetyall @xandertheundead @sedanleystanley @hawkinsbabe @beepbeeprichiellc @stellarbisexual @oldguybones @stanleuyris @eduardoandale  @purplepoisonedgem @reddie-to-cryy @pink-psychic @violetreddie @toziesque @queen-sock @appojoos @moonlightrichie @rreddies @disneyfan567 @annxmatron @lifesucksheres20bucks @anellope @roobarrtrashmouth @are-you-reddie-for-it @callmechee @nancynwheeler @reddieforlove @twoidiotsinl0ve @madi-artist @tozierking @s-onora @atownofeggs  @wilding-throught-thehallways @no-she-wasnt-reddie @dadbodrichie @thorn-harvester-ven @eddiekasbpark @sparklingrainbowdragon @ransonelovebot @gloire-celeste @derrylosers @3tothe1 @virgo-luthie @sashadrowned

[albatross-tech]

So I'm bored. Let's list every Au of my main 5 bois.

This is more for myself then anyone else.

Edwin:

Swap: History and Personality swapped with Nicolas. See previous posts.

Swap2.0: History and Personality flip flopped to a line with Carter. He is a shy artist bean that likes to keep to his small group of friends. Was bullied for his large glasses. Is Raised/Taken in by his gay Uncle Vex and Vex's husband Abaddon.

Eloise: Edwin but girl.

Regal!Edwin: Instead of raised by his adoptive human father, he is raised royal grandparents. He is much more serious, proper and reserved. Speaks in an old English accent.

Human!: Edwin but human and in a human world.

Evil!: Edwin but really Evil. Probably Raised by Loki. Very sadistic and manipulative. Not very caring and gets a kick out of suffering. He works with Reapers and manipulates humans to do his bidding. Gets into a lot of trouble.

Void!: Edwin but lonely and trapped in the void.

Nicolas:

Swap: History and personality swapped with Edwin. See a previous post.

Swap2.0: History and personality swapped with Takashi. His parents are alive but divorced. He was raised by his Mother. Although expected to take on her place in the Outer Library...he loves fashion. He has extensive knowledge on trends and new fashion. He makes his own clothes on the side and probably runs a cute blog and instagram where he poses in adorable pastel outfits he made along with his adoptive sister, Annabell.

Nicole: Nicolas but best girl.

Family!: Nicolas but his family is well and alive. He isn't a hunter but he wants to explore the universe to learn what's out there. Often this universe overlaps with the Regal!Edwin universe. He is a lot more calm and optimistic.

Evil!: Nicolas but he is a raging serial killer.

Human: Human Nicolas. Not a hunter and not a teacher. He is a genius but not that level of Genius.

Outer: Nicolas but raised with by Aunt in the Outer Library. Still doesn't like humans but he doesn't have as much murderous intent. Very adept in magic and is being trained to take his place among the council.

Takashi:

Swap: History and personality swapped with Carter. A burly and calm Oni that likes to draw manga. He has made a couple books. Born in Japan, after an accident His parents were Killed in a Crash. He was taken to be raised with an Aunt and Uncle when he was practically a newborn. During Middle school they went to America where he Met Nicky (Swap!Nicolas) who became his first friend in the new country.

Swap2.0: Personality and History swapped with Nicolas. His family was slaughtered by priests in Japan. Takashi was taken by the schooling system and put into protection in America. He ends up being an assistant Nurse in the school district because of his power. At night he hunts monster hunters. He is very adept in his BioKinesis. Even going as far as Necromancy. He is a very large and foreboding individual. Most fear this oni on sheer sight alone.

Tanbio: Takashi but Girl.

Evil: Takashi but he acts like an actual Oni. Cursing town and setting pestilence on a city for the hell of it. He is very chaotic and does this for entertainment.

Human: Takashi but Human. He is tall and buff. Probably wrestler. He gets along well with girls for his confidence. And isn't afraid to show his more sensitive side.

Foriegn: Takashi but he has never been out of Japan. Put him in any other setting and bumbles around like a doofus. Tripping on words and customs.

Carter:

Swap: History and Personality Swapped with Takashi. He is still a Chonky boy. His family is from Germany. His parents are alive but divorced and on good terms. His mother let him room with Nicky while going to an American academy, for the experience. He keeps in touch with them though along with his Adoptive sister, Suzie. Suzie is always willing to be a model for him when he makes clothing. This Carter is a body positive boi and very up beat. He thinks people can look good no matter what their size is, so he has a blog and Instagram where he shows off his creations for plus sized people.

Swap2.0: History and Personality swapped with Syris because It's a challenge. This Carter is thin and Malnourished. He has Amnesia, He has forgotten how to talk. He was kidnapped and held captive by Hunter due to his family's association with Monsters and demons. They have been trying to get him to talk but this Carter has been hit in the head a couple of times. If saved, he will become clingy to his savior.

Cathy: Carter but Thicc Girl.

Cyborg: In the human verse, Carter gets to be the special one. He is a cyborg among humans. His parents are government scientists. After an accident they worked hard to save their son from death...making him a Cyborg. His hides his Robotic parts with fake skin.

Hunter!: Carter in the Evil!Verse is a Hunter. He isn't friends with the others and could arguably be the only good one in the bunch. Was actually trained by a Reaper, Loki, to help control the evil population of monsters. He isn't overweight in this one but is mostly small but buff as hell. His parents were murdered by monsters. Kinda like a reverse Nicolas.

Monster!Carter: Carter is a monster among the others. Specifically he is a Fallen angel. He and his parents were kicked out of heaven for being a bit rebellious of the Rules. They were told they could come back if they help punish 200 criminals...but they're rebellious so they don't care. This Carter is still big but he had Black wings and a broken Halo on his head. He has some piercings as well. He becomes fast friends with demons because chubby little rebel in him. He is passive aggressive though.

Syris:

Swap2.0: History and Personality swaped with Edwin. This Syris is a lot more Social then Normal Syris. His parents only had him for cult reasons and wasn't treated well and only as a servant for his Eldritch father. Till his mother was chased out of town and the little monster was taken in by a Good!Loki. That Loki simply runs a line of burial services across the country. Caskets, Urns and other things. Anyway, this Syris likes to Wear Cyberpunk/Goth clothing in human form. He has his hair dyed brown with highlights of black. He loves to make techno remixes, music, synthwave and often Djs as Raves in his Teens. His best friend Edwin that he met in Middle school. They work on a lot of projects together. Syris often makes the music behind Edwin's Animations. Syris and Edwin often practiced Korean together in middle school. Nicolas in this universe is their other friend from France. He rooms with Syris in the Country side Villa they have. Syris has taken to helping Nicolas add to his style of clothing.

Sarah: Feminine Syris.

Human: Human Syris. Still a bit clingy by nature...he is in foster care and gets moved from home to home. So when he makes close friends he doesn't like leaving them.

Pure Evil: Syris is a borderline character in terms of Alignment. This one is pure Evil. He is very selfish and self absorbed. He runs a cult...based around himself where he brainwashes humans to worship him. He often has people sacrifice themselves to him...or their family for a favor.

Pure good: This Syris is a bean. He just wants to be loved. He isn't as pushy as normal Syris. He often tries his best to do good for others...even if people are afraid of his appearance. He is very protective of his friends and often goes into 'Papa bear's Mode.

Pet!: A mini version of Syris. He is a small chonky bean that likes being pet and held. He is about the height of a teddy bear. That is all.

Civil!: A civilized version of Syris without the problems that made Syris the way he is. He was raised like a normal kid. This Syris is not clingy. He enjoys attention but isn't going to actively go after someone. He is a gifted student in cosmic magic. He wants to work in NASA when he gets older. He enjoys cooking and writing. He particularly like to write fan fictions and horror novels. He can also be called School!Syris.

That's all for now. I'll probably put down more later. I mean I do have more... Like Animal and Mermaid versions but those are self explanatory.

[baschool]

All Under One Roof / Ch.1

Heyoooo it’s time for @503week 2020! A collection of one-shots revolving around Ed, Winry, and their brood of teenagers. Enjoy!

Day 1: Hope

Warnings: Language, injury, general teenager shenanigans

Characters: Ed, Winry, their kids

Pairings: Edwin

Read here on FFN / AO3

Sometimes, Ed didn't have the highest of hopes for his kids. It wasn't like he had never done anything stupid in his life, but he liked to think that the kids had inherited the Rockbell common sense. Or at least enough of it to counter the Elric recklessness.

But after sitting in the waiting room for nearly an hour, he was starting to see that that might have been too much to hope for.

Winry sighed and slouched down in her seat, resting her head on his shoulder. The initial panic had died down and the two of them were definitely feeling the draining after-effects of being told their two oldest had been found out behind the general store with burns and were being brought to the hospital.

Ed had really thought he was past the era of possibly dying of stress, but the run to the hospital had proved that to be false. At least the nurses had been ready to talk to them the second they got there- the burns were nasty and painful, but not life threatening. Once they were done getting cleaned up, they'd be good to go. And apparently they weren't the only ones- a whole pack of teenagers had been brought in, all with burns on their hands and arms.

One of the kids had admitted they had all dared each other to pour oil on their hands and light it. Last one standing won.

Except it had ended with a lot of screaming and Mrs. Jerring had come running out of her shop to see what the hell had happened. Several phone calls later, the kids were all on the way to Rush Valley's hospital with their parents not far behind.

Ed recognized several of the others in the waiting room as parents of the kids' classmates. The fear had abated and given way to anger and disappointment. There would be plenty of groundings to go around.

"The shop floor could use a good scrub," Winry muttered. She sounded exhausted, relieved, and mildly infuriated. It wasn't all that dissimilar to the tone she had when they were teenagers and he had showed up unannounced with half his arm blown off.

He snorted. "So could the windows."

"And the bathrooms."

"The roof needs some new shingles."

"Nice try, that's your job." Winry shifted to sit up, finger-combing her hair back into place. They'd both run straight out of the shop and both of them smelled strongly of hot metal. There was a smudge across Winry's cheek and Ed didn't doubt he looked just as rough. But really, anyone who expected them to clean up after getting the "your children have been admitted to the hospital" call could stuff it.

Finally, they were called back. They were given another run down on the injuries (burns, but didn't look like anything would scar), how long it would all take to heal, and what sort of treatment the kids would need for everything to heal up well. The nurse left them at the door and after a quick look, Winry led the way into the exam room.

The two of them were squashed next to each other on the exam table. Their fingers were bandaged and both of them suddenly found the floor interesting when their parents walked in.

The door clicked shut. "It was Ruth's idea," Sarah blurted before anyone could say anything. "She said her pen-pal in Central was doing it and-"

"And you went along with it because?" Winry asked, arms crossed. Now that they had visual evidence that the kids were alive and more embarrassed than anything, the parental anger was starting to come back.

Sarah huffed. "She's having that big party at the end of the month. I wanted to get an invite."

"And you?" The question was aimed at Alexander, their oldest, and up until now, was the pinnacle of responsibility and common sense in the family.

He scratched at his nose, looking embarrassed. "I wasn't going to let my little sister show me up."

"I'm only a year younger than you!" Sarah shouted, scowling. "You did it because you wanted to impress Doris!"

"That's not true!" Xander shot back. He pointed a bandaged finger at his sister. "She doesn't like dogs- you think I'd go after someone who didn't like dogs?"

Winry glanced over at him; Ed shrugged. Sarah accused Xander of a new crush every week, just to rile him up. "Alright, that's enough! You're both in trouble." He kept going over the chorus of groans. "Doctor said you need to rest your hands for next week before coming in for a follow up. "You're grounded till then, and once the bandages come off, we've got plenty of chores that need doing."

Xander slid off the table, smart enough to know when a fight was lost, but Sarah was every bit as stubborn as her parentage implied. "Come on! It's not like you didn't do stupid things when you were our age. Mom staged her own kidnapping!"

"Okay, that was different, and you know it." Winry clasped Sarah's elbow and steered her towards the door. "When you get involved in a national coup, you get a license to make stupid decisions." Ed snorted but didn't comment.

The kids slouched out of the room ahead of them, passing several of their classmates (including the now-infamous Ruth) as they made their way down the hall. The hunched shoulders and frowns made it apparent that everyone was being handed their just rewards. Ed wanted to think that this was the last time something this extreme would happen, but given his own experience as a teenager, he doubted it. Maybe they'd at least get through the month without another crisis.

He hoped.

(( If you're sitting there going "hey wait, isn't Alexander the name of Nina's dog?"- yes. Yes it is. I forgot and didn't connect the dots until like a month ago but I'm too sold on the name to change it. C'est la vie and all that.

Other notes- this is all in my own personal headcanon for post-series. Ed and Winry live in Rush Valley and they've got a total of 5 kids at this point, with Xander and Sarah being the two oldest. Hopefully all the kids will get some screentime in this fic.))

[winryofresembool]

Edwin fic: New Year Wishes

Summary: Ed and Winry celebrating the New Year in a Rush Valley way and getting mentally ready for their first child

A/N: fashionably late again! This fic had some parts that didn’t want to go my way but I think I finally managed to get it into a readable form! The “Lantern Festival” was inspired by the similar events happening in Japan, mainly because the author of the fic (aka me) doesn’t really like the regular way of celebrating New Year.  Also, thanks @criis55, one of your messages really inspired me to finish the final part of this fic! (Also, disclaimer, I have written preg!Win fics before so... if some things sound familiar to my more long time readers... I’m sorry)

Words: 1500+

Genre: floof, minor hurt/comfort (everyone is shook)

Warnings: Ed’s thoughts start flying a little bit too fast in one part but that’s all (some swearing too but that’s to be expected from Ed)

....

”Winry, are you sure you want to go to the festival in that condition?”

Ed and Winry were preparing to leave for the annual lantern festival of Rush Valley, organized in honor of the starting year. However, Ed was concerned. Winry was already 8 months pregnant with their first child, and even though she didn’t want to admit it, Ed knew the pregnancy was being hard on her, both mentally and physically. She hated feeling useless, which she ultimately felt if she had to cut her work short because of back pains or other pregnancy related issues. In the evenings Ed tried to soothe her all the while rubbing her sore muscles. When Ed some nights claimed he was too tired to massage her, Winry reminded him it was technically his fault she was in that condition, so he had no other choice but to do what his wife said. But in his head Ed admitted that it was fair enough; she was carrying a miracle of life inside her, after all.

Not to Ed’s surprise, she didn’t appreciate his question: “Yes, Ed, I can still walk. Or would you rather carry the whale me in town?”

“Hey, remember what we talked about your size?” Ed frowned, crossing his arms. “You’re just fine that way! And I’d carry you if you really wanted me to.”

Winry was softened by Ed’s words. “Okay. Thanks.” She lowered her hand on his shoulder before adding: “You know, you’ve been so supportive the past few months… It’s been more helpful to me than you probably realize.”

“Isn’t that the whole point of ‘for better or for worse?’” Ed questioned. “I promised to be supportive to you in all the situations.”

“You’re right.” Winry nodded. “I really appreciate it, Ed. But honestly, you don’t have to worry about me. I can do this one walk just fine.”

“Okay. I believe you. But let me know if you want to come back home early or something.”

“Fine. I will,” Winry accepted and that was the end of that discussion.

…

15 minutes later the couple was ready to leave to the festival. Before going to see the lantern display, though, they stopped by a food stand for some Xingese food – Winry’s latest craving – and sat down to enjoy their meals.

“This is almost like what we ate during our honeymoon!” Winry exclaimed as she kept stuffing more rice and chicken into her mouth. “Brings back some memories.”

“Yeah, it does,” Ed smirked at the thought of their honeymoon. “Those were some good times…”

“Hey! We’re in public! Do you really want everyone to hear about the weird kinks you have?” Winry raised her eyebrows warningly.

Ed was about to say that he didn’t care but decided to play along instead: “Fine. Maybe not this time. Speaking of Xing, though, I wonder how Al is doing right now.”

“He’s probably watching the fireworks with Mei. Maybe they are planning their trip here already.” Winry could easily picture the two of them shyly sitting on a picnic blanket next to each other and reaching for the other one’s hand. Something she and Ed couldn’t do without having at least one bickering contest before that.

“I wonder when those two will finally get together… I mean, most of Al’s phone calls consist of things she has said or done…” Ed seemed to have followed her track of thoughts.

“Well, I’m sure it will still take Al less time than you,” Winry laughed. “You once accidentally told me that you had liked me since you were like 12, but you didn’t confess your feelings until you - sort of - proposed me 2 years ago.”

“Hey, I had other things in my mind back then,” Ed said defensively.

“Yeah, I know. I was just teasing,” Winry tried to calm Ed down. “I’m glad you did propose, though! Otherwise, we may not be in this situation now,” she rubbed her belly happily. Despite the inconveniences the pregnancy caused, she was still beyond excited for the new life they had created.

“Yeah… weird how things work out sometimes… 4 years ago I would have never imagined being here right now,” Ed noted, subtly putting his hand on Winry’s stomach for a moment.

“Are you… happy?” Winry asked carefully, putting her hand over his. “That this happened?”

“Beats having to fight the Homunculi for sure!” Ed exclaimed with a grin. Winry slapped him on the shoulder with a menu for ruining the moment.

“Don’t joke when I’m trying to make a serious question.”

“Sorry, sorry,” Ed said fast. “Of course I’m happy. And I’m not saying this just because you attacked me with that menu. I’m genuinely excited – and maybe a little scared – about this new page in our lives. I’m scared because… I didn’t have a proper dad figure in most of my life, so how do I know how to be a dad? But I’m excited because I know you’re gonna be an awesome mother and help me through it.”

Winry was both pleased and annoyed with his answer. “Hey, give yourself some credit. I know you won’t repeat your father’s mistakes. The most important thing you can do is to just be there for him. For us.”

“Yeah, you are right, I would never do what he did…,” Ed agreed, more convinced after hearing Winry’s words. “Thanks.”

“No problem! But we should probably go to check those lanterns now before it gets too crowded,” Winry noted, taking her tray from the table.

“Yeah, let’s do that!”

..

Soon the couple was at what was called the ‘wish spot’. There the visitors could write down some wishes or resolutions for the starting year on a piece of paper, and those would be attached to the lanterns with electric lights inside them down the lane.

“Do you know what you are gonna write?” Winry asked curiously when Ed took his piece of paper and moved to the closest empty spot. He considered her question for a moment.

“I feel like there’s not that much that I need right now…” Suddenly he looked down, his face turning unusually serious. “But I wish that everything goes well with the labor and both you and the baby get to be healthy…”

“Oh… are you worried about it? The labor, I mean?” Winry asked, surprised. Even though she had noticed that Ed had definitely been more attentive to her lately and hadn’t allowed her to do anything that could be considered risky, he had never brought his thoughts regarding the birth of the baby up.

“Well… can you blame me?” Ed pointed out a bit defensively. “You know what happened to my mum…”

“Oh, Ed… I’m sorry. I didn’t realize until now why feel so strongly about my health… But remember, the medical care these days is far better than it used to be when we were born, and I also have my granny to help me… It’s gonna be fine. As a future mother I have a strong gut feeling about it,” Winry said soothingly.

“How can you feel so confident about it? You’re the one who’s carrying the baby!” Ed asked, mildly shocked by Winry’s calm reaction.

“After… seeing certain things…” She was referring to her parents’ deaths and the bloody Ed that Al in armor carried to their house when Ed was only 11, and somehow he understood that even without the words. “… You kinda learn to live day by day. That it’s not worth it to dwell on something that could happen when you could keep going and enjoy the good things in life. Of course I’m sometimes nervous too, but I know that what happens is out of my control and we just have to trust that everything goes well. And I do trust. How could I not when my baby daddy has even punched the god in the face, or that’s at least what he claims.” Winry said the last sentence mostly to amuse Ed, but it worked. The worry disappeared from his face, making space for his signature grin. He wrapped his arm around her back and in a moment of whim (like he’d call it) he gave her a kiss on her forehead.

“You’re the best, did you know that? But what about your wish?” he remembered.

“My wish is that Al and Mei will arrive here soon so my husband sometimes leaves me alone in my workshop…” Winry answered jokingly. “For real, though, I too wish we’ll all get to be happy and healthy, but I may write down something else… After all, you’d probably be ready to kick the Truth’s ass again for us if needed, right?

“Hell yeah I would!” Ed exclaimed, bumping his fist in the air and causing Winry to laugh.

After that the couple focused on writing their wishes down (Winry blushing slightly at hers and refusing to show Ed), but when they left the wish spot to watch the lanterns from a calmer place, hands intertwining under the coats, both were feeling more confident, and very excited to see their firstborn.