#Daniel the protector

[flowersarefreetherapy]

Hold On: I Know That You Love Me

CW: Implied past violence, dubcon kiss, anxiety surrounding food, unhealthy relationship dynamics, angst, the continued mess that is Daniel/Star

Daniel bobs his head to the music blaring from the speakers. Thad has asked him several times if the music is too loud, but he doesn’t mind. It’s something to chase all the spinning thoughts out of his mind and replace it with a girl singing about three others with the same name. 

Thad pulls the casserole from the oven, setting it on the counter next to the bowl of salad. Over the course of cooking, Thad has apologized several times for it not being as fancy as Daniel is used to, but he’s so excited to try the food. It looks plain, lacking the fancy garnishes Theodore enjoyed, but the smells emanating from the casserole makes his mouth water. 

As the minutes tick by, the song changes to a mournful one about a city Daniel has never been to. He frowns and glances at Thad’s phone, but doesn’t dare ask. It’s not important. He doesn’t need to know that information. 

“The playlist is on shuffle,” Thad says quickly. Daniel hurries to soften his face, hoping his confusion wasn’t showing. “Which I can change if you want to listen to something else.”

Daniel shakes his head. “No thank you, I am fine. Thank you for the offer.”

Thad smiles. “No problem, kid. If that changes, just let me know. Do you have a favorite so far?”

“Um, I like this one. I like the singer.”

Thad’s smile grows. “Oh this is a good musical. It’s about a group of kids in New York City who sell newspapers and–”

The door opens and a gust of wind whips in. Daniel gets to his feet before he remembers that he isn’t back with Theodore, he doesn’t have to look busy. His gaze locks on Star, who stares only at the floor as he hangs up his coat and hat. Thad pauses the music and the hair on the back of Daniel’s neck stands on end as the silence drags out. 

“Welcome back,” Thad says. “Looks like it’s cold out there.”

“It’s not too, too bad,” Star says, stepping into the kitchen space. He stands next to the counter, looking at the ground. A spot of coffee stains his sleeve. 

Get some soap, some bleach, something so you can clean it up. You have to take care of that. They’re not going to be happy and then Star’s going to be hurt and–no, it’s fine. It’s fine? They’re different, they aren’t going to hurt Star. If they were going to, they would have done so. He would have left.

Right? He would have left? 

Thad laughs about something, startling him out of his spiraling thoughts. Daniel’s head snaps up and he watches as Star pulls out several cups and sets them on the table. They’re talking about work and people he doesn’t know. Sitting here makes his skin crawl. This should be them. This should be him and Star, sharing these jokes and these names and being together without anyone to separate them. 

Like that man. 

“Daniel? Is your cheek okay?” 

He blinks again. Thad looks at him, brows furrowed, a concerned look in his eyes. Daniel glances at Star, who finally looks at him. His cheeks are flushed, those high points on his cheekbones he only gets when he’s–

“I’m fine,” Daniel whispers, cutting himself off before he says something he’ll regret. “Just tired.”

“Understandably.”

The door opens again and Robin hurries in, cursing under their breath. Thad rushes to help them with the grocery bags they carry and the kitchen feels far too big, far too empty and quiet. Daniel looks again at Star. 

“Your face looks, um, looks better,” Star says, sleeves pulled over his hands. 

“Thank you.” 

“Does it, it–does it hurt?”

“No.”

Star bites his lip, stepping closer. “Daniel, I–”

Daniel takes his hands, pulling him into a kiss that quickly grows deeper. He’s aware of the other two talking, but he doesn’t care. Let them stare, let them whisper, but he swears he can taste the other man on Star’s lips. His hands grip Star’s hips, pulling him flush against his chest, capturing his gasp in another kiss. 

“--and I really think we need to fix the screen door in the back,” Robin says far too loudly, stomping their way into the kitchen. 

Daniel tries to pull away, but Star holds him close for a second longer, then lets him step back. Robin and Thad carry the groceries into the kitchen, gaze tastefully turned away. Like that morning, when Thad caught them kissing. They won’t say anything, like Star said, but he knows what they prefer. 

Robin pulls two plastic pop bottles out of a bag. “Sorry it took me so long, the gas station didn’t have root beer.”

“That’s not a problem,” Thad says, returning to the casserole. “I just pulled it out, so it’s still hot. Thanks for going, sunshine.”

“No problem.”

Daniel can’t look at Robin, instead keeping his gaze on the pop bottles. The bright colors seem familiar, sending a flash of pain lancing through his skull. It’s what he deserves after hurting such a kind person, but he can’t help the nagging feeling he’s seen those bottles before. 

“Ready to eat?” Thad asks them.

Star nods and Daniel follows him to the table. Like before, he sits across from Star. The perfect angle to see how his eyes light up when talking about his day and what he did at work. How long has it been? How is he adjusting so well? Daniel looks closer and that smile isn’t real. At least, not the ones Star gives him. Fake, crafted, just like all the other ones he remembers. 

Robin chews slowly. Their nose is still swollen, bruising starting to form around the bridge. When he looks at them, sharp pain lances through his chest. He did that. He did that because he’s dangerous, because he’s killed people, because he’s been the cause of pain for people he loves. 

The casserole turns to ash in his mouth. Daniel slowly puts down his fork and tries the pop. The bubbles fizz in his mouth, a distraction from the sudden churning of his stomach. A different buzz than alcohol, but just as distracting. He takes a deep breath, then another. Hoping the others don’t ask why he is no longer eating. 

No one seems to notice. The couple talks about work and their day and what happened. Star doesn’t talk, but not because they ignore him. Rather it seems to be because of the tension between the two of them. Daniel wants to reach out and say that he still loves Star, that he still wants his bonded at his side, but the words catch in his throat. He tries to force them out several times over the course of the evening, but can’t. 

“I’m going to, to, to bed,” Star finally whispers once the couple has finished cleaning up the food. Daniel sets down the cloth he was cleaning the table with, watching him closely. “Where is, is Daniel sleeping?”

The couple glances at each other. Daniel’s stomach drops to his feet, the air thick with tension he doesn’t know if he’s allowed to break. If it was up to him, then he would want to be with Star; if not in the same bed, then at least in the same space, close enough that he knows he can protect his bonded if needed.

“That is your decision,” Robin finally says. “We’ll leave it up to you.”

Star twists his hands together, not looking at Daniel. His stomach flips. Hands clenching at his sides, desperate to reach out and grab Star, never to let him go. The silence stretches on. His pulse thunders in his ears. He forces his lungs to suck in air. 

“I, I would like it,” Star whispers. “Can you stay with, with, with me, Danny?”

His heart shatters under the familiar nickname. Daniel nods, leaving the cloth behind as he trails after Star. The smallest thread of guilt tugs on his heartstrings about leaving work unfinished, but his bonded is more important. 

“I missed you,” Daniel whispers against Star’s neck, the two of them curled against each other in the small twin bed. “I’ve missed you so, so much, my starlight.”

Star doesn’t respond. 

Tagging: @blood-is-compulsory @darkthingshappen @whump-for-all-and-all-for-whump @whumpinggrounds @pigeonwhumps @cepheusgalaxy (let me know if you want to be added/removed!)

[amid-fandoms]

pov your boyfriend got unfairly punished 20+ years ago

[userarmand]

Interview with the Vampire "And That's The End of It. There's Nothing Else"

[satoshy12]

How Killer Croc somehow became the hero of children

It all started when Croc saved the group of children.It had been a mistake, really.

He just wanted to save his tiny friend Ellie, and the rest was a collaborative saving. Is that even a word?

And before he knew it, it happened again and again in this city. What is wrong with Amity Park?

And worse, the Hero Phantom in public thanked him for being such a hero. And for his help, as he already has problems with the magical enemies, it's good that a new hero helped against the non-magical ones.

Suddenly, he is known as the protector of children, and all the children in the city love him.

Waylon has no idea what to say. People in public praise him and want to take photos with him. And he gets free food and similar.

[adventuringblind]

Daddy Issues Part 2

Max Verstappen X Reader

Genre: Hurt/Comfort

Requested: No, but I'm in a writing mood, so I'm taking requests for Max and Charles. *Silently begs for people to not be shy*

Summary: Jos may have been dealt with for now, but parental issues for the two lovers are far from it.

Warnings: DADDY ISSUES... again, mentions of verbal, emotional, and physical abuse, not proofread (I don't even proofread my college papers), Jos is a warning himself

Notes: This part is written in the second person perspective because it's more geared toward the readers' struggles. Jos does make a reappearance. At this point, it's completely self-indlugent. I'm writing from similar experiences, so please be gracious.

Also, I posted things about a novel I'm currently working on. If you have a chance, please give it a look! You can find it on my masterlist.

Masterlist // Part one // Part three

You were naïve to think that your troubles would be over after the interaction with Jos.

The air around you and Max had become significantly lighter. Max even opened up about things to his friends and was able to smile more during races.

You loved watching him. The light in his eyes even when coming in second or third.

You thought maybe the two of you would be able to heal and move forward. Max had been thriving the last six months. Both physically and mentally because of the steps he'd been taking to get there.

However, you had a different story. While Max had been able to cut off contact with Jos, you had your dad to deal with still.

Thankfully, your dad was good at putting on his best performance around people. It was the reason very few people had the privilege of understanding your relationship with your family.

You'd wanted to cut him off originally, but you couldn't because you still felt the underlying need to please him. Your mom is in a similar situation, and your sibling(s) who still had yet to be able to make that choice.

You hadn't told Max yet. Things had gotten worse for you recently. You didn't want to ruin his current state of joy.

A people pleaser by heart.

So you hid that part away and put on your best face as you basked in Max's smiles. The warmth of them helping you mask yourself.

Until it started to fall apart.

The first encounter was once again with Jos. You found him in hospitality during a race. Immediately getting defensive and ready to call security.

That was until you noticed him having a conversation with your father. The two seeming to have a lively discussion.

Then they noticed you. Hand beckoning you to come closer.

Cautiously, you approached the table. Choosing not to take a seat and standing at the end instead.

"Good to see you again! I hope you haven't missed me too much since we last spoke." Jos' voice sounded like sandpaper in your ears. The bruise on your cheek had long since healed, but being near him brought back the stinging feeling of his hand.

"I hadn't realized you both were coming." Your voice came out shakily. Fingers crossed that they didn't catch on to your ever-growing anxiety.

"Jos managed to get passes and invited me to come along. Since you and Max are close he figured we should be too." Your father explained. "Though I'm shocked they didn't come from Max himself."

You tried hard not to grimace. The realization that you might have to explain why doing nothing to help your panic creeping in slowly.

"I bet if you were as successful as Max, you wouldn't need him to give us the passes." Your father laughs in your direction.

"What is it you do again?" Jos suddenly turning towards you. A hint of a smirk on his lips.

"I'm in psychology."

"No wonder you need Max's money."

"Bet she has Max hypnotized with her knowledge of the brain or something."

The two were cracking up now. Laughing at your expense.

Your dad calmed down a moment. Breathing deeply to get his breath back. His face became neutral again, noticing the obvious frown you now dawned. "It was a joke, Y/N. There's no need to get upset. Max isn't going to be able to handle you eventually if you don't get thicker skin.

You'd had enough. Not wanting to cry in front of everyone, you turn to head back to the garage. Maybe even to hide in Max's driver room for a moment.

Though you didn't get far before a hand caught your wrist. "Stop ignoring me. It's disrespectful, and I am still your father." You didn't turn around. Didn't want him to see you cry. "I have you a life that was better than mine. My father would have never even tried. Yet, you still don't listen to me. Get your act together soon, please."

To outsiders, he sounded sincere. You, on the other hand, knew exactly what he was doing.

Yanking your hand back, you continue walking without giving the two older men a second glance.

If you were home, you would lock yourself in your room til he threatened to take your door. Then, you would shower and hide in the bathroom. If that didn't work, you would try to look productive and cry silently so he couldn't be mad at you for doing such an action as letting the tears roll. He thinks it's over dramatic.

Somtimes he would take to slamming things around. Doors, chairs, his phone, things in his room, not at you but purposely loud.

It didn't matter how hard you worked, it would never be enough. This is how you and Max are able to understand each other. You knew exactly what the other needed because both of you have lived this.

As soon as the race was over, you went to celebrate Max and his victory. The moment was joyful for him. Making a mental note to tell him what happened earlier, you decided now definitely wasn't the time.

Neither was when you got back to your hotel room after celebrating. Or when you took a phone call from your dad with more lovely words that made you feel disgusting in your own skin. Or the plane ride back to Monaco. Or when you got home and immediately went to shower because your entire body felt like it was dirty from nothing but your dad and Jos harassing you.

You didn't tell your mom either, she had enough things to deal with. You didn't tell anyone for that matter.

Max had caught on when he noticed you weren't sleeping. When you weren't eating. When you started apologizing excessively. Habits he thought he broke when he was able to get you to move in with him through constant reassurance.

Now, you were moving backward while he was moving forward.

Then he put the pieces together. He only wished he saw it sooner. Could've stopped what happened before it was pulled like a ruug out from under him.

You had flown home to see your sibling(s) for a week. You missed them dearly and wanted to spend time with them while Max was away.

It had started smoothly, your dad being civil with you, a few sarcastic remarks thrown around here and there, but nothing too bad.

He was trying to convince you to come back home, where you belonged. You kept brushing him off, telling him you're happy where you are now.

It only got worse from there. Your father and Jos had gotten closer over time. He had coincidentally come knocking at the door while you were there. He said he was in the area and wanted to say hello.

Your sibling(s) had tried to get you out of the house, but you only said it would make things worse. It earned you some feelings of sadness, but they left you to converse regardless.

The four of you sat in the living room. Your mom and you mostly listen to the two men catching up.

Then your mom left to make dinner. You stood up with the intention of following before being stopped by the pair.

"Jos tells me Max has been ignoring him."

Your tempted to roll your eyes but refrain in case he's paying close attention.

"Yes, I was wondering if you could tell me the reason behind it. Have you been filling his head with lies about our exchange awhile back?" Jos' smirk makes you want to hit him. Again you refrain, knowing that he can and will hurt you if you're out of line.

"He saw why happened." You state. Making a move to hold your ground.

"He hears what you said as he came inside. He fell for the obvious manipulation. I can't believe you even blamed the bruise on me." He fakes a look of offense.

Your father shakes his head on disgust. Your body goes rigid. Voices begin sounding like they're underwater. You hang your head in defeat as they continue to accuse you of things you would never do.

"Stop it!" You snapped. Something in you breaking loose.

In seconds, a cup was shattered against the wall, and your face was burning with the sting of someone's palm.

You know you had to leave. The adrenaline from your flight response is kicking in.

So you ran, grabbing what you could and quickly exiting the house. Your mom is doing her best to keep her distance from your dad while he throws his temper tantrum and Jos convincing him that I am an entitled brat.

You definitely didn't have all your stuff, but it didn't matter. You called an Uber and found your way back to the airport. Finding and flight back to Monaco you could.

You received a few texts from your dad before blocking him and called the rest of your family to apologize for your behavior and say you'd wished you'd had more time.

Then you called Max. You hand messaged him back since mid-morning and he was starting to get concerned.

"Hello Lovely, is everything alright? I haven't heard much from you today?" His cheery voice made your smile just a little.

"Yes, but I'm coming home early. I'm on an early flight back home." Your voice is on the verge of breaking. You send a silent prayer that he doesn't catch one.

You hear his phone buzzing with notifications. "How were things at the factory?" You ask, making an attempt to change the subject.

"Is was alright, did some marketing and PR things today. Daniel says Hello." He chuckles. "My dad has been texting me though, which is odd."

You hear him sigh deeply. "Are you sure you're okay? Because he's trying to convince me of things I know aren't true."

"Your dad was there visiting mine coincidentally." The damage holding back your tears was coming loose. "I messed everything up again."

"Mijn liefje, you did nothing of the sort." His voice once again had that gentle tone. One that made you feel safe. "I'm not sure how fast I can he back in Monaco, but I'll meet you there as soon as I can."

By the time you had landed, it was early in the morning. You considered just waiting in the airport until it was brighter and then walking home since Max was still in Austria. So, the text that came from Lando that he was coming to get you was a bit of a shock.

You were relieved when he pulled in. Satey once again within your reach.

"Thanks for coming to get me."

"No worries, Max called and asked if I could. Said it was a bit on an emergency but didn't say what happened." He smiled at you, trying to get you to become less defensive.

You hadn't realized how tense you still were. Your body is still trying to shrink in on itself.

You attempted small talk until he pulled into up to the apartment. "Thanks again for the ride." Then you rushed inside as fast as possible.

The floor became your best friend. Everything after opening the door became blurry.

When you woke up later on the bathroom floor with Max's sweatshirt as your pillow, you had no idea how it happened.

Texts from Max and Lando lined your notification wall. Your body too heavy to move however, you resigned to back to the comfort of the floor and the comforting smell of Max.

The next time you woke up, you heard keys jingling in the door.

You curled into yourself. Hiding from the inevitably of confronting what happened only a day earlier.

"Love, are you here? I'm home!"

You wanted to crawl to him. Seek comfort in his arms. But your own mind was stopping you. Replaying everything that they said about you.

You heard him drop his bags and begin his search. Bedroom, kitchen, office, terrace, then finally bathroom. He knew he should have checked their first. The bathroom had always been your safe space. He often found you just sitting in the empty bathtub if life felt overwhelming.

He peeked around the corner, his face instantly softening at the sight of you.

Neither of you said anything as he crouched down next to you. Unsure the extent of what happened, he refrained from touching you.

"Can I hug you?" His voice almost a whisper. As if speaking any louder would shatter you like that glass your dad had thrown as you made your escape.

You slowly nod yes but make no effort to move. You end up not having to as Max pulls you into his arms. Your body draped over his lap.

You felt so small in this moment, with his hand caressing the back of your head.

The dam broke. A hard sob wracked your body. Wailing into Max's chest.

"You're safe now, I got you." He whispered. His hold unrelenting until the tears were able to slow.

"I'm so sorry." Your voice muffled from his chest. "You were so happy I didn't want to ruin it, so I didn't tell you."

"I'm happiest when I know you are also doing well. You can't ruin that for me. I love you too much to see you like this." He pulled your face back, his soft eyes meeting yours.

He was finally able to take in the bruise on your cheek. Once again, not able to stop the unrelenting force of your fathers misdemeanors against you both.

He was angry, you could tell. You saw the rage flash through his eyes.

Knowing that's not what you needed right now, though, he softened again. "Who did this to you love?"

You began rapidly shaking your head no. Not wanting to relive it and not wanting to make things more difficult for him. "I can't-" you started.

"It's my job to make sure you're safe because I love you. It's not going to be an inconvenience." He always knew what to say.

"Jos." Was all you could muster before you were crying into his shoulder again.

You told him everything. All the events in the past few months. Every awful word spoken towards you. How he understood you, you have no idea.

The two of you stayed like that until you fell asleep in Max's arms. Knowing you couldn't stay here forever, he brought you to the bed and tucked you in. His lips on your forehead the last sensation before you were completely lost to your subconscious.

MAX'S POV

Everything about the situation made him want to break down. He thought he would finally be able to move on. He did, kind of, but left you behind in the process.

He knew something was wrong but didn't want to force you to open up. You needed to process things longer and came to him when you were ready.

This situation affected you differently though. Your response to your father had always been inward. Taught from a young age just to take it and nit talk about it. Convinced that you shouldn't paint your home life as bad because you had a roof over your head and food on your table.

He understands, though his reactions are different. Often not understanding that something was wrong and just talking about it like it was normal.

Daniel was the first to question, and you were the first to get him like nobody else.

You broke eachothers bad habits you'd learned from years of toxicity. Started learning better communication. Working through things and understanding eachothers responses.

He could never thank you enough for your help with his dad. Standing up for him despite the physical altercation was brave. He knew it was hard for you but you loved him enough to do it anyways.

Now, it was his turn to help you through this. He didn't care how long it took.

The bruise on your cheek only sparked a fire in him. He was tired of the hurt your fathers were causing. He knew now that both of you deserved better.

So, he would help it get better.

[helianthus21]

the idea of 70s Daniel chasing stories that take him to dangerous people and dangerous places while his stalker lurks in the background has such potential sb should write a fic about that 🤔

[flowersarefreetherapy]

Thanks for the tag, @whumpyourdamnpears!

OC in three (it says an OC, but I chose the trio)

Rule: introduce a character with three images.

Daniel:

Star:

Ezra:

[flowersarefreetherapy]

Oh this is fun!

Thad's phone:

Sunshine (Robin)

Manuel (Emmanuel)

Problem 1 (Daniel)

Problem 2 (Star)

Halfway Problem (Ezra)

Robin's phone:

Husband <3 (Thad)

Star

Daniel

Ezra Dempsey

F-ing Idiot (Gabriel)

Sibling (Maria)

Mama (their mother)

Papa (their father)

Daniel's phone:

Starlight (Star)

My love (Ezra)

Dad (Thad)

Robin

Thing 1 (Kai)

Thing 2 (River)

Star's phone:

Navy contact photo (Daniel)

Orange contact photo (Ezra)

Forest Green contact photo (Robin)

Light yellow contact photo (Thad)

Black contact photo (Kai)

Purple contact photo (River)

Ezra's phone:

Stjerne <3 (Star)

Ulv <3 (Daniel)

Robin

Thad

Can Ignore (Kai)

Answer Now (River)

How they save each other's contacts: sibling edition

Tatiana's phone:

Asshole #1 (Kaiki)

Asshole #2 (Luna)

Stella (Estella)

Aunt Alice (Alice)

Mom (their mom)

Dad (their dad)

Clariette (Clarissa)

Kaiki's phone:

Tati (Tatiana)

Gay (Luna. Don't worry, it's one of the safe nicknames and he assured she doesn't mind)

Estella (Estella)

Progenitor (their mom)

Papi (their dad)

Aunt Alice (Alice)

Luna's phone:

Big Sis (Tatiana)

Pussy (Kaiki, one of their safe nicknames)

Late Spawn (Estella)

Aunt (Alice)

Mom (their mom)

Father (their dad)

Estella's phone (she's got one for calls, even tho she's barely a ten-year-old):

Tatiana

Kaiki

Luna

Aunt Alice

Mom

Dad

(she's the only one who gets the right nameson her contacts)

Bonus:

Alice's phone:

Tati (Tatiana)

Boy (Kaiki)

Youngest (Luna)

Baby (Estella)

Sis (the kid's mom)

Kid's dad (the kid's dad)

--

Clari's phone:

Soulmate ❤️ (Tatiana)

[secretlythatsme]

anyway dc x dp is my new fixation hell and i've had so many ideas for aus but one that's really sticking with me is a classic "danny has to run away to gotham because his home is no longer safe" au where danny is explicitly looking for other ghosts or at the very least is pulled to gotham because there are so many of them there.

he flies around for a while and finds this manor and he can sense so many nice ghosts! so he just. goes there! and stays! and this can be human danny showing up at their door injured or it can be ghost danny just flying in but regardless, the waynes would never turn him away. bruce would get suspicious absolutely, but he's seen enough traumatized abused kids to know the signs. thomas and martha? they think this new ghost kid is adorable!!

there could be angst sure but idk i love the idea of danny getting hurt by his parents or the giw and being so wary of more humans, and this place full of friendly ghosts would be so enticing. ghosts that don't try to immediately wreck his shit? ghosts that get territorial but are also extremely welcoming and have a habit of letting new kids into their haunt? the batfam who've dealt with the paranormal before and wouldn't give a shit? that's a normal tuesday for them babes. like please, danny just found heaven and it's in gotham.

despite all the "batfam adopts danny" aus i've seen, i rarely see people mention the ghosts of dead family members who would absolutely still be there and would definitely want to help danny :(

[quartzteared]

I hate being looked at but I still wish I was easier to look at. even my own system turns away from me and refuses to meet my eyes because I'm like an open, infected wound. I know I am. I'm raw and ugly and I don't know how to make my trauma and brokenness pretty

[this-world-of-beautiful-monsters]

it really looks so fucking evil

[dreaming-for-an-escape]

Perhaps it was Raelynn’s innocence that attracted danger towards her. Or perhaps it was just because she was a Molloy and dire situations just came naturally, kind of how it had been with Daniel.  Whatever the reason, it’s why this stranger chose to follow her after she left the library, hopping on the bus with her. He wanted to rob Raelynn of her belongings. In her backpack were a couple textbooks, her laptop, notebook, pens and wallet which only contained ten dollars.  Aside from her phone, her laptop was the most valuable thing she had. It’d been an early high school graduation gift from Daniel. From his observation it was Raelynn’s most prized possession besides her phone. Daniel was the same way with his own laptop. So she would’ve been saddened if it were stolen. Armand was going to make sure that wouldn't happen. In fact, not a single hair on Raelynn's hair would be harmed. 

[flowersarefreetherapy]

Hold On: There's Bones in My Closet

CW: none, just a lot of fluff. Or light angst if you think about the future

“I don’t wanna be here,” he whines, tipping his head back. The ceiling above him glows bright white with elaborate designs surrounding the trim. 

There’s a name for this kind of trim. Ker probably knows.

“I know,” Kerry says. He stares at the map in his hands, eyes wide as he takes in the map of the museum. “But you also knew this field trip was coming for weeks.”

“I know, but I’m tired.” He flops onto his boyfriend, resting his chin on Kerry’s head. “I’m gonna melt into the floor!”

“Did you stay up late?” Kerry asks. 

He’s not even looking away from the map. Boring. 

Around them, the rest of the class spreads out across the lobby. The teachers and chaperones try to hand out maps and programs, but make little progress. Kerry’s older sister disappears into the dinosaur exhibit with a handful of her friends and the rest of the football team points at a few of the exhibits about early archeology.  

“Maybe,” he answers. “I might have been out with the boys.”

“Hmm.”

He kisses his head and moves to rest against his shoulder instead, looking over the map. Some of the exhibits look interesting. But this is Kerry’s day. He’s been talking about this field trip for months.

“Where do you want to go first?” he asks.

“You aren’t going with the team?” Now Kerry turns to fully face him. Their faces inches apart and he can so clearly see the light bands of gold in his brown eyes. “I thought for sure you would-”

“Why would I go with them when I have such a wonderfully smart and attractive boyfriend right here?”

Kerry ducks his head and shrugs. After a moment, he points to the Roman and Greek exhibit. “Could we start there? I’m writing a paper about political marriages in Greece and they might have some good information.”

“Sure, but are you sure you aren’t learning about the Greeks for other reasons?”

“Shut up,” Kerry laughs, shoving lightly at his shoulder. “I’ll have you know most of that was not safe or consensual and is mostly glorified by the media because it’s scandalous, but then again, what part of Greek and Roman life wasn’t that way? Plus, we should be looking at their politics instead–”

“Oh clearly,” he says, grabbing his boyfriend and pulling him along. Kerry squawks in protest, but hurries to catch him. Two steps in and he realizes that he doesn’t know where he is going. “Um, Ker?”

“To the left,” his boyfriend sighs.

He makes his way to the archway lit with sconces designed to look like oil lamps. The paint is rough and reminiscent of plaster. Kerry hurries ahead of him beelining for the closest exhibit. He follows along at a slower pace, holding the straps of his backpack and taking his time looking around. It’s history, as to be expected. There are some cool old coins he looks at but nothing gathers his attention.

Maybe you should have gone with the guys?

But then he looks over at Kerry and how excitedly he explains some marriage arrangements between people he’s never heard of. His face lights up in a way he will never tire of seeing. It’s so cute and he pulls out his phone to snap a quick picture. 

“What was that for?” Kerry protests, ducking his head so his braids fall over his face.

“What? I’m not allowed to take pictures of my smart and handsome boyfriend whenever I want to?” He pushes the braids out of Kerry’s face and kisses his forehead. Kerry flinches. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to–”

“No, I know, I’m sorry, that’s on me.” Kerry sighs, shrugging one shoulder. “I forget there are places where it’s safe.”

“Yeah, like Greece,” he laughs, trying to lighten the mood. “Man, could you imagine just getting some guy off in an alley and no one caring?”

Kerry won’t meet his gaze. “That-um, like I said, a lot of that aspect has been glorified when really it wasn’t-”

“Just jealous I didn’t specify it would have been you?”

Now Kerry really won’t look at him, twisting a corner of the map. “You can’t say things like that!”

“Why not?” He wraps his arms around Kerry and squeezes him close. “I love you, Ker. And teasing you is just too much fun.”

“You’re insufferable.”

“You love it.”

He smiles and throws his arms around Kerry, turning him towards the exhibits. “Tell me about each and every one of these people.”

Kerry’s face brightens. He points at each exhibit and does a better job making history come to life than any teacher or book has accomplished. He listens closely, leaning over exhibit cases and nods along to what he’s saying. The first question he asks rewards him with Kerry’s smile and another ten minutes of explanation. 

They move on to the plants and animals, then to modern history, and end in the science section. They mess around with the fake space walk and he does his best to knock Kerry over. Despite being a full four inches shorter, Kerry stands his ground. As they make their way to the lunch area, he lightly coughs. 

“Ker?”

“Hmm?”

“Can I hold your hand?” 

Kerry glances at him. Silence for a moment and his heart plummets. Though they’ve been dating for a year, he still asks. The scars Kerry’s parents left have yet to fully heal and new ones are being created every day. Public affection remains a struggle. One they work through together. 

This time, Kerry reaches out and locks his pinkie around his. He smiles and swings their hands back and forth. 

“I have the best boyfriend in the whole world,” he says, bumping his shoulder against Kerry’s. He smiles and returns the gesture. 

“Even when I ramble about history?”

“Especially when you ramble about history. It’s hot.”

“History isn’t attractive.”

He smiles. “It is when it’s you. You could make arithmetic sexy.”

Kerry ducks his head, trying to hide his face behind his braids. “That’s stupid.”

“It’s not. Come on, you want pizza?”

They split a few pieces of greasy pizza and walk to the rest of the museum. After a while, they meet up with his friends and Kerry’s sister, and finish looking through the museum together. He does his best to balance where his attention falls, joking with his friends but pulling Kerry into the jokes, talking about college with all of them, and telling his sister he’ll text her later. He needs to know what ring size Kerry wears. 

They leave the museum before dinner and pile into the school bus. He sits near the back, Kerry at his side. He rests his head on his shoulder and plays a matching game on his phone. He helps him occasionally, but mainly focuses on the passing scenery. And the ring he has to buy. He checks his bank account once again, offering the excuse that he wants to buy new shoes when Kerry asks what he’s doing.

“Oh nice,” Kerry mutters, not fully paying attention. 

“Yeah,” he agrees. “They’ll be as green as your sweatshirt.”

Kerry huffs and doesn’t say anything more. He kisses his head. He’s successfully done it. There is enough money in his account to both buy the ring and put down a payment on an apartment. So close. They are so so close to having the life he’s always wanted for the two of them. 

“I love you,” he whispers, kissing Kerry’s temple again. “I love you so, so much.”

Kerry wraps his arm around his shoulders, pulling him close. One bead on his braid knocks against his face with each pothole they hit. After a moment, his boyfriend whispers, “I love you. Will you be my boyfriend?”

He snorts. “Will you watch Batman with me?”

Their first conversation. When he had thought Kerry was asking what movie he wanted to see. Hard to hear him talk over Dolly Parton blasting in his ears. It’s now dissolved into one of their many, many inside jokes. Something that never fails to make his heart warm. 

“Only if I can talk about the plot holes.”

“You’ve got yourself a deal, my historian.”

He rests his head on Kerry’s shoulder. His boyfriend leans against him and the two of them drift off to sleep, hands intertwined. 

Tagging: @blood-is-compulsory @darkthingshappen @whump-for-all-and-all-for-whump @whumpinggrounds

@pigeonwhumps @cepheusgalaxy (let me know if you want to be added/removed!)

[lwh-writing]

Ghost King Isn't the Only Title Danny Has

Okay, so you how monarchs can have multiple titles? Like how the heir to the English throne is both Prince/Princess and Duke/Duchess of Cornwall? And how monarchs can get titles and epithets that just stack onto their preexisting names/titles? Like "Catherine the Great" or how Daenerys gets her famous list of "Stormborn, the Unburnt, Mother of Dragons, etc."?

Well, there are dozens upon dozens of names for the Infinite Realms. The Ghost Zone might be what Amity Park calls it, but there have been hundreds of names for it throughout history. The Afterlife, Sheol, Heaven & Hell, Purgatory & Limbo, Valhalla, and so on and so forth.

So when Danny finally gives in and lets himself be crowned, he doesn't just become the Ghost King. Oh no. He is crowned "King Daniel Fenton, First of His Name, Protector of the Infinite Realms, Defeater of Pariah Dark, Liege of Fright Knight, Ice Mage of the Far Frozen, and Hades of the Underworld."

And then a few months later when Danny inevitably gets summoned and pops up on the Justice League's radar, there's some serious side-eyeing going on because 'Diana, why didn't you mention your uncle looked like a teenager? Why does one of the most powerful gods like to hang out in teenaged form anyway?'

Just... give me an unknowning Danny accidentally inheriting a niece along with the crown, and that niece just so happens to be Wonder Woman.

[beiasluv]

arrow and papaya | o. piastri (81)

a/n: figured you guys are bored with yn adoring oscar…so here’s more 🤭

mercedesamgf1

melbourne, australia

liked by yourinsta, lewishamilton, and 629,827 others

mercedesamgf1 check out georgerussell63’s australian starter pack, featuring our non-aussie expert…yourinsta 😉

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yourinsta thank you for the honorable expert title 🤭

landonorris how are you verified for this

danielricciardo don’t discredit my aussie protector

liked by oscarpiastri

username we clearly know why she is considered an expert 😩

georgerussell63 thank you for the flip flops 👊

yourinsta you meant thongs?

georgerussell63 can I buy you Tim tams to shut you up?

yourinsta send ‘em in 🤭🤍

yourinsta

liked by oscarpiastri, danielricciardo, and 787,828 others

yourinsta sorry, lewis. he said I’m his new favorite driverr now 🥰

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lewishamilton so no more roscoe play dates?

yourinsta i am buying roscoe more treats rn 😦😭

lewishamilton the veggie ones 👊

yourinsta obviously, i am his godmother 🩷

georgerussell63 he clearly haven’t met the most amazing mercedes driver enough yet

yourinsta are we hearing something? 😗

landonorris did you bribe him with tim tams

yourinsta you’re supposed to be on my side :(

landonorris if we’re against george then count me in 👊

username are we getting yn and oscar baby fever???

username JAILLL 💀 they are my rookies/babies

lilymhe and I’m his favorite golfer??? 🥺

susie_wolff jack approved!!

lilymhe yasss

alex_albon not fair 🩷 you’re the only golfer he knows

yourinsta no heart emoji for lily allowed in my comment section, albon

alex_albon where’s oscar 🤦‍♂️

oscarpiastri

liked by landonorris, mclaren, and 871,627 others

oscarpiastri track n’ media day, thank you! 👊🧡

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mclaren my favorite rookies (couple) 🧡

mercedesamgf1 OUR favorite rookies

username admins, please give us more ynos content 😩

mclaren mercedes collab when??

mercedes let me bring this to toto 🤞

username #prayforoscar

landonorris was it my camera or daniel’s?? 😒

yourinsta you’re forgetting that also have one, just admit that you’re jealous 😗

landonorris never 😎

danielricciardo i would like to be excluded from this narrative

yourinsta okay, but only because you’ve asked nicely (and you’re my honey badger) 🫶

lilymhe anyone having trouble distinguishing yn and oscar’s instagram?? 🤭

logansargeant there are two accounts??

oscarpiastri sorry that you had to find out this way 🤷‍♂️

yourinsta I’m so sorry for your lost, logan

yourinsta thank you 😘

oscarpiastri ❤️

yourinsta did you get the orange juice?

oscarpiastri yes, did you get your tim tams?

yourinsta yes 🫶

landonorris there’s a thing called dm, yn

yourinsta why are you only attacking me :(

yourinsta

liked by susie_wolff, georgerussell63 and 618,815 others

yourinsta she’s everything, and he’s just a boss 🤷‍♀️ love you susieeeee 🫶

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susie_wolff thank you, hon 🩷

liked by yourinsta

georgerussell63 i see, the shirt has gained popularity

yourinsta would you like my shirt, russell?

georgerussell63 no, thank you. give it to oscar, maybe he’ll wear it

landonorris he won’t take it off for 3 days already 😨

yourinsta send pics please landonorris 🤭

georgerussell63

liked by mercedesamgf1, alex_albon and 736,929 others

georgerussell63 you can’t have them anymore 👊 yourinsta

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yourinsta please. you can have them, except oscar :(

logansargeant GIVE HIM BACK!! 🗣

yourinsta thank! you!

landonorris i thought i was your friend, ynn

yourinsta okay…I’ll have lando back too (cause Zak will be mad)

lilymhe no harassing my girl 😠

yourinsta thank you, girls’ girllll 🫶

lilymhe you’re welcomee 🩷

alex_albon are you asking for me back?

lilymhe maybe? (Yessss 😘)

landonorris mate, when is someone asking for me back?

carlossainz55 i can come and get you, lando

landonorris god help me 😭

username george held oscar captive cause he is actually protective of yn and can’t accept that he can’t let her go easily. period.

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username you are delulu girl

username delulu is the solulu, ask charles about ferrari

username YOU DID NOT 😭

username george liked! I repeat, george liked!!!

yourinsta’s story

reply

mclaren

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mclaren pstt, driver(s) of the day post 👊🧡 (hi ynnnn 👋🫶)

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username not mclaren’s admin being obsessed with yn 🤭

username biggest shipper of the grid spotted

yourinsta hi adminnnn😚 i think you forgot charles_leclerc

charles_leclerc i think it is on purpose 👍

landonorris I’m sorry for you loss, charles

charles_leclerc what??

I can not stop making them. lmk if y’all are bored 💀

like, reblog, inbox me, whatever if you liked it. if not, what are you even doing 🥱 jkk

today’s a great day to take care of yourself. stay hydrated!!

[catastrophic-crow]

when all is said and done ... jazz ... will ... make her siblings knock off any wold domination attempts

hmm

"Danny! Elle! You can take over the world if you want, but leave the grasslands alone!"

:P

Jon, Kon, Tim and Damian all chatting, and start musing on their various anxieties about going dark side and how they would stop each other.

Elle wanders in and only catches the last bit where Jon and Damian are referencing world domination and is just like:

Elle: Oh, are we going dark side? Who do you guys need me to fight? I can body just about anyone in the League but I'm pretty sure Batman had some tricks up his sleeve to deal with me so we'll have to account for that. I know you guys aren't gonna want to kill anyone in your families, but I'm pretty sure I could alter the nightmare dimension to be less, you know, nightmare-y while still keeping it inescapable so that's an option -

Jon: W h a t

Damian: We are not going "dark side" Nightingale...probably.

Jon: Definitely! Definitely no dark side!

Elle, relieved: Oh thank the Ancients, that was gonna be such a bummer

Tim: Jesus Christ you didn't even hesitate

Kon: You didn't even need any kind of justification. Did you just hear Jon say "take over the world" and that was all you needed???

Elle: I mean, yeah? I wouldn't be happy about it but I'm not just gonna let Jolly and Day go and take over the world without me.

Jon: I'm not sure if I should feel touched or worried...

Damian: Are you seriously saying your loyalty to us is greater than your duty to the world?

Elle: Day I would crack the universe in half and devour the souls everyone who ever so much mildly inconvenienced you two if you asked.

Tim & Kon: *fear.jpg*