#Higgs needs to HURT

[higgs-the-god]

samhiggs free use/(c)nc/whatever where Sam is the top and he doesn’t care abt Higgs being in pain bc he deserves it or whatever. Send tweet

[paperyowl]

Okay, I really need to make this into an actual story, but let me just write this idea down before I forget: Imagine Annie walking into S.W.A.T. headquarters, with all of the 20-squat (and the 50-squat) already knowing about the divorce Deacon and her are getting, but before anyone knowing about Rocker.

The team is surprised to see her - Luca even calls out a greeting which she ignores completely - and even more surprised when she walks right past them and up to Rocker, who's working on a screen in the corner - he turns to her when he sees her approach, not saying anything.

When Annie gets close enough, she slaps Rocker across the face hard enough for his head to snap to the side. Shock ripples through the room, and no one moves for long moments, too stunned to do anything.

Rocker hardly even reacts, standing very still and keeping his face blank even as he looks back at her. That only makes her angry - she moves as if to slap him again, but Deacon catches her wrist with a furious glance - he all but drags her to the break room.

He kind of hears Rocker respond to Luca behind him, "It's all good. I'm going to get cleaned up", but the flat tone makes Deacon's heart clench and something furious roars in his chest.

Annie stumbles behind him. He only lets Annie go when the door closes behind them. Annie has tears in her eyes.

"Him?" she asks, voice small. "Why him?"

And Deacon has so many responses for that, but all he can think about is how she just went and assaulted Rocker, how they are both so far off the rails now - and when did this happen?

He still loves her. He does.

But this.

"Leave him out of this."

"How can I, when-"

"Annie, "the shape of her name was sharp in his mouth. Cutting. "Do you understand what you just did? "

"I slapped the man who-"

"You attacked an officer. "

Annie stilled for a moment. "I didn't. "

"Yes, you did. Do you understand that he can get you arrested for that? "

She splutters, and then her face does something complicated—and Annie is just so hurt after everything, and maybe Deacon should have tried harder. Except he'd tried so hard—for so long—Rocker hadn't been the reason for his decision—not by a long shot.

But he's all the reason that Deacon aches now, and he desperately needs to check on him.

"Stay here. Please, "Deacon pleads with Annie. "I'll be right back. "

And there is love between them still because Annie nodded and looked almost ashamed about the whole thing. She apologizes, and even if it means nothing to Deacon right then, he nods (if she's slapped him, that would have been understandable- but Rocker doesn't deserve this.)

When he walks out, Deacon passes Hondo but no one else, and thank god for that everyone else is back at work. Hondo points him down the hall to the bathroom in the back. Deacon thanks him and goes before Hondo can say anything else - but Deacon is sure he hasn't heard the last of that.

When he steps into the bathroom, Rocker looks up, meeting Deacon's eyes in the mirror. Deacon can't read the first expression on his face, but it melts away too quickly for him to focus on it.

What he can focus on is the way that Rocker looks: His cheek is red, and there is a line of split skin just below his eye like a nail had caught him. When Rocker spits into the sink, it is bloody. That fact startles Deacon, but it's not a lot - it's more spit than blood, even if there should be none at all.

"Oh good, "Luca says - because they wouldn't leave Rocker alone, so Luca followed him - leaning against the wall. Descon jumps a little. He hadn't even seen him there.

"Will you finally leave now?" Rocker snarks at Luca - but Luca barely acknowledges his tone.

"Higgs told him to get cleaned up and go home, "Luca tells Deacon. "Hondo told me to let you know you're off for the rest of the day, too. So unless Rocker wants to put in a formal complaint-"

"oh my god, how often do I have to say it? I won't, " Rocker gripes. "and don't talk about me like I'm not right here."

"I wouldn't if you would actually talk to me," Luca tells him, and towards Descon, he says: "Where's Annie? I'll take her home if you take care of this one. "

"I'm fine-"

"Break room. I will. Thank you, Luca. "

Luca nods and pats Descons shoulder on his way out.

"Did you tell him? "Rocker asks when Luca is out of earshot. There is such tension between them now because this is not a great situation for either of them.

"No. But he's Swat, he can connect the dots. "

Rocker breathes and spits into the sink again.

"Are you-"

"Bit my cheek. I'm fine." and after a beat, "She didn't get my eyes or anything. Didn't even hit that hard."

Deacon is certain that Rocker doesn't notice what his words just gave away, what they implied. But he wasn't going to comment on it right then.

Deacon moves to cross the distance between them. When he put a hand on Rocker's shoulder, he tensed him.

"Let me get you cleaned up. I'll take you home. "

Rocker shakes his head.

"‚No' to getting cleaned up? Or to go home? Or both? "

There is a moment of silence - and then Rocker finally turns, looking at Deacon. There is something in his eyes that makes Deacon feel cold all over. But he can't quite understand it.

"Can you leave?" Rocker asks, voice thin. "I'm really okay. I need a minute."

(Because, really, how does Rocker explain this to anyone?)

He doesn't sound okay.

Deacon hesitates by the door. Rocker sighs. And it is funny because it seems that for all his closed-mouth approach to so many things in his life, everything hidden behind that boisterous exterior, it is actually Rocker who found the compromise for them here.

(An awful compromise, but still, he isn't sending Deacon away for good, only for the moment.)

"Give me two hours to get my second briefed, go home and take a shower. Come over sometime after 5?"

"I'll be there at 5."

"Yeah, alright."

[mxrcusflint]

some old flintwood wip

i know where home is flintwood my beloved

Marcus had spent the better part of the past six years making up for the brunt of his father’s sins, and then the added weight of his own. It was a thankless job. It didn’t matter that he’d never cast an Unforgivable, or that he’d kept his head down — people still cut a wide berth around him, and he preferred it that way. If he barely said ten sentences a day, if he retreated back to his flat after every day, ate a dinner hastily cobbled together, and spent the night with his knuckles wrapped, then it was for the best.

He’d cut everything off with Wood a year before the brunt of the war, before the worst of his moral failings. It was hard, at the end of it all, not to look at Wood and detest his goodness, his rising star, the naive innocence of an unburdened bloodline. At twenty-one, Wood had been summoned to first string and the pitch had fallen in love. Scotland had made it a known bet that they’d be knocking on Wood’s window for the regional team once the World Cup came back around. It was on the eve of that dinner meeting that Marcus had called everything off. He’d justified it — they’d been contentious bed mates at most, sparring rivals at best, meeting with no particular cadence to fall into bed together. 

Marcus was smart enough to know that whatever similarities they had, the core shade of their beings was different. 

And so. The war. 

He had nightmares often — of blue-black woods, of snaps and running so hard his chest hurt. There was a small subset of people Marcus had ever held in high esteem, and they’d splintered, one by one. Bole, Higgs, Warrington, Derrick, Urqhart: Snatcher, casualty, marked, killed in action, marked. It had become a horribly easy list to recite. Slytherins of their age didn’t make it out often.

The Flint name had long fallen from grace, that much was clear. His father, his older brother — two marked wizards who’d died in the war. Marcus couldn’t hold space for that. He had a business to run, and that was all he could think about without losing it. 

If it weren’t for Montague, he’d have never come to a Puddlemere game. They were the last two strongholds of their old team, and he’d conceded because he’d seen the empty space over Montague’s shoulder where Cassius should��ve been, and after that he’d been unable to say no.

He hadn’t thought all of it through, to be frank. He couldn’t pay attention to anything else; not the roar of the crowd, nor the referee’s contentious calls — Wood was glowing, brilliant in front of the hoops. Marcus couldn’t tell what was worse: the deep, deep jealousy for the first stringers, or the ache of watching Oliver at his best. 

The quaffle finally flew from a Ballycastle player’s hand to get past Wood’s outstretched fingers. 

“Good contenders for the cup, yeah?”

Marcus merely nodded at Montague’s statement, too occupied with how the familiar stubborn, frustrating tilt to Wood’s mouth made him claustrophobic.

Wood had gotten better since the last time Marcus had seen him play — a scrimmage between Puddlemere and Falmouth that still surfaced in his memory no matter how much he steeled himself against it.

“They’re probably going to get beaten out by Tutshill,” Montague continued, voice filled with longing, “But their chaser line is looking strong.”

Montague could no longer play, not after war injuries and a trip down a Vanishing cabinet, but he was an avid enough watcher that they traded observations and statistics over a meal on occasion. Marcus kept an arms-distance between himself and most people who’d known him, but it was hard to say no to Graham, not when he still struggled with recalling memories, things that Marcus knew he should’ve remembered cold.

(Winning the Quidditch cup, being made Prefect, the odd crushing disappointment that plagued them all when Warrington hadn’t been selected for the Triwizard’s cup.)

Puddlemere won in a landslide, which they needed. They were trailing Tutshill and Ballycastle by 100 points and the season was drawing to a close. Marcus allowed himself a moment to appreciate the sight of Wood in the middle of a dogpile of happy Puddlemere players, before excusing himself from Montague. There was no point in lingering in the stands, and both men knew that they would see each other at some point anyways — pureblood circles ran small nowadays. No point in causing public concern over gatherings when it was easier to lay low.

The impulse to dive into the inner labyrinth of the pitch grounds was one that Marcus didn’t try hard to fight. He rarely got energy like this where he lived. The sheer amount of adrenaline was enough to make anyone dizzy. Post-matches were a gaggle of players, of staff and press junkets, and he was one of many, many bodies weaving in and out. He allowed himself to drink in the bustle, the hum of excitement from Puddlemere supporters, and it was a nice contrast to the quiet of the shop.  

It was, in hindsight, an idiotic idea, because —

“Flint?”

It was a voice that plagued him in his sleep, one he’d held onto during the deepest, darkest winter months during the war. Marcus would know it anywhere. He had never wanted to hear it again. 

Wood had the trained reflexes of a professional Keeper, and so his hand was already on Marcus�� shoulder by the time he’d made up his mind to walk away. There was nothing else to do but turn around and face the man. 

“Good game,” Marcus said, and he shut his mouth before anything else could escape. There was likely nothing coherent he had to say, because this was the closest he’d been to Wood in three years, and he’d never been able to rid himself of this weak spot. 

“Thanks,” Wood said in a carefully neutral tone, “I never expected to see you at a Puddlemere game.” 

It wasn’t a direct attack, but Wood’s eyes were cool, appraising. Even when they weren’t strangers, Marcus made it a point not to attend, albeit for different reasons. 

“Montague wanted to,” Marcus replied. He didn’t elaborate; Wood didn’t need to know that for some odd reason, Warrington had had a soft spot for the middling team. 

“I see,” Wood said, though his tone of voice indicated that he didn’t, not really. “Well. What did you think?”

Marcus shrugged and made a non-commital noise. 

Wood stared at him for a beat, before scoffing. “Man of few words still, huh?”

“I’ll be heading out then,” Marcus said, though it came out more harshly than he’d wanted it to, on account of his words getting stuck in his throat. 

“Sure,” Wood said, and he released his hold on Marcus’ shoulder. Marcus took the opportunity to hightail out of the stadium, and though he managed to apparate back to his flat without splinching himself, he didn’t manage to shake off the phantom touch of Oliver’s hand for the rest of the night.

[mcgnagallsarmy]

Top 10 Nick x Charlie fics I’ve read (Dec 2024)

forever and a day by flannelfeelings [T]

“Have I hurt you?” he gasps out, though he’s unable to release his grip. Charlie looks down at their intertwined hands, managing a small, humorless chuckle. “You’re absolutely mad, Nelson. You’ve got a broken ankle and you’re worried about holding my hand too hard?” (Nick gets injured during a rugby game when Charlie comes to visit for the weekend- fluff caretaking ensues)

Hurry Home by L56895 [T]

Nick Nelson is just trying to get home to his mum for Christmas. Unfortunately, he seems to be infuriating an attractive stranger every step of the way.

Narlie Waves by waveofyou [E]

A Heartstopper California AU where Nick (31) and the HS crew we know and love live in SoCal. Charlie (29) leaves his London office to work in San Diego for a year. Nellie makes a new puppy bestie. Nick is adorable teaching little first graders. Charlie looks hot playing the drums. Nick looks hot surfing. They…ahem…enjoy Nick’s pool…and shower…and balcony. The boys weirdly get snowed in at one point. In Southern California, go figure. Nick helps Charlie see that he's deserving of big, loud love from a certain golden retriever person. Charlie helps Nick to trust that his love is not conditional, that he's safe to fully express himself. A leaves falling, flower petals swirling story of queer love with a spectacular ocean view 🍂🌊🍂 ⚠️ This is NOT a slow burn. They feel the spark, follow it and make fire Any explicit sections are denoted with “🍂🔥🍂” Any triggering flashback, panic attack or detailed eating disorder moments with “🍂⚠️🍂” …so they can be skipped and the story still enjoyed- I’ve written it so no major plot is lost by skipping these sections 🫶🏻 Alternates between Charlie and Nick POV ♥️

Rugby Lad by sophisticatedyet [T]

Charlie thinks agreeing to join the Truham rugby team at the request of Mrs Singh is possibly the worst decision he’s ever made. Then Nick Nelson, the St John’s fly half, sweeps him off his feet (literally) and Charlie decides maybe rugby isn’t so bad. AKA: the Charlie and Nick are on rival rugby teams AU.

Speak my language by aprms [T]

Charlie is hopelessly in love with his best friend. He’s also not very good at picking up on hints. Four times Nick shows Charlie he loves him, and one time Charlie returns the favour. A love letter to love languages. Will be posting every day in the run up to Valentine's Day. ❤️

under the mistletoe by thetomkatwholived [T]

“And what exactly does me being nice to you entail in this context?” “Stay by my side the rest of the night. Go where I go. Can’t get me alone under the mistletoe if I’m never alone!” Nick grinned with pride, as if he had devised a foolproof plan. “So no different than what you two would have done anyway?” Tara smirked knowingly, and Charlie avoided her gaze. Or, Nick has to spend the party avoiding Higgs girls under the mistletoe, and Charlie has to spend the party pretending he doesn’t want to meet Nick under that same mistletoe.

you are the best thing in my life by kaalee [M]

It's Friday, Nick's mum is out, and the boys need a shower. Domestic things happen, the power goes out, they are very naked together, and they discover that they might have the best relationship ever.

What About Charlie? by properrugbynerd [T]

Nick Nelson has spent over half of his life being Charlie Spring’s best friend, and nearly just as long being prodded about Charlie’s love life. What happens when someone asks Nick if he will set him up with Charlie?

wherever i end up (with you in my arms) by kissmeinnewyork [T]

“Honestly,” Nick says, dumbfounded, “It’s like I’ve never been home alone before.” Charlie raises a bemused eyebrow. “Well.” Nick corrects himself, a little sheepish, handing him a piece of crumpled notepaper. “Home parentless, then, if we’re getting technical about it.” When Sarah goes on holiday, Nick and Charlie are left to play house. (A story about house rules, rom-coms, invisible strings and Charlie being Sarah's favourite son).

Wish You'd See You How I See You by CarleyT [E]

Nick has been having a hard time lately accepting compliments and believing he's deserving of the same love and care he gives to others. Charlie needs his boyfriend to see how wonderful he truly is.

[soothinglee]

intoxicated romance in paris

summary: after taras party, everyone left leaving you drunk and very sleepy, luckily someone came in to check on you on a beautiful night in paris.

warnings: mentions of being sick, drunk-heavy-ish fic.

authors note: sorry i've been gone for a little bit, school started and ive been busy- plus i've had little motivation. but i am back! i have another tao request coming up so hopefully i'll have that done by the weekend. requests are open!ಇ

inspiration: impossible - wasia project | time machine - willow

pairing: tao xu x reader (no pronouns specified. though reader is mentioned to go to higgs.)

masterlist | request

you could honestly kill darcy right now. it’s not like she did anything intentionally illegal but stealing a bottle of vodka and pouring it down each party goers throat; it catered to the massive headache stirring in your head.

everyone had departed to mr. ajays room to take care of her after she felt sick. you lay limp and alone in the hotel room. party streamers and confetti lie around your body like an outline, balloon slowly fall to the ground after hours of stillness and lack of oxygen. there was a soft purple glow of the beautiful paris street lights from below, and you can faintly hear the honking of cars on the road- all going to unique locations.

as much as you tried to roll over to check the time on your phone you find yourself still. fatigue from exhaustion creek in your bones, making the nauseous feeling creeping up push forward. at the sudden sickness you throw yourself forward and try to stabilize yourself on the knitted sheets.

behind the thoughts of trying to keep the sick in you didn't even realize that someone had knocked on the door until that person had turned the handle with a click, the noise echoing throughout the empty room.

"hello hello?" the voice called out, growing nearer. when there was no response they speak again, "hello?"

the only response you could give back was a disgruntled grunt.

"[y/n]?" the boys voice questions, rounding the corner of the entrance way to see you hunched over ontop of the bed. you hadn't known but your hair was sticking up in several places and the crocheted sweater that you wore was hanging off your shoulder on one side. he huffs out a laugh and nears you. "you alright?"

again a grunt.

he lays his phone on the nightstand next to the bed and kneels down next to you, "you look sick, did you drink too much?"

"i'm going to hurt darcy, respectfully." the words come out in broken pieces, but behind the words was a little lighthearted humor. deep down you knew she meant well but oh my god this feeling is gross.

"well don't hurt her too much, she already got sick in mr. farouks' bed. the look on his face could've killed her alone." tao shakes his head at the thought and reaches up to smooth down the back of your head. the feeling of his hand on your hair ignited something warm in you.

you decided it was just because you were drunk.

"did she actually?"

"oh yeah," he laughs lightly and goes to fix your clothes, "she looked like she was going to pee herself, he kicked all of them out."

confusion passes over you, "then where are they?" you were still in their rooms and it's been a good 30 minutes since they last were here.

tao hums and picks at his nails, "they decided to have a sleep over in imogens room, she's only with one other person but her roommate wanted to hangout in her friends room for the night."

you nod and look off but then direct your attention back to him, "wait," you watch as he glances at you then diverts his attention back to his hands, "then why are you here?"

as a reminder, tao jerks up and starts throwing around blankets and items on the other nightstand in a haphazard manner, "oh- yeah, well um- tara had asked me to come back and look for her phone because she needed to text her mom goodnight," he then adds a "yeah." at the end as if he's trying to convince himself of his own words.

while you watch him practically destroy the room your face goes blank with realization, "tao." he hums in acknowledgment but his movements don't cease, "taras' phone isn't in here, she took it with her when she left the party with everyone. and even if you called it it would've rang on this bed," you make your point by slamming a finger into the sheets, "because this is where she was sitting all night."

as if being caught red-handed, tao slowly stands up, the pillow falling from his hands slowly, "oh." was the only thing that came out.

pushing past the fatigue you swing your legs over the edge of the bed so your feet was mere inches from his legs, "so tell me the truth," you huffs out a short breath, "why are you really here? was it to check up on me?" you remark sarcastically. you know it's probably not the truth but hope dances on your tongue tastefully.

quite surprisingly, he nods his head. "i knew you were alone so i figured i'd check in, make sure you didn't spit up on yourself or something." in other words, i cared enough to go out of my way away from the others to make sure you weren't dead.

again, another wave of confusion, "but why?"

tao groans playfully and body flops on the bed, his hair splayed out around his head like a halo, "why are you so coherent, you're supposed to be drunk!"

a slurred giggle escapes you, "oh trust me, i feel just as bad as i look. i just didn't have as much as the other." you pause and hiccup, "can i ask another question?"

"[y/n]-? and i mean this lightheartedly, all you do is ask questions." but he makes a gesture with his hands as if to give the go ahead.

you lean in and whisper, "why are you still here?" a playful smile twitches at your lips. he lifts his head up to look at you, his hair falling in his eyes.

tao rolls his eyes and copy's your position, the beds were close to eachother so the two of you were inches from touching knees. he takes a look at you and you cower a little under his gaze, but not too much. tao goes to speak but stops himself, you lightly kick his leg in encouragement, "because i want to be near you."

that nearly winds you- feeling a little appreciation for being intoxicated because without it as a cover the red huge on your cheeks would be a give away.

you look away from him and towards the balcony, the door open to it let a soft breeze float through the room. you suddenly want to be out there. so without a response towards his comment you reach out your arms towards tao and silently point towards the doors.

he seems a little sad at the conversation change but obliges, "what? you want to go outside?"

you nod feeling a little sicker than before, "wanna see the Eiffel Tower." he nods and takes your hands in his, gently hoisting you up into his arms. his warm body heat makes you feel sleepy, and the over whelming feelings all at once doesn't even let you register that you were holding his hands, let alone in his arms.

slowly but surely he turns you around so your back is to his chest and he carries you on his toes to the balcony. it takes a while because every step he takes you loose your balance and have to regain it.

as you take a step outside a wave of fresh dew air hits you and at the feeling you close your eyes and lean back into tao. he chuckles at the action.

being outside at night, being in paris- an unfamiliar but welcoming presence, being with, no, against tao, especially alone for the first time in the 6 years you've been friends, this could be the best night ever.

the feeling is all too sentimental, whether it's the alcohol doing it's damage or being in the city of love you can't help but sigh and look up at tao with big bright eyes. it takes him a moment because like you too, he was watching the city come alive, and as you make eye contact he smiles with hesitancy, "what?"

it had been clear as day for the longest time but for some reason, right here right now, despite what everyone has been telling you, you had liked him too. it just took you now to figure it out. you lean against him once more and let out a deep sigh,

"i like being near you too."

thanks for readingಇ

[wintrsss]

『S/O with High Level DOOMs』

Fandom: Death Stranding.

Characters: Sam, Higgs, Cliff.

Request: Can you maybe do Headcannons for a reader with high level DOOMS? Like sometimes just forgetting that (other then higgs) their S/O doesn't have DOOMS like they do? Not in like a dangerous situation but more like teleporting behind them and scaring them accidentally. How would they react and so on with things that just come with being a high level?

Genre: Fluff, Headcanon.

Warnings: None. Reader is gender neutral!

A/N: I'm sure you only wanted Sam and Higgs, but I included Cliff bc I love him <3 let's pretend he knows abt DOOMs

Requests open!

.ೃ࿐

-

Sam Porter Bridges

You'll scare the hell outta him if you teleport without letting him know about it, but with how reticent he is, you probably wouldn't notice

He only knows a handful of people who have DOOMs and only two can teleport, it's rare for him to see one who can. Can't blame him for getting a little alarmed

He is more than happy to pass you some spare cryptobiotes in the case you getting tired from teleporting. You clearly need them more than he does

He will get a little worried once you tell him you're at a high level, with all the repercussions it has, but other than that, he won't dwell on it too much

Sam isn't very good at dealing with emotional problems, but he is a good listener. If you need an ear to talk to about those nightmares, he'll stay quietly at your side. Sometimes he'll say some things that Amelie told him to make him feel better, hoping they'll help you too

He'd rather you not resort to any sort of violence unless it's self defense; there's no need for it. But hey, if you really wanna let off some steam, you should do it to the MULEs or something to clear the area for future porters. Do some good with it at least, right?

-

Higgs Monaghan

Half of him is excited to see you at a higher level like he is, the other half wants to show his superiority to you in every way

Sure, you can teleport like he can, but can you control BTs? Nuh uh, didn't think so

So yeah, with the many times he tries to brush aside your dooms abilities as less than par (compared to him), he's totally forgotten at least once

But after the first scare, you wont get him again! That's a promise!

With nightmares however, he may not understand your fear in them, seeing as he's already accepted mass extinction. He'll probably just tell you to go back to sleep without any thought

But if he sees you really shook from it, he'll at least try to comfort you, but it'll end up seeming really half-assed; he's just not used to cheering people up

Higgs isn't gonna be the one to dissuade you from any violent urges you may experience with DOOMs, in fact he's going to fuel the fire and encourage you to act upon these thoughts. Only thing he draws the line at is you hurting yourself

-

Cliff Unger

I would not advise trying to scare him with your teleporting because you WILL get put to the ground

He wasn't an army captain for no reason, his reflexes undoubtedly prove that

But with how tired you get from doing that, Cliff strongly advises you to not use it so often, especially if it's for your own pleasure of getting a reaction out of him

You having DOOMs fascinates him, he'd love to learn more if you're willing to tell him about it

He can empathize to an extent on the nightmares you receive from this condition, having had plenty of his own in the past, he'll do his best to try to comfort you during the bad ones, rubbing your back and whispering soft affirmations to you

He knows he doesn't have to, but he likes to wipe away your chiral tears

Cliff doesn't want you following the same path of destruction he's gone to, so he'll keep on eye out in any changes in your behavior so that he can help in any way he can

[little-red-fool]

Out of curiosity what do you think about the idea of Higgs thinking he is just hallucinating DS2? He seems too calm for someone who was put into a second forced isolation.

I don’t see why it wouldn’t be possible. To be honest I’m not that surprised that he seems quite calm in the second game despite his circumstances, given his childhood he’d probably be used to isolation, and whilst he could probably panic about having to go through it again when he’s finally got his freedom, it would also make sense if he didn’t have much of a reaction at all—he might be completely desensitised to it.

I can’t lie my interpretation of it is that he could have actually found peace at the Beach. Whilst he would (likely) be isolated, it’s not the same kind of isolation he experienced in his childhood—when he was younger he was beaten and trapped in a small, dark bunker with his uncle, he was staring at the same four walls for years and years, whereas on the Beach he’s got the peace of (probably) being the only person there, he doesn’t need to fear getting hurt again, and this time he can roam where he wants. Whilst I don’t know how big the Beach is exactly, based off what we see after his boss fight when we’re with Amelie it looks quite sizeable so it looks like you can wander for a while at least. Sam was also trapped on the Beach for ages and he seemed to be mostly fine after he was rescued, so maybe it’s a similar situation for Higgs too. Whilst a lot of people can find isolation quite stressful or upsetting, it’s possible that Higgs might have taken on a more hermit-like role, where his isolation was more meditative and could have actually helped his mental health, he seems quite troubled in the first game so it’s possible that his isolation gave him time to reflect and heal. Also I saw others talking about it, but his disconnection from Amelie might also play a factor in this, she no longer has control over him and he isn’t being manipulated by his Beach Baby since the others took it off him, he might be thinking clearly for the first time in years, but I expect that if that’s the case he might be carrying a lot of guilt in the second game.

Then again, Higgs�� time on the Beach might have also upset him so much that he became desensitised due to dissociation for a prolonged period of time, and he might still be in that state once he gets out of the Beach, which could explain why he seems so calm. This isn’t really evidence rather me just speculating and going off personal experience, but Higgs does seem a lot more relaxed and his voice seems a lot softer compared to the first game. Higgs’ gestures also seem smaller and less energetic than the first game: he keeps his arms closer to his body and primarily moves his hands, whereas from what I can remember in the first game he does big sweeping gestures with his arms whilst keeping his hand movements quite small and this might reflect the lack of energy and the heavy leaden feeling you might get in your limbs with dissociation, which could mean nothing but I’m going to overanalyse everything because it’s fun.

Final slightly more boring interpretation, but Death Stranding 2 looks like it’s going to play a lot on opposites and inverses, like a lot of themes are going to be flipped from the first game, and in the first game Higgs is quite energetic, dramatic, talkative, and competitive so maybe his calmness and friendliness(?) in the second game could symbolise his growth as a person and how he’s going to take on a different role in this game, instead of being the main antagonist he could be a main ally. For me Higgs’ newfound calmness seems likely to be a mixture of my first point and this one, but we can’t really be certain until the game comes out, so there isn’t really any right or wrong interpretation. So whilst hallucination isn’t really how I interpret it, I understand why it might be your interpretation, but either way I hope this was an ok answer.

[a-sociopath-do-your-research]

Hey you should talk about twinsduo

YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU STARTED IM CURRENTLY SICK AND I GET 200% MORE INSANE ABOUT THEM WHEN SICK.

Where do I start.

Ok so to me/in my main au (higgs field au) they're brothers - not bio brothers but they look pretty much the same so can easily pass as such.

Wilbur found techno when they were like 13, hurt and scared and basically went "dad I'm gonna keep him" and he did (Tommy was also there but shhh this is a Twinsduo post)

To me they used to be really close when younger - if we follow the higgs field au Will basically saved Techno's life - until an argument about- [spoilers for something I'm working on] happened and they broke apart and it hurt them both SO much.

Wilbur was in the wrong in said argument so he blames himself and Techno, even though he still cared, can't fully forgive him for what he did and it's tearing them apart from the inside.

Also they were so!!! Clingy!!!!

To me both of them are clingy guys but are really awkward about being clingy so when they found out about the other's need for affection they kinda glued to each other (clingy duo copied them a lot and this is a whole other thing I can talk about-)

They were idiots also (affectionate)

Got into fights every other day and worried Phil so so much but also as long as they were together they never got really hurt cause they knew the other was there to help (which made them reckless when eventually they cut contact cause they kept forgetting the other wasn't there.)

ALSO!!!! Techno has a piglin form and keeps it throughout the dsmp cause he can't stand to look in the mirror and see Wilbur look back.

Similarly, Wilbur keeps his hair short, even though he used to have it long, cause he couldn't look in the mirror anymore without seeing Techno starting back hating him like he hates himself.

I could keep going but this is getting pretty long dear God can you tell I have autism

[lord-rodentia]

Godot 3.0 or RPG Maker VX Ace (depending on what works with me more.) -engines.

Anyways, along with said update on the project, here's the character stuff (so far) as well as enemies. Some references need to be digitalized and/or redone, I will update this post if I do manage to do so.

Character stuff under cut (body horror/partial nudity warning for enemies.)

Qixi and Itash (Leaving their last names out to not spoil surprises.)

[Names recognizable from my Become the Hunted project]

Default and P.E.D. (images need a remake)

Itash is the lovely with brown hair, she is the optimistic one and she's also the one with the most combat compared to her brother. (Scales are included)

Qixi is the darling with the Chozo traits, he is more cold and calculative, he has the least combat compared to his sister with the exception of the endgame portion of the game. (He has a mechanic called Enragement, he gets a major boost in all stats. It is only activated with his sister during the fight against Zupolith [antagonist].)

Halé'ethé Almbügia and Victoria Higgs.

Halé'ethé is of course, the Kriken. She is the faster one (only with her stabilizers) and she has more combat than Victoria, she is also supposed to be cynical.

Victoria on the other hand is the lovely with the super cutesy design, she cannot protect herself outside of the endgame portion where she finds herself a weapon. If she were to get hurt, a mechanic should be that she auto heals (Medic perc.)

Aeres Felliatrez and Juniper Bugless (Needs digitalization and design update.)

Juniper Bugless is the Luminoth hybrid, she is unusually clever and she often teases other characters for not knowing what to do or that the other character is overreacting. She's stealth based and she should have a special minigame tied to her ability to hack into things.

Aeres Felliatrez is the one with the arm canon, he was once a hunter and he couldn't bear to part with his weapon so he replaced an entire arm with it. He's paranoid and he often acts on impulse, he has a more combat based run.

Enemies

These will appear throughout the game, some are run exclusive.

One of them should instantly be recognizable since I showed him off, Qixi. The reason? A log should say it, I'm not spoiling my own project :)

A bunch are actually based on the Hunters from Prime Hunters, the reason? Yes.

Some folks might not even make it in the game.

Zupolith is the one in the bottom right side, should be the biggest drawing. I have to remake his reference image however because I no longer have the idea I had before involving him and the lovely lass in the center (Ra'agna).

[jeanmoreausautismstickers]

hello I absolutely adore Imogen as a character and I'd like to talk about her a bit.

CW: Heartstopper spoilers for seasons 1 and 2

okay so Imogen's character's really interesting to me in the way that she sort of parallels Nick (mostly in season 2 but a bit in season 1 also).

in season 1, she's shown to be more popular. she's good friends with Nick and most of the rugby players and I'd assume probably has many friends at Higgs also. I see her depicted as a 'bad' person (more before season 2 was released than after) simply because she's one of Nick's love interests and it's odd to me?? it isn't like she really did anything wrong, excluding lying about being with Nick to Tara, Darcy and Elle. like yes sure she's friends with Harry, his lot, and later on Ben, but she's honestly not that bad. when she tells Tara and Darcy she's an ally (this is one of my favourite bits) she genuinely believes that she's doing the right thing. I'm not saying they have to be grateful or anything, but she doesn't know any better and she really is an ally.

sure, she can be a bit annoying, maybe a little overbearing but keep in mind she is sixteen years old. she has a crush, or at least she feels like she's supposed to, on a guy she's friends with. she asked HIM out, HE said yes. she didn't ambush him or anything, in fact I believe she didn't really want Harry and the rest of the group there when she asked Nick out. it wasn't her fault he felt pressured to say yes.

when Nick tells her he doesn't feel that way about her, she doesn't get angry with him or try and convince him to be. she accepts it, regardless of how much that has to hurt, and moves on. she doesn't even tell their friendship group that it's Nick's fault it didn't work out, she says SHE can do better. and she can. I love Nick, but she fully deserves someone who genuinely loves and is attracted to her as a person.

in season 2, it's shown that she's still good friends with Nick! she's moved on, she doesn't try and pressure or force him or anything. granted, the guy she develops a crush on isn't great, but she doesn't know that. when Nick tries to tell her, she (understandably) gets upset and I do not blame her. she believes Ben, the same way Charlie believed him when they started kissing and stuff, and that's not her fault. Ben is shown to be really good at manipulation.

when she ends up realising Ben sucks and hanging out with the 'Paris Squad' it's shown that she's much happier. I think my favourite part of this, however, is how close she grows with Sahar.

her breaking up with Ben was my FAVOURITE thing she's ever done it was such a good scene. it also shows how much she's grown as a person to be able to recognise she really does deserve better and needs to turn her focus back on herself.

her and Sahar help me circle back to when I said she parallels Nick because the situation is a bit similar. she and Sahar start off as friends. she believed Sahar was straight, and when she said so and Sahar got upset, you can see the confusion and panic on her face because she really does feel guilty for assuming and feeling like she's hurt Sahar, and it's shown that she follows her offscreen (showing she HAS been working on herself, btw). it's after that initial realisation that she starts looking at Sahar a bit differently.

the biggest one though is when she sees Sahar on stage (sort of like Nick with Charlie and his drums in the orchestra) and the bi flag coloured lights flash across her.

I think it just parallels nicely with Nick and Charlie's relationship because of the similarities (l cba to list them) in how their relationship began and how her's and Sahar's MIGHT begin (if we get a season 3 and thats a storyline Alice wants to pick up)

overall I think she and Nick are very similar (she also is very golden retriever ish) and she's such a good character and I'm glad she's in the show. she creates conflict (like the date in season 1 and Nick being anxious about telling her in season 2) but not so much that she can't be redeemed or loved as a person/character.

also!! I love that she did the ally to (potentially) queer person pipeline because that's a very realistic queer experience and it brings me a lot of joy to see that depicted onscreen.

dunno I've rambled enough and this honestly probably doesn't make much sense considering I've not slept but I hope you enjoyed this 🫶

[frozen-fountain]

It's ten years today since I made a pilgrimage down to Brighton to see Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds live in concert. My purpose today isn't to get into the circumstances that preceded this or the specific reasons why being there meant so very much to me; maybe some day I'll do that under this name as well. For now, suffice to say it was the best show I've been to, and one I doubt will ever be surpassed. I think the Bad Seeds were on stage for the better part of three hours, with two encores and everyone clearly having a great time, reflected just as strongly in the audience. I really hope I get to go again eventually, though it'll be a more sombre affair now. And that's fine. I've always looked on his music as a big congregation that plumbs the depths of human existence without ever denying or shutting out the light, and it's this that's struck such a resonant chord with me across the years and made him one of the most key pillars in my musical journey.

One of my most vivid memories of the night doesn't even concern what was happening on stage. The whole time, I was fascinated by the two ageing punks sitting in front of us. I love ageing punks; I was raised by one, and they're my favourite people at shows because of their sheer enthusiasm for the music and utter disregard for what's generally considered age-appropriate dress and behaviour. Deeply inspiring stuff. But I remember one of them lifting both fists in a cheer when this song (from 1986) started playing – and he did the same for Higgs Boson Blues, a track from the contemporaneous album. And I was struck by what a gift it must have been to watch this wonderful group evolve and shift over the years, to meet new songs at different stages in life, and to remain no less excited for their new creations even decades later.

It was many things, but to me, it was a thick, bold line under what I'd spent the previous year working to convince myself of as I left my youth behind me, and that this band's congregational music helped so much in drilling through my obstinate, oblivion-seeking skull: there are and always will be things worth sticking around for.

I don't know anything about this man besides what the back of his head looks like and his enthusiasm for Bad Seeds old and new. He never even turned around to look at me in turn. I highly doubt we'll ever meet again, and if we do, I'll have no way of knowing it. But I still smile every now and then when I listen to Sad Waters, or simply when my mind wanders back to the show from time to time. When I need to remember the future is unwritten and the world has a capacity for many things, and one is endless surprise. Regular readers of whatever it is I'm doing here will know my young life was not the happiest, and I expended a lot of time and energy wrestling with the desire to end it. As I write this I'm closing in on the eight-year anniversary of the last time I seriously contemplated suicide – which is something I couldn't have even dreamed about saying back in 2013. It's these experiences, these moments of connection between strangers through the shared appreciation of another stranger's artistic expression, that go along way to making this so, and I'll never forget it.

This last decade has intensified a cultural shift that was gathering steam around the time of the concert. And one of many reasons I feel conversation can be so divisive and contentious is that we're rapidly becoming more aware to how badly we can hurt one another through simply existing as we are. Whether it's the descendants of colonisers reckoning with the ways we continue to benefit from that bloody history, or men being pushed to evaluate the allowances they are granted to take up space persistently denied women, or any of us learning the benefits of initiating awkward conversations about boundaries in our interpersonal lives, what is bit by bit rising to the surface of our awareness is how easy it is to become a bad story in someone's life just by being people. It's a very difficult thing to come to terms with no matter who you are.

And I wanted to write this memory down and share it because, at least to me, it's a reminder that we can help one another, too, and often without trying or knowing. You don't know what you might have done for a stranger you had no idea was watching. A simple, unguarded gesture that I doubt this man thought about for so much of a second has stayed with me, cheered me, and reminded me of several crucial lessons when I most needed them. If I've learned anything in the years since it's that, simply by being you and being open with your joys, I can guarantee you're someone's good story, too. Even if you'll never know about it.

In the meantime, if you're so inclined... maybe tell me a story about a time a stranger helped you in a similar way?

[ao3feed-narlie]

The Lighter Makes A Spark But I Look Better In The Dark

read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/xNVLWG7 by stcrew Tori’s arm was on fire The jumper sleeve that was there a minute ago was completely burned away, leaving just the red skin peeking through. The agonising pain sent sparks throughout her entire body, making her shiver, even though nothing hotter had ever touched her skin. The orange flames danced on her arm, claiming it for their own. She watched it happen. Nobody did anything. Nobody ever does anything. -- Or Tori struggles with her mental health after the fire at Higgs. Words: 4409, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English Fandoms: Solitaire - Alice Oseman, Heartstopper (Webcomic) Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Categories: F/M Characters: Jane Spring, Julio Spring, Charles "Charlie" Spring (Heartstopper), Nicholas "Nick" Nelson, Victoria "Tori" Spring, Michael Holden (Solitaire), Oliver "Olly" Spring Relationships: Charles "Charlie" Spring & Victoria "Tori" Spring, Michael Holden/Victoria "Tori" Spring, Minor or Background Relationship(s), Nicholas "Nick" Nelson/Charles "Charlie" Spring Additional Tags: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD, Asexual Victoria "Tori" Spring, Autistic Victoria "Tori" Spring, Victoria "Tori" Spring Needs a Hug, Angst, Self-Harm, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Mental Health Issues, Depression, first Tori fic so its kind of ooc, Implied/Referenced Suicide read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/xNVLWG7

[savage-rhi]

Ok, I haven't kept up with troy baker, but if you don't mind me asking, what did he do to be a bad person? (I have gotten a bad feeling from him before, but could never place why, and I only know him thru kojima stuff, not interviews)

I'll still always love my boy higgs tho

(Even if i have to seperate art from the artist)

Nonny, I'm going to be real. I was very tempted to not answer this. I don't like stirring the pot. That being said, I do feel people shouldn't hold celebrities to godlike tiers so I'll share a bit of my experience. All I ask in return is to please not take my response as an invitation to pry further.

This has nothing to do with his NFT stint, the David controversy, or the Window To The Abbey/pledge music fiasco that's been circulated around the internet for the record.

I and several creators interacted with Troy during the height of the pandemic. Everybody got to know one another very well. To his credit, Troy was generous with his time. He taught us a lot about the industry, shared his experiences, and hung out with everyone like "one of the guys". This went on for about a year or so, give or take. I've had some great conversations and experiences with him myself.

There was a miscommunication between me and him at some point. This coincided with me being sick, and long story short, he hit me several times when I was already down. And I've spent the past two almost three years trying to find closure and get over it.

I don't wish him ill despite my bitching in the tags at times. I don't hate him. However, I do acknowledge he's a very flawed person, and there are things he needs to work on. I still enjoy the work he has done, but I wouldn't trust him again as an individual in confidence. He lost that.

I'm not going to pretend I'm perfect, either. I know I'm not, and I honor that, but when you've lost my trust, you've lost my trust. At the end of the day, I doubt he cares about that, and it's painful to say cause it takes a lot for me to get to this point with someone.

Does it upset me that people love the guy to death? No. Troy is talented, and I know firsthand he has the capacity for kindness when it suits him. I don't want to spit on the positive experiences people have had with him. I'd rather let his own actions speak for himself.

I'm sharing my two cents because I feel as fans--and people in general--we need to be mindful that celebrities are human. They make mistakes and can hurt us just like anybody else.

But if you can help it, don't meet your heroes.

[willowpenguinwritting]

A random Narlie short story I felt like writing.

TW//////// Self Harm and Eating disorder.

Do you ever fear that something really bad has to happen before it actually gets any attention? - By Me!!!! Not like the Taylor Swift song though. This is from Tori's perspective as I fancied a change in perspective.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --

I thought it would be a normal lunchtime. It was not one. I thought that I would eat my lunch, drink some lemonade and then go on a short walk with Micheal around the grounds and for him to comment on the bees whilst I read some Tumblr blogs.

That is not what happened.

I was sitting on a bench with Micheal next to me eating my sandwich when one of my brother Charles's friends came running over to me. It was Tara Jones. She was a very pretty girl whose first kiss happened to be my brother-in-law. I firmly believe it is not too early to say Nichalos Nelson is one day going to be my brother-in-law.

"Tori, Nick's spamming my phone with calls trying to get to you," Tara explained handing me her phone. Her girlfriend wrapped her arms around her and rocked her backwards and forwards whispering in her ear that it would all be ok.

I picked up and the first thing I heard was Nick "Tori, I need to talk to you and uh as soon as possible."

"Breathe Nick, It's all ok," I told him despite the fact my gut was screaming about Charlie at me.

I heard him inhaling and exhaling "I think Charlie is meeting Ben at Higgs right now, I don't know why but he won't answer me."

"Benjamin fucking Cornelius Hope, right Micheal and I will go have a look where he usually is and investigate."

Nick sighed "Why do you know his middle name?"

"Why don't you?" I asked.

Nick responded, "Not everyone stalks Facebook as diligently as you do Victoria."

"Micheal does."

He sighed "You too are an exception to average society."

"I am giving Tara back her phone but we will go work out what is going on.

Nick took another deep breath "Ok, let me know how it goes.I am really worried about him."

"No shit Sherlock, Bye for now Nick."

Nick breathes a Bye as I hang up.

I hand Tara her phone and death glare Micheal. "Come with me, We have some investigating to do."

"The Spoldren Spy Society is back."

I laugh "We never were official before but this is serious." I tell him as he follows me around to the front of the school. Ben is not there.

Micheal raises his eyebrows and leads me to the library. Ben's favourite meeting spot with Charlie when he was at Truham.

There they are the two boys we are looking for.

"Charlie, I just wanted to apologise." Ben stammered looking at Charlie who was glaring at him with his arms crossed.

Charlie snarled at him"Apologise for what?"

"For hurting you, I shouldn't have done it." Ben admitted. Progress in a really shitty way?

Charlie shook his head "Are you talking about the sexual assault, eating disorder or scars?"

"What eating disorder, what scars?"

Charlie laughed "Wow, you really don't seem to notice that you made me hate myself so much that this all happened," He rolled up his sleeves all of his scars clearly showing. "These ones, and the anorexia, you should have come with a disclaimer."

I find myself smiling with pride. Micheal is on facetime with Nick so he can see Charlie too.

Ben's mouth moves but no words come out. I take this as my chance.

I walk out from behind the bookshelf I was leaning against. "Wow,great job Benjamin. Now leave my brother the fuck alone." I smile at him that instantly sets him backing out of the library. Micheal comes out from his spot and hugs Charlie.

Micheal whispers to Charlie how proud he is of him whilst I sit with Micheal's phone and talk to Nick.

"Why is it always before something significantly bad happens before anyone actually pays attention?" Nick asks me.

I glance over to Micheal and Charlie who are discussing my older sister magic and then tell Nick "I don't know, why is my brother-in-law actually a golden retriever?"

Nick had taken a sip of Fanta and instantly starts spluttering, "Who said we were getting married?"

"Does it matter?" I ask

Nick looks at me still spluttering "I was not invited to my own wedding with the love of my life?"

"The love of your life? He can't actually hear you, you know." I informed him.

Nick checked his watch "Tell Char that he needs to start walking back soon as I miss him."

I told him and he instantly hugged me and Micheal and headed out of the school with us and went walking along the toad.

Micheal looked at me "Another case solved by Spoldren Spy Society?"

"If it will shut you up about it I suppose it is," I told him to which he faked elbowing me.

I heard the bell and headed inside with Micheal at my tail and started walking to the common room.

I made eye contact with Ben when we sat down and didn't break it until he pretended to talk to someone next to him.

Micheal who was next to me said "That's just creepy Tori."

"Creepy is the entire point," I told him staring at Ben some more before Micheal handed me an earphone and he started singing along to dancing queen.

That was my lunchtime. Not the same as a normal lunchtime as it was not one. I suppose that on occasion change can be a good thing. That good thing was Charlie standing up for himself. But for now until next time I will be sitting here with Micheal listening to Abba.

Spoldren Spy Society out.

Don't tell Micheal I said that.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

[atlanticcanada]

Higgs doubles down on Policy 713 review despite controversy

New Brunswick premier Blaine Higgs has kept the conversation alive surrounding his government's decision to revamp a policy on the minimum standards around the rights of LGBTQ+ students in schools.

Opposition leaders say the premier's message behind the statement is clear.

"I just felt the premier is doubling down on what he's been saying. It's harming people,” said David Coon, leader of the N.B. Green Party.

"My takeaway is that the premier has doubled down on his position,” said Susan Holt, leader of the N.B. Liberal Party.

Over the weekend, Higgs said in a social media post that Policy 713 is here to stay, but his government will edit language around access to washrooms based on gender and sports teams.

His stance has opposition leaders concerned.

"I've been hearing from constituents ever since it was uncovered that 713 was being reviewed who are concerned about the review who support 713, and I've heard from a couple of parents with trans kids who are just frantic, beside themselves scared,” Coon said. "He's a man of the 1950s really and I think was surprised by the breadth and depth of the response to his obsession with reviewing Policy 713.”

The premier’s statement recommended people reach out to their elected representative “on how they feel.”

"It makes me angry and makes me frustrated because the premier is in a position of responsibility and leadership and this is a time when he should be bringing people together and addressing peoples’ concerns and fears -- not contributing to them,” Holt said. “There are so many people reaching out because they need to understand and want to understand and are trying to understand, and I think that's where the premier should be spending his time.”

All of this back-and-forth among political leaders has sports organizations in the province watching.

Coach NB for instance says their organization provides education on inclusivity of LGBTQ+ youth.

"Language is so important of all aspects of fostering inclusive environments,” said Manon Ouellette, executive director of Coach NB. “The words we use, the actions we use hurt other people and could really affect our community or our team environment.”

Higgs has denied multiple requests from CTV Atlantic to speak about the statement or give any further update on the policy's review.

from CTV News - Atlantic https://ift.tt/NfryLKq

[gortashs-skidmark]

I need every death stranding shipper to revoke their fan card. There is too much higgs content. That bitch hurt my lady Fragile and you forgive him?? Die.