#Human Torch I'm sure he's hot.

[luveline]

hi, i’m not sure if your requests are open, forgive me if not, but i’ve been thinking about bombshell!reader and spence lately. not sure if you’ve written this already or something similar, but how about them sharing a room on a case? similar to alaska.

fem, 1k

Spencer predicted the outcome of the roommate situation fairly quickly. Ignoring whatever data he might have in his head about the team, Spencer was always going to end up sharing with you tonight, because the universe hates him, and because you quite like him. 

It's nice to be someone first choice, if nothing else. “Me and Spencer will share, obviously,” you say, holding out your hand for a keycard. 

Hotch passes it over without complaint. He doesn't have to say keep it professional, you will (ish), and he doesn't have to ask Spencer if he's okay with this arrangement. Despite endless exhausting teasing, everyone knows that you and Spencer are actually friends. Or, he thinks you are. 

You certainly feel quite friendly as you hike your bag higher up your arm and sew the other arm through his. “Let's go. I'm so tired I might fall asleep on the way there.” 

You don't look tired. Spencer struggles to understand how every emotion you wear suits you. How every time he looks at you, you're prettier. He read a book recently on human attraction, and less factual but perhaps his most strongly believed takeaway from the book was that a person grows more attracted to the person they're attracted to, like a loop, or an ouroboros snake eating its own tail, forced over and over to make the same stupid mistake. What is he doing? Does he really think this is a good idea? Is he in love with you? How couldn't he be? You walk arm in arm to a room you're going to share and you don't care that he smells sickly of arnica and deodorant mixed together. You ignore the dark circles under his eyes, dark circles you never seem to have, always so perfect, always so you. 

“This one?” you ask, coming to a stop. “Room… 108?” He takes your bag and you smile gratefully, inserting the key, and legging open the door. “Tada. Home sweet home, Dr. Reid.” 

The hotel room is small and stale. Clean, sure, but questionably, with yellowing furnishings and sparse furniture. There's a double bed, two nightstands, a cubby bathroom close to the door, and a single chair near a small free standing countertop opposite of the bed, hosting a microwave and cups with hot chocolate sachets. 

“Wow,” you say, beaming, immediately breaking for the bed. 

“Wait, wait! We have to check for bed bugs.” 

You hold your hands up in surrender. 

Spencer peels the sheets back and uses the little torch on his keychain to investigate the mattress while you sit on the floor, one leg crossed beneath you and the other stretched in front of you as you sort through your clothes. You hum as you fold a shirt cleanly and make a pleased sound that may prove to give him indigestion as you unearth your pyjamas. 

“Spencer, can I shower first? Do you mind?” 

“I don't mind.” He turns off the torch, satisfied. “Thank you. For letting me check without being annoyed.”He says the second bit quieter than he means to. 

“Why would I be annoyed?” you ask, standing up in a whirlwind of pistachio perfume. Low notes of something sweet and caramelised haunt him as you drop your hand on his shoulder. “I'm gonna shower really fast, I swear. Should we get dinner? I bet we could order something to the front desk.” 

“I'll see if they have any menus.” 

Sitting in bed with you, later, showered and fed and drinking microwaved hot chocolate from paper cups together, Spencer has a strange flash of pleasure. Talking to you, seeing you with your hair in its protective style for the night, your skin shining with lotions and serums, and to have the revelation that you really do have dark circles under your makeup, it all feels private and special. Because you're still undeniably beautiful, and you act like he's worth sharing that with. 

He feels overwhelmed, in all honesty. 

You can sense it. You do your best to calm him down. 

“Finish your drink, babe,” you say, knocking him on the thigh with your knuckles. “It was a really long day.” 

“I'm fine.” 

“Yes, you are.” You giggle at yourself. “Sorry, I'm being serious tonight, I decided.” 

“Why?” he asks, puzzled. 

“I don't want to make you uncomfortable.” 

“You don't.” 

You put your hot chocolate on the nightstand and sink back into the pillows, looking every bit a movie star as usual despite your fresh face. It's your expression, the confidence behind them, that makes you so beautiful. 

“What are you thinking?” you ask. 

He looks down into his hot chocolate, swirling the drink around and around. “You're beautiful.” 

It catches you off guard. You're quiet for too long, panic festering in his chest. 

“You are too.” You put your hand on his thigh. When he brings his haze to your face, you've closed your eyes, a small smirk playing on your lips. “Wanna brush my teeth for me?” 

“No.” You both laugh. “Sorry if that was out of the blue, before.”

“I say worse to you,” you say. “Lay down with me. We can snuggle.” 

Spencer lays down. You don't snuggle, but your hand stays pressed to the side of his thigh, and the smell of your perfume lingers despite your shower. It must've been caught in your hair. 

“It's weird,” you say, facing the ceiling, “I'm not tired anymore.” 

“It's called learned arousal.” 

Your laugh is a shock. “Oh, is it now?” 

“Not like that. Are you thinking about work? If you think about certain things while you're in bed, it starts to make it so you think about those things on instinct. You've conditioned yourself.” 

“I don't think so,” you say. “Well, maybe. Mostly I just think about you, Spence. And not like that.” You laugh again, so much laughter Spencer could conjure the sound from memory alone. “Sorry, I shouldn't have said that. I promise I'm not trying to harass you.” 

He stares at the side of your face. “I know what you mean. I think about you too.” 

“Well, good to know I'm not in this torture alone,” you say softly. 

It is the worst night's sleep of Spencer's life, but he thinks he might want to do it again. 

[just-my-latest-hyperfixation]

A mark and a promise

Written for the @steddieholidaydrabbles, day 8

Prompt: Gift

Rated: T

Tags: Fantasy AU; Fae!Eddie; Knight!Steve; Eddie Munson whump; Flirting; Sexual tension; Just a bit of mindfuckery

“Boy. Pretty boy. C’mere.” 

Steve rolls his eyes and makes a show of turning the other way. This has been going on for the better part of the night and it's getting annoying. For a few, blissful moments, silence settles over the great hall, the only sound the crackle of the torches. 

“For all that you couldn’t take your eyes off me earlier, you sure like to play coy now, sweet thing. All I ask is some company, is that-” 

Steve whirls. 

“Alright, enough,” he snaps, stomping towards the small cage. “I am a knight. My father is lord of this castle. I'm not a boy, and I'm most certainly not your sweet thing.” 

The boy in the cage regards him through dark lashes. “But you do not deny that you're pretty? Interesting.” 

Steve sputters. Despite the icy winds howling through the castle, his face feels hot all of a sudden. 

“Shut up,” he snaps. “I know what you're trying to do. You fae are all the same, clouding our minds with your sweet talk and magic. Father warned me you'd do this, I won't-” 

“Yes, yes, he's a formidable man, your father,” says the boy. He attempts to sit up straight, but stops with a wince. The cage is small, and the heavy manacles on his wrists hinder the movement. Iron, Steve knows. The only thing that will keep the fae’s magic in check. Some say its touch burns like fire for them. “What does he intend to do with me, can you at least tell me that?” 

Steve huffs. As if his father would let him in on his plans. “No idea. Send you to the royal court, probably. Gift you to the king.” 

The fae boy ducks his head to let his dark hair obscur his face. “So that more humans can gawk at me while I slowly waste away in this iron coffin? Lovely.” 

Steve doesn’t quite know what to reply, so they lapse into silence. It isn't exactly fair, he guesses. Sure, their races have been enemies for generations, but this boy doesn't look like a high fae lord or warlock. He's rather … scraggly, in fact. A thin, pale figure, dressed in a nondescript gray, pointed ears poking out from tangled hair. The only noteworthy thing about him are his eyes. Deep and dark like a winter night. The reflections of the torchlight gleam in them like stars. 

Steve thinks of how small and forlorn he looked earlier, when the hall was teeming with his father's knights. The real ones, those he takes out on his forays - not the useless son he tasks with guarding a lone prisoner in a cold and empty hall. How the fae boy sat there, head bowed and shoulders hunched, while they all taunted and laughed at him. The ground of the cage is still covered in puddles of stale beer from where they emptied their goblets over his head.

“You could always just let me go.” 

Steve flinches back to the present to find that he has grit his teeth and curled his hands into fists. The boy's eyes are still trained on him. He scoffs. 

“Nice try. Even if I wanted to, I couldn't. You think he gave me the keys?” 

Those unsettling eyes follow his gaze to the padlock on the cage. The boy's lips curl into a smile. When he speaks again, something about his voice is different. Steve can't exactly pinpoint what it is - just knows that it feels like it's seeping into his very bones. Heady, warm and tingly like the first hit of spiced wine on a frosty day. 

“Oh, but you do. You know what it feels like, after all. Being the target of their jokes. Being sneered at and looked down upon, treated like a vile and dirty thing. Like you're not worthy of sharing this world with them when it should be yours by right. You've been putting up with their vanity and their cruelty for so long, and you're dying to pay them back. To put them in their place and show them you won't be treated like-” 

“I said shut up!” 

The dagger is in his hand before Steve knows it, but instead of the boy's throat, it lodges itself in the padlock. Steve watches how it falls open, and the boy's smile goes large. 

“Very good,” he coos, lifting his shackled hands. “Now free me of these.” 

Steve is crawling inside the cage and prying at the manacles before he even thinks to disobey. 

“I'm not doing this because you told me to,” he lies. “It’s only because-” 

He never gets to finish the sentence. 

The shackles fall open, and a wave of sheer, unbridled power sweeps over him, ripping the breath right off his lips. Steve recoils, scrambling backwards out of the cage. 

The man who follows after him is so beautiful Steve is overcome by the irrational thought that he must shield his eyes or go blind, but he can't move. 

“You've made me a great gift, pretty child,” the man smiles. His long, dark curls fall around them as he bends down to cup Steve's face in soft, cold hands. His robes billow like liquid midnight, dark and black. “I'll make you one in return.” 

If his voice felt like spiced wine in his veins, his kiss is like sweet mead weighing down his limbs. Steve is powerless to resist. 

“My mark,” the man says, pecking his lips once more before pulling away. “And my promise. You've spared my life, and I shall spare yours when we meet again. Until then, I bid you farewell, my little lordling.” 

An icy gale sweeps through the hall, making the torches flicker, then die. The hall plunges into darkness.

When Steve’s eyes adjust to it, he's alone in front of the empty cage. His lips still burn with the memory of the man's kiss.

Part 2

More holiday drabbles

[dyns33]

Elastic heart

Sooo let me be one of the first to write about Pedro Pascal!Reed Richards / Mister Fantastic because of course I had to write about him, even if the movie is not even out yet.

It was like a dream come true when Y/N received the email congratulating her because she had been selected to become Doctor Richards' assistant.

Everyone knew about the Fantastic 4, a group of heroes who protected the Earth from all threats, with Mister Fantastic, the Invisible Woman, the Human Torch and the Thing.

In addition to his activities as a protector of humanity, Doctor Reed Richards continued his research in physics and engineering.

Although he was considered the smartest man in the world, he seemed to have difficulty organizing his schedule and his notes, deciding to post an ad to find an assistant who would help him not end up crushed by a mountain of unclassified files.

Many candidates had applied, including Y/N. She didn't understand half of what Dr. Richards was talking about during the interview as he explained his current work, but she listened intently, finding it wonderful and fascinating that he was so invested in his work.

He had clearly noticed her listening skills. He had also liked that she didn't ask him any questions that weren't related to the position, that she took notes, and that she really tried to retain as much information as possible.

"I'm not going to ask you to solve the mysteries of the universe with me. Of course, if you said a theory that helped me solve the mysteries of the universe, I would mention your name. But you must especially remind me of my appointments, that I have to eat sometimes, update my research results, that sort of thing."

"No problem, Dr. Richards."

"Oh, no. Reed, please. Dr. Richards was my father." he said with a huge smile.

The first few days, Y/N was a little afraid of not being up to the task, or that he would ask too much, without ever paying attention to her.

But Doctor Richards was very attentive. Not only did he thank her or congratulate her for her good work, always happy to find hot coffee on her perfectly tidy desk or to hear her ask a question that would point him in the right direction, but sometimes he was even the one who took care of her.

"No. I'll take that."

"But Doc… Reed, I have to finish sorting these documents."

"I'm pretty sure it can wait until tomorrow. You should have been home two hours ago, you haven't eaten anything this afternoon. Don't deny it, I saw you with your energy drink. It's late, you were perfect, go get some rest."

"Only if you go too."

"… You got me. Deal."

Really, Reed Richards was a charming man. Too charming, no doubt, and Y/N quickly realized that she liked her boss a little too much.

It was never a good idea to mix feelings and work, but above all he was not free. When it was not her who reprimanded him for not taking care of his vital needs, Susan Storm appeared in the office sighing, pulling him by the arm and declaring that they were going out to lunch.

Like a celebrity couple, the newspapers were always trying to take pictures of them and spread their private life. So they rarely happened to be seen together outside of missions.

But Y/N saw them every day, and she couldn't deny that they looked perfect for each other.

So she had swallowed her ridiculous love, focusing on her work, while being unable not to smile stupidly every time Doctor Richards spoke to her.

If he hadn't seen it, it was obviously not the case for the rest of the group of heroes, Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm, who often made fun of her in a more or less hidden way.

"Wow, nice meal box Reed."

"Homemade by my lovely assistant. She's so helpful, so kind. I'm really lucky."

"Yeah, that's for sure."

"You're only jealous because I have cookies and you don't !"

Since he was the smartest man in the world, Y/N still wondered if he didn't know, but was too polite to say so. Preferring to save her honor, he played the carefree game by telling everyone that she was a great assistant, who was simply doing her job, without ever trying to seduce him and jeopardize his relationship.

In any case, if Johnny knew, his sister must have known too. Maybe she watched them sometimes, invisible in a corner of the room, waiting for Y/N to dare to try something.

"Susan thinks we should have dinner together tomorrow night." Reed said, writing an incomprehensible calculation on his board.

"Oh, where are you going to go ?"

"Hmm ? No, I mean, you and me. Italian or something. She thinks it would be good."

"… Why ?" Y/N asked, immediately thinking it was a test.

"It's okay if you don't want to. I'd understand, you already put up with me all day."

"I'm seeing friends tomorrow night."

"No worries, it's fine. I told her it was a bad idea anyway."

He didn't mention it again, probably because his partner had been satisfied by this refusal, and the lack of a proposal for another day.

However, something changed. More often lost in his thoughts, looking sad, Reed Richards seemed to withdraw into his work, to the point of sometimes forgetting Y/N's presence, and forcing himself to smile when she spoke to him.

It was hurtful. She didn't understand, and she ended up looking as sad as him.

"Hell, they're stupid, they're so stupid…" mumbled the Human Torch as she passed through the hallway with a ton of files.

"And it's you who says that, that means something." sighed the Thing, rolling its eyes.

Despite all their efforts, their work ended up being impacted. Y/N and Reed forgot things, dropped documents or cups, fell asleep on their desk.

Especially him, but Y/N didn't dare wake him up or ask him to go home.

She preferred to go see Susan Storm. If anyone could channel him, it had to be his lover.

"I would love to babysit that adorable idiot, but I have a date tonight. He's going to have to stop acting like a child."

"A date ? But… Can't you talk to him during your date ?"

"… Who do you think I'm on a date with ?"

"Doctor Richards ? Your boyfriend ?"

"… Johnny was right. I can't believe it. Sit down."

Modest, very modest, and not really caring about the opinions of others, Reed and Susan had broken up several months ago, without any problems, without any arguments, remaining very good friends.

Totally focused on his research, he had not tried to meet anyone else, convinced in any case that people only saw his powers and his notoriety. And he would quickly bore them to death with his long scientific explanations no matter what.

Then Y/N had arrived, and Reed had fallen in love at first sight. Already during the interview, he had found her wonderful.

Trying in vain to be discreet, he had asked the other Fantastics if it was a good idea to hire someone he liked, someone who was perfectly competent, but with whom he would probably never be able to have a relationship because that was not done in the professional world. Or was it alright ? Hypothetically, he had specified.

No one had been fooled by seeing him with Y/N, and while it was funny and cute at first, their inability to see that the other was interested was becoming quite painful to watch.

"Reed is completely incompetent when it comes to socializing. We must have encouraged him to ask you out, because he was sure you were just being nice to him. Now he thinks he was right, that you're not interested. But you thought he was taken… Damn, I knew we should have done a long interview about that."

"You say he likes me…"

"Honey, he's crazy about you. You too, no point in denying it. And since you're both hopelessly shy, I guess I'll have to step in to save the day. Don't move."

Y/N didn't know why she moved. As soon as the Invisible Woman had disappeared, she had stood up, quickly going to her office to get her bag, then taking the elevator to quickly go down to the underground parking lot.

Reed Richards liked her. He was single, he had asked her out on a date, and he had been sulking for weeks because she had said no, making him believe that his feelings were not reciprocated.

Normally she should have been happy. But this was scary. Because the smartest man in the world was perhaps a romantic idiot incapable of integrating social codes, he was not wrong. If things did not go well between them, it would be complicated for work. They got along so well before talking about love.

"Y/N !"

She jumped when she saw Reed's floating head as the elevator doors opened. Or not really floating, she could see his elongated neck that went all the way to the door of the fire escape.

"Excuse me !" he exclaimed with an embarrassed look. "I could have run but… I've always been bad at sports. And I didn't know where to find you, I tried several corners of the building at the same time. That said, I don't really know how my feet would have recognized you. Would you mind waiting, until I gather all my limbs together ?"

He apologized again, because it was quite strange to see his body return to normal, and quite long too.

The silence was not broken however when he was finally complete, and they remained looking at each other like inexperienced teenagers.

"So… You thought I was in a relationship."

"Yes, like everyone else I imagine."

"True, it's true that we never made the separation official… It's an important detail, which I could have specified at some point. But since I thought I had no chance anyway, I didn't think about it too much."

"This could make our professional relationships complicated."

"Exactly. I've read the labor code three times, and it's not very clear. It depends on contracts and collective agreements, and so I've read our collective agreement three times, and it's not forbidden, but…"

"I love Italian food."

Reed Richards stared at her, cut off in the middle of his nervous stammering, with a confused expression before showing a huge smile, which Y/N ​​returned shyly.

It might not have been a good idea, but if they didn't try, they would regret it. Work was already disrupted, and it would be disrupted if they didn't have this meeting to see where it could lead them. In the end, they could find a balance, between their private relationship and at work.

"Kiss her, damn it !"

"Johnny, you're ruining everything." Ben sighed, half hidden behind a car.

"I'm not ruining anything, he's doing just fine on his own ! Ouch… But Susan !"

"He's not good, but I think Richards was going to get there before you broke the moment."

Growling, Reed looked at his teammates who gave him big thumbs ups and nods of encouragement.

He then took Y/N's hand, leading her back into the elevator and pressing the button so they could have some privacy.

"… I read a study that said it's good to wait until the third date to kiss."

"You read a lot."

"Ah, yeah. One of the reasons Susan and I broke up, besides the fact that we didn't love each other that way anymore, was that I wasn't very romantic. I'm trying to work on that."

"A kiss in an elevator is romantic too."

"… Really ? I'll look for a study that…"

"Kiss me."

"Okay."

It was part of her job to guide Doctor Richards and tell him what to do when he forgot or was lost after all.

But after a simple reminder, he did just fine with his mouth and hands, although it seemed that when he was excited, he wrapped his arms everywhere without realizing it.

That would be interesting to study later, after the third date.

[porkcracker]

Hello!!

I just wanna say I really liked your Optimus father figure headcannons and Ratchet grandpa figure headcannons! It was really nice!

I was wondering if you can do a oneshot of those headcannons with a Non-binary reader? I think it'd be really wholesome and nice to see ^^

I was staring at this ask for a very long time and man I wish I had time to answer it quicker, because it hits some buttons. I'm happy you liked my headcanons btw. Still being probably months late, I still hope you enjoy this.

Dad!Optimus & Grandpa!Ratchet & NB!Reader It had been in no way your fault, but nonetheless you still found yourself shrinking into yourself as Optimus looked at you with a disappointed look in his bright blue optics. As the oldest of the humans on base, you had taken to watching over the three younger ones. Which as a result lead to you being equally in trouble, when they got in trouble and like in moments like this had broken something. You had been busy with yourself for a few minutes, so there was no clear way to say who had started it, but by the time yells and screams had drawn your attention they were running around the base, chasing each other with water guns.

To a degree you could understand them, the summer was hot, and even the base could grow uncomfortably warm at the height of the day, but to use water guns? Around a lot of technology? An exasperated sigh had left you, and you had to move to stop them, yelling after them. Alas, too late, an over enthusiastic shot from Miko had missed its intended target of Raf and instead hit Ratchets workstation. You watched with bated breath hoping it would do no damage, relaxing as it seemed to be fine and turning to the equally frozen kids, when there was a crackling noise and just as you turned back around the previously lit display darkened.

As the Bots returned, the children and their guardians were quickly sent on their way to bring said children home, which left you alone with Optimus and Ratchet. Ratchet had not left his damaged station since returning, attempting to fix the damage. Optimus on the other hand had turned to you. Which was what had led to this moment. The big bot wasn't angry, but the disappointment in his optics was far more disheartening in your opinion. Disappointing Optimus never sat right with you at all, not that you had been at this point very often before. No, rather, you were far more commonly sitting on his shoulder and conversing with him.

"(Y/N), I'm very glad that you watch the younger ones when you're alone at base, but if you need help than please do tell me. I would not want you to be overwhelmed by watching three other humans by yourself. I am quite sure, leaving one of the others at base to help you, would be manageable.", his voice was as gentle as always and perhaps the fact that he was seemingly more concerned for you than the damaged equipment and even considered leaving someone at base was worse. With the Deceptions being more experienced fighters and having no qualms, leaving someone to watch would be impractical. While usual Ratchet was at base, he was ready to leave base when necessary, so to stop that would be impractical.

Still you nodded and watched, still hunched into yourself, as Optimus joined Ratchet to look at the damage from the equipment. Coming to a decision, the next day, when the Bots and the kids left base, you made your way towards the workstation and had a closer look at the damage. It was quickly clear why such technically minimal water damage made this much trouble. The cables were sized for humans and while it must have been hard to connect when building the station it had no casing then and no it did, making it even harder for big cybertronian hands to work half hidden small human cables.

It didn't take long to get a torch and a few tools from your back, something you carried with you just in case, since you had started to get along better with Ratchet, often listening to his stories and grumbled life advice. Once back at the workstation, you turned the torch on and climbed into the casing of the workstation and working along the few small cables that needed to be fixed. Fixated on your work, it only registered that Optimus and Ratchet had come over, both not out with the others, when they began to talk, or well you assumed began to talk as you hadn't registered it before.

"It's almost amusing to watch you, how do the humans say it, mother hen them.", the sentence made you slow in your work with curiosity, wondering if they were talking about the other kids, your curiosity mirrored by the confused tone of Optimus. "What do you mean, old friend?" "Hah, it's obvious. (Y/N), you talk like you're their creator.", the way Ratchet said it was not judgemental, rather it seemed genuinely amusing. "I-", Optimus began, but was cut almost off immediately by a yelp. Both bots snapped their helms around, looking around, pinpointing the origin just as you crawled out of the casing of the workstation, your finger bleeding where you had slipped at the answer of the medic.

Before you could even fully get over the hem of the workstation, Ratchet scooped you up and walked off with words of chiding for injuring yourself. As much as Optimus had been caught off-guard by the words of his old friend, reflecting on them proofed them true. But alas, at least he was not the only one, he mused quietly as he watched said old friend fret over your cut with a rare care in his optics.

[marymary-diva17]

school lesson - setting up

sully family x reader

Now that a new process had began after the war of RDA, in hopes to help bring an alliance with the ocean clans and forest clans of navi. A school that can help develop better relationships between navi and humans, in hopes this will a good benefit for everyone in the end. Taking the torch of a former mentor and keeping her work going on for generations to come. It was time to get everyone together for the upcoming school.

y/n " so this is where the school will be set up"

Norm " perfect it a good area after all"

man " it very sad we still couldn't bring grace school here with us"

y/n " many of us wished that could happen but the rda will spot us, but we are lucky enough we had been able in the pass to grab the stuff from her school"

max " grace will be proud of you taking changer of her School, and expanded it as well"

y/n " thanks max"

lo'ak " hey mama"

y/n " hello kiddo" lo'ak soon came walking towards you and the others.

lo'ak " so this is where school will be held very cool nice place"

norm " it good to know you love it as it enough space for everyone"

neteyam " hey mama we are here to set up the school "

y/n " that wonderful sweetie"

kiri " this place is beautiful mama I can't to start school"

y/n " thank sweetie"

tuk " mama are we going to have breaks like we did back at home"

y/n " yes we will honey breaks will be happening during the school days"

tuk " yeah we can try playing tag with the other kids and showing them other earth games"

spider " this is going to be amazing I'm just happy I get to spend more time with my cousins"

lo'ak " yeah bro it going to be like old times"

y/n " come on kids why don't we make sure we have everything we need, for the school"

neteyam " yes mama"

norm " we might need help setting up a bigger tent for the avatars"

lo'ak/spider/ neteyam " we can help on that"

????? " can we help as well" the group soon turned around to see tsireya along with her brothers.

Tisreya " our dad had told us you will be teaching us about the humans and stuff about your home ... he called it a school and we were wondering if we can help set up"

rotxo " yes we saw the others coming over here and we wanted to be helpful as well"

aonung " if that okay with you"

max " all help is welcome"

y/n " now come along we have tents to set up along with other, stuff to look over" the kids had nodded their heads and had started help with the tent expansion.

tsireya " are we not being rude when the others over there are sleeping"

lo'ak " it okay reya they are avatars like my mama and uncle norm, the humans they use them are inside right now"

tsireya " oh there are so many avatars"

y/n " there are many but they took a lot of work to make, we will go over avatars in class some day"

tsireya " I'm looking forward to it and I promise to be a good student"

y/n " you don't have to make promises reya you just need to come to school and do the best you can do"

tsireya " yes"

lo'ak " see I told you she will like you"

y/n " what are you two going on about" both teens soon blush bright red and look at you.

lo'ak and tsireya " nothing" the two teens soon went back to working as you had, started helping set everything up at the moment.

neteyam " so we are going to have this tarp over us"

y/n " well yes during the very hot days as it will not be good for anyone, to be standing under the sun rays for very long"

aonung " so where will everyone be sitting"

y/n " well younger kids in front and older kids in the back"

aonung " that very smart planning"

y/n " thank you"

aonung " my mother worries if these lessons will be safe for us many parents wonder"

y/n " well if they have any questions after out first week of lesson, they can come speak with me about it"

aonung " okay"

neteyam " mama is a very good teacher she help I and many other kids of the clan learn, she will do her best and it will be good for us all"

y/n " thank you teyam"

????? " hey mama" kiri soon came walking towards the others with spider, rotxo, and tuk with her.

spider " we check the oxygen packs we have enough in the room aunt y/n, uncle max told us we run out to send word right away"

y/n " good because if anything goes wrong we will need a backup plan"

rotox " everyone seem to be prepared for everything"

tuk " well dad said it always good to be ready for any trouble"

y/n " your dad is right after our run in with dangers we need to make, sure everything is okay during emergency"

rotxo " I can't wait to learn more the sky people language we have learned, some stuff from kiri and the others"

y/n " I hope all good stuff"

lo'ak and spider " that was one time"

y/n " sure now come we let see what else we can get done today" the kids had nodded their heads and soon enough, the make shift school was completed. There was also a tent not that far away that was decorated in flowers.

Jake " wow this place looks amazing"

y/n " well the children help me out"

neytiri " it remind we of the school you and the other had made in the forest"

y/n " it always good to make something you love the most"

tsu'tey " ma norm and y/n you both along with everyone have a wonderful school here"

norm " thank you"

tonowari " hello everyone"

tsireya " baba we came to help y/n and everyone set up the school, for the upcoming lessons with her and everyone else"

tonowari " I can see that it coming along very well"

y/n " thank you"

tonowari " many parents worry about this school plan and think it going to guide their kids, away from the navi way of life and make them sky people"

neytiri " my wife had taught our kids and nephew along with many other clan kids well, and they still are navi but learn about sky heritage that some of them have inherited"

tonowari " well then y/n you have my full trust"

y/n " thank you" everything was soon take care of and everyone soon headed off to their homes, the family was having dinner together.

lo'ak " mama do you think this school program will work out perfectly with all the ocean/reef clans"

y/n " I have hope honey but we just need to be patient and see what happens, I will do my best along with everyone else to reach the goal in our best ways ... but we can't push anything it get turned down"

lo'ak " yes mama but I think reya loves the idea"

kiri " so those rotxo he told me and spider he can't wait to understand more of the sky people"

neteyam " aonung seem to be somewhat interested in the school program, but I hope him and his corneas don't cause any problems"

y/n " It good to know there are some who are interested in this program, but if any trouble comes we will deal with it when it comes"

neteyam " yes mama but we are here to help if need"

neytiri " good my son you are truly a warrior" you gave a smile towards your kids showing them, that you are proud of them. The school days will start up soon, and deep down you are hoping it will go well but you did expect the hard times that will come as well. It was going to be good in the end, and you were going to make sure to carry the torch well.

[roo-bastmoon]

Quickie (but important) thingies

I've got like 15 minutes in between CT scans so of course I'm on my phone checking on Jikook because the crazy obsession is baked into my DNA by now. Y'all caught me.

Good news: Jimin is linked back up on Spotify. Well done, ARMY, for raising the red flag high and helping get this fixed today!! Let's always have Jimin's and BTS' backs!

Interesting news: It seems that folks Shazamed JK's behind the scenes video and the song that came up is called H-Thirteen (I can't check because the hospital won't let me access YouTube links). Can anyone confirm?

Request: I'm totally not trying to gaslight, minimize, or police anyone's fandom experience. But it feels like folks are on a hair's trigger out here these days. I get it, especially when it comes to Jimin. He has suffered so many insults over the years.

But before we assume Jungkook is a thief or plagiarist, before we assume his music video will be raunchy, before we assume the worst of any member, could we just hold out a bit for more information? It is possible all these concept choices for Seven are an homage to Jimin and Face. (I'm going to especially think this is so, if the song in the background is number-coded to Jimin and Jikook.)

It seems to me that Jimin has always been Jungkook's inspiration--perhaps even his muse.

And I'm not saying we have to blindly trust or believe the best in everyone. (I mean, I do, but that's me.)

Honestly? I have no great love of Hybe at the moment. I have too many suspicions around all the things that happened after Jimin's Hot 100 #1. But the people who work there are just people; I'm sure most are good and some are jerks, just like anywhere.

The members are also human beings. And human beings are always works in progress.

So I just would like to ask that if something a tannie is doing seems alarming, we say "Hm, that seems alarming!" rather than scream with our whole chests that a member is actively trying to hurt or sabotage another member. Especially when we've had years and years of evidence that BTS really love and trust each other.

Look, every member has flaws; they will make mistakes--sometimes big ones, as they grow. And we have a right to criticize behaviors we don't like. But I guess because of my past family life, I am personally triggered whenever someone automatically assumes mal-intent without asking any questions or waiting for more info to come to light.

Not saying we have to love everyone, or we can't call a spade a spade. I guess I'm just recommending we give a little grace until we get the whole story. I see folks on the timeline who just love Jimin so much, who fear the worst because of the lack of transparency or explanations. My heart beats with you, but I encourage you to hold on a bit longer. Let's see what Jimin has to say about all this.

It's entirely possible that Jungkook saw the way Jimin's hard work and sexy style was amazing but unappreciated by the company and he decided to pay respect to that with his single because he knows he's got the social capital to insist on it.

It's possible that stylists and marketing teams think these looks are the hot, sexy, edgy trends for this year and went with it.

I suppose it's also technically possible that Jungkook decided to "rip off" Jimin's style... and go all-in on payola for radio (which isn't confirmed yet)... and also lean heavily into a straight-acting macho-man raunchy music video (again, not out yet) -- but until we are very sure of any of that, may I ask that we speculate instead of accuse?

If it turns out anyone did Jimin dirty, I promise you I will grab my torch and pitchfork and be second in line (behind Hobi) to rage. But for our own health as a community, and as individuals combatting our own stressors, could we... could we just hang in there and give ourselves some time to do our due diligence before we assume evil or selfish intentions? That's my request.

(Caveat: of course--your blogs, your rules. You get to say anything you want in your space and I will never police you. If I'm really worried about something you're saying or doing, I'll just ask you about it directly. But I won't shade you, I promise. I'm just gently asking us to withhold judgement until we figure out what actually is going on. I hope that sounds reasonable and not condescending. I truly do value different perspectives and would absolutely love to count every person in the Jikook tag as a friend, even if we wildly disagree on things. So please don't read this post as me trying to be harsh or holier than thou. I'm simply trying to say: let's judge based on what is, not on what appears to be true.)

Ah, time to put more dye in my veins. Got to go. Love to you all!

P.S. Jimin smiling so happily while killing it in TikTok challenges is panacea.

[green-fifteen]

Day 6: firewood

Prompt: Fire Fandom: Marvel Comics, Spiderman, Fantastic Four Pairing: Peter Parker/Johnny Storm Summary: Peter and Johnny get out of the city to celebrate their anniversary. Word count: 787

read on ao3 instead

written for @fluffyfebruary

Peter had never thought of Johnny as an outdoorsy kind of person and he wasn't shy about saying so. As they packed their bags for the trip upstate, Peter watched his husband roll up a sleeping bag and raised one very eloquent eyebrow.

"You're not serious?" he said.

"What? I thought we could spend at least one night outside. Under the stars. It'll be romantic."

"You replaced our last mattress for being 'lumpy' and you think you can sleep on the ground?" Peter looked at him skeptically as he folded their underwear and tucked them all neatly in a duffel bag.

"Just wait until you're in my arms in the moonlight, Pete. You'll be thanking me."

"Sure," Peter said sarcastically, and then threw a red and blue pair of briefs at his head. They were patterned with little Spiderman faces. "And I told you about this, Johnny."

He caught them easily and threw back a wide, toothy grin. "What, no Spidey-shorts on our big night?" he quipped. Peter wasn't fooled-- he already knew Johnny considered it a challenge to sneak the Spider-pants into their bedroom activities. It always made him laugh, which made Peter laugh, but Peter wasn't going to stand for it on their anniversary trip.

"Not happening, flame-brain. Put them away before I throw them out a window."

Johnny made a wounded expression and the underwear disappeared inside a drawer.

They arrived at the cabin before lunchtime. It wasn't too far away from the city (just in case) but they both wanted some time out of town. Ben had clapped Peter on the shoulder (he swore he felt the tiles in their kitchen crack beneath his shoes) and reassured him, "We'll watch the city for you. Go and have fun." Johnny had teared up a little.

The place was stocked already with everything they'd need for the week. When they came through the door, they quickly unpacked their bags into the drawers and closet, then spread out to explore the rental.

"Peter!" Johnny called from the bathroom. "Jacuzzi jets!"

"That's nothing," Peter told him, coming in from the main room. "There's a fireplace." Johnny looked offended.

"You're married to the Human Torch, web-head. In sickness and in health and everything."

Peter smirked. "But a fireplace is romantic." He stretched the word out over his tongue. Johnny's expression turned thoughtful, then wicked.

"I promise you, baby. You won't need it. It's gonna get hot enough in here without it." Peter narrowed his eyes, evaluating.

"I think I'd like you to prove it."

Johnny's teeth gleamed as he lunged for his waist.

That night, to Peter's bewildered consternation, they found themselves stuffed into one sleeping bag on the ground outside the cabin. It was big enough for two, but just barely.

Peter had tried to make a fire nearby to toast marshmallows and warm his hands, like he remembered from camping with his aunt and uncle. Johnny had shamelessly sabotaged his efforts, sucking the energy from any spark he managed to create over the kindling. He gave up after a while and crawled back into the bag, clearly Johnny's plan all along.

Now they were staring up at the dark sky, Johnny's leg thrown over Peter's and his arm under Peter's head. Peter had Johnny's hand held between his own, stealing warmth that didn't seem to have an end. He pressed it to his mouth to warm his face, and placed the lightest kiss on his palm.

"I told you this would be romantic," Johnny whispered. "I'm the best at this husband thing."

Peter snorted. "Who's the competition?"

He looked serious as he answered, "Reed."

"What about me?" Peter asked, smile evident in his voice.

"You're my husband, it doesn't count."

"Come on. Where am I in the ranking?"

Johnny turned his face, his tip of his nose just barely touching the tip of Peter's. "This is a team sport," he said. "You're with me, at the top."

"We're both the best at being husbands?"

"Exactly."

Peter stretched out his neck to kiss him, long and sweet.

As the night grew colder and the wind picked up around them, neither one budged from their little spot on the ground, both as warm and comfortable as they ever were in their bed at home. Peter dreamt of crackling logs and playful yellow flames.

In the morning, he would unwrap the sleeping bag and pull up Johnny's shirt to kiss him awake there. His mouth would follow a trail down to the waistband of his sweatpants and he'd tug at them insistently until his mind caught up with his heart and he realized Johnny managed to sneak the Spiderman underwear into his bag after all.

He'd forgive him eventually.

[ad-astra-per-aspera-1389]

I have an 11 page document of my sister's commentary on Macbeth. It's only through act 2 scene 2.

Here's some of the best ones:

Act 1 Scene 1

"They exit, giving me nightmares..."

Act 1 Scene 2

"Good and hearty soldier, he's not a soup..."

"Captain, probably bleeding out as he says this..."

"Choke their art...I HATE THE MONA LISA, ARGH"

"Shakespeare's a freak"

"Gogotha's the name of my ex wife, what are we talking about? ...okay so I think its a place. Jesus was crucified near there. I'm going to hell for sure"

"THIS BOOK IS TERRIBLE"

"Ross and Angus...I remember because I made fun of them for having beef names"

"Flout? Ross, stop trying to make flout happen. You can't just say things"

"Ross, those aren't words"

"Least favorite character so far: Ross. I'm not talking about Friends, I'm talking about Macbeth"

"That's a freak move, Ross"

Act 1 Scene 3

"First witch is my bitch, this is awesome"

"What are we within-ing? Drum within and she whips out bongos"

"What the fuck? I'm not *that* autistic, I can understand you"

"Banjo is gay"

"Drop your hero complex, it's not hot"

"You know what? Fuck you ross"

"Are you okay Ross? Sorry I made fun of you. Don't kill yourself"

"Obsesed with the word herald with an e"

"Basically we killed his traitor ass"

"Pretty good play so far, even though it sucks"

Act 1 Scene 4

"NOBLE BANJO-"

"and hold thee to my heart - GAY"

We happen to have a cat named Duncan, so that's how we have this gem: "*cat Duncan jumps off chair* she's on her way to go kill the thane of cawdor. That was a thud of villainy, a thud only a tyrant could make"

"I am fed...so I guess he's a woman who ate"

"Honey, if you pour your spirits in my ear I'll cry"

"SHE JUST SAID THE PHRASE UNSEX ME HERE"

"Strange matters like the fact that you have no vagina right now"

"Clearly something went wrong in your transition"

"Not only does she lack a vagina, but also breast milk, and also morals"

"She did not take her meds"

Act 1 Scene 6

"...hot boys and torches. Sounds like my dreams"

"Done double...and give to the next person"

"Duncan give me your hand and your missing vagina"

"Eugh what the fuck, I wanted a human attached to it!"

Act 1 Scene 7

"You keep him in a chamber? Okay, so you're both capital f Freaks"

"She's a freak, but she's the best"

[clonerightsagenda]

I go back to work tomorrow, so hot liveblog summer is about to become lukewarm liveblog fall. But I got through all the books and like half the tv episodes during intersession, so that's ok. I still intend to finish Station 11 within the week.

On that note, here's episode 8!

Lmao at Tyler's silent judgment about the knife. Kirsten you are very free with throwing those things. Also I know it's the Cool Action Hero thing to do but throwing knives means you no longer have the knife and iirc they're usually not as effective as tv suggests they are.

Weird thing to comment on and I swear I'm doing it unhornily but I've noticed Kirsten's nipples through her clothes a few times and frankly fuck yeah, we are not taking bras into the apocalypse.

Ok yes I'm sure the Georgia flu is gone since it burned through people so fast, but to be fair, it's entirely possible *other* diseases are still going around, so quarantines aren't unreasonable. Unless humanity is so scattered that lots of diseases can't maintain a reservoir population.

At this point Clark is a paranoid old man the others are indulging, but they're indulging him too much, even as he's clearly making them uncomfortable.

Acting out an old comic you both know by heart to save your life... if I needed to in an apocalypse situation I could probably reenact a few favorite podcast episodes with some degree of fidelity.

Clark was sober 9 years... I can't remember if I saw him drinking in the early airport sections, but if he was relapsing that could explain some of his terrible behavior. Not all of it though.

Oh hey, the conductor's still alive! For now.

It's interesting how Kirsten needs someone to be her enemy. She was hostile toward the Prophet and stabbed him with little provocation, and now she's immediately believing him that the airport is bad and they need to flee. While there's a bit of a Lotus eater situation happening, she sure jumps to conclusions as long as those conclusion are that there's a threat she has to be wary against.

"I'd assumed it would be lighter." "It's fucking Hamlet, Clark."

Clark is worried about Hamlet being too anti-authoritarian and encouraging the youth to challenge established leaders. So he is Claudius, Elizabeth is Gertrude, and that makes Tyler Hamlet? But Kirsten was performing Hamlet before. Perhaps they're both Hamlet. Or perhaps we'll wait to see which one lives through the end of the series and gets to be Horatio.

Arthur didn't even care about Clark relapsing. You wonder why anyone even cared enough to hang out with the guy.

Tyler's pretty spry for a guy with a gut wound.

Alex ratting out Kirsten to Elizabeth... if Kirsten immediately suspects everyone, Alex immediately falls for everyone.

Is Tyler using his game console to blow everyone up? The man loves his pyrotechnics. Classic troubled child behavior. He's an anarchist, he wants all of our former civilization destroyed, but you know, being able to support a heart attack patient is a good thing, imo. There's a balance here.

Yup, he blew up the museum, thus "lighting the torch". The child army approaches. And we're off the map in multiple ways - the in universe Station 11 comic doesn't have a firm ending, and this is way off the book too. No one knows what's coming next.

[measuringbliss]

Spider-Man Read-Through 056: The Frightful Four!!! (SSM 41-43)

MASTERPOST

The last time, Peter became a lizard for a while. Fun stuff!

In this issue, mysterious enemies try to seem menacing and utterly fail, homophobia, as well as special guests and the best villain ever!

Are you shocked, are you impressed, are you terrified yet? *snickers*

After using his powers to give his late paper to Professor Slater, Spider-Man interrupts Meteor Man at a microwave exhibition (...). We met this antagonist previously in Team Up, which shows you exactly how important he is. Bill Foster, whomst I know from Ant-Man and the Wasp (the movie) but who apparently has a different position, is giving a lecture nearby, but gets the opportunity to lend him a hand as Giant-Man.

The art actually has a lot of trouble trying to convey how big exactly Giant Man is supposed to be. There's perspective, and then there's whatever is going on here.

Meteor Man gets away, they track him down, and Giant-Man casually drops in his internal monologue that's he's dying of radioactive poisoning. Wow. Um. Alright.

They fight, Meteor Man gets to grow bigger, but...

Oh, between twelve and thirty feet? How audacious. How incredible. Show us, dude.

Okay, this is better! Actually a nice page.

That... was an issue alright.

Issue #42 has a neat cover!

Peter is trapped in traffic and ends up swinging to his class boat ride thingy.

I love this, because half the time I barely register that Marcy Kane and Debra Whitman are different characters. Digital issues (hey, have you seen these clean screenshots? Much better!)!

My opinions on each character: Philip is alright, I need him to have more of a personality. Marcy sucks, been there, done that (although I just read a spoiler about her and what the fuck, I'm curious to see how THAT plays out). Steve is hot and adorable. No opinion on Sloan and Debra.

I'm glad to see Peter's social life though. I still feel like these characters aren't anywhere as solid as the previous cast was, but I think jumping between both magazines really doesn't help either.

I missed you, hon.

No but seriously, I'd be interested to reread SSM only focusing on it, I think it's probably a stronger experience.

Marcy Kane immediately aggros Pete, but Connors interrupts them. Meanwhile, the Frightful Four aren't far away! We've got the Sandman, the Wizard, Electro and the Trapster (who even is that? :p).

They do a bit of mischief, and I'm pretty sure that cop is homophobic. "PARTNERS?", he says (lmao).

On the boat, Peter wonders whether he has a crush on Marcy (nooo) when Debra arrives.

Some depth? Wow.

Anyway, before Peter settles on whether he wants a relationship with our desperate lady, the Human Torch cockblocks him.

Why is this so funny?

She feels guilty about Peter getting away, and...

New, rare poses!

Hell yeah. Sorry for the amount of screenshots but I really enjoy looking at these!

It wasn't the Human Torch, however, only our Frightful Four! The Wizard created a suit imitating the Torch and gives it to Electro.

Our hero doesn't get fooled for long, and a fight quickly breaks.

A hilarious moment is Spidey trying to figure out who's attacking him. The Sinister Six? No, the Frightful Four after replacing Madam Medusa with Electro? No, it's actually the Frightful Four after replacing the Brute with Electro! What a mess hahahaha

In his own words, Spidey's fighting a "foursome". *snickers again*

The fight goes badly for Spidey, until... Electro interrupts everybody because now, he wants to know who's under the mask.

They sure are a bunch of idiots.

Their plan is to impersonate Spidey and eliminate the Fantastic Four. Uh-huh, sure. And the story continues in FF #218!

This is a really cool first page.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA ALRIGHT

The Human Torch acts extremely gay with "Spider-Man" in this scene. He gets knocked out. The Thing and the security system are also quickly neutralized, but as our villains enter the building, Sue wakes up... she finds her brother, but is quickly attacked and subsequently, knocked out. And just when Mr. Fantastic gets unconscious as well, Spidey arrives!

The ensuing fight is fun, and at last, all's well.

Anyway, SSM #43!

OH THIS IS GORGEOUS. THE SHADING ON PETER'S SHIRT. I LOVE IT. His face, not so much... Anyway, Steve and Peter being bros, hell yeah!

So bandits have broken into ESU and use Debra as a hostage. They get their stuff and get away, but not without Peter throwing a gadget of his at their car.

Handsome.

His spider-tracer leads him to a twink.

And what an ugly twink. Especially compared to this highly stylish Belladonna, what the heck, I love her.

I think I've been spoiled something on Roderick Kingsley, but we'll see how it goes.

Anyways, Belladonna wants to steal Roderick's ideas, apparently. Spidey decides to intervene. The villains get away, and Roderick's annoyed that Spidey ruined his apartment with the fight. However, our hero surmises that Belladonna wanted chemicals for her special gas.

The next day, at the Daily Globe, Sandy Jones is quickly charmed by Peter and she explains that Roderick is rumored to steal his designs. Plus, he has a show that night! Peter easily gets the assignment, and goes to his lab to work on countering Bella's gas.

I love that second panel, it's a very strong one.

Debra's here, she bought what was on Peter's list. He's so happy he asks her on a date, to which she obviously agrees. I would too, girl.

Turns out what Peter was searching for was vinegar. He worries about reactivating his ulcer, which is a nice callback to a storyline from like, ASM 80 something. That's cool!

This feels like a Pretty Little Liars storyline, I love it. Seriously, I love this issue! Also, Peter very pretty.

Anyway, Spidey stops the bandits, but Belladonna gets away!

Oh, I really went from bored at very excited throughout this post, wow! Hell yeah.

[dollarbin]

Nickel Bin #14:

Jerry Jeff Walker's Fading Lady

My famous brother is a show off. He sent me the text yesterday for his recent interview with one of the greatest humans still currently on the planet, Linda Thompson. Watch for it soon, probably on Aquarium Drunkard... And he returned from the Big Apple recently bragging about how he yanked Jerry Jeff Walker's Five Years Gone on vinyl outta of a dollar bin during the trip. That's a big find, folks: just take a listen to a single blissed-out track from that nearly impossible to track down record:

It's no fair: My biggest interview of late was with my cat. She said nothing and demanded heavy petting. And my last foray into the Dollar Bin turned up a Steve Cropper solo record form the early 80's that looks terrible.

(As a quick aside, it kinda looks like Walker invented the selfie on the cover of Five Years Gone; Jerry Jeff: visionary.)

Still, I'm a competitive dude by nature so I rode my bike 14 miles midday late last week in 90 degree weather to test my luck once again in the bin; surely, I figured, the dollar gods would reward such selfless dedication with my own copy of Five Years Gone.

Yeah, no. All I did was drop a few too many dollars on a copy of Circus Maximus's debut album. Turns out Jerry was in a Moby Grape style psychedelic boy band for about 15 minutes in 1967. He shared the lead with a jazz pianist who sang like Neil Diamond and played lead guitar like Sterling Morrison would after they'd each had botched lobotomies; the drummer clearly attended Joe Freakin' Lala's School of Percussion, an offshoot of Trump University; their motto, "just wack the hell out of whatever you can as fast as possible, white boy, and then call it Latin jazz," is more famous than any of their alumni. Today the band has just one claim to fame other than Jerry Jeff's presence: the bass player would soon write Linda Ronstadt one of the greatest torch songs of all time before disappearing altogether from history:

I've loved this song for a long, long - you get the idea. I see it recently was featured in some zombie apocalypse TV show and therefore enjoyed a brief renaissance; that's fitting: Linda is clearly singing about a zombie apocalypse.

Suffice it to say that my famous brother wins this latest round in the Dollar Bin: I'd trade him my copy of Circus Maximus for his copy of Five Years Gone in a hot second. And, come The Revolution, I will head immediately to his house, hatchet in hand and dodging zombies as I go, so as to lay claim to his entire record collection.

While we're at it, check this out:

Isn't it crazy how Linda Ronstadt can make even Jerry Jeff Walker sound like an average dude by comparison? Still, it's nice to hear this song sung by a fellow mortal.

But let's get to the point: happily, Circus Maximus, which, coincidentally, has a cover photo collage dedicated to that very same zombie apocalypse, does feature one track worthy of our nickel: Fading Lady. Take a listen; Jerry Jeff is starting to find his voice.

I don't know about you, but I am mesmerized pretty quickly. My wife just asked me what the hell I was doing under our bed. I told her I was counting our shoes, and I requested space to do so.

Even so, you can hear that the song could be even better. Jerry needs no boy band echo behind him; and, like Danger Bird, slower here would be even better. Happily he soon ditched the mustache and the whole 60's scene and headed for the ditch a few years before Neil Young. They'd wind up wallowing in it magnificently together until Jerry got married and cleaned himself up for good around 73; from that point forward he just sounded drunk all the time.

But he wasn't drunk enough to know that Fading Lady deserved a second pass. Listen to him truly nail the song on 69's Drifting Way of Life:

Aw yeah: that's the stuff right there folks. The great David Bromberg does his New Morning/Self Portrait Dylan thing alongside Jerry on guitar; Kenny Buttrey makes almost no sounds whatsoever on the drums and does so perfectly. And all the while Jerry Jeff effortlessly instructs us to tally up our jewels. And our shoes.

I'm on it Jerry!

[freezegirl]

naming moves and people is difficult but every once in a while, kie hits the jackpot and when the pretty blonde woman tells her that 'fever pitch' is accurate for the scowling, dark haired lady, kie smiles widely. as if she's won the lottery. the pretty blonde woman's reassurance goes a long way. she feels like someone kie can trust. "good to know. that you guys don't murder everyone you meet around here anymore, i mean. it wouldn't be good for tourism if you guys still did that."

for a moment, she's quiet. then she simply says: "hot cocoa. to---to warm back up again. i think that'd help. you and lady fever pitch." yeah, she's never gonna let that nickname go now. "i get mine with whipped cream and marshmallows most of the time. and cinnamon."

"oh..." that makes her shrink into herself a little bit. gone is the cheerful behavior as her eyebrows knot together. "...right, um, i'm from maxville. and my friends---" she's gonna count them off on her fingers. "---we're called the stronghold seven. we're a team. a squad." and while it would be prudent not to give out personal information of any kind, kie figures that the pretty blonde woman is not going to use said information for nefarious purposes. in fact, the pretty blonde woman might just help to find her friends.

(lady fever pitch on the other hand... kie doesn't trust her as far as she can throw her, which, to be fair, isn't very far. still, the cryo user lowers her voice accordingly.)

"i suppose i should start with will stronghold, our leader and namesake." a fond smile blooms on her face. "he's... he's really strong. which, yeah, of course, it's all in the name. but he can fly, too. kinda makes him sound like superman, i know. he's basically a golden retriever if a golden retriever got turned into a human being."

"then there's layla williams, she does chlorokinesis and she does so wonderfully. i'm always so in awe whenever she makes vines and flowers and trees grow. it's really very beautiful. and she's got the biggest heart ever. she wants to save the planet. and i think if anyone's gonna do it, it's gonna be layla."

she nods, decisive, as if it's only the most natural conclusion in the world that layla's gonna be the one to step up for planet earth.

"next up is ethan bank, resident genius and hydrokinetic. after that we've got magenta lewis, resident shapeshifter of the caviidae variety, and zach braun who can glow, but i swear on my entire wardrobe that he can do much more than just glow. 'cause of photon manipulation, you know?"

she'll spare emma the rant about superhero genetics and potential.

there's also my---i mean, there's also warren peace. pyrokinetic. i love him. it's as easy and complicated as that. i'd love him even if he didn't have my opposite element. i don't think he loves me back, though. you don't expect the sun to love you back."

besides, her parents would hit the roof if they found out that she holds a torch for the son of the person who forced them - her dad more so than her mom, who hung up her own cape in solidarity with her husband - into early retirement.

a beat and then: "which leaves me. khione goossens. or kie. number seven. cryokinesis, as i'm sure you're well aware by now. that's why everyone calls me freeze girl."

relief floods her veins as a heavy sigh escapes her. before she can even think of anything to say , a laugh slips her lips. ❛ -- FEVER PITCH ? ❜ a crooked grin tugs at her lips as she glances over to regina , who only scowls &* considers reigniting her magic. ❛ accurate. ------- listen ; she won't raise a hand to you. not if i have any say in it. we don't just murder everyone we meet around here -- anymore. ❜ a pointed look is shot towards the mayor , who simply grumbles something &* crosses her arms to try &* warm herself.

emma looks back towards the girl &* frowns. ❛ as for your friends --- you're the only new person we've run in to. who are your friends ? where did you even come from ? it's not often we get visitors to storybrooke. ❜

[fruit-salad-ship]

I saw the cousins post and now I'm curious about what it would have been like if they *had* all left together

Maybe they’d have gotten in a lot more trouble at first. Rob was always a hot head, he would usually get under peach’s skin and both would end up doing something stupid. Cass would balance them out, they’d try to take heed when he said something wouldn’t work. He was usually right. Not that they liked admitting it.

They would have been a supportive network for each other, something the boys never had, and peach took 10 odd years to adjust too.

I’m not sure if they’d have stuck to crime, I think Cass and Peach would have gone good, and Rob would have tried but they’d be endlessly getting him out of trouble, which in turn gained them a criminal record.

But if they had the space to, and the time, I think they’d have been each other’s rocks. Their love for each other would have repaired and grown, they’d be a real family, none of that fake appearances stuff their parents partook in. They’d have trained hard, maybe opened a gym, Pokemon and/or human, could have gotten a second chance at it all. Peach would have never met grey or seen plum again after her one year at rangers, and maybe wouldn’t have ever found some of her more beloved Pokemon. But in exchange she’d have the blood family she kind of missed when she left alone in canon.

Wouldn’t have been swiped back to hisui though, so no Rei, no Bond forms, and in turn, no target of her family. She’s not able to do what they wanted of her so. Kind of makes all three kids obsolete, and they’d either be left alone or targeted and taken back for their insolence. They’d have to pick up the torch and try to get an heir that hits the mark for what the family need.

Just so happens everything peach did, every choice she made let her to her own fate. If she’d taken them, things would be way different.

I think she always wishes they were still a part of her life.

[class1akids]

I really hope you're right about Shouto learning something from big bro Touya. I'm also noticing that Shouto is seeing all these great traits in Touya that hasn't got anything to do with his quirk really, like he complimented Touya's intuitive skills and battle sense and now his crazy determination and desire to push forward no matter what.

That is an excellent catch!

Shouto sometimes does compliment people’s quirks, but doesn’t really measure people on the strength of their quirks. Something both Touya and Endeavor are so hung up on. Touya is still pinning his self-worth on how strong his quirk is and not his qualities of intuition, battle sense or perseverance.

So Shouto watching him and noticing and praising these traits in him may also help Touya to see himself that way and not just a human torch whose only value is how hot he can burn.

I don’t know what will flip the switch for Touya - but I hope that Shouto’s actions of prioritising him, watching him, calling him Touya-nii will all matter and not just whatever Endeavor does.

The unfortunate problem with giving delayed credit to people’s actions (see the Shigaraki fight) is that all people ever remember is that “Deku saved everyone and soloed Shiggy while everyone else jobbed” - so I’m very worried that this will happen here too.

That while the story will make sure in some subtle way to tell us that Shouto made a difference, fandom will only credit Endeavor and will be another case of “Shouto got nerfed / doesn’t do anything important or relevant”

I have a hard time feeling optimistic about anything.

[ewingstan]

☕️ + Ben Grimm, the ever lovin blue yeed thing

An icon for a reason. The Fantastic Four have a strange "elder statesmen" role in the comics nowadays, typically seen as the universally respected OGs other heroes get compared to or have to consult. And Aunt Petunia's favorite nephew is in a strange position there of basically going from where the mutants are always perpetually stuck—hated and feared, seen as a dangerous, inhuman monster—to a guy people stop on the street so he could take a picture with their kids. And that's largely because of his elder statesman position, one he gained A) through proximity to the rest of the fantastic four, who are much more obviously human, and B) through having rivalries with people who are like him but are ACTUALLY dangerous inhuman monsters like the Hulk. His antagonistic relationship with such people position him as their antitheses in a way that benefits the public's perception of him. Think all the times writers have Captain America punch guy-who's-like-Cap-but-racist to demonstrate how VERY MUCH he's NOT like them—Ben being the Hulk's go-to rival does the same thing in the eyes of Marvel's public.

He's got a kind of unique perspective on the whole super-hero thing. He's seen the public at their worst and most hateful in a way that plenty of Marvel heroes have (Hulk, X-men, Peter Parker, the Runaways) but is accepted (and beloved!) enough to be positioned as much less of a radical than such heroes typically are. Hell, even Cap or Iron Man get positioned as enemies to establishment structures more often than him. At the same time, his background means he has a much easier time relating to the more publicly feared heroes in Marvel—he can party with the x-men while Reed and Xavier are feuding, he can end fights with the hulk with hot dogs and theological debates while other heroes are trying with everything they have to imprison Banner. He's the outsider on the inside, so he gets to have much more nuanced relationships with people in nearly every public position. That nuance is made all the better by him having one of the more fleshed-out personalities of the early heroes—hot-headed but quick to reconcile, often a jerk but more often a genuinely caring dude, boisterous and loud while sometimes incredibly insecure. It makes for great interactions and relationships.

I also like how arguably even more than other members of the fantastic four, he is inundated with comic book bullshit. Sure, Torch might have dated an alien or two—but he didn't marry a supervillain's daughter and raise two aliens from warring species as his adopted kids*. Susan might have worked for SHIELD—but she doesn't have half her colleagues and a good deal of her enemies on tap for weekly poker nights. He almost becomes a structural pillar of the Marvel universe's conceit—a walking bridge of connections between what should be totally and tonally unrelated characters.

Man, I should read more Thing stuff. I got myself excited just thinking about him.

*'That's not unique to Ben, what about Reed's Future Foundation?' Reed barely looks at the Future Foundation. The reason the members keep changing in-between titles is that he routinely drops them off to explore an alien world and forgets they existed, and not all of them make it back. I'm 100% sure Tong and her brothers had to figure out a way out of the negative zone on their own three times by now. Talk to me when Reed becomes a committed father to an alien.

[lit-works]

One Thing after another

The limo glides quietly towards 4 Freedoms Plaza, my home. Headquarters of the Fantastic Four.

Sure was nice of the mayor to drive us home tonight, since he had to go an' bore us all evenin' with his speeches about what great Joes we all are. It's the least he could do, though.

My reverie is interrupted by the voice of Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, a teammate and longtime friend: "hey, buddy, how about a game of pool and some beers in the rec room when we get home?"

"What's 'at, Torchy?"

"I asked how you feel about getting out of these monkey suits and playing a hot game of pool."

"Nah, count me out. I'm pooped. Savin' the world is one thing, but sittin' round in a tux listenin' to speeches for hours–thats too much! I'm goin' to bed."

"Can't say I blame you, Ben." Says Reed Richards, the leader of the Fantastic Four, and my oldest and best friend. "Unfortunately, the alarm system at 4 Freedoms Plaza is giving us trouble, and with the world astrophysics conference beginning tomorrow, I may not have another opportunity to work on it for weeks. Don't be surprised if your sleep is disturbed by my work–even I can't think of a way to test our auditory alarm system quietly."

"Terrific, Stretch." I say, shutting my eyes and trying to catch a nap while I can.

"Hey, sis," Johnny says, turning his older sister, Susan Storm-Richards, the invisible woman. "What say we shoot some nine-ball? Alicia's out of town for some big art show, and I could use a little excitement. Beating you at nine-ball could be just that–a little excitement."

"Johnny! You know good and well you could never beat me at nine-ball. Talk to me tomorrow and we'll see who's the real hustler in the family. Tonight, I'm going to check on Franklin and then follow Ben's lead. You'd do yourself some good to get some sleep as well."

"Aw, Gee, Ma…do I hafta?" Johnny whines, jokingly. "You both suck."

"Hey, Joker, mind puttin' a sock in it?" I say. "Can't ya see I'm tryin' to get my beauty sleep over here?"

Finally, the limo pulls up in front of 4 Freedoms Plaza. Johnny heads to the rec room alone. Sue goes to check on her and Reed's son, Franklin, as Reed sets off to check his alarm system. I go to my quarters and try to get some sleep.

I can't remember the last time I had a good night's sleep in my own bed. Sheesh, it's about time this cockamamy outfit got a break from savin' the world. Reed's a nutcase, he's still working. Me, I'm pooped.

I flop down on an oversized bed designed to support my 500+ pounds, drag a huge, rough hand across my face, and stare into a hand-mirror–the only mirror in my room. I'm not thrilled with what I see.

I am The Thing, one of Earth's mightiest defenders, a respected member of the Fantastic Four, but I am also one of Earth's most horrifying nightmares.

Maybe I oughta ditch the hero business and join a circus. Yeah, I could be a clown–wouldnt even have'ta wear any make-up. I wrinkle my rocky nose, curl my orange crust lips into the nearest thing to a smile I can muster, and stick my tongue out. The image in the mirror just looks worse.

Great, instead of just lookin' ugly, I look stupid, too. I shoulda stuck with wrestling. Most of the guys in that racket look worse than me. Some of the women, too.

Wallowin' in self pity, I reach under the bed and pull out a box, a box I keep hidden from my teammates, a box that contains one of the only things that can pull me out of a blues funk like the one I'm in now.

"Come to Papa!" I say aloud, even though there's nobody else in the quarters to hear.

Opening the box, I see a dozen cigars–fat, stinky, round, foot-long beauties. I take one as daintily as my ham-fists will allow, roll it between two fingers, run it under my nose and breathe deeply. Ah, genuine Havanas. Mother's milk! I been saving them fer just the right time, and this looks like it–my first rest in I-don't-know-how-many-years o' world savin'.

This reverie is cut short by a sudden, searing heat as a gout of flame passes just inches from my face. I'm unharmed, but the stogie in my mouth is incinerated.

"Dad-blasted, Torch!" I yell, "where are ya, ya flamed match-headed excuse for a Zippo! When I get my hands on you…"

Smoldering stogie still between my lips, I reach back over my head and plunge my steel-strong fingers through the reinforced concrete wall behind my bed. The torch flits inches above my prostrate figure.

"Hey, Ben," he says as he passes overhead, "Reed isn't gonna appreciate you punching holes in the wall."

"Worry about yourself, punk," I respond, as my fingers close around the water pipe in the wall. Ripping it in two, I bend the pipe out from the wall so the spray catches Torch full in the face. He crumbles to the ground in a soggy, flameless mass.

"What's the big idea, ya jerk? I was just having some fun. Trying to cheer you up."

"Well, quit tryin'! Maybe I don't wanna be cheered up. Maybe I hate fun! Maybe all I wanna do is relax and catch some shut-eye!"

Suddenly, me and my young teammate hear the unmistakable sound of an alarm from the roof of The Four Freedoms Plaza.

The alarm continues to blare, but I pay it no mind as I advance angrily on my fallen buddy. "Don't go thinkin' you're saved by the bell, 3-Stars. I know Reed's just testing' the systems."

"I don't know, Ben. I think I'll go see what's going on–i'll be back in a minute to finish our little tete-a-tete."

"Oh yeah, I can hardly wait. I miss you already."

I climb back into bed, cover my head with pillows, and Todd and turn for what feels like hours, but the alarm keeps blaring. So finally, I get up and try to figure out what's goin' on.

As the alarm continues to blare, I bound up the stairs to the roof and throw open the door. My eyes take a minute to adjust to the moonlight, but when I can see again, I see…nothing. Everything looks normal enough. The same is true when I check the hangar decks and upper-level storage areas.

Maybe Reed's tests weren't done with. Guess I better go see if the squirt found anything.

I make tracks back to where I last saw the Human Torch, and there, to my horror, I see Mr.Fantastic, his body stretched and distorted, on the ground. I also see the Invisible Woman, quite visible and equally unconscious. The Human Torch is beside her, out cold and still soggy from my dousing. And they are all in the clutches of our old foe, The Red Ghost.