#I lovee mechanic!pete

[gaydaroreilly]

Fleshing out left Mav and my brain went WHAT IF DUKE FLEW IN KOREA TOO AND ENDED UP AT MASH 4077? He got injured in a dog fight, ended up getting fixed up by Hawkeye and became besties with the crew (Cus just imagine Mav with uncles Hawkeye and Trapper and Radar??? and they talk about all the shit that’s the American military. He comes home disenchanted and yet he’s stuck because he’s required to serve in Vietnam.

He makes it home by the skin of his teeth, but he’s fucking angry and done and raises anti-war activist Pete, and brings him to visit his weird commie lefty doctor buddies out East. They spend a lot of time in Maine with Hawk and Trap, especially after Pete’s mom dies of cancer when he’s 10. Pete’s especially close with his ‘cousin’ Carol MacIntyre (Trapper’s daughter who he raises with his ACTUALLY JUST PROFESSIONAL yesverygay partner Hawkeye).

Pete and Duke do their father-son bonding over planes and cars and bikes. Duke does flying lessons and hits up airshows and buys a mechanic shop that he operates with Pete’s help. They do good work for fair prices and they are a community pillar in their small town. Pete starts flying as soon as he can and is an infamously brave sport pilot and folks start calling him Maverick. He goes to college to get a degree in mechanical engineering and there he meets NROTC student Nick Bradshaw. . .

Pete is very cautious cus the navy owns Nick a little, but they become best friends and Nick is pretty bummed he thought his only option for school was through the “service”. With Pete taking him up in planes Nick decides to go for aviation. Ends up becoming a RIO called Goose and also a husband to Carol and dad to Bradley (all in very quick succession). Goose plans to quit the navy as soon as his contract is up (Hawkeye makes him swear on life before the shotgun wedding).

Idk should I write this wild crossover lol?

[shit-sorry-fuck-mybad]

Give me widower Mav who has come to terms with his husband’s death and now gets to make jokes and comments about it which makes people uncomfortable while he finds it hilarious pls

As someone who lost their father a long time ago I have reached that point where I can make jokes and comments and like to my close friends it’s funny but to someone I don’t know it’s… strange cause they don’t know how to react and it’s truly a small moment of absolute joy cause they make it weirder than it needs to be

Here is what I mean:

Fanboy: Hi Mav! I like your hoodie!

Mav: thanks, it belonged to my dead husband

Fanboy:

Mav: he’s not gonna use it so

…

Hangman, pointing at the ring on Mav’s dog tags: you’re married?

Mav: I was, but sadly he died on a terrible accident

Hangman: oh I’m sorry—

Mav: I’m kidding, he didn’t die on an accident

Hangman: oh thank god I thought I—

Mav: he died of cancer

…

Mav: my husband used to hate this movie

Phoenix: what made him change his mind?

Mav: oh he didn’t, he just died

…

Mav: I miss my husband

Coyote: why, where is he?

Mav: I want to say heaven but he was a weird man so honestly I don’t know

…

Cyclone: Maverick where is the paperwork I asked for

Mav: oh I’m sorry? I was mourning the death of my husband, in case you hadn’t noticed, the audacity, I cannot believe you would come for a widower like this—

[inamindfarfaraway]

TGWDLM AU where on the way to Professor Hidgens’s house, the group see Infected Pete and Ted has a complete breakdown. These monsters got his little brother and he wasn’t even there, he didn’t protect him, didn’t look for him, didn’t even think about him - he was too busy thinking of himself, like always. Now Pete’s gone forever, because clearly whatever happened to Sam isn’t something you can come back from. He swore, he swore after Jenny that he would never feel that bad again. But this is worse. At least she didn’t die! *Audience members cringe* His brother, though, is dead. At sixteen years old. It couldn’t be Ted, the useless bastard with nothing good ahead of him. No, Ted wanted to survive. And Pete - earnest, brilliant, loving Pete, perhaps the last person on the planet to give a damn about him - paid the price for it.

This forces Emma, who has been spending the whole last year dealing with the pain of losing her sibling and not getting to say goodbye because she was off being selfish and neglecting her relationships, to realize: ‘Oh. Fuck. The sleazy asshole has feelings… that I can empathize with. Ew.’ So she tells him about Jane. Although she still hates everything else about him, a) nobody deserves to suffer through that alone, which she knows from doing it alone, and b) maybe if he starts to see her as a person with feelings too, he’ll be slightly less insufferable. And it works. The solidarity lays the foundation for a slow-burn friendship. Will they always annoy each other? Oh yes. But it’s hard to understand someone on such a raw, fundamental level and not reach out to them when you yourself also need support.

Due to his external and internal walls being shattered, Ted has to become more comfortable with vulnerability; he has to be more appreciative of and sensitive to other people. He really, really values the few relationships he has left. He and Charlotte connect more deeply while she’s concurrently processing her complex feelings about Sam and his death, and he might not leave her alone with Sam, imagining how he’d feel to be alone with Pete’s body and the alien inside it. He grows to be an actual friend to Paul and… well, Bill might not have enough time for that, but nevertheless. Maybe in this timeline, a handful of Hatchetfielders get to the PEIP helicopter together. Maybe the Hive doesn’t escape the island. Maybe PEIP figures out how destroy it.

Pete was the good one. Pete was the one with hope. But if Ted’s the one who survives, then he’ll just have to live for both of them.

Or he could let the Infected get him right away and the brothers could sing an epic duet.

@dontsteponthatfish @awigglycultist @blueskiesandstarrynights

[punkbarbarian]

for folks who don’t follow them on instagram— ally beardsley wrote part of an op-ed in the washington post for the 50th dnd anniversary about a moment playing dnd that really stuck with them and i wanted to share it here!

“a character’s journey — and my own”

I was an aspiring comedian in Los Angeles and had just landed a salaried job at the comedy website CollegeHumor. My co-worker and friend Brennan Lee Mulligan was looking for six comedians to create a show that would be like an at-home game of D&D. Why not? “Dimension 20” became a weird punctuation to my day.

I remember there being too many rules to remember. I kept turning to my friend, Brian Murphy, to ask which dice I should be rolling. I wasn’t paid overtime, but I loved the group and was having a lot of fun.

For the second season, I had my sea legs. I created a character for the campaign who was transgender. I had started going by the gender neutral they/them pronouns at work and among friends, but sourcing hormones or getting surgery seemed equal parts expensive and invasive. A fun thing about fantasy is stripping away the crunchy, real-world limitations and asking yourself: “What would I do if I could do anything?”

That season’s arc for my character, Pete, was extremely euphoric for me. I had described him as a trans cowboy you might see at Burning Man, and the artist drew him dressed as a freaky Hunter S. Thompson in an open shirt to show his top surgery scars. He has wild magic — uncontrollable and dangerous in the game mechanics — which we used to explore the painful chaos of leaving a family that doesn’t accept you.

Since then, I’ve started testosterone HRT and had top surgery. It’s funny to listen back to myself playing a character who had transitioned in ways I hadn’t. It’s full of inaccuracies that make me smile. Pete takes a testosterone pill every day; I now know it’s a weekly injection or a topical gel. I see my face, one wrapped up in playing something so new but instantly right. It was like an oracle. A near-future me who has health insurance! Who’s talked to their mom about being trans and even spent a week post-top surgery on that mom’s couch in Temecula, Calif!

As I started transitioning my appearance, seeing that in front of the camera felt raw. I was starting hormones, and my voice was cracking. Realizing it was all being recorded felt naked at times, but it has been really nice to talk to fans and friends about how important it is to see someone that looks like you taking a big risk on themself.

With Pete, it was really important to me to tell a story other than the dramatic lead-up to a medical transition. So we started with him having just gotten out of surgery, but that’s all you see of that process. Part of his backstory is that he doesn’t have a relationship with his transphobic parents, and before shooting the first episode, I felt sick to my stomach. I’ve been on a journey with my parents, and our starting place didn’t have much common ground. When my character meets with his father, it felt as though I was actually running into my own on the street.

Brennan could sense that discomfort, and as my character’s dad was about to call Pete by his deadname, Brennan shut the interaction down, surrounding his dad with bubbles that carried him into the sky. Magic is the power and freedom to manipulate your reality, and you can banish the awful voices in your life — let them swirl away into the air.

[alexanderwales]

I keep wanting a time loop story that takes serious the idea that random chance exists and you can't become literally perfect at a thing merely through repetition.

Pete Weber is one of the greatest bowlers of all time. He rolled 85 300 games in PBA competition, over maybe 5400 PBA games. The math is a little unclear here, but it's good enough for me: about 1/60. That's a man who spent thousands of hours practicing, who had the mechanics and metal game down, etc.

So if you're in a time loop, and you have decades to practice bowling, I think you could get really fucking good at bowling. What you couldn't do is consistently bowl a 300 game.

And I would love to see a time loop story where someone says "alright, I can do this trick about half the time, and this trick that follows it about a tenth of the time, and I really need to get more consistent at both of them, or find a better strategy, because this is only a one in twenty chance to even be able to attempt the third trick in that sequence".

This is not what people come to time loops for, but that's why I like it.

[seat-safety-switch]

Movies make nitrous oxide seem so much more exciting than it really is. Green exhaust flames, super blurry vision, cars that instantly do wheelies and jump drawbridges. Completely rad. If nitrous oxide was so cool, I ask Hollywood, then why does my dentist have a whole bunch of it? The truth of the matter is that nitrous oxide has one hell of a lot of marketing goodwill, built on the dreams of every broke-ass drag racer on the planet.

First, a primer: cars run on oxygen and fuel. As anyone who's run up a hill can tell you, there's only so much air in the air that you can breathe, and there is basically an infinity of Burger King Whoppers you can practically eat. It's not fair, so we have to make it more fair.

There's ways to compress the air, and cram more of it into the engine. Then we can eat more Whoppers – I mean fuel – and make more power. We've all heard of miraculous mechanical devices for adding air, such as turbos and superchargers, but those cost a lot of money and involve complex fabrication. Nitrous oxide, a gas that we get from whales or some shit, accomplishes the same goal just by being sprayed into the engine.

It's sort of like if you gave an asthma inhaler to a Tour de France bicycle dude. He'd go a lot faster for a few seconds until and unless his heart explodes. Or maybe not. Don't get medical advice from me. Treat your captive Tour de France bicycle dudes like you yourself would want to be treated (and for the love of Pete, get them spayed or neutered if you let them outside.)

Hollywood has largely failed to make the intricacies of nitrous, such as not being able to afford filling an entire bottle with today's prices, into a compelling narrative. The sequel to Two Lane Blacktop was never approved because the middle 40 minutes of the film consists of the two of them digging through a half-abandoned parts store looking for the exact AN fitting they need for the fuel system. That's not how you win even a soundtrack Oscar. So instead, they do this crazy movie shit, which in turn makes a lot of other people buy nitrous setups. They want to be like the famous movie star Mr. Bean.

I'm not asking for perfect realism, here, folks. All I want is the occasional admission that sometimes you forget to turn on your bottle heater before making a pass.

[spoonfulofmilo]

Could you do fic for Bono from Merc with wife photographer!reader? She surprised him at the race because he thought that she would not be back due to something work related. Maybe a little surprise for them. You decide what it was. Fluff and cute. Thanks!! :))

finally out of a writing block and back to writing, enjoy this :)

my masterlist can be accessed here

Please keep requesting - y'all have awesome ideas we agree on a lot of stuff :) - my guidelines are here, and if you want some prompts, they are here.

also feel free to come in and start chatting to me in my asks, would love to get to know y'all better

and if you want to be added to my taglist lmk :)

peter 'bono' bonnington x wife!photographer!reader

“I’m sorry Darling, I wish the timing was better, but I need to be there.” Y/N sighed, trying to look as guilty as she could

“Hey, hey it’s okay, shit happens y’know.” He smiled, pulling her into a hug and rubbing her back.

“It’ll make it even better when I come home.” He grinned, before pulling his suitcase and his backpack out the door to the car that was waiting.

Y/N grimaced, she hated lying to her husband, but she hoped it would be worth it for the surprise.

---

“C’mon Susie! We’re gonna be late.” Y/N turned around, comfy in her sweats and eager to get on the plane to get to the race. Susie was also surprising her husband this weekend, and had agreed to help Y/N with her plan.

“Y/N, the plane will still land at the same time regardless of whether we run down the bridge or walk.” Susie followed behind, wearing the same sweatpants but somehow looking as much of a girlboss as she always did.

“Yes but, okay leave me alone, I’m excited.” Y/N couldn’t stop the smile breaking out on her face.

“Wait for me!!” Susie jogged after Y/N, laughing at her friend's antics.

---

“Hey Bono, where’s the wife this weekend?” one of the Mercedes mechanics got up from where he’d been working on the car and clapped Bono on the shoulder.

“Couldn’t make it, had something pre booked that she couldn’t avoid.” Bono grimaced slightly, focusing on the data on his laptop. He didn’t want to think about it.

“Aww bummer, well, would love to see her at some point, and the missus wants her to come round, both of you, for dinner or something.” the mechanic pointed his spanner at Bono before bending down back under the car.

“Well when I next see her I’ll get her to message Natalia, okay?” Bono was distracted as he picked up his phone, before pausing at the lock screen.

It was a photo of Y/N and Pete, on their wedding day. Due to lockdowns they hadn’t had the opportunity to have a proper wedding but they had dressed up nicely for the courthouse to sign all the documents. And they’d taken a timed photo outside to make it feel slightly romantic. It was both of their lockscreens and brought up many good memories, with a tinge of sadness due to the fact that they couldn’t celebrate it with their friends.

---

Susie and Y/N subtly entered the paddock. Due to the fact that qualifying was underway, the paddock was almost abandoned as everyone was focused. They took the opportunity to grab a quick coffee from the hospitality, swearing the staff to secrecy as they settled down in a booth, watching the qualifying.

The qualifying ended, with George in 5th but Lewis on pole. Y/N smiled at her husband being spotted, celebrating and hugging Toto.

“God, they’re both gonna be so excited.”

Toto and Jack quickly left the garage, and Susie prepared to see her husband and son, laughing when they came in.

“Hello Toto. Hello Jack.”

“Y/N!” Jack quickly bypassed his mother, instead running towards Y/N, laughing as she scooped him up in a hug.

“Hello Jack!”

“Bono said you weren’t coming this weekend.”

“I know, but it’s a secret, can you keep a secret for me Jack? Just until I find Bono and then I can tell him, and you don’t have to keep that secret anymore.”

“Oh, like…” Jack leaned down and whispered something in Y/N’s ear, which caused her to laugh

“Yes Jack. Just like that.”

---

“Darling? What are you doing here? I thought you couldn’t make it this weekend.” Bono almost spun himself out of his chair as he spotted his wife walking into the garage, chatting lightly with Lewis with her camera in her hand.

“Well I wasn’t about to miss a race weekend, besides, the shoot finished early, here come look at the photos.” Y/N beckoned to him as she set the camera on the desk and started clicking to find her photos.

“So these are the photos I shot, if you want to have a look.” Y/N beckoned to the camera, before taking a step back and awkwardly hovering next to him, looking nervously around the garage.

Bono scrolled through the photos on the camera, stopping when he got to a photo of his wife.

“Oh darling, I didn't know you were doing modelling for this job too.”

“Mmm, yeah,” Y/N looked at the rest of the garage, who were acting like they were still trying to work, while subtly listening in on the conversation.

“Wait darling, what’s this?”

Y/N turned to look at the photo he was pointing at which had her holding a sign with the words ‘wedding part 2?’

“Well I felt bad about all your friends and family and coworkers missing the wedding because of COVID, so I may have started planning a vow renewal so they can see us get married.”

“Darling…i- this is one of the best things you could’ve given to me.”

“Of course!”

---

taglist: @leosxrealm, @pear-1206, @tallrock35, @wolf-knights, @janeholt3

[thisautistic]

hey yall! happy crimus

ya bitch is taking gif reqs again! im gonna be bored the next few days without them and i want to make some gif-ts (ha) for my lovely followers.

a few of the gifs i've made lately so you know what i can doooo

merry gif-mas!

an in-exhaustive list of shows im willing to gif

kinnporsche (mostly vegaspete) pit babe (mostly jeffalan, kenta, babe, pete, northsonic) playboyy spare me your mercy be my favorite 2 worlds ofts (neomark mostly) kidnap lita koi my stand in to my star history trapped semantic error 1000 stars 1000 years old where your eyes linger long time no see sotus the rebound jack and joker love mechanics scoy the sign petrichor tldhlb manner of death

pilots for: knock out me and who only friends dream on

[ulgapodatkowa]

i actually think that the biggest punch to the gut for me this season is lucius. because we all laughed how he's hiding in the walls, haunting blackbeard or something like that. because lucius was a fun little character, unapologetically himself and if something bad happened to him (like losing his finger) it was never a big thing and it was played off as a joke.

but this season shows you lucius who isn't lucius. he looks different, acts aggressive, picks up smoking as a coping mechanism. he's so fucking traumatized. and i know him talking about his trauma to stede was supposed to be a funny moment but if you look at it realistically it really wasn't. all of the things that happened to him affected him so deeply he build a different persona around himself and all of the scenes with him have a completely different air to them than before. as far as i can tell the only thing that hadn't changed that much is how his relationship with pete feels onscreen, still as loving and sweet as it was.

and ultimately I think he won't resume his role as a quirky lighthearted comedic relief that plays relationship guru because it just isn't him anymore. he's weathered and matured and dealing with a fair amount of trauma. so i'm looking forward to seeing how his dynamic with the crew will look like from now on and what position will he take.

[smilesatdawnmain]

Reverse Taken (To Catch a Thief)

I could put this on AO3... but then I would have to write full chapters. And you all KNOW how I am about my chapters. They are long- and complicated- and- and this is an AU of an AU people. I got ideas for snippets, but if I sit down and actually try to write a fanfic about this-

.... I might lose my mind.

SO TAKE THE SNIPPETS! (I hope you enjoy)

Summary: MK meets "the Spider Prince" for the first time

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

“Finally-“ Red Son’s shoulders were lifting and falling, a bubble of maniacal cackling working up from the back of his throat. Mei leaned back a little as it erupted to a full crescendo, “That little Thief's ruin is here!!” 

“Okay, Red Son-“ Mei began to say 

“Can you feel it Dragon Horse girl?! The end to our suffering!” He threw his arm out, his hair messy, and clothes stained. 

Mei grimaced, “When was the last time you got sleep man?” 

“I’ll sleep when this nuisance is out of our hair!” Red Son’s hair fumed, tinkering with the trap-triggering device for the 10th time. 

While Mei was all for getting this guy out of their hair, she wasn’t exactly on board with Red Son losing sleep over it. “Nothing says “I’m obsessed over you” like an elaborate 30-step plan of capture,” she whistled, eyeing the schematics. 

Red Son grouched over his shoulder, “I am not obsessed.”

”Right right,” she nodded, “Can’t be fantasizing about the enemy, totally get it.”

Red Son was sputtering, his hair erupting into sharp flames, “F-Fantasizing?! I do not- That ruffian is-“

”Clever, the bad boy type, has a cute face- He’s your type,” she snorted, eyeing a wrench as she said this. As casual as mentioning the weather. She smirked when he continued to fume and disagree, sounding like a high-pitched steam pipe. 

“Shut up, Mei!” Red Son shouted, swatting the air dismissively. “I have no ‘type! I am simply showing them that one should never mess with the son of the Demon Bull King!’” A nervous chuckle escaped him as he tried to suppress the flush creeping across his cheeks. He concentrated on his device again, though the intricate mechanisms were starting to blur in front of his eyes.

She didn't miss a beat, crossing her arms and leaning against the wall. “Oh please, just admit it,” she teased. “You want to catch him and then... what? Make him pen a love letter that starts with ‘Dear Red Son, I can’t stop thinking about your smoldering hair and striking remarks’? Are you going to serenade him under the moonlight after you pin him down? I hear Demons used to gain their mates that way. Court napping,” she smirked. “You were raised in the ways of olden times~”

Red Son whipped around, his eyes wide with a mix of fury and embarrassment that flared into a fresh wave of heat. “I’m not some lovesick fool!” he yelled, his voice cracking slightly as he tried to regain composure. “This is about—about justice! That bastard has been making a mockery of everything I’ve built!”

“Right,” Mei replied innocently, pressing her lips together to stifle laughter. “A mockery or your unending attraction?”

Red Son opened his mouth to retort, but the words tangled in his throat, “T-There’s no way he could ever—ever—live up to my rank and standing!” He had barely even seen the man’s face for Pete’s sake! How dare she assume he had anything but loathing to the thief.

Before he could spit a slew of curse words at her audacity, the door was sliding open behind them. The ace to their plan had arrived. 

“MK!” Mei threw her arms up, running to the arriving Monkey Prince. He stood like a light in the dark, his chocolate hair curled back, a spot of color above his eyes to highlight the golden traits he inherited from his Father. He grinned, and if you were to look at it for long enough, you might mistake it for the sun itself.

"Mei," he says, extending his arms out. They embraced, chuckling as they nuzzled foreheads.

“Glad you could make it.”

”Well, my Dad is in town to talk with your grandpa, so it works out. I told him we were testing Red Son’s latest invention.” Which wasn’t a lie, and thus slipped below his Father’s all-knowing eyes of detection. In truth, there was a new invention- all with the intent of catching some troublesome thief Mei and Red Son had been struggling to take care of. He was honestly surprised that neither was having luck with this guy. 

Apart of the Spider Queen’s crew, as far as they all knew. A well-known spy for her forces, but never one to really show himself publicly. He was a Demon Monkey, as far as most were concerned. Not many sightings to fully confirm, far too sneaky. It was only because of Mei and Red Son that they knew for sure he was- but it was always far too dark to see his face. Only that tail of his curling behind him was their true indication. 

“A rouge monkey sure is odd,” he wonders. If he had told his Dad the truth, he probably would have wanted to investigate it himself- as King of the Monkeys. MK wanted to try his hand at it first, however. As the Future King, it was kind of his job. At least it felt like his job. 

“So exactly why do you need me?” he inquired, eager to help where he could. 

“Your eyes,” Mei tapped her temple. “This guy- he always strikes at night, when it is dark. Even with my eyes, it’s just- ughh, he’s so annoying. I can barely see him.” Like the guy was just one with the dark. ”But you, you got that super awesome Gold vision! Doesn’t matter how dark it is, you’ll be able to see him. So he can’t get away if he manages to get out of the trap Red Son set up.”

Speaking of, they both looked over to their friend hunching down to connect some power cables. A real cat-and-mouse chase going on. Seems Red Son was the one most affected by this demon- too much of his supplies swept right from under his nose! 

“You are just a precaution.” Red Son grumbled. “This plan is fail-proof.” 

“Do we know what this guy even wants?” MK inquired. 

Mei shrugged, “I dunno. He steals metal and tools from Red Son.” 

“If I look at the list of everything together, it is hard to give an accurate theory. However, these are building materials at their finest. For Mei, most of her stolen items are relics. Perhaps intended to pull the power from.” He sighs, rubbing his eyes. “I can only assume it is with the intention to build something. Spider Queen is always scheming.”

Mei cracked her knuckles, “And losing!” Whenever she showed her face, her Grandpa was always quick to knock her back down. Of course, it would be great if they could actually capture the lady to end this- but she always managed to slip away. 

Mei was starting to feel like it was thanks to this little thief. So, if they deal with him, the next time they deal with Spider Queen, they could nab her too. Two birds, one stone. 

“Huh, okay,” MK eyed the schematics. They seemed far too complicated for a simple thief. “Isn’t this a little overkill?”

”Hardly,” Red Son scoffed. ‘You haven’t dealt with this peasant before. Believe me, I should be adding more.” When MK looked at Mei for confirmation, she shrugged lightly but nodded. 

“Then, how are you so positive he’ll show up tonight?”

”We set out some bait,” Mei smirked, showing her social media account. ”Red Boy over here figured out that must be how this guy is learning what Red Son has in stock cause-“

”Cause YOU can’t keep yourself from vlogging in my workshop and revealing everything I have!” Red Son barked, making her flinch and laugh sheepishly. 

“Yeahhhh-“ she snickered, “So, I vlogged myself by all his new stock. Upgrades, metal, tools- Shiny things galore! He won’t be able to resist.” As she was positive most of the stuff he stole from her was not because he needed it, but because it was shiny. “He’s like a moth. He’ll show.” She slammed her fists together, ‘And when he gets here, we’ll bag him, get his number for Red Son, and then off to jail he goes!”

“Right-!!” MK trailed off, “Wait, what was that about Red Son-?”

“Nothing!” Red Son barked, his cheeks flushing a deep crimson. He shot Mei an incredulous glare that only seemed to fuel her teasing grin.

Mk chuckled, shifting his weight on the balls of his feet, “Come on, you can't just drop a bomb like that and not expect me to question it.”

“It’s nothing!” Red Son shrieked.

He pushed MK out of the workshop, giving him a spot to hold the position of. “Just wait here. Keep your eye out. If he manages to escape, which he won’t, but just in case, you need to block his exit.”

MK nodded, taking his position outside the edge of Red Son’s workshop. It was just outside the city, in a little mini apartment he owned. His own personal space away from his parents to work on his own time and schedule. It had been good for him- finding himself and what he wanted after he moved out of his parents. Really made him feel… grownup. Of course, compared to Mei and him, Red Son was. He was 21 almost 22, while they were 19. MK hadn’t even considered the idea of- moving. He could, if he wanted to, but it felt strange to want to leave the Mountain, the tribe… For the time being he mostly spent his time learning the ropes of being King from his Dad. Doing some hero work here and there in defense of humans.

He wouldn’t even know where he would go if he did leave home. Would he get a job? Travel? He shook his head,

As the night deepened, MK's senses sharpened. His golden eyes scanned the perimeter, alert for any sign of movement.

Hours passed uneventfully. Just as MK was beginning to wonder if their trap would work, a flicker of motion caught his eye. A shadow, darker than the night itself, detached from a nearby building and slunk towards the workshop.

MK tensed, sinking a little lower as he watched it slip into Red Son’s apartment. He wasn’t quite sure what he expected from Red Son’s plan, but he hadn’t really expected it to work.

Because it did.

Well, kind of.

MK was starting to get the idea of what Mei and Red Son meant when they said “This guy was tricky to catch”. Red Son’s plan was to get some inhibitor cuffs around the thief, to prevent him from using any demonic powers. From the ZAP and spark of blue, that seemed to have worked- or, the cuffs had at least been activated.

A moment later, however, all hell seemed to break loose within the apartment. Chairs were tossed, and furniture toppled.

MK winced as he heard the crashing and banging from inside. Red Son's shrill voice pierced through the chaos, yelling obscenities and threats. Mei's laughter rang out, punctuated by more crashes.

"Uh, guys?" MK called out hesitantly, pressing to the communicator in one of his six ears. "Everything okay in there?"

"Just peachy!" Mei's voice crackled through the communicator, breathless with exertion and amusement. "Our little thief is quite the acrobat! Got the cuffs on him but the net didn’t really work- Gah!” Mei sounded like she was tripped.

A loud crash followed her words, accompanied by Red Son's indignant shriek. "Stop jumping around, you insufferable primate!"

MK shifted uneasily, torn between maintaining his position and rushing in to help. The sounds of the struggle continued, punctuated by occasional flashes of light visible through the windows.

Suddenly, a dark figure burst through one of the upper windows, glass shattering outward. A blur shot against the fire escape, landing nimbly on the metal. MK's eyes widened as he got his first clear look at the elusive thief.

It was indeed a monkey demon, lithe and agile, with a long fluffy tail. Light fur- nearly white, with a tint of green. He couldn’t quite see their face.

The thief's wrists were bound by glowing blue cuffs, but he seemed unfazed as he vaulted over the railing, scaling the drain to the roof top above using just his feet and tail.

“He’s loose! MK-!” Red Son bellowed.

"On it!" MK shouted into his communicator, already in pursuit. His feet barely touched the ground as he raced after the fleeing thief, golden eyes locked on the shadowy form ahead.

The thief was fast, weaving through rooftops and shooting across powerlines with inhuman agility. But MK was no ordinary pursuer. He closed the gap steadily, his own monkey-like grace allowing him to match the thief's acrobatics.

As they raced across the city skyline, MK caught fleeting glimpses of his quarry. The demon monkey's fur gleamed nearly silver in the moonlight, and there was something oddly familiar about the way he moved. MK shook off the nagging feeling, focusing on the chase.

“Hey!” he called, a strange- bubbling sensation in his chest. It startled him.

Whole

Like a punch to his gut, he staggered, barely catching himself when the two leaped over a massive gap between buildings. He rolled to press his palms to the floor, on his knees and panting.

What??

Whole

He felt like his soul was being pieced together, suddenly and without warning. Flushes of sensations and warmth were coming to him. The strange sensations were intensifying, making it hard to focus. He touched his hand to his chest, wheezing. His other half? Here? Close? Where??

WHERE?!

When he looked up, he found the thief paused, having whipped around to face him. He had no reason to stop- in fact, he could have used this as his chance to gain a serious lead to MK, but the Monkey did stop.

His eyes were wide, his tail puffed and curled around him. For the first time that night, MK could see his eyes. They were auburn and frantic- as frantic as his own. As panicked as his own.

He had a marking like a butterfly against his face. His face seemed so… strikingly familiar.

The thief stood frozen, his auburn eyes locked with MK's golden ones. Narrowed like a cornered animal, only to soften the moment their eyes locked.

For a moment, the world seemed to fall away, leaving just the two of them suspended in this strange, charged moment.

His other half. It was him...!

"Who... who are you?" MK managed to gasp out, his voice barely above a whisper. He stood, his knees shaky.

The thief's tail twitched nervously, his bound hands flexing against the glowing cuffs.

The thief's mouth opened, then closed, as if struggling to find words. His eyes darted between MK and the path behind him, clearly torn between flight and... something else. "I..." the thief started, his voice low and hesitant. "I don't..." his eyes suddenly softened- vulnerable as he looked upon MK. “A-Are you-?” he stammered, his voice small.

He was cut off by the sound of approaching footsteps and Red Son's angry shouts growing closer. The thief's eyes widened in panic, and he took a step back, ready to bolt.

"Wait!" MK cried, reaching out instinctively. "Please, I... I feel like I know you! I… It’s you- isn’t it?!” he pleaded. His other half. His other half!! It had to be! It felt so right. He got closer- closer- blocking out whatever might be behind him.

He was standing face to face with this Monkey, who trembled like a leaf in the wind. Ready to bolt at a moment's notice like a frightened kitten.

The thief hesitated, his eyes darting between MK and the approaching voices. For a moment, it seemed he might flee, but then his shoulders sagged, and he took a tentative step towards MK. "I... I feel it too," he whispered, his voice trembling. "Like I've known you my whole life, but we've never met." his brain was screaming at him to run- but his heart, his soul- everything he was from his toes to the tip of his head knew- he had to stay. This was right where he belongs.

MK was nodding wildly, “Yeah- Yeah exactly!” he choked. His heart raced as he reached out, his fingers barely brushing the thief's cheek. A jolt of electricity seemed to pass between them at the contact, and both gasped.

The thief leaned into MK's touch, his eyes fluttering closed for a moment. When he opened them again, they were filled with tears. “O-Oh-”

They were whole....

Years of just- just empty existence seemed to weight on their shoulders. They had gotten accustomed to this life. When one was forced to, they could adapt to anything. But to suddenly be given light at the end of the tunnel- it was staggering.

MK surged forward, tugging this man into a hug. If his hands weren’t bound, the thief would have clung to MK with all he had, but for now, all he could do was nuzzle into the Prince’s shoulder. The two were sinking to the floor, small sniffles coming from one, and little chirps coming from the other. MK was nearly tucking the other against him, hiding him away from the world.

He didn’t understand what was going on. How this thief was- was everything he had been looking for, but it didn’t matter. He was here. He was real. And MK was never letting him go again.

The two monkeys clung to each other, their bodies trembling with the intensity of their connection. MK felt as if he'd found a piece of himself he hadn't even known was missing. The thief's scent, his warmth– it all felt achingly familiar and utterly right.

"I've been looking for you," MK whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I didn't even know I was looking, but I've been searching my whole life."

The thief nodded against MK's chest, his bound hands awkwardly between them. "I've felt so lost," he murmured, his voice muffled. "Like I was missing something vital. But now..." He pulled back slightly, gazing into MK's eyes with wonder. "Now I feel whole." he was blubbering at the end, tears so easily flowing from his cheeks.

MK's heart swelled with an overwhelming mix of joy and protectiveness. He brushed a tear away from his own cheek, giving a weak laugh, “What is your name?”

The thief lifted his shoulder to awkwardly rub his cheek to the fabric, trying to clean his face a tad, “Xiaozhizhu.” he murmured.

"Xiaozhizhu," MK repeated softly. Little… Spider. Ooh- uhhh- it’s fine. It’s fine.

“You don’t like my name,” the man says immediately. MK flinched, stunned he- no, no it wasn’t shocking. Of course, Xiaozhizhu realized. He must have felt how MK recoiled. When MK stammered to explain, Xiaozhizhu’s eyes were set and scrutinizing- almost like he was reading something. “You don’t like spiders,” he says next. A single glance into MK’s mind was all he needed- and something he wasn’t even aware he could really do until that moment. It just came so naturally. As easy as reading a book. “I-I didn’t mean to pry,” he says, realizing what he did now was odd.

MK was wide-eyed, shaking his head, “No no, it’s fine. You… You like spiders,” he took could peer into Xiaozhizhu’s head. Small glimpses and emotions. “They are family to you.”

“Yeah…” Xiaozhizhu nods. “B-But… What is your name?” he perked up a little, tail relaxing, naturally reaching and coiling for MK’s.

“I’m Qi Xiaotian, but I also go by MK.”

Xiaozhizhu's eyes widened in recognition. "The Monkey Prince? I... I've heard stories about you." A flicker of worry crossed his face. "I'm not... Oh, you are here to arrest me.”

MK and Xiaozhizhu both pale. Oh yeah…

With imperfect timing, Red Son and Mei were vaulting behind them, tracking the two using MK’s communicator. “You got him, MK!” Mei whooped.

Red Son stomped forward, his hair flaming with irritation. "Finally! Hand him over, Noodle Boy! It's time this pest faced justice!"

Xiaozhizhu was sinking against MK, hiding his face behind his other half. His ears were flat, eyes trembling.

MK's heart raced as he looked between Xiaozhizhu and his approaching friends. He couldn't let them take him - not now, not when he'd just found his other half. He could feel the churning thoughts of Xiaozhizhu’s own panic- his fear for a cage. His fear of his freedom being taken away. Of letting down his family. Of being alone… again.

No.

In a split second decision, he grabbed Xiaozhizhu's bound hands.

"I got you," he whispered, catching Xiaozhizhu’s startled eyes. He gave a little wink then loudly called out, "OH NO! He's getting away!" With that, MK leapt off the roof, pulling Xiaozhizhu with him. Mei and Red Son were sharply calling after them, running to the edge to peer down. The two plummeted several stories before MK's staff extended, catching on a nearby building and swinging them to safety in the window of the building they clung to.

MK and Xiaozhizhu tumbled through the open window, landing in a heap on the dusty floor of what appeared to be an abandoned office. They lay there for a moment, hearts racing, before MK scrambled to his feet and helped Xiaozhizhu up. He checked him off, dusting off shards of glass.

“Sorry, that was dumb. Sorry-We need to get those cuffs off," MK whispered urgently, glancing towards the window where he could hear Red Son and Mei's distant shouts.

Xiaozhizhu nodded, holding out his bound wrists. "I don’t know how-”

MK was grasping the edges, eyebrows furrowing, “Don’t move.” He concentrated, his eyes glowing with golden energy as he grasped the cuffs. With a sharp twist and a burst of power, the inhibitor cuffs cracked and fell away. Xiaozhizhu gasped as his powers rushed back, flexing his newly freed wrists.

"Thank you," he breathed, rubbing his arms. His eyes darted nervously to the window. "You- You didn’t have to do that.”

“I wanted to,” MK says. He reached out, gently taking Xiaozhizhu's hands in his own. They chuckled, putting their hands out to let them connect- to feel the connection in detail. "I couldn't let them take you. Not when I've just found you."

Xiaozhizhu's eyes softened, a small smile tugging at his lips. "But... won't you get in trouble? They're your friends, aren't they?"

MK shrugged, his thumb absently tracing circles on Xiaozhizhu's palm. "I'll figure something out. What matters is that you're safe."

The distant shouts of Red Son and Mei grew closer. MK quickly scrambled into his pocket, pulling out a pen. Biting the top of the cap to uncap it, MK quickly scribbled his phone number on Xiaozhizhu's arm. "Call me, okay? We need to talk more, and figure this out. But for now, you need to go."

Xiaozhizhu nodded, his eyes locked on MK's. He clutched his hand closer, careful not to smudge the numbers, "I will. I promise." Tears welled in his eyes again. “Ahh-” he rubbed them with his other hand, slowly inching back.

MK gave a little chuckle, “Cry baby,”

Xiaozhizhu gave him a mild look of anger, “Bye… Xiaotian.”

“Bye, Xiaozhizhu.” MK lifted his hand, prepared to fend off his friends from pursuing Xiaozhizhu with a fake injury or something along the lines, not sure how much time the guy needed. Yet, it was only when Xiaozhizhu stepped into the shadows- stepping right into them, that he understood how he always got away from Red Son and Mei with such ease.

He could manipulate shadows??

MK stood, dumbfounded. It was then that he understood why Xiaozhizhu seemed so familiar. He was the spitting image of his Baba.

Stunned that thought, he stood there with his mouth hanging open, startled when Mei and Red Son were carefully moving through the shattered window to join him.

MK quickly schooled his expression, trying to look disappointed and frustrated as Mei and Red Son clambered through the window.

"What happened?" Mei demanded, her eyes scanning the room. "Where'd he go?"

"I... I lost him," MK said, running a hand through his hair in feigned frustration. "He slipped away when we landed. He's incredibly fast and agile."

Red Son let out a string of colorful curses, kicking a nearby desk. "I can't believe this! We were so close!"

"Did you at least get a good look at him?”

MK hesitated, still not sure what to make of Xiaozhizhu’s face. His Baba’s face. “I... I did see him up close," he admitted carefully. "But it was dark, and everything happened so fast..."

Red Son was throwing his head back with a groan, miffed. Mei on the other hand stood there, staring openly at MK. She titled her head confused.

...Too dark?

But it was never too dark for MK.

Not sure what happened she placed a hand on his shoulder. "It's okay, MK. Any details you can remember could help us track him down. We’ll get him next time. You got closer than any of us did! Now you know what to expect for next time."

MK swallowed hard, his mind racing. “Yeah…” he mumbled. MK nodded, trying to look determined. "You're right. We'll get him next time." He forced a smile, hoping his friends couldn't see the turmoil in his eyes.

As they made their way back to Red Son's workshop, MK's mind whirled with questions. How was Xiaozhizhu connected to his father? Why did he look so much like him? And most importantly, how was he going to protect his newfound other half while still being loyal to his friends and his duties as the Monkey Prince?

This Summer suddenly got a lot more complicated…

[the-kr8tor]

back to back requests, if you are okay with that. r finding out that she’s pregnant, and then hobie finding out? or maybe they both find out at the same time? up to you!!

Another banger request, bestie! Thank you 🫶

Pairing: Hobie Brown x fem! Reader/ Spider-Punk x fem! Reader

Tags: Use of Y/N sparsely, no specific physical description of the reader (except for her clothing), CW vomiting, description of illness, pregnancy talk, Billie and Ramona AU, Dad! Hobie, Mom! Reader, FLUFF

ʕ⁠·⁠ᴥ⁠·⁠ʔ

The portal opens in the living room, from the force of it opening has the boat rocking in the stagnant water. the sounds of your trinkets falling and crashing on the floor has Peter B. Cringing, while Mayday giggles excitedly in his arms. MJ follows close behind, all dressed up and pretty for their anniversary. The portal closes behind her in a mechanical sound.

“Hobie! Y/N?” Peter yells across the small space.

Mayday babbles to what sounds like your names. She tries to escape from her father's hold, kicking and squealing excitedly.

“Maybe they're still asleep?” MJ looks behind the kitchen island, she shrugs, having no idea where you or Hobie are.

Meanwhile, Mayday escapes, crawling across the floors. Upon your request, Peter took off Mayday's web shooters because in their last visit, well, the toddler almost gave you a heart attack.

Peter scratches his head, eyes flicking towards the closed bedroom door. “Do you think they're, you know?” he asks his wife with a slight whisper, wiggling his eyebrows.

MJ side glances, “Come on, really, Pete?”

Mayday points at the bathroom further down the hallway, Peter's enhanced hearing picks up retching and dry heaving inside the closed bathroom, the sound bouncing off the tiled walls.

He picks up Mayday, cradling her head. Looks like date night is postponed when the only person who volunteered to babysit Mayday is sick.

“Everything alright in there?” he knocks softly on the door.

The living room window slides open and out jumps Hobie holding onto a brown paper bag.

“You're early, hey MJ.” He says nonchalantly.

“Hi, Hobie, is she okay?” MJ grimaces after another round of retching continues inside the bathroom.

“Dude,” Peter makes way for Hobie to enter the small hallway. “Is she sick? You know I can't drop Mayday off while there's some sort of infection happening in here–” he gets a thwack upside the head from his wife.

“She's fine” Hobie says it to the couple but it's more of a reassurance for himself. “We both think she ate something bad a few days ago and she's been like this every morning.” He knocks twice on the door.

MJ looks like she's thinking.

Your pained muffled voice echoes out. “I'll be out in a minute, sorry.”

“Don't be sorry, love. I've got your meds, yeah? Come out so you can drink it” he says through the door.

With a click of the doorknob, you reveal yourself to the party in Hobie's jumper and a very old sweatpants hanging on your hip. Your eyes are flushed, sniffing to hell and back.

“Hi, sorry I don't think we can take care of Mayday today.” You say dejectedly, eyes forlorn as you look at the toddler who's equally devastated to hear the news.

“Aww man but we've got reservations–” MJ slaps Peter upside the head again.

Hobie helps you walk with his arms wrapped around your shoulders, thumb massaging comfortingly. He whispers to you. “How do you feel?”

“I feel like my stomach is doing somersaults.” You groggily say. Hobie sits you down on the settee, handing you a water bottle and medicine.

“Y/N, sweetheart, when was the last time you had your period?” You almost did a spit take when MJ asked you the question.

“Honey, what the he–cow” Peter fumbles, realizing that his daughter's still in his arms, watching him with her big eyes.

Hobie looks at you with wide eyes, slowly realizing something. You ate the same thing he eats everyday so why are you the only one with the stomach bug?

“Uh I'm late this month…” you side eye Hobie who looks like he's about to vomit right there and then. “Why? I'm probably just stressed and…” MJ gives you a soft look.

“Are you fatigued?” MJ softly asks, you nod while Hobie observes you and you only. “Any tenderness in the chest” you nod again. Hobie flicks his eyes down to your stomach. “Y/N, darling.” She smiles at you and Hobie, Peter gives you two the most awkward thumbs up. Mayday copies her dad, nodding along.

You chuckle nervously, facing Hobie, your bottom lip wobbling.

“Y/N” Hobie looks at you with glistening eyes. “Love, I think I should swing by the chemist again.” He holds your hand affectionately, eyes never leaving yours as a smile spreads across his face.

Peter's spidey senses warn him, covering Mayday's ears in one quick dad movement.

“Holy shit! Am I pregnant?!” you screech.

One agonizing fifteen minutes later, two lines appear on the small plastic stick, confirming MJ’s suspicion. Hobie was with you the entire time, holding your hand, caressing your back as he whispers ‘I love yous’ in your ear. You know you and the baby will be okay.

[midnight-mourning]

Liar, Liar (Goose Down Coat on Fire)

Holiday Spirit! au Chapter 1

hehehehehe, HEHEHEHEHE

ahem. here u go, first chapter after much waiting, please enjoy :D

reminder for those that don't know, this is an au for my fic, confused spirit but you don't have to have read it to follow along. Additionally, day 7 of my December requests serves as the prologue for this ^_^

Word Count: 5762

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There's a clattering sound behind you, making you jump ever so slightly. It's followed by a curse or two and a 'sorry!'. You frown, focusing back in on the gear work on the workbench in front of you. You have to be careful with this, these are delicate after all. One wrong move and you'll lose several hours’ worth of work. 

You adjust the tabletop magnifying glass, and tighten your grip on your tweezers. You're about to add the last thin gear into place—

Another clatter. "Sorry!"

You let out a noise of frustration. "That better not be important or it's coming out of your pay, Petey."

"Of course not, just the cogs we finished manufacturing this morning." Jesse quips, hammering something once or twice. "Not important at all."

"It's not my damn fault they keep slipping! These tongs suck."

Your eye twitches, turning slightly to look back at him. "Then use the other tongs, it's that simple."

"That'd be too easy." Savannah tsks. 

You shake your head, waving your free hand. "I don't have time for this, Ms. Faun's coming by in thirty for her clock and it's not finished yet." You look up to your apprentice, who's sitting to your right, watching you work intently. "Liv, would you mind helping Petey find the other tongs since he's so incapable of doing so?"

She nods, getting up to go over and help. 

"Hey! I'm the one making sure these things spend exactly 10 minutes in the fire."

Jesse scoffs. "Yeah, that's your job. Which, it wouldn't be if you'd hadn't messed up the clockwork with your grubby hands."

They start to bicker and you do your best to tune it out, focusing back on your work. This wasn't your typical gig—again, it was Pete's—but you enjoyed the smaller mechanism work every now and then. It also helped keep food on the table. 

Your crew was of decent size for the operation you had here, being the only smithy and mechanic shop in your village. It needed to be, considering that you were the only one around for miles and miles throughout the mountains. You were fortunate enough to be able to pull business from other nearby villages as well. 

But, as the arguing—and laughter—grows in volume behind you, sometimes you wonder if it's worth it to do something you love so much. Yes, they were your friends. But damn, if they didn't get on your nerves just like siblings sometimes. 

Speaking of, Lisa should be up soon. You should get breakfast ready. 

After a brief moment of clarity to finally finish the missing component of the clock, you set it aside, scribbling a note to Ms. Frau and sitting back with a stretch. You remove your goggles, shoving them up into your hair as you stand. 

You nod to Savannah, who's busy mixing metals as you head to the back door of the shop, into your kitchen and home proper. 

It's quiet back here, only small bits of noise coming through from the forge. Outside you can hear town starting to come to life, waking up as the day begins. You preferred to start earlier and end later so you had more time for your siblings. Additionally, having the shop open earlier meant you could prepare orders well ahead of time before having to worry about someone coming to pick them up. 

You rub your hands together, going over to the stove and checking the fire inside, tossing a log or two on both for heat and cooking purposes. 

As you're filling the kettle for the second time that morning, you hear feet hit the floor upstairs. A few minutes later, a face appears in the doorway, rubbing its bleary eyes. 

"Good morning." You say, walking over to the ice box. "You want bacon and eggs?"

A yawn. "Yeah."

"Go put boots on and check on Getrude then. She's probably hungry."

Lisa nods, shuffling over to the door and putting on boots, you hear the door close a moment later. 

While cooking breakfast, Lisa sits in a chair beside you, legs swinging as she watches you. 

"Those guards were super cool the other day. Do you think we'll see them again?"

You pause a moment, then shake your head. "Probably not up close, they've got duties to attend to and all that. But we might see them around."

"Oh. Okay." Lisa sighs. "But they were soooo fun. Mr. Moon gave us so many rides! And Mr. Sun is so silly."

You chuckle. You'd been surprised to find how good the two had been with your sister and Jack, but you'd been grateful for it. And amused as well, considering their initial hostility in your first encounter. "Yeah, I bet."

You're eating breakfast, Gabe in your lap now that he's awake, when you hear a commotion coming from the shop. 

Suddenly, your forge tender, Tyler, bursts through the door. Covered in ash and soot, he points a gloved hand behind him, out of breath. "They uh, need you in the main shop, broski."

You stand up, adjusting Gabe to sit on your hip. "What's wrong?"

"Better you see for yourself. That uh, purple rabbit's here, what's his name?"

Your brow furrows, but you make your way over to the door. "What would Bon need this early?"

Tyler shrugs. 

You walk back into your shop, your brother gnawing on part of an apple, where you see one of your neighbors, Bon, standing near the entrance. He locks on to you when you enter, concerned look in his eyes. 

"Everything okay Bon?" You ask as you make it over to him, nodding to Jesse and Pete that it's fine and they don't need to hold him back any longer. They nod in turn, going back to work. 

"There you are, sorry to be bugging you. And for making a scene." He winces, then shakes his head. "Listen, I've been seeing animatronics coming and going from here like crazy the past few days. What's going on?"

You cringe yourself. "It's a bit of a story, one that I'm not really too sure on myself. How long you got?"

Since the beginning of the festival a few days ago, you'd had a rather strange increase in clients. Specifically of the mechanical kind. Granted, you were used to taking care of animatronics, several lived in your village and the throughout kingdom as a whole. But this number of different clients every, single, day, was unheard of. 

Sure, it could be that because they were here on guard duty, many had decided to get a tune up or the likes and since your shop was the only option close by, took advantage of that. But the work you'd been doing lately wasn't routine maintenance. It was repairs.

Lots, and lots, of repairs. 

Not minor ones, either. You were replacing entire body parts in some cases. All of them guards, all of them coming from the castle. You had at least six or seven cases a day. 

It didn't make any sense. You doubted it was caused by the humans around. There was no ill will between man and machine in this day and age. So they had to be happening some other way. You'd tried asking directly, but never got a response on the matter. Given that most of your clients were the wide-eyed G.U.A.R.D. bots, this made sense. You honestly weren't sure if they were able to say much more than basic conversation topics. 

But the others you'd had, like the pink and white bear bot, or the fox, they just, avoided the topic. Skirting around it with a laugh or a quick quip. 

It made you uneasy to put it plainly. You couldn't wrap your head around it. It wasn't exactly a bad thing for you, it meant business was booming. Like the equivalent of a gold rush for you and your crew, holiday bonuses and the likes. 

But still, the idea that something more was going on was nagging at you, and you couldn't help the gnawing thought at the back of your mind that something really wrong was happening. 

You explain only part of this to Bon, not wanting to sound like a loon because of some hay brained passing suspicion. Maybe things will calm down today, and it'll just have been a weird fluke of coincidences. 

When you're finished, Bon nods his head thoughtfully. 

"Just like I thought." He shakes his head, looking to you. "Thank you, I suppose the only thing left to say is congratulations on the business."

You laugh, slightly awkward. "Yeah, thanks."

Bon heads to leave, then stops, turning to you. "And hey, out of curiosity. There hasn't been any blue rabbits that've come through right? Taller than me, maybe with an earring?"

"There was one blue rabbit." You say, thinking back, "But he was much smaller than you. Bright red cheeks. Why do you ask?"

Bon waves his hand. "No reason. I've seen him around, is all. Was curious. Have a good one!"

"You too!" You call after him, then frown. 

Surely it's just a coincidence that Bon's noticed the strangeness of this, right? You shake your head. No use worrying over something that's quite literally benefitting you. You let it go, and after a brief chat with your crew, head to go finish breakfast and send Lisa off to school.

Sure enough, you have several more animatronics come in before lunch, and many more that come in after. It's a busy day once more, and you have to shoo away that feeling in your gut by rattling your coin pouch several times as you walk through town later on in the day. 

Everything is bustling because of the festival, people you know and you don't passing you by as you walk along. You'd left Jesse in charge to finish out the day, deciding you needed to run some errands today. 

With the influx of money coming in, you'd decided you'd treat your siblings to some nicer meals for a least a few nights to celebrate. You also needed to get Lisa a new coat, maybe check in on your supplies you'd ordered from Lizzy because of all your new clients and there was also—

Your brother's delighted giggling interrupts your train of thoughts. Assuming some passerby must have entertained him, you keep moving forward. Another loud giggle and now your confused. 

You turn slightly to try and spy who or what behind you is exciting him, not seeing able to directly notice anyone. You shrug, giving up and about to step forward when. 

You halt, a red and blue torso blocking your view. A white and blue visage comes into your view. 

"Hello there, Andromeda."

You blink. "Oh, hello again, Moon. Fancy seeing you again."

"The same to you." He nods, then stands straight. "Are you enjoying the festival?"

You scoff, raising this paper in your hand with your to do list. "Hardly. I have things to do. Unlike the tourists, my job doesn't stop for the holidays."

"What a pity, and it's the nicest weather we've had so far."

You start walking again, Moon falling in step beside you. "No kidding. But, that's life. Maybe I'll take Lisa to one of the plays later, as a treat."

"I think that would be an excellent idea, personally." Out of the corner of your eye you catch him wiggling his finger at Gabriel, who giggles and claps his hands. 

You review your list, deciding to tackle the market first and foremost. "And what about you? What are you up to today?"

"Protecting civilians of course. What does it look like?" He teases. 

You snort. "Like you're chatting with civilians. No offense."

"None taken. I suppose."

The crowd thins only slightly upon entrance into the market. Nobles and the likes have no need to visit where the commoner's shop for food and the likes, unless they wished to gawk, that is. Moon sticks with you, chatting as you go stall to stall gathering groceries. Even offering to carry things for you, which, you're not one to turn down a bit of free help. 

You're examining some fresh fish when a thought occurs to you to finally ask. "Where's that partner of yours? The sunny one."

Moon pauses for a moment, then he chuckles, grin widening slightly. "Busy."

"Hm. Fair enough."

After the market, Moon continues to stick with you, playing the role of your helper quite well. 

You manage to knock out most of your list an hour quicker than you expected. So, you decide to take a break, heading to the bakery to grab a snack. 

You're sitting out at one of the tables, watching as across the square there's a bit of dancing and such taking place. Gabe's sitting on the table, nibbling on a bit of cookie you'd allowed him. 

It really is a nice day, the Sun is warm against the cold air. The music from across the square flits all around you, the chattering of people mixing in between. 

You take a bite of your scone. "Could I ask you a bit of a weird question?"

"Weird how?" Moon asks, but his tone is cheeky.

You shake your head. "I guess forward is the better word. But anyway, there's been a bit of an increase in customers in my shop the past few days."

"Remind me what it is you do?" He lifts his hand to twiddle his fingers above Gabe's head, chin resting in his other hand.

"Smithy, technician, tinkerer, what have you,"—you chomp down again—"Only one around, and that's been made very clear to me. Everyday I've had several animatronics come in, all banged up and bruised. Well, not bruised but you get the point. And I can't make hide nor hair of it."

You hear a click or two to your left. "And you think I might know?"

"Well, I assumed so, I don't know all the royal guard castle stuff works." You wave your hand. "Forgive me, I was just curious I guess."

No response. You glance over for a moment. Moon's eyes are narrowed, grin seeming, strained. But he's not looking at you, not seeming to be looking at anything in particular at all. 

Gabriel sneezes, and that seems to pull him out of it. You see the small, white pupils he sometimes has flick to you for a moment. 

"If I were you, I wouldn't worry so much about things like that."

You nod, smiling once. "Yeah, you're right." 

On the inside though? You're so, incredibly, suspicious. You know better than to let that show, however. While you've been cordial all day, you two don't know each other beyond the base conversations you've shared. 

And you know all too well the costs of trusting a stranger.

"Odd choice of a necklace charm." Moon interrupts your thoughts. 

You realize that you've been fiddling with it. "Huh? Oh, yeah." You tuck it back into your shirt. "Gift from a friend."

He nods, sitting back. "Must have been a good one."

"Something like that."

Despite your best efforts—and the extra set of hands—you still managed to forget a few things on your list. Forcing you to once again face the festival crowds the next day. 

Things aren't any slower than before, but by now your crew has fallen into the routine to be able to manage without you for a few hours. They've also been trying to force you to go more, somehow knowing that you'd be hunkered down doing repairs until your hands hurt otherwise. Which, you'd already done at least three days in a row now. 

So, you'll take the break, and use it as an opportunity to finish your list and maybe plan out some gifts for the upcoming holiday. 

It's a bit colder today, not nearly as sunny out. Still just as busy though. It's a bit harder to navigate, but you manage. 

For the most part. 

While walking through the shopping district, someone bumps into you. Not wanting to cause a scene, you apologize. 

The person huffs, and looking over you can tell by their dress they're upper class types. The woman snaps open her fan, eyes clearing showing her disdain. "How rude."

"You should watch where you're going." The man, you're guessing her husband, adds. 

You put your hands up. "Apologies. Won't happen again."

"Can't even be bothered to give a proper apology?" The man asks, stepping forward. Causing you to step back. People are starting to watch now. Of course, the one time you come to the nicer part of town and you manage to make a scene. It wasn't even your fault! She bumped into you. 

You keep your voice even to hide your irritation, and minor fear. "Again, I apologize. I really didn't mean anything by it."

"Sure you didn't,"—he scoffs, pointing a finger at you and again stepping closer—"You should consider it fortunate that—"

He doesn't get to finish, a large shadow obstructing your view of him. Taking a moment to adjust your vision, you see the back of a red coat, and glancing upwards, find the back of a seven-rayed head. 

Sun glances briefly back at you a moment before focusing on the man in front of him. 

"What seems to be the trouble here?" He asks. 

The man tsks. "They bumped into my lovely wife and couldn't even muster up an apology! The nerve of these commoners, I swear." He looks around Sun and points to you. "I want them fined at minimum, and a night in the jail unless they can give us a reason to forgive them."

"Is that so?" Sun turns to look at you, you duck your head, face burning. 

This was ridiculous. You'd heard stories of some stuck up nobles out there, and you knew better than to believe they were all like this, but still. You just hope this will be quick, and that the fine is a small one. 

There's a click or two above you. "Well, from what I saw, sir, your wife bumped into them."

You freeze, eyes wide as you look up to the bot, who's now staring down the man with a strained smile. 

"So, therefore, she should be the one apologizing,"—Sun suddenly bends down to be the same height as the couple, and they both jump back slightly. Sun tilts his head with a click—"Don't you think?"

The man blusters for a moment. "I, well I, that—" He shakes his head, adjusting his coat, angry, but relenting. "I suppose so."

Sun claps his hands, standing upright. "Very good then! Well, ma'am?" He turns his attention to her. 

You peek out a bit further from behind Sun, unable to smother the smirk on your lips. She seems just flustered and defeated as her husband. 

She doesn't look you in the eye as she mumbles out—"My apologies."

"Is that satisfactory for you?"

Your realize Sun's talking to you. You nod, not wanting to drag this out any further, you're still in shock that it's happening this way and that you're not being carted off the jail. "Yes, thank you for apologizing."

After another hushed exchange, the couple storm off, and you relax finally as the street returns to normal. 

You notice you still have a shadow on you. Glancing up, you see Sun staring down at you. 

"Thank you. Very much so." You start to walk off then. "I won't keep you, have a good day—woah!"

You're stopped by a firm hand on your shoulder. You trace it up to the sunny guard's narrowed gaze. 

"It was only by chance I was nearby. That could have gone very differently for you, Icarus." You hear a few sharp clicks emit from him.

You stare at each other a moment before you relax, rolling your eyes with a huff. "Yeah, I know. And again, I'm grateful for the help, but I have things to do. So let go or tag along for the ride. Keep in mind though, I'm only strong enough to carry Gabe."

"Very well then,"—his hand shifts from your shoulder to your arm interlocking with yours—"Let's get to it."

You glance at the hold a moment, then scoff. "Alright. Fair warning, I will make you carry stuff."

The two of you start to travel down the street, your first stop is the coat shop.

"I'll consider it."

"Hah! Witty aren't you?" You ask. 

Sun doesn't answer, eyes crinkling as he smile widens a tinge. 

Much like how Moon accompanied you yesterday, Sun does the same. Though, he has a bit more direct commentary on your shopping choices. Specifically critique. He seems to love to critique you. 

It wears you down quickly, and by the end of the trip you've thrown all common courtesy to the wind and bicker with him like you would anyone else you know. 

"I still believe you'd be better off purchasing something with goose down instead." 

You scoff as you exit the shop, bell clinking above you. "And for the last time, I've told you that Lisa would destroy a goose down coat in a matter of hours. It'd be wasted on her." You shove the brown parcel into his arms. "Sheep's wool is just fine."

"Perhaps you should teach her to take better care of her things." He takes the package, adding it to the others in his hold. 

You laugh. "You ever try to tell an eight year old what to do? They're not great listeners." You check the time, seeing that it's time to go pick her up from school. "Speaking of, I need to go grab her. Let's run this back home and then you're free to get out of my hair."

"Wouldn't it be easier on you to just retrieve her directly?" He asks.

"Yeah, but it'd be more work on you. And I figured you'd be tired of me by now." You shrug. "Besides, don't you have a job to do?"

Sun looks down to you, rays flicking back and forth. Then he tsks. "Tell me which way the school is before I start walking a random direction."

"I—okay. This way." 

He speaks again after a moment. "Your errands today weren't dissimilar to my patrol route, and after your little mishap earlier, I'd rather keep an eye on you myself."

"Make sure I'm not causing any trouble for the rich folk?" You simper. 

Sun laughs, it's surprisingly light. "On the contrary, I believe they'd cause you trouble."

"Oh."

"Though, yes, you'd probably somehow make it worse." He finishes. 

Your eyes narrow. "You know, I think I don't really like you."

"The feeling's mutual, Bright Eyes."

Lisa's waiting for you on the steps when you arrive, chatting away with a few of her friends. When she sees you she beams, waving. When she sees Sun her eyes light up, rushing over to tackle him with a hug. 

"Mr. Sun! What are you doing here?" She looks up to him. "They said I'd never ever see you again!"

You huff. "No, I said you probably wouldn't—"

"Well, they were surely mistaken then, weren't they?" Sun shifts all the items he's carrying to one hand, reaching down to ruffle Lisa's hair. 

She giggles. "Yeah, they're such a liar!"

"I did not lie!"

Sun walks you back to your home, and you thank him again for his help. 

Color you surprised—and suspicious—when over the next week or so either one or both of the celestial guards decide to accompany you on your walks to and from getting Lisa from school. Entertaining her or Gabriel while chatting idly with you. 

They also always seem to find you while you're out and about, which had been more frequent with all the repairs you'd been doing. You've gotten to the point where you've had to completely restock some days. You've even brought Tyler out from the back to help in the main shop, you're that desperate. 

Regardless of that, you can't help the sense of concern that's eating away at you. This doesn't make sense. What could be causing this amount of damage to these animatronics? Why won't they tell you what's happening to them? What exactly is going on up in that castle that no one seems to be noticing besides you?

As for Sun and Moon, you can't get a read on them either. You're not stupid, there's a reason they're essentially tailing you. And you know they're not foolish either. The three of you are just skirting around the massive elephant in the room. 

But, you can't deny, besides that, you've enjoyed the companionship as of late. Besides your crew you weren't much for talking to people. It was, unfortunately, undeniably good for you that they wouldn't leave you be. 

To a point, that is. 

You're mulling all this over again as the parade goes on in front of you. Abby's standing to your right with her brother, Lisa's in front of you. While trying to keep a calm demeanor, you know deep down you're both concerned about letting either child out of your sight. And not just because of what happened a little over a week ago. 

A child went missing last night. 

The butcher from down the road's daughter, his wife was going up and down the street sobbing. You were part of one of the search parties that went looking for her, not even a sign of her turning up in or out of town. The dogs weren't able to catch her scent. Just laid down on the ground, paws over their whining snouts. 

It sent a shock through the community, especially you. This was your biggest fear, all but confirmed. But, you kept that to yourself, the last thing that was needed was more panic. 

You yawn, you'd searched for hours, well into the night, and were exhausted because of it. Your grip on Lisa's shoulder tightens. Still, if that had been her—you shake her head. You'd do anything to find her, that's for sure. 

At the very least, your back is glad that you decided to leave Gabe at home today. Savannah's sister happened to be around and offered to sit for you, meaning you could just focus on your sister today. Which, given her troublemaker attitude, was a good thing. 

The precession grows more elaborate and the crowd's volume increases. It shifts from simple dancers and musicians to elaborate contortionists and stilt walkers. You spy a few animatronics within the mix, in particular a white and pink fox and a ballerina-like bot that catch your eye. 

It's not until the marching soldiers however that you really pay attention however. As while you do spy several familiar machines among the rows—including Sun & Moon—from their time in your shop, it's one of the human guards that makes you perk up. 

And unfortunately, so does Lisa.

"Hey! That's Miss Bri!" She exclaims, jumping up and down. 

You can't stop the grin that splits your face. "You're right, Lis. It is her."

"Miss Bri! Miss Bri it's me!" Your sister shouts, arm waving wildly. 

People around you start shooting looks and you mumble a few 'sorries' in response. You try shushing your sister. "Quiet down, Lisa. We'll try to talk to her after the parade. Look, there's the royal family." You point to the carriage they're riding in, but Lisa could care less. 

She blows a raspberry. "Who cares about some old king and his kids. I wanna see Miss Bri!"

You cringe at the offended gasps around you. 

"Teach that girl some respect." Someone comments beside you. 

You turn half-shrugging and trying not to get overwhelmed. "She's eight, can yah really blame her?"

Taking your hands off Lisa for even a second was a mistake. Everything happens all at once. 

There's a shot that rings out in the back of the precession where the king is, causing a disruption in the crowd and people to scream. In the commotion, Lisa takes her chance to break out of your grip, running over to where Bri is in the road. 

You race after her, getting there just in time to see your friend's surprised face as she scoops Lisa up in her arms. 

"Little Lady, I don't think you're supposed to be here." Bri states, looking down at your sister. 

Lisa wraps her arms tight around the guard, burying her head against her chest. "I didn't I'd ever see you again! You went away! I hated it." You can just barely make out a sniffle from her.

Bri softens. "Hey, it's alright. I told you I'd come visit sometime, right?"

"Yeah."

"Well, I'm visiting now. So, let's cheer up a bit, alright?" Bri pulls back, reaching up to take off her hat and setting it on your sisters head. "Here, you can wear this for me, yeah?"

Lisa sniffs again, cheering up. "Okay."

Bri smiles, then looks up to you. "Hell of an entrance, L/N."

"Same to you, Perry." You grin, and hug her tight.  

She claps you on the back hard, shaking your shoulder when you pull away. "It's really great to see you, but I think we both know this isn't the time for greetings."

"Yeah, I know." You both turn to the now calming chaos by the king's carriage. 

She nods to it. "Walk over with me?" 

"Sure."

She adjusts Lisa, who still clings to her, keeping her voice low. "If I'm right about what's going on, I'll need you. Have I got you?"

"Long as you got me." You nod, and she returns it. 

Upon arrival, you can see a small crowd of guards standing around something on the ground by the open-air carriage. You pay no mind to the royal family, you think you'd start freaking out if you did, and instead follow Bri into the crowd's center. 

Along the way, you catch Moon's gaze among the group, who seems surprised to see you. You just offer him a wave and a smile. When you see Sun, you stick your tongue out at him. You think if he could he'd return the favor. 

Laying in the snow, flailing about, is an animatronic, being restrained by three others. It's a blue rabbit, and the others holding him down include a bear, a wolf, and a gator. 

"Bonnie! You have to calm down, please!" The bear pleads. 

The gator growls as he's hit the face by a loose claw. "He's not home right now, Fred. Make a decision already, or I will."

"It's a long shot, but anything you can do?" Bri asks. "This keeps happening randomly to all our bots, and the only solution we've been able to think of has been a bit, graphic. Bonnie's a good guy, I think if he could stop, he would."

Glancing around briefly, you see several already disarmed GUARD bots lying about. Still twitching every so often. Alive, obviously, but likely in pain. If animatronics could feel pain, that is. You're going to assume yes for now.

You nod, trying to think quick. "Yeah, let's give it a chance." You try to take a closer look at the bot. "Tell them to flip him over on his back."

As Bri does so, you dig around in your bot for your knife, snatching it up into your hand when you find it. 

You approach the group, cautious, but determined. 

"Get me clear access to his head." You direct, earning a look from the gator and the wolf, but they shift so you can move in. 

You ignore the thrashing and garbled static coming from the bunny as you kneel down, hand ghosting over the metal of his skull until you find his access panel. You wedge your knife into the small crack, popping it open and tossing it off into the snow. 

Bonnie grows more erratic for a moment, and you jump back slightly until they regain control over him. 

"Hope you know what you’re doing, mon ami." The gator mutters. 

You nod, leaning back in. "Ouais, moi aussi."

Inside, it's set up exactly how you predicted, and after a few quick button presses, and the unplugging of a few wires, Bonnie stills completely. You remove your hands entirely, waiting for a few moments. Once the time is up, you slowly reach down and reinsert the wires in their proper places. 

"Okay. Let him go." You stand up, stepping back. You bump into something, and after a glance to the yellow hand on your shoulder you know who. 

There's a quiet voice by your head as the other animatronics also step back, and the bunny slowly starts to get to his feet. "What did you do?"

"Shut off his limb controls, then gave his system a hard reset." You murmur back. 

Bonnie stands straight, gripping his head. "What happened?"

He's tackled into a hug by the bear that had been holding him down, and a chicken animatronic joins shortly thereafter. "You're okay!"

"Of course I'm alright, Fred. Seriously, what's going on?"

The group of guards cheer, and you feel several reach around the bots behind you give you their thanks. You give polite smiles and nods in response, but inside, you're thinking. You're thinking intently. 

Bonnie has an earring in his right ear, and he's around the same height as another rabbit you know well. 

And his control access is identical.

Bri takes up your vision then, Lisa still in her arms. She encircles you in another hug. "I knew you could do it! Thank you."

"Of course. Glad he's alright."

She goes to say more, but stops, bowing her head. You see the others around you have done the same, in some cases going down on one knee. Turning around, your realize why. 

Through the now surrounding quiet, there's a lone clap that can be heard. It's coming from the carriage, from a man who's now standing, the crown on his head glinting in the sunlight. 

The smile on his face is wide, almost too wide. 

"Well done! Well done, indeed." The King ceases his clapping. "I've yet to meet one as well-versed with machines as myself. Tell me, who must I thank for stepping in and averting disaster here today?"

You can only stand frozen in shock, the grip that's slipped down to your arm is like iron. This is entirely not how you were expecting this day to end up.

Well, shoot.

❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

Man, bet y'all weren't expecting the references to og fnaf in this huh? I keep y'all on your toes. You should know by now, NEVER lower your guard when it comes to me and Confused spirit related things. Anywho~ thanks for reading! I'll be working on getting the next one out soon :)

Main Post with chapter links & info

Tag list (if you would like added, see this post for more info):

@scarletcowboy @beemyhuneybee @fishm0ther @deviouscrackers @elsajoyagent8

@luckyyyduckyyy @zenkaiankoku @jogimote @local-shrub @amarynthian-chronicles

@robinette-green @everlightreader @sinister-sincerely @starredeclipse @dangerva

@juukai @crystalmagpie447 @mothgutz236 @lizyxml @divinit3a (brilliant mastermind behind this au idea btw)

[callmegaith]

I want to know more about your rebels. From the art I've seen, they look very interesting. Tell me more!

ANON 😭😭 THATS SO SWEET OF YOU THANK U SM!!

Well, there are 4 characters that make up a squad. You have:

Pete:

The muscle of the group. He's a hot-head with a shotgun. Pete is the character I use to explore the world of HL the most, since he's the one character I can truly call an oc. He used to be a bit of a scardy cat growing up but when the war happened, being isolated and removed from his family and being forced to work for the combine, his fear turned to anger, and he's got A LOT of it. A bit too much, in fact. The moment they put a gun in his hands and he's had a little bit of that power trip taste, it was over. He no longer had a reason to feel helpless and be scared of the combine, now with his trusty shotgun, he could get up close and personal and make them go bye bye, which he probably likes an unhealthy amount. In his head, though, he thinks it's fine. He's fighting for the good guys, after all. He's doing the right thing. So his violence is justified. And that's sorta the central plot of his character "when do you become the same monster as the ones that hurt you?" Hurt people hurt people, and Pete has been hurt a lot. Though, he believes he's different because unlike the Combine, he loves and cares. The combine wouldn't know what that means, so in a way, his love for Nate and humanity in general, is what he believes keeps him from becoming as bad as the Combine.

Nate:

Nate is the youngest in the squad and the most naive. All he wants to do, really, is survive this whole thing. He just wants to see the sunrise on a brand new day where the Combine no longer exist on earth. He's pretty optimistic about it too which Pete and Marcel often disagree with but ya know, let the man dream. He's the chill laid back joker of the group and the life of the party. The most social out of them but not necessarily the best talker... And he talks... A lot. Like, nonstop. Marcel thinks it's because he's constantly trying to fill his mind with other stuff other than their shitty situation cuz the moment he shuts up he's gonna have to think about it and he's going to collapse. So they just let him ramble. He's a big fan of collecting things (both he and Pete are but he started their collection) some might even view him as a hoarder. Like you'd find him collecting pizza boxes and other useless things simply because... Well, those things don't exist now. They're "relics" of a life pre-war. And he finds that interesting, it brings him comfort even. He's the group's mechanic and the best at handling firearm since he's had the most training, having joined the Rebels before the others.

Marcel and Kit:

2 for one, those two cannot be separated (for Marcel's own good)

Marcel is the medic of the group. He's the oldest in the squad and the most pessimistic. Kit met Marcel when he found him dying on the ground (that's a comic you may or may not have read. I'll link the comics at the end of the ask) after saving his life, the two became inseparable. Marcel is in a very dark place mentally and thus has become extremely fragile. If you ask him, he'd tell you he's not suicidal, he just wouldn't mind not waking up the next day. Kit keeps Marcel safe, both from the Combine, zombies, and whatever threats, but also from himself. Kit wants to give Marcel purpose and a reason to keep living, something to make the days easier to get through, and becoming a medic was that for Marcel. He gets to save lives and it gives him a sense of meaning. It doesn't make him value his own life or anything, but he's at least living to do something good.

Marcel might come off as hostile and aggressive or just very uncaring but, in fact, he cares a lot. You just have to get past his nonchalantness and dig pretty deep to find that part of him. Kit understands he's probably just building walls to protect himself. He doesn't want anyone getting close so no one would miss him when he's gone. But obviously that doesn't work cuz, lmao, Kit ignores that. Tbh Kit doesn't need to bind life force with Marcel to die if Marcel dies. If Marcel dies Kit will likely just die of a broken heart.

That aside, Marcel finds Kit's views on life very intriguing, he's very interested in the Vort philosophical approach to life and death, and the way they form bonds, more spiritually than anything else. And he does end up having that bond with Kit, something so connected to what feels like a greater and higher thing than they are. So cosmic in its nature that it is hard to comprehend. To him, there's something so beautiful and profound about that. It's the idea that one day they will be embraced by that greater thing, so they may become a part of it, but it will happen when their time comes and they're called upon by the cosmos. He's just waiting for that day to come now.

If you'd like to see more of the characters you'll find everything under the tag (HL: change begins with us) or specific characters under: ( oc: Pete, Nate as male 07, Marcel as male 09, kit the Vortigaunt)

If you haven't seen the comics and wanna give em a read:

This is one lore dump and a half but hope you find it interesting, anon. :D again, thank u sm for your interest and curiosity. It means a lot to me!!

[secfics]

my favourite starker fics, part 2

hi. for my second reclist in this blog, i put together more starker fanfics that i’ve been discovering lately and have made their way into my personal list of favourites that i re-read again and again. in no particular order and with some cw/dark themes here and there, here they come:

• pete’s eats; by bloodgutsandstarbucks (ao3) aka @darker-soft-starker, Teen and Up, 9’3k, oneshot

Peter having a YouTube channel where he just drinks wine and teaches people how to cook things if they live in a mediocre apartment. While cooking and drinking he just talks about stuff like memes and school and, most importantly, his undying thirst for Tony Stark.

• naturally; by ursafootprints (ao3) aka @ursafootprints, E, 16’3k, 3/3 chapters

"Mr. Stark," Peter whispered for the third time, his voice now airless where it had previously been rough from sleep. "Are you okay?"

Mr. Stark's thumb was slowly tracing back and forth over Peter's temple, but it stopped its trek as he finally took a deep breath, the first sign that he was really hearing what Peter was asking.

Voice rough with something other than sleep, Mr. Stark said, "No," and leaned in to kiss him.

Or: Unbeknownst to Peter, Tony gets dosed with sex pollen (sex serum?) on a mission, so he's nothing but thrilled when all his wet dreams about Mr. Stark suddenly start coming true-- until the morning after.

this app won’t let me add links to all of the titles for no reason so i’ll add extra links after the summary of the ones i wasn’t able to, here is the link:

• you’re not yet done; by ursafootprints (ao3) aka @ursafootprints, E, 166’7k, 14/14 chapters - cw: rape, bad guys made them do it

Tony didn't know what it would do to either of them, to play this out like a shadow cast by the real thing, real love and sex and intimacy. But it was what Peter was asking him for, so he did it.

In the aftermath of a traumatic abduction by a villain, Tony and Peter have to cope with their not-entirely-in-sync coping mechanisms, concerned family and friends, figuring out who exactly really arranged the whole thing, and their evolving feelings for each other.

link:

• the leash; by downjune, M, 30’2k, 2/2 chapters

Peter didn’t know if they talked to anyone else who carried them, but when he had the Infinity Gauntlet tucked under his arm, he could swear the stones were trying to…commune with him. They wanted something from him. Wanted to be used. He wanted to be rid of them.

Until he found Tony Stark leaned against some torn up tree roots and rock. He found Tony dying.

At that point, Peter was ready to bargain.

• velvet elvis; by orphan_account, M, 45’7k, 7/7 chapters

Peter just wants Tony to feel comfortable in Peter's new home. That's it. He totally has no ulterior motives whatsoever. Nope.

link:

• practical results; by anonymous aka ‘is this thing (an)on?’ tag, M, 81’4k, 12/12 chapters - cw: dubious consent/bad guys made them do it

This isn’t his bedroom - not the one at the compound, or the suite in Milan. Definitely not the penthouse in New York. In all honesty, it looks like the inside of the fucking Spaceship Earth ride at Epcot.

“Kid,” he tries again, more urgently now, “where the hell are we?”

“Uhh, the guy said we’re someplace called Sakaar.”

“The guy? What guy?”

Let's say that after the uprising on Sakaar, the Grandmaster manages to cling to power by offering people an even better form of entertainment than the Contest of Champions: Porn. He offers them porn.

• rebuild; by tuesday (ao3) aka @everysecondtuesday, Teen and Up, 14’7k, oneshot

Tony lives, falls in love despite himself, and spends entirely too much time in California.

• in the hands of gods; by therogueheart (ao3) aka @therogueheart, E, 20’2k, oneshot

Peter has known nothing but the God Stark his entire life. The blessings he gives; and the cruelty he can deal. When Peter comes of age he must begin the next phase of his worship to the God - Sexuality.

But Peter has never been good at following rules, and he does the one thing that no man is permitted to do.

He touches.

link:

• expiration date; by learnedfoot (ao3) aka @learned-foot, E, 12k, oneshot

Tony knows exactly what this is. First big breakup, go for a fling with a completely inappropriate person. It’s basically a cliché. He kind of thought Peter was better than that, but apparently being brilliant and one of the bravest people on the face of the planet doesn’t mean he’s immune from being a stupid college student who makes stupid college student mistakes.

AKA Tony is sure this is just a fling, and he deals with that about as well as you’d expect.

link:

• the last five years; by orphan_account, M, 71’1k, 9/9 chapters

Tony Stark has spent the last six months trying to find a way to bring back those lost in The Snap, but when he succeeds and Peter Parker and the rest of the lost Avengers return he discovers that it has been a little bit longer for them.

• prototype protocol; by roamingsignals (ao3) aka @spider-mancan, E, 82’8k, 8/8 chapters

Tony Stark isn't good, despite years of trying. When the multiverse dumps a younger Tony into their laps, Tony is split between solving the problem and protecting Peter's virtue.

“Don’t worry about it, Mr. Stark.” Peter’s eyes are wide and unassuming and Tony is a bad man. “I’ve been handling you for years. I can handle him just fine.”

“I’m sure you can,” Tony's throat is really dry, for some reason. “I trust you.”

He just doesn’t trust himself. He doesn’t trust himself at all.

link:

• the friendly neighborhood; by postelectric, M, 22’9k, oneshot

“Mr. Stark?”

Before Tony looks, he hopes to every god whose hand he’s shaken that he’ll meet an uncanny Parkeresque-but-definitely-not-the-real-Peter Parker doppelganger who just happens to know who he is. That’s what he tells himself, anyway. It’s not impossible. Tony saved the universe. Most people know him, even with the giant face scar. Maybe because of the giant face scar.

It’s the real Peter Parker. He’s barely taller than he was at sixteen and he has pretty much the same amount of hair, but he’s got more in the shoulders and jawline these days. “Mr. Parker. You grew up.”

“Yeah,” Peter says. “That, uh, that happens sometimes, if you’re lucky.”

“You got lucky.”

(or, in which the friendly neighborhood spider-man from queens doesn't become an avenger and doesn't turn to dust. or, in which tony stark restores the universe for pepper potts and then lives to tell about it, which is not according to plan.)

link:

• permission; by cagestark (ao3) aka @cagestark, E, 15’8k, 5/5 chapters

During drinks with the Avengers, Peter admits that he enjoys orgasms more when someone is giving him permission, though since he's single, there isn't anyone in his life to offer it.

Generous Tony offers to offer it.

link:

hope you like them as much as i did!

[yourdailykitsch]

For Taylor Kitsch, stubbornness marked the path to a dream role

Actor Taylor Kitsch doesn’t credit his talent or luck for his success. He says it’s just the fact that he’s relentlessly stubborn. It wasn’t like he was discouraged from pursuing acting as a profession. In fact his family felt “one day he’d get a real job.” But the one-time class clown just kept plugging away.

As a young hopeful, the Canada native trekked off to New York City to try his luck. “I was too naïve to get scared,” he shrugs. “I kinda just dove into it headfirst and I loved it. I loved working with other actors, especially as green as I was.”

The star of such projects as “Friday Night Lights,” “The Terminal List,” “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” and “True Detective” recalls his days in the Big Apple. “My best friend Mike, I was sleeping on his girlfriend’s blow-up mattress. He subletted a bedroom, and I was sleeping on his floor — only for a couple weeks — and then you kind of sleep from couch-to-couch. And some nights you had nowhere to go, so you sleep on the subway car until you get kicked off,” he says.

“I lived in Spanish Harlem for a bit with no electricity, no hot water. But when you're that young you're never, ‘Woe is me.’ Yeah, it was tough at the time, but it’s part of the process. Maybe it’s just because I'm so stubborn I kept driving forward.”

That incessant driving forward eventually landed him the pivotal role of the troubled Tim Riggins in “Friday Night Lights.” And people began to notice. The show was produced by Peter Berk, with whom Kitsch has worked since, including on the upcoming “American Primeval” premiering on Netflix Jan. 9.

This is not your father’s “Yellowstone.” “American Primeval” is the gritty retelling of the battle to settle the West and the factions that usurped the land to accomplish it.

It was no cakewalk for Kitsch either. He broke his foot during filming and had to have a bone surgically removed from his foot. And while they were shooting, he received a call that his father was on his deathbed.

Kitsch’s parents had divorced when he was a baby, and he and his brothers were raised by their mother. “He wasn’t really in my life much at all,” explains Kitsch. “In the last 19 years I saw him two or three times. But me and my two brothers made it up in time. I got a call Thursday, and he died Father’s Day on a Sunday. That helped me and my brothers kind of reconnect, which was great.”

The part of Isaac in “American Primeval” was a dream role, says Kitsch. “I think reconnecting with Pete and then also you have the period piece which I really didn't know a whole lot about — the 1800s and the 1850s — and then you have a guy who was raised Shoshone. It kind of shifts into that world a little bit. You find him mourning the loss of his family, so the stakes are high.”

The limited series is based on a real event, says Kitsch. “And I think it's really when you get a character like that, it’s as deep as you can take them. I think all actors are looking for something like that.”

Looking for something like that has been with him since he was a mischief-maker in high school.

“I was in trouble from being chased by the cops at Halloween to skipping class. I remember taking this photo class and, ironically, I love photography now, but me and my friend Dave skipped class, went and bought this Toyota Corolla for a case of beer, got it insured, and then he took it to his mechanics class and put brakes in it.

“We bought it from my brother’s roommate. And he said, ‘This car is a piece of ---- and you gotta put brakes in there.’ We’re 16, and we said, ‘Yeah, whatever man.’ And then we’re diving it, and he wasn’t lying. So Dave put brakes in it, and we would do an obstacle course in the parking lot in the mall with carts. We would give anybody who wanted to draw something on the car, we would let them. It was ridiculous. By the end of that photography class that same day, we bought that car and drove it along.”

While he took an excruciating drubbing for his role in “John Carter,” Kitsch says he never wanted to quit. He’s proud of the fact that he helped one of his half-sisters through a life-threatening condition. He took two years off during and right after “True Detective” to help his sister. “She’s a traveling nurse now and she’s come full circle and traveled the world a couple of times, backpacked southeast Asia on her own,” he says.

Though Kitsch couldn’t get arrested after “John Carter,” again he stubbornly persisted. “You're kind of battling your way back up the ladder,” he says. “I’ve really never had a contingency plan, but it makes you question stuff.”

The 43-year-old actor has moved from Texas to Montana and says he’s never bored there. “I love wildlife photography. You're going back to the mountains, to nature, which I grew up in. It just really resets you in a beautiful way. ... There’s just something about the mountains for me and being around wildlife that just speaks to me at a different level,” he says.

[tbhimnoteasyonmyself]

15 Day BL Challenge - DAY 14

Heyooo~~~ This was supposed to come out yesterday but I was busy, so... Sorry djsdksjdsk

Top 5 Saddest Boys

Let's do this bottom to top, shall we?

Number 5: Pete (Kinnporsche)

He barely cries, it's true, but to assume this man is fine is to ignore his entire history... I mean, he seems to cope relatively well, but what can really be inferred about a man who doesn't even think he's human? Kinda fucked up, kinda really damn depressing, kinda gonna throw myself off a bridge.

Number 4: Gaipa (Moonlight Chicken)

This list would be meaningless if he wasn't here. I mean... Imagine:

Your father died not long ago, your beloved dilf doesn't want you back and has a boytoy now, your mom just fucking died.

Number 3: Ray (Only Friends)

You thought it was gonna be Sand, right? Or Nick? SIKE!

Ray lost his mom, thinks his dad doesn't like him, thinks his friends hate him, is an alcoholic, was in love with a guy that didn't like him back for YEARS, nearly lost the only guy that maybe could help him be better bc he's overemotional and easily aggressive... Cried like a fucking baby to his therapist about all of this...

That's rough, buddy.

Number 2: Joke (Jack&Joker)

They made War cry every single episode. If you tell me Joke wasn't FUCKING SAD the entirety of this series, idk what to tell you.

His father hated him, he couldn't pass his exams, he's was a wanted criminal, he cheated an innocent kid, he went to jail for 5 whole years, the kid hated him, he gets beat up constantly, everyone around him is trynna use his skills to get somewhere, his actions keep having terrible consequences, people are trying to murder his grandma, his adoptive daughter nearly died, his boyfriend broke up with him, ppl tried to play the SAW films games with him... Like... OOf, give this man a break, will ya?? He's tired! Damn!!

No wonder he's always desperate and crying, I'd be too!! Shit!!

Number 1: Non (DFF)

I don't even have words... Like, I wish I could start somewhere about how much this boy suffered but... I really fucking can't. So allow me to quote my past self listing everything he went through (with a few additions):

Poverty

Isolation

MENTAL ILLNESS(ES?)

Severe Bullying

Guilt-Tripping

Intellectual Property Theft

Being Framed for Mistakes He Didn't Commit

Rich Assholes Asking for Money

A Money Laundry Pyramid Scheme

Owning Money to THE FUCKING MAFIA

Multiple Threats to His Life

Police Interrogations

2 suicide attempts (AT LEAST)

Falling from a Motorcycle

LITERAL Textbook Grooming

Twitter Revenge Porn

A Terrible Break-Up

A Kidnap

FORCED LABOUR

Physical Assault

Overwork

(Probably) Forced Substance Abuse

Negligence

DEATH BY EXHAUSTION

I literally cannot think of anyone that can compete with this boy, like he went through what JESUS never did. He deserved to see all those ppl die.

HONOURABLE MENTIONS: Kenta (PitBabe); Vegas, Big & Porchay (Kinnporsche); Alan (Moonlight Chicken) & Nick & Sand (Only Friends)

Tony threw that matcha onto Kenta's face and made him cry for thinking the man who raised him loved him as a child. Plus his teenage crush left him behind and went and fell in love with a rapist. Man just had to be mentioned.

Vegas' mom died god knows how, he was raised by an abusive dad who gave him extreme self-esteem issues and a masochist kink as coping mechanism and then the guy was killed in a coup you guys DIDN'T EVEN WIN and now he's forced to obey the people he hates the most in life, he's got no power and no parents, a brother to take care of and the compensation is a bf with as much mental illness and trust issues as him. Congratulations.

Big didn't cry but living your entire life to serve a man who didn't give a shit about you only to die protecting the boytoy he suddenly promoted to husband gotta hurt as hell, dude.

What would you do if there was a child right in front of you? Apparently, to every single adult in Chay's life, the answer was "lie to him", for some fucking reason. His uncle lied, his brother lied, his ex-bf lied, his ex-bf's dad lied, everyone is a liar (and a thief) and Chay's trust issues might just be worse than VegasPete's, not even joking.

Alan... Ah, Alan... I feel like not having any character played by First in this post would be a dishonour to his name, right? sdkjskdjskdjs Man cries so much... And Alan is the epitome of this, I feel like. Not saying I like most things he did during the series but I get him, I mean... It was a long ass breakup and it seemed like it came kinda out of the blue. I'd be fucking miserable too.

Nick kinda did it to himself, I mean, you don't see a player and think you can wife that, but hey... We all make mistakes and ig that mixtape can be worth some good money if he sells it to Atom, so... ✨Silver linings✨!

I feel like Sand... He's just like Nick, he put himself in that situation sort of. Hence not making the top 5. Nevertheless, he did cry and cry and be sad, so... Shoutout to him, my precious little terrible singer <3.