#I think it's really funny when I think I might have figured out what I'd want my title to be and it's homestuck

[selvepnea]

Some builds I've been working on

[arminsumi]

ADULT STORE

↳ GETO すぐる + fem!reader

"Oh, see I told you... this product's a bit intense."

1.5k words

Pt. 2

Summary : product testing with the helpful employee at the adult store!

Warnings : minors do not read/interact : smut/explicit content : using toys, stranger/hookup sex, softdom!Geto, praise, cunnilingus, fingering, dirty talk, squirting, multiple orgasms, sex fantasy trope (sex with the adult store employee)

Note : i haven't made a trip to the adult store in ages bc... everything i want is so expensive lol (the struggle) 😭 i have some rlly funny adult store stories i could ramble about but i will refrain ✋ anyways, indulge yourselves in this fantasy, angels! 😈

Playme : wanna know what it's like?

The gate of the store buzzes, the employee watches you open it with a clink and enter the adult store. Your eyes flood with the overwhelming sight of wall-to-wall toys.

The smooth voice of the employee comes from behind the cash register.

"Yo."

Long hair. Dark, brooding look — almost gothic. Attractive hands with pronounced veins running over the back of them, poised on the countertop which he's lazing over.

He sees you and slowly straightens out his back out to impress you with his height.

"Ah, h-hello..."

He hears you stutter, and assumes it must be your first time in an adult store.

"First time? I mean, in an adult store, that is." he breaks the ice.

"Haha, y-yeah... yeah, it's my first time."

Yeah, that's what I thought.

He holds hard and deep eye contact with you. Yes, he's aware of how intensely he stares. He's doing it on purpose.

"Would you like some assistance, or do you just want to leisurely browse by yourself?"

His tone is so friendly, it doesn't let on to how heated his abdomen is getting at the sight of you.

"Yes, please, I'd appreciate your assistance."

Aw, of course.

"M'kay... then let me assist you."

He smoothly comes out from behind the counter and the two of you stand in front of a wall of toys.

"Overwhelmed?" he chuckles, noting how your eyes widen while looking at all the products. "I know there's a lot to choose from. But just focus on your needs. What do you need?"

"What do I need? Honestly, I have no idea what I need." you laugh nervously.

I know exactly what she needs...

"Well, why don't we carefully go through the products together? I'm sure I can figure out what you need. Promise I know my stuff. I've been working here for three years."

His nonchalance and professionalism puts you at ease. It's something he prides himself on: making customers feel relaxed.

Your eye catches on a pink dildo, so he takes it off the rack to show you up close.

"This one's good, it's got a ribbed design." he shows it off. "Are you looking for just penetration or clitoral stimulation?"

Aw, she's flustered.

"Uh, both I guess? Yeah. I'd love both."

Of course you'd love both. That's what you need, pretty girl.

"Both? Come over here. Let me show you something you might like."

There's a flirty tension between the two of you that just keeps getting more and more... intense.

He plucks a curvy vibrator. It looks expensive. Because it is expensive.

"This one's got ten functions—"

"—ten?! Sounds a bit extra."

"Nothing's too extra when it comes to your personal pleasure."

The two of you share a long look, then laugh.

"But it really is an excellent product."

"Are you advertising?" you joke teasingly.

"Absolutely." he jokes, "Kidding. I'm not trying to come across as a preachy marketer or something. I've used it with partners in the past, that's why I'm recommending it; I know it's good. It's a pretty intense toy. Helps girls squirt even if they think they can't."

I could make her squirt.

He's running his eyes up and down your body.

"Is that so...?" you mumble flirtatiously, eyeing out the product in his veiny, manly hands.

"Hm, still a skeptic? Because I'm sure I could please you."

He hopes that you note his deliberate use of 'I' and not 'it' there.

"Yeah. I'm sure you could please me, too." you flirt.

A heat erupts in his abdomen and stomach.

Oh wow... now she's really flirting, huh? Why'd I wear tight pants today of all days...

He has an unwavering gaze on you. You've captivated him. Put him in some kinda horny trance.

"Did I say me? Sorry. Slip of the tongue." he murmurs, voice dropping lower, "I meant the vibrator." he obviously lies.

You and him exchange a suggestive, longing look. You can feel your pussy clench around nothing, begging to get stuffed up and pleasured.

He hesitates before speaking again, as if he's scared of crossing a line and making you uncomfortable.

"If you want to... we could test it out together?" he suggests. His nonchalance is an act, really he's so nervous when he asks this.

"I'd love to..." you consent, and he doesn't miss the erotic excitement in your tone.

He nods towards the backdoor, eyes keeping on you and your cute little body that he just wants to feel and squeeze like a toy itself.

"Promise to keep your lips sealed about this? I don't wanna get fired for uh... you know... demonstrating products... to my pretty customer."

"Only if you promise to help me squirt for the first time."

Oh wow. Fuck. I'm hard.

His lips widen into a devilish grin. "Sure thing."

After a sloppy, desperate make out with this stranger, you find yourself sat on the couch in the breakroom. Door locked. Blinds shuttered closed. Legs spread wide to his liking, as he cushions the vibrator into your plush slit.

He's rubbing it slowly up and down your folds. He watches your reactions intently, breathing heavier at the sight of your pussy squishing under the pink dildo. The buzzing sound fills the room, but your moans are louder.

He clutches the toy gently, massaging the bulbous head into your clit with sweeping circular motions.

"F-fuck... that pretty clit feels good, doesn't it? Yeah? Let's get it feeling even better."

He turns it up a notch. It buzzes harder against your sensitive nub.

"How's that? Haha, yeah, intense, isn't it?

"Yeahhh — Fuck! Ohhh that's so good, that's so — oh my goddd fuckkk. S-sorry I think... I'm gonna cummm — !!"

"It's okay. Cum as hard as you can, yeah? I want you to get a good idea of how well this toy can pleasure you before you buy it, after all. Oh there we go... just let go and... f-fuck... wow... j-just cum like that. Fuck... that pretty clit feels so good now, huh? Gonna cum? Gonna cum for me, with a vibrator on your cunt?"

He takes note of your reaction to his dirty talk and smirks. Then he slyly turns the toy's setting higher and it buzzes more intensely, and in one... two... three... seconds, you're squirting like crazy all over the pink vibrator and his hand.

Holy shit, look at that pretty pussy gushing... she could drench my dick. I wanna be inside her so fucking baddd...

"Oh, see I told you... this product's a bit intense." he regains his professional tone after you cum.

He turns the toy off and watches you come down from your shaking orgasm, smug look on his face. He keeps it clutched in his veiny hand, and brings it up to his lips to suck and lick up all your juices from it.

She tastes so fucking good... I feel dizzy.

You watch him with wide eyes as he tastes your slick off the toy.

"F-fuck... wh-what did you s-s-say your name was again?" you stutter, starstruck by this stranger.

You're so fucking dizzy, your pussy is buzzing like it still feels the intensity of the toy against it.

"Hm, wanna know my name?" he smiles teasingly, "How about you cum on my face and then I'll tell you."

"Fuck, okay."

And then as soon as you give him permission, he's hungrily diving between your thighs.

"Oh my god..." he loves how you gasp and writhe under the influence of his mouth.

Let's see how fucked-out I can get her. Wanna see her lose her mind 'cause of me.

His lips latch onto your labia and suckle, then onto your clit. He points his tongue at your clit, then oh my god flattens it and laps at your bud while suckling. His softness shows a hint to tenderness in his personality; he really knows how to treat a woman well.

This stranger spoils your pussy with his tongue and lips. He seems to be in his own little world while nosing between your thighs. He carelessly gets your juices smeared across his cheek and lets the rest dribble down his chin.

"Fuck fuck fuck — like that, like that. Don't stop don't stop — !! 'm gonna cum! G-gonna — fffffffucking cummmm ahhhhh — !!"

He flicks the tip of his tongue against your sensitive bundle of nerves, eager to make your pussy freak out on his mouth. Just before you cum he slips two fingers into your hole, middle and ring, and pumps them into a sweet spot hard. He just wants to get an idea of the feeling of your pussy when it cums.

Suckling at your clit, fingering you with nice hard rough strokes, closing his eyes like he's the one enjoying it meanwhile he's silent and you're moaning like you're going insane. He can tell you're close and speeds it up.

"Cum cum cum, cum for me. Just let go and cum." he sounds so desperate, and that professional tone of his is finally cracking. "Cum on my fucking face, please."

And he dives his tongue right back into your hole, wriggling his tongue around, resulting in the nastiest wet squelching sound. His lips press flat against your pussy, he draws in a deep breath and your heat is all he smells.

Please cum on my face. Please please please.

"Ah! Fuck! Fuckkkk!"

You gush right on his lips, which are plump and swollen and red and glistening with your slick.

He pulls away and licks his lips and tells you his name.

"Suguru, by the way. My name's Suguru. Hey... can I give you my number?"

Oh he's so smooth. But he's even smoother at the checkout, when he asks if you're free this Friday for a date. At his apartment. With the company of some of his favorite toys.

© arminsumi

Do not plagiarize / repost / translate / copy layouts / etc.

Do not steal what I've worked hard to create.

[bbokicidal]

[SKZ] Being their stylist

Could you imagine? God, I'd die.

Notes: I've heard rumor that you've gotta be married to be an idol stylist because,, obviously they don't want dating shit happening but we are DISREGARDING THAT HERE. i couldn't find the recolored vers. of seungmin & innie so... oh well ig. Genre: Fluff Pairing: OT8 x NB!Reader Warnings: Extra fluffy cuteness I guess

Chan:

Sits so patiently and tells you to take your time

You're his favorite stylist. He loves when you're the one who does his makeup so sometimes he requests specifically you

You're just so gentle with him and it feels like he's really being pampered

He loves the way you make his eyes so smokey for stage looks

Keeps his posture good in an effort to impress you

Does that little :] face with his eyes closed because you're just so pleasant to him

Minho:

Falls asleep every time you do his hair

You tell him to keep his head up only to figure out he's sleeping so soundly and you just don't have the heart to wake him when he's on such a tight schedule lately

Jeongin has a LOT of pictures of you bending at funny angles to style Minho's hair while his head is tipped back or to the side

(And one of you pretending to kiss his cheek as he's mid-waking up)

He wakes up feeling so pretty every time you style him

Sleeps with his mouth open like an idiot (me too)

Changbin:

Likes to make you laugh while you style him in outfits

He poses each time you put him in a new jacket and maybe it's just an excuse to flex in front of you oops who said that

He's giggling right alongside you until he accidentally rips a shirt open

The buttons fly right off and he screams, covering his bare chest as you burst into laughter at how silly he sounded and how he scrambled to cover himself up

You get him a new shirt but he's extra careful after that and his ears are beet red

He'll never forgive himself for embarrassing himself in front of you

But he's also an idiot and will forget about it, and probably does it again the next day because he can't help himself

Hyunjin:

Likes to ask what you're doing while you do it

Has not a CLUE what you're talking about when it comes to makeup but listens intently anyways because it's interesting

Any form of art is interesting to him and that includes makeup !

His brows furrow and he nods and he stares at you while you talk which can sometimes be intimidating

Also kind of sucks at sitting through makeup because he's so talkative with the boys

He's also very loud but he tones it down when he talks to you and uses a softer voice with you

Is very happy to listen to you explain makeup to him but also ,,, tell him what contour is again?

Jisung:

He likes to give you complete freedom when it comes to his outfits

Put whatever you want on him; mens, womens, any clothing you think would look good

You were the one who put him in that grey cropped long sleeve a while ago and people went CRAZY so since then he's trusted you with everything

He loves the outfits you make!!

And the ones you wear because he totally checks you out ALL the damn time!!

Sometimes he even asks if he can take pieces home so he can incorporate them into his daily wear and if he does, he tags you in his insta pics - to which you have to tell him 'I didn't make this, tag the brand!!!' and he just laughs

Felix:

Please tell him makeup tips, he's so curious and he wants to start doing his own makeup too

Sometimes he does, for airports and stuff. But that's just a cushion and some powder

Tell him what color eyeshadows look pretty with his eyes, tell him how blush placement changes the shape of his face and the tone of his look

He's going to be asking questions and, if he has access to one, looking at the details up close in a handheld mirror he keeps hold of

It's intimidating to be honest but he's so smiley and chatty with you that your nerves fade away pretty quickly

He also just thinks you're really really gorgeous so he might use it as an excuse to look up at you more. He's examining the makeup you're wearing, that's all !!

Seungmin:

He's got this horrible habit of staring at you through the mirror while you do his hair

He loves the haircut, don't get him wrong, but it looks like he's feeling everything BUT that because of the way he sort of glares

Well - not glares. He just has this RBF that is untouched by anyone else in the world

If you look at him, he looks away and scrolls on his phone, but shortly after he's back to staring

You're just really attractive is all. And he likes your hair, too - so maybe some day he'll take inspiration from that if you allow him

Also the type to fall asleep while you cut his hair because the spray bottle and little scissor cutting sounds are just so soothing

Jeongin:

Is very compliant when you do his makeup

He sits still, he's patient, he only turns his head away when he knows you're changing something up on the table

He keeps his head up and knows when to close his eyes, when to look up, when to part his lips for balm and tint

Very well behaved, one might say

But it's because when you're doing the other's makeup, he's paying close attention. He's always watching you and trying to find ways to impress you without actually making it obvious that that's what he's trying to do

He starts bringing you your favorite snack because he notices it sitting on your makeup table while on tour

He likes to talk to you while you do his makeup but he's a little bit shy about it - he's not openly chatty like Felix or Hyunin

And the day he calls you his favorite stylist you swear your heart almost explodes

Permanent Taglist :

@dwaekkicidal @possum-playground

@thatonedarkskinnedsiren @oc3anfloor @theyadorevalerie

@jeonginsleftcheek @pixie-felix @hwangjoanna @skzophreniic

@silly250

[ilydeku]

izuku loves to talk about you during interviews

- anything and every topic it will ALWAYS be about you

- the question won't even be remotely related to you and still izukus answer will revolve around "y/n, my wife!!" <3

- oh, the glint in his eyes, the peaking smile when he speaks about you, lover boyyy

- the media knows he LOVE LOVES you, they think it's funny for this big, confident, mighty hero to be reduced to sap when it comes to you

- it's like his whole personality is HIS WIFE

- the journalists lowkey get so SICK of him for this, they don't want to invite him anymore 😭

- but they kinda have to, due to to his status as #1

"Good evening everyone and welcome Hero Talk! Tonight we'll be staring someone you all know and love, single handedly the greatest hero of all time, Deku! Alright, Deku how are you tonight?"

"Feeling pretty good! This is one of my wife's favorite shows, so I'm even more grateful to be here. And how are you?"

"Oh, same old. Really, just living. Now, we wanted to ask you some fun questions. Let's start with this one. Why did you want to become a hero?"

"Wow, haha! That really brings be back to my youth. When I was kid, my biggest influence was All Might, and he miraculously became my mentor. He was a good hero, and a good man. I wanted to be just like him: fearless, persevering, saving people with I smile. I would beg my mom everyday to watch this video on the computer of him saving a bunch a people. I was really swayed by All Might. I wanted to become a hero to make an impact in the world. I wanted to save people with a smile too."

"That sounds really endearing, Deku. I remember All Might's reign. He wasn't number one on the top charts all those years for nothing. So, did you ever think you'd be standing as Japan's top hero?"

"Well, it was never really my goal to become number one. That was Kacchan's- Dynamight's. My dream was, like I said, to become a hero and save others. But I have to say, it really is a blessing. I'd like to thank my Mom, All Might, my friends, and especially my wife for who I've become. My Mom has really done a lot for me growing up: protecting, encourage, and just always caring for me. All Might has kinda been that father figure for me when my Dad was away. My friends have shown me what it's like to work together and really be part of a heart. And my wife? Haha...I can't thank her enough for all the times she's been right by my side, even before we were together. Nothing I can say or do will ever be enough to express how much she means to me."

"Mm. Quite the supportive group. Your wife sounds like quite the lady!"

"She is. She's wonderful."

"Moving on to the next question, do you use social media often?"

"Occasionally, yes?? My wife uses it regularly, posting about us when we go out and stuff. It's mostly for her family to see how she's doing. She handles most of my official accounts. She says it's to be more appealing to the public, and I guess to show that there's more to heroes on the inside?? I'm not really sure, but I trust her process. Although, I'd rather be appealing to her alone."

"The public will always interested in a hero's private life! Now, Deku, what is your ideal setting of relaxation?"

"My wife doesn't like places that are too crowded or noisy, so maybe a cozy day at the beach?- but early in the morning or in the evening when the crowds calm down. Maybe a movie theatre, but days after the movie is released so it's just us together. Actually, a lazy day at home together is great too! Cooking meals and watching a movie on the couch? Really, any place is relaxing if my wife is with me."

(am i questioning Deku's wife or Deku!?) "How scenic! Those sound very fitting for you!! How about any restaurants?"

"Not really. My wife really knows how to cook, it's amazing! I love her home-cooked meals, so there's no way I'd go out of my way to a restaurant. But if my wife is feeling it, I'll be sure to make reservations."

"(sigh)"

"(smiling warmly)"

[confuzing]

I have this idea for an SVSSS fic where SQQ winds up regularly sharing dreams with both his LBH and OGLBH. I'd need to do a reread for it but I'm gonna post the broad strokes because I can't stop rotating it in my mind.

It's Abyss time but SQQ puts his foot down. No he's not pushing his Binghe into the Abyss, shut up System. Oh you're going to kill him? Then do it.

Then he throws his sword away and pulls LBH away from the Abyss.

SQQ: Ok honey I'm maybe about to drop dead but it's not your fault ok?

LBH: WHAT???

And then the System does indeed try to rip SQQ's soul out- except LBH, right there and terrified, mentally grabs hold of his Shizun's soul and won't let go.

MQF rolls up to a fucking nightmare, SQQ is in the process of having his soul ripped out by some kind of mystery curse? LBH is burning through his own supply of qi to stop it but that's a napkin on a stab wound- Liu Qingge put your sword down right now! Yes MQF can see LBH's part demon, now help him keep SQQ alive or fuck off - you too Sect Leader!

Meanwhile the System is glitching out, and decides to initiate a Punishment Protocol because this mess is all SQQ's fault and he won't die like a good user.

So it dumps him in the dreams of OGLBH, who's just been pushed in the Abyss by his own Shizun.

Faced with a very upset teen Binghe, SQQ does the only thing that he can. He hugs that boy and tells him none of this is his fault and he didn't do anything wrong.

It probably only works because OGLBH is very upset and desperate for comfort- and when OGLBH said "SQQ??" incredulously SQQ says "No, I'm sorry I know I look like him" and this man doesn't act like the SQQ he knows at all, and he gives really good hugs.

SQQ is stuck in OGLBH's dreams when he's not just... nowhere and after a few more short hug sessions (OGLBH can't usually sleep for long) OGLBH finally asks who exactly SQQ is then?

Right around this time MQF figures out how to stabilize SQQ without requiring LBH to be awake and actively channeling qi the whole time. So LBH passes the f out and goes to look for his Shizun, turning up right when SQQ is dreaming with OGLBH.

After a little Binghe stand off SQQ sits them both down and decides to just, tell them everything -he can here, the System can't stop him and it's already killing him what else can it do?

So he tells them about parallel universes, and his own original world, about Proud Immortal Demon Way, and his decision, upon waking up in his favorite book in the villian's body, to meddle every way he could. He tells them about the System and explains that it probably sent him here thinking OGLBH would hurt him, thinking he was OGSQQ. Everything.

Eventually MQF and a bunch of other cultivators untangle SQQ from the System, letting his soul come back to his body but leaving that door open between his mind and OGLBH's.

From there I just have ideas I'd want to explore, some of my favorites:

-OGLBH finding out about Without a Cure and that SQQ isn't telling his Binghe about the easy fix and having to decide if he's going to spill the beans or not.

-Every time I think about what to do with SQH I wind up thinking about what would probably be a whole side fic of court wranglings, political assassinations and interspecies dating drama after SQH runs away to hide with MBJ when SQQ wakes up and goes "you're cursed too right?"

-Both Binghes and their Meng Mos coming along on SQQ's scenic tour of SJ's traumatic backstory (I just need SQQ to hug that little tea-soaked Binghe only for him to split into the two older Binghes because when they entered this memory both of them inhabited the baby Binghe's avatar)

- The whole sect deciding that actually LBH is their half demon son and none of the other sects better even look at him funny. (The biggest reason for this might be SQQ waking up from being cursed and immediately threatening to kill everyone in the room and then himself if anything happens to LBH even though he can't even sit up. Also like, the kid's been crying nonstop for days now, not exactly scary demon behavior. Kid needs a hug and some juice)

-A very fraught conversation when OGLBH gets out of the Abyss where he tells SQQ he's going back to the mountain and SQQ refuses to ask him not to kill everyone because he knows exactly what OGLBH suffered at the hands of those alternate versions of the people SQQ loves.

-Every now and the the Binghes just meet up to hiss at each other like angry cats

[lowkeyerror]

My Wife, My Everything

Agatha Harkness x Reader

Word Count: 1.2k

Notes: Requested, established relationship, Rio in the coven, fluff, wedding

Summary: It's been over 300 years it might be time to put a ring on it.

An: 🫣 hey... how yall doing? It's nearly 3 months since my last post, it's also 3am. The inspiration came and died and then i got scared to go the app 🫣 idk if I'm back, but hey

Masterlist | Masterlist 2

It just made sense. That’s what you told yourself when you decided to propose to Agatha. She hadn’t hinted at wanting to get married or pressured you into it, but it had been years. Hundreds of years, that you had been committed to each other. You’d been married over and over if common law had anything to say about it.

You were in the backyard of your house late on night. Simply going down memory lane with each other. Sharing stories and laughter easily. Agatha was looking out at the sky while you were looking at her. The ring box flat in your pocket.

“We should get married,” you had said casually.

“Is this you asking me?” Agatha had an amused tone in her voice.

“Give me second.”

It’s not graceful as you get out of your chair. Her eyes follow you as you get down on one knee. Your hand finds one of hers.

“Are you-?”

She watches carefully as you pull out the ring box from your pocket. It opens, and inside is one of the most beautiful gems Agatha has laid her eyes on. The central diamond sparkles something fierce while the band also gleams.

“I think it’s fair to say that I’ve already made the decision to spend the rest of my life with you. It’s nearly been 3 centuries that we’ve been together.  Which perhaps makes this very long overdue, but neither of us are too keen on good timing. I don’t want to ramble too much. I did have all these things I wanted to say and express, but I think in the simplest terms, it’s just that I’d love to marry you.”

Agatha had tears welling in her eyes, she wiped them away dramatically, “I mean you could ramble a little.”

You roll your eyes but begin speaking nonetheless, “We never really talked about marriage so it never really crossed my mind. Recently though, I’ve been wondering, why not? Why not add, my wife into the vocabulary of all the other things I call you? It’s a new age, it’s perfectly legal. I decided a long time that I wanted forever with you and I'd like to think you want forever with me. This ring is just me doubling down on something I already believe in, us.”

She takes your face in her hands, “You’re taking my last name.”

You surge forward, lips pressing against her’s. Her soft palms feel warm against your face. You melt like it’s the first time you kissed her.

You pull away first a giggle escapes your lips, “I figured that much.”

She pecks your lips once more, “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

Wedding planning wasn’t something you and Agatha were necessarily good at. However, your coven was more than capable of handling the special day. It wasn’t going to be anything extravagant, just a backyard affair with your closest friends.

Rio handled the flowers, Jen and Billy worked on the set up, Alice was preparing the music, and Lilia would be officiating.

“I can’t believe this is happening,” you look at yourself in your wedding attire.

The classic white color with accents of purple had you smiling.

“About time any longer and I would’ve stolen her back from you,” Rio approaches you from behind.

“Very funny Vidal,” you say dryly.

She turns you to her straightening out your clothes a bit, and fixing a loose strand of your hair. She smiles at you brightly, “There, now you look a little more ready to marry the love of your life.”

“Thank you, Rio. For all your help,” you get sappy with her.

In classic fashion she rolls her eyes, “Don’t go all soft on me. I just want to see my girls happy. Now get out there and make it official after 300 years.”

You go out first, standing to the right of Lilia as your other friends looked on. You couldn't stop the smile on your face waiting for Agatha to walk down the aisle.

Alice begins playing the classic wedding song. Your posture straightens a bit. When you see Agatha in her dress for the first time it knocks the air out of your lungs.

You don’t fight the tears that spill from your eyes. How could you? She was stunning possibly even more than the day you met her.

When she’s directly in front of you, you reach for her hands and she takes yours.

Lilia properly starts the ceremony and when she gets to the vows you’re prepared, but Agatha wants to go first.

“I never thought that someone like me could be afforded a happy ending. The life I lived is far from innocent and pure. It had been an uphill battle for as long as I could remember. Then you came into my life and did something that I didn’t think was possible. You loved me. Despite all of my… flaws, despite my reputation, despite my stubbornness, you loved me. There’s not a second that goes by that I don’t feel your loved wrapped around me. Something like a warm hug shielding me from a snowstorm. It doesn’t seem like enough, but from you it is. I vow to be that for you until my last breath because for over 300 years you’ve been saving me from freezing me to death."

It takes everything in you to keep from sobbing during her voes, your speech forgotten in your brain. You look into her eyes when it’s your turn, speaking from your heart.

“When I proposed I said I didn’t want to ramble, because if I started, I’d never stop. There’s nothing that I don’t love about you Agatha. I love when you scowl at the kids at the mall, I love when you use magic for mundane things like turning the lights on, I love when you hum to yourself while you work, I love when you yell at me for not wearing my glasses. You say that I’ve been saving you, but love, you’ve been saving my ass since the day we met. You quite literally saved me from those hunters, you took me in when you didn’t have to. When everyone was saying it was against your character. Maybe I saved your from freezing, but you’ve saved me from burning myself into the ground. I don’t have anything new to promise you after over 300 years. All I have is the same thing you’ve had since the beginning; my everything.”

There’s not a dry eye in the audience as you two stand across from each other. Tear streaks running down your faces. Even Lilia has to wipe her eyes.

“If anyone has a reason that these two shouldn’t be married, speak now or forever hold your peace."

Rio slowly pretends to raise her hand before Jen smacks her in the back of the head. It earns a chuckle from the audience, everyone knowing it was a joke. It was needed after such intense vows.

 “Then by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you wife and wife. You may now kiss the bride.”

Neither of you hesitated. Though you had an audience there was no use in trying to hold back the passion. The vows had charged the moment. With rings on your fingers and tears on your face, you melted into each other.

Applause and boisterous cheers rang out when you parted. When you looked into her eyes it’s as if she was the only person there.

“I love you, my gorgeous, powerful, and brilliant wife,” you can’t help but smile while saying it.

Agatha lets out an endearing laugh, “I love you too. My wife, my everything.”

[erensfeed]

Hello!

Can you please do the lads me when mc has Ehlers Danlos Syndrome? Thank you so much in advance I love u sm

⠀⠀⠀｡IF YOU HAD EHLERS DANLOS SYNDROME .ᐟ ｡

featuring: rafayel. sylus. xavier. caleb. zayne x reader.

៹ cw. fluff with your super duper supportive and helpful boyfriends.

⌞ note⌝ PLEASEE you have every single right to literally hate me rn BUT PLZ HEAR ME OUT ANGEL. ORGO CLASS WAS ON MY CASE SO HARD AND STILL ISSsS. PLUS MY TIME MANAGEMENT RN IS ABSOLUTELY AWFUL. *exhaling rn* but please accept my apologies. im currently offering you a bazillion kisses and gentle hugs, as well as my thoughts on how these sweethearts would care for you to make up for it.

also, researching about this syndrome was one of the best things i'd ever done like.. ever. because i feel so aware??. i'm so grateful for this request. i love you so so much & i hope you enjoy pookiebear.

rafayel.

rafayel would do the major & little things he can to support you.

from adjusting your pillows just right whenever one of you sleeps over, to giving you massages when you feel only a little sore.

he would often ask you what he can do to help until it's second nature to know what to do before you even say it.

since he likes going out on dates with you, if you decide to cancel, he would immediately respect that and would already have your reservations cancelled in an instant.

if doctors are ever dismissive, he’s your guy.

he would have personal beef with the doctor.

“(s)he looks funny anyway. come on, we’re getting a better doctor.”

if you ever feel like you are a burden, he would clear that thought away from your head in a flash.

would tell you that you're never a burden and that he doesn't want you to feel that way around him or anyone else.

makes you pinky promise you won't think like that again.

*narrows his eyes at you* "swear it."

until he catches your smile and nods, only then does he smile back again and says, "good :)"

with rafayel, feeling bad about your condition is never and will never even be an option.

he makes sure you feel loved, not limited.

sylus.

sylus sees you as the strongest person and not how you may see yourself.

if you ever feel frustrated about your condition, he just listens.

when it would be time for him to talk, he would say something like:

"what you think are your limits aren’t your problem. they’re only everyone else’s if they even think they can hold you back."

if you also have POTS, he has you staying hydrated.

mastered casual but intentional help.

like opening doors without making it obvious and handing you something before even you realize you need it.

honestly cute if you think he'd ever let you over work yourself.

has soft-close drawers and doors to reduce strain on joints in both your homes.

in public, if you ever struggle to stand up, he offers a hand or just picks you up, completely unfazed.

if you’re too exhausted to move at home, he just comes next to you and tucks you against his chest while playing with your hair.

and if you feel a certain way about yourself in a moment and let him know:

“it’s tough, i get it. but you’re still tougher.”

a better doctor to you than actual doctors.

after zayne, he is for sure the most patient with mood swings or exhaustion.

caleb.

caleb totally does a lot of research on how to better be of help to you.

and i mean a lot.

he would ask zayne for help but may take credit by saying:

"i figured since i was readin' about it earlier today :)"

LIESS.

zayne/your primary doctor told him 51% of what he knows.

he tends to assume how you want to be assisted but, in the sense where it's just him doing everything for you... until you tell him you really can do certain things yourself.

he would be a little hurt at that but it's okay. (it's not, he's sad now.)

but from there on, he would start asking you before stepping in to help because he would start to see that you can and would like to do things on your own.

BUT. he's got cooking, cleaning, and carrying things that might strain your joints covered. no matter what you say.

and don't be surprised if you're trying to do something and he just uses his evol to lightly prevent you from doing it.

"nuh uh, i'm not lettin' you do that."

since he's more of a gym baby than the other guys, he would encourage gentle movement/stretching to prevent muscle stiffness. simply as his way of wanting to help and also exercise together. either that or he massages you.

if you use canes, braces or wheelchairs, he would get you ones with stickers, cool designs and even matching accessories.

in your home with him, there would be absolutely no furniture with sharp edges that could cause quick bruising or an injury in sight.

last but not least, caleb would spend his time building & finalizing a mobility aid that helps with your joint pain but also doesn't cause another joint pain in a different part of your body from its use.

caleb would genuinely love you for what you can or can't do.

your condition wouldn't change a thing—it’s just another part of you for him to love.

xavier.

unlike someone, xavier actually offers his help rather than rushing in head first because he's knows what's up.

he helps with braces, taping, or your compression gear if you use it.

and if you personally don't, he still finds your hypermobility fascinating.

since he likes quality time, he makes sure to balance your hanging out with rest. or just a quiet time quality time.

"let’s just sit for a while. we don't need to talk if you don’t want to."

he would totally buy you multiple weighted blankets to use at home and say:

“this here is the best one, trust me."

and you'd be like "?? and how do you know that?"

because how could he know that? unless he-

"*hesitates* uhh i tested like five... and another five more.”

and lordd he did. he really did. with no shame.

he would help you with repetitive tasks that might cause strain.

like opening jars, carrying groceries, or even typing for long periods. or completing your (home)works that he could.

if you ever cancel plans or need extra rest, this is your man.

althoughhh, he's for sure coming over and sleeping next to you.

would be mindful of how he hugs you when sleeping for that gentle & perfect pressure though.

if you ever feel bad ever, he would say many words of comfort to you like:

“i know it’s hard… but i’m here, okay? you don’t have to go through it alone."

or

“it’s okay to be upset. you’re allowed to feel this way, i’m right here to listen.”

or even something like:

"you don’t have to be strong all the time. and if you ever forget that, i’ll just remind you as much as i have to."

zayne.

a doctor for a boyfriend? yeah you're in great hands.

his only true focus is on you.

although almost like caleb with the assumptions, zayne has his own tendency to assume how you may be feeling but solely because of patterns he keeps track of that relate to other parts of your health and how he gets your feelings right each time.

with your condition though, he is sure to be mindful to avoid doing that by focusing on asking how you feel instead, at the appropriate times to.

he also makes sure that you eat enough protein to support your muscle health.

most helpful and understanding award goes to him. especially during times where you may have heavy migranes.

since he is your doctor, if you also happen to have POTS, he will make sure to increase your salt intake by the right amount.

he would also keep track of when you last took your meds, as well as remember small details about you that no one else may.

he would be the best at helping you with subluxations/dislocations without panicking if it ever happens.

he knows when to step in and when to step back.

if you feel like you have to explain yourself in ways you feel while next to him, he will hear what you have to say and make sure to validate you all while saying something like:

"you don’t have to explain yourself—i already know, and i’m always going to be here."

[mcflymemes]

"I THOUGHT YOU WERE DEAD" PROMPTS *  assorted dialogue, adjust as necessary

who else knows you're still alive?

don't tell me i'm the only one that knows.

i never should have believed their lies.

how could you keep this from me?

they lied to you. they knew it would break you if i died.

i staged it all.

there's no way this is happening.

i'm never letting you go.

i promised you i'd never leave you.

but i saw you die! this is impossible!

no. no. this isn't happening. this can't be real.

i watched it. i watched you die and now you're standing here.

how is this even possible?

they might have exaggerated just a bit.

we needed to make it look like i was dead.

you just let me spend all this time thinking you were dead?

did you tell anyone else?

this was your master plan? fake your death, see what happens?

i don't know whether to be pissed or be thrilled to see you again.

i've just seen a ghost.

you saw what they wanted you to see.

you're not real. i must be dreaming.

did you look for me?

funny. i don't remember falling asleep.

you just let us all believe you were dead?

it was the only way to do this. i'm sorry.

when were you going to tell me?

i watched the life leave your eyes...

you kept this from me.

oh my god... no. no no no. this can't be happening.

how did you... how did you even do this?

someone pinch me.

you look pretty good for someone that's supposed to be dead.

i watched you die in my arms.

they told me you died.

i promised you i'd come back.

they lied to me? all this time?

trust me, i wanted to tell you. i really did.

i think i need to sit down.

i'm gonna need some time to process this.

are you real? can i touch you?

what was all this about you dying?

you've kept the truth from me all this time.

had you just told me, i could have helped you.

i begged them to let me tell you, but they said it would ruin our plans.

the blood was fake. i'm all right.

yes, i'm alive! would you please come over here and give me a hug?

i didn't think i'd survive it, either.

i knew you'd come back for me.

we had to make it believable from the start.

there was no other way.

i should have told you.

i tried to get a message out to you.

they said you'd moved on, so i figured i should, too.

i wish i had all the answers for you.

i know you expect me to be okay with this, but things have changed since you died.

[name]... i thought you were dead.

will you ever find it in your heart to forgive me?

i'll never leave you again.

i swear on my life, this wasn't supposed to happen this way.

i take it you got my message.

everything got out of hand.

they didn't tell you?

glad you could make it.

i'm sorry i didn't reach out to you sooner.

all of a sudden, you come back into my life.

i'm back and better than ever.

i don't want to hear your excuses.

[wardensantoineandevka]

I will say, at the end of the day, I am very fond of Illario Dellamorte, despite it all. Yes, he managed to make every single POSSIBLE bad decision one can make, then figured out how to make a few more that nobody else would've thought possible. Yes, he was increasingly sloppy and incredibly stupid about it all. Yes, a lot of his frustration and rage is incredibly misdirected. Yes, I said before the game came out that I support him having a villain era, and I still do because it's fun and I love mess and drama—as much as he stresses me out and makes me want to strangle him because Jesus Fucking Christ.

Still, I think I like the idea of forgiving him. For me, there's something interesting in how he doesn't kill Caterina, in how he didn't ask for what happened to Lucanis and seems genuinely angry—wrong as he is to direct it at Lucanis—that the control that Lucanis so highly prized was taken from him rather than dying at his best, in how he can engineer Lucanis's death but experience a grief that still feels harrowingly genuine at the wake, in how he clearly is grasping at any possible advantage and is carelessly choosing his allies not because he believes in their goals or ideals but because he's desperately power-hungry and ambitious and no more. In how, if he is forgiven, Lucanis is impressed he almost got away with it, in how Illario goes to help the Crows in Minrathous in that last gambit.

He's a mess, and he's selfish and ambitious and vicious and contradictory. But, I have a soft spot for characters like him and relationships like his and Lucanis's, y'know? Forgiving him and forcing him to work out his life after he's burned nearly every bridge he has is just really interesting to me, especially given how Lucanis is still full of hope and affection for him alongside the hurt. How do you rebuild after all that, you don't even have the devil-may-care breezy mask anymore because everyone knows better now. Figure out where he fits now in his cousin's life, because I do think—at the end of the day—the affection and relief is still there from both sides, under it all. Deeply buried possibly, for Illario, but there.

I think there's enough pieces here to suggest that he and Lucanis have a chance to actually figure it out, and to suggest that Illario might actually get his shit together and be willing to given opportunity, time, and patience. It's also a messy choice (and a huge risk), but I do personally like the idea of forgiving him. I like the messy, insane, dramatic narrative of it. He has potential, as Lucanis himself notes. I would love to see if he can rise to it, now that he's gotten all of this out of his system.

Or, at least forgive him because there's something funny about that and I want to see what else he does if given the chance. It'll probably also be a mess, but I'd love to see what messes he gets up to when he's not plotting against the person closest to him in the world. It'll be fun! But, sincerely, I do think he can get his shit together, and I hope and believe he wants to. It's the more interesting and fun story to me, for both him and Lucanis, personally speaking.

[tesscourtes]

saw you had asks open, not a drawing request but wanted to know if there was any more story to your human bill’s punishment-for-weirdmageddon-is-to-turn-weak-human au, I really like it (sorry if you explained this a while back, I only just watched gravity falls😭I’m a late-comer to the fandom)

it’s just superepiccool to me, how are dipper and mabel about him being human now? Soos n Wendy, Stan and Ford? What was it like for them (especially Ford) when he just turned human? What was it like for Bill?

oh hey don't worry, I haven't really talked much about the details of the AU like ... ever. I just started reviving it because I got my partner into the show (they are also a new fan! yay, new fans! Funny enough I had no idea TBOB was coming out so the timing was mad exquisite.) and they have just been an amazing help shaping my messy thoughts and coming up with new, fun plots! It's also nice to know there's someone out there interested in it, so thank's for asking! Now that I read TBOB I want to change the premise a bit, but the core is still the same.

Let me tell you this AU is silly. I'm aware Billford is toxic and there are many corners to dive into to picture their messy relationship. But I kinda wanna keep the spirit of the show here and make it equally as fun as it is disturbing. Given that Bill canonically is trapped in endless Therapy gives me even more food to work with, he just out there being toxic and people repeatedly telling him to cut it out.

I'm not gonna go into too much detail because I'm actually working on the first comic chapter for this AU, but regarding the characters: Each of the Pines, as well as Wendy and Soos, are not happy seeing him, but individually grow more accustomed to him and with him. I guess going from "most accepting" to "least accepting", Mabel took it the best. I wouldn't say she was quick to forgive, but quick enough to give the guy a chance. And I honestly have to say that, although this is 100% a Billford AU, there's so many plot ideas for just Mabel and Bill and their amazing, chaotic shenanigans. Put these two together and the stories basically write themselves. Wendy is pretty similar, and the most chill in actually helping Bill figure out human stuff.

Naturally, Ford took it the hardest. I'm aiming for slowburn here, haha. They got to figure out some stuff that I'm so ready to put onto pages... Ford is a lot of emotions. Confused, angered, curious... Meanwhile Stan is Bills biggest hater. (There is a lot of bullying in this AU) He just keeps up with it because his Family makes him. He's very protective and tries to kick Bill out several times. Soos sticks with Stan, but he's also Soos and has a big heart, so in Bills eye, he's very gullible and a target he can mess with easily.

Dipper is not a fan either, he has a hard time adjusting to the triangle just getting to ... be there. He's suspicious for the most part and Bill has to try hard to get on his good side. But honestly he might be more upset with Mabel (and later on Wendy) for making friends with Bill so easily, even though he knows that's just their nature. I just recently started thinking about Gideon and how I'd like to include him, but nothing worth mentioning so far yet.

With Bill himself, one my favorite parts trying to portray so far is how he's dealing with his new mortality. He adjusts to the body fine, he knows how to navigate flesh, but he has a hard time accepting that it's his body. His new prison, essentially. If it's gone, he's gone. If he treat's it like shit, he feels like shit. Then we add the psychological aspect of things. And more importantly, we add Ford to the equation. When I tell you, that demon is experiencing psychological damage here, and it's fully his fault. TBOB really pointed out to me that I need to dive into his obsession with Ford. How do you even get a man you fumbled so bad, to even acknowledge you again?

I love yapping about this AU, thanks again for giving me the grounds to do so anon! I'm an insecure writer so it'll probably take another hot minute to choose which script feels best to draw out, haha. But I'm glad you seem to be up for the ride!!

[maximumzombiecreator]

I would actually like to know what you consider the basics of improv to be! If nothing else, you phrase these things really well and in ways I haven't heard before, and I'm also aware there's a lot of things I don't know (I'm in a student run college improv group, our theory might be a bit lacking)

Be glad to. A lot of improv stuff is just oral tradition at this point, passed down in musty school drama rooms and community centers, so everyone has to pick it up somewhere. When I've taught people before, beyond the basic definition of what an improv scene looks like, I usually focus on a set of do's and don'ts.

Do's:

Make offers, and make them good offers. A good offer should be strong and elegant, like a power lifter in a ball gown.

Broadly speaking, I'd say the strength of an offer refers to how much it establishes about the scene, and how much what it establishes is different from a theoretical "default" scene. Typically, you think about how much an offer is establishing in terms of the questions words: who are the characters, what are they doing, where are they, etc. An offer that establishes "two characters who are old friends since high school meeting up at a coffee shop to catch up" is establishing a lot, but it's still a weak offer because it's such a typical scene. You're not adding much that can't just be taken for granted.

When I say a good offer should be elegant, I mean that it should be as compact as possible while still doing a lot. The typical inelegant offer is verbose and unnatural. A character walks into a scene and says, "Hey, big brother Billy, I hope you're recovering from the illness you've had for the last six months, ever since our father died," or some other expository nightmare.

So, the best offers are both. They create a lot of unique, interesting details about the scene, and they do it quickly. Let's say you stagger into the scene, miming carrying something under your arm, and say, "Doctor! I've been decapitated again!" In five words, you've established who you and another character are, where you are, and why, and you've implied a lot of very unusual details about the scene, world, and your character's history.

When thinking about elegant offers, it's also worth noting that a lot of offers that you should be making are physical. Depending on the type of improv you're doing, you might be physically embodying objects and the environment, and if you're doing background like that you can add a ton of detail that the audience can pick up without friction. But even if you're not, you can establish location through miming actions, you can create details about your character through how you walk and hold your body, you can endow others with traits through how you physically react to them.

That brings us to the next do: make strong character choices and enhance other actors' characters. People have written whole books on what comprises a "strong character" but for improv purposes I'd focus on three details: quirks, status, and connections.

Quirks are fairly straightforward: what makes this character unusual? Establishing character quirks is the focus of a lot of improv games and exercises, and the best quirks are quick to establish, significantly inform the character, and are handled with enough sincerity to make the character compelling rather than only funny.

Status refers to how powerful and important a character is. High status characters will command the room, low status characters will be ignored or mistreated. Status might shift over the course of a scene. The sheriff is a high status character until the king shows up, for example. Status might seem like an obvious thing to figure out from a character's role, but it's useful to play with it. What does a low status king look like? What does an employee-boss scene look like if you decide your employee is higher status than the boss?

Connections refer to the relationships between characters. This is going to drive scenes more than most other character details, and you almost always want to avoid unconnected characters. Choosing a connection to an existing character is a very good first choice when entering a scene, as it should immediately suggest a direction for the scene to take. This is also a reason to favour unusual connections. If two actors are in a scene where they're arguing about a fender bender they've been in, you could choose to enter as one of their friends, but it'll be far more dynamic if you choose a more unusual connection. What if you're one of their anger management therapists? Their boss? Their dominatrix?

In addition to creating your own character, you should add to other actors' characters. The main way you do this is endowment, giving the character traits through your offers. Direct endowment is when you simply ascribe them a trait. If you say, "Bill, you've been mayor for the last ten years," then you're obviously giving them the trait of "mayor." But there's also indirect endowment, where you add something to a character through part of how you react to them. If you flinch when another character moves suddenly, you're endowing them with the traits of being dangerous and erratic. If you speak to them very slowly and simply, you're implying something about how intelligent your character perceives them to be.

Putting it all together, the last big thing to do is build up. There can be a temptation in improv to build out, to add new details to scenes that sort of sprawl outward from the original premise. Try to avoid that. When you add new details, make them ones that build on the existing details. Instead of adding new tensions or conflicts, raise the stakes of existing ones. Reincorporate and re-contextualize things that have already been established. Incorporate audience suggestions repeatedly, using them to colour other offers.

Don'ts:

No blocking. This is the one even people who don't know improv know. If someone adds something to the scene, go with it. Don't reject or ignore offers, incorporate and build on them.

No wimping. Whatever the scene is, whatever your character is, whatever offers are made, fully commit. Bring all your energy to it. If someone says your character is on fire, don't just stop, drop, and roll and then go back to whatever else was going on. That's wimping. Be the most on fire that you can be.

No dithering. When you're in a scene, always be adding to it or moving it forward. Saying something that just fills space, at best makes a joke, and doesn't add to the scene is bad form, it doesn't give other actors anything new to work with. If you're dithering, you're forcing other actors to pick up the slack. This is called "gagging" if you're being funny by not adding to the scene, and is a great way to be popular with the audience and have everyone else hate you, don't be that person.

Don't make yourself look good at the expense of your scene partners. It's okay to get laughs at the expense of other characters, but not at the expense of other actors. Help others get into the scene, develop their characters, and give them things to respond to, add onto their offers.

Related to the above, don't steal the spotlight. If there's a scene going on that you're not the focus of, you should be trying to figure out how to enhance what's going on. Everyone can tell when an actor can't bear to be in a supporting role, and it's not a cute look.

More than anything, don't betray the trust of other performers. All theatre requires trust, but improv requires so much trust. If you lose that trust, you're done, you've got nothing.

[yassbishimvintage]

Say Less

Warnings: MDNI

Aaron Pierre X Black!oc

You are in charge of ya own experience

And please don't jump me. This is the first time I wrote in YEARS.

Cleo was always the one who enjoyed the best in life. From her career to the man she loved. The one and only walking thirst trap himself Aaron Pierre. Which in fact is funny because as shy as he comes off to the people in interviews, that man was something to be reckoned with behind closed doors.

Cleo was out at her favorite brunch spot with her friends celebrating typical milestones. But something she was missing him. Even though she loved her girls, but she wanted to celebrate with him, but he was busy doing who knows what. 

This morning she decided to test her boundaries at brunch with her friends. She sent a picture of her in a red lace lingerie set that she was hoping to use as leverage when they were arguing or when he was away filming. Once she sent she was ready for the storm.

As Cleo finished her brunch, she felt her phone buzz in her bag. Glancing down, she saw a message from Aaron. A smile played on her lips as she unlocked the phone and opened the message.

What greeted her was a racy picture of Aaron, one that left little to the imagination. One where he’s naked in bed. Hand at the base of his dick. His confident smirk was enough to send a rush of heat through her. She quickly bit her lip, trying to keep her composure as she felt the eyes of her friends on her.

"Everything okay?" Layla asked, noticing Cleo’s expression shift.

Cleo glanced at the screen one more time, feeling the familiar tension building. "Uh... yeah, just Aaron being Aaron." She grinned and quickly set the phone down, trying to focus on the conversation again.

Her friends exchanged knowing glances but didn’t push her further. They had learned long ago not to pry into Cleo’s relationship too much, especially when it came to her and Aaron’s dynamic. But Cleo couldn’t help the rush of excitement that flooded her, her thoughts now divided between the sweet fun of brunch and the heat building inside her at the mere thought of Aaron’s playful text.

As the conversation continued, Cleo’s mind wandered to the image, her body reacting as her thoughts replayed it over and over. She knew they’d have to talk soon, but for now, she could only enjoy the anticipation of what the evening might bring. I

In that moment she had to excuse herself to call him. She knew she was in the running for something extra when she got home. 

As soon as the call connected, Aaron’s smirk appeared on the screen, his eyes dark with the kind of knowing mischief that always sent a shiver down her spine.

"Thought you'd be distracted," he said, his voice low and playful.

Cleo leaned against the stall door, trying to stay composed but feeling her pulse quicken. "You really know how to make a girl lose her focus," she replied, her lips curling into a grin.

Aaron chuckled, his gaze never leaving hers. "That's exactly the point, love. You were looking a little too calm there, so I figured I'd give you something to think about."

She bit her lip, glancing at the bathroom door briefly before turning her attention back to him. "You’re trouble," she whispered, a hint of mischief in her own voice.

"Only for you," he shot back, his eyes scanning her face with a burning intensity that made her knees weak. "You like it though. I know you do."

Cleo couldn’t help but let out a soft laugh, but she couldn’t deny it. She did like it. More than she was willing to admit. She licked her lips slowly, the excitement building in her chest as she imagined the things he’d do to make her forget the rest of the world.

"Just wait until I get home," she said, her voice dripping with a playful but teasing edge.

Aaron’s smirk grew wider, his hand coming up to adjust his tie as if he knew what she was about to say. "I’ll be counting down the minutes," he replied, his tone low and filled with promise.

Cleo held his gaze for a moment, then added, "And this time, you won’t be the one waiting."

Her words hung between them, filled with the kind of promise that only they understood. With one last teasing smile, she ended the call, leaving her heart racing, her mind focused on nothing but the moment she would finally be alone with him again.

LA traffic was always horrible. But when she finally unlocked the door. There he stood. He’s shirtless and in black sweats and his black Calvin Klein underwear showing. His two tattoos that adorned his arms were in full view. She couldn’t hold back the wetness that pooling between her legs looking at him. 

He must’ve got done with his workout. He walked over and smiled. Aaron smirked. “Get into your submissive pose for me.” his voice low. 

Cleo raised an eyebrow, her heart rate picking up as she saw the playful yet commanding smirk on his face. "What do you mean by 'submissive pose'?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.

Aaron closed the distance between them."You know exactly what I mean. But this time, I want to see you in it. Just for me."

His gaze was intense, and there was a quiet authority in his tone that made Cleo’s stomach flutter. She stood there for a moment, weighing her options, then decided to play along. With a small, almost teasing smile, she got down on her knees in front of him, keeping her eyes locked on his.

"Like this?" she asked, her voice soft but confident.

Aaron’s smirk deepened as he watched her. "Perfect," he replied, stepping closer. Her eyes finally glanced to his hands. She finally noticed the Cuban chains in his hand. That was the start to the night they were about to enjoy. He was about to settle in an energy she fell madly in love with. That dominant energy. In the moments when it came to their sex life, he made it clear he was the dom. Someone who was so shy to the public was the one who is extremely primal. 

When he originally suggested she was nervous, but after countless nights of discussing she finally got over that hump and fear. 

As Aaron gently placed the necklaces around her neck, Cleo’s breath hitched. The cool metal brushed against her skin, but the way his hands moved—slow and deliberate—sent warmth flooding through her. When he finished, he tilted her chin up with one finger, his eyes locked on hers, a glint of something deeper in his gaze.

"You're beautiful like this," he said softly, his voice low and steady, as if savoring the moment. His thumb lightly grazed her jaw, and Cleo felt a flutter in her chest at the intimacy of the gesture.

She looked up at him, her lips parting slightly. "And you," she whispered, "always know how to make me feel special."

Aaron’s eyes softened, a rare tenderness overtaking the usual intensity. "You are special," he replied, leaning down to kiss her softly, his lips brushing against hers like a promise.

Cleo felt the cool metal of the chains as he carefully placed them around her neck, the familiar weight of the collar sending a thrill through her. It was a symbol of their connection in their private world, a sign of trust and intimacy that only they shared. She could feel her heartbeat quicken as the tension between them shifted, their playful energy turning more intense.

She looked up at him, her eyes meeting his with a mixture of anticipation and affection. "I love it when you do this," she whispered, her voice soft but filled with desire. The collar wasn’t just a physical accessory; it represented the power dynamics they had built, and in these moments, it made her feel both vulnerable and empowered in his presence.

Aaron gave her a knowing smirk, his hands lingering on the chains as he adjusted them, making sure they sat perfectly. "I know you do," he said softly, his voice taking on a deeper, more possessive tone. "And tonight, we explore it even more."

The atmosphere shifted, the room feeling charged with an undeniable energy as they prepared to enter a different space, one where words and actions held weight and every touch was loaded with meaning.

Aaron’s expression turned serious, yet there was a softness in his gaze as he took a step closer. He gently cupped her face in his hands, tilting her chin up to meet his eyes. His thumb traced the outline of her lips, a slow, deliberate motion, as though savoring the moment before they took this next step together.

He paused, his voice low and controlled, yet laced with a certain intensity. “We move at your pace, Cleo. No rushing, no pushing. Just trust.”

Cleo nodded, her breath catching slightly as she felt her pulse race. She trusted him implicitly. With every part of her, she knew he would guide her with care and respect. She knew this was something they could share, and it only made her feel more connected to him.

“Lead me,” she whispered, her voice a blend of submission and desire, looking up at him with an openness that both invited and trusted him. She was ready to see where this exploration would take them.

Without another word, Aaron leaned down, pressing his lips to hers in a kiss that was both tender and possessive, as if to ground her in the moment. His hands gently moved to her waist, guiding her back to their bed, where the real exploration would begin.

The soft morning light filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow across the room as Cleo sat in the center of their bed. She was still wearing the remnants of the night before—the faint imprint of the collar on her skin, the weight of it lingering even as the memory of their intimate moments played in her mind. The sheets were tangled around her, but she remained still, her hands resting on her lap as she processed the events of the night.

Her mind raced with thoughts of the intensity between them, how their connection seemed to grow deeper with each passing day. She couldn't help but smile softly to herself, feeling both fulfilled and peaceful, her body still humming with the aftereffects of their time together.

When she heard the door creak open, she looked up, her gaze meeting Aaron's. He stood in the doorway, looking at her with an unreadable expression, his eyes soft yet intense. There was no need for words in that moment—just the understanding that they shared. They had created something unique between them, something no one else could touch.

"Good morning," he said, his voice a little raspy from sleep, though his eyes never left hers.

Cleo smiled, a slow, knowing smile that spoke of shared secrets and deeper connections. "Good morning, love." Her voice was calm, but there was a spark in her eyes that betrayed her thoughts. "I was just thinking about last night," she added softly, not needing to explain further.

Aaron stepped into the room, closing the door behind him. He made his way to the bed and sat beside her, his hand gently brushing against her cheek. "And what were you thinking about?" he asked, his voice low, teasing but with an underlying seriousness.

Cleo leaned into his touch, her breath steady as she met his gaze. "How much I trust you," she said quietly, her voice filled with sincerity. "How much I crave you."

In that moment fuck being submissive she just wanted him.

Tags:

@persethegawd @nahimjustfeelingit-writes @ovohanna24 @avoidthings @haechvn @violetmuses @nayaesworld @skvrpion @grlsbstshot @kimuzostar

[luveline]

whenever youre free!! can you please write a spencer x reader where we meet spencer during an early season where he’s still cute and awkward maybe we date too but something happens and we don’t see him for a long time only to meet him again when he’s older and hotter (post prison) and there’s still crazy tension after all those years. in love with your writing btw!!! ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

tysm for requesting! hope this is ok :D ♡ 1.2k

cw vaguely suggestive theme

Looking at Spencer, you could almost think you were fresh out of college again, unsure of yourself and in need of a friend. 

He'd been much more than a friend. It's why you're here. 

The cake might have been a bad idea. You hold it between two hands, the subtle smell of chocolate rising from the box's ill-fitting lid. Your breath catches, words coming out wonky, "Hey. Spencer?" 

He looks up from his book, startled at being found, you think. "Y/N?" 

He looks the same. 

Obviously, he's older. He has facial hair and his curls are styled rather than having been left to their own devices, but you feel as hopelessly enamoured with him as you had years ago, because he still smiles like a puppy dog.

You're twice as surprised as he is when he stands from his coffee table to hug you. The cake box wobbles in your hands as he squeezes you, swaying you from side to side, his laugh warm in your ear. 

"What are you doing back here?" he asks, diving backward to see your face. "I didn't think I'd ever see you again." 

"I still had JJ's number, you know, from when I wanted that address, and she texted me to say you'd been released, and I," —your voice curls tighter, are you talking too much?— "know you might not want to hear from me, but I was worried about you. You were my best friend." 

His smile flickers. You press the cake into his hands. 

"That's for you," you say. 

Spencer's wavering smile turns to the box. He sets it down on the table beside his coffee cup and tented book, removing the lid carefully. You remember suddenly how nice his hands are, and the tracing of his fingertips down your bare shoulders. Goosebumps erupt along the ghost of his touch. 

"Well done on not being a criminal," he reads, snorting. "Funny. Little too soon." 

You feel like your stomach's fallen out, but he drops the act with another laugh. 

"Oh, you're still a jerk," you say. "I'm glad something hasn't changed." 

"You think I've changed?" he asks. 

"You didn't get any taller, if that's what you're asking." 

Spencer's smile turns fond. It's the sweet, sticky smile he'd always give you before he'd tell you he loved you, or that you were the best best friend ever. Or that last night, when you followed him hand in hand down the long hallway to his bedroom. 

"I wasn't that much of a jerk, was I?" he asks. 

"No, you weren't." You hold your hands behind your back. "Could I join you? Just for a bit?" 

"You brought me a cake. I can't say no, can I? Of course you can sit down. I'll get you a coffee, okay?" 

He touches his hand to your arm as he passes. You sit down in the seat across from him, sick with what-if and should-have. What if I could've stayed? Maybe I should have done more. But when Spencer ignored the letters you sent him while he was incarcerated, you figured you'd done more than he wanted. The cake was a last ditch effort, spurred on by JJ's text that read, I think he'd be really happy to see you. 

Spencer puts a china cup down in front of you. You take a sip, muscle memory, and grin at him shyly as he slides into the seat across from you. "You remembered." 

"I remember everything." 

"Right. Your photographic memory." 

"Eidetic, and sure, but I wouldn't forget about you." He reads your shyness for what it is, worry you've overstepped. He's too perceptive to trick. "I think I tried, but… I have so many bad memories, I wanted the good ones to keep." 

You can't imagine the things he experienced in prison. JJ couldn't tell you much. You knew from how you had to address his letters alone that he was sent to a general correctional facility in Mexico, rather than the protective custody he'd needed. He doesn't look terrible considering, but you've barely seen him since you had to leave. He's aged well. The only worry is his dark under eyes. 

"We had a good time," you say gently. "I knew you'd need that. That's why I sent you all those letters, you know? I wasn't trying to come back into your life, I know I don't deserve it after I left, but I couldn't stop thinking about you by yourself." 

You stare at his book. 

"How many letters did you send?" he asks. 

"I don't really remember." 

"I didn't get one." He grimaces. "I didn't get any from my mom, either. Think it was a coincidence?" 

Spencer's time in was kind of sick. He stabbed himself, made friends with criminals, played a lot of chess, and learned how to make tacos in a doritos bag. It was also arguably the loneliest and most degrading time of his life. 

One coffee becomes two, two becomes a third to go. You feel a hundred emotions but there's one that stands out the most as you drift around Pentagon City with him —wanting. You want him to be your best friend again, to rub your back and hold you when you're tired, to take you grocery shopping in his beat up P130. You want him to kiss you like he had, like he was searching for something, but he's changed so much that you don't know if your Spencer is still in there, under everything, or if he'd even want to.

"You live in the same apartment?" you ask. 

"Can you imagine how much it would cost me to move that many books? Paying the rent turns out cheaper," he says, the two of you walking in the grey street. "What about you? You didn't come all the way here to see me." 

"I actually did." You rub up the length of your upper arm, sheepish. "I did, Spencer." 

For a while, all you can hear is the plastic rustling of the bag held in his hand. 

"Thank you for writing to me. I didn't get to read them, but it makes a difference." 

You lift your head to meet his eyes. He holds your gaze, a charge behind his dark brown eyes. You used to think his irises and his pupils were one and the same, but you can see now that there are flecks of light in his irises. His hedging of thick lashes kiss in the corners as he slowly, slowly smiles. 

You glare at him. "Don't." 

"Don't what?" 

"You know what. You're doing that thing. Pretending you're not trying to make me nervous." 

"I'm not doing that. Flustered, but not nervous." Is he smirking?

"Flustered," you repeat, your smile stupidly big now, cheeks aching. "Yeah, right, Reid."

His pinky brushes yours. You don't have any proof that he's doing it purposefully, but he is. 

"Do you want to get something to eat? You can tell me what you were writing in your letters. I'd really, really like to know." His voice is threaded with a familiar timidity for the first time since you reunited. 

There you are, you think happily. "Sure. You buy me a sticky bun from our old place and I'll tell you all my written secrets." 

"Deal." 

[mochinomnoms]

I don't know if you've already answered this, but how would ptm go if Jade was the one reading Yuu's mind instead? Or if the ability switched over to him for some length of time, how would he use it?

I do have some ideas of how it can get switched over to other people in PTM, I just haven't decided how exactly. Though I have written two short drabbles about Riddle and Azul having Yuu's telepathy for a bit!

I think it would be funny if Jade somehow got their telepathy right around the time that Yuu is at the brink of insanity trying to figure out how to get Jade to confess to them (they can't comprehend doing it themselves, they chicken out).

Perhaps they unintentionally transfer their power one evening to Jade, after a study session, and when they wake up in the morning, they're panicking because they can't hear anyone's thoughts. Originally, this might have been a blessing, but they've gotten so used to it, it's been a habit to talk to their friends discreetly through it, and it's been their one-way ticket into Jade's heart! He might not have even liked them as much as he has without it (nevermind that his feelings were established well before their telepathy developed).

So they're walking around school, immensely distressed and getting spooky by everyone every minute. It's awful, Riddle tries to console them by telling them how much better it's going to be now that they don't have to deal with all of that extra stimulation feeding into their head.

When they talk to Azul about it later on, he surprisingly doesn't seem very surprised about it. He does advise that perhaps they limit their interactions with Jade, though he doesn't say exactly why. It makes sense to them though, they can't act accordingly to how Jade wants them, and if they start acting weird now it will ruin...whatever it is that the two of them have.

Of course, they both are in the same potionology group, so it's hard to avoid him. It's worse when Yev asks that the two of them go alone to the botanical gardens later to forage for some ingredients. You both show up separately, Yuu arriving before Jade.

They hate not being able to hear anyone, it would be so easy to sneak behind them. But really, they just are still distress about not being able to hear Jade.

Ugh, should I just be like super cool-faced? Will that throw him off? Maybe I should be cutesy? He likes cutesy, right? UGH! WHY DO I EVEN CARE NOW???

Yuu kicks at a rock in their path, huffing and stomping over to the magical herbs section.

I didn't even like him that much! Why do I even like him now? He thinks weird lewd thoughts about me and tries to get me alone with him to make them become real! That's weird! That should make me not like him, why do I feel the exact opposite!

They're so deep in their thoughts that they don't hear the footsteps behind them, though if Jade doesn't want to be noticed, then he won't.

Stupid! It's not fair, I want to kiss his stupid face and hold his stupid hand. Why can't he confess first? It's not fair, he's had feelings way longer than me! If he wants me, maybe he should initiate one of his stupid, lewd fantasies instead of just dreaming about it!

Yuu is well aware of the irony in their sentence, but they won't admit it. Not while they're pulling the vervian.

Hmph. My doesn't he take initiative, hmm? H-he's got that stupid long tongue, I've seen it! H-he can kiss me and m-make me all dizzy, a-and scrape those stupid teeth down my neck…Ja-Jade would be gentle…right? O-or maybe he'll be a little mean, and leave a mark as he goes further down and down and—

They choke on a scream as they feel a pair of hands grab them, one around their waist and another grasping their right hand.

“Oya~ You're quite the hypocrite, aren't you?”

Jade was purring in Yuu's ear, his breath fanning over their neck and making them shiver.

“J-Jade! What are you—”

“When I woke up this morning, I thought that perhaps I'd been cursed. It was like I was hearing everyone speak in layers, they'd say one thing, but mean another.”

A shuddering whimper left their mouth, their left hand clasping over, as Jade's lips pressed against the back of their ear.

“Huh? J-Jade this is really in—”

“Azul gave it away, of course. He's never been able to really hide his thoughts from Floyd and I. But add this sudden gift of, what do you call it...telepathy? And he's like a treasure chest that's been forced open and presenting me with a trove of knowledge.”

Yuu froze, icy cold fear coursing their veins as Jade's grip on them tightened. Like he knew that their flight response was gearing to go.

What. He's got—no, he doesn't—

“Yes, my pearl, it's exactly as you think!” Jade sighed, nuzzling into the side of Yuu's neck and inhaling at the bend of their neck, where their pulse was rapidly increasing. “I was surprised, hearing from Azul, that you'd been struggling with this all year. Even more when his mind slipped that you'd been particularly stressed because of me.”

Jade sighed, a sad and deep sigh as he pressed another kiss into their neck, using his nose to push their collar to the side and kiss their shoulder.

“Devastating, isn't it? To know that my beloved, my mate, my pearl was distressed because of me! Aaah, that knowledge just broke my heart...”

Oh. God. Oh god, oh godoh god—

Yuu swallowed, deciding to take a peak at Jade from the corner of their eyes, freezing as Jade's own bi-colored eyes bore into them, a smirk on his lips growing as soon as he noticed them looking.

“At least until I came in here, and heard those delicious thoughts of yours.”

A low chuckle left Jade as he scraped his teeth along Yuu's jaw.

“Would you like me to make the first move? Would you like to to, what was it you're imagining? Take my 'stupid long tongue' and make you 'dizzy with it?' That was it, yes?”

Jade's hand around their waist ghosted down, fingertips grazing down to rub and squeeze at their inner thigh.

“You wanted me to go, how did you imagine? Further down and down with my tongue until...well, you didn't finish that thought, did you? I interrupted you, so...why don't you tell me?”

I-I can't...

“Of course you can, I'm being quite vulnerable with you. Won't you do the same with me, my pearl? I beg.”

Jade's voice turned whiny, meek, pleading as he brought Yuu's hand up to press a kiss to their palm.

“J-Jade, I want you to-to—” Yuu whimpered, finally turning their head to look at Jade, who tilted his head in curiosity and delight.

“Yes?”

“C-can you kiss me? Please?”

His eyes softened, lips slightly opening as he let out a gentle breath.

“Oh, why, of course, my pearl.”

Who was he to deny them. Who am I to deny myself. He thought as he obliged to the simple request and fulfilled both of their wishes.

[graylinesspam]

One thing i need you to understand about Fives (the way I write him) is that he is fundamentally a middle child that wants to be a cool older brother so bad. This man is hungry for attention. He wants all the young men too look up to him as the rebel older brother. And he wants all of the older men to look at him as the kick ass ARC trooper. He needs to be everyones favorite brother or he starts taking mental damage from the stress of not being liked.

He is not nearly as cool or as rebellious as he thinks he is though. He's stuck in the middle generation of clones. Not a gen one but not young enough to understand what it was like to be a cadet on Kamino during the war. He doesn't get the new slang, and he's only just learned the old slang.

He remembers learning the old operating system just in time for it to be replaced, and he wore the old style of armor but barely got the chance to paint it before they made the switch.

In his drive to be so cool and so well liked and so looked up to, he will do some truly hilarious bullshit. He will make a fool of himself. And he will laugh it off. But he is not easy going at all. And one sure fire way to set him off is to be more of a rebel or a rule breaker than he is.

This man has spent his whole life having to listen to Echo explain the reg manual front to back. He knows what he can and cant get away with. And if you try some shit that's gonna have real consequences??? he is gonna be up your ass like swamp water. You pull some shit that might actually get somebody hurt? you will not be able to escape him.

He is the cool, ranks don't matter, The war is stupid, Sure i'll let you hit my smoke brother. He will cover your ass if whatever you did was funny enough. But if you make him actually have to be responsible, he's gonna make you suffer for it.

He is also arguably one of the most attached to Ahsoka. Like easily top three clones who are just unwell about her. Being her favorite vod is a very real priority for him. He is the "you want me to kill that guy for you. cuz i'd totally kill that guy for you." brother for her. Ahsoka is seeking approval from everyone other clone and Fives is on the sidelines with a pompom and a foam finger cheering her on. He ADORES her.

which puts him in a really awkward position when Ahsoka is the one actually doing stupid shit and getting herself in trouble because his brain buffers so hard trying to figure out how to respond. His whole program freezes and Echo is usually the one that steps in and pats Ahsoka on the back. And tells her to stop doing that shit.

Echo loves her too but he's a bit more of an actually chill chaos entity and isn't quite as overprotective.

If they were to catch Ahsoka like idk, Smoking, Fives would legitimately not be able to speak a whole sentence.

mans would be like "AHSOKA! You-...Those are-...That's not-....NO!"

meanwhile Echo *sigh*"C'mon 'soka, rule number one is don't get caught." *shakes head in dissapointment*

Cue Fives "NO!" but at Echo this time.

[chronicdelusionistsart]

"Does He Know, Chat?" - The Conflict of Timbern

There's so much about Tim Drake: Robin that is characterized by being a cancelled run. Like, every reading of it should come with the context that they meant to do way more and were forced to close the doors early because of sales. The knowledge that we'd basically been doing Act 1 this whole time puts a lot into perspective!

While the overarching plot had just started to kick in and I think that's what most people catch, that it seemed slow to move (Something I think isn't necessarily true either but that's another day another longpost). BUT I think many people miss that we'd also just started to hit the meat of Tim and Bernard's relationship.

Specifically, we'd just - JUST - gotten enough information to deduce the central complication to their relationship. A miscommunication of epic proportions that affects how two people that very much love each other view the other and their place in the relationship. One that actually does have a few cracks showing on-panel! I think - and I'm being more speculative than usual here, but I feel solid about this one - if the comic had gone on, we'd have seen this become The Conflict.

Spoilers for Tim Drake: Robin under the cut. And as a VERY important note, because this is under the lens of an exploration of what the run was building to before it was cancelled, we'll be assuming that information given out in the last two issues was what the writer intended to give out later, but rushed for the ending.

Anyway, I call this game "Does he Know, chat?"

Step 1: Bernard Knows

Yeah, this is pretty straightforward. He says this one out loud to the audience.

I've previously made the case, or at least implied that it is the case, that Bernard not only knows, but he knows that Tim is Robin for his entire time onscreen for the TD:R run. This is because he is hilarious about it.

Absolute icon. He's so unserious

He's hilarious about it and he's also... cagey about it. He lets Tim move at his own pace about telling him, but he also pries gently into it when he thinks Tim might be in over his head.

RIGHT, ANAKIN?

we're coming BACK to this conversation later in full trust

When exactly did he figure it out? Dunno. Doesn't really matter for anything besides comedy value. I think it is the most funny if he somehow put it together years ago, but I think the evidence of his trolling and doublespeak points to somewhere between his reintroduction in Urban Legends and the start of TD:R - you could argue that him asking Robin to take his last words to Tim is when he figures it out, but that's ehhhhhh. It don't mattah.

Step 2: Tim Doesn't Know Bernard Knows

So like. Tim doesn't fucking know, chat

No literally like I'm combing through the entire comic. Is there any indication he knows besides Bernard assuming that he does? We see his thought bubbles. Since it's really hard to show the absence of a panel let's just take some looks at Tim Drake's Inner Monologues While Hanging Out With The Guy That He Allegedly Knows Knows His Secret Identity

I could scrape for more examples, and there are more, but we get this, right? This is not how you think about the guy you know knows your secret. He is in fact straight up anxious about Bernard finding out that he's been lying to him. He goes out of his way to point out that he's not sharing his full self, which would presumably include, as the mooks put it, da Bats.

Actually, no, I changed my mind. Let's scrape for more examples. All of those are pretty early on, so what about in the middle of the comic?

Still actively hiding his mask from Bernard. Visibly panicked. From Bernard's revelation, we know that Bernard is fully aware of who he's talking to - one might even take this conversation as him prodding at Tim to just stop the charade already, but having fun with it.

Like "I don't think I'd be dating my boyfriend if it weren't for you" speaking to the boyfriend in question. LMAOOOOOOOOO Bernard I'd die for you

Tim's so firmly separated his identities and doubled down on keeping this secret from Bernard, in fact, that in their penultimate meetup before the finale, he grieves the fact that he can't be there to comfort Bernard as himself.

I don't think this is because he was simply unwilling to come as Tim. This is, put together with everything else, the behaviour of someone who. Well. Doesn't Know, chat.

Oh yeah and there is also that he outright says "Bernard can't Know" but what would the fun be in leading with that 💖

Step 3: Bernard Doesn't Know Tim Doesn't Know Bernard Knows

Okay so now we're really getting into the juice of this.

Bernard thinks they're on the level.

A lot of people see this as proof that Tim does in fact know, but the thing is that, as we just handily established, everything we see from Tim's POV contradicts this. Sometimes explicitly.

Which leaves the obvious answer - that Bernard is an unreliable narrator. He doesn't fucking Know, chat!

Hey sooooooo remember how I said that Bernard has a habit of dropping Robinisms into conversation or bringing up Tim to Robin because he's prodding at Tim to drop it?

Bernard you are soooo insane for this level of doublespeak. Just talk to your boyfriend my man

Bro sincerely thinks that Tim is just. Holding out on him on a pretense. This explains why he is so GOD DAMN MAD when Tim comes knocking as Robin when the Chaos Cult comes back to town.

Like. From the Bernard POV. The disrespect from Tim here.

Step 4 - Ruh Roh Raggy

This is, as the writers' workshops say, THE CONFLICT. The fundamental disconnect of Tim and Bernard's relationship is that they're going through the same motions and interpreting them completely differently!

Tim DOESN'T realize Bernard is smarter than he appears he DOESN'T realize that every time he's sent Bernard away or tried to send him away to deal with something, something that happens repeatedly

that Bernard has known that he wasn't letting him into his life all the way and he DOESN'T trust Bernard enough to let him in despite Bernard making him very happy. He's so hung up on doing the relationship Right and not compromising Robin as he learned it from Batman (Themes!) that he misses that he has a competent partner right next to him who is willing to be his equal.

I sincerely believe that we were in the buildup for this to come to a head when the run was cancelled. The buildup itself is, in fact, excellent - as we've proven, if you're paying attention, you can see this coming like an oncoming train.

I actually specifically want to highlight how tightly Page fucking 2 of the run sets this up. Like mmmmmm writing masterclass here

This page is doing double duty as foreshadowing the Moriarty fakeout (Ooooh is Bernard the bad guy? No lol) and just setting up that Bernard knows and that Tim is too distracted by Bernard... being the Bernard he likes to put forward... to notice.

Like it is genuinely impressive how many conversations in this run, on reread, mean completely different things to both participants, and they start it RIGHT away.

I've been focused on Tim here so far but on Bernard's side he's just. He speaks in doublespeak all the time. Like even when it's something he's upset about or has hurt him in the past he just keeps it in and hints at it because he trusts Tim blindly to understand because he's a detective and shit. Look at this mf he can't turn the layered meanings machine off he's even doing it in the Pride Special

THE PRIDE SPECIAL!! Metaphor loving mf... you're everything to me you funny bastard

So basically if this had been allowed to run its course...

Step 5 - Okay so we now Know that Bernard Doesn't Know that Tim Doesn't Know that Bernard Knows. what now

... Well, it would have been really fucking interesting!! I think Bernard would not have been happy to know he'd been so thoroughly misunderstood and underestimated, and I think Tim would have been very torn between his bat-training and what needed to be done to make things work between them.

Personally? I think that Tim would have learned that he doesn't need to be the Robin that he was before and that it was getting in the way of really knowing Bernard. At the same time that Bernard learned that his conception of Robin (and by extension Tim) as larger than life was getting in the way of knowing who Tim really was.

Step X - Reflections

I find myself, like... I keep coming back to these two. The build here is incredible, and subtle, and it's really a credit to the writing that I can just go back and panel by panel always find some new way that it was tightly written when looking for the panels for these writeups. Their interactions are layered, and each layer has something interesting going on. Really great use of (in the interim I learned the proper term for this!) delayed decoding! I really don't understand why people don't think Tim is interesting in this, too. He's out here being the second funniest mf in Gotham.

Unfortunately, having to end the run on Tim being rescued in costume by Bernard being the world's least subtle about Knowing, we kinda blew our chance to slowburn this in canon. Maybe a good canon divergent fanfic departing from before the last issue could do this justice, idk.

Such is comics! Hope this turns out to be good reference material for someone, at least.

Seeya!