#Robin is so precious I want to hear him talk again

[mondscheinprinzessin]

hello hi, someone on JO tumblr started an ask game and I come bearing some things to pick from for you

go berry picking with, walk into a Trachtenstore for at least three minutes with, bake carrot cake with, watch a ballet with:

aleksi, robin, jules, me ✨

Okay it took me way too long to understand this game🤦‍♀️

Let's see. Go berry picking with Robin because you can have a great time with him just talking, I think this would be very fun.

Walking into a Trachtenstore with Jules because I would like to know his opinions and would love to hear him further shit on bavarian traditions.

I would bake a carrot cake with you, but this time it's your turn to raspeln the carrots😄

And going to a ballet with Aleksi because I hope he would get inspired by the music/ orchestra and the emotions, and I think he's very open to other genres and he wouldn't totally suffer through a ballet.

[stevieschrodinger]

Part One Twelve

Steve wanted everything to be ready and set up for when Eddie got back; Hopper was going to drop him over later in the afternoon.

It didn’t work out like that at all; Steve’s parents left earlier than they said they would. He got Eddie’s things out of the closet, and then was heading to the garage to get the tent, really, truly intending to use this time to get everything right for when Eddie comes back.

Steve lasted twenty minutes in the empty house before he couldn’t take any more. He just missed Eddie too much. He was too excited to see him, to bring him home, way too excited to wait hours.

Especially since every moment now felt so precious, so finite.

So he thought fuck it, slipped on his sneakers and picked up his car keys and headed to the store. He definitely needed fresh groceries ready for Eddie to come home.

It’s a fairly good thing his mother never actually cooks; she might have had questions about all the peas in the freezer. As it is Steve has to rotate between stores, he's started saying, ‘I’m doing this green juice diet thing,’ every time he gets a strange look when he pays. Even that would only fly so far before people started looking at him like he was really weird; it’s not like Hawkins is a big place, there’s not exactly a lot of options.

From the store, Steve heads to the cabin, only to find Eddie sitting on the stoop, his bag ready next to him. He grins so big when Steve pulls up.

Hopper comes out with a steaming mug cupped in his hands and an unlit cigarette sagging between his lips, “you’re as bad as each other, I told him not until four, he’s been packed since half nine. Couldn’t stop him.”

Steve kneels on the step below Eddie so they can give each other a proper hug; he feels Eddie’s chest expand in a massive sigh, and then Eddie relaxes fully against him. Steve can relate; he feels the same.

“Sorry Hop,” Steve says absently.

Hopper makes a noncomittal noise, and Steve hears the rasp of his lighter, “all his things are clean, did a load of laundry last night.”

Steve stands, but finds Eddie’s holding his hand and Steve kind of doesn’t want to ever let go of him anyway, so it kind of works out.

“Thanks so much Hopper, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you doing this.”

Hopper leans on the porch rail, “just laundry, kid.”

“You know what I mean, you’ve, you know, looked after him and I-”

“Hopper,” Eddie says, causing them both to look, “thank you,” and Eddie presents Hopper with a pine cone. It has strands of long grass haphazardly tied to it, little flowers and a couple of smalls leaves. Steve doesn’t look at Hopper’s face; he knows he will laugh if he does.

“Errr...you’re welcome.”

Steve thinks Hopper accepts his gift with grace.

The plan is to spend the whole afternoon on the couch watching movies. Eddie puts his things away; moves things around, spends an hour generally reacquainting himself with the place, Steve asks him if he wants the tent put back today, but Eddie shakes his head, clearly not worried about it. He also doesn’t want to get his shiny things back either; Steve offers to go into his parents room with him but again, Eddie seems disinterested.

He just seems to need to check where everything is before he finally settles, snuggling right up to Steve and settling his head on Steve’s chest, half cradled between Steve’s legs.

Steve knows Eddie’s missed him, Steve has missed him, too.

They don’t even pretend that night. There’s no talk of nightmares, or dark TV, or bad dreams. There’s no excuses about how it’s cold, or talk about Eddie sleeping on the couch; they brush their teeth together, and then Eddie gets into Steve’s bed before Steve does.

Steve sleeps with Eddie’s tail wrapped between and around his legs, and tries not to dwell on how much it’s going to hurt when it’s gone.

Steve walks through the door of Family Video, arms in the air, triumphant, “ayyyyyyyy!”

Robin mimics him from behind the counter, throwing her arms up too, “ayyyyyy...what are we doing?!”

“Celebrating, obviously,” Steve gets his ass up on the counter and shimmies around, dropping down on the other side, “we’re back together. The dream team.”

“The dynamic duo?”

“The perfect pair.”

“The...top twins?”

“That’s weak Steve.”

“I know, I couldn’t come up with anything good that begins with ‘T’ and I wanted to keep this going. Thanks by the way, I think we have two shifts together this week. I do not want to know what you had to do to get that-”

“Gross,” Robin slaps him in the chest with a half eaten red vine.

The bell over the door tinkles, a whole brood of excited kids coming in, looking for Christmas movies, Steve directs the mom to the right section. It’s not long before more come in, “what the hell is going on?” Steve gripes about all the little kids absolutely ruining the displays.

“Last day of school, everyone's out for Christmas,” Robin tells him as she rings someone up.

“No way,” Steve looks at the calendar pinned to the cupboard door behind the counter, “Oh. It is.”

“Yep Dingus, not long now, got all your gifts?”

“Shit Rob, I don’t have any gifts-”

“Terrific!”

“No it’s-”

“No no, terrific! With a ‘T’!”

“Oh...yeah, I suppose that was the obvious option.”

Steve gets home late, these closing shifts really starting to get to him, thinking about what the hell he should get Eddie for Christmas. He has no idea how long the whole...transformation thing…might take. Or how long until it happens. This might be the only Christmas Eddie ever has and…Steve’s going to do his best to make it amazing.

Tomorrow he’s going to drive out and pick up a real tree, get all the decorations down from the attic; Eddie likes shiny things, he should like it. Steve feels better with a plan of action, he always has.

“Eddie,” Steve calls as he closes the front door, stripping off his jacket and gloves. His ears are freezing, he should wear a hat really, but that would be a bit of a crime with his hair.

Steve can smell something; coffee he’s pretty sure, and something cooking, “Stee.”

“Hey Buddy, what are you doing,” Steve finds Eddie on a kitchen chair in front of the stove.

“Stee nine and a half.”

“Yeah, yeah I did say that buddy.”

Eddie’s carefully stirring soup on the stove top; there’s a bowl ready, next to a plate of crackers and randomly shaped cut up lumps of cheese. Well, more like hacked up lumps of cheese, but still.

Steve watches, heart sort of in his mouth, as Eddie carefully, tongue poking out in concentration, lifts the pot and pours the steaming soup into the bowl. He does it slowly, but perfectly fine, “Stee hot, ow.”

“I’ll let it cool down I...just thank you buddy, thank you so much.”

There’s a dirty knife and the empty soup can in the sink, but otherwise Eddie’s tidied up after himself. This must have taken so much effort; Eddie would have to move the chair every time he needed to reach something. Steve can’t help it, he dips, giving Eddie a soft kiss on the cheek.

Part Fourteen

[thousandsun]

ASL brothers reacting to your insecurities

Warnings: eating disorders,mention of food,breakdown

Sabo

You are looking in the mirror at your body realizing you've put on some weight. You've been sitting there,like this for a few good minutes. Sabo passes by your room noticing you. He feels like something is wrong. The blonde comes up to you wrapping his hands around your waist. He places a little kiss on your cheek."What happened,my love?" He asks resting his head on your shoulder.

"I've got so ugly. I got a double chin now" You reply. Sabo could feel the disappointment in yourself.

"Ugly?" He looks at you through the mirror. "I don't see anything ugly about you." His voice is calming and comforting. "All I see is my girl, being as beautiful as always"

"Sabo, don't lie to me..." You feel your confidence going down even more. You think he is just trying to make you feel better even though you're ugly. He is so precious that he would do anything for you.

"But I am not lying. Your face,your body,they are all so perfect" You feel a soft kiss on your neck. "Can't believe I got myself such a gorgeous woman"

You giggle hearing his words. He sure knows how to make you feel better. "Thank you" You whisper softly

Ace

He is the type of guy who observes your every move. He wants to know you're always fine. You deserve the best life and he wants to dedicate all his time to give you that.

When he saw you not eating properly,he had some questions and worries. Yet he decided to shut up and give you some space. That until he noticed you were barely eating at every meal of the day.

"What happened to you lately? Why aren't you eating anymore?" He suddenly snaps. He is sitting in front of you,at the table. You avoid his eye contact trying to seem like you didn't hear anything. Your body betrayed you and you flinched.

Ace's eyes softened realizing he was a bit too straight forward. "Hey. I am not mad. Just concerned"

The room falls in complete silence. You finally look at him, indicating you want to say something. You find yourself struggling to speak. Ace grabs your hand slowly caressing it with his fingertips. You feel the trust he gives in you,you feel it giving you power. "I don't feel good in my body lately."

Ace's eyes widen. He can't understand. He can't understand how you don't love your body the way he does. He knows your body is incredible,yet you can't seem to see it. He isn't the type of guy to comfort you with words so he pulls you into a warm hug. You hide your face into his chest crying.

He plays with a strand of your hair, admiring you. "Let it all out. I am here."

Luffy

Tonight,he couldn't sleep, feeling very hungry. So he sneaks into the kitchen. As he enters the kitchen carefully,like Usopp taught him,he sees a small light. Confused he comes closer and notices you, eating with the fridge door open.

You hear steps coming closer to you. You turn with fear seeing Luffy. Tears start falling from your eyes. "Luffy... I can't stop. I can't stop falling in this cycle again and again.Please forgive me..."

Luffy looks at you even more confused. He doesn't seem to understand much. One thing he does understand is that he wants to protect you. "I don't mind sharing food! You don't have to get sad"

You realize he's Luffy. He doesn't know what an eating disorder is. "Luffy,I am full,yet I can't stop eating. I don't want this... I don't want to eat."

His gaze changes. He realized that you have a problem. That your brain doesn't seem to listen to you. He closes the fridge door. He lifts you up, carrying you to the kitchen table. "I know I can't help you. But I can encourage you to talk to someone like Nami or Robin." He says sitting on your lap cuddling you.

You shake your head in fear. "No. I can't talk to anyone... I am too embarrassed."

"No,no,no!" He pouts giving you a judgy look.He begins shaking you. "Youuu! Neeeed! Heeeelp"

You stop him amused by his reaction. "I can understand if you talk to me normally. I am not a baby"

Luffy pouts even more. You sigh kissing his forehead. "Fine,fine. I'll talk to them. Just give me a few days"

His face gets brighter. "That's my girl!" He grabs your face not leaving a spot unkissed.

[ambriel-angstwitch]

My Commentary on Tim Drake: Robin

Because it’s my blog and I can do what I want

Starting off strong with the panel that made TimKon shippers go crazy

Ahhh! I love them calling eachother the Batfam it makes me happy

Then look at how small Bart looks

Small boy

A couple commentaries not connected to any particular panel but I adore the art style and I’m so happy Tim and Stephanie worked things out.

But I think Tim might have a type

TimKon shippers, TimBern Shippers and Platonic Tim and Steph fans somehow all got fed with this Pride Comic

People say Jason is the book nerd when Tim Spends this whole story recognizing and remembering the plots of detective novel not to mention he recognizes that he lost four books and figured which ones they are not to mention just the collection of book he treats like his most precious items. Like I acknowledge Jason and Jane Austen and love it but he should not be the only one joked about being a book nerd.

These clone escue thingys show up and Tim’s thoughts about them are so interesting.

I adore that even as he’s fighting them he’s saying praise for all of them, though he’s got the most for Dick. And the first read through I thought he didn’t compliment Jason and that made me sad.

Close up on Damian’s because you can’t really see it in the full page pic and the my baby brother just really got to me. I am very susceptible to Batfam moments

But Gosh even knowing they’re not his actual family it’s got to hurt to hear them confirm all his worst fears of never measuring up.

Well like father like son I guess. It’s not like Batman hasn’t figured out how to take down almost any hero he meets.

Little does Bernard know.

I love the TimBern in this. Their relationship is still developing, it’s clear that Bernard is comfortable in it from the start of the volume but Tim has his doubts of where they stand, of whether this is a good idea because he’s just dragging Bernard into his mess. But Bernard has his own messes and struggles and they can just be with eachother through all that

Tim. Timmy boy. That’s not a good thing. You should learn how to have some more self preservation, just because your family are all self sacrificing doesn’t mean it’s the healthy way to be.

Why is Superboy’s biggest fan what Tim finally responds to? Also why does Bernard call him that? Is Tim talking about him all the time? Also I love that Bernard calls him his boy wonder once again little does he know. (This is another scene I’ve seen TimKon fans go crazy for)

That’s the last picture on this post as I’ve hit the limit but the book was very good! I loved the villian, loved how they explored Tim. Love the Tim Bern. Tim coming to the realization that it’s ok not to know who he is yet is amazing. He’s figuring things out and that’s ok.

[blacklegsanjiii]

i'm not really a sanji girlie but i've been watching skypeia so. what if skypeian sanji au (idk how tjis would work but maybe he escapes germa thru one of the other entrances to skypeia that are referenced? or he has skypeian heritage on his mom's side. idk i just had the thought of sanji with wings and antennae and my brain went brr)

There is a Skypiean!Sanji here. However this has been something I've wanted to expand upon, especially in the context of loved!Sanji. So here we go!

Skypeian!Sanji whose mother and father rule a kingdom in the North Blue and is a prince with basically no chance at the throne as he's the fourth born child and the third born son, but he has wings and antennae like his siblings and mother. His mother is Skypeian and teaching them the language as they prepare to head for the East Blue. Sanji knows what they are, there is no hiding it after the failures of their forefathers.

They're attacked as they cross over and they're doing their best to defend themselves when Sanji is grabbed from his hiding spot, the guards slaughtered in front of him as he is dragged out of a window and his mouth covered, muffling whatever screams came out of his mouth as he is ripped from his family and home. Sanji is held prisoner for months and he doesn't know if his family is going to come for him or if he's just dead to them.

The people holding him put him in the helmet and tie his wings down cover them and taunt him for months and there's nothing he can do except cry and remember the stories his mother told him of the All Blue and Skypiea and all of the fun he had with his siblings and father. He's in there for a long time, so long that he lost count until pirates attack the ship and he's dragged out of his cell he is screaming and crying and the pirate with his braided mustache stomps on his helmet hard enough to open the jaw part.

Then the ship goes down and Sanji wakes up on the rock with the pirate and is staring at him and he stares back as he's given a small bag of food and sent to the other side of the rock. He's waiting for a ship to come get them and hopes it's his family but they don't come. No one does. For months. He's waiting for everyone to come get him. Sanji goes and finds the man, lacking a leg with a bag of treasure and not food, Sanji is so frustrated and he cries again as the man watches him rip the jacket off his body and move a knife to one of his wings. Zeff stops him and pulls him close and tells him not to be dumb, those are more precious than his leg. Sanji loses his knife to the man.

When they are saved Zeff makes sure no one comments on the small boys wings, they work on getting the helmet off and everyone is surprised at the antennae sticking out of his matted blond hair and the swirly eyebrow that everyone realizes he's not supposed to be there. Zeff keeps the boy with him and refuses to let him be alone really. The kid doesn't talk about his family as what is canon continues, the only difference is Sanji covers his antennae. Even after he joins the crew. Everyone finds out over time though. Nami and Luffy and chopper find out on Drum, Robin on Skypiea when she hears the story of one of their girls running off with a prince who looks a lot like their cook. Usopp and Franky during Ennies Lobby/Water Seven. Brook on thriller Bark.

No one brings it up to the cook, lets him bring it up to them, though Luffy will preen his wings because they're so soft when Sanji is shirtless and not hiding them under his shirts and such. Sanji doesn't actually know what to do with how soft everyone is being with him. Zoro finds out on Sabaody when Sanji takes a particularly hard kick to the back and sees blood soaking through and someone shouts about his wings. They don't get to talk until after the time skip. When Sanji decides to forgo his bandana and coat in favor of his extra bits being free and not cramped.

Everyone always asks him why he didn't stay in Skypiea and he's like 'i know literally no one there, I have no idea who my family is there, they hated what my mother did' and just leaves it at that and things still go as Canon. Until Zou where there's a singular member of the Royal Family of Germa, not in anything from the 66, just her royal outfit as she tries to calm down the Strawhats, that Sanji is fine. She is doing well in taking their anger and the fact they keep saying she kidnapped the cook when she didn't. Her brothers did.

So the rescue team goes with Pink and meets Sanji's family who are also dealing with the Big Mom pirates. Pink unpins her antennae as they arrive and are let into the castle and led to a main sitting room where Sanji is being preened by an older woman and a man is laughing as three other Sanji's with different hair keep talking about the beast pirates and how Big Mom is also after Sanji after Fishman Island and as a swipe to them. Luffy yells and snaps to Sanji who catches him and curses him.

"This is him? How charming!" The woman coos as she pats Luffy's cheek.

"Yes, this is my captain, Luffy." Sanji sighs.

"You stole my cook!" Luffy snaps at her.

"Oh dear, he's possessive isn't he?" She laughs lightly. "My apologies, our children were so excited to be reunited they didn't seem to take into account what repercussions there could be." She apologizes.

"And who might you all be?" Nami asks with a frown.

"My apologies, I am King Judge, this is my wife Queen Sora's and our children. Princess Reiju, our oldest and her younger brothers, the quadruplets and princes: Ichiji, Niji, Sanji whom you already know, and Yonji who is our youngest." The older man smiles kindly.

"You're a prince?!" Nami, Brook, and Chopper yell at him.

"I haven't been since I was eight?" Sanji asks with a look to his mother.

"Oh, you still are. Besides we seem to have a common enemy in Big Mom." Sora smiles.

"So you're the Skypiean who ran away?" Chopper asks her as they're led to a dining room to eat and Judge talks to Nami about things they can provide short term aid in the fight, not men but equipment. As they're prepping to leave a few days later they're staring Big Mom attacks and the crew and Germa begin fighting as Jinbei shows up.

When they escape and make it to Wano and the crew is gathered Luffy and Chopper tells everyone. The story of Vinsmoke Sora running with a Sea Dweller, their family, the lost prince who became a pirate. Sanji shrugs as Jinbei laughs heartily as that story, at least the first half, had been around for a long time. Over twenty five years at least.

"Yeah, that's about when my parents met. Hence the appearance." Sanji shrugs.

"Amazing." Jinbei laughs harder.

[pak-isms]

Worship Like a Dog | Love and Deepspace - Rafayel/MC

Burnt umber.

Sienna.

Auburn.

Coral.

Saffron.

Give him all the time in the world and it still would not be enough to discover every wonderful color he felt and saw when she was near. A work of art, not crafted by his own talented hands, but just as treasured.

She was his soul, the embodiment of everything he held dear. She’d slipped from his grasp once, but he would make sure she wouldn’t do so again.

Rafael couldn’t remember a time in his life when he’d been so desperate for another’s gaze. For their touch and their attention. For the privilege of existing in their presence.

It made his face burn to think about, so he covered such embarrassing thoughts with orders and complaints that made her roll her eyes and sigh with annoyance when he spoke.

He would take it.

Cerulean.

Sapphire.

Robin’s egg.

Olive.

Sage.

He didn’t think she would give in to his demands to go on a stroll. By the seaside of course. He told her it was to find inspiration. She nodded in resigned understanding as she walked alongside him and held the bags containing his newly purchased supplies.

But while her eyes were locked on the crashing waves and bursts of foam, his eyes were locked on her. What would you call the color of the shine in her hair? What shade is the corner of her eye? What color would she turn if he held her hand?

“You must really love this view if it’s able to inspire so many of your paintings…” She commented, absentmindedly.

“Of course I do. I wouldn’t waste my time on something that wasn’t worth every second of it.”

He wasn’t talking about the view.

Byzantium.

Vermillion.

Amber.

Ivory.

Ebony.

What a wonderful thing it was, to have the privilege to feel such a love. A love that far surpassed adoration and felt more akin to utter devotion.

Indeed if she had an altar, he would kneel before it until his legs ached and his back grew stiff. Hands clasped and eyes fixed on her divine idol.

He would bring gifts of anything and everything precious. Left in the offering bowl; a glittering scale, pints of his own blood, the ocean, the moon, the sound of the sea.

And it would be bliss.

Fulvous.

Lilac.

Chartreuse.

Orchid.

Amaranth.

He’d never felt desperation, the way he did when she re-entered his life.

He didn’t care how low it made him seem when he demanded she never make him wait again. Phrased as a demand, he wondered if she noticed that it’s true nature, was a desperate plea.

What he meant was, “Don’t leave me.”

He’d never forgive her if she passed from this life and slipped from his grasp. But his devastation and fury would not stop him from seeking her out in the next life. Traveling to the ends of the earth, to meet her again.

Perhaps he’d reincarnate as one of her beloved cats. He would never admit the way it would suit him, lounging around in her lap for hours, demanding her attention and following her around, drifting through her legs as she sighed with fond annoyance.

He would do whatever it took.

Scarlet.

Juniper.

Tuscan sun.

Slate.

Jade.

Each stroke of his brush was a confession. Each sigh from his lips was a declaration of love. Each brush of his hands against his own lips was a kiss against her fingertips. Each thread of his fingers through his hair was a stroke against her cheek.

Even a single touch, would be enough to set his body alight, a thrill unlike any other.

When he was gifted with her touch, when she placed his palm over his racing heart, he wondered if she could hear what it said.

I love you, don’t leave.

I love you, never stray from my side.

I love you, I can make you happy.

I love you, please look my way.

Words he couldn’t say aloud. He didn’t know if he wanted her to hear it or not.

Green.

Blue.

Pink.

Brown.

Yellow.

After every second of pining and want, he knew it was possible she would never return what he felt.

He only hoped that if such a thing happened, she would be merciful enough to let him continue to remain at her side.

But he also dared.

Dared to hope she would look at him with love.

Dared to want the feeling of her kiss on his skin.

Dared to wish she would promise to never leave.

Dared to desire her to mean every word.

For now, he would be content, demanding her time and basking in her glare. He would complain about her gentle punches, and savor them like hugs. He would look into her eyes and let words fall from his lips that hinted at what he felt, hidden in metaphors and stories, much like the canvases he displayed in galleries.

For now he would simply dream.

And that would be plenty.

[dearzoro]

Chopper's Birthday Party

You plan the best birthday for Chopper and not everything goes as expected, but Zoro is there to cheer you up and make the date extra special.

Warnings: Sexual Harassment, Canon-Typical Violence

We have: Female Reader Insert, Established Relationship with Zoro, Slice of Life on Sunny, Domesticity, Fluff, Zoro’s sewing skills and maybe OOC Zoro? I see him this way tho :P I just love him and wish to pamper our beloved Chopper.

Today Thousand Sunny was decorated for the birthday celebration of the youngest of the crew, Chopper.

The little reindeer was very happy. Although he tried to hide his excitement and awkwardness about the party whenever someone passed by, his little eyes shone brighter than the sun itself. You wished that day to be very joyful and full of good memories for him and that he felt as loved as possible because he deserved it more than anyone. Ever since you started being part of the Straw Hats and got saved by the cutest doctor of all, you wanted to give back all the care and affection. Even more so when the story of everyone in the crew was revealed to you. It was absurd that someone sweet like Chopper was attacked and treated like a monster, and even worse, made to believe he was one for so long. That's why you and your boyfriend are usually a bit protective and considerate of the crew's precious doctor. All you wanted most was for Chopper's existence to be celebrated and cherished so that he would never again doubt that he is well-loved.

You and Sanji were in the kitchen preparing Chopper's favorite sweets. While Sanji was cooking on the stove, you were peeling and slicing the tangerines picked from Nami's tree that very morning. You could hear the screaming outside, with Luffy and Usopp filling and popping some of the balloons while arranging the ship's decorations. Along with the shouting, Brook had already started playing his guitar and was joined in the singing by a very cheerful Franky. You would dip the wedges in chocolate and then set aside in another tray that Sanji would take to the fridge. You adored helping Sanji in the kitchen, as much as you respected his space and directions, after all, he was the chef. And as much as he said your pretty hands should never smell of garlic, you appreciated peeling them and remembering home. You were cooking all day long, sometimes accompanied by the birthday boy himself who helped make candy in the shape of little animals and strawberry mochi.

Once you had finished your part and at the insistence of the cook, you left the kitchen to get ready for dinner. The sun was almost down and the captain was already shouting impatiently for the meat. Since it was a special date, you decided to wear your favorite dress that you had been given by Zoro and almost never put on for fear of ruining it. You also took the opportunity to wrap the gift you made for Chopper and seal the envelope of the letter you wrote to your favorite boy.

When you came back, the table was almost ready and Sanji asked you to call all of them. Everyone was happy, Chopper and the boys were playing on the table with the utensils, Robin was cheering him on with his dozens of hands, everyone was talking loudly and laughing. You looked around the table for Zoro and your eyes met, he was smiling too.

“Oi, Chopper! Can you hand me a strawberry mochi?”

You were surprised by the request because Zoro doesn't usually like sweet things. But, Chopper cracked a huge smile shaking his head vehemently as he carried the tray with the mochi for Zoro to take saying those he had made himself. The swordsman took one and had a bite making a satisfied sound.

“It's so yummy! That's the best mochi I've ever had, Chopper. You'd beat our shitty cook 10 to 0”

He said making exaggerated expressions and Sanji fell for the teasing, starting to swear at him and calling him to fight. You started laughing and your heart warmed at these little gestures Zoro made, he was always aware of what was going on and encouraged Chopper and also everyone he loved in a very subtle way. It was in those moments that you wondered if it was possible to love him even more.

Everyone were having fun enjoying that precious moment, so it was extremely frustrating when right at that moment the ship started to be attacked by an enemy.

Immediately everyone stood up and went on alert, rushing outside. Just now, at the best moment, it had to happen. Your emotions overpower your senses and you didn't pay much attention to what was going on around you until you were grabbed by one of the invading pirates. Suddenly, you felt a huge hairy arm around your neck, the pressure of a stout body against yours, a blade pressed against the side of your abdomen, the pirate's foul breath on the back of your neck and the harsh voice echoed in your ears when he spoke.

“You're kinda hot, I could have fun with you. Stand still and I won't hurt you. Take me to the treasure and, who knows, I'll thank you by shagging your ass. Now.”

He wrapped his arm around your neck tighter and made it hard to breathe for a few seconds. You began to hear your heartbeat drumming in your ears. In a slightly risky move, you kicked him and disengaged from his grip on your neck, just having time to move a little out of reach of his blade, hearing him rip the fabric of your dress that fluttered with the movement.

“You bitch!” He yelled and advanced towards you. You managed to use your powers to knock him out. You heard your name being yelled in the background and just yelled back that you were fine even though you were shaking.

In no time, the entire enemy crew had been defeated and evicted from the ship. Chopper was passing by asking if everyone was okay and the party atmosphere had been completely ruined. You held in your tears for the whole situation that happened and to control your feelings, you kept quiet and a little away from the others. You could still hear Luffy and Franky cursing the enemy pirates and Usopp talking loudly, but you couldn't differentiate the sounds properly, too focused on not crying.

Zoro, very thoughtful, stopped beside you and ruffled your hair before teasing the cook. He knows you are upsed.

“Oi, you useless bastard. When are we going to sing Happy Birthday?”

Sanji almost cursed him back, but he looked at you first and overly courteously stretched out his hand to you and spoke in that honeyed voice he used for flirting.

"My fair lady, would you not give me the pleasure of your company to the kitchen for the final cake decorations?" His eyes turned into hearts.

You tried to smile and cheer up, getting up and following the cook. Before long, everyone gathered around to sing Happy Birthday. Chopper closed his eyes and put his hands together to make a wish and gave a faint giggle before blowing out the candle flame. Everyone ate a piece, Nami and Robin were the first to ask permission to retire and little by little the others retired to bed as well.

Zoro calls you out with a tilt of his head and you follow him to the foremast near the stairs. He just sits and taps the empty space next to him and you feel the tears start to run down your face instantly. How dear you felt. You cry silently with your head in the crook of Zoro's neck as he strokes your back and squeezes you tightly. It feels so good to be under his protection. But, every time you calm down, you remember what happened, get angry and cry more, then get more frustrated that you're crying and which makes you cry even more.

“You know… you know… what's… Worse?!” You turn away and say between sobs with your eyebrows furrowed in anger.

Zoro denies it with his head. “Hm?”

“They… he… ripped my dress!” You say stretching the part above the hem that had been ripped. Zoro looks at the dress in concentration before getting up saying he'd be right back. And he did come back. With a sewing kit. You laughed and he laughed too, picking up a spool of the color closest to your dress and running the thread through the needle. You are safe. He was stitching when Chopper appeared, surprising both of you due to the time being past midnight.

“Can I stay with you?” Chopper asks, with a paper bag in hand.

“Sure. Come here.”

And Chopper stayed on your lap sharing the chocolate bonbons with you while next to you Zoro was splicing the two ends of the torn fabric and interacting every now and then in the conversation started by Chopper about animals, the islands and daydreams about the new adventures.

[hereforanepilogue]

I'll wait for you (wait for me)

for @thefreakandthehair's spicy six spring challenge :)

ao3

Steve, surprisingly, has never minded Eddie’s driving. The first time the kids had told him Eddie was driving them somewhere he’d nearly panicked, but then he’d beaten them out to the quarry and had to listen to the little twerps complaining about how Eddie ‘drove like a grandma’ the whole way there.

He’d asked about it, and Eddie had just given him a wry smile and cracked a joke about ‘precious cargo’. It had made something flutter in Steve’s chest, and he’d brushed Max’s claims about Eddie’s driving off. In fact, he doesn’t really consider it again until April nearly six months later, when he finds himself calling Eddie from the pay phone across the street from Moretti’s Tires.

“Yeah?” Eddie says when he picks up. Steve groans.

“Is that how you answer the phone?” he asks.

“Oh, sorry - Munson’s Murders, you pick ‘em we brutalize ‘em.”

“That doesn’t even rhyme,” Steve says. “Wait, no, I only have one more quarter, can you pick me up?”

“Oh, sure, where are you?”

“The mechanic on Elm,” Steve says.

“Vinny’s? I’ll be right there, hold on,” Eddie says. Steve can hear him moving around before he hangs up unceremoniously.

“Rude,” Steve mutters. He looks back inside - the guy running the place is gone again.

Fifteen minutes later, Eddie’s van rolls up with music blasting out of the closed windows. Eddie doesn’t move to get out, so Steve just walks around to the passenger side. He tries the door and it won’t open, so Eddie pushes it from the other side.

“Sorry about that,” Eddie says, turning down the music. Steve hops into the van. “It’s a little sticky.”

“It’s fine, man, how’re you?”

“I’m alright. You need a ride back here when it’s done, or?”

“If you don’t mind? He said it’ll be a couple days.”

“Shit, good luck with that. Vin’s kind of an asshole, he might take longer.”

“Well, he’d better have it done by next Friday, I’m - we’re - I’m supposed to meet Rob in Chicago.”

“Yeah? Big date?” Eddie grins.

“Didn’t she beat that joke out of you yet?” Steve asks waspishly.

“Oh, come on, it’s funny,” Eddie says. Steve narrows his eyes.

“Anyway, she’s got a long weekend and I’m supposed to go see her.”

“I mean,” Eddie pauses. Steve looks over at him - he has one hand on the wheel and the other dangling in front of the armrest, and his eyebrows are furrowed. He’s wearing a cropped shirt under his jacket, and Steve can see the angry red scarring that hasn’t faded yet. It’s on his face, too, but Eddie only complains that his sides are still hurting. “I could drive you, if it’s not ready.”

“I couldn’t ask you to do that,” Steve says.

“You didn’t,” Eddie looks amused. “I’ve got shit I can do for however long you’re there -”

“We were gonna stay until Sunday night,” Steve says. The idea of sharing Robin’s tiny apartment with Eddie has Steve tapping his fingers nervously. “I’m not sure Robin’s place is big enough, though -”

“I can stay with my friends, we’ve got shit we can do for a weekend.”

“I’ll pay for gas?”

“Hell yeah, I’ll call Sam. If your car’s out of the shop by then I’m still coming with, though. Vampire rules.”

“I - what? What are you talking about?”

“Once I’m invited in, I’m in,” Eddie says. He makes some kind of weird ghost sound and wiggles his free hand around in front of Steve’s face, eyes still locked on the road.

“Sure, sure. Just - we can still hang out, some of the time. If you want to.” Steve doesn’t know if Robin’s told Eddie about herself, or their real reason for going to Chicago, but he’s sure she’ll be happy to hang out with him a bit if she has the chance.

“Sounds good! I’ll get you Friday morning?”

ao3

for

[atmilliways]

Wrong On The Money (44)

part 44 of ?? | 1205 words | Teen+

Blackmail fic on Ao3 | on tumblr

Summary:

“You have secrets?” Will asks, sounding surprised out of his gloom for the first time in the whole conversation. “Yeah, why wouldn’t I?” “I don’t know, you’re so . . . normal, I guess?”

Bit of a flashback chapter, but Will is precious so no complaining or I will turn this pizza van around.

44.

“It’s not just the game,” Will mutters, looking down at his hands. “I. . . .” 

The kid bites his lip, so hard that Steve worries he’ll hurt himself, and Joyce will be mad that it happened on Steve’s watch. So he sighs and sits on the floor next to the bed, back to Will’s nightstand—not particularly comfortable, but his back has seen worse than a couple of drawer pulls. “If it helps,” he offers, “if it's a secret but you still want to talk about it, I’m not gonna stare at you while you talk. You can pretend you’re telling the ceiling or something. That works for me, sometimes.”

He’d been staring off into the distance in the Starcourt bathroom when he’d confessed his crush to Robin, not looking at anything in particular. He does the same thing now a lot of the time when he talks about Eddie. (Only when he feels confident in his ability to hound her into not nagging about telling him, though, so . . . not often. But, still.)

“You have secrets?” Will asks, sounding surprised out of his gloom for the first time in the whole conversation. 

“Yeah, why wouldn’t I?”

“I don’t know, you’re so . . . normal, I guess?”

Steve chuckles. “Not so much. Interdimensional monsters kinda throttled that outta me a long time ago.”

“Yeah, I guess,” Will agrees with a ghost of a laugh. (Score one for Steve!) But then he hesitates, rolling a couple of paintbrushes Steve had noticed him holding earlier between his fingers in a way that keeps bumping them together. “What . . . what kind of secrets?”

Okay, this is not where Steve thought this conversation would go, but he can work with it. “I don’t know, ask me anything. I’m an open book, man.”

“Um.” More fiddling. “Uh, okay. You’re, um. . . . Can I ask about you living with Eddie?”

“Sure,” Steve replies patiently, although his stomach twists a little. Whatever, if this is what Will needs to be able to leave his room, Steve will keep his word and tell the truth. 

“Is, um. . . . Why?”

And, okay, Steve isn’t going to tell him about the blackmail part. He’s not that dedicated to rigorous honesty here. He hasn’t told anyone about that, not one single person, and it’s going to stay that way forever if he can swing it. But the other stuff. . . . Maybe Will needs to hear the other stuff. 

It’s also probably something he owes to like, the universe or whatever, for what he’d said to Jonathan outside The Hawk a few years ago. Talk about irony.

“Well,” Steve begins, looking down at his jean-clad knees, “Eddie and I are friends now. And I needed somewhere to live after I moved out of my parents’ house because, y’know. I got to decorate my own room for the first time since . . . uh, ever, which is nice. Wayne doesn’t have a lot of rules as long as we don’t trash the place or get arrested or wind up in the hospital again. Considering I barely graduated and never made it out of Hawkins, I could’ve done a lot worse.“

Will is quiet for a moment, then asks, “But you’re friends? Like . . . close friends?”

Steve takes a deep breath. “Yeah. Not. . . . Not as close as I’d like, I guess, but that’s not gonna happen.” He lifts his head and finds, as he expected, Will staring at him with big eyes. “Don’t spread it around but, I’m . . . bisexual. It means I like both.”

“Oh,” Will says, sounding poleaxed by the trust shown with that admission. “Okay, yeah, no, I—I won’t tell.”

“Thanks, man.” 

The next question is almost a whisper. “Why isn’t it going to happen?”

Steve sighs and drops his head back against the edge of the nightstand (ow) to stare at the ceiling. Easier, like he’d said. “A lot of stuff that happened in high school. We’re good now, but I was a real douchebag back then and people don’t just forget that. Because they shouldn’t, I mean. You can’t forget that people can be huge assholes just because one of them changes, okay?”

“Um, okay.” There’s a rustle, which Steve guesses is Will trying to dry his eyes with his sleeve. “I’m. . . . I’m gay and I like Mike,” he says in a rush, the words tumbling over each other as though he's afraid he'll lose his nerve if they take too long to get out.

And, well. Steve chews his bottom lip for a second. It had taken him a minute with Robin, but he knows exactly what to say this time. 

“Mike?” He lets out a low whistle. “Tough break, little Byers.”

“Shut up,” Will protests through a sniffle, but that ghost of a laugh is back again. (Two for two, nice.) “He’s not that bad.”

“Uh, yeah he is. He’s been cranky at me for dating Nancy for the past three years. It’s like he never pulled his head out of his butt to notice we broke up!”

“Stop,” Will snickers. 

“It’s true, and you know it!”

Will snorts, and Steve looks over in time to catch sight of him rolling his eyes. “Eddie looks like a wet cat.”

Steve gasps loudly, pressing a hand to his chest. (And yes, he knows who he looks and sounds like by doing this. It is not pathetic, he’s on a mission to make the kid laugh.) “You take that back!”

And Will does giggle, opens up a little more. They commiserate over hopeless crushes, and how that relates to Will’s reluctance to play today.

“Look,” Steve says finally. “You can stay home if you want. But if you think you’ll have even a tiny amount of fun, you should come. And. . . .” He’s not totally sure about this, but he already has his toes at the edge of saying it, so here goes. “If you face your butthead, I’ll come face my wet cat. Solidarity and shit.”

Will’s eyes go wide, the redness from crying faded enough by now that the rest of the kids won’t notice. “You’ll play?” At Steve’s nod, he starts to grin. “I can make you a character and everything?”

“You’re going to have to,” Steve replies, as serious as a heart attack. “I know jack shit about Dumbells & Dingbats, and if you let me sink in there I swear to god, Byers, I’m sneaking in here and short-sheeting your bed.”

And that, finally, earns him a real laugh. 

-

At the end of the day, Steve stares up at the ceiling of his own room. He’s going to have to talk to Will again at some point, as soon as he figures out what to say. Maybe he’ll write a thank you note. Or send a fruit basket.

Because Eddie is snuggled up against his side, snoring softly. “I’ve spent plenty of time in my room,” he’d said earlier, so here they are, both still fully dressed but even more thoroughly kissed. 

He has one arm and one leg thrown over Steve, face mashed cheek to collarbone. Every twitch of his eyelashes in his sleep tickles at Steve’s neck. 

It’s late and Steve’s not going to be able to keep his eyes open much longer, but he cannot for the life of him stop smiling.

[cuiizhu]

Helios Rising Heroes - Buddy-Buddy

Not Mark Time, Forward March! - Sage Skyfall Card Story

Sage: Huh, so you use ready-made juice instead of fresh lemons here?

Nico: Either works I think, but I want to eat it already so this is much quicker. 

Nico: Robin bought lemons and stewed the peels with them, so I think you should do the same. 

Sage: Uwaah…. I mean I’m copying Sensei’s recipe to the T, but the taste I end up with still isn’t quite right….

Sage: Your method is unique, but if it allows you to recreate a taste similar to Sensei’s pie….then this is probably the final choice….

Nico: Just a lemon? 

Nico: Anyways…how’s Licht? Is he joining us today too?

Sage: Ah, yeah. He’s currently undergoing a test over at Professor Nova’s. 

Nico: Hmm…..

Sage: Sorry for taking up your precious break, but I felt really lucky you were free. 

Nico: If you don’t mind me eating the finished pie, you’re more than welcome.  

Sage: Thank you.  Yes, now I just need to practice! So I can let Licht-kun experience my favorite taste!

Sage: I’ll challenge myself everyday until I come up with a method I’m satisfied with, so come and try it anytime! Nico! 

Nico: Yeah, I will. 

Sage: I’ll start by mastering your version. Right now it’s the closest replica to that flavor. 

Nico: Got it, I’ll teach you, then. 

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

Nico: I’m hungry…..

Sage: Sorry. For now you might just have to snack on the leftover filling and bear with it….but can I add the cinnamon powder in now? 

Nico: Yeah, but the timing isn’t all that important….(chewing noises)

Sage: The brand name makes a difference, doesn’t it? Sensei always used the same cinnamon powder. 

Nico: Yeah, it matters. 

Sage: Ah…come to think of it, do you listen to any music, Nico? 

Nico: (mid-chew)...?

Sage: I’m asking around a bunch. This is also so Licht-kun can learn about different kinds of music. 

Sage: Side note, Bianchi-san ended up being very knowledgeable on that end. 

Nico: Sounds about right. 

Sage: The songs they play while working are apparently chosen to fit the theme of whatever costume they’re working on. It’s honestly kind of impressive. 

Nico: Did you ask Jude? 

Sage: Of course! Jude knew all kinds of songs too. 

Sage: Well I had the feeling, but all the songs he listed as his favorites are the same as Bianchi’s…. I guess those two really do get along ♪

Nico: …………..

Sage: So? What about you? 

Nico: I don’t really go there.  

Sage: I see…. well, that tracks. Even when we were in the same room, the topic never really came up. 

Sage: But… I have always wondered. 

Sage: When you’re in a good mood, you sometimes hum, right? 

Nico: ……………

Sage: I was wondering if you had a favorite song, and I’d like to hear it someday. 

Nico: That is…..

Nico: When I lived in my parent’s house, there were quite a few people around me who liked music……I think the songs they used to play often linger around in my memory. 

Sage: Aah, I see! So it’s like that, huh! 

Sage: Those experiences are connected to the present. In my case, it’s the opposite to yours. 

Sage: I remember in Sensei’s house, we rarely ever played music—

Nico: Huh? 

Sage: Oop–I ended up rambling about Sensei again……

Nico: ?

Sage: No, I’ve just been thinking lately that I might talk about Sensei too much…….

Sage: I don’t really think too hard about it, and I like talking about him, but….sometimes it can be awkward for other people to hear about. 

Nico: ………….

Sage: I have to be careful when living with Licht-kun from now on. 

Nico: …..Sage, if you don’t hurry, the apples will go dry. 

Sage: Uwaah!? You’re right….!

Sage: Ah man, I need to get quicker like you…..

Nico: Speed is important, but there are times when taking it slowly is too. 

Nico: I want to eat things quickly, so I take various shortcuts, but Robin often warned me that it wouldn’t taste as good. 

Sage: …Eh?

Nico: I also learned a lot about cooking. 

Nico: We made things side by side in the kitchen like this. I didn’t know anything, but Robin taught me everything from scratch. 

Nico: Cooking is my memory with Robin. 

Sage: I see….

Nico: I think you can talk whenever you want to. 

Nico: Maybe wait and see about Licht, but you don’t have to hold back in front of us. 

Sage: Nico……..

Nico: I think it’d be more concerning if you didn’t talk about him. 

Sage: Ahaha….. well, you might be right on that…..

Sage: Yeah, I guess I’ll just stay the same for you and the others. 

Sage: ….If I could do that, I’d be really happy too. 

Nico: Yup. 

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

Sage: Here, Licht-kun. Thank you for waiting. 

Licht: Wah…..

Licht: It’s an apple pie….

Sage: I’ve had you eat it once before. I think the taste has improved since then. 

Sage: This is my favorite. I really want Licht-kun to know this taste—

Licht: The one I ate before was good though….? 

Sage: Eh……

Licht: Thank you for the food. 

Licht: …..Yup, It’s yummy today too. 

Sage: Waah….!

Sage: I’m so glad….. There’s still a lot, so eat as much as you like! 

Licht: Mhm.....

Sage: (I did it, Nico! Licht-kun liked it!!)

Sage: (I’m glad….. I’m so glad…….!) 

Sage: (Thank you so much, Nico. I’ll come see you again with lots of delicious thanks—) 

Event Story || Junior Cardsto

[hellcheer-heaven]

Can I Handle the Seasons of My Life?

It wasn’t like Eddie Munson to isolate himself. Mr. Make-a-Big-Speech-About-Conformity was unusually quiet this past week. His friends and Chrissy weren’t sure what to make of it. At first she believed that he was mad at her for something. Eddie wasn’t the type to hold a grudge against anyone. Jason Carver? Absolutely. Certainly not towards Chrissy Cunningham.

She stopped by the Munson trailer to check in on him after school. She called him before chemistry and at lunch time and she received the same thing, no answer. In between passing periods, Chrissy overheard Dustin and Mike talk about how he didn’t come to school on Friday, so that meant no Hellfire Club that night. Something was definitely wrong and she had to find out why. When school finished up, she hitched a ride with Nancy and Robin, silently praying that everything was alright. Nancy offered to stay and wait for her, but Chrissy insisted that she would be alright. After saying goodbye she quickly headed over to the front door hoping that he would answer. Nothing after the first few knocks. She did it again and still there was nothing but the sounds of the trailer park; and even that felt eerily quiet.

She reached into her backpack and fished out a key that he gifted to her should she ever need it. Chrissy took a deep breath before entering, calling out his name softly. Nothing but the hum of the air conditioner and sounds of wildlife just feet away from the area. Wayne was set to work until the late hours of the evening that day, so it was only the two of them.

“Eddie? Eddie are you in here?

What was she expecting? Oh yeah, hey there Chrissy! Sorry I haven’t said anything and I’ve been missing for a whole day! Come on in, put your feet up and relax!

She slowly walked over to his room, how strange the door was open just a crack. She peaked inside and saw a sight that made her heart feel heavy. Eddie was bent over at the side of his bed, his face in his hands as he let out his silent sobs.

“Eddie?��

He swiftly turned around and quickly rubbed away his tears, trying to find any kind of words to tell her that that he’s fine. Eddie wants to ask her to leave him alone, but the lump in his throat was just too big and all he could do is whimper. She sits beside him and offers him a big, warm hug.

“I’m here Eddie, it’s okay I’m right here.”

His arms wrap around her, burying his tired face into her neck as he lets his tears fall again. She cradles her beloved, rocking him gently as she helps him lay down on the mattress. Too much is happening in his life right now. The unhappy memories of his childhood have been coming back much more frequently to haunt him. Eddie truly feels like he’s a complete failure and he believes that he’ll end up just like his dad. On top of all of everything else, he also feels ashamed for crying, especially crying in front of Chrissy.

His dad always told him: “Boys don’t cry. Be a man.” Crying was for weaklings. Men deal with their issues through smoking, drinking, and working late. Whatever it takes to distract yourself from confronting what’s going on. Being with Chrissy helped him realize that there is no shame in being in touch with his emotions. That he’s not alone when it comes to expressing how he feels. The wall that he’s been building since childhood doesn’t have to be as high as it’s always been.

Chrissy pecks the top of his forehead, her own tears beginning to form as well. Holding him as close as she possibly can, never wanting to let go of the most precious person in her life. She snuggles his face between her breasts, her heart beat soothing his harsh and unforgiving thoughts. Chrissy begins to hum a tune, a familiar tune that she’s cherished since she was a child; one that Eddie remembers hearing as well on the radio. The humming transitions to soft and gentle singing, the words are as loving as they are bittersweet.

Landslide never fails to make them tear up, but she continues to sing it so sweetly in his ear. Eddie’s breathing slowly returns to a regular rate, his ever rapid beating heart comes down as well. They stay like this for the remainder of the afternoon and well into the night.

Later on Wayne returns with a couple of take out bags. He’s attempted to have a heartfelt talk with his nephew, but Eddie has told him multiple times to leave him alone. He gave the young boy his space, something he wishes he would have gotten in his youth. Maybe a nice greasy burger and a side of fries might help to ease the tension before diving into a conversation. Before he can call his name, Wayne notices Eddie’s door is wide open from down the hall. The van was still parked nearby and he wasn’t expecting any visitors. He feels his heartstrings getting pulled when he sees the two of them holding on to each other.

Wayne grabs a clean blanket from the laundry cupboard and drapes it across the two figures. He looks over his shoulder one more time, offering them a gentle smile.

He looks to Chrissy, gently whispering the words “Thank you,” before closing the door.

[queen-of-my-goofball-army]

Wano Thoughts (Ongoing)

I'm about midway through the dub of the One Piece Wano arc and this has been my favorite arc so far, it's just so good. I love this story so much these characters are so important to me and I've carried their stories with me since the beginning. I thought that it would be fun to share my thoughts about where I'm at so far. I'm probably going to get to Gear 5 by my birthday at the end of the month and the way that I'm zooming through these episodes I'll be there before my birthday easily.

Otama might be one of my favorite one arc solo characters so far. She's just the most precious thing in the world and I would fight anyone to protect her. She's just a kid that got caught up in this nightmare and I believe that she deserves all the food in the world. Same with Otoko, I love them both so much and I've adopted both of them, they deserve everything that's good and pure in the world.

Ace's flashbacks this arc have absolutely ruined me. I was absolutely bawling my eyes out at everything. I thought that I could make it through Yamato's flashbacks unscathed but I lied to myself and told myself that I'd be fine when I absolutely wasn't. I loved getting to see Travis Willingham come back to dub Ace and to hear him talk about how much he loved his little brother. Ace means so much to me as a character he's such a special character.

Speaking of Yamato. I love him more than anything he deserves to have all the good food in the world and to sail the ocean just like Oden did.

I hate Orochi, Kanjiro, Appo, and Hawkins. So. Much. All of them piss me the hell off and I just want them to die for good already because I'm just exhausted from dealing with their annoying selves at this point. Hawkins is a coward who can't put his own life on the line and he can't fight for anything. He has no conviction to fight with and it's just so tiring to have him put Kidd and Killer through the mud. Appo is just annoying, I hate him and I hate his laugh. His laugh is one of the most annoying things in the entire show and this is coming from someone who liked Caesar Clown. Orochi is just annoying and so is Kanjiro they both just need to die in a hole for good.

I'm so worried about Sanji right now. Like Stealth Black was a cool addition to his character but now that he's paying the consequences of that cool add on to already one of my favorite characters I'm really worried about him. I actually did not hate him calling for Robin's help I personally loved it as the major fan of Sanji that I am. Before, Nami always accidentally stumbled upon Sanji's fights and got him out of them. But this was the first time that he actually asked for someone else's help to get him out of there and that made me bawl my eyes out. But now that it's coming back to bite him in the ass I just want to give him a hug and tell him that he isn't like his brother's at all. He's a caring and kind individual and I just wish that he didn't have to worry about his family ruining his life.

Kidd has actually become one of my favorites, I love him surprisingly. I wasn't expecting for him to be one of my favorites but through all the pain that he's been through during this arc and how much he's suffered at the hands of people that he thought that he could trust. I love his relationship with Killer so much they're honestly one of my favorite teams so far.

Izo. Just, just Izo. He's one of my favorite characters and I'm dreading his death honestly since I love his relationship with Kiku so much. I believe that changing his VA to Jessie James Grelle was an ingenious decision because she brings so much life and fun to this character.

Kin'emon is just such a tragic character I love him so much. He's such a good character and I feel so bad for him. He's lost so much and now Kiku's in a bad spot once again. Kiku is just such a good character, she's been through so much pain from Izo leaving to losing Oden after that.

CP0 just.. needs to get a life at this point and stay out of this situation. I know that they're going to interfere at some point but they're just here being annoying and obnoxious and I hate them so much. Just leave Robin the hell alone at this point she's been through too much already.

I just need Kanjiro and Orochi to finally die at this point they're so exhausting. I really hope that Kanjiro dies eventually. I thought that he was already dead due to Kin's last fight with his last battle but I guess I was being too optimistic.

[pluttskutt]

congrats on hitting a follower milestone!! i have a little prompt for you that i hope you haven't written yet (i haven't been active, so i haven't been keeping up) nit a steddie drable where eddie works in a record shop next to the video rental where steve works at

Thank you! :D I have not and I enjoyed writing it very much!

Loud music blasts from “Record Mania” when the door opens. They’re gracious not to blast it so loud it shakes the wall of the building—again. Eddie pumps up the volume when he pleases and his coworker lowers it immediately. A most symbiotic relationship.

Their battle over the volume in the store continues over the day. He does give it a rest when a customer drops by but ups the volume when they leave again.

The only way to prevent this is if she switches music to something that doesn’t have loud drums and guitar solos, which is why when Steve opens the door to the store he’s welcomed by the tunes of “I’m So Excited” by The Pointer Sisters. It’s the first time he recognizes a song in the shop, but admitting that out loud won’t impress Eddie.

Eddie, who’s dressed in a red flannel with rolled-up sleeves, a leather bracelet dangling on his slim wrist, long fingers flipping through the vinyls on sale and sorting them right. His hair has grown longer during summer and he’s dealing with that by putting it up in a sloppy ponytail. Feeling eyes on him (something he’s gotten used to given the circumstances) he looks towards the entrance, brown eyes falling on Steve’s broad frame.

“Hi.” Steve brushes a hand through his hair, flashing a smile. He walks over to the sale rack. “Didn’t know you were working today.” A blatant lie. Not that anyone would know.

“Disappointed?” he asks, turning his gaze back to the vinyls. He doesn’t remind Steve that he’s at the record store practically every day. Work is a nice distraction from what’s going on in his head.

“No, never, but uhm… I want to buy Dustin a present. You’ve got CDs, right?” Of course, they do, but he wants Eddie to show them where they are and give him tips on what to buy so they can talk away his lunch break. Again.

“Yeah, it’s why these guys are on sale. I want to buy one for my collection but… Hmm…” He draws in a breath, pouting. Thinking better than to air his grievance he waves his hand in the air, beckoning Steve to follow him. “If you’d follow me, sir.”

Steve rolls his eyes but follows him. The CD section is extensive (he knows it is) and has been there for a while (he knows it has) with enough genres and artists to soothe every craving. “What do you listen to? I think he’d like one of yours, I mean- not yours, obviously, I’m buying a new one,” he stops talking and tries to smile, but feels it’s more like a grimace. At least Robin isn’t around to point out his failed attempt at conversing.

Eddie gives a crooked smile, front teeth showing, and chuckles. “Didn’t think you’d climb in through my window at night and steal my precious hoard, don’t worry, Harrington.” He looks over the rows, reaching out to flip through the artists.

“Ha…” Steve lets out a nervous laugh. “I’ll climb through your window for another reason, promise.” Wait.

“Not a fan of things going bump in the night,” Eddie says, not looking at him, and picks an album. “Why don’t you try the front door? I hear knocking is really in these days.” Now he looks at Steve’s face.

His lips are parted slightly, words stuck in his throat and refusing to come out causing him to choke on them, and he only manages to stutter, “Ha, yeah.” He realises he’s staring into Eddie’s chocolate button eyes, and to stop it he looks at the album pretending to read the titles of the songs.

“Wanna check out?”

“Hm? Yeah, yeah, sure.” No, not really, but he doesn’t know how to talk with Eddie about music. Or that game he’s got going with the babies. If only Eddie was into something else—but then he wouldn’t be Eddie.

Eddie’s fingers clad in rings work swiftly on the register. “You sure this is a gift for Dustin and not someone else? Robin says you’ve got a babe you’re into who likes metal.” He winks but doesn’t offer his help in wooing her.

“She’s not a babe,” Steve corrects with a frown. “I mean, she is… she just isn’t a…”

Eddie tilts his head to the side, leaning on the counter to look up at him with his big eyes. “Metal chicks not doing it for you, huh? Maybe you should stick to preps.” It’s not meant to be a stab at the girls he’s pursued in the past, but his tone is sharper than he wants it to be.

It would be so easy to put the record straight (or, uhm, not straight), but he’s afraid. “I’ll take your opinion under consideration. Thanks. Have a nice day.”

“Bye Harrington! See you soon!” Eddie calls after him. He thinks it's lovely that Steve is buying a gift for Dustin since his birthday was two months prior, but it's good to be prepared a year in advance.

[roseofithaca]

A Strange God (Part 6)

Silver (oc) tries to make sense of her gift.

"What did you do?!"

"I...I don't know." She blinked, rapidly. One moment, she'd been holding Robin on her lap, trying to mimic how she'd seen Mary settle him before.

Then it was though she blacked out, just for a moment, not fainting or sleeping, just...

Birdsong made her look to the window.

"...What time is it?" She asked, disoriented. It had been nighttime just a second ago. She'd been awake for less than an hour.

Robin shifted Kya in his arms as he took a breath, calming a little, then pointing to the clock on the shelf.

"It uh, dong dong dong dong dong do-"

"Seven. In the morning." She clarified for herself. She'd lost a whole night in a flash. How? What happened? "I don't...Why are you backing away from me? What happened?"

The caveman frowned, tilting his head as if to assess how truly innocent she was. He tucked his sleeping cub back beneath shift and took a step closer to her.

"You really no know?"

Silver shook her head.

"...Me saw son in dream." He told her, "Me dream of family lots but never see their faces or hear them well. It been too long to remember. Only have feelings. But...in dream, I see him. It clear as day. It...best dream me ever had..."

"...So why did you jump up like I'd done something awful?"

"Because me no ask you to mess with head! Don't matter if feel good, you no have right-."

"I didn't mean to! And it's not like I saw anything, I just blacked out! I must have just been sat here in a trance for nine hours while you were dreaming. But I didn't intend to get in your head, Robin, I swear, I'd never do that!"

The tears in her eyes must have given her credit as he began to soften more, his knuckles rubbing against the fur at his front as he regarded her, still knelt on the floor.

He took another step and then crouched down before her.

"...You really not know how it happen?"

She shook her head, "I...I remember asking the moon to cut you a break after all you've gone through. Then I touched your forehead and then...Skip to the end. Literally."

"...Could you try to do again?"

Silver stared at him, extra confused now; "I thought you were upset with me about it?"

"Not if you no control and no see. Moonah bless you with good dreams you always tell us about. Maybe your gift be to share good dream with rest of us?"

Was that possible? She looked down at her fingertips, hands partially covered by her velvet fingerless gloves. Did she actually have a...power? A gift? Like a real witch?

She glanced up at her caveman friend, who was watching her with intent curositiy and...hope?

Silver reached her hand up and touched his forehead with her index and middle finger.

Robin closed his eyes. Then opened them.

"Anything?" She asked.

"No." He grunted.

"I guess you have to be asleep already." Part of her felt a twinge of relief. She didn't fancy losing more of her precious, limited time so soon.

Robin nodded, looking a tad disappointed; "Have twenty nine other sons and daughters. Would like to see them too. But...got plenty of time. Maybe tonight, when tired, you try again? Please?"

"I guess..."

She didn't want to say no. It's not like it hurt her after all. It was only time. There would always be another cycle of it to spend next month.

Looking back down at the floor, she was suddenly reminded of how she'd exploded at the other ghosts and Alison last night. A sour sensation oozed down her throat and pooled in her gut as she regretted her words.

"Hey." Robin put his finger beneath her chin to tilt her head up, meeting her eyes; "What wrong?"

"...I might have been a little harsh with the guys last night. I thought they were making fun of you and...I just thought you deserved a bit more respect, given all you do. I mean you saved Mike's life and they were still talking about you like you were the smelly family dog."

"You no have nose? Me is smelly! And me more ugly than Barclay's dogs! Got way more fleas too." He grinned. "Me no care if they laugh at me. Me laugh at them all time! And so do you!"

"I...." Silver couldn't deny that. A blush crept into her cheeks; "Yeah, I suppose."

"It no mean we not family. Or they no care."

"I know...I was just..." Anger didn't seem to justify it, not when they hadn't been the primary reason for why she snapped; "...I'd just found out about Mary."

"Oh." Robin nodded, face turning serious. "Julian dealt by getting mad too. You have in common with Tory."

"Don't ever say that." Silver managed a half-hearted laugh.

He smiled and brushed a tear from cheek.

"Fanks for sticking up for me though. Never had anyone fight for me...probably since mother protect me from wolf. Been a while." That was saying something; "Bet you telling off Cap just as impressive."

"He ain't as scary as he thinks. He's a pussy cat. When he's not trying to the big man in charge, I actually get on with him." She confessed. "Probably went a bit far calling Fanny a bat though."

"Hmm. She more an owl. One of those white ones always frowning." He tried to mimic her cross expression and it made Silver giggle.

Robin's hand moved to squeeze her arm.

"That better. Moonah girl always shine when smile."

She didn't feel much like shining at the moment, for as much as he was managing to cheer her up.

The growing realisation of her loss was too heavy to ignore.

"I can't believe she's gone. I only just got used to realising I'd never see my old family and now her..."

"Me know. No matter how many time I go through it, how often me get used to it, pain always there. But pain good thing. Helps remind how much we loved."

That made sense. It was drops of wisdom like that which inspired Silver to defend him as she had last night.

"And she love you. She tell me. She say she wish she had daughter like you, even if you devil worshipper."

Silver half sobbed, half laughed, not caring about the inaccuracy or if she'd been serious or not. Robin moved forward and wrapped his arms around her. Silver was mindful of Kya as she leaned into him, grabbing fistfulls of his fur. Finally, she allowed herself to have a proper cry.

"Did it work that time?"

She assumed so, before he answered, having just opened his eyes as he lay on his bed. The early morning sun was streaming through the window, casting a shadow from the slanted wooden beam.

The caveman had awoken with a smile on his face. He sat up, stretching.

"Oh yes."

"Did you see your kids?" She asked, hopeful.

He shook his head; "No. Old friend, William. Funniest guy me ever met. Dreamed he came back from stars and we went on pub crawl. It funny, me never drink more than puddle water, but could taste beer...so fizzy and disgusting but fun."

"Is that what you wanted to dream about?"

He shrugged; "Don't think so. Didn't really plan, just wanted good dream and me got. Can see children tonight maybe."

Silver gulped, biting her lip.

"If that's what you want...."

He frowned; "Why say like that?"

"I was just wondering if maybe I should tell the others. They might want some nice, lucid dreams too." She explained, "None of them except Kitty and Pat spoke to me yesterday, I think they were all still mad at my little rant. Maybe this could be my way to apologise?"

"Oh." Robin nodded, deflating a little, "Yeah sure. Nice to share. Just try not to make Fanny dream she turn into real bat."

"I'll try."

Catching his gaze, she could see the flicker of heartbreak in his eyes. There was a selfish part of him, hidden deep inside, who wanted to keep her gifts all to himself, to experience all that he's missed out on after a thousand lifetimes of open air imprisonment.

He could have tried to emotionally blackmail her into keeping it between the two of them. Use her as his own psychodelic drug on the few nights he was able to, until he became a true addict. The temptation was clear as day.

But he let her go.

This was already her last day of this month's cycle. Taking away the time she'd lost using her gift, she'd barely been awake twenty four hours.

"Will you come with me to visit Mary's memorial?" She asked.

"'Course." Said Robin without hesitation.

"And then maybe you can be my backup when I make my big apology speech to the others after Alison has breakfast?"

The caveman chuckled and nodded. It was the least he could do for his Moonah girl.

[juliehamill]

Grief is essential, but it doesn’t have to be the end

I'm doing some author events, but before I tell you about them, let me tell you the insight that my books rest upon, which I call little visits.

I confess, I have a very active mind.  It’s crazy at times, with many cars in many lanes going in different directions, their boots bulging with stupendous ideas. In the past I’ve been described as quirky.  I’ve been asked what planet I’m on.  I’ve seen expressions of exasperation when words have spilled out of my mouth that were meant to be kept on the tongue.  Oops.  The truth is, I let my imagination travel where it wants to, sometimes too far and over the edges of the earth, but I consider this freedom of mind as a sort of gift.  It leaves me open to let other ‘outside’ thoughts in, and one big outside belief is that I’m sure that two people, who are both no longer alive, send me signs to let me know they’re still around.

The first is Gillian.  

Gillian and I were lifelong friends from school, sharing passions and daftness. We were always giggling, listening to music, going out and talking about boys.  For forty years we laughed, cried and loved, and then, aged forty-seven, she was diagnosed as having a brutally painful cancer, and died six months later. The last few days I spent with her were precious. She passed away five years ago, but Gillian has many ways of telling me she’s okay.

Recently, as I was catching up with Gillian’s sister, Fiona, on the phone, I entered a cafe to buy a coffee.  Right then, Lloyd Cole came on in the background.  Gillian and I were mad about Lloyd Cole, and managed to climb on stage beside him at a Glasgow Pavilion gig in the 80s.

‘Can you hear that?’  I said as I held out the phone for Fiona to hear Lost Weekend.  

‘Oh my God it’s Lloyd Cole’, she replied.  

‘She’s listening to our call’, I said.  

‘She knows we’re talking about her!’

‘She’s saying she’s here too!’

We smiled for a few seconds.  A tiny moment of comfort, momentous in its power to connect.

The second is Bridget.  

My late mother-in-law was the most generous, soft, kind and rapturously funny woman I have ever met. We were very close when the children were babies.  She lived around the corner and was round in a flash when I needed her.  She loved her grandchildren, and I know she loved me, because she’d insist I take a nap when the children took theirs, and I’d wake up to see all the dishes done and washing folded.  Long after she died, my husband, her beloved son, had to refurbish her house.  On a walk around her empty bedroom upstairs, I said, ‘So what do you think?’  And her voice entered my mind, ‘Well this is absolutely beautiful’, she said, ‘I can’t believe what you’ve done with the place!’  Again, I smiled, feeling her close.  I told her I couldn’t take the credit, it was all Gerard’s work.  ‘Well that’s a first!’ she said.

I see Gillian and Bridget in my dreams.  The dreams are always vivid.  I see them clearly and they’re telling me they’re okay.  Sometimes when I’m dropping off to sleep I ask them to visit me and they do.

I suppose, you could say, that I don’t have to believe they’re present or talking to me. You could say I’m bringing all this nonsense on myself.  You could say it’s the strength of my imagination, or my grief, or just a strong memory.  I could choose to think I am just quirky, like they say.  However, if believing helps me feel a little less sore in myself, then where’s the harm in it?

Ever seen a robin land in your garden?  It could be a little hello.  When a white feather floats down, they could be thinking of you.  When a dream feels so real and vivid, maybe you had a visit.  If you hear the voice in your head and it joins in the conversation; clearly answering.  You can visualise them, sitting in their chairs, walking in the park, standing by the kettle, having forty winks.  Hear their favourite songs and know they are still connected to you.  Love and search their photos, and wish you had more.  Feel the sun after the rain, enjoy rainbows and washing drying quickly.  Treasure the foot prints they left on this earth.  Let the outside thoughts in.

Of course you don’t have to believe any of it, but doesn’t it help a little bit when you do?

Next time you see that Robin, say hello.

‘June’, the concluding part of the Life and Soul trilogy by Julie Hamill will be published on October 31st, 2023. The theme of the trilogy is grief, love and loss within a Scottish family.  The stories are set during the 1980s and 1990s and have won high praise from critics.  Pre order June from Amazon on Kindle or paperback here 

Order Frank (part I) here

Order Jackie (part II) here

Talking events

Julie Hamill will be hosted by North Lanarkshire Libraries on 30th October 2023 at 12pm as part of a special online presentation with readings and audience Q&A.  Register for a free place here

Julie Hamill will be appearing at The Dublin Castle, Camden November 2nd, 7.30pm for Q&A, book signing and music from the 80s era, free entry, all welcome.

[absolutely-esme]

I'm glad you liked it, I sometimes put things I'm not sure of in the tags so that people can choose whether they want to include that part in reblogs or not. There are also other reasons I might put something in the tags, but I didn't know if people would want to delve into my thoughts on ghost speak here or not.

I've got more, if you want to hear it.

I'm imagining that all of the Bats subconsciously lean on ghostly instincts to varying degrees. This stems from their high quantity of near death experiences and may be exacerbated by the cryptid act. Most, if not all, of them instinctively try to use ghost speak, with Bruce doing it the most.

Cass, after learning to speak English fluently, probably communicates the most clearly and effectively because she actively chooses how to convey information and pays attention to whether or not it has been received. The rest of them do not realize the need for this because they've been speaking their whole lives.

Basically, they're dividing up their communications between two radio channels and one's all static. Once they get the issue cleared up via access to ectoplasm, the messages start going through.

That's when you get scenes like this

Batman Outloud: that was dangerously reckless

Batman Extra: I was so scared! I thought I was going to lose you. I can't lose you. I love you so much! I don't want to imagine life without you. It would be too painfull. I desperately want to hug you and feel that you are still breathing, but I don't know if the touch would be welcome, and I don't want to aggravate your injuries. You are so strong and so brave and so good. I'm so proud of you it hurts, but I don't want to lose you. You're my son.

Nightwing Outloud: There wasn't much else I could've done, but I'll be careful going forward.

Nightwing Extra: I’m safe. I'm here. I love you too.

Nightwing: *hugs Batman*

Batman: *hugs back*

...

or like this

Batman Outloud: Go to bed.

Batman Extra: *worried fussing*

Red Robin Outloud: I need to finish this up. I'll head up later.

Red Robin Extra: I’m afraid that I don't do enough, that I'm not enough. Also, touch starvation set in a while ago.

Batman: *picks Red Robin up to carry him to bed and Tuck him in*

Batman Outloud: You'll make better progress when you're not sleep deprived.

Batman Extra: I love you. I'm proud of you. You are enough! You don't have to earn that. It's already yours. You matter, too. You are so precious. Please let me take care of you. You're my son. I wish you would see your value as clearly as I do.

Red Robin: *clings*

...

I imagine the change takes place gradually, so it kind of creeps up on the Bats who are around more often. They might not even notice, in all the hubbub of getting the new kids settled and getting to know them. Maybe they even attribute the improved communication to not enforcing the cryptid act/out of mask division.

Then Bruce and Jason talk for the first time in months and Jason gets bowled over by the Tidal wave of sentiment following Bruce's usual terse statements.

Like, Bruce does a monosylabic grunt and Jason is damn near thrown against a wall from the sheer force of "LOVE YOU! MISS YOU! SO GLAD YOU'RE ALIVE! EVEN IF YOU HATE ME, IT’S BETTER THAN YOU BEING GONE! WISH I'D DONE BETTER FOR YOU! MY SON! YOU DESERVED BETTER! I WANT YOU HAPPY AND SAFE, BUT I DON'T KNOW HOW! I CAN'T BURY YOU AGAIN! I LOVE YOU! I LOVE YOU! I LOVE YOU!"

Jason is left reeling and wondering what the heck that was.

Fake Cryptids, Real Ghosts

Ok, so dp x dc/batfam because this AU has me by the throat but what if it's the fake cryptid batfamily AU who never joined the JL.

Just...imagine it. The Batfamily has been protecting Gotham quietly but fiercely by scaring the daylights out of criminals as creatures that go bump in the night. A bit of stage magic, frightening method acting, contortion, a whole language comprised of chirps, growls, and body language, and the best tech possible and you've got a recipe for striking fear into the hearts of everyone.

They've got shrines on the rooftops, vaguely on the JL radar (Cause really, who's gonna believe that Gotham, one of the worst cities has a demon problem? Constantine? Homeboy took one look at Gotham and went Nope.) and they're protected cause any self respecting Gothamite wouldn't go spilling the beans to Outsiders. The Bats keep them safe. Who would believe them anyways?

Enter half dead, half alive Danny Fenton.

Danny Fenton who has a best friend's named Tucker and Sam who find out about the Gotham Cryptids, and go absolutely ham on research because here lies something,a bunch of someone's who are Other. Maybe they're creepy but they're cool and they're Heroes and they help people.

Sure, at first it was an attempt from Sam and Tucker to help their best friend feel less alone in the face of other, more 'normal' heroes and people out there in the world. Maybe they try to further bury the Bats online cause if anyone understands keeping on the down low, it would be Amity Parker's. For awhile, Danny Fenton, sometimes Phantom is simply happy to know he's not alone.

Then he's outed and his sister who's long since been ecto-contaiminated is put at risk there's nowhere that seems safer. Gotham is a chaotic city, even without the Bats factoring in. After all Gotham has (Demons-Spirits-Creatures?) The Bats already. Who would care if a halfa and his sister hide out there? As long as they're respectful of their territory, it'll be fine right? Besides, they've got to warn the Bats anyways about the GIW and government. They're coming after ghosts, who knows if they'll be next? Spooky things have to look out for each other after all.

Cue shenanigans as Phantom who stops hiding all of his creepier traits as a ghost walks up to the Totally Human but Faking it Batman with really thoughtful gifts for all of their shrines (And one fruitcake), no heartbeat and an earnest plea for a safe haven in their Haunt because the Ancients taught him manners and the importance of respecting another entities territory.