#She isn't sure how to approach the subject either

[sakuravalelp]

Ellie(Dani) didn't realize how dangerous Danny's home was for him until he was more worried about her when she got her own home. - Prompt I think(?)

Ellie wasn't sure how to feel when Danny excitedly animated her to accept Arthur's invitation to live in Atlantis.

"Just if you want of course, but you'll get a stable home, and Frostbite said living underwater might be good for your water cores stability."

She had already been planning to accept the offer. Once she gave the guy an opportunity to have some sort of conversation, the guy was pretty chill, and the castle was pretty cool. So yeah, she was going to accept the offer.

But for some reason Danny's eagerness for her to go with Arthur hurt. It felt like he was trying to get rid of her.

She knew that was ridiculous, she didn't even live with Danny. He looked out for her, and was always a call away but, as much as Danny parents her, he was just a child like her. It made sense he was happy to give away the responsibility of taking care of her.

So when Ellie moved into Atlantis, she was expecting to hear less from Danny. After all, she had settle down, and he didn't need to worry about her adventures anymore. That was Arthur's and Mera's job now.

Weirdly enough, it was the complete opposite.

Now that Ellie was living with adults, Danny seemed MORE worried for her. They went from a call once a week or so, to almost daily calls in the afternoons. He would be more insistent about her telling him if anything was wrong.

He would ask specifics about the food she was eating, and her activities of the day, and her room, and the castles security...

Sam had told her that it was because he used to be able to monitor if she was eating well through the transactions of the debit card they had given her. Tuck had told her that he used to evaluate how safe she was through the phones location, and the hotels receipts.

And well, maybe she underestimated how much attention Danny put on her before, but the way the calls went made it seem like he thought she might be in more danger now that she had a stable home.

Which made no sense, because unlike him, she didn't even need to hide her ghostlines. Anything that was out of normal for Atlanteans was excused with meta-abilities, she didn't need to worry about being classified as a non-sentient species.

That was when it caught up to her. Danny was worried now that she was in a stable home because his stable home had always been dangerous for him. It isn't even a think of it being dangerous now that his a ghost, it has been dangerous ever since he was a child. She remembers all of Jazz's rants about how unreliable their parents have always been.

The food has always been contaminated. The security now attacked him directly, but there had always been a possibility of it malfunctioning and hurting the residents. Him and Jazz had always had the responsibilities of not only keeping the house clean, but the lab as well. If she tops it with the house security system attacking him, and his parents been ghost hunters...

Ellie hadn't found it too dangerous back then, Danny mocked Jazz rants with her, and Jack and Maddie were kind when they interacted with her in her human form. The Fentons neglect seemed liberating in comparison to Vlad overly controlling nature. But thinking about it now, after two months living in Atlantis, she doesn't like the picture.

She doesn't like the idea of Danny being somewhere so unsafe, but where would he go? He doesn't have a water core like her, and even if he had gotten sorta used to shapeshifting, he isn't good enough to live in a second form, which isn't recommendable either way. So he wouldn't be able to move underwater with her.

More so, she doubts that Danny would like to leave his Amity, he had taken the sole responsibilities of dealing with the whole humans - ghost conflicts. With the anti-ecto acts, there's no way he would leave the portal unsupervised.

What should she do now? Should she talk with Arthur about it? He said he was part of the heros friend group, what if they already know about the anti-ecto acts and are okay with it? What if they change hoe they act with her when she tells them she isn't actually an atlatean meta?

[jambalaya-enthusiast]

okay.....inhales...... UNIVERSITY AU!!!!!! Crew members as university professors x student! Reader who has a massive, explosive, crush on them!!!!

💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻

TEACHERS PET— Professor! Crew Members x Student! Reader who has a massive crush on them!

warnings: college! AU, student/teacher relationship dynamics, power dynamics, reader is 18. No NSFW in this one,jimmy being manipulative, the characters being a little inappropriate.

note: y'all want a part 2? I can make one where the reader proposes, and then one with relationship dynamics and how it would play out. angst maybe? Lemme know.

PROF. GRANT CURLY

He would be the professor of data science/and or aerospace engineering, with astrophysics.

Extremely well liked at the University, students and teachers alike look up to him due to his approachable demeanor and calm and respectable nature.

Very responsible as an authoritative figure, in his years of expertise, he's never had a single complaint ever come in from the board or from any student/guardian.

Which is why he basically fell into a dilemma when you one of his top students, started looking at him in a way that he was sure wasn't platonic.

Curly is very strict on keeping his personal and professional life apart.

He tried to convince himself, that it was just a puppy crush and it would soon go away.

But boy oh boy, nothing had prepared him for the day that you snuck into his office in the pretense of asking subject related questions.

He could practically feel your eyes being fixated on him, it didn't help how you were so devastatingly attractive either.

He doesn't wanna risk his career, and your educational prowess.

But God, He doesn't know how he's going to handle this predicament he's gotten himself into.

PROF. JIMMY ZARE

Oh boy. Oh dear.

He's a Psychology Professor fasho.

You've chosen the wrong older man to fall in love, this guy is literally the man LDR sings about.

Sure, he was probably the strictest and sternest professor on campus grounds, but he was also... The sexiest one, and he didn't even hide the fact that he didn't know how many young adults in the institution were practically drooling over him. His rough stud persona.

He never paid them any attention, sure he dropped in flirty smiles and winks every now and then to get the girls weak in their knees, but that all stopped when he laid his eyes on you.

you were this young, bright, cheery and oh so beautiful student, who happened to look at him in a way which he wasn't unfamiliar with.

He knew you were falling, hard.

Normally, he would of just ignored your desperate attempts at getting to know him, telling you off or extreme case just sleep with you to fulfill your desires of extra credits.

But no, you weren't looking at him entirely for lust, oh no no no.

He recognised that you were madly, deeply, in love.

And to him, you just seemed so tempting.

Like an angel whose wings he had to rip apart, a beautiful doll whose innocence he had to taint.

And he isn't quite sure if he's going to pass out on the opportunity.

PROF. ANYA MARINOVA

Psychology/Biology professor.

Extremely sweet, yet extremely stern, like curly, she prefers to keep her work and professional life separate.

She understands body language really well, so she was quick to catch onto your lingering eyes on her.

She acknowledges the fact that having romantic feelings for an authoritative figure is completely normal and part of a normal human psyche.

What she doesn't,is to act upon those feelings.

When she noticed you staying back during classes

She tries to play it coy, not giving you any attention.

But at one point, she begins to question even her morals.

Maybe it's not too bad? Time will tell.

PROF. SWANSEA HAROLD

Definitely the professor of Mechanical Engineering/Computer Engineering.

The typical no-nonsense straight to the point type professor.

Is extremely stern, hence is quite unpopular with the students.

It's a good day if he even acknowledged your existence, let alone engaging in a conversation.

He is quick to call out mistakes, hence if you wanna stand out you have to be a very good student who doesn't make any trouble or aren't inattentive.

He appreciates the students who actually take interest in the material rather than just mug everything up for passing.

But he isn't dumb, he's had his fair share of students crushing on him during his first years on the job.

He knows when a student starts paying too much attention to the guy teaching a boring ass physics formula.

He knows better than to indulge in their fantasies, to give them the delusional idea that something might be possible between the two of you.

But you caught his attention not just for your looks, okay maybe a little bit for your looks. but he'd also noticed how diligent you were as a student.

He's starting to question maybe it won't be too bad, it's been a while since he had some game. and you're both adults, so it should be fine right?

GUEST PROF. DAISUKE JUANEZ

Bro stormed through school and managed to bag the position as a guest lecturer at your college for a mechanical engineering course.

Since he's literally so unbelievably young, he has fangirls and fanboys left and right, and he knows it, he isn't dense.

But he promised himself he won't date any students since he thought they would only see him as a fantasy not someone to genuinely love.

But that was until you came into the picture.

He felt something the moment you locked eyes with him, he saw something in those eyes of yours, staring at him so dreamily.

He knows he's young, and he knows that you're as well, but he also knows that anything inappropriate between the two of you could result in him losing his job and risking even your future.

But he knows how to keep a secret, maybe you can as well?

[bet-on-me-13]

Ellie wasn't born a Halfa

So! Jason just found something weird. Or rather. Someone.

A little girl, no more than 6 or 7, crying behind a dumpster in an alleyway. Now, as unfortunate as it is, this isn't that strange a sight in Gotham. Kids are always running away from home, getting lost, being left homeless after a mugging gone wrong, but this time was different.

Because the kid was glowing.

When he found her hiding behind the Dumpster, a medical gown being the only thing she had to protect herself from thr frigid Gotham Winter, he didn't hesitate to give her his Jacket and take her to his nearest safe house.

(Actually it took a little while to convince her to accept the Jacket, and even longer to get her to agree to being taken to his safe house, but they got there in the end.)

When he had finally gotten her set up in a side room of the Warehouse, with the most comfortable bed and thickest Blankets he could find, he tried asking what had happened.

"Daddy lied." She said. "He said he loved me, but then he made another kid and said he didn't care about me."

And, once again, it was unfortunately not that uncommon to see runaway kids from neglectful homes, but the way she said it raised some flags in his head.

"...and, how did you end up in Gotham?"

"I ran. He said I was a spare, and that scared me."

Well, that was even more horrible than he had anticipated. What kind of monster tells their kid that they're a spare?!

"And, I'm sorry if this is a touchy subject but why are you glowing?"

She just buried her face in the Blankets and shook her head.

"Alright then, that's fine. You can tell me when you're ready, or even not tell me at all, I'll accept either or".

For the next few weeks, Jason juggled running his newly created criminal empire and raking care of the kid. He still hadn't gotten a name out of her, but she said to call her "Dp" instead. 'It's the best I'm gonna get', he thought.

It was only after a few more weeks, right before he was about to begin his Plan of confronting Bruce about the Joker still being alive, that she approached him and agreed to tell him everything. He was actually really glad that she finally seemed to trust him enough to tell him.

"Okay Dp, you can start wherever you want."

"...well, I guess I should start with my name..." She started, "...or rather, my lack of one..."

"What?" Asked Jason in a soft voice.

"I, I don't have a name." She explained, "Daddy never gave me one. He just called me DP-2."

"...what do you mean by two?" Asked Jason.

"It-It's my Experiment Number." She said, stuttering a little, "I'm not a normal person, I'm a Clone. I was made to be daddy's perfect child, but I was just the test run. He said that I wasn't needed after he made DP-3, and that all I was good for was spare parts."

Jason felt his throat dry up. Dp was a Clone? Of who? Who made her? What right did that guy have to reject her?! Who in their right mind would make a Clone and then reject the Clone?! How dare he!

The Pits perked up

He felt the Pits rising a little, but managed to push them down. Dp needed support, not the Pits.

"It's Okay kid." He said, holding her had reassuringly. "It's perfectly okay to be different. I accept you as you are, and I'm sure as hell not gonna abandon you that easily. Or, ever really. You're stuck with me, whether you like it or not."

She giggled, and hugged him. A thoughtful look crossed her face, and she pulled away.

"There is one other thing...you know how I glow sometimes?" She asked.

The Pits felt a sense of dread

Jason felt like he wasn't going to like this. "Yeah?"

"Well, when I said I was meant to be a Clone, I never mentioned who of." She explained slowly. "He's a kid named Danny, and when he was 14, he had an accident where he died and came back as a Half Undead."

No...

Jason really wasn't liking where this was going.

"When Da-Vlad tried to make me, he realized that those powers couldn't be cloned..." She paused here, seemingly gathering the courage to continue. "...they needed to be added afterwards."

NO.

He didn't. He had better not have, for his own Fucking Sake, he had better not have done what Jason thinks he did.

"So one day, he took he down to the Lab, and he put me in a big machine." He voice broke a little. "He locked me in there, and then I think...that I died..."

...

For once, Jason felt completely in tune with the Pits. He was going to Kill that guy.

...

Sorry if this feels a little rushed, I kept going back to add or change parts of it.

Basically, Vlad realized that you can't Clone a Halfa. So, he made a workaround. He just stuck his first Viable Clone into a Portal, and let the machine Kill her. When he realized that it worked, he knew he had no use for Ellie anymore aside from spare parts.

And he told her as much, Vlad is a fucking asshole.

Ellie, of course, got scared and ran away. She ended up in Gotham, and was adopted by Jason right at the start of his Criminal Career.

When Jason finally hears about the rest of his kids' Backstory, he decides that Batman can wait his turn. He needs to go Kill that Vlad Bastard.

[aperrywilliams]

I'm Sorry I Couldn't be Here for You Sooner (Spencer Reid x Fem!BAU!Reader)

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Author Masterlist

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Pairing: Spencer Reid x Fem!BAU!Reader.

Summary: You have one of the worst days in a long time at work. When Spencer returns from an assignment to the BAU and sees your current state, he must do something.

Word Count: 2.8k

Warnings: Frustration/Hurt/Comfort. Just a self-indulgent rant. A lot of cuss words. Spencer is the best boyfriend in the world.

A/N: I just need Spencer to hold me now.

-----

The clock ticks and ticks, but the time seems to stand still. Even if you don't know how long you have been looking at that piece of wood, plastic, and metal, it feels like an eternity.

In the distance, a voice keeps throwing out words and sentences to which you should pay attention. However, even if you tried, looking at the clock on the wall is still more interesting than hearing Hotch talking about new protocols for field agents.

Still lost in your head, you don't notice the meeting is over and people are starting to leave the room. Only when someone squeezes your forearm. It's JJ.

"Are you okay?" she asks, eyebrows furrowed. You look at her and blink a few times.

"Uh- yeah," you mumble. 

Are you okay? No, you're not. But why bother others with that?

On second thought, this may be a chance to spill what's on your mind. JJ is usually a forthcoming and wise person. 

"Well, actually-" you begin, but before saying anything else, JJ cuts you off.

"That's nice. Because I want to ask you if you can babysit Henry tomorrow night. Will invited me to a romantic dinner, and our babysitter is sick. Hope it doesn't make much trouble to you?" the blonde probes.

Okay, you didn't expect that.

Not in the mood to turn the subject back to you, you say yes, and after thanking you, JJ quickly leaves the conference room. Alone with your thoughts for a few seconds, you wonder if the tightness in your chest isn't an exaggeration. You decide to forget about it and go back to your desk.

Opening a folder with the information on the last case, you are ready to write your report. But not too so far on it, Emily approaches you.

"Hey, how are you?"

You have doubts about how to answer the question. A few minutes ago, when JJ asked, you lied to her, and she didn't even notice. Maybe it's good to be honest.

"Actually, not so good," you sigh. And Emily raises an eyebrow. 

"Yeah? What happened?"

"I just don't know, I don't feel good," you try to explain. But you're not sure how to do it either.

"I'm sure it's something you can manage," Emily muses. "Look, whatever it is, have a drink when you get home today, relax a little, and I bet you'll be as good as new tomorrow!"

You open and close your mouth several times, trying to get a word out, but nothing comes to mind. 

A drink and relax? Is that simple?

You let out a hum, and that's enough for a response to Emily.

After wishing you good luck, she heads down the hallway, presumably to Garcia's office.

It's clear that Emily didn't grasp your actual emotional state, but you don't blame her either.

The last case was hard for everyone, so there is no reason to take it personally.

Focusing on your report again, you expect the sour mood surrounding you to fade eventually.

To finish your paperwork, you need to make copies of the reports. So you get up and head to the copy machine. After carefully placing the papers in the tray, you press the start button. When you think it will start copying, the machine stops mid-scan. You frown, and after a few seconds of nothing, you press the 'start' button again. Nothing. You do it again. And again. It's not working, and you feel your blood running hot.

By pressing the button again and again, anger comes.

"What the fuck is wrong with you stupid fucking machine!"

It's not enough to swat with force the button panel; now you're kicking the machine out of pent-up frustration.

"Whoa, whoa, stop right there, pretty girl."

Morgan steps between you and the machine, putting distance with his palms. And that's when you realize your outburst. Panting and still with the heat of rage on your cheeks, you are not yet satisfied.

"What the fuck, Morgan. Now you're defending a fucking copy machine?!" You hiss. Derek narrows his eyes to assess your current state. He's seen you mad, but it usually goes away easily. You are not a dense person.

"Okay, what's wrong, pretty girl? Since when do you unleash your frustration with pretty boy on inanimate things?"

Pretty boy. Spencer. Your boyfriend. Today, your boyfriend is conducting a cognitive interview with a convict in a DC jail—Hotch's orders. You wish he were here.

Morgan knows you usually laugh at his jokes, and even when you are in a bad temper, they help to light the mood.

Not this time, though.

"Don't talk about Spencer or me like that!" You snarl. "He doesn't have to do with any of this!"

Morgan doesn't like you are talking to him. Folding his arms over his chest, he let out an unamused scoff.

"Come on, don't you think you're overreacting here? Was this whole outburst only for a joke? What, are you four years old?"

You want to keep yelling, but a lump forms in your throat that is making it difficult for you to speak or even breathe. Morgan doesn't even wait for you to say something.

"You know what?" Morgan continues. "If you cannot stand the pressure of this job right now, maybe you should go home."

With that said and shaking his head in disappointment, Dereks leaves you there.

Stumped. Frustrated. Broken.

All the anger from moments before turns into an almost uncontrollable urge to cry. What have you done to these people? They are supposed to be your friends, your family. They are supposed to understand you and support you when you need them. And now that it's the time, they've only ignored you, minimized your problems, and even questioned your worth. Maybe Derek is right, and you should go home.

Defeated, you're strolling to your desk when Hotch peaks out of his office and gestures you to come.

Great, just what you needed now.

When you walk into your boss's office, he is already sitting in his chair, sternly looking at you.

"I won't ask you what's wrong with you today because it's your private life. However, I must remind you we are all professionals on this team. If you need time off, you have the right to get it, but I will not tolerate disrespect, like when you are distracted as I give fundamental instructions. If you don't pay attention, it could affect your work in the field and even put the lives of innocent people at risk."

If you didn't feel trampled before, now you feel like a ton of dirt was dumped on you.

You know Hotch can be sharp with words, but his ultimate goal is always to look after the team. But why does it feel like you're not part of that team right now?

"Do I make myself clear?"

With no more energy left in your body, you just let out a 'yes, sir.' Without waiting for another response, he sends you back to your desk.

It's already noon when you resume your work. Your mind spins at a mile an hour, and although it's hard, you force yourself to concentrate enough to get your job done, so at least the salary they pay you is worth it. 

Like a mollusk in its shell, you close yourself in that bubble and stop paying attention to your surroundings. It's your safe place—only you. 

In the distance, you feel your coworkers come and go. Never do you look up. Time goes by, and your throat feels dry from not speaking for hours.

Before everyone starts planning lunch, you are already picking up your lunch bag.

Social interaction is out of the table, so you are secluded in the building roof where an improvisated garden has benches. You sit alone, and the breeze helps to steady your breathing. As you open your Tupperware, you tentatively plunge the fork into the almost-cold pasta.

Even so, you're better here than in the bullpen minutes ago.

-----

Spencer walks through the doors of the BAU. It's 2 in the afternoon, so hopefully, the team is still having lunch in the conference room. Slightly worried that he wouldn't be able to reach you when he wanted to let you know he was on his way, he assumed that you had a lot of work and that your phone was mute.

Arriving at the conference room, Spencer scans the place and immediately catches something odd. You are not there. JJ, Prentiss, Morgan, Rossi, and Hotch are, though.

With an eyebrow furrowed, he asks, "Where is she?"

His teammates perk their heads up.

"Hello to you, pretty boy," Morgan teases.

"How was the interview?" JJ asks.

"Did you eat? You still can sit with us," Prentiss offers.

"Did you get the interview done?" Hotch asks with a raised eyebrow.

Spencer gets an uneasy feeling about what's going on. He knows you weren't feeling so okay this morning, and even if he tried to convince you to take a sick day, you didn't let him.

"Neither of you responded my question," Spencer points, voice harsher than when he asked first.

"(Y/N)? I thought she went home," Morgan muses.

"Why would she do that?" Spencer questions, alarmed. "Something bad happened?"

"She said she was okay when I asked earlier," JJ explains. "Maybe she has an errand to do."

"She was way distracted when we were at the meeting in the morning. She didn't listen a thing of what I said," Hotch adds.

"And you sent her home?" Spencer directs his question to Hotch.

"No, I didn't. She didn't ask it either when I called her to my office."

"You called her to your office? Did you reprimand her?" Spencer asks in disbelief.

"Of course, I did it, Reid. She did something disrespectful to the team," Hotch defends.

"And considering her rage moment directed to the copy machine, maybe it's better if she went home," Morgan supplies.

"Why are you being so dramatic, Reid?" Emily questions, very confused about why Spencer is so upset.

Spencer huffs, frustration running in his veins.

"Are you fucking kidding me right now? Did you ever realize she wasn't doing okay and nobody took her seriously? Yeah, sure, she said she was okay, but did you really check on her? Did you really ask her what was wrong? Did someone listen to her?"

The people in the room go silent after Spencer scolds them. 

Did they help in any way?

"You are unbelievable, and you call yourself profilers," Spencer huffs, turning to exit the room in search of you.

"What are you doing, Reid?" Hotch asks. No turning around to face his boss, and halfway out, Spencer replies.

"The thing you should have done in the first place. And I don't care if it doesn't fall protocol, I can give you my resignation letter tomorrow."

-----

When Spencer reaches the building roof and sees you sitting on one of the benches, he lets out a sigh of relief. He suspected you might be there, considering your things were still on your desk.

You can't see it since your back is turned. Your eyes look at the horizon without focusing on anything in particular.

The breeze is nice despite the November weather in Virginia.

Not wanting to scare you, Spencer slowly approaches you as he clears his throat. You turn around and see him standing a couple of meters away from you, but close enough to see your eyes red from crying.

You know he noticed it, and you avert his gaze.

You don't like the idea of ​​looking vulnerable right now. The morning was already catastrophic enough to explain your current state of mind to Spencer.

Spencer is a man of many words. He is known for his diatribes on any topic at hand. So you expect some kind of rant or even some statistical data about what could be happening to you.

But contradicting his very nature, he just silently approaches, takes your hand to get you up from the bench, and pulls you into a tight, comforting embrace.

And for the first time all day, you feel like you can actually breathe, and your chest isn't tight anymore. Words are not necessary; just being held like that is enough for now.

Spencer kisses the top of your head lovingly.

"I'm sorry I couldn't be here for you sooner. I'm sorry you had such a horrible morning," your boyfriend laments.

You shake your head, still buried in his chest.

Tears fight to come out from the corners of your eyes, and you no longer want to hold them back.

"Let it out, baby. Just let them out."

And that's what you do. For the first time all day, you allow yourself to cry without holding back. Spencer has you the entire time, rubbing your back soothingly.

"I don't know why I feel so bad, Spencer. I don't understand," you muffle your words into his embrace.

"It's okay, love. You don't have to explain to me, or anyone for that matter. There are days when we are not okay, and it's completely valid. Never think you don't have the right to."

Hearing Spencer say that relieves some of the pressure on your head, but you can't help but think about your teammates' words throughout the morning.

Separating yourself from Spencer to look at him, your eyes still denote your inner struggle.

"What if they are right? What if they are right when they say I shouldn't make so much fuzz and rather think about doing my job well?"

Spencer cups your cheeks so you can look at him.

"They are not. Okay? By any means, you are the most professional person I have ever met in my life. Not only that, you are also the most compassionate, selfless, and willing to help to the fullest extent of your capacity. Does JJ need help babysitting Henry? You don't think twice. Does García need assistance organizing a girls' night? You are the first one to be there. Does Hotch need to finish a stack of reports in one night? You offer to help him. Does Derek need a backup to kick his way into a place and catch the unsub? You're the first to watch his back."

You are indeed like that, and you do all that. But you've never seen it as something extraordinary. For you, being part of a team and a family means all that and more.

"And that doesn't even scratch the surface of what you have been to me.

My love, you have been the person who has entitled me to open my heart and love without reservation. You have taught me to trust and that asking for help when you feel bad is okay. You are the light of my life, and I swear I'll do everything in my power so you can see the wonderful person you are and that you deserve all the love and support in the world."

Without a doubt, Spencer has something with his words and eloquence. How can you not believe him? The veil of doubt indeed emerges from time to time, but having someone who is by your side showing you what is really important makes the doubts not cloud your path.

A shy smile appears on your face, your eyes filled with gratitude.

"There she is," Spencer whispers, stroking your cheek with love and never breaking eye contact.

"Maybe I should have listened to you this morning and called in sick," you sigh. Spencer kisses the top of your nose.

"I know you weren't going to do it anyway." 

You giggle because he's right. Spencer knows you too well.

"Lunchtime is almost over. We should come back to work," you remind him. Spencer pulls a face, and you raise an eyebrow at him. "What was that?" You inquire.

Spencer laughs nervously. "It's just I may or may not have made a scene in the conference room earlier, and I may or may not have offered my letter of resignation to Hotch if he didn't allow me to come find you."

"You did what? Spencer, oh my God!" you start laughing. "Does that mean there's a chance we'll both get fired today?"

Spencer thinks about that for a second.

"Honestly? I don't think Hotch would risk losing his two best agents," he decides, winking at you.

"Hope you're right, Dr. Reid. Hope you're right," you voice, grabbing his hand in yours and making the way back to the sixth floor.

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Spencer Reid's Taglist: @dreatine @nomajdetective @jayyeahthatsme @rosalinasam2 @averyhotchner @lovelyxtom @princessmiaelicia @pastelbabygirl19 @reidsbookclub @alexxavicry @gspenc @spencerreidisbae123 @calmspencer @pauline5525mgg @anamiad00msday @milivanili99 @laylasbunbunny @leahblackk @miaxx03 @missabsey @taintedstranger @khxna @hiireadstuff @pleasantwitchgarden @dysphoricsanity @levi-of-starz @themoonchildwhofell @silver138 @lovelybaka @shinytinywhispers 

[808airsoftbros]

Who's the Bustiest? (Female Idols) (BXG) (S)

Author: This is an idea that I got from Discord and came up with this. Hope you enjoy it and if you want to check out my Masterlist for more fics :)

Y/N's POV

It was my first day of college, I was quite excited as I'd get the opportunity to learn new things, make new friends, and perhaps find love.

But I knew that was all delusional love stories that you see in web dramas although they are entertaining to watch after school.

Anyway, I was on my way to my first class, that was until I heard the loud sounds of footsteps approaching me and I turned around and saw a woman running towards me.

"What the-" I was about to say but it was too late as the girl ran into me.

What was worse was that she was holding a cup of cappuccino and it spilled all over my new Addidas jacket which isn't cheap.

"Oh my god! I'm so sorry!" The girl apologized and rushed to get some tissues from her bag.

"Aish... It's okay... Are you hurt?" I checked and she shook her head.

"N-No, but thank you for asking," She answered.

"Oh my Lord, Unnie are you okay?!" Another girl approached and she nodded.

"I-I'm fine, it's my fault! I wasn't looking!" She said and she sighed.

Though my jacket was soaked and stained with coffee, my shirt escaped without a drip of coffee so at least I didn't need to change clothes right now.

"We're so sorry about this, Jisun-Unnie here can be a bit clumsy sometimes, I am Natty, second-year," She introduced herself.

"Oh, I'm Y/N, first year," I replied and she nodded.

"Ah, so you're a freshman, well in that case, welcome to our school," She said and I thanked her.

Taking off my jacket soaked, I tried to squeeze as much coffee out as possible. I was planning to quickly make a run to the dry cleaners on campus but Jisun-Noona and Natty-Noona insisted on cleaning it themselves seeing it was Jisun-Nonna's fault.

At first, I was reluctant to do so as I didn't fully trust them despite them being my sunbaenims but you cannot be too safe.

"It's okay, Y/N, your jacket will be safe with us. Here, I'll give you our numbers as insurance, and I'll text you when it's ready," She suggested and I nodded.

"Sounds fair," I agreed and opened my phone app.

Adding them to my contacts, I thanked them as I handed over my jacket to them, and we went seperate ways to go to our classes.

Heading to my first subject, math, I was greeted by the professor and I greeted her back before taking my seat.

After about ten minutes, the lecture started, and the professor wasted no time getting into the intro to Calculus. Being a math nerd, the lesson wasn't hard and I was able to easily figure it out.

Working on a problem, I felt someone poking my shoulder and I looked to see a beautiful and busty girl poking me to get my attention.

"H-Hey, do you mind helping me with this?" She shyly asked and I nodded.

"Yeah, no prob," I answered and she smiled.

"Thank you! I'm Lee Saerom, second-year, and what about you?" She kindly asked and I introduced myself.

Helping her with the problem, she was amazed at how easily I was able to solve it and I showed her step-by-step on how to solve the formula and find the proper solution.

Most of it was basic Algebra which she wasn't too half bad on but still could use more work if she wants to succeed in the class.

"T-Thank you but I could use your help in the future. Do you mind if we exchange numbers?" She asked and I agreed.

"Sure, why not?" I answered and I input my number.

Adding her to my contacts, I felt lucky at how I managed to get three girl's number... Even though I'm not going out with either of them. Hehe.

After class, was over, the rest of my three classes were uneventful as the professors were introducing their first lessons and shit.

With my day of college over for today, I got a text from Natty saying that my jacket is now ready for pick up and uploaded a photo.

I was shocked at how cleaned it looked as if it just came out of the production line.

I texted Natty that I'd meet her at whatever nearby location, and she texted suggesting to meet her at her dormitory.

"Okay, come to Dorm 321,"

Giving her a thumbs up emoji, I put my phone away in my pocket, and I looked to see three other hot woman coming my way and they do not look happy.

"You! Punk!" One of them pointed at me.

"Me?" I asked and she marched toward me before harshly grabbing my collar.

"Did you hit our friend?!" She angrily asked and I was fucking confused.

"W-What are you talking about?!" I nervously asked as I have no idea what they're accusing me of.

"Liar!" The other woman who also have huge boobs said and I gulped.

It didn't take long for them to beat the shit out of me and I was totally helpless. My arms and legs were sore, and I was left with a black eye.

Fucking hell, what is their damn problem?! I should report them to the police for assault!

Whatever, the police wouldn't believe that a man was beaten up by three busty women so I took a deep breath and decided to let the whole transgression slide.

Despite being injured a bit, I make my way to my Noona's dorm as instructed. Each step I took stung the living shit out of me but I kept going.

"Jeez, this is not how I imagined my first day of college..." I muttered as I painfully make my way into the elevator.

Once the elevator reached the third floor, I got some stares from other students but I ignored them.

Finally arriving at Dorm 312, I didn't see any doorbell so I texted Natty that I'd arrived and she said she'd be there in a few minutes.

Thankfully, I didn't have to wait too long as Natty opened the door with my freshly cleaned jacket in hand and she was horrified to see bruises and scars all over my body and uniform.

"My God! What the hell happened to you?! Did you get into a fight?!" She frantically asked and I shook my head.

"I fell," I lied and she sighed.

"Come on, I'll treat your wounds," She said before stepping aside.

"No! No! It's fine, I'll just go to the nurse's office," I declined but she didn't take "No" as an answer.

Dragging me inside of her dorm making me hiss in pain and she apologized. She helps me take off my shoes and bag before guiding me to the couch to lay down.

"Wait here! I'll get some medicine!" She instructed and I nodded.

Going up the stairs, I take out my phone go through Instagram and watched a few Youtube reels to pass the time.

"The fuck?! Why are you in our dorm?!" I heard a dreaded familiar voice and I looked to see the same girl that jumped me.

"N-Natty dragged me in here!" I pleaded and she scoffed.

"Unlikely story, I guess I need to teach you another lesson!" She said before cracking her knuckles.

Right when she was about to punch me in the gut, she was held back by Jisun and she gave her a confused look.

"J-Jisun, what are you doing?! This psycho is in our house!" She said but she shook her head.

"No, Unnie! He is our friend! He's the one I spilled coffee on!" Jisun explained and her eyes widened in horror.

"O-Oh my... I-I am so so sorry! We completely misunderstood! We thought you tried to kidnap her!" She frantically apologized and I chuckled.

"I-It's okay, Noona, I understand you wanted to protect your friend," I forgave her and she sighed in relief.

"Okay, now that's settled, I am Kim Sejeong and I guess you've already met Jisun. The two others are Kwun Eunbi and Park Jihyo, we are third-year students," She introduced herself.

Coming down the stairs, Natty comes to treat my wounds but we keep our conversation secret so as to not start any conflicts.

"Sorry, Y/N but this might sting a little," She warned before applying the alcohol wipes and I hissed.

"Damn, that's strong..." I muttered.

Finishing up bandaging my arm, it was clear she was a nursing student as she did it professionally and I kinda blushed as her boobs were pressing against my shoulder.

"Alright your right arm should be good, now can you please remove your shirt?" She asked and I blushed.

"U-Uhm, what?" I stuttered and she giggled.

"It's okay, I'm not going to make fun of you," She assured.

"Yeah, it's not like anything we haven't seen before," Eunbi said before sipping a cup of tea.

Reluctantly taking off shirt, Natty goes on to treat the bruises on my chest and stomach.

"Damn, you really did a number on yourself, huh?" She asked and I slowly nodded.

"Haha, yeah..." I replied.

Bandaging and applying cream on my bruises and injuries, I had to remain shirtless for the rest of the day.

After more than an hour, Natty finishes up treating my wounds and I thanked her for her help.

"Don't mention it. You mind as well stay here for the night, besides you can't really move around too much. If you need to use the bathroom or shower, just let me know," She instructed and sighed imagining Natty holding my cock while taking a piss.

"Oh, and don't worry, I had to handle plenty of old man dicks in my nursing school," She assured before winking and I gulped.

"Or maybe I can help you~!" Jihyo flirted and I blushed like a tomato making Natty playfully roll her eyes.

"Oh, Jihyo-Unnie, can you please not? You're going to make the poor kid pass out!" She jokingly said and she laughed her ass off.

Opening the door, I was surprised to see Saerom coming inside and she was just as surprised to see me in the dorm.

"Y/N, what are you doing here? And why are you shirtless....?" She asked and Natty rose an eyebrow.

"You two know each other?" She curiously asked and I shyly nodded.

"We have the same calculus class," I answered and she nodded.

"I see, well, no need for introductions then," She mentioned until we heard someone clearing their throat and we turned to see a big curvy ass woman coming down the stairs and staring down at me.

"Now. Now. What do we have here? Natty what have you brought here?" The woman asked.

"Oh, Unnie, this is Y/N, freshmen, I treated his wounds so he needs to stay in our dorm for the night," She explained.

"Well, Y/N, I am Lee Chaerin the eldest of the group but you may call me CL-Noona if that's easier for you. I'll tolerate your presence here for now but by morning you must leave. Understood?" She asked and I frantically nodded.

"Awww~. Unnie, but I want to play with him~!" Sejeong complained and she rolled her eyes.

"Like how you do with every guy you meet?" CL-Noona rebutted and she pouted.

"B-But this one here is cute!" She replied and she sighed before shaking her head.

She signals everyone to gather around to the kitchen, they talk softly so I couldn't hear their conversation. After about a few more mintues of talking they come to me.

"Okay, Y/N, after much discussion, I've come to an compromise here, I'll allow you to move here to our dormitory," She explained and my eyes widened.

"W-What?!" I exclaimed.

"But under one condition..." She paused and I rose an eyebrow.

"What is that?" I asked.

"You must be our pet, our lover, and do everything we tell you to do. Now, you don't have to accept our terms and leave right now but imagine having seven sexy women taking care of you," She explained and I gulped.

Damn, well she isn't wrong, I've always dreamt of having a harem, and having all these busty woman to myself is something I never thought would happen.

After taking some time to contemplate my decision, I agreed with CL-Noona's term and she smiled along with the girls.

"Yay~! Now I can fu- I mean play with him!" Sejeong cheered.

"W-What was that?" I nervously asked.

"Oh, uhm, nothing, puppy~," She assured before pecking my cheek.

Right afterward, my life took a 360 turn, the girls went to my dorm took all my stuff, and moved them here. I noticed that they've been quite comfortable giving me tight hugs and wearing revealing clothing.

Thankfully, I was able to control myself before CL-Noona beats my ass for being a pervert but I have a feeling they want me to get hard.

"Hey puppy~," Saerom whispered and I turned to look at her.

"Hey, Noona," I replied and she pecked my lips.

"Mind answering a question?" She asked and I nodded.

"Which one of us do you like most?" She straightforwardly asked and I gulped as I didn't know how to answer her question.

"I-I don't know, Noona, I like all of you," I nervously answered and she frowned showing her dissatisfaction.

"Aww~. Come on, baby, I know you must like one of us more... Maybe my boobs might change your mind~," She suggested before taking off her shirt revealing her black-laced bra and I blushed at the sight of her mounds.

Suddenly, the door opened and Jisun gasped at the sight of Searom's half-naked self and she immediately pulled her out.

"Hey, what do you think you're doing?!" Jisun asked and she giggled.

"I just wanted to know if I'm Y/N's favorite~," She answered and she huffed.

"Oh, really~? Then Y/N, what do you think of these babies~?" She teasingly asked as she takes off her tank top and I saw she wasn't wearing a bra.

"H-Hey~! No fair~!" Saerom whined and takes off her bra leaving them half-naked and my dick started get hard.

Seductively approaching me, they each grabbed my arm and threw me onto the bed and they smothered my face with their massive tits and they giggled.

"He's so cute when flustered~," Saerom complimented before pressing my face into her tits.

"Yeah, but mines are bigger so I can make him more flustered, watch," She proved and smashed her mounds onto my face and I blushed harder making Saerom-Noona scoff.

"What is going on here?" Natty asked as she walked inside with Sejeong and was shocked.

"Ah, you horny girls, why didn't you invite me?" Sejeong complained.

"Well, you can always join us, let's see which one of us has the bigger boobs," Saerom proposed.

"Oh, you're on!" Natty and Sejeong accepted and joined us on the bed.

Sejeong takes off her shirt showing no bra while Natty takes off her hoodie and she wasn't wearing a bra either. Guess girls don't wear bras at home.

Of course, it didn't take long for Jihyo and Eunbi-Noona to join us as well and my God they have some of the biggest boobs I've ever seen in my life.

"Okay, now that we're here... Baby, which pair of boobs do you like best~?" Jihyo-Noona asked before licking her lips.

"U-Uhhhh..." I muttered.

"Come on baby, which one of us?" Jisun whispered in my ear sending chills down my spine.

"I-I cannot choose!" I answered and they sighed.

Suddenly, the door busts open revealing CL and the girls gasped as the eldest walked inside only wearing a white bathrobe. She looks down at each and one of us.

"Girls~. Girls~. Let us remember that each and one of us has a special place in our puppy's heart so it doesn't matter how big our boobs and asses may be. Our puppy will still be loyal to us, isn't that right~?" She asked and I frantically nodded.

"Y-Yes, mummy," I answered and she giggled.

"Good, now let us all enjoy him, tonight~," She said before sexily smirking and the girls agreed.

Saerom goes to take off shirt while Jihyo takes off my pants and underwear revealing my monster 9-inch cock and they licked their lips like a predator eyeing their prey.

"What a big-sized cock you have, puppy, and it's all for us," CL-Noona complimented and began jerking it off making me moan.

"T-Thank you, mummy," I muttered and she giggled.

Starting with Jihyo, she presses her mounds between my cock and bounces up and down making me moan. Her titties felt soft and smooth adding to the pleasure.

"I-It feels so good, Noona~!" I moaned and she hummed.

Each girl had a turn for about ten minutes until they switched out and I had to hand it over to CL-Noona giving me the best boob job and she wasn't too subtle about not being a virgin.

"All of the men, crave for our bodies baby~. You are really lucky to fuck all of us~," CL-Noona said and I nodded.

"Y-Yes, Mommy ~," I moaned out and she smiled.

After they were finished giving me boob jobs they each gave me a sloppy blow job, the feeling of their warm mouths on my cock and balls felt amazing and I could barely hold myself from cumming but I did my best to please my mummies.

"Such a tasty cock, better than my ex," Jisun complimented.

"I know, right?" Natty replied.

"N-Noonas! I-I'm going to cum!" I warned as I couldn't hold it anymore.

Gathering around my cock, I let out my massive load onto their faces letting out satisfying hums as they taste my cum.

"Cum also tastes amazing, we should do this everynight~," Eunbi suggested and they agreed.

"Now, let's get onto the main event, remember, will all get one round of his cum," CL-Noona instructed.

Going first was Natty and she didn't waste any time slamming her pussy onto my cock letting out a loud moan.

"Aww~. Is our baby a virgin~?" She asked and I slowly nodded.

"Y-Yes..." I shyly answered and she smiled.

"Even better," She replied.

"Good, because from now on, our pussies are the only pussy you're ever going to get~," CL-Noona said.

With Natty riding for me the next half hour, we came together and I filled her womb with my cum.

Next up was Jisun, she inserts my dick into her womanhood as Saerom sat on my face forcing me to lick her pussy.

"Oh fuck~! Good boy~!" Saerom yelped as I insert my tongue inside.

"So big~!" Jisun moaned in ecstasy as she slowly began riding me.

Despite not being experienced, I did my absolute best to please them and so far I'm doing good based on how loudly their moaning.

As soon as I let out my load inside Jisun, Saerom takes her position as Jihyo got on my face with her soaking wet pussy and it tasted like watermelon and I'm a huge fan of fruits.

"Ohhhh~! Puppy, I could ride this dick all day if I wanted to~," She screamed as she inserted my cock inside her womanhood.

"Mmm~. Your tongue feels so good puppy~," Jihyo moaned as I insert my tongue.

"You're doing such a good job so far, puppy~," CL-Noona complimented before giggling.

"Puppy, I'm going cum~! You better drink all of it!" Jihyo warned before squirting in my mouth and I drank all of it.

"I'm going to cum too, baby, I want your sticky cum inside my womb~," Saerom pleaded and we came at the same time.

Jihyo took Saerom's place as soon as she made my dick hard again and I was starting to feel sore and tired as I've came several times.

"Tired already baby~? We haven't gotten to the best part yet~," Jihyo said as she jerked my dick back to life and I gulped.

To my surprise, she gets on all fours shaking her ass signalling me to pound her as hard as I could and I got on my knees before shoving my cock inside her pussy making her loudly moan.

"Oh, you naughty boy, you want me that much~?" She teasingly asked.

"Y-Yes, mummy~!" I answered as I began fucking her.

Going in and out, pounding her as fast and hard as I possibly could, Jihyo could loudly moan as her mind was consumed by pleasure. CL-Noona hugs me from behind pressing her boobs on my back along with Eunbi and Jisun.

"Are you close baby~?" Eunbi asked.

"N-Not yet mommy~!" I replied as I kept fucking Jihyo and she smirked.

"Well, do you want to pound my pussy~? I'm just soaking wet from watching and I want your long and thick cock inside of me~," She whispered in my ear.

Picking up the pace, Jihyo began screaming and came a few times before I painted her womb with my cum and she collapsed on the bed all exhausted and I was panting.

"Good boy~. Now it's my turn now and you better fuck just as well as you fucked Jihyo," Eunbi said and I nodded.

"Hey what about me~?" Sejeong whined and she playfully rolled my eyes.

"Think you can take us both~?" Eunbi asked.

"Anything for you," I replied and she smiled.

With both getting on their knees and elbows, I insert my dick into Eunbi's pussy and insert my finger in Sejeong and switched places, fucking them both at the same time.

"Oh God baby~! So Good~!" Sejeong moaned.

"Mmm~. Keep it up and we may cum soon~!" Eunbi said as I pounded her.

Finishing off into Eunbi's pussy, I put my full attention to Sejeong, I places my hands on her tits and play with them while I pounded her.

"Yes baby, our tits are yours only~," Sejeong moaned.

"Why have any man when you have this obedient puppy's dick?" Jisun mentioned.

About ten minutes later, I unloaded my cum inside of her as she squirted all over my dick and CL-Noona pulls my head forcing me to kiss her.

With her having more experience, she easily dominated me and sucked my tongue and we let go when we ran out of breath.

"Now time to see if you can make me cum~," She said and pushed me onto the bed.

Inserting my dick into her pussy, I was astounded at how fucking tight she was compared to the rest. It felt Godly and I can see why so many guys competed for her but all of them never succeeded in getting close to her.

"Oh my fucking God, puppy, your dick is so good~!" She moaned as she roughly rides me and I moaned.

"Your pussy is so heavenly, mummy~," I replied and she smirked.

Speeding up, she began riding me like an angry bull and I held back all temptations to cum letting her enjoy herself.

"I'm so close to cumming baby~! Let's cum together~!" She screamed and I nodded.

At the same time, we came simultaneously and she collapsed onto my chest before pecking my cheek.

"You did amazing, baby~. I never expected you to be able to handle all of us," She complimented.

"Yeah, you did us so well~," Jihyo said before giving me a long smooch.

"You may consider us your actual girlfriends, baby, but at home, we are your mummies~," Eunbi whispered and I gulped.

The rest of the girls hurdled together and I was smothered in an ocean full of titties and it didn't take long for me to fall asleep.

[crisiscutie]

Hi! Sorry for bothering you. Is it alright if I want to make a request?

Like, where the Turks+Rufus, Sephiroth and maybe others that you think relevant, find out that the reader is also an Ancient/Cetra like Aerith but instead of being half-Ancient, the reader is like, fully Ancient. If you understand what I mean. How would they react? What would they do? It can be them being yandere or normal,up to you tho. Again sorry for bothering you.

And sorry if you have hard time understanding this. English isn't my first language 😅.

Hello anon, thank you for the request/scenario. You are not bothering me! Though, I'm sorry to say that I can only do Sephiroth and Rufus for this request as that is too many characters for a scenario (Limit is three) and that I hadn't decided if I want to write for the Turks yet. For the third character... I will do Tifa for this since I hadn't written her yet!

Rufus Shinra: He'd be surprised for sure. He thought there was only one ancient left, and the chances of the company capturing her again were slim to none. So for his darling to be an ancient, he would do his damndest to make sure that they are well-protected. And yes, this means he's going against Shinra's interests to protect them. Even if it means the darling could be Shinra's key to the promised land. They will find another way to it (if it exists) without compromising Darling's identity and safety. I think the only other person who would know about this is Tseng, since he is the loyal right hand of Rufus. He'd be just as dedicated to protecting Darling. Especially since this would certainly bring up memories of the times he watched over Aerith. But this time, this watch will be permanent.

Fluffy Sephiroth: He's honestly amazed as he read about the Cetra during his childhood. Hojo had him study these people in his "free" time. His curiosity would drive him to ask his darling a few questions about it since it'd be interesting to hear first accounts from a legitimate cetra. Still, he is careful not to reduce Darling to their heritage, having firsthand knowledge of what it feels like to be treated like an exotic tool rather than a human being. He'll also keep it a secret, knowing that Hojo would be more than interested in his darling once he finds out. Eventually, he'll make the decision to leave SOLDIER sooner rather than later, in order to protect his darling from a life of experimentation.

Tifa Lockhart: When her darling first told her about their heritage (during their childhood), she told all the other kids in Nibelheim about it. Darling's adoptive parents quickly debunked the "rumor" once it reached the adults, leaving Cloud as the only child who still believed it. Now, as adults, Tifa would feel guilty about it once she learnt more about the Cetra and what Shinra wanted to do with them. She'll approach the darling and apologize for spilling their secret out during their childhood, even though nothing really came about it. But even as darling forgave her and reassured her, Tifa couldn't shake some of the guilt off. So now, she always glances at Darling when the topic of the Cetra comes up, making sure they're fine and their secret stays safe. If someone asks Darling about it, she will definitely jump into the conversation, either by quickly changing the subject or diverting attention to herself to protect Darling.

[lazycats-stuff]

I hope it’s not too weird but can I request batfam a batbro!reader, older than Damian but younger then Tim that isn’t very emotional when it comes to death? Like they don’t understand why people are so hysterical over death. Maybe an animal died and they just go “oh they’re dead” like it was nothing.

Hope ur doing well, I’m projecting so much with this but I can’t wait to see what you do if you do. I love ur writing, can’t wait to read more 🫶

Alrighty then. Thanks for the encouragement.

Summary: (Y/N) is not really emotional about death. Bruce was a little bit worried.

Warnings: talk of death and it's elements, death of animals, this is just Bruce being worried and thinking about his son.

Bruce knew that his kids have some problems expressing emotions. To almost all of them, death was a touchy subject. Bruce knew that better than everyone. But his second youngest son was a whole another case about it.

Why, I might hear you asking? Well, (Y/N) had no reactions to death. Bruce always waited for (Y/N) to get hit with the reality, but the reality and the aftermath didn't hit him. Never. Bruce understood that everyone grieves differently, that was in human nature. There isn't really a rulebook on how to grieve.

No human thought the same and no human grieved the same. But to Bruce, (Y/N) was a whole another case. He loved his son and when (Y/N)'s parents passed, he wasn't really sad. He was... fine.

Bruce waited for the aftermath to hit and he waited for (Y/N) to crumble and he was more than ready to help him and he was more than ready to catch him.

But the aftermath never really hit him. Bruce would be lying if he said that (Y/N) wasn't sad, but it wasn't a normal grieving behavior either. He was so worried that he asked Black Canary to talk to him about mourning and grieving.

Canary said that there was nothing wrong with (Y/N). She just told Bruce that he didn't grive in a normal way, but that wasn't any reason for concern. He wasn't a sociopath or a psychopath.

Bruce could breath a little bit easier. But sometimes (Y/N)'s calm demeanor was the thing that could get him in the most of trouble. It was just recently when a bird that Damian was caring for passed away.

Damian was sad and the rest of the brothers were sad too so they decided to bury the bird in the yard. Everyone made little speeches, expect (Y/N). He didn't see the point. It was just an animal. Everyone was emotional in their own way, expect for (Y/N).

" (Y/N)? Anything you want to say? " Bruce prompted, putting his hand on (Y/N)'s shoulder.

" I don't have anything to say. The animal is dead. That's all. " (Y/N) said, looking down at the tiniest coffin that he has ever seen. Damian fumed. If it weren't for Dick, Damian would have lunged at (Y/N).

Bruce could only sigh and lead (Y/N) away as they were done with the ceremony. He really needed to talk with (Y/N) about being sensitive when it came to death. Sure, you don't have to cry, but still, have some empathy for those who are suffering.

" But Bruce, I don't understand why people are so emotional about death. I mean, it happens. It's a natural process. We are all slowly going towards our deaths. " (Y/N) said after the talk he had with Bruce.

" I know. But people have different approaches to death. Some grieve openly, some in private, but one thing they have in common is that they are all in pain. Animal or a human. " Bruce explained to his son.

" I should apologize to Damian then. " (Y/N) declared, standing up. If Damian doesn't try to kill him first. It was 50/50.

[random-dragon-exe]

Okay, MAJOR SALT COMING! Also a long post!

So I have the Disney Villains tarot deck but before I go into the salt part of the post, let's go into the positives.

The cards have stunning art and each card is appropriately themed to the villain generally speaking about 98% of the time. (IMO).

Another positive is the roster of villains included. Seeing even a few minor/underrated villains is pretty cool and impressive.

Some examples of these villains include Bowler Hat Guy, Madame Mim, Madame Medusa, and possibly Yzma.

Now onto the salt.

As impressive as the span of villains is, two villains are absent who (IMO) deserved a card.

King Candy

Frollo

First, there are other villains absent, but I'm sticking to these two since I've seen these movies. Now going in order, it is an absolute SHAME (IMO) that King Candy doesn't have a card, but I have an idea of which card suits him best.

The King of Swords. Although this card is given to Scar, and I do love how it looks, I believe that King Candy deserved it.

Plus, Scar appears on like three other cards, so I think it's okay for him to appear three times (sorry Scar, I do love you too).

Anyway, I'm going to go into some detail as to why I believe King Candy/Turbo deserves the card by going into the meaning of it and how it relates to him.

I'll admit, I have a lot of points and can talk about this for days, but I'm going to condense them to 3-ish. I'll do the same for Frollo too in a part 2 post.

Going for a two in one here: The card is about being an authority who uses reason and their intelligence for good. while the reverse of this is being cunning to deceive people.

After Turbo hijacked Sugar Rush, he was very methodical about his approach to make it sound like he's their rightful ruler. He locked up their memories, then he fabricated the lie that she was a danger to their game. Turbo did his best to make sure nothing went unchecked and made sure to make the lie sound convincing to protect them (but mostly him). He's very strategic, and was able to come up with a plan to manipulate Ralph with 16 manipulation tactics in one go. He was even able to feign being concerned to play on Ralph's attachment to Vanellope.

I think the best line that best captures this aspect of the card is "Doing what's right, no matter what." AKA: He recognizes that it may sound harsh, but he makes his lies sound reasonable to protect his subjects and game.

The card also represents enjoying structure when upright. But it's controlling and oppressive in a need for order when reversed.

Turbo needs everything to be to be going his way, as he's a control freak.

Inserting the test animation here, he even says "You are a threat to my game, to the order I have maintained. And if there's one thing I can't abide, it's anything out of order!"

Also, the split-second something isn't in his control, he starts to fumble and break into either rage or nervously laughing. He's capable of coming off as cool and composed, but he's scared of being caught and it can cause him to lash out in anger (another aspect of the card).

Just as mentioned in the previous point, he made sure nothing went unchecked and made an entire world literally revolve around him. He can and WILL happily use all of his resources of excessive force he has like the cops, the Sugar Rush equivalent of S.W.A.T., and the fungeon to detain someone who stands in his way.

As a minor note, there's a line in the tarot guidebook that states the reverse of the card can represent "someone who needs to win at any cost." Which describes Turbo to a T. He not only wants attention but he's also extremely competitive. It's part of his programming, and it ties to his love for racing. To always come out on top and be #1. No matter who or what stands in his way.

That core drive (pun intended) was the cause of his villainy in the first place and earned him his infamous status in the arcade.

Okay, I don't want to sound too salty, but you can imagine my disappointment when King Candy didn't get a card.

Oh well, Its fine, I still love and use this deck.

So I guess we can call this the thrilling conclusion to the 3 part saga of including King Candy in Disney Villain merchandise.

Also as a sidenote: hypothetically if he did get this card, what would the imagery be?

I feel the card has the potential to get creative with the glitch effects. For example make it so that he's glitching between the Turbo appearance and the King Candy appearance. If we want to be a little cheeky, we could have it set in his castle, and out the window, we see a the cybug Ralph initially sent to SR flying outside a castle window. (similar to Hook's card as the crocodile is seen outside)

So basically, my interpretation would be a mix of these images and Captain Hook's card:

But, if anyone else has really cool ideas, I'd love to hear them! If you want, you could also draw it out to illustrate your point (pun intended) Honestly please do, I'd love to see other people's interpretations of this card for him. The possibilities are endless!

Join me in my antics next time when I analyze Frollo and and the card I think he should've gotten.

[amethystarachnid]

Hey! It’s me again! I have another platonic but Fem! Teen/young adult reader request (17-19)

So I don’t really have a preference of who it’s focused on, mostly like avenger tower family vibes so choose whatever marvel ppl you want! I’m giving full liberty with just the basic plot line.

So the reader is in their first ever relationship, but as it goes on the true colors of her bf start to show and it’s super toxic and emotionally abusive. She needs the help and support of her avenger family to get through this and make the move she knows she has too, break up with him.

and that’s it! Angsty with a fluff ending, fill it with whatever you always do such an amazing job! Cant wait to read it (if you do it) 🫶

FAMILY

⤷ STEVE G. ROGERS & ANTHONY "TONY" E. STARK & NATASHA A. ROMANOFF

ᯓ★ Pairing: Anthony “Tony” E. Stark & fem!reader & Steve G. Rogers & Natasha Romanoff (all platonic!!)

ᯓ★ Genre: platonic!, a lot of angst and some fluff

ᯓ★ Request from: normal request

ᯓ★ Story type: one shot

ᯓ★ Word count: 8k

ᯓ★ Summary: you surely couldn't expect your first ever relationship to be so toxic, you find yourself slowly moving away from your family, but as you reach a breaking point you realize it isn't healthy, luckily Steve, Tony and Natasha are there to watch your back.

ᯓ★ TW(s): toxic relationship, y/n's boyfriend tries to convince her to have sex but nothing happens (it isn't described, it's just talked about), Steve Tony and Nat beat the shit out of the boyfriend

ᯓ★ I made reader Tony's daughter because I couldn't find any other reason for her to know the avengers...hope you like it! <3

ᯓ★ My Masterlist

ᯓ★ MARVEL Multiverse - choose an AU, pair it with your favorite character and make a request!

ᯓ★ Songs & Superheroes tales - The Game (to make a request, follow the rules on the link!)

ᯓ★ MARVEL Bingo

ᯓ★ English isn’t my first language

You stand at the balcony of the Avengers Tower, the skyline of New York sprawling out before you, a chaotic mess of lights and sounds. It’s a chilly evening, and the breeze carries just enough bite to make you tug your sweater closer around yourself. Your dad insists you could just stay inside—“Kid, the view’s better with central heating,” he says—but there’s something grounding about standing out here.

The wind brushes your cheeks, a reminder of how real everything is, how alive this city feels. And tonight, the nervous flurry in your stomach makes everything sharper. You lean against the railing and breathe in the cold air, replaying the events of earlier today.

Your first date. The words feel foreign, even in your head. Like a secret that might explode if you say it too loudly. You’re seventeen—old enough to make your own decisions, but not old enough to escape the reality that you’re still Tony Stark’s daughter. Dating is bound to be a…sensitive subject.

The sound of the sliding glass door catches your attention, and you glance over your shoulder. Steve steps out, his expression soft as he approaches. His brown leather jacket is zipped up against the wind, and he carries a thermos in one hand. You don’t need to see the inside to know it’s probably tea—Steve drinks it like he was born in a Victorian novel.

“Thought you could use something warm,” he says, offering the thermos. His voice is calm, steady, like always, and it helps the nerves in your chest settle just a bit.

“Thanks,” you say quietly, taking the thermos. You twist the lid off, letting the steam waft up to your face. It smells like chamomile and honey. “How’d you know I was out here?”

Steve gives you a look that’s almost teasing, the hint of a smile tugging at his lips. “You’ve got your dad’s habit of brooding. It’s either the balcony or the workshop.”

You chuckle softly. “Fair.”

He leans against the railing beside you, hands in his jacket pockets. For a moment, neither of you speaks. It’s the kind of silence you’ve grown to love with Steve—the kind that doesn’t demand to be filled. He lets you take your time, his presence a quiet reassurance that he’s here if you need him.

Eventually, you break the silence. “So…you know how I went out today?”

Steve nods, glancing at you. “Yeah. You looked nice when you left. Natasha said the same thing.”

That brings a smile to your face. Natasha has an unspoken rule of only giving compliments when she means them, so it’s always a little extra special coming from her. “Thanks.”

Steve tilts his head, studying you. “You seemed excited. Everything go okay?”

You hesitate, gripping the thermos a little tighter. It’s not that you don’t trust Steve—he’s one of the people you trust most in the world—but saying it out loud feels…big. “I, uh…well, it was a date. My first date.”

Steve blinks, and for a split second, you see the surprise flicker across his face before he schools it into something softer. “A date?”

You nod, feeling your cheeks heat. “Yeah.”

There’s a pause, and you brace yourself for…you don’t even know what. Judgment? A lecture? Instead, Steve’s expression softens even more, and he nods slowly. “That’s a big deal,” he says quietly. “How’d it go?”

You exhale, some of the tension leaving your shoulders. “It was good. Really good, actually. I mean, we just went for coffee, but…it felt nice. Like…easy, you know?”

Steve smiles, and it’s warm and genuine. “I’m glad to hear that. You deserve someone who makes things easy.”

The relief you feel is almost overwhelming. Steve’s reaction is so…Steve. Gentle and supportive, without a trace of condescension or overprotectiveness.

“Does your dad know yet?” he asks, though his tone is more curious than concerned.

You laugh nervously. “Not exactly. I was kind of hoping to ease into that conversation.”

Steve chuckles softly. “Fair enough. Let me know if you need backup.”

“Thanks,” you say, and you mean it.

The sliding door opens again, and this time it’s Natasha who steps out. She’s wrapped in a sleek black coat, her red hair glowing faintly under the tower’s lights. Her sharp green eyes land on you and Steve, and she raises an eyebrow. “What’s going on out here? Secret balcony club?”

“Just keeping the kid company,” Steve says, his tone light.

Natasha approaches, her boots clicking softly against the floor. She leans on the railing beside you, her gaze flicking between you and Steve. “You look like you’ve got something on your mind,” she says, her voice gentle but probing.

You bite your lip, glancing at Steve for a moment before turning back to Natasha. “I, uh…I went on a date today.”

Her eyebrows lift slightly, and for a moment, you can’t read her expression. Then she smiles—small, but genuine. “First date?”

You nod, feeling your cheeks heat again. “Yeah.”

Natasha hums thoughtfully, crossing her arms. “So? Was it everything you hoped for?”

The way she asks it—casual, like she’s just asking about your favorite movie—makes you relax a little. “It was nice. Really nice, actually.”

Natasha smiles again, a little wider this time. “Good. I’m happy for you.”

The warmth in her voice takes you by surprise, and you can’t help but smile back. Natasha’s never been the overly sentimental type, but when she cares, it shows in the quietest, most genuine ways.

“Does your dad know?” she asks, echoing Steve’s earlier question.

“Not yet,” you admit. “I’m…working up to that.”

Natasha smirks, her green eyes glinting with amusement. “Oh, that’s going to be fun.”

“Nat,” Steve says warningly, though there’s a hint of a smile on his face.

“What?” Natasha says innocently. “I’m just saying. Tony’s not exactly known for his…calm reactions.”

You groan, burying your face in your hands. “You’re not helping.”

Natasha laughs softly, and even Steve chuckles. Despite the teasing, their support makes you feel a little braver. You know they’ll have your back, no matter how your dad reacts.

And speaking of your dad…

The sliding door opens one more time, and Tony steps out, wearing one of his signature Black Sabbath T-shirts and a pair of sweatpants. He’s holding a tablet in one hand, his expression distracted as he glances at the screen.

“Okay, why is everyone hanging out on the balcony? Did I miss a memo?” he asks, looking up.

Your heart leaps into your throat. Steve and Natasha both glance at you, silently asking if you want them to step in. You shake your head subtly. You can handle this. You think.

“Hey, Dad,” you say, trying to keep your voice casual. “Can we…talk for a sec?”

Tony’s eyes narrow slightly, his attention now fully on you. He tucks the tablet under his arm and takes a step closer. “You okay, kid? You’re not in trouble, are you?”

“No, no trouble,” you say quickly. “I just…wanted to tell you something.”

Tony raises an eyebrow, his expression wary. “Okay…”

You take a deep breath, gripping the thermos tightly. “I went on a date today.”

The words hang in the air for a moment, and you watch as Tony’s expression shifts. First, there’s surprise. Then something that looks suspiciously like panic. Finally, he settles on an exaggerated look of calm that you don’t buy for a second.

“A date,” he says slowly. “Like…a real date? With another human being?”

You nod, biting back a smile. “Yes, Dad. With another human being.”

Tony blinks, his mouth opening and closing a few times as he processes this. “Okay. Uh. Wow. That’s…wow.”

“Smooth,” Natasha mutters under her breath, earning a sharp look from Tony.

“Hey, this is new territory for me, okay?” he says, throwing his hands up. Then he looks back at you, his expression softening. “So…was it, uh, a good date?”

You nod, your smile growing. “Yeah. It was really good.”

Tony’s shoulders relax just a little, and he exhales deeply. “Well…okay then. I mean, I’m not thrilled about the idea of anyone dating my kid, but…if it makes you happy, I guess I can live with it.”

“Thanks, Dad,” you say, your chest warming at his reluctant acceptance.

Tony points a finger at you, his expression suddenly serious. “But if they hurt you—”

“I know, I know,” you interrupt, rolling your eyes. “They’ll have to answer to Iron Man.”

“Damn right,” Tony mutters, crossing his arms.

Steve chuckles softly, and even Natasha smirks. The moment feels lighter now, the tension dissolving into something warmer. You’re grateful for all of them—for the way they care about you, even if they show it in different ways.

It starts off innocently enough—your dad, Steve, and Natasha notice you slipping out of the tower more frequently, a spring in your step that wasn’t there before. At first, it’s just occasional comments from Tony about how you’re never around for movie nights anymore. “What, did I miss the part where you developed an actual social life?” he teases one evening as you grab your jacket.

You laugh, tossing him a mock glare. “I can’t stay cooped up in here all the time, Dad.”

Steve, who’s nursing a mug of tea on the couch, raises an eyebrow. “Going out again?”

“Yep,” you say, popping the “p” as you wrap a scarf around your neck. “Just meeting Neil for coffee.”

Steve doesn’t say anything, but the corner of his mouth twitches in a small, approving smile. Natasha, who’s sprawled out on the other end of the couch, smirks as she flips through a magazine. “Careful, Rogers. If you keep smiling like that, you might give her the impression you approve.”

Steve chuckles softly. “Nothing wrong with coffee,” he says, shooting you a glance. “Just don’t forget you’ve got a curfew.”

“Got it, Captain,” you say with a mock salute, before waving goodbye to all three of them.

The dates with Neil are simple but sweet. He’s the kind of guy who knows how to make you laugh with ease, and there’s an earnestness about him that feels refreshing. He takes you to hole-in-the-wall coffee shops and quiet parks, and once, on a particularly crisp Saturday afternoon, he surprises you with tickets to a small indie concert. You spend the evening swaying to the music, his hand warm in yours, and it feels like something out of a movie.

At first, everything about him feels easy. He listens when you talk about your hobbies, laughs at your corny jokes, and doesn’t seem fazed at all by the fact that your dad is Iron Man. “Honestly,” he says on your third date, over a shared plate of fries, “I think it’s cool. But, like…you’re way cooler than him.”

The compliment makes your cheeks flush, and you try to wave it off. “You haven’t seen him in action.”

Neil just grins. “I don’t need to. I’ve seen you.”

The day you officially start dating, you decide it’s time to tell your family. You’ve been tiptoeing around the subject for weeks now, but after Neil asks you to be his girlfriend (under a canopy of string lights at a rooftop café, no less), you know you can’t put it off any longer.

That evening, after dinner, you gather your dad, Steve, and Natasha in the living room. Tony is halfway through a snarky comment about how dramatic this all feels when you blurt out, “Neil and I are officially dating.”

The room goes quiet for a moment as the words sink in. Then:

“Oh, boy,” Tony says, sinking back into the couch like he’s just been hit by a freight train.

Steve smiles gently. “Congratulations,” he says, his tone warm and sincere. “That’s a big step.”

Natasha leans forward, resting her chin on her hand. “Took him long enough to ask, huh?”

You laugh, relieved by their reactions. Tony, however, isn’t quite done processing. “Officially dating,” he mutters, rubbing a hand down his face. “Like…holding hands and calling each other ‘babe’ and all that?”

“Dad,” you groan, but Natasha snickers.

Tony looks at you, his expression softening despite his obvious discomfort. “As long as he treats you right, kid. That’s all I care about.”

“Thanks, Dad,” you say, your chest warming.

The first few weeks of the relationship are, for the most part, smooth sailing. Neil is attentive, sweet, and always quick to text you good morning or tell you how much he misses you when you’re apart. You’re still figuring out how to navigate the dynamics of dating, but it’s new and exciting, and you’re grateful to have someone who seems so genuinely into you.

Your family adjusts to the new normal, though Tony is predictably overbearing at times. He insists on knowing where you’re going and when you’ll be back, and he may or may not have threatened to run a background check on Neil. (“It’s just a precaution,” he says when you confront him about it. “You can never be too careful.”)

Steve and Natasha are more laid-back, though you catch Steve watching you with a subtle but protective glint in his eye whenever you mention Neil. Natasha, on the other hand, seems to find the whole thing endlessly amusing. “You’re growing up so fast,” she teases one day, ruffling your hair like you’re ten years old.

But then, slowly—so slowly you almost don’t notice—it starts to change.

It’s subtle at first. Neil’s texts become more frequent, and he starts asking more questions about your plans. “Who are you with?” he’ll ask when you mention hanging out with your dad or the others. “How long will you be gone?”

At first, you chalk it up to him being curious. After all, he’s never been shy about asking questions about your life. But then, one evening, you’re at dinner with your dad, Steve, and Natasha when your phone buzzes with a text from Neil. You glance at the screen, intending to answer later, but the next text comes almost immediately.

Neil: Why aren’t you answering? Neil: Are you mad at me? Neil: Hello???

“Everything okay?” Natasha asks, noticing the frown on your face.

“Yeah,” you say quickly, putting your phone down. “Just Neil.”

She raises an eyebrow but doesn’t press. You’re grateful for that.

When you finally call Neil later that night, he sounds almost frantic. “I thought you were ignoring me,” he says, his tone clipped.

“I was at dinner with my family,” you explain, trying to keep your voice calm. “I wasn’t ignoring you.”

There’s a pause before he sighs. “Okay. Sorry. I just…I guess I got in my head.”

You brush it off as a one-time thing. Everyone has off days, right?

But it doesn’t stop there. Neil starts showing up unannounced, calling you at odd hours, and getting annoyed when you don’t respond to his texts right away. Once, when you mention going to a movie with Natasha, he frowns and says, “Do you really have to hang out with her all the time?”

You laugh, thinking he’s joking, but his expression doesn’t change.

“She’s like my older sister,” you say, confused. “Of course I’m going to hang out with her.”

Neil doesn’t argue, but his mood stays sour for the rest of the evening.

The subtle possessiveness becomes harder to ignore, but you don’t tell anyone. Part of you worries they’ll overreact, especially your dad, and you don’t want to blow things out of proportion. Besides, Neil’s still sweet most of the time, and when you’re with him, it’s easy to convince yourself that the bad moments aren’t that bad.

Neil’s anger starts small, creeping into your relationship in ways you don’t immediately recognize. At first, it’s just a comment here and there, usually disguised as a joke.

“You’re always hanging out with Steve,” he says one afternoon over the phone. “You’re closer to him than me sometimes. Should I be jealous?”

You laugh nervously, brushing it off. “Neil, come on. Steve’s like another dad to me. You know that.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know,” he says quickly, but there’s a sharp edge to his tone that makes your stomach twist. “It’s just weird, don’t you think? How much time you spend with him?”

The words linger in your mind long after the conversation ends. You tell yourself he’s just being insecure—maybe he doesn’t fully understand the dynamic you have with Steve. You don’t bring it up again, and for a while, things seem to go back to normal.

But the comments don’t stop. They build, slowly, like a storm gathering on the horizon.

One evening, after a particularly long day at school, you come home to find Steve in the kitchen, rolling out dough for one of his homemade pies. The scent of cinnamon and apples fills the air, and you instantly feel lighter.

“Rough day?” he asks, glancing up as you drop your bag by the counter.

“Kind of,” you admit, sliding onto a stool. “But it’s better now. What are you making?”

“Apple pie,” he says, smiling. “Want to help?”

You spend the next hour laughing and chatting as you help Steve prepare the pie. He tells you stories from his pre-serum days, and you tease him about his old-fashioned tastes. By the time the pie is in the oven, you feel lighter than you have all day.

Later that evening, when you’re curled up in your room with a slice of pie, Neil calls. You answer with a smile, happy to hear his voice, but the conversation takes a turn almost immediately.

“So, what’d you do after school?” he asks casually.

“Not much,” you say. “I hung out with Steve for a bit. We baked a pie together.”

There’s a long pause on the other end of the line. When Neil speaks again, his voice is tight. “You didn’t mention you were going to hang out with him.”

You blink, caught off guard. “I didn’t think I needed to? It was just a spur-of-the-moment thing.”

“Yeah, but…” He exhales sharply, and you can almost hear the irritation in his breath. “Don’t you think it’s kind of weird? How much time you spend with him?”

You frown, gripping the phone tighter. “What’s weird about it? He’s like family, Neil.”

“I know, but he’s not really your family,” Neil snaps. “It’s just…I don’t get why you’d rather hang out with him than me.”

“That’s not what this is about,” you say, your voice rising defensively. “I see you at school and on the weekends. Steve’s been part of my life for years.”

“Yeah, well, maybe I want to be the one you turn to,” Neil says, his voice cold. “Not some guy who’s old enough to be your grandpa.”

The comment stings, and for a moment, you don’t know what to say. When Neil finally sighs and mutters an apology, you force yourself to let it go. But the conversation leaves a bad taste in your mouth, one you can’t quite shake.

The pattern repeats itself in the weeks that follow. Every time you mention Steve—whether it’s grabbing coffee with him after school or sparring with him in the gym—Neil’s mood shifts. His comments become sharper, his jealousy more pronounced.

“Does he really need to spend that much time with you?” Neil says one day, his tone accusatory. “I mean, you’re not a kid anymore.”

“It’s not like that,” you insist, your frustration growing. “Steve’s just…he’s always been there for me. I don’t know why you’re making this such a big deal.”

“Because it is a big deal!” Neil snaps. “I’m your boyfriend, Y/N. I should be the one you go to for everything.”

You fall silent, the weight of his words pressing down on you. Part of you wants to argue, to tell him he’s being unreasonable, but another part of you—one that’s growing louder—worries that maybe he’s right. Maybe you’re spending too much time with Steve. Maybe Neil has a reason to feel this way.

Gradually, you start to pull away from Steve. It’s not a conscious decision at first—it’s small things, like skipping your usual coffee runs or cutting your gym sessions short. But the distance grows, and you can see the confusion in Steve’s eyes every time you make an excuse to leave.

“Everything okay?” he asks one day, after you abruptly cancel your plans to watch a movie together.

“Yeah, everything’s fine,” you say, forcing a smile. “I’ve just got a lot on my plate right now.”

Steve doesn’t look convinced, but he doesn’t push. He never does.

Neil, on the other hand, seems pleased with the shift. He doesn’t say it outright, but you can tell by the way his mood improves whenever you don’t mention Steve. The praise he gives you feels like a reward, a validation that you’re doing something right.

“You’ve been so much more present lately,” Neil says one afternoon as you sit together at the park. “It feels good, you know? Like we’re finally putting us first.”

You smile weakly, but his words leave a sour feeling in your chest. You don’t tell him how much you miss Steve, or how guilty you feel for pulling away from him. Instead, you push the feelings aside, convincing yourself that this is what a healthy relationship looks like—making sacrifices for each other.

But as the weeks turn into months, Neil’s behavior grows more erratic. His jealousy isn’t just limited to Steve anymore. He starts questioning every aspect of your life—who you’re with, what you’re doing, why you didn’t answer his call immediately.

“Why didn’t you text me back right away?” he demands one evening after school.

“I was in the middle of class,” you explain, your voice tight. “I couldn’t exactly pull out my phone.”

“Right,” Neil says bitterly. “Or maybe you just didn’t want to talk to me.”

The accusation stings, and for a moment, you feel a surge of anger. “That’s not fair, Neil,” you say, your voice trembling. “You know I care about you.”

“Then prove it,” he says, his voice low. “Stop making me feel like I’m second place.”

The relationship starts to weigh on you in ways you don’t fully understand. You’re tired all the time, your mind constantly racing with ways to keep Neil happy. You don’t laugh as much anymore, and the easy joy you used to feel around your family has been replaced with a gnawing sense of guilt.

One evening, as you sit on the balcony staring out at the city lights, Steve steps out to join you. He doesn’t say anything at first, just stands beside you, his presence a quiet comfort.

“You’ve been distant lately,” he says finally, his voice gentle. “Is everything okay?”

Your throat tightens, and you nod quickly. “Yeah. Just…busy, I guess.”

Steve doesn’t look convinced. “You know you can talk to me, right? About anything?”

The sincerity in his voice makes your chest ache, but you can’t bring yourself to tell him the truth. You’re too afraid of what he’ll say—of what he’ll do if he finds out how Neil’s been treating you. So you force a smile and say, “I know. Thanks, Steve.”

But as he walks back inside, you can’t help but feel like you’re losing something important—something you might never get back.

Neil’s anger becomes a regular feature of your relationship, simmering beneath the surface and boiling over at the most unexpected times. The restrictions on where and when you can see each other seem to fuel his frustration, and Tony’s firm refusal to let Neil visit the tower or for you to go to his house is an endless source of tension.

“Why won’t he let me come over?” Neil demands one day as you sit together under a tree on the school lawn. His voice is sharp, his fingers digging into the grass. “What’s his problem?”

You sigh, knowing the conversation is heading somewhere dangerous. “It’s not about you, Neil. My dad just…he’s overprotective. He doesn’t think it’s the right time.”

Neil scoffs, his expression twisting with disbelief. “Not the right time? It’s been four months, Y/N. What does he think I’m gonna do? Rob the place?”

“No, it’s not like that,” you say quickly, feeling a familiar anxiety creep into your chest. “He’s like that with everyone. He even monitors my other friends sometimes.”

“Yeah, well, it’s different with me, isn’t it?” Neil snaps. “He doesn’t want me around. I can feel it.”

You try to reassure him, but his words plant a seed of doubt in your mind. Maybe Neil has a point. Maybe Tony is being unreasonable.

Later that evening, as you sit across from your dad at the dinner table, you gather your courage. Natasha and Steve aren’t there—they’re on a mission—so it’s just the two of you. The timing feels perfect.

“Dad,” you start hesitantly, fiddling with your fork. “Can we talk about something?”

Tony looks up from his plate, raising an eyebrow. “Sure. What’s up, kid?”

“It’s about Neil,” you say carefully. “I was thinking…maybe it’s time you let him come over. Just once. I mean, it’s been a few months, and he really wants to meet you properly.”

Tony sets his fork down, his expression unreadable. “Y/N, we’ve talked about this.”

“I know, but—”

“No,” he says firmly, cutting you off. “I’m not budging on this. You’re seventeen. It’s too soon for him to be coming over here, and honestly, I don’t like the idea of you going to his house either.”

Your chest tightens with frustration. “Why not? You don’t even know him! He’s not some random guy off the street—he’s my boyfriend.”

“And that’s exactly why I’m being careful,” Tony says, his tone calm but resolute. “It’s my job to protect you.”

“I don’t need protecting!” you snap, your voice louder than you intended. “You’re being unfair. Other people my age don’t have these kinds of rules. Why do you have to make everything so hard?”

Tony blinks, clearly taken aback by your outburst. “Y/N, I’m not trying to make things hard for you. I’m trying to make sure you’re safe.”

“I don’t need you to control every aspect of my life,” you say, tears pricking at your eyes. “I just want to feel normal for once.”

Tony exhales, rubbing a hand over his face. “I’m sorry, kid, but my answer’s still no. This isn’t up for debate.”

The fight ends with you storming off to your room, slamming the door behind you. You bury your face in your pillow, your chest heaving with anger and frustration.

When you tell Neil about the argument the next day, he’s less sympathetic than you expect.

“See?” he says bitterly. “I told you he doesn’t want me around. He’s doing everything he can to keep us apart.”

“That’s not true,” you say, though your voice lacks conviction. “He’s just…he’s overprotective. It’s who he is.”

Neil shakes his head, his jaw tight. “No, Y/N. This isn’t normal. He’s controlling you, and you’re letting him.”

The words hit you like a slap, and for a moment, you don’t know how to respond. Neil’s expression softens slightly, and he reaches for your hand.

“Look,” he says, his voice quieter now. “I just want us to be able to spend time together without all these rules. Is that so much to ask?”

“No,” you whisper, guilt twisting in your stomach. “It’s not.”

A few days later, Neil brings up an idea that makes your heart race.

“I’ve been thinking,” he says as the two of you sit in the back corner of the school library. “What if we just…do it anyway?”

“Do what?” you ask, confused.

“What your dad doesn’t want,” Neil says, leaning closer. “You tell him we’re going to the park or something, but instead, you come to my house. Just for a little while. He’ll never know.”

Your stomach churns at the suggestion. “I don’t know, Neil. Lying to my dad…”

“Come on, Y/N,” Neil says, his tone insistent. “We’re not kids. We shouldn’t have to sneak around just to see each other. Besides, it’s not like we’re doing anything wrong. It’s just one afternoon.”

You hesitate, the weight of his words pressing down on you. Neil’s frustration is palpable, and you can feel your resolve weakening.

“Okay,” you say finally, your voice barely above a whisper. “Just this once.”

The day of the lie arrives, and you tell Tony you’re going to the park for a date. He doesn’t question it—by now, you’ve been dating Neil for four months, and these outings have become routine. You feel a pang of guilt as you walk out the door, but you shove it down, convincing yourself it’s no big deal.

Neil picks you up a few blocks away, a triumphant grin on his face. “See? That wasn’t so hard.”

You force a smile, but the guilt gnaws at you as he drives to his house. It’s small and a little run-down, but Neil doesn’t seem to notice—or care. He leads you inside, his hand gripping yours tightly.

“Welcome to my kingdom,” he says with a chuckle, gesturing to the cramped living room.

You laugh weakly, your nerves making it hard to fully relax. As the afternoon goes on, Neil seems in his element, showing you around and talking about his favorite memories from growing up in the house. But something about the situation feels off—like you’re walking a tightrope, one wrong move away from disaster.

When you return to the tower later that evening, Tony is waiting for you in the living room. The sight of him makes your stomach drop, and you can tell immediately that something is wrong.

“Hey, kiddo,” he says, his tone casual but his eyes sharp. “How was the park?”

“It was fine,” you say quickly, your voice higher than usual. “We just walked around for a bit.”

Tony’s gaze narrows, and you know he doesn’t believe you. “Funny. Because FRIDAY said your tracker was nowhere near the park.”

Your heart stops. You’d completely forgotten about the tracker Tony insisted on installing in your phone for safety reasons.

“Care to explain?” he asks, his voice calm but dangerous.

You stumble over your words, trying to come up with an excuse, but it’s no use. Tony’s expression hardens as he pieces everything together.

“You lied to me,” he says, his voice quieter now. “You went to his house, didn’t you?”

Tears fill your eyes as you nod, unable to meet his gaze. “I’m sorry, Dad. I just…I didn’t know what else to do. Neil said—”

“Neil said?” Tony interrupts, his voice rising. “You let some teenage boy manipulate you into going behind my back? Do you have any idea how dangerous that was?”

“I didn’t mean to—”

“Y/N,” Tony says, cutting you off. “I told you no for a reason. Do you think I enjoy being the bad guy? I’m trying to protect you, and this is how you repay me?”

The guilt crashes over you like a tidal wave, and you can’t stop the tears from spilling over. “I’m sorry,” you whisper again, but the words feel hollow.

Tony sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Go to your room. We’ll talk about this tomorrow.”

You don’t argue. You don’t have the energy to. As you retreat to your room, the weight of everything—Neil’s anger, your dad’s disappointment, your own shame—presses down on you, leaving you feeling more alone than ever.

The door to your room feels like a barrier, heavy and suffocating as you lean against it, tears spilling down your cheeks. The fight with your dad replays in your head on an endless loop, his disappointment cutting deeper than any argument you’ve ever had with him before. You don’t know how to fix it—not when you’re still grappling with your own guilt and confusion. The memory of Neil’s behavior at his house earlier in the day keeps creeping in, too, making the ache in your chest even worse.

You curl up on your bed, clutching a pillow tightly as sobs wrack your body. You feel so alone—isolated from the people who love you, from the person you used to be. The past few months with Neil have drained you in ways you hadn’t even realized until now.

Meanwhile, Tony paces the living room, running a hand through his hair for the tenth time. His face is a storm cloud of emotions—anger, frustration, fear. He thought he was protecting you, but now it’s clear that something deeper is going on. Something he didn’t see.

When Natasha and Steve arrive back from their mission and walk through the door, Tony barely waits for them to set their bags down.

“Nat, Steve,” he calls, his voice sharp and urgent. “We’ve got a problem.”

Natasha exchanges a glance with Steve before they both step into the living room. “What’s going on?” she asks, her tone immediately serious.

Tony exhales sharply, running both hands through his hair now. “It’s Y/N. She lied to me today—said she was going to the park with Neil, but FRIDAY tracked her to his house. She’s never lied to me like that before.”

Steve frowns, his brow furrowing with concern. “She went to his house? Alone? Tony, that doesn’t sound like her.”

“I know,” Tony snaps, his frustration spilling over. “That’s what worries me. Something’s going on with this kid, and I don’t like it. I could tell she was upset, but she wouldn’t tell me why.”

Natasha’s eyes narrow, her instincts kicking in. “Where is she now?”

“In her room,” Tony says, his voice softer now. “Crying.”

Without another word, Natasha heads toward your room, her expression unreadable. Steve looks at Tony, his concern deepening. “You think this Neil kid’s bad news?”

“I don’t just think it,” Tony says grimly. “I know it.”

Natasha knocks lightly on your door before opening it, finding you curled up on your bed, your face buried in your pillow. The sight makes her heart ache. She’s always had a soft spot for you, and seeing you like this—broken and vulnerable—ignites a protective fire inside her.

“Hey, kid,” she says gently, stepping into the room and closing the door behind her. “Can I sit?”

You sniffle and nod, not looking up. Natasha sits on the edge of the bed, her presence warm and steady. She doesn’t say anything at first, just rests a comforting hand on your back.

“What’s going on, Y/N?” she asks softly. “Talk to me.”

At first, you can’t bring yourself to speak. But Natasha’s patience, her quiet understanding, makes the words come pouring out in a flood of emotion.

“It’s Neil,” you whisper, your voice trembling. “He…he gets so mad all the time. Especially about Steve. He doesn’t like how close I am to him, and he says it’s weird. And every time I try to explain, he just—he makes me feel like it’s my fault.”

Natasha’s hand stills for a moment, her jaw tightening. “What else, Y/N?” she asks, her voice calm but firm. “There’s more, isn’t there?”

You hesitate, but the weight of everything you’ve been carrying is too much. “I…I stopped spending time with Steve because Neil got angry every time I mentioned him. He said I was putting Steve before him. And I believed him, Nat. I thought I was doing something wrong.”

Natasha’s chest tightens, but she doesn’t interrupt. She lets you keep going.

“And today…” Your voice falters, tears streaming down your cheeks again. “When I went to Neil’s house, he…he tried to get me to sleep with him. He kept saying it’s what couples do, that it’s normal and that if I really loved him, I’d do it.”

Natasha’s hand tightens into a fist, but she keeps her voice steady for your sake. “What happened then?”

“I told him no,” you say, your voice breaking. “I was firm, but he got so mad, Nat. He wouldn’t yell, but he…he just looked at me like I was worthless. Like I was letting him down. And then he told me to leave.”

Natasha’s heart breaks for you, but anger burns hot in her chest. “Y/N,” she says gently, her voice laced with determination. “This isn’t your fault. None of it. Do you understand me?”

You nod weakly, but Natasha can see the doubt lingering in your eyes. She squeezes your hand, her expression softening. “We need to tell Steve and your dad. They need to know what’s been going on.”

Your stomach twists at the thought. “Nat, I can’t. They’ll be so mad…”

“They won’t be mad at you,” Natasha says firmly. “They’re going to be mad at Neil. And trust me, they’ll want to make sure this never happens again.”

After a long moment, you nod, though the thought still fills you with dread. Natasha wraps an arm around you, holding you close. “It’s going to be okay, Y/N,” she says softly. “We’ve got you.”

When Natasha brings you into the living room, Tony and Steve immediately stop talking, their eyes snapping to you. Steve’s expression is filled with concern, while Tony looks like he’s barely holding it together.

“What’s going on?” Tony asks, his voice tight.

Natasha gestures for you to sit, and you sink into the couch, your hands trembling. Natasha takes a seat beside you, her hand resting on your shoulder as a quiet reassurance.

“Y/N has something to tell you,” she says gently.

You hesitate, your throat tightening with fear. But Natasha gives you an encouraging nod, and you take a shaky breath before speaking.

“It’s about Neil,” you say, your voice barely above a whisper. “He’s been…he’s been acting really controlling. He gets mad at me for spending time with Steve, and he says things that make me feel like I’m doing something wrong. And today, when I went to his house, he…”

You falter, tears streaming down your cheeks. Natasha squeezes your shoulder, and you force yourself to continue.

“He tried to convince me to sleep with him,” you say, your voice trembling. “And when I said no, he got mad and told me to leave.”

The room goes silent, the weight of your words sinking in. Tony’s face turns white, then red with anger, his hands clenching into fists. Steve’s expression hardens, his jaw tightening as he processes what you’ve just said.

“That little…” Tony starts, but his voice trails off, his anger too intense for words. He stands abruptly, pacing the room like a caged animal. “He tried to pressure you? He made you feel like that?”

Steve doesn’t say anything at first, but the look in his eyes is terrifying—cold and resolute. When he finally speaks, his voice is low and steady, but it’s laced with fury. “Where is he?”

“Steve,” Natasha says warningly, though her own anger is evident.

“No,” Steve says sharply. “This kid thinks he can treat her like this? That he can manipulate her and push her around? He doesn’t get to walk away from this.”

Tony stops pacing, his expression dark. “I’m with Steve on this one. I want to have a talk with this kid.”

“Guys,” Natasha interjects, her voice firm. “We need to focus on Y/N right now. She’s been through enough without us going full-on vigilante.”

But even Natasha can’t hide the anger simmering beneath her calm exterior. She turns to you, her voice softening. “Y/N, we’re not going to let him hurt you again. Do you understand? You’re safe here.”

You nod, though the intensity of the moment makes your heart race. Seeing your family so fiercely protective of you is overwhelming, but it also fills you with a sense of relief you didn’t realize you needed.

“We’ll handle this,” Tony says, his voice steel. “He’s not coming near you again. I’ll make sure of it.”

Steve nods, his expression unyielding. “If he even tries, he’ll regret it.”

For the first time in weeks, you feel a glimmer of hope. You’re not alone in this. You have a family—a real family—that will do whatever it takes to protect you. And in that moment, you know you’ll be okay.

You sit on the couch in the living room, staring at your hands as Natasha, Steve, and Tony sit across from you. The air feels heavy, but not suffocating—it’s filled with a strange mix of tension and support. They know what you’ve decided, but they’re here to make sure you’re prepared.

“Are you sure you want to do this?” Steve asks gently, leaning forward, his elbows on his knees. His voice is steady, but his concern is evident.

You nod, though your stomach twists with nerves. “Yeah,” you whisper. “I can’t keep doing this. It’s not healthy, and…it’s not who I am.”

“Good,” Natasha says, her voice firm but kind. “You’re doing the right thing, Y/N. But remember what we talked about—keep it public. Somewhere safe.”

You glance at her and give a small, grateful smile. She’s been your rock through all of this, offering advice, comfort, and a plan. “I was thinking the park. It’s open, and there’s always people around.”

Tony shifts in his seat, his jaw tight. “I still don’t like the idea of you being anywhere near him. But…I get it. You need to do this.”

Your eyes meet his, and you can see the turmoil in his expression. He looks like he’s holding himself together for your sake, but you know this has been eating him alive. You nod, hoping to reassure him, even if only a little.

The next afternoon, you sit on a bench in the park, the crisp air biting at your cheeks. Neil arrives five minutes late, his usual smirk plastered on his face. The sight of it makes your stomach churn. You know what you have to do, but that doesn’t make it any easier.

“Hey,” he says, leaning down to kiss your cheek. You flinch ever so slightly, and his eyes narrow. “What’s wrong?”

You take a deep breath, your fingers twisting nervously in your lap. “Neil, we need to talk.”

His smirk fades, replaced by a frown. “Talk about what?”

You glance around, your heart pounding in your chest. The park is busy, as you hoped it would be—families walking their dogs, joggers passing by, kids playing on the swings. You focus on that, drawing strength from the bustling normalcy around you.

“This isn’t working,” you say finally, your voice trembling but resolute. “I can’t do this anymore.”

Neil stares at you, his expression darkening. “What are you talking about? What do you mean you can’t do this?”

“I mean us,” you say, forcing yourself to meet his gaze. “I don’t feel safe with you, Neil. The way you’ve been treating me—it’s not okay. And I can’t let it keep happening.”

He laughs bitterly, shaking his head. “Oh, come on, Y/N. Don’t tell me you’re letting your dad and his little Avengers club put ideas in your head. They’ve always hated me.”

“This isn’t about them,” you snap, surprising even yourself with the strength in your voice. “This is about you and the way you’ve treated me. You’ve been controlling, manipulative, and—”

“Manipulative?” he interrupts, his voice rising. “You’re the one who lied to your dad to see me! And now you’re turning this on me?”

Your throat tightens, but you hold your ground. “I lied because you pressured me to. And that’s exactly why this is over. I can’t keep sacrificing myself to make you happy.”

Neil’s face hardens, and for a moment, you think he might yell. But instead, he scoffs, stepping back with a sneer. “Fine. If that’s how you want it, Y/N. But don’t come crying to me when you realize you’ve made a mistake.”

He turns and walks away without another word, leaving you sitting on the bench, your heart pounding and your hands trembling. You take a deep breath, trying to steady yourself. It’s done. You did it.

When you return to the tower, Natasha is the first to greet you. She doesn’t say anything, just pulls you into a hug, her arms warm and reassuring. You bury your face in her shoulder, finally letting the tears fall. They’re not tears of sadness, but of release—a weight lifting off your chest.

Steve joins you next, his hand resting gently on your shoulder. “Proud of you, kid,” he says softly, and the warmth in his voice makes you smile through your tears.

Tony stands a few feet away, watching you with an unreadable expression. He doesn’t rush over like the others, but you can see the tension in his posture, the way he clenches and unclenches his fists. When the others step back, he clears his throat.

“Good job, kid,” he says, his voice gruff. But there’s something in his eyes—something deeper, more complicated—that makes your chest tighten.

The weeks that follow are a process of healing. Slowly but surely, you begin spending time with Steve again, though it takes effort to shake off the guilt and fear that Neil planted in you. Steve is patient, never pushing too hard, always letting you set the pace. His kindness reminds you of what real love and support look like, and you cling to that as you rebuild your sense of self.

Tony, however, takes the fallout the hardest. He’s quieter than usual, throwing himself into his work even more than normal. You notice the way he watches you when he thinks you’re not looking—like he’s searching for signs that you’re okay but too afraid to ask.

One evening, you find him in his workshop, hunched over a piece of tech. You knock lightly on the glass door, and he glances up, surprised.

“Hey,” you say, stepping inside. “Got a minute?”

“Always,” he says, setting down his tools and leaning back in his chair. “What’s up?”

You hesitate, unsure how to start. “I just…I wanted to check in on you. You’ve been…distant.”

Tony raises an eyebrow. “Distant? Me? No way. I’m a ray of sunshine.”

“Dad,” you say softly, cutting through his sarcasm. “I know you’re blaming yourself. And I just…I don’t want you to.”

Tony sighs, running a hand through his hair. “It’s hard not to, kid. You’re my daughter. My job is to protect you, and I feel like I failed.”

“You didn’t fail,” you say firmly, stepping closer. “You’ve always protected me. You’ve always been there for me. But you can’t control everything, Dad. And what happened with Neil—it wasn’t your fault.”

He looks at you, his eyes filled with guilt and pain. “I should have seen it, Y/N. I should have known something was wrong.”

“I didn’t even know something was wrong,” you say gently. “Not at first. And when I did, I was too scared to say anything. That’s not on you. That’s on me.”

Tony shakes his head, his voice breaking. “You’re just a kid, Y/N. You shouldn’t have had to go through that.”

You reach out, placing a hand on his arm. “I’m okay now, Dad. Because of you. Because of Steve and Nat. You guys helped me find the strength to stand up for myself. And that means everything to me.”

Tony’s eyes shine with unshed tears as he pulls you into a tight hug. “I love you, kid,” he murmurs, his voice thick with emotion. “More than anything.”

“I love you too, Dad,” you whisper, clinging to him like a lifeline. In his arms, you feel safe—truly safe—for the first time in months. And you know, no matter what happens, your family will always have your back.

Spin Off

The park is quiet in the early evening, with the faint sounds of laughter and rustling leaves carried on the wind. Neil sits on a bench, scrolling through his phone with an air of smug indifference. He hasn’t noticed the three figures approaching him, their presence cutting through the serenity of the setting like a blade.

Natasha is the first to reach him. She moves with purpose, her expression cold and unreadable, her steps almost silent. Steve follows closely, his jaw tight and his fists clenched. Tony lingers behind, his hands shoved into his jacket pockets, but his face is a thunderstorm of barely contained rage.

Neil looks up just as Natasha reaches him, and his smirk falters when he meets her icy stare. “What the—”

Before he can finish his sentence, Natasha grabs the front of his shirt and yanks him to his feet with surprising strength. Her face is inches from his, her green eyes piercing. “We’re going to have a little chat,” she says coolly, her voice dripping with menace. “And by the end of it, you’re going to wish you never met Y/N.”

Neil’s mouth opens and closes like a fish out of water, but no words come out. He looks over Natasha’s shoulder, his eyes darting to Steve and Tony. Steve crosses his arms over his chest, his imposing frame casting a long shadow. Tony, meanwhile, takes a step forward, his lips curling into a dangerous smirk.

“Relax, junior,” Tony says, his tone mockingly casual. “We’re not here to hurt you. Much.”

Neil scoffs, regaining some of his bravado. “You can’t just—”

He doesn’t get to finish. Natasha shoves him back onto the bench, her movements quick and efficient. “Listen carefully, Neil,” she says, her voice sharp as a blade. “Y/N is family to us. And you? You crossed the line.”

Steve steps forward, his tone calm but firm. “You manipulated her. Controlled her. Hurt her. That ends now.”

“Or,” Tony adds, crouching down to Neil’s eye level, “we can make sure your life becomes very, very unpleasant. Your choice, Romeo.”

Neil’s smirk returns, though it’s more nervous than confident. “You can’t threaten me. I could call the cops, you know.”

Tony laughs, a dry, humorless sound. “Oh, please do. I’d love to explain to them how you pressured a seventeen-year-old girl into sneaking around behind her family’s back, tried to isolate her from the people who love her, and then threw a tantrum when she wouldn’t let you pressure her into something she didn’t want.”

Natasha leans in closer, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “Here’s the thing, Neil. You don’t scare us. But we? We terrify you.”

Neil’s face pales, and he looks to Steve for some kind of reprieve, but the super-soldier’s expression is unyielding. “You don’t come near her again,” Steve says, his voice as solid as steel. “Not at school. Not at the park. Not anywhere.”

“And don’t even think about calling or texting her,” Tony chimes in, standing to his full height and looming over Neil. “Because if you do, I’ll know. And believe me, you don’t want me showing up at your house.”

Neil swallows hard, his bravado crumbling. “I-I get it,” he stammers. “I won’t bother her.”

“That’s not good enough,” Natasha says, her tone icy. “Say it like you mean it.”

“I won’t bother her,” Neil repeats, his voice shaking. “I swear.”

Tony steps closer, his face mere inches from Neil’s. “Good. Because if you so much as breathe in her direction again, I’ll make it my personal mission to ruin your life. And trust me, kid—I’m very good at what I do.”

Natasha lets go of Neil’s shirt, and he collapses back onto the bench, visibly shaken. She straightens her jacket, her gaze never leaving him. “Consider this your one and only warning.”

The three of them turn and walk away, leaving Neil frozen in place, his phone forgotten on the bench beside him. As they leave the park, Tony looks at Natasha and Steve, his expression still simmering with anger.

“I swear,” he mutters, “if he so much as thinks about Y/N again—”

“We’ll handle it,” Natasha says calmly, though her voice is laced with the same fury. “He knows better now.”

Steve nods, his jaw still tight. “She’s safe. That’s what matters.”

Tony exhales sharply, his hands still clenched into fists. “Damn right she is.” And with that, they leave Neil to stew in his fear, knowing full well he won’t dare cross their family again.

[citadelofmythoughts]

Think what strikes me most about the conversation between Taiyang and Yang in V4 is just how much he's simultaneously shown to be someone who does understand and is able to understand certain aspects of a problem, but is also constantly held back by his own inability to properly address his own biases, and how it affects the way he approaches conflict.

Like his point about finding other ways around a tough problem, which doesn't sound bad on paper, but it's also interesting how it's reflective of the way HE approaches his problems:

Namely, by not really dealing with them at all, and trying to go around them. Especially in regards to Raven and Summer. Rather than properly confronting his complicated history and difficulties with the former, he basically just avoids the subject entirely even when it means actively ensuring that the issue is never resolved and festers until it comes back when he doesn't want it to, or pushes him against the wall until he has no choice but to face the issue, IF he even chooses to do so.

And his interactions with Yang, treating her issues with her Semblance as if it's a tantrum, is also quite demeaning, since that really isn't the issue at all. Rather, it's that she has severely repressed anger and resentment that he and the adults failed to address, and she has to basically vent it out either via her Semblance and fights as the closest thing to a constructive coping mechanism she has, or by pretending everything is okay. She's shown pretty consistently to be a smart fighter, so that was never really the actual problem; it's that people around her depend on her, while very much overlooking how much she's having to bear a burden she shouldn't have had to bear in the first place.

I'm sure I might get some pushback on this but Tai projects, Tai projects A LOT.

And yeah, Yang's biggest problem is her trauma and it's only gotten better because of her friends and Blake but I'd say she's far from healed. The adults in her life and Ruby's failed them.

And before someone comes at me, that's also a theme of the show. How the previous generations have failed and the current one has to pick up the pieces.

[zapreportsblog]

Hiii, so, I don't know if you like the movies/series, if you don't, that's ok. I was thinking about a female reader who's living with Hannibal (don't really care if it's the TV or the movie one) and they're in a relationship, but she never tasted the human flash because she's vegan, buttttttt he started to tell her "it's not the same, humans are the ones hurting animals, mistreating the world, being cruel to anything and everyone, even with other humans", being manipulative, and she decides that It may be true after seeing something bad happening with animals and she tries and feel some sort of revange and that's the only meat she'll ever eat. I got it if you think it's too much or too weird, I just have a thing with Hannibal (??? Weird, I know) but thanks either way ☺️

I had to pause from starting a request because the fact you said “weird ik” caught my attention, there is nothing weird about having a thing for Hannibal I repeat, THERE 👏🏾IS 👏🏾NOTHING 👏🏾WRONG 👏🏾WITH 👏🏾HAVING 👏🏾A 👏🏾THING 👏🏾FOR 👏🏾HANNIBAL 👏🏾

Now lemme get started one this

❝humans are no different from animals❞

✭ pairing : Hannibal lector x reader

✭ fandom : slashers x reader

✭ summary : (y/n) is Hannibal lectors vegan partner and she doesn’t necessarily minds his eating habits but when he brings some things to her attention she begins taking a different approach with her own eating habits

✭ authors note : wow my first hannibal lector story, to be a dick I added this to the vegan lifestyle tag that way if anyone goes there they can find my sick and twisted story :)

✭ slashers masterlist

Hannibal Lecter, renowned psychiatrist and connoisseur of fine cuisine, found himself in an unexpected relationship with (Y/N), a passionate vegan who had never tasted meat. Their connection was both intriguing and complex, as their differing perspectives on food and ethics often collided.

One evening, as they sat together in Hannibal's elegant dining room, surrounded by the opulence of his home, the topic of Hannibal's unique culinary preferences arose. (Y/N), driven by curiosity and a desire to understand Hannibal on a deeper level, mustered the courage to broach the subject. "Hannibal," she began, her voice filled with genuine interest, "I've always wondered why you choose to consume human flesh. It seems contradictory to your beliefs and values."

Hannibal's piercing gaze met (Y/N)'s, his eyes filled with a mix of intensity and understanding. He took a moment to collect his thoughts before responding. "(Y/N), my dear, I understand your concerns and the apparent contradiction that arises from my dietary choices," he replied, his voice smooth and measured. "But allow me to shed some light on my perspective."

He paused for a moment, his fingers delicately intertwining as he continued, "Humans, unlike animals, possess a unique capacity for cruelty and destruction. We are the ones who have caused immense suffering to the animal kingdom, exploiting and mistreating them for our own gain." Hannibal's words hung in the air,

He paused, allowing his words to sink in, before continuing. "Humans are the ones who have caused immense suffering to animals, mistreated the world, and shown cruelty to one another. By consuming those who have committed heinous acts, I am, in a way, purging the world of its darkness."

(Y/N) listened intently, her brows furrowing as she grappled with the complexity of Hannibal's explanation. She had always believed in the inherent goodness of humanity, despite its flaws.

“But Hannibal," she replied, her voice tinged with a mix of concern and disbelief, "isn't it a slippery slope? How can you be sure that you're not becoming the very thing you despise?" Hannibal leaned back in his chair, his expression contemplative.

“I understand your concern, (Y/N). It's a delicate balance, one that I constantly navigate. But by consuming those who have caused harm, I believe I am serving justice in my own way. I am not indiscriminate in my choices; I carefully select those who have shown no remorse for their actions." He paused, his gaze unwavering.

"In a world filled with darkness, I strive to bring balance. By removing the wicked, I hope to create a world where goodness can flourish."

(Y/N) sat in silence, her mind swirling with conflicting thoughts and emotions. She had always believed in the power of compassion and forgiveness, but Hannibal's perspective challenged her deeply held beliefs.

It was now another day, or night in this case. The moon hung high in the night sky as (Y/N) found herself standing in Hannibal's meticulously designed kitchen, surrounded by the intoxicating aroma of a carefully prepared meal. Her heart raced with a mix of trepidation and curiosity, for tonight, she had made a decision that would forever change her perception of the world.

Driven by a desire for justice and a newfound understanding of Hannibal's perspective, (Y/N) had decided to partake in a meal of cooked human flesh. It was a choice born out of a deep-seated anger and a need to reclaim power in a world that often seemed cruel and unjust on animals.

As she sat at the dining table, Hannibal gracefully moved around the room, his presence both comforting and enigmatic. He understood the weight of (Y/N)'s decision and knew that this moment would be pivotal in their relationship.

“(Y/N)," Hannibal began, his voice a soothing melody, "what you are about to experience is a journey of emotions. It is natural to feel a mix of revulsion, curiosity, and even a sense of empowerment. Allow yourself to embrace these emotions, for they are the essence of our shared humanity."

With each carefully plated dish, Hannibal guided (Y/N) through the intricacies of her meal. The first bite, tender and succulent, filled her mouth with a richness she had never experienced before. The flavors danced on her tongue, a symphony of tastes that both intrigued and unsettled her.

As (Y/N) took another bite, her mind began to wander, memories of the injustices she had witnessed flooding her thoughts. She recalled the images of animals suffering at the hands of humans, the pain and cruelty inflicted upon them.

In that moment, the revulsion she had initially felt transformed into a simmering anger, a desire for retribution. Hannibal, ever perceptive, sensed the shift in (Y/N)'s emotions. He approached her with a calm demeanor, his eyes filled with understanding.

"(Y/N), my dear, anger can be a powerful force for change," he said softly. "But it is important to channel that anger towards a purpose, to seek justice rather than revenge. Remember, we are not defined by the darkness within us, but by how we choose to navigate it."

His words resonated within (Y/N), a reminder that her actions were not driven solely by vengeance but by a desire to bring balance to a world plagued by cruelty. She took a deep breath, allowing her anger to subside, replaced by a newfound sense of purpose.

With each bite, (Y/N) experienced a kaleidoscope of emotions. There was a strange satisfaction in consuming the flesh of those who had caused harm, a twisted sense of justice that she couldn't deny. And yet, there was also a lingering unease, a reminder of the fine line she walked between righteousness and darkness.

As the meal drew to a close, (Y/N) found herself grappling with the complexity of her choices. She had tasted the forbidden, walked a path few dared to tread. And in doing so, she had come face to face with the shadows that dwelled within her own soul. Hannibal, ever the guide, reached out and gently took (Y/N)'s hand.

“Remember, my dear, that darkness and light exist within us all. It is our choices that define us, and the way we navigate the shadows that determine our true nature."

[blackjackkent]

OK, so, time to bring Gale to his face-off with his ex-girlfriend who happens to be god.

We last left off on this subplot with Rakha encouraging Gale in his interest in reforging the Crown of Karsus - her rationale being that a) every god she's heard about (including Mystra) mostly seems to have been in the business of being mean to herself and her friends, and b) if (as Gale indicated) this would put gods and mortals on the same level, perhaps Bhaal would lose his influence over her.

Bhaal has now lost his influence over her anyway, so item B is a little less relevant, but I think still has some weight, insofar as she definitely doesn't want him to regain it, or frankly for anyone else to have to go through that in her stead.

So we're still fully on the path to God!Gale (I think) at this point, but we shall see how things play out.

Narrator: There she stands, just as Elminster promised. Mystra - goddess of the Weave, mother of all magic.

The air inside the tabernacle tingles against Rakha's skin as she approaches the statue Gale stands beside.

"The old man wasn't lying," Gale murmurs as she comes within earshot. "She's opened a summoning channel. Can't you feel it?"

Narrator: Gale's right. The very air around the statue crackles with magic, as though the Weave itself were coursing beneath her stony skin.

It is, in a word, beautiful. Rakha isn't sure if everyone else around her can see it or not - but she can. The normal prismatic glint she sees over the skin of the world is far more powerful here, no mere flicker and texture but almost solid enough to reach out and touch. It sends warmth through her gut, and for a moment she closes her eyes, just letting the feeling of that intense, pure magic wash over her.

Even when Bhaal's blood still growled in the back of her mind, such a sight would have been incredible. Now, with her mind clear, it is transcendent.

This is who I am, she thinks abruptly, the idea coming completely unbidden, unlooked for. Beyond anything else, when the beast is gone, this is what remains - the magic. The beauty of it. The certainty of it.

She opens her eyes and finds that Gale, too, is eyeing the statue with muted wonder.

"A stream of pure, undiluted Weave," he murmurs. "I only have to reach out, and it will carry me to Mystra, wherever she may be."

He hesitates, then fidgets his weight from foot to foot. Wyll, seeing his nervousness, smiles slightly.

"Go on, my good man. You can't exactly deny a goddess, now can you?"

(A/N: Never mind that we literally just denied a god like two days ago. XD )

Gale laughs, a little sheepishly. "Time was I'd have given my right arm for a chance to speak with Mystra again. The left one too. Maybe a knee..."

Rakha tilts her head. "I don't think she's that kind of goddess," she says - a bit wry, but also cautious, because there has been no kindness in the way Mystra has treated Gale either. Or the way Shar has treated Shadowheart, or the way Vlaakith has treated Lae'zel, or even the way Helm has treated Wyll, offering him only silence in his years cast out of the city.

Gale seems to be thinking along the same lines. "Thankfully not," he says dryly, "though she's not been averse to demanding the odd human sacrifice in recent days, has she?" He sighs, absently rubbing his hands against the skirt of his robe. "When I pictured this moment, I thought I'd feel more in control," he adds bitterly. "Yet here I am, with palms sweatier than a bugbear's armpit."

He snorts. "I always wondered what being nervous would feel like. I hate it."

Rakha shakes her head slightly. She has no wisdom to offer in this regard. If she's honest, she feels very little awe or nerves at the idea of Mystra - only at the magic she controls. "Do you know what you're going to say to her?" she asks.

He huffs out a heavy breath, rattling his lips. "During my time locked away in Waterdeep, I prepared a quite comprehensive speech for her on the subject of our former relationship, and the manner in which it ended." He glances sideways at the statue. "Alas, recent events have rendered the majority of it moot, so I'm going to have to improvise. Unless you have any words of wisdom to impart before I go?"

Rakha blinks, puzzled. "You're not taking me with you?" she asks.

Gale gives a minute shake of his head. "The summoning channel Mystra has provided is for me alone. No one else is permitted to enter it, no matter how talented a user of the Weave they are."

Rakha frowns. She's surprised to realize the depth of her disappointment at this. Part of her, perhaps, had been eager to see Mystra's domain, which must surely be an even more concentrated and stunning connection with the Weave than the channel is - or even than the Astral Sea.

But she turns her head and examines it again and she can see now what he means. The magic is attuned to Gale specifically - to his body or to something deeper and more intrinsic. It follows his movements, dances with the rhythm of his breath. When she reaches out a hand towards it, it pushes back, as if she is trying to press her hand through a wall.

Damn, she thinks, irritated.

That irritation is still a wonder in itself, of course, with no beast in the back of her mind latching onto it, using it to fuel a hunger for blood. She can feel it and then it fades, without harming anyone.

She is not here for herself, anyway. She is here for Gale - and for them both to do what they can to limit the cruelty of the gods.

"Tell her the Crown will be ours soon enough,"(*) she says matter-of-factly.

Gale draws a breath, and his eyes narrow in determination. "With pleasure. It's not often one has the chance to threaten a goddess and make good on it. Mystra won't be the one issuing the orders for much longer. She'll know exactly who's coming for her."

He turns, reaching out a hand, and the Weave begins to swirl around him, drawing him in, swallowing him up. "This won't take long. And when I'm done, I'll be free of Mystra's yoke once and for all."

-----

(*) In-game line is "Make her squirm. Tell her the Crown will be ours soon enough," which didn't quite sound Rakha-ish.

[soulcluster]

some thoughts about Lucanis & Spite, with Veilguard + Tevinter Nights spoilers

I've been thinking lately about Lucanis and Spite and especially in comparison to Anders and Justice. I haven't seen all of his paths in the game yet, but a supported Lucanis is able to make peace with Spite and the two start to work together as one. They hardly face the same challenges as Anders and Justice did. I thought about this for awhile and I think partially it can be traced back to how the two men were trained.

Lucanis is obviously not a mage, but as a Crow he did undergo severe training. Tevinter Nights explains how his grandma beat him with her cane, that he can still feel the tingle of it on his back, and how she starved him for days when training him as a crow. he says in Veilgaurd that he resented her for it...but that he doesn't anymore.

To me, I think he just repressed all of his feelings on the matter out of survival. he could not escape the crows, he could not escape his family, but if he kept resenting how he had been raised then it wouldn't end well for him (this is my speculation/headcanon, I'm unsure yet if this is expanded on in some manner I haven't seen yet)

Spite was forced on him after a year of being locked away and tortured, and I think Lucanis only came out of that as well as he did because he'd already been subjected to something similar in his youth. And despite these circumstances, Spite and Lucanis don't seem to have the same dynamic/issues as Anders and Justice.

Pivoting to Anders, one of the Veilguard codexes talks about possession.

Anders isn't the first companion we've had with a spirit either. Wynne was possessed by a spirit of compassion and those two co-existed. Easier, I'm sure, since that emotion was much more benevolent, but I think it's also important to note that Wynne was older when it happened and much more confident in herself. Even when Anders accepted Justice, he was Justice and not Vengeance.

So to me one of the big key differences between Lucanis and Anders is that Anders received poor training from the Ferelden Circle, and though he grew to be proud of his magic and would fight for mage rights, he was still raised with that shame. That lack of foundational training made it easier for him to have a rift with Justice. However, if that was all, maybe things would've turned out OK. Probably the bigger factor to Anders was Kirkwall itself. It was a hotbed of blood magic, which weakened the Veil and made things unstable. Kirkwall was also pretty much a cursed location because of all the slaves and blood magic that had been there previously.

Lucanis has the benefit of both being a very disciplined man and also spending most of his time at the Lighthouse. It's said somewhere, probably one of the banters or convos around the place, that the Lighthouse protects them all from the worst of the Fade. It's a much more peaceful location compared to Kirkwall and Lucanis was not dealing with a very personal, long standing struggle for mage rights that would see him and those he loved dead if he didn't do something. They're in such vastly different circumstances with vastly different personalities and ways to approach their problems. Comparing them has been really interesting

When I write Lucanis I do plan to do a bit more with Spite, but right now I'm also still soaking up a lot of info. My first playthrough I saved Treviso and this time I plan to save Minrathous and I know Lucanis takes that hard so I'm eager to see how his personality shifts.

[auncyen]

I think part of why I like Oboro is because I think of some of the stuff in OT2 as like "depiction of mental illness on fantasy steroids".

In real life, most people who are depressed aren't going to hurt anyone else (the unfortunate possibility of themselves on the table). They might hurt their relationships with others, though, because part of depression is your brain being stuck on only the negative. Oboro gets to raise his adoptive sister and be friends with a kind prince? That's because he's working for the prince's father who, going by Ori's journal fragments, went a LONG time ignoring any strategies Oboro proposed to avoid bloodshed in war and went the bloody way regardless. This same man is ultimately responsible for both Oboro and Ori being orphans, and Oboro didn't exactly enter his service freely. This man acts like this because his bloodline is cursed, which Oboro knows very well the prince has a second, crueler personality because of the curse too, and seems convinced that means eventually the prince will turn out the same way as his father.

He doesn't, but you know, even master strategists can ignore possibilities because of cognitive distortions.

Like this is the same setting where a book convinces a guy who seemed to be decent if extremely hard on himself "you can't save everyone from illness" means "you have to kill everyone so they don't suffer". Same book convinces another person that living is pointless too. Oboro doesn't find anything particularly noteworthy about the book...because he's already realized "the truths it laid bare on my own"... but I think it's noteworthy that even he, by his own account, "played my role" of "dutiful subject" until the day the man (I assume Claude) approached him with the book. Basically: Oboro was depressed and traumatized enough that if the book did change his thinking in any way, it did not register. But while his letter is somewhat ambiguous about when exactly the plan started, the implication seems to be the planning started then, either because he now had an accomplice in the man and/or because the book did nudge his thinking, even if it didn't register to him. (Which again, depression: sometimes you don't realize you're getting worse until it's suddenly like "whoa. wait, at one point in my life I did have more hope, but it feels like I might as well have been a different person then".) We don't have an account of a "normal" person reading the book and staying normal afterward (Castti might have read the book, because the opportunity was there, but there isn't anything saying she did) so it's...hm. That book definitely isn't doing anyone's mental state favors, huh.

Basically take the humans of the OCTOPATH villains: Oboro, Tanzy, Ori, Petrichor, Trousseau, Harvey. Petrichor is essentially a noncharacter, we never interact with her directly and she has very little description even in the infodumping journal fragments. Harvey, well, kind of seems to just be envy to the point of extreme evil. But I'd argue Oboro, Tanzy, Ori, and Trousseau all had depression even before reading the Book of Night (and iirc it's not even certain if Ori actually read the book or not; she's in close enough proximity it seems likely she did at some point, but it's not described). There are definitely other human issues at play behind the troubles in OT2, such as, whatever the hell Harvey's deal is, and while Roque is excluded from the OCTOPATH acronym clique (which seems a bit arbitrary to me given how far on the periphery Tanzy and Trousseau are, but yeah, sure, he's not in the conspiracy), greed certainly isn't helping anyone, but so much of the human side of Vide being brought back seems to be despair and trauma and depression being put on fantasy steroids. And in that context everything Oboro does is still terrible and wrong. But like I get how he screwed up that badly. (And still. Poor Hikari. AU where Hikari read the book as well everyone has the worst time ever)

[hazbinextgeneration]

Housed Hearts Ch5 Protecting Investments

(Warning: A random REALTOR attempts to kidnap Rose. Art's by me.)

-THIS SPANS OVER A FEW WEEKS-

Rose did indeed call in later that night and casually ask if there was any REALTORS located in her neighborhood. She was surprised when the person answered no. That either meant that Mr. Maison Talo wasn't registered with their systems or whoever was researching this place was doing a bad job of doing it. Either way she decided not to out Maison just yet. If he himself hadn't made himself known to the Mayor's office then he probably had his reasons...Then again maybe no one else knows about him being a REALTOR here. She could potentially let innocent people get eaten or put them in possibly danger if she didn't at least leave a message. She needed more time to think about this or how to approach this subject which... Wasn't exactly easy. Anyone else would obviously point out that it would be better to tell someone and she'd be inclined to agree to that but...There was something holding her back. Perhaps it was out of courtesy that he hadn't literally tried to pluck her off the street. True he tried to convince her to come inside for very obvious reasons but he hadn't done anything that made him an out right threat or danger to herself. And could Maison really be a threat if he only tried to eat people by convincing them to step inside his house? But what if eventually his hunger got to the point that he did do something extreme? All these questions were making her head spin. But eventually she had an idea. Why not ask for the opinion from a fellow REALTOR about it all?

"Gee, pal. That sure sounds like a problem you got there."

"No kidding. The problem is that he hasn't done anything..yet. But with the current REALTOR problem and him being hungry enough for me to literally hear his stomach growling ALL THE TIME I'm not too sure how long he's going to last. At this rate he'll either starve to death or snap from hunger." 

Currently she sat down on Heim's fleshy sofa and held her head in her hands after she made him finish digesting a giant box of food she brought over. Heim's lure laid dormant but his voice echoed throughout the area.

"If I told this to anyone else that would possibly put Maison in danger if he isn't already. That's why I wanted to ask your opinion. What do you think I should do?'

There was a long silence before eventually he spoke again. "Gee..Uh..I'm not sure. Never heard about anything like this happening before ta be honest."

Rose groaned facepalming. "The main problem is that he's hungry and obviously not eating enough. That's worrying me the most. His urge to eat might eventually take over his ability to think clearly. How do I fix that?"

"Well...I'm not sure about him but for me it's always been pretty simple. I'm not a really big house so it doesn't take a whole lot to keep me full, and you've been feeding me a lot of extra stuff so I don't really feel like human flesh. Y'know?"

She slowly nodded. "That's true..but you don't rely solely on me to feed you. You can get food yourself that isn't human flesh and you get a giant serving each month." She specifically remembered all the fast food containers that once littered Heim's lawn. "You're also not as high strung on your pride as he is, and like you said you're not addicted to the taste of human. I don't know so much about him."

"Well....The main problem is him being hungry right? Why don'tcha y'know just give him food too?"

"I don't know if me feeding him will make him let up on eating humans...but keeping him from starving himself would probably be better for everyone involved in the long run." She looked up with a sigh. 

"Then what are ya gonna do?"

"....I'm going to make a call to Ivy and then I'm going to go shopping."

The drive back from Heim's felt a lot more stressful than usual and the giant basket of freshly bought food sitting next to her felt heavier than normal. How was she supposed to break the news to someone that he was now within the Mayor's REALTOR systems? That phonecall to Ivy was difficult to get through. Even though Ivy assured her she'd done the right thing, Rose couldn't help but still feel guilty about it all. However there was no going back now. She only hoped Maison wouldn't be too made and forgive her eventually. Eventually she had arrived in front of the familiar home and got out. Now the real weight of the basket was known to her arms which felt noodly compared to the rock in her stomach. She stood there for the longest time before inhaling and steeling herself in order to gather the courage. And walked up to Maison's door. With a firm hand she reached out and knocked loudly on the door to make her presence clear to him. He had to be home. She didn't see any lure cord leading out from the door. She stood there for a long moment waiting before eventually the doorknob twisted and the door opened revealing the man inside.

Maison blinked down at her before smiling as expected. "Ah. If it isn't the buyer next door. I wonder what brings you this time. Have you changed your mind about coming to see my new decor?"

"I'm not going inside." She was blunt before taking a breath and relaxing herself as much as she could. "I came to talk to you about all the stomach growling I've been hearing."

He blinked. "Ah. A noise complaint. I do apologize if it's bothering you, but some things are out of my hands."

"I know...And I'm here to fix that." He looked confused until she forced the giant basket of food into his arms making him stare at it for a long moment before looking back at Rose in confusion. "I spoke with one of my bosses. She's from the Mayor's office." That got his attention real quick as his eyes snapped open widely. "I really didn't want to tell anyone!" Rose quickly held up her hands. "I promise you I didn't! But by this rate I was worried you'd starve or try to do something dangerous."

He continued to stare blankly at her before slowly looking back at the basket then back to her. "You...worried about me? Forgive me for being so blunt but there's really not a lot of people whom really are. I'm fact most humans wouldn't probably mind seeing me wasting away."

"Well I'd rather NOT see someone die of starvation. Just because you're not human that doesn't mean you don't have a right to eat. To LIVE." He again looked up surprised at her statement. "Look. Whether you like it or not you need food and you're not getting it by your own methods. You may not want my help or anyone else's but if it means you won't starve then I can live with that. Starting next month you'll be in the Mayor's program and start getting regular feedings. I'll be the one who's going to give them to you since I called it. But you can still be a REALTOR. By all means!" She threw her arms out. "Keep trying to get buyers! Do whatever you usually do! I won't stop you from trying to do what you've been doing for years! But what I won't do is sit by and watch you starve yourself for your pride...I am deeply sorry, Maison. Really I am. But I'll make it up to you. Until you can get your first feeding next month, I'll give you a few bags of food myself. It probably won't fill you all the way, but it'll certainly help with your hunger." She heaved out a heavy sigh before crossing her arms getting that all off her chest. "Now..What do you say about it?"

Maison couldn't speak. He just...stood there stunned continuing to stare at her for a long, long...LONG moment of silence. Before he eventually looked down at the basket he held. Maison hummed before he reached inside eventually. Rose watched curiously and silently as he shifted through it slowly as if inspecting everything. Once and a while he'd pull out a random cucumber or pineapple and held it up closer to his face narrowing his eyes before moving on. Eventually he stopped and stared at it again. Then without saying a word, he simply turned around and dumped the entire basket out onto the floor. A series of thuds and thumps rang out as they all scattered about but Rose blinked as fleshy red tentacles reached out to pull them further into the depths of Maison's body similar to Heim's fleshy limbs. Her eye widened before she smiled as he turned back around and held the basket out to her. 

"I will...accept the terms of this new arrangement, but only because you came to me and we're honest with me." He rose a brow at her happy expression. "Considering you hold up your end."

She nodded before taking the basket from him. "I will! Don't you worry! I'm more happy about the fact you're not going to die from starvation or something!" He blinked as she smiled wider. "Thank you so much for letting me help you, Maison."

He still stared at her before he cleared his throat and turned away feeling an unfamiliar warmth lighting up his whole body. "Well...If it means avoiding an untimely death, then I suppose I could look past any grievan-CES?!" He froze when something quickly threw their arms around him squeezing in the quickest of hugs before letting him go and backing away just as quickly.

"Then I'll bring you back more food tomorrow after I work! Is there anything specific you like?"

.... Maison slowly blinked realizing Rose had quickly hugged him and blinked again. "I...nothing specific comes to my mind. Perhaps a few..fish sandwiches. I don't believe I had them for a long while."

Rose nodded. "I'll definitely be getting them soon. You won't be disappointed I promise!"

He only hummed. "Well...I suppose we'll see."

Rose kept her promise. But he supposed he wasn't around whenever she stopped by because when he did return from finding some hopefully interested buyers near a train station, he found a large box waiting for him on his doorstep and inside again was a rather large assortment of random vegetables and strangely enough a random small paper bag. Upon further inspection he had found exactly two filet o'fish sandwiches just as she promised. They smelt like a few hours old. So it began. He'd return random times in the day to either food already waiting for him or Rose showing up with a bright smile to deliver it right to him. He was skeptical at first. Of course he was but...he couldn't deny this little arrangement was clearing up some hunger pains he's been feeling for a while. And then his first feeding came and...it wasn't...too bad he supposed.

But it was still a little embarrassing and degrading that the number one REALTOR was getting assistance from someone.

Seriously! He could've done this on his own!! ...But he supposed the benefits of having a clear head without having hunger nag at him was worth it all. He certainly was thankful for the newfound clarity. It made conducting business a lot easier! However he wasn't expecting to run into a peculiar sight while looking for potential buyers. He figured a newly constructed apartment building in town was the perfect place to scout out people looking for new places to live. And what better way to stir up a few new buyers than to advertise himself to people currently looking for a home? If he's lucky he'll at least get one of two buyers. However he wasn't expecting to run into a certain red haired woman while there. He saw Rose but she didn't see him.

She was a little busy pulling out what looked to be young flowering bushes from the back of that old pick up truck of hers and  handing them over to a man who took them from her and placed them on the small lot of land in front of the new apartment building. ...Oh. She must've been delivering some flowering bushes to be planted in front of the apartment complex. She had mentioned that she worked for a rather large greenhouse after all. She didn't notice him however as he stood across the road and up from her. Naturally she wouldn't notice him as she was working. Eventually she had the man (probably the landlord for the apartment complex) sign a form presumably for the delivery of said plants before turning away from him to close the back of her truck. Ah. Good. She'd be done soon and he could work in peace. ... However a figure caught his eye and it was one whom was quickly approaching her with a familiar looking tube like cord dragging behind them.

....He quickly decided to approach.

"Hello there!" Rose jumped and whirled around to stare at a random man just standing there smiling widely at her. "Such a lovely day for a drive! No doubt you've been scoping out the fancy new complex constructed right here in our beautiful city of work!"

She blinked at the new comer before smiling and waving him off. "Oh no. I'm not looking for anything. Besides I already have a house. But I'm sure you'll find someone interested eventually." She politely said before turning around.

Only she was flung back around and grabbed harshly by the arm which had her freezing in her tracks. "Ah. But I have a small business deal. Just. For." With each word he added emphasis. Gripped her harder. And tugged her farther towards him. Her eye widened. Pupil shrinking as he stood closer to her now. "You."

Rose stood there frozen as her breath picked up. And a hand clamped down on her shoulder. She squealed and snapped her head around to face the newcomer along with the stranger and both froze at a figure much taller than the both of them. A strained smile stretched across the face of a REALTOR.

"Pardon me." Rose never felt such relief seeing a scary figure looming over her. "But that happens to be my dear provider you're so roughly grabbing so rudely." A firm pull instantly removed her from the man's grip and against Maison's side whom leaned over to almost get in the man's face. "You'll excuse me if I protect a few of my investments."

The man stared at Maison wide eyed, then at Rose, then back to Maison.. Before frowning but calmly taking a few steps back and eventually turning to walk away entirely. She waited until he had completely disappeared into the crowd before sighing in relief and halfway leaning against him.

"Maison." He stood right back up and released his grip on her shoulder to return his usual position but remained frowning as she turned to look up at him. "Boy am I glad to see you. What are you doing here?" Her head then turned to where the man had disappeared off to. "And who was that?"

"THAT my dear provider happened to be the barbarian of my kind you've heard so much about. The ones who wished to swoop you up for none other than a cheap appetizer." A shudder of horror went through her. "As for me I was merely working and happened to pass by seeing a fine young lady being pushed around by a barbaric fiend. I couldn't pass by knowing that my dear provider was in danger."

Rose gave a sigh before looking back up to him with a smile. "Well I sure am lucky you were passing through. I think you just earnt yourself a couple more fish sandwiches." He chuckled at her smiling. "I'm serious. Who knew that handsome face of yous could be so scary.~" she half playfully half flirtatiously giving a playful push to his side 

He blinked at her motion before clearing his throat and turning his head away to hide the faint pink on his face. "Well...You ought to be more careful especially in these times. I wouldn't want my d-dear provider to be harmed."

"Did you just stutter?"

His smiling strained. "....The fear must've worried you silly."

Amused not she nodded. "Uh huh. Alright. Well thanks again but I think I should be getting back to work  before my bosses yell at me for being late."

"Ah. Perhaps you could give myself a call when you do. I would want to know if my provider was in need again."

"That might be a good idea but I don't have your number."

"Never fear. That is easily curable!" With that he quickly swiped his card from his pocket and held it out to her. "Here you are! Just be sure to write it down before the card disintegrates."

She rose a brow amused. "Well.. I've been asked for my number a few times but this is the first time a man's offered me his." Maison again paused as she plucked it from his with a playful smile. "We haven't even had a first date yet. Although I guess I have taken you out to dinner with how much I feed you.~"

"N-Now cut that out!"

Rose only giggled again at his flustered state.

[vickyvicarious]

Did he get his brain fever, and then write all those terrible things, or had he some cause for it all? I suppose I shall never know, for I dare not open the subject to him.... [...] And if it be wanted; then, perhaps, if I am ready, poor Jonathan may not be upset, for I can speak for him and never let him be troubled or worried with it at all. If ever Jonathan quite gets over the nervousness he may want to tell me of it all, and I can ask him questions and find out things, and see how I may comfort him.

Mina

(Confidence) [...] I must keep it private for the present from all. [...] I have read your letters to poor Lucy, and know how good you are and how your husband suffer; so I pray you, if it may be, enlighten him not, lest it may harm.

van Helsing

Both Mina and van Helsing emphasize secrecy and privacy on the 24th. And to a certain extent it seems like they both are doing the same thing for the same reasons. They both want to protect others by keeping them in the dark, the same thing that has been going on all this time.

But there is a difference. It's the same thing Mina said: "there may be a solemn duty..." She is keeping this secret from Jonathan at his request. He was clear about what he wanted from her: "Take it and keep it, read it if you will, but never let me know; unless, indeed, some solemn duty should come upon me to go back to the bitter hours, asleep or awake, sane or mad, recorded here.'" Mina's determination not to tell Jonathan, to speak for him and not trouble him, all of it is predicated on his request to her.

She promised not to open it herself "unless it were for his own dear sake or for the sake of some stern duty." And she kept that promise, refusing to open the journal until she became too worried about Jonathan panicking on the street and then losing time. This is the same thing. Mina is determined to keep this secret from Jonathan just as long as she isn't certain there is anything to do about it. But, while she herself doesn't buy in to the truth of it immediately, she is open to the possibility that everything within it is true. And based on that possibility, she takes action. She prepares herself for the next step, should that be needed. But even then, she refuses to come to him with this until she knows it is real and that a "solemn duty" does in fact impel him to know.

And then today, that's what happens. When Mina meets with van Helsing, she takes a gamble by opening up to him, and once he writes back to tell her than Jonathan's diary is all true, then she tells Jonathan the truth. We've seen her musing about whether knowing he is either sane or not would be better than the uncertainty, and that is surely a huge part of her reasoning; but I think it's also a consideration that if Jonathan's journal is true and van Helsing is the one to tell her that, then everything that implies about Lucy reveals Dracula to be a present and immediate threat. Action is necessary. This is that solemn duty.

In a way, van Helsing also waits to tell others until there is a "solemn duty" - in this case to deal with the 'bloofer lady.' But really, they have been actively involved in this fight for a while now, and he made the decision to exclude them for them. There was no such agreement as Mina had with Jonathan, although to be fair it would be hard to have done so with such different relationships/circumstances. He also doesn't ever take quite the same leap of faith as Mina does in sharing the journal with him. He's a bit more cautious about it, bringing in first Jack in a more gradual fashion, and then arranging for irrefutable evidence for Arthur and Quincey. At this point, that approach makes sense for him. And both he and Mina wait to inform the others until they've got one ally who also knows the truth and has given them more information (that being each other).