#but i have so many comics already i am not doing one for this T-T

[mari-lair]

local trap master suck at their job

[redcherrykook]

──𐙚 think i need someone older (s & f)

olderBoyfriend!Jungkook x inexperienced!reader

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content: some plot first, loss of virginity, age gap of 9 years (he´s 30), thigh humping, little dry humping too, cowgirl, he talks her through it, dom!jungkook, "sweet girl, baby, love", "gguk" lowkey insecure reader, praise, making out, breast play, clit play, creampie, unprotected, hickies on him, big c!ck Jungkook, small karaoke session, he´s whipped and wants to take care of her, short mention of alcohol (bc of that fucking bar he has omg), allusions to reader being short, she's very feminine

note from cherry: i tried to do justice to the people who wanted this, i hope you´re satisfied mwah! sooo sorry if it´s not giving lmao writing this was lowkey exhausting, also sorry for typos as always

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Jeon Jungkook is exactly like his preferred alcoholic beverage; whiskey. strong, rich, smooth, smells like oak and a hint of vanilla caramel. Much like your introduction to the drink, you met this man in a bar.

A real man- none of those barely twenty-year olds that paraded around in their sagged sweatpants and with a bright tap of unlimited unopened snapchats lighting up the dark corners of the bar. Jungkook is pure masculinity, a chest so full with security, so grounded in his abilities that it was practically impossible to ignore how his large, brown galaxy eyes focused on your face, zeroing in on your cupid´s bow while you licked the stinging remains of your moscow mule away- he paid for it, of course.

Once the enticing conversation that felt almost comically easy faded, you expected him to try and take you to his house- mansion, as he revealed in a sidetracked sentence. Although you were looking forward to seeing the small metal pearls below and over his eyebrow move as they crinkle in pleasure, the tight ropes of virginity had not yet been released in your 21 years of living. Shackles that keep you tied down- as promised out of your own, admittedly senseless morality, not to be opened by a stranger. The key to your cuffs belonged to a lover.

It was unforeseeable, nevertheless natural for him to droop his heavily tattooed arm around your waist while escorting you out of the establishment. The sleeve of his white button down folded up along his forearm for you to see the beauty of his skin, wondering just how many more of those carefully crafted works of art he´s hiding beneath the business casual attire.

Once engulfed in the harsh, bitter wind that itaewon possesses, his arm only drew you in closer, so near in fact, you were able to notice a small scar on his cheek, one you hadn´t been able to notice in the curse of a dimly lit place. The more your eyes adjusted to him, so grew your anger at the lighting inside your place of first meeting- it had done an injustice to the man you had already been disgustingly attracted to, stole the wholehearted, inescapable allure of such a mature presence.

The gentleman looks down into your awaiting eyes, only to ask if he may have your number, upon your agreement, he proceeded to tell you that he would be walking you home, wanting you to arrive safely since it must be dangerous for a woman to walk the streets of a party district at 2 am in the morning.

That encounter was four months ago, and only a month after that initial conversation, he had completely taken over you. Swallowed you whole in just how well he treated you.

Insistent of using his black card to buy you anything you remotely showed liking in, dedicated to communication, random flowers that showed up at your office and a constant offer of a ride in his luxurious black mercedes-benz GT63s; no matter how long it took- even if it was a inconvenience, sometimes taking longer to get to you than it would have taken you to simply retort to public transport.

"I told you i´d make it for you, didn´t I baby? hm?" his velvet smooth voice rings, from how he´s standing, with his body pressed against your back, towering over you, you could feel the hardened muscles of his torso meeting you. His large, slim hands reach to either side of your waist, to the glass filled with ice that you´re holding in between your own, gently removing them to resume the task that you were occupied with. Your eyes glance to the bulging of his bicep, that loose, casual tshirt did nothing to hide just how big he had gotten due to his newfound hobby.

you whine- almost, biting down on your lower lip to prevent just that from happening, "thank you gguk" you say, turning to peck the very muscle that´s invading your line of sight. He hums, a low, satisfied sound from the back of his throat.

"c´mere baby" patting one of his muscular thighs, his eyes drift to your figure walking towards him, iced tea in hand, just like he had made it for you. Sweet, light, refreshing, much like your presence in his life. Almost like a sign from the stars that his hearts content was somewhere, bundled in the form of a shorter girl with eyes that could entrance any sailor- far less siren like, no, wide with love and purity. Just what he had yearned for in any women he had met before you-whether tangled in meaningless sheets or involved in a month long, semi serious relationship, Jungkook was yet to cross paths with the one woman that would make him turn so desperate, he would have begged for their happiness on his knees. It might be romantic, even a tad dramatic to admit that from the very first word that left your pink glossed lips, he knew better than anyone else that he was in deep, deep trouble. Upon seeing the curve of your waist, hearing that soft, lulling voice, that embarrassingly obvious fact only intensified after finding out just how delightful you truly were, it made him want to rip his hair out- do anything in the possibility of his grip to see even a glimpse of your smile, of that lighthearted, cheerful giggle you let out regularly. He was drawn in my your feminine nature, by the way you let yourself fall into his caring embrace.

He´s quickly directed back to reality as soon as your legs make it to either side of the thigh he had patted earlier, a familiar position for this equally familiar occasion. Muscle memory sets in for him, grabbing the large karaoke remote to hand to you while he turns the microphone on. "Can you sing something to me first?" the question sets his bunny smile off, nodding instantly "Sure love, chose a song for me" he says. Your mind floods with ideas, but you settle for a song you´ve heard him hum millions of times, mindlessly going about.

"Malibu nights?", jungkook questions excitedly while the instrumental sets in, he knew the answer, but his heart swelled with joy at the notice you took to this song. After all, he loved to sing. Another layer to him that has you melting, growing into the embodiment of love that is endlessly cherishing what little fractions were revealed to your eyes in each fleeting moment. His honey voice reaches beautiful highs and lows you can only compare to something angelically otherworldly in nature.

It made you want to know just how deep he could growl, how far his sounds can drop with the dirty nothings you would love to have whispered in your ear. You felt filthy for letting your mind wander to such extends when all he did was sing, lulling you into drunken harmony with him. Still, you consciously lean back into his body, letting him wrap his arms around your waist, encircling it with his vanilla oak scent.

During the past four months, you were doomed to have to shatter his hopes, reveal the truth that somehow felt shameful ; that you´re fully untouched. Nothing further than a bad makeout had yet graced your skin, it made you feel even smaller admitting something so vulnerable to a man that carries almost an entire decade of experience more. Much to your comfort, his hands found the curve of your cheeks immediately, telling you that there is nothing to be embarrassed about, he would hand you the full control, you set the pace.

Internally, Jungkook drooled at the idea that the woman of his dreams was to have her first, the most memorable, sexual encounter with him. Your body belonged to him, devoted to only remember the touch of his lips, the curve of his cock, how he would mold you to his shape without the intrusion of another man having tried the same. Not that he would have wanted you any less if that had not been the case, but for one time in your relationship, he was oh so selfish to want you all to himself, aroused that your first person induced orgasm was going to be his and his alone. The prophecy fulfilled when on one, alcohol induced night a week ago, two of his long, tattooed digits made their entrance into your tight hole, relentlessly filling you until your soft thighs shook, until after your third high, he licked his fingers clean and let you taste yourself on his tongue.

The tunes get lost in silence, he sets the microphone down, having felt the warmth of your mound beneath the tights while you tried to subtly gain friction, scooting back on him. His palms find your thighs, tightly flushed around his muscle. They´re shamelessly wandering up and down the thin material that prevents his hot, calloused fingers from feeling up your smooth skin.

"Wanna do that again, love?" jungkook mutters, his pillowed lips latch on to your exposed neck, right at the gentle curve that paints the beginning of your shoulder, soft, faint kisses that leave a trail of barely sounding sighs behind.

"Do what?" feigning innocence to avoid internal humiliation, you ask him, knowing he wouldn´t let it go, not until you told him to. The sound of his husky chuckle sounds right on the sweetspot of your neck, he sucks a little harder, encouraging you with the constant rub to your thighs. Instinctively, the heat inside your panties grows as do the intensity of your desperate moans, your hips push back on his thigh, seeking the solidity that grants you the portion of satisfaction your needy button longed for

"that" he simply says, having found an anchor in your hips now, your plaid skirt bunches around his hands, slowly- tortuously so when met with the deliberate little humps he helps you to complete on him. You practically whimper once his tongue glides across your skin, dragging from your shoulder, up your neck, intertwined with his open mouth, loud kisses that don´t seem to stop.

"that´s it... do you even know how cute you sound?" he smiles, and you feel it, you feel the smile rise to his lips with every additional kiss, every noise you grant the hungry male. "gguk, wanna see you" you whine- the high pitched noise has him twitching in his training joggers, semi errect but about to stand stiff, just as noticeably as that night seven days ago, having formed a huge tent inside his slacks, there was no hiding his attraction, no use to conceal his utter need for you.. nor his size, not that he would be capable to anyways.

To your request, he helps you turn around, now facing that dim glow on your slightly embarrassed features, taking note of how you nibble on your lip with every grind forward, "that feel good sweet girl?" he asks, ghosting his lips over yours faintly, just enough to see how much you need it, "mhm.. really good" you mumble back, chasing after his lips that he can't deny you of any longer, the kiss is gentle, but nourishes your heat further

"wanna feel even better?" the pit in your lower abdomen grows at the tone of his voice, something much stronger is seeping through his system, something that screams dominance, you nod- naturally wanting to get lost in it. Jungkook's hands stop assisting you, instead, they take to your shirt, "can i take this off of you baby?" he waits for that little hum of yours before swiftly tugging it away from your form

It's almost frightening how quickly your mind reverts back to wanting to run away and hide, your arms fly across your chest, everything you felt so good doing stops and he stops too,

"don't hide, you're perfect, you're so fucking sexy" his eyes trace your skin, hands wrapping around your wrists to pull your arms away, revealing your chest hugged into your bra, and jungkook almost forgets how to breathe properly,

he groans- groans that delicious deep noise that makes your head spin, even more so when you feel his appreciation for your body, hands pulling you closer by the waist so can bury his head into your cleavage. "so beautiful" he mutters, darting his tongue out to lick the slit between your tits, "wanna touch all over you, make you feel so good" he says, finding the clasp on your back to open it with one hand. a silent reminder of his experience, one you did not have in the slightest but somehow, it felt even better that way

"mh.. feels good gguk" you can't help but moan at the forgein sensation, his lips wrap around your hardend nipple, groaning sweetly while he sucks on it, carefully swiping his tongue over the little nub- your other breast is securely fitted into his palm, thumb playing with it just like he does with his mouth, mirroring every little flick

"feels so good doesn't it? you smell so good baby" his lips move to do the same to your other breast, switching sides with a trail of saliva sticking to his lips,

In that moment you feel so sensitive, so lost in his secure hold and at the same time, so small in his skillful dominance that you simply relish in the feeling, grinding your soaked core into his thigh over and over, long, hasty drags over his muscle while his lips work magic on your skin, squeezing a little tighter, sucking a little harder because every stuttered whimper fuels his urge to take care of you

"that's it baby.. keep going, you're so good" your hands find his dark chocolate locs, threading through it with the need to ground yourself. it feels as though every time your clit meets him, instead of getting you closer to sensational relief it adds to the ache, feeds into your desire to take and take more of him, be consumed by his strength

"want this off please" your excited fingers fiddle with the hem of his oversized shirt, earning a smug grin from your boyfriend as he detaches from you, discarding of his top

Although you have seen him shirtless before, it's impossible not to salivate at the sight, at his toned broad torso that curves into a unfairly small waist, large arms flexing when he reaches for your tits again, massaging them once more,

"like what you see pretty?" he says, teasingly cocking his head and biting at the metal ring on the corner of his lip, you blush- the slick drools out even more between your thighs, "so hot gguk, annoyingly hot" he chuckles, joining the sound with your airy giggle, but he sucks in a breath as soon as you shift in his lap, now fully straddling him, naked chest pressed to his with your head burried in his neck, "hmm.. what are you up to baby?" his hands find your back, soothing himself not to pounce on you because the strain in his pants is staggering his breath, your errect nipples are rubbing against his skin and it´s making him shiver, desperate, oh so desperate for you

but he knows all to well not to overwhealm your sweet, virgin body, to let you take all the time you need until he can feel every breath of your submission

"wanna feel you gguk, can i?" jungkook almost purrs at how innocently you ask, suppressing the need to grind his hips into your heat from below, "of course baby, anything you want. it's all yours"

he meant it, every vein cursing through his body belongs to you, working, pumping blood through him for the sole purpose of loving you, taking care of you. "all mine?" you hum, aroused by the confidence he emitts, your hands trace up his torso, creating a small distance between your bodies to feel up the hard lines on his abdomen with laboured breath of your own, lips finding every small patch of his neck that make him hum, make his sighs of pleasure slowly turn into groans "all yours my love" the answer wasn't necessary, not when you already started to leave traces of you on his skin, faint, red bruises on his neck that he's impatiently waiting to run around with

"you feel so fucking good, need to feel more of you, will you let me sweet girl?" his words are intoxicating, washing away any doubt or fear and replacing it with a intense craving of sexual desire "please gguk i'm so wet for you" the sound reaches his ears and shuts down his entire system, his hands carelessly rip down your skirt and stockings, leaving you in those tiny grey boyshorts that he looses his mind over "baby how did you hide all this from me?" his hands caress your thighs, your hips, up your waist and to the soft flesh of your stomach with hungry, insatiable eyes that long for a taste of your every inch

"all yours" you mimic him, sounding just like him with your sultry, shy voice, already wanting to remove his own bottoms which he catches on, ridding himself of the nuisance "yeah, all mine. this is all mine" he says, smiling softly

Your drenched underwear meets his errection as he pulls you back on his lap, hands sitting on your waist, you look so vulnerable- almost fragile in his grip, shyly moaning because the curve of his cock presses into your skin like it was molded for you, needy folds clinging to your underwear and your clit throbs- throbs begging for another taste of friction

"I don't know how to do any of this" he suddenly he hears you mumble, seeing how you're playing with your fingers that sit on his lower abdomen, your head is turned to them, a slight pout decorates your features

jungkook feels the need to sob- to take away whatever is making that pretty head of yours feel so threatened even though you're the best thing he has ever felt, the only person he ever wants to lay his hands on ever again

"that's okay baby, hey, look at me for a second will you?" you comply, craving his lead, his security to catch you, most of all that gentle, masculine dominance that floods your senses effortlessly

"you're doing so so well pretty, you don't have to worry okay? i'll take you through it, make you feel so good" he says, cupping your cheeks in his palms while sitting up a little to press kisses to your nose, your forhead, your lips and cheeks,

unable to contain your smile, you nod, gaining back the heartbeat in your willing feminity to let him take care of you, "thank you baby" you say with upmost honesty, pressing your lips to his in a kiss of adoration

"mhm.. come on, let's get this off of you love" his whipers lingers on you, fingers slipping beneath the waistband of your underwear before pulling it off your lifted legs, he moans at the sight of your bare cunt, slick attached to the cloth and glistening over your feminity

"so beautiful, do you even realize how lucky i am? how thankful i am that this sweet, sweet girl is all mine to love?" he says softly, so softly that your eyes gloss a little bit, feeling so utterly vulnerable in front of him, so sexy in the most feminine way possible. blush creeps up your cheeks, his hands find your inner thigh, dancing around the sensitive skin "you're too sweet gguk"

he returns your smiles, lifting your hand to kiss it before intertwining it with his own, lacing his fingers into you because being apart from your body feels like torture in this moment. but you're eyes are busied elsewhere, locked on the large outline that stands rock solid insides of his calvins, a small, wet patch that indicates his arousal decorating the very top

"go ahead baby, take it off" not needing to be told twice, you help yourself to his boxers, tugging them down in one, slow motion that leaves him biting his bottom lip, he pushes them down to his ankles, kicking them off

both of you sit like this for a moment that feels like eternity, raw, bare and without a chance to hide in front of the other's desperate gaze, comfort, pure love that's inseparable with a pulsing you can no longer ignore, not when he´s so big, so broad and decorated with a vein alongside his curved shaft

he grabs at the flesh of your ass, pulling you to sit your gushing cunt over his stiff length, cursing at feeling how soft you are, how much arousal truly spills from your body

"you're so.. big gguk.. m'scared" your whine makes him coo, stroking your head while a possessive grip that stays on your hip, his left hand tethering to your hair in the meantime, "don't be, you were made for me sweet girl, made for it" your head falls to his shoulder, arching your torso into his body with a small hump to his leaking cock, "that's right baby, feel it, feel how hard i am for you" spurred on by his encouragement, you tighten your hands on his bicep, rolling your hips over his, his entire shaft is coated in your essence, angry pink tip meeting your swollen clit repeatedly, so much so you feel your thighs shake, feel an impending orgasm waiting to flow over your body,

Ripping yourself of that sensation, not yet- you tell yourself

"want it gguk, want it so bad" jungkook hums, kissing your neck messily, cock throbbing beneath you, "want what pretty? talk to me" he says, his own desire to claim you all to himself becomes unbareable with each passing second that you stay put

You shift forward again, whining, "please gguk" he groans, twitching at how desperate you sound, entranced with how needy you've become for him, he didn't even have to make you beg for it, you just did

effortlessly perfect for him, "come on, tell me my love" but he has to hear more, he needs to hear the dirty confession falling from your pure lips

"want your cock jungkook, please" there it is- that submissive, whiny plead for him, it makes him feel alive, throwing his head back on the black leather couch momentarily "good girl, fuck baby you're so cute" he praises, taking the base of his cock into his hand but something stalls him, "do you want me to eat you out first? make it nice and slippery?" his teeth graze your ear, kissing over the shell of it, "no gguk i want it, want it now"- another nibble, "anything for you"

Your hips lift, hovering your tight, clenching hole over his thick manhood, hands sweaty and grasping at his firm shoulders, he spots your anxiety, wishing nothing more but to ease it

"sit down on it baby, it's gonna sting okay? but you're so good, I know you can take it" more, more reassuring words that you drink in, just as you sink down on it, wincing as your brows meet in frustration

"hurts.." you mutter, fingers digging into his tanned skin- you can't bring yourself to move down further, clenching your muscle tightly around only his fat tip that feels like it's splitting your drooling pussy open. his hands find your back again, "ssh baby.. i know... but you'e such a good girl, i know you can take every inch of my cock"

It takes a couple more kisses to your shoulder for you to sink down fully on his length, painfully so- having your hands claw into him, your lips trembling in confusion of why it feels so good to have him stuffed into you so deeply you can feel it inside your tummy, stretching into every crevice of your gummy walls. It's unlike anything you've ever felt before, fulfilling, deep pressure that you could get lost in- bathe in

Jungkooks feelings have synchronized with yours- he's unsure where you end or where he begins but you're clamped down on his cock, your skin already wet with sweat as it sticks to his unforgivingly, moans and shaky breaths fill in the silence, a unspoken question lingers, awaits for you to answer it

until you do, taking his large hands to your hips before pressing yours against his full pecks, a glint of confidence spites your eyes that makes jungkook want to hear you cry out his name over and over again

"oh fuck- baby you-" you whine, rolling your hips forward, mouth parted when you feel him move inside of you, slolwy, deeply "that's it my love, take your time, so sexy like this" his voice is far from stable, you moan again- the grinding becomes faster, assisted by his hands that pull you onto him just the way you like it- just like he said, you have it all, its all yours

"what- what if you can't come?" he needs to contain a laugh at that- the question is so absurd to him, so unimaginable that it makes him slightly angry why you couldn't understand that he could cum from seeing you alone, from one kiss to your chaste lips- he's already twitching at how sloppy, how loud your cunt is around him

"I almost came from seeing how needy that little pussy of yours is, you feel how hard i am don't you? all because of you baby" he mutters in response, you flourish at it, getting familiar with the grinding motion but you need more, you deserve more- so you start bouncing on him- up and down, slamming your own, curved hips down onto him. he's mesmerized by your pleasure, watching how your brows are knitted, how your lips leak with drool and airy moans, how your tits bounce- he gropes at them, cupping them greedily, his hands itch for your skin, for you to let yourself go on him

"good girl.. look at you, a natural at riding my cock- don't even need my help" you shake, exhaustion already growing in your eager hips but you cannot stop, you don´t want to stop taking every inch of his cock back into you, lifting your hips only to take him back in, "you're filling me so much" you moan into his mouth, having formed a unity with his lips that welcome you like home, "just like that pretty, little humps for me" he mumbles back, interlacing his tongue with yours

he tugs at your nipples with his inked fingers, reciprocrating the moaning, he mirrors you, throbs when you clench, explores your mouth when you part for him impatiently. it leaves you to no choice but to become his own reflection, your hips ground themselves in a stable rhythm as your fingertips roll over his own nipples, unexpectedly he whimpers, bites down into your shoulder cautiously

"That's it baby, driving me fucking crazy" he grinds his hips up into you, unlocking a feeling of bliss that leads you to errupt into pornographic moans, your hand flings to muffle them, eyes rolling back into your skull,

Jungkook is making love to you, letting you reach a state you would not have been able to imagine, not even in the slightest when all you have ever felt are your fingers hastily, uncoordinated on your bundle of nerves. still, he can feel you´re holding back, afraid to be loud- to take up space, but he's having none of it

"Dont be embarrassed sweet girl, you sound addicting, so cute, give me every little noise" sinful sensuality floods you with his encouragement, "gonna make you cum for me, deserve it don't you think?" you don't- in fact, you can't think, long gone into pleasure while his hips piston into you from below,

he slaps your clit gently, your walls clench from how good that feels, "i asked you something baby" he repeats, distracted by your droopy eyes that threaten to shut him out at any moment, "answer me sweet thing, do you deserve to cum hm?" he taunts, rutting his hips with a slower but harder motion, force that hits your g-spot- reels you back into the moment, you head moves frantically "yes, yes please i need to cum"

Jungkook groans in satisfaction, "that's right.. best little cunt, all mine" he goes back lapping at your chest, licking his way to any patch of skin that your addictive smell lurs him to- he feels all over your skin, sneaking his fingers to where your bodies morph into one so he can draw tight circles on your clit, stimulating you to cry out his name,

"Jungkook.. i- i can't stop it i-" you stutter, thighs tensing around him, the feeling is so overwhealming that you can't keep your head up, can't warn him more than that since you're already letting your dew sprinkle out- letting the shocks roll over your body

"just like that.. make a mess on my cock baby, you did so well, come for me" he rasps, his heavy balls release into your tightness at the thought that crosses his mind- the knowledge that he had made you orgasm, that your virginity belonged to him solely,

It embraces the both of you, fills you with a sense of euphoria that none of you wish to end

As the high washes over you, you break out into a small shudder, aware of his milky cum that splurts your walls white, aware of the oversensitive area between your legs that jungkook's fingers slowly stop touching, landing to your unstable and sore thighs instead.

his heavy breathing is woven into yours, contrasting how slowly, lazily he manages to caress your naked skin, finding comfort in your warm body

the small whisper of his name catches him off guard, he hums, pulling back to cup your face, "are you okay my love? feel good?" his eyes rank over your tired features, glowing before his very own eyes,

"so okay. I love you" you breathe out, pressing a kiss to his button nose,

"I love you too baby, so proud of you" his nose nuzzles against yours, "you were so so good"

your shy giggle lights up his face like it always does, "thank you.. for taking my virginity... felt so good" you mumble with your bottom lip tucked away between your teeth- it awakens his soft- still nestled cock, his hands grip your ass- feeling the flesh spill beneath his fingers "thank you for your trust baby, but god, you're gonna make me lose it" jungkook says into your neck, nose tracing the delicate line of your shoulder,

"why? is it too much?" unbeknownst to you, Jungkook rolls his eyes in annoyance, how could you be so fucking adorable?

"Let me show you why" he answers, making your head perk up a little,

"Wanna lay down for me pretty? I can give you another one, as many as you want. You deserve it, wanna spoil you, fuck i wanna give you everything you want" faintly audible as he's speaking into your skin, having already laid you down onto the cold cushions of his unreasonably expensive leather couch.

[san8ny]

Intermission

Ellie Williams <3

Synopsis: Ellie and you haven’t spoken since highschool, you two never really that close. One day, the all-star hits you up upon getting kicked out. You down to help her steal from her own childhood home or nah?

w.c: 4.1k / warnings include: Ellie is a bit rude in the beginning, some Joel slander, she’s just hella uptight, mutual pining, kissing, she makes out with your hooha, but it’s hot. ;-;

“Am I even doing this right?” you mutter down at the pocket knife you had angled, poorly sharpening it’s blade with the edge of the worn-down whetstone you and Ellie happened to find upon arrival to Joel’s cabins.

She gives you, and both the board, a once-over before turning back to the picture frames lined up on the wall, “Sure.” Rolling your eyes, you throw the knife onto the counter, “You know, I didn’t know he had such a swanky place.”

“Yeah. Reeaal swanky.” She huffs, scrunching her brows in annoyance when the clatter of the knife you’d just thrown doesn’t quiet down immediately, “You find the checkbook yet?”

Ah, the checkbook. You almost forgot she recruited you out here to practically rob her adoptive dad blind.

I mean, fuck, had you had the luck of being in her place— living so lavishly, you’d let the bastard yell at you all he wanted.

Dragging your finger tips across the wooden counter, careful to not splinter them, you push yourself off where you were leaning, and walk towards the stairs, “Doesn’t it make sense for him to like, I don’t know, have it upstairs?”

Ellie runs a hand down her tired face, letting out a huge sigh before turning towards when you stand near the railing, your foot already placed on the first step. Why didn’t she think of that before? She gives you the green light, following behind as you ascend up the stairs. She finds her breath hitched and her eyes closing in further irritation when you suddenly stop, her face parallel with your lower back due to the step-to-height difference.

“Is that you?” You say, a smile stretching on your face as you point towards the meek framed photo that hung above the handrail, depicting a pre-teen Ellie in a science museum tee, Joel slightly crouched behind her with two thumbs up. You almost would have missed the small smile she has in the snapshot had you had nor squinted, “Didn’t know you had a dimple. Do still have it?” You ask, turning down towards where she stood.

“No. Now move.” She huffs, bumping your shoulder as she takes lead, climbing up the rest of the stairs. Rude. Nonetheless, you follow her as you enter into the main hallway. How the hell was a cabin this big? you’re only in it for, like, less than a season— Right? Not like you would know, the fanciest thing you’d ever seen was the time you went to Dina’s Bat Mizvah down at the community center and got to see a chocolate fountain, granted it was years ago, it’s the closest thing you’d ever experienced comparisable to ‘upper echelon.’

She seemingly notices your distant stare, harshly bringing her palms together in a large clap thus pulling you out of your thoughts. Clearly taken aback, you meet her blank gaze, “You take the attic, i’ll take the main bedroom”

“Where—

“Down the hall, to your left. You’ll see the ladder cord hanging.” She cuts you off, already walking away and into one of the many doors you could only assume led to Joel’s bedroom. Okay! This should be easy!

It was not easy.

On your hands and knees, you cough uncontrollably from the dust that blocks insulation. It errupted when you pulled the damn ceiling ladder cord down. All this money and they couldn’t fucking dust it once in a while? Wait, when was the last time this place was even entered? That was the question you asked as you slowly tip-toed up with wide eyes. immediate, you’re met with U-haul boxes, plastic dinosaur figurines and some comics.

In that moment, you smile a bit as you kneel on the floor, grabbing the Stegosaurus and T-rex as you gently knock them against eachother, playing with them.

Though you swear you were being satirical when you began toying with them, you couldn’t help thoughts drift to a younger Ellie playing with these like you were. She’d probably always call dibs on the Carnivore, giving the other person an eyeroll when they cry at how unfair she was being for never giving them a turn at being the razor-bearing predator. ‘Skill issue’ she’s also snicker when the kids run back to their parents.

When you finally put them down after some time, you walk over to one of the several moving boxes. Some tattered, some dirty and some even still closed up. It was wrong for you to have been snooping around her childhood home, sure, but she’s also stealing from her own said home— so you can’t be that bad. Reaching into the closest one near you, you pull out a small velvet belt. One that stroke resemblance to the ones you’d see in the cheesy karate-cop movies your dad had been a fan of. Another, and another and shortly, you have a large array of belts, with at the very bottom of the box containing a small plaque of achievements, ‘Ellie Williams’ printed in fine, gold lettering, ‘Graduate from the Jackson institute of Martial Arts.’

Of course, she was a prodigy at everything. What wasn’t Ellie good at? She’d been your highschool’s valedictorian a couple years back when you both were about to graduate, given the golden chance to speak at the commencing, well, was. That was before passing the chance onto the second runner without a second thought; she claimed she wasn’t the talking type and just casually went about her day, like it wasnt the opportunity most students would have killed for. Students like you, who spent all night and day to even make a dent in the social stratosphere that was highschool.

Given now you both were in your early 20’s, you still hold admiration for Ellie. Maybe that’s why when she randomly called you to hangout after years, you didn’t question it, or even second guess yourself.

How long Ellie had been standing there watching you coo over her baby pictures was something you, and both she couldn’t answer. Originally wanting to smack you on the head or scare you, she couldn’t help but lean against the attic wall, eyeing the way you carefully place her achievements down like they were the most important thing to you.

You’d always been like that since Ellie can recall meeting you. Always so nice, so sensible, always the first one in the room to make light out of nothing. You definitely would have been burnt on the cross or something for just how smiley you were if you were alive back in that day. Ellie found you interesting in ways she couldn’t configure why.

She and Joel had a falling out a couple of weeks ago. He cut her off of all financial support, insisting she get a job or a higher education like her peers were. A few profanities and insults were thrown around, leading eventually to her getting kicked out. Funny. Though she never cared about being embarrassed or the opinions of others, she did feel some sort of seeping humiliation. So, with the money she had, she booked a hotel and called you up. She chuckles when she remembers the first time she sent the address, your hesitancy to type back as you get the wrong, but expected idea,

‘ .’.im not fucking u lol’

‘wth no I got kicked out’

‘OHHH srry!!! D: ‘

The chuckle that hears behind startles, your grip seemingly loosening on the picture frame you had in-hand meeting the floor in cruel shatters. Quiet consumes you both with your hands shaking erratically, “O-oh my god? i’m so sorry, I don’t even know why I did that. fuckfuckfuck!! It was an accident. I can pay for that! Like, i’m so so sorry—l” you frantically plead with her, your eyes alternating from her and the bloody gla—bloody?

“You’re bleeding.” Ellie sighs, softly reaching forward to grab your wrist, pulling you around the mess you caused. You didn’t even realize you were until you felt the blood drip from your ankles down to your shins, staining your bleach-white socks in scarlet droplets.

“I messed up, Ellie, i’m really sorry.”

“Can you like, stop apologizing? It’s fine. Didn’t even know when that picture was taken anyways.”

Somehow, her words worsen your hysteric state, you sinking down back onto your knees as you sob. Oh god, she didn’t even know when that picture was taken meaning it’s that long ago. Ellie stares at you clearly with a panicked look, not really knowing how to comfort you— or anyone for that matter. Again, you were more of the sensible one between them, even if you two hadn’t exactly been all that close growing up in the same town, school and similarly interconnected friend groups. ‘What would you do?’ So, Ellie slightly crouches down, her squeaky sneakers noising as she awkwardly encircles her arms around you. Clearly taken aback by this gesture, you peer up from where your head was buried inbetween your knees and instead, at Ellie, who’s usual laid-back expression is replaced with furrowed brows, her eyes not meeting yours and some reddening on her cheeks. “Y-you’ve seen the picture frames around, man, I see myself all the time. It’s fine.”

You sniffle abit before giving her a coherent answer that isn’t just hiccups, “Im sorry.” She sighs before slightly reaching up to pat your head, “Please stop crying, I think i’m more off-put by your ugly cries than you breaking shit.” That tugs a laugh out of you, pushing Ellie away as she matches your grin. “I mean look, you ruined my tee.” She wasn’t lying, you look down to her white tee and it was absolutely soaked with shed tears belonging to you. You gently run your thumbs over her chest in a bad attempt to wipe your embarassingly smeared mascara off, but it only recieves a small whine from Ellie, who backs away immediately. You’re left confused when she gets up, clearing her voice. “We should continue searching.” With that, she leaves the attic, leaving you up there and with multiple. How could ones demeanor change that often? You almost noticed the sensitivity in her chest.

“Pfft, softie.” You mutter, a smile on your lips as you follow her down. Eventually, Ellie is the one to find the book, it’s placed inbetween some folded jeans. ‘Fuck yeah..’ She bites her chapped lip as she flips through it. Enough pages for her, and a good forged signature she’d mastered when he’d be too lazy to sign her field trip permission slips— guess something did pay off. You stand there with crossed arms, feeling a bit squeamish all of a sudden, like the thought had hit you finally, Ellie is moving away. She notices you when she lifts her gaze up, puzzled with your stance, “I told you it’s okay, the picture frame can be replaced.”

“I don’t want you to move away.”

“What.”

“I won’t repeat myself.” You shake your head defiantly, standing your ground when she towers over you, all these years and when you two have somewhat of a bond, she wants to move away? And maybe yeah, you had it coming, being easily-attached to somehow who’d you’d only started recently hanging out with. “What makes you think I care?” She mocks, looking at you like you’d grown an extra head, she’s almost astonished with your stupidity, why would she have dragged you all the way here to just, stay? Something with the way she says those words churns humility deep in your gut, who were you to even admit that to her? You flail around your arms passively as you back away, a croak in your throat, “Just something I said. You’re a cool person.”

“Right, well, I got the checkbook meaning we can get the hell out. Seeing this place almost makes me want to not drain Joel’s pockets.” She yawns, throwing you the book before retreating into one of the previous rooms, though before, she asks, “Say, where’d we put the keys?”

..

Who had the keys?

Comically enough, sirens began to faintly hear in the back, and your gaze locks onto Ellie’s, “Fuck— find the keys.” She says, running back into the room. How petty was her dad to call the police on them? Well, petty enough to have alarms laying around incase his thieving daughter comes around. You, instantly begin to eye around for them, palms growing clammy at the aspect of being arrested now comes into plan as the sirens grow closer. Finding them, you call out to Ellie who seemingly was already on her way once she heard the jingles of them, “Out the back. You’re gonna run, and not turn back, ‘alright?” She whispers, grabbing you and running towards the kitchen door once the front door is knocked.

Once it’s kicked in, Ellie manages to get out with a groan, definitely a bruiser, but nonetheless, they make it out of the area without getting caught. While she hasn’t broken a sweat yet, you were coughing up a storm like you were earlier, eyes tearing up as you let them out in fits. She gently rubs your back, looking around for where their parked car was, it was a good idea they’d parked so far away- granted it was flawed in multiple ways, it came out in their good favor. Once you’d caught your breath, Ellie hums, “You know where we parked?” You nod, looking around, “Yeah. near the marked tree, you smeared my lipstick over it..” She scrunches her nose to prevent a loud laugh from coming out, your sadness over lipstick being funny to her, “Right. That way.”

You both find the car and enter, ellie starting the car as she backs up and maneuvers around the various tall trees it was parked around before getting onto the main road. You don’t say anything for the majority of the one hour ride, those 60 minutes feeling like the longest ones to Ellie who’s gotten use to your talkitive habits. So when she asks you if you want aux, you shake your head— deflating her mood. She sighs, lighting up a cigarette at the light and rolling down the window. You just lean your head back and rest your eyes, emotions running through that you couldn’t even seem to process. Tiredness, embarrassment of her flat out saying she’d never stay for you, getting almost booked by the police, and just ones you didn’t want to acknowledge at all. You wanted to just, go to sleep.

Ellie, on the otherhand, feels nothing but anxiety gnawing at her. Why does she care so much whether you talk to her or not? She’s never even liked talking, and somehow, the thought of never speaking to you again after this makes her feel nauseous. Would you text her? Call her? Visit her if she left? Would you buy the nearest train ticket if she told you one day to come when she settles into her new place? Or would you just move on? Would you move onto some cooler girl in town to befriend? Some other girl you’d look up to, some other girl who would show you the hidden gems around town you’d been asking her to, Fuck— some other girl you’d give all your affection to. Ellie swerves the car, and had it not been your quick-wit to pull the steering back, she might have crashed the vehicle.

Pulling over, she places her head lightly on the leather wheel while you stare at her in bewilderment, “Are you crazy?! What was that?!” You say with a slight twitch in your eye at her loss of control.

“I don’t want to move away.”

“You literally have to, we’re on the side of the road and your emergency lights aren’t on so.”

“I’ll stay.”

“You can’t, that’s like, against the rules. I don’t know, my permit is expired.” First order of business, obtain a license.

“In Jackson. I’ll stay in Jackson.” She mumbles, lifting her head up to stare at you. This feels like a joke to you, like Ellie might just begin laughing at you when you show the tiniest bit of you of relief. So, you just match her stare, tiling your head. “Why?” Why? What do you mean why? Ellie wants to scream, why don’t you look happy? She’s staying for you.

“Just..wanted to.” She says after a beat or two, pulling the car back onto the road as she nears your house. Giving a curt nod, you look out the window, your knees feeling wobbly like a teenage girl all over again as you suppress asking questions to the clearly disoriented freckled girl. Once on arrival, Ellie expects you to leave and slam that door but instead, you sit there for a bit.

“My mom isn’t here.” You say, chewing your inner-cheek.

“You don’t have a spare key or ‘sum?”

“No no I do, it’s just— want to come in?” You ask her with big eyes, your hands folded on your lap like a child on their best behavior to get something.

“Did your mom bake that pie you got me last time?” She’s referring to the Cherry Pie your mom made last time you two hung out.

“Is the sky blue?” You say, with a smile, trying to lighten the mood that’ll need more than just that to recover.

“It’s grey but I see your point. I’ll go park, leave the front door open.” She smiles when you nod, skipping out of the car and into your home.

When she does so, and enters your door, she’s met with a warm wafting smell of baked goods. Ellie might gave been fairly thin, but she had a nose on her, leading her to the kitchen. You’ve changed out of your dirty clothes, she notices, you now wearing some small pajama shorts and a tanktop. You’re bent over the oven, grabbing the treats out of the pre-heated oven your mother had likely left them in to retain warmth.

“You’ve got to stop doing that.” You mutter, almost dropping the tray of food while Ellie smirks

“Can’t really promise accepting an apology if you dropped those.” She says, walking on over to where you stood by the kitchen island. Something in the way she says that so..flirtatiously, makes you look back at her twice. “Whatever. Do me a favor, take the plates out while I cut the pieces.” Ellie nods, walking over to the several arrays of cabinets. Though, upon doing so, she notices your refrigerator, decorated in colorful magnets, children’s literature and most of all, a picture of you, and an older woman. You were younger, hair a bit longer than you had it now, and a wide grin with your front tooth missing. You couldn’t of been older than 6, Ellie thinks. Smiley.

“This your mom?” she asks, running her fingerpads alongst the smooth film while you hum, nodding. “Yeah, it’s my mom” You say, handing her a slice of piece when she gives you the plate, “You look alike.” Ellie concludes when you two begin walking upstairs to your room.

It was certainly your room, is what the auburnette thinks as she sits on your bed. Messy bedsheets you never got to make, clothes scattered near your closet and other things you never got to clean up when she’d called you up this morning at such an ungodly time to divulge you in on her scheme,

though now, upon her decision to stay in the town, it seemed a bit for nothing. It’d be a funny story to tell with you. With you, she thinks, watching as you chew the treat and sit on the rugged floor as you flip through TV channels. Eventually settling on some show Ellie never knew was still even airing. She quietly sinks from the bed, onto the floor herself, sitting close to you as your gaze stays glued to the blaring screen, flashes of color reflecting onto your face as each scene passes. Ellie finds herseld staring at you, a person she once found so inconspicuous now becoming the very reasoning she stays in a town she hates so much. Whatever you had the girl under needed to be looked at.

“Do you like me?” Is what she wants to ask, but “Do you have a boyfriend?” is what she settles for.

You turn to her, meekly shaking your head. Since when was she sat so close to you?

Ellie nods, looking back at the show to get you to, before asking another question, “Girlfriend?” You shrug, “I mean, I use to talk to this one girl..”You mutter, before Ellie finds herself furthering it, “What happened?”

You sigh, before pointing a finger, “Don’t laugh.” you glare. Ellie smiles, nodding. “She told me she was straight after like 2 days AND THEN, i saw her kissing on Judy.” Ellie snorts, “No fucking way, Judy the librarian?” You nod, burying your face in a nearby throw pillow.

“I need a drink.” You mutter, getting up and leaving the room with Ellie in it. You return shortly after with a bottle of wine and some glasses. The girl groans as she stretches, “Now you’re talking. Pour me some.”

Eventually, the topic heads in the way of relationships once more, with you two telling each other of your awful sex lives in the majority straight town Jackson was as you sip.

As Ellie tells one, you find your eyes feeling heavy, alternating between her green eyes down to her pale pink lips. You nod, poorly attempting to give the illusion you were following along with whatever she was saying. Ellie, herself, wasn’t all that there but she was better. She’d stopped talking long ago and was just moving her lips with no dialogue coming out whatsoever, seeing if you’d ask why she halted her story. She licks her lips, leaning back as she places her glass down on the nightstand near her— jean-clad thighs spread tantalizingly as your gaze drops to them.

Her years of martial arts and track did her well, you admit, hoping it wasn’t obvious you were ogling the girl.

“Were you mad at me earlier?” you whisper, fidgeting with the loose seam of her jeans as you notice the difference in how she was acting at the cabin, and how she is now. Ellie hums, matching your small voice. “I was more so mad at myself.” She answers you, her hand finding where yours toys with a string, “Not at you.”

You nod, not really having anything to say.

“Can I kiss you?” you finally utter, liquid courage taking over as Ellie thumbs your soft hips from where you sit so closely. She gives you a soft ‘yeah’, pulling you onto her lap. You begin by littering feathery pecks along her jaw, her sensitivity earlier when you touched her chest beginning to make sense when goosebumps begin to arise along her pale skin, her nipples hardening as the hair on her neck stands before kissing her deeply.

You two kiss slowly for a while, finding some rhythm as it slowly turns into something else. You gently gasp when Ellie rocks your hips onto her thigh, making you detach from her mouth and straddle it the way she wants you to. The rough texture against her jeans on your soft shorts makes you huff a bit, face burning up as you grip her shoulders.

“You’re my sweet girl, you can do it.” She murmurs lowly, watching you grind all over her, your slick slowly starting to seep onto her denim pants— all like she wanted. You nod, frustrated to the brim of tears when you can’t seem to fuck yourself on her thigh well. Ellie pushes you down, caging your legs in between her hips as she tilts her head back down, "Seems like you're not the only sweet girl wanting my attention.." She smiles as you moan, the heel of her palm placed directly on your touch-starved mound, giving it just enough pressure and angling to make you whine out a small 'Ellie..'

She gives you finally what you want, sliding your shorts to the side and sighs when she sees just what a mess has been waiting for her.

No underwear?

You attempt to leverage yourself by sitting up on your elbows but Ellie pushes you down, hiking your hips up even more with a singular grasp of your shins as she kisses directly on your puffy pussy, your messy sap smearing all over her lips before giving you a grin,

Oh, you'd pay her what she was worth alright. Maybe returning Joel's checkbook can wait after this.

[All credits to the owner of the picture above!! i got it from popipa on pinterest]

[heretherebeturtles-comic]

How long does the process take you to get one (or more) comic page done? I love the idea of making comics but i suck at structure, you know with the script and posting/layout. I was wondering if you had any tips or what you wish you knew before you started.?

Sorry if this had been asked before

OOOooooo a fun question for me!! I love talking about comic creation :D

I do my best to keep the full process under 2 days (or 12-14 hours of work) per fully coloured page. I'm trying to get faster, but speed comes with time and experience.

Hmmm as for tips and things I wish I knew... so many things... I should let it be known that I am an artist and not really a writer, but your questions are focused on script/planning/structure, so I'm going to focus the advice on that.

Start with something small - Learn about making comics and find a comfortable style through making a couple smaller comics and then try your passion project. Writing and planning smaller comics with fewer pages takes a different kind of puzzle solving and thought process. Smaller page limits can force you to try new things which you can then apply to larger projects to save time; limitations breed creativity after all. Every attempt made (even an unfinished project) is knowledge gained that you can apply again for future projects.

Study comics! - It's hard to create if you aren't feeding the mind and giving it things to learn and create from. Read comics made by professionals and study how they handle pacing. How many pages are they dedicating to each moment? What do you think of their pacing and what would you change? Take a sketchbook and make small rectangles and draw out the panel layout from that comic. What are they doing that works and what don't you like about it? How would you do that differently? ... I think this is me assigning homework... i am so sorry.

Set a hard page limit - Try to get your story told within that limit, and then add more pages if necessary. More pages = more time you have to spend working on it. Most standard single issue American comics are roughly 24 pages. I try to work inside that limit using a rough 5 page per scene structure.

Condense or Cut - I struggle so hard with this one, but comics aren't written in the same way as a novel is. They have a slightly different plot structure and a much more limited amount of pages to tell the story in. Obviously it depends on the story being told, and what kind of scenes are important to that genre of story, but in general, unnecessary scenes should be cut out. examples...

CUT! Having the characters go out to get ice cream is cute, but you don't need to show them each ordering their ice cream unless the flavour they choose is an important plot point. Skip to the last one receiving their ice cream and turning to the others who already have theirs and are having that deep discussion. OR skip that scene entirely and have a quiet panel of them sitting in the park at sunset, already holding their ice cream, before delving into the deep emotional conversation they will be having.

CONDENSE! You can combine two scenes if you need to. If you have one scene where two characters are having a casual conversation and another where they are sneaking into a building? Stick them together. They can sneak AND talk and now you've only used up 5 pages instead of 10.

Comics take a LONG TIME to make!! - you have to make peace with that _(:Ⅰ」∠)_ Comics, especially full colour ones, are an extremely labour intensive and time consuming way of telling a story. If one page takes 1 day (8 hrs of work) and you have 24 pages, that is 24 days of working on one comic.

Thumbnails! - Draw the pages small and rough first! It's easier to plan things and mess around with the layouts when you don't have an emotional attachment to how the art inside looks. Once you have a layout you like, you can then draw it again in full page size and work on it from there.

Page and panel layouts are my favourite part of the whole process, I could talk forever about it, but I do not have the energy for it right now. I'll save panel/page layout for another time.

It doesn't have to be perfect!!! - IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE PERFECT!!!! (shouted with excitement btw). Panels can be boring! A page can be extremely simple! The art can be messy! The dialog can be simple! The plot can go nowhere! In fact it is really really fun to make a messy imperfect comic on purpose. Destroy the perfectionist in you, because they will always and forever hold you back from actually creating things. "what if it's bad?" what if it's fun? what if you learn cool things?

Anyway, those are my tips/advice, idk if I actually answered what you were asking... sorry about all the time commitment ones, that is something I really wish I had figured out a few years ago lol.

Comics are fun to make and a lot of learning how to make them is just jumping in, encountering a problem, and then learning how to solve it.

[curious--curations]

Two Times He Tries to Admit His Feelings and the One Time He Does

Hellfire Gala! Peter Quill x Healer!Reader

Peter has been wanting to confess his love to you for ages. Turns out he just needed to wait for the right moment.

As a healer, it was hard keeping track of a whole team during a mission. Especially when it includes pushing a point where everyone scatters in the wind. You did your best to keep an eye out for everyone, but with they way they were rushing in out of sync it was hard to keep up with demand.

You were following Psylocke and Punisher when an enemy Venom pulled his ultimate attack and aimed it right at your group.

“Wonderful.” You mumbled to yourself. “Just perfect. Glad my team is looking out for me.”

You were beyond frustrated feeling forgotten by your team. You ran into an alleyway to try and make your way back to your team. But before you knew it a yellow and green blur was racing towards you.

Iron fist. It was always iron fist.

He practically bounced off the walls, too quick for you to be able to hit. You managed to stun him and run away, but you knew that would not stop him. You hid away to catch your breath when you heard the familiar sound of jet boots by you.

"Need an escort?" Peter Quill questioned playfully.

“Yes.” You didn't care that you sounded as desperate as you were. He chuckled at your honest reaction. “Wait. Were you keeping track ok me?”

“Always do.” He replied nonchalantly as if that was not the nicest thing someone has done for you all week.

Despite his teammates needing his support to push the objective, he walked shoulder to shoulder with you along the back lines. You felt guilty for dragging him away.

“Sorry about all of this.”

“Not your fault you got ditched and I don't mind helping you. I am already used to keeping an eye on Mantis.” You weren't being a nuisance to him then. That was a relief. “I was thinking maybe you and I could–” He didn't have time to finish his sentence as Iron Fist came back for revenge.

He surged towards you, but Peter managed to intercept the attack. Though he was not meant to be a tank, taking punches and dishing them out like other members of your team, he was willing to try for your sake.

With his fancy flips and spinning attacks, he was able to out maneuver iron fist while keeping him off you. Actually he was trying to make a fool of him through his fancy attacks just to rub salt in the wound for hurting you. He slowly whittled away at him until he was forced to retreat. By the time he broke off an announcement was made. Your side lost the match.

Attempt 2:

You were not sure what caused his change, but you knew Peter was fighting more recklessly than the last time you had seen him. Every few minutes he came running back to you for help. Now he was flying around above the enemy team, turning as many heads and he could. Once he got everyone's attention he decided to pull off his ultimate attack.

It was quite a sight. He shot up into the air, his mask now covering his face and as his guns were covered in colorful fire. But his flashy moves left him open. Black Widow had plenty of time to kine up her shot. She fired a single round and shot him down before he could finish saying legendary.

It all happened so fast It was almost comical. The exact opposite effect Peter was hoping to have on the crowd. He shot up into the air showing off for all to see only to immediately get taken out.

“Oh my gosh that idiot.” You said not being able to believe what you just saw. “Mantis. You think you could cover for me while I get him?”

She nodded confidently. “His mind is clouded by thoughts of jealousy.”

“Jealousy?” You thought, “Was he really that upset that Bucky was getting more kills than him? It was not even by that much. Plus he had less deaths thanks to my wonderful healing.”

You found Peter laying face down behind a half wall. “Look Mantis told me you were jealous of Bucky.”

“She did?” His pain began to melt away as you healed his injuries. You started with the larger ones first since they would take longer to heal. He barely survived the attack by the look of it.

“Yeah and honestly I don't get why. You might not be getting the most kills on the team, but you're still doing really good.” You finished healing the bulk of the damage he took and moved on to the scratches on his face.

“No. It's not that I am jealous of.” He tried to correct you.

“Then what is it?” His brain froze for a moment.

How could he possibly explain to you what he was feeling? How could he explain the irrational anger he felt watching you dote on other heroes like Bucky. The image of your hand on his bicep was still burned into his mind. And he definitely remembered watching him use his arm to pull you out of the way of an oncoming attack so you landed right in his arms. His arm lingered around you longer than necessary. How would he explain his frustration that all he could do was steal away little moments like this for your attention? But his opportunity to confess how he felt vanished before he could think of how to voice his feelings.

“I am sorry to interrupt, but I do require assistance at the point.” You heard Mantis speak up in your ear piece.

“Let's talk afterwards yeah?” You ran off without another word to support your team.

Attempt 3:

When you heard Peter Quill was invited to the exclusive Hellfire Gala you didn't expect to be invited as his plus one.(Completely platonically of course.) He said it was to make up for all the times you saved his ass on the field during mission. All the times you spend in the Milano tending to his wounds as well as his friends after a losing match. All the times you listened to him rant on and on about dumb stuff when everyone else ignored him. But if it was supposed to be platonic why did you find yourself blushing at the sight of him dressed up in his gala outfit as he waited to escort you inside.

You had never seen him look so regal before and for the first time you could see him being a king. He wore what looked to be a mix of armor and a clean suit with a regal sash thrown in to add to his title. He even slicked back his normally wind blown hair to keep it tidy.

He froze up once he saw you, his eyes went wide and he did not try to cover up his surprise. Luna helped you pick out a dress for the event. As a pop star she did attend many fancy events like this in the past after all. She had her personal stylist create a custom dress for you that not only fit you perfectly, but also made you feel confident since it was a style you liked.

"Wow. You look amazing." He offered his arm to you which you took.

“You don't look too bad yourself Star-Lord. Or is it Star-King today?” You joked and watched the faintest blush grow on his face.

You strode in on a red carpet together and someone announced your names and titles, though you did not have one so they just used your hero name.

The venue was beautifully decorated with banquet tables full of fancy hors d'oeuvres and champagne towers. A live band played calm music on stage as everyone talked among their own groups. Every once in a while fireworks were ignited, filling the sky with shimmering glitter. It felt like there was something to do everywhere you looked.

“Well. We can split up now if you want. Feel free to explore the party.” Though he had a smile on his face as he gave you the offer you could tell there was a hint of sadness in his voice. He didn't actually want you to leave, but didn't want to ruin your night by making you stay with him.

“I am just fine right here, don't worry.”

You gravitated towards familiar faces as you settled in. It was fun seeing your teammates dressed in elegant attire. Peter noticed that everyone had drinks in their hands to prepare for a toast, so he quietly broke off to get you one. The moment he left your side someone moved in to make themselves known. Namor who was too cowardly to make a move until Peter happened to leave.

Of course he was invited to the gala. It was impossible to ignore his title when he boasted about it before every match. He also used it as a selling point when flirting with you. At least Peter had enough class to know when to stop and didn't hide behind his title.

“You know if you ruled by my side you could attend events like this every night.”

“Sorry. Being with you is too high of a price to pay.” Your rejection did nothing to dissuade him. Suddenly you were being offered a drink.

“Sorry that took a moment.” Peter slipped his hand around your waist pretending to be oblivious to the situation. “What were you talking about?”

To your surprise the call out worked and he backed off. Walking away completely.The woman he desired being taken usually didn't deter him. Susan could testify to that.

“I hope that was ok.” He scratched the back of his neck. “It just seemed like he was bothering you. I can't wait to see what rumors they spread about us once we're back.”

“They should know better if they want to get healed.” You joked back.

“You're a badass on the field. They already know to stay on your good side.”

“Hah. Yeah sure. The terrifying healer.” You poked fun at yourself.

Compared to the other heroes here you didn't feel like much. Heck even compared to other healers you felt useless at times. You could not create daggers to defend yourself like Tandy could or shield the whole team from ultimate attacks like Luna. He seemed to pick up on your thoughts and frowned at you with nothing but concern in his eyes.

“Hey. You're amazing. You know that right?” His voice was full of genuine care. “You're crazy brave too. I remember the time Doreen and I got caught up in Spider-Man's web. You swooped in, took him out and healed us right up. Or when the Thing was charging forward and somehow you managed to steer him just around us. The point is you're amazing and–” he paused a moment to take your hand, but his speech was cut off as someone tapped on a mic onstage to test it. Peter mumbled a curse under his breath.

“To all our new guest from across the timelines. I welcome you to the Hellfire Gala!” A woman who could easily be a super model based on her looks and the confident power in her voice manned the stage. She had a strong presence that made everyone focus on her. But she interrupted his moment with you, so Peter ignored a majority of her speech. “Honored guests. I propose a toast. To Krakoa! Here, there are no rivals. Man and mutant–”

Suddenly a robotic voice cuts her off. “Will be exterminated. You all belong to history.” Dozens of robots poured out of a swirling red vortex. Of course they couldn't be allowed a moment to enjoy themselves.

“Time to clock in.” You joked, making your hands glow with healing magic.

As usual you kept everyone alive during the fight. For it being a surprise attack you would say it went smoothly. You'd like to credit it to everyone's ability to work together as a team. After all, all you've been doing is fighting together since the time lines got mixed up.

You sat in a wooden chair across from Peter towards the sidelines of the event. Your knees were touching and he could practically melt from that contact alone. Everyone who was healthy enough stayed to help clean up the mess of broken furniture and glass. A calm silence settled over the event.

Peter was just happy that he finally got what he wanted. You taking care of him after a big fight. You carefully inspected him for wounds, applying gentle pressure to his ribs and other areas to make sure there was no brusing or other internal injuries.

He shamelessly stared at you as you worked. He thought you looked so pretty when you were focused.

"You know that day Mantis told you I was jealous of Bucky."

"Oh yeah. You never got to tell me what happened."

"I was jealous of him because he got your attention like this so often after fights." He took your hand in his making you freeze. He took a deep breath, summoning his courage.

"I was jealous because I like you. A lot. I was hoping to be able to take you out sometime."

"What's wrong with having a date now? The band is still here....the floor is empty." His face lit up at the offer.

"That's why I love you." His eyes went wide upon realizing he said that out loud and immediately tried to backpedal. "I am sorry that's way too soon. I shouldn't have said that. We haven't even had our first date yet."

You felt proud to turn someone who was normally so confident and silly into a bumbling mess. You stood and he guided you to the dance floor without hesitation. Since it was a string band, they played slow music you weren't sure he was ready for.

"I know this isn't the style of dancing. I hope you don't mind." He carefully took your hand and placed the other on your hip to guide you into a waltz.

"Well I can't be a dancing machine if I don't know every dance."

"You're also surprisingly light on your feet." You complimented. He did not want to admit he had been practicing in hope of impressing you. He was glad all the work paid off.

The two of you stayed there for a while, elegantly gliding across the dance floor for as long as you were allowed. Despite the attack that occurred earlier, the night felt like a dream.

An announcement was made that the firework show was surprisingly still on schedule. It was to serve as a closing act for the night. He pulled you away to avoid more private area to view the show that was centered over a beautiful view of city lights. He stood behind you and wrapped his arms around you, gently laying his chin on the top of your head as you leaned into him.

"You know I really like this romantic side of you."

"Then I'll have to plan out something perfect for our next one."

"I know something that can make this one perfect right now." You turned around to face him and his hands fell to your hips. You swear you felt him pull you close.

"And what's that?" He asked as if his eyes did not just flick down to look at your lips.

"A ki-- " You didn't even have enough time to get the word out before his lips were on yours. He cupped your face in his hand, lifting it slightly to reach him as he bent over. The kiss felt desperate and needy as if all his longing was poured into it. When you pulled away he was smiling like a fool like he was on a high off of the feeling of you. Totally drunk on some type of love.

After all his blunders, you deserved something perfect for a date and he felt like he was able to deliver on that. He felt accomplished and was greatful he waited for the right moment.

[aziraphales-library]

Hii mods

I was wondering if you had any fics where azi and Crowley are on tv shows?

Like I’ve seen ones about them on strictly, would I lie to you, antiques roadshow, bake off, the office, but it’s super hard to find fics like that because I’m not aware of there being a specific tag for stuff like that ? (Apart from human Au ig).

Thank you for everything you do on here btw lol :))

Hello! We have an #actors au tag you might be interested in (which includes Slow Show, so there's no need to add it in the notes!). Here are some TV show fics outside of the ones you've already listed...

First dates by Amyk89 (M)

Do you know that reality TV show called First dates? This is a human au, where Aziraphale goes on that and meets bartender Crowley there. If you haven’t seen the show, it’s just about 2 people going on a blind date, then at the end of their first date, the host asks if they want to go on a second date. It’s super awkward. But just imagine how awkward it’ll be when you’ve been flirting with the bartender the whole night?

666 Heartbeats by AppleSeeds (T)

Aziraphale is a contestant on his favourite game show, 666 Heartbeats, where the amount of time he will have to answer the questions is dictated by how fast his heart is beating. If he wants to win big, he'll just have to stay calm. Easier said than done when he has an enormous crush on the host, who won't stop reassuringly touching him.

A Narrow Escape to the Country by shaggydogstail (T)

Crowley and Aziraphale appear as house hunters on BBC daytime institution, Escape to the Country. They are incredibly annoying. Sympathies, please, for the unlucky producer who is not getting paid enough to put up with their nonsense.

How to Win a Lifetime Achievement Award for Services to Television (and how not to) by GaryOldman (T)

Crowley hosts a late night comedy talk show. Aziraphale hosts a feel good morning talk show. When Crowley is asked to present Aziraphale with a lifetime achievement award, everything goes a bit skew-whiff. ----- Normally when I don’t get something that everyone else seems to be mad on my first point of call is the wonderful world of the internet, but we’ve had a falling out you see, the internet and I. Despite my many years as late night show host meets investigative journalist meets comic genius meets veritable sex god (though Wikipedia only acknowledges the first of these accomplishments, despite my many attempts at editing the listing) they have turned on me. I’m a gif. And a meme.

Dating in the Dark by miraworos (E)

Anthony J. Crowley, owner of a failing joke-shop, and Aziraphale, bookshop proprietor with an overbearing family, meet as contestants on a blind dating show. They form an instant connection as roommates but soon find themselves at odds as they compete to win the top spot, and the favor of the same lady.

Married at First Sight by Aracloptia (T)

“Well, that was a thing,” Crowley said once they were out of earshot. Without talking about it, they were both heading down the field, towards the lake where the photographer (and likely a few more people from the TV crew) was waiting. “That was a wedding,” Aziraphale replied, surprised at his own annoyance that somebody called a wedding a ‘thing’. “Yeah, obviously, didn’t miss that part,” Crowley said with a shrug, and waved abruptly in Aziraphale’s general direction. “Neither did you, from the looks of it, since you’re dressed like a wedding bride and everything.” “Excuse me, I am a—“ Aziraphale stopped himself, and started over. In which Aziraphale ends up marrying a rude stranger who wears sunglasses.

- Mod D

[yuurei20]

(This was originally an ask received through Twitter)

"Hello! Can you please elaborate on the time loop theory in book 2 that you mentioned in the tweet where you talked about your favourite theories?"

I am wary about discussing this theory as there are many others who have put much more thought into it than I have, but I can certainly try with what I was able to find :>

(The information in this thread was combined from here, here, here, and here)

The basic theory is that everything we know is repeating in a loop in an attempt to either stop something from happening or to make something happen.

The game’s tagline of “I will show you a true happy ending” (EN: “Let us show you the real happily-ever-after”) could be insinuating that there have already been less than happy endings, and we may have already seen one: while some theorize that the events of the prologue are showing us what is going to happen in the future, others say that it is both that and something that has already happened.

The theory goes that the battle with the chimera (who may or may not be an overblotted Grim) was lost and everyone (or just the prefect) is sent back to try again, thus the opening lines of the game narrated in Crowley’s voice.

(Note: I would have translated this as “I—they—you—only have a little time left. Whatever you do, don’t let go”, but the situation is so vague that anything is possible.)

(Here is a short comic insinuating that this time loop is Crowley’s unique magic (warning: blood, death, a Yuu design))

This theory seems to be largely inspired by Mickey’s comment that he has seen the same dream three times but he also says “your voice gets clearer and clearer every time.”

Since Mickey also shows up in Books 2 and 3 but we were not able to speak with him, it is possible that this is not actually hinting at two earlier loops, just earlier events within the same timeline. This does not dismiss the time loop theory and might mean that this is Mickey’s first time interacting with the loop, but there have been far more than just two or three timelines.

(This account pretends that Book 7 does not exist yet, so that is about as specific as I can get.)

The theory gets kind of wild with references to STYX’s simulation system, supposed inconsistencies with Ace and Epel, Crowley’s potential connection to STYX, etc, but one thing that everyone seems to agree on is: Leona knows.

Leona is extremely powerful and extremely private.

He has had a number of contracts with Azul who is also a powerful mage, and according to Idia he seems like “the kind of guy who always knows he’s dreaming.”

Yana has confirmed that Idia has a part in Book 7 and, with both him and Leona halfway out of their coffins in promotional art, people are wondering if Leona will be stepping up as well.

We know that Riddle’s current personality is a 180 degree change from original plans and that this change was made pretty far into development, after everything had already been approved.

There are also rumors that Leona’s Book 2 was the original Book 6, looking at older promotional information (Book 2 was originally listed between Ignihyde and Diasomnia on the official website).

It is possible that—much like Riddle’s situation—Yana came up with a better idea than what had originally been decided, and it required shoehorning Leona’s drama into an earlier Book in order to make it work.

This would mean that Book 7 used to have significant space for Leona (there is a pattern of the previous Overblotter having a role in the next Book).

That space may have been rewritten for Idia, but it is also possible that Idia’s role was added separately and a role for Leona remains to some extent, which is why they went out of their way to say that Leona knows when he is in a dream.

Theories vary from “Leona is 100% aware of what is going on, broke free from the loop and he is the only one getting older as he tries to save the world” to “Leona knows something isn’t right but not exactly what.”

The proof that people usually point to is his comment where he is unsurprised by Grim “always” eating black stones (which he shouldn’t know anything about), but the phrasing is so vague that he could just be making the connection between the stones and a potential blot-risk.

Another scene that is often referenced in the “Leona knows” conversation is an interaction with Jamil where he accurately predicts Jamil’s attack on Kalim despite how rarely they interact before Book 6.

There are also the three white chess pieces on the chessboard in Leona’s bedroom that seem to correspond to the only three characters in the game with light cosmic magic: a white rook for Rook, a white knight for Silver and a white pawn for Kalim, whom Leona literally refers to as a pawn piece in chess during Tamashima-Mina (these three chess pieces are also displayed prominently in Leona's first Birthday groovy).

Leona also seems suspicious of Crowley, suspects what really happened in Book 5 and is able to literally sniff out magic, which we have seen no other character capable of doing.

Leona is very perceptive in general: he is suspicious of Lilia in Spectral Soiree, calls him an old man when no other character outside of Diasomnia knows his true age, is the first to figure out that Malleus is pretending to be possessed and is able to tell when someone becomes injured and is trying to hide it in both Book 6 and an event.

This is not proof that Leona knows what is happening, but it may be an argument for why it is likely that he knows more than he is willing to let on.

Some versions of the time loop theory say that the same prefect is being sent back over and over again to try and save everyone (which ties into the game’s opening), while other versions say that this is the prefect’s first time being summoned into a loop that has been going on for a long time without them, in an effort by someone (Crowley?) to change the ending of the story.

While not technically part of the game, the Twst novelization supports the first pattern while the manga series supports the second, with new prefects showing up after the previous prefect presumably fails.

Knowing Yana it is possible that the game is actually a third, entirely different pattern with the novel and manga exploring alternatives that were considered for the game but not used.

[lucrezianoin]

So one of my mutual on twitter was saying that it seems like in Western animated shows (a part from a general lack of queer romances) FF romances have higher numbers than MM. Because I wanted to check, I made a list so I thought it would be nice to share both FF and MM romances in Western animation, so people know where to find them!! (mm ships here)

These are all canon and I only added romances between main or very present secondary characters. I avoided stuff like background couples or "they gave her a girlfriend in the last episode" kind of stuff. Tho, I did not watch all these shows, so keep in my that for some of them I am using online info.

There will be SPOILERS (especially for: Did they kiss? Did they end up together?)

In order (top to bottom, left to right):

Miriam and Hira (Dragon Age Absolution): Ex-girlfriends who reconnect. Miriam is the protagonist and Hira one of the protagonists. Do they kiss? Yes. But at the end they break up but not because they are not in love with each other's, they still are very much in love (I still really enjoyed it, for the longing and the angst). Uncertain if there will be a season two that will continue their story.

Vi and Cait (Arcane): Complete show (two season). Vi and Cait are both protagonists and their relationship is the main romance of the show. They meet in season 1 and the romance progress pretty quickly. There is a break up in the middle, but it only makes the heart grow fonder! Do they kiss? Yes, they do much more. They do it all! They also have a happy ending!

Amaya and Janai (The Dragon Prince): Final season coming out soon. Amaya is one of the main characters since S1, Janai is introduced in S3 and then becomes one of the main cast. S3 is also when their romance start and when they meet. Enemies to lovers, enemies who flirt!! And then lovers! Do they kiss? Yes. They marry, in fact. Their story continues through the rest of the whole show, and all the adventures are never "Amaya vs Janai" but them working together as a couple and facing adversity. They are the second main romance of the show.

Korra and Asami (Legend of Korra): I mean, this is a classic. The romance was fought for by the creators, and the series ended with a "vague romance ending" as a form of censorship. Do they kiss? not in the show, but comics continue their story. Still, you can see their relationship progress in the show (from their first meeting to their romance ending), and I thank the comicbooks every single day or people would insist they are just friends.

Charlie and Vaggie (Hazbin Hotel): One season is out, another in the making. Charlie and Vaggie start as already in a relationship and are girlfriends since episode one. They are the main relationship in the show, and their romance is mainly about them facing adversities together (and romance troubles at one point). Do they kiss? Yes. And they sing love songs about and to each other's too.

Marceline and Bubblegum (Adventure Time): another wlw romance that was fought for and I think almost got censored! They are both part of the recurring secondary cast. I need a rewatch of this show (completed show btw) because there are so many hints when you get through the episodes knowing that Marceline and Bubblegum are having this rivals-animosity-girlfriend-flirting-breakup(they are supposedly exes!)-reconciliation romance in and off screen. Do they kiss? Yes, at the end! They do have an explicit happy ending and end up together! They are also shown happily together in the completed special sequel Adventure Time: Distant Lands.

Harley and Poison Ivy (Harley Quinn): Ongoing DC series, Harley is the protagonist and Ivy a main character. They start as friends and begin dating at the end of season 2. I have not watched the show, but I know that they are still together and they do kiss multiple times!

Adora and Catra (She-Ra and the Princesses of Power): Complete series that ends up with an explicit canon romance (and kiss!) and a happy ending! I have yet to watch it (I NEED TO), but I know that the series introduce them as childhood friends turned enemies and then has an enemies to lovers arc! Also Adora is the protagonist and Catra a main character.

Amity and Luz (The Owl House): I have not watched this, sorry! There might be other queer main ships in this show that I am not aware of. I just know that Luz is the protagonist and Amity a main character. The show is complete and they do have a happy ending. Do they kiss? Yes!

Bean and Mora (Disenchantment): Bean is the protagonist and Mora a secondary character, their relationship develops in S3 and S4 (the show is complete). I did not finish this yet, so I have yet to encounter Mora. Do they kiss? Yes. And they are also endgame!

Ruby and Sapphire (Stephen Universe): I am sorry, I know nothing about this show! I just know that are among the main characters cast, they do have a happy ending, they marry and they kiss!

Zarya and Kitty (Mysticons): Sadly, I think this ship fell to censorship. I have not watched the show, but from what I gather they were supposed to kiss (there is a cut scene with a kiss), but the show only aired a more vague ending for them. They seem to be only hinted through S1 and S2, and even if they explicitly say "I love you", most of the wiki I found calls them "childhood friends" only.

Luna and Sam (The Loud House): another show I am not familiar with, all I know is that they are canon! And Luna is a main character. I am unsure how much the show focuses on their relationship, but I know they explicitly date and then become girlfriends!

Batwoman and Renee (Batman Bad Blood): This is an animated movie with Kate (Batwoman) as the protagonist. Her and Renee do not end up together but they are on a date (explicitly a date!) at the start. Sadly I am not familiar with DC, but from what I gathered they did/do have a relationship in some comics too.

Beckett and Jennifer (Star Trek: Lower Decks): Sadly they do not have an endgame status or happy ending, and they break up in the show (but remain friends). Still, they do date (and kiss!) in at least two season.

Kelsey and Stacks (Craig of the Creek): Kelsey is a main character and Stacks seems to be a secondary character. They are both very young (9 or 10 years old!) and confirmed girlfriend, but I do not know more.

Red Action and Enid (OK K.O.! Let's Be Heroes): Another show I am not familiar with! What I know is that Enid is a main character and Red Action part of the main cast too. They are confirmed as girlfriend in S3, they do kiss and they are still together at the end!

Catwoman and Batwoman (Catwoman Hunted): I am cheating a bit because this is technically an anime (Japanese animation) but based on DC, so I decided to add them anyway. This is a movie. Catwoman is the protagonist and Batwoman a main character. They do seem to have a flirting relationship, there is an almost kiss, but technically only for distracting Batwoman.

MM SHIPS HERE

[cimmerian1275]

Introduction Masterpost 🌊

SUP there! I'm Cimmerian, and I read copious amounts of novels and draw lots of dragons <3 Both fanart, personal art, whatever piques my interests. I dabble in a little bit of photography and write in my spare time!

Things you might be looking for:

Art Trades? YES!

Am i available for commissions?

Elaboration on my DNI thoughts

My DILLH fan stuff :D

Advice as an artist

TMNT fanfic recs/ones ive read

Boop Sagara's snoot 🫵

Ask about my OCs!

If your just here for the artworks I make C: ->

#my art / #cimmers art #rottmnt

Comics: -> T-rex arms -> Sylas & Jr shenanigans: Ninjago | n/a -> Jr showing Caden the good timeline: Wb dragons? | Ice-tea | n/a -> Trash can compilation: part 1 | part 2 | -> Coming soon?

Here -> Character Masterpost

Heads up, im hyperfixated on ROTTMNT and anything dragon/gryphon, i ramble about them, i draw about them, i procrastinate about them, they blur together.

——————

Anyways, hi Tumblr! Im branching out here because I think I live under a rock and I need to socialize and expand my horizons. My account here is probably just for me to indulge in all the fandoms i love, post my fanart somewhere people will enjoy it the way i do and occupy my brain with smth to scroll <3

Aswell as art, I'm slowly fulfilling my hobby of writing >:) I am an absolute bookworm and I have so many ideas I want to put out there and have fun with.

Some other places I inhabit:

DeviantArt

Toyhouse

Art fight I'll definitely be joining in for 2025!

I'm on discord as cimmerian1275, Shellcord 🐢 server <- I practically live there. If you send me a friend req please lmk so i dont mistake you for a bot xD

——————

I am very much winging the process and using my incredibly inexperienced/nonexistent writing skills, throwing them at a wall and hoping they stick and end up making sense. Goodluck.

My Fics/AUs:

(ROTTMNT) Wait For It AU

Masterpost | Art | Writing

Donnie got double mutated >:)

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(ROTTMNT) Dragonfruit AU

Masterpost | Art | Writing

DF Raph | DF Donnie | DF Leo | DF Mikey

What if Draxum was a dragon nerd? What if he pulled a 'jurassic park' and brought back dragons from extinction in his effort to create powerful weapons against mankind?

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(ROTTMNT) The TMNT As Oiraons Project ✨ ill find a name for it someday smh

Masterpost | Art | Writing

April | Ruaidhri (Raph) | Morado (Donnie) | Tzaoul (Leo) | Anatolius (Mikey)

Oiraon Art | Original characters in this AU -> Nyad | Sirje

The TMNT (and others from the same universe) as Oiraon's! (Oiraon's are a make-believe Closed Species that just look like gryphons, NOT owned/created by me) Silly gryphons that im very much totally not obsessed with. I did not plan on this happening at all, i accidentally turned Leo into an Oiraon when i was bored and went "Damn this is actually a cool idea, F* it we ball" and decided that ill turn the rest into Oiraon's because i couldnt resist the temptation <3

Yeah, they all (or most) have different names than in the show, partly because id already named Tzaoul, but also to make them fit smoother into the Oiraon universe! I challenged myself to convey their Oiraon version with just looks and vibes alone, i want you to be able to guess who is who without an OG name giving it away >:)

At the moment, Tzaoul/Leo is finished but all secret-y hush-hush because he has exclusive traits that havent been released yet :) and i cant spoil it.

This obscure self indulgent AU lives rent free in my head and i welcome any and all asks, i will word vomit for ages with my ideas n stuff.

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(ROTTMNT) Totally Feline Fine (Ao3)

Masterpost | Art / TFF!Leo | Writing | Reference Sheet

(Only authorized users can view it for the time being) Just a little something that lives in my brain rent free, just a little side project/hobby for when I can't sleep, let's see where this takes me?

Leo dies in the PD and gets reincarnated, the fic: featuring Leo's quarter-life crisis! Speedrunning how to be the yokai equivalent of a cat, and figuring out what the flippity fudge he's supposed to do now?!

(My brain can't think of a good summary yet, but I'll probably go back and update this blob of text when it does)

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(ROTTMNT) Been Looking For The Brightside (Ao3)

Masterpost | Art | Writing

(Only authorized users can view it for the time being) Another ye olde 'Leo was raised separately' fic. Leon hit Draxum with the dad beam, planned shenanigans and worldbuilding, just another little something to entertain myself with writing <3

I have a vague plot and a mushpile of ideas for this, bare with me ;3

[ducktoonsfanart]

Hercules (Heracles) in Duckverse - Disney parody and literature - Louie Duck as Hercules, Gosalyn as Megara, Negaduck as Hades, Donald as Zeus - Ancient Greek mythology - Darkwing Duck, Quack Pack, Ducktales and Duck comics -Duckverse - History in Duckverse - My version and my style - Happy birthday to me!

This was actually my first drawing in 2025, but for some reason I didn't finish it until my birthday. I have an idea to depict my favorite characters (from the Disney Duckverse of course) in certain literature and Disney movies in which they could act. I've already done one related to Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, this time I did one related to one of my favorite and best Disney animated movies, which is Hercules from 1997. Although of course it's not historically or mythologically accurate, I definitely liked this parody so I decided to draw my favorite characters who would act in Hercules. By the way, for those who don't know Hercules (or Heracles in Greek, since Hercules is a Roman name), he was the son of Zeus and Alcmene and a descendant of Perseus and was one of the greatest Greek heroes ever celebrated in Greek mythology, only to be adopted by the Romans as their hero. His famous 12 difficult tasks that he performed amazed many to be celebrated like him, although of course Hercules did it to correct the sins he committed. Disney later did it in its own way by making a movie in 1997 and a series in 1998.

For Hercules, I took Louie Duck from Quack Pack, since he is mostly an athlete and was muscular (Captain Muscle who remembers T-Squad), and for Megara, I took Gosalyn Mallard from Darkwing Duck, only here she grew up like Louie who is Hercules. With the difference that Gosalyn is more warlike than Megara. Drake Mallard from Darkwing Duck is Philoctetes (Phil), a satyr and trainer of heroes including Hercules, and he has a bit of an idiotic ego, but still likes to help others. XD Negaduck is the ancient Greek god Hades, the ruler of the underworld, as he loves death, chaos and wants to rule Olympus, and is also constantly angry. The Fearsome Four (Quackerjack, Megavolt, Liquidator and Bushroot) are Pain and Panic as Hades' servants, little devils who cause trouble. Launchpad McQuack is the ancient Greek god Hermes, the messenger of the gods and the spreader of messages, and he often flies. Unlike Hermes, Launchpad is very clumsy. And of course Donald Duck as Zeus, as the father of Hercules, the ancient Greek god of lightning and the ruler of the world and the lord of Olympus. I was thinking between Scrooge and Donald, but I decided on Donald, since Donald also likes to throw lightning when he's angry (I took inspiration from the classic short "Trombone Trouble" from 1944) and is often with girls, not his wife. Yes, his wife is Hera, and since he is the protector of his nephews, he is also Hercules' father here. I mostly drew how they wore clothes in Ancient Greece, plus Louie is holding a seven-headed hydra, which was one of Hercules' labors, and since this year is the year of the snake, I made sure to do this. I have some ideas that could play the ancient Greek gods and heroes in my Duckverse version, but more on that another time. I would definitely prefer that over the Ducktales 2017 version of Olympus (sorry). It would definitely be good to see Louie as Hercules vs. Storkules.

I hope you like this drawing and this idea and feel free to like and reblog this, just don't copy my same ideas and these versions without mentioning me. Thank you! I also did this for my birthday which is April 5th, so happy birthday to me, and since I love history, fantasy and mythology, here I am doing this in my own way. Happy birthday to me!

Also this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XYv24a9h9I

[seeminglydark]

Honestly I wanna make a podcast but I'm so insecure about my voice

I feel you anon. I was actually more worried about that than ANYTHING else, voice reveal feels very intimate, like too much of me and it gave me pause for a while, I actually was like, who is going to play Caro? Surely not me. When I launched the podcast, I was terrified people would be like 'That doesnt sound at all like how I imagined Caro' since they already had a following from my comics. But guess what, that didnt happen!

I started out doing little live streams and stuff, getting reassurance from my listeners and that helps SO MUCH, many of them told me they already heard Caro with my voice as their voice head canon, so that also helped. I asked around for reassurance from people who loved me. And then I just threw myself out there, cuz you know what? You're playing a character. No one is looking at you. Its all imaginary. And now I don't even think about it, except when people tell me they really like the voice acting or that my voice is soothing, or that my voice is EXACTLY what they imagined.

Your podcast is your puppet, and your voice brings it to life. Don't be afraid. It's going to be better than you think.

also I dunno if this is relevant to you, but I'm going to add this in here because I have SO MANY trans and enby readers and listeners and i know voice dysphoria is real. I am not on T, but a lot of people assume I am because of how i speak (which is actually so gender euphoric for me as a person who identifies masc.) I do pitch my voice a bit physically without equipment, not much but some, and that will come natural with time whichever way you are going. You can hear the difference of me naturally pitching my voice in the Halloween Interruption episode really well. In the beginning when I'm playing Caro, I'm speaking very slightly lower than my natural tone, and when I switch characters, I'm using my Customer Service Voice which is a higher octave to achieve a more femme tone. Neither of these are terribly different, but the listener suspends their belief and their mind convinces themself that it is two very different characters. No matter WHAT your voice sounds like (trans or not) your listeners will suspend their belief and hear the character. it'll be ok, i promise. And as you listen to yourself during editing, theres a lovely possibility youll grow fond of the sound of your own voice. I did <3

[trickarrowsandbatarangs]

Time to make a too-long post about Kate Bishop (because I love her 💜) and her potential future in Marvel comics

The most recent major appearance of Kate Bishop was (I believe, I’m not perfectly up to date on my Marvel) in Avengers (2023)’s blood hunt tie in from mid-2024, and it was GREAT. I loved getting to see Kate in her element, and I really enjoyed the way CF Villa draws her. This new costume took an adjustment period, but I really like it!

HOWEVER. Because she’s my favourite and I’m totally biased, I think she should get an ongoing comic where she’s the/a main character again, and this post breaks down some potential ways I think it would be cool to see them do this!

I hope no marvel news that I’m not aware of comes out while I’ve been writing this that makes this post completely redundant

Also! This is an open invitation to share what kind of comics you’d like to see Kate headline!

Option 1: A New “Hawkeye” Book

- Hawkeye (2017) Vol.1 cover, and Hawkeye (2012) #9 cover

The most obvious option is to give her a new series all to herself. The Kelly Thompson run is really good, and a character-defining comic for Kate. I also enjoyed the miniseries Kate got in 2021 to coincide with the Hawkeye show - I don’t think it was as strong as some of her other appearances, but it was a fun comic that introduced Kate’s sister on-panel for the first time (and gave KB a new look as Hawkeye).

For me to properly get behind a new solo series for Kate, I don’t think I would want it to tread the same ground as Thompson’s - primarily tonally, but also with the move to LA - and would be thrilled to see someone give Kate a type of story she hasn’t been in before (at least as the sole main character).

Maybe it’s just because I recently read a comic set during this period, but something like Grayson (2014) did for Dick Grayson, in giving a character a “spy arc”, I feel like an espionage-inspired run wouldn’t feel out of place (and it is canon that Kate wanted to be a SHIELD agent growing up).

- Avengers (2023) - Blood Hunt tie-in

Alternatively, (and in a very different direction) following up on Blood Hunt and (spoilers for Kelly Thompson’s Hawkeye run) with the fact that Kate’s mum is a vampire, something that learns more into that horror and supernatural side of things and maybe feels a bit Buffy the Vampire Slayer (although with the private investigator background, Angel: The Series might be a better ref) could be really cool!

Going to the other side of Kate’s lineage, taking notes from Clint’s story in Freefall, and having Kate go against her father, who is able to exploit his wealth to get away with it all, could be a really interesting read!

I’m sure there’s many different new takes or types of story to get out of Kate as a character, and as long as it was trying something new, I’d be pumped to see how it went! (If anyone has new directions they’d want to see this character taken in a solo, PLEASE share!)

While I adored the Thompson and Romero run and would’ve loved if it had gone on longer, it was strong and unique enough that I’d prefer to see something fresh as opposed to an imitation.

Option 1b: A “Hawkeyes” Comic

- Hawkeye (2017) Vol. 3 cover, Generations: Hawkeye & Hawkeye (2017) cover, and All-New Hawkeye (2016) #6

Unsurprisingly, as a Hawkeye fan, Fraction & Aja’s 2012 run is one of my favourite comics of all time. Part of this is because of how well the characters of Kate and Clint play off of each other, and I love the weird hard-to-define-but-definitely-codependent relationship that develops.

I also love Clint, so would be thrilled if the pair of them had a new comic together (oh hey! And maybe they could introduce a variant of Charli Ramsey into 616! The more Hawkeyes the merrier!)

However, with that said, similar to my view on the 2018 Hawkeye comic, this dynamic has already been done *fantastically* in this way in Hawkeye 2012, and while I am desperate beyond desperation to see these two together in a comic again, and have their relationship explored, I’m not certain how excited I would be for something trying to get at that and not succeeding quite as well (which - and this might be a hot take - I think the Lemire and Perez run kind of does).

Any new run with these two at the helm would have to

1.) capture their pre-existing dynamic

2.) present this dynamic in a way that didn’t feel like it was just using fraction/Aja’s run as a crib sheet without expanding or adding anything

Option 2: A New “Young Avengers”

The 00s had a young avengers run, the 10s had a young avengers run, it is only fair that the 20s get one as well. Also- I think they’re leaning towards this vis-a-vis the movies, so this could be something we see emerging in the run up.

The 2021 Kate Bishop: Hawkeye miniseries also ended with Kate teaming up with Cassie Lang and America Chavez, and teased potential future missions, so it would be cool to see this trio setting up a new group!

My personal ideal roster would be a bit of a merge between 2005 and 2013’s Young Avengers - with additions from the Kate-led West Coast Avengers team: Kate (obviously), Wiccan & Hulkling (they may be too busy being married space royalty, but they feel essential to YA), Speed, America Chavez, Cassie Lang, with new additions Fuse & Alloy (because I love them), and if we wanted fully fresh blood, add Shela Sexton and Brielle Brooks to the team. I am aware this is… a lot of characters - definitely too many, even - but I could not cut anyone from this list because I love them all.

Oh hey a “Fuse & Alloy” comic run would also be cool as hell. But this post isn’t about that rn.

A criticism I have of both Young Avengers runs is they never quite establish a “status quo” for the heroes to work from. This is probably very much personal taste, but I would enjoy a comic that firmly sets up their day-to-day/Homebase/etc. and then has them going on individual adventures, fighting off threats episodically, or in longer several-issue-spanning stories (I think Thompson’s West Coast Avengers is really good for this).

Option 3: A “Kate Bishop & America Chavez” team-up

- America (2017) #5 cover, Civil War II: Choosing Sides #3

I have an agenda and its name is Amerikate.

I think it is very telling that despite only minor (but great) interactions in Young Avengers 2013 these two were quickly established as best friends by writers afterwards. They play off each other very well, and I love to see their closeness and friendship.

This could be a fun dimension-hopping adventure! Combining an overarching plot of America and Kate traveling these different realities, but also the individual stories and problems of the duo in these realities (and the denizens they would come upon and want to help).

While if I were at the helm, I would obviously want a “Hawkeye & Ms America” comic to build towards a romance between the two, given the flirtatiousness of their friendship (and hey there was even that pitch for them to actually kiss a few years ago), with it starting as two friends fighting crime/monsters/aliens/supervillains/etc. and feelings reaching a tipping point… but honestly I would also be totally okay if we got a comic like this and it was purely platonic, with that kind of teasing flirting vibe that they already have. I love both these characters and their friendship is always so enjoyable to read.

When I first read Young Avengers 2013 years ago as a teen, it was actually America, not Kate, that I initially gravitated towards and went “holy shit she’s the coolest woman alive” and became one of my favourite comic characters. I would love to see America as a title name in a new comic run. Especially because her own solo titles have unfortunately not really been as strong as I was hoping for.

Option 4: “Jones & Bishop: Private Investigators”

Given that “superhero” isn’t the only profession they’ve shared, I can already see the image of this building so clearly in my mind. I think the dynamic they have in comics has been really great to see so far (Jessica Jones’s appearance in Thompson’s Hawkeye is such a good issue), and I would be so pumped to see what direction this could go.

I also think as character parallels, the conversation they have during Young Avengers Special about their different trajectories following a similar event is deeply meaningful and I think about it a lot.

- Young Avengers Special (2005

[noturlondonboy]

An open letter to Kevin Fiege

Note: please do not take this too seriously chat, I was assigned with writing an open letter for my English class, and I decided I needed to diss on Kevin to my English professor for a little while.

————

Dear Kevin Fiegi, (I know I spelled your name wrong, it is intentional.)

I’d just like to start off with a very sincere screw you. And if this wasn’t a school assignment that my professor is going to read, I would be using some choosier words.

Second, kindly go to Hell. Emily, my apologies. Moving on.

Let’s start with one of the most glaringly obvious problems you created and let happen in the MCU- the confusing and unnecessary death of Natalia Alianova Romanova, otherwise known as Natasha Romanoff, the Black Widow.

I can understand Natasha insisting that she be the one to sacrifice herself instead of Clint- it fits her character archetype and offers a solid way for her character to die with dignity. If it weren’t such a stupid idea to kill her off in the first place.

Might I offer an alternative to keeping one of the arguably most important characters in the Marvel Universe dead in the cinematic adaptations? Did we even think about Tony Stark bringing her back with the Infinity Gauntlet when he revived half the world’s population? Did we consider at all that maybe when Steve Rogers made the (horrible) decision to stay behind in the 40’s, he could have warned the team about the dangers in Endgame? Maybe he could have prevented the Snap in the first place.

Maybe, maybe, maybe… so many options, and yet, here we are, onto Phase 5 of the MCU and Natasha Romanoff-less.

More on Steve in a second.

Natasha’s death felt unnecessary, shallow, and forced in order to create a narrative with enough drama and angst to soothe the most particular crowds. While we already had very few strong, main female characters, the loss of the Black Widow only adds the problematic misogyny in the MCU. This is aided by the fact that we received only one Black Widow movie (after she had canonically died, mind you) and have three Iron Man movies, four Thor movies, and three Captain America movies with a fourth on the way.

I’m sensing a pattern here, Kevin. A pattern I do not like.

If we wanted to stay on the topic related to misogyny, we could talk about Wanda Maximoff, and the injustice served to her character in Dr. Strange and the Multiverse of Madness. The show Wandavision gave us a beautiful narrative of how Wanda reacted to her immeasurable grief, and wove together an exciting story that provided us with intriguing lore and storyline options. However, in the absolute dookie bomb of Multiverse of Madness, almost every single point of conflict and character development that Wanda experienced was completely trashed and ignored in favor of turning her into a villain for the sake of villainy.

A terrible reason, by the way. Literally what the hell. Kevin. I am so incredibly upset with you.

Back to Steve Rogers, as promised.

Steve in himself is an incredibly in-depth character that absolutely lives up to the hype. He’s Captain-freaking-America. His actions are purposeful, his morals and strong and set in doing what is right, not what is expected. *cough cough* When Steve decided to stay in the 40’s when returning the Infinity Stones, he disrupted several important plot points. In Agent Carter, Peggy Carter moves on from Steve when he’s lost to the ice and finds love and peace and happiness with someone else. Steve ultimately steals back her affection from that life she had built for herself, and the importance she completed in her life with that man.

Have you ever watched Agent Carter, Kevin? Have you read any of the comics that you’re adapting for the screen? Have you seen the movies? The shows? Do you understand the plot lines you’re supposedly in charge of?

Secondly, we cannot forget about Bucky Barnes, even though Steve most certainly did. Remember Bucky, Kevin? Remember Steve’s best and closest friend? The man he promised to always stick with, “to the end of the line”?

No, Kevin. Clearly, you do not remember. Steve absconding Bucky was entirely out of character and makes no sense. What are we even doing here?

Thank you, but no thank you, Kevin. Please hand the MCU reigns over to someone who actually cares about the characters and what the fans want (in a reasonable sense.)

-London, aka the one you should hand them to.

[lazycats-stuff]

Hi! Can you pls do a batfam x male child reader who loves weapons where Jason takes the reader on his first little mission without Bruce knowing?

Oh that's adorable. It's short, but sweet because where I am it's so hot right now, you feel like dying and just laying around trying to cool off... Anyways, if any of you live in a place where it's very hot, take care of yourselves. Drink water and put on your sunscreen people. Heat is not a joke...

Okay, Jason knew that this wasn't the greatest idea ever and he did calculate how Bruce would react if he was ever to find out about this. And while he did know that Bruce would kill him for doing this, Jason knew that sooner or later (Y/N) would want to go on missions, just like them.

Dick was already going on patrol at the time so it wasn't going to be that bad. If necessary, he was going to use that as an excuse if he is ever caught with (Y/N).

He smiled at the sight of (Y/N) in the old Robin suit, he was so adorable. He put his helmet on and off they went into the night. This night was one of the many firsts for (Y/N). It was way past his bedtime, he never really got a chance to drive on a motorcycle and he never went to these parts of Gotham...

Jason hoped that Bruce never found out about this. He already made (Y/N) promise to not tell Bruce anything. (Y/N) agreed, seeing that Jason was doing a lot for him, something that would probably not make his dad happy.

(Y/N) was enjoying the night, strapped in, Jason making sure that (Y/N) is safe, knowing the dangers of driving a motorcycle. It looked quite comical, a big guy driving and what could be a baby on the front.

" Okay, baby bird, we are here. Do you remember the plan? " Jason asked, parking the bike.

" Yes! You distract them from the front and I sneak in to plant explosives on the spots you said. " (Y/N) said, excited as Jason made sure that (Y/N) is ready.

Jason was already here and he marked all the spots where (Y/N) was supposed to go. " And after that? " Jason asked, making sure that (Y/N) knew the plan.

" Then I go here. " (Y/N) said all excited. Jason nodded and he stood up.

" Come on little bird, on you get. "

Everything went smoothly. (Y/N) did exactly what Jason wanted him to do. He did everything to a T and Jason couldn't be more prouder. He took (Y/N) into his arms, grunting a bit, due to the fact that he got heavier. They grow up so fricking fast.

" Good job little bird, you did a good job. " Jason praised his little brother, who giggled.

" Are we going to do this again? " (Y/N) inquired, smiling.

" We are, little bird, we are. " Jason said, leaning his head against (Y/N)'s. His baby brother is growing up to fast. He still remembers when (Y/N) was a little baby. Such a little baby too... Not the time to be emotional.

" Okay, little bird, lets go back home. I can't have B finding out about our little mission now can we? " Jason said, putting (Y/N) on the motorbike, giving him a small helmet.

" Come on, baby bird let's go back. You need your sleep. "

Jason snuck into the house, carrying his little brother in his arms upstairs, making sure that he isn't seen by any of his siblings. He changed (Y/N) into his PJs and made sure he brushed his teeth.

Afterwards he tucked him into bed. He removed some of (Y/N)'s hair out of his eyes. " Did you enjoy our mission tonight? " Jason asked once more.

" I did Jay. I want to do it again. " (Y/N) said, eyes closing.

" And we will. Now go to sleep. "

(Y/N)'s eyes closed and he out like a light. Jason gave him a kiss on the forehead and left the room, making sure to leave it ajar.

He quickly went to his room, avoiding his other siblings like a plague.

[pluckyredhead]

so what did you not like about worlds finest teen titans? There were a lot of dropped plot threads and bits I expected Waid to develop more (Roy and Ollie conflict, Roy, Garth and Wally never resolved their sleepover argument, Karen's reaction at the con to nearly being unmasked, Wally's parents, ect) and also the queerbaiting with garth (and his eyes changing colour halfway through???) was annoying. I thought it was cute overall but maybe I'm not familiar enough with some of the characters?

I held on to this ask because I was going to reread the miniseries to answer you more accurately, and then I decided to not put myself through that, so...hopefully my memory is accurate lol.

(I should note before I get into it that none of my quibbles are with Emanuela Lupacchino's art. She's a treasure and we're thrilled that she's here.)

But yeah, you've put the nail on the head with a lot of it. It was just terribly paced, like Waid didn't know how many issues he had or something. Aside from all the dropped threads you mentioned, it felt like the main bad guys were...pretty much hastily introduced, or at least assembled, in #5? There didn't seem to be any kind of...well, point to this miniseries. There was no theme. There was nothing Waid was trying to say, as far as I could tell, except "Fuck Roy Harper." (Oh, we'll get to that.) It wasn't an origin story for the team. It wasn't about adolescence or coming of age or learning who you are, except maybe a little bit for Garth. It was just...there.

And I want to be clear here: Mark Waid is one of my favorite comic book writers of all time. When he hits, he hits. The regular World's Finest book and his Shazam are wonderful. I just think this wasn't the right match of writer/characters, because he didn't handle these very well. Taking them one by one:

Dick: DC is fully in their "Dick the unbearable Mary Sue" era and this book is no exception. If I never see another comic where a whole team of experienced superheroes with major league powers and training stands around like incompetent jackasses until a Bat comes along and tells them what to do, it'll be too soon. I'm here to read about an ensemble book where everyone is a three-dimensional character, not The World's Most Perfect Boy and his loser sidekicks. Not only is it unfair to everyone else in the cast, it's doing a disservice to Dick, who is a much more interesting character than this book (or Tom Taylor, ahem) gives him credit for.

(There's also something very weird and inconsistent Waid is doing across his books with Dick - WF, WFTT, and BvR - where sometimes he's throwing a tantrum because he doesn't get to be a circus star with everyone looking at him all the time, and sometimes he's screaming at Roy for filming them, and both feel utterly arbitrary to me as well as contradictory.)

Donna: Donna's characterization in this was just...bizarre. I was a little worried about how Waid would handle her, since he has a tendency to turn more quote unquote "wholesome" female characters into the Mom Friend (see: his Champions run, where he tries to get away with it by having Kamala announce that she's not going to be the Mom Friend because she's the only girl on the team...and then immediately becoming the Mom Friend), and Donna's already very much a Mom Friend, and I didn't know what Mom Friend Squared would look like. But instead he went for this...Manic Pixie Nightmare Girl approach? Where she's really into bungee jumping and monster trucks? I'm not offended by it, it's just so utterly random. This isn't who Donna is? It's never been who she is? Baffling.

I am offended (I mean, mildly, but still) by the fact that she and Garth are shoehorned together in this. He's the only boy on the team she's never been romantically linked to, even in dreams/hallucinations/whatever, so completing the set feels very much like Donna's only narrative worth is in being a love interest, which...gross.

Garth: Garth probably got the best treatment of the bunch, to be honest. He was in character as the shy little weirdo he was in the Silver Age and in pretty much every flashback we've ever seen. He's smart and perceptive and bad at saying what he wants and generous towards those who have hurt him, all of which is very Garth. I have no complaints about him except the weird queerbaiting, and I'm not blaming Waid for that because from what I understand, solicits are written by editorial working off of a pitch, potentially before the comic is even written, so who knows what happened there? It might have been a stupid joke that didn't land, it might have been a story that was pitched and then a higher up vetoed it, it might have been a story Waid was going to write and then changed his mind. I'm not going to say it's his fault when I have no idea if that's true. Otherwise, I think he handled Garth well.

Wally: Wally was another one where I was just like ??? the whole time. He didn't feel like Wally, he felt like Bart. But, like, fanon's innocent child version of Bart and not the actual canon character, who has a lot more backbone. Why is he hero worshipping Dick like that? Why is he so docile? What was up with that weird line where Dick's like "you're the youngest?" Yes, historically Dick had already dropped out of college while Wally was still in high school, but otherwise they've always been portrayed as the same age. And if it's a reference to debut year, Donna's the youngest. It's such a random throwaway line dumped in at the very end for...why? Confusing me personally?

The worst, though, was whatever the hell was going on with Wally's parents. Wally's parents are not an idyllic suburban couple! They are not the Kents! Rudy West is only not classified as a supervillain because he doesn't have a costume! Even if he hadn't tried to kill Mary, sold the Earth out to alien robots, faked his own death, or run a deadly labor camp for children at this point in the timeline, he definitely hit Wally and, uh, poisoned Wally's Little League coach. I don't think Mary is as bad as some of fandom does, but she's certainly a difficult person. Wally was desperately unhappy at home as a child, which is why he latched on so hard to Barry and Iris. And Waid knows this, because he wrote a lot of that canon. If it's a retcon, it's such a strange, pointless one that makes all of them a lot less interesting. Just baffling.

Karen: I think it was a very smart choice to add Karen to the founding roster and make the team slightly more gender-balanced and not all-white. It's kind of a wasted choice, though, when she's so aggressively sidelined. All she does in this book is hang around with Mal and the support staff. She isn't looped into any of the major emotional conflicts - Garth and Donna, Dick and Roy, Roy and Wally and Garth. She's not treated as a headliner in the same way the others are, and that really sucks.

Roy: Hoo boy.

When Waid was announced as the writer of Batman vs. Robin, I was worried, because I had a feeling he didn't like Damian. I couldn't put my finger on why, it was just a feeling I had. And boy howdy, was I proved right! Damian is treated like shit in that book.

I had the same feeling with this book and Roy, and...let's just say I'm two for two, okay?

Here's the thing. I'm okay with Roy being written as kind of shitty, especially during his period of his life. Teen Titans: Year One writes him as an utter fuckboy, and I love that comic. The Mal and Karen issue of The Other History of the DC Universe retells the Bronze Age Titans era from their perspective, and it pulls absolutely no punches regarding Roy being, well, kind of an asshole...and it's right to do so, because it's drawing very directly from those 1970s comics, and he was often awful in those.

But Waid writes him as a generic 80s movie villain. He's a human popped collar. He's a stereotype of a bully. My problem isn't that I need him to never do anything wrong, it's that nothing in this book is specific to Roy, his history, or his established personality.

For instance, all of his bragging about how much money he has? He comes off like a kid who was born into wealth and has never known anything else, but that isn't true. He was at best middle class before Ollie, probably more likely working class given the economic situation on most reservations - but there's no indication that he's responding specifically to that shift in circumstances. He's just, like, Draco Malfoy with arrows. Also, Dick has a nearly identical history but none of the same issues. He even says "Roy and I have the same background but he sucks." Why is one of them a perfect angel untouched by filthy lucre, and the other is Bradley Uppercrust III?

And then there's the subplot with Ollie neglecting Roy, which fizzled out to a real wet fart of a resolution. But honestly, at no point did I know where Waid was going with that, because...well, if you know Roy's history, you know Ollie neglecting him is what leads directly to Roy getting into drugs. And like...first of all, the timeline here is off, because historically Ollie didn't ditch Roy until after he lost his money, and he still has it here. (How interesting would it have been to have Roy pretending he was still rich in addition to pretending Ollie was around?) But also, this comic ends on an "and now everything is fine!" note, but it isn't! It really, really isn't. So Ollie showing up at the end and being like "I'm here for you, buddy" doesn't ring true, because he is demonstrably not in this very comic, and we also know he won't be in the future. And Roy getting what he wants doesn't feel like a satisfying resolution either because we don't actually get to see changed behavior from him, and again, we know this won't last. (Again, TT:YO handles this dynamic very well, where we see that Ollie is an affectionate but negligent guardian who Roy is learning some very bad habits from.)

And to top it off, constantly contrasting Terrible Roy to Virtuous Dick and simultaneously pretending that Ollie was at this point a responsible guardian has the (I hope unintentional) effect of implying that Roy will eventually become an addict because he's just a bad and weak person, instead of a struggling teen who needed support and didn't get it. I would have actually preferred a story that hinted at the beginning of Roy's addiction and how he hides it from the Titans, because we've never had that story told in comics, but I don't think Waid's the one to write it. Instead we get a conflict that's out of character for Roy, a resolution that doesn't feel at all earned, and the looming threat of Roy's immediate future which Waid refuses to address.

In conclusion, this book was a mess, and you should all read Teen Titans: Year One instead.

[isfjmel-phleg]

March 2025 Books

Moongarden by Michelle A. Barry (reread)

This is such a loose Secret Garden retelling that I haven't talked about it much because it's harder to analyze in that light. It really doesn't engage much with the themes of the original. The characters are much more flat.

Frances Hodgson Burnett: Beyond the Secret Garden by Angelica Shirley Carpenter

Did not realize when I ILLed this that it was a juvenile biography.

Sun rise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

Other people are already saying very intelligent things about this book, so I will not attempt to do so (also I made the mistake of having a single T H G thought here once and ended up with broken containment and a well-meaning assumption from a member of the general public that I could have other thoughts on something else in the series, which I very much did not, and I don't want to deal with that again). But, like every installment of this series, I found it quite moving.

Frances Hodgson Burnett: The Unexpected Life of the Author of The Secret Garden by Gretchen Holbrook Gerzina

I love (some of) this woman's books, and I am so baffled by her as a human being, and that's all I want to say about it.

Father's Arcane Daughter by E. L. Konigsburg (reread)

On a whim, followed by a rewatch of the TV film adaptation.

The Dragonfly Pool by Eva Ibbotson (reread)

I liked this one less than I remembered. Not sure why. Maybe it's Ibbotson's habit of designating some characters as irredeemably contemptible and without humanity--which is downplayed in this particular book in comparison to some of her others. But it's something that has a tendency to rub me the wrong way about an author.

The Secret Garden of Yanagi Inn by Amber A. Logan (reread)

This never gets any better, no matter how many times I revisit it, and I want a dollar for every time the protagonist tells herself, "Breathe, Mari, breathe" or something similar.

The Humming Room by Ellen Potter (reread)

This is a TSG retelling that I do actually enjoy rereading, and I've got a few observations about it, which will be another post.

A Bit of Earth by Karuna Riazi (reread)

As much as this one diverges from certain aspects of TSG (like the gothic elements, for instance, and the CEN), this is another retelling that is pretty rereadable. It works well because it engages with TSG's themes of Mary's feelings of being alienated/not belonging, and recontextualizes them as Maria's being an orphan shuffled from one temporary home to another constantly, rejected for her aloof and unpleasant demeanor, and finally forced to live in a country and culture that is not her own and doesn't fully welcome or accept her. It's an interesting and poignant take. I'm not sure that having Colin's issue be ADHD here really works for me, but the conflict of his trying to hide his condition from his disapproving and academically demanding family does play in to the original themes of the character's struggle with shame surrounding his ostensible condition--which is something that I haven't really seen addressed in other retellings.

The Edge of In Between by Lorelai Savaryn (reread)

I've tried to enjoy this one as its own thing outside of its intent as a TSG retelling, and I just...struggle. The grief metaphor is very heavy-handed, even for a middle-grade novel, which leaves the characters seeming more like symbols or archetypes than human beings, which I find makes it harder for me to connect. Instead of getting drawn into the story's world, I feel like I am being sat down to get a Life Lesson spelled out to me. And of course I'm not the middle-grade target audience, but I've read plenty of other books for this age range that handled their themes with greater subtlety.

Blackout by Connie Willis

I enjoyed this one. Nothing intelligent to say about it, but I'm eager to get the next one so I am not left dangling from this cliff.

Comics

The Secret Garden on 81st Street (reread)

So busy trying to Fix All The Problematic Things (and very proud of itself for doing so) that it forgot what makes the story and characters work, I think.

JSA 1999 #76-87

Read in order to complete the series. It ends on a weird weird not-really-conclusive note.

Space Boy (reread...again this year)

Look, it's been a rough year and I read a lot of stuff that I didn't love this month. I needed this.