#but it doesn't really sail in my pool

[heartreactor]

Would you consider writing Tony/Bruce story? I enjoy your writing style and would love to see your take on this ship. I would really like to read a fiction where Tony is really sick and vulnerable, Bruce takes care of him and it leads to a relationship (can be sexual or just romantic depending what you feel comfortable with).

Hi! Thank you for the ask! I haven't posted any of my writing to Ao3 in years, and it has been an interesting experience to come back.

I absolutely adore the ScienceBros! I've honestly lost count of how many times I've watched the first Avengers movies, but Tony getting attached to Bruce 0,0001 seconds after meeting the man still gives me the fuzzies. They are so, so cute! However, I'm not certain I'm completely comfortable with writing them as a ship at the moment, and I don't think it would be fair to warp your prompt to fit my liking as I'm certain that you're looking forward to something heavily ship-centric.

Mind you, I have nothing against against Bruce/Tony! They're super cute. I just don't think I'm a good fit. In any case, if you would like a story along the lines of platonic relationship instead of slash, I could probably come up with something there. Otherwise, I would be glad to share your prompt and hopefully someone will give it more justice than I ever could.

So, if you want to bargain, hit me up!

[marleyybluu]

Baby Daddy

Pairings: Fezco x black!reader

Warnings: swearing, sexual content, unprotected sex.

Word Count: 2.5k

this is from my old account too so if you see this and you're like "Hey this is familiar" its because its me babe

"When are you going to start dating again?" Kay asked her friend. YN rolled her eyes and fed her 8-month-old child a spoonful of mashed sweet potatoes. "Sage can you tell your aunty I'll knock her right tooth to the left." The little girl oblivious to the conversation only whined for more food.

"Come on, look, you've been out of the dating pool since you got pregnant since you and... he who shall remain nameless-"

"Girl, just say Fez." 

"YN don't you miss having some fun, flirting with whoever just to get bored and ghost them in like a week?"

YN missed having fun in terms of going on dates with whoever she wanted to and accepting gifts from whoever gave them to her and on the occasion just having a drunken one-night stand but she was a mother now, things had been put into a different perspective. She wouldn't mind dating but she knew what it was like out there, not a lot of people were up to play step-parent or wait around until her child went to sleep.

"Or are you still hung up on you know who?"

YN's baby daddy was no stranger to being the topic of conversation, he was a steady fling— occasionally going on trips together, going to hotels, planning cute little dates, going on double dates, and he even met her parents. But something just prevented them from putting this title on things and as deep as she was falling for him she never let him know. Soon she was pregnant and they agreed to co-parent, it was all smooth sailing but watching him be a father made her yearn for a relationship with him. A solid one.

"No, I'm not still hung up on him," She lied. "Even if I was... could you blame me? I mean you saw the way he treated me as if I was his whole solar system and seeing him with Sage. It just makes everything deeper."

"You two are so complicated, you were the one who said you don't date-"

"Well, that was before I met him!" She shouted. YN took a deep breath. "Kay... you don't know how he makes me feel, gosh I mean when I was pregnant there was no hesitation he was so happy, he wanted me off my feet when I started showing, he put me on this pedestal that I don't know if anyone can make me experience again."

The doorbell rang cutting into their conversation, YN asked her friend to go answer and she did swinging the door open revealing the man of the hour as if they summoned him by accident.

"Hey, Fezco." She heard from the kitchen. "Speaking of the devil," YN muttered. Heavy footsteps trailed inside the kitchen. "Hey YN."

"Hi, Fez."

Sage instantly started to kick her feet when she saw her father come into view. "Hi, my happy baby." He cooed rubbing his nose against hers. "Well, I guess I will leave y'all alone, have some family time. I have some shopping to do."

YN wiped off her daughter's mouth and stood up leaving her with her father. "With who's money?" She asked. Kay shrugged. "Doesn't matter as long as it's not my own. See y'all later."

Kay left the house leaving YN in awkward silence. "So what are you doing here today?" She asked. "I was missing you guys, so I let Ashtray handle shit today." She took a sip of her coffee and sighed sitting around her kitchen island. "Did you eat yet?" He asked. She nodded but he stared at her longer. "Fine, no. But I'm not that hungry anyway."

"You have anything to cook?"

YN groaned. "Fez,"

"I don't want to hear it I'll make something."

There was no point in arguing with him really he would just turn around and do whatever he wanted anyway. The rest of the day was breezy, YN got to finish some work and take a nap while Fezco took care of their daughter. She sat in her playpen in front of the television watching some Bugs Bunny he had left on. YN rubbed the sleep out of her eye coming down the steps in a baggy shirt and some socks. She peeped over to see Sage engulfed in the old cartoon and decided to let her be.

She slid into the kitchen and crept behind Fez drawing a line down his back. "Hey." She smiled. "Hi, sleepyhead."

YN laughed. "Thank you for letting me have more than 15 minutes."

"Five hours should do you justice for the week." He joked. She rolled her eyes leaning on the counter to peek at what he was cooking. "You have no idea how much I appreciate this, I owe you."

He shook his head. "You're the mother of my child, carried my little girl for almost ten months, you've done everything for her. You don't owe me anything."

'Why do you have to be so nice?' She said to herself.

YN looked up at him wanting to ask something, maybe confess her feelings, but her doubt got the better of her and she only sheepishly smiled at him before heading to the living room and sitting in the large playpen with her child.

Holding up toys to her face and watching her little hands grab them only to toss them back on the floor. Florian poked his head around the corner grinning as he saw his two girls having their own fun, he tip-toed over. "Room for one more?"

"Of course."

Soon all three were in the playpen. YN felt his arm snake around her pulling her in closer to him, he kissed the top of her head. This was what she wanted, every night, with him and no one else honestly. "Dinner's ready if you're hungry."

"Mmm you know I'll never say no to food."

The three gathered around the table, Sage for her own small portion of the food. They said a little prayer before digging in. YN's eyes rolled to the back of her head. "I swear you make the best steak and potatoes oh my goodness."

"Thank you." He chuckled. The dinner was more a comfortable silence with the occasional random noise from the baby who was covered in mostly mashed potatoes. "Every time I look at her I fall more in love. She's perfect." YN mumbled.

Fez agreed. "We did a great job. Making her and raising her." YN lightly threw her napkin at him for the comment. "It's true, I know you remember." He winked taking a sip of his water. She remembered very well to the point where it would leave a heartbeat in more than one place.

Dinner was done, and Sage had been bathed and put to sleep. YN washed what dishes were left while Fez picked up the toys and packed away the playpen. It was 8 pm and though she didn't wake up too long ago she was ready to go back to sleep. "Well everything is cleaned up, guess that's my cue to go."

She frowned but kept it hidden. "Uh... okay, well thanks again for today I needed the little break."

He nodded. "No problem."

Neither wanted him to go just yet.

"I- um, what if you leave a little later... I have wine." YN felt herself becoming rosy she couldn't believe she was stumbling so much. Fez found it cute though. "Uh, I drove here."

"There's a couch... or an extra room." She flirted. He agreed to her offer setting his keys back down. His eyes were glued to her backside watching her bend down to one of the lower cabinets grabbing the liquor. "Hey there are some glasses somewhere up there can you-" She stood up catching him in the act, her heart fell to the pit of her stomach. "What?"

"Nothing." He shrugged. "Glasses right?" Fez didn't need much of a stretch to collect the glasses. "If we really wanna keep her sleeping we could go in the basement."

"Lead the way."

YN stepped downstairs hearing the door quietly close behind her, she stopped in her tracks seeing the tent made of blankets that she set up one night with Kay. "That's cute." He chuckled. Drinks were poured while they sat up in the tent. "Cheers to a parent's night in." She giggled. "I'll drink to that."

YN picked a movie and laid back against some pillows that were stacked but she felt herself being pulled once again into Fezco's hold, he rested his head on her thighs and she smiled lightly scratching his head with her acrylic nails knowing that was what he liked. As the movie played and more drinks were poured she started to feel the buzz, she couldn't handle liquor like she use to— tingles ran through every inch of her body as her temperature rose.

Fez was feeling the same way, his fingers running up and down her thighs. By this time they switched positions and were both laying down with her as the little spoon. She, not so subtly, pushed back against his crotch her eyes widening feeling his already hard member poking through. His hand moved from her thighs up her torso and under her shirt, his lips pressed against the back of her neck.

"I miss you." He mumbled. She shook her head at the drunken confession. "Mmm, you had too much wine." She hiccuped. "So? A drunk man's words... have... thoughts." YN fell into a fit of laughter. "What the hell was thaaat!?"

He only shook his head, his glossy eyes analyzed her every feature, the little dots of freckles spread across her skin, her full lips forming into a smile. "Fezzy..." She whispered.

"YN." He whispered back. Her low eyes fixated on his full beard. "Do you miss life before Sage?" She wondered. He disagreed. "I love her too much to turn back the clock you know?"

"Mhm."

He closed his eyes. "I miss how close we were though. I miss taking you on dates and shit. I miss pretending like we were in a relationship." 

YN ran her thumb over his cheek. "I think you were the only one I wanted a real relationship with," She admitted. "Why do you think I trapped you?" 

"Shut up." He mumbled pulling her face closer until their lips touched for the first time in quite a long time and it was a feeling that was well overdue. Soon the movie was just background noise, clothes were coming off piece by piece, kisses filling in their places, and warm hands exploring their bodies like it was the first time they met. YN wrapped her legs around his hips, her nails digging into his soft flesh, her soft moans caressing his ear. 

He grunted burying his head in the crook between her neck and shoulder leaving kisses behind. "Oh my goodness... Fez." She breathlessly whispered while tapping his back. "Oh, baby I'm gonna cum." 

His tongue slithered against her warm neck tasting her salty skin, sweat coating both bodies. "Cum for me, please cum for me, baby." 

Yn felt her legs loosen their grip allowing him to thrust harder, she let out a long groan her nails sliding down his back leaving faint red trails. Her orgasm took over her whole body causing her to shake and shiver, to reach down between them in a weak attempt to push him off but he wasn't going anywhere he loved watching her mouth form that 'O' shape, his name repeatedly slipping from her, her perfect eyebrows coming closer together, the eye contact was the cherry on top of it all. 

"Shit." She giggled out of breath. "You okay?" He chuckled passing his thumb over her chin. "Yes." Her cheeks started to feel warm. 

Fez rolled over on his back letting out an exhausted sigh picking up the phone to check the time. "1 am, wow."  He put the phone down seeing Yn now on top of him her hands laying on his chest, her soaked pussy sliding against his shaft, she whimpered at her sensitive clit's contact with the vein he had poking out. She lifted her hips taking his dick into the palm of her hand so it stood straight up and slowly sank down on it. 

"Baby..." He moaned feeling engulfed in her warmth and slickness. "Can't take anymore?" She flirted rotating her hips. "Mmm don't start that, I always make you tap out." 

YN didn't answer only lifted back up to his tip and carefully back down, she repeated her actions until she was comfortable enough to go a bit faster. She rode that man like a horse, helped that he was hung like one too, his hands had a hard grip on her cheeks spanking them once in a while hard enough in the hopes to leave a print. She leaned down resting her upper body on his and still moving up and down on him. "Fuck it's so deep." She muttered. "Yeah?" Fez wrapped his arms around her waist holding her down, he began to match her motions. 

"Ouu I- mmm fuck I hate that." She giggled knowing she felt the complete opposite. Soon her body gave out letting Fez take over with his relentless pounding, she whimpered reaching back to push against his thighs but was denied when he collected her arm trapping it under his initiating the same on the other side. "Take that shit, I told you I always make you tap out." 

She really had no choice but to lay on his chest she wiggled her upper body as much as she could but there was no point. "Fezzz." She whined, her eyes falling to the back of her head. "I'm gonna cum YN." 

"Cum in me daddy, please." 

Fez felt her pulsing around him only for it to trigger his own orgasm, his thrusts became slow and sloppy as he emptied himself inside of her. He released his grip on her leaving her to lay lifelessly on her, out of breath, officially tapped out for the night. "You telling me to cum in you will never get old."

She smirked. "It won't be the last time either." 

The moment was interrupted by their original outcome from the last time she made that statement, baby cries over the monitor that YN had left in the basement because she always forgot the other one upstairs. "And there she goes." 

YN cleaned up from the sink nearby and stole Fezco's shirt to cover her body. "Really?" 

"Yuuup." She laughed running up the stairs to her daughter's room to see the infant kicking and wailing. "Okaaay mama I'm here." 

She sighed carrying her back to the master bedroom seeing Fez in his boxers laying on her sheets. "I don't think she's hungry, just fussy." He watched as she carefully laid down with the baby laying on her chest. He scooted over to get closer and kissed her cheek, he placed his hand on Sage's back as she slowly calmed down and was soon back to being quiet.  

"I love you guys." 

Yn looked over at him. "We love you too." 

don't we love when she posts on a random day in the week after saying she only does weekends? lol

New Rio fics dropping this weekend fr tho and if I don't do it shiiiiiit don't shoot the messenger

taking a break from Miss Ivy (but if you are a curious cat and would like to take a read come through) and diving back into my other boys

if you liked this fic feel free to like this fic, comments and reblogs help and are very appreciated each time (even tho tumblr wont let me respond to comments for some stupid reason.)

Be cool🤙🏾

[sunflowervoltwentyeight]

Happy 28th! Here is my February 2024 fic rec, organized by word count, from longest to shortest. You can view my other fic recs here. Enjoy!

Remember Me Fondly by kiddle / @bluejeanlouis (73k)

“You’ve told the beginning of the story so many times. I want to hear the end.”Louis laughed, scratching at his chin. “I can’t say I really know when the end happened.”“How about the tour of ninety-five?”“Alright.” Louis took a deep breath. “But it took a few steps to get there. What would you like to know?”Penny cleared her throat.“How did you first meet Harry Styles?” Grunge legends Fearless Doe topped the rock charts in the ‘90s, but they spent the decade kicking Smudge off their heels. From lawsuits to jaw-dropping scandals and a surprising joint world tour, the two bands share a complicated history.

Twenty-five years later, frontmen Louis Tomlinson and Harry Styles are finally ready to sit down and tell the world their two sides of the same story.

Truth may vary.

I Would Know You From Touch Alone by staybeautiful / @harruandlou (72k)

They had never been face to face before now. They’d never touched, skin to skin, until Harry landed a punch to his face, high on his cheekbone.

Louis shoved him off and was pulling his fist back from Harry’s abdomen before he realized his face wasn’t tingling because of the pain.

It pooled out from his cheek, over his face, down his neck and spine. A shiver in the late September night. Heat, sparks - whatever you wanted to fucking call it.

or The Tomlinson and Cox gangs have hated each other for over forty years. Harry Styles, the grandson of Gritty Cox, was freshly back to the city after uni when, on his first night out, he punched the Tomlinson heir in the face. It shouldn’t have mattered, their gangs have done worse to each other. But all it took was one single touch to recognize your soulmate. Louis was adamant that being soulmates changed nothing, not who they were or which family they were loyal to. Or, at least, it shouldn’t have.

A Yuzu Grows in Brooklyn by stylinsoncity / @aliensingucci (66k)

Harry is a recent implant in new york and a young chef opening a restaurant called yuzu. louis, a music teacher and broadway lover, has been around the block for a while. in a city that's so fast-paced, they're slow to catch on to each other.

Ferricadooza! by suspendrs / @suspendrs (65k)

Harry can’t even fathom the idea of surrendering; he’d fight ‘til he died, if he had to, anything to keep from surrendering.

Or, the year is 1963, homosexuality is illegal in the UK, Louis owns a gay bar, and Harry’s an underground boxing champion with an unfortunate enemy.

The Recklessness in Water by LarryOn (50k)

Louis Tomlinson is miserable. He's stuck on a family vacation at a lake cabin in New Hampshire when all he wants to do is bemoan his sorry existence and wallow in his sweatpants. As if the humidity and mosquitos weren't bad enough, he becomes the singular target of an obnoxious lifeguard named Harry.

Passing By by Larry_you_know / @larryyouknow (48k)

Sometimes, people are in each other's lives just for the briefest of moments. They meet and then go their separate ways because being vulnerable is scary and it might be easier to not let anybody else in. But some people aren’t meant to be just passing by. Maybe when they open their eyes, they can learn things about themselves they haven’t known before. If they let their hearts speak they will find a way to be together.

Or the one where Harry doesn't even know he's into guys until he meets Louis on a boat trip. There's something more to their friendship but it ain't gonna be smooth sailing.

Rivers 'Til i Reach You by embodied (29k)

Louis can’t begin to understand how he’s always this close and still can’t manage to make Harry his. He stands up and gets another beer.   AU. Louis studies astronomy; Harry studies Louis. They spend their summers on the water and it shouldn't be complicated (spoiler: it is).

You Promised Forever by indierection (amandamoraisa) (21k)

[Harry wants a baby. Louis wanted a baby. Now he's not so sure.]

Of course they've always wanted to have kids, even as young as they were in 2012. But it's only ten years later, when they've been married for already three and One Direction is no longer together, that Harry and Louis will finally get to start their own family. Or at least that's what they thought, because Louis suddenly feels the pressure of fatherhood on his shoulders as he realizes he has to be responsible for another human being; and if that's not terrifying he doesn't know what it is. He is, in fact, having these sudden panic attacks when he thinks too much about the future. Yet, Louis just sucks it up because he's losing his mind, but Harry has already to much on his. Besides, in the end they are fireproof. Aren't they?

The Sunshine Stays by QuickedWeen / @becomeawendybird (15k)

It's three years after One Direction got back together, and Harry and Louis have just come off a world tour. They're enjoying a much more relaxed schedule the second time around, allowing themselves to bask in married life. Until, one day, Louis surprises Harry on vacation, and there are some surprising consequences.

[happyk44]

The cabin door was locked. Nico stiffly knocked on Percy's door, but no response. He wasn't sure why Percy had called him. He'd loudly yelled for Nico to come to his cabin and then hung up. Didn't even have the decency to unlock the door first.

Nico sighed, finding a dark spot behind the cabin to slip into. The inside of the Poseidon cabin was always homey. Maybe it was Percy - an instinctive creature comfort to Nico. Or maybe it was the water motifs, the bubbling fountain and soft blues, that reminded Nico of Venice and sitting in his mother's lap while they sailed down the canal on a gondola.

The cabon itself was empty, but rhedoor to the batjroom was creaked open just a smidge. Nico eyed ir warily. "Percy?" he called out.

"In here!" Percy called back.

"You better be decent," Nico grumbled as he pushed open the bathroom door.

Percy was, in fact, decent. Well, as decent as one could be when they were a mermaid. The first thing that Nico noticed was the dark blue tail. It was squished awkwardly in the bathtub. The end fins, whatever they were called, stuck out over the end of the tub.

Percy, himself, was sitting hunched over, looking absolutely miserable. His spine had a series of spiked fins, more rigid than the near translucent tail fins but just as floppy. They were a grayish blue, and trailed down his back into his new tail. Nico couldn't see much below the water but he had a sense that if he followed that trail, it would lead him right to the end of Percy's tail.

A small series of shimmery dark blue scales spotted up from the tail and over Percy's stomach before fading out by the time it reached his chest. His fingers were webbed.

Brows furrowed, Nico stepped closer. "How..."

"I don't know!" Percy wailed.

It was sharp and deep guttaral sound, that vibrated through Nico's core and rattled his bones. Percy groaned and hunched over even more. The fins on his back fluttered angrily.

This time, when he spoke, it was quieter. "I was visiting my dad yesterday because he asked, and I wanted to see Tyson." He flicked at the still water pooled around him. "And maybe.. got into it with Triton."

"About what?" Nico sat, criss-crossed, beside the tub.

Percy scowled. "Tyson wanted to make me a shield for my birthday, he told him not to deviate because they're still restocking Dad's armory I told him to lay off Tyson, he can do what he wants, we started arguing and..." His eyes darted away as he trailed off.

Nico stared pointedly at his cheek. "And?" Percy tilted even further away. Nico stared harder. "And?"

Percy caved, wincing from his shoulders all the way down to the flip of his tail fins. "I kind of... Punched him."

"Percy-"

"He was being a dick!" Percy protested. He covered his face and groaned. The water churned dangerously beneath him, going frothy. "He's always such a fucking asshole when I'm around. I get it - I'm Dad's illegitimate whatever but like fuck off, I don't want your shitty throne, I just want to live to see tomorrow, you jackass."

Nico twisted his ring as he considered what he knew about Triton. "He doesn't like most of his demigod siblings, Percy. It's not the illegitimate aspect - he just thinks if you're going to be associated with Poseidon, you should be under his rule." Nico shrugged. "You're human, so you won't be. And you're his son, the untameable, uncontained ocean. So living under someone's rule isn't really for you."

"So Triton's the fuck-up?"

Nico rolled his eyes. "Triton is Triton. You are you." He prodded Percy's tail. "So why the tail?"

"I don't fucking know." The water began to boil. "But I do know once this shit wears off, I'm kicking his fucking merman ass."

"Because that's not gonna exacerbate the problem?" Percy shot him a dirty look. Nico grinned wickedly.

He flicked Nico's forehead. "Just help me get to the beach so I can swim down there and kill him."

Nico snorted. "I'm not doing that. I will, however, get you breakfast since..." He gestured loosely to Percy's... everything.

Percy's tail flipped in a huff, but he sighed dramatically. "Fine."

Pushing off the ground, Nico headed for the door. A thought blistered by him. He smiled quietly and pushed through the doorway, peeking back in. "Also I'm taking a picture."

A sprout of water hurtled for him just as he slammed the door shut. Behind it, Percy shouted, "No, the fuck you're not!"

Nico giggled to him as he slipped into a nearby shadow. Yes, the fuck he was.

[findafight]

Hope you're okay with my stray starbara thoughts bc oh my god you've given me brainworms like no other!!!

They're getting serious and telling each other things that they've never told anyone else before. Barb tells Steve that she worries that Nancy is outgrowing her and their friendship is slowly dissolving. She felt it before but it's worse now after the Upside Down and Nancy is charging her way through the journalism world. And she doesn't know what to do. Steve tells her that he does all these things to impress his father but he's not sure if he likes the man he's becoming. Especially since sometimes he's not sure if his dad even loves him. He sure as shit doesn't love his mother what with all the cheating his dad does. He talks about how lonely he gets in that big empty house by himself and she talks about the stares she gets now that she's Poor Barbara Holland who got sick from a gas leak and got lost in the woods.

Steve invites Barb around to use the pool. He talks about how the water will be good for her physical therapy - and while he's not technically wrong it slowly dissolves into them goofing off, splashing each other, and kissing in the pool loungers. She doesn't feel as self conscious with Steve there with her being supportive the whole time.

The first time he lends her his letterman jacket she rolls her eyes at what a fucking move that was Harrington, oh my god. But she blushes and wears the jacket and Steve smiles and looks so happy and smiley he's practically dizzy with it.

He tells her his hair care secrets and she promises not to tell anyone. Barb lets him do her hair for her one time and it comes out so soft and looks so good and she really likes the feeling of his nails gently scratching against her scalp. She knits him a scarf , and it comes out a little wonky with a couple of missed stitches, and all she can see are the imperfections, but Steve loves it and wears it all winter.

He gets his summer job working at Scoops and he hates his dad for forcing him into it but Robin seems cool - if a bit standoffish to him at the moment. The first time Barb comes by to visit while he's on the clock he pulls out the "set sail on an ocean of flavour with me" speech and it's so lame and so dorky but Barb leans over the counter to kiss him on the cheek when he gets her a free cone.

She gets nightmares of the Upside Down still - though they're not as frequent anymore - and they're horrible but if Steve's there he'll hold her close so she can feel his warmth, and his heartbeat, and he'll run his hand along her back until she feels safe again. She returns the favour after the mall burns down and he dreams of being tortured. Of almost dying. Of being drugged and out of control of himself while others were in danger. She holds him this time and reminds him that he's not alone, and he's safe.

idk they're in love!!

I am not only fine with it, I encourage it!!! Send me so many Starbara thoughts! Brainworms forever!!

yes yes them slowly opening up to each other, being soft together!! How Steve doesn't know what he wants from the future, how Barb feels Nancy pulling away (even though it's Barb who got the shiny, new, popular boyfriend) and how she feels she did the same thing to Robin, way back when. How Barb's parents mean well but they're suffocating in their over-protectiveness and she can't even properly talk to them about what she went through. How Steve doesn't want to become his Father, and how especially doesn't want to become his mother, how he thinks he might not be doomed to it when he's with Barb.

She tells him about the Upside Down, how cold and dark it was and how scared she had been. About the nightmares where it feels like she'll never be warm or able to breathe easily again. How sometimes she can't sleep until she's called the Byers and made sure Will is alright and how sometimes she gets a call from him in the middle of the night doing the same. She tells Steve that some days, he's the only thing about her life that she feels she chose. When her parents were pleased she wasn't distracted by boys, she chose Steve; when Nancy was a bit surprised(though encouraging) at how excited Barb was for the party, she chose Steve; after everything, when the world had tipped right-side up but she was surrounded by doctors and government agents and confusion, Barb chose Steve; how she wants to keep choosing him. (Steve holds her tight, right then. Kisses her forehead as she buries her face in his neck and tells her that he's here, she's safe, it's over. Doesn't tell her quite yet that he's pretty sure she's the first person to choose to love him.)

They float in his pool, no bad memories in it, no last-seen pictures of a girl dangling her legs over the side. Just them, chatting and splashing and laughing and kissing. Feeling like the teenagers they're supposed to be. When he first suggested it she joked that he's just making excuses to see her in her swim suit, and it's a bit self deprecating, because why would he? but Steve just smirked, shrugged, obviously dragged his eyes up and down her body, and said "it worked, didn't it?"

They get looks when he pulls Cliche Boyfriend Stunts and how openly gone on her he is. @jestyzestyn on the first post pointed out that beauty standards and 80's tropes played into the original Nacy-Barb-Steve dynamic. So not only is she Poor Barbara Holland, she's also a not conventionally Pretty Girl going out with thee most desirable boy at school. There's whispers that Steve feels sorry for her--guilty, after she went missing from his house. Once, someone asked why he was with the girl who got poisoned by the gas leak, and he gave them such a scathing look that no one asked again. (the answer is, of course, that he loves her. She makes him feel safe, and loved, and that there's more to life than their dinky hometown.)

She teases that maybe since she has his junior varsity jacket, she'll have to make him a sweater one of these days. (And she knows about the Curse, how making a boyfriend a sweater will inevitably lead to a breakup. but what is the time and effort of knitting a sweater to finding out monsters exist and fighting one, on the off chance it'll help save her? probably even, she thinks.) He says she better make sure it matches his scarf.

Okay lighter side, Steve lifeguarded the summer of '84, and this is prime time for girlfriend to ogling him. But it is also prime people-who-are-not-your-gf-ogling-you-time. Barb is like Steve. those girls were flirting with you. If they wanted an actual pool noodle they would have gone to the office the first time you told them to. and he does his confused puppy head tilt going "why would they do that? everybody knows I'm dating you?" and she doesn't know if she needs to explain the concept of trying to steal someone's man and also that he's hot to him or not. She's like babe.....ok. (there was some jealousy at first but tbh after a guy has told you he loves you and told you how much his parents infidelity bothers him and also literally fought a monster to save you [she isn't letting that one go. nancy makes sense. Nancy is her best friend and is like a dog with a bone for mysteries. Jonathan also makes sense. His brother was missing too. She had been seeing Steve barely a month before everything. who DOES that? Steve. Steve does.] you kinda grow secure in your relationship)

(in the fall, after they get to the tunnels, Steve gives her an out. looking at her through his goggles. He tells her she doesn't have to go back down there, doesn't have to touch the Upside Down again, but she clenches her jaw and tells him that he's concussed and there's no way she's letting him go down alone.)

but oof. lifeguarding you can't get distracted so even tho Barb gets to ogle hot bf steve is a professional and does not get to ogle hot gf the same :( '85 is when they really get their flirt on during company time. He tries on the outfit and shows her at home and he's like "this is literally the worst day of my life. this is horrible."

and she goes "well, hon. at least it makes your butt look good?"

and Steve huffs and crosses his arms over his chest and says "my butt makes everything look good. Let's not give any credit to the sailor suit."

"okay okay."

And every time she comes in he does the "ocean of flavour" spiel and she's dying. he's soooo lame. she loves him so much. she kisses him every time about it.

Robin is a bit cold and standoffish because steve is not only the guy who never paid attention to Tammy Thompson, he's also the guy currently dating Robin's childhood best friend who sort of ditched her. It's many messy feelings inside our girl. But Barb does try to make amends with Robin, and they do rekindle their friendship (and gang up on Steve)(literally I think it'd be so funny if Steve wanted to be Robin's friend sooo bad. world's most giant squish on her. sooo embarrassing. And Brab is playfully like oooh do you have a cruuush on Robin? and steve is like absolutely not I am in love with YOU i just want Robin to live next door and also share cat custody what's not to get?)

When Dustin comes back, talking about Suzie, he looks right at Steve, starry-eyed, and says "she my Barb." hkadsjhfkashd

After the Russian base Barb spends a lot of nights in bed with two other people, shaking them out of nightmares she doesn't want to comprehend, not really knowing what to do but loving them anyways.

[thecoolblackwaves]

“The Reunification of Two Lost Souls” say more about this 👀

This one has very little actually written for it yet, but oh my god I'm so excited for it (assuming I ever finish eeee)

It's a slashy sequel to a character exploration piece I wrote for Maedhros posted here to ao3

Maedhros has floated through the void, got reshaped in the halls, worked through some stuff in a journey of self forgiveness, and has now been deposited in the jungles of Valinor to try to rebuild a life. Maglor sailed sometime around the Fourth Age and basically voluntarily went through the Halls as well because he needed so much healing and reshaping in both soul and body. So now they are both fresh faced and wandering aimlessly through the jungles when they run into each other and have a very emotional reunion.

The premise is Maglor comes upon Maedhros floating in a serene basin of a waterfall and is so sure that he is having visions because he doesn't know his brother has been released from the Void, let alone Mandos. How could anyone look so perfect anyways, it cant be real. When Maedhros opens his eyes to see him, he has basically the same thoughts, that such a beautiful place is making him remember his beautiful brother looking at him but it can't really be because Maglor was wandering the shores last he heard.

The cool water of the falls was a balm to Maedhros’ tender feä and hroä. He lay back with a long sigh, allowing the pool to embrace and carry him.

Of course they eventually figure out that they are both in fact real and alive and reshaped, then there's lots of tears and talking and embracing. They fall asleep in the grass and bathe in the light like they never thought they'd enjoy again. Eventually their conversation leads to the 5000 year old situashionship they've had - always close, devoted, longing, unspokenly in love but never quite taking that last step or acknowledging anything. Now is the time though, so it ends in earth shattering tender lovemaking I have not yet written lmao but I will get there

[hart-feathers]

Photo Source [Unsplash]

Fic Snippet

CW : Merman Hannibal . Mentions of Disposal of a Body . Dismembered Body

Current WIP

Working Title : Pearls and Paisley

Pairing : Will Graham/Hannibal Lecter

This fic will be a fill for one of my bingo prompts - Accidental Exhibitionism

When a human finds their way to Hannibal's cove he becomes fascinated by them.

~~~~

Hannibal is relaxing in his personal hideaway - a natural cave created over eons by water eroding the cliff that sprawls into the edges of the ocean, an outcrop of rock spilling into the sea in a crescent shape hides the mouth of his cave from prying eyes and creates a large calm pool sheltered from the wilder waves of the open sea. He lays back on the smooth rock beneath his shoulders, soaking up the sun, and absently flexes his tail which makes the turquoise water ripple around his waist.

The sound of a boat engine disturbs his peace, humans don't usually travel this far up the coast line due to the danger the jagged cliffs and rocks pose in the shallow water. His lip twitches in irritation but he doesn't move, unwilling to potentially expose himself needlessly. Thankfully, the boat passes by the mouth of his cove but it slows and purrs to a running stop within his earshot. A symphony of splashes interrupts the chorus of ocean song and Hannibal's lip curls in distaste, it's unfortunately typical of humans to dispose of their trash in the ocean, polluting the beautiful water. After a few moments the splashing subsides and is followed by an almost suspicious silence, then the boat slowly begins to move.

Hannibal's fingers twitch restlessly and he slides into the water so only his head is above the surface. The boat cruises into view, a small personal vessel with the word ‘Nola’ painted on the side, occupied by a single man. Hannibal watches, ever curious, as the man halts the boat in the middle of the cove. He moves around with a calm confidence that doesn't usually speak of having secretly thrown waste into the ocean. He tilts his head as the man steps down onto the small platform at the back of the boat, he kneels and seems to be washing his hands in the water. Hannibal dips his mouth below the surface and his eyebrows raise in surprise to taste faint traces of blood. Even more intrigued by the stranger, Hannibal tracks his every move as the man goes about his vessel, seemingly cleaning and reorganising it. Then the man stops and puts his hands on his hips, he turns his face to the sun and a small smile flickers across his lips - Hannibal finds himself unexpectedly struck by his beauty. Hannibal has never really seen the appeal of humans before, he finds their plain legs unappealing compared to the elegance of a colourful merfolk’s tail, but this man, this man is the most beautiful thing he's ever seen. Wild dark curls of hair ruffle in the wind at the nape of his neck, a thick stubble decorates his jawline and his pale throat is decorated with faint freckles, he has strong hands and corded forearms that speak of capability and strength. Hannibal is besotted with this stunning creature who has unwittingly wandered into his domain. Before he can even think of acting on his new desire the boat engine strikes up and the man sails out of the cove and out of view.

Hannibal slaps his fluke in irritation and growls softly in his throat, but he decides not to dwell on the loss and swims to investigate exactly what the pretty little human was throwing into the ocean. What he finds is a small frenzy of fish, which will no doubt soon lead to an income of sharks, gathered around several objects scattered within close range on the sea bed. Hannibal swims into the fray to investigate and what he finds takes his breath away - on the sandy floor of the ocean is a human body. It is not intact but instead has been dismembered, upon closer inspection Hannibal finds that the limbs have been disconnected at the joints instead of being cut. He carefully looks over all the remains and grins, how his human killed and butchered this person is impossible to tell, if anyone finds the bones they will have no way of knowing they were murdered. And Hannibal does presume his pretty boy murdered them, why else would you desecrate and dispose of them this way. He drifts away from the feast, the carcass will soon be picked clean by all manner of ocean life. He finds himself even more fascinated with the strange man who drifted into his life and can only hope the man will return.

-

Several days later Hannibal is once again languidly floating in his cove when he hears a boat motor, with a sharp flick of his tail he hides within the safety of his cave and the cover its shadow provides. His heart flutters as the bow of a boat enters the cove, ‘Nola’ painted in large letters. He drifts to the edge of the cave, careful to remain behind the edge of darkness that hides him, so he can be as close as possible to his pretty human.

The boat motor stutters to a stop closely followed by the soft splash of an anchor and the cove goes quiet once more. The sides of the boat are low enough for Hannibal to see the fluffy head and ears of a brindle coloured dog wandering confidently around the boat. Hannibal isn't fond of dogs, they're too much like seals - noisy, boisterous, far too inquisitive for their own good and their ability to sense danger makes them a liability. As if on cue, the dog hops up on its back legs, front paws resting on the side of the boat, and for a moment its gaze wanders then finds Hannibal with alarming precision. He tenses and waits for the sharp bark alerting the human to his presence, for the frantic vocalisation of a dog trying to protect its master from a threat. But it doesn't come. Instead the dog just stares at him, tongue lolling out happily as it pants and tilts its head as it observes him. Hannibal hums faintly and watches the dog in turn, its golden fur shines in the sun and the dog seems healthy, the animal is clearly well cared for. His human calls to the dog, his name is apparently Winston, and Hannibal can hear the affection in the man's voice - his love for the dog abundantly clear in his soft gaze and the way his hands gently rub the dog's ears. Hannibal feels a jolt of yearning twist in his gut, he desperately wants to have those nimble hands touch him with such tenderness, a sudden and unfamiliar desire for intimacy making home in his bones.

For the rest of the afternoon Hannibal watches the man and dog as they relax on the boat, bathing in the warm sun and enjoying some fish his human cooks on a small grill. His breath hitches as he watches the man throw off his shirt and slide into the cool water of the cove pool. Hannibal greedily drinks in the sight of his pale, hairless chest as it glistens with droplets of ocean water, small pink nipples that pebble at the temperature change catch his attention and he licks his lips. Hannibal’s heated appreciation is interrupted by Winston jumping into the water, he paddles around his master and occasionally turns towards Hannibal but he never attempts to swim towards him and, surprisingly, doesn't intentionally draw the human’s attention to him either.

All too soon, though it's been hours, his human lifts anchor and leaves the seclusion of the cove. This time, at least, Hannibal is reassured by knowing his boy is likely to return.

[hirillaeriel]

Of Stone and Memories

Elrond stumbles upon a garden in one of Tirion's many gardens. What he finds there shocks him.

Rating: G

Elrond had been enjoying his day of peace and quiet, taking a stroll through the gardens of Tirion, exploring his new home. Finrod, his uncle - and wasn't that an odd thing to think about, having the historical figure standing in front of him, talking to him, and calling him family - was explaining to Elrond all the different plants that were growing here and why. There were carefully tended pools of sea plants dotting the garden showering the garden in color, flowers bloomed unhindered by stones.

“- And of course we have Queen Miriel’s garden.” Finrod says as he gestures at an archway. “It's different.”

Elrond moves to the arch to peer inside and freezes. “Oh.”

Finrod is there immediately. “Is it okay? Do you think he would have liked it?” He worries. “Do… Do you like it?”

Elrond feels a lump already forming in his throat. He steps into the garden in a daze. “I…” He stumbles towards the statues. “Who made this?”

“Aunt Nerdanel. She insisted it be here, and well, no one could really say no.”

Elrond's breath stutters and he tries to calm himself as he lifts a hand to caress the statue's face. “Elros…”

“Is it… Is it okay?” Finrod worries. “We weren't sure if it would be okay…”

“It's wonderful, Findarato.” Elrond shudders as he presses his forehead against the cool stone. “When I left Middle-Earth I thought I’d be leaving the last of his memory. I had a statue in my garden that had been there since I built Imladris. It was the first of the non-essentials made. I-” Elrond chokes. “It's perfect. How did she know what he looked like?”

“Vairë’s tapestries, I believe.”

“Where does she live?”

“Ehm, I can take you, if you wish.”

“Please. I need- I need to thank her.”

"Perhaps tomorrow. She prefers a warning before having guests."

"Of course." Elrond says in a daze as he traces the statues features, the small wrinkles at the corner of his brother's eyes from smiling so much, the stern expression of a king set forever in stone.

“Elrond?” Turgon calls worriedly as he sees a teary eyed Elrond walking towards the castle. “Are you alright?”

Elrond doesn't respond and pushes past him towards Celebrian.

Finrod is the one to explain to the worried relatives. “He found Miriel’s garden.”

“Oh.” Turgon rubs his face. “Is he mad?”

“No. Delighted, shocked, and sad. He thought he was going to have to leave the memory of his brother behind when he sailed. I believe that he loves it. He wishes to speak with Aunt Nerdanel though. I got him to delay the visit until tomorrow so that we can tell her to expect guests. His manners forced him to agree.”

Turgon nods. “Stay with him, I’ll go drop in on her and tell her. The Iluvatar only knows how much Elrond doesn't like me.”

“It's not that he doesn't like you, Turgon. It's that looking at you reminds him of what he believes he can never have.” Galadriel sighs.

“What can Elrond not have? No one would withhold anything from him.”

“Family. He can't have his family.” Galadriel looks at her son-in-law mournfully. “I’ll go talk to Aunt Nerdanel. I have to commission another statue from her. Their daughter chose mortality.”

“Oh… Oh.” Turgon sighs. “I got to keep my family, Idril and Tuor were allowed to live together forever and he has to lose everyone to it. Tuor who was fully mortal. Oh Elrond…”

Galadriel pats her cousin's shoulder in comfort as she brushes past them and down into the streets of Tirion. She had an aunt to find and a statue to commission.

[tennessoui]

So. About "hand-me-down dreams got me high in the rafters".

I-- I'm kinda speechless here because I don't even know where to start. Wow.

Usually humiliation, Very Very Bad™ BDSM dynamics and this level of assholishness are major turn-offs for me. Yet somehow you managed to sail through that entire mine field without setting off a single one. I have no idea how you did it but I am in awe and also a bit weak-kneed tbh.

Your end note is also sending me. In my head Anakin insists that he has to finish college because he doesn't want to disappoint his mum even more so they get to the compromise that Anakin changes to one that's within driving distance so he can still live with Obi-Wan. Who remains utterly shameless and a moral black hole and is only all to happy to rub it in people's faces that he's snagged this absolute angel for himself. Said angel is turning into a spoilt rotten monster who only has to pout and whimper "Daddy/Husband..." to get his way.

I can just imagine Anakin thriving as a trophy wife/husband/baby boy/wife-boy to an unhinged but doting Obi-Wan. His social media accounts would be wild. Tabloids would be all over them, there'd be Youtube commentaries and essays on their Problematic™ relationship, they'd be the new Kardashians with how you can't escape their presence even if you want to. These two assholes would revel in it and how uncomfortable they make everyone around them. (Anakin 100% shows up to a red carpet event with Obi-Wan while dressed in a dress that's more artfully draped lace and rhinestones than actual clothing. It doesn't survive the night.)

Sorry, I completely hijacked your story there. 😅 What I mean to say is that this AU, against all odds, has me by the throat and is living rent-free in my head.

DID I MENTION IT WAS SMOKING HOT AND THAT I LOVED EVERY AWFUL THING ABOUT IT??

(I was going to make this an AO3 comment but once I finished writing it, I felt it had more Tumblr-energy. 😅)

oooo so okay love this ask!!! glad to hear the squicks weren't TOO squicky i know they were very very heavy squicks thank you for giving it a try!!!

anakin would thrive as a boy toy tbh that's going to be him for the rest of forever

as for the end note (primarily re: anakin reminding obi-wan that he's in college and will go back at the end of summer), i gotta say i think they compromise but your compromise is almost TOO healthy for this au and this obi-wan

i do think for the college question, obi-wan does not want anakin to finish. it doesn't matter where he goes, he doesn't want anakin to leave OR finish college. why should he have to? obi-wan will take care of all of his needs. so long as he stays dependent....on obi-wan.

anakin (thinking he is master manipulator again) is like well how do i know you'll take care of all of my needs? what if you fall in love with the new pool boy and forget about me?

and obi-wan is offended that anakin is almost doubting his ability to be in control

but really, anakin is saying marry me so we're legally bound together and i know you'll take care of me forever and ever as anakin kenobi

and obi-wan who doesn't particularly want to get married again after his previous marriage is like hm. HM.

and anakin is like if you marry me i won't go back to college, you have until the end of the summer to deci--

and obi-wan is like 'sold, let's go.'

[duck-in-a-thrift-store]

Room/character closeup #2 (going in order from most to least popular based on the poll)

~Eddie & Steve's room~

Edit bc I accidentally posted this before I meant to: spoilers ahead for my full house au, as can be expected

Did you notice the pattern on the rug bc it's important to me that you notice the pattern on the rug I spent a good bit of time searching for this one specific rug guys I'm serious about this. Is it incredibly dark humor? Yes. But it is humor nonetheless

Anyway

One of my first priorities/things I took into consideration when working on this room was that I didn't want it to be too bright or have any sort of potentially eyestrain-y patterns. Steve has suffered repeated head trauma and I wanted his room to be a safe space where he doesn't have to worry about triggering a migraine or fucking with his vision or getting dizzy just from his surroundings. Hence why they have a darker, more subdued palette than most of the other rooms (which I guess you don't know yet since this is only the second one I've shown you but just trust me on this)

Beyond that, I admittedly had a pretty difficult time trying to figure out what I could do that I felt like both Steve and Eddie would vibe with decor-wise while still being a cohesive theme

Didn't want it to lean too far either way into metalhead freak or preppy golden boy territory, and besides I do think Steve's whole aesthetic isn't entirely his own and is at least partly influenced by the expectations placed on him, so I tried to go for a fairly neutral sort of vibe here

For some reason I settled on some blue jean lookin ass wallpaper, a rug patterned with the our-dimension-version of the critters that very nearly took their lives, and a few choice items to put on the walls

First off, the ship painting

This was sort of an unexpected last minute addition, partially bc I thought it looked nice with the rest of the room and partially as a character reflection

I wholeheartedly believe that Eddie Munson would fucking love anything pirate related, he probably was a pirate for Halloween at least once growing up, and he just thinks sailing ships are super cool. Plus the painting just felt like it would appeal to a fantasy nerd lol (it reminded me of the chronicles of Narnia actually but that's not really important)

And as for Steve, at least in this au but I know I'm not the only one who thinks so, he really likes water. Being in it, on it, around it- he likes swimming (refer back to his noted complicated feelings about the pool from my basement post), he likes the beach, he likes the ocean, and he likes sailing. He hasn't been many times but I'd totally buy the Harringtons having been on a yacht or some shit at one point or another. This character note may or may not be related to both his job at scoops ahoy* and him being on the swim team in high school, which is one of those things that at this point I honestly don't know if it was at all canon or if it's just one of those headcanons that become so popular in fandom that it feels that way, and at this point I can't be bothered to fact check it

*I think either he had a prior interest in sailing-related stuff and that was part of what initially drew him to that job specifically, or that working there sparked an interest which only grew with time, like maybe some of the silly slogans and terms used in ice cream flavors and maybe even the uniform stirred his curiosity/memories of going out on the water with his folks during the summers before they decided he was old enough to be left home alone for weeks at a time, and he started looking into actual sailing and found out he really liked it. (He can't stand the uniforms now though bc they trigger traumatic flashbacks, for both him and Robin)

Next, the bass/electric guitar on the wall, which I feel is pretty self explanatory honestly. It's Eddie's (although he does offer to teach Steve how to play- haven't decided yet whether Steve takes him up on that)

And then there's the horses (photo? painting?)

This is where the whole "horse girl eddie munson" thing came from; the whole idea was initially born of me trying to decide what I could put on their wall, liking this poster and asking myself if Steve and Eddie struck me as people who were into horses. As it turns out the answer was "hell yeah" and it spiraled into an entire fic idea of its own, which can be found here. As for this au, the background of them both having a "horse girl" phase/being into the idea of cowboys is still a thing, but obviously it doesn't progress the same way as that did (steddie cowboys my beloved but these particular multiverse variants are stuck playing house with their traumatized found family and slowly realizing that they actually enjoy co-parenting >:3 and this way everyone gets to stay together)

Also, speaking of the steddie cowboys thing this inspired, Eddie is trans in the full house au but Steve is a cis man (unlike in the other au). However Steve does have some gender moments here and there, like the kids "jokingly" calling him mom and him lowkey vibing with it (oh no I'm already doubting my ability to stick to the Steve being cis plan- bigender Steve agenda where did you come from??)

But yeah basically both of them are secretly horse nerds lol and that's something they discover while they're arguing over how to decorate (aka when they agree on this poster) and end up bonding over

And now for a note about their placement in the house (specifically who they share a floor with)

I've already explained that/why I wanted them on the same floor as Dustin Lucas & Erica, although I don't think I mentioned that Lucas and Steve are really close in this au* and it goes without saying that Dustin is super close with both of them

*it just feels right to me; also Steve was the only one of his friends to come watch his basketball game and Steve did chew Eddie out about that whole situation at some point but by now everyone is pretty much on good terms

Sometimes when any of the kids- but especially any of those three- have bad nightmares or can't sleep, they bunker down in Eddie & Steve's room,* the door of which is always open (metaphorically that is, but once they start dating... well let's just say the kids better knock or they're going to have yet another reason to be scarred for life lmao)

*some may think they're too old for stuff like this but I say- fuck that. A major theme of this au is acknowledgement of how these guys have had a large portion of their childhood stolen from them and the people around them are working to help them get it back, to let them just be kids and to make them feel safer than they have in a long time, so they're allowed to be "childish" and that's going to play a part in many of the events and details of this au. The same goes for the older guys too btw; like with this example specifically if Robin or Steve is the one waking up from a nightmare they find the other and both crash on the couch together for the night. You're never too old to seek comfort from your loved ones

[anarchy-and-piglins]

My friend @kay-limbo mentioned Scooby Doo Zombie Island, and my brain went into AU mode so...

Zombie Island AU (Dark SBI edition 😘)

Twins Technoblade and Wilbur are new to the Ghost Hunter scene. They've done a few youtube videos of local ghost stories, and they gained some traction. But a few hundred views are honestly not that impressive.

They pool their resources and decide to drive a state over to investigate a ghost story that Technoblade had found online. When they get there, they investigate and find out that the whole story was actually a cover. The Local Mayor encouraged the story to hide the fact that he was trying to bulldoze an important nature reserve for profit. Technoblade and Wilbur take their evidence to the police, who do nothing.

So they post a video about it.

It goes VIRAL.

They blended the ghost story aspect seemlessly with the outrage of the Mayor's actions. It was funny, it was infuriating, it was a HIT.

Suddenly, Technoblade and Wilbur's older videos are getting views as well. They are super excited that their hardwork is paying off.

And then they get an invite to a HUGE Ghost Hunting convention on a place called Rosales Isle.

Through Techno's research, he finds legends referring to it's history of people disappearing.

Techno and Wilbur agree immediately, packing all their gear and gleefully heading to the isle.

The island is small enough that there isn't a direct flight. They take a small ferryboat out to the isle, but they aren't the only ghost hunters there. And the other ghost hunters are sort of...well, they're assholes. The other ghost hunters interview the ferryman and his crew, and they are being SUPER DISRESPECTFUL. Wilbur was trying to create connections with the others (because the other ghost hunters are much more well known), but stops when the talk turns to video editing and one of the guys talks about how he is going to play up the ferryman's accent for laughs.

Wilbur and Techno pull the Ferryman and crew aside and give them all snacks, telling goofy stories and stories of ghost hunting. Wilbur has a great time telling how Technoblade fell off a bridge into a disgusting river trying to get a wide shot. Techno retaliates with the time that Wilbur left the camera lens cap on for an entire night of filming and thought a ghost had blacked out his footage. The crew is riotously happy. And they get footage of some of the funniest and most jovial ghost stories from these guys. It's more of a party than an interview.

The crew presses amulets in their hands, for protection from the spirits of the islands. Wilbur and Techno marvel over them, asking all kinds of questions about how they were made, the history of a design, was it supposed to look like a heart or was that just a coincidence? Techno and Wilbur put them on gratefully. When they disembark on the Island, they wave happily at the crew of the Crow's Chatter as they sail away.

The historic mansion on the island is beautiful, but it is a LONG walk from the docks. Impossible to get lost, because its the only road. But it is HUMID and HOT and all UPHILL. By the time they all get to the mansion, they are exhausted. Well, most are. Technoblade is completely fine, taking pictures of some of the really cool plants "like a nerd", as Wilbur says. But Technoblade hasn't seen plants like these before.

They are met at the mansion by a smiling blonde man and his teenage son. They introduce themselves as Phil and Tommy, members of a family that had owned the home for generations. They lead everyone inside, Phil placating the irritable ghost hunters. Most are near furious that the house doesn't have air conditioning, but Phil smiles apologetically.

He explains that the convention wouldn't be held for a week, much to the anger of almost everyone. But he calmly reassures everyone that he will take care of everything. Food, boarding, and each of them will have exclusive free reign of the island to make their discoveries first before the rest of the convention arrives.

THAT calms them down. Phil starts to explain which areas they should be respectful of, as the people of the island have a rich spiritual history. But Wilbur can see the other ghost hunters collectively decide to ignore that.

A few of the ghost hunters start to immediately pester Phil for an interview, but he smiles politely and explains he is busy and it will have to be later.

Loud and obnoxious, the other ghost hunters start calling dibs on which parts of the island they are going to film first. Wilbur and Technoblade don't bother, as it seems that the other ghost hunters didn’t notice that there was ANOTHER member of the Watson family still in the room.

Or maybe the scowling deterred them, who knows? Wilbur immediately approaches Tommy and politely asks for the interview. Tommy is in the middle of telling them to fuck off before he realizes they are the guys who exposed the asshole mayor. After that he's much more curious.

They chat for a while before ever even pulling out a camera, until Tommy finally agrees after they talk about the Crow's Chatter. He seems to smile gleefully when he sees the amulets.

He gives them a great interview. The kid is hilarious and plays off Techno and Wilbur's humor well. The kid tells them all about the history of different groups invading the island, and mysteriously going missing. Technoblade makes a couple of comments about the benefits of anarchy when Tommy talks about how a few government officials had tried to pass through legislation to force them to allow a theme park to be built. Wilbur comments about eating the rich, which has Tommy laughing so hard tears are pouring from his eyes.

Phil shows up after hearing the sound of Tommy laughing himself sick and joins into the conversation. He starts telling Techno and Wilbur about the history of the island. About how the people historically worshipped the goddess of death and how she protected the isle from invasion. Technoblade asks so many questions about the religion, but backs off when Phil explains a lot of it is kept secret. Technoblade is disappointed, but tells Phil he understood. Wilbur double checks that it is okay to post the info they filmed, and Phil smiles kindly and says its fine. It's a much nicer smile than the politic one he had given the other ghost hunters.

Tommy offers to give a personal tour, since they are cooler than the other ghost hunters, and Techno and Wilbur agree. Tommy gives them a great tour. It's a ton of fun.

Until they come across another group of ghost hunters breaking a grave marker in order to make it more #aesthetic.

Tommy, understandable, flips his LID. Technoblade grabs the teen before he can go for the eyes, but Neo Trio are all three involved in a shouting match with this group of Ghost Hunters until Phil comes out to see what the fuss is about.

He sees the broken grave marker. He see's Neo Trio. He sees the smug ghost hunters. He suggests that everyone just calms down and comes inside for dinner. Its an awkward affair as all the groups come together, but Techno and Wilbur make sure to compliment to food, even as the other ghost hunters are complaining or taking unflattering footage of the food.

When it gets dark, all of the ghost hunters split up. Tommy refuses the offer to join Techno and Wilbur, but gives them some tips of where to get footage.

The ghost hunters who broke the grave marker never show up for breakfast.

It starts the mystery. Techno and Wilbur are trying to figure out what is happening. More and more asshole ghost hunters are disappearing. Strange things are happening that they can't explain.

By the time Wilbur and Technoblade figure out that Phil and Tommy are immortals, taking the life force of the people trapped there, it is too late.

Because Phil and Tommy already decided that the Twins were going to stay with them.

Forever.

Whether they wanted to or not.

AAAAA this is SO excellent!!!

Whenever I get these asks from you the only thing I can think (well, the only thing I can think *besides* thinking I'm very blessed to have such a cool person come into my inbox with their fantastic ideas) is that I want a full fic of this.

BUT THEN AGAIN your description here is already so detailed it reads almost like a fic itself. (Still wouldn't say no to more though)

[gctchell]

@damnedrainbows asked:

It’s while Husk is tending to the bar, drifted off with a drink, that he’ll feel the tender claws of his beloved slip around him, fingers brushing along the golden bands on both of their fingers as they entwine and curl together. Fit so perfectly.

He’s pulled him into a dance, a waltz as the music drifts from his internal speakers. His nose brushes against his lover’s, lips just shy of touching the feline’s—to keep him on his toes! Toes that he’s now got Husk up upon in a sudden spin, and then a dip downward, so close to the floor his hat barely brushes the tile. “It’s been so long since we’ve gone dancing, you know. And a ball? Well, we could truly live a fairytale dream! Oh but will I leave my footwear behind; a glass slipper, on one of the steps?”

He wilts dramatically into the feline’s arms, a hand thrown to his forehead. “Will you have to search the entire Kingdom to find me?” he asks wistfully. “With only a simple shoe to go upon as a clue?”

Husk could lose touch with reality real nice whenever he was behind the bar, something about the repetitious motion of shining glasses and sampling them between really made his mind drift and eyes heavy. Being alive for so long, climbed up into the years that touched over one hundred now, will do that to a cat. However, always, his ears perk up once sensing that familiar static presence just behind him - he knows Alastor's body signature and vibration so easily, he triggers to notice the second he's within close proximity before he even steals his hands.

His head turns and eyes Alastor with those golden orbs that, to some could be off-putting from how harsh they could appear, were softened just enough when his husband appeared as a soft 'mrrrp?' sounds out. He watches him steadily as their fingers fold together, blinking slow. Such a long way they've come from decades ago.

The glass sails across the bar counter as the cat is stolen away from his perch and swept into the waltz, his eyes peeling open wider as he, clumsily, does not fall into the rhythm right away (he takes a moment with these sudden sweeps), eyes flitting this way and that to eye his feet out of hopes of not stomping Al's foot.. Then, he settles in once his brain calls back to station from its drifty LalaLand.

The closeness is what helps hammer Husk back into his cranium, sending his ears to be high perked as a subtle red glows over the whites of his muzzle, brows popped high and lips pooled into a small flustered frown. Oh, he was gonna play that way? Well, two can do that - even as Husk is whipped up into a twirl and a dip, which makes his tail puff up from the sudden speed! He gives a few rapid blinks once dipped so low, briefly wondering if they're both just going to topple and hit the damn floor.. Nah, Al's too prideful for that, too confident. He wouldn't do that.

...

There's a 25% chance he'd do that, just to come down on top of the cat right after.

But nah, he's back on his feet and holding the dramatic stag in that low dip now, and uses it to his advantage. Alastor feels a hand sail down his spine and rest just above his tail, resting there and squeezing his lower back. "You say that as if you'd even give me a chance to come lookin' for you first, Al. You and I both know how that's gonna end. Regardless.."

Up! Alastor is spun from his dramatic limp and twirled and held at arm's length, and spun back in to Husk's embrace, back to his chest as the cat rests his chin on his shoulder. "It all ends with you in a pretty little golden band with me, doesn't it? You askin' me to the Ball, Al?"

[zalrb]

the summer i turned pretty 1x03 review -- "you mean conrad?"

Oh god, the infinity symbol. Why would you pour that on her pancakes tho. Why is that the moment for the Moment.

"Looking like a vision in floral." She looks NORMAL. You guys are making it seem like she's Arwen coming to Frodo in an ethereal light and bringing him back from the brink of death.

Why would you get your daughter a present because it includes your best friend's favourite poem? That doesn't make any sense. That should be a gift for Susannah. This isn't how you show how close all of you are.

"You excited to see Taylor?" How long has it been since you last saw her? Like a week?

"You're the main character, not Taylor." Is she though?

"I do not want to be cancelled by the sailing community" that's not what being cancelled IS.

stop. saying. extra.

"I just really want to look good next to you" you know, you wouldn't have to try this hard with Jere, Steven.

BOYFRIENDS.

Yeah, Steven, play with your boyfriend

I don't understand why this volleyball scene is so long.

"I know, I just ... care." Do you though?

So if Nicole is the girl this season then who the fuck is Aubrey?

Nicole, honey, you can do SO MUCH BETTER than Conrad.

"Suddenly you care about clothes, you have new friends, you have a boyfriend." OK a) they're making it seem like Belly was dressing as a slob and she her wearing a baggy shirt and shorts isn't the same vibe, it's like when Teen Wolf was trying to say that Kira looked so un-put-together and messy and my girl was looking like this

please be serious. 2. Nicole literally sat by the pool with Conrad and watched you and Belly play water volleyball together. It's not like you and Belly went to get a banana split and then Nicole dropped by and she was like I invited Nicole too, that's OK right? and then you watched as they had all these inside jokes and Belly's trying to include you. You are still very prominent Taylor. 3. Same thing. Jere picked you two up it's not like she came to pick you up from the bus station with Cam Cameron and you walk to the car and see them making out and you have to be like "erm erm". *cries in frustration* DETAILS. And if these things happen later, they shouldn't they should happen BEFORE this conversation.

Where are Steven and Jere they are my only source of marginal entertainment this season because of pure head canon.

"Just promise me one thing, we'll always be best friends?" She comes her for three months out of the entire year, Taylor.

Right, Aubrey was his girlfriend from before and Nicole is a new disposable chick.

"You think you could talk to him?" see, if they were as close as they were meant to be, Laurel wouldn't need direction to speak to Connor about opening up. She'd just do it.

Why would you have a Midsommar theme? White people realize it's a movie about white supremacy right?

See Jere's being an ass here with the whole her lips touch a dead animal's lips but calling him Cam Cameron is just a dumb way to be a dick.

And Cam showed you the fuck up with that quick peck, Jere, so shut up you child.

BOYFRIENDS

Taylor is a good friend though, I just find her supremely annoying but that's a best friend.

OK so if you're going to play Best Friend by Saweetie, this is not the scene you play it at

for thirty seconds until they walk into the party. Especially when you're rolling up looking like this

If anything, what should happen is Taylor should do her up, look proud at her work and when they roll up to the party, she's NOTICED by people and Taylor should look her proudly and the song should be playing. JUST GIVE ME A SHOW.

Oh Jere and a disposable Black guy to make out with.

What kind of likkle stiff kiss is this?

*staring at Conrad* for WHY. I love how we're three episodes deep and I have NO IDEA why she likes him.

Yeaaah Lola tries too hard to act like she's having a good time.

So does Jeremiah.

Hahah I like how they skipped over the super rape-y part of Summer Lovin'.

Yeah, see again, this makeout is very just staged. If it's a stupid, drunken mistake, it should be a little sloppier.

"Oh my God I am so sick of hearing about this fucking deb ball." Did Belly ever mention it?

It's literally been one day, Taylor. And aren't you supposed to know that Belly has her Cousins life anyway?

It has been. a day. And Belly has been acting EXACTLY the same. She just finally wears the clothes you want her to.

So, she is but she hasn't done anything to you, Taylor, for you to say that.

We literally never see this, though! She just looks at him from time to time in a way that's supposed to be wistful but she can't access the nuance for that.

I remember I was obsessed with this guy in high school and I took a picture of him and his friends when we all went on a class trip to the States, I really just wanted a picture of him but I wasn't going to ask him to JUST take a picture alone so I took the picture and then I was looking at the picture on the bus but like zooming in so I could only see him and my friend was like WHAT'RE YOU DOING? and looked over and saw what I was doing and then we both decided that she never saw that and THAT was super embarrassing. I should be seeing THAT type of "omg I feel like I'm in high school again" shit from Belly.

Give me a gen z version of this shit

"I can't deal with this right now. I gotta go." I mean why? What are you doing, Belly?

See I know the whole thing is Jeremiah is supposed to be friending Cam Cameron up to deflect but it's not giving him the layers they think it is.

And he's not good at playing drunk.

OH MY GOD, the way I BURST OUT LAUGHING AT THIS

she is TERRIBLE.

"Can I ask you something..." "Is that it?" "Yeah, that's it." Why are they acting like the moment to ask him has passed when he still has to drive her home?

Like is that car ride silent?

"They should be in his desk" where she will find the infinity necklace.

"He's been acting weird for months. Just forget him." Lol, do you two like each other?

"And today you can't stop obsessing over Conrad" and like I know that we use that word liberally and this is partly because the acting is terrible but the scene needs more room to breathe. Like I feel like what should happen is she sees the bracelet and she mulls about it quietly and Jeremiah keeps asking her about Cam Cameron and she gives monosyllabic responses and then he's like Bells, where are you? Like you're barely speaking and then she should talk about Conrad in a rush where she just can't stop talking and it's like verbal diarrhea and then she takes a deep breath and Jere's just like wowwwwwwww

Honestly, Belly.

Brat.

Oh my god Belly, you should be yelling at him for making out with Taylor when he's dating someone else.

For your best friend dying, this is a very cold conversation. Like they're trying to be Beaches but they're not being Beaches.

My mom was OBSESSED with that movie omg.

[devils-pirate-crew]

Johnny turns around again after a while, humming to himself as he opens one of the smaller books - its pages are filled with meticulous handwriting, and he flips until he finds a blank page. Dipping a quill on the table in its pot of ink, the surgeon scribbles a few notes, then cracks the well-worn spine until it doesn't threaten to close when he lies it down, open, on the table.

"So," he begins. "You want the good news or bad news first?"

"Uh - " Dawson swallows sharply, gripping the edges of the table-bed. "Good news?"

"There's none," Marino shrugs. "Unless the confirmation that you're not going to die is good news."

"I'll take it," the pilot's mate lies.

"Then there you go." He sets the quill back in the inkwell. "Bad news time. We're going to have to stitch that up." Dawson visibly winces at the information, rocking backwards. Johnny fixes him with an apathethic stare in reply. "Unless you'd rather have a gaping wound exposed to bad air. In which case be my guest, but I'd prefer not to get punished for not doing my job."

The surgeon looks back to his table, sliding a needle onto thread - the lantern that lights the room makes the needle shimmer. "Here's the deal," he continues as he prepares the rest of his tools. "We're going to take off the current bandages - nice work, whoever did that, by the way - and then clean up the wound. After that, we're going to put in the stitches. I originally thought we could do a dry suture, which would have me putting adhesive bandages on your face and sewing those together, but there's a few problems with that. Number one, it'll agitate the scar tissue you already have from - before; number two, the wound is fairly deep and I'm not sure it'll close properly; number three, the suture will fail if we set sail again, because the sea water and wind will destroy the bandages. And I think the captain wants to head back out sooner rather than later. Besides, dry suture is good if you don't want it to scar, which - " he waves a hand dismissively at Dawson, "I don't think you really care about. Not like you can make that much worse."

"Thanks for the compliment," Dawson mutters.

"So we're going to have to go for a standard suture. I think we'll need... nine, ten stitches a finger's width apart - good for the circulation." Marino nods to himself. "Then dress it up again. Probably change the dressings every other day, take the sutures out at two weeks if it's looking good..."

"Can you stop talking and start doing," the pilot's mate almost whines with anxiety.

Johnny nods, taking the required supplies over. "Not a chatter, eh Mercy?" Intercepting Dawson's terrified gaze, the surgeon laughs. "Don't worry. You're probably drunk enough that you won't feel that much, anyway," Marino rationalizes before getting to work.

First, he unwinds the bandages from Dawson's face, depositing them in a fenugreek-scented heap on the bed next to him. Johnny then examines the wound a little more, muttering to himself as he does, before grabbing a bowl in which sits a shallow pool of pungent liquid. He procures a sponge from his tools, dipping it into the liquid and reciting a paternoster before pulling it out, deeming it properly saturated. Taking Dawson's head in one hand, he drags the sponge over the wound - the vinegar stings, and Dawson tries to jerk away on reflex, but Johnny keeps his head steady. Once the cleaning is done, Marino reaches for the needle.

Dawson forces himself to keep breathing. To act like this isn't hurting. To pretend he can't feel anything, not this needle and not the needle years and years ago either. Everything is okay.

he's trying to kill you lock you up going to hurt you shut up shut up he's going to lock you up when he knows throw away the key put you on display for everyone to see run away run away run away listen to us why aren't you LISTENING LISTEN TO US WE WILL SAVE YOU ONLY WE CAN SAVE YOU

Everything is okay.

[leqclerc]

Hilarious how I'm seeing poor carlos, he did everything he could, he drove such a good race. Mate where?? Did we watch the same thing? He dive bombed a driver again and didn't get punished and then spun and lost the position himself! Like if he couldn't pass Gasly when he was in his drs for most of the last stint, he couldn't have passed Ocon who seemed the more comfortable alpine driver this weekend, so whether Ferrari boxed him too early for the first pitstop doesn't make a difference, he would've stayed p4. Then he lost the position to George because of poor strategy to go onto the inters BUT SO DID CHARLES. and then he lost the position to charles on his own which causes him to lose the position to Gasly. Like I get that Ferrari messed up too, and the car wasn't good, but my God, to say he drove well this weekend is just lying (let's not forget the Fp2 crash and qualifying behind an alpine and a significant gap behind his teammate) Charles was the one who was perfect this weekend, despite tricky conditions. He once again did all he could with what he has.

Fr he's so funny but for all the wrong reasons I fear 😭 Carlos and Lance were mostly shown on the broadcast/replays when they were making mistakes, and that says it all really. The radio where he wants to push Esteban immediately followed by a shot of him basically sailing into the back of him and messily cutting the chicane like what...rookie hour. Also notable for me was how impatient and aggressive he was I believe after he made that mistake in the wet and ended up right behind Charles while their race engineers had instructed them both to pit... again he almost went into the back of him around the swimming pool section I guess because he hated the fact that he wouldn't have pit priority. I had nasty flashbacks to last year for a second there... thankfully things went better this time for Charles.

Not sure if he had major miscommunication issues with his race engineer re: the aborted pit call playing out like three times (even if that's what it was they're not going to be treated to the same level of scrutiny as Charles and Xavi) or if that was Ferrari's attempt to pull dummy calls on Esteban/Alpine but...Still, all in all a poor showing from him today, a lot of unforced errors on his end, losing his cool and so on. Carlos's energy today was really giving this

[marlowedobbeart]

Daydream Skies Devlog #3

​WELL WELLL WELLLLL I have been hard at work during the PIGSquad Finish Your Game Jam​ with the hopes of spending the jam time to polish up and finish my combat system! While I didn't get absolutely everything done (turns out RPGs are like, a lot of systems and numbers who could have guessed) I sure did make a lot of progress and got probably 80% of the way to having the combat system in a place where it only requires content from me rather than systems design.

So what did I get done? Glad you asked! First, here's where we started at the beginning of the jam:

I had basic attacks (attacking in 1 line) and attacking in different shapes (the x shape) as well as 1 enemy type that did just a basic attack itself. Players and enemies all took turns based on their speed values and all executed at the same time. First, I came to the quick realization that just throwing every unit into a pool and taking their turn based on their speed would not work design-wise for this game. With placement on the grid being an important mechanic, I couldn't make sense of having an enemy potentially move where they are located before the player had a chance to proc their attack on that tile. So this meant separating player turns and enemy turns entirely.

What I thought would be a very grueling re-architecture task ended up taking me 15 minutes. (Turns out, all the tutorials that showed me how to more modularly construct my code were RIGHT??? :O) So now we had enemies taking their turns squarely after the player. After thise, I wanted to create animations for the seaslime, my "complete" enemy to communicate better to the player what they were doing. This meant making them an attack and hitstun animation in addition to their idle. I also made a little script to squash and stretch their sprite when they move to a new tile to give them some bounce.

What was next was making a new "type" of enemy. I didn't want to use the same type of enemy only doing a regular attack but with slightly differing stats for the whole game. I knew it was time to make "special" attacks. So to start I got our new enemy in. His name is Kelponzo:

My intentions were to have another common encounter enemy that would teach players about status effects by applying Poison to a player if none of them were already poisoned. This resulted in the much needed "enemyattack" script where I could store information about any different type of attack I came up with now or in the future.

Setting up the poison counter and damage taken to the player was pretty simple. Once I had the enemy AI and attack figured out, it was smooth sailing and we officially had 2 different types of enemies with the structure in place to make any different AI or attack types that I wanted. Being poisoned of course meant that I needed to make edits to the player's portraits during combat to better communicate status effects. So I give you:

I couldn't think of a better way to make a skeleton look *more* dead.

After this, it was really about getting as much polish done as possible. I wanted to animate both trixie and davy next to the grid during combat. I didn't quite get all these animations done but I got them *at least* penciled out with idle, attack, cast, and hit stun animations and a fancy new state machine to take care of all of them.

look at them all wiggling.

What other things did I do? I made a lightning attack animation and added attack "types" and type weaknesses for enemies. I did a little (but not enough) work in timing out actions and adding pauses between things so someone who isn't me can understand what's going on during a turn. I am quickly realizing that, at least for myself, the most challenging part of programming is telling the computer to "wait a second" and give a little breathing room to digest what is happening. My next steps are to clean up animations and do another more earnest timing pass on things so that it doesn't feel like enemy and player actions are happening on top of one another too quickly to internalize. Once those steps are taken I can finally play the combat all the way through as intended and do a balance pass on these first to enemies to make sure they're fun. (oh, and I also have to fix the bug where battles just don't end anymore? Truly a problem for a future Marlowe.) Here's a little video of roughly where I left off:

Overall I'm really happy with the progress I made during the jam. Big shoutout to the PIGSquad community for keeping me company during the jam while they all shared progress on their own projects! It was very motivating. It's been almost exactly 1 year since I started working on this game in earnest and I have to say I'm really happy with what I've learned from basically nothing just chipping away at this in my free time. I am so close to just being able to make a demo of this game I can almost taste it and that's the ultimate goal in front of me right now! Till next time! -Marlowe