#did I have enough trouble keeping track of the people here? also yes

[kkuzushi]

hey! could you write genshin kinich + anemo boys when you go through their phone without them knowing because you think they're cheating/just wanted to check if theyre loyal but you end up finding nothing and they catch you? thank u eheheh

Anemo boys + Kinich catching you with their phone.ᐟ

⠀✦ cw : established relationship, fluff, hurt/comfort, self decapration, phone contents, genderneutral!reader, partially canon compliant – 3.7k words

⠀✦ additional notes : I’m not very familiar with Kinich yet but I did my best to portray him accurately! Reader is also seen as Lumine/Aether. Please don’t mind the timestamps as well. <3

. 𐙚 . ˙ 𖧧 ₊ ˚HEIZOUᝰ.ᐟ

Ah yes, your ever loving, doting boyfriend. Heizou is known for his natural charms and affectionate words—it’s one of the reasons why you fell for him in the first place. While the two of you have set boundaries, you often wonder if his romantic side is only seen by you. Swayed by temptation and curiosity, you decide to snoop through his phone while he’s in his study. Surely that’s enough for you to find something, right?

Which is what you’d hope for—or dread for—however, as you open Heizou’s phone, you’re met with a candid picture he personally took. You told him countless times to delete it yet he never and even made it as his lockscreen wallpaper.

That should’ve been enough proof that this man is loyal, but who knows what else he could be hiding behind that lockscreen? You unlocked his phone, his homescreen wallpaper is still you but a different type of photo. This time, the scenery was also part of the image with your back turned towards the camera.

Going back on track, you start to tweak around his phone, looking to see if there’s anything off or suspicious.

After checking multiple apps—even a bit of his search history—you found absolutely nothing. You sighed in relief, but that relief was short-lived once you heard a familiar voice behind you.

“What do we have here?” Heizou hummed, peeking over your shoulder, causing you to jump and turn to face him. “Seems like I caught a thief red-handed.”

You chuckled nervously, quickly putting his phone down on the bed. “Heizou! How long have you been there?” You asked, attempting to pry away from your predicament.

Heizou grinned, crossing his arms on his chest as he leans closer to you, “Only the detective will ask questions, unless.. you want to do this the hard way?” His eyes glinted with mischief, hands preparing to tickle you before he tackled you down on the bed.

The two of you rolled around in the mattress—you trying to get away while Heizou just keeps pulling you back closer to him. Your laughter dies down to pants eventually once Heizou stops.

“Now, care to explain why you were snooping through my phone?” Heizou asks, his arms wrapped around your waist as your back is pressed against his chest.

“I just.. wanted to see if you’ve been doing things..” You answer vaguely, embarrassment creeping up on you after being caught just like that.

To that, Heizou raises an eyebrow. “Things? I do a lot of things—investigating around Inazuma, doing commissions with people, and most especially loving you.” His response was filled with lighthearted jokes yet you can sense the reassurance he’s hinting at.

You smiled, turning around to face him, you pulled him to an embrace. “I’m sorry. I trust you, Hei. I just let my curiosity get the best of me.”

He reciprocates the hug, your head resting on the crook of his neck, “No, I’m sorry. I don’t want you overthinking because of my actions, sweetheart.” He says softly, his fingers carding through your hair. “Next time, please tell me when something’s troubling you.”

You nod as you leaned to his touch, the warmth of his affections already making you forget what just transpired.

“You’re not off the hook though,” He pulls away slightly to take a look at your face. “I sentence you to a full day cuddle.. and I’ll let you look through my phone more.”

. 𐙚 . ˙ 𖧧 ₊ ˚KAZUHAᝰ.ᐟ

What’s there to doubt about this man? Even if you dissect him, you won’t even find a single flaw. It’s like the archons used their entire blessings to create the perfect being, and your luck must be out of this world to be his significant other.

But maybe that’s why you’re having doubts. He’s too good for you, at least that’s what your mind is telling you. The fear that Kazuha might find someone better.. it’s not an uncommon thought that lingers in your mind. Now that you’re alone, your eyes are glued to Kazuha’s phone. It’s just laying on the nightstand, calling your name.

Just five minutes—that’s all you need, after that, you’ll stop this nonsense and never look through his phone again. You’ve convinced yourself enough and finally took his phone.

The first you notice is the matching wallpapers you two have set—you holding your phone taking a photo of him, and the other point of view would be your lockscreen. Not only that, but his password is your full birthday. That should’ve been enough for you to put the phone down and join your boyfriend outside, yet you didn’t.

To no avail, you found nothing to support your distressful thoughts. Guilt washes your mind after seeing the contents of Kazuha’s phone. But hey, at least you were no longer overthinking—isn’t that a good thing?

Not really, especially not when Kazuha stood by the doorway, catching you in the act before you could put away his phone. The two of you locked eyes for moment until you looked away as he approached you.

“Dearest, what are you doing with my phone?” Kazuha says in a gentle manner as he sat down on the bed beside you. You don’t answer, afraid of what he’ll think once he found out about the truth.

Suddenly, you feel his hand on top of yours. “It’s okay, you can tell me,” He coaxed, voice as gentle as his touch. You sigh, meeting his gaze once more as you prepare to explain yourself.

“I’ve been scared lately,” You prompt, the words feeling much harder to let out than it’s supposed to be. “Scared that you’ll see me the way I see myself—that I’m not enough for you.” Tears start to prick out in the corner of your eyes but you blink it away as a lump forms in your throat.

Kazuha takes your hand, your fingers intertwining together like it was made for each other. “You’ve never been anything less than enough,” he says firmly before pausing, choosing his next words carefully. “You may not see it, but to me, you are the anchor that keeps me steady amidst the tides. I’ve written countless poems trying to capture your beauty, your kindness, your strength—but none of them do you justice.”

His free hand comes up to your cheek, wiping the tears that you didn’t realize began to fall. “Please don’t carry these doubts alone. I’m here, for everything—your fears, your insecurities, and all the things you think makes you unlovable,” He murmured, pulling you closer until your foreheads are pressed against each other.

You nod, closing your eyes to let the tears fall down on its own. “Okay. I’m sorry for doubting you,” You breathed, the heavy feelings in your chest finally wearing off after a long time of carrying them.

“There’s nothing to forgive,” Kazuha smiles, his thumb caressing your cheek. “But if you ever feel this way again, talk to me. Trust me to help shoulder these fears next time.”

. 𐙚 . ˙ 𖧧 ₊ ˚KINICHᝰ.ᐟ

Having a romantic relationship with Kinich isn’t what most people would think. It might seem like you’d spend your days chasing after him, waiting endlessly for scraps of attention while he remained cool and aloof. Many would assume he’s the type to keep you at arm’s length, making you endure his detached demeanor and patient silences as though his affection was a prize to be earned.

Well, it’s actually quite the opposite. Kinich values your time as much as he values his own, which is why he makes sure to finish the job quickly and efficiently to spend quality time with you. He’s the one quietly chasing after time itself, ensuring there’s always enough of it for you. Kinich treats you in a way that people would describe as “prince/princess treatment.” You are his top priority and he isn’t afraid to show it, not that other people’s opinion matters to him anyway.

While there’s no actual downside to being in a relationship with Kinich, the only thing that stirs unease is his job—or rather, the people he encounters because of it. As his work often brings contact with others, it’s hard not to let your thoughts wander. Kinich may show unwavering loyalty but you know how people are; they’re unpredictable. You can’t always know their intention thus, allowing your insecurities to take hold of your rationality.

As he excuses himself for the day, your gaze drops to his phone, left forgotten by the counter. Your rationality starts disappearing—one quick look wouldn’t hurt, right? Just to soothe your worries, and it’s not like he’ll find out.

Before you could second guess yourself any longer, you reached for his phone and unlocked it. Kinich’s phone requires a fingerprint to open but he has yours registered as well, so surely there wouldn’t be anything bad in there?

Just as you hoped for, you found nothing to support your earlier worries. However, it seems like you’ve used up all your luck as you hear the sound of footsteps approaching. Kinich had spotted you right before you could put his phone back to its original place and pretend nothing had ever happened. Your eyes widened and scrambled to put the phone away as your boyfriend stepped closer.

“What were you doing with my phone, sol?” Kinich asks, putting one hand on the counter as if to corner you. You looked away, contemplating whether to deny any accusation or just simply tell the truth. His finger taps on the surface rhythmically as if he’s counting each second your silence lasts, you can feel his eyes glued to your face even when you’re looking away.

Mustering up the confidence, you finally turn to him, “Okay. Look, I just wanted to look through your phone because.. I’ve been overthinking lately. When I saw your phone I was really, really tempted to look through it.” Your words hung heavy in the air, Kinich studying your expression after your answer.

“Did you find what you were looking for?”

“No! I mean, no.. I didn’t find anything..”

Kinich pulled you by the waist, the sudden action catching you off guard once the distance decreased between the two of you. “Exactly, there was nothing to find in the first place,” he spoke calmly, his eyes holding steady contact with yours.

“I don’t want to give you any reason to doubt me,” Kinich continues, the reassurance rolling off his tongue like he knows exactly just what to say. “But I’d rather you tell me what’s bothering you than act on it like this.”

The man has a point, if snooping through his stuff becomes a habit, it’ll influence you to never communicate with him properly. You sighed, realizing the flaws of your actions. “You’re right. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that.”

Kinich’s gaze softens as he gives you a reassuring smile, “I understand why you felt the need to do it—but please trust me.” He gives a chaste kiss to your forehead before muttering, “And I’ll make sure there’s never a reason for you to question it again.”

. 𐙚 . ˙ 𖧧 ₊ ˚VENTIᝰ.ᐟ

Venti has always been the playful lover throughout your entire relationship, it was never a big deal for you whenever he would go out and mess around with other people. Not even when he’s drinking, you almost found it adorable when he turns to a handful all because of his drunken haze. He made sure he kept that habit in moderation to avoid letting it get away in the relationship.

However, the mind is a stubborn place. As months passed by, you grew afraid of what might transpire when Venti’s not in the right state. You know what they say, drunk words are sober thoughts—maybe you just haven’t heard it because he’s said it to someone else. You fought and fought these thoughts until you found yourself with your lover’s phone in hand, because who knows? Maybe he’s already drunk texted someone while you’re unaware.

The thought is temporarily dispersed once you see yourself in his wallpaper—a picture of you, deep asleep in your shared bed. You smiled, but you can’t let a simple picture like that distract you. As you swipe through his phone, a passcode blocks you. Quickly, you attempted whichever comes to mind—his birthday, your birthday, yet none of it worked. But you know what did? The date of your anniversary.

Maybe this was a bad idea, but the phone’s unlocked now, so might as well carry on.

In all honesty, you felt like you got played in the most unexpected ways. His phone was full of ridiculous information that had no connection to your previous motiv. At least your curiosity was satiated.

“What you got there?” Venti beamed beside you, his voice startling you. Where did he come from?! Actually, how did you not even hear this man come into your room? Nevermind that, you’ve been caught red handed, his phone still clutched to your hand—even harder now that you almost let go of it from the fright.

“Venti! What are you– nevermind, I’m not even gonna ask,” You surrendered just as immediately, giving back his phone. Your face flushed from embarrassment, your boyfriend having the instincts of a cat despite being allergic to them.

Venti chuckled but pushed his phone to you. “You know, if you wanted to look, you could’ve just asked,” He says, wrapping his arms around your neck pulling you close until his head is leaning on your shoulder. “I have nothing to hide from you, windblume,” he whispers.

Your gaze softens from the unasked reassurance—the fact he can play around and set your mind at ease makes you remember why you fell in love with him in the first place. “I know that now. I’m sorry, dear,” you gently pulled him closer until the two of you were flushed against each other.

“What’s on your mind?” He asks, but honestly? You almost forgot about it all because of the contact. Still, you know Venti would just bug the hell out of you if you try to brush this off.

“Let’s talk about it later, I just wanna cuddle for now.”

“Whenever you’re ready, I’ll be here to listen.”

. 𐙚 . ˙ 𖧧 ₊ ˚XIAOᝰ.ᐟ

During your anniversary, you gave Xiao a present—a phone, something he deemed useless but accepted either way. You didn’t mind at first, knowing it’ll take time for him to adjust with the advanced cellular device. It almost became a habit for you to daydream about the texts you’d someday receive from him—the constant typos, accidental calls, blurred images. Even if Xiao wasn’t one to talk so much, you know his inexperience with technology would give a good laugh.

Those wishful thoughts only lasted for a while, of course. Every once in a while, you’d see Xiao fumbling with the phone you’ve given him. You thought that maybe this is it, you’ll finally receive a few texts from him—but you never did. Your worries increased when your boyfriend’s attention was almost glued to the device. If he wasn’t using it to text you or maybe even show you what he learned, what else could he be doing?

There’s one thing you’ve noticed though. Xiao never brings his phone whenever he’s doing his duties. It occured to you that this may be an opportunity to sneak a glance and find out what he’s been up to with his phone.

Once you’ve gotten your hands on his cellular device, you went straight ahead with unlocking it—only thing is there’s no lock. You almost forgot Xiao isn’t that well versed with the mechanics of his phone, still, with the amount of time he’s usually focused with it? You’d think he already figured that out. Nonetheless, at least you don’t have to think of whatever passcode he might’ve come up with.

As you’ve opened his phone, you’re met with something shocking. His wallpaper is your picture. Are you actually seeing this correctly? How did he even get a hold of that? But then again, it doesn’t even look like you were aware that you were getting your picture taken that time. Xiao must’ve gotten this himself personally.

You almost went crazy with how little stuff there is to find in Xiao’s phone, except his photos. That was probably the only productive app in his phone, but other than that, absolutely nothing.

As you’re about to end your search for whatever you’re looking for, you noticed a figure standing in front of you just right behind the phone you’re holding. Looking up, you see Xiao.

“Oh my god!” You yelped, leaning back on the seat as Xiao’s appearance startled the hell out of you. “What were you doing just standing there?” You sighed exasperatedly, calming down the fast beating of your heart.

“You seemed engrossed with my device,” he says plainly though his eyes sparked curiousity. “Why do you have it?”

“I was checking something..” You mumbled, giving it back to him reluctantly. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have taken it without your permission.”

Xiao took the phone from you and paused. “Checking what exactly?” He turned off the device and sat beside you. He studied your expression—the way your eyes looked away, how you’d bite your bottom lip from nervousness.

“Were you thinking I’m being disloyal?” His question was so blunt, it felt like a punch. How could you even answer that? You didn’t even need to tell him anything yet he already knew.

“No, no! Not at all!” You quickly scrambled, not wanting him to think of the wrong thing. The wrong thing? Even you don’t know what that is now. “I was just.. conflicted. You never focused too much on your phone, so when I saw that, I felt.. bothered.”

Xiao visibly frowned at that, his eyes softening at your explanation, “You should’ve told me. Share your troubles with me, let me help you ease your mind.”

He gently took your hands in his, intertwining your fingers together. His eyes met yours, a rare warmth softening his typically stoic expression, melting away the worries that had been building in your chest. “And to tell you the truth…” he started, his voice quieter now, almost shy, “I’ve only been focusing on that device because I wanted to learn more about it.”

That much was obvious now, considering his wallpaper was a candid photo of you that you didn’t even know existed. “I’m aware of that now… I’m sorry for invading your privacy, Xiao,” you said softly, guilt evident in your tone.

Xiao shook his head slightly. “I know why you did,” he replied. “But do ask next time.” A gentle smile appeared on his face. “I’ll let you have it anytime you want.”

You couldn’t help but chuckle at his response, the tension between you both easing. “I don’t think I will,” you teased lightly, “unless it’s to teach you more about it.”

. 𐙚 . ˙ 𖧧 ₊ ˚WANDERERᝰ.ᐟ

It was actually unexpected for you to see Wanderer using his own phone. He’d often say he isn’t interested in it but then see him playing random games you wouldn’t find entertaining—but to each themselves, right?

That’s where the problem starts; the fact that Wanderer is pretty secretive with his own device causes you to rouse up different possibilities. Is he talking to someone else there? Maybe he got photos of other girls? Otherwise, why else would he deny you of taking a peek through his phone?

Since your stubborn resolve wouldn’t back down, you decided to take a quick detour around the few apps he has downloaded. However, Wanderer’s device required a face recognition to unlock. Being the genius that you are, you angled the phone to a picture you have of Wanderer.

It worked, obviously, not like that man changes his appearance everyday. Once the phone opened, a picture of you and Wanderer appeared, just the two of you goofing around. Maybe this is why he didn’t want you seeing his phone.

“Enjoying yourself there?” Wanderer’s voice rang out behind you, his voice laced with amusement. You couldn’t even celebrate after finding nothing, already caught by your boyfriend who’s leaning on the doorway with his arms crossed.

You turned around to meet him, imitating his pose. “You looked through every app, didn’t you?” He grinned, walking right up to you.

“Of course I looked,” you didn’t even deny it, you’re already caught in the act anyway. “You’re so secretive about your phone, it’s like a holy grail or something!” You rolled your eyes.

Wanderer hummed, amused at how you’re being truthful. “Did you find something scandalous then?” He teased, clearly just to get under your skin. “A hidden lover perhaps?”

You bit your lip, caught off guard. “I–well–no, not really,” you stammered, recalling the endless items that pointed to you. “But why hide all of that from me?”

He sighed and plucked the device from your hands. “I didn’t think it was worth mentioning. What’s the big deal?”

“The big deal?” you echoed, frowning as you crossed your arms. “You’ve been acting so secretive about it, how was I supposed to know it wasn’t something shady? You made it seem like you were hiding a dark secret or something.”

Wanderer tilted his head, his expression equal parts amused and exasperated. “A dark secret? You really thought I’d have the energy to maintain something like that?”

He looks at his phone for a moment then back to you. “I hope you enjoyed yourself, though—digging through my phone, desperately trying to find something worth fussing over,” he drawled, his lips curling into a smirk. “Only to realize it’s just you. Everywhere.”

You scoffed, your eyes narrowing down at his smug expression. “Well, maybe if you didn’t act so suspicious, I wouldn’t have felt the need to check.”

His smirk widened as he leaned back slightly, arms crossing over his chest. “But at least now you know what I’ve been ‘hiding.’ Satisfied?”

You rolled your eyes, but a small smile tugged at your lips. “For now. But next time, just let me look, okay?”

“Next time, try trusting me,” he shot back, though there was no bite to his words.

“Trust goes both ways, Wanderer,” you said, raising a brow.

“That’s ironic,” he conceded, shaking his head with a small laugh. “If you pull another stunt like this, I might increase the security of my phone.”

“Like that’d stop me,” you challenged with a grin.

© kkuzushi | Please do not translate, repost, or plagiarize my work. This work is posted in Tumblr only unless stated otherwise by yours truly.

[peakyltd]

New Endings

Part 1 | Tommy x Reader

A/N: I wrote this for @dearshelby 's 2K celebration. (Sorry that it took me so long to finish this Lora!) It was supposed to be just a one shot but it became so long that I decided to split it in two parts. It was also supposed to be fluffy but I completely lost track of that. I used the prompt: What you need me to say's gonna hurt you.

Warnings: Angst, mentions of abuse (not inflicted by Tommy and not described in detail), swearing.

Words: 3.4k

MASTERLIST | NEXT PART

Papers were sprawled over the big desk, the fountain pen in his hand was resting inches above one of them. The crackling of the fire was the only sound filling his office. He needed to finish this but his thoughts didn’t let him, still busy with processing the events of today.

He had left a meeting in the Midland hotel when he immediately recognized her from afar in the lobby. He still felt his heart drop at the sight of her. The mesmerizing smile she gave one of the receptionists filled his heart with the warmth he had been missing for so long.

He still remembered the day he let her walk out of his life, taking his heart with her.

After deciding to approach her, a man walked up and took her hand. Jealousy had taken the place of warmth in just a second. The ring on her finger told him enough. She replaced him with someone else, just like he did with her.

When the couple turned around, her eyes met his own. He could've sworn he saw her eyes lit up for a moment until her expression turned into a shocked one. Her soft beautiful voice called out his name and a small, formal “Hi.” And “How are you.” were exchanged until she told him they had an important meeting and that they had to go.

She never introduced him to the man on her arm. Although he wasn't sure if he actually wanted to be introduced.

“Dad? I can’t sleep.” A small voice shook him out of his thoughts. His eyes focused on the paper in front of him again, realizing the ink from his fountain pen dripped down on it, turning the letters into a big stain. A sigh escaped his lips before looking up at the little boy standing in his office, holding a blanket and a plush horse to his chest. “And why’s that, Charlie?” He asked his son. He took his pocket watch, wondering what time it was.

“Can I stay with you?” Charlie asked as he made his way over to his dad’s desk. “It’s 2 am, you can’t stay here.” Tommy remarked.

“I can sleep on your sofa.” The boy mentioned as he climbed on it. “Charlie, you should be sleeping. In your own room.” Tommy sighed as he got up.

“You should be sleeping too, you’re always here.” He argued as he laid down on the sofa. Tommy moved over to him, covering him with the blanket. “Why aren’t you sleeping, dad?” Charlie tried again.

“Because sometimes people have a bit trouble sleeping.” He explained as he sat down next to him. “Just like me?” Charlie’s question made his lips turn into a small smile. “Yes Charlie, just like you.”

“What’s letting you sleep better, daddy?” Charlie looked curiously at him as he hugged his horse.

Opium, booze, her.

“Thinking about the horses.” He answered as he stroked the boys hair. “I always dream about them.” Charlie smiled at him. “Do you too?”

“Yes, I do too.”

A knock on his office door got his attention. "Yes." The door opened, revealing Arthur and John. "Good morning Tom." The oldest brother greeted him as he sat down in the chair in front of his desk. John closed the door and started to pour himself a whiskey. "Indeed a good morning." He stated as he raised his glass before making his way to his brothers.

"You look tired." Arthur noticed the dark circles under Tommy's eyes. "He always does." John replied as he leaned against the desk, earning a glare from him.

"I'll keep it short. I got the deal, now I want you to keep an eye on the shipment.” He pointed at Arthur before moving his attention to John, a stern look in his eyes. “And I want you to deliver that package at the right address, today. Is it ready yet?”

“Of course it is. I worked really hard on it.” John smirked before taking a sip of his whiskey. “Good.” Tommy leaned back in his chair. “That’s it.” He sighed as he clasped his hands together.

Arthur’s eyes lingered a bit longer on Tommy as he stood up. It was worrying him to see him turn into ghost of himself more and more everyday. "Try to relax, yeah?" Arthur mumbled, knowing very well his words would fall on deaf ears. Tommy's straight face and the silence that followed confirmed it all.

“Oh, Tom. You never guess who I bumped into this morning.” John broke the silence as he stood up straight. “Well?” Tommy's toneless voice filled the room as he shifted his attention to the letters in front him.

“(Y/N), I accidentally bumped into her.” He answered as he finished his drink, placing the now empty glass on his brothers' desk. Tommy looked up at him, alerted by the mention of her name. “It was nice to see her again. Still stunning as ever.” John added, a small grin growing on the corner of his lips.

“Where did you see her?” Tommy asked him as John barely finished his sentence. "She left Greenwoods, told me she had breakfast there." John replied, narrowing his eyes as he looked at Tommy. "Was she alone?"

"Her fiancé joined her later." John responded. "Before you ask, I don't know who it is but I wonder if he really makes her happy. Our conversation changed in a weird way when he joined and she left pretty quickly after." He put a new toothpick in his mouth. "Why?"

“What else did she say?” Tommy asked. "I asked you something first." John simply stated, chewing on his toothpick. "John, what else did she say to you." Tommy snapped at him, irritated by the fact that he didn't get an answer right away.

John clenched his jaw as he glared at his older brother. "For fucks sake, I-"

"John, just tell him, eh?" He was cut off by Arthur who had put a hand on his shoulder. "Just tell 'im." He mumbled again, hoping to calm the tension between the temperamental brothers.

John sighed as he felt Tommy's eyes almost burn into his skin. "She's here for business. Told me she was doing well and just had a quick chat. That's it." He recalled the conversation. "Fucking business, eh? For how long is she staying?" Tommy questioned.

"Do I look like a fucking calendar to you?" John sneered as he felt himself getting angry by his brothers' interrogation. Tommy opened his mouth to say something but was cut off by John. "I have to go. I have to deliver a package."

"John." Tommy warned. "Fuck off Tom." He strided out of the office, slamming the door behind him and leaving Tommy and Arthur alone. "Maybe you should try to speak to her." Arthur carefully suggested.

Silence followed as Tommy glanced at him. "Go to the yard and talk to Charlie about the shipment that is coming our way."

A sigh fell off Arthur's lips as he shook his head slightly. "Yes Tommy." His voice a soft murmur as he turned around to leave the office. Tommy leaned back into his chair, his eyes staring at the door and his mind running.

"What's wrong with you now?" Tommy turned around to the direction the voice came from as he adjusted his coat. Ready to leave the office as his eyes met Polly's. Her body leaning against the doorframe, her arms crossed.

"Not much more than yesterday." He stated as he put on his cap. "That's why John left your office like that this afternoon?" She wondered, not quite forgotten the contrast between his entrance and exit of the building.

"You know how he can be." Tommy replied, making his way to the door. "Yes, I do know how he can be when you press the wrong buttons. Just like I know how Arthur can be and how you can be. Now tell me what's going on." Polly blocked the door, looking up at Tommy.

"Pol, please." Tommy looked at her, an unfazed expression marking his features. She simply raised her eyebrow, her eyes never leaving his.

Tommy sighed and closed his eyes for a moment. “I have to go.” His eyes held her gaze. Polly didn't move. He laid his hand on her shoulder and gently guided her out of his way. "Tommy, be honest to yourself for once." She retorded as she tried to stop him.

"I am, Pol. I am." Tommy mumbled, more to himself than to his aunt. Before Polly had the chance to stop him, he had already left the office. On his way to be honest to someone other than himself.

He stopped his car in front of a cottage on the countryside while looking for any sign of life. It seemed quiet and he hoped he didn't make the long drive for nothing. He excited the car and walked up to the front door, the sound of his knuckles hitting the wooden door disturbed the peaceful whistling of the birds.

Tommy waited but there was no one answering the door, he knocked again while glancing inside trough the closest window but it seemed like there was nobody at home.

As he contemplated on what to do next, the door opened. He looked up and was met with the person he was desperate to see. "Tommy? What are you doing here?" (Y/N) asked him while the color drained from her face, startled by his sudden presence.

"I want to talk." He admitted while he took in her appearance. His heart dropped in the same way when he had seen her in the hotel. She barely changed in those years although there was something different about her.

"How did you even know that I'm staying here?" She questioned him as she looked around to see if they were alone. Before Tommy could speak up she cut him off. "You know what, I don't even want to know. You can't be here." She blurted out, her eyes darting from him to the road.

Tommy noticed her strange behavior, it gave him a weird feeling. "It won't be long." He assured her as he stepped a bit closer to the door. "No, Tommy." She gasped slightly as she looked up at him. "Please, go."

"I'll go if you tell me that we can meet somewhere. Tonight." He countered although he didn't wait until tonight. Her gaze left his and found distraction on the floor. She bit softly on the inside of her cheek as she thought. A sigh escaped her lips. "Fine."

"Where?" She mumbled softly. "Midland hotel, 9 pm." Tommy offered but saw (Y/N) shaking her head. "No, not the hotel." She looked up at him. "The Garrison."

"The Garrison, 9 pm then." He confirmed as he watched her taking in her surroundings once again. Her gaze fell on him once more. "I'll promise I'll be there tonight." She assured before closing the door on him. Tommy swallowed harshly before returning back to his car.

As he leaned against the bar, Tommy's attention switched between the guests and the door, a whiskey in one hand and a cigarette in the other. It was 9.30 by now and she still hadn't arrived. Maybe she didn't dare to tell him that she didn't want to come and was this just a trick to get rid of him. Maybe it was stupid to still trust her after all this time.

A lot of maybe's and what if's had been going trough his mind for years now, all without any kind of answer.

The door opened again and revealed the gorgeous woman he was waiting for. Her eyes scanned the place as she wrapped the fur coat tightly around her body. "(Y/N)." Tommy walked up to her. "Tommy." She gave him a small, shy smile as she looked him up and down.

"This way." He let his hand rest slightly on her back and lead her into the snug. He put his drink on the table and turned back to her. "Would you like something to drink?" He asked her while she took off her coat. "Gin with tonic water, please."

As Tommy got her the drink she looked around. The bar looked different from the last time she was here. Thinking back of the many memories that were made inside the building, made her feel at home.

Tommy's voice shook her out of her thoughts. "Like the decorations?" He asked as he closed the door, making his way to the table and put her drink on the table as well. "I- Yes. It's different. More gold." She replied, turning her attention back to the man in front of her.

"You're allowed to say that you don't like it." He assured as he watched her cheeks turn into a light shade of red. "I do like it."

"Just saying." He pointed at the the seats. "Please, sit down." He told her as he sat down across from her, taking a sip of his whiskey. Silence fell over them until their eyes met. "How have you been doing?" Tommy was the first one to break the silence with his question.

"I'm doing fine." She kept her reply short. "How are you?"

"I'm doing well." He answered. She didn't quite believe it, he looked different from what she had remembered. Something she thought she had already noticed it at the hotel but wasn't too sure of.

"John said you're here for business." He said while lighting another cigarette. She narrowed her eyes and her jaw tightened. "The Blinders are still keeping an eye on me here?" She scolded in annoyance. "Did they ever stop?"

Tommy sighed, blowing out some smoke. "You know it was for your own safety." (Y/N) sat up straight. "Was it really? Or was it because you wanted to control everything single thing?"

She remembered that it got worse with the day. At some point there was always someone with or around her to watch her, or taking care of as Tommy would like to call it. She knew that he meant well and he wanted to protect her but it was suffocating.

He took a sip of his whiskey. "You know the answer to that question." She shook her head as she looked away. "Listen, I'm only here for a few days, after that I'll leave."

"Is it for your fiancée's business?" He asked, moving the conversation back to his inital goal while taking another drag of his cigarette. Her eyes snapped back to his, a glare replaced her kind looking eyes. "Tommy, please. Is this why I'm here? To talk about business or rather about my fiancé?"

"We can discuss business later." He remained motionless. "I need to go." She said as she stood up, making her way to the coat rack. "John wondered if he really makes you happy."

She froze as she heard his words. "Does he?" Tommy questioned. She turned around to look at him. "John this, John that. Why aren't you talking to him instead?" She scoffed, her breath quickening.

"Does he?" Tommy asked again. She looked at him, her arms crossing as her fingers played with the fabric of her dress, not being able to answer his question.

He held her gaze a little longer before breaking it. "I guess I have my answer." He stated as he stomped out his cigarette in the ash tray. She took a deep breath, feeling a kind of sadness washing over her. "Why did you even want to talk to me?" Her voice was smaller than before.

"Because I knew I had to when I saw you again. That ring on your finger was supposed to be mine." Tommy explained.

"Supposed to be yours? I can't believe you!" She shook her head before meeting his eyes again. "You're the one who told me I was better off without you because your life was too dangerous. You know I didn't want to break up because of that but you insisted." Tears welled up into her eyes.

"Listen (Y/N) I-" He was cut off by her raised voice. "No let me finish."

"You were the one who just vanished after everything we've been trough. On top of that I found out you were together with someone else not even months later." She took a deep breath to try and remain calm. "And now you're saying that ring was supposed to be yours?!" Her voice betrayed her anger.

"I made a mistake by breaking up with you." Tommy admitted as he stood up. She let out a snort. "Only for breaking up with me?! I heard you were married and had a child!"

"That was years after you, not months. You know I tried to find you but you didn't want to be found, you wrote it meself." He defended as he slowly closed the gap between them. "I have the letter still."

"Don't you understand that you've hurt me?! I wanted to hate you but I knew the moment I would see you again I would forget all about that because I loved you. Something you failed to show many times." She yelled at him, finally able to put the anger and pain into words.

"Don't fucking tell me that I never showed you how much I loved you." Tommy's voice raised, it startled her but she quickly gathered herself together again. "I made that decision because I wanted to protect you!"

"Oh, please!" She scoffed, her body felt tense and her chest moved rapidly from the heavy breathing. "If you loved me you'd fucking fight for me!"

"I always did, (Y/N)! Always!" He yelled back at her as he watched her shake her head again. "Oh fuck off! There's no point into this conversation. You should go back to your fucking wife!"

"My fucking wife is dead." His harsh words hit her harder than she expected, no words were able to leave her mouth as her eyes softened.

"I didn't know." She breathed out. "I'm sorry."

"I tried to protect her like I tried to protect you but I failed. A fate I wanted to spare you." He explained on a calmer tone.

Tommy's gaze softened, his hand touched her cheek carefully. She flinched slightly at his action. "I am sorry." His voice was almost a whisper. Her eyes stared into his, they seemed so close to something safe and familiar but at the same time it was all so far away from that.

He moved his face closer to hers until their lips met. They both melted slowly into the soft feeling of having each other so close. His other hand found it's way to her waist as her hands rested on his chest.

Tommy gently deepened the kiss as he pulled her closer. (Y/N) melted right into him until realization struck her. If her fiancé would find out where she was or what she was doing right now, he would be furious.

She pushed Tommy away, the sound of the harsh contact from her hand on his cheek echoed trough the space. A gasp escaped her mouth, afraid of what his reaction would be.

The stinging feeling of his cheek made Tommy instantly snap out of the moment. He looked at her as he clenched his jaw, confused by what just happened.

"I"m so sorry. I- I didn't want to... I'm engaged Tommy." She stammered while reaching for her coat. "David will kill me if he finds out that I was with you."

"(Y/N)..." Tommy started as he watched her put on her coat. "Does he hurt you?"

She gulped, avoiding his eyes. "Don't be ridiculous."

"I saw how you flinched (Y/N) and don't even get me started on the anxious behavior when I stood in front of your home." This was the last thing she wanted to talk about. "It's not our home. We only use it for holidays." She tried to change the subject as she walked to the door.

"(Y/N)." Tommy called out her name. "What?" She snapped as she turned back to face Tommy. "I care about you."

Her eyes lingered a bit longer on him. "I'm sorry Tommy. What you need me to say's gonna hurt you." She decided to walk out of the door, leaving him on his own.

To be continued

PART 2

[mari-lair]

Will greed island au gon ever at least meet mito? i feel like during his search for ging after he leaves the island with killua he would make the same conclusions that kite did and track down his dad's hometown. what do you think his feelings would be? would it improve his horrible sense of self worth?

Side note: how would the zoldyck family arc go in this scenario? I have a feeling that Illumi would show up to mess things up. but this gon is much stronger so he could just basically break into the manor and tell the zoldycks to f off in person.

(about the GI Gon AU: Here)

I didn't even think about this, BUT YES! Gon would go to Whale Island hunting for clues after passing the hunter exam and eventually find Mito. When he learns Mito is Ging's cousin he'll gets excited, cause Gon knows none of his blood family, no matter how distant, an aunt is still a big deal.

His first meeting with Mito will be a bit rough/pretty awkward cause I feel like Ging would let her know he has a kid through a letter or a call or something (is Ging he'll find a way to update her without facing her) but only a decade or so before she have a chance to met Gon. No further messages, no elaboration, by the point Mito sees Gon face to face the concept Ging have a kid will feel alien.

I can see him a bit more self-worth in her presence since 1 - Mito is no NPC she looks after him while he is visiting cause she wants/ she make sure to say when she isn't happy, which makes when she is happy he is around that much more impactful 2 - She will be very angry that Ging abandoned him in some game and while he will defend greed island forever, he is flattered, people rarely get this angry for him. 3 -He bonds with her about Ging leaving, cause the game masters were a bit exasperated at most Ging departure, but Mito was deeply affected by his departure like Gon was. But he still isn't as confident(?) as canon gon.

As for the Zoldyck rescue arc...

I'll be honest, I don't know how that would go, there are too many changes from canon for me to try to domino effect: Illumi already passed the exam, he can't take it again like Killua will, Gon also wouldn't be knocked out with his nen skills, so that scenario ain't happening.

I know Killua coming home needs to happen though, maybe Killua is taking too long in the game (cause he stopped focusing on killing his target after around a week or less and prioritized having fun with Gon and being a rebel) and so the Zoldycks send Illumi to find a way in the game and check on him but idk how that would go. I don't think Gon can beat Illumi. He can beat him in nen arm wrestling and maybe some strength tests, he is a monster in raw power, but is hard to say in a fight with no rules. I can picture Killua, who has the needle, using Acompany cards to run away with gon and freaking out about rebelling against Illumi but I can't picture how the actual confrontation would end.

(I just know Gon won't die inside the game, he has every game master keeping an eye on him if he reaches the point of being in genuine danger. They can be neglectful and all, but they would never let Gon die.)

So for now "how will killua go home?" situation is in progress/may drastically vary in the future

If despite all the changes the situation still end with Gon banging on their mountain gate , Gon would indeed be powerful enough to open the gates and walk to the butler's house without issue but he still has the same "Why must I do all of this to visit a friend?" mentality, and he wouldn't want to cause trouble to the butlers and workers who clearly value killua. So fewer injuries, more questions about the mansion's "rules and 'work designs' choices" (which are usually not answered. cause zoldycks) but overall a very similar outcome.

[five-rivers]

Pollfic continuation from here!

Yes, it looked just like the candle symbol from the visitor badges.  Why–?

Sharp pain spiked along his shoulder blades and spine, then diluted into an almost comfortable stretching, growing sensation.  A similar, but smaller sensation centered on his eyes and temples.

“Danny?  Danny, are you alright?  Oh, you should have taken the health monitor, I knew it–”

Danny waved off their concerns with a few hand symbols, and tried to assess what was happening to his body.

He had experienced many changes during his exploration of the Infinite Realms, but this one felt weirdly brutal.  Maybe because it wasn’t a place applying the changes, or the influence of a particularly powerful ghost, but a kind of magical symbol?  

That was something he’d have to explore later.  

For now, he at least had a theory as to where these ghosts came from.  Taking all their strange traits together, they seemed to be a combination of the five ‘aids’ given to visitors.  Maybe the first of them were people who’d gotten lost too often, and then they learned how to reproduce the changes in others?

Danny, panting slightly, got to his feet, his new wings and antennae twitching uncomfortably.  The main wings were large enough that they brushed the bottom and sides of the sphere while folded, and the secondary set of wings had long, twisty tails, like a luna moth (thank you, Sam, for the childhood bug phase).  Meanwhile, his antennae were large, feathery, and picking up sensations his brain wasn’t entirely equipped to handle, although his core was doing a good job of it.  

Also… was he smaller?  Again?  

Not the time.  But, someday, he would figure out what force of nature always made him tiny, and then they’d be having words.

Danny had to leave before another symbol was drawn on the ice.  It was starting to look like the quill, and he did not want to be soft and fluffy.  

Even if the light it was made of looked very entrancing…

Stop that.  

He raised his hand and spelled out a word.

-NAVIGATE-

“What do you mean, navigate?”

“He means when he gets out, Jack.  He must not be able to see very well.”

Danny could actually see just fine, but that was probably going to be part of the problem, if he was going to be attracted to light like a moth.  He needed his parents to keep him on track.

With that sorted out, he put his hands on the ice (and it was harder to get the angle he wanted, gosh darn it, so his arms probably were shorter), focused, pulled on the deep well of cold energy inside him… even if the term ‘cold energy’ still made the nascent scientist inside him cringe… shut up, it was a useful way to think about it…

The sphere shattered in a wave of ice and force, and Danny picked a direction at random.  Well, almost random.  At first, he veered towards the brightest light source, but remembered himself (and realized that the brightest light source was the people) at the last minute.  

“Wall!” shouted his parents, and he banked.  

“There’s a hallway at your ten o’clock,” said Mom.  He turned, and, yes, he could see a square of… not darkness.  There was too much light going through it.  It must be a pretty common route into and out of this larger space.  

Danny took it anyway.  Simply speaking, there was no way he was going to be able to effectively hide.  He was leaving a literal trail of light as he moved.  The ghosts here would be able to follow him without any trouble.  What he needed was speed, so he could get out of here and find library members who would, hopefully, know how to deal with this, before any pursuers caught up with him.  

He felt telekinesis reach out to him and try to power through his aura, but he he threw off the grasp.  

There was that, too.  He had to stay out of range of their mass telekinesis.  

“If my readings are right–” started Dad.  

“No,” said Mom.  There was a ripping noise.  “Turn right, sweetie!”

“There should be a staircase or something similar–”

“They’re trying to cut you off,” said Mom.  “Left, now right again.”

“Might have to double back–”

“There’s no way.  Keep going, Danny.”

“See if I can find another one–”

Unexpectedly, a ghost popped up in front of Danny.  Far enough away that he could easily avoid them, but that light!  The brightness of the symbol they held in their hands!  It was so… so…

[bridgyrose]

Greetings and Salutations, Bridgy. If it is not too much trouble, once more do I request the next part of either transfer student, penpals, blind!weiss or guardian!heiress, whichever one you wish to write. Please, have a nice day.

Weiss raced across the rooftops as she followed Blake, cursing to herself as she tried to find Ruby. What was supposed to be a day to relax had turned into a day of trying to babysit her team and trying to get a lunch date together. Though she did have to admit, her team did seem to be a bit more capable than expected. 

Keeping up with Blake was a challenge as she watched her use her semblance to hop across rooftops more effectively while also keeping watch on the road below. Though she wasnt sure how well Blake was able to see anything on the roads, it was hard to argue that it wasnt working. 

“Rose petals to our left,” Blake said as she stopped and put a hand up. “She shouldnt be too far ahead.” 

Weiss stopped next to Blake and sighed as she watched the petals flutter in the wind. “How can you tell if they’re hers?” 

“Unlike real rose petals, hers shine in the light before they disappear.” 

“And you can tell from up here?” 

“Of course. My eyesight is better than- you’re going to have to trust me on this. I’ve spent a year with Ruby, I know how things look for her.” 

“Fine,” Weiss said as she rolled her eyes. “I’ll trust you on this. So which way now?” 

Blake scanned the streets as she looked out over the city and started heading in the direction she saw more petals come from. “This way!” 

Weiss nodded and used her glyphs to keep up with Blake, still not quite sure how Blake was tracking Ruby. It was hard enough to see the rose petals even with them glittering in the sun, but being able to tell where they were coming from in a busy city like this? That would take more than just being able to see well. 

Still, she continued to follow Blake through the city until, finally, Ruby could be seen running through the street, using her semblance to weave through the crowds. Weiss stopped for a moment when she saw a flash of green along the streets as well. But when she looked for that flash of green, all she could see was Ruby rushing out of sight. 

“Are you coming?” Blake asked as she turned around. “I thought you werent going to slow me down.” 

“Y-yeah, I’m coming,” Weiss answered back as she started to run again. 

“Good. We dont want to lose her.” 

Weiss nodded and made her way down to the streets. “You keep following from the roof, I’m going to see if I can catch her on the streets.” 

“You really think you’ll be able to follow her?” 

“No, but I think I can cut her off.” 

“I’ll call you once I catch her.” 

Weiss started to race down the street and took a side alley to try to cut off Ruby. She used her semblance to push off the wall next to her and to round the corner as fast as she could. A smile crossed her lips as she saw more rose petals in front of her, following them forward. She raced through the crowds until the rose petals finally stopped and she saw Ruby standing near the docks. 

She quickly sent a message to Yang and Blake that Ruby had been found and slowly walked over to her. “Everything okay?” 

“I… I thought I saw her,” Ruby answered as she looked at her scroll. “I saw Penny. She’s here.” 

Weiss looked at her curiously. “Your missing teammate Penny?” 

“Yes!” 

“Are you sure you’re not seeing things?” 

Ruby glared. “Of course I’m not!” 

“I know what its like to see the people you miss.” Weiss looked away from Ruby and held her arm to her chest. Her voice cracked as she spoke and her hand started to shake. “I see the people that I care about, the ones that I couldnt save. Maybe… maybe I just want to see them smile once more or just hear them laugh again.” 

“I know I’m not seeing things. I saw her, I heard her… she was right there.” 

“Greif is powerful-” 

“Its not…” Ruby sighed and started to walk back the way she came. “Forget I said anything.” 

“Wait, Ruby.” Weiss put a hand on Ruby’s shoulder to stop her. Her fingers practically shook as she held her teammate’s shoulder and her voice started to go quiet as she spoke again. “I lost my team before I came to Beacon. I get what it means to miss the person you care about. And I… I want to help.” 

“Then help me find her.” 

“But she’s-” Weiss’s words stopped as Ruby pulled out her scroll and showed a picture of a girl with red hair running through a crowd. “Who’s that?” 

“Penny,” Ruby answered. “She was just here and I need to find her.”

[trashboatprince]

Here's a little one-shot based on this recent drawing I did for Fourteen and Donna, involving a flip phone. It's gonna have different dialogue, but that's alright.

As always, I write Fourteen with they/them pronouns.

On with the fic!

--

"You have got to be kidding me..." Donna growled as she stared at the alien sitting in a chair before her. They looked a bit roughed up and was grinning, but that kind of grin that meant that they knew damn well that they were in trouble.

"Hi, Donna!" The Doctor gave a little wave. "Finally tracked you down, this building is huge! How do you even get around in here without constantly getting lost?"

"What are you doing here?" Donna asked, crossing her arms. It's not that she didn't mind being visited by her family while at work at UNIT, but it was bad enough that Rose worked here twice a week for some extra cash, now her adopted-alien sibling was breaking and entering instead of just calling her! She didn't need to keep an eye on two troublemakers while she had to deal with aliens and paperwork!

The Doctor looked away, toying with their tie instead of making eye contact. "Well... I was bored."

"You were bored."

"Yeah. Shaun's off at work, Sylvia has her book or cooking club, can't remember which one she said she was going to, and Wilf was busy with his friends, leaving me alone." The Doctor shrugged. "Andyoustillhavethetardiskey." They quickly added, pouting.

"For a damn good reason, spaceman." She huffed. "So, why come here?"

"To help! Or see if I can get back into the Black Archives. They changed up the security system the last time I was there, and I know that they have some stuff in there I really want. Like the copy of this one movie with Peter Cushing in it based on one of my old adventures! It's an excellent movie, it's even got Bernard Cribbins in it! Remember, he's that lovely chap who was..."

They trailed off under Donna's heated stare and they swallowed. "Also, I miss hanging out with you, and talking with you, and just spending time with my best friend. You're always so busy with work!"

Donna sighed loudly, rubbing at her eyes. "Doctor, it's sweet that you miss me, but this is my new job, and I'd really like to keep it for longer than a few months. I know you miss hanging out with me and going on adventures, I can't deny that I miss it too. But you are retired, and Kate says you are not allowed to help with UNIT stuff unless if it's an extreme emergency and we can't get in contact with your other half."

"I'm sure I could be of great help here, I'll even put up with the scientific advisor job again!"

"No." She held up a hand. "Look, just... go home, relax, and break the TV or something. It'll entertain you for a few hours as you try to, I dunno, update it to get channels from Planet Blue."

"Oh, you don't want channels from there, they are just the worst, all public access, but not the fun kind with the puppets or the people in costumes. Those are good ones."

Donna just stared at the Doctor, who smiled. She rolled her eyes and shook her head. "What can keep you occupied while I'm at work?"

They shrugged. "I dunno. I just... wanna hang out with you in some way while you're at work."

"What about a phone?"

They looked bothered, even offended, at this suggestion. "A phone? Donna, I hate phones."

"Your home is a phonebox!"

"Not really, she just likes to look like one. And besides, I don't like all the... apps and options, and the fact that it's just a shitty computer and not really a phone anymore. Also, Kate gave me one, remember?"

Donna scoffed. "Yes, and it 'accidentally' ended up buried in the garden."

"That was the ghosts who did that."

"No, they didn't."

"Yeah, they didn't." They sighed, pouting. "Don't wanna smartphone, don't need one. Never had a need for one, and the only reason I even had a phone back when you traveled with the younger version of this pretty face was cause Martha wanted me to have it."

"And I want you to have one." Donna pointed out, poking them in the chest. "If Martha can convince you to have one, then I should be able to as well."

The Doctor groaned, rolling their head back before slumping in their seat. "Fine, I'll use a phone."

Donna grinned. "Good, I'll find you a good one."

--

"A flip phone?" The Doctor asked when Donna arrived home that evening, staring at the little device in her hand.

"It's better suited for you, no apps, just takes and makes calls, and does a bit of texting. It's a phone. And one that I know you're not going to just conveniently lose." Donna stated. "I made sure of that."

"Really?" The Doctor blinked, taking it. "How so?"

"Got a tracker on it, so if you try to lose it, I'll find it. And if you try to have the TARDIS lose it, she'll just give it to me, cause she loves me."

They glanced at the window, glaring at the big, blue box that stood out on the back porch. Yeah, she did love Donna, and would so rat the Doctor out in a heartbeat. "Fine! I'll keep it on me!"

"Good. And, now that you have one, if I lose you in public, which is bound to happen because it always does, I can easily find you with a single call!" Donna said with a smile.

The Doctor sighed, staring at the dark blue and silver flip phone, opening it up and seeing the most basic of backgrounds on the screen. First things first, they were changing that, and maybe getting custom ringtones. They might not like phones, there were easier ways to communicate, and more fun, like writing letters on psychic paper and having them show up throughout time and space, but they were going to make this work in their own way.

"And Rose helped me pick it out." Donna spoke as she moved to the kitchen. "She said it's the kind that can have a little phone charm hang from it, she'll help you find one, or she'll make you one."

This instantly got the Doctor's attention, and they perked up. "Oh? Ooh, I love a little charm! Adds a bit of, well, charm, to something!"

"Yeah, I figured you'd approve of that." Donna said before vanishing into the other room.

After a week with the blasted device, now loaded down in photos and every one of their contacts having custom ringtones, and several charms hooked to the thing, the phone seemed to be a good compromise to keep the Doctor from pestering Donna at work.

At least in person.

However, calling was quite often, and Donna was now regretting ever getting them the damn thing.

At least she finally got them to use it for once.

--

The Doctor is the kinda person who would love phone charms.

Also, the reference to the Peter Cushing Doctor Who movies is a canon fact from the novelization of Day of the Doctor, Ten and Eleven found the movie in the archives and were obsessing over it.

Also, the letters on psychic paper are from a Ten and River audio adventure. I can see Fourteen doing this too, but I think they and Fifteen would do it to keep in communication.

[indulgentnine]

Continued. @alteregozowie ▼

Being pulled aside, Charlie blinked a few times at Alastor, though noting his sigh that immediately had her brows bunching in worry. “I’m very well aware, Alastor,” she tries to say while she did not know every detail about Valentino or even the Vees, she could see that a lot of people had their doubts. Though, the mention of him owning a soul there did make her tense just slightly. After a long breath of her own, her smile slowly came back.

“Does that not make it even better if we do succeed?” She asks, genuine hope in those words enough to give light to her face once more despite all the nerves and doubt. “To think we could redeem someone no one believes in!” Her words continued in a puff of her chest, just going over the prospect that if they could redeem Valentino then anyone could be. She comes back down from that to face him once more with a bit more rationalization forming on her expression, however.

“Yes, yes I know that it might not be great to have him here with Angel, but maybe even that can be worked out!” She positively puts even if the thought of just talking to Angel too had her on edge. “B-But for now! We can just keep them in separate locations, okay? We also have you here to help keep an eye on it all! I’ll also be very vigilant in keeping track of who is where and what is going on!” Another puff of her chest comes. “I’ll make sure to let Vaggie know so she can beef up security if we get any trouble more so!”

After that, she flashes another almost bittersweet smile at him. “Don’t worry, I won’t trust so easily. I know pure intentions are hard to come by aaaaand there likely aren’t any here, but!! Perhaps we can change his mind, show him that there is something more than what Hell has. That good can be found still even in the low parts?”

[more-cardigan-than-woman]

The Babysitter- Day 3

Summary: Jason tries to train you, you try not to push his buttons for a change.

Theif!Reader x The Red Hood

Words: 2.8k

Day 2

Warnings: 18+, Fluff, pining, tension clad training, swearing.

"Get up, trouble maker," his fist raps on your door, "we've got places to be."

“Get fucked,” you mumble, putting the pillow over your head and rolling back into the sheets.

“You swearing at me?” he hits the door again, “Don’t you remember what I said about that?”

“Yes.” you moan, swinging your legs over the side of the bed.

“Are you getting up?”

“I’m up. I'm getting dressed. Give a girl a second.”

“Put on something comfortable.”

“Can do, Mr bossy boots,” you poke your tongue out at the door, searching through your drawers for your favourite pair of pink leggings and that cute black crop Harley gave you. “Shit, where are my sneakers?” you start crawling under the bed looking for them.

“You’re taking too long,” you hear his voice echo from down the hall. “Hurry up.” “Yeah, well,” storming out of your room, “You said to put on something comfy and all I could find were my pumps, which are not comfy and my sneakers seemed to have vanished into thin air. I also wanted like one second to maybe, too I dunno, put my hair up and not look like a trash panda first thing in the morning. But here we are." You sigh dramatically, "I look like shit, my hair is a wasp's nest and I still don't have any- Ugh!” you look down at the green pair of shoes now resting in your hands, “You found my sneakers! Thanks'' you beam, sitting right down on the ground and slipping them on.

When you look back up at Jason he stares at you like you've grown a second head, “I know my hair is a mess, you told me to hurry. What do ya want from me?”

“No, nothing. Here,” he says, handing you a coffee, “Found these to go cups,” shit, did you actually listen to him? He tries to pinpoint what he said, maybe he’ll be able to replicate it? Hopefully, because fuck, he never expected to get a thank you this early or to even have you listen to him long enough to do what he asked.

“So, what's the plan? You're going to take me out the back and shoot me for being the most annoying client ever? Maybe take me out for breakfast, wine and dine me?" You shrug, your hands flying around as you talk, "Throw me into a fighting pit and see if I don't die? Lots and lots of options for you.”

“You’ll see when we get there." Jason says as he picks up his duffle bag, "And if you’re good, I’ve got a gift for you.”

“Good? But that's so subjective,” you sip on your coffee, “Good could mean a number of things to numerous different types of people. Your version of good is definitely very different from mine, so how will I even know if I'm being good?”

“You want rules?”

“No, but some guidelines would be nice. Do I need to bring anything else?”

“Nothing else. How about we start with, don’t steal.”

“Boring." You roll your eyes at him, "how about I don’t get caught stealing.”

“Don’t steal from me then. How's that?”

“Fair. anything else? Oh Mr big boss man?”

“No more swearing at me,”

“You really don't like it do you?”

“I do not and since I'm stuck with you for a week, I’d like you to respect it.”

“Fine, I won’t swear AT you. Maybe just around you.”

“That's the best I'm going to get isn't it?”

”Better deal than anyone else has ever had.”

“Lets go then. It's not far from here,”

“What isn't?” he ignores you, opening the door to your apartment and silently waiting for you to follow.

“We’ve got a ten minute walk ahead of us. How about you guess where we're going and I'll tell you if you get close.” Jason offers, thinking that maybe if he can make a game of your talking he can keep you on track. Maybe keep those distracting thoughts and wandering eyes from things in people's pockets if he finds something to occupy you while you walk. To his great shock you smile at him, almost delighted at the idea. An idea he came up with and fuck its almost as hot as that fierce smirk you gave him yesterday.

“Perfect.”

Xx

“I was so close,” you say, pushing your arms together in excitement, “I nearly guessed gym,”

“But ya didn't. For some reason you keep thinking I own a castle. Do I give off vampire vibes or something?”

“Maybe, vampires are supposed to be pretty to lure in prey,” you press your back into the gym door and it swings open, “and you're ok looking I guess.”

“Really?” he stalks in infront of you, “You said I was pretty the other day. What's changed?”

“Nothing, you're still pretty. Now I just know how mean you are.”

“Mean? You haven't seen mean.”

“Ooo big threats from the macho man.” you shake your hands in front of you as you walk backwards. “I'm shaking in my sneakers.”

“Not yet. But you didn't notice,”

“What?” you stare at him before realising how quiet the gym is and take a look around, “Where the fuck is everyone?”

“You scared now?”

“Not really. You're big, but I'm faster,” you take off running around the gym, trying your best to get away and when you turn he hasn't even moved. “Knew you couldn't catch me and gave up already?”

“No, you can make all the trouble you want over there. I’ll be over here when you're ready. We’ve got all day and if you get hungry there's snacks in the break room.”

He what? Fine. well. You have been entertaining yourself for years. Surely you can do it for a whole day. You grab the rope dangling from the ceiling and start to climb. Climbing for some reason always clears your mind. Maybe it was because if you didn't focus on where your feet are or your hands, you would literally fall and break your neck.

When you reach the top you peer down and see him with his hands bound, punching hard into the bag. His shirt is off and you can see the large muscles of his back flex with every single swipe. “Whoops'' you laugh, almost losing your grip. Now, how does Harley do it? You think, twisting your leg through the rope releasing one hand and falling down to grip it with the other. Wow. this is easy, think to yourself. Before your hand slips and you're crashing into the ground. "Oh, closer than I thought." You say rubbing the sore spot on the back of your head.

He glances back, catching your eye, but turns right back around and continues to hit the bag. Fucking woman, he thinks to himself, as he unleashes his frustration on the punching bag, "she's more of a danger to herself than than anyone else. Doesn't fucking listen, except apparetnly, when she fucking wants too. We're only on the third day and she's already making my skin crawl. "He slams a fist into the bag, "even giving her space doesn't seem to be calming her down any. And there she goes climbing shit again, like she's fuckin Grayson."

Though, he admits to himself, it may have a little to do with his own frustrations. He can't help but watch you. Those tight ass pink leggings carrying you into the break room, your ass on full display as you, is that a hop or skip? Either way, it's fucking cute. Cute? Fuck, he hits the bag again, this time blowing it off the chain and sending it flying.

Maybe he needs a break too. Wiping his face with the towel he trudges on over to the break room. Not expecting to find you balancing on a chair as you reach for the top shelf. "What are you doing?"

"People always hide the best snacks here," you say, because you're right.

"Let me." He says grabbing the chair and pushing you out of the way, letting out a little laugh as you struggle not to fall from it. He grabs the box of cookies from the very back of the shelf, "here."

"Thanks," you smile, snatching the cookies from him and sitting your ass on the table.

"Water?" He asks, did you just say it again? What the fuck is with you today? Maybe you hit your head too hard on the ground, or someone knocked you with a sense hammer while you were asleep.

"Please, I'm so thirsty," you ogle him when he turns to the fridge. Smiling at him in the way you’ve seen Harley do to Ivy when she wants something. Noticing that manners seem to be getting you things and he promised to give you a gift if you were good, so maybe the gift will be a batarang. But it feels weird when he looks at you like that, like you want to make him angry again. To see just how far you can push him before he snaps. Those eyes though, what is he looking at? What is he seeing? And like what is up with him?

"Catch," Jason throws a bottle of water at you and you catch it spinning it around on your palm before taking a sip.

"Just what I need,"

"Drink up because if you're done playing around it's time to train."

"That mean I've been good?"

"Yes. Now get out on the mat."

“But my gift?” you make eyes at him, holding out your hand, like where the fuck is my gift.

“I didn’t bring it with me. You’ll have to wait.”

“I can have it though?”

“You can. Now what did I say?’

“You don’t have my gift?”

“No. Get on the fucking mat.”

"OOo, was that a swear? Bad bad man,” you laugh at how serious his expression is, “What happens when I get on the mat? Is it easier to kill me?"

"Yes.” he ignores your comment, clenching his fists at his side, “But you want to learn how to disarm someone. So, go."

“Ok and you're definitely not going to kill me?”

“I don't get paid if you're dead.”

“Did they not already pay you? That's dumb, you should've gotten paid upfront. They're more likely to swindle you if you don't get it all at once.”

“And who told you that?”

“One of the 2 faced guys, he was nice. I don't remember his name, maybe Luke? Leo?” You say as you make your way out into the gym and towards the matted area, “it was definitely an L or maybe a J.”

“Does it matter?”

“Spose not, bats caught him last week. Guys rotting in arkham.” you shake your arms out and crack your neck, “So how do I do this?”

"Stand like," he moves you, his huge hands on your shoulders making your tummy do flips, his strong legs kicking your knees apart and almost sending them crumbling down.

"I feel like a doll," you swat him away, while trying to push the heat in your chest away too, "stop doing that, just tell me how to do it."

"I'm trying, if you would just-" he runs his hands down his face. He picks up a stray foam roller, "take this from me."

"Really? Not even going to give me a tip?"

"Be fast."

"Right, so helpful."

"Well you didn't want me moving you around, so do it yourself."

You try just jumping forward, but he moves so fast, easily jumping out of the way. You go to the side and he darts away. After four tries of this you sigh, "fine. If it's going to help just show me."

"Ask nicer."

"Please, will you help me?” you roll your eyes at his predictability.

“Without the attitude.”

“Please, Mr man handling macho man.”

"Good girl," you feel a shiver run down your spine as the words leave his lips and he stands in front of you with his fingertips on the edge of your skin.

"No man handling, ok?"

"Yes, just listen. Keep your legs apart, your arms loose- yeah like that. Now I'm going to stand still and I want you to reach over it, grab my hand and run yours down until you feel the roller and then pull back. You got it?"

"I think so," you step forward, reaching your arm out.

"Keep your feet even."

"Like that?"

"Yeah, but more on the ground. The tip toes will throw you off."

"What?" You say, not even realizing you were doing it. Not noticing him moving before the roller pushes into your tummy and you're on your ass, "hey! Rude!"

"See what I mean?"

"Point taken. No tip toes." You take his hand as he helps you to your feet.

"Try again," he steps back unto his previous potion, "flat feet."

"Yeah, so I just," you focus too hard on your feet and trip into him, "shi- I mean shoot. Sorry."

"Go again," he pushes you back up, “maybe just try it from here," his hand on yours guiding you along his arm, "this too much manhandling?"

"No, it's," your eyes locked on where your hand is touching his sculpted forearm, "down like this?"

“Yes, now grab a hold-" your fingers wrap around the foam roller but you can't seem to get it from his hand. You peer up only to see him staring back down at you "-take it," he whispers in a voice so soft you think your insides might melt out your ass.

"You're holding it too tight," you complain, yanking on it, "that's not fair."

"You think people are going to let you take whatever you want from them?" he smirks down at you, his eyes daring you to prove him wrong.

"No," you slide your hand down to hold over where he's gripping the roller, "but that's never stopped me before," you jump, swinging your legs over, using him as a balustrade as you flip over to sit on his arms, bouncing your ass to try and get him to let go.

"And you were being so good," he chuckles, dropping the roller and you onto the mat. "Shame," he looks down on you stepping away, fuck you were so close he could smell the candy scented shampoo in your hair, and feel your perky little ass on his arms. It was all he could do not to spin you around and kiss you. "I was going to show you how to aim properly once you got it out of my hand."

"No, no. I want a rematch. Give me another go," you pause, wanting to get him close, just one more time today, "please?"

"1 more."

"Yeah, just one, come on. Please? I think I've got the hang of it now. Please."

"Ok, but I'm not going easy on you like last time."

"Ready?"

"Always."

You leap at him, faking out to the left and zapping back to the right before your hand is on the foam roller. You know he's stronger than you, so you bend your legs gripping tight to it as you bounce up, flipping but instead of going up and over, you plummet face first into the mat, "what the fuck?" You mumble into the plastic.

"That was a good tactic," he leans down onto your ear. "It might've worked if I hadn't seen it coming," his hand reaches down to you, "But you've got the hang of it. Tomorrow we can work on your aim.".

"My aim is fine,"

"Is it? because you've yet to hit me."

'Maybe I'm doing it on purpose," you mumble, turning away.

"What was that?"

"What? You think you're all that, Macho man? Fine, show me, you got any guns I can play with anyway?"

"Not here."

"Where we going?" You say, following him as he heads towards the front door.

"Back to your apartment."

"But guns.." you whine, rolling your eyes behind him.

"We can do that tomorrow. Right now I need some decent food and some quiet."

"Quiet? Well Honey, you’ve come to the wrong woman."

“We will see.”

Xx

“Nearly got it,” You smile to yourself as your tools pick at the lock on your window. “Just a few more, yes!” You throw your hand over your mouth hoping he didn't hear you.

“Macho man thinks he can boss me around and keep me locked in my own apartment. Idiot. Pretty fuckign idiot.” Fuck, what is wrong with you? Here's your escape and you find yourself looking at your door, wondering what he's doing right now.

Didn't take as long as I expected, he stares down at the notification on his phone as he lays back in your spare room. “I’m so impressed, little trouble maker,” he whispers, glancing at your closed door across the hall, “managed to get it unlocked in 3 days. Now the real test begins.”

Day 4

Taglist:

@letmebebatmanpls @hypnobanditprofessorhorse-blog

@nutmeg030 @igotanidea @tild3ath @halbhohehalluzination

@goblinhobo @efam @princessbl0ss0m @bubbles-incorrect-yb

@ilikw @megumisbabymomma @mxtokko

[mutable-manifestation]

"So he pasted on a stoic expression and gave a simple "No.""

Here's where we differentiated because I shifted to Damian's POV and kinda forced the matter. So we could Get Damian's perspective on Danny's cover." After that was the stuff I couldn't figure out because of this spot right here! Danny's answer had to be "no" the misunderstanding doesn't sink as well if it doesn't.

The memory of tests, the pre-established no-codewords *chef's kiss* because it is always going to be safer for Danny to make contact in some other way. With invisibility and intangiblity even more so.

Closing the box cutter like that, perfect. Danny knows better than to attempt to rival Damian, especially when he's under the assumption that Damian is still acting heir. Oof I can't think of any reason getting called back wouldn't spell trouble.

I love the slight implication with the evil billionaires list and tuckers unspoken question, to me it reads like Lex has also tried to clone Phantom. Which I don't think was intended but, it tracks! He totally would!

Tim's questions, Danny looking to Damian for orders. Yes. Just yes, perfection, right there in front of my face but the question didn't even occur to me. Wonderful.

Everything that follows, YOUR TAGS they look like my notes we were on the same wavelength I swear!

Do you have plans to keep going with this? Can we collab if you do?

See I couldn't bring myself to use the Damian POV because in my mind his internal dialogue would just be. Static.

Like, yes, he's a highly trained assassin. And idk too much about batman timeline but I've seen stuff about how he's had character growth and gotten better about things over time. If he came to them at 10 and he's 16 now, that's 6 years for his personal growth. Learning to care about people again.

But outside of missions the batfam are all hot garbage and personal interaction, and I imagine Damian's had enough growth by this point to get to the "people matter to me as more than murder tools/mission tolls" idea, but without any of the understanding of how to deal without a given context.

And with Danny, the context has always been "avoid/ignore."

Danny isn't a classmate. He isn't one of his adopted brothers that he has learned how to squabble/get along with over time. And, most of all, whatever Danny might believe, he is not a League member. Which leaves Damian with no framework for how to deal with him.

Damian had/has a hard enough time getting over his League training, how does he help Danny get over his? Especially when 10 years of it would have been training he did to himself.

How does he interact with someone he was raised to hold at arms-length^2?

So I figured doing his POV would be too difficult because I couldn't think of much beyond static, panicked rambling, and several mock-conversations on how to break it to Danny that the League is gone without him going off on a suicide mission against the coup-people.

Which is kind of a shame, because you could fit a lot of angst in ala grief for Danny's seemingly emotionless state and guilt for forgetting him (which, not Damian's fault the League just sucks, but people don't stop blaming themselves for things just because they know they don't need to. Emotions be cray).

"Oof I can't think of any reason getting called back wouldn't spell trouble"

idk why but this made me think of an AU version where Damian intercepted the letter but the League actually was calling Danny back at the time (no coup), so they try to find him in Nanda Parbat only to find the (fake) dead body to the resulting tune of: Batfam Grief Rampage Time (TM). Except the League called him back because they found out what he was leaving out of his reports (about the portal & tech, not about him being a halfa) so when the batfam go to Amity to talk to the Fenton's about their "dead" son Amity is walled off w/an anti-liminal shield & armed to the teeth waiting for assassins (bc u know the whole town is in danger of being conscripted after bathing in portal radiation for so long. Call that "League of Assassins Park" at that point - sans the whole cult aspect. Unless u count the Phantom Phans).

"I love the slight implication with the evil billionaires list and tuckers unspoken question, to me it reads like Lex has also tried to clone Phantom. Which I don't think was intended but, it tracks! He totally would!"

You know that really wasn't the implication I was going for, but I could totally see Lex trying to clone Phantom. Maybe he heard about the whole overshadowing thing and was like "yo loyal clone to control the actual superman is way better than a second superman that could (did) go rogue! And this one can even be a (former) human!!!"

"Tim's questions, Danny looking to Damian for orders. Yes. Just yes, perfection, right there in front of my face but the question didn't even occur to me. Wonderful."

Am basking in the positive feedback like a lizard in the sun thanks ☀️🦎🥰 

"Do you have plans to keep going with this? Can we collab if you do?"

I thought about making a follow-up, but the stuff others tagged on kinda satisfied the brain itch for me.

But! I could totally see this turning into a fully fleshed-out fic, and I think I'd enjoy writing for it, so if you want to make it happen I'd be happy to collab :)

[echos-girlfriend]

Just an Accident

Crosshair x reader

Master list

Request by - @crossheart

~_~_~_~

Warning: General violence. harassment. Unwanted attention/touching. touching between Crosshair and reader is implied consensual. 18+ touching but not sex. Also someone gets murdered.

Mafia AU.. You accidentally run into a few of Crosshair’s henchmen who accuse you spying on them.. they take you the boss himself and you realize you might be in more trouble than you thought..

Also as far as I’m aware it’s gender neutral..

~_~_~_~

You thought taking your usual shortcut through the alley behind your flat was a good idea tonight.. well you where wrong.

“Hey you!”

You stopped cold in your tracks.. two men were cruelly and violently mugging another man.. presumably gang violence you thought.

“Get over here!”

You stood there.. not listening to him.

“NOW!”

You gulped but this time you took steps towards them. You had no clue what they could do to you.. or who they worked for.

“You’ve seen the evidence which means we gotta take you in to the big boss.. see what he wants to do with you”

You were terrified. As they took your arms and walked you to a vehicle.. taking you to presumably their boss. You were thinking of all the things that could happen to you.. killed, beaten, enslaved.. forced to work or provide pleasure to people.. the ideas sickened you.

As you finally came face to face with the boss. You felt yourself shudder. He was tall and had long legs.. a toothpick in his mouth.

“So.. you saw us and another gang in the alley..”

You nodded

“Use your words..”

Yes. I saw them..”

He stood up and walked up to you, he motioned for the others in the room to leave. You gulped.. he stood right in front of you.

“I can’t you go unless I know for a fact you won’t spill your guts to the police.”

“I- I won’t! I promise not to say anything!!”

“Do you? You don’t sound very convincing..”

He was starting to scare you.. as he loomed over you. His hands grasping your shoulders in an attempt to intimidate you.. it worked.

“Please! I.. I was just trying to get home!”

He let go of your shoulders, but still stood over you. He threw the toothpick out of his mouth.

“Hmph. You’ll have to prove you’re telling the truth”

“H-how.. why?”

“You’ll do something for me.. you’ll get this place cleaned up. And then you can go”

You nodded.. you didn’t like this but you didn’t want to anger him.. as you got the cleaning supplies you cleaned room by room.. one of his henchmen staring at you.

Their boss watched you with careful eyes.. Almost as if he was watching out for you.

“Hey. You look awfully nice bent over the table like that”

He snickered. You rolled your eyes.. you were almost done cleaning and then you could leave..

“Don’t roll your eyes at me you bitch.”

He grabbed your shoulder and turned you to face him. His legs coming between yours and his Hand around your neck.

You shook your head.. feeling your breath quicken. He started to push your back down onto the table.

Just ask you felt his face come closer to yours.. you heard a bang and he flopped over to the floor. You looked over and saw the boss had shot him..

“Wh-why did you-“

“Did you like him touching you..”

“N-no”

He then walked up to you and replaced the henchman.. his legs inside yours. Completely ignorant of the dead person on the floor.

“What about me? Do you hate me touching you”

.. no.. you actually didn’t. He was hot. And it was obvious he didn’t want you to be harmed.

Your lack of response seemed enough for him as he gently walked it his fingers in your chin, tilting your head to kiss your lips.

“If you stay with me.. I could give you anything you want in the Galaxy.”

It was so very tempting.. you couldn’t say no to that.

“If I stay.. I want to know your name”

“Crosshair..”

“Crosshair”

He smirked as you repeated his name and ran his fingers across your body. His hand coming to run down your chest making you shiver.

“I think I’ll keep you..”

Your eyes widened and a heat ran down your body to your core.. you were going to like this..

“I think I’ll keep you..”

~_~_~_~

Tag list - @padawancat97 @umbramoons @ilovestarwarsmen725 @starqueensthings @evron @roguethe0tter

~_~_~_~

[exrankluck]

Dear Vocalist Wired Momochi Translation — lonely singer [track two]

disclaimer: this is 90% AI-generated transcription and translation, some things might be inaccurate or awkward.

カレはヴォーカリスト CD「ディア ヴォーカリスト Wired」 エントリーNo.5 MOMOCHI(モモチ)

*mic sfx, music in the background (mi amigo)*

(Hello everyone watching Music Airport, I'm Veronica’s Mo•mo•chi desu~!

Yes, that's right. We're currently recording a new song for the upcoming Fes, and I can't wait to let Cheers hear it as soon as possible!

Please wait just a little longer, everyone~ That's all from Momochi from Veronica. Bye-bye!)

sigh What are the people at the agency planning to do?

Even though recording has stopped, the TV program we filmed to promote the new song is still airing.

Cheers are expecting it, right?

They should just announce that they're going solo already.

I don't know anything about them pushing back the CD release.

It's not my fault.

But it doesn't matter.

? Where was my wallet again?

So what? Do you have a problem with that?

Dinner?

I don't need it. I don't have an appetite.

Ah, found it.

I'll be late again today, so don't do anything unnecessary.

Just stay quiet here.

*phone vibrating sfx*

Oh, it's the same as last time then…

[02:52] *bar/piano sfx*

Hey... why did you come here? I told you not to go out, didn't I?

Hah? You came here just to tell me that?

I can't believe it. I always tell you to leave me alone if someone comes over.

The members...

Wait, you didn't use the intercom, did you?

Then how did you know about the members coming to my house?

I see. You went out of your way to look through the window.

Do you think I'm happy about that or something?

You always do unnecessary things. You're really stupid.

*set down drink sfx* Ah, thanks.

Can you stop making me laugh? Why do I have to chase after you all the time?

Oh, I see~ You came to make up with me.

Did you finally realize that you guys are the ones who are in trouble when I'm not around? Hahaha.

!!

Huh? But it's the truth, isn't it?

Ehh, really~?

You also think I'm the one to blame.

Traitor.

You're really the worst.

And then what?

Another excuse?

I'm really sick of it.

It's too late to say that now~

It's too late!

Say it then.

What's wrong with me?

When and where did I do something wrong?

Hey...

You can't say it, can you?

Of course not, right?

Because there's not a single thing like that.

I was able to debut as Veronica, and there's even talk of a new song and a Fes.

It's all thanks to my singing that I got those chances.

Even when I had to work with those guys, there was no benefit for me, right?

Still, I put up with it, didn't I?

And yet...

Don't mess with me.

I don't need those guys anymore.

sigh I'm fine by myself.

I'm better off alone.

If you listen carefully, you'll understand what I'm saying.

Even someone as foolish as you can get it.

*footsteps, piano fadeout, mic sfx*

Sorry for interrupting suddenly, but I'll only be a moment~ Hehe.

*applause sfx*

Thank you for watching!

Thank you very much.

[06:56]

How was it? My singing?

You know, look.

See? Everyone, not just you, thinks the same thing.

I told you, I'm a genius.

Everyone wants to hear my singing, so I'm enough on my own.

I don't need any friends. It was a mistake to form a band in the first place.

It's the same now as it was before. I realized that a long time ago.

*cigarette light sfx*

Hey, how long are you planning to stay here? It's annoying that you came here when you don’t even drink.

*drink splash sfx*

Hey… I asked you, how long do you plan on staying here?

Can you not be so conceited? There's nothing you can do anymore.

You can't even make me happy, and you never keep your promises.

...so just disappear already.

Seriously.

You're annoying.

[08:36]

Huh? It’s OK. Sorry for making a mess on the store floor.

Ah, please -

*phone vibrate sfx*

Hey, what's this? It's my phone.

Did she bring it on purpose?

sigh Tsk, seriously, she always does unnecessary things.

And to make matters worse, it's coming from one of the members. So annoying.

It would be easier if those guys weren't around.

I'm perfectly fine on my own.

…But why is it that every day, it's so boring?

[prettylittlelyres]

Ladies Don't Write Music - 15th November 2023 - update

I'm on track for NaNoWriMo because I hit 25,000 words for the month today! I'm so pleased. Attempting NaNoWriMo at all this year was a huge gamble because I haven't written over 25,000 words since February 2023, and even then I only managed just over 37k... but I've written 25k in the last two weeks and a day!

I also finished writing Chapter Twelve today, and brought it in at 5,000 words exactly. That's both immensely satisfying, and a point of pride; it's the fastest I've finished a chapter on this manuscript since I started drafting it at the end of July. The full manuscript is now just over 60,000 words long, and I want to do some more writing before I go to bed.

Below the cut: a celebratory excerpt, my NaNoWriMo 25k badge, and the cover I designed at the start of November, because I'm proud of that, too.

I clapped the right tempo, and counted Fräulein Schneider in.

She began, halting here and there, but, in general, playing very well.

“I’m not sure if you need a teacher,” I said, as she came to the end of the first page, “You sight-read just fine, and your sense of rhythm is strong.”

Fräulein Schneider beamed at me. “Thank you!” she said, “But it’s… it’s the pitch that I struggle with. Did I really…” She looked down at her hands. “Did I really play that correctly? I keep thinking I was pressing the wrong keys, but I don’t like to look at my hands when I’m sight-reading, or I lose my place in the music.”

I shook my head. “There was nothing wrong with the notes you played,” I said, “Considering it was your first time with the piece, actually, it was excellent.”

Louisa raised her eyebrows, and looked from me to the sheet music, and then back again. “That’s… That’s a surprise,” she said, “I’ve always thought I was, well… quite bad at the harpsichord. I practise, but the music never makes any more sense than it does when I start learning a piece. My last two teachers gave up on me, but I keep playing anyway because Papa and Mama said it would be a good way to entertain my husband one day.”

“Doesn’t it sound good to you, at least?” I asked, “I mean, do you like the way it sounds, even if it’s a little confusing?”

She smiled. “Yes, very much… but I worry that it doesn’t sound so good to other people. Full of wrong notes… Who would enjoy hearing a piece they recognise mangled out of shape?”

I tapped the page she had just played. “You certainly didn’t mangle this,” I said.

“Oh,” she said, covering her face with her hands, “That’s a relief!” Then her eyes widened as she dropped her hands to her lap. “Goodness me, how embarrassing it would have been if I’d played it badly in front of its composer.”

“Badly, not at all,” I assured her, sitting down next to her at the bench, “A little slowly, perhaps, but…” I played the first few bars as they should have been played. “That’s what it’s meant to sound like. And what you played was close enough. Honestly, Louisa, if you practise for even half an hour every day, I think you’ll have the first page fluent in less than a week. Your hands will learn it, even if your ears don’t.”

I decided a while ago that Johann Schneider's character would be tone-deaf, and would enjoy watching music performed for the movement. He has a younger sister and I thought it would be interesting to explore her having the same difficulties. Johann isn't a musician (yet), but Louisa plays the harpsichord and has a lot of trouble feeling confident in what she's playing because she's never sure she's got the right pitch. Luckily, her proprioception is excellent (as is Johann's, which is why he can dance so well), so she can put her fingers on the right keys without needing to see them. This is what Katharina's trying to help her see here, in this ad-hoc music lesson; she doesn't need to hear what she's playing to be able to play it well.

I'm quite enjoying playing around with parallels between Johann & Louisa Schneider and Katharina & Hans Schmidt. In both pairs of siblings, you have the older, more serious one having trouble meeting people's expectations, in contrast with the younger, more humourous one having very little trouble at all. The pairs also mirror each other in their strengths and weaknesses: Katharina and Hans have audiovisual projective synaesthesia and perfect pitch, so can hear and see the music they're making; Johann and Louisa are literally tone-deaf (Johann completely, Louisa almost completely) and music for them is a much more visual thing than it is for most people. Then there's Katharina, whose coordination is so bad it causes problems, being the opposite of Johann, whose coordination makes him an excellent dancer who then has problems because he finds constant poorly-veiled requests to dance at parties very tiring.

[sparklepocalypse]

Oh, judge some tropes, please.

Enemies to lovers, fake dating, “and they were roommates.”

Figured I’d stick with the classics.😘

Hello yes I am always pleased to be judgy. 🥰

Enemies to lovers: A+. Pretty much every fandom I've been in has had at least elements of this. Also, god I love a good "Who did this to you?" Yes. Give me all the enemies to lovers please.

Fake dating: Listen, I might be outing myself as basic here but I am a sucker for a fake dating fic, especially where one or both of the people have feelings for the other before the fake relationship starts. Also A+, excellent choice.

"They were roommates!": Is right up there with "there was only one bed." Like, it's popular for a reason. Put two attractive people (or more, but I have enough trouble keeping track of two people's limbs) in close quarters, and see what happens. Approved. A+.

In conclusion, this selection is top tier.

Give me a fic trope and I'll grade it!

[bwabbitv3s]

Yes, he just “accidentally” made a super weapon very much like the one the hero’s evil nemesis that wants to kill them is making. Only his is done first and giving them a low stakes practice run of exactly the skills they need to stop the nemesis version. Which will be easy and not a surprise anymore.

~How it starts is an accident. Really the first time was a fluke that later spawned an idea.~

Danny trying to be retired from hero stuff in this new dimension, but getting the itch to still do something. You can only go so long without a good fight or spar. He just does not really want to go through the trouble of joining a meta gym with all the background checks needed to keep the dangerous people out.

Danny also does not want to admit to his family or friends that they were right and he does need to visit more often. Lastly he really can't lose the bet with Dan about how he could not last a year without becoming a hero again. He really does want to get a good aerospace career here and he is already part way through his first semester.

He ends up channeling his parents and makes his own sparing partner. Just one itty bitty robot to spar with. Nothing too serious just strong enough to get a good workout in his ghost form. He even made sure to put a emergency stop switch on it! The robot is great and getting really good at fighting with each improvement to the coding he has been tweaking after fights. It is just what he needs to burn off energy. Only the Fenton luck eventually strikes.

After one session Danny finishes sparing and turns back human before turning it off and into rest mode like normal. Robot does not compute that the opponent is still there and the spar has stopped. As the ghost signature of a super powered individual has dissipated. It had not been programed to fight humans as a precaution. The robot used to Danny turning intangible and means that the Opponent must be hiding to do a sneak attack. They must search out for them to keep the spar going! It quickly rushes off to search for where the opponent has gone.

Danny turns round to the robot gone. Along with a very obviously off its hinges door that he swore had been locked.

Danny: Oh no. Music station in background stops and a reporter starts speaking: This just in. A killer robot has started to tear apart the city! Danny: No. It can't be my robot they are a sparing robot not a killer robot! Must be another robot one of the villains set to hunt down the local hero. Reporter: The robot appears to be impervious to officers weapons who have tried stopping it.

Danny is able to catch up to the fight after the local hero has already been fighting for a while. Really he would have been there faster but he kept having to go around police cordons and avoid broken streets. Thank the Ancients that he did all those modification on his motorcycle. He arrives just in time to see the robot tanking hits from the hero and start shouting out directions of where the shut off is.

The reporters keeping track of the fight right away split off a camera to start filming the guy on the supped up bike that looks a lot like the robot. Who in a pleasant surprise instead of joining in the attack starts they instead start shouting out how to stop the robot.

Danny: I am so sorry! I don't know what went wrong. It has never gone looking for others to fight!

The robot throws the hero over their shoulder as they try to wrestle them into submission.

Danny: The emergency shut off it on the back shoulder! It is under the plating there.

The fight ends fairly quickly after that. Unfortunately the hero and accidental evil robot creator is just out of range to clearly hear on the mics. Only a few bits come through and the robot creator is still wearing their helmet making it a bit hard to read them.

Danny feels a bit down for the next week after the accidental evil robot event. He almost gives in and start the mountain of paperwork for the meta gym. Then a real killer robot start attacking the city and unlike his it does not pull any punches.

Out of town hero's get called in to rescue people it is that bad right off the bat. Well for the ten minutes until the hero is freed up by this and can fight the robot instead of save people. Then it is over within moments as they go straight into ripping off armour plates before seeming to find what they were looking for and smash something. Turns out yeah, most dangerous robots have some kind of emergency stop. Even the ones by crazy villains need something to stop it rampaging if it goes off too soon. They just put a plate over it so it can't be seen.

Maybe it does not need to stop making sparing robots. Just make sure that if they do get out when stopping them they can be useful test runs for hero's. Not that he plans on them breaking out again at all! Plus it would mean he can really experiment with some of the more crazy ideas he wanted to try fighting but was worried about.

Danny a Rogue in one of DC city, but not the "I'm gonna kill everyone cause' I HATE LIFE !!!" no, he's "Oops, call the hero I accidentaly made a superweapon that I cannot stop (for the third time this week) !"

The Super Hero doesn't know what to do with him and you cann see Danny cheereing from a stand while the hero is battling the thing in a désolation landscape

[wisedawn13]

#xiantober Day 14: Bartenderxian

CW // Alcohol, Attempted Drugging, Violence, Wen Chao, Cops

Friday nights are always swamped. The bar Wei Ying works at is in the middle of a busy area and attracts a lot of attention.

He has to say, he loves working there. He gets to meet and chat with people from all walks of life. It also keeps him distracted.

That isn't to say it's an easy job. It's not. It takes a lot of effort and energy and he has to stay vigilant, especially when it's crowded.

Tonight is one such night.

The unfortunate reality is that he can't keep track of everything and everyone. The other staff help that, but tonight just happens to be an understaffed night. He's a little on edge and not willing to put up with any shit.

He's had three different guys kicked out tonight already and it's not even 8 pm.

Wei Ying had noticed the young lady who came in alone (having lightly flirted with her as she ordered from him), so he tried to keep an eye on her as much as possible, but he was simply overwhelmed.

So, you can say he was kicking himself a lot when she came up to the bar and ordered an angel shot with ice.

He froze, eyes trailing where she came from to see a man staring directly at her.

"Sure thing," he said to her with forced cheer as he pulled.

Just as he finished ordering a ride for her there was a commotion that drew his attention. The man he clocked earlier was standing really close to another man, squaring off.

He swears under his breath and tells Wen Ning to man the bar while he goes over there.

As he gets closer he overhears what they are talking about.

"Back the fuck off, dude! It's none of your business!" the creepy dude exclaims.

The other man (stunningly gorgeous now that Wei Ying is getting a better look at him) doesn't budge. "I saw what you did."

"Oh? And what's that?" the creep sneers.

"You put something in her drink when she got up," the beautiful man says darkly and Wei Ying sucks in a breath. Fuck. He signals back to Wei Ying to call the cops.

The creep laughs. "So what? I saw her first. Why? You want in?"

Wei Ying's skin crawls. What an absolutely disgusting person.

He sees the beautiful man's face morph into a disgusted look before he replies, "No, and I am not letting you do anything to her either."

The creep snarls and Wei Ying doesn't get there in time to stop the punch.

Thankfully, he's apparently not needed because the beautiful man mostly dodges and swiftly punches the creep, knocking him out immediately.

The bar is absolutely silent.

"Holy shit," Wei Ying breathes. "You okay?"

The beautiful man looks at him and nods. "Yes, I apologize."

Wei Ying laughs and waves him off. "No need, that was amazing. I would have done that myself if I got here sooner, so thanks. Sorry you had to deal with that, though. You shouldn't have to."

The man shrugs. "I saw it and chose to act, that is all."

It's a bit of a blur after that. The cops arrive to take statements, get the footage of the incident, and take the creep (Wen Chao, a cousin of Wen Ning, who is now permanently banned) away.

The woman's name is Luo Qingyang and she profusely thanks them before leaving.

Wei Ying later finds out that the beautiful man's name is Lan Zhan. He doesn't drink alcohol (Wei Ying had offered him a glass of their finest wine for his trouble) and was here to accompany his brother and his brother's friends.

"Brother claims I do not get out enough."

Wei Ying laughs at that.

Lan Zhan ends up staying even as his brother and co leave. Wei Ying talks animatedly with him every chance he gets.

It's nice.

By the time the bar closes, Wei Ying has asked for Lan Zhan's number so they can keep in contact.

Lan Zhan obliges easily.

After that, he visits the bar often on nights he knows Wei Ying has a shift. They text and call every day and hang out when they are free.

They both become friends with Luo Qingyang as well and she often joins Lan Zhan at the bar so she isn't alone.

Eventually, Wei Ying asks Lan Zhan out on a date and it's the best night of his life.

----------

Link to thread

[robkappow-blog]

Death on a Honeymoon - Chapter 3 (A Death in Paradise fan-fiction)

At 9.30am the next morning, with Marlon and Naomi assembled and ready for action, Neville checked his watch. Humphrey was meant to be here at 9am, so where was he?

15 minutes later, and profuse apologies later, Humphrey was ready for action. “So sorry, the ferry was running late and I didn’t want to just leave Martha on her own.

“No problem, I totally understand” said Neville, walking over to Humphrey with a mug of tea, the exact colour of creosote that all Brits worth their salt enjoyed. “I didn’t add sugar” he added, “I wasn’t sure if you took it or not”

“No thanks, I’m sweet enough” came the reply from Humphrey, and both detectives chuckled away, whilst Marlon and Naomi looked thoroughly confused. Was this what passed as a joke between middle aged men in the UK?

They got down to business fairly quickly after tea and biscuits were circulated. Neville taking the lead, and bringing Humphrey up to speed.

“It would appear that we have three credible suspects,” he said, looking at the team, “we can probably assume this wasn’t a random murder. He wasn’t mugged. So we’re down to three people we can immediately see.”

Naomi stepped into run DI Goodman through the board. “This is Ronald Sparrow. He is Victor’s son. 58 and he isn’t married. He’s a bit of a playboy by all accounts, but a workaholic too, and the hotel business is his life. He’s a shareholder in Moineau Faucon, the company that his father owns.”

Humphrey nodded before asking “Any other family? I think Victor mentioned another son when I spoke with him”

Naomi continued, without missing a beat, as if this had been where she was going next anyway. “Yes, sir. He had another son, Nigel, who was older than Ronald. He was also married and had a son called…” she looked for her notes and Marlon interjected: “Nicholas; that was his name.” He offered up.

“Yes, that was it. Nicholas” she continued “Nigel and his wife Lucinda moved to the UK before Nicholas was born.” She continued, “Then, about 15 years ago, both Nigel and Lucinda were killed in a traffic accident just outside of London”

Okay, said Neville “so with regards to family, it would seem that Victor had Ronald here with him, and a grandson of around 40 who lives in the UK. Marlon, would you see if you could track Nicholas down. First off, to pass on condolences, but also to check his whereabouts. Just for belt and braces really.”

Marlon looked very confused, “what about my belt, sir?”

“No, it’s just a saying, Marlon. Just find Nicholas and we can let him know the sad news, but also just ensure he isn’t wandering around Saint Marie with a knife” replied Neville with a wry smile.

Naomi continued with her monologue. “Ronald didn’t seem to be in any financial trouble, but his father did keep a tight hold on the family money. There was an argument a few nights ago, but we don’t know exactly what about”

“I can help there” offered Humphrey, “it was on my first night back. We were grabbing a drink at the bar and as we walked back towards our room, we saw them arguing in the lobby”

“Did you catch the crux of it at all?” Asked Neville, intrigued.

“I only got a bit,” admitted Humphrey, “but it was definitely about money.” he continued.

“Okay, that certainly could give us a motive. Although he lived a good life. We should run some financials on him, see if he was in any debt. Naomi, can I leave that with you?

“Certainly can sir” she said with a mock salute. She then went on “and our other credible suspects are Marie Saunders and Francis Hawkings. Marie was the head chef at the hotel until about a week ago, when she was fired from her role. We don’t know why, but a huge argument broke out between her, Ronald and Victor. In the statements I got, she was heard shouting ‘You are going to regret this!’ At Victor as she was leaving.”

Neville looked to Humphrey, reading from his face a lack of belief that the chef was involved. “You aren’t sure, are you?”

Humphrey sighed and said “Well, it’s possible of course. But she’s had a while to calm down. If she was planning a murder after a week or so, surely it wouldn’t be stabbing someone in the back?”

“Point taken,” said Neville, “but we’ll need to talk to her. Marlon,” he said, turning to the young officer, “would you track this Marie down and we’ll go to see her”

“Sure thing, Chief” he said with a smile, “I’m on it”

“And Naomi, I think you said there were three suspects?” Asked DI Goodman

“Yes, sir. We have one more. A man named Francis Hawkings. He owns the Villa Azure, which is a smaller hotel.” Naomi replied.

“Okay, and what makes him a suspect, Naomi?” Asked Neville, chewing his pen

“Well, sir, Francis and Victor go way back. According to reports, Victor was meant to invest in the Azure. But then he got planning permission to build his own hotel, and cut Francis out completely. Not only that, the new hotel is so big, it blocks out a lot of direct sun to the Azure pool and Francis said that it was killing his business”, Naomi said with her usual degree of perfection. Her reports were always very thorough, Neville noted.

“Okay, well it is hurting his livelihood, but is that a motive for murder?” Asked Humphrey.

Marlon stood up and walked over to the board, saying as he went “But, the kicker is, that only last week, Francis was heard telling Victor at a regular poker game, that Victor ‘stabbed me in the back’ and ‘what goes around, comes around’ - and then we find Victor literally stabbed in the back. That cannot be a coincidence, sir.” Marlon finished

Neville pushed himself out of his leaning position on his desk and said “I agree, Marlon, that certainly sounds bad on the face of it” he began to pace a little, as he did when his sharp mind was working things out, “but people say things all the time. It doesn’t mean he did it. Let’s check everyone out, get alibis, take statements and then we can re-asses.”

Humphrey likewise pushed himself away from the post he’d been leaning on and added his thoughts to the mix “What would you like me to do, Neville? Shall I interview someone?”

Neville thought for a moment, as if contemplating the best division of labour for the team. He had to be mindful that DI Goodman didn’t actually have any jurisdiction here. He was only on holiday. His brain ticked over, before saying “I think what is best is for you and I to team up, Humphrey. You come with me and we’ll interview the son, Ronald.”

Neville started walking, with purpose, to the front door, the jeep keys in his hands.

“Marlon, you and Naomi can go and find out about Francis and Marie - see if you can get any alibis and we can rule one of them out early on. It will make our lives easier if we only have one suspect to focus our attention on.”

Naomi stood up, grabbing her notes and making for the door too. “Sure thing, sir, Marlon and I will go to the Azure now and try to speak with Francis. We’ll keep you informed”

“Thank you, we’ll reconvene here later on and work out next steps” said Neville, as he tossed the keys to Humphrey and said “You can drive if you want?”