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

[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.

[tagthescullion]

An Odd Convincing Strategy

Fandom(s): Percy Jackson and the Olympians

Summary: Reason hasn't worked, fear of Kronos hasn't worked either… Nico's left with only one choice to convince Hades to fight in Manhattan: threaten his father with an eternity of irritation. (Based on this silly post I made)

Rating: G (but beware the word "bullshit")

Words: 706

AO3 link

Hades roared in anger. His fireball hit a silver tree right next to Nico, melting it into a pool of liquid metal.

Nico’s first thought was, ‘Huh, it really is silver, not just silver-coloured’, which wasn’t particularly helpful.

His father’s irritation seemed to have subsided, a fact Nico was grateful for. He didn’t think he’d look as mesmerising if his father melted him into a puddle.

“I won’t fight,” Hades stated. “Nor will I fade regardless of the outcome of the battle up in the living world.”

Nico sighed. “Maybe you will, maybe you won’t. But do you think your father will respect your power? That he’ll fear you like your siblings do?”

Demeter snorted in the background, but Nico ignored her.

“He’ll learn to,” Hades said.

Nico gave him a disbelieving stare. “Your father respect anything? Papà, per favore, you know that’s—” Bullshit. “Not going to happen.”

“I won’t help my useless, condescending, backstabbing brothers if my whole kingdom depended on it!” Hades snapped.

Clearly, Nico thought. Out loud he said, “Yes, you did mention you wouldn’t help if Percy Jackson himself begged you to.”

“Damn right!”

Nico thought for a second whether Greek gods could damn people. It wouldn’t be to hell, but if it was all different aspects of a similar abstract concept could they…?

Right, not the time. It didn’t matter.

“Percy Jackson won’t beg you,” Nico said. “But he’ll die. All of them will. They won’t be able to keep your father at bay by themselves.”

“I don’t particularly care if my nephew lives or dies,” Hades scoffed. “That sounds like it’s something you would be upset about.”

“You should be upset about it, too,” Nico argued. “Percy’s stubborn, hot-headed, and if he was dead, he’d have nothing to lose. He would stand here annoying you for all eternity.”

“I think you’re confused about how things work here,” Hades dissented. “I make the rules. I choose who’s here and who isn’t. I—”

“Don’t know Percy like I do,” Nico interrupted, making his father’s eyes burn with irritation again. “He’s an uncontrollable force of nature, particularly adept at being a pain in the ass. Besides, he’d have my help.”

That stopped Hades in his tracks.

“You’re in enough trouble as it is,” he reminded Nico. “You’ve already brought him here without my permission. Thanks to your involvement he now carries the Curse of Achilles, and he’s much harder to kill and control.”

Nico rolled his eyes. Being grounded was on itself a strange occurrence, but his immortal father was harder to sidestep than mortal parents seemed to be. He was bored, just like Persephone and Demeter. But in his case, he was also worried about his comrades fighting in the world above.

“That only proves I’m willing to confront you to help Percy,” Nico told him. “If you don’t join the battle, I’ll help Percy sneak here every single day until you throw us both into Tartarus for our souls to be consumed by its essence.”

“That was quite a statement,” Persephone remarked unhelpfully. “And not really how Tartarus works.”

“Are you going to let him speak to you that way?” Asked Demeter. 

Hades massaged his temples with his fingers. “I want him to shut up, too. Any ideas that would convince him?” Demeter raised a finger, and opened her mouth to speak. “That do not involve hard labour in a corn plantation?”

Demeter closed her mouth.

“I’m right here,” Nico said, waving his hands. “And I won’t be silent!”

“All right, all right!” Hades snarled. “If I agree to help them, to fight, you have to promise to never bring Percy Jackson to my domain without my permission again.”

“Okay,” said Nico. “Yeah, sure. I promise.”

“Nor any of my brothers’ bastard children,” Hades added.

“Fair enough,” Nico agreed.

“Come think of it, none of their children, legitimate or not,” Hades decided.

“Yes, I get the point,” Nico hurried him.

“Swear on the Styx.” Hades crossed his arms. 

“I swear on the Styx I won’t bring any child of Poseidon or Zeus to your domain unless they’re invited by yourself,” Nico promised. “Happy?”

“No,” Hades complained. “But facing my father is the lesser of two evils.”

“Okay, then,” Nico grinned. “Andiamo!”

[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

~_~_~_~

[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.

[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?

[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!

[archangelsunited]

How to Ruin a Secret Organization Snippet

This fic-https://archiveofourown.org/works/20990411/chapters/49915055- had a chapter written I forgotten about.

“Why is it,” Monty said as he pulled on his coat. “That everytime there is a death, there is also a Snicket.”

“You didn’t actually die, Monty.” Jacques was a bit put out thanks to the fact he had lost track of his niece and her siblings once again, not to mention Kit had yet to get back to him.

“Hm. What are you doing here by the way? Last I heard you were going rogue and betraying everything the organization stood for?”

“Yet, oddly enough, I am still the only one picking you up from the hospital.” Jacques pointed out. “Despite the fact there are three orphans in the wind again, because you couldn’t keep your damned ego in check.”

“Harsh words, Harsh words.” Monty said. “But true ones. They were excellent children and I do feel as if I have failed them.”

“That is because you did fail them.” Jacques felt a bit harsh saying it, but Monty was one of the few people Jacques felt actually had his head on straight in the most general sense.

There was a pause as Monty gave Jacques a long side-eye. “And what is castgaiting me accomplishing for you, hm? Helping you get up and after those orphans is it?” Monty started walking towards the door. Jacques sighed and followed him.

“I parked the taxi in the west parking lot.” Jacques said, pulling out his keys out. “I also am calling in on that favor I did for you after that time in Argentina.”

“Yes, because I am so eager and willing to help you at the moment.” Jacques gave Monty the side-eye. 

Monty sighed, regretting his life choices. He felt, well, ashamed, of how the Baudelaires left his care, thinking he was dead and being forced into the hands of Count Olaf. His arrogance had gotten him in trouble before, but now there were children in trouble. Being a part of VFD meant that children were generally in danger, sure- but there were Bertrand and Beatrice’s children. And-

Well never mind and.

“So what horrible deeds am I supposed to do for you?” Monty asked the rather furious, (curious) man walking beside him.

Jacques gestured for him to enter the cab before him. Monty shrugged into the front passenger door and Jacques let out a sigh of irritation. 

Jacques got into the cab, but didn’t start the car. Monty looked at him and shivered dramatically. Jacques rolled his eyes, before leaning back and turning to Monty. 

“VFD has lost its purpose.” 

Monty scoffed and turned to look out the window. “You sound like those damn fire-starters. “

“Really?” Jacques asked. “But am I?” 

Monty considered it. 

“No one who became a fire-starter started out saying they wanted to start fires, Jacques.” Monty said gently. “It all starts out very reasonable. Normal children, normal adults don’t go through what we go through without having a little bit of doubt. But letting that doubt fester, it leads to some paths worse than VFD could ever accomplish.”

Jacques thought about the best way to respond to that.

“I believe, at its heart, VFD was meant to do good, do you agree with that Monty?” 

“I believe we are still doing good.” Monty said. 

“What good things, Monty?” Jacques asked. 

“My reptile collection was increasing knowledge and information on some leading medicine and improving animal training.”

Jacques nodded. “Three people died for one of your frogs, Monty.”

“That was just some interdepartmental mix-ups.”

“The poison that came from that West African snake was used in seven assassination attempts, five of which succeeded- one of which was against me.”

Monty shifted slightly. “Our enemies got their hands on the research.”

“All of the assassination attempts were approved by a firefighter, but carried out by apprentices.”

Monty clenched his jaw. 

“The medicinal research-”

“Was dropped in favor of the fungus that pushed the Windershin kid over the edge. None of the research actually got to be used for any good purpose.”

Monty was growing red in the face now. 

“The animal training was-”

“Is used to spy on members of our own organization. The Quagmires, the Antwhistles, the Baudelaires, all because they did not want to comply perfectly with every member of the organization. Esme Squalor and Olaf, despite saying multiple times they were going to kill other members have no one watching or spying on their business.”

Monty grew red in the face and looked out the window. 

Jacques gentled his voice. “We were raised to want to do good, Monty. Do you think we are achieving it?”

Monty turned back to Jacques, “So what? Do you want to set yourself up as a god? You, with a sister you could

n’t keep safe and a dead brother, think you can take us into the promise land?” YOU, who have taken the dirtiest jobs and the worst placements in order to control members of the organization, want to tell me that we are being manipulated?”

“Monty-”

“Don’t Monty me. I am not going to sit here and pretend that your change of heart is a charitable act. All this information, why not bring it up before now? I have heard so many lectures on nobility from you, I can quote them in my head. Why is it the noble thing to rebel now? Why not do it earli-

Jacques exploded. 

“I WAS AFRAID, MONTY!” I WAS SCARED EVERYTHING I WORKED FOR ALL MY LIFE GAINED NOTHING BUT THE RUINATION OF MY FAMILY AND DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT WOULD LEAD TO THIER DEATHS..”

Jacques took a few deep breaths before meeting Monty’s eyes.

“Just . Like. You. Are.”

Monty sniffed. “You Snickets, so dramatic. Take me home, and I will think about not turning you in.” 

Jacques snarled and turned the key to the ignition.

[ltleflrt]

Helllo 🙂

Alright so the whole ao3 tos violation drama is ongoing on twitter and since your name is somehow what these people are using to legitimise their arguments, I’ll super appreciate it if you could clear up a couple of things for me.

Do you also believe the person they’re calling out is behind this? There doesn’t seem to be much proof about it except for the “everyone knows” and the google doc and some unknown insider. I’ll basically take your word as proof because I trust you.

And second, were any of your fics ever in trouble with ao3 because of this thing? It’s very hard for me to accept ao3 deletes fics because someone in the comments mentions getting a physical copy. The whole spin these people have put on this is just *shakes hands*

Thank you and I’m sorry the trolls try to stop you from making physical copies of your work. Their “well someone’s making profit” sucks!!!

I'm going to preface this with a reminder that I'm not active on Twitter, so I do not know everything that's going on there.

Do I believe the person they're calling out is behind it? Well, I believe she started it. Or at the very least was extremely vocal about her opposition to printed fics in a forum where she whipped up people who respect her opinion into having the same opinions.

I don't have proof. It has been several years since I was targeted, and I did not save receipts. I'm bad enough about doing that with things I buy in the store, so I certainly don't keep track of shit like that for fandom drama. Everyone who attacked me was on anon, and at the time I was naive enough to think it was okay to share my links publicly, so I have no idea who decided to impersonate CW/WB and report me for copyright. (I seriously doubt it was actually someone at CW/WB doing the reporting.) Someone came to me privately at the time and explained that she saw the drama go down in this person's FB group and showed me some screenshots. Here's the first anon message I got about it, and as you can see that was 5 years ago. If you check the comments you can see that someone mentions thinking they knew who it was.

I have also seen a recent screenshot where someone posted pictures of printed fics that they purchased on FB, and she responded negatively to it and said that she didn't think that the author getting zero profit was good enough since Lulu makes a profit. That's basically the same thing she and her groupies were talking about 5 years ago when they were bitching about me, so the tune has not changed in all this time. And during the conversation that followed they were patting themselves on the back for just printing their favorite fics on their home printers instead. That's what set me off on this rant. That screenshot was shared in a private discord server, and I don't intend to make it public. There are people in that FB group who don't share that person's views, and they'd like to remain anonymous.

So back to the original question. Do I think she's behind it? Yes. I've seen her name on things. And I've also seen how she has a little group of super-fans who take her opinions to heart without actually thinking about it very hard.

After the anons jumped all over me several years ago and reported my Lulu account, I just created a new account and moved on with my life after that, and am more careful about letting people buy prints than I was in the beginning. (I also stopped doing free giveaway drawings, because I didn't want to risk an unknown hater getting a free copy. Fuck them.) I didn't call anyone out, and just kept things to myself. However, when another author friend of mine had a similar experience a few years later, we compared notes and found that it was the same person whipping up outrage. My friend happens to be active in the FB group, where I am not, so she sees more of the drama there. Based on the fact that she told me the name, and I was like "oooh that person", I'm inclined to believe my friend about what she witnessed.

Any time I see another author deciding to make their prints available, I make sure to warn them about keeping their info secure, and that's the extent to which I generally get involved. Unless someone asks me about it privately, then I'll name names.

On to your second question. I have not been reported for anything on AO3 (yet, *crosses fingers*, cuz the trolls try really really really hard to punish those they disagree with). I don't think I've mentioned my printed fics in any comments. I had it in my profile for a while, with all in caps ZERO PROFIT to cover my bases, but eventually took it out to be better safe than sorry.

I'm speculating, but I suspect the AO3 reporting might have gained traction because one author got sick of having their Lulu account get stealth reported (because the trolls will pretend to be your friend and will pay actual dollars to access the links in order to report them), so they made their own website. They order the books in bulk, and then take orders through their direct website. Due to this, it's nearly impossible for them to avoid some kind of profit, due to being unable to accurately determine how much everything is going to cost to the penny, so they round up a little to make sure everything is covered. It's possible (again, SPECULATION), AO3 went ah that's the Forbidden Profit, and slammed the ban-hammer down.

Another author eventually rewrote one of their fics as an original and is selling it. I don't know if their AO3 got reported too, but that might be a potential connection to profit as well. I do know that when I first started getting angry anons 5 years ago, a few of them didn't like the idea of filing off the serial numbers of an AU and selling it as original fiction either. So it wouldn't surprise me if the Reporting Trolls still conflate Fic For Profit and Fic Rewritten As Original For Profit and went on an AO3 reporting spree for that author too, even though the situation is slightly different.

I don't work for AO3, I don't know what they're specifically looking for. But I do believe they'll delete a fic if they find something against their TOS. But I also think they're not going through it with a fine tooth comb until Reporting Trolls do it for them and find the teensiest scraps of evidence to supply them.

My take on all of that is that I hate everyone who disagrees with zero-profit fic prints, and I hope they all develop a nasty, incurable toe fungus. And until I see that one person who I believe is the ringleader of the anti campaign go "y'know what I changed my mind, here's my fic printed on Lulu too!" I'm going to think she's sus based on the screenshots I've seen and the conversations I've had with people in her FB group.

Also, why do you need proof? What's your stake in all of this? Are you planning on printing your fics and want to avoid drama? If yes, just keep it off FB. If no, then why does it matter? Continue reading that person's fic if you enjoy it, and ignore the drama. Don't report your fellow fans for zero-profit fic prints.

Anyway, I hope this answers your questions. Feel free to come off anon and message me privately about it, and I'll be a little less vague. I still don't have any proof if you want it, but I'm happy to talk about it with people.

Edit: the "you" in the proof paragraph isn't necessarily You, Nonny. I'm sorry, my brain got pissy at hypothetical requests for proof and I got carried away lol...

[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.

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