#didnt bother to meet any new people

[strawberryserpent]

Oh. Okay.

[themindelectricdemo4]

negative in tags cuz i like writing tags note: there's 2 other posts expanding on this post just a little idk if they'll be posted before or after this one but they are or will be all on the same day

[frownyalfred]

Arkham Prince - Masterlist of Posts

I've linked the major asks below with a preview (edited for length) below, grouped by subject/theme and rough chronological order of how I received them. Additional shorter asks/clarifying questions, as well as shorter bits of commentary are at the very bottom.

The very first post:

I have been thinking about the idea of Bruce going insane without being Batman, about Batman being his coping mechanism, and that reblog that was like "he would definitely have ended up in Arkham if he didnt make Batman." Now I'm thinking of an AU where that is exactly the case, and maybe Clark expands his interest towards Gotham a bit, as much as he doesnt like heroing there, because it is the neighbor city of Metropolis. It's like his backyard. And maybe he wants to understand the problem of Gotham at the root, so he goes as Clark Kent, reporter, to interview the patients at Arkham, and there meets Bruce Wayne. Maybe falls in love. Maybe its angsty as fuck because this Bruce is 10 times less adjusted than the Bruce we're used to, but of course, equally as brilliant. (Maybe he could escape any time he wanted but thinks he would murder people if so. Maybe he doesnt trust his anger.)

Expanding Asks:

the idea of arkham patient bruce wayne has burrowed into the depths of my mind. this is SUCH a fascinating thought and changes so many things…how does the justice league fare without batman? how does alfred? i’d assume alfred is given bruce’s guardianship when he’s institutionalized, and i could even see him taking in the robins – finding and helping these children who remind him so much of his own boy, trying not to fail them as he failed bruce. how bruce himself does in arkham is so interesting to consider…is he kept on the same level of security as the real supervillains? is he moved there after Events?

Clark, realizing the League has a problem, a trap from someone like Lex they don't know how to unknot, something which requires finesse and strategy which is a little beyond them... taking that stroll (flight) down to Gotham, feeling insane himself for seeking advise here of all places... but the Arkham Prince delivers. Clark explains the situation, answers questions that he had no idea related to the issue, and Bruce hands him the solution in the span of 10 minutes, while the League had been brainstorming and going in circles over this for days...

Clark Kent and the Arkham Prince Finding Common Ground:

clark’s first attempt to interview the prince of arkham go about as well as you might expect, given that he’s a reporter with sunshine all but seeping out of his pores. the first time bruce doesn’t even talk to him, too furious at the gall of this metropolitan newshound to interrogate him for the sake of some gruesome, sensationalist op-ed obviously about the tragedy of the family wayne and the irredeemable mire of gotham to do anything more than death-glare at him for the entire length of the meeting. but clark, unsatisfyingly, doesn’t give up after that. if bruce doesn’t talk to him, he sure talks to bruce, and with each subsequent interview the questions…change. no longer trying to establish facts about bruce’s life or his crimes, not asking about his experience in arkham, not even going for the low-hanging fruit of why’d you train for years to kill those people, but seemingly random and unrelated things. he wants bruce’s opinions on emissions policies (need to be stricter and more tightly enforced, especially in gotham, jesus, there’s a reason lung cancer and asthma rates are through the roof) and lex luthor’s keynote speeches (unprintable, wiped from clark’s tape recorder in case luthor somehow finds out) and whether or not clark should buy a new suit (why bother, it won’t be any less tragic than every other polyester abomination he cruelly forces bruce to look at every time he stops by). clark slowly and stubbornly makes himself as much a part of bruce’s routine as visits with alfred and lucius and the doctors, and all the while superman is playing a high-stakes game of mental chess with the sinking suspicion that bruce wayne has already won in more ways than one bruce figures out kent is superman about three hours after the first time big blue gets namedropped during an interview. he commences with a plan that is part honeypot, part campaign of psychological warfare, and part genuine bid to get this midwestern alien who holds the safety of his city in his hands to try and give a damn like a proper gothamite would, like no one but bruce ever seems to.

Clark, whose one of his grestest fears is being constrained, treated as a threat, dissected, studied, as the alien specimen he is. He has to pretend. He had to be so careful. Every day or he won't have a life to live.

Clark asking the Arkham Prince to Consult for the JL:

i would kill to have clark-as-supes get some kind of special dispensation to bring arkham prince bruce to the jl hideout (the watchtower doesn’t to be without batman’s engineering/logistics knowhow and WE funding, at least not until bruce is more formally considered a consultant) for help on one of lex’s more convoluted and immediate threats. it’s just not possible for bruce to solve the problem in isolation without the league’s resources, so instead of bringing league missions to bruce superman has to bring bruce to the league mission. i started imagining the team’s reaction to their unwitting reliance on criminally insane mass murderer bruce wayne and then i remembered oliver exists and now i feel only sadness thinking about that particular reunion

Just wondering how regular JL universe would react to meeting this au, meeting Batman and seeing Bruce Wayne's potential Would they realize that their Bruce is limited by what he can do inside Arkham, but that this Batman is also limited by his own rules and codes. Would Ollie be crushed at what his former friend could have been, thinking maybe if he had stepped up and been a "better friend" Bruce wouldn't be in Arkham, he could of been working beside him instead. Can imagine Batman saying "I don't kill" and Bruce just smiling in what should have been the brucie smile and replying "but I do"

The crossover is so funny in regards to Supes. Like here's Arkham Prince AU Clark, terribly in love with a version of Bruce who is so unavailable to him on so many levels, aching with it every time he dares think about it, staring at Regular Universe Clark in complete and utter disbelief. (expansion of "regular JL universe" ask above)

Your take on Prince of Arkham's level of influence on JL members, at the top being of course Clark. And also: first time he is taken into the JL base, does he hack into their systems?

OMG arkham bruce and clark have gotten closer and maybe clark makes bruce promise not to kill again after bruce gets out of arkham so he can join the jl but then someone is killed and theres evidence it was bruce but bruce swears it wasnt him ( bc it wasn’t him ) but theres so much evidence that even clark is starting to doubt bruces innocence and the jl has to kick him out and hes taken back to Arkham or for interrogation and then ANGST BRUCE BEING TORTURED FOR CONFESSION BUT HE STILL SWEARS HE DIDNT DO IT until its proven that he didnt do it

@bat-chik's Harvey Dent Visits Bruce in Arkham

"We can't even claim self defense," Harvey continued. "You-" "He has cancer." Harvey blinked at the non-sequitur, "What?" Finally, the orphaned Wayne turned and faced him, face blank, unconcerned about how much more this action would add to his sentencing. Unconcerned except for the steel eyes seething yet holding back so much hurt. Harvey remembered once again, with a small pang, why he had gotten a crush on Bruce in their college days. "Nygma. He has cancer. The only way to get medical care in Arkham is by ending up in the hospital wing." Bruce moved with all the weight of the world on his shoulders and sat in the bolted chair across from his lawyer, and life long friend.

Where are the Batkids in This?

pls consider. a dick greyson who gets tossed in arkham after tracking down and torturing then killing killing his parent's murderer. tiny and lost now that what was driving him is done. a bruce wayne who hasnt been in That long yet, not long enough for people to see him as a threat rather than just an oddity, who takes one look at that angry little kid and says "oh. oh that ones mine" and spends as much time with the kid as he can. and bruce Loves gotham, thats his whole drive. but to dick, gotham is nothing but the place his world crumbled. and i think this bruce never sat with his feelings of grief either. i think he always needed a cause. and i think he saw dick having lost his cause and tries to help him find another (id like to put forth escaping as a hobby, managing to get into Any part of arkham that he pleases especially with his athleticism and small size)

It would be funny if in the Arkham Prince AU, since all the kids are in there for being um - gremlins and down with murder - that Jason in this was the pacifist?

Re: Jason being the pacifist: "I will follow you forever because you killed him." Endlessly devoted Jason my beloved. If you give him one (1) positive attention he will light himself on fire to keep you warm. I love him so much. Self destructive king.

Tim committing a crime just to end up in Arkham and study the famed insane Bruce Wayne is actually startlingly in character for him...

Clarifying Asks:

when do you see him as getting committed? was he already batman? did he already have any of his kids? if not, what *happened* to those kids who never had bruce to fight for them?

Okay, but since Bruce is the Prince of Arkham, whats stopping his kids from being in there with him?

Oh I am sooooooooo curious about what Clark thinks about Arkham Bruce having a gaggle of prison murder children.…you ever think he’s asked Dick to give Clark flowers during one of his escapes????? Or is that too corny for them.

I've seen some Arkham Prince asks and responses referring to Bruce still being rich, but would he still be?

Additional Thoughts:

i am torn between the other Inmates Hating bruce (hes the picture of those who hurt them. a rich man who is just like them but gets Way less pain for it) and adoring him

Picture this, Alfred goes to see Haly's, sees another black haired blue eyed child losing his parents at just about the same age. Another feral child with murder in his eyes.

it’s extremely important to me to consider arkham prince bruce with longer, shaggy hair and a perpetual three-day beard

The smut in the Arkham Prince AU would be INSANE.

This Arkham Prince AU has folks in a choke hold but ya'll forget one thing. The Joker and Harley Quinn.

god i am just exploding thinking about bruce and sex in the arkham prince au. there is absolutely no way he’s not accustomed to exchanging sex for favors, information, anything he wants or needs. (additional thoughts on how Clark fits into this/Superbat)

Okay hi so my main source of Arkham knowledge is the Penguin show so I’m gonna ramble a bit about factions and divides and stuff. (Sofia Falcone expansion)

continuing my thoughts on Sofia Falcone coming off your great opinions to my last ask.

There is a parallel thread between Bruce and Sofia

[caplanbuckybarnes]

Writing Challenge Entries from an old blog

I've been snooping around my old URLs and found TONS of old writing challenge entries that I wanted to bring back to life. This list (which isn't finished) is a mixture of all types of writing challenges that I had hosted on an older blog back when Tumblr Culture was rampant with people being interactive with each other. As I locate more of these, they will be added. Currently, I've found things from the years 2017-2018ish. if y'all have any more from my older challenges, let me know, and I can add them to the list!

updated September 2 2024

I'm still missing a bunch of these entries. Check your blogs for either this URL or @caplansteverogers.

The Cookie Baking Disaster || Summary: You forgot to bake your famous cookies when Christmas dinner is at yours and Sam’s house, but trouble comes from your forgetful nature @anaboo-thewriter

Frozen Date || Summary:  You ask Wanda to build a snowman with you and that leads to an interesting result @kjs-s

Would You Just Listen To Me || Summary: Reader found out she’s pregnant and Bucky is to busy to hear the important news from his soon to be wife. @buckys-other-punk

Holiday Magic || Summary: Summary: Christmas is a magical time of the year. Bucky and Y/N meet under odd circumstances. A friendship ensues! With the new year, there’s a possibility romance will bloom! @buckybarnesappreciationsociety

Please Come Home || Summary: None @meganlpie

The “Unexpected” Christmas Gift || Summary: You are ER Nurse at Stark Hospital & friends with EMT!Bucky. Bucky harbour’s a crush on you but it is brought out accidently by his friend. @lostinthoughtsandfeelings

"My dog ate your christmas present” || SUMMARY: Bucky's dog ate the present for reader. Bucky had to invent something ad hoc. @thepaperpanda

Hooky || Summary: It was a long day at work and Reader and her friend decide to unwind at their favorite dive bar, until the friend brings up something that Reader had forgotten. @ruckystarnes

The Duchess || Summary: The Duchess of Manhattan likes her men regal. Y/N Stark grew up loving the king, but when the tables turn and the lovers are torn apart, she aims her arrows at the second in line for the throne. @hellomissmabel

Line of Duty || No Summary @maggyme13

Unhappy Memories || Summary: Love was a mortal concept, so the poets said. @writeshite

Sugar, Spice || Summary: Summary: Frank Castle x reader. This is based on the scenario prompt: “I’m a waitress and it’s busy. Thank you for being kind.”  Frank notices his favorite waitress having a rough time, and even though things aren’t going great in his life either, he offers up some solid company and a listening ear. @emotchalla

I'll Drink to That || Summary: Prompts: “Did you spike the hot chocolate?” & “What? You don’t like eggnog?” @buckys-other-punk

I Just Want to Be Like You || Summary: (y/n) is working for the Avengers. She didnt want to bother the others and so she got in a bit of trouble. And all of that because she just wanted to be a bit like Natashe

A Spot Shaped Like You || Summary: Tony Stark loves you. You’re a mystery to everyone, you keep to yourself, and you always wear clothes that swamp you. Peter expresses some concerns to Tony one day, which prompts him to ask, “what are all these scars on your body?”

A Thousand Food Dates || Summary: Waking up next to Loki has never been this sweet. @hellomissmabel

Simple Mornings || Summary:  After admitting your feelings for Wanda you two spend an amazing night and quiet night together. @supersoldierslover

Mistletoe || Summary: The team goes out on a mission, leaving you alone to decorate for Christmas with Loki @faithers10911

Love Story || Summary:  Your whole life you spent doing what is right and pleasing your parents, But one day you face one of the hardest decisions of your life. (MODERN ROYAL AU) @supersoldierslover

Razzy || Summary: “I’m gonna be a dad!” @thesharkapologist

Aerials || No Summary @aikibriarrose

When I Was Your Man || No Summary @winterschild999

To Whom It May Concern || Summary: How Steve Rogers meets his soulmate, you. Set to To Whom It May Concern by The Civil Wars @thesoftdumbass

Memory || Summary: Steve Rogers and his wife recall special moments during an anniversary party. Written for Caplans Drabble songfic challenge. Story based upon the George Strait song “Rockin’ in the arms of your memory tonight”

Commercial Break || You just couldn’t remember what he reminded you of, but corny, repetitive holiday commercials had a tendency of sticking with you forever. Especially when they were so memorably relevant. @antivigilante

Sunshine || No Summary @me-a-hopeless-romantic

Ask Me How I Know || No Summary @winter-time-writing-blog

You vs. Ice || Summary: You are last-minute gift shopping on a very snowy day when you slip and face plant right into a national figure. @your-highnessmarvel

The Calm After a Storm || Summary: Reader was excited for a couple days of peace as everyone leaves for a mission. But the storm was not the only thing that caught her by surprise as a shy Steve confesses the reason why he stayed behind. @steve-rogers-personal-hell-blog

Choices || Summary: Steve finally takes the courage to ask [Y/N] to marry him - only to learn he’s out of time.

Desperate Prayers || Summary: With the recent death of his mother, Steve feels so alone.  He desperately prays for someone to understand and love him like his mother did. @fantastic-fantasy-fanfics

Jingle Bell Hell || No Summary @haven-in-writing

The End of Love || Summary: Summers in New York are magical. It’s a time for new beginnings and adventures. This new beginning is coming to an end, whether you like it or not. @haven-in-writing

Starlett || Summary: Stars are so beautiful.  They’re even better with the love of your life right next to you. @fantastic-fantasy-fanfics

Ring of Fire || Summary: AU. An all-consuming love like theirs can either keep them warm at night, or burn everything they know to the ground like a wildfire. @justsomebucky

Quick, Kiss Me || Summary: Agent Peggy Carter is on a mission, finding out what are Daniel and Agent Thompson doing. They are always sneaking off at odd time together. @superfandomdqueensnook

Blue Christmas || Summary: No friends, no family, and nothing to do make for a really crummy Christmas.  Good thing the Brooklyn boys have a big soft spot for you. @fantastic-fantasy-fanfics

Come Home || Summary: you and your girlfriend had a big fight and she stormed out.  Now you’re worried she’s hurt!

A Monster Like Me || Summary: After an incident, a young man remembers how he met his fiancée and the hard path they had that led them to that moment. @writing-mermaid

Risky || Prompt: “I will protect you.” @smoreal

Sick Day || Summary: You fall ill and Bucky leaves his mission to make sure you have the best care possible. @faithers10911

Untitled Fluff || SUMMARY: Reader is having a stressful day at work, but when she gets home her boyfriend surprises her @ruckystarnes

The Big Gesture || Summary: Making first public appearance with your date, at most anticipated movie premier, you thought was a Big gesture. But your date makes even Bigger Gesture by surprising you @lostinthoughtsandfeelings

Would You Mind If I Kissed You? || Summary(which I suck at sorry): Steve finally convinces Bucky to attend one of Tony’s parties. Bucky isn’t too happy about it until he meets a woman who has a less than ordinary request. Maybe this night will be more interesting than Bucky thought. @workingforthewidow

Anyone Who Knows What Love Is || Synopsis: Clint comes home after a long mission with a simple request. (Italics is flashback, per usual) @fan-maddson

Trouble || No Summary @kaunis-sielu

The Brit || Summary: After a dreadful day at work you hope to spend time with your boyfriend Bucky but things REALLY don't go as planned. @kaleenjackson

What Makes a Hero || Summary  Steve found you on the rooftop during a party celebrating a successful mission and tried to find out what’s wrong. @kjs-s

Chapter 1: The tour || Summary: Have you ever wanted something so much that the fear of not getting it makes you wonder if you ever should have wanted it at all? Steve Rogers is the last one of the royal lineage. The moment he got crowned King, the court and his mother pressured him to get married and have an heir. But he wants to find love in this cold world where everyone is moved around like a chess piece. @randomstoriesofabunny

Disappeared || Description: This is another writing challenge! Basically, it’s ‘How to train your god of mischief’ @battlechicklovefanfic

“Ew, that’s disgusting!” || Summary: You learned your soulmate wasn’t from around here. Never would have guessed they’d be an Alien, but when SHIELD knocks down your door and doesn’t give you a choice in the matter, you know you’ll just have to follow along until they figure out if you hate humantiy. So, what happens when your first meeting doesn’t go as you’d dreamed as a child? @haiky-u-lously

With You || Summary: Loki is being his usual grumpy self and you do everything in your power to make him smile again. @your-highnessmarvel

Boundless || Summary: Sweet loves with a bittersweet ending. || modern au @captainmarvels

Bitter Christmas || Summary: I’m out shopping at the worst time of the year and I see you with your new gf at a jewelry store AU

Side to Side || Summary: With your loud music playing, you wake Bucky up in the middle of the day but the song seems to grow on him. @buckysmetallicstump

Miláčik || Summary: Pietro x Reader. You met Pietro in what had to be the most hopeless place @witchymarvelspacecase

Naught Girl || Summary:Bucky's fiance' has a special surprise planned for him when he arrives home from his mission. @laprofesoratinacita

Bridge to Forever || Summary: Bucky and Y/N reminisce about their relationship. Everyday wasn’t wine, roses and caviar. In the end, the unshakeable bond they shared prevailed. @buckybarnesappreciationsociety

Dirty Laundry || No Summary @thefandomimagines

Talk Dirty || No Summary @buckysmusculararm

Shape of You || Summary: It was one of the many parties Stark liked to organize. The motive behind it was simple, he is and I quote: ‘A genius, billionaire, playboy and a philanthropist,” so he could throw all the parties he wanted. Sam spotted a beautiful woman at a party and he fell in love with her. Inspired by the song Shape of you by Ed Sheeran. @randomstoriesofabunny

Blue Ain't Your Color || Summary: Tony walks into a bar and finds himself in the presence of an angel. If only he could get her to smile. @haven-in-writing

Bad Things With You || No Summary @axidental-pol

What About Us || Summary: Based on the song ‘What About Us’ by P!NK. Here’s a link <3 @jennareedus

I'm Yours || Summary: Out at the bar, with karaoke @superfandomdqueensnook

Sorry Not Sorry || Summary: You live in Asgard and are the daughter of an esteemed general. You have to go to a banquet being held by Odin. Loki just broke up with you, and you’re feeling insecure. After talking with your friends, they convince you to go to the banquet and just to ignore him. However, that’s not what actually ends up happening. @xx-multi-fandom-fics

Accidentally in Love || No Summary @lostinthoughtsandfeelings

Vienna || Summary: Sebastian and Y/N are taking a time-out while Sebastian finishes up filming for his new movie. They’re not splitting up for Sebastian it feels that way and in one final attempt at making amends, he shows up unexpectedly at Y/N’s door. @hellomissmabel

Jealous | No Summary @buckys-other-punk

Amnesia || Summary: You and Bucky have broken up recently, however, he can never forget the relationship you both had.After you suddenly move on he’s is hurt about you finding someone new, and wishes to wake up with amnesia to forget the pain it is causing him to see you with another and regrets ever hurting you. @skywalkerwitch

Only You to Trust || Summary:  All the glitz and glam that LA was known for only served to hide the painful truth about people. Based on the song ‘The Hills’ by The Weeknd. @justanotherbuckydevotee

Turf Wars || Summary  You found out your girlfriend works for the mobster queen of your part of the city after an attack on your old neighborhood @kjs-s

Puppy Love || Summary:Pietro talks to the reader about the girl he just met making them jealous but they are up for a surprise. @kjs-s

A Marshmellow World || Summary:  In which being caught in an embarrassing moment by your crush leads to a date with him. – Steve x Reader

Sandcastles and Dreams || Summary:  Just after he was finally ready to move on Bucky starts getting vivid dreams, about the life he always wanted with you. @lostinthoughtsandfeelings

Unbreak My Heart || Summary  Steve found you on the rooftop during Peter’s birthday party. @kjs-s

Secret Santa || Summary & A/N: This was part of @caplansteverogers Christmas Challenge – my prompt was “they did secret Santa at work, and I got you and I have no idea what to get you so I’m pretending that I’m not stalking you when I am and I learn all these cute things about you.” So here it is!

Because I Really Like You || Summary: The reader moves to New York, knowing no one. Until her handsome neighbors makes an appearance and shows her she is not alone anymore. @americaswritings

Failed Movie Night || Summary: You fall asleep on the couch after a full day with Steve Rogers. He helps you out and carries you to bed when you tell him it’s too cold to get out from under the blankets on the couch. @surrounded-by-superheroes

Love Wins ||  Summary: A drunken night out, feelings and make up sex in the kitchen. What could be better??? @prettyyoungtragedy

“I would have did anything for you...” || Summary: Sometimes love just isn’t enough to keep the pain at bay, sometimes it better to love someone from a far. @prettyyoungtragedy

I Miss You || Summary: Three little words have always held so much importance for you and Bucky, and in the end, you’ll miss him more than you could’ve ever imagined. @beefybuffybucky

His Best Friend || Summary: Takes place during Civil War. The reader had been friends for a long time with Steve. He has told her about the Winter Soldier but ever since the day that she met him, she couldn’t get him out of her mind. @xx-multi-fandom-fics

Piece By Broken Piece || Synopsis:The reader has been released from your duties as a H.Y.D.R.A. agent, the contract agreed upon by your father fulfilled. Now free, you have found yourself living at the Avengers Compound, piecing your life together with the help of Tony Stark and B.A.R.T. You knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but coming face to face with Bucky Barnes, the man who trained you, was a massive bump in the road to recovery. To your surprise, Bucky remembers you, the life you had together. And he is wracked with guilt, blaming himself. @fan-maddson

Puppies Summary: The Team was gone on a month long mission, and y/n was finding staying in to be boring. But when she finds a box by her coffee shop, she can’t wait to show her girlfriend, Nat, what surprises await. @emergenciesstory

Him & I || Summary: You and Bucky Barnes have been dating for a few months and developed a bit of a routine. Who knew Rory Pond would help you realize your feelings? @nosleeptillbucky

Love Me Like You Do || Summary: Bucky Barnes is the bar manager where you work as a bar maid. You’ve had a decent crush on him since he started working there. It’s karaoke night and the bar is almost empty. What could happen? @ela-loves-you

A Piece of You || No Summary @ellaxvasiliev

Control || Summary: Loki’s wife comes home to a quiet house, far too quiet. @kaleenjackson

Why Are You Wearing My Sweater? || Summary: Lance's girlfriend finds a way to "keep him close" while he's away @laprofesoratinacita

Bad Bitch || No Summary @buckysforeverprincess

One Call Away || No Summary @nerdy-bookworm-1998

New Rules || Summary: The aftermath of your break up with Pietro @kjs-s

Here || Summary: You’re at a club that you didn’t want to go to in the first place, but a man named Steve makes things better. @anaboo-thewriter

[deleteddewewted]

Supermarket Romance p2

Modern! Titus x Gn! Reader

S: Titus goes back to the supermarket as he needs ingredients for a new recipe that his gyms security guard recommended trying. He gave himself the liberty to wear a hoodie this time as he wasn't feeling all too well. He wasn't expecting to see you again nor that you asked him a question. (Cairon makes a brief appearance here!)

W: PTSD episodes, Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Reader is a broke Artist, Titus works as an Analyst for a company, Ableist comments (From Titus and to Titus)

Previous / Next

He didn't know what to think about his appearance at the moment. If anything, he was trying to not think about it. He was wearing shorts, which he usually wore for semi-formal occasions, and a hoodie, which he had for the gym. His leg was acting up again, the weather and his lack of use of his knee brace created bigger problems for him. He knew he should have worn it the last time he worked out but he felt too embarrassed to wear it out in public. He thought people would stare or pass judgment if he did so he left it in his gym bag. He didn’t think to much about it anyways. He just needed to grab a few things to make a recipe that the security guard at the gym he goes to suggested.

Cairon was a hulking figure, especially for a security guard. He was an ex veteran like himself, was younger than Titus by a few years, and he was discharged after losing his arm during an explosion. The man seem to take his injury in stride unlike Titus. He constantly encouraged Titus, was motivational to all who walked in, made sure to keep everyone in check. Cairon was a ray of sunshine that Titus couldn’t seem to damper. Not that he wanted to but it was a little much at times. Cairons eagerness to help and be there became overwhelming at times but Titus also welcomed it. The man approached him first after all, made sure to help him find the locker room and the private gyms if he ever needed a moment to himself. Titus thought the younger man might have picked up on his disability and that’s why he was being kind but no, Cairon picked up on Titus’ discomfort for overly loud and crowded spaces. Ever since their first meeting Cairon has been a constant presence in Titus’ life and the older man appreciated that. He even told Titus that he should wear his brace and that not wearing it would just make things harder on himself.

Titus was paying the price for it now. His knee more than anything was killing him and his entire leg felt like it was ready to collapse under him while he gauged the prices of the cabbage. He leaned on his other leg instead, hoping to gain some relief.

"Are they any good?" A voice asked from beside him. He turned to look at the person but didn't see anyone. He looked down instead and found you staring at the cabbages.

"Im thinking of getting one but im not sure. I don't think ¢.76 the pound is worth it for a cabbage." You rambled on. He didn't know what to think, he kind of just blinked at you hoping that his brain would help him push the words out of his mouth. What was he supposed to say? This wasn't the first time he's talked to you but this was the first actual conversation he was contemplating having with a stranger.

"Hmm, i think its cheaper at the corner store." You turn around and just leave, not even bothering for a response from him.

Titus just watches you leave, the words stuck in his throat as he turns back around and processes what happened. Your scent was something he picked up. You smelled nice, earthy even. He wanted to ask what cologne or perfume you used. Maybe it was your body wash. It was comforting and reminded him of one of his bunk buddies who was into hygiene and always looking presentable.

He didnt keep track where you going but every so often he did bump into you. You seemed to be on a tighter budget than last time, only grabbing a few items that where on clearance or expiring soon. He noticed that you had a lot of meat in your basket and ziplock bags. Maybe you were freezing them so they would last longer, he thought to himself. Now that he thought about it, his recipe did call for meat and he was yet to get any.

His hands began to sweat and his hands trembled as he thought about it. He could use this as his excuse to talk to you, to introduce himself and be pleasant. His therapist had suggested he start socializing with other people outside of his work and gym. He could do this, he told himself. He siked himself up, took a few deep breathes, and walked over to you.

You were looking at some potatoes, thinking if it was worth buying them since there was no way you would be able to preserve them. Your fridge was having issues and you were worried about the moisture in your apartment. Either way, the potatoes would mold quickly and it would be waste unless you tried eating only that for the next week and a half. The thought made you sick.

“Excuse me.” A man’s voice came from behind you. You jolted before moving to the side hoping you hadn’t taken too much space so he could grab whatever he wanted from the produce section. But he never reach forward to grab anything. Instead, he was facing you. You swallowed hard before turning to face the man. It was the kind stranger who gifted you the ice cream from last time. He looked menacing, he practically loomed over you and his clothes didn’t help disuade that feeling.

“Hey there, stranger.” You replied. You hoped that your nervousness wasn’t noticeable. You felt like you were practically sweating buckets. His gaze was intense, his eyes half lidded and looking into your soul as his face betrayed no emotion.

“Is there any good sale on the meats?” His question didn’t feel like a question, more like an observation. You didn’t know how to feel about it. The man gave ex con or ex military vibes and it was starting to make you nervous just how big he was.

“Uh…yeah, there’s some good deals. It’s half off if you get the clearance stuff. You just need to ask butcher for the cuts you want.” You felt awkward and out of place. Not an unusual feeling but it was made more intense by the man in front of you. He didn’t even react to the information you age him, he merely blinked at you before nodding his head and thanking you.

“Thank you for the information. I’ll make sure to check with the butcher.” He looked like he was going to take his leave, his body already turning to leave, but he stops himself.

“My name is Titus.” It was your turn to blink at him. Titus. The name was so… pristine. Elegant even. It sounded so modern yet old and it flowed with a nice bounce. You could practically taste the pronunciation of his name on your tongue.

“It’s a pleasure meeting you, Titus. I’m Y/n.” You offered your hand to him but he ignored it and walked away instead. You sighed and turned back to the potatoes.

“Titus, what a lovely name.” You thought to yourself. You with an amused smile on your face, you walked towards the cash register to check out.

Titus sped walk away from the produce area as quickly as he could. His leg was killing him and the muscles in the appendage were set ablaze. But he ignored it. His heart was pounding in his chest and the air around him felt heavy. He spoke to someone new today and they didn’t run away! A small spark of joy bloomed in his chest as he went over the interaction in his head. You smiled at him, you spoke to him, you met his gaze. You weren’t disgusted by his appearance but instead you treated him like he was any ordinary man. It was thrilling to him. And yet, he wondered if you stayed cause you truly wanted to speak to him. His joy dwindled but he did accept that it was progress. His therapist was sure to be thrilled with this new development. In the mean time, he mulled over your name. He thought it was nice and fitting for you. You looked like your name, for however silly the thought was. A lovely name for a kind looking person. He wondered if this meant you would speak to him the next time you meet. If he could approach you. Would that ok? Would it be welcomed? Doubts consumed him but he pressed on. He made his way over to the small butcher shop in the store and asked for their clearance cuts. He grabbed a few he liked or thought would be easiest to cook and made his way to the front of the store to pay. He couldn’t spot you in any of the lines but he did spot you waiting at the bus stop once again.

He bagged and grab his things and and this way back to his car. As he loaded his things he noticed you get on the bus with all of your bags and leave. He wondered what kind do life you lived. What minute inconveniences might you have in your own life? What were your motivations? He shook his head and closed his trunk.

He sat in the drivers seat and gave himself a few minutes to prepare for the drive ahead of him. He hoped that this issue would go away sooner rather than later like his therapist had told him. But he knew better than to rush himself to drive when he wasn’t feeling well. He didn’t want to have to stop on the side of the highway again because of an episode. It would make the trip twice as long and twice as painful.

[sixflame438]

All or Nothing

Chapter 7 (written) - Fuck It

Warnings: Swearing, Mentions of party behavior (drinking, weed, vomit, kissing) Wordcount: 1863

Prev | Masterlist | Next

===============

“Alright here we are. Listen up. I know its the first party of the year but I do NOT need to be cleaning up vomit or whatever the hell else you guys consume, you here me?”

Nods could be seen coming from the group. “Yunjin?”

“Hey whats up with the targeting” Yunjin whines with a pout, annoyed that she was being singled out. 

“No reason just checking you were listening”

“Yea yea dont drink too much and dont throw up in the car. We hear this everytime come on lets gooooooo” and without waiting for anything she opens the car door and leaves towards the house. 

Minjeong just sighs and leans back into her seat, “Have fun do whatever ill be here if you need me” not bothering anymore evident by the closing of her eyes and the dismissive tone. 

The rest of your group gets out of the car and goes up in a small group. Hanni and Minji walk in first, hand in hand as expected of the cute couple and you walked in beside Ryujin.

The smell of sweat and alcohol is overwhelming and you can feel it even before you enter the main area where most of the partygoers are. You liked going to parties, it was a time when you could just let loose and live in the present, not having to worry about anything else going on in your life.

Parties were simple like that. Get drunk or high or both, meet some new people, possibly make out with a few (or worse) and then leave. Things like this were the same every time so you didnt have to worry about anything unexpected or making good first impressions as everyone was here for the same collective goal. To have fun. 

There was something strange you felt before you even entered though, like this unnerving feeling warning you to turn around and leave. But you pushed it aside thinking it could be due to the new environment. 

You find yourself alone by the drinks table, many different drinks and mixers laid out for your choosing and there were even a few bowls of snacks on the side counters which was quite considerate from your point of view.

Whoever hosted did a good job, not that you had any idea who had hosted the party, let alone whose house you were in. All you knew was that Hanni had heard about the party from Danielle (who you still had to meet) and somehow the entire group managed to make it out. Even Minjeong as designated driver which you were thoroughly surprised about. 

Browsing the selection you make yourself a little drink and chug it down in one go before making another one and repeating the process. You also notice a few cans of something that you carelessly pocket, they’d be good for when you wanted a drink but was too far away from the table. Youre tolerance was only a little higher than most, nothing to flaunt about but you could handle your drinks well.

That wasnt too important though as you had said you wouldn’t be drinking too much tonight, not wanting to overdo anything when the year had barely started. You had many more opportunities to get blackout drunk later. 

As you scan the room looking for something to do you lock eyes with another girl who you deducted had already been watching you long before you even noticed her. With a smirk she walks over to you, her own drink in hand. The most noticeable feature about the girl was her long red hair and how tall she was, easily making you feel small next to her. 

“Hey pretty you here with anyone?”

Her speech was slurred and you could definitely smell the alcohol just radiating off her body. 

“Just some friends”

“I dont see any”

“Theyre around, whats it to you?”

“No no nothing at all, just needed to know if there was anyone that would stop me from doings this-“ 

It was quick, messy and very sloppy but for what it was worth, it wasnt horrible. You liked how bold this girl was but you werent one to go around just kissing other people. 

Wiping your lips with your sleeve you took a step back as the red haired girl tried leaning in again. 

“Youre not a bad kisser or anything but im not here to kiss girls i dont know” 

Resigned and dejected the girl just nods, seemingly able to understand your words even in her intoxicated state. 

“So if i took you on a date and we got to know each other better i can try again?”

“Theres a chance” 

The girl across from you stares down at her cup, possibly to think for a second before she returns to your eyes with a determined gaze. 

“Could i get your number then?” 

“Gimme your phone then”

Its like the girl was shocked that you had agreed, looking a little frazzled after your blunt response but proceeded to fumble her phone out of her back pockets. Being drunk doesnt help your coordination so it takes her a moment to take it out and during that you took a glance around the room again.

And there it is, that weird feeling again. You got it earlier in the week on the way to dinner and you got it when you walked into the party. It was unclear where it came from but now that you were thoroughly looking through the crowd you think youve seen that person before. It was the same girl from your drive to dinner.

“Hey hello” waved the red haired girl impatiently in front of your face. 

“Right sorry” I forgot you were there 

You take the phone and put in your phone number but from the corner of your eye you notice the familiar figure leaving. A rush of panic and adrenaline fills you as you hurriedly finish typing before shoving the phone back to its owner, not bothering to double check anything. 

“Thats my number sorry ive got to go it was nice meeting you” And with that youre bolting off. 

A faint “ill text you” could be heard from the red hair (who you still dont know the name of) as you started weaving through the ocean of bodies on the makeshift dance floor. 

By the time you had made it to where you had first saw the mystery girl, she had gone. Maybe the alcohol you downed had gotten into your head already, did you hallucinate her or something? She had been on your mind for the past few days so your brain conjuring something like that wasnt entirely out of the question but it really did look like she was there. 

Dejected you wonder around the property for a place with less noise. The feeling wouldn’t leave and you just wanted a place to think for a second, the quiet helped that.

Eventually you found yourself on the back deck. It was a simple space made from planks and poles, with a metal railing lining the edge to prevent anyone from rolling downhill. With a heavy sigh you lean your forehead on the railing, immediately feeling the gritty and cold material.

Suddenly remembering the drinks you took before you rip one open and finish it on the spot, the sickly sweet liquid running down your throat. You couldn’t even tell there was alcohol in it, the drink tasting like nothing but sugar. 

"Ugh why did I even come"

You freeze, a chill running down your spine and you know its not because of the wind. The voice was quiet, barely audible. If you hadn’t been listening for it you wouldnt have heard it. Which is funny cause you weren’t. You didnt even realise it was a possibility.

But old habits die hard.

Had this been the source of your problems recently? Was she the reason you couldn’t shake off that icky feeling? Had she been here the entire time and you just didnt see her? Was the voice even real? Its probably the drinks you’ve had, right? 

Slowly and carefully you spin around to look for the owner of the voice and instantly like a magnet your attention is locked onto a girl 5 steps behind you. She hadn’t noticed you yet, her attention on what looked like a drink spillage on her clothes. It didnt take her long to feel your heavy gaze though, always the more perceptive one in of your duo.

Like a scene from a drama, the world around you slowed to a stop. You couldn’t hear the heavy bass coming from the speakers anymore, only the fear and thump of your heartbeat drumming loudly as a pair of agitated cat eyes met yours.

Instantaneous, you could see the subtle changes in demeanour. Flashes of recognition, uncertainty and something else glaze over her eyes as she physically tenses on the spot.

You were stuck in a staring contest, no one daring to move. Both afraid that if they did reality would be confirmed and neither of you were ready to face that. 

“Yn.”

“Haerin” 

It felt like 10 years had passed before she finally acknowledged you and with all the things you could’ve said you just match her reply. There was so much to say but too little time. 

You really wanted to say something more, anything, but you just couldn’t, still in a severe state of shock. Haerin recovers first simply accepting her fate with a sigh and shake of her head before just turning around and leaving, not wanting to make anything feel more real by talking to you. 

“Wait Hae-” 

But nothing. You know she heard it by the way her movements stopped for a fraction of a second, her body instinctively reacted to your voice but that was the only gauge you could get.

Her stone hard indifference was always something you’d defend but being on the receiving end of it felt cold, the way she ignored you like that. Paying you no more mind than a fly.

Was that all you were now? Maybe it’d be better that way cause then you could actually chase after her, the way you couldn’t as your legs were glued to the floor. 

Still in the same position on the balcony deck you watched as she went up to a girl with long curly hair. Probably a friend. Maybe more. That thought hurt you more than you realised. You didnt know her anymore. You hadn’t known her in a long time.

Did she still like the same things? Was she still the same person? 

By the time you could feel and move your legs again Haerin had long since left the premises. You dont know how long you had been standing there like an idiot, mouth agape just processing the small but huge interaction, you didnt want to know. You also didnt know how you ended up back by the drinks table or how you didnt notice the two kegs in the corner earlier, but now you did. 

Fuck it.

You had many more opportunities to be responsible later.

===============

Taglist - @saysirhc @yuyuy90 @somedaydream @illithharmony @wonyoungssi @peranoo @arihiu @gtfoiydlyj @idkwhatim-doinghere101 @c-yerim @layonaiguess

[the-s1lly-corner]

Hey , how would Jeff the Killer, Slenderman, Ticci Toby and Eyeless Jack react to a Albino reader ?

Jeff the killer, Slenderman, Ticci Toby, and Eyeless jack w/ an albino!reader !

jeff and toby are the only two characters strictly written as platonic as per admins personal boundaries, but the others can be seen as either way YAHOO playing TLTs new fnaf song on loop while writing this its so mf good got my bones getting in a twist YIPEE did some research on albinism since i didnt want this to be the characters simply reacting to the surface level stuff so thats why it took a little longer to get to this ! hope thats okay!

SLENDERMAN:

sticking true to my personal headcanon that outside of feeding and running people out of his forest, he doesnt actually interact much with humans... asides from the additional torment he puts potential proxies through but hush hush thats a whole different can of worms. point is, i think its unlikely that he would meet someone with albinism. sure, hes probably seen albino animals now and then, but a person? new experience for him, but i dont think he would be treating you like a spectacle. puts two and two together not long after meeting you... though even if hes accepting of it, he doesnt know of the extra precautions you need to take (to protect your eyes and skin from the sun, for example) but hes pretty receptive i think... notices youre having a hard time on days where its sunnier out so he either keeps you inside or keeps you in the shade. doesnt like giving you things from victims, so hes going to find other means to get you what you need (sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, ect). generally very accommodating, has a soft spot for you. i mean of course he does, you managed to win over this ancient forest demon thing

EYELESS JACK:

already knows what it is, down to common traits and the different types since i personally hc that before he became this silly man eating demon he was studying in medicine + generally had an interest in this sort of thing. doesnt bat an eye to the way your eyes sometimes twitch or drift off, helps you to the best of his ability when the strain gives you headaches. very good at reminding you to reapply your sunscreen and to remember to wear a sunhat when you go outside. if he has to, hes going to give you his jacket just so you can protect your upper body long enough to get back to your place/// just please give it back when you see him again..

JEFF THE KILLER:

"has heard of it but like slenderman knows next to nothing about it asides from "oh it means you dont have pigment/have low pigmentation" has heard of it but like slenderman knows next to nothing about it asides from "oh it means you dont have pigment/have low pigmentation", but unlike slenderman hes kind of... an ass about it... like hes generally an arrogant asshole, so it may take a while for him to pick up on things to make things a little easier for you. seems like hes annoyed with helping you remember to pack your sunglasses and other necessities, or when giving you something to help with any headaches caused by any strain... but let it be known that if he truly didnt care he wouldnt even bother to pipe up and drag you out into the shade when the sun starts beating down on you two.. he simply shows his care for you differently, you know?

TICCI TOBY:

he gets it, he does. maybe this is because he relates to having to just. deal with stuff that makes you different from others. or because admin is on the fence of headcannoning toby with poliosis... which while not albinism, visually he can relate and also relate to some of the other symptoms of it (namely the eye issues). flip flops between reminding you to pack stuff you need and forgetting.. but when he does remember hes very pushy about it, so much so that you might need to tell him to tone it down. you guys tend to vent to one another about things since theres some relatability between the two of you. as mentioned in my previous post hes prooooooobalby going to steal things for you to help you feel better; from things that will physically help you to things that will emotionally help you

[jackmanbj]

is that ight?

an: hi guys! im back hopefully for long and just wanna say that this is something that didnt take me long to write because i wanted it to be kinda short for my little return!🤭

summary: jack is ranting to you about his problems and your trying your best to help him not wanting him to give up on anything.

jack had just got home from the studio, his eyes were baggy and his hair was messy.

you were sitting on the sofa waiting for jack, even though it was two in the morning.

“jack hun you look tired…”

“just a little, lets go to bed” jack didnt wait for a response and he started walking upstairs and heading to the bedroom while you followed behind

at first, jack didnt even bother taking off his clothes, being to tired to even more after he sat on the bed “jack hun.. i know you’re tired but you need to undress” you say taking off his jacket

jack groans but eventually start undressing, he keeps on his wife-beater and boxers on and lays down

you pull him on top of you, his head resting on your chest as you scratch his scalp lightly

—

the next morning when you woke up, jack was already getting ready to go to the studio

“jack.. your overworked, stay home”

“i cant—im on a high right now! my new song just got higher then first class, everyone’s still expecting me to make new music and i cant take any days off, not right now at least maybe in a few weeks”

“jack you need a break..” “well i want to be able to spoil you and i cant do that if i keep taking breaks” “keep taking breaks? baby.. this would be your first break in four weeks.. sit down” you say patting the bed as you sit up

“why do you feel like that?”

no airports and no flights thats how i wanna live my life, is that ight?

“i—i dont even know.. i just feel like i need to work or everything i have is gonna come crashing down.. like everything i worked for is gonna fall apart, i dont even care about all the cars, and the jewelry.. but i want just a little but even with just a little i feel like im wasting so much”

no sport cars and no ice, okay maybe a little ice, we all got a lil’ vice

“jack hun.. you can want everything in the world and you can get it if you can afford it—wanting something and getting it doesn’t mean that your overdoing it, you see people with seven cars but they can get them because they like them, not because they want to have fame for it”

“but i feel like sometimes its to much, and theres even more to it.. sometimes i hate when fans come up to me and want a whole lot of pictures, i dont mind saying hi or asking for one picture but they keep going and i also feel like me and some of the pg are falling out because of me working so much we dont talk alot…”

no selfies just say hi, im so healthy and alive 4L we them same guys equity for my dogs only time you see gang signs.

“jack not wanting people to come up to you a lot is normal it doesn’t make you a bad person and it shouldn’t make you feel bad, not everyone likes that.. and people lose friends, but if its pg dont you think you should schedule a meet up for all of you, or most of you to hang out and catch up?”

jack shifts his body, not facing you anymore “i want to, i do i wanna hang out with them and i want to stay strong with them but also i dont want to stop my working and my music for it”

im looking to change lives i already changed mine

you take his face in your hands making him face you again “jack people have to move on with there lives sometimes.. everyone cant just wait for inspiration they just have to take a chance, lots of people are impatient and want you to release music or your opinion or what you think when they want it..”

the times not stop waiting for the inspiration, they say its a flaw being impatient but…

jack huffs “ok..okay ill take a break from working.. ill take a week long break and ill set boundaries with fans and ill talk to pg..”

i just want peace i dont want no smoke

[melkyt]

Law has enough eccentric genious vibes to be House or any soap opera level doc lol

This amazing doctor with zero people skills, even more, this doctor that hates interacting with ppl while being the best in the country if not for all the complaints and lawsuits on his record just on the basis of being an asshole or ghosting patients even if he cures them

Luffy, some famous daredevil adventurer type with more money than he would know what to do with probably part of the mob somehow, has an older brother who needs a heart transplant. With all the other issues that Ace has, its unlikely he'll get one, even if they are on multiple transplant list, and nobody actually knows whats wrong with his heart.

(I use Ace for this trope in every fic Im not sorry. That boi can be a damsel in so many ways cx)

Luffy being Luffy decides to wander around hospitals until he A: convinces someone to give up a heart or B: Find out whats wrong with Ace, with no success on either front.

Then while wandering around he hears someone go "Yeah Trafalgar Law, best fucking doctor I have ever had the displeasure of meeting, dudes a fcking headcase but he gets the job done."

Luffy doesnt listen to most of it. He heard a name and best. Tracks Traffy down immediately! No hesitation.

With the full intent to throw money at the hospital to make them put Law on his brothers case.

But he doesn't have to, Law is ahead of him, as he keeps an eye on cases that enter his hospital and not like Luffy has been subtle in looking for Law lol, and he drops a letter in the room "Ill treat your brother, if you stop looking and leave me the fuck alone"

Luffy dumps money at the hospital anyway, and he doesn't leave Law alone, but not on purpose. The dean of the hospital keeps doing everything so they dont meet as they know as soon as they do, and Law opens his mouth, thats it for the money flow.

Luffy isnt about to go with anything anyone tries to make him do, so he finds himself trying to avoid doctors and nurses.

Law does the same, and thats how they meet. In an empty unused exam room that's more of a storage space than anything.

Luffy has no idea who Law is, he didnt bother seeing how he looked after getting the letter. He stopped looking cause it is Ace's life on the line.

Law, meanwhile, knows exactly who Luffy is, though doesn't say anything. They bond over hiding out, and soon, it becomes routine to hang out.

Eventually, Ace gets a new heart and is cured of whatever. He is discharged.

Law almost regrets that he won't spend time with Luffy anymore. He's grown to like their talks.

Luffy doesn't think about it yet. Happy his brother is healthy. When they are about to leave the hospital. Ace points and says 'yo thats the doc, i know you asked who the fuck he was' Ace only saw the man once, and Law ofc pissed him off by flippant remarks. "He's an ass"

Luffy follows his gaze and grins. "Woah, woah, that's the doc I was hanging with! He's the best" He bounces on his heels "Hey! TRAFFY!" Thats ofc what he has been calling the doc even if they never met. He runs over to Law. "My number! We should hang out all official like, I'll text you!" Then he runs out without waiting for an answer, going after Ace.

Law is a little stunned and more than a bit embarrassed that he yelled that in front of everyone. Rumors spiral for days. Law waits for his phone to buzz from Luffy but decides that it's not gonna happen and tries to go back to his life. Which is the exact point that Luffy texts him. 'Picking you up at 9!' And that's it.

They go on a date, if it can be called that. They go urban exploring because Law mentioned he was an enthusiast but didnt have the time or motivation. Luffy drags him to all his favorite places. Its the best date he has ever been on.

They go like that for awhile, at the most random times and days, Law always drops what he is doing, its a highlight in what he considers an otherwise annoying day to day.

Luffy is just happy he can make Traffy happy for saving his brother.

Law is the one who asks if Luffy wants to make it official, be boyfriends. For the first time in his life he finds himself almost stuttering over his words.

Luffy grins and nods enthusiastcly, then they kiss and everything is cool.

Law now marginally happier then he was, gets less complaints and gets along with patients a little better even if they still annoy him, he knows that if he didnt interact that one time, he would have never met Luffy.

Requests Open till 08/09/2024

[stxneflxwers]

fragments of heaven – prelude.

summary. In a scary, mysterious, new universe, they find themself searching for even a little bit of purpose amidst the chaos. The past will haunt them, but the future will guide them, too.

a/n. hi this is nerve-wracking to post. lol. i'm so used to being ashamed of posting OC stuff that this is somehow still difficult even after years of doing it. ANYWAY ive been absolutely fixating on this for ages now – many rewrites later, i think i've found a happy spot! anywho, this is a crossover with my original story/world. i do plan to explain as much as i feasibly and reasonably can about my original story. hopefully it doesn't leave too many people in the dark, ofc. but also you're meant to see this from an HSR perspective anyway lol also, this is more or less co-written with one of my best friends, so her character(s) are featured here! also 2, the first scene in this prologue/chapter is kinda awkward cuz i didnt bother to fix it when i started rewriting,,, oops

characters. aventurine. original character(s).

cw. this is a universe crossover/fusion!!! canon x OC. slavery. implied character death. trauma. (more tags will be added as more chapters are posted)

prologue.

Kakavasha often heard humming throughout the small, dirty prisons lined with slaves like himself. He didn’t know where it was coming from, but it brought uncanny serendipity to his angry emotions for a little while every time. When the humming would eventually stop, the onslaught of vexed emotions and thoughts would return minutes later.

And then, he finally meets the person who hums one day by what feels like a stroke of luck, pure chance. He initially expected to never see the face the voice belongs to. The only visible eye of that person never left his mind – a bright, starry blue with a white pupil and ring in their iris. Their rusty red hair covers their other eye, like they hide it intentionally.

They deliver him his rations for the day, but the plate of food seems larger than usual. They put a finger up to their lips – he needs to stay quiet if he wants it. They slide the plate into his cell and offer him a soft, patient smile.

“I hope you enjoy it, I made it myself.” The fellow slave whispers to him, “Ah… What’s your name… Kakavasha?” They ask as they shut the barred door and straighten their legs as they rise.

“…Yeah.” He nods as he warily takes the plate of food before eating it with slow, small bites. “Oh, wow… This is…really good.” He whispers before shoving a larger portion into his mouth.

“I’m glad you like it.” They nod before hearing heavy footfalls nearby, “I have to go now – may we meet again one day.” They grin before quickly sneaking away, running on the tip of their feet.

Kakavasha watches them run away with deftness and grace, like a dancer. He finishes his food quickly, not wanting to be caught with a bigger, better portion than usual.

It doesn’t matter.

It doesn’t matter how many times the older slave gets their head beaten into the wall by the slavemaster. Les Esfacier is still standing, regardless of every whip, every cut, every kick and punch. It doesn’t matter how much crimson blood pours from their new wounds, they remain standing – all with a wicked, knowing smirk on their bruise-darkened lips.

“I hope you’re enjoying the show, No.35!” The slaver barks at Kakavasha, who remains firmly tied to a chair nearby. “Because No.8 hasn’t died from a single beating – yet. But I’m more than happy to change that…” He glances at the Avgin with a twisted grin before raising his whip to lash the older teen.

Les Esfacier jumps in before the leather can meet his vulnerable body, causing the whip to crack against their cheek.

“Les Esfacier—!” Kakavasha gasps, his heart dropping into the acidic remains of his gut as he watches another trail of blood form on his fellow slave’s face. With hardly any self-control left to spare, he starts sobbing, yet unable to tear his gaze away from the gruesome sight.

“Why are you still smirking, No.8? Are you getting off on this, huh?!” The slavemaster howls with laughter, his own preconceived notions are pure entertainment.

“I’m smirking because it’s funny how much you struggle to kill me.” Les Esfacier snarks.

“You…!” The slave owner growls before yanking out his pistol, aiming right at the smart-mouthed slave’s head.

“No—!” Kakavasha tries to lurch forward in his chair before he gasps when a warm, golden-white light covers his eyes.

“Shh… It’s okay, little guy, just listen to me, okay?” A soft yet lively voice whispers in his mind as the golden-white glow permeates his vision, it’s almost enough for him to relax. “My name is Summer – I’m Les Esfacier’s friend! I…I’m here to take care of you while they’re asleep! Y-Yeah…!” The feminine voice squeaks, clearly doing her best to reassure the slave.

“...Asleep? That’s the best lie you could come up with?” Kakavasha mentally retorts with a bitter sigh.

“Hey, I’m trying!” He can practically hear the pout in her voice, “But… They aren’t dead, either. They’re just…out of commission!”

“...Right.” He groans, “They…they had to have died… No one can survive a gunshot to the head like that…”

“You’d be surprised. Ma— Les Esfacier is a super-tank!”

“A…super-tank,” He echoes, “You’re weird, Summer… If that is your real name.”

“Hey! Stop doubting me! Please, just believe me when I say they’re fine… They really are just asleep!”

“Whatever…”

That night, the moon is in its first quarter – its silver glow peeks through the small, barred window above him, filling the cell he sits in. He curls up in the shadows, though, a dark place where he wishes he could hide for eternity. He didn’t want the moon to shed light on the guilt that eats away at him, all the way to the core.

But, perhaps now is the time for action, as the moon foretells.

“Hey, little guy… You asleep yet?”

It’s that voice again, and now there’s a body made of the same golden-white light accompanying it. The figure is petite and curvy. But he couldn’t bring himself to care about any of that – it’s the least of his problems right now, or so he tells himself.

“No,” He grumbles tiredly, “How could I be? After everything…”

“It’ll be okay, I promise.”

“How can you promise something as ridiculous as that?” He sighs, he couldn’t help it anymore. He needed such a deep, heavy breath that’s been pent up to finally leave his system. 

It wasn’t as relieving as he hoped it would be.

“Because I know! Trust me, okay?”

She’s so argumentative, he thinks, and at this point, he wouldn’t be surprised if he’s truly gone off the rails.

“...Whatever.”

The figure sits down in the heart of the moon’s glow on the floor, and she opens her arms to him.

“Come here! Sit on my lap. It’ll be cold tonight, like always. I’ll keep you warm.”

“Are you kidding me?” He grumbles, but upon getting no response from her, he takes it as a sign that she’s serious about it. “...Fine.” But only this once, he thinks.

With her legs crossed, she holds onto him in her lap with tender grace that only a mother knows.

Kakavasha jolts awake in Summer’s arms as the desert sun slowly rises, but he’s quick to sigh and write off his own alarm as a small nightmare he can’t recall. He looks up at the spirit that held him all night, her eyes closed and her body still as a serene statue. He briefly wonders if this is what it’s really like to be cared for by a mother. However, he quickly shrugs this thought off – knowing that there’s no hope in finding solace in the deceased.

“Awake so early, huh?” Summer murmurs; her eyes flitting open, staring down at him with a soft smile.

“...Yeah,” He rolls out of her arms before stretching his arms high above his head and his legs straight out, “Thanks… For, uhm, last night.”

“No problem, little guy!” She chirps, watching him closely. Her energy and joy are damn near infectious, but he wouldn’t dare dream of giving himself the chance to feel the same pleasures. “Hey, I have a gift for you.” She informs casually, there are sparkles of excitement dancing in her dark eyes.

“...A gift?” He asks, rubbing the back of his neck, “You really don’t have to—”

“Well, I don’t care if I don’t have to, because I want to.” She nods before a gold coin with a triquetra engraved in it manifests in her hand, “Here, catch!” She tosses it to him.

He catches it despite the fumbling, he looks down at it and blinks slowly, “A gold coin? Well, at least it doesn’t look like a damn Tanba…”

“My gramps made it! And it was the last one to ever be minted by him. I really want you to have it, little guy. Think of it as a parting gift and a reminder!”

“...A reminder of what?” He asks with deliberate slowness.

“That there’s always love and kindness looking for you and that it’ll find you eventually, sooner or later. So, don’t give up on those things, or ever give up on anything! Also…”

“Also…?”

“Should we ever meet again,” She clasps her hands around his own hand that holds the coin, “Show me the coin, and I’ll know exactly who you are.” She grins, “You can do this, m’kay?”

With that said, she vanishes. And he doesn’t know if it’ll be for now or forever. He clutches the coin tightly in his hand, her lingering warmth setting a fire ablaze in his heart – a unique determination.

[friccafracc]

now with the knowledge of strandy being human and alive during the 1940-50's, i have a bunch of thoughts about him

1. you already confirmed that he was such a snitch, and seeing as mccarthyism was rampant during 1950-54, he definitely lied or snitched on so many people and got them blacklisted from everything just for the fun of it. i'm sure that this would've gotten him some sort of social status at this time, but for the sake of his character im ignoring that ❤️

2. going off ur other asks about him being the stereotypical white dad of an average 1950's american family, he's definitely the neighbor who is up at 7 in the morning mowing his lawn and smiles a little too wide at you. you think he's just being friendly but there's this genuinely off putting vibe that he has, but because he's so well liked by everyone in the neighborhood, you don't push it.

3. tbh i dont think that he would have any resentment for his wife at the time ?? like we as the listeners already know that he's weird but im sure he plays up the uncanny factor whenever the two of them attend any sort of neighborhood event/meeting

4. just like the well-liked neighbor thing, he's definitely that one guy at work who is employee of the month every other month, but you seem to be the only person who realizes how weird he identifies. he grips your hand with a shake that's a little too firm, and his smile makes your stomach flip so much that you think you might be nauseous. but your boss is constantly saying that he's such a good guy, and your worries are dismissed just like that

5. he definitely lives in a big big house in the suburbs. the type of neighborhood where there are multiple cul de sacs and the grass is always green and the pets are always running around and the husbands and wives are always cordial with each other

6. changed my mind about the social status thing. i feel like he could (and probably would) take advantage of his popularity with his neighbors and workplace, so he would never be under suspicion about something. you saw him digging holes up in his background late at night? no worries, he was just making new space for his wife to plant a new bed of flowers!

that's all for now but i'll send more when i think of them :D

YOU UNDERSTAND HIMMMM!!! he was a freaky-ass white boy!!! i didnt think about him having a wife, but the facade was important enough to him that he probably did find someone who would stay with him. Loveless, of course, pre-Stranger Strandy couldnt be bothered to find any meaning when it came to love

Still, i think you pretty much nailed what his life looked like before he became an avatar!! chewing on this chewing on this

[rzyraffek]

slashers with a ftm s/o with no surgeries? (billy+stu and bo or vincent would be nice, the rest can be up to you!)

We support our transmasc fellows😊🏳️‍⚧️

He/him, sfw, lil mension of transphobia but slashers will whoop them probably, Request open

Slashers with transmasc s/o

Ghostface(billy and stu)

For the sake of fic let's pretend that people in 90' weren't mostly uneducated and transphobic

Stu would 100% call him "bro" or "dude"

As soon as s/o come out to ghostfaces Stu said something along the lines "you always been one of the boys babe🥺" while Billy was more like "alight. Valid. If anyone bothers you tell me"

Billy is more sane, he will beat up anyone that is even looking bad at s/o. Also the bully will be next victim 😊

If s/o feels body dysmorpia or just simply insecure... dude you got Stu fucking Macher as your bf, he will spoil him with all stuff s/o needs! Binder?money for terapist so you can get diagnosis and get testosteron? Already in your wallet babe! You need new rad haircut? Well he will beg s/o to let him do it! You don't want any of that? Alr lets order pizza then!

Also they both kinda act like you just were born, like Billy this mf will try to teach s/o 'how to do manly stuff' and teach them how to fix a car or something

ALL those things were about s/o who freshly came out btw, if he is openly trans for while now Ghostfaces are litteraly treat them like any other guy litteraly, they mind their own business why would they get into somones else's live just because he isn't cis🙄🥱(its kinda ironic looking at fact that they are know for stalking)

Vincent Sinclair

As far as s/o treats him nice he sees them as amazing and great human being

He cant speak but he would shit talk s/o past bullies (past cus they are all dead! Thanks Bo and lester for hunting them down😍)

He can borrow s/o his shirts!

He also seems like good hairdresser! He would totaly help s/o cut hair if he wants too!

Would litteraly torture anyone that is mean! No, like for really torture them. He is a serial killer yall dont forget

S/o came out after he meet Vince or nah? Doesnt matter really. He totally treats them the same

He knows how it feels to be judged and he really doesn't want s/o to feel like he is judged too! He wants to create safe space😊

Vinny love language is staring creeply into s/o eyes and hold hands. Also he want to give s/o alot of flowers cuz they are just as pretty as him!

Will make lil figurine of s/o 100%

Live laugh love transgender people😊😊as nonbinary person i do love yall

Also i feel like this one is bad, didnt really have ideas

[tiredtriedfailures]

its so funny to see this dynamic

play out but these two bring a whole new level

cuz we see again and again that Dong Eun, as relentless as she is to start and continue this plan, as calm and cold as she needs to be to execute it, as ruthless as she is to not feel any guilt for everything that happens to her abusers, wont harm anyone directly. yes, the plan ends up killing and destroying them, but never with her own hands, she is more inclined to let them do the work themselves, always, only themselves(even with her own mom! she plays the waiting game). the biggest proof of her mercy is giving Yeon Jin an out for Ha Do Yeong's single kind gesture. as we find out at the end, as broken and invisible she thought she is, Dong Eun is an inherently kind person who cant directly harm them.

this freak on the other hand spends day and night daydreaming stabbing the one person protected behind safety of prison bars(lets be honest at that point the bars arent protecting the people from that guy but him from Yeo Jeong) and is fully okay with killing anyone she asks as well. now you may be likely to take his entire, committed, likening himself to her Royal Executioner as simply just an expression of devotion, i get it since he doesnt end up doing that for her, but after watching the last episode i was convinced he didnt kill any of her abusers because she wouldnt have him do it.

see, his little speech to his prison bird just reveals an important piece of his psyche, he tells him his oath is to protect and save people but doesnt say anything about animals, inhumans, like him. meaning this guy has a mentality where at some point of immorality you lose your humanity in his eyes and become discarded. it is a line where he wont hesitate, he wont regret, he wont even have guilty dreams about the person he killed, maybe not even think about them again for the rest of his life. Light Yagami ass views. he doesnt ask Dong eun if she killed Miyoung-o cuz he literally doesnt give a shit. not a single question mark on his mind. hes like "if she dids it she dids it, if she didnst it she didnst it" and thats that.

and his insanity is written so well, all of his scenes with Dong Eun's abusers were tense as shit. because while you dont know how dangerous he really is till the last speech, in all of them his mere entering of their spaces is threatening, he either has them under his knife or under his car, even his first meeting with Ha Do Yeong is invading, not the park he frequents, no, its invading his mind. he leaves that meeting with the information of what kind of a person he is, enough to make a dead on prediction of his step-by-step behavior. he is smiling and cracking jokes through the interactions but YOU, the viewer, are aware there is something wrong with him.

when he buys that funeral home i was fully expecting him to fill it with corpses himself. in retrospect, that plot would have been too taxing on Dong Eun and im not sure she would ever let herself live after that but cant see Yeo Jeong being too bothered to be honest.

[maygrcnt]

been reflecting on the season a lot recently and on the topic of bucks bisexuality storyline, and i think ive come to the conclusion that theres maybe some catastrphization on the part of people who think the arc is horribly written, but also other people seem to be looking at it through rose tinted glasses and accepting anything given to them just because the storyline was such a long time coming. And i’ve had a hard time with figuring out why both sides of these takes just bother me so much so i sat down with my thoughts while work was slow and i rotated evan buckley in my mind until i had coherent thoughts

When it comes to the self discovery of it all i think that is probably the best thing the show did with the arc. episodes four and five were ultimately huge successes in my opinion on the topic of bisexuality. My main issue with this part of it is not specifically to do with the bi-ness of the storyline but the show in general. The show, showrunner, and Oliver want us to believe this storyline is different, that this is the one that finally changes everything, and I fully believe them in that being their intentions. However, they didnt show that to us well enough. The show has a glaringly cliche formula when it comes to buck and eddie love storylines that i used to think was intentional parallelism but now believe to be a writing rutt that they can't seem to break out of. They meet the partner, they have a romantic moment, something gets in the way of that romance, they meet up at a restaurant to “start over”. Ali, natalia, ana all follow this exactly and taylor sort of. its just tired? And the fact that this is exactly how buck and tommys relationship starts too just makes it so i cant convince myself that this is any different than before. Like i said i truly believe the writers thought they were pulling buck off the hamster wheel and the commentary outside the show tells me that he’s supposed to be doing something new, but they just can't escape their own romance formula enough to actually do it in the TEXT. and one thing about me is i think when it comes to TV, a viewer response lens is the most important way to analyze the story. the intention of the writer doesnt matter as much as the interpretation of the viewer because the average viewer of prime time television isnt reading tim minears interviews or listening to the podcasts oliver stark does, theyre tuning in at 8pm est and tuning out at 9. to conclude on the topic of bucks self discovery arc, i think it was done well. i think this is a general consensus, i feel like most people who think the storyline went sour still believe that episode four was done well at the very least

when it comes to the coming out of it all, this is one spot where i believe there’s some catastrophizing. the storyline had to choose carefully who got the long coming out scenes and i think it’s crazy to say that they chose wrong. do i wish there was a little bit of a longer beat with both hen and bobby about the storyline, yes absolutely. but i don’t think scenes with buck sitting down to formally come out to them would have been either necessary nor in character. bucks strongest canonical ties are to maddie, eddie, and bobby. two of which he never felt the need to come out formally to either by the way. i think a lot of people wanted to see more hesitation and fear from buck about his sexuality, but what they decided to show us instead was a man who realized something new about himself and immediately understood that the people around him were going to love and accept him no matter what. the only slip we see in this confidence is around eddie where… im trying to keep this analysis unbiased by non canon things so im not going to get into what i think of that but… in any sense bucks coming out moments were not about coming out at all but instead always about him being loved by his family. i rate this part of the storyline 10/10 because it all felt so natural and real for someone who has the support system and love that buck does (not saying it isn’t hard to come out even when people are supportive, just that i get why it wasn’t hard for buck). the storyline matched the character really well, but if they were to give the same easy breezy coming out arc to a character with the same backstory as say eddie then i would understand the want for more turbulence.

now the most polarizing part of the storyline for sure is the “established relationship” part of the season i guess you could call it lmao. my personal main complaint here is that we immediately lose any and all insight into the *new* of it all. if you want to make a big deal about this romance storyline being different than the other ones, you actually have to show us on screen what’s DIFFERENT about it. it doesn’t bother me so much on a relationship side of things because the relationship isn’t my personal cup of tea, but i think it would have been nice to see more scenes focused on the reasons this relationship is something new for buck. i’m not a tv writer, i honestly don’t have a suggestion for scenes that could have made this better for me. i think a tone thing is big part of it, if they lightened up tommy’s interactions with buck made him a little more flirty and lively it would have felt truly like a new relationship still in the phase of navigating a new dynamic rather than. well it doesn’t matter what i thought the relationship felt like by the end that’s not the point here. another place i feel like they could have put some more effort in is the bobby of it all, he was very preoccupied but their conversation felt stilted and not actually how i imagine it going. when it comes to the acknowledgment of bisexuality and newfound personal experiences i rate the end of the season: bad. i don’t think this was by virtue of the show not caring or wanting to portray the storyline anymore, but just by virtue of the entire end of the season being… kinda bad.

finally the finale, oh the finale… i swear im trying to come at this as unbiased as i can when i talk about the BT dinner scene but just know that i didn’t like it and that may bleed through. i think it was unfavorable of them to frame this scene the way they did. by having the scene start en media res and having us jump in to the dinner already in progress it feels disingenuous, because now im supposed to believe buck left the hospital, cooked an entire meal, set up a date, started eating and only THEN was the topic of bobby’s health brought up? it feels like this scene was written in a way that it would be for a well established long term couple, not a new relationship we’ve barely seen on screen. in this very scene is the first time tommy even learns what bucks relationship with bobby is like, this is very obviously not a deep connection yet so why are they being given the framework of it? the show is telling us that this relationship has gotten more serious without any proof and i find it very hard to believe them. i think there’s ONE simple change that makes this scene work 100x better and makes me feel like buck is actually settling into the relationship rather than having to take tim minear word for it: just start the scene with buck coming home to tommy! if buck is just getting home from the hospital it doesn’t feel as out of character because there’s less assumed time where buck is for some reason not worried about bobby, which he WOULD be don’t even try to tell me he’s not. and if tommy is already in bucks apartment when he comes home we learn so much about their relationship with such a small gesture. that buck feels comfortable with him there, that tommy feels comfortable alone there, that they spend time there often enough that tommy knows his way around. it just feels like this scene was written in good faith but the forgetfulness by the writers on the overall context of where this scene was in the episode created a strange tone in which i’m supposed to believe evan buckley would ever plan a romantic date night while bobby nash is literally comatose. thoughts on the bisexual storyline in the finale: no. i’m not gonna get into the daddy issues line of it all because that’s a lot more opinion based and it would make this like double length. ask me about it if you want i guess.

all in all, i think there’s … a lot that could have and should have been done differently in order to maximize the goals and effects that tim continuously told us he was trying to achieve. when it comes to carefully telling a story of late life sexuality discovery, i think they did well. when it comes to most other aspects, i think the ball was dropped. pls feel free to send messages or asks regarding this topic because i think im still developing thoughts on it and id love to have conversations regarding :)

[characteranalyst]

Thanks for the tag friend this seems like fun @fluidsoul31. I’m late sorry. But better late than never I guess.

Rules: make a new post with the names of all the files in your WIP folder, regardless of how non-descriptive or ridiculous. let people send you an ask with the title that most intrigues them, and then post a little snippet or tell them something about it! and then tag as many people as you have WIPs.

I have a ridiculous amount of WIPS because my brain does this /very/ annoying thing where when I get an idea for a fic, I have maybe a 10 + hour window (on a good day) to drop what I’m doing put ass in chair and type it out from start to finish without any interruptions or else the idea will just go *poof* gone never to be seen or heard from again. And the only reason I even wrote and posted my last fic was that I blessedly got the idea on a Saturday morning.

So welcome to my graveyard of WIPS that are gathering dust in my Google docs because I got the idea like 5 minutes before I had to leave for work and the juice ran out by the time I got home and all that was left was maybe 7 or 8 paragraphs if I was lucky that I got to spit out before the inspiration flew away.

So let’s start with the Phayu/Rain WIPS -

1. NICE TO M(EAT) YOU a.k.a the Hannibal AU. Butcher! Phayu/Line cook! Rain

(I actually wrote a good chunk of this from Phayu’s POV before I realized it would have been better to start in Rain’s POV so it’s unfinished but technically planned out)

2. SIMON SAYS -

(Fem! Phayu Rain fic. I wrote this one for the sensory deprivation day for Kinktober and it’s like 95% done but I got in my head and thought it was shit so I didn’t post it.)

3. MONEY TO BLOW a.k.a the BL co stars AU but make it dead dove -

(HIGH KEY wish I had called into to work to write this one. I really loved this concept. But I only got to spit out about 6 paragraphs before work. )

4. CARN(IV)AL DESIRES a.k.a the Carnival meet cute fic.

(We are going to collectively ignore my cheesy title. I wrote basically the entirety of this meaning to post for Valentine’s Day but the dialogue was beating my ass so it’s unfinished.)

5. PHAYU.EXE - a.k.a the succubus/computer virus Phayu AU

(So another one I wish I had called in to write. It’s probably 3 paragraphs of actually story and 1000 + words of bare bones skeletal ideas)

6. UNTITLED PORN AU

(I had written this one for the piss day I think for Kinktober. I wrote a good amount of it before the characterization got a little fucky and I had no clue where I was going with it.)

7. SOME LIKE IT KNOT - a.k.a my first attempt at an a/b/o fic

(Another idea 5 minutes before work. But I actually wrote a good chunk of this and world builded a little before I realized I also had no clue where I was going with it. )

8. FUCK ME ONCE SHAME ON YOU - a.k.a Fem!Rain’s gay awakening

(Another Fem! Phayu Rain one. Sort a retelling of the code line meeting night. This is basically fully written but I don’t know I just didnt want to post it. It felt very ‘I’m projecting onto the blorbos and I do not want to be perceived so let’s not post this’. So yeah.)

I have more but I can’t be bothered rn to go rummaging around to look for any more.

So next up is a Ray/Sand Only Friends WIP

1. THE WISDOM TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE a.k.a the Ray goes to AA meetings fic

I wrote this while the show was still airing so canon kinda made me give up on finishing it but I wrote a good bit.

And lastly my Killing Stalking WIP

1. MOTHER MAY I?

This is a canon divergence rewrite of chapters 8-9 of the manga. Didn’t finish it but a wrote a lot and it was fun to write something a little fucked up. The manga was /something/ and I was itching to rewrite some parts of those chapters:

Ok so I know I technically didn’t follow the rules because it said only the titles but I couldn’t help myself. Sue me. Send me and ask if any catch your eye.

And I have no clue who to tag so anyone that wants to participate can have at it.

[discar]

HZD Terraforming Base-001 Text Communications Network

Chapter 10 | Prev chapter | Next chapter Chapter Index

Marshall Kotallo: Who was that Carja woman? Aloy said she was a friend, but did not give many more details.

β: i didnt see anything

β: anyone

Marshall Kotallo: She wasn't here for long. She just used the passage through the mountain.

FlameHairSavior: That's T

FlameHairSavior: That's Talanah.

Zo: Are you texting while fighting again?

FlameHairSavior: No.

Zo: Are you lying?

FlameHairSavior: ...no?

HIMBO: Please concentrate on what you're doing.

HIMBO: I'm going to have enough trouble explaining all this to the Nora without "also, the Anointed daughter of the All-Mother got killed because she was texting too much."

FlameHairSavior: I told you not to call me that.

HIMBO: And I won't, if you stop multitasking.

ForgeLordAleMaster: I CAN PROBABLY EXPLAIN, ANYWAY.

ForgeLordAleMaster: TALANAH IS THE SUNHAWK, LEADER OF THE HUNTER'S LODGE IN MERIDIAN.

HIMBO: I think I met her at the battle.

ForgeLordAleMaster: YEAH, SHE WAS THERE. I WAS BUSY KEEPING MY IDIOTS IN LINE, BUT I HEAR SHE DID GOOD.

ForgeLordAleMaster: SHE SOMETIMES ACTS LIKE EVERYONE SHE MEETS IS GONNA HIT HER WITH A HAMMER.

HIMBO: I think I know the type.

ForgeLordAleMaster: SHE'S GOT A LOT TO PROVE, BUT SHE'S PROVEN IT. NO ONE IS REALLY COMPLAINING ABOUT HER BEING SUNHAWK ANY MORE.

Marshall Kotallo: What did she have to prove? I assume she is a capable warrior. Why would it be worse for her than anyone else?

HIMBO: The Carja don't let women fight.

Marshall Kotallo: …

Marshall Kotallo: [SkepticalOwl.png]

HIMBO: It's not MY culture.

Marshall Kotallo: I will admit I had heard that before. I simply wasn't sure to believe it. I assumed Carja squads were segregated.

Marshall Kotallo: Still, to go from having to prove herself to being leader of a powerful squad is an impressive feat.

HIMBO: I'm guessing there's a story there.

ForgeLordAleMaster: OH, BY THE FORGE YES. BUT IT'S ALL POLITICAL SCRAP.

ForgeLordAleMaster: THE HUNTER'S LODGE HUNTS MACHINES. SO WHEN THE DERANGEMENT STARTED, THE MAD SUN-KING ORDERED THEM TO FIND A SOLUTION.

ForgeLordAleMaster: THEY FAILED, OBVIOUSLY.

ForgeLordAleMaster: SO THEN HE ORDERED THEM TO FIND MACHINES FOR THE SUN-RING. LONG STORY SHORT, THEY ARGUED, HE THREW THEM INTO THE SUN-RING, AND ALL THAT WAS LEFT WAS A BUNCH OF STUFFY NOBLES WHO BARELY KNEW WHICH END OF AN ARROW WAS SHARP. EVERYTHING WENT DOWNHILL.

ForgeLordAleMaster: TALANAH BECAME THE NEW SUNHAWK BEFORE THE BATTLE OF THE ALIGHT, STARTED LETTING IN PEOPLE WHO ACTUALLY KNOW HOW TO HUNT AND STUFF.

β: who was the mad sun king

ForgeLordAleMaster: YOU DON'T KNOW WHO THE MAD SUN-KING WAS?

β: how would i know that

Zo: Jiran was the previous Sun-King, and he was in power twenty years ago when the Derangement started.

HIMBO: When the machines started becoming more aggressive.

Zo: Correct. He became convinced that the Sun was angry, and could be appeased by blood sacrifice. He started raiding every surrounding tribe for captives to sacrifice in the Sun-Ring, fighting machines.

ForgeLordAleMaster: JUST SO WE'RE CLEAR, EVERYONE WHO WASN'T A SUN-MAD CARJA CRAZY KNEW THAT WAS A PILE OF SCRAPPER LEAVINGS FROM THE START. DON'T NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TERRAFORMING MACHINES AND ALIEN SIGNALS TO FIGURE OUT THAT BLOOD SACRIFICE ISN'T THE ANSWER.

Zo: Eventually, Jiran's son overthrew him and became the new Sun-King, putting a stop to the Red Raids.

ForgeLordAleMaster: HE HAD A LITTLE HELP. YOU MAKE IT SOUND LIKE THE CARJA SOLVED ALL THEIR PROBLEMS BY THEMSELVES.

Zo: Of course not.

β: who arethe carja

β: who are the carja

ForgeLordAleMaster: ...YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT THE CARJA? THE BIGGEST TRIBE IN THE REGION?

β: how would i know that

Marshall Kotallo: Did the Zeniths not teach you anything about local politics?

β: no

Zo: ...oh. Oh dear.

HIMBO: Does that mean the Zeniths don't know, or that they didn't bother teaching Beta?

Marshall Kotallo: Both, I suspect.

Zo: Beta, why don't you come up? I think this is something best explained in person.

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