#don't ask me what the top ten good dad moments are

[evilwickedme]

Top 10 worst Bruce dad moments?

So here's the thing. I'm not actually like. That well versed in the comics yet? Again like. Only been here for about six months. But I'll do my best anyway

10. Firing Dick

HE FIRED DICK FROM BEING ROBIN. THE NICKNAME HIS MOTHER GAVE HIM. THEN GAVE SAID NICKNAME TO ANOTHER CHILD. WHAT THE FUCK.

9. Steph as Robin

Honestly everything about this is a mess. I've only read a few pages from this arc but Tim quitting being Robin was a really difficult decision and Bruce's response was to give the job to Tim's sort-of-ex girlfriend and then treat her like crap. I believe it's canonically cause she reminded him too much of Jason, but that might just be the fandom's reading of the subtext; either way, if the shoe fits...

8. Telling Damian if he was there, Alfred wouldn't have died

What the FUCK, Bruce, that is your SON. COMFORT HIM FOR THE LOSS OF HIS GRANDFATHER

7. Robin!Tim in general

Listen intentional or not Tim is written as a character that has very much internalized needing to be useful being more important than anything else. His parents simply prioritize work over him point blank - his dad doesn't even remember his birthday, for God's sake - and Bruce simply like. Does not help with this. If anything he takes advantage of it. Tim needs to be loved unconditionally, like, STAT, like, that would fix 70% of his identity issues kinda STAT, and I'm not sure he's ever felt that with Bruce

6. Free space: any time he's hit one of his children that I don't know about

I once reblogged a post that detailed every time he hit Dick but that's long gone into the ether now, I can't find it. Anyway there's no excuse to hit your child. Don't fucking do it. They shouldn't hit you, either, doesn't make it ok for you to do if they've done it fyi. Batman can do non violent solutions, we know this, so fucking use those on your children.

5. Reviving the joker

I believe Dick isn't necessarily mad about not having murdered a man basically in cold blood, but I am. What the fuck, Bruce. You tried to kill him twice, you really wanna tell me you don't understand the urge and NEED to kill him??? And then you BRING HIM BACK TO LIFE??? Again. As I've said. What the FUCK

4. Killing Dick and sending him off to Spyral

Actually Dick shouldn't ever forgive Bruce for anything he's ever done to him ever. Have you seen the panels where they have this argument? His family GRIEVES him and for what!!!! For WHAT

(I understand Grayson itself is actually great I wouldn't know I haven't read it. Doesn't make what Bruce did okay tho. I'm also not sure I trust the positive reviews it's written by Tim Seeley and Tom King like......)

3. RHatO Rebirth #25

Penguin didn't fucking die. He didn't get shot in the face with a real bullet. You don't beat your son half to death to the point where he needs to be RESCUED from you - actually no need to qualify that sentence with the intended "over something that didn't actually happen", you simply don't beat your son half to death, should be a no brainer and YET

2. UTRH end scene

Heartbreaking. We all know at this point. Batarang to the throat. Chooses the Joker over Jason. It's enough to make a fully grown (25 next month) man (eh) cry (I mean. Yeah)

1. INTENTIONALLY TRIGGERING JASON

See here for the ask where I talked about this (and which is presumably the ask that led to this anon). Taking Jason to Ethiopia with no warning when he's cooperating anyway just to intentionally trigger him in order to try to get Damian back to life when you never did anything like that for Jason? Holy fucking shit, you know? Just betrayal after betrayal after betrayal

Anyway I'm sure this list is missing some major moments and I'd love to know what I forgot about or, more likely, simply don't know about! I love a well written good dad!Bruce fic but lbr that's just not what he's like in canon. Calling him a mixed bag as a father figure is an understatement

[reallyromealone]

Can you do (whatever characters you like) x male omega reader?

I don’t care what character(s) get put x reader.

Plot: Toman was in a meeting talking about god knows what when reader begins to enter pre-heat. Chaos insues

Title: atypical courting

Fandom: Tokyo revengers

Characters: Toman + others

Fic type: smut

Pairings: all x reader

Warnings: male reader, reader insert, omegaverse, nsfw, smut, Omega male reader, group sex, double penetration

Notes: I just added everyone in here, it's all post story version's but crime ✨

🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸

He's known them most of his life, Mikey coming to his dad's bakery almost daily and witnessing (name) beat the crap out of a thief trying to rob them, immediately asking him to join Toman even if he was an Omega.

That was ten years ago, and here he was.

On top of the world.

Being a Toman executive wasn't easy, especially as (name) secondary gender but he made it work as he kept a constant supply of suppressants to keep his heat at bay, refusing to be seen in a moment of weakness by the other Toman executives.

(Name) And the others always had... Tension between them, not hostile not but more so sexual, they had for a very long time and neither parties actually handed it from the occasional light pass to a grope, a game of cat and mouse.

Mikey, hanma and Kisaki were one of the worst ones with their infatuation, obsessed with him without ever doing anything.

(Name) Was annoyed as he sat in the meeting, he called in sick for a reason and nooo! He had to be here to hear about god damn taxable buildings they needed to check up on! (Name) Was prepping for his upcoming heat, his preheat would hit any day now and he just didn't want to be here when it happened.

He couldn't afford to be vulnerable with people present.

"(Name), you good? Yer' sweatin' fucking buckets" Baji barked out as everyone turned to look at (name) who was barely present as a sweet smell filtered through the room, the smell of preheat.

"Why did you come if you were in preheat?!" Kisaki yelled and (name) hissed back at him "I TRIED AND YOU WERE LIKE NO EXCUSES! THIS IS IMPORTANT!" he did not care that he was yelling at a Toman vp, his stomach cramping and headache forming as he shakily stood "I'll bring you home" chifuyu and mitsuya said in a synchronized tone before glaring at one another "I'm fine, I'll just go home" (name) grunted as he stood, shaking slightly as he walked out of the room but he didn't get too far as the Toman executives be worked with daily flanked his side's, the Haitani brothers just behind him as hanma wrapped his arm around his waist.

"Back off!" (Name) Hissed at them "I'm a grown man, I can handle myself" he glared and removed Hanmas hand and the specticalled man smiled at the other as if he were an angry kitten "you have an alpha to care for you?" Draken said seriously and (name) looked cross "that's none of any of your business" (name) moved faster down the hall and towards the elevator, pushing them back with little effect as they towered over and got in, (name)s headache and cramp being particularly hard and a pained whine escaped his lips "you haven't had a heat in a while, what has it been a year? Since you had one?" Kisaki said to the other while pulling him closer from behind "we all know you don't have friends outside of Toman"

"And we know you want us as much as we want you" Muto finally pipped up as Mikey pulled him closer, hips touching each other and the smell of pharamones made (name) hazy "let us treat you good... Be our pack Omega" Mikey commanded softly, watching (name) sway slightly before the short blond lifted him effortlessly "just... Just don't claim me..." He whispered, thankful he was wearing his collar today as they all grinned.

(Name) Didn't know whose cock was where as he was double penetrated, when one cock thrusted in the other thrusted out as someone's cock was in his mouth, jerking off others as he was surrounded by alphas and cocks as he was touched and most of all filled to he brim.

"Alphaaa~" if (name) were even slightly coherent he would be horrified at the fact he was pulling his boss closer with his ankles around the blonds neck as he jerked off smileys cock that was right by his lips, moving to take it in his mouth with a soft hum.

"God, we should have made you ours forever ago.." pah said drained, having had the soul sucked from him via (name)s tight ass "you think he would be a house Omega? Bare foot?" Angry asked curiously as he too recovered and Draken snorted "he would rip out our eyes for even suggesting that"

It was true, despite being cock drunk and needy now, they knew he was too work driven to even think of that, he wasn't a house Omega who would sit all docile for them.

They literally saw him beat the shit out of a lower employee for losing a cargo box of drugs.

So that said enough.

"I'm just happy we don't have to dance around each other... I wanted so many times to take him in my office" Koko said and Sanzu grunted in agreement "I once saw him climb the lounge kitchen counter and his ass was at face level, took everything not to shove my face in his plush ass" Sanzu was almost hard thinking about it but (name) fucked him out of commission for at least a day.

It had only been five hours and the Omega is just getting exhausted as he let the there's do as they pleased to him, eyes barely staying open as he took what was given.

(Name) Woke up sore, real sore as he sat up to see bodies all over the room, chatting or sleeping as the Omega processed what happened "you need another knot baby?" Baji asked as he chugged a water bottle as Angry looked at (name) curiously as poor (name) processed what took place, cum leaking from his ass as he shakily got out of Draken and Kakuchos hold "what... Fuck... Ow" (name)s hips and ass hurt as he nearly fell over, caught by smiley who snickered at the other man's pain "what did you all go to town on me?!"

"Yuuup" the pink haired twin said kissing his cheek with a cackle "I need a shower..." (Name) Grumbled as he stumbled to the washroom with a hard limp, kicking out any horny alphas that tried to join him.

(Name) Soaked in the bath as he thought about what transpired... He just fucked all his co-workers.

And his bosses!

Oh god he got railed by Mikey and Draken at once.

Memories flooded back as he remembered everything they said to him, everything he did!

He practically attacked Kisaki for his dick!

He didn't hear the washroom door open as mitsuya walked in dressed in nice clothes, a to go bag in one hand and clothes in the other "you haven't eaten since last night" mitsuya chuckled as he crouched before (name) "we got you some breakfast" he said as (name) looked confused "why?"

"You're the pack Omega, gotta keep you taken care of"

"I'm no--""-- we aren't asking you to quit, we just want you and we know you wanted in our pack... To stubborn to admit it"

(Name) Flushed as he didn't deny it and looked at the food they got him, his favorites all present as the Alpha tried to feed him "you have wet hands, you might drop a chopstick"

After the bath, Mikey tried to demand (name) live with one of them preferably him but (name) shut that shit down "I am not going to be your back and call fuck toy " he grumbled and Mikey glared but the pout proved his harmlessness at that moment.

"Next time, in not letting you all rail me back to back"

"No promises"

[atinystaypixie]

Lesson of Rejection

Summary: You are a princess, and as a princess, you don't take rejection well. When your top guard does reject you, its only natural you teach him a lesson.

WC: 2.5k+

CW: 18+, MDNI!!, gang bang, spit roasting, unimplied unprotected sex (wrap it before you tap it, especially in these situations), cumming in pants, oral (m&f receiving), bondage, public (ish) setting

Requested by: @princeasimdiya12 thank you for waiting luv!

Nanami is a well respected man. Every subordinate looks up to him, all fellow guards admire his strength, and no one is trusted like him. Your father adores him and is the only man he allows to be close to you.

He is always close to you, watching you, and if you look close enough, admiring you. In the comfort of your room of the large palace, you wear minimal clothing and his eyes will occasionally scan the enticing skin of your body. You are a smart girl, and can clearly sense when a man is interested in you. Especially when the well reserved man is caught with the tips of his ears turning red from helping you undress.

You had stormed to your room in a fit of anger after the meeting with your father and your supposed future husband. The man he introduced to you made your skin crawl. A creepy smile, weird stitches across his forehead, and such a disgusting way of talking down on others. But for some reason, your dad couldn’t stop praising him.

“I mean how could he?! He didn’t even ask if that’s what I wanted! Marry THAT man? That disgusting man? How dare he?!” You exclaim stomping around your room and throwing your jewelry about. He told you to come your best dressed and you took your precious time getting all pretty just to be met with this bullshit.

“Don’t just stand there! Help me get this off!” You directed your anger towards Nanami. He understood you were upset, so he didn’t take offense to you raising your voice at him. Usually the maids would help you with this task, but in your fit of rage you told no one to enter your room and that meant only Nanami would be near you. He always is there with an open ear when you go on tangents.

“He’s just marrying me off like some kind of property! Am I not human?” His callous fingers work the laced up ribbons undone. Your dress slipping off your body leaving your backside completely exposed to him. The panties and bra leaving little skin covered. His mind wanted to be respectful and look away, but his eyes stared longer than what could be considered an accident.

“I will not-,” you stop ranting as you turn around. He’s closer than expected and his eyes are hooded. It’s not for long and he quickly changes back to his professional poker face, but it was long enough for you to catch. He turns his head giving you the view of his ears. You suppress a smile and go back to blowing up about your father. Tonight’s events aren’t even a worry anymore, it’s being exposed and forcing Nanami to stay in close proximity for as long as possible.

For at least ten more minutes, Nanami was forced to endure your nearly bare figure strutting around. Your words go in one ear and out the other. His eyes were doing the best to not land on you, but you were making it difficult by making sure to stay in his line of sight. You finally stop dramatically in front of him. The jiggle of your breasts catch his lowered eyes.

“Nanamins, I refuse to be given to that man. He’s not even my type.” Your voice is lowered and dripping with seduction. A well manicured finger pressing against his firm chest through his clothes. It was fine until you started dragging your finger lower at the end of your sentence.

Any other man would have folded right at that moment, any other man would have gone in for a kiss, but Nanami was not any other man. His hand wraps around your wrist halting your actions.

“Miss. I am afraid you are extremely frustrated. It is best if you get some rest. Have a good night.” He gently releases his grip and turns on his hills. This did not sit easy with you. Yes, you were teasing the man and didn’t truly expect for things to go far, but the fact he completely just rejected and left you? That was not going to fly over well.

Nanami didn’t release the effect his actions had. He didn’t realize the fire pit that being professional and sticking to his duties had thrown him in.

It wasn’t until he found himself in the current predicament that he released just how bad you didn’t like being told no.

He entered the training room with powerful strides as usual. You had ordered a special session and without question he showed up along with the other higher ranked guards. He was informed on the information while having tea with you. You were close to him and would often ask him to drink with you. It wasn’t as if he could truly refuse, he was your personal guard and would have to be in close proximity while following every order anyways.

“Today, I would like to do something different.” Your head held high and you spoke to your guards. Nanami internally raised an eyebrow, his curiosity never playing across his face. He knew something was completely awry when you ordered each of them that this session would be kept from your father. “With this session, I want to practice, how should I say,” you do a humming sound of thought, “rejecting.” A smile etches onto your face. The word spikes Nanami’s attention. He was top guard for a reason and his wit was a part of that reason. Unease wasn’t an emotion he felt often, but after the events of the other night, he couldn’t help but feel as if that night and this session tied together.

“Yuki,” you call to the female guard who acts like more of an assistant than anything to you. “Pass me what I asked you to bring.” There is a silk covering on what appears to be a cart. “Gojo,” this time your attention is directed towards the tall, white-haired guard, “take off your pants.” If his eyes weren’t covered, they would be seen popping wide before relaxing again.

Gojo couldn’t say he quite understood the command, but either way he liked where this was going. It was no secret that most, if not all, the guards had an attraction to you. So if you commanded the man to take his pants off, he would gladly do it for you. He was almost too eager, making you swallow a scoff. Your deviant eyes flicked to Nanami and he was still standing straight and at attention without a noticeable shift in demeanor. He wouldn’t be like that long.

A series of orders were thrown out. The guards moved quickly and swiftly as each had a separate one directed towards them. In all their time of training, in all their time of serving, none of them expected to ever be in this situation.

Gojo and Sukuna stuff you full as Nanami is tied with his hands behind his back. His cock straining against his pants as he watched your pussy wrap around Gojo’s dick and your pretty lips soak in your own spit as Sukuna fucks into your throat. You knew that Nanami was suffering, and suffering badly at that. The tea you had him drink this morning had more than sugar added to it.

“Such a slut, Princess.” Gojo spoke, still pistoning his hips forward aiming to reach the deepest pits of your insides. The squelching of your pussy sounds every time his hips connect to your ass, skin to skin filling the room. At this point your eyes were glazed over and sweat was coating your skin. Any moan you had was immediately caught by Sukuna’s dick, turning into gurgles.

Your ears perk at the deep whine that just graced them. Despite having two cocks filling you, your senses immediately clear and your eyes snap to the blonde haired man. His eyebrows tightly scrunched, chest rising and falling heavily, and a red tint to his cheeks. The moans leaving you turn into a choked laugh.

Sukuna groans when he feels your hand push at his hips, removing him from your mouth. “Nanami, was there something you wanted to say?” Your neat eyebrow raises as your hand wraps around the long dick in front of you, your tongue swirling around the tip as you hold eye contact with the restrained man.

“-ease” his words are breathy and low. His body is in so much need of even the simplest touch that he can barely speak.

“Speak up.”

“Please…please, Miss.” The hips that were once rocking into yours stops, Sukuna’s focus is no longer on your plump lips, and Yuki’s face is showing clear shock. They had never heard Nanami sound so needy, so submissive. Their head guard speaking without the normal command in his voice threw all of them off and they didn’t know what to do. “Please, I need relief,” he begged.

“Hmm…,” a heavy pause weighs in the room, “no. We’re working on rejection, remember? I know you are all too familiar with it.” A smirk plays on your lips as you signal Gojo and Sukuna to get back to work. Their egos boosting from getting to fuck into you while the one man who has infinite access to you suffers.

Your walls squeeze around Gojo making his head fall back and eyes clamp shut, “fuck! Princess, if you keep doing that I won’t be able to hold it.”

You release Sukuna with a pop, “go on. I’m not stopping you,” is all you say before going back to sucking. That’s all he needs to feel his balls tightening and dick twitching. He hurriedly pulls out of you and covers your pussy in his seed. The white substance landing on your puffy clit and pussy lips. He lets out deep moans and grunts as he strokes all of his cum onto your cunt.

Sukuna wasn’t far behind, your mouth was so warm and wet around him and it didn’t help that your hand was stroking the parts of him that you couldn’t fit. Your tongue running over his sensitive tip at just the right times had him in the same position Gojo was in moments ago. His eyes were clamping shut and his lips were parted releasing moans.

“Princess, I am close. Please.” He said in broken breaths. The hum you did around his dick letting him know that he could sent him over the edge. His abdomen clenched as he released his seed on your tongue.

Nanami couldn’t take seeing two men release their seed onto you. He was on the verge of cumming without even being touched. Although his skin was hot and his dick was angrily throbbing, he noticed that you hadn’t come. But he didn’t need to say it, because you were already getting up and walking over to him on shaky legs. You grabbed his chin and made him look up at you.

“Look at you,” you scoffed. “Clean me up.” He felt your fingers grip the locks of his hair and before he can say anything, your cum covered pussy meets his lips. If he was in his right state of mind he would have immediately resisted, but he wasn’t. Your clit hitting his nose and his tongue greeting your used hole had an animalistic moan rising out of his chest. He couldn’t bring himself to care that he had to clear another man's seed to get the full taste of your pussy, his body was in so much need that even sniffing your used cunt was making him spiral more.

“Good fucking boy,” you bit your lip as your eyes stayed focused on him. The view was perfect. Your legs widen and his face directly between them as you humped on his face. He was licking at your cunt like a starved man, his tongue lapping up your slit and catching your clit before pushing back into your hole. Gojo and Sukuna might have just got done using you, but Nanami’s tongue was making your body weak. He was making sure to catch every drop of your juices and the pleasure you were feeling was obvious from the way you were moaning. Your moans making the two already spent men feel their dicks start twitching again.

You felt the coil in your stomach getting ready to pop. Your fingers gripping tighter at the blonde strands between them and your hips bucking with more aggression.

Without warning, you cum in Nanami’s mouth. The taste of your release making his dick immediately spurt cum into his pants. His body was shaking while whimpers and moans fell from his lips. His hand rested against your thigh as he caught his breath.

The laugh you let out as you moved his head from your thigh was condescending. You lower to in front of him and unzip his pants reaching your hand in. “You came in your pants,” you stroke his sensitive dick causing another whine to come from him before pulling your hand back out. “I mean look! You made such a mess and I didn’t even touch your dick!” Another laugh left you, off to the side small chuckles could be heard from Sukuna and Gojo.

Your laughs die down and you lean close to his ear and whisper, “the next time you reject me, I won’t be so nice.” You pull away and wrap your cum covered hand around his chin, “thank Nanami for today’s session. Clean up and continue with the day,” you look at Nanami again, “except you. Stay like this, cum soaked pants and everything for the rest of the day.” You gather a robe off of the cart you ordered Yuki to bring you earlier and exit the room.

In passing later, you see that the guards have all returned to their fixed attires and two especially have wide grins on their face. As Nanami returns to you, you see he has done as you asked. The proof being the clear stain at the front of his pants.

“Miss, I am sorry for rejecting you and I have reflected, but could you please allow me to change so I may look appropriate in appearance.”

Your answer comes quickly and without a bat of the eye, “no. Everyone feels the need to tell me what’s going to happen despite my wishes lately. I don’t like it, so in a start to correcting it, you’ll stay like this until the end of the day.” He didn’t protest or speak further after that, he knew it would only make it worse. In any other situation he would have tried to talk you down, but he had suffered enough embarrassment of the day. Before returning to you, Gojo, Sukuna, and Yuki had their fun mocking him. It wouldn’t be the end of it either because he still had a training session to lead later on in the day.

But Nanami was the head guard for a reason, he was the guard entrusted to be close to you for a reason. He couldn’t be deemed the top guard if he didn’t realize the tea he had with you countless times before tastes different. A small aftertaste and the heating of his blood gave away all he needed to know. The guards may have something to mock him about now, but they won’t be the ones inside of your tight pussy for many nights to come, nor will they be the reason your pending marriage will fail.

✨

Thoughts of a Slutty Virgin ~ 🧚🏾‍♀️

Whew it has been a while! This was requested so long ago and I really am thankful for the patience. I will continue to work on the requests that I have yet to put out. PIXIE'S BACK!

ENJOY! Reblog, like, and comment💜

Pixie's Masterlist

Taglist: @444ghosty @un-lawliet @tophamhat-kyo @nobianna @viisgrave

Wanna join my taglist?

Purple dividers at the top made by me. Pictures used are not mine. Support banner made by @/cafekitsune.

[echobx]

The Blessing - Rafe Cameron × plus size!fem!reader

summary: Rafe and y/n are at an event and he can't keep his hand off her. [blurb belongs to this series but can be read by itself]

word count: 840

warnings: pda, edging, formal wear, making out, dry humping (clothes stay on)

author's note: idk how much I like this. I feel like I fucked up but it's okay, it still feels genuine in the possible continuation of the series.

kinktober masterlist ✘ Not My Type masterlist

“You look hot in that suit,” you lean over, whispering in Rafe's ear before you walk off, continuing to charm potential buyers and brokers. You know he's watching you, barely getting any work done like that, but you don't mind it. Your relationship with Rafe is still somewhat of a secret. Sure, everyone in your office knows, but that doesn't mean the rest of the world needs to, especially not your father who is somewhere around the house, showing it off to some of his long-standing partners. 

Your back is turned, chatting to a woman twice your age, when you feel his hand press into the small of your back. “Excuse me, Miss, but Ms. y/l/n has a call waiting in another room,” Rafe says, and you turn your head to look up at him. “I'm sure it can wait a moment,” you tell him, but he shakes his head and looks at you with hungry eyes. “I'm afraid not.” 

As soon as the door falls into its lock behind you, he's kissing you senseless. His hands roaming your body and resting on your full breasts and squeezing harshly. “Why’d you do that?” he asks breathlessly, loosening his tie and caging you in against a bookcase. “Do what?” you feign innocence. “Get me riled up and leave my hanging,” Rafe pouts, pushing his bottom lip a bit to the front while brushing over your hair. He knows to not mess it up because it took you hours to get the curls done perfectly. “You could just wait until we're home,” you bat your lashes at him, running your hands along the opened front of his jacket. “This place has 5 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms and a dozen other rooms we could use, not even counting all the closets,” he says and you smile. “Good to know you take your job seriously.” “I'd rather take you, seriously,” he mumbles, kissing you softly. 

That's how you end up with him rutting against your hip while kissing you, letting him search for any type of relief that you can grant him instantly, one that won't ruin your reputation too much in case someone saw. “Gonna eat you out so good when we get home,” Rafe quietly moans against your lips. “That a promise?” you sigh, pulling on his hair but chasing his lips with your own. “Fuck, sugar, just let me,” he whines and right when you want to zip his pants open and help him out, the door is opened and no other than your father is standing in the doorway. 

“Mr. Cameron?” he sounds more confused over the “who” than the fact that he walked in on you. “Dad, I can explain,” you start, but he refuses to look at you, his eyes fixed on Rafe, who is running his hands over his hair. “Mr. Cameron, a word,” your dad demanded, and there was nothing you could do to help with it. Rafe would be on his own, and you really didn't like the thought of it. With an apologetic glance at him, you made your way out of the room and back towards the party. 

Ten minutes later, Rafe is back by your side, leaning down to whisper, “always sleeping yourself to the top, I heard. And I thought I was doing that.” You turn your head to look at him, confusion displayed on your face. “I don't-” “He apologized for your behavior, which is very nice, because if you weren't so,” he took a moment to admire you while searching for the right word, “driven and fast in your choices, he would've run into me actually fucking you against that shelf.” “He knows? You told him?” your heart is nearly beating out of your chest, unsure if it's relief or anxiety. “Yeah. Shouldn't I?” Rafe furrows his brows. “I don't know,” you shake your head, your eyes landing on your dad, who is looking at you from across the room. “Couldn't possibly ask for his blessing if he didn't know we're already together,” Rafe smirks, and it takes a moment for you to register what he said. “You what?” you gasp, quietly. “Relax, just because I asked him doesn't mean we will do it immediately. I haven't even planned the proposal,” he smiles, taking your hand up to kiss it. “What if I say no?” you whisper, unsure what to think of his rather quick planning. “Then I'll respect it and ask again when you're more sure about it. Or we don't have to marry. We can just have all those mini-you’s running around without my name legally attached to them,” he shrugs as if it's the most normal and obvious thing to talk about and do. “Let's just get through this and then go home.” “You're a hoe, you know that?” you giggle, and he leans down to kiss you. “Just for you,” Rafe whispers and closes the small distance that is left between you, and it feels nice to kiss him without having to hide it. 

please don't copy and/or post my work onto other platforms! ~e©ho

taglist: @redhead1180 @spideysimpossiblegirl @drwstarkeyy @princessmaybank @kys4-20 @immyowndefender @julczimozart @hoe4sunarin @m2m2m2 @mochimms @itsme-again @maybankslover @th3eternalersi @because-i-like-toxic-men @rafeeekam @carolinaxvz

[bluejaysandblackbats]

Phantom Grin

Fandom: DC Comics, Batfam

Summary: Bruce Wayne visits his son's grave on the night of his resurrection. Will it change Jason's fate, or is it all simply inevitable?

Chapters: 8/?

Characters: Jason Todd, Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson, Alfred Pennyworth, Barbara Gordon, Tim Drake, Cassandra Cain

Relationship(s): Jason Todd/Original Character

Additional Tags: Canon Divergent AU, Jason Todd Has Chronic Pain, Jason Todd is Disabled, Barbara Gordon is Oracle, Resurrected Jason Todd, Bruce Wayne is Bad at Communicating, Jason Todd & Bruce Wayne Get Along

Chapter Eight: EMDR

Bruce found Jason in the cave with Tim, sparring. "Jason, you have an appointment with the—." Jason took a hit to the chest before knocking Tim off his feet. "Jason, you have—."

"I know... I'll be ready in ten," Jason interrupted. He didn't like going to therapy. Remembering was almost always upsetting, and talking about things was even worse. He knew it worked, but the process itself was exhausting. He rolled his shoulders back and patted the sweat from his brow. "Sorry, Tim... See you later?" Jason asked.

It'd been nearly six months since he'd met Tim, and they'd grown close. It was nice to talk to someone about average things like school and girls. When they both had free time, Jason would spend the night at Tim's house and watch movies.

Tim nodded, and they bumped fists. "If I don't get grounded before tomorrow night, yeah. I'll see you," Tim joked. Jason chuckled and waved as he went back upstairs to his room.

He showered and dressed for therapy, taking the time to look himself over in the mirror and dry his hair. His hair passed his shoulders, and he often pulled it into a long, low ponytail. He wasn't sure how he'd look if he cut it. He noticed bits of grey peeking out of the front of his hair, and he sighed. Sometimes his appearance seemed unreal, still, after all that time. Jason forced himself to smile before exiting his bathroom, and he ran into Cassandra. "W- what—?"

"Have a good day," she whispered. Cassandra knew how drained he felt after therapy. Most of the time, he'd lock himself in his room, and other times he'd come home feeling as if he were someone else. Jason stood still for a moment, wordlessly, before mustering up the courage to hug her. Cassandra didn't mind the hugs, but Jason worried that he burdened her with his feelings.

"Tell Barbara I said hi," Jason replied. He made his way down the stairs and met Bruce at the car. Bruce leaned against the hood with a smile on his face. "What?"

"If you want, you can get your license before your eighteenth—. What's that face?" Bruce asked after Jason started to frown.

"The 'e' word," Jason mumbled as he got in the car and turned his face towards the window.

"Right... You're going to be fine. Your childhood isn't over, you know? Cassie turned eighteen this year, and that meant nothing to her—."

"Yeah, but she was conscious during the whole aging process. I woke up taller, my hair's different, my voice, my life was completely missing, and on top of that, I'm gonna be eighteen soon," Jason complained, "It just—. It sucks, Dad."

"It does suck," Bruce whispered, and Jason smiled. "What?"

"I just wanted you to admit it," Jason grinned, "You don't have to be so positive all the time. It drives me nuts."

"Would you like me to tell you what sucks?" asked Bruce.

Jason laughed. "Yeah, go for it," he answered.

"Waiting rooms. Waiting rooms suck," Bruce replied, and they both laughed. "And the way people say, 'get well soon,' like you have a stomach bug or something."

"Oh, I hate that! 'Get well soon.' Fuck off," Jason blurted out. He gasped and covered his mouth. Bruce let out a giggle that built into a laugh so hard that he cried.

"Fuck off," Bruce repeated before taking a deep breath. "Oh, that's good... I feel like I can finally breathe with you."

Jason softened and looked at Bruce. "I'm glad. That's all I want from you. Loosen up, laugh, cry, curse... It helps," Jason whispered, "I'm not fragile. I swear." As they parked in the lot, they sat still for a moment. "I love you, Dad."

"I love you too, Jason," Bruce whispered. It was the first time Jason ever said he loved Bruce. Jason led Bruce to the office, and they signed in and sat, staring at the fish tank on the wall.

"See the blue one? Iggy? That's the fifth Iggy they've had since I've been here," Jason whispered. Bruce held back a laugh. "Finding Nemo, the darkest timeline."

Bruce chuckled and nudged him. "Cut it out," Bruce smiled, "Jason, are you nervous?"

Jason shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "Uh-huh... It's what I gotta do," Jason mumbled, "I only need like eight more sessions before I'm done, though." Jason shut his eyes and leaned his head back.

The doctor called Jason's name. They had a conversation about their stop signal and Jason's past history, and the doctor asked, "When you hold that image of Willis raising a hand to you, are there any negative beliefs you have about yourself? No feelings, just 'I am' or 'I am not...' statements."

Jason readjusted in the easy chair. "I'm a burden," Jason whispered.

"Is there a positive belief that you would like to have about yourself in the place of that? What would you like to believe about yourself?" she asked.

"That I'm wanted... Maybe even needed," Jason replied.

"Okay... Jason, if you were to hold that image of Willis in your head and say to yourself, 'I am wanted, maybe even needed,' how true would that feel on a scale of one-to-seven? One is completely false, and seven is true... What's your gut feeling?" she questioned.

"Uh... I don't know. Three maybe... Shit, I'm not-. One if we're being honest," Jason answered as he pulled a curl loose from his ponytail.

"That's alright, Jason... When you hold that image of Willis and say to yourself, 'I am a burden,' what do you feel right now?" she asked.

"I feel unsafe, edgy," Jason whispered as he bounced his legs.

"Where do you feel that in your body?" she questioned.

Jason took a deep breath and pulled himself together. "My stomach... And my shoulders... And in my head like I'm—. Like I feel dizzy," Jason whispered.

"Remember Jason, we can stop anytime that you want to," she whispered.

"No, I don't want to stop... I can handle it," Jason replied. He swallowed hard.

"How strong are those feelings on a scale of one to seven?" she questioned.

"I dunno, maybe a seven. I don't like to talk about him," Jason mumbled. He couldn't look her in the eye.

"I need you to take the edginess and the unsafe feeling of being a burden, and I'm going to ask you to carry that along with the image of Willis raising a hand to you," she whispered as she tested the speed of her hand movements as she waved them back and forth. "Can you follow my fingers? Or do you need—."

"No, it's fine," Jason whispered as he followed her fingers with his eyes. He thought about Willis raising a hand to hit him, and it felt as if he were there at that moment. She stopped suddenly, and he took a deep breath in.

"What came up for you?" she asked. Jason closed his eyes and let his hair down.

He took a moment to catch his breath. "Pins and needles. I feel like I'm there and I—. I need a minute. Can I get something to drink?" Jason asked. He hated feeling panicked, but he couldn't help it. She said it was a normal part of the process.

Somatic symptoms, that's what she called them. Jason wasn't really paying attention when she explained it, but he knew that's what he felt. He could recall how it felt because that's how he felt every time he focused too long on the thought. "You can take—." Jason got up before she could finish speaking, and he stepped out into the hallway to get a drink of water.

It took him several minutes to go back, and when he did, he sat for the rest of his hour going through the process. When he was done, he met Bruce in the waiting room. "You alright?" Bruce asked. Jason embraced him. "I've got you... You wanna go get curly fries?"

"Waffle fries... With chili," Jason mumbled into Bruce's shoulder. Bruce chuckled.

[humunanunga]

top surgery

The morning of the surgery, I woke up a few minutes before my first alarm clock. It was set for 6:00am, like the day before when I had to make sure I was dressed in time for the drive to my pre-op appointment a two-hour drive away. But my ride, my medical power of attorney, my secondhand family, had his alarm clock set for 6:15. So I waited until his went off too so he'd have a chance to brush his teeth before I washed the incision area one more time with the special cleanser. Forgetting I didn't need to wash my hair this time, since I already did the night before, my shower was shorter than planned, and so we still had time to idle before driving the scenic route to the surgery center.

More time to hype up my friends, and more time for them to hype me up.

9:30am finally arrived, and so had we. The door was still locked ten minutes later, so I called the office and the voice on the other end said they'd let the nurse know we were here. My driver and I were let in, I changed into the hospital gown, minutes passed as more doctors trickled in against the weekday morning traffic. They took my heart rate, my blood pressure, a urine sample, and the first doctor tried to install the IV needle into my left hand. She had difficulty chasing my vein, which can happen when patients have to abstain from food and drink before surgery. Needles didn't usually affect me, but hunger and dehydration probably made me more sensitive, because I did get woozy. The anesthesiologist ended up getting it done in a few quick motions on the right hand, taping it securely in place and running me through all the risks of anaesthesia and all the factors that made it more likely I'd wake up nauseous. And the surgeon quizzed me on the prescriptions she'd listed for me the day before, and what to do about the binder (leave it alone). At my request, my dad-in-spirit stepped out for a moment while she drew lines on my skin.

And then I was ready.

And finally, the surgeons were ready.

I was led into a spacious operating room, and I asked if I needed to strip down before getting on. They said I didn't, that they'd take care of that. So I stepped on, they covered my legs in a blanket since the room was chilly. I took note of their caps, one with a pig print on it and another with Carebears. I could hear a loud whirring from a machine somewhere out of my periphery while they finished hooking me up, putting an oxygen mask on me, telling me to take deep breaths.

They warned me earlier that the IV drip may sting, but I didn't feel that. What I did feel was the anaesthesia taking effect, so I said goodnight, I'll seeya later.

…

I remember going under. I remember a vague sense of the passage of time, like when you take a nap on the couch with the TV on but don't remember what you were thinking about whenever you wake up.

It took a lot of insistent pestering to wake me, and at first I thought it was my driver trying to wake me. But then I remembered where I was, and I started to respond. Everything felt heavy and cold, but someone put some kind of heater under my legs and it felt so good to warm up again. I was shivering intensely, but the doctors were patient and helped me into the soft pajamas I brought. Pajamas my roommate gave me.

The nausea never came, and when I had tomato soup for lunch and the potato soup for dinner, I couldn't imagine anything tasting better. I was able to take my first post-op selfie as promised on the way back to the hotel room, where one of my dear friends had sent me flowers. Everyone congragulated me, but once I made it back to the bed with the neck pillow, chest pillow and sleep mask from my roommate and her mother, I was only awake again to eat, drink, take pills or watch day become sunset become night.

And I felt so, so loved.

The the sutures holding my grafts in place and the (admittedly itchy) binding over them were removed this week, and the surgeon was delighted to see how well my nipples were healing this early on. I was still pretty tired from how early I had to wake up for the drive to my post-op appointment, but I was giddy seeing my bare chest in the mirror for the first time.

And, so, here I am now. Still under the care of my roomie, my friends and my family while I wait for mobility in my arms to come back. Able to shower again, as long as I follow instructions. Caring for the incision sites while they heal. Tingling the same way skin does when feeling comes back after escaping the cold. And safe from sweating into a binder through any more summers.

For transparency, it may be worth mentioning that I have a history of ideal health. Compared to my brother, my driver and my friends, I'm lucky that I haven't even had any side-effects to deal with. No post-anaesthesia high or nausea, no pain even when I tested out going off the prescriptions. But there's already enough horror stories out there to fearmonger transness with, or to prepare for all the risks and worst-case scenarios; so how about a happy ending to cleanse the palate with this time.

[kharmii]

Here me out, -I spent a bunch of time thinking about this at work- but I think that Julius Novachrono gave Captain Yami a nudge to recruit Zora Ideale to the Black Bulls. He didn't come right out and order him to, but this is how it went down.

-So in an act of savage evil, a member of the Purple Orcas murders Zara Ideale because he's a commoner not knowing or caring that he's a single dad with a son who is now an orphan. Julius knows about Zora and even says, "Is that...?" when the child runs by him while he's visiting Zara's grave.

Despite knowing about the existence of Zara's son, Zora slips through the cracks and has a tough childhood. Revenge fantasies are constantly cycling in his thoughts throughout the years, and he is clever like his dad focusing on traps that use others' power against them while honing his magical technique. When he's in his late teens, he seeks revenge on the people who killed his father. While he successfully injures them, there's blow back that severely injures his face. It's unclear the details, (because I haven't fleshed it out in my mind) but it could be that his Uno Reverse Card spell got messed up causing some of the attack against him to get through that burned his lower face and neck. It could be a spell went wrong forcing him to draw runes on his own body spur-of-the-moment which caused him to injure himself. IE: His ash nature almost made himself ash.

Either way, he ended up injured on the point of death, and only an accidental tapping into forbidden magic saved his life but left him disfigured and forced to wrap part of his face, neck and chest to hide it. Years go by, and he gets better at exacting his revenge without any pain coming back on him. He is really, really careful and will only attack when he's 100% sure of success. He's very grounded in reality and has a good concept of his own mortality after that traumatic incident where he almost died.

Fast forward to Zora's early twenties when he has violently put a lot of corrupt magic knights in their place. Since anyone has since failed to apprehend Zora, complaints about a vigilante eventually get to Marx and through him, the Wizard King. The corrupt magic knights don't want to admit they were targeted for being dirty, so they frame it like they were approached by a male prostitute in a slutty little crop top who offered to turn tricks for cash. When they refused -they are pure magic knights who would never give into such temptation- Zora in a rage beat them up and ripped them off. "You'll know him when you see him", they claimed.

Julius, through a spirit of adventure, looks into it personally. At first, he believes the lies he was told, mainly that Zora does look like a typical street worker who's a perfect ten from the neck down but sort of a butterface. He eventually works out who Zora is and the motivation behind his actions. He feels sorry for him and doesn't want to punish him for doing them a useful service, albeit something illegal. The corrupt among them have it coming and should be kept on their toes.

One day when Yami is in the area, Julius tells him about Zora -his circumstances behind why he does what he does- and asks him to deal with him how he sees fit. He doesn't come out and ask Yami to recruit Zora, but he hopes that he will at least talk sense into him, even if he's not interested in letting him join. Yami finds Zora hard at work beating the crap out of some magic knights he believes deserve a comeuppance, and in a rage, Zora attacks him thinking he's part of their group.

Zora finds himself outclassed by Yami. He thinks....well, it was good while it lasted...... He believed death was imminent only to be taken by surprise when Yami throws him a Black Bulls cape with the 'take it or leave it' attitude.

Zora stews on this for weeks-months-years, like he wants to be a magic knight like his dad, but it would be awkward as frick to just show up at the Black Bulls base and confront a room full of strangers who might be evil people who'd chew him up and spit him out. They'd probably expect him to ditch his super awesome look modeled after the doll his dad gave him and make him dress up all classy and sheeit.. It didn't quite click that maybe the Black Bulls wouldn't care so much about appearances when their captain is a crusty chain-smoking guy in a wife-beater. He angsts over the expectation they'd look down on him for not being nobility, and they might not respect his abilities or take him seriously. Finally, he decides it's best to confront them on neutral ground to feel them out, but where to do it?

His chance comes when he finds out Xerx Lugner is invited to the Royal Knights Selection Exam. Since nobody knows who that even is, the usually level-headed careful Zora goes on a suicide mission to impersonate Xerx under the threat of capital punishment. Fuck it, his life is in shambles at this point with the fact he was given the opportunity to be a magic knight but is too messed up emotionally to take Yami up on it. It's better to go out with a bang while putting a bunch of them in their place right in the Wizard King's face.

Lucky for him, the Wizard King is a fun-loving guy who appreciates a good prank. He knows who Zora is but doesn't let on. Still, he was startled by Zora rocking up out of nowhere impersonating a magic knight whose whereabouts are unknown. When Zora puts an arm around him, he was repulsed by his injuries, his look that doesn't appear fully human, and the pungent nose-hair burning stench emanating off him because a stink bug went off in his pocket. Still, since they are vying for selection to fight a powerful unknown enemy, Julius thinks it would be good for the others to be exposed to an enigmatic person like Zora who might teach them out-of-the-box thinking.

Everyone else wonders why 'Xerx' calls himself the "Saint of Pure Ice" but they quickly come to the conclusion it's because he's a stone-cold douche. Even though Julius likes a good prank, he has regrets because he's more of the light-hearted prankster with a child-like spirit, whereas Zora is bitter and mean-spirited roasting the others in a way that cuts to their souls.

They also wonder why he has his tiddies out and wears low riding pants that shows most of his happy trail. After all, the doll his dad gave him (that he shows everybody like a weirdo) is fully clothed. "Because I have to draw runes on my own body sometimes," Zora eventually reveals, "It's easier to draw runes on my own body when there is a lot of exposed skin!"

[docholligay]

Holligay Tries Things That Aren't Running: Kettlebell AMPD

The answer is a very obvious, 'Because people like it that way' but I swear to god, working out in groups is just choreography, and, why?

I walk into Kettlebell AMPD after a full week of doing strength classes, and I'm not too proud to tell you: I am beat to shit. I literally put dinner on the table and ran out in my Extremely Noble Quest to win an overpriced and unnecessary kitchen item, after having ran in the morning, and the idea of lifting a weight is not thrilling to me.

But, the only way to get a sticker is to do this class, and I've picked it specifically because it's only 45 minutes, and not an hour, and I am lazy.

The teacher's name is Lacy*. I am worried that she will think I'm a lazy shit, because I have every intention of picking up a 10 pound kettlebell and being a lazy shit. Echoes of Boot Camp haunt my mind. She'll see me for sure.

Then she struggles to tell the teenage boys playing hoops that open gym is over, and I offer to do it.

I grab my ten pound kettlebell. She ain't saying shit.

A kettlebell is essentially a flat-bottomed bowling ball with a handle. I've been in enough classes involving weight to have a rough idea of what is going to go on here, but what I could not have imagined is that the squats and bicup curls and whatnot would be set to the beats of That's What I Call Music: Doc is in and around High School.

I want you to imagine trying to get a serious workout in while you're listening to Fall Out Boy and The All American Rejects. You're doing squats in time the Good Charlotte. Am I the dad rock?? I ask myself. I never listened to this stuff really, but there is nothing like the popular music of your generation being used to inspire a bunch of greying women in t-shirts to make you realize that the greying woman is you, DocDoc.

All of which would have been fine until some other unspeakable mid00s hit came on, and she displayed a motion of making a wide swing with the kettlebell, trading it over at the top of her head, squatting down and passing it to the other hand, again, through her legs.

Like most people just this side of 40, I have a handful of infirmities, my only saving grace being that they were caused by something other than being old: Being an idiot.

When I was about 19, I fell through the floor of an abandoned farmhouse, from the second floor to the first, and have a handful of issues to show for it. A few light scars that most people never notice unless I point them out, a knee that gives me trouble occasionally, an elbow with a weak ligament that gets overtaxed easily, but most interestingly, a hand that drops something if I grip it wrong.

I assume this is some kind of nerve injury, as it's the same hand that loses feeling in two of the fingertips if it gets cold, but I don't know as I've never had the money and inclination to chase down an injury for which the diagnosis will be: Hell of a thing! But what it means is I often have to be thoughtful about the way I lift something with that hand, especially something heavy. I have done it so long that people never notice I do it, and honestly it's generally easy to avoid.

Swinging a kettlebell around my legs and through the air to the beat is PRIME TIME for me to be grabbing something incorrectly and sailing it off into Kelsey's head. I stand there for a moment like an idiot, unsure of what to do. Then i just go grab a 5 pound kettlebell and .5% ass it.

I would say I got nothing out of the class, but in fairness I didn't really give it anything to reinvest, it's not like I was actually trying. I don't think I would do it again though, it was weightlifting without any actual oomph. I would go to that class every week and never get any stronger.

We finished with a stretching session to Jimmy Eat World's song about a dead person.

*Or, as with these (reviews? Thoughts? Pointless asides?) a close enough approximation of her name.

[bcbdrums]

Fave character from an oldy show / fave line from Soul Eater / how would u handle it if u were the Tweebs' music teacher?

i see you.... heheh thank you for the ask.

How does one choose...between their children... No seriously this is hard. Top choices I'm stuck between are Adam Cartwright from Bonanza, Al Calavicci from Quantum Leap, H.M. Murdock from The A-Team, or Spock from Star Trek. I love them ALL for very different reasons, but they all have things in common. Dark and angsty characters with difficult lives (in different ways) who struggle to overcome things and never quite achieve their peace... And...while the character I've spent the most time on is probably Spock, I think ultimately I have to go with Adam. I suppose I relate the most closely to him, because his struggle is so human and relatable to many. A good upbringing not without challenge, a steady adulthood offered to him...but he simply is never satisfied. And we never get an ending for him in canon! So he appeals to me and my creative side, both as an exploration of himself and as a way to process through some things of my own. Al, Murdock, and Spock all a semblance of peace in the end or at least we're told they get it (some more than others/in unique ways) but Adam just...vanishes, and we never truly know. So I guess he'd be the fave pick. (But how can one choose a favorite child, heheh.)

I chose from the anime because I need to re-read the manga (even tho I do have a favorite manga moment). And I must give must preamble to this... So you know how from Death the Kid's very first introduction he's falling on the ground and having fits about possibly having done something wrong, leaving something asymmetrical (which...symmetry for him is symbolic of the balance between good and evil, which he as a Reaper must uphold), and in these fits he has he calls himself worthless garbage and he's basically given up in all of these situations and his weapons have to talk him out of it and it takes a lot of effort? And these moments are always played comedically right up until one moment... His final moment of development in the anime, right before facing down against Asura... After first he thinks he can't help, then Lord Death is defeated, and so he resolves to protect the world. He has one more of these self-deprecating rants, but...this time it's spoken to this dad, who he thinks could be dead. This time it's not calling himself worthless for a lack of symmetry, but not worthy to be his father's son... You really feel the weight of everything he's been going through up to this moment. BUT...this time... Instead of declaring himself worthless and that's the end of it, Kid says, "Maybe I don't have what it takes to do this... But... I can try!" That's my favorite line from Soul Eater.

I'm thinking of them at their age in the beginning, as ten year olds. So first of all they'd be percussionists in the 5th grade band cuz they'd get to do a variety of things. Since that wouldn't be enough, I'd give them extra (optional of course) challenges to learn some solo pieces for percussion. And knowing they'd wanna take everything apart and make new things, I'd also hang around with them after school to show them instrument maintenance on all types, explain how all the things work. And if I had some instruments broken beyond repair (we often do and keep them for spare parts) I'd let them play with those in whatever way pleased them. Lol they'd likely make their own frankenstein'd instrument... Or do chemical experiments on the brass since there's some toxicity risks.... Yeah. And that's just band (but I'm tired now so that's what you get lol). Meanwhile, I'm operating on the assumption that they are good, well-behaved kids at school unless they're either bored out of their minds or the teacher is lousy.

[aprillikesthings]

Ahahah so much for not writing this until I had more done on my other fic

But if you're seeing this in the tags: It's 1967. Catra and Adora just graduated high school and they're both 18. They were both raised by single moms who were shitty but in different ways.

As always: this scene is subject to possible heavy editing later. It's about 750 words as of right now.

Bow parks a little ways down the street. Adora climbs out of the back of the Volkswagen Beetle. The light is on in Catra's window. She throws a penny at it, like she did as a kid.

Please God, let her be home. 

Sure enough, the window gets yanked open and Catra’s head pops out. 

She looks surprised, then confused. 

“What the hell are you doing here?”

Adora shout-whispers. “We’re going to Monterey Pop Festival. Come with us!”

“What?!” 

“Is your mom home? Can you come out and talk?” 

Catra looks out at the street and her eyes narrow. “Is that your fancy new friends?”

“If you mean, is it Glimmer and Bow, yeah it is. It’s Bow’s car. Anyway, come down and talk to me.”

Catra nearly says something, then stops herself and presses her lips together for a second. “Fine.” The window is slammed shut. 

A moment later and the front door opens and closes, and Catra is leaning on it, arms crossed. She’s apparently stopped straightening her hair, and she has on beat-up jeans and a dark red peasant top. (And no bra. Don’t stare–) She looks good. And far more like a flower child than Adora does.

Catra has a cigarette in her hand, and she lights it and puts the lighter in her pocket, before blowing a cloud of smoke nearly into Adora’s face. 

“So, what are you idiots doing?” 

Adora startles a little. Right.

“There’s a music festival this weekend in Monterey near San Francisco, and we’re going. And then we’re staying with Glimmer’s Aunt Casta until we go to college this fall. Do you want to come with us?” 

“Like, right now?”

“Yeah.”

She takes another drag off her cigarette and blows it out through her nose. “Does your mom know you’re going?”

Adora rolls her eyes. “No, I snuck out. I left her a note, though.”

“Aww. You’re literally that cheesy song on Sgt. Pepper.”

“Oh, shut up,” she laughs. 

Catra stops smiling. “Adora. Let me get this straight. You’ve barely spoken to me for six months–”

“--you know that’s not my fault!”

Catra doesn’t acknowledge that. “--and you show up on my front porch at ten o’clock at night to ask me to join you and your little friends on a road trip all the way on the west coast in that tin can and then live with all of you in a stranger’s house for three months?”

“...Yeah.” It sounds dumb when Catra puts it that way.

“Why?”

“Because...I mean. Jefferson Airplane will be at Monterey Pop.”

“That’s not enough for me to crammed in that tiny car with all of you for that long.”

“And, um.” Adora’s face heats. “Because. I want you to come with us.” She takes a deep breath. “With me. I've missed you.”

Catra looks wide-eyed for a split second at that, soft in a way she hasn’t in years. But it’s gone just as fast, and her cigarette is in her mouth again.

“With what money, Adora.”

“I can pay for you. My.” She clears her throat. “When I turned 18 I was able to access my trust fund.”

“That’s your college money from your dead dad.”

“I know.” 

Catra looks past her. Adora turns around. Glimmer and Bow got out of the car at some point and are leaning on the other side of it, facing away from Catra and Adora. They’re talking quietly and smoking.

Adora turns back. Catra’s eyes are narrowed. 

“I’m not your charity case.” 

“I never said you were. But. You don’t have to be stuck here with your mom all summer. You can come with us.”

“I don't need you to save me. I've been doing just fine on my own.”

“I didn’t say you weren’t.”

There’s a long silence. Catra keeps smoking.

Adora takes a deep breath to try one more time. “You don't have to let your mom treat you like shit anymore. You can leave just like I am.”

It was the wrong thing to say. Catra’s face hardens in fury and she steps forward into Adora’s space, making her scramble back. “Oh, because I need to follow you everywhere you go?!” she hisses.

“I didn't mean it that way!”

“I don't. Want. To leave. What don't you understand about that? I'm not afraid of my mom anymore, I’m an adult and she doesn’t control me.” Catra flicks her cigarette butt onto the sidewalk. “I don’t want you to come back, Adora. Have fun in San Francisco.”

And then Catra’s gone, and the front door slams shut in Adora’s face.

[y2ksnowglobe]

Deep appreciation for episode 30 (Van on the Run)

This is a long post where I just ramble on all the moments that make me love this episode.

The dethroning of fleshlight tag as the worst thing that anyone ever said.

The "Hey Andrew" story

Big old butt crack down the middle of the orb

Terry Jr. asking why Ron isn't wearing pants

"I'd better write that down as a note. Terry Jr., easy to lie to."

Lark literally taking a note about how unpaid interns die sometimes. (This turns into my firm belief that Mae Hailes is a paid intern)

Ron insisting Paeden is his half-brother. "My dad is my dad too!"

just gonna weep and tear my hair out real quick over that one.

Ron's insights on the patriarchy

"My stepson is here, and I am looking at him in the eye right now and it's not weird at all. It's not weird. We're just making eye contact right here." "It's a little weird. You have not blinked in several minutes." "Now it hurts to blink, so I'm not going to ever…" "That's not how it works. You have to blink." "No. It's like my eyes are getting…" "Dad, blink." Like what a way to start normalizing Terry Jr. calling Ron "Dad"

Sparrow's stealth hug

Just...starting to really see the dead inside Grant is both heartbreaking and really funny.

Nick's shaky fist bump makes me wanna cry.

I am always there for a good low perception roll joke.

Reveal that Ron just carries to lure that killed Willy around with him.

"Yeah! Your dad is George Washington!"

THEORY TIME: Like this episode is where we get most of our information about the kids' time in Ravenloft, and like...I don't buy it. Looking at how the kids phrase things, I've been solidly convinced that the O-Dads have Geas'ed the hell out of these kids so they can't give any specific details about what was done to them, but I feel like there's a loophole where they can talk about things that weren't done. So, for example: Nick specifies that Bill ignored him. I'll keep coming back to this as we keep going.

Weird detail: Darryl is with Glenn on the murder Henry's dad train at the start.

God I love to hate Barry Oak so much, he makes me skin crawl and he is in top form in this episode.

"I AM DRIVING WITH MY FRIENDS, FATHER! I'LL TALK TO YOU LATER!" It's such a teenager-y thing to say and I feel like it really gives a snapshot into what their relationship was like back in the day.

I really wanna get a snapshot into Nick's mind as he hears his dad completely lose his cool about Barry. Like, my boy did such a good job trying to act unbothered and brave, and then Glenn just is deeply and visibly upset about Barry almost killing him (which is valid, I just feel like it's a new experience for Nick)

Lark and Sparrow jumping in to drive when Henry lets go of the wheel. Like, not sure what happened with Sparrow, but Lark has been an epic driver from the get-go.

ANOTHER THEORY: Sparrow is really interesting in this episode. He willingly covers his ears when asked by Henry, and he's the one who hits the brakes when Henry tells them to stop the car. He's also just weirdly chill and forgiving, and like...I do not buy this as love wolf shit, he is clearly under some kind of magical influence to make him more compliant. You do not get the Sparrow that looks scared in the drone footage in episode 28 to this remarkably chill and forgiving kid without magical interference.

Freddie putting his foot down that Glenn would not mess with firearms while drunk

Barry's "Oh kakaw kakaw" when he's shot is probably in my top ten vocal stims from this show.

Lark enthusiastically supporting Glenn shooting Barry makes me so happy

Henry going from trying to be firm and calm as Glenn loses his shit, and immediately shifting to "ooooh, I hate you so much" as soon as Barry starts talking to him is so funny. Just all the ideals fly out the window.

Find it super interesting how Henry cites "respecting his choices" as a thing here considering what happens later on with the bracelets.

I both do and don't want to know if Anthony already had the idea for the Lark and Sparrow homunculi when Barry offers letting Henry take his kids and run and giving up all the other kids. Like regardless of whether or not it was planned, I do love the idea that Barry is giving this offer because he knows he's got the real ones tucked back in Oakvale.

I love the word abscond, okay?

Love Barry framing his failure as a father as disappointment in Henry's choices. I want to kick him in the face.

Mr. Mustache calling Ron "Honey"

"No. You just exasperatedly asked why a bunch of times. A.k.a. the Henry Oak special."

Geas theory follow up: Lark telling them they forgot to feed them fits into the loophole of being something the granddads didn't do, so they're allowed to mention it. Also this part of starting to hint at what exactly went down is so just *chefs kiss.*

Freddie's "WHY?" When Matt asks if Darryl can perceive that Ron peed his pants.

Freddie being told the charm needs to be in an enclosed space and immediately going "What if we had an umbrella?"

Freddie picking the first audio result for Fantasy Tavern for the sound.

"Bring us your hottest moms!"

This next bit always slays me and I don't even know why:

The jokes about the level one adventurer group is beautiful. I hope things turned out okay for that fighter and four rogues.

Henry making up Mr. X only for Mr. X to be real.

Ron thoroughly describing the fake voice he's going to do, only to reveal it's just his normal voice.

Ron's whole exchange with the other rogues.

Henry describing Glenn's fantasy voice as Italian

Anthony trying to keep up with what the crew are trying to do as they're attempting to get a room.

Also, everything is in shillings now for no adequately explained reason?

The random bar patrons who are gonna be so disappointed when they make it to the other side of town to find out that Hi I'm Ron is not playing.

The start of the NPCs realizing they could have asked for more money gag.

Glenn almost going to see what's up with Mr. X but then getting bored.

Anthony doing a C3P0 impression

Geas Theory update: Grant phrases it as "they weren't nice" and the most detail we get from Grant is that "Willy's really mean" only for him to then say, "It was fine, I guess." Terry tops out at saying that Willy "shouted at them a fair number of times" and that's as intense as any of their descriptions get. Like this is sus as heck. Especially since at minimum, we know that Lark and Sparrow got homunclui'd and that somehow, Barry got the twins to sit quietly. The boys are underselling this and the only one that would be in character for would be like...Nick (who we already saw was super shaky). Darryl even prompts Grant saying it's okay if it was rough and they were scared and we still get no further information.

Ron's scary story is so good for so many reasons. Like the way he tries to make it spookier by making Willy a man with a fishingpole for an arm, by calling fish "food that breathes underwater" like that mixed with the realization that he's telling the story of how Willy died is just...an excellent combo of scary and not scary and it's just a baffling bunch of weird that is pure Ron.

Terry being baffled by Ron asking if they want to sing Rock-a-bye Baby, only for it to turn out Ron doesn't know the words.

"You find more knives than not knife in his pants."

The fact that Lark was smuggling knives for a breakout attempt is just so lovely, go off my murderous little weirdo.

Also seeing Henry taking weapons from his kids knowing where this ends up is just (collapses into a ball of sad)

Henry deflecting from the werewolf questions by just switching to the topic of puberty, only for Sparrow to be too receptive to wanting to learn.

Darryl overhearing Paeden saying that Grant's dad is cool only for Grant to not say anything in response.

"Did Ron kill his dad?"

Seeing Darryl be actually upset about the fact that he's the only one who'd want to see his dad, but his dad's not there. And seeing Darryl actually grapple with the idea that he doesn't understand Glenn, Henry, and Ron's relationships with their dads, and like the weird feeling of not being able to relate being isolating, but still realizing it's an isolation you should be thankful for.

Ghost football ft. George Washington and one of his slaves

"Dude, that was the entire snarling id of the American masculine psyche in one image…It was like football, George Washington, your dad, and the Sword of Damocles that is slavery."

Glenn in the dream space

Bill Close calling Glenn tiger is just like such a small detail but it's like one of those moments that we really can actually see him being a dad, I think?

The gut punch of "Do you love me?" and "You wake up." like God DAMN!!!!!

Like this episode is such a buffet of character dynamics, and jokes, and lore, and room for theories, and I LOVE IT SO MUCH!!!! WHY DID IT TAKE ME SO LONG TO REALIZE IT'S MY FAVORITE????????

[mrsmarlasinger]

OH. I forgot to tell a story that I have already told everyone in my physical vicinity! The drama of it all.

So my on-and-off childhood sweetheart from age...like...eleven to twenty-something—okay, scratch that. We met for the first time when we were toddlers. So let's call him my on-and-off childhood sweetheart of basically twenty years. My first kiss, first love, so on and so forth.

You get the gist. I don't have to explain this to you.

Well, in August 2023, he pleads for me to take him back and asks something along the lines of "What would it take?"

🤨

Seriously.

Keep in mind, this is a return missionary of the Polite, Inoffensive Young Mormon Boy™ genre. My parents wanted desperately for me to marry him. (Sorry, Mom and Dad! It was never gonna work!)

This dude is a cishet who won't TECHNICALLY misgender your partner, but will refer to them exclusively by name to avoid using any pronouns whatsoever. He's a pull-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps Republican. You wanna know how Roe v. Wade got overturned? Lol. Lmao, even.

Me? I'm a pierced, kinky, polyamorous, weed-smoking, whiskey-loving, goreno-watching, foul-mouthed, slutty-attired, dyke-sex-having

🏳️‍🌈🌈QUEER🌈🏳️‍🌈

Sin central. Remember when "hellmaxxing" was a word? I quaff fucking cough medicine to get high. Sometimes. Doesn't matter. Anyway.

So he and I are incompatible, natch, but that was so not even relevant. Because in August 2023, I WAS LITERALLY A YEAR INTO A LESBIAN RELATIONSHIP.

"What would it take?" Bro, I hadn't dated a man in nearly half a decade! I still haven't! In fact, I am currently in a relationship with a lesbian!

What do you mean, dude.

What do you MEAN.

So I tell this boy he'd have to leave the Mormon church. Don't get me wrong, that wasn't a challenge or an ultimatum—I think he's having a great time being Mormon! Didn't work for me, but shit, man, it's working for him!

And okay, fine, do I think he gives bi-guy-with-internalized-homophobia vibes (I've dated one, I would know) and should at least give bisexuality the good ol' college try? Yes, but it's not up to me!

I just meant that, ultimately, it was the Church which drove such a divide between us. I don't believe in it—I can't believe—and neither of us would be happy compromising our beliefs for the other. And even if I compromised mine for him, I'd still be haunted by the hurt of everything he said to me when I left. All the judgment he spewed in the guise of humor.

So that's what I said.

In that moment, he looked at me with his big, sad brown eyes, and I think we understood each other perfectly.

And god, it was sad. I did use to think he and I would end up married. For ten years I thought that. Hell, everyone told us we would.

But...ohmygod. What a movie moment. For bitches who live their lives like cosplay (I'm bitches), that is like one of the top five wish fulfillment moments you could experience in your interpersonal relationships.

Honestly. Honestly. I can't stress enough that a man BEGGED FOR ME TO TAKE HIM BACK, and then I TURNED HIM DOWN.

I'm sorry but like...that's crazy. That's glamor.

So anyway, he goes off into the starry dark (yeah, and of COURSE it happened on the front porch at night. Me on the very edge of the porch step, him on the ground—vaguely Romeo and Juliet-esque. Like...the poetry. You cannot get more cinematic than that). I watch him leave, then go inside.

The next time I hear from this man, I'm drinking wine on my gay partner's couch (gay) (we are gay) (lesbians), and this man invites me to his wedding...reception. Cuz of course, I couldn't get into his temple wedding even if I wanted to.

And yes, I cried over the lame-ass cishet boy! The death of childhood sweetheartdom does, in fact, require a mourning period.

N e wayz, here's the kicker: in true Mormon fashion, the timeline from him getting rejected by The Great Love Of His Life (blushes cutely 🤭) to getting engaged was...FIVE MONTHS! Yes, folks, my nosy ass did the math!

Timeline from the big rejection to his upcoming wedding reception (in Pride month, of ALL months for straight marriage 😒🙄😤)?

🥁🥁🥁🥁...Ten months, folks!

Well, Jesus, man, I didn't want you to rebound with a marriage! Bit sick, innit? Not to inflate my already-ballooned ego, but Lord help us both, you were crushed that night on the porch! Don't saddle your poor fiancée with that baggage, mmkay?

Anyway. That's my tale. I'm genuinely happy for them (provided the marriage works well for both), and I am going to his reception in a couple weeks, though I don't expect we'll keep in contact afterward.

(She seems lovely, btw, can't wait to meet her. Here's hoping they enter the Utah Mormon swinger circle; I'm not opposed to a road trip. Kidding, obviously, and I know that that's a distasteful joke. But, like, if THEY were down—)

(KIDDING. CONSERVATIVES ARE ETHICALLY UNFUCKABLE.)

Moral of the story: I Am That Bitch 🌝🌝

[goldtowhite]

solana "solar" flores // character study

basic information:

FULL NAME: solana maria flores

NICKNAME(S): solar, sol

AGE: 27

DATE OF BIRTH: january 1st, 1997

PLACE OF BIRTH: salinas, california

GENDER: cisfemale

PRONOUNS: she/her

ORIENTATION: bisexual

LANGUAGE(S) SPOKEN: english, spanish

NEIGHBOURHOOD: sierra vista estates

LIVING ARRANGEMENTS: she lives by herself!

family ties:

MOTHER: violetta marie reyes flores

FATHER: miguel diego flores

SIBLINGS: a little sister, a full ten years younger than her

SPOUSE / PARTNER: none

CHILDREN: none

PETS: one dog, a great dane named nelvin

occupational information:

OCCUPATION: solo artist

SKILLSET OR SPECIALISATION (IF APPLICABLE): singer, dancer

answer only if your character is a musician:

NAME OF THEIR ACT: she goes by the name solar as a performer

SO THEY PLAY INSTRUMENTS? IF SO WHAT?: she can play piano and is attempting to learn guitar

ARTIST INFLUENCES: ariana grande, hwasa, kehlani

CURRENT MONTHLY SPOTIFY/APPLE MUSIC LISTENS ON AVERAGE: 75M

physical appearance:

FACE CLAIM: becky g

HAIR COLOR: dark brown

EYE COLOR: brown

HEIGHT: 5'1"

BUILD: curvy, toned

TATTOOS: she has two of becky's tattoos, the dragonfly on her side, and the familia on her wrist

PIERCINGS: just a bunch of ear piercings

CLOTHING STYLE: what always matters most to her is that her hair and makeup is done no matter what. very glamorous style, loves a good crop top, loves form fitting clothes.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: she's teeny tiny short.

personality:

MBTI: ESTJ

ELEMENT: earth

WESTERN ZODIAC: capricorn

CHINESE ZODIAC: ox

POSITIVE TRAITS: ambitious, vibrant, expressive

NEGATIVE TRAITS: bossy, materialistic, vain

HOBBIES: travel, cooking, foodie type behaviors in general, swimming

wanted connections:

CONNECTION TYPE: give me a toxic on and off relationship please. i'd love this to be another uber famous person, like they keep writing albums about each other, they've broken up messily in the public eye multiple times, when they come back together half the fanbase cheers and half groans but knows they're gonna get good sad music out of it. down to cook for this.

CONNECTION TYPE: someone who works for solana who kind of picks away at her outer layers and understands her on a personal level.

PART TWO: QUESTIONNAIRE. 

IF YOUR MUSE IS A MUSICIAN:

start at the beginning, who are you and why are you important? i'm solana flores, known as solar to most, and why i'm important isn't really something i can answer. you'd have to ask the people who decided i was.

how long have you been making music? since i was a little girl. my dad plays guitar and he would play around the house, would do it to entertain us when the lights went out because he and mama couldn't make the bills that much, and i just started singing along with it.

how would you describe the kind of music you make? it's a really healthy mix of songs you'd want to have sex to, and songs you'd blast with the windows down going 90 mph on an empty highway.

who are some of your biggest musical influences? oh the list is endless. selena, of course, a legend and an icon. beyonce! lots of lesser known mexican artists i grew up listening to with my parents.

what is the first record you ever bought? it was an n*sync cd, if i'm being honest.

what has working in the music industry meant to you thus far in your career? the life i've built for myself is something i would've never dreamed. my parents never have to lift a finger again, though they do anyway because they worry about my little sister getting too spoiled, and for good reason. they already have one spoiled child, they don't need another.

what are some stand out moments from your career so far? my first sold out show, even though the venues were pretty small. my first stadium tour. my first meet and greet.

how would you describe your style of performance? what makes your shows worth seeing? my style of performance is to make sure that you'd never dare look anywhere but the stage, in case you missed anything. i'm worth seeing because i'm real, and good at what i do, and make it known.

what are you still hoping to achieve in your career? you'd think reaching the top would be where it ends, but there are some awards i haven't won yet that i'd like to. really all that's missing from my shelf at home is a grammy.

what’s next for you? well that's a secret.

[askgs]

Mildly long lore dump ahead?!

My tenth birthday was only made good, because of my father. He made sure I felt loved that day.

I woke up late that morning groggy, having nearly forgot I was turning ten. Walking downstairs, not expecting anything really. I was pleasantly surprised when I walked into the kitchen/dining room. My dad was humming while cooking waffles. He swayed side to side to music only he heard. When he finally noticed me watching. He spun around with a smile, and a plate balanced on one wing.

"Oh Good morning Bud! Happy birthday!" He greeted enthusiastically. Holding out the waffles on his wing. I grinned back.

"Good morning Dad!" I chirped, sitting excitedly on the table. Using my magic to take the plate and put it in front of me. There was homemade whipped cream in a bowl next to a plate of assorted fruit, in the center of the table. Mom was noticeably nowhere to be seen. I shrugged it off. She was likely sleeping in too. I dolloped cream onto the waffles, before delicately placing apple slices on top.

Dad hummed a tune, serving himself before sitting across from me. "It's a big day! You're two digits now. Did you have anything you wanted to do today Ground Stone?" He asked, sipping his coffee.

I blinked halfway through taking my first bite. I shrugged "Get gifts?"

He laughed "Of course, You know the fairs in town? We could go there." I nodded, looking passed dad at the archway that went to the rest of the house. "Do you think mom would come? We could go as a family!"

Dad was good at saving face, but it slipped slightly. His smile flattering for only a moment. "We'll see bud. You can ask when she gets up if you want." Replying while taking another sip from his cup.

I nodded again, going back to eagerly eating. We ate quietly for a while. I was nearly halfway done, dad having finished, when there was a slam upstairs. We looked at each other silently. Dad knew something. I didn't know what, but his face twisted in a quick grimace.

Neither of us could say anything, as the sound of a door slamming open and closed came from upstairs. Dad smiled reassuringly at me. Just as Mom appeared in the archway. Her orange magic threw a crumpled paper at Dad's head. He barely reacted. Just turning to watch it land on the floor. "What the fuck is this Melon!" Mom snapped, glaring at the back of Dad's head. The stallion sighed, turning around to face the angry mare. "Can't this wait? It's someones special day." His voice was even as he spoke. She wasn't having any of it.

Hissing she retorted, "No! You started this Melon! You could've said nothing, and avoided all this drama. We can do this here, or in the other room. If your so worried about our son's feelings."

Dad picked up the paper ball with a sigh "Fine," He looked back to me, "Try to finish your breakfast alright?"

Than he stood, keeping the paper under his wing. Using the other to guide mom around the corner into the hallway.

I looked down at my waffles. The cream had melted into the little squares. They were cold, and my stomach did somersaults. There was noway I could eat. I pushed the plate away. Looking at it made the tricks my tummy did worse. Instead I listened to them argue from the hall. I couldn't make out the words. I wish he hadn't took the paper. I wanted to know what it said. Kicking my legs, i frowned. I wanted to see what was happening. So i hopped up and crept over to the entryway. Leaning out until I could just barely see them.

Dad was standing calmly. Mom was pissed. Leaning forward to press into dads space. A hoof tapping his chest. I could tell I was missing a lot, but I caught the end. Mom hissed "You don't know shit Melon." her nostrils flared.

"I know enough." Dad said simply.

She shoved him with her hoof, "I'll bleed you dry! You count your days Melon."

"If that's all, Ground Stone and I are leaving." Dad turned to leave, just catching sight of me as I fled. I could just catch Mom scoffing, as she stormed upstairs. The bedroom door slamming behind her.

Sighing, Dad came in and crouched down to my height with a small smile. "I'm sorry about that Bud. You ready to get going?"

I nodded quietly. He smiled again, guiding me up with a soft feathered wing. He didn't mention the abandoned breakfast.

The fair was funner than I could've imagined. There were dozens of games and rides. The games and snacks first. I played every game that caught my eye, toss the ring on the bottle, a shooting game with a fake gun, apple bobbing, and so many more. We only won one prize, a small pose-able action figure from a ball tossing game. The action figure was based on Daybreaker, with fiery mane and tail. Her wings even opened!

We rode as many rides as I could get on. Saving the Ferris wheel for last. I was most excited for it. I'd never seen Equestria from so high up! We were there so long, by the time we got to the Ferris wheel the sun had started setting. I smiled as the little cabin swung its way to the top. Stopping to give us a view of the fair grounds. Using telekinesis I held Daybreaker on the edge, so she could see the sun too. Dad was quiet, just enjoying the sunset.

I watched to, before my attention was grabbed by something colorful. A large balloon? it floated lazily over a distant treeline. Round and bright it bounced the sunlight back at me. I gasped kicking dad to get his attention. "What bud?" He asked. I pointed aggressively at what had become at least four balloons on the horizon.

"They know its my birthday!" I said with an excited grin.

He laughed, "Not exactly Bud. They are balloons, but they are special kind. Their hot air balloons."

I blinked turning to him curiously. "What are they doing than? They'll float away if they aren't tied down."

"There's ponies in them. Well being carried by them at least." Dad explained motioning with a hoof, "If you look below the balloon you'll see the basket the ponies are in. From their they can control the balloon. They were used a lot in prewar Equestria, as an easy form of air transport, for non pegasi."

I saw what he meant. Below the large patterned balloons were little squares. The baskets Dad had referred to.

"Could we ride one?" I asked, glancing at him. He smiled, as the basket we sat in swung into motion again. Beginning our descent back to the ground.

"We'll see." Is all he said. We left as soon as we were on solid ground again. I was practically bouncing in the passenger seat, as Dad drove to were he had been directed. He had asked someone working at the fair what they knew about the hot air balloons. They gave him directions, and we were on our way.

It was dark by the time we got there. Dad parked in a dirt clearing. A sign beside the gate the only thing to tell us we were in the spot. There were only two other cars in the clear, as we got out. I followed closely behind dad. We walked to the gate as a group came out. They talked happily to each other. One mare followed them out. Dad waved, but couldn't get a word out before the mare spoke.

"I'm sorry boys. We just finished for the day." She said with a frown, using her magic to lock the gate behind her. Not giving us another glance before walking to her vehicle.

I looked to Dad. My heart felt heavy in my chest.

Apologetically he said "Guess we'll have to go next time bud."

"You promise?" I asked.

"Pinky promise, cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." He did the actions as he promised.

We ride home was quiet. The exhaustion from a busy day finally catching up to us. As we pulled in I noticed Mom's car was gone. Dad didn't mention it. Just helped me out and followed me inside. The only light on inside was the dining room one. It highlighted the table, and a stack of paper that sat in the middle. I went to see what it was, but Dad beat me to it.

He read the papers holding them in his hoof. His face got a little weird. I yawned "What is it Dad?"

He shook his head, tucking the stack beneath a wing. "Nothing you need to worry about Bud. Lets get you to bed. You've got school in the morning."

The next week every time I tried to sleep I couldn't. I would be kept up all night over hearing my parents bickering through the walls. Sometimes when I got home from school Dad would be home early, and they'd be arguing in the living room. If Mom wasn't there but Dad was. He would be sitting on the couch in front of papers with his head in his hoofs. He never explained why he was upset. They both just acted like life hadn't changed, but I knew it had. Something was happening that'd I hadn't been made privy to. After a month of listening to them argue. I came home from school and they were both on opposite sides of the couch. Mom was reading a book, and Dad had his head resting in his hooves. He perked up as I walked in. "Hey! How was school bud?" He asked motioning to the armchair across from them. I looked at it than back at Dad.

"It was fine." I lied; taking a seat in the chair. Not bothering to take my saddle bags off. Mom shut her book roughly. Glaring at Dad from her side of the couch.

"You're beating around the bush Melon. Remember like a band aid just rip it off, or I'll say it." She stated; crossing her forelegs over each other. Dad wrung his hooves together.

"Right, Bud we need to tell you something." he began "You're Mother and I-"

"Are-" Mom started, but Dad covered her face with a wing. Finishing his sentence before she could, "We're getting a divorce."

I was silent. Kind of just sitting frozen in my spot. I knew what that meant, at least in theory. The lunch lady at school told me she divorced her wife recently. (Something about gambling debts.) Dad closed his wings. Mom nodded along without a word. "I know you've got questions Ground Stone. Go ahead, ask away." Dad urged.

"Is it my fault?" it was the first question that came to mind. My recent birthday replaying in my head. Mom went to answer and Dad beat her to it. "No! Of course not Bud, it's more complicated than that. Just know it's not your fault at all." Dad reassured quickly.

I frowned, “Dose this mean you don’t love each other anymore?” The second most pressing questions to me.

Just barely I caught Mom say yes. Barely drowned out by Dad’s reply “No, it’s not that simple. We just don’t want to be married anymore.”

Frowning I looked at my hooves.

“Was that all you needed of me?” An irritated sigh from Mom.

Dad waved a hoof at her and she got up and left. I watched her go, before looking back to Dad. He looked tired.

After that life got worse. Dad was home less. Apparently when they had told me the divorce had gone into the grace period. Shortly after they went to the court house. I wasn’t inside for the proceedings. I only know the aftermath. Mom got the house and alimony. It took him two weeks to pack and leave. I insisted on living with him, but he explained that isn’t how it works. That'd they would have to go to court again for custody to be assigned. I cried hard when he left.

Tears streamed down my face as he let me go and went out the front door. As soon as it shut Mom knocked me upside the head. Telling me to quit belly aching. I hid in my room for the rest of the night.

The custody court I was to attend. Mom said I’d be testifying against dad. I didn’t totally understand. She made sure I said what she told me to. Smacking me anytime I refused. Until I stopped talking back. It didn’t matter how I argued. She knew what she wanted. She would be getting it.

I was sweating bullets on the stand. My eyes glued to Dad who sat beside his lawyer. Tears blurred my vision as I repeated what Mom had told me to say. I cried as I knew I was damming myself with each word. Dooming myself to live with my Mother.

The judgement in favor of Mother. Dad kept an even face. Mom put me in the backseat of her car. I kept my burning eyes on my hooves. Only glancing up as Dad walked up. He talked to Mom for a moment. She huffed, opening the door again.

Dad thanked her before turning to me. “Hey bud.”

I tackled him in a hug. He held me close. Sighing as he squeezed me. Whispering an apology in my ear before pulling back.

“You be good alright? Remember I love you.” He said with a smile. Kissing me on the forehead below my horn.

He no longer lived with us. I only saw him on weekends. Mom got worse.

[bluejaysandblackbats]

Five Little Ducks

Fandom: DC Comics, Batman

Summary: Bruce finds a magically de-aged Jason.

Chapters: 10/13

Characters: Jason Todd, Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson, Stephanie Brown, Duke Thomas, Zatanna Zatara

Additional Tags: De-Aged Jason Todd, Magic, Babysitting, Father-Son Relationship, Fluff and Angst, POV Third Person, Bruce Wayne is Not Okay, Bruce Wayne Tries, Jason Todd Has Issues, Childhood Trauma, TW: Self Harm

Chapter Ten: Tucked In

Jason wandered into Bruce's ballroom, where he found a box of records. Jason dug through them until he found something he liked and climbed the steps to meet the record player at the top of the stage. The table was too high to reach, so Jason stood on his tiptoes to play the record. It was a soft jazz record, something his mother would've liked. He stepped down from the stage and pretended to dance with someone while he sang to himself in the gentlest of undertones. He nearly forgot where he was, and in his moment of comfort, he sang a bit louder. Bruce crept in as far as the doorway, listening to the sweet boyish sound of Jason's voice. Jason glanced up, noticing Bruce in the doorway, and staggered back.

"No, I'm sorry. Please don't stop on my account... You've got a lovely voice," Bruce whispered. Jason rubbed his arm as he glanced at his feet. "I can leave-."

"It's-. People say I sound like a girl... And I got beat up for joining the choir at the church... My dad says that I've gotta start toughening up. The neighborhood we live in is too rough for me to be so soft," Jason mumbled. Bruce frowned.

"Jason, I-. You can't change who you are because of where you live. You're so unique, and no one should take that from you," Bruce stated thoughtfully. "Jason... You are a beautiful soul. I feel a baffling amount of joy being around you. You're fantastic." Jason chewed his lip as tears forced their way down his cheeks. "You can hug me."

Jason wrung his hands and shook his head. Bruce sighed and crouched near Jason, wiping the boy's tears away. "You're holding it all in, and I don't like that... It's alright. I've got nothing but time for your feelings," Bruce reassured. Jason met his eyes with Bruce's, and he took a breath, almost holding it in. Bruce took Jason's hands. He embraced Jason, and Jason let out a sob. "Good... Let it out."

Bruce held Jason until the crying stopped, and when he tried to pull away, he felt Jason's weight. "Oh, you're all tuckered out," Bruce whispered. He carried the young boy upstairs and tucked him in. He swept Jason's bangs out of his face and smiled. "I'm so proud of you."

"Is this your Jason?" Dick questioned.

Bruce turned to him. "When did you get here?" Bruce asked. "And no, he's not my Jason, but we're almost there. He's ten."

"He's exhausted. What'd your ten-year-old do today?" Dick asked.

"We went on a nice drive, had a rewarding talk, and came home. He likes Minecraft. A lot. We ordered a pizza and played checkers... Then I fell asleep and woke up to him singing and dancing in the ballroom," Bruce whispered.

"I got you something," Dick whispered. He walked over and clipped a tracking device onto Jason's collar. "Don't thank me, though. That was Barbara."

"Dick, don't let this go to your head... Please give me a hug," Bruce whispered. Dick smiled and embraced Bruce. "I wish I was a better father to all of you... You kids deserved so much more than what you got from me."

"Let's go talk downstairs. He'll be okay," Dick whispered. Bruce nodded. Bruce and Dick shared the rest of the leftover pizza. "What are you gonna do when he's back to normal? Are you gonna talk to him about this?"

"What if he can't remember?" Bruce whispered. "What if it all resets, and he doesn't know how hard I've tried to fix things?"

"Did you learn anything?" Dick asked.

Jason flipped off the stair rail, and Bruce hopped over the couch to get to him. "Jason!" Bruce hollered. Dick ran up the stairs and pulled the boy up. Jason started laughing.

"Jesus Christ!" Dick chastised him. "He had a harness attached to him, Bruce."

Bruce's shoulders dropped, and he ran upstairs. He took Jason in his arms and held him close. "Why would you do that?" Bruce asked. Jason shrugged, and his face changed. "I'm not mad at you... I'm not... You scared me." Bruce set Jason down and messed up his hair. "It's okay... It's-. You're thirteen years old... Why are you thirteen? What's wrong?"

Jason furrowed his brows. "I was thirteen yesterday, too," Jason whispered. "Am I not supposed to be thirteen?" Bruce crouched and held Jason's face in his palms.

"Are you feeling alright?" Bruce asked.

Jason nodded. "Who is he?" Jason whispered as he glanced at Dick.

"That's my older son, Dick. He was Robin before you... He's your big brother," Bruce introduced gently. He nudged Jason. "Dick, this is my son, Jason. He's thirteen years old."

Jason looked up at Dick and smiled. "Do you-? Is it okay-?"

"It's nice to meet you," Dick replied, "How do you like being Robin?"

Jason smiled. "I love it," Jason replied, "You don't mind me being Robin?" Dick shook his head. "Do you wanna go on patrol with us tonight? Bruce, can he?"

Bruce thought about Jason in costume, and he froze up. "Jason, I-."

"Please," Jason whispered. Bruce wanted to say no, but he couldn't. He nodded. "Cool! I'm gonna go get dressed!"

Jason darted off, leaving Dick and Bruce alone. "Don't worry, nothing's gonna happen to him," Dick whispered, "Besides, I think I know what happened to him at this age. This one's on me, Bruce."

"What?" Bruce questioned.

"Trust me... I'll be nice," Dick whispered.

"Are you admitting that you know how to be nice?" Bruce teased.

"Ha. Ha. Try to keep up, old man," Dick replied as he joined Jason in the cave. Jason jumped into Bruce's arms.

Bruce wrapped his arms around Jason. "Are you coming with us?" Jason asked.

"Not tonight, but I'll make you some cocoa when you get home," Bruce whispered, "I'll be on comms if you need me... Or if you feel like talking." He set Jason down and crouched in front of him. "I love you."

Jason's smile faded. "What'd you say?" Jason asked.

"I love you... And I mean it," Bruce whispered.

"I love you too, Bruce," Jason replied, hugging Bruce and hopping into the Batmobile before they could exchange any more words.

"Drive safe," Bruce warned Dick. Dick nodded.

"I'll bring him home before three," Dick replied, "And I'll keep a close eye on him."

"Don't let him fall asleep," Bruce added, "And don't snap at him... He only wants to impress you. Try to remember that tonight."

"Alright... I gotta go-."

"I meant what I said, Dick. You deserved better," Bruce interrupted.

"I wouldn't change a thing," Dick replied, "But if I knew there were magic spells you could use to get the model-dad Bruce experience, I probably would've done it by now."

[princessconsuela120]

❃ ALYSSA ❃

Chapter one: Laughing on the Outside —❃

Series masterlist

Chapter Warnings: foul language, mentions of drugs, everything with teotfw and with euphoria

Authors note: so I’ve decided to make this part one of the Meet Me At Our Spot series, so you get to see why fezco and Alyssa were so close from the other book before she went to the army. Enjoy guys! All rights reserved to the show the end of the f*cking world.

—❃

Im Alyssa.

Im 17, and im pretty sure life is fake.

I was 8 when i realized i hated my stepdad.

“Why doesn't the Queen wave with this hand?” He asked, a goofy smile on his face as he wave his hand around like an idiot. “Eh? Why doesn't the Queen wave with this hand? 'Cause it's my hand!”

I'd always wanted to punch him in the face.

When I was nine, he bought a deep-fat fryer. One day, I put my hand in it. I wanted to make myself feel something.

School was beneath me, but it was a good place for observation. Because i had a plan. To get out of here. And i needed an accomplice.

“Hey.” I said, clicking my lips together as the boy in front of me pulled his earbuds out. “I've seen you skating.” I didnt. “You're pretty shit.” I teased, not that I had even seen him.

“Fuck off.” He mumbled, and i just shrugged.

I get these moments when I have to lie down because everything feels, sort of, too much. And I look up and see the blue or the grey or the black and I feel myself melting into it. And for, like, a split second, I feel free and happy. Innocent. Like a dog. Or an alien. Or a baby.

“Your presence is required, young lady.” My mother whispered, earning an eyeroll from me as i glared at her. “Get inside and help.”

My mum used to be nice, but then she divorced my dad and met... Tony. Last week, he said he thought I needed a bigger bra. So I threw a Chicken Kiev at his head. Mum pretended that she hadn't heard him. Now she has the perfect house and the perfect garden in the perfect neighborhood. I haven't seen my dad since I was eight. He never fitted in. He couldn't settle. So he had to leave. I don't blame him. But he sends me a card, without fail, every single birthday. I understand, actually. I don't trust people who fit in. I'm not saying he's the answer, but he's something. So i made quick time with getting closerto him.

“Are you waiting for me?” I asked, noticing Fezco sitting outside pf my class. He smiled kindly, his signature smile before looping rms with me. It was routine. We’d meet up, find a spot and makeout. Until one day he went to grab my hand.

“What happened to your hand ma?” He asked, making me huff angrily.

“Shut up.”

I knew that people in love went out on dates.

“Hi, what can I get for you today?” The waitress asked, earning a smile from Fez as i glared at the menu.

“Is this true?” I asked, pointing to the menu that said “top ten greatest dinning experiences in America.

“Yeah!” The waitress said excitedly, smiling as she went to take our orders.

“Uh-I will have a…banana split with extra cherries.”

“Mm-hmm.”

“Some blueberry pancakes.”

“Mm-hmm.”

“And a hot chocolate with cream.”

“You're hungry!” The waitress said, chuckling to herself as she did, making me fake laugh.

“And an extra fucking spoon.” She stopped writing, and gave me a stern look before speaking.

“Excuse me?”

“For him?” I asked, and she just rolled her eyes.

“Sorry. You can't use language like that, otherwise I'm gonna have to ask you and your boyfriend to leave.

“Okay. Okay, I'm sorry. Sorry.” I explained, sighing as I continued. “I will have…a great big banana shit with extra fucking cherries all on top of it.” I explained, angering the world actress as she called Marvin her manager.

“Oh, yeah! Go get Marvin! See if Marvin can make a banana split for me, you fucking cunt!” I smirked, looking over at fezco who tried desperately to hold back a laugh before I grabbed my things, heading out the room.

“Bye, Marvin!”

It’s safe to say fezco seemed afraid of me after that day, but in a good way. In a way that meant he knew I was crazy but he liked it. That was the first date me and Fezco had ever gone on. I missed those days.