#dr mallory dust

[starleska]

this is an OC x Canon chart i made for a Secret Santa art trade i'm hosting...all my OCs and their respective blorbos (plus a wildcard 🤭)!! this isn't normal taste, is it? 🙈💖

[countrymusiclover]

1 - Being the New Neighbor

Part 2

Dr. Redheaded Neighbor

Tag list @annieradcliff

Holding one large box in one arm I had two smaller ones on top of it. I hit the front desk button on the outside of the building hoping someone would be coming soon. I was nowhere near done unpacking my car and I had my best furry friend sitting at my feet. “Don’t worry, Maxon. Somebody should be coming to let us in.”

“Do you need some help?” Glancing over my shoulder I heard a guy’s voice call out for my attention.

I hesitated to hope I could do it myself. I had decided to move out at the age of eighteen with myself, my dog and some money to my name before I headed to basic training. “Oh no. I um - think I have it.”

“I don’t know about that. I’ve only lived here for a few months but it’s rare most people are mingling in the lobby this late at night.” The guy explained walking up the small set of stairs to stand beside me.

I pressed the button again looking through the small glass of the door not seeing anyone. “I’m really fine. We’re gonna be fine.”

“We. So, what’s this guy's name?” The stranger eyed the dog laying at my feet. Maxon lifted his head when the guy bent down reaching forward to touch his fur to which I gave a head nod in agreement. “Hey bud, I’m Will. Uh - I actually should be introducing myself to you first I suppose.”

I groaned, getting tired of holding the boxes in my arms. “Ugh! Sorry I didn’t think to introduce myself but clearly you seem to be right about nobody working at the front desk.”

“Oh here, let me help you.” Will rose to his feet sliding a key card in front of the scanner before the door was unlocked. He reaches over taking the boxes from my arms.

“You don’t have to take those.”

He responds. “It’s no big deal. Can you get the door though?”

“Sure. Maxon, come.” I patted my leg signaling him to follow me when I held the second door open for Will to walk through and we followed after his heels before letting the door shut behind me. “Thank you, Will. I can take it from here.”

He set the boxes down, eyeing me. “Do you live in this building? I haven’t seen you around before Ms...”

“I actually just got my keys to live here a few hours ago. So, I guess that makes us neighbors.” I tucked a piece of hair behind my ear, sticking my hand out towards him. “Mallory. Mallory Easton.”

He shakes my hand smiling. “William Halstead. But I prefer everyone to call me Will.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Will. Oh, and you’ve already met my dog Maxon here.” I gesture my freehand down to my dog who was sitting at my feet with his tail slightly wagging back and forth.

Will bends down picking up the boxes a second time tilting his head towards the stairwell that was near us figuring it was more comfortable if we weren’t just chatting in the lobby. “Why don’t we get the rest of your stuff upstairs and then we can keep chatting over some late-night coffee or something.”

“That sounds good to me.” I agreed with what he offered, and we went upstairs until we were standing outside of my room number 218. I opened the door with my key feeling slightly embarrassed that there was a bunch of boxes scattered about. I wasn’t planning for company so this must look like a tornado hit here. “I’m sorry the place is a wreck.”

Will sat the stack of boxes on the ground next to some others dusting his hands off on his blue jacket. “It’s okay. You’re just moving in. No biggy.”

“Yeah I guess so. I’m just embarrassed cause I wasn’t expecting company.” I shrugged my shoulders hearing Maxon rummaging around one of his toy boxes finding a red fireheighdrent toy. He held it in his mouth and just started throwing it around like crazy so we could hear the annoying squeaking clearly.

Will chuckled flashing a cheeky smile. “He sure likes that toy doesn’t he?”

“One of his favorites yeah.” I glanced down at my phone seeing it was getting close to midnight. “Hey Will, I should probably let you go it’s getting late.”

He waved his hands at me in defense. “Not for me. I work in the ED, never a normal eight hour work day for me.”

“Oh wow.” I gasped not expecting that from him but I then eyed the clothing he wore which was a pair of red scrubs underneath his coat that I hadn’t noticed until now. He had auburn hair and deep brown eyes making him not too bad on the eyes to look at, but of course I’d never say that.

He pulled me from my train of thought. “Hey I think I’ve got some beers stashed away in my apartment. Would you want to share one with me. Toast to being new neighbors and all.”

“Sure. That’d be great.” I accepted so our first night there Maxon and I spent it with him, never knowing our lives would change forever after what happened when I went into serve.

5 years later

Blinking my eyes open I felt my body laying on a table. I could hear some ringing in my head and I felt like I had an intense headache for an unknown reason. I attempted to look around the room seeing I was in the medical tent on the base. Trying to sit up the tent flaps opened revealing our head medic Owen who rushed over to me. “Woah Easton, lay back down. You need to rest.”

“Dr. Owen, I’m fine.” I told him trying to get off the table again.

He puts his hands on my shoulders making me look him in the eye. “Do you remember what happened on mission 5025?”

“You mean the one we went on a few days ago. Of course. Maxon and I were responsible for locating the bombs before the response team went in to catch the cult leader.”

The doctor scanned his eyes over my face. “Do you know what the outcome was?”

“Yes. We – uh wait a second. I don’t remember it at all.” I tried wracking my brain around it but there was nothing.

Dr. Owen tapped my shoulder before the tent flap opened again and I watched someone walk in with Maxon being on a leash. “Ms. Easton, I think it’s best for you medically to take some time off. Until we figure out what happened to you.”

“Ms. Easton, we’ll have your stuff prepared for you to go home for a few months. And Maxon is cleared to go with you as well.” The guy uncliped the leash from his dog collar and he ran to me putting his paws on my knees that were underneath a blanket.

Maxon moved his nose around staying on my right leg and nipping at it. I lifted the blanket curious as to what he was smelling and then I saw the reason for them asking me to leave for a little while. “Maxon, what is it boy. Oh wow – this is what you were talking about isn’t it doc?”

“Yes ma’am it is.” Doc Owen trailed off, lowering his gaze to the leg brace that was wrapped around my right leg. There was a bandage on my knee underneath the brace and my guess was it was because a bullet hit me the wrong way on the mission I couldn’t remember.

A few days later Maxon and I were riding the down exsculator with a bunch of people leaving or coming back in the Chicago airport. I carried my backpack on my left shoulder as we walked through the lobby looking for some food since we hadn’t been able to eat on the plane. “So, what do you want to eat, Maxon. Chicken, burgers or something else – woah hey Maxon. Maxon no!”

Maxon bolts away from my side and towards the direction of where we had come from the baggage claim. I bolted into a run after him as best as I could not used to the brace slowly me down. His paws scraped across the tile floor unit I saw a guy in a dark blue jacket get tackled to the ground and he bared his teeth down to the stranger. “Ugh!”

“Maxon – shit sir I’m so sorry. Maxon get off him. I’m – Will?” I wrapped my arms around his waist trying to yank him off until I saw the guys face in clear view over Mason’s head.

The doctor chuckled not bothered by it. “Long time no see, Mallory.” I slumped my shoulders confused on how he had even found him with this many different smells around us. Yet regardless I had to admit I had missed a certain Halstead brother.

Comments really appreciated ❤️

[sexiestpodcastcharacter]

Who is the Sexiest Fictional Podcast Character?

After receiving 219 submissions for 152 characters from 52 podcasts and a round of preliminaries, we have our brackets!*

*20 characters from the podcast Welcome to Night Vale will appear later in a Night Vale-only bracket.

Round 1:

Scripted Bracket

Isabel Lovelace (Wolf 359) vs Cyrille (5 Minuten Harry Podcast)

Krejjh (The Strange Case of Starship Iris) vs Lady Ethel Mallory (Hello From The Hallowoods)

Lord Arum (The Penumbra Podcast: Second Citadel) vs The Witch Queen A.K.A. Daughter Dooley (Old Gods of Appalachia

Warren Kepler (Wolf 359) vs Ashley "Ash" Ramis (Georgie Romero is Done For)

Brutus Feels (Kane and Feels) vs Shan (SPINES)

Sir Caroline (The Penumbra Podcast: Second Citadel) vs The Dragon Narrator (Unseen)

Alé (The Penumbra Podcast: Second Citadel) vs Hester/The Narrator (Within The Wires: Season 1)

Thistle/The Woman (Alice Isn't Dead) vs Sam Bailey (The Sheridan Tapes)

Peter Nureyev (The Penumbra Podcast: Juno Steel) vs Butt (Pounded In The Butt By My Own Podcast: Episode 1)

Alice (Alice Isn't Dead) vs Diggory Graves (Hello From the Hallowoods)

Antigone Funn (Wooden Overcoats) vs Ryan Dallas (EOS 10)

Martin Blackwood (The Magnus Archives) vs Galileo (Let's Make A Music)

Lucifer Kane (Kane and Feels) vs Gin (Story Break: Heaven Heist)

Amaryllis of Exile (The Penumbra Podcast: Second Citadel) vs Mabel Martin (Mabel)

Pilot Pereya (The Penumbra Podcast: Juno Steel) vs Hester Oleta (Within The Wires: Season 1)

Strelitzia (Additional Postage Required) vs Harold "HBD" Bastion Demetrius (The Soft-Boiled Detective)

Akmazian (EOS 10) vs Everyone from The Strange Case of Starship Iris

Damien (The Bright Sessions) vs Mari Datuin (Hi Nay)

Count Dracula (Re: Dracule) vs Static Man (Archive 81)

Dragana Vukovic (The White Vault) vs Elias Bouchard (The Magnus Archives)

Agnes Montague (The Magnus Archives) vs Vega Rex (Vega: A Sci-Fi Adventure Podcast!)

Mina Murray (Re: Dracula) vs Nicholas Waters (Archive 81)

Mark Bryant (The Bright Sessions) vs Laura (Hi Nay)

Georgie Crusoe (Wooden Overcoats) vs Kate Burnham (The Bridge)

Keisha (Alice Isn't Dead) vs SAYER (SAYER)

Chance Sequoyah (The Penumbra Podcast) vs Yaretzi (Hello From The Hallowoods)

Buddy Aurinko (The Penumbra Podcast: Juno Steel) vs Dane (Dreamboy)

Sadie Doyle (Thrilling Adventure Hour: Beyond Belief) vs Hera (Wolf 359)

Tim Stoker (The Magnus Archives) vs The CryptoNaturalist (The CryptoNaturalist)

Rita (The Penumbra Podcast: Juno Steel) vs Lou (Archive 81)

Dr. Joan Bright (The Bright Sessions) vs Ashvin Beeharee (Hi Nay)

Renée Minkowski (Wolf 359) vs Clara Page (Who is Aldrich Kemp)

Unscripted Bracket

Pickman (Friends at the Table: Sangfielle) vs The Shadow Man ('Til Death Do Us Blart)

Beacon (The Adventure Zone: Amnesty vs Glenn Close (Dungeons and Daddies)

Oscar Wilde (Rusty Quill Gaming) vs Grand Magnificent (Friends at the Table: Twilight Mirage)

Taako (The Adventure Zone: Balance) vs Bathin (Stella Firma)

Lup (The Adventure Zone: Balance) vs Sago Glegg (Rotating Heroes: Arc 6)

Sans Undertale (Interstitial: Our Hearts Intertwined: Authority) vs M. Leopold Duvall (Friends at the Table: Sangfielle)

Duck Newton (The Adventure Zone: Amnesty) vs Chine (Friends at the Table: Sangfielle)

Tryst Valentine (Campaign: Star Wars) vs Mini Smithson (Chapter and Multiverse: Masks)

Gable (Campaign: Skyjacks) vs Hector Hu (Friends at the Table: Bluff City)

Michael (The Adventure Zone: Dust) vs Nicky Close (Dungeons and Daddies

Zolf Smith (Rusty Quill Gaming) vs Fourteen Fifteen (Friends at the Table: Twilight Mirage)

Coco Cashmere (Hey Riddle Riddle) vs Trexel Geistman (Stella Firma)

Killian Fangbattle (The Adventure Zone: Balance) vs Henrietta Salm (Pest Control: Fate)

Kalvin Brnine (Friends at the Table: PALISADE) vs Lye "Lyke" Lichen (Friends at the Table: Sangfielle)

Indrid Cold (The Adventure Zone: Amnesty) vs Rigour (Friends at the Table: COUNTER/Weight)

Chunt (Hello From The Magic Tavern) vs Suvirin Kedberiket (Worlds Beyond Number: The Wizard, The Witch, and the Wild One)

Tender Sky (Friends at the Table: Twilight Mirage) vs Pox (NeoScum)

The Firbolg (The Adventure Zone: Graduation) vs Ron Stampler (Dungeons and Daddies)

Azu (Rusty Quill Gaming) vs Hadrian (Friends at the Table: Seasons of Hieron)

Moonshine Cybin (Not Another D&D Podcast: Bahumia) vs Caspian (Just Roll With It: Riptide)

Amber Gris (The Adventure Zone: Ethersea) vs Jens Lyndelle (Not Another D&D Podcast: Trinvyvale)

Perennial (Friends at the Table: PARTIZAN and PALISADE) vs Throndir (Friends at the Table: Seasons of Hieron)

Nadiya Jones (The Adventure Zone: Commitment) vs Ibex (Friends at the Table: COUNTER/Weight)

Cassander Timaeus Berenice (Friends at the Table: COUNTER/Weight) vs Tech Wizard (NeoScum)

Vermillion "Milli" Blue (Friends at the Table: PARTIZAN) vs Dak Rambo (NeoScum)

Rainer (The Adventure Zone: Graduation) vs Mercedes Oak-Garcia (Dungeons and Daddies)

Thisbe (Friends at the Table: PARTIZAN and PALISADE) vs Echo Reverie (Friends at the Table: Twilight Mirage)

Kravitz (The Adventure Zone: Balance) vs Henry Hogfish (Not Another D&D Podcast)

Aubrey Little (The Adventure Zone: Amnesty) vs Glenfyr "Glen" Gladewyn (Not Another D&D Podcast

Cel Sidebottom (Rusty Quill Gaming) vs Adelaide Tristé (Friends at the Table: Seasons of Hieron)

Kardala (The Adventure Zone: Commitment) vs Jacqui Green (Friends at the Table: COUNTER/Weight)

Hella Varal (Friends at the Table: Seasons of Hieron) vs (Former) Confessor Bartholomew Lamentations (The Unexplored Places: Ruin's Gate)

[cassiesart]

Hello! Here is some spam!

I’m flirting with the idea of having the shapeshifters change form by using a coat, like a selkie.  1) this would allow me to give people overdesigned impractical coats they would not normally choose to wear that they cannot get rid of 2) of course there are all sorts of plot opportunities any time someone has a very important item that would cause them severe problems if it was lost/stolen/destroyed, especially if it can be easily inferred by 3rd parties that said item must exist (because every shapeshifter must have one by the rules of the universe). the coats could even be given additional properties that make nefarious parties want them and target people who are known to have one, which gives me a free ticket to have a villainous character go after any shapeshifter at any point. It could also be a helpful limitation on a character with a powerful second form to be able to lock off that form by taking away access to the coat, so it can’t be used to solve problems :)  3) the way a given character interacts with the coat would be a potentially useful metaphor for the feelings that character has about the other form, for example, Sindri would be wearing his coat almost constantly even when it’s unwise or even dangerous to have it on, because he would panic if the animal form wasn’t available to him at all times. More pragmatic characters like Sal might have the coat in an underground safe guarded by several booby traps, thinking that the risk of having it stolen or destroyed is worse than the risk of needing to transform on short notice when the coat is ten miles away in a safe. Characters could have it shoved away somewhere because they’re ashamed of it, the coat could be well-maintained and pretty or gross and moldy from neglect, etc. 4) it’s also handy if a character has a default item of clothing that spawns onto them when changing from animal/creature to human, so I don’t have to tailor my scene compositions around hiding people behind strategic objects every time they transform without clothing handy 5) I watched song of the sea one (1) times

TL;DR That’s why orc!Sindri is wearing a coat with a fur collar that kinda resembles the furry scruff around his neck in his other form. Sal has a neon green crocodile-skin-looking jacket, which he will go to great lengths to ensure you never see.

Toyhouse: Oddborg | Mallory | Sindri

Dust and Sal do not have toyhouse profiles yet because they are too new, but they have posts here and here

If you ever feel bad about yourself: when I was looking up the football gag for reference, I discovered that Charlie Brown fell for that trick for 49 years. He didn’t even get the cold semi-satisfaction of getting it to a nice, even 50 years. 49. 49 years. Whatever’s going on in your life, I doubt you’ve fallen for the football gag for 49 years running.

[shaunahammond]

was that shauna hammond i saw by the lighthouse today? i heard that the thirty-seven year old who has been in nightrest for thirty seven years and works as a gas station clerk has a reputation of being optimistic, but also impatient. they reside in low point & people in town usually associate them with the smell of black coffee and stale smoke, photo albums shoved onto shelves to gather dust, and smiles that never land the way she intends. 

FULL NAME: Shauna Mallory Hammond

PRONOUNS AND GENDER: Cis woman, she/her

AGE: 37

SEXUALITY: Queer

OCCUPATION: Gas station attendant

HOMETOWN: Nightrest

NEIGHBORHOOD: Low Point

TL;DR:

Nightrest local

Recently released from MCI-Framingham prison after serving two years after embezzling a little under 7 grand from the casino she managed because girly has gambling addiction

SHOULD BE NOTED she ruined her wife's (now ex-wife) with her gambling addiction because she drained both their bank accounts to try to dig herself out of her debt

she is the one who proposed the divorce so none of her legal fees feel back on norah

got released from prison and was surprised to find she would still be divorced and her now ex had no interest in reconciling

still owes the state of massachusetts a bunch of money and is still trying to make things right by norah

is currently living with her sister while she tries to get back on her feet

FUN DUMB STATS:

Birthday: December 1

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius ☉ | Sagittarius ☽ | Libra➶  

MBTI: ENTP

Enneagram: Type 6w9

Temperament: Sanguine  

Moral Alignment: True neutral

Element: Earth

WANTED CONNECTIONS:

childhood friends

friends who have grown apart

ex-wife

prison penpal

ESTABLISHED CONNECTIONS:

ex-wife – norah grady

tbd

VIBES:

pinterest | playlist

[drswannbond]

Mmmh, somehow I'm surprised with the results of this one (i.e. I find myself in disagreement with the most voted opinion hehe). To me, James not only felt first, but he also fell harder. Who's up to chat about it?

I suppose that Madeleine's sudden "I love you" in Blofeld's lair is playing a part in the perception that she was the first to fall in love, but I see it as a brain short circuit, as the woman was witnessing the only person left on earth who understood and who supported her be brainwashed into forgetting her.

On the other hand, if we want to look at the same Spectre timestamp, there are multiple moments during the lair escape where Bond, whom we have known in the past to remain a ruthless killing machine even in the presence of partners (Vesper during the stair fight, Camille...), is shown to be distracted by Madeleine's presence. Cupping her face in gratitude after getting up from the torture chair; finding shelter beside her and sparing her a long, hard look before going back into the gunfight; taking her hand again and again to lead her towards a safe exit; even his smooth "Let's go home", right before it all explodes, to reassure her that they are together and he will see them both through this hell. (Don't get me started on all the layers to this "home" he is spontaneously offering.)

And then, a bit further, after the MI6 reunion -- There's this deliberate choice from Sam Mendes and the film editors to keep the focus on James' face for long seconds while he digests the news that Madeleine is trying to softly let him go. Right afterwards, in the car, the camera starts on Mallory (!) observing Bond, with an answering focus on Bond's seemingly impassive face, as though the agent's state of mind after this public rejection (let's not forget Q and Tanner were also witnessing all this by the cars) is a concern. Bond knows that the priority is on Nine Eyes, but he certainly won't leave the Dr. Swann matter to rest, not after all they've been through together. I would kill to read canon-divergent fics where Madeleine actually leaves the area unscathed, and James goes to find her and woo her back properly after the dust has settled.

[gamergirl929]

Wrapped Around Your Finger (Carli Lloyd x Reader)

Anonymous Request: Can I request carli x r where Carli is absolutely whipped for the reader and everyone teases her about it. Like before they’re even dating she’s whipped and she’s even more so after they’re dating

Carli Lloyd shakes her head, the pout on your face immediately making her cave.  

She ducks down in front of you, a grin on your face as you clamber onto her back, your arms slipping around her neck as her hands settle on the undersides of your thighs.  

You duck down, burying your face in Carli’s neck, the woman’s cheeks flushing when you kiss her jawline.  

“She’s so whipped.” Kelley whispers, Alex nodding.  

"Imagine what it would be like if they started dating.” Emily snorts and Julie scoffs.  

“IF? Don’t you mean WHEN?” She giggles.  

Towards the back of the group, Megan and Ashlyn, share a glance, the two humming loudly.  

“No.” Ali says before either of them can speak, the women’s eyes narrowing.  

“We didn’t say any-

“No.” Ali says again the two women pouting.  

Meanwhile, ahead of the pack, Carli carries you to the locker room, the woman gently sitting you down on the bench before she sits behind you.  

“Do you need anything else?” She asks, glancing around. “Wait, I’ll grab you a water.”  

You watch Carli go with a smile; your cheeks flushed.  

You’d taken a tumble on the field during the second half, your ankle rolling in a way that ended up taking you out of the game.  

Ever since that fall, Carli had been doting over you, more so than she already had been, well before your tumble.  

In a sense, you had Carli Lloyd wrapped around your finger without meaning to, though she’d insisted on doing basically anything for you that she had the power to do.  

“Hey, here.”  

You’re pulled out of your trance by Carli herself, the woman forgoing on sitting behind you and instead sitting in front of you as she passes you a cool water.  

You take a sip of the cool water, your eyes widening when Carli nods to your injured ankle.  

“I got some ice.” She holds a bag up and you smile, your cheeks flushing when she pats her lap, urging you to rest your injured foot there, which you do.  

You sigh as Carli inspects your ankle, icing it as she massages the other side.  

“What am I going to do with you?” She teases and you shrug.

“Beats me.”  

Carli shakes her head, frowning when you grunt in pain.  

“It’s okay.” She whispers with a frown.  

Across the locker room, Christen smirks, she and Tobin watching as Carli dotes over you, massaging and icing your ankle tenderly, in a way that’s reserved for someone who she’d held dearly.  

“How are they not together yet?” Mallory whispers to Christen, the forward shaking her head.  

“I have no idea.”  

Emily glances at Kelley.

“Maybe we can change that?” She smirks, though just as Kelley’s lips part, Ali shakes her head.  

“No.”  

“But, we didn’t say anyth-

“No.”  

Your eyes glaze over as you watch Carli tend to your ankle, your cheeks flush and your heart skipping a beat in your chest.  

You knew you couldn’t deny what you were feeling for Carli went WELL beyond friendship, who wouldn’t fall for someone like her?  

Someone who, even though you were only friends, treated you like a queen, like someone she held dearly, and she did, in a way you hadn’t known was more than friendship, but in the coming days, those feelings would become apparent.

“You alright?”  

You jump, your eyes widening when you realize Carli is staring at you in question, her brows furrowed.  

“Wh-What?” You ask, head cocked to the side and she smirks.  

“I was asking if your ankle feels any better.”  

You smile, noting a large amount of the pain had ebbed away.  

“Yeah, all because of you.”  

Carli shrugs, her cheeks flushing.  

“I just helped.”  

You roll your eyes, resting your hand on top of hers, the woman’s brown orbs widening.  

“You more than helped.”

Carli glances away bashfully, shrugging.  

“Just helped.”  

You roll your eyes, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.  

“Sure, you did.”  

Unsurprisingly, Carli decides to carry you to the bus, also unsurprisingly, you let her.  

                                                            ***

Your ankle injury meant you were confined to bed for the night, orders from Dr. Carli Lloyd.  

You smirk as Carli sits on the bed beside you, the woman smiling softly.  

“Are you okay? Do you need anything?” She asks, eyes darting around to make sure your drink is close enough, as well as the medication and ice pack.  

“I’m alright.”  

In that very moment your stomach decides to rumble loudly, a smirk stretching across Carli’s face.  

“You were saying now?” She teases and you groan.  

“FINE. I’m hungryyyyy, but you’ve already done so much for me I-

Before you can even finish your sentence, Carli is on her feet, her shoes on and keys in hand.  

“Craving anything specific?” She asks and you shake your head, chuckling.  

“Surprise me.”  

Carli grins.  

“You got it.”  

                                                            ***

“Ohhhh, where you going Lloyd?”

Carli stops at the hotel’s entrance, glancing over her shoulder to find Kelley, along with the team babies standing behind her, dressed for what she knows is a night out.  

“Going to get some food, Y/N’s hungry.”  

“She’s got you wrapped around her finger.” Kelley smirks, Carli’s brows furrowing.  

“I just don’t want her hurting her ankle anymore.” She shrugs, stepping out of the hotel, her teammates on her heels.  

“Admit it Carlos, you’re whipped.” Emily smirks, the forward scoffing.  

“I am NOT whipped.” She snorts and Rose hums, tapping her chin.  

“You carry her whenever she asks.” She says, Carli’s eyes narrowing.  

“You carry her bags every time we get to a new hotel...” Sam adds, Lindsey grinning.  

“You tie her shoes for her if you see they’re untied.”  

Emily nods.  

“You’re going out to get her food, when the hotel has food.”  

Carli scoffs.  

“I just want to get what she likes...” She shuffles from foot to foot and Kelley smirks.  

“Whipped.” Kelley’s lips split in a grin and Carli huffs, the woman turning to head down the street, though Kelley’s voice stops her.

“But it’s okay, we’re all a little whipped when it comes to being in love.”  

Carli stops midstride, her brown orbs widening.  

“Love?” She asks, flipping on her heels, her mouth opening and closing a few times before she finds her voice.  

“Did you just say I love Y/N?” She asks, the thought of having you in that way making her heart race.  

Kelley’s brows furrow before she sings.  

“Yessssssssssss I did.”  

Carli stares at her for a moment, blinking once, then twice, a third time, her mind racing as she thinks of the way that you make her feel, the way her heart races when you’re around and how every time you laugh, she can’t help but smile, the butterflies in her stomach riled up just by the sound.  

She shakes her head, her gaze dropping to her shoes.  

Could Kelley be right?  

Could she really be in love with her best friend?

                                                            ***

There’s a brief knock on your hotel room door before it opens, your brows furrowing when Julie, along with Alex, Tobin and Christen, the four women standing at the end of your bed.  

“Did you pick the lock?” You ask, staring at Tobin who holds her hands up.  

“I didn’t pick the lock!”  

Christen smiles as she holds the card to your room up.  

“Carli wanted someone to have it just in case you needed help.” She smiles.  

You chuckle, cheeks dusted pink.  

“Of course, she did.”  

Julie flops down on the bed beside you, propping herself up on her elbow.  

“How’s the ankle?” Alex asks as she sits on the end of the bed, smiling at the level of care Carli put into wrapping your ankle as well as adjusting your ice pack just right.

“It’s better, Carli made sure of that.” You smile, eyes widening when you see the look on Julie’s face.  

“What?”  

“You’re so clueless.” Tobin teases as she flops into the chair beside your bed.  

“What do you mean?” You ask and Tobin snorts.  

“Exactly.”  

You huff, your bottom lip jutted out in a pout.  

Christen takes pity on you, as does Alex, the two sitting down on the bed beside you.  

“You like her.”  

You snort.  

“Of course, I do.”  

Alex shakes her head with a giggle, whereas Tobin simply pinches the bridge of her nose.  

“She means you LIKEEEE her.” Tobin puts emphasis on the word and your eyes widen.  

“Wh-What?” You murmur, shaking your head as your mind races, your cheeks flushing.  

You couldn’t believe it, you couldn’t believe what you were hearing, but was it true?

Did you really LIKE Carli in that way?

“So?” Julie asks and you give your head a shake, pulling yourself from your trance.  

“I mean...” You swallow hard, the thought of Carli doting over you, the way she smiled when her eyes locked with yours, the way her touch was so tender.  

You smile, a smile that makes everyone else in the room grin.  

Your heart skips a beat when you think of the way Carli had taken care of you today, literally carrying you to the locker room, to the bus and to the room, making sure you don’t further agitate your ankle, the way she delicately tended to the injury.  

The thought makes your small smile split into a massive grin.  

She was right.  

They were ALL right.  

You were in love with Carli Lloyd.  

                                                            ***

It’s nearly an hour later than Carli pushes the door open, slipping into the room, two plastic bags in her hands.  

“I uhhh… Went with Chinese I know it’s your favorite.” She walks to the table, only turning to you once she’s sat the food down.

The woman’s brown orbs widen when she sees the look on your face.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” She asks noticing the slightest change to the typical twinkle in your eye.

Carli sits on the bed beside you, the woman’s eyes widening when cup one of her cheeks.

Carli's heart skips a beat, the woman’s breath hitching when your thumb runs along her bottom lip.

Brown orbs disappear behind closed eyelids as she leans into your touch.

“Do you…” Carli takes a deep breath, afraid to open her eyes, afraid to see your reaction.

“Do you feel it too?” She asks, voice just above a whisper.

Instead of replying in the normal sense, you lean in, closing the distance between you with a kiss.  

Carli’s brown orbs flash open as they dart around your face, her lips moving against yours.  

Again, her eyes flutter shut as she relishes in the kiss, pulling back only to change the angle of the innocent and passionate kiss.  

Carli's hands move to cover your own her fingers slotting between yours.  

The two of you eventually part, eyes fluttering open at nearly the same time, glassy brown orbs locking with Y/E/C’s.  

Carli leans back in, resting her forehead against yours.  

“So?” She whispers, voice so soft you have to strain your ears to hear.  

You grin.  

“I love you too.”  

                                                            ***

Julie shakes her head, watching as Carli drops do the ground in front of you, tying your untied shoe that you hadn’t even notice had become untied.  

Kelley grins at you and Carli, your girlfriend looking up at you, brown orbs shining with nothing but pure adoration.  

You duck down, pressing a kiss to her lips before you move to your feet, Carli’s fingers tangling with yours.

“Ready?” She asks and you grin.  

“Ready.”  

The two of you turn, ready to leave the field only to find the rest of the team smiling your way.  

“What?” You ask, brows furrowed and everyone grins.  

“Carli’s still just as whipped as before.”  

The aforementioned woman’s eyes narrow, that is, until you press a kiss to her cheek.  

“They’re just jealous.” You whisper, Carli kneeling down so you can climb on her back, carrying you passed her teammates and towards the bus.  

Everyone shakes their heads, following behind the two of you.  

“Somethings never change.”  

[gypsydanger01]

THE STORM - Part eleven

Fandom: The Boys (Amazon prime tv series)

Pairing: Black Noir x OC

Disclaimer: I don’t own The Boys, only my OC characters and certain pieces of au plot.

Comments, reviews, constructive criticism, and other requests are always more than welcome!

  Posting new chapters on Wednesday and Friday!

 Mallory

The following day started out cloudy but ultimately turned out to be a lovely day. Unfortunately, though, the pale sun in the sky gave little warmth, and Sarah trudged on towards the local park, hands stuffed in the pockets of her coat.

Waking up in a fairly good mood, she decided to go for a walk, and maybe make a trip to the local park. Children’s laughter grew louder and louder until she turned the corner, and there it was. To be honest, it wasn’t much of a park, run down and covered in graffiti, but children are quick to move past that. All that mattered to them was playing, running around, and having fun.

Sarah looked away and sat on a bench, legs crossed one over the other. She checked the time and flipped open the burner phone she kept for contacting Mallory. After five minutes, at precisely eleven o’clock, she selected the only registered number and called.

“Mommy, mommy, look—look at me, mommy,” a little girl called from the swings, her mother smiling and assuring that she, indeed, could see her.

It reminded Sarah so much of her younger self calling out to her mother, and it hurt. She'd visited the playground they used to go to before the Vought trials, but it had become abandoned, all grass and rusty edges. It was sad how it'd been left behind.

She waited for the other end to pick up.

“Hello?” a voice called out, and Sarah smiled lightly.

She paused and breathed out, “Hey Mal, how are you doing?”

Mallory chuckled on the other end, “Well these knees aren’t what they used to be, but I’m okay,” Sarah heard her plop onto the sofa, “More importantly, how are you?”

Sarah ran a hand through the curly tresses that had been blown into her face.

“I guess it’s decent, can’t really complain. I’m still working as a data analyst for the labs, in bioinformatics…,” she trailed off. “But I heard a slot is opening up for a researcher in the developmental biology labs, so I’m going to try and see if they’ll hire me.”

“Please, Sarah—just be careful, keep your eyes open,” she murmured, “always vigilant, alright?”

The young woman stared out at the children crawling over the playground’s castle, tumbling down the slides, running after each other and laughing out of pure, innocent joy.

“Where are you?”

“Neighborhood playground.”

“I thought I heard children. How’s school?”

“Well, actually well, I’ll be finished with my post doc soon enough. They hired me as an assistant professor a couple days ago, I’m teaching a microbiology class for some juniors.”

“That sounds interesting, it would be entertaining to see you teach. You’re a mix of patient and impatient—don’t really know what that would look like in the classroom.”

Sarah snorted lightly, “Fortunately, they seem to be good listeners, quiet and respectful—I don’t know what I’d do if they were a bunch of little arrogant rich kids.”

Mallory too started laughing, thinking back on the young woman’s training. She was proficient in using a great number of weapons and could easily hold her own without one. In an interrogation room, she was skillful in psychologically manipulating a suspect into confessing or giving up information. She spoke multiple languages and was a natural at reading body-language. She had a good eye for meaningful details that are often overlooked. She was the perfect field agent. Mallory had a hard time seeing her as a professor, calmly explaining a powerpoint to a bunch of students.

“I guess it’ll help you further develop that patience of yours,” Mallory surmised.

Sarah couldn’t help but agree.

“Hey, Mallory?” she asked tentatively.

The older woman stilled on the couch, “Yes dear?”

“Do you remember Dr. Roberts? The doctor I saw for my…” she trailed off, searching for a better word, “for my health problems?”

Mallory pursed her lips and stayed silent on the other end.

“I need to contact him—”

Mallory cut in, “What happened? Do you need to come home?”

Worry laced in her voice, the older woman couldn’t help the string of worst scenarios playing in her head. She knew the danger correlated with the young woman’s plan and felt helpless in being left out. If anything happened to the girl, she wouldn’t be able to live with herself.

 When the dust finally settled, there was nothing left but a crater and a little girl lying amid the smoke and ashes. That’s how they found her: curled in a ball, shivering with her skin covered in soot.

When the perimeter was deemed safe enough, Mallory and a team of experts approached the figure. Alive, yet on the brink of death, the little girl had slipped into a coma, and they were quick to have her internalized in a secured section of a local hospital. Only Mallory and few others had the security clearance to access the small room that held her.

Months passed and the room stayed quiet. Mallory went to gather updates from the doctors once a week. At the CIA they had many hypothesis but couldn’t seem to put together the disaster that had been the implosion of that Vought clinic. She had her underlying suspicions and didn’t trust the little girl who had survived. She had to be enhanced, she had to be a supe. There was no other explanation, no other alternative. And yet, she was the only link that would allow them to piece together the accident. The news had presented it as an explosion due to an accidental chemical explosion, but Mallory knew they were far from the truth.

It was an experimental factory for building little supes. And evidently, it had worked.

The proof of that was the little unknown girl lying in her white, pristine cot.

Mallory would look at her with detachment, knowing the child was probably a victim, and yet not feeling any remorse. She had leveled an entire building.

But then one day, as she watched a nurse report her vitals while tucking the little girl in, she opened her eyes. Afraid and trembling, she looked around wildly and fixated on the woman standing at the door.

With her height and professional attire, she was the epitome of rigidness. Blonde hair perfectly pinned back into a bun. Sharp light blue eyes guarded and alert. The two stared at each other, both with underlying dread and a sliver of fear.

And then something twisted in Mallory. Maybe it was the blatant fear in the young girls’ eyes, or maybe it was the innocent tears trailing down her cheeks.

“Where’s my mommy?”

Mallory moved forward, compelled by some unknown force.

She sat at the girl’s side, “She’s not here at the moment, okay?” she explained softly, tension visible in her rigid shoulders. She had no idea what the little one was capable of, and she didn’t want to find out.

The nurse gently took a hold of her bony wrist, taking her vitals once again. “How are you feeling?”

The little girl wiped at her face, “Sleepy.”

“Okay, and can you tell us your name sweetie?”

She looked up at the strict woman beside her, “Marianna,” she said matter-of-factly before adding, “my mommy calls me Mari.”

As the minutes passed, Mari seemed to grow livelier and more awake, her skin less pale and clammy than before.

The nurse pressed a button on the side of the bed, calling the assigned physician, Dr. Roberts.

“Marianna, I’m going to have to get a little bit of blood so we can have it tested and make sure you’re okay. Is that alright?”

The girl pulled her legs into a crisscrossed position and shrugged her shoulders.

“Okay,” she answered as if it were the most normal thing in the world. The nurse hurried to prepare the syringe and test tube, comparing her to the hundreds of kids who cry and scream in vicinity of a needle.

Marianna watched her sterilize the needle, then looked back at Mallory.

“Can I hold your hand?”

Mallory was left speechless and felt like she should distance herself before growing attached. Nevertheless, she nodded and let Marianna’s small fingers grip her own.

 “Mallory?” Sarah called into the phone, suddenly worried.

The woman was brought out of her memories and focused on the task at hand.

“Why are you bringing this up now? I haven’t heard from Dr. Roberts in years.”

Sarah explained, reciting the story she’d come up with, “I know but I have some samples I took that need to be tested,” she explained. “Discreetly,” she stressed.

Mallory thought about it and let go of the tension in her shoulders, “Alright, I thought something happened with you.”

Sarah felt terrible for lying but couldn’t see any alternative. “No, I’m doing alright, I just need to contact him for these samples. I don’t know anyone else who would do it. And he’s trustworthy.”

Mallory nodded to herself, “Alright, I’ll look for his number and email—I’ll send you the info by tonight.”

“Great, thanks Mal.”

Mallory laughed lightly, “Please, you won’t let me get involved, this is the least I can do.”

They chatted for a few more minutes before saying their goodbyes with the usual promise of talking at the same time next Sunday.

Sarah stayed seated on the park bench for a little while longer, trying her best to recall details on Dr. Roberts. She’d met him only a few times at the hospital after she had woken up from the coma.

 Mallory was seated on the edge of her cot, answering Marianna’s flood of questions. Mostly, she tried to avoid answering questions about her parents. Mallory’s heart squeezed tight every time the little one inquired about their whereabouts, and why they hadn’t still been to see her.

They were waiting for word on her final results, and when Dr. Roberts finally entered, they both fell silent.

“Good morning everyone,” he greeted, lively energy in his movements, “how are you doing today, Marianna?”

The little girl looked at Mallory and answered shyly, “M’okay”

“That sounds great,” he smiled, “I have your test results here and everything is looking good. Great, actually.”

He further explained certain details and made sure to indicate what medications she would need to take over the next few weeks.

Finally, he rose and excused himself to speak with Mallory. In the meantime, the little girl put on the clothes the woman had brought for her.

“She’s really doing fine, she must have some regenerative enhancement as well, because she’s healthier than what she should be.”

“And will the other enhancement manifest?”

“I don’t think so. It seems like it’s linked to the amygdala—the center for processing fear, stress, anxiety, and the likes—" he paused. “The accident took its toll, I think. And when she’ll remember, or you tell her, I think it’s going to effectively shut that part of her down.” He thought about it and added, “Think of it as an emotional wall.”

Mallory nodded, processing the information. The little one might have a chance at a semi-normal life.

“Just follow the instructions on the papers I gave you and you all should be fine. She just needs to be looked after and cared for. It’s going to be a shock when she finds out.”

Mallory agreed and her chest squeezed at the thought of the pain the girl would go through.

She thanked the doctor and headed back into the room.

“Are you ready to go, sweetie?”

She watched the little one scramble off the bed in fresh clothes, a small light blue backpack on her shoulders. It contained some items Mallory had brought her over the course of her stay at the clinic. There was a comb for her unruly hair, chap-stick, some crayons, and a small notebook.

“You remember what we talked about?”

The little girl nodded, “My name is Sarah now.”

Mallory smiled, her usually frigid expression melting away. She reminded her of her grandchildren at home.

“Come on, let’s go meet your new friends.”

Marianna, now officially named Sarah Burns, skipped along with her down a hallway and out of the building. As she climbed into the back of her car, Mallory scanned the premises for any watchful eyes. She slipped into the driver’s seat before looking back at Sarah.

“I was almost forgetting—I got you something,” she said reaching into her jacket pocket.

Sarah’s eyes widened at the Snickers bar she extracted. The little girl laughed and clapped her hands.

 Sarah was pulled back into the present as a little girl ran past her—she felt the movement of air in waves. The woman stood and took her leave, heading back home.

MASTERLIST

Tag list: @ateliefloresdaprimaveraa @ellejo @dust-bun @coco724  @proximio-5 @damiminator @omegahighendpro @rpgluvr95 @sweetrabbitteamx

[sincerelyreidburke]

Hey again! So like, you are under no obligation, and I send you too many asks anyway but... if you're down for writing Spencer's reaction to A FROSH GETTING EVAN THE AUDACITY I would be so pleased :) lol

First of all: you don’t send me too many asks. I believe the phrase you’re looking for is “I enable you to write fun things often”. Which is highly encouraged, in this establishment.

Second: yes. And for those who aren’t Via, let me enlighten you. Spencer is a Kiersey College drama club OC, part of the group of characters I created to enhance Quinn’s college drama club experience (and to have more fun on “Quinn Theatre Hours” Monday nights). You can read a comprehensive introduction to the drama club cast in this fic, which tells the story of the week leading up to Quinn’s casting in Dear Evan Hansen his freshman year.

Spencer is... hm, how shall we say. A giant asshole. He’s a junior theatre kid who fully expects that the role of Evan will land neatly in his lap. This ficlet depicts as much. It takes place pretty much simultaneously with the casting fic I linked to above.

This is also a precursor of sorts to a longer drama club fic, which I’m working on, that Via has also asked after. Stay tuned for that, because there is where you’ll see some serious, well... drama.

Until then: Spencer can choke. I’m entertained by the fact that I’m now being asked to write things from the point of view of the bully. Here’s what you asked for!

//

Today is going to be an amazing day.

And here’s why. Spencer has been waiting— all week, certainly, but also for months, even since the school year began, to see something he finally gets to see today. During all three of his years at Kiersey, the spring musical has been something to look forward to, but especially this year, with so much riding on it. Today, the cast list goes up for the biggest show of his life. Today, he confirms his place in a  role he’s been dreaming of playing for months. Today, he starts to lead this year’s cast.

He knows that the show was chosen for him. Dr. C is notorious for it— she’s not shy about choosing shows based on who she has available for casting. It’s resourceful, Spencer has told her time and again; after all, you have to work with what you have. It’s like how she chose Book of Mormon last year for him— well, and for Reid, he guesses, but mostly for him. And how the director at his and Kelsie’s high school chose Thoroughly Modern Millie for the two of them their senior year.

He planted the seed for Dear Evan Hansen in Dr. C’s head last spring, an offhanded mention in a conversation, right around the time Book of Mormon was closing. He forwarded her a few articles over the summer, just to jog her interest, and he and Kelsie even went to New York to see the show in June, so he typed up a review and sent it her way. When he arrived on campus this past fall, he was thrilled to hear she’d taken his advice. It would be their spring 2018 show.

His audition went just as expected, and he read for Evan during his callback. So this morning, when he rolls out of bed at five-thirty sharp, it’s the first thing on his mind, without a doubt in it. Today is the day he starts being Evan Hansen.

He deserves this.

To start his great day, he grabs a morning workout, like always. In the gym, he sees one of the freshmen who auditioned, using an elliptical and wearing pink leggings. She has curly, golden blond hair piled into a high ponytail, full lips, and tan skin. Her name is… Maddie? Mallory? He isn’t sure, but what does it matter anyway. She was in callbacks with him last night, and she wasn’t projecting well.

So he doesn’t say hello, and doesn’t even think she’ll notice him until he passes her as he’s leaving. She’s refilling a water bottle with stickers all over it, and she waves. “Hey, Spencer.”

“Oh!” He pretends to be surprised. “Hi, Maddie.”

“Uh.” She chuckles a little, and shakes her head. “It’s— Maggie, actually.”

“Oh. Sorry about that.” He stops in front of her, and bends down— she’s a little short— to deliver a word for the wise. “Hey, by the way… don’t take it too hard if you aren’t cast in a bigger role today.” She arches an eyebrow, and he continues, because she ought to know. “There just aren’t a lot of roles that would fit… you, y’know?”

It doesn’t look like Maggie understands what he means, but she shrugs and folds her arms, all standoffish. “Well, good luck to you, too.”

“Thank you!” He flashes a smile. “It’s always great to see beginners joining the musical.”

Maggie purses her lips and scowls as he turns to go. Huh. What a bitch. He was only telling her what she needed to hear.

Well, it’s her loss. Freshmen rarely ever get speaking roles. And it’s not like Zoe is going to anybody besides Kelsie.

He texts his girlfriend on the way out of the gym. Kelsie is an early riser, too, but she doesn’t work out in the morning like he does. By now, in her morning routine, she’ll be through with her shower and doing her hair.

They meet for breakfast every morning, but this morning, it’ll be a quick affair. The cast list goes up at 9:00 sharp in the Beckett Performing Arts Center lobby, and they have every intention to be the first ones there.

So Spencer showers and gets dressed, donning a blue shirt for the occasion. He meets up with Kelsie in the lobby of their dorm, and they walk to the dining hall hand-in-hand, leaving right around 8:00. It’s sunny out today, but still freezing cold.

“So,” she asks him, as they stroll down the sidewalk. “Any bold predictions?” She pauses to grin and bump against his hip, as she adds, “Besides the obvious.”

Spencer beams. He loves their relationship for so many reasons, but especially because they support each other so well. “Well,” he begins, pulling his stocking cap down on his head. “I think Reid is a dead ringer for Jared.” Which will be easy, because although Reid is unfunny at best, Spencer is used to working with him; he got well accustomed to it on Book of Mormon.

“Oh, absolutely.” Kelsie nods. “And I think… Claire, as Heidi? I can’t be sure, but—” She pauses for an exaggerated eyeroll, which is absolutely warranted, because Claire is such a goody two-shoes it’s insufferable. “I know Dr. C likes giving her principal roles.”

“Which I, for one, do not understand,” he quips.

“Tell me about it.” Kelsie sighs, then shakes her head. “But I could see Claire going that way.”

“I could, as well.” He pauses, racks his brain of the names on the audition list. He checked it religiously, to see who was trying to get involved, even after he had secured his spot as first on the list. “And… hm… alright, I’m not saying I’d like to see Danny Cho as Larry, but given they didn’t run his part in callbacks at all last night…”

“Mm,” Kelsie hums. “I think you’re right. That’s a shame. His singing is suspect at best.”

“And his acting…” He sighs. “I hope he can pull it off.”

“Maybe he can.” Kelsie swings his hand a little, and they sidestep for a rushing student who must be late to their eight-AM class. When they regain sidewalk space, she looks to him, smoothing her bangs, and asks, “And Connor?...”

“Hm.” Spencer’s mind lands on someone, but it’s an underwhelming thought. “Cole?”

“Oh.” Kelsie pauses, like she forgot he existed. Which is easy to do, because Cole, the sophomore he’s thinking of, is quiet and irrelevant. Spencer was surprised to see him audition; he played guitar in the pit for Book of Mormon, and from there he always assumed he was a fly-under-the-radar type. But he read all of Connor’s parts in callbacks. “Well, he has the look.”

“It’s a typecast,” he agrees. “He seems… sketchy?”

“Right? Kind of a weirdo,” Kelsie says. She raises an eyebrow at him, and asks, “Do you think you could work with him?”

“Well, it isn’t like I’ll have much of a choice,” he remarks. “But who knows? Maybe someone else will get Connor.”

“Maybe.” Kelsie pauses, then smiles and says, “You can do it.”

He kisses her cheek, as they walk along. “Thank you.”

From there, they move onto a rehearsal schedule tangent. It’s not until they’re almost at the dining hall that casting gets brought up again. “What about that kid?” Kelsie asks, suddenly, almost laughing. “The really short one, the freshman? Could he beat out Cole or Danny?”

“Oh…” Spencer thinks he knows who she means. “Scarf kid?” When she nods, he laughs out loud. “I highly doubt he’ll be seeing the cast list. I mean, Kels, he’s a freshman.”

“That’s true.” She shrugs. “You did get Anthony freshman year, though…”

He straightens a little as he walks, because it still makes him proud to think about Sweeney Todd freshman year. “I reserve myself as a small exception to the rule.”

Kelsie grins. “You’re gonna be great, babe,” she says, and even though he knows he will be, it still feels nice to hear it.

Breakfast is very nice. He has scrambled eggs and sausage patties from the grill, and she has a fruit salad with unsweetened tea, in accordance with her New Year’s weight-loss diet. They have a breakfast table in the corner, by tradition, and they even see Reid when they’re in there. He’s eating with his girlfriend, and flashes jazz hands at the both of them, with a grin. “Happy casting day!”

Spencer wonders, just slightly, if Reid has seen the cast list yet. He may be a student, but he’s drama club president all the same, and maybe he has pre-existing knowledge. But on second thought, Spencer doesn’t think Dr. C would do that. She doesn’t even give him advance knowledge of casting, and he would venture to call himself her favorite student.

So he just waves to Reid, because he and Kelsie are on their way out. “Morning, Reid.” There’s something like a shit-eating grin on Reid’s face, so he can’t resist asking. “Have you seen the list yet?”

“Oh, yeah, dude!” Reid kicks back in his chair. “Didn’t you hear the good news? I’m Evan!”

Spencer’s soul leaves his body. “You— I’m sorry, what?”

“I’m so excited.” Reid smooths out his hair before he dusts off his graphic tee. “Tell me— do you think I’ll look good in striped blue?”

This is not real life. “You can’t be serious.”

“No, tell him, Bri!” Still grinning, Reid looks to his girlfriend, this chubby art student who always has ceramic work on display in the admissions lobby. “Weren’t we just discussing how lovely my angelic voice will sound on Words Fail?”

Bri nods, with her chin in her hands. “Oh, for sure.”

Reid throws his hands up, all smiles. “See?”

Kelsie steps forward, like she’s about to say something. And just as Spencer’s heart is set to beat out of his chest, Reid doubles over and bursts out laughing. “Jesus, Spencer,” he says, smacking the table. “I’m just fucking with you, dude. Could you not tell I was joking?”

“Well, he’s a little on edge,” Kelsie cuts in. “We both are.”

Reid shrugs, putting his hands behind his head like his dining hall chair is actually a lounge chair on the beach. “Well,” he remarks. “I have seen the list, but it’s not up for another…” He glances at the big clock on the wall in the dining room. “Fourteen minutes, so you won’t hear any leaks from me.”

“Wait, really?” he asks. “Have you actually seen it.”

Reid shrugs, making a face like he’s just been instructed to ‘do a silly one’ in a family portrait.

Spencer hates Reid Burke. He’s never really been sure about this fact until today. It’s partly the fact that Reid is still kind of grinning, like this is some big joke— Reid treats everything like a big joke— and partly the fact that he knows, even if he resorted to groveling (which he will not), that he truly won’t get any leaks out of him. Even with fifteen minutes left until he’ll see it himself, it’s tantalizing to know that Reid is sitting right here with full knowledge of the cast, and won’t say a word.

And by the way, what the hell, Dr. C? Since when does she leak the cast list to students?

But standing here being mad at Reid isn’t going to make the list go up faster, so he rolls his eyes, as Reid zips his lips, and says, “Well, I’ll see you later.”

“Bye,” Kelsie adds, like she is less than enthused that she wasted three minutes of her life on this useless conversation. Which is exactly how Spencer feels.

“Idiot,” he mutters, as they walk away, and doesn’t even care if he’s in earshot. “He almost gave me a heart attack.”

“Spence,” Kelsie says, taking his hand to squeeze it. “You know you have nothing to worry about.”

“I know,” he replies, because she’s right, “but what’s up with Dr. C letting Reid see the list early? How does that work? I practically picked the show—”

“It’s bullshit,” she replies, as they bust their breakfast trays. “You should say something to her, later.”

“I think I will,” he says. He’s already planning what he’ll say, as they leave the dining hall and head at a brisk pace in the direction of Beckett. It’s a quick walk, fueled by both of their adrenaline, and when they reach the double doors, Spencer takes one last breath of crisp winter air before walking inside.

Dr. C is in the lobby, crossing from the direction of Beck 1C, where the board is, back toward her office. She’s in a multicolored knit sweater, and she holds her head high, a surefire sign she just did something important. “Good morning, Dr. C,” he says, with a chipper wave. “Is the list up? We wanted to be the first ones to see it.”

“Yes.” Dr. C nods, adjusting her glasses as she stops a moment to talk to them. “It was definitely difficult to cast, and… some people may not be happy, but it’s the best fitting for the programme, as we say.”

Her wording is cryptic, but it always is. Two and a half years in her inner circle, and he knows her well. “Ah, I’m sure you picked the right people,” he says, with a wink.

Dr. C looks between him and Kelsie, then nods. “I’m confident I did,” she says, and it gives him an extra thrill of excitement. A quick glance to Kelsie and she’s smiling like she won the lottery. “Have a nice morning, you two!” Dr. C says, as she starts for her office again.

Kelsie blows her a kiss, and Spencer waves. When they meet eyes again, he takes her hand, and looks to the corner where the bulletin board is.

“Ready?” she asks him.

It’s time.

“Never more ready,” he replies, and together, they walk to the board with its promised sheet of paper.

The anticipation is adrenaline enough. Spencer knows what he’ll find on the list, but is still eager to get to it, to see his name at the top. They round the corner, and there’s the list, fresh white against the board’s maroon paper base. It’s only a few more steps.

When they get there, Kelsie sees it first. She leans forward, then recoils, like she’s been burned. “What?!” she cries, loud enough to be heard inside the actual auditorium.

“Kels? What’s wrong?” He wonders if Claire beat her out for Zoe. He consults the list to investigate, and— and— oh.

Right around then is when the world stops turning.

*

“Quinn Cooper?” Kelsie is staring at the list, her arms crossed over her chest, a permanent scowl etched on her perfect face. “The scarf freshman? Are they kidding?”

Spencer feels frozen. He stares at the list in disbelief, reads it up and down again and again. He feels like he’s been standing here for twenty minutes, but it’s probably only been two or three.

DEAR EVAN HANSEN

Cast & Crew List

Evan Hansen: Quinn Cooper

Connor Murphy: Cole Kolinsky

Zoe Murphy: Claire Deshaies

Heidi Hansen: Allison Halterman

Larry Murphy: Daniel Cho

Jared Kleinman: Reid Burke

Cynthia Murphy: Kelsie Wilkes

Alana Beck: Maggie Atkins

U/S Evan: Spencer Bergen

It’s fake. One of Reid’s practical jokes. They’re all out to play a big junior-year prank on him. Everyone is in on it. Including the scarf freshman.

There’s. No. Way.

“This is—” Kelsie sputters, then shakes her head. “I can’t believe this.”

“I won’t believe this,” he says, speaking for the first time since he saw the list. “There has to be some kind of mistake.”

“Um, I would sure hope so,” she says, popping the p in ‘hope’. “This is— this is a joke.”

Quinn Cooper. The freshman the size of a hobbit. Who wears scarves to every drama club meeting. Who’s barely been at Kiersey for half a year. Who just stole the role of his dreams right out from under him.

Spencer absolutely cannot believe this. “I have to talk to Dr. C,” he says, and it’s more an out-loud realization than anything, but he turns on his heel and marches straight for her office as soon as the words are out. “Like. Right now.”

*

But talking to Dr. C is a useless affair. “I work with what I’m given, Spencer,” she says, sitting behind her desk like some kind of supervillain, more closed-off to him than he’s ever seen her. “The cast may not look exactly how you imagined it, but some of the newer students showed real promise this year.”

“But Dr. C—” He paces in front of her desk. “I suggested the show. I practiced all summer. I thought for sure—”

“Spencer, I chose the show on my own accord,” she says, evenly. “It’s true I take input from students, but that has no bearing on my casting decisions.”

He throws his hands in the air. “But you have to see how this is unfair to me—”

“I think,” she cuts in, in this icy tone that’s usually reserved for people who fuck up majorly, and never for him, not in his entire time at Kiersey, “that once you see how the cast falls together, you’ll respect the casting decisions I made as your director.”

He sputters and rants, but he doesn’t dare disrespect her, no matter how much she’s betrayed him.

And so it goes. He’s lost out on his role, in his spring musical, to some no-name freshman who probably can’t even belt.

And just in case there needed to be a cherry on top, he’s his understudy. Of all things. How humiliating.

Spencer’s life is over.

It’s not until much later that day, when he’s sulking in Kelsie’s dorm room, mourning his lost musical season, that the idea for a solution crosses his mind.

It’s sort of her idea, but sort of his. She, at least, brings it up. “Spence,” she says, nudging his arm. He’s been scrolling mindlessly through Twitter for who knows how long, while she flips through her newly acquired script. “Y’know… you’re his understudy.”

“Well, jeez, Kels, I hadn’t noticed,” he snaps, dropping his phone onto the bed. “Thanks for reminding me.”

“That wasn’t my point,” she replies, scowling. “What I meant was… you’re his understudy.”

He knows she isn’t stupid enough to say the same thing twice over, so he tries to read her meaning. She’s gesturing, like she wants him to get it, and on top of the day he’s had, he doesn’t appreciate being made to feel like an idiot. He’s about to tell her as much when something dawns on him.

Something in the form of very, very useful knowledge. “And that means…” he says. “I perform if he can’t.”

A wise smile crosses Kelsie’s face. “Exactly.”

“So all we have to do is…” He nods. It’s taking shape in his head now. His spring musical season may not be completely lost.

Kelsie’s fingernails dance over his knee. “You’re getting it.”

“Figure out a way to inhibit his ability to perform,” he finishes. He loves her so much. “Kels. You’re right.”

“I’m right?” Her smile goes innocent. “What are you talking about, babe? That was all your idea.”

For the first time since before the saw the list, he smiles, too. He wonders if he looks as conniving as he feels. “I might be able to figure this out,” he says.

“That you might,” she replies, with a nod. “All we have to do is figure out what that looks like.”

To save his musical, Spencer is very much willing to figure that out.

[itsanerdlife]

Everything You Want 3/18

Pairing: Peter Parker x Reader

Warning: Lies. Fuck ton of lies. So many lies. Lots of secrets. So many fucking secrets. Language. Violence. Slow Burn. Lots of fighting. Heartbreak. Death threats. Kidnapping. Murder.

Someone is coming for you and your son, Anthony. Too many secrets and too many enemies for you to count. You got out, for reasons. Secret reasons, only Clint Barton knows. Or so you think? Clint takes you back to the safest place there is, Avengers Tower. But how are you supposed to face Peter? Keep your secrets in check? Keep your feelings under wraps? It’s been almost two years, can you really keep it together? You just need to put an end to whoever wants you. Than walk away, like everything is the same, right? Or will you be the one surprised? Everything blows up, leaving you holding the shreds of your secrets and fear.

Tag List Is Open!!

“Come on Ton, I know it’s rough.” You do the jiggle, patting his bottom as he cries. You pace around your old room, struggling. “Sweet boy, you’re going to wake the tower.” You kiss his wet cheeks.

“Y/N?” Your door cracks open. Peter pokes his head in, Anthony hollering away.

“I’m so sorry. He’s teething.” You groan. “It’s worst at night.” You continue to jiggle and pat.

“Yeah, Aunt May said something about that.” He nods, rubbing his eyes he hurries into your suite bathroom. You hear the water running, and suddenly he’s back, quickly he slips Anthony from your arms. “Here we go buddy.” Peter smirks as he lets Anthony chew and suck on the edge of the wash cloth.

“Where did you learn that?” You blink tired eyes at Peter.

“Aunt May.” He chuckles, the room falling silent. “Y/N.” He speaks after several minutes, you sat on the edge of your bed.

“Yeah?” You look up at the man holding your son.

“I’m sorry.” He glances up from Anthony.

“Peter, really you have nothing to be sorry for.” You swallow.

“Y/N, you were my best friend in the whole world. You walked out, and my damn world was upside down. I tried everything to get Clint to tell me where you were. Just so I could apologize to you. I let you walk out that night.” He sighs, as he sways with Anthony.

“It’s fine. Clint told me you asked. I just, I couldn’t turn around and face everything that was wrong. Besides it couldn’t have been that bad. How is, Missy? No, Mallory?” You wince. Peter smirks at you.

“Mindy.” He nods slowly. You knew, like you could forget the woman who stole Peter Parker from you.

“Right. How are things?” You smile at him.

“Wouldn’t know. She left, let’s see, a year and a half ago.” He nods looking down at Anthony who was finally asleep in his arms.

“Oh.” You blink. “I’m sorry.” You swallow.

“Look Y/N.” He sighs, placing Anthony’s sleeping body in the playpen. “I don’t care who’s coming for you and him. With our enemy list, I understand, if it’s his father, you better know I’m going to knock him out.” He blinks at you, arms folded over his chest.

“Definitely not his father.” You admit softly, looking down at the floor.

“Okay.” Peter nods. “Who is?” He asks as he sits down next to you.

“Peter, don’t.” You shake your head.

“When have you ever kept something from me. I’ve seen you naked before.” He smirks.

“A long time ago. Things are different now.” You squeeze your eyes closed.

“Get some sleep. We can talk tomorrow.” He pats your leg, before standing up and slipping out of the room. You turn crawling into your bed, dropping down and pulling your blankets over you. You had no idea what you were doing, you just couldn’t fess up. But was it really fair to Peter or Anthony, keeping your secret? 

------------

“I can’t remember the last time I took a shower that long.” You sigh as you drop on to the couch in the living room.

“Shave your legs?” Nat laughs.

“I’m even wrinkly.” You hold up your fingers showing your pruned fingers.

“See maybe being home isn’t so bad.” Wanda grins.

“How did the wheels hold up?” You hear Tony chuckle.

“Great. But the turns are a little stiff.” You hear Peter reply. You stand up, heading out to the kitchen. Steve, Buck and Peter stand in the kitchen, shirtless and in gym shorts. You instantly curse yourself, Peter looked too good, ridiculously, mouth water, toe curling good.

“How did he do?” You swallow, tearing your eyes away from Peter.

“Great. He loved it.” Peter grins.

“He got hungry the third time around the park.” Buck holds up an empty bottle.

“You didn’t feed him while running, did you?” You look at the three men.

“Yeah, Y/N we’re trying to kill the kid.” Steve chuckles.

“We sat down and let him finish at his own pace.” Peter snorts. “Yes, before you ask his seat was reclined, and only spit up on Buck a little.” Peter replies before your mouth even opens.

“Probably not the worst thing that he’s had on him.” You smirk.

“Funny.” Buck grins. “Go get changed.” He points down the hall.

“What? Why?” You blink at him.

“Training Doll.” He grins wickedly.

“No. I’m not active.” You stammer.

“Someone wants your ass. You’re active, whether you like it or not.” Buck winks. “Let’s go, you’re gonna lose that post baby bod.” He winks at you.

“But the baby.” You point at Anthony.

“I’ll bring his pen down and Tony will keep an eye on him.” Steve chuckles.

“I’d go change, before one of us just throws you over their shoulder and drags you down with us.” Peter smirks, shrugging.

“But I’m so out of shape.” You grumble as you stomp down the hall.

-------------

“Come on.” Buck wiggles his finger at you as you gasp for breath on the mat.

“What? Why?” You pant.

“I want to see those fight moves. Time to shake off the dust momma.” He grins.

“You want to spar?” You snort.

“What, don’t think you can take me? I mean you could before, but that was pre-baby, and pre-retirement.” He sighs, with a smug grin.

“Fuck you. I can take your old ass.” You jump up.

“Let’s test those skills.” Peter walks the edge of the mats.

“What skills?” You could feel your breath evening out.

“Those mommy skills.” He glances over at Nat who has Anthony standing in front of the mirrored wall, he’s laughing and patting the mirror.

“Parker.” You warn him. He grins and moves with precision towards Anthony. You look from Buck to Peter. “Game on, boys.” You pull your T-shirt over your head, you wrap it around your hand.

“Keep away!” Buck calls, his hands cup around his mouth. Nat grins, scooping Anthony up and shuffle jogs away. Anthony squeals, Peter makes a dash for them, you push off into a sprint.

------------------------

Everything Peaches 2/6/19: @xmtd5 @mo320 @all1e23 @courtmr @avxgers @eliza-kat @izzy--lee @irepeldirt @dumblani @crist1216 @a--1--1--3 @alyssaj23 @allyp1023

@joannie95 @nishanki1 @bugalouie @kolakube9 @rileyloves5 @sarahp879 @sea040561 @sexyvixen7 @pcterpvrker @pigwidgexn @doctoranon @tomhardy41 @abschaffer2 @justrae9903 @bookluver01 @teller258316 @callie-bear15 @nickimarie94 @wandressfox @amandab-ftw @carostar2020 @henrietteoaks @nea90sweetie @amberkay284 @circusofchaos @itsagalaxystar @bettercallsabs @miraclesoflove @lucifersnipnips @queenkrissy11 @this-is-mycrisis @sadyoungadult @destiel-artemis @xrosegoldwolfx @paintballkid711 @isabelcrichards @iwillbeinmynest @sweet-honey15 @chanelmadrid13 @mellxander1993 @killerbumblebee @spookygrantaire @geeksareunique @supernatural508 @sammysgirl1997 @itzmegaaaaaaan @booksbeforebois @optimistic-babes @childishhoebinoo @elizabethaellison @aspiringtranslator @mariekoukie6661 @pure-princess-97 @capsheadquaters @samanthasmileys @nerdypinupcrystal @atlas-of-the-world @youclickedthislink @futuremrsb-r-main @lovemarvelousfics @notyourtypicalrose @petersunderoos96 @loving-life-my-way @buckystolemyheart @booktvmoviefangirl @supernatural-girl97 @thefridgeismybestie @dumbbitchenergytm @abbypalmer14-blog @fanfictionjunkie1112 @meganlikesfandoms @awkwardfangirl2014 @supernaturaldean67 @xqueenofthecraziesx   @queenoftheunderdark @writingaworldofmyown @supernaturallover2002 @daughterofthenight117 @mustbeaweasleyginger @mcuwillbethedeathofme @sprinklesandsugarcubes @whothehellisbucky-1930 @verymuchclosetedfangirl @for-the-love-of-the-fandom @ocaptain-mycaptainmorgan @wonderlandfandomkingdom @crazy-little-thing-called-buck @letsgetfuckingsuperwholocked @stupendoussciencenaturepanda @jamesbarnesappreciationsociety @supernatural-strangerthings-1980

Marvel Tag List 2/6/19: @lumelgy   @dottirose   @jcc04220 @rockagurl @mizzzpink   @jade-taillia @coley0823 @widowsfics @bookluver01 @thelostallycat @shield-agent78 @dtftheavengers   @ilovetvshowsblog @capsheadquaters   @iamwarrenspeace @thefridgeismybestie @whenallsaidanddone @deanwinchestersrifle @fandomsstolemylife00   @daughterofthenight117 @lilmissperfectlyimperfect  

Peter ‘Fuck Me I’m Weak’ Parker:

@ml7010 @ariminiria @dkpink123 @boltsgirl919 @quokkatrash   @everthenerd @ms-rogers06 @crayonwriting @baebeepeach @bellamouse16 @honey-bee-holly @messofamasterpiece @britkane-shsl-librarian @kiss-the-stars-goodbye

Everything You Want: @bellewithbooks @little-dr-cranberry @tom-hollands-blog @simply-sams-things @verymuchclosetedfangirl

[fandom-imagines-stories]

She Gave Her All

Peter Parker x Reader, Tony Stark x Daughter Reader

Words: 3026

Part One, Part Two

Summary: During the battle to bring everyone back, the reader is fatally injured. Now, with a newly resurrected Peter, the roles are reversed and Peter and Tony fight to keep the reader alive.

Notes: I thought it’d be really interesting to turn the tables and have Peter being the one worrying. Now, I have no idea how they will bring people back (if they are, but I mean, come on) so I’m just kind of making stuff up and skipping over what would be vital things just because I have no idea how else to do it. Please don’t be mad at me! Now I plan for this to be the last part unless I get an idea that would add to this. I’ve had so much fun writing this little series and I hope you all have enjoyed reading it.

You couldn’t believe it. Thanos disappeared before your eyes, turning to dust. It was over. You’d won. You ignored the pain in your stomach and looked around, seeing your father turn to you.

“We did it.” You gasped. “We actually did it.” The other Avengers still stood in shock. You stood on the red Titan ground, no one making any movements. That’s when you felt the wind, and dust rose up from the ground, taking shape. First was Mantis and then Drax. Star-Lord formed from the ashes with a confused expression.

“Are we… are we back?” He stared at the group around him and fixed his eyes on a figure walking over the hill. He sprinted to the resurrected Gamora and the two collided in a lover’s embrace. Tony stood in front of you and his eyes grew wide.

“Mr. Stark?” A voice said behind you. “Y/N?” You turned around and there he was. All of the emotions that fueled your fight with Thanos came rushing back as you sprinted into his arms. Peter. Your Peter. He lifted you off the ground, relishing in the feeling of holding you again. Of just feeling anything again. Even Tony had tears in his eyes as he wrapped his arms around the both of you.

“I hate to interrupt you guys, but I think we need to go check on Earth.” Cap chuckled merrily. He was eager to be reunited with his friends, but he was happy to see that his fellow New Yorker was alright.

“He’s right.” Tony gave Peter a pat on the back. “We should get out of here.” Peter put an arm around your shoulder but as you stepped forward, you swayed on your feet, a blinding pain shooting up from your stomach. Like you were being crushed from the inside out.

“Y/N?” Peter said, his voice worried. Tony turned back around just as you collapsed. “Y/N!” A chorus of panicked voices was the last thing you heard.

“What happened?” Tony asked, checking your neck for a pulse. Peter was shaking.

“I-I don’t know. She just… fell.” Peter scooped you up in his arms as Tony yelled at Thor to hurry up. In the moments it took for Thor to take them back to Earth, blood dripped out of Y/N’s suit, causing Peter to panic even more.

“We have to get that thing off her now,” Tony ordered and Peter carried her to the nearest table and set her down. Tony tried to get the suit to disassemble, but all systems of the suit were fried. Their only option was to pry the metal pieces off of her. Every member of the team started to help, but as they pulled more fractured pieces off, the more they almost wished they hadn’t. It seemed every time they removed a part of the suit, only bloody gashes, and badly bruised skin was revealed.

“Let me try.” Dr. Strange suggested and carefully began to take off the suit with his powers while Tony and Peter had to watch helplessly. Stephen examined the damage and gave Tony a grave look. “We have to work fast.”

When you opened your eyes, the light was almost blinding. As your eyes adjusted, you felt the warmth of a large, fuzzy blanket wrapped around you and you could smell something sweet wafting through the air. Was that… apple pie? You stood up and looked around you. It was your childhood home. The one you lived in before…

“Hi, sweetie.” You nearly fell back onto the couch you woke up on.

“Mom?” She smiled and you ran to her to be caught in one of her famous bear hugs. You cried into her shoulder as she rubbed soothing circles on your back.

“It’s okay.” She cooed. “I’m here.”

“I missed you so much.” You sobbed. Then the realization hit you. “Wait, am I-”

“Not exactly.” She gave you a small smile and lead you back to the couch. “You seem to be stuck in between. What’s the last thing you remember?” Your memory was a little blurring, but you couldn’t forget the pain as Thanos crushed your suit in on you.

“During the battle… I was fighting Thanos, but he got a hold of me with one of the stones.” You winced, feeling as if it was happening again.

You charged towards him but stopped suddenly. It was as if your suit was turning against you.

“Ah, the young Stark.” Thanos chuckled. “I had hoped you could have joined me when this was all over.” He curled his fingers and your limbs were pinned to your sides, despite how much you struggled against him. “You remind me of someone I once loved.” His eyes softened for a moment, but then his expression darkened and he clenched his fist. The metal suit started to cave in on you, crushing you with every move of his fingers. You cried out. “But you’re too much like your father.”

“You say that like its a bad thing.” You snarked before screaming out in pain, shards piercing your skin as they broke off from the suit. It wasn’t until Captain America threw a large rock and Thanos that you were released.

“I thought he was going to kill me.” You whispered and let out a bitter laugh. “I guess he did.”

“You can’t give up, Y/N.” Your mother took your hands in hers. “After everything you’ve been through to get that boy back, what was it…” She tried to think of his name.

“Peter.” You told her, bringing a small smile to your face.

“Exactly; Peter. You’ve just got him back and now he has to lose you?”

“What am I supposed to do?” She looked you in the eyes intensely.

“You have to fight.”

Tony could hardly believe it. How could anything be so small?

“I think she looks like you,” Mallory noted with a smile. “She’s got that little twinkle of mischief in her eyes.” She laughed and proceeded to speak with one of the nurses. Tony held the little bundle of blankets in his arms and felt something he hadn’t felt in a long time: fear. How was he supposed to be a dad? When he’d gotten the call the Mallory was going into labor, he flew all the way back from Singapore, but now that he was here, he was terrified.

He was Tony Stark; one of the biggest playboys in America. How was he supposed to be a father? Mallory could tell by the look on his face how nervous he was. She smirked. It was almost entertaining- big tough Tony, lord of American weapon manufacturing, cowering over a newborn infant. And she knew that he was completely wrapped around that little girl’s finger.

“Her name is Y/N.”

It was then that he promised himself that he would be there.  Even though he and Mallory weren’t together anymore, he was going to be a part of his daughter’s life. He wasn’t going to make the same mistakes that his father had. The baby in his arms opened her eyes and looked up at him. A smile spread across her small face and a bell-like laugh rang out through the hospital room. Tony couldn’t keep himself from beaming.

There was a loud crash outside the room- a nurse had dropped the pile of clipboards that she had been carrying. Y/N started to cry, fat tears falling down her soft cheeks. Tony held her closer to him, cradling the back of her head as he tried to calm her down.

“Shhh,” He cooed. “It’s okay. I’m here.” He lightly bounced on the balls of his feet. “I won’t let anything happen to you.”

Tony hadn’t slept at all that night. He’d stayed by Y/N’s side all night. She was kept in one of the hospital rooms in the Avengers facility. Everyone had come in and out to check on her, but one person had stayed throughout the night.

Peter sat across from Tony on the other side of Y/N’s bed. After being ordered by Tony to get some sleep, his head rested against the wall and his eyes were closed. Tony watched him with a thousand thoughts running through his head.

How could he have let it all happen? He should have been with Y/N, fighting by her side the entire time, but instead, the moment she was left alone, she was put at risk. And now he could lose her. He could lose everything. And what about Peter? Where did he fit into all of this? His seemingly peaceful sleep started to shift as his breathing became rapid and his face winced.

“I don't want to go.” He whimpered. “Please Mr. Stark, I don’t want to go.” Tony rushed over to him and gently tried to shake him awake.

“Peter.” He whispered, trying not to scare him. He knew what it was like. To have every moment of sleep haunted by images of terror. “Peter, wake up.” Peter’s eyes shot open and he leaped out of the seat.

“Thanos!” He exclaimed, his gaze darting around the room until it landed on Y/N. He collapsed back into his chair. Tony put a hand on his face.

“It’s okay, kid. It was just a dream.” He pulled the scared boy to him, wrapping his arms around his trembling body. Peter didn’t take his eyes off her. She was lying there, with so many machines hooked up to her, he couldn’t even keep track. Tony pulled away, following Peter’s eyes and sighing. “I think I’m going to go grab a cup of coffee.” He announced. He was going to need some caffeine if he was going to make it through the night.  “Why don’t you come with me?”

“I think I’ll just stay here if you don’t mind, Mr. Stark.” Peter declined, a million thoughts running through his mind. Why did it have to be her? Tony nodded and gave him a pat on the back before leaving the room, running his fingers through his mess of black hair. Peter nervously took Y/N’s hand, recoiling when he felt how cold it was. He captured it in his hands, gently rubbing her skin to try and warm it up. “Hey.” He greeted quietly.

Maybe it was the silence, or perhaps the shadows cast on her face that broke his heart. He couldn’t help it. Tears spilled from his eyes, streaking down his face faster than he could try and wipe them away.

“I’m sorry.” He whispered. “I’m sorry that this happened. I’m sorry that you did all of this for me.” He held Y/N’s hand up to his lips and pressed them to the inside of her palm, his tears collecting on her skin. “You were never supposed to get hurt for me.” His mind raced back through memories of when he met Y/N. She was beautiful and brilliant… and the daughter of his mentor. He never expected a girl like her to even notice a nobody from Queens like him.

“You’re not nobody Peter.” She had told him, running her fingers through his light brown hair. “You’re Spider-man. You’re a hero.” She and her father were the first people who truly made him believe in himself. How was he supposed to face Mr. Stark after this? It was his fault that his daughter was fighting for her life in a hospital bed right now.

Tony was surprised to see someone else standing in the kitchen when he walked in. Steve slowly drank from a glass of water and gave Tony a small wave of acknowledgment. Tony turned on the coffee machine and waited for it to brew in silence.

“How is she?” Steve asked, keeping his voice low. He didn’t want to wake up anyone else up. They all deserved their rest after all they’d been through.

“She’s going to be fine.” Tony gave him a false smile, but he couldn’t find the energy to fake it anymore. His expression turned to one of desperation and sorrow. He took a shaking breath. “She still isn’t waking up.” He leaned against the counter. “I just… I don’t know what to do.”

“You should have heard her going up against Thanos.” Steve chuckled to himself. “Thanos told her that she was too much like you, and do you know what she said? She said ‘You say it like it’s a bad thing.’ There she was, facing the person who wiped out half the universe and she wasn’t even scared.” He put a hand on Tony’s shoulder. “She gave her all.” Tony looked down at the floor. Steve knew what it was like to lose people and despite his and Tony’s differences, he wanted to help him through this. “She’ll make it. She’s a tough kid, Tony. Just like her dad.” He gave him a small smile before returning to his room.

When Tony came back to the infirmary, he found Peter with his face buried in his hands, his body shaking with sobs. Peter looked up at him with tear filled eyes.

“I’m so sorry, Mr. Stark. T-this is a-all my fault. It’s my fault she’s hurt. It’s my fault she might not-” He stammered through his cries. Tony pulled him into his arms once again.

“You can’t think like that, kid.” He said sternly.

“I don’t what I would do with-without h-her.” Peter clung to Tony if only to keep himself from collapsing.

“I don’t think I know either.” Tony agreed quietly. Y/N had changed his life in so many ways. She made him a better man and a better father than he ever thought he would be. He promised her the day she was born that he would never let anything happen to her and now he could lose her forever. Mallory would know what to do. She always did.

You watched them with tears streaming down your face. You stood in the corner of the room, your mother holding your hand next to you.

“They need you, sweetheart.” She gave your hand a gentle squeeze. You turned to her.

“What about you?” You sniffed. “Have you just been alone all this time?”

“I’ve been watching over you.” She placed a hand on your cheek. “I’ve seen you grow into a hero just like your father. I’ve seen you fall in love with that boy and fight to get him back. And no matter what, I will always be with you. Every step of the way.” You pulled her into one last hug.

“I love you, mom.” You sobbed. She ran her fingers through your hair and placed a kiss on your forehead.

“I love you too, my sweet girl.” And just like that, she vanished and you woke up.

“Dad?” You said weakly. Tony and Peter immediately broke apart. “Peter?” Both pairs of eyes went wide as they rushed to your side.

“How are you feeling, honey?” Tony asked, carefully pushing a strand of hair out of your face.

“Like I ran into  a giant purple wall.” You laughed but winced at the pains in your torso. You looked at Peter. “Hi.”

“Hey.” He beamed, the tears in his eyes turning from those of sorrow to pure joy.

“You had us all pretty scared.” A voice said from the door. Steve down at you. “But I knew you’d make it. You’re a fighter.” Tony gave him a slight nod and you knew that whatever fight they had, was finally coming to an end.

“Cap, let everyone know she’s awake.” He requested. “And get Stephen. He should come have a look at her.” Cap gave you a small salute before stopping at Pepper and Bruce’s rooms first. Peter drew delicate circles on the back of your hand.

“You know, all this time I’ve been thinking about…” He trailed off.

“What?” You wondered as he cheeks turned red.

“Well I was thinking about all the things we wouldn’t have been able to do, you know?” After everything he’d been through, he still had that boyish innocence that you loved so much. “We wouldn’t graduate together, o-or go ice skating at Rockefeller center like you always said you wanted to or… you know… go to prom, if that’s even still a thing.” He scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. Tony rolled his eyes.

“Peter Parker, are you asking me to prom?” You grinned, half amused and half just completely enamored by him.

“What? Uh… n-no, I mean, uh,” He stuttered. Tony elbowed him in the side. “Yeah, I guess.” You ignored the pain for a moment and grabbed him by his hoodie, pulling him into a kiss. Tony made an uncomfortable sound and decided to study the mechanics of the lamp.

“What’s going on? Cap said that she-” Bruce started, turning the corner with Pepper. Both halted and chuckled at the scene. They entered, followed by Stephen, who concluded that you were going to be alright.

“Thank god,” Pepper sighed in relief sitting next to Tony. He wrapped an arm around her waist, resting his head on her shoulder. “I didn’t think I’d be able to keep him in line by myself.” You both laughed and Tony gasped in mock-offense.

“Especially with the-” You started but she vigorously shook her head. Your eyes went wide. “Wait, you haven’t told him yet?”

“There hasn’t really been time!” She exclaimed.

“Tell me? Tell me what?” Tony’s eyes shifted between the two of you, wondering who would crack first. Pepper took a deep breath.

“Do you remember that dream you were telling me about before all of this happened?” She asked. “The one about me being-”

“Are-are you- are you-” Tony stuttered.

“Pepper’s pregnant!’ You exclaimed. The crowd of other Avengers outside the door cheered. A joyously shocked Tony pulled his fiance in for a kiss as the others filed into the room. You laced your fingers through Peter’s and looked around at the strongest people you knew, feeling tears streaming down your cheeks. The Avengers was and always would be your family.

[starleska]

introducing my Spotsona, The Star (AKA Dr. Mallory Dust) ⭐💜 Dr. Mallory Dust is an Alchemax astrophysicist from a dimension where Dr. Jonathan Ohnn (The Spot) isn't present for the day of Kingpin's super-collider collapse. 

instead, they are the one mutated by the dark matter, with one fateful twist; the star-shaped necklace Mallory wears around their neck is made of material collected from an asteroid. something about the properties of this material interfered with the mutation process, resulting in deep purple, star-shaped holes across their body.

The Star is present in a separate dimension to the one which created The Spot, but Mallory is present in both: in the former, a distant work colleague to Jonathan, and in the latter, an admirer of his work and sympathetic to his plight - quietly working to reverse his condition. still got a lot to think about in terms of their meeting, but i like the idea of The Spot combing dimensions to see if he truly is the only version of himself, and coming across countless other Spot-like beings...sometimes him, and sometimes other unlucky people!! this is definitely an excuse for me to say - all of you making Spidersonas are amazing and so creative;;; however, if it's not for you, you don't need to limit yourself to Spider-Man! you could make a Spotsona, a Doc Ocksona...go wild 😉

[aion-rsa]

The Boys Season 2: Who Is Victoria Neuman?

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This article contains spoilers for The Boys Season 2 finale.

Ok, who saw that coming? The Boys waited until the very last moments of its Season 2 finale, ‘What I Know’, to finally reveal the identity of its mysterious head-popper after quickly dismissing the leading prime suspect, Vought International CEO Stan Edgar, and now we know whodunnit – Victoria Neuman, the show’s whip smart Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez-esque Congresswoman and Butcher gang ally.

In a cracking, extremely satisfying finale that brought us a huge helping of delightful moments – Billy’s parting advice to Ryan! Starlight and Hughie’s sweet embrace! MM reuniting with his family! Kimiko and Frenchie communicating for real! Homelander’s highly anticipated and utterly ludicrous alfresco crywank! – Neuman’s unique supe emerged as the cherry on top. But the reveal left us with a few lingering questions about Neuman’s motivations and endgame.

Claudia Doumit, who plays Neuman on the series, always seemed to be a key member of the cast in Season 2. The actress and producer has previously fielded roles in Supergirl and Scandal, but she’s still mainly known for her part as Jiya in Timeless, another ambitious project created for television by The Boys’ showrunner, Eric Kripke. Doumit’s co-star in Timeless was none other than Goran Visnjic aka Alastair Adana, the charming and currently headless mastermind behind thinly-veiled Scientology outfit, The Church of the Collective. Kripke keeps it in the family!

So, what do we know about Victoria Neuman now that the dust has settled? Well, the character is definitely drawn from Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson’s The Boys comics, but the role has been gender-flipped for Doumit, much like Aya Cash’s fascist supe Stormfront was in Season 2. In the comics, Victoria Neuman is Victor Neuman aka ‘Vic the Veep’, an extremely conservative and really quite stupid former Vought CEO fashioned as Ennis and Robertson’s spin on George W. Bush, who becomes the Vice President of the United States.

In the series, Neuman is a world away from ol’ Dubya. She’s smart, elegant, scrupulous, and intent on stirring the political pot when it comes to Vought’s stranglehold on America. The liberal Congresswoman even managed to encourage the U.S. House Judiciary Committee to hold a hearing about Vought’s Compound V experiments, with some help from Mallory and The Boys, but we all know how that turned out – her star witness, ageing Vought scientist Dr. Vogelbaum, was taken out in a heartbeat, along with a handful of other poor souls in the courtroom. Neuman seemingly went from triumphant to terrified in mere seconds as her Chief of Staff also became a victim of the deadly head-popper in front of her very eyes.

Indeed, Neuman was the one who pushed for the hearing, Neuman was the one who wanted more proof about the Compound V stabilization program at the Sage Grove Center, Neuman was the one who wanted accountability from Vought at last, Neuman was the one who helped drag a lot of secret information to light – but in the finale, it’s confirmed that she herself is a very powerful supe, and has been simultaneously pulling counterproductive strings since the first episode, when she popped Raynor’s head just as The Boys’ CIA contact was about to dish up some crucial information on a potential ‘coup’ developing politically. At the time, we were left to assume Raynor was referring to Vought’s ‘supe terrorist’ propaganda led by Stormfront, but now we know different. Raynor was killed before she could tell The Boys about Neuman.

But what is she hoping to accomplish? The leading theory going into Season 3 is that Neuman has been installed by Stan Edgar as an agent of ‘controlled opposition’, a supe acting for Vought who pretends to be on the side of good so that she can claw enough power and intel to be a vital political asset to the company on the inside. If so, the plan is certainly going well – her career is going from strength to strength, and people on the left believe in her cause in the same way that those on the right leant their support to Stormfront.

In fact, by the end of Season 2, not only has Neuman redirected any possible suspicion away from her own agenda, she’s tied up a few loose ends by killing both the nosy Raynor and the blackmailing Adana. She can also keep tabs on Mallory and The Boys by helping to fund their anti-supe efforts while maintaining the appearance of an ally, which gives her room to scupper any of their impending missions.

With Hughie climbing aboard her campaign, though, Neuman might have a wee baby-faced problem on the horizon. Will he uncover her secret during his earnest attempt to find his feet and stay on the straight and narrow?

Of course, The Boys could have other plans for Neuman – she might not be Vought’s controlled opposition after all – but we shall have to wait until Season 3 arrives before we learn any further secrets about the cutthroat milky-eyed head-popper.

Head to the comments to tell us all your Victoria Neuman theories, please!

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The post The Boys Season 2: Who Is Victoria Neuman? appeared first on Den of Geek.

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[iamthechocobabe]

A True Nightmare

I figured after the Episode Ignis trailer, we all needed some Ardyn getting his ass kicked a bit (though keep in mind there’s only so much poor Mallory can do). Don’t be put off by the creepy vibes at first of the chapter, Mallory’s gonna show this asshole who’s boss by the end (and NO, not in that way guys-NOT AN ARDYN LOVE STORY, ‘member?) 

Sorry that it’s a little long, but it’s been going way too slow for me and I wanted to get the story going already. Oh well, what’s done is done, I guess. 

Tagging the Senpais: @roses-and-oceans @bespectacled-girl @nifwrites @cupnoodle-queen @themissimmortal @gladiolus-mamacitia 

A True Nightmare

~Chapter 4~ SFW Word Count: 3,885

Mallory was trying her hardest not to appear cynical as Noctis looked at the car with a forlorn look; obviously, this car meant a lot to the crowned prince and his friends seemed to understand that, but Mallory was having a hard time fighting the urge to go up to him and yell 'it's just a CAR'. 

Boys and their cars, I guess-Mallory thought. 

A far off explosion lighting up the night sky got Mallory's attention and the realization hit that they had absolutely no idea where they were. Mallory had to drive a different route to get into Gralea and she only knew the one route, but how were they supposed to find their way through Gralea without a map? Mallory cursed herself for not going with instinct and packing a map with her, telling herself that she knew the way and that it was just a waste of space. It was a fucking piece of paper, Mallory, you had room. 

"Where to now?" Mourning was over, apparently and the three joined Mallory as she stared at a street sign, trying to get her bearings. As if sensing her confusion, Ignis spoke with a slight tilt of the head to better focus his hearing. "You do know where we're going, correct?" 

"That is an excellent question," Mallory mumbled, wanting to kick herself as she tried to piece together the last time she had been to Gralea and to Zegnautus. A piece of FUCKING PAPER, Mallory, what the hell is wrong with you?

"You didn't bring a map? What kind of an 'assassin' are you?" 

"Shut up for a sec, yeah?" Mallory didn't glance at Gladio as she fished out her disposable flip phone from her backpack, shooting a quick text. Got lost, am at Crysallis Ave., how do I get to Z. from here? Closing the phone, Mallory waited, hoping and praying that the response would be quick, partially because Mallory knew if it was that she got out all right. 

"You're texting? Who are you texting?" Noctis sighed exasperatedly and tugged on a few ends of his hair. "That's it, we're dead," 

"She's a friend, and if you want to go die in a corner somewhere, by all means, please do," Mallory was beginning to lose her patience with these guys (minus Ignis, who didn't really seem too judgmental of Mallory, just observant), but ignored it when her phone buzzed and a little mail icon showed up on the front screen where the clock usually was. 

Wait where r u plz dont tell me ur in Nflhm. 

Relief flooded through; the knowledge of one of Mallory's closest friends being safe was like a thousand pound weight being dropped off. But when Mallory read the words, a bad feeling began to grow in her stomach as she responded. Didnt u get my txts

No wait There was a short pause before the texts started flooding Mallory's phone, so fast that Mallory didn't have time to read a text before another one popped up on her screen. 

mal get out serisly shits bad u need 2 go chncllrs gone crzy mts & daemons evrywhr ppl r missing

Well, this was bad-people missing and MT's roaming the streets? Mallory sensed this was a bit more than a coincidence, blowing a piece of hair from her eyes and typed as fast as she could with the old fashioned phone. cant exactly get out now am stuck need 2 get 2 Z. help me out here

A few seconds went by, Mallory tapping her foot impatiently the whole time, when the phone buzzed again. 

u die on me Mal I swear 2 Gods go on crysallis til u get 2 casey dr. go right til u get 2 train tracks follow train tracks military entrnce thre

Mallory sighed, stress and oncoming panic dropping from her shoulders as she looked at the three with new found confidence about where to go. "Head down the road," She explained the directions before they all started following, Ignis occasionally faltering as they maneuvered the road designated for shipping containers. When they reached the railroad tracks, practically destoryed with train cars and shipping containers that laid askew around the tracks, Mallory shot a quick text. Thx Ky owe u

u wont owe me if ur dead b carful

Snickering, Mallory put the phone in her backpack just as they reached a stray train car carefully and barely propped on some debris with a small gap underneath that would give the four enough crawling space. Despite how the thing looked like it was the tiniest nudge away from collapsing, Noctis was already half way under there and Mallory quickly reached forward and pulled him back. She didn't necessarily mean to make the crown prince fall on his butt, but he glared all the same. 

"What?" Noctis stood up, dusting the dirt from his pants like a little kid with a grumpy face to match. 

"MT's are probably guarding the fortress," She didn't mean to sound snippy, but this was basic shit 101 and Mallory was starting to feel more and more like a babysitter every minute. Tired and irritated, Mallory went over to a broken side ladder on the train car before gesturing to Gladio. "Give me a boost and I'll see what we're dealing with here," 

"Isn't that dangerous?" Gladio asked the question, but maybe he figured there was no point in arguing with her because he just bent down and linked his fingers together so Mallory could boost herself up to the ladder and start climbing. 

"When are you assholes going to figure out that I can take care of myself?" Grumbling was always a thing Mallory hated to do, she hated sounding whiny and grumpy. People already thought she was a grouch because of the way she looked and her naturally stern eyes, she didn't need constant bitching to help her in that department. Working with these three, she was starting to remember why she preferred working assignments and stuff by herself, only occasionally teaming up with Aranea. 

Still, Mallory had bigger things to worry about, especially when she reached the top of the traincar. 

"How many are there?" Noctis called up, but Mallory couldn't find an answer. Confusion clouded her brain as she processed what was easily the most popular entrance into the fortress, aside from the main entrance. "Mallory?" 

Shaking her head, Mallory forced herself to respond, though it came out as choked as she was trying to piece everything together. "Nothing. There's no one here," 

No one. One of the most used entrances into Zegnautus, and not a soul was in sight, no one to guard the most heavily guarded megafortress in the world. The whole thing reeked of wrong, something definitely off, but what could it be? What reason could the fortress have to possibly leave itself defenseless? 

"What's going on?" 

She was so focused that she barely noticed Noctis popping up from under the train car-just as she shouted for him to get back, Noctis had accidentally knocked into a bar, which was apparently the only thing holding the train car up, as the moment it was loose the car decided now was the time to fall. Failing to keep her footing, Mallory soon tumbled down the side of the car, winding up stuck on the ground, separated from the others by derailed train cars and shipping containers. 

"Guys?" Mallory shot up to her feet, checking around her for enemies with her gun while calling out. "Anyone?" 

There was no answer, but Mallory swore she could hear vague yelling and running feet, so she continued to yell, hoping her words would reach someone. "If you guys can hear me, head into Zegnautus-on the thirteenth floor is a common area with a cafeteria. Meet me there!" 

"On the thirteenth floor is a common area with a cafeteria. Meet me there!”

Ardyn heard his own breath inhale rather than feel it-the same thing had happened when he saw Aryelle appear on top of the train car, hearing himself suck his breath in rather than feel it. The little trick he had when he showed Aryelle the memory of how they met didn't seem to phase this Aryelle, other than seeming to confuse her, but he was determined...of what, he still wasn't quite sure. Every time he saw her, despite how she was much more stern than the Aryelle he knew, he wanted to see her, to know her, to make her see him. 

And as he stood up to head to the common area in the megafortress, his promise of so many years ago rang in his ears. You will know my redemption. 

A furious kick to the stubborn vending machine gave Mallory what she wanted, a simple can of Ebony. While she hated coffee, despised the bitter taste, the past days of being on a train to Gralea with little to no sleep due to nerves was making her exhausted. She figured she needed the extra caffeine to keep herself on her feet, she just hated the fact that the stubborn machine ate up the last of her gil without giving her what she wanted. A little kick showed that machine what, though the stinging in Mallory's ankle was making her regret her rash decision. 

The bitter taste made her want to gag, but Mallory forced it down her throat before crumbling the can and disposing of it in a recycle bin (why there was a recycle bin in the most industrial place in Niflheim, Mallory would never know). She scooted up onto a picnic bench style table and tried to force herself to relax, though the blaring red light and the rustling of daemon feet in the hallways outside was making it difficult to do so. 

She had managed to clear out the common area fairly easily, as there were only a few daemons in the room when she got there. Mallory left the big metal doors to the common area unlocked, but she would still tense anytime a scurry of feet would approach the door, then sigh with relief as the feet scurried away. But it had been almost three hours of waiting and Mallory was starting to get worried. 

More footsteps-this time, though, the foot falls were different-rather than being hasty, or sloppy (depending on the daemon on the other side), these were careful foot steps and they were definitely human. But Mallory could feel, almost know that the prince and his entourage would not have been walking so lazily down the hallway and stop casually in front of the door, neither opening it nor locking it. Just stand there-whoever this person was, Mallory had a feeling they knew she was in there. 

Reaching for her gun once again, Mallory scooted off the table and carefully placed her feet on the floor. 

Only the floor was different-the common area had grating all throughout the floor, but the floor was now suddenly smooth, like marble. The texture (or lack thereof) from the floor caused Mallory to look down, only to see grey marble flooring versus the common areas grating that looked to some of the prison cells below. 

Naturally, Mallory looked up-only she wasn't in the common area anymore. 

Red blinking lights and sirens were replaced with a peaceful and calm hallway exterior, with the same grey, old fashioned marble decorating the walls. Paintings and ceiling high windows gave the place almost a homely look and now, Mallory couldn't help but feel panic growing in her stomach. 

Mallory had been so on edge, so on the run since the train that she honestly hadn't even had time to think of the weird vision of the barn and the red haired man. Now she was forced to face the reality that maybe the stress was making her lose her mind, maybe years of taking care of Ari and constant close calls with death had finally made Mallory's mind snap. 

Foot steps-again, only behind her. They brought Mallory out of the panic and she whirled around to aim her gun behind her, only there wasn't a soul in sight. There was only the peaceful hallway and...Mallory could hear it again. The humming. A four note lullaby, the same four notes hummed over and over again and it might have been peaceful in different circumstances. 

Walking carefully down the hallway, checking behind her back every few feet to make sure no one was behind her, Mallory shouldn't have honestly noticed the paintings. But there they were and the sight made Mallory stop, partially in awe and partially in fear. 

The paintings on the walls were all the same and they were all of...Mallory? 

No, it was someone who looked just like her. Mallory's hair was the same shade of dark black, but the woman in the painting's hair was longer, stretching down to her waist in long waves. Her facial features were the same, though, with her slightly pointed nose, her heart shaped lips and high cheekbones. Of course, the eyes-the same, mysterious and deep dark green, an almost unworldly color that had been in her family for years and years. 

Mallory instinctively backed away, the woman's eyes almost following her as she tried to leave when something stopped her dead in her tracks. Eyes widening, Mallory leaned forward, positive she was seeing things. 

On the woman's wrist was what looked like a soulmate mark...but it wasn't any mark. 

It was just like Mallory's on her left shoulder, the same shape with the same points, just in a different spot. 

"Aryelle," 

That name again...looking over, Mallory saw the same red haired man again coming down the corridor, only this time he looked a little older-a little meaner too, with a confident and smug look versus the man from the barn, who was young with an easy smile who seemed almost naive. But when he met Mallory's gaze, his golden irises almost softened, though the smug smile he wore was still bitter and cold as he approached. 

When he came within five feet, Mallory instinctively back up and aimed her gun at the man, though he just chuckled at the sight of a gun aimed between his eyes. 

"How different you are now...I suppose it doesn't matter, does it?" With a long and deep sigh, the man turned to the painting and gazed with a wonder and love that only his eyes shown at the woman in the painting. "She was just like the soulmate mark on her wrist...a star. Beautiful to look at, but unattainable to the human touch," With the same look of fondness in his eyes, but still not in the rest of his face, the man touched the back of his fingers gently to the woman in the painting's face, gently stroking the canvas. 

Mallory shivered, swearing she could feel icy cold fingers against her cheek. "What's happening to me?" The whisper was more of a question for herself than anyone else, but the man turned his attention away from the painting to focus once again on her. 

"I promised that day that I would show you and everyone my redemption...at last, that day has come," With a grand sweep, the man knelt before her, his warm and loving golden irises in the cold face gazing at Mallory. She tried to shake the foggy feeling out of her mind, but she couldn't, couldn't fight the odd sense of longing in her stomach and the race of her heartbeat. She knew logically that none of this made sense, that she didn't know this man, but she still found herself crouching down beside him. She still felt her heart flutter like crazy when he grazed the back of his cold fingers along her cheek. 

"Aryelle," he whispered, inching closer and closer with each word he spoke. "My soul...my half...my star...my life..." 

He was so close that she could smell a bitter stench of cologne, could feel the hot stinking breath on her face, but she couldn't force herself to stand up. Couldn't force herself to think as he slowly closed his eyes as a single phrase chanted in her head. This is wrong. This is wrong. This is wrong. This is wrong. This is wrong. This is wrong. 

But she still felt her eyes closing, but was somehow able to fight the draw to close her eyes when a brilliant blue object appeared just over the man's shoulder. 

A blue feather? 

A biting cold and snowy wind almost knocked Mallory off her feet and onto her bottom, but she steadied herself with the palms of her hands as she stayed crouched. The man and the peaceful corridor was gone, but it was replaced by the whiteness of a snow storm, the cold biting into her skin and if she wasn't questioning her sanity, Mallory would have been relieved that she was wearing her winter coat. 

"What's happening to me?!?!" Mallory didn't even hear her own scream over the wind of the storm, but she was too frozen and panicked to care at this point. 

Because the image of Ari, alone in a cold and sunless world with no one to protect her, flooded Mallory's mind. The image of Ari panicking as daemon's surrounded her wouldn't leave Mallory and she screamed with no one but the wind to hear. Her sister, unable to function, now alone in this world, unable to defend herself...

Because of Mallory-her lack of sanity. While she always knew that her missions were dangerous, she always had the confidence to come back home to her sister. She figured if she did die, it would be because of a shot to the head. 

Not because she had lost her mind. 

Through the white blanket of snow and sleet, a sudden image appeared. The image waved and moved, almost like a window curtain flapping in the wind, but Mallory could clearly see snippets of something happening in the image. Almost like watching a TV, Mallory watched the red headed man make grand flourishes to King Regis, making promises of peace and tranquility, but going back to the Empire to signal the attack on Insomnia. Mallory cringed as the man bent down by the oracle with a cold and cynical look, sinking a dagger into her stomach as Lady Lunafreya's eyes went wide in pain and fear. Mallory wanted to claw her own ears out at hearing Ignis Scientia's screams of pain at being blinded by the man, his cold and smug look never once going away as he smiled like he enjoyed bringing so much pain to someone. She wanted to cry as she watched the man taunt and mock a young blonde boy as he sat on the ground and practically sobbed, though she didn't know over what. 

All that pain and misery...brought on by this man. 

A hand grabbed onto her left wrist, squeezing so tightly that the bones might snap underneath as the snow storm melted away and somehow, Mallory knew she was back in reality. The man was back, only he now appeared angry as he tightened the hold on Mallory's wrist. A blue, ethereal glow made his eyes look almost black as he tried to yank Mallory beside her, despite her resistance as she placed her palm on the cold, metal grating of the floor below her. 

"Aryelle," The man hissed, his voice dripping with the venom of a snake as a dark, oozing blackness started to appear from him. "Come to me," 

It was at that moment that Mallory realized that this man, the person from her visions, was a person of pure and horrific evil. She didn't know what he wanted with her and she didn't care, she only knew she had to escape. With quick reflexes she had learned over years of dangerous missions, she grabbed the switchblade out of her back pocket, flipped it up and sank the knife into the man's leg, right beneath his knee cap. A simple twist and pull popped the knee cap out of place, though the man didn't roar like others she had performed the trick on had. But he did flinch and hiss through his teeth, clearly in pain as Mallory left the blade forgotten in his knee and stood up to run away. 

"Mallory!" Gladiolus, Ignis and a young blonde boy, the one from the snow storm vision, appeared behind her, all of them out of breath as they looked at the man pulling the knife out of his knee. "Where's Noct?" Gladiolus asked her. 

Mallory shook her head, sure confusion was as clear on her face as it felt. "I thought he was with you guys," 

"We sent him on torwards the crystal," Ignis explained with his eyes cast ahead, not really focusing on anything due to his blindness. "We were surrounded-has he absorbed the power from the crystal yet?" 

"He's gone," 

The four turned their attention to the man as he straightened up, looking almost un-bothered now despite his knee being severely damaged. He turned and focused his smug gaze at the group, but he focused on Mallory, his body framed by the blue glow from the crystal behind him. "I'm afraid you won't be seeing your friend again for quite sometime," 

"What?" Confusion and whiplash from being jerked around from so many places in the span of what felt like less than ten minutes clouded Mallory's mind, but she didn't have time to react as Gladiolus summoned his broadsword and swung it at the man with a roar and the blonde boy shot him twice in the back, the man falling with his hat rolling casually away. 

"Die, motherfucker," The blonde boy whispered, his voice choked with tears. 

"He's not dead," the words left Mallory's mouth before she really understood them, not sure how she knew he wasn't dead. And sure enough, he wasn't, as he stood up with his fedora and placed it casually on his head before turning and looking at Mallory and she almost wanted to scream at what she saw. 

The man was almost daemon like now, the whites in his eyes now inky black and oozing, making the bright golden irises stand out in contrast. His face and skin was now pale and cracked in several places, like a broken china doll and he now looked as evil as he was. 

"You will know my redemption, Aryelle," The words were fueled with anger and bitterness, but he didn't stay to explain what it meant as he simply strolled to the elevator, leaving the four alone in one of the capitals of magitek industries. 

It felt like the air returned to the room the minute the doors to the elevator closed and Mallory gasped and began to pant, not realizing before she had been holding her breath. As she collected herself, she realized she felt something wet and thick on her hand. 

Mallory prided herself on being calm and collected even in the grimmest of situations, but when she saw the man's daemon like black and oozy blood covering her hand from where she stabbed him, the scream she let loose practically echoed throughout all of Gralea. 

[brittanyyoungblog]

7 Tinder Profile Tips and Writing Hacks

Sometimes coming up with your Tinder profile bio can feel like torture. It’s like when you’re at an interview and someone says, “So tell us a little bit about yourself.” It’s such a huge, broad question that it’s hard to know how to answer it or where to start. But it doesn’t have to be quite so hard…

I’ve worked in dating apps for over five years (full disclosure, I work for Zoosk a subscription dating app) and during that time I’ve written and given tons of advice to people looking to write thoughtful, genuine profiles that really show who they are. But today I’m not going to do that.

Today I’m going to give you a bunch of Tinder profile tips that will help you write a decent dating profile as quickly as possible. Because, hey, I get it… Sometimes you just want to get it over with. And sometimes, in order to be effective, your profile doesn’t have to be a work of art, it just needs to get the job done.

Here are some Tinder profile tips and writing hacks to create a good bio, fast:

1. Greater than/less than profile Want to create a good profile quickly? The greater than/less than trick might be for you. Simply list out sets of things you could debate with someone, and say which you think is better. This shows your personality but also gives a bunch of ready-to-go conversation topics that makes it easier for people to break the ice and send you a message after you match.

Examples: Marcus, 24 tacos < burritos Friday nights out > Thursday nights out National league > American league Radiolab > Serial I’m just sayin’ Emily, 27 breakfast for dinner < pizza for breakfast the movie > the book (so sue me) sunrise < sunset coffee > life Your thoughts?

2. First and last profile Here’s another no fuss profile hack—first and lasts. Let people know the last movie you saw, book you read, person you talked to, place you drove, or time you embarrassed yourself. It gives a fast but realistic view of who you are now. You can flip it too. Instead of saying lasts, get nostalgic instead and say your firsts—first date, first word, first job, or first car. The more specific and oddball the better.

Examples: Daniel, 21 First… Job: U12 soccer referee Word: momma (ya ya, I’m a mama’s boy) Album I Bought: Michael Jackson’s BAD (and it was on tape)

Kiss: Amanda Butler. Front seat of my ‘95 Grand Am after the Sophomore’s only dance. Dave Matthews was playing. (But not Crash… I would never.)   

Tiffany, 25 Last… Place I visited: Zion (it was amazing) Book I read: Decoded by Jay Z (also amazing) Time I yelled at someone: In the bleachers at Fenway

Time I cried: Watching that YouTube of the lion who gets reunited with its trainer (oh man, gets me every time)

3. About Me/About You profile Quick, easy, and to the point—the About Me/About You profile is where you list details about yourself, coupled with details about the type of person you’re into.

Eric, 30 About Me: Likes fishing, gives great speeches at weddings, and plays a mean harmonica. About You: Eats adventurously, likes road trips, can talk about books for hours.

Tatiana, 27 About Me: Likes poop jokes, can stay out late on a school night, and isn’t afraid to talk politics on a first date.

About You: Tolerates my poop jokes, doesn’t take himself too seriously, and likes a healthy debate.

4. Three simple things profile Another list format to play around with is the three simple things profile. Just share three completely random things about yourself. And hey, you can even get a little braggy. You’re allowed to talk yourself up a bit in your dating profile.

Dan, 23 I love roller coasters but the pirate ship ride completely terrifies me. I once backpacked around Lake Tahoe in 13 days. When I was 14 I got a concussion swing dancing.

What about you?

Maria, 24 I hate flowers. You’ll never have to buy me flowers. Potatoes chips however… Not gonna lie, pretty good at pub trivia. I’ve even won the big money a couple times. Guilty pleasures: neighborhood drama, fancy cupcakes, and binge watching Law & Order. Dun duun!

5. One smartass comment profile There’s something intriguing about a profile with a single comment that catches attention. But writer beware, the single smartass comment profile can definitely backfire. It has to be good or you’ll just come off as a, well, jackass instead of a smartass.

Mallory, 30 All you need to lure me into your car is wine and pizza.

Eric, 27 Funny, handsome, and stupid.

Amy, 23 Dogs love me.

Malcolm, 32 Looking at my phone searching for a reason to stop looking at my phone.

Gina, 27 You can’t play hard and work hard. If you say that, you’re not doing either hard enough. (I don’t work very hard.)

Meng, 25 Whisper sweet NPRs to me.

Talia, 34 I like my artsy with a little bit of fartsy. 

Obscure references profile Have a quote from a movie or TV show you love? A lyric from a song or an inside joke only someone who’s into the same random stuff as you would know? Use it. It’s fast, shows off your personality, and is an instant conversation starter.

Lily, 22 Last vacation was to see the basement of the Alamo. Wasn’t what I thought it was going to be but I had a big adventure.

Ted, 26 I’m just a boy, standing in front of a bunch of people on an app, and asking them to love me.

Natalie, 29 The last guy who swiped left on me aged so quickly he shriveled up into an old man skeleton thing before he turned into dust and died a swift yet horrifying death. He chose poorly.

Jeet, 27 I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany.

7. Fake reviews profile Another Tinder profile trick you may have seen is the fake reviews profile. Similar to book or movie blurbs (“Two thumbs up!”)  the fake review profile let’s you share a bit about yourself and might just make someone crack a smile.

Amy, 24 I’m pretty great but don’t listen to me, read my reviews: “Amy is a hard working, conscientious student.” – my 10th grade English teacher “I’d highly recommend her for any position.” – my first boss “I laughed until I cried.” – my ex boyfriend

Jordan, 28 “This one’s got real potential.” – My 90+ next door neighbor “Excellent incisors. And he flosses.” – Dr. Dan, my dentist “Better than a hallelujah” – Amy Grant

“He can make an Amy Grant reference, and still come off as masculine and authoritative. I don’t know how he does it.” – My good friend Abe   

8. List of likes profile This is probably the most common profile type, but if you add the right details and stay away from obvious things like hiking, traveling, and your friends, listing our your likes can be an effective way to get a quick but effective profile.

Jad, 31 The Discworld series, girls with glasses, playing hookie to go to a baseball game, and dinners with friends that end in late nights talking and laughing over a table strewn with the dirty dishes none of us are getting up to wash.  

Emily, 26 Making fun of people who do crossfit, net-back hats, first runs, the first sip of beer after a long day, and coming home to my dog every night.

By day/by night profile Nobody is any one thing. You aren’t just a school teacher or an accountant, and you aren’t just someone who likes to BBQ or play softball with your friends. The by day/by night profile is a way to show two sides of yourself, what you do for work and what you do for fun. It’s kind of like the mullet of dating profiles. Business in the front, party in the back.

Tim, 22 9th grade history teacher by day. Semi-pretentious craft beer aficionado by night.

Kaylee, 27 Product designer by day, cyberpunk and avant garde enthusiast by night.

Brett, 23 Management/marketing consultant by day, amature mixologist and professional cat cuddler by night.

Heather, 25 Software engineer by day, even bigger nerd by night. Love anime, board games (I kill at The Settlers of Catan), and obscure music nobody else seems to listen to.

As you work on your Tinder profile, remember that it’s important but it also goes along with your photos. If you’ve got a stellar set of photos who explain who you are, your bio doesn’t have to work so hard. If you’re having problems getting matches, you might want to take the time to make sure your description and your photos are on point. After all, when it comes to online dating, your profile is your first impression. So have fun with it and make a good one.

The post 7 Tinder Profile Tips and Writing Hacks appeared first on The Date Mix.

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[drmavisandco]

funeral

   —  “okay, well, that was rude.” mavis said, getting up and dusting off his suit. he noticed he was wearing white and immediately eyed the shocked crowd. he looked towards the coffin and immediately began to realize what this was. “is . . . this my funeral? a-are you trying to tell everyone i’m a virgin?” he looked behind him to find his friends gazing at him, teary-eyed. mina held on to antonio, feliciano was being held upright by ludwig, towards the back he could see francis staring at him in disbelief, beside him gilbert was trying to say something but was utterly speechless. alfred stood up, an awkward smile on his lips. behind him mavis could see yao watching him with concern. “now,” the american began, “if anyone could enlighten us on what happened please feel free to do so and refrain from any controversial arguments about which belief is ‘valid’ while i . . . lay down for a moment.” and with that, the nation passed out.

“i actually . .  uh, have something to do . . “ harry styles began, he turned towards mavis, trying to think of something to say. 

“oh my —  did you guys seriously book harry styles for my funeral? are you fucking kidding me? and i missed it? that’s real shitty, who book him? who?” mavis asked, seeming angered. he turned and eyed one priests who were tending to the last one who fainted. almost immediately the one at the center stood up straight and held his hands up in defense, cowering behind his friend. “well, i’d say you’re going to hell but i didn’t see anything while i was out — �� he stopped, touching his chest.

while mavis began to unbutton his shirt, harry styles placed the mike back on it’s stand and made a run for it, but not before turning towards the crowd and saying, “sorry for your . . . loss?”

mavis began to feel his chest, wondering where the bullet holes went when lovino stood up and held his short closed. “not here.” he said, gesturing towards the shaken crowd. mavis looked around and caught sight of his family: his step-father was barely holding on as bruno held melanie in his arms, her eyes staring up at her older brother who had suddenly resurrected in front of her eyes. mr. strauss immediately stepped onto the scene, whispering something into lovino’s ear as mavis watched the tears dry in his younger brother’s eyes. “bruno, why . . . why are you crying?” mavis laughed, somewhat distraught as it sunk in.

“mavis, come.” lovino said, ready to follow mr. strauss out of the cathedral through a back door past the pulpit. but mavis wouldn’t move so easily, “it’s gonna be okay, just follow me.” the crowd remained silent as mavis was pulled out of the cathedral, melanie cried out for her brother but he was already gone.

—

“no sign of any disruption in the skin,” mr, strauss said, he pressed his finger against a few areas around his heart. “does that hurt at all?” he asked, mavis shook his head before looking up towards where lovino was. at the other end of the chapel was where he sat, watching them, tears slowly returning as his hand was placed over his lips. he blinked the tears away, pretending to be looking at something else whenever their eyes met.

“put your shirt back on, i’m done.” mr, strauss said, he pulled off his gloves and pulled out his phone. “let me just notify mr. landon that we’ll need dr, keith to arrive soon, just to make sure.”

“how am i alive?” mavis asked, his eyes fixed on lovino, but his question directed towards mr. strauss. the secretary ran a hand through his hair before saying, “i’m still not sure, mr, mallory never mentioned anything like this happening to anyone — but we should focus on making sure you stay alive, for all we know you could drop dead again at any second.” mavis looked away at that moment, down at his hands, wondering if this was just a cruel joke and he;d be gone within minutes. he sat up from the stall and began putting on his shirt, his mind racing through so many questions he almost didn’t notice lovino’s hands taking over and buttoning up for him, for mavis’ hands wouldn’t stop shaking.

he gazed at lovino’s quiet disposition, he never would’ve thought he’d see him cry that much, especially over him. he’d see the way his eyes would water over the thought of his grandfather, or when he;d talk about the difficult moments he experienced when he was young. but he believed that he was just a follower to him, like some sort of puppy he was stuck with. he couldn’t help but feel relieved: lovino actually cared for him, more than he had previously believed. 

mr. strauss left to inform the priests and as lovino finished buttoning up mavis’ shirt, he caught a glimpse of his smile and let his hands drop to his sides. “don’t smile like that.” he said, cocking his head to the side so he didn’t have to look at him. “why?” mavis asked, faltering a bit. the tone of his voice broke him, how childish and innocent it sounded. lovino looked at him, his hands reaching out to touch his face but hesitated. mavis looked down at lovino’s hands and hugged him, burying his face in his neck. lovino sighed in relief, able to feel mavis’ heartbeat against his and the rise and fall of his chest. he held onto him for a moment, then patted his arm, a gesture that told him he was okay now. but mavis wouldn’t let go. lovino felt something cold and wet trickle down his neck. 

“mavis?” he asked.

he could feel him shaking as he pulled him back, holding onto his shoulders as tears streamed down his red and freckled cheeks. “i thought i was dead, lovi. i thought i died there.” he cried. lovino felt his heart sink, though he could see the colour on mavis’ pink lips and had no doubt that his friend was very much alive. he grabbed mavis’ hands and held them tightly before pulling him close, his lips falling on the side of his cheek. “you didn’t, you’re here with me.” he said as he pulled back, mavis gazed at him as he began to calm down.

soon enough, he smiled again. “that was gay — ow!” he exclaimed, rubbing his arm where lovino punched him. “just making sure, idiota.” he grinned, poking his forehead with his thumb, “solo essere felice che tu sei con me.”

mavis smiled, ready to lean in and make himself content before mr. strauss and mr. densmore burst in. the two men were arguing, “who are you to order me around?” mr. densmore asked, the younger man refrained from answering him the moment he met mavis’ curious gaze. “dr. keith should be arriving soon, you should remain seated until he comes —”

“what happened?” mavis asked, eyeing mr. densmore. “is it something with arthur?” silence ensued as mr. densmore glanced towards a frustrated mr. strauss. “is he alright?” mavis asked.

those last words shocked the three men, but mavis was sincere. lovino stepped back from him, “mavis —”

“he didn’t mean to do what he did,” mavis said, looking towards lovino, who was ready to protest when mavis turned away. “tell me where arthur is.”

“but, mr. cornell — “ mr. densmore began.

“i’m mr. mallory’s successor, he left me his work and i intend to continue it, no matter what condition i am in.” he eyed strauss before letting his hand reach up to his collar bone, “but first, where’s my chronosphere?”