#ed will try to fuck penguin this night

[21go-gay-today37]

Post final episode

[gilverrwrites]

My horny ass has been watching Gotham again.

A-Z Gotham Men* and how they fuck you.

*like 75% of Gotham men: Alfred, Bullock, Butch, Ed/The Riddler, Jerome, Jervis, Jim, Lucius, Maroni, Penguin, and Zsasz 🖤

18+ MINORS DNI

Almost everything Alfred does is practiced, and purposeful and despite all his training, he’s still rough around the edges. But when he looks into your eyes, when he hears his name on your lips, all of that hardness and posturing dissipates. He tries to praise you but it comes out all muddled and breathless. So he worships your body as best he can, gently brushing your most sensitive parts with strong calloused hands, rocking your bodies together until you’re as lost as he is. Sometimes he does it with those white cotton gloves still on, and he neglects to clean them for days after because he can still smell you on them.

Bullock talks a big game, but he’s not the man he used to be. Still, what he lacks in youth, he makes up for in enthusiasm. Swollen lips kiss and suck at you, wherever he can find, his scruffy facial hair leaving beard rash on all his favourite parts. Firm, clammy hands pull and grope and guide your body, showing you how he likes it done. “Oh yeah, ooooh yeah, baby.” He pants between ragged breaths and clenched teeth, “Feels so fucking good baby, just like that.” When he’s done he wipes you down with a wet cloth and a cheeky grin, offering to buy you a drink he’s needed since you started.

Butch is big and sturdy and such a good boy. Butch is happy to say whatever you want to hear, to do whatever you want him to do, for you to use his body however you need to get off. “Anything for you Ma’.” He gets high on the scent of you, whimpers when you touch his cock, and eagerly licks up any mess he’s made, whenever, and wherever you allow him to. He’s at your service, just tell him what to do, so long as you shower him with your praise and adoration when you’re done. He especially loves it when you run your fingers through his hair, and plant your kisses behind his ears.

Ed is curious and attentive. His voice is shaky as he asks “Is this okay?” “Does that feel good?” “Is all this because of me?” His long fingers tentatively exploring every inch of you, in and out, memorising every jerk of your body, retaining every noise you make. He refuses to cum until you’re ready, until you’re fully entwined and engrossed in each other.

But The Riddler knows you’re needy. The Riddler takes advantage of that desperation, because it makes you dumb and mailable. He uses your body for his pleasure, he knows where to twist and pull to make your walls wet and tight around him. When you try to speak, he shushes you, cups your cheeks in gloved hands and coos; “I know, I know. Don’t speak. Just take it.”

Jerome is unpredictable. Some nights he’s a tease, making you beg and plead for your own defilement. It’s an act, entertainment, and you’re his favourite performer. When you’re good to him, he’s good to you, but when you’re bad, he’s really really bad. But it’s hard to be good, because he likes to move the goalpost whenever he senses you getting comfortable.

On other nights he’s clingy, and dutiful. He uses you to keep his cock warm, cradling you, swaying your bodies back and forth, inching himself deeper and deeper inside of you, and laughing into the crook of your neck.

Jervis is composed, and poised. He rolls his sleeves up and lets his hat sit askew while you ride him. Likes to watch the way you wither and pant, your eyes grow more and more vacant each time you work his cock deeper into your burning core. Likes to whisper and woo you with his sweet nothings. “Aren’t you a treasure? Fucking yourself for my pleasure?” It’s such a thrill to watch you come undone for him, especially when you’ll unravel yourself willingly.

As to be expected, Jim is the vanilla type. The quiet type, the strong and sturdy type. He makes love to you like it’s his duty, holding you down in missionary or the mating press as he hammers into you in powerful, uniform thrusts into your both coming undone, your name escaping his lips in an atypically soft whisper when he finishes deep inside you. What’s less expected is his oral fixation. Jim likes to relieve his stress by loosing himself between your legs, by licking and sucking and biting all the parts that make you flinch. He likes to know he’s left his mark on you, even if it’s confined to the places only he can lay his eyes on.

Lucius is like the cat that got the cream, grinning the whole time, every time. No matter the place or position, he peppers your skin with kisses, the curl of his lips evident with each press of his open mouth. He likes it slow and deep. Holds your feet over his shoulders and sink in until you can both feel his tip press against your cervix. Tell him how good that feels, smile back at him and he’s a goner. He likes to finish in your mouth, likes to watch the way your body perks when his cock twitches against your tongue, the way your expression softens, and your lids grow heavy when his thick, warm cum hits the back of your throat. You can barely roll over to grab the tissue before he’s on you again, ready to assault you with yet another round of smile-laden kisses.

Maroni likes a show, likes to be entertained, likes to know he makes you feel good without barely lifting a finger, he’s just that good, you know? So he lets you grind against him, or lets you ride him, nice and slow. He might play with your nipples when he wants you to make those pretty little noises, or press your tongue down with his think fingers when he wants you to be quiet. After you’ve found your release he holds your hips in a vice-like grip as he bucks up into you, deceptively fast for a big guy, until he unloads wherever he sees fit.

Penguin fucks you in a frenzy, high on your body, using you like every time is the first and last chance he’ll get. He ruts into you in short, sharp movements. He likes to see you on your knees, worshipping at his feet, taking him in whatever hole he pleases. He likes to rub his cock on your face, likes to mark you with his musk. When he speaks, it’s between shallow, harsh breaths, he begs demands that you call out his name, again, and again, louder and louder, ensuring everyone knows you belong to the King of Gotham.

Zsasz doesn’t care about your pleasure or comfort. In fact, it’s your pain that gets him off. Zsasz will fuck you dry so he can watch you flinch. He pinches, and wrenches, and grabs you like a ragdoll. He enjoys choking you until your neck is bruised and swollen, until you're crying deliciously salty tears that he loves to lick up. He likes to cut you on those fleshy, tender parts, likes to see your deep red blood on his pale hands. He loves to fuck you until you’re shaking, until you’re sore and overstimulated and begging him to stop.

[ultravioletwrites]

(i love sports steddie so fucking much)

Eddie always buys the cheap seats to Steve’s games, tucks his hair into a Phillies cap, because if his face gets thrown up on the Jumbotron in Philadelphia, he’s screwed. 

Not because people will know he’s dating the pitcher, but because he’s in enemy territory. (Not to say major league sports didn’t have a long way to go as far as inclusion.)

He’s played hockey for the Pittsburg Penguins for two years now, making a name for himself as their left wing. A so-called nobody from small town Indiana who can slip past almost any D-line thrown his way. He had a decent first year, but the fans really latched onto him after ESPN started posting a “mic-ed up” series on tiktok. They always caught him chirping, blowing kisses as he passed the other team’s bench. Then there was that viral compilation video where someone stitched together all the times he shrieked “Jesus H. Christ!” 

Pittsburgh fans loved Eddie Munson almost as much as they hated the Philadelphia Flyers. And if they hated the Flyers, well, they were going to hate the Philadelphia’s baseball team, too. 

So, yeah different sport but still the enemy territory. And they’re not necessarily out yet, both Eddie and Steve craftily dodging questions about girlfriends. He sits with Wayne instead of the WAGs and other A-listers. Nothing made Eddie happier than stadium hot dogs and cheap beer with his old man while the love of his life struts around in those sinfully right pants.

And then Steve nearly gets hurt and caution gets thrown out the window.

It’s a dirty play, definitely targeted. Steve’s been working his way to a shut out and the other team is pissed beyond belief. Their pitcher low balls him a couple before winding up a fast ball that whizzes too fucking close past Steve’s face.

Eddie launches out of his seat, hat flying off his head at the sudden movement, because Steve can’t get another concussion. Would probably bench him for the rest of the season, potentially career ending if the ball connected just right. He’s screaming at the umpire to do something, amidst a sea of boos from the Phillies fans. Players get rough on the field but it’s times like these Eddie wishes they’d really duke it out like his teammates on the ice.

Wayne’s tugging on his sleeve, trying to settle him down, when Eddie hears it. Murmuring from a couple rows down and the telltale shutter of an iPhone camera. He ignores it, because his brain can’t seem to churn thoughts out besides SteveSteveSteve, stuffing his hat back onto his head and glowering at the field for the rest of the inning. The Phillies end up winning, no shut out, but the air’s still tense.

When Wayne drives him to Steve’s apartment, Eddie watches the post-game press conference on his phone, and goddamn. There’s a reason Steve Harrington is the golden boy of the MLB. He’s fiercely loyal to his team, and it’s evident in the way he speaks. Always deflects the attention from himself to his teammates, how Sinclair holds it down as a short stop and commends the outfield on their damn near telepathic communication. Never gives himself enough credit as leader of the team.

He hugs Wayne goodbye, demands that he text him when he’s home safe. 

(Wayne retired while Eddie was playing in the minor league. Once he signed with the Penguins, Eddie used his bonus for a down payment on a little plot of land and a ranch-style house in the Pennsylvania countryside. He couldn’t bear the thought of his uncle living states away and it’s about time he takes care of Wayne for a change.)

Steve won’t get back home until late, so Eddie changes into old sweats and a T-shirt and winds down for the night. He’s on the brink of sleep when the front door creaks open. Steve locks up and makes a quick detour to the bathroom to brush his teeth and take out his contacts. He’s about to drift off again when hears the faucet shut off and Steve slips into the bedroom. 

Steve slides under the duvet and loops an arm around Eddie’s waist, pulling him flush to his chest. Eddie melts a little when Steve starts nuzzling his face into the crook of Eddie’s neck and tangling the legs together. 

“Hi,” Steve grumbles. He’s always like this post-game. Warm, languid, extra affectionate.

Eddie hums and laces his hand with the one dangling over his belly. “There he is.”

Steve’s kissing along his neck now, even though Eddie’s hair keeps getting in the way. “C’mere.”

Eddie twists in his grip. He rolls Steve onto his back. It’s better like this, caged in by Steve’s arms, while Eddie splays his hands across Steve’s bare chest. Eddie brings one hand up to cradle Steve’s jaw, finds his lips in the pitch-black room and runs a thumb across Steve’s lower lip. 

“Missed you, honey,” he murmurs.

They’re too tired to do much else besides kiss, slotting their lips together lazily. Eddie rolls his hips down, not to start anything, but to savor the way Steve draws him closer, chest rumbling with each sleep-ragged groan.

Eddie’s phone’s pinging incessantly the next morning and he gropes blindly at the nightstand to silence it. His outburst at yesterday’s game didn’t go unnoticed.

5 missed calls. 23 unread texts. A slew of Twitter and Instagram notifications. And they keep rolling in. 

He drags a hand across his face, vision bleary. The words come into focus.

“Fuck.” He nudges Steve awake and together they pour over Eddie’s phone.

Pittsburgh Penguins Eddie Munson spotted at Philadelphia Phillies game. 

leftwingmunson (via Twitter): tf is he doing in Philly? 

chrishockey3 (via Twitter): do i smell a trade brewing? #rippenguins 

It’s not so bad, Steve tries to assure him. Mostly speculation, fans worried he’s ditching Pittsburgh for their rival. That is, until Eddie keeps scrolling and finds theories a little too close to the truth.

slapshoted (via Twitter): y’ALL waiT [thread below]

It’s a collection of photos from past games that have miraculously surfaced, testimonials from other fans (stans? Eddie hasn’t quite grasped the difference) about how he’s been at Phillies games for the past couple months. One particular Twitter user (goddamn you steviedelphia) tweeted out a rallying cry that made Eddie’s palms sweat.

steviedelphia (via Twitter): moots hear me out... eddie’s going for steve

steviedelphia (via Twitter): this man is in LOVE look at his face when steve almost gets hurt [pic attached]

steviedelphia (via twitter): not me bringing together hockey and baseball stantwt i love being delusional lmaO

The theory’s doing numbers, enough that his agent’s pestering him about press releases and marketing strategies and all of it is making his head swim. He feels like a hockey puck gone airborne. Eddie doesn’t know where, or if, he’ll land.

“Eds, it’s okay,” Steve says, tucking him into his side. “Our pace remember?”

He loved the fans, he did, but he loved Steve more. Having a little piece of his heart carved out for Steve Harrington where no one could touch it. Where no one could taint it. It wasn’t his supporters he was worried about, it was the no-good-only-real-men-play-sports halfwits who tuned into ESPN.

It took about a million phone calls and a metric ton of reassurance from Steve, but they figured it out. No public statements. Business as usual until they were ready. Cheap seats, hot dogs and beer with Wayne, caps pulled down low and hair tucked away. Dark sunglasses for good measure. 

(If he eventually made a throwaway Twitter account once the panic ebbed away just to follow steviedelphia and their legion of “Steddie truthers” that was his business. In their corner of the internet, he could pretend. Plus, Steve liked watching all the obnoxious fan cams while they cuddled in bed.)

They give in when the Phillies make the play offs. At the next home game, Eddie and Wayne snag seats right behind home plate. It’s the bottom of the nineth, bases loaded and clock ticking, and all Steve has to do is make sure this last player strikes out. Eddie’s hunched over in his seat, elbows resting on his knees. Wayne’s fretting with an old rabbit’s foot he keeps in his pocket for good luck. Steve looks like a god up on there on the pitcher’s mound.

Wayne leans down and whispers. “You’re drooling’ a little, son.”

Eddie shoves his shoulder. “C’mon, c’mon, c’mon,” he chants under his breath.

The first two strikes are clean. The stadium’s deathly quiet. Steve wrings his hands, head ducked down. Right before he winds up again, he locks eyes with Eddie and winks.

That fucker.

Strike three.

Eddie’s vaulting himself over the barricade. He weaves his way past all the bodies between him and Steve. The announcers saying something about a rogue fan on the field and the umpire’s shouting behind him. Eddie doesn’t care. Steve’s got Sinclair in a bear hug when he sees him. Eddie throws down his hat and sunglasses, unzips his hoodie and underneath it is a ridiculously overpriced Steve Harrington jersey he bought before the game. He throws himself at Steve and then they’re kissing, a little like they’re drowning, definitely too passionately for daytime television. Steve’s got one arm secure around his waist, the other raised in the air while Eddie locks his legs around Steve.

“Fucking love you,” Eddie huffs, kissing all over Steve’s face. “My little MVP. I swear, if you go to the World Series, I’ll blow you right on home plate.”

Steve laughs, loud and bright. His hair’s sticking to his forehead, cheeks ruddy, and he stinks to high heaven. He’s never looked more beautiful.

Eddie fishes his phone out from his pocket and shoots a text to his agent, telling him his phone will be on do not disturb all night. He’ll deal with the aftermath tomorrow.

Does anyone have any athlete steddie fics or anything in the general vein? I’m not picky I just have a burning need for a steddie victory kiss that breaks the internet bc no one knew these two were an item, let alone madly in love enough to credit any and all success they’ve ever had to the other.

[nygmobblepot-trash]

Riddler getting a call at 2 am: "Lee! Have you finally decided to embrace your inner darkness?"

Oswald: "I don't even wanna know what the means..."

Riddler: "Penguin? The caller ID said-"

Oswald: "I know dumbass. If I used my phone you wouldn't have answered."

Riddler: "If you hurt-"

Oswald: "I gave her 50 dollars for her phone. I haven't talked to her since. She was alive when I saw her."

Riddler: "OK. So you got me to answer. What exactly is your plan to keep me on the line?"

Oswald: "Well I have Zasz on the roof of the blue building close to you."

Riddler: "How-?"

Oswald: "Please everyone knows about how you're losing it. Fall asleep in your bed, one of the people trapped in your head takes control, you wake up on a random roof, you spend the day trying to figure out what you did, repeat it all again that night. Anyways as you've probably pieced together by now or probably not depending on who I'm talking to right now-"

Riddler: "Zasz will shoot me if I hang up. Wait how long has this been happening? I shouldn't have went away. Also isn't Zasz still mad at you?"

Oswald: "Zasz would never pass up the opportunity to shoot someone. Alright you're not Ed."

Riddler: "The answer you seek is the answer to my question-."

Oswald: "I wouldn't finish that thought if I were you. Because if you're about to do what I think you're about to do Zasz will shoot you. Regardless I figured it out and lucky for all of us you're the one I'm looking for."

Riddler: "H-How many reasons did you give to him?"

Oswald: "3. You hang up the phone, you tell a riddle, or... I don't remember the third but it was just as valid. God this phone call is taking too long. Look I need you to go the street and get into the black vehicle. Martin refuses to go to bed without a bed time story. Use this time to think of a good one."

Riddler: "Let me get this straight... you called me at 2 am, had Zasz point several guns at me, and sent I assume several men to throw me into a van. For what? A bed time story?"

Oswald: "No you're weak, it's just the driver. I'm not going to waste several of my men on your skinny ass."

Riddler: "Why can't you just grab a book and read it to him? Unless... you can't read?! This makes you defeating me look much much worse. Oh I'm going to be sick."

Oswald: "I hate you so much. Yes I can read you fucking idiot. We've sent letters to each other! No I did not have someone else do it for you prick. Oh and you think I'm pleased with this situation either? I told him I or any of the other staff would read him any story he wanted. I even got a writer to make up a story for him! All he keeps writing is 'Uncle Rid'- God I refuse to say that ridiculous name. I wish he would go back to swearing rather than calling you that."

Riddler: "He didn't write Uncle Ed?"

Oswald: "Are you even listening? No he refuses to, probably because of you."

Riddler: "He calls me Uncle Riddler?!"

Oswald: "I'm going to tell Zasz to do it. Martin you're just going to have to pick someone, anyone else."

Riddler: "Tell your driver I'll be there in a moment."

Oswald: "...I hate you and your stupid ass name."

[just-an-enby-lemon]

Kristen Kringle in my Rogues Headcannon Au:

- She is from Metropolis (ew) and since my version of Riddler lived in Metropolis from age six to sixteen the two happened to go to the same middle school.

- She is a bissexual trans woman and while Metropolis by itself is a progressive city there's still a lot of assholes there. Her parents were actually very supportive and at 11 she had already socially transitioned.

- Unfortunally when news spread that she was trans a lot of parents and students alike were opposed to her and tried to banish her from competing in sports and using the right bathroom.

- That was when the bathroom brigade was formed by Lisa Jerkins (my unimportant OC who's main fuction is give Ed extra trauma later) and Eddie Nasthon, they would scoult her to the bathroom, even if it meant just getting up in the middle of class and getting detention, to protect her from being attacked by biggots.

- They were inseparable during middle school.

- She was the first person Edward came out as transmasc for and also his first kiss.

- Unfortunally after two years of suffering attacks from classmates, parents and even some teafhers, her parents decided it was better to her to move schools.

- They keept contact at first, but after his dad broke Edward's phone during a beating, they stopped talking.

- They later meet again in the Iceberg, Kristen was hanging with her new work friends on the Iceberg. One of the girls went to the bar to flirt and grab some drinks and came back crying because some douche she had tried to flirt with had called her "easy, boring and stupid". It was Edward. He wasn't even being purposifully rude, he just has low emphaty and was understimulated and feeling ignored by Oswald witch makes for a very cranky Riddler.

- Kristen of course went to confront the guy and got even more angry when she found him talking with Penguin's underage secretary. Until she realized it was Eddie and he was helping the girl do her homework of all things (in my AUverse Miss Tuesday is Oswald secretary and she bullies/manipulates Ed into doing her homework a lot). So instead they catched up.

- They rekindling their friendship may had resulted in Edward mudering her abusive boyfriend during the most akward double date on history (Edward brough Selina - who was already his ex - because she had shown interest on Kristen and Ed has no common sense or understanding of social norms and is just lucky he was born with a huge charisma status anyway). But hey, he is a known criminal, he is one of the less murderous members of the Dark Knigth Rogue Gallery, but he is a known criminal.

- Selina had the time of her life. No one else did. But Selina enjoyed herself. She got to pet Kristens cat, made a pretty woman blush, stoled a gourgeus astray, helped in the murder of an abusive asshole, she and Ed showed their sick dance moves. It was great.

- To everyone else it was a really bad night. And it almost ended Ed's and Kristen's friendship forever (and Tom was literaly dead by the end of it). But Selina had fun. And that is what really matters.

- No but really. Edward did not murder Kristen, because he isn't a misoginistic creep here and was not trying to convince her to not be mad. He was actually trying to convice himself that he didn't mind she was mad because he was right and is great and fuck her.

- They did slowly recovered their friendship though. With some meedling for Selina, because she cared about the fact other people didn't had a great night.

- Kristen did had a one night stand with Selina at some point.

- She somehow ends dating Doctor Joan Leland who in my AU is - personality wise - closer to Gotham's Lee than this version of Leslie Thompkins.

- The fact Leland is Jonathan Crane's psychiatrist (and the only member of the Arkham staff Jon - bregrundgly - respects, witch is what made her survive being Jon's psychiatrist because Crane is famous for making them became suicidal and quit) is not really important, but I'm briggin it up anyway.

[smuggsy]

the second prompt list you posted, number 25, the "when you love someone" would be really good for nygmobblepot if you wanted to 😌

okay, so first things first, we agreed to change the prompt to this one: Character A combs fingers through character B's hair. thanks for being such a sport! <3

Summary: Oswald is jealous, drunk and dizzy. In that order. Word Count: 2096. Read it on AO3 (or under the cut).

There are certain things that come attached to the title of Kingpin of the Underworld. Certain things one might consider red flags, green lights if you will. Things that would send Gotham's hungry wolves on a merciless hunt for his head, no doubt. Showing weakness, hesitation, doubt, incompetence. Oswald knows there's just no space for error when it comes to these, not for Penguin and certainly not for the Mayor.

Unfortunately, he comes to learn Edward Nygma incarnates each and every one of those traits. The ones that would certainly bring about his demise, Oswald admits, if he isn't careful to hide them behind his facade of cold-blooded killer or faithful politician. If he doesn't avert his eyes when the cameras are rolling or when his party attendees are talking to him, toasting, congratulating, saying things Oswald will have forgotten within the hour.

Because he can't help but be painfully aware of Ed's presence, usually standing in strategic high-points making sure everything is running smoothly, sometimes entertaining particularly snobby guests who would have Oswald at their sides for the duration of the night if it were up to them, their egos too fragile but at the same time too precious to threaten even slightly.

Edward is always on top of things.

Oswald is always aware of this.

Of him.

Too much, sometimes.

It's a bit more difficult to pretend he isn't hyper-aware of his musky scent and hoarse voice and well-lean figure when they share a car back to the mansion after occasions like these. When Edward slides into the opposite seat with a pleased self-congratulatory air and confidently starts listing off people and colourful details that might prove useful in the future and Oswald smiles gently, doesn't tell him he already knows he spoke to all of them because he was watching.

He was watching when he brought the Commissioner's mother her favourite cherry-chocolate liquor and when he complimented the Gotham Gazette's new editor's dress. When he leant in pretending he couldn't hear her, when he oh-so-gentlemanly offered a handkerchief after she collided with one of the waiters because she was too distracted by the way he smiled down at her - Oswald was watching.

And, well.

He doesn't blame her.

And Edward?

"...she scribbled her phone number on a napkin and slipped it into my hand so I'll say we, quite literally," he smiles smugly and produces the neatly folded napkin from his dark-olive jacket, "have her in our pocket."

Oswald laughs, sharing in the sentiment, the joke.

Or so he thinks he's doing until he sees Edward's expression shift into something much less chipper and he realises what he's actually done is roll his eyes and scoff like a spoiled little child.

"You don't approve?" Edward asks, excitement dying off.

Oswald curses his own recklessness and puts on another smile that he knows wouldn't fool anyone.

"Oh, no. I approve. I quite approve of your calculated flirting, Ed. A very nice strategy. Maybe try to exercise a bit more prudence next time, go one at a time?"

The car comes to a stop at a red light, Edward stares at him for a long moment before he seemingly understands the meaning behind Oswald's reproach.

"Oh, that!"

(He definitely doesn't understand the meaning behind Oswald's reproach.)

"Yes! No, that was just Miss Johnson recommending me some poetry," the napkin returns to the safety of his breast pocket and next Ed brings out a little notepad from the inside of his jacket, pushing his glasses up his nose and wetting his lips - Oswald looks away, feeling too hot all of a sudden, "she's the head of the Literacy Club, they hold meetings at the City Library every other Thu—"

"I know who she is, Ed!" he snaps before he can stop himself. It's such an abrupt reaction that Edward stops his monologue and looks at him again with that face that means he's trying to decipher his real intentions and assessing the terrain. He looks Oswald up and down and sits straight, clearing his throat one more time and reading his hostility.

"Of course," Ed mumbles, "yes, you do. Sorry. It was a tedious evening, I should—" he clears his throat again out of nervousness and Oswald sighs, biting his tongue and taking a deep breath in, "I'll tell you about it tomorrow. Or not. I know you're not one for poetry anyway."

"Ed..."

"No, it's fine. You must be exhausted, I know you hate these events, mingling and standing up all night—"

"Ed."

Edward's caramel eyes, that'd been cast downwards to his lap in an awkward and almost sheepish manner, shoot up to meet Oswald's again at his insistence. His gentle gaze brings back memories. Of bullet wounds and take-out food and piano melodies and a flourishing friendship.

"Who told you I don't like poetry?" Oswald tries with a gentler and more genuine smile this time. Because he's being too rude. Edward is none the wiser and he shouldn't have to deal with his stupid outbursts of jealousy. "Go ahead," Oswald says, with a much less venomous roll of his eyes and smiling at Edward's playful air and devilish grin.

His Chief of Staff opens his little notepad and shifts over from the opposite seat to come and claim the space next to him.

"I'm all ears," Oswald announces.

Except he isn't, really.

If he'd known Edward was going to make himself so comfortable between him and the cold window, was going to press himself so tightly against his side and loosen up his tie and giggle and start reciting a love poem with that mocking glint in his eyes and that theatrical hand-waving, Oswald never would've encouraged him.

"I hoped that he would love me, and he has kissed my mouth. But I am like a stricken bird that cannot reach the south..."

He needs to loosen up his own tie, too.

"...for though I know he loves me, tonight my heart is sad. His kiss was not so wonderful, as all the dreams I had."

Oswald stops breathing, stops trying to make himself look away from Edward's rosy lips, his cheekbones ever-so-slightly turned pink because their driver has turned on the heating way too high, the laugh that rocks his body, Oswald can feel it too because if he were closer he'd be sitting on his lap.

Stop it.

"—and then she just started telling me about her divorce, as if it wasn't all over the Gazette's front page last month. I declined her invitation but I figured I'd keep the poem, do a little bit of research, get in her good graces, so to speak. Never know when you'll need some funding and everybody knows she won the court case so, ca-ching!"

Ed blurts out another laugh and turns to look at Oswald, no doubt fishing for praise.

Oswald, who's so helplessly staring at him, lips slightly parted and hearing nothing beyond his gentle poem-reading about kisses and love and dreams. One of his betraying hands goes to Edward's nape and settles there, fingers brushing his hair of their own volition, brain failing to catch up to the situation. He feels light-headed.

"Oswald?" comes Ed's slightly concerned voice, now fully turning to face him better.

Oswald blinks out of his stupor with a pitiful gasp.

Sees his hand almost pulling Edward closer —

"Are you..." Ed starts, eyes darting to the side, to Oswald's outstretched arm with a frown, "...okay?"

"Fuck," he says out loud, without meaning to, "I—," he tries, he blinks again, he swallows through a dry throat, he looks at Ed and at his own hand cradling his head and then at Ed again looking at him with a quizzical look but still not leaning away, "—sorry! I— think I had too much to drink."

With that, he retrieves his hand and shuffles away from Edward, feeling like he's about to implode and like he can't take a proper breath in, he starts to get uncomfortably sweaty.

You idiot! What the hell do you think you're doing?!

"Is your leg—?" Edward places a cold hand on his thigh, "is it your leg?"

Oswald looks down, Ed's slim fingers brushing over the fabric of his trousers, he keeps them there, like it means nothing — like it doesn't mean everything.

"What?" he blurts out, because he didn't actually hear what Ed just said.

"You're sweating," his Chief of Staff states matter-of-factly, but when he goes to grab his handkerchief he finds it isn't there.

Oswald closes his eyes and lets his head fall back, thinking this is his only chance of living it down.

"Yes, yes. I'm feeling a bit dizzy."

Edward leaves his side immediately to go tap insistently at the dark window separating them from their newly-appointed chauffeur. He mutters a few orders that Oswald doesn't actually catch, there's a menacing undertone to his words and then he actually leans over into the front side of the vehicle.

"Are you trying to cook us alive?" he says finally, before shutting the window back close with unnecessary force. He turns to an Oswald biting his lip and trying not to laugh, "amateur. Do you want me to fire him?"

"It's his first day."

"Precisely."

"No, I don't want you to fire him, Ed," he peels his eyes open and gestures to the left window, his vision spinning for a moment before he gets just the teensiest bit nauseous, "but maybe you could—?"

Edward returns to his side and rolls the window down a few inches. The cold winter air feels heavenly on Oswald's flushed cheeks and he lets out a sigh — it turns out he did actually have one drink too many, then.

"Better?" Ed asks, too close. Oswald doesn't dare open his eyes again. He only lets out a grunt and shakes his head.

This has backfired completely.

What was supposed to be an act — a decoy, has turned into him bracing himself against the cold glass window to his right and feeling like he's inside a blender. He meant for Ed to get distracted and brush aside his slip but now Ed is closer than he was before and Oswald genuinely feels like he's going to be sick.

"Stop— stop the car," he crooks out, he opens his eyes to see Edward leaning over him with a worried look but making no move to obey, "Ed!"

It stops just in time. He feels quite helpless as he wrestles with the door handle and stumbles outside into the cold dark and empty street of some downtown neighbourhood to empty his stomach by the sidewalk.

He hears rather than see Edward scramble out of the car after him.

"Oh, dear."

How humiliating, Oswald's mind provides, as he tries to lean back up, tries to get some leverage with a hand on the opened door only to find nothing there and almost trip over. Edward catches him just in time.

"Uh-oh," Ed sings, "I got you."

"Mayor Cobblepot! Is there anything—?"

"Just get in the car and wait there," Ed mumbles menacingly. Oswald would've sent the boy a murderous glare himself if he hadn't been so occupied trying not to fall into his own vomit and holding onto his Chief of Staff for dear life.

So much for living this down.

"Ughhhhhh," is all he can say, because he thinks he's about to faint.

"I know, I know," Edward keeps one hand on his arm and the other round his shoulders, "but you'll feel better now it's out."

Oswald scrunches up his face and almost gags again. Edward does a great job of guiding him back into the car, now much colder than it was just a moment ago. He feels like a deer that's learning to walk: he can't seem to find proper footing and only when Ed sits him down and settles next to him does his head stop spinning. The car starts to move again and the passing lights become so bothersome he doesn't open his eyes the rest of the trip home.

"Now can I fire him?"

Oswald nuzzles closer into the embrace, one of Ed's arms is still around his waist and the other hand is left unmoving over his forehead, a cold solace, keeping his head from moving around too much with the sloppy turns and few street holes the car fails to avoid.

And because he's still drunk and Ed is holding him so close, his lips brush against a warm minty-scented neck and stay there, breathing in perfume and skin and finding no resistance.

[thedreammweaver]

My Pretties (post 5x12 nygmobblepot)

It had been a long night. Batman brought the Riddler into custody at around midnight and the green clad menace didn’t shut up for hours. He’d fallen asleep in the holding cell by afternoon and Jim and Harvey were taking a much needed break outside for some “fresh”, by Gotham standards, air. Luckily Penguin hadn’t shown up to bitch at them for arresting his fiancé which usually happened pretty soon after these sort of incidents. The pair were in the middle of trying to find a good time for Harvey to come over for dinner when the older man spotted something weird on the horizon.

“What the fuck is that?” Harvey pointed to what looked like a blob of mostly black. “Looks like birds,” Jim said absently “Anyways would Thursday be good-“

“Are birds usually...grouped together like that?”

“Harvey, can you focus..” looking at them again Jim realized there was something weird about the flock flying towards the GCPD, but he figured they’d just pass over.

“Yeah yeah, sorry.” Harvey huffed.

“Like I was saying-“

Jim was cut off once again by Harvey grabbing his shoulder “Oh my god, Jim.”

Jim was about to chide the other man for his lack of attention again but was compelled to look up as he followed Harvey’s horror filled gaze. The birds had gotten closer and now they were angled...downwards, diving towards the building, towards Harvey and Jim. “Oh shit.” The pair quickly ran inside before the birds could descend upon them.

“What is it?” An officer asked upon seeing Jim and Harvey’s scared expressions.

“There’s-“ Jim was cut off by the windows being blacked out and the aggressive sound of beaks against glass filling the precinct. “What the fuck..” one of the officers mumbled. “Somebody call animal control.” Jim instructed walking deeper into the precinct, wanting to get away from the door. “Jim, maybe we should just let Ed go.” Harvey said, following the commissioner. “Ed? What would he have to do with this??”

“Oswald obviously sent the birds to kill us unless we let his beau go, I’m not dying a Hitchcock movie death over that lanky bastard, alright.”

Jim scoffed “This was not Oswald, Harvey, he’s not a witch- Holy hell.” Jim’s eyes landed on a tv that was playing the news and the image on it made his heart drop. Harvey turned around to look too “Jesus.”

On the screen was the outside of the GCPD currently covered in birds with what could only be described as a cyclone of birds above it. “How the hell did he even do this?!” Harvey was bewildered.

Jim managed to tear his eyes away from the screen “Even if this was Oswald we can’t just let Ed go!”

“Jim, I’m half convinced Oswald’s fat ass is about to fly over here on a broom and write ‘Surrender Edward’ in the sky, he is not worth this.”

Glancing back at the screen Jim huffed “Fine.”

He opened the holding cell and went in to shake Ed awake.

“What?!” Ed snapped, not appreciating the rough handling .

“Rise and shine, you’re free to go.” Jim said snidely.

“...What?” Ed mumbled groggily, rubbing his eyes as he sat up. He finally noticed the birds pecking at the windows “Oh..” a smug grin spread across his face “You guys are in trouble, huh?”

    Ed still felt sleepy as he entered the Van Dahl mansion, Oswald greeting him with a bear hug certainly didn’t help with how warm the shorter man was. “Did they hurt you, my love?” Oswald asked, snuggling into Ed’s chest.

 “No, they didn’t.”

“I should, you had me worried sick.” Oswald scolded.

“I’m sorry, Ozzie.” Ed pouted, nuzzling into Oswald’s shoulder, happy to be in the shorter man’s arms again. He took Oswald kissing him as a sign he was forgiven.

[roguish-gallery]

Can you do a headcannon for the rouges on halloween?

Saved this one for the right time! Also!!! TW for some NS/FW mentions!

Rogues + Halloween HCs!!

Bane:

He might hop around from party to party, just for kicks! He doesn’t stick around any of them for too long, though.

You know those unsourced facebook articles that your aunt and your mom share each year about the guy who apparently lives in every neighborhood in the country who sticks razor blades into the chocolate bars he hands out to kids? That’s Bane, but he doesn’t even give out any candy. Just knives. He tells every child that knocks on his door how they can properly defend themselves should they ever get imprisoned for crimes they didn’t commit, or how to properly gut that one bitch who keeps hogging the good kickball at recess.

He dresses up like a Roman gladiator! It’s cool and gritty, and he doesn’t have to worry about finding a shirt that fits his body. Plus, he looks really good in gladiator sandals.

Catwoman:

She’s either attending some boring Halloween party with socialites she’s planning to rob, or watching some shitty scary movie with the rest of the sirens.

That being said, she makes sure that every child that knocks on her door gets the full-sized candy bars. 

She dresses up like a witch! Classy and simple, but lots of opportunities to add her own creative touches!

Harley Quinn:

She’s out there living her best life, being a grown-ass woman... and still trying to Trick-or-Treat. Anyone who gives her a toothbrush or a bag of pretzels is gonna get a brick thrown through their windows later that night.

She managed to convince Basil to lend her some of the horror films in his collection, and despite the fact that none of this shit is scary, she loses her goddamn mind during every mildly frightening scene.

She’s wearing one of that inflatable T-Rex costumes!!! Mostly because they’re really funny and because she KNOWS that people are expecting her to dress up as something “sexy” and this is her way of giving them a middle finger. (also if she’s in a big t-rex costume then it’s harder for the people handing out candy to realize that she’s a grown-ass woman).

Joker:

He’s the annoying bitch in the morph suit that shows up to every party. He thinks that people won’t be able to recognize him but. Everyone knows it’s him.

Killer Croc:

He has a genuine love for Halloween because it’s one of the few times of the year where he can walk around in public without anyone freaking out.

Fdskjfhskdj he shows up to costume contests and tells judges that he’s “Godzilla” and he leaves with some cool ribbons and a nice chunk of prize money for his “life-like costume”

Like I said, he’s either Godzilla or Kaiman from Dorohedoro. Whatever sounds more fun at the time!

Mad Hatter:

The only person here who made their costume entirely from scratch. It will be a cold day in hell when he gives a cent of his hard-earned money to a Spirit Halloween.

Surprisingly enough, he does not dress as an Alice character (he already does that every other day, and it wouldn’t be fun to do it for Halloween too). Now he’s dressed like a Victorian-style ghost!!

“Boo!! Give me your candy, and complement how dashing, smart, and spooky I am, or I’ll... uh- I’ll haunt you!! Boo!!!”

Penguin:

Surprising no one, he throws an excellent Halloween party at the Iceberg Lounge and he somehow prevents any of the other Rogues from setting any fires. A successful night!

He’s honestly not super festive when it comes to Halloween? At least in comparison to the other Rogues. He decorates the Iceberg accordingly for the party, but it’s more for the sake of entertaining his guests.

Tbh, he’ll just wear one of his regular suits, apply extra eyeliner, and slap on some fangs and tell everyone he’s a vampire. He’s glad that he finally has an excuse to wear one of his capes in public. Might fuck around and go as the Phatom of the Opera or some shit.

Poison Ivy:

Spends the entire month fuckin around with the pumpkins, as one with plant powers is ought to do. If the pumpkin you’re trying to carve into a jack o’ lantern suddenly grows arms and stabs you back with your knife, Pamela probably had something to do with it.

Harley ate all of the candy she bought a week ago, and she forgot to grab more so Pam awkwardly hands out leftover food from her fridge to any trick-or-treaters who come over. Pam hopes that the toddler in the Paw Patrol costume enjoys the hummus he got because Pam was really looking forward to eating it.

She dresses as Demeter! I love Pammy so much and I’m sorry to say this but she is 100% the type of person who gets huffy whenever people (or children) don’t immediately recognize who she’s dressed as.

Riddler:

Jon rents all of the Exorcist films and bets Eddie 100 dollars that he wouldn’t be able to watch through the entire series. Ed promptly accepts that bet… and quits 30 minutes into the first movie.

… He’s dresses as Captain Kirk for Halloween. Ed is a shameless Trekkie and I will die on this hill.

He individually texts every Rogue and officer of the GCPD this exact copypasta, and then he… turns his phone off for the rest of the week and refuses to respond to any calls :) or death threats :) or warrants for his arrest :)

Scarecrow:

Ahhhh…. Do you hear that? The shrieks of terror?  That crisp autumn air? Those Pillsbury sugar cookies with the pumpkins on them? Yes, Jonathan Crane is in his natural element.

Sdasdfsdfkj He sneaks into the local haunted house and corn maze attractions so he can upstage the actual scare actors.

He just wears his scarecrow outfit; if it’s not broken, don’t fix it. (that, and Jervis made him swear to not buy a cheap costume at Spirit Halloween.)

Two-Face:

He’s just chillin!! Having a fun spooky time!! He can buy apple cider back at the store again, and life is good!

Harv will make trick-or-treaters flip a coin, and based on what it lands on they either get a full chocolate bar, or a box of raisins and a toothbrush.

He’s dressed up like a biker! Leather jacket, cool shades, and tight jeans- he and Bruce used to dress up like bikers for past Halloweens!

[thesculptedflower]

Partners in crime / Part 1

Heyo! This one’s a request, but I decided to make it a two-parter! So here’s part one, and the second one will be up in a few days! Cheerio!

‘’I would like to ask you if you could do an Edward x reader, where the reader frees Ed from the ice block and takes him home, because she wants revenge on Oswald. (She and Oswald were together in like season 1 but he treated her like shit.) While Ed heals from being frozen, they fall in love and become partners and want to kill Oswald together.’’ @rott3nheart​

Partners in crime / Part 1

Music was blasting through the speakers as you and your friends entered the already packed club. You had tried to talk them out of it, suggesting literally any other club in Gotham, but they were set on their decision. 

”It’ll be fine Y/N! There’s going to be so much people, you won’t see him.” You - not wanting to be the one to ruin the mood - gave up and prayed, you wouldn’t run into your ex-boyfriend, the owner of the Iceberg Lounge.

One of your friends had heard, that Penguin had put up a new prop in the middle of the club. Something that no-one had ever seen. You knew that Oswald had the means to acquire anything from anyone if he really wanted to. You weren’t a stranger to Gotham’s underground either, having a fare share of heists and bounties under your belt. 

The new object was the sole reason why your friends were so eager to go. Pointless, you thought. Now that you were in and could lay your eyes on this mysterious piece of decor, you were as confused as ever. A block of ice. Not even carved to any particular shape. 

”It’s just a block of ice? That’s it?” Your friend asked, clearly as confused as you were. Knowing Oswald, it couldn’t be just ice. 

”What a fucking scam.” Another of your friends exclaimed, irritated, not bothering to take a closer look. ”Come on, let’s go get drinks so this evening won’t be as boring as this, thing.’’ She continued, motioning towards the ice with her hand. 

’’You go ahead, I’ll be right there.’’ You said, ignoring your friends as you walked closer to the ice. On the other side, party goers were talking excitedly, their eyes focused on the top half of the block. You snaked your way through all the people, eager to find out what they were looking at. As you got closer to the front, you could see a form of a man inside. No, not just a form, a real man. His green attire gave his identity away very quickly. You were shocked to see Riddler captured this way, his ’’work’’ and incredible mind had always intrigued you. Once you had even dreamed of working with him, but him being in the state he was at the moment, him doing any work seemed very unlikely. 

Carefully, you lifted up your hand and touched the ice with the tips of your fingers. The ice was so cold it stung, causing you to pull your hand quickly to your chest. 

’’It’s not just normal ice dear, it’s a special blend by Mr. Fries. I wouldn’t touch it again.’’ 

The voice was awfully familiar, bringing back only bad memories. You crossed your arms to your chest before turning around, refusing to let him see that you were hurt. Your face was blank, Oswald didn’t deserve to get anything out of you. Not anymore. 

’’I guess I should congratulate you for eliminating your biggest rivalry.’’ You said sarcastically. Oswald’s green eyes were like ice, cold and unfeeling. Those were the eyes you had learn to know too well before your relationship ended. 

Oswald was leaning on his cane, a cocky grin playing on his lips. You were almost as tall as him, but still it felt like you were so small next to him. His ominous presence made you feel scared in a way you had only felt while you were together. 

’’So, you finally came to your senses and decided to crawl back to me? Realized you are nothing without me?’’ 

The boldness of his question caught you off guard. Before you got a chance to reply, you could already see the pleasure he got from making you speechless. Without thinking, you grabbed his collar, spun him around and pushed him against the ice, very uncomfortably over the couches. The fabric of his coat and shirts were protecting him from the ice, but you imagined it would eventually get through. And the way Oswald was panicking, you knew it wouldn’t take long. The music has stopped and people around you were staring at the two of you, some shocked, some even amused. But you didn’t care. 

’’I would never, never, come back to you.’’ Your eyes were filled with hate, and maybe for the first time, Oswald’s weren’t. He looked almost afraid. 

’’I’ve had enough of your games and spiteful remarks towards me. You better watch your back, bird.’’

You let go of his jacket and turned around to walk away. Oswald rushed away from the ice, shimmying out of his frozen jacket. You imagined he would try to say something if you stopped, and you didn’t want him to get the last word. It was your turn.

* * * * * * * *

The plan was working perfectly. The two men Penguin had ordered to keep watch outside the club were easy enough to knock out, and the rest of the way was clear. You had thought, that Oswald would have more men at his club securing the frozen Riddler, especially in the night, but there was none left. Maybe he was getting too cocky for his own good. Being the ”king of Gotham” surely fed his already huge ego.

You walked quickly but quietly trough the back rooms, making sure that the place was really empty. When you got to the main room, you were a little taken aback how beautifully the moonlight coming from the windows reflected on the ice. Now you could see even better, how angry Riddler was the moment he got frozen. 

”Let’s get you out of there, shall we Riddles.” 

The flamethrower you had borrowed from the Firefly was working like a dream. Water was running down more quickly, revealing parts of his body each minute. Once you were close enough to freeing him, you had to change the flamethrower to an icepick, so you wouldn’t accidentally burn his skin. 

Small pieces of ice dropped down on the floor, soon melting and making the floor very slippery. You smiled to yourself, hoping that all this excess water would cause damage to his flooring.

Not long after, there was hardly any ice around him. His body was still frozen, standing perfectly still on the pedestal. You wrapped a few blankets around him for cover and some warmth, knocking his hat off by accident. Next part would be the hardest, getting him to your car without breaking him. You stood up behind him and wrapped your arms around his torso. He was still damn icy, even trough the blankets. You carefully stepped down, and began dragging him towards his freedom.

——

Getting back to your apartment took a little longer than expected, but you finally made it, and managed to keep you both in one piece. You got a few mild frost bites on your hands and arms, nothing that you wouldn’t survive though.

Riddler was laying in your bed, covered in blankets to fasten up his melting. You had lit tens of candles all around the room to lift up the temperature even more. 

You were sitting on the couch tending the frostbites, when you heard a quiet mumbling.

”W-what?” 

Your head perked up, eyes setting on Riddle’s slowly waking face. ’’That was a lot quicker than I anticipated.’’ You whispered to yourself, standing up from the couch. 

’’Where am I? What the hell happened to me, why can’t I move?!’’ He was starting to panic. 

You hurried to the bed and carefully sat down next to him. You knew he was probably a little confused for some time, and you didn’t want to scare him any more. 

’’Hey, it’s okay, you’re safe. You’re still in Gotham, you can’t move because your body is still a bit frozen.’’ You explained calmly, instinctively placing your hand over his. It was still cold, but touching him didn’t hurt anymore. Even though he probably couldn’t feel your touch, it seemed to calm him down. You smiled softly down at him.

’’Do you remember anything?’’ 

His expression was telling enough. He looked lost, and hurt. You felt sorry for him, but you knew that you could help him get better. You needed him to get better, so you could finally get back at Oswald. 

’’Oswald had Mr. Fries freeze you, and then place you to his new cub. You were pretty much the center piece.’’ You continued, hoping his memory would trigger some point. 

’’He did what?’’

’’He froze you, and then told the news that it was for ’your own good’, because you had a ’condition that required deep freeze to keep you alive’.’’

You could see the same rage in his eyes that you saw when he was still frozen. He was desperately trying to move any parts of his body, but failing, which infuriated him even more. You kept quiet for a moment, giving him the time to take all this new information in.

’’He froze me, and then showcased me like an animal!’’ He almost shouted. ’’I will kill him for this. He has humiliated me enough.’’

His brown eyes turned to you.

’’I suppose I should thank you for unfreezing me, miss..’’ 

’’Y/N, but I actually need something from you in return.’’ 

He cocked his eyebrow, watching you closely. 

’’I want to help taking Oswald out, for good.’’

[idontgiveaflyinggrayson69]

Dive

Author: Nat / @idontgiveaflyinggrayson69​

Requested: Yes – Anonymous

Tagging: @zuucc​ because you’re writing a Mat thing so here is my Mat thing

Fandom: NHL  

Relationship: Pre-Established; Mat Barzal x Reader

Song: Dive by Ed Sheeran  

Summary: Mat isn’t sure where you and he stand, so he shuts you out. Everything comes to a head when you confront him at his apartment.

Word Count: 2.1k

Warnings: Alcohol

Relationships were not as black and white as Mat wanted them to be. They were a muddy grey and more times than not, he didn’t know where the two of you stood. Some days he was smiling brightly, pulling you to his chest, his arms wrapped tightly around you. Other days he was clenching his jaw and wondering how any of this was happening.

Were the two of you together? Were you guys just ‘for fun’? Were you nothing more than friends pushing the boundaries of what it meant to be ‘just friends’? Mat didn’t know. And that not knowing absolutely killed him because he knew exactly what you were to him and exactly what he wanted the two of you to be.

The Isles eliminated the Rangers in the first round of the playoffs to advance to round two. And on home ice too. The whole team was just filled to the brim with adrenaline and excitement. Of course they ended up out on the town, at a club with a never ending supply of drinks. The girlfriends and wives without kids who wanted to be there were there, and you were tucked under Mat’s arm.

You, like the WAGs, were at the game. You had seen and cheered from the box as the Isles played and won, and when you saw Mat after the game, he pulled you into a tight hug.

But, you didn’t spend the whole night in Mat’s arms, much to his dismay. The drinks just kept coming. Mat did shots with Ross and Tito and you slipped away. He didn’t think anything of it. You were probably getting another drink or hanging with the girls.

Except, when Mat turned around to see where you were after Tito stepped away to go talk to Ebs, he saw that you were not getting another drink and you were not with the girls. Your ass was pressed into a guy who had his hands on your hips, one of your hands was up on his neck as you ground to the beat of the music.

Mat’s jaw clenched as he felt his stomach twist. He wanted to close his eyes, to look away, to take another shot and drink away whatever he was seeing in front of him, but all he could do was stare. His grip tightened on his beer glass and when he finally was able to pull his eyes off you, he ordered a pair of shots and downed both of them, ignoring the burn and taste with ease. Nothing could taste worse than looking at you grinding on another man.

“Are you okay?” Ross asked and Mat nodded, plastering a very fake smile on his lips.

“I’m fantastic. I love kicking Ranger ass.”

Ross spared him another look, but he let it go. Mat was right. They had just beat the Rangers, they were celebrating, there was no need to unpack feelings in the middle of a club in New York, especially when they were as drunk as they all were. That was something that could be handled at a later time.

The problem is is that Mat isn’t one to approach his feelings head on. So, he went full radio silent. You took an Uber home with Tito and Mat, which dropped you off at home before taking Tito and Mat to their apartment building. And then you didn’t hear from Mat again.

You would text Mat every day and you would hang out almost every day. Not to mention with the Isles advancing and the first round still being played, they had a couple days off. And Mat just didn’t answer your texts. Or your Snaps.

In the beginning you brushed it off. He was probably busy, be that with practice or the team off the ice, or maybe he was talking to his mom, maybe his family was going to fly in. Whatever it was, that was fine. Mat was busy, you didn’t need him to reply instantly. You just expected some sort of reply.

And you never got one.

You didn’t get a reply when you texted him asking how he felt about playing the Penguins in the second round and if he thought it would be more difficult since the Penguins would be out to avenge their first round sweep at the hands of the Isles the year before.

And he never texted you to ask if you wanted to go to the game like he normally did. You were never one to expect to be at a game, so you wouldn’t go if he didn’t ask. So, you watched the first game of the second round on your couch even though the game was happening not even fifteen minutes away from you.

But you drew the line at Mat not replying to you congratulating him on the game one victory. So, the next day you decided you were going to go over to his place and see what the hell was up with him and what exactly you had done to warrant radio silence from him.

You were calm all the way over to his apartment complex. You entered the code to the building and made your way to the elevator to go to his floor. As soon as you got to his floor, however, all the calm left your body and you were left with nothing but annoyance and rage.

You knocked on his door and waited. When he didn’t answer, you knocked again. You weren’t entirely sure he was even home, and if he wasn’t, you were going to camp out by his door until he showed up. Not that you needed to because a moment later Mat was opening his door.

His hair was a mess and he wore sweats with an Isles hoodie. But his jaw was clenched and if you were reading his eyes right, he wasn’t happy to see you. That made your anger even worse and you raised an eyebrow at him. “Are you going to let me in?”

He shrugged and stepped aside to let you in, closing the door behind you before walking back to the living room and plopping down on the couch. You followed him with your eyes and saw that he had Netflix on.

“It’s nice to see you too.” You said sarcastically, moving out of the entry into the kitchen to rest against the counter, keeping the island in between you and him. When Mat didn’t reply, you kept talking. “Are you going to talk to me? Like at all? At least tell me why you’re not talking to me?”

Mat shook his head with a shrug and turned to look at you. “I’ve just been busy.”

“Too busy to not answer any of my texts for the last five days?” You asked, trying your best to keep some of your bitterness out of your voice. You were mad but you also didn’t want to start a fight if you didn’t have too.

“Sorry.” Mat said with a shrug, but nothing about his tone said that he was sorry.

“What’s up with you?” You asked, shaking your head and uncrossing your arms. He shrugged again but didn’t say anything, so you continued. “Mat, you’re my friend. I’m here for you, talk to me. What’s going on?”

You’re my friend. Friend.

Mat rolled his eyes with a scoff. “Yeah, okay. Thanks for telling me what we are. I’ll do my best to keep things that way.” His tone was harsh and he turned away from you.

You jerked your head back and took a moment to process what he said and how you were going to answer him. You and Mat… You were close. Really close. More often than not you spent your time tucked under his arm or on his lap if there wasn’t room. And there had been a couple times when the two of you had kissed when you were both drunk.

But you were friends. You didn’t know that Mat thought differently or that he wanted things to be different. Honestly, it felt like the floor beneath you went from solid to shaky. You would be crazy to not think about Mat like that, but you had no idea that maybe, just maybe, Mat felt the same. Your heart skipped a beat at that possibility.

“What’s,” you started but your voice was a lot softer than you meant it to be so you cleared your throat before continuing. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Mat sighed and looked back at you. “It means I’m tired of the way things are with us. One night you’re in my arms and the next you’re grinding on the first guy you see. I just, I can’t keep doing this. So you have to tell me what you want from me because if we’re going to keep doing this, whatever this is, I can’t.” Mat paused before he added, his voice much softer. “I just can’t.”

If you thought your floor was shaky before, everything just got ripped out from beneath you. “I didn’t know you felt that way.” You whispered, stepping forwards, wanting to go to him.

“Don’t.” He warned, his voice more defeated than anything else.

“I honestly had no idea you felt that way.” You said again, stopping in your tracks at the edge of the kitchen.

He shook his head, turning away from you before he spoke with a crushed voice. “I don’t know how you couldn’t not know. It’s so fucking obvious. But I don’t know. I don’t know.”

“Matty…” You tried, but he cut you off.

“Don’t call me ‘Matty,’ and don’t take that pitiful tone with me. I get it loud and clear. You don’t feel the same. Note taken. You can leave now.”

“Who said I don’t feel the same?” You asked, sure in your voice and words for the first time since the carpet was ripped from under you.

It was Mat’s turn to be surprised and he looked at you, his face soft with surprise and hope. “Don’t give me hope if you don’t mean it.”

You took a brave step forwards and he didn’t stop you so you closed the distance between two of you until he was just an arm’s reach away from you. “Mat you are the most amazing guy I have ever met. You make me smile and laugh. Your heart is bigger than Manhattan. And you’re literally the hottest guy in the league. Everyone is crazy about you, myself included.”

Mat was quiet for a moment before he reached out to brush your hand with his. “You think I’m hot?”

Your lips twitched up into a smile and you sat down next to him on the couch. “I think you’re smoking hot. I mean your thighs…” You let your eyes run down his body to his thighs before returning them to his face where he was wearing a light blush.

“I think you’re really beautiful.” He said softly, taking your hand into his properly. “And I would really like to call you beautiful every day.”

“I would really like that, and I would really like to run my fingers through your hair and be in your arms. And kiss you properly.” You answered.

“I want all of that.” He whispered and shifted the way he was sitting so that he was able to face you properly and brush your hair back before cupping your jaw. “Can I kiss you?”

You didn’t answer him, instead you leaned forwards to kiss him. His lips were soft, just like the kiss, and you moved your hands up to cup his cheeks. You had kissed him a couple times before, but every time you had both of you were completely sloshed. Those kisses were messy, some too quick and some too long. But the kiss now was perfect. You pulled back after a moment and Mat chased your lips, kissing you deeper than before, moving his hand to your hair.

When Mat eventually pulled back, he kept his eyes closed for a moment before he opened them. You had seen Mat through a lot. He liked to keep up a confident exterior, but looking into his eyes at that moment you saw nothing but pure vulnerable Mat.

“Be mine?” You whispered, moving one of your hands to cover his on your cheek.

Mat’s lips twitched up into a smile. “I would love to.”

[surveys-at-your-service]

Surveys #447-448

(one from yesterday, one from v early this morning)

How did you and the last person you kissed start talking? By both being meerkat RPers on YT back in the day. Do you think someone is falling in love with you? Definitely not. Do you have a bad temper? Nah. What was the last song you listened to? SOBS "Suteki Da Ne" from FFX. If your mom was a teacher, would you want to be in her class? Hell yeah. She actually has been my substitute teacher before, as she worked at my elementary school with the special ed kids. Are you comfortable with people going through your phone? No. I have nothing to hide on there at all, but still... I just don't like it. Do you really care about what toothpaste you use? So long as it's mint-flavored, no, I don't care. Would you like it if the whole world spoke one language? I mean, I think it's pretty inarguable that that would be a beneficial thing. For all humans to understand each other, like in dire situations where information needs to be brought across. However, I don't believe we should actually try to change that now with so many languages already developed. That would be way, way too big a task and not that important. Would mind-reading really be a blessing or a curse? I'd find it more to be a curse. Would you ever get a pet turtle? Why or why not? Nah. They just don't interest me as pets. Do you tend to daydream a lot? If so, about what? Yeah. .-. About a lot of stuff... How I want my future to be, things I wish would happen, how I'd change past errors... What shop/store/brand would you model for, if given the choice? I would 110% model for Cloak if for whatever miraculous reason they wanted me to because a bitch supports her favorite human asdkfajkwle. I'd totally do some goth modelling for Rebel's Market, too. Do you actually read your friend’s surveys, or do you just copy and paste them and fill them out yourself? I read my friends' answers, yes. I like learning obscure things about them. Which is your favorite episode of I Love Lucy? Bar none, the "Vitameatavegamin" one. It's fucking hilarious, man. I love that show. Do you consider yourself a deep thinker? WAY too deep. Name two people who you are closest with? My mom and Sara. Which one of those two people would you eat first, if you were starving? Neither. I would absolutely rather die. No one cares whether or not you believe in love at first sight… but, do you believe in hate at first sight? Well, let's be real. If you witnessed someone being abused or raped or something like that, wouldn't YOU hate the villain immediately? I sure as hell would. When you were a kid, which comic strip was your favorite? I didn't care for those. How do you feel about fake plants? They can look good, they can look tacky, and they make great additions to some animal enclosures, like reptiles and bugs, for cover and new textures. Does it make you uncomfortable when people ask you your shoe size? Er, no? Would you feel guilty about cheating on your taxes if you got away with it? Yes. I tend to have a guilty conscience. Are you happy with your weight? NO. Do you go to church? If so, do you actually pay attention? No. When I was forced to go as a kid, I never paid attention. As a very young adult when I super rarely went, I would try to, but my attention definitely wavered. Would you rather have your nose or tongue pierced? Tongue, if it just didn't damage my damn teeth. :( I miss my snake eyes. Ever peed in your pants after the age of 10? It's very embarrassing, but yes. A few years ago, I had this very strange period of premature incontinence when I slept. I had to be put on some medication and a schedule to wake up in the night to use the bathroom. It oddly just... vanished as randomly as it started. Had any surgeries? What kind? I had tubes put in my ears as a baby, and then at the start of 2017 (I think), I had to have a cyst removed from my butt. :^) Ever told your parents you hated them? I've told Dad that, yes. Are you sober? Yeah. Do you have a crazy side? Not really, no. I'm boring. Do you have siblings over the age of 18? All of my siblings are. Do you think that downloading music illegally is immoral? Yes, and yet... I do it anyway. :x Have you ever sworn at a policeman/woman/cop? No. How far do you agree that the mother is more important in a child’s life than the father? I Don't agree with that. Would you ever let one of your children enter a beauty pageant? If they were old enough to make their own decisions, I'd have no say. But as a little kid, no. I do not support those damn things. What was your favorite Pokemon as a child? Charmander! :') Do you have a favorite name? What is it? Alessandra. It's so beautiful. What was the topic of the last assignment/essay you wrote? Toxic masculinity. I got SO into that essay. What’s your favorite type of juice? Probably peach mango. What was the hardest language you’ve ever tried to learn? LATIN. Like holy shit. What’s your younger sibling’s name? Nicole. What kind of cookie is your favorite? Chocolate chip. What would you do if your ex contacted you? I would just be... so happy. But also scared of where it would lead. What age would you like to have a child? No age, because I never want any. Are your parents wealthy? Definitely not. My dad SEEMS decently well-off, but he is most certainly not rich. Have you ever asked someone out? Yes. Your ex tells you they want you back, what do you say/do? I know I'd say yes, very quickly. -_- Do you know anyone that smokes weed? More like she's addicted to it. Is there one person you look at and automatically smile? Oh, that's Mark for sure, ha ha. Especially if he's laughing. It's game over for me if he's laughing. What’s your favorite hairstyle on a guy? Don't even fucking @ me, I love the emo hair swoop alskdfjalkwje;kjrwklejarwe Do you know anyone who’s won the lottery? No. What’s the name of the last cat you pet? Roman. What have you been up to today? Anything interesting? The only thing I've done today that deviates from my normal routine is I had to get blood drawn for some tests for my upcoming check-up. I don't know what was up with that needle, but it hurt this time. Are you the type of person to dwell on the past? I live there. Did your grandparents teach you anything? Not really, no... besides being old-fashioned is not an excuse for being an uptight... er... this answer is so mean, given the grandmother I'm talking about is dead, oof. Do you want/have a Bachelor’s degree? I wanted one... but I don't have one and never will. Are you a fan of penguins? Yeah, they're mega cute. Who do you think about most constantly? Why? Anyone who reads these can answer that very, very easily. Have you ever considered yourself to be something other than heterosexual? Yeah; I'm either bi or pan. I think pansexual as of very recently, but for simplicity's sake and also for almost all of my family to not think I'm crazy, I really just say bisexual. Have you ever been in love? With who? Yes; Jason and Sara. Dolphins, whales, sharks, or narwhals? Dolphins or whales. Have you ever gotten anything amputated? No. Have you ever tied your tooth to a door to lose it? No. What do you do on the computer? Oh jeez... I'm pretty much, well, always on the computer, so I do a whole lot. I watch/listen to YouTube, write, clean out my dA notifications and browse artwork, scroll through Facebook, play World of Warcraft, edit the Silent Hill wiki, do way too many surveys, talk to Sara on Discord... Anything your parents should know about? No. Do you have a life? It sure as hell doesn't feel like it. I do nothing noteworthy. Do you have a microphone on your computer? It's built-in, but it doesn't work. Does your mouse light up? Yeah; red normally, blue when it's charging. Then it's also purple sometimes??? I have no idea what it means. Were you ever physically abused? No. Verbally? No. Sexually? No. Do your teachers like you? Not to brag or anything, but all my teachers loved me. Do your parents like you? I know they love me. Do your siblings like you? I don't feel like they do half the time. :/ It's my own fault for not knowing how the fuck to interact with them. Did you have a tail when you were born? At first I saw this question and was confused as shit, but then I remembered this was actually a thing, ha ha. But no, I wasn't. Do you enjoy school? I hated it. Are you shallow? No. Greedy? I don't think so, no. It feels good to share. Do you have a piercing in an inappropriate spot on your body? No. A tattoo? Well, I have a tattoo over my heart, so it's on my breast, if you wanna count that? Are you stubborn? God, am I. Are you incestuous? Fuck no. Do you respect your body? Meh... Yes in some ways, in other ways no. Have you ever been to therapy? Did you like it? I've been in therapy for most of my life, and yes, I find it helpful. Have you ever used Duolingo to learn another language? No. Are you unhappy at the moment? Yes. I usually am. Do you have any gay friends? Yes. Have you ever watched iCarly? Yeah, I used to enjoy it. Who’s your favorite Disney character? Probably Dory. What was the last thing you wrote in a word document? This survey, actually. It's how I format it and save my progress. What did you last take painkillers for? A headache. Are there any hobbies you want to get back into? Drawing. :/ Have you ever been on a date with someone you met online? How was it? Yeah; when Sara and I were together and I went up to visit her, we had a breakfast date once. :') Do you find it difficult to get rid of material possessions? Yeah. I hold a lot of nostalgia in many items. What sort of games do you like to play? Horror and fantasy, mainly. They need a story, too, and I ESPECIALLY enjoy games with multiple endings. Then I also play WoW, which is an MMORPG. Do you know anyone who is deaf? No. Have you ever been married? Nope. What is your favorite thing to dip fries in? Ketchup. Do you still talk to anyone you went to high school with? Just Girt, really. Have you ever had to dispute a charge on your credit card? I've never had my own credit card. Quick! Choose pink or purple. Pink, duh. What's your favorite book genre? Fantasy. Would you say you’re generally fit and healthy? Why/why not? No. :/ I'm trying to change that though by going to the gym. Would you ever want a job working with animals? My main aspiration is to be a wildlife photographer, if that counts? Sara also wants to be a ball python breeder, and we talk all the time about it and how I'd love to be like an assistant and help with my own future snakes. Most recently, I will definitely have to have experience with them as pets first and see if I can handle it, but I've considered breeding tarantulas on the side. The hobby could ALWAYS use more breeders to prevent wild-caught specimens being taken from the wild, and it would help lower their prices. I've gotten so passionate about those furry bastards that I would really enjoy helping out with that. Do you believe in your horoscope? Even if you don’t, do you still read it? Not at all. I don't, because it feels like a waste of time if I don't even believe in it. If a couple is married, do you think there should be any legal punishment if one person cheats? No... I am firmly against cheating, but that sounds extreme. Do you enjoy Tim Burton films? Which one is your favorite? Of course! My favorite is Corpse Bride.

-------

Was the last book you read for fun, or was it for some type of assignment? It was for fun. Do you think you would be a good match for your celebrity crush(es) assuming you have one? Why? If you don’t have one, who was the last person you saw that you found attractive? No, honestly. He really doesn't like seeing people not pursuing their utmost potential, and, uhhhh, look at me, lol. I'm in no way good enough for that god of a human being lmao. How old were you when you had your wisdom teeth removed? I still have them. I only have two, and my mouth has enough room for them. Do you wish you were taller or shorter? My height's fine. Where was the last job application you filled out sent to? Food Lion. Have you ever been fired from a job? No. I quit way too early for that to ever happen. .-. What poster is hanging closest to you? My big Metallica one. Which cuisine do you like the least? I honestly haven't experimented enough with foreign foods to decide on one specific cuisine I really don't like as a whole. Are there any foods you dislike because of the texture? There are A LOT. I am very, very sensitive to textures. Which type of chocolate do you like best? Milk chocolate. Do you let your pets sleep in your bed? Absolutely. Well, obviously not my snake Venus, but Roman? Yes. This is his house, too, and he deserves a comfy space to sleep. If you wear makeup, what are your preferred brands? I don't have one. Have you ever made sun tea? I have no idea what that is. Do you prefer powdered or liquid coffee creamer? I don't like coffee. Did your school have somewhere for girls to get emergency pads/tampons? Yes. Do you think they should make a movie about Hatshepsut? Now here's a question I haven't heard before, ha ha. I actually think that would be quite interesting and certainly empowering to women. Do you like to go to the movies alone? I actually did that for the Warcraft movie, and it was pretty chill. I prefer going with others, though. Have you ever dried down any flowers to keep them? No. What is your favorite thing that you have made by yourself? Probably my Pyramid Head/Halo of the Sun drawing. I worked my ass off on that, and I love how it came out. Do you like using clay and/or peel-off masks for skincare? I don't use those specifically, no. Have you ever made a pillow out of an old T-shirt? No. If you want to be cremated, do you want your ashes scattered anywhere? I haven't really thought of this, but I know I want them to be scattered somewhere. I don't wanna be cremated and have no lineage to cherish the ashes so I just end up thrown away or scattered in someone's backyard or something like that. I guess the desert would be pretty cool, if it was one with meerkats. Would you ever have a deceased pet stuffed? No. I have mixed feelings on taxidermy, but doing that to your pet just... seems wrong somehow. Like I feel that there'd be an unhealthy attachment to a dead body, and it feels like you're not allowing your beloved pet to truly, fully rest. Even if there is nothing beyond death, it's just a respect thing to me. Would you ever have a pet cremated? Teddy was cremated, yes. I WANTED to cremate my first ball python and Chinese water dragon, and both were in the freezer for a long time, but it just... never happened. It's not cheap. Mom also had Cali (her dog) cremated, but didn't keep the ashes herself because of it, once again, being expensive. Personal cremation costs more than a group one. Do you believe in the existence of parallel universes? Nah. How many times a day do you brush your teeth? Once. Collect anything? Any and all meerkat stuff and Silent Hill merchandise. Can you stick your fist in your mouth? ... I'm not about to try that. When was the last time you were high on anything? Never. Ever had a bloody nose? Yes. Have you ever caught a fish? Yes. Ever been up a mountain? Ugh, I wish! What are you listening to right now? I'm watching Gab Smolders play Amnesia: The Dark Descent. Do you have any birthmarks? Yeah; it's on my right forearm, near the elbow. Have you ever been slapped? I've been spanked and slapped on the arm by my mother when I was younger. And sometimes not so young. What do you want pierced? My collarbones, nostril, way more in my ears, and possibly my back dimples if I shrink down to a size where you can actually SEE them clearly... Do you like taking pictures? Of nature and animals. Sometimes people. Do you like getting your picture taken? Hell no. Have you ever started a rumor? No. Do you have your own pool? No. What do you want a tattoo of? You're asking someone who wants to be COVERED in tats, ha ha. I have a billion ideas. Have you ever been skinny dipping? Nah. Have you ever been chased by cops? No. Do you ever wear shirts do show your belly? OH FUCK NO. What about cleavage? I wear tank tops more than anything, so some. What theme does your room have? It doesn't have one. Do you like cows? Awwww, I love cows. :') <3 Which slow animal is your favorite? Sloth, turtle, or snail? Turtles aren't that slow; it's tortoises you're thinking about, so I'll consider them instead. Regardless, I think I find snails the cutest. If you had to create an app, what would it be for? I have zero clue. What is one television finale where you were upset with how it ended? I don't know. Other than mandatory lockdowns, have you had to quarantine at all for CoVid? No. What steps would you take in order to track down a thief? ... Not many, tbh, given JUST how afraid of confrontation I am, ha ha. What is something that one of your family member collects? Dad collects Cleveland Browns and Carolina Hurricanes sports stuff. What are some questions that you would ask your favorite celebrity? I've... never thought of this, believe it or not. I'd be too busy blubbering about how important he is to me and thanking him for everything he's ever done alskdjfkla;wje Have you ever legitimately forgotten to do homework? Yes. That was very, very rare, though. Depending on where you live, why might a day of school get canceled? If there was a 1% chance of half an inch of snow. :^) Everyone flips their shit here when that happens. Also, hurricanes. What types of transportation do you think we will see in the future? Besides possibly flying cars, idk. Which freaks you out more - clowns or porcelain dolls? aklsdjflajdsALSKDFJA;LWJE D O L L S. Porcelain dolls creep me out, man. Do you like salami? Yeah. Do you know your mum's first pet's name? I actually don't, no. Do you like car racing? No. I think it's stupid, honestly. People can get and have gotten seriously hurt, or worse. Who hugs you the most often? My niece and nephew, probably. Has your favorite actor ever been stuck to a project you dreaded watching (e.g., stuck on a bad TV show for years)? No. When you were a child did you wish you were named something else? What sort of fantasy life did you imagine for yourself if you’d only had this other better name? Bro I shit you not, I wanted to change my name to "Dory" because of Finding Nemo, lmao. I never thought about how my life would be different, though. Are you a plant person? How do you feel about the trend of owning many, many houseplants? Nah, plant maintenance isn't for me. I don't care how many plants you own so long as you care for them. It seems pointless to buy plants and just neglect them. What are you sick of hearing about? Anti-vax bullshit. Do you wish that you had more followers on any platform? Do you even pay attention to how many likes/comments/followers you have? The only places I really care about that are my photography Facebook page and deviantART because ffs I TRY to make progress as a photographer lasdkfj;lawe but neither move very fast at all. Are you currently working on an art project? No. :/ I need to draw something for once. If applicable, what color are you planning to dye your hair next? I have three in mind: lilac, pastel pink, or silver. Do you have a sibling who looks like your twin? No. My older and younger sister look remarkably similar, though. People have confused them a lot. Do you think you'd make a good actor or actress? God no, I'd feel far too awkward. Do you believe you have a lot of potential? Ugh, I don't know, dude. Would you like to be rich and own a vacation home? Who wouldn't? Have you ever walked through a labyrinth? No. What eyeshadow color do you think looks best on you? Black. I only wear black. Do you shop in the girls, juniors, or women's section at the store? Women's. Do you play video games? I haven't played a game other than WoW in a long time. :/ I only have a PS2 and Wii, and most of the games I want to play are for newer generation consoles. Is your house more than two stories tall? It's not even two stories. Have you ever had the flu? No. *knocks on wood* Have you ever been unfaithful in a serious relationship? Nope. Would you ever get a lip tattoo? No. I want tons of tats, but that sure isn't one of 'em. Has any place hired you underage for a job? No. Have you ever carried a concealed weapon? No. Does eating breakfast make you sick? No. I'm one of those people that wants to eat right when I wake up. What four states in the USA would you most like to visit? Which four countries would you most like to visit? States: Alaska, Utah, Wyoming, and some southwestern state where I can visit the desert and maybe see wild tarantulas. Countries: South Africa, Germany, Canada, and uhhhh idk. Would it bother you if your boyfriend hugged other females (think hypothetically if you don’t have one)? Why or why not? No? Hugs can just be a friendly gesture. They don't have to have underlying romantic implications. If you had snow-days as a kid, how did you spend them? Do you like the snow, in general? Oh man, snowy days were the epitome of joy when I was a kid. The #1 thing I wanted to do was make a snowman with Dad and my sisters if the snow was the right texture to pack. We loved snowball fights, making snow angels, watching the cats play... and you CAN'T forget making sugary snow cream. Do you know anyone who does hard drugs? Would you ever befriend someone that did? No one that does hard drugs now, no. I honestly don't know how I'd respond to wanting to befriend a hardcore druggie... Like I'm totally aware drug addicts are not innately bad people, but it can be dangerous to associate with them. So idk. Do hospitals make you nervous? Why or why not? Do you have any bad hospital experiences? Yes. I do NOT like being in hospitals. I've never been treated badly in one or anything, but I just have way, way too many ER memories from being suicidal and just stripped of everything that could somehow be interpreted as a "danger." Even books had to be approved. Technology of all kinds, forbidden. All I did was sleep on that godawful bed and wish I was dead. But I'm rambling; point is, I really don't like any health care establishment just because of negative memories. Do you still talk to the first person you ever dated? If not, would you want to? Why or why not? No. We just don't. I wouldn't be opposed to knowing what he's up to. What do you like most about your favorite animal? Their loyalty and bravery are purely astonishing. Do you need a job? Yes. I'm a leech in my house. I serve no financial purpose to assist my mom in paying bills and all of that. I'm a full-grown adult that should be benefiting humanity. Who do you love the most in your life? My mom, cat, and best friend probably top the list. What is your mom doing right now? I hope she's asleep, but she tends to sleep very badly and is frequently tossing and turning around this time. Where does she work? She's on disability. For the type of cancer she had, she automatically got it with her diagnosis. It's recently been a year since her last chemo session, but let me tell you from witnessing it: It takes A LOT out of you. It was actually torturous for her. She's still regaining her strength and healing before she can wisely get another job. Do you have Netflix? Yeah. What was the last thing you quit doing? I don't know. Have you ever read a book that changed your life? No. Who did you last talk to before you went to bed last night? Sara, if through text counts. Have you ever taken Xanax before? Yes; I was prescribed it for quite a while. Have you ever suffered from anxiety or depression? Try both, buddy.

[andyquhyn]

prompt list #4 (spotify version)

(based on my top 2019 songs from spotify, can be used as dialogue or just as ideas! also please don’t roast be about my songs rip)

Make It Alright by WILD: “Whatever we can get through is what makes us survive.”

Good Nights (feat. Mascolo) by Whethan: “We were perfect as fuck, making dreams about our lives up in the stars.”

Burn The House Down by AJR: “Way up, way up, oh no, we gon’ burn the whole house down.”

Only Got Eyes For Her by Ezra Jordan: “I’m going out my mind, thinking ’bout the one I should’ve never left behind.”

Passenget Seat (feat. Kora) by Clueless Kit: “You know this is who we are, this is what we do, driving in circles til’ we find something new, the only person I enjoy sitting in the car with is you.”

seasonal depression by mxmtoon: “We’re all just trying to get by, searching desperately for bits of blue in the sky.”

There’s Still A Light In The House by Valley: “When she crash, she brings a storm in, I kinda like the way it pours.”

RUNAWAY by half·alive: “I find that everything I am is everything I should be, I don't need to run away.”

Choke by I DON’T KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME: “If I could burn this town, I wouldn’t hesitate, to smile while you suffocate and die.”

Almost (Sweet Music) by Hozier: “Be still my foolish heart, don’t ruin this on me.”

Happy Man by Jungle: “It all could be different, time to do something new, I’ve given everything, I want to be a happy man too.”

Not What I Meant (feat. Lewis Watson) by dodie: “Will I have grown a little empire, or made a fucking mess?”

Be Mine by Ofenbach: “And if you wanna fight, let’s start the show, ’cause I want you to be mine.”

Sanctuary by Joji: “Not anyone, you’re the one, more than fun, you’re the sanctuary.”

Casio by Jungle: “When all your dreams are gone, and you’re still holding on, you waited far too long.”

Wildflower by Dutchkid: “I never knew that I could love like this.”

Arms Unfolding by dodie: “But here I am with arms unfolding, I guess it isn‘t quite the end, oh, partner in crime, I’m going to try to fall in love with you again.”

Preacher Man by The Driver Era: “I’m ashamed of the dark places I have been, fix my soul so I don’t lose a love again.”

prom dress by mxmtoon: “I keep collections of masks upon my wall, to try and stop myself from revealing it all.” 

Blame It on Me by George Ezra: “When I dance alone, and the sun’s bleeding down, blame it on me.”

Surround Me by LÉON: “Baby take me outside, kiss me in the moonlight.”

Work by Charlotte Day Wilson: “’Cause people come and go, but I think you should know, that I think this will work.”

Glory by The Score: “I’ll be written in the stars.”

Take Me With You by Wingtip: “Our hearts don’t break, they just rearrange.”

Cold Cold Man by Saint Motel: “You're the only one worth seeing, the only place worth being.”

Runaway Kids by HARBOUR: “We’re the runaway kids, let’s escape, we’ll get there some day.”

Monster by dodie: “Two ugly creatures, two sinister preachers, blind to the past, like a couple of monsters.”

Runaway Goliath by Mantaraybryn: “Are you just gonna stay in the shade when you were made for light?”

HandClap by Fitz and The Tantrums: “You’re like a drug to me, a luxury, my sugar and gold, I want the good life, every good night, you’re a hard one to hold.”

Swim by Valley: “Swim with me, get to someplace better, I’ll be waiting on you forever.”

home ft WALK THE MOON by morgxn: “I’m going back home to the place where I belong, there’s nothing like it.”

arrow by half·alive: “I know that I can’t run forever, but I can’t stand still for too long, this heart is afraid to beat slowly.”

NASA’S Fake by Raffaella: “Jesus Christ, gimme a break, is there a pill I can take?”

Better Not (with Wafia) by Louis The Child: “You know it in your gut you’re healing, from every time that you’ve been hurt before.”

Side Effects by The Chainsmokers: “It’s 4AM, I don’t know where to go, everywhere is closed, I should just go home, my feet are taking me to your front door, I know I shouldn’t though, heaven only knows.”

All My Friends (feat. Tinashe & Chance the Rapper) by Snakehips: “My eyes are black and red, I’m crawling back to your bed.”

So Close by NOTD, Felix Jaehn & Captain Cuts feat. Georgia Ku: “Have you ever wondered if you loved me harder, where we’d be now?”

I’m Good by Wafia: “Finally got back everything I gave to you, every part of me that I left in your room, now I really don’t care what you do, or who you do it with, I really don't care, I think I just quit.”

dream of you by mxmtoon: “I had a dream about you last night, and you said your last goodbye, I woke up to wipe my tears, although I said I’d never cry.”

Colder Shoulders by Gabe Fleck: “I can’t hide from what is destined for me.”

Last Dance by Rhys: “Oh if all we ever had was an illusion, and if we gave it every chance.”

Send Them Off! - Whethan Remix by Bastille & Whethan: “I’ve got demons running round in my head, and they feed on insecurities I have.”

Bad Days by Chance Peña: “All I know is the weight on my shoulder won’t hold me down.”

Crimes by Gallant: “And honestly I can’t keep overlookin' all your crimes.”

Check It Out by Oh The Larceny: “I’m gonna light it up.”

It Ain’t Wrong Loving You by HONNE: “Don’t care what they say, I will have my way, ’cause it ain't wrong loving you.”

wish you were gay by Billie Eilish: “I can’t tell you how much I wish I didn’t wanna stay.”

my ted talk by mxmtoon: “I’m fooling myself over something I don't know.”

Never Been In Love by Will Jay: “I’ve never been in love, and it’s all good.”

I Believe in Us by WILD: “Don’t think about the fear that much, we’re gonna be alright.”

Pure Gold by half·alive: “Wait, for the tides of change will come.”

blame game by mxmtoon: “I put my heart into us, and I was the one to crack it in two.”

Genesis by Daniela Andrade: “But first I gotta let go of the things I tried to be.”

Save Me From Myself (with NoMBe & Big Gigantic) by Louis The Child: “So won’t you save me from myself right now, right now, ’cause I feel like someone else, somehow.”

You And I by LÉON: “But in my head, oh, you say, say you still want it, that you’re done with being lonely now.”

Blue Hundreds by Holy Mattress Money: “What’s electric more than two lovers?”

I Like (the idea of) You by Tessa Violet: “I like the idea of you, wonder how it’d be to love you.”

Green by Cavetown: “I hope you feel happy, that’s all I want.”

Superlove (feat. Oh Wonder) by Whethan: “I’ve been looking at your face, it’s dangerous, making me so goddamn crazy.”

She by dodie: “I;d never tell, no, I’d never say a word, and oh, it aches, but it feels oddly good to hurt.”

Debbie by Your Smith: “What did you get me into? This always happens when I listen to you.”

Prophet by King Princess: “I can only think about you, and what it’s like to walk around you.”

Tell Me by Spencer Sutherland: “Tell me where your heart lies, and I know where your heart lies.”

Juice by Lizzo: “It ain’t my fault that I'm out here makin’ news.”

If I’m Being Honest by dodie: “Could you love this? Will this one be right?”

mime by Isaac Dunbar: “And now all I’ve got is broken bones and cheap skin to hold me.”

Maybe by half·alive: “Realize I’m at war in my own mind.”

Alps by Novo Amor & Ed Tullett: “I would break every inch of my love.”

Waiting for You by The Aces: “It’s getting frustrating waiting for you, I think you know what I want.”

Your Voice by Moira & Claire: “Your voice keeps playing inside my head like a song I can't get out.”

From Eden by Hozier: “Babe, there’s something tragic about you.”

Beige by Yoke Lore: “Let me go under your skin, and let me find the demon that drives those heavenly limbs.”

still feel. by half·alive: “Trying to recognize myself when I feel I’ve been replaced.”

Someone That Loves You by HONNE & Izzy Bizu: “Whoever said it was easy must have had it pretty good.”

Find Someone by A R I Z O N A: “Picking wings off of angels has always been my religion.”

Do It All The Time by I DON’T KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME: “We’re taking over the world, a little victimless crime.”

Sick in the Head by Jackson Penn: “My love for you is deeper than the ocean.”

Boys by Lizzo: “Baby, I don’t need you, I just wanna freak you.”

bad guy by Billie Eilish: “Bruises, on both my knees for you.”

CAN’T GET OVER YOU (feat. Clams Casino) by Joji: I can’t get over you, and before I die I pray that I could be the one.”

Rather Be (feat. Jess Glynne) by Clean Bandit: “But as long as you are with me, there's no place I’d rather be.”

Chateau - Acoustic by Angus & Julia Stone: “Don't be scared of what you don't already know.”

Blue by Samuel Larson: “We swear that this is love, but we keep feeling smaller.”

Boys Like You by dodie: “You thought you could charm me, and, damn it, you’re right.”

Cherry Wine by Hozier: “Open hand or closed fist would be fine, the blood is rare and sweet as cherry wine.”

Wait by NoMBe: “Let’s make it last forever, ’cause the night’s still young.”

Rivers and Roads by The Head and the Heart: “Been talking about the way things change.”

Human by dodie: “Will you share your soul with me?”

Dinner & Diatribes by Hozier: “That’s the kind of love I’ve been dreaming of.”

Show Me The Way by Penguin Prison: “I’ve never been anyone that I want.”

The Fall by half·alive: “I’d jump off and into your arms, but if I can’t trust the fall.”

I Wanna Get Better by Bleachers: “So now I’m standing on the overpass screaming at the cars, hey, I wanna get better!”

Work Song by Hozier: “No grave can hold my body down, I’ll crawl home to her.”

Talk Too Much by COIN: “Honey, come put your lips on mine and shut me up.”

Low by JR JR: “All the looks are saying, nothing in life is free.”

What You Know by Two Door Cinema Club: “I can tell just what you want, you don’t want to be alone.”

Burned Out by dodie: “I am burnt out, I smell of smoke.”

California by The Lagoons: “I’ve been on the run, just to get a moment with you.”

Radar (feat. HONNE) by Whethan: “Tight on my grip and I won’t let you slip away.”

ok ok? by half·alive: “Felt it rippin’ me apart, to find my place among the stars.”

[take-u-to-the-moon]

Stay - Jason Todd

Warning: a few swear words.

☆

Being back in Gotham after all this time feels oddly comforting. But that might be because of the familiar feeling of fighting alongside Dick Grayson. Even if neither of us says it out loud I know that we both miss Gotham. We both jump at any chance we get to come back when Bruce needs our help, we barely ever say no.

This time however he didn't wanted is here but in the end he had no other choice. Gotham has been hectic the past few months because of many reasons but someone calling himself the Red Hood stood out. And things just gotten worse after Bruce found out who's behind the mask. Jason Todd. His, well mire like our partner. My best friend. We both fought alongside Batman. We were trained by him. But after Jason's death I just couldn't go on, I wanted out. But life got in the way and things happened so now I'm still here fighting lunatics but in a different city, with different people.

But now I'm home, fighting a group of smugglers with the help of Nightwing. We worked together well, always have been so the fight was over soon. Smugglers knocked out and tied up. Now we waited on a rooftop for the GCPD to arrive to the scene. That's when Bruce called Dick on the comms. Not us, only Dick.

"I'll be there," he said and was ready to leave without am explanation. I'm not having any of that. I stood in front of him with my arms crossed.

"It was about him, wasn't it?" Ever since I arrived back in Gotham a few days ago Bruce and Dick made sure my paths didn't cross Jason's. And honestly I'm sick of it.

Sick sighs before answering. "Yes."

"Just let me talk to him," I almost begged.

"He's not who you remember him to be," he said.

"Of course not. I'm not the same either and I only moved to a different city but he... he died."

"Give us some time. Maybe we can-"

"What? Make him hate us more? Because that's the only thing the two of you achieved so far."

"I know it's hard for you," he smiled at me sadly. "But please stay here. I have to go and help Jason."

"Go," I said maybe a bit to harshly. "But I won't stay here and do nothing. I'll find something to take care of. Maybe go to Penguin's club and make sure he's not doing anything stupid."

"All right," Dick smiled at me, now cheerfully and jumped off the roof. On his way to Jason. And I followed him with a smirk.

Dick trusts me too much sometimes. It's just makes lying to him so much easier. I just want to see my best friedn. Is that so much to ask for?

Nightwing finally reached his destination. A shady alleyway. How original. I fell behind a bit, waiting on a rooftop slowly creeping closer to them. I was close enough to hear the fight and then a few gunshots. I really hope Jason was the one who fired them and not someone else.

After the gunshots it turned quiet. What if he got hurt? Or worse? I slowly crept closer to the edge if the roof and looked down into the alley.

They were there. Nightwing an Red Hood. Arguing. He wasn't wearing his helmet but a mask still covered his eyes. But there was no mistaking it even if I could only see half of his face. I know his features. This is Jason Todd.

"I'm not going back to the manor," Jason grumbled.

Duck was ready to protest but I sile.tly dropped down beside him making them both turn towards me ready to attack.

"Jason," I breathed out in disbelief. He was really there. Standing in front of me.

"You said you were going to Penguin's," Dick said with a dumbfounded expression. I glanced at him but kept my attention on Jason. He had his right hand tightly pressed to his left shoulder, blood slowly seeping through. He was the one who got shot.

"I lied, genius. I don't care what the hell is Oswald up to," I said, my attention back in Dick. "What happened?"

"He thought he could take on a group of men but got shot," came the answer. "I offered to take him back to the cave si Alfred but he refuses to go."

"I don't need Batman's help. I can deal with this on my own," Jason muttered.

I rolled my eyes and decided to ignore him. I turned to Dick. "Go back to the cave. I'll deal with him."

Jason scoffed and Dick was about to protest.

"Go," I said firmly and without any more fighting he left us alone.

"Let me help you," I turned to Jason, slowly walking up to him.

"So you care?" He asked with hate lacing g his voice. "Surprising, knowing how fast I was replaced."

"He didn't want to replace you. He wanted me off the streets too. Actually, I wanted to be off the streets too."

"Neither of those things worked out," with this he turned away and started to walk off.

I ran in front of him, stopping him in his tracks. "Firstly, Bruce didn't really have a choice. Tim figured it all out, our identities. So Bruce couldn't keep on ignoring the poor kid," I rambled on. Desperate to tell him everything I wanted before he disappeares to somewhere. "Secondly, I never asked for this but life is shit and bad things happen for no reason. I happened to be in an explosion and ended up in a coma then woke up with superpowers that I couldn't control. So I moved to Central City because the only metahuman I know, who was able to help me lives there."

Jason stood in front of me silently, trying to process everything I just told him.

"I didn't know that you-"

I cut him off. "Just let me help."

"Fine, but I'm not going to the cave."

I sighed. "Just take me to wherever the hell you're staying."

Hell might be a nicer place than the apartment that Jason lives in. It's literally just a room, a hole if I'm honest, with a bed in one corner. Jason sat down on his bed and he took of his mask. Blue eyes were now looking at me in wonder.

"How exactly do you plan on helping?" He asked with a smirk. "If I remember correctly you were never good when it came to patching someone up."

"Magnetic manipulation," I explained. I took off mask top and sat down next to Jason. I gently helped him remove his jacket and helped him out of his shirt.

"This is not how I imagined you removing my clothes," he said with a cheeky grin.

I rolled my eyes at him.

"There's a first-aid-kit in the bathroom," he pointed to a door that I haven't realised was there.

"Oh, so you do have a bathroom?"

"Not all of us can live in castles, princess."

"You're forgetting that I don't like at the manor anymore," I muttered as I went to get the first-aid-kit. I sat back down next to Jason and placed the box between us.

"This is going to hurt like a bitch," I warned him. "But it will be over soon."

"No further explanation on what you're about to do?"

"Nope."

I raised my hand up to his shoulder, my palm inches away from the wound. I glanced at Jason and our eyes met. He gave me a hesitant nod.

I took a deep breath. I can feel the bullet in Jason's shoulder. All it needs is a little tug. Maybe more than a little if we consider the loud 'Fuck' Jason uttered as the bullet started it's way towards my hand. In a matter of seconds it was out of his shoulder and in my palm.

"You weren't lying when you said this is going to hurt like a bitch," he said with a laugh.

I didn't say anything just silently started cleaning his wound and stitching it up. He barely flinched now.

"So what happened to you, Magnet Girl?" He asked. I rolled my eyes at his choice of nickname.

"Very original," I muttered while I picked up gauze from the first-aid-kit. "Never call me that again. It's much more complicated than you think."

"As you wish, princess."

"I'm going to let you to bleed out."

"Fine by me."

I groaned in annoyance and wrapped up his wound with the gauze.

"You didn't answer my question," he said in a much lighter tone.

"I was in am explosion," I started to explain. "We don't know who cause it. Could be Scarecrow with one of his freaky experiments or maybe the Joker got bored. Who knows? Anyway, there were no other survivors and I slipped into a coma and no one knows what's wrong with me. Months later I wake up and I have these superpowers that I can't control and Batman has a new Robin. They tried to helped but Bruce have no idea how to handle metahuman powers so we turned to the speedsters for help. Long story short, I moved to Central City and became the new partner of the Flash."

"But you're back in Gotham now."

"For a while. Bruce needed our help but I do miss Gotham," Jason snorted at that. "Yeah, I know it's a hellhole but it's the hellhole I grew up in. And I really miss the complete shock on Ed's face when I know the answer to I e of his riddles," I said with a giggle.

"Then stay."

I looked at him in surprise, waiting for further explanation.

"I need someone to remind me of who I've been and you know me better than anyone else."

I smiled at the thought. "I guess someone does have to keep you out of trouble," he rolled his eyes but a smile was playing on his lips. "But-"

"But what?" He cut me off, slightly annoyed.

"Bit I'm finding us a new apartment."

"Us?"

"I'm not going to let you continue to live here," I scrunched up my nose in disgust. "And it's not like you can make the money for a better place."

"You underestimate me."

"Oh do I?"

"Maybe not. But are you willing to stay in .y shitty apartment just for one night?" He asked with a sincere smile. The first real smile I saw ever since we met in the alley.

My heart skipped a eat at the thought of spending the night with Jason. I missed him so much and now he was back. Sitting in front of me very much alive. I can't walk away from him not even when I have to stay in this hellhole.

"You can get the bed," he offered.

"No. You're injured. It's a small wound but still. We're sharing."

Now Jason was the one who looked surprised.

"What? I'm not letting you to sleep on the floor with shot wound and I am definitely not sleeping there either," I stated and without another word I put the first-aid-kit back in the bathroom. When I came back Jason was already I'm the bed trying to find a position in which he wasn't hurting his shoulder. He ended up laying on his side. I climbed in too laying down facing him.

"Good night, princess," he said in a whisper and closed his eyes.

"Good night, Jaybird," I answered with a smile on my lips.

Things might not be the same as they were before and may never be again but this was still the Jason Todd I grew up with. I could still see that boy in the man who was sleeping beside me in this shitty apartment.

[tremendouscreationperson]

Nygmobblepot imagine

Set during and after that car scene

Nygma obviously wants to jump on Oswalds lap but Os can't see it

"Thank you Oswald." Ed's hand reached for his knee

Oswald pat the hand before crossing his legs and saying "oh, that wasn't me. But I thought you could use a friend."

The word friend hurts Ed but not as much as Oswald telling the driver to drop Ed at a safe house

"A safe house aren't we going home?" Ed couldn't believe it, they'd lived together for months before they were arrested and now the was being dropped off at a safe house!

The trial hadn't been easy, they had a attorney who told them that if they claim they worked together but against the other gangs they'd be out in the minimum amount of time

Yet Ed saw through Dent's plan (there would be no minimum if they claimed to work together - Ed could take the brunt of it because how could Oswald survive 40 years locked up?!) and realised he had to separate himself and the penguin

Oswald was confused as Edward explained that it was the Riddler not him who did these things (he even added some extra ticks that he knew would sell the insanity plea)

Was that why Oswald was being distant? Because they didn't get locked up together? Or because they weren't able to label what was happening those precious months before

It was new and gentle, Oswald knew that Ed followed his heart and came back, he knew the sub could be manned but a single captain

And Ed knew that his previous actions were from a place of warmth and, despite his caution, love

So there were frequent hugs and the odd kiss on the forehead or nose, Oswald would drive him wild when he kissed his neck as they hugged

Once they even fell asleep wrapped up together on the sofa and Ed saw the look in Oswald's eye

But nothing more happened

Nothing that could ruin what little they had

Until, of course, Jim Gordon arrested them

They were in the kitchen, Oswald sat on a counter as Ed laughed into his shoulder "that was not a riddle." Were the last words spoken between them

Or the last that counted

A bump in the road stopped Ed's brain and he looked over to Oswald

He was larger now but that made him all the more desirable

His leg must have gotten worse because a cane was held in between his hands

And his eye really fit his character well, it took Ed a while to stop hating himself for Oswalds eye but he has come to terms with it and actually likes it

"You look really good." Edward removed a glove to slowly touch Oswalds sideburn

Ozzie's eyes found their shoes but he turnt himself towards Ed

Edwards hand cupped his face, thumb stroking his cheek

"You too, dea- Edward."

"Oswald?" Ed frowns but the car halts and they're home

Together

At last

It's late so neither have dinner but they do share tea and biscuits

Edward sat next to Oswalds usual spot but the latter surprised him by sitting opposite him on the other sofa

That hurt Edward again

They shared a few stories from their time away but they were mostly silent - both just glad to be back home

Oswald stands first and announces that he's going to bed

"No, Oswald-" Ed stands stopping Ozzie in his tracks but he doesn't know what to say, he hasn't made a plan

Or he had 'find Oswald and fuck him' he had tried in the car but now he could see that wasn't a sufficient plan

"No, you go to bed, that's probably a good idea."

But yet again Edward stopped Oswald, again, grabbing his hand

"Thank you." He pulled Os towards him, both hands cradling Oswalds

"It wasn't me. Don't worry."

And with that they both returned to their respective rooms and it only occurred to Ed when he was dressing that he should have just stuck to the plan

Oswald was so good looking, he'd really done alright in prison

If only Ed had just climbed onto his lap and rode him all the way home

"Fuck it." Riddler spat before standing and trying to come up with something else but all he could think of was Oswald

Only Os could distract Edward from making a plan to get into Os's pants

Edward paced around his room before he walked out of the door and to Oswalds opposite

"Oswald, I need you to help me with a problem." He spoke entering the room

Os let out a shriek before crouching and pulling on his dressing gown

"Edward! I'm only half dressed! Wh-what is the problem?"

He wore only trousers and the gown, his monocle discarded

Ed took a moment to process before walking towards him, placing a hand on his cheek

"The problem is that I have spent 10 years without you and now I would very much like to continue where we left off."

"Where we left off?" Os laughed pulling his cheek out of Eds hand, "you abandoned me! 'I'm Edward and I'm insane! Lock Penguin up he's stupid!'."

"I left you to save you, I took the blame, you were following orders and now we're both here 10 years later. It would've been a life sentence." Edward again took Oswalds hands "being without you was very painful."

"You keep hurting me." Oswald shrugged one shoulder in defeat. "I hold my heart in my hand and every time I think we have a chance at something you fuck it up! Ed, I wouldn't have minded a life sentence if you were there."

"I'm here now."

Penguin chuckled weakly

"And I love you."

Penguin froze at that

"That's not fair."

"I do. Please. It'll be like before except I'm not being an idiot this time." Os shook his head tears pooling, "you were the only person who showed me real love, I bullied Kristen into it because I was obsessed with her - Isabella just reminded me of her - and Lee.. let's not talk about that. But you Oswald.. you and I-" He cut himself not sure what to say

"I thought of you." Penguin spoke. "I thought of how we were and how we'd just have to be 'brothers' because I can't do it again."

"And I thought of you everyday, your picture was in the paper on the 27th of September and I kept it under my pillow. Os, I tried to plan for every reunion but the common factor was 'get to him and get inside of him'. I've been trying to fuck you all night."

Neither knew who was speaking whether it was Ed or Riddler but they knew that the confession was real

Oswalds brows raised at this and he walked away from Ed to sit on the edge of his bed. He let out a shaky breath before he shook his head.

Ed walked up to him and crouched resting his head on Oswalds thigh

This position reminded him of the time before, where he'd massage Oswalds leg, their own form of physiotherapy

"Does your leg hurt?"

"That's not what's troubling me at this moment Edward. The man I love who didn't love me is now telling me he loves me. I think I need a minute."

"Take all the time you need." He said taking hold of Oswalds leg, rolled up the silk bottoms and began to massage it

He allowed himself to go higher than before

"I'm not what I was before." Penguin spoke "I'm... I ache more and I'm.. well look at me."

"I would but you've got a robe on. I can't see all off you."

"Yeah all of me."

"Oswald you know I don't care about your size, I love you."

"Stop saying that."

"No. I know it now and I'm not going to stop."

Oswald chuckled, "Jim visited me once and told me that married couples get visits and better perks - he was telling me that we should get married. Jim Gordon thought we were a couple."

"We were almost back then, the hugs, the kisses. I think we could continue that." His hands rested on Oswalds thighs "I know you want it too. Pupil dilation, elevated heart rate. Just say yes."

"Okay." He whispered

Edward smiled wide, biting his bottom lip

Ed kissed Oswalds hand and reached up to kiss his cheek but Oswald pulled him in for a real kiss

One that said you let me down but you're here, you should have kissed me years ago but let's forget that because you're here let's just be us

And Eds plan worked out - he saw him and he blew him then fucked him then he rode him and then they laid blissfully together

In a bed they had both wanted to share but neither had the courage to ask

They laid kissing eachother slowly hands wandering

Oswald accepted that Ed finally loved him

And Ed accepted his love finally - how could someone so smart be so genuinely stupid?

They woke in eachothers arms and all was well

Until the papers spoke of a mysterious Bat figure

[its-2am-bois]

I wrote a fic so long story short here’s oswald riding ed please enjoy (NSFW btw)

“Ouch.”

“Agreed.” Ed grumbled, helping Oswald limp through the lounge. They’d have the staff clean up the trail of bloody footprints before they opened for the night. “Sorry I can’t get the cuffs off yet.”

“I’d rather wait until you deal with that.” Oswald glanced at the bloody rag they had wrapped Ed’s hand up in. He had maybe been a bit impulsive, punching through that car window the way he had. “I think we still have some thread left, if you want to stitch it up…not sure about needles, though.”

“I put in a new pack last week. We keep running out.”

Was that concerning? It probably was, but Ed wasn’t going to think too hard about it.

After a quick detour to the bar they both collapsed on the leather couch in his office, Oswald sprawling on top of Ed with his head thrown back over Ed’s shoulder, Ed sewing up his cut hand while he nursed a split lip and a glass of bourbon. For awhile they just lay there in a heap, then Ed realized there was something buzzing in his lap and gave Oswald a nudge.

“Someone’s calling you.”

“Oh.” Ed raised his head when he heard the sheepishness in Oswald’s voice. Was that a blush in his cheeks? “It…that’s not my phone.”

Now that wasn’t suspicious at all. Ed blinked, pushing up his blood splattered glasses and squinting at Oswald. “Alright then… so what is it?”

“None of your business, that’s what it is.” With a bit of a struggle Oswald staggered upright and headed over to his desk, and Ed couldn’t help but notice he had a bit more waddle in his step than usual. Couple that with the way he slumped over his desk like he couldn’t hold himself up, the blush in his cheeks…from there it wasn’t hard to put two and two together.

“Oh, Oswald.” Ed smiled, his voice trembling with laughter. “You’re telling me you went through a hostage situation, blew up the Moehler family’s weapons cache, stole a patrol car, and the whole time you had a vibrator-“

“Yes, you idiot.” Oswald snapped, glowering over his shoulder at Ed. Admittedly it was a bit difficult taking him seriously when he was bent over the desk with his ass sticking in the air. It wasn’t like Ed was going to complain about the view, though. “And I can’t get it out because of these goddamn cuffs…Why are you laughing?”

“I’m not, I’m not…” Maybe he was. “Just hold still, okay? I’ll get it out.”

Oswald let out a huffy breath, his fingers twitching as he grabbed a silk handkerchief out of his jacket. “It’s been driving me insane.” he complained, shakily wiping the sweat from his brow. “They were threatening to cut my damn fingers off and I couldn’t pay attention because I was about to come in my pants…”

“You think they noticed?” Ed pulled off his glove and smoothed his thumb over Oswald’s pudgy hip, reaching around to undo his belt. His clothes seemed to be getting a bit tight, but his tailor was locked up in Arkham at the moment so there wasn’t much that could be done.

“God, I hope not…” The second Ed popped the button Oswald sighed in relief and slumped forward, letting Ed pull his pants down. “Moehler’s thugs turned up right after I put it in. I was just hoping the batteries would die.”  

“No such luck, clearly.” Ed hummed, rubbing the underside of Oswald’s belly where his belt kept chafing the sensitive skin. He bit his tongue when Oswald pressed back against the front of his pants, his cock giving a sudden twitch of interest. “Now why were you walking around with a vibrator in there, huh?”

Oswald seemed to contemplate whether or not that even deserved a response, then he huffed and propped his chin up on his hands like a grumpy schoolboy. 

“I know what you want me to say, so I’ll just say it. I got lonely ‘cause you decided you just had to rob that bank today, and I needed to distract myself. So here we are.” Oswald pouted. He swayed his hips lazily as he spoke, rutting up against the desk for just a bit of relief. It was hypnotizing. “Which means this is all your fault.”

“Fine, fine. I’ll take full responsibility.” Ed couldn’t help but grin as he inched down Oswald’s boxers, running his fingers over the creamy, quivering skin. He could almost feel the vibrations sending a tremor through Oswald’s body, slight but definite. “So…while you got this in here…”

Oswald actually laughed, cracking one eye open and smirking back at Ed. “Opportunistic, much?”

“You can’t deny that it’s convenient.” Ed pointed out. He spread Oswald’s ass and ran his thumb over the base of the glossy black vibrator, feeling it purr away under his touch. Was it strange that they were horny after narrowly escaping death? It was probably strange. But no stranger than anything else that happened to them, honestly. “So is that a yes…?”

“Alright, alright, have your fun.” Oswald couldn’t quite stifle a gasp when Edward started to thrust the vibrator, his knees nearly buckling while his grip tightened on the desk. He buried his face in his arms and moaned, his back arching and pretty blond lashes fluttering. “Goddammit…”

“You okay?” Ed leant in and kissed along Oswald’s jawline, mouthing lazily at the pudge spilling over his collar. Oswald shivered and rolled over to kiss him properly, Ed just barely managing to shove aside a stack of paperwork and the highballs from earlier before their lips were pressed together, a smoky hint of blood and bourbon still on Oswald’s lips. His cock was laying up against his belly, flushed pink and achingly hard; just looking at it made Ed’s mouth go dry. It wasn’t like his situation was any better, though. He was feeling lightheaded. “That looks painful…”

“You think?” Suddenly Oswald sat up and pulled open a desk drawer, pushing aside a pistol and tossing Ed a bottle of lube. “You try wearing a vibrator for four hours, see how you fare.”

“Can’t really argue with that.” Ed’s eyes scanned Oswald’s frame as he kicked his pants and boxers off, managing surprisingly well despite the restraints. Oh. So this was where things were going. “Don’t you want the cuffs off?” he asked, scrambling to get himself undressed, too. You’d think he would be more coordinated, but seeing Oswald in any state of undress was enough to throw him off his game for awhile.

“Literally the last thing on my mind right now.” Oswald breathed. He shoved Ed down onto the couch and swung his good leg over his hips, the press of his thighs soft and warm, heavy against Ed’s crotch. While he got himself situated Ed traced the inside of Oswald’s thigh with his fingertip, following the path of silver and pink stretchmarks zigzagging his skin like roads on a map. “Now take it out, for the love of God.”

“Slow down, sweetheart…” Once Ed slicked up his cock he reached around and pulled out the vibrator, gasping when Oswald immediately sank down onto his cock, taking it all the way to the hilt. “Oh, okay. Fuck-“

Oswald just grunted, sitting back as he bounced on Ed’s cock, the cuffs not slowing him down much at all. He looked a wreck, his face red and shirt rucked up over his jiggling stomach, both of his pupils blown wide. Ed wasn’t doing much better, honestly. Already he could feel heat coiled in the pit of his stomach, sweat beading on his bruised chest. The both of them would be sore as hell after this, that was for sure. Not to say it wasn’t worth it.

“God, Oswald-“ he gasped, gripping a handful of Oswald’s thigh with one hand and jacking him off with the other, his thumb catching on the head of his cock, his palm getting slick with lube and pre-come. “Can’t go - shit, that’s it - can’t go any slower?”

Oswald slurred out an answer, his head falling back as he sank down again. Ed figured that was a no, so he just reached up and grabbed Oswald’s shoulder, helping guide him up and down when he started to sag forwards. But he didn’t show any signs of slowing down, so Ed started to talk, concentrating on that so he wouldn’t come first. For Oswald’s sake, mostly.

“You must have needed it pretty badly if you were wearing a vibrator at work.” he gasped out, his voice ragged at the edges. “Not very professional of you, Penguin-”

He was cut off when Oswald fell forward, pressing their lips together in a messy kiss. The fact all his weight was planted squarely on Ed’s bruised ribs didn’t even register. Most of his focus was on Oswald’s grip on his hair, the soft little moans that kept slipping out of his mouth. He gripped Oswald’s ass with his free hand, pinning him down, making him clench around his cock.

“You close?” Ed breathed against Oswald’s panting lips. When he nodded Ed managed to reach down between them and get a grip on Oswald’s cock, both of their chests heaving as they moved together, edging closer by the moment. Oswald matched every buck of Ed’s hips, his belly trembling and voice mostly gone, fingers spasming uselessly on Ed’s chest.

When they both finally came it was uncharacteristically quiet; just a whimper and the feeling of come splattering Ed’s hand and ribs. Oswald collapsed with a whine and Ed’s cock slipped out with a wet pop, come streaking Oswald’s ass in white streaks. Ed blinked the stars out of his eyes, dazedly patting Oswald’s back as he tried to compose himself.

“Okay.” Oswald wheezed after awhile. He had made no move to roll off of Ed’s chest, but Ed wasn’t about to complain. It was a bit like having a weighted blanket. “Wow, okay…”

“Mm…” Ed nodded in agreement as he dragged his trembling fingers through the mess of come drying on Oswald’s skin. Oswald let out a shaky sigh, his hole still twitching and the flutter of his lashes tickling Ed’s neck. But after awhile he sat up, looking down at the come on his belly and puffing out his chubby cheeks.

“I should get cleaned up…”

“Cuddling first.” Ed insisted, pulling Oswald back down and massaging his belly, feeling how his whole body was still quivering with aftershocks. Oswald grumbled for a bit, but once Ed got the cuffs off he sighed and wrapped his arms properly around Ed’s neck, nibbling and kissing at his sinewy neck.

“Thanks for coming to get me, Eddie.” he said sheepishly, looking up and adjusting Ed’s glasses for him. “I was worried for a minute there…”

“What was I supposed to do, let a second rate crime family kill the king of Gotham?” Ed smiled and kissed the bracelet of bruises around Oswald’s wrists, letting Oswald muss up his already disheveled curls. Once he got the rest of Oswald’s clothes off Ed hugged him tight, his lips pressed to his sweat damp hair. “That would’ve just been undignified.”

“And what exactly was dignified about getting kidnapped with a vibrator in my ass in the first place?”

“Guess you have a point…” Oswald’s nostrils flared and he twisted one of Ed’s nipples in retaliation. “Ow! What the hell-“

“You weren’t supposed to agree with me!“

“But you were right, why would I disagree when you’re right?”

“To make me feel better, jackass-“

The bickering carried on for quite awhile after that.

[unpack-my-heart]

Unpack My Heart With Words

Read on AO3 HERE

@violetreddie @constantreaderfool @xandertheundead @tinyarmedtrex @eds-trashmouth @mrs-vh

Chapter Six: Thus of every grief in heart he with thee doth bear a part

From: Unknown Number:

How dare you make me worry about you.

The phone, sat on his chest, burns a hole straight down to Richie’s rapidly thumping heart. The messages, from an ostensibly unknown number, were imprinted on the inside of Richie’s eyelids.

blink – how dare you make me worry about you – blink – today was a fucking disaster – blink – how dare you make me worry about you – blink – make me worry about you – blink – worry about you

There was no question as to who sent those texts, and Richie could practically hear Eddie’s snotty tone ringing in his ears.

“You didn’t text me when you got in, you said you’d text me and let me know you’re safe but you didn’t”

“Eds, baby, I’m sorry, I forgot”

“I was fucking worried, Richie”

“I know, I know, I’m sorry”

“It’s not fair of you to make me worry like that”

“Baby, you’re killing me, I’m sorry”

“How dare you make me worry about you”

The familiar words burrowed deep into Richie’s gut.

To: Unknown Number:

Eds?

From: Unknown Number:

It’s Eddie. Where were you?

To: Eds:

trying not to vomit soz will b there on Mon

From: Eds:

Good. Feel better.

Richie doesn’t sleep at all that night.

– X –

The morning after the night before isn’t a rehearsal day. They have every Sunday off. Richie silently thanks a God he doesn’t believe in that he doesn’t have to face Eddie for another twenty-four hours. That gives him time to prepare, to try to school himself out of feeling too much. It doesn’t work, because as soon as Working for the Weekend starts pumping out of his speakers Richie is nearly sick into his cereal as he remembers leaping around his shitty little flat with Eddie, drunks as skunks on shitty three pound cider and a whole lotta love.

He decides to walk it off. Like a stomach ache. Or a cramp.

Richie aimlessly wanders the streets, scarf wrapped tightly around his neck like a dormant boa constrictor, pressing just firmly enough so that the constant pressure against his throat reminds him that he’s alive. His hands are numb. He can’t feel his heart.

Eddie had always hated the cold. He’d bitched and moaned when Richie dragged him out into the January cold, hats jammed on heads and clasped hands buried in coat pockets. Richie always laughed as Eddie’s nose always turned bright red, where it poked out above his scarf. A red scarf with a large black check. Soft. Always smelt like soft cotton. Sandalwood. Eddie.

Richie adjusted the red scarf around his neck. It was practically threadbare.

Richie used to love the cold. The kiss of the frost, the sparkling of the black ice on the road. The puffs of air when Eddie spoke, spiralling into the air. Dancing on the wind that bit at their noses, ears, eyelashes. Eddie would always huddle into him, a penguin seeking shelter from arctic gales. Richie would welcome him in with open arms. He’d let Eddie gut him, and sleep inside his still-steaming carcass for warmth, if he’d asked.

Perhaps he still would.

Richie walks until he finds himself in the park that sits on the outskirts of the city. The plush grass is still wet from the morning’s rain. Trees litter the border, and people scurry across the surface like ants, ever busy. Richie stands and stares at them, cigarette dangling out of the corner of his mouth. He doesn’t bother to try and catch it when it falls, cherry red fading to inky, dull black.

A bizarrely familiar figure crosses the park.

The figure walks across the field, holding tightly to a lead attached to a large black Labrador that bounds next to them. The stilted, harsh lines of the figure remind Richie of late nights and early mornings, of running through London with fire in his veins.

The closer the figure gets the more familiar he looks, until he’s stood right in front of Richie and of course it’s Eddie.

“Are you feeling better?”

“Uh – yeah. Yeah I feel alright now, Eds, don’t you worry about me”

“How many times am I going to have to tell you not to call me that before you listen to me?” Eddie huffs.

“Oh, infinity and one more time, Eds. Infinity and one”

“Were you really sick?”

“Something like that”

“Are you going to tell me the truth?”

“Probably not”

“He likes you”

Richie glances up at Eddie, from where he’s crouched on the floor scratching the Labrador’s ears.

“Lots of people like me”

“He doesn’t normally like strangers”

“I guess he knows I’m not a stranger”

Richie watches Eddie close his eyes.

“Are you not?”

“No”

“I haven’t seen you for over a decade”

“Doesn’t mean I’m a stranger”

“I wish you were a stranger”

“I know”

“I wish you weren’t my Hamlet”

“Do you really?”

A pause.

“No, not really”

“It’s really great to see you again, Eds. I missed you”

“I – Yeah. You too, Rich”

Richie watches Eddie walk away.

– X –

“Jesus Christ, woman! I do have ribs you know. I am not, in fact, an invertebrate”

“Coulda fooled me”

“Wh–what?”

“I have no idea. Now shut up, I gotta adjust your inseam”

The costume department of the RSC was a jungle of dresses, powdered wigs, crowns, swords, handkerchiefs, and, of course, a large Papier Mache donkey’s head hanging from the ceiling attached to thin wires. Richie was standing on a rickety wooden chair, balanced precariously whilst Beverly Marsh, head of costume, poked and prodded at him.

“I need to take around 50 measurements, Rich, so you gotta stay still for me so we can work as quickly as possible. I’ve got to do the first fitting of Mike’s dress later, and god knows how long it’ll take me to pin the corset around his waist”

“Bev?”

“Hmm?” Bev responded absently, pins sticking out of her mouth. Brave.

“You were in my year at RADA, right?”

“Yup”

“Do you remember Eddie?”

“Sort of. I was only in one class with him, and I dropped out of that to take more costume classes but – Motherfucker! Leather really is the most annoying fabric to work with, I swear to God, why did Eddie have to decide that this damn production needed you to be wearing skin-tight leather fucking trousers”

“We both know why he made that decision, Miss Marsh, have you seen my ass”

Bev stepped backwards, bringing her hand up to stroke her chin pensively as she stared at Richie’s leather-clad ass.

“So?” Richie prompted, waggling his ass at Bev as much as the constricting leather would allow.

“Yeahhhh,” Bev drawled, still stroking her chin, “I still don’t get it”

“You’re a fucking liar, my ass is great. Eds says that – I mean, Eddie used to say that – Aw, fuck”

Bev patted Richie’s arm comfortingly, helping him down off the chair.

“D’ya wanna grab a smoke?”

“Aw, Dahlin’, I thought you’d never ask”

Bev helped Richie shuck off the tight leather trousers, and they walked out into the biting November cold. Leaning against the wall, they puffed on their cigarettes in silence, listening to the wind whip around the walls.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

Richie instantly knows what Bev means. She wants him to tell her about why he didn’t show up yesterday.

“About what?”

He’s not going to tell her if she doesn’t work for it.

“You know exactly what, why didn’t you show yesterday?” Bev responds, sharp as a knife but her words don’t slice at Richie’s skin.

“Red, we both know that you know exactly what happened yesterday” Richie deadpans, flicking the cigarette butt into the gutter. Bev offers him another one, but he declines with one sharp shake of his head.

“Do you still love him?”

“Aw, hell. What kind of a question is that?”

“The questioning kind”

“I haven’t seen him for fourteen years”

“And?”

“He left me”

“And?”

“He left me! He walked away. He made it pretty fucking clear he didn’t want me anymore”

Bev hums, flicking her own cigarette into the gutter. It lands next to Richie’s.

“He wrote to you, though?”

“He did”

“Did you ever respond?”

Richie stares at Bev with tired, don’t push it eyes. She doesn’t push it.

– X –

The door to the office was closed, and three minutes had passed since Richie was supposed to knock.

Three minutes, twenty-four seconds …

Eddie was waiting for him on the other side of the door. The days rehearsal had gone pretty well. He’d worked on the ‘get thee to a nunnery!’ scene with Mike, which had gone unexpectedly well. Mike Hanlon, it seemed, was an absolute tour-de-force and his Ophelia was heartbreakingly sympathetic. A rather large part of Richie’s brain was ecstatic that he’d have someone so technically skilled to bounce off of, but a small, nasty part of Richie’s brain was worried that Ophelia would steal the show. He’d have to work on that.

Three minutes, fifty-five seconds …

Richie still hasn’t knocked on the door. He nearly has, twice. He has raised his clenched hand to the door twice, and twice he has lowered it again without making contact.

Four minutes, three seconds …

Perhaps he will never knock.

Four minutes, fifty-nine seconds …

Perhaps he is locked in a cyclical system of nearly-knocking-but-never-knocking.

Five minutes …

The door swung open.

“Richie?”

Where the closed door once was, Eddie was now standing, hands on his hips, confusion imprinted onto his brow.

“Are you okay?”

“Uh – Yeah, yeah, sorry, I was just about to knock”

“You’ve been stood out here for five minutes”

“How did you know?”

“I could see your shadow under the door”

“Ah. Well, I was just about to knock, though, honest”

The ghost of a smile chased its way across Eddie’s face, left to right, until it had disappeared as quickly as it had appeared. His eyes remained brighter, though, stars reflected onto the irises. Eddie stood to the side, motioning for Richie to walk into the office. Richie slunk into the room, standing awkwardly in the corner as Eddie rounded the desk and sat down behind it.

“Whatcha wanna see me about, then?”

“I just wanted to talk to you about your no show on Saturday. You don’t have to tell me the reason you didn’t turn up, I understand that we are all complex life forms and some of us are more complex than others, but –”

A disbelieving snort forced its way out of Richie’s nose before he could stop it.

“Problem?” Eddie challenged, crossing his arms across his chest defensively.

“Nope. No problem, not at all”

“Richard”

“Edward”

“Can we – can we not play these stupid games? I thought we’d be more mature than this, that we’d be able to get past all this animosity and act like adults. We have a job to do. You have a job to do. Please fucking act like it”

Richie blinked.

“Sorry, Eddie”

“It’s okay, Rich. I’m just – you really screwed us over on Saturday. I had to get Bowers to stand in,” Eddie stopped talking to scrub his fists into his eye-sockets, before continuing, “and he’s … he can’t do it properly. He’s not – You do it…”

Richie blinked again.

“You can’t just not show up. You can’t do that to me, to us” Eddie implored, eyes and eyebrows earnest as ever.

“I won’t, I won’t do it again, Eds, I promise”

From his current position, standing in the corner of the small office like a spare part, Richie thought that Eddie looked awfully small. He’d always been small, of course, a tiny firecracker threatening to explode in your hands and burn off your fingerprints, but this Eddie was not that Eddie. Past Eddie, Richie’s Eddie, didn’t have these eyes that looked permanently punched by tiredness, frown lines etched into his forehead, or shoulders that dropped when he thought no-one was looking. This Eddie, not-Richie’s-Eddie, made Richie’s heart thump with something past-compassion and not-quite-yearning. Sitting behind the desk was a black sweater clad, fully formed human being that Richie didn’t recognise, with glasses and wrinkles and a slightly wonky front left canine. It wasn’t wonky when Richie had known him, when he’d been Richie’s-Eddie, he’d have known, he’d stared at the sun in Eddie’s smile that many times.

Richie wanted to ask Eddie why his tooth was wonky, and why the skin around his nailbeds was red and raw, but he didn’t.

“S’that all?” is what Richie said instead, rubbing at his left bicep furiously, scratching a phantom-itch.

“Yeah, yeah, you can go. I’ll see you tomorrow, okay? Good work today. You work excellently with Mike”

Richie wanted to take advantage of this seemingly unguarded Eddie, sit down in the uncomfortable looking chair and rip his still beating heart out of his chest and serve it to Eddie on a platter.

Why did you leave me?

But he didn’t. Instead he waved his fingers at Eddie, an aborted attempt at a wave, and left the room.

– X –

Hamlet and Horatio haven’t spoken for fourteen years. Richie hasn’t spoken to Stan for fourteen years, and he can’t remember how to talk to his former-best-friend without causing him to roll his eyes. What makes this worse is that the pit of jealousy in Richie’s stomach grows ever stronger each time Stan stays behind after rehearsal for one-to-one sessions with Eddie.

Richie has never had a one-to-one session with Eddie. He knows he’s going to have a one-to-one session, to work on the various soliloquys. He knows this, and yet his gut still twists angrily every time Eddie dismisses them for the day, and Stan follows him back into his office. Smiling. Eddie smiles when he looks at Stan, but his mouth only twitches when he looks at Richie. It’s not a smile. It’s more like a grimace, but not quite as heated.

It all explodes before Richie realises he’d detonated.

“Why are you giving Horatio more attention than me? I’m supposed to be the lead!”

Richie holds his breath.

The rest of the cast filter out of the rehearsal space like liquid.

“Pardon?”

“I mean – I guess – No, you know what, I’m confused. I’m supposed to be the lead, and we’ve been rehearsing for nearly two weeks and we haven’t worked on my soliloquys yet”

Stan rolls his eyes. Richie wants to scream.

“Stop being a fucking child, Richie”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You’re the lead. We all know this, it’s not like we’ve forgotten, but that doesn’t mean that this whole production revolves around you”

“I just thought that–”

Stan strides over to where Richie was standing, and stands toe to toe with him. Faces close, breath mingling. They were close enough that Stan could headbutt him right now, if he wanted to. Richie doesn’t think he would.

“You don’t have a claim to his time anymore, Rich” Stan whispers, and it’s kind, his voice is kind and soft but the words burn through Richie’s skin like acid.

Richie steps backwards, burnt.

“Woah, woah woah, Stanely the fucking Manly, I never said anything about that, this is purely professional”

“Is it?”

“Yes!”

“It doesn’t look very professional”

“Well it is!”

Neither of them say anything, just look at each other. Waiting for the other to strike.

– X –

The sky is mottled with stars. Stan’s humming a song that Richie doesn’t recognise as they lie on the grass out the back of Richie’s apartment building.

“You’re my best friend, you know”

“Aw, is this soft hours with Stan?”

Stan huffs out a laugh and smacks Richie on the stomach.

“Yeah, yeah it fuckin’ is”

“You’re my best friend, too” Richie replies, honest as the day is long.

They don’t say anything else. They don’t have to.

– X –

“What happened to us?” Richie asks, not wanting to hear the answer that he’s sure Stan is going to give him, anyway.

“There hasn’t been an ‘us’ since you ignored me when Eddie left,” Stan replies, eyes downcast, “I missed you, Rich, I rang you for two fucking years, of course I missed you. But this petulant child isn’t you. You need to sort it out. You can’t draw him in when you’re pushing everyone else out”

Only then does Richie remember that Eddie has been in the room the entire time, that Eddie has heard everything.