#friendship is the greatest superpower

[magicbutsevenofit]

Chapter 50: Paradise of Oblivion Part 2

So this Krat thing is a total cult that lures in victims for scams. People make prayers, the Krat followers "delivers"...and boom, Krat gets more followers.

So back to Teito, Ouka and the Wars. The Wars wants to make them part of his collection to protect the "treasure". If he builds the collection for his master every month, he will get to stay in his "paradise" forever. Kururu has already been added to the collection. He tries to encase Ouka but Teito saves her (And Kururu.). Mikage had escaped due to his small size so they don't need to worry about him. Anyway, the Wars is named Lem and he is very good at trapping his victims, making sure that not even healing magic can save them...

We later see Krat himself leading his cult and he's the one who breaks the news to them that the Pope has committed "suicide". Then he tells them God's going to disappear.

Krat tells his followers he will save them and goes back to his attendant to have Lem prepare some more incense for him. Then Frau finds him. Then he hears trouble from Lem's garden. The chapter ends with Teito and Ouka teaming up to take down Lem.

[st4rtar0t]

Random Uplifting messages for you

Pick a picture

Please DM for person readings

This is a general reading so only take what resonates.

Picture one

You are capable of achieving incredible things.

Your resilience is inspiring.

Don't be afraid to dream big; you have the talent to achieve it.

Embrace challenges; they make you stronger and wiser.

Your kindness makes the world a better place.

Believe in yourself, and others will too.

Your journey matters; every step is a victory.

Life may be tough, but so are you.

Your smile is contagious; keep spreading positivity.

You are not alone; your friends are here for you.

Each day is a new opportunity; make the most of it.

Your uniqueness is your superpower; celebrate it.

Don't underestimate your impact on others' lives.

Your potential is limitless; never stop exploring it.

Remember, progress, not perfection, is what counts.

Your efforts never go unnoticed; keep shining.

Mistakes are lessons in disguise; learn and grow.

Your courage inspires others to be brave too.

In every setback, there's a setup for a comeback.

Your heart is pure gold; cherish your compassionate nature

Picture 2

Every storm runs out of rain; brighter days are ahead.

You are stronger than you think; keep pushing forward.

Your positive attitude is your greatest asset.

Challenges are opportunities for growth; embrace them.

Your determination knows no bounds; keep going.

Life's hurdles are stepping stones to success; keep climbing.

Your presence brings light into the lives of others.

Stay focused on your goals; you are unstoppable.

Your energy is infectious; keep spreading the joy.

Believe in the beauty of your dreams; they will come true.

Your perspective is valuable; never hesitate to share it.

You have the power to change the world; start with kindness.

Your passion drives you; let it lead you to greatness.

Remember, even the longest journey begins with a single step.

Your creativity knows no bounds; let it flow freely.

Life is a canvas, and you're the artist; paint it vibrant.

Your laughter is music to our ears; never stop singing.

You are a beacon of hope; keep shining your light.

Your friendship is a treasure; cherish the bond we share.

Every day may not be good, but there's something good in every day.

Picture 3

Your spirit is unbreakable; keep soaring high.

Believe in miracles; you are one waiting to happen.

Your generosity knows no limits; keep giving from the heart.

Life's challenges are like a puzzle; you'll find the missing pieces.

Your humility is your strength; stay grounded and keep rising.

Remember, the best is yet to come; keep the faith.

Your wisdom is profound; keep sharing your insights.

You are a masterpiece in progress; embrace your journey.

Your love and kindness create ripples of positivity.

Every setback is a setup for a comeback; keep fighting.

Your enthusiasm is contagious; keep inspiring us all.

Believe in the power of small steps; they lead to significant changes.

Your friendship is a gift; thank you for being you.

You have a heart of gold; keep spreading the warmth.

Remember, life is what you make it; create something amazing.

Your dreams are the blueprints of your future; chase them fearlessly.

Your determination fuels your success; keep the fire burning.

Believe in the magic of new beginnings; they hold endless possibilities.

Your presence is a present to the world; keep shining bright.

Remember, you are loved, valued, and cherished; never forget your worth.

[theetherealbloom]

NOTRE DAME - CH. 8

Chapter 8: We’re Nothing But Myths Now That Neither Of Us Believe In

Summary: In the rafters of Clinton Church, a mysterious reader with magic and the power of illusion manipulation silently watches over Matt Murdock, the blind vigilante known as Daredevil. As danger engulfs Hell's Kitchen, their unlikely friendship blossoms into a bond of trust and longing, intertwining their fates in a battle against darkness that tests their resolve. Will their connection illuminate a path to salvation in a city of darkness or lead them deeper into the abyss?

Paring: Matt Murdock x Fem!Reader

Warnings: Hurt to Comfort, ANGST, strangers-to-friends-to-lovers, Religion, Canon-Typical Violence, Fluff, Anxiety, PSTD, Nightmares, Catholic Guilt, Amnesia, Violence, Blood, Dark Undertones, Eventual SMUT, Shy Reader, Mentions of Abuse, Criminal Activities, Mobsters/Mafia, Character Death, Slowish Burn (I lied it’s a SLOW BURN), Disassociation, Magic, Superpowers, Insecurities, Guns, Bullets,

Word Count: 7.3k

A/N: WELCOME TO S2!!! I TOOK A LONG ASS BREAK FROM THIS STORY IM SORRY!! At some point, I got stuck and was so scared to keep writing… ANYWAYS “Started making it… had a breakdown… Bon Appetit. 🙂”

Song: Hurt by Sleeping At Last

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A FEW MONTHS LATER…

KAMAR-TAJ, NEPAL — SUNSET

"Again."

Your frustration boiled over as you let your hands fall to your sides, the faint shimmer of your magic fading into the morning air. With a heavy sigh, you cast an irritated glance skyward, then towards Ancient One's patient gaze meeting yours.

"Again," she repeated, her tone unwavering.

Months had passed since the apprehension of Wilson Fisk, yet your progress in mastering the art of teleportation remained agonizingly slow.

"What if I just throw myself off the temple?" you quipped, a trace of exasperation in your voice.

"Perhaps you should. Sometimes, the greatest lessons come from unexpected places," came the Ancient One's cryptic response.

You groaned audibly, clearly expressing how frustrated you were. "This is hopeless. We’ve been at this for months, and I can barely teleport across the courtyard."

"You need to focus. It's a miracle you didn't end up scattered across the multiverse on your first attempt at teleportation without a sling ring," the Ancient One remarked, her voice tinged with a blend of patience and admonishment.

Your eyes closed in frustration, a heavy sigh escaping your lips as you hung your head, shoulders weighed down by the burden of your struggles. Sensing your inner turmoil, the Ancient One regarded you with a penetrating gaze.

"Is this about Matthew?" she inquired, her tone gentle yet probing.

Your arms folded defensively across your chest, you shot her a guarded look. "I do not want to discuss my personal life with you," you retorted.

Undeterred, the Ancient One raised an eyebrow, prompting you to relent. With a resigned grimace, you approached and seated yourself beside her on the steps of the temple courtyard.

"I haven't told him yet," you admitted, the pressure of your unspoken truth evident in your troubled expression.

"And I'm terrified of what comes next. I have a feeling that our encounter with Fisk was merely the beginning of something far greater than any of us," you confessed, anxiety lacing your words.

The Ancient One regarded you with a pitying expression, her gaze fixed upon you as she spoke, her voice carrying an otherworldly resonance. "Prophet girl, anointed by the One Above All," she began, her words imbued with a sense of ancient wisdom. "Do you hear the gods muttering their faint starlight words? Destined daughter, muttering insanities no one believes,” she continued, her tone tinged with sorrow. "Do you regret taking the vow?"

Your jaw clicked with tension, but you remained silent, unable to muster a response. As the Ancient One turned to leave, her form blending seamlessly with the shifting rays of the setting sun, you were left alone with your thoughts. The golden hues of twilight painted the landscape, casting long shadows across the temple courtyard as the day drew to a close.

A WEEK LATER…

2624 BROADWAY, NEW YORK — EVENING

The golden portal sealed shut with a soft hum as you trudged through the alleyway, the cool air of the night enveloping you. Casting a cautious glance around, you found the dimly lit alley deserted except for a stray cat rummaging through a nearby dumpster.

Though you could have requested to be sent back to the church, you opted for a solitary stroll to clear your head, despite the lingering soreness in your muscles. With a resigned sigh, you rolled your shoulders back and stepped onto the bustling streets, seamlessly blending into the flow of pedestrians.

The silence was broken abruptly by the cracking sound of gunfire coming from behind you and a terrified cry from a lady. Whipping around, your senses heightened as you spotted a group of armed robbers clad in ski masks, each clutching a silver briefcase tightly in one hand and brandishing a gun in the other. Reacting instinctively, you extended your arm, swiftly maneuvering bystanders out of harm's way as the robbers barrelled past.

Moments later, the urgent wail of police sirens pierced the air, signaling the arrival of law enforcement. Two officers darted into view, hot on the heels of the fleeing robbers. Yet, before they could apprehend the criminals, a sudden gunshot rang out, causing one of the officers to stagger and fall to the ground.

Amid the chaos, you swiftly directed one of the bystanders, your voice firm and authoritative, as you dashed past them in pursuit of the fleeing robbers. "Call 911! And apply pressure on that wound!" you instructed urgently, your words punctuated by the urgency of the situation.

Navigating through the bustling streets with purposeful strides, you veered into a nearby alley, utilizing it as a shortcut. With a deft flick of your hand, you manipulated the fabric of your clothes, transforming them into a cloak that billowed around you as you emerged from the shadows. Spotting a police officer kneeling on the ground, vulnerable to the imminent threat posed by the robber's gun, you felt a surge of energy course through you.

With swift precision, you seized the assailant from the shadows, pulling him into the confines of the alleyway. The dim light cast eerie shadows across your features as you unleashed a flurry of strikes, each blow calculated and purposeful, momentarily subduing the robber.

However, your solitary vigilante act was short-lived, as the distinctive presence of Daredevil materialized beside you, his imposing figure radiating an aura of determination. With a fluid motion, he intervened, swiftly incapacitating the assailant with a decisive blow before turning his attention to the pursuit of the remaining robbers.

"I was wondering when you would show up," you remarked, your voice tinged with the subtle distortion of your powers. Daredevil's lips curled into a smirk, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes as he regarded you.

"Missed me, angel?" he teased, his voice laced with a playful undertone.

Tilting your head slightly, you lowered your hood, revealing a fraction more of your face as you shrugged nonchalantly. "And if I did?" you countered, your tone laced with a hint of shyness.

His lips curled into a charming smile, a glint of mischief in his tone. "Then I'd have to kiss you," he quipped, his tone playful yet suggestive.

You responded with a playful roll of your eyes, a smirk playing at the corners of your lips. With a light bump of your hip against his, you teased, "Let's deal with these guys first, and then we can discuss dinner plans."

You and Daredevil dashed into the bustling kitchen of a Chinese restaurant, slipping through the backdoor with practiced ease. In perfect synchrony, you swiftly engaged the assailants, each movement calculated and precise. With a surge of power, you ignited your hands, the iridescent glow casting an ethereal light as you delivered a series of decisive blows, swiftly incapacitating your opponent and leaving them to the restaurant staff as they began to gang up on him.

You and Matt burst back onto the chaotic streets, a whirlwind of action and determination. Matt swiftly dealt with one of the robbers with a decisive blow, rendering him unconscious as you raced past. You spotted the final assailant, his grip tight around the arm of a woman conversing with her friends outside a building. Without hesitation, he dragged her hostage, disappearing into a nearby church.

You cast a glance at Matt, his breath heavy as he stands at your side, his red suit a stark contrast against the dimly lit alleyway. With his billy clubs gripped firmly in hand, he appears every bit the vigilante defender Hell's Kitchen has come to rely on. As you peer ahead at the imposing doors of the church, doubts gnaw at your resolve. How much longer could you maintain the facade? The fear of his disappointment weighs heavily on your mind, threatening to unravel the fragile balance between truth and secrecy.

You push aside the gnawing fear, burying it deep within as you trail behind the Devil's imposing figure into the solemn sanctuary of the church. With a swift strike, he shatters the light, the echo of glass breaking resonating through the sacred space. Gunshots ring out, a chaotic symphony of danger, as the robber unleashes a barrage of bullets, blindly firing into the darkness. But in the middle of all the turmoil, the flickering lights created an ethereal glow that highlighted the two of you standing guard at the door, your silhouettes a sharp contrast to the darkness.

Two shots pierce the air, but you and Matt evade them effortlessly, a dance of survival in the dimly lit church. With practiced precision, he swiftly disarms the robber, while you, with a gentle touch, render him unconscious, the power coursing through your fingertips quelling the threat. As the assailant falls, you offer a comforting squeeze to the girl's shoulder, a silent reassurance amidst the chaos. With a shared nod, you and Matt ascend to the rooftop, vanishing into the cover of night as the wails of police sirens herald their arrival.

PARK AVE & E 118TH ST, NEW YORK — DAY

"You ever wake up in the morning…" Foggy begins with a heavy sigh, his tone laden with fatigue. "From the second you get out of bed, it's like… every molecule in your body hurts?"

"No, never," Matt responds with a playful smirk, his hand resting on the crook of your arm as you guide him through the bustling streets, Foggy walking alongside.

"I'm in agony, dude," Foggy groans, eliciting chuckles from you and Matt alike.

Matt's smile widens. "What, did you go back to the gym?"

"Hell, no. Do I look capable of making healthy life choices?" Foggy retorts, prompting a raised eyebrow from Matt.

"Why am I even here?" you interject teasingly as you look between your two friends.

"Because you missed us.” Matt grins and then continues, “And you wanted to grab some supplies for the church by the store near the office, and you said you wanted to help in the office today after you heard about what had happened to Mrs. Almeida," Matt explains patiently.

"Oh, right, okay, gimme a sec, I’ll be right back," you reply, darting into the store to retrieve your items.

As you engage in conversation with the kind lady at the register, the voices of Matt and Foggy continue in the background, their discussion gradually fading into a distant murmur. Through the glass doors of the store, you catch glimpses of them still deep in conversation, their expressions earnest as they deliberate over matters that could range from Matt's nighttime activities to the recent client who sought refuge at Nelson & Murdock.

The name Zuly Almeida comes to mind, bringing back memories of the recent troubles that had shaken your workplace. Her desperate plea for help had come in the dead of night, her life dangling by a thread as she recounted the horrors of her situation. You had helped her find safety with Matt's help, recommending the shelter for battered women where you volunteered, only to learn of the news that he woke up in a hospital with two broken arms and a restraining order safety pinned to his chest.

Exiting the store with your paper bag in hand, you catch Foggy's smile directed at you, a warmth in his eyes mirrored by Matt's grin. You inquire, "What's going on?"

"Foggy's got me swearing on my life," Matt replies, his hand finding its familiar place on your arm.

"Don't mock me," Foggy retorts, his tone laced with playful seriousness, while Matt's chuckle punctuates the air as he forms a cross over his heart. "I swear."

"Alright, you guys need to get to work before Karen loses her mind," you agree, adjusting to the heaviness of the bag in your hand.

"Yeah, this heat's killing me," Foggy continues, sounding a little uncomfortable with the weather.

NELSON & MURDOCK ATTORNEY’S AT LAW OFFICE – MORNING

“Good morning, guys. You take the scenic route this morning?” Karen says while popping a hip out and you take note of the crowded waiting room in the office.

“Morning to you, too.”

“Morning, Karen.”

“I tried to make them walk faster.” You loudly whisper to Karen as you hand her a coffee and some croissants.

"Thank you, I appreciate you helping," Karen says, her smile warm and grateful. You return the smile, then turn to Matt and Foggy, a touch of humor in your voice.

"Alright, you're all fed and caffeinated," you say briskly. "I’ll take my leave now. I need to head over to the shelter and then stop by the DA’s office to sign and drop off some papers. I’ll catch you guys later."

You’re just about to turn when Karen calls out, "Wait!"

You pause, eyebrows raised as you meet her gaze. "Yeah?"

"Will you swing by Josie’s with us later? Grab a couple of drinks, maybe play some pool?" Karen asks, her expression hopeful. You glance at Foggy and Matt, who are both watching you expectantly, waiting for your reply.

You hesitate for a moment, juggling your commitments in your mind. "Uh… yeah, sure," you finally say with a smile. "I’ll see if I can swing by if nothing comes up."

Karen’s face lights up, and she lets out a little cheer. "Okay! Yes! Great, thank you!"

You wave them off with a quick goodbye, heading for the door. As you step outside, the cheerful chorus of farewells from your friends follows you, their voices muffled as the door swings shut behind you.

You linger in the hallway just outside the door, the soft hum of the fluorescent lights overhead filling the silence. Taking a deep breath, you let it settle into your lungs, grounding you. You try to collect your scattered thoughts, brushing off the creeping exhaustion that’s taken root in your bones. 

After a moment, you turn, making your way down the narrow, dimly lit staircase. The wooden steps creak under your weight, each sound echoing off the walls, like a heartbeat reverberating in the quiet of the old building.

As you reach the bottom, your gaze catches on the worn, slightly faded sign mounted on the wall: Nelson and Murdock, Attorneys at Law. You feel a familiar pang, an ache in your chest that comes from memories and ties that run deeper than you sometimes care to admit.

You let out a slow, deliberate breath, steeling yourself as you reach out, brushing your fingers across the lettering. It’s a quiet promise to yourself—a way to remind yourself why you’re here, why you keep coming back despite the burden of secrets, the ever-growing distance between you and the people you care about.

Cut the costs, limit the feeling, you tell yourself. It’s become a mantra of sorts, a shield you wear to keep from getting hurt, to keep from hurting anyone else. And yet, standing here, it feels thinner than ever, as if one wrong move could tear it apart completely.

But you push that thought down, lock it away. There’s no room for weakness. Not here. Not now. 

With one last glance at the sign, you straighten up and step out onto the bustling street, letting the noise of the city swallow you whole.

JOSIE’S BAR – EVENING

The bar’s packed, dim lights casting a hazy glow over the bustling crowd. Shots are passed around, laughter mingling with the sounds of clinking glasses. You’re standing by the pool table with Matt, Karen, and Foggy, the familiar warmth of camaraderie thick in the air.

Karen lines up her shot, her focus intense as she takes aim, the pool cue sliding through her fingers with practiced ease. The ball sinks into the pocket, and Matt chuckles, holding his beer close.

“See, I don’t know, that definitely sounded like cheating to me, Miss Page,” he says, his voice laced with a playful skepticism.

Foggy scoffs, gripping his own cue stick, a mischievous gleam in his eye. “Matt, are you sure we’re not being hustled here?” he stage-whispers, glancing at Karen with faux suspicion.

“As sure as Josie’s AC is busted,” Foggy adds, shrugging.

Right on cue, Josie appears with two pitchers of ice water, a smirk on her face as she overhears them. “What AC?” she snorts, setting the pitchers down with a thud.

Karen moves to grab one, but the three of you shout in unison, “Oh!”

Matt and Foggy quickly interject, words tumbling out in a rush.

“No, you don’t wanna do that,” Foggy warns, his tone almost grave.

“You can’t drink the water here,” Matt adds, an amused smile playing at his lips.

“Josie’s pipes… they’ve got issues,” Foggy continues, and Matt chimes in with a knowing nod. “Rust, mold.”

Foggy leans closer to peer into the pitcher, feigning horror. “I think I can actually see the bacteria floating in there.”

Karen pulls her hand back with a shudder, wrinkling her nose. “Oh, ew. Ew.”

Matt chuckles, taking a swig of his drink. “That’s why we keep our cocktails neat.”

You sip on your ginger ale, hiding a grin as Foggy laughs, “Just pretend you’re abroad, someplace exotic. No mojitos, though—Josie just throws mint in the beer.”

Matt’s laughter echoes softly, and then Foggy nudges you with his cue stick, raising his brows in mock anticipation. “Come on, your turn.”

You raise a skeptical eyebrow, holding up your hands. “I don’t know how to play.”

“Right,” Foggy sighs, smirking as he hands his cue to Matt. “Take over, buddy. I gotta hit the head. And don’t let her out of your four working senses. She’s as quick as she is beautiful.” He pauses, casting you a cheeky grin. “Reminds me of myself.”

Foggy ambles off to the bathroom, and as you stand between Matt and Karen, you notice the way she leans in close to him, her laughter soft and genuine. There’s a lightness in her expression, an ease that somehow feels like it belongs.

Something twists in your chest. You clear your throat, mumbling, “I’m gonna go grab another ginger ale… be right back.”

You weave through the crowd, slipping up to the bar, where Josie hands you a fresh ginger ale without a word, just a quick, knowing nod. Leaning on the bar, you steal a glance back toward the pool table, watching as Karen leans over, adjusting Matt’s grip on the cue stick. She’s laughing, he’s smiling, and there’s an undeniable spark that hangs between them.

“Aren’t they something to admire?” Josie murmurs over your shoulder, her voice low, and it takes all your willpower not to let the sting show.

You force a tight smile, nodding. “Yeah. They are.”

As you shift your weight, you accidentally bump into someone standing nearby—a man with shaggy blonde hair, a heavy coat clinging to his shoulders despite the stifling warmth in the bar. He looks like he’s been sweating bullets, and his gaze darts around, uneasy.

“Sorry,” you murmur, offering a quick nod.

He merely grunts in acknowledgment, his eyes flicking past you, but something about him feels… off. Years of working in shelters have taught you how to read people, and he wears the tension of someone with something to hide.

“Hey, you new around here?” you ask, giving him a careful once-over.

He swallows a sip of his drink before replying, voice low and gruff. “No, actually.”

Before you can press further, you feel a gentle yet firm grip on your elbow. Turning, you see Matt beside you, his face calm but his expression etched with a subtle concern that only you can read.

“You okay?” he asks, his hand lingering as if ready to pull you away.

You give him a reassuring nod. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just…” You glance back at the stranger, then decide to offer a word of caution. “Hey, it’s all right. Just letting you know, this place has good people. Lots of places a guy like you could drink. Just saying.”

The man shakes his head, a slight smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “It’s not what you think. I got business here. With Nelson and Murdock.”

Matt’s grip on your arm tightens, his posture shifting ever so slightly, like he’s readying himself for a confrontation. He subtly angles himself between you and the man, his body language protective, a silent barrier.

The man’s gaze slides to Matt, his eyes narrowing as he takes him in. “You must be the blind one,” he mutters, a hint of a sneer in his voice.

Matt’s expression doesn’t falter, his jaw set as he holds his ground, his presence an unspoken warning. You can feel the tension simmering between them, thick and charged, as the crowded bar fades into the background.

JOSIE'S BAR – NIGHT

The bar hums with low chatter and the clinking of glasses, but the quiet tension at your table cuts through it all. You, Matt, Foggy, Karen, and the stranger—sit in a tight circle, leaning in to hear his story, his voice rough and hurried, carrying the weight of something horrific.

“Fifteen men,” he says, looking each of you in the eye, his gaze darting from face to face. “Tough Irish. Armed. All of them blown away. It was a massacre. We weren't hit by any rival family there. I'm telling you, we were… hit by an army.”

Foggy raises an eyebrow, leaning back slightly as he holds his beer. “That’s quite the story,” he says, tone skeptical but edged with curiosity.

“It’s a fact.” His voice drops to a near growl, his hand clenching the edge of the table. “And believe me, you can go see for yourself. Burren Club, 47th and 10th. Can’t miss it. It’s the… part of New York that looks like a goddamn war zone.”

Karen leans forward, her eyes narrowing as she studies him. “What’s your involvement in their organization?” she asks, her voice steady, probing.

The stranger’s gaze shifts, a flicker of hesitation crossing his face. “Who are they?” he asks, eyeing both you and Karen with suspicion.

Foggy doesn’t miss a beat, his tone hardening. “Answer the question.”

The man sighs, seeming to deflate just a bit. “Brannigan. I’ve run with them for a long time. I don’t deny it. Pick-ups, drop-offs… sometimes doing things I shouldn’t be.” He rubs a hand over his face, guilt flickering in his eyes. “No question, I’m… I’m no choir boy. I’m tellin’ ya, I just skirt the surface. Unlike the men I work for, and the guys that did this. I’m telling ya, I had nothing to do with that massacre.”

You glance over at Matt, watching as he tilts his head, focusing in that subtle way he does when he’s listening more intently than anyone else at the table. After a moment, he gives a slight nod to Foggy, the confirmation unspoken but clear— he isn’t lying.

Matt leans in, his voice calm but firm. “Assuming you’re correct, and the Irish were hit by a powerful crime syndicate tonight… if you’re the only one who survived, your good fortune’s gonna rub some dangerous people the wrong way.”

He snorts, his expression a mix of fear and frustration. “No shit! I got a pack of killers gunning for my men. My people think I’m a traitor or a rat.”

Foggy nods slowly, tapping his fingers on the table. “So, what can Nelson and Murdock do for you, Mister…”

“Grotto,” he says, cutting in quickly. “Just Grotto.”

Matt’s brow arches, unimpressed. “Grotto what?”

“Just Grotto.” He sighs, his voice dropping, almost pleading. “Witness protection. You guys need to get me the hell out of here before I end up in the only place hotter than this… permanent.”

Matt shakes his head slightly. “We’re a private law firm,” he points out, though there’s a trace of sympathy in his tone.

“Yeah, but a trustworthy one. You got quite a reputation after you took out Wilson Fisk.” Grotto’s gaze shifts, desperation settling into his features.

Foggy sighs, shaking his head. “The DA’s office is the only place that can make a deal.”

Grotto’s jaw tightens. “Yeah, well, I’m not walking to the DA without representation. I know a lot. I’ve seen a lot. I’ll give the cops anything to get me out of Hell’s Kitchen.”

Matt’s expression hardens. “We have a reputation for representing the good people of Hell’s Kitchen, not for negotiating on behalf of career criminals.”

Grotto’s shoulders slump, and he casts a weary glance at each of you, his voice breaking just a little. “What if a criminal wants to… change his career? A second chance, that’s all I want. I know I’m only coming here with my word. I got nobody to vouch for me, but I can… barely cover your fee. But word is… that Nelson and Murdock put their faith in people. And I need a little of that right now.” His gaze turns pleading, desperate. “Please.”

There’s a moment of silence. Matt sighs, the tension in his expression softening slightly, and he shares a look with Foggy. Finally, Foggy nods, his voice firm but reluctant. “Lie low. We’ll look into it.”

Matt leans forward, his tone cautious. “You have somewhere you can stay?”

But before Grotto can respond, his face goes ghostly white. His hand trembles as it knocks against his glass, which slips from his grasp and shatters on the floor. In the same instant, his body slumps, collapsing to the ground with a heavy thud.

Instinct takes over, and you’re the first to move, rushing to his side. You kneel down, your fingers pressing against his neck as you check for a pulse. He’s clammy, unresponsive. Your hand brushes aside his coat, revealing a dark, wet stain spreading across his shirt—a wound, still bleeding.

“Guys, he’s bleeding,” you say, urgency sharp in your voice as you look up at the others. “Someone call 911.”

The world around you fades to the background as you work, your focus narrowing in on Grotto, who’s barely holding on. The bar’s noise, the patrons, everything else becomes a distant hum, your mind honing in on one thing—keeping him alive long enough to get help.

Matt, Karen, and Foggy exchange tense looks before Foggy fumbles for his phone, dialing with shaky fingers. Time feels like it’s slipping through your hands, each second marked by the faint, unsteady rhythm of Grotto’s heartbeat under your fingertips.

BURREN CLUB — NIGHT

The humid evening air clings to your skin as you, Matt, and Foggy make your way through the crowd gathered outside the Burren Club. The blue and red lights from NYPD cruisers flash, casting long shadows across the grim faces of onlookers. People crane their necks, desperate for answers, while the officers keep them at bay. You catch sight of Brett Mahoney by the police tape, managing the restless crowd. His expression is hard, tired, as he fields questions from civilians.

“The paramedics said he’s stable,” you say, wiping your sweaty palms on your jeans. Your voice is steady, but the adrenaline from earlier hasn’t fully faded. “They’re taking him to Metro-General Hospital. I told Karen to text me when he woke up.”

Just ahead, you hear a man’s frantic plea. “Hey, I just need to know if my brother’s in there!”

Brett shakes his head, holding his ground. “Step back, please. I’m sorry, sir, but I can’t answer that right now.”

Foggy lifts his hand, calling out, “Hey, Brett!”

Matt’s hand grips your arm as he maneuvers his cane with his other hand, letting you guide him around the clusters of people and the scattered debris. You glance at the scene unfolding before you—a forensics team combing through evidence, cops sectioning off the area, the dull murmur of a distressed crowd. The entire place is bathed in tension, thick as the heat that presses down on the night.

Brett turns to see you all approaching, and his expression barely softens. Foggy gives him a small shrug. “I would say it’s good to see you, but under the circumstances…”

Brett’s brow lifts, unimpressed. “Would you please step aside, sir?”

“We just have a couple of questions, Brett,” Matt says, his voice calm but purposeful.

Brett sighs, rolling his eyes. “If you’re here to chase ambulances, you might notice there are none.”

Foggy forces a casual chuckle, but his eyes stay sharp. “Any leads on what happened?”

Brett doesn’t give an inch. “Oh, you wanna know what went down? Read about it in the papers like everybody else.”

“We’re not everybody else, my man.” Foggy tries to lighten the mood, his attempt landing with an awkward chuckle.

Brett cocks an eyebrow, unimpressed. “Did you just say ‘my man’?”

Foggy looks mildly wounded but presses on. “All right, we get it. You can’t talk about an active crime scene. However… what if… hypothetically speaking… we may have recently acquired a new client that could help… shed some light on this investigation?”

Brett’s gaze sharpens, scrutinizing him. “How recent?”

“Farm fresh,” Foggy replies smoothly, a hint of a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth.

Brett’s lips twitch into something that might be amusement. “Was he here?”

Foggy shakes his head, giving him a diplomatic look. “Client privilege.”

Brett lets out a low chuckle, though there’s no humor in his eyes. “Well, uh, Mr. Nelson, if that was true… hypothetically speaking… I’d tell you that withholding your client from the NYPD would be obstructing governmental administration, and I’d probably just arrest your ass myself. In theory.”

You can’t help but arch a brow, smirking just a little as you reply, “Guess we really can’t help each other after all.”

Matt shifts closer to Brett, his voice dropping to a low murmur, almost lost in the ambient noise. “It’s over 100 degrees out here tonight, Sergeant. Why would an Irish mobster wear body armor to a private meeting inside his own club?”

Brett’s eyes widen just a fraction, momentarily thrown off balance. You can see him recalculating, a spark of realization glinting in his eyes. He shoots a warning look over his shoulder toward the bustling crime scene, then mutters to a nearby officer, “Hey, tell those guys to keep it down in there, or someone’s getting written up.”

He turns back to you, his stance shifting, the guarded walls dropping slightly. “I help you… you help me?”

Matt gives him a small, reassuring smile. “That’s all we want.”

Brett hesitates, glancing around before lowering his voice. “There’s a total clampdown on any of this getting out to the press. I’d like to keep it that way.”

“Brett… you can trust us,” Matt says, the sincerity in his tone carrying weight.

Foggy grins, attempting a charming smile. “We’re lawyers.”

Brett rolls his eyes but gestures for you all to follow him. “Come with me over here. Come on.”

He leads you past the police tape, around the perimeter of the crime scene, to a quieter corner near an NYPD vehicle. The flashing lights cast ominous shadows against the nearby walls, and as you step further into the restricted zone, the air feels heavier, thick with the secrets and violence that hang over Hell’s Kitchen.

The heat lingers in the air, thick and oppressive, pressing down on every breath you take. The faint sounds of sirens and agitated murmurs from nearby cops create a gritty symphony, underscoring the heavy tension surrounding the Burren Club. Brett's face is a hardened mask as he turns back to the three of you, lowering his voice just enough to keep this conversation from prying ears.

“DA's going batshit trying to figure it out,” he mutters, glancing around as though the very walls might betray him. “This isn’t the first hit that matches this MO. Call it massive gang-on-gang overkill. Downtown office thinks we got new players in Hell’s Kitchen, and whoever they are, we’re talking some kind of paramilitary-type organization with the training, knowledge, and hardware to take out half the city.”

You exchange a look with Matt and Foggy. The implications sink in, heavy and sharp. Whoever’s out there, they aren’t playing by the same rules as the usual scum in Hell’s Kitchen.

Matt, calm but intense, tilts his head in Brett’s direction. “What do they want?”

Brett exhales, the lines on his face deepening. “That’s what’s driving the DA nuts. We don’t know who they are. We just know who they’re not.”

Foggy gives a dry, humorless chuckle. “I’d say they’re definitely not fond of the Irish.”

Brett’s jaw tightens, his eyes steeling over as he nods. “You think?” His voice lowers, tone shifting to something darker, more personal. “Now, we got history, so I’ll tell you as a friend: stay out of this shit. If you got a witness, the smart move is to turn him over and walk away. Hell’s Kitchen is about to explode.”

With that, Brett gives one last look, something almost like a warning in his eyes, before he turns and walks back toward the swarm of uniforms, resuming his duties among the controlled chaos.

There’s a beat of silence as you, Matt, and Foggy stand there, absorbing Brett’s words.

Foggy breaks the silence with a faint grin. “Did you hear that? He called me friend.” 

You roll your eyes playfully, giving him a nudge. “Try not to let it go to your head, Nelson.”

As the three of you start to walk away from the crime scene, the reality of what Brett said hangs in the air, dense and heavy. You lower your voice, casting a cautious glance around. “I told you guys this morning that I was gonna swing by the DA’s office. When I was there, it was… busy as hell. People working overtime on some case. Couldn’t get all the details, but one of the biker gangs—Dogs of Hell—they were hit too.”

Matt’s brow furrows, his expression contemplative as he processes the information. Foggy’s face reflects a mixture of confusion and worry, the wheels turning as he tries to piece it all together.

Before you can say more, a buzz from your pocket snaps you back to the present. You pull out your phone, glancing at the lock screen to see a text from Karen. It’s brief, but urgent.

You bite your lip, the weight of it all sinking in as a sudden tension tightens your chest. “I gotta go,” you mutter, slipping your phone back into your pocket and taking a few steps back. “Grotto just woke up.”

Foggy’s eyebrows shoot up in surprise, worry flickering across his face as he realizes what that could mean. “Hey! You be careful, alright?” His voice is firm, an edge of protectiveness lacing his words as he watches you turn to go. 

Beside him, Matt’s grip on his cane tightens. His fingers curl around it, knuckles turning white, as though holding himself back. He stands silent, but the way he angles his head, listening, tells you everything. You can practically feel his attention zeroing in on the situation, calculating, strategizing. You know him well enough to understand that he’ll be up all night, digging for answers in his own way, likely stalking rooftops and alleyways before dawn even thinks of breaking.

You meet Matt’s gaze behind his lenses for just a heartbeat, exchanging a look of silent understanding. A small, knowing smile touches your lips as you nod. “You too.”

And with that, you turn and disappear into the night, leaving Foggy and Matt behind in the wash of streetlight and shadow. As you walk away, you can feel their eyes on your back, both of them watching, each in their own way, knowing that you’re all stepping into something none of you fully understand yet—but can’t walk away from.

METRO-GENERAL HOSPITAL — EVENING

The fluorescent lights hum softly in the quiet hallway as you approach Grotto’s room. You knock lightly, almost hesitant, and after a moment, the door cracks open to reveal Karen’s face. She offers a quick, tense smile and steps aside, letting you slip into the dimly lit room. She shuts the door behind you, sealing the three of you in this small, sterile pocket of safety—for now.

You exhale slowly, steadying yourself as your eyes settle on Grotto. He’s lying in the hospital bed, looking more irritated than wounded, though the medical equipment surrounding him says otherwise. Wires and tubes attach him to various monitors, which beep softly, a reminder of his fragility despite the rough edge in his glare.

Karen steps closer, her voice barely above a whisper as she updates you. “Bottle sliced through his flesh. Multiple lacerations into the muscle, but no vessel damage.” She glances at Grotto with a mixture of relief and amazement. “Nothing that a few weeks of physical therapy can’t cure. It’s… exactly as you said.”

You pull the chart from the foot of the bed, scanning over the notes with a practiced eye. Grotto’s file confirms what Karen just told you. Bruised but alive, and somehow, still intact despite the hell he walked through. You smirk, setting the chart back as you mutter, “Well, I’ll be damned, ‘Steve.’ Got real fuckin’ lucky.”

Grotto glares at you, irritation flashing in his eyes. He shifts in bed, wincing slightly as he adjusts against the pillows, his voice a low, rough grumble. “It’s not safe for either of you to be here.”

You cross your arms, raising an eyebrow, meeting his defiant stare with a calm resolve. “We’ll manage.” 

A flicker of something—fear, maybe regret—crosses his face, but he quickly masks it, casting his gaze out toward the window where the night stretches dark and endless beyond the glass. Karen looks between the two of you, worry etched into her features, but she stays silent.

The room’s tense silence is shattered by a shrill scream echoing from the hallway. You and Karen freeze, your heads snapping toward the door, the distant sound of chaos prickling down your spine.

“Oh, God,” Grotto mutters, his voice low and laced with terror. He clenches his fists, his face pale. “What was that?”

Karen glances at him, alarm widening her eyes. “What’s going on?”

Grotto’s gaze darts between you both, panic setting in. “No, no, no, no, no,” he hisses. “Someone's come to finish the job. Shit.”

Karen takes a step toward the door, but you hold up a hand, stopping her. “Shh! Don’t move,” you whisper sharply, placing a hand against her shoulder to keep her back.

But Grotto is already unhooking himself from his IV line, the heart monitor beeping wildly as he yanks the wires away. “No, to hell with that,” he mutters, adrenaline overtaking fear.

You edge closer to the door, cracking it open just enough to get a glimpse of the hallway. Your heart races as you spot a figure moving through the chaos—a man, bulky, gripping a shotgun. His face is shadowed, but his intentions are clear as terrified hospital staff scatter, screaming, desperate to escape his path.

You whirl back around, your voice urgent. “We gotta go. Now.”

Karen grabs Grotto by the arm, and together, you three bolt out of the room, slipping into the flow of fleeing doctors and patients. Karen leads the way, practically dragging Grotto, who’s stumbling along, while you bring up the rear. The shotgun’s blast rings out again, deafening, tearing through the air as people scatter in panic, and Karen lets out a startled yelp, shoving her way toward the stairwell with the assailant close behind.

The three of you burst through the stairwell door, taking the steps two at a time, adrenaline propelling you forward as the sounds of gunfire and shouting echo above. Reaching the ground floor, you push your way outside, lungs burning. Karen fumbles with her keys as you spot a parked car nearby.

“What? You… You don’t have the right keys?” Grotto yells, a note of hysteria creeping into his voice.

“Shut up! Shut up!” Karen snaps, frustration flashing across her face. Grotto’s eyes widen in disbelief.

“Is this even your car?”

Karen shoots him a withering look, unlocking the door with a quick flick. “Belonged to a friend.”

“Where’s he?” Grotto demands.

Karen doesn’t miss a beat. “He’s dead.” She yanks the door open, gesturing to the passenger seat. “Get in!”

But you’re already moving, shoving Grotto into the passenger seat and slamming the door shut. Without a second thought, you bolt to the driver’s side, your voice low and firm as you lean in through the open window. “I’ll meet you at the precinct. Go!”

Karen calls out your name, worry flashing in her eyes, but you’re already sprinting toward the nearest alley. She curses under her breath, hitting the gas and disappearing into the night. The distant roar of her engine fades as you duck into the shadows, feeling the energy course through your veins. You close your eyes, letting the familiar glow shimmer over your skin as you pull your mask and suit into place.

With a deep breath, you focus, teleporting yourself up to the rooftop of the hospital. The world blurs for a moment, and then you’re there, the wind whipping against your face as you land. Your hunch was right—the assailant is crouched on the roof, sniper rifle aimed at the street below, ready to take the shot.

“Hey!” you call out, your voice slicing through the night air like a blade.

The man’s head snaps toward you, eyes narrowing as he quickly raises his weapon, aiming straight at you. But before he can pull the trigger, a dark figure swoops in from the shadows. Daredevil, silent and precise, lands a brutal kick to the shooter’s head, knocking him back. The assailant stumbles, but he’s far from finished.

You dart forward, instincts flaring, but keeping your power in check. Every move feels calculated, the electricity pulsing at your fingertips, begging to be unleashed. The shooter swings at Daredevil, and Matt ducks, his movements fluid, barely missing a beat. You try to find an opening, heart pounding, adrenaline coursing through your veins.

The assailant shifts, pulling a pistol from his side, aiming point-blank at Daredevil. There’s a flash, the sound of the gunshot cutting through the night. "Bang."

Time slows as you watch in horror. Matt’s head snaps back, his body teetering dangerously at the edge of the rooftop. You scream out but he’s already falling, the darkened streets below yawning open to swallow him whole.

Without thinking, you dive after him, launching yourself over the edge, arms outstretched as you chase the falling figure through the night air. The wind whips past, cold and unforgiving, as you reach out, fingers brushing against his chestplate just as the ground rushes up to meet you both.

TAGLIST: @scoliobean @thychuvaluswife @pantrashtic @ofmusesandsecrets @c-losur3 @coco-karfunkel @lunaticgurly @loves0phelia @theclassicvinyldragon @iusedtofloat @megara0224

[bibibbon]

My main problem with class 1a and izuku relationship by the end is that it's far too realistic for a superhero story.

Like yes in real life after college or high-school you lose touch with ppl you used to see everyday and it's not bc your a bad friend it's just kinda how the world works. You start a career and a family and get busy and only check up on highshool buddies every now and then but a fictional superpower story shouldn't end like that at all. I mean mha is one of the most "power of friendship" themed stories I've ever scene it's not gonna hurt anybody to make so that they miraculously kept in touch and met up constantly over the years (this is if we pretend that this was the only problem with ending 😅)

When someone asks for a realistic story it doesn't mean I need every character to got the bathroom every couples of hours and trip over themselves unless it's there for a reason. Realistic stories means set up and pay off like for example if your gonna kill a character it'd be realistic to have ppl react to it (cough twices death shouldve impacted more than just Toga cough). What I'm trying to say is that the ending is awful and mha is the defention of wasted potential.

(this rant went a very weird direction and I'm not sure if it makes sense)

Hi @jettanasser 👋

The term realistic can be used as a good and bad thing like you said for a story that has the core theme of WE are the greatest hero and the power of love and friendship that was supposed to carry the last act from the ending of the vigilante arc to the big final fight ending the story with them not meeting eachother as often leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

Yes this is realistic but 1A never actually develops a proper found family bond which is why I find the last act so underwhelming because there is no substance to 1A and their bond. Also the way the final chapter ended begs a lot of questions why didn't we ever see 1A members hang out outside of school uniform or hero costume? If there are less villains then why is there more work? Like yes I understand that a lot of heroics isn't just taking down villains but also reforming society but even with that MHA did go to make a point that this is now a society where heroes have free time did it not?

[besttropeveershowdown]

The Second Best Trope Ever Showdown: Round 1 Brackets

Hello, followers! Submissions are in, spreadsheets are organized, and it's time for polls. This tournament will have 3 sides of 16 tropes each and 5 rounds. Polls for side A will be out tomorrow, and side B and side C whenever I have time this week. Brackets are below!

Side A:

Side B:

Side C:

Text list of matchups under the cut:

Side A:

The Unchosen One vs. I Just Want to Be You

Lovers to Enemies vs. Miles to Go Before I Sleep

Swiss Army Superpower vs. Superpowered Evil Side

Actually, That's My Assistant vs. Becoming The Mask

Odd Friendship vs. Jerk with a Heart of Gold

Vitriolic Best Buds vs. Wrong Genre Savvy

Forced Transformation vs. Decoy Protagonist

Amnesiac Dissonance vs. Idiots to Lovers

Side B:

Bunny Ears Lawyer vs. Magikarp Power

Future Badass vs. Tomato in the Mirror

One Man Army vs. Historical Domain Crossover

Love Dodecahedron vs. Blue and Orange Morality

Rogue Drone vs. Messed-Up Together

Freaky Friday Flip vs. My Greatest Second Chance

Exposition Cut vs. Identity Amnesia

Big Red Button vs. Apocalypse Maiden

Side C

Artificial Beings are People vs. Unreliable Narrator

The Lancer vs. Cain and Abel

We Want Our Jerk Back vs. Friends to Lovers

Knight of Cerebus vs. Take A Third Option

Show Within a Show vs. Courtroom Episode

Dark Is Not Evil vs. Be Careful What You Wish For

Woman Scorned vs. My Master, Right Or Wrong

Noblewoman's Laugh vs. All-Accessible Magic

[televisionpromos]

Superman & Lois Season 4 "Superman is Dead" Trailer Final Season - In SUPERMAN & LOIS, after years of facing megalomaniacal supervillains, monsters wreaking havoc on Metropolis, and alien invaders intent on wiping out the human race, the world’s most famous superhero, The Man of Steel aka Clark Kent and comic books’ most famous journalist, Lois Lane, come face to face with one of their greatest challenges ever - dealing with all the stress, pressures and complexities that come with being working parents in today’s society. Complicating the already daunting job of raising two boys, Clark and Lois must also concern themselves with whether or not their sons Jonathan and Jordan could inherit their father’s Kryptonian superpowers as they grow older. Returning to Smallville to handle some Kent family business, Clark and Lois are reacquainted with Lana Lang, a local loan officer who also happens to be Clark’s first love, and her Fire Chief husband Kyle Cushing. The adults aren’t the only ones rediscovering old friendships in Smallville as the Kent sons are reacquainted with Lana and Kyle’s rebellious daughter, Sarah. Of course, there’s never a dull moment in the life of a superhero, especially with Lois’ father, General Samuel Lane looking for Superman to vanquish a villain or save the day at a moment’s notice. Meanwhile, Superman and Lois’ return to idyllic Smallville is set to be upended when a mysterious stranger enters their lives.

[cwseriesshowdown]

Round 3: Superman and Lois vs iZombie

Superman and Lois: After years of facing supervillains, monsters and alien invaders, the world's most famous superhero, The Man of Steel aka Clark Kent and comic books' famed journalist Lois Lane come face to face with one of their greatest challenges ever -- dealing with being working parents in today's society. Complicating the already daunting job of raising two boys, Clark and Lois worry about whether their sons, Jonathan and Jordan, could inherit their father's Kryptonian superpowers as they grow older. Returning to Smallville to handle some Kent family business, Clark and Lois are reacquainted with Lana Lang and her Fire Chief husband, Kyle Cushing. The adults aren't the only ones rediscovering old friendships in Smallville as the Kent sons are reacquainted with Lana and Kyle's rebellious daughter, Sarah. Of course, there's never a dull moment in the life of a superhero, especially with Lois' father, Gen. Samuel Lane looking for Superman to vanquish a villain or save the day at a moment's notice.

iZombie: When over-achieving medical resident Liv Moore attends a party that turns into a zombie feeding frenzy, she ends up joining the ranks of the living dead. Determined to pass as human despite her pale appearance and newly listless demeanor, Liv forms a plan to resist her drive to consume fresh human brains by taking a job at a coroner's office, where she can secretly snack on the brains of corpses delivered there. Soon discovering that she absorbs the memories of those she feeds on, she finds new purpose by posing as a psychic and working with a detective to help solve their murders.

[ao3feed-toshinko]

Izuku of Steel

by NicoEngine

At the age of 4, Izuku Midoriya discovers his quirk: a unique ability that allows him to absorb sunlight to grow stronger and gain incredible powers. Alongside his loyal friends and new encounters marked by deep bonds and a hint of romance, follow his journey and discover how he became the world’s greatest hero.

Words: 1294, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English

Fandoms: 僕のヒーローアカデミア | Boku no Hero Academia | My Hero Academia (Anime & Manga)

Rating: Not Rated

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Categories: F/M

Characters: Midoriya Izuku, Midoriya Inko, Yagi Toshinori | All Might, Bakugou Katsuki, Bakugou Mitsuki, Bakugou Masaru, Uraraka Ochako, Todoroki Shouto, Todoroki Enji | Endeavor, Yaoyorozu Momo, Jirou Kyouka, Kirishima Eijirou, Kayama Nemuri | Midnight, Shuuzenji Chiyo | Recovery Girl, Ippan Josei | Fox Girl (My Hero Academia), Shigaraki Tomura | Shimura Tenko, Takami Keigo | Hawks, Kurogiri (My Hero Academia), Todoroki Rei, Chisaki Kai | Overhaul, Eri (My Hero Academia), Iida Tenya, Melissa Shield

Relationships: Midoriya Inko & Midoriya Izuku, Midoriya Izuku/Uraraka Ochako, Midoriya Izuku & Yagi Toshinori | All Might, Bakugou Katsuki/Midoriya Izuku, Midoriya Izuku/Yaoyorozu Momo, Jirou Kyouka/Midoriya Izuku, Kaminari Denki/Midoriya Izuku, Midoriya Izuku/Todoroki Shouto, Aizawa Shouta | Eraserhead & Midoriya Izuku, Class 1-A & Midoriya Izuku, Midoriya Inko/Yagi Toshinori | All Might

Additional Tags: Midoriya Izuku Has a Quirk, Midoriya Izuku Does Not Have One for All Quirk, Midoriya Izuku is a Good Friend, Overpowered Midoriya Izuku, Good Parent Midoriya Inko, Parental Yagi Toshinori | All Might, Bakugou Katsuki Swears A Lot, Uraraka Ochako is a Good Friend, Todoroki Shouto Needs a Hug, Yaoyorozu Momo is a Good Friend, Friendship, Slow Burn, Slice of Life, Eventual Romance, Superpowers, Midoriya Izuku is Superman, All Duo In Relationships will be friends, Or family, Or Teacher, Heterosexuality, Midoriya Izuku is a Problem Child, Midoriya Izuku is Good With Kids, midoriya izuku is confident, Midoriya Izuku Has Superman Powers, Protective Yagi Toshinori | All Might, Aizawa Shouta | Eraserhead is a Good Teacher, Supportive Midoriya Inko, Worried Midoriya Inko, Sensei | All For One is Not Midoriya Hisashi, Mentioned Midoriya Hisashi, Soft Bakugou Katsuki, but angry, Class 1-A as Family (My Hero Academia), Fox Girl Is A Student, because why not ?, Midoriya Izuku Has Multiple Quirks, not realy, Just Multiple Ability In One Quirk

https://archiveofourown.org/works/60295732

[itropeyou]

Challenge 3; 11th-Hour Superpower

Before we begin, please make sure you check out the introduction post for more information about this challenge.

Challenge Date: November 1st, 2023 - November 30th, 2023

This Month's Trope: 11th-Hour Superpower

We've all seen it happen countless times - the hero is facing his greatest enemy and the enemy seems to be winning. The hero is about to be defeated but then BAM! He's suddenly given a surge of power, perhaps triggered by love or friendship or simply the desire to protect a loved one.

A great example of this would be Goku from Dragon Ball Z. After a long and difficult fight against Freeza, he powers up and goes super saiyan in order to finally beat his enemy and protect everyone he loves!

If you'd like to read more about this trope and find some more examples, you can click here.

Remember to @ this account and use the tag #ITYchallenge so I can reblog your wonderful works ^-^)/ If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to me. Most importantly, have fun!

[pareiwheeler]

these are my byler fic recs because no one asked but i love them!!!!! all of these are on ao3

fall where i stand by delusionaltogether (Whyyyyy)

In terms of plans, this might not be the worst one Mike's ever had. In terms of execution, well- there might be room for improvement.

rated T, no archive warnings apply, one shot

i LOVE this fic so much its so good and its like the perfect fake dating fic. this author is probably my favorite on ao3!

2. The Secret To Being Unlucky by lovetriangled

The end of the world is daunting and Will's not entirely sure he can handle it. Everybody else seems to think he can—sometimes, they think he's their fighting chance.

It wouldn't be so laughable if Will hadn't been born with rotten luck.

rated T, no archive warnings apply, one shot

one of my fav established byler fics! such an underrated author and features the amazing party dynamic and lucas being the best boy

3. oh can't you see you belong to me? by andiwriteordie

“The end is near, Michael,” One says again, but his voice sounds like Will’s this time. “You have already lost.”

“Get out, get out, get out!” Mike screams, sobbing roughly. His throat feels completely raw, and he covers his ears, desperate to block out the sound of Will’s screams mixed in with One’s distorted, maniacal laughter. “Get out of my head!”

Or: Two years after One's initial defeat, Mike has an encounter with the greatest evil of the Upside Down and learns far more about his plans for Hawkins, for the party, and for Will than he ever expected.

rated T, no archive warnings apply, one shot

so angsty!!! but one of my favorite s5 spec fics and will and mike are so cute

4. emotional motion sickness by delusional together (Whyyyyy)

And anyway, it's too late to back out now, with him lying on the single bed of their hotel room, Jonathan and Argyle sleeping on the other side of the wall. There's a tin cup on the floor that still holds half a joint in it and the whole room is hazy with smoke, and Mike's head is hanging off the end of the bed, upside-down and pink-cheeked, and Will can feel the slow rush of the drug flooding his system. Will's fault, Will's idea. His brother's stolen stash on the floor between them, Will's eyes already unfocused, Will's guilty, guilty love hanging in the air around him, refusing to fade away along with the smoke like he secretly hoped it might.

Oh, he thinks dimly, as his senses glitch, and his eyes lock on Mike's: this was a bad idea.

rated T, no archive warnings apply, oneshot

the byler getting high scene that we never got, also pretty angsty. they love each other so much.

5. i'll find a new place to be from by andiwriteordie

In the direct aftermath of his return to Hawkins, Mike and the Party find themselves in the midst of a war against One and the forces of the Upside Down. As life as he knows it changes, Mike must find a way to navigate his friendships, his relationship with Will, and most importantly, his understanding of himself.

rated T, creator chose not to use archive warnings, multi-chaptered

i will always be amazed by this authors writing and talent. its such an amazing fic with will having superpowers, mike and will pining and flirting terribly, and amazing s5 spec. SO GOOD!!!!!! gives me goosebumps

6. til' kingdom come by andiwriteordie

Will Byers' life has always been a little bit strange—at least since he was first kidnapped in 1983. But as it turns out, there's a little bit more to his life than meets the eye.

Namely... this isn't his first life.

rated T, creator chose not to use archive warnings, oneshot

BYLER MERLIN AU EVERYONE CHEERED also i may have an obsession with andiwriteordie's writing

7. make a move by astrobi

“You’re thinking,” Will says, skating a finger down the line of Mike’s nose, under his eye, over his cheekbone, then resting, finally, just at the corner of his lips– “about me.”

Oh, Jesus. Mike’s throat is very, very dry. “What?”

Will opens his eyes – slow, a little hesitant – and smiles. “You are,” he says, way, way too smug for Mike’s liking. “You’re turning red!”

“Shut up,” Mike mutters, and Will’s smile grows. “You– I’m just nervous!”

It should be illegal for someone to look this pleased with themselves.

“Yeah?” Will says quietly, index finger still hovering at the corner of Mike’s mouth, thumb pressed gently under his chin. “I make you nervous?”

Or: Mike thinks Will might be psychic. (Kind of.) Will is being very irritatingly vague about the whole thing.

rated T, no archive warnings apply, oneshot

SO FLUFFY AND CUTE!!!! byler flirting and mike overthinking = amazing fic. I LOVE ASTROBI!!!!

8. i'll find myself in the moonlight by beansie

He looks up at him, eyebrows drawn together. “Do you not love her?”

Mike shrinks back. “What?”

He hadn’t meant to say it. He wouldn’t have, if he’d stopped to think about it for half a second. But it’s too late to take it back, and he can’t breathe until he knows the answer, and he looks at him resolutely and says, “Do you only love her because of what I said?”

Something darkens on Mike’s face, twisting it into a shape Will’s never seen. “Get out.”

It’s not a no.

rated T, no archive warnings apply, oneshot

i love this sm!!!! angsty painting talks, nightmares, mutual pining, the works. very realistic and mike needs to get his act together 😭 def made me cry

9. irresistible by perexcri

Will knows what having a crush looks like. He’s known it for years. And lately, he's been seeing the signs on the face of one Mike Wheeler every time he looks at him. Maybe it’s always been there, but not to this degree.

In the last six months, though, the planets had aligned in some strange pattern, or the earth had been tilted on its axis by the hand of God, or something, because Will noticed it pretty quickly.

So, Will's finally decided to start testing the waters. For example: he has been flirting.

Well, okay…

rated T, creator chose not to use archive warnings, multi-chaptered

flirty byler and confident will yes please!!! also some very cute and funny hopper-will dynamic

10. we'd be great together by makeit_pink

"What are you thinking about?"

Will blinks himself back into the present, screeching his thoughts to a halt before they’re able to go any farther into dangerous territory. “Honestly?” Mike’s eyebrows tick up just a bit at Will’s tone, and he nods slowly. Will answers before he’s even allowed to think about it.

“You.”

And- great. That’s great. What the fuck?

rated T, creator chose not to use archive warnings, oneshot

all i can say about this is CUTIESSSSSSS the mutual pining is MUAH CHEFS KISS

thats all and i hope you enjoy!!!!!

[sehtoast]

Ben Info Sheet!

Finally got around to building a character info sheet for Ben! Hopefully the formatting from the character building site doesn't look funky lol.

Benjamin Elliot Colyer

Age

26 y/o

Nationality

American

Current residence

Manhattan (Vought Tower)

Occupation

Superhero for The Seven

Income and salary

60k before The Seven / 20m Yearly After The Seven, not including estimate net worth from product licensing

Talents and skills

Tech, Spider Superpowers, Guitar

Background as a child

Born female, raised alongside two brothers- one left when Ben was 5- the middle brother was incredibly abusive and cruel to Ben, especially after he came out as transgender. Benjamin had both parents present for his upbringing. Went to public school, and was mostly alone save for one or two friends with whom he lost contact after graduation. He was bullied in school after coming out as transgender.

Ben came out as transgender when he was 13, and was met with kickback from everyone in his household- sans his grandmother.  His parents eventually accepted his identity as truth, as did his oldest brother, Robbie- but Bryan grew extremely bitter at Ben for this and became the cause of significant trauma in Ben’s adolescence. Ben was dosed with Compound V as an infant, but had no knowledge of it. His powers did not emerge until his late teens.

Birth order

Youngest

Brothers and sisters (describe relationship)

Robbie- Distant, but respectful and friendly.  Oldest brother Bryan- Estranged. Ben was abused by this brother physically, mentally, and emotionally while growing up. Bryan is bigoted and hates Benjamin for many reasons- but particularly for his status as a transgender man. Heavy tension. Older brother Aiden- Son of Robbie, but Ben considers him more like a younger brother. Ben loves Aiden dearly, and sees Aiden as a reflection of himself.

Children (describe relationship)

Ryan- Son of Homelander/John. Distant, yet friendly.  Ben is willing to step in as a parental figure if the need/occasion were to ever arise.

Grandparents (describe relationship)

Nonna (maternal great grandmother, deceased)- Ben's first friend since birth. Extremely close with her, until she died of Alzheimer's complications when he was 14 years old. Gran (maternal grandmother) - Much like a second mother to Ben, she lived with him and his parents until the day she died (when Ben was 21).  Ben watched her die of suffocation after her lungs failed.

Significant others (describe relationship)

Homelander/John- Boyfriend (secretly dating). John recruited Ben to The Seven against his will, and hung threats of murdering his loved ones over Ben's head. Eventually, Ben is forced by the company to work alongside Homelander for a time, and finds himself sinking into a friendship with the world's most powerful supe. Homelander, starved for love, attention, validation, etc, becomes attached to Ben, and the two eventually succumb to their tension one night, and a romantic/sexual relationship blooms from there.

Relationship skills

Mediation, communication, gentleness, understanding.

Height

5'7"

Weight

160lbs

Hair color

Brown

Eye color

Brown

Glasses or contact lenses?

N/A

Skin color

Pale

Distinguishing features

Curtain style haircut, a mole under his right cheekbone, spinneret openings at the base of his wrists

Dress style

Casual

Mannerisms

Uhms and Uhhs when feeling awkward. 'Y'know's sporadically in speech.

Hobbies

Guitar, formerly enjoyed video games but lacks time, enjoys swinging through the city for leisure, enjoys movies with John although he’s usually not paying attention.

Favorite sayings

"Be Strong Enough To Be Gentle"

Style

Comfortable

Greatest flaw

Noble to a fault. Always pushing himself to save everyone, despite knowing that there's no realistic way that he could do that. Can't make time for loved ones. Touch aversion

Best quality

Kindness, understanding, his drive to do good

Introvert or extrovert?

Introvert

Educational background

Bachelor's Degree, High School Diploma

Mental health

Anxiety, Depression, Gender Dysphoria (mostly resolved)

Short-term goals

Keep life steady, help others

Long-term goals

Expose Vought's crimes, keep real world damage from Vought to a minimum, protect John (post depowerment) from Vought and other supes seeking revenge

How does your character see themselves?

He sees himself as someone responsible for protecting others. Thinks of himself as an awkward person.

How does your character believe they are perceived by others?

Awkward, shy, nervous. As Spider-Man: confident, brave, bold, outgoing

How confident is your character?

As Spidey, very. As simply Benjamin, not much at all.

How emotional is your character?

Ben has a very tender heart

How logical is your character?

Very logical, and sometimes has to fight his brain to allow his heart to feel what it must in order to process emotions. Other times, must fight his heart when he knows his brain is correct. Ben had a therapist in his teens/early twenties, and is well practiced with emotional regulation.

What would most embarrass your character?

Secret identity revealed, wardrobe malfunction

Strengths

Logical, kind, understanding, quippy, humorous, easy-going, gentle

Weaknesses

Anxious, socially-awkward, reads-too-deeply. Can lose his web powers when overwhelmed with grief or other negative emotions 

How does the character deal with conflict?

Often will just ride the wind as it blows, but will intervene with larger scale issues.

How does the character deal with sadness?

Bottles it up, goes for a swing, has a good cry somewhere. On the odd occasion, may even vent/cry to John

How does the character deal with change?

Tries his best to go along with it, even if he doesn't enjoy it.

How does the character deal with loss?

Bottles it up, tries to continue on because he knows that's how life is. Gives himself time to mourn, but does not view death as a bad thing. Just the absence of the person. Otherwise, tries to suppress outward reactions caused by his grief.

What does the character want out of life?

Peace

What would the character like to change in his or her life?

To have been born as a cis man

What motivates this character?

Love, doing the right thing.

What frightens this character?

Avarice

What makes this character happy?

Friends, certain family, John

Is the character judgmental of others?

Sometimes, but generally only to those of poor character quality (abusive, cruel, etc)

Is the character generous or stingy?

Generous

Is the character generally polite or rude?

Polite

Is religion or spirituality a part of this character’s life?

No

What is this character’s role in the story?

Protagonist

Describe the scene where this character first appears

Benjamin, who is currently moonlighting as Spider-Man, is in the process of webbing up small-time crooks he prevented from burglarizing a bodega. In this scene, he meets Homelander- who tries to proposition and threaten him into joining The Seven

Consider this character’s relationship with other characters.

Homelander- significant other, fiercely loved and devoted Maeve- Coworker, mixed feelings Starlight- Coworker, enjoyable acquaintance Black Noir- Coworker- and probably his favorite of the bunch (sans Homelander) The Deep- Coworker, detests A-Train- Coworker, mixed feelings Madelyn Stillwell (deceased)- His former manager. Mixed feelings, did not like toward the end Ashley Barrett- Not quite his manager, but respects her and feels sympathy for the stress she picked up by taking the job as VP of Hero Management Jason Ortega- Best friend, sees rarely but still close Bryan Colyer- Detests Robbie Colyer- Loves, but is distant Aiden Colyer- Loves dearly Mother- Loves dearly, but is distant Father- Loves dearly, but is distant

How does this character change over the course of your story?

Goes from morally solid, noble, etc. to understanding that life as a hero is very gray. Understands that "be strong enough to be gentle" means that, sometimes, he'll have to do very bad things to protect others from cruelty (ex: killing Arne in the depowered series). Learns to accept John's past actions- and present/future ones- and accepts that his heart belongs to a man who has committed many, many atrocities.

Superpowers:

Spider-sense, setae inside finger and foot padding that cling to even the most sheer surfaces, advanced acrobatics, super strength, organic webbing production in wrists, untapped bio-electricity powers that emerge later in Tender Threads canon

[mariacallous]

U.S. President Joe Biden’s visit to Israel, his meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, the war cabinet, families of the hostages, Rahel Edri and other survivors of the slaughter together with his remarks to the Israeli nation in its hour of need are a paragon of true friendship. “You’re not alone,” Biden told us. And to the enemies who are considering joining the war against us, he made clear once again: “Don’t. Don’t, Don’t.”

Biden did and said everything a friendly state can do for a country that was attacked as Israel had been, and beyond. Israel couldn’t have dreamed of greater support from the world’s greatest superpower. Biden was full of understanding, compassion, empathy and readiness to stand by Israel in every way, with all the resources and means that can be imagined.

Biden spoke explicitly about the hostages and missing persons. “We’re “pursuing every avenue to bring home” the captives. “For me as the American president, there is no higher priority than the release and safe return of all these hostages.” He also promised that the United States is on our side militarily: with the aircraft carriers, the economic aid package, with weapons, Iron Dome and a commitment to stick by us if we are attacked by Iran.

We should draw encouragement and strength from all that Biden has said and done, but we should not see his unprecedented support as a free hand to fight with no restriction. The president cautioned Israel not to make mistakes in rage. “We have seen [the Hamas attack] described as Israel’s 9/11. … I’m sure those horrors have tapped into … some kind of primal feeling in Israel, just like it did and felt in the United States. Shock, pain, rage – an all-consuming rage. I understand, and many Americans understand.” He added that this rage led to mistakes and urged Israel to learn from the U.S. experience and not to repeat those errors.

Biden called Hamas a terrorist group and said that in Israel it committed atrocities that recall the worst ravages of the Islamic State group, but he added: Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people. Hamas uses ... innocent families in Gaza as human shields.” This distinction requires both taking care not to harm the civilian population and not to violate the laws of war. Israel is not a terror organization. Terrorists live in darkness, “but not you, not Israel,” he said.

“I came here to think where we’re going, what the strategic targets are and what we want to achieve,” he said, stressing that it’s not only toppling Hamas. “Despite the all the difficulty we must strive to reach peace so that the Jewish people and the Palestinian people can live beside each other in peace,” he said, presenting a strategic outline for the vision: the two-state solution.

Biden has demonstrated America’s commitment to Israel and its security. So it’s important to listen to the messages he conveyed to the Israeli leadership and public and to act in close cooperation with our most important ally.

[chaoscradle]

Whenever I see someone saying that Mileven is gonna survive S5 and there’s no reason why the Duffers would have them break up since they’ve had them together since S1, I’m always kinda baffled. How can you look at the current state of their relationship and say that? On top of the fact that they’re not doing well currently, the foundation of their relationship was also not the greatest and it’s going to keep causing problems in my opinion. Mike expressed his feelings towards El when El was practically fresh out of the lab where she had nearly zero understanding of what love like that was, and both of them knew next to nothing about each other. Mike knew she was called Eleven, believed she was from a mental asylum (or something like that, he found out later she was from the lab), had superpowers, and was willing to help them find Will. El knew he was called Mike, he was Will’s friend and wanted to find him, and he let her stay with him. Mike didn’t even like El at the start, he decided to keep her because she could help them find Will, and explicitly made plans to supposedly send her back once they had found him. That was the basis of the relationship that these people believe is going to be carried through S5 and given a happy ending. Not the relationship that has years of background friendship and understanding, not the one where Mike is protective and where they talk about their problems and resolve them, not the one with genuine romantic chemistry, not the one that has been slowly built up from the beginning. The one where a boy kisses a girl with minimal communication skills and they take that and try to make it work.

[lolitystories]

Don't let me down 6 : Reconciliation.

When they left the apartment, Miguel hadn't noticed that someone had followed them...

They first went to the florist. There she bought white tulips.

“Why tulips ?”

“In the language of flowers, they mean forgiveness.”

“...”

Normally, Miguel would have said something sarcastic to her, but he was too worried about her to be kidding.

“Do you know the language of flowers ?”

“My grandmother loved them… It was her job.”

He put a hand on her shoulder as he walked her to the cemetery.

He trailed off slightly when she finally found the stele, which had been carved for her family.

When I think... That he's not even in it...

“Hello dad…I…”

The words stuck on his tongue.

"I…"

She tightened her arms around herself.

A hand came to rest on his shoulder.

"Are you ok ?"

She shook her head.

"We can stay there a little longer if you want, you don't have to talk."

And that's what they did, they sat down under a tree and he listened to her cry.

He asked her questions about her family, about what she loved, about everything…

“The sun is going down…”

“Yeah, we should go.”

He walked her to the station and put his jacket over her shoulders.

"Thanks."

“It’s nothing, you might catch a cold.”

“No I mean… Thanks, for today.”

“...”

She smiled shyly at him, and so did he, then they parted, when her train arrived.

“Let me know when you get back.”

"Okay."

The doors closed and Miguel watched the train leave.

When he turned around, he found himself face to face with his brother.

“Gabi !?”

“Mmm mmm…”

"What are you doing here ?"

“You weren’t responding to my messages, so I came to see if you were okay, that’s when I saw you going out with Sara.”

“She wasn’t feeling well…”

“Yes, I saw that… And you, are you okay ?”

“...”

“Miguel, you know that if you have a problem, you can talk to me.”

"I know…"

“How about we go have a drink ?”

“...Sorry, I’m tired.”

"Yes, of course, like always."

“But, if you want you can come.”

Surprised, Gabriel took a while to respond.

He was used to his brother being distant, especially since what happened with Dana.

“Do you want me to come to your house ?”

“Yes… Well if you want.”

"You don’t have to ask me twice !"

He put his arm over his brother's shoulders and started walking with him.

A little company couldn't hurt...

**

After these events, the days continued to pass, new enemies and dangers appeared, but their friendship grew stronger.

It even seemed like things were starting to go back to the way they were before...

But despite that, something refuses to disappear... It is always there... In the shadows.

**

“Grandma look !”

“What is it my darling ?”

“A prototype, electric wires.”

“Electric ?”

“Yes like that I…”

“You don’t need this, you will develop your power soon.”

“Yes but if…”

"We are not talking about this…"

“...”

“You’re being a little hard on her.”

Her mother told her, to defend her.

“Maybe she needs more practice…”

“Oooh like that time you tried to see if she could deploy a web, by throwing her in…”

“Calm down my darling and you mom… What does it matter if Sara doesn’t have any power ? Do we really need a new Spider-Man or Woman ?”

“And… I’m a little afraid of spiders.”

Sara added.

“Because the fate of the world would depend on a girl who has no power ! There’s only Spider-Man, nothing else!”

“...”

“I…I could help, even without powers.”

"No. Everyone who wants to help and doesn’t have the power ends up…”

“Okay, that’s enough, let’s leave. Go get your things Sara.”

Back home, Sara's father went to see her in her room.

She was spinning a mechanical firefly between her fingers.

“Hey little firefly can I come in ?”

"Yes…"

He came and sat down beside her on the bed.

“What’s bothering you ? Why do you want to do so many things ?”

“That’s not true.”

“You're trying too hard my darling, you don't need to be the best or perfect in the eyes of others, who you are... Deep down, it's...”

“...But what if she was right ?...What if I had no talent ?”

“You have the greatest talent, you already have superpowers.”

"Really ?"

His father showed her, her heart.

“Right there… This is your greatest power. I am and will always be proud of you.”

**

Sara woke up, her body numb, she looked at her alarm clock and sighed.

Shit… I'm going to be late.

When she turned her head, her eyes widened, seeing the person next to her.

“Jay!?”

“Mmm?”

“Why are you still here !?”

"I…"

“I’m going to be late for work, get up !”

She tore the covers off him and he almost fell out of bed.

“Sorry but it was so good last night, I fell asleep and couldn’t wake up.”

Yes… Good for you…

“Um… Are you doing anything tonight ?”

“It depends, why ?”

“There’s a small party at a friend’s house tonight and…”

“I already told you, I don’t want to be with anyone.”

“Yeah, but, it would just be to party, you know…”

She stared at him and he looked away.

“I need to get ready, don’t forget your things this time.”

**

"You are late."

Miguel told her.

"I know…"

“I already badged for you.”

"Thanks."

She said, dropping into her chair.

"Coffee ?"

"My pleasure."

At her desk, she noticed a lunch box, but it didn't belong to her.

“You really need to watch what you eat.”

"You did it ?"

“A potato gratin and salmon, the best dish in the world.”

“You mean… Your favorite dish.”

"It's the same thing."

She smiled and hastened to taste it, the smell had made her hungry.

“Tell me… Are you doing anything tonight?”

"For what ?"

**

“Gabriel ? You’re here ? It’s me Dana.”

“Dana ? Yes, come in.”

The young woman came in and took him in her arms.

"Oh, what's going on ? Miguel came back didn't he ?”

“Yes… And yet…”

"..."

"He is different. I'm afraid I’m losing him."

He took her gently by the shoulders.

"Were you also afraid of losing me when you left me ?"

“Gabriel… Please, how many times should I apologize? And why did you forgive Miguel ?”

“Because you’re a manipulator.”

"Wrong."

“No, it’s the truth, you did the same thing to Xina.”

“Her again !?”

“She was Miguel’s best friend and she would have been with him, if you hadn’t done everything to separate them.”

“I didn’t like her attitude, her way of thinking she was better than everyone… A bit like Sara.”

“I thought she was your friend ?”

“...”

"You should go."

“No wait please, I would like you,to do me a favor.”

“...”

“I want to know… If I still have a chance.”

“Are you asking me to spy on my brother ? Really ?"

“...”

She moved closer and placed her hands on his cheeks.

“I love Miguel, I love him more than anything…”

“...”

She quickly placed a kiss on his lips.

“Remembering the good old days…”

“Dana… Fuck !”

He pushed her away.

She smiled at him, then left.

Gabriel remained frozen for a few moments, before quickly wiping his lips.

"Oh… She’s really a…”

**

"No, not like that."

"What ?"

“Your guard is way too easy, do you want to end up in the hospital again ?”

They were above his building, the wind was blowing hard.

He really needed practice.

"Come on, what are you waiting for ? Hit me !"

"I'm not going to hit you."

"You won't hurt me. In fact… You should already be able to reach me.”

Finding it easy, Miguel fired a web, which Sara quickly dodged, she was moving fast.

"You need to concentrate !"

"That's what I do !"

"You don't use your powers enough."

"I don't have spider sense !"

“No need, close your eyes and listen.”

“...”

“Breathe…I’m sure you can hear it.”

"What ?"

“My breathing, even from here.”

He remained attentive.

He heard her approach, her heartbeat, her muscles flexing, her breathing.

He blocked her next blow, and she smiled, quite a bit. He looked at her and it was a mistake, because she sent him light.

"Damn it ! What is !?"

“I told you to close your eyes !”

She kicked him in the shin.

Miguel pulled himself together, he hesitated to use his claws.

“Attack me Miguel, I know how to defend myself, you on the other hand, you have no control over anything, neither your powers nor your love life apparently…”

“...”

“You will say thank you to Lyla.”

“Lyla…”

*Sorry but it’s not my fault if you forgot to deactivate me.*

The training continued.

It was completely dark, with the city lights just below, it looked like they were above an ocean of stars…

"Come on ! Once again !"

Sara charged, every time she tried to strike Miguel, he dodged, becoming much faster than her.

He didn't use his eyes.

She took out an electric stick and tried to touch him, he used his webs to stop her and spread his claws.

Their confrontation had turned into hand-to-hand combat.

“This time I got you!”

He grabbed her and flipped her over, preventing her from moving, trapping her beneath him.

“...”

“...”

They looked at each other without taking their eyes off.

“It looks like the student beat his master ?”

“You are still far from surpassing me !”

She reversed their places.

“But I must admit… You are improving.”

She straightened up and gave him her hand.

“Do you think I would be… A good Spider-Man?”

“What made you change your mind ?”

“Well… If I was chosen… It must be for something.”

“You weren’t chosen Miguel…”

“...”

“No one is chosen, no one is the chosen one, you choose to become a hero, you are responsible for the choices, which will make who you are. Everyone has this power… You always had it in you. You just doesn’t know…”

He looked at her wide-eyed, why did she always make him feel so...

"I knew it !"

A voice shouted and they both turned, to find Gabriel.

“I knew it was you spider-man!”

“...”

“How come Sara knew about it before me!”

"...What are we doing ?"

She asked.

“I can still paralyze him…”

"Knocking him out would be less painful."

"You think ?"

“Uh… Guys…”

Sara and Miguel looked at each other before bursting out laughing.

“Excuse me Gabriel, but your face…”

Said Sara patting her on his shoulder.

“Yes, very very funny…”

"Come on, before you fall."

Said Miguel, welcoming them inside.

“So tell me, can you take webs out of just your hands, or…”

“Gabi…”

“Everyone wants to know !”

**

Days passed, becoming weeks, then months. Miguel had tried to work things out with Dana, a restaurant, and take vacations… It seemed like the wedding was on the way again, finally… That's what Dana believed, because the closer the days approached, the more her fiancé had doubts, especially after Gabriel refused to help her, and don’t talk to her anymore.

And for more dramatic information… During one of their missions, Sara and Miguel, discovered that Tyler Stone, the man who was at the origin of his misfortune, was also his real biological father.

The more time passed, the more things changed. New avengers, aliens, mutant monsters...

They often had a lot of distractions.

“He’s going to escape!”

"I know…"

She said, trying to follow the thief.

As he shoot, Sara was protected by Miguel.

"Thanks !"

He held her against the wall of a building, hiding from the enemy's next attacks. He had one hand on the wall near her face and the other on her hip.

Close… Much too close…

"Are you ok ?"

"What ? Yes, yes I’m fine.”

“Your heartbeat is…”

“He’s going to escape, hurry up !”

And it was not the first time that this kind of situation happened…

Like that day in the lab...

“Seriously, tell me why you love…”

“Old things ?”

"That's not what I meant."

“Yet it is what it is…”

Sara was the only person Miguel knew who still bought books, or bought music albums.

“I like the feeling of being able to have the object in my hands, to collect it… It’s a bit like… Well, it reminds me a bit of my grandmother’s house.”

"...You know...I still have the book you gave me about Narnia."

"Really !? Did you read it !?”

“Yes, even if it took me a while.”

He couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm.

She had come closer to talk, and while they were talking about fiction, Miguel noticed something, in fact... He had smelled that several times... Her perfume... Was it his mutation that made that…

"Something’s wrong ?"

“Hum… Did you wear perfume ?”

“No, I rarely wear it, why ?”

"No nothing... You... You smell good, that's all..."

Sara blushed at her words and Miguel looked away, doing his best to hide his blush.

**

But the most embarrassing moments must surely be when they had to put on their hero outfits, and change next to each other, turning away from each other. But after doing it a hundred times, it became natural.

Miguel had noticed something on her body and Sara laughed at what was bothering him.

“You have the right to look you know.”

"...I didn't know you had a tattoo ?"

He asked, seeing violets on her thigh.

“I did it after high school. It was a gift from a friend.”

“Oh… It’s very beautiful. It suits you.”

"Thank you…"

**

Two sweaty bodies lay in a bed, Sara's bed.

She turned her back on her partner.

As always… Loneliness was already back. And she hated it.

“Are you…are you up for another round?”

"Yeah…"

Jay started to return to her, but the sound of something breaking echoed in the living room.

“Um… Do you have a cat?”

"No."

"Sooo…"

"Stay here."

Sara got up and put on a t-shirt and panties before going out into the hallway.

There was a shadow near the window.

She approached slowly.

“Sarah?”

“Miguel?”

She turned on the light and found the young man dressed as Spider-Man, kneeling in her living room.

"What are you doing here ?"

“Your window was open, I need help with…”

“No, no no what the hell !? I have a door!”

“...”

Miguel stepped back surprised by her anger.

"Sorry, I…"

“I’m busy at the moment, come back later !”

"But…"

“Sara ? Everything is fine ?"

She froze and Miguel understood that he had not arrived at the right time.

“Oh… I… Sorry.”

"Get out !"

She said, pushing him towards the window.

**

"Ouch."

“Don’t move, it will hurt even more.”

“Is it me or are you doing it on purpose?”

“Maybe… Now you know you have to go through the door.”

“I didn’t know you had someone.”

"I don’t have someone."

“...”

“Let’s just say… Sometimes I feel alone.”

Miguel didn't add anything to that.

"So ? How are you going to explain this new injury to Dana?”

“...”

"What's the matter ?"

“Dana and I… We broke up.”

"What !?"

“It’s nothing, forget it.”

“What do you mean, you were going to…”

"It's nothing…"

Sara froze, Miguel had just grabbed her thigh, but especially with his claws.

Miguel took a while to react, but suddenly realized that his claws were touching something...

"Shit ! Sorry !"

He quickly moved away from her, removing his hand from her thigh and looking at her in panic.

"It’s…"

“Obviously I screw it up again.”

“Mig…”

“Why do I always have to…”

“Miguel !”

He looked at her, she quickly cleaned the scratch and sat down.

“It’s just an accident, I have spiderman blood in my veins, it’s nothing, I’ll get over it.”

“...”

“Honestly, a cat would hurt a lot more…”

This reflection succeeded in relieving him a little.

“I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

“I didn’t really feel pain, I was more surprised than anything else.”

She motioned for him to come and sit next to her.

He was much calm, not thinking, as she treated him.

"It's because you're scared for her, isn't it ? Are you afraid… Of not controlling yourself ?”

“...”

"I'm sorry."

She put her hand on his, but he didn't dare shake it back.

Sara blamed herself. She blamed herself for what he was going through... This burden, and the feelings she felt, she shouldn't be with him right now, she wasn't the one he loved, or needed.

Miguel's body was bruised and she feared that some of the marks he had were inflicted by himself.

She would have to ask Lyla to make sure he sleeps and eats well.

"I finished."

"Thanks. Have you got the results yet ?”

“You’re not planning to return on a mission ?”

“That’s all I have to do…”

"You should rest."

"No need."

"Stop…"

He looked at her as she tightened her grip on his hand.

“This is what I need right now.”

“...At least let me fix your suit... Actually, I've been thinking about making an upgrade for a while.”

If she couldn't do anything to hold him back, she would do her best to protect him.

“...Could you do something for my cape ?”

“Spider-man, don’t wear a cape.”

“I like it.”

He knew it pissed her off.

“No cape…”

He laughed and let her do the repairs.

Before he knew it, Miguel was dozing off, listening to the sound of her fingers working on the keyboard.

He woke up a few hours later, feeling a strange feeling. His claws extending and retracting at his fingertips.

His eyes widened, seeing Sara staring at them in wonder.

“...Do you see me as a cat?”

“A grumpy little cat, yes.”

She said, pointing at the fangs protruding from his mouth.

He pouted at the thought but continued to let her play out.

His hands that had already caused so much harm... Seen as something cute...

“You know… About Dana.”

“...”

“You must not let her go.”

“I can’t protect her.”

“But you love her.”

“...”

“She knows you, she knows who you really are, she has seen your past and she has always supported you. Love is strong... So, you should show her everything you are ready to do for her, open up to her, even with your fears. If you love her… Tell her the truth.”

"...You really think that ?"

"Yes. You deserve to be happy. If you don't... You risk losing her. Is this what you want ?”

“...”

Sara let go of his hand and looked at him with a sweet smile.

"I still have to work on your suit, so go ahead."

"Thank you Sara."

As soon as he was gone, Sara's eyes darkened.

Lyla appeared beside her.

*Sara… I noticed your heart was beating really fast when Miguel was around you lately.*

"Oh really ?"

*Yes, I took the liberty of doing a test, but everything is perfectly normal.*

“...”

*Sara… are you ok ?*

Her gaze was that of a compassionate friend.

"I'm fine."

*Love is a painful thing… Do you want me to order your favorite meal ?*

"I'm not in love Lyla."

*It's already done ! I also prepared your favorite movie, now you have to put on a comfortable outfit and relax !*

Sarah laughs.

“Thank you Lyla…”

*...I may not be real. But I'm your friend.*

Sara while the hand where the digital woman appeared.

“You are a precious friend Lyla.”

**

Meanwhile, Dana was recovering from her old relationship. She was angry, she knew that Miguel was hiding something from her, and her brother too.

But as strange as it may seem, that's not what bothered her the most... She knew that Miguel still loved her, if she really wanted him, he would only be hers, so why ?... That was left her with nothing but a void ?

“Good evening Mr. Stone.”

“Good evening dear Dana, how are you ? Miguel has been less at work lately, I thought it was because of your wedding planning, but apparently that’s not the case.”

"No... We broke up, I'm sure he has feelings for this Sara, who works with him."

“...I always knew that Miguel was different, but to break up with a woman as extraordinary as you, what a mistake.”

Dana blushes.

"Thank you Mr. Stone, you've been more than nice to me lately. When I think that he invented this whole drug thing... Now I know, that you would never have hurt him.”

“It’s only natural my dear… You know, I’m organizing a small reception in two days and I would be very happy to invite you.”

"Really ?"

“Yes… Besides, it seems to me that Miguel will be there, this would be the moment to show him what a bad decision he made.”

“...I like your way of thinking.”

She said, before kissing him.

He had hurt her... So she was going to destroy him in turn.

Back to masterlist - Previous chapter - Next chapter

[lostnlucky]

I want to see your webcomic rec list 👀

Thank you for indulging me here's the masterlist of recs, if you're looking for something with queer/trans characters you've come to the right place:

(All links lead to the the first page of the comic, to avoid spoilers!)

Note: many of these comics deal with really heavy topics, and I recommend you check out the CWs (usually on the about page) before you read! If you have concerns about anything, hmu I'm happy to help Modern / Historical Comics:

2 Slices -- Cute queer romcom about two teenaged boys who keep getting mistaken for one another and form a very begrudging friendship when trying to disentangle themselves from each other's lives. The art style is really cute, it has some good twists and terms, all around a great time. I cannot recommend this enough. (Complete!)

Freakshow -- Set in historical France, the comic follows a series of murders surrounding a failing carnival/"freakshow." This is the most wild murder mystery I've ever read, because you're fairly sure you know the murderer since page 1. The twists are fantastic, the layers of character relationships are amazing. Every single update to this comic makes you reread the entire comic, searching for the hidden things you missed. Wonderful foreshadowing, wonderfully written.

Fantasy:

White Noise -- The monstrous and fantastical nation of Aetheri has come out of hiding, and there's a war brewing as humans and monsters begin to collides. The comic switches between the POVs of Hawk, a half-human traveling neighboring countries searching for his sister, and Liya, his sister who thinks he's dead. Absolutely fantastic and well-paced, with a lot of queer and trans character front-and-center (a major storyline revolves around transitioning!). (If there is ever a time to catch up on White Noise, it is right now. The moment they've been building to for 10 years is literally the next page!)

Tiger, Tiger -- A noblewoman in an alternate historical period steals her brother's identity, ship, and first mate and sets off for a distant country to study sea sponges (and gods). Has a really cool and interesting mythological system, and the entire comic is drawn in pencil! It's gorgeous

Daughter of the Lilies -- Great for fans of DnD! Follows the newest addition to a group of up-and-coming mercenaries, who refuses to show her new friends her face. Also has a cool magic system and really solid world-building. The twist with the main character is really good, trust me.

Shaderunners -- Thousands of years ago, all the color in the world faded to grey. Now, color is reemerging: bottled and sold to the highest bidder. The comic follows a group of bootleggers who have banded together to steal color from the rich in the greatest heist ever. Has a slow start, but the writing is fantastic, and the setting is very in depth and interesting.

Sleepless Domain -- Magical girls, except they're a commodified child soldier industry. I can't give any more detail than that, because the very premise of the comic spoils the massive plot twist at the end of the first chapter, but please trust me. This comic is an absolutely amazing breakdown of grief and industry, and it's fantastic. I have never watched a magical girl anime, and this is one of my favorite comics of all time.

Recoil -- The main character discovers he has superpowers after a horrible accident and is snatched up by a government agency designed to keep superpowers a secret. The art style took me a little to get used to, but the story is fantastic. There are so many good, horrifying plot twists, you'll be on the edge of your seat the entire time you're reading. The sort of comic where you reread it and notice 5 more things that you never noticed before. (Please read the CWs before starting this comic!)

Inhibit -- In a world where superpowers are common, there also exists facilities for teenagers whose powers are out of control. Main character gets wrapped up in uncovering a massive conspiracy embedded in the institutions who employ superpowered people. Fun plot twists and interesting relationships and dynamics between characters

Post-Apocalyptic:

Countdown to Countdown -- Humans with superhuman abilities are captured and butchered for magical body parts. The main character is housed in a "correctional facility" for superhumans, where he's safe from the terrors outside. Everything changes when someone breaks into the facility. I've been following CtC since early into its first iteration, and it's really fun! The powers are cool, and I love the art style.

No End -- Very much a slice-of-life comic about a group of people trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic society, traveling between different safe zones. Fun characters, kickass world building, a really interesting and nuanced take on how people deal with the zombie apocalypse (and how society would re-evolve)

Sci-Fi:

Saint for Rent -- Time travel is a tourism industry in this comic, with "inns" spread throughout time serving as way-points for travelers to duck in and out of. Saint runs one of these inns and has to watch his friends (and family) rush around him as he stays still in time. I am being completely honest when I say that this is the best time travel plot I have ever read. Definitely a brain twister, and you'll appreciate a reread to try and piece together characters' individual timelines, but absolutely fantastic and very sweet.

[type1diabetesinfandom]

2?

Fandom end of year asks:

2: favourite fic of the year 

Ok so you're getting a list because I can't pick just one, and I love reccing fics! I should do it more.

Favorite Podfic: @prettybirdy979 's None So Blind read by @read-by-badfinch . This one is easier to pick because I listened to only a few podfics, but I absolutely love this fic and the reading was so good!

Fandom: Daredevil and the Avengers

Warnings: none

Rating: Teen

Relationships: Gen

Tags: Ableist Language, Ableism, Secret Identity, Identity Issues, Canon Disabled Character, Blind Character, Disability, Learning Disabilities, Crossover, Identity Reveal, Deaf Clint Barton, Matt Murdock Needs a Hug, Hurt Matt Murdock, Angst, Hurt/ComfortPodfic, Podfic Length: 3-3.5 Hours, Audio Format: MP3, Audio Format: M4B

Summary:

They say when you assume you make an ass of you and me.

Matt wishes that the Avenger's assumptions about his seeming inability to read the written word did something as benign as making an ass of him and them. Being called illiterate shouldn't hurt, not when he knows he's not, and it's not like he can tell them the truth.

Not that the truth would make much difference. He's just going to have to grin and bear it.

If he can.

First off, it's got great characterization and hurt/comfort, but it goes above and beyond discussing assumptions, judgements, and ableism and it's SO good.

Fics

@rageprufrock 's Hindsight is a delicious all roads lead to canon au.

John Sheppard has t1D, doesn't join the air force, DOES join the fbi, and meets Dr. Rodney McKay when someone puts a bomb in the man's car. 23k

Fandom: Stargate Atlantis

Warnings: none chosen

Rating: explicit

Relationships: John Sheppard/Rodney McKay

Summary:

Hindsight is, at best, only 20/20.

The Sonder series by Zelos is a delightful look at the mess Peter's knowing teachers help him clean up post Homecoming. His principal is very very tired of dumb teenage superheroes, especially when they see his insulin and accuse him of doing drugs. 31k

Fandom: Spiderman Tom Holland movies

Warnings: none

Rating: Teen

Relationships: Gen

Summary:

sonder n. the realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own—populated with their own ambitions, friends, routines, worries and inherited craziness—an epic story that continues invisibly around you like an anthill sprawling deep underground, with elaborate passageways to thousands of other lives that you’ll never know existed, in which you might appear only once, as an extra sipping coffee in the background, as a blur of traffic passing on the highway, as a lighted window at dusk. —The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows

A series about the aftermath of Homecoming, what it means to support a hero, and the prices you pay for doing just that. Spoilers for Spider-Man: Homecoming. Not Far From Home compliant.

Asking Questions by anonymous is short but packs such a punch. What would life be like if you could shapeshift into the form of your greatest potential, a form that would allow you to escape your physical pain/disabilities, and be unable to live the entirety of your life like that?

Fandom: Shazam movie

Warnings: none

Rating: Teen

Relationships: Gen

Tags: Friendship, Bonding, Superpowers, Chronic Pain, Disability, Canon Disabled Character, Backstory, Past Drug Addiction, Fluff and Angst, freddy has to deal with chronic pain, billy just wants to be a good best friend

Summary:

“God,” Freddy said, hopping from foot to foot a couple times before leaping a few feet into the air. “You know you’re fucked up when not being in pain is your favourite superpower.”

There's so many great fics I read this year, but I'll stick with these for my favorites because otherwise it's going to devolve into a plethora of PJO angst and there's a good probability I'll just make a separate list for that fandom on my main 🙈

Thank you for asking!