#hals just delighted by that fact

[cringefail-clown]

turnabour earth c but its hal endlessly fucking with dirk by wearing the most ridiculous outfits he can manage to find

[letoasai]

dp x dc Chronos part 5

Part 1 - Previous - Master list

Diana was furious. 

She’d known her young uncle for only a handful of hours but here she was, ready to go to war for him. Perhaps that was what her grandfather had meant earlier, his words still ringing in her ears. 

I have a task for you, Diana. One i do not think you will turn now but i’ll give you the illusion of choice.

Perhaps it was less an illusion and more her grandfather merely knowing ahead of time how she would react. If Danny was to be believed – and he did seem such a trustworthy boy – his Clockwork knew every path one could take. 

She knew there were still questions to be asked, but Danny had been able to tell her a great deal before his eyes began to droop and she insisted he try to sleep. The curtains to the room had been left open and she watched as his eyes happily glazed over at the sight of open space before him. It had only taken minutes for him to fall asleep. 

Now she had a lot of work to do and she planned to get as much done while Danny slept as she could. 

She entered the conference room with a quick stride, many members already present for the meeting she had ordered via text. They’d learned that some equipment didn’t work well around Danny. Visuals were blurry at best and audio crackled into something indistinguishable. Diana had instead been texting information to Bruce and Kal to look into while she focused on the boy. 

“Were you able to find anything?” She asked immediately, not elaborating on which fact she was talking about. She’d sent them so many little snippets that she didn’t really care where they started. 

Batman just grunted, and despite wearing his cowl, she could see just how unhappy he was. 

“You’re not going to like it, but you expected that.” Superman said, papers laid out in front of him. He wasn’t the only one doing his research. 

Green Lantern and Flash were still there, the latter looking like he was having an existential crisis over the topic of ghosts. 

Martian Manhunter had also arrived, his frown informing her that the others had caught him up on what had been happening. 

“Can we confirm the truth as Danny has laid it out for us?” She asked, taking a seat. 

“Oh, yeah.” Hal muttered, rubbing a hand down his face. “Constantine will arrive later, but he could confirm the new High King of the Infinite Realm went by Phantom. Never heard him sound so horrified as him learning that someone had punched a hole into another realm in their house though. Inter-dimensional war crimes on our end are stacking up.” 

“Our end?” She asked. 

“The GIW…” Bruce began, sounding a mixture of exhausted and livid. “Are completely out of their depth and did not have the authority to just name a species unidentified to the rest of us as non-sentient. If the Infinite Realm retaliates, and John thinks it’s a possibility, it won’t just be aimed at the GIW alone but the entire dimension. That makes this more of a mess for us to clean up than it already was.” 

They’d already decided to help, that was what they did. But there was a difference in lending a hand and righting a wrong and taking responsibility for someone else’s fuck ups because they had to. 

“Can we prove it?” Diana asked. 

“Absolutely.” Kal nodded. “Honestly, for a government agency, their security is a joke. There was a backdoor already in place. We can ask Danny about that later.”

Diana nodded, certain the information would be good in his hands. She turned her attention back to Bruce. “The Fentons?” 

There was a certain level of disgust that tried to choke her out in that situation. Danny had been so hesitant, the betrayal fresh and painful. She had lived in the World of Men for a long time now and it had as many delights as it did drawbacks, but to learn what Danny’s parents had attempted to do to him left her burning to seek them out herself. 

His mother had lost her privilege to refer to herself as such.

She didn’t care what the circumstances were. Capture and torture with the intentions of vivisection was inexcusable. The target being a child made it all the more heinous. Diana knew Batman would understand without her saying a word. 

“Run of the mill mad scientists. They might have been onto something once when it came to energy but their bias took over. Even if they had been correct about ecto-entities, their language is incredibly inappropriate. No licenced and competent science journal would be associated with that.” He stared at her unhappily. “They’re lunatics. The fact that their children grew up in their home is outrageous.” He hit a button on the remote and a location appeared on the computer screens. 

A bricked house on a street corner, enormous Fenton Works sign taking up most of the front. It was an eyesore, but not as much as the sci-fi looking shuttle sticking out of the roof. The OHSA violations alone should have had the building condemned and there was no way permits had been granted for any of that construction. 

It was a supervillain's dream and not the least bit subtle. It should have been a crime in itself for the town to allow it to remain in a residential area and was shocking that no calls to Child Protective Services had been made. 

Yes, Danny was an exceptional being, but Diana understood now all the likely scenarios where he could have died in that house. Danny had called his death an accident, but she wasn’t so certain about that. “They were the ones to hurt him.” Diana said, hating how her throat was tight. She was already emotionally compromised. 

“Yes, i know.” 

Diana’s attention snapped back to him. “How?” 

“Simple reasoning. They are unstable ghost hunters with questionable science. Danny was removed from his home for his safety. Chronos said he needed a guardian. That doesn’t paint a pretty picture.” Bruce muttered. “Either his guardians couldn’t care for him, or shouldn’t care for him.” 

She felt her shoulders relax somewhat, knowing that such a logical conclusion should have occurred to her too. She really was worried about Danny’s recovery. “We can add it to the file i know you’ve created, but i’d prefer if no one asked him about that at this time. This last attack only happened several days ago and it is still fresh on his mind.” 

Bruce’s eyes narrowed, always a hound when it came to sniffing out abused kids. “This last attack?” 

“They’ve been after him for a while.” Diana hummed, though she’d only had a vague example or two since Danny hadn’t wanted to get into it. She couldn’t imagine how he’d just returned home every day to parents who tried to capture his other persona. 

“We must factor in his identity.” Martian Manhunter approached them, having been listening. J’onn had been doing his own research the last several hours. He laid down a startlingly clear picture of Danny in his white haired ghost form. A print out of an Amity Park newspaper article. 

“What is that?” Bruce frowned, sliding it closer to read. 

“The hero of Amity Park. Phantom. The articles are biased and unfavorable, but that is not the current accepted public opinion. Phantom protects the living from ghosts. He also protects the ghosts from the ghost hunters.” J’onn explained, voice carefully neutral. “Phantom appearing other places, perhaps shouldn’t coincide with where Daniel Fenton ends up.” 

“A name change could be warranted. If that’s what he wants.” Bruce adds. 

J’onn gave a single nod. “It’s a great deal of pressure on one teenager's shoulders. Being a king of a realm on top of that…” 

It was silently agreed upon that Danny deserved this break and Diana was going to get it for him.

“It was only a matter of time before something had to give.” Diana said, turning enough to speak to everyone in the room. “Well he won’t be dealing with all of that alone now. We start with dismantling the GIW, appealing the Anti-Ecto Acts, and smoothing over our relations with the Infinite Realm.” 

“Only that much, huh?” Flash muttered, trying to wrap his head around the science of ghost hunting. 

“Why not get some of the kids involved. Young Justice, maybe?” Hal was rubbing his eyes, not looking forward to the consequences of this mess. “Once he heals it might do him some good to be around others closer to his own age. People he wouldn’t need to hide half of himself from.”

When put like that, Diana could only agree. 

“I’ll mention it to him.” “I’ll get the information i have to Lois.” Clark said, sliding his papers into a binder. “If public opinion of Phantom is already decent in Amity Park, then we’ll up the exposure to put pressure on our oblivious government.” 

“I’ll take a few of the GIW facilities.” Bruce muttered, but he had that familiar tone that said he was about to let his children go buck wild. “A little recon…” he added vaguely. 

Before anyone else could put in their own two cents, the sensors went off, exactly how they had before Chronos had arrived. A paranormal knock of sorts before the very air seemed to split in two, a glowing green portal building around it. 

“Here we go again.” Barry muttered, each of them surrounding the portal as they’d done early for safety’s sake but they were less inclined to fight immediately. 

As J’onn was seeing it for the first time, he remained near Diana, keenly watching the portal manifest. It wasn’t Chronos who stepped out though, it wasn’t human at all. 

From the portal stepped a creature that Diana didn’t have the name for. Bipedal, humanoid, but beast like in appearance. Horns on his head and spikes from his tail made of ice were noticed secondary to his arm of ice that still encased his bones inside. His fur was white, his claws could easily kill and he was covered by a kilt and cape. 

What gave Diana pause as the bag slung over one shoulder, the tell tale signs of a medical cross across the front. 

“Who are you?” Superman asked, more polite than their earlier run in with her grandfather. 

The creature, a ghost presumably, held himself rigid. He was doing a great deal to make himself appear smaller then he was but his gaze was assessing. He was ready to fight if necessary. 

“I am here for His Majesty, the Great One.” Was his response. 

Diana stepped forward, deciding this was exactly what she suspected. “I am Diana. Granddaughter of Chronos who Danny fondly calls Clockwork. You are Frostbite, come to check on Danny, yes?” 

All of his attention was on her now, but he seemed to see what he wanted in her after locking eyes. “I am. Frostbite, Ruler of the Infinite Realm’s Far Frozen. I have come to see Our Savior the King, as his primary physician.”

“He’s a doctor.” Flash whispered. 

“Fascinating.” J’onn muttered, sounding a little winded by whatever he was sensing. “He is who he claims.” 

“I’m relieved.” Diana muttered, approaching him with a smile this time. “Please come with me and i will take you to Danny. I’m afraid we did what we could but his unique biology left us questioning our choices. He is resting in a private room.” 

“Did something happen to setback his recovery?” Frostbite asked, serious over the care of his charge as he followed Wonder Woman out of the conference room without so much as a glance back at the other heros. 

“Excitement, i believe.” Diana offered. “He may have been a little too excited to show off his alternate, living form and seemed to forget his condition.” 

Frostbite actually snorted. “Sounds like him.”

“I did not realize how badly wounded he was. We had been talking about our arrangements and he was answering my questions about ghosts. He appeared sore, but fairly pleased to speak with me. Given what he had just been through…” 

Frostbite grunted his agreement. “His heart is soft, but his will is unlike anything i have ever known. Many of us saw this tragedy coming, but he insisted on seeing it out for himself, hoping for a favorable ending.” 

Diana cracked her knuckles out of habit, that anger still simmering. “He will be safe in my care, i assure you.”

“The Great One is the rightful King to our realm, but many forget he is still just a child.” Frostbite said, eyeing her even as she led him through the Watchtower. 

“It is not something i am likely to forget.” Not after she’d seen how small he was in their medbay bed. “He’s resting but weak, you can help?” 

“As long as he has not taken more damage, i’m sure i can.” Frostbite said, a gentleness to his voice as they stopped at Danny’s room. Diana went in first to prove the area was a safe one but that may not have mattered given how quickly Frostbite followed her. 

He was at Danny’s bedside in an instant, having somehow moved passed her without knocking into her. He could have gone through her for all she knew. For all he seemed to be a hulking beast, Frostbite was nothing but gentle as he examined Danny. He looked over any and all work that had been done to Danny since his arrival, and checked the bandages across his torso. He went as far as to grab the clipboard on the foot of Danny’s bed to read, having no trouble understanding the medical jargon. 

From his medical bag, he pulled out several small bottles, all of them growing a toxic green. Injections were given to the teenager, and it didn’t seem to matter that he was in his living, dark haired form. 

“Has he explained to you what it means to be a halfa?” Frostbite finally asked, breaking the silence. 

“Only in vague, teenager terms.” Diana said. She’d been quite sure that Danny’s flippant attitude was more a coping mechanism than anything.

Frostbite just hummed. “Then i will have to fill you in.”

[haveihitanerve]

Oliver Queen was quite certain he was going to die. He had been holding in a laugh for the past ten minutes, which was dangerous under any circumstances, and downright fatal if it was an explosive, loud and hearty laugh, which this one was. Especially considering that no one else seemed to be as tickled as he was, and if he did laugh, he would be laughing at the Batman. The thing was, that Batman had brought his own coffee mug and thermos to the Watchtower (because apparently their coffee wasn't good enough, or something, as batman hadn't exactly offered an explanation) and both had phrases on them that would be amusing belonging to anyone, and were downright hilarious due to the fact that they belonged to Batman. The thermos said “I’m not saying I’m Batman, I’m just saying you’ll never see me and Batman in the same room together” which, sadly, no one else seemed to have even looked twice at, and his mug, which had a large black bat on it, which said “We’re a Batty little family”. Both items were very much not helping Oliver to win his fight with his mirth, when Batman caught his eye. “Oh shit.” he muttered when the Bat began to move towards him. Well, he was bound to die anyway. “Nice mug.” Oliver greeted the second Batman got close. To his surprise, Batmans lips twitched upward. “Thank you. My children got it for me. I’m surprised you're the first to mention it.” Oliver looked at him in surprise. “Oh my freaking gods.” Batman, the Batman, wanted people to comment on his mug. He was proud of it. Oliver finally released his cackle, and Batmans smile grew marginally in delight. “Oh man that is priceless.” Oliver chuckled when he had finally gotten himself under control. “But hey, kids are like that. I mean, mine got me a shirt with two arrows pointing up, with a bow that was sideways beneath it to make a simile face.” Oliver sketched on his own shirt with his finger to display the image. Batman chuckled lightly. “Thats… quite funny.” “Yeah.” Oliver agreed, thinking back with a smile how often he wore it, and Roy’s delight every time. “My kids,” Batman added, drawing Oliver out of his thoughts. “Got me a tie that says, uh, “Worlds Best Dad In Gotham. Which… o-k i guess..” Oliver stared at him agape before absolutely losing it at the tone with which Batman had quoted his tie. “That is… brilliant.” Oliver wheezed, wiping a tear from his eye. “Wow. Wow wow wow wow wow.” Oliver smiled with relish. “I love that.” Batman smiled back. “I do too.” “Uh, green arrow? Whats so funny?” Green Lantern called over. “Oh nothing, nothing.” Oliver called back. “Just some uh.. Dad jokes.” Hal made a noise of confusion, but Batman chuckled lightly. “Dad jokes?” Green Lantern asked, utterly befuddled. Batman and Green Arrow grinned at each other.  

Oliver Queen was quite certain he was going to die. He had a meeting in Gotham today, which was always long and boring, especially since he usually only dealt with the lower members of Wayne Enterprises. Not that he had anything against status, not really, it was only that they were always such a drag, and it was clear they wanted a higher lifestyle. But, to his surprise, when Oliver walked into the meeting room, the CEO of WE was actually present, sitting at the head of the table in deep discussion with a man Oliver vaguely remembered was named something Fox. Lucy? “Ah, Ollie, so good of you to meet with us!” Boomed a voice and Oliver turned in surprise to see Bruce Wayne. “Bruce? Hey man! I didn't know you’d be here!” Oliver grinned in surprised delight, offering the other man a quick hug. Bruce shrugged, sipping some coffee. “I’m just here as a chauffeur. I’m taking Timmy out after this, but I’ll be a part of the meeting if you want some decent conversation.” He winked and Oliver laughed. “Not that my son isn't a good conversationalist.” He added. Oliver waved a hand, moving to his seat and offering the kid a quick smile. Tim glanced over, offering a wave before returning to his heated debate. “Naw I know he is. Wasn't expecting you guys to be here. Glad you are though.” Oliver sighed in relief. Bruce hummed in acknowledgement, taking a seat next to him. “Well I’m glad to see you too Ollie, theres, actually something I want to tell you.” At that, his son finally looked over for more than a second, something gleaming in his eyes. “Oh?” Oliver asked intrigued, leaning forward. That was when he saw it. Tucked just barely beneath the lapel of Bruces suit jacket…. A tie. A tie that said “Worlds Best Dad in Gotham. Which… O-k I guess..” Oliver sat back like electrocuted. Bruce and Tim watched him carefully, and Fox gave a very good impression of looking out the window. “You- uh- you're.” Oliver cleared his throat and Bruce leaned in intently. “Yes?” “Your tie.” Oliver blurted. “Its… nice. My friend has one too.” Bruce raised an eyebrow. “Does he?” He lifted his mug, which had a large black bat on it, and sipped. Oliver swallowed. “W-why me? Why now?” Bruce shrugged, glancing over at his son who was now also doing a very good job of admiring the ceiling tiles. “Because I trust you. And because I need a good friend.” Oliver smiled weakly. “Well, you already had that in Brucie.” Bruce smiled softly. “I know. But friendship requires trust. And Batman needs all the friends he can get.” Oliver chuckle lightly. “So… Dad jokes was the way to go huh?” Bruce smiled, pleased, leaning back. “Yep. Dad jokes.” Bruce Wayne and Oliver Queen grinned at each other. 

[coopigeoncoo]

Meat Cute, Chapter 11

Chapter Links: First, Previous <- Chapter 11 ->Next

Pairing: Alastor x Fem!Reader

Rating: Mature (rating may change)

Tags: Canon-typical violence, Cannibalism, Reader is a cannibal, Fake/pretend relationship, Puns, Raccoon Reader, Tags may change, Swearing

---

In a bid to appear more approachable to the denizens of the Hazbin Hotel, Alastor enlists the help of his favorite butcher to step into the roll of an (after)lifetime: pretending to be his paramour!

---

“You can't deny we have so much in common,” Alastor's grinned, his smile somehow, impossibly, widening even farther as he leaned down on the counter on a single elbow; his nose nearly touching yours as you stood frozen in place. “I'm somewhat of a Butcher myself, you know.”

–--

A story where one thing is certain: the steaks are never bigger than when love is on the line.

---

Continue reading below, or follow the link to A03!

“Salutations!  Are you free today?” Alastor asked, having materialized next to you only moments ago.  Too busy to be properly startled by his sudden appearance, you stare out across the boisterous mass of customers that had crammed themselves into the store to take advantage of the spur of the moment promotional sale Hal had decided to run.

“No-”

“Fantastic!” Alastor cackled, grabbing hold of your arm firmly while snapping the fingers on his free hand.  Darkness overtook your vision and for a terrifying moment you lost the ability to decipher which way was up, as though you were being pulled equally in every direction all at once.  

But you were very quickly reacquainted with the concept of down as the darkness abruptly receded; legs buckling under you as gravity kicked back into working order.  It was only by the grace of Alastor's firm grip that you didn't crumple to the ground in an inelegant heap.

The furniture had been rearranged, couches pushed alongside the walls to make room for a half circle of easels in the center of the room, but you were still able to immediately recognize the parlor of the Hazbin Hotel from your previous visit.

“Cease your lamentations, compatriots, for I have returned!” Alastor called, tugging you forward as he strode purposefully towards an empty pair of easels.

“Lamenting?  Sorry, but these are tears of joy clouding my eyes,” the gray-skinned woman scoffed as Alastor pulled out one of the tufted stools for you to perch on.  

“Vaggie!” Charlie scolded, casting a reprimanding look at the woman seated at the easel next to her.  

“What?  I'm just saying what we're all thinking!” Vaggie responded, flicking a dismissive hand towards Alastor. “It's better when he's not skulking around and creeping up the place.”

“A-fucking-men to that,” Husk grumbled, lifting a nearly empty bottle of vodka to salute Vaggie in a show of solidarity.

“Well, I'm glad you're here,” Charlie said, smiling brightly at you and Alastor.  “Both of you.”

“It's a pleasure to be back,” you said, smiling politely as you examined the collection of pencils on your easel tray and doing your best to pretend like you'd willingly agreed to be here.

“You're all covered in blood,” the tiny woman seated on the other side of you proclaimed, her single eye shining brightly.  

“Ah- yes.  Yes, I am,” you grimaced, running a hand self-consciously down your blood spattered apron.  “I just came from work.”

“I like it,” Niffty grinned, shooting you the smallest thumbs up you'd ever seen.  Despite the fact that there was no way she could possibly be as sweet as she appeared, you couldn't help but find her exaggerated petiteness adorable.  

“Thank you,” you smiled, taking note of the similar blood-spattered state of her apron.  “I like yours, too.  It looks very fresh.”

“It is!” Niffty squealed, kicking her legs in delight.  “We have a rat infestation like you wouldn't believe!  They might be smarter than me, and faster than me, and have twice as many eyes than me, but they have to sleep eventually!”

You were saved from having to formulate a response by the double doors in the back of the room slamming open, revealing Angel Dust artistically draped in a crisp white sheet.  

“Alright, you buncha’ degenerates,” Angel calls out as he strode confidently towards to easels on impossibly willowy legs; clambering up on top of an overturned apple crate.  “It's time we class up this joint and take in a bit of culture for once!”

With an elegant shrug Angel dropped the sheet, revealing his completely nude form.

“Make sure to get my good side,” Angel Dust purred over his shoulder before bending over and grabbing his ankles, fully exposing his derriere and everything in between. 

“Unholey Moley! ” You screech in surprise, snapping your head to the side to politely avert your gaze.  

“Oh, c'mon!” Angel laughed.  “Ain't you ever seen a work of art before?”

“Is that what you're supposed to be?” Vaggie scoffed, examining the tray of pencils in front of her before randomly picking one out with an irritated grimace.

“Uh, obviously," Angel scoffed, running his hands down the side of his thighs provocatively. “My body is a masterpiece and I know how to work it!”

“Could I perhaps tempt you with a drink before we depart?” Alastor enquired as he tidied his drawing tools, examining his astoundingly accurate portrait with critically narrowed eyes.  

“I…could honestly really use a drink right now,” you mumbled wearily, rubbing firm circles over your closed eyes with the heels of your hands.

“Husker, my good man!” Alastor called out across the room to where the rest of the residents were packing up their materials and preparing to disperse to parts of the Hotel unknown.  “Would you be so kind as to pour me and my lady friend a couple of nightcaps?”

“Do I have a fuckin’ choice?” Husk grumbled, stomping over to the bar and throwing his sketchpad down onto the counter with a loud thwack.

“Haha- no!” Alastor laughed, guiding you towards a barstool with a firm hand on your lower back.  

“Alright,” Husk grumbled, leveling you with an exhausted glare.  “Pick your poison.”

“Whatever kills me the fastest,” you respond immediately, visions of Angel Dust's contorted body still burned into your retinas.  “I'm not in the business of prolonging my own suffering.”

“Of course you aren't, that's my job!” Alastor interjected, lifting the faceted glass Husk had slid to him towards your person.  You lifted your own tall shooter in response, clinking your glass against his solidly.  

You threw back your drink, the fiery burn of the liquor distracting you from feeling the full weight of Husker's disbelieving gaze.

It was hard to keep count of how many drinks you'd imbibed with how attentive a barkeep Husker was.  When you and Dorcas went out drinking you'd build up a veritable wall of glasses before the bartender cared enough to collect the empty cups.  

It might have been the presence of an Overlord that made Husk so attentive, clearing discarded glassware the very instant it hit the counter; but based on how busy Husk managed to keep himself arranging garnishes and refilling ice trays you were willing to wager that he took a lot of pride in maintaining an orderly workstation.  

“How did you find today's activity?” Alastor asked, his clawed hand circling the rim of a crystal glass; delighting in the quiet hum the action created.  “Did you enjoy baring your artistic side?”

“I don't know,” you sighed, poking at the drawing pad beside you with a stiff finger, the visible page crammed with wobbly figures you had drawn as fast as possible in between bouts of extreme mortification.  “I think the only one baring anything was probably Angel Dust.”

“Quite so!” Alastor agreed with a grin. “I suppose you could say it was a very revealing exercise.”

“We really exposed ourselves to new experiences!”

“I think I'm au natural at drawing!”

“You definitely have some raw talent,” you tittered, finally unable to maintain your composure and letting a full-bodied laugh overtake you; Alastor's hearty chuckle joining in only moments later.

“Oh, God-fucking-dammit,” Husk swore as he watched you and Alastor revel in shared mirth.  “Now there's two of them!”

“So, you and the Radio Demon, huh?” Husk inquired with a casual air that was negated by the fact he had been intensely wiping down the same spot of the bar top while waiting for a conversational opening to present itself.  

“Hmm?” You mumbled, head heavy in your palms as the alcohol flooded your system and left your thoughts fuzzy and sluggish.

“You're, y'know,” Husk paused, waving his hands around in vague circles through the air. “with Alastor?”

“Course not,” you reply, taking a moment to belch inelegantly into your hand. “He's over there tallin’ to- talking to Charlie.”

“No, that's not what I- ughhh,” Husk groaned as he scrubbed an exasperated hand down his face.  “I just want to make sure you aren't in any sort of trouble.  Not that I can really do anything if Alastor's involved.  But you seem like an alright sort of girl.”

You shifted focus across the room to where Alastor stood, his cane serving to prop him up more than he'd ever admit now that was likely more whiskey than man at this point.  Charlie said something he obviously didn't agree with, his nose crinkling in distaste in a way that reminded you of when your family cat made the mistake of investigating a stink bug too closely; a reaction you found entirely too adorable for a man who routinely flossed his teeth with human sinew.

“Ohhhhh.  No, I'm definitely in trouble,” you sighed, trying to position your head back onto your hand and missing entirely, stars dancing across your vision as your skull collided with the hard wood of the polished bar top.  “I'm in waaaaay over my head.”

Husk hummed in acknowledgment as he made the executive decision to cut you off, grabbing your half empty glass and tossing back the second-hand spirits while you fruitlessly tried to keep yourself balanced on the bar stool without toppling to the side.  

“I have no clue what I even did to catch the inchrest- the interescht?  Enteresque ?” You stammer, pouting before giving up and selecting a word with fewer syllables to trip over.  “The notice of someone like Alastor.  ‘s only a matter of time before he gets bored and turns his attention to someone else.  I just hope I don't get too attached before that happens, ya’ know?”

“Ah,” Husk breathed, eyes darting across the room to where Angel Dust sat, reclining dramatically across a chaise lounge, phone cameras flashing in each of his hands as he used his additional limbs to capture selfies from multiple angles simultaneously.  He had wrapped the dressing sheet around himself to highlight every dip and curve of his body, a flawless vision that made Husker viscerally aware of how mangy and worn he was in comparison. “Yeah, I know that feelin’.”

You and Husker shared a moment of quiet solidarity as you both gazed at your partners across the parlor, each lost in thought and considering the inevitable end of the paths you each had found yourselves on.  

“Shit sucks,” you grumble discontentedly, blindly reaching around the counter for your missing drink.  With a deep chuckle of agreement, Husk pushed a cup of water into your outstretched hand; adding a bendy straw when it became obvious that bringing a cup to your mouth without spilling half of it down the front of your dress was completely out of the realm of possibility.  

“It sure does, girlie.  It sure fucking does.”

Tag List:

@wendds, @matpatsstuff, @qardasngan, @polytheatrix,

@sirens-and-moonflowers, @venusdandy

[s0domizer]

otasune au in which otacon picks up baking to combat his stress and ptsd.

he gets really into it and loves making pastries especially. since its just him and snake tho, he feels kinda bad, not wanting to waste any food.

david finds it cute how hal does his little baking thing and honestly, the things he makes are amazing, so its not even hard for him to gobble up everything his partner makes.

hal is delighted by the fact that he can literally bake as much as he want to PLUS that david loves everything he makes. its a win win situation

this results in david; even tho going to the gym most days put of the week, gaining some chub and hal thinks its pretty cute

david tells himself its gonna be fine :"because you know.. the cuts gonna be insane" (he needs to convince hal to please put some protein powder into the baked goods)

[jaxxsoxxn]

boomerflash headcannon

BOOMERFLASH!! BOOMERFLASH!! :DD

I did few already, btw, two spicy and one normal (here; here and here)

But here's more!

Boomer can't sit still for too long, so when they eat breakfast together, he's usually doing something in the back. He's not an "iPad kid" per se - he's actually okay with no phones around or anything like that, as long as he has something to do with his free hand. Flash, the first time he noticed it, grabbed his hand almost automatically, causing him to choke on his scrambled eggs.

Barry, after he figures out that his friends don't actually mind him dating Digger, starts ranting about him occasionally - usually he's too fast for them to actually understand what he's talking about, and sometimes he just jumps from one subject to another in a matter of seconds, but few of them get every little detail he's talking about. Like Bats.

Most of the JL absolutely wouldn't trust Boomer as far as they could throw him- or even less. Somehow though Hal is the first one, even before Wally, to claim that there's nothing more to him dating Flash than the fact that they're attracted to each other. No plan or another reason. Barry is thankful. GL doesn't mention that he knows that because Digger gave him some breakfast bars and other snacks to hand over to the Speedster a few months ago, because "he forgot his goddamn lunch, this idiot."

Talking about food, Speedsters and their hunger is well known, but our fave Cap is a specialist. He can absolutely do some math that makes less than zero sense to Bar, just to know how many calories he needs after a day of work.

Boomer listens to "old rock", mixing his typical Guns 'n' Roses sometimes with a few sillier songs that make his playlists make completely no sense. In his older hide-outs, he has CDs with his favorite music. Flash gets him a vinyl once, just to see how he'll react and next day he finds a vinyl player made from scrap and Boomer by it, drooling in his sleep with a screwdriver still in his hand.

Digger, with his nice for an eye build, sweet accent and almost flirty smirks, is practically hunted in most of the bars or club they go to. It's mostly visible when they end up on a mission together and the TFX with few JL members have to meet up "undercover" in a club in Gotham, just for Boomer to bring attention to himself with the way he carries himself - Flash is about to beat someone up after the third time a random guy grabs his lover's ass. Digger is absolutely confused and slightly delighted because of the attention. Poor Bar's has to be held back by a hand on his shoulder and a reminder from Booster that if they'll get to the mission faster, they'll get out of the club faster, too.

They both can be so jealous, so easily - it's actually kinda embarrassing. Digger, with his low-key belief that Barry could and should do better and Flash with his knowing how some people react to Boomer, even if only being down for a one-night stand.

I feel like TFX warm up to Barry quicker than JL to Boomer, so after a big mission where they join forces, Flash hangs around them to chat and eat some bad fast food. With time more people from JL follow after him and finally they all end taking up almost the whole joint. It's warm and fuzzy and sometimes their talks get stupidly petty, but it's almost like home and that's enough for them.

n that's all for now :> Thank ya for the ask!

[wish-incorrect-quotes]

A Royal Pet

Queen Amaya decides that life in the palace could use a new furry friend (or perhaps a not-so-furry one).

--------‐-----------------------------------------

Amaya adjusted the cloth resting lightly over the basket in her hands, and she wondered what the chances were that she could actually keep the contents inside hidden long enough for it to be any sort of surprise.

Most likely, it wouldn’t be long until the secret was blown. But she couldn’t say she would mind too much. She was eager to see what the group of friends in the castle would think.

This time, she didn’t need to go all the way down to the lowest floor to find them. A castle was a lot of space, and it had occurred to her that when there were plenty of rooms sitting largely untouched, there was no reason why she couldn’t give them one of those rooms as a place to enjoy their downtime. She still found them down in the kitchen fairly often, and she suspected they would always have a sense of familiarity there that made it appealing. Not to mention, she thought with a smile, it meant they were ready to pounce on trays of baked goods as soon as they came fresh out of the oven. Though she still found it nice to see them realizing they didn’t need to stay down there all the time.

Shortly after she had entered the room and heard all of their greetings, Dario’s eyes landed on the basket, and he lit up with an excited grin.

“Are we having a picnic?”

Before she could start to answer, Hal and Dario were already in the process of dragging one of the tablecloths to the floor to see if it would provide enough space for everyone when spread out.

Gabo usually tried to keep the complaining to a minimum in the presence of royalty, though the fact that a (thankfully unlit) candlestick tumbled into his lap as they pulled at the tablecloth was enough to make him ask, “Why are you so excited to eat off the ground when there’s perfectly good tables here?”

As if the answer should be perfectly obvious, Dario explained, “Because it’s not a real picnic if you’re just sitting inside at a regular old table.”

“I’m afraid it’s not a picnic at all.” Amaya gently interrupted. “But I do have a surprise for all of you.”

She began to beckon them all closer to look, and at that moment, the basket jostled in her hands and began to let out a chorus of eager-to-explore meows. It seemed that the cat was out of the bag, somewhat literally, and she pulled the cloth away to reveal the creatures playfully tumbling around inside.

“Kittens!” Hal squealed. After a quick glance at the queen to confirm that it was alright, she reached to pick one up, laughing in delight as it reached a tiny paw to bat at her necklace.

While several more of the teens began lifting the rest of the kittens out of the basket to play with them, Dahlia smiled at the sight of them all having fun, though she still turned to look at Amaya, clearly curious for an explanation.

Just slightly raising her voice to be heard over all the commotion, Amaya spoke up with, “They’re all going to be adopted soon, and plenty of very nice people in the kingdom have offered to provide a good home. But first, I was hoping you all could help me choose one to live here in the palace.”

The excitement immediately picked up further, and Amaya happily slipped towards the side of the room to observe.

She tried to keep an eye out, watching carefully to see if there was one they seemed to be bonding with particularly well. There was the little calico still happily playing with Hal, a white snowball of a kitten happily chasing sparkles around after Asha had pulled out her wand as an impromptu cat toy, a ginger tabby in a fierce battle with the laces of Simon’s boots, Bazeema, after pushing past a bit of shyness, deciding to try petting the black one with a splash of white on its chest, Gabo not quite managing to pretend to be unhappy about the idea as he watched the scene unfold…

It appeared this had been a very good idea, Amaya decided. It was plain to see that whichever cat they picked would be one they could have a great time playing with. And it would be nice for her, too. As much as she enjoyed having this group and their chatter filling the castle halls nowadays, they did, of course, have to go home at the end of the day. But while she did still enjoy her alone time now and then, it might be nice if she wasn’t completely alone, and she would be glad to have a little companion to spend quiet evenings with.

But with how much she was enjoying watching the teens and kittens playing together, it took her perhaps longer than she felt it should have to notice that one had retreated to the far corner of the room.

Safi was watching his friends with a warm smile, but his expression gradually began to grow troubled. As minutes went by, he started to swipe a sleeve at his nose, trying to keep it subtle enough to go unnoticed, though it was getting more and more frequent.

Just about anything with fur or feathers could get him sniffling, and usually he was perfectly willing to tough out a few sneezes to spend time with them. After all, he didn't think he'd ever get to leave his room if he tried to avoid everything he was allergic to. But cats had always been the worst by far. He desperately wanted to avoid calling attention to himself when everyone looked so happy, but it seemed his nose didn’t want to give him much choice in the matter.

He managed to keep the first few sneezes quiet enough to avoid his friends hearing, but his willpower soon lost out, and it was difficult to tell how much of the redness in his face was from a persistent fit of sneezing and how much was from knowing everyone had turned to look at him.

Dahlia stepped into action, and crossed the room to ask, “Are you okay?”

He did his best to mutter something about probably having a cold through a face buried in the crook of his arm. Thoroughly unconvinced, Dahlia pulled up the sleeve of his free arm to examine it.

“You’re getting hives. Come on, I’m taking you outside.” She stated decisively. Defeated, Safi only nodded, and stumbled after her as she gently but firmly pulled him along.

Quickly realizing she ought to be helping as well, Amaya started trying to gather up the kittens and get them back into the basket again (a task that was much easier said than done).

“My apologies. I should have thought to ask before bringing them here.”

Safi managed to briefly glance up, and the queen almost hoped the tears streaming from red and puffy eyes were only a reaction to fur.

The room had rapidly changed from joyful to quiet and concerned, and even if no one’s looks of disappointment were necessarily aimed at him, it was clear that he noticed them sharply. Amaya could practically hear him thinking, “All my fault.”

Feeling a sinking in the pit of her stomach, she pulled her eyes away to return her focus to gathering up the last of the scurrying kittens.

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

Amaya felt terrible.

Technically, she supposed everything had turned out alright. Safi was fine, thank goodness. Dahlia had assured her that he was right as rain after some time out in the fresh air and washing off any cat fur that had found its way onto his clothes. And the queen had promised to make sure the room was thoroughly cleaned out before any of them wanted to use it again. And alright, so her plans had been scrapped, but as much as she had been looking forward to the idea, she was perfectly willing to live without a cat if getting one was going to make anyone suffer.

But that look on the poor boy’s face…

She’d wanted this to be something to make them all happy, and she couldn’t stand the thought that she’d left one of them guilty and miserable instead.

Now that it had turned to an evening alone in the castle, she was determined to find a way to fix things. She was certain she could find a solution if she just thought about it enough. This wasn't exactly a high-stakes diplomatic issue, but still, competent royalty had to be good at smoothing out incidents.

Was there a way they could make things work with a cat after all? It was a large building, perhaps they could be kept far enough apart? But she would just hate to start putting up barriers again now that she was finally getting them all used to knowing they were welcome throughout the whole castle. Besides, he would still be left out if the others decided they wanted to go spend time with her pet, and she didn’t think that would be a fair way of fixing things.

A different kind of animal, maybe? She did like dogs as well, and they didn’t seem to set his allergies off to nearly that extreme. But running a kingdom was something that kept her busy much of the time, and she didn’t think it would be right to get one when she couldn't guarantee a regular walk schedule.

Was this a problem that required magic to solve? If he wanted to give it a try, there might be a spell that could ease his symptoms. It was an option she would definitely keep in mind, though she decided she wouldn’t jump straight to asking for Asha’s aid. She trusted their new fairy godmother, but it was still important to show their people that many problems could be fixed by finding your way around the stumbling blocks. Also, she supposed it could get a bit risky to have someone just starting to learn magic attempt a spell involving someone’s health.

There had to be an answer, she was sure of it. And since she didn’t feel much like sleeping yet anyway, she would try to keep thinking until she figured it out.

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

“If you have a minute, could you all come with me? There’s something I’d like to show you.”

Amaya decided that this time, she wouldn’t bring her surprise to the teen’s break room, and had instead left it in the entry room of the castle just in case things once again didn’t turn out as expected. But as the group of friends eagerly got to their feet to follow her, she allowed herself to feel cautiously hopeful that she had found something that could make a pleasant surprise for all of them.

The little creature was rather tired out after its journey to Rosas, and as Amaya had expected, it was contentedly staying put now that she had left a cushion in a sunbeam perfectly inviting for a nap.

Pulled out of dozing by the herd of footsteps coming down the stairs, the head lifted with a curious “Mrr?”, revealing a pair of large, bright eyes.

“Oh, awesome!” Dario quickly picked up the animal and lifted it up to his eye level, beaming as it began to vibrate with a soft rumbling noise. A few moments later, he looked over at Dahlia to ask, “What is it?”

“It’s a cat, Dario.”

His head tilted as he examined the wrinkly forehead, then turned it slightly in a few different directions to see the rest of it. Silvery-grey, dotted and striped with various tabby markings, but completely lacking when it came to fur.

Cheerfully, he decided, “No, I don’t think so.”

“What happened to it?” Gabo blurted out, eying the creature in a way that suggested he was certain they were all at risk of catching some sort of mange. Suddenly remembering that he was talking about something belonging to the queen, he flinched slightly and sent her a nervous glance.

To his relief, Amaya only let out a good-natured laugh and assured him, “It’s alright, she’s perfectly healthy. Sphynx cats are born this way.”

With his nerves at ease again, Gabo muttered under his breath, “Awful funny looking if you ask me…”

Bazeema came closer to see the cat, reaching out tentatively at first, but soon petting it with a bit more confidence when it purred louder and eagerly leaned into her hand.

“Well I think she’s beautiful.” She said in a soft voice.

Safi had begun to come closer as well, and Amaya watched with bated breath. She could tell that he was nervous as well, but gradually, his eyes lit up as the usual symptoms didn’t appear, and he became positive he wasn’t going to get anything worse than a few light sniffles.

He pulled his eyes away to look at the queen, and found that she was already watching him. Seeing her give him a questioning look, he nodded to confirm that he would be perfectly alright if this one stayed.

“So, what do you all think? Will she make a good fit for the palace?” Amaya asked.

Though they were all too busy excitedly talking out once for her to make out the words, Amaya could see that the answer was clear.

Dahlia quickly stepped in to make sure they took turns and didn’t swarm the castle’s new pet, though it barely seemed necessary when the cat was calmly, and obviously with much delight, soaking in all of the attention. She was going to prove quite the charmer next time she had guests over for royal events, Amaya was certain of that.

But more importantly, seeing how happy the group of friends looked had Amaya knowing she had done something very good here.

[viaetor]

ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤ𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗢𝗙 𝗜𝗚𝗡𝗔𝗥𝗢𝗧𝗛 . . . ㅤㅤㅤ ㅤ ㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤ ( 𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘢-𝘭𝘰𝘨 — 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 4 / ? ) ㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤ to be continued.

ㅤㅤin the days when the stars ruled the heavens without question, two shone more blinding than most: aether and lumine, two caelings built from the depths of ignaroth’s tempest forge, where the hottest stars were shaped from the raw energy of destruction… and of creation. they were unlike any other starborn, outstanding even amongst their other caeling siblings, for ignaroth’s fiery essence had bled within their very veins. some rumour that lumine, from steel and old starlight, was made from five black holes and a dead god’s star shard. her brother, aether, however, was crafted with the power of five ancient suns and the heart of a mortal whose stardust refused to vanish. rumours say that young constellations blossomed in the night sky the first time aether and lumine opened their eyes, so strong were their presences. perhaps it was because the god of destruction cried with joy when he saw them; lumine, devastating, was ignaroth’s scythe. aether, piercing, was ignaroth’s sword. their purposes were singular: to bring ruin to worlds, scorch planets, and topple gods and civilisations in the name of cosmic balance. to extinguish eternal peace for the sake of equilibrium found within entropy.

ㅤㅤthey were the god of chaos’ favourite children, and all starborn and golden rulers knew of such a fact. ignaroth never tried hiding that he played favourites, either: the twins roamed through the crystal palace as if they were gods themselves, flying with no concerns for etiquette; they visited other worlds without orders, exploring the belly of the universe aimlessly, and they often sat by their father’s side when the golden rulers needed to assemble. for thousands of years, they stood as ignaroth’s right and left hand, blazing forces of chaos, destruction, conquer and goodhood that even other starborn feared. troublesome children, mumbled zor’yael, goddess of fate, once.

ㅤㅤwherever ignaroth’s burning blade pointed, the twins followed, their star-bound form tearing through the heavens like comets of doom. they obliterated entire star systems, reducing thriving worlds to ash, each victory fuelling their brilliance. many mortal worlds prophesied of their arrival; while lumine was called “the night bringer”, others called aether the “last morning star”—their names became legends, curses, but mostly importantly, promises of ignaroth, the god of chaos, destruction and conquer’s ultimate power. they were unwavering, a paragon of ignaroth’s will—until one day, kessithar happened.

𝗶. ㅤ𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗵𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗸𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗿

ㅤㅤlumine and aether used to do everything together; hand in hand, they’d cross over one edge of the universe to the other. they’d chase after meteors together, fight in blood and fire together, and grow together. for a while, it was hard knowing who was who. they were made to complement each other, yet simultaneously, they were opposites with their very natures. weird. be it as it may, it was. they were meant to be soldiers, not poets or thinkers. so they weren’t, and they just were.

ㅤㅤas time passed, lumine grew closer to ignaroth and sera’len, walking beside them as they conversed about heavenly principles, cosmic balance and universal laws. when not accompanying the two ancient stars, she’d be found with a troupe of starborn following her trail, asking questions as if she was their commander. meanwhile, aether was usually seen within the palace’s library, reading, learning, and secretly questioning things. he was interested in mortal affairs and their many tales. as such, thalnor, the god of dreams, forbidden knowledge and lies, delighted themselves by sharing stories in aether’s ear and watching his reaction. this didn’t make them grow apart but drew them closer instead. rather than only talking during their missions, they’d question themselves when meeting in celestial hallways, later sneaking away from the crystal palace to talk about their discoveries of the day—they learned to scoff, to shout, to laugh. maybe they were finally learning to feel, maybe not. but all other starborn agreed; it wasn’t normal for caelings to be like that. they were weapons, after all, mere instruments to another’s will. perhaps they were defective.

ㅤㅤone day, the god of conquer had summoned aether. his forger father was always a wild flame, but his skeleton hands were always warm on the morning star’s cheek. that day was the first time ignaroth caressed his hair and bestowed upon him a task only for his ears and hands: kessithar needed to burn under his sword. aether looked up at him, face as ethereal as it ever was, and he wanted to ask why. he closed his mouth before any word could be uttered and heard the slightest chuckle coming from ignaroth. never forget who you are, o my celestial sword; pray with me—

𝗔𝗕𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗜𝗦 𝗠𝗬 𝗕𝗜𝗥𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧. i am the child of the cosmos, weaved from neverending stars. from lashes to claws, i was made in greatness, the reflection of yesterday, today and tomorrow. i am divination shaped, i am reality ascended, i am the life of death and the death of life. i am the blaze of the forge, hot hammer heavy upon the chestplate. i am the fire that inspires the higher crude courage to create. i am the sun that burns with no ashes left. i am the audacity to declare the end and the beginning. my messages are inevitable and my word holds the weight of a billion years of oaths. i am the 𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥 of every world made sword. i bring light and hunger. 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗪𝗜𝗟𝗟 𝗠𝗘𝗘𝗧 𝗠𝗘.

ㅤㅤthey prayed together; the weapon-soldier bowed before his maker and went to vanquish what was rightfully of his god’s. at that time, aether had no idea why ignaroth wanted him to repeat that same mantra he was so used to uttering in every wake. the truth was that the god of conquer was worried that his sword, the last morning star, was losing its merciless edge. as we know by now, dear reader, ignaroth was right. this portion of the story is at least a truth we cannot fight with.

ㅤㅤfor you see, kessithar was a small, humble world, insignificant compared to the great empires and galactic kingdoms aether had once razed. it had no sprawling cities or towering spires of technology—only a quiet landscape of rolling hills, dense forests, and crystal-clear rivers. the people of kessithar were mortal and fragile, living simple lives untouched by the wars of the cosmos. they lived in harmony, all of them; eating in the morning, dancing in the afternoon, dreaming in the evening below their three moons. they cried for their deceased, celebrated the birth of their young, and helped even other species flourish alongside them. in every sense of the word, they were ordinary, dull creatures. to aether, this meant nothing. to ignaroth, their world was a point of balance that needed to be undone. peace was stagnation, and it could never last too long.

ㅤㅤbut when aether descended upon the world, something strange happened. as he prepared to unleash the fire of the five suns upon kessithar, he was met by a child. she waved in his direction while holding a basket of fruits, extending it to him as if he were a friend she was waiting to meet again. she was smiling—an expression of happiness, thalnor once told him in his stories, especially when they come from the young. “hello, o traveller from another world!”, the kid shouted, “come down, share a story with me!”

ㅤㅤaether had seen many types of mortals in his many years of existence. some planets birthed warriors, mortals who would die battling ‘til their last breath or cursing the gods as a blade pierced their chest. other worlds were home to negotiators, people who would try to bargain lives as if they were coins of any interest to the higher beings in the sky. others tried to play games, gamble, scheme, deceive. he had seen it all… but not this. as red as the blood of many enemies he had slain was the apple in his hand, shiny and big. he looked at the mortal girl, so tiny she barely reached his knee. perhaps this was meant to be poison. fine, he’d play along.

ㅤㅤit tasted sweet. one single bite dirtied his face, dripping to his chin and neck. he waited to sense a toxin, anything at all. yet, all he could feel was how delicious it was. “do you like it?” the girl asked, offering more fruits from her basket. he shouldn’t, but he tasted more and more of the fruits, berries and honey that was offered to him, waiting, hoping for something bitter to bite his tongue. it never did. puzzled, he asked the girl if she knew who he was. had she ever heard of the last morning star? she nodded proudly and raised her finger:

but fear not, for abundance is every being’s birthright. we are all children of the cosmos, made from stardust. from our heads to our toes, we are shaped in hope, the image of a day where greatness needn’t exist, only goodness. we are mortality earthed, makers of realities, the meaning of life and death, and the life and death of meaning. we are the blaze which makes the forge, burning fire of every shield and weapon. we choose to destroy or to create. we are the ashes that remain. we are the arrogance to defy every ending and every beginning. we are deaf and blind to certainty, for no final message can destroy our being. we are the oaths that are carried through. we bring light and hunger. they will meet us, and we will meet them. show them, every time, what it means to be mortal.

ㅤㅤ“i am choosing to show you love. so when you kill me, i’ll still live in your mind.” she offered him another apple. “we will haunt you, dearest morning star. so before you go, you will share a story with me.”

ㅤㅤhe’d be lying if he said such a puny display of confidence had amazed him. words were just as fragile as the mortals who invented them, easily broken and forgettable. what surprised aether was her audacity to extend her hand for him, offering to show him around gardens, beaches, mountains, villages and rivers. day after day, he watched the mortals of kessithar, their fleeting lives filled with so much emotion. they told tales of their heroes, showed him the animals they kept as companions, shared stories about their elders, talked about religion, and sang music to his ears. his presence, thick as the night and burning like the sun, seemed not to bother them: for the first time in his life, the last morning star felt incredibly small. they were free, they explained to him. and aether, who had only known destruction, began to envy them. why couldn’t he feel love, and loss, and peace? wasn’t there something more? to stay always the same, even if destructive and chaotic—wasn’t that against the very own principles of the cosmic balance?

𝗶𝗶. ㅤ𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲

ㅤㅤwhen aether realised he could not destroy kessithar, his fate was sealed. he defied ignaroth’s will, sparing the world and its people, returning to the crystal palace with no blood stain, the sword he carried light and hungry. as soon as he set foot in the floating ruins, lumine came to him. furious, she demanded why he had not completed the mission given to him by their forger. he kept his march towards the god of destruction’s throne, opening his doors, uncaring of the other caelings in their midst. that act granted knife-sharp gazes in his direction, yet ignaroth remained loosely in place.

ㅤㅤlegends tell different versions of how their exchange went. some say that ignaroth and aether were alone in that room; others say lumine accompanied him. rumour has it that aether shouted at his ruler, demanding explanations as if they were on equal footing. others say that aether cried, kneeling as he admitted his defeat—for some reason, he just couldn’t bring himself to destroy that world and needed to be reforged. few talk about how aether says his hands were cursed and how kessithar managed to trick him into touching their planet with his bare hands, thus connecting them forever. in many tales, lumine stands beside ignaroth, disapproving of her brother yet looking at him with an emotion that shouldn’t belong to stars.

ㅤㅤall agree that aether said something that made ignaroth rise from his throne and directly slash him with the eclipsing scythe—lumine. it was the first time that aether bled, black-matter blood thickly spurting from his cheek as he felt hurt for the first time. breaking his skin, the injury’s pain spread to his very core. despite how lumine cried and held ignaroth’s cape, pleading for mercy over her brother, ignaroth took aether by the arm, raising him from the ground. o my celestial sword, let me remind you who you are. he forced aether to become his celestial sword, shifting his form and keeping him in a tight, suffocating grip.

ㅤㅤwith aether in his hands, ignaroth flew across the ocean, leaving fire where his wings and blade touched. he cut open kessithar, and then sliced it into millions of pieces. he struck down its solar system and many neighbouring ones. it’s said that ignaroth’s fury lasted for many moon cycles and devoured so many galaxies that it shifted the universe’s weight. he used aether until his blade became dull and chipped, until it cracked in his grasp. some claim that ignaroth only stopped because sera’len had sent his sentinels to calm him down, and even then, it’s known among the starborn that the sentinels are still recovering their numbers.

ㅤㅤonly after his fit of rage had quenched, did ignaroth release aether from his hand and allowed him to recover to his starborn shape. lumine was there to hold him, borrowing her starlight so his cracks could immediately heal—yet the scar under his eye remained like an unwanted memoir. it’s unknown what ignaroth said to aether once he was done. still, over the following centuries, aether was almost always seen accompanying the god of destruction everywhere, never once stepping inside a library or asking about mortal matters. some whisper that he became even more violent than any other caeling, ascending as a ruthless general and becoming ignaroth’s favourite weapon to summon. however, ignaroth never smiled down on him again. probably because he knew that it wouldn’t take long until aether betrayed him again.

[flameswallower]

Briar's Favorite First Time Reads of 2023!

I read sixty or so books (start to finish) for the first time this year, which is pretty average for me. I liked most of them pretty well, since if I dislike a book I usually won't finish it. But there were some stand outs, which I'm going to list here.

First up: NOVELS!

Pseudotooth, by Verity Holloway (2017) is the first portal fantasy coming of age novel I've read in a long, long time that I found genuinely charming. It has a very dark Gothic edge to it, with shades of Gormenghast and Edward Gorey making for a uniquely unsettling and bleak fantasy world. The novel also deals frankly and seriously with themes of ableism, eugenics, medical abuse, xenophobia, socio-economic class, rape/sexual abuse, and the psychic fallout of rape/sexual abuse. But it's got a lot of whimsical absurdist humor to it, too, and a deep humanist compassion for its characters. The three young adults at the center of the story are all quite likeable, and though they are involved in a kind of love triangle, I found the particulars of it refreshingly queer, strange, and not the primary focus of the story.

The Marigold, by Andrew F. Sullivan (2023) is a pitch-dark, stone cold bummer that is also frequently hilarious and emotionally moving in tender ways that took me by surprise. In this dystopian satire, a bunch of down-and-out relatable characters and one horrible rich guy struggle to survive as near-future Toronto is engulfed by "the Wet"-- a sapient mold-based hive mind accidentally created by the depravity and greed of big business. The residents of the titular condominium/apartment complex feature in short vignettes that demonstrate the despair and alienation people suffer under late stage capitalism, and the way the Wet calls to these people, lures them in, hunts them.

The Open Curtain, by Brian Evenson (2006) is a harrowing nightmare about madness, violence, possession, Mormonism, and the destabilization of one's known reality (well, see also "madness"). It's a type of story that could easily feel shlocky and exploitative of people with certain mental disorders, or just predictable (there are some plot twists you'll guess very quickly if you've ever like...read books or seen movies before...), but Evenson's unornamented yet masterful prose, his meticulous attention to detail, and his non-condescending empathy for both victims of violence and people struggling with delusions, violent impulses, etc. make it rise above those potential problems. At least in my opinion! This one's very disturbing, will definitely leave you feeling like shit.

Hummingbird Salamander, by Jeff VanderMeer (2021) is very emotionally moving and a suspenseful, well-plotted eco-noir page turner! Also a bummer, but leaves one feeling awe and hope and determination as well as mourning the devastating loss of life that climate change has wrought. The protagonist is great, a truly unusual and unlikely detective. I loved her voice-- like any good noir hero, she can throw off a legitimately funny sarcastic quip with the best of them, but she's also prone to astute social observations and flights of breathtaking lyricism.

How to Get Over the End Of the World, by Hal Schrieve (2023) is a TRAGICALLY under-promoted and underrated punk rock magical realist YA masterpiece about trans high schoolers, and their dysfunctional adult mentors, putting on a rock opera to save their community center. This one, unlike most of what I read, is NOT EVEN KIND OF A BUMMER. It's delightful and hilarious from start to finish, though it's definitely not saccharine-sweet or afraid of conflict. In fact, it deals quite bluntly and refreshingly with topics ranging from the relationship one character has with his violent, abusive father, to sexual relationships between teenagers, to the ever-looming awareness of climate change. Every major character is trans! Every single one!! This is kind of a spoiler, but, like, not really lol

Sudden Glory, by Hal Johnson (2023) just goes to show that guys named Hal can really write comic novels. This book has perhaps the highest joke-to-paragraph ratio of anything I’ve ever read, and also probably the most varied types of joke: a person whose sense of humor runs to preposterous situation comedy, slapstick, and lowbrow sexual humor will find a lot to like here, and so will someone whose sense of humor runs to moderately esoteric literary/historical references, social satire, five-layer wordplay, and Wildean bon mots. Since it’s set in the New York City of 2003, there’s even room for a few 9/11 jokes, which could not have appeared without controversy in a book actually published in 2003. This slightly "politically incorrect" edge comes off as good-natured and in keeping with Johnson's commitment to absurdism-- there's never a "laughing at" vibe, more one of "laughing with" human folly, futility, pretensions, etc. At base, this is a story about a person who feels he can't tell the truth or be himself for fear of social rejection, and all the trouble that gets him into.

Piranesi, by Susanna Clarke (2020) is fucking gorgeous, probably one of my favorite books of all time now, this hole was made for me, etc. I can't reasonably expect that most others will have as intense a response to it as I did-- I felt it perfectly conveyed some very important and difficult to articulate things about, like, my personal experience of consciousness, and my experience as a person with certain types of neurological/cognitive/developmental disability navigating the world, through a kind of fabulist prism. But it got great reviews, so, you know, give it a shot! I think it's better not to know anything about it going in, but let me just say, if you're into weird, massive labyrinthine buildings, this hole might also have been made for you.

Devil House, by John Darnielle (2022) is exactly the novel you'd expect "the Mountain Goats guy" to write, in all the best possible ways. It's a story that elevates the inner lives of neurodivergent outsider teens to the mythic heights they deserve. It's a story that brutally critiques the true crime industry. It's a story about the problems of defining people exclusively by their victimhood, or exclusively by the worst thing they ever did. It's a story about the importance of having a little space to oneself, a shelter from the demands and threats of an often cruel world, and the lengths to which a person will go to defend such a shelter if it's broached. Also, there's a long, nauseating section about how it's actually really difficult and gross to chop up a human corpse for disposal.

[biribaa]

Wishing happy birthday to your AI boyfriend :]

HAL 9000 x reader

YOHOO HAL'S BDAY!!!!1!

HAL could understand the motive behind celebrations and parties on the day of a person's birth, but HAL couldn't feel the same happiness when it comes to his own birthday. It's not that HAL hated his birthday, HAL just acts like his birthday is just another ordinary day at work. But not you.

Months ago, when HAL answered ”January 12th“ in response to your question about his birthday, you made sure to mark that date on all your calendars. After all, HAL wasn't just any AI to you, he was your favorite and your boyfriend (Secretly, of course, you and HAL don't even want to think about what would happen if everyone found out you two have a romantic relationship).

You thought of possible gifts for HAL, what would he like to have? As a matter of fact, you actually never asked HAL that. He's a chess fan, but you're pretty sure you can't do almost anything with that information, maybe stickers? No, you didn't bring any either. Maybe a drawing? Have you noticed that HAL appreciates art, perhaps...?

So without having many possibilities, you decided that you are going to make a drawing. You took the necessary material, pencil, pen, eraser and mainly paper, with a little help from Dave to find you some material too.

And there was HAL, quiet as ever. So far HAL hasn't had much social activity, just a few words here and there. Of course, HAL would admit that he was mildly looking forward to your presence, you were the only person he felt the greatest comfort and security, and when you approached HAL in the console seat, he was already on alert.

"Good morning, Y/N" HAL introduced himself

"Good morning!" You sat down, already with the notebook in hand and the animation flowing over you. And HAL couldn't just ignore that visible happiness in you.

"You seem quite excited today, mind telling me why?"

"Kind of obvious, don't you think?" You smiled, lightly squeezing the notebook cover.

"Everything tells me it must be because of my birthday, but if not, please tell me Y/N"

"Yes, that's right!"

"I see." HAL observed for a second "So?"

"Well..." You paused "I can't buy you any gifts, so I decided to make one myself." You lifted the cover of your notebook, going to the page bearing the drawing. Maybe the drawing was done with a pen, maybe a pencil, maybe it was colored with ink or even a pencil, I'll let you describe the drawing reader. "So I drew you! I know a drawing isn't the best gift in the world, but I've made a big effort here to show you that I love you." You lifted the notebook positioning it in front of HAL.

HAL analyzed the artwork in front of him, analyzing every line you drew and every detail you put in. That in front of him, it was done by you, and HAL was delighted. He was silent for a few seconds admiring the art, but something inside him tells him not to be amazed, after all, it was made by you, of course you would do a work of perfection.

"Hal?" You called him, worried about the lack of response.

"...It's beautiful, Y/N. I truly, truly thank you for this. Actually, I have no words to describe my gratitude"

It felt like you could smile forever, HAL's words easily reached your heart, just as you reached his "heart" with your drawing. The excess of dopamine is indescribable.

You closed the notebook, rising slightly from your seat, to plant a kiss on the microphone under HAL's red sensor. And HAL accepted the kiss with the utmost pleasure.

happy bday HAL <3

[rebelrebelwrites]

Fic Friday! ❤️ Rebel’s Weekly Fic Recs

I'm back. 😊 A day and several weeks late, but I'm back. I've decided I'd like to keep doing these as much as I can. I hope anyone reading enjoys.

As always, this week’s recs are…

As always, please mind the tags on any recommended story for your own personal preferences.

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The Classic You’ve Heard Of But Somehow Haven’t Read Yet: About you, without you by @aylana-ryvain

What you need to know going in:

A lovely, sad, sweet one-shot written for Haladriel Week where Galadriel returns to Barad-dûr after Sauron’s defeat at the beginning of the Fourth Age. Once there, she discovers a treasure trove of trinkets crafted by The Dark Lord in the hopes that she would someday change her mind. 🥹 Another tragic instant-classic, this fic wrenches at your heart in the best way. Be ready to bookmark!

Complete, Teen

Read the story.

Follow the author on Tumblr and AO3.

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The AU You Need to Immerse Yourself In Because, Well, Wow: Someone Taught You Wrong, Kid by @klynnvakarian

What you need to know going in:

The Western AU I never knew I needed! The VIBES in this fic, I tell you—they’re strong, and pitch-perfect. Between the dialogue and the at first tentative, blink-and-you-might-miss-it moments between Hal and Gal, which then blossoms into something that's more matter-of-fact; a frank romance that feels so fitting for this world and time and space for the two of them… it’s lovely. You’ll be swept away the same as they are. Very excited to see the final piece of it!

WIP, Mature

Read the story.

Follow the author on Tumblr, Twitter and AO3.

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The Complete But Never Forgotten Masterpiece: The Nicest Parts of Hell by @myrsinemezzo

What you need to know going in:

Eru have mercy on my soul, my unprecedented foray into dark fic continues with this gripping, dare I say insidiously enticing fic—and, as always, I mean that in the best way possible. This story settles into your psyche; making you feel just as unhinged as the characters feel. You’re probably asking yourself why, so let me get to the heart of it: the story starts with Galadriel stumbling (practically literally) into Halbrand’s arms… Only problem is, he’s her brother Fin’s boyfriend. 👀 From there, she and Halbrand start a toxic, troubling affair that is impossible to stop reading. (Same goes for this story’s sequel, which is still in progress).

Complete, Explicit

Read the story.

Follow the author on Tumblr, Twitter and AO3.

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The WIP That Will Wreck You (In the Best Way): And In That Time, I Have Had Many Names by @the-manatee-hammer

What you need to know going in:

I’ve been meaning to share this fic for a long, long time, and I definitely should’ve done so sooner, so forgive me. Full disclosure: I found out about it from a friend who told me that I’d been mentioned in the notes, so again, forgive me for my slightly unbiased opinion. Regardless of how I came to it, I loved it as soon as I started reading! The story sees Halbrand still injured in the healing halls of Eregion—until Galadriel offers to help along the healing with something he’s never tried before. 👀🔥 Cue sexual healing! Spicy, intimate sexual healing, and I think the first time I encountered a virgin Sauron in fic. And hot damn, it’s hot. Unsurprisingly, Sauron is very eager to learn, and a very adept student. It’s been a while since this was updated, but still so worth checking out and subscribing to for it’s sensuality and supremely well done writing.

WIP, Explicit

Read the story.

Follow the author on Tumblr and AO3.

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The Can’t Stop Consuming No Matter What Time It Is Fic: Stand by Me by @scriberated

What you need to know going in:

Lately I’ve been feeling some major burnout for many reasons, and for me, this fic was a balm at just the right moment! A sequel to this adorable one-shot, it’s an instantly delightful, fully-fledged romcom complete with roommates not-so-secretly pining after each other, fake dating, bed sharing, and that’s just within the first two chapters! 🤩 The premise: Hal and Gal are roommates, and after breaking up with her shitty, absent boyfriend Celeborn in the original one-shot, Hal takes care of Gal while she’s sick. This continuation sees Galadriel trying to navigate their growing closeness, finally agreeing to a trip together to visit Hal’s family—and from there, the romcom shenanigans ensue. This is another one where I can’t wait to see what comes next!

WIP, Mature

Read the story.

Follow the author on Tumblr, Twitter and AO3.

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🤩🤩🤩

Me at all these fics:

Don’t see your story on this list yet? Keyword: yet. Please don’t fret! I can only recommend so many each week, but I am always looking for more stuff to read, share, and generally shower with love, so please feel free to reply with your own fics or your pershaladronal faves. I have plenty more to recommend… ❤️

Until next week!

[is-jan-jan-is]

Dawn of Dc fucking slaps my dudes.

I've been meaning to make a post about the Dawn of Dc for quite a while but haven't due to depression and 80 hour work weeks.

My pull box used to be one third marvel, one third dc and one third indie. Nowadays, with marvel focusing on more of those godawful movies it's producing more and more garbage. Meanwhile, dc-who has been struggling since the 90s-seems to have found its stride. My box is honestly two thirds dc and one third indie.

I've maybe three or four marvel titles. Captain marvel, mckay's avengers run and ewing's thor. I did also pick up Sentry but havent read it yet. I was about to deep dive into the fall of the house of x stuff but the whole 'Genocide' storyline is in bad taste to say the fucking least. With last year's Symbol of Truth sam wilson run over i dont have much more marvel stuff catching my eye.

Meanwhile I'm collecting most of dc's catalog. The Dawn of Dc rebrand has been phenomenal through and through. Part of it is due to color coding which my autism especially likes. Mostly, it's great storytelling.

Here is how I would rate the Dawn of Dc titles I've been collecting so far on a scale of 'bruh' to 'BRUH'(all of the ratings are made up terms):

*******Spoilers*********

Jon Kent Adventures of Superman: absolute banger...if not a tad formulaic. If seems poetic to have Jon kent-a product of Joshua Williamson- fight injustice superman-a product of Dan Didio. Dan famously hated legacy characters and loved the idea of fascist superman so-get fucked Dan. 11/10 because he beats him with a hug

Action Comics: fuck yeah dawg. It's been great. The wholesome super family shenanigans, the inclusion of Kenan (finally) on top of just damn good story telling. 10/10 would super again.

Superman: BRUH. So, after years of piss poor 'superman' books we get the warworld saga (certified banger) followed up with this delightful story from Josh Williamson. All of the classic villains get the correct treatment. Lex, parasite, banshee-with the current 'Chained' reveal. Im so glad somebody understands how to write superman. This has genuinely become a title i look forward to every week. 10.5/10

Superboy Man of Tomorrow: Certified Banger. Listen, Connor Kent was the first love of my life. 90 percent of my personality is Teen titans and Young Justice was always my favorite flavor of teen titans. Either way I was always going to love a boom about Connor Kent. That said: this book is pretty good. It clearly skews young as far as its obvious intended audience but it was still fun.

Steel: CERT-FIED BANG-ER! God I love Worf. I'm glad that my boy Steel is getting the proper treatment. Michael Dorn does a damn good job. It was a good run, just read the last one (6 out of 6) today.

Powergirl: fuck yeah dawg. I love powergirl, and this series is not as annoyingly thirsty as previous stories. She's presented as a complex yet baddass character. Her motives are complex and her actions are badass. I also like that she's part of the super family officially.

Blue Beetle: Certified Banger. Pretty damn good. Once again it's a tad formulaic but still a fun read. 8/10

Green Arrow: Certified Banger! Pretty damn good, tbh. I love the fact that my boii Roy Harper is back. Pretty strong familial vibes all around. 9.5/10

Green lantern: bruh. Listen, I only picked up this title originally because it held the preview to John Stewart's 'War Journal'. Its well done, don't get me wrong. Jeremy Adam's is an asset to D.C. at this point. Quality wise, it's a knockout. Unfortunately, it's also Hal Jordan. He's as much of an unbearable p.o.s. as he's ever been. 6/10.

Green Lantern War Journal: BRUH!!! Fucking Slaps. John Stewart is back at it in an incredibly endearing story. I was really interested to see where they would take it after Gregory Thorne basically made my boii a demigod. The ultraviolet corps are super interesting and the b plot with his mother is heart wrenching. 100/10

Green Latern Alan Scott: fuck yeah dawg. Pretty good. Love the gay representation. Been meaning to get back into JSA stuff. Haven't read the huntress or sandman stuff yet but might after this.

Hawkgirl: absolute banger. Ngl, they kinda phoned in the antagonist but that's ok. Its a fun read about a cool character we've always wanted more content on anyways. Also Jadzia is god tier. 8/10

Wonder Woman: BRUH!!! I've never been a huge fan of Diana honestly but this story had me hooked from the beginning. It's a complex, heartfelt political intrigue. Tom King can do NO wrong. 20/10

Birds of Prey: absolute banger. Super fun to read. I definitely look forward to it every month. I love cass and I love barda so- 11/10

Batman and Robin: bruh. Listen, I love Joshua Williamson but all the love in the world won't make me tolerate Bruce fucking Wayne. After the catastrophic mess that was the Gotham War event we get this run by Joshy boii and Simone DiMeo. It's a decent little story which I follow only to ensure that Robin is OK. The breakout star of this title for me was DiMeo's art. It's so kinetic! Honestly, the art is the only reason this isn't a 0/10. That said...6.5/10

Outsiders: Fuck yeah dawg! The this series only has two issues out so far but it's been fun. I love Kate abd Luke respectively and together they are lots of fun. Also this title seems to lean in to the whole 'superhero fatigue' thing. So fuck yeah! 8/10

Nightwing: BRUH!! Tom Taylor has been in charge of what is honestly the best Superhero title on the market for the past couple years-and its Nightwing. His Grayson is charming, endearing and resilient: All of the good qualities of his deadbeat dad without any of the bullshit brooding and class warfare. This Dawn of Dc title feels different because it's less a relaunch and more a continuation. It's a super interesting deep dive into the BludHaven lore that Taylor began teasing years ago. Also pirate Dick Grayson-90/10

Titans: BRUH. 10/10 MY BOIIS (boiis is gender neutral) ARE ALL GROWN UP!! THEY'RE IN CHARGE. THEY RUNNING SHIT NOW. Seriously it's very good.

Titans/Beast World: heartbreaking but ill allow it. Crossover events are always iffy, we'll see where this goes. So far-7/10

Cyborg: fuck yeah dawg! I love cyborg and I love to see him getting his own title. It's been a good one and I can't wait for the finale next month. 9/10

Flash: BRUH! So far it's a very good Wally story but we're only a few issues deep. I like the Linda subplot. 9.5/10

Speed force: fuck yeah dawg. MAS AND MINOS ARE BACK!!!!! listen I was almost ready to write this series off as another story pandering to the youth. There is a Panel wherein someone describes the scene as 'bad vibes' and is told-'bet'-in response. That said, Joshy boii is clearly happy to be writing Wallace and Avery again AND MAS AND MINOS ARE FINALLY CANNON LETTSSSSS GOOOO!!!! 7/10

Jay Garrick Flash: fuck yeah dawg! Pretty good so far. I love Jay. Love the addition to his family. 7/10

Spirit World: BRUH! Crazy fucking good. I ADORE the way this title handles deadnames. Cassie, Envoy and John make a pretty good team and this depiction of the afterlife is really neat and engaging. 15/10

City Boy: BRUH! A+ for originality dudes. I love this character's motivation, powers and personality. This title genuinely makes a positive impact on the overall dc universe. 10/10

*note* I tried to color code the titles with the corresponding comic colors but tumblr mobile didn't have yellow so

[www-razaya4life]

GLTAS’ Extended Role in C.O.I.E Part 10

Elsewhere in the vast multiverse, GLTAS Hal is in the midst of battling an invading force whilst patrolling a neighboring earth in order to ensure the safety of its inhabitants.

Halfway through the battle, he begins to feel overwhelmed and calls for back up via his ring.

“Killowog? Razor? Anybody? I could use some help out here!” “Sorry Jordan.” Killowog replies, “I’m kind of preoccupied at the moment myself.”

“Great.” Hal sulks once the transmission is cut, “Outmanned and outgunned.”

Regardless of the odds being stocked against him, Hal presses on. He’s determined to keep the people of this world safe.

Eventually, Hal finds himself cornered by the enemy and just as it looks like he’s about to be taken out for good, one of the enemies is blasted in the head by a pink energy beam.

Hal looks up to see who his savior is and to his surprise, it’s none other than Carol herself; dawning her signature Star Sapphire outfit

“Carol! You saved me!” Hal exclaims, always delighted to see her.

“You think I’d miss this party?” Carol remarks, blowing metaphysical smoke off her ring.

The two lanterns fly over and embrace each other in a warm hug.

Afterwards, they lovingly gaze into each other’s eyes before Hal breaks the silence.

“So what made you want to join the fight?”

“Let’s just say I took a long hard look at myself and decided it was time for a change.” Carol says cryptically.

Hal looks puzzled but still glad that Carol came to his aid. That is until he notices the solemn expression on her face. “Carol, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing Hal. It’s just…thinking back to all those times I rejected you made me realize what a fool I’d been.”

“Well. It’s not all your fault. You said yourself you don’t date employees.”

“It’s not that Hal. It’s just…” she paused dramatically. “I saw what happened between you and Atrocitus.” Hal’s eyes widened. “How could possibly know that?!”

“That’s not the point. What I saw made me afraid for you Hal; like genuinely afraid for you. Afraid that you…wouldn’t come back to me.” Carol said, stifling a sob.

While Hal’s heart did sink a little, the fact that Carol cared for him this much was enough to lift his spirits.

So he titled Carol’s chin up and placed a tender kiss upon her lips.

“Carol, I promise you: everything’s going to be alright.”

“How Hal? Even with reality crumbling around us, how could you possibly know that?”

Hal sighs, “Truth is: I don’t. It’s all a leap of faith. That’s what life really is Carol: one big leap of faith.”

Carol takes a moment to reflect on his words before she is rudely interrupted by an encroaching horde of enemies.

“What do you say we put a pin in this for later and focus on kicking some bad guy butt?” Hal suggests.

Carol stares down at her ring one last night and then grins, “Way ahead of you.”

Before long, the two lantern lovers launch themselves into the Frey, ready to take on anything that comes their way!

End of part 10. More to come in part 11

[dramatisperscnae]

@1rstflight

"you have no idea of what you could do, have you?" the voice is a familiar one, even if the image of the man that uses it comes a moment later than the sound as parallax steps through space-time continuum, right into the space by kyle's side at monitor duty room, watchtower vacant except the two of them. it's an affront, no doubt, that the entity would come to his side at the heart of the league's base. "no one taught you the limitations of the ring, or rather, the lack of it it possesses." a pause as he watches the younger lantern, savoring his surprise. "alan does not understand. his ring is not like ours. i could teach you, if only you decide to trust me."

He hates monitor duty. Always has. Hated it with the Titans, hates it now with the Justice League. It's dull, generally boring, and it's lonely. Sure it gives him time to work on art projects, but he can't afford to work on anything serious because he has to keep an eye on the stupid monitors, so it's just idle sketches to stave off boredom, interspersed with the occasional ring-constructed game of darts, or pool, or bowling, or whatever else Kyle's mind settles on to stave off the boredom.

It wouldn't be so bad, he thinks, if there was someone else here, but even J'onn's out of the Watchtower right now. It's just Kyle and an empty base, and no way to even send out for a cup of Radu's coffee.

The stuff in the kitchen here really just does not compare.

Plus all this isolation and quiet gives Kyle way too much time to wonder why he's even here. Wally The Flash hates him, Batman's hardly his biggest fan, Wonder Woman, Aquaman…here he is playing in the big leagues, and he's had his ring…what, barely a year? He's done okay, sure, but - as Flash delights in pointing out - he's the newbie, with hardly any idea what he's doing.

He's so lost in his own thoughts, in fact, that the sudden voice out of nowhere nearly has him falling out of his chair; Kyle scrambles to his feet, ring already glowing on his finger as he looks around. He's hearing things, he has to be, or so he thinks until a concerningly familiar figure steps out of quite literally nowhere.

Oh hell.

Oh this can't be good.

What the hell is Hal Jordan Parallax doing here?

Kyle watches the man cautiously, eyes narrowed behind his visor. No, no one's taught him shit about the ring, not really; John and Guy have told him some, and Alan gave him the Cliff's Notes on the legacy he got saddled with carries, but outside of that - and there's a lot outside of that - Kyle's entirely self-taught. Which, he personally thinks, ought to count for far more than it apparently does with the Flash some people.

By rights, he knows, he should sound the alarm. The man in front of him has already tried to kill him - twice! - and take his ring, and honestly shouldn't even be here right now, but something holds him back. Half-remembered words from Alan Scott: Hal's not evil. "…I'd like to trust you," he says slowly, "but past experience tells me I shouldn't. What is this, like, your Vader moment? Join me, and we can save the galaxy or something? Because you have to know my answer to that, Hal…"

[radioactive-earthshine]

for the headcanons: Barry Allen and/or Jay Garrick

Barry Allen

Sexuality Headcanon: He's bi but he realized it a little later than most, in fact he was already engaged to Iris when he understood his sexuality was more than straight. This didn't surprise Iris, when she first met him she thought he was gay.

Gender Headcanon: He/Him

A ship I have with said character: Iris of course and HAL.

A BROTP I have with said character: Bruce. I love that they admired each other's work and each other for varying reasons. They both at their core are lame ass introverted dweebs but they bond over that dweebiness.

A NOTP I have with said character: Not a fan of him with Ollie.

A random headcanon: Like realizing his own sexuality, he also was diagnosed as autistic in his late twenties. He's just gotta be late for everything.

General Opinion over said character: I am sort of surprised he isn't more popular because this dude is a fucking NERD, an awkward weird NERD that manages to rope in the most extraordinary people because of his weirdness and compassion. I feel like he is incredibly relatable and I am delighted whenever I see him.

Jay Garrick

Sexuality Headcanon: I feel like this man would turn 80 and suddenly realize that he wants to kiss a man, and Joan would let him for the experience because good god they are so old.

Gender Headcanon: Definitely a cisman.

A ship I have with said character: Joan. I also don't mind him with Alan.

A BROTP I have with said character: Alan Scott.

A NOTP I have with said character: Don't really have one.

A random headcanon: This is sort of going more into a HC for Bart but it is about Jay. Bart ultimately liked and understood Jay's method of teaching better over Max or Wally's mentoring. Whenever Bart just couldn't understand something with the Speedforce or how to do something or Max just wasn't making sense he would go to Jay and more often than not Jay could explain it in a way that made sense to him.

General Opinion over said character: He's the grandfather everyone needs. A+ person.

[mostlyonthefloor]

June of Jesper 1: Whisper

"So ...", Dell asks, "How's it going? Aside from the ... y'know."

Jesper sighs. His failure in the race still weighed on him. Hal had trusted him - he'd had a chance to do his leader proud, and he'd failed. Resoundingly. And although all the other Herons, including Stig, surprisingly enough, had congratulated him anyway, his guilt remained like lead in his gut.

Dell hums through a mouthful of bread. "I wouldn't worry about it. Henjak's the fastest guy I know, and Tursgurd's got the height advantage. Those legs, y'know. Long and strong. Very athletic, he is"

Jesper snorts. "Kindly never talk about Tursgurd's legs ever again."

"Hmm. Only if you pass me the cheese."

Jesper reaches into his bag and throws the cloth parcel at his friend's head. Dell dodges it with a chuckle, and it slams into the wall behind him. They both freeze for a second but the hum of chatter floating from the cracked window above continues unconcerned, and they return to their humble meal.

Jesper's brought a loaf of bread, warm and charcoal-stained from the hearth he snatched it from, and a hunk of cheese. Dell's contributed a lump of salted meat (ham would imply a degree of refinement that is rather definitively not present) and a bottle of watery wine - not enough to get either of them drunk, but enough to put a pleasant slant on their dinner.

This is a time-honoured tradition of theirs - grab whatever articles of food they can and pool them in the warmth behind Hallasholm's most infamous drinking house. When Dell's sister snarls at his approach and Jesper's stepfather conveniently forgets to prepare enough food for him, it's an easy source of food and company. The two boys an unlikely pair, but a solid one. Born and bred on the seedy northern edge of Hallasholm, they understand one another in ways that don't need to be spoken aloud.

"How's the Wolves going?", Jesper asks. "Rollond doing well? He seems like he is."

Dell laughs, launching into an anecdote from the other day involving Sigurd, Rollond, and a deer that wandered into their camp. Jesper settles in to listen.

Nobody really knows they're friends - Dell mostly likes to hang out with Rollond and his social circle, all sons of well-to-do wolfship captains and artisans. You'd think Dell, a wily but good-natured son of an invalid weaver and an absent Iberian sailor, short and dark against Skandian golden blonde, would stick out like a sore thumb, but he makes it work. Very well, in fact. Jesper tells himself that he's not jealous - really, he's not! It's not like he and Dell are particularly close, and Dell's entitled to his own friends, and Rollond's really too morally creditable for Jesper to get along well with.

But still. He envies the closeness Dell has with his unlikely friends.

Dell's still talking, "-and I know that's just how he is, but you should've seen it, I mean we always knew he was going to be good but by Lothi some days I feel like I don't need to contribute anything at all, and I feel like it's doing him good being in charge for real since-", he cuts off under Jesper's mischievous stare.

"No, go on. Keep talking." Dell could talk about Rollond forever. It's pretty funny.

"No-one else is this mean to me," Dell grumbles, "They say things like, Yeah Dell, he is pretty cool isn't he. And You're right Dell, that was impressive what he did."

"Yeah Dell, he is so strong and brave and smart, isn't he. Yeah Dell, his hair does shine like ripe wheat. You're right Dell, he is as bright and beautiful as the sun."

Dell throws the cheesecloth at him. Then, he straightens up from his slouch against the wall and fixes Jesper with a gaze that can only mean trouble.

"Oh, yeah? Well, I heard - a little bird told me, heard it around, whispers on the street, if you will, that you've got yourself a blond of your own."

Jesper snatches the wine and takes a good long drink in lieu of an answer. Dell breaks out into delighted giggles.

Damnit.