#he's just a mess.

[traumxrei-archive]

【 trapped in a daze 】

summary: 'reaching out to you, i cannot have it; but i'm drawn to you' (or, the floydyuu college au that no one asked for but i delivered anyway >:D)

word count: 3.4k (yeah...intense brainrot...)

warnings: college au so all chars are aged up, depictions of drinking and throwing up, some cursing here and there, and. making out. haha.

a/n: this originally was supposed to be krista's request for the 600 followers event, but then it kinda evolved into an...entirely different thing.... this was also lowkey inspired by this song drunk-dazed. n e ways, i hope you enjoy ^^

It wasn't supposed to be like…this.

This being lips against their mouth, the distant blare of party music so far in the back of their consciousness because this kiss was so all-consuming and— Sevens, this was all but too much for their heart to handle.

Looking back at it, the only reason that Yuu had come to this party was to watch over their friends and make sure they didn't drink themselves into an early grave. Their whole plan was to sit in a corner somewhere and try to avoid getting alcohol splashed on them, or worse, thrown up on. But well, nothing ever went according to the plan, did it?

By the fourth hour of the party, the bass from the music was making their head throb. Yuu took a quick look around the room. Ace was chatting up a storm in the middle of a group of students, and Jack was on the other side, playing magnetic darts with Sebek. Deuce and Epel were playing Twister, and maybe it was time that they intervened lest they accidentally sprain something out of sheer stubbornness not to lose.

Yuu was slowly making their way through the crowd when their arm was tugged, almost hard enough to rip from its socket. They whirled around and— Floyd Leech was there, grinning at them coyly, "Shrimpy~ Where ya goin'?"

"I'm saving those two idiots from getting hangovers," They managed to wrestle their arm away from Floyd, who pouted lightly at their actions.

"You aren't going to play with me tonight?" Floyd's words were innocent, but the look in his eyes was anything but.

Yuu swallowed. Curse their past self for even promising the slippery eel anything— especially when that thing was a kiss. Sevens. What was past-them thinking?

Maybe they should rewind a bit. Back to the day that they had the absolute pleasure of meeting the infamous Floyd Leech.

They remembered it very clearly. He had caught their arm in the exact same careless way, demanding that they "played" with him with that stupidly handsome grin on his face. And— with the pretense that they were either going get into something shady, or worse, disappear from the face of the Twisted Wonderland— Yuu did what any normal person would do.

They had kicked him in the nuts. (Which, quite honestly, they do not regret.)

After seeing the university lanyard around the taller’s, or person-who-would-be-taller-if-he-wasn’t-keeling-over-in-pain’s neck, they had paled. They definitely weren’t about to add ‘physical assault of a fellow student’ onto their permanent record.

Yuu had apologized.

Profusely.

Over and over again.

(Something that they regretted because looking back at it, Floyd never once looked mad at them kicking him, only mildly amused. Now-Yuu wondered if it was all an act after all, a pitiful response to illicit their sympathy.)

But after all their efforts, Floyd still wouldn’t let them go. The clock was ticking; they had an important lecture to be at, but the menace wouldn’t let them budge an inch out of that hallway.

Instead, he proposed that terrible-horrible idea of letting him kiss them sometime. The logical side of their brain said it was a nonsense offer to kiss a stranger. But the part of their brain that wanted to leave this situation said that he was a stranger anyway and they would never have to meet him again. And, after all, they had kicked him in the balls on a Monday morning. So one kiss wasn't such an expensive price.

At least, that was what Yuu thought before their friends informed them of Floyd's notoriety. (“You promised the Floyd Leech a kiss?” Ace, of all people had exclaimed, “He literally almost chewed someone’s arm off last semester!”) Predictably, they spent every second after learning the fact regretting it ever since.

Floyd had hounded them day in and day out, and their pride was the only thing keeping them from giving in to his childish demands. Even though it was “just one kiss” they certainly did not want to see the smug satisfaction on Floyd’s irritatingly handsome face after he got what he wanted.

"Later, Floyd," The present Yuu acquiesced, forcing themself to relax slowly. The more they argued with Floyd, the more time wasted getting Deuce and Epel away from breaking all their bones on the Twister board.

"Imma hold you to that. No running, okay?" The eelmer had pressed an uncharacteristically soft hand to the top of their head, before stalking off in the opposite direction. The crowd seemed to part as he got near, and they would've been impressed if they were any other person. Instead, they sagely wished that they were one of the crowd who Floyd Leech didn’t know of. (Then again, would life have been boring without Floyd Leech? That they would never know.)

Now Floyd-less, Yuu made quick work of dragging Epel and Deuce to a couch near the more-sober-but-still-buzzed dart-throwing duo. All the while they both complained loudly about how they “would've won that Twister game” if not for their interference. (For reference, Yuu was quite sure they were on the losing team)

Deuce had snaked an arm around their waist, still arguing with Epel as the other was using their shoulder as a pillow. Meanwhile, Sebek had planted himself on the end of the couch, starting to lecture the two on "safe drinking habits" that the famed "Young Master" had taught him.

Yuu was definitely going to ask for compensation in the form of hard cash once all this was over.

"Could you guys...get off?" They pushed out, trying without success to untangle themself from the pile of drunk humans attached to them.

Jack chuckled, "There's no getting out of that mess without actual intervention."

"So intervene for me," They said sharply. Of course, Jack did nothing but back away, his tail swishing in mischief. The nerve. Even with his golden boy reputation, they didn’t get any special treatment.

And it was with that opportune timing the infamous Ace Trappola decided to grace them all with his presence. But before he could say anything, he was throwing up all over the front of their shirt.

Sevens. Of course, in a room full of strangers it had to be Ace who threw up all over them.

"Oh fuck," The ginger groaned, immediately collapsing to the ground. They sprung up immediately, assessing the damage. Aside from the horrible stickiness of their shirt, it seemed that Epel and Deuce somehow managed to avoid the spray.

"Disgusting," Deuce wrinkled his nose, latching onto Epel instead as they grabbed a handful of tissues from the table to wipe their shirt with.

Ace at least had the decency to look apologetic, "I'm so–"

"Just…don't drink anymore, get a glass of water instead," They dismissed the ginger's guilty stare. "I'm going to attempt to salvage my shirt. We're leaving soon, so Sebek, call a taxi." After making sure that Ace wasn't going to immediately retch again, they started their search for somewhere to wash the vomit off their shirt.

Yuu stumbled right into what looked to be a bathroom, sighing loudly as they ran their hands under the tap. It was just their luck that the bathroom was empty—

"Shrimpy?" The shower curtain slipped open, and sprawled out in the bathtub was fucking Floyd Leech.

What the actual fuck.

The night could not get any worse than this.

Actually, a part of them whispered, it could. Floyd could've had company. Now that would've been infinitely worse. But he was blessedly alone. (This would be the only time Yuu was glad that Floyd was alone.) The eelmer seemed to appraise them, mismatched eyes flicking down to their shirt, the still-running sink, and then back up to their face.

"I didn't throw up," Yuu said sharply, feeling the need to explain that they weren't that idiotic. And then they did a double take, because why would they need to explain themself to Floyd Leech? When they looked up again, Floyd was holding out the jacket he previously wore.

"Don't tell me you're gonna walk around in that all night?" The varsity jacket clinked as he shook it around, and they weighed out their options. The first option was to go home with a shirt half-soaked in Ace-puke. (Gross. Disgusting. Not to mention unsanitary.) And the second option was—

"My arm's getting ti~red~"

Yuu rolled their eyes. Typical Floyd, not even letting them finish a thought. They grabbed it out of his hands without a second thought. The jacket was simple enough with ‘Leech’ emblazoned across the back. And right below it was Floyd's basketball jersey number.

"Impressed?" Floyd prompted, casually propping his head on the tub. "You can have it if you want."

"No," The word was already flying out of their mouth before they could formulate a proper thought. They tried again, "What's the price for this?"

"Boo~ It's just a small favor," He stuck out his tongue. "I'm no Azul, y'know? 'Sides it was starting to get stuffy."

"You guys are close enough for me to be wary," They said curtly, stepping toward the other. It was an odd sight, Floyd looking up at them, still very much comfortable in the tub.

They dragged the shower curtain shut, "If I find you peeking—"

"I'm no perv, Shrimpy," Floyd laughed airily.

Yuu slipped off the stained shirt, running it under the water. Wiping at their torso, they eyed Floyd's jacket. At least it smelled clean, something like tequila and a sharp cologne tangling pleasantly in the air. They finally pulled it on. The jacket was ridiculously big. (Which made sense, considering that Floyd was a giant. Floyd and his twin, Jade, were notorious for somehow breaking the human limits of height. Then again, they weren’t exactly human, were they?) And it already felt ten times better than wearing the puke-shirt. Not like they would tell Floyd that.

And now they had a choice. They could just...leave. The door was unlocked, and Floyd couldn't see them. They would wash the jacket and give it back to Floyd on a later date and be on their merry way. But their conscience prickled slightly. (A terrible thing to happen, especially when it concerned Floyd.)

They dragged back the curtain once more.

Floyd's eyes opened sleepily, "Mmm, I thought you ran away again."

"Again?" They echoed, before backtracking. "No, wait, I just wanted to say thank you before I leave."

"So you were planning on running away," Floyd finally got up, ducking under the curtain bar and stepping out of the tub.

And then he froze. His eyes stayed pinned on their figure. And suddenly the bathroom felt a little too small. They didn't know what he was staring at, but it was starting to unnerve them the longer it went on.

"Um, Floyd...?"

That broke his stupor, lopsided grin returning, "Hey, that's the fourth time you've said my name."

Their brows furrowed, "You were counting—?”

"Could I get that kiss now?" Floyd asked. Their sentences and thoughts skidded to a halt at the wild pitch that was thrown their way. He was always interrupting them, one way or another.

"Now?"

"Now," Floyd said simply, and— since when was he that close to them? The little bastard. He had been slowly backing them up into the wall as they were trying to process everything. They were about to protest when he spoke again, "Or wouldja like me to kiss you in the middle of the cafeteria tomorrow? In front of everyone? That'd be nice too."

"Fine. Now," They sighed, their back hitting the tiled wall. "How do you wanna do this?"

Floyd hummed, "Do you always ask people 'how' they want to kiss you before kissing them?" One of his hands settled against the column of their neck, rubbing at the skin there. They just prayed that Floyd couldn’t feel the racing of their heartbeat against his fingers.

"I don't know, do I?" Yuu exhaled shakily from their mouth as Floyd's chest pressed against theirs. "Guess you'll have to ask the people I've kissed."

"Talking about others when I'm here?" Floyd's tone stayed low even as he whined, and in the dimness of the bathroom, they could see his dual-colored eyes spark with excitement. "I'm hurt, Shrimpy."

"Doesn't look that way to me," They muttered, eyes fluttering shut out of reflex as his hair brushed against their cheek.

Just as they thought Floyd would kiss them, he spoke again, "A young eel's heart is more complex than that."

Their eyes crept open, "Are you actually going to–"

Floyd didn't waste time interrupting them with his actions this time, finally capturing their lips with his own.

Floyd's lips were in no way soft or warm. No, instead he had no problem going against the cliches, his cold lips giving them goosebumps as he pressed in harder. They made a surprised noise when Floyd slipped his tongue into their mouth. There was the sweet aftertaste of tequila against their tongue, even as Floyd smirked against the kiss.

They could feel his teeth skirting dangerously along their lips before he finally bit down. A mangled sound was pulled out of their throat, their nerves singing at the sensation before they shoved hard at his chest, jostling him away.

"Hmm, too much for the first kiss?" Floyd asked, tilting his head sardonically. "But kissing's pretty on you, Shrimpy." Their breaths were coming out in harsh pants and it was annoying how unfazed Floyd looked.

"Did– Y-you bit me–" They tried to look at the bathroom mirror but Floyd's face was crowding against theirs once more.

"Okay, then let's try again," Floyd said lightly, his fingers coming to cup their face once more.

They kept their arm braced against his chest, "It was supposed one kiss."

"Hmm, was it?" Floyd tilted his head. "Well, do you wanna kiss me again, Shrimpy?"

Yuu pursed their lips, gaze subconsciously dropping to the curve of Floyd's mouth. Did they want to kiss Floyd Leech again? Maybe. Would they rather drown in a pool of tequila than admit it and give Floyd the satisfaction? Obviously.

Fuck, tequila. Their tongue swiped across their lips, and they could almost taste the sweet flavor of it.

"Tick tock, Shrimpy," Floyd's voice was a lot closer now, his head now nestled onto their shoulder. "I'm getting bored."

His lips traced over their jaw and they inhaled sharply, "If you're b-bored kiss someone else."

"Don't want those other minnows," Floyd mumbled against their neck, his teeth scraping over their skin. They shivered at the sensation before pressing a hand to their mouth.

"I..."

Yuu didn’t get to finish.

The door slammed open, and they made eye contact with a very confused-looking Deuce.

"Yuu? What are you–?" Deuce seemed to register the intimidating figure that was latched onto them at that moment, his eyes widening. Right. They never locked the door to the bathroom.

"Aha, it's that Macky that's always with you," Floyd said in a humorless tone. In fact, he seemed rather...pissed.

"T-the t-taxi’s here, w-we're going home," Deuce's eyes shifted nervously between them and Floyd, and oddly, down to their neck.

And just as Yuu was about to speak, Floyd spoke up once more, "Shrimpy's with me. So get lost before you get hurt~"

A bewildered expression crossed Deuce's face and Yuu just sighed. If they leave now, they probably didn’t have to see Floyd Leech ever again. Their “favor” had been repaid, and Floyd would have no reason to seek them out. It was the rational thing to do, right? But on the other hand…

Fuck being rational.

"What he said,” Yuu let their hand squeeze at Floyd’s shoulder. “If I don't come back tomorrow he probably disposed of my body in a dumpster, or whatever. Tell everyone to get home safely." And they could feel Floyd physically flinch at their agreement.

There was this overly delighted smile on his face as he pressed a kiss to their nose, "Shrimpy, what're you saying~? I'll take very good care not to hurt you, promise." And they belatedly wondered if they were still drunk from the singular cup of soju Ace handed them a few hours ago. Agreeing to stay with Floyd Leech was definitely not on their list of things to do today. But they already decided to follow their heart, right?

"Now scram, Macky."

Deuce did not need to be told twice. He turned on his heel and immediately shut the door behind him. Floyd strolled up and locked the door.

"Floyd."

"Mhm?"

"Don't actually murder me."

"I won't if you give me another kiss~"

Yuu huffed, their palm cradling Floyd’s face as they pulled him in, “You’re insufferable.”

And that was how they got there. Floyd’s lips were still insistent against theirs, albeit softer and gentler than before. He seemed to be intent on prying sigh after sigh from their lungs, clever lips smirking against their own. Thinking about it now, it wasn’t such a bad place to be, if only Floyd would shut up with his comments.

“Are we dating now?” Floyd murmured.

“We haven’t even gone on a date yet?” Yuu raised a brow as Floyd pressed his fingers against their neck for the nth time. “Wait— you like me?”

“Shrimpy, you’re playing with me,” Floyd’s giggles echoed against the walls. “'Course I do. Don’t you like me too? Isn’t that why you kissed me again?” Well. He got them there. Maybe it really was their petty pride that was getting in the way of them realizing the kind-of-massive crush they had on the other, with the way their cheeks felt hot at the insinuation.

“See~ You do~” Floyd’s smile was sharp before it was soft, but they couldn’t help but avoid his gaze. “And for the date, let’s go now.”

Now that got their attention, “Floyd, it’s probably 3am.”

“We’ll go to McDonald’s,” Floyd announced resolutely, and Yuu would’ve found it funny if they didn’t find it utterly ridiculous.

“You can’t just—” It was with that opportune timing that they caught a glimpse of themself in the mirror. “Floyd Leech. Did you give me a fucking hickey?” 

"Hmm?" Floyd met their gaze, grinning coyly. "But it seemed like you enjoyed it. And it looks good on you, Shrimpy."

They held in the scream threatening. to bubble up their throat, “That was why Deuce was— Oh, I’m never going to live this down.”

“What about McDonald’s though?” Floyd asked, all while they were having a stage three mental breakdown over the fact that one of their best friends had not only caught them making out with someone but with a hickey on their neck. Not to mention the jacket, it must've looked like they—

“Forget about McDonald’s, I’m going to die out of shame right here,” Yuu muttered, sliding down the wall slowly. Floyd must’ve found that amusing, because with the strength only an eelmer could muster, he hoisted them into his arms.

“You can’t die on me now. I’ll treat you to McDonald’s and you’ll be alright,” Floyd said cheerily, as if an oreo McFlurry could somehow magically fix Yuu’s reputation with their friends.

They clutched at his shoulder, “Nothing you can say will make any of this better.” 

“Really?” Floyd stopped, halfway through unlocking the door. “Y’know, earlier, I was staring at you, right? It was because you looked too good in my jacket. ‘S like it was made for you, or something?”

Whoever made Floyd Leech this flirty should really go to hell.

They delivered a swift palm to Floyd’s chin, hiding their face, “O-okay, I got it. You win. Let’s just go to McDonalds.” And there was this very satisfied look on Floyd’s face; the very definition of a cat that had gotten the cream all for himself. The exact smug look that they had been dreading to see. But well…it didn’t really feel too bad to be on the receiving end of it. Especially not when Floyd started humming happily under his breath.

Not exactly where they thought they would be by the end of the night, but if a trip to McDonald’s at 3am after a party was what a relationship with Floyd would be like, then they probably wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. Except maybe their reputation back. (Okay, that last part was definitely lie.)

thank you for reading this college au fic ! tbh i had a lot of fun writing a more expressive yuu ++ frat boy! floyd's shenanigans >:D if you'd like to read more of my stuff, come check out my masterlist <3

[biggest-gaudiest-patronuses]

historical drama/sitcom where two gay best friends (woman and man) get lavender married--and proceed to spend the Fancy European Honeymoon their parents paid for acting as each other's wingman

[otto-doctavius]

domesticated animal

[chloesimaginationthings]

RIP Michael Afton.. you would of loved FLAF

[spaceistheplaceart]

more ford and mabel bonding because i said so :)

bonus ford under the cut:

[zillychu]

get MOLTED, idiot

[eric-the-disposable-demon]

Uh-

just found out my cousin (who lives in England) is in the art department of a bunch of shows??? And she worked oN DOCTOR WHO? AND HAD LUNCH WITH DAVID TENNANT???? and she just told me so casually because she's interested in the art, not the show? I mean, excuse me? She worked on SHERLOCK???? FOR A WHOLE SEASON?? She worked on Peaky Blinders and Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones??? And probably other things because she has a shitty memory and according to her everything is a blur?? AND AT ONE POINT SHE WAS LIKE: "oh and have you ever heard of Neil Gaiman?" And I was trying not to scream, because yes, of course I've heard of Neil, he's only my favorite author, I've only read like all of his books multiple times, and if you say you worked on Good Omens or the Sandman I'm going to lose it completely. So I said "yeah I've read a couple of his books," -you know, like a liar- "what about him?" and she goes "well I worked on one of his shows and he's brilliant i just can't remember which one" and i go "w-what do you mean he's brilliant? You're.. you're talking about his writing... his writing is brilliant, right?" And she cheerfully says "oh no I don't read books, I ment he was really nice and brilliant when I talked to him" and i go "WHAT DID YOU TALK ABOUT WHAT DID YOU TALK ABOUT" and she thinks for a moment and goes "oh! BRICKS" WHAT IN THE WORLD YES NO THAT MAKES SENSE YOU GET TO WORK AND TALK WITH NEIL FUCKING GAIMAN AND YOU TALK ABOUT BRICKS? NO THAT'S TOTALLY NORMAL I'M NOT MAD ".... it was what I was designing at the time, I needed to know what vibe the bricks should have. Anyway want to see the spinning fireplace I made for doctor who" WHAT THE FUCK.

@neil-gaiman do you remember any brick conversations by any chance

[tiger-grace]

The Dark Knight, Batman, Mr. “I am the night” maintaining his mystery even while revealing his identity in a justice league meeting:

The JL: Bruce Wayne?!

His wayward children, who have scheduled a “Brucie Wayne” funniest moments and scandals compilation to kick on in about 30 seconds on the monitor:

The JL: … bruce wayne

[deadbaguette]

Dear children of Priam, were you doomed all along?

[hypewinter]

So the Ghost Zone counts as its own domain right? Then I propose foreign exchange student Danny Fenton.

He's very quiet and very smart but more importantly, he's pretty dodgy about his country or origin. He's never given a straight answer about where he comes from. Only saying things like "oh we're big on combat sports" or "technically we're a monarchy but there hasn't been a king since the last one was locked away for being a tyrant". It's to the point where students have made a running bet to see who can figure out Danny's country of origin first. And Tim plans to win that bet.

[turtleblogatlast]

Leo learns something about himself 🏳️‍⚧️

Based roughly on this old post.

Bonus:

[Leo is taking the fact that he was born biologically female simultaneously very well and also not so well but overall he’s mostly coping with the fact that it was Draxum that just essentially gave him the turtle equivalent of ‘The Talk’.]

[cassandracain52]

so I’ve seen lots of fics about Bruce coming back and finding out things like Tim loosing his spleen or Damian getting shot (on multiple occasions by different people) and he almost always finds out by either having dug into the Batcomputers records and stumbling across it or just seeing it on scans or something after Tim or Damian is injured

but imagine for a moment Bruce finds out, not on his own, but by the others telling him.

And by “tell him” I of course mean that they all automatically assume that he already knows about all of it(because he’s the worlds greatest detective so obviously they don’t need to say anything) so they never bring it up until they mention it one day in passing and nearly give him a heart attack.

for example:

Bruce: Tim, I need you to come with me to speak with Dr. Thompkins down at the clinic about that new drug that’s been circulating

Tim: Oh, sure thing, just let me grab my mask

[Bruce not saying anything but looking at him confused because Tim is already fully suited up and wearing his domino mask?]:

[Tim, now wearing a surgical face mask]: Ok, I’m ready! [Bruce just staring at him, waiting for some explanation. He doesn’t get one.]:

Bruce: Tim

Tim: hm?

Bruce: Why are you wearing a face mask..?

Tim: Oh! Well Dr. Thompkins got mad at me last time I came to the clinic without one because there’s a lot of sick people there and I should be more careful since I’m immunocompromised-

[Bruce, immediately cutting him off]: Wait, what?

[Tim, slightly confused]: She got mad at me when I didn’t wear one last time..?

[Bruce, equally confused and growing very concerned]: No, not that. You’re immunocompromised?

[Tim, now completely lost because this is all common knowledge?]: Uh, yeah??

[Bruce, even more concerned]: How??? What do you mean??

[Tim, getting annoyed and rolling his eyes]: Well that’s what they call you when you have no spleen, Bruce.

Bruce: What.

[Tim finally realizing that, just maybe, they skipped a step]: I have no spleen? It got stabbed so Ra’s took it

[Bruce, about to have an aneurysm]: RA’S DID WHAT-

______ Or like him finding out Damian had his entire spine replaced

Bruce: Hey, do you think it’s strange Damian’s so small?

Dick: No?? He’s ten?? Ten year olds are small?

[Bruce, audibly concerned]: No, I mean don’t you think he should have grown some by now? Is he not eating enough?

[Dick, immediately relaxing]: Oh, that? Yeah, it’s fine

[Bruce, still concerned]: Are you sure? I was taller than that at his age

[Dick, waving his hand dismissively]: Nah, he’s fine. I think the spine replacement just stunted his growth a bit

Bruce:…

Dick:..?

[Bruce, near hysterically because all his kids somehow keep losing pieces of their insides and none of them seem bothered by it??]: his wHAT- ____

Dick has to spend the next several hours trying to stop Bruce from making everyone do a mandatory medical examination so he can make sure none of his other kids are missing anything

Dick promises that it was just the two things

Bruce is not reassured

[chloesimaginationthings]

FNAF Gregory is NEVER getting unbanned at this rate

[lazylittledragon]

and they never talked about it again

(high res version for patr0ns!!)

[asthedeathoflight]

I think an underrated angle on 2x05 is something that either Jacob or Assad said in some interview somewhere, which is that in that episode Louis is addicted to heroin. Thats why he has that whole stash of drugs that he gives to Daniel, that's why he gives Daniel the drugs even though he's already got him alone. He didn't just use those 128 boys for sex he was using them to get high. Bring them home, get them to shoot up, and then drain them to get that secondhand high.

It clarifies something that's always confused me about that scene, which is why Armand saves Daniel the first time. He wouldn't save Daniel as a person, he clearly knows Daniel needs to die, but he's not seeing Daniel as a person there. Daniel is just a substance. He rips him away from Louis to stop him from using.

And i think that adds a whole other layer to the fight he and Armand have to think that this is Louis on a bender, with Armand cleaning up after him because he's not stable enough to. Louis in the bed for a week isn't just healing from the burns, he's going through withdrawal. Him at the table with Daniel giving him the "bright young reporter" speech is probably the first time he's been sober in months.

It adds another layer to Armand's desperation, that Louis has been running from both Armand and himself in this way, and of course Armand wants to erase that memory. Of course he wants to pretend that that fight never happened. Not just to protect himself but in a way to protect Louis from having said those things. When he describes the fight to Louis afterwards, he says "you said the worst things you've ever said to me." And he doesn't really know how to forgive Louis for that so he just wants to bury this rock-bottom moment and move on like it never happened. After all, Louis was high, he didn't really mean it, but if he remembers then maybe he might think that he had a point. Better to wipe the whole experience away.

[bet-on-me-13]

Danny commits to the Bit a bit too hard...

So! For the first few weeks after his accident, whenever Danny would try to help the people of Amity Park, he would be treated as a Villain.

No matter if he had just defeated the Big Bad of the Week or saved a Cat from a tree, everybody in town only saw him as a Monster or Villain to he feared and hunted down. Danny was really getting sick of trying to get them on his side, until Sam made a suggestion.

"Why not just...play into it?" She said, barely looking up from painting her nails.

It was just an offhand suggestion, but it stuck with Danny. Why shouldn't he lean into it? The people of Amity Park already saw Ghosts as Evil, and they already assumed he was in cahoots with the Ghosts attacking the town. Why shouldn't he just...play into it?

So he does just that.

From that day on, whenever Phantom was spotted he would dramatically monologue about his Evil Plans, or claim that another Rogues attack on the City was his own act of terror.

Box Ghost destroys the towns Warehouses? It was on his orders.

Ember mind controls masses of Teenagers? All part of his Plans somehow.

Every Adult in Town is kidnapped by Young Blood? Danny gave them over to a friend as a Gift.

He crafts an identity for himself as the most Vile and Horrible Ghost that has ever attacked the City, using his own infamy to cement his legend even more firmly. The town only sees a Monsterous Villain, who has eveded capture near effortlessly for months on end, who constantly attacks their City and gets away with it.

Of course he still needs an excuse for how his plans keep getting stopped, and he gets it when his girlfriend Valerie becomes the Red Huntress. Before that, he just claimed infighting or the Fentons getting lucky, but Valerie becoming the Town's Hero meant he had a plausible excuse for how he kept getting "Foiled".

Val was suspicious, because she was not as involved as Phantom painted her to be, but in the end she had no proof of him faking his defeats. And she couldn't come up with any explanations for why he would do that in the first place. I mean, who would fake being a Supervillain? It had to he something else.

This did come back to bite him a while later, when the Justice League decided that enough was enough, and dispatched Justice League Dark to recruit Red Huntress and help Deal with him.

Coincidentally, that was the same day Pariah Dark attacked the Mortal Realm and sucked Amity Park into the Ghost Zone.

And honestly? Danny had spent over a Year proclaiming himself as a Villain who commanded Ghosts to attack the Human Realm, and he had heard about the Right of Conquest being Absolute in the Ghost Zone, so why not make it official? Why not overthrow the Ghost King, become the Ghost King, and cement his identity as a Villain while also forbidding Ghosts from entering the Human Realm without his permission?

He may have gotten a bit carried away and forgotten that the Villain thing was a disguise...but hey! He was still preventing Ghost Attacks! ...mostly. That's got to count for something right?

He may have let the Bit run a bit too far...

...

Check the tags for more context!