#i was thinking back to how i need to update my s3 fic

[inevitably-johnlocked]

Howdy! I love all your fanfic recs, and was wondering. Do you happen to have any recs in which either Sherlock or John accidentally get drugged, do the other has to take care of him?

Hi Nonny!!!

I do!!! Actually I have enough fics to publish an updated new list, so I hope these please you! They're not EXACTLY what you're looking for, but I hope you'll like them anyway!!!

Enjoy!!

DRUGS AND DRUGGING Pt 3

See also:

Self Harm, Danger Nights, and Drugs

Drugs and Drugging Pt 2

DRUGS / DRUGGING Pt 3

Once Upon A Time by ProfessorSquirrell (T, 908 w., 1 Ch. || Family, Snippets of Life, Romance, Sherlock’s Mind Palace, Implied Drug Use, Angst with Happy Ending) – There is a room in Sherlock's mind palace where nothing gets deleted. And it looks like this...

Upon This Throne by ifonlynotnever (T, 1,773 w., 1 Ch. || Pre-TRF, Angst, Romance, Sherlock’s Mind Palace, Introspection, Imagery, Pining Sherlock, Drug Use, Passage of Time) – Inside Sherlock's mind is a Palace. Inside the Palace are many rooms. Within the largest room is the Throne. Upon the Throne sits the King.

changing tides by simplyclockwork (M, 5,983 w., 1 Ch. || Substance Use, Drug Relapse, High Sherlock, Sherlock Falls Down Stairs / Injury, Caring John, Drugs, Oblivious John, Hurt/Comfort, Angst With Happy Ending, Acceptance, Pre-Relationship, Addiction, Starting Over, Self-Destructive Behaviour, Drugged Hallucinations, Forehead Touching, Sherlock POV) – If Sherlock were to stop to think about it, he might wonder if he’s simply lonely. He doesn’t stop to think about it.

Abhorring the Dull Routine of Existence by ardenteurophile (T, 7,963 w., 3 Ch. || Stimulants, Humour, Friendship) – Or, a Week Spent on Artificial Stimulants. Sherlock overdoses on Red Bull, much to John's dismay.

There's So Much Labour Just in Breathing Lately by Susan (E, 12,708 w., 1 Ch. || Post-TRF / Mentions of S3 Events, Romance, Angst, Grief/Mourning, Grieving John, Mutual Pining, Meddling Mycroft, Therapy, Ambiguous Hopeful Ending, Infidelity) – The dreams he hated most – the ones that left him a sweating, shaking mess when he woke – were the ones in which Sherlock was just Sherlock. Laughing or drinking tea. Sitting across the table from him at Angelo’s eating pasta. Trailing his open hand behind him on the way to the bedroom. “C’mon, John. I’m about to have my way with you.”

Rupert Street by WritingOutLoud (M, 27,262 w., 9 Ch. || Alternate First Meeting || Case Fic, Sexuality, Demisexual Sherlock, Drugging, Smart John, Sherlock Has Internalized Biphobia, Fluff, Angst with Happy Ending, Gay Bar, Flirting, John Manipulates Sherlock to Eat, John Deduces, Arguments, Kidnapping/Torture, Hospitalization, John Whump) – Discharged from the war with nothing but the clothes on his back and a realisation of his bisexuality, John Watson has to learn who he’s become. He can’t afford London on an army pension, but the city is the only friend he has. In an effort to understand his newfound queer identity, he heads to a bar one night, where he stumbles across a mysterious stranger who turns his life upside down. ‘I dug around inside myself, and I'm not quite sure what I found, but it was beautiful and terrifying all at the same time.’

Domestic Matters by ohlooktheresabee (M, 29,404 w., 6 Ch. || Fantasy AU || First Meetings, Developing Relationship, Fluff and Angst, Domestic Fluff, BAMF Sherlock, BAMF John, Idiots in Love, Misunderstandings, Supernatural Elements, Implied / Referenced Child Abuse, Elf Sherlock, Human/Elf Politics, Emotional Abuse, Possessive Sherlock, Anxious Sherlock, Buddy Greg) – All flatmates need to work out domestic matters between them - who does the dishes, who takes out the rubbish, how often does the carpet need to be vacuumed - these are part and parcel of sharing a living space together. However, when you’re an elf and your flatmate is going to be a human you just met, this rather complicates things…Very loosely inspired by 'The Elves and The Shoemaker' by The Brothers Grimm.

Lucifer's Gardens by ampersand_ch (E, 32,679 w., 12 Ch. || Romance, Friendship, Friends to Lovers, Murder, Poison / Drugging, Mystery, John Undercover, Academic Club, Therapy, Rituals, Jungian Archetypes, Doctors & Physicians, Grief/Mourning, Esotericism, Hospitals, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Love Confessions, John Falls In Love With Another Man, Jealous Sherlock, Crying, Doctor John, Hand Holding, First Kiss/Time, Mysticism, Hugging, Touching) – John goes undercover for an investigation as a favour to Lestrade in a village in Suffolk. The events surrounding the case awaken deep-seated fears in Sherlock. While John begins to come to a realisation of what he needs in Lucifer's Gardens, Sherlock tries to find a way to reach John – in more ways than one. [TRANSLATION: GERMAN]

A Goose Quill Dipped in Venom by Polyphony (M, 52,748 w., 16 Ch. || Celebrity John AU || Alternate First Meeting, TV Host John, Supermodel Mary, Character Death, Mystery, Romance, Case Fic, First Kiss/Time, Meddling Mycroft, Drug Abuse, Doctor John, PDA, Deductions, POV Sherlock, Toplock, Sexual Tension, Angry/Rough Sex, Hopeful Ending, Asperger’s Sherlock) – Sherlock Holmes, consulting detective, is called in to a very ordinary although brutal murder. Something is badly out of tune with the whole scenario and Sherlock finds himself becoming more and more obsessed with the crime - and also with the victim.

Lunar Landscapes by J_Baillier (M, 57,046 w., 21 Ch. || PODFIC AVAILABLE || S3/TAB Fix-It, Slow Burn Angst, Drama, Hurt/Comfort, Confessions, Drugs, Pain, Medical, Injury, Sherlock Whump, Mental Health Issues, Panic Attacks, Romance, Secrets, Tragedy, Trauma, BAMF John, Doctor!John, Drug Addict Sherlock, Injured Sherlock, Grieving John, Idiots In Love,  Protective John, POV John Watson, PTSD Sherlock, Sherlock is a Mess, Medical Realism) – An accident forces John to face the fact that Sherlock's downward spiral had started long before his flight to exile even left the tarmac.

Spare Parts by Raina_at (E, 63,497 w., 10 Ch. || 24th Century / Futurism AU || Post TRF, Pre-TRF Relationship, Case Fic, Mutual Pining, Estrangement, Reconciliation, Science Fiction, Reunion, Nightmares, Angry John, Cybernetic John, Emotional Discussions / Heart to Heart, POV John, Scars, Past Drug Use, Forehead Touching, Emotional Lovemaking, Kissing, Apologies, Kidnapping, Rescue Mission, BAMF John, Bed Sharing, Top Sherlock) – Two years ago, Sherlock Holmes jumped off the roof of New London Hospital. Two months ago, he walked into John's clinic as if no time had passed at all. John hasn't seen him since. But then Sherlock knocks on John's door with a case he can't say no to, and while figuring out why the biggest manufacturer or synthetic limbs in the System is going after veterans, they also need to find out whether there's a way to fix what's broken between them. Part 1 of Realigning Gravity

Swallow the Night by ArwaMachine (E, 87,873 w., 15 Ch. || TSo3/Stag Night Fix It, TAB/S4 Divergence, Toplock, Mutual Pining, PWP, Drunk / Public Sex, Anal Fingering/Sex, Alcohol-Induced Amnesia, Everyone Knows Except Them, Emotional Love Confession, Demisexual Sherlock, Internalized Homophobia [John], Parentlock with Rosie, First Kiss, Drug Relapse, Infidelity, Texting, Masturbation, Oblivious John, Emotional Love Making, Angst with Happy Ending, Dreams and Nightmares) – “Do you know how long,” John panted, his cheek scraping against the wall, looking back at Sherlock through half-closed eyes, “I’ve wanted this?” Sherlock pressed himself against John’s back, biting at John’s ear. “Not nearly as long as I have,” he whispered.

Bakers with Benefits by Raina_at (E, 88,130 w., 14 Ch. || Great British Bake Off AU || Strangers to Lovers, Switchlock, Friends with Benefits, Mentions of Alcoholism / Past Drug Use, Banter, Flirting, Fluff, Light Angst, Semi-Public Sex, Past Sherlock/Victor, Mutual Pining, POV Sherlock, Obsessive Sherlock, John’s Bum) – Sherlock Holmes has a successful YouTube baking channel, but what he really wants is his own bakery. When an old friend sends him a call for the very first Great British Bake Off, he seizes the opportunity to finally win a sponsor for his bakery. Here's the plan: Win Bake Off, get the bakery, don't fall in love with the handsome Army doctor at the neighbouring station. Easy.

Northwest Passage by Kryptaria (E, 95,157 w., 27 Ch. || PODFIC AVAILABLE || Canadian AU || BAMF!John, Canadian John, PTSD, Anal / Oral Sex, Rimming, Emotional Hurt / Comfort, Drug Rehab, Falling in Love, Pining Sherlock, Love Confessions, Sherlock’s Violin, Panic Attacks, Switching, Anxious / Protective Sherlock, Hugs for Comfort, Suicide Mentions, Healing Each Other) – Seven years ago, Captain John Watson of the Canadian Forces Medical Service withdrew from society, seeking a simple, isolated life in the distant northern wilderness of Canada. Though he survives from one day to the next, he doesn't truly live until someone from his dark past calls in a favor and turns his world upside-down with the introduction of Sherlock Holmes." Part 1 of Tales from the Northwest

Drawn to Stars by Silvergirl (E, 109,272 w., 60 Ch. || S4 Compliant to TLD / TFP Doesn’t Exist, Sherlock’s Italian Adventure, Sherlock/OC and Johnlock, Jealous John, Mutual Pining, Misunderstandings, First Kiss/Time, Idiots in Love, 3 Part Story, Slow Burn, Inexperienced Sherlock, Bottom Sherlock, Introspection, Alternating First and Third Person POV, Separation and Reconciliation, Emotional Love Making, Love Confessions via Letters, Angst with Happy Ending) – After the Culverton Smith case Sherlock is clean, working, and looking for a romantic partner—since John has told him that’s what he needs. Shame John didn’t mention he was interested in that role himself, before Sherlock went off to Rome with a gorgeous Italian copper to try to fall in love and become a complete human being.  Part 1 of the Drawn to Stars series

The Lost Special: Family Matters (As Do Relationships) by  ShirleyCarlton (M, 144,688 w., 40 Ch. || S4 Fix It Fic / Meta Fic, Unreliable Narrator, John’s Mind Bungalow, Friends to Lovers, Happy Ending, Demisexual Sherlock, Holmes Family, John Whump, Gay Mycroft, Misunderstandings, Drug Addiction, Parenting, TFP is a Nightmare, Virgin Sherlock, Slow Burn, Minor Character Death, Switchlock, John’s Past, Sherlock’s Past, Eurus, Love Confessions) –Sherrinford is not really the name of some high security prison. That was just a figment of John’s frantic coma dream. And Eurus is not actually Sherlock’s sister. That’s just something random she said to John before shooting him. Sherlock and John were never actually estranged. That was just their act to cover up what really happened to Mary – or Rosamund Moran, as her real name has turned out to be. Sherlock does have a secret sibling, though, and his name is Sherrinford. After finally eliminating Moran – though in a rather dramatically different way than they had envisioned – and exposing the truth about Eurus, John encourages Sherlock to delve into his past and to find out whether the reasons to keep Sherrinford away from Sherlock were the right ones, and to discover what really happened in 1981. Along the way, Sherlock and John gradually, finally, stop keeping each other at a distance, and eventually become a proper family of their own.

Fallen Series by Belladonna_Q, mamishka (T, 222,094 w. across 3 works || Winglock || Angel!John, Angels & Demons, Faes, Christianity, Changelings) – In a world where myth, mystery, and the supernatural flourish beneath the veneer of modern civilization, Sherlock is a master of magic as well as science and deduction. But there are some things that he cannot see, riddles he cannot unravel, even when they walk right beside him in the form of one John Watson…

[danceswithsporks]

Calm - Part 8

Part 2 of 6 in The Complete Series

Wrecker x Seamstress!Reader

Parts 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Chapter Summary: Chai returns to Pabu with interesting news for all of you that will shake everything you’ve worked to repair.

Authors Note: Here we are! The second to last chapter before the end of this fic! I can’t believe we’re already almost there! I sadly don’t foresee the final part being finished before the premier of S3 of Bad Batch but I’ll def do my best to get it done soon!

If you haven’t seen my previous updates in regards to the final season! The events of The Complete Series have already been pre-planed and outlined for each fic! Nothing will change unless I find it massively imperative to the story!

Calm, well as calm as things can be when you’re making clothes to outfit an army. Or more directly ex-army. Somehow you’d been talked into supplying clothes, along with others, to Chai’s new business. She wouldn’t give too many details, apparently the less you knew the better, but she’d taken on supplying clothes to those who’d served in the war and their families. Wrecker had told you that they were important men to him and his brothers. It didn’t take a genius to figure out that they were mainly clones. There were those rare moments where you sent children's clothing as well that made you wonder who else was being helped. You didn’t push to find out. 

You were proud of Chai. It had been six months since Tech’s death and although things were rough in the beginning, she seemed to be doing better. She was helping those in need and running a successful business on an entirely different planet. At least you figured it was successful with how much you were being paid for making all this clothing. You could have sworn you’d heard Crosshair mention something about wealthy donors but once again, you didn’t push. If it was this much of a secret then you’d let Wrecker and the others keep it. All you knew was that those you cared for were helping those in need. That was enough for you. 

So when Chai returned suddenly to Pabu and asked to talk to you, you were a bit surprised. 

“C-Chai! What are you doing here?” Standing in the doorway of your home, you took in the almost frazzled look on her face. “Are you okay? What happened?” Your hand moved to her forehead where a healing cut could be seen. 

“I needed to leave. Can I come in?” She fidgeted slightly before stepping in when you moved to the side. Her eyes looked around at your home and she smiled softly at the signs of a family living here, not just you. On the dining table was a handmade clay vase that housed a bouquet. A few new holo-flats of you, Omega, and Wrecker had been added to the walls and a child’s jacket could be seen on the couch. “Omegas at school?”

“Yeah, Wrecker’s down at the docks helping bring it today's catch. Sounds like it was a good one if they needed his help.” You moved into the kitchen and grabbed the tart you’d made the night before and two plates. “Sorry about the mess. Omega had her first sleepover a few nights ago and we’re still recovering.” Five little girls did more damage than you thought possible. 

Chai followed behind you and grabbed two glasses and a pitcher of water from the fridge. “Wow, sounds like everyone’s settling in.” 

Placing the plates on the table, you nodded. “It’s taken some work, but I think we’re finally getting back to normal. Omega’s making a lot of friends at school and even Crosshair is settling in.” 

“Are they still having nightmares?” Chai placed the glasses down before taking a seat at the table, the bag she’d been carrying sat on the floor next to her leg. 

You chewed your lip for a moment before sighing softly and sitting down. “Periodically. But calming down after is getting easier.” 

“That’s good.” Pouring two glasses of water, Chai chewed her lip for a solid minute. It was clear there was something on her mind. 

“Chai. What’s going on?” You reached across the table and took one of her hands in yours. “What happened? How did you get this?” You pointed to the cut on her forehead. 

She reached up with her free hand and carefully touched the still-tender cut. “Fang. He attacked me behind the shop.” 

“What? I hope you taught him a lesson.” You moved to stand but felt yourself pulled back down. 

“I did my best but someone ended up stepping in and saving me.” Chai didn’t make eye contact with you as she spoke, clearly glossing over something. 

“You know that Crosshair and Hunter are going to demand you take self-defense lessons now, right?” Releasing her hand, you grabbed the knife and cut two slices of tart. All of the boys had taken on caring for Chai. No doubt feeling a sense of duty to protect her and be there for her in Techs sted. “Did you get the name of your savior? I hope you thanked him properly.” 

Chai watched as you placed a slice of tart on a plate and passed it to her before plating one for yourself. “It was…Tech.” 

Your hand froze over the piece of tart in front of you. “Wh-what?” You had to be hearing things. Maybe she said a different name? 

“It was Tech who saved me. He’s…alive.” The look of disbelief on your face seemed to match hers at the time. 

Blinking rapidly, you tried to focus on her words. She was being serious, wasn’t she? “Ch-Chai, are you sure? It’s not someone who looks like him?” 

Chai reached into her bag on the ground and grabbed her datapad. Tapping at the device pulled up the surveillance feed from the shop. She clicked on a saved file that showed the clone stepping in and saving her, his face clear and crisp on the screen. “Here. I couldn’t believe it at first either.” 

You took the datapad from her and watched as Tech tased the attacker before helping Chai stand and rush into her shop. “But wait, why are you here if he’s alive? Shouldn't you two be making up for lost time?” Passing the device back to her, you caught the way her bottom lip trembled. “Chai?” It was like a damn was broken, as soon as you said her name the girl broke into a fit of tears. 

“He doesn't remember me!” She covered her face with her hands and broke into loud sobs, her body shaking. “Kix says it’s a severe case of amnesia and there’s a possibility that he’ll never get his memories back!” 

Oh, that was a lot more than you were expecting. “Amnesia?” Stars, that was far worse than him just being dead. At least with him being dead, she could move on. With him alive and her knowing that he didn’t remember her it would be like torture. “Oh sweetie, I’m so sorry.” 

“I tried, I tried to just be normal with him. I made him tea and talked with him like we used to but” she sniffled and wiped at her face with the long sleeve of her shirt. 

“It wasn’t the same?” She nodded to you, making you frown. Standing you moved around the table and held your friend close. “There’s the chance he’ll remember one day. Right?” 

“Echo says it could come with time. I just...I couldn’t be around him. Not yet at least.” Her head shook against your shoulder. “Am I a coward?” 

“Shhh” You rubbed her shoulder gently. “Not in the slightest. You suffered more than the rest of us through all of us. I don’t think of you as a coward for leaving.” You tapped your teeth for a moment before continuing. “But I will think you a coward if you avoid him forever after this.” 

“Avoid who?” Wrecker stood in the doorway of your home with a smile and a large fish in tow. “Hey, Chai. Didn’t know you were coming for a visit.” 

“It’s not a visit.” She shifted awkwardly against you. How would she tell him that his brother was alive? From what you’d told her, he’d suffered harshly after the supposed death of his brother. “I’m moving back.” 

“Was it Kix? Did he overstep? I told him he needed to be careful with his flirting with you.” Wrecker shook his head disapprovingly before moving to the kitchen to place the fish in the fridge. 

Kix had a crush on her? She never noticed that. “Umm, no.” She wiped her face with her sleeve once more before pulling away from you slightly. “Kix has been nothing but a gentleman. They all have been.” 

Wrecker stepped out of the kitchen with that happy smile still plastered on his face. “That’s good to hear. Didn’t want to have to beat up my vod.” He chuckled deeply but found the gesture not returned. “What’s going on?” He looked at Chai closer and noticed the cut. “What happened? Is the shop okay?” 

“She was attacked behind the shop. By Fang.” You stroked your friend's arm gently before stepping away. You’d handle this. “But one of your brothers stepped in and saved her.” Stepping over to the man you loved, you grabbed one of his hands and looked up at him. 

“Which one? Gotta thank him.” Why were you looking at him like that? “Sarad? What is it?”

“You should sit down, Wrecker.” Stroking his hand gently, you took him over to the couch and watched as he sat down. That sweet, pure brown eye was staring at you with so much love. He was doing so well lately and now you were going to destroy all this progress. “Love, the brother that saved her was” You took a long deep breath. “My love, it was Tech.”

-*-

Wrecker watched as the same scene played over for the fifth time on Chai’s datapad. Tech. His vod. He was alive. “Tech��but how?” He looked at Chai who’d now taken a seat across from him while you sat safely next to him, a hand on his forearm.

“His repel line snagged on a service ladder. It helped cushion his fall.” Chai poked a fork at the tart still sitting uneaten on her plate. “His femur injury reopened from the fall and he developed amnesia. Some villagers found him and nursed him to health. Once he was healed, he left to try and figure out who he was.” 

“He found his way to Ord Mantell and to you. It’s a sign from the universe.” You leaned your head against Wrecker's arm and watched him press replay on the video once more. It was no surprise that he was shocked by the news. He’d watched his brother die. Had blamed himself for weeks over his death. If this was how he was then how would Omega be? 

“Will he get the memories back?” His eyes took in the way Tech carefully approached Chai after tasing Fang. It wasn’t the usual confident way Tech moved, this was timid and filled with nervous energy. How could Tech be alive? His brain just couldn’t seem to wrap around the knowledge. 

Chai picked up her glass of water and swirled it for a moment. Unable to look at the large clone before her. “Kix and Echo say there’s a chance they’ll never come back. But that’s a small chance. For now, we just need to not force anything. Let it all come back naturally.” Which she was doing amazing at by running. Maybe you were right, she was a coward. 

Tech could never remember them. If that happened then it would destroy Omega. “Omega can’t know. Not a word to her about any of this.” He placed the datapad down on the table and chewed his lip. “We need to tell Hunter and Cross. They deserve to know.” 

“How long can we keep something like this from her though? Surely one day someone would slip and reveal it. How mad would she be when that happened? How heartbroken?” Beside you, Wrecker shifted awkwardly in his seat, clearly uncomfortable with the idea of lying to Omega. It was clearly for her own sanity but still. 

This was something he needed to talk to Hunter about. He was their leader for a reason. “Just…nothing to her for now. Not until we have a plan.” Or Tech got his memories back. 

“We can invite Hunter and Crosshair over for dinner tonight.” You looked at Chai and smiled softly. “You’ll be there too. Once Omega goes to bed we can go over everything and see what they think.” 

Chai just wanted to go home and check in on her family. It had been months since she’d seen them last and she’d be lying if she said she hadn’t missed them. “Are you sure you need me?” When you nodded to her with a stern look, she knew there was no way out. “Alright.”  She moved to stand up but stopped when she heard the door open once more. “Oh, Omega.” 

“Chai!” The young blonde quickly ran across the room and hugged the woman tightly. “What are you doing here?” She could have sworn you’d said it would be a miracle if Chai came back anytime soon. 

“Just came back for a visit, that’s all.” Reaching into her bag, she pulled out a small container. “Brought ya something from an old friend.” 

Omega's eyes lit up and sparkled as she opened the container. “Mantell Mix! Thank you!” She excitedly jumped in place before turning to show Wrecker. For a brief moment, she found a serious look on her brother's face. But as fast as it had appeared, it was gone. How strange. “Wrecker look! So happy they let us out early.” 

You moved around the table and took Omega’s satchel from her. “Why did they send you home early?” It wasn’t like the school to let the kids out early. 

“The teacher droid said a storm is coming.” Omega popped another piece of mix into her mouth before moving around the table and sitting closest to the tart. She remembered you making it the night before and how delicious it looked. Silently, she pointed at the tart earning a smile and a head nod from you. Her eyes lit up at the silent permission you gave her and quickly she grabbed the knife and cut a slice. 

“Yeah, all the boats are being called back early. That’s why they sent me home.” Wrecker watched as Omega carefully cut a slice of tart and happily ate a small bite. 

“Storm, huh?” You walked over to the kitchen and grabbed your datapad. Sure enough, on the screen was a message from Shep to the entire island letting them know about the storm. “Looks like it’s gonna be a rough one. We should probably secure the shop and the house. With us being so high on the mountain we’re gonna get hit with the wind worse.” Already you could hear the wind picking up a bit. 

Wrecker stood and stretched carefully. “Chai, want me to walk ya home? Gonna check in on Hunter and Cross and invite them to hide out here for the night.” He looked at you. “If that’s ok, Sarad.” 

Already you were making a mental list of everything you’d need to do. There was fabric air drying that would need to be pulled in and patio furniture you’d need to secure. Wrecker asked you once more if it was ok for the boys to hide out at your place and you smiled. “You never need to ask, Wrecker. <strong> Our </strong> place is always open to your family.”  Strong arms wrapped around your body and pulled you close as a warm stubble-covered face rested against your cheek. 

“Thank you.” Came as a whisper from him and you knew it wasn’t simply for letting his brothers come over. With the news that you’d all just received, all any of you wanted was to be with those you cared for. Your arms wrapped around him and held him close. “Of course, my love.” 

Omega made a fake gagging sound as she watched the two of you. “You two are doing it again.” She watched as you smirked and rolled your eyes. 

Chai chuckled at Omega’s dramatic playfulness. “They do this a lot?” 

“All the time. Super lovey-dovey. Especially after they go on one of those long dates in the Marauder.” She bit into another piece of tart. The flavor exploded in her mouth as a berry popped. She giggled playfully as you gasped at her words. “Well, you guys do! For like three days after you two are extra kissy.” 

You hadn’t realized your trips to the waterfall with Wrecker lifted your mood so much that Omega noticed. Chai shot you a knowing smirk and you felt like you were going to die from embarrassment. “Good to know, Mega. How about you get started on your homework?” And give you a moment to not feel so embarrassed! 

“Don’t you need help securing the shop?” She took another bite of the treat in front of her, enjoying the way your cheeks were getting redder and the way Wrecker was trying not to laugh. 

Damn, you did need her help. “Uh, yeah. But I need to fold fabric and bring stuff in so it’ll be a bit before I need your help.” Beside you, the clone was shaking from trying to hide his laughter. It wasn’t funny…ok it was a little bit. You thought you’d been secretive about how the trips went but it seemed not. Stars, Doll was going to have a field day with this, and with the way Chai was looking at you? It seemed like she was going to tell the innkeeper as soon as she could. “Homework now and I’ll grab you when it’s time.” 

Omega nodded and stood with her now empty tray. “Okay.” She paused for a moment and looked at the three adults in the room. Something was going on. Things had felt tense and heavy when she walked in earlier but now it seemed fine. Maybe things were okay? But something in her stomach was telling her that they weren’t. It was that same feeling she’d had after they’d lost Tech. 

“Omega? You ok?” You walked over and took the plate from her while watching her carefully. The girl blinked a few times before shaking her head and nodding. 

“Y-yeah. Sorry. Can I take the mix with me?” She held up the container for you to see. 

“Just a little bit. Wrecker brought home a beautiful fish for dinner tonight. I figured you could help me make it after we get the house secured?” A strand of hair was brushed behind the girl's ear with your hand. The blonde locs were getting long. The length looked good on her. 

Brown eyes lit up and shined at you. “Yes! Of course!” She loved cooking with you and Wrecker! It was always so much fun! The feeling in her stomach disappeared slightly, now replaced with the excitement of helping you. She’d definitely finish her homework fast now. With a wave to everyone, Omega took off for her room. 

You waited until her door had shut before speaking to Wrecker and Chai. “Let the guys know we want them for dinner, but don’t tell them why. It’ll come as a shock to them too and it’s better if we do all of this as a family.” 

“Including Omega?” Chai looked down the hall to the extra rooms. The girl was so sweet and pure for everything she’d gone through in life. She could only imagine how this would make her feel.

Wrecker looked down at you and the two of you shared a silent look before he shook his head. “Not yet. Not until we have better news for her.” 

“Agreed. We can take a group vote tonight to see what Hunter and Crosshair think. But I feel that they’ll agree with us.” Walking over to Chai, you hugged her tightly. “I hope you’ll come back tonight for dinner.” 

Chai returned the hug while nodding. “Of course. As long as the storm doesn’t get too bad. I’ll be here.” 

Omega stood with her back against the door to her room, her ears straining a bit to hear what was being said. What were you guys not telling her? Why did you need to take a vote with Crosshair and Hunter? She heard the door open followed by the heavy footsteps of her brother. Whatever it was, she’d find out. 

-*-

“Stitches, dinner was amazing.” Hunter sat back with a satisfied sigh, his hand on his stomach. He had to admit that you were one hell of a cook. Wrecker was one lucky man to have you by his side. 

“I’m glad you enjoyed it. But it would have been nothing without that amazing fish Wrecker caught today.” With a happy hum, you stood and began to clear the dishes. 

Omega stood up quickly and grabbed some of the plates nearest her. “I’ve got it!” The longer she stayed up the more likely the adults would say something to her, right?

You watched in surprise as the young blonde grabbed the dishes in your hands and carried them towards the kitchen. “O-oh. Thanks, Omega.” It wasn’t uncommon for her to help you after dinner, but it was a surprise that she was so eager. Usually, you had to ask. You felt a tug on your wrist and found Wrecker pulling you back down into your seat.

“Seems like the kids settled in nicely.” Crosshair pulled a toothpick from his pocket and stuck it in his mouth. Arms crossed, he watched Omega place the dishes into the sink and turn in the water. “So, what’s going on? Why are you here, Chai?” 

Eyes flickered quickly to Crosshair as he asked his question. “Umm, perhaps we should wait until she’s asleep.” Your voice was low as you tilted your head towards the kitchen. 

Hunter chewed his lip while the sound of clinking dishes filled the room. “That important, huh?” When you nodded to him he sighed. “Should have known this wasn’t just a group dinner.” 

“We still have a reason to celebrate. Chai’s home. The gang’s almost completely back together. Just need Echo.” And Tech. But the others didn’t know that yet and the idea of him being able to join you all once more was still just that, an idea. If the amnesia was as bad as Chai was saying it was then it could truly be a long wait before he was truly back to you all. You caught the way Chai shot you a look. No doubt she wished you could say Tech's name as well. 

“If we’re gonna celebrate then we need some cake.” Wrecker proudly cheered, trying to keep the air light and joyful. The moment the others learned of Tech everything would change. 

You chuckled brightly while leaning against Wrecker. “Well, I didn’t make a cake. But Chai brought some macarons from the shop.”  

Chai smiled at you and pulled the round container from her bag. “Assorted flavors. Couldn’t decide on just one so I made a little of everything.” The lid popped off with a small hiss and the colorful rainbow of treats was now visible to all.

Reaching across the table, you snagged one of the pink ones and happily took a bite. “Mmm, Rosewater?” The flavor lightly danced across your tongue making you hum excitedly. 

“Of course. I know they’re your favorite.” Reaching into the container, Chai grabbed one of the yellow ones. “Omega! Come try some of these and let me know how they taste!” 

The sound of dishes clattering into the seat and the water suddenly turning off made those around the table chuckle. The blonde came running into the room with still-dripping hands as sweet chocolate eyes scanned the table for the aforementioned treats. You smiled brightly as she found them and quickly made a grab for one. Hunter reached out and gripped her wrist, mentioning that she should dry them first before touching the macarons. The girl made a defeated whine before wiping them on her pants quickly. Earning an eye roll from Hunter and Crosshair and a laugh from the others. You allowed yourself the moment to enjoy the happiness of your group, knowing that in roughly an hour it would all change. 

“So, Omega. How’s school been going?” Chai watched the child wiggle happily as she bit into one of the sweets. 

“Really good!” Omega bounced back and forth in a happy dance as she took another bite. “We learned about currents in the ocean and riptides. Lyana said that’s why we can’t go to the cove?” She looked at you and Chai for verification.  

You nodded while reaching for another macaron. “Yup. The current is too strong and will pull ya right out to sea. Usually, people use boats to get over there or if the tide is low enough then they swim over. But that’s rare these days. Especially since the tsunami.” 

Omega sighed dejectedly “Oh man. It sounds like a cool place. I wish I could see it.” 

“Oh, it’s the coolest. We used to spend so much time there a few years ago. Was the first place you showed me after my family moved here.” Chai ran her finger around the rim of her wine glass. The amber liquid within pairing nicely with the sweets she’d brought. “Isn’t that where you and Paolo-“

You feigned a coughing fit, stopping the woman from continuing her train of thought. She shot you a knowing smirk and it took everything in you not to fling a macaron at her. You loved her but damn did she know how to push your buttons. “Like Chai said, it’s a cool place. Maybe we’ll take you there when the weather gets better.” 

“Paolo, huh?” Wrecker smirked at you before leaning over and kissing your temple. “You’ll have to tell me more about him later.” He teased you with a grin while grabbing a treat for himself. It wasn’t hard to figure out where Chai had been going. He’d wondered who your first had been, seems like he’d just found out. As did the others. 

“Take it that the spot is popular with the teens and young adults of the island?” Crosshair raised a knowing eyebrow as he watched you and Chai redden at his question. When you nodded sheepishly he smirked. Perhaps his pretty little Doll would be up for a visit. 

“Why would it be popular for them?” Omega bit into her third macaron with a happy hum. Why was everyone looking at her like that? “Oh, is this another adult-only thing?” She hated being young. Even if she was technically older than the boys. 

You’d be flinging macarons at all of them at this rate. Omega was hearing far too much for someone her age. Clapping your hands loudly, you tried to change the topic “Omega, how about you show Chai the new decorations we added to your room?” 

Omega tilted her head as you changed the subject. She may be young but she wasn’t dumb. You wanted to talk about something else. “How old do I need to be to be able to talk about this stuff?” 

“18” 

“18”

“18”

“18”

“30”

Everyone looked at Hunter in surprise at the absurd number he’d just spit out. What? He wasn’t ready for any of these conversations with her yet. You’d mentioned to him something about the talk about puberty soon and he’d nearly passed out. “Uh, 18. Of course.” He feigned a laugh as the sound of the rain outside picked up. “Chai, these are delicious.” Hunter picked up a raspberry macaron and stuffed it into his mouth. He wasn’t cut out for this life.

Now Hunter was getting red! Omega giggled before stepping away from the table with two more macarons in her hand. “Come on, Chai. I’ll show you my room. We got these pretty star decorations that hang from the ceiling. I really like them.” 

You watched as Chai followed the girl down the hall while chatting about the new decorations. Thank goodness Omega tended to be easily distracted. Picking up your glass of wine, you took a slow sip and sighed. This was nice if only it would last all night.

-*-

“He’s alive?” Crosshair felt his heart race at the words. Alive. Tech was alive. Omega had been sent to bed and the group had retired to the shop to not wake the girl. Already he’d heard from Chai twice on how his brother had survived and yet he still couldn’t comprehend it. “Tech? You’re sure?” 

“Yes.” Chai passed her datapad to him, the video from earlier playing once more. “It’s him in every way possible.” Even if he wasn’t fully himself, it was him. 

Hunter leaned against the wall closest to the door with his arms crossed, a frown on his lips. “Kix is positive there’s nothing we can do?” The door was currently cracked open slightly allowing the smell of rain to waft into the shop. Outside the wind howled with the storm and thunder rang out in the distance. The smell of your shop and its fabrics mixed with the rain making his senses override. It was a curse, his heightened senses, made situations like this difficult. Tech was alive, his brother was alive and yet he couldn’t focus on it. It was like his brain was telling him it was all too much. That he needed other things in his mind. 

Chai shook her head quickly. “Nothing. He’s worried that if we push too hard we could cause more damage.” There was so much she’d wanted to try and yet she couldn’t risk him losing his memories forever. Something she equates to torture and thus why she’d returned to Pabu. Being around him, even for that little bit of time the first night, had been far too tempting. All she’d wanted to do was kiss him once more and yet she couldn’t. She’d lied to him, told him they had just been friends. 

“All we can do is support Tech and be here when he’s ready.” You leaned against Wrecker, his arms tight around your waist as the two of you sat with your back against the counter. “The real question concerns Omega. Do we tell her?”

“The kid’s been through a lot.” Crosshair pointed at Wrecker with his toothpick. “Ya said she had those nightmares for months.” 

“Yeah. A mix between Tech’s death and what happened on Mount Tantiss.” You felt Wreckers shift so one of his knees was up, it began to bounce nervously. Reaching out silently, you placed a hand on his knee to calm him. “She still has one every once in a while now, but it’s not as bad as it was and she’s gotten better at calming down on her own.” 

Hunter chewed his lip in thought for a moment. “We shouldn’t put her at risk then. Won’t be fair to the kid.” He didn’t like the idea of lying to her and keeping such important news a secret. It was clear on everyone’s faces that none of them did. “Echo still not answering?” 

Chai shook her head before tapping at your datapad in her lap. They’d been trying for the last hour to contact Echo and get his input on everything but had failed. She worried something had happened when not even Kix had answered her call. “Somethings wrong.” 

“Something bad?” You continued to hold Wrecker's knee still, able to feel the tensing of it as he tried to bounce it. 

“They would have triggered one of our alarms if it was really bad. I would have gotten a notification.” What if it was Tech? What if something had happened to him? What if … he’d left? Would it be considered her fault if he did? Chai shook her head before trying Echo once more, this time from her datapad. After a few moments, the call still wasn’t answered. Sighing, Chai placed the datapad down. “Looks like it’s up to us. I vote we keep it a secret until he remembers her.” 

Crosshair and Hunter both shared a look before nodding in unison. “Agreed.” Came in dual voices. 

Wrecker swallowed loudly before nodding as well. “Yeah. Sounds like a smart idea.” 

Thunder cracked loudly outside making you jump slightly. “Then we’re all on board with this. Until Tech remembers her, Omega will not know he’s alive.” 

“What?” A soaked Omega stood in the doorway of your shop, a shocked Hunter staring down at her. “H-He’s alive and you weren’t going to tell me?” She hadn’t been able to sleep knowing you were all keeping something from her. Tech had once taught her that water could wash away one’s scent and thus made it harder for Hunter to track, a lesson that she’d used to her advantage. Sneaking out to your shop had been easy and she had silently thanked the universe for the door being cracked open. She hadn’t caught the entirety of the conversations, just the end, but it had been enough. 

“Omega!” You jumped up at the sight of the soaked girl. “Look at you.” Turning around you grabbed a pile of fabric off the shelf and ran over to her, ready to wrap the material around her and dry her off. “You’ll get sick if you stay drenched lik-“Your words were cut off as she moved away from you angrily. 

“I trusted you!” Her brown eyes shook with a mix of anger and sadness. “You were just going to lie to me? For how long? A week? A month? Forever?” 

You shook your head quickly as you stepped towards the girl once more. “Omega, it’s not that simple. We…”

“Why should I trust what you have to say?” She looked at everyone in the room. “Why should I trust any of you?” With that she turned and bolted out of the front of the shop and down the path, her bare feet sliding slightly against the cold cobblestones.

Instantly you were racing after her, the cold sting of the powerful rain whipping across your cheeks. “Omega!” Where was she going? 

Wrecker and the others weren’t too far behind you. It had taken them all a moment to process what had happened before they were moving and running down the path calling out for her as well. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen her act this way. Running off recklessly into a storm. “Omega! Stitches!” He called for you both loudly, his voice booming like thunder. 

Omega wasn’t sure where she was running to but she allowed her legs to carry her wherever they desired. How could all of you agree to lie to her? Keep from her that her brother was alive? Alive. Tech was alive! But he didn’t remember her? Wasn’t that what you’d been saying? That you’d keep the secret until he remembered her? How could he forget her? After everything they’d been through together. The past conversations with him ran through her head, especially the one in the cave after the mining incident. “Tech … ” tears mixed with rain as the girl continued down the path and now towards a destination. 

“Omega, please!” She turned left off the path and suddenly you understood where she was heading. “Omega! Stop! It’s too dangerous!” Behind you, Wrecker's voice boomed as he called out for the both of you. The path turned from cobblestones to mud and grass as you followed her toward the cliff overlooking the cove. You hadn’t had time to put shoes on and thus the thick mud was now sticking to your feet giving you some resistance. “Ome-“ you gasped before tumbling forward and the feeling of fire shot through your ankle. You landed in the mud with a hiss and swore loudly. Looking at what had tripped you, you found a sharp rock jutting out of the earth. Pain shot through your ankle as you tried to fight back tears. 

Wrecker was just barely far enough behind you to not see you trip due to the downpour showering the island with a wall of water, so when he found you sitting on the ground with mud on your face and your hand around your ankle he was shocked. “Sarad! Are you ok?” He yelled to you over the rain and thunder. Taking a closer look at your ankle he noticed red seeping from between your fingers. “You're hurt!” 

“Don’t worry about me! Get Omega! She’s heading towards the cove!” Fuck your ankle hurt. You watched as he gave you a nervous look. “Go, Wrecker!” 

“I … but your ankle. Are you sure?” When you nodded to him he kissed the top of your head quickly before taking off once more in the direction that Omega had run. Hunter and the others had to be close. “Omega! Stop!” 

“Leave me alone!” Omega yelled over her shoulder as she continued down the path. Where was the turn-off towards the beach? It was so hard to see with all this wind and rain. Suddenly, the ground tapered to a point making Omega fumble to stop. With a screech, she slipped in the mud and went over the edge. “Wrecker!! Help!” Her hands gripped a large root sticking out of the mud. Below her, the waves of the ocean crashed against the rocks and licked at her ankles. If she fell she’d be swallowed by waves and pulled out to sea. 

Wrecker heard her before he finally saw her. It was like a flash from the past. She hung from a root with fear in her eyes. Below her, the sea churned and reached for her like some terrible monster. Instantly he was back on that broken rail cart staring down at Tech. His brother hanging from a repel line for dear life as troopers fired upon them. The height wasn’t nearly the same but it still threatened to push him away from the edge. No, he’d worked too hard with you to face these fears. If it came to it he’d jump from their ledge to her. He’d lost Tech that day, he wouldn’t lose Omega. Reaching down, he gripped her wet hand tightly. “I’ve got you, Omega! Just hold on.” The crash of the sea below and the thunder and rain above mixed into a deafening roar that nearly drowned his voice out as he tried to find a better grip on the child. She’d weigh nothing to him and he knew as much, but it was finding a grip. 

Omega scrambled to cling to Wrecker's large arm that offered safety, both hands letting go of the root and holding onto his hand instead. She felt herself move as he began to pull her up and a sigh of relief left her lips. Her hands slipped from Wreckers, the mix of mud and rain making it too hard to hold onto. A scream left her as her eyes closed and she braced for the icy grip of the deadly waves below. 

“No!” Not this time. He wouldn’t lose another family member. His hand shot out and gripped the first thing he felt, her shirt. With an angry yell, he allowed his body weight to pull them both back and thud into the sticky wet mud.

Warmth, fabric, safety. Omega opened her eyes and found herself in the protective grasp of her brother, both of them safe on the ground. He’d saved her, ripped her straight from the air, and certain death of the angry sea below. 

Hunter and Crosshair both supported you on one of their shoulders as the three of you finally caught up with Omega and Wrecker. A red bandana was currently wrapped around your ankle to staunch the flow of blood and protect it from any more mud. Crosshair was positive it was broken, Hunter was hopeful it was just a sprain. They’d wanted to sit and wait for Chai to run and grab one of her brothers to help get you back to the shop while they went after their siblings but you’d been decidedly against it. This was partially your fault. You should help get her back. 

“He got her.” You let out a relieved sigh at the sight of Omega in Wrecker's arms. The girl's face was currently buried in the clone's chest as her body shook, a sign she was crying. 

“Here, hold onto her. I’ll let them know you're ok.” Hunter passed you to Crosshair and nodded to you before walking carefully toward the other two. 

“So, you and Doll?” A knowing smirk was passed from you to Crosshair who rolled his eyes. 

Crosshair shifted you in his hold while chuckling deeply. “You do know I could release you and let you fall into the mud, right?” 

-*-

“There. Nice and clean.” You ran the towel over Omega locs one final time before placing the towel down and covering the girl with a blanket. You’d all been out in the mud, wind, and rain for far longer than necessary, you wouldn’t be surprised if one of you got sick. Once you’d all returned to your home it had been a few rounds of everyone showering before Crosshair took a look at your ankle. Hunter had been right, it was sprained. Much to everyone’s relief. Until the storm subsided and you were able to get to the island doctor you’d need to be off of it. Something that Wrecker was diligently seeing to. Omega knelt in front of you on the floor while you rested on the couch with your foot propped on a pillow. A blanket was laid over your lap and one of Wrecker's large long-sleeve shirts enveloped your body in a warm embrace. The big clone himself was in the kitchen making all of you warm drinks, also worried about someone getting sick. 

Omega chewed her lip as your fingers began to run through her hair, the feeling making her relax slightly. “Thank you, Stitches.” She heard you whisper ‘You’re welcome’ and the room soon fell into silence again. It was five minutes before anyone said anything, the silence being broken by Wrecker stepping in with a tray of hot milk and honey. Carefully the mug was pulled from the tray and Omega allowed the warmth of the mug to radiate through her body before finally taking a sip. The warmth of the sweet and creamy drink raced through her body in a calming surge. She needed this. The warmth gave her the courage to speak finally. “Were you really going to keep it from me?” 

You’d wondered how long it was going to be before she said something. Looking around the room at the others, you took a sip of your drink before sighing. “Sweetie, there’s something you need to understand.” The figure in front of you moved and turned around to face you. Those sweet brown eyes stared into your eyes making your heart twist. How could you have thought about lying to such an innocent child? Yes, you’d been doing it to protect her from the pain of knowing the truth. But Omega was smart for her age, she understood things better than most. You’d fallen into the trap of seeing her as a child when she was in fact an advanced clone. “Tech has a severe case of amnesia.” 

“Like Gregor had?” She looked at Hunter who nodded. “Well, that’s good then, isn’t it? Gregor got his memories back. I helped Nala Se look him over when he returned to Kamino.”  Omega looked at everyone with a happy energy. “We just need to support him and be there to help him remember, right?” 

The way she seemed so hopeful at the prospect hurt the clone Sargent’s heart. “That’s just it. It’s been six months and he hasn’t remembered anything. Kix and Echo are concerned that he may not remember anything at all.” Hunter placed the warm drink he’d taken from Wrecker down on the table. “Ever.” 

“O-Oh.” She knew all of this, didn’t she? She’d researched amnesia after hearing about Gregor and had read as much as she could. That's how she knew about being there for him and helping him to remember. No matter how she tried to search her memories though she couldn’t seem to remember anything else. 

You watched as her bottom lip slowly began to tremble. “Oh, sweetie. It’ll be ok.” Moving to get off the couch, you felt Wrecker's protective hand on your shoulder silently telling you not to move. Instead, he reached down, easily picked Omega up, and hugged her tightly. The little clone's face buried into Wrecker's chest as sobs ripped from her once more. 

Chai stood from the opposite couch and walked over to Omega. Gently she stroked her back and shushed her. “When I found out I felt the same way you’re feeling. How could I even be around him knowing he didn’t remember me?” You cleared your throat next to her and she raised her hand to calm you. She was going somewhere with this. “But Echo talked to me and told me something that put things into perspective for me. Would you like to hear what it was?” 

Omega turned her face from Wrecker's chest and looked at Chai. “Y-yes.” Chai offered her hand to her and with a small bit of hesitation, Omega tapped Wrecker indicating that she’d like to be put down. Taking Chai’s hand, she moved next to you on the couch and sat down. 

Kneeling in front of the girl, Chain reached up and adjusted the blanket around her shoulders. “Echo helped me see that if Tech doesn’t get his memories back then that means that we can make new memories together.” She let out a hum softly. “Think about it, getting to know him all over again. It could be fun. I know you’ve all been through a lot with one another.” She looked at the group as a whole. “You all have a brother's bond with him, made memories that only you know of. You’ll get to make new memories with him now, we all will.” 

“Then …” Omega chewed her lip in thought. Should she ask her the question brewing within?

“What is it, Omega?” You reached over and stroked a piece of her hair. The blonde looked at you nervously. 

Swallowing the fear inside of her, she looked back at Chai. “Then why is Chai here and not with Tech?” 

“Because..” Chai remembered what you’d said earlier that day, that she was a coward. “I’m a coward. I ran when faced with the knowledge that he may never remember me.”

“Why?” Omega knew she was asking a lot of personal questions right now, but she needed answers to so many burning questions inside of her. 

“It’s hard for me to explain. But know that I love your brother very much. I left for selfish reasons and planned on staying away because of those reasons. But being with all of you reminded me how important being there for the ones you care for is.” She took Omega's hand in hers and patted the back of it gently. “It’s Tech, he’ll get his memories back, and if not then we’ll make new ones together.” 

“So you’re gonna head back then?” You watched your friend nod at your question. “When?” It made you happy to know that she’d be going back. Tech was far too important to just give up on and avoid. Now that all of you knew he was alive and safe, you needed him to come home. 

Chai smiled softly while wiping away a stray tear from Omega’s cheek. “Probably in a week or two. I’ll try Echo again in the morning and let him know I changed my mind. Gonna stick around and help my family with the shop for a bit. My brothers have been doing the stocking and everything is a mess now.” Standing up, she stretched her arms over her head. “Maybe Omega could come with me. Seeing his sister may be what the clone needs.” 

Hunter and Crosshair both shifted awkwardly at the request. Omega hadn’t left the planet since they’d rescued her. Too worried about someone else coming after her. “Maybe.” Was all that came from Hunter before he grabbed the cup of cooking milk and honey. 

-*-

“Echo, what are you doing here?” It had been weeks since the clone had been on Pabu and nearly a week since you’d last spoken to him. Last you’d heard Tech was in some kind of Jedi trance working on getting his memories back. 

“Hey, Stitches. You still have that pile of clothes you made for Tech?” He watched as a small smile began to form on your lips. Stepping to the side he allowed another figure to stand in the doorway. 

“Stitches, it has been a while.” Tech nodded to you with, to your surprise, a smile. He extended his hand out to shake yours, another surprise.

You took the offered hand, grasped it tightly, and pulled him into a tight hug. Tears burned at your cheeks as you took in that the clone remembered you and was here on Pabu. You held him tightly for a few moments before sniffling and stepping away. “Sorry. Just happy you’re back. Come in, I’ll grab those clothes.” 

Echo chuckled while slapping Tech's shoulder firmly. “You’re not the first to hug him like that, probably won’t be the last either.” Both of them stepped in and followed you as you walked over to a linen closet in your main area. “I see Omega’s still making messes.” 

“Huh?” You looked over your shoulder at a stack of books and blankets on the floor. “Actually.” Moving a large box to the side, you found the stack of clothes perfectly folded where you left them. “That’s Wrecker’s mess.” With a happy sigh, you pulled the stack out and looked at the two clones. Tech was giving you a surprised look that made you smirk. “He didn’t tell ya that they live with me now, did he?” 

Tech crossed his arms and shook his head. “It seems Echo deemed it unnecessary for me to know such information.” 

“Thought it would be more fun for you to learn this way.” Echo took the stack from you and looked through it carefully before deciding on something for Tech to change into. “Where are they anyway?” 

“Oh that’s a good one, she liked that one a lot when I made it.” White linen pants and a cream-colored cotton top. You’d made a gorgeous cream flowing sundress for Chai to match him. Nearly every one of his outfits had a matching outfit for Chai. “Wrecker took Omega down to the docks to grab dinner. Sounds like the fishermen brought in another good haul today. Ever since the tsunami the catch has been perfect. One of the benefits of that day I guess.” You smirked at Tech. “What do you think, Tech?” 

“It is indeed a great benefit. However, I feel I may have something better.” And thus he’d come to the question that had been burning at him the entire trip to Pabu. “Will she be happy to see me?” 

Oh, how sweet was he? Walking back to him, you looked him over carefully. Stubble was beginning to form on his chin and his hair was now longer and nearly covering his eyes. At least his giggles were back. “We should clean you up a bit. Looks like you need a haircut.” Reaching up, you brushed some of his hair out of his eyes. “Tech, she’s going to be so happy to see you, she may just cry.” 

“Tech?” A small voice called from the doorway. She couldn’t believe it, he was here. Omega shakily made her way towards the clone, nervous that this was suddenly all a dream. 

Tech turned and looked at the sound of his sister's voice. With another smile, he waved to her. “Hello, Omega.” The child was suddenly in his arms and holding him in a deathly grip. If she was Wrecker’s size this may hurt, but at her size it was endearing. 

Omega felt tears run down her cheeks as she felt Tech's arms wrap around her and hold her close. This was real, he was alive and he remembered her, right? “You remember me?” 

“Of course, you are my sister after all. My vod.” Her hair had gotten longer and she seemed approximately two inches taller. Interesting how much she’d changed in the time he was gone. No longer did she dress as a clone but as a young woman. Instead of pants, she was wearing a sundress with small heeled sandals and a braid around her crown with a ribbon holding the ends together at the back of her head. “You look like you’ve settled. I am glad this place has been good for you.” 

He really did remember her! A tear-stained smile played on her lips as she continued to hold Tech. Like heck was she going to let him go anytime soon. “Wrecker! Get in here!” Still holding onto the goggled clone, she turned them both to face the door. 

“I’m coming, ‘Mega!” Wrecker ducked as he entered the house, arms holding a small crate filled with crustaceans for dinner. Smiling, Wrecker looked for a place to set the crate down when he finally registered who was standing in the room. “T-Tech?” His eyes went wide as he dropped the crate, making you squeal in happy surprise, and walked over to his brother and sister. 

“Hello, Wrecker.” There he was, the last face he’d seen before the fall. Omega didn’t move as the large clone pulled them into a tight hug. Now this was a squeeze that could injure them. 

“Wrecker, riduur, you’ll injure them.” You placed your hand on the large clone's bicep and gave it a gentle squeeze. 

“S-Sorry.” Tears trickled from the corner of his eyes while he stepped back. “Tech, I’m sorry I didn’t pull you up.” The words spilled from him before he could stop them. It was like seeing his brother instantly made everything want to pour from him. 

“We were being fired upon and the rail cart was in jeopardy of falling. Understandably, you were unable to simultaneously protect Omega and pull me up at the same time. Thus while I enacted Plan ninety-nine.” Tech reached over and placed a hand on Wrecker's shoulder. Echo had explained the difficulties that Omega and Wrecker had both experienced after his supposed death. “Wrecker, my falling had nothing to do with your inability to pull me up. However, if it will help you to feel better, then I will accept your apology if you accept mine for having to watch me fall.” 

Wrecker swallowed the large lump in his throat as he nodded slowly. “Deal.” Was all that he could seem to say before he pulled his vod back into a tight hug. Tech grunted at the feeling but didn’t fight the hug, much to Wrecker’s delight. 

You blinked back tears as you watched the scene before you. Wrecker and Omega both seemed to visibly relax their shoulders and you realized that some kind of weight that neither had realized they were carrying was finally released. Beside you, Echo let out a happy sigh. Everything finally felt right. A calmness settled over the room as the three stayed in their hug for five minutes. “OK, OK. We can’t hog him all day.” 

Omega wiggled her head free from the hug and looked at you. “Why not?” She didn’t want to let her brother go.

“Because.” Echo smiled and held out the change of clothes with his good hand. “He’s got a date that he’s already late for.”

Taglist:

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[too-many-rooks]

Writing procrastination game!

Thanks @lastlymatt for tagging me, I got rambly so I’ll put this under a ‘read more’

Tagging @pigandpepper @known-concepts @countessrivers

1.) what’s the name of one of your wips?

My doc names are usually very boring 95% of the time I finish a fic and think it’s ready to post and realise I need a title. How about ‘Yassen Bedroom Visit’?

2.) Describe a Wip in the format of __+__=__

SCORPIA heir Alex + totally normal kidnapping and drugging in the middle of the night get to safety orienteering exercises = childhood trauma

3.) What tags/warnings will one of your Wips need if you share it?

Forced child seperation?

4.) alternative title to a wip?

I don’t really have alternate titles! Titles tend to come pretty late in the process!

5.) which wip are you most likely to update/finish next?

Probably one of my s3 aus I’ve got brewing, there’s a longer thing I posted the first chapter of today but I also have some one shots, one where Yassen gets wounded fighting off Alex’s enemies and Alex basically has to hold him down to say he cares about him, and another where Yassen comes to chat to him in the middle of the night (while Alex is sleeping) and they catch up.

6.) what is one of your wip’s document title, not what it’s name is but what you have it saved as?

Again, extremely boring. Some examples - ‘Tom/House introduction’, ‘stables’, ‘the ball’, ‘heir apparent 1-9’, ‘hunting’ ‘hostage’ ‘orienteering.’

On reflection, these are very badly organised. But, hey Ho.

7.) post any sentence from your WIP?

Okay this took me forever to decide bc I want to share like, all of my sentences, but here’s a sentence from my SCORPIA heir Alex thing where Yassen just tries to take a day off, but is interrupted by Alex sneaking out of school/the country and mountain his school is on

‘Rubbing his eyes with his forefinger and thumb, he blocked out the little blonde headache sat before him, and sighed, already imagining the state of his email inbox when he got back to his laptop, which he’d sworn would stay folded in its case for the rest of the day.

“And how long ago was this? When should I start expecting panicked calls from your father?”‘

8.) a scrapped idea from your WIP?

Not necessarily a scrapped idea but evidently one I forgot about and rediscovered as I was flicking through google docs - originally a pre-season 3 idea (but could work post s3) where Yassen retires, and decides it’s time for Alex to retire too, even if he doesn’t want to. Very “congratulations you are being adopted! Do not resist.” Meme with Yassen that I’ve seen on here, the bit I’d written was him contemplating the least traumatising way to kidnap him, to make sure they’re a happy family unit post-kidnapping

9.) what’s a story you would love to write but have yet to start?

Alex sees dead people AU - Ian knows, when he dies his ghost becomes bound to Alex, and helps take care of him/watch over him in the field, Alex bumps into Yassen at Point Blanc and immediately recognises the ghost bound to him as his father, especially as he begs the assassin to stop pretending like he can’t hear him for once and let him see his son, to protect him.

10.) how many WIPs are you actively working on?

Four - regency fic, darker Alex s3 au, two other s3 aus I mentioned earlier. Suprised myself by how much of this longer ‘SCORPIA heir’ Alex thing that I’d put off for a while I’ve actually written. That’s one that I really want to finish before I start posting bc I’m bad at doing work without an immediate emotional reward/it’s a longer than anything I’ve written before and I don’t want to give up on it when it’s half published. I had been delaying it till after s3 but maybe time to get to work (will try and finish regency fic first)

11.) is there a scene your struggling to write now?

Oh I mean so many but the most immediate stumbling block is with the regency fic, chapter after this one they go to a ball and that’s almost basically written and so is a lot of the next two chapters but there’s things I need to thread into this chapter that just don’t want to be threaded - I need Alex to start being a bit more suspicious of Yassen, and remember that whole thing about his uncle being murdered now he’s a bit passed the initial princess diaries revelation moment.

I was thinking like Alex waiting up for him on Christmas Eve or something and falls asleep then is woken by Yassen sneaking back in and Alex noticed he’s got blood on his clothes or something and Yassen just shrugs him off and reacts more strictly/authoritatively than he has before. But the scene is a bit sludgy I my mind atm.

12.) Not a question but a second kudos!

[purrincess-chat]

Fashion Faux Paw CH1

It’s time! I wrote this story for @mlbigbang this year against all odds. I haven’t written anything for MariChat in a long time, so I wanted to do something light-hearted and fun. It’s set in s3 between the episodes Reflekdoll and Ladybug and is just a cute little story with the two of them (and Alya) that’s silly and fun, so I hope you guys enjoy it! 

I worked with my ride or die @avrilmaria who has put up with far too much of my shit over the years, so thank you for betaing bby! I also worked with two artists Boots and Megan/Shellie whose pieces I will be sharing when those chapters come out. Thank you both for your incredible work! 

I plan to update this fic every MWF until it’s finished. Chapter 2 will be posted later this evening, and the final chapter (chapter 6) will post Monday, January 23. Please show support not only for me, but for everyone who participated in the event as well. There are a lot of great stories and art in the collection to enjoy, so please show your love for the other participants and the mods for keeping everything organized! Now, I’m going to shut up and let you all enjoy!

Summary:  When Marinette’s fashion blog has a slow start, she finds publicity in an unexpected place, but will her friendly feline’s ego get in the way of her success?

Read on AO3

Chapter 1

“Alya, I need your advice.” Marinette hugged her arms to her chest.

The locker room bustled with students transitioning between classes, the casual chatter a hum of noise just loud enough to keep their conversation between the two of them. Her bff quirked a brow as she exchanged textbooks in her locker, red curls pulled into a high ponytail skimming her shoulders as she turned to Marinette.

“What’s up?” she asked.

Marinette shifted her weight, chewing her cheek. “Well, you helped me set up my fashion blog a few weeks ago, and all of our friends leave nice comments on my posts, but I’m still not getting any new followers. You’re a blog expert. How do I get more people to notice me?”

Alya shut her locker with a smile, and they headed up the aisle toward the door to the courtyard.

“Building a following takes time. Keep posting, and I’m sure more people will trickle in. Your designs are really good, M,” Alya said.

Marinette threw her head back with a moan. “But your blog got like a billion followers overnight.”

“The Ladyblog took off overnight because everyone wants to hear about superheroes. It’s a hot topic, but not all of my blogs are that popular.” Alya put a hand on Marinette’s shoulder. “Look, you’re not very well known yet, so making a name for yourself is going to take time. Just be patient and keep working, you’ll get there.”

“I guess.” Marinette sighed.

Alya pursed her lips, flicking her gaze around the courtyard. A sly smile curled on her lips, a look Marinette knew all too well — her scheming face.

“I know an easy way to get more followers and spice up your love life.” Alya turned her around, pointing to where Adrien and Nino were standing across the courtyard. “It would totally help your follower count to have a handsome and already famous friend model your designs.”

Marinette’s cheeks burned, and she spun back around with a squeak. “No, no, no! I can’t ask Adrien! You know I can barely get two sentences out around him. Besides, he already models for his dad, so it’s probably illegal or something.”

Alya cocked a hip and gave her a stern look. “Come on, Marinette. Just think about it. You can help him with his outfit at the shoot and spend a lot of time with him. Plus, you’ll have brand new pictures to put on your wall.”

New pictures of Adrien were enticing, especially because she’d have the only copies. Plus, it wouldn’t be weird because it was for her fashion blog. Ugh, no! What was she thinking? She couldn’t ask Adrien! Knowing her, she’d probably lean in to fix the stitching on his jacket and stab him with her sewing needle, then he’d think she’s unprofessional and a terrible designer. News would spread about her incompetence, and her career would be over before it began!

“You’re spiraling, aren’t you?” Alya sighed. “Okay, fine. He doesn’t have to model for you, but he could at least give you a shout out. You two are friends, ya know, and friends support friends.”

“Yeah, but I can’t ask him to do that.” Marinette hid her face in her hands.

“I can.” Alya grinned, grabbing Marinette’s wrist and tugging her over to the boys. She stretched to kiss Nino’s cheek, wrapping an arm around his waist and turning to Adrien. “Have you two checked out Marinette’s blog yet? She posted some really dope designs last night.”

Marinette’s cheeks burned when Adrien turned to her with a smile, and she offered a tiny wave.

“I didn’t know you started a blog, Marinette,” he said.

“Oh, uh, yeah. It’s got fashion and designs that I came up with and posted myself. It’s no big deal.” She winced. At least it was a full sentence.

“That’s awesome. I’ll check it out tonight,” Adrien said.

“Ya know, it would be really awesome if you gave Marinette a shoutout on your Instagram. It would help bring traffic to her blog and be a big help to a friend.” Alya shot Marinette a knowing look that made her cheeks burn hotter.

“I could probably-”

“Adrikins!” Chloe materialized at his side and latched onto his neck, planting kisses on his cheeks. She leaned her head back, looking down her nose at Marinette. “Do my ears deceive me? Don’t tell me you’re trying to get Adrien’s endorsement on your pathetic little blog. There’s a reason no one’s sharing it. Your designs belong in the trash just like you.”

“Chloe!” Adrien chided, gently pushing her off. “Marinette is my friend. I’m more than happy to-”

Chloe pressed a finger to his lips. “Don’t be modest, Adrikins. You don’t owe these losers any charity.” She turned back to Marinette and cocked a hip. “Don’t waste Adrien’s time with your cheap scraps. He has much better taste.”

“Oh, really? Is that why you stole Marinette’s designs to try and impress Gabriel Agreste?” Alya shot back.

“Technically, Sabrina stole them, and I just wanted to get Dupain-Cheng kicked out of the competition for cheating.” Chloe flipped her ponytail over one shoulder.

“Chloe, that’s enough.” Adrien sighed. “Look, I’d love to help out in any way that I can, but-”

“It’s fine,” Marinette said. “Thanks anyway, Adrien.”

Alya’s eyebrows knitted together when Marinette smiled and dragged her off. When they were safely in the locker room, her best friend gestured toward the courtyard in bewilderment.

“What was that? Adrien was willing to help. Don’t let Chloe running her mouth talk you out of it,” Alya said.

Marinette fell onto a bench with a sigh. “Something in me just doesn’t feel right using Adrien like that. If I use him to boost my popularity, then I’m no better than Chloe.”

Alya sobered, shifting her weight. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think about it that way.”

“Like you said, it’ll take time to build up an audience. I’ll just keep working,” Marinette said.

“Aww, girl.” Alya sat beside her, pulling her in for a hug. “I’ll do whatever I can to help. I’ll promote you on the Ladyblog, help you do research, and I’ll even help you craft posts that are sure to get attention.”

Marinette squeezed her shoulders. “Thanks, Alya. You’re the best.”            

***

Adrien stared up at his ceiling that evening, twisting back and forth in his computer chair. Marinette’s pink blog glowed on the screen, a picture of a stylish jacket with a cute message in the caption pulled up. Of course, he wanted to help, but his father was strict about that sort of stuff. The last thing he wanted was to invoke his father’s wrath upon Marinette and get her blog shut down. Her designs were really good, and they deserved to be seen by everyone.

“You’re looking more glum than usual. Did you eat some bad cheese at dinner?” Plagg floated down, cradling a wedge of Camembert.

“No.” Adrien rolled his eyes. “It’s Marinette. Did she seem sad earlier today when she left? I’m worried she’s disappointed I didn’t help with her blog.”

“Maybe she’d get more traffic if she put out a cheese-themed line,” Plagg said.

“Somehow I doubt that.” Adrien smirked, scratching between his kwami’s ears.

Plagg shoved his cheese down his gullet and crossed his arms over his chest. “If only us kwamis could be photographed. One shot of my handsome physique, and the followers would come pouring in.”

“Plagg, you’re a genius!” Adrien shot up.

“I am?”

“Adrien may not be able to help Marinette out, but there’s an even bigger celebrity who can.” He grinned.

Plagg slumped over with a sigh. “Why do I feel like I’m going to be involved in this plan?”

“Plagg! Transform me!”

***

Marinette adjusted her newest hat on the mannequin head, trying to salvage the last bit of natural daylight peeking over Notre Dame for a quick photoshoot, but none of her photos were coming out right. With a frustrated sigh, she deleted another failed attempt and shifted the mannequin again.

“Good evening, Marinette!”

She jumped, nearly knocking the hat over the edge of her balcony. Securing it back in place, she turned to meet two mischievous cat eyes perched on the chimney. Her spine stiffened, but there were no obvious signs of screaming or distress.

“Chat Noir? Is there an akuma nearby?” she asked.

“No.” He hopped down to her balcony railing, balancing perfectly on his hands and feet like a real cat.

“Oh.” Marinette relaxed. “So, what are you doing here then?”

“I was just stretching my legs when I saw you out here. I wanted to come over and compliment you on your new blog. I really like it,” he said.

Chat Noir followed her blog? She didn’t know whether to be flattered or mortified that he paid attention to her civilian side. What if she let something slip that gave away her identity? Argh! Why couldn’t he just ignore her?

“Wow! The hero of Paris follows my blog? I’m so honored!” Marinette cupped her hands to her face with a gasp. Ugh, he was never going to let her live this down if he ever found out who she was.

Chat Noir grinned, no doubt soaking up every bit of her excitement. Boys and their egos. He’d probably brag about all the ladies fawning over him on their next patrol in an attempt to make Ladybug jealous.

“You’re really talented, Marinette, but I think your blog might get more traffic if you have a live model,” he said.

“Wouldn’t that be nice,” she grumbled.

“What was that?”

“Uhh, I said I’d love to have a live model, but I don’t really know anyone who could.” She shifted her weight. “All of my friends are busy, and the one friend that’s really good at it is… unavailable.”

“Well, if you want, I could model for you. I’m sure having one of Paris’s superheroes wearing your stuff would attract a lot of attention,” Chat Noir said.

She cupped a hand over her mouth to catch her laugh. Undeterred, he picked up her hat and rested it on his head, striking a pose. His eyes hooded into a picture-perfect model pout to rival even Adrien.

Marinette’s eyebrows raised. “Wait, you’re for real?”

“Yeah, I’ve got time. Besides, we’re friends, so I’m happy to help.” He pointed to her phone. “Take them from this angle — it’s my good side — and it will capture the light without washing out the colors on the hat.”

Marinette blinked, biting back a smile when Chat struck another pose. He was surprisingly knowledgeable about photography, and even more surprisingly, an excellent model. She’d always known Chat Noir to be dramatic, but she never would have guessed he could use that to his advantage. What did he do in his normal life?

Ugh, no! She couldn’t think about that. His civilian identity was his business, and she definitely didn’t need to speculate. Speculating would lead to theorizing, which would lead to looking for evidence, which would lead to her finding out who he really was. It was out of the question! Still, he did take good photos. Maybe dealing with press as a superhero taught him a thing or two — it certainly taught her a lot.

“That should be good, don’t you think?” He plopped the hat on her head with a wink. “If this works out well for you, I’d be happy to come back and be your meowdle any time.”

“Thank you so much, Chat Noir! You’re the best.” She threw her arms around his neck. It was mostly for show, but she did appreciate his help. Her kitty could be really sweet when he wanted to be.

“Any time, Marinette.” He retrieved his staff from his belt. “I’ll keep an eye on your blog for those photos.”

Marinette waved as he vaulted off, shaking her head the moment he disappeared over the rooftops. What was that crazy cat thinking? Even still, his photos were way better than any of the ones she took earlier. Plus, he did volunteer to help…

Why not? She’d upload them and hope for the best. Chat Noir was extremely popular on the internet between the catsuit and his boyish charm. His help could be the break she needed to get her designs out into the world.

[siancore]

First of all, steel barricade? And of course know you can ignore my asking and we’ll never mention it.

For the ask game:

10 - T’Challa/Bucky I mean this was at a time before I even read standalone Sam or Bucky with anyone else and bam! I loved them and understand it staying in unfinished and think about that last scene and the words from time to time. About what it means for each of them, even if both know its not really real it’s enough in that moment and I think enough of a foundation. One of the maybe 2 times I didn’t want SamBucky endgame.

12 - I have read all of your fics multiple times. Long ones maybe twice only. And long ones where I was there before it ended/when it started, I reread before I read the update. I read “A Chance” absolutely countless times…the tab just stayed open for months and months.

5 - I need to see if you have Attoye(is that what we call them now?) I haven’t read. But what haunts me the most is your Walking Dead fics. I tried watching the show but zombies. I will watch it just to read your fics though. Because I just know it’ll destroy me in a good way and make me feel. I know you also have a SamBucky I haven’t started but it seemed sad and I’m just not ok enough to read anything sad.

9 - Your SarahBucky’s. College Sarah and Divorced Sarah are close to my heart. No pressure.

Ps. I’ve done this 10 times. It keeps crashing when i try to create a link. I’m too exhausted to be frustrated though but you know which ask game I’m talking about. Also hi babes how are you. Miss you💜💜💜

Pps. Excuse this terrible formatting i did it in the notes app.

Oh my gosh, that barricade was rough. Rough concert. Came away with a cracked rib. They're a bitch. But everything healed very well. Sometimes I want to feel something, and I end up feeling a lot more than I bargained for lol

Listen the Bucky/T'Challa fic is dear to me. I have it all outlined, and do want to come back to it. We'll see how I go. But it's such a lovely little rare pair. The multi-shipper in me gives all I got to each pairing I like, so I'm glad you liked it. I just think they're sweet together.

Attoye is such a great ship. The chemistry from what little we've seen on our screens is fire. Their fight scene is better than Steve vs Winter Soldier in my opinion because there's an added layer of sexual tension to it. I adore this ship so much.

The Walking Dead was such an awesome show. Rick and Michonne circa S3 invented sexual tension lol if you ever watch the show, please come yell at me about it!

I lost all of my SarahBucky fics because my old laptop shit itself. I'm gonna get someone to look at it and see if I can salvage those stories. I thought I backed them up, but didn't. Kicking myself so hard.

I posted a couple of new SamBucky fics if you haven't checked them out. Thunderbolts Divorce Era is almost upon us.

Hey, I hope you're doing well. I'm getting there. Thank you x

[hinderr]

Hello! not really much of a question (actually not a question at all) but I just wanted to let you know how much I love your fics. your ideas are just so good and I get so excited whenever you post updates. Okay actual question time: do you think that they would ever bring Moff Gideon back into the show (i mean we didn’t actually see a body) or do you think he’s done for good? (i don’t know if this is a question that you have ever answered before so sorry if it is)

HI ANON!! thank you so much omg that's so lovely to hear!! I'm glad you like my work mmmwaah <33

ok im gonna be honest i was SUPER not happy with s3 nor like. the way moff gideon died. on one hand I would NOT be surprised if he didn't die he's like evil jesus or whatever but on the other hand I REALLY HOPE HE DID. because I cant see them writing his character in any satisfying way anymore and seeing gideon's character be butchered like that would be too much for me I think.......its also like really stupid at this point with how many times he cheated death. 'oh he's dead- SIKE' can only work so many times (two at MAX). i love him to death honestly which is why I need him to die do u get me

[cloudslou]

Hii im back. Good morning, i hope you slept well and that your day will be great.

Okay now to answer the message from before.

I am not into any motorsports or even watching other sports. I've mever found watching them fun, maybe its because i like playing sports better although i haven't done that in a while either 😅 but im always up for listening to others who do like watching them talk about them. But i think motorsports might actually be different so yes maybe i will take a look at f1academy.

Haha okay ill look away if you say so.

And about coming off anon, hmm maybe ill dm you? Its a little scary but i shall do it.

I have mostly just been slumping and i end up watching stuff on youtube instead. The last show i watched was s3 of young royals when it was released and i watched s1 and s2 of that in the end of 2023. And i think the second last show I've watched was shameless. And then there were two movies i watched recently where one was a rewatch. Idk if you've watched either of these. But even with them they were things i wanted to watch but it took a while to actually start them. Im like that with fics and books too. I usually need something to push me to pick one out of the long list of stuff i have (+ it also depends on how easy it is to find the stuff too). So for example ill see a post or posts about something and then ill go okay lets just pick this now. 😅 so hey i think this is that for derry girls! Now i have to update you on watching it too.

oooh what sports did you play?? i dabbled a but growing up but never stuck with anything, and now the only sport i watch is motor sports. i want to watch more sports but i just can never seem to find the time or motivation, so instead i have a few players i like and i just hope they’re doing well. (in footy it’s jude bellingham and marcus rashford, and i do believe jude recently did well! or his team did. u know.)

u don’t have to do anything scary if u don’t want i’m happy to chat via anon but i don’t think IM scary. i don’t rlly ignore ppl unless it’s like spam or randos? like idk ppl who mass sends messages to ppl cus they want followers or want to send u a donation post (which i usually think r scams in this case?).

i understand the slumping bc i think i’ve been there. i’ve been watching a LOTTTTT of youtube. what kind of videos are you watching?? i’ve been trying to get thru shows i want to watch but it’s slow going, but in currently making good time on bridgerton season 2! i’m rewatching before season 3.

i HAVE seen young royals and shameless!!! i haven’t yet seen s3 of young royals cus i also what to rewatch that to remember all that went on so i can go into s3 refreshed. and then shameless was like. my greatest guilty pleasure when i was younger. i think i’ve seen thru 9 seasons of it? just horrible. but so addicting.

[the-stove-is-divorced]

for the writer ask game

💌

💌 -> share something with us about an up-and-coming work (WIP) that has you excited

The way this has somehow stumped despite having things I am exciting about working on is crazy. Anyways, tysm for the ask!! :D

Got back into Invincible (i need s3 right now istg) so for my body’s in backwards, I'm hype to eventually write some Mark, Nolan and Guardians Interactions. Emotionally constipated Nolan and then drenched, shaking puppy in the rain Mark ajfdkfjdfkdf.

The Guardians just squint at some random, floating teen in the distance and back at Nolan like: "You do know you're being followed, right?" And Nolan: "no.. no that’s my son." "Does he always look that...sad?" "…no." "...are y'all okay?" And then Nolan, who has to think about killing these people, is having his internal crisis Get Worse, Because, Yeah, Your Coworkers Care About You, Dumbass.

To me, angst and comedy are separated by such thin lines akdndndnd. I dunno if that's funny to everybody, but it tickles me. Stressed Nolan, and emotionally/mentally sopping wet, anxious Mark is so funny as a duo. Bro gets to see his son already afraid of him, and Does Not Know How To Feel About This. Loser.

That and my SU fic! Before my attention tugged my attention to other fandoms, I was getting pretty stumped with what to do with Pinko (despite trying to write him confronting the gems, it never worked), but I finally broke through and the plot in my mind slightly changed again! It's always a bit exciting when that happens and that irritating itchy feeling of "wrongness" disappears. Now, it'll be a nice contrast to have Pinko unable to commit to the kind of supposedly satisfying violence he wants, while Steven 2.0 has already indulged and continue to do so! I love it when they contrast each other, hehe.

I've got a start on their POV's but I'll probably have to break the chapter up again, but that luckily means an update comes much sooner! Whenever I finish up their respective chapters,,, however long that takes (sobs) and choosing which one to start with (sobs louder).

[vinnymauro]

I'm late for the party but for the st ships thing, what are your thoughts on ronance and stargyle??

never late for the party!! i take all ask games late!! sometimes i answer very late too.

ronance! so i don’t hate it, i like it and i still have the band au rolling around in my head, begging to get out. but i have my issues about it. i think ronance works sooo well au but when it comes to like canon things it gets messy for me bc of the steve issue and the unresolved steve’s feelings issue. idk i just don’t think robin would do that to her best friend, yk? i go a bit back and forth on how i feel about ronance if i’m being honest. i do feel bad that most ronance fics are found as background to steddie which has sort of morphed poor ronance into this ship of convenience. like no one is allowed to be single everyone’s gotta be paired up and it’s gotta be gay. which is fine!!! absolutely nothing wrong with that!! it’s just how it feels to me at times! but other times it’s a wonderful ship. again rarepairs and other pairings have captured me soul more for robin and nancy rather than ronance. (also rip all of the ronance fics i used to read in 2019 after s3 aired and never got updated bc s4 took too long)

stargyle!! see this is what i mean about other ships capturing my soul that’s outside of steddie/ronance and stargyle is one of them. i will blame sen for this, they definitely made my third eye open wide as fuck. i got stargyled, idiot. that shotgunning fic i think abt a lot. also again it’s fun to make up your own little argyle since he has nothing in canon and it’s also fun to fix canon for argyle and make it less….hmmmm the way that it is? with him being constantly stoned for the comic relief. i have to edit my before sunrise au but i’m unsure of my argyle so i’m waiting until i watch s4 again to see where i went wrong!! but yeah i just really love them. steve needs some whimsy in his life and argyle i feel is a man full of whimsy.

send me a stranger things ship and i’ll ramble abt them

[extasiswings]

MKAY.

YOU'VE HAD PLENTY OF TIME.

HAIR META TIME, CHAPEL.

This is the original post with your additions and us babbling on asks a while back for your reference.

And of course you have your fic and your brain.

Now go update, adjust, and tie it all together with a nice pretty bow while I just sit over here and do nothing except adore you. 😌💖

Okay, okay, okay: EDDIE DIAZ HAIR META S5 EDITION.

So, as discussed in the linked posts, there is a lot to be said about Eddie’s hair as representative of different eras of his life. I’ve noted that his S2 hair is very young—the kind of look and styling that he probably picked up when he was in high school or so (and likely the same look he had when he originally met Shannon). When he joined the army, he cut it to tidy, regulation length, then after his discharge started growing it out again. But as you noted in the linked ask response, that styling doesn’t fit quite right. It looks good, it’s still clean-cut and workable, but maybe a little young? It’s the kind of look that works better at 18 than at 28.

That said, it’s likely familiar to him. And softer than sharp military regulation even if there’s still a notable element of control to it—the amount of gel that goes into slicking it back. But it’s also the hair that he’s had for most of Christopher’s life, at least the portion of Christopher’s life that he’s been the most present for. It’s the hair he has when we first meet him, in the stage of his life where he’s a single dad trying to figure out what that looks like and how to be what his son needs. It’s the hair he has when he really commits himself himself to fatherhood and seemingly redefines himself as “Eddie Diaz—dad.” That’s relevant.

Relevant too is the change in S3–the hacked off, too short, messy edges that basically scream “I cut this myself in the middle of the night with a scream trapped behind my teeth because my wife died and my best friend almost died and my kid is suffering and I don’t know how to deal with any of that.” The trauma response haircut that leads him through the tsunami and the lawsuit and the street fighting arc—extremely chaotic and difficult periods. And we see it slowly start to grow again, to become something more manageable and soft and even. But it’s still very clean-cut. Very put together. It’s still a dad look, especially in 3B.

(Which, side note, is not just the hair, it’s Eddie’s styling in general. Eddie is the kind of person who is noticeably one of if not the hottest guy in any room he goes into, but he doesn’t want to be noticed, he doesn’t want to attract attention, he doesn’t try. He hides, in his own way, which is very connected to the way he constructs his identity as a dad first and foremost. Hard to think of yourself, or even want to think of yourself, as a sexual being with your own wants and desires and attractions if you view yourself exclusively as a parent).

S4, we got longer hair, but a return of the heavy gel. Very polished, very manufactured. It fit the roles he spent the season trying to play—the Father(TM), the Boyfriend(TM)—he froze his hair like a Ken doll, the picture perfect man. And nothing disrupted that image. Even getting shot, even dying in a pool of his own blood, not a hair fell out of place.

5A so far has been largely the same style as S4, but a little more relaxed with flyaways and some softness. But not “relaxed” in a calm way—there’s less product, it’ll look softer, but in a sense it’s often an illustration of his unwinding control. His hair is messier in the hospital post-panic attack, it looks soft but flat in the hospital in Home and Away when he’s tired, it’s combed but not stiff when he climbs into bed with Christopher after the hostage situation, sweaty and messy when he’s breaking down at the truck in Defend in Place, etc etc. But again, I stick to my point—it’s still a very clean look at the end of the day. Soft, clean, dad-appropriate, non-threatening.

And then we have…5B.

I mean, leaving aside the fact that a solid like 90% of us took one look at his haircut and said “oh that’s queer af” it’s also just not a look that we’ve seen from him before. It’s definitely NOT a dad look—which in my view is extremely relevant if we think about the fact that Eddie’s journey from his introduction onward has ultimately been about reaching a point of separating himself/his identity from Christopher and being able to see himself as a whole person with his own wants and needs. It’s sharper, but not in a military regulation kind of way. It’s edgy. But also? It’s hot. It’s hot in the kind of way that knows it’s hot, that owns it in a way that I don’t think we’ve really seen Eddie do before. He looks like a hot, single, (queer) man in his 30s who wants to be noticed.

But the sharpness is still relevant too. Last time he drastically cut his hair, it was a trauma response. It’s likely the same this time. And we aren’t going to know until we actually see it whether he’s already snapped or whether the haircut was a stopgap to continue avoiding actually processing his trauma and we can expect a full breakdown imminently (a la 3A). I’m guessing the latter. But ultimately, it’s a look that, as noted above, says “I want you to look at me” but also “stay the fuck away.” It’s a fascinating contrast.

Anyway, all that to say, I think 5B is Eddie’s trauma recovery and queer liberation era and I for one can’t wait.

[bunny-hoodlum]

Almost done binging Netflix's Dark and Some Updates on hiatused Fics

Okay, I deleted my cringey post from however long ago, two days ago, whatever. I mean, in a way this blog is dead. I don't reaaaally feel like posting anything on here in particular, and I kinda never have. IDK when I will be drawing again, and I'm pulling away from social media in general becuz it's actually making me less inspired and more distracted.

Okay, I'll just quickly touch on Dark and move on. If you've read my fic "Powerless", which I stupidly deleted becuz I was worried readers were gonna feel ship-baited (becuz I didn't know when the NaruHina was ACTUALLY gonna happen) but for the past 3 years I wish I had left it up, it's been nearly 5 years now since I started it... AGHHHH!!! Okay, recurring angst out of the way, Dark S3 reminded me of what I was going for with Powerless. So... While time travel will not be involved at all, cosmic-level mysteries are definitely part of it. And I'll be working on the official plot again on the side. (it's still probably going to suck though, haha, what a reason to never update something, it never gets to suck if you don't let it. :P )

Fanfic Updates:

*more pained screaming* AHHHH!!! Had to get the cringe out of the way. Trying really hard here to get back to 21 Days but I feel so embarrassed, I don't know why. I just looked at it and had to click away, guhhh... T _ T Must be my writing, it's almost 3 years old. Where does the time go? I'm so sad. I have to retcon shit by 2 chapters. I totally forced the plot point of Sasuke taking his police test too early. I'm no longer attached to that development, which is good, because by holding onto it, I was staying stuck. Ch 20 is fine in of itself, but it's so, so short and not amazing. Totally a transitional chapter but whatever the new chapter is, it's going to be like... Ch 20's content plus more, and then Ch 21 is going to be something else entirely.

I know that there's nothing wrong with AWY in its current state, and even with the way it is right now it's like an arc has ended and I have to start a new arc, but I'm not feeling the last chapter anymore either. I think the way Kurenai is and how they kinda made up was totally accepted and even enjoyed? But it's not working for me. So I'm adjusting all of that.

As for Runner's High, I've written several new different outlines and such, so far I'm leaning on... and this is because I watched Run with the Wind last spring precisely for research... I'm leaning on Naruto being a college athlete and his team goes to a resort for training and it happens to be the one that I originally wanted him to work at -- maybe he will still work there at some point, I'm still figuring that all out. But I'm abandoning the 'hotel/hospitality management' major aspect because it's not really a necessary degree to move up the hierarchy. He can be a front desk boy and already be on the path to hotel owner, give or take years and years of experience, and then, y'know, not even know if that's what he wants until later. I still think Uzushio can be like a bankrupt country that he wants to go back to and revitalize and whatnot. Maybe. I've totally disconnected from my old plans and the previous version of the fic, so whatever becomes up the reboot is gonna be whatever it's gonna be, and it's not going to be the same lol. It literally cannot be the same. Lightning in a Bottle. But it's still a fun story that I want to write either way. It's a niche that needs to be filled, among other things.

Alright, I think that's all. Sorry, I'm not more succinct with this stuff, I know it's rambly as hell lol.

[fill-me-with-your-memes-daddy]

Watching the Rise of the Titans movie and I'll be documenting all of my thoughts/reactions here. [Spoiler Warning]

So instead of reblogging every new update, I'm just going to have this post up on my phone as I watch and type my reactions in a bullet list format.

Nari's human disguise is so cute. As someone who does have a cottagecore aesthetic, I want to cosplay her so bad

Are Skrael and/or Belroc non-binary coded? Regardless, I'm also obsessed and I want to fuck Skrael and be Belroc.

STEVE CARING ABOUT JIM BEING HURT YESSSS!!! My god his redemption has probably been one of the greatest there is because he doesn't just suddenly go from being a bully to a completely good person. You can see the gradual shift in learning better throughout the shows which is awesome.

IN NEW YOOOOOOORRRRRRRK!!!!!! CONCRETE JUNGLE WHERE DREAMS ARE MADE OFFFFFFFFFFFFF!!!!!

The mugshot montage reminded me of season 1 of trollhunters when toby and Jim were arrested at the museum.

STRICKLER PUT A RING ON IT??? HE'S THE ONLY DILF IVE EVER ACTUALLY AGREED WAS HOT WYM I CAN'T HAVE HIM??? well I'm still really happy about his arc over the series probably one of my favorite character growths.

Eli my guy got his growth spurt!!! As an 18 year old who is still 5'0", I'm happy but envious for him

So I went into this movie without watching any trailers or promo, but I doubt anything could have prepared me for the existence of mpreg. In fact, I wasn't going to document my reactions until I saw that.

NAMURA!!!!!!!!! MY BELOVED!!!!!! I CAN STILL THIRST FOR YOU WITHOUT GUILT

The coach teacher just called the kids zoomers so I have to dock one point from my final rating just because of that. Unforgivable

Those husky animation models suck lmao

Oh fuck the titans got power ranger zords!!

God why did they include the mpreg??? This movie would have been perfect without it.... After that plot point being revisited only one time I'm already beyond done with it

Like it's bringing me back to the v*ltron days where they're was a suspiciously high amount of klance omegaverse and mpreg fics and art created and it physically hurts because Steve and Keith's voice actor is the same person meaning this is especially cursed to me since I was unfortunately in the v*ltron fandom and remember all of that

But like on another note, how old are these characters again??? I haven't checked any wikis because of spoilers but is Steve an adult??? I know aja might be technically a lot older than 18 because alien but is whatever age she is equivalent to an adult as far as emotionally and physically in Akaridion development??? IS THIS A TEEN (M)PREGNANCY IN A KIDS SHOW????

Like bruh I saw a singular post on here before going into the movie that was like "rott spoilers without context" and there was a pregnant belly but I was absolutely not expecting the actual context of it. I'll find the post after I finish and edit this post to tag the creator right here: @makoden

This entire post is just gonna be me ranting about mpreg huh

Anyway I love the whole roundtable allusion to the legends of king arthur (not the toa version but the one he's based off)

THERE'S 3 TO 5 BABIES????? I need to take a break bruh this is just too much

Alright I've taken a 30 minute break got some food and did some things i love (decompressed by tactile stimming with some owl plushies and watched some videos on my favorite owl, Garu. He lives in Japan with his owner and is a domesticated eagle owl who basically just acts like a sky cat. If anyone else needs some eye bleach, here is their YouTube channel)

Blinky and ARRRGHHH!!! saying their "if one of us doesn't make it" talk my god one of them is going to die I can see it and I will be utterly crushed. Jim can't lose another father figure and Toby can't lose his wingman again I will riot if this happens

On a similar but unrelated to the movie note, can we just talk about how toa started with Jim having 0 dads and (if strickler and blinky live to the end) will end with 2 dads? Like I just really feel happy for him that he has two dads who actually figured out how to put the past behind them to not have any infighting between them so that both of them are healthy father figures. Jim has already been through literal hell and back losing his actual humanity in the process so if he loses one of them, I'm going to be really pissed because at this point, this is just Jim torture porn. Y'all know how as SpongeBob SquarePants went on, the show just became Squidward torture porn? It's starting to feel that way for toa and I really hope they cut the shit by the ending

Jlaire is such a good ship but like I feel like it's too perfect they never disagree with each other

YESSSSSSS Someone finally doesn't treat toby like a fat waste of space who messes stuff up!!! I think out of all the characters that would have been most deserving of a rewrite, it's Toby. Sometimes I just feel he's only comic relief and any heartfelt moments he's had in the series was also born of stupidity (ie his flour baby project being unharmed was seen by him as divine intervention from his parents but was actually just Eli and Steve behind the scenes).

Ohhhhh yesssssss Archie's father!!! I was hoping I'd see him again because we got so little of him last

Ooooooooooh Asian trollmarket!!!!!

Oh never mind slavery trollmarket

Bruh titanic camelot

I feel like we're not seeing enough of the villains because I completely forgot about the power ranger zord things

NAMORA NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MY LAST CRUSHHHH

STRICKLER NO NOT YOU TOO PLEASE

WHAT THE FUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THE ONLY TWO CHARACTERS I SIMP FOR ON THIS SHOW DIED WITHIN FIVE MINUTES OF EACH OTHER

THAT WHOLE ASS RANT I WROTE IS COMING TRUE FUCK THIS MOVIE THIS SERIES IS JUST JIM TORTURE PORN

WAIT JIM'S SPERM DONOR INFO?

Oh thank God I don't want to know anything about that person

For the record, I call that man Jim's sperm donor because he has no business being called a father to him. All he did was donate some swimmers to the creation of him and give him abandonment issues

Oh another blind troll elder???? This fucker is just if vendel was a bad guy

Bruh I was grieving

PACIFIC RIM WITH GUN ROBOT VEX AND THE BELROCZORD? I've never seen that movie but I know the reference

Bruh Blinky doesn't read horoscopes? Does he realize conspiracy theories are just the manly version of horoscopes?

NO DON'T KILL VEX STOP KO-ING FOUND FAMILY MEMBERS

Oh thank God he's okay

NO NOT ARCHIE AND CHARLEMAGNE OH MY GOD

oh never mind they're just gonna coup de tat I believe in them :))

But I want to see him again

But I'm glad to see vex

Yay they're in arcadia!

But yeah I wondered why the trolls and Merlin didn't keep the whole "daylight doesn't hurt trolls" feature from the eternal night but now Guillermo del Toro I see you were playing the long con in that just to kill my girl Namora :(((

Oooooh I love the animation of the Narizord over Chihuahua!! It looks very good and realistic (if only they could have put some of that into those huskies from before smh)

Bruh the character designs of the arcane order are so good I want to be them

Nari making sure the Skraelzord doesn't crush the bus

DAMN DOUBLE HOMICIDE

Bruh I'm just glad we finally have an answer on why arcadia had everything going on as opposed to literally anywhere else!! I always found that as a weird coincidence for plot convince.

BRUH WERE BACK TO THE MPREG IM SO JEALOUS I FORGOT ABOUT THAT EVEN THOUGH IT WAS BECAUSE I WAS GRIEVING THE LOSS OF MY LOVELIES.

Oh that's real convenient that the ninth configuration meant all of them. Way to not decide which character gets more attention. Though it probably was a smart way to not have any infighting in the fandom between each character's stan group.

Bruh I just realized where is Barbera did they just ditch her on the Camelot ship???

And where are the other trolls that migrated at the end of trollhunters s3? They said something about new jersey but obviously Jim and the other main characters got on Camelot instead.... This feels like a plot hole

And we never learned the process of how changelings are made and bonded to humans and stuff. We just know it's super painful but I'm curious ffs!!!!

THE DONT THINK BECOME HERO SPEECH ALL SAID TOGETHER!!!

BRUH THEY REALLY HAD TO SHOW HIM GIVING BIRTH??????? WAS THAT AN ABSOLUTE MUST??????

Plus the main audience for this series is little children (the rating for the movie is literally TV-Y7) so even though my adult ass is not in the target audience, I STILL DONT UNDERSTAND WHY WOULD MPREG AND ANAL BIRTH WOULD BE AN IMPORTANT THING TO 7 YEAR OLDS???? THIS IS A LITERAL FETISH HIDDEN IN KIDS CONTENT ITS ELSAGATE ALL OVER AGAIN Y'ALL 😭😭😭😭😭

Though it's probably hypocritical of me to think fetishes don't belong in kids tv when I've openly admitted to thirsting for strickler and namora

HUZZAH

NEW AMULET WAZ GOOD????

STAB THAT BITCH JIM

WAIT NO I SAID STAB NOT GET STABBED

Alright good job just missed the directions at first but you fixed it

SEVEN KIDS?????????

T O B Y ????????????

W A I T NO

N O

IS HE ACTUALLY

OH MY GOD THERE'S HOPE

NO THERE ISN'T

F U C K THIS SHIT THEY REALLY JUST HAD HIM TO BE BULLIED THEN KILLED

Y'ALL IM ACTUALLY CRYING THIS NEVER HAPPENS

I NEVER ACTUALLY GET SO EMOTIONAL OVER MEDIA THAT I CRY IT ONLY HAPPENED ONCE AT THE END OF VOLTRON BUT AHHHHHHHH

W A I T

HE'S GONNA BE BROUGHT BACK?????

HOLD UP THEY'RE JUST GONNA BRING ALL THOSE DEAD PEOPLE BACK??????

WAIT IS HE

BLINKY CALLED HIM A SON

HOLD ON IS THIS GOING TO BE A CLIFFHANGER???????????

BRUH THEY REALLY JUST CAN'T END THE SERIES WITHOUT CLIFFHANGERS like there's always an open ending

TROLLHUNTER TOBY????? You know what forget the whole rants I had on how toby was written they just redeemed it all

And that's all! I'd rate it a 6.5/10 because it's definitely the weakest of all the sequels but still had amazing animation and some good plot points. It's just really hard to look over the bad stuff enough to rate it any higher.

[apenapaperandadoofus]

Update (?)

Aight I’m on break so you know what that meanssssssss

Laying in bed all day and doing nothing

So since I’ve been having a wee bit of writers burnout with my personal WIP, I’ve decided to practice by doing some other wips I’ve been thinking of a while

For now ladies and lads we’ve got two projects!

#1: Stellas and Griffins (Damianya)

(Based on my random post about a thing Loid said lol)

A fic where after Donovan Desmond is (le gasp) killed by Twilight, Demetrius and Damian become the only Desmond’s left.

The Forgers also mysteriously disappeared afterwards, and Damian never saw Anya aka Stubby legs again…

Until- 20 years later, Demetrius is now the head of the Demond Company, and it looks like he will do anything to complete his father’s mission, along with Damian.

Meanwhile somewhere, Agent Starlight, the brand new addition to W.I.S.E, gets tasked with her first mission! To put an end to the Desmond’s lineage, and to finally end the only threat standing between the aim for world peace.

Anya and Damian meet once again- and he’s not happy. Between having to get close to Demetrius to gain information, and having to deal with the bratty second son, and oh no why is she suddenly blushing when he’s near- will Anya be able to achieve world peace??

(Keep in mind I’m a depressed bitch so depending on the caffeine intake of that day the updates will happen lmao)

And also one of my main focus and most recent obsessions right now-

An unnamed Alucard x fem!reader fic (i tell you i am OBSESSED NEVER DID I THINK-)

It’s also inspired by the recent (and first ones) I’ve read (tho of course I will rewrite them and make a whole other chaotic fic) which I will later on name (I need to find em first lol)

It’ll also be set after S3 bc that man is broken and he aNGST I TELL YOU THE ANGST (but also give him therapy please my poor baby T^T)

Aaaaaaand those are all the ones I have for now (I have a few requests as well which I might get into but right now my sole focus are those two fandoms (I’m sorry T^T))

ALSO I will be posting on AO3 which is brand new for me (woahhh) so we’ll see how it goes! (I will however post the first chapters here :0)

Anyway that’s the (update?) for now hope y’all have a good day byeeee and have a seal eating snow and a baby one (yes we’re bringing back the seals fight me)

[allhailthemightyquattro]

Laura’s Deckerstar Fic Recs (Part 1)

So I finally finished bookmarking all my favourite Deckerstar fics and ended up with 99 bookmarks (and that was after trimming back a little). So now I am going to start a fic rec series where I share five of them at a time. All of the fics contain Deckerstar, but not all of them are Deckerstar centric. The list contains a wide variety of tropes and ratings, and even a couple of crossovers and AUs. It contains both one-shots and multicapter fics. Most are completed works but there are some WIPs, a few of which have not been updated in a while, so fair warning.

Disclaimer: These recs have no real ranking and are simply being shared in the order in which I bookmarked them. And just because I say more about some than I do others, does not mean that those fics are “better” or that I like them more.

You can find the complete list at my Ao3 Bookmark page.

Anyways, on with Part 1 of Laura’s Deckerstar Fic Recs! (I’ll think of a better name for it later)

Detour (with Jigsaw Puzzles) by HiroMyStory

Rating: Mature Status: Complete Word Count: 17210 (3 chapters) Author’s Summary:  An accident leaves Chloe and Lucifer snowed in.

Rec Notes: A great Christmas themed story filled with plenty of post-Devil face reveal angst and a happy ending (written before Season 4, so no Eve or Father Kinley or trips to Rome). Tropes include: snowed in together (obviously) and bed sharing.

Serpent Delivery by Dacelin (Good Omens crossover)

Rating: Teen Status: Complete Word Count: 120355 (69 chapters - Lucifer would approve) Author’s Summary: When Lucifer orders the demons back to Hell, he sends ALL the demons back. And a certain Serpent of Eden would really just like to get back to his love and life in Soho. But Lucifer has other plans for the demon who botched the apocalypse. Set immediately following the finale of season 4 of Lucifer, and twenty years after the book version of Good Omens.

Rec Notes: I’m not normally one for crossovers, but these two fandoms just work so well together. And the best part about this particular series is that it’s hard to pick just which fandom is the “main” focus. The writing itself is fantastic and the characterisation is pretty spot on for all the characters up to and including Crowley’s plants. I also love how both this and its sequel have a good amount of humour worked into the writing style without it becoming a crackfic or taking anything away from the serious points of the story.

P.S. Don’t worry if you haven’t read the novel and are only familiar with Good Omens as a TV show; the plot is still easy to follow.

Beginning of Eternity by Dacelin (Good Omens crossover)

Rating: Teen Status: Complete Word Count: 123,755 (65 chapters) Author’s Summary: Peace between Heaven and Hell is a lofty goal, but not everyone is onboard. With threats of invasion whispering through Hell, it's really a terrible time to plan a wedding - except no one has told Lucifer what's going on. The council is desperate to halt the danger, even if it means making a deal with the Endless. Crowley's really regretting ever agreeing to making deliveries.

Rec Notes: If you liked my previous rec, then great news! Because this is its sequel! The balance of fandoms is even more even in this instalment, but it does go a bit more in-depth on both sides. For instance, Gabriel from the Good Omens TV show is a major player, so book knowledge alone may not be enough, and there are characters and concepts from The Sandman comic series, which is what the Lucifer TV series is based on. But if you aren’t familiar with these, don’t worry, the author has got your back! As the third instalment of the series, they have made a Characters and Information Sheet! I reckon you could muddle through without it, but I highly recommend giving it a quick glance over if you need to.

P.S. Look out for all the subtle (and not so subtle) references to The Good Place.

Castaway by ariaadagio

Rating: Mature Status: Complete Word Count: 131015 (26 chapters) Author’s Summary: The Devil is real. A sentence Chloe Decker never believed until Lucifer Morningstar burned out her skepticism with his hellfire eyes. It's a "Hell" of a reality shift, but Chloe realizes she may not have time for gradual acceptance when she discovers that one of the bodies in her most recent murder investigation isn't human. Worse still, the next target might be Lucifer. A story that begs the question: who prays for Satan?  [Post-S3 finale continuation. Deckerstar.]

Rec Notes: I’m sure you all saw this one coming. There is a reason why this fic is so popular and that reason is because it is brilliant! It is set post-Series 3 finale but written before Series 4 so, once again, no Rome or Father Kinley, just Chloe trying to cope with her new knowledge of Devils and Demons. The one thing I will warn people about is that it starts with a brief description of Lucifer’s fall, but don’t let that dissuade you if you are not into that sort of story (you can even skip it if you really want as it serves more as foreshadowing than anything else). The fic may delve into Lucifer’s past, but it is very much plot-focused on the now.

The Night Before by FearTheSpork

Rating: Explicit Status: Complete Word Count: 6947 (1 chapter) Author’s Summary: A smutty oneshot in which we see Chloe bite off more than she can chew when babysitting Lucifer. Also smut.

Rec Notes: This is a great smutfic set somewhere around Season 1, so Chloe is still heavily in denial, and Lucifer is bringing his annoyingly confident flirting A-game. It’s a highly entertaining read. There is also a really cute, albeit short, morning after scene, which is probably the thing that makes this fic so memorable for me.

[scullydubois]

Only the Light: Ch. 21

21/? | AU where Melissa moves in with Scully after Scully’s abduction | angst, msr slow-burn, occasional fluff | currently: mid-s3 (canon-divergent) | T | 4.8k | previous chapters | read on ao3 | tagging: @today-in-fic 

Hello, here is my ‘I didn’t plan for updates to take two weeks, but it always works out to two weeks’ post, right on time. Almost finished with this journey, thank you for sticking around <3

As Mulder helps care for his ill partner and her child, he enlists the Lone Gunmen to investigate the circumstances surrounding Scully's diagnosis. He and Melissa pay a visit to the three men, then Mulder gets an unwanted surprise back at apartment 42.

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

As Scully’s world has shrunk, the amount of love in it has grown. This is small consolation for the hell she’s enduring, but it is the only antidote. She realizes this now that she’s staring down the abyss: all the knowledge in the world won’t save you, and wealth is nothing but a false comfort. What will live on are the parts of herself she’s left with others. Her goal for her remaining time, however long that may be, is to hold tight to those she loves...not to slip away until her heart stops beating.

This is hard when she already feels like less of herself. She’s doing chemo twice a week at Georgetown, and it’s brutal. She knew it would be...her only other choice is to get that gravestone of hers re-engraved. 

Meanwhile, Mulder pushed all other work aside to get in contact with the Mufon women. It only took him one day to do so, but Scully doesn’t know that, and for now, she doesn’t need to know. He’s keeping what he’s learned so far to himself...Betsy Hagopian is dead and has been since shortly after Scully saw her. Penny Northern is sick and not responding to treatment. A handful of other women, abductees like Scully, have developed rare cancers too.

It’s not something he knows how to talk about, such despondency. His world has always hinged on hope. That’s what his work on the X-Files is to him, one big leap of faith toward his sister. Or was, before Scully came along. It’s not that she diverted him from Samantha...no, she turned a very personal quest into something larger than him. Or her, or any one person they worked with. She pared it down to its core value, its overarching mission: the truth. Because the truth may hurt at first, but given time, it heals. And it is the only path to healing. This is what he’s learned from her. And now, he’s got to do everything he can to pass the revitalized world she’s shown him onto her. 

The arrangement falls into place without any friction: Missy handles the chemo run on Monday mornings, and Mulder leaves work early on Thursdays. Emily spends Mondays with her grandma, and Thursdays too when Missy works the night shift. 

Thursdays become something of a spiritual day for Mulder. The hours of approximately 3-10pm are spent doting on his partner--in her apartment, and then his car, then the hospital and his car again, and finally, back to her apartment. Mama Scully brings Emily back around eight, and if Missy’s not home, Mulder gets the honor of the bedtime ritual. The domesticity of it all tethers him to reality, maybe for the first time in his life. He’d give anything to change the circumstances, but it’s humbling to feel--for once--that he belongs on Earth. 

It is on one of these Thursday evenings that Mulder could swear he feels his whole life trailing behind him, leading him to the present. The end of the year is creeping up in its usual fashion, which means the outside world is a blanket of darkness before the stoves of countless suburban homes have even been started. Having settled her comfortably into bed with a pile of pillows, Mulder carries his partner a glass of water and pulls the wastebasket to her side; this is their routine now. 

“You doing okay?” he asks, lingering as she takes a sip of water. It will soon be time to make himself scarce so she can sleep.

She nods, gurgles a garbled affirmation. Mulder turns to go, and her heart leaps to her throat. “Will you stay?” she spews, embarrassed by her need. 

“Of course.” She’s unaware, apparently, that when he leaves it’s for her, not him. He approaches her bedside, lowers himself carefully beside her knees. “Any particular reason?” he murmurs, examining the sunken spaces beneath her eyes.

“I just...wanted to talk to you,” she says, and Mulder thinks there might be a bit more color in her cheeks than there was yesterday.

“Okay.” He leans in and sweeps a strand of hair off her forehead so lightly that Scully doesn’t even feel it. She’s apprehensive about being touched these days, and he has taken this knowledge to heart. She is grateful, and to show the extent of this feeling, she strokes his hand, allows him to take hers in his. He runs his thumb over each finger as they continue. 

He wants to ask what she’s thinking about, what it is that has so graciously extended his stay in this room. But he knows that she’ll get to it, that she has nothing to keep from him now. 

There’s a sincere serenity on her face that he’s never seen. And after a minute or two, she begins. “I didn’t think it could happen--and it certainly doesn’t make much sense-- but right now, I am happier than I have ever been.”

A string on Mulder’s heart, tightened to its prime, bursts without warning. 

She caresses the back of his head. “It’s so trivial, Mulder. So much of what we call life isn’t living at all. Or at least not the important kind.”

He lifts his gaze, eye contact conveying more than he could with words.

“But I’ve thought about the parts of my life that are living, and all of them, in some way, come back to you.”

Mulder shakes his head, feeling too flattered. “That’s not true…”

“You can believe whatever you need to,” she whispers, “but it is the truth, and I am eternally grateful that you happened to me.”

He tries to cough away some tears, which works about a quarter as well as he hoped it would. “Hold on, little lady.” He pats her hand in response to her smile. “I think you happened to me.”

Scully’s chest flutters in laughter. “Did I?” These subtle things have always been so important to them. 

“You walked into my office, remember.”

“Well, I guess it would depend on who changed the most due to the other’s influence then,” she reasons. 

Mulder just gives her a look. 

She smirks. “Okay, so maybe I happened to you, but you…” she chews her lip, and this could be any other day of any other year if she weren’t bedridden. She picks out her words-- “You completed me.”

Mulder spills forward, finding his footing and spinning into the middle of the room. “Holy fuck Scully, are you trying to kill me?”

“We’ve been searching for the truth. That’s the truth, Mulder. I wanted you to know.”

He sets his jaw. He won’t burst into tears in front of her, not when she has all the reason to cry and yet has been so strong. 

“You should get some sleep,” he tells her, hoping to expedite his exit from the room. 

“I will. And it’s okay to be sad, but not for me. My life is as whole as ever.”

He nods, though he doesn’t agree (what’s new?). He knew Samantha for eight years and has been sad for twenty. He’s known Scully for half that--so he gets at least a decade of mourning. 

“Sweet dreams,” he says, resting his hands on the door frame. “I’ll bring Emily in when she gets here.”

“Okay.” She closes her eyes, smiles. “Love you.”

“Love you too, DKS.” He blows a kiss and slips out, heat flooding to his face. This is the first time she’s said that unprompted, and is that what the threat of imminent death does to you? Pries you open? 

He wonders. Whose love is saving who?

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

The primetime line-up is flickering over the television when Mama Scully arrives with Emily, passing her granddaughter to Mulder like the family heirloom she is. They exchange a few words in short breaths, reserving the air supply for their dear Dana. Mama Scully agrees to come see her daughter this weekend rather than interrupt her much-needed rest now, and Mulder is suddenly single parent-slash-babysitter; the specifics elude him. 

Perfumed with baby powder from her grandmother’s overly enthusiastic hand, Mulder concludes that Em needs neither bathing nor changing. She doesn’t seem very keen on sleep either, seeing as how her little voice keeps calling out Moldy! and her little fists clobber his shoulders. Still, he will keep his promise. He carries her into the room she shares with her mother, stepping lightly lest the floorboards creak. 

As he circles the bed to lay the child beside her sleeping mother, he winces at the mess in the trash can. Good thing he moved it into place though Scully had seemed okay. He hadn’t heard any retching, and it saddens him that he wasn’t there to hold her hair back. He settles Em into place, makes a mental note to rinse the can on his way out. 

Her characteristically light sleep lightened further by her illness, Scully stirs from the shift of Emily’s weight against the mattress. She rolls toward the free side and flutters her eyelids open. Her smile is reflexive. 

“Hello baby girl,” she purrs. She lays a hand against her daughter’s polka-dotted onesie. “Did you have a good day with Grandma?”

Emily answers with some fluttery babbling and gropes for her mother’s nose. 

“I don’t think she’s very tired,” Mulder remarks, hands in his pockets. He smirks. “We should really find out what your mother feeds her.”

Scully pulls her lips into a grin, exhibiting a great deal more effort than she did just moments before. She blinks, rubs her eyes, and seems to go out of the world for a second. Then she sets her gaze on Mulder and speaks dreamily--”Will you tell us a bedtime story?”

“Oh!” Mulder scratches his chin, having expected his dismissal. “Do you think that would help…?”

Scully presses her head into the pillow. “I’m not gonna be able to fall back asleep until she does.”

That is a yes, served with some condescension.  

“Okay, well, let me think.” He perches on the side of the bed. “Regrettably, I did not get my degree in bedtime stories.”

“Just say what you know,” Scully mumbles. “We’re the only ones listening, and the goal is to put us to sleep.”

“I hope that’s not a comment on my conversational skills,” he teases, smoothing the sheets. 

Again, there’s a look of otherworldliness from his partner. She is somewhere else.

“Go on, tell us a story,” she hums, her surprising lack of impatience attributable to an equal lack of wakefulness. 

“Let’s see…” He stretches out, perching on his elbow by Scully’s feet like she did in the first motel they ever stayed in. Emily sits herself up and grasps for him. He laughs, lets her latch onto his fingers.

“There once was a little girl who loved horses and bugging her brother,” he begins. “Now, I’m sure she sounds like just about any little girl out there, but I promise, she was as unique as they come.” 

Scully closes her eyes and tilts her head back to listen.

“She always said she wanted to be a butterfly when she grew up so she could spread her wings and fly. And her parents would scoff and tell her that would never be possible, but she believed. She believed it would happen.”

Emily babbles along, adding her own colorful commentary. 

“I know, I know right?” Mulder muses to the little girl. “The parents were such jerks.”

He tickles Em’s stomach, then remembers that he’s supposed to be helping her go to sleep. He kisses her temple and begins stroking her knee, hoping to achieve a hypnotic rhythm. 

“And so one day, this little girl...well, this little girl got to go on an adventure. She left behind her house and her family, and she got to go up to the sky and see the stars, and it was everything she wished for.”

Scully opens her eyes slowly. Mulder’s focus is centered on Emily, who stares up at him with the awe of a museum-goer seeing the Starry Night. It is as if they are the only two in the room, and this gives Scully great comfort, for she can imagine them having a life after she is gone.

“The girl’s family was sad because they didn’t know where she went. The girl’s brother missed her the most, but it was okay because the girl was happy. She got to fly through the sky like a bird or a plane, and she achieved the dream that her parents thought would never come true.”

Em’s breathing begins to slow into sleep. And thank god, cause he’s running out of story to tell.

“Lay down, little girl.” He guides her onto her back so she can drift off without difficulty, then clears his throat softly. 

“Some say that if you see a light in the night sky, that’s this little girl, floating among the stars, living her dream. And her brother, well, he’s pretty fond of that thought. He just wants her to be happy.”

Silence falls over the room like a throbbing sensation of unknown origin. Emily’s eyelids struggle between open and closed, and Mulder knows she will soon be out. Scully’s baby blues, meanwhile, peer at him with such unflinching intensity that he suspects she has fallen asleep like that. It is haunting, but it becomes much less so when she blinks and he realizes that she’s looking at him, that she heard the whole story.

“Is that what you wanted?” he whispers, half expecting her not to answer.

“It was beautiful, Mulder. Samantha lives on.”

He smiles from his eyes...oh, of course it was obvious, his little tribute to his sister. Scully said to work from what he knew, and this myth is something he’s used to keep himself going since his family realized that there would be no happy reunion with Sam. He’s happy to share his fantasy; such escapes are needed now.

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

Melissa’s heart leaps when she opens the apartment door to an empty living room. The TV drones out its slapstick laugh track, contributing to the ominous atmosphere. She’d expect to see Mulder taking up a restless refuge on the couch, or maybe sneaking a late night snack to Em. Her sister should be fast asleep by now, her little world able to slacken its hold on her. Unless she is no longer afforded such luxury…

Missy rushes toward Dana’s bedroom, her purse still on her shoulder. In the doorway she slows as her eyes adjust to the lack of light. And thank goodness because three silhouettes catch her eye; a medium one buried under the covers, a large one strewn diagonally across the bed, and a small bump barely visible on the far side. A snore of unidentifiable origin is the only disturbance. Missy smiles to herself. All the missing persons are accounted for and well. She can continue with the blissfully bland routine of her night. 

She washes her face and brews some chamomile before settling on the couch with the week’s issues of Mad Magazine and Vogue. Yes, she contains multitudes. She’s up to the Spy vs. Spy comic when Mulder strolls in, yawning. 

“I guess my bedtime story was effective.”

“Mmm.” Missy scoots her mug over so he can prop his feet up. Dana hates feet on furniture, but she’s got a child in the house now, so she’ll have to let go of those judgments. “How is she?”

“Oh shit.” She’s jogged something in his memory. “I meant to grab the trash can on the way out.”

Missy knows what this means. “I’ll get it in a second.”

Mulder nods in silent gratitude, relaxes back into his spot. “She seemed livelier than usual when we got home.”

 It hits him that he said home, not back. And well, it is Scully’s home. What about him? He sleeps on the couch and he doesn’t pay rent...that’s how he lived at Oxford, though he gets the feeling that it’s not as evergreen at thirty-three years old. 

These days, he only goes to his place on Sunday nights to get (what he considers) a week’s worth of clothing--two work outfits (hey, he never really sees anyone but Scully anyway) and one casual outfit that doubles as pajamas. He bought a bunch of fish feeding tablets so all he has to do is drop a few in on Sunday and the fish are set for the week. As far as he can tell, at least. None of them have floated to the top of the tank yet.

“And Em is all good?” Missy confirms.

Mulder nods. “Your mom takes good care of her.”

“I think I know the answer to this, but do you want some tea?” Missy asks, flashing her mug.

“No, no, save it for yourself.”

“Alright.” She flips a page in her magazine. “Just let me know when you’re ready to kick me out. Since I’m kind of in your bed and all.”

“I should be telling you that,” Mulder counters. “You don’t mind me staying here, do you?”

“Not at all.” Missy lays the magazine on the table. “It’s important that you’re around.”

“Really?...For what?”

“For who,” Missy corrects. “Emily needs you to give her balance, and Dana...she just needs you. You’re the safety net under her tightrope.”

“Oh.” This metaphor grounds Mulder better than gravity ever has.

Missy seems to sense this and takes the opportunity to profit off his vulnerability. “So what’s gone on between you?” she asks, an eyebrow arched.

Mulder squints at her. “Huh?”

“I keep waiting for Dana to kick you out or get irritated about you being around all the time,” Missy says with honest simplicity. “But instead, she lets you take her to chemo and fall asleep in her bed…”

“Well, I think the former is more ideal than the alternative, which is that I watch her child,” Mulder replies. “And I fell asleep on the bed, not in it.”

“Okay.” Missy sips her tea, keeps her eyes on him. 

It’s pointless for Mulder to try to keep secrets anymore. He wrings out his hands. “If you must know, when you dropped her off at my apartment after her appointment, we... came to a mutual understanding.”

“Ah.” Missy is not surprised by any of it. Of course it happened. Of course her sister hasn’t mentioned it. 

“Why are you just asking about this now?”

“Cause I expected my suspicions to be proven wrong, and that hasn’t happened.”

Mulder nods, taps absentmindedly on his knee. “Actually, I have something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about.”

“Oh?” She’s intrigued. The enigmatic Fox Mulder, divulging on his own accord. 

“Don’t get excited, it’s not good.” 

Damn. Missy reels herself in. “About Dana?”

“About what happened to her or...what is happening to her. It’s about the Mufon women.”

Missy curls her legs beneath herself. “You reached them?” 

He nods. “Well, Penny Northern’s hospice nurse picked up when I called. She’s got stage four tumors throughout her body that migrated from her nasopharynx.”

“Holy shit.”

“Yeah. Apparently most of the other abductees have cancer too. And Betsy Hagopian--the woman who Scully saw in the hospital last spring--is dead.”

Missy’s gaze drops to the floor. “So the invasive procedures that the abductors did are killing these women.”

“One doctor’s treating them all--he’s supposed to be a specialist--but it doesn’t look like he’s having much success.” Mulder pauses, his mouth partially open.

“What?” Missy presses.

“The Lone Gunmen and I have been looking into him, and we think that he might have been involved in the abductions.”

Missy barrels forward. “You think he did this to them on purpose and now he’s letting them die?”

Mulder nods solemnly. 

“Well, we have to stop him. We can’t let any more patients go to him, especially Dana…”

“I know. I’m going down to see the Lone Gunmen tomorrow after work if you want to join me.”

Missy contemplates. “I have the lunch shift tomorrow, so I could. What would we tell Dana?”

“I’ll say that Skinner is keeping me late to go over some paperwork. You could say whatever, she’s not going to question you.”

“I hate to leave her alone for so long, but...yeah, we have to do this.” She leans back, takes another look at Mulder. “You might just save a lot of women, you know.”

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

Missy feels unseen eyes bore into her as she and Mulder approach the basement entrance of a helter-skelter building. She doesn’t recognize the part of town they’re in, and she doesn’t ask. 

Mulder hits the button on a call box beside the door. Before he can speak, a voice leaps out at them.

“Howdy Mulderoony.” Mulder recognizes it as Frohike’s voice. “Glad to see you made it safely.”

A variety of locks and chains are undone, the door pulled open. 

“Join our ménage a trois,” Frohike says, ushering them in. 

“We can’t stay long,” Mulder tells them, squinting as he adjusts to the darkness of their realm. “You guys forget to pay the electric bill or something?”

“We’re conserving electricity,” Byers says, a shadow in the corner of the room. “It’s good for the environment.”

“I didn’t realize the environment was on your list of concerns.”

“It should be on everyone’s list of concerns,” Byers throws back matter-of-factly. 

Mulder slides his hands into his pockets. “Touché.” 

Ringo comes forward from the darkness, his hair as tressed and greasy as ever. “Well lookie here. Dana Scully in the flesh.”

Frohike inserts himself between them. “You can’t be serious, pool boy. That’s not her, I’d know her anywhere. It is, however, an equally lovely woman.” He takes Missy’s hand and kisses it. “My lady.”

Missy participates with amusement until Mulder brushes Frohike aside.

“Okay boys, lay off. This is Scully’s sister Melissa. And I believe she’s taken.”

Frohike bows. “A lucky man.”

“Woman,” Missy corrects.

“Oh. Excusez-moi."

Tucked in the darkness, Byers scoffs at the childish antics. “Come on, let’s cut to the chase. Lives are at stake.”

“I’m glad to see someone has a brain around here,” Mulder quips. 

Ringo pats Mulder’s shoulder. “Not all of us got a full-ride to Oxford, but hey, I’d say we’ve done pretty well for ourselves.”

“Calm down, Ringo. You’d still be the smartest member of the Ramones.” 

Like an unleashed dog, Ringo lunges forward, and Byers and Frohike pull him back. They are quite used to this. 

“You can insult me, but never speak ill of the Ramones!” Ringo growls. 

Mulder puts his hands up, smirks at the permission he’s been given. “Happily.”

Missy clears her throat, her amusement wearing thin. She’s like her sister in this way.

Mulder gets the memo. “Right. Can the trash talk, we’re here to catch a criminal.”

“If he is, in fact, a criminal,” Byers remarks.

Missy frowns. “Haven’t you proved that?”

“We’re connecting the dots, but we haven’t completed the picture yet,” Byers replies. 

Mulder circles around to Byers’ monitor. “What have you got?”

“This doctor, Scanlon, isn’t just an oncologist,” Ringo begins, as if Mulder asked him. “His name is associated with the Lombard Research Facility.”

Mulder and Missy both give him a look. More, more!

“A high security medical research center in Allentown,” he clarifies. 

“We’ve hacked into some of the security cameras,” Frohike tells them. “We’d have to get in to see for ourselves, but the activity is rather suspicious. The same men, in and out, at odd times. Whatever they’re storing in there, it’s significant.”

“Then let’s get in,” Mulder emphasizes. “You be the eyes and ears, I’ll be the legs.”

Ringo nods. “We’re working on it.”

“We need to observe their weekend patterns before we make any moves,” Byers insists. “We don’t set up our missions to fail.”

“Fine, but as soon as you’ve reached your confidence threshold--”

“We’ll call you,” Ringo promises.

“What are you expecting to find?” Missy asks, frenzied. “Will it help Dana?”

Frohike drums his fingers on the desk. “That’s the plan.”

Byers nods. “We can’t be sure exactly what we’ll find, but the connection is clear: Scanlon was involved with the abductions, and he’s exploiting these women for his own benefit.”

Melissa shivers involuntarily. “It’s amazing that you’ve figured this out.”

Ringo twirls a pencil through his hair. “We have a lot of free time on our hands.”

Mulder takes a shot at the mini-basketball hoop they have, misses. “And you’d better use it all to implicate Dr. Scanlon’s ass.”

Frohike does a two-finger salute. “Aye aye captain.”

Mulder thumbs toward the door. “Now we’ve gotta get out of here before the smell sticks to us. Scully will know exactly where we’ve been,” he smirks.

“Can’t argue with that.” Frohike shows them to the door. “Give the lady my regards.”

“Will do.” He turns back, exchanges a serious glance with each man. “Sort this out, boys.”

Just as quickly as they came, he and Melissa step out of the chambers and ascend back into the sun’s dominion. Entrusting those three with the well-being of a woman they love so much is far from ideal, and yet, they’re throwing all their faith into it.

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

Mulder slides his key into the door of apartment 42 shortly after seven on Sunday evening. He hasn’t been in for a week, and yet a vivid scent of...smoke sticks about the place. And a wrinkled mess of a man to go with it.

The old man lifts his chin. “I’ve been expecting you.”

Mulder is no longer naïve enough to be taken aback by Cancer Man’s ambush. He shrugs and slides his coat off. “Well, you are in my apartment.”

“I’ve heard that your partner is very sick,” CSM says, his steps so clunky that Mulder wonders whether the downstairs tenants will complain. 

“What grapevine did you get that from?...Or are you the one growing the grapes?”

“It saddened me to hear. Agent Scully is a valuable member of the Bureau.”

Mulder nods. “You here to pass on your condolences? Cause I’m pretty sure you could just send a card.”

“I’m here to propose a solution...The doctors say your partner’s sickness is incurable. This is not true.”

“Smarter than the doctors, are you?”

“In this case I am.”

A bitter laugh rises from Mulder. “So I’m supposed to believe that you were involved in sickening Scully, yet you want to save her?”

“We all have our regrets.”

“And I have no reason to trust you.”

“Upon learning about her child, I feel a deep need to intervene.”

“Mmm.” Mulder begins to pace. “And by learning about her child, do you mean when Scully’s ova were removed and fertilized without her knowledge? Because I have a hard time believing that you didn’t know a thing about Emily until Scully got custody.”

“Certainly I did not foresee Emily ending up in her mother’s custody.”

“What was the purpose then, of Emily? To terrorize a woman by taking away her bodily autonomy?”

CSM shrugs. “That’s not my area.”

Mulder scoffs. “Okay you old freak. Tell me how to save Scully’s life or get the hell out of here.”

The wrinkled man folds his hands. “She had a silicone implant removed from her neck. Put it back in.”

Mulder freezes. “Are you serious? That’s your miracle cure?”

CSM nods. “It is the only way to save her life. Removing the implant is what caused the cancer in the first place.”

Mulder steps forward, getting in the old man’s face like a middle-school bully. He’s ready to throw a punch--honestly, ready to kill the man--if need be. He could do it. Easily. He could.

“What does the implant do, Cancer Man?”

“Believe it or not, it is meant as a sort of inoculation. It offsets the negative effects of any tests performed during the...time away.”

“Uh-huh, and what do you get from it?”

“Who says I get anything from it?”

“How else would you know that she had it removed?”

“I am everywhere, Agent Mulder.”

Mulder loses his thinly-veiled calm, wraps his hand around the man’s saggy neck. “You fucking pervert, I’ll kill you! I’ve killed a man before just like this. Tell me the truth.”

“This is the truth,” CSM wheezes, not intimidated by his rapidly deteriorating air flow. His cold, hard eyes stare into Mulder’s. “You wouldn’t kill a man over nothing, would you?”

Mulder squeezes harder, his fingers gripping the man’s pulse. He watches the light drain from his victim’s eyes. All the old bastard does is smirk at him. 

Angered by this more than anything, Mulder releases the man so suddenly that his bony body is thrown into the wall. He keeps his footing, stumbles forward.

“Get out,” Mulder growls. When he doesn’t respond, Mulder pokes his finger at the door. “Get out now!”

CSM dusts himself off and walks out, the pompous smirk never leaving his face. Mulder slams the door shut behind him. 

There are certain truths he cannot escape. If Scully has made him believe in Heaven, CSM has made him believe in Hell.

[zeppelin-and-unicorns]

so i’ve read your entire fanfic recs lists and thank you so much for making it!! it introduced me to some of my fave fics like I Think It’s A Real Waste by Jaded Angel and That’s My Baby by kezztip (not including your works of course because i love them all). but now i’m at a lost of what to read. do you have any current fics or fics you would add to your lists?

p.s. so excited RYLH is gonna be updated soon!!! i am seriously in love with that story that it’s my pick me up fic

I'm glad my fanfic recs post was useful to you!! I spent a lot of time making that and I love ALL the stories I recommended.

[do you have any current fics or fics you would add to your lists?] -- Oh hell yeah, a lot of new fics came out after I made that post, and I've found a few more old ones. I'll list them all below (this is going to be LONG):

Multichapters:

all that glitters by SparklingSoul (canon divergence s3):

After getting into some hot water, Jackie and Hyde find themselves thrust into an unlikely partnership-- a partnership where in the lines of morality quickly become blurred as they lead each other down a questionable path to cope with their less than ideal home lives.

This story is a WIP.

Y'ALL, please trust me and read this one, it's amazing. The first chapter was posted yesterday and I'm already addicted.

Rated T.

6k words, one chapter so far.

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde, background Fez/Kelso, and Eric/Donna.

Baby Blue by crimsinsky (s7 fix-it):

Zenmasters being Godparents.

This story is complete.

Rated T.

4k words, 5 chapters.

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde, Kelso/Brooke

Friend of the Devil by glittermila (AU):

An AU where Hyde's a girl, and falls for Jackie anyway.

Btw, everyone's gay in this story and I love it, lol.

This story is a WIP.

Rated T.

65k words, 26 chapters so far.

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde, Eric/Buddy, Eric/Donna, Fez/Kelso.

He Let Her Go by kezztip (canon divergence s7):

Jackie runs away to her wealthy grandmother in New York after the midseason 7 breakup. Will absence make Hyde's heart grow fonder? What happens when Jackie returns for a secret visit?

This story is complete.

Rated T.

17k words, 17 chapters.

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde

I Think I Was Blind Before I Met You by TeaTimeAllOverTown (AU):

He’s 14 and she’s 13 and he finds her crying outside the prison doors and, not that he would ever admit it, hearing her cry makes his skin itch.

This story is complete.

Rated T.

15k words, 2 chapters.

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde

Just Ask Santa by heatherlea75 (post s8, Christmas fic):

This is a two part Christmas story featuring JH from Cliches and Things They Say. Sometimes, adults should believe in Santa Claus, too.

This story is complete.

Rated T.

10k words, 3 chapters.

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde

Miracle by B_August (AU):

To Pam Burkhart, Jackie is the abnormal child that her husband dragged in during their vacation in Hawaii. To her peers, she's the smart and stuck-up princess that graces the school halls. To the Basement Gang, she's the annoying brat that infiltrated their ranks. To Jackie herself, she is a super powered freak who just wants to do her best. But to Jack Burkhart, Buddy Morgan, a pair of higher life forms, and those who she would later help, she is nothing short of a miracle.

This story is a WIP.

Rated T.

47k words, 33 chapters.

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde, Eric/Donna, Fez/Buddy

My Best Friend's Girl by the bohemian flow (AU):

What if Hyde had a crush on Jackie instead of Donna?

This story is a WIP.

Rated T.

2k words, one chapter so far.

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde, temporary Jackie/Kelso

perfect matches burn (and baby, so do we) by deartangerine (AU):

One year after their break-up, Jackie and Hyde have finally pieced themselves back together, on their own. Jackie's in school. Hyde's sober. But one fateful weekend stuck together at their best friends' wedding might be all it takes to tear them down again.

Or maybe, just maybe, to build something new.

Another fic where Hyde's genderbent, and it's great! I highly recommend reading the prequel, our fingers intertwined (just like our hearts).

This story is a WIP.

Rated M.

24k words, 9 chapters so far.

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde, Eric/Donna

Play With Fire by ShinyBo0ts0fLeather (s8 canon divergence):

After Hyde comes back from Las Vegas, Sam comes into everyone's life and thus ruining the very last chance he had with Jackie. Instead of the moping around, Jackie is now fueled with fire and a sense of determination to move on and make a life for herself as a strong, independent woman. Instead of turning their back on Jackie and siding with Hyde, Eric, Donna, Kelso, Fez and even Laurie remain loyal friends to Jackie. Hyde is completely broken, but isn't a complete asshole to Jackie. The gang doesn't turn their back on Hyde, but instead support him yet hold him responsible for his actions instead of sweeping it all under the rug. While Jackie is set on moving on, Hyde is set on getting Jackie back and changing his ways for both her and his sake. Whatever it takes.

Eric never left to Africa, and Kelso is in Chicago with Brooke, but is still around. Donna sticks to her feminist values like in the early seasons and is a better friend to Jackie. Jackie is close to the Forman's as well, and her relationship with her father will be prominent and better here as well. Overall positive with some angst.

This story is a WIP.

Rated M.

30k words, 15 chapters.

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde, Eric/Donna

Something Unexpected by crimsinsky (s1 canon divergence):

What if Jackie wasn’t quite so heartbroken over Kelso kissing Pam Macy?

This story is a WIP.

Rated T.

15k words, 11 chapters so far.

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde, Red/Kitty

Spirit In The Night by springsteenicious (s4/s5 canon divergence):

Jackie and Hyde are in the midst of a passionate- and secret- fling. When Kelso's sister lends the six of them her cabin by a lake for a few days, they have to be even more secretive. But secrecy proves to be a difficult thing to maintain, especially when they can't seem to get enough of each other's presence. (Inspired by the Bruce Springsteen song).

This story is funny as hell, and it's a WIP.

Rated T.

4k words, 2 chapters.

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde, Eric/Donna

Take The Money and Run! by MinaSeraphina (post s7):

This here's a story about Steven Hyde and Jackie Blue. Two young lovers with nothin' better to do...

Complete.

Rated M.

29k words, 12 chapters.

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde

The One That Wasn't Canon by samcaponi (AU):

Basically, this is an AU where Jackie never dated Kelso. It's not set in a specific season but will take different aspects from each season.

This has to be one of the cutest stories I've ever read in my life.

This story is a WIP.

It doesn't have a rating.

11k words, 9 chapters.

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde, background Eric/Donna

Things Fall Apart by leoasc (s8 canon divergence):

On one night in a motel room in Chicago, Jackie and Hyde learn a valuable lesson about love and life: Things fall apart. People get hurt. Hearts get broken. Over the course of nine months and a series of events no one saw coming, they learn how true that really is.

Prepare yourself because your heart's going to be crushed, but the author guaranteed that they'll fix it so I'm trusting them.

This story is a WIP.

60k words, 9 chapters.

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde

Too Late by brokenrussiancrawl (s8 canon divergence):

Hyde was not stalking her. It was just, after months of not seeing or hearing from her, finally spotting her in a bar made him realize how much he truly missed her. The only problem is, the tiny brunette wants nothing to do with the gang...even more so him. But he couldn't stay away.

This is angsty. Very, very angsty. But it's great!

This story is a WIP.

Rated T, but the author said that might change later.

23k words, 5 chapters so far.

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde, Jackie/OC, background Eric/Donna

We're Not Broken, Just Bent by SparklingSoul (post s8):

When tragedy strikes and Jackie and Hyde are forced to live up to their godparent duties, they need to overcome their differences and work together. Along the way, they realize that maybe their relationship isn’t broken beyond repair after all...

This story is one of my favorites, I love it so much!! Please read it.

This story is complete.

Rated T.

67k words, 24 chapters.

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde, background Eric/Donna

When Did This Happen? by QueenBookBuff (post s8):

Hyde is stunned when he finds out Jackie and Eric no longer hate each other, and he finds he hates the idea of her having a soft place to land that is not him. What he hates even more is the idea that Eric is protecting Jackie from him.

Angsty and beautiful story, I'm loving it.

This story is a WIP.

Rated M.

46k words, 13 chapters so far.

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde

One-shots:

Anything For You, Doll by icanseeformiles (missing moment):

One-shot, takes place during season 5. Jackie is sick while staying overnight with Hyde in the basement, and Hyde has to take care of her. All fluff.

Rated T.

2k words.

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde

Five Years by johnnycakewasgolden (idk, it wasn't specified):

It's been five years. Fluffy fic. Sappiness. H/J.

Rated T.

1k words.

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde

He Cared by johnnycakewasgolden (missing moment):

After Hyde tells Kelso that he's a tool for trying to get out of Brooke's pregnancy. Hyde's thoughts drift to Jackie and everything between them.

Rated T.

1k words.

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde

Here I Go Again by Tandy (I think it's post s8 but I'm not sure):

Life had not turned out like Jackie had planned. She wasn't rich, she had no maid, no mansion, and no husband. (don't worry this is fluffy).

Rated T.

5k words.

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde

I'll Have To Say I Love You In A Song by springsteenicious (s5 canon divergence):

"Every time the time was right all the words just came out wrong, so I'll have to say I love you in a song..."

Hyde isn't sure how to tell Jackie he loves her. Then he finds the perfect way, and it's a song sung by Jim Croce.

Rated G.

1k words.

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde

I LOVE YOU by PrettyinPink33 (I think it's s5 canon divergence but I'm not sure):

"Why can't you say it? It's three words. Eight letters! Why can't you say it?" Hyde doesn't want to use the L-word. A sweet little fluffy J/H oneshot

Rated T.

839 words.

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde

is this the place that i've been dreaming of? by SparklingSoul (missing moment):

“I’m mostly over it now,” she continues, “but sometimes I can’t help but worry about that same thing with any guy. So tell me, would you break up with me, too?”

Jackie has some leftover relationship insecurities from when she dated Kelso and Hyde is there to remind her that she doesn't have to worry anymore.

Rated T.

1k words.

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde

It's a Hyde Thing by not.so.tragically (AU canon divergence):

It became a Hyde thing. She had part in one of his Hyde things, and for some reason, he was okay with it.

Rated T.

2k words.

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde

Magic Man by ShanghaiLily (missing moment):

Just a sexy little 'missing scene' one-shot that takes place after Donna returns from California and she and Eric catch Jackie & Hyde together on the couch but before Kelso finds out about the affair. After a naughty afternoon together, they admit to themselves & each other they don't want to break up.

Rated M. Very M.

2k words.

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde

Nice To Meet You by crimsinsky (AU):

What If Jackie and Hyde met without Jackie and Kelso ever dating?

A loudmouth girl meets a troublemaking knight in shining armor.

Rated T.

2k words.

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde

Now you're looking pretty in a hotel bar by MissRaichyl (post s8):

Hyde and Jackie meet after a long time apart and find comfort in each other that they thought was long gone.

Rated M.

2k words.

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde

Old and Grey by zpplnchick (post s8):

After a busy day of shopping, Jackie and Hyde make one last purchase: new boots. Post-finale. Told from a 3rd-party perspective.

Rated T.

1k words.

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde

One Special Morning by marirable (missing moment):

If anyone caught him at this hour and in this situation, they would be inevitably buried in the Formans' backyard to maintain his burnout image and not lead it towards the worst. Towards the gang thinking that Hyde got himself a heart.

Rated K.

643 words.

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde

She's a Rainbow by trobedisons (AU? idk):

"she comes in colors everywhere, she combs her hair, she's like a rainbow."

as with everything, jackie is the opposite. they're polar opposites. the rich girl; the bad boy. archetypes that should clash, but they attract. it was as if his calloused hands were crafted to mold into the curve of her hips.

hyde notices jackie’s affinity for rainbow sweaters. hyde also notices he likes jackie. so what happens when she needs a date?

Rated T.

1k words.

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde

The Big Toy by JoyfulHeartEO (missing moment?):

When Jackie and Hyde get bored at the Drive in with their friends...where will they go? And what will they do? ;D Read and find out what happens.

Rated M because this has a lot of sex, but it's well written and funny.

3k words.

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde

Where Did You Sleep Last Night by QueenBookBuff (s8 canon divergence):

Would a married Jackie ever break her vow to be faithful?

I love ALL of QBB's stories, but this one has a special place in my heart, I don't know why.

Rated T.

This work is part of a series, so there's a sequel.

4k words.

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde, Jackie/Kelso

Why Didn't You Tell Anyone? by zpplnchick (missing moment):

The gang talks about their first kiss, and a surprising revelation is revealed… Set shortly after 4x20.

Rated K+.

6k words.

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde

You Give Me Fever by crimsinsky (missing moment):

Jackie is sick, or is she? She claims she is, but Kelso says he saw her not too long ago. Who is Hyde supposed to believe, and what does he do about it?

Rated G.

5k worrds.

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde

1983 by antrazi (post s8? idk):

Somebody comes back and watches Hyde's life from the outside.

Rated T.

731 words.

Pairings: Jackie/Hyde

*

I think this is it! I probably forgot some fics because my brain is weird, but yeah. I've read all of these, and they're all amazing. I think you'll love them!