#instead of just getting treated like shit by my old bosses and doing the most boring work

[miralparis]

okay loving my job rn kinda ???

[nekosounds]

Mafia!Rhea Ripley x reader

Summary: Being broke with a dead end job, you thought your life was going to stay this way. That was, until you met Rhea Ripley, the queen of the mafia.

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After spending most of my money on rent, I went to the one place I knew I could get a meal for cheap. The local pizza parlor sold pizza slices that were days old for a cheap price. It was always lukewarm and chewy on the best of days, but it’s better than starving.

As I enter the place, I notice a familiar sight of a woman with slick, black hair and a casual suit. Rhea Ripley, the infamous mafia queen. Usually I’d catch her glance once or twice. But for the past few weeks, she’s been staring me down. I try to avoid her, I’m already broke as is. The last thing I need is to be indebted to the mafia queen herself.

Walking up to the counter to order, my eyes widened at the price. Instead of the usual $1 per old slice, it was now $3!

“Shit.” I sigh. With only $2 to my name, there's no way I could afford to eat now. Just as I was about to walk out, an arm blocks my path. I look up to see none other than Rhea Ripley herself.

“Where do you think you’re going, sweetheart?” Rhea asks me. I feel my mouth go dry. What does she want with me? Can she see that I’m desperate and broke? Is she gonna make me loan myself out to her? “I’m starting to get impatient, princess. So I’ll ask again. Where do you think you’re going?”

“Um…I-I don’t have enough to pay for a meal.” I say, “Surely I’m not welcome here if I can’t pay.”

Rhea nods. But instead of letting me go like I hoped, she grabs my hand and pulls me to a table. One in the back that I usually saw her and her men sit at.

“Sit.” She commands. I do as she tells me. She smirks at this, “Good girl. I like the obedient ones.” She says, making my face flush. She sits down next to me, our thighs practically touching from how close she is. “Now, order anything you want. Food, drink, desserts. Anything. It’s on me.” She said.

“B-But I don’t want you to spend money on me.” I say, feeling like this was the start of me having to owe her something. But she just rolls her eyes.

“Sweetheart, I own this place. It won’t cost a single dime. Now order and eat.” She says before leaning in close to my face. “That’s an order.”

I nod. Feeling both scared, and aroused? Her commanding me makes me feel oddly good. And I want to do what she tells me to do. I want to make her happy. So I order a decent meal for myself. And she looks pleased.

The food arrives fast, and I don’t have a single doubt as to why that is. As I start eating, Rhea starts a conversation.

“So sweetheart, I see you around here quite often. Ordering the cheapest thing we have on the regular. Why is that?” She asks.

I start to explain everything to her. My job, my shitty boss, how he only pays me when he feels like it. And when he does, it’s always never enough. And how nowhere else is hiring, so I’m stuck at this crappy, dead end job.

She listens to me with interest. And I don’t know why, but I feel so comfortable telling her all of this. Once I finish my sob story, she smirks at me.

“How about I make you an offer?” She asks. I feel my skin turn pale. I knew this was going to happen. I’m going to be indebted to people I will never be able to pay back! Rhea notices my fear.

“Oh don’t look so scared, princess. I promise you’ll like this offer.” She says, leaning in closer to whisper in my ear. “How about you quit that shitty, no good job of yours…And you come with me?” She chuckles, her warm breath on my ear making me shiver.

“Like to be your servant or your maid?” I ask, unsure of what she meant. She chuckles again.

“No sweetheart. I don’t want you as a servant, or a maid, or anything like that. I just simply want you to be…mine.” She leans in closer with every word she speaks. Her lips are now barely touching. “I’ll treat you like royalty. You can have whatever you want, whenever you want. In return, I get to keep you all to myself…How does that sound?” She asks.

I’m at a loss for words. The deal sounds so nice, surely there must be a catch? But I can’t think of one right now. All I can think of is how beautiful she is, and how badly I want to kiss her.

“C-Can I…” Before I could finish, she leans in and kisses me. My hands clutch at her short, black hair. And her hands trail up and down my back, pulling me closer to her until I was sitting on her lap. Once we finally pull back for air, Rhea laughs.

“So, I take that as a yes?” She asks before trailing a few kisses down my neck. I nod ini response. “I want your voice, baby.” She says, “I want to hear you say it. Say that you belong to me.”

“I-I belong to you, Rhea.” I say, my voice wavering as she kisses down my neck some more. “I belong to you and only you. No one else.”

“Good girl~” Rhea chuckles and pulls back. “From now on, you’ll be treated so well. I’ll give you whatever you want, baby, just stay loyal to me, and I’ll treat you like the princess that you are.” She says before pulling me into another kiss.

As we continue to kiss, Rhea makes plans in her head. She wants what’s best for her baby, that’s for sure. And to start off, why not take care of that shitty boss of hers? The man owes her money anyways, having him six feet under means nothing to her. Besides, what her baby doesn’t know can't hurt her.

[doberbutts]

I think it's also wild the way people assume the stealth experience is roses and butterflies. I went stealth+DL about being gay for about 2 years at work in order to be able to work in a trade where people generally skew extremely homophobic/transphobic/misogynistic. I had been on T long enough to pass reliably so I thought, ok, cool, this is where my life as a Normal Guy kicks in, this is where I get to flex the old Male Privilege and work in an industry culture that is toxic to everyone but cishet men.

and I mean yeah, materially? I did okay in my profession, I was good at what I did. People were pretty chill to me because my only major flaw to them was being the New Kid, a problem that eased with time. I did have a female coworker who I learned dealt with some hazing that I didn't. I will say, in that particular situation, I had some privilege over her since my sexist coworkers never said anything to me the way they said shit to her.

but here's the thing - I still heard all of it. The gross misogynistic things they were saying were not meant to be about me, but they sure as hell were anyway.

but oh, boo hoo, I had to hear remarks, but you know, I didn't face any actual barriers or opposition right? yeah, okay, I guess not, and I'm not saying it would have been better to be out in this scenario, or to be a woman, but there's a reason I ended up leaving that field. walking into work and feeling like - no, knowing - you have to lie to all your coworkers and your boss every single day or else they'll hate you and treat you like shit is not a great feeling. you never have a truly good day when that is always at the back of your mind no matter what. you never develop genuine friendships or connections at work if they're all built on lies.

I ended up getting so burned out. it was a good job, a union job, and I was making a good income. I had a path upwards to make *great* income if I had stuck with it long-term. but I ended up leaving it for a non-union job at a younger company, with a more "hip" HR culture that seemed like maybe I would be in a better place emotionally. I took a pay cut to do that too. but a lot of my new coworkers had the same attitudes as my old ones - the first week I was there, one of the other employees went around the shop asking each person, "if Kylie Jenner was trans, as in, used to be a man, would you still fuck her?" and most people, including the fucking foreman, said "fuck no." I ended up saying something like "it makes no difference to me, sure, fine, she's not my type anyway" (having to not reveal I was trans and also not reveal that I prefer men), and right in that moment I realized this wouldn't be a place I could be open either, and it would feel the same as the old place.

so the burnout for that job came much quicker. I quit after only a couple of months. I did actually end up telling the HR manager why, given that this company actually had one, but she was the only person at the job who ever knew I was trans (since she saw it on my background check anyway).

so yeah like, being stealth at work? it's not a privilege. it's a defense mechanism, and it feels like shit. you feel every transphobic and misogynistic barb even if it's not meant for you. one could argue that I would have never even been able to get those jobs if I were out, and yeah, maybe, that's possible, but I had female coworkers at both places. And yeah, one could also argue that, in terms of pay, I was likely doing better than my female coworkers. And you might be right about that if I hadn't gotten burnt out and quit before having a chance to build up any kind of seniority. But instead I took pay cut after pay cut until I finally decided to put my life in full reverse and go back to college - where I had struggled severely due to mental illness, and still do - since trades were clearly not the place for me.

I'm just really sick of people who have never actually lived what it's like to have that "male privilege" of being a stealth trans man deciding it's just the great, most ideal way you can exist as a trans person. I'm sure there are some stealth trans men who were able to adapt to that environment that I wasn't. but at what fucking cost?

I have a friend who worked a military job training the bomb dogs. He is 100% stealth to the point where even people who know, who have seen him naked and even had sex with him, often forget that he's transgender and why he has that barrier of access to some things if he wants to remain stealth.

The type of shit that people would just. Say to him. And he was always having to balance saying something or keeping quiet so as not to draw too much attention to his status as transgender. He was provided room and board by his job and thus lived with 5-6 similarly aged cis men in the same house and the amount of dodging them and biting his tongue he had to do to just to survive... And the job wouldn't be chill if they found out, the talk he'd heard made it very clear that he was at all times operating with a noose around his neck ready to tighten at the very first infraction.

Anyway that's what passing privilege is. Is your life somewhat better because you pass well enough that no one questions you? I mean I guess technically. But what happens in the mean time to your mental health? Having to hide large aspects of yourself and constantly worrying and looking over your shoulder to make sure no one is looking too hard at your hips or your hands or your chest. My friend is post-op. He's "done", so to speak, outside of taking testosterone. And yet this was still something he had to keep in mind.

He ended up leaving that job due to some Stupid Workplace Bullshit unrelated to his gender status but he told me that honestly it was also a huge sigh of relief. The money he got was great but it was corroding his soul to stay. He ended up taking a pay cut and working elsewhere that he is still stealth but no longer feels like he's got an axe to his neck in every interaction.

[nei-ning]

Share at least three things you have in common with your blorbo(s)

I was tagged by @evelhak, thank you SO MUCH! :D This looks like so much fun so... *cracks her knuckles* Let's get down to business since this will be more or less long post, muahah! >:D After all I have MANY blorbos (tho, I don't like that name... it makes me think of some kind of sex worker blobra (from Final Fantasy game series) instead of my beloved characters...)

****

Gan Ning (Dynasty Warriors).

I'm used on doing things my way.

I hate being bossed around.

Protecting & supporting those dear to me (trying my best!).

Having FUN FUN FUN in life & not worrying about things (still trying to become better at these).

Speaking my mind

Sense of humor

Playful

Getting hell pissed when others (animals and humans) are being treated badly / wrongly in any kind of way.

"Open hearted spirit who runs free!" (aka no society chains me).

Grimmjow (Bleach).

Again doing things my way.

Hating being bossed / ordered around.

Stubborn.

Autistic.

Enjoying darker stuff / violence (fictional only!).

Getting pissed in a snap of a finger.

Loving cats (because I refuse to believe he wouldn't love cats!)

Being my own "King" / "Queen".

Confident (still practicing this).

Fearless (practicing this too :'D)

Aomine Daiki (Kuroko no basket).

I won't do anything what I don't want to do. None can't force me.

Loving animals

Confident (practicing)

"Only one who can beat me - is me."

Exercising

Lazy (in his / my own way)

Sleepy

Horoscope: Virgo (Yay! :D)

Provoking won't work on me (heard one drama CD where Kagami tried to provoke Aomine and he just snorted in amused way, not letting Kagami get to him).

Hard working (via training / exercising)

Sukuna (Jujutsu Kaisen)

Doesn't like people coming in my home (Private place).

Fearless (practicing)

Confident (Practicing)

Being my own King / Queen (second time :'D)

Strong (practicing)

Proud (in healthy way)

Kuroko (Kuroko no Basket)

Most of the time I'm happy and calm.

Piss me off and whole Hell breaks loose.

Unnoticed (but then again I don't like attention :'D)

Kagami (KNB)

Passionate.

Dork! :'D (in our own lovely way!)

Cleaning (I honestly started to clean more after buying and hanging Kagami wall scroll in the living room :'D)

Kazuya Mishima (Tekken)

I actually can be hell cold dick who doesn't give a shit about anything or anyone.

Distant

Not a family person

Dressing well (more or less).

Karlach (Baldur's Gate 3).

Strong

Fighting for my freedom

Refusing to go back to live in the old ways / in the old place

Humor

I honestly have MANY MORE characters but they all are pretty much similar to each other (as you have seen above already) so not gonna list them all and spam you with the same traits over and over again :'D

Tagging @slady-ao3, @blood-and-pepper and all others who are following me :D Naturally you also CAN ignore this! If you, however, decide to do this, please mark me as your tagger so that I can see your characters and you :D

[asleepinawell]

i'm in some sort of Mood about finishing the kh series (for a given value of finished) since I've been playing it since kh1 on ps2 a million years ago but instead of dealing with that i'm going to write my mini retrospective of the titles based on my replay

rest below the line

kh1

story - 7/10. it wasn't the most interesting but it was the first and laid the groundwork for the series. maleficent had a lot of screentime which is always a big plus. love her evil ass. it's also the start of the 'kairi never gets to do anything ever and gets kidnapped every time she tries' persisting problem in the whole series

gameplay - 6/10. feels a bit clunky now in comparison to some of the newer ones. it was harder than some later ones, but mostly because of wonky control issues and not great boss fights. but it's very playable and fun still. mushrooms do a little dance and shake their butt at you. i will never not feel nostalgic about traverse town music. THANK GOD YOU CAN SKIP THE PRE FIGHT CUTSCENES ON RETRIES NOW OH MY GOD YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND THE ONE BEFORE THE DARK RIKU FIGHT WAS LIKE TEN MINUTES AND BACK IN THE DAY YOU HAD TO REWATCH IT EVERY TIME AAHHHHJHHH *i am tranquilized and removed from the room*

re: chain of memories

story - 8/10. i love the focus on the organization 13 internal drama. bitches are running around bad mouthing and killing each other. larxene is a constant joy. marluxia is pretty and goes swish swish and makes flowers. axel was an instant fave. zexion is a shitty twink and i do so love shitty twinks. there was some disney stuff too i guess

gameplay - 2/10. the first time i played it my brother was crashing at my apartment and watching me play and got very into making cool deck combos. so i had him do that for me and i did the combat and the fun sibling shenanigans got me through it. this time i quit after thirty minutes and watched the cutscenes on youtube. it's just so repetitive and meh

358/2 days

story - 7/10. that's too many soras! put some back! story was a bit slow at times but i did enjoy seeing the daily life of the organization and axel/saïx handling their divorce so so well. needed more demyx

gameplay - it's packaged as a movie now so i did not replay the game and can't fairly rate it. i remember it being not the best combat but not terrible for a ds game

kh2

story - 8/10. it would get higher but the fact the beginning is incomprehensible if you haven't played com and 358 loses it some points....i had not played com when i got kh2 and boy howdy. it made more sense on the replay of course and yeah it's a good story. obsessed with how maleficent remains one of the main recurring characters in this series and just Does Shit from time to time because why not. god forbid women do anything etc. also the gay divorce continues to go terribly. saïx is handling this so well i say as he goes into berserk mode again. needed more riku screentime tho

gameplay - 9/10. huge upgrade from previous titles. it was very fun and fluid. the form shifts were a great addition. there were a lot of options but it didn't feel overwhelming or like it disrupted combat. my only real complaint was it felt a bit too on rails at some parts... like cutscene, battle, walk three steps repeat. oh and i hated the gummi missions but i am a gummi hater in general. oh also antiform was amazing. sora can turn into a feral creature... as a treat

birth by sleep

story - 10/10. fuck i love birth by sleep. aqua my beloved daughter who is the most terrifying keyblade master ever. terra my troubled son who got fucked over by shitty adults on an hourly basis. ven the thousand year old little kid who has never caught a break once. also hey it's xehanort and he also has ex husband drama. only note is that aqua should get to say fuck

gameplay - 10/10. the command deck was right up my alley and command forms were the best form gameplay they've done. i loved how all three kids had a unique style and abilities. i loved melding cards and gems to make new cards. i enjoyed playing monopoly. i thought it was the best game in the series when i first played it and that remains true

re:coded

story - 6/10. it was okay? it was largely a rehash but did add a few things. my friend and i kept saying welcome back alvis whenever data riku used a computer so that was fun

gameplay - this was also presented as a movie in the bundle so i won't score it. i don't even remember how it was from way back when i played it

dream drop distance

story- 9/10. the games that switch between multiple perspectives seem to be my favorites and i think it's partly that it makes the story more interesting. the time traveling norts were a bit wtf but that's just an inescapable part of the series. inspired me to get twewy which i will be playing next. MEOW WOW!!!!!

gameplay - 9/10. flowmotion was really neat and fit the style well. i loved the pokemon aspect so much you have no idea. i was a little sad you couldn't meld command cards but it would have been Too Much with all the other stuff going on. a few fights near the end had some really dumb mechanics (the type where when you look up a guide it just says good luck) but there were also some excellent ones. i do think it lost a little something in the port because the stylus on 3ds was important. however there is nothing is quite as satisfying as seeing meow wow hit xehanort with giant bouncy orbs so I'm willing to forgive it a lot

union x/back cover/dark road

story - 9/10. i was shocked how much i enjoyed the story of these. i got very invested and i was only watching the cutscenes, not playing. really interesting world building and the master of masters was an instant fave. one of the only kh titles that passes (barely) the bechdel somehow. also could be retitled as kh: dead kids, because boy did a lot of kids die! extra points for maleficent managing to set major events in motion twice and being very eh whatever about it. love her for that. and the backstory of the xehanort/eraqus divorce, of course. i love a good divorce

gameplay - didn't play this one, just watched ELEVEN HOURS of cutscenes. no longer available which is hilarious considering how much important lore is in it that is referenced in kh3. hopefully they make it into a single player offline game someday with better gameplay

fragmentary passage

story - 8/10. very short but filled in some gaps. i love aqua so i was predisposed to love this one

gameplay - 8/10. it felt like a rough draft for kh3 and that meant it didn't have all the annoying extra crap kh3 added in and played pretty smoothly. i liked the little puzzles. it was a unique game and i enjoyed it more than i expected

kh3

story - 6/10. the fact i had to sit through entire disney movies worth of cutscenes brings the score way down. we did not need to see 3 musical numbers in frozen. if i wanted that I'd watch the movie. i just wanted to play the damn game. the majority of the game is sora got benched and has to get his groove back which was very disappointing for the climatic finale to the series. once i got into the end game though it was much better (i would rate the later game stuff way above a 6 which just makes my frustration with earlier stuff worse). re:mind added in the bits i felt were missing and i came away satisfied overall with the wrap up. axel/saïx had divorce arc three and then got back together finally 🏳️‍🌈🥂🎉. xehanort/eraqus also got back together as they fucked off to be gay in the afterlife. finally we are free of the norts (OR ARE WE???) and the master and the foretellers are slated to come back next from the looks of things. maleficent continues to hang out in the wings waiting for opportunities to #girlboss and I'm excited too see what cataclysmic events she sets off next

so that's it. i did watch the brief melody of a memory scenes but there wasn't too much new there. i may watch the cs from the missing link beta at some point. otherwise it's back to my life long journey of waiting for the next title to drop

gameplay - 5/10. ugh. i bought the game when it came out but between the full length disney movies and the over saturated gameplay gimmicks i didn't get far. this time i powered through and by the end i was enjoying it for the most part because I'd figured out what things to ignore and how to avoid them. attractions were the worst addition to gameplay ever. everything was too flashy. way too many instances of being locked in a "cool" transition animation instead of actually doing combat which broke up the flow of things. i missed the command deck and how much it let you customize your play style. i didn't like the keys being locked to command forms as much as the bbs forms since it meant if you had a keyblade with better stats but hated the special on it you were kinda fucked. this became less of a problem as the game went but was still annoying. overall felt like a step back from the others. they tried to do too much. oh also why were there ten thousand instances of having to learn new controls for some new mini game in every area??? just let me hit things i am begging you. it really felt like they went for cool spectacles over satisfying gameplay

general notes on all of them: i enjoyed the story much more this time due to being able to play them in order. the fact they all released on different platforms originally made the complicated story even more confusing since i couldn't afford to buy a new system every time a new one came out. i really hope they veer away from that practice in the future but i kinda doubt it especially since they've got another mobile game lined up already. while the disney stories were fun early on it felt like the story outgrew them (except for the characters who were in the main story as well like mickey and maleficent) and they were kinda a drag by 3. i doubt they can move away from those since they're the whole gimmick of the series but it would be better imo. deeply worried they'll start bringing in newer disney acquisitions.

one of my biggest complaints about the series has always been how few female characters there are and how little many of them are used. it got slightly better later in the series but overall was still not great, especially for kairi. i kept wondering if they added stuff for her in re:mind due to complaints about this.... the dlc felt like an apology for several things tbh. aqua was great but she shouldn't be the only one and even she got upstaged in kh3 when she's supposed to be the third most powerful keyblade master. weirdly enough maleficent was probably the best written female character. really wild how much she wove into the plot and affected events so much without even trying to (especially in union x). she should fire pete though (i think she should hire demyx)

I'd like to see them let you play as characters other than sora more often since that was always really neat (he's had a billion games to himself now). I'd love a kairi and aqua game but i can imagine square and disney both clutching their pearls over female protagonists

something i noticed was that playing them when i was older i liked sora much better. when i started the series as a teenager i found him annoying. as an adult i have more sympathy and tolerance for teenaged boys who are Going Through It. growth or something

[thenightlymirror]

I’ll write a little about my first day, but I’m tired.

Showed up. First thing I noticed was the electronic board had four services today, and under one of them, the location said “See Lot Card”. Oh shit.

The memorialist trainer texted me to say she would be in at 9:00. The daily files were simply laid out in piles on one of the desks in the main lobby with “pending files and whatever else was happening this week.” Then the office manager said there was a blind check still for the 2:00pm service. Oh. And the 10:00am service. Most alarming was that she really didn’t seem all that alarmed.

When my trainer arrived, the office manager treated her like the boss, (the boss is on vacation) and very gratefully handed her the blind checks to complete, which sent a shudder down her spine, as she has no idea what this park looks like. When we got to the mausoleum, the niche was already opened without prior verification, as the groundsmen were handed the tags on Friday with the assumption all the paperwork work get taken care of inevitably.

After putting out a few small fires, we escaped and made our way to buy a cake for the birthday of the memorialist at my old cemetery. A Stephen King audiobook started playing in the car and we talking about Horror films vs Horror novels for a bit. It was so strange returning to my old cemetery after only two stressful hours at the new place. We picked up lunch for everyone and ate there too. Three hours in all I think. It was like a dream about the first day of school. Dislocated within itself. I told Harper about breaking my glasses and she said Elena mentioned I was hitting on the shop girl, while marching out the door swaddled in her winter coat. How do you say, “Give me a reason to be faithful?”

But it wasn’t like that. It was happy. And we joked around and everyone was happy to be reunited, an entire two days after we had last seen each other. Big Jim even stopped by the breakroom during the birthday party to tell me the personality test he took called him “an analytical and amiable communicator,” which was his way of trying to make me laugh, and it worked. I guess at the morning meeting he asked the new guy to sit in my old seat so he could give him a hard time, and the new guy just demurred, so he asked Harper instead and she laughed and sat down, and Big Jim said “At least some people around here have a damn personality.”

She was laughing about some meme about how the worst fandoms are the Epcot ball and the Second Amendment. I miss that kid.

[mothenbythighs]

Back when I was like 15/16 I remember seeing this post and going on a giant deepdive about what happened to this woman because i was worried about her, like I've been born and raised on the internet this was a completely reasonable mistake to make. And I found out mostly the same stuff in the above post, Hickman didn't actually fire her she's getting rehired all's well that ends well.

However

During my search I ended up finding a youtube video of a news program covering this, they were covering about the exact screenshot above, and they were for this woman, "like wow how could she get fired for something as small as this, Hickman is such a crybaby" type stuff, and obviously they were a little uninformed (or maybe it came out before Hickman's statement idk nor care) but this was huge to me cause in all my searching these were the first people that actually agreed with me "like yes this woman obviously shouldn't get fired for something like this it's ridiculous" everyone else was just making fun of her cause yknow "Furry insulted her boss and got fired lmao". But then they then did an audience poll on whether or not people thought she deserved this or not, and 60%!!! of the people said she deserved it, and obviously the hosts and I were bewildered, but yknow they move on to the next segment and the video ended.

But i was still pissed "how could so many people think this woman is in the wrong what is wrong with them" and so I went into the comments section to see if any more people were as outraged by this as I was. And to this day in the maybe 10 years I've been on the internet that was the most rancid comment section I've ever seen.

The top comments were just making fun of her being a furry, "If shes an animal she should be being tested on in the nasa labs instead of working there lolololo" fucking gross disgusting i hate it but its the internet we've all seen shit like this before. It pissed me off but i moved on

Most of the other comments were some variation of "I don't know how you guys were surprised by the poll results, this is what happens when you insult your boss" And like are you 60? have you never been on the internet before??? That's not what is happening here at all!!!

But the one comment that stuck into me, like a fucking fishhook was "She wasn't even supposed to be an engineer she was just supposed to work in the kitchen making food for the real astronauts". And I was enraged, like "that's completely fake, you made it up! Like you clearly didn't do any research you're just making shit up to make fun of this woman, and also you're saying that like cooks aren't vital workers you're j-" and then it all clicked, This is what oppression looks like.

Like obviously 15 year old me knew minorities weren't treated well in life but this was my first time seeing it. A person was being mistreated mostly by freakish old men, her life was being ruined and she wasn't even being taken seriously because she is a woman (And to a lesser extent a furry)

twitter is incredible

[dwarf-vader-of-middle-earth]

I don't talk about this enough. But! Dishwashing caused me permanent nerve damage in my shoulder. I had a boss who wanted me to work the bakery while also cleaning trays, but I could only be permitted to clean the trays after everyone was out of the kitchen including herself because she did not want to be seen with people cleaning them. Thus, I was only given like 2 hours at most to clean well over 100 trays a day, dry them, stack them back up, and it's important to note that each cycle took exactly 10 minutes, and the washer could only hold 10 trays at a time.

So basically, while rushing back and forth to pull things out of the bakery case and ring up customers, slice bread, get cakes, refill every space in the case that was empty, take orders, answer the phone, and clean the case head to toe daily (it was about 25-30 feet long), I somehow had to manage to get over 10-15 loads of trays cleaned, dried, and stacked, all within 2 hours at most.

And the speed at which I had to do this, it was so ridiculous and unattainable, that I ended up dislocating a disc in my spine which pinched nerves in my shoulder, and it will never go back to its original position. I spent over $3k on physical therapy that did nothing for the nerves and disc, and was given nothing else to relieve the pain.

All OTC stuff (muscle relaxers, painkillers, numbing relief) does nothing at all. And no doctor wants to give me prescription strength relaxers or painkillers, even though I'm already dealing with chronic pain all throughout my entire body from arthritis and lupus.

I was working for $12/hr with no bonuses, raises, and promotions. Everyone except for 1 guy and 1 woman treated me like dog shit. They ridiculed me for everything I did and didn't do, acted like I was far below them even though I was the backbone of the bakery, and no one cared when I got the nerve damage, so I literally quit on them. Wrote my 2 weeks notice while on the clock on a sheet of notebook paper, and left it on the boss's desk.

I was hired on to bake things. And I didn't even make 1 single cookie in all the time I worked there. I, instead, wound up with a permanent injury at 20 years old, that I'm stuck with forever, just because of ridiculous and literally impossible expectations of a dishwasher.

Fuck jobs. Fuck worker abuse. Fuck bosses. She was shitty, and awful, and did nothing but snap at everyone, set everyone on edge at all times, and make up rules that were not written down whereas the legit ones were, and expected me to follow all the made up rules even when I wasn't told what they were. If I didn't know because I wasn't told, that's my problem! I'm at fault!! And, her expectations literally ruined my body.

[zein-satsuki]

Top male reader X Stolas the Goetic Prince of Hell

Helluva Boss fan fiction contains angst, smut, violence and many many many fluff for my little cute hoppy owlet.

Not my art

"Wonderful, also son you were destined to have a precautionary heir to the goetia family so, you're now engaged. Congratulations! Isn't she charming?"

Living as a member of the royal family of the Ars of Goetia is quite the pressure but happy and fun too with the unlimited knowledge in stored by the father of the family and the spacious palace given lots of places to explore and entertainment to be build. As a bookworm, M/N just love the pure knowledge he could learn from the library. Books being reorganised as new ones replaced the old ones meaning more to read. As he grew up, he is being bullied by his brothers and sisters because of not socializing much but he never cared unless someone dirtied his favourite book or lie to him because they want to benefit by being his friend.

There was one time when it gone too far when his favourite book got snatched from him and stomped to the ground, red covered his mind and before he even realise his sharp nails are at his mean brother's neck and the others are bleeding out cold. He got stopped by F/N who didn't punish him afterwards and just rewarded him a grimoire of animals seeing the potential in his kid for the first time ever. The others got the wind of it and stayed away from him ever since they don't want to get hurt by the H/C haired demon's uncontrolled emotions.

M/N has many exotic creatures in his palace all taken cared by imps he interviewed and hired himself. He didn't care about their attitude against others but animals, definitely requires passion for animals and would never treat them wrong. After all, the creatures in his palace are all his most prized possessions. His father visiting once in a while to know about his progress on the grimoire, nodding and giving him praises every time he test him. Of course, M/N not giving a shit about his opinion since he clearly didn't really care about M/N like still getting his name wrong and such. He's just being himself and trying to steal more books off the demon's hand.

One day F/N feel like M/N is mature enough to meet the other Ars Goetic family's heir, so he dragged him (because M/N refused) to one of the birthday party of the Goetic prince, Stolas. He is really not that interested in socialising, been treated like shit for the past few years until the accident and now he just doesn't trust anyone anymore. And just as he expected, there are tons of people. His dad left him with the royal brats as he went to greet the other royal families trying to find a perfect mate for M/N that can make their family stronger.

M/N didn't bother to introduce himself to the states of the others instead just took out another book and start reading it. The other royalties are curious but didn't want to introduce first too so M/N got his peace as the area around him cleared up. He is enjoying this really much though he preferred to be home but this'll do too. As he think only to get disturbed by a certain birthday boy.

Stolas: Hello there fellow demon, I'm Stolas. I've never seen you around here before.

M/N: Oh, hi. I've just been in my room at all times. By the way, happy birthday.

M/N handed over his books about magical plants and another about the legend and stories of the twelve constellations. Books he liked when he was Stolas's age. He thinks he'll like them too. He was quite troubled at first with the gifts and asked his father for opinion and he gave shitty answers like 18+ stuff getting thrown a pillow to the face afterwards. He even bought it and dares offered it to M/N, M/N had enough of his bullshit and just throwing the book in the trash when his father's gone.

Stolas: Oh! I love plants and stars! Thank you so much! Father hadn't bought me books like those in ages. I just love reading facts about them.

M/N: Hm? Like what?

Stolas: Like the fact about plants can hear. Do you know if you played music to it it would grow really well in the future? I wonder does it listen to us talk too. Oh! Oh! Maybe if someone can get how plants talk we can know about lots of gossip around and...

M/N: Woah woah woah! Stop right there fella. Hehehe, never knew I'd find someone equally as interested in knowledge as me here. Now let me introduce myself properly. I'm M/N, from the L/N family. I would love to talk to you more in a more suitable place.

Stolas: Oh! I'm sorry if I rambled. Of course. Can you give you hell phone number?

M/N: Hehe... Sure. Here's my number.

Stolas: And here's mine.

M/N: I'll contact you once I get back alright. Your father seems to be calling for you, you might wanna go see him.

Stolas: Oh! Coming father. Goodbye M/N, wish to get a call from you later.

M/N: I will.

The owlet happily hopping away as M/N just watch him go. He thinks the blue blood is really cute and angelic unlike any other just caring for status especially Stella the crazy woman with her brother that's a sister loving fanatic. He despise the girl so if she ever gets in the way, he'd be a nightmare. So, his father always tend to keep a close eye to avoid that. M/N had a few snacks before going to look for his father as he's finished with his current book.

Then he overcome Stolas. The owl is just standing confidently beside his father as he introduced him to the rest of the guest, the owlet showing his well learned royal formalities and earning a few cheek pinches from the madams. Then, it was Stella's family, everything gone wrong when they want to match their kid together. Stella is completely disgusted with the cute owl and proceed to torture him with a few pluck out feathers but their family just dismissing it as a sign of love(not).

Stolas was already in the verge of crying when M/N walked over. The owl immediately struggled free going to his first ever friend hiding behind him and clutching his coat. M/N cooed at the cute act but also getting to finally meeting the goose noble that just tortured his friend.

Stella: Hah! Hiding behind the nerd's back like he isn't one pathetically none back boned noble in here, absolutely expected from a useless shit!

M/N: If you didn't learn how to speak properly why not get rid of that useless mouth of yours.

The F/C fur noble starting getting angry with red surrounding him a little meaning he's about to get down dirty just for a big set of arms hoisting him up. M/N turned around to see his father's usual cheerful smile and shaking his head almost unnoticeable to him. Not wanting to wreck the birthday party, he calmed down and F/N put him back down where Stolas immediately went up to him again asking if he was okay.

Stella got freaked out by the demonic eyes M/N showed when he was on the verge of blowing a fuse. She backed off for the rest of the party and later on complained to her parents and brother about the incident making Paimon lose his "perfect" engagement for his heir.

Huffing out annoyed, Paimon called forth F/N to discuss about the problem M/N made only for the male to offer his own child as replacement. This angered Paimon because there's no way two males can have an heir, but when F/N introduced him a magic rune M/N created of mixing two genes together to get a better mutation, he got interested. Then, F/N forced M/N to show his collection of exotic creatures almost making the male bare his fangs at his father before he said it was for Stolas.

It was surprising to see the male so calm showing his treasures to others. What they didn't know is, M/N constantly repeating for the cute owlet in his mind over and over again. After looking around and finding many species Paimon never seen before, he got interested and offered M/N two dark species and for him to perform it in front of him. M/N confidently did so and a baby unicorn hatched. Totally believing F/N now, he agreed to the proposal of him and got up to leave before giving M/N a pat in the shoulder telling him to treat his son well.

The engagement was kept a secret from Stolas till the day he finally can carry his duties meaning getting his grimmoire. But by the mean time, he always asked M/N put to play as they explore each others' garden together and finding their beloved plants and animals. Stolas would listen in on M/N's endless ramble about his collection of animals and the things they do. He found it cute to have the usually stoic and unmoving male so hyped about something. He'd get a few of the newborns too as they took care of them together earning cute little chuckle from the owl prince.

When it was Stolas's turn, he would introduce his exotic plants too. He even gave them funky names that are absolutely adorable to M/N. Seeing Stolas work his blood and sweat for his plants, M/N helped him too. After all the work they'd usually be dirty with the dirt on their hands and faces. And seeing each others' looks just made the cute duo erupt into a laughing mess. Then, M/N got the brilliant idea of smearing more on Stolas's face making the owlet hoot out as he race towards the F/C demon to take his revenge too.

They would also watch the stars together with Stolas telling M/N about each constellation's stories and introducing more and more about the beautiful galaxy. M/N always loved hearing his voice, the owl is just so cute and excited when he shared about his knowledge making M/N want to squish his cute face.

When M/N reached him about more magic showing all of them confidently and perfectly with a significant smile plastered on his face leaves the owl in a dreamy state. He loved watching how M/N would always be so confident in showing his own specialty and teaching him the spells with such gentle voices that just made him want to be embraced by the F/C fur demon. And he did just that.

One day, M/N offered Stolas a trip away from the palace to show him more of his other collection elsewhere. They've set up a place to meet and the time, but what M/N hadn't consider is, how Stolas never gone out before. The owl got lost as expected so M/N got to the place in time without the owl's presence, he immediately knew something's wrong since the blue blood owl was never late. He panicked and went for a searching spree around Stolas's palace ground. After a few minutes, he found the owl bruised up a little with messy fur while carried on the back of a female imp.

Stolas: ...and he's the first ever demon that had the same hobbies as me! He even taught me a lot of magic and showed me a lot more about the stars I don't know about.

Tilla: It's amazing! I had a boy which had a thing for horses, I think he can get along well with the two of you too.

Stolas: Horses? I love them too! But M/N never let me ride them. He always said I'm too small or something, I can't wait to be older so... Oh oh oh! It's him, hey M/N!

Stolas waved his hand while he was carried on the back by the female imp. M/N was very worried for his friend. Seeing him returning safely, he ran up to them as Stolas is being let down to the ground then get hugged by M/N.

M/N: I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry...

Stolas: M/N, it's nothing. I wanted to come out to play as well.

Tilla: Well, it's time I get back. Goodbye little prince.

Stolas: Goodbye!

M/N: I'll get you back to my place, here.

Stolas: M/N, that imp told me a lot about her son and one of them appears to like horses too! Ain't it such a coincidence!

M/N: Hehehe... Well if we met them in the future we could invite them to play if you want to.

Stolas: Really?

Stolas's eyes gone starry as M/N chuckled through his breath thinking the latter is really really cute right now. He pat the pince's head gently before swinging the owl's arm across his shoulder to support him preventing him from hurting his knee further.

M/N: Of course, Stolas. Your friend is my friend too.

Stolas: Yay! Can't wait for the day we can meet with them!

M/N: Now now don't get too excited, we still need to think up an explanation to your father about your scrapped knee.

Stolas: Oh, right. But what about our trip out?

M/N: Don't worry, we can go out next time, there's plenty of chances don't worry. We need to focus on getting your knee better first. You don't want me worrying about you all day right?

Stolas: Alright then! I'll get better soon.

M/N: Hahahaha, it's not like saying it will make it heal immediately.

Stolas: No, stop laughing at me!

M/N teased the owl more making him flustered and forget all about the pain till they get back to the palace and patched him up with his favourite pictured bandages. He even signed it showing its the work of his making Stolas laugh a lot.

Thank Lucifer Paimon didn't come visit that day, Stolas get to have another sleepover with M/N as they fell asleep to the story telling show. Stolas all curled up comfy in M/N's embrace as the latter wrapped him in his arms with their tails entangled. The TV was soon turned off by the butler as he took another picture of the young masters cute position, ensuring they were covered by the blankets and leaving quietely.

M/N got the album of pictures as a gift from the butler not long after as he himself was thinking about a gift for the owl too. Hi birthday is this upcoming Tuesday and the pictures gave him an idea. He got out one stack of paper and started drawing. Thinking it's an absolute gift he giggled and kept on his work.

Stolas is very hyped for today when the butler woke him. He immediately phoned M/N and kept reminding him it's his day and rambled about the grimmoire he's about to get. The responsibility and power got him more excited as the butler brushed out his feathers. He hang the phone up and tracked up to the hall towards the living room where Paimon was present to give him his gift. At the same time came the arrival of M/N too.

Stolas: M/N! Father!

Paimon: Ah, there is my little owlet.

M/N: He forgot your name again Stolas.

Paimon: No I didn't, I know my own son's name perfectly. And M/N, don't!

M/N: Okay, okay I'll stop.

Paimon: Ehem, as I was saying. Well, my little one, it is finally the day you're becoming the true part of the Goetia family. Well, good for you. Are you ready to do what you meant to do to serve hell?

Stolas: Yes father!

Paimon: You will be entrusted with the studies of earth's stars. Stars that contains prophecies and all that stuff. Ain't that fun? You will be given studies as the grimoire, to grant you access to the human realm to study and observe and you will grow and lead as the prince of hell where you'll live on to pass your knowledge onwards.

Stolas: I will do my best father!

Paimon: Wonderful, also son you were destined to have a precautionary heir to the goetia family so, you're now engaged. Congratulations! Isn't she charming?

The moment Stolas saw the picture of Stella, he started crying. The moment that happened, Paimon started feeling M/N's horrific aura behind him, looking back to see the demonic smile of his. Panicking a little he immediately hid the picture and pat his son on the head a few times.

Paimon: I'm kidding I'm kidding! Calm down Stolas. Your real engagement is with M/N. Got no problem with that now do you?

Stolas: With N/N! Do you knew about this N/N?

M/N: Urmmm... Yeah?

Stolas: Why didn't you tell me?

M/N: I was afraid you won't like it and won't hang out with me anymore...

Stolas: Oh silly, I'd never. I love to be with you ~

The lovebirds(literally) snuggle up each other and start hugging and chuckling while Paimon just stood there. Noticing M/N sly smirk he cursed in his heart and just cut in to disturb their little time together by holding Stolas up and away from M/N. The demon smirking slyly in return just to get a "childish" from the F/C demon making him almost lose himself. Then he said through gritted teeth,

M/N: What. Are. You. Doing.

Paimon: Well, why don't we take a trip to the circus in town! Heard that they're pretty amazing~

Stolas: I'd love to go with you father!

M/N: But Stolas, didn't we already visited them last...

Paimon: Great let's go!

The goetia demon sped away with his son leaving M/N behind as the demon just grumbled and ran to catch up with them. The butler arranged their seats as they sit down accompanied by the few stares from the other demons since it's rare to see blue bloods around here. The circus show started a few minutes later. Stolas is starting to get excited while M/N just sighed and pet the cute owl a few times for the latter to chirp out happily.

Paimon just watched while having a little smile by his face too. He loves his son of course, but there's just too many to remember. Loud awed expressions and laughter spread through the circus as the circus member started performing their own talents on stage then came the lights out and clowns warning.

This made all of the imps surprised as the clowns lashed out with sharp teeth and glowing eyes. M/N received a fluffy little owlet as the clowns scared Stolas. He just rub him gently and kept him in his embrace. Stolas blushing a lot and snuggling into M/N. The imp brothers swinging around ropes throughout the circus as one of them let go trusting the other to catch him and they do it perfectly smiling happily as so. Stolas got so pumped up by the fun as his face went red with excitement while he started hopping a little in M/N's embrace. Paimon seemingly noticing his son's enthusiasm and gave his butler a look. Being a professional butler he pulled out his hellphone and arranged a sudden added show that includes Stolas and M/N with the circus bros.

Suddenly the lights shown on the lovely couple as Stolas felt flustered and crept down from M/N who the torch shining imp received glares from.

Imp: Let's give a round of applause to our beloved princes and welcome them up stage!!!!!

Crowds: YEAH!!!!!!!!!

The crowds were hyped to the fullest at the moment. Stolas and M/N completely stunned by the sudden announce that they just raise theirs arms up per the imps ask as the brothers grabbed onto them soaring through the air, sometimes changing ropes to ropes. M/N and Stolas both laugh their hearts out at the fun and comfortable feeling of wind. Then they had a perfect landing with M/N on the ground first and catching Stolas that was drop down above him. Stolas being too excited kissed his prince charming on the beak smiling sweetly as possible. Almost making the latter faint from such cuteness.

They returned to their seats chattering and talking about the fun they had on stage, especially Stolas that rambled to his father too which Paimon just hear patiently cause today's Stolas's birthday, he doesn't want to make him sad. Then, the little imp making balloon animals. M/N can't stand the awkwardness of Blitzo repeatedly mess up of his job and helped with a little manipulation of shapes with his power just a reward for making his dear so happy. But something gone wrong and the horse had no legs. M/N just buried himself into Stolas embarrassed by the failure of his first ever magic perform in front of people. The considerate owl just rubbing his fiance's head gently. Then, Stolas laughed at the jokes Blitzo made making the male in his embrace groan in jealousy. Stolas laughing even more due to his fiance's childish acts. Paimon totally taking this opportunity to record the embarrassing moment of M/N and sending it to his father.

Fizzarolli totally shoving Blitzo out the window with a perfect balloon horse earning the cheers from the crowd. The circus show ended as the crew bowed to the audience as claps are heard till the curtains closed.

As they were about to leave, Paimon made an excuse to leave, which M/N and Stolas just dismissed it while still being excited from the circus show. About a minute or so, they left the circus. Arriving to the palace as Blitzo and his father just seconds behind them.

Paimon: Here's your new friend my son, happy birthday.

M/N: Buying him a friend? Really, Paimon?

Paimon: Shut up you brat, don't make me send you home!

M/N: Ha, like I'd get...

The duo just straight out fighting in the back as Blitzo introduced himself to Stolas. Stolas bowing to Blitzo seeming to triggered the duo as M/N's hand went straight to Stolas's head to keep him up while his father just outright scold him for it.

Paimon: Don't bow to that one, you bow to us, idiot!

Stolas: Oh right.

M/N: Cut him some slack or I'll...

Paimon: You don't say that here!

Stolas: It's okay, N/N. I'm fine! This is M/N, my best friend and now my fiancé! Isn't that cool?!?!?

Blitzo: Yeah?

M/N: Calm down my darling, let's go inside.

Stolas: Oh yeah right!

Blitzo: Woah!

M/N: Um, careful darling.

The energetic owl pulling both of them in sprinting excited to show his collection. He rambled about the book M/N bought him his last birthday, it was about horses. That spiked Blitzo's attention, as the three of them talked about the different species and what kind of usual needs they have. M/N even took out his own made notebook from studying the magical creatures to show them what he discovered what wasn't in the book.

Apparently hell stallions are pretty easy to tame when you pull the hem of it's fur by the neck, same with all other mammals since their life source and weaknesses are all concentrated there. Then, the watch on M/N's wrist started sounding alerting the trio. Stolas squealed knowing what that means as he yet again drag the duo to his garden and there they saw how the foal is born into the world. M/N and Stolas working together as they helped the mare clean up the blood and patch her up with a few spells from M/N's grimmoire. Then they wrapped the foal in soft towels leaving for Stolas to hold it. Blitzo just staring at the foal with stary eyes as M/N gave him the other foal wrapped in towels.

He always dreamt of seeing a horse and now holding a baby one in hand is just a dream come true. He's so excited he can't form words properly and just started stammering. This made the couple laugh as Blitzo just wanted to dig a hole and hide after realising his mistake.

M/N: Didn't know you would like horses this much. You can keep it if you want?

Blitzo: Really?????

Stolas: Of course! N/N's got loads of them in the barn already.

Blitzo, mind-blown by the generosity of the blue bloods just accepted quick as possible afraid that they'll take the offer back. M/N knew he can take good care of the foal since he know what an animal lovers like. The three of them ran off again to other places in the garden with Stolas showing his amazing garden skills that includes the flowers colour blooming into a beautiful picture of him and M/N. The cheesy feeling just made Blitzo a bit uneasy but he still compliments it as it is quite an amazing work. Then, M/N showing Blitzo and Stolas his collection of favourite magical creatures. One of them being dark ponies that are big and handsome absolutely, Blitzo loving it absolutely too.

After all of that, they got tired. Stolas pulled them towards the tree where a small table set is there under the shades of it. M/N left to brew some tea up where Stolas was left to keep Blitzo's company. When he came back, they are talking about him.

Blitzo: M/N's so cool! Do you think I can ride thunderstorm if I ask him nice enough?

Stolas: Well, I'm not too sure about that, I think thunderstorm is still out of league. Maybe you can in another few years or so?

Blitzo: Huh? But why? Awww, but Thunderstorm's so cool, I really wanna try it out.

Stolas: Because it's dangerous, Thunderstorm will kick anyone he isn't familiar with. His kick can send you straight to heaven.

Blitzo: Hmph! I want to become closer to the stallion too. Please teach me, M/N~

M/N: Hahahaha! It's not that easy though, since you aren't strong enough. Thunderstorm despise the weak. Maybe in the future when you're strong enough?

Blitzo: Hmph! Fine then.

Stolas: Oh, look at the time. It's pretty late already. Aren't your parents gonna worry about you?

Blitzo: Oh crumbs, I forgot about it!

M/N: About what?

Blitzo: Um...Uh...nothing. I'm gonna go home now, I had a great time with you two.

M/N: How much did Paimon pay your dad for buying you one day?

Blitzo: Um, a condom and a five dollar bill...

M/N: Ugh! Literally can't with that guy! Here.

A huge rainbow amulet was taken out as the shine almost blinding Blitzo's eyes. M/N noticing the shine wrapped in up with some cloth and just placed it in Blitzo's hands closing it up.

M/N: Here, thanks for the company today. Next time, how about you show us what you do on your free time?

Blitzo: Sure! I can introduce you to my best friend too, Fizzarollii will sure be excited to meet you guys too! I'm just sure of it!

Stolas: Till we meet again?

Blitzo: Till we meet again.

The two blue bloods watch as the little imp with his father descend from the road bidding bye to Blitzo happily.

M/N and Stolas: Good-bye Blitzo!

Blitzo: Good-bye!

That concludes their happy first meeting which Blitzo will never forget because of the prize of getting stronger and for the foal gifted. However the promise of meeting again never seemed to happen, as both the goetia demon are busy with their studies and Blitzo is busy with his circus work. The lovers still attending some of his shows when they're off from studies. They even joined in a few times attracting a lot of people so Blitzo's father's not complaining. They eventually got to hang out with Fizzarolli and they play pretend with the balloon animals together. Blitzo as he is always liking a lot of blood spread and gore and shit. Then, Stolas asked about their future dream jobs.

Fizzarolli: I think being a clown's great, I like all the fun and attention I get now.

Blitzo: I want to be the boss of the circus in the future and I'll make the circus greater and bigger than it ever was! I'll even hire you guys when you're broke as hell.

Stolas: You? Hiring us?

M/N: Ha! In your dreams pal, you can't even handle thunderstorm yet.

Blitzo: Just you wait! I'll do it in the future I'm sure of it!

Fizzarolli: What about you guys?

M/N: Hm? Just the usuals I guess but I'll sure bring my darling on vacation all over hell in the future.

Stolas: Oh, N/N~ I love you.

The two started nuzzling against each other making the imps groan having to witness and be envious of their heaven like relationship in such a young age. It's not easy in hell to find a perfect significant other, so Stolas and M/N is really lucky to have found each other. The two imps showing each other a sly smirk as they both ounce onto the avian demons to tickle them. Erupted laughter totally destroying the lovey dovey atmosphere.

M/N: You know, if you guys want, we can nuzzle you too.

Blitzo: Eww, no. Leave that for your husband.

Stolas: Actually, about that. We came here for another reason.

Fizzarolli: Hm?

Stolas: This.

The avian demon taking out a fancy looking invitation from his pockets while M/N hugged him from behind. The feeling of his beak in his neck just made Stolas chuckle slightly. Fizzarolli and Blitzo studied the invitation to let out surprised sighs.

Both: You're getting married!!!

Stolas: Yes! Isn't that exciting?

Blitzo: But, aren't you guys just 18?

M/N: Hahaha, we don't look at age to do things Blitzo. Besides, we're pretty much doing everything a married couple do already.

Stolas: Yeah, mmf.

The two kissed again flushing a bit as the imps just looked away and pretend to puke making the couple laugh.

Fizzarolli: Well, we'll come for sure. But don't expect us to bring some fancy ass gifts for your wedding.

M/N: Nah, your company's enough. We have to go now, Stolas. There's still a mountain stack more to deliver.

Stolas: Oh right! Good bye you guys!

Stolas and M/N waved goodbye as Stolas attempt to open a portal just to open it right below them. Both letting out surprised squeaks disappearing into the unknown. This just made the imps laugh even more. When the two avian demons send all the invitations out, they were exhausted. When they reached Stella's household, Stolas being to tired just hung over M/N's back asleep. The door open to reveal the butler and M/N just shoving the cards to her hand and turn to leave only to be stopped by the obnoxious voice of Adrealphus.

Adrealphus: Oh, there's the sorry of an excuse of a royalty. Total filth playing with imps. Ha!

M/N: Gawk all you want, I'm not giving you the invitation anymore. I'll just tell Paimon your family wants nothing to do with him.

Adrealphus: Wait, give me that.

M/N: Nope, have fun being the culprit of your family's downfall.

Adrealphus: I'm sorry, I'm sorry. Please.

M/N: Just this once, remember, I hate brats!

Fancy outfits and preparations of the wedding busied by the imps and the caring work of the magical creatures and cannibalistic plants in their conjoined garden falling into their hands. Off from the studies, it was a bit of a mess at the start with the fighting of the plants and animals. Alas, brought to the end by Stolas's crying and M/N's threatening glare.

After all the chaos, they'll have pleasant silence in the library reading books. The owl just sitting in M/N's lap and moving ever so slightly to set in comfortably.

M/N: Um, Stolas.

Stolas: Hm?

M/N: Could you stop moving so much, you're making me a bit excited.

Stolas: Oh, I'm sorry. Do you need help with that.

M/N: No, I don't want to break this atmosphere. I love this comfortable feeling.

Stolas: Hoot hoot, I love this too. Muah~

Stolas continue to read the book and M/N nuzzling on his furry hair drifting off to slumber. And the creepo (M/N's father) taking a picture of this exact scene too.

The wedding came up real quick, M/N kissing Stolas deeply in front of everyone as the priest announce their marriage. M/N went on a rampage with Lucifer and L/N his father when all their private moments pictures got released on their wedding as slideshow. Stolas just hid in pure embarrassment while the whole scene was kind of a mess. After chaos, they read their vows for each other already being fully excited and craving for each other, the two kiss erupting claps and howls from others.

Cheers from the crowd as Stolas threw his flower bouquet back with all his might that Blitzo ended up catching. Of course the ladies wanted the flowers for the blessing rumoured so the fight started. The whole wedding turned out to be a good fight as the married couple got their clothes ruined, but they didn't mind of course.

M/N took Stolas out on a honeymoon to the envy ring that had a underwater hotel with pretty colourful fishes swimming around the hotel. When the lights are out, it'll be even more beautiful with the corals lighting up by themselves. The colourful corse of colours bringing stars to Stolas's eyes. M/N got dragged around a lot by the hyperactive owl as they venture the whole hotel.

Stolas: This is amazing!!!! Thank you so much~

M/N: A promise's a promise. Now, how about we have some fun.

Stolas: Huh? Woah!

The owl got pushed on bed by the lust filled demon as he pin the avian demon on bed. Nibbling around Stolas's neck to find his sensitive spot as Stolas moaned and push into him more. Stolas also preening M/N around his sweet spot getting the H/C feathered demon to groan along. Their groins rubbing against each other, as they kissed and tongues swirl with each other. Kissing till they're almost out of breath but the thrusting of their groins never stopping wanting to get to their high.

Stolas: Ah...ah...AHHHHH!

M/N: Ugh!!!

The most beautiful moan let out as a wet patch covered Stolas's pants. M/N had an orgasm too, but seeing Stolas this sexy totally got him excited again. They kiss hug and preen each other till all their clothes are off. Then they switched position to M/N holding onto Stolas's thigh to keep him steady as the owl is shakily doing up and downs on M/N's face. The long tongue reaching places his own fingers couldn't, as string of moans just stream from his mouth.

Stolas: Ah...ah... it's so....good....slippery and so long...ah! Yes yes...press on that ah...ah

M/N sucked even harder around his sensitive walls, tongue fucking the certain spot that will make Stolas go crazy. Stolas's moans ring through the whole room as his grip on M/N's head grew stronger feeling closer and closer to ecstasy till the sweet release.

Stolas: Aghhhhh~ ha...ha...

M/N laid Stolas down on bed and licked the excess cum from Stolas's cock sexually making the said demon moan and get hard again.

Stolas: Please, N/N. I want... I...

M/N: Tell me, what do you want baby?

Stolas: I want your cock already, please, AH!

While whining needy, he got picked up as M/N complied to Stolas's wishes changing their position to missionary. Both looking at each other lovingly as M/N went down for another messy make out session with his dear owl, a hand guiding the feathered arms to hold onto his shoulders as the other started stroking Stolas's shaft in languid long strokes.

Stolas: Ah...ah....feel so good. Keep going, N/N. Ah...Ah....wha?

Sudden feeling of intrusion just made Stolas went blank as immense pleasure of being attack by the back and front at once just leave his mind blank as he spurt out dirty words and whining more and more. Chuckling, M/N took out his sliick covered fingers and positioned himself in front of Stolas's hole. Looking Stolas deep in the eyes and hands tightening the long legs wrapping around them, tails entangled.

M/N: Are you ready my dear husband?

Stolas: Put it in N/N, please~ ah...AHHH hurts. It hurts. Ah ha no

M/N: I'm sorry baby, I'll go slow I promise.

He inserted bit by bit, seeing his dear owl pained and sweat filled face, he started stroking his shaft again polishing the shaft with the precum making the male below him writhing as the limped dick got excited again.

Stolas: Ugh...ha...yes, I want your big fat cock daddy!

M/N: Baby, stop! You're not ready yet.

Stolas: I don't care, I want it now.

A loud scream came afterwards as Stolas swing his hips forwards engulfing all of M/N. All Stolas feeling right now is pain like his been ripped apart, shaking slightly as tears streamed down his face sobs heard. M/N immediately went to console him, whispering how he was so tight and good for him, such a pretty little bird all for him and how he always look so charming while stroking his shaft and playing with his sensitive spots to get him to calm down.

M/N: I love you baby. Let's just cuddle for the night, I think we're both not ready yet.

Stolas: Wait, no! I want to do this! We went all the way now, just give me some time.

Deep breaths taken as they intertwined their hands again, M/N nibbling softly around Stolas's sweet spot, erupting more erotic moans and proceed to calm him down. Tears drained Stolas's face and his face was all flushed too, M/N wanted to record this moment but well he's busy pleasuring his sweet lover.

Deep and hard thrust in different angles followed after to find that certain spot again. Then M/N flipped Stolas to his side and start fucking him sideways that just seem to rub past his prostate as deep as possible. Screams and uncontrollable writhing until Stolas just came harshly, weakly holding onto M/N. His hole clenching and milking M/N making M/N groan and came buckets into the avian demon. Exhausted from the activities M/N lay down beside Stolas peppering kisses across his face and embracing him. Feeling so loved and worshipped just made the owl hoot happily as tiredness drown him. Seeing his sleepy look, M/N just caress him and hum a little to soothe Stolas down for him to go to sleep.

He got up after hearing the familiar snores of his lover. Grabbing a wet cloth from their luggage, he cleaned up the left over cum on Stolas's body and the sweat too, then lead the cum out of his hole with his fingers making the owl moan gently from his sleep. Sexy as hell but M/N's too tired to continue anyways. Throwing the dirty cloth in the basin, he pick up the large blanket from the floor and wrapped both of them in it, Stolas roll into him right after, the cute snores lulling M/N to sleep too.

A lot of aftercare and sweet talk followed after as they spend their wonderful vacation at the hotel and resorts there. They even went scuba diving to see the beautiful coloured sea creatures. No sea monster dare to disturb their time with the hell's most venomous fish guardian by their side everywhere they go. Sometimes they sat in front of the large underwater window just enjoying cuddle time together, and sometimes they went out to hunt and explore more about the envy ring already planning their first anniversary trip to the other rings.

Yet fun times always went by fast. It was time for then to return to their duties. Their everyday lives still envied by their friends with the constant post of their daily of feeding each other, gardening session, grooming sessions even animal riding and caring activities. The magic they perform also a light to their world. The people were grateful for the couple's effort of serving hell. Their popularity eventually rising higher and higher.

M/N introduced Stolas his experiment about having a child with only the genes of the two of them, and asking if the Stolas can be the host of the egg. Stolas totally excited from the deep of his heart and nodded repeatedly pouncing onto M/N and kissing him again and again. The experiment worked perfectly as the egg grew months by months, Stolas completely cut off from his work since M/N doesn't allow him to do his job not wanting his stressed out. Cravings and bad tempers always cured by the immediate serve of his favourite dishes and the warm hugs and sweet praises.

By the day Octavia was born into the world. Stolas had little to no problem with labours since it's a small egg and he always had M/N prepping him for this exact moment meaning lubing him up and fisting him open at night. The two taking care of their egg by staying in their nest all day giving warmth to the latter till she hatches. Blitzo often came to visit the owlet making the cute owl hoot happily while Stolas just starry eyed all over taking tons of pictures of his precious Starfire.

Laying on M/N's body lazily, Stolas flip through the pages of the book hold by M/N as they were reading a story book in M/N's office. Suddenly a bang of the door in came an intruder getting M/N immediately on guard as Stolas's face got stuffed into his chest before one of his hands with dark red aura aiming at the one.

Blitzo: Wait wait wait!!!! It's just me.

M/N: Oh.

Stolas: N/N! Stop hiding me every time we're in danger! It's not like stuffing me into you're chest is gonna help with anything!

M/N: Aww~ but you said you liked it before.

Stolas: Not unless it's on the bed!

Blitzo: Um, as much as I like to watch my favourite couple drama I have something important to say.

Stolas: Oh hi Blitz, didn't you see you there. Hehe...

Blitzo: Yeah, yeah.

M/N: Stolas, you'd make him upset.

Blitzo: Oh, shut up. I just wanna ask if you guys had anything that can let us access the human world?

This includes Stolas's responsibility as he sat up still comfortably in M/N's embrace getting serious.

Stolas: And what would that be for? You know my dad would be at my neck if anything you let the humans finds out and shit.

M/N: Language my dear. Octavia's starting to learn from you, you know?

Stolas: Is she now? I thought you were the one that was always cursing in front of her.

Blitzo: Ehem!

Stolas: Oh right. M/N give me my grimmoire. Thanks hun, hm.... Aha, there's a crystal called Asmodean crystal that allows succubi and incubi to cross through the living and the dead.

Blitzo: Great! Where's it at? Or do you have it by chance.

M/N: Duh, it's engraved in Stolas's grimmoire, why else would you think he'd had access to the human world.

Blitzo: Great, may I borrow it?

Stolas: What! Of course not! I've got to use it for my jobs.

Blitzo: Your jobs all done by M/N anyway. Just let me borrow it for a few. Please~

Stolas: N/N?

M/N: You know what'll happen if anyone found out. Right my prince?

Blitzo: Please, pretty please!

Stolas: State your purpose then, I'll think about it.

Blitzo: Fine, I've got a crew of assassins and a client gave us an idea of expanding it further.

M/N: It's up to you, Stolas. I personally thinks it'll be fun.

Stolas: Sigh* Fine.

Blitzo: Yes!

Stolas: But, human disguises and no others finding out understood?

Blitzo: Yes, can you hurry... I'm sorry.

M/N: Good.

Stolas: And no getting caught or find out. If so I'll never trust you again.

Blitzo: I promise.

M/N: Return it once a month, I'll get the work done by then.

The fancy book was floated to the imp and the sudden fall of the heavy book just made Blitzo slip and fall making the couple laugh.

M/N: In return, you'll have to tend to our gardens for the entire day too! Good luck.

Before Blitzo complained, he was already teleported out by Stolas as the couple continued with their pleasant morning.

Octavia: Dad? Father?

The sweet call of their daughter got them both up again. Helping each other out with their attires as they walk to their daughter's room.

Stolas: Yes Via?

Octavia: Can I visit Uncle Aster? He phoned me yesterday.

M/N: Of course you can honey. After breakfast.

Octavia: You're the best, father!

Stolas: Awe, what about me?

Octavia: You? Father's baby I guess.

Stolas: Octavia!

Octavia: Hahahaha....

M/N just watched as his husband gone through the hallway chasing their daughter as a smile was brought to his face. Yes, this is everything that he could've wished for. Sudden cries of hunger from the room beside just woke him up form his trance as he went to their son's room. Room decorated with toys and soft plushies as the middle of the crib sat their crying little bird.

M/N: Shhh, Alex. Here, here.

A bottle of milk appeared in his hands as he filled his son's hungry stomach. Coaxing a burp out of him after he finishes then lulling him to sleep again in the crib. The little owl just letting out a cute yawn as he hugged his favourite plushie while he's off to sleep again. They originally didn't want to get another baby, but thinking that their daughter is gonna rule alone isn't an option so another came. They'd sooner or later leave their duties to their children and live together without the bother of others.

A few years went past. While Stolas was watering his plants, M/N gently stalked behind him and hug the owl.

Stolas: Ah!

M/N: I'm back.

Stolas: Ooh, welcome back my dear N/N.

They shared a passionate kiss caressing each other slightly before getting called out by Alex.

Alex: Ugh, get a room you guys!

The angry owl proceeded to leave as the couple just blush profusely. This happened many time already as you can see, but they still never see others besides each other when they're together.

M/N: Oh, I heard Blitz and his crew got the cheerubs in hell. You said you wanted the lamb right?

Stolas: Oh oh oh! Did you get it for me?

M/N: Yes darling~

Stolas: I love you so much, I'll repay you at night~

M/N: What do you need him for anyway?

Stolas: Oh, it's not me. It's Alex. I see the look on his face when he saw their advertisement. Oh how young loves bloom.

M/N: Beautiful indeed. The full moon festival in the wrath ring is coming up soon, when do you want to get your book back?

Stolas: Hm, maybe tomorrow. I'm sure they'll get their work done by then.

M/N: You sure you're able to walk tomorrow?

Stolas: Oh you're on!

In fact Stolas indeed didn't get up that day so it was still M/N passing onto the news. He even offered the I.M.P s a trip there as a compensate.

Blitzo: Deep breath sucked in* THUNDERSTORM!!!!

M/N: Yes yes, the one you love so much. How's Rosie doing by the way?

Blitzo: Oh, she's doing great! See I even bought her the... oh you got one for him too?

M/N: Yeah, he is my favourite after all.

Stolas: Ehem!

M/N: Okay, second favourite.

Alex: I heard you father!

M/N: Fine, all of you are my favourites. Satisfied my dears?

Octavia: Yes.

M/N: Great let's get moving now before we get late.

Alex: Don't do it with daddy on the car alright.

Stolas: Alex!

Blitzo: Pffft.

M/N: No one encourage him!

The festival was a blast and then came the day where Blitzo and Moxie got in trouble with the humans. This time Blitzo notifying M/N, both startled by the sudden alarm as they came early making Stolas moan from the warmth spurt inside of him. When M/N recollected himself enough to know what just happened, he blew a fuse and wrap his husband tight in the blankets after leaving a note. He left to the living world with his grimmoire and destroyed the whole laboratory in the process almost killing the I.M.Ps too. The cold stone expression scaring them half to death finally able to breathe again after Blitzo reminded him about Stolas.

He rushed home to find the owl curled up like a ball seeming to be in a bad dream. He hum to him softly and pat him gently cooing the latter to return to his good dreams as his eyebrows are soothed out. Getting into the warm bed, he started planning for early retirement. Feeling his lover curling up to him made him snap lots more photos.

The end~

[thegreatfraud]

Huey don't wanna do this.

Hell he prefer not to go for the armor piercing question but...

"Your father not the head of the fatui are they? Not the boss of all boss? You and the Fatui of the so call Liyue is like two different branch right? If the higher up order the annihilation of your father and your sister completely do you agree then? The very same father who given you everything as you said? Said group isn't even here in Isola. WE are building something. The fatui don't even have mooks or a banner in this city. You think it's executives truly give a shit or share your father visions? You bosses are not here. Nor is your executives. You fear of the future have made you stagnate of a boogeyman that not here.."

Are you loyal to the Fatui or are you loyal to those who are with you? Huey knows Lyney emotion running high so he instead m0ving the bodies by himself.

Huey sigh.....maybe he is to hard on Lyney. Huey soften just a little.

"I'm not gonna say forget about it or change your mind this instant. I'm not telling you to betray your group. It's almost funny how committed you are waiting for order that might never come. You know i don't know what it's like to spit in the face of someone who raised me and given me everything? My eight year hiatus STARTED with me punching my brother out and cursing his name out. Telling him i never wanted to see him again and he RAISED me when our parents just abandoned us. He accepted me back with open arms when i ask for it. Even though he have EVERY right to abandon me. That love Lyney. Because we are all humans and sometimes we leave, fuck up and sometime we find something else but BEING there for those you love is something. Did Papa offer you a attorney when you were accuse of murder? "

Lol how could Huey not know what it's like to leave something you know all your life? How could he not appreciate his brother even more when despite all the shit Huey said that night. William welcomed him back with open arms?

And the bodies finish loading in the storage as Huey thank god he spend extra on the good quality bags that no air can get though as the staff most the time respect Huey privacy. Lyney face still conflicted as Huey gentle take off his hat and ruffle his hair.

"Look live in the moment. Till papa and the rest of the Fatui comes enjoy and just go nuts. Break some old rules, make a fool of yourself, start some fights. Truly live and experience the now. There are none of the old rules. Nobody gonna tell on you to your boss right now if you go past you curfew. if you truly enjoyed the time we spend together and still go back to the fatui and keep doing the same things i can't stop you. But all this can be a good perspective. I sure as hell appreciate my brother more after my hiatus and eight years of soul searching. Understanding who i am. Don't do it today or the next few week. But at least give me a answer before i do leave. Who is the Lyney of Radiale? A lyney in a city with no fatui? If you give me shit like nothing change and your still the Lyney of fontanite before i leave then i'm shoving my wooden sword all the way down your throat."

Huh....it's getting late already. Huey began close down of the shop all by himself as Huey make sure everything triple locked.

"So....wanna get some bobba and sing karoke till the sun rise? Yes yes it's my treat. Come on. All this yapping from me make me thirsty."

Huey at the entrance offering out a hand to Lyney who still thinking as he do this classic conman wink and a smile.

Lyney still a kid to Huey. Yes he 19 and by american standard he free to move out by himself. But you know any college kid who truly got there shit together? Took Huey eight years of failing, succeeding, heart breaks and so much bull shit to reach where he at. Life to short to waste all of it in this city waiting and being afraid.

If after finding what he wants Lyney still wanna be the only fatui in a city with no fatui then that fine. It's free will. They might not be able to be saved. Doomed to die a villain death sooner or later by the allies of justice or their victims.

But Huey want Lyney to at least be free of the Fatui shackles. Enjoy life for everything it have.

Who was he without the Fatui? The question almost makes him angry.

"I am nothing without the Fatui. I wouldn't be alive without them. My sister would have been taken far away and defiled if it weren't for Father. I would have lost my only family. We would still be on the streets begging for money if it wasn't for the Fatui. For Father." His voice is hard, and he's trying to keep from saying too much. "I have no right to think of my own wants or wishes, because I AM a member of the Fatui. I owe my family my loyalty and my life."

He forces himself to breathe, reminding himself that Huey is only trying to look out for him. "You don't understand, and I don't expect you to. You weren't saved like my sister and I were. You and your brother had to do everything on your own. And I'm sorry. But I cannot think of myself as anything other than a Fatui. I know it makes me a bad person. And I want to be known for me first, but I'm not ashamed to be part of the Fatui. They're my family. What sort of person would I be if I took everything Father and the Fatui did for me and spat in their faces as thanks?"

He can't talk about anything else, or do anything else, until Huey understands this. It scares him, that this might end their friendship. That it might even make them enemies. But his family came first. He shakes as he speaks, feeling sick at the confrontation, but it has to be done.

"I am nothing and no one without the Fatui. Truly. If I were to die, I wouldn't be remembered. Only my sisters and brothers would mourn me. I am a martyr, a servant, and a spy for my Father."

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Assistant Peter or Best Friend's Ex Bucky?

Everybody Talks

Warnings: unwanted touches, suggestions of more.

Please send in feedback if so inclined. Thank you all 💜

❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

"Rough night?" Peter sets down a steaming mug of coffee, the aroma drawing a sigh from your lungs.

You look up from your mindless scrolling and hide a yawn behind your hand. He smiles as he slides the cup closer and takes a step back, a portfolio under his arm. His youth irritates you as much as it piques your envy. He's always so chipper.

"Here you go, boss," he puts the leather folder on the other side of your desk, "this is the mock-up for the Winter spread."

"Mmm," you nod but make no move to take the folder, instead opting for the blonde roast with a touch of oat milk. He always gets it exactly right. "Thanks. Again, boss seems a bit... heavy."

"Sorry, habit," he shrugs and you notice the line of his shoulders, the way the line of his throat leads down below his collar, a hint at the broad chest that makes his buttons strain, "my old job was super strict."

"And we're not," you challenge, "Parker, you've worked here two years."

"It's gone fast, what can I say? And I still can't believe how lucky I am to have the best boss in the world."

"Calm down, you'll get a stellar reference you click on outlook and nearly purr as you have your first sip, "what is this?"

You look at the cup and give it a sniff.

"They had a new flavour in the lounge, sugar cookie."

"Ah."

"I know it's not the usual but we all deserve a treat from time to time."

"No problem, it's good," you set the cup down and rub your cheek as you cradle your chin in your hand, "thanks, Parker. You can get back to it."

He hesitates, lingering, "you sure you don't need anything else?"

"You know I didn't hire you to be my coffee jockey, you got enough on your plate."

"Yes, bo--" he stops himself and uses your name instead, "you know where to find me."

"Sure do," you say as your phone screen lights up and draws your attention. Another call from your husband. He can wait. Or rot for all you care.

❤️‍🔥

"Norman, I don't care-- No, no, I'm not one of your cronies. Or your son. Don't start that with me," you huff into the speaker, your screen saver bouncing against the walls of your monitor, "we talked about this already. You want to go, go. It will be alone. You've known about Paris all year. I can't miss it."

"Darling, you really are intractable. It's an anniversary gift and again, you want to work--"

"Yes, I do. It's my job. It's the same thing every year, Norman," you snap, "and don't begin to lecture me on work trips and family obligations, alright? How many nights have I slept alone while you're out schmoozing your business partners or late at the lab. If you want to talk about this, call Dr. Suzanne and I'll be happy to have her advise."

"Ugh, I do love your fire, dear, but it burns hot," he snarls.

"Oh shut up." You hang up and toss your phone on your desk and lean back in your chair with a growl. You don't know why you don't just go to the lawyer already. Well, you know, the same excuse as always. You're too busy.

You shake your head and roll forward, swiping away the idle screen and setting back to your itinerary. Before Norman, you weren't like this. You liked being home but he made work your only escape. It was an easy excuse not to be entirely alone.

❤️‍🔥

You're barely away as you slowly flip through the pages of the portfolio. The blue-tinted lighting of the editorial is lackluster. You don't recall giving Seasonal Affective Disorder as a theme. You scribble in your notebook and chew the end of the pen. You really don't want to have a whole new shoot but some of these photos are lit like shit.

There's a gentle knock and you lurch back in your chair. Most of the office is gone by now.

"Come in," you call over your desk as you rest your fingertips on the glossy page.

A bouquet of flowers enters. For a moment you don't notice the body on the other side. Peter holds the huge basket of petals in his arms as he angles through, his reddish hair barely visible over the top. He puts them down on the round table by the window.

"These came for you," he says as he faces you, giving a sniff to his shirt, "they smell nice."

"I can only imagine who sent them," you grumble, Norman's oldest trick. You're well past him buying forgiveness. "If it wasn't such a hassle, I'd have you dump them in the bin."

"If that's what you want--"

"Parker, no," you scoff, "what are you still doing here."

"I got a bit carried away planning for Paris. I didn't go last year so... I'm kinda excited."

"Yeah, I... guess I take it for granted," you roll the pen between your fingers and put it down, "you need to go."

"And what about you?" He counters.

"I'm headed out," you say as you close the portfolio, "promise."

He nods, his brown eyes warm and placid as he watches you stand. You give an awkward smile as your knee gives a pop. You're really starting to feel the long work days. He looks down, you assume because of the noise and you do too. Your wrap skirt exposes more than your knee but the top of your sheer stocking. You fix it quickly.

"Uh," his throat bobs, "yeah, I'll get going, boss."

You want to correct him but you're too embarrassed. You wait for him to go before you give yourself a thorough lookover. Everything else is exactly where it belongs. Great, just the young assistant seeing the grumpy old lady's thigh, no big deal.

🤛

It's rainy in Paris.

It hardly matters to Peter as you cross the airport with bags in tow and he babbles on about all the things he's read about. Lindy delayed her flight at the last moment and Howard always came early and left sooner. You try to be patient, try to remember when you were an intern in New York for the first time, but you're drawn thin. Norman didn't even say goodbye.

You get a taxi and give the Hotel's name. It's more expensive so the driver needs no direction. You tip him and Peter follows you out. He follows you up to the grand archway entrance and gives a noise of awe as you cross the lobby. You decide to give him Lindy's suite since she won't be there.

He gleefully takes his keycard and you check your phone. Yep, nothing. Norman's past hounding you. You're as infuriated as you are relieved.

"Here," Peter grabs your suitcase before you can, "I got it."

"They have bellboys--"

"I'm stronger," he winks as he wheels ahead of you, "this way, mademoiselle."

You could laugh at his little act. You trail behind him to the elevator and he lets you in ahead of him. The ascent has you slightly dizzy and you step off thankfully. You check your keycard and point him in the right direction.

You thank him, almost reaching for a bill from your wallet to give him, and catch yourself.

"Anything else?" He asks as he rolls your suitcase to stand against the wall.

"No, Parker, that's fine. Thank you."

"Peter," he says, "two years and you still call me Parker."

"I'm... sorry," you say softly, realising how you reproached him for simply calling you boss. "P- Peter, if I've been rude these last few weeks, I apologise. I've had a lot going on and it's not an excuse to take it out on you."

"Rude? No, like I said, best boss I've ever had."

You nod and let out a sigh, "well, I'll... see you tomorrow morning."

"Bright and early, mademoiselle," he grins, "have a good one."

He spins on his heel and strides out lightly. You close the door behind him and groan as it clicks, the hours in a plane seat twinge in your hips. You have to try to enjoy this trip, if only to spite Norman.

❤️‍🔥

"You can have Lindy's seat," you say as you lead Peter amid the crowds, "wouldn't look good to have an empty seat with our name on it. Especially in the front-- Maria!" You interrupt yourself as you great the silver-haired designer, "so wonderful to see you again. Thank you so much for the gift basket."

"Thank you for the editorial," she says in her lilted baritone, "oh my, have we traded in the old model?"

She tweaks a brow in Peter's direction and his cheeks redden as you peek over at him. You give a soft laugh, not enough to embarrass him.

"This is my assistant, Peter Parker. He's a photographer as well."

"Peter Parker," Maria drawls out, "what an... American name."

"I do happen to be American," Peter says dumbly.

"How absolutely adorable, I could spoon him up and eat him with a nice sorbet."

"Uhhh," Peter gives a squint.

"Don't let us keep you," you gently touch Maria's elbow, "we should find our seats."

She passes on as another voice calls out her name. You continue on to the crowded runway and edge along the front row. You sit and smooth your skirt, a vintage designer piece chosen deliberately for the event. An editor-in-chief can't look a mess even if they feel one. Peter looks good enough in a Gucci button up and slacks, hair tidy enough to seem as if he belongs. You can't help but notice the Louis Vuitton loafers.

"Are those new?" You ask.

"Oh, uh, have a friend who tends to hoard nice things," he shrugs, "and that dress?"

"Not new," you assure him.

"Still, it looks good."

"Comes with the territory. Everyone's here competing and in the front row, the press will be sure to get a couple snaps."

"Wow, is that Shaq?" He looks across the aisle, "I didn't think he'd be into fashion."

"Like I said, people come to be seen and they are seen," you say.

"Oh, right," he looks around and his eyes round. There's already a long lens aimed in your direction, "it hasn't even started yet."

"Yeah, there's really no start or end, it just happens," you say, "last year wasn't particularly great for us. Howard got a bit... tipsy so he's skipping it this year."

"Ah," he nods and smooths his shirt. You try not to pay attention as the fabric draws taut over his chest.

Another guest claims the chair next to you and you greet them, another editor, and settle in as seats begin to feel. The anticipation builds until the room grows dim. The runway lights up with shades of rose. The crowd quiets and Maria comes out to introduce her collection.

As the first model comes back, you make sure to keep your posture straight. You've done this enough times to be aware of every tick and move you make. You have a magazine to represent and right now, it's the only thing going right in your life. You watch the designs and give a thought arch of your brow, the colors are interesting but the cut doesn't quite fit.

You feel a tickle on your leg but keep your focus on the runway. Then the warmth spread across your leg and squeezes you through your skirt. You flick your lashes in shock as Peter leans over as he feels your thigh, "I like the colours..."

"What are you doing?" You withhold your chagrin as you move your lips subtly, focusing on keeping your composure.

"Just wanted to get your attention..." he whispers, "and the press. Imagine what they'll say."

"Peter, get your hand off me." You warn under your breath.

"It'll definitely piss Norman off, won't it?" He snickers as he leans even closer, retracting his hand, only to drape his arm over your shoulders, "an editor-in-chief with a younger man, too? The scandal."

"Parker--"

"This isn't appropriate."

"Don't worry, boss," he brushes his nose along your cheek, "it's not all for the press. I really am going to fuck you."

[theonewiththefanfics]

Tomato - Tomato (one-shot)

Synopsis: One is an international rock-star. The other is his loyal assistant. Both are complete morons in love. Also - she’s allergic to tomatoes, and it is important.

This started off as something completely else. hope you enjoy :D

Pairing: Harry Styles x fem!Assistant!Reader

Genre: fluff, minor angst

Warnings: two idiots pining for one another, swearing, mentions of allergies and EpiPens

Word count: 3492

Being an assistant to someone famous wasn’t all glamourous parties and wild nights out with celebrities. It was scheduling last minute flights and not sleeping for three days straight as you packed a million bags and then repacked because their stylist sent you knew pieces and the old ones no longer fit the aesthetic of the week.           It was also making sure that they were up by six AM with a hot coffee at their bedside ready to help them wake up as you lay out a detailed plan of the day down to the minute, while you yourself basically only had a two-hour nap because you had to finish off 568 handwritten notes to be sent out to each of the contacts in their phone. Or at least that’s what Y/N’s life was like being the personal assistant to none other than the modern-day prince of rock Harry Styles.            Said rockstar was actually still asleep when Y/N entered his room, ripping open the curtains and letting in the rising sun. He groaned, pulling up the bedsheets that’d ridden down his form during the night. “Not that I don’t like seeing your gorgeous face in the mornings….” he mumbled into the covers. “But I don’t like seeing your face in the mornings when they start at six bloody AM.”           Y/N snorted and rolled her eyes, rubbing them in an attempt to get rid of the sleep that still lingered in her own body. “You were the one that said you’re fine with seeing Lambert at eight for a fitting.”           “When did I say that?” Harry scoffed, only the top of his messy bedhead seen from the cocoon he’d built around himself.           “Would you like me to pull up the text messages, the calendar or the e-mails?”           Even with her back turned as she rummaged through his closet for him to put on some clothes, she could sense the middle finger he threw at her, and she smiled.           Despite everything, despite the zero sleep and stress always coursing through her veins, Y/N loved working for him. He treated her as a friend, not just some lackey he paid to, but most importantly, comparatively to the other people she’d worked for in the same line of business – he treated her as a human.           If something went over the deadline, Harry didn’t scream or yell at her and tell Y/N how incompetent she was, instead he asked what kind of help or assistance she needed to get the job done, or maybe if she just needed some time off to gather herself and look at the problem with fresh eyes.           “I hate how organised you are,” Harry groaned, finally throwing the covers off.           “If I wasn’t, you’d be in a ditch somewhere.”           She heard him scoff and two feet plop against the hardwood floor as he made his way towards her. “Is that how little faith you have in me?”           “You don’t even know what day it is!”           “Who does in these times?”           Y/N shrugged her shoulders and handed him a pair of boxers, some loose jeans, and a flowery Hawaiian shirt. “Are you telling me I’m wrong though?”           She looked over to her side, a smirk playing on her lips while he squinted his green eyes at her. “No, but it doesn’t mean I like getting called out, especially this early in the morning.”

          With a roll of her eyes and a shove at his shoulder for him to move to the bathroom, Y/N handed him the clothes, moving downstairs to start making him some light breakfast and get herself a cold glass of water.           You see, she’d been working as his assistant for close to two years, and they’d grown not only as people around one another, challenging their beliefs and world views, but as friends too. And, well, Y/N would be lying if the emotions hadn’t evolved from platonic to falling in love. Not that she’d ever admit it. He was an international sensation, and she was the girl who got him vegetarian croissants at the airport.           She dragged a hand down her face as she clicked the stove on and took out a carton of eggs from the fridge. Y/N knew how he liked his omelette to the T, mostly because when she’d spent the first night of quarantine with him a year prior right as the pandemic had started, Harry had wanted to do something nice because she couldn’t go and see her family any more, so he’d gotten up at seven to make breakfast for both of them. The only problem was, he hadn’t asked if she had any allergies, so as he added bits of tomatoes, parsley, cheese and scallions, Harry hadn’t expected Y/N’s eyes to go wide at the first bite as she dropped the fork.           “Harry…” Her tone had been cautious. “What’s in this?”           He was sweating. Was his cooking really that bad? He just wanted to do something nice and there he was screwing everything up. “ ‘S just some of my favourite things. I’m sorry I didn’t ask, I just thought you’d like it.”            “I do, but this tastes like it has tomatoes in it.”           He nodded. “Yeah. It does.”           Gently she smiled at him and pushed the plate a bit further away. “Could you grab me a coat, and if you have any – an EpiPen?”           “An Epi – oh shit!” When the realisation hit him, Harry was jumping out of his seat, running to one of the cupboards and rummaging through in a panic all the while apologies flew non-stop from his mouth.           Y/N in the meantime had gathered her purse and mask, making a call to the nearest hospital to explain the situation to which they responded they’d be waiting for her arrival.           “I’m so sorry!” Harry ran up to her, a first-aid kit in his shaking hands. “Please don’t die! I didn’t want to kill you, I promise! I just wanted to make you some breakfast cause you do so much for me, and now you’re stuck here, and – oh god,” he cried. “I’m going to be prosecuted for killing my assistant.”           She didn’t mean to, but the snort came out of her nose either way. “Harry.” She put a hand on his shoulder. “Please calm down. I’m not going to die.”           “You’re allergic!”           “Yes, I am, but I only had a small bite. The ER is just a precaution.” Y/N took his palms in hers and squeezed them. “Now take a deep breath with me…” They did so, holding it for five seconds and letting it out for eight. “And calm down a bit. I’ll go give myself the shot, and then I’ll drive to the hospital.”           “Let me,” Harry begged. “Please, let me at least drive you to the emergency room. God, I almost killed you with an omelette, it’s the least I can do. I – I could also help you with the shot, I won’t hit an artery, I promise -”           “Harry, you’re barely coherent. Not to say anything, but you’d have a bigger chance of killing me in a car crash, than from that tomato.” Y/N gave him a smile. “I’m gonna be fine.”           With that, she left him to venture into the bathroom and did the unpleasant part of stabbing herself in the thigh to alleviate her body from the allergy symptoms. She sat there for around five minutes before she felt that the swelling of her tongue and itching in her throat was starting to subside, which meant the epinephrine was working.           “Okay,” she huffed, taking her purse from the couch where Harry had been sitting, hugging the accessory. “I’ll be back in probably around two hours. Do we need anything from the store?”           He shook his head. “Just come back home, please.”           Y/N would never admit how her heart thundered in her chest when Harry said to come back ‘home’. “I will.” She promised. “Don’t you worry. You’re not getting rid of me that easy, Styles. The money’s too good.” She winked at him and then left Harry pouting on the couch, but she couldn’t get through the door, before he jumped up, yelling, “wait! Do I need to get rid of every tomato in the house?”           “No,” she laughed. “I’m good to be around them. Even touch them. ‘S just my insides that don’t agree with it when they meet.”           “Okay.” He nodded, hands on his hips. “Alright. I’ll uh – I’ll be waiting. I’ll make you something else.”           “There’s no need for that, Harry.”           His eyes widened at her words. “I swear I’m not trying to murder you!”           “Oh my god,” she muttered shaking her head. “Just – just relax. Okay. I’ll send you hourly updates.”           He bit his lip. “Make it every ten minutes.”           “Harry –,”           “Please?” The way he was giving her puppy dog eyes melted her heart.           With an eye-roll, Y/N waved at him and promised to update her boss at every possible moment and confirm that he hadn’t, in fact, been the reason for her demise. Well, he was the reason for the demise of her low standards in men, having taken them and thrown them up to the Moon, but unless her feelings were miraculously requited or if one of the Marvel characters, she was obsessed with came to life, she’d have to stick to what was available. And in her mind, that wasn’t Harry.           “What are you thinking about?” His voice startled Y/N out of the memory, and she shook her head, adding salt and pepper to the beaten eggs.           She shrugged. “Just about that time a year ago where you secretly tried to off me because you were too nice to say you didn’t wanna quarantine together.”           The groan he let out was of royal embarrassment, and it put a wide smile on her face, as she took one of the forsaken fruits and started to chop the red ball into small pieces.           “You’ll never let me live it down, are you?”           Y/N raised her eyebrow at him. “Your failed murder attempt?” She snorted. “Of course not! It’s like you don’t watch the crime shows and murder documentaries when I have them on. You really haven’t learned anything.”           Harry stuck his tongue out at her and moved to her side, dropping some chives into the mix as well. “Well given how it wasn’t a murder attempt, I wouldn’t consider it a fail.”           Her hip bumped his, and only then did Y/N really give him a once-over. As always, he looked amazing in whatever was on his body, but what made him even cuter in her eyes was the sleepiness still lingering in him.           Harry’s movements were a little bit sluggish, eyes half-closed and small sighs passing his lips as he sipped onto the coffee she’d come to his place with. The shirt sat loosely on his body, the first two buttons left open while he’d tucked the bottom of it into the jeans, having found a Gucci belt and cinched it around his waist, giving it a more eighties look rather than the sixties vibe he usually had with his suits.           The brown hair was still messy and dishevelled, and Y/N could barely, just barely restrain herself from running her fingers through it, but what she didn’t know Harry was struggling just as much.           All he wanted to do was pull out the bottom lip Y/N had gotten in between her teeth and kiss her senseless, to have her fingers dig into his arms and leave crescent shaped imprints on his skin.           “So, uh…” He had to start a conversation otherwise his mouth would find itself on Y/N’s mouth in a second. “What’s Lambert got in his schedule? How many outfits is he thinking?”           “Two or three, I think,” she said, pouring the mixture on the pan and letting the slow sizzle erupt around them. “He’s got this one suit which I think you’ll really like – all leather, but it needs to be altered.”           Harry hummed, and for a second both of them relished in the domestic feel of it all. They’d had many moments like it before, especially during the spring and summer seasons of 2020, and Y/N couldn’t help but relish in her memories at them.           “Harry?” It was like her voice snapped him out from a trance. “Could you pass me a plate please?’           “Uh, yeah,” he stammered for a moment and then nodded, wordlessly going to a cupboard and taking out a white marbled plate. That single piece of kitchenware probably cost more than her life insurance, but it was definitely aesthetic if nothing else.           Silently Y/N plopped the omelette onto the plate, placing it on the kitchen counter and went to get him a fork, however when she turned around, he was facing her, chewing quite agressively on the inside of his cheek.           “You okay?” she asked, coming closer. “I can call Lambert, reschedule it for later. He wouldn’t be too happy about having to wake up and then – “           But Harry shook his head. “It’s not that.”           “Then what?”           He didn’t say anything. It was like he was trying to decipher the best course of action, and when he ultimately did, Y/N was pressed up against the counter, Harry’s forehead against hers with two ring-clad hands cupping her cheeks.           “Harry,” she breathed, out her lips brushing his making the air in her lungs hitch. “What are you doing?”           “Something I’ve been dying to do for a year now. If you let me that is.”           “I -,” The words were muddled up in her head. Of course, Y/N wanted him to kiss her, she wanted him to ravish every part of her body. The fantasies and dreams she’d had at night would be incriminating proof if her feelings were on trial, but despite it all, her brain was usually in charge and would overrule any decision made by her heart. “Harry, we can’t.” She whispered, voice breaking.           “I -,” Horror morphed onto his features as he took a step back. “Did I misread the signals? Did I do something you don’t wan –“           “No.” She grabbed onto his cheeks, trying to calm him down, his body practically melting into hers. “I do.” She didn’t need to explain what she meant. He understood. “So much it hurts me sometimes… but Harry, you’re my boss. My employer. It… it wouldn’t be right.”           “Why? How can it not be right, when it feels like the rightest thing in the world?”           “Because, Harry,” she huffed. “You’re my boss. And what’s worse – I love working for you!”           That made both of them laugh, the tone of her voice as if she was more annoyed than anything else. “ ‘Nd why’s that bad?” He nudged her nose with his. “I’d hope my employees like working with me. What kind of a person would I be if I thrived on them being miserable?”           “Because if I didn’t, quitting would be easy.” She raised her eyebrow at him. “And if I quit there’d be nothing stopping us from dating.”           Harry bit his lip, finger trailing along her cheekbone. “There’s nothing stopping us now either. There is no clause in your contract that says you can’t date people who you work for or with. Sarah’s with Mitch, and they’re the happiest they’ve ever been. They’re even having a baby…”           Y/N gave him a sympathetic smile. “I know. But that’s different. They’re on equal levels. You and I, however… I don’t want people to think I got my job because I slept with you, or some shit. It’s bad enough some already do so.”           His brows furrowed, and Y/N saw how his jaw clenched. “Who?”           “Strangers.” She shrugged. “I know you don’t look at comments like that online, but I see them. My DMs are filled with that. Gossip magazines. The point is – there are already unsubstantiated rumours about us. This would give them the confirmation they’d need.”           “How can it confirm something that’s not true?”           “There are still people who believe vaccines cause autism. Even when their ‘proof’ has been discredited and shown to be just complete bullshit, most don’t like to admit they’re wrong, so they’ll look for whatever tells them they’re right.”           Harry huffed throwing his head back to look at the ceiling. “So, where does that leave us? In love, but without being able to do anything about it? Because I can’t.” He shook his head. “I won’t be able to just pass you by without kissing you, or not pull you into the bed when you wake me up, or press you against the wall and not have my head between these two gorgeous legs.”           Y/N groaned slapping his chest and dropping her forehead against his peck. “That is so unfair. Why do you have to tease me like that!”           “Oh, sweetheart.” The rumble was deep and shot a wave of heat straight to her core. “This is no teasing.” The smirk on his face when she looked up at him was shit-eating. “Trust me, if I was teasing, you’d be begging for me.”           She’d imagined him between her thighs more times than it was appropriate considering he was her boss, but hot damn, did it feel amazing when his lips crashed onto hers, and she let him. In her dreams, his lips hadn’t been just pressed to her mouth but other places which were more south, but it was still one of the best feelings in the world.           The kiss left them both breathless, and grinning and satisfied, yet begging for more, teeth nipping at the soft flesh.           “I’ll put out an official statement, if you want,” Harry muttered against her mouth, unable to stop pecking her lips now that’d he’d gotten a taste. “But please, please, please… for both our sanities go out on a date with me.”           It seemed like Y/N was the one contemplating the best plan of action now when her brows furrowed and she looked up at him, pressing and unpressing her lips, as the swelling from the kiss grew. “Did you by any chance have a piece of that omelette already?” She had a suspicion it wasn’t just from the kiss.           His eyes widened, and then his head dropped to her shoulder. “Not again!”           Y/N rolled her eyes lifting his face by the chin so he would look at her. “How about EpiPen first?”           “Fair enough,” Harry grumbled unlatching himself from her and going for his keys and wallet, already preparing for the short drive they’d have to take. “But then a date?”           She raised her eyebrow, taking out the box Harry now kept under the sink with at least three EpiPen’s for emergencies. “In a hospital?”           “We could be going dumpster diving for all I care, and I’d count it as a date.”           Y/N rolled her eyes. “You’ll have to do so much better than that; you’ve almost put me in anaphylactic shock twice. Now come on.” She motioned with her head towards the bathroom. “Stab me and take me to the ER.”           “Fucking tomatoes,” Harry grumbled, taking her by the hand and not letting it go even for the short walk.           “Tomato-tomato, you’re the one that kissed me.”           “That I don’t regret.”           Y/N smiled, turning towards him, and taking him by the nape of his neck pulled Harry down for one more kiss, groaning at the feeling of his tongue dancing against hers.           “Y/N!” He pulled back with a gasp, shock on his face.           She just shrugged her shoulders. “We’re already going to see the doctors anyway.”           Harry pushed her shoulder and made her sit down onto the toilet. “Take your pants off before my kisses kill you.”           “Yes, daddy.” Y/N wiggled her eyebrows as Harry moaned, squeezing her calf.            His eyes were dark as he looked up at her. “Next time this happens, you’ll be begging me.”           Her wicked smile was so full of happiness he couldn’t help the one that grew on his face. “I’ll be keeping you to it. Now, dear sir.” She handed him the EpiPen. “Hit me with your best shot.”           And although it’d been now two times in their lives where Harry trying to do something good and make the other feel just as good had done pretty much the opposite, when they got to the emergency room, their smiles could be felt even under their masks           Harry watched with blushing cheeks as Y/N explained the situation to the nurse, especially when one of them threw him an unsavoury glance, eyebrow raised high as if saying ‘again? One time wasn’t enough?’.           “No more tomatoes.” He promised. “And also - it wasn’t on purpose!”           Y/N squeezed his palm, chuckling. She may not be able to give a shot at eating a tomato, but she sure as hell was going to give Harry one. After all, she had almost died for the man. Twice.

Tags (crossed out wouldn’t take):

Harry Styles tags: @breezykpop​ @girlboss99​ @harrystylesdoesntknowiexist​ @alliyjane​ @sirtommyholland​ @raylovessarcasm @just-here-to-escape-from-reality @harryhub​

Everything tags: @lumelgy @palaiasaurus64 @supernaturalbaesduh @breezy1415 @crazy--me @thatawkwardlittlefangirl @sea040561 @staryeyedgirl @deathbyarabbit @s-c-a-r-e-d-po-t-t-e-r @reblogger-not-a-blogger @m-a-t-91 @dalilx @i-need-a-hero-i-need-a-loki @maladaptive-ninja-returns @averyrogers83 @in-the-end-im-still-trash @gallifreyansass @dewy-biitch @avxgers @unlikelygalaxygiver @magicwithaknife​ @ollyoxenfrees​ @bnhvrdy​ @tvwhoresblog @celebsimagines @thatkindofgurl​ @sj-thefan​ @teenwolflover28 @lestersglitterglue​ @im-squished​

A/N: I’m at work and I wanted to write a bit for my book, but hahahahahahaha I can’t stop procrastinating. Also, this was something comepletely else centered around Christmas, then New Year and the Valentines, but I just couldn’t and it morphed into this. Maybe this Holiday season when it rolls around I’ll post it :D

P.S. if anyone’s had a septoplasty (repositioning of the septum) - how was it? how painful is it? kinda starting my journey towards it cause apparently I can’t breathe out of my left nostril, but I’m kinda scared ngl. I’ve read some horror stories about having holes and pieces of the cartilage fall out afterwards :/// 

P.S.S. what did ya think? my tags are always open, just drop a message if you wanna be added :)

P.S.S.S please don’t plagiarise or repost my work on other platforms (wattpad, AO3 etc)

[idy-ll-ique]

A Good Look.

Pairing: Mob Boss!Bucky Barnes x F!Reader

Genre: major angst, lil bit of fluff

Warnings: mentions of blood and wounds, domestic violence (no graphic descriptions). hella curse words in one paragraph. one infinity war reference ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Requested: nope

Summary: reader works at a bar owned by the notorious mob boss. he immediately takes a liking to her; unfortunately, she's taken. but is she happy in her relationship? hm, not quite...

Author's Note: hiya peeps! enjoy!

masterlist

---

For her, it started small. It was her first day working. When Y/N had seen him walk into the bar, flanked by two of his closest friends, sure— for a moment, she was stunned, as were the other women working with her, but then as soon as he was out of sight, she returned to her work, ignoring her friends as they talked about the man.

Y/N knew better. She knew the kind of man he was, the way he was with a different woman almost every day and she knew better than to develop any kind of feelings for him. Plus, she was a taken woman herself, thinking about another man while being in a relationship with someone had to be wrong, right?

That's why she wanted an out— to break up with her current boyfriend. And he even made it easier for her by being the worst fucking boyfriend on the planet earth. She had hundreds of reasons as to why she was breaking up with him, the only question was when she could do it. Anyway, back to James Buchanan "Bucky" Barnes...

Y/N couldn't help it. She went from ignoring him, to stealing small glances at him, to dreaming about him to thinking about him 24/7 in a matter of months.

Y/N worked as a bartender at one of the bars that the mobster owned. Heck, Bucky Barnes owned half the city, but that bar was one of his favorite places to visit. He went there everyday, most days not having a drink, but keeping a watchful gaze on the events that took place around the bar. There would be fights sometimes, and sometimes, the older men would hit on the young bartenders.

He didn't care, of course he didn't. That is, until he saw her. The moment he laid his eyes on her, her name still unknown to him, he was enamored. He kept looking over at her as she worked, sometimes giggling along with the other bartenders, sometimes cracking jokes that made all of them keel over in laughter.

Every time he saw her laughing, his heart fluttered in his chest and a warmth settled over him. He felt light-headed and giddy, even though he didn't drink. Within a few months, he was sure, he wanted her to be his indefinitely. Y/N, however, was shocked at his behavior, not knowing that she was the one who stole his heart.

His promiscuity stopped within the first week of him noticing Y/N. He no longer had one-night stands, no more dames by his side as he attended lavish parties, and the news had caught on. Who is the woman who won the mobster's affections? Y/N had read in a paper one morning. She felt… kind of relieved that he wasn't a playboy anymore.

It wasn't a good look on him.

---

Y/N was cleaning the counter with a rag when she heard the door opening and closing. Ugh, another customer. She looked up and grimaced as she saw one of the old, pervy bastards sitting in front of her, a smile on his face. "Good evening, sir, what can I get you?" She kept the annoyance from seeping into her voice.

He gave her his order and leaned forward, which caused Y/N to unconsciously lean back. "Change your mind today?" he smirked, picking up the glass just as Y/N set it down in front of him, causing their fingers to brush. She shuddered. "No," she replied politely, glancing around the room, hoping someone would come save her. As if. That's when their eyes met.

Y/N found herself staring at the man of her dreams, who was sitting in the corner of the bar with his friends. And he was staring straight back at her. Y/N gulped and turned away from him, instead focusing on the man in front of her who was shamelessly flirting with the woman who had to be at least 20 years younger than him.

"Stop flirting with my employee and let her do her job."

The entire bar froze the moment James Buchanan Barnes got up from his seat, heading towards Y/N. Y/N's breath caught in her throat at his cool but threatening tone as he stared at the pervert, his eyebrows raised. The bar was silent as the man gulped and backed away from the counter, running out of the door like a chicken. Y/N stared at the floor.

"Hey."

She looked up and audibly gulped again, wincing in embarrassment when she realized that he had to know how scared she was. "Mr Barnes," she greeted, though it came out more like a squeak as her voice cracked. Please, go away, don't stand so close to me, I can't take it, go away, she kept muttering in her head.

"You okay?" he asked gently, not wanting the poor woman to collapse from anxiety. Some sadistic part of him liked it that she was so afraid of him, but mostly, he just wanted to make her feel comfortable. "Yeah." Y/N relaxed a bit at his question when she realized he wasn't going to hurt or fire her.

"Good." Then he walked away like he hadn't just set Y/N's entire body on fire by talking to her. As he sat back down on his seat, he inwardly cursed himself for not asking her her name. I don't even know the name of the woman I have fallen head over heels for, nice going Barnes! Gah! He ran a hand through his hair, glaring at nothing in particular.

He stayed until it was closing time, and found out something so incredible that his heart soared at the information. Y/N was the only employee who stayed until closing time. Y/N groaned loudly in the seemingly empty bar as she swept the place, not noticing the mobster boss sitting in the dark corner, watching her.

"Fuck you, Y/N. Fuck. You. Literally. What was the fucking reason?!" Y/N grumbled to herself, her voice reverberating off the walls in the empty place. "He was just checking up on you. Why the fuck did you treat him like he was the monster?! You dumbass. Ugh, I'm gonna have to make it up to him; what if he fires me?!" Y/N couldn't help the tears.

"He checked up on you and no thank you. What an ungrateful little bitch you are, you… you fucking idiot," Y/N continued speaking through the tears. "Maybe a free drink when he comes back tomorrow? Hah, as if, he owns the fucking bar. What should I do? Sleep with him? As if. Fuck. Shit."

"How about we start by washing your mouth with a soapbar, doll?"

Y/N froze when she heard him. Oh God, he was still here. "M-Mr Barnes?" she stammered, turning towards the voice. Bucky got up from his seat and strode towards her, making sure to keep some distance between them as he stopped in front of her. "Do you always ramble to yourself while you work?" he questioned amusedly.

When she had started rambling, he was confused. Who was she talking about? Then, he connected the dots. At first he was a bit amused but as her speech continued, he couldn't take it. How can someone degrade themselves so much? Y/N couldn't answer him, her vocal cords tied in a knot in her throat.

"I asked you something, and I'm waiting for an answer." At the authoritative tone she looked up at him, her eyes wide. "I— uh, yeah, it's— it's, um, become a habit," she muttered, breathing heavily. What was he going to do to her? "You shouldn't cuss yourself out so much, doll," he frowned, crossing his arms. And without thinking, she replied, "Sorry."

"That man was clearly bothering you, I did what I had to do. I didn't expect anything in return. Sure, a thank you would've been nice," he teased lightly, "But please, never talk to yourself like that ever again, okay?" His gentleness turned something inside of Y/N and suddenly, she felt relaxed. Like she had known him for years.

"Okay. Oh, and, thank you." She gave him a smile so winsome that all he wanted to do was hold her against him and never let go. "Hold on, maybe there is something you can do." The smile disappeared, replaced by a frown. "What is it?" she asked him, blinking. "Can we talk? Maybe you can tell me about yourself, and I can get to know you better."

So she did. Both of them sat at the bar with Bucky's favorite beer poured in mugs, talking. Y/N told him about how she was a university student, and that she had taken the job because she was in need of money. "You aren't scared? A lot of shit happens here, doll," Bucky commented, sipping his beer. "I don't know… it doesn't faze me as much as it should."

"And me! I'm the most dangerous man in the city and yet, you agreed to sit here with me, alone." At that, a smile bloomed on Y/N's face, the beer getting to her head, loosening her up. She looked away from him, almost shyly. "You saved me today, Mr Barnes. How can I not trust the guy who saved me?" Bucky's heart started hammering in his chest.

"Thank you, Y/N, that means a lot," he spoke sincerely. "You're welcome! So, uh, I actually have to go to uni early tomorrow, so… I'd like to go home, please?" He immediately nodded at her words, helping her off the stool. He even helped her finish her chores before she locked the main door and turned around, smiling at Bucky.

"Well, this is it, I guess. Goodbye, Mr Barnes."

"Let me drop you home, please." And he did, pestering her until she agreed to get in his car. She insisted her apartment building was only a 15-minute walk away from the bar, but he wouldn't listen. "A lot can happen in 15 minutes, doll." And Y/N couldn't help but snort. "That's what she said." Her joke made him laugh so hard that he almost swerved the car into the sidewalk.

As Y/N stared at the laughing man, she felt tingly inside. Her feelings rushed to her; butterflies in her stomach. When they reached home, again, he insisted on dropping her off at her apartment, but Y/N declined. And this time, he didn't fight it. "Goodnight, Mr Barnes," she told him with a sweet smile, leaning in to press a kiss to his cheek.

He had been such a gentleman that day, he deserved it. "Bucky will do, my love. Be safe, okay? We'll meet tomorrow." With that, he drove off.

And for the first time in months, Y/N went to sleep happy, giddy and absolutely satisfied.

So did Bucky.

---

After that one incident in the bar, Y/N and Bucky became close. When he was at the bar, Y/N was the center of his attention. He was the one who now sat in front of her, talking to her about his day and asking her about hers. "Tell me about your uni, doll," or, "Do you know what they did to me today? Ugh! Maniacs!"

Soon, everyone in the bar started giving them space. They knew the two were not sleeping together, but Barnes had, at last, found a female friend. How did they know the two were not sleeping together, you ask? Simple. Y/N still had a boyfriend. An abusive one, so she didn't tell Barnes.

After finding out about the events that had taken place at the bar that day between Y/N and Bucky, her boyfriend had reached new heights of jealousy and insecurity, not hesitating to raise a hand on his own girlfriend as he blatantly accused her of cheating on him with the mobster. It wasn't true by a long shot, and it hurt.

Y/N hadn't told Bucky about her boyfriend, because she knew that if she told him, he'd kill her boyfriend. She was about to break up with him anyway, so getting Bucky involved would only create more problems. A peaceful break up, and it was over. Unfortunately, peace was not involved on the day of the inevitable break up...

Bucky was already at the bar, but was grumpy since Y/N wasn't there. He was so desperate that he had asked one of her friends if she knew where the woman was. But the other woman could only shake her head, indicating that she didn't know. Bucky ran a hand through his hair, his eyes trailing to the door the moment he heard it opening. He froze.

Everybody did.

Y/N was standing there, a very noticeable dark red patch on her white t-shirt. When she noticed that everyone was staring at her, especially Bucky, it made her nervous. Should've stayed at home. For a moment, she actually did consider going back out through the door but Bucky spoke up first. "Y/N, come here. Everyone out, bar's closed."

His tone was something she had never heard before. A mixture of annoyance, hurt, worry, but mostly anger. In another scenario, the scene of all the people scrambling out of the tiny door would've been extremely hilarious. But here, no one was laughing. Y/N stood frozen until the door closed behind her.

"I asked you to come here, doll."

Instinctively, she strode towards him, stopping just a few inches away. He stared down at her, jaw clenched. Being a mobster, he was used to seeing blood and could identify it easily. And it was definitely blood that was covering almost a sixth of Y/N's t-shirt. "Lift your shirt. Take it off, right now," he snarled.

Y/N, not wanting him to take his anger out on her, immediately ripped the t-shirt off of her, standing in front of him in her sports bra, a deep gash just under her left breast. Y/N flinched when his fingers came in contact with her wound and Bucky immediately retracted his arm. "What happened?" His tone changed. Now, it was simply full of hurt.

"He stabbed me." Bucky's hands balled into fists at his side. One name, all he needed her to do was give him a name and the bastard was dead, whether she liked it or not. "Who did?" "My boyfriend." Bucky went rigid at her words. All this time, she was taken? "You have a…?" She shook her head, letting her tears fall free. "Not anymore." That reassured him.

"I decided to break up with him today. Decided to do it before my shift here, so my job could distract me. He… he didn't like it. And he…" Y/N choked out through the tears. Bucky's body was boiling with anger. "Tell me his name right now." Y/N started feeling light-headed. "Bucky…" she whispered feebly, swaying on her spot. And he cursed loudly when she fell forward, unconscious.

He carried her out of the bar, put her in his car and drove above the speed limit to his place. He had a private infirmary at his mansion, where he knew Y/N would be the safest. Once he was home, not caring that his expensive suit was getting ruined by blood, he ran to the infirmary, Y/N in his arms. The doctors took her in for an operation and they had to admit—

They had never seen the mobster look so scared.

After he was sure Y/N was in good hands, Bucky went to the sitting room, where his friend, Sam, sat. "Pull out everything you can get on Y/N. Check everything. Social media— I need the name of her ex boyfriend." Sam got to work instantly, not wanting to aggravate the man. Turns out, he didn't have to search for long. "[Name]."

Sam told Bucky everything he could about the man. By the end, Bucky was seething. "Send some men over. Finish him." Again, Sam agreed without argument, rushing out of the room. And so, Bucky waited. He sat in the spacious sitting room all alone, holding his head in his hands, trying his best not to tear up.

---

"Bucky?"

It had been 6 hours since he brought her to his place. He startled and turned around to see Y/N standing at the door, leaning against it for support. This time, he did tear up and not caring about his dignity, he ran forward and pulled her into his arms, burying his face in her neck, sobbing like a little child. "Bucky, I'm fine, I really am," Y/N insisted in vain.

"I almost lost you today," Bucky sniffled, pulling away from her. She wiped his tears off, giving him a small smile. After spending a lot of time with the man, she had come to realize that he was nothing but a big softie, who put on a façade 24/7. He cared about her like no one else. He was so good to her.

And finally, her feelings were justified.

"You didn't lose me, though. I'm right here," she grinned. Her grin made him smile and he took her face in his hands, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "Come here." Both of them walked into the room and he pulled her onto his lap, holding her close, thinking if he let go, she would turn to dust right in front of him.

"How bad is the wound?"

"Not that bad, actually, it was a kitchen knife." He moved to trace the wound through her t-shirt when he noticed it. She wasn't in her t-shirt, she was wearing one of his. This time, he didn't fight the urge. "God, I fucking love you so much, doll." Bucky grabbed her chin, pressing his lips to hers. She didn't fight it either.

"I… I love you too, Bucky."

She buried her face in his neck and he held her close, pressing tiny kisses to her cheek and forehead. "You're finally mine, baby girl. Ever since I saw you at the bar, I was smitten. Do you know what a torture it was for me?" he mumbled against her cheek. "Same. I, um…" He chuckled when he felt her skin warming against him.

"I'm going to treat you like the queen you are, baby."

"Aw, so cheesy. But flattering."

"Also, you're fired."

"Great, you ruined it."

"What? I'm the owner, I hire people. And you don't need the job anymore, you have me. I'll pay the university fees. You don't have to work at that horrible bar anymore."

"Bucky, you own the place."

"Still horrible."

"And also what are you, my sugar daddy?"

"Literally fuck off—"

"You know you love me."

"Fortunately, I do."

---

A/N: Thanks for reading. Leave a like if you enjoyed.

[moa-broke-me]

So... It's been a while. I've finally finished the mane 6, like actually finished them this time, and I want you to see them in full! I also want to walk y'all through the process and the differences made between the roughies and these ones.

First up, we have Fluttershy!

After revising a tiny bit, I decided to get her hair back to a warmer pink, like how it is in the actual show, and lightened it up a little bit. I even gave her eyelashes a raspberry color to match the darkest part of her hair, which is something you'll find I do for everyone here because it's a nice touch.

I gave her blush and a few moles too, 5 to be exact (can you spot them all?) but aside from that, nothing's really changed much with Fluttershy.

Now I don't like to get into this too much, but my alter does (But the parasites in me want the candy)

-she's trans <3

-she's disabled (broken wing that never healed right, technically she can fly but it's very painful and she can't go far without needing to rest)

-she also has misophonia

-she's very passionate about biodiversity and ecosystem management and... Hate's a strong word, so she uses it very rarely. But she uses it for lawns. That, and abusers, are the ONLY exception to the 'never say hate' rule.

-speaking of which, and this may contradict canon because I've only watched up to season 4, but I don't care because I'm taking more of a Mariolore-esque approach to this anyway, but she doesn't have any family featured in the show from what I remember. So I'm gonna say her dad abused her for her femininity. He wanted her to be more rough and tumble, more aggressive, like the other boys. she was picked on at school too, her main nickname was 'chicken' because of her disability... Caused by her father. So she left. And that's why she lives alone. Also why she doesn't raise her voice, because she was yelled at as a child.

-she's a homesteader, so she's able to live off of what she grows in her garden for the most part. She saves a lot of money like this, and by living in a house that's actually abandoned and doesn't technically belong to her. So no bills to pay!

-her actual job is working retail at Rarity's boutique, the whole animal rehab thing is something she does as a volunteer because she doesn't want a profit motive to spoil her intentions. This of course means she's subjected to a fair bit of verbal and sexual harassment, but Rarity's a good boss, she treats her well and kicks out the customers who give her shit.

Next one, Pinkie Pie!

I gave her way more charms. Like... WAY more. If you'll notice, that lollipop is actually the same as Rainbow's old eyes, I just couldn't let those beautiful swirls go to waste! I worked so hard on the ice cream one, y'all wouldn't BELIEVE- anyway.

Pink eyelashes to match her hair, blue and pink gradient eyes instead of the blue from the show, and that I gave her originally, because I really wanted to give more characters unnaturally colored eyes. I even added these little bubbles to her eyes in the colors on her cutie mark because I still didn't feel like it was extra enough. I got the rainbow sprinkle freckles too, these aren't natural by the way, they're drawn on. I added both face paint and stickers, and I honestly can't believe I used to think my first design was extra. Looking back in it, it looks somehow... Plain? Like. Compared to this one at least.

Anyway, fun fact section because I guess I'm doing this now.

-She's pansexual and pangender<3

-Plus size too <3

-Cupcake and Carrot Cake are basically parents to her, she left her family's mine (no it's not a rock farm, you can't farm rocks, call it what it is. It's a mine.) without much, and was totally lost with nothing but her calling to guide her. In this society, you're an adult the minute you get your cutie mark, so it's not like she was expecting anyone to take her in. But they did, taught her all they know, and she's happier than she's ever been

-Her cartoon powers are actually because despite not being a unicorn, she was born able to wield magic, due to some unicorn ancestor. She's the only one in her family with this ability, and in fact, the only one in her entire community. Now, the town she grew up in was never named in the show from what I remember, so I'm giving it one; Roughshod*

*In case you didn't know, Roughshod is an actual word. You may recognize it from the idiom 'running (alternatively, riding) roughshod', which basically means 'to act without regard for others' feelings, opinions, personhood, wellbeing, or even safety.' It came from the practice of 'roughshodding' a horse's shoes, meaning to have the nails sticking out a bit in order to get a better grip on rough terrain. This made getting trampled by a roughshodden horse especially painful and injurious, hence the idiom. I thought it suited the bleak and conformist atmosphere of her hometown very well, and honestly, with how abundant rocks apparently are there, a lot of them probably did roughshod their shoes so they wouldn't slip and fall. it has a Watsonian AND Doylist explanation, so that's why I went with it. Also it just sounds appropriate from a phonological perspective. Anyway, done ranting about Roughshod… For now.

-She actually met Rarity through the cake couple commissioning custom aprons for their employees, and they've been besties ever since

-Autism and ADHD, most of these characters have either one or the other, in fact autism is actually very normalized in this universe as, well, most of the time, your special interest is literally MAGICALLY TATTOOED on your BUTT

Ok, Rarity next!

There really wasn't anything to change with her, except adding more jewelry, nixing the gold scrunchie in favor of just more locs holding her hair up so it looks more like a bun than a ponytail because looking back, the old design definitely looks like a ponytail. I DID change the eyelash color and undercut color just to make more sense with her design. I also shifted the blue streak to more of a mint green, since I know there's a possibility I'll be doing the other three princesses later and I don't want her to look too much like Luna color-scheme-wise. Also redid the iridescent finish on her horn because I didn't like the way i did it the first time.

Fun facts!

-She's mixed afro-arabic <3 Grew up hijabi, but isn't anymore. Her mom still is though

-Parents split, mom moved to whatever the hell equivalent of the UK is in this universe, I'm calling it the HA (Horseshoe Archipelago) for now, if anyone's got a better name, or knows if there's a canon UK equivalent, comment! But anyway, that's why she has the accent when literally nobody else does.

-Lipstick Lesbian

Ok, next we have Rainbow Dash!

I made some tweaks to the face shape, added bobby pins, switched her hair up a little bit, and even gave her new eyes! It thought the rainbow swirl was too much, and I was going to give her the magenta eyes she had in the show, but I wanted to deviate more since this was supposed to be, y'know... A redesign. Inspired by those old 3D glasses and chromatic aberration, I gave her these ones, which if you'll notice, have this transparent outline of cyan and red, and are themselves a gradient of cyan and red, but with magenta as the mother color, in order for the middle to look less gray.

Other than that, I just reshaped the bridge piercing and switched the white fields in the checkerboard bandage to magenta.

Fun facts about her, this is more fun than I thought.

-Butch, genderqueer lesbian

-She's had top surgery, she didn't like her boobs much and they were getting in the way

-Grew up with a single mom, named Slap Dash, because I thought it'd be funny. She was broke coming up, though, and pegasus culture is very hyper-individualistic and machismo, placing value on physical prowess and aggression more than anything else, so relying on others or being vulnerable is highly frowned upon. Meaning they were basically on their own.

-ADHD

Next up, we have Applejack!

I'd say, out of everyone else, she's gone through the least changes. Really, she just needed just a more desaturated color palette and a bow for the ribbon. I know it's sacrelige to leave her without her little hat, but I mean... The illustration's so big already.

Anyway, gave her better freckles too. So, fun fact time!

-She's aroace!

-She's dyslexic

-Not much else to say for her honestly, nothing that isn't canonical, like in the show... But yeah!

Ok, final one: Twilight Sparkle!

No previous designs to compare her too, so let's just go over my thought process while designing her;

I wanted to make her look chunky and blocky, so lots of straight lines. in fact, the only round shapes are her eye, and her barrette. But her barrette isn't actually hers, it's Luna's. Celestia gave it to her back when Luna was still banished, as a gesture of affection.

Fun facts!

-She's also plus sized!

-She's Desi

-Bisexual

-Autistic

That's... Kind of all I have for now, if you'd like I can do their families/siblings, the other princesses, or even like a 'what's in their bag' series?

Hey so... Literal YEARS after leaving the mlp fandom, as in, long before I even had tumblr, I've recently uh... Gotten back in, a little bit?

It's all @meepmoopmaap's fault, he made a FANTASTIC infection AU, it's on AO3. Actually no, it's also my alter's fault (don't @ me ok I get that most ppl use headmate but alter is just more natural for me) since he's a fictive from the show and has been VERY active recently, but I digress. Point is, I kind of wanted to... How do I say this?

I wanted to make them centaurs, thought it could be cool to add a human skin tone for the top half and then their old ones, also add some necessity for clothes.

I also just wanted to redesign them overall.

So, obviously, we HAD to do Flutters first, and I thought this was gonna suck but it didn't and I'm actually kind of proud of it?

This is just the head and hair, and a pretty rough draft too, but here.

So, I wanted to give her a big nose, because big noses are cute, so I did. The strands in her face are since she's, y'know. Shy. I worked VERY hard to ensure there were as few straight lines or sharp corners in the design as possible, because I wanted it to be gentle and soft-looking. I even gave her beaded lashes to help with this, and they kind of look like teardrops which is oddly appropriate?

About the eye color, I... I completely ditched the teal eyes in her original design, in favor of olive green ones. I was planning on giving her more pops of olive green, but since this was just a profile head shot, I couldn't do much.

The teal eyes always bothered me, even when I was a kid, since I felt that it shifted her color scheme too much in the 'pastel primaries' direction occupied by Pinkie Pie which, if y'all like, we can do next. Also just the fact that half the cast had blue eyes really bothered me for some reason?

anyway. The olive green seems to suit her more anyway, and I've shifted the hair more to purple... Which may have been a mistake?

Anyway. Suggestions welcome, just keep it friendly. I have a block button and I'm not afraid to use it!

[thevindicativevordan]

Why isn't Nightwing a bigger deal? He has all of Batman's skills and Superman's faith in humanity and is arguably the most beloved hero in the DCU, but most people seem to know him either as the leader of the N̶o̶t̶ ̶J̶L̶ Teen Ttians or just Robin.

Thank you for asking me about Nightwing, I've been wanting to write a piece about him for a while now. The short version is that everyone who claims Dick becoming Nightwing was him "moving out of Batman's shadow and becoming his own man" is completely wrong.

Dick Grayson is a fantastic character, someone who saved Bruce Wayne in-universe both by forcing Batman to grow up a bit, and the countless times he saved Batman's life as his partner whether as Robin or Nightwing. Dick saved Batman in the real world as well, hard to believe but Batman was actually in danger of being cancelled due to poor sales early on. Enter Robin, a young daredevil audience stand in the creators hoped would get kids interested in reading Batman. And it worked! Sales on Batman doubled once Robin showed up which is crazy to think about, but Dick Grayson has always been a popular character. Cartoons like Teen Titans, Batman: The Animated Series, and The Batman only helped grow his audience.

Character-wise, Dick Grayson really does fill a number of crucial roles in the DCU. For Batman, Dick is proof that Batman is a positive force. Meeting Batman helped change Dick for the better, helped him heal after his parents died. With Dick, Batman can take comfort in knowing that yes, he has made a difference in the world for at least one orphan boy, which is all he wanted when he lost his parents himself. To the wider DCU, Dick is a friendly face who convinces others that Batman is competent and not a complete asshole. He took this kid in, trained him to be one of the best heroes the DCU has seen, and did it all out of the kindness of his heart. That someone like Dick can confront the evils of Gotham and not break means there's still hope for that city. As Robin, Dick has led the Titans and is an icon in his own right as The Sidekick, the original, the one every other Robin is built around copying or contrasting. The one all other superhero sidekicks are drawing on as a basis. As Robin Dick Grayson is very much on Batman's level.

Just not as Nightwing. As Nightwing, Dick has been a second rate Daredevil which means he's a third rate Batman (fully prepared to get hate for this but I've read and enjoyed the Miller and Bendis DD runs so I feel entitled to my opinion). A typical Nightwing run tends to go like this: Moving to Bludhaven (which is Gotham... but WORSE!), Dick Grayson usually enrolls in a pointless job we don't care about in order to provide some meaningless soap opera drama that doesn't go anywhere. Patrolling the city as Nightwing, he fights a variety of bad guys who are usually rather lame and unthreatening, with his big bad being a Kingpin knockoff called Blockbuster. Villains are fought, long running plotlines are set up, then everything is abandoned because it's Batfamily event time, and Dick has to run back to Gotham in order to play sidekick again. Usually his involvement is completely superfluous and it would've been better if the writer had gotten to opt out. By the time we finally get back to Nightwing's solo plotlines, the audience has usually ceased to care and the run gets cut short.

That's how Nightwing has been since the New 52 at least. Anyone who thinks that's "becoming their own man" is out of their mind. Dick is so thoroughly in Batman's shadow that he got shot in the head and spent a longer time as "Ric" which everyone fucking hated and sold like shit, than he did as Agent Grayson which was extremely well-received. Reiterating: Ric went on longer than Grayson because of a fucking Batman plotpoint Tom King wanted where Bruce was sad and cut off from the Batfamily because of Dick getting shot. Not just calling out King either, how many times was Kyle Higgins Nightwing run derailed because of Scott Snyder's crossovers? Or how about that entire run getting dumped to the side because Johns wanted to out Dick during Forever Evil, a Justice League/Lex Luthor story? DC has repeatedly made their contempt for Nightwing clear, he's Batman's sidekick still in their eyes, and he serves whatever story role the Batman writer wants.

Hell his best stories tend to have been the ones where he's not Nightwing. He was Robin in a good chunk of the Wolfman/Perez New Teen Titans run. Morrison really showcased his depth as a character when they wrote him as Batman, their time with Dick under the cowl was actually one of the first Batman runs I ever read, and no Nightwing run has ever matched it in terms of quality in my humble opinion. Scott Snyder's work with DickBats also was a high point for the character, showing Dick as competent and examining his relationship with Gotham and the Gordons. King and Seeley gave him one of the best comic runs with Grayson, a series where he wasn't even a "superhero" technically! When it comes to actual pre-New 52 Nightwing runs that are highly recommended where he *is* Nightwing, there's Chuck Dixon and uhhhhhhh... Tomasi's brief run before Dick became Batman? It's not exactly an overwhelming list.

Look there has been good work done with Nightwing, I'm not claiming there hasn't been. Tim Seeley wrote a great run with Nightwing Rebirth. Seeley fleshed out Dick's Rogues Gallery with cool new ones like Raptor, he brought back old foes like Dr. Hurt (why oh why couldn't you have brought back Flamingo too?), he gave Dick's world some character it solely needed. Bludhaven under Seeley is pretty much the only time I've really felt like it lived up to being Dick's city.

The problem with fictional cities is you have to put in the work to give them the character of real cities. You have to make the cities feel like characters in their own right. Gotham is the best example of this, it's a character all it's own, one that tells you a lot about Batman and his cast. In contrast Bludhaven is usually one of the worst. Any place that wants to claim to be worse than the city that is built over the gate to hell and gets wrecked every other month by the Arkham freaks has to really put in the work to compete. Simply put, Bludhaven typically fails utterly. There's nothing about it that makes you really buy it's worse than Gotham, I mean does anyone really think Nightwing's Rogues wouldn't get their lunches eaten by Batman's? No, no one genuinely buys that. When Bludhaven claims to be worse, it just comes across as tryhard, an attribute that does end up telling you about Nightwing in unintentional ways.

So Seeley didn't do that. Instead he created a city built for a hero like Dick Grayson. Someone who is bright and flashy, but does have an element of darkness to him. Someone who loves the spotlight, but often uses it to obscure. Seeley turned Bludhaven into Las Vegas, and that was the fucking best concept for Bludhaven I have ever seen, it makes so much sense. Las Vegas is the "Entertainment Capital of the World" and isn't that the perfect city for a hero who got their start working in the circus? Isn't the aesthetics of the gleaming casinos, the glamorous sex appeal of the performers, and the spectacle of the shows, all being used to cover up the seediness of mob bosses meeting backstage perfect for Nightwing? It's so utterly unlike New York City, yet Las Vegas is still dangerous, it's got a crime culture all it's own. Seeley used it to great effect, as did Humphries during his brief run, and I will always be pissed that DC didn't continue to use it. That should have stuck around and been the definitive look for Bludhaven.

How Seeley's take on Bludhaven was treated feels like a small scale version of how Nightwing in general gets treated. Whenever creators pitched ideas for him, if editorial thought there was potential to break big, they asked for those ideas to be repurposed for Batman instead. Anything big or good gets repurposed for Batman or tossed to the side so Nightwing can go back to his default: having irrelevant adventures in a city that is supposedly worse than Gotham but can't live up to it. Just like how Nightwing is supposedly better than Batman but never gets to show it. Goddamn it's so frustrating seeing his potential get wasted like that.

The Nightwing book should be one of DC's most ambitious books in terms of storytelling. You can go from traditional superhero stories, to romantic soap opera, to spy stories, to crime noir, to horror, to cosmic adventures, and ALL of them would fit because Nightwing is someone who has a foot in both Gotham and Metropolis. He's got friends everywhere on every team, and has been a hero longer than most Leaguers have at this point. No reason DC should still be afraid to let him loose and insisting on hewing close to what Dixon established almost over 30 years ago is only holding him back. At the very least get him some better Rogues, why the hell didn't he get to keep Professor Pyg? That's Dick's villain not Bruce's! Bullshit that they didn't let Dick keep him. Hopefully Flamingo comes back, with a slight revamp I think he'd make a great reoccurring Nightwing Rogue.

Luckily it does look somewhat like Nightwing fans have reason to be optimistic. While Taylor isn't to my taste, DC clearly views him as a "big" writer, and that they put him on Nightwing says a lot. Taylor has been selling well so far, so hopefully he gets to tell his story, hilarious that even he lampshaded having to write Dick running over to Gotham for another tie-in after Taylor's big opening arc was all about Dick committing himself and his money to Bludhaven. Scott Snyder is apparently working on a Black Label Nightwing book which will explore how he's a different detective than Bruce. The Gotham Knights video game has him as one of the main stars, and while Titans is... controversial, it's one of the most popular streaming shows and Dick is the main character. There's a lot of content coming that features him in the starring role, and that will only help his star rise further.

For the first time in, well, ever it feels like DC may be serious about elevating him. Time will tell if it pays off, but I for one choose to be optimistic that the 2020s will be a turning point for Dick Grayson where Nightwing becomes hugely popular in his own right. Not just as Batman's sidekick.

[somethingusefulfromflorida]

I caught a customer in a lie today, and it was the most vindicating experience I've ever had at this job!

I work at a motel, and because we're understaffed my boss moved the checkout time from 11am to 10am. She did this in 2020, and that has been the policy ever since. We make a point of telling that to every single customer who stays here, but we still get a lot of liars who say they were told checkout was at 11, not 10. I didn't tell them that, my boss (the owner) didn't tell them that, the only other employee who works the front desk has been working here longer than I have and she wouldn't have told them that, but there's no physical proof, so they can claim that they were told 11 by "somebody else," and we can't dispute it. But not today.

Today, at 10:30 I go over and knock on this lady's door to let her know that checkout was at 10. She refused to open the door, instead yelling at me through it that she was told 11. I told her, no, you were told 10, so she changes her story and says "well, your website says 11." Our website is old. It looks like it was made in the early 2000s, because it was, so I think "maybe it does say 11, maybe my boss forgot to update it," because we don't use it; you can't make a reservation online, it tells you to call us for rates and availability. So I tell her that whatever the website says, our policy is still 10am, and she says she won't leave until 11. I don't have time to argue with her, so I go back to the front office and check our website, and WHAT DO YOU KNOW, it doesn't list the check in or check out times ANYWHERE! My boss has changed the hours so many times over the years that she took them off the website entirely because she didn't want to keep editing it!

10:45, I'm filing some paperwork and the lady storms up to the front office and begins rapping on the glass as hard as she can, ignoring the doorbell that says "please ring for service." I let her in, and she starts YELLING about how she's a local, she works at the bar down the street, she's BEST FRIENDS with by boss, and she's been staying here for the last 30 out of her 60 years, and checkout has always been 11, and she doesn't appreciate being woken up early. So I tell her again that checkout is at 10, and has been for over two years, and she tells me to change the website. So I look her right in the eye and say "I just checked the website. It doesn't list the checkout times at all." She scoffs, and I say "if you can pull up our website right now on your phone and show me where it says 11, I'll honor that." And she scoffs again and says it doesn't matter.

"It does matter."

"No it doesn't, even if it says 10 I would have requested a late checkout for 11."

"We don't offer late checkouts. That's our policy, and if you don't like it you can take it up with my boss."

And she goes off on me about how our hours are "really fucking shady," because check in starts at 4pm and check out is by 10am. "What kind of a hotel checks you out at 10? We're supposed to get 24 hours."

"Ma'am, no hotel in America gives you 24 hours."

"Yes they do! Noon to noon!"

"When do you expect the maids to clean the room? If check out is at noon, and check in is at noon, when do the maids clean it? We have 24 rooms, and only 3 maids, they need time to clean them all, unless you want to check into a dirty room that someone just left."

"That's not my problem, I'm PAYING for 24 hours!"

"If you don't like it, you can always stay somewhere else."

"I am," and she storms out of the office without closing the door.

I held my tongue, but it still felt good to stand my ground. No more hospitality. No more Mr. Nice Milo. If you give me shit, I will match your energy. I could have cursed her out, but I rather like having a job, so I just treated her the way she treated me, like an idiot who needs to be talked down to. Lie to my face, will you? Fuck off. We have the lowest prices not just in town but on the entire 110 mile stretch of the Florida Keys, from Key Largo to Key West. If you don't like our policies, you can feel free to stay at another motel that charges twice as much as us, or a hotel that charges five times as much as us, or one of the resorts that charges ten or fifteen times as much as us. You have options! We offer a bed to sleep in and a roof over your head for dirt cheap, plus the cleanest rooms you'll find in Florida (we're the only motel that still cares about covid, and we spray disinfectant in all the rooms every day), no more, no less.

Don't get short with me, bitch. I will fucking end you. You wanna go? Let's go! I'm not holding back anymore. Wanna be an asshole and give me shit? I will shit in your car! I will shit right in the gas tank! Am I being metaphorical? I don't even know! Try me.