#it's not even Shep's dog

[lizardsfromspace]

People talk about a lot in Mass Effect 3, but I still love the Collector's Edition advertising a ROBOT DOG PET to "keep you company" on the Normandy, and then in the game it's a NPC you can barely interact with endlessly patrolling a single room, and not even one of the main rooms

[chibitorra]

Sometimes I want a dog, but then I remember just how much responsibility and attention goes into a dog and become discouraged. 

But then I have moments like just now where I’m home alone and I hear a knock at the door, and I think to myself, gee it sure would be nice to have a big, scary dog. 

[tarysande]

Mass Effect 2: The Case for the Heroine's Journey

I have a theory. And I think it's something others--especially other storytellers--might find interesting. It explains why some people absolutely adore Mass Effect 2 while others (not as many, in my experience!) think dealing with all the companions and their personal quests is boring or irrelevant.

What it boils down to is the difference between the Hero's Journey and the Heroine's Journey. There a couple of takes on the Heroine's Journey (ranging from more philosophical and psychoanalytical to more story-based), and I'm going to be pulling hard from the story-based iteration, which author Gail Carriger has written a fabulous book about. I highly recommend it.

One thing I want to mention right off the bat: the gender, sex, or sexuality of your protagonist has nothing to do with whether they're a hero or a heroine.

Everyone and their dog knows the Hero's Journey. A literal ton of writing advice refers to the Hero's Journey as if it's the be-all and end-all of narrative (thanks Carl Jung, Joseph Campbell, and Christopher Vogler); it ain't called the monomyth for nothing.

But if a part of you grits your teeth every time it gets trotted out as The One Right Way to tell a story that sells or a story people love, you may have your mind blown by the concept of the Heroine's Journey. Every single one of you who tingles with excitement at the very thought of found family (or romance, for that matter)? Yeah, strap in, we're going for a ride.

I don't want to go into a lot of detail about the Hero's Journey; it's everywhere. You know it even if you don't realize you know it. So for brevity's sake, I'll give you wikipedia's one-sentence description: a hero goes on an adventure, is victorious in a decisive crisis, and comes home changed or transformed. Luke Skywalker. Everyone always talks about Luke Skywalker. And on the surface, Mass Effect could seem like a Hero's Journey, right?

According to Gail, a Hero's Journey boils down to

A repeated pattern of withdrawal and return, and those withdrawals are voluntary, as voluntary withdrawal and increased isolation yields self-reliant strength.

Victory is in isolation and asking for help is bad.

But looking at it (especially ME2) through the lens of the Heroine's Journey is where it gets interesting.

This is the infographic Gail created and supplies on her website:

In her book, Gail notes that not every element has to be present to qualify a story as a Hero/Heroine's Journey and the events don't have to happen specifically in this order.

In the Heroine's Journey

The heroine's withdrawal is involuntary; something is broken and she must abdicate the power she had in order to rebuild, retrieve, or reunite with what was taken or broken.

Victory is a group effort; asking for help is a sign of strength; and the protagonist realizes that while she can't do everything herself, she has surrounded herself with people whose skills she can effectively deploy.

In the Heroine's Journey, the DESCENT is involuntary. Something is done to her or taken from her, and it breaks her familial network.

In ME2, obviously, uh, the thing that's taken from Shepard is her own life. Of course, instead of that being the end of the story, it's the inciting incident that leads to the involuntary withdrawal from her found family on the Normandy, her connection to the Alliance, and her Spectre status. Her home is literally destroyed. And then, kinda hilariously, she wakes up in the literal underworld. You know. Cerberus, dog that guards the gates of Hades?

I play a very Paragon Shepard and haven't played Renegade, so I can't speak to that. However, I can tell you that my Paragon Shep wakes up working for Cerberus and promptly proceeds to gain more Renegade points in the first couple of missions--hell, the first couple of conversations with Miranda, Jacob, and TIM--than she got in all of ME1.

Jacob: Do you trust me, Shepard? Shepard: NO, omg.

I've probably played ME2 five or six times with this Shepard, and she always strikes me as a bit off, a bit manic even, until she sees Tali. And she doesn't really start to settle or feel like herself until Archangel takes off his helmet, believes she is who she says she is, and without hesitation agrees to follow her into hell.

(As the protagonist in his own story, Garrus is also a heroine on a Heroine's Journey, by the by. Shepard's death breaks his network; C-Sec and the Council's denial of the Reapers leads to his abdication of power in the hunt for justice. His underworld is Omega. He puts together a surrogate family to fight injustice; he learns to delegate; he doesn't do it for glory... And then Sidonis's betrayal breaks the new family and sends him on another cycle. My theory, however, is that if you let him kill Sidonis, his journey takes on the revenge aspect of a Hero's Journey instead of the family and reunification structure of a Heroine's Journey.)

In ME2, the arc of recruiting an ally, earning their loyalty, and deploying their suggestions to improve the entire team's chances of survival is repeated over and over; this is the SEARCH of the cycle. And anyone who's ever tried to race their way through ME2 without doing all those loyalty missions or without scanning all those planets for resources finds out pretty quick why they're important.

So, while you potentially could race through ME1 without even recruiting several teammates (did you even know you can play that game without recruiting Garrus???), thereby making it much more of a Hero's Journey of the Strength of the Individual, you really can't do that in ME2 without massive casualties. You need the people around you. You need to build relationships. And you need to learn to delegate well, or things will absolutely fall apart during the end run.

Even the stated mission of ME2 is more Heroine's Journey. You're not fighting for glory; in fact, most of the people who used to be in awe of you now think you're a crazy terrorist. You're fighting to stop what's happening to human colonists.

The end run is so satisfying specifically because it leans in to the Heroine's Journey of information gathering and network building. You cannot beat the game as a solitary soldier. You cannot achieve a good outcome--minimal deaths, etc.--without having spent a lot of time and effort gaining the loyalty of your crew and then knowing how to deploy them to best serve the whole team.

ME2 is a story about finding and building a family after the last one is broken.

And though it's a whole other can of worms, I actually think the reason why the ending of ME3 was ultimately so unsatisfying for so many (again, not all) is because the majority of the game is once again a Heroine's Journey--team building and information gathering across the galaxy--but the endgame pulls the expected narrative out from under you. Instead of actually using the resources you've so carefully built, you're quite literally beamed up into complete isolation (weakness) and left to make a choice in isolation. It breaks the narrative promise that's been set up since the beginning of the game. And, whether you realize it or not, that's a huge part of why that lonely choice feels so hollow. Instead of a structured reunion and a rebuilt network, it's actually the broken family and involuntary descent that heralds the beginning of a new Heroine's Journey--not the the end of a successful one.

Also, incidentally? It's Heroine's Journeys that usually get satisfying instead of distracting-the-hero-from-his-real-mission romance, banter, fully realized side characters, and humor.

[eulaliasims]

Round 2, Shep 3 / 3

Shep runs into Elmet again the next day. This dude is EVERYWHERE lately.

Shep: Is that your dog?

Elmet: Uh, no, they just kinda follow me around for some reason. It's cute, though, right?

Shep: I guess. Want some lunch?

Elmet: I'll never say no to that.

Elmet: You want me to throw this? Okay, just one more time. There's sandwiches to be had. Wh--okay, fine, I'll bring you some if I can sneak it into my pocket without her noticing.

When he's not being disagreeable, Elmet is entertaining enough, and he laughs at all of Shep's jokes, even the dirty ones (especially the dirty ones, actually).

Shep ends her summer with a little work on her loom and starts the process of mead making. If the wheat fields didn't work out this year, she'll just have to focus on something else this fall.

[lost-in-fiction-like-ur-mom]

MASTERLIST

Crosshair

You're Different

Synopsis: Ever since Crosshair made a snide comment about leaving a team member to die, you've had a lingering thought. Even though you knew he loved you, doubts rose.

Okay Again

Synopsis: After spending months on Pabu recouping from the empire, Shep gets under your skin. You blow up at the unfair treatment, and Crosshair helps you calm down.

Forgiven

Synopsis: You reminisce on the first time Crosshair fought against you and his brothers. He thought you'd never forgive him, but he is surprised when you reunite.

Dog Days

Synopsis: You met Crosshair while he was taking Batcher for a walk. Passing your house quickly became a daily task you all looked forward to. Is it wrong to say you caught feelings for him? And was Crosshair really jealous of the attention you gave Batcher?

CX-2 (Clone Assassin)

Does the End Justify the Means?

Synopsis: CX-2 never planned on forming a relationship, but once he did he had to protect it. Even if it meant killing hundreds to keep you away from Hemlock. MENTIONS OF BURNS AND TORTURE!!

Echo

Confessions on the Marauder

Synopsis: You and Echo finally have a moment alone on the Marauder. Of course the pressure gets to one of you, and confesses.

Worst Case Scenario

Synopsis: After an ambush from the Empire, you, Echo, and Omega must escape by yourselves. Hunter and Wrecker sacrifice themselves to let you three live. Based on Season 2, Ep. 16

One Day

Synopsis: Echo is, understandably, not taking Techs death well. Comfort ensues!

Hunter

Knight in Rusty Armour

Synopsis: After a bad run-in at a market, Hunter has to save you and Omega. You can't help but feel like a failure for not being able to protect Omega by yourself...

Marry Me?

Synopsis: After an insufferable separation from you, Hunter realizes his true feelings. That he never wants to be apart from you- that he wants to spend the rest of his life with you.

Wedding Planning

Synopsis: Now that Hunter has popped the question, you and Omega start planning the wedding! Little do you know, Hunter overhears and falls a little more in love. Part 2 to 'Marry Me?'

Something Just Like This

Synopsis: After getting your happy ending, you spend some needed down time with Hunter. Oh, and your two kids! This is a part 3 to 'Marry Me?' (Could be read by itself)

I Will Protect You

Synopsis: As a defective Jedi you are reassigned to The Bad Batch. How can you resist Hunter? Especially when he confesses after seeing how good you are with Omega.

Calming Waves

Synopsis: After finding out Omega has been taken for the third time, you and Hunter must comfort each other. Set at the end of s.3 ep.11

Moment of Peace

Synopsis: Hunter relaxes after a hard work day on Pabu, only to be interrupted by Gonky and reader. Fluff ensues!

Tech

Absurd Thoughts

Synopsis: During a regrettable moment of insecurity, you think Tech considers going off with Phee. Assurance pursues, Tech only wants you.

Familiar Faces

Synopsis: Tech's death was not a reality you were ready for, you relied so much on his love. After months of grief, you find he might not actually be dead.

Bookworm

Synopsis: You and Tech have a moment alone on The Marauder. What better way to spend it than reading! Accompanied by Tech on his datapad, of course.

By Your Side

Synopsis: During an escape from the Empire, you break your arm. Tech is quick to be at your side, fixing you up. At the intensity of the situation, feelings are revealed. Warning for descriptions of broken bones!

Falling Swiftly

Synopsis: Being a friend of Phee's, you meet The Bad Batch. Tech catches your eye, and you eventually get to live out your dream with him on Pabu.

Wrecker

Headaches

Synopsis: Wrecker always goes to reader for help with his constant headaches. Based on S 1, Ep 5-7 when Wreckers inhibitor chip was giving him bad headaches!

Back Home

Synopsis: After searching for months, Wrecker is finally reunited with you. You couldn't be happier.

Bundle of Joy

Synopsis: Wrecker is scared he might hurt your newborn baby. You reassure him he won't, and that he is a good father. Warning for descriptions of birth!

Performance

Synopsis: Wreckers sees your performance as an acrobat and immediately falls in love!

Clone Force 99 (platonic)

Winning Approval

Synopsis: You felt as if you were living a purpose-less life, so when Hunter asks you to join his crew, you say yes! Not everyone on the force is as happy though... Takes place during and after Season 1, Ep. 2.

Brandon Stark

Following You to the Ends of the Earth

Synopsis: Your time with Bran, Meera, and Hodor in the Three-Eyed Raven's cave. Unsaid feelings become said.

Part Two.

Perfect Queen?

Synopsis: As the new queen and lady of Winterfell, you feel out of place. Thankfully, Bran reassures you of your position and loves you for who you are- not who you are trying to be.

Zuko

'Fake' Feelings

Synopsis: In a pinch, you have to pretend to be in a relationship with Zuko. Little do you know it was never pretend for Zuko.

CREDITS: @thethreeeyed-raven

[cultofdixon]

It Takes Two

Daryl Dixon • She/Her Pronouns • Part 2 to “It Takes a Village” • Rick Grimes’ Sister!Reader • You have always been a curious kid. Now so is your kid…and with a certain resident in Alexandria. Who everyone didn’t expect to have a soft side for the young Grimes • ANGST/SFW/NSFW • TW: Anxiety Attacks / Nightmares / Injuries / Mentions of Canon Violence / Mentions of Pregnancy / Depression / Past Abuse • Re-Writing Canon

Requested by: Anon

PREV

Winter has started, and Alexandria was fuller than ever. They may not know exactly when the holidays were but it was enough to have their families in the Kingdom and Hilltop come to Alexandria. Meaning a lot of kids. But it was perfect…especially the snow.

A small groan escapes the waking child as he lifts his head from his pillow to look out the window and notice the falling snow. That alone ignited the energy he needed to get out of bed and wake up his mom.

His mom who would much rather stay in bed during a cold morning, but her excited four year old alerted not only the Mal living in the house…but the five year old that belonged to the Hilltop residents taking up her guest room.

“Mama!” Shepherd practically yells but Dog jumped on the bed when he got the door open.

“Shep…it’s early”

“It’s snowing!” He smiles running to her side of the bed gripping her blankets and tugging at them until the tired Y/N sat up. Her playful scowl appearing when Dog started to lick her face to help her wake up. “Dog wants to go too!”

“Let me guess…you woke up Hershel too?”

“He’s getting his mommy and daddy right now!” His face lights up with even more excitement as he knows the second he gets his snow gear on he was going to get his cousins next door.

“Get dressed baby and I’ll meet you downstairs” Y/N smiles watching her happy boy run out and Dog following him. “Don’t forget the gloves and beanie!” She adds hearing an ok yelled back before rolling over to the other side of the bed to address the archer that rolled off once he heard Dog’s collar jingling. “I’m gonna get dressed…and head out with Shep. That’ll give you your window”

Daryl groans upon sitting up from the floor feeling Y/N’s lips meet his temple when she leaned over. “He’s startin’ to get up before me”

“He’s going to find out before we even tell him…”

“I promise yea. We’ll get our day” The archer leaned into her kissing her before letting Y/N get dressed and ready.

The two have always had a bond with one another. But it wasn’t until Shep turned 3 that they took the risk. Daryl always loved her and would’ve waited til the end of his life for her. For her to be ready on her terms, but all she needed was for her small family of two to be secure. Safe. And Y/N knew she was safe with the archer and so was her son. Daryl loves her son as if he was his own even if Shepherd doesn’t know their relationship.

For now they kept it between them, and the priority was always going to be Shepherd.

Glenn was the fastest in getting ready next to the kids as he chases Hershel Jr and Shepherd through the snow for a bit while the rest of the Grimes got dressed for the snow day. Maggie stayed on the porch waiting for Y/N while she got Dog in a sweater before letting him join in the chaos.

“Where’s Daryl?” Maggie asks once Y/N stepped out while getting her gloves on.

“I just told him what we were doing so he should be joining us soon. But he’ll be getting Carol and her family, then Aaron and his daughter”

“Can you believe it?” Maggie smiles looking out to the small crowd for now. “We survived and thrived after all that happened”

“It’s surreal for sure” Y/N smiles watching her son gather a snow ball and pelt Dog making the Mal get excited to play ball.

As Shep made his way more down the street running away from the snowballs that were coming from the Rhees then his cousins, he stopped to hear someone curse because of how cold it was. He made his way to the little vent that looked into the room finding their resident prisoner shivering his ass off.

“Mama!”

Y/N immediately turns to her son seeing his frustrated expression which started to worry her.

“What’s wrong baby?” She walks away from the crowd of adults on Rick’s porch to kneel before her son as he struggled to get his words out.

“Th—uh. Uhm. I’m cold”

“Uncle Rick has the fireplace going, the adults were gonna go inside while Carl watches you little ones out here…you wanna come warm up a bit?”

“No! It’s…uhm. Mama…” Shep’s frustration came out in a whine making Y/N sigh a bit before standing up and extending her hand to the small child.

“Lead the way to what you need”

Shep immediately took her hand and pulled her back to their house. Then upstairs to the hall closet that Y/N kept spare blankets in.

“You can’t bring a blanket out in the snow, baby”

“No! It’s for…” Then the little one held a guilty expression which only confused his mother more.

“Shepherd.”

Daryl steps out of the Grimes’ residence when he didn’t find Y/N in there. Then he spotted her carrying blankets while following her son toward the cell. He quickly picked up his crossbow off the porch and ran over to the two.

“Hey, what’s wrong what are y’all doing?” Daryl stops Y/N while Shepherd proceeded.

“Shep heard Negan complaining that he was cold”

“So what?”

“Daryl. I’m not doing anything outside of the council’s guidelines regarding Negan. I’m simply doing what my son wants” Y/N states, and that want being kind toward their prisoner and giving him extra blankets during the winter. “He’s not going to hurt Shep…or me”

“I’m comin’ then”

“If it makes you less helicopter-y” She jokes making her way downstairs and helping Shepherd with the door.

Their presence sort of startled Negan given the door leading outside was never the quietest and the looming archer on the steps made him feel uneasy. But his attention locked onto the Grimes sister handing the blankets to this small child he’s never met before, and for good reason. Negan wanted to stand up and approach the bars but the way Daryl was glaring at him. He stayed put, until the small child approached the bars holding up the blankets.

“You don’t have to”

Shepherd frowns looking up at his mom while hugging the blankets tightly. “But mama I want to…” he said in a hush whisper as Y/N gently pets his head.

“You tell him, baby. Not me”

The little one went back to the bars of the cell looking up at Negan who approached the bars when he looked at his mother.

“But I want to” Now how can anybody ever be mad at that adorable face of his? Negan extended his hands taking the blankets through the bars watching the little one light up.

“Thanks kid…appreciate it”

The young grimes smiles happily before heading back out and instantly running into Daryl. The archer knew what was bound to happen with the child and that was Shep wanting to be picked up by him.

“Can’t say no to him” Y/N smiles receiving a look from the archer indicating that he’d never say no to him wanting to be picked up. Even if the man groaned picking up Shepherd. “Go on ahead. I’ll be a minute”

“Y/N—-“

“Just go. Please”

Daryl can’t say no to the puppy dog eyes, especially when Shepherd gets it from his mother. He nods before carrying Shep out of there leaving Y/N with Negan for a moment.

“You’ve got a nice kid…”

“I really do huh?” Y/N smiles approaching the bars to Negan’s cell as he suddenly started to feel anxious when her smile remained hit her eyes said it all. “So let me make it clear to you, Negan. If you hurt my boy. With your words or even physically, I’ll be doing everyone a favor and ending your life” She hissed glaring at the man watching him nod before leaving the cell.

All the kids were inside warming up and all the little ones were watching Henry show them how to play cards. Go Fish to be exact. While the adults had a drink and catch up.

“Your turn Shepherd” Henry’s voice snapped the kid out of his thoughts as Shep looks at his cards before setting all his cards down to show that he’s been hogging pairs but more specifically to leave the small table to go to his mom.

“He’s a card shark” Judith states not knowing exactly what that means.

“That’s…used in a different game? But I guess that works here” Henry laughs collecting the cards and shuffling the deck.

“Mama…” Shep whispers to get Y/N’s attention while Rick was telling Maggie about how he and Michonne were thinking of taking a trip. Y/N sets her glass down turning to her son and his upset expression. “I wanna go home…”

“Are you okay?” She whispers back not wanting to cause alarm or interrupt the on going conversation.

“No…” He whines in his whisper hugging Y/N’s leg. He relaxed a little when his mother rubbed circles on his back. “Can we go?”

“Yes, go get your shoes and coat on” Y/N got up from her seat once Shep ran over to where all the shoes were. “I’m turning in guys”

“Really?” Rick frowns, it wasn’t that late. Even for the kids.

“Yeah, Shep’s gettin’ tired and the alcohol isn’t sitting right with me.” Y/N left after saying such to get her coat on and pick up her son who instantly latched onto her.

“We’ll be quiet when we turn in” Maggie makes one last comment watching Y/N smile before stepping out with Dog also joining the two.

While the three made their way home, Shep tugged at Y/N’s coat when her attention was already on him.

“Forget somethi—-“

“Why is he down there, mama?” Shep frowns watching her face soften but also worry for she doesn’t know how to approach that conversation without going too far.

“He did something bad, Shepherd…that’s why he’s down there”

“But I do bad things too…like leave my shoes out for Dog to chew and you get mad…”

“It’s…uh” Y/N frowns setting Shepherd down on their porch to sit as she sat beside him. “You’re too young to understand the kind of bad things he did before you were born…”

“…can you try?”

How do you go telling a four year old about the abuse his mother endured done by that terrible man? Or the abuse Daryl, someone he looks up to, has gone through…the horrors of the Saviors threatening to kill members of their family…

You just. Don’t.

“He hurt people, Shep. In a way I can’t tell you…”

Shepherd frowns bringing himself closer to his mom leaning against her.

“Did he hurt you, mama…?”

Y/N didn’t say another word as she was fighting back tears when thinking about it. All she did was bring her son into his embrace holding onto him like her light depended on it. And part of him knew. Even if he didn’t understand.

Once it was late enough, Daryl came upstairs to check on Y/N thinking Shepherd would be in his room but entering the room he noticed the little one curled up in his mother’s embrace. He still brought himself to sit on the edge of the bed resting his hand on her shoulder watching her turn slowly to him revealing tears in her eyes.

“What happened?” He whispers watching her turn back to her son as Shepherd unconsciously scooted closer in her embrace.

“…I’m triggered D. It’s hard to sleep” She whispers back feeling Shep shift once more, enough to pull away from her and star fish on the rest of her bed. Giving her enough space to turn onto her back looking up at Daryl as he carefully wipes away her tears. “I know they don’t stay little and overwhelmingly kind forever…but I don’t want him taking that away from my baby”

“He won’t. I promise yea” Daryl frowns giving her enough space to sit up and hug him. He held her for as long as she needed.

~

“Remember, listen to Uncle Rick and stay out of trouble” Y/N tells Shep who didn’t want his mom to go on the hunting trip with Daryl and Carol. “I’ll be back before you know it”

“Why can’t I go with you?”

“You will buddy, when you’re a bit older” Daryl ruffle his hair a bit before Shep latched onto his leg. “Aw come on, bud”

“Please don’t go…”

It was spring, which meant more hunting trips. Shepherd didn’t mind when it was one of the two leaving, but they both were going on this one and he didn’t like it one bit.

“We’ll be back before you know it, Shep. I promise” Y/N knelt down for her son to hug her tightly once more.

Before watching the three go from Rick’s porch.

The agenda for the first day was boring. Or to Shepherd a bit boring. He loves helping when given the chance to but he doesn’t like working on the farm unless it was with his mom. Because they would play “I Spy” while collecting the crops and help him with his counting when putting in new seeds. Rick knew about this and was trying to do it with Shep, but that’s another thing. He only likes doing it with his mom. Otherwise he just helps tug the basket along while Rick cleans up the dead plants and getting the soil ready for new seeds.

“You okay Shep?”

“Can I go get water?”

Rick sighs nodding with a smile. “Be back quick. And get me a glass too”

Shepherd smiles setting the basket down by his uncle before leaving the farm and heading back toward the houses. Except after he got his uncle a canteen instead of a glass, because Michonne stopped him in the middle of her conversation with Siddiq and Gabriel to switch the glass with a canteen since the kid can be clumsy, Shepherd was given a second one for himself but instead of using it for himself.

Negan froze to the sound of said canteen falling onto the concrete floor. It’s sturdy so it didn’t crack or anything. He looks up through the vents to see Shepherd looking back at him before running back to his uncle.

Once the chores Rick had were done and the help of tidying up done by both him and Shepherd, the two made their way back to Rick’s place for dinner and then turning in. Shepherd was set up in the spare in their place which had a grown ups bed and not his low toddler one.

Shep couldn’t sleep, and can’t ever when his mom wasn’t home in any way. She could be standing somewhere else in Alexandria and he’d be able to sleep. He pushed his blankets off of him and maneuvered his body on the edge of the bed so his feet were first to hit the floor but it was still a bit too high that he fell anyway. The little one didn’t want to alert anyone given he went to bed around the same time as his cousins, but the adults could still be awake.

The little one has been spending a lot of time with Daryl.

Because Shepherd managed to get out of the house through the doggy door in the kitchen while the adults (Rick and Michonne) were in the living room. Thank god he was small enough or that would be a very uncomfortable conversation telling Y/N her son got stuck in the doggy door.

The resident prisoner heard footsteps draw closer, followed by a whine that Negan can only connect to Dog. So it must’ve been Daryl but when Shepherd came into view by the vent sitting beside it and Dog laying next to him, Negan only grew more confused.

“Shouldn’t you be in bed?”

“How do you know when bedtime is?” Shepherd looks at him confused leaving the man stumped.

“Forget it. Your mom will kill me if she finds you here. Hell even your uncle or whatever Daryl is to yea”

“He uh…uhm. Just Daryl?” The confusion in his tone made Negan a bit curious about the two’s relationship since he thinks Shep probably doesn’t know that his mom and Daryl are seeing each other. He wasn’t about to put them in any way.

“Are you close with Daryl? Like how you are with your uncle Rick?”

“I don’t know”

“What do you mean?” Negan brought himself to sit on the floor against the wall where the vent was as Shepherd sat on the small grass patch by the vent with Dog surrounding him.

“I used to call him Uncle Daryl…but something happened” Shep tugged at the grass while he spoke. “He was there for me when I’m sad. Helped me with my shoelaces. Get my sippy cups from the high shelves. Patch my boo boos. Let me sit with him while he works on his bike. Other things that Uncle Rick doesn’t do with me”

“You see him as a dad?” Negan’s question was met with silence. “What would your old man think?”

“I don’t have a dad”

If he starts crying, better start digging your grave Negan thought as he was prepared for tears but was met with a sigh instead.

“Mama says I never had one. But I always saw Daryl as one” Shepherd frowns as he stops tugging at the grass seeing the damage he has done. “Is that bad?”

“What? Seeing Daryl as your dad?”

“Yeah…”

“Well. He helps with your boo boos. I think that’s pretty much dad material…when I taught PE which was just watching a bunch of kids in a yard to get rid of the energy in’em, some kids would stumble. Cry. Get banged up by either concrete or a plastic bat. I wouldn’t know what to do and pull a teacher move with the whole “go to the nurse” when most nurses in schools back in my day didn’t do a very good job”

“That’s bad”

“Real bad. But I just pawned the problem off to somebody else. Daryl? He takes care of yea. Would do about anythin’ for yea. I don’t see a problem in calling him dad.” Negan shrugs. “But that’s a conversation for your mom. And then Daryl”

Shepherd was about to ask another question when he heard his name being called. Negan heard it as well and rose to his feet going toward the vent to look at Shep.

“You better go back before he gets worried”

“ok, goodnight”

“Night kid” Negan states hearing the tussle of his footsteps and the dog getting up with him before it faded away.

The next morning came and Negan woke to the sound of the outside door opening. Maybe it was confessional day but to his surprise he saw Shepherd coming down the steps with Michonne. Michonne came down for other business while Shepherd carried drawing supplies to distract him from their conversation. But some part of him knew that Negan enjoyed the company.

“Well good mornin’ to y’all”

“Good morning” Shepherd instantly replies back before sitting on the ground and dropping all of his supplies while Michonne took the chair bringing it to the bars of his cell.

“The council is holding a meeting about you soon”

“Oh wonderful” Negan frowns sitting back on his bed leaning against the wall. “What about?”

“Well. One, Y/N thought you should have warmer items in here for the future winters.” Michonne pointed with her eyes to Shepherd as it was really his idea being told through his mom. “Second, we were thinking you could actually do stuff around Alexandria. It won’t mean you’re instantly free. More so—-“

“Community service and I come back here once I’m done for the day? You’re really trustin’ me with that?”

“Why not?” Shepherd chimes in seeing confused looks as Michonne gave Negan a warning one mainly for his words.

“Nobody trusts me, Shep. Which in this case makes sense…but imagine being untrustworthy and being given chores around the other residents” Negan states while approaching the cell bars and sitting on his side across from Shepherd.

“Mama doesn’t trust me around Daryl’s crossbow. Is it like that?”

“Sort of. But your mama must’ve said I’m a bad dude”

“Yeah?”

“That’s why I’m questioning if Michonne here trusts me enough to do chores around the place without causing trouble”

“Can’t he just be watched when he’s not locked up, auntie?” Shep looks up at his aunt with a small smile as Michonne took note of that because it’s not a bad idea.

“You’re not manipulating him to say these things right?” Michonne questions Negan as she watches Shepherd bring himself close with a piece of paper and a few crayons handing one to Negan to play tic tac toe with him. Negan kept a distance but did play with the kid through the bars.

“From the time Y/N lived at the Sanctuary, yeah she was defensive to me but to everybody else who weren’t part of my troop. More like the other residents…she was overwhelmingly kind. Stood up for those who needed it, even if there were consequences…but just. She was too damn kind to everybody in that shitshow—-“

“Language” Both Shepherd and Michonne state hearing Negan apologize before letting Shep win the game.

“This boy has her kind side. It’s all him”

~

The council decided to let Negan work around Alexandria with a handful of chores each day and at least one day where he’s remaining in his cell. The one watching him changes every day, like it used to be. Unlike when he would be checked in on every other hour when he remained in his cell.

His help was much needed during the summer. And not just for chores.

Judith was playing with Gracie in the gardens while their dads were working on the nearby walls to do the yearly maintenance on the structures. While Shepherd’s mom helped in the actual gardens with Negan, meaning Y/N was on Negan duty and Shep was also around helping. But once he told his mom he was going to ask his cousin if he could play with them, her line of sight was no longer on him for a short time.

“You’re cutting too close to the main stem”

“My bad, hey where’s that rugrat? He said he’d help separate the tomatoes with the good and bad ones”

“He wanted to play with his cousin. I’ll separate them when I wash them once we’re done” Y/N states picking up the full basket and setting it on the table Daryl placed for them.

“Judith his cousin right?” Negan asks hearing a ‘yes’ from the boy’s mom as he turns around to where he knew the girls were playing when they first started harvesting. “Then where is he?”

“What?” Her tone changed instantly as she turns around to look at the two girls. “Where could he have gone…” she tried to remain calm hopefully when she got closer to the two girls that Shepherd would appear in her line of sight but he hasn’t.

“Aunt Y/N?” Judith questions her presence and a sense of regret rose in her. “Uhm. Where’s Shepherd?”

“I should be asking you that Judith.” The sternness made those working around them come to a slow stop. “Shepherd wanted to play with you, but he’s not here. So what did you say to my son?”

“Y/N. Woah, tone it back”

“I’m sorry Rick but I’m not.” Y/N bites. “It’s only been ten minutes and my son hasn’t turned up to my voice. He could’ve gotten out and be lost out there. Or got stuck somewhere here. While you’re handling dangerous stuff.”

“He’ll turn up, sis. He couldn’t have gotten far”

“He wouldn’t have wandered off if your daughter wasn’t mean and told my son he couldn’t play with her!”

“Don’t blame this on Jude. You’re too busy keeping an eye and being nice with the prisoner that it’s your own damn fault for losing sight of your son” Rick snaps back and the regret didn’t set in until Y/N retracted herself away with that same anxious sad look on her face when she was taken by the Saviors. “Shit…”

“Dad…” Judith frowns looking up at her dad. “I told him he couldn’t play with us. I-I didn’t think he would run away”

“He didn’t run away, hun. He’ll turn up” Rick frowns about to ask Aaron to watch the girls when he watched him take his gloves off.

“I’m gonna grab Daryl and help Y/N find Shepherd, Gracie…” Aaron kneels to his daughter. “Stay with these Grimes. Okay?” He smiles when she nods before getting up and heading off.

“Aaron I—-“

“I think you need to sit with what you said to your sister. You’ve done plenty” Aaron gave him a pity smile before going to help his sister.

While the commotion was happening, Negan knew he had to go back to his cell if his watcher wasn’t going to watch him. But to his surprise, he found the currently sobbing child in his open cell knowing it would be the last place his mom would look for him.

“Hey kiddo…” Negan frowns moving to sit on the cot of his bed as Shepherd hid under a blanket right beside it. His little grass stained shoes peeking out gave him away. “Want to tell me what happened up there?”

“No…”

“Mm. You’re gonna have to tell your ma regardless. Just thought you’d want a friend” He states watching the blanket move to show his crying face as he looks over to him.

“Jude told me I couldn’t play with her cause I’m a baby” Shep frowns sniffling. “I’m not a baby, I’m four”

“Practically an adult” Negan states leaning against the wall. “She wasn’t thinkin’”

“She never thinks…Uncle Rick doesn’t either”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Of course there was more to it…

“He talks about mama behind her back…when she’s on her trips that aren’t safe for me” Shepherd frowns curling up as much as he could. “How she was stupid…to have me grow up without a dad…that she shouldn’t do anything without me cause she signed up for that…” the tears kept coming as his lip wobbles. “Am I a mistake…? Did mama make a mistake in having me? Not letting me have a dad?”

“Woah” Negan brought himself up and off the cot bringing himself to sit beside the kid. “I’m gonna be honest with you. If your mama didn’t want you, you wouldn’t be here. And your uncle was only thinking of himself when he said that. Cuz if you were my nephew, I would be stoked to hang out with yea. And this whole dad crap? Is bullshit”

“Language…”

“Whatever. Because you have a village. A huge family. You don’t need a dad. But you have one and we had this discussion before. Besides. Your mom? Loves you so much, hell enough for two parents, even beyond that. When she’d be walking the streets on a late return home, you’re the only thing she’s talking about to whoever she went on the trip with. And hell! You’re one of the greatest things to happen to her that it would have to take knocking her out to have her shut up about how much she loves yea.”

The little one continued to cry but he was smiling and felt a bit better to his words.

“Plus. The whole dad thing? Those guys hover a lot when they’re worried about their kid.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah and I KNOW. FOR A FACT” Negan yells emphasizing who’s eavesdropping. “THAT HES NOT LETTING HIMSELF BE KNOWN RIGHT NOW.”

The sigh didn’t go unnoticed when Daryl made his way down the steps with a worried look on his face. But he also wasn’t accompanied by Y/N, so he heard everything Shepherd said including the part about Rick.

“See? A dad. Don’t matter if he’s blood or not. And between you and me” Negan started to whisper to Shepherd as he leaned in. “You scored on the dad front, already scored with the mom. So double points” his words got a giggle out of the child that rose to his feet ditching the blanket and making his way to Daryl who knelt to be his level. But Shepherd stopped a second turning to Negan.

“Thanks Negan…”

“Anytime kid. Now go find your mom, before she flips Alexandria over just to find yea”

“He’s right on that. She will” Daryl smiles warmly and the warmth grew in his chest when Shepherd wrapped his arms around him making the archer instinctively pick him up. “…thanks” he tells Negan receiving a thumbs up from the guy before heading out with his son.

As the two made their way toward the running worried filled mother that came their way. Y/N started sobbing on sight instantly taking Shepherd into her embrace giving Daryl a thankful look.

“I’m sorry mama”

“No baby it’s okay…you just scared me a little” Y/N cries holding him close as Shep pushes back a bit so that he could wipe away her tears. “You care too much about me, baby”

“I wanna, mama” Shepherd gave a small smile when she kissed his cheek. “Can we go home?”

“Yes, yes we can…we can go home and hang out. Just you and me”

“And dad” Shepherd pointed to Daryl as that was the first time he referred to the archer as such that he tried to compose himself even if Y/N didn’t he bother trying to compose herself.

“Yeah” Y/N smiles through the tears extending her free hand, holding Shep up with her other arm, feeling Daryl instantly take it into his.

And dad.

[sol-consort]

I think it's really hot how devoted Liara is to shepard, like keeping pieces of her armor and finding shepard's body. Low key they kind of give doomed yuri vibes too idk why.

Liara is the only character who never shows interest in anyone else besides Shepard throughout the whole game. Even if you never get romantic with her, she doesn't go looking for an option B.

Tali and Garrus click together, ashley and James kinda hit it off, trainer's crush on EDI, etc.

Thane used to have a wife, Kaidan deeply loved his ex, Jack and her complicated relationships, Miranda is a serial one night stander.

Everyone had someone else before or after you.

Everyone, except Liara. She never mentions a past lover around you, it's common sense, basic courtesy. She doesn't flirt with anyone else once you reject her, she stays by your side, keeps being her sweet thoughtful and kind self no matter what.

Liara is the epitome of devotion. Shepard and her go through a lot of things together, the whole shadowbroker ordeal, Javik shattering her stained glass view of asari history and religion, only for Shep to be the one to go and comfort her afterwards. Only your words help her see reason again, wasn't it you who comforted her after the passing of her mother, likewise?

While Ashley was struggling to admit her feeling to femshep, refusing the fact she might like a woman. Liara suffered the love of a sick old dog, staying loyal to you no matter what, devoted to your cause. Ready to help you whenever in whatever, praying for you to give her love another chance, waiting paitently for you to see reason one day and realise she was the one who loved you the most.

Even after you were gone, she was the first to act, doing what needed to be done while everyone else was busy mourning or in shock. She fished your body from the abyss of space, offered it to the enemies of the asari, and betrayed her own people! Sold out her own species by aiding cerberus just on the off chance they might succeed in reviving you.

Consequences be damned. She just wanted you back.

[skellymom]

"Return to Pabu" Part 2

The Bad Batch CROSSHAIR Fan Fic

Companion piece to "Cup Of Caf"

To read "Return to Pabu" Part 1

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/740375615328354305/return-to-pabu-part-1?source=share

Background: The Batch returns to Pabu with Crosshair in tow. How will he adapt? What will life look like for the other Batchers as they settle into civilian life?

The reader (main character) from Cup Of Caf is mentioned. This story is from the point of view of The Batch and Crosshair.

My OC Maadienne "Mad Momma" Dax makes an appearance as Hunter's love interest. Since this story takes place in an alternate universe from "Vagabonds", Love, Sil, and Tiggy do not make an appearance.

(I started this fic BEFORE S3, so Tech lives, Crosshair still has his hand, Pabu was never attacked...and, sorry, no Batcher.)

Word Count: 1.5K

Warning: None. Angst, sadness, fluff, some alcohol use, babies. Affection and types of romantic relationships other than Cishet.

Lovely dividers by the talented @saradika

The next morning Crosshair was gone, his bed empty. Hunter, terrified of losing Cross again, was about to track him down. Echo intervened. 

“He’ll come back. Just needs time to sort out his thoughts...alone.” 

Hunter nodded and proceeded to Omega’s room. She was gone. He had forgotten she slept over at Lyana’s house. Wrecker spent the night with Shep. 

Mad emerged from their bedroom dressed and planted a kiss on Hunter’s cheek. 

“Bye Hunky.” 

Hunter mildly panicked “Wait. Where are you going?” 

“Phee and I are spending the day doing ‘Woman Stuff’. Probably don’t remember, you seemed pretty drunk last night.” 

She stopped, looked at Echo then Hunter. “What’s the matter? Lookin’ sad there Handsome.” 

“Oh...uh...nothing.” 

“He’s sad because his squad up and left him.” 

“Now Echo...” 

“It’s strange not being totally in charge, huh? Gives you lots of time to do other things?” 

Hunter was silent, still sulking. 

Mad’s heart went out to him. “You want me to stay home with you today?” 

Hunter gave her puppy dog eyes. 

“Use your words, Hunky. What’s your head say versus you heart?” 

Hunter scowled. “Both say words are hard.” 

Echo chuckled. “Run away Mad, I’ve got him. Go have fun with Phee.” 

Mad smiled, hugged Hunter who took in her scent, and squeezed back. 

“You can’t ever leave Echo. This man needs you as an emotional interpreter.” 

She kissed Hunter then pecked Echo on the cheek before dashing out the door. “THANKS!” 

Both stood there red-faced grinning. 

“I LOVE that woman.” Hunter beamed. 

Echo clapped Hunter on the back. “C’mon, let’s go sneak Tech some caf at the Med Ward.” 

And so, the weeks passed by with Crosshair disappearing all morning, finally returning by afternoon. No idea where he went. The Batch didn’t ask at first. Omega had theories, which she shared with her brothers, Mad and Phee.  

Then the rumors started around the island: The local potter, usually rather withdrawn, was making the rounds around the island. Purchasing food for “The Grumpy Man.” Rumors were confirmed as the skinny bald sniper started filling out. His skin and hair becoming healthy and lustrous.  

Omega set out to start learning how to cook, roping Wrecker in as her sidekick. They packed up meals for Crosshair, insisting he share the food with his new friend. At first, he scoffed, then relented. Eventually Cross slowly started inserting himself into the evening cooking sessions in The Batcher House. 

Crosshair would imbibe in drink and eventually loosen up...for his standards. Sharing small bits and pieces of his experiences while away from the Batch. But nothing TOO deep. Cross was always content to watch the antics of his very happy family. 

Wrecker and Shep would bring in the catch of the day. Then sit and drink, sharing loving touches and sweet glances at one another. They announced their engagement and planned to wed soon. The whole island was invited to the ceremony and reception. They coordinated with Echo on refreshments and Wrecker planned the menu, wanting to cook for his own wedding reception...with Omega’s help, of course. 

Echo, in charge of refreshments, would open a bottle of Spotchka or throw together a Fuzzy Bantha or some other cocktail. Tech had built Echo a mechanical hand that could be switched out with his scomp. From that point on, Echo was the official Batcher Bartender. It wasn’t just throwing together a drink, it was a SHOW! He tossed bottles in the air, catching them, pouring with finesse, lighting the brightly colored alcohol on fire (for Wrecker especially), adding exotic ingredients that Tech helped suggest for certain palates, some of which Phee brought back from her travels.  

On the crazier nights, Echo would toss bottles and Wrecker cooking implements in unison while Mad and Phee sang and Shep hammered percussion on the wooden table with his large hands. Hunter would get up from the table to dance, dragging Crosshair with him. The competition was fierce as both men had an intense “Dance Off” to one up each other.   

Tech was learning the fine art of highbrow humor, especially after one (or several) of Echo’s cocktails. He and Phee would have constant banter at the table. They were hysterically funny when Tech reached the confused slurry speech stage. Phee enjoyed playfully teasing him while he rambled on, index finger raised...then trailing off as he had lost his train of thought. She’d gently slip her hand into his raised one and caress it. Tech would blush red(der) and smile. 

Hunter and Mad sat leaning against each other, shoulder to thigh. Basking in love, occasionally whispering something into each other’s ear. Things that brought their own blush and smile. They shared a secret...eventually requesting Echo make her drinks sans alcohol. Hunter instructed Echo to add Mad’s to his drink, making it a double. By the end of the night Tech and Hunter would carry on a drunken conversation that NOBODY understood except the two of them. Everyone would get hugs though. Even Tech would embrace the guests before everyone left...as Phee eventually escorted him to the sofa. Hunter never made it that far, choosing the comfort of the floor. Wrecker tucked Lula under his head, before leaving to spend the night at Shep’s place. 

Echo would help Mad and Phee clean up, then hug Omega goodnight. He would awaken early like clockwork the next morning, brewing caf in the kitchen. Echo and Crosshair would nod to each other, as Echo slid the packaged food across the kitchen island to him. Then smile as Cross quietly left the house. Afterwards Echo nudged Tech and Hunter awake to start the day. 

Dinner came and went. The Batchers kept their drinking to a minimum tonight. Everyone just wanted a quiet evening. Hunter and Tech wanted to sleep in an actual bed again. Mad and Phee WANTED THEM to sleep in an actual bed again. 

Besides, Hunter and Mad had an announcement to make: Mad was expecting. While everyone was beyond happy and joyful, it was no surprise. A definite event to celebrate. Wrecker brought a cake to the table and Hunter handed Mad his vibroknife to cut it.  

“Uh...we don’t have something maybe...CLEANER to use?” 

“Made sure to wipe it down properly.” 

“Let me guess...this has some kind of significance, yeah?” Mad cocked an eye at Hunter. 

“Well, I WILL be using this knife...MY knife to cut our child’s umbilical cord.” 

“WHAT???” Mad frantically searching Hunters stone cold expression for any trace of total BS. 

“I’ll wipe the blade down properly beforehand. Especially if it’s a C-section.” 

“HUNTER, HAVE YOU LOST YOUR DAMNED MIND???” 

Hunter’s face was dead serious...until everyone at the table burst out laughing. Then he winked at Mad. 

"Kriff! Thought the booze pickled your brain!!!” 

Hunter gently took the knife from Mad, flipped it back and forth expertly one handed and slid it back into its sheath. Suddenly, he knelt down beside her on one knee. The laughter in the room died down to total silence. Mad could see from everyone’s face this was spontaneous and unexpected. 

“Mad” Hunter took both of her hands in his.  

He cleared his throat. Hunter’s expression was mixed: Intensely passionate but nervous. He was out of his element and not used to doing this sort of thing in front of others. 

“Ah...As you know, I’m not the kind of guy whose all about grand public gestures...but I was struck in the moment to tell you...in front of the most important group of people in my life to the most important individual who is carrying my child...that I LOVE YOU intensely with my VERY BEING.”  

Mad slightly cocked her head and gave him her veiled sassy “No duh, Hunky” expression. Hunter almost broke out in nervous laughter but caught himself. Clearing his throat again, he leaned in slightly. Mad got serious and mirrored this gesture. They were close enough to intensely look into each other's eyes and focus on one another. The rest of the room seemed to fall away into the distant background and disappear. Just two people declaring to each other their deepest desires. 

Hunter continued. “I know we didn’t plan for this to happen.” He lovingly stroked her belly. Mad squeezed his hand. “I also know we didn’t plan to be formally married...and I don’t expect that. Heck...” He looked slightly embarrassed letting it all hang out. “I don’t have a ring...or technically own ANYTHING...I’m...poor. But I have a life to give and I want to give it to you. I’ll be the most devoted father to this baby and the most devoted partner to you.”  

“I know the Nomaadi don’t stay in one place too long. And...if you’ll have me...If you want me...I’ll go anywhere and everywhere you want to go. I want both of us to be together for whatever amount of time we have left in this life.” 

Silence. 

Then Mad spoke. “Hunter...” Her voice caught a hitch and she inhaled sharply. She was touched deeply by this gesture of vulnerability and commitment. The baby, barely formed yet, fluttered sharply inside her belly...the first time she ever felt its presence. Everything seemed so REAL suddenly, not just the concept of being pregnant... 

PLEASE like, comment, and/or REBLOG!

To read RETURN TO PABU Chapter 3:

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/756137825067515904/return-to-pabu-part-3?source=share

IF YOU WISH TO BE ADDED OR DROPPED FROM MY TAG LIST, PLEASE MESSAGE ME! Don't just comment as I might miss it. Thanks!!! <3

[bbutterflies]

also… any reverse!shep ideas?? i’d love to see/hear any thoughts 👀

I AM SO GLAD YOU ASKED. I have been thinking about this nonstop. he’d be called watchdog:

my first thought was fighting dog (cropped ears and tail, etc)! he also has the knuckle wraps & shorts that boxers always wear. plus some emo touches 😈 I wanted him to be sort of a dull/faded version of shep color wise and keep some of the original design elements too. he was SO fun to design!!!

I also have SEVERAL thoughts to share. the supreme would recruit him after shadybug/claw noir return to their universe for good. I imagine they abduct his family or something, something to force him over to their side. he may even be a double agent for a while feeding info back to the supreme (ty @isabugs for this evil idea), and eventually he’s given the dog miraculous to fight against the rebellion as watchdog. he probably is also thinking of using the wish – he’d have found out from shady & claw when they returned that it’s possible to grant a wish with both of their miraculous.

I’m back and forth on whether the rest of the rebellion knows about what happened to his family or if they felt completely betrayed, but either way losing him is a big hit and he’s absolutely ruthless in battle since he has nothing left to lose.

he doesn’t want to be evil, but he has to try anything he can to save his family.

[boydepartment]

Enhypen as Animal Crossing Villagers

MASTERLIST

this concept just made me giggle a lil bit😙😙

JUNGWON as MERRY

🌸 okay literally hear me out- she looks just like him in the eyes. and she’s SWEET AND HAS THE CUTEST HOUSE EVER! how am i supposed to NOT put him as merry :(

HEESEUNG as SHEP

🧷i had to put heeseung as shep. he’s a smug villager and honestly just super cool. i used to have him in my new leaf town and he was always just doing his own thing LMAO

JAY as APOLLO

🎸 you’d be crazy to not put jay as apollo…. APOLLO IS THE MOST STYLISH VILLAGER EVER. that mf LIVES in that weird leather jacket thing. and apollo really takes care of the player in pocket camp. i think it’s sweet :(

JAKE as AXEL

⚽️ so i had axel in my first ever animal crossing town. like right when i got the game. i honestly looked through the dog villagers and didn’t feel that any of them fit jake. but when i saw axel i was like….. oh my god that’s jake

SUNGHOON as JULIAN

🪩HOW WAS I NOT SUPPOSED TO PUT HIM AS JULIAN!? THEYRE BOTH SO MAJESTIC AND CARRY THEMSELVES SO WELL. plus i think sunghoon would love his house.

SUNOO as JUDY

✨ DO I EVEN HAVE TO EXPLAIN. every wants her and she has that same smile as him. she’s got a little sass to her and i love that.

NI-KI as CHADDER

⚾️i knew from the start i wanted to give riki kinda a goofy villager. mainly bc i can imagine his reaction being like, “😐🫤 wtf are you fr?”

so when i saw chadder and how he’s a smug villager oh i just KNEW.

[b00m-b0mb]

about your disharmonized heaven au, uh, do you have any details for the megamix story characters? like trey, dieter, eglantine, the gatekeeper trio or the hevven world ones i just find this au very interesent and i will like to see more of it x)

YEAHAAA!!! Here's some briefs for the storymode characters,,, it's not the beststggg???

(ALSO THANK YOU SO MUCH AAAGGAGA!!!!! QWQ♡)

The Gatekeeper Trio are Harmony's (Tibby's Mom) right hand men!

Or well.. sort of. They're actually not allowed to cross the gate that leads to her palace anymore. (Saltwater and Paprika don't have any ill will towards her.) They stalk Joe and Tibby, being the only people who have been able to travel freely between Heaven World and Earth (secrets!!!) They are constantly getting in their way! But.. at least they don't tell Harmony everything :]

I would also like to add they used to babysit Tibby before they got on Harmony's ill side. (Tibby.. doesn't really remember them :[ ) They're concerned about what's going with Harmony, but would, never, counter her.

Trey is an immortal tree that Harmony and Broken Record abandoned long ago, he still guards the entryway to Heaven World despite forgetting a lot of his duties.

He helps fallen Tibby solely due to the fact he has vague memory of his mother! He admits of being a little jealous of Tibby and Yuka (Tap Girl) and expresses a want for change. Tibby promises to take him to Heaven World, and talk to his mom.. even if it makes him nervous.

Egglantine is a hermit who's abandoned society.

Her main role in this AU is being the person willing to take care of "the monster" (my OC the Lost Girl, who is an idol, but was banished) and well.. being a mortal with LOTS of knowledge on Heaven World.

She's obsessed with the Hue Birds, and sort of was "blessed with forbidden knowledge" of Heaven World. She is a unhinged woman, but still just a mortal. She's a total nut, and isolates herself for "the better of other people."

Dieter, Hairold, Donna, and Shep(?) are every day folk! eccentric ones anyway. (Mortals)

These four are just regular ol folk! Their lives have gotten catastrophic since the flow of the world went void! (Pssst, Shep used to live in Heaven World, but he left a long time ago.)

Dieter is the one who helps Tibby and Yuka the most, having.. a car.

Marshal, Cam, and Miss Ribbon

Marshal and Miss Ribbon are twins, and the big siblings to the Chorus Kids (Triplets). Cam is their best friend!!!

Also, spoiler. Crackship territory: Tibby and Marshal both think the other is SUPA COOL.. too cool!!!

Phillip, Betty, Colin, and Bertram

Tibby's friends! They are species RELATED to Harmony and Tibby, but they are not "gods" like they are. (In fact, they're not quite "real", Harmony created them.)

Phillip and Betty are Tibby's age. Colin and Bertram are older than the other three, but Bertram is a "late bloomer". || Bertram treats Tibby like his little brother, which annoys him.

They also all work for Harmony, but they mostly keep this secret from Tibby, until they can't keep quiet anymore.

Boondog

A talking dog pretending to be a magical habitant of Heaven World :] (related to Barista, but they don't talk publicly, as if not to blow Boondog's cover.)

Barista

A wise talking dog! He's always willing to lend a paw, but he's a little trickster for his own amusement. He still runs the Cafe, it's like a secret joint to hang out, and relax from Heaven World's dreariness. :] He does not belong in Heaven World, but he is a beloved old scamp.

He keeps a close eye on Joe, and offers help, but doesn't always announce himself. He doesn't want to do things, for, Joe. If that makes sense.

Also.. he totally stole his wonderful goat :]

[stardustandash]

been thinking all week about a Star Wars F1 AU and i gotta share my thoughts!! There's so many i need to put them below a cut but F1 star wars fans come with me to the sandbox and play!

and heads up this is definitely geared towards bad batch fans

99/ DF 99 - Drive Force 99 Livery: black and red Drivers: Tech and Crosshair Principle: Hunter Race Engineers: Cid & Rampart Chief Mechanic: Echo (former driver but a crash took 3 limbs and he’s dedicated to making the safest car on the track) Pit Crew: Wrecker Omega is a junior driver being mentored by Tech

One of the newer teams on the grid, over the three years they’ve been racing they’ve climbed their way to mid-front of the grid. Tech has one win under his belt, and both he and Crosshair have a handful of podiums.

Jedi - Sabertech Jedi Livery: White & Gold Drivers: Anakin and Obi-Wan Principle: Yoda Race Engineers: Rex & Cody

The most dominant team on the grid. They have the highest number of 1-2 finishes ever with these two drivers, and Anakin has been winning by several seconds most races for the last few years. Jedi is one of the oldest teams and Yoda has been team principal for 30 years.

Ghost - Ghost Rebel Racing Livery: Bright orange Drivers: Hera & Sabine Principle: Kallus Race Engineers: Kanan & Ezra Pit Crew: Zeb Team dog: Chopper!! (He frequently escapes the garage to try and bite other team’s pit crews & tires)

Hera is known as one of the best drivers on the grid and usually finishes in the points. The team overall however is solidly middle of the pack. Sabine has a new helmet design nearly every race, and it’s always her own design.

Mantis - Haxion Mantis Livery: Navy Drivers: Cal & Merrin Principle: Greez Race Engineers: Cere & Cordova BD-1 is Cal’s emotional support dog

Mantis debuted this year, and put themselves solidly in the middle of the pack. As well, both their drivers are rookies. A massive gamble, but it appears to be paying off. Cal has been close to top 3 several times, and Merrin’s driving style makes other drivers back off.

Padawan - Padawan ST Livery: sky blue Drivers: Ahsoka & Barriss Principle: Mace Windu Race Engineers: Plo & Luminara

The “junior” team for Jedi, these drivers are being groomed to one day take over the Jedi seats. As such, they are mid-front of the grid. Neither have their maiden win yet, and Ahsoka in particular is vocal about wanting to beat Anakin even as she looks up to him as a mentor.

Run - DP Smuggler’s Run Livery: Forest Green Drivers: Phee & Hondo Principle: Shep Race Engineers: Chewbacca & ??

This team has evolved a lot, and Shep is new as team principal and Phee is new as a driver to this team. Like Hera, Phee is a phenomenal driver despite the car being mid-back of the pack. On the track Phee seems to like testing other drivers - Tech in particular.

TT - Tantiss Technologies Livery: Aqua blue Drivers: Scorch & ? Principal: Nala Se Race Engineers: Hemlock & Emerie

Another team that has changed a lot, this year they gained a name change (formerly Tipoca Tech), and the only person retained on the team was Nala Se. They are focused on engineering the perfect car, and are thought to ignore safety for speed.

Mirrormask Livery: Grey Drivers: Fives & Boba Principle: Jango Race Engineers: Mayday & Kix

Mirrormask is an old team, and Jango used to be their star driver back when they were dominant on the field. Now they’re more a mid-back team but they hope is that rookie Boba can turn things around for him like his father.

Sith - Sith RuleTwo Livery: red Drivers: Ventress & Maul Principle: Dooku Race Engineers: Savage & Talzin

This team could be front of the grid if the drivers could get along with each other. They are more likely to take out each other (or in Maul’s case take himself out going after Obi-Wan) than finish the race. Dooku is hoping to get his drivers in check but it’s not going well so far.

Pods - Pods Racing Livery: tan Drivers: Sebulba & ?? Principle: Watto

If they finish a race it’s considered a miracle. There’s discussion of the whole team being replaced as they are known for playing dirty and using sabotage on their opponents and illegal parts in their cars.

[x-birdsong-x]

overly specific house dog au headcanons? spill some?

I can try and fit in one post everyone I've settled completely on so far, and also be obnoxious about dog breeds. fun

I've also bothered @greghatecrimes with a lot of these so very big thanks to them for helping me settle on breeds for everyone <3

It's when I've settled on a "base breed" with dogs that sometimes things just go crazy and go from there

Start with the most overly unnecessarily detailed one here you go:

Adams is the oddest most fantasy mixed breed of ALL fucking time her parents are one Belgian Tervuren and one Borzoi x Ibizan Hound and she appeared so much Tervuren that it’s just possible to miss that she’s got any sighthound(s) in her.

Editing to go even more in-detail with this one because my girl deserves it: She ends up looking somewhere between these two:

She’s very pointy and very leggy but she is very long-furred and that's where the mistakes come from. She moves mostly with the gaits of her sighthound sides which the others find is an easy way to make her bristle. She’s prancing across the room and Chase says you move like a sighthound and she says no I don’t (yes she does)

Park is a Silken Windsprite:

Probably struggles in snow and sometimes has to jump and jump to get through it when it's really deep but Adams mumbles that it’s cute and that's Fight invitation. Park brings up that Adams gets snowballs stuck on her and that it takes hours to melt out of her fur. ("Fuck you!" - "Do it yourself!") It's probably fair to say she has some little dog syndrome.

Chase is an Australian Shepherd. House probably used to make comments about he and Cameron both being Merle:

Cameron is this specific Border Collie (but with blue eyes, ofc):

Probably does the Collie Crouch sometimes. Absolutely does the Collie Stare, and that would come into House's "you can't actually pierce me with your eyes" moments.

Foreman is a Central Asian Shepherd:

For a slight visual similarity to how I imagine post-Lockdown Angst Cameron might feel meeting Masters, Masters is a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever:

Probably has what I call in the groomers "Smart Breed Anxiety" along with her autism swag. Dogs who listen to and seem to understand every word you say and if you're telling someone or another pet off for anything, they assume they're the one you're talking to and give all their guilty looks. Also using my Bluebear as reference with that visual.

Thirteen is this Utonagan!!! No other visual!!! Have such a canine visual of The Dig it's insane.

Wilson of course took Golden Retriever. Definitely one of the larger/silkier ones. Show-type. He'd definitely be a dark gold but this is the best pic I have for how I picture him -color:

House is a Scottish Deerhound, mixed with what? He doesn't know. Wants to know. Very easy to miss that he's a cross:

(Little Rachel rode on his back for a bit once.)

Speaking of, Rachel is a little pupper Sheltie (Natalie) x English Shepherd (Simon) but she barely shows any Shep traits when it comes to looks:

Rachel's a mini-me of her mama, Cuddy took Rough Collie:

Kutner is a Springer Spaniel x Large Münsterländer, leaning more looks-wise toward the latter and leaning energy-level toward the former:

Taub is a Beagle, Chihuahuas are just too small for one of the main characters in my little visual I'm afraid (and I forgot Smooth Fox Terriers existed):

Rachel is a long-haired Dachshund, and Ruby is a show-type English Cocker Spaniel, so Sophie and Sophia are those crosses respectively. Click on the Spaniel to see the full pic.

Amber takes (Red) Siberian Husky:

She's quite thick-coated but she doesn't fall under "Woolly Husky" coat type.

Red (Irish) Setter Stacy:

Plott Hound Mark:

Dominika... So This dog is obviously a Belgian Malinois maybe crossed with something fluffier (unless the listing change from Mali to Terv is accurate, then she's just Small) but she looks exactly like this:

Saluki Lydia:

Belgian Malinois Alvie:

Lucas is just straight-up a Coyote. It just fits him too well. He gets a Coyote-themed name in the WC AU, and gets to be a Coyote when I think about canines:

Beauceron Nolan. Can't see him as something as round and soft as Newfies but also can't see him as a bully-type:

[heartsbind]

🎮🐶😁

shannon the yapper

��� — favorite video game(s)?

OOOOH favorite....... that's so hard omg. i have a handful of games that were so impactful i made muses for but i'd prob say my top two are mass effect and dragon age. for mass effect i loved the whole trilogy and writing about kaidan alenko going from being only romanceable by femshep to being romanceable by both sheps from me1 to me3 literally was like a huge part of my college thesis DSFKDSFDSF and i also met my husband in the me rpc (we both wrote kaidan and our first interaction was him sending me an ask telling me how much he loved my interpretation DKJFDSJKFDSF and i in turn love his 🥹🥹🥹)

dragon age was ALSO part of my thesis (really the thesis was just about "playing queer" in video games from like romance mechanics to character customization and also like applying queer theory (anti-capitalism / difference / living in opposition to "normal" / etc) to play etc etc etc) but yeah if i were to think about games that i just keep going back to over the years it would be those two! honorable mentions persona 3-5 and skyrim dskfjndsfdsf

🐶 — any pets?

YESSSS my precious leetol dottir peanut... who is sat comfortably between my legs while i'm writing this / working DKFDSFDSF. i would have taken a picture but i am stuck-- but YEAH so her previous owner had to rehome her bc they were moving into a cat-unfriendly apartment and we've been caring for her for the past 3 years! she is a gremlin but she is also so sweet and precious... she was 8 when we got her tho we never learned her birthday so we just make it her gotcha day which was in may so she should be 11 now!

beyond that, my dad has a great pyrenees dog named bumble who i dogsit sometimes for him! he is a sweet and good good boy! and he also has a cat named zoey (she was a gift for my mom technically but she couldn't take her with her when they separated 🫣 but she is a youthful old lady. very mindful, not always demure--

😁 — what’s your favorite part about being part of the rpc?

the community! i love that it's a space to be creative and share creativity and the things they're passionate about with others. i took a 4-year sabbatical of sorts from the tumblr rpc (and that tbh was kind of after a year or so of being low activity prior once i graduated from college and my last computer started crapping out) and i really missed it! it's been amazing having people to yell and yap about shared interests with and also to like remind myself how to plot and flex my creativity muscles again! it was sorely needed because i really was at a point where any time my brain wanted to like develop plots every time i tried to Think of things it would just instead be like bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz white noise. still is doing that tbh but it's sloooowly getting better and dusting itself off!!!

i'm also so grateful for how quickly i've been able to get settled and comfortable here even though i'm soooo slow to actually write things still djfhdsfsdfdsf coming back right as we were entering the busy season at work was a CHOICE for me DFKJDSFDSF but!! yeah that everyone is just so lovely and talented and loves their muses SO much i just am always admiring even when anxiety sort of freezes me up a little i'm slowly getting out there again!

[campbyler]

Who are the Party’s acnh dreamies, and did they get them? Also, do they have Happy Home Paradise?

Completely unrelated, but I’ve had the random urge to play animal crossing all week. And I’ve felt this weird connection to Isabelle. Strange. /s

(I’m so sad that I never got to play New Leaf, but I had a DSI instead of a 3DS so I couldn’t play any of the cool games 😔)

OHHH THIS ASK IS FOR MEEEE IT’S FOR ME!!!!!

i definitely think they have all their dreamies!!! dustin absolutely makes his own amiibos so i think he helps everyone get who they want. i also think he gets involved in a lot of discords and treasure islands so even for the 8 new villagers that didn’t have amiibos at the time, he def had a billion nmt and was very lucky with villager hunting lol. in terms of who their dreamies aaarrrrreeee…

mike: lucky, ankha, wolfgang!! i think those are the only 3 he super cares about and likes to have a rotation + enjoys villager hunting. he just vibes with whoever and isn’t super picky but i think he’s attached to the 3 i picked because he had them in new leaf and they’re his Friends.

will: ruby, coco, sasha, gaston, teddy!! i know that him being bunny coded is affecting my vision but i’m correct. he lovvveeeesss bunnies and i think he’d love ruby and coco so much bc they’re cute but also a little creepy looking so he’d feel bad for them. and i think gaston is so silly looking that he is obsessed with him. teddy is bc he reminds will of a real life walter :)

max: agent s, hazel, keaton, katt, bob!! quite a few but she’s definitely super picky. i think she hardcore judges villagers for being ugly but has also decided some “ugly” ones are so ugly they’re cute (hazel and katt) and they are her ride or die’s. she didn’t seek them out they sought Her and she vibes. definitely hits villagers she hates with a net and sends them hate mail even though that increases friendship with them lol. hates sheep villagers.

el: dotty, audie, pekoe, beardo, greta, scoot, tia, faith, dobie, papi!! obviously a full list but she went through and made sure she had one of each personality type and doubled up on her fave types (normal and peppy). she is def into aesthetics but also thinks some of them are funny!! like scoot with his hat and beardo (who reminds her of hop)

lucas: benjamin, lucky, daisy, butch, shep, cherry! truthfully i think he loves dogs and would have a whole dog island. the ones listed are his absolute faves and the other spots he kind of just rotates as necessary until he finds a personality combo that he likes!!

dustin: raymond, marshal, shino, sherb, zucker, merengue, julian, judy, roald, pietro!! sorry that he is the way he is. he sells villagers on the black market and then just puts them back in his town. it’s not my fault (it is).

2 me they all share a nintendo switch online family plan, so they all technically have hhd! i think mike, dustin, and el are the only ones who actually really play it tho. el tells will he would love it and will doesn’t listen but he might suddenly have another interest in acnh and specifically hhd starting in september 2023. who knows. (i know.)

also you didn’t ask but dustin and mike time travel. sorry about it!!!!

[lost-in-fiction-like-ur-mom]

Masterlist

Request Guidelines

The Bad Batch

Crosshair

You're Different- Ever since Crosshair made a snide comment about leaving a team member to die, you’ve had a lingering thought. Even though you knew he loved you, doubts rose. Okay Again- After spending months on Pabu recouping from the Empire, Shep gets under your skin. You blow up at the unfair treatment, and Crosshair helps you calm down. Forgiven- You reminisce on the first time Crosshair fought against you and his brothers. He thought you'd never forgive him, but he is surprised when you reunite. Dog Days- You met Crosshair while he was taking Batcher for a walk. Passing your house quickly became a daily task you all looked forward to. Is it wrong to say you caught feelings for him? And was Crosshair really jealous of the attention you gave Batcher?

CX-2 (Clone Assassin)

Does the End Justify the Means?- CX-2 never planned on forming a relationship, but once he did he had to protect it. Even if it meant killing hundreds to keep you away from Hemlock. MENTIONS OF BURNS AND TORTURE!!

Echo

Confessions on the Marauder- You and Echo finally have a moment alone on the Marauder. Of course the pressure gets to one of you, and confesses. Worst Case Scenario- After an ambush from the Empire, you, Echo, and Omega must escape by yourselves. Hunter and Wrecker sacrifice themselves to let you three live. Based on Season 2, Ep. 16 One Day- Echo is, understandably, not taking Techs death well. Comfort ensues!

Hunter

Knight in Rusty Armor- After a bad run-in at a market, Hunter has to save you and Omega. You can't help but feel like a failure for not being able to protect Omega by yourself... Marry Me?- After an insufferable separation from you, Hunter realizes his true feelings. That he never wants to be apart from you- that he wants to spend the rest of his life with you. Wedding Planning- Now that Hunter has popped the question, you and Omega start planning the wedding! Little do you know, Hunter overhears and falls a little more in love. Part 2 to 'Marry Me?' I Will Protect You- As a defective Jedi you are reassigned to The Bad Batch. How can you resist Hunter? Especially when he confesses after seeing how good you are with Omega. Calming Waves- After finding out Omega has been taken for the third time, you and Hunter must comfort each other. Set at the end of s.3 ep.11

Tech

Absurd Thoughts- During a regrettable moment of insecurity, you think Tech considers going off with Phee. Assurance pursues, Tech only wants you. Familiar Faces- Tech's death was not a reality you were ready for, you relied so much on his love. After months of grief, you find he might not actually be dead. Bookworm- You and Tech have a moment alone on The Marauder. What better way to spend it than reading! Accompanied by Tech on his datapad, of course. By Your Side- During an escape from the Empire, you break your arm. Tech is quick to be at your side, fixing you up. At the intensity of the situation, feelings are revealed. Warning for descriptions of broken bones!

Wrecker

Headaches- Wrecker always goes to reader for help with his constant headaches. Based on S 1, Ep 5-7 when Wreckers inhibitor chip was giving him bad headaches! Back Home- After searching for months, Wrecker is finally reunited with you. You couldn't be happier. Bundle of Joy- Wrecker is scared he might hurt your newborn baby. You reassure him he won't, and that he is a good father. Warning for descriptions of birth!

Clone Force 99 (Platonic)

Winning Approval- You felt as if you were living a purpose-less life, so when Hunter asks you to join his crew, you say yes! Not everyone on the force is as happy though... Takes place during and after Season 1, Ep. 2.

Game of Thrones

Brandon Stark

Following you to the ends of the earth- Your time with Bran, Meera, and Hodor in the Three-Eyed Raven's cave. Unsaid feelings become said. PART TWO

Avatar The Last Airbender

Zuko

'Fake' Feelings- In a pinch, you have to pretend to be in a relationship with Zuko. Little do you know it was never pretend for Zuko.