#lake's too big to be able to swim to shore so he has to awkwardly paddle the inflatable raft

[carnivalcarriondiscarded]

Wait-

What about your Human AU, when does Eddie get into the lake?!

uhhhh *rolls dice* the group gets Shitfaced™️ and Eddie wakes up on a partially flooded raft in the middle of yeah, the lake <3 no idea how he got there <3

[avery-foxglove]

FrodoSam Moments in The Lord of the Rings (Books): The Fellowship of the Ring

 I would definitely say that The Two Towers and The Return of the King have more tender (and romantic) moments, but The Fellowship is the first volume, so:

Note: This is mostly for my own pure interest and reference. 

  1.

He [Frodo] looked at Sam Gamgee, and discovered that Sam was watching him.

‘Well, Sam!’ he said. ‘What about it? I am leaving the Shire as soon as ever I can - in fact I have made up my mind now not even to wait a day at Crickhollow, if it can be helped.’

‘Very good, sir!’

‘You still mean to come with me?’

‘I do.’

‘It is going to be very dangerous, Sam. It is already dangerous. Most likely neither of us will come back.’

‘If you don’t come back, sir, then I shan’t, that’s certain,’ said Sam. ‘Don’t you leave him! they said to me. Leave him! I said. I never mean to. I am going with him, if he climbs to the Moon, and if any of those Black Rulers try to stop him, they’ll have Sam Gamgee to reckon with, I said. They laughed.’

‘Who are they, and what are you talking about?’

‘The Elves, sir. We had some talk last night; and they seemed to know you were going away, so I didn’t see the use of denying it. Wonderful folk, Elves, sir! Wonderful!’

‘They are,’ said Frodo. ‘Do you like them still, now you have had a closer view?’

‘They seem a bit above my likes and dislikes, so to speak,’ answered Sam slowly. ‘It don’t seem to matter what I think about them. They are quite different from what I expected - so old and young, and so gay and sad, as it were.’

Frodo looked at Sam rather startled, half expecting to see some outward sign of the odd change that seemed to have come over him. It did not sound like the voice of the old Sam Gamgee that he thought he knew. But it looked like the old Sam Gamgee sitting there, except that his face was unusually thoughtful.

 2.

‘Where did you come by that, Sam?' asked Pippin. 'I've never heard those words before.'

Sam muttered something inaudible.

 'It's out of his own head, of course,' said Frodo. 'I am learning a lot about Sam Gamgee on this journey. First he was a conspirator, now he's a jester. He'll end up by becoming a wizard - or a warrior!'

'I hope not,' said Sam. 'I don't want to be neither!'

    3.

At that moment there was a knock on the door, and Sam came in. He ran to Frodo and took his left hand, awkwardly and shyly. He stroked it gently and then he blushed and turned hastily away.

`Hullo, Sam!' said Frodo.

`It's warm!' said Sam. `Meaning your hand, Mr. Frodo. It has felt so cold through the long nights. But glory and trumpets!' he cried, turning round again with shining eyes and dancing on the floor. 'It's fine to see you up and yourself again, sir! Gandalf asked me to come and see if you were ready to come down, and I thought he was joking.'

'I am ready,' said Frodo. 'Let's go and look for the rest of the party!'

`I can take you to them, sir,' said Sam. `It's a big house this, and very peculiar. Always a bit more to discover, and no knowing what you'll find round a corner. And Elves, sir! Elves here, and Elves there! Some like kings, terrible and splendid; and some as merry as children. And the music and the singing-not that I have had the time or the heart for much listening since we got here. But I'm getting to know some of the ways of the place.'

'I know what you have been doing, Sam,' said Frodo, taking his arm. 'But you shall be merry tonight, and listen to your heart's content. Come on, guide me round the corners!'

  4. 

`But you won't send him off alone surely, Master?' cried Sam, unable to contain himself any longer, and jumping up from the corner where he had been quietly sitting on the floor.

`No indeed!' said Elrond, turning towards him with a smile. `You at least shall go with him. It is hardly possible to separate you from him, even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not.'

Sam sat down, blushing and muttering. `A nice pickle we have landed ourselves in, Mr. Frodo!' he said, shaking his head.

   5.

Elrond summoned the hobbits to him. He looked gravely at Frodo. 'The time has come,' he said. `If the Ring is to set out, it must go soon. But those who go with it must not count on their errand being aided by war or force. They must pass into the domain of the Enemy far from aid. Do you still hold to your word, Frodo, that you will be the Ring-bearer?'

'I do,' said Frodo. `I will go with Sam.'

   6.

Frodo felt something seize him by the ankle, and he fell with a cry. Bill the pony gave a wild neigh of fear, and turned tail and dashed away along the lakeside into the darkness. Sam leaped after him, and then hearing Frodo's cry he ran back again, weeping and cursing. The others swung round and saw the waters of the lake seething, as if a host of snakes were swimming up from the southern end.

Out from the water a long sinuous tentacle had crawled; it was pale-green and luminous and wet. Its fingered end had hold of Frodo's foot and was dragging him into the water. Sam on his knees was now slashing at it with a knife.

The arm let go of Frodo, and Sam pulled him away, crying out for help. Twenty other arms came rippling out. The dark water boiled, and there was a hideous stench.

`Into the gateway! Up the stairs! Quick! ' shouted Gandalf leaping back. Rousing them from the horror that seemed to have rooted all but Sam to the ground where they stood, he drove them forward.

   7.

`Whoa, Sam Gamgee! ' he said aloud. `Your legs are too short, so use your head! Let me see now! Boromir isn't lying, that's not his way; but he hasn't told us everything. Something scared Mr. Frodo badly. He screwed himself up to the point, sudden. He made up his mind at last to go. Where to? Off East. Not without Sam? Yes, without even his Sam. That's hard, cruel hard.'

Sam passed his hand over his eyes, brushing away the tears. 'Steady, Gamgee! ' he said. `Think, if you can! He can't fly across rivers, and he can't jump waterfalls. He's got no gear. So, he's got to get back to the boats. Back to the boats! Back to the boats, Sam, like lightning! '

Sam turned and bolted back down the path. He fell and cut his knees. Up he got and ran on. He came to the edge of the lawn of Parth Galen by the shore, where the boats were drawn up out of the water. No one was there. There seemed to be cries in the woods behind, but he did not heed them. He stood gazing for a moment: stock-still, gaping. A boat was sliding down the bank all by itself. With a shout Sam raced across the grass. The boat slipped into the water.

`Coming, Mr. Frodo! Coming! ' called Sam, and flung himself from the bank, clutching at the departing boat. He missed it by a yard. With a cry and a splash he fell face downward into deep swift water. Gurgling he went under, and the River closed over his curly head.

An exclamation of dismay came from the empty boat. A paddle swirled and the boat put about. Frodo was just in time to grasp Sam by the hair as he came up, bubbling and struggling. Fear was staring in his round brown eyes.

`Up you come, Sam my lad! ' said Frodo. `Now take my hand! '

`Save me, Mr. Frodo! ' gasped Sam. `I'm drownded. I can't see your hand.'

`Here it is. Don't pinch, lad! I won't let you go. Tread water and don't flounder, or you'll upset the boat. There now, get hold of the side, and let me use the paddle!’

With a few strokes Frodo brought the boat back to the bank. and Sam was able to scramble out, wet as a water-rat. Frodo took off the Ring and stepped ashore again.

`Of all the confounded nuisances you are the worst, Sam! ' he said.

'Oh, Mr. Frodo, that's hard! ' said Sam shivering. `That's hard, trying to go without me and all. If I hadn't a guessed right, where would you be now? '

`Safely on my way.'

`Safely! ' said Sam. `All alone and without me to help you? I couldn't have a borne it, it'd have been the death of me.'

'It would be the death of you to come with me, Sam,' said Frodo, “and I could not have borne that.'

`Not as certain as being left behind,' said Sam.

`But I am going to Mordor.'

`I know that well enough, Mr. Frodo. Of course, you are. And I'm coming with you.'

`Now, Sam,' said Frodo, `don't hinder me! The others will be coming back at any minute. If they catch me here. I shall have to argue and explain, and I shall never have the heart or the chance to get off. But I must go at once. It's the only way.'

 `Of course it is,' answered Sam. 'But not alone. I'm coming too, or neither of us isn't going. I'll knock holes in all the boats first.'

Frodo actually laughed. A sudden warmth and gladness touched his heart. `Leave one! 'he said. `We'll need it. But you can't come like this without your gear or food or anything.'

'Just hold on a moment, and I'll get my stuff!' cried Sam eagerly. 'It's all ready. I thought we should be off today.' He rushed to the camping place, fished out his pack from the pile where Frodo had laid it when he emptied the boat of his companions' goods, grabbed a spare blanket and some extra packages of food, and ran back.

`So all my plan is spoilt! ' said Frodo. `It is no good trying to escape you. But I'm glad, Sam. I cannot tell you how glad. Come along! It is plain that we were meant to go together.”

[raspberrytummytickles]

Insecurities at Heart

Title: Insecurities at Heart Fandom: Supernatural Characters: Sam, Dean Summary: Ticklish!Sam, Ticklish!Dean; (Normal AU) Dean knows Sam isn't really alright. Sam just has to face some realities. NOT WINCEST

Original Prompt: "Dean, I swear to God if you throw me in that lake I'm going to kick your ass"

A/N: I immediately loved this line above and I started thinking what I should do with it and thought how cool it would be to like make it a Normal AU. So, no monsters or anything. Just regular humans and antisocial little brothers XD Enjoy! (Last prompt from ANON!)

Dean didn't really get what Sam’s problem was. Sure, the freshman was still kinda short, still way too skinny. But he had Winchester genes! He was a good looking kid! He had these big, intelligent hazel eyes that made you feel like the most important person in the world when he’s listens to you. He was so considerate and passionate towards people and animals. He was adorable with dorky glasses that he actually pulls off pretty well.

Hell, Dean trains with Sam everyday after school so he knows the kids body is toned. So he’s a bit overprotective of his baby brother, who cares? Dean wants Sam prepared for anything! He just didn't get why Sam was so awkward around people? He was so insecure, it hurt Dean to think Sam never thought he was good enough. That was about to change though.

Dean was able to force Sam on a little trip with him to a lake where most teens hung out. Dean’s been there loads of times with his friends but Sam still seemed to be having trouble making them. It’s been a problem since they were children. Sam’s only friend growing up was Dean and that’s how it stayed till high school, it seemed. Dean had other friends that he hangs out with but Sam is all alone. 

Dean glanced at his pouting baby brother and snorted lightly. Sam had on a baggy hoodie and one of Dean’s swim shorts. Dean himself only had a tank and shorts on but Sam seemed pretty firm about hiding his body. It didn't make sense. Sam’s glasses were sliding down his nose as he read a book he insisted on bringing because I’m not getting in the water, Dean. If you’re making me do this then at least let me have some peace. 

Dean parked the car as they pulled up to the familiar lake front. Dean had towels to lay on the grass and a cooler with snacks and drinks. He was going to get Sam to open up a bit, build confidence. Sam heaved a sigh, sliding out of the impala and helping Dean carry things to the lake. Dean spotted a few friends of his and waved happily, Sam awkwardly walking by his side.

Dean found a nice shaded area he knew Sam would enjoy, seeing as most people preferred to sit out in the sun. Sam laid down his towel before plopping himself down as well, opening his book and starting to read. Dean sighed, shredding his shirt off. He could feel the stares and it made him puff his chest out. Yep, he knew he was one attractive bastard. Deal with it.

“You can go, Dean,” Sam stated quietly. Dean blinked in surprise, raising an eyebrow. “I know you have friends here. I’ll be fine.”

“Dude, no. I came here to spend time with you,” Dean frowned at Sam’s generally surprised look. His chest hurt to think Sam questioned just wanting to spend time together. “We haven't done that lately, have we?”

“You’re a busy guy,” Sam shrugged, looking back down in his book. “You’re also a senior. Gotta make it the best year before you leave, ya know?”

That startled Dean for sure. Leave? Where did Sam think he was gonna go? To college? He would come to that later. Dean stretched and nudged Sam with his leg. 

“C’mon, dude. Lose the hoodie. It’s freaking hot out here so you must be dying in that thing.”

“Dean―”

“Sammy,” Dean whined. Sam sighed and stood, swiftly pulling off the red, worn fabric. Dean smiled broadly, checking his brother out proudly. He worked good on the kid. Sam used to be pale and skinny―well he still is skinny―but a lot of it had turned into lean muscle. Sam was already developing a six pack from the hardass training and Dean’s shorts barely covered the dip of Sam’s hips. His baby brother was hot and he wasn't ashamed to acknowledge it. If only Sam would too, then this wouldn't be a problem.

Dean reach out and pulled Sam’s glasses off. The kid didn't need them in this situation. He ruffled Sam’s hair, giving him an adorable messy look. Dean could already hear talk, just like always, and Sam seemed to shrink a bit at the sound.

“Nah Uh, none of that,” Dean waved his pointer finger in a ‘No No’ way. A mischevious smirk that made Sam uneasy fell onto Dean’s face. Before Sam could question what Dean was about to do, his big brother scooped him up bridal style and took off to the water.

“Dean, I swear to God if you throw me in that lake I will kick your ass!” Sam shrieked. Dean ran till he was knee deep before doing what his brother screamed at him not to do. Sam flew a little ways away and landed with a big splash. Dean cheered, walking deeper in the water. Sam popped up a few seconds later, letting out a cough before glaring at Dean. “You are so DEAD!” 

Dean laughed, splashing at Sam who quickly splashed back, taking a leaping jump at Dean. The younger teen was able to knock them both over and laughed at Dean’s drenched look.

“Y-You look like a wet cat!” Sam snickered, a dimpled smile on his face.

“Oh yeah?” Dean snarked back, wiggling his fingers tauntingly. “Well what do you think about this?” Dean grabbed his baby brother by the waist, tickling the wet skin with a fake evil laugh. “I’ve gotcha now, Sammy! MUAHAHAHA!”

“Nohoho! DEHEHEHEAN!” Sam squealed, immediately trying to find a way to escape. Dean found the bottom of Sam’s ribs and pressed the kid to his chest so he got better access. “AHAHAHA! YOU CHEHEHEATER!”

“That's not nice to say, Sammy.”

“Y-YOHOHOU’RE NOHOHOT NIHIHCE!”

“Oh, that’s it!” Dean went for the kill, cupping Sam’s sides and attacking his lean tummy. Sam cackled loudly, twisting wildly in Dean’s grip as loud, happy laughter escaped the small teen.

“DEHEHE!”

“Oh so I’m De now?”

“IHIHI’M GOHOHONNA GEHEHET YOOOOOOOU!” Sam screeched when Dean leaned down and blew a raspberry along his neck, adorable giggles mixing in the loud shrieks. Sam put all his body weight into one shove to the side, dunking them right back into the water. Only this time, Sam was able to swim behind Dean and dug his hands right into Dean’s hips.

“SAHAHAHAMMY!” Dean shouted, laughter immediately pouring out of the older Winchester. Sam grinned, squeezing the bone faster and making sure to get the skin right before the hips. “NAHAHAHA! NOOO!”

People around the lake stared in awe at the Winchester boys who seemed to be in their own world. It was amazing to have a relationship like that and it made them slightly jealous they weren't apart of it.

Sam gave Dean a raspberry on his back, shocking the Winchester before giving the taller teen a hard shove. Dean tumbled into the water with a yelp, coming back up a second later to see Sam sprinting for the shore.

“You little bitch!” Dean cried out, racing after his baby brother. Sam giggled high pitched and childlike, running as fast as he could to their tree of shade. He was suddenly tackled from behind, only inches from their camp. The Winchester’s wrestled one another, Dean pinning Sam at last and tickling his tummy again.

“NAHAHA! DEHEHEHEAN! STAHAHAP IHIHIT!” Sam cackled, feet kicking wildly as Dean blew huge raspberries on Sam’s sides and belly. “NOHOHO MOHOHORE! I’M SOHOHORRY!”

“You should be, brat,” Dean huffed, rolling off his little brother with a wide grin. Sam curled up, residue laughter escaping along with tiny giggles when Dean tweaked his sides.

“Please stohop.”

“Okay, okay, I’m done.”

Sam sighed in relief, laying on his back with big breaths. Dean followed suit, pressing their shoulder’s together. The calmness of it all, the familiarity, it was everything the two boys knew. It was all they knew.

“So,” Dean started softly, turning to face Sam. “Why do you act to antisocial, Sammy?”

Sam blinked surprised, facing Dean as well. “Huh?”

“You never like going outside, hang out with friends. I know you don't like being alone so why don't you go out?”

“I don't,” Sam wrinkled his nose and sighed. “I don't want to rely on anyone else.”

Now it was Dean’s turn to look confused.

“I mean...none of them are you, Dean. You’ve been my best friend for as long as I could remember. I don't want anyone else.”

“Sammy,” Dean said softly, “Dude, I am always gonna be your best friend. Just like you’re mine! But, meeting people, interacting and getting disappointed is part of growing up...” Dean paused, biting his lip. “I-I’m thinking about going to college.”

Sam looked at Dean with wide eyes, “Really?”

“Yeah, but I need to know you’re taken care of. I don't like leaving you here alone, Sammy.”

“Dean, you can’t decide not to go to college because of me!” Sam scolded, eyes still holding disbelief.

“I can and I will. Sammy, don't you dare think there is anything past or present I would put in front of you,” Dean stated, cupping Sam’s neck and pressing their forehead together. “I need you to see that, I mean, it’s my job right? Looking after my pain in the ass little brother.”

Sam let out a watery laugh, tears leaking down his cheeks. He threw himself at Dean, holding his big brother tightly. Dean easily reciprocated, burying his nose in Sam’s hair and let out a sigh.

“Go to college, Dean,” Sam mumbled, pulling back. Dean melted as Sam gave him his big dimpled grin. “I’ll try harder to make friends but you’re always gonna be my best.”

“Wouldn't have it any other way, Sammy.”

~Fin~

GAAAAAH! I don't know why this happened. It was supposed to be a happy fic but it turned into this fluffy hurt/comfort thing and I love it... Hope you guys did too! Tell me what ya think!!

[thebibliomancer]

Essential Avengers: Avengers #81: “When Dies a Legend!”

October, 1970

So we start the issue with Cap, Quicksilver, Thor, Black Panther, and Iron Man sitting on a roof bemoaning that Vision, Clint Goliath, and Scarlet Witch went off with Red Wolf instead of staying and helping with the Zodiac search.

Iron Man somewhat melodramatically proclaims “we may have witnessed the beginning of the end of the Avengers!!”

Which, geez, settle down, Tony. You’re not even on the active roster.

Anyway, Black Panther himself is also ditching Zodiac Quest because he has inner city schoolkids to school.

BUT ELSEWHERE, Quinjet model “looks like a speedboat” soars through the sky and Clint Barton commits workplace harassment at the Vision.

Red Wolf tells the Avengers that taking down Van Lunt Is Something He Has To Do Himself but everything explodes before they can respond.

Because it seems that in being an asshole businessman who can put the squeeze on Stark Industries means you can afford giant purple spaceships. And it has guns while the Quinjet does not have guns.

Also, Clint Barton commits a sexism. He’s kind of a jerk today.

While Goliath tells a woman with superpowers where its safe for her to be, Vision floats through the Quinjet to actually go do something. He floats into the giant purple spaceship and finds that its automated.

Which in this case means that there is a pilot chair but a robot is sitting in it. And there’s another robot and it has a sternum beam which Vision has to go diamond hard to protect himself from.

And then he does that trope where someone slowly walks forward against a beam or some other repelling force to get to the source and then WHOOOOOOM!s it.

But in the time he took to do that, the giant purple spaceship shot down the Quinjet and it crashes like a “flaming meteor.”

Vision swears that never again will Van Lunt “send forth lifeless robots in lifeless missiles to snuff out human lives!” and then he grows so dense that the giant purple spaceship is forced to crash.

Its a very clever solution but then again you just destroyed all evidence that Van Lunt may have been behind it, Vision. Way to be.

Vision himself just floats out of the crash like it was nothing and goes looking for any surviving Avengers.

He finds Scarlet Witch plopped in an undignified pile on the shore of a lake but just as she comes to, Van Lunt’s goons show up with many guns.

While that’s no problem for Vision, Scarlet Wanda is rattled from the crash and wouldn’t be able to defend herself.

So Vision and Scarlet Witch are taken to Van Lunt’s hacienda. Van Lunt admits that the giant purple spaceship was his and that it was a gift from “some skilled friends” and promises that Vision will maybe meet them in due course. PERHAPS.

Anyway, Vision works for Van Lunt now, Van Lunt insists. Something big enough is going on in this desert that Van Lunt had to break from his technically-legal-but-fully-assholeish methods. So he wants Vision as his personal bodyguard. Oh also if Vision doesn’t cooperate, he’ll have Scarlet Witch shot a bunch.

And Van Lunt lights his cigar with a globe shaped lighter. How apropos.

ELSEWHERE, Goliath and Red Wolf survived the crash too. And here’s how.

While the Quinjet was crashing, everyone else was knocked out except Clint Goliath. He spotted a lake below and dumped Scarlet Wanda out. Then the Quinjet crashed into the lake. Knowing he couldn’t swim to safety while carrying Red Wolf, Goliath shot up to thirty feet and just walked to shore.

Red Wolf appreciates it and lets Clint know that he’s not less of a man just because he borrowed someone else’s superpowers. Why... does he know about that?

Anyway, the two make their way to the Cheyenne village where William Talltrees (alias Red Wolf) was born and meet with the chief who is William’s uncle.

Red Wolf tries to get everyone hype to fight back against Van Lunt by being Red Wolf. Because hey, legendary liberator.

Chief Talltrees isn’t sure but... ugh. Doesn’t want to be thought of as “an Uncle Tomahawk” (Roy Thomas, why).

But then Van Lunt’s henchygoons show up to shoot up the place. Goliath and Red Wolf make sure work of the henchgoons and Red Wolf interrogates them. But they’re just minions and don’t know why Van Lunt wants this land so badly.

But taking care of the goons proved to the villagers that Red Wolf was worth standing beside. So they organize into an aggravated mob and march on Van Lunt’s hacienda.

Van Lunt expected this would happen eventually and sends Vision out to take care of them. Van Lunt is such a dick.

As is Clint, a little.

Anyway, Goliath doesn’t realize the obvious reason why Vision might be getting in his way and tries to fight him. Problem though. Clint’s only strategy is hitting things really hard. And Vision can become diamond hard. So the fight basically goes like so:

Meanwhile, Van Lunt’s top goon spots some of the Cheyenne walking atop the dam and flips out, assuming that they’re going to blow it up. And considering it diverts water away from their lands, they’d be justified.

Van Lunt and goons get in a helicopter and go to take care of the dam intruders, bringing Scarlet Witch along as a hostage.

The goons fire on the Cheyenne from the helicopter, cutting down some of them. Red Wolf says that they were returning to the village (??? by going on top of the dam?) unwilling to see Goliath punch his knuckles to pulp for them.

The goons and Van Lunt land the helicopter and get out to deal with the rest of the Cheyenne but they make a mistake.

Scarlet Witch has been regaining her strength this whole time and she finally has hex power at her disposal again. And she hexes something fierce.

Her hex blows up the helicopter, scattering Van Lunt’s men. The explosion also hugely cracks the dam.

And before Van Lunt’s men can recover from the helisplosion, Red Wolf sends Lobo to bite goon while he tackles Van Lunt. Which prevents Van Lunt from escaping before the dam collapses.

Although I have to say that apparently Van Lunt can hold his own. Geez.

Well when Wanda shows up, Clint finally figures out that Vision was just protecting her. And then the dam collapses.

Vision dives into the swirling waters to look for Red Wolf, Lobo or Van Lunt but only comes up with Red Wolf’s purple wolf hood.

Vision gives the hood to Chief Talltrees who laments that Red Wolf saved their land and avenged Tommy Talltrees at the expense of his life.

And then William Talltrees (secretly Red Wolf, true believers!) shows up going ‘oh hey did someone mention my dad’ while the Avengers stand around awkwardly.

How did William find the time to get out of the water, find a suitcase, change his clothes, hide Lobo, and dry off?

And the next time box promises “The SECRET of Cornelius Van Lunt!” Well I hope so. We didn’t get to find out what big, important thing he was after or his secret spaceship providing friends. But I have my suspicions. (Because I’ve already read this run a while back.)

So that was the Red Wolf two-parter. For multiple reasons, I’m sad that he doesn’t end up joining the Avengers. I guess he is needed more at home but that never stopped Black Panther. And also, Black Panther is already drifting apart from the team. Get Red Wolf to fill in. He could bring Lobo and we could have pet Avengers hi-jinxes.