#like I'm not allowed in on some fuckin secret

[lanadelnegan]

My Past, My Future - Part 1

Negan x Reader x Daryl (love triangle)

Part 2 here

Summary: Daryl is in love with you, but you're in love with Negan.

Warnings: 18+, smut, love triangle, p in v, romantic negan, angst, breeding

Note: this was requested from an anon (Negan saying goodbye to Lucille and confessing his love to y/n.) I decided to spice it up and throw Daryl in there. <3

"Lucille, baby. If you were here, you'd be so fuckin' disappointed in me.... But hell, if you were still here, things probably never would have made it to this point to begin with... Turned into a fuckin' monster when the world took you from me. Hope wherever the hell you are, you weren't watchin'. Truth is? I couldn't stand seeing anyone fuckin' happy because you took all my happiness with you when you left. But baby... I think I've found happiness again... "

Negan sighs heavily as he traces the wood grain of his beloved bat.

"She reminds me of you. So carefree and down-to-earth. If you met her, you'd understand... You'd want me to be happy, right? Hell, I've done enough suffering.. even though I probably deserved it. Anyways.."

Negan brings Lucille to his lips, pressing softly as his eyes squeeze shut.

"What I'm trying to say is.. you taught me how to love, Lucille. I'm forever grateful for that. And you'll always have a part of me. You're my past. But y/n... she's my future."

He tosses the bat into the fire, watching the wood burn bittersweetly as it concludes that chapter of his life.

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

"Hey, where've you been?" Carol asks, jogging up to Negan as he arrives back at Alexandria.

"Had to take care of something." Negan shrugs. "You seen y/n around?"

"On a run with Daryl.. They should be back soon... Why?" Carol scrunches her brows at Negan and his jaw twitches at the mention of Daryl's name.

Daryl has been there for y/n since the very beginning, which is partly why Negan spared Daryl and let him live. Y/n begged Negan to let Daryl come back to Alexandria after Negan took him to the sanctuary, and he allowed it because even then, he had a soft spot for her.

Negan grunts. "No reason."

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

You and Daryl have been gone for a few hours now and you managed to find some canned goods on your run, weighing down your backpack. The sun is starting to go down just as you see the gates of Alexandria in the near distance and you grunt, adjusting the heavy bag on your shoulder.

Daryl notices your struggling and doesn't hesitate to grab your bag off your shoulder, throwing it over his.

He's been there by your side since the beginning and saved your lives more times than you can count.. helped you when you needed it. Even during the smallest inconveniences, like right now.

"You don't have to carry that."

"I know." Daryl grunts, adjusting your backpack next to his own on his back.

The rest of your walk is silent as the guilt from the secret you've kept for weeks now eats at you.

You started visiting Negan a couple weeks after he got locked up in Alexandria. The first time you did it was to curse him out.. Tell him how you wish he were dead and how your friends didn't deserve what he did to them.

The second time you visited was out of pure boredom. Carol and Daryl had gone on a run without you, and you snuck in to see him out of curiosity.

The third time was because you found that he intrigued you. The conversations you had with Negan had become like no other conversations you'd ever had. You felt like he was the only person who understood you.

Monthly visits to his cell became weekly visits. And weekly visits turned into daily visits. You'd bring him books to keep him company, sneak him snacks, and eventually, one thing led to another.

And now he's your secret boyfriend. You've been sneaking around with him for weeks now, like teenagers scared to get caught by their parents. And while it's thrilling, your feelings for Negan have grown into something much bigger that you ever expected.

"Daryl.. there's something I need to get off my chest."

If there's anyone who hates Negan, it's Daryl. But he's also the one person you trust the most, and he's going to find out eventually. So you decide it might as well come from you.

"Hm?" Daryl grunts, scuffing his feet in the gravel as he walks.

"Promise it won't make anything... different between us?"

He slows down, looking at you suspiciously. "Nah, ain't promisin' nothin'. But now ya gotta tell me."

You sigh, hoping you're not about to make a terrible decision.

"There's... someone I have feelings for..."

His brows scrunch together as he glances at you. When he doesn't answer, you hesitantly continue.

"I... I think I might even love him."

Daryl looks at you again, a softer look in his eyes this time as you continue on rambling.

"I haven't told anyone else. I don't want anyone getting upset with me... Or... judging me."

"Who is it?" Daryl quickly cuts you off as the Alexandrian gates open for the two of you.

"It's.. um.." You sigh as Negan's name stops on the tip of your tongue.

"Y/n.. hey, there you are. We need to talk." Negan is already on the other side of gate as you enter. Daryl stops beside you, refusing to leave your side as he glares at Negan.

"Uh, yeah.. let's go talk over there." You say, widening your eyes at Negan, confused that he's talking to you like this in front of Daryl. You've both done a decent job of keeping your interactions with each other private, so this is out of the ordinary.

"No..." Negan cuts you off. "I'm done hiding. I'm gonna talk and you're gonna listen."

"Negan.." You warn him, noticing the death glare that Daryl is giving him.

"I love you, y/n."

Your mouth drops open slightly at his confession. You want to say it back, because... you do love him. But something stops you.

Negan brings his hand up to rest against your cheek. "That's okay, baby. You don't have to say it back right now. I've waited for you for this long, I've got all the time in the world.. I just.. I needed you to know."

He takes you in his arms, hugging you tightly and resting his chin on top of your head.

"You can't be fuckin' serious." Daryl finally interrupts. "Him?" He asks, looking at you with hurt in his eyes.

You nod, the side of your head pressing into Negan's chest as your arms wrap around his waist. "Daryl... I was gonna tell you sooner. I-"

"Doesn't matter." Daryl grunts, spitting at the ground in front of him. "Whadaya want me to say, y/n? Congrats?" Daryl glares at Negan before angrily walking off.

You glance around, noticing others watching the scene before them. "Negan.. we need to take this somewhere else."

"Okay.. yeah, I know." He drops his head. "I just - I'm so tired of hiding from everyone. I want them to know you're my girl. I fuckin' love you, y/n. More than anything... Why is that so wrong? Why should I have to hide that?"

You search his eyes as a single tear falls from yours. You know you shouldn't want him. You know all of the awful things he's done, but you've grown to know him on such a deeper level over the past few months and you can't help but feel so strongly for him.

If being with him means the rest of the world is against you, then so be it.

You wrap your arms around him and slam your lips to his, kissing him desperately. You're too caught up in the moment to notice the shock on everyone's face around you. You deepen this kiss, savoring the taste of him as your tongues mingle together.

"Negan.. I need you." You say in between breaths as he lifts you up into his arms by your thighs and your legs wrap around his waist.

You can't take your lips off of him as he leads you into your house nearby, not paying attention to the hateful glares around you.

Negan kicks your front door open with you still in his arms and you slam it shut as he presses your back into the living room wall. His lips travel from your lips to your neck as he presses his erection into you. You whine, frustrated at the material separating both of you.

"Negan.. please, I need you.. now."

He carefully lets you down as both of you tear away at each other's clothes until you're naked and he's left in just his black boxers.

He picks you back up, leading you to the couch and sitting down with you straddling his lap. You pull away from his lips long enough to look into his hazel eyes, letting your hands cup his face before running your fingers through his graying hair.

You can't deny that you're head over heels in love with this man, as wrong as it may be. He's changed so much since he was leader of the Saviors, mentally and physically. He's a perfect example that people can change, and you hope that the others and Daryl can finally see that one day too.

"You're so fuckin' beautiful, baby." His cock springs free from the hole in his boxers as he takes your hard nipple into his mouth, sucking lightly.

You hover over him, lining his tip up with your entrance. You slide down slowly, inch by inch until he fills you completely and you feel the tip of him pressing against your cervix. You moan out at the satisfying pain as his fingers dig into your hips.

"That's it, sweetheart. God you feel so fuckin' good." He praises you.

You wrap your arms around his neck to support yourself as you bounce up and down on him and he groans out, looking up at you through his lust-filled eyes. You press your forehead and nose against his own as you continue riding him slow and hard, making sure he hits as deep as possible each time you come down on him.

"I love you too, Negan. So much."

"Yeah? Fuck. Say it again." He says, his breathing unsteady.

"I love you Negan... I'm in love with you."

"Fuck, baby. I'm so fuckin' crazy about you."

You crash your lips to his again as a tear falls from your cheek.

"Baby, don't cry. It's okay, we're gonna figure this out. Fuck everyone else." He wipes your tear away with his thumb as you continue grinding on him softly.

You nod. "I know.. I just.. want them to accept you."

Negan gets up suddenly, laying you down on your back before positioning himself between your legs.

"Only one I need acceptance from is you, darlin'." He says before sliding inside you in one quick motion. He fucks you fast and deep, interchangeably moaning filthy sounds in your ear and sucking at your neck.

After moments of thrusting, he pulls back, settling on his knees as he lifts your leg, placing it on his shoulder. From this new angle, he hits your g-spot perfectly over and over.

"Negan.." You breathe heavily. "I'm -"

"I know baby. Just fuckin' let go."

You come apart at the sound of his words, moaning out his name as your juices rush out of you. Negan looks down between the two of you, watching you soak his cock.

"Goddamn baby, look at that." His voice is low and raspy when he leans over you again. "So fuckin' wet." The sound of his voice right in your ear sends a chill through your body.

"Want you to cum in me.." You breathe out.

"Yeah? You sure, baby?"

You've never let him before, but now that your relationship is public and you've both confessed your feelings to each other, you crave him on a deeper level.

You nod desperately and he kisses you hard, spilling deep inside of you as his hips stop abruptly. He groans into your mouth as his dick pulses over and over and you feel his warm liquid paint your walls.

After a few minutes of snuggling and kissing, he finally pulls out of you and the two of you get dressed.

"Did you mean it?" He asks, pulling his pants up.

"Mean what? That I love you?"

He looks to you, waiting for your answer as you pull your shirt over your head.

Your eyebrows scrunch. "Of course I meant it. Why would I say it if I didn't mean it?"

He shrugs. "Dunno. You coulda been caught up in the moment."

You laugh, walking over to him and sliding your hands around his waist, pulling him in for a long hug. You look up at him to find him grinning down at you.

"Nope... Still love you." You reassure him.

He nods towards the door. "You ready to tell the world that?"

"Fuck this world. It doesn't care about us. Why should we care about it?"

Negan chuckles, kissing your forehead.

Your face grows serious at the thought of Daryl's reaction earlier. "Actually.. I need to find Daryl. Make things right.. He seemed really upset."

Negan nods disappointedly, dropping his head.

"Oh, stop. Don't be like that... You know his opinion is important to me."

"He'll never give us his blessing if that's what you're after, y/n."

"I don't need his blessing, Negan. I just don't want him to hate me. He's been there with me since the beginning. If we want a future together, I need to make things right."

Negan's brows come together as he lets go of you. "If we want a future together? ... So, if he's not okay with us being together, that's it? You're just gonna kick me to the fuckin' curb?"

"Negan.. I didn't say that."

"... but you did." He says.

"Negan, please just.. I didn't mean it like that." You say frustrated, reaching for him again. Your heart drops when he pulls away.

He nods, sliding his hands into his pockets as he waits for your explanation.

"I care about him, too. What he thinks.. matters to me. That doesn't mean I'm going to let it dictate our future. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have worded it that way."

"Okay." He whispers, but the hurt is still clear in his voice.

"Stay here, okay? I want you to sleep here tonight. I'll talk to them.. get them to agree to it. Just give me some time and.. don't leave the house, okay?"

Negan nods as you reach to hold his hands, standing on your tip toes to kiss him. "I love you Negan. This is going to work, I promise."

Part 2 here

[a-writer-on-elm-street]

hello :3 i was wondering if i could request a lil fic with either daryl dixon or thomas hewitt about a hyper-feminine, juicy couture and lip gloss wearing, victoria secret perfume having, reader? maybe where the family is judgemental over the reader for their looks, but one of the boys stands up for the reader? (maybe end with them showing much they like how the reader dresses ¬‿¬)

and sorry if this is incoherent my ambien kickin in lolz

a/n: omg this is such a good idea. thank you so much for the request i hope you like it! <3 also i apologise for it taking so long

also, i'm not sure how in character any of this is because it's been a while since i watched any of the tcm movies so i hope this is okay <3

pairing: thomas hewitt x fem!reader

warnings: hoyt, fluff (neither of which are directly related)

word count: 659

You were wearing a yellow sundress you'd found a while back, glittery lip gloss coating your lips. You felt pretty, until you'd walked down the stairs to find Hoyt in the armchair, a snide look on his face as he looked you up and down.

"The fuck are you all dressed up for?" He scoffed, picking at the already broken leather of the chair, a bone chewed between his teeth.

You shrugged. "Nothin' wrong with wantin' to look nice from time to time."

You'd been with the Hewitts for a long time, ever since Thomas had taken a liking to you years ago. You were used to putting up with Hoyt's shit by now, choosing to simply shrug off his mocking comments and wildly inappropriate humour. He was an asshole, you knew that.

You were just here for Thomas.

Hoyt laughed, waving a hand at you. "You know there ain't nobody gonna fuck you just 'cuz you're all dressed up in some fancy fuckin' frock."

You folded your arms across your chest, glaring at him. Again, he was an asshole. And as much as you wanted to put a knife through the bastard's eye socket, he was still family.

"You think Tommy's gonna fuck you? Is that it?" He carried on, sitting forward in the chair now. "Hey, Tommy! Come on in here, boy!"

It was silent for a moment, and then you heard heavy footsteps thudding against wood, Thomas walking in from the kitchen.

Hoyt smirked, pointing a finger in your direction. "Look at your little lady friend over there. Ain't she pretty? Huh, boy?"

Thomas stayed silent, watching you from across the room.

"So?" Hoyt carried on, turning to look at Thomas. "You wanna fuck this bitch?"

You were about to say something, cuss him out, except Thomas moved first, crossing the room in seconds, forcefully pushing a large palm into Hoyt's chest. The chair rocked backwards when Hoyt's back hit the leather, Thomas towering over him, silently threatening.

You didn't know what to do as you stood there, your dress still floating around your ankles, hair standing up on your arms.

You half expected Hoyt to fight back, scold him in angry retaliation, but when Thomas withdrew his hand, Hoyt remained where he was, glaring up at Thomas.

And Thomas didn't say anything as he turned and walked towards you, roughly gripping your hand in his and leading you down to his room.

You remained silent as he stood with his back to you a moment, his shoulders gently rising and falling from taking steady breaths.

He'd stood up for you, fought back against his family in your defense. It made you giddy just thinking about it. You took a few steps towards him, cautiously brushing your fingers down his back.

He tensed under your touch, and when he turned around, you could see the reserved look behind his eyes, like he was unsure of what to do next. So you stood there, completely still, allowing Thomas to do as he pleased in his own time.

You inhaled a shaky breath when he reached a hand out towards you, dragging his fingers up your body, stopping when he reached the curve of your breast, a quiet sigh leaving his lips as he took you in.

"Thomas," you whispered, your eyes fluttering shut as he moved his hand up to your collarbone, fingers curling around the back of your neck, tugging you closer.

He trailed up to touch your face, stroking his palm along your cheek, all the while you remained completely still, letting him do what he wanted.

No words would ever pass his lips, but as he touched you like this, you knew. You knew that he was admiring you, revelling in your body being this close, taking in the feel of your warm skin beneath his hands.

"Thank you for taking care of me," you spoke quietly, a smile pulling at your lips. "Thank you."

[Main Masterlist]

[cynicalrosebud]

Incorrect Quotes:

(Includes Y/n, shipping, and some poly!tf141)

Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5

Gaz: Okay, but what if we went to dinner not as friends this time?

Y/n: AS ENEMIES?!

Gaz:

Ghost: Is there something you would like to say, Y/n?

Y/n: Oh, there are SEVERAL things I would like to say.

Y/n, to the Squad: The real secret to immortality? Not dying. You want to be immortal? Okay, that’s easy. Just don’t die. That’s it. Refuse to die. There you go.

Gaz: But how-

Y/n, ignoring him: “But how”, you may ask. Well, easy. Just don’t do it. Refuse to. Say “no thanks”.

Soap: Can we go to a haunted house?

Ghost: What’s wrong with the one we live in?

Soap: Wh-what?

Ghost: G’night Soap.

Y/n: Okay, but if you’re not gay then why are you always holding my hand and kissing me and telling me I’m your boyfriend?

Ghost: Its satire!

Y/n: THAT'S NOT WHAT SATIRE MEANS!

Soap: Compliment me.

Gaz: You have eyes.

Soap: Yeah, that works.

Ghost: Y/n, I beg of you. Please, PLEASE go to the doctor.

Y/n: Hey, I'm sorry. Is this OUR stab wound?

Soap: *makes Price a cup of tea but puts salt in it*

Price: *sips tea*

Soap:

Price: *finishes tea*

Soap: Didn't it taste bad?

Price: Yeah, but I didn't want to hurt your feelings so I drank it all.

Soap, tearing up: Oh, okay.

Ghost: So, what’s Y/n's type?

Soap: Brown eyes, kind, oblivious, good sense of humor, massive dick…

Ghost: Sounds kind of like me. Too bad we’re just friends.

Soap: Did I mention oblivious?

Ghost: Yeah, why?

Soap: Okay, just making sure.

Soap: Oh, fiddlesticks.

Y/n: Look, I understand this is a tense situation, but let's watch the fuckin’ language.

Gaz: In the past year you have managed to piss off the LAPD, ATF, CIA, FBI-

Soap: NBA.

Gaz: …?

Soap: Snuck into a Cliffords game.

Price: I will send my army to attack!

Price: *releases a dumpster of raccoons*

Gaz: We either die free, or die trying!

Y/n: Are those the only choices?

Y/n: Gaz isn’t answering my messages.

Soap: Allow me.

Y/n: I tried 6 times, what makes you thi-

Gaz: *replying to message* Hello.

Gaz: Hey, wanna take a shower with me?

Soap: I have a gun in that nightstand beside the bed. If I ever say no to that question, I want you to take it out and shoot me because I’ve obviously gone crazy.

[thesleepyfable]

~ SWTD: Still Here AU Part 6 ~

Rennick's Comeuppance:

And here we are. The last chapter to wrap up this 'Lifting the Fog' Arc. Yes, I'll keep writing more in the future but I have art to post and I want to focus on my own writing. Thank you to everyone who's continued to read these chapters, and I hope you enjoy!

TW: Blood.

Part 7:

'Oi, McLeary!' Muir called. 'Give Rennick a good kick up the arse.'

Caz wasn't going to give Rennick a good kick up the arse.

Along with Brodie, he hid behind a filing cabinet and waited for Rennick to pass. When they arrived into Administration, Caz could feel something. It didn't cause a splitting headache or his vision to blur, but he assumed it to be The Shape trying its best to tempt him. Neither saw Rennick turn. As far as they were concerned, the old fud was happily tucked away in his office before trying to get to the helipad. That must have been his point of infection. They had noticed The Shape reaching over the handrail, but not much. Rennick must have touched it by accident then fell when the rig began to shake. In a twisted way, turning saved his life, and that wasn't in Caz and Brodie's plan.

They just wanted to find Rennick, drag him to Accommodation and get a verbal beat down by everyone there. Gregor was gone, Davros was missing and even if they didn't like Rennick, they had to try. Caz had brought Trots back from the brink. Douglas found Gibbo and Innes with Muir. Unknown to them, O'Connor had a role to play with Addair. Now, it was Rennick's turn. There was just one problem. No one knew anything about him, nor did anyone like him. Could the reflection trick be enough? Apparently not, because they either heard a mirror or a glass door shatter and Rennick scream in frustration which bled into disgust. He gagged and began to hyperventilate. The pair almost felt bad for him, until he turned back to blind rage and broke into the wall.

They left their hiding spots, awkwardly clambered over the collapsed door that kept them safe and followed the destruction Rennick left in his wake. The further apart they were, the less Caz could sense him.

'The state of this place...'

The men's eyes constantly moved in all directions. Caz looked over his shoulders at the slightest noise. Brodie stared at the floor for any glass they could avoid. Both awkwardly shuffled pass a piece of the discoloured Shape in single-file. It was eerily quiet. Had Rennick gone into the under rig? Or was he lying in wait?

Caz turned his head. He could sense Rennick to the left. Looking through a giant hole in the wall revealed the site manager, standing in a crumbling office, where its outerwall had been bulldozed, allowing the cold yet crisp air in. He grabbed Brodie's shoulder and nodded in the direction. A shiver ran up their spines. They watched Rennick stare out to the sea with a distant look in his eyes. Seemed he's tired himself out.

'Stay here.' It was no secret that Brodie was someone Rennick respected to some degree. He never had been called to the office in the six years he's been stationed at The Beria for the insults. The only time he has was to introduce Raffs and make sure he signed the correct paperwork. If anyone had a chance to talk to him how Douglas did for Gibbo, it was Brodie. Or Finlay, but she wasn't here.

'Rennick?' The older man instantly turned and stared at the diver who held his hands up to show he wasn't going to hurt him. Not like he could. 'It's okay. But, can you move away from the edge? This place is falling apart.' Right on cue, a piece of the ceiling landed between them. Rennick stared. 'It's me. It's Brodie.'

'Yes, I know it's you, you pillock. Stop talking me to like I'm some fuckin' wild animal!'

Well, that was unexpected. The fog had already been lifted from Rennick. His voice hadn't been tainted by The Shape trying to copy him. He showed chronic pain, but all of the infected did during and after being brought back from the brink. Brodie began to relax, or as best as he could when your boss could literally eat you alive.

'Okay, that's good. Look, everyone's meeting up in Accommodation. Archie and Roper are taking care of the rescue.'

'As they fucking well should.' He huffed and noticed Caz poking his head around the corner. Anger quickly boiled to the surface as Rennick pushed pass Brodie in the most gentle way he could. 'You have some fuckin' nerve still being here, McLeary.'

'Well, I wasn't gonna swim back to Scotland now, was I?'

Brodie game him a look. It basically said 'Please shut up and let me handle this,' but Caz didn't notice.

'I still expect you to fuck off when we get back to shore. Do you underst-'

'What the fuck is your problem?!' And there goes any little progress Brodie made. 'We practically keep this rig afloat day and night, whilst you stay nice and cosy in your little cabin. The only time you see us is to give us lip. And look us now. Even after we hit whatever the fuck that is out there, you're still hiding away whilst we do all the work. You told me you had more hairs on your fat crack that can bring more positive contributions, so fuckin' prove it!'

Silence.

All the colour in Brodie's face vanished. Rennick glared. Caz glared back. Even the sea fell quiet.

'...I told you to go, McLeary.' Rennick's voice twisted. He began to snarl between his words and contorted his face.

'Rennick, don't!' Brodie's words fell on deaf ears.

Caz took a quick glance in the direction of the door. If this was going to get Rennick outside, then so be it.

'I'LL MAKE YOU FUCKIN' GO!'

Caz didn't wait to hear the end of Rennick's sentence. He turned and ran. With a roar, Rennick followed. Brodie ducked and held his head as more ceiling tiles fell around him. He watched the pair leave. 'Rennick, stop. Rennick!'

You could say this was a bad idea. Why bring Caz along when Rennick was rightfully pissed he had used The Beria to hide from the police since August? Well, in all honesty, no one wanted to go. Plus, Caz had hoped whatever was happening would be enough of a distraction. What Caz didn't take into consideration was the fact he used The Beria to hide from the police since August.

Rennick followed Caz with little thought. He didn't stop to think that he was luring him outside. He crashed into walls at tight turns, smashed the interior windows and trampled chairs. A tendril set off the fire extinguisher that bounced off the walls and nearly hit Brodie, who was falling behind as he had to navigate the floors to not fall through.

The double doors were in view. Caz picked up the pace. Rennick's screams of frustration could be heard outside. Archie and his crew, Roper and the rest of Marine Control and Engineering, everyone on Deck and some in Accommodation turned in the general direction. They all knew and nearly everyone's face turned as white as a ghost. The last thing they needed was for Rennick to be infected. They screamed for Caz as he appeared, nearly falling as he made a sharp turn along the catwalk to his right. His body got low as he turned with a slide. Rennick, still with tunnel vision, smashed into the railing that caused his infection. The railing bent under his weight and he nearly fell with it, but he regained hit 'footing' and followed. Brodie still had the long corridor to get through. Every step had to be perfectly calculated.

Caz could feel Rennick practically breathing down his neck. He was too close. The old man was fast. Getting down the ladder, let alone to it impossible. In a sudden act of desperation, he grabbed the railing and jumped. He didn't think how high the fall would be, just as long as he gained some distance. A tendril from Rennick reached out to pull Caz back, but another caught him first. A tendril from Muir wrapped around Caz's waist and pulled him to safety, landing between the group. It all happened so fast, when he touched the ground, the leccy fell to his knees as he tried to catch his breath. 'Let's not do that again,' he told himself.

Innes patted his shoulder and with O'Connor, pulled the man up.

There wasn't anytime to talk. Caz didn't have time to register Addair before they all felt a bang. Rennick jumped onto the Deck and stared at Caz with a wild look in his eyes, also catching his breath. He didn't show it, but he realised how he'd been tricked to come out of hiding. He glanced at everyone he could see. A part of him was relieved he wasn't the only infected. Compared to Addair and Muir, he started to feel less disguisted with himself. At least he still had his head and his organs weren't exposed.

'Not bad, McLeary.' Brodie watched from the catwalk. 'Not bad.' He felt all eyes on him. There was no reaction. No one going to comfort him or even ask if he was alright. Just staring with empty or angry eyes. Rennick remained strong, but he could tell this was a losing battle. 'What?!' He snapped and turned to his left where O'Connor and his group stood with Roper above. He turned to the right. 'Don't you dare look at me like that. I'm not the one who got us into this shit. I'm not the one who activated the drill. If you want someone to blame, then you should all be looking at Gibbo, or Roper. They're the ones who decided to drill through this stuff.' Everyone stared. They could tell Rennick was grasping at straws. Anger bubbled. Trots and Gibbo made their way down to the Deck. 'I'm the one giving you all a roof over your heads. The one who makes sure you have money to pay your bills or send back to your families. And this is how you thank me? By turning me into this thing?! I should fire each and every one of you-'

A tendril slapped Rennick across the face, with such force his head jerked to the side, leaving a deep cut. With one of his 'arms' he touched it and noticed his blood dripping. He turned. It was Gibbo. The man had a both a hurt and angered look in his eye. He was trying to hold back his tears.

'Because of you...' He tried to be strong, but he began to cry. The chain was still wrapped around a tendril. 'My boy has to see his father look like this for the rest of his life!' Rennick gritted his teeth.

'Get to fuck, Gibson! It's your fault that oil got on y-' Another slap from Gibbo. This time, it cut above Rennick's eyebrow and this time Rennick didn't fight back. He felt everyone's eyes on him. His usual tactics of verbally abusing his crew into making themselves carry the blame wasn't working. A sense of anxiety spread across his body. It tensed and Rennick couldn't bring himself to look away from the floor. He kept one eye covered from Gibbo's cut. His lips tightened and turned in on themselves. His breath became shaky. Rennick wanted to be sick. There was no convincing. The King had lost his followers and his Empire was in ruins.

'Stop looking at me! Stop it. Don't you dare look at me like that. Go away. Go away!' The words flooded his mind. He didn't know who it was, but hearing footsteps was enough. He turned and dashed across the Deck, before climbing back to Administration, nearly hitting Brodie as he vanished over the building.

Silence.

There was no cheers. No one said anything. To answers your question, it was Roper's footstep that caused Rennick to leave. Trots placed a hand on Gibbo, who didn't feel guilty at all for slapping his boss twice. In fact, he felt relieved. It felt good. Still didn't stop his tears. Caz shared a glance up to Brodie who gave a thumbs up before climbing down the ladder. Archie and Roper exchanged a look. The pilot nodded and moved back to the helipad, ready to fly back to the mainland to enforce an emergency rescue. Finlay turned and noticed.

'Oi, you lot. Is it supposed to be doing that?'

The Shape had now gone completely grey. It's pulse stopped. Then it began to crumble. Slowly flakes chipped away, before pieces no bigger than a finger nail followed at a much faster pace. Everyone on The Beria. D Oil Rig watched The Shape disintegrate into a dust cloud. The wind carried it back to sea, leaving only the dust inside to be swept up by someone later.

A sensation came over Caz. He held his head, but passed it off as him removing his hard-hat to run a hand through his hair. Since being rescued by Brodie and Douglas, he had a splitting headache and blurred vision whenever he got close to The Shape and the infected. He could faintly hear Suze calling for him like a song, but since the rig began to shake, it all seemed to stop. All he could feel was the presence of the infected. What he just felt was The Shape finally being put to rest. He was free from its grasp.

'It's...dead.'

For a brief moment, the infected waited to be turned back into their human form, but to no avail. A crushing blow. On the bright side, seeing whatever The Shape was dissappear was a huge weight off everyone's shoulder.

'...What now?' Trots asked. Caz shrugged and put his hard-hat back on.

'Well, we do have a darts tournament to finish.'

[autumnmobile12]

My Hero Academia: Otheon Headcanons

So I'm having fun speculating on the culture, history, and geography of Otheon and Klayd. Because it was 2am when I started writing this and I had nothing better to do, so here's an analysis no one asked for.

Otheon and Klayd are two nations that share an island located between Ireland and the Iberian Peninsula of Europe. The island is slightly bigger than Ireland and based on its location...well, anybody who's looked at a map knows there's no land mass that big there. Everything else in the series indicates My Hero is our world if people spontaneously started getting superpowers set in the near future of early to mid-2100s.

The simplest explanation available is we're just looking at an alternate universe where there is a large island in the Celtic Sea.

Or!

New islands are created naturally a variety of ways.

Volcanic activity

Glacial retreat

Growth from ocean sandbars

Sediment from river deltas

But these processes take longer than a hundred years, and sometimes new islands aren't even permanent. Hawaii was formed via volcanic activity over the course of millions of years. Ireland (formed by tectonic plate movement) is also four times the size of Hawaii, so it's highly unlikely the larger Otheon/Klayd island formed and grew to its size naturally.

...

My headcanon is in the early days of Quirks, a bunch of guys with lava-Quirks and other geology-related powers got high and created it for no reason other than just to see if they could do it. Because humans are really determined to do pointless shit sometimes.

"Yo, what if we just created a fuckin' island, bro! Let's gooo!"

Alternatively, a villain with a similar Quirk could have created the island for the purposes of having a really conspicuous lair.

"How did you discover my secret lair?"

"It's the size of Ireland, dumbass!"

Assuming the Otheon/Klayd island is manmade (and created by one or more persons acting independently of any existing nation), it's location makes things interesting.

Here's Otheon/Klayd's location.

And here's an approximate map of the maritime waters o western Europe. (Approximate because I pulled this off of Google images and have no idea how accurate it is.) As you can see, Otheon/Klayd could be just far enough away from everyone else or just enough in everyone's space that there can be no obvious claim.

Because you know Spain, Portugal, the UK, Ireland, and France all probably did what nations do best: Took one look and the new spit of land and said, "Hey. That's ours."

If we do an overlay of the map, and allow some liberty under the assumption the animation team did not draw the European map 100% perfectly accurate or the boundary was changed by My Hero's 22nd Century, Otheon and Klayd's shared border could be an extension of the Irish/UK maritime border.

Since we know the Trigger bomb was in Rody's home city, we can tell the larger northwestern country is Klayd and the smaller southeast one is Otheon. Taking into account the maritime border, it'd be interesting if Klayd was or still is an Irish territory.

So who claimed Otheon?

Otheon's main city seems to be based on Lisbon, so I guess Portugal won that debate on who got Otheon? And built an identical bridge? I don't know. Admittedly the bridge is not concrete evidence, but based on the architecture, there is definitely a Spanish/Portuguese/general Mediterranean influence. And French. So one of those nations could claimed Otheon based on proximity.

But Otheon and Klayd appear to be independent nations, not part of anyone else. So now I'm imagining some country colonized an uninhabited new island only for those colonists to say, "Nope," and declared independence in under a hundred years.

But setting everything I've written above aside because it all is just wild speculation, the headcanon that I like the most regarding Otheon is the island was created by some hero or group of heroes during the early days of Quirks and it started off as a refuge/ceasefire zone for civilians hoping to escape the chaos of the new reality. Especially since Quirkless people were more common in those days, seeking shelter in a world where people are starting to have powers that can range from a minor inconvenience to god-like destruction would have been a dire need. As a result, the Quirkless population of Otheon and Klayd is much higher compared to other nations.

After society got itself re-stabilized, the island was officially established as a new territory with its two independent nations.

Also, Deku and Rody are probably speaking English with each other, but headcanon that Rody is bilingual or trilingual and was consistently muttering irritably in Portuguese or something whenever Deku did something to annoy him.

[chaisshitposts]

Write A Letter To Yourself To Find The Answers You Want. || 'Dear Subconscious...'

have ya ever had a problem at hand that ya just couldn't figure out a solution to? it's such a deeply perplexing problem that ya just decide to shrug it off and maybe 'sleep it off.' and so, ya do just that... and maybe in the middle of the night, or as soon as ya wake up, or maybe even two days later in the middle of a totally unrelated task, ya get a random idea, a random thought, or perhaps a random solution that was the answer. that was yer subconscious, answerin' that problem ya were so stumped on.

which got me thinkin'... why haven't i considered askin' my subconscious a direct question? ive seen this happen in movies before, usually with— people who have DID or MPD, or perhaps someone who sleep walks, or suffers black outs. I've seen people leave notes and messages to themselves.

why haven't I just written a letter addressed to my subconscious and let it solve everything for me? why haven't I asked my subconscious to show me the answer or give me the answers I need to tap into being in the state of pure consciousness? the letter is personal to me, and my subconscious knows me best, so why the fuck wouldn't I trust what it has to say? i already do muscle testin' to get my yes/no answers, I already do fuckin' tarot readin's on myself— so... why not do this? can't believe I haven't done this yet.

and with that thought, I got my handy notebook, sat down at my dining room table, and got to writin', starting the letter off by saying 'dear subconscious...' I spilled my most vulnerable guts afterwards and the rest was history.

I'm gonna tell ya right now, full transparency, I wrote to my subconscious about how much I want to enter the void state/I Am State and asked it for clear signs in my letter, I told it to give me the answers I want in a way that only I could understand. an experiment worth while... originally, i wasn't gonna post this but then i got my answers and i wanted to share this with ya lovely folks of this lil' dandy community.

I bet you're wonderin' what was the answer I got from my subconscious. I got multiple answers, as terrifying as that is, and I cannot even fathom how I can explain them properly. All I know is that I feel unwavering peace in all aspects of my life. but if yer really curious, I got a message in a tarot readin' video and through the spinoff of adventure time that just came out, not too long ago on max. Fiona and Cake. the shit they say in the show is... I can't even explain how it made me feel, just finished watchin' the entire series today. it was everything I needed to know, I asked my subconscious for an answer that only I would understand and what would ya know... i love musicals and animated shows/movies, and behold, i gotta damn combo. i definitely recommend it to my fellow manifesters!!! they literally talk about how easy it is to create yer own REALITIES in the damn show... that's what we fuckin' do!!!!

how do I write a letter to myself?

address yourself a letter as 'dear subconscious' and then get to writin'. you're literally sendin' yerself a letter, say whatever ya want in it, write yer secrets, write yer fears, write yer dreams. ask yer subconscious whatcha need to do to get yer dream life guaranteed and ya shall receive. some people may not like the idea of this but, what's the harm in a lil' conversation with yerself and findin' out the answers ya need. It can especially help ya if you've been strugglin' for a while, 'specially with all ya folks out there who've been on yer void journey for multiple years. what better way to get yer answers than to speak to yerself through yer own mind... wah, that sounds fuckin' coconuts but I stand by it.

essentially, this is just a combo of commandin' yer subconscious and scriptin', that's not hard at all. and who said ya gotta handwrite it? ya can type it out on yer phone or even yer computer if ya want, do whatever feels good and allows ya to write out yer guts and frustration. after that, ya can relax and see what happens next. that's all in this post! thanks for readin' and I hope ya get the answers ya seek! until next time!~

p.s. this ain't a challenge, it's just another way to get to know what you need to do to accomplish your dreams as the individual creator of yer reality. you'll know when yer answers come. hell, might even come to ya in the middle of the night or even in a random movie in the form of a quote that is far too relatable to yer situation ya decided to sit down and watch one day. kinda like what happened with me... hehe.

[darkstrawberrytimetravel]

Why don't you just give in? Pt.2

Fem reader

Pt.1

You

He's looking skinny, or as skinny as a man who's resembled a brick shithouse for the last two decades can be, less toned I suppose more lean. I watch as he turns away, the t-shirt he's wearing allowing for more creases, bagginess. He's forgone his mask, not that he needs it. He needs a shave instead, he almost resembles his Captain with that growth. His dirty blonde hair now sun bleached in parts and his tan somewhat deeper.

You know you want to run your fingers through it, feel the short hairs against the pads of your fingers as your hand moves against the grain. The last time you did that his hands were- My thoughts are both rudely and thankfully interrupted.

“Ohhh blimey you see the lads? Who's that with the scraggly face? The tall one?” I hear Laura beside me. Instantly the table I'm seated at falls into hushed gossip, as they always do when they see the task force. The SAS lads are a common sight around here, but the more specialist unit within it still garners mystique, enthusiastic and borderline obsessive gossip whenever they grace us with their presence.

“Ghost… you really don't recognise him without that rag on his face?” I murmur as I look down and bring my mug of coffee to my lips. Ghost... I still hate that callsign. Nickname. The lore. I mean I know how fucking vicious and brutal he can be. It's not learnt or adaptive behaviour since joining the military. As usual the table descends into the usual gossip, the girls wanting to follow them to the pub they'll inevitably end up at later on. Such is the routine when they land back on home turf, especially since they've clearly been gone a while. Eat, drink, fuck, repeat.

I zone out, leaving the others to continue their usual shite when they talk about the lads. Finishing up, I stand with my tray and head to the tray return carts, Laura shouts and tells me I will be joining them tonight and that it's final. Fuckin’ a! Wherever the lads will be, so will we, the sodding groupies they are. Though it won't take much to be out the way, they're only headed to a pub. No need to dress to impress.

Walking away from my table I steel myself, walking past Riley and his lot. I resist the urge to gob in his food, as usual. I would have done it years ago, but I've risen above that version of myself. I do however afford a quick glance down and I'm met with ochre orbs, his ochre eyes. This time I yield and look away, not wanting to walk into someone with a tray full leftover dinner.

Later I find myself freshly showered, the weather keeps flip-flopping so I decide on shorts with a tank and a hoodie with my favourite trainers. It's still warm and humid enough to warrant the summer gear, but as August stretches through to September there's a chill in the air. I look at myself in the mirror, my hair tousled and low key smokey eyes. I almost feel like I should scrub the makeup off, I'm in my mid thirties, why am I dressing like I'm fifteen years younger.

We all bundle in the taxi for fifteen minutes it takes for us to get to the town centre in Hereford. I listen as the others plan and scheme where the lads are, I give the usual non committal noises they'd expect but eventually I put my proverbial foot down. “Look, I don't want to spend all night with you lot drooling over them. We'll get pre-drinks at The Queen's Arms, some of you will get a quickie I'm sure, and then we should go somewhere better to spend our time.”

I'm met with eye rolls and smirks, it's no secret I'm not enthralled by the lads on the task force, and even under duress when plied with copious drinks I've still not spilt the beans. Finally the taxi pulls over and we hop out, the fare being prepaid since it was a group booking. I stay behind to organise a return journey later before following the girls into the pub. We're met with a wall of sound, almost raucous, as we filter in and find a table. I see Riley actually enjoying himself around the pool table for once.

Pt.3

[jasonsiceberglounge]

THE HILLS HAVE EYES pt. 3

warnings. cursing, descriptions of pain.

roughly a week of barely interacting with the tin can and i was starting to go insane. my limb still bruised as if something had tried to eat it, still unable to walk on my own. my less than talkative roommate made (im presuming stole due to the fluffy pink dolphin that was wrapped around the armrest of the crutch) me try to walk occasionally, the pain shooting unbearably through my nerves. i tried to bare the face of strength but even he hesitated at times to allow me to take another step.

the fresh sting of metal after being buried under blankets was a wake up call consistently. his palm clutching my bicep as i hobbled trying to take another step. i huffed in frustration, at the pitiful way my body moved. i felt like my wings had been clipped preemptively.

"you're doing fine." a mechanical whirr sighed, i couldn't tell his tone due to him using autotune 24/7 but this song was kind of nice. i winced, pity was the last thing i wanted from him.

"i don't need your sympathy robo-lante." he only cracked his neck in response, his words being bit back out of whatever feelings he may or may not have.

i could feel his peering eyes buried deep beneath wiring i couldnt even fathom comprised in that small space of helmet, wiring similar to my brain, similar to gotham. chaotic, he was so calm, but chaos exudes from his silence. i struggled to take another step attempting to distract myself from the excruciating sensation reaching my teeth.

"so-" i hobbled, his head tilted as if leaning closer to hear me. "why do you walk like you're trained, some secret government project i dont know about? any fun NDA's ya signed?" i tried to bite out a laugh, but the sound choked between the hiss of pain as he carried me into another step.

"the point of an NDA is to not speak about it." he said so matter of factly i almost wanted to smack him, unfortunately he's holding my dominant arm and also the only thing between me and splinters from this rotted wood floor.

i sighed, expecting an inch at the bare minimum, i was curious don't get me wrong, but in our line of work curiosity kills the bat.

he continued to hold me for a few more steps before i panted in agony, my throat tight from forgetting to breathe, i couldn't bare this anymore. "i'm fuckin' hopeless" i wanted to cry, scream, i cannot believe that stupid goon got me so good.

he seemed to deflate a bit at the admission, scooping his arm under my shoulders, he handled my weight towards the couch, back where i belong, back to the start.

his suit hissed as he sat down on the floor in front of me, legs at an awkward angle like he's not used to it. a comforting silence enveloped us, but he looked as if he had something to comment on, to leave with me.

my nose scrunched, i wasn't particularly comfortable with him analyzing me so gently. "if you have something to say, say it. i'm not in a generous mood tonight tin-can."

he seems to almost jolt in response, my tone not settling well. he hesitates, "i- well, fuck it... once was in your shoes, now i'm helping you walk in your own. it'll come to you. i once read a quote that said 'words have no power to impress the mind without the exquisite horror of their reality,' i believe to an extent that only you can fix you if you want to, even if fixing isn't particularly what you want it to be, what someone else wants it to be." he trailed off almost harshly, recalling a memory, a direct antonym of fond. his mask turns slightly away from my gaze, i was amazed he said more than 4 words to me, none being sarcastic.

"thank you." i whispered, thanking him genuinely bringing me more pain than my leg. his foot swayed back and forth, almost like a nervous tic. he nods silently, slowly beginning to get up. a slight groan leaves his body as he stands. his hand reaches towards me, i snap and grab his wrist instinctively. maybe he was trying to kill me finally, maybe.

his mask angles almost in surprise.

"i was-" he says with a pitiful voice "jus' wanted to fix your blanket." more hoarse this time. my eyes widen slowly, i release my grip on his brace.

"i'm sorry i tho-" he turns to walk away, not with sass but genuine disappointment.

"don't worry about it, peg-leg." he trudges off into his room as i stare in genuine disbelief

'i just wanted to fix your blanket."

something struck within me, deep, unsettling. i felt sick to my stomach, the mere gesture of chivalry being something i haven't experienced since the loss of jason. i sunk deeper into the couch, leaving the blanket unmoved in hopes maybe he'd fix it later for me, at least i'll give him the chance this time.

his stupid fucking toenails kept scratching me, it was hot, stuffy, disgusting, and cute under this huge blanket. jason todd had the brilliant idea of reading some of bruce's files and believed that the world would never find out underneath the protection of this inhuman sized blanket.

a flashlight lodged into his mouth as the pages crinkled when he turned, i didn't necessarily care for the actual words, but something about being under this blanket with him, in private, brought heat to my entire body.

"this is about corruption in gotham pd." his lips attempted to say, however stopped by the obviously shoved in his mouth light emitter, jason forgot that key part. i watched his fingers slowly scan the papers, my mind drifting many places but the current one im in.

jason was a certified yapper, but only particularly around certain individuals. i liked to think he felt comfortable enough to allow me to ride his train of thought. i enjoyed traveling through gotham more that way.

"are you paying attention?" he snapped, a bright toothy smile on his face as the flashlight slipped out of his mouth, once again the idiot forgetting it was there in the first place.

i jumped at him shaking me out of my trance, i didn't particularly want to leave it. "sorry, i, fuck- no i wasn't listenin'." i sighed, looking off sheepishly.

he only frowned in response, flinging the blanket off of our faces, the brisk air smacking me immediately. the look on his face bringing the heat all the way back, tenfold.

"what is it?" he said softer, voice tainted with concern.

i stuttered, not ready for the sudden gentle tone.

"i'm jus thinkin'." not able to look him in the eye.

he scooted closer, curls coating his forehead so beautifully, "'bout what?"

i felt as if i were about to combust into flames.

"just things." i prayed god would end his curious streak before he found out what truly killed the bat.

"you thinkin' bout me doll?" he was injecting honey in my ears.

my eyes jolted widely, it's not a foreign nickname on his lips, just one he dangles above me with the same allure as a mistletoe.

it was not christmas but i felt like santa had given me another present. god gave me jason todd, but kris kringle gave me these little chocolate morsels of moments.

silence danced throughout the safehouse, not a peep escaped even the flooring. not that it made me uncomfortable, but the memories flooding my brain and the previous interaction with the arkham knight not quite allowing the dance to finish. something was bothering me, hell, everything was bothering me, including this god damn leg.

peering around the straw apartment again, i eyed my crutch. laid perfectly 5 feet away from me, next to the knight's door. he's left it there the past week so he can bring it to me every time we try to walk again, but now i'm cursing him for putting it so far away.

the gears in my brain began to turn, either i make it to his door to apologize without falling, and pray i don't pass out inbetween.

or i fall.

i've had worse odds before.

mustering as much strength as my shoulders can carry, i propel myself up on my left leg, the right shooting in pain at the tension in the thigh. tears well up in my eyes as i turn my way towards his door, i havent tried to walk alone yet but as he said. 'something something you have to fix yourself.'

yeah, i'm pretty damn sure the quote was exactly that.

my feet rub roughly against the wooden floor, slowly taking my first step. i grab my thigh in agony as the wound begins to pound, you'd think a week would alleviate some pain, but my god it felt like lava-hot irons were investigating my white blood cell count.

another step, and not for mankind.

the crutches slowly growing larger in my view, if only i could make it close enough to the door.

another step on my peg-leg, as we all figured, fucking awful.

another on the left.

at this point i was bawling my eyes out in pain, metal coating my lips as i bit down to drown out the screams behind my teeth.

2 feet from the door.

4 steps.

2 left, 2 right.

my vision, familiarly was clouding with black again. but i'll be damned if i dont apologize while i still have no pride.

one step on the right.

one step on the left. excruciating.

one more step on the right, the crutch coming into near reach. my left palm slams against the door unintentionally trying to balance myself before i collapsed. at this point sobs caked my shirt, my neck, my face. i figured i looked better than he did underneath that iron prison though.

i could hear shuffling from behind the door as it swung open, i lost my balance not expecting the sudden movement as he instinctively grabbed my arm holding me at an awkward teetering angle.

"what the fuck are you doing?!" anger coated all silence in the safe house. his chest rising and falling with concern.

"i just- i wanted to apologize." i bit out, the feeling of standing on one leg not enough to alleviate the pain.

"for what?! you dumb, dumb girl." he eased down my arm, allowing me to grab onto his forearm for balance. he dared not say anything else knowing my pride meter would fill up again soon, cup overfloweth.

"i didn't mean to make you go away. i was, i'm just scared."

he ponders for a moment before grabbing my arm rougher than before and yanking me closer to him, his other arm grabbing my left leg and pulling me up into some awkward form of a bridal hold. for once i am the one with few words to say as he brings me back to my place on the couch, setting me down gently, gentler than i think he's been with another human in a long time.

"can you stay still this time?" he pleads, a whine at the top of his tone. i nod quietly, a hiss sounds as he removes a glove, his hand littered with scars, deep, deep gashes.

he wanted me to trust him, this is as much as he can give. this is as much as i can take. the gesture screaming with unsaid, unkempt words. tangled, confused, just trust me. trust me. i will let you know a piece of me.

"will this suffice? will you let me at least let me trap you in this.. what did you call it? country bumpkin cloth?" he chuckled, a joke leaving the confines of the tension.

i didn't necessarily have a reply, all words had left me at the moment. what had transpired the last minute repeating itself over and over on a loop in my brain. heat rose to my ears as any quick response died in my heart.

"yes i'll stay put." i sighed out, defeat coming to me quickly.

he crouched down and slowly shoved the blanket around the length of my body, i hadn't been tucked in since mommy and daddy still cared about me. this was not the same feeling.

his hand inched near my face, hesitating, but wiping a tear off my ear, rubbing the tear inbetween his thumb and index finger.

he stood back up and all i could do is watch, any words i may have been able to line up in some formula to elicit a response died within the first proof.

"stay put, get some sleep." he sighed, staring at me for a moment to make sure i really didn't move. the sound of his boots heavy as he disappeared back into his room, flicking the lights off. my heart beating out of my chest into my throat as my body could not handle what just transpired.

as much as i thought i could face anything the world threw at me, i felt transported back to his grave once again. speechless, confused, breathless.

i am not dorothy on a yellow brick road, and he was not the tin-man leading himself to find a heart again.

[jabberwockprince]

SPINA VENATORES A small organization of mercenaries working for Manus Vindictae, tasked with erasing people from history as a way to call upon the "Storm". Their targets' names, families, influence and connections to this world will be dragged into oblivion.

Individual profiles and some more info/ramblings under the cut <3

The whole point of Spina Venatores is to be a parallel to Vertin's own independent group of Arcanists - the same way St. Pavlov's Foundation has her, Manus Vindictae has Venison and Spina. They're the mouth and teeth of Manus.

But whereas Vertin aims to create a safe, neutral space for Arcanists to thrive without human influence despite being tied to the Foundation, Venison is aiming to create a paradise for those they care about and no one else due to the heavy influence Arcana and Manus have on them.

Spinas Venatores is, at its core, a cult that was allowed to grow thanks to Venison's codependent and obsessive mindset - with them as the leader, all the troublesome and rebellious members of Manus Vindictae (that are much too powerful to get rid of or who are still clinging on to their former lives) will simply be assimilated into Spina or pressured to comply with Manus Vindictae as a whole. The third secret option is dying <3.

They also serve as a narrative device to remind everyone of the fact that, no matter how hard one may try, there's no way EVERYONE can be saved from the "Storm" - all five main members are related in some way or another to Arcanists that Vertin has met, they're people that weren't lucky enough to be taken in, who found themselves in the right time and place for Manus Vindictae to take advantage of their vulnerable state.

R1999 also portrays a LOT of oppression from various minorities that overlap with each other in very interesting ways, so I also wanted them to tackle similar things that mean so much to me - they're problematic queers is what I'm trying to say lmfao

The thing they share is that all of them are delusional to a degree, and that they're constantly haunted and defined by their relationships to others. The loss and discovery of the self through another, Ship of Theseus, cannibalism, body horror, being transgender as a really visceral and intimate experience, an obsession for love in all of its forms etc etc.

I don't have the FULL scope of their backstories, but I do know who they're tied to!

Venison was Pavia's coworker in a constant, obsessive loop of wanting to kill and save each other. Mutton was part of Schneider's mafia and romantically involved with one of her oldest sisters. Chevon was a regular visitor in Necrologist's museum and a friend of hers, she later went on to exhibit his many, many tombstones. Poultry is the "Lilian" mentioned in Darley Clatter's Stories. And Veal is a mystery even to me </3

Their uniforms are meant to look outrageous and outlandish, entirely out of place with the setting and their respective eras/times, inspired by fantasy - just BARELY reminiscent of Manus Vindictae by virtue of using a similar palette, as a way to drive that feeling of not belonging and delusion even harder.

Whereas everyone else is dealing with very real issues, all members of Spina Venatores live pretty much in their own heads (similar to Forget Me Not and how Manus Vindictae causes their recruits to become... YEAH.....THOSE MONSTERS....)

Venison gets the BIG COAT and the biggest silhouette because they're responsible for pretty much 80% of what happens within Spina Venatores! Veal gets the more simple design to allude to their whole unassuming, shapeshifter/Doppelganger thing.

They all have ribcage/bone motifs in one way or another, most of their jewels are meant to look like rosaries, they wear the Manus Vindictae silver cross and Arcana's blue color more often than regular members of Manus. Also! Hands!! Love the fuckin hands!! DID YOU GUYS SEE DIGGERS' MANUS VINDICTAE SKIN???? YEAH.

The naming convention being. types of different meats. is entirely because of Venison, you can ALSO blame that entirely on them <3

[kcyars99]

omg

[Verse 1]

Dear Adonis

I'm sorry that that man is your father, let me be honest

It takes a man to be a man, your dad is not responsive

I look at him and wish your grandpa woulda wore a condom

I'm sorry that you gotta grow up and then stand behind him

Life is hard, I know, the challenge is always gon' beat us home

Sometimes our parents make mistakes that affect us until we grown

And you're a good kid that need good leadership

Let me be your mentor since your daddy don't teach you shit

Never let a man piss on your leg, son

Either you die right there or pop that man in the head, son

Never fall in the escort business, that's bad religion

Please remember, you could be a bitch even if you got bitches

Never code-switch, whether right or wrong, you a Black man

Even if it don't benefit your goals, do some push-ups, get some discipline

Don't cut them corners like your daddy did, fuck what Ozempic did

Don't pay to play with them Brazilians, get a gym membership

Understand, no throwin' rocks and hidin' hands, that's law

Don't be ashamed 'bout who you wit', that's how he treat your moms

Don't have a kid to hide a kid to hide again, be sure

Five percent will comprehend, but ninety-five is lost

Be proud of who you are, your strength come from within

Lotta superstars that's real, but your daddy ain't one of them

And you nothing like him, you'll carry yourself as king

Can't understand me right now? Just play this when you eighteen

[Verse 2]

Dear Sandra

Your son got some habits, I hope you don't undermine them

Especially with all the girls that's hurt inside this climate

You a woman, so you know how it feels to be in alignment

With emotion, hopin' a man can see you and not be blinded

Dear Dennis, you gave birth to a master manipulator

Even usin' you to prove who he is is a huge favor

I think you should ask for more paper, and more paper

And more, uh, more paper

I'm blamin' you for all his gamblin' addictions

Psychopath intuition, the man that like to play victim

You raised a horrible fuckin' person, the nerve of you, Dennis

Sandra, sit down, what I'm about to say is heavy, now listen

Mm-mm, your son's a sick man with sick thoughts, I think niggas like him should die

Him and Weinstein should get fucked up in a cell for the rest they life

He hates Black women, hypersexualizes 'em with kinks of a nympho fetish

Grew facial hair because he understood bein' a beard just fit him better

He got sex offenders on ho-VO that he keep on a monthly allowance

A child should never be compromised and he keepin' his child around them

And we gotta raise our daughters knowin' there's predators like him lurkin'

Fuck a rap battle, he should die so all of these women can live with a purpose

I been in this industry twelve years, I'ma tell y'all one lil' secret

It's some weird shit goin' on and some of these artists be here to police it

They be streamlinin' victims all inside of they home and callin' 'em Tinder

Then leak videos of themselves to further push their agendas

To any woman that be playin' his music, know that you're playin' your sister

Or better, you're sellin' your niece, to the weirdos, not the good ones

Katt Williams said, "Get you the truth," so I'ma get mines

The Embassy 'bout to get raided, too, it's only a matter of time

Ayy, LeBron, keep the family away, hey, Curry, keep the family away

To anybody that embody the love for they kids, keep the family away

They lookin' at you too if you standin' by him, keep the family away

I'm lookin' to shoot through any pervert that lives, keep the family safe

[Verse 3]

Dear baby girl

I'm sorry that your father not active inside your world

He don't commit to much but his music, yeah, that's for sure

He a narcissist, misogynist, livin' inside his songs

Try destroy families rather than takin' care of his own

Should be teachin' you time tables or watchin' Frozen with you

Or at your eleventh birthday, singin' poems with you

Instead, he be in Turks, payin' for sex and poppin' Percs, examples that you don't deserve

I wanna tell you that you're loved, you're brave, you're kind

You got a gift to change the world, and could change your father's mind

'Cause our children is the future, but he lives inside confusion

Money's always been illusion, but that's the life he's used to

His father prolly didn't claim him neither

History do repeats itself, sometimes it don't need a reason

But I would like to say it's not your fault that he's hidin' another child

Give him grace, this the reason I made Mr. Morale

So our babies like you can cope later

Give you some confidence to go through somethin', it's hope later

I never wanna hear you chase a man 'cause his failed behavior

Sittin' in the club with sugar daddies for validation

You need to know that love is eternity and trumps all pain

I'll tell you who your father is, just play this song when it rains

Yes, he's a hitmaker, songwriter, superstar, right

And a fuckin' deadbeat that should never say "more life"

Meet the Grahams

[Verse 4]

Dear Aubrey

I know you probably thinkin' I wanted to crash your party

But truthfully, I don't have a hatin' bone in my body

This supposed to be a good exhibition within the game

But you fucked up the moment you called out my family's name

Why you had to stoop so low to discredit some decent people?

Guess integrity is lost when the metaphors doesn't reach you

And I like to understand 'cause your house was never a home

Thirty-seven, but you showin' up as a seven-year-old

You got gamblin' problems, drinkin' problems, pill-poppin' and spendin' problems

Bad with money, whorehouse

Solicitin' women problems, therapy's a lovely start

But I suggest some ayahuasca, strip the ego from the bottom

I try to empathize with you 'cause I know that you ain't been through nothin'

Crave entitlement, but wanna be liked so bad that it's puzzlin'

No dominance, let's recap moments when you didn't fit in

No secret handshakes with your friend

No cultural cachet to binge, just disrespectin' your mother

Identity's on the fence, don't know which family will love ya

The skin that you livin' in is compromised in personas

Can't channel your masculine even when standin' next to a woman

You a body shamer, you gon' hide them baby mamas, ain't ya?

You embarrassed of 'em, that's not right, that ain't how mama raised us

Take that mask off, I wanna see what's under them achievements

Why believe you? You never gave us nothin' to believe in

'Cause you lied about religious views, you lied about your surgery

You lied about your accent and your past tense, all is perjury

You lied about your ghostwriters, you lied about your crew members

They all pussy, you lied on 'em, I know they all got you in 'em

You lied about your son, you lied about your daughter, huh

You lied about them other kids that's out there hopin' that you come

You lied about the only artist that can offer you some help

Fuck a rap battle, this a long life battle with yourself

Yeah Drake is done ATP just hang it up dude you’re better off doing mainstream pop rap or something

[ghcstao3]

I am back at it with sleeptalking!Soap because why not!

Anyways, Soap's sleep talking stops being so much of an issue for Ghost after a while. Part of it is he just becomes used to his lover spouting nonsense in his sleep, and the other part is because hearing Johnny talking, even while asleep, is so comforting because it means they're both alive.

Ghost just loves hearing Soap's voice at night; somewhat gruffer than normal due to his sleeping state, but still proof that they both made it another day, that Simon made it another day.

But then Soap realizes he's only ever talked in his sleep with Ghost. He's only ever gotten sleep so deep it allows him to start talking in his sleep when he's with Simon. He only ever sleeps like this when his Simon is wrapped around him because "Johnny~, you're so warm and I'm so cold~"

And it's a nice revelation for them both, despite neither sharing their sentiments about Soap's nightly one-sided conversations. So it becomes their little secret, something for them to hold and share together to remind them of how far they've come.

At least, it is that way for a while. And then the one mission happens and Soap falls asleep during exfil.

The actual exfil isn't even a one-way ticket out. They first have to spend several hours cramped in a truck with the rest of the team and their friends from Las Almas. But still, it isn't the worst and allows some recovery time before making it back to base. Soap and Ghost had spent a couple of days straight trapped in a rather awful situation, and the truck was roomy enough to allow the two to curl up together in a small corner of their own and drift off to the dull rumble of the truck.

Except Soap is the only one able to fall asleep, and judging by the way he forces himself into Ghost's side in his sleep, it's clear he was very tired indeed. So what if Ghost and Soap never actually openly addressed their relationship to Alejandro and Rudy? Ghost knew that they knew and he was too tired to do anything but wrap his arms around his sergeant.

And what no one expects, especially not Ghost, is that Soap will in fact be so tired and will fall in such a deep sleep, he begins to mumble. Incoherent mumblings at first, with a few Gaelic phrases thrown in here and there, nothing too much but still warrants confused and mildly concerned glances from Alejandro, mostly. Gaz offers at least one side-eye at the snoozing Scot, but is too tired to be concerned.

But then the one-sided conversation starts as Soap sweetly nestles further into Simon's neck. And suddenly the atmosphere inside the truck is incredibly awkward. Ghost can't even muster a dark enough glare to dissuade the others from staring; he's too busy trying not to laugh.

"No, yer wrong. Clearly's got himself a whole fuckin' bakery." Soap's first coherent sentence of the night. Not quite enough to rattle everyone, but enough to earn him a few confused glances that don't last long.

"It's nae even close. He'd out cake yer cake any day." Now that? That earned a couple of lingering, very confused stares. Even Ghost couldn't help but look down at the peacefully sleeping Soap and think 'what the fuck' to himself.

"Just admit yer jealous of me and move on, Garrick!" Soap's angry little outburst actually elicited a couple of nervous laughs from some of the others, and Ghost was extremely tempted to wake him. He only decided against it because fucking hell, even though they weren't alone and this was supposed to be their secret, Soap hadn't slept in a couple of days and he deserved such deep slumber. Besides, it's actually incredibly rare for Ghost to hear Soap address any specific person during his sleep rants. Not to mention the awkward half laugh that escaped Gaz at the mention of his name was too good to ignore.

"Yes yeh are jealous! Yer jealous cause I get all the cake!" Chaos. Gaz leaning into Price, absolutely wheezing from trying not to laugh so as to let Soap stay asleep. Alejandro dropping his head down and practically falling into Rudy's lap with a silent laugh. Price and Rudy both letting out small chuckles and snorts. And Ghost? Man's is shaking from how hard he's trying not to laugh. Why his love was arguing with his friend about cake in his dream is beyond Ghost, but by god is it hilarious.

"Yeh could just ask him, Gaz. It's nae even mah cake, it's Simon's." Soap mumbles, a frown drawing on his sleeping face. Ghost matches Gaz's wheeze as they exchange confused, yet amused glances.

"Aye, ah ken we're datin' but there's no shame in asking. I dinnae blame yeh, why'd ya think I liked him in the first place?" Everyone has mostly calmed since apparently in Soap's dream world, Simon must make some really good baked goods.

"Ah know, Gaz! It was the fuckin' thigh straps tha' got me. Just the icin' on top of the cake, yeh ken?" If Ghost wasn't so busy trying not to laugh loud and hard enough to startle Soap awake, he would've been much more concerned for Gaz. The second the statement left Soap's mouth, Gaz let out a rather inhuman wheeze as he collapsed to the floor of the truck. Alejandro is back on Rudy's lap, loud laughs only slightly muffled.

Unfortunately for them, Soap begins to stir at the sudden uptick in commotion, as Gaz remains curled on the floor laughing his ass off. Even Rudy had hidden his face in Alejandro's shoulder to hide the tears of laughter. Price attempts to check on Gaz but is laughing too hard to be effective.

And Ghost, well let's just say Soap was okay being woken up by laughter. It was genuine belly-aching laughter coming from his Ghost, his Simon, whom probably hasn't laughed so hard in his entire life. Soap, of course, is incredibly confused as to what the fuck was so funny it was making Ghost choke from laughing too hard.

"Wha's so funny?" Soap slurs, sleep still clinging to him. Ghost can only wheeze in response, hugging Soap closely in an attempt to show he does love him despite what they are laughing at. Ghost even has to remove his mask and wipe the tears that have now begun to make his eye-black run.

"Do you remember your dream, Love?" Simon asks in between giggles. Soap slowly shakes his head, as he normally did when asked this question. Ghost can only laugh again as red floods Soap's ears as he realizes he must've been talking in his sleep.

"I didn't know I wanted your cake so bad, Lt." Gaz finally manages to say, causing Alejandro to let out the most startling high pitched laugh anyone has ever heard. Ghost snorts and laughs so hard he ends up coughing again, yet Soap isn't really paying attention. He's too focused on the beautiful way Simon's face lights up with laughter, the way his cheeks redden and emphasize the scars that litter his face.

And then he processes Gaz's words, and suddenly his entire neck is red with embarrassment. He hides in Ghost's neck again, to which the elder can only keep laughing.

Safe to say, Soap is only okay with the others knowing he sleep-talks simply because it let him witness the most beautiful thing on earth: Simon Riley's full belly laugh.

(This somehow turned into laugh headcanons for the 141 and Los Vaqueros, idk how that happened??? I can make an official post about it because, as someone with a very weird laugh, it's nice to see people depict them with silly goofy laughs like normal people)

Also this was soo much longer than I originally anticipated??? Sorry??

don’t apologize!! i loved this!! soap defending his bf’s ass in his sleep is so silly

also i would love to see a laugh hcs post that would be so fun

[littlestartemis]

This is like THE thing I'm most annoying millennial about, but I've decided I'm going to make a guide about this instead of just venting to my friends about it for the Nth time. I am not a fan of spotify. On the surface I already didn't like it, the idea of paying a monthly subscription for a media player that requires an internet connection was abjectly backwards imo. Then I actually used it recently, and I'm even more frustrated, because searching for songs doesn't give you any clear indication on if it's the Actual Song you wanted, or just some rando's remix or something. Not to mention the queue and playlist functions just not working 1/3 of the time, and... yeah.

"Man I wish this artist would release on spotify so I could listen to this song."

"Hey are you gonna put this thing on spotify? I'd really like to listen to it away from my computer/off youtube."

Allow me my one snarky comment here because I feel strongly about this and then the rest of the post will be a polite and detailed guide.

I'm gonna let you all in on a secret, you'll never believe this. There's a method, inside your computer (and phone!), where you can listen to music, any music you want... without the internet. Fuckin wild, right? (Making a break because this ended up being longer than I thought it would)

On your computer, even up to Windows 11, you have a thing called "Windows Media Player" that's just automatically on your computer. And if it's not, for whatever reason, lemme make things even easier for you with a link to install it.

You open it up, and you're greeted with this. (yours obviously won't be filled with FFXIV clips and songs by default, just work with me)

Now, I think everything here is perfectly self explanatory, but I've heard as time's worn on that the younger generations are becoming increasingly poorly taught when it comes to navigating computer programs.

Home is just the first thing you get when you open it. Shows all your recently viewed media on your computer

Music Library is your entire collection of songs in your music folder (we'll get there)

Video Library is the same thing but for video files

Play queue is what you have queued up to play in a list Right Now

Playlists is... the list of playlists you've made

So! Good first step, we have a media player. This thing doesn't need an internet connection, it can make playlists, it can shuffle, it's got it all. But like, how do you actually get songs on it, right? Well, we've got a few methods.

If you're a fan of contemporary/pop music, you've got the easiest time of things. If you're already someone who's ok with paying spotify once a month for their service (which is just a media player with always on internet), you shouldn't have a problem with giving that money directly to the artists you already like the work of instead. Not to mention, on streaming services music can be added and removed at the whim of... really any number of people. Whereas if you get yourself the mp3 file, you own that shit forever.

Most every artist offers a way to buy their music from them directly in album form. For shows, movies, and video games, that can be a little more up in the air, but it's nothing a quick google search of "[media name] original soundtrack download" can't direct you to. My first port of call would be to recommend this site here. Despite the name, it carries an absolutely stupid titanic repository of music downloads, the vast majority of which being for things that either no longer have legal means of purchase, or never had one to begin with. You'll have to download them one at a time if you don't/can't make an account and donate to them, but... that's literally just a time investment. Lil bit of elbow grease.

Now, let's say you're willing to put in that elbow grease, but what you wanted isn't here. Well, you've got an ancient, tried and true method to follow suit on next; youtube conversion. It couldn't be simpler. Copy/paste the url (the funny string of letters numbers and characters in the bar at the top of your browser window) into the thing that says "please paste youtube url here", and press the convert button. You've even got options to change the quality (if you need a smaller file size) and trim a length of time off the beginning or end of it! Again, you'll need to do this one at a time, and via this method you won't get premade names (beyond whatever the yt video's name was) or special album art or whatever. But if all you're after is listening to your music of choice without fucking spotify, that shouldn't be a problem.

And I'm not done yet! Circling back to my earlier comment about "some kids just don't know how to work their computers", some of you may genuinely be asking "what am I supposed to do with these mp3 files after they're on my computer?" We'll start with "where even are they" to begin with. You have something baked into your computer called a "file explorer". I keep mine pinned to my taskbar, but you aughta be able to find it and open it up by searching that name in your start menu

This is what the left side of that File Explorer window aughta look like, more or less. You only need to worry about two of these things here for our purposes; Downloads, with the arrow pointing down at the line, and Music, with the music note in the green circle. By default, anything you download, be it from a converter, more illicit sources, or 100% legal "I bought this from the band's website", is going to go into your Downloads first. (side note, if your computer ever tells you you're running out of space and you're like "what the fuck how??", check your downloads, might need to clear that shit out into the recycle bin) You're gonna move those files from Downloads to Music (I only recently learned that file explorer supports additional tabs now, like browsers! That rules). The simplest method of moving them over though would be to click once on the file, then right click, you'll see a row of pictures at the top of the right click menu, you want the scissors (this is called Cutting). Once you click those scissors, you head over to your Music tab, and in the empty white space, you right click, and at the bottom of the menu you'll see a clipboard with a piece of paper, (that's Paste) click that, and it'll remove that file from Downloads, and move it over to Music.

Your media player program is automatically designed to detect mp3 files inside that Music folder. So, from here, you just need to work the media player!

Open up that Music Library tab in your Media Player, and everything will automatically be grouped Alphabetically, you can change that with "Sort by:" in the top right. Know what else? If you do buy an album (or download one otherwise), it'll recognize that on its own too! You can sift through your collection by Albums at the very top there! So you just wanna listen to an album, you can pop over there, click an album, and...

Play all, right at the top, the red button.

You wanna make a playlist? Right click any song, and in the right click menu you'll see "Add to+", check that, and you'll be prompted to just add it to the now paying queue of songs, or to make a new playlist. Do that, you name it what you want, and now you can just right click-> add any songs you want to that playlist.

Now when it comes to phones, I know most people have iphones, and in that realm... yeah I can't help you sorry. But if you're not, we're in another "this should be on your phone already, and if it's not you can install it". Samsung Music. Open that bad boy up, and

Damn doesn't this look familiar. On my Samsung phone at least, nearly EVERYTHING I just laid out applies to making this all happen just on your phone with no computer. But, if you only download on the computer, and still want this shit on your phone, there's a VERY easy method there too!

Get a USB-C cord, hook up your phone to your computer, and you remember the method I told you for moving those files over from Downloads to Music? Works the exact same for moving things from your computer to your phone. Hell, your phone even has a Music folder of its own! Works the same.

This has been my very long and hopefully helpful PSA about listening to music via methods that don't involve God Damn Spotify. Go enjoy yourselves. Don't pay for shit you don't need to pay for.

[ideasarestuckinmyhead]

Saw someone in here request a Auron finds out Charlie and Rook are siblings fic? So like-…can you please?-

You're related?

From this ask talking about it by @thatonedilfs

Idk if Rook is older or Charlie but I'm making Rook older. Also I use Monarch as a nickname for Rook. (I couldn't think of a gender neutral chess piece one)

In the limo Rook slumped against Auron, it was a slowly day for them. Their partner told them that both would be meeting up with a old friend of Auron's. Rook just nodded and already knew they were going to be silence the whole time.

"Luckily, I trust him to keep you a secret. I think you'd like him." Looking at his partner, Auron smiled. The way they looked sleepy made them look very cute. But looking back up he made eye contact with Casper who looked worried.

Simply giving the driver a smile made them relax. For some reason though, Casper couldn't shake off that Rook looked familiar to them. Didn't help they weren't allowed to speak to Rook, it was a simply request from Auron.

Pulling up to Charlie's apartment, Casper left out a sigh and got out. Their boyfriend smiled as they opened the door to the back of the limo. Giving them a kiss Charlie slipped in and paused seeing Rook.

"Charlie, this is-" Auron's introduction was interrupted by the siblings looking at each other.

"CHARLIE?!"

"MONARCH?!"

Both yelled made Auron jump a bit at the sudden rise in volume. Giving them both a look, the red head turned to Rook who pushed off their seat. Tackling Charlie into a hug and laughing as they squeezed their younger brother hard.

"Holy fuck you dipshit how are you?!" Squealing happily, Rook broke the hug and then paused. Their mood switched as they connected the dots of why he left home so early.

"YOU WERE IN A GANG?! YOU FUCKIN-" Yelling was cut off by Charlie covering their mouth. He had a horrified look seeing their older siblings wrath, even now years later it was scary. Turning his head he saw Auron just blinking confused and then sighing.

"So your related? How did I not?....Oh, right the last names." Muttering to himself the red head looked at the two. Casper at the driver seat snorted hearing this interaction. Now their remembering why Rook looked so familiar to them.

"Casper! Don't laugh at us, this is so confused oh my god..." Whispering Charlie looked at his sibling. Who had a looked of recognized hearing Casper's name. Licking Charlie's hand quickly, making the blonde cringe and let out a noise they leaned over the divider.

"CAS? HOLY SHIT I DIDN'T RECOGNIZED YOU!" Excitedly yelling Rook gave them a quick hug before turning back to Charlie. "Did you two finally confess your fuckin' feelings or what?"

The couple looked away and blushed hearing this. Charlie cleared his throat to answer but Auron beat him to it. Suddenly the quote 'no matter where you are everyone's always connected' came into his mind.

"I see, so everyone in this limo knows each other. This makes it easier to talk about why we're here." Stating Auron gently pulled Rook to sit back down. Casper took this as a sign to start driving and becoming silent. Charlie shifted getting serious looking at his old boss.

Rook looked between their brother and Auron, suddenly feeling the weight of this information. Holy shit, Charlie was I a gang and they didn't know? A hand cut their thoughts off by squeezing theirs.

"I found something after....relinquishing Derek's position under me." The implications of his words made Rook look at his hands. Distracting themselves so that they didn't see their faces talking about their 'other' job.

Pulling out a book, Auron handed it to Charlie to see. Casper gripped the wheel a bit hard as they drove around with no direction in mind. Looking into the review mirror and saw Charlie gently taking the book.

The blonde felt a sudden hole in his stomach as he opened it, wondering what made Auron nervous about it. Rook glanced up and glared at the book, not liking how Charlie's reaction to it shifted very quickly.

Everyone in the car was silent as Charlie flipped through the pages looking at the writing. Confusion became more apparent as he tried to understand the contents of the book. Looking up at his old boss, Charlie had a look of worry.

"Who's Finn?" Asking the tension in the limo thickened. Auron took a deep breath before telling everyone what he knew so far.

Rook looked out the window and thought to themselves. So much for a nice family reunion. This wasn't going to end well either, was it?

[neko-naruto]

not just unfortunate timing

summary: turns out suppressants can fail, Naruto learns this the hard way when it strikes him in the middle of a mission after trying to hide it from Sasuke and Sakura successfully for years

tags/warnings: omegaverse, fluff, hurt/comfort, Naruto's an omega Sakura and Sasuke are making sure he doesn't get fuckin' hurt, check Ao3 port for full

authors note: they make me go absolutely fucking insane your honor

https://archiveofourown.org/works/53140039

"He's burning up, Sasuke! Don't be so combative," Sakura snapped at the rather aloof Uchiha who just scoffed.

"And you shouldn't be so loud, you'll hurt his delicate ears," He spits the words mockingly, throwing Sakura's overblown care for Naruto right back at her. And he can see that she can smell it on the air, he's shocked that Sakura hasn't dropped the H word to try and make him less snappy. They both know what's up with Naruto, the dumb little secret he's been trying to hide by rubbing pine needles and cedar on his clothing. Acting like he's one of them despite the fact they've already been through enough for them to know.

"Guys, it's fine- I'm fine," Naruto said as he stood up and started on his way past them, the two… Beta's of the group, as all Genin, Chunin, and Jonin must be aside from few exceptions for Alpha's. He snuck past the rules by nearly overdosing on suppressants at age twelve, and now he's in the middle of a mission entering heat.

His balance wavers as he makes his way out of the small room that he's been quarantined too until it passes over. Thankfully their mission was a somewhat stationary one with light travel, an escort mission, so they could bunk in a town till it's over. He feels his head go light before he starts to fall but he knows he isn't fainting. Both Sakura and Sasuke try to stop him, their Beta instincts won't allow them to let an Omega (or other Beta) get hurt even with Naruto holding Kyuubi's spirit.

"You're staying in this room until your heat is over, Naruto," Sakura ordered as sternly as she could, pressing a finger to his chest as she spoke, "It's for your own good."

Naruto just whimpered.

Sasuke hoists him up a little bit more, and he's heavy despite being smaller in every way, much denser with something or other. He ignores the pathetic little sounds crawling out of his teammate, "You heard her, it's final."

"Thanks, Sasuke," Sakura said, and she speaks so softly to Sasuke it strikes a couple chords for Naruto despite all the things the three of them have been through and done together.

He drops Naruto on the bed with some gentleness before throwing a blanket over him, "I'll go do the mission while you take care of him. Don't let him starve or dehydrate, he's… a valuable asset to our team," He brushes his hand across Naruto's head to see if he really is burning up, and he most definitely is. Higher than average, Sasuke wouldn't be shocked if this unfortunate event kills Naruto.

Naruto arches up into Sasuke, the one point where there's physical contact which is the back of a cool hand on his forehead, "But Sasuke-"

The Uchiha retracts his hand sharply, "Don't you dare expect any of that 'Beta's always take care of Omega's no matter what' bullshit from me, even if we're more than teammates," He snarls a bit as he speaks and Naruto shrinks back into the mattress.

This is gonna be a long week.

-/-/-/-

The brunt of it hits him on day three and leaves him even more bedlocked than before. His mind is utterly swamped, and his body aches and burns and he refuses to eat any of the food that his teammates bring him unless they're cramming it down for his own good. It's a miserable aspect of existence he's glad he's dodged for a considerably chunk of his lifetime. But now all that has caught up to due to him tripping as he runs from the worst part of his anatomy.

"You're gonna die if you don't drink any water," Sakura tried to coerce, holding the rim of the glass to Naruto's lips. And he reluctantly grabbed the cup and took a couple sips of the ice cold water that shocked his systems. He released a shudder at the cold relief rushing down his dry throat, it felt nice.

He places aside the glass and drops back down onto the bed, he's already partially sweat through fresh clothing he changed into not even six hours ago. He's pretty sure this is what he gets for being Kyuubi's vessel, another aspect of something that shattered his entire life and everything that could've come from it. His breathing is heavy as he gives a small, "Thanks."

"It's what I'm supposed to do, I gotta take care of my mates," Sakura answered with, "Are you hungry yet?"

Naruto shook his head, "I haven't been hungry this entire time, but you and Sasuke keep shoving food down my throat," He wants to curl up under the blanket but he knows that'll make things worse.

"Well considering you've been taking suppressants for your entire life this could kill you, you have no idea how luck you are that me and Sasuke are here," Sakura answered with as she sat down on the edge of the bed, Naruto tossed and turned until he was nestled up close to her. She gently placed a hand on his head, her fingers were ice cold in comparison to the temperature he's running at.

"Then where is he?" Naruto questioned as aggressively as he could manage.

"Doing the mission," Sakura answered with, "He'll be back soon, he better be back soon or else I'll tear him a new one."

Naruto stifles a laugh at Sakura's threat, "Thanks for taking care of me, pretty pathetic isn't it?"

"You still kick all kinds of ass, when it runs it's course we'll pick up on our mission again," Sakura said, "Promise."

-/-/-/-

"It's a trap," Sasuke declared as he tugged a shuriken out of his shoulder and held his palm on the wound.

"What do you mean by that?" Sakura demanded.

"I mean it's a trap, that asshole we're escorting set it all up, he spiked Naruto's suppressants when we breaked to sleep last week," Sasuke explained, "Now a bunch of Grass Ninja are jonesing for our hides, if we don't leave now we're fucked."

Sakura felt herself shatter into a million pieces just like that, fear shooting through to her very core, "What?"

"We need to go, we'll stuff his jacket with pine and the rest is in the hands of fate," Sasuke said, wiping down his bloodied hand on his clothing. He grabbed hold of Sakura's shoulders to ground her into reality, she's shaking, "He's going to be killed, he can't do shit until it passes through his system. It's chemically induced this time, he just needs to sweat it out and drink lots of fluids, if he doesn't it could keep going for weeks."

"So you're suggesting we drag him all the way back home even with his current condition?" Sakura asked.

They can't hear the door open and Naruto hobble over to the small kitchenette. But they can smell it the second he passes the final doorway over, he gives this nervous grin as they glance over too him, his hearing was weak and foggy at that, "What are you guys talking about? Is Sasuke okay?"

"I'm fine," Sasuke speaks firmly, "We need to go for it and get the hell out of here, you're gonna get hurt."

"I'm useless like this right now, I'm gonna get us killed," Naruto answered with as he hobbled ever closer to Sasuke and Sakura, again, they both rush over to help him in his weakened state. His legs shake and he revels in the coldness of their touch, leaning into each of them equal amounts.

Sasuke holds onto him tight, tighter than expected or usual considering his average bluntness and sharpness towards his mates, "Our escortee spiked your suppressants, you'll be through the heat sooner than later. It's a trap, Naruto, they want to get you when your weak, which is why we need to go."

Sakura held up Naruto who was being thrown for a couple loops at the new knowledge, "It'll be fine, Naruto."

"I'm leading them right too us," He whispers the words, "I should've known better than to become a Shinobi."

Sasuke wraps his hands in Naruto's messy hair and yanks for a brief second to pull him back down to reality. He yelps and glares up at the ravenette, "Don't fucking say that, that's bullshit, this is a fluke."

Naruto nodded as Sakura rubbed circles on his back, "Right, a fluke, an inconvenience," He nuzzles the side of his face against Sasuke's arm and he freezes up just a bit even though he does enjoy the affection.

-/-/-/-

Day five and they're further away from the village, and the worst of it has passed but the clinginess still lingers with the slightest fog. He still shakes when he walks and he just wants to be with both of his mates whenever he can manage even though they're on a semi-constant vigil while he waits for the chemicals to flush through him. But oh man does he ever enjoy a bath in ice cold water after being so shaky and mentally weakened to remember to change his clothes.

He can actually not feel like he's burning up as cold water washes across every single inch and washes away his troubles just like that. He dunks his head and he can think clear for a very brief moment before all the blood flow heats up his head again and removes perfect cognitive function. He doesn't want to get out of the rushing water unless he absolutely has too and he doesn't even start trudging to the rocky edge of the river until the cold starts to bite too deeply into his skin.

He's shivering as he walks across the moss and grass covered ground, he shakes himself down like a dog. That comfortable sensation still resides in his bones as he towels down with a t shirt he grabbed before leaving. He's more than lucid enough to start a fire, wearing naught but a pair of boxers and a jacket tied around his waist so he doesn't heat up too fast. He tosses the bundles of logs into a small circle of rocks, he debates on wasting the chakra he's still burning through impossibly for a fire jutsu to light it up before deciding to just go for it.

He still has to wait for either Sakura to return with food, red meat to help both him and Sasuke restore the chakra that they've been burning through. Sasuke because he spent a couple nights in the village fighting off every single ninja sent their way and never had a chance to recover it naturally while they were running. Naruto because of the heat that was never supposed to hit him in the first place.

Just a couple more days and he'll be fine, they'll be able to go back their and pulverize the boss that sent those poor Chunin after them. Until then Naruto's just trying his hardest to not lose it entirely as the rush of the heat flows through him.

Sasuke arrives first, dropping down from the branches above and landing with a small flourish. He sends a couple extra sparks of fire jutsu to fire to give it some extra pep and he feels his eyes go blurry just a bit. He take a seat beside Naruto, one leg outstretched and the other hitched, "Have a nice bath?"

Naruto laughed, "It was great! I haven't enjoyed some cold water in what feels like years."

"It's been five days," Sasuke said as he rolled his eyes.

"Do you know where Sakura is?" Naruto asked, "I'm starving."

"Don't be so whiny, idiot," Sasuke chided.

-/-/-/-

Naruto falls asleep nestled between Sasuke and Sakura perfectly, a third piece of an incomplete puzzle that he didn't expect to fit into considering their ranks. But he's thankful that they're both there for him, for him to lean and for him to boost ever further into their strengths. He finds himself with his back partially pressed against Sakura's torso, her arms wrapped gently at his waist, most of Sasuke rests atop Naruto, splayed with one arm to reach his other mate. Although they usually wake up in different spots than they fall asleep, twisting and turning and tangling further with each other.

It's a knotted mess of limbs and comfort alike, but when Naruto finds himself blinking awake, trapped underneath Sasuke and held close by Sakura, he doesn't have any complaints on the matter. He snakes a hand around Sasuke's torso to hold onto him and leans back his head to nuzzle the side of his face against Sakura's. He can feel Sasuke start to shift awake along with Sakura but they fall asleep again rather promptly, sliding around to get comfortable and tossing Naruto's weight onto Sasuke instead.

Naruto whispers out a meek, "Love you guys," It's spoken on a whisper and they're both stuck in a state of mostly asleep they shouldn't be able to hear it.

But they both mumble it back regardless.

[viburnt]

Hiya, sweetpie! ♥ I've been thinking about being in a relationship with Alpha Dabi and Omega Shigaraki (hope you haven't explored this idea previously)

Hi, Douma! Thank you for requesting love <3 I'm very happy to see you here. I had never explored ABO before, so this was really fun!

CONTENT WARNING: NSFW, sex mentions. It's kinda implied that it's bit of a poly relationship since I wasn't sure if you wanted them separated or together at the same time.

Alpha Dabi and Omega Shigaraki with you

• Omega Shigaraki didn't quite had the opportunity to nest as a kid, which is bad considering all Omegas start nesting at a young age. He is not very sure of how to do it, nor if he is doing it right. Tenko likes to take your clothes from time to time, specially shirts and hoodies, to build his little safe space: pillowcases, sheets, blankets... he just takes what he can and tries to make it pass as a nest. It's endearing, really, specially when you find him curled up and sleeping after a long evening gaming. You keep a secret photo album of him sleeping.

• He is very sensitive to your scent, normally asking you not to wear perfumes because he likes how you smell. It bothers him that Dabi is an Alpha because his scent tends to compete with yours. Omega Tomura is also very whiny and needy when it comes to you, specially during his heats. He drags you to his nest and cuddles you to his heart's content, even if it's embarrassing for him (of course sometimes it'smore than cuddling).

• Talking about heats with Shigaraki, you'll be busy for a while. Dabi hates when Shigaraki gets his heat because his own hormones go bonkers, and Shiggy doesn't let Dabi near you until he's done. You spend a lot of silent nights making that man whine and cry while you satiate his need of uh- yeah.

• You have to clean the stuff of his nest with regularity after his heats because it just ends up being a nasty mess-

• Alpha Dabi also has his perks, specially when it comes to being protective of you. He is shameless whenever he talks about you, sending dirty smirks and making innuendos when a friend (or Shigaraki) ask where you are: "Oh, they're just sleeping in my bed. If you catch my drift..." "Last time I saw them they are between my legs, haven't seen them today-"

• Dabi doesn't understand Shigaraki's need of a nest but he tries to be nice about it since you insist. He often asks if you need a nest too (that, of course, depends on your type). If you happen to be an Alpha or a Beta, he'll just tease by saying "he'll build you a nest to fuck you nice and good"; if you're an Omega, he's more responsible and actually tries to make and effort with your nest (fails, but he tries).

• Touya is the kind of Alpha that is always rubbing on you, he doesn't know how to keep his hands to himself. It doesn't matter that Shigaraki complains about his scent on your body, he will make sure everyone can smell him on you.

• His ruts are... intense. You need quite the endurance to stand his stamina, and he will not waste a second to take what's his by right. During this time, he doesn't allow Shigaraki to spend a lot of time with you, often leading to arguments that are solved with long steamy make-out sessions and too many hands on your body.

• Alpha Dabi likes to make you wear his jacket when other Alphas are around (specially if you happen to be an omega), he thinks you look ridiculously cute with it. Also the kind that gives you dumb nicknames thinking they are cool but they're lame and sappy.

• Being stuck in the middle with these two sometimes allows you to see some unique dynamics you never expected to see between the two. Alpha Dabi and Omega Shigaraki tend to act like brothers from time to time: they fight for your attention, one wants to shit on the other, they snitch when they make a mistake to be your favorite... "OK, who left the toilet seat up again?" "Dabi-" "YOU FUCKIN RAT-"

• When you're not around, they tend to annoy each other with the stupidest things. Curiously enough, they sometimes work together to do nice things for you (or mischief). It's also hard to keep the place tidy with two gremlins like them.

• Sex with them is also complex. It's a constant power battle between the three, even if it's not what you guys want. Dabi wants to top you, while Shigaraki wants to do it too, and if you ever want to top it's the latter who wants to be selfish with your ministrations. Omega Tomura is very... eager in terms of you domming him. He'll of course enjoy the power trip that mounting you gives him, but he prefers it when you make him cum until it's unbearable and some tears roll down his cheeks.

• Alpha Dabi teases Tomura a lot for this, but low-key enjoys having two bitches whining under him. He'll push that knot of his inside you until you're practically trying to push him away.

"Fuck, you're so tight-" Dabi groaned, shoving his dick inside you while his hand pressed your face into the mattress. He'd been fucking you senseless for a hot minute, his rut being unbearable without your inviting body. Shigaraki was watching the whole scene display as he palmed his own cock, whining and whimpering with every carnal sound that escaped your lips. "S-shiggy, look at me- Oh, God!- Look at me, baby." You panted, your voice cracking as Dabi's knot finally reached its rightful place. "Ha- You look so sexy filled with me. Can't wait to do it again." Dabi growled, biting your skin in a territorial way.

You didn't know if it was good or bad luck to have those two with their respective heat and rut at the same time.

The omega seemed happy with that arrangement though.

[redhoodinternaldialectical]

30 for the writing ask?

30: describe a fic that almost happened, but then didn't.

Whilst away from my computer and therefore all my WIPs, I started a little one shot titled "Who the Hill?" and actually the premise is easier to explain by just giving you what I wrote for the fic before I abandoned it lol!

The bass thud of the club rattles Jason's sternum and thrums through his organs pleasantly as he surveys the rest of the room from his spot in the corner. He's not really looking for anything in particular, just too in the habit of counting exits and tracking glasses to stop even when he's just here to be around other people having fun.

Then he sees Tim - or well maybe that isn't Tim - or no that is absolutely, definitely Tim - but probably Tim's not the right name for the spike and chain adorned person leaned against the bar with the dark, expressive makeup, the short, black skirt, and the high heel boots.

Then he's caught staring and (Not?) Tim's eyes go wide in what looks like fear and ah shit, there's no way he she was ready to come out to him, but hey, he can be cool, he can roll with this and make sure she knows he's not gonna be a prick about it.

Tim watches Jason approach with absolute dread, because he never, EVER wanted to have to explain the whole 'hi, I'm bi and I love the way my ass looks in a mini-skirt' thing to the most depressingly unavailable straight guy he's ever met. He braces for simply the most awkward 'so is this a sex thing?' conversation ever held between two vigilantes.

Instead though, Jason surprises him, "Sorry for putting you on the spot like this, but can I ask for your name?"

Tim blinks and realizes that between the makeup and the breast forms there's a very good chance Jason has no idea who he is! In fact he probably only intended to chat up some cute goth girl, and if he can manage to play along right he might get out of this with his secret intact!

He pitches his voice up a bit and hopes to god that feminine cadence and the loud music carries him, "Carolina, but you can call me Carol if you like."

"Cool! I dig the spikes by the way," Jason smiles like Carolina's name is some beautiful treasure he's been allowed to glimpse and the dread comes right back up as Tim realizes that he's somehow going to have to find it in himself to turn Jason down.

He ought to do it right now. He ought to tell Jason he's an awfully polite guy but she's already late to go home and dropped her phone in the harbor and is currently walking out the door-

[That paragraph's phrasing was inspired by this song hehehe]

But right now Tim is a weak, weak man, who chooses to pluck at Jason's jacket flirtily, "Thanks, I dig the leather and the white streak! You dye it like that?"

Jason gives him the most adorable deer-in-headlights expression back, "Uh, it's um, it's actually a cold brand? You can kinda see the scar around it if you look close."

"Wait like, liquid nitrogen and metal- deliberately?"

"I mean I dyed it the once, but then uh..." He trails awkwardly with a shrug, "I like it. Nice not to have to do anything more to keep it there. Kinda annoying it doesn't keep any other colors, but, ya'know." Another awkward shrug.

"Huh," He'd always assumed Jason just came back with it, but it being an injury instead actually makes a lot of sense? Was it really deliberate though or was he just saying that? "That's pretty fuckin hardcore."

Jason smiles again, feeling warm at all the compliments, and then internally panics.

Tim Carol is flirting with him probably?! That was not- did he say something weird? How did he come off like... And even if he did how the fuck is he supposed to handle this??

She's a girl, and he's very gay.

It feels sort of awful and cruel to think that he might fall out of love with her just because she changed a few words and her shape. Are human hearts really so fickle that the same person in a different cloth cannot be loved the same way?

At the same time though, Jason has historically been a solid six on the kinsey scale and he's sadly gotta admit the boobs are really not doing it for him. But maybe the above the belt feelings will stay? Is that how this works?? Or maybe he can just kinda... Coach himself through moving to a kinsey five???

He nervously fidgets with his hands and tries looking at her legs. He usually really likes Carol's legs and wants to do all kinds of things with them, and legs are things most people have regardless of gender... He attempts to force himself to focus on all the same features he usually likes, but it's just not the same with the heels and the skirt. The spark is gone.

This is so fucking stupid. He's stupid. This isn't how anything works and he should know it, and maybe he even does know it...

He just can't bring himself to give up on this, though. He's never had a crush reciprocate anything before, and now the world demands that he breaks both their hearts over basically nothing?!

He can't and he won't and he fucking refuses!

[Lots more awkward and not so awkward flirting flipping between their perspectives. Tim enjoying the power trip of turning Jason into a nervous mess just by being fem, thinking it's newly realized attraction that Jason can't normally feel towards him, and Jason panicking about whether or not he can be attracted to her at all. This goes on until they leave so Tim/Carol can catch his/her taxi]

Tim glances out at the road, and prepares to rip his own heart out by giving him a fake number, "Hey, um, I kinda ordered a taxi like before I even went out, so... text me?"

"Yeah sure, I've still got your number, and I'll see you back at the cave tomorrow anyways."

Tim, half turned away, goes rigid, "When the fuck did you figure out who I am?"

"What? Who the fuck else would I think you were?"

"A woman!"

"But like, you are a woman though??"

Tim stares at him, baffled, until the taxi driver leans on the horn and he decides to have this conversation on the way home. He grabs Jason by the wrist and hauls him into the car.

Jason hiss-whispers, "Wait are you in disguise right now? Did you just fucking use me for a case?!"

"No!" Tim hisses back while slamming the door shut behind him, "No, it's unfortunately infinitely more stupid and embarrassing for me!"

"Then...?" Jason gives him a confused gesture to spit it out already.

"I'm a crossdresser. My name's not any different. I'm not a woman. I'm sorry, I swear I didn't mean to lead you on, I just didn't know what the fuck to do when you came up to me asking for my fucking name."

And that's as far as I got before I abandoned it!

The problem I had with it and the reason I'm never gonna finish it is because there's not really a way to resolve the core tension/conflict that would be satisfactory to me. I need to emphasize here that I don't care about trying to find some kind of """"morally correct"""" way to end it, I just mean personally satisfying for me; any of the possible ways to end it would be morally fine, they just also all make me feel bad lmao

So like obviously the original resolution to the miscommunication was that Tim was a cis dude who just happened to be into dressing up in girly clothes and enjoying men's attention that way. That part on its own would be good, but it does mean that the moment of resolution from Jason's perspective comes out to being "Oh thank goodness you're not trans/not a woman/not a trans woman" and I don't feel great about that. Again, not a morals thing, it'd just leave a bad taste in my mouth.

My second idea was to have Tim realize he might be non-binary/a woman via Jason treating him like a woman and being so accepting of her. As a gay trans man who likes to cross dress in order to enjoy men's attention, this would give me bone dissolving levels of dysphoria!

There was also the problem of how to resolve Jason's sexuality.

As a gay man who spent many, many years of my life attempting to convince myself I was bisexual, any version of making Jason bisexual would give me bone dissolving levels of dysphoria! But like sexuality dysphoria instead of gender dysphoria. It would also eliminate an important source of narrative tension and character motivation.

The traditional version of keeping him gay would mean that Jason turns Carolina/Tim down altogether, which would break Jason's heart, and break Carolina's heart, and break my heart, and also turn the reveal into "it's a tragedy that you're trans/a woman/a trans woman". Infinite pain for zero gain!

I'd actually love to have Jason simply want to try being sexually intimate with an enby/woman Tim and have him decide he likes it even though he's still gay and still not attracted to Carolina/Tim at all. The experiences of sex having ace folks and people who have sex with people they aren't attracted to are really interesting to me and I'd love to explore that - if there was a bit more room to explore it right. This is a tiny one shot. I don't feel like I could properly convey that without putting in way more time and effort than I have to spare on this side project.

I MIGHT someday be convinced to finish this for a few different reasons, but for the forseeable future it won't be worked on. I have SO MANY PROJECTS that are better, more interesting, less awkward to handle, and already half published, like I got better things to do lol, so for now this is the one that got away.

In the meantime though: Please steal this!! If you find the premise interesting, especially if any of the versions that would give me bone dissolving dysphoria appeal to you, please take my words and write more onto them! I'd love to see some version of this finished someday, and I don't mind if someone (or several someones!) end up doing it instead of me, just lemme know if you do and throw a lil bit of credit my way and it's all good :3