#not to mention how easy it is to have wild just for fun aus with aa

[taeyongdoyoung]

daddy's home

summary: boyfriendless, jobless and hopeless, you rush to take the first opportunity you find, which is a nanny position. but the kids are not the only ones you grow fond of... pairing: seungcheol x reader genre: fluff, smut, single dad x nanny AU warnings: kids (triggering, i know), age gap (unspecified), mentions of past cheating, abandonment issues, potential therapy, male masturbation, confessions, blowjob, kissing, eating out, protected sex (unbelievable), dirty talk, size kink, pet names (sweetheart, angel, darling, little girl), sir+daddy kink, unprotected sex (with baby-making goal), breeding kink, creampie, more kids (sorry im ovulating) author's note: this is loosely based on the sitcom the nanny in that there's a single dad with three kids but minus the dead wife trope cuz that's too depressing for my tastes word count: 4.3k

You are desperate. Your shitty boyfriend cheated on you, broke up with you and you also lost your job. So it’s been a couple of terrible weeks. Now, you would take pretty much any kind of job as long as it pays enough for you to afford food and the bills. ASAP.

Single dad looks for a live-in nanny for his three kids. Full-time with Sundays off. Contact this number for more details.

Okay, truth be told, you’ve never considered yourself as someone who is good with kids. But how hard can it be? Have you mentioned you’re desperate?

“Listen, Miss L/N,” Mr. Choi, your potential future employer starts. “I appreciate your enthusiasm but I’m not just going to hire you. I’m looking for someone with experience.”

“Well, I have a bunch of nephews, if they turned out alright under my care, then I guess that counts for something,” you chuckle.

“That’s very nice but I’m talking about professional experience. Have you been a nanny before?”

“Technically, no, but how can I get experience if you won’t hire me?”

“Touché,” Mr. Choi laughs.

“How about a trial period? Let me spend some time with your kids under your supervision and prove myself capable.”

Mr. Choi nods reluctantly.

“Well, you’re in luck since my little goblins have driven away five nannies in the past month.”

Oh, dear. Five nannies…And here you were thinking this could be an easy job.

“So, what’s one more?” you chuckle nervously and Mr. Choi shakes your hand, agreeing to give you a chance.

You are excited when meeting his kids. The eldest daughter - Chaerry is 15, very elegant and polite. You think that you’ll have no problems with her and you’ll have lots to talk about. The middle child and only son - Dino is 10, extremely mischievous and loud. You’ll definitely have problems. Finally, the youngest daughter, Elsie, is 5, she’s such a cutie but leaves a mess of her toys everywhere she goes. It’s easy to trip if you’re not careful, but nothing you can’t handle.

The trial period goes by in a flash. Dino attempts to get on your nerves by pulling pranks like hiding fake spiders in your bag and spraying your outfit with ketchup, but you accept all that with an easygoing laugh. Elsie constantly asks you to play with her toys and you need an unlimited source of ideas to keep up with her wild imagination, but it feels more like fun than a job. Chaerry is quiet and doesn’t share much at the beginning but eventually tells you about this boy at school she has a crush on. So, you count that as a success.

“I must admit, Miss L/N, I had some worries at first but seeing how quickly my kids accepted you is remarkable,” Mr. Choi shares his observations with you at the end of the trial period.

“So, am I hired, then?” you beam with excitement.

“Absolutely, yes. The kids have taken a liking to you and changing nannies so often is probably not great for them, either.”

“So true. Kids need stability and I would be happy to stick around for as long as you’ll have me, Mr. Choi,” you are thrilled not only because you will have a bed to sleep, food to eat and money to spend, but because you are genuinely looking forward to spending more time with these little munchkins.

And spend time with them you do. You're not sure what exactly it is that makes the kids warm up to you, but whatever the reason, it's working.

With Chaerry, you talk about boys and high school drama and make-up. On one occasion, she tells you something that sincerely touches you.

“Thank you for being my best friend, Y/N. I know I shouldn't keep stuff from my dad, but he can be so overprotective sometimes it's difficult to talk about...well, going on dates with boys, mostly.”

“Aww, Chae, you can tell me anything. It'll be our little secret,” you give her a wink, followed by a hug.

You're not exactly sure what the correct response here is. But you'll make sure to maintain some kind of balance - both look after her safety so that Mr. Choi sleeps peacefully at night and not betray Chaerry's trust in you.

With Dino, after the initial phase of silly pranks passes, you notice that he's become more honest and calm.

“You won't leave us like our mom and all the other nannies did, will you?” he asks you one afternoon as you're watching TV together.

You haven't asked Mr. Choi what exactly happened with these kids' mother because frankly, it's none of your business, but something is telling you they're a lot more hurt than they let on.

“I'm not going anywhere, Dino,” you promise, though really, it's up to Mr. Choi to decide that.

“Good. It would really suck if you left.”

That's a lot, coming from the kid who damaged like half of your wardrobe with all kinds of sauces.

With Elsie, another strange situation takes place due to the fact that the kid has no filter.

“Let's play family!”

“Um, okay,” you agree without thinking much.

“This will be daddy,” Elsie points at a stuffed lion plushie and then grabs a tiger plushie, “And this is you, mommy!”

“Oh, honey. I'm not your mommy,” you try to explain as gently as possible.

“But can you be? Daddy says our mommy left and has a new family somewhere else.”

Okay, that's a lot to unpack here. Though you don't think it is your place, you'll need to have a conversation with Mr. Choi, because the kids obviously have some kind of unresolved trauma...

One evening, after the kids have gone to sleep, instead of going to your room, you wait in the living room for your employer to come back from work, so you can approach the subject as delicately as you can.

“Good evening, Miss L/N. Kids go to bed?” he greets you as he takes off his coat.

“Evening, Mr. Choi. Yes, they did. I was wondering if we can have a chat. It can be a sensitive topic, I'm sure, but for the sake of the kids, I think it's important.”

Mr. Choi nods and takes a seat next to you on the couch.

“About their mother...”

“I was wondering how long it'd take you to bring that up,” he chuckles bitterly. “Other nannies wanted me to spill the tea on day one.”

“Wow, seriously?”

“It's not like it's this big secret, I just prefer not to talk about it unless absolutely necessary. My ex-wife...cheated on me and got pregnant by another man, so we had a divorce and I kept the kids, because she said she wants to start anew with this other guy, and...well, the kids said this is their home and that they won't move. So, I suppose the judge took that under consideration.”

“My God. I had no idea.”

“You couldn't have known, considering I just said I don't enjoy revisiting those painful memories.”

“Yes, of course, I only meant that...I guess it explains some things. Forgive me for saying this, but I think the kids have some kind of abandonment issues. Elsie and Dino, in particular, they seem to have a fear that I'll leave just like...well, their mom and the other nannies.”

“And are you? Leaving, I mean.”

“Not if I can help it. Mr. Choi, your kids are very vibrant and precious to me. I genuinely love my job. But I'm worried that what happened with your ex-wife affected them more than they show. Maybe you should look into therapy?”

“I will definitely take that into consideration. Thank you for your candour, Miss L/N.”

“You're most welcome.”

“What about Chaerry?”

“What about her?”

“You said that Elsie and Dino express these abandonment issues. Does Chaerry not have them?”

“She probably does, but at the moment she's too busy thinking about boys.”

“Boys? At her tender age? I don't think so,” Mr. Choi immediately goes into ultra alpha protective dad mode and you honestly find it kind of funny. And hot.

“Oh, relax, Mr. Choi. It's just typical high school drama. There's nothing to be worried about.”

He shakes his head disapprovingly.

“I'm counting on you. Does it ever occur to you how quickly they grow up?”

“I suppose it's more difficult for you. I've only known them for a few months but I think I get what you mean.”

“Yeah...How strange, it feels like you've been part of this family forever.”

You try not to think too deeply about it. He...considers you part of this family. Elsie called you mommy. Dino doesn't want you to leave. And Chaerry talks to you about boys. A topic, which girls usually discuss with their mothers. Oh, sweet heavens. Maybe, this nanny gig is becoming more than a job...

One Monday Mr. Choi texts you not to come to work this Saturday, as the kids will be spending some time with their grandparents (aka Mr. Choi's parents). However, the moment you receive the text, you're too busy trying to escape from Dino who is chasing you with a water gun in the garden. So, you somehow forget to put it down in your calendar.

Saturday arrives and poor Mr. Choi thinks you'd be in your own apartment. Finally, some peace and quiet. His parents picked up the kids early in the morning to go to the park with them so he's all alone and free to do as he pleases.

But alas, you go down the stairs of Mr. Choi's enormous house and make your way to the kitchen to prepare some breakfast for the kids. However, it's too quiet. Hm, how strange. Maybe, they're not awake yet? You shrug as you pour some milk and cereal in a bowl.

Oh, you hear some noise from the living room. Is that the TV? Your curiosity gets the better of you and you enter it only to find Mr. Choi in a very compromising position. He is touching himself, watching very obscene things on the big screen!

You are on the verge of chastising your boss for doing something like that in the living room, where the kids could walk in any minute, when you remember. The kids...They're with their grandparents today. Which means that...Fuck, you're not supposed to be here. You should be at your own apartment instead of being witness to...your very sexy and very single employer taking care of his needs.

You are going to sneak back into the kitchen and wait for a more appropriate time to leave the house when you hear it. At first you think you're hallucinating but then you hear it twice. Your name.

“Y/N...please, let me-” Mr. Choi moans, his eyes closed, he is unaware of your presence.

However, he doesn't get to finish his sentence because you are so shocked that you drop the bowl of cereal, which shatters on the ground with a loud noise.

“Fuck, I'm so so sorry,” you murmur nervously as your boss finally notices you watching him.

His cheeks flushed, his lips pouting, he is the most adorable you've ever seen him. He hurries to tuck his cock back into his pants and turn off the TV.

“N-no, I'm sorry...Miss L/N, what are you doing here?”

Oh, so you're Miss L/N now...Very well, then.

“I apologize. It must have slipped my mind that the kids are with their grandparents today.”

“It must have,” Mr. Choi repeats coldly, obviously embarrassed by this situation.

You wonder if you should tell him what you heard. Would that be unprofessional? But then again, he is the one who said your name, so...what is professional anyway?

“Do you want me to leave?”

He sighs deeply.

“What's the point? You already saw me...fuck, I feel so humiliated.”

“Why would you feel humiliated? Am I so undesirable that my presence immediately turned you off?” you ask bluntly.

“That's not the case and you know it.”

“I'm not sure I know anything anymore,” you admit. “You...said my name. How is that supposed to make me feel?”

“You were never meant to hear that,” Mr. Choi hides his face behind his hands, the redness refusing to leave his complexion.

“But I did. So, what now?”

“Please, don't quit. I realize that what I did is unforgivable but...the kids care about you so much, it would devastate them to lose you.”

“I wasn't even thinking of quitting. But...are the kids the only ones who care about me?” you need to know.

“No...As it so happens, I care about you.”

“So, stop hiding from me,” you don't know where that boldness comes from as you grab his wrists and remove his hands, so you can look at his face. Fuck, he's so pretty.

“You're not...grossed out by me?” Mr. Choi blinks at you in surprise.

“Kinda flattered, actually,” you confess. “But I'd like it much better if you let me take care of your frustrations.”

“You would?” he is unable to believe his luck when you drop on your knees in front of him and take him out of his pants again, engulfing his cock with your pretty mouth. “Y/N...”

The way he says your name is enough to make you even more enthusiastic, sucking him deeper and bobbing your head to the best of your abilities. He grips your hair tightly and you make sure not a drop is spilled as you swallow his cum down your throat. You wipe off your lips and sit down next to him, unsure of what to do next.

“Mr. Choi...”

“Call me Cheol, please.”

“Cheol...may I kiss you?”

Seungcheol doesn't respond and instead kisses you passionately, grabbing your face with his hands. His tongue is exploring your mouth in ways you'd never imagined could bring so much pleasure and you can't resist the urge to sit in his lap. Somehow, against all reason, he's hard again, as you grind against him. Fuck. He's so hot and sweet and amazing you just want to make him happy. How anyone could cheat on this fine man is beyond you.

“Um...not to assume or anything, but do you have a condom?” you ask sheepishly.

“I do, yes,” Seungcheol goes to his coat and brings a package.

“I mean, don't get me wrong, I love kids, but I think we should be responsible considering this is our first time together and you already have three of your own,” you're probably talking too much but oh well. Better safe than sorry.

“No, I understand. You're totally right.”

“Will you fuck me?” you inquire.

“Here? On the couch?” Seungcheol is in disbelief.

“Well...you were touching yourself here, but I guess it's whatever. Your home, after all.”

He chuckles, suddenly embarrassed again.

“Come on, let's go to my room.”

Seungcheol offers you his hand and you follow him upstairs excitedly. Is this really happening? Are you seriously going to do this with your boss?

He lifts your chin up because he notices you're not meeting his eyes out of nervousness.

“Look at me,” he commands you easily and you're on the verge of falling apart and he hasn't even undressed you yet. The power this man holds over you... “We don't have to do this if you're not ready.”

“It's not that. I do want this. It's just...I don't remember if I told you but I was also cheated on. A little before I came to work here. And like, I haven't been intimate for a while, so I'm nervous. What if I mess something up?”

“Okay, first of all, give me that asshole's address, I just wanna talk. And second of all...darling, I haven't been intimate since way before my divorce took place. Trust me, I'm a lot more nervous than you right now.”

You shake your head.

“Whatever you do, I'm sure I'll find it like super hot.”

Seungcheol laughs and tilts his head, kissing you again.

“You're so cute,” he whispers against your mouth. “I can't wait to ruin you.”

And just like that, it's as if a switch is flipped. He pushes you onto the bed and leans above you menacingly, a devilish smirk painting his pretty face. Seungcheol pushes your dress up hurriedly, touching you all over.

“You really thought you could get away with it, huh? Walking around my house in those dresses of yours looking so sexy? Tempting me?”

“N-no, s-sir,” you murmur, not knowing where the title is coming from.

“God, I'm such a cliché. An old man unable to resist the gorgeous young nanny...”

“You're not old, sir,” you try to reassure him. You're not sure if he's just engaging in dirty talk or is actually having some insecurities. He's still young in your eyes. Whatever the case, you're there for him.

“Don't lie to me, sweetheart. I'm too old for ya...I have three kids. What do you have, hm?” Seungcheol speaks while caressing your pussy through your panties.

“I have you, sir,” you smile and palm his dick teasingly.

He sighs wistfully and buries his head between your folds, licking and teasing until you're a soaking mess for him.

“S-sir, p-please...C-cheol, don't stop,” you cry out helplessly.

It feels so good, too good. He holds you down, hands gripping your thighs as you cum against his tongue. He barely gives you any time to recover as he rolls up a condom on his cock. You stare at him hungrily, impatient to have him inside of you.

Seungcheol is like the drug everyone warned you about. Once you have him, you won't be able to quit.

“Are you ready?” he asks softly in sharp contrast with his previous behaviour.

“Please take me, Cheol,” you would beg if you had to.

And take you he does, entering you deeply with his big cock.

“Fuck, you're so tight, barely fitting me in,” he speaks, stroking your clit in circular motions with his thumb, while he fucks you harshly.

“It's okay, I won't break, sir,” you try to convince him.

“What if I want you to break, little girl?” Seungcheol inquires, his voice half-joking, half-serious, as he.

“Then, I'd be happy to serve you, daddy,” the word slips from your lips before you could think twice about it.

“Daddy, huh? You need daddy to make you cum?” you are grateful he plays along instead of making fun of you in this very vulnerable moment.

“Yes, daddy, please, I'll do anything for you,” you promise in a daze.

“Cum for me, sweet girl, let daddy take care of you,” his deep voice is enough to bring you to the edge.

“Fuuuck, daddy...Cheol,” you mumble repeatedly, as white appears before your eyes.

You're shaking in his arms but it feels like flying.

“I've got you, angel, daddy's right here,” Seungcheol comforts you, as he rides out his own high, spilling inside the condom. Then, taking it off and throwing it in the garbage bin, he hurries back to you.

You make grabby hands at him and he envelops you in a hug.

“I'm here, sweetheart,” he kisses your forehead gently and you melt against his chest.

“Cheol...I think you just murdered me a little,” you laugh.

“Well, then, I better make sure I revive you, because I can't imagine my life without you.”

“Good. You ain't getting rid of me.”

“That sounds perfect because me and the kids would like you to stick around.”

“Oh God, the kids! What time are they coming back?”

“We've got time, don't worry, they should-”

“Daaaad, we're home!” you hear Dino's loud voice from downstairs.

“Fuck,” Cheol curses under his breath and the two of you hurry to make yourselves look somewhat presentable.

Once dressed and back in the living room, you can only hope that you're not too obvious about what went down. However, you can't stop yourself from glancing at Seungcheol and he's just as flustered as you.

“Oh, hi, Y/N,” Dino greets you as if it's completely normal for you to be there. As if you belong.

“How was your time with your grandparents?” you ask, trying to act casual.

“We had so much ice cream!” Elsie squeals excitedly.

“Grandma and Grandpa took us to the park,” Chaerry starts telling you about everything they did in great detail and you are glad that the shy girl you first met is becoming a confident young woman.

Elsie is asking for more ice cream but Seungcheol is explaining that it's lunch time. Dino is painting the table with mustard and honestly, that's so on brand for him...

It is funny where desperation brought you. You realize this is the happiest you've been in a while.

Later, when Seungcheol catches you alone after spending the afternoon with the kids, he asks:

“I know we kinda messed up the proper order of things, but...would you like to go on a date with me?”

“Oh! I'd love that, Cheol. Is it okay to still call you that?”

“Yeah, it's alright.”

“What about in front of the kids? I'm not sure to what point you'd like to mix professional with...personal life.”

“In front of the kids is okay, too,” he laughs, scratching the back of his head. “Actually, do you know what Elsie keeps asking me?”

“What?”

“When will you make Y/N my new mommy?”

“Yeah, that definitely sounds like something Elsie would say.”

“So, um, no pressure. But I think you're more than the nanny to me.”

“Well, I would certainly hope so. I didn't raise you, mister!”

Seungcheol can't miss the opportunity for a joke. He takes hold of your hand and places it on top of his...very hard dick.

“You raised him, though,” he whispers.

“Mr. Choi!” you hiss, scandalized. “I mean...Cheol.”

“Did you mean daddy?” Seungcheol teases you relentlessly.

“Stop it, you deviant!” you shake your head. “Fuck, you'll never let me live this down, will ya?”

“Do you kiss your boss with that mouth?” he smirks.

“Don't mind if I do,” you reply and bring your lips to his.

A year passes by quickly. You love every day of your life. Whether it'll be spending time with the kids, or going on fun dates with your boss turned boyfriend, or having mind-blowing sex with said specimen, you are truly happy with how things turned out for the best.

With one tiny thing missing.

“Cheol, can I ask you something?” you mumble one evening, as you are playing with his soft, fluffy hair.

“Of course, sweetheart,” Seungcheol turns towards you, giving you his fullest attention.

“Have you ever thought about having more kids?”

“Hmm, it hasn't crossed my mind. I already have three kids. But it depends. Is that something you're interested in?”

“Not till now. But if it's with you, I'd love to have a kid,” you confess shyly.

“Well, then, let's make you a mommy,” Seungcheol quickly makes it his mission and for the first time, doesn't use a condom.

“Yes, please, daddy, give me your cum,” you moan wantonly, as he fucks you deep.

“Take it like the good girl you are, I'll give you all I've got, fuck a baby in ya,” he grunts in your ear, sounding even more excited than you are.

“I love it, feel so full,” you whimper and can't stop kissing him. You can't believe this beautiful man is yours and wants to give you another present.

“That's right, sweetheart, I'll stuff you full of it,” he moans and releases himself inside you. Your walls clench around him, pulling him deeper, as you reach your high.

Seungcheol gently pushes the cum that's spilling out of your pussy back inside and lifts your legs up.

“Do you think it'll stick?” you ask doubtfully.

“Can't hurt to try again until it does,” he shrugs, determined to succeed.

Nine months later, as you welcome the twins into the family, you realize you've never expected to achieve so much happiness.

“You really had to outdo yourself and give me not one but two babies,” you playfully push Seungcheol's shoulder.

“Is it too late now to say sorry?” he grins nervously.

“Don't be. I'm more than satisfied. But you'll have to give me a raise!”

“I'll give you something better than that,” Seungcheol promises and pulls a diamond ring out of his pocket.

“Oh my God,” you are in shock.

“Y/N...you've given me more than I could ever hope to deserve. You started off as a nanny but you became my three kids' best friend and now, the mother of two more angels. You became my closest person, my source of joy, my sweetheart. Knowing that I can come home to you is the best thing that's ever happened to me. Will you do me the absolute honour of becoming my wife?”

“Yes, of course, yes!” you say through your tears and kiss him, as he slides the ring on your finger.

“Can I call you mommy now?” Elsie peeks her adorable head behind the door, followed by Dino and Chaerry, who are all excited by the good news.

“Congratulations, Y/N!” Chaerry greets you with a hug and whispers: “Thanks for taking one for the team and making our lonely old man. happy.”

“Hey, I heard that!” Seungcheol complains loudly.

Dino jumps on the back of his dad with a loud squeal.

“You better treat her right, Dad!” the boy warns. “Or I'll ketchup your room!”

“Why do I feel like I'm the one being welcomed into the family?” Seungcheol bemoans his fate but he's never smiled wider.

“You'll get used to it,” you joke. “Come on, guys, meet your new brother and sister.”

“Hii, babies!” Elsie and Dino jump excitedly around the twins.

“Oh, they're so cute! Aren't they so cute, Dad?” Chaerry coos at the babies.

“They are, but it's too early for you to think about how cute babies are. Look at me...I already have five. Isn't it tragic?” Seungcheol keeps messing around.

“It could have been twelve or something,” you play along.

“I can't imagine,” Seungcheol cries out indignantly. But deep down, maybe he can.

The End

[alistairsmonstercafe]

Hi! Just incase you do requests, could we please have some wraith-ghost x werewolf!reader? I saw the fanart and couldn’t stop thinking about Ghost being absolutely dwarfed by their partner especially in their shift.

(And in case of nsfw, imagine ghost helping his partner through rut and getting absolutely railed by his bf half-shifted. The size difference is going crazy!)

NSFW Guiding A Shadow

NOTICE Male Werewolf TOP/DOM reader

CHARACTER BOTTOM/SUB Wraith Ghost

CW Scent Kink, monster fucking, size kink, werewolf rut, slight blood (just mentions of you scratching him accidentally with claws), mentions of poly relationship with 141 (so no cheating they all bang each other like horny rabbits)

ADDITIONAL I don't mind Fem/Fem aligned readers reading but don't feel insulted/complain that I strictly don't do Fem reader, not my cuppa tea mate.

INSPIRATION @/Bluegiragi Monster AU on Twt and Tumblr

NOTE Sorry for my sudden absence a while ago... Cough.. I think in my little adhd brain I had a fit of hyperfixation and just burnt out as easy as I came.

When you had first arrived in the helicopter, the moment Ghost had caught even a whiff of a tail, he groaned. Another werewolf? Albeit larger. But after Soap was just as recent? He prayed you weren't like him.

Well. Hoped.

He looked at you what could only be assumed from under his balaclava was a scowl. Eyes looking you up and down with a harsh crease in his eyebrows. Furrowed and judging as you walked off the plane.

Training would never be fun with a werewolf, that was for sure with their size, and with you? Many dwarfed in comparison. You were not as bulky as Soap, persay, but damn, you were built. Decently thick legs and a height that towered over many, even Ghost. Fur upon different parts of your body and decently groomed might one say.

And after hitting it off with Soap (as he wished wasn't expected,) he was yet then assigned with the task of watching over you. The likes of you, of which, while quiet, seemed to be influenced by Soap that he, Ghost, was not as scary as he turned to be. No matter how many growls or warnings of what he could do to you, you never seemed to be phased. And just as Soap had wiggled into Ghost's heart, who said it could only hold one?

You had seemed to wedge your way into that dark depth he called a heart. (As how he always described it, but nobody ever believed him.) And he seemed to accept you more. React less to your energy and simply nod. The best you could ever get you supposed. But who could complain? Not you, thats for sure.

The real kicker had been training day. It was you, Gaz, Ghost, Soap, and Price gearing up for what was meant to be a casual spar. Soap seemed ecstatic at a new man who could keep up to his size, and even challenge him. Price and Gaz could only agree to see how this would play out.

But Ghost? His eyes never left you. Narrowed and watching. What would your werewolf form look like? Were you smaller, or bigger then Johnny? Did you go just as wild as Johnny did on a full moon, more or less?

There were many unexplained questions, many both answered and many forgotten in a series of minutes as he saw your form.

That shouldn't have explained the sudden tent in his pants when he saw your wolf ish form panting over Johnny's, teeth playfully bared and a paw like hand keeping Johnny firmly planted into the floor as he surrendered.

That shouldn't have explained the sudden burning arousal in his core.

That shouldn't-

But it did.

And all Ghost could do was excuse himself for the restroom. Undoing his belt with whisps of smoke practically fighting to not let lose on his forearms. Muttered curses of mild frustration as he groaned and let out his cock, freeing it from his boxers as he bit his glove hard and stroked it. He couldn't let anyone know how much this affected him.

His mind foggy and desperate in both a want of release and mild curiosity, Ghost wondered how you'd feel. Hell, he was aware he'd only been interested a few times in his life, few one night stands, few casualties here in there in the squad.. But there was something about giving the control to someone who didn't always have a human form for the night made him curious.

Apparently curious enough to cum on his hand, breathing heavily as he was pulled from his high with a knock on the bathroom door.

"Hurry it up Lt, lads eh waitin' for ye." Soap grumbled, the sound of him walking in and turning on the tap was quiet.

"Out in a minute." Ghost could only reply, pulling up his boxers and zipping up his pants. He wiped down everything and pushed the stall door open to see Soap leaning against the sink with a raised brow, looking a little bruised.

"Look a little bruised there, Johnny."

Soap scoffs and shrugs.

"Tha' lad did aye number on me. Accidently broke the lads phone, but for a wolf of tha' size, I'd guess his family wasn't small either."

Size. Back to the size, practically forgetting about the fact your phone broke and Ghost was reminded when his mind briefly drifted back to your size, large and imposing an-

"Ghost to earth. Ye there or did ye ascend to high heaven to meet the queen?"

"I'm here, I'm here. Just had a thought."

"About a certain little wolf?"

"Shut your trap." Ghost had looked away as he was snapped from his thoughts once more, brushing past Soap as he reached for the door.

"You can do that a later day." Soap hummed. Watching Ghost leave with a cheeky grin.

Later that day, in the mess hall you were seen chatting idly with the squad, complaining on the cafeterias shitty meat options as everyone could only ever agree.

"I'm tellin' you guys, how can you even eat this shit? Tastes worse then a dog's ass." You groan, poking at the slice of supposed ham.

"An' how do you know what a dog's ass tastes like mate?" Gaz teases quietly, before getting a firm smack on the head by Soap.

"Look at us mate. We ain' exactly the people you wanna ask when knowing that of all things."

Gaz shrugs and gives a laugh. But you seem to pay no mind to their conversation, your eyes scanning around for Ghost. It had been a while since he was supposed to meet with the rest of you for dinner.

"I think I'm full, I'm gonna go look for Ghost, alright?" You mention quietly, and the rest nod, but Price seems to have an idea and shrugs, looking to the side.

Walking through the halls you pass by a calander, January 24. January 24? Why did that seem so familiar? It wasn't a birthday or a meeting, so you shrugged it off. A broken phone wouldn't serve you any good either. And you didn't feel too off aside from a few aches from today's spar.

But when you knocked on Ghost's door, a scent hit your nose like a truck. And a few soft groans was enough to let you know what was happening.

"Ghost?" You called out quietly, unsure to knock again.

"Can I come in?" You ask, even while fully aware of what's happening, leaving your tail wagging and your mouth almost salvating, you hold respect as you grip the door knob.

But when a strained voice of "come in", is spoken, you almost quickly push open the door. Seeing as Ghost lays on his back, two fingers stuffed into his hole as he looks up at you with a dazed expression.

"Interested in helpin' your superior out?" He groans, head falling back a little as his fingers press near a spot inside him.

And you can easily feel the strings of your restraint tear, the scent of him so aroused, so wet, so perfectly presented for you makes your instincts practical drool. A perfect position for a mate, and a perfect way to start the spring season.

You quickly find yourself on top of him, face buried in his neck as you lap at the scent, tongue licking where it can while your hand finds its way to his mouth. Shoving it in whilst he gives a muffled whine on them. But you know it's hard to restrict yourself in the confindes of a more human then wolf body. And it's almost like a silent plead to be allowed to switch as you look up at Ghost and whine, rutting your cock against his thigh.

"Fuckin' hell.. You have my permission. Go wild." Ghost whispers as he tugs you in close by the collar. And that enough is able to grow you around 4x in size. Clothes easily removes and teared off as your cock lays heavy against his thigh, as you continue to rut, and your fingers have long replaced his in his hole as you pump in and out, stretching him on your thick fingers as your long tongue finds its way up and down his body.

"F-fuck that tongue..!" Ghost moans out, back arching into your touch as the thickness of your fingers, your tongue, and heavy cock all feel like so much on him, and he loves it. Craves it even. And it's when you remove your fingers, in that brief moment he knows he's going to not be able to move for quite a bit after that.

And the stretch is even better. The thickness of your cock at the tip pushes in and burns delightfully, filling him up as you drag it down until it reaches near the base. But not entirely to leave room for the knot soon later. A slow paced easily turned into Jackhammering as you snapped your hips quickly into place after bottoming out in him, your claws digging into his thighs and hips causing mild drips of blood that Ghost couldn't care more about and flipping him over onto his stomach to reach deeper positions, and seeing a small tummy buldge hidden beneath as you place your free hand under it, making his whispy shadows go rampant on his body, his shadows shakily wrapping around the fluff of your neck to pull you in, mumbling praises. "G-good fuckin' boy- Oh fuck! So-.. So good fuckin' your lieutenant like a good pup-!"

It makes your tail wag faster and your mind run rampant on breeding the man below you, as you feel your knot built up.

All the sensations make Ghost jolt, moan, squirm, and whine. But the size and stretch is so worth it, and he wouldn't have werewolf cock any other way.

[padawansuggest]

Okay so I want to make an arranged marriage AU for Obi-Wan/Jango. But like. Instead of it being all ‘neither of us want this’ it’s a contract that they both willingly signed and honestly it was obsession at first sight.

Lemme explain.

See, Stewjon (ruled by King Yoda and his mess of adopted kids, so adoption is very common on the planet and they don’t even mind that Prince Jango already has kids) is a peaceful little world that cares about arts, parties, and farming. It’s a mixture of fun and practical. Most Mandalorians think it’s kinda shallow, but fun for party weekends to run off to. A lot of New Mandalorians that still hate the republic send their kids off to school there.

Obi-Wan is 25 minutes late to the meeting and Jango is all ‘you know what, I can handle not having to entertain him, clearly he’s got better things to do Lmao, this marriage will be easy’ and then the next minute someone flings open the meeting room doors, and you can just SEE Prince Qui-Gon’s face fall. He’s been toting the qualities of his baby son for the whole time they’ve been there, talking about the art degrees the kid has (Obi likes painting and sculpting in canon okay) and Jango is all ‘that’s great, he can paint his own wedding armor I’m sure it’ll be lovely’ and about how Obi-Wan is great with kids and loves to read ‘that’s great, he can entertain my father AND son at the same time’

And then the door slams open, and in comes a wild looking Xanatos, physically dragging a snarling young man who’s trying to bite through Xanatos’s wrist.

‘DAD HES TRYING TO REMOVE MY HAND’

‘Oh my. He’s not normally so… violent.’

‘THATS A FUCKING LIE AND YOU KNOW IT’

Anyways, Obi-Wan is eventually soothed into submission when Jango, who can’t stop laughing, asks if Obi-Wan really finds him so distasteful, cause he can just leave if so. Obi-Wan, after pulling his slightly bloody mouth off his brother’s arm with an air of dainty sweetness, just licks his chops and mentions Xanatos told him the Mandalorians would take away his pet Varactyl because they wouldn’t want Boga running around the city.

Jango just laughs even harder and tells him he can have whatever big dangerous pets he wants to. Obi-Wan gets up to go meet his new future husband and inform him that he would like a nexu. Jango says yes but also gifts him a new virodagger that makes Obi-Wan squeal about how pretty it is.

Jaster expected them to leave the planet with a very tenacious plan for breaking off the marriage but instead Jango is sighing lovingly and telling his new beloved that they shan’t be parted for much longer. Lovesick strill pups at first sight.

[olderthannetfic]

So, you mentioned low standards of research in podcasts. I don't listen to podcasts or watch a lot of videos about fandom analysis, but I have seen error corrections happening in the wild for what I have listened to, so I can only imagine how annoying it is when you know your shit.

Do you have any resources that come to mind as things everyone who likes fandom should be comfortable with, or specific essays on uniquely important fandoms (such as Sherlock Holmes or Star Trek) that everyone should read? Obviously the OTW resources are up there; what else?

Aside from resources, do you think there are any skills that are especially vital for getting to the bottom of fandom trends? Interview skills are probably pretty high up there.

Any pitfalls you see a lot of young fans falling into?

(I do a lot of fandom history research. It is the thing that gives me joy in fandom; other people like shipping or AUs, I like my little mini-anthropology sandbox and watching how ideas spread. I'm not necessarily good at it, but it's fun!)

--

Well... it's the usual things.

For example, a lot of fans claim to love fandom stats, but the ones that get passed around come from like three people. The people doing those stats, including me, don't usually have a statistics background, which doesn't automatically make them bad, but it really seems like people are just trusting anything with a pie chart.

We've recently seen people discover that those year-end AO3 ship stats have a seriously weird methodology. They don't show the thing their fans are actually trying to find out. People were pissed. But most of the time, they don't even bother asking what the methodology is or trying to do anything themselves.

There's far too much sitting back and waiting for some BNF to spoon feed one publicly-available information.

--

The big failings aren't usually the math itself but, of course, not knowing what question to ask, so it pertains to history research, not just stats.

You'll see a lot of stuff on shipping that looks at AO3 because AO3 shipping numbers are easy to pull... But AO3 shipping numbers don't just happen to be easy to pull: that is both an effect and a cause that is directly related to AO3's content. Someone interested in meta shouldn't be asking "What do AO3's numbers show?" as their first question. They should be asking "Why is this metadata available or not available and what does that mean on a sociological level?"

--

Thing two is the eternal I Have Apparently Never Heard of Anime problem. A fuckton of people theorizing about fandom trends seem to know fucking nothing about whole massive sectors of fandom or treat them as afterthoughts. This is okay if you're writing a history of Media Fandom. It is criminally stupid if you're trying to talk about what makes a piece of media have fic when another doesn't, what kinds of websites make fandoms take off, etc. Those kinds of broad questions need a broad understanding of what's out there.

It's not anime-specific, and I'm not asking for a high degree of knowledge.

I have routinely had people tell me that best friend ships and mystery/crime as a genre aren't popular, and that's why AO3 has this or that pattern... Meanwhile, buddy cops are the bedrock of oldschool slash fandom and make up basically all of the longest-running Western m/m fandoms that aren't Star Trek. CSI slop tends to have legions of future canon het shippers, and they make plenty of fanworks. It's just that some of this is more visible on FFN or older places, not AO3.

I'm always seeing things like someone speculating about how this and that anime fandom thing or bit of mid-00s FFN community drama led to this other thing on AO3, not realizing that AO3 came out of LJ Western fandom slash culture. To them, FFN is so central that it must be the main reference point, not the bajillion and one archives AO3 founders ran or Usenet or mailing lists or LJ.

I once saw someone asking on twitter about where a prominent Ranma fic might have been posted in the mid-90s. People claiming "My professor is an authority!" came out of the woodwork in droves to blither about K/S zines and then LJ. Not only was this entirely wrong, but the right answer was blindingly obvious if you knew enough to interpret the google results. I can only assume that the person tweeting had never heard of Usenet and didn't recognize the acronym for the big anime fanfic group that literally everything like this was first posted to.

I'm talking people insisting that fandom only goes for white characters when it's very obvious that fandom goes for majority leads who are not othered. All the bawwing in the world about "People assume anime characters are white" won't get rid of The Untamed or Kpop thirsters or whatever.

I'm talking sweeping pronouncements about gender and fanfic writers where the person hasn't even heard of FIMFiction or SpaceBattles or Dark Lord Potter cheesefests.

I've been in fandom for a long time, but I wasn't in all these parts, and I wasn't around for 80s zines. You don't need deep knowledge until you pick a research topic. But it's shocking how little shallow, broad knowledge a lot of people have when they're writing their Theory Of All Of Fandom History.

--

People are stupid as shit about survivorship bias, and fandom history is no exception. They're also dumb in the opposite direction, assuming that the thing they like now has always existed in this exact form.

For example, someone got mad at Fanlore for supposedly not documenting the history of f/f zines. Others have searched and searched for the zines of their old show they got into last year and are bewildered to not find any. The reality is that Fanlore editors are attempting to document every Media Fandom zine and have combed through old adzines looking for any mention of anything. Because of the methods of distribution—because it was expensive—small fandoms often had no zines at all.

Femslash fandom doesn't seem to have gotten enough critical mass to do much until Xena. The internet has really democratized things, but even the early internet was still somewhat in that old mindset where only certain popular things have a fandom. I think Yuletide itself, which started in 2003, really helped spread the idea of rare-but-existing fandoms being a thing. FFN and perhaps some other multifandom archives like Media Miner played a huge role.

Nowadays, we think of fic as just how you respond to media, any media, even if there are only two fics for that one car commercial, but that isn't how people saw things in every era—or at least it's not how fandom infrastructure worked. A lot of the time, the big hosting spots were single-fandom archives, often with restrictive content rules. Finding somewhere to post a m/m/f OT3 fic used to be hard. Never mind early zines when photocopiers didn't even exist yet and you had to sell out your print run of 500 to make a go of it.

All good research starts with a lot of preliminary investigation to figure out what you're even trying to look for.

Actually bothering to look for fans talking about their own history or casually chatting with your interview subjects before the formal interview will put a person miles ahead of many of the cringeworthy fandom ~papers~ I've seen.

The biggest mistake people make is going "Okay, these numbers aren't perfect, but some numbers are better than no numbers".

Bullshit.

As soon as there's a pie chart of the false numbers, everyone's brain turns off and they never look at the chart subtitle, never mind the research notes.

Bad numbers are often worse than no numbers.

Look at the logic behind the methodology first. Look at the social context. Basic understanding of human nature and familiarizing oneself with the shape and hangout locations of a community will get you most of the way there before you sit down for a specific interview or try to collect any specific numbers.

--

None of this is a fandom thing. Research is research. It's just that most people think "research" means watching a tiktok that the algorithm likes and were never taught how to evaluate a source for reliability.

Evaluating sources is a skill. I had explicit lessons on it in school. Lots of people don't, and that sucks.

Honestly, watching the more thoughtful debunking content on non-fandom topics, like Miniminuteman's stuff on pseudo-archaeology or Dan Olson's... everything, is a good window into critical thinking, and that's most of what's missing from bad fandom history.

--

But more than any of that, more is more. Not the crap stats, but the narrower, more personal accounts, the interviews. The more fans who investigate their little corner that isn't the same old AO3 site-wide "Why is there so much m/m?" ship stats or the same canned "Everything comes from K/S" history, the better.

What I object to is not amateur efforts but efforts that pull from the same small pool of data or that just reblog a tiny handful of supposed authorities.

--

If people are going to read just one thing... hmm... go try to look up a history of rec.arts.anime.creative, not because I think it's the most important fandom history out there but because it's at the nexus of things a lot of current fandom history work miss.

[chil-aglia]

Hi! I saw FTNTH amongst the requestable stuff and oh, I got a request for the new bingo.😇

Bingo slot: Biting

Characters: FTNTH Leo and Donnie (please I need my fix of disaster twins.)

Plot: I don’t have anything super specific in mind. Just something about Leo being all bitey and almost biting Donnie. Then he’s  feeling super bad about it (Just give me a full course of self hatred,  pretty please!) And Donnie comforts him. Maybe give him chewelry or something.

Of course only if it aligns with the AU. ( IDK if FTNTH Leo would bite) If not,  then just surprise me! Anything with Disaster twins hurt/comfort + the slot works for me.

This will be marked off as 'Biting' as that is the main focus!

Hope you enjoy this! And sorry for any grammar errors made!

@badthingshappenbingo

Link to the fic on Ao3: Teeth and Tears - Chilaglia - Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Cartoon 2018) [Archive of Our Own]

——————————————————————————————————

Teeth and Tears

Quick note: This is not canon to the main story of FTNTH

Bingo slot: Biting

Fandom: Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles + my AU

Warnings; Mental health struggles, slight self-harm, suicidal ideation, predatory urges, body horror, dissociation, and emotional distress

Summary: Leo loses control during a moment of intense stress and nearly bites Donnie, his instincts overpowering his rational mind. Though no harm is done, the guilt hits him like a freight train. But Donnie doesn’t let him go that easy. With calm understanding, Donnie reminds Leo that he's not defined by his worst moments—and gently offers a solution, to give Leo an outlet for those urges without hurting anyone.

——————————————————————————————————

Leo sat hunched on the cold concrete floor, of the darkness of his room, his breathing ragged, his claws twitching against his palms as he clutched his head.

His tail writhed behind him like a live wire.

“Pathetic.”

The voice slithered through his mind, smooth and venomous.

Shut up. 

He clenched his eyes shut, digging the edge of his claws into his skin, hoping pain would anchor him. 

Shut up. Shut up.

“How are you the leader if you’re the one messing up everything?”

His jaw clenched, teeth gritting hard enough he felt his molars pulse. The words weren’t foreign anymore. Zarynthia’s voice had made itself too familiar.

“Leonardo, the leader in blue? Haha! Don’t make me laugh. You're a monster. Waiting for the right time to strike.”

Strike?

His breath hitched. His nostrils flared. The metallic tinge of blood clung to the inside of his nose even though no one was bleeding near him. His brothers were fine. Safe. Sleeping.

He wasn’t.

“How does the colour red look upon your opponents? When you kill them. Sink your teeth into their flesh and just rip—”

“Stop it!” Leo screamed, voice cracking, wild and raw.

But no one heard.

He collapsed forward onto all fours, trembling violently. The sensation coiled in his gut like a starving animal. His tongue felt dry, his mouth thick with saliva he didn’t remember swallowing. His muscles ached, not from training or from a battle, but from restraint.

He was hungry. Not for pizza. Not for snacks.

For prey.

The idea alone made him gag as he stumbled toward the far wall, pressing his forehead to the cool concrete, trying to will it away. 

Ever since he was cursed he had been gaining the urge to hunt. To bite into anything that would move or bleed for him. He was disgusted with himself, he knew his species of turtles was somewhat cannibalistic, but he hardly acted upon it, unless he was joking around.

But this wasn’t a joking manner anymore. He really felt like he could hurt someone if he was given an opportunity to. 

Zarynthia often encouraged him to let loose, to have fun. But Leo did what he could to ignore the strange, deeper foreign urges. Still, waking up to feeling like this was horrible itself.

He remembered Draxum once mentioning something about his mutated DNA, his predatory instincts. They were supposed to be dormant. Inactive.

But Zarynthia had awakened something else in him.

And now?

He was scared of himself.

His stomach growled, but it didn’t sound natural. It sounded low, guttural, like a snarl deep within his core. He curled his claws into the wall, scraping it with enough force to leave white lines behind.

He needed to breathe. Focus. Meditate. Do something other than think about—

Meat.

Blood.

Tearing.

“No.” Leo whimpered, falling back, holding himself, eyes wide and glowing faintly. “I won’t—I won’t.”

From the shadows behind him, a soft knock.

“Leo?”

It was Donnie.

His young twin brother.

Leo’s head snapped toward the sound instinctively, pupils narrowing, body tensing like a beast disturbed in its den.

His breath was audible.

He didn’t say anything.

Donnie took a cautious step inside. “You…okay? I heard you shout…”

Leo could smell him from here. His blood. His warmth. His heartbeat.

The beast inside stirred.

Leo scrambled away to the farthest wall, shielding his face, his fangs bared—not in threat, but fear. “Get out, Dee. Please. Don’t come closer.”

Donnie paused. “...Leo?”

“Go!” He roared.

But, while Donatello did in fact flinched, he didn’t run. He looked at his brother—his big twin brother, not the leader, not the hero. Just Leo, who was curled in the dark and shaking like a child terrified of the monster under his bed.

Only Leo was the monster now.

“I’m not gonna leave you.” Donnie whispered softly.

Leo covered his ears, tail wrapping tight around his leg. He wasn’t sure if it was to keep himself from lashing out… or to stop himself from lunging.

The hunger wouldn’t go away.

But neither did Donnie.

And that somehow was way worse.

His idiot brother stepped closer. Either ignoring the obvious signs of danger, or just lacking every ounce of self-preservation.

He knelt within arm’s reach.

Leo’s mouth watered.

Donnie reached out, slow and careful. His hand hovered near Leo’s shell, just a gentle touch. Just a connection.

Don’t do it, Donnie.

Leo tried to speak, tried to shout, don’t touch me!

But his voice failed him.

And his instincts took over.

His body twisted.

His fangs flashed.

His pupils shrank to slits.

With a monstrous snarl, he lunged.

Donnie yanked his arm back just in time.

Leo’s jaws snapped shut inches from his twin’s hand. The crack of his bite echoed in the silence. He would’ve crushed bone.

They froze.

Donnie’s breath came fast. Panicked. Leo’s eyes, still clouded with hunger, widened with sudden clarity. Horror overtook him.

“D-Donnie… I…”

He stumbled backward, ripping himself away from his brother like he was contagious. He turned his back, covering his mouth, shoulders hunched with shame. His shell spines raised. His tail coiled around him protectively.

He almost bit Donnie’s hand off.

He was a monster.

A freak.

Zarynthia was right.

It was only a matter of time.

Donnie remained frozen for a moment, staring at his hand. Miraculously still attached. He flexed his fingers, blinking, then took a long breath to calm his pounding heart.

He knew Leo had been spiraling.

He knew the curse was changing him.

But this? This was too close.

Donnie swallowed thickly. Then his eyes widened, just slightly as an idea struck him.

Without a word, he quietly turned and walked out of the room.

He had a plan.

And if Leo wouldn’t ask for help, then Donnie would force the help into his life anyway. Because if Leo wasn’t going to protect himself from the monster within.

Then Donatello would.

The door clicked shut.

And with it, Leo’s composure crumbled completely.

He sat there, motionless at first. Still hunched, still in the dark. His breath was shallow and broken, like every inhale was a question he didn’t want to answer.

“I almost bit him.”

The words slipped from his mouth in a breathless whisper, as if saying it would erase the truth.

“I almost bit Donnie.”

His little brother. His twin. His family.

He clutched his head tighter, curling in on himself, spine arched, claws digging into his scalp like he was trying to scrape out whatever Zarynthia had buried inside.

It wouldn’t come out.

He could still feel the ghost of Donnie’s warmth. The scent. The pulse. The hunger.

A dry sob shook his shoulders.

“I’m a monster…” He croaked. “I’m a freaking monster.”

He slammed a fist into the wall beside him. Again. Again. The dull pain blossomed up his arm, but he welcomed it. It was the only thing that felt real.

“I should’ve just let Draxum finish me off when he had the chance on the damn roof.” He growled, teeth bared, breath hitching between the cracks of his voice. “At least then I wouldn’t be like this.”

This thing that barely resembled the Leo he used to be. This unstable, cursed, hungry creature hiding in the dark like some villain from a horror movie.

He couldn’t even look at his reflection anymore. Every time he passed a mirror, all he saw were the things that weren’t his. The fangs. The eyes. The tail. The need.

His stomach growled again, and Leo flinched, disgusted.

“You’re not me…” He spat to his own gut, to the twisted voice curled inside his instincts. “You don’t own me.”

But didn’t it?

Didn’t it just now?

He had lunged.

If Donnie hadn’t moved in time, if he’d been a fraction slower—

Leo clutched his mouth with both hands, a gag forcing its way up his throat. He doubled over and dry heaved, bile burning his tongue.

Tears welled up in his eyes, and this time, he didn’t stop them. They rolled freely down his cheeks, hot and silent.

“Raph was supposed to be leader.” He whispered brokenly. “He was better at it. Stronger. Smarter.”

He laughed, but it was hollow. Cracked.

“Hell, even Mikey wouldn’t have snapped his fangs at Donnie.”

What kind of leader loses control?

What kind of brother turns into a threat?

What kind of freak wakes up starving for blood?

“You’re nothing.” The familiar, antagonising voice slithered in again, softer now. Not taunting. Just cold. “You’re a danger. They’ll see it soon enough. They’ll stop you before you hurt someone.”

Leo shook his head violently, as if he could throw the words out of his skull.

But deep down… a part of him agreed.

Maybe they should stop him.

He buried his head in his arms, his body trembling so hard it ached. The shame wrapped around him tighter than his own tail.

He wanted to scream. To fight. To crawl out of his own skin.

Instead, he sat there in silence.

And hated himself more with every breath.

I wanna die.

He kept thinking over and over. Just wanted to end it all.

But he couldn’t, not when he knew that his friends and family would mourn for him. For some stupid reason. He wondered why they would cry for him, he wasn’t anything special. Just a dumb turtle who messes up everything.

If Leo had the courage, he would grab his sword, hold it up to his neck and—

No…don’t think about that. Just calm down.

He often had these dark thoughts during bad episodes of dissociation or depression. He had to distance himself from those by focusing his attention on something else, like how he dug his sharpen nails into his arms, leaving some blood coated under his fingernails.

-----

When Donnie returned, he frowned at the sight of Leo remaining where he was when Donnie first left.

He didn’t want to leave him, but Donnie hoped that this latest invention that took him about 2 hours to make would somehow help Leo with the urges of biting.

“Nardo.”

Leo instinctively perked up, hesitantly looking over his shoulder as he watched Donnie clear his throat. “I understand that your feeling…well shit, to be blunt.”

Leo scoffed, an understatement but he didn’t voice it out.

“So, using my brilliant mind, I made you something that could possibly help with the urge when you're feeling bitey.”

Leo tilted his head, turning his whole figure to face Donatello fully. “What do you mean?” He inquired, a little puzzled and suspicious as Donnie smirks and pulled out something from his battle shell.

“I present to you…a Chewelry!”

Leo stared at the object, slowly picking it up from Donnie’s palm with much hesitation as he didn’t want to hurt him as he observed the invention.

“…you made a chew toy for me?”

“It’s called a chewelry. And no! Not a chew toy.”

Donnie began to explain what a chewelry was for his brother, “Chewelry, is short for chewable jewelry, as it is designed to provide a safe, sensory outlet for individuals who have a need to chew, especially those with conditions like autism, ADHD, or sensory processing disorder.” He proudly announced his invention while Leo blankly watched him.

The chewelry was in the shape of a necklace, the chewing part for Leo being the shade of blue he always wore.

“Chewelry products are typically made from safe materials like food-grade silicone, which is durable, non-toxic, and easy to clean. They come in various textures and designs to cater to individual sensory preferences.” Donnie added, not seeming to shut off his invention rantings as Leo exhaled and cut him off.

“Donnie—“

“I designed this for you based on what I think you’d like—“

“Dee—“

“I also made it as a necklace so it would be easy to access—“

“Donnie!”

The softshell jumped at the shout of his name, facing Leo who winced slightly in guilt for his shout. But he gulped and gave a tiny smile of appreciation.

“Thank you…”

“Of course. I know…you don’t want us to help you with your curse, but I didn’t want you to think that you're alone in this.”

Donnie rubs the back of his neck awkwardly. Emotions, ugh, wasn’t his strong suit.

“So, I hope this chewelry can be at least satisfactory for you while we look for a way to break this curse.”

Leo stared, eyes wide before looking away, clutching the chewelry against his plastron.

“Thank you bro…I really do mean it.”

“Anytime, Nardo. Anytime.”

——————————————————————————————————

Bad things happen bingo 2 (OPEN)

[distant--shadow]

The witch and the widow chapters 1-4 author’s notes

Ok, so first off I feel I gotta preface this by saying I am absolutely not a history buff. Kinda the opposite of one really. I was one of less than 10% of the kids in my year of 300 or so that didn’t take history at GCSEs, mostly caus a subject taught and based around names and dates etc is the definition of something not suited for my type of brain, also I hugely lost interest in it caus we moved past the fun trebuchet eras and all that real fast and it became of slog of me falling asleep in lessons caus I had a teacher whose method was putting on movies and shutting the blinds (I’d always fall asleep and he was later jailed for being a p*edophile, so that’s a thing.) Anyway, all that to say I’m not good at this shit, but as ive gotten older I have taken a bigger interest in queer history in particular, and that often if not always links into other areas such as fashion, women’s rights, religion,the arts, class, and race etc. (I’m still not good at names and dates though!)

They are outfitted and arsenalled - the stones of the wall - in a manner to rival any army; tapestries of red and gold perhaps once brandished on battlefield as banners promenading around death now retired and indoor-still-air-still as taxidermy giving colour between all of the shades of metal, burnished and polished and in some cases rusting, some still purposefully left blood-stained, swords and pikes and maces arranged in wallpaper patterns as though flowers or fans, sword-sheath beams spreading from chest-plate armour suns.

Let’s start with something easy and recent. The Baron’s armoury was inspired by a few castles I’ve visited, these rooms are always so bizarre to me. I don’t know if this is at all of the time/how they were decorated or a more recent thing, but either way it’s pretty wild but I do love the visual and metaphor of it. In this one castle I found out from talking about the carpentry to an attendant that the decorative ceiling work around the chandelier above the dining room table actually hid a trapdoor - and there was other hidden doorways for passages and to secret rooms in this castle, that’s not that unusual - but this particular trapdoor was to allow for the chandeliers to be switched out. Why? Caus they had them in multiple colours of glass, and the lady of the castle liked the chandelier to co-ordinate with her dress if they were having guests round. Aint that such a flex? Definitely some food for future thought.

Aight. Clothing. So anyone that chats fic/au to me or is in my server has probably heard me yell to go watch Kaz Rowe’s videos many times. As I’ve said this fic aint meant to be historically accurate but it does kinda straddle histories, one of which being our own; so women wearing trousers and the like at this time would still be a crime, and draw a lot of attention . Imogen in men’s clothing genuinely isn’t meant to be much of a gender thing but a thing of practicality, and she has mostly lived in the countryside or in the outskirts, so she does not get into the trouble she would should she go into the towns and cities (another reason to keep away past the potential noise, but this Imogen will happily don a dress or skirts if she needs to, she’s just usually working – and maybe it’s a bonus that dressing as a man acts as a sort of flagging for any women who might be interested lol.)

I guess here I should mention how I think this version of Imogen's powers and how they’ve manifested (along with everyone else being unaware of them) will have somewhat changed her disposition and personality, it is a lot more aligned with later campaign Imogen who has more confidence and empowerment, she hasn’t been ostracised for her abilities or particularly bombarded by them, think more like when she has her circlet on, she chooses to listen in (mostly), although of course she has still heard many terrible things (and her life has still been pretty brutal but that’s to be written still).

(it’ll be really fun in this regard getting to explore and explain this version of Laudna, but early days for giving much away on that yet!)

Her skirts are full and structured and plumed by many layers of petticoats that hide the movement of her feet across the wildflower lawn, causing her to appear to be drifting like the bees do from petal to petal, pollen dusting her pleats though ghostly her skin in contrast to the fine fabrics that she dresses for the part, black in mourning, still, bodice tight and sleeve leg of mutton, an ornate decorative layer of black lace laying over each yard of textured textile like spider webs on porcelain patterns, her husband's tableware collecting dust in the kitchen cupboard.

real impractical for how tending towards practical the Lady dares to be, hands on, too busy for errant hairs in piano key ivory and ebony windswept and loose from the high bun she pins in place with a cameo broach, a memento mori engraved in silver and inlayed with ruby eyes and tied with red ribbons. Her skin also proudly displays the age and perhaps trauma that her hair does, lines from laughter and furrowed brows and the feet of the crows that cry from the top of the chimney pots

A little note as to say that Laudna’s appearance is heavily influenced by Victorian mourning wear, with some of the clothes cuts altered to be a little bit more regency and earlier in places. (her  attire is a little outdated, further suggesting her distancing from society and fashion)

A couple of days ago Imogen happened upon a bird with an injured wing, crying helplessly and rolling in circles, feathers taking flight away from the bird that could not, settling around it as it panicked itself bald-

The bird could not live without the use of its wing, and it didn’t, whether that was by Prosciutto or a fox, only its feathers were left in a pile.

Imogen had gathered them into an empty burlap sack; taken them to one of the maids downstairs to clean, repurpose them for filling pillows.

Here’s a silly little easter egg for my p(r)oof reader. Last time he visited we was enjoying a cinnamon roll from the local bakery by the city river (as you do) and a cyclist hit a seagull. It was real distressing, the seagull was distressed too. A handfull of middle aged women stood around it not wanting or knowing how to intervene as its wing was twisted at a crazy angle and it flapped about in a pile of its own feathers, there’s still bird flu about so it is wise to not touch wild birds, and as bleak as it is I was saying to freshy that a wild bird who’s wings broken like that is gonna die, and probably slowly and painfully. Some man came along and lifted up the bird to take the bird off the path and laid it to rest behind an old bridge building, I think he must have mercy killed it too as the bird was already dead when we walked past 10 or so minutes later after finishing our cinnamon roll and giving a cautious glance. So there’s a nice happy memory thrown in there for him.

what appears to be driftwood breaches the surface, then another point, then another

the water belches

Ceviche scares, whinnying as he rears onto his back legs, the Lady leaning forward and clinging to his harness. Imogen stands in her stirrups, leaning across the gap over to the black stallion, grasping his reins and cooing

“All good, boy, all good-”

What had appeared to be driftwood lands on the surface with a slap, looking like the carcass of an old boat left to rot in the muddy bed of a dock, timber ribcaged and leathered skin cladding.

A femur surfaces, followed by a jaw.

Second easter egg for the p(r)oof is a quick one (I’m such a considerate writer, I know.) On a train ride to a loch we went to for a day out there is a stop that is on another lake/body of water, and right by the train tracks (which are at water height) there are 4 or 5 old ships stuck in the mud, most of them just the frames/structures of the old boats, mostly wood and some bits of metal, but they’re pretty big boats! It really looks like whale carcasses. I’ve always wanted to get of there and check it out, and we were gonna stop by on the way back but my health being what it is was giving me some grief that day so we missed 2 trains and then soon the daylight, so hopefully next time buddy.

There’s alotta meat and gore talk and Imogen being a vegetarian without the label for such is just another way of me playing round with all of her complex feelings about what the Lady might be doing, her feelings towards Angharad butchering and nourishing the women with these communal stews and all of that. I’ve been vegetarian myself for 20 years now, and it was all triggered by an existential crisis in my mid teens (still a huge fan of leather and blood though) – Imogen greatly cares about animals, struggles with the thought of anything being slaughtered, she is in some ways more empathetic than most because she knows those she does on so much more of a personal level, really feels how someone is reacting to a situation they are in, but also because of this she knows humans are often corrupt and vile and she is spared such thoughts from animals, only knows their instincts and the love and comfort and service they bring – and yet she will obsess over the Lady’s (potential) tooling on that saddlework leather that’s really fucking brutal if she thinks about it one way and beautiful if she thinks about it another hmmm what if everything’s not black and white.

Oh, and the stew is a homage to @picturesofthegoneworlds’ pre-campaign fic Intertwined which I am lucky enough to co-parent and her writing is hugely influential on mine.

There’s a few things being bread crumb trailed here that I can’t explain in the author notes yet, but I’m looking forward to when I can. One small detail I will give away is just a silly thing about the chapter headings. They are something of significance from within the chapter, given in its ‘proper’ name – maybe someone gets access to some books to do research at some point?

anyways, thanks @astoriacolumnstaircase for enabling me. will do another post like this for future chapters if folks find it interesting.

[fandomfablesunleashed]

Unexpected arrangement

Ace x reader (she/her)

Chapter 1 of And they were roommates - Modern AU series

As the music was blasting through the room, people were letting loose and having a good time. The lights were dim, and the mood just right for a night of fun. In the corner of the room, Luffy was chatting animatedly, a smile plastered on his face.

“Hey,” he called out over the music. “I have a question for you.”

Curiosity piqued, you turned your attention towards him, raising an eyebrow. You weren't sure what he was going to ask, but knowing your friend, it was bound to be surprising or downright ridiculous. “Yeah, what's up?” you asked, leaning closer to hear him over the music.

“Remember how you were looking for a new roommate?” Luffy asked casually. “Any luck finding one yet?”

“Oh, that…” you trailed off, a small sigh escaping you. You hadn't had much luck finding someone who fit your criteria. “No, not yet. I'm still trying to find someone, but it's been a bit of a challenge.” you admitted, glancing around the room as if inspiration would strike from the lively crowd.

“Oh, that’s too bad.” His grin widened, and your suspicion immediately spiked. That grin was never a good sign. “But hey, I think I found the perfect candidate for you!”

Your gaze immediately turned suspicious. This was Luffy, after all. You knew him well enough to know that whatever he had in mind was probably outrageous. “Who is it?” you asked cautiously.

Before you could protest or prepare for whatever wild idea he had cooked up, he cupped his hands around his mouth and bellowed, “Ace!”

The name echoed through the room, momentarily cutting through the music and laughter, drawing a few curious glances your way. You felt your pulse quicken at the mention of Ace. Across the room, Ace was engaged in a deep conversation with a few partygoers, their animated gestures punctuating the air. He was leaning casually against the wall, his relaxed demeanor exuding confidence

However, at the sound of his brother's voice, his attention was drawn towards you both. With an easy charm, Ace excused himself from the group and walked over, his eyes locked on the boy, then shifting towards you.

“You called?” he asked, a casual smile spreading across his face. He raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to get to the point. 

“I just found you a place to live!” Luffy exclaimed, his tone full of enthusiasm.

Ace's eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Really? That's awesome! Where?”

Luffy looked over at you, a cheeky grin still on his face. “She's looking for a roommate, and you need a place to stay, right? It's a perfect match!”

Ace's eyes widened in shock as he took in what he was implying. He looked at you, realization dawning on him. You, on the other hand, were frozen in place, your mind racing with the unexpected proposal.

“Well, what do you think?” Luffy asked, his eyes moving back and forth between you two.

“Well… um,” Ace began, rubbing the back of his neck, clearly not wanting to put you on the spot. “It’s totally up to her.”

You felt your heart beating faster. The idea of living together with Ace was both exciting and terrifying. You had been harboring a crush on him for a while now, and the thought of sharing a space with him was both thrilling and nerve-wracking. You glanced over at Ace, trying to gauge his reaction.

Ace's heart was racing as well, and his mind was working overtime. He had always found you attractive; you were kind, smart, and beautiful. The thought of seeing you every day, having casual conversations, and sharing meals. It was tempting.

Seeing as neither of you spoke up, Luffy took the opportunity to push a bit further, his energy seemingly boundless. “C'mon, guys, it'll be great! You will get along just fine. Ace is a real chill dude, I swear.” He declared, his voice filled with an almost childlike enthusiasm. “And you said it yourself that you don't really want to live with some stranger.”

You took a deep breath, your mind swirling with conflicting thoughts. On one hand, you knew that Luffy was right. It made sense in theory. You trusted Ace far more than you would a random stranger from the internet, and sharing a place with him was a safer option. But on the other hand, Ace wasn’t just anyone. He was the guy you had secretly crushed on for what felt like forever. Could you really handle living together with him without embarrassing yourself or making things awkward between you two?

The silence stretched between the three of you, filled only by the pulsing music and muffled laughter from the crowd around you. Both boys were watching you intently, their eyes silently pressuring you to make a decision. The weight of their gazes made you even more aware of your unease. You knew you couldn't explain your true reason for hesitating without revealing your secret crush, so you took a deep breath and gave in.

You forced a small smile onto your face, trying to look more confident than you felt. “Yeah, sure,” you managed to say, your voice surprisingly steady despite the anxious flutter in your stomach.

Luffy's face lit up with glee. “Really? That's great!” He clapped Ace on the shoulder with enough force to almost knock him off balance. “Dude, you're all set then!”

Ace looked relieved, but also a bit surprised. He didn't expect you to agree so easily, but he wasn't going to question it. “Thanks,” he said, his voice sincere. There was something in the way he looked at you—a soft gratitude that sent an unintentional shiver down your spine.

You smiled weakly, trying to mask the inner chaos you were feeling. “No problem,” you replied  trying to keep your voice steady. “I'm just glad to help out. And it's better than trusting some stranger not to murder me in my sleep,” you joke to ease your nerves.

Luffy laughed at your comment. “See, everything worked out!”

Ace gave a small chuckle, still trying to process the situation. “Yeah, I guess it did.” he muttered, almost to himself, as if trying to convince his own mind that this wasn’t a dream.

You tried your best to keep a casual demeanor, but your heart was still racing. The reality of having Ace as a roommate began to sink in, sending your thoughts spiraling in a dozen directions at once. What had you just agreed to?

As Luffy rambled on about all the fun you were going to have, your thoughts drifted elsewhere. You were still trying to process your new reality. Living with Ace. You couldn’t help but imagine all the moments you’d inevitably share with Ace now—bumping into each other in the kitchen late at night, laughing at some shared joke, or worse, awkward silences when your feelings got the better of you. How were you supposed to keep your feelings secret now?

You risked a glance at Ace, who was only half-listening to Luffy’s overexcited plans. Would he notice the way you looked at him? Would he sense how your heart raced every time he was around? With him so close all the time, it would be impossible to keep your feelings hidden for long.

But then again, you couldn't back out now. Everyone was excited, and what reason would you give to cancel the arrangement? You had to go through with it, no matter how challenging it would be for you emotionally.

Taking a deep breath, you tried to push aside your doubts and focus on the positive side of things. You were helping a friend find a place to stay, and it would also give you a chance to get closer to him. As long as you kept your feelings under control and didn't do anything too obvious, it would be fine. Right?

As the party raged on, Ace eventually found himself alone with you. He casually leaned against the wall next to you, his usual playful demeanor replaced by an unusual seriousness that immediately caught your attention. You straightened up slightly, your pulse quickening as you turned to face him.

“Hey, can I talk to you for a second?” he asked, his voice quieter than usual, almost as if he didn’t want anyone else to hear.

You felt a small jolt of anticipation, your heart skipping a beat. “Yeah, sure,” you replied, doing your best to sound casual. “What’s up?”

Ace looked at you sincerely, his gaze unflinching. “Are you really okay with all this? I don't want you to feel pressured or anything. Luffy can be quite persuasive,” he said, a slight smile on his face.

Your defenses slowly lowered as you saw the earnestness in his eyes. “I… I'm okay with it,” you said, your voice quieter than before. “I was the one looking for a roommate in the first place, remember?”

Ace nodded, seeming a little relieved. “I know, I just wanted to make sure. It's a big decision, and I don't want to intrude on your space if you're not comfortable,” he replied gently. “You seemed a bit hesitant there for a moment”

You sighed, your guard finally dropping. “I was just surprised, that's all,” you admitted, avoiding his eyes. “I wasn't expecting Luffy to just spring it up on me like that.”

Ace snorted. “Yeah, that's Luffy for you,” he said, a fond expression on his face. “He means well, but he's not always the best at considering others' feelings in the heat of the moment.”

You couldn't help but cheer up a bit as well. “You could say that again,” you said, your heart feeling slightly lighter. “But… I am okay with it. Really. I just needed a moment to process it, that's all. I've never really lived with a guy before.”

Ace’s eyes softened with understanding. “Yeah, I get it. But I promise, I'll be the good roommate. I don't complain, and I won’t make things awkward between us,” he finished, his lips curving into a small, reassuring smile. “You can count on me to keep things chill. No drama.”

But even as he said the words, a flicker of doubt crossed his eyes, betraying the truth he was trying to bury—the part of him that knew staying "just roommates" might be the hardest promise he'd ever have to keep.

“Well, that's good,” you said, your smile widening. “I’m not really one for drama, either.”

Then his usual easygoing demeanor softened, replaced with a rare seriousness that caught you slightly off guard.

“But seriously, if there's ever any issue or if you feel uncomfortable, just let me know, okay?”

Your heart softened even more. You hadn't expected such genuine concern from him. “I will,” you assured him, your voice softer than before. “And the same goes for you. I want you to feel comfortable as well.”

Ace nodded appreciatively. “Thanks,” he said, his eyes holding your gaze for a moment longer before a small smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. “So… when can I move in?”

“Whenever you're ready,” you replied. “The room is already empty”

Ace's face lit up in excitement. “Seriously? I'm ready as soon as possible,” he said, grinning. “I think I stayed on Luffy's couch long enough”

You chuckled at his eagerness. “Alright then, it's settled. As soon as you're packed up and ready to go, you can move in,” you said, feeling a mix of nervousness and anticipation. “You have my number, so just let me know, I can even help drag your stuff up”

“Awesome!” Ace exclaimed a little too loudly, earning a few glances from other partygoers. He quickly toned down his enthusiasm, lowering his voice. “Thanks. I appreciate it,” he added, genuine gratitude in his tone. “And I'll definitely take you up on the offer to help with my stuff. Moving is a pain in the ass.”

 “No problem,” you said, hoping your voice sounded steady. “It's the least I can do after you saved me from living with a creepy stranger.”

“Yeah, I saved you from a horror movie scenario,” he teased lightly. “Consider it my roommate duty to keep you safe from serial killers and other shady characters”

You rolled your eyes good-naturedly. “Oh, my hero,” you replied sarcastically, unable to hide the smile tugging at your lips.

Ace gave you a mock bow, playing along. “At your service.”

Your mind still raced with questions, but one thing was certain—life was about to get a lot more interesting.

Next chapter

[sage-nebula]

have you done the character meme for friede yet? sorry if i missed it. i enjoy reading your character analyses tho :3

I have not, but I would love to! And thank you, I'm happy to hear that. :) For the record, I'm always accepting fandom asks! (At least, for fandoms I'm in currently, haha. But right now I'm very deep in Pokémon and Pokémon Horizons specifically, so it's always a safe bet!)

What I like about them

There's honestly just so much to like about Friede. Setting aside that I seem to have a bias toward Charizard trainers (I've noticed recently that I seem to gravitate toward Charizard trainers: Alan, Leon, and now Friede), Friede is just such a fun, engaging character.

He's incredibly intelligent and a strong battler, but he's not cocky about it. Instead, he has a natural confidence where he knows what he's capable of and owns his accomplishments, but he doesn't make those around him feel bad for not being on the level he is if they aren't. (And actually, he tends to celebrate others' accomplishments, and encourages the kids to keep growing and become the best versions of themselves.) He's got a good sense of humor, he can acknowledge when he's messed up (mostly in the "did I forget to mention . . . ?" territory lol), and he's a warm, supportive person to be around. I think that he makes a lot of people feel safe, both in-universe and outside of it, and that's part of why there's a lot of self-shipping with him in the fandom. (Which mind you, I am NOT criticizing at all. I totally get it. He has a lot of qualities that would make him a pretty good partner, so it's easy to see why so many gravitate to him.)

What I dislike about them

Well, currently that he's fucking dead, lmao. (I mean, he probably isn't actually, but right now it sure feels like he is.) Apart from that though, I wish that he a.) had given Cap a better moveset, because his current one sucks ass, and b.) actually spent more time with Char. I mean, I guess he and Char are getting a lot of bonding time now that they're in eeby deeby, but it would have been nice to see them bond before that.

Favourite moment

I think the flashbacks in episode 18 are just stunning, and I love that we got to see exactly what type of professor / scientist Friede is with how he studied Cap. Not only does he prefer to do fieldwork rather than lab work (and seems to need to be in nature), but the way he does his field work from a distance, without interfering with the pokémon that he's studying, is really great. I mean, yeah, he gave Cap food and tried to talk to him, but for the most part he did his research from a distance so that Cap would be disturbed as little as possible, and it truly shows how considerate he is of wild pokémon and nature itself.

I also love any times we got to see him reading or studying, as well as when he did his own investigation at Exceed. I both love getting to see his professor side, as well as love seeing him get himself in danger. Oh, and the dark room battle against Spinel was also great!

Least favourite moment

When he got yeeted off the airship at 30,000 feet and fucking died (more or less).

A situation with this character that I want to see explored more

I said this in the Spinel ask, but I'll say it here as well: since he's been gone all this time, and neither he nor Spinel are getting screen time, then I want it to be because he's getting tortured and brainwashed so that the reveal that he's still alive is as dramatic and painful as it possibly can be. Especially since they're refusing to mention him even when biker gangs have his Charizard patch on their fucking capes, if they're going to go this long without saying word one, then I need high octane drama. It's what we deserve.

An interesting AU for this character

I mean, I think my Grounding Techniques AU is interesting! It's extremely self-indulgent though, with the way it features some of my favorite tropes, so I guess it's natural I'd feel that way, haha.

A crossover

Not strictly a crossover, but I would be lying if I said that I hadn't thought of what it'd be like if he and Alan met.

OTP (or OT3+ etc…. just… favourite ship)

So I talked in the Spinel ask about how I like Friespinel in a dark and obsessive way (in which the obsession comes from Spinel and Friede, when in his right mind, is like, "get a hobby that doesn't include me" lmao), so let's talk about something sweet!

My favorite healthy, actually romantic relationship for Friede is Friede/Murdock. This one I imagine to be very slow burn, because Friede has always been something of a free (heh) spirit who was never really into committed relationships; he had lots of friends with benefits situations, or short flings wherever he landed before moving on, but never a steady, committed relationship. But Murdock is the type of person who needs a committed, monogamous relationship. And so Murdock wouldn't approach Friede even after developing feelings, because he knows how Friede is and doesn't want to tie him down, or make Friede feel like he has to change himself just because Murdock has feelings for him. And when Friede starts hitting on Murdock, he'd notice something was off and would apologize for offending him, and that's when Murdock would be like, "You are very attractive and kind, but I can't do a casual relationship." And Friede would have to take some time to think on that, consider his own feelings and whether he could do a steady relationship (because he wouldn't want to hurt Murdock either), and ultimately would decide that he does want to give it a shot. And so they would start a relationship, taking it a little slow at first, and it would all be very sweet.

. . . and then Friede got yeeted off the airship like three months later, oops.

Other ships?

It's my headcanon that Friede and Orio, while they've never had romantic feelings for each other, did have a friends with benefits situation back when they first set out on the Brave Asagi. Friede was the one who approached Orio with it, feeling like it'd be good stress relief for her especially after she spent all day working on the ship / keeping it running. And at first Orio rebuffed him, because she didn't have romantic feelings for him and didn't want to lead him on. But he assured her that no, he didn't have romantic feelings for her either, this was just a fun way to unwind. And after promising each other that they would call it off the second either one of them started catching feelings (if they ever did), they went for it. (It was very much Friede saying, "I know you're stressed and tired, let me help you relax" and Orio having to understand that the only love he had for her was platonic friend love, he promised, he was not going to get his heart broken lol.)

Similarly, he had a fling with Sohdayo, because Sohdayo is a similarly free spirit like Friede is, and was down to have a good time. However, Friede called it off when he noticed Mollie's growing crush on Sohdayo. (Which never went anywhere, but Sohdayo did still unintentionally lead her on, and that's a big part of the reason why he left the crew.)

Someday I'll make a relationship chart between the adults of the RVTs. Just get it all out in the open. It's easier that way.

BROTP

With Cap, of course! The way their relationship kicked off is just beautiful, and I particularly love the episode where they were in disagreement over how best to track down the Bramblin, lol. And now of course, Friede is gone and Cap carries him everywhere via the goggles . . . it hurts so good.

That said, I also really love his relationship with Orio! I really think that he's closest with her out of the rest of the RVTs, not only because they're childhood friends but because they vibe very well. They bring out each other's inner child, and are capable of baiting each other into doing something silly and-or stupid within less than a minute. At the same time, though, they can count on each other for anything and are often the first human either one goes to when they need to vent or talk through something. They're besties for life. <3

NOTP

Friede x anyone under the age of 18, with the main one I see in fandom being with Amethio. He's a free spirit, yeah, but he's not going to hurt a child or teenager, even if the teenager has a precocious crush and thinks they're mature enough to handle it. (Because the idea of Amethio confessing to Friede in a way reminiscent of Mr Darcy is very funny, but Friede would never be into that and would let him down as gently as he could. Which, with how much pride Amethio has, would be difficult . . . but Friede would do his best.)

An assortment of headcanons! 

I think I've mentioned this before, but I see him as 33 when the series starts, and so he'd be 35 now if he hadn't died :')

He's pansexual, and a service top, i.e., he's dominant in bed because his pleasure comes from when he's making his partner have an excellent time.

He sewed all the patches on his jacket himself, and is always looking for new ones to add to it.

He did in fact get that Charizard patch from the Blackthorn Dragon Tamer clan, after he spent around six months in the mountains there training with Char.

He is very adamant about Cap being the captain of the Rising Volt Tacklers. Any time someone tries to say he's the captain, he corrects them.

He generally takes his coffee black, without any milk or sugar.

He'll drink in social situations, such as when he and the rest of the adult crew go out to a pub (a much rarer occurrence once they have kids on board), but otherwise he's not big into alcohol and he's always good at minding his limits. To that end, he's never had a hangover.

The idea of dying peacefully in bed, regardless of his age, is horrifying to him. It's not that he wants to die in some tragic way, necessarily, but rather that he wants his life to be exciting until the very end. Better to go out with a bang than a snore, in his mind.

He feels that traveling the world on the Brave Asagi with his crew of besties to study the mysteries of pokémon is his one true calling, and he got a tattoo of the Brave Asagi over his heart to commemorate that.

He loves playing poker, but he's not very good at it. However, he is a good pool player, and when times have been financially desperate on the Brave Asagi, has hustled pool to make some emergency cash in the past. (And then when the people he played against got mad about it, he told him he'd give it all back if they beat him in a battle, which they didn't. He quickly learned to keep this kind of thing to his last night in any given place, because it did not make him popular with the local bar-hoppers, lol.)

For his Terastal Course, he battled Larry for his Basics, and Tyme for his Practical. (She was still a Gym Leader when he did his course, you see.)

Many companies and labs have tried to scout him to come work for them since he left Exceed, despite how he left the company. Friede always turns them down politely, but once they're out of earshot he tells Cap, "If I ever agree to work in an office again, kill me." Cap promised that he would.

Thank you for asking!

[zynnth]

WELL WELL WELL IF IT ISNT ANOTHER MARTIN LORE STREAM TO MAKE ME GO CRAZY

(My AU of the Eyes and Ears AU)

Alright so this stream from today confirmed a couple of things I was wordering about previously and that got my gears turning again. There were quite a lot of lore drops but for now I'm once again mainly going to focus on the Watchers and how they feed on the emotions of the players.

This got mentioned a fair amount throughout the stream but the moment that stood out to me the most was towards the end, where someone briefly asked whether the Watchers could starve if they don't have any emotions to absorb. Turns out that the answer was a very straightforward "yes". This intrigues me especially, since this is an idea that I have been turning around in my head quite a bit previously, especially when writing this and this post.

I've already talked about how both Joel's victory in Wild Life and Scott's finale in Last Life went against what the Watchers wanted in terms of producing these intense negative feelings, but I haven't yet put into words what exactly that meant for these beings. This was mainly due to the fact that the necessity of feeding on emotions was still dubious as far as I was concerned, but now that has been cleared up. They do need it, and failing to do so will apparenly have severe concequences for them.

Now my interpretation of the lore is slightly different from Martin's, mainly in regards to the fact that in my version, all of the players are at least somewhat aware of the existence of the Watchers, and maybe even the Listeners, and their involvement in the games. The reason why they don't seem to fight back apart from a couple of instances, is the same reason why they usually don't carry over emotions from one game to another. The Watchers take away that resentment too, but as we've seen, it keeps coming back in some form.

My immediate conclusion was that in order to get rid of them, the players would have to overcome the negativity of the situation and either remain relatively neutral or thrive on the positive feelings instead. Part of this has already been achieved courtesy of Grian, who purposefully brings lightheartedness into these death games, seemingly keeping quite a lot of ugly feelings at bay and therefore opposing the Watchers' will. What's interesting though, is that Grian himself is a Watcher as well, who also feasts on emotions. Contrary to the other Watchers however, who prefer negative feelings over the rest, Grian has a more "balanced diet". In other words, he takes both positive and negative ones, not willing to exploit the suffering of his friends. This implies that regardless of whether the players have a fun time or not, the Watchers will still be able to sustain themselves.

The problem with this though is that my initial thought of starving them out to get rid of them wouldn't quite work. Maybe they will move on to another set of players to use once they realise they've harvested as much as they could from these ones, and although that would solve the issue of them tormenting these people, the existence of the death games would still continue.

I guess it wasn't entirely confirmed whether positive feelings are enough for Watchers to maintain themselves so there is still a possibility that it would at least weaken them in some way, enough to give the players a fighting chance.

With that in mind I still think that the key to fighting back is to not give them what they want. Even if that won't starve them out completely, it might just inconvenience the Watchers enough to give the Listeners, or maybe the players themselves an opening to make a drastic move. It won't be easy and it certainly won't be possible just by themselves, but with allies on their side, it might just be possible if they have a little bit of hope and trust.

And we all know how the Watchers feel about trust.

[inkedmoth]

Word Find WIP Meme!

Thanks for the tag @fishing4stars this was a lot of fun to dig through the WIPs!

How it works: I search for the words assigned to me by the person who tagged me in WIPs and share snippets. I then choose four words for you to search in your WIP(s).

I was assigned: Rain, Horse, White, Shatter

Rain (Excerpt from the Ranger AU!)

Théodred’s mouth shut with a click of teeth, blue eyes snapping to Rhosynel. Was it wariness? Alarm? The Prince eyed her like she was a wild animal, or an injured dog, like she’d turn and bite if provoked. Considering she’d almost turned her blade on Boromir, it wasn’t far off the truth. Fuck, she was starting to shake. Full body tremors like she’d run a mile in the freezing rain. When had she last killed a man? Had she ever killed a man? She’d killed plenty of orcs, but now a human man was dead at her feet with numerous stab marks to his back and her hands were covered in blood and her throat was bleeding bleeding bleeding.

Horse (I have 3 million mentions of horses 😂 but enjoy this tandem ride from the Falconer AU)

Rhosynel had been about to adjust the too long stirrups, when his hands landed on the saddle in front and behind her, and with a deceptively easy motion, Boromir hauled himself up and landed behind her. “A war horse isn’t ideal to start relearning with,” he commented, almost in her ear with his proximity, as he reached forwards and gathered the reins from her hands. “I’ll ride with you, since I’d rather our sole falconer not fall, again.” Rhosynel didn’t have an answer for that, mainly because there were no coherent thoughts in her mind at all. Hands gripping the pommel of the saddle so tightly her knuckles had turned white, and her eyes were locked on the ears of the horse. The rest of her attention, was entirely consumed by the position she’d abruptly found herself in. Boromir’s arms neatly boxed her in against his chest, which was close enough to Rhosynel’s back that she could feel the heat radiating from him seeping through her tabard, warming her spine. His thighs were pressed to her own, his longer legs able to reach the stirrups with ease, and Rhosynel became alarmingly aware of just how her backside was flush against him.

White (On Swift Wings)

Now what? She’d impulsively climbed the White Fucking Tower, and for what? A dream? Dreams weren’t founded in reality, her dream self may have found a concealed door and hidden chamber, but that didn’t mean that it was real. That very same dream had also meant she’d know of Sauron’s attack on Pippin before it truly happened. “Fuck.”

Shatter (On Swift Wings)

Flames guttered and crackled within dark windows, broken buildings lay shattered across the road, cracked flagstones and loose cobblestones made the horses footing precarious. But on they rode, pushing closer and closer to the Great Gates of Minas Tirith. Rhosynel’s arms were burning, with the effort of lashing out. One hand gripped the back of Boromir’s tunic, using his own weight to keep her seated as she leant precariously over the saddle, blade rising and falling, slamming and stabbing and cutting anything that came within reach. When her arm grew tired, she righted herself, and leant the other way instead. The Great Gate loomed overhead, shattered and broken beyond repair, and without missing a step, the host surged through it.

Thanks again for tagging me!!

Words for others: Swift, tree, hunt, and fall

Tagging: @konartiste, @celeluwhenfics, @from-the-coffee-shop-in-edoras and @esta-elavaris (but only if you're up for it!)

[dual-domination]

🔁 A fic you’ve re-read several times

🛳️ A fic that brought you aboard a new ship

Easy. HELLO ARJUN, I know I've been delaying the reply to this ask for several months, but today I'm glad to share it

A fic I reread several times - Just one??? No, I'm sharing my top 4 (They're all Guardian/Weilan, 3 of the authors below are among my ⭐favorites⭐ EVER so let me be talkative abt them):

To wild uncharted waters by @the-marron ⭐- Nothing new to see here, everyone knows I'm obsessed with this fic, but this is not the first and won't be the last time Marron's fics do THINGS to my heart. Her stories are inspiration.

The Charm Of Chastity by PaddlesPetwixtPuddles - no idea if the author is on tumblr. Sad fact: this is the ONLY Guardian fic they posted. It's perfect.

Kunlun's Godly Seed, Shen Wei's Ghostly Body by @lacommunarde ⭐- Idk how many times I reread this one tbh, but around 5-6 for sure (as some others from the same author, one day I'll comment in all of them jksjkskj HELLO I LOVE YOUR FICS)

Young Love by @thosch3i ⭐- Read all the Guardian fics this author posted too. Also sad fact, they're not active in this fandom anymore, but I hope they're having fun wherever they are now :D

A fic that brought you aboard a new ship

All the ships I actively interact with (read/write/art) were brought to my life by Marron, she put me in the Weilan Derivatives hell jksksj. As for my DMBJ ships, the adaptations did the trick, so there's no fic to mention (but Marron also mentioned Heihua and I was OH 👀?)

My favorite of all, OTP so dear to my heart 2Luo, in 3 steps: But a bitter kiss will bring him to his knees , A Kiss is Still a Kiss and That fatal kiss is all we need

Across the Stars (Qi Heng/Xun Xu - this ship is SO SWEET) - Star Wars AU, but it's Weilan Derivs (I need to finish reading the fics of this ship)

and THE FIC - it's so good I better not start to talk abt this fic I'm a gremlin abt this fic and YOU KNOW THIS FIC bc I think the whole team read it, Vince said it's better than books so yk what it means: The Thousand Flowers Manor (Hua Wuxie/Pei Wende - and we also have Qi Heng/Xun Xu there!) It's Pride and Prejudice in Wuxia times, how could that go wrong in Marron's hands? I'd recommend it a million times, watch some youtube to see the characters if you don't want to watch the shows/movies and go read this fic, you'll laugh, cry, be angry, hunt demons in Ancient China and have lots of dramatic relatives messing things up. It's a true delight. Happy Ending :D

~~About rereading, if a fic is in my ao3 bookmarks, there's a high chance that I reread that fic at least once, but I decided to share the ones that are Fav Fic + Fav Author ~~About ships and new stuff, I'm still waiting for the Godzilla AU with actual godzillas in it, ship is Godzilla/ruined cities under his feet.

[love-is-a-pearl]

Oh, lmao yeah my bad I forgot to mention there were a lot of ships in there. I sincerely think everybody is paired is someone, but I opt to ignore the romance in favor of storytelling and character dynamics. I'm sitting there going "alright. make things worse. make relationships complicated, write ten different kinds of them and then write how they're mended." It's a study on writing to me but I forgot not everybody sees fics that way lol. Some of the things that stuck with me were the conversations adult characters have with each other, but if that content and (definitely more than one pregnancy) is a squick, that's so fair to avoid it. When I was a kid, I used to read those "spy AU" fics a lot LOL, I think my first Pokemon fic was one and it was a Pearlshipping one too. I'm not much of a shipper to begin with, so I'm very easily convinced by others. Ikari tho...Paul is too mean for that, I don't even know where the "troublesome" nickname came from and why it turned into a term of endearment XD It sure is hard to find fics without the main 4 pairing tho huh? Back to relationships tho, since you're on that anime rewatch, if there's any instance of say...oooh, like that episode with Lance and the Gyarados? Ash tried to use the friendship speech to talk Gyarados down, and Lance had to teach him that doesn't work all the time. I think a list of stuff Ash learns from others could be fun. You already got one with the Snowbelle City badge. I've seen a lot of good Ash fics that respect his personality for what it is, and good adults (like Kukui) coming to understand him. Brock and Misty too, I think this thing fics do when they touch upon their family situations and their personal growth is always fun. Hard to write, but really good. I've got one anime only thing you might like, and its this tribute video, type "Pokemon Bonjour Au Revoir" into youtube :3

No worries! And you're absolutely right about seeing ships as character explorations! I am trying to get out of my comfort zone and try other fics since there are some VERY GOOD ones out there that I don't know about because I insist on staying on the ash/dawn; ash&dawn; dawn/zoey or aro ash tags :v

Is not that I hate Ikari, is more that.. If I'm going to read Ikari then it should be from someone whose OTP is Ikari if that makes sense? Not the "this is a pokeshipping fanfic and I need Dawn to be with someone because of compulsory heteronormativeness" yknow? I think I've said it before but.. if you have no strong attachment for a ship, dont include it in your fics... It feels like following a checklist and it's irritating when characters personalities are twisted to make a ship work instead of idk just using those characters by themselves.

Main ikarishippers actually have very cool ideas from what I've seen in the wild (aka fanart). It just bothers me a LOT when every single living being is paired with someone in fanfics... BEING 👏 SINGLE 👏 IS 👏 NOT 👏 A 👏 SIN!

And yeahhhh QAQ there's always a 90% chance Dawn will end up with Paul in Pokeshipping fics, Kenny in Amourshipping and Chloe in Journeyshipping. And I just... ughhhh please please stop, she can be single i beg you Dawn is not going to steal Ash if you leave her unsupervised I prommy orz

Ohh that's a cool idea! There's indeed lots of instances he learns something that he takes with him for the rest of the anime but is easy to miss. Not to mention the other way around (people learning from him) that some absolutely deserve to be remembered and talked about more (Gary's Electivire using his tail just like Bayleef uses her vines my beloved)

And yeah! Fanfics that explore platonic relationships really need more attention. Is one thing the anime rarely focused on but when it did it was really good (Mallow's relationship with both her father and mother is something small but so special to me. I would love more explorations of that family and how she feels having to take the role of mother so young and how she wanted to just have people around her appreciate how much she sacrificed when doing that)

Ohh, thanks for the rec! That was such a GORGEOUS animatic! Is a very cute homage to the OG series indeed!

Leaving it here for anyone who wanna see it btw

[craigseyeliner]

I read your tags on the favorite blorbo post and honestly this is the first time I've seen anyone mention 6th grade leader in the wild. May I ask what you love about him? Cuz I love him too, he's determined and tough but still very much a snotty nosed kid in a lot of ways

Gosh dude I've been a fan of him and his friends since I was like, 8. I'm sure I loved them for some other silly reason back then but currently he's just funny. Accurate to his age group back in the day so there's a dorky nostalgic feel to episodes where he has proper roles as someone from a tiny rural town. I also think there's something funny about the 6th graders being a scary force and all in the porno episode and games just for them to be like... I can't think of another word(long work day) but like, lame. LOL. And I don't mean it in a bad way! There's just something so amusing about how 'scary' they are when the main 4 are straight up killing people and the like every other episode. The 6th grade leader still having his shirt with his face on it in Post COVID got me, though he doesn't look like he had a great time imo

But really it's just that he's a funny kid, I guess. The shirt, full dedication to seeing boobs(the entire chase for the porno and straight up kidnapping Cartman once they're out of the hospital in Trent's episode is SO funny), him and the others doing their fake motorcycle noises, his totally sick dance moves in FBW the other just couldn't handle(replaying like a month ago and heading Usher's name was like walking into a wall), etc etc. He's just a brat. He's always been fun to draw, too, which is an easy plus for me personally òvó9

I lost my train of thought and this is mostly a ramble now but he's funny! And not very bright! I know the games are hit or miss on being considered canon but I'd love a brother reveal 💔 There haven't been any prominent Asian characters from his time and I'm nosy.

Some of it also comes from an AU my brother and I made for fun a while back where 6th grade leader(senior), Michael(junior), Mike(junior), Butters(sophomore), Sarah Collins(sophomore), and a couple others work together at Burger King under Rick and the shenanigans of that have been funny. Working fast food brings people together in some interesting ways. Good and bad pfft

[raindropren]

I've had a really hard time putting "Real life" into my canon without it being, weird?

It's hard to put the events, mechanics, and scenes into something that fits into the canon of my AU. Not to mention I can't put my Headcanon of life games being in a longer time frame than the actual episodes were since it was only one episode, I'd debated about making it completely non-canon to my AU, but that felt, bbbaadddd,,,

my first actual idea was to straight up make it some sort of VR thing in canon, that way, the way they acted made more sense... but the other stuff didn't, so while I liked the visuals I was thinking of, it felt off, and kinda stupid when I thought about it more :/

the entire thing has been bouncing around in my head since I decided to bite into "Real Life" and actually watch the videos(I hadn't before, probably a week ago lol)

I thought about it more, and it being a collective dream, might work well. Dreams are short, shorter then you normally realize, and they are kinda funky feeling? You have a reason for it only being an episode worth of canon and the reason everyone's acting sick and uneasy with movement despite it still being a Minecraft-based world.

In my AU, the Watchers are the reason the life games are happening, they control what's there and the mechanics that we see. They can't control what the players do, but they can manipulate the players, they change certain emotions to be easy to come and hard to go, they can't change everything but they can twist it to be more to their liking. This has become my canon's reason for why everyones so hostile, paranoid, and angry during the games, but outside of it, they're all still friends, and would never actually want to hurt the others.

so in my AU, how i've started thinking about it, is that, "Real Life" was a quick, "we haven't really done anything in awhile" type move, They were stuck on what Wild Life would be and decided to do something easy, because they couldn't possibly just,,, leave these critters alone for once, no no, never! So they put them in a collective weird dream that had the same mechanics as the first, but because Dreams are funky feeling, it made them uneasy with movement, and some, sick feeling.

I'm now toying with the idea that everyone that had the dream thinks that they just had a really really weird dream that so happened to have everyone's personalities as pretty damn realistic. That nobody else had the dream and it was just them!! it wasn't! lol

It very well could be the explanation for why when talking about "The last series that happened" they talk about Secret life instead of RL or just never mention that "Real life" was a thing or that Cleo won it,, I haven't watched all pov's of Wild Life's first episode's so if someone does mention it, I could explain it with, they realized it wasn't just a random dream. that'd be fun i think,,

either way, I'm having so much fun with this, i love thinking about how things connect in a minecraft based world. this is so fun.

it's hell sometimes but i like it so likkeeee,,, :p :3

[1d1195]

Sam! You’re so kind! Thank you for the lovely birthday wishes and such sweet words😭💕I look forward to always chatting with you and honestly Sam you’re one of my besties too no joke!😭💕💕💕 love you so so much my love!!!! Thank you you’re the literal sweetest!!

Ngl I forgot about wicked and honestly in my head she is living for it all! And now it makes a lot of sense why he’s so sleepy! He probably just had so much going on so it’s understandable why he sleeps lol and that’s wild kids actually think he could be your son😭

We love to see men suffer😁 you’ve mentioned your love for sports which makes since how well you describe the hockey dynamics and I Think you’re mentioned baseball too in your stories and how I’m pretty sure you did play it! And at this point Sam you could write whatever trope/au and I would eat it up!

I’m sorry you’re feeling the existential dread:( that’s truly never enjoyable! Though I’m glad that you were able to have some moments to help feeling that way! And how nice to chat with some friends! Hopefully this week is a bit better!

I did have a nice birthday! My mom was feeling good so we went out for dinner! It was nice and I’m planning on hanging out with some friends this weekend which I’m excited about!

So now I have finally read the second part of Pucking Rookie! SAM IT WAS SO GOOD!! You know I’m a such a slut for some jealousrry and omg I kinda loved he was going insane with her wearing Niall’s jersey!! And I thought it was so adorable how shy and bashful Niall was 😭 that was so cute and I LOVE Niall in any universe you put him in lol (saw of video of him the other day and ngl he looked so hot which was new for me lol but I’m not mad about it!) anyways he’s also so insane for following her to her apartment l?!? If it were any other guy that is so creepy! But honestly if it’s Harry I’m gonna let that slide bc he’s just everything lol the intention was sweet though so it makes up for it! But omg the picture on her fridge😭 and him asking her if she would wear his name 😭 that was a sweet moment between them!!! THEN THE SKATES😭😭 he loves her bad and she loves him bad😭 IM SO EXCITED TO READ MORE BESTIE!!! You did great as always!!

Sam im wishing you the absolute best start of the week💕💕 hope that you had a lovely weekend and have a wonderful week!!! Miss you loads! Love you!-💜

I'm so happy you had a good birthday and your mom was up for dinner! I'm glad you have plans with friends too! That's awesome!! 💕

It kind of clicked randomly regarding wicked one day. It made me think I should revisit them tbh but idk.

Kids are so DUMB that's all I can say. I'm trying my hardest bestie to make them LESS dumb but they really make me earn my pay check some days. In their weak defense, if they DID listen to me they probably could have done the literal math to figure out I am too young to have a 17 year old 🤦‍♀️(A girl cried today because I didn't put numbers on my coordinate grid and she was like "how am I supposed to know where -2 is?" and I was like "Bro, count the boxes????") I think if I had a kid though I would want him to be a lot like this kid. He's made some questionable decisions over the years but I think he's got a good head on his shoulders overall. I think he's going to be okay. I will also probably jump in front of a moving car for him so there's that if all else fails. I mentioned I had his sister a couple years ago (maybe?) and we've stayed in touch as well so it seriously feels like I'm in this family now lol.

Hockey is such a fun trope. As much as I LOVE my basketball bf there's nothing like a hockey bf. I've read a football and a baseball one as well. They're GREAT but they cannot compare to a good hockey boy. And thank you! I hope this week goes better too. Monday was a good start so we shall see. I'm thinking I might FINALLY get a pedicure.

I couldn't NOT make this specific Harry jealous the jersey was too easy 🤭 Niall's such a cutie for sure. I love that you thought he was hot (he is) Yes we will let all creepy things slide for Harry Styles. So terrible 🤭 He is insane though. I love it. I don't think it's much of a spoiler, but I'm really trying to imply that they both REALLY like each other but they both have some hang ups they need to get over if they want to be together. I really liked the skates part 🙈 I'm glad you liked it too 💕 You know I love to make Harry's pockets hurt whether the MC wants to or not hehehehe

Have a great rest of your birthday week! 💕

xoxo

[bubble-popping]

I Forgot About Punz :( sorry punz

some more questions :) - when does punz realize that something is going on? is it like, right after dream breaks out and they don't meet up, or a little later? - how canon divergent is this au? like techno's personality is different, but does ranboo die in the prison escape? (wait no techno isn't as close to ranboo in this au?) - does techno make dream wear/do anything? or does he just kinda keep dream in the trophy room always - how exactly does techno teach dream to "listen to everything he says"?

sorry for asking so many questions...i've just been thinking about this au constantly

Pls don't be sorry! I'm having fun answering :D it's still kind of a wild concept to me that other ppl like my silly thoughts but I'm more than happy to indulge :))

And don't worry, c!Techno forgot about c!Punz at first too :)

Punz would realize something is up pretty much instantly. He and Dream agreed to meet right after the prison break in that snowy area, so when Dream doesn't show up, they're concerned. Then, he doesn't show up the next day, or the day after that, or the day after that, and then Punz is REALLY concerned. He saw Dream at the break-out and that is not a man who's equipped to handle himself in the Arctic wilderness alone for several days. They only waited so long because, well, they really didn't know what else to do. Dream specifically told him to meet there at that time, and following Dream's direction is what they do best. He'd have to keep up the appearance of looking for Dream anyway so as to not rouse suspicion. They'd pay Techno a visit, after Sam and Quackity had already been there, so Dream obviously isn't there but they can smell that something's off. (pushing the wolf hybrid!Punz agenda) Techno gives nothing away, but Punz knows Dream, and they know his scent (especially when it's all over the cabin and all over Techno and it's driving them crazy), and they know he wouldn't not follow through with a plan unless something uncontrollable got in the way. So, they do what a mercenary does best and starts tracking Techno.

The au itself isn't too divergent when it comes to major events, so all the canon stuff happens up until the obvious point after prison break. Ranboo would still die, but Techno wouldn't be as broken up about it. One less Syndicate member is unfortunate, though.

Dream is very rarely let outside. (only a few times has Dream's begging swayed him and he was allowed to roam the forest outside, with the caveat of staying on a 'leash' Techno made from enchanted rope to ensure he stays close) Techno much prefers to keep him in the trophy room, well-groomed and quiet. Something pretty to look at. The scars from all the torture aren't his favorite (least of all the hideous smile carved into his back), but he also thinks they're beautiful in their own way. If he had to say, his favorite would be when Dream wears nothing at all ;)

Techno found that Dream was alarmingly easy to control with some minor indulgence. He's positively starved for affection and comfort, not to mention in this au Dream did always have a crush on Techno which really showed during their shared time in the prison. He listens to everything Techno says for two main reasons: the prison had already done much of the hard work of removing any of Dream's autonomy or ability to think for himself and as long as Techno is able to spin the story that this is for Dream's safety, he's happy :)