#so i don't want to start a conversation about any of this because I'm just thinking about it myself

[rin-may-1103]

Delilah's Language (part four)

Previous | Master Post | Next (to be written)

The nice female scientist (whose name Danny can't remember) turned and started leading them through the crowd. Dr. Trynul huffed but stuck close, probably to try and find a way to discredit Danny's ability. (The two brothers followed but stayed silent, just watching with, for some reason, confusion AND excitement.)

Damian turned and looked up (not by much, mind you) at Danny, curiosity oozing off him in purple streaks. "You said they used their whole bodies, could you clarify?"

Danny hummed, tilting his head as he thought about how to, well, not dumb down the explanation, but make it more digestible. The kid was smart, but he didn't need a whole history lesson topped off with social science and cultural themes. That would just be a waste of time, especially during a birthday party.

"The gorilla language, specifically the purple-backed gorilla dialect I know, uses a mixture of gestures and sounds. Somewhere between, like, 75/25 and 85/15. The vocal aspect is used to emphasize." Danny began, nodding his head as he thought it out.

Damian frowned, but green fog floated around his head, showing that he was concentrating on what he was being told and not upset.

"So, a grunt after a gesture could mean it's a statement or fact. Like someone saying they ARE going to do something. A chirp after a gesture could mean a question, like COULD I do this? Unlike human languages, gorillas focus more on straightforward and simple communication. They don't really have any reason to stretch out what they want or need; they just need to make sure the other understands quickly and clearly."

"What, they don't talk about pretty flowers they saw?" Dr. Trynul cut in, rolling his eyes.

"They could," Danny hummed, ignoring the condescending aspect of the question, "they like talking to each other when they have nothing else to do, and they're smart and opininated creatures. they like pretty things, I'm sure they do talk about pretty flowers or leaves they saw."

"Sure, and I bet they also tell each other about how they keep their fur clean and what mud makes them look bad."

Damian was glaring at the man, obviously getting fed up with the interruption. Danny would usually just deal with the man and slowly drive him crazy to the point he leaves Danny alone, but Damian looked like he was ready to stab the guy. (Not like Danny would stop him if he did, but like, Danny should do something about it before that happens.)

Danny glanced at the woman leading them; she was too focused on her conversation with another scientist to be paying attention. which was good, because what Danny was about to do and say was true, but he still would prefer to gather more evidence for an air-tight case. Can't do that if other people wanted to look into it, legally.

"You know," Danny started, clasping his hands behind his back while keeping a straight face. "I wonder if your colleagues would like to know that you've been manipulating your research data."

Dr. Trynul whipped around and glared at him while Damian and his brothers slowed down in confusion and surprise. Danny kept walking.

"How dare you accuse me of such scandalous actions? I should report-" he started, quickly speeding up to match Danny's pace.

"Three papers, released to the public and scientific community. Published under a well-known science journal and written by the one and only Dr. Jake M. Trynul." Danny started, glancing at the large glass tank to the right, where a few otters swam by, gleefully splashing around and having fun.

No one but the four people walking with him was paying attention.

"The connection between environmental factors and animal behavior, Gorillas and the effect humans have on them, and finally, your newest paper, the effects of human and gorilla relationships," Danny listed, ticking them off on his hand.

"I might not be a scientist, Dr. Trynul," Danny smiled, stopping and turning to look at the man, "but I do know how to read data and do the math myself. You have blatantly manipulated scientific data gathered by yourself and your team and falsified finds all so you can trick others and, more specifically, your superiors into investing more money and resources into your research."

Tilting his head, Danny studied the man in front of him, who was flushed red in anger and clammy with nerves. Danny hadn't given any evidence that what he was saying was true yet, but the man still glanced around like someone was going to strip his license right then and there. (Which was evidence enough if you asked Danny, no one got that nervous over baseless claims.)

"You might happen to remember that I had been given the opportunity to help your team with researching and studying Dalilah and her family. An opportunity that allowed access to the team's whole process. Which meant I had access to the unedited and raw data that had been collected. Data, I might add, that I had been required to read through and help collect."

"i don't know how you've managed to do this with so many bright minds on your team, let alone get it past so many others, but i'd like to remind you Dr. Trynul, that if this did get out, with all the evidence I do have, mind you, you'd be in some serious trouble. Not only would your license be revoked but you'd face possible imprisonment. fraud, especially on a federal level, is taken very seriously."

The man gaped at him, his mouth opening and closing for a few seconds before he settled on growling at Danny, "You're lying, you don't have anything. This is libel! I should get you arrested for defamation of character!"

"Oh, bless your heart," Danny held a hand over his chest and batted his eyes, watching as the man grew even more furious. One of the brothers, Dick maybe, choked and started caughing.

"First of all," Danny started, holding up a finger, "libel is written defamation. Slander is oral defamation. Second of all, you can't get me arrested for defamation. You'd have to provide evidence that I had intended you or the public harm. And file the case in a state that deals with criminal libel. which I just said doesn't apply here."

"Third of all," Danny crossed his arms, lifting an eyebrow, "I've been collecting evidence for months now. The only reason you're not being interrogated by the authorities and your superiors is that I've been busy with other things. So, I suggest you pack your stuff, go home, and evaluate your life. because I'm definitely going to be submitting my evidence after today."

Well, not right away. Like he said earlier, Danny wanted to collect more evidence. Like, sure, what he had now would definitely get the man in trouble, but Danny wanted air-tight.

Turning away, Danny started walking in the direction their temporary guide had disappeared. Damian and his brothers took a moment but quickly started following.

"holy shit," Tim breathed, glancing back at the seething man. "Do you actually have the evidence, or were you making that up to scare him?"

"I actually have the evidence, but it's back home, so it'll take 'while before I can actually submit it." Danny admitted. now that that was taken care of, he could get back to what he was actually here for.

"Alright, 'nough about him. Y'all wanted to hear about Dalilah and the language." Danny clapped his hands, turning his head to look at the three. The two older brothers looked like they'd rather continue questioning him, but Damian practically lit up in yellow light, all confusion and glee (?) from before disappearing.

"You said they liked talking when they have nothing else to do, do they not typically like to converse?" Damian asked, an almost unnoticeable skip now in his step.

"That's the thing, they talk all the time. They use a more elaborate and obviouse dialect when bored and a more straightforward and instinctual one when busy. It's fascinating." Danny smiled, shoving his hands into his pockets.

"Oh, there you guys are!" their temporary guide cut in, "I thought I lost you guys. Come on, Delilah is just up ahead. She's going to be so excited to see you, Danny."

Danny smiled, picking up his pace when Damian (not rushed, because the kid seemed way too formal to do something as 'childish' as running) caught up to her side.

Glancing back, the two brothers were nowhere in sight.

Next (to be written)

[changingplumbob]

Day Twenty - Chloe Group 1/2

Waken up everyone! Time for another day in the villa. And not just any day, the final day as a group before we have the whole cast challenge, final dates, and the first commencement ceremony (elimination sounds harsh when I love them). As normal coins were flipped for if teeth were brushed and wheels were spun for which type of shower contestants would have.

Room orders were randomised as some are closer to the dining room than others, but after showers breakfast was served! After being instructed to eat full autonomy took control of our group members and Deanna. Room doors were locked (you know what sims are like with computers) and Deanna complimented each sim in the order they sat down to eat to prompt conversation.

Lara made it to breakfast quite a bit before anyone else, and took the opportunity to chat with Deanna alone. Once Elise and the others started filing in though Lara turned her attention to her fellow competitors while Deanna greeted everyone. Unortunately it appeared that Hana woke up angry thanks to her hot headedness. While she didn't shout any forbidden words or do anything mean she did have a face like thunder. It's okay Hana, you don't need to be angry at Apolline doing the dishes.

Lara and Elise really hit their stride, talking about all of the great parties they had been to. Billie tried to distract Hana with art talk, but of course you can't talk of anything refined without Apolline giving her opinion. Billie was interested, Hana remained angry. In front of everyone Deanna flirted with Callie who was happy with the attention. Jealously settings were working because no one got annoyed.

Rather than leaving the villa the contestants head to the top floor where chairs have been set out in an odd configuration. Today Deanna and Devin are joined by their little sister Artemisia (Emisia to family, Emi to friends).

Devin: Since this show was brought to life around the idea of family having a say in challenges, we let Emisia choose one

Emi: *evil grin* Today you will be taking part in... a staring contest. First to blink loses. You will go in pairs, I will join the three winners for a semi final and then the last two standing will battle it out. Up for grabs, not that you should want it, is a solo date with Deanna. I say up for grabs because if I win overall no date for any of you! To bad? So sad. What are we waiting for?

Deanna: *sighs*

First match: Lara vs Apolline

Lara: *deep in thought* A staring competition. A staring competition? I better focus

Apolline: Unconventional, but I am quite confident about it. I've faced worse people than some lovestruck girls. They can't compare to staring a fashion mogul down from a hissy fit, for sure

Winner: Lara

Second match: Callie vs Billie

Callie: You know, I think I might have a shot at this one!

Billie: This is fine. I can stare down anybody! I once posed for a friend for a portrait and I tried to hold position for so long, I swear I forgot to blink for about five minutes!

Winner: Billie

Third match: Elise vs Hana

Elise: Heehee! What a riot! Alright, I'm game, bring it!

Hana: *scoffs* Oh I am determined to win this!

Winner: Hana

For the semi finals it was Lara vs Billie, a battle of the smiles. Then Hana vs Artemisia, a battle of the scowls. Our two finalists, Lara and Hana.

Lara seemed at ease settling in while Hana still had a head full of steam. In the end though, there could only be one winner. The match was won by Lara.

Apolline: ...A bit of mascara fell in my eye, alright? I bet that Lara was holding by a thread anyways

Callie: I can't believe I lost that one!

Elise: I should've known I'd get lost in beautiful eyes! That was totally cheating with distraction, right? Hana, It's a crime to be so good-looking!

Callie: Are you focusing Elise? Time is running out for getting solo dates

Apolline: Relax Callie

Callie: You can say that, you've had a solo date already!

Billie: Well, I thought I was an expert but obviously I have a thing or two to learn from Lara! And Hana obviously

Artemisia: I think all in all this was a very successful challenge

Billie: Really? Over all the groups no one went blind or anything?

Artemisia: *laughing* I wish someone had gone blind

Hana:*sighs* My bad. I thought my anger could carry me through to a win but I guess not. Sorry for not preventing the front runner from getting a date everyone, I tried

Lara: *smiles* hallelujah I won! I have to admit it's been hard seeing the others get close to Deanna and knowing any kind of lead I had could be gone. I'm going to put my best foot forward on this date and make the most of our time together

@belsasim, @igglemouse, @invisiblequeen, @paracosmic-sims, @perolesims, @simscici

[dameronspector]

Philophobia (Part 6)

Pairing: Joaquin Torres x Stark!GN!Reader

Chapter Summary: You finally talk to Happy and ask him about the two people that you miss more than you want to admit. Sam and Bucky reluctantly take you to Berlin with them, Joaquin keeps you company again and you and Joaquin get closer.

Warnings: Mentions of Death and Depression/Depressive episodes, Mentions of Panic Attacks, Isolating, Bad coping mechanisms, Some cursing, FLUFF!!, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Slow burn(?), Yearning, A lil suggestive, Reader is stubborn, We slowly learn about readers past and their connection to #them, Reader’s Iron Suit/Superhero name is Midnight, Reader has some phobias, Found family, Reader is slowly becoming fonder of Joaquin, that’s it I think!

AN: ooooh I love this one a lot actually ☺️

After that…interesting conversation with Walker and Bucky, the four of you made your way back to the car. Sam and Bucky were in the front, Sam driving and Joaquin was sitting in the backseat with you. The car was silent, tense after Bucky’s announcement of wanting to get Zemo’s help. A phone ringing broke the silence. You brought your phone up to read Happy’s name on the screen. Thankfully since it was dark, nobody noticed the way you froze. Or at least, you thought so, because Joaquin’s full attention was on you.

You took a few calming breaths before picking up the call, praying that it wasn’t May this time.

“Kiddo?” It was Happy, thank god.

“Hey, Haps”, you sighed in relief.

“I’m so sorry for not telling you about May. It completely slipped my mind”, he replied, his voice heavy with guilt and apology.

You swallowed before answering, “It’s- it’s alright. How is she?”, you asked hesitantly.

“She’s alright, yeah. She started her own charity, I’m sure you know by now.”

“Yep. I do”, you still followed her on socials, not having the heart to completely sever the relationship. “And...how’s everything going with you two?”

"It's going good, great even. She said you cut the call when she picked it up?"

"Happy..", you sighed and bit the inside of your cheek.

"C'mon, (Name), it's been months. What's the harm in a simple phone call?", Happy tried to convince you. Ever since him and May started dating, he wanted you to get along with her, saying that your approval meant the world to him. But you were so happy for them. They were adorable together. Happy just wanted you to talk to her normally again.

"I..I don't know. Maybe some other day. How's...", you trailed off hesitantly, picking a random thread on your jeans.

"Peter?", Happy offered and you hummed.

"He's-you know how he gets. Took everything upon him. He's been looking more and more exhausted every day. Doesn't rest, says he needs to patrol. He's become paranoid, sorta", Happy sighed in concern.

Your eyebrows furrowed in concern. Peter would always blame himself for everything that went wrong and that's why you worried about him, even now. You knew he was just as bad as you were after your dad passed away. He was inconsolable, Rhodey told you so, and that he had to physically separate Peter from Tony's body. You were so out of it, that you didn't notice all of this happening right next to you. Ever since you found out about it, you've felt guilty and worried for Peter excessively.

"Happy, please, look after him", you whispered desperately into the speaker. Joaquin looked at you with his face twisted in confusion.

"Yeah, I will. Anyways, May has sent her well wishes and love to you", Happy changed the topic, knowing how much you stressed about Peter.

You smiled sadly. May was always like a second mom to you. "Tell her I said thanks."

Happy hummed. "Why did you call me, by the way?"

You sighed and shook your head, "Oh boy, I'll tell you all about that later. I'm...working right now."

"Okay...you better not be getting into any trouble. And, does Pepper know about this work?"

You paused. "Umm...I guess? Okay, Happy, I gotta go, Bye!"

"Wait-", and you abruptly cut the call, shutting your eyes in regret. He was going rat you out to Pepper and she was going to panic about you going on a mission in a completely different country and not just helping Sam with his tech. You quickly shot a text to Rhodey, explaining the situation to him and telling him to handle Pepper and Happy and thankfully, he said he will do it.

Joaquin observed you for a while, wondering about your relationship with this woman and this guy. He decided to shove it back into his mind and tried to clear the awkward tension in the car.

"Uh- where are we going now?", Joaquin looked between Sam and Bucky. Sam scoffed and looked out of the window before glancing at Bucky.

"We’re going to a prison in Germany, to talk to the most dangerous criminal in the whole world", he announced in a fake-happy tone.

Bucky licked his lips and turned to look outside the window, a sarcastic smile on his face. You looked at Joaquin and shook your head.

"We're also coming with you, right?", you asked curiously.

"No", both Sam and Bucky replied at the same time.

"You're kidding. I don't know about flyboy, but I'm coming with you two", You asked them heatedly. First, they make you leave your house, then they convince you to join them, then they make you face an idiot like Walker and now they're telling you to go home right when they want to meet up with Zemo? Like you're supposed to be normal about this?

Joaquin speaks up then, "Hold on, yo, I'm coming with you as well. Who's gonna fly you there?", he asked with an eyebrow raised.

"You're coming with us, Torres. They are not", Sam conceded. Now, you were positively angry.

"And why is that, Samuel? Weren't you the one who asked me to join you? You think I can't handle it?", you accused him, never backing down from a challenge.

Sam took a deep breath in, "It's not that, (Name)-" "Then what is it?", you questioned him.

"It's too...personal for you", Sam tried to reason. You let out a scoff.

"Personal? Just say that you're afraid of my reaction to when I come face to face with Zemo, because you two actually wanna work with him and I'll fuck up your mission, Sam", you spit out and folded your arms across your chest.

Sam shook his head and Bucky let out a sigh, "It's not that, kid, we just wanna protect you. It's been a long time since you did this."

Your mouth fell open in offense, "Just because I was depressed for the last few months, doesn't mean I'm useless, Barnes", you responded in a hurt tone, your eyes shining with tears.

Bucky's face flashed with realization and his eyes widened, he turned around with a pained look on his face, clearly not meaning to sound like that.

"Wait, no, I didn't-" "I'll stay with them, guys. It's okay. (Name), you're coming with us", Joaquin surprised the three of you with his response. You stared at him in shock. He gave you a tentative smile before turning to look at Sam through the rearview mirror, "That's okay, right, Sam?"

Sam pressed his lips into a thin line before hesitantly nodding his head. "But, no stupid business, no doing shit solo or disappearin’ without informing us. You're gonna follow whatever Bucky and I say, that clear?", Sam asked you and you nodded tersely.

"Thank you", you addressed Sam before turning to Bucky, "and I'm sorry, Buck. I know you didn’t mean it like that. I just…", you murmured lowly. Whenever someone would treat you were some fragile thing, it made you defensive. Because your brain would convince you that you were useless and that others thought the same. Depression and you were best friends, after all.

Bucky shook his head and patted your knee, "No, I'm sorry. I should’ve known better", he replied in a soft voice.

You gave him a weak smile and turned your attention back to Joaquin, "Thank you, Joaquin", you muttered softly. Joaquin looked at you with that beautiful smile stretching on his lips and patted your hand unknowingly.

Your hand was warm from where he had kept his on top. He took it away way too soon and you were left craving for his warmth, your hand tingling. You looked at his sharp side profile longingly before turning back to look outside the window, your chest heavy with something that you didn't want to name.

-

After a long flight to Berlin, the four of you finally landed and Sam and Bucky asked you to stay back at the hotel with Joaquin. They were going to the prison to meet up with Zemo and you understood the gravity of the situation so you chose to stay back.

After they left, you and Joaquin retreated to your respective rooms to freshen up. Once you had showered and finished changing into comfortable clothes, you walked out of the room and your attention went to Joaquin's room. The door to his room was ajar and you noticed the way his desk was already littered with his things- his laptop, headphones and a few pieces of paper. You could hear the shower running from the bathroom in the hallway and decided to approach his desk out of curiosity.

Your eyes first fell on a graphic on the screen, it was a design of a jet pack, the colors being green and beige, mainly. Then you looked at the papers laying on the desk- they were drawings of mechanical wings and a suit. Your raised your eyebrows, impressed at his drawing skills and at the fact that Joaquin Torres wanted to be the Falcon and he had already designed his own suit? How sweet, you thought. He really was, Sam's number 1 fan.

"Oh—Hi, (Name)."

You jumped at his voice and turned around and regretted it immediately because he was shirtless. Your mouth fell open and your face warmed up as you raked your eyes across his body. His curls were still damp and they sat atop his head in a perfect mess, he was wearing black shorts and oh my god, he was ripped. You knew his arms were muscular but he was always dressed in either his army uniform or jackets so you couldn't really tell. He was lean, his arms toned and his physique looked nothing less than an athlete's. You stared at him in shock and snapped out of your daze when he started walking towards you.

"Hi! Sorry, I—Ididn't mean to intrude, I saw the sketches and I just-", you stuttered and halted when he stood next to you, the scent of the vanilla body wash hitting your nose, his warmth practically beckoning you closer.

"Don't apologise, it's alright. You'd give me an honest review, at least", he murmured sheepishly, his cheeks reddening because he definitely noticed you checking him out. Joaquin wanted to scream and giggle at the same time.

"Yeah! Right-uh, these are pretty cool, actually. Didn't know you were an artist, as well", you replied nervously and let out a breathy laugh, focusing on the sketches in front of you. He finally moved away from you and you closed your eyes, letting out a sigh of relief when he came back wearing a tank top (which wasn't any better because you still wanted to bite his arms. Wait, what?)

Joaquin rubbed the back of his neck with his hand and chuckled, "Yeah...since I saw Sam for the first time on the TV, I started sketching him excessively. And it slowly became a hobby. Then I turned to graphic designing and digital art.”

You made an impressed face and picked up one of the papers, observing the details.

“You didn’t tell me you wanted to be the Falcon”, you teased him lightly.

He let out a sheepish chuckle and you noticed that his lower teeth were adorably crooked.

“I mean-is that bad? Flying makes me feel free. Can you imagine how invincible those wings must make Sam feel? He looks like- like an angel when he’s up there with those”, Joaquin replied, his voice taking on a dreamy and fond tone.

You raised your eyes to look at him and gave him a sweet yet pained smile, your chest constricting as you remembered the way Peter would talk about your dad.

“Yeah, he really does look amazing when he’s wearing the wings”, you agreed with Joaquin, your eyes welling up. You cleared your throat before asking Joaquin, “You told Sam about this?”

He pursed his lips, “Yeah…he’s testing me or somethin’. Says I’m not ready yet.”

He looked like a child who didn’t get his candy and you giggled at the look on his face. His eyebrows furrowed even further.

“Why is that funny…”, he grumbled.

“You remind me of someone, that’s all”, you admitted in between giggles.

Joaquin’s face relaxed, admiring your smile with a dopey look on his face and dared to ask, “Of who?”

Your giggles receded and a fond and nostalgic look passed your face, “His name is Peter. I think you’d get along well.”

“Peter…is he your friend or..”, Joaquin tried to ask casually, like it wouldn’t crush him if you said you were dating Peter.

Your face warmed and you sputtered, “He’s- yeah, I’m- I was friends with him.”

Joaquin tilted his head to the side like a confused puppy, “Was? You guys don’t talk anymore?”

You scoffed in sarcasm, “Something like that. I had an episode a few months ago so I cut everyone off.”

“Oh. I’m sorry, (Nickname)”, Joaquin expressed sadly, not realising that he called you by your nickname.

You let out a small chuckle, “It’s alright, Jay.”

The look on Joaquin’s face was comical. He looked like he was buffering, face completely blank and eyes wide. You soon realised what you said and your eyes widened as well, your face heating up.

“I- uh”, you coughed lightly to get rid of the awkwardness, “we should order lunch”, you murmured and walked out of the room, your eyes shutting in embarrassment.

Joaquin stood there, his brain short circuiting at the fact that you just gave him a nickname and he loved it. And he wanted to hear you say it all the time.

-

“Should I tweak the green a bit or this one’s fine?”

You hummed. “Make it a lil’ darker. And go for the silver, looks good with the green.”

“Why not beige? Ooh or gold?”

“Do you wanna look like a certain God of Mischief?”

Joaquin made a face. “Yeah, nope. Silver it is.”

You smiled and took a bite from your sandwich.

“Soo…can I ask you somethin’?”, Joaquin asked, distracted, while working on his laptop.

You swallowed the bite and shrugged, “Sure.”

“So like, you can totally tell me to shut up-”

“Spit it out, flyboy.”

"Well- I've been thinking about it since Walker called you Midnight at the police station...Why'd you stop going out as that?"

You paused and swallowed nervously. Joaquin was about to back pedal when you responded, "Didn't see the point in going out to do that after...dad. Thought I'd stay alive for him and the life he fought so hard to give us, at least", you scoffed in a self-deprecating way before continuing, "Jokes on me because I was dead inside anyways. Didn't leave my room for weeks, didn't eat properly or sleep...cut off contact from everyone...Couldn't look at the suit without breaking down because it was the same thing I was wearing when he took his last breath", you sniffled and fiddled with your sandwich.

Joaquin looked at you with empathy and frowned.

"It's been lying around in my lab since then. Haven't bothered to repair it because-", your voice quieted down, "because if I change anything, then...then dad's touch will be gone."

Joaquin has experienced grief, not the kind where someone dies but the kind you experience when someone leaves your life. He doesn't know what it's like to be to be alive when the person you love the most has died- has ceased to exist. Yet, he felt his eyes well with tears and his heart break into a million pieces for you. Here you were, experiencing insurmountable amount of grief ever since you were a child and yet, you chose to be kind to people. He wanted to wrap you in his arms and protect you from everyone but for now, he settled with his shaky hand gently squeezing yours in support. You paused at the touch, electricity shooting up your arm.

"I could never imagine how you feel like. But, I just want you to know that I'm here for you. And so are Sam, Bucky and your family. You mean so much to so many people, (Name). You should be a little easy on yourself, this is your first time living life as well", he consoled you in a sweet voice and went to retract his hand before squeezing it once more, but you slowly turned yours to grasp his hand and squeezed it back, your gaze fixed on them.

Joaquin was so sure he'd stopped breathing. He subtly pressed his hand to his chest to check if his heart was still beating. You then looked up and gave him a shy smile, which he reciprocated, and both of you looked away, your faces warming up.

"Thank you, Joaquin", you whispered before slowly retracting your hand and cradling it on your lap. Joaquin flexed his hand in front him before closing it in a loose fist and rubbing his chest, "Anytime, (Name)", he responded in a quiet voice.

You cleared your throat and made an attempt to clear the tense atmosphere, "Don't think that just because I've been out of service for 6 months, means that I won’t body you during sparring."

Joaquin scoffed lightly, "Oh yeah, I'm sure you will."

You snapped your head to look at him, "What?"

"You were trained by a black widow, an archer, a god, a super soldier, a-" "Okay! Okay!", you laughed and slapped his hands. He laughed gleefully.

"You're an idiot, Jay", you jested. Joaquin just smiled dreamily and responded, "Sure", with a shrug.

You bit the inside of your cheek to stop yourself from giggling at him.

-

After you and Joaquin were finished with your lunch, Joaquin received a call from Sam saying that they were going to Madripoor with Zemo. You sucked in a breath at that name because you knew how bad things are in Madripoor. You had heard all about it from Steve and Natasha and had done your own research on it. Now that they were going to be accompanied by Zemo? There’s no way you’re going to let them go on this mission without any backup.

Joaquin was supposed to stay back because of his duties and before Sam could say anything you announced, "I'm coming with you two."

Joaquin snapped his head to look at you in worry and Sam immediately interjected, “No, you’re not. You’re gonna follow our instructions. Don’t be like that. That place is-” “Dangerous. I know, Sam. I know very well how bad things are in Madripoor. That’s why, I’m joining you guys. I can be of help. And, also, are you forgetting that the most wanted criminal in the world is with you guys?!", you argued.

Joaquin put a hand on your arm and tried to reason with you, "Hey, listen to Sam. Maybe there's-" "Joaquin, I know what I'm doing. Please", you cut him off in an agitated manner. Joaquin's face flashed with hurt before he straightened up and removed his hand from your arm. He stepped to the side to let you talk to Sam and tried to ignore the gnawing feeling in stomach.

"(Name)--look, we know Zemo is probably not the best person to be trusted-" "No shit" "-but he knows what he's doing. This is right in his bag", Sam tried to make you understand.

"Sam, I'm telling you, if you don't let me join you guys, I'm gonna reach there in any way. You know that", you replied seriously. Sam knew you were stubborn enough to be reckless and follow them across the world if you wanted to. Sam groaned loudly and you could just see the way he was pinching the bridge of nose between his fingers.

"Alright! Okay, you're coming. But you're staying with me and Bucky, at all times", he instructed in his soldier voice, as if you were his subordinate. You smirked in triumph, "Yes, sir."

Sam cut the call with a request to Joaquin to drop you off at this airport that was just a few miles away from the city and to make sure your gear was functioning and had trackers in them, incase something went wrong.

Ever since the call ended, Joaquin had become too quiet, not engaging in his usual chatter. He moved around the room silently, only speaking up if you asked him anything or if he wanted you to pass him something. It made you miss his idle talks so you finally broke and asked him, "Alright, what is it?"

"What is what?", he mumbled distractedly and focused on installing a tracker on your laptop.

"You've been way too quiet, flyboy. Thought you'd stopped breathing for a second", you chuckled. You saw his shoulders go up and down with the deep breath he took in, admiring the planes and muscles on his back.

"Don't worry about it", he replied shortly in a distant and clipped tone.

The smile wiped off your face so quick at his tone, you stood there staring at his back with a grimace. "Whoa, what happened there?"

He scoffed and went back to his room to retrieve some tools. You followed him, your steps rushed, "Dude, I asked you something. You're not going to ignore me like that", your tone offended.

He turned around abruptly and you stumbled against him, your chests almost touching. It would take a single step for you to reach his lips.

"Why are you going?", brown eyes stared intently at your face, trying to grasp your reaction, his jaw muscles twitching.

You furrowed your brows and looked up at him, almost losing your balance at how close he was and how you could see every single mole on his face from this angle. "What do you mean 'Why', Joaquin? They need help. I thought I made it very clear that I'd be going with them."

Joaquin scoffed in disbelief and folded his arms across his chest, his biceps straining, "You also said that you'd listen to them. You-- you basically blackmailed Sam that you'd follow them any way if they refuse!"

Your mouth fell open, "I'm not a child. Just because I said I'd listen to them, doesn't mean I'm gonna listen to how they're willingly going to enter the lion's den. I know Madripoor. It makes sense for me to join them-" "And what about you? If something happens to you there? You don't even have your suit, (Name)", Joaquin stressed.

You grimaced, "I can still fight without the suit, Torres. And why do you care so much?", questioning him sternly.

That shut him up real quick. He clenched his hands into tight fists and looked away from your narrowed eyes, clenching his jaw to stop himself from speaking further.

"Yeah. That's what I thought. If you don't wanna drop me, that's fine. I'll go alone", you announced with finality in your tone.

As you were about to call a cab, he spoke up again, "There's no need for that. Let's go", in a low tone and made his way out of the room to help carry your bags downstairs.

You watched him leave the room, your chest hurting with something that was dangerously inching closer to longing, once again. The way he was so close to you, the way your hands fit against each other, the way he worried about you, the way he was so curious of you and your life...it was too much. You didn't deserve it. The pressure against your chest and throat wouldn't go away, so you tried clearing your throat a few times and took a couple of deep breaths in, before heading out.

-

The cab ride was silent, Joaquin and you choosing to keep your distance. The tension was so thick, that you were sure even the driver was feeling it. You finally reached the port and saw a single private jet parked on it. Raising an eyebrow in curiosity, you approached it, knowing damn well it wasn't one of your dad's. The look of confusion on Joaquin's face was an indicator that he was just as confused. "What the hell..", he muttered before the two of you noticed three figures approach the jet.

"Oh my god", you mumbled in disbelief.

Zemo was wearing an expensive fur collared coat with expensive sunglasses and Sam and Bucky were following him closely. You stared at Zemo behind your glasses in shock. You always forgot that he was a Baron, a fucking royalty himself. He greeted the aged butler with the classic European kisses before turning to look at you.

"Ah. The little Stark. It is an honor to meet you again", Zemo extended his hand and greeted you politely. Your mouth fell open and you looked at Sam and Bucky in exasperation, Joaquin pressing himself closer to you in protection, Sam and Bucky lowered their gazes in embarrassment.

"Dude, seriously?", you asked him with a shocked chuckle leaving your mouth. Zemo looked at everyone with a confused and oblivious look on his face, “What happened?”, he asked in that thick accent of his.

“Zemo, just—get inside. We’ll join you”, Bucky told Zemo in a bored manner. After Zemo boarded the plane, you turned to address Sam and Bucky.

“Wow. Hopping on our favourite criminal’s private jet like we’re going on a lovely vacation! Amazing!”, you sassed them and clapped your hands together.

Bucky let out a sigh, “Look. We don’t have any other option. His whole shtick is that he hates super soldiers. He has all these…contacts that can get to the lowest level and help us find out about the flagsmashers. We gotta do this if we don’t want to get caught up by Walker.”

“And why didn’t you ask me for help? Steve and Natasha were the ones who told me everything about madripoor, you know. Trust me, I know how bad it is. You guys will need backup”, you told them convincingly, Joaquin shifting in discomfort next to you.

Sam looked at you before letting out a sigh, “Okay. But if anything goes bad you pull back immediately, got it?”, his brown eyes staring at you in concern.

“Yes, Sam. I promise”, you reassured him sincerely. Sam nodded.

“Joaquin, you gotta report back to base and keep a track of us alongside the others. I’ll keep you updated”, Sam instructed Joaquin and patted his shoulder before boarding the jet. Bucky lingered around and smirked at you before joining Sam inside. You rolled your eyes and turned to face Joaquin, removing your sunglasses at the same time.

“See you in a minute?”, you squinted your eyes and gave him a tentative smile.

Joaquin let out a breathy chuckle and nodded his head. The way the sun was hitting his smooth skin, the chilly wind making his cheeks turn rosy, his radiant smile directed at you— all of it made your heart soar with joy and you couldn’t resist stepping closer and hugging him.

Your arms went around his back, you were slightly on your tippy toes and you settled your chin on his shoulder. You felt his body freeze, afraid that you’d pushed his boundaries you tried to pull back but his arms came around your waist and he hugged you close to him, his head leaning against your temple—you could smell the clean scent of his shampoo. You closed your eyes and let out a sigh of content, him mirroring you and you felt yourself blush.

“Take care, Quino. And don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine”, you whispered against his ear.

Joaquin was sure he was going to faint. Not only were you hugging him willingly, but you had called him Quino—so softly, at that. He was so content to just stand here and feel your warm and soft body against him. He hugged you tighter and murmured close to your ear, “Please come back safely.”

You smiled and nodded against him before pulling back slowly, none of you wanting to separate from the other. You approached the stairs and waved at Joaquin for the last time, him waving back and giving you his best smile while watching you go in.

Joaquin’s chest felt hollow now that you were away from him and he wished he could go with you and give you as many hugs as you wanted. But he left with hope blooming in his heart, because you had finally started to open up to him.

As soon as you boarded, Sam and Bucky looked at you with a knowing look in their eyes, communicating that they had witnessed the entire scene with Joaquin and your face warmed up. You averted your gaze from them and chose to sit on the seat behind Sam, choosing to keep your distance from those two (+ Zemo) and decided to put on your headphones to listen to your playlist.

As the plane took off, you couldn’t help but feel a pang in your chest, hating the fact that you had to leave Joaquin behind and hating the fact that you craved his touch and presence more than you liked to admit.

Part 7

-

AN: i promised more Joaquin and reader content and u shall get it! Pls like and reblog! ☺️

taglist: @og-baby-ob14 @parkersjoy @littlemsramirez

[shanastoryteller]

Hi, long time reader. Thank you for your incredible brain and bringing your writing into the outside world. You might have answered it before but I don’t remember ever seeing it. How many times do you read/watch/refer to your source material? Like, do you decide to rewatch a series once every couple of years or do you watch it once, get inspired and then mostly focus on your own interpretation

hi! thank you! :)

answering publicly because it got kinda long and i thought other people might be interested

it depends! usually on how closely a fic is in conversation with the source material and if i've consumed it recently. like for my dead boy detective fic, i'd just watched it, i didn't need to review anything, and i'm often inspired to write after reading/watching

i haven't read harry potter since maybe high school, possibly middle school. i was 13 when deathly hallows came out and i remember being so underwhelmed by it, especially since i hadn't really liked half blood prince either, and i don't think really reread it after. for siat i just use sparknotes or google something something if i can't remember because for a long time it was in pretty close conversation with canon. i'd literally read the sparknotes for a couple chapters, think about how i wanted that to go in my fic, and update the outline. my other hp fic i'd just google something if i couldn't remember

while writing lynchpin, which was very in conversation with canon, i'd literally watch an episode, or to a certain point in the episode, then go and write until that point. i had stuff and arcs in mind, but that's how i kept pace and made sure i didn't miss anything on accident. however, i haven't watched untamed since completing lynchpin, which was my first untamed fic, but nothing else has been so closely in conversation with canon

i didn't consume any canon prior to writing my avengers fic because what good would it do me lol. speak of her is directly after infinity war pt 2 which i've never seen. i just knew that tony died and i thought it was bullshit

at the rind was while i was in the middle of a house rewatch, but anything after season 4/5 i probably googled because that's when i thought the show started to decline

pour herbel oil was definitely in pretty close conversation with the canon. i did with nirvana in fire kind of what i did with untamed, watching any scene with yujin and figuring out how i wanted to slide it a little to the left

supernatural is probably one where i'm most frequently checking the source material directly. this is partially because i first watched it a looooong time ago (like watched real time through most of season 4, although i really hated what they were doing with dean, then fully fell off when season 5 started because i hated the direction it was going so much) and because the boys and their relationship have gone through so many arcs and cycles that i want to make sure i'm hitting them both correctly for the time period they're in. see something say something i'd rewatch the episodes with cases i was including, but not much else, but that fic is probably in the least conversation with canon. back was a direct result of me rewatching when the levee breaks and hating it. no safe investments was just me being like, i think dean should have crashed out waaaay more about sam dying the first time. once i decided to expand the great puzzle i rewatched season 5 so i'd know what i'm working with and it was a SLOG at times, especially early season 5, because the way sam is treated just fills me with rage. but it's like, if i'm going to have the boys dig themselves out of this hole of bullshit, i need to know how deep it goes

so the broad answer is usually not at all, except with specific fics that are in such close conversation with canon that i have to make sure i'm hitting the timeline/references right. i have a pretty good memory so unless we're getting that specific, i don't feel the need to review source material that i haven't in a while

[colpenter]

party 4 you — FC43

summary: franco is absolutely in love with a girl and he's determined to make her fall for him by throwing parties just for her to show up. and he doesn't care about how many parties he'll have to throw.

warnings: there's NO adult content here, it literally has only one single little kiss. idk why it has that warning oml😭😭 it might be the pictures but im not changing it ! this fic has uses of y/n and feminine pronouns

author's note: inspired by “party 4 u” by charli xcx !! AND obviously by “how i met your mother” because this is literally my go-to sitcom and i love ted mosby so much. i don't know if i want a ted mosby or if i want to love someone like ted mosby does. franco's friends' names came from my mind because i wanted to.. english is not my first language so pls ignore any typos. enjoy xx

ℱalling in love is not something Franco is used to. At least not like this. Not with a close friend that made sure she'd never fall in love with someone from their friend group ever again. But what could Franco do? From the very first laugh she gave him, after some flirting to attempt to make her smile, he was down bad.

It was not even the pick up line that made her laugh, Franco knew it was probably the alcohol she was consuming and the surroundings. He remembered it all to well; the first real conversation you had with him.

...

“Come on, Y/N! Just forget about that douchebag! He doesn't deserve your time!” Sofia pulled you to a table where all your other friends were. “It's easy to say but not easy to do when he's literally our best friend.”

“Oh? You had a thing with someone from here?” Jose grinned. You didn't have to say anything, your dead glare made him shut his mouth. “Shush! We're not talking about him. He's not even here! Now, Y/N, will you please come dance with us? It'll make you feel better!” Sofia tried again but just received a shake of head from you.

“I'm not on the mood for this, but thank you. Really.” you offered her a small smile, even though she answered with a roll of eyes. “Okay, I guess. Just don't drown yourself in drinks, you're better than this.” Sofia gave you a serious glaze, remembering of the last time you drank as if there was no tomorrow after a break up. “Then we're gonna go dance, if you need something just scream! We're gonna get you, girl” Maria joined in, giving you a hug and then getting up and pulling the boys from their seats to the dance floor.

It didn't even pass 10 minutes for your peace to be ruined. The rest of the friend group just arrived and of course your ex would be there too. Why did I even think he wasn't gonna come? you thought. His eyes met yours but it was Franco who pointed at you and brought the rest to the table. “Hola, Y/N! Where are the others?” the argentinian sat down by your side and looked around the club.

“Dance floor. They look like they're having the time of their lifes.” You avoided your ex's eyes and gave the others some polite smiles. “Are you having the time of your life here, alone at the table?” Franco smirked, but he meant no harm. “I was just not in the mood to dance, I guess.”

“It's okay, we're gonna keep you company, then.” He gave you a charming smile and then started to talk with the other friends. Of course Franco would look at you from time to time or even maybe try to get you in the conversation, but when you started to give monosyllabic answers he stopped. And when you got up to get yourself some drinks in the bar, he followed.

“What's gotten into you today? You're not usually like this.” Franco leaned by your side in the bar counter. You looked him right into his eyes before talking, “Nothing. I am fine.” you looked back at the barman and ordered a drink. “Yeah? Come on, the Y/N I know would be dancing like crazy at this time of the night but look at you. You look like you've seen a ghost.” “I guess you don't really know me then.”, you sip on your drink.

“Because you don't let me!” he raised his voice a bit but lowered it down right after. “Okay. I'm sorry. You don't have to tell me. It's probably none of my business anyway.” Franco orders himself a drink too.

“It's Augusto. He– well. I don't know if you know but him and I were in a relationship. Actually, I don't even know if I could call it a relationship since he didn't gave a care about our thing. And like, he really seemed in love with me— at least he said he were but then he cheated on me with Martha! And we all hate Martha, and she hates our friends group, it's a mutual feeling! Why would he do this?” you sigh. You would blame your rant on the drink but by only a sip it wouldn't be really believable. You just needed someone to listen.

“Oh. I am sorry to hear that. I get it that's a real awkward place to be right now..” Franco looked back at the table where your other friends were and then back at you. “And it's kind of my fault, he wasn't gonna come but I dragged him here so I really am sorry. And ugh. He's really a jerk. I'm sorry, again!” you chuckled a bit. “What are you so sorry for? None of it is your fault... you didn't even know him and I were having troubles.”

“Yeah but still.. I feel bad. But like, it's his loss, right? Cheating on you” he looks you up and down and give you a smirk “with Martha is really stupid.” Franco makes a disgusted face. “Cause, don't get me wrong, you're like a goddess and she's like... well.”

“Franco! I might hate her but I'm a girls girl. I don't talk about other's appearance. But thanks for the compliment, I appreciate.”

“Eh, whatever I guess. But you do get what I mean.” he smirks again. “You want to stay here? If so, I can make Augusto leave, I have my ways.” “No, it's okay. I guess I can handle being in the same place as him for some hours, right?”

“If you don't then we can always leave and go to a better place, they always say my house is magical.” That's it. the first kinda pick up line he'd gave you.

If it were someone else you'd probably just ignore or maybe stand up and leave, but since it's Franco, you just laughed.

...

“Okay, now tell me a time Y/N laughed with you!” Franco asked Jose, while getting ready to kart. “Everytime, she's the dumbest girl ever, of course she'd laugh about something you said. Now can we focus on karting? I have a bet to win!”

“Ugh! No, Jose. I mean really laughed. Like, meaning it. Or with those shine eyes?” He zips his race suit and grab his helmet. “Like I said, everytime. Franco, you can't feel special by making her laugh if kids falling from their chair make her laugh her ass out!”

“Seriously, I think sometimes you don't have faith in my skills. But I really made her laugh. It's a progress! She's almost falling in love with me. Even though she's still getting over Augusto, I can already see our future together!”

“You're crazy. She was probably just drunk, too.”

“Jose. Just get it. We're soulmates, okay? But anyway, that was not the reason I bought Y/N up. We should throw a party next Friday. Like to all of our friends— minus Augusto, even though he's not my friend anymore— and some more and especially, Y/N. Like, this will help me so much with my plan. Because she will be like “Oh hi Franco” so sweet and then I'll use all of my charm and then by the end of the night, we'll be dancing at a song, body to body, and she'll say something like “Franco... I think I am in love with you”. And then we will kiss and live happily after.”

“Why am I even your friend... It's your house, man! You do what you want. But right now, I just want to focus on karting! Keep your romantics scenarios to yourself, okay? Please!”

“No, no, no. Wait. I didn't finish yet! That'll be a way to ask her out, without asking her out. Get it? All of that because of Augusto, because sincerely, I'd have proposed to her already by now.”

Sitting in a counter table in the library, minding your own business while trying hard to decore all the subjects you had to study for your finals, you didn't expect to see anyone. Neither him approaching you out of nowhere.

“Y/N! Wow! What are the odds?” Franco smiled, walking right up to you. There were books all over the table and there were you with a serious expression on your face. “Oh, hi Franco. How'd you find me here..?”

“Ah! I was walking around and you know... I wanted to find a cooking book! I like to cook but I want to improve my skills!” Sofia definitely did not tell me, he thought. “What are you doing here?”

“I'm studying for my finals”

“Eh, that's boring. But you know what is not boring? Party. I'm throwing a party next Friday, so if you feel like swinging by.. but, you know, whatever! Also, all of our friends will be there! Not him. He's not our friend anymore.” Franco slids down in a chair besides you.

“Oh. I'd love to but next weekend I'll have a family dinner in other city! Too bad your party isn't tonight..” you smile softly at him. Gosh. He loves this smile way too much.

“But it is tonight! Did I say next Friday? I meant this Friday. The party is tonight, yeah.”

...

“Hey, Jose. Invite everyone. We're throwing a party tonight at my place. In 2 hours.”

“Wha—” Franco hangs up.

party number one.

The atmosphere was insanely amazing. Franco's apartment was full of people he knew would make you feel great and happy. After all, he planned this party just for you. All your favorite songs were on the list for the DJ to play, your favorite drinks in easy access. There was nothing that could go wrong.

I only threw this party for you

For the first hours of the party, Franco was still with high hopes. Maybe you were stuck in traffic? Who knows. He didn't. No one actually did.

“Man, the fuck are you doing by the window? The party isn't on the roof, is it? Or is there a VIP area there?” a drunk friend of yours asked Franco, who were sat by the window looking outside, or more exactly, to the front door of his residence.

“What? No, there isn't.” He rolls his eyes, “I'm just.. waiting. I'm waiting for her.”

“Her...? You mean Y/N? Please. There's a lot of hot girls here and you choose to wait for someone who's probably not even showing up?”

“Excuse me? She's a hot girl too. And she is coming, she told me so.”

“Well, she once told me she was fucking my dad. Which is not true! Like, it was an insult but the point is that she's not always telling the truth.”

Franco just laughs at this. “She'll show up.”

I was hopin' you would come through

You didn't show up.

“Ugh.. at least it was a great experience, right?” Franco looks to the side to find no one. His friends were gone by this hour in the morning.

His phone starts ringing. It's Y/N. Franco waits for it to ring for somes seconds before answering. To be casual.

“Hi Franco. I'm sorry I missed your party. I studied all night because I found out I had gotten the wrong book.”

“Oh, hola! Yeah, it's okay.. Did you had a great study session?”

“No.. not really. Well, I wish your party was tonight–”

“It is tonight! It's a two-day party, you know? We always do that. So if you wanna swing by...”

party number two.

It's almost 2 a.m., and to be for real, most of the people in Franco's apartment were extremely tired. The party has been going on for 7 hours, and the same people tonight were there last night. And still no signals of Y/N— which made Franco drink like crazy.

“Sofiaa!! Did you see Y/N coming in? I think I saw her but I might had lost her in this crowd...” Franco slips an arm around Sofia's shoulder and she immediately pulls him away. “No, drunk ass. She's not coming, didn't you know? Spent too much time studying again and is probably asleep right now. Which is sad, because she told me she was really looking forward for tonight's party.” Sofia shrugs and then leave, walking to the center of the living room, where all the others were.

“Franco, can we leave already? I'm not vibing this party anymore!” Maria was the first one to complain, standing up from the armchair almost falling behind.

“No— I mean.. damnit! Wait, what if she forgot about the party? You know, she is always the one who bring the vibes so if I call her maybe it'll make her come and the party will be great as ever?”

“Didn't you listen to Sofia? She's probably asleep now, idiot.” Jose groaned, already making his way up to the door.

“Have faith in my skills! Jose, remember what I told you the other day.” Franco speaks a little too loud and made Jose stop right with the hand on the handle. He grabs his phone and dials Y/N's number. “Ok, listen, you all. If she doesn't answer, you can leave. But, if she does and say she's gonna come, I want everyone to have smiles on your faces! Alright?”

Called your digits, but the phone kept ringin'

“She is asleep, Franco! We're leaving, alright? Gosh. I hate these pathetic romantic men!” Maria gets up, incredibly fine from the drunk state she is. All the rest follow behind her and Franco who threw himself on the couch, was left alone, tired and kind of upset.

...

Franco is awaken up with a special ringtone— the one he chose only for her. His movements were lazy, but as reading the message, he become more and more energetic.

Hi, Franco. I'm so sorry!!!! I was studying a lot again but then when I came back to my place I found out I had to babysit my neighbor's daughter! It was an insane night. I'm so sorry. I wish your party was tonight.

Franco immediately sits up, with an idiot but hopefully smile on his face.

But the party is today! You know, it's a thing here. Two-day parties become three-day parties! If the party number one is cool, why not make it three parties? The whole weekend! You coming, then?

He waits for an answer.

Oh, really? That's a cool thing to do with parties, I guess. I'll come then. Cya!

party number three.

“Franco Alejandro Colapinto. I swear to God! We're here for like 1 hour and she's still not here. I'm losing all the time I could be karting to be here for not one, not two, but three parties just for Y/N to show up! And she never does! I mean, where is she, Franco? Where is Y/N?!” Jose storms out, and when he turns around to leave, he finds you, drink in hand, talking to Sofia. “Oh, hi Y/N.”, Jose immediately leaves.

I only threw this party for you

You try to understand what just happened and you find Franco in the couch, with an awkward expression on his face. “Hum. So, you only threw these parties for me?” You grin as you approach him.

“Uh no! I mean, yes. But, don't get me wrong or anything, I just wanted to see you!” he gets up from the couch and scratches the back of his neck.

“Well, here I am. Anyway, too bad it's not a three-days parties, I really liked the thought.”

“Yeah? We could start doing that, then.” Franco smiles and wraps his arms around your waist. A bold move, but you didn't push him away.

“Just kiss already, oh my gosh.” Sofia says, too drunk, too loud.

Franco closes the distance between the two of you and kiss your lips, inpatient, but sweet, as if he had been dreaming about this moment. And he did.

...

The End!

[rootbeerrex]

@saedyne LET'S FUCKING GO SOMEOEN WANTS TO HEAR ABOUT IT THIS MEANS I HAVE PERMISSION TO BE UNHINGED ABOUT THEM LMAO ok so I wrote this whole post this morning and fun fact I was almost late to work bc I lost track of time while writing it BUT I WASN'T SO IT WAS FINE anyway. here it is.

jackbat nation how do we feel about a dana/dick b plot. I think it would be funny to make Tim's parental life worse. his ex-step mom who is still living with him + his adopted dad + bio dad who are co-parenting him starts dating his sort of older brother.

-they meet bc dick needs physical therapy after his gunshot wound in war games, and he can safely get it from her without identity questions bc she already knows. dick starts flirting with her almost instantly bc Vulnerability? no no no I must instantly cover it with my irresistible charm.

-Dana is unimpressed bc she's had patients like this before, and she can tell he's just trying to distract her from her job. it doesn't work. (plus she is still "on a break" so with Jack, and she is Loyal and wouldn't cheat on him)

-Eventually he finishes physical therapy but they keep hanging out together bc they became Genuine Friends, and they enjoy each other's company.

-then one day they come back from an outing with tim (they are his escape from all of Jackbats fighting) and walk in on Jackbat in a. questionable situation. Dana turns and walks right back out the door, and Jack runs after her being like "it's not what it looks like!!!! I'm not gay!!!!!" (Bruce audibly scoffs at that)

-dick rips the fuck into Bruce ("how fucking could you he is still MARRIED she was WAITING for him she never would've done this to him I can't believe you would destroy a marriage like this" "oh because you care about the sanctity of marriage so much. remind me, when was the last time you spoke to Emily?" "don't you fucking DARE talk to me about Emily" )

-Dana decides Ok You Know What Fuck You I was a good person I didn't cheat I was willing to stick it out for our relationship and give you time to work your shit out but you clearly don't care about us so we are over. I have better options anyway.

-Dana files for divorce and dick and Dana start dating

- jack's misogynistic ass is so jealous cause YEAH he said he didn't wanna be in a relationship anymore and he was already moving on but that doesn't mean he wants HER moving on >:(

-Bruce calls him out on this bullshit and says she's a grown woman who can do whatever she wants and then he privately pulls dick aside and is like "you're not doing this. stop. you're making everything worse. plus she's a civilian. you can't. this is stupid. I know you're only doing it bc you're mad at me about the way I handled things with Jack so you're trying to cause drama to prove a point." and so dick is ofc like "GOD Bruce not everything is ABOUT you sometimes I have my OWN thoughts and feelings about things ever think about THAT huh?????" and like. yeah it's not ALL about that. they genuinely like each other. but this conversation does for sure make him want to date her even harder just to spite him.

-tim is fucking miserable because Jack and Bruce are mad at each other, Bruce and dick are mad at each other, jack and dana are mad at each other, and dick and Jack are mad at each other. The two pairs that aren't beefing are dick and Dana because they're currently in the honeymoon stage of their relationship, and Bruce and Dana because Dana blames Jack for the cheating, not Bruce, and Bruce blames dick for Dana and dick dating. because he's totally normal about when grown women make their own choices.

anyway how do we feel about this? I know it's A Lot and there's really no canon basis for Dick and Dana but honestly I just think it would be really really funny. I tried to be pretty accurate with Dana's characterization but also she isn't very centered in the narrative while Jack is alive so it's hard to make sure I'm getting it right. if anyone has any critiques about her please let me know, I don't wanna get her wrong

+ this tag from @starcrossedconverse

I think I agree, I think they almost definitely won't end up together because this is a Deeply Unhealthy basis for a relationship and they'll both eventually realize that. tysm for the input <333

[privatebullshit]

shut me up [a 5+1 luztoye fic]

summary: the five times joe told george to shut up, and the one time he made him. a/n: mentions of throwing up in the beginning.

—

Currahee Mountain, Camp Toccoa

This wasn't the first time that Joe had to tell George to shut his mouth, and it certainly wouldn't be the last, but it was the catalyst that sparked something new between them. George thought that pushing Joe's buttons was funny, to put it simply. He saw it as a challenge on how far Toye's limits could be stretched.

As Captain Sobel barked at the men of Easy Company to run Currahee again, George saw it as the perfect opportunity to make Joe see red. He was already agitated about the fact that he had to run six miles with two full helpings of army spaghetti feeling like a block in his stomach, and Luz was about to make it significantly worse.

"Hey. Hey, Toye," George says, running next to the now-scowling man.

"Whaddaya want, Luz?" Joe grunts. He looks over at the smaller man and the way his dark hair plasters to his forehead, face damp with sweat as he runs. If he wasn't so damn annoying, maybe Joe would find him cute— maybe.

George's face breaks into his signature grin, eyes crinkling at the irritation in Joe's voice. He lets out an airy laugh, a bit breathless from all the running.

"Just sayin' 'hi.'" Which earns him an eyeroll before continuing, "You look a little sick there, Joe."

Joe almost smacked George upside the head, but his stomach started to churn, making it impossible to do anything but focus on not hurling the contents of his dinner.

"What? Don't tell me you're gonna throw up," George snickers. He gives his friend a light pat on the shoulder.

"Luz, shut up," Joe says through gritted teeth. He didn't have the patience to deal with the jokester's antics, not right now. And if it weren't for this godforsaken mountain and the other men surrounding them, maybe Joe would've shut George up instead.

—

Barracks, Camp Toccoa

Luz hadn't settled down to sleep yet, chattering his bunkmate's ear off late into the night. He was talking about trivial things, not really making any real points or comments that were worth striking a conversation over. Most of the other guys were already snoring, but Joe couldn't sleep peacefully with George's whispering right above him.

"Luz," he grumbles, kicking the bed up top, causing George to shift around.

"Yeah?" George leans over the top bunk, peering down into the dark where he could faintly make out Joe's outline. He could imagine the scowl on Joe's face that would be clear as day if there was a lamp on.

Joe lets out a tired huff, mumbling lowly, "'m tryna sleep here."

He heard George laugh quietly, followed by the sound of feet hitting the ground. Now, George was sitting on the edge of Joe's bunk, apparently looking down on him.

"Ya can't deny that ya like my talkin'," he whispers, bed creaking slightly at the shift in his weight.

"I can, because I don't like it," Joe whispers back bitterly, but he was doing a bad job of having any real bite to his words.

"Come on, Joe. . . I'm not that bad to listen to, right? I mean—"

Joe blindly grabs at the collar of George's shirt, tugging him down closer. George teeters, his weight lurching towards Joe as he plants his hand on his chest to keep himself from falling on him.

He could swear that he heard Joe's breath hitch ever so slightly as the both of them went silent. The hand on his collar slid up the side of his neck and cupped either side of George's jaw.

"If you know what's good for you, you're gonna shut your mouth," Joe hisses, applying the slightest bit of pressure.

George lets out a soft gasp before Joe's hand drops, allowing the other to scamper back to the top bunk— conflicted, but grateful for the way the darkness of the barracks concealed the slight pinkness on his cheeks.

—

Fort Bennington, Georgia

The men of Easy Company were celebrating receiving their jump wings at the pub, spirits high as they drank, joked around, and yelled. Joe leaned on the bar counters, facial expression neutral as he stared at George's back. For some reason, he made mental note of the way George's back curves and twists as he moves, passing out glasses of beer to fellow enlisted men.

A small smirk tugs at Joe's lips, but he quickly drops it when George turns around. He could've sworn he saw George's eyes light up just a bit when he saw him.

"Corporal Toye," George starts, imitating Captain Sobel, earning an exasperated sigh from Joe, "there will be no there will be no leaning in my company. Are those dusty jump wings?"

Joe straightened up and looked down, brushing his thumb over his jump wings to polish them to the best of his abilities.

"How do you expect to slay the Huns with dust on your jump wings?"

George barely got out the last word before Joe gripped his uniform and pulled him in, their faces dangerously close.

"Luz, just give me a drink," he mutters, a slight edge to his voice that left George's mind wandering. Any closer and his lips would be ghosting over his.

Shaking the thought from his mind, George grins as he locks eyes with Joe, eyelashes fluttering slightly, "Hell of an idea, Joe."

Joe's eyes dart down to George's lips for a split second before he released him so he could get his beer. George bends down to get another full glass, handing it to Joe as their fingers brushed for an electrifying moment.

"There ya go," George says a bit softer now.

Joe didn't know why, but he mumbles the words "shut up" before taking a sip of the cold beer.

—

Upottery, England

It was the day before their jump into Normandy and the men were currently packing their leg bags. George watches as Joe lists off all the things they'll have to carry and how it weighs just as much as he does.

"Say, Joe, are ya gonna pack your bag, or keep complainin' about it?" he asks, grinning from ear to ear as he tosses in a few cartons of smokes to the already large pile of items.

Joe turns to look at George, eyes narrowed and warning.

"Shut up before I use the brass knuckles on you instead," he scowls, raising a threatening fist to shake at George.

This earns a loud laugh from George as he walks over to where Joe is standing.

"You're so uptight, hell if I didn't know ya, I'd say you're Captain Sobel's son!" he barks out another laugh, wincing once Joe smacks the side of his head.

"If the Krauts don't get you first, I will," Joe growls.

George gets a mischievous glint in his eyes as he steps closer, lowering his voice just enough for Joe to hear, "is that a promise?"

What once was a threat vanishes into thin air as Joe's jaw slacks ever so slightly at George's sudden boldness. He could've been joking around, as usual, but the sultry tone that laced his words mimicked something other than teasing.

Joe clenches his teeth once more, going back to pack his leg bag as George snickers in the background, flooding his mind with thoughts of shutting him up.

—

Mourmelon, France

"Seven Sinners" starring John Wayne and Marlene Dietrich was being projected on the screen that the men were staring at as they enjoyed some rare downtime in France. George couldn't help but say something stupid; it was in his nature.

He lights up a Lucky Strike and wraps his lips around it, inhaling the familiar taste of nicotine and exhaling the smoke.

"Look at me, I’m John Waye. The costume department set me up with these great navy whites, whaddaya think?" he says openly, a bit too loud for the two in front of him.

Joe turns his head and glares at George, "Luz, shut up."

Lipton joins in on silencing him, "I'm trying to watch this."

George simply shrugs, cigarette between his index and middle finger. "I've seen this movie 13 times, okay?"

A scowl flashes over Joe's face, "Well I haven't, so shut up."

The other grins at him again— that stupid, charming grin that Joe wanted to wipe off his face. Joe grumbles and curses George under his breath, letting the image of his smile in his mind get under his skin. God, he could punch him, or kiss him— but he's not quite sure why he thought of that.

Later that day

After being told to return to their barracks and talk to their platoon leaders, George and Joe were some of the last ones to leave the screen room. They walk side by side, George finally silent after the movie was shut off.

"Got a smoke?" Joe asks, looking down at George who's already extending a Lucky Strike to him. He takes it with a soft "thanks," placing it between his lips.

He's quiet as they walk out before he asks another question, "Got a light?"

George smirks and chuckles at Joe, "Ya never stop askin' for things, do ya?"

Joe takes a deep breath, restraining himself as George lifts the flame from his lighter to the tip of the cigarette.

"Why dontcha get your own lighter, Joe?" George asks, pocketing his own as he stops and glances at him.

To be honest, Joe's irritation with George was through the roof, so he grabbed his wrist and tugged him towards an empty barracks. George couldn't even protest before his back was pushed against the wall in the far corner of the room, Joe gripping his uniform with both hands.

"Joe—"

"Shut up," Joe cuts him off. "You never know how to shut up, huh?"

George looks at him with fire in his gaze, opening his mouth to make another snarky comment.

"Make me."

Without hesitation, Joe presses his lips against George's, earning a sharp gasp from the latter.

George brings his arms to snake around Joe's neck, entangling himself in his embrace as Joe lets go of his uniform to cup the back of his head. It was just to make him shut up at first, but after hearing George whine just a little, Joe was determine to make him do it again.

After all, George sounded prettier when pressed against Joe.

[princessofghosts-posts]

I kinda wished we saw the demigods more in the mortal world than the mythological one. Most of them go to school and some of them live with their parents in the winter,but other than a couple of moments with Percy at the start of a school year (that goes wrong) we never saw anything. I'm not talking about the time he got attacked while in school or in pubblich places,I'm referring to seeing them having mortal friends and everything,while trying not to blow up half of their existence to them.

Percy during lunch period: So,do you guys have plans for this summer?

Dude n.1: Me and my family are going to the beach,mom rented an house for a bit there.

Dude n.2: Cool! I'm going to travel for a couple of days in Europe,dad wanted to see some monuments there so we are all going together.

Dude n.1: Remember to buy souvenirs for us too! Percy,what about you? What are you plans?

Percy: I'm going to my usual summer camp this year too. Hoping it will go better than the others time.

Dude n2: Why? Something bad happened last time you went?

Percy: Not really. One of my acquaintances there pushed me off the climbing wall last time,my arm kinda....broke? But another guy fixed my bones right after so it wasn't a problem. I just hope she doesn't try to do that again,it's starting to get annoying.

Dude n.1:....Did you just say that she pushed you off a wall? And did that multiple times-?

Dude n.2: And that a guy fixed your bones? You need a surgery for a broken arm–

Percy: Nah don't worry,he got it covered,trust me. You know how a summer camps are.

Dude n1: I went to those a couple of times and I don't remember ever having a climbing wall?? You sure it's safe?

Percy: Pretty much,beside,the climbing wall isn't that bad. We also have horse stables,an arena and–

Dude n.2: A what now–

Percy: An arena. You know,those where you go and– *stopping abruptly because he realized he started to say to much*

You can't tell me this didn't happend at least twice,and not only for Percy. They are so immersed in their demigods life that sometimes they forgot that there are normal mortals (not like Rachel that can see through the mist or think/know that something is up) too and they can't talk too much and freely around them.

I can totally see Percy and Annabeth hanging out with some non-demigod friends and while they are all in the middle of a conversation those two start to to divert from the main topic,totally forgetting about their friends and talking about the time they were in trouble. And those people are concerned and a bit spoken because they can't understand and didn't know half of what they are talking about.

Annabeth did you just said you got stabbed a couple of weeks before school? Percy,did you just said that a crazy aunt of your kidnapped you for almost the whole summer? And you had amnesia half of the time?? What do you mean your mother sent you on a trip Rome's undergrounds?? And she also disowned you??

There is so much potential here that's hilarious. And this can be applied to any demigod in the books.

[mia-can-yap-too]

Diamond-less Disaster

What?:- The Blue Lock boys try to ask you out! Except they're in 'Episodes – Choose your Story' and don't have enough diamonds...

Warnings:- Crack, isagi crying from embarrassent (not in front of the huzz tho), rin uses plant flirtation tactics, kaiser is so confident im pretty sure its almost OOC

Who:- Isagi Yoichi, Itoshi Rin, Micheal Kaiser

Isagi Yoichi

Isagi doesn't know how he did it, but somehow, he convinced you to join him on his early morning runs.

It went quite smoothly, actually. He slowed his pace to match yours and occasionally switched to a light jog so it would be easier to hold a conversation with you.

The only downside was that both of you forgot to bring water bottles. Fortunately, you spot a vending machine nearby.

Isagi, ever the gentleman, pays for your waters and sits down next to you.

Still panting, he takes a minute to admire you. Even in your sweaty-hair-stuck-to-your-forehead-and-face-red-from-running glory, you are no less than the sun to him.

Tell her you like her

[15 💎] Ask her out to a date later

[Free] Stand five feet away, wave awkwardly, and say "I respect oxygen"

All of a sudden, Isagi stands up and waves at you, nervously.

Raising your eyebrows and giving your own awkward wave, you ask, "Are you... alright?"

"I... respect oxygen."

"What?"

"I mean... you breathe... good?"

He looks like he's about to cry out of embarrassment, but no, he has to be a man. And real men keep going even in the trenches.

"I uh... meant that oxygen is so useful, like wow, I'm so grateful. I mean... the trees are sure working overtime for us, huh? Go, Mother Nature! O2, wow, couldn't live without it..."

You are weirded out. Like, incredibly weirded out. "I guess... I didn’t know you were so passionate about oxygen..."

He doesn't meet your eyes. He can never meet your eyes again if he wants his dignity intact.

Face as red as the faux tomatos you were throwing at him in his head, he pretends to be shocked as he looks at his watch.

"Oh no...! I have practice with... Kaiser! We're the best of buddies, so I can't leave him hanging, you know? So, I have to go. Like, right now. Sorry for leaving you like this," he starts walking backwards, "Okay? Okay. Bye!"

It's a full-on sprint now. He is definitely crying from embarrassment now.

You've chosen humiliation. Confidence -20

Itoshi Rin

The classroom you're in is quiet, the perfect environment for you to peacefully doodle in.

That is, of course, before Rin enters like a glitchy DLC character that no one paid for. [a/n:- im lying yall would play just for him smh]

Rin has been hyping himself up for this all week. Today, he will confess to you. No matter what.

Okay. Just talk. Be normal. Be cool. Compliment her. Compliments are free, right?

You've never opened up to anyone before. Let her in.

[30 💎] "You calm the chaos in my head."

[Free] "If I were a plant, I'd tolerate you as my sunlight."

Apparently, compliments aren't free.

Rin opens his mouth despite it all and speaks in the most monotone voice you've ever heard.

"If I were a plant... I'd tolerate you as my sunlight."

Oh God, not another one.

Confused, you ask, "... You'd tolerate me?"

He wants to die inside. "Yeah, I wouldn't wither... Immediately. Like I usually do..."

"So... I'm not bad. Just... barely acceptable?"

Okay, now he's in the danger zone. Like, the part where you're sweating nervously and begging God to kill you with lightning or whatever works for Him.

"Some plants thrive on neglect. I could be one of those. You could be... my low-maintenance sun."

"Rin..." Oh no, now you sound worried. "That sounds so insulting and sad. Are you okay?"

"You're like... the right amount of photosynthesis. Not too much. Not too... chlorophyll-ly...?"

Why is he still trying?!

Once he realizes that he's drowing, he tries to fix it and fails miserably because the author of this fic likes chaos.

"Wait. No. Forget I said any of this."

With that, he dissappears.

Well, fuck. He should've just paid the diamonds.

You've chosen Emotional Constipation with Agricultural Undertones.

Michael Kaiser

Desperately trying to get away from all the pathetic-boy-chaos, you slip onto the rooftop to watch the sunset.

The sun is setting, and the golden hour casts a beautiful glow on you. And Micheal Kaiser.

He appears like the ghost of dramatic monologues past, and his hair glints as if he's actively photosynthesizing ego. He walks towards you with the swagger of a man who already knows your heart belongs to him. Except it doesn't.

Sweep her off her feet (not literally)

[40 💎] "The spot as the Empress to my Emperor is forever vacant for you."

[Free] Call her a peasant and throw a rose at her feet.

Nothing can deter him. Not even having a maximum of 2 diamonds.

"Kneel peasant," he smirks.

You're seriously offended. Even though you already know what's happening.

"Excuse me?!"

He dramatically pulls out a crumpled rose from somewhere inside his jacket, and looks at it as if it hold all the wealth in the world.

"This rose... was once blooming and vibrant. But now, it's withered.... just like your charm and charisma."

He drops it at your feet as if he's bestowing unknown luxuries to you.

"I bless thee."

"Did you just throw trash at me?! I bet that came from a gas station, too, asshole!" You scowl at him, and Kaiser can't understand why.

Looking as if you just praised Isagi in front of him, he starts his rant off with, "First of all, it was a roadside convenience emporium...!"

You have chosen Romantic Tyranny. -10 bitches.

a/n:- my goal as a writer is that you read my fics and think "wtf was going on in her head?" LOLOL i have never played this game so this is all based on what friends have said and tbh the choices in the game are probably much worse than this but idc

@strangergraphics for dividers

[elliezato]

ᢉ𐭩⋆♱ Repentance and Desire ♱⋆ᢉ𐭩

Pairing: Ellie Williams x Reader

-Modern au

Summary: You grew up in a very conservative household and when you found your love for women your parents send you away to a conversion camp. You soon find out you're roomed with a girl who was just your type. Stupid for paring two lesbians alone in a cabin all summer.

You knew who you loved and this place couldn't pray the gay out of you no matter how hard they tried.

Ellie was perfect. Late night smokes, hiding from the counselor by the lake. Holding her close under the sheets. You knew you were having too good of a time at a place where your'e supposed to be repenting. It was bound to end soon.

Word Count: 1,645

𓇢𓆸

a/n: I've been gone for a year now but I had this idea and needed to get it out. maybe i'm back from my hiatus for good? Also, sorry for not completing Summer With You but tbh I didn't know where I was going with it. If you still want another chapter let me know.

Anyway, this fic will have the same vibes and will be much better. I love this story so much and I am open to feedback and I want to hear what you guys would want in the story!

𖧷𖧷𖧷𖧷𖧷𖧷𖧷𖧷𖧷𖧷𖧷𖧷𖧷𖧷𖧷𖧷𖧷𖧷𖧷𖧷𖧷𖧷𖧷𖧷𖧷

You pack your things for conversion camp. Why can't your parents accept the fact you like girls. It's not something new to them considering you room is covered in posters of Billie Eilish, sapphic movie posters and letters from your past relationships. I guess they've learned this isn't a "phase" and needs to be "fixed"

Shoving your clothes into a suitcase, you realize it's not enough space for a whole summer. Your closet is packed with clothes and shoes. How is it all going to fit?

Eventually you pack one suitcase and 3 duffle bags into the car. Who cares if you're "over packing". It's better to have too many outfits than not enough I guess. You get in the car and wait for your dad

He gets in and smiles "This is going to be good for you. Don't think we hate you because we're making you go to this camp. I promise you'll be happier after."

You sigh and look out the window as the car drives down the driveway. It's a long drive. 3 hours to the mountain and an hour up the mountain to the campsite. Small talk of how this summer will be good and blah blah blah fills the silence during the drive.

Not soon enough, you pull into the site. Your dad helps unload your bags and a counselor comes up to greet you.

"Hi! Welcome to Camp Renew!" She takes some of your bags and starts to talk about the significance of the camp but you tune her out.

Your dad looks at you and comes in for a hug. "Your mom and I will miss you very much but we know this Is for the best. Have fun, I love you!"

He drives away and you follow the counselor with your bags as she's leads you to your cabin. The camp is very pretty, you can admit. The sun reflecting off the lake in the distance is somewhat peaceful.

The cabins are very small. She stops as cabin #9 and drops your bag. A girl is slouched on the railing holding a cigarette between her fingers. Her hair in just above her shoulders and tied into to a half up hair-do.

"Ellie! what did we talk about the cigarettes! Put it out now." She turns back to you. "That's your roommate for the summer. You two will be sharing the cabin and will be partners for all the activities coming up." She sets your bags down. "I will be in the dining hall helping the incoming guests if you have any questions."

You walk up the stairs and meet your new roommate. The closer you get you notice the freckles on her nose and the tattoo on her arm. Why would they room you with her? She's everything you look for in girls. How were you supposed to convert from being gay when she's your roommate?

"Hi, I'm y/n" You give her a soft smile.

She doesn't smile back but nods and she takes out another cigarette from her pocket. Her face glows as she lights it. She takes a hit as she introduces herself. "Ellie." The smoke blows bast your face as you look into her pocket.

"Do you have any more?"

"You smoke?" She asks with a shocked expression.

"She hands you a cig without an answer. You take it and put it in-between your lips. Ellie leans in closer and lights it for you while you hold your hand against hers to prevent the flame from going out. You make eye contact before the takes a small step back.

"So, why are you here? Do you have a smoking problem? Drinking? Or are you just gay?" She asks while putting her lighter back in her pocket.

You look at her confused. "What do you mean? I thought this place was just a gay conversion camp."

She laughs, "No, this place is for everyone who "needs help". But I guess that answers my question." She leans against the railing and she takes another hit. "Do you want to be helped or were you just sent here by your family?"

"I don't want to be helped... My parents made me come here because they believe I need to be saved from my sins and become who God made me to be or whatever." You roll your eyes and look at Ellie. "Although, considering this place is to convert me, I don't know why they paired two lesbians together."

"Hey, what makes you assume I'm gay?" Ellie grins as she pretends to look offended.

"Uhh idk, maybe the button up and jorts with the carabiner." You say sarcastically.

She nods her head and laughs "Mm, I see. Anyway, I guess they think putting me with some fem looking girl who comes from a religious family will help me." She looks at you with a straight face.

"Well putting me with an attractive lesbian isn't going to help me so." You put out your cigarette but you feel her eyes on you.

"You think I'm attractive?" She grins and playfully smiles at you.

You give her a stare before looking her up and down. "I mean yeah, you are attractive, doesn't mean I'm attracted to you." Starting to pick up your bags and bring them into the cabin, you glance behind you at Ellie, still slouched on the wood railing. "Just because I'm gay doesn't mean I'm in love with every girl I encounter."

She stands up straight and begins to follow you in. "Yeah, heard. I've said that sentence many times before." She smiles and grabs your other bags while walking into the cabin.

The cabin isn't as bad as it looks on the outside. There are two beds on either side and lots of windows. Ellie's side is covered in posters and personality while yours is still very empty. There isn't much room to work with but It's doable considering you'll only be here for 2 months.

"Shit-" You look around and realize you didn't bring any posters or things to fill your space with.

Ellie looks at you confused. "What?"

"I only brought clothes and the necessities. I didn't even think to bring things to decorate. I didn't know that was allowed." You rummage through your bags trying to find something to put up.

"It's okay, most people don't bring anything for decor. I've been here a few times though, so I've learned it's better if I make this space more comfortable." She walks towards her side of the cabin and sits on the bed.

"You've been here before? Why have you kept coming back" You look at her a little bit in fear that you'll have to be back too.

"Well, my family doesn't believe that I'm "cured". I fake it for a few months here, they fall for it, then send me home. But once I'm home I don't really change." Ellie looks at you with a smile but you can tell something is bothering her. "My parents made me drop out of college until I successfully converted because they found out that I was hooking up with girls at parties and living a college life..."

You frown hearing that information and start to walk over to her. "Im sorry. My parents are kinda doing the same. I start college this year and they're making me spend the summer at this camp to ensure I won't be like that at school." You sit down on the bed next to her. "If I come back the same they won't let me go."

"Damn." She turns to you and looks down

"How old are you anyway" You ask about of pure curiosity.

She looks almost shocked at the question thinking it was obvious you were around the same age. "I just turned 20."

You figured. "I'm turning 19 in August."

Ellie looks at you like she feels bad. "So you'll be here for your birthday?"

Everything stops for a moment. You didn't even think about that. The camp ends 5 days after your birthday. All the plans you made in your head for your 19th is ruined. You had talked to your friends about renting a place at the beach for a weekend but I guess that's over.

You look down "Yeah, I guess so..."

Ellie sits there for a moment letting you catch your thoughts. "It's okay. Honestly if you're good at acting straight here it's not so bad. We can figure something out" She gives you a reassuring smile.

"We can deal with that when the times comes" You get up and starting walking to your side of the cabin. "Is there any good food here. I'm actually starving"

"Yeah, they have a cook out tonight for everyone arriving. We can start making our way over if you want?" Ellie lays down on her bed staring at the ceiling.

After spending some time getting ready. You leave the cabin to see what this camp is all about. The sun is starting to set and string lights are lighting up the site. The smell of food fills the air as the two of you get closer to the cook out. Ellie walks closely next to you bringing a sense of comfort to the foreign area. Maybe with Ellie here, the summer won't be as dreadful as you had thought.

𓇢𓆸

a/n: This was a very short chapter just to see were I want this story to go. I'm super excited about writing this I hope it will be enjoyable to read! Like I said, pleaseee give feedback. I would love to see what you guys want to read and how you want this fic to go. I have lots of ideas but I love taking suggestions! I will update with another chapter very soon!<3

[thebreakfastgenie]

I’ve been showing a friend of mine MASH and we’re finally nearing the end (wrapping up season 10). She mentioned something kind of interesting I thought you might have a view on. As we’ve been in the later seasons with more character-focused plots, we’ve both kind of joked that the show is obviously very Hawkeye centric, as is expected of the literal main character, so the pre-text of “who will perform this surgery?” or “who will go to the front for a day?” is kind of pointless (from a viewer perspective). But, my friend said that the this ends up having a weird effect on the messaging in her view. Because everything always happens to Hawkeye, the messaging appears to be that he’s just uniquely having the worst time ever, not that the war is horrific for everyone. I think the argument is that because the dramatic plots tend not to be spread around, the anti-war messaging is dampened or subsumed.

I’m not sure I agree with this, I’m still mulling it over, but it’s an interesting idea. Im not sure anything could have been any different - Hawkeye is the lead after all. But, it also reminds me of another point I’ve been thinking about which is the length of the show and later-years found family aspect almost cut against the anti-war messaging as well. I’m not sure I have a coherent point here, it’s still an amazing show (even the later-years which I’m less fond of), but it’s interesting to me that the form and formalistic traditions of the medium can sometimes undercut aspects of the messaging.

I think the anti-war messaging does get undercut a little bit sometimes in the later seasons, but I'm not sure I agree with your friend about why. There were a lot of factors that went into it. For one thing, the show lasted such a long time they had already told most of the anti-war stories they wanted to tell. MASH was able to last so long while maintaining a relatively high quality by evolving and transforming. The people who made the show have said that themselves. That's why you get more character-driven, dramatic stories in the later seasons, and the show is more focused on that and less focused on the anti-war messaging. I don't think there's any universe where we get 11 seasons of early MASH because there is just a finite number of episodes you can produce.

Another factor that gets discussed a lot is chronology. MASH is about the Korean War, but it was also frequently commenting on the Vietnam War. When MASH started in 1972 (and the film came out in 1970) the Vietnam War was still in full swing but by that point extremely unpopular. The United States withdrew in 1973. Events like the fall of the Saigon government in 1975 kept it relevant a little bit longer, but by the late 70s Vietnam was no longer topical* and the MASH cast and creative team were actually starting to get questions in interviews about whether that was going to make it harder to keep the show relevant. There was also a weird silence about Vietnam in American culture immediately after US involvement in the war ended. There was a glut of anti-war art and media during the war, but as soon as the war ended the country collectively decided not to talk about. This weird national denial lasted into the 80s. When Goodnight Saigon came out in 1982, it generated a lot of comments that no one was talking about Vietnam. Born in the USA came out in 1984 and I think that was really the beginning of the retrospective national conversation about Vietnam. MASH of course ended in February 1983, before that really got started, so the final seasons of MASH were happening in this cultural context that was largely silent on the issue. When MASH started the Korean War was 20 years old, by this point it was pushing 30 years old and was gaining its reputation as "the forgotten war" and without Vietnam to tie it to the present, the cultural conditions no longer supported a topical anti-war show. But character-driven stories about the universal horrors of war, especially well-written stories about characters that Americans already loved? That they could do. People started complaining that MASH "got preachy" later on, even though MASH was never subtle and the early seasons are much more pointed in their anti-war message, and while part of that was just that Larry Gelbart's comedy writing was so good the message went over a lot of Americans' heads, I think part of it was also that the popular idea of what "preachy" meant evolved in the late 70s going into the 80s.

Related to both of these things is the changeover in creative control. Larry Gelbart and Gene Reynolds both left MASH when they did because they felt they'd told all the stories they wanted to tell. Ken Levine and David Isaacs, who were the headwriters for seasons 6 through 8, left after season 8 for the same reason. Larry Gelbart was really the driving force behind the anti-war messaging and topical Vietnam commentary. Alan Alda gradually amassed a larger creative influence and by the time Burt Metcalfe took over he was basically an equal showrunner. Ironically, considering the popular perception, Alan Alda didn't like writing overtly political scripts, and preferred more character-driven stories. Burt Metcalfe was pretty much on the same page. They knew they couldn't do what Larry Gelbart did as well as Larry did it, so instead of trying and creating something subpar, they just did something else and did that well.

The reason I'm not sure about your friend's reasoning that the anti-war message was undercut by too much focus on Hawkeye specifically is that while in some ways Hawkeye becomes more of a main character over time, in other ways the show becomes more of a true ensemble over time as Margaret's role becomes less antagonistic and straightforward antagonist Frank is replaced with the more sympathetic Charles. Her point that "the pre-text of “who will perform this surgery?” or “who will go to the front for a day?” is kind of pointless" is correct, but that was kind of always true. They even kind of hang a lampshade on it when they draw sausages to go to the front. As early as Dear Dad in season 1, it's Hawkeye that has to go to the front to perform field surgery. That's the episode that establishes Hawkeye as the thoracic surgeon, which is a change from both the movie and the original book, in which Trapper was the only thoracic surgeon in the 4077th, and was also the head surgeon. Both of those roles were transplanted to Hawkeye in the show as he emerged as the main character, and that's ultimately why Wayne Rogers left after season 3 (on good terms; he wasn't angry about it and remained friends with Alan Alda, but he took the role expecting to be a more equal protagonist and it didn't make sense for him to stay when it didn't shake out that way). The later seasons do have a number of dramatic episodes that center other characters, too, including some that Alan Alda wrote.

I think your friend is touching on something, though. I think MASH somewhat undercut its anti-war message by being too successful and lasting as long as it did. A little bit because it starts to feel like Hawkeye and the 4077th are just uniquely unlucky (and I mean, in real life, doctors who were drafted were rotated home at a certain point, Hawkeye being there for the entire war is creative license), but also because even though the show repeatedly hammers home that the characters want the war to end, the end of the war means the end of the show, so the audience is naturally going to want to prolong the fictional depiction of the Korean War so they can continue watching the show. A lot of that has to do with the audience falling in love with these characters over the last 11 years, so having more dramatic, character-driven episodes contributed to that whether they disproportionately focused on Hawkeye or not.

Tl;dr MASH does undercut its anti-war message a bit in the later seasons, mostly as a result of the inevitable limitations of television as a medium to send that message, and the only way to avoid it would have been to end the show earlier.

*The devastating effects of the war and the USA's involvement continues to be extremely relevant to the people who live in Vietnam, but once US troops left the country it stopped being relevant to Americans.

[elpeadro]

AHHHHHHHH HALF-TITAN LUZ IS A NEW DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE STORY!!!!!!

You said you won't spoil, so you don't have to acknowledge this take at all, but I'm going to take my shot at it anyway, because of my brainrot with your story. Luz gains her Titan characteristics from one of two things. Either:

the direct exposure to the sheer magical power of the Calamity gems from Sasha capturing and carrying/dragging her away reawakens some dormant part of her that was formed when she took in Papa Titan's spirit to briefly become a full Titan and kill Belos. (Could possibly play into your pet theory about how all dimensional travel can be sourced back to the Guardian, who created the Titans. So Luz and her dormant Titan side coming into contact with the energy that birthed the Titans in the first place reignites that aspect.)

Darcy has been reading their way through the history of the Boiling Isles after capturing the Archive House at the beginning of Frogvasion, along with any government buildings or libraries in the main cities. This is how they learn about a human folkhero in this world of witches in the first place and why they send Sasha to bring Luz to them. Now, this next part hinges on the books Darcy has been reading mentioning that Luz briefly became part- or full-Titan in the battle with Belos. If so, their interest in her is the same as their interest in the Shadowfish or Mossmen: Luz is a special, unique creature with abilities they want to study and exploit, because having the blood of the primordial beings who make up the continents of this world is a great boon that they want to have for themself. So...yeah...'scientific experimentation' time, aka torture (but not senseless torture), to try and bring back out her Titan side and which ends up working. Sort of. (You can be sure as hell that Luz would sooner die than let it slip King is also a Titan - assuming that information isn't in the history texts. Or maybe the Core is only interested in Luz because she's shown the ability for a human body to adapt to Titan blood/powers.)

Are Sashanne just hella toxic in an always-negative sense where it's like "how the hell are they even together in the first place?", or are they toxic in that they have such extreme ups and downs where they can be lovey-dovey at times (at least physically and affectionately) but then quickly slip back into Sasha emotionally ignoring Anne and Anne trying to manipulate Sasha, on top of all their other issues?

That Marcy sentence was FOUL, btw 💀

Yessssssssss prisoner Luz is the primary aspect of this AU! Let's go!!!!

As you said, beyond Luz being a naturally affable person, Sasha and Anne are desperate to have someone normal to talk to, since the only people in their lives right now are their hivemind boss (who they hate) and their bitch wife (who they hate, but also love). Enter Luz, and the Calamity girls are like, "holy shit??? A regular conversation? I forgot what this felt like!" And then they start getting attached to this kid a little.

The ambiguity and unease surrounding Anne and her powers is so freaking good. I love it so much.

It's unsettling and terrifying how she can make you doubt your own mind, because yeah, how do you know that what you're feeling and thinking are your own thoughts when you are helpless to even RECOGNIZE that you're being manipulated in the first place, let alone resist it?

I love your joke comic idea about Luz accusing the Core of having done something to Anne and Sasha (because why else would they be so terrible and toxic to each other?), only for Darcy to just snort and be like, "nah man, they were this way long before we got involved." (And I'm sure the Core feeds the flames of that toxicity, because keeping Anne and Sasha divided and at each other's throats is another layer of insurance to make sure they don't try and resist or rise up against Darcy.)

There could also be humor/jokes as Luz realizes these two god-like beings who have been terriyfing her world are:

her age or maybe even younger (3 years after Belos' death, she is 18, and Anne would be 17)

even worse, they're MARRIED??? Luz is out here living her best, yuriful life in her isekai world with her awesome girlfriend, meanwhile these two are the definition of "please get a divorce"

@finbowl

As funny as it would be for the multiverse's most divorced not-divorced couple to be younger than perpetual honeymoonphase lumity, they are a fair bit older.

In hindsight I think I should've written that the date in Luz's journal is 4 or 5 new era, but oh well path not taken. Suffice to say, the Calamity Girls are 29 (Marcy might be 30 at this point not that she gets to enjoy it), and Luz is 18 to 20. It's been about 12 or 13 years since the girls went to Amphibia, and they've been doing this multiverse conquest thing for a decade or so.

The Core being what it is and making them do what they do definitely isn't helping things, but let's be honest it doesn't have to do much to make Sasha and Anne's relationship more toxic, they are very good at doing that themselves.

[daisywords]

\

[july-19th-club]

i think the funniest neal relationship is when he's dating sara because 90% of it is 'we both like to be dressed to the nines at all hours of the day and night, we should fuck about it' and the instant they have any disagreement whatsoever they're like oh right our expensive and impractical taste in clothing is the only thing we have in common

[neverendingford]

.

[squaduck]

Huh.

Thanks to all the strangers who liked a single post, and thanks to all the weirdos who stuck around.

But also, what? I pretty much do nothing.

I occasionally reblog stuff, sure, but not a whole lot.

Sorry for the long tags. I'm just going slightly insane and didn't want to make a mile long post. (Also, did anyone know that there's a tag limit??? It's 30 tags apparently.) (also also, because tmi, im disabling reblogs.)