#thank you so much again… this is so awesome

[vssail]

From: (...)

To: Jason Todd

Subject: Soo... you coming?

Yeah, yeah, I know what you want to answer me. "I don't like crowded places". You're lucky I'm a genius.

If we can't go to the cinema, we can celebrate Joe Wright's 2005 Pride and Prejudice aniversary at my place!

I got the movie on DVD. I know we could watch it directly on TV, but this way it feels more real, you know? With the 2005 vibe and everything. And I already bought like a lot, lot, LOT of popcorns. All flavors imaginable. So, you have to come now, unless you want me to die trying to eat all these popcorns by myself.

You better be at my door at seven, Todd.

(Please, come.)

(...)

From: Jason Todd

To: (...)

Subject: Re: Soo... you coming?

You're terrible. But sweet. Let's leave it at adorably terrible.

Give me five minutes to get there.

(You didn't have to do all that for me. But I appreciate it. Thank you.)

J

From: Jason Todd

To: (...)

Subject: New recipe

Alfred revealed to me the recipe of the brownies that you loved so much. I'm cooking them right now. If you get here quickly, you could be the tester.

And again, thank you for the other night. I had a great time. We should do it again. Chicken run turns 25 this year, if you need inspiration for the next movie.

J

P.S. Don't. Make. Jokes. About. The. Apron.

From: (...)

To: Jason Todd

Subject: Re: New recipe

[jason todd on a ripped batman apron.jpg]

Muehehehe

(...)

From: Jason Todd

To: (...)

Subject: Delete the pictures.

You have 30 minutes to delete them. Don't ask me what will happen if you don't.

J

From: (...)

To: Jason Todd

Subject: Mission Accomplished

Okay, okay, I deleted them. The only thing left of those pic is the one I printed and framed. I have it in a safe, so no one will be able to see it (unless they know my birthday).

Tho I must warn you someone may have hacked my phone before I got to delete them. I think so because an unknown number sent me a paypal payment and told me to get more pictures. Creepy.

Don't worry, I won't take more pictures. I am the only one that deserves to see that side of you ;)

(...)

P.S. You up for movie night tomorrow?

From: Jason Todd

To: (...)

Subject: Re: Mission Accomplished

I'm taking the food, there are some brownies left. I can make something else if you want. Maybe I can cook dinner before we watch the movie? Alf handed me another recipe, I could try it with you.

I'm taking an apron. Black. No pictures.

J

From: Jason Todd

To: Tim Drake

Subject: You're dead

Prepare your last words.

From: (...)

To: Jason Todd

Subject: Re: Re: Mission Accomplished

Awesome! I really love it when you go full Gordon Ramsey, like really, your cooking skills never fail to surprise me. Sometimes I think about kidnapping you so you cook for me everyday, but I back off when I remember you hide guns in the toaster.

Oooh I searched through my dad's old DVD's collection and I have a full list of films that we HAVE TO watch! Not gonna lie, the options could be better - but I want to keep the DVD thing. It's like our thing <3

[top best films to watch with jay - millenial dad edition.pdf]

We could do a Final destination marathon. I think another one is coming out this year so the timing is perfect!

(I know, no crowded rooms. I'll just get it somehow, don't worry.)

See you tomorrow, Todd :)

(...)

From: Tim Drake

To: (...)

Subject: Calm your dog

Yeah, I know, I'm sorry for hacking your phone. I was curious about who was Jason talking to through e-mails in this day and age. The picture was there and I couldn't let it go, yk? Now, I would appreciate if you talked with him to calm him down. I'm afraid his threat may not be as light as I thought it was.

Please, be quick. I think I'm hearing things in my appartment.

T. D.

[funtime918]

well first of all i am HONOURED to be your inspo, it’s sososo cool to me that you like it that much!!! /gen i actually had some inspo for the animation style as well, k4ppasta on youtube! i’d recommend going to check them out if you want some more reference vids :3

but to answer your question, yes this was for inktobertale! ink’s creator, @/comyet posts the prompt list for each year sometime in september along with the rules! so just keep an eye on the blog and you should be able to catch this year’s if there is one ^^

hope that helps!! :D

had to do a little extra cooking for this one, i’m not late, you are /silly

Day 4 - Frame!

the original idea for the prompt was to just do something like the last frame (no pun intended) of this, but then i got the idea for the animation and i couldn’t not do it, so here ya go!

i miiiiight do a little something for the two days i missed, we’ll see how much time i have for them ^^

transcript under the cut!

Ink: Myebi/Comyet

"Heya there, pal!"

"Can…I come out? …Eventually? …please?"

[youhideastar]

Hello! I just needed to say that your tags on that ABO post (#maybe someday I will write that essay on how I think a/b/o starts from a fundamentally ace perspective#ie that it starts from a premise of no desire#into which desire arrives as a rare unexpected unwelcome and often traumatic deviation from the baseline) shook my brain like a magic 8 ball and I would like to subscribe to your newsletter.

I mean I guess I kind of already have since I follow your blog but like. That is genius and also I think that approach helps explain part of why I loved your ABO bingo series so much!

Anyway just wanted to say that, hope you're having an awesome day!

Aaahhhhh thank you so much! All credit to the initial poster for kicking my brain into gear on this. (For the curious, here's the series the ask mentions!)

But yes, to expand on those tags, there's so *much* about a/b/o as a genre that, to me at least, starts from an ace perspective.

For example, in most a/b/o universes where there are, in fact, betas (as opposed to another common take on omegaverse worldbuilding where there are just alphas and omegas), then the inherent starting premise of the world is that there are two kinds of people--people whose lives in large part revolve around intense, consuming, and uncontrollable sexual desire and people whose lives don't--which is to say, the inherent starting premise is that some people are (at least symbolically) ace. Indeed, in most of these fics, that's considered unremarkable in-universe... which is, from that point of view, a fantasy of a world where asexuality is commonplace and accepted. (Then again, it's rare for the main characters of such stories to be betas - it looks like a fantasy of ace acceptance, but the symbolically ace characters are relegated to the sidelines, as if a life that doesn't revolve around that kind of desire isn't worth telling stories about.)

In another example, a/b/o fics often posit a worldbuilding where the norm is that a person will only go into heat or rut (i.e., experience sexual desire) in reaction to a particular person--maybe a "fated mate"--and indeed, that the presence of sexual desire is proof of some kind of intense emotional connection between two people... which is basically just a sci-fi-ification of the experience of being demisexual. It's really that straightforward.

And that's without even getting into the ways that heat and rut often appear in fics as funhouse mirrors of what garden-variety allosexual desire looks like to people who don't experience it themselves. The original post says that "magical pheromones made them do it" sounds just as plausible to an ace person as "looking at someone in their underwear made them do it," but you don't even need the word "magical" - the idea that hormones could make you lose your head with desire and behave in ways that would embarrass you (or worse) once their influence wanes is both a sci-fi conceit for fanfic porn and actually how many, many people on this planet go through their lives on a regular basis.

What's ironic is how, despite all this, most a/b/o fic makes no room for real ace people (as opposed to symbolic aces, i.e., betas), especially sex-repulsed ace people. What are those folks supposed to do when heat strikes? Or other people who, for various reasons, might not want sex or be in a position to consent to it? I think a/b/o often teeters on the edge of body horror; in those situations, it tips right over. Most a/b/o worldbuilding does nothing to address this--and I think that's one of the great blank spaces in the genre that is ripe for exploring with all kinds of interesting fic!

[lonelywretchjervistetch]

Life-List Series #6: TUSW

Common Name: Tundra Swan or Whistling Swan Species: Cygnus columbianus columbianus

Description: A large white swan with varying amounts of yellow on the base of the bill Motto: The quintessential American swan...also found in Asia.

Conservation: Least Common Range: High Arctic Canada and Alaska for breeding, Canada and northern United States for migration and nonbreeding Habitat: Lakes, ponds, deltas, and wetlands, sometimes near fields with grain if they're hungry

Food: Aquatic plants, grains, seeds, tubers, corn, and the occasional arthropod or clam when they're available Breeding Info: Monogamous, single-brood, biparental ground nesters with clutches of 4-6 eggs Sound: ou-OOO! ou-OOO! ou-OOO!

Ornithologist's Notes: New section, because I thought this bird warranted it! The Tundra Swan is now split into (at least) two separate subspecies. The Whistling Swan (C. c. columbianus), which is the one pictured and discussed here, is the North American version, and is larger with less yellow on the bill base. The eastern subspecies, Bewick's Swan (C. c. bewickii) is the smaller one, found in Arctic Siberia for breeding, and eastern China for nonbreeding. They're an interesting case study for speciation, because gene flow across the Bering Strait seems to have prevented them from completely separating into different species. Maybe, anyway. TO be fair, the last major study on this (Scott 1981) was morphological in nature, and was done 44 years ago, so it could be redone. It's interesting, actually, Scott described the potential for gene flow based on bill patterns, dividing them into three general categories, which she named "yellowneb", "pennyface", and "darky", all based around a geographical cline from west to east and I'm sorry, did that say DARKY?

...We should maybe update this study.

Life List Notes: Learning the distinction between Tundra and Trumpeter Swans isn't hard, but they definitely LOOK incredibly similar unless you have good binoculars or a scope, like I kinda do. I saw a Tundra Swan for the first time in central New York, which is also where I would see my first Trumpeter Swan later (albeit in a different part of central New York). As said, because of E.B. White, I was always excited to see a Trumpeter Swan, so seeing Tundra first was neat...if a teeeeeeeeny bit disappointing. Plus, hey, it's the nmost common swan in North America, so I was gonna see it eventually. Now, I just need to see Bewick's Swan to complete this species complex in my life list...

Oh, also, real quick, WHOA! I got a lot of attention for these guys today, at least a lot of attention for me! Thank you all so much for the love, and did I see both @a-dinosaur-a-day AND @todaysbird in my notifications? Holy shit! That's awesome, I love your blogs! Anyway, yeah, wow! Thanks again!

Previous: MUSW

Next: TRSW

[areyoufuckingcrazy]

happy Monday friend! Can I request some angst and fluff with wrecker that ends in cuddles please? I could use a giant hug today! Thank you so much for being awesome

“Big Enough to Hold You”

Wrecker x Reader

You didn’t mean to snap at him.

It wasn’t Wrecker’s fault. It wasn’t anyone’s fault, really. The day had just been too much—the mission gone sideways, another evac too close to the edge, too many people screaming, not enough time. You’d gotten separated. Lost track of him. Thought—just for a moment—you’d lost him for good.

And when he came back, grinning like he always did, banged up but fine…

You’d yelled.

“Don’t do that to me again!”

His smile faded instantly, eyes wide like a kicked tooka.

“I—I didn’t mean to—”

“I thought you were dead, Wrecker!”

Silence followed your words like a stormcloud.

You didn’t wait for him to respond. Just turned on your heel and left the ship’s ramp, sitting down hard on a nearby crate, hands shaking, throat tight. You weren’t even mad at him. You were scared. You were so damn scared.

And then you heard the heavy footsteps.

Slow. Hesitant.

You didn’t look up, but you felt the weight of him settle next to you. Big. Warm. Safe.

“…M’sorry,” Wrecker said quietly.

You blinked. Looked up.

He was staring at the ground, fingers picking at his gloves, like he thought you might still snap. Like he was afraid you wouldn’t want him close.

That hurt more than anything else.

“No,” you whispered, voice cracking. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have yelled. I just… you scared me, Wrecker.”

His brow furrowed. “I didn’t mean to. I was just trying to hold the line ‘til Hunter pulled you out. Wasn’t gonna let ‘em get near you.”

“I know,” you said, throat tight. “That’s the problem.”

He looked at you then—really looked. And whatever he saw on your face must’ve broken something in him, because the next second you were swept into the warmest, strongest hug you’d ever known.

“I’m right here,” he said into your hair. “I’m big enough to hold anything you’re feeling, alright? Scared, sad, mad—don’t matter. Just don’t shut me out.”

You clung to him. Just melted into that broad chest, buried your face in his neck and breathed. He smelled like metal and burn marks and something warm and safe. Like home.

“I don’t want to lose you,” you said, voice muffled.

“You won’t,” he promised. “Not if I got anything to say about it.”

He shifted, adjusting you easily in his lap until you were curled into him like a child, his arms wrapped around you like a fortress. He rocked you gently—just a little—and hummed something soft under his breath. You didn’t know the tune. You didn’t need to.

Time passed. Neither of you moved.

Eventually, he whispered, “You good now?”

You nodded against his chest. “Better now.”

“Good,” he said, pressing a kiss to your forehead. “’Cause I ain’t lettin’ go for a while.”

And he didn’t.

The rocking slowed, and his hand settled at the back of your head, big fingers threading through your hair with slow, careful strokes. Your breathing evened out against his chest, your fingers still curled in his shirt like you were afraid he’d disappear if you let go.

He noticed.

He always noticed.

Wrecker didn’t say anything—just held you tighter, chin resting on your head like it belonged there. Like you belonged there.

“You sleepin’?” he murmured after a while, voice hushed and tender.

No answer.

A soft smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. He shifted his grip, effortlessly lifting you into his arms like you weighed nothing, like you were precious. Your cheek rested against his shoulder, breath warm against his skin.

The others were quiet in their bunks. Tech was reading. Echo nodded in greeting. Hunter glanced over but didn’t say a word—he just smiled, soft and knowing, and went back to sharpening his knife.

Wrecker nudged the door to your shared space open with his boot and brought you inside.

The lights were low. The sheets were turned down.

He set you down on the bed with all the care in the galaxy, brushing a hand over your hair, tucking the blanket around you. You stirred slightly—just enough to mumble his name in a sleep-heavy voice.

“Wreck…”

“I’m here,” he said, instantly, quietly. “I’m right here, sweetheart.”

You reached for him blindly. “Don’t go.”

His heart cracked in two. “Not goin’ anywhere.”

He climbed into bed beside you, the mattress dipping beneath his size, and pulled you into him like a gravity well. One arm beneath your head, the other wrapped securely around your waist, your head nestled beneath his chin.

Your body relaxed completely—safe, warm, wrapped in the scent and strength of him.

You were already asleep again.

But he didn’t sleep for a while. He just lay there, holding you, watching your chest rise and fall with every breath. A gentle giant wrapped around the most important person in his world.

And when he did sleep, it was with a soft smile, because for once he knew you were safe.

And you knew you were loved.

[bronx-bomber87]

Hello awesome readers and lovely fandom :) Best part of my week has arrived once again. Our Mid-Week goodness. Well mid-week for me lol Hard to believe we're 3 away from the season ending already.... Insane to think we're at this point. The documentary eps are always so split in how they are received. I personally have always loved them. Usually really funny and produce amazing Chenford content.

If nothing else for people who don't like them we get that. Which we still got in this one. It came in a form I wasn't expecting. But this season as I've said before has been a wild card. It's been giving and unexpected this entire time. Which I really do appreciate. s7 has been one for the books for the most part. Said this before with longer seasons though we do tend to forget is there are more filler-like ones along the way. This one felt more so than others have this year. Other than the Chenford in this ep it wasn't my fav. Not gonna lie.

Honestly once they were no longer a factor in this episode I lost interest tbh. Which was a first for me this season. Because I have been loving the ensemble of it all this year. Even with 7x10 and 7x13 which weren't my fav all around other SL's kept me engaged. They missed the mark with this one in terms of a whole episode. Coming off 'Double Trouble.' being our last one they had a lot to live up to and didn't. But I'll get into that more in my side notes. Lets dig into the ship moments we did get shall we?

7x15 A Deadly Secret

We hit the ground running with our ship. Lucy looking adorable and excited per usual with these. Tim being classic Tim. Not wanting to be here in the least. Their usual M.O. for these kinds of eps. Some things never change haha It was pretty Meta of Alexi to mention them as his 'Favorite' couple heh We are the most-loved and go-to of the ships on the show. Forever grateful for this fact. We all know they are but this was a fun little nod to that. And it having it be Alexi say it made me happy I will say.

Tim barking at him to keep it professional. Seconds after doing this he is already over it LOL The death glare only he can give so well had me cackling. I loved the shots between him and this dude. The way they pan to Tim then to him and back to Tim. Had me laughing so much. Eric the master of expressions crushing it here. He always pushes Tim's buttons and regrets it. I love him effectively killing his questioning with just a look. Getting a defeated 'Sorry. Moving on.' reply in return. Oh Tim Bradford I love you so.

What I always love about these types of episodes are the shared looks. That silent communication on display for all to see. They showcase their chemistry without even realizing they're doing so. It's why this guy loves them the most. They exude it without knowing they're even doing so. It’s in the way they instinctively touch base with each other first, a unspoken check-in that says more than words ever could. Gah I love it sfm. The shared looks up above being a great example of this.

Eric and Melissa do it so well. I don't know how they do it, but I'm deeply thankful these two actors embody this ship. It's more like they're talking to each other more so than the camera or this director. In their own world. It's the little things I always appreciate with them. They barely give the crew eye contact. Just look at them. More engaged with each other than the people around them. Also can't say I hate Tim's posture in the very beginning of this. Hello sexy forearm happy to see you.

This scene proving Lucy is and forever will be the exception for Tim. We may have a more open and emotionally available Tim this season, but not when it comes to this. I was wondering if they were going to lean into that with this but they didn't. I'm pretty ok with that. He is willing to change and be that for her but no one else. No one that isn't someone of importance to him or has a real place in his life I should say.

He opened up to John in 7x07 about Lucy which was massive progress. But Lucy is going to be the main beneficiary of that change more than anyone else. So with that being said he's not going to do that with this crew. Especially when it's just to exploit them and their feelings. Does crack me up he says he'll just ask Rachel later.... Dude just wants to know what happened with them. Get in line bub. The entire station wants to know the answer to that question. You will have to wait good sir.

I love this scene for couple reasons. The main one just being Tim looking at her while she speaks. The admiration and reverence makes my shipper heart skip a beat. Nodding along as she does so. The man says so much with just a look. I mean he always looks at her intently whenever she speaks in these. Which I adore on so many levels. But just has an added level with his eyes extra soft while he watches her tear them a new one.

Which leads me to the second I enjoyed this bit. Lucy just telling them like it is. She has gotten a lot less star struck with these since s4. Not afraid to let her rip so to speak. Telling them their theory is outlandish. That the actions of these people are their own not inspired by anything else. Love our girl.

This is where it really gets good. It was mainly crumbs before this moment. I was excited once we reached here and Tim said ‘I hate making mistakes in front of you.’ I knew we were in for some goodness. Oh my lord. Now they may be high af here but there is truth behind their statements regardless. That line of his. *heart clutch* I said this last year in my 6x07 review and analysis of Tim. How he holds himself to a higher standard and didn’t want to fail in front of Lucy because of it. For her to think less of him when he does.

Because in his mind, mistakes equal failure, and he’s afraid of being anything less than enough in her eyes. Which, as we all know, she’s never seen him in that light. He consistently forgets she saw him at his dumpster fire worst and didn't think it then. But as someone who also struggles with that myself it's not as easy as just telling him that. This is how they figure out they are drugged though. Because all season Tim has been meeting Lucy where she is at. Respecting her boundaries and only sharing what he felt was appropriate to in the moment.

This is clearly a subconscious thing he is letting slip out due to the drugs. A deep rooted fear of his he's felt for years coming out without his consent. For Lucy to see him as less than through his mistakes. I love her soft 'Oh, you've never admitted that before.' Getting a little insight into the man before her in a way she didn't have before. This felt like a preview of a convo to be had later IMO. Their need to have a serious convo literally rising to the surface in this moment.

Tim can feel this and it's why he tries to stop them from talking any further. If they're going to have a serious talk he want to be sober for it. I too would like this lol My soul longs for it really. He's also worried something is going to come out they're gonna have to deal with later. Which does happen... High Lucy can't help herself though. haha I love her starting off with something hilarious though. Asking what his most embarrassing memory is?

Tim doesn't take more than a second to reply. This stuff must be so potent for him to just drop knowledge like this. It's an adorable story about baby Tim. I adore him loving his hamster so much he took it to school with him. Snuck it in. I cannot. My damn heart. Lucy's laughter makes my soul lighter. Clearly thrilled with the answer she got from him about it. I would love to know what happened during all that fast-forwarding. The random convos they must've had.

How and why did she let her hair down? Looks like Tim maybe helped her do this? It went so fast I couldn't tell. I seriously wanna know how we ended up at the convo below. My guess is Lucy's questions got more serious for us to end up there. Or Tim couldn't stop from spilling his guts. A common theme with his relationship with Lucy let's be honest. He's never been able to stop her from extracting things from him that he would never tell anyone else. Her Tim superpower.

This felt like my 6x07 review come to life I have to say. Delighted me to no end. All the things I said in my analysis of Tim last year. Of why he did he what he did. To shed light on the meaning of it all, for a fandom emotionally struggling to understand the root cause of it all. Also because I felt it was something that absolutely needed to be acknowledged and shared. Now even though he's saying it because he's high, it doesn't make it any less satisfying to hear. He has learned something about himself. About why he does things the way he does. Which is a game changer. It shows that therapy has helped Tim grow into this version of himself. Big time. To realize all the things he didn't when he was going through it all during 6x06-6x07. I'm so proud I could cry. Saying things I dreamed about him putting together.

Then telling Lucy one day when he was ready to share it, and she was ready to hear it. Here we are with him sharing all that. What he shares next is growth I have legit longed about him having. Tim saying he internalized all his dad did to him. It was the message he had been fed his entire life: that failure equaled punishment. And without him there to inflict it, Tim punished himself instead. My broken boy. Telling himself he deserved to be punished for failing with Ray. So he did so by breaking up with her. By taking away the one good thing in his life. In his eyes, she represented the highest form of penance for actions he couldn’t even begin to understand himself at the time. This is so big fandom. Because in 6x07 he had zero idea or awareness surrounding this.

Tim found himself at a loss when Blair raised the topic back then; he couldn’t quite make sense of his own actions. At the time he didn’t think about that. Because all he could think was he wasn’t worthy and that was it. So for him to be at this place now is massive. To me maybe this is another shake up. What I mean by that is Lucy was reserved af towards him till the 7x08 confession occurred. The experience left a deep impact on her, and over time, she became more open to Tim and his efforts to change. To make it up to her. This could be the wake up call they both need to finally have their reconciliation convo following this. There is going to be residual emotions after this even if we don't see right in this moment.

Lucy even though she is high as a kite is putting together what happened. Getting clarity for the first time since he left her in that parking lot back in 6x06. It feels SOOOO good for her to finally hear this. Now was this the medium I was expecting this to happen in? God no. Of course not. This season continues its wild card ways, and if it leads to another real convo later on, I’m down. May not be the way we wanted this to start BUT it is huge progress. Because even though there are drugs involved prompting this. These are real feelings coming out. Real confessions. I did love him saying it was kinda flattering right?

Basically telling Lucy she's the best thing that ever happened to him. The one person who made him happier than anything else. *sigh* That losing her was the worst thing he could've done to himself. Essentially telling her she's the love of his life and the biggest thing he could've lost as punishment. LOVE Lucy's reply. It's everything I've wanted her to say to him since it happened. But as we all know he wasn't ready for this convo back then. He is now. Which is exciting as hell. And why Lucy laying it out that he didn't just punish himself when he broke them up. The hurt etched on her face guts me.

It punished her too. Took away her agency. Took him away. She was struck and deeply wounded by the emotional shrapnel he unleashed on them. That she became collateral damage in his attempt to outrun his failures and inflict punishment on himself. I've said this before and I'll keep saying it. I love that they continuously bring up the impact it had on her. That it is a wound that isn't to be ignored or have faded into the background. It is front and center until this is really talked out. Will that happen? Is this it? Idk tbh this season like I've said has been a wild card. What I do hope is that is prompts a deeper convo and reconciliation. My gut feels like it will but we shall see. Beauty of these first impressions. The analysis and guessing game.

Tim saying 'I know.' I'll never be over him owning what he did to her. Makes me so happy. Look at my boy all grown up. So proud. This is SO incredibly necessary for them to move past this. For her to hear this. To witness he is so painfully aware of what he did to her. How he blew it with the love of his life and knows it. Tim is willing to just live with what he gets now with his follow up reply. Because he is still punishing himself in some form. Still not thinking he is worthy of her forgiveness fully. But being ok with that possibility. This is him coming to terms with the fate he created for himself. Now her reply is what makes me think they'll have another convo. If only to explain what she confesses to him. And her second almost confession inside it. (I'll explain that in a second)

Because just like Tim she slips up about something she's been holding close to her chest. That she's forgiven him. It's her 'It's not even-' that gets me. The second almost confession. What do I think this means? I believe she was going to say 'It's not even that.' I think it comes down to another issue for her. Trust. She wants SO badly to trust him emotionally again like that but hasn't gotten there. She has professionally in so many ways. She's forgiven him but it's the trusting him with her heart again where she is stuck. Which is why I think she giggles and is like 'Naww that isn't it. It's something else.' and then cuts herself off.... Too shocked by her previous confession to finish that train of thought. It sobers her a tad and explain her 'When did that happen?' comment.

Now the forgiveness when did that happen? I might have a better in depth answer when I do this for my master list. But for now I mean I feel like her actions in the last few episodes have screamed she had. Like I said in 7x14. Her emotionally opening up and leaning on him again was a sign. Folding immediately into him for their hug like she did in 6x04. Another big one. Her replies in 7x11 were a neon sign. It's been a slow development since 7x08. The whole season really but 'Wildfire' really kicked it off. I think the 7x08 confession dislodged her quite a bit. That and Tim’s consistent showing up for her. Praising her, building her up and just being emotionally available is what sealed the deal here.

I do love her cute giggle when she says it. Like it's supposed to be common knowledge to Tim she has done this. Like of course I forgave you already don't you know? I love you, you idiot. Why do you keep wondering if I will? Her follow up is classic to the giggling. 'Huh. I wonder when that happened?' Shocking even herself. This is going to require a follow up convo to their reconciliation I think. Just a gut feeling. I know nothing of what is to pass even if I had the chance to I wouldn't look. lol Just a feeling. Also I must note how amazing she looks with her hair down in uniform. Never thought I'd see the day lol But she is crushing it.

Is this whole thing going to spawn another real talk? Will it prompt Tim to follow his own 7x07 advice and fight for her? I hope so. It feels unfinished for the reasons I gave above. This reconciliation has been a slow burn. Just like their build up to being together was. Once I was on the other side of that I was so happy it was done that way. It'll be the same way with this. Because of course it's going to take a slow burn to reconciliation. Very on brand for Chenford. Also just mature writing which I love. Now If that is it for the adult convo Idk how I feel about that in full yet. Need to sit on that longer. That's more reserved for post-season. There was a lot of good stuff in it, but once the next three episodes unfold, I’m sure I’ll have a better answer, especially this summer when I dive in deeper into this ep.

But to me it feels like we have one more emotional hurdle to jump before reconciliation IMO. Other than the Sergeant Exam. What I can tell you is Lucy is in a much better place now than she has been all season with the scene above. Why you ask? Her non-verbal reply to being asked if she didn't mean what she said? All season she has denied everything. Vehemently. Been firm about it. She did this in 7x06 with the guy at the booth, after they slept together and claiming just 'ex-sex.' Distancing herself from the emotion. In 7x08 even on fire couldn't say she still loved him back verbally. Fought that too. Watched her internal struggle to accept his compliment in 7x11. Created an emotional boundary in 7x12 to avoid the emotions she feels for this man. Funny thing is all those things she fought led to this.

Here when asked if she didn't mean what she said then? Lucy stumbles....Not only that but looks at Tim and can't refute it. Her reaction is reply enough. Knowing she meant everything she said in that convo. Reminds me of towards the end s4 Lucy. Where her facade to keep her feelings about Tim inside were an absolute farce. Also look at Tim's SOFT eyes when she does. It's the most emotion we see in these interviews. Hoping against hope she meant everything she said. Director then ruins it with his follow up about the babies names LMFAO WHAT?! When did they have this convo? Was it before or after the confessions? I need to know.

My guess is before? Maybe it's what led to them having that talk? Idk but their in-sync refusal to stay had me dying. 'Why do we keep agreeing to do these?' I'm cackling. They are flying out of there so fast. Lucy all but squeaking out in panic 'Excuse Me?!' Too funny. Also they aren't going to have that convo on camera. Took us all season to get to this point and they had to be drugged to get there hahaha Wasn't what I was expecting but hasn't been all season in a good way. One of their themes. Now I did wonder if this was going to prompt a talk for them so I was somewhat right on that guess. heh

Next week looks GOOOOD. I called Seth crawling his way back in. Idk HOW he did but I knew if anyone could it would be him. Tim and Lucy look like they're all but vibrating with rage with his return. Feral Tim reporting for duty. Gimme all that.

Nolan sure tries to come off scary and somewhat fails. But he's sure going to give it best. I will give him that. Gonna have his hands full. If they wanted him to wash out and shit his pants immediately should've gone with TIm. But that is a conflict of interest because of Lucy and being involved in his firing. Also not fair to Miles and his training.

I loved what Tim said about Seth finding another way of washing out again. I mean the weather service thing never came to light from Wildfire. I could see that coming back to bite him in the ass. It was far more than just the "cancer" that could've fired him. Shall see how it goes down. Thank you to the wonderful people who like, comment ( these are my fav not gonna lie haha)and reblog these. You make doing this so joyful. Shall see you all in 7x16 :)

~~~~

Side Notes-Non Chenford

Bummed because I usually like the Documentary ones. Also they have been killing it with the ensemble side of it all year and this one just didn't land for me. Other than Chenford was probably my least fav of the season. Never got going IMO and felt off and disjointed. Also Rodge made an appearance and he is not my fav lol Miles could've easily replaced his scenes but that's just me.

Appreciate another s2 callback with her but It felt like a missed opportunity. Like her and Henry broke up. That's sad why no explanation of any kind? Were they too young? Clashing wants in life? When did this happen? Was hoping that ending scene with John would've given us a little clarity but no. Felt very lack luster in what it could've been. They're always cooky but have a good tie in and they had tie ins but idk just fell flat for me. But onto the next tis but a small blip in the season.

[luciaintheskyainthi]

Hey I was re-reading ECM and I noticed how awesome your the writing style was and wanted to know if you'd be willing to share how you write like that?

(I've got exams and have to really work on my english lmao)

Thank-you very much! I'm glad you've enjoyed my writing so much!

(I want to preface any notes here by saying I started seriously writing when I was 12 and I am now... not that. So I have almost 20 years of writing under my belt)

I've actually done a post about writing that gives a few pointers so I won't re-hash those points, but will add a few extras about crafting 💖💖

I know I said I wouldn't re-hash things, but this point always bears merit in saying: the first thing you write is the worst thing you write. It's called a first draft for a reason and you shouldn't be precious about it. That means don't go stressing about getting your phrasing perfect. Rewriting your draft can do wonders (and that doesn't mean you have to completely change things on the rewrite!), especially if you're not a confident writer.

Vary the start of your sentences. It's a very easy habit to fall into (I still do it all the dang time); you write sentence after sentence starting the the subject ('It was...'; 'Peter did...'; 'She saw...' etc). It makes your writing feel repetitive. We fall into patterns in our writing and forcing yourself to think about how you can change up the way your sentences begin within a paragraph is an invaluable challenge. Consider your paragraphs too: when I'm on my first edit, I pay close attention to how they start to ensure they don't all begin the same way. That doesn't mean every sentence has to start differently, but keeping things mixed up adds variety.

Avoid info-dumping. Exposition (where you give relevant background information) is a useful feature but it slows the pace of your story significantly. What I see a lot of fanfic writers do is freeze time (quite often at the very start of the story) to give us 500+ words of information that could have been drip fed over the chapter (or several chapters). I'm absolutely not saying I'm innocent of this - I do it all the time, including the opening to ECM! - but something that I find can help is to a) make it interesting by setting up a mystery that the exposition doesn't answer, b) intersperse exposition with description to keep up the pace or c) try to make your exposition feel as authentic as possible to your narrator.

Be decisive: avoid phrases like 'seemed to' and 'felt like' etc. Instead of, "She seemed to glow with happiness' make it 'She glowed with happiness'. Simple changes like this just make you seem more sure of yourself as a writer because you're committing to the image. Again, this kind of indefinite phrasing is an easy habit to fall into but it's a very easy fix! Very often, the sentence will still make perfect sense if you simply delete these phrases (although sometimes it will need a few minor tweaks).

Metaphors, not similes. Honestly this is just a continuation of the previous rule! Rather than, 'It looked like an ocean of silver', 'An ocean of silver swelled before them' is much more interesting and committed to the bit! Again, that's not to say you can't use similes at all! They're great, but you should ask yourself if a metaphor would be better.

Don't be afraid to extend your metaphors. Extended metaphors are such fun. Consider my earlier example : 'An ocean of silver swelled before them'. If I was to extend this, I'd think about other images associated with the ocean. Waves, tides, sea creatures, the scent and sound of the water. And since I've compared it to silver, I'd also consider things that are semantically connected: gold, copper, jewels like emeralds, sapphires, pearls etc. Then I'd start crafting additional clauses/sentences to build upon that original metaphor.

Brush up on a wider range of writer methods. Honestly, teaching English helped me out a bunch here, but here are a few of my faves: polysyndeton: this is where you list with the same coordinating conjunctions (and, but, so, for etc) rather than commas. If you look at my writing you'd see I do this all the damn time. Anaphora: in the typical form I use it, it's where the start of successive clauses begin with the same opening word/phrase (think like MLK's 'I have a dream speech). Best used in a group of three in my experience. Again I use this all the time. The opposite of this (where successive clauses end in the same word/phrase) is called epistrophe. Oxymoron: a fun one. It's a paradoxical phrase (e.g. burning cold, loving hate etc) Hyperbole: an over-exaggeration (e.g. It's boiling hot. I walked a million miles to get here!). Very fun to use with an unreliable narrator or you want to get across just how unbearable/significant something is (but the key here is that it's got to be obvious you're over-exaggerating!) Synaesthesia: where you mix different senses together (e.g. The lights sang in harmony; the room smelled cold).

Planning does wonders for your story structure. For the longest time I was a 'pantster' and would just throw myself in writing on vibes only, but now I find that knowing where I want to take my story makes it much easier to place critical themes and the much loved foreshadowing.

I hope at least some of these can be helpful to you! These are methods that have helped me over the years, but the beauty of writing is of course that all of us over time develop our own 'voice'! Just because I say these are things I do doesn't mean that's what everyone has to do!

Good luck on your exams too!! 💖

[insight-chronicles]

Chapter 4 - Challenge Accepted

Word Count: 4.6k Content Warning: Swearing, Action, Mild Violence, Mentions of blood Summary: After a conversation with Jinwoo, you need to let off some steam

Authors Note: First time writing any kind of fight, so I hope it comes across well! Really wanted to get that in there so I could improve my writing skills beyond the romance/fluff stuff cus I’ve got an idea for a later chapter that really needs it.

AO3

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Thanks to the holiday weekend, and therefore the lack of staff on duty, you had been too busy to think too much about your disastrous date, your failed plan and of course Him. But it was Tuesday, again, and that meant you were back in the cafe sipping your chai latte listening to Aera complain about how busy the cafe had been over the weekend, and how people expected places to be open and running at full capacity on holiday weekends, despite no one wanting to work them. You'd already given her the lowdown on your date on Friday night when she knocked on your door once she’d closed the cafe; she’d been yawning the whole time but was determined to know what had happened. Aera had taken one look at your dishevelled look, hair and clothes all skewed and crumpled, eyes rimmed red from tears, turned around and stomped back down the hall leading to outside. You’d called after her, but she ignored you in typical Aera fashion, and you were in no state to go after her yourself. Instead, you tried phoning her, but it went straight to voicemail, you tried again, same result. You half expected not to hear anything until the news reported that a local coffee shop owner had attacked the head of a Guild. Instead, the next thing you know, there was another knock on the door, and there she stood again, but this time with tubs of ice cream in hand.

The two of you had sat on the sofa for the rest of the night talking whilst some crappy action film played on the TV, even though neither of you were paying attention to it. Turns out she was set to go beat up Yoonho, but thought she should get the details first so she knew how bad to make it hurt, you were glad she hadn't just gone out guns blazing. She was especially glad when she realised it would have been for no reason at all and your tears had nothing to do with Yoonho. You were even more glad when she didn’t push you for details when you said it was your past that had caused the tears. You had only just stopped crying, and you really didn't want to start again.

“Anyway, I'd better go get back to work, you wouldn't imagine how much coffee we used over the weekend, so I need to sort out getting some more in. As it's quiet, do you want another?” She gestures to your mug, you glance around the room and see that only 2 other tables are occupied, so few that you can block out their emotions and relax. Enjoying being out of the house for once, you nod. “Awesome, I'll get that made and bring it over before I start doing the inventory. And before you say anything, no you will not be paying for it.” She walks away before you can reply. You learnt a long time ago that there was no point in arguing with Aera, instead, you'll put the money for the extra drink in the tip jar when you leave.

As you wait for your drink, you pull out your book, you open it to find you're still on the same chapter you were when you tried to read it last week. You’ve been too exhausted and emotionally drained to read this past week.

“Here you go darling, pop your head round the back when you're leaving, will ya?” Aera places a fresh mug in front of you and gives you a hopeful smile.

“Of course I will, thank you for this.” She waves her fingers at you in goodbye as she leaves.

“Ah ha, you can't use the excuse that you are just leaving this time.” So much for reading your book, you place the bookmark back on the same page and take a deep breath before turning to the voice. Jinwoo. Why is he everywhere?

“Well, I could, but that would be a waste of a perfectly good drink.” The smile you give him is tight and forced. Despite all the signals telling him the opposite, he sets his drink down on the table and slides into the booth opposite you.

“You fascinate me, you know.” His elbow finds the table, and he leans his head on his hand, gazing at you intently like he's trying to solve a puzzle.

“Gee, that's just what every girl wants to hear.” There's a forced cheeriness to your voice.

“Well, what can I say? I'm a master of seduction.” You scoff, “Almost every other girl in the city is throwing themselves at me after the broadcast of the Jeju Island Raid. But not you. You seem to be repulsed to even be in the same room as me.” You roll your eyes at his conceitedness, “And you see the thing is, it's not even like you hate me because I didn't get to the island quick enough. You hated me before then. You hated me when you healed me 6 months ago. I want to know why?”

“Can your fragile ego not cope with one woman not falling at your feet?” you fake pout at him.

“My ego is anything but fragile, and you seem to know it based on the jabs you’ve made at me. You seem to know something I don't.”

“Who do you think I am, some stalker?”

“No, but you know something. Have we met before? You said you knew me when we last met. What did you mean by that? How do you know me?” You just stare at him, not entertaining this line of questioning. “Is it some fascination with Hunters? S-Rank Hunters? I know you went on a date with Hunter Baek.” was that, jealousy, you could hear in his tone.

“Why would I have a hunter fascination? I work at the association, I'm around them all day, why would I also want them in my personal life?”

“Hey, don’t ask me. You’re the one going on dates with them and saying you know me when all we’ve had is a couple of minutes' worth of conversation.” Jinwoo shrugs, a smug look on his face like he won a prize.

“Look, I don't want to play this game with you. If you say you don't know me, then, fine, you don’t know me. But don't expect me to hash it all out for you, not here, not now.” You finally managed to tear your gaze from his electric blue eyes. Even before he changed, you found them mesmerising. Now, everything about him has levelled up. You startle at the thought.

Leveled up? Could he be the player that joined? No, the System hasn't said anything. No EXP bonus. Nothing. It can't be him. Can it? It might explain why you have no perception of his feelings; maybe that skill doesn't work with other players. You've never met another player before to test the theory. The thoughts run rapidly through your head, barely giving you time to think about the first before another one occurs.

“What do you mean, if, I don't know. Before 6 months ago, I have no recollection of ever meeting you before. If not here and now, and when and where? I want to know. This connection, our connection, is driving me insane.” He reaches across the table, entwining his fingers with yours, pulling your hand away from the death grip you had on your mug. Sparks fly over your skin where he touches you, your nerve endings alive with electricity, sending pulses of pleasure up your arm, straight to your heart. He feels like he used to. He feels like home. No, you shake yourself, you cannot let yourself be pulled in by him. He forgot you; he doesn't deserve your forgiveness.

“Nowhere and never. You don't get to make me live through it again because you conveniently forgot. I'm not reliving that for your entertainment.” Despite this conversation bringing up the same memories as on your date with Yoonho, this time you're not on the verge of tears; you just want to punch something. Maybe you'll join a squad and take on a gate this afternoon.

“Look, bab-”

“Don't you dare ‘babe’ me.” You tried to keep your anger in check, but by the look on his face, you were not doing a very good job. His gaze zeroed in on you eyes, damn, were they glowing? You squeezed your eyes shut, trying to calm yourself, only to realise he still had hold of your hand. You wrench it out of his grip.

“What the-” it was said under his breath, but you still heard it. “How are you-” wrong line of questioning, please don't ask. You knew his grip had been too strong for a normal person to have been able to pull out of, but you had done it anyway. His phone was ringing in his pocket, but he was too busy staring at you, mesmerised.

“Aren't you going to get that?” You say, clearing your throat.

“Huh, oh yeah.” As if only just realising it was his phone that was ringing. “Hello. Okay.” His eyes don't leave yours, capturing you there, ensuring you don't leave while he's busy. “What's that got to do with me? Well, I'm in the middle of something right now.” he has the audacity to wink at you. “Can't you find someone else? Alright fine, I'll be there as soon as I wrap this up.” He still holds your gaze as he pulls the phone away from his ear and hangs up without looking. “Sorry, darling, but something has come up.” You breathe out a sigh of relief. “Don't look so relieved, this conversation is far some over. I want to know everything, “He says up bracing himself on the table as he leans over so his face is only inches from yours. “About you strength, your healing skills and about everything you won't tell me. I will not let this go. I will find out.” The threat paralleled Aeras, only this one made all other threats seem like jokes. And you were on the wrong end of it. Part of you was intrigued to see what lengths he would go to to get the information, another part of you was terrified to find out. You let out a shaky breath, it mingled with his in the air as you realised he had gotten even closer. Close enough to kiss you. You looked down at his lips, flashbacks to the kisses you used to share flood your mind. You could only imagine how much better he had gotten, and he felt so good before.

Snapping your eyes back up to his, you saw he too was looking at your lips, maybe wondering the same thing. Unfortunately, for him you would not have improved, having been with no one since he abandoned you. As if sensing your eyes, he met them with his own, glowing an electric blue that you knew meant he was just holding his power in check. The shadows of the room seemed to have a mind of their own. Writhing and twisting, awaiting order from their master. You knew if you looked in a mirror, you own eyes would be glowing green, meeting the challenge he had placed at your feet. You would not go down that easily. You would fight him every step of the way after what he did to you.

Suddenly, he pulled back, seeming to get himself under control. As gracefully as he could, he slid out of the booth and stormed across the cafe. Glancing back over his shoulder as he yanked the door open,

“This is not over”, were the last words you got from him before he used his speed to vanish to wherever he had be called to. You slumped back in your chair, letting out a breath as you did. All the tension leaves your body. That man, that infuriating man.

You sat at your desk later that day, anger and restlessness still filling your muscles. There was only one thing for it. Opening up your internet browser, you looked at listings for raids. There were a few that would have worked for you to be able to let off some steam, but only one A-Rank gate. It had been a while since you had been on a raid, and you’d leveled up a few times since then, so it would be good to test your new strength. There was a party that needed another member to help carry their gear, which gave you, an E-Rank Healer, a good excuse to join their party. Nobody would take you seriously as a fighting member of a party or even a healer.

Contacting the Captain, he seemed hesitant to accept you, but there was no one else who had applied, so you got the location of the gate and the time to meet them. A quick glance at the clock showed you had plenty of time to get there, but you had a thing about being late, so you closed out of your browser and shut down the computer before making your way to the bedroom to change.

At the back of your wardrobe sat your hunting gear. It had been through a few different iterations over the years, with the most major one being when you became a player. The first few level-ups lead to some…drastic, changes in your physical appearance. You'd finally settled on a black long-sleeved top with cut-outs that left your shoulder exposed, tight black trousers and knee-high combat boots with built-in dagger sheaths. A utility belt sat around your waist, allowing you to carry almost anything you needed quick access to, such as health potions, food and teleportation stones. The utility belt was easier to explain the having access to the Systems' never-ending inventory. You finished the ensemble with a long black cloak complete with a hood that did a good job of hiding your identity from the people you had met through work. You didn’t share your name with everyone you met, but they would have seen your face, and as it's frowned upon for association workers to raid gates without approval, and you were technically a retired hunter, you shouldn’t really be doing this. You shrugged at your reflection in the mirror, oh well, you had to let off steam one way or another, and raiding was more fun than going to the gym.

You arrived at the gate with time to spare, perched against a nearby fence to wait for the rest of the party to arrive. It wasn’t long before a group made their way down the street to the gate.

“Right, this is it,” one of the part members spoke, you assumed it was the Captain from the authority in his voice, “We just need to wait for the E-Rank to arrive.” They obviously hadn’t seen you in the shadows, just as you were about to step out and reveal yourself, something made you pause. “Why’d you have to get an E-Rank?” A member of the party questioned.

“Yeah, now we’ll have to spend the whole time making sure they don’t get killed.” Came another voice.

“And all that would take is them to trip over something!” The first voice responded laughing, causing the rest of the party to break out in hysterics. It was the same everywhere. E-Ranks are the lowest of the low. They’re a joke to the Hunter community, and there was no way to prove them wrong because, quite frankly, it's true. Most E-Rank hunters have no business being in a dungeon, especially not an A-Rank one. But that doesn’t make it hurt less.

“Hey now,” It was the Captain’s voice, “We don’t have to worry about keeping them alive. What happens in a dungeon, stays in the dungeon. If they die, they die, that's not our fault. They knew what they signed up for when they joined the raid.” You should have known better than to hope the Captain would have been different. With a sigh, you stepped out of the shadows.

“Nice to know you all think so highly of me.” Your voice was flat, and you refused to show them any weakness. They, on the other hand, had the decency to at least look a little guilty, well, all except the owner of the first voice. A Tank, if you had to guess by the way he was dressed, a typical Tank based on his attitude. You locked eyes with him, even without the hatred in his eyes, you could feel his contempt for you. This was going to be fun, you rolled your eyes.

Clearing his throat the Captain spoke, “Right, uh, so you ready to go?” you nodded in response, “Good, this is the bag of stuff for you to carry, lets go then.” without hesitation the captain drops a heavily ladened rucksack at your feet and turns to walk into the gate followed swiftly by the rest of the party, with you following closely behind adjusting the straps of the bag as you go.

You yawn as the party stops to rest in a clearing before continuing to trek through the forest in search of the Boss.

“Oh, I'm sorry, are we keeping you up?” the group's Healer snarls at you.

“What do you have to be tired about? You haven’t done anything!” It’s the arrogant Tank again. You haven't bothered to learn any of their names, after all, it's not like you’ll be joining their party again. That was a rule of yours: if you were going to go into gates, you could never go with the same party twice, it ran too big of a risk of someone discovering something they shouldn't. He wasn’t wrong; you hadn’t done anything, you yawned because you were bored. Only one beast had appeared at a time, making it easy for the party to take them down without you being able to join in. What you needed was a big battle; multiple beasts at once would mean they were all distracted, and you could test out your new speed and strength. You hoped you’d at least be able to have some fun when you found the Boss, but that wasn’t going to happen at this rate. It felt like you’d been walking in circles for hours, never getting any closer to the source of magic you could feel in the distance.

You dropped the heavy bag you were carrying to the ground, letting your irritation get the better of you. You were spoiling for a fight, and if that had to be with members of the party, then so be it. Rotating your shoulders, releasing the tightness they held from supporting the bag, you took a step towards the Tank, only to pull up short. A massive source of magic was coming through the trees at speed. Turning slightly to face the oncoming threat, you dropped into a fighting stance.

“Ooo, look at this. Little E-Rank wants a fight!” You were too focused on the actual threat to care who said it.

“Oh, shut up. There’s something coming.” You didn’t take your focus off the woods before you.

“I don’t feel anything.” It came from the Captain as he walk up to stand beside you, facing a threat he didn’t believe existed.

“Focus. Something’s coming this way. And fast.” you felt the curiosity emanating off the Captain, there was an undercurrent of disbelief tainting it, but after several moments, almost too many, the Captain turned to the rest of the party and called battle stations.

Just as the party were getting ready to fight, a huge beast burst from the tree line. This was unlike any beast you had seen before. It had a huge lion's mane that steak out behind it as it ran towards you, but its face was too human to call it a lion. Whilst it was running, it used all four legs, but as it skidded to a halt when faced with the party, it stood on its back legs, stretching to its full height. Stood upright, it was taller than the trees that surrounded them.

“What the fuck is that?!”

“How did we not feel that coming?”

“How did the E-Rank feel it was coming?”

The questions came thick and fast, but there was no time for answers. Great swiping claws reached just inches from them as the beast attacked.

“Positions!” yelled the Captain, taking his eyes off the beast for a moment to check his party had heard him. It was enough time for the beast to aim another strike at him, sending him flying past you and into a tree before slumping to the ground. You followed the movement, double-checking the rest of the party were handling their own before running to his aid.

Sliding to a halt on your knees beside the Captain, you assessed his injuries. Four massive gouge marks lined his chest. If he wasn’t treated fast, he wouldn’t make it out of the gate. You had sworn to yourself that you would never leave a man behind. You now had the power to heal people even when on the brink of death, you would not allow yourself to waste it.

“Gods, damn it. Why’d you have to be such an asshole to me?” It's so much easier to heal people when they’d been nice to you.

“S-sorry”, his response was quiet; he didn’t have long. Knelt in the dirt, cloak spread out around you, you rubbed your hands together, warming them slightly before laying them flat to his torso. Covering as much of the wound as possible, direct skin contact was the best way to heal a wound without scarring. Closing your eyes, you channelled your mana into your fingers, visualising the injury and knitting it back together. In the back of your mind, you could hear the fighting that happened behind you, subconsciously you kept track of where in the clearing the fight was, tensing when the clashes and shouts got closer, before relaxing when they retreated again. Your perception skill allowed you to pinpoint everyone based on their emotions. The arrogant Tank was on the front lines, forcing the beast back away from the Healer who was helping a Mage who had been wounded. The beast was surrounded, but somehow still winning the fight.

Bursting through the defensive line the creature took a swipe at your undefended back.

At least, it thought it was undefended. At the last second, you took a dagger from its sheath in your boot and sliced. The paw that should have ended you instead landed, severed, next to you. The beast let out a roar of pain, swiping blindly with its uninjured arm only to be met by a shield, halting its progress. You turned to see the arrogant Tank looking at you with pure confusion. “What the-”

“Not the time.” You looked back down at the Captain to see that his wounds had healed with no visible scarring. The Tank pushed the beast back, straight into the path of an incoming attack spell. Flicking your dagger to remove the blood from it, you stood, slow and with purpose, weighing your options. The party knew, there was no going back now. No pretending you were some weak E-Rank. You might as well end this and hope they agree to keep your secret.

You take a deep breath, now is a good a time as any to test out you new skills. One foot in front of the other, you crouch slightly, stooping to collect the dagger from your other boot. You always loved dual-wielding in games, and it gave you a slight thrill to try it in real life. With one last scan of the area, you launch at the beast, using your speed to catch it off guard with a slice across the chest before ricocheting off a tree on the other side of the clearing to slice across its back. Landing in a three-point pose, you see the beast is stunned and confused, looking around to find the source of its wounds. Letting out a breath, you leap into the air above the creature's head before dropping onto its shoulders to slice your daggers across its neck, severing everything major. You feel the body beneath you wobble and tip as the life leaves it, as it tumbles to the ground, you jump off, leaving enough space to ensure you don’t get crushed under its enormous weight. A quick check over yourself makes you realise you're not a breathless as you should be, you have gained more stamina than you thought. You walk over the fallen beast and wipe your bloodied daggers on the scraps of cloth that cover its body before sliding them back into the sheaths at your calves. Straightening, you glance around at the rest of the party to ensure there are no more injuries that need to be taken care of. Instead, you are met with 9 pairs of eyes, all looking at you with a mixture of confusion and awe. Shit.

“What-” Starts the Captain, still struggling to get to his feet from the base of the tree you left him at.

“What the fuck was that!?” the Tank interrupted, he seemed to be the only one seething with anger, everybody else frozen in shock. You remained silent, unsure of what you could say to make this better.

“Hayoon, calm down, I’m sure there is a logical explanation,” the Captain, now on his feet, set his hand on the Tank's shoulder before returning his attention to you, “right?”

“Umm, I don't really know what to say.” You avoid eye contact, looking at anything but the 9 people who wanted an explanation out of you.

“How about you start with the fact that you are clearly not on E-Rank Hunter of any kind.” The Captain gives you a pointed look.

“I mean, technically, officially, I am an E-Rank.” You fiddle with the edge of your cloak.

“So you tricked the assocaition somehow?”

“No.”

“Then what?”

“I, um, well, I was an E-Rank when I got assessed but I trained and shit and now I'm, not?” you grimace at the weak answer.

“Wait so you reawakened?” A Mage across the clearing spoke

“Um…sure”

“And based on your reaction, the association doesn't know?” You shake your head, “And you don't want them to know.” You nod. “So you need us to keep your secret.”

“Yeah, basically.” You gave the Captain a hopeful look, knowing he gets the last say on what the party would, or would not, say.

“Give us a moment.” The Captain gestured to the rest of the party and walked off into the woods. You looked down at your hands, they were covered in blood, you could feel the adrenaline pumping through your veins slowly dissipating, leaving you trembling slightly. You wiped your hands on your trousers in an effort to get rid of the worst of the red, this was why you wore black. You had to walk through the city after this, and you didn't need anyone asking why you were covered in blood, and blood didn’t show up on black. You were still trying to get the staining off your hands when the group reappeared out of the trees.

“Okay, we'll keep your secret. It's the least we can do after you saved our lives. And, by the looks of it, took out the Boss single-handed.” The Captain shrugged before clearing his throat, his voice returning to the authoritative Captain he was before the fight. “On that note, we'd better harvest what we can from the nearby area. Now the Boss is defeated, it's only a matter of time before the gate closes, so we need to get out of here quick.” Everybody nods and gets to work.

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@weaponxgames

@tanspostsblog

@bubera974

@nightmarewasteland

[gothamite-rambler]

Penguin and Sofia unintentionally embarrassing the Dark Knight.

Penguin: I have to ask this, or I'll never get the chance. Why is the younger Robin… why is he brown?

Batman: The younger one?

Batman glanced over at Damian, who was in his Robin suit munching on a granola bar. The kid suddenly looked down at his own brown skin, gasping dramatically.

Damian (jokingly): Oh my God, I am!

Sofia: He’s funny; we respect diversity too.

Batman (monotone): My oldest son is Romani, but thanks.

Sofia: Really? Fascinating. Isn’t that right, Penguin?

Penguin: Eh, I still think he gave the kid the suit to use him as target practice.

Batman: Oswald, I swear I’ll stomp on your leg again if you bring that up.

Penguin: Which is why I won’t anymore. Seriously, why is the current Robin brown? I’m not trying to be rude, but he looks the same age as the first Robin and that's making me worried.

Damian: Awesome! I can’t wait to tell Nightwing. Father, father, tell them how we're related.

Batman (annoyed): His mother is Arab.

Sofia: Batman, you can’t say that! It’s Arabic. I thought you would know that.

Batman’s jaw clenched, struggling to keep his composure.

Batman: Robin, please explain before I curse her out.

Damian: That’s a bit of a misconception. Arabs are the people; Arabic is the language spoken. So while it sounds odd, he’s correct, my mother is Arab.

Sofia: Hm, well color me shocked. Oh! I mean…

Batman: It’s just a phrase; there’s nothing wrong with what you said. I hate both of you.

Penguin: We’re genuinely sorry. One last thing, though, how is he your son? We heard from Rays, or Ray, or whatever his name is, that's his grandson. You wouldn't be stupid enough to have a child with the assassin daughter of an assassin, right?

Damian: He called me his grandson? Aww, that makes me happy.

Batman: Trust me, if Ra's said it, he’s still a jerk. Oswald, you seem to have failed science class. When a white man and an Arab woman have a baby, a mixed child is born. That mixed child can be many shades, but he’s still my boy.

Damian beamed, pride lighting up his face.

Penguin (laughing, waving his hand): Wait, wait, wait! You actually… you sired a child with the assassin daughter of the man who’s a villain like me?! I can tell you want to punch me, but let me have this.

Penguin laughed loudly, leaning forward and placing a hand on his chest. Batman’s left eye twitched in embarrassment, a faint blush creeping onto his cheeks. Sofia shook her head, pointing at her cohort to signal she wasn't like him.

Batman: Robin, I do care about you; it’s just—

Damian (remembering the days when only his mom raised him): Trust me, I get it.

Penguin: Hold up, Talia is brown?! I thought she was white!

Batman sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.

Batman: Sweet Jesus.

Damian (curious): How did you know about her?

Penguin: We’ve chatted in the past, but I could’ve sworn she had fair skin.

Sofia: Told you she wasn’t white and even if she had fair skin, her lineage doesn't suggest she'd look like us. I got nosy and found out you’re related to her, then we talked with Ra's and learned more about you. So, Batman, you fell for her feminine charm?

Batman (wanting this to end): Shut up, shut up, shut up.

Sofia: I tease. Seriously, little Robin, Talia adores you so much. You’re lucky she hid any photos of what you two might look like together. Seriously, though, you hooked up with Talia and had a kid, Batman? I knew it would happen with her or Catwoman.

Sofia laughed, making Batman growl in offense. Penguin glanced at the ground, chuckling despite trying to hide it.

Damian: Hooked up? Father, what’s “hooked up”?

Batman: You didn’t need to hear that. But yes, he’s my youngest son, and he’s related to her. Now you know, and don’t criticize me for having him fight crime with me, he wouldn’t stay home no matter how much I begged.

Damian nodded, puffing out his chest proudly.

Penguin: Now see, I forget sometimes that she’s brown. I heard she was mixed with something, but it never crossed my mind that she could be brown.

Damian snickered.

Batman (uncomfortable with this entire conversation): Her father is Ra's al Ghul.

Penguin: Wait… he is brown!

Batman: Can you please stop saying "brown"!

Damian: It’s fine. I feel like I’m going to hear worse later in life.

Sofia (sympathetically, her brows furrowing): Aww… yeah. Oz, I told you he’s Arab, not Arabic and he's also Chinese. No European person is going to have the last name Al Ghul.

Damian: That’s correct! Thank you, Sofia, for being wise about this.

Batman: Do not compliment her; she is a crime boss.

Sofia: A smart one too.

Batman: All right, we’re leaving now. Enjoy prison.

Penguin: We’ll both be out soon. Thank you for answering our questions. We’ve been curious about that for years. I almost reported you for kidnapping a little brown boy.

Damian grabbed his father’s arm, dragging him away before Batman could retaliate.

Damian: Let it go. We’ve heard worse.

Batman left with Robin, while the cops handled the crime bosses.

[takeyrregrets]

𝗡𝗮𝗽𝗸𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗮𝗱 & 𝗧𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿 Originally I was going to have this go a completely different route which focused on abandonment issues as a foster kid, but my brain took over

Mornings always felt a little bit too loud.

Cabinets banging, toast burning, the old radio playing something tinny and cheerful that didn’t match the quiet ache sitting just under the ribs. You kept your hood up, your arms folded, slouched in the kitchen chair like it owed you money.

Across from you, he was always moving—pouring coffee with one hand, buttering toast with the other, half-dressed for work and muttering about the time. The sleeves of his button-up were rolled past his elbows, and his tie was crooked. He didn’t notice. He never did.

You didn’t say much in the mornings. He didn’t push.

Instead, every day, he slid a lunchbox across the counter to you like a peace offering. It always held the same things: a peanut butter sandwich (cut diagonally, thank god), a sad little apple, and a napkin.

A folded napkin with something scribbled on it in blue pen.

Sometimes a joke. Sometimes a doodle. Once it was just a sentence: “Saw a crow today. Thought of you. In a cool way.”

You never reacted. Never gave him the satisfaction of a laugh or even a glance. But you kept them anyway. Stuffed into the bottom of your backpack like lint. Some crumpled. Some flattened out and re-folded.

You didn’t know why.

One morning, he was clearly running late. The house smelled like burnt toast, and he was hopping on one foot while trying to tie his shoe. You grabbed your backpack from the chair and paused at the door.

“Did you…” You stopped, tried again. “The napkin?”

He froze, looked at you blankly for a second. Then: “Oh. No—I forgot. Sorry, kiddo.”

You shrugged. Or tried to. “Whatever. I don’t care.”

You slammed the door behind you anyway.

Lunch felt weird that day. You opened the box and stared at it like something was missing. Sandwich. Apple. No napkin.

No dumb drawing. No joke about penguins. No weird fact about how bananas are berries and strawberries aren’t.

Just… nothing.

You didn’t eat.

That night, he found you curled up sideways on the couch, staring at your phone but not really seeing it. He handed you a mug of cocoa with marshmallows. You took it without looking.

He sat on the other end of the couch. Hesitant. Careful.

“So, uh… forgot the napkin today.”

You didn’t respond, just nodding simply as you scrolled.

He blinked a bit, slightly surprised at how upset you seemed. “Didn’t think you cared too much for them.”

You shrugged, a little slow as your voice grumbled quietly. “They’re just.. dumb jokes...”

He nodded, bringing his hand up to gently run his hands through your hair. “You know...I only started doing it because I didn’t know what else to do, ...you didn’t talk too much when you moved in. I figured…” He trailed off. “It was something at least...”

You tugged your hoodie down over your face, pushing his hand away in embarrassment

A long pause passed between you. You didn’t know how to say it—that you’d kept all of them. That when things felt too big or too heavy, you’d dig through your bag just to unfold one and stare at it until you felt normal again.

So instead, you mumbled: “I didn’t say I hated them.”

He smiled, just a little. “Got it. Dumb jokes are back on the menu.”

The next day, the napkin said: “If I had a dollar for every time you pretended not to laugh at one of these, I’d be able to buy a mansion.”

You rolled your eyes. Folded it once. Slipped it into your pocket.

You might have smiled. You’ll never admit it.

From then on, the napkins came back like normal, with a new kind of intensity in them

One day it was just a drawing of two stick figures: one with a hoodie, arms crossed, standing next to a taller one with wild hair labeled “Me (Your Awesome Dad).” A speech bubble saying: "I love you coolcat."

You almost cried at lunch. You told yourself it was just because of the onions in your sandwich. (that doesn't even make sense..)

One night, you found him asleep at the kitchen table. Papers strewn everywhere. Bills. Some work stuff. You ignored the papers that said adoption in bold black ink. His head was resting on one arm, the other still holding a pen.

You crept forward quietly. Picked up the unfinished napkin. It just said: "Not sure what to write today. Just… hope you’re okay."

You stared at it for a long time. Then carefully, you picked up the pen.

Underneath his writing, in small blocky letters, you added: “I’m trying.”

You folded it. Left it there for him to find in the morning.

He never said anything about it. But the next day, your napkin said: “Trying counts. Proud of you.”

You kept that one in your pocket all day. It didn’t go in the backpack. That one stayed close.

Sometimes it still gets loud in your head. Sometimes you still flinch at raised voices. Still freeze when someone says your name too sharply.

But there’s cocoa waiting on cold nights. Sandwiches cut diagonally. A couch that sinks just right when you curl up in the corner.

And there’s always a napkin waiting in your lunchbox. Folded, doodled on, sometimes ridiculous. But always there.

You still act like you don’t care.

But he still writes them anyway. Knowing full well that all of his little notes are being kept safe in the bottom of your bag.

[shootingstarpilot]

1. for codys pov of the melidaan trio reunion? idk everytime i reread i get a kick out of imagining his version of that very sweet phone call with mel and then nield and cerasi fucking knocking obi wan over with that hug

Ask Game

Write a scene from [insert fic] in another character’s POV

okay I'm so irritated because I started writing this out and then the page refreshed and I lost a good half of the scene but you know what? we're going to try again!

(also cheers for the best prompt because i would've needed to write this eventually for llch so this was AWESOME, thanks so much for this-)

(also also i promise there will be a second half going up that is the actual hug, but you know me, what is a prompt if not an invitation to go hogwild, etc., and also i just really liked this ending line, okay?)

Cody worries.

To be fair, he’s good at that. He’s been worrying for most of his life, about brothers and battles and all the small intricacies that accompany being second-in-command of, functionally, most of the GAR. He forces it into planning and practice until it eases enough to let him grab a few hours of sleep, but it never really– leaves.

And now he’s got something else to worry about.

Oh, don’t get him wrong– he’s worried about Obi-Wan for a while now. But this–

This is new.

He doesn’t come down to the barracks on his own, despite Cody’s hopes after the first night. And they keep finding him in… odd places.

Watching the blurring stars on the observation deck, his comm unit methodically disassembled in front of him. In the rafters of the cargo bay, datapads stacked perilously next to him on a folded crane. In the laundry room, the sound of his pacing muffled under the thunk-thunk-thunk of the enormous machines.

He comes with them, when they ask. But the bags under his eyes grow darker, and his voice grows quieter, and Cody worries and worries and worries.

(There is not a lot of information about Melidaan in their briefing.)

He thinks:

They were his first command.

He thinks:

How long did they think he was dead?

He thinks: 

If it were me–

He thinks:

I’d have no room for rage.

He thinks:

If I thought he was dead–

He thinks:

To be proven wrong--

He thinks:

What wins out, the nat-born or the soldier?

He thinks, but he does not know, so he holds onto Obi-Wan as his breathing evens out and keeps his mouth shut.

A series of moments, in the last few hours:

Standing together on the bridge, shoulders brushing together.

The set of Obi-Wan’s jaw.

The sudden shock of Stats’ voice, announcing their approach.

Obi-Wan’s hand, pressed against the tempered glass.

The fog of his breath when he leans forward, watching.

The light–

Turning towards the window.

The light. 

Obi-Wan’s voice. Quiet, disbelieving.

Oh, he says. All the lights are on.

The stretch of them. The expanse.

(The blooming, awful hope.)

"Sir," Cody says quietly, unwilling to disturb the silent bridge. "We should-"

"Yes," Obi-Wan agrees. His hands vanish into the sleeves of his cloak, and Cody's own itch. "We should."

Cody opens the comm line when Obi-Wan doesn't move. Leans forward when Obi-Wan doesn't move. Declares himself when the line crackles, watches Obi-Wan twitch at the voice announcing Central Control, introduces himself, confirms their ship's ID, and then--

"Requesting identification of the highest-ranking officer on board."

It translates perfectly well.

Obi-Wan closes his eyes. Leans forward.

"Ben Kenobi," he says. He glances up, meets Cody's questioning gaze, quirks a smile- "Reporting for duty."

Her excitement peels away the years.

She sounds so-

Young.

Stats takes over briefly. Coordinates. The landing dock.

Cody tunes him out and watches Obi-Wan instead, feeling faintly ill.

"It's good to hear your voice, Mel," Obi- General Kenobi says at last. "I've- missed you. Very much."

"And yours, Ben," says Mel, and that's a new name too, one Cody doesn't recognize- "We missed you."

Ben.

"Sir," Cody says cautiously. The bridge is silent, all eyes on them, Waxer's wide-eyed expression mirroring his own nausea. "Were we-- your name--?"

Have they been naming him incorrectly? All this time, have they been doing him wrong? His file had said Obi-Wan, everyone had said Obi-Wan, but they of all people know files aren't the half of it-- had they asked? Actually asked his name? He'd said to call him Obi-Wan, but he's always prioritized them, their comfort, he might not have-

(Their names are all they have.)

"Oh," General Kenobi says. He laughs, a little half-hearted thing, and Cody's chest seizes. "Oh, no, I- Mel, she- she couldn't pronounce my name, when I arrived. It was either Ben or Bibi, and I just- kept it. Obi-Wan is more than fine. I haven't been Ben in a very long time. It's their name more than mine, really."

And yet he'd chosen it, when they'd asked for ID.

Cody doesn't stare. Not noticeably, at least. He turns his gaze towards the glass, ducks his head towards Obi-Wan and mutters something along the lines of nice to know we have one friend down there, at least, something that gets another snort, and considers the weight of this newest discovery.

If anyone could shoulder two names like that, he supposes, it would be their general.

(Obi-Wan suits him better, anyways.)

The gunship is packed with most of Ghost's officer corps, all of them eager and wary in equal measure-- even the barest whisper of Separatist sentiment is enough to put them all on edge, because even a whisper making its way to someone in authority indicates a seething mass under their feet that had gone unheard, but it's not quite enough to quell the rustling excitement. Cody suspects Obi-Wan can tell, because his lips twitch upwards as soon as they step onboard, but he doesn't say a word.

Instead, he takes up his position by the portal and presses a hand to the glass.

The portal isn't very big.

Cody rests a hand on his shoulder, and watches him instead.

[sashimi020]

almost yours p3 *ੈ✩‧₊˚ [mitsuya x reader]

PART 3 (3/5)

p1 | p2 | p4 | p5 notes: feedback, reblogs and comments appreciated!<3 i hope you guys like this chapter!! (not proofread so there may be mistakes)

tags: @dollrndo credits to @i-mmaculatus for the dividers!

the “date” from last week went mostly well, save for the questionable interruption by mitsuya’s friends but you think that it was pretty funny. they’ve always been fun to be around. you get why mitsuya hangs around them. you wish you could be closer to all of them.

sunday rolled around and you found yourself similarly jobless. maybe you should get something for mitsuya? he did cook for you later that week as promised.. the food tasted really really good. oh. your mouth is watering just thinking about it.. urgh. “get yourself together y/n!” you tell yourself. new years is nearing and you think maybe you could surprise him with a gift! that’d be sweet. 

only after 10 minutes did you realise that you were completely stumped for ideas on what to get him. sewing materials? that’s dumb. he already has that. another cardigan? too risky! it’s expensive and what if he doesn’t like it? a drawing? you don’t trust your artistic abilities to capture his beauty. you grumble into your pillow. why did choosing a gift have to be so hard? you suddenly felt a pit in your stomach.. what if you just didn’t know him well? how could this be?! you guys have been friends for ages and you don’t know what to get him?! you take a deep breath before you spiral and reach for your phone. staring at it, you’re struck with what you think is a genius idea! you should just ask his friends! they’d help you out right?

______________________________________________________________

y/n -> kazutora

y/n: HI KAZUTORA

kazutora: whatsupppppp

y/n: you’re suchhh a greattt frienddd you know?? i think you’re soooo awesome! 

kazutora: what do you want. 

y/n: i need a favour!

kazutora: -.- what is it?

y/n: i’m trying to find a gift for mitsuya but i can’t figure out what to get him

y/n: you and the others have spent more time with him so i thought you could help me

kazutora: ohh yeah i could, what occasion? his birthday isn’t coming up.. 

y/n: ohh. he cooked for me recently! i thought i should pay him back some way :)

______________________________________________________________

operation: mitsuya x y/n

kazutora: y/n is trying to find a gift for mitsuya bc he cooked for her they’re so cute what the heck 

draken: awhh

kazutora: she said she needs help finding gift ideas but i also have like no clue 

mikey: we’ll all go shopping?

baji: it’s so hot out.. 

mikey: SACRIFICES MUST BE MADE FOR THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO COME INTO EXISTENCE

draken: stop being so dramatic

mikey: :( 

mikey: bad ken-chin

mikey: WAIT I HAVE A GOOD IDEA

baji: when have you ever had a good idea

mikey: shut up this is actually good

mikey: what if two of us convince mitsuya to get something for her and two of us help her get something for mitsuya and then they can have like a little gift exchange thing?

draken: .. thats.. actually not a bad idea

baji: kudos

mikey: you guys underestimate me too much 

kazutora: me and baji will go with y/n you both go with mitsuya?

draken: sounds cool

______________________________________________________________

kazutora -> y/n

kazutora: wanna to the mall with me and the baji? we can help you find something there. 

y/n: sure! i’m free today evening i think, would that work for you guys?

kazutora: totally

y/n: thanks again! :3

______________________________________________________________

kazutora, y/n and baji finally make it to the mall. you three browse the stores for a bit and engage in idle conversation before you find yourself pause at a display in a store. it was a jacket, specifically a bomber jacket reminiscent of a certain video game character you liked. you stared at it for a second, wondering if it’ll look good on you, wondering how much it cost, wondering if you should consider getting it. kazutora and baji noticed you staring at the jacket with a rather longing expression. “something caught your eye” “huh?.. oh.. nothing nothing..” you turn away, ripping your gaze from it. kazutora took note of the store and the jacket you were so intently staring at. that would come in handy later. 

eventually the three of you ended up in what was a jewellery shop. "hey what about this?" baji pointed to a pair of matching bracelets. “ohh that’s so cute. i can see him wearing it” kazutora adds. you doubt if your feelings would be too predictable and obvious with a gift like that, you laugh awkwardly “isn’t that.. a bit too.. er.. couple-ish?” they both stare at you, deadpanning. kazutora and baji look at each other "yeah you’re getting that" 

"if you really aren’t sure about it, you could always get him another gift" baji says after you pay for the bracelets "it’s not that i don’t like it, i think it’s really cute.. i just.. don’t want him to think it’s weird.." baji frowns. kazutora raises his eyebrow. "what makes you think that?" "i don’t know! look.. i just.. he’s really sweet okay? but he’s.. kind to everyone. there’s nothing different about me. i don’t want to come off as overzealous with this gift" baji sighs "trust me when i say this. you.. you guys are different. he treats you differently" "we see it y/n.." as they both acknowledge the unspoken feelings you feel yourself get flustered “whatever! forget it" 

after browsing the stores for a while you spot something. a pin cushion. it’s perfect. you’ve never seen mitsuya use one so you figured maybe he didn’t have one, even if he did he wouldn’t mind a second, right? “oh! good spot! i think he’d love that" kazutora says. "i vaguely recall him talking about wanting one but i don’t think he ever got around to getting it.." baji adds. you grin and hold it up like a prize, what a steal, not bothering with the price you check out immediately with a small gleam in your eyes. 

the three of you parted ways, and said your goodbyes and you finally made it home. you stared proudly at the bracelets and pin cushion. there was a part of you that still got nervous about the bracelets, you could only hope he wouldn’t find it weird.. you try push the insecurity away and tuck yourself into bed, mind clouded with thoughts. overall you thought this was a pretty good gift. maybe you could add something else later.. oh! maybe make some origami.. definitely you had to package it nicely.. would he open it at the festival? you hope he would. your heart skips a beat and you feel your nerves tingling at the thought. you couldn’t wait for new years to roll around. you shut your eyes and let your exhaustion from the day ease your nerves. 

the little jacket detail is actually a bit of my nerdiness seeping in. i got into resident evil recently and i really REALLY badly want a jacket that looks like leon's like it looks so freaking cool!!

i just realised mitsuya isn't even in this chapter 💀 this was pretty short but its 12 30 in the night and i have to go to sleep so i'll upload ch4 tmrw probably!

[eybefioro]

This is my first artwork for the FTH event! It's a stunning scene from @dbacklot99 fic, "Collapse". Highly recommend checking it out!!!

Thank you mods for organising the event, and thank you Db for this prompt 💛💛 it was such a gift to draw this and to read it!

@goodomensafterdark @fth2025fanworks

(time lapse and other ramblings under the cut)

AAAAAAAAAAAA THIS FIC IS SO GOOD. So sad (in a way that I love) but also so profoundly hopeful. It's LOVELY. And this scene right here is such a powerful one! A bit of a spoiler, so skip it of you don't want any:

The sun was dying. The sky above was red and ominous, most of it blocked out by the inflamed star. This was not as far in the future as most humans had thought; the life cycle of the sun was a joke the cosmologists never got. Aziraphale found Crowley, his black wings casting shadows on the sand, sitting near a faint mound where one could just possibly imagine a wall had stood long, long ago. He sat down next to him. “Crowley?”

Crowley kept staring up. He was holding the space between the sun and the Earth in a frozen pocket of time. “It'll be over soon, you know? Once I let it go, a few hours maybe and the sun will expand, consume everything, then collapse in on itself."

So, soooo beautiful. I hope I was able to do it justice 💛

I had so much fun playing with the colours here, testing stuff out, making the sun look angry. I really wanted the red to pop, and for that I put some purple on the corners, made the colours as saturated as I could... there's actually a bunch of orange there too, to try to give the sky depth (hope it worked!!).

There were many things that challenge me in this one (it was awesome!). I never drew a desert before, and gosh it is difficult. it's all about light and shadow do make the dunes look like dunes, and it was so satisfying when I finally saw the desert and not just a jumble varying shades of yellow!

I once again tried to do some funky stuff with the perspective, and once again wasn't that satisfied with it. It's better than my other attempts, but it lacks the oompth (lol) that I was looking for. I really wanted it look like we caught things mid action, like the "camera" was zooming in and we paused on one of the frames in between... lots of action and energy, with the shapes warped because of it and well. It looks nothing like that XD Still, I think the end result looks cool and I'm getting closer of being able to do that and draw epic-looking action scenes.

Because of my choice of point of view, Aziraphale was so hard to draw. I was sweating making him look right 😂 I really wanted him to look nervous wringing his hands, to be truly sad... and I'm really surprised that both their expressions are working! I'm really happy with that :D

Sad demon and angel :c

I once again have to thank Elen for teaching me how to draw WIIIINGGGZZZZZ. I have so much fun doing them... I still have lots to learn about them, ofc, but I feel like every time I draw wings following her advice they look a liiitle nicer, I get a liiitle better.

I'm beyond happy to be participating in the FTH event. Best decision that I took this year. Anyways. I'll stop rambling now. Go read Db's fic, it's awesome!!! 💛💛💛

[nebrasska-alasska]

Hey, author. About maybe-ish 4 days ago, I crashed my aunt's room and found her watching Sonic 2. I'd finished watching Sonic 1 about a year ago, give or take, and had begun the second movie, but stopped midway through. I decided to stay and watch with her because, honestly, I was never gonna continue watching on my own. Anyway, the point is that after finishing the second movie, I HAD to watch the third. Watching Sonic 3 lowkey rekindled my obsession with sonadow, and I knew I had to go pilfer the Sonic/Shadow tag. I sorted by kudos, and the top fic was The Secrets In Our Quills. Needless to say, I ate the entire fic up in about a day. This, by the way, was the first Sonic fanfiction I have ever consumed, and I can say with certainty that it was a certified banger. Anyway, after finishing that one, I then raided your profile and found Tethered At The Wrist.

...

Author, bro, dawg, brother in christ. ???? ahwhxijavwgxkosqjk,pmaveyuwbdksvwhxoqnhd???????????? Literally speechless, idk what to say. I'm usually not very willing to read fics that are in progress, but for you, author, I will have to make an exception. Sigh, omg, TATW literally has me in a chokehold???? The amount of simping going on in that fic is enough to make me want to cry. AUUGHHHHHH SONIC, SHADOW?!???????? (I particularly LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE the scenes with Rouge. SHE KNOWS, OMG SHE KNOWS AND IT'S SO FUNNY TO ME. Shadow internally shitting bricks because Rouge won't stop talking about his crush in FRONT of his crush 😭😭. He's such a loser, I love it so much. And omg, don't even get me started on Sonic. So dense 🙄. Mouth over ass whipped for Shadow, and he doesn't even know it. UGH, I HATE THESE GAYS SO MUCH, I WANT TO EAT THEM). Anyway. Just wanted to let you know that I really love your fics and that I WILL be raiding your profile frequently. Thanks for violently and awesomely hurling me into the Sonic fandom with your fics <3

AWWWWWWWW THANK YOU!!! I’m so glad that you enjoyed The Secrets in our Quills so much, and that you are going feral over Tethered at the Wrist!!! I actually have to thank you: this ask inspired me to reread the story, which is something I haven’t done since like chapter 6. So I’ve taken a break from writing the past few days to read the entire story, and I’ve been having fun cleaning and tidying it up!

Again, huge thank you for inspiring me to slow down and enjoy what I’ve written so far, and I hope you enjoy chapter 17 when it comes out this Sunday!!! :D And a huge welcome to the sonic fandom as well!!!

[tumbleofdorks]

Thank you so much for your addition about afrocentric fashion on my post about jake sisko!!!

I see all the people in my notes these last few days who are excited to learn this or to see it get more widely known, and it's such a joy.

I also learned awesome stuff from your explanation and I'm really glad i did, so i know more about afrocentric futuristic fashion, and have a further appreciation for ds9 too.

Thank you for making the post in the first place that got me talking about it! I'm really amazed and happy to see how many people took interest. I figured it would be a pretty niche little group that would fit in that venn diagram but I'm so glad I was wrong.

In the 90's, when I was a kid, there was still a pretty strong presence of afrocentric visuals in media due to cultural pushes for diversity. I remember learning about kwaanza (on a surface level at the time) from a kids' book in the library, and seeing those afrocentric styles in PBS shows. I was just totally fascinated by it, I thought it was so different and pretty. I did more research and learned more about the history of it in my college years. The civil rights movement had so much nuance within it, and there were lots of cultural changes because of it, outside of just the obvious legal ones. It's such a fascinating part of American history and it goes so deep, I can lose myself for hours in a research rabbithole.

It wasn't until picking up DS9 recently that I realized I don't really see much of that afrocentric aesthetic anymore, irl or in media, which feels like a real shame. The closest was probably in the Black Panther movies, but that was a specifically African style, and the American afrocentric movement was so unique. A culture and style all its own as they combined elements of everything, to create a new version of what was stolen from them. I'd love to see it again, and I love seeing it in a depiction of the future. It's beautiful and inspiring, and I love how unique Jake and Benjamin's clothes are. They make me happy to see.

Sorry, you got me monologuing again.

[finalfrontierzine]

🪐 interest check results 🚀

Thanks again for the 107 responses to our Interest Check! Your feedback helped us set some more cornerstones for this project going forward. We have revamped our carrd accordingly: 👉 Carrd

Here are some central insights from your responses:

🔎 interest

First, the results for general interest in this project! 👀 We're happy to see most are as excited about it as we are. Lots of you are interested in applying, too - awesome! Our Contributor Apps open May 4th, so we'll see ya there 🤞

🔎 release

Final Frontier will get a physical release! 🎉 Lots of you liked our idea of keeping it old school, meaning we will focus on the book itself and offer limited flat merch. By producing locally + in the EU, we're hoping to mitigate the risk of global shipping and tariffs as much as possible.

🔎 sfw or nsfw

Both! 💪 Final Frontier will consist of a physical SFW main zine and a digital NSFW add-on. We went ahead and defined dedicated contributor counts, contribution specs and content guidelines for each section as well - check our carrd for more info! 🫡

🔎 merch

Here's a glimpse at your preferred merch, digital or physical! 💡 We set a preliminary selection of merch for aspiring merch artists to choose from in our Contributor Apps; we will finalize the merch options together with our contributors during Creation Period.

🔎 proceeds

Final Frontier will be predominantly for-profit. Times are tough, so we want to compensate our contributors for their hard work. There will be an option to donate one's share of the proceeds to a shared cause - the zine team will pick one of your recommendations for that purpose 🌈

🔎 other insights

Don't worry, we're taking the results for all questions into account! Take a look at our revamped carrd for the newest on this project and thanks again for your support! 🤞💕

Got any questions? 👉 Anon Ask Box