#the college student has no idea that one of the spirits is his murderer but they clash a lot and yugo is v tired

[sqlmn]

Misc white haired OCs! (all different plots except Nene/Koko who are brothers)

Eclipse > an ancient being who is in charge of seven other beings who are constantly reincarnated. he exists to rope in some person to gather the seven others and then that person is meant to imprison them/end the cycle but everyone keeps getting attached to the seven and can't bring themselves to "kill" them so they opt to restart their lives and reincarnate them.

Yugo > the unluckiest guy who tries to go to a fortune teller to see if his life will get any better. While walking in her shop, he gets spooked by something and knocks over a crystal ball which releases five souls that then possess him. Now those five can all possess him and control him and he's just like "honestly idk what I expected".

Bryant > only partially white haired but I've never drawn him digitally before and it's so funny to me that his ref is pencil scribbles and notes. He's a god of murder. Named Bryant. And I think that's very lame of him.

Nene and Koko > brother cat spirits who can appear human or as a split-tailed cat. When Koko is a cat, he's soooo fluffy that the human they hang out with dubs him "Snowball" and when Nene gets all hissy over it, the guy is like "awww it's ok you can be Snowflake as a cat" which. Naturally makes Nene more angry. Oh well.

Amira > very side character in a plot and is a blind prophet. Has a brother named Ravi who watches out for her and protects her from social interactions most of the time. Because of this, she's shy and rather inept at social situations. She can pinpoint the topic of her predictions pretty well but sometimes the clarity is harder to see for her if she tries to pinpoint it too much.

[yougavemeyourheartyouknow]

Oh, you wanna play psycho killer? (Ghostface! Miguel O’Hara x Fem! Reader x Ghostface! Peter B Parker) Part 1

RAAAAA! Excited about this one! Based off this post. Inspired by this drawing from Andalusia_Lu on Tiktok. Not proofread. Tbh I’m kinda nervous about this one but…Enjoy! Also in this story MJ and Peter are just friends. This is probably the darkest think I’ve written.

(Y/N) - Your name.

NSFW!!, Cursing, use of alcohol, death, murder, yandere behavior, Reader has a bf who does die, violence, blood, said reader’s bf calls her derogatory remarks behind her back, religious imagery(I think???), stalking, male masturbation, invasion of privacy, reader being drugged, panty stealing, stalking, implied kidnapping, gore, cameras being placed in readers home without their knowledge, it’s a horror one shot so… you know what you’re walking into. Dead Dove Do not eat, MDNI!

Word count: 2.5k

Part 2

Masterlist

—

October 31st, Halloween night. Also know as the night that gives college students an excuse to get fucked up while in a shit quality costume that cost 50 bucks at spirit Halloween.

That little rule you are not exempt from, that’s how you found yourself in a random college frat party at NYU, a bottle of beer in one hand, and your boyfriend’s in the other as you drag him through the crowd so you both can dance. The alcohol in your system made your whole body relaxed and your cheeks glow with a dash of red over them, your eyes half-lidded and your smile wide as you looked up at Daniel while Promiscuous from Nelly Furtado blasted through the house. You looked like an angel straight from heaven, although that might be due to your customer, being dressed up as Juliet from the 1996 movie, while your boyfriend was clattered in armor as Romeo. The costumes being your idea after having rewatched the movie a few weeks ago.

You both had lost the rest of your group in the crowd, Jess and MJ had said they were going to the kitchen while Miguel and Peter had said they were going outside to get fresh air but you haven’t seen them since, you wouldn't have extremely worried, if it wasn’t for the reason sightings of the ghostface killer that had been popping up on the news though. Sure maybe going to a party wasn’t the best idea either but you figured you would have been fine since you were going in a group, I mean, what wouldn’t you be okay? It’s not like an actual serial killer goes after a group of young adults who are all drunk right? But now you’ve lost 4 out of 6 people in said group. But maybe in the small chance you do get targeted, you should be able to stand a chance since your Daniel was always in the gym with Miguel, so he was pretty jacked (not as jacked as Miguel though but you’ll never say that out loud).

One song turned to two then to three, just like the beers in Daniel’s hand, you had slowed down so you could at least be sober enough to order a Lyft for when the night was over. Eventually you were whisked away from your boyfriend by MJ and Jess, thankful that they were still at the party and nothing happened to them.

“Hey, have you guys seen Peter or Miguel?” You shouted over the music after a while, Jess just shrugged, before MJ answered.

“They texted me that they found Daniel and he’s like, fucked up apparently.”

—

“Please!”

Stab.

“I don’t want to die! Please stop!”

Stab.

“I’ll give anything! Just don’t kill me!”

The begs and pleads become more desperate and sloppy with every second, the words slurring more together from the alcohol and the crimson red liquid dribbling out of Daniel's mouth. The sight was almost enough to make the two men feel pity. Almost.

“Anything?” The shorter one asked with an agonizingly slow head tilt, his voice altered from the voice changer attached to the plastic mask, signaling for the other to stop plugging the knife into their victim’s stomach. Despite not liking being told what to do, he dropped Daniel on the floor with a snarl. Daniel quickly retracted into a small ball, shaking arms going to cover his bloody wound with a groan and whimper.

“We want (Y/N).” If it weren't for him being in excruciating pain and bleeding out, Daniel would have thought they were joking, but the tone in which the words were spoken made his blood that was spilling out from his stomach and mouth run cold.

“W-what?” He asked as he tried to keep his breathing from becoming shallow and his head from becoming too dizzy, but he was failing miserably.

“You heard us. We. Want. (Y/N).” The larger one spoke this time. How badly, he wanted to emphasize each word with another stab, the knife in his hands twitched a bit as he tightened his grip on the black handle. He was itching for an excuse, but he’ll refrain.

For now.

Maybe it was the way he responded to a stressful situation, or maybe it was the lack of blood finally affecting his brain, but Daniel had the nerve to laugh. Fucking laugh. The laugh was breathy, and in between coughs and groans, causing Miguel and Peter to look at their prey like he was the crazy one. Rage filled their bodies when Daniel finally composed himself enough to talk again.

“Y-you can’t be serious? …Right? You-you’re gonna kill-kill me over some bitch?”

How fucking dare he.

How dare he speak about you like you were some random skank, like you were a pile of dirt. You were a fucking goddess, Miguel and Peter knew that, because they worshipped you like one. They didn’t see what you saw in Daniel, he didn’t deserve you, no one did, except Miguel and Peter, they would treat you better than any other man that roamed this stupid planet, and especially far better then the sorry excuse of a boyfriend that they had on the ground like he was a wounded animal.

For someone who was about to die, he sure had a lot of nerve.

He didn’t love you like they did, he didn’t know your every move like they did. They were like your real life guardian angels, always following behind you to make sure no one would harm so much as a hair on your pretty little head, and how lucky were they, that you were juuust oblivious enough that you don’t notice them, just enough to brush of your rummaged trash as raccoons, just enough that you didn’t noticed when a pair or two of your dirty panties go missing, you had too many to keep track of all of them anyways. Never knowing that one of the two would sneak into your apartment while you were asleep to grab them from your hamper, no matter which boy had decided to embark on their mission, both of them had to fight against the struggle to not stay and watch you sleep, fighting the urge to release their painful hard members and stroke while watching you sleep. They’d be lying to themselves if they said they haven’t lost the battle at least once before, biting into their free hand to stop any moans from escaping and waking you up, while they fist fuck their cocks with the other, but can you blame them?

They just loved you so much and you loved them too, you just haven’t realized it yet. How could you when that pest of a boyfriend of yours was pumping your head full of false thoughts? He didn’t love you like Peter and Miguel did. Sure Daniel might seem like he loved you so much, going as far as to get you flowers and gifts from time to time, but Miguel and Peter’s gifts they would give you were so much better, because these gifts were all given to you with the same purpose. To help them watch over you, make sure you were safe, strategically planning to make sure to eventually fill your entire home with cameras right under your adorable nose. The teddy bear that sits on your bed and the light up mirror over your bathroom sink were first of course.

Peter couldn’t help himself, with all of his force, he kicked Daniel right in the balls, causing him to curl up more in pain. Miguel was going to do the same when his phone pinged in his pocket, he quickly took it out and checked it, your name filling his screen made his heart skip a beat.

“It’s (Y/N). She’s asking where we are, and wants us to meet her at her apartment after she drops off Jess and MJ in 15 minutes.” Miguel mumbled as he looked down at his phone, before looking up at Peter then down at their prey on the ground. “She probably thinks we’re still with him, what should we do with him?”

Peter’s eyes followed Miguel’s gaze down to the half- conscious Daniel, silent as if thinking about what to say, or more likely what to do with him.

“We could leave him here for dead?” Peter suggested, but Miguel shook his head at the thought, too risky, they couldn’t have the chance of him being found by someone and taken to the hospital, that could ruin everything.

“You both… ar-are fucking psychotic! Killing me over some-some bitch who doesn’t eve-even give good fucking… fucking head!” Daniel yelled between coughs, more blood falling from his blue-turning lips, he looked like he had seen a ghost due to how pale he was becoming from the blood lost, and now he’s gonna become one. Miguel’s phone buzzed again, this time you only sent a single question mark, looking down at his phone.

“I want you to know that if I wasn’t about to be late to see you, I would beat this guy bloody, for the way he talks about you.” Miguel said out loud as if you could actually hear him, as if you were actually here to hear how true those words were, but instead Miguel raised his knife with one hand and grabbed Daniel’s hair with the other. Enjoying the way the Dani’s eyes widened in fear, his weak arms flailed around as he tried to fight the larger man off of him, but it was no use. “Guess I’ll just have to cut straight to the point.” He said, the smirk evident threw his altered voice before putting his knife against Daniel’s throat and slashing it open. Watching whatever life that was left in him drain from his eyes.

Peter being the skilled photographer he was, took a selfie of the two with their slayed animal, now it’s time to go claim their trophy.

—

Something was off.

Like seriously off, ever since Peter and Miguel disappeared at the party neither of them had answered their phone, and as soon Dani disappeared neither had he. Maybe the party wasn’t the best idea in retrospect, you let out a sigh as you entered your apartment, and collapsed on your couch, wanting to try and calm your racing thoughts a bit before you changed out of your costume. Closing your eyes, and taking in a deep breath.

Your phone started to ring.

Usually, you didn’t answer calls from people who weren’t already in your contacts, so the “blocked number” would normally set off red flags, but maybe the alcohol was still making your brain foggy, because without thinking you answer the call and put your phone to your ear.

“Hello?”

No answer.

You left out a huff and tried again.

“Hellooo?”

When you didn’t get an answer again you rolled your eyes.

“I think you got the wrong numb-“

“Wanna play a game?”

“I’m-I’m sorry?”

“I said, wanna play a game?”

“Um no thanks. I'm hanging up now.”

“Hang up and you won’t get to see your special surprise though.” Oddly enough, you grew a bit curious.

“Wha..what do I have to do?” You asked.

“It’s simple, We’re gonna play a small game of hot and cold.” You had a feeling this wasn’t a good idea, maybe you shouldn’t answer the call. “Right now you’re cold.”

Without another word, you slowly got up, and made your way down the hall, your floorboard creaking underneath your heels.

“Warmer.”

Your heart begins to beat in your ears, you bring a shaky hand up to the doorknob of your bathroom, you go to open the door when the voice from the other end of the phone spoke again.

“Colder.”

You quickly bring your hand back down to your side and let your heavy footsteps make your way into your bedroom.

“Hotter.”

You swallowed the thick lump of saliva down your throat as you made your way to the left side room, your eyes dead set on your closet.

“Hotter.”

You closed the gap between you and the closet, and brought your hand to the handle, mentally preparing yourself for whatever hides before the wooden doors.

“You're on fucking fire baby.”

Your hand drew back the door, the sight made you let out a blood curdling scream, almost dropping your phone in the process. Your Daniel, dead, sitting on the closet floor, gutted out like a fish. The voice on the other end of the phone let out a sly chuckle before speaking once again.

“Sorry about your boyfriend, guess all those muscles didn’t help much.” He mocked before the call went dead, and you finally released your phone, it falling to the floor, as your body began to shake and your breathing became rapid.

You let out a sob and began to stumble away from the mangled corpse that you once called your boyfriend, only for your back to meet with a what felt like a wall of muscle, you quickly look up over your shoulder, being met with the infamous ghostface mask that has been plastered all over the news.

“What’s the matter (Y/N)? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” The altered voice taunted. No, no, no,no. This cannot be happening. You shook your head as another sob left your lips stumbling away from the masked killer and into the hallway, expecting him to follow after you, but instead he just watched you. If you were thinking straight. You’d probably realized that this was a trap, but you weren’t thinking straight, as you finally reached the front door, you went to unlock the door and leave your apartment, but before you even stepped foot out of the door a large hand came and grabbed you around your waist. You take in a deep breath and open your mouth to scream, but instead a white cloth came and covered your nose and mouth, the strong smell of chemicals quickly filling your lungs.

“Surprised (Y/N).” This voice was a bit deeper, then the one from your bedroom, your head became dizzy as you eyes fluttered, your vision was beginning to blacken, before you were fully go under, you saw the man holding you still was a lot larger than the other one, it clicked, there were two of them.

You black out.

—

“She out?” Peter asked Miguel as he slipped off his mask, Miguel following suit.

“Like a light.” Miguel smirks as he goes to pick you up bridal style, your body limply laying in his arms. The two couldn’t help but smile as they watched your sleeping form, so peaceful looking, like an Angel. Their angel. Their plan played out just as they wanted, you were theirs now, and theirs alone. No one could come in the way of you three anymore, all they had to do now was make sure you wouldn’t leave them. But how would you do that if you didn’t know where you were? You couldn’t. That’s why Miguel gently placed you in the backseat of Peter’s car, before getting into the passenger’s seat. They were going to make sure you were far, far away from your old life, so you could start your new one with your lovesick killers.

[neoninky]

The TWST Therapy Rabbit AU continues!

Part 1 see here

Introducing two new buns: Toffee and Snowball

Toffee is a sweet, sweet baby sunshine boy who makes sure all the students of Royal Sword Academy stay nice and mentally healthy, never hesitating to lift their spirits if they ever feel weary or have an off day (this includes all y'all's RSA OCs, he welcomes you all - looking at you @nuitthegoddess). He is often gifted little hats and outfits from Neige and other crafty boys from RSA. The boys of NRC find him terrifyingly cute as if imbued with some unholy power they probably aren't wrong. Snowball is a very well-to-do lil' man who makes sure the boys of Noble Bell College stay on the straight and narrow, awarding good students the opportunity to feed him treats and give him pats and cuddles (depending on his mood). He is found cleaning his face often as he likes to stay very tidy. Fun fact: he is named after Claude Frollo's terrifying black horse from the original Hunchback of Notre Dame film I shit u not that is the horse's name look it up lol Also due to recent events cough cough, Rollo has been spending more therapy sessions with Snowball to avoid any other...outbursts cough. Snowball appreciates Rollo's overall disciplined nature but finds his ability to cover himself in flames very unnerving. He too is not sure about that Malleus Draconia fellow. In regards to Inky of NRC, Toffee adores her and always aims to treat her as his BFF any time their paths cross. Snowball is a bit stand-offish but that is not unusual for him. The two rabbits, at the very least, have an understanding of what the other has to deal with frequently. Inky is cool with both of these bucks and doesn't favor one over the other. If nothing else, it's refreshing to be among those who can understand the stress of trying to comfort magical teenage boys who occasionally try to blow up the planet and or murder someone. Toffee has yet to experience this but is always there to support poor Inky and Snowball to the best of his ability lol. I honestly got the idea and just wanted to make a silly lil' sketch of these boys. I hope y'all enjoy them lol.

[swiggity-swexual-i-am-asexual]

Obviously, video evidence of murder is bad! You can’t just show your face on camera!!

… so Danny gets a domino mask, some spirit (ha!) gum, and it’s THE weakest disguise. Takes the video, VHS only and yes he did bring his own player and a boom tube tv, and shows up at the president of the university’s house. You know. Like heroes do.

Much more screaming than Danny thinks is really NEEDED later, he’s let in. On some caveats.

For one, admissions and all that know who he is, technically. Most of the university does not care. However. FinAid is a BITCH to deal with WITHOUT what counts as a felony being the full ride scholarship condition. So THEY can’t know it’s him.

Which basically means he has to go as his, uh… Very Well Put Together And Not At All Paper Thin disguise and like. A fake/vigilante name. FinAid isn’t trying SUPER hard to find him, really, but Batman IS searching for the Joker and oh no Mr batman we have no idea why that clause went down on the website, oh nooooo, and so they can’t just have him like……….. known.

Cue Danny going as some really dumb ‘vigilante name’ that the board of directors assures won’t actually be on his diploma, wearing exactly One (1) piece of vigilante gear and that’s the mask. Everything else is completely the same. If you want him to be kind of cool, he can be Nightingale, but this is Danny. It’s probably something like, Dabsi Redrum, which is literally Murder IsBad spelled backwards.

Oh, he also has to like, graduate and everything, so he still needs to keep to university enrollment standards and at least TRY to stay on track for graduating from his degree program on time. Aka, pls eventually leave the campus Mr. Totally Not Fenton. This is made slightly harder by any number of things, including but not limited to: Batfam in any capacity Noticing Danny Somehow, whether as Danny or as his college student sona; ghosties being ghosts; ghost king stuff if you’re into that; superheroics, but you’d hope he figured out the Amity Park situation before running off to Gotham, so what are you doing here Mr Phantom; other people attempting to pspspspsps him into becoming a hitman against supervillains; him trying to keep his extremely bad hidden identity Somewhat Actually Hidden.

DPxDC prompt. Education.

Joker *hiccups and wonders who is thinking about him*: Bats?

~~~Meanwhile~~~

Half-dead idiot with GPA about 6 feet below the required for admission to university: *looking at the Gotham University website's page with the offering a cover up to 100 percent of the full tuition fee to anyone who gets rid of the damn clown*.

Phantom: : >:-D

Phantom to Sam & Tuck: ~Guys, I may not have a brain, but I have an idea~

Jazz: Oh, no...

[behindheremeraldeyes]

damirae week 2022

day 2 college/ high school / jealousy

title: hit the showers

summary: college AU - Raven and Damian are partners for a literature project. When he keeps her waiting for almost an hour after football practice, nothing will stop her from going after him. Not even the male sign on the door.

.

It’s hard for her to put into words how she’s feeling right now. Even with the vast range of words in her head, Raven just can’t find a pretty way to define how fucking pissed she is.

For the past 40 minutes, she’s been sitting on the same spot at the bleachers. The football players have long retreated to the showers, leaving the stage to Gotham University’s beloved cheerleading squad and their repetitive choreography. And for someone with barely any school-spirit in her bones, Raven almost wishes for one of them to fall.

Almost.

An annoyed sigh escapes her lips as she checks her phone again: still no answer. How hard can it be for him to come out and give her that stupid pen-drive!? She bites her lower lip and mentally curses her literature professor for ruining her life. Of all the people—all the sixty-three students enrolled on that subject for the semester—her name was matched to his for the final project. Sure, both she and Damian Wayne are the smartest people in class, and their project won't receive anything lower than an A+, but damn, what an egocentric bastard.

She felt like crying a river at the idea of pairing up with the person she detests the most on all campus, but now, Raven knows better that wasting precious tears won’t solve her problem. Murder, though…

Her eyes catch the sign of a bunch of jocks leaving the locker room, but to her luck, Damian isn’t among them. Like a trained herd, they keep following each other, but her partner just refuses to show up. She’s tapping her foot against the metal structure, a glimpse of hope stubbornly lighting up her eyes.

Any minute now, she thinks. But then, 15 minutes go by, and all hope turns into rage.

Raven shakes her head, a new decision igniting her soul. “Fuck this.” She stands up, glaring at the universe and stomping her way across the tracking field and towards the lockers. Her hands are balled into fists, and she sees the way people’s expressions change when they look at her. She barges into the locker-room, not caring that this is the male one.

Once inside, Raven’s eyes search for him, like a lioness hunting her prey. Most of the players are long gone, but the few left grow confused at the sight of a girl invading the men’s locker-room when they’re still half-naked. Some start covering themselves in shame, while others even try to impress her by flexing their muscles. On normal days, Raven wouldn’t spare them a fraction of her precious time, and now things are no different. She couldn’t care less about all of those exposed abs. Not when her mind is set on finding the Wayne.

“You.” She points at a random guy, and he shivers under her condemning gaze. “Where’s Damian?”

“Damian? Y-You mean Wayne?”

“Of course I mean Wayne!” She fumes. “Is there any other arrogant brat named Damian on this stupid team?!”

“N-No…” He answers, and oddly, it feels like a question.

“Where the hell is he!?”

“In the showers! He’s in the showers!” He covers himself, pointing towards the back of the room. “Please, don’t hurt me!”

“Tch, out of my way.” Raven grits her teeth, pushing past the player. She walks towards the showers, a curtain of steam clouding the air. She’s about to rip the curtain open, when firm hands hold her in place, preventing her advance. This interruption makes her mad, and once she realizes that the one who interrupted her is Damian, the girl grows even more irritated.

“Wow, slow down, Roth. Ask me to dinner first, will you?” He smirks, and her glare intensifies.

“Fuck you, Damian!” She slaps his hands from her shoulders, and he crosses his arms across his naked chest. He only has a towel wrapped around his waist, and some drops of water are still running down his olive skin.

“Aren’t you a polite lady?” That cocky arrogance remains plastered on his face, and she holds back the urge to rip it off with a slap. “Apart from peeking at me, what on earth are you doing here? I thought we were going to meet outside.”

“We were, Damian. One-freaking-hour ago!”

“What?” His eyes widen, real shock spread on his face as he looks at the clock on the wall. “Oh shit, is it that late already?! I must have lost track of time, my bad.”

“My bad!?” she repeats, her voice growing even angrier. “Can’t you even apologize like a human-being, you little piece of sh— “

“Wow, language! You’re worse than a sailor, geez.”

Her heart is racing inside her ribcage and it takes every ounce of self-control in her body not to strangle him. His personality is Damian’s worst quality. It’s like a younger version of his older brother, but he lacks the womanizer part—that’s as far as she knows, of course. The whole family seems to have this serious conduct disorder, but she won’t let him get the best of her.

All the money she's spent on meditation classes will prove itself useful.

She closes her eyes, taking a deep breath and repeating her mantra inside her head. Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos. Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos. Azarath, Metrion, Zint—

“Look, just give me the pen-drive and I’ll be out.” She reasons, her tone calmer. “Let’s not waste more of my precious time, okay?”

Damian stares at her for a second too long, his hand massaging his chin. He nods, and Raven feels a certain relief to know this will be over soon. “Fine. Front pocket of my bag. It’s the yellow and green one with the W.”

“Finally.” She throws her hands in the air, and she's quick to spot the bag on the bench near the lockers. Raven leans down, her hands reaching for the zipper of the front pocket, and once the pen-drive is in her hands, her body relaxes. No tricks, no silly games or arrogant comments, just the way it should be.

But of course he had to be staring at her ass…

From the corner of her eyes, she sees Damian standing behind her, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. His emerald eyes are on her, and once she turns to him, he doesn’t bother looking away. She swallows a few ugly words that are about to escape her throat and decides that instead of giving in to her emotions, she will teach him a lesson he won't forget.

Two can play this game, she thinks. It’s time for her revenge.

She gets back on her feet, mimicking his pose; her carefree eyes roaming his body. Even with a rotten personality, Damian is a sight for sore eyes. She acknowledges that he’s a very charming man, with that dark hair and those pretty, forest eyes; but that’s as far as she’ll go. His ego is already too high and she can’t risk inflating it anymore.

“Like what you see, Damian?” She asks, her eyes on his.

“I could ask you the same, Roth.”

“Well…” Her tongue traces her bottom lip, and after placing the pen-drive in her purse, she lets it slide down her shoulder and to the floor. She walks closer to him, the steam from the showers brushing her cheeks. “I can’t say I’m not.”

“Oh, boy.” He leans closer, their eyes never breaking contact. “Nice twist for someone who was about to murder me just now.”

“Call it a twist or just a girl trying to find compensation after waiting under the burning sun.” Their faces are inches apart, and she slides her hands across his chest. She feels his muscles twitching under her palm, and she can’t help but smirk at that.

Men, she muses.

“It sure is getting hot in here, habibti.” He whispers, eyelids lowered, and she can feel his heart beating faster under her touch.

“In that case, maybe you should take another shower, Dami.”

“What?”

His lips part in awe, but before Damian has any chance to process her words, her tiny hands are already pushing him backwards. In a blink of an eye, he finds himself under the shower, cold water now pouring over him.

How deliciously satisfying, she thinks, standing her ground. Triumph decorates her face, and she’s delighted to see the expression he’s making while his body tries to adjust to the lower temperature. His damp, dark hair is sticking to his face and his emerald eyes are glaring at her with enough intensity to tear a hole in her skin.

“Goddamnit, Roth!”

She chuckles, hands resting on her waist. “That’s what you get for making me wait, Damian!”

“Tt how very mature of you.”

“Never said I was.” Raven chuckles, still not ready to let her revenge wear off. “Sorry to throw cold water on your plans.”

“Ha Ha. Hilarious.” He scorns, running his hand through his damp hair. “I guess I deserved this.”

“You can bet your pretty ass you did.”

“Yeah… whatever. You can stop now.”

“Stop? Why should I?” she teases, victory clouding her better judgment. “Tell me, Dami, how does it feel to be a soaked loser?”

He stares at her for a little too long; the wheels spinning in his head. “I don’t know, Roth. You tell me.”

Her eyes widen when his arms wrap around her waist, and it doesn’t take much to understand what he’s doing. Although she tries to fight back, in a swift move, Damian pulls her close, and soon, she’s also soaked from head to toe. The cold water strikes her skin, damp clothes sticking to her curves, and shivers run down her spine.

Of course, the universe wouldn’t let her have her moment, right?

“So, Roth, how does it feel?” Damian asks, arrogance dripping from his lips.

“You’re such a child, Damian!” She fumes, hands balled into fists, ready to punch him.

“Me!? You started this!” He bites back, turning off the cold water.

“It was payback. It’s not my fault if you’re a shitty loser!”

“I’m not a shitty loser. You’re just an annoying winner.”

“I must have learned from you.”

They glare at each other for a few moments, sparks igniting between them. A real fight is about to start, when something inside her snaps.

What the hell am I doing?

A defeated sigh escapes her lungs, all the anger fading from her heart. She runs her fingers through her wet hair to take it out of her face, closing her eyes for an instance. Raven’s tired of all this childish bickering, and even if she hates to admit it, the cold water did help her calm down a bit. She’s never been the girl who loses her mind over stupid things, and perhaps that’s what she hates the most about Damian.

He makes her lose control. He sets her emotions ablaze, and before she knows it, they’re at each other’s throats, fighting over something stupid. It’s annoying—inconvenient, even. Theoretically, they should be able to maintain a decent conversation, but apparently, they can’t help but behave like children.

God, what is it about him?

Raven doesn't know. And maybe now isn't the best time to figure it out.

“I’m going home.” She states.

“Are you planning on leaving like this?”

“It’s not like I have another option, genius.”

“Tt. At least let me…” Before he can finish the sentence, she feels his thumb caressing her cheeks. It’s an innocent move, filled with some sort of concern and care. His hand cups her face, and she can’t help but notice how smooth it is. He’s looking at her with such a gentle expression, and once their eyes meet, an embarrassed blush creeps to his face. “I-I… I was just… your mascara was running down.”

Although she’s trying to find the right words, nothing comes to mind. Damian Wayne was nice to her. This is not part of his modus operandi, and she doesn’t know how to respond. Her cheeks feel warm and her lips part. Their faces are extremely close, and if she didn’t know any better, she could bet he wants to ki—

His lips are on hers before she can conclude her thoughts. They’re smooth and delicate, and at first, he doesn’t move, giving her enough time to memorize their shape. Unlike Damian himself, his kiss is calm and soothing—insecure, even. It’s makes the turbulence in her heart disappear, and even if she knows Damian Wayne is the one kissing her, Raven can’t find it in herself to push him away. Quite the opposite, actually.

Her arms wrap around his neck and she kisses him back; her fingers getting lost in his dark locks. Their lips move in sync, and slowly, he presses her back against the white tiles. His hands sneak under her shirt, moving to her waist so he holds her in place. A raw groan dies in her throat when his fingers dig down her skin. A foreign warmth wraps around her guts when he nibbles her lower lip, a clear sign that he’s asking for entrance.

Soon, she tastes his sweetness in what’s probably the best kiss of her life. It’s addictive—eliciting so—and it’s only after he pulls away that she realizes what she’s been deprived of for such a long time.

Her senses slowly return, and she pulls her arms back from his neck. Amethysts widen, and once she sees that stupid smirk on his face, Raven realizes what she’s done—with whom she’s done it with. Her entire body is on fire and it’s like her heart is about to explode if he does so much as touch her skin. She can’t look him in the eye and her instincts are begging her to run away.

She’s a fool. A fool for not pushing him away, and mostly, a fool for wanting another kiss.

“Oh my, for a moment, I thought you weren’t going to kiss me back.”

“I-I wasn’t. I didn’t—.”

“But you did.” He smiles excitedly, biting his lower lip. “And what an amazing kiss, for sure.”

“We shouldn’t have done it.”

“Don’t even try running away from this, Roth.”

“Oh my god, what have I done?” She panics, covering her mouth with her hands. “I’m soaking wet in the masculine locker-room with you. What if someone saw us kissing? What if people think something is happening here?”

“Would it be that bad? Us, together, I mean.” His voice is an octave lower and her face grows warmer. Her heart skips a beat and she can tell she’s swayed by Mr. Honey-Lips. “Would it, Raven?”

Of all the people she could’ve kissed, why did it have to be Damian Wayne?

“God, I hate you, Damian.”

“Do you?” He leans closer, mockery enveloping his words. “I don’t think you mean that based on how your nails pulled my scalp.”

“Can you just stop describing that!?” Raven states, her voice shaky in pure embarrassment. “I-I have to leave, can you let me go?"

“But I’m not holding you at all, habibti.” He shows her his hands, proving to her she is, indeed, free. She bites the insides of her cheeks, and with a newfound strength, Raven pushes past him and walks away. Her clothes are still soaked and her boots are filled with water, making an annoying sound whenever she takes a step towards the exit.

She reaches for her purse, and when she turns around, he's s still smirking—still looking at her. Her heartbeat increases and images of his half-naked body pressed hard against hers cloud her thoughts. His lips against hers, his hands on her lower back, his tongue—

Focus, she tells herself.

“So, should I meet you at your room at 8pm?”

“W-What?!” Raven almost jumps back, horrified he would even suggest such a thing after their first kiss.

“Relax, Raven. It’s for the project. Unless you want to resume our activities.” He winks.

Her heart sinks, and she prays for the floor to swallow her whole. Raven’s growing more embarrassed with every second and she doesn’t think she can take it anymore. She turns from him, fast-pacing towards the door and almost tripping. Her ears ignore whatever words come out of his mouth, and she doesn’t dare look back to see if he’s following her.

She needs to get home. She needs to get away from him before something else happens. Perhaps another cold shower will come in handy—and this time, preferably, she will one without Damian Wayne.

fin.

——————

a/n: okay, first of all, I’m so sorry for being so late. This week was just so busy and I didn’t have time to do everything I wanted. I’m late for the week, but I still have a few stories I want to share with you! About this one, you guys chose this theme and all I could think of was “let's make the silliest cliché ever”. Well, here it is lol hope you’ve enjoyed it!

[books-and-catears]

Welp, since I’m a regular now; I’mma just park my chair here and spin the idea wheel. And so the idea wheel has decided!

Let’s have the Brothers and Undatables react to MC just barging in unexpectedly while they’re busy doing whatever. Everyone’s just vibing together at Diavolo’s talking about things, playing games, and all dat jazz and suddenly MC comes in with a blank face before they get a sad expression (they’re this close 👌🏾 to having a breakdown, it’s so sad).

MC:....Can I have a hug? 🥺 *says weakly as they were seconds away from crying*

Bby needs comfort! (Let’s just say they recently lost a loved one and they want some affection)

My first ever regular. You have no idea how much I cherish you. Thank you for the funniest and angstiest asks ever. This hits too close to home. I've lost two very close people to disease and suicide in the last few years and the feeling is horrible. So this might end up being a bit self indulgent... apologies.

Please if any of your friends seem not okay, check up on them regularly. Even the adults in your life. And most importantly check up on yourself. Take care okay?

I will do my best to do this justice too. Sorry if it's a little late college and extra classes are a pain sometimes.

It was not news you were prepared to receive. Not that day. It was supposed to be a day of celebration.

Lord Diavolo had announced a small party just for Council and the exchange students. Asmo had taken hours to get you ready. Everyone was excited and in good spirits, clinking their glasses and cheering for a joyous reunion. There was music, dancing and laughter so loud, it felt like it was echoing all across Devildom.

And yet here you were in the bathroom, bent over a sink, staring at yourself in disbelief. You had received horrible news from the human world.

A last message an old friend had left for you.

"Hey MC, thanks for being kind to me. Although we have a long and sweet history, it felt good to reconnect and feel wanted in my last few days. Thanks for the last hug, MC. It was the best one I've ever had."

What kind of bittersweet message was this? What was the point of making them feel wanted if they still left anyway?

No you must keep your composure, you think. The laughter keeps echoing louder. While internal screams creep up your throat. You have to go back before they start worrying about you.

The doors to the ballroom feel heavy as you push through. "Hey look! MC's back! Now we-- MC...?"

You don't know what face you were making, but everyone went quiet. Some looked horrified, some worried and some panicked. You felt your head go dizzy with the pain, tears stinging the corners it your eyes.

Looking directly at one of them, you croaked out the first thing that came into mind.

"C-could I have a hug?"

Lucifer

This man isn't a hugger. But for you he'd make an exception every day.

Especially when you asked for it so desperately.

Walk up to you swiftly, holding the back of your head and pressing it to his chest, while his other arm wraps around you.

"Would you prefer to spend some time in private?" He whispers as you break into soft sobs in his arms and nod.

"Excuse us. We'll be back shortly. Anyone who follows us will face consequences. MC needs some time alone." He calls out to the rest and whisks you away to his room.

Makes you sit in his lap as he cradles you while you cry. Keeps telling you it's not your fault and you tried your best.

Mammon

Someone save this boy, he is a mess himself.

He feels guilty already. He can't stand to see you this way. What couldn't he protect you from??

Aren't you the one who rushes to give people hugs?

He returns the favour. Sprinting towards you and engulfing you instantly in his arms.

He feels your shaky breath as you cling on to him and goes bezerk.

"Oi. I'm taking MC home." It's the most serious he has ever been.

Doesn't hesitate to bring out his wings and fly you home as soon as possible. He cups your face as you cry, his fingers wiping down each tear. His eyes are pained looking at you like this, it wasn't even your fault. You tried till the end didn't you?

Leviathan

This man's protective trigger has been switched. Who dare be the cause of this?

You're his cheery best friend. He simply won't stand to see you like this.

Runs towards you and hugs you as tight as he can, like you've done for him so many times. Embarassment be damned.

You asked for a hug, he will definitely give you one. You grab onto his jacket with trembling fingers and lean into him.

"MC would you like to go home ?" He asks softly, patting your head. You nod softly.

Takes you home as fast as possible, and lays you down in his tub. When start crying violently he starts to tear up alongside you. Losing a friend isn't easy afterall.

Satan

His first instinct was violence. His fist tightening, about to murder whoever did this to you.

But the moment you raised your arms, asking for a hug in that small voice, it was like looking at a helpless kitten in pain.

Another one who sprints towards you to hold you close. His hug feels gentle yet urgent at the same time.

He cupped your cheek, and stared as your eyes grew misty. "Don't worry we're getting out this instant." Slammed the doors behind him as he left. A subtle message to leave them be.

He took you to common room, near the fireplace to warm you up, one of his arms always around you, as you wailed and choked on your tears. He presses kisses on your head too and tells you how kind you were. You did your part. You weren't responsible for someone else's actions.

Asmodeus

He is gasping and tearing up at the sight of you. Oh you poor thing who dare hurt you?!

How could he ever say no to your hugs? Especially now when you needed him most?

He comes at you with such speed that you both almost topple over. He rubs your back and arms trying to calm you down with his touch as he hugs you.

"Would you like to be alone with me MC?" The moment you nod, his wings are out and you're soaring through the air until you find yourself in his bath.

You lean against him and cry your heart out, he holds you from behind, pressing kisses on your head whispering it's okay.

Beelzebub

Baby boy is heartbroken. Why do you look like that? Where are you hurt?

He immediately hates that look on your face. He must do something to fix it immediately.

Runs and lifts you up in his arms and holds you so close to himself, his arms providing endless protection.

"MC will food make it better?" You shake your head so he takes off. He doesn't care about the feast he missed, he just wants you to be okay.

Flies you into his room and gives you plushies to hold onto while he gets you all your favourite food. Will hold you tight as you sob into his chest and will feed you later on cause he knows how exhausting crying can be.

Belphegor

He knows that face. And he knows the pain behind it. And now he's feeling it too.

Who did this? Who dared? Tell him their name and they're gone.

A hug, huh? He's ready to give you much more than that if you ask.

Walks towards you and wraps you up in his jacket and then his arms. His hug is so warm and soft you could fall asleep right there.

"Let's go lie down together." He will take you home and put you down in his bed, bundled up in his blanket, his soft pillow under your head. Pulls you flush against him as you sob and scream into his pillow.

Solomon

He is human. Of course he knows the face of ultimate pain. He's been through it so many times he's made himself immune.

But he wasn't immune to yours. Your ever smiling face - that was what he liked. This irked him, made him restless.

He's next to you in the blink of an eye, wrapping his arms around you, cloak and all, his mouth pressing down on your head.

"Let's take it to the sky shall we? Don't worry I've got you." He says softly. You nod, your fingers grasping at his shirt.

And in mere seconds you are soaring above the clouds, the gentle air cooling your burning heart as you cry into the wind. He holds you close and whispering to make you feel better.

Diavolo

He has seen this face only once before. When Lucifer came to him Lilith dying in his arms.

He saw the look on yours and he was determined to help you however he could. And if it started with a hug so be it.

Takes big strides and hoists you up in his arms, as you wrap your shaking arms around his neck and press your face into his jacket.

"The party is over. MC shall stay with me tonight I'll send them back when they feel better." Gone was his usual cheery tone. He seemed distraught, angry almost.

Took you to his bedroom and laid you down softly, still holding onto you tightly, keeping you from falling apart as you sob into his arms. Takes the next days off to be next to you.

Simeon

His emotions mirror your own. Seeing you in such pain, makes him feel the same.

His heart is breaking seeing you this way. He can't hold you fast enough.

He swiftly runs to hold your hands first. He feels them tremble in his own and he wraps himself around Immediately, cradling your head delicately.

"Let's get you away. You'd like that won't you?" He says running his fingers through your hair. You let you a breathy yes and he's off.

You land in Purgatory hall, curled up into him on the couch, freshly brewed flower tea on the table. He holds you close as you cry into his arms. Tells you that your friend is in a better place because you healed their soul before they left.

Barbatos

You made the usually composed demon crack. Even if for a moment, he felt the need to do something extreme.

What was causing you this much discomfort? He was ready to eliminate it.

A mere hug? Is that what would make you feel better? He is ready to deliver.

He's there before you know it, holding you like delicate royalty. You could crumble at how soft he was for you.

"Would you prefer somwhere more quiet?" He asks. You only need to nod once and he's already sweeping you off your feet and into his chambers. Picks the most calming teas for you as he sits by your side holding your hand.

Luke

He knew the demons were no good. Of course it was a matter of time before MC got hurt again.

He was about to cry looking at you, ready to throw hands at the whoever caused this.

A hug? A hug will help? YES OF COURSE.

He flies straight into, wrapping his little arms around your neck. Like a baby brother comforting a distraught older sibling.

"Come on MC! Let's get away from here!" He says and flies you off to purgatory hall. He brings you to the kitchen and starts whipping up your favourite desserts to cheer you up.

[ihavenoideaw]

Ima throw a bunch of ideas here for those who want em, from a forever dm, lots of these were made as backup or new campaign characters and thus have vague to non-existent backstories to fit into stories as the user sees fit

1. A firbolg way of the drunken master monk who Carries a alchemy jug or keg of beer on his back (bonus points for tavern brawler).

2. (Need to find a Lilith home brew subclass for warlock, I got one of u need it just not gunna grab it now) an order of the profane soul blood hunter who uses their blood curse to puppet people around (ties into the spider themeing)

3. (Based lots on a UA element) A Warforged, gate warden, echo knight fighter who was created to guard a gate to another plane and who was, overtime, warped and twisted by its influence leaving it changed, eventually the gate collapsed (or not) and the guardian was left without purpose, without a commander or an objective they left their post

4. (Based lots on a UA element) A Githzerai, artificer, archivist, haunted one, who being haunted by a memory from their past and the thought that they will never truly know what is was all those years ago they set out for information, even if it means ripping the flesh from the dead to turn into a twisted archive (book, skin book)

5.(based on a UA element) a Viashino, witchlight hand (past hand, or could have been part of some magic show of no witchlight available) path of the wild magic barbarian.

6. A Kherson lorehold (or magic college) student, bard college of spirits who uses the power of the spirits to cheat in college, (I think there was supposed to be something more to this but I don’t remember).

7. A reborn, faction agent, sorcerer of the clockwork soul who doesn’t remember who made/saved them but all they knows is that he was deeply integrated into a faction who still recognize the new them as one of their members, they may or may not want to uphold their previous faction position.

8. An eladrin, faction agent, cleric of the grave domain who is a pretty successful undertale because they take care of the clearing for a local (or large) crime family, (opting l tiny robotic spider who only moves when unobserved and just kinda scuttles around a large topcoat they wear)

9. (Based of a UA element) A Viashino, order of the mutant blood hunter, sailor (or pirate) who has seen enough murder and stories to take up the art of storytelling via masks, going to the extent of holding a complete personality behind each mask (could be made up or people they have met), made with a duel curved sword play style in mind but really it’s your choice

ok now that i have your attention can you give me dnd character ideas?? Can be backstory or build

[gaiussaidno]

okay so, what the Hell was happening in bridge curse: road to salvation??? i think i understand it, sort of?? is this right??

TW: mentions of suicide, preggo lady in a horror context, murder, and general death??

spoilers for the horror game under the cut:

okay if i'm getting the general idea of the story based on watching One playthrough:

-a long time ago, a young couple in college was madly in love and they wanted to meet at the bridge at night one day to elope??

-the guy never showed (not sure why), so she yeeted herself off le bridge. she forever haunts the bridge and kills people who do the lil urban myth of counting the steps on the bridge.

-jumping to the future, there's a group of kids setting up a horror walkthrough based on said ghost.

-POV switches between the 6 college students who all got drama going in their friend group. they're part of some club together and they're making a horror walkthrough by the bridge because they want to give their college more attention and be more popular than the competing colleges?? they are rehearsing the horror walkthrough in the middle of the night and decide to have one of the group Actually do the urban legend thingie and all goes to Hell!! bc the ghost lady shows up and scares everyone off, intending to chase all of them down and kill em.

-we get pieces of the story from each of the characters' POVs as they're running around from the actual murderous ghost, thinking she's a prank that the other members are playing on them. and it seems the two main characters of the friend group are DeCyuan and HsinChiao, just bc they seem to have more information or unknown relevant history than the others, who seem really confused about what's going on.

-one by one, all the friends start dying as they grab key pieces of the story (literally lore, but also actual physical items important to exorcising the vengeful spirit). with only DeCyuan and HsinChiao left, we learn that the ghost was a young woman at the college who met her boyfriend here. they quickly fell in love, the woman got pregnant, then they unofficially married each other bc her rich parents wouldn't approve, and planned to elope(?). but the man never showed and well, you know what happened to her. she successfully manages to kill all their friends and possess them and she tries to do the same to the last two survivors.

-it's revealed that DeCyuan was leaving hints for everyone to find out about the ghost and how to exorcise her because he didnt want the ghost finding out about his plans to save everyone and get rid of her. DeCyuan reveals he and the group of friends have been living in this limbo, re-experiencing the night his and HsinChiao's friends all died years ago. technically he and HsinChiao are "alive" (?) but trapped in this spirit realm with the lady ghost and their friends whom she killed and holds hostage. he and HsinChiao are the only ones who can remember the night and what happened. he's been waiting for the opportunity for so long to make the plan work.

-HsinChiao is revealed to have big regrets over getting her bff in the group killed bc it was HsinChiao's idea to do the urban myth. (at least she seemed to be the one suggesting it for more views). but it's never really explained how her bff died i think?? (from HsinChiao's POV it's like she doesnt Want to remember, it's a vague sort of accident) until we learn what DeCyuan knows. HsinChiao seems to be the first and easiest one for the lady ghost to possess and we learn that it's because she used to date DeCyuan who broke up with her and started dating someone else in the friend group. it made her super depressed, that plus her bff dying threw her into a spiral. and she also has mental health issues according to a document DeCyuan finds in her room, though he says he had no idea until that moment that she was taking meds for her mental health. HsinChiao felt unlovable and like she ruined everything and i guess was enough of a negative force for the lady ghost to latch onto and relate to.

-DeCyuan tells her they're running out of time and she needs to unlock the basement to get to the realm where the ghost is, exorcise their friends' spirits, and kill the ghost and its heart with a divine sword. she does it for her bff and manages to free everyone And kill the ghost. it seems the ghost was using the spirits of the friends to fuel herself, this limbo, and a giant throbbing glowing heart that looks like a baby. the ghost herself appears naked and pregnant when she is chasing everyone. HsinChiao successfully kills her and gets free of the basement with information about who the ghost was and her whole backstory.

-she gives this information to DeCyuan who tells her he can go free himself from this limbo and be alive again, but she can't because she entered the ghost's realm or something. idk man not really sure. but she gives DeCyuan a slap and he runs free into the light.

-it's suddenly daylight at the college campus and the bridge and HsinChiao turns around to see all her dead friends free and happy, chatting together in the sun. on the stairs, she sees the lady ghost in a more human form, standing in the breeze for a second before fading away. when HsinChiao goes to be with her friends she hears a voice and it's her bff on the stairs. they have a touching reunion before they all move on from the peaceful afterlife (now that they're free from the bridge curse) to rebirth.

-end credits reveal DeCyuan did make it out of limbo and is alive, probably, and there's newspaper cutouts of the history of the urban legend and how it was True and based on a tragic story of the lady ghost. and the families of the lady ghost and her unofficial husband decide to give them a ghost marriage to set their spirits at peace.

i think i got the gist of the story?? i feel like i'm missing a lot of nuances and missed some things

[leonicscorpio]

Batboy Headcanons because I made this for me but you all can enjoy this too if want. (May contain mild NSFW)

Dick:

Has a weird relationship with unwanted gaze and the attention he receives because of his physique. He genuinely likes the attention but he draws the line when people start getting touchy. Just because he's shirtless working out doesn't mean he gave you consent to touch him.

Has good dieting skills but he's in his mid-late 20's and his metabolism has 0 signs of slowing down. He once ate a whole xl bag of M&M's in front of Steph and Babs and both said they wanted to murder him because he won't gain a pound.

Dick has ADHD and I'm sorry if you don't think otherwise. He has hyperactive type ADHD and while he's gotten better at controlling his symptoms he still stims stretching and flexing his arms and shaking his arms.

While not so much in Gotham, Dick is very politically active and volunteers at voter registration and working with organizations with the mission of police demilitarization in Blüdhaven.

Dick is a very sexually driven individual. However, I don't think it's entirely healthy. His ADHD also comes into play with this but Dick just needs to have a release at least twice a day or he'll feel physically sick.

I don't know if you all have seen male gymnasts. But Dick, like the rest of them, has FREAKSISHLY large biceps. Everyone talks about Dick has the best ass in the bat family and while Jason may be larger and stronger, Dick has the best physique.

Dick's apartment is littered with sticky notes in places such as the fridge/in front of his computer. If it's not written down and in a place where he can't ignore it, it's not going to get done.

I'm sorry I know everyone says his birthday is in March but I have to go to the older Nightwing comics and say his Birthday is December 1st. I want you to look me in the eyes and tell me this man doesn't give off Sagittarius energy. You can't. I respect you but you can't look at that and tell me that man isn't a Sagittarius or has super heavy Sag in his birth chart.

Dick's at home doing nothing but chilling? You best believe he's gonna be shirts off, tits out, and rocking some blue flannel PJ's.

Dick is currently the only member of the family asides from Barbara who is regularly attending therapy. And he actively encourages each of his brothers and sisters to go every time.

After his Agent 37 days. He sits down with Jason and talks about having to use a gun and how hard it was. And how having to kill people has affected him. When he had to kill the KGBeast (Agent 37 days he snapped his neck) I headcanon Dick just trauma v*mit*d. Jason hugged him and just consoled him.

It's canon that Dick has anger issues but to me, it's not explored or talked about enough and not a lot of people like to talk about it. Dick is very much the 'if I ignore it it'll go away' type when it comes to his anger and he can brush most insults or harassment off fine enough. But when he breaks, he makes Jason look like a saint. I'm talking slamming you into a wall and screaming in your face angry. He'll be profusely apologetic afterward but still.

Despite popular belief, I don't think he's that bad of a cook. He's just not very experimentative. He can follow a recipe and does look at some guides. But to me, Dick Grayson just is that guy who is like Chicken veggies and rice are a meal that I can cook 4-6 times a week.

Dick has a slight fear of dentists. He doesn't have bad teeth and has good dental health. He just doesn't like the idea of a drill going in his mouth and the few times Bruce has to take him to a dentist he had a panic attack every time.

Everyone lives for the fics where Jason beats the shit out of Tim and everyone is just like lol well Bruce and Dick just forgives him. No. When Dick found out it was Jason who beat Tim to the ground, Dick was literally seething and told Jason "Pick on someone your own size or else I'll make you wish you back in that f'ing coffin."

Dick's favorite foods (some based in Canon*): Milk Chocolate*, Cereal*, Asparagus, Bananas, Banana flavored candy, Hawaiian Pizza* (suffer its canon) Rum, thanksgiving Turkey.

Jason:

He may be the self-diagnosed black sheep (rightfully so) of the family, but Jason does genuinely love spending time with his siblings. Whether it be sharing memes with them on social media or just randomly showing up where they are and abducting them to go get ice cream/coffee/snacks.

He'd probably attempt to harm you if you told him this to his face. But he is the closest acting to Bruce out of all of the family. In terms of mannerisms and inherent warmth and kindness behind a dark façade.

Has two moods: either exceptionally, almost neat-freak levels of clean, or his life is completely falling apart and Jason can't tell you for sure what color his floors are because there's so much stuff scattered about.

Despite their initial hatred of each other, Jason truly feels closest to Tim and Tim is the only person asides from maybe Barbra who he can just talk to without feeling any judgment.

Jason only smokes when he's extremely nervous about an operation or a hit. For those who don't know criminal justice cigarettes are the fastest way to get genetic material on someone. That being said he does still like to smoke occasionally.

Me, plus a lot of people give him this sort of 'Lazarus Rage' as I like to call it. When he's in the heat of a mission or if he's getting upset/angry his vision will get blurred with green, and it feeds on his anger and just gets perpetually harder to contain until he releases it. Jason has gotten much better at controlling it. But as he will tell Tim or Babs, he's "seeing green" which means they need to be careful because Jason could kill.

Everyone says Dick is the mother hen. I see you, I accept you, but let me raise you. Jason came to realize that he died because of his rash decision to go after The Joker alone. If Jason finds any of his siblings out acting alone, or even at the very least without Oracle. Jason WILL forcefully interject himself and ask them what the fuck they think their doing.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Trying to get close to Jason is hard. He will degrade you can attempt to try to get you to hate him before he lets you in (that cheeky Tsun of him)

He genuinely cares for and supports all of his siblings but has been rough on them needlessly. But if Bruce is being the distant or absent parent he is, you better believe if any of the siblings drops him a text or a call, Jason will be there in a heartbeat.

He's the most physically powerful of the whole Bat Family. You don't understand because of his time in the League, his time with the All-Caste, and having abused Venom for a time, he can snap an arm bone like it's a carrot with little effort.

Everyone in the family likes dogs and goes out of their way to gush over a dog, but Jason takes it to a whole new level. And even when he's masked up dogs just gravitate to Jason.

Can and has grown a beard in a matter of a few days. He usually likes to be clean shaven but some days he likes to wear a beard just to throw everyone off.

One time him, Steph, Tim, and Duke all went to a restaurant (Red Robin lol) and the waitress got his order wrong and his burger had raw tomatoes on it, Jason took the tomatoes off and ate it while looking absolutely miserable. Tim: Jay why did you eat that you didn't have to you know you could have asked the server to fix your burger. Jason, almost in tears: "She works really hard and she tried and I'm a scary dude I don't want to make her upset.." Duke: "... Jason you literally shot at a cop for looking at you funny the other day. But you're afraid of upsetting a waitress?!? I mean ACAB but dude.. "

Jason's happiest big brother moment™ was taking Tim and Damian to the shooting range and watching them both get their first bullseye.

You can't tell me Jason Todd was into the Emo/Screamo/Warped-Tour Scene. His favorite bands/Albums in no particular order, That's the Spirit (Literally the whole album is Jason Themed and I'm gonna die on this hill) & Sempiternal by Bring me the Horizon, Digital Renegade & Everyone's Safe in the Treehouse by I See Stars, The Resistance: Rise of the Runaways by Crown the Empire,

Jason Todd's favorite foods: (Also some based in Canon*) Burgers, Chili Dogs*, Lager-style beers, Freshly baked bread*, Neopolitan ice cream, grilled corn, and Chinese Chicken noodle soup with Duck.

Tim:

This boy *slaps car roof* gives off so much asexual energy. I know New 52 exists but I just feel like Tim is the person who really, REALLY has to trust you and like you before he's sexually active with you.

HYPERFIXATES. You also can't tell me Tim isn't on the spectrum/or has ADHD.

Is the only member of the family who regularly checks up on Jason and talks to him every day via text message. The two are memelords together and love to play pranks on the other members.

While Dick may give the most frequent hugs and Jason gives the tightest, most secure hugs, Tim's hugs are always the warmest and make you just feel good.

Tim's birthday is July 19th. Meaning he's a Cancer. Let that sink in.. no, really let that information just soak. (Note I have nothing against Cancer women, cancer men however....)

All of the bat boys really struggle with talking about their feelings. Dick will manipulate you into changing the subject via twisting it to be about you, Jason will just cut you off or will ignore you, Damian will deflect everything and harass you until you stop, Tim however, Tim is very emotional and while he's very calculated about who he's emotional with, he's not afraid to break down and cry if he trusts you.

Everyone who says he's the level headed Robin haha how's it feel to be WRONG. Tim is at best the least functional college student and at worst a lemming. 'No Tim, coffee isn't a meal I'm going to make you some food or I'm going to stick you in a room with Damian for an hour.' Richard (Dick) John Grayson.

People overblow how addicted to caffeine Tim is. But it's true. Just overblown. You can talk to him before he's had his caffeine just don't expect him to be anything but curt and blunt.

Everyone says Jason would be the worst at texting but it's Tim. He's the master of leaving you on read. While Jason may do it on purpose, Tim is just really bad at texting people and while he always will read your messages he forgets to respond unless it's really funny or really pressing.

Everyone sees Tim as this bean pole super skinny boy Robin. Tim may not be stacked like Dick or a freaking tank like Jason, but Tim is NOT super skinny. He's just as muscular and likes to work out as anyone, but he just is super lean, so he looks a lot bigger and his muscles are more defined because of how thin his skin is. He has those almost disgusting spider veins on his arm. Kind of gross to look at, but he's the dream of any nurse. This means Tim is also the king of accidentally sending/posting thirst traps.

He really is the glue of the Bat Family. Everyone kidnaps Tim for 'Tim Time'.

Dick likes to spar with and in general just hang out with Tim. Tim tried to teach Dick how to skateboard and you'd think the boy who mastered the trapeze would know how to skateboard but you'd be wrong.

Babs and Tim always hang out and talk about computer stuff and Babs knows she can vent to Tim about anything and he won't say a word.

Tim and Steph were a thing for a while and even though they're just friends now, they still are very close and the two have a very deep bond, liking to shop with each other and watch movies,

Cass just loves to be around Tim because of how calming he is but also she knows she can spar with him AND Cass can also skateboard with Tim too.

Even though him and Damian are always fighting, the two still end up being together and have this unspoken bond. They work great together on a team but other than that they still hate each other.

And while everyone still is hesitant around Jason, and despite the fact that Jason literally beat Tim to within an inch of his life, AND would still trigger Tim and taunt him about it. The two have this odd closeness that rivals even him and Steph. Tim will always be the first to bat for Jason. Jason was Tim's Robin. And despite the fact Jason literally beat it into Tim's head to "never meet your heroes." Tim will always be there for Jason should he ask. The two are just close. And it's hard to describe. Bruce has caught Tim and Jason just platonically sleeping next to each other or just doing their own things shoulder to shoulder silently, just enjoying each other's company.

Tim and Duke also have a really positive relationship with one another and the two can stay up all night just talking about anything. Their minds just mesh well together. The two also love to team up and prank the other members of the Batman Family.

Tim's favorite ASMR/Stim? Watching those Tik Toks of people cleaning computers or cleaning phones. The sound of an air duster is like music to his ears and if any of the Bats need their technology cleaned it secretly makes Tim so happy to help them.

Wear his hair up or wear his hair down? It depends! While Tim likes his long hair he also has gotten plenty of compliments for his short hair and likes to style it to suit any occasion.

My one pet-peeve with Tim is that he probably is that person who lets his privilege show from time to time. While he was essentially raised to just sit down, shut up, and be a perfect trophy son to the Drake's. The Drake's were in the same tax bracket as Bruce and Tim definitely was a rich kid. He never means to come across as spoiled, but sometimes Jason will give him harsh looks if Tim just throws away food he doesn't like or says things like Chipotle is 'poor people food'

Tim Drake's favorite foods (you know by now*) Donuts*, Shallot and Artichoke Pizza with Canadian Bacon* (odd choice but it could work) Artichokes in general are his favorite vegetable, Strawberries, and Beef Pho.

Damian:

I headcanon that he has the worst teeth of all of the Bat Boys and he actually has to use lingual braces. (Hence why you can't see his braces)

Canonically is a very good artist and while him and Tim don't get along, Tim introduced Damian to digital art and gave him a photoshop pack and a nice tablet for his birthday one year and Damian loved it so much.

Damian is a capricorn and I will die on this hill. A January capricorn too.

Now you want a good chef? You've got Damian. Having converted to veganism Damian has had to get creative whenever he goes out to eat so he tends to like to eat more home cooked foods. Damian loves all matters of mushrooms, eggplant, and bell peppers.

Damian really struggles the most with his wanting to just be a normal kid. Despite the fact he will dismiss you for it, anytime he gets to spend at Gotham Academy with Jon and the rest of the kids he's naturally the happiest.

Damian LOVES to give gifts. He loves the look on people's faces when they are shocked when they actually get something from Damian.

Despite the fact that he's been traumatized from both his times with Ra's and Talia as well as with Bruce. He just wants Bruce and Talia to be together because he loves them both equally.

While he's the least flexible and least gymnastic of the Robins do let your guard down around him. He is the fastest runner and the guy is rivaled only by Jason in terms of lethality.

So someone (Jason Todd & Duke Thomas) introduced Damian to trap music and ever since anytime his phone gets stolen people will be shocked to find he's listening to some combination of Lil' Yachty, X, Kendrick Lamar, Wiz, and Kodak.

If any random person tries to hug Damian he'll immediately push them away, he'll bitch and moan about just about anyone hugging him other than Bruce & Dick.

Damian loves to go to the beach/the ocean. He just thinks it's so vast and he loves the brineness of the air. Also being half white, quarter middle-eastern and quarter Chinese (Yes everyone forgets Talia is half Chinese) Damian gets DARK. And although he's just okay as a swimmer he still likes bogeyboarding and eventually wants to learn how to surf.

I'm genuinely afraid once Puberty is done with this kid and everyone in the family is. He has Bruce Wayne AND Talia Al-Ghouls genes and those are two SEXY human beings. Damian's gonna grow a beard one day and people aren't going to know how to act.

Damian secretly plays Fortnight and not even Jon knows. He doesn't want to get shamed. He'd rather lose a match and ruin his streaks than deal with the shame of anyone in that family finding out he plays Fortnight.

Damian Wayne's favorite foods (canon*) Cereal*, Avocados, Grilled Tempeh, his mom's Tabbouleh, Mushroom Tacos, and Vegan Sushi rolls, and grape juice.

Duke Thomas

Duke is like, freakishly good with a piano, and he picked it up naturally!

Also everyone says Tim brews the best pot of coffee in the Bat Family, cue to everyone's surprise when Tim was sick one day and couldn't make a pot. Only to find the coffee was freaking amazing. Duke didn't take any credit at first until Alfred let it slip that Duke was the one who brewed the pot.

Duke being the only Meta of the family originally thought he was the double-token because he was a Meta and a black boy. Needless to say his fears were seriously unfounded the moment he got to know everyone.

Although he somewhat fears Jason and his temper initially, he and Jason have one of the closest relationships in the family. If Tim isn't around to bat for Jason, Duke will happily take his spot. The two work on each other's bikes and grew to share the same taste in music.

Duke uses his Photokenetic powers as a force for good and for shenanigans. Jason wants to play a prank on Dick and Damian while Dick is reading Damian a story? Duke will hide Jason in the shadows and will cover up his shadow. Alfred dropped something in the dark? You better believe Duke will find it in 3 seconds or less.

Duke makes it a point to visit his parents every weekend to talk to them. Although they are making some progress in their recoveries, it's still slow going. Eventually, he starts bringing members of the family to see his parents. It started with Cass, then Jason, and the rest followed suit.

Duke loves playing video games with Damian and even helps Damian beat some tougher levels when Damian is about to rage and destroy the console.

Duke is into Magic the Gathering and you cannot tell me otherwise. Duke also is the DM for the Bat Kids annual D&D games. I can and will make a D&D Batfam Headcanons if asked.

Loves Pho just as much as Cass and Tim and they all call it a date night every now and then where they can go to a hole in the wall pho place. It's really a secret between the three of them.

DUKE THOMAS IS THE BEST SWIMMER OF THE BAT BOYS AND I WILL DIE ON THIS HILL. HE JUST THRIVES IN THE WATER.

Finding out his birth father is a supervillain was really tough for him. He went into a shell for a little bit afterwards. Cass and Steph were there to help talk him out of his funk.

Duke Thomas's favorite foods (lol what canon DC hasn't acknowleged our boy in a while..) Chicken Pho, Thai Iced Tea, Papaya, Crab Cakes, Italian Hoagies, his mom's Lemon Poundcake, mint chocolate chip ice cream.

I hope y'all enjoyed! Up next (eventually) will be the Bat Girls!

[noa-ciharu]

Subaru for the character ask :) <3

Subaru my fav character ever <3 *cries*

First impression: when I first started the manga I thought he'd be another kind compassionate two dimensional protagonist without flaws. That impression lasted for about chap or two of course since Clamp wrote him so complexly and exquisitely. Around vol3 I figured out that's the type of protagonist I wanted to see more in media since readers clearly see how much he suffers due to his kindness, selflessness and empathy (it's realistic portray of those characteristics). Those traits are usually potrayed as something ultra positive and yes they sort of are, but everything has its yin to yang and Subaru is written humanly in that aspect as he displays negative side-effects of those selfless acts and putting others before himself. With that being said, vol7 ended me on first read and I think a part of me still hasn't recovered.

Impression now: he's so tragic it's unbelievable. Everytime I reread TB or X I always notice some additional layer of tragedy to his story. Also he's way more complex than I originally through. And way more flawed than it meets the eye. Of course, he didnt deserve nor asked for even a fraction of tragedy he got, but I doubt TB end and X would be the same for him if it weren't for his self-blaming tendecies, low self-esteem, passivity and guilt. Also how Clamp made one of their kindest character have the most selfish and self-destructive wishes. At first it wasn't clear to me how he went onto that path of self-destruction (instead of seeking revenge or trying to move on) but after analyzing his character for a while it actually became pretty clear how we got what we got in X.

Favourite moment: tough one because every great moment with him is when he's suffering somehow. So let's say when he got angry at cult leader in TB for trivializing and justifying student being injured and bullied. It's rare to see Subaru angry and when he is it's always A+. I think even Seishirou was like 'this was intresting, you're rarely, if ever, angry'. Also I loved last chap of TB, one where he's older. That tragedy of entering adulthood beaten down and spirit broken - I think that's something sadly alot of people can relate to.

Idea for the story: I wrote things and few fics before so here's another fleething idea: somewhere in that 9 year skip, a client asks Subaru out, and since he has no logical reason to refuse, agrees. Plus it might cure his "heart sickness" gradually, he thinks. Nothing special happens on the date, chitchat and pleasantries. Subaru doesn't hear from guy for a while. Then few weeks later, he runs into guy's work college- finds out guy died; heart attack. Oh well, too bad. Few months later some other client asks him out thus another date. Same chitchat, nothing special. Week later Subaru finds in newspapers that guy died from heart attack as well. Coincidence. Few months pass by without an incident. One late night, client offers to drive him home; he initially refuses but once that man points out trains are no longer functioning since it's close to midnight, he agrees. They stop for a drink on a way. Except for one sided flirting and parting hug, nothing happens. Few days later Subaru finds out guy's been murdered in cold blood in Shibuya. He tells himself it's a coincidence. It rings as hollow inside his head. A year passes by. One night some acquaintance talks him into going on a date. He initially refuses, for guy's sake as well. Man is persistent and in the end Subaru gives in; he didnt agree on it, but got kiss on cheek. Oh well, not to make a fuss of something so minor. He hates how his heart skips a beat when he sees next morning yet another death in newspapers - stabbed by unknown object, hole in middle of the chest; his own clenched in response, it wasn't in terror or repulsion, but in hope. Today another one tried to talk him into going out for couple of drinks. Twisted and depraved of him, but Subaru can't help but wonder in which part of Tokyo this one would end up in.

Unpopular opinion: I've often saw things like 'why you're dressing like that in X Subaru??' and while yea, he's not dressing as attention-grabingly or fashionably (up to Hokuto's standards) as in TB, his outfits arent bad? Like, at all, they're actually rly nice and easy to blend in the crowd. And that's actually a whole point, he doesn't want to draw attention to himself and maybe dressing in same way as when 16 reminds him of his dead sister. I'm aware that is because of comparison of how he dressed in TB and how toned down his outfits are in X but still.

Favourite relationship: I'll never be over seisub. It ruined shipping for me, no ship will ever come as close (closest ones are other clamp ships, kurofai, fuukam ect. maybe too hannigram long time ago). All the tragedy, the metaphors, the two sides of same coin, the parallels, the "it's not about how I feel about you, but how I don't feel for anyone else", how they basically ruined themselves. How they're clearly for one another yet always doomed somehow since they themselves are the greatest obstacle to their own relationship. In this essay I will - *cries*

Favourite headcanon: he'd be kinky af, even Seishirou would be taken aback by some of his desires, nobody can convince me otherwise this may even be canon for all I know: Hokuto sometimes used him as dress up doll. Not to humiliate or something similar but to measure her own creations (since they were teens of same height and built even if opposite genders) and see how they'll look. Subaru gladly helped her with that; felt delighted at prospect of making his sister happy. Few times they even swapped clothing and went out cross dressing as one another to see who would notice. Ofc it was Hokuto's idea. She managed to pull off Subaru's personality (but had to hold back with retorts and jabs 100 times in mere hour), but everyone wondered what happened to 'Hokuto' to make her so compliant and docile. Teachers in school were more than happy tho at 'Hokuto' being quiet for once.

[ryutarotakedown]

you fake evidence but you're sure it's for the better good, because who else could have been the killer of one of your best friends?

the upstart grad-student detective who takes interest in your work calls you his "great rival." well okay i guess, run along now. his partner is the best friend of the man you have branded a murderer but it's fine, he was the one who killed klint. you'd bet your life on it.

the detective's partner disappears. you learn this is because his friend was executed (your fault) and so all the exchange students have been sent back to japan (your fault) and you have to watch the detective who, you have to admit, is better at this than half your coworkers withdraw into himself (your fault)

he has a baby daughter now. that one's not your fault. probably.

you are hailed everywhere in your precinct as a genius. the man who solved the unsolvable, who pushed for an autopsy on an aristocrat - unthinkable! - and managed to catch the unjust. you're a hero! (one who can't stop thinking about when they'll be found out.)

then the chief prosecutor approaches you with an idea, and

and this is the right thing to do, isn't it? it's not like you're the one actually laying a hand on any of those dirty criminals. and besides, it's what klint would want. and besides, barok (your other best friend) seems so lonely these days, maybe stronghart's idea will bring his brother back at least in spirit. this is the right thing to do. this has to be the right thing to do.

you kill sixteen people before barok decides to retire.

a few years go by. the upstart detective's baby daughter is now a published author and features you in her stories. you're earning more now! it's almost like that time a decade ago when every london bobby spoke of inspector gregson with sparkles in their eyes, oh inspector gregson, who dared what no one did and caught the professor himself!

the paranoia starts to set back in. you are the nicest version of yourself around baby iris - who is after all barely nine - and drink her tea even after you start to think it might be poisoned. you call her your ladyship and she giggles so you keep doing it, like a half-joke.

the upstart detective (who's in his thirties now, what the hell, you've known him since he was a college undergrad) starts getting shifty around you. he has to go on a ride on a cruise ship. he asks you to take care of iris in the meantime. you spend christmas with [note: caps in link] the child singlehandedly ensuring your paycheck remains stable and she says she doesn't miss holmesie because he's not her dad (lying to a police inspector - come on, who does she think you are?) and you can't stop thinking about the way he looked at you before the carriage came (does he know? does he know?) and said be safe, gregson like he didn't think he would come back to find you alive

well, you survive, somehow. the paranoia's getting worse. but you have to do your job; you're responsible for protecting the streets of london. that's what the police do, isn't it?

(you've killed more people than the professor ever did.)

the upstart detective comes back with a few japanese exchange students. you meet them while investigating a case with the defendant, who is also a japanese exchange student. and barok van zieks is prosecuting! what a fucking coincidence! you don't think you'll survive this story anymore.

at least mcgilded died before the reaper ever actually touched him, you console yourself. and the soseki chap's running home at the first chance he gets, so you don't have to touch him either. (although it's just your luck that sholmes uncovers balmung's collar in the process, isn't it - you keep it for him. it's the least you can do.) the next criminal, though… you glance at stronghart and can't read him. it's been five years. you steel yourself

you don't expect the next criminal to be a seventeen year old girl.

you want to scream at barok right now. he knows! he knows what the reaper does! why would he choose to prosecute this case - and while this governmental information exchange is going on too - and stronghart's becoming stranger and stranger especially when you ask what the "top secret information" is anyway, even though he used to trust you, and maybe it's selfish but you're so fucking afraid -

the naruhodou chap finds you out and gets her declared innocent, in the end. and leaks the morse code too. in a public courtroom. you're demoted but you barely care, you have to find out what that morse code means, so you go home and run it through a decoder but the letters come out as gibberish no matter how many times you rearrange them

thank god, you think. just noise after all. no threat to you, and no threat to the empire.

the upstart detective blackmails you to take on the pickpocket as your apprentice. well, he tries blackmailing you and then realizes you're such a guilt-ridden coward he barely even has to. so you do; you take her to the pub and watch her wolf down the food and realize that this kid has nowhere to eat, so you keep bringing her every day and never tell her why and she never asks. you wind your watch (a gift for solving the professor killings, ha-ha, what a joke) and she observes with avid curiosity and you label the pride blooming in your chest as the diagnosis that she'll be a damn good inspector. better than you, anyway.

stronghart doesn't ask you to kill her. you wait for the other shoe to fall.

the upstart detective pulls you aside one day and tells you you're in danger - something about the gibberish morse code - which you already know, obviously. the last time you didn't feel afraid for your life was a decade ago.

"i'll be fine, sholmes."

"will gina be?"

you head to the passport office the next day to ask if you can register an 18-year-old as a dependent on an overseas trip. no, she's not your daughter. no, she's not related to you by blood. they tell you they'll need her identification papers first. you thank them and leave. you figure it can't be that hard to sneak a teenager into your suitcase anyway.

you're trying to figure out how to broach the topic with her when stronghart calls you into his office.

you stand at attention. it's strange, how small you feel in front of him. you don't mind all the exercising-of-power he does by making you fetch random books, really, it's just - you used to know him. he used to be a prosecutor. part of him still is, probably.

a new mission. the first in five years.

your mind whirls. barok hasn't had any cases since gina's, and then the one with barok's german friend who fled back to germany right after the trial ended. so who… and besides, shinn's dead. (no tears shed there, but you admit that she made your job easier.) so who…

it's barok's apprentice. he's unmasked now, and you think his features are familiar. not british, of course, but there's something else there -

he doesn't tell you his name, but you didn't expect him to anyway. shinn took on a new name for her job in japan too, after all. (which stronghart also refuses to tell you about) (but why ask? what's the point?) you glance at the sword he carries and decide he'll do just fine.

you write a letter to gina, because you haven't done this in five years and if you don't come back -

you board the boat in silence.

you go to jigoku's room in silence. (why him? why now, when it's been ten years? no use questioning any of this, but why?)

you enter, and wait for him, and then the apprentice draws his blade and tells you his name and, ah. that’s why the sword looked familiar. karma gets us all in the end, doesn't it?

it was for the good of the country, you tell him. you were just following orders.

"what exactly did you do?" he demands. "speak!"

"i'm not saying another word," you say.

"even if your life depends on it?"

sholmes, iris, gina…

"that's right," you say, and mouth to them a silent apology. but you have to stand firm, because you're saving your country. you’re doing the right thing.

(you have to be.)

(you've killed sixteen people.)

you force yourself to look kazuma asougi in the eye. "even then."

he swings, and you close your eyes --

the clash of metal on metal, and then nothing.

you open your eyes again and he's staring at you. the sword, the elder asougi’s sword, is lodged in your trunk. the younger asougi yanks it out, and there’s the sound of a crack. you wince. it’s nothing compared to the expression of horror that crosses his face.

he looks back up at you, and you stare back. try to understand. fail. he turns around, walks out the doorway, and disappears around the corner.

his footsteps fade. you sit down on the floor.

so this mission will be just you, then. you'll have to kill another person you used to know with your own bare hands. it's the first mission you've done without an assigned assassin. it is not the first drop of blood on your hands.

you wait.

(you are not coming out of this alive.)

the door creaks open and you look up, hoping against hope that asougi is back…

no. your target is here. you surge up, reaching for your gun, but he's faster -- he pushes you down on the floor (why were you sitting? what's wrong with you? had you given up already?) and his hand is around your neck and the spots start to creep in, and then nothing. and nothing. and nothing. and nothing. and

the shriek of an alarm pierces through your head like a bullet and you act on pure instinct, lunging -- you get in a right uppercut -- he blocks his face with one arm, fumbles for something, you kick his leg out from under him but he manages to grab the fabric of your shirt on the way down. the two of you land in a tangle of limbs and you kick him in the stomach again. he curls in on himself, wheezes, and you take the opportunity to scramble away from him --

wrong move. you see what he was fumbling with now. too late: the glint of the silver barrel.

gina, you think, and then everything disappears.

sometimes i think about tobias gregson

[mightkinsquidwardidk]

Random quotes I found on Pinterest as Gotham characters???

These quotes aren't mine :)

Penguin: "I consider it a true tragedy and failure that we, as a human race, have let lavish masquerade balls go out of fashion."

Jerome: *is sad* some random shiny thing with no function or monetary value half buried in the dirt at the bus stop. "Oh ho HOOOO."

Harley: "Why aren't there friend pick up lines. Pick up lines to make friends, like, hey that's a cute dress, you know where it would look better? On nobody else, because you're a beautiful individual."

Post-spray Jeremiah: "Be my friend or I'll set your entire family on fire."

Jim: "Life hack: if someone makes a racist/sexist joke, say, with total seriousness, I don't get it, can you explain it. Then watch them crash and burn."

Galavan: "So what do you guys have planned for valentine's day?"

Barbara and Tabitha: "Murder."

Galavan: "That's the spirit."

Some random teacher talking about Jonathan: "One time, we got a new kid in fifth grade and he walks right in, sticks his hand under the stapler and staples his hand. He just looks at the teacher and goes I'm going to the nurse and leaves."

Edward: "Struggle with depression would almost seem to imply that I am bad at depression when I am, in fact, very proficient at being depressed."

Ivy: "You'll understand when you're older. I am older and I understand absolutely nothing."

Post-spray Jeremiah: My neutral expression makes me look like I'm in a bad mood, which is convenient because it's usually true."

Jerome: "At my funeral, there is going to be a closed casket and then it will be opened to reveal that I am not inside. Instead, they will turn on the ceiling fan and my lifeless body will swing around the room while the Space Jam theme song is playing in the background." *Hours later* "Nevermind, my mom says I can't do that."

Edward: "Would like to apologize to my haters for being an absolute snack."

Post-spray Jeremiah: "My brother tried to pick up a banana to make it look like he was talking on the phone but all the bananas in the bunch came with it and he just looked at me and went I guess it's a conference call."

Harley: "A++ recovery."

Jeremiah: "Don't encourage him."

Barbara high as a kite: "I'm going to make a Youtube video entitled shit all men say and it will consist only of the phrase but not all men say that. And then I'll wait for men to stare at their keyboards in utter distress as they contemplate the paradox of their intense desire and desperation to inform me that not all men say that. I will break them."

Ivy: "Sorry, I have Bubonic plague. I can't hang out tonight."

Harley: "Aw rats."

Jerome: "This is my How the Grinch Stole Christmas oc, the Gunch. He's the Grinch's brother but he has a gun. His theme song is called "holy fuck it's the Gunch."

Pre-spray Jeremiah: "Everyday is leg day when you're running from your problems."

Some college student: "Confidently submits worst essay Professor Crane has ever graded."

Jonathan: "Students, you have no idea how high that bar is. I had a student who plagiarized from a yaoi hentai site. There's no going back from that one."

Same student: "Fuck dude, there's sure not."

Harley: "How can lawyers argue without crying?"

Harvey Dent: "I am a lawyer and let me tell you it gets super close dude."

(I edited this quote a bit.)

Random circus member: "today these two twins in the circus were hitting each other with pencils and Lila glared at them and said could you try to be a little more mature? One of them screamed taxes and punched the other kid in the face."

Harley: "I hate it when people ask me to explain my thought process. Like hell if I know!"

Selina: "What do you do for a living?"

Bruce: "I exist against my will."

Post-spray Jeremiah: "Earth's boring, it's time to mix things up a little,"

Bruce: "After the year we just had?!"

Jeremiah: "Politics bore me but Yellowstone's super-volcano intrigues me."

Jonathan: "What's going on in that head of yours?"

Harley: "Nothing I want to be apart of."

Literally any version of Jeremiah: "Y'all ever postpone an outfit? Sometimes the public just isn't ready.

[ajaxwrites]

Genshin Impact Fanfic Rec List

(because this is my most current obsession~~)

The Narwhal of Dihua Marsh by GreyLiliy

Childe hears of a strong Adeptus living at the Wangshu Inn. Despite warnings from Zhongli that fighting Xiao would be a deathly mistake, Childe seeks out the Adeptus living in the Dihua Marsh eager for a proper fight.

However, Childe severely underestimates his opponent, and the consequences of his actions may keep him from returning home to Snezhnaya.

Ships: Zhongli/Childe

Notes: This fic is interesting primarily because it's not necessarily what you would call an easy story to read. The content can surprisingly get quite heavy as the relationship between Childe and Zhongli isn't healthy and it becomes increasingly obvious as the story progresses. You swing between wanting to separate the two and also desperately wishing that they'll work out because there is something there. The story snowballs from what seems like an innocuous, if stupid and rash, decision on Childe's part to a complicated mess that you can’t help but be enthralled in. I went in expecting your typical romance and ended up in something that was more complex than I expected but also beautifully thought provoking.

Entirely Out of Spite by Bgtea

"Welcome to a new user experience! You have triggered this interface with the keywords, ‘Stupid game! Stupid devs! I want my f*****g money back!’ You are now bound to the character Tartaglia, the Eleventh Harbinger of the Fatui, codename: Childe! We hope you have an enjoyable user experience and we welcome you once again to Genshin Impact 2.0!”

Those are some of the first words Ajax, starving college student extraordinaire, has the misfortune of hearing upon waking up in a brave new world from what he's fairly sure is a very, very fatal accident involving water and a shit ton of electricity.

Okay, so he's not dead. That's good. But what's this about him being stuck playing the character Tartaglia? Tartaglia, as in the shitty, one-dimensional, cartoonish villain who met his untimely, gruesome death in the first act of the original game?

Fuck that noise. Like hell Ajax is going to share that fate.

And so begins one man's journey to unfuck himself.

Ships: Zhongli/Childe

Notes: Whenever this updates, I squeal. If you’re a fan of The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System or just transmigration/reincarnation plots in general, you’re going to love it. Bgtea does a beautiful job in balancing humor with the trauma that comes with the whole reincarnation plotline. The whole of it is beautiful written and watching Childe/Ajax interact with the other characters (and the perspective of those characters) is a delight! 

the sister by glassdrachma

The tragic and unexpected death of Zhongli-xiansheng of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor occurred to the sorrow of many and the deep skepticism of a few.

Ships: Zhongli/Childe

Notes: glassdrachma has a gift for humor and romance. In short, Zhongli fakes his death for plot reasons and comes back as Jianlao, the bereaved twin sister. Shenanigans ensue, featuring overprotective Liyue-ians (?), chaotic gremlin Venti, and Kexing. Very light hearted, good for the soul.

The White Cicada Society by clementinesgulag

After his little brother is bundled back to Snezhnaya, Childe makes good on his promise to the traveller and takes the first boat out of Liyue Harbor. Any sense of homecoming lasts about as long as an uncooked steak in front of Xiangling, however, when his boat sinks, grounding him back in the mainland.

It's just as well, because the next morning, a body is found in the Northland Bank. A visit from a fellow Harbinger reveals a far more insidious plot than anything Childe could concoct with a god of the vortex and twenty minutes without supervision. The murders aren’t limited to the one Bank. They’ve been trailing down the Liyue border, getting closer and closer to the city. The Tsaritsa has a new mission for him: to figure out who, or what is targeting Fatui forces.

Against his best wishes, Childe is forced to see Zhongli again at the morgue. It becomes clear that he’s going to need a guide, and Childe resolves to quash his pride, and their differences to request his help to navigate Liyue and solve the case.

Ships: Zhongli/Childe

Notes: A diamond in the rough that I slept on and then stumbled back to by accident. I had it marked for later on AO3 and forgot about it for like a good week to my utter self-disgust. It. Is. So. Damn. Good! The mystery is intriguing but I live for the realistic portrayal of the aftermath of the whole gnosis plotline. The betrayal, the bitterness, but ah, the sexual tension. The harbinger interactions in this fic make it gold though.

Lungs full of Roses by SecretlyACatLady

Childe had always assumed that he would die young. He had accepted that a long time ago, ever since he accepted the mantle of a Fatui Harbinger. However, he always thought that he would die in a glorious fight, his body broken but spirit relishing the strong opponent that had bested him. He was okay with that type of death.

Unfortunately, it seemed like Fate had decided to add one last insult to injury, because, here Childe was, dying because he had fallen in love with the ex-Geo Archon. The same Archon who seemed to have discarded him like an old toy ever since the Osial Incident. --- In which divine beings are cruel and a cursed Childe starts preparing for his inevitable death because no Archon could ever love a mortal.

…Right?

Ships: Zhongli/Childe

Notes: The fic that started it all for me, the one that sucked me into the fandom. This fic is heartbreaking. We always do love a hanahaki plotline but something about the way it frames the disease and the shame that comes with it...I highly recommend giving it a read. The angst is real I tell you.

The Bride of The Golden Dragon by Erika_Bee

“You’re to be sent on a special mission, Tartaglia.”

The young man’s eyes gleamed in interest. “How special?” He asked as he wiped the blood off his daggers.

His superior grinned. “Special enough to put your name in Snezhnaya’s history books.”

—

In which the Archon War ravaged the land of Liyue and to ensure the people’s survival, the God of Geo established the Harvester Contract: One bride per village, every year, in exchange for protection and a good harvest.

Or: Childe is sent on an undercover mission to kill the Geo Archon, but things don’t go as planned.

Ships: Zhongli/Childe

Notes: Don’t let the title scare you off--this isn’t one of those fics where they feminize one of the male characters and reduce their personality to a mindless submissive bobblehead to the point that I want to throw my laptop out of the window. Not that there’s anything wrong if you like that kind of thing, just not my cup of tea. This fic though---READ IT! There’s just something refreshing about the writing and the plot, the way that Childe’s character reads off the page. I live for the interactions between the characters and how the author has mapped the relationships. Warning that recent chapters have swerved decided into NSFW territory though.

the brothers grim by izabellwit

Left in an unfamiliar land with a mission he never wanted, a young Kaeya lies, survives, and somehow finds a family in the process.

Or: How Kaeya came to Dawn Winery, and why he left it. Includes lore, sibling bickering, found family struggles, and a more in-depth look at the years between Kaeya’s arrival and Crepus’s death.

Ships: N/A

Notes: Ahh, little Kaeya. Cheeky ass little shit that’s too angsty and adorable for his own good. I don’t have words for this fic. It makes my heart warm but also makes me want to weep because god, this fic covers exactly how traumatic Kaeya’s situation is and why child soldiers/spies just shouldn’t be. And the dynamic he has with Diluc and Crepus--do me a favor and read it. Screams found family.

the wind through the mountain tops by glassdrachma

Boredom brings Barbatos of Mondstadt to bother a certain ex-Archon of the Earth.

Ships: Zhongli/Childe

Notes: A light-hearted, humorous and fluffy as hell piece. Short word is that Venti comes to Liyue for some fun, causes chaos, accidentally plays matchmaker, and steals some vegetables. A get-together fic for Childe and Zhongli that includes a surprisingly self-aware (if blunt and snarky) Zhongli and jealous Childe that gets increasingly flustered.

melt (speak or forever hold your peace) by anatakana

Falling into bed with Diluc was an unbelievably bad idea given their tumultuous shared history, but Kaeya’s impulsive urge to amuse himself knew no bounds.

It’s all fun and games until emotions got involved.

Ships: Diluc/Kaeya

Notes: THIS IS NSFW. With plot though? This is THE FIC that got me shipping the two (though the game did a good job on its own). The angst is real here and we love the sheer gal of both of these two stupid men.

Cascading (In a good way) by Hubbleablubble

Kaeya is a fascinating annoyance.

(Or: A series of events in which Albedo gets to know Kaeya, and they slowly go from strangers to acquaintances to something more.)

Ships: Albedo/Kaeya

Notes: Sweet fic. Not my typical ship pairing. Loved the Khaenri’ah mentions. Kaeya is Trans FTM here though it’s only briefly mentioned. There is also an incomplete sequel (as of May 2021) featuring an Overprotective Big Brother Diluc on a warpath giving shovel talks to everyone except apparently Albedo that’s also worth reading.

The Language of Flowers by Jules (Penwyn)

Kaeya Alberich has made a habit of lying—after all, the only truths he’s ever spoken cost him everything—but there are only so many lies a man can tell before the truth comes spilling out.

Ships: Diluc/Kaeya

Notes: Hanahaki! Except not! Basically, Kaeya pukes up flowers that say the truth whenever he lies. Cue, angst! Lovely and quick read--love Kaeya’s voice here.

i know i'm where i'm meant to go by paperclips (pastel_paperclips)

"Childe," Zhongli says suddenly. "I am enjoying myself greatly."

Childe’s face breaks into a grin. "Then-"

Zhongli gasps, grabbing his wrist and tugging him over to an unsuspecting peddler with a cart full of rocks. "Is that an intrusive igneous pegmatite formed in the Inazuma regions?"

Childe’s grin smooths into a small, adoring smile. He has all the time in the world to figure the other man out.

OR: Finding the Geo Archon is on Childe's to-do list but hanging out with Zhongli is significantly more fun.

Ships: Zhongli/Childe

Notes: Childe, you idiot. Humorous and funny, very light hearted. Makes you wonder if Childe has an IQ. He’s too busy pining/lovesick to realize that he told his target that he’s going to kill him for his gnosis. Zhongli and Liyue remain confused on how Childe still DOES NOT get it but half-ass hiding his Archon status anyway.

the bird without wings by Anonymous

"Kaeya!" someone yells. Small arms wrap around his waist tightly, red hair spilling out of the ponytail, and Kaeya's heart almost stops.

He's talked his way out of all types of situations. From placating international disputes to buttering up his informants, he's always had a quick response to everything.

But for once, Kaeya is speechless. He stares down at the boy with puffy cheeks, slightly crooked teeth and sparkling bright eyes.

Eight year old Diluc beams back.

Ships: Diluc/Kaeya

Notes: Diluc gets de-aged and Kaeya gets angsty. The interactions between the two are heartwarming and will induce tears. Childe makes a brief appearence that *chef’s kiss*

call me "lover boy" by Anonymous

Zhongli turns back, eyes bright with amusement, a stray lilypad still stuck in his hair, and Childe thinks, wow. I want to kiss him stupid.

Childe's not into the whole "swooning maiden patiently waiting for his beloved to swoop down and smooch the daylights out of him" thing. Nah, that's not his style. He's Tartaglia, eleventh of the Fatui harbingers, and he's going to kiss Zhongli right now.

Ships: Zhongli/Childe

Notes: FUNNY AS HELL. Childe is straight up just trying to plant one on Zhongli but fate and people just keep interfering. It’s a weird trope aversion where the character is actively trying to confess rather than avoiding it but life gets in the way. 

springtime in snezh-nya-ya by miaomaomei

Tartaglia’s body moves before he can even think about it. He arches his back and flattens his ears against his head, baring his teeth in a hiss. Considering he barely even reaches Scaramouche's knees — Scaramouche, of all people! The guy is practically the size of a fourteen-year-old — he doubts that he is cutting as imposing a figure as he hopes.

It isn't a surprise, though. No one could become a Fatui Harbinger if they were scared of a little cat.

OR

Tartaglia is turned into a cat and he goes to Zhongli for help. It goes about as well as expected.

Ships: Zhongli/Childe

Notes: TOO ADORABLE FOR WORDS. This is just pure fluff I swear. Love how Childe is written and the interactions between the two are just ahhhh. A balm on the soul.

Melt by tanktrilby

“My name is Diluc,” he says. A scowl naturally furrows his brow, and Kaeya looks like he wants to laugh.

He’s looking at him through his lashes again, blue eyes teasing and warm. “Diluc,” he says. “A knight in overalls isn’t quite where I thought my preferences would lie, but here we are.”

(or: Kaeya loses his memories and makes some assumptions. Diluc can't honestly tell him that he's wrong.)

Ships: Diluc/Kaeya

Notes: As the summary says, Kaeya loses his memories. Diluc plays babysitter for plot reasons. Meanwhile, Kaeya freaks out and has an essential crisis because his instincts freak him out which = angst. Simultaneously, sort of love confessions? 

you are cordially invited by ktenologious

When the Traveler receives a mysterious invitation from a Snezhnayan businessman, they seek out help from the only Snezhnayan they are on good terms with. They decide it is a wonderful idea to go to this business party in the middle of the ocean because, well, what could be better entertainment than watching a Fatui Harbinger at work? It is too bad Childe couldn't come with them...

Meanwhile, the Tsaritsa needs someone to track down the source of a brand new drug at a party on a cruise; it just so happens that she has two Harbingers who specialize in causing chaos and sinking ships. Scaramouche is a sadist and loves this, and Tartaglia... Well, Tartaglia just wants to know why is he the one in the dress again.

Ships: Zhongli/Childe, sort of Diluc/Kaeya & Scaramouche/Childe

Notes: Features a crossdressing Childe and Kaeya for plot reasons. Funny as hell. Love Fatui dynamics/interactions. Highly recommend. Go read it. I’m serious. It’s so beautiful, I can’t. Also Zhongli is so love-sick and jealous, it’s hilarious.

The Road to Snezhnaya by paranoid_fridge

Everything's done and over. Now, Zhongli only needs to adjust to living like an ordinary mortal. Or that is what he thinks until a familiar face shows up in Liyue. Teucer comes looking for his brother who failed to return to Snezhnaya on the Fatui ships. And as Childe's declared "friend", Zhongli must help Teucer find him.

Or: Teucer drags Zhongli on a cross-country goose chase looking for Childe. Zhongli just happens to find a bit more along the way.

Ships: Zhongli/Childe

Notes: I have no words for this fic outside of the fact that it is clear that Teucer has the only functioning brain and should be Best Man because he obviously did all the work here. Features an oblivious Childe and overprotective Zhongli, plus bystander Kaeya that is getting allll of the gossip. And also the most destructive group of children ever.

basket of knives by oronine

“I just want to be loved,” Childe says to himself, to whoever is listening. “Is that too much to ask?”

They are on the roof once more, this time Childe’s foot touches the edge of the building as he daydreams of something that cannot be. The sky is blank and cloudy and perhaps Lumine fears it’ll all end when he takes a step.

“Not at all,” she says. It’s still the truth.

Contrary to popular belief, Childe hates his family but loves them all the same.

Ships: Zhongli/Childe

Notes: TW for suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, self-harm, depression, etc. Not a light read by any definition. Set in a modern AU, not in the genshin impact universe. Features a Childe that is Not Okay, good friend but also probably traumatized friend Lumine (and her brother Aether), and Zhongli. Family dynamic is messed up as hell and explores mental health quite well in my opinion. I’m not sure how healthy necessarily Childe’s relationships are but I think that’s a given considering the context and how derailed his mental health is in this fic. Definitely angst as heavy, made me tear up quite a bit. Read, but pay attention to the content/trigger warnings as it does get quite explicit.

Bane of All Evil by tzitzimeme

When Chongyun unintentionally offends Liyue's second most powerful adepti, he vows to mend the thorny relationship between Adeptus Xiao and human exorcists-- even though no one has succeeded in currying Xiao's favor for over a thousand years.

His best friend Xingqiu offers to come alone, mainly because he's worried about what kind of trouble Chongyun will run into. Along the way, they receive help from others: Xiangling packs them meals for their journeys, while Zhongli gives them advice on what demons to track.

Childe is just there because he thinks the whole thing is hilarious.

Ships: Chongyun/Xinqiu

Notes: JFKLFJS I LOVE THIS. I love Chongyun’s characterization and the interaction between all the characters. The dynamic between Chongyun, Xingqiu, and Xiangling are to die for. Also, this line: “Stuck-up Persnickety Bastard.” Random note but Xiao throws Chongyun off a balcony yet is also 100% a softie.

Talks about Nothing by tzitzimeme

In which Zhongli unlocks the Memory of Dust, only to find out:

1. Guizhong is 100% alive (just disembodied) within it, 2. Guizhong has been watching over him this whole time, and 3. Guizhong is very excited by the prospect of Zhongli getting a cute Snezhnayan boyfriend.

Ships: Zhongli/Childe, Venti/Xiao

Notes: The pure judgment that Guizhong unleashes on Zhongli (as well as her sass in general) is pure comedic gold. The dynamic between Xiao and Venti are also adorable. Meanwhile, Childe misunderstands and also just wants to know what the fuck is going on.

xi wangmu by tzitzimeme

Xiangling scales entire mountains to satisfy the palettes of her two pickiest customers.

(Or, two men who are emotionally stunted by their own immortality inadvertantly turn an overly enthusiastic chef into their messenger pigeon.)

Ships: Zhongli/Xiao (?)

Notes: Not sure if it reads romantic exactly, can definitely be read as platonic. The fic boils down to Xiangling trying to expose Xiao to variety because just eating plain almond tofu is a no no. Zhongli gives advice/uses Xiangling as a messenger pigeon. Backstory is explored!

Falling (Fallen) by asinglecrow

It’s only when Childe finds himself in front of Zhongli, a spear protruding from his stomach, that he thinks oh I might have fucked up.

Or: The worst (best) day of Childe's life.

Ships: Zhongli/Childe

Notes: Funny and lighthearted! Gets sort of NSFW with passing mention of mpreg but otherwise, it’s just pure humor/fluff. Get-together fic featuring deadpan dragon Zhongli and Childe that is just done with everything. 

the louvre by morisuke

Here in Liyue, the air is filled with the ocean, and the sun shines through the mountains like it’s flowing through a crack in the sky. Here in Liyue, there is a man with no wallet at a vending machine that is going to waste the rest of his day showing a stranger around their school campus for a pocket sized can of iced coffee.

It’s interesting here in Liyue, Childe thinks.

or

Where Childe flirts with a stranger at a campus vending machine.

Ships: Zhongli/Childe

Notes: Set in a modern/college AU. This is a relatively quiet, soft kind of story. Childe comes to Liyue because reasons and falls in love quietly. It’s more of a snippet of life type of fic that’s sweet and peaceful. Love the change that comes over Childe as he finds a home.

[sapphicnoel]

anderperry week 2k21 day 2: blind date

A/N: this is hella cliche at times especially with aspects of the anderperry relationship, so feel free to skip this one if that's not ur thing. it gets slightly suggestive at some parts but it’s only two sentences-ish so if that’s not ur thing u can skip them and the story will still make sense. also: i got the idea for this from @dailyau‘s post here. i didn’t quite follow some aspects but the premise is still there in spirit. hope u all enjoy xx -sam

Todd’s stupid, sometimes. Like right now. His blind date just stood him up and now he’s outside, in Manhattan, in the winter. He’s sitting on a bench looking like an absolute idiot. He feels like an absolute idiot. His date didn’t show and Todd’s paying the price, outside in New York’s infamous single-digit weather. He feels the tears falling before he can stop them, but they warm his cheeks slightly. Great, now I’m an idiot sitting on the bench outside in the cold and I’m crying. This is what my life has come to, huh? Fucking fantastic.

“Hey, are you okay? It’s cold as hell out, what’re you doing out here?” Someone from behind the bench asks. They sound concerned. Oh, no. This is why I can’t have nice things.

Todd turns around to find the source of the voice and sees a handsome guy about his age, tall with dark hair and eyes. Pretty, he thinks despite himself. This guy really is pretty, with dark, windswept hair and deep brown eyes to match. He’s pale and clean-shaven under the hood of his coat. Not to mention his body, doubtlessly just as stunning as the rest of him, hidden underneath all those layers… Todd’s brain tries to get itself away from his nether regions by thinking of cute kittens and that time he went hunting with his dad’s posh country club friends. It works all too well. He quickly wipes his wet eyes with the back of his right hand. He hopes this mystery man didn’t see. That would be embarrassing, even more so than his current predicament.

“Um, y-yeah, it sure is cold,” Todd remarks drily in lieu of an actual answer, “But my date stood me up so I’m just...” Sitting outside looking stupid, his brain finishes for him. He’s about to say something else when the other guy speaks first. He’s staring at Todd almost like he knows him from somewhere. Todd’s never seen this guy before in his life, though.

“I’m sorry. That sucks. Wait. Oh, my God,” Mystery Man replies, his expression changing from concern to apologetic in two seconds flat, “I feel like a complete asshole. Are you Todd Anderson?” Todd’s inclined to tell the ruth. He hopes that his guy isn’t going to try to mug him and then brutally murder him. That would be awful, and embarrassing. Hate-crimed while sitting on a bench outside in the middle of winter. What a way to go.

“Yeah, why?”

“I... I was supposed to be your date. I forgot it was tonight! I’m so, sorry, Todd! Truly, I am. I’m Neil Perry, by the way.” The jackass sticks out his gloved hand for Todd to shake. The audacity of a man.

“Nice to meet you,” Todd replies stiffly. He shakes Neil’s hand and tries to ignore the way it feels like it belongs in his, warm despite the cold.

“So, um, do you still want that date? I muse look like a total asshole right now, but I want to make it up to you. I’ll pay. You pick, wherever’s fine with me.”

Todd blinks up at Neil. How could he say no to free dinner? Todd stands up and smiles. He doesn’t ask how Neil plans to pay for it. They’re both college students, after all. Todd vaguely remembers the sparse information Charlie gave him when he found out about their harebrained scheme. Maybe Neil’s parents pay his tuition, so he got a job for some throwaway cash? Todd’s parents offered to pay for his and were honestly shocked when he agreed. That was the first in a series of shocks for the Andersons, right after their younger son came out as a flaming homosexual. Of course, their oldest son would always be their favorite. But that’s neither here nor there. Todd’s gaze meets Neil’s as he replies,

“Sure. I’d like that.”

As soon as he says it, he’s afraid that it may be a mistake. But Neil just grins wide at him and leads Todd in the direction of nearby restaurants. They chat on the walk over there, laughing and carefree despite the late hour.

All things considered, their date does pretty well. Neil turns out to be just as funny, alluring, and oh-so-handsome as Charlie described. The blind date was entirely their idea, after all. Todd just went along with it because he’s lonely. And partly because he goes to the same university as Neil. He’d have to thank Charlie, though. Todd and Neil got along startlingly well. They fit together seamlessly, bouncing jokes and sarcasm off each other easily in between eating the appetizers they got to share. Their mutual friend would be pleased; they would wax poetic about their matchmaking prowess. Todd thinks it’s like meeting your soulmate, the person chosen for you by the universe, and he isn’t exactly a hopeless romantic but... It’s a cute idea. Besides, being with Neil feels like coming home after a long day to someone you love. They exchange numbers by the end of the night and they ride the train home together. They both live in the dorms on campus. Todd wonders if this is all too good to be true. Everything this good, this immediately special, ends in disappointment. Todd thinks this is it, this is when Neil leaves and Todd never hears from him again.

Until Neil kisses him, hard and indulgent. They’re in the middle of the street at night on a college campus, which is a bad idea in itself. Neil kisses like a dream, though. He does it well enough that Todd goes weak in the knees, practically melting under his touch. So this is what people mean by fireworks, Todd thinks. Kissing Neil is like every nerve in my body has been set alight. He’s glad Neil can’t hear his thoughts. He’s not an English major and an aspiring poet for nothing, though, so he catalogs the thought away for the next time he wants to write.

Neil pulls away, grinning down at Todd. he is beautiful even in the dim glow of the streetlights. The streetlight’s just behind his head from where Todd’s looking. The light fans out, circular like a halo. Neil Perry is an angel, Todd decides. A tall, dark-haired, and handsome angel.

“Sorry, I just had to do that,” Neil says, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. Todd smiles right back at him, staring upwards at this angel.

“When will I see you again?” Todd asks. He reaches for one of Neil’s hands, toying with his fingers to ease the new nervousness. What if this is it? What if Neil doesn’t feel that instant connection, like Todd does? This could go downhill remarkably fast.

“Next week, maybe? Whenever you want.”

Oh, Todd thinks. This is the one, isn’t it? As he stares up at this gorgeous boy, It doesn’t matter that they’re standing in the middle of and blocking the sidewalk pathway. All that matters is that he’s finally found someone that makes him feel... Whole. Love at first sight, you could say. Todd squeezes Neil’s hand. He feels the soft pressure when Neil squeezes his in return. If he blushes like a teenage girl, Todd doesn’t notice.

“Next week is fine. Is Tuesday okay?”

“Tuesday is great,” Neil replies. He kisses Todd again and relishes the way the blond wraps his arms around his waist. Any attempt at propriety is out the window when Todd kisses back just as fervently, reaching a hand up to tangle his fingers in Neil’s soft hair. It drops when they part moments later. Todd resists the urge to let out a disappointed whimper at the loss of touch. That would be embarrassing, and poor Todd has had more than enough of that for one day.

“See you Tuesday, then, Neil,” Todd smiles at Neil and begins walking in the direction of his dorm. He turns around to wave at Neil, then turns back and continues walking. Neil watches him go, listening to the soft sound of his shoe heels on the rough pavement. Todd steals another glance back a minute later to see Neil walking in the opposite direction. His back is turned, so Todd can watch him go while he’s none the wiser. Todd hates seeing him leave, but the stupid teenager in him loves watching Neil go. He shakes his head to clear it of any potentially impure thoughts. Then, he starts down the sidewalk to his dorm. The night is clear and quiet, the sky dark and starry. It reminds him of Neil’s eyes that glittered as though they were identical spheres of dark topaz.

When Todd’s finally back in his dorm room, he flops down on the bed and falls right to sleep. He dreams of a pale and beautiful boy with eyes like smooth chocolate and short, dark hair to match. If Todd wakes up thinking of Neil Perry, well… That’s his business.

once again, taglist is below :D

@regina-della-poesia @maisietheweltoncow

[letterboxd]

A Cinematic Outcoming.

From Istanbul to Chicago, and C.R.A.Z.Y. to Spirited Away, Letterboxd member, writer and film programmer Emre Eminoğlu explores the films that drove his gay awakening.

“I see it as my duty to never shut up about how representation matters.” —Emre Eminoğlu

I was one of the luckiest ones, yet I had no idea how lucky I was. Growing up in Istanbul, Turkey, a predominantly patriarchal, conservative and homophobic society, my luck was being born into an open-minded, secular and loving family.

In this bubble, I was isolated from the struggles of the majority of my people. I was not bullied at school by my peers, I was not forced into being someone else by my family. Yet I still had that voice in my head. As soon as I realized something could be different with me, I became my own bully and forcefully adopted a fictional persona: ‘exceptionally normal’.

Coming out was hard, but coming out to myself was harder. Although I was perfectly aware of my sexual identity, I could not come to terms with the possibility of being ‘abnormal’. Cue cinema. Watching films was a way of escape for high-school Emre—it still is—and it was inevitable that I would come across some LGBTQ+ films. I was not consciously in search of a ‘truth’ about myself but I started seeing my reflection in them, as they slowly disarmed the bully I involuntarily created.

Twenty years later, now, as a 34-year-old gay man professionally writing on cinema and television, I see it as my duty to never shut up about how representation matters. Streaming LGBTQ+ shows on various platforms, seeing widely released, mainstream LGBTQ+ films, listening to the music of openly LGBTQ+ stars, and hearing words of wisdom like “If you can’t love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else?”, I am confident that the personal, inner bully that I created twenty years ago would not survive a week in today’s world.

‘C.R.A.Z.Y.’ (2005)

Jean-Marc Vallée’s C.R.A.Z.Y. (2005) was definitely not the first LGBTQ+ film I ever watched, but it was an invaluable juncture in my life. It was a hot summer in Istanbul, freshman year of college was over. One of my best friends, who had been accompanying me through most of my cinematic discoveries, told me about a French-Canadian film with this guy on the film poster with David Bowie makeup on his face. We headed to an independent theater in Kadıköy to see it.

Zachary Beaulieu was different. As the lone gay son in a family of five boys, he too was forcefully adopting a fictional persona, and his way of escape was music. He was constantly worried about how to be worthy of his parents’ love, how to realize their ideals of him, and how his difference and truth contradicted all of that. Zac’s 1960s basically mirrored my story in the 2000s. I perfectly muted the life-changing enlightenment I was going through and did not vocalize my inner screams.

In two hours, C.R.A.Z.Y. helped me realize my true self and admit my sexual identity after all those years. It was a personal threshold I had been longing to cross… but there was still a lot to go through.

‘Les Amours Imaginaires’ (Heartbeats, 2010)

Liking someone, falling for someone, being loved, dating someone, sex, refusals, misinterpretations, heartbreaks, break-ups, bad sex. On the other side of the closet, I was being introduced to new, sometimes euphoric, sometimes gut-wrenching experiences. But coming out to my friends was still a challenge. I was feeling so lonely keeping all these wonderful and horrible experiences in my chest.

But I was not alone: LGBTQ+ films were my life’s understudy. The same heartbreaks, worries, and disappointments I was going through were right there on the silver screen. I took note as two best friends, Francis and Marie, fall for the same guy and navigate their friendship in Xavier Dolan’s Les Amours Imaginaires (Heartbeats, 2010). I studied how a popular student, Jarle, falls for the new guy in school, but cannot risk his reputation to be with him in Stian Kristiansen’s Mannen som Elsket Yngve (The Man Who Loved Yngve, 2008) and I watched as close friends Tobi and Achim become lovers, until one’s need to keep everything secret threatens to destroy the relationship in Marco Kreuzpaintner’s Sommersturm (Summer Storm, 2004).

Things were not always accessible via online platforms and the internet, so film festivals were often the only chance to see the latest independent and queer films. Two of the biggest film festivals in Istanbul, thankfully, had LGBTQ+-focused sections; !f’s Gökkuşağı (Rainbow) and Istanbul Film Festival’s Nerdesin aşkım? (Where are you, my love?) felt like home.

‘Tomboy’ (2011)

Being the lone avid cinephile among my friends, I was used to seeing half of my festival picks alone. Even before coming out to myself, my hopes for a romantic relationship included, among other things, having a festival partner. When I, fortunately, found the one, I was delighted to have also found the perfect festival partner. Shortly after our first month together, the first film we saw at a film festival was Céline Sciamma’s Tomboy (2011).

Although I was a 24 year old cis man, I was more than able to empathize with the title character, a ten-year-old trans boy. With his family unaware of his true identity, Mickaël experiences the liberation of a fresh start when ‘mistaken’ for a boy after they move to a new neighborhood—finally able to introduce himself as Mickaël, not Laure.

Changing my career path, a new job in the creative industry, and a stable relationship had similar effects on me. I was still not completely out to my parents, or some of my friends, schoolmates, and acquaintances from my past, but I was freed of the obligation to explain anything to my new friends or colleagues. I would proudly introduce them to my boyfriend, or simply correct people by saying I was attracted to men during a conversation. The perfect festival partner turned out to be a perfect partner as well—over the past ten years, he has helped me grow and be proud of myself.

‘Weekend’ (2011)

We moved in together in the fifth year of our relationship. Right above our bed hangs a poster of Andrew Haigh’s Weekend (2011). At the time we saw it, it was just another film that we watched together and liked—no significance, no symbolism. It is the story of two young men, Russell and Glen, who are fascinated by the connection they find between each other, and are surprised how their one-night-stand evolved into the perfect weekend. When Glen reveals that he will be leaving for another country the very next day, it only makes their connection stronger, and their time together more precious. Being a timid and socially anxious person, none of my romantic relationships or my friendships had formed this organically. Even my first date with my partner was a disaster. We built what we have now over time, slowly and patiently. I did not believe in ‘weekends’.

And yet, one summer night, we met a guy on Grindr, as we occasionally did. What we thought was just another one night stand was in fact a transformative experience for us both. Intense conversation, a triple connection, the drinks we enjoyed instead of hurrying to bed, and the passionate sex turned that casual one-night-stand into a magical reality for us. We realized that we still had feelings and instincts to discover in ourselves and in each other. Over a week-long, unexpected, unpredictable polyamorous fling, we learned to act as one instead of two—only to find out that he was leaving for another country the very next week. This was our ‘weekend’.

‘Hamam’ (Steam: The Turkish Bath, 1997)

Thinking how LGBTQ+ films of other cultures and languages had played a significant role in some precious, threshold-crossing moments of my life, it was alienating not being able to feel embraced and represented openly in Turkish cinema. There were certainly multiple Turkish LGBTQ+ films or characters, but they were in films addressing more urgent issues—right to live, violence against LGBTQ+ individuals, honor murders, trans murders—rather than the nuanced experience of queer love.

Although I discovered it years after it was released, Italian-Turkish director Ferzan Özpetek’s Hamam (Steam: The Turkish Bath, 1997) was a mind-blowing experience for me. The relationship, and the sexual tension, between Francesco, the Italian heir to a building with a Turkish bath in it, and Mehmet, the young son of the family managing the compound, felt much closer to my story and my cultural, familial identity.

Aşk, Büyü vs. (Love, Spells and All That, 2019)

Today, I am glad to see more and more filmmakers finding the courage to maintain the LGBTQ+ narrative in Turkish cinema, despite the oppressive, intolerant and exclusionary policies. Some are telling the youthful, urban stories I was longing for at the time: In Leyla Yılmaz’s Bilmemek (Not Knowing, 2019), Umut, a high-school athlete from a middle-class family in Istanbul, is bullied by his so-called modern and open-minded teammates after not replying to a query about whether he is gay or not. In Ümit Ünal’s Aşk, Büyü vs. (Love, Spells and All That, 2019), Eren and Reyhan, two adult women reunite in the magical atmosphere of The Princes’ Islands on the Istanbul coast, decades after they were forcefully separated by their parents.

The story of me coming out to myself all started with an urge to escape reality through cinema, and on the way, I found films that gave meaning to my muddled existence. When I saw Levan Akin’s And Then We Danced (2019), I smiled as I noticed the Spirited Away poster in Merab’s room; this minor detail another reminder that I was not alone. Merab, a gay dancer who is part of a very traditional and conservative Georgian dance company, was dealing with similar challenges in his life. He was trying to discover his true identity in a society that does not celebrate being different. He was too, finding an escape in cinema.

Coming out was hard. It still is. A recent Instagram post by the 27-year-old actor Connor Jessup, who came out as gay two years ago, reminded me coming out is not a single moment, but a never-ending process, a ‘becoming’. He writes, “When I first came out, a friend wrote to me and said, ‘Now you can really start coming out.’ Start? I thought. I just did it. But he was right. […] I’m going to keep trying. I’m going to keep looking.”

I keep trying, and looking. Learning about myself, my identity, my relationship. And LGBTQ+ films keep helping and inspiring me, just as they did in my journey to accept myself and become the person I am today. This is the power of cinema; unconsciously, you see your past, actuality and possibilities through the stories filmmakers tell. And I am so grateful to these filmmakers.

Related content

The Ten Greatest Turkish Films of All Time, according to the Turkish Film Critics’ Association

Emre’s Favorite LGBTQ+ Films: a personal top 50

Queer Films in Turkish Cinema—a list by Atakan

The Top 100 Turkish Movies of the 21st Century: Emre’s personal favorites

[incorrectcreepypastafam]

Hey, i just got an introduction of the creepy pasta a week ago but I'm so confused from all the characters. You look like a creepypasta fan. Mind explaining some of the characters?

Yo wtf I had no idea anybody had sent me any of these. It’s been almost a year since this was sent to me but I’ll go ahead and answer this anyway. I’m only gonna be explaining some of my favorites and of course some popular ones

So we can start off right anyway with the main guy, and my personal favorite, Jeff The Killer. If you’ve never heard of Jeff, then this is probably your first time on the internet. He’s known as the guy who was drenched in bleach and set on fire when he was 13 (and yes we’re all aware that that makes zero sense) he has a smile carved into his face and technically burnt his eyelids off (though I usually ignore that fact) and he murdered his entire family (though his brother has been brought back to life as his own character and they lOVE EACH OTHER GODDAMNIT). And of course there’s Jeff’s infamous catchphrase, go to sleep. Some people imagine he’s a horribly disfigured monster and some people imagine he’s the hottest bitch around. Either interpretation is valid. When it comes to Jeff, a lot is up to interpretation.

Next would be my second favorite, Homicidal Liu, Jeff’s brother. Liu was technically just from an au originally but people have taken him and turned him into his own character. He survived when his brother tried to kill him and became a serial killer himself. To cope with what his brother did to him, he developed DID and has a split personality named Sully (who’s an asshole). There’s no canon explanation for how or why Sully was developed but there are many theories and headcanons. And yes, it’s canon that Liu forgave Jeff.

Next is Ben Drowned. Ben was a 12 year old kid who was drowned as a cult sacrifice and his soul was transferred into his copy of Legend Of Zelda Majora Mark. The story is told from the point of view of a college student named Alex who bought the copy of the game from a garage sale. The story follows Alex as he spirals into insanity by this sadistic spirit who won’t leave him alone.

Next is Ticci Toby. Toby was a 17 year old boy who was suffering abuse from his father. Though Toby couldn’t feel it, due to him having CIPA (meaning he can’t feel physical pain), he didn’t like seeing his mom and sister get hurt. Toby also suffers from schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and anxiety. He also has Tourette’s (which is where the name Ticci Toby came from). After Toby’s sister, Lyra, died in a car accident, things got worse. Until one night, Toby felt the urge to kill his father, angry that he was too drunk to see Lyra in the hospital before she died. Once Toby killed his father, he took his father’s hachets from the garage and set his neighborhood on fire. Toby was rescued from the fire by the one and only Slenderman. After being presumed dead, Toby began to work under Slenderman as one of his proxies.

Next I’ll go ahead and explain Sally. Sally’s story is the darkest story in the entire Creepypasta fandom so trigger warning to anyone who may be triggered by r!pe or anything like that. Sally was an eight year old girl who was r!ped by her uncle. Once she told her parents about it, they assumed it was just a bad dream. Her uncle overhead her tell her parents and took her to a park and murdered her. She came back as a ghost and killed her uncle and now haunts her old house. A popular headcanon is that Slenderman adopted her as his own.

Next would be Eyeless Jack. EJ is an eyeless cannibal who enjoys eating kidneys. He is mostly known for his blue mask. There is no canon backstory for EJ, but the most popular fan made one is that he was a college student who was sacrificed by a cult.

Next is of course Slenderman. Just like Jeff, if you haven’t heard of Slenderman, you must’ve just got access to the internet. Slenderman is a tall, faceless man who lives in the woods. There’s not much known about Slenderman. Many people argue that he’s real, but he is not considering he was created in 2009 in a photoshop contest. A popular headcanon is that Slenderman is like a father figure to the other Creepypastas (his proxies).

Next is Tim and Brian (Masky and Hoodie). Tim and Brian aren’t technically Creepypastas, as they are from the Slenderverse YouTube series, Marble Hornets. If you haven’t watched Marble Hornets, I highly recommend it.

Next is Jane The Killer (I can’t just not explain her even if I don’t like her). She is Jeff’s arch nemesis. Here I will be explaining the ORGINAL Jane The Killer story, not the shitty ripoff where she lived across the street from Jeff and he set her on fire, that’s not the real version. In the orginal story, Jane was about in her 20s, living with her sister, Jessie, and her wife, Mary. When Jeff killed her parents, she started to struggle financially as she no longer had her parents to support her. She had heard she’d get paid if she donated blood, but little did she know she wouldn’t be donating blood. The government had been trying to develop a chemical that would heighten a person’s senses so they could create government assassins to kill serial killers. Jane was the first test subject it worked on. The chemical made her skin pale white and her hair and eyes pitch black. Jane decides to use her new abilities to her advantage and kill the man who ruined her life, Jeff The Killer.

I know you sent me this back in December but I hope this helps🙂