#the first time i asked her to maybe be a bit quieter she was super apologetic

[disorganisedautodidact]

this is true - my neighbour's noise is immediately easier to fall asleep to now that I actually know her, plus she's actually considerate when I do ask her to turn it down a bit! Talking to your neighbours helps

Trixie Mattel is right, getting to know your neighbors is the best inoculation against being annoyed by their noise. it only works up to a certain point, but for just regular footsteps or the occasional bass leaking through or a party once in a while, the anonymous Fucking Neighbors are people i will kill for doing their laundry at 10:14pm, but Steven and Ray who live upstairs and sometimes have to jog across their hardwood at 8:39am because they forgot to pick up their Clif bar before they put on their shoes for work are my good pals and i look forward to barricading the building together during the financial collapse.

[chvoswxtch]

Hi,

I had a request… I’m currently obsessed with Frank Castle (he’s just so 🥵) and had an idea, it’s not super original so I understand if you don’t want to write it!

A non-binary (they/she) character who is plus-sized and younger than him (in their mid-20s) taking him home to meet her family for the holidays. And she is very insecure and worried about how their family will react. Maybe while there, a family member says something hateful about her weight and/or being non-binary, and Frank goes to comfort/reassure her, and maybe even gets mad and defends her to her family?

Can be smut or just fluff (or both!)

I just thought it would be cute to see his more protective/caring side, mixed with his possessive and angry side. I love that dynamic (:

hello my love!

so i'm not sure if you've watched the bear (i'm still working through it myself) but there's a scene where jon flips a table and goes on a rampage and I just thought that was super fitting for this prompt so I drew a lot of inspiration from that & I hope you enjoy!

I also hope you're having a wonderful day or night wherever you are and that the holidays are being kind to you 🖤

warning: swearing, frank being frank word count: 1.5k

dessert.

It was so quiet in the cab of Frank’s truck, you swore you could almost hear the delicate noise of fresh snowflakes carelessly colliding with the windshield over the dull roar of the heat coming through the vents. The holidays were always a complicated time for you with your family. In the earlier months of the year, there was a welcoming sense of freedom to be exactly who you were without judgment. But when the colder weather started to seep in, so did the impending dread. All you had wanted to do was introduce your family to the man you had fallen in love with, and celebrate your first holiday together in a special way. You had anticipated a little bit of uncomfortable tension, prepared yourself for a few tasteless passive aggressive comments, but you didn’t think it would be this bad.

Bringing Frank home to meet your family hadn’t been the mistake. It was underestimating his protective nature and forgetting the caliber of his restless temper.

Things had already been off to a rocky start as soon as you walked through the door. Everyone’s eyes seemed to be shamelessly sticking to the way your outfit clung to the soft and full curves of your figure. The same outfit that had Frank nearly pulling over to the side of the road impatiently because he couldn’t keep his eyes ahead was currently the topic being whispered about by your aunts. However their attention was quickly stolen as soon as Frank walked in behind you. Their hushed gossip rang loudly in your ears, causing the confidence Frank had built up within you to fizzle out into insecure embers.

He’s so…normal looking. What’s he doing with her?

She’s not a her, remember? She’s…oh I forget what it’s called. Another complicated thing these kids have come up with. I swear it’s something new everyday. I can’t keep up.

He seems much too old for her, and look how fit he is. They seem way too different, there’s no way they’re actually dating.

It only got progressively worse from there. By the time everyone sat down to have dinner, it was like you weren’t even there. Everyone asked Frank a million and one questions, but no one asked you a single thing. No one asked how you were, or how the new job was going that you were so excited about. No one asked how you and Frank met, or how long you had been dating for. Everyone seemed to be trying to figure out the puzzle of what Frank was doing here with you, and eventually, you found yourself trying to solve that exact same riddle. It was almost incredible how your family managed to ruin all the trust and love that the two of you had built up over the past few months. All the promises of reassurance that flowed so easily from his lips seemed to vanish from your memory, and the quieter you got, the angrier Frank became.

He was polite at first, answering the simple questions with appropriate responses, but the more they tried to exclude you from the conversation, the more he tried to aggressively incorporate you into it. His frustration was evident in the way his voice became more rough and coarse, a detail only you were able to pick up on. That should’ve been the first warning bell in your head. But you were so wrapped up in your own insecurities that it didn’t occur to you to reach for his hand under the table to calm him like you normally did when he got worked up. Frank was doing his best to contain his rage at the way your family treated you, but one hateful comment from your alcoholic of an uncle about your weight caused him to erupt.

It all happened so fast, that you were stunned. Your uncle was in the middle of following up his weight comment with an insult about your non-binary identity when Frank suddenly stood and flipped the table out of his way so he could rush forward and strike his fist across your uncle's face. In a split second, everything had descended into chaos. Your mom and aunts were screaming, your father and uncles were trying to pull Frank off your drunk uncle, but they weren’t a match for his strength and tenacity. It wasn’t until you fought your way through them and tugged at Frank’s shirt in a panic that he finally relented and let you drag him out of the house.

For the past fifteen minutes, the two of you had been sitting in his truck where it was parked in front of your family’s house, both of you attempting to calm down. Frank was trying to quell his anger while you were coming down from the shock of what had just happened. The longer you sat in silence watching the waves of snowflakes caress the glass of the windshield, the more uneasy Frank became. Letting out a deep exhale through his large nose, he finally couldn’t take the quiet anymore.

“Look I…I didn’t…m’sorry, alright? Can you just…will you please say somethin’?”

“I can’t believe you flipped a table.”

Frank blinked in dumbfoundment a few times, his dark brows pinching together in the center of his forehead. He was expecting you to yell, to go off on him, maybe even break up with him right then and there, but not to hear you sound so amused about his explosive behavior.

“Huh?”

“That was ‘real housewives’ of you.”

When you finally turned to face him, he noticed the faint smirk on your lips, and that one little gesture eased all the anxiety that had been building up within him for the past fifteen minutes. He let out a puff of air through his lips, looking ahead as he shook his head slowly and glanced at his side mirror while trying to fight the crooked grin that threatened to spill across his lips.

“Yeah well, dinner was dull. Thought I’d spice it up a bit.”

“I’d say you spiced it up a lot.”

Frank turned his head to look over at you, and you could see a faint apologetic twinkle in his eye from the glow of the street lamp above.

“You mad?”

It was your turn to look at him in dumbfoundment. Arching one of your brows, you let out a soft laugh while tilting your head to the side in slight curiosity.

“Am I mad that you stuck up for me?”

“I coulda handled it better.”

Scooting over to the middle seat of the cab, you brought your hand up to gently caress his jaw while staring into his warm brown eyes with a soft smile.

“No Frankie, I’m not mad. I promise.”

Leaning in, you pressed your lips to his in a gentle kiss, letting him feel the sincerity behind your words. You weren’t mad at all. No one had ever been so protective or defensive of you before, and while some would’ve thought his reaction was a little extreme, you knew it was just Frank’s way of showing you how much he loved and cared about you.

“Thank you.”

“For ruinin’ the holidays with your family?”

“Baby, they were ruined before we even got here. And honestly, this is the best holiday season I’ve ever had, thanks to you. You made it special for me. It was probably a bad idea to come here, but I just wanted to show you off. Show them all how happy I was. I thought they would be happy for me-”

“Hey, to hell with ‘em. They don’t deserve to see that pretty smile after the way they treated you. That asshole’s lucky I don’t go back in there-”

“Frank.”

Letting out a soft laugh, you redirected his angry glare from your family’s house back towards you as you pulled him in for another soft kiss.

“Let’s just go home. We can order something in.”

Frank took one last irritated look at your family’s house, letting out a soft grunt of disapproval.

“Goddamn chicken was dry anyway.”

For some reason the frustration coveting his sharp features and the grumpy tone of his voice just made you laugh. Giving his thigh a gentle squeeze, you pressed a soft kiss to his cheek and smiled adoringly at him.

“We can have something else for dinner.”

Frank turned his head to look at you, his gaze wandering slowly up and down your figure before settling on your eyes once more. The ravenous look reflected back at you simultaneously sent a shiver down your spine and filled your lower half with a sense of heat. He reached out to place one of his large hands on your thigh, giving it a firm squeeze as his voice dropped to a husky whisper.

“Think I’m ready for dessert, sweetheart.”

tags: @day-dreaming-goddess @kdogreads @heimtathurs @mars-rants-a-lot @casa-boiardi @fireeyes-on-teller-dixon-grimes @hazallem @avencol @neverlandcity @charmedkim @queenofthenoobs @stilldreaming666 @mattymurdock1021 @bubuslutty @ninejlovebot @purrrfect @pennylovey @firesunflamed @oscarisaacsleftknee @ameliaswife @vane28282 @kmc1989 @messymissy @dark-academia-slut @strawberry1042 @utterlynuts

[normal-internet-user]

Could I request the 2012 tmnt mikey with a 'secret' s/o reader who is an assassin? She is really serious and scary, but she is so soft for Mikey and she is really skilled with a lot of weapons and even without weapons!

After a while of them dating Mikey tells splinter and his brothers and his brothers don't really believe him, but splinter wants to meet her anyway so Mikey convinces her to meet his family! And she is really respectful but also kinda snarky.

(This is completely optional, but maybe she is originally from Scotland)

-🍈

Ooohh Yes. Yes. Yes. just, yes.

MIKEY WITH AN ASSASSIN GIRLFRIEND

You two would probably meet after he got seperated from his brothers while on patrol.

You'd probably start out as just friends for a little while,

Emphasis on little.

When you start dating he'll start sneaking out of the Lair to visit you at what you call your "safehouse".

With anyone else but your sweet sweet Michel,

You are a hardcore bitch.

Sarcasm and Snark,

You will take zero shit.

Ya know, that sterotypical angry Scot.

One time Mikey joined you on one of your information missions, and it went a bit like this...

"I have ways of making ya talk. Painful ones- Mikey, love, please don't touch anything, we don't know what it is, you could get hurt. Ahem- Like I was sayin'-"

His brothers obviously catch on after a bit,

I mean who wouldn't notice how much... quieter the Lair seemed?

Their first glimce of you is when you save Mikey out of nowhere during an encounter with the kraang,

You were in and out, saving you're boyfriend then leaving before they could do more than catch your eye.

They don't know who you are or why you saved their brother but they're definitly grateful.

Obviously Mikey knew it was you, so he called you to thank you when he got home.

His brothers were definitly snooping and overheard him call you "Babe"

Leo whipped his head around like, "ExCUsE mE?"

They didn't say anything, just kinda kept an eye on Mikey for a while.

Whenever Mikey visits you, it's like you just can't help but be all soft and sweet.

How could be anything else to your wonderful sunshine?

Eventually, Mikey will want you to meet his family,

And it's something he's super excited about, how could you say no?

So one day, he shows up at the Lair with you annoucing loudly to the entire household that you were his girlfriend.

Raph literally busted out laughing, asking you how much you were getting paid.

You just scowled, and in your thick accent said, "I ain't getting paid shit. My payment is the absolute fuckin joy of a person and living embodiment of sunshine you call your brother."

Raph still chuckling replied, "Alright, chill out Leperchaun. I get the point."

"Leperchauns are Irish you fuckin imp. I'm Scottish."

Before Raph could snark back, Leo interrupted to formally introduce himself.

You shook his hand with a smirk, while Mikey happily watched you interact with his family.

After you meet his brothers, he drags you towards the dojo to meet Splinter.

He excitedly introduces you as his girlfriend, and Splinter sends Mikey away to have a private conversation with you.

"So," he starts, smiling lowly, "You are the famous (Name) that Michelangelo tells me so much about?"

You blushed in an embarrassed way, "Mikey talks about me?"

Splinter nodded, "All the time. He thinks you are a very beautiful and funny girl. In his own words, the most beautiful girl he's ever seen."

"Oh..."

Splinter chatted with you for a while, giving you full permission to visit whenever you please, even inviting you join the boys in training.

Mikey is so happy you get along well with his family, now he can spend time freely with the girl he loves and his beloved family!

[bellewintersroe]

thanks so much for writing a part 2 to the xNurse reader(i loved it)

and for giving grant some love.And if you are going to do more parts i would like to request that you add alton moore,christenson and moe alley because they are so underrated/like i Can Barely find any fics about them/And sorry english is not my first language

Hey I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thank you so much for your request, I’d love to write for these men, sorry if it’s not super good as they for some reason never got as much screen time in Bob:( but I love to do more research and give some underrated boys some attention hehe.

Also no need to apologise!! Your English is perfect!!

Band of Brothers x Nurse Reader, Part 3:

Alton More:

Okay off topic but this guy was biggggggg for looting, how do you think he got hold of Hitlers personal photo album LMAO.

like that smirk after Speirs has finished telling him off just makes me feel like he’s a bit cheeky.

Like I can see all the nurses being introduced to the men and he just smirks directly at you immediately. His attention isn’t on any of the other women, you’re the only one he’s got eyes for.

some how, he attempts to make his way over to speak to you, but you’re ushered away quicker than he expects.

The rest of the evening, and however long it is before he sees you again he’s probably thinking about you. (He married his childhood sweetheart so I think he himself is a huge sweetheart). He’s a hopeless romantic and is already head over heels before he can put a name to your face.

“Ahhhh, did you see her, Malark? Like, her hair and everythin’??? She was gorgeous.”

He’s thinking about every single detail about you. “Ya gonna scare her away the second you speak to her.”

Much to More’s surprise he doesn’t. Hes super tall and handsome, with a smile to die for, a total dreamboat. He’s stunned when you’re stammering and blushing around him.

I think to speak to you he’d ask you loads of questions about nursing in the army and how you got into it. He’s genuinely fascinated, and when he finds out he’s a year or two older than you, he teases you about it.

would definitely be a little more shy and slower to make a move than some of the other boys. But you’d grow close because of this, he would harass you, he’s harmless and charming and sweet- I think as a nurse in Easy it would be hard to resist him.

so there’s this story that Malarkey has told about when Alton was looting, and he found a pair of knitted, baby boots and completely broke down and started to cry.

I think out of everybody Alton would feel the most comfortable coming to you, and when you just appear in front of him and he’s stood with red eyes, you couldn’t help but engulf him into a hug.

well it’s more like him engulfing you because he’s much taller, but instantly you’d ask him what happened and when he expresses himself you’d leave kisses all over his cheeks and cuddle him a lot.

after that act of vulnerability the two of you would be like two peas in a pod, feelings would be admitted and he’d be super protective over you, especially if you’re out on the field, he feels like his hearts in his throat whenever he watches you run out to treat somebody.

Burton ‘Pat’ Christenson:

christenson genuinely sounds like such an interesting person, and Michael Fassbender is gorgeous omfg.

From what I’ve seen he seems like quite a happy, outgoing guy, so maybe you spot him before he spots you?? Like for a change, you’re the one admiring somebody from a far and feel like you have to chase them.

it’s not that he doesn’t think you’re stunning I think because you’re on the quieter side he doesn’t notice you, but when he does, holy fucking shit ur so fucking drop dead gorgeous and what???

would buy you a drink and comes and sits next to you in the pub, engaging in conversation with you about anything.

He has such a sparkle in his eye and he doesn’t open up about it at first, but he’s got so many interests.

Physically, he was one of the top men in easy which is super attractive to you, (Pat smirks about this) but he’s also artistic, can play the guitar and he can sing?!! He’s a guy of many talents and I think you’d beg him to sing- which he’s too modest about so he doesn’t sadly.

Would probably be super playful with you as a way of flirting.

I think anything was to happen, it would be later in the war during/ after Bastogne.

everybody’s morale is down, but your closest friend seems to be completely and utterly exhausted and close to the brink of a breakdown. When you learn he’d been hit by shrapnel and was too exhausted to move you’re a panicked mess.

You didn’t know whether to slap him or cry when he’s asleep in the field hospital bed. You watch over him and let him sleep peacefully, patching and cleaning him up.

At some point, I think his hand would sneak into yours, half asleep as he’d ask you to stay in a husky voice. Now if that didn’t make your heart leap, I don’t know what else would.

He’s just so soft and gentle, and he’s a really kind guy, so you’d do anything for him except, “Pat, we’re in the hospital, I can’t get in bed with you-“ “I love you though.” Oop- “N-no you’re half asleep.” “Y/N, I love you.”

Would definitely fall hard and fast, you’re his own personal nurse for a couple weeks, and you’re his rock after he lost his closest friends.

After the way you took care of him, he wants nothing more than to spoil you for the rest of your life after the war and bring you home to a comfortable lifestyle where he can give you whatever you wanted.

I think physical touch is his love language, so he’d have a lingering finger wrapped around yours, or a hand on your shoulders at all times.

James Moe Alley:

What a handsome man. Seriously all three of these men are SLEPT on.

I think Moe is a more quieter guy, especially when it comes to women, he’s a little shy and intimidated around you, similar to how Babe is.

let’s say you first meet when you do his physical, you’ve seen so many handsome men so he doesn’t think you’d be the slightest bit interested; but there’s an audible shyness behind your voice, and James is relieved you’re similar to him.

You had to have your hands all over him, and the examination ended up being slightly giggly and awkward. After, it takes a while for either of you to speak one on one, without being in a group.

I think Moe would get a little saddened and disheartened when he see’s other men flirting with you, he sips his beer as he watches you laughing at what they’re saying, questioning why he can’t be that confident around you.

nervous about jumping out of the aeroplane (he had to be pushed out when jumping!) I feel like you’d be able to tell and you’d approach him and soothe his shaking hands.

“Ya’ scared, James? Don’t be scared, I’ve seen a million guys do this and they were all fine.” Knowing you were on the ground below, and you’d just held his hands, he felt like a child, smiling to himself as he plucked enough courage to throw himself out of the plane during the practice jumps.

I feel like he’d need a bit of a push to make a move on you? Maybe one day he sees somebody being rude or disrespectful to you, they’re clearly taking advantage of how nice and reserved you are, so he intercepts, physically barricading his body between yours and the guy harassing you.

“She ain’t interested, pal. You better back off.”

After he’s huffing and puffing, storming away from the annoying guy once he’d finally left you and you chase after him, grabbing his shoulders. to stop him.

“Moe.” With a soft call of his name, you’re on your tip toes kissing him with both your hands on either of his cheeks.

Feels like he’s been kissed by an Angel- holy fucking shit.

after that there’s a genuine connection growing between the two of you, but I feel like it gets cut short when he’s injured in Operation Market Garden.

seeing him like that was horrible, you couldn’t stop crying and Winters had to move you away from treating him because you were too worried. Thanks to your quick action and care he survives despite having 32 shrapnel injuries.

he never has chance to thank you because he’s borderline unconscious and shipped off to a hospital for the next two months.

In the mean time you’d write to one another, James is more confident through writing, and warns you a billion times that he’s gonna ‘bust the fuck out and go AWOL to get back to Easy’.

And he does.

it’s in Bastogne; but hell seeing him again would make you weak in the knees. Alley feels like he’s gonna fall when he sees you and he engulfs you in the biggest cuddle ever. You’re skinny and look exhausted, but you’re alive and safe.

The relationship is so comfortable, you love each other very dearly and Moe never ever forgets how you saved his life when he was injured. Never stops thanking you.

————————————————————————

omfg ??? Im in my feels so much writing about these men? If anybody has any requests surrounding these guys specifically, please let me know and I’ll get writing!!

[whiskersz]

hi! I was curious if you could do a romantic hazbin hotel match up? <3

I go by she/they. im pansexual, im not too picky. I'm originally from Guatemala but was adopted to America! I have dark brown eyes with gold rimmed glasses with peircings; nose stud and septum. Im also a bit on the bigger side like mid size, im super insecure about it due to family problems making it worse. im getting bette with it though! I'm a Pisces and an infp. When first meeting me I'm normally shy and keep to myself and I've been told I look mean since of my resting face but trust I'm the silliest person you have ever met. when getting close; I love to joke around and I tend to be rude and "out of pocket " with my humor. (think of like smiling friends or oneyplays for reference) I love helping others if it be medically or just listening. speaking of medical; I'm almost done with schooling to get my EMT certification! I've always wanted to help someone every since I was a child. since I chose this field I am a real stickler for anatomy and physiology, with that being said I like to point out mistakes in movies which can get super annoying but it's something I love to do. another thing I love is the elder scrolls series! I love the real life inspo it's taken for the game universe, plus I love the medival vibe it has. I also love history such as artifacts from the past, historical texts, and medical practices back then. I'm a huge horror fan as well; scream, thanksgiving, SAW, Halloween, the omen. I love the classics! I also love crime cases too. I also love music,my favorites being malice mizer, gulu gulu, nirvana , ice nine kills, korn,slaughter to prevail and powerwolf! I like gothic type clothing but I normally dress in a baggy shirt and jeans so I feel out of place lol. I'm not the super touchy type (depends on the mood) because it gives me the ick. I'm more of acts of service and quality time type of lover.

I hope this is enough information! I love your writing < 3

Hi!! Thank you for appreciating my writing <3 You’ve got a lot of interests, you seem like a very interesting person!

With that said, I match you with a character that I didn’t think anyone would get matched with...

Lute!

I’m going to start from the bottom here and say that Lute is not very touchy either, so she appreciates having a partner who has similar tastes when it comes to love languages. Her primary language is quality time, if you’re spending time with Lute it means she considers you worthy and thinks your relationship is worth devoting effort on.

Her favorite way of spending time together is doing her own thing while you do yours and listening to music in the meantime. Maybe you’ll be studying and she’ll be stretching, or you’ll be researching historical facts while she’s preening her wings.

Speaking of preening, she will only trust you and herself to do it. She’s pretty shy when asking too, pretending not to care but you can clearly see her looking anywhere but in your eyes. She loves the feeling of your hands on her wings, and being taken care of for once.

Going back to your interests and what you two do together, she’s also not opposed to watching your favorite horror movies! I get the feeling that she’d be into those kind of things herself, and would also find crime cases interesting to follow. I can imagine you two making dinner or a simple snack and sitting on the cough together, watching a documentary on the latest crime case while chewing on your food as quietly as possible to hear every word.

Lute is not the type to get intimidated easily, especially if she doesn’t know someone personally, so your quieter and ‘mean-looking’ exterior never really bothered her in the first place. When you two get closer and you eventually reveal the sillier side of your personality, she’s going to reveal hers as well. She loves out of pocket humor and mean jokes, so much so that you joke around with each other this way so often that others will question whether you’re actually lovers or...don’t like each other that much after all.

She also really admires the dedication you put into studying for your certification and the field you’ve decided to deal with. She loves dedicated and diligent people. It’s also almost funny to her how she’s an Exorcist and you’ll be working in the medical field.

Lute finds you very attractive, that is a given with her being your loyal girlfriend. She really wants you to feel confident in how you look and for you to dress how you want without feeling out of place, so she’s going to remind you that she finds you good looking very often, in her own way of course. She might be a little on the meaner side when it comes to these things, but she means well; she’ll straight up tell you to wear something more interesting if she knows you were planning to dress in a more gothic style but settled on the usual baggy clothes. She’ll then remind you that you’re good looking for her and it shouldn’t really matter what your family or others think.

Overall, Lute is a very supportive – still, in her own way - and devoted partner. If you’ve got to the point of being in a relationship with her, nothing can really separate you two from that point on.  

[heyiwrotesomethings]

Ok admittedly I have a hard time seeing any of them drink in the first place, especially Kanao, but say by some chance they each individually end up a bit smashed, how do you think the Butterfly Girls are when they're drunk?

Kanao I imagine is the type to get even quieter and just kinda sit in the corner but Kanae... for some reason I fear what that woman would be like with alcohol in her system.

Also hope the Wednesday's going good! Halfway through the week~

Oh boy, I’m not well versed in the various personalities of drunk people, but I’ll give it my best shot. We’ll just say this is everyone’s legal drinking age birthday celebration or sometime after.

Kanae: Either super relaxed or manic, I can’t decide. She’s fairly talkative normally, but she’s really talking now and probably without a filter too. Nothing bad though, all good things I’m sure, but maybe a little cheeky too.

Shinobu: It would be too easy to say angry drunk, but I don’t think she would be one anyway. I think she would be relaxed and vibing right up until something negative settles in her brain and then she gets mopey. She’ll try to hide it, but she’s visibly agitated. If someone asks her if something is wrong, she might just cry.

Kanao: I agree that Kanao would be even quieter. She’s the type who would be like, “I’m drunk. I can’t let anyone know I’m drunk”, but she is not convincing anyone with her attempts to act natural.

Aoi: Happy drunk. She’s always so serious, now she gets to loosen up a little bit. Doesn’t mean she’ll let any bad behavior slide though, she’s still as sharp as ever and will tell them off. However, her words might get a little jumbled up as she does so.

[mamamittens]

I'm making another shippy drawing, this time with Izou since I haven't given him proper 1:1 love with Nikia.

It's not a bad time to think about their particular dynamic, actually, since I am, once again, not falling asleep as I should when I really should already be passed TF out

It won't hurt to establish Nikia's with Thatch just as a reminder for myself honestly.

Thatch and Nikia are a bit dorky. Thatch acts suave, enjoys sweeping romantic gestures, and is very bold about his affections. You will know if he hates you and if he loves you to pieces.

Nikia is, predictably, very embarrassed but pleased about this. Quieter, she likes smaller moments. Bigger gestures are overwhelming for her. Not very good at being loud and proud, so to speak. So naturally most of their moments are small. Personal. Intimate gestures.

Passing kisses and touches. Small "I'm thinking of you" gifts. Thatch not one for trinkets finds himself with many, each one a gift from her because he's weak for the "I saw this and thought of you". He loves that. The thought of being thought of even when he's somewhere else. And he makes an effort to space out his very loud, public displays of affection to meet her in the middle. He can't always control himself. Partly because he's usually so busy, so what little free time he has he wants to make it memorable.

Now! Onto Izou and Nikia!

Izou is a lot more subdued. He's not secretive about his affections but he won't be singing on rooftops anytime soon. He will make his feelings known, however, regardless of what free time he has. Which is a little more than Thatch given he doesn't need to plan meals for a massive crew and overlook kitchen staff.

Okay, it's a little misleading to say he's subdued. Actually. It's really fucking loud and clear, he just doesn't use his voice for it. So he gets away with being a bold bastard a lot more, especially since a lot of it is pirate etiquette that goes over Nikia's head. Thatch, not so much, but he keeps his mouth shut if he knows what's good for him. And he doesn't argue with it either.

The silk foulard is a gift from Izou after all, and has a subtle pattern from Wano weaved in.

So she finds her wardrobe subtly tailored to suit her better, a side project of Izou's. And also pieces slipped in from Izou himself. A spare yukata trimmed to function as a loose jacket since she gets cold easily. Hair ribbons and chokers with silk in his colors or with Wano exclusive patterns.

She doesn't realize how damn possessive his actions are for someone not a tailor because he's not crass enough to just give her his actual yukuta to wear. Like Thatch will drape his foulard over her shoulders when she's cold and Izou nearly smacks him for it.

For those that know, it's like wearing a cowboys hat lol

So anyway, Izou sinks his claws into her wardrobe in whatever way he can and is the first to offer his services if she wants a makeover or hairstyling. If she wants to try hair jewelry, he gets it. Maybe with Thatch's help if he's being generous.

He enjoys showing how he can provide since Thatch has the literal food and dramatic displays handled.

Basically, in pirate speak, Nikia is SUPER spoken for. If they can't tell by who, they can definitely tell it's someone from Wano. And anyone who is bold enough to ignore that earns a bullet in their ass at minimum.

Izou enjoys his trinkets and adores when she secures him crafting materials for clothes. New thread and needles, silks and fabrics. The works. She may ask for assistance at first to get a good idea of what he prefers to work with, but once she has it down, he'll be pleasantly surprised often. Which is quite practical and sweet.

Her favorite thing is getting him jewelry with flowers. Roses if she's being overtly romantic. Delicate cherry blossoms or other such small flowers for cute variety. Even if he doesn't wear them anytime soon, they're displayed beautifully alongside his practical, daily pieces.

Once she learns how bold both of them have been while courting her, she's very flattered.

And they're very interested in how flattered and flustered she is about that.

Very much integrated into dirty talk anytime they give her a particularly bold gift. Notably, she still wears them.

And they very much like that.

And then they'll both use gifts she's given them just to fluster her with their newfound meaning.

It's like ongoing foreplay for them and everyone else thinks they're insufferable. Like, "just fuck already" but worse, because clearly fucking has not helped lessen the tension.

A pirate giving away treasure is a very intimate act, after all. And decorating someone in your colors or home patterns/fabrics equally bold. To keep doing so I'm new ways... Well, it's a lot. Let's put it that way.

Only way they could be more overt is if they just got married already and got matching tattoos.

They're very happy for them but... Yeah. It's kinda obnoxious lmao

[3lossm]

@madestars : ( brick ) “   since when do you ever worry about me ??   ”

something stirs in her chest , a sharp pull of a heartstring -- a snap. his words cut into her in a way they shouldn't . she's not obligated to care about him, in fact she shouldnt . however, it's unnatural for her, it's like seeing the moon hiding as a phantom during the day for the first time. it's confusing, it makes you contemplate and it makes you ask questions. it's something she can't quite stop even if she tells herself she needs to, that it's no good because he's no good.

he's bad. very bad . evil .

yet , there's that flash of hurt that passes over the pink of her eyes, wide with a form of shock. his venom is a fresh wound, inflamed and reddened. her jaw tightens where it's hinged , this was stupid . so freaking stupid . he 's the same -- well , not quite the same as her given the inherited morals but the variables are similar . with the special component of chemical X , he can heal the same way she does. she didn't need to -- ugh ! feeling stupid grows into embarrassment. in an anxious movement, she fidgets and catches herself . none of that was needed. the hurt is still there and she's riddled with disbelief as a secondary emotion but it sparks her temper . it's an immediate reaction, anger and hurt flaring behind her eyes. the anger rises, a warm tide that washes over her and fuels her speech quickening and voice raising.

❛ are you serious ? ❜ her gaze is pointed up at him, holding the eye contact . a question , where she pauses and then she's letting that anger take the reigns some. look , it's not what he says that's eating at her bones, it's the way he said it, with that stupid , annoying tone he's always using. like ... like it's unfathomable that she would care or .. worry. she's a super hero ! it's her job to care. ( yeah , that's it )

❛ i know you're - ❜ pink eyes drop to his chest, then bounce back up to his , expression hardening again . ❛ evil and heartless and don't care about anybody but yourself but -- ❜ she stops , a brief pause as she takes a deep breath now, why is there a but ? why is there an exception ? now, her anger has been sucked away, like a drain catching water. ❛ it ' s .. kinda what i do , brick . ❜ tone flattens , alongside it , her voice is quieter , tamed compared to the almost shouting ( she wasnt shouting thank you very much ) that was occuring beforehand. ❛ it ' d be more alarming if i wasn't worrying , to some extent. ❜ she tacks on that last bit to make sure it doesn't look like she cares too much.

she's telling the truth though, ever since they were young , blossom has always been a worrier, maybe it came with the territory of being the leader , maybe it was because of the fact that she was the one left responsible with the safety of townsville, and sure, her sisters are there too -- they fight together but she's always acted the most mature, the most capable of handling the pressure. being worrisome just came from being the leader [ . . . ] there's a quiet voice in her head that tells her brick is a leader too and she wonders briefly if he's the same .

[anonzentimes]

The reason for her first name was to kinda match up with Chihiro because we know Chiaki's name is based off of his and I wanted to do the same! So I took the Saki part in Fujisaki and yes Chiaki is replaced entirely! I love her but one thing I wish we got more of was a backstory and getting to know more about her life, So I tried to do that for Saki while still making sure it works with the story of dr3/sdr2.

To start Saki is an orphan her parents had to give her up due to not having enough money to take care of her. She’s been there since they got out of the hospital! Not sure if this part is canon or not but Nagito on the other hand got put in this orphanage after the serial killer kidnapping part. But they didn’t talk to each other until they were 8. Saki during the years of being there so far she’d find a fun thing that she likes to do which is being out in the woods/forest looking at all of the plants and she’s been kind of sneaking out during the day to do so, nobody noticed anyway. But Nagito did notice her sneak out one time and maybe got a little curious and decided to follow her. He saw her looking focused at the ground and he kind of just went up to her and started talking, it was a bit strange because it was just so calm and nonchalant like they’ve been friends for a while. Saki didn’t even notice he was there at first and it made her jump then she got scared because she thought that he’d tell on her as she’s kind of not allowed to go outside without permission but with the way he was talking it didn’t seem like he would but it helped calm her nerves. So she started to engage in the conversation as well and she really enjoyed it because this was like the first person to really talk to her. But as they were talking the tree that was next to Saki made a snapping noise. She looked up at the sound for a second then freaked out seeing that huge tree branch was going to land  on her if she didn’t move. So she grabbed Nagitos hand just in case and ran to the entrance of the forest. When she looked over at Nagito she was surprised to see that he didn’t look scared or worried in the slightest. he actually looked more shocked at the fact that Saki even moved him away from the scene. And after that day that was it. They didn’t talk for a few days. Saki was a bit sad since Nagito was the first person she’d bonded with at the orphanage. Since everyone else there was a bit older than she was, Nagito was the only person who was around her age. So she decided to go up to him this time! He seemed a bit distant like he was still talking to her but he just seemed quieter than the first time they talked. And Saki was worried that he didn’t like her anymore. After that conversation, they didn’t talk again for another few days. Saki wanted to try one more time because you know maybe he was having a bad day that day! He seemed calmer this time still distant but it was better! And at the end, Saki asked to be friends and Nagito looked a bit hesitant before saying yes!

(Switching the POV for a moment! I like to think the only reason Nagito didn’t talk to Saki after he went to her that day was because he probably blamed himself for the tree branch breaking off and almost injuring or even killing Saki if she didn’t notice. And he didn’t want to put her life in danger again! Also so sorry this is so long and I hope I’m doing Nagito justice so far!! :D)

Hmm okay, so, I like the ideas here I think they're fun! The Fujisaki naming was really smart I smiled about it. I'm interested in how the story entirely plays out with her implemented Lol. Nagito going to an orphanage isn't really canon so it's sort of up to interpretation for what happens at that point, it's not canon but also not invalidating anything so it's an interesting interpretation! The tree snapping due to his luck is a really good scenario for him and I like it a lot, him being shocked about being cared for more than the scenario is also super in character. Him blaming himself for the interaction, trying to keep her safe, is also good characterization and I like it!

I think my main I suppose like ""criticism"" is that it takes a lot for Nagito to say somebody is a friend. Nagito is friendly with Hajime in the Dangan Islands for quite a while but treats a friendship label like something so special. Just like, make sure to give the label of friend more emphasis and power because it means enough to him that he had to get the courage to ask Hajime as if it was a love confession. He says friend as a light word in the first trial as well, but still, if it's a genuine personal bond rather than a light term there needs a lot of emphasis on it. The hesitation is good to display that, and he IS still young here so he might not be fully distancing himself yet. Might not entirely be expecting every person to die inherently since he was the one to approach her. So I think it makes sense here. But just as a general point him saying someone is a friend is a huge thing for him considering the possible bad luck, so make sure to show how huge it is IF it isn't just a general label! :)

This pretty cool so far! I think the concepts and general characterization is pretty on the mark! I like a lot of stuff about it, I think Nagito's characterization is done pretty well and Saki is an interesting character. I'd like to know about more about her mannerisms and what happens later on in the story here :D

[tonberry-yoda]

Hi! I would like a romantic matchup with Jojo part 7 please! (I love sbr so much, it's my favorite part), but if you think I fit better with another character that isn't from this part, that's okay!

I'm female, my pronouns are she/her and I'm heterosexual.

I really don't like Valentine so... Ew💀

I am shy, smart, a little jealousy, quiet and introverted, but when I feel confortable I become a more talkative person who likes to make jokes.

I like listening to music, watching anime, dancing, reading books, playing with my dogs, and walking around the city.I don't like noisy places, I prefer to stay in my room with Cookie (my dog) watching some series.

I definitely don't like introducing myself to new people lmao. I think my type of guy is the one who is quieter, who would respect me and always support me in all my plans

Musical taste: I like a little bit of everything, but I like listening to pop, like Harry Styles, Rihanna and etc. But I like listening to classical music when I need to relax.

My love language is physical touch, I really like to hug the one I love despite being ashamed.

I would like to mini fic, first date and wedding if you don't mind!

Thank you if you read! Please take care of your health and drink lots of water! (This even serves as a reminder to myself lol)

Hi anon!! I LITERALLY HAVE THE PERFECT MAN FOR YOU OKAY??!?! I literally cannot wait any longer, so let's jump right in!

the character I chose for you is...

JOHNNY JOESTAR!!!

you and him are so similar it's adorable

like when you both meet each other you're both really shy, but he definitely initiates the conversation and then you both get along really flippin well

he thinks you're really funny

its cute when he laughs at your jokes. like his giggles give you butterflies immediately

HE LOVES YOUR DOGS and your dogs love him it's literally so cute

they freak out whenever he comes over

he'll walk with you as best he can (unless we're thinking of the end of SBR when he is able to walk again)

he loves walks nonetheless because he will never take fresh air and a chance to exercise for granted

he will definitely cuddle up and watch TV with you and your dog it's really flippin wholesome

gyro definitely introduced you two to each other lmao

you liked johnny right off the bat because he was shy, but also super sweet and respectful of you

will 150% listen to music with you and chill

HE LOVES HUGS

needs them really

i mean come on, look how sad bubba is all the time, give him a big hug and tell him you love him and he'll love you forever

loves you with all of his heart and will support you always <3

and per your request, here are the add ons you asked for anon :)

FIRST DATE + MINI FIC (i combined them <3)

"I'm just sayin' Johnny," Gyro picked something out of his gold teeth and turned to Johnny, who had his hands in his lap, looking a little nervous. "You should already have asked her on a date."

"It't harder than you think it is, Gyro." Johnny sighed, leaning back in his wheelchair.

"Maybe for the cute little shy boy named Johnny." Gyro grabbed both of his cheeks, making them squish together. "But I really do believe you, buddy. She's pretty and I know that can be intimidating, but hear me out! She likes you. I think she does. Just ask her."

"But-"

"Ah! No buts buddy!" Gyro grabbed Johnny by the shoulders and pushed him to the place where you worked.

You smiled at Johnny as he entered the coffee shop you worked in, your dog Cookie running up to lay kisses all over his face after stepping over his paralyzed lags and onto his lap.

"Good to see you too, Cookie," Johnny giggled, pushing the dog away. "But I didn't come to see you unfortunately."

"Cookie," you laughed, snapping for your dog to come back over to you. "Come over here. Hey Johnny! Want anything to drink?"

"Uh..." he rubbed the back of his neck, avoiding eye contact. "N-Not today. I uh... Can I..." His face went bright red.

"Is everything okay, Johnny?" You finished up someone's coffee, placing it on the counter.

"Do you wanna go on a date sometime?" It flew out of his mouth so fast that you could barely understand him.

"Y-You really want to go on a date... with me?"

Johnny nodded, still trying to avoid eye contact with you.

"Of course I do, Johnny!"

His eyes finally met your smiling figure. He smiled back. "Y-Yeah! Uh... we can get dinner tonight! Or... whatever you want."

"Dinner sounds great." You smiled, Cookie standing at you arms.

---

"W-Wow." Johnny blushed. "Y-You look... really pretty."

You smiled, and grabbed your dress that complimented your figure perfectly. "You really think so?"

He nodded and grabbed your hand, leading you into the restaurant.

You ended up staying there for hours, laughing and just talking. He offered to buy your meal, and you didn't decline. It didn't even feel real.

Thank god for the wingman Gyro, right?

WEDDING HEADCANONS

he would be able to walk at this point

he would be so nervous omg

and like he would be so giddy

he doesnt want anything too big especially since his dad is a dirtbag, he definitely doesnt want him there

gyro would be the flower girl/best man

well your dog is the flower girl, but gyro has it on a leash

your dog wears a suit/dress

just super small like backyard style wedding

you two would dance the night away since you can now

super romantic, gyro does bawl his eyes out

I hope you enjoyed! thank you for the kind note at the end, please stay hydrated yourself! i also love sbr with all my heart so i hope you loved it <333 thank you!!

~~~~~

matchup rules --- pinned post

@tonberry-yoda

[sylvies-chen]

The Return of the Flying Graysons

Day 4 Prompt: Baby’s First Christmas

Summary: Dick ropes in the team to help execute his plans to surprise Kory and Mar’i with an elaborate early Christmas present for their first ever Christmas as a family.

Words: 4K

A/N: A very merry Naughty or Nice event to you all! This was definitely on the cute side and it’s not super long (compared to other stuff I’ve written lol) but there will be some content on the Naughty side of things coming very soon! Enjoy xxx

(AO3 link)

There are a lot of things Kory loves about Earth. 

Dick has seen it over the years, the way Kory’s eyes sharpen with curiosity upon discovering new bits and pieces of humanity. The 70s rock music she loves so much, the breakfast foods, the clothes worn for leisure instead of the armour Tamaraneans were expected to wear more frequently than not. Most of the time, Dick’s only job is to sit back and watch with a smile on his face as she processes it all, occasionally offering bits of explanation and context to some things (such as explaining to her what pinky promises were). But the holidays have always been the times where it’s about more than just sitting back and observing for Dick. Kory’s always taken a liking to them more than usual. It’s partly because she feels most like a part of Earth and the home she’s found here when she’s celebrating something. He doesn’t blame her; he’s always liked holidays, and has secretly loved those chances to show someone how much you care. It’s why, though Bruce was always much quieter and pensive during the holidays, he was also more lenient and affectionate. It was only a little, and in ways only noticeable to Dick himself and maybe Jason, but it was there. So over the years, Dick has made a point of consciously trying to make the holidays special— for the whole team, but for his wife first and foremost. 

So yeah, he’s been good at holidays and knows what it means to Kory. But now, as the snow hits the ground bearing joyful omens to a rapidly approaching Christmas Day, Dick knows Kory only has one person on her mind this Christmas: their daughter. 

It’s Mar’i’s first Christmas. Their first Christmas, together, as a real family of three. That means something, and so it’s Dick’s duty to make that special, right? He’d be remiss if he didn’t try, at the very least. Because even though she can’t speak in full sentences yet and will most likely forget everything by the next morning, Dick knows the memory of their first Christmas is going to stick with him and Kory forever. So sue him, he wants to go all out. 

Which is why he comes up with an idea. One that involves the whole team, and which— yes— might be a little insane or risky. But he thinks of his daughter, and those big round cheeks that get all flush when she smiles really big, and he thinks he would do just about anything to make this Christmas special. So, slowly but surely, he ropes the team into helping him with this Christmas endeavour. It’s a challenge, given what he’s asking them to do, but they come around eventually. 

He does it on Christmas Eve. They’re sitting on the floor with Mar’i by the Christmas tree and showing her all the ornaments on the tree. The kids had gone off to prepare for his surprise present, under the guise of getting some last minute shopping done as they told Kory, and so things feel calm and quiet. The fireplace and Christmas tree lights are their only source of light as the night falls over them and the stars speckle the night sky. It’s just the three of them, happy and peaceful, and for a minute that’s all he needs. Dick soaks in the feeling of it, and all the happiness it brings him. He very rarely gets a minute to appreciate such good and right and beautiful things in their line of work. He knows he needs this now more than ever, and only once he’s done basking in this time spent together, not a second before, does he get back to the plan of his gift. He doesn’t quite know how to bring it up, but he clears his throat and tries. 

“So I was thinking this year I might give one of my presents tonight, instead of in the morning.” 

“Oh yeah? Ok, you can pull it out,” Kory tells him with a smile, letting Mar’i wrap her hand around Kory’s finger. 

“It’s actually outside. Sort of.” 

Her eyes narrow. “Sort of?” 

“It’s a long story. C’mon, let’s go for a drive. I’ll get Mar’i in her snowsuit.” 

“Okay.” Kory seems hesitant, but he can see the curiosity in her eyes— and, most importantly, the trust. So he knows to keep going. 

He gets Mar’i buttoned up in her ridiculously and adorably tiny winter suit, even straps her into her carseat as Kory gets in the passenger seat. 

“You never said we’d be driving somewhere,” she said. “What do you have up your sleeve, Grayson?” 

“Hopefully, something good,” he replies cryptically.

He starts the engine and drives. 

It’s a bit of a ways away. He’d scouted for a place like this for weeks, looking for bits of forest with wide and open clearings. And when he finally found a metalworker who made what he was looking for, he hauled it around town (which, he might add, was a total pain in the ass) to all those clearings and made sure it would fit. 

When he pulls up to the forest in which he found his perfect clearing, though, Kory is understandably confused. 

“If your gift to me is a family hike then, no offence, Dick, but I’m going to drive back home. I do not hike.” 

“Relax, it’s not hiking,” he assures her, smiling. “But you might be at high altitudes.”

“Baby, I fly. Me and high altitudes are well acquainted by now,” she teases. 

He chuckles, then gets out of the car and opens her door for her. “M’lady.” 

“Thank you,” she laughs. 

When they open the backseat door to grab Mar’i, she’s already smiling in her seat, adorned in her candy cane onesie. Kory picks her up and presses a kiss to her cheek as Dick closes the door behind them. 

“Alright,” Kory declares. “Lead the way, Grayson.” 

He laces their fingers together, pressing a kiss of his own to Mar’i’s cheek before guiding them through the snowy midnight forest. Thankfully, the snow isn’t too deep, so they’re not trudging through the forest for as long as he had been when he’d found this place two weeks prior, the day after a big snowfall before it had melted. 

He’d left little markers on trees in the shape of his Nightwing crest to make sure he didn’t get lost. But, as he realizes they’re starting to get close. He turns to Kory. “Alright, close your eyes.” 

She looks at him deadpan. “In this dark and creepy forest? Nuh-uh, no way.” 

“Please? I’ll be guiding you the entire time.” 

She sighs. “Fine. This better be good, Grayson.” 

He covers her eyes from behind for her, smiling, and then kisses the base of her neck in appreciation. The rest of the way there, he’s a little slower. He makes sure to steer her and Mar’i away from any bumps in the ground or patches of ice. And eventually, once he passes three more of his markers, they make it to the clearing. 

Only it’s not an empty clearing anymore. He uncovers Kory’s eyes and lets her and Mar’i see it clear as day: a slick, shining red sleigh, sitting on top of the old and glistening snow. 

“Surprise,” he exclaims gently. 

Kory smiles amusedly and turns to him. “You got me… a sleigh?” 

“It’s for Mar’i.” 

She laughs to herself. “I hate to break it to you, baby, but I think this kind of sleigh might be a little too big for her use on the snow hills right now. She’s barely a year old.”

“Well, it’s not just for her, exactly,” he explains. “It can fit the three of us.” 

“Oh, so you want all of us to go sledding together?”

“Well, us and--” He turns just as he hears Tim stomping his way through the woods to their left and shuffling his way into the clearing, right on time for his cue. He’d heard Tim’s footsteps coming from a mile away which, truth be told, wouldn’t be possible due to Tim’s unusually quiet gait if not for the thick black boots Tim has on. Paired with a red jacket, red pants, and a red hat all adorned with white, fluffy trimming that matches his fake beard, it has all of the good fixings of a Santa suit. Even the extra padding underneath. 

“Why hello there!” Tim tries to drop his voice three octaves in true Santa fashion and, though it doesn’t sound natural, Dick can look past it. Mar’i is too young to remember the small details like that. 

“--him.” Dick finishes his sentence and turns to Kory, who’s glancing over Tim’s dorky face under all that padding and beard with an amused “oh this is too good to be true’” face.

“Wow,” she exclaims, looking down at Mar’i in her arms and angling her to be able to see Tim. “You see that, baby girl? Your pal Santa is going to come riding down some slopes with us!” 

Ah, right. Now for the main bit.

He awkwardly scratches the back of his neck. “Uhhh yeah, about that…” he starts. “I was thinking more like going up.” 

Kory stops her toying with Mari’i’s little fingers and draws her focus back up to Dick. “What do you mean?” 

Dick turns to Tim and nods. Reacting to the signal given, Tim turns around and calls out, “You can come out guys!” 

The first to come is Conner, smiling widely and adorned with a pair of plastic elf ears as Rachel and Gar follow slowly behind. The jingling coming from the thick black harness in Rachel’s hand lets Dick know that they’re ready and have all they need. 

“Ok, I’m officially confused,” Kory stammers. “What sort of weird plan have you guys cooked up?” 

“We just want to take Mar’i on her first sleigh ride,” Rachel shrugs with a smile. Then, she playfully flourishes her hand. “Her first magic sleigh ride.” 

Slowly, the pieces start to come together in Kory’s mind. “Oh my god,” she exhales. “You… you guys want to make this sleigh fly?” 

“Yep!” Gar nods excitedly. “Courtesy of Kris Kringle and his helper over there.” 

He points to Tim, who smiles and rumbles his round belly padding. “Why, of course! Nothing but the best for our best little girl, Mar’i Grayson.”

“Well, it was Dick’s idea,” Rachel adds. “Of course it was.” Kory beams at her husband.  

“It was a group effort,” he nods humbly, acknowledging all the little touches the team went to in order to make this a fun experience for a girl young enough to forget this by the time she woke up the next morning. He appreciates it more than anything. Although, he does lean in and whisper, “I did have to bribe them by promising they could drive the Porsche in the spring though. It was not my finest hour.” 

She lets out a big, wide, beautiful burst of laughter. “I’ll bet. My husband, the negotiator.” 

And there’s a minute where Dick lets himself look at his team and the love that’s there. It’s sweet, really, in ways that supersede the cheesiness of it all. Tim’s leaning over and letting Mar’i fidget with his fake beard (and even yank at it which undoubtedly causes him pain), and Gar and Rachel are jumping at the chance to have their turn with her, Kory letting them and extending her arms to get Mar’i closer to them. To her family. It’s exactly what Dick was hoping for: nothing fancy, nothing expensive, but simply a Christmas memory that they would never forget. It was what made Kory love the holiday so much, after all. The time spent together. If nothing experienced by Kory Anders was successful, to be together on a night full of stars and snow would make it so. Together was what she cherished. And so Dick would give it to her, continue to give it to her, for as long as they live. 

“Wait a second,” Kory realizes as they all fawn over Mar’i. “How is this even going to work?” 

“Easy,” Conner begins to explain. “You guys will hop on with Tim, and I’ll pick the sleigh up and fly you guys around.” 

“Are you sure it won’t be too heavy? I can always help if you don’t want to fly solo,” Kory offers. 

“Don’t sweat it,” Conner dismisses kindly. “A couple of people and a sleigh is nothing to me. Besides, you should be focusing on having this nice moment with your daughter.” “And I’ll be staying firmly on the ground,” Rachel assures her. “So if anything does happen, I’ll have eyes on it and will be able to help. Plus, I’m already on Gar duty, so my powers will be close by.” “Uh, and what exactly do you mean by Gar duty?”  

“Right, that,” Gar sighs. “It’s better to just show you rather than try to explain it.” “I had to give him twice the amount of Porsche privileges just to get him to do this,” Dick mutters, half amused and half exasperated. 

“Alright, showtime,” Gar declares, but not without leaning over to kiss Mar’i on the forehead afterwards and whisper, “This one’s for you, lil’ superstar.” 

Then, he backs up about ten feet and lets Dick, Kory, and the others watch. Dick knows Gar’s powers have evolved over the years, his abilities expanding, but Gar hasn’t transformed into something like this before and, frankly, the risk of it makes Dick hold his breath if only for a moment. But lo and behold, Gar’s skin turns his usual vibrant green and he begins to shift. His muscles wobble and shrink and stretch, his hands turn into small hooves, and he sprouts antlers from his head of increasingly wild fur. Dick would be lying if he said this part didn’t always worry him just a little bit, as a parent of sorts to Gar, but the result is almost instantaneous and then, all worry fades.

The transformation finishes, and there is nothing but silence. Dick can see everyone’s breath, white and frothy in the air. He thinks, too, that he can pinpoint the exact moment Kory realizes what Rachel means by “Gar duty” and why she has a harness in her hand with jingle bells. It clicks in the magnificent sight before them. 

Noble, steadfast, kicking snow backwards and hoisting his chin up into the air, the green reindeer they see standing before them stands tall and proud. And Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, all those assholes-- hell, even Rudolph himself-- never stood a chance against their guy right there. Their Gar. 

“Holy shit,” Kory awes, lifting Mar’i up against her to show her. “Look, baby girl! You’ve got your very own reindeer.” 

“The best of them all,” Rachel tells Mar’i. “It’s Gar Deer.” 

"Gar deer!" Mar'i shouts.

“Rachel, make sure you get the harness on him,” Dick reminds her (because yes, he’ll admit it, he doesn’t love the thought of approaching Gar in a completely new life form). 

“Right. On it.” She heads over to Gar and sticks a lowered open palm outwards. A gesture of respect, Gar takes it immediately and nuzzles his nose into her hand. “There we go,” she whispers in victory, smiling as her hand slides up to pet the length of his nose, then behind his ear, then down on his furry shoulder, “You did good, Gar. Real good. Let me just get you hooked up here…” 

Kory bounces Mar’i while Rachel snugly fastens the harness onto Gar and Tim hops in the sleigh. Dick doesn’t leave her side the entire time. He doesn’t want to. His arm, though covered by the thick fabric of a winter coat, is planted firmly on her back and his other hand is reached out to brush his finger in circles against his daughter’s cheek. The three of them watch as everything is put into place and, when Rachel eventually figures out how to tie the harness to the sleigh, Dick looks to Kory with hopeful and expectant eyes.

“What do you think? Ready to give it a go?” She smiles, leaning forward to kiss him soundly on the lips. “As ready as I’ll ever be, Grayson.” 

And, hand in hand, they step into the sleigh. Kory props Mar’i up on her lap to let her see the full view of Santa Tim hopping into the sleigh with them. Conner positions himself behind the sleigh, hands planted firmly on the bottom of it and readying to push off the ground and pick it up. And Rachel, as Conner begins to lift the sleigh without breaking a sweat, starts levitating Gar. His beady reindeer eyes look surprised as he observes his own morphed body beginning to float in the air. Soon he gets the hang of it and starts paddling in the air as if trying to run. And only then does Rachel levitate Gar even further up as Conner blasts off into the sky with the sleigh resting comfortably in his hands. 

For Dick, Kory, Mar’i, and Tim, it’s a shaky liftoff. The sleigh rattles a little and it takes a second for Gar’s movements to sync up with the way the sleigh wants to move through the air. But then things come together in a moment of what Dick can only see as the result of the teamwork they’ve built throughout their oh-so-many years together, and suddenly, Mar’i’s eyes are going wide with glee as her attention turns from Tim’s fake beard to the thirty or so feet in the air they seem to find themselves in. She coos and giggles and points, able only to say a few words. “Mommy! Daddy! Look!” 

Kory’s jaw drops for a second before erupting into laughter. “I know, baby! You’re in Santa’s sleigh!” 

“You like it, Mar’i? You want to fly around a little?” 

Mar’i nods vigorously, arms outstretched trying to hug her dad. Kory lets go of her for a second, and Dick pulls her close to him to let her arms wrap around him. Rachel’s powers stay strong at work, giving little landing pads for Conner to be able to jump off of when he needs to push off from something again, and lifting Gar up so that he’s able to keep prancing through the air on a cloud of purple. He’s even able to sprout a big, red nose in the process, which Dick thinks he’ll need to give him brownie points for. 

They’re just above the forest top, soaring through the air as Dick holds Mar’i up so she can see the view below them, all while gripping her tightly (because yes, this was his idea, but he’s still worried as hell and will be overly cautious with her for her whole life, probably). The jingle bells on Gar’s harness ring throughout the air, and Tim gives an excited shake of Gar’s reins as he bellows, “Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas!” 

It feels surreal but, in a sense, very familiar. He remembers what it was like, swinging from bars and ropes with his parents in their circus days. It’s that fun, youthful rush of excitement as your whole body swings and swoops and soars. Dick sometimes feels bad for not reminiscing more on those days, when things were good and his troubles seemed so small. But now here he is, decades later, and The Flying Graysons are flying again. The happiness he once felt has returned to him, full circle. And he’s given it to her. To them. To his family. 

Mar’i flails her arms excitedly, and Dick can feel the joy radiating off of her, is holding her in his hands and can feel it coursing through her bones, through the happy little squirming. This tiny, beautiful little daughter of theirs who is so excited it manifests in half a dozen ways, who is everything good in this world, who’s his and Kory’s whole world. Then of course he was going to do everything he could to give her a magical Christmas. What kind of father would he be if he didn’t?

“This is incredible,” Kory tells him. “You’re incredible. Do you know that?” 

“I just… wanted her to have a special first Christmas.”

“It’s more than that,” she insists kindly. “The holidays are so important. They’re the only times we can all be guaranteed to be together. We set all the bad guys and darkness aside for one night and we just let ourselves be a family. That matters to me, more than anything. If we don’t take a pause for Christmas then we wouldn’t take a pause for anything, right?” 

He nods, getting quiet as they keep soaring over the forest, edging onto the outskirts. 

“And I don’t know, I guess I’ve always wanted her to be able to be high up in the sky. To be able to see the world the way Mommy sees it when she’s off helping people. To know that this is what it feels like, and this is why I did it. And you just gave her both of those things: you  gave our daughter the most special Christmas with her family, and you let her fly.” 

Dick blushes. (He wishes he could muster up some sort of embarrassment at the fact that Kory is still able to make him blush after all these years but he feels too good to ever be ashamed of it.) “It’s Rachel, really. And Conner. They’re doing all the hard work.” 

Kory shakes her head. “But it was your idea, your planning, your gift. You did it, babe. You did.” 

He swears his heart is 20 feet higher than he is now. It skyrockets up into the stars, shimmering with pride and pulling his lips into a smile. And Kory leaning in to press a bruising kiss to those very lips only calms the smile for a second before she pulls away and it returns, wide as ever. 

“Merry Christmas, Kory,” he whispers.

“Merry Christmas,” Kory responds, cupping his cheek with one of her hands and using the other to reach out and cup Mar’i’s cheek too. “And Merry Christmas, baby girl. Your first of many.”

“Merr Chrissus!” She coos, sending Dick and Kory into a fit of laughter

Mar’i giggles along with them, but turns her head quickly back to the scenery below them. They keep going, flying in large, swooping circles for the next twenty minutes, until Mar’i gets tired and starts yawning, at which point Dick signals to Rachel and calls on Conner, and they slowly bring the sleigh back down to the clearing. Rachel’s a little drained and tired from using so much of her powers, and Gar slowly shifts back into human form as he begins to ramble to Rachel the little intricacies of the experience of being a reindeer, and Conner seems as energized as ever, as though he’d been relaxing the entire time. He even chases Tim around trying to yank his glued-on Santa beard off of his face, which Tim understandably tries to avoid. And he and Kory, in a blissful state of calm, carry a now sleeping Mar’i back to the car as the kids walk with them. It’s pitch black as midnight strikes and snow begins to fall, and everyone’s getting drowsy. But there’s a buzz to the stillness of the night, and the peace the team feels, at the pride of having done something good for Mar’i and their family. It’s a stillness that follows them in the car all the way back to that fireplace at home, host to the whole gang curled up on various couches and blankets on the floor. Dick dozes off with Kory by his side, arm around her shoulders, and Mar’i sprawled flat on his chest. He dreams of flying, and Christmas nights in the circus, and even of Santa and his sleigh. And he feels it, then, in his bones, how exciting it was for Mar’i. How they gave her all the magic and belief and faith in the world. Kory was right, he now knows. Faith and family. That’s all the holidays are about. Nothing else is needed.

For a first Christmas, it’s pretty damn special.

[ifyougochasingrabbits]

TW: Mention of violence, mention of death, mention of slavers. Feat. Xana'h Nbolo

Xana'h mumbles to himself as he shuffles up the stairs and down the narrow hallway towards the alchemists' guild. He chews on the butt of his unlit cigarette like he means to eat it, and his fingers are knotted together in front of him, pulling at joints and picking at claws. As he rounds the corner, he nearly misses White Rabbit in the corner and internally debates on whether he should just pretend he didn't see her or stop. Xana'h Nbolo stops, on the first step up, and turns slowly to look at her from behind glasses perched high. "What an interesting and benevolent sight you are, for once, White," he drawls, shuffling closer. The closer he gets, the quieter his voice, until it's near a mumble under his breath. "What a strange place to find you, dipped into a dark corner around this part of the city."

White stood leaning against the hallway's wall, her gaze had followed each and every single person who passed through over the bell or two, maybe even three that she had been there. Waiting. Watching for someone. She hadn't seen them yet. Who she did see pulled her ever-present smile into a smirk as she tilted her towards him a little bit. "Is it? Really that strange to see me. Here?" She stared through his shades, making note of how he moved. "It's just a hallway. To the alchemists' guild." White Rabbit stole a glance past him down the hall towards said guild. A super quick one. Her gaze was back on his before he knew it. "Are you goin' there? Are you buyin'? What are you gettin'? Is it somethin' fun~"

Xana'h shrugs and tilts his head this way and that. "Not in the city, no, but up here, near there," he gestures towards the guild. "You're as nosey as ever, though, it seems. I am going near there, yes, to... chat. Not buy. Because no one is selling." His teeth grind at the butt of his cigarette, and he makes to dismiss their conversation out of irritation before he remembers why he stopped at all. "Whiiiite," he coos, tilting his head so far to one side his neck makes a discomforting, but relieving crack. "You like to keep your ears close to the ground, yes? You like to eavesdrop and know things, right? I couldn't bother you about hearing something going around the rumor mill, could I?"

White narrowed-eyed in amusement. She was torn between opening her mouth and saying she knew or keeping it shut. She compromised with herself, opening her mouth to ask, "There's always somethin' goin' around the rumor mill." Was she going to be that way? Yes. She was. Curious about a lot of things that she just had to wait to have answered. "You'll have to tell me what kind, you see? If you want me to know which it might be." She had a feeling she already did. Like he said, people weren't selling.

Xana'h tongues at the butt of his cigarette, moving it from one corner of his mouth to the next. It remains unlit, which is unusual given the time and place. His fingers won't stop fussing with the hems of his coat. He moves to stand right next to White, back up against the wall, and a sigh leaves his lips. "Fences are running scared and refusing to work because a couple were found killed in Thanalan. Would any of your guard friends know more about that?"

White watched the movement of his fingers out of the edge of her gaze, her own creeping around his waist when he moved next to her. She'd leave her arm there, around him if he let her as she leaned in, looking up at him smiling a knowing smile. "How many is a couple? Two? Three? What have you heard, Stargazer?"

Xana'h frowns, moreso at her words than at the hand around his waist. He doesn't move to keep her from touching him, but his tail flicks and his ears twitch. "A couple is a couple, it's two. Do you know or don't you, if not I have other people to talk to."

White frowns back at him, but it's a forced one. The corners leveled out, then curled back up to the slight smile she always held if it wasn't something smirky or devious. Or some mixture of both. It wasn't either now. "I do." She gave him that, but reminded him, maybe annoyingly, "We both know, Stargazer. Most of that kind of know isn't cheap. Or free. But I'll give you a little somethin'. Seein' I'm a kind woman. Don't think you'll get anythin' over at the guild. I already asked. They don't know shite. Not the right kind."

This time, Xana'h does take a step away and swats at the arm around his waist. "Fine. How much are you asking?" It isn't so much that he's annoyed at her for charging - business is business, and they are, if anything and only, business partners - but the entire situation has him on edge in a way that he hasn't been in years and it's, admittedly, a little scary.

White could have asked for coin, it was king in the city. And really anywhere for that matter. She didn't. "One favor." Between them she lifted a finger, reaching out to give a tap on the tip of his nose. "I think that's a good trade! A won-der-ful one. Don't you?"

Xana'h scrunches his nose and frowns further. "I don't do favors. Why can't you just ask for coin like every other bastard in this city? It's not like I'm spending it on anything with the recent happenings."

White gave him a look, the kind that asked, 'really?'. "How much are you goin' to need when you can get it? Again." She smiled. "It's just one favor. Only one!"

Xana'h rolls his eyes behind his glasses. "What is the favor?" He asks, then adds hastily. "I'm not agreeing to it! I want to know what it is before I answer."

White lifted her shoulders into a shrug. "I don't know. I don't need one yet! But when I do..." Leeeeaning his way, onto one foot she peered up under his shades. "I'll call on you." She yoinked herself back down onto two feet, leaning against the wall again. "It will be a fair trade! I'm not goin' to ask you to put yourself in harm's way. Or somethin' Similar. No, I couldn't! Wouldn't. Can't do that. I'd miss that face too much."

Xana'h follows her face with his own, making sure she can’t see under his glasses. If she does manage to sneak a peek, his eyes are a little red rimmed and bloodshot. "Oh no, I trust your favor wouldn't be dangerous, I suspect it will be annoying though," he huffs and clicks his tongue. "Don't be telling anyone else I gave you a favor - that is not something I trade for. But this one time... fine. Awful creature. Now talk."

White did indeed sneak a little peek, making a note. "I won't tell a single livin' soul. Not one!" Her smirk that had claimed her lips softened as she did what he wanted and talked in a hushed voice, "There were four. Of them. Not countin' another. Or the others. That might be connected." Slipping half a step over she bumped into him. "They have red makin', you see? Ones on their face. Do you know about them? What they mean?" She did. "Slavers."

Xana'h clicks his tongue, but not at White this time, and sneers, showing fangs. "So I'd heard that they might've been. Feckin' perfect, that regular fences are too scared to show their faces because some slavers got themselves into trouble, I'd feckin' strangle their lights out too." His brows furrow as a hand comes up to rub at his temple. "I know one was found in the south and I haven't been able to travel there either."

White let her gaze wander, following his hand. "There was one in the east." She started to count on her fingers, starting with and her index pressing against the other. "He had his throat ripped out." Then to the middle, ring, and back to the index it returned. "There were four in a house. A small house. One in the Golden Bazaar. It's said it was a bloodbath. Three of them had the same markin's. One. Didn't. Nothin' was taken. Same with the one in the east. Except his throat."

Xana'h blinks at her, startled. That's a lot more than a couple, but then again no one really wanted to talk about it. The group he frequented didn't do slavers, it's why he liked doing business with them, and talking about them was inviting trouble. "I know of the one in the Bazaar. All else hasn't really been spoken about," he shakes his head. "I don't care that they're dead, they're better for it, but for feck's sake could it have been done quieter? Who the feck is going about making such a show and scaring the rest of the underground economy into the shadows?"

White stared at him a moment. Then a moment more. Her mouth kept shut the entire time until she agreed, "They are. Better. Six fulms under." She figured his question was one of those rhetorical one. Her lips parted, just a tiny bit as if to say something. She didn't, pressing them back together into a smile.

Xana'h squints at her. His stash may be thinning, and a headache on the rise behind his temples, but he swear he catches White readying to say something, and saying nothing at all. Which is weird, for White, to shut up about something. "What is it?" He asks, bringing his hand down and folding his arms in front of him. "You looked like you had more to say and my gripes are done."

White arched a brow, asking, "Did I? I think your shades have a smudge, Stargazer." as the other followed close behind.

"And I think you realized that whatever your favor is isn't enough to say what it is you wanted to say," Xana'h tilts his head to one side, grinning but it sits sharp and a little wrong. "Let me put it like this - you and I have no business until this gets resolved. I have no product to sell because I'm using it for me. This shite domino effect is ruining those of us who are trying to keep a moral leg up on slavers and we've been lumped in with them anyway. So if you have something to say, White, say. It."

"What I realized, Stargazer—" the little name White gave him sharpened as it slipped past her toothy grin, "is that. It might be better. If you don't. Know." Her words slowed, losing that sharpness that pointed to poke at his ears. "I think they're a mage." she shared anyway. "The one who's doin' all—" Lifting a hand she waved it around. "this."

Xana'h narrows his eyes at her. "What makes you think it's a mage?"

White slowly reached a finger out, trying to hook it on the sash tied around his waist. "It's really dry here. In the city. Outside of the city. Inside buildin's that are outside of the city. It'd be strange, so very weird, so odd to find one with a room completely wet anywhere. But here? Of all places." She wondered if he could keep up.

"I'm assuming it was wet with something other than the blood leaking out of their torn open throats?" Xana'h guesses, as he finally goes digging through his coat for a match. "I would've thought someone let a hungry, wild animal in the room with them. Hands off, but the same outcome - dead."

White shook her head. "Their throats weren't torn open. Or out. Not like that other guy." She added on, confirming that, "The room was. Wet. Damp-like. With water. Not blood."

Xana'h mouths the word 'water' like he's trying to decipher what that means. "So it's either a conjurer, or a thaumaturge and the ice melted," he decides. "Either one making a scene like this would make sense; one doesn't know better and the other just doesn't give a shite." He hums as he lights his battered cigarette, and as the smokes it the violent flicking of his tail becomes smoother, swaying. "I'll keep that in mind. Anything else?"

White added a third option, "Or they're sendin' a message." She eyed the cigarette. If it was any other time her hand would have been already halfway to plucking it out of her mouth, but it wasn't.

Xana'h scoffs. "It's slavers. You can send a message by killing them quietly, I assure you. By making this big to-do, now every fencer, not just the ones that have no morals, are afraid of getting mistaken for the wrong people."

"Which makes it more difficult for the slavers. If fences. Any of them aren't sellin' do you think they're buyin'? No. Nonononono." White shook her head towards him, whispering out, "They're not." Standing up she shrugged. "But what do I know." A lot. "I'm just a silly little rabbit."

"Can't buy from dead people," Xana'h grouses. "Look, there's no winning in this, but there's a better way to do it. Lots of us can't do work now because of this, and I can't get any of what I need." He shoves his fingers underneath his glasses and rubs his eyes. He looks like he wants to ask something, but instead says, "If this keeps up for a week, don't come looking for me. I'll be of no use for your favor, nor will I be in the mood to see anyone."

White let out a small chuckle behind a smile that looked a little strained. Or it could have been the bad lighting. "No. You can't. Unless you can talk to the dead. Can people do that? Talk to them. Would that mean you could buy from them too?" That train of thought veered onto another track, the look on his face being the lever that changed it over. "What is it?" she asked the familiar question. If he thought she'd leave it at just the question, he'd be wrong. "What were you goin' to say? To ask? Come on, stargazer. I told you. Didn't I? Think of it as another trade~"

"I'm sure some people can try to. I've heard White Mages can do ridiculous things, so why not talk to the dead?" Xana'h follows her silly train of thought, hoping she'll keep on it until she doesn't. He sighs into his hands, and brings them back down to fuss with his sash. "Can you... check on the house, in a week's time. I can't be there until this is shite has worked itself out, but I can't leave the house empty." He keeps it vague, but he thinks she'll be able to pick up on it just fine.

White let out an amused huff, thinking the whole talking to the dead was silly. They're dead. But the train was past that. She stared at him through his shades, breaking away to watch his fussy hands a moment. Only a moment. Her gaze returned back on up. "I. Can. Do that."

Xana'hsucks in a long drag and lets the smoke billow out thick through his nose. "Great," he says, like it's the easiest thing in the world to ask for help. "Thanks for the information. I'm still going to go talk to some people at the guild, ask some things that you don't need to know." He points a clawed finger at her, but smirks for the first time today. "Stars be with you or whatever."

White smirked a big smirk, one that pulled horn to horn and rounded her cheeks that pushed her gaze into a squint. "I don't? Now I'm curious. How can I not be? When you say it like that." Maybe she'd go poking her nose. Or she'd just make him think she would. There were choices. "I'll see you." She gave him a wiggly wave of her fingers in farewell, staying where she was to people-watch a little longer.

[talesfromsiteredacted]

Not A Date, Remember?

After two weeks of testing that was frankly more difficult and stressful for Dr. Clef than for the tested, being me, I did promise my boss a totally not romantic social outing. Turns out, Clef off the clock and out of his "fear me, I'm the fucking devil" shtick is kinda fun. Just so happens, tonight is the costume contest. In hindsight, maybe '40's noir Poison Ivy was a bad costume idea.

It's been a rough patch, I'll admit. But... I'm holding up fine. My boss is not doing so well. He's his usual self in public, but he's been quieter in office when it's just us. He hasn't even played his edgy 'I'm deliberately playing this to irritate the general populace nearby' jams last two weeks. This ain't the Clef I'm used to.

Maybe if I agree to go with him to this silly costume contest, it'll liven him up. I wasn't planning on going, but I do still have a few old cosplay costumes, one perfect to go with his choice of RE4 Leon in a suit. Ah, here's the boss, fresh coffee in hand. Perfect.

"Hey, Bunny. How you doing?" Geez, even his voice went flat. No good.

"I'm here, so... guess I'm okay. You've been a bit out of it lately. You okay, Boss?"

"Yeah, just tired. Guess I need to start sleeping more or something."

He goes to check the weekly reports, and I try to think of how to ask him. After a while, I finally know what to say.

"Boss, the costume contest is tonight. You got plans or anything?"

"Was thinking of skipping it since ol' COG told me no DoomClef this year. You?"

"Kinda why I'm asking. Kind of last minute, but... I do have something that should suffice nicely with your mobster suit."

"Please tell me it's not the tall ass vampire lady. I have a height complex as it is."

"Hey, I grew six inches, and I'm still shorter than you. Nope. Was thinking noir Dr. Isley. Got the green dress, add some matching heels, wrap some vine garlands and fake flowers around me, I'm set."

"You sure you didn't plan ahead?"

"Nah, would have made a snowbunny costume just for you, Boss." I winked, teasing him. Clef turns pink.

"Don't mind me calling you Snowbunny, heh? Can only imagine the outfit. Blue velvet, embroidered silver snowflakes, white faux fur trim. Very cute. Might just have to have something made for you."

"It's not a date, remember? This is just two friends letting off steam."

"Grr. Okay. So, meet here at 6:30, then?"

"You mean 6:30 exactly, or 6:30 Clef Time?" Clef Time being 15-30 minutes later. But, when you're Site Command, only O5 can tell you off for being late.

"Contest is at 7:30, so... normal time. I'm looking forward to this, Snowbuny."

"Me too. Dr. Rights said you look hot in a suit, by the way. Made Dr. Bright a bit mad at her, but... it's Bright, he gets over this stuff quickly."

That settled, we run out the final two hours on the shift clock. While the time winds down, I text Iris for some last minute hair and makeup help. While I'm pretty good with clothes, I suck ass at makeup. Iris is pro level, she can make even Iceberg look good in drag, a near miracle as he's now rocking the villain goatee.

After shift, the transformation begins. I pick my dress, a vintage swing dress in green silk. I dig out my one pair of green heels, and hunt for foliage. By the time Iris is here and set up, I've got plenty of flowers and a long ass bushy ivy garland. Perfect, pin this to my seafoam shawl wrap, and then it's off to hair and makeup. Iris checks my kit. I notice she's decided to be Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, a classic.

"Noir Ivy? Wasn't that your Comicon outfit, day 2? First day you were Isaac Clarke, but bitched about the helmet."

"Yeah, but... my date never saw this, so... I'm going with it. The date was last minute, Sis."

"Who's the lucky guy? I know 049 isn't going."

"Dr. Clef." I mumble. Iris nearly drops the foundation brush. "He's having a rough patch, I just thought I should try being nice to him. He's gone though way way too much."

"Clef? Alto Fucking "Gonna Torture You Suckers With Super Slow Smashmouth on Ukulele" Clef? This is a prank, right?" Iris keeps working, but waits to see if I'm serious.

"No prank. He's not as bad as you've heard, Sis. He's kinda sweet sometimes. Bit weird, but we're all freaks here." Iris motions for me to stop talking while she works. Once she's done with the makeup, she starts working with my messy, wavy, blood red tresses. She settles on a simple loose braid, with a white rose tucked behind my right ear. Then, a crown of ivy is pinned to my head. I slip into the rest of my costume, and Iris admires the outcome.

"Gotta say... you might need a chaperone. I doubt even Dr. Gears wouldn't at least take a few long looks. Good thing you're also good with ice, as this look is straight fire."

"Thanks, Sis. You going with anyone?" We pack up Iris's things while we talk.

"Viktor and Sergei. Viktor is Toto, Sergei the Cowardly Lion. And... Alina, the new girl? Tin Woodswoman. We're swinging by Evie's for photos first, so I gotta go. I'll show you the snaps tomorrow. Later Sis!"

I head to my boss's office, half sure I'm either going to be pranked, or worse, stood up. But... to my surprise, there's the boss man, looking like the perfect Leon Kennedy gangster cosplay. Wow. He really cleans up well, he even shaved. Never mind the weird third eye, the Cheshire cat grin that unnerves even Abel, the slight dad bod, or the torture by ukulele... Alto Clef is fine af.

"Ah... Dr. Isley, I presume?" He removes his hat, bowing.

"Agent Kennedy? Charmed to meet you. I wasn't informed you were quite so handsome."

"Nor was I told how lovely you truly are. Will you allow me to escort you to the party? It's safer to travel in pairs, after all."

"I'd be delighted, Agent Kennedy." I offer him my hand, he raises it to his lips. Not going to lie... I might be attracted to my boss. He then places my hand on his elbow, off we go.

We arrive right on time. Dave at the door does a double take, but lets us in. The music is going, a few couples dancing. After we catch up with a bunch of coworkers, we're off in a corner and I get bold.

"Wanna indulge a fantasy of mine, Doc?" I whisper in his ear. He adjusts his collar, nervous. I go on. "I've always wanted to dance with the devil. Traditionally, there's moonlight, but I'm not big on some traditions. So... may I have a dance with the handsomest devil around?"

"Normally, I'd say no, but since you're so charming, I can't refuse." We step out onto the dance floor just as the music changes from some slow drivelling ballad to... "Jump Jive and Wail" by Brian Setzer Orchestra. Wasn't expecting that, but... okay. Little did I know... Dr. Clef can swing. By the time the night is over, we had danced almost all night, and won second place in the couple's costume division, losing out to Scorpion and Sub-Zero. Not even mad, Draven and Jim may as well have stepped out of Mortal Kombat 11, their costumes were that good.

Party over, and we're walking home. So far... I've remembered to behave, and not do what I want to do: just kiss him already. But... now we're just feet from my door. He likes me, otherwise he wouldn't be here. It's clear I like him too. And things with 049 have fallen apart, both due to us nearly overworking ourselves to death. We parted on good terms, but I shouldn't rush into anything yet. Besides, Clef is my boss. If this goes wrong, there goes my career. Still want to kiss him, though. We're at my door now.

"Rabbit, thanks. This was way more fun than what I had planned." He leans in, presses the softest of kisses to the corner of my lips. Just as he's about to pull away, I reach out, and run my fingers through his hair. My eye gaze into his, and next thing I know, I'm kissing him. His hands find my waist, holding me close. Oh wow... never thought I'd even think this... but if he keeps kissing me like this, I'm inviting him in. Before I can though... the kiss is over. He wants to ask me, I can see it in his heterochromic eyes. He speaks before I can, though.

"Not on the first not-date, Snowbunny. Believe me, it's taking a lot to not give in. But I don't want to rush you."

"So... you doing anything on Friday? How about a real date? Dinner, a movie, maybe bring your hanky to meet my panky?"

"Not sure about the last part, but... dinner? Yes." He sighs, then takes my cheek in his hand. "343 knows I'm not worthy, but yes."

We stand there for a few more precious moments, forehead to forehead. Just in time for my jerk of a neighbor Dr. Iceberg to walk by.

"Gotta say, you two make a cute couple. Poison Ivy and her henchman."

"Fuck off, Julian!" We both shout in unison at his retreating back. The door slams behind him.

[fruitless-vain]

Decided to go to Canadian tire for a walk/ training for Yo.

Not directly asking for much, since we end up pretty isolated over winter it was more an opportunity for her to maintain exposure to the public and free shape maintenance on some behaviours. She was, as expected, pretty distracted but all things considered I think she did great! It took maybe 3 minutes for her to offer her normal standard focus upon entering the store and she did awesome down quieter aisles. She maintained a pretty tight heel for most of the trip only really leaving it for a couple of sniffs here and there. She did not offer her auto-leave-people very much but again I expected that since she has not seen a stranger in well over a month at this point. So she sniffed some ankles here and there, a lot of them she walked by in a heel but wanted to watch instead of offering focus. She did do great with offering focus when people talked to her though! And settled beautifully when I was browsing despite carts/ people going by.

A couple of staff members complimented her on how well behaved she was and all of them were very respectful by keeping distance. Nobody tried to touch her without asking and honestly most people just straight up ignored her which was great.

We got lots of practice in on her front-settle where I ask her to tuck between me and a shelf while I look to keep her out of the way. This is a newer behaviour for her (I use to just keep her at my side) and she nailed it every time I asked for it.

It also seemed to be stock day so we got to watch people slam pallets around, wheel really loud carts, slam boxes, etc. she started off a bit jumpy but still controlled. She would do a little jolt about a foot away and then slow down, offer focus, and reset herself. She really only struggled if the bangs were happening behind her at the end of our trip, she could walk towards the sounds just fine. And that was just with the loud bangs, for more continuous sounds like wheelie carts or dragging clattering things she did totally fine with, we even got stuck in a tight aisle with an empty extra clattery wheeler having to drive right at her then veer around in a super close proximity. She perfectly stayed in a tight heel-sit, offered focus while it approached, took some moments to watch it, offer more focus as it passes, then not care at all.

Then we had a bit of an asshole in line at the till who kept intentionally slamming his item on the ground when he noticed it made her jump. She handled this really well for where she’s at right now. First time she was in heel with her back to the person, then they slammed the item she jumped a foot forwards and turned to watch. They did it again so she moved in front of me angled so she could watch the person make the scary sound using my body as a bit of a safety barrier so she could feel more confident observing. They continued to bang their item at her for the duration of the line, she took treats and watched, occasionally jolting her body but not actually jumping away. Thankfully we were only stuck in that situation for 2-5 minutes so she didn’t get flooded. I continuously treated every time it happened and she continued to do her best to just watch and process.

She did great at the till, these ones are very close together and it was busy so there was a ton of chaotic beeps and people sounds from every angle. I needed to lure her to the front since it was actually too loud for her to hear me ask for it, but once lured she stayed there perfectly for the whole transaction. I expected a bit more leaving position considering this was immediately after having that person repeatedly scare her. I figured she’d be shaken up and wanting to move around, keep an eye on things, etc. but she was actually able to shake off that situation for the most part.

Not the best trip in terms of *performance* but a solid trip for reintroducing her to the world and getting exposure.

[mountttmase]

That's going to be super long but i already warned you a few days ago🫢😂

Fuck she’s pretty, the voice in his head told him and he gulped lightly before shaking the thoughts from his brain

The thought of getting in a small enclosed space with you made his mouth feel dry and his palms sweat but he knew he needed to keep his cool and as soon as the lift pinged open, he motioned for you to step inside. Why the fuck am I freaking out? He laughed to himself, but each time he looked at you he felt his heart give a small thump. OMG I'M LOVING HIS INTERN THOUGHTS

The guys making fun of him asking him if he's sure she's real, and then tadan she's here

You looked as good as he’d ever seen you and from the way his heart felt like it was about to burst from his chest he knew he was in trouble. He was already in love🤗🫢

The fact you’d been dragged away for most of the night drove him insane so when he finally got the chance to be around you his mind had gone blank. I LOVE THAT YOU EXPLAINED WAY HE DIDN'T TALK WITH HER THAT NIGHT

‘What are you wearing?’ He asked, only noticing now the black hoodie you suddenly had on and an unfamiliar feeling of jealousy settled in his tummy. Little jealous boy, she's yours don't worry

Your arms were suddenly thrown around his shoulders, face in his neck and it took him a beat to try and work out what was happening but as if on instinct he wrapped his arms around you and pulled you close to him, revelling in the way your body seemed to fit so perfectly with his. He’d been dreaming of this moment for weeks, wondering if it ever might happen but here you were. Pressed up against him and the feeling of your breath on his neck was sending him into orbit. THATS THE SWEETEST THING EVER, OMG IM GOING TO CRY

Mason knew something was up, you’d been quieter than normal all morning but he wasn’t sure why. Maybe it was the hangover from all the alcohol from the night before or maybe it was the regret of waking up next to him but he felt useless and unsure of what to say to you again as he stacked the dishwasher. OHH THAT HURTS

‘I’d like that’ he told you and he felt his heart race at the fact you wanted to change your rules for him. Ooooo🤗

‘What’ he breathed, and his heart broke even more as you looked away so he wouldn’t see you cry. WOW IT DIDN'T HURT THAT MUCH IN HER POV

Why you were making him play spin the bottle he had no idea. The the thought of possibly having to see you kiss someone else was making him sweat and he couldn’t figure out why you’d seemed so insistent on playing what was practically a kids game. Jealous boy part 2, I knew he was dying inside

Mason stood up on instinct, reaching down to grab you by the hands so nothing looked too suspicious but he was freaking out at the possibility of maybe getting to kiss you. SCREAMING

Mason felt a shift in the bed, the click of the bathroom door waking him up fully and in the pit of his stomach he knew something was wrong. He just wasn’t sure what yet. AND THERE WE CAN START CRYING

There you were, out of your pyjamas and dressed in the clothes you’d bought to leave in the next morning. He could tell you were visibly upset and knew he had to be careful with you but the uncertainty of what was happening confused him. The fact that he knew that he had to be delicate but at the same time he was hurr and was not able to control himself hurts

Your face was unchanged as he ripped into you, but he turned away as he felt his first tears fell down his cheeks. He knew you’d seen them but he still wanted a little dignity if that was even possible at this point. IM CRYING WITH YOU DONT WORRY

‘She basically threw herself at me. Told me she wanted me and I told her that things would change if we did. She told me she knew but once we were done she’s just got dressed and fucked off like I’m nothing. I thought we were on the same page but she basically lied to me so I’d sleep with her’ Ooooo🥲

‘Look mate, I know you’re angry but please just think it over a bit when you’re ready. I’m pretty sure she’s just scared. I’ve seen the way she looks at you and the way you are together and unless she’s a pretty good actress I don’t think there’s a way she could fake that’ Ben reasoned but Mason wasn’t in the mood to agree. Simply nodding his head but leaving after a quick goodbye. BEN, I LOVE YOU (just when you're the cute friend in fics, sorry)🤗

He could still see your face the morning he’d dropped your bag off at your flat, the way it had dropped even further at the sight of him and the way you screamed at him out of hurt and frustration. He couldn’t blame you, he’d shouted at you too but now he knew how it felt he was willing to do anything for your forgiveness. YOU LOST ME THERE

I loved Freya, she was protective with the two of them, not only y/n and that hug🥲

‘Can you tell her that… that whenever she’s ready I’ll be waiting. I haven’t wanted to push her or anything but I’m getting desperate. No matter when or where I’ll be ready for her, yeah?’ 🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠

He was awake and thinking of her while she was down stairs 🥲🥲🥲

OK, that was even better than what I was thinking, you've overdone yourself here

Thank you for bringing them back to us 🩷🩷🩷

This series will forever have a soft spot in my heart

THIS IS SO LOVELY THANK YOU 🩷🩷🩷

I love getting to read all your favourite parts cause they’re my favourite parts too 🥺

But I’m happy they’re back too I’ve missed sharing them with you 🥹

[dragonmasterhiccup]

“Woah, okay! It’ll be like a surprise then!” Looking back at Valka, she asked, “When are you gonna come visit again? So I can give you your drawing!”

“Um… I don’t really know, I’ve never had a ton of time to think about that… Oh, wait! Maybe I could learn how to use a bow? Bows are super cool! And most of the time, the people that use them don’t have to get close to other people!”

“Maybe I will. I need some time to think of a good one, though, okay? So um, maybe in… a few days? Is that okay?”

The little girl burst out laughing at Astrid’s statement, finding that, along with the playful banter of the couple to be more than a little funny.

She immediately shook her head, rubbing one of her eyes while waving her other hand dismissively. “No, ‘s fine, I don’t really wanna do all that right now. It’s already a little better anyways, I was jus’ pushing on it too much.”

She tilted her head to the side. “You are? Really? But… what if I don’t see you again?” she asked, her voice going a tad bit quieter.

“I, I’ll try, but I don’t think they’ll let me come back… I’m not usually allowed to leave. I- I don’t even know why they let me come here in the first place…”

But the thing is, yes, she missed her siblings dearly, they were her family, but Berk, Hiccup and Astrid, and now Valka too, they… she didn’t want to leave them, she didn’t want to leave here. They were taking care of her, and they didn’t hurt her, never, she… really, really didn’t want to go back home.

Unbeknownst to her, tears started building up her eyes as she now stared into space with thought.

“Hiccup?” she started, her voice cracking, “I don’t… I don’t wanna go home, I wanna stay here, with you, c-‘cause you don’t hurt me, and there’s food, a-and a bed.” Suddenly her eyes locked with his. “Please don’t make me go back, please. I-I’ll do anything… just please.”

"Let's see...I'm relocating a flock of Deadly Nadders tomorrow, and I have patrol the day after...I can come back in three days, is that enough time?"

Astrid perked up. "I can help with that! I teach archery anyways, we could do some private lessons!"

"A few days is fine," Hiccup said.

As Danny's voice grew quieter, the three adults looked at each other, unsure of how to respond.

Hiccup, moving from his seat, knelt down in front of Danny. He reached forwards, wiping the tears from her face. "You will come back to us, Danny. Don't ask me how I know, but I do, I just can't explain it." As her eyes locked with his, his expression reflected the sadness in hers. His eyes were rimmed with tears, though they didn't fall.

This has kept him up late the past few nights, trying to figure out a way to make it so she didn't have to go back.

It was the first time he had no plans come, no way to get around it.

And he hated it.

He couldn't even tell her the truth. She'd think he was crazy if he said that she was in the future, that in this time, she was fourteen and had been living on Berk for almost two years.

"Astrid and I would keep you here if we could, but it's not up to us. I have tried, thinking of every possible way we could prevent you from going back there...but those that sent you to us won't allow it."

It was clear that he'd been struggling with this. He slouched in his place, like there was a large weight on his shoulders, and at some point while he spoke, his gaze turned to the wooden floor beneath them.

Astrid and Valka were mournful as well, knowing full well there was nothing they could do.

Hiccup pulled Danny into a hug, mindful to not hug her too tightly because of her back. "I'm so sorry, I'm going to keep trying, but...I don't think there's anything I can do about this..."

Valka leaned forward, wrapping her arms around them, and Astrid knelt down as well, joining in the hug.