#the-al-chemist

[liiilyevans]

For the unusual writer asks I would love a BTS for the newest addition to my “to-read” list, Uncharted Territory, please! 💛

BTS: I’ll write a DVD commentary about my personal favorite passage from Uncharted Territory

This was really hard to do because I have several scenes that I could consider my favorite in this fic. So I decided to go with the first one from chapter 2!

With a grimace, Angelina leaned forward. “I was thinking.” 

George raised his eyebrows. “Should I be scared?” 

Angelina used to say this to George/the twins all the time. They'd come up and tell her, 'We have an idea,' and her response was always, 'Should I be scared?' (They answer was usually most definitely.)

She rolled her eyes. “I like the name Frederick.” There was silence before she continued, George’s eyes fixed on the baby. “And I know you never suggested it, but I know that you wanted to name him after Fred. So, I thought maybe we’d put the two names together. It just felt right to me.” She bit her lip again. “As long as you know that this baby isn’t a replacement-”

This is really important to Angelina. She's been with George through his worst and having him hyperfixate on their son as a replacement for his twin would be a major regression in his healing journey. It's also something a younger, less mature George would have done.

“He could never be that, Angelina,” George interrupted, and no truer words could have been spoken. “No one could ever bring back what I felt for Fred. And . . . what I feel for him is nothing like what I felt for Fred.” 

He’d always thought of Fred has a part of himself, the other half to make him whole. They were a unit, perfectly in sync. Fred had been brash where he had been more reserved. Fred’s eyes sparkled with cruelty where George’s had glinted with a faint apology. Fred was captivated by the big picture while George focused on the intricate details. And then George had lost all that in one crushing moment that took him years to recover from. 

The contrast here is important. So many people think of Fred and George as the same person, but George knows better, knows the little things that make them completely separate people. When he was at his lowest, he would go out into the Muggle world, get drunk, and pretend to be Fred, but it never felt right. He could never quite convince himself that Fred was the one who was alive and he was in the grace. Then he always woke up feeling like shit the next morning. So George has to remember this, especially in a moment like this, and especially since they're considering the possibility of naming their son after his twin.

But this baby, he felt like something new — something so extraordinary that George didn’t even think his twin would understand if he were here. There was a fierce protectiveness in his chest, roaring like a lion. And he’d felt protective of Fred, too, but not like this. Never like this. The other part of him was overjoyed; so much joy that he thought he’d explode and confetti would rain down on Angelina and their baby. It was unlike anything he’d ever felt before. 

It's important here to see what exactly George feels, to see that his feelings for his son are different from those of his brother. It's also really important for him to make that distinction as well.

When he glanced back up at Angelina, she had a hard look in her eyes; pride, he thought, like when she’d won the Quidditch Cup against all odds in seventh year. She had never looked at him quite like that before. 

Unusual Fic-Specific Asks

[dcxdpdabbles]

Teacher: Class, we have a new student joining us today. Danny, could you tell us a little about yourself? Danny, standing up: Ugh, okay. My name is Danny Fenton. I'm from Amity Park, Illinois. I moved to Gotham with my siblings. Teacher: That's lovely, Danny. Do you have any hobbies? Danny: I like to stargaze, but it's tricky here in Gotham to see them. Teacher waiting for more: *Stare* Classroom: *stare* Danny panics as the class stares at him. I also really liked helping Dan with his experiments. Teacher: Who's Dan? Danny: He's my eldest brother. He got a job at Wayne Labs three months ago, so we moved. Classmate: What kind of experiments do you guys do? Danny: Dan's a chemist. He likes to create antidotes to various poisons or toxic substances. Last month, he made the new Anti-Fear Gass Antidote! Classmate: *scoff* Yeah, right, and I'm the tooth fairy Classroom: *laughs* Teacher: Alright, everyone, settle down. Danny, welcome to Gotham, but you should be careful with your fibs. They can be dangerous in this city. Danny: I'm not lying. Teacher: Of course not. Everyone turn to pages three and twelve in your math textbooks- Danny, please sit down. Danny: *sits* It wasn't a lie Damian: I believe you. Danny: Really? Damian: Yes, my Father signs Dan Fenton's paychecks. Danny: Oh, does he work at Wayne Labs, too? Damian: .....In a way. Would you happen to know who I am? Danny: Damian Al Ghul. I heard you tell the teacher you prefer that name. Damian: .....Yes. Your pronunciation of my last is perfect. Most people claim it's too hard. Danny shrugs: If I can learn to pronounce Obi-Wan Kenobi, I can learn how to say your last name. Most people are just rude. Damian, under his breath: Is this the rush Mother felt when she found her Beloved? Danny: What? I'm sorry I didn't catch that Damian: Do not worry about it. Merely know that you belong to me now Danny: Like a friend? Damian:.....In a way. Danny: Cool :D

[milfweirdal]

@friend-through-teenage-nights that's so cool! I love how much thought and attention he pays to these things

My favourite bit of Weird Al 27 lore is that the chemical formula for aluminium is Al and its atomic mass (number of protons and neutrons in the atomic nucleus) is 27, making Foil a stealth 27 incident.

that is a wonderful piece of information. Do you have any other favourite pieces of obscure 27 lore?

[komsomolka]

According to reports, three prominent Syrian scientists have been assassinated within a 24-hour period. Among the victims are Professor Shadia Habbal, an internationally recognised expert in physics and astronomy; Dr. Hamdi Ismail, a leading chemist; and Professor Zahra Al-Homsiya, a distinguished biologist.

[ultimate-marysue]

The Batfam and cooking

Alfred: we have so much canon info about this one. He takes pride in meeting the demands of his grandkids, but the kids sometimes just pretend to like it for his peace of mind.

Bruce: No. And I don't mean in the meme way. He's more than capable of sustaining himself and following instructions. He also chooses to subsist on those "nutritional milkshakes". Like to him is not a matter of learning how to cook, he's a chemist measuring his exact nutritional needs in a cup. It's disgusting and he shouldn't be allowed near the blender.

Barbara Gordon: not the best, not the worst. She has cooked, she will cook again. She's also not trying to make anything too fancy. She prefers take out mainly because she has (and will again in the future) burnt her food to a crisp because she got distracted with oracle stuff. A quick check while the potatoes are in the oven is a very dangerous thing.

Dick Grayson: he would love to be that guy that takes Instagramable pictures of his food. Sometimes he manages to do just that, but that's not sustainable for him. He has a few fancy recipes he likes to bring out to impress people or to feel like a responsible adult. Most of the time he's sauteing random vegetables with some rice and chicken and calling it a day. It's good, healthy and filling but is not much in the great scheme of things. I feel like he'd make really good salads too for some reason.

Cassandra Cain: she's not very good at being people. Cooking is part of that, a survival skill and not much more. She really appreciates nice food but doesn't see the point in learning herself when her time is better spent elsewhere. I can see her breaking into the other's houses to join them for dinner because she forgot to make her own.

Jason Todd: this man cooks. I don't care if the whole "Alfred's favorite" thing is a bit fanon, it's fun fanon. I think that since he is aware of how they lie to Alfred sometimes, he'd be an even better cook. He's the kind of guy to make any recipe work first try, even if he keeps workshopping it until it's perfect. He's also very neat and cleans after himself. Cooking helps him wind down after a hard night. If he messes up though he might cry.

Stephanie Brown: she took the whole "cooking is like science" and decided to be a mad scientist. Her cooking works for her because she has crazy tastes. Like she'd make a salami and Nutella sandwich and consider it her Magnum opus. She loves baking too just so she can fuck around and find out. Steph usually leaves the mess there until she needs the space to cook again. Not because she's dirty it's just that she gets so caught up in trying the final product she forgets about it. She stresses the fuck out of Jason.

Tim Drake: he's more of an utilitarian, closer to Cass. He learned a few simple recipes when he was a kid and that's all he needs. Through the years he's had to add a couple more to make it more balanced and fit his needs (first with the increase of physical activity and then the asplenia). He has a very healthy but very limited diet. He refuses to add anything else because there's no need. He already knows how to cook the things he needs and likes well, thank u very much.

Duke Thomas: this man can cook. It takes him a while to get into it, but he has great instinct for it. He's more of a "vibes only" kind of cook, which makes him an awful baker but Alfred has the sweets covered anyways. Part of his process includes picking the spices from the back of the rack that Alfred pretends don't exist. He's creative but not in as much of a messy way as Steph. And unlike her, he does have functioning taste buds so sometimes he ends up a victim of his own hubris. Most times it works out for him.

Damian Wayne Al Gul: he helps his siblings whenever he mooches food from them (because Alfred is the only one that tolerates idle hands in the kitchen). He loves Jason's cooking but he has more fun with Duke and Steph. They allow his input and suggestions which makes him feel like he's contributing. He prefers Duke though, because his success rate is higher.

[a-fantastic-time]

Al-Slime-chemist! (Open D&D RP)

Juvia had left her natural habitat in hopes of giving her people a better reputation. Slimes, Oozes, and even her own kind Plasmoids had a bad rap among more solid-folk. So she dawned a more humanoid appearance, and used what clothes and gear she had gathered from fallen adventurers to make herself seem more appropriate to what she thought sentient species would find appealing.

She made her way to the nearest capital city and applied to become an adventurer at the guild there. She had found that she had a knack for magic and postions, using her own slime as the bases for much of it. Thinking that if she made it know that slimes were more useful than just cleaning sewers, that maybe people would see them in a better light. She had gotten a letter to meet up with a potential party, and rushed to meet [your muse/muses] at the designated locations.

"HI! I am Juvia, your Al-Slime-chemist!~ Hope we can work together swimmingly."

[3dprintcess]

Spaceship Greg [AO3]

M/M, Explicit, 77k words, Taskmaster UK sci-fi AU, fandom-blind friendly.

A sci-fi space fic where Greg is a spaceship, and Alex is an escaped, drug-chemist, slave. They have a bad time, finding comfort in each other.

After decades of indentured servitude on Al Murray’s private moon, Alex has made a break for it – scrambling through a junkyard in a desperate bid for freedom. He’s terrified, bleeding, and fears a laser blast in his back at any moment, but he would never in a million years expect to literally stumble upon a half-junked spaceship from the war in need of a name, a purpose, and most of all, a friend.

He reaches out his hand, and carefully wipes away years and years of dust from the cold metal surface – feeling the engraving rippling on his fingertips. The plaque reads “Geran Republic 3Ө, Stellar Monitor Warship” There’s a date too – which seems to be the commission date – forty-three years ago.

“Can I call you Greg?”

Animated gif commissioned from the incomparable @debbie-sketch. Absolutely beautiful, such soft warm colours, and has a bit of an Iron Giant vibe! They were a delight to work with <3

[caramel1mochi]

ㅤㅤPlasma [ Yoru x F! Reader ] [2] [ part 1 / part 2 ] words: 4.5k / Please refrain from stealing my work.

ㅤIt's known that earning Yoru's attention is a futile struggle. Still, the first to achieve it is you — a woman who plans for nothing beyond the optimal spot to doze off.ㅤ

note: This part contains two premium scenes! This emoji 🔆 is where the scenes would take place. Available on my Kofi for tier one and above, hehe

It didn’t take long before you all finally arrived at the base. Fortunately, by the time the vehicle landed, Iso’s body was now capable of healing itself without your help anymore, and the curse on Clove’s bones seemed to be stagnant. All the while Omen suffered no effects from everything that had just occurred.

Perks of being a wraith, right? Or something like that.

With Sage's reassurance, you would potentially get examined, pulled aside to fill out some forms then finally be integrated in the protocol with a codename of your own. From the way she described it, it didn't sound like a very complicated process. Which was very amiss for a so-called covert protocol who were pretty much your enemies twenty minutes ago.

Things seemed to be looking up, you mused.

But just as you stepped foot outside of the vehicle, not only did the afternoon sun pierce your eyes like arrows, but you were met with a group of at least a dozen people… who all had their rifles aimed at you.

What a greeting, huh?

Suddenly you questioned their claims about how friendly the members of this Valorant thing were.

ㅤㅤ

“Who's this, exactly?”

ㅤㅤ

One green-eyed woman hissed before you could take in their appearances. Sage, however, emerged from within the aircraft, and just her presence loosened their grips on their weaponry

ㅤㅤ

“Viper, please, put down the guns! This is our new recruit!”

ㅤㅤ

You expected the expression of wrath to ease, but it wasn’t. In fact, given the look of surprised followed with anger as she glanced at the healer, it let you know her words made things worse.

ㅤㅤ

“Excuse me? I don’t remember giving you the authority to recruit agents on the spot, Sage.”

ㅤㅤ

Viper uttered her name with a certain amount of vitriol.

Then, a much larger hand landed on her shoulder, and all of your eyes were instead locked on a massive burly man with a peculiar orange beret. He triumphed over the chemist with ease in terms of both height and muscle. Despite all of this, however, he was clearly much less intimidating than her by appearance and posture alone.

ㅤㅤ

“Calm down, Sabine. I’m sure Sage had a good reason.”

ㅤㅤ

Sage nodded, relieved at his words.

ㅤㅤ

“The radiants the Scions of Hourglass recruited were incredibly dangerous; we would’ve suffered heavy losses without her. Besides,” she glanced at you with a warm smile, “she’s Iso’s friend. She can help us uncover more about them.”

ㅤㅤ

Viper promptly stared at you with narrow eyes. Her unchanged posture was enough indication that she wasn't phased by Sage's hopeful words in the slightest.

And despite seeing what was practically the worst of the worst, you felt a bit uneasy being ruthlessly scrutinised like this by who seemed to be their superior. So much for a more 'merciful' protocol. Viper was just like one of your superiors, only she didn't hide behind dozens of appearances and fake names to give out cruel orders.

Your train of thought burst once she suddenly put down her weapon.

Everyone put down their own guns with a wave of her hand. Then, she took a step forward, moving closer towards you. With every step, Viper's heels sharply clicked against the porcelain ground you all stood on. Her glare remained unyielding, and her grip on her pistol grew firmer.

ㅤㅤ

“I'm impressed this one managed to gain the trust of our most indispensable assets within...” she stopped and gave you a once-over, “a few hours.”

ㅤㅤ

You were taken aback by her description of Sage. But before any of you could bite back, the larger man stepped up and swiftly interrupted, his tone much louder and friendlier than hers.

ㅤㅤ

"Alright, listen, let's save this chit-chat for later and focus on what's important."

ㅤㅤ

"Of course... I should be taking care of Clove, after all."

ㅤㅤ

You were surprised Brimstone had the guts to say something like that while the rest hadn't dared utter a single sound. Nevertheless, Brim and Sage's attempts to take Viper's attention away from you were in vain. Her eyes still drilled through yours with an unfathomable amount of malice.

Unfathomable to others, of course. This look was very familiar to you.

ㅤㅤ

"I'll handle Sage. Brim, you'll be taking care of our guest."

It wasn't a suggestion, that much could be inferred.

However, you couldn't help but notice how everyone's expressions slightly shifted at this, some more obviously uncomfortable than others. And you also couldn't help but wonder what she meant by 'handling' Sage. Was she going to cut down her rations, or something? Perhaps restrict water and make her train vehemently for hours. Or maybe even public shaming, that sounded like something this green-eyed woman would do.

You smiled fondly at the punishments as they ran through your mind. Did you have a right to say 'good old days' already? You only left a few minutes ago.

You weren't really given the pleasure of seeing the events unfold, not since you were pulled aside in a pristine office with Brimstone. And so far, his questions seemed to fit Sage's words back in the aircraft.

He only asked for basic information. Your age, height, name, and abilities; nothing really about the Scions of Hourglass.

The conversation between you two was calm and, admittedly, unremarkable. In fact, your little brain got more dopamine out of simply inspecting your surroundings. There were charming pictures both hung on the walls and framed on the sturdy wooden desk in front of you, dog tags next to a laptop, a bulletin board cluttered with papers and pictures, even a little CD player on the side.

It was cute.

It was also a massive contrast to the argument you could hear just outside in the hallways. Well, you couldn't exactly hear it. Their words were muffled just enough to be inaudible mumbling. And the remarkable silence in the room only helped magnify the volume of their voices. Even with his questions and the new environment, your mind simply honed on the two women outside.

Was this on purpose? If so, then maybe you were right about that public shaming thing.

Huh.

ㅤㅤ

"What were you thinking, recruiting an enemy like that?"

ㅤㅤ

Viper questioned through gritted teeth, her fists clenched. And while Sage was clearly shaken up by this, her desire to defend her choices overwhelmed her thought process first.

Being in a dreary plain hallway made predominantly of metal, their voices loudly echoing throughout the constricted area, and the lights that hung above that emitted a lifeless glow — all of it contributed to the anxiety that stemmed from arguing with someone like Viper.

ㅤㅤ

"Viper, you don't understand, the damage they've done is irreversible! Clove could still very much be cursed, I–"

ㅤㅤ

"Iso's recruitment in and of itself was a misstep." Viper interrupted. "He only joined to kill Omen; how do you know she's not the same?"

ㅤㅤ

"I assure you, she's not! She has more reasons to go against them than to obey them!"

ㅤㅤ

Sage explained delicately as she took a step forward, both of her hands clasped together. However, her boss could only callously wave her off. Her tone grew harsher with each word, and at this point, she struggled to find reasons to keep Sage around.

Of course, that only applied if Viper wasn't only second-in-command.

ㅤㅤ

"The only reason Iso defected at all is because he happened to be sensitive. What do you think he would've done if he wasn't?!"

ㅤㅤ

"Iso and Clove both would've died if she hadn't alerted us to their state. Viper, I'm sorry but I don't think you understand the magnitude of the situation!"

ㅤㅤ

"Yes. Those two could've died because they were exposed to a rank we were unprepared for — the same rank from which you recruited a member."

ㅤㅤ

"Would you have preferred I let everyone die?!"

ㅤㅤ

Sage's desperation reached higher levels, evident in the slight shakiness of her high-pitched voice, but Viper remained unphased.

As per usual.

ㅤㅤ

"I would've preferred you not be negligent for once!" She stopped herself, promptly sighing and pinching her nose bridge. "I should've known better."

ㅤㅤ

For a moment, there was only silence; all Viper could do was lean on the nearby wall as she gathered her thoughts. And at this point, she heavily regretted not handling you whilst Brimstone dealt with Sage. Hoping to calm her thoughts, Sage opened her mouth to speak−

Then, the door swung open, swiftly interrupting their argument.

The two women didn't even need to look at the figure itself to recognise who it was, considering his massive shadow that concealed a quarter of the hallway's walls.

ㅤㅤ

"Sabine. You're gonna wanna see this."

ㅤㅤ

"What is it? Did she try something?"

ㅤㅤ

Viper's hand fell to her sides, and she turned around to meet his gaze, but the unconcerned look on his face said otherwise. A massive contrast to the chemist herself.

Brimstone couldn't help but chuckle.

ㅤㅤ

"No, it's just her powers. She controls blood... and there's some physiology jargon I don't get along with."

ㅤㅤ

He explained as he slowly stroked his beard.

Brimstone's voice had a softer lilt, he spoke at a much lower volume; Sage couldn't help but be pleased at this given that her throat began to strain from the argument. That, and the ringing in her ears. It was almost as aggravating as the unbearable beeps of a spike preceding its explosion. Including the unfathomable dread she'd feel.

Viper stared at him in silence, presumably looking over the situation. Or just to understand what the heck he meant by that. He couldn't be any less clear if he tried.

With a sigh, she glanced back at Sage, her hand held out.

ㅤㅤ

"Give me your gun."

ㅤㅤ

"There's really no need for–"

ㅤㅤ

"I wasn't asking."

ㅤㅤ

Viper bit back with gritted teeth, swiftly shutting her up. So, with a sigh, Sage took out her Sheriff and reluctantly placed it in her impatient boss's palm.

Gun in hand, Viper marched inside Brimstone's office with both of the superiors behind her.

It took Iso a while to finally come out of his room and sit amongst the others in the lobby. And for the first thirty minutes, it was considerably empty. This unexpected stillness allowed him to simply relax on the comfortable sofa as he scrolled through a few dozen atmospheric songs to help calm him down — even though he had his earphones on and the battery was at 60%.

For a moment, the few people in the lobby minded their own business. This allowed Iso the time he needed to look over the situation without a clouded mind.

His mind was stuck on the mission and you.

To say he felt guilty at practically deserting you at the Scions would be a vast understatement. The second he handed Omen his phone to show him the mission was when he should've also alerted them about you. But he wasn't sure why he didn't. It's not like he had forgotten about you like everything else, but–

Iso flinched once the couch suddenly dipped on his right, and his eyes locked on a very familiar Scot who plopped themselves down directly next to him. Despite being a quarter of his size, the couch was compressed before forming back to its original shape once it adjusted to their weight.

Clove made themselves comfortable before resting one arm on the backrest of the couch, their big eyes glimmering as they glanced at Iso.

ㅤㅤ

"So, Zhao Yu, aye?"

ㅤㅤ

...

ㅤㅤ

"Huh? Oh, yeah. My name." He returned to scrolling. "You can call me Yu, though."

ㅤㅤ

"Really? But I've nae seen yer friend call you that."

ㅤㅤ

Clove asked with a tilt of their head, and Iso shrugged.

ㅤㅤ

"I tried telling her. Once."

ㅤㅤ

This statement made them pause. However, as they looked over what the heck he meant by that, the two didn't notice a figure peer over both of their shoulders.

ㅤㅤ

"So, Iso…"

ㅤㅤ

A high-pitched voice from behind them interrupted their short-lived conversation, and the duo looked over to see both Jett and Neon leaning on the backrest of the couch, their eyes locked on the hitman.

Iso quickly gave the room a once over. Wasn't it empty just a few minutes prior, with the exception of maybe Raze and Killjoy?

ㅤㅤ

"You didn’t tell us you had a friend from where you worked."

ㅤㅤ

Jett started, earning an eye roll from Neon.

ㅤㅤ

"Seriously. No offence, but from what you said back there, we all thought you were a lone-wolf, or whatever."

ㅤㅤ

After what felt like millennia, Iso finally settled on a song without lyrics to help him focus. He tapped on it and promptly pocketed his phone, finally meeting their gazes.

ㅤㅤ

"Technically, I worked alone. She was just my assigned healer."

ㅤㅤ

"Assigned healer!" Jett blurted out, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "You mean you had your very own medic to heal you after your missions?"

ㅤㅤ

"That’s, uh, one way to put it."

ㅤㅤ

"You had your own private healer? Sounds lavish, ja?"

ㅤㅤ

The duo jumped once another voice popped up from behind, and they looked over to see Killjoy leaning on the armrest. The one person Iso wasn't surprised to see.

The three women that surrounded them all bore that same look of excited curiosity. After all, the younglings suffered from a disease called 'being too expressive', and it was bloody obvious they were about to ask every question in the book to learn about you.

Clove couldn't help but lean towards Iso as their eyes jumped from one eager agent to the next.

ㅤㅤ

"Iso, we're getting surrounded."

ㅤㅤ

Iso replied with a light and awkward chuckle. However, before he could respond, Neon suddenly interrupted their would-be conversation with her own question.

ㅤㅤ

"Sige, chika! What's she like? Are you guys actually friends, or it's just that formal crap? How'd you two meet?" <Come on, let's gossip!>

ㅤㅤ

Neon spoke very fast. Almost too quick for him to keep up, but he managed to pick out the important words in her sentence.

ㅤㅤ

"Uh, no, we're friends; I've known her for a while... She's pretty cool." He shrugged. "But I don't remember how we met."

ㅤㅤ

"Lame. You don't remember anything."

ㅤㅤ

Jett grumbled. Clove, however, noticed Iso's very subtle yet uncomfortable reaction to her statement.

ㅤㅤ

"I'd kill to meet her. Hoy, where'd they say she was, again?"

ㅤㅤ

"I heard she's still with Viper. Do you think she's grilling her like she grilled Iso?"

ㅤㅤ

The others exchanged hums and looks of agreement. And because of this, the conversation continued between them, now discussing how they thought the Scions of Hourglass functioned and your role within it. But Iso was clearly and silently displeased at Killjoy's 'grill' comment. He only watched them converse in silence, after all, a slight furrow of his brow being the only indication of such a thing.

For once, however, there was only one person who noticed the aggravation in Iso — Clove glanced at him for a moment before they laid their head on his shoulder.

This gesture served as a successful attempt to ground and calm him. He couldn't help but lightly smile at this, allowing his mind to drift back to the conversation between the group.

Fade was one of the ones who had their guns pointed at you back there. And unlike the other new agents, all whom she utterly disregarded due to their uninteresting personalities, you caught her eye... Really caught her eye.

From the moment you stepped out of the helicopter, Fade couldn’t take her eyes off of you. Your skin, despite most of it being concealed by the robes you wore, was as pale as a bone. And the midnight blue robes only brought out how malnourished you looked.

And your hair?

She loved the way it fell on your shoulders. Almost like wilted flowers that framed one half of your fatigued face while concealing the other with curls that could hardly hold themselves up. If death itself took on the appearance of a woman, she was sure you'd be the result. Her curiosity and desire to seek you out dictated all of her following actions. Which is why she was so willing to wait a few hours until your little talking session with her superiors was finally over.

In fact, she couldn't help but manipulate her essence of raw fear to isolate your location the moment she heard you were finally let go. Nobody knew where you were. But in more ways than one, the nightmare agent was an outlier from the rest.

She marched down the empty hallways as the whispers and shadows guided her to you.

And she found you; you were sitting under the gazebo in the courtyard. Chin on your hand, eyes closed, she wouldn’t have thought twice about you being dead if it weren’t for the rising motion of your chest as you breathed.

Well, that’s really her problem for associating so many things with death. Death, death, death.

Fade marched towards the gazebo and stopped in front of you, her shadow completely engulfing your figure. And yet, you hadn’t noticed the silent Turk. Her steps were impressively quiet, and the only thing that gave away her presence was the coldness emitted from her silhouette.

ㅤㅤ

“Hey.”

ㅤㅤ

Fade's sharp voice broke the previously tranquil silence. You barely lifted your eyelids to meet her gaze. But even with the sun, it was hard to outline her features in such darkness. Fade looked like an extension of the shadows.

She promptly crossed her arms.

ㅤㅤ

“I'm impressed you haven't been found yet.”

ㅤㅤ

At this point, opening your mouth to even reply felt like lifting twelve full suitcases with one hand. But alas, you had to.

ㅤㅤ

“You Valorant soldiers get impressed easily.”

ㅤㅤ

"Ha. Soldiers? Really? You're being too kind."

ㅤㅤ

"So what are you?"

ㅤㅤ

"Me? I'm amazing. Though, I'm not too sure about the others."

ㅤㅤ

You unwittingly tittered at her remark. The sound was unnatural coming out of you. But lord knows you couldn't help yourself, especially not in the face of such a bold woman.

You glanced up at her with a half-smile.

ㅤㅤ

"You know what? I l−"

ㅤㅤ

"I know you do. But for the sake of formalities... thanks."

ㅤㅤ

...

ㅤㅤ

"How did you know what I wanted to say?"

ㅤㅤ

Fade eyed the pearly white bench behind her, the one opposite to you. She promptly sat and made herself comfortable. Then, she glanced at you, a mischievous smile lifting the corner of her black lips.

ㅤㅤ

"I read your mind. Nothing special."

ㅤㅤ

...Wow, you thought to yourself. She really was something else, wasn't she?

However, once she sat down, you finally caught a glimpse of her own set of breath-taking features. Fade's voluminous hair transitioned from a rich black at the top to a bold grey, and that wasn't to mention her unique makeup. It definitely reminded you of something you couldn't put your finger on. Nevertheless, in the same way you hypnotised her, she did the same to you, and you couldn't help but observe those eyes she bore.

One brown, one blue — both competed for your attention and dared you to look away. Other than Iso, this was the first agent you genuinely wanted to speak to.

With all of the scraps of energy you could muster up, you sat up, reclining on the benches.

ㅤㅤ

“What’s your name?”

ㅤㅤ

“Fade. Yours?”

ㅤㅤ

“Y/N. What do you do?”

ㅤㅤ

“I have a lot to do with intuition. Getting into people’s heads, seeing their primal fears, secrets and everything else. It’s hard to hide things from me.”

ㅤㅤ

You half-smiled in response. Your old bosses would've exploited the heck out of her powers. Getting into people's heads? Absolute goldmine.

ㅤㅤ

“Tight. Are you in mine?”

ㅤㅤ

“Working on it. So, Y/N,” she reclined and rested her arm on the back of the bench, further making herself comfortable, “tell me a little bit about yourself. How come you know Iso and this pitiful organisation? And what do you, exactly?”

ㅤㅤ

You averted your gaze to the porcelain flooring, remembering how you got in. But it's not like it was an arduous task; you just spent the past hour or however long recalling everything you could when Viper questioned you earlier. It was a long, and, as you’d say, dumb story. Mostly because you were an incredibly lovestruck girl with radiant powers that just began emerging in your teen years.

Could you even be bothered to explain everything…?

ㅤㅤ

“I control blood. And I joined cus my boyfriend lied to me. Iso joined cus he was a kid.”

ㅤㅤ

Now that Iso wasn’t here, you were free to somewhat talk about this without making him anxious.

ㅤㅤ

“You control blood, and all you can do is heal? That doesn’t add up.“

ㅤㅤ

Word for word what Viper said, you noted in your mind.

ㅤㅤ

“Yup. Cus my powers are disabled.”

ㅤㅤ

She laughed at this, though it was more so a laughter of disbelief than anything else.

ㅤㅤ

“You can’t permanently disable a radiant’s abilities. It’s just not possible.”

ㅤㅤ

“You can if they’re developing.”

ㅤㅤ

“Okay, how did they do it? Did they attach a chip in you, or use some kind of suppression field?”

ㅤㅤ

You had no idea what she meant by a suppression field. Or chip. So you shrugged.

ㅤㅤ

"Dunno, they hired a load of scientists and they did their work."

ㅤㅤ

She nodded with a hum.

ㅤㅤ

“Have you told Viper about all of this?”

ㅤㅤ

“She offered to revert it.”

ㅤㅤ

“And?”

ㅤㅤ

“Dunno. Haven’t decided.”

ㅤㅤ

Fade tilted her head. Clearly, this surprised her as much as it surprised Viper and Sage. And Brimstone.

ㅤㅤ

“Is that seriously something you have to think about?”

ㅤㅤ

“Yup.”

ㅤㅤ

“Why?”

ㅤㅤ

“I don’t wanna learn anything new.”

ㅤㅤ

Fade stared at you for a few seconds, lightly swinging her leg back and forth as she went over what you said. And she couldn't decipher what on Earth you meant. No matter how she framed it.

After all, who would pass up on the opportunity to be able to finally access every aspect of their powers? Especially a late bloomer like yourself.

ㅤㅤ

“I can’t make sense of what you’re trying to get at, Y/N.”

ㅤㅤ

“Can’t you get in my head?”

ㅤㅤ

You noted the surprise on her face judging by the way her eyes slightly widened, and the subtle parting of her lips. It was a bold statement. Clearly, you meant it, your stony face conveying just as much.

Fade cracked a smile once more, amusement now etched all over her features.

ㅤㅤ

“Are you giving me permission?”

ㅤㅤ

You lazily lifted a hand and flashed her a thumbs up. And Fade stared at you for a few seconds, attempting to understand if this was a joke or not.

She secretly probed your brain throughout this whole conversation. Nothing special, she did this with everyone, even if it was an unconscious habit on her side. However, she knew if any one of the others found out, they'd definitely make a scene.

But you were okay with it. Which was perfect.

With this confirmation from you, it allowed her to pick up the painfully slow pace and freely dig into your brain. And, to her surprise, she couldn’t really find anything too debilitating.

Sure, you were just as traumatised as Iso no question as to how she knows that, but she couldn’t find anything intense within you. Not depression, not an overwhelming sense of anger, no lust for revenge, nothing. Heck, even the satisfaction of some of your old superiors being dead was naught.

Nothing but the strong desire to... what was it, be still?  It was something stagnant. Idle.

Whatever it was, matched the words you were saying, that’s for sure.

ㅤㅤ

“I’m sensing a detached energy from you.” She paused. “You want to relax? Is that it?”

ㅤㅤ

You replied with a thumbs up again. And Fade was delighted at her correct assumption.

She saw a bit more as she continued observing your brain. It wasn’t anything different from what you said; invasive experiments, different labs, scientists…

But Fade quickly stopped once she saw you shouting at a particular lilac-eyed child, presumably twelve, calling him a thief as you were held down by multiple people and forced to draw your own blood. Jesus, you were way angrier than she thought.

She suddenly shook her head like an irritated cat once she saw one specific memory. It took her a moment to come back from it no thanks to the ringing in her ears.

Fade glanced at you.

ㅤㅤ

“You can’t… naturally draw blood?”

ㅤㅤ

You shook your head. And Fade processed the situation.

This didn’t add up. Why did you undergo so many experiments to prevent you from fully accessing your abilities while the rest were free to make people brain dead within thirty seconds, or curse bones to form holes, or control bloody minds?

Why were you an outlier?

…

It clicked when she saw a few more memories, and a look of realisation painted her previously blank expression.

ㅤㅤ

"Do you understand why they suppressed you specifically, Y/N?"

ㅤㅤ

"I was a bratty kid. Could be that."

ㅤㅤ

You noted with a shrug, earning a smug smile form her. Bratty is an… well, after what she saw? It's not the word she'd use, that's for sure.

ㅤㅤ

“You don’t understand how devastating blood magic can be, do you?”

ㅤㅤ

Given that the sun mostly shined upon you while she herself was engulfed in darkness, she easily noticed the very slight raise of your eyebrow. Enough to indicate you were either curious, or confused.

ㅤㅤ

“My partners are worse.”

ㅤㅤ

Fade cackled at this, her laughter laced with innocent villainy.

ㅤㅤ

“Do you know just how much damage you can cause with these powers, Y/N? Do you know how many lives you can take with just a wave of your hand?” She tucked away a few strands of her black hair, allowing only her brown eye to be visible to you. “Blood is just like fear; you’ll find it in every single living being. And if you control it? You control everything.” 

ㅤㅤ

You stared at her for a few seconds as you processed her words.

To her, you had basically won the radiant ability lottery. But to you? Well…

ㅤㅤ

“I don’t wanna control everything.”

ㅤㅤ

“Why not? Too much responsibility?”

ㅤㅤ

"I dunno. Starting all over sounds like work." You noted. "I don't like work."

ㅤㅤ

For a moment, there was only silence as she pondered over what you said. You weren't lying when you said you wanted to relax. But still, this desire seemed to stand in the way of — what she considered — powers with vast potential.

But it wasn't hard to see why you weren't convinced; after all, not only were you a late bloomer, you weren't even able to draw an adequate amount of blood.

Fade promptly leaned forward, resting both arms on her lap as she stared right through you; a mischievous glint in her visible eye.

ㅤㅤ

“Okay. You can stay as our healer and only draw a few pitiful drops of blood. But when you’re alone, weaponless, and surrounded, wouldn’t you want maybe… a blood weapon? A blood barrier?” She tilted her head. “Control over other peoples' blood?”

ㅤㅤ

You paused.

This made you remember the altercation you had with Iso, the entire reason you were defenceless when he finally got to you. You had just drawn blood moments prior, and thus, couldn't take out anymore until a few minutes had passed. But even if you managed to get blood, again, you weren’t capable of forming things beyond keys or whatever the heck couldn’t be used as a weapon.

And now that she said it out loud, it sounded pretty cool to be able to create barriers out of your own blood... without any drawbacks, probably.

So, you shrugged again.

ㅤㅤ

“K. I’m convinced.”

ㅤㅤ

“Finally. See, I knew you were smart. You'd have to wait until your files are processed, but it's a start."

ㅤㅤ

Fade noted as she pondered, her eyes locked on the porcelain floor. The visible one, anyway. And for a moment, you wondered what this entailed. Being free of your restrictions and being able to… Wait, besides the barriers, what'd she say? Make blood weapons? You quickly thought of making a spear. That would be so wicked, you thought.

Suddenly, she stood up, catching you off guard.

ㅤㅤ

“Enough talk — it's about time I introduced you to the clowns I work with. What do you say?”

ㅤㅤ

She held her hand out to you.

You stared at her palm, your eyes following the intricate designs that gently enveloped it. A pattern just as mysterious as the woman who created it.

With a smile, you slowly took her hand and stood up, promptly following her.

🔆 (1, 2)

[24hrsoda]

what would be your ideal comic that was about ra's al ghul? What do YOU want to read about (and see illustrated on a page) and why?

I want to see him and Bruce team up again, but this time with Damian in the picture. They’ve teamed up or shared comics before (not necessarily teaming up on good terms but at the very least going along with one another for whatever has both of their attention) but they were mostly in older comics. I wish we could get a continuation of where Shadow War was going before Ra’s was assassinated.

I think Ra’s al Ghul attempting to fight on the side of ‘good’ and share his resources in an attempt to better himself for Damian’s sake and Damian’s future would have been sooooo interesting to see if we’d only had more time to explore it :(

Imagine the distrust Bruce would have. Imagine them having to work through that. Ra’s shows up in an attempt to help and Bruce just doesn’t trust him. Bruce tries to fight him. He keeps an eye on Ra’s at all times, unsure if this is another scheme or revenge for kicking his ass in to humility pre-Lazarus Tournament.

Meanwhile Damian is happy to have at least one of his grandfathers here. (rip alfred).

I would adore a comic arc where he puts aside his pride and offers resources or knowledge that is previously unknown to Bruce, in order to help Bruce save others, or better the lives of others, or ORRRRRR even solve a case that Bruce is really struggling with. Something that benefits Bruce because it would be meaningful. And also aid toward proving himself to Damian, because Ra’s knows “I’m sorry” is never enough for Damian to believe him. He has to show that he’s different now.

Ra’s is like 1000 years old and he was a doctor and a chemist and he knows magic. He’s gotta have something up his sleeve that Bruce doesn’t, right?

It’s the closest thing to a ‘family’ they will ever be. Ra’s knows Bruce never wants to be a part of their family but for once they’re all on the same side fighting for something. Even if Talia disagrees with these new methods, she is loyal to her father, and her father and Bruce and Damian are finally on the same page. She will no longer have to choose between love and loyalty for the time being.

And maybe it ends on a melancholy note. Ra’s reveals to Bruce that he is dying (as he was in canon), but Damian and Talia don’t know it. And Bruce is conflicted about whether he should tell them or not.

[ultravioletqueen]

We return to the humans, this time one of my favorite historical figures that I recently discovered, Giulia Tofana at your service ladies!

Giulia Tofana was a chemist and cosmetician who became infamous for causing around 600 deaths, she was a poisoner who had a soft spot for women in abusive marriages (in some sources they say that Giulia's husband was abusive and she poisoned him because of it ) and helped them by offering them Tofana water so they could get rid of the bastards who hurt them.

She learned how to poison from her mother, who had poisoned her father and taught Giulia how to make poisons and Giulia taught her daughter/stepdaughter (it's different depending on where you look) girolama spera who later became an astronomer.

However, at some point Giulia and Girolama would be betrayed by one of the women who had requested their services and it ended with them being executed along with the women who required their services.

In Valhalla Giulia is part of the Sciece Crew along with Girloama and they are quite respected for their wisdom and sense of justice.

Giulia is quite laid back, always with a smile on her face, regardless of the situation, she enjoys making fun of others (especially if they are sexist men) and can be quite sadistic about it, however she genuinely likes to take care of other women and is very protective of them (✨️a girls girl✨️).

Girolama is much more energetic and cheerful than Giulia and has an enthusiasm that Giulia lost a long time ago, she is sweeter than Giulia but she can also be terrifying when she wants to😅

(Español)

Volvemos con los humanos, esta vez una de mis figuras históricas favoritas que recientemente descubrí ¡giulia tofana a su servicio señoritas!

Giulia tofana fue una química y cosmética que se hizo infame por provocar alrededor de 600 muertes, ella era una envenenadora que tenía un punto suave por las mujeres en matrimonios abusivos(en algunas fuentes cuentan que el esposo de giulia era abusivo y lo envenenó por eso) y las ayudaba ofreciéndoles agua tofana para poder deshacerse de los bastardos que las lastimaban.

Ella aprendió a como envenenar de su madre, quien había envenenado a su padre y le enseñó a giulia como hacer venenos y giulia le enseñó a su hija/hijastra(es diferente dependiendo donde busques) girolama spera quien más tarde se hizo una astronoma.

Sin embargo en algún momento giulia y girolama serían delatadas por una de las mujeres que había pedido sus servicios y terminó con ellas ejecutadas junto a las mujeres que requirieron sus servicios.

En el valhalla giulia es parte del sciece crew junto a girloama y son bastante respetadas por su sabiduría y su sentido de la justicia.

Giulia es bastante relajada, siempre con una sonrisa en su rostro, independientemente de la situación, disfruta burlarse de los demás(sobretodo si son hombres sexistas) y puede ser bastante sádica al respecto, sin embargo ella genuinamente le gusta cuidar de otras mujeres y es muy protectora con ellas(✨️una girls girl✨️).

Girolama es mucho más enérgica y alegre que giulia y posee un entusiasmo que giulia perdió hace mucho, ella es más dulce que giulia pero también puede ser aterradora cuando quiere😅

[loredwy]

How has no one made it before omg please yes

The fact I've spent hours searching and haven't found a single swap AU fic where Alphonse is the Fullmetal Alchemist and Edward is a suit of armor is DISGRACEFUL must I do everything myself

[slytherindisaster]

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐲𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬 – 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤

Long time no see, friends! For years now, I've been talking about re-doing THE Gryffindorks Video (which I also accidentally deleted from my blog at some point, and that's a CRIME), and today is finally the day! So, without further ado, I present The Gryffindorks with a sprinkle of their beloved ladies and Sethel as their partners in crime.

Credits: Tadhg by @unfortunate-arrow, Teddy by @cursebreakerfarrier, Adelia by @thatravenpuffwitch, Roxie by @mjs-oc-corner, Selene by @lifeofkaze and Ethel by @the-al-chemist

[dindjarindiaries]

Takes One to Know One

summary: Bounty hunters aren’t supposed to fall in love and you were okay with that. So was the Mandalorian.

pairing: din djarin (the mandalorian) x reader

contains: light angst, fluff, alcohol

rating: T

word count: 2.082k

main masterlist • din djarin masterlist

“I’ll have whatever they’re having.” Mando’s helmet gestures to you out of the corner of your eye.

You set your cup upon the bar and chuckle as the chemist goes to work. The cantina that had been bursting with conversation has since quieted down, though the volume starts to rise once again when Mando’s relaxed posture upon the bar allows the wave of caution to pass through. Your gaze remains on your half-gloved fingers as they tap the side of your cup. “Will you even drink it?”

Mando drums his gloved fingers against the bar as he rests upon his elbow. “Take a guess.”

You turn your head to look at him with an eyebrow raised. “No.”

Mando tilts his helmet and gives the chemist a nod of thanks when they slide his drink over. He offers them the necessary credits and focuses back on you. “‘No as in you won’t guess, or no as in I won’t drink this?”

You shrug and draw a sip from your cup. “Both.”

Mando huffs and holds the cup in his gloved grasp. “Well played.”

“It’s Gamorrean ale, by the way.” You swish the liquid around the inside of your cup and keep your gaze fixed upon it. “So,” you gesture to his drink with your own, “what’s the point?”

Mando glances around the bar. “You have to earn your place here.”

You set down your drink and cross your arms, leaning your hip against the edge of the bar. “So that you could torment me about taking yet another job from underneath my nose?”

Mando sets his free hand upon his hip. “Last I checked, you were the one taking all the good work.”

You fight the urge to smile. “Then everything’s as it should be.” You look around the rest of the cantina that’s filled with the hunters you’re in constant competition with. “Though no one really wins with the fuel prices these days.”

Mando tilts his helmet at that. “Maybe if the New Republic actually decided on a currency…”

“It’s the Outer Rim, Mando.” You flash him a dubious look. “Whatever the New Republic decides yesterday, today, or tomorrow doesn’t matter out here.”

Mando heaves a sigh. “Fair enough.”

You reach for your cup and lift it up to your lips once again, using it to conceal your growing smile. “It also doesn’t help when you pilot a massive gunship that eats up fuel like a Hutt.”

Mando’s gloved thumb tucks inside his belt. “How many bounties can you fit in your ship?” When you remain silent, Mando nods at you. “That’s what I thought.”

“It's primitive.” You raise your glass to Mando in a fake toast. “I’ll give you that.”

“It’s effective.”

“And primitive.”

Mando doesn’t respond for a long moment. He considers the cup in his hand while you watch his armored shoulders rise and fall in a steady breath. “It keeps me off the grid.”

You raise your brow at him, impressed. “So, you’re admitting it?”

Mando’s visor gives you a warning look. “I’m telling you why it’s useful.”

“Because it’s so old that it stays off New Republic and Imperial radars.”

Before Mando has a chance to retaliate, someone jumps up onto a stool and yells to the entire cantina. “Hey!” The man manages to gain everyone’s attention, including yours. He keeps his drink held in one hand and wraps the other around the shoulders of a woman at his side. “I just asked her to marry me!” He lifts his cup in a joyous toast. “And she said yes!”

The cantina completes his toast and erupts into drunken cheers and applause. You shake your head despite the fact you’re smiling. You draw a sip from your drink and face Mando at the bar once again. Your cup stays between your hands as your gaze falls to the small amount that’s left inside it. “Can I pick your brain for a minute, Mando?”

Mando straightens himself and nods. “Sure.”

You glance back at the couple that’s now sharing a kiss. Your lips struggle not to form a scowl at the sight. “Do you believe in love?”

Mando’s armored chest inflates with a breath he holds there. “That’s… not what I was expecting.” His visor watches his fingers tap against his cup before he speaks again. “Do you?”

You shake your head. “No. I don’t.” Your words win Mando’s full attention back as his visor meets your gaze. “Everything is temporary, even feelings. Anger, sadness, joy, they’re all temporary.” You gesture to the couple behind you. “So is love. One day you love them, the next day you don’t.” You shrug. “It’s all the same to me. I just don’t buy into it.”

Mando nods, his visor falling to the full drink in his hand once again. He waits a beat before he responds. “Love is trust, and this isn’t a trustworthy galaxy.”

You widen your eyes as you lower your cup from your lips. “You agree with me, then?”

Mando’s helmet tilts at you as he shrugs. “It’s just not for me.”

“In that case…” you lift your cup in your hand and raise it towards him, “to being smarter than love.”

Mando huffs and lifts his cup. He toasts it against your own before you finish off your ale. With a dramatic sigh, you set your empty cup upon the bar and slap down a few extra credits.

“Well, Mando, it’s always a pleasure. Thanks for entertaining my curiosities.” You gesture towards Greef Karga’s seat across the room. “But I’ve got to take yet another good job from you.”

Mando shakes his helmet at you as you start to walk off. “Have fun with that.”

You answer him without looking back. “I will!”

Mando’s thoughts on love had only further reassured you that your own outlook was right. Love was a fallacy, something that was only dealt to earn something else in return. It could never last forever.

But maybe, just maybe, you had been wrong for once in your life.

The thought makes you smile as you force yourself to escape the arm draped over your waist. It remains motionless even as you maneuver yourself to sit upon the edge of the bed, your legs hanging off the side as you glance back to investigate. Thankfully, he’s still asleep, his mass of brown hair spread across the pillow in a way that only makes your smile grow. Your foot accidentally knocks against one of his boots beneath the bed as you stand and stretch. You take one of his shirts for both warmth and comfort on your way out of the room.

The rest of the cabin is starting to glow with the radiance of Nevarro’s dawn. With both the boys still asleep, the cabin is as peaceful as ever, giving you the space and time to dwell on your early morning thoughts and memories. It’s easy to make the usual two cups of caf without any distractions. It’s somewhat like the life you used to have, not that you would ever miss it.

You take one of the cups between your hands and walk towards the window near the front of the cabin. The sun is slow in its rising above the plains of the Nevarro lava flats and fields. You’re becoming used to this routine, waking up at a decent hour in a place you get to call your own. It’s much different from the year or two spent on a primitive ship, as well as the following years spent staying wherever they would take your credits. But those years had still been some of the best. 

And that’s what love truly is.

It’s also the skip in your heart when you hear footsteps approaching from your room. He never stays asleep for long, not without you at his side. His touch is delicate upon your back as he makes his presence known. You look up at him and beam at the way the dawn’s warmth casts his face in a warm glow and illuminates the golden flecks within his brown gaze.

“Good morning,” you greet, your voice as soft as the look you share. You lift your steaming cup to show him. “I made some caf for you.”

“I saw.” Din’s lips remain tugged up in a small smile as he lifts his hand to your chin. “Thank you.” He kisses you in a show of affection so sweet it nearly makes your knees buckle beneath you. Din holds you as if he’s aware of this, his grasp secure even as he pulls away and walks back towards the kitchen. “You left me alone.”

You turn away from the window to face him from across the room. “I didn’t want to wake you up.”

Din lifts his brow as he raises his cup to his lips. “I always wake up when you leave.”

You smile despite his words, watching as he enjoys his first cup of caf. You start to make your approach as your thoughts from this morning return. “Remember when you used to buy drinks at the bar and never actually drink them?”

Din leans his hips against the counter and tilts his head at you. “It was decorum.”

You stand across the counter from him, setting your caf down and resting upon your elbows. “Or was it just an excuse to talk to me?”

 Din glances away from you, his face reddening as he shrugs. “Both.”

You grin at the warmth in your chest. “Well played.”

Din’s gaze returns to you, an eyebrow lifted in suspicion. “This seems familiar.” He stands up taller and crosses his arms. “What’s on your mind?”

You start to stare at the caf that sits between your hands. “Remember when we told each other we didn’t believe in love?”

Din softens, his hands resting upon the counter as he fights to regain your attention. “I do.” He takes a deep breath and sips from his caf before continuing. “I know that I said whatever I said because of my fear of losing the connection we had.” Din huffs to himself. “I didn’t know what it was at that point, but…” he lifts his cup and toasts it towards you, “I sure as hell do now.”

You smile and reach for one of his hands, holding it upon the countertop. “I just didn’t want to get hurt. I was afraid of vulnerability.” You give his hand a squeeze. “But I think you’d already vowed to protect me even before I said those words to you.”

“I had.” Din runs his thumb over your knuckles. “But you were the one who agreed to go against the Guild to help me.”

You gesture with your head to another room inside the cabin. “I mean, Grogu was pretty convincing, too.”

Din chuckles and nods in agreement. “Yeah, you have a point.”

You give his hand a squeeze before you let it go, walking around the counter to meet Din where he stands. Your free hand presses upon his chest as you look up at him. “I guess I just want to say thank you.” You tap his chest. “For proving me wrong.”

Din lifts his hand to the side of your face. “Thank you for giving me the chance to.” He kisses you again, bringing you to a galaxy of your own for a moment that you wish you could suspend in time.

When you both pull away, you rest your head against his chest and close your eyes in content. Your voice is hushed as you speak. “I love you.” You take a deep breath. “I mean it.”

“I know you do.” Din’s hand secures your head in place against him. “I love you, too.” His chin rests upon the top of your head. “And I also love how much better you look in my clothes than I do.”

You laugh at that, the warmth of his sweetness and affection rivaling that of the caf you still keep clutched in your free hand. Life may not be what you once expected, but for once in your life, it’s for the better. All it took was trusting someone who used to seem just as untrustworthy as yourself.

main masterlist • din djarin masterlist

all star wars characters: @hugmekenobi​​​​ @themarvelousbee​​​​ @nembees​​​​ @amneris21​​​​@wildmoonflower​​ @bombshe77​​ @harriedandharassed​​ @againstacecilia​​ @ladykatakuri​​ @bludyl​​ @erin-is-sky​​ @tanzthompson​​ @murdertoothpick​​ @mandoloriancookie​​​ @prettysbliss​​​​​

din djarin: @swol-bear @notagamersdey @les-ingenue @booksaremyyoga @hp-hogwartsexpress @dheet @mccn-bcys @alwaysdjarin @reader-without-a-story @cyaredindjarin @toobsessedsstuff @unofficialavenger90 @tizylish @your-slutty-gf @untitledarea @mildlyhopeless @lexloon @jellybeanstacey0519 @uwiuwi @lake-145 @burningcoffeetimetravel @hello-th3r3 @jackiereadsfics @dindadjarin @srim01997 @avidreader73 @trek-and-wars-are-equal-stars @evangeliamerryll @pedros-admirer @damnzelsoul @theredvelvetbitch​ 

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[upennmanuscripts]

Manuscript Monday: LJS 441 - Kitāb al-Miṣbāḥ wa-nuzʹhat al-arwāḥ fī ʻilm... (Video Orientation)

Dot Porter, SIMS Curator of Digital Humanities, presents a Video Orientation to the University of Pennsylvania Library’s LJS 441, two works on alchemy copied together in different hands. The first, a 14th-century treatise based on the work of the 8th-century alchemist and chemist Jābir ibn Ḥayyān, copied in A.H. 970 (1562); the second, a pseudo-Platonic work on alchemy with commentary (tafsīr)…

[fluffs-arts]

Been enjoying moonstone island and felt like drawing lil baby Al(chemist)

[bookcub]

Book Review: The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty

@thisisyourbrainoncomics this is for you!!

okay so we all know this is about a retired pirate captain who is now a mother

she lives on a small island and does NOT want to go out again (welllll maybe a little bit but shhhhh)

a rich woman finds her and persuades (ie blackmails) her into finding her kidnapped granddaughter

amina goes and gets the band back together! her poisoner/chemist, her first mate, and her navigator (shenanigans ensue) (they have such hysterical dynamics, that feel effortlessly established from their introductions)

oh btw she is telling this story aloud to a scribe who occasionally interjects and the audiobook handles this masterfully (i highly recommend the audiobook for reading this, i think it sets the tone perfectly as well)

also it's pretty funny, which no one told me???

there is more and more magic steadily revealed as the story goes on

there is a slight daevabad crossover for fans of the series!

there are quite a few queer characters!!

i really enjoyed the conversations around religion, i thought they were very nuanced

i don't want to say more about the plot because SPOILERS

this was a five star experience but i definitely had some issues with the book but isnt that how it goes, ive never met a perfect book lol

if you love high fantasy, you need to try this book!!