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downthe-f4ndom-rabbith0le · 2 months

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Always Been You (Dick Grayson x Reader) - Chapter 2

Always Been You (Dick Grayson x Reader) Reader Insert: she/her pronouns Word Count: 5030 Warnings: death, violence, fighting, bloody wounds, angst, infuriatingly oblivious love interest, slowburn Spoilers: Young Justice Seasons 1-3 plot partially, but it ended in 2022 so catch up.

Y/N Prince - miracle daughter of Wonder Woman and Steve Trevor - and Dick Grayson - first adoptive son of the Batman himself - have been best friends since day one. They went to school together, trained together, kept each other's alter ego secret from everyone else, and they founded the Young Justice alongside their friends together.

But as time progressed, Y/N and Dick grew up and Y/N found herself wanting more than friendship with Dick. But he never seemed to indicate that he reciprocated her feelings. And when Wally died and Dick abandoned the team, Y/N realised he never would. So she heads to the one place she knows will help her become a stronger warrior so that one day she can take her mother's place: Themyscira.

Two years after his leave, Dick reaches out to his old friends to help him with a mission. But when he finds out Y/N left too, he chases after her in the hopes to bring her back.

However, when the two finally reunite, it isn't as warm as he hopes. Not to mention Themyscira becomes under siege as they go to war against Echidna, the Mother of Monsters in Greek Mythology, and her army of monstrous children.

Will Dick and Y/N be able to put their past behind them and save the Amazonians' homeland? Or will they fall, unable to tell one another their true feelings?

~~~

(6 Months Later)

Dick Grayson looked up at the Carr family home from his car, apprehensive to open the door just yet. It was a nice home, and from the research Dick did, a nice family lived there too.

His eyes trailed to the apartment situated above the garage, imagining the people who were inside. How were they going to react when he told them what he was there for? Scratch that, how were they going to react when they saw him?

'Should I go take a nap or are you going to man up and go inside at some point?' Oracle's sarcastic voice came through the car's bluetooth.

Dick clenched his hands around the steering wheel. Barbara - newly named Oracle - was right. It didn't matter what his friends were going to say. He needed their help, and he needed to man up.

Dick finally unbuckled his seatbelt and opened the door. 'I'll call you when I'm done,' he said, then ended the call before Barbara could sneak in another witty remark.

He made haste running up the Carr's driveway, then up the stairs to the apartment above the garage. As he raised his hand to knock on the door, he heard laughter and lively chatter that made him pause. An overwhelming sense of guilt and shame and longing surged through him. Was he really going to break up the joy beyond the door? Once upon a time he would've been glad for a party, for a break from work and his vigilante duties.

His mind flashed back to that first party him and his friends had in Mount Justice. It was Wally's birthday and he had been lapping up all the attention, especially from M'gann, who had made him a cake and had in fact organised the whole party. This was before Wally realised him and Artemis were meant to be, same with Connor and M'gann.

But Y/N had known, had even pointed it out to Dick as they sat in the corner just the two of them, watching everything play out.

'They're all so thick,' Y/N said, taking a sip of her lemonade, trying to hide her knowing smile.

'How so?' Dick asked.

Y/N rolled her eyes. 'Can you not see?' She grabbed Dick's chin and guided him to look at Connor and M'gann interacting awkwardly but in a cute way, then Wally and Artemis "fighting", matching wit for wit with every snarky comment they threw at each other. 'Connor and M'gann are so into each other, and you could cut the emotional tension between Wally and Artemis it's so thick. They are all crushing hard.'

Dick watched the two couples interact a little longer and realised Y/N was right. 'Well would you look at that,' he said, turning back to Y/N. 'You're quite the observer, aren't you?'

Y/N chuckled. 'Dick, we've been best friends for three years now. If you're just figuring that out now, then you're just as thick as the rest of our friends.'

'Hey! I am not!'

'Are to.'

'Am. Not!'

'Are. To!'

The two fell into hysterical laughter, gripping onto one another so they didn't fall to the ground.

Y/N's smile came to him then, and the longing in his chest ached even more. She was more than likely beyond the door too, laughing and smiling without a care in the world. He suddenly had the thought that he couldn't go through with it. He couldn't possibly ask them - couldn't ask her - to help him. Not after what he'd done...

Before he could chicken out completely, he forced himself to knock lightly on the door.

'I'll get it,' M'gann's sweet voice called out to whoever she was with, and Dick prepared himself as he heard her walk to the door.

M'gann opened the door, and she was smiling, the remnants of laughter twinkling in her eyes. She was in her human form, but it had changed since the last time Dick saw her. Her ginger hair was now cropped just under her ears, and her features were sharper, more refined than that of a young adolescent. She wore a flattering white blouse and casual jeans, not bothering for shoes in her own home.

She was grown up. In just two years?

Her brown eyes locked with Dick's blue ones, and immediately her smile dropped as shock froze her face.

Dick offered her a small smile 'Hi, M'gann,' he said softly.

'Dick...' was all she could manage as she continued to look at him, eyes raking over him as if she were imagining things. 'What are you doing here?'

'Honey, who is it?'

Dick's guilt deepened at the sound of Connor's voice. The Superboy himself came to the door when M'gann didn't answer, and stopped in his tracks as soon as he laid eyes on Dick. But he didn't stay shocked for long.

Connor furrowed his eyebrows and stepped up behind M'gann, placing a protective hand on her shoulder. 'What are you doing here?' he asked icily, eyes solely focussed on Dick.

It hurt to see such distrust in his old friend's eyes, but Dick somewhat expected that. 'Nice to see you too, Connor,' he said, slipping into his casual, carefree persona easily. If there was one thing Dick was really good at, it was putting on a mask. 'I was in the neighbourhood and thought I'd swing by. It's been a while.'

'Why don't you answer my question first before you start acting like nothing is wrong,' Connor suggested, his voice taking a deep threatening tone.

'Connor, please,' M'gann said, seemingly getting over her initial shock. She placed her left hand over Connor's on her shoulder, and that's when Dick saw the shiny diamond ring on her finger. 'He's our friend.'

Dick didn't think his guilt could worsen at those three words.

M'gann opened the door wider and offered him a small smile. 'Come in, Dick. We'd love for you to join us.'

Dick flashed her a grateful smile. 'Thanks,' he said as he ducked through the doorway. He then looked from M'gann to Connor and back again. 'Congratulations, by the way.'

M'gann looked confused for a moment, then a joyful twinkle flashed in her eyes as she looked to her ring, a soft smile gracing her features. 'Thank you, Dick,' she said. 'That's what we're actually celebrating. Come on, there is food and drinks this way.'

M'gann walked back towards the party, but Connor and Dick remained in the entrance, staring at one another.

Dick took Connor in. Because of his clone genetics, Connor never actually aged. Not physically anyways. He'd changed ever so slightly from when Dick first broke him out of Cadmus, only growing a centimetre or two every year or so. His muscles had toned more having entered his theoretical twenties, and but his face still held onto those baby features he'd had since being replicated as a teenaged Superman.

Dick sized himself up against Connor and shockingly found that, for the first time, they were looking at each other eye to eye.

Connor seemed to scan Dick, too, coming to the same conclusion that Dick had changed too since they last saw each other. Dick waited for Connor to say something, but when Connor was done he gave Dick a stone cold grimace then turned to follow M'gann.

'What a warm reunion,' Dick mumbled under breath as he followed Connor down the hallway.

The hallway opened into an open-floor plan that held the kitchen, the dinning room and the lounge. Dick expected a few more people to be waiting for them, but he only spotted Kaldur lounging on the couch, drink in hand. Being the vigilant person he was, Kaldur immediately recognised Dick and placed his drink on the coffee table as he stood up.

'Dick,' he said, teal eyes wide with surprise.

'Hey, Kaldur,' Dick greeted awkwardly, ready for the same cold treatment as Connor.

Instead, Kaldur's face broke into a warm smile as he manoeuvred around the furniture to make his way to Dick. 'Old friend,' he said as he embraced Dick. 'It has been too long.'

'It sure has, buddy,' Dick responded, returning his friend's embrace.

Kaldur released him, but kept his hand on Dick's shoulder as he scanned over him. 'Look at you! You seem to be healthy and strong.'

It was true. Dick had noticed he'd muscled up a little more since leaving the team, though still keeping towards the leaner side of muscular. He certainly wasn't has bulk as Connor, or Kaldur for that fact, who Dick noted also had more muscles and toned features. Kaldur certainly filled out the black button-up he wore. But, as it was with Connor, Dick was happy to see him looking directly in Kaldur's eyes as they spoke, not from slightly below as it had been since they were children.

'Thanks man,' Dick said. 'Been working out. I see you've been doing the same, Aquaman.'

'My King left some large shoes to fill,' Kladur admitted humbly. 'But thank you.'

'So you know of Kaldur's promotion, but couldn't contact him to say congrats when it happened?' Connor interjected from his place in the kitchen.

M'gann scolded him as she placed some plates on the dining table, but the mood had already changed to tense and quiet.

'Connor's right,' Dick admitted, addressing his three friends. 'I'm sorry. These past two years... I should've stayed in contact. I wanted to. But every time I went to, I convinced myself that you didn't want to hear from me. That it would be better to leave you all be while I try to figure out myself again.'

'Oh Dick,' M'gann started, walking around the table to pull him into a hug. 'Of course we wanted to hear from you. You're our friend and we missed you. But we understand that after Wally died, you had to take a break from everything.'

M'gann pulled away and then pointed an accusatory finger at him, looking extremely cross with him. 'But if you ever do anything like that again, I swear I will hunt you down and kick your sorry ass into another universe. Understood?'

Dick nodded vigorously. 'U-Understood.'

M'gann's sweet demeanour returned and she walked back to the table to continue setting it. The three men looked at her quietly as she went about her work, until Dick turned to Connor and said, 'Your fiancée is scary.'

Dick expected another glare from the Superboy, but he was gladly surprised when the dark-haired boy nodded in agreement, face slightly pale. 'You got that right.' He then shook himself out of his frozen state of fear to help his fiancée dish out their meal.

'Give him time,' Kaldur said quietly to Dick. 'You know how Connor can be with expressing his emotions.'

'Well, he's not as emotionally constipated as he once was, I'll give him that,' Dick said. 'Unfortunately, I don't think I have time.'

'What do you mean?' Kaldur asked.

Dick went to explain but quickly decided against it. Kaldur was in the Justice League now. Dick couldn't really explain what he was planning to do. Not yet, anyway.

'Forget I said anything,' Dick said instead, flashing his charming smile and wrapping an arm around his old friend's shoulders. 'For now, why don't you tell me everything I've missed. How is it being Atlantis' new champion, first starters...'

For the next hour, it was like old times. The four of them ate and laughed and swapped stories about what Dick had missed in the last two years. They recalled some of the good times they all shared when they were on the team, and Dick convinced himself for a brief moment that they could all stay like this. Happy, carefree, young.

But Dick had come to Connor and M'gann for a reason.

Once they'd had enough of dessert, Connor offered to wash up and Dick saw his chance.

'I'll help wipe up,' Dick offered, taking his and Kaldur's plates to the sink while Connor filled the sink with soap and water. Dick waited until M'gann and Kaldur were in deep conversation over on the couch that Dick decided to broach his intended subject. 'So, how is the team going?'

'The team is doing okay,' Connor answered flatly, never lifting his eyes from his work with the plates in the sink. 'I just try to help M'gann as best as I can. We're down a few numbers since your old man decided to take half of the Justice League and our team with him in his little stunt.'

Dick winced. He recalled getting the call from Tim about it about five months ago. It had been an orchestrated walk out from over half the Justice League and their protégés, all of them wanting to go back to their vigilante ways as the League and the team had become somewhat irrelevant. Those that remained never saw it coming.

'I'm sorry about that,' he apologised, though he wasn't entirely sure why. Just felt appropriate.

Connor looked at him briefly, hands pausing in the sink as he did, and then released a sigh of defeat. 'Don't be sorry, Dick. It's not like you had anything to do with it.'

'No,' Dick agreed, 'but I should've been there at least. I should've reached out to see if you were okay. We started this team together, I shouldn't have just left it all to you.'

'Well, I know the rest of the team would really appreciate it if you came back now,' Connor said, his tone hopeful. 'That is, if you're ready to come back.'

Dick's heart lurched at the thought of going back to the team, both with want and terror. He liked Barbara, he really did. But, if he were being honest, he'd missed being a part of something bigger than himself and his own agendas.

'Connor,' Dick started softly, looking to see M'gann and Kaldur still locked in deep conversation before continuing, 'I would love to come back. Please know that. But you should know I haven't just been idly moving about the place the last two years. I've been conducting undercover missions of my own with Barbara in relation to the meta-human trafficking crisis.'

Connor's eyes widened and Dick saw he was about to raise his voice so leaned in close and hurriedly whispered, 'Keep your voice down, please.'

Connor took a second to register what Dick had said before whispering harshly, 'What do you mean you've been working on your own? You should've come to us if you were getting involved.'

'First of all, I just said I had Barbara helping me, and secondly because the team and the Justice League are full of public figures now. The missions wouldn't work if they got involved. But I've actually come here to ask you for your help on a mission, Connor.'

'Me?! Why would I-'

'Let me explain. First of all, it'll be you, me, Artemis-'

'You've pulled Artemis into this too?! Where the hell has she been, anyway?'

'Would you stop interrupting me for one second?' Dick hissed, wiping up a plate or two before returning to the conversation. 'As I was saying, from our intel, Markovia's Princess Tara has been found dead. Killed by a meta human supposedly, and I have a sneaky suspicion someone has been testing on people with the meta gene, turning them into extreme versions of their meta abilities. I need your help to find out who. As I said before, I've convinced Artemis to help already, and I was looking to you, Jefferson, and Y/N to make up the rest of the team.'

Dick looked around the room, looking at how empty the couches were around M'gann and Kaldur and sudden thought struck him. 'Speaking of which, where is Y/N?' he asked. 'I would've thought she'd be here celebrating the good news.'

He'd forgotten to keep quiet that time, and so Kaldur and M'gann looked at him alongside Connor, all looking as if Dick had sprouted three heads.

'What?' Dick asked, patting around his face. 'Do I have sauce on my face?'

'You don't know?' M'gann asked, sounding almost on the brink of tears.

That's when Dick realised something was majorly wrong, and his gut twisted with fear. 'Know what? Where's Y/N?'

'Y/N, she...' Kaldur started, then took a deep breath before continuing, 'Y/N left the team, Dick.'

'What?' Dick said, almost dropping the plate he held. 'What do you mean she left?'

'She left about six months ago,' Connor answered, washing up the last plate and emptying the sink. 'Before everyone else left. She felt like she wasn't doing enough with us anymore, so she just... left.'

'I've sent her plenty of messages,' M'gann said, 'but she hasn't answered any of them. And I can't sense her at all in the country. Even the Watchtower couldn't find her.'

Dick couldn't believe this. Y/N was gone? 'So Wonder Woman doesn't even know where she is?'

'Wonder Woman has been busy running the Justice League since Batman resigned,' Kaldur answered. 'Even if she did know where her daughter was, I don't think she'd like us to know, and I would have to agree.'

'Why?' Dick asked, suddenly very angry at Kaldur for not being as concerned as he was about Y/N. 'Do you know where she is?'

Kaldur shook his head. 'Regrettably, no. But when we last spoke, she sounded like she didn't want to be found. That she would come back to us when she was ready. I think we should respect that.'

Dick shook his head in disbelief. 'No, that's not like Y/N. She wouldn't just leave anywhere without telling anyone.'

'What, you mean like you?' Connor asked, and that cold stare was back.

'I mean she is loyal and empathetic. Surely she would know how her absence would affect the team,' Dick continued, ignoring the personal dig.

'She was loyal, Dick,' Connor countered. 'She was loyal, and stuck around with M'gann, Kaldur and I until the team got back on its feet. She held the team together when we were on the brink of falling apart. But you wouldn't know that because you weren't here.'

Dick wanted to argue but found that he couldn't. What he had thought was the best for the team turned out to be the complete opposite. He could sense it now; his relationships with his oldest friends were no longer as they were.

'You were gone for two years,' Connor continued. 'You'd be surprised as to how much a person can change in that time.'

The day Dick left flashed in his mind, and he recalled the pain in Y/N's eyes when he left her behind. He remembered how she'd held it together, but he knew she would probably cry about it later because she'd done it some many times before, always going to him to cry on his shoulder.

But he wasn't there that time. He'd left her all alone to dry her tears.

You're my best friend. Always have been. Always will be...

Dick looked to his friends again, but they could barely meet his eyes. Kaldur was disappointed, Connor was angry, and M'gann was just sad. An apology bubbled up in Dick's throat, but he didn't think it was sufficient enough for what he had done to them.

'I have to find her, then,' Dick said into the quiet room, and finally they all looked to him.

'Did you not just hear Kaldur?' Connor asked. 'We should leave her alone like she wants.'

'We don't necessarily know that,' Dick countered. 'Besides, this isn't about bringing her back. This is about me making things right with her.'

'But what if Kaldur is right?' M'gann argued. 'What if she doesn't want to be found. Maybe the right thing to do is leave her alone?'

Dick shook his head. 'She's my best friend, M'gann. I can't accept that she wouldn't want to see us ever again.'

'Maybe she doesn't want to see you, have you considered that?' Kaldur asked, his voice taking on a protective demeanour. 'The bottom line is, Dick, that you left her behind without a second thought. And she respected that, even if it killed her inside knowing that you would rather abandon her - abandon us - than face the pain of losing Wally together. She missed you every single day, and yet she still fought and trained and guided the team without faltering. And now, when she finally finds the courage to do what's best for her for once, you want to shame her for it?'

Anger surged through Dick, fiery and hot. 'I am not shaming her for anything. Do you not think I didn't think of you all every single day?'

'If you did, you didn't do anything about it, did you?' Connor mumbled, but Dick heard him just fine.

'Look, if you guys don't want to help me find her, fine,' Dick said, looking at all three friends pointedly. 'But I will find her. Because she needs to know that she was right. That I was wrong to leave and I am a terrible best friend.'

His expression softened as he looked down at his hands, imagining how long ago him and Y/N would link their pinkies. How simple friendships were back then.

'If she never comes back,' he continued, quieter this time, 'then I won't blame her. But best friends don't give up on each other.'

It was quiet for what felt like an eternity. Until Kaldur walked up to Dick and grabbed his shoulder comfortingly.

'You may be a terrible best friend,' Kaldur said, a small smile warming his face. 'But that doesn't mean your heart isn't in the right place.'

'Thanks, Kaldur,' Dick said, patting Kaldur's hand upon his shoulder.

Kaldur dropped his hand and the four of them sat down on the couches. 'Y/N didn't tell me where she was going,' Kaldur started, 'just that she needed to find out who she was again.'

'I don't follow,' Dick said.

Kaldur chuckled. 'Don't worry, I said the same thing to her when she told me. But she also said something along the lines of, "I need to find out where I've come from to find out where I will go.".'

'What the hell does that mean?' Connor asked.

'Again, not sure. But when I asked her the same question, she said she had to go back to her roots,' Kaldur elaborated. 'Something to do with where it all started. And her mother...'

Dick contemplated all of Kaldur's recollections, juggling each statement over one another to try and make sense. It was so vague, but Dick could sense there was a blatant truth staring right at them if they just looked hard enough.

Where it all began... Where she's been... Her mother...

The answer hit Dick like a brick wall.

'Themyscira,' he said softly, then more confidently. 'She's gone to Themyscira.'

'The Island of the Amazons?' M'gann asked. 'Are you sure?'

Dick nodded. 'It has to be. That's where Wonder Woman is from, and Y/N mentioned all the time when we were kids how much she wanted to go visit it one day.'

'But isn't it hidden?' Connor interjected. 'I mean, that's why they haven't gone back right? Anyone who leaves the island can never find it again.'

'Wonder Woman must've had something to help her remember,' Kaldur offered. 'Or at least guide her back home. I would suggest we go ask her, but again, I doubt she would tell us anything.'

It was like nothing had changed. The four of them had slipped back into theorising and planning and bantering as if no time had passed, as if no one had left or been promoted. It warmed Dick's heart at the thought that they all wanted to help find Y/N, even bring her home.

But Dick shook his head in dismissal. 'You guys don't have to worry yourselves over this. It sounds like I'm part of the reason she left in the first place, so it's my responsibility to find her and make this right on my own.'

'While I agree that this is partially your fault,' Connor said, earning a slight slap from M'gann beside him that he barely flinched at, 'Y/N's our friend too. The least we can do is help you find her.'

Dick smiled gratefully at his friend, who gave him a nod in return which was a start. 'Okay then...' Dick brought his watch up in front of his chest, clicked a few buttons before bringing up a large holographic screen with Barbara on it. 'Can you see us, Babs?'

'In quality HD, as well,' Barbara replied with a witty smile. 'Now, what can Oracle do for you?'

'We're trying to find Themyscira,' Dick explained. 'But it's not on any maps that we know of. Anything in any history records? Sailor sightings while out at sea?'

'You're asking me to find a mythical island from greek mythology that is meant to be hidden from Man's World and is forgotten by any who leave it?' Barbara asked incredulously, but then began typing ferociously on her end. 'Yeah, sure. No problem.'

Dick and the others waited in silence as Barbara worked her magic, files and maps and illustrations of the island popping up all over the screen around her face. After a minute or two, she spoke again.

'Okay,' she began, 'according to maps, you're right, the place doesn't exist. Even old sailors from Ancient Greece don't have any records of the place. However, I did find some similar tales being published in short stories of greek mythology and sailing journals. And all of them mention a couple of times sailing near what has now become the mouth of the modern Terme River in what we now know as Turkey, and having a strange sensation wash over them about danger. Each and every one of them have been convinced there is danger ahead and have turned away.'

'But they're just stories,' Kaldur argued. 'How can you be sure that what they speak of is the Island of the Amazons?'

'Ease up, Aquaman. I'm getting there.' A few more clicks and taps and Barbara brought up a picture of a very odd looking fish. 'Do you recognise that at all?'

Kaldur stared at the fish for a moment, contemplating its odd structure. 'I don't recognise it as a species,' Kaldur said. 'But I do recognise parts of it. It is like... different fish species have been spliced up and put back together to form this.'

'Exactly,' Barbara said, tap and clicking fervently again. 'This is a fish that has been found not near Turkey but close enough, and on multiple occasions. Now, if we isolate all these fish types... and then map out where each species usually resides... then find the crossover point for all of them...'

Dick watched diligently as Barbara isolated the fishes, highlight on the world map which species resided where, then drew lines horizontally and vertically, then zoomed in on the section the two lines crossed over.

'And there you have it,' Barbara offered proudly. 'The mouth to the Terme River in Turkey. You're welcome.'

'That makes sense,' M'gann said, looking up at the map, intrigued. 'If Themyscira is supposedly this pocket of space no human can find, then it makes sense that sea creatures of different genetic combinations would be able to breed there in peace, more than likely living there except for the stray pod or two that wander off into the open ocean.'

'I would have to agree,' Kaldur said, fascinated by it all as well. 'Who knows how many sea creatures live in harmony there.'

'Well, I'll be sure to find out when I get there,' Dick said as he stood up. 'Thanks Babs.'

'Any time,' she said, then the call ended.

'Wait, you're leaving now?' M'gann asked as Dick made his way to the front door.

'This cannot wait, M'gann,' Dick insisted, opening the front door. 'I have to speak with her as soon as possible.'

'Hey.' Dick was forced to stop when Connor grabbed him by his bicep, bringing the two of them close enough Dick could feel Connor's breath on his cheek.

'Are you really doing this for Y/N's sake, or for yours?' Connor asked in a hushed voice. 'Because whatever mission you think you need her for, I can assure you it cannot be more important than your friendship. Do you understand?'

Dick didn't quite understood what he meant, but he nodded anyways, and Connor let him go.

M'gann and Kaldur stepped up beside Connor as Dick made his way down the apartment stairs and back to the car. M'gann wrapped her arms around Connor's waist as he embraced her with one arm over her shoulder.

'Good luck, old friend,' Kaldur called out. 'May your journey be safe and successful.'

Dick chuckled as he waved farewell. 'I know you've always been well-spoken, but is it now a job requirement as Aquaman to sound like Gandalf?'

Kaldur pulled a face that Dick and M'gann laughed at, and Connor cracked a smile at the slight burn. Before he could psyche himself out of it, Dick hopped in the car and took off towards Wayne Manor.

'Call Alfred Pennyworth,' Dick spoke loud and clear, and the car immediately began ringing.

After a few rings, Alfred promptly answered the phone. 'Master Dick, what a pleasant surprise.'

'Hey, Alfred. Is the Batwing free at the moment?'

'I've just given it a deep clean now. Why?'

'Excellent. Could you please prepare it for take off by the time I reach the Manor? I have a little excursion I have to go on.'

'Will that excursion bring the Batwing back in one piece, Master Dick?'

'...I'll be there in twenty.'

Dick promptly ended the call, not waiting to hear a scolding from Alfred. Those were never fun.

Truth be told, he wasn't sure what to expect when he went to Themyscira. But Steve Trevor did it once, surely it could be done again.

Either way, it was a risk Dick was willing to take to get his best friend back.

---------------

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buckrecs · 1 year

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2023 𝙗𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙮 𝙗𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙨 𝙛𝙞𝙘 𝙧𝙚𝙘 2

masterlist | ✨- fav fics | status - complete

All of them are COMPLETE Series.

1. Chicken by @delusionalwriterr

Bucky x Reader

You and Bucky Barnes shared a strange relationship with each other and the team was getting tired of it. When a mission goes wrong, will you be forced to admit your feelings for each other or will they remain buried?

2. sweet reverie by @demxters

College!Bucky x Reader

bucky asks you to pretend to be his girlfriend for the weekend but after what you thought was sweeter than a dream has you facing a harsher reality.

3. The Time of the Prey by @subwaysurf45 ✨

Knight!Bucky x Princess!Reader

The younger sister of the most talked about princess in the kingdoms really can’t do much except smile and nod. When Natasha, your sister, finally goes to moves all of you to Shieldshire to marry her beloved Prince Steve you are left with your art, all alone. But one Knight took it upon himself to keep you company, and that company was all you needed to get through wedding season. Will that company last or will it be ripped away from the both of you? A war is starting and it seems targets are being made.

4. super rich kids by @traitorjoelite

College!Bucky x Reader

kids with too much money, parties every night, and an incident with your best friend’s brother is just the norm on the upper east side.

5. Bring You Home by @sunflowersoldat ✨

Bucky x Reader

Y/N travels back in time to get Steve’s help for one last mission, but not everything goes as planned.

6. The Colour of Rain by @delaber

Bucky x Reader

On the run from his violent past, Bucky has sought refuge in a small town in Mexico where he enjoys the peace and quiet of not understanding a word of Spanish. A peace that is violently disturbed when he runs into the most annoying woman he has ever met.

7. All The King’s Men by @nastybuckybarnes ✨

Alpha!King!Bucky x Omega!Reader

Your father always said that if it weren’t for your presentation, he’d think you were an Alpha. There’s a reason for that. Growing up in a world where Omegas are treated like garbage, you’ve fought for the respect that you have. Until you’re sold off to an old King desperate for a bride. But you will not lay down and present for your new husband. No, you will fight back.

8. Peaches by @noctumbra

DBF!Bucky x Reader

what they were doing was wrong, both of them knew that. it had to be kept as a secret. not everyone would understand what they have, she knew that much. they’d look at them and see an older man misleading a girl so much younger than him. it wasn’t the thing, though. that had never been the thing. it wasn’t misleading, taking advantage ─whatever they called their situation. it was love. forbidden, not-society-friendly, but love.

9. Sweet Dreams by @abovethesmokestacks ✨

Bucky x Baker!Reader

Sometimes you start talking with someone, and you realize you share an interest and a wish for a certain supersoldier to be cut som slack. Enter cupcakes.

10. Fuck Up The Friendship by @summerofsnowflakes

Bucky x Reader College AU

Fed up with having your feelings played with you decide to have some fun with a with your friend Steve.

11. A Sweet Old Fashioned Notion by @sidepartskinnyjeans

Bucky x Reader

As the dust settles on the second 'snap' Bucky has been getting to know Brooklyn again. His neighbourhood has changed a lot, but it's changed for you too since you got blipped back. Bucky is still pretty old fashiond at heart, there were things he expected from life, to get married, to have a family. Simple things that seem far away now especially when online dating is so hard. Maybe something more traditional would be good for both of you.

12. Soldier, My Soldier by @cryptidcasanova

Winter Soldier!Bucky x Reader

“I am the writing on the wall, the whisper in the air. Without these things I am nothing. So now, I must shed blood.” He lulled at the base of your throat. “Sweetheart, come with me.”

13. Homesick at space camp by @atlaese

Bucky x Avenger!Reader

dying on a cold spaceship lightyears away from home wasn't what you expected

14. Spirits in the House by @redgillan

Detective!Bucky x Reader

Reader is in a coma after a car accident. Bucky moves into your apartment and find your spirit still hanging around.

15. Sugary Sweet by @all1e23

Sugar Daddy!Bucky x Reader

Is it all just sugar or something more?

16. Missing Piece by @likeahorribledream

Bucky x Reader

When Bucky first arrived to the compound, Steve was his only friend and the only person he trusted himself around. That is until Steve introduces him to you, his best friend. Bucky was fascinated by how often you and Steve would hug each other. It had been a very long time since anyone had touched him in such a loving way and it didn’t take long before Bucky found himself craving your touch, but whenever you’d get too close he would flinch as if someone had hit him. His trauma still too fresh a wound for him to be comfortable with someone touching him. Then one day, he finally fights his instincts and let you touch him. He hadn’t realized how truly touch starved he was until he feels the warmth of your skin against his. Something clicks for the both of you in that moment, you had found your missing piece. As long as you were with each other, you were home. You both tried to fool yourselves into thinking you were just friends, really close friends. Friends that needed to be together almost every minute of every day and who needed to hold each other to be able to sleep at night.

17. Metal Arm and Short Skirts by @buckyarchives

Bucky x Doctor!Reader

waltzing in as the new head of the Avenger's medical division, impressing everyone, and... scaring Bucky with your incredibly short skirts. Bucky's having a hard time looking at his arm as anything other than a deadly weapon, and you're more than happy to help him.

18. Scars by @chickenfics ✨

Bucky x Reader Western AU

Running from a past that haunts you and a future that is unsure, the last thing you wanted was to take up with a stranger. Strangers, you'd learned, are almost always more trouble than they're worth. But when dangers from the life you're trying to leave behind get too close for comfort, drastic times call for drastic measures, and the stranger you'd once feared becomes the only person you can trust -- and perhaps the only person you'd call your friend. Now you both just have to make it out alive...

19. The Color of Blood by @theidiotwhowritesthings

Bucky x Agent!Reader Soulmate AU

In this world, a person didn’t discover color until they locked eyes with their soulmate. As an agent of SHIELD, finding your soulmate was hardly a priority. Especially since you were currently dealing with the shocking discovery that HYDRA had been pulling the strings behind SHIELD actions this entire time. Life was all about timing, and you were about to find out that your timing was absolute shit.

20. Everybody’s Watching Him (But He’s Looking At Her) by @writing-for-marvel

Actor!Bucky x Assistant!Reader

The entire world’s eyes are on movie star Bucky Barnes, what he’s wearing, who he’s dating, even the mystery behind why he needs a prosthetic arm - but Bucky doesn’t care about all that, he’s only got one thing on his mind, you.

21. 27 Dresses by @beccaanne814

Bucky x Reader Modern AU

You are the epitome of “always a bridesmaid, never a bride.” You think you know what love is, but sometimes you can’t see what’s right in front of you.

22. Heal by @chucksfavouriteprophet

Alpha!Bucky x Omega!Reader

For months you managed to distance yourself from Bucky Barnes, the alpha you long for. But one night you have no choice but to comfort him, something which brings out emotions in both of you. Except it also brings out emotions in the Winter Solider, which results in a devastating turn of events that neither of you might be able to come back from.

23. Dangerous Woman by @samthemarvelfan

Bucky x Reader

You know he blames you, but you never thought he’d hate you.

24. Witness Protection by @mymoonagedaydream

Bucky x Reader

You'd only been living in New York for a few weeks when Natasha introduced you to James Barnes, the man who’d change your life forever.

25. Everything’s Better in Westview by @espinosaurusrexex ✨

Bucky x Reader

Bucky and Y/N sneak into Westview to have the perfect life. Away from late Steve and Tony, Vision and Natasha, they let themselves be consumed by suburban magic. To their surprise, however, some of these people aren’t so dead in the town. And there are some other weird things happening that make them question their sanity. But that’s okay, right? ‘Cause everything’s better in Westview.

26. Trying by @moonlight-prose

Bucky x Reader

Bucky Barnes was a new person. He survived a war with Thanos, finally getting rid of his triggers, and losing his best friend. He didn’t think there was anything else to survive. That is until he meets you in a bookstore and you become something he is scared of losing. An old villain has shown himself and suddenly you are the target of a new ploy to bring the Winter Soldier back.

27. unconventional methods by @marvelouslizzie

Bucky x Adult Content Creator!Reader

Bucky Barnes has a big problem: he is too anxious to date and too old school to enjoy porn. But he needs some kind of relief, and he needs it right now. After getting an accidental boner during a mission, Natasha suggests him an application that seems to be exactly what he needs. Will your content solve the problem for him? Or will it create new problems?

28. ephemeral by @aescapisms

Professor!Bucky x Reader

Bucky Barnes fell in love with you, but the universe isn’t all that forgiving.

29. Bulletproof by @amandaoftherosemire ✨

Bucky x Reader College AU

You, Steve Rogers, and Bucky Barnes have been the best of friends since middle school. On top of that, you’ve been in love with Bucky pretty much the whole time. Everything changed after the three of you got to college, however. Over the past couple of years you and Steve have become even closer but things between you and Bucky have been strained since the night he broke your heart. Can anything bring you back together?

30. The Heart is a Deep Ocean by @dreamlessinparis

Bucky x Reader Titanic AU

Titanic was known as the ship of dreams. For you, it was the dream of getting home, or so you thought. From the moment you locked eyes with James Buchanan Barnes, all those dreams changed and your life was never the same.

2K notes · View notes

danikamariewrites · 5 months

Note

what do you think about writing something based on your hockey bf Lucien idea? maybe like fluff of reader being a proud girlfriend and showing off to all her friends how hot and talented he is lol

Star of the Game

Hockey bf!Lucien x reader

A/n: One of my favorite parts of the game they don’t show on TV is when they announce star of the game. The 3 players come out, wave, and give their stick to a kid and it’s so much fun to watch them get excited, it’s just a feel good moment that reminds me why I love going to games.

Warnings: none

As the game ended everyone filed out of the box except you. There was still the star of the game to announce and you were sure Lucien would be one this time. He had 4 goals and 2 assists! He was incredible tonight. Safe to say his rookie season is going great.

Looking out at the arena you noticed it was mostly empty except for the people who wanted to see who were the stars. Looking at the glass you noticed a few kids crowding the spot where the players hand their sticks out.

You knew the first two guys who were called, Lucien had assisted their goals. At every home game you have waited for Lucien to be the star of the game and you were hoping it would be tonight.

“And the number one star of the game, Lucien Vanserra!” The announcer dragged out, getting what was left of the crowd excited. “Yes!” You scream, jumping up and down and clapping like a mad woman. Placing your hands over your heart you watch as Lucien skates in a small circle stopping at the group of kids waiting.

Two boys already had the sticks of the other players. You noticed a little girl wearing Lucien’s jersey, pressing her face against the glass. When Lucien pointed to her you could see her excitement from the box. As he handed the girl his stick she jumped up on a seat to reach for her new prize.

Once Lucien disappeared down the tunnel you leave the box. Waiting by the locker room for him to get changed. When you spot his long firey locks you start bouncing on the balls of your feet. Lucien spots you and his face lights up. As he gets closer he drops his hockey bag, opening his arms for you. Running, you jump wrapping your arms around his neck.

Letting go, Lucien brings his hands up to cup your face. A huge grin on his lips. He said he didn’t care about being star of the game but you could tell by the look in his amber eyes that Lucien was excited. Standing on your tiptoes you plant a quick kiss on his lips. “My little star.” He jokingly rolls his eyes, his grin still plastered on his lips.

“Oh gosh, how long am I going to hear that.” You laugh, smirking at him. “Forever. You’re my star Mr. Goal scorer.” It was cheesy but you didn’t care. “Well don’t bring it up at the after party. I will never hear the end of it. Especially from Tamlin.” Lucien picks up his bag, wrapping an arm around your shoulders. “Ok big guy. No nicknames in front of teammates.”

You look up at him with hearts in your eyes. You can’t believe how far Lucien has come. After being shunned by his family, putting himself through college, and all those extra hours of practice he is finally where he wants to be. “I’m very proud of you Lu.” You say softly, unsure if he heard you over the chaos of people running around. He looks back down at you. A loving smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “Thank you, baby. That means the world to me.”

Lucien softly kisses your head as you continue to walk to the car. “Of course, my little star.”

#acotar #acotar fanfiction #acotar reader fic #acotar reader imagine #acotar imagine #lucien vanserra x you #lucien vanserra x reader #lucien fic #lucien fanfic #Lucien fluff #lucien vanserra #Lucien x you #Lucien #lucien x reader #lucien acotar #lucien vanserra acotar

116 notes · View notes

kithtaehyung · 2 years

Text

sundress season (3tan) | myg

drabble: sundress season | chapter: post-anytime pairing: 3tan!yoongi x reader(f) series: masterlist | three tangerines | fireworks | house party | basketball | stay | sidewalk talk | friends | dalo | like that | anytime rating/genre: m (18+) ; fluff , smut ; brother’s best friend au, implied age gap au summary: you’re wearing a what. warnings: language, his texts might need their own warning, yoongi on the phone, mentions of sexual acts, this gd outfit note: this takes place between 3tan8 and the upcoming 3tan9. if you haven’t read anytime or any of the three tangerines series yet, i highly recommend reading those first! it will make so much more sense lol note 2: again..... this literally happened bc of this post so it’s everyone’s fault lmaooo.. but since the goal was p big, i didn’t wanna slack on this one, so that’s why it took a bit longer to finish. i hope y’all know how much ily ! starting off the bday month with a bang. mood: wet dreamz - j. cole (sry lol i had to) word count: 4.8k release date: august 13th, 2022, 2:47pm est

“No, dude. Outta your league.”

“Fuck you, Chim.”

“I’m just saying.”

“What do you even mean? Hey, Yoong, look at this.”

Barely having paid attention, Yoongi only gets a bright screen shoved into his face before he retreats with a squint. “The fuck? What.”

“Shit, sorry.” His friend lowers the light before showing at a more acceptable distance, the only thing visible a photo of someone with her friends. “The one in the middle. I got a chance, right?”

It only takes one good look to see that he probably doesn’t. “No.”

“Wow. Both of y’all can fuck off.”

“You asked,” Yoongi points out before taking a sip from his glass, the sounds of multiple conversations bustling around their table.

It’s surprisingly busy for a Monday night, especially on this side of town. But who knows. Maybe this is their normal; he doesn’t come around here often.

Besides, he’s only doing what he was told. Upscale hasn’t really been Yoongi’s thing, but Jimin’s newest way of cheering people up is to drag them to high-end, expensive as fuck restaurants. A bit different from inviting them over for drinks and a smoke.

Tae probably has something to do with this.

Whatever. He’ll deal. Not like he has to eat anything. Frankly, he’ll shock himself if he ends up getting anything other than an overpriced cocktail. “If you really wanna know, just find out on your own.”

“Easy for you to say.”

Beside him, Jimin shrugs. “He’s right, Shiv.”

“That’s because you both—People just—Look. This shit isn’t easy for me.”

As soon as Yoongi says “we know” in tandem with Jimin, he huffs into his drink hearing the latter’s laughter. But this dude has been striking out lately, so he decides to soften the blows. “Just chill. You’ve been trying too hard.”

“Yeah, I know. It’s just been rough since we split up.” There’s a big swig before Shiv continues. “Like if being myself caused that, then—”

“Nah, fuck that.” The thick leather of his chair pushes against him as he leans back. “Don’t let that get to you.”

“Just because she left doesn’t mean it was all you,” Jimin tacks on, bottle limp in a few fingers. “Especially when she dipped out of nowhere.”

True.

Yoongi stares into his glass, unblinking as he peers through the dark amber liquid inside. “Exactly. She’s been wanting out for a minute.”

A scoff is all they get. “Is this your way of cheering me up because…” Shiv’s words fade out, but it isn’t until he says something else that his attention is given

“I fucking love summer.”

Huh.

The hell is he looking at?

When Yoongi turns to look, all boredom and sense leaves his body. And everything else leaves his brain.

Because he spots you. Draped in a dress that feeds every goddamn fantasy he’s had since last week—maybe even longer than that.

Fuck.

What are you doing here? Was he always clutching his drink this hard? Shouldn’t he not be looking this long? Why does he frankly not give a fuck if he is or not?

You have to know how attractive you look right now. There’s no way you walked outta that house thinking anything else.

And to think he almost stayed home.

Although, Yoongi’s a little regretful that he didn’t. Because seeing you without being able to do anything else has him on the brink. The edge. An edge he’s fucking close to ignoring because your ass looks even better than he imagined it would.

Goddamn.

You aren’t even doing anything. All you’re doing is waiting to be seated, your entire party talking and occasionally roping you into their conversation.

And he can only stare. Knowing damn well he shouldn’t.

So damn beau—

“Oh, wait. That’s…” His friend that’s still very much present cuts into his thoughts. “Damn. Wait, that’s her? She looks a lot different now.”

Before Yoongi says anything he’d regret, Jimin goads, “Yeah? Different how?”

“Hot.”

The dark, inward laugh that threatens to spill out of Yoongi’s mouth is potent, his tongue shoving all thoughts and responses into his cheek.

Yeah, you’ve certainly matured. And sure, you look hot as fuck right now.

But he guarantees that, above all, it’s your confidence that’s drawing everyone in.

Calm. Unbothered. Staring right at everyone’s eyes as if they’re the most important people in the room.

You’re gonna be someone someday.

And it terrifies him.

Suddenly, Yoongi hears your name leave his best friend’s lips, and it’s taking all of him to hope that you don’t hear him fuck you heard him. So damn loud…

But he laughs to himself in the end.

Because after all this time, you’re still so cute, with your looks of shock that are admittedly some of his favorites.

Especially when he knows the main reason for them. It’s too easy to get a reaction out of you, and he’d be lying to himself if he said he didn’t fucking love it.

The only thing is: he can’t do anything. Absolutely nothing as you make your way to their table hold up why are you walking over? What the hell are you looking at—

Fucking Park.

Of course.

“Hi,” you address in a sweep, looking even better up close.

To Yoongi’s despair, it’s much easier to see how you accessorized yourself. And how well you fill that damn sundress that he still can’t believe you’re wearing.

Of all the things to see you out in…

Is there someone out to get him? Is this karma for all the shit he’s thought about? Or the way he had you on the phone last night?

He needs to not think about that, either. Not when he’s already dealing with you in the present. There’s no way he can handle both at the same time, especially since he’s already forcing himself to stay the fuck in his seat.

At least he gets you tomorrow.

Wait, isn’t your interview tomorrow? Don’t you have work early, too?

Jimin’s compliment cuts through his realizations as it floats above the table, “You look nice.”

“Thank you!”

“Hello.”

Yoongi gives Shiv a once-over as you turn to greet him, and when you thank the guy for saying you look pretty, he hopes that you don’t face him next.

But you do.

And you give him a greeting that’s much to shy, for his heart does something stupid before he offers his own.

“Didn’t expect to see y’all here,” you comment, thankfully sparking conversation around him instead of with him.

Which is for the best. He probably shouldn’t stare while thinking about how those nails would feel digging into his back. Or how you would react if he pulled you into a stall, one palm clamped over your mouth while the other can’t decide where to start.

Another sinful laugh threatens to spill.

Fuck, how he would ruin you if you let him.

Feigning nonchalance, he takes a slow sip from his glass while his eyes inevitably linger, finally tuning back in when you observe,

“It’s so busy right now.”

“Happy hour. It’s why we’re here,” Jimin responds before pointing at Shiv. “Cheering this guy up.”

“Excuse you?”

God, he can’t do this. Your small, innocent pout is enough to break him down, which should never, ever be the case.

If you ever pull one of those on him…

Nope. He doesn’t wanna know.

In a dumb attempt, Yoongi fishes out his phone as you turn to add your own encouragement. Because of course you would.

“You okay?“

“Yeah. Just a breakup.”

“Oh, damn. I hope you feel better.”

“It’s nothing, sweetheart.”

He pauses.

What did Shiv call you?

The look on your face says it all. Yoongi has to fight his lips from spreading any wider, your sorry attempt to hide your expression way too adorable to ignore.

He’s definitely gonna give you shit for that.

“Well, umm. That’s good,” you offer before looking over a shoulder he wants to kiss. “I should go.”

And Yoongi offers a bye along with the others, clenching his jaw when you walk off because what the fuck.

He might damn near groan.

Forget tomorrow. You need to be bent over his couch right fucking now.

If he were younger, and if you were anyone else, there’s no telling what he would’ve done to you in those bathrooms near the back. Or in his car after he swerved off the road.

But on the same token, there’s another emotion lingering in his chest. Something deeper, fuller, more important than the outright attraction he’s hoping to god isn’t so obvious.

Pride.

How can he have that in someone that isn’t his?

Is that normal? How he feels watching you walk with your chin up and a new sway to your hips?

He’s seen that same walk hundreds—thousands—of times. So why does it seem fresh and brand new when it’s you?

He huffs from his nose before staring into his glass.

Showing you off would be too easy.

Whoever gets to do that better do it right, and often.

“Was that too much again?”

Yoongi lowers his eyes to his phone before scrolling in his lap. “Sounded fine to me,” he lies.

There’s a tinkle of laughs while the guy laments, “I knew it. I’m so bad at this now.”

“You wouldn’t’ve gotten that one anyway,” Jimin chides with one more chuckle. “Let’s keep going.”

Yoongi officially checks out when they discuss other potential matches. Because he may or may not have noticed that your table is easily visible, and he may or may not have decided to not leave you alone just yet.

Not like he’s going anywhere soon.

He can’t even stand up if he needed to anyway.

Tonight is supposed to be a fun, celebratory party for Dom. You put on a nice, comfortable dress, and freshened up more than you have in a long time. Feeling great is an understatement.

But seeing Yoongi throws you off in every which way possible and inside you feel like a wreck.

While you’re delighted that he gets to see you done up, you want nothing more than to mount his lap and ride him until he tears you apart.

Because holy fuck, he looks so fine.

It’s decided. You’re sure of it. The universe is testing you and you haven’t studied a single thing.

Did he have to have his hair like that? Did he have to look the most dressed up you’ve ever seen him? Why did he follow this restaurant’s dress code and not opt for a more casual fit instead?

Just don’t think about it. Any of it. Especially the way his hair would look between your—fuck!

Focus.

Tonight is for Dom.

When everyone situates around a multi-table setup, you tell yourself to not be distracted. Yes, there are a bunch of people—most of which you only semi-know—but you still can’t get too sidetracked by his frame in that suit. By the chains on his neck. By the spread of his—

Stop!

Just try to converse. Be social. At least Reia and Yuri are in front of you.

That’s when you feel a vibration.

And you already know who it’s from.

Attempting to appear normal, it’s a wonder you only choke internally when you view what he said.

Yoongi [8:03pm]: Hey sweetheart :)

Goddamn it.

It’s a struggle to not smile like a fool. Admittedly, you didn’t exactly hold back your expression at the stranger’s forthcomingness. Which is exactly why you’re getting this text.

If you weren’t mistaken, you’re also pretty sure you saw Yoongi react. Which was way too attractive in itself, but you don’t wanna give him even more unspoken praise.

You [8:04pm]: oh my god

You [8:04pm]: was my face that obv

Yoongi [8:05pm]: Lmao

You [8:05pm]: 🥴

Wait.

Why is he texting you now? Aren’t you both in public? Surrounded by people you know?

Yeah, your brother isn’t here, but Mr. Sweetheart could know him.

Then again… What does Yoongi have your contact saved as? Is it your name? Something else? Just your number and no name at all?

There’s still so much you don’t know about him, and it excites you as much as it pains you.

Before you can mull over it more, he keeps the conversation going.

Yoongi [8:07pm]: Afraid he’ll never recover

Well.

If he’s gonna keep texting…

Why not lean into it?

You [8:07pm]: damn

A couple minutes go by without anything, and you’re pulled into a discussion. When a few other moments pass with no texts, you assume that’s the end of your thread.

So much for leaning into it. You definitely spoke too soon.

Probably for the best that it’s already over, though. There’s no telling how future texts would go, with the thrill of him being here and looking like sin.

Fuck, he looks handsome.

And quite frankly, you look pretty decent, too.

Hummingbirds flit about your stomach when you know Yoongi got to see you tonight. Because all the other times he’s seen you, what you’ve worn has mostly been casual. Comfortable. Dalo was the only exception, but you assume neither of you wanna count that night.

You briefly wonder what he thinks about your dress before a road trip talk materializes.

“I haven’t been on one in awhile,” Reia sighs as she places arms on tablecloth.

When Yuri agrees before facing you, you already know what she’s gonna suggest. “We should go. It’s summer!”

“I have work,” you groan, frustration pursing your lips. With this interview also hovering over you, there isn’t much thought you can pour into something like that.

“Boo.”

“No fun!”

“Sorry, y’all.”

Although… You start thinking about how one with—

Another vibration pulses in your lap, and you check to see who it could be.

Yoongi [8:12pm]: Wdy look so cute for?

What.

Huh?

What is he doing!

The other texts were harmless. What the hell is he thinking sending this?

You [8:12pm]: 😳

You [8:12pm]: be serious

Yoongi [8:12pm]: K

You snort when you see the curt reply, knowing that if it was anyone else, you would’ve been mad as hell. But it’s so him that you can’t help but laugh.

At least he came to his senses quick. Gotta stay safe someho—

Yoongi [8:13pm]: Wdy look so fucking hot for?

Fuck!

Your foot abruptly slides forward, shoe clunking against the middle table leg in your shock.

Everyone around you doesn’t notice, but Dom eyes you with a cocked brow from the head of the table. How did she know that was you?

You wave her off before taking a sip of your drink to cool down.

You [8:13pm]: ……..

Yoongi [8:14pm]: :)

Ass!

In your haste to just reply and get this over with, you discover that he can make you flounder even over texts.

You [8:14pm]: don got promoted !!

You [8:15pm]: don*

You [8:15pm]: dom**** fuck

Yoongi [8:16pm]: Lmaooo

Why the hell did you ever respond?

You don’t know how it’s possible, but just his texts are enough to make you sweat. Beneath your dress, both of your legs slowly shift, your thighs rubbing against each other a bit too often.

If anything, Yoongi certainly knows how to compliment someone.

Distraction comes in the form of servers, getting everyone’s orders and gathering menus. A bit thrown by a potential vibration in your lap, you don’t even remember what you got and you hope to everything that it was a relatively cheap option.

More conversation sprouts around the table, and you try to listen to what’s happening on either side. Some are talking about work troubles, others are lamenting the down period for sports. But they’re all lively and let you feel included, just like the one that invited them all.

You feel a little bad when you keep checking your phone, but at least they don’t really know you. To them, it would just look like you’re…

What? Talking to someone you like? Someone you may or may not be seeing?

Where were you going with that?

Glancing down, you do see another text. And its contents affect you just as much as the notification.

Yoongi [8:30pm]: Isn’t your interview tomorrow?

You [8:36pm]: mmhmm. i’m dd🙄

Why are butterflies mingling with the hummingbirds? And why do you feel like smiling like an idiot in front of all these people?

Maybe how last night ended is still staying with you. Because you feel pretty damn good right now, and knowing that you have Yoongi’s attention like this in a public space makes you feel something dangerous.

There’s another reason why you decided on your outfit today. Since you left that part out, you allow yourself to slide another message up, riding this wave as far as it will go.

You [8:39pm]: but yeah it’s sundress season !

Yoongi [8:39pm]: My favorite :)

You [8:41pm]: ofc it is

Yoongi [8:44pm]: 😊

You [8:45pm]: don’t even

Yoongi [8:45pm]: Haha

Yoongi [8:50pm]: But I’m serious. You look nice.

That’s where it should end.

A natural close.

Just say thank you and move on.

…But what if you do something else?

Be it the thrill of doing this in a public space, or the fact that you want to jump his bones right now, you don’t know. There’s just a tiny flame you see in his words that you want to stoke.

So you do.

You [8:55pm]: how nice

Of course, you sometimes forget who you’re dealing with.

Because your plan completely backfires when his response comes way too quick.

Yoongi [8:56pm]: Meet me in a stall and I’ll tell you

What the fuck!

You can’t even pick at your food. Not when he’s giving you plenty to choke on already.

You [8:56pm]: ????

You [8:56pm]: here?(?

He’s not serious, is he? No.

Even if he was, that would be crossing multiple lines. Texting is already pushing it, but it would be glaringly obvious if the both of you were absent from your tables for too long.

Yoongi [9:01pm]: I’m kidding

Yoongi [9:01pm]: But I’d be down

You [9:05pm]: no !!

Yoongi [9:06pm]: You don’t wanna? :((

God.

You hate how much you like this side of him. Or maybe this is just him, and you still can’t believe that you get to witness him in his natural, lethal state.

If you told yourself from a year ago that things would come to this, you wouldn’t have believed it for a second.

But if you also told yourself that you’d grow in ways you didn’t even consider, you wouldn’t have believed that, either.

You [9:10pm]: i do

You [9:10pm]: but i’d rather go home with you..

Looking back, much has changed.

But when you glance over to see him lift his eyes your way, your heartbeat concludes that some things will always stay the same.

You don’t ever think you’ll get over him.

Which is fine, because you don’t want to.

Yoongi [9:11pm]: You don’t want that lol

Huh.

Of all the responses that he could’ve sent, that certainly wasn’t the choice you were expecting. Cocking a brow at your screen, you respond.

You [9:12pm]: i do🥺

Yoongi [9:13pm]: Promise you don’t

You [9:13pm]: why not?

What the heck does he—

You hear your name being called, and it takes all of you to not react like you’ve been busted. “Hmm?”

“The party’s this Friday, right?”

“Yeah.”

“See,” Dom directs to one of her friends. “Busy.”

A small smile is offered on your end before impatience ropes you back to your phone. You’re sure the song that’s playing above your head is nice, and you can guess that the giggles in front of you are about Rohan.

But your full attention is on an answer you’re zero percent positive about.

What the hell does Yoongi mean? And why is he so damn enticing even over texts?

Yoongi [9:14pm]: Just cus

Enticing, your ass!

You [9:15pm]: wow

Yoongi [9:15pm]: :)))

It’s like that, huh…

This guy is something else.

Questioning why you started texting him in the first place, you put your phone down to take a few more sips. Because you’re thirsty. Certainly not to cool yourself down.

Right.

“Damn, where’s our dessert?”

“I was wondering.”

Now that people mention it, you agree. It’s been quite awhile since you all ordered, and you feel a bit bad that your party is so big. Damn Dominique and her brilliant way of gaining friends and keeping them.

She looks positively radiant as she tells another work story, and you laugh a little when you know exactly which one it is.

Not many people can say they had a tough conversation with their CEO and came out unscathed. But when you save your company a bunch of time and money, no one can really do anything except let it slide.

Well, and promote you. Which is why all of you were invited to a place like this.

What would she tell you to do now? How would she tell you to respond?

Probably to press the man for an answer.

Following sound advice that you manufactured, you go back to your device and start typing.

You [9:22pm]: tell me🥺

He probably won’t, given his stupid, short track record. But damn it, you wanna know!

The only solace you get from minutes of no texts is that you can always hound him tomorrow. You know exactly where to poke him to make him flinch, after all.

Yoongi [9:27pm]: Can’t. Heading out now :)

Oh.

Forget poking.

The both of you are gonna fight.

You [9:29pm]: RUDE???

You [9:30pm]: ok🙄

After you slip your phone back into your bag, you turn just in time to see him walking away with the others. When he playfully shucks Jimin off at the exit, you wonder if it has something to do with you.

You blink.

Why do you feel so… peaceful? Like life is okay and there isn’t anything that can bother you except the man strolling out the door? It’s such a serene feeling that you feel like smiling for no reason.

For the first time in a long while, the sky in your mind is spotless.

Thunderclouds can’t be seen for miles, and there lies an abundance of soft grass and flowers at your toes—a stark difference from the thick, muddy sludge you’ve been trudging through for days. Weeks. Months.

And something else drapes over you like a warm blanket, a feeling from the night that you kissed under moonlight. Another time Yoongi blatantly disregarded where you were and simply did what he wanted.

You craft the scene from memory, staring and realizing that those two have no clue what they’ll go through in the coming days. How the uncertainty between them is going to wither and fade, bit by beautiful bit.

And then you leave them alone.

You join the present with newfound tranquility. Everything around you rings clear, from the voices around the table to the clinks of glasses around the restaurant. The summer breeze announces its presence through open windows, and you wonder if it’s been trying to get your attention for awhile now.

Everything’s good.

Observing a decorative clock on the wall you never noticed before, you can’t believe that you’ve been texting Yoongi for over an hour. In public.

If only you could sit next to him next time. Or maybe even…

A text comes through.

And you figure that things are fine as they are now.

Yoongi [9:40pm]: So are you 🤕

Shit, you know you’re beaming but you honestly can’t help it. You truly didn’t know he’d like your outfit this much, and this new information makes you feel more than a bit dizzy.

Suddenly shy, you text back and hope he sees it when not being orbited by his friends.

Dessert finally arrives a couple minutes later, and it isn’t until ten minutes after that when you get a reply.

You [9:42pm]: i wish i knew you liked them. i have a lot.

Yoongi [9:55pm]: Show me sometime

Ah.

You intend to.

You [9:57pm]: if you behave🥴

Yoongi [9:59pm]: Haaaaa

The giggle you let out is the one that gets you caught.

You raise your eyes to Yuri and Reia, the two of them giving you smug as fuck looks. “Huh.”

“You’re so gone, dude.”

“I told you!”

Swatting their comments down, you give them sheepish lips before muttering, “Shut up.”

“You are!”

“Why didn’t you invite him!”

“She wants to keep him to herself, look at her.”

“Stop!” you playfully grit. “I told you, we aren’t a thing.”

“Bullshit.”

“But you’re married?”

You outright groan through a grin, feeling bashful and elated and giddy all at once as you laugh with them right after.

“Go on, keep sexting your man.”

“I’m not!”

“Sure you aren’t.”

“Uh huh.”

When they mercifully let you go, you chuckle to yourself before texting back your reply, thrums of doves invading your stomach when he immediately responds.

You [10:05pm]: jk. i will☺️

Yoongi [10:06pm]: Thank fuck

It should be a crime how attracted you are to this man.

Well, no.

That isn’t the real issue. While attraction and lust are certainly problems, they aren’t the feelings you’re really worried about.

Yoongi [10:08pm]: Have fun doll

The scarier feelings are the ones you have to sequester to the innermost parts of your heart. Because your finish line seems a bit too much in reach right now, and you don’t wanna trip right before you can cross it.

You [10:08pm]: see you tomorrow<33

As soon as you click your phone shut, your head shakes with a tiny smile.

Because somehow, seeing him makes you more nervous than your interview does.

And you’re determined to make the most of both.

—

You can’t.

You can’t leave this alone.

What did Yoongi mean? What did he have on his mind?

After everyone’s made their way to the standing bar, you sneak away to lock yourself in a stall. Inhaling, you ring him up, hoping that Jimin or the other guy aren’t around.

Thankfully, he answers.

“You okay?”

“I wanna know.”

“Huh?”

Your voice comes out in a whisper, even though you know you’re alone. “What you would do. If you could’ve taken me home.”

The soft chuckle on the line makes you weak.

“You’re in the bathroom, huh.”

“Maybe so.”

“Adorable.”

“You’re stalling.”

“Maybe so.”

“Yoo—”

Suddenly, some people walk through the door, the sounds of the restaurant a lot louder for a few seconds. After perking up, you realize it’s some of Dom’s friends.

Do you think they’ll care? Would they even know who you’re talking to?

Have any of them been with Yoongi before?

It’s that one stupid question that convinces you to keep quiet.

“Mm. Can’t talk?”

“I—” Your voice is hushed. “Yeah.”

“Poor baby.”

Ugh!

You almost think about hanging up on him, but the deep, knowing laugh that strokes your ear renders you useless.

“I’d blow your fuckin’ back out, doll.”

Fuck.

Breaths turn ragged in a second. Vision is somehow blurred.

You weren’t ready. Fucking hell, you were not prepared.

“Make you sit on my face until you come.”

You almost moan his name, and you have to press a palm against your mouth to keep it in.

“Is that what the baby girl wants?”

“Yes,” you whisper, impossibly small and undoubtedly hoarse.

”What was that?”

“I said fuck you,” you grit a tad louder, lowering your phone volume when Yoongi outright laughs through your speaker.

“Please do. But get your pretty ass back out there.”

Why the fuck is he so perfect?

Sighing, you shudder out before obliging. “Okay.”

“And good luck tomorrow.”

It’s not the interview you’re worried about anymore. While you feel prepared for that, you don’t feel ready for what’s to come after it in the slightest. “I’m more nervous to see you.”

For some reason, Yoongi chuckles again. And you don’t have a damn clue know why.

“Don’t say that.”

Why not? “It’s true.”

“Always so cute.”

Well, you figure you’ll find out either way tomorrow.

Maybe you’ll think of some preemptive revenge, as well.

“Bye, babe.”

“See you soon.”

Everything goes silent again, only the ambiance of the bar and the music in the speakers accommodating the space.

When you stare at your dark screen, you realize a few things.

One, you’re alone again. Two, you call him babe way too easily.

And three?

Whether in secret or not.

You’re seeing someone.

For real.

And it’s Min fucking Yoongi.

tbc.

A/N: DID YALL SEE HIS SELFIES TODAY?? HOW TF DID HE KNOW HE’D LOOK FANCY.. anyways, i dunno what else i can say other than this is hopefully a part that was worth waiting for! i’m just glad i could swing it between anytime and 3tan9. did i expect for it to be this big? no lol. but i figured that i would spoil y’all. it’s bday month! i’m feeling pretty good, what can i say skfjlshf but seriously, i love you all so much and i hope this was okay! A/N 2: this is not the end of sundress scenarios >:))) so stay ready ++ feedback box: ⇥ of course, any reblogs/comments/messages are appreciated! ⇥ for the ones that are too shy to reblog with a review, comment on this, or send a message, i went ahead and made another anonymous form where you can send in what you think! ⇥ no emails collected, no need to put in a username. it’s literally just a comment dropbox :D feedback can be as short/sweet or as long as you’d like! ⇥ here! ++ ⇥ masterlist

#HI HELLO ITS HERE #bts #bts fic #bts imagines #bts reactions #yoongi #yoongi fluff #yoongi smut #yoongi x reader #bts fanfic #bangtanbathhouse #bangtansorciere #houseofddaeng #btshoneyhive #*ryenfictalk #*ryenwrites #*latest #3tan8.5 #oh my goodness i hope this was worth it LOL

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mollysunder · 8 months

Text

Does Sevika Have What it Takes to Run Zaun?

The power vacuum in Zaun is sure to be a major source of conflict next season. There will be plenty of figures, both known and unknown, that will try to gain control of what's left of Silco's Shimmer empire and thus the center of Zaun's black market. Of all the candidates that could possibly replace Silco, one of the strongest contenders is Silco's right hand, Sevika. Sevika has many of the qualities that make her an excellent candidate to take Silco's place. Sevika is one of few key players that is trusted by the members of Silco's organization, brutally competent at her job, and genuinely believes in Zaun's independence. The real question is, can Sevika handle Silco's mantle?

Sevika has a lot going for her, but just as much against her, and one of her main problems is that she uses Jinx as a crutch for her shortcomings. When the Firelights destroyed the shipment of Shimmer that was supposed to go out on Progress Day, she laid the blame for the operation's failure squarely on Jinx. It's true that Jinx did injure at least one member of her team in friendly fire and failed to protect the cargo, but everyone else failed too, including Sevika. Not only were all of the crew easily ambushed, none of them had any countermeasures for a known enemy. One guy grabbed a harpoon gun and missed miserably with each shot. Jinx herself wouldn't have gotten involved if Sevika and the crew were better able to work proactively, maybe by investing in a net gun.

Worse still, Sevika claimed she could have handled the situation without Jinx, which is practically a lie. Without Jinx, the Shimmer would have been destroyed much faster, there would have been no one to delay the Firelights or take down 5 of the 8 that were present. But Sevika would rather use the situation to cast more focus on Jinx to undermine her position rather than manage the critical failure in defense that the rest of the team demonstrated under pressure. Silco even pointed this out, the audience was just more inclined to see his opinion as biased.

You can't let Jinx be the excuse for why everything goes wrong, all it does is make everyone zero-in on just Jinx's mistakes rather than take a few steps back to examine why things went wrong. If that actually happened, then someone might actually ask, "How did the did the Firelights know there'd be an important shipment going out on Progress Day?". Or "How did they know which ship they'd be using if they obscure any identifying information on the ship manifests?". And more importantly, "Is there a mole?". Instead, you get a team that drinks and parties after a real shitshow because their direct boss confirms that all their problems are just one person.

This all bleeds into another main issue of hers. Every time Sevika's in a confrontation, she thinks like an individual rather than a leader. The first time she fights Vi, she let's two of her underlings runaway rather than help her. When Vi comes back for round 2 with the same special hextech that caused so much mayhem at the Shimmer Refinery, Sevika tells the entire crew there to leave so they can go 1-v-1. Everytime something comes up, Sevika chooses not to delegate work or strategize with others around an obstacle, she'd rather take on the responsibility for problems like this by herself.

You could argue that Sevika was the only one capable of fending off Vi, especially with Sevika's new prosthetic's enhancements. But Sevika left no room for support in the background to at least distract Vi or give Sevika cover. If we go way back to the Cannery, Silco has to hold back Sevika from fighting Vi because he thought it was a better idea to use Deckard than do the same thing over again. And he was right! It was better to throw a Shimmer'ed up Deckard at Vi, and reserve Sevika when everyone else lost to Vi. If he hadn't Sevika wouldn't have saved him from the explosion.

If all this wasn't enough, the way Sevika is portrayed in terms of power, doesn't bode well for her potential as a leader. Plenty have pointed out that smoking is a symbol of power in Zaun, those with even a modicum of power smoke. What isn't always pointed out is how anyone who's interrupted smoking, inevitably loses power.

The first time it happened was with Vander, Marcus snatched his pipe and extinguished Vander's flame in his drink. The next episode Marcus' deal with Silco sealed the end of Vander's regime. A man on a smoke break at Silco's refinery (probably a manager) is immediately held at gunpoint by an enforcer part of the raid, where everyone caught was likely arrested and lost their jobs. Silco never actually lost his cigar, and so when he was killed, it wasn't politically motivated, it was an accident.

Curiously, Sevika and the Enforcers from the Progress Day attack actually smoke the same kind of cigarillos. These enforcers happen to be the only Piltovans we see smoke in the series, maybe because they're lower class or former Zaunites themselves. Unlike all the the other times, no one had to directly force them to stop smoking, Jinx made them drop it by simply terrifying them. And Jinx would go on to kill at least a score of enforcers including the Sheriff. Jinx likely threw the chain of command in disarray, doubly so if she killed at least 5 councilmen who the Sheriff would report to.

It makes for an interesting parallel when Vi first attacks Sevika and knocks out her symbol of power. In that scene Sevika managed to win her card game with Trump cards that heavily resembles Jinx and Viktor, but even when she wins, she still loses her cigarillo. All Vi needed to do was catch Sevika off guard and apply force, the same as the other enforcers (and even the Firelights). Later she'll let Finn light up her cigarillo while he affirms her strengths in Zaun.

By the finale, we see her after she's been beaten by Vi, Sevika chooses to go to Silco's office to smoke one of Silco's cigars while he'sgone, but she can't light it on her own. While this might foreshadow that she'll try to take Silco's place, Sevika struggles to light the cigar because if you notice in her hand is a lighter with a fancy "F" on it, Sevika's using Finn's lighter. Silco, Vander, and Finn all had their own matches and lighters. To light Silco's cigar, Sevika uses means by which she took from Finn, a man she just killed for an ill planned selfish gambit for power.

This alone wouldn't look too bad, because as I see it, in Zaun, it's not the act of smoking but the imagery of smoke itself that's associated with power, and you don't need to smoke to have smoke. Look at Jinx and Vi, both command considerable influence on the ongoing developments between the two cities and align with strong figures. Neither of the two smoke, instead they cover themselves in smokelike tattoos, Jinx's tattoos literally resembles the blue smoke of her first succesful bomb. In contrast to their predecessors both manage to embody their power more wholly onto their person in a way that's less vulnerable than the smoking tradition to usurpation. Sevika herself also wears smoke like patterns on her collar, which are less prominent or permanent than Jinx and Vi's tattoos.

Each issue alone is cause for concern in the viability of Sevika's potential leadership role, but altogether they create a solid line of doubt for if she can pull it off. To make it work she needs to shape up Silco's former crew because she can't be the only one pulling any weight. They're all going to face a conflict that will only grow more complex, demanding, and fast changing as time goes on. A situation like that prior to Jinx's rocket would have easily have incapacitated them, now it's all going to happen on a larger scale. Sevika needs to recognize what went right and wrong for Silco, Vander, and Finn.

Tldr: The chance for Sevika to be Zaun's new leader will be an uphill climb for her for sure. Her biggest problems is that she takes the lead rather than utilizing the team, she gets easily caught off guard, and Jinx can put blinders on her perspective. She's kind of like an older more seasoned Vi that never gave up on Zaun's independence warts and all.

#arcane #sevika arcane #silco #jinx arcane #arcane meta #arcane speculation #arcane season 2 speculation #i feel like if Silco saw a play by play of what went down on the ship he might actually be relieved #in a “my imagination made it worse way” and he'd feel more free to go wtf at everybody else's game in the first half #vi arcane #vander arcane #some people work better as kingmakers #also i think that the push for sevika to lead is more about lining up competent ducks in a row rather than her in a good fit

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the-knight-of-destiny · 4 days

Text

Okay, so long long ramble under the cut about the nature of Ratgrinder Discourse™, I'll preface by saying that I don't want any of this to get hostile with anyone, because I think that's frankly silly to do over a webshow. That said I am also open to critical discussion so if anything I say doesn't make sense, or doesn't track I'm open to critique on it! Obviously spoilers up to Episode 19 of Fantasy High Junior Year underneath. Also it is a VERY long post, several pages, so don't click read more if that'll be overwhelming/too much at once. I just had to get my thoughts into words.

So, this will be long but I'll try to break it up. For clarity I want to establish my main point and give a quick TL;DR here, so here's the short version, long version even further below. My main points are as follows: 1: It is okay to not be happy with how a narrative is going in a show/story you enjoy. Critique is not hate, if anything it's a form of praise in a way. People wouldn't be having such long and frequent discourse about D20 and it's current season if they didn't feel strongly. 2: Similarly, we as an audience have a very different perspective of the entire story unfolding compared to the Intrepid Heroes/Cast. I think a lot of people jump to assumptions about the cast's thought process when that really isn't something we can gauge beyond what they say in episode and on Adventuring Party. 3: For me at least, even if I am left unsatisfied by an ending it doesn't ruin the fun I had in a work. Now if you just wanted my bullet point thoughts without elaboration, there they are! The rest of this is going to be an insanely long ramble (seriously, exit now if you aren't up for that, it's pages long) that I don't expect anyone to read, but I like to get my thoughts outta my brain. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

So, in regards to the Ratgrinders dying in the fashion they have, there's been a lot of discussion on literally every place there is to discuss Dimension 20, Twitter, Tumblr, Reddit, I'm sure other places as well. Really it all comes back to one thing, Dungeons and Dragons is a game, but Dimension 20 is a show. We as viewers have some level of narrative expectation, now for everyone that's different. Some folks have specific hopes for plot and character arcs. Others just want a general vibe, but the cast are players. Sure they are performers, but they are players in a game in equal measure. I've alluded to this before but a lot of the sincere vitriol to antagonists thus far (and especially the Ratgrinders) comes from the fact that the players have been fully immersed in a world and as characters where the Ratgrinders have been a constant thorn in their side for tens of hours of play time. Obviously one can still not like how they've engaged with them (I'm still not sure how exactly I feel about it,) but a lot of it is coming from that distinct perspective. When Fig took Ruben out, she specifically was frustrated because she 'wasted her season' on him. There's a meta level of Fig being angry with Ruben as a character who shares a world with him, versus Emily being frustrated as a player that a lot of her in-game actions did not hash out. That's actually totally natural, by the way. The interesting way that DnD serves both as a narrative of the characters in the setting, but also of the players rolling dice is part of what makes actual play like Dimension 20 so interesting. It's why I think SOME of the disappointment with Brennan and the Intrepid Heroes comes from a strange place, we literally cannot experience the story the same way the cast have. We get a week between chunks of story, they film the episodes in batches. We can think for as long as we want about our critical thoughts, they have to improv on the fly. We get to watch the Ratgrinders as antagonists in a story, the IH are actively hindered in their gameplay by the Ratgrinders as enemies.

That said I would be lying if I said I wasn't worried about some aspects of Protagonist Centric Morality™ in this. Oisin having a mildly flirty conversation with Adaine once when he had ulterior motives is a deeply awful manipulation, but Fig catfishing Ruben the better part of an entire year is her trying to reach out and understand him (?). Kipperlilly threatening to desecrate Eugenia's grave is deeply fucked up, but Riz openly advocating mutilating Oisin's body for tactical reasons, and Fabian loudly declaring he intends to do the same to Ivy for literally just his own self-satisfaction are 'fun unhinged moments'.

Before I go on, obviously the Ratgrinders are the bad guys. They're taking part in an evil plan, they've done villainous things throughout the season, especially very recently, etc. This isn't some argument that the Bad Kids are secretly the real monsters or something, obviously not. I just think it's odd that people read into the Bad Kids' actions in the best possible light at all times and the inverse for the Ratgrinders. This protagonist centric morality also comes down to the true reason behind any and all of Fantasy High's villain redemption. Ragh gets redeemed because the player characters think he's possibly useful and/or endearing. Aelwyn gets redeemed because she personally helps Adaine. The only one that Brennan really pushed forward on his own was Zayn, who they barely engaged with. People compare the Ratgrinders to Penelope and Dayne a lot, and understandably so. However I think this is sort of the complication and in my opinion, the silver bullet to understanding what's actually happening with the Ratgrinder's narrative place, Dayne more specifically. He does very little evil on screen. I mean, he injures Fabian and is most likely the one who killed Zayn, but comparatively to Aelwyn, he does almost nothing. He gets killed without so much as a thought, and in a fun (?) parallel to current Ratgrinder discourse, does actually have his body desecrated after death by Fabian. Because he hurt Fabian personally. Aelwyn gets forgiven of doing a lot of terrible shit (and this isn't Aelwyn hate, she's like my favorite NPC.) because it didn't directly affect any of the Bad Kids besides Adaine, and even the bad stuff that did affect Adaine can be sort of off-loaded onto their parents. So it's why I say this discourse is tough, people inevitably say "Well, the Ratgrinders are villains, of course they'll get killed." And this isn't inherently a wrong statement, they look at the bad things the group is doing and understand they must be stopped, why are people upset clearly bad guys get beat and/or killed in DnD games? Because they aren't actually getting killed in such brutal ways because they're bad guys, it's because they personally annoyed or hurt the Bad Kids. This is also why Ratgrinder fans often feel both frustrated and vindicated at once (I speculate, but I feel it's a safe assumption,) because on a meta level Kipperlilly is literally right. Her friends and likely herself are getting ripped to shreds because they crossed the special protagonists, because they started to really frustrate the Intrepid Heroes. The Bad Kids have forgiven atrocities before, but the Intrepid Heroes are really quick to dismiss and kill people they find annoying.

The ultimate example I feel of this, is Mary Ann. Ruben gets blasted into hell because his actions personally annoyed the players, Ivy gets stabbed to death while being repeatedly insulted and threatened with mutilation because her actions personally annoyed the players.

But Mary Ann is the one they all think they can redeem or save, because her personality is more cute and endearing to the players. That kind of says it all better than I ever could.

#fhjy #fantasy high #dimension 20 #rat grinders #ratgrinder discourse #gosh this is super fucking long and i apologize if it floods any of your dashes #i just have a lot of thoughts on the difference between players and characters in dnd actual play #look i am ok with the rat grinders dying and i love the bad kids and intrepid heroes #but i think a lot of people don't engage with the critique in a fair light #there is a clear dissonance of when the players feel the need to off an antagonist vs how evil the antagonist actually is #and it's mostly fueled by just how annoying they as players happen to find that specific antagonist #also brennan is doing his best to make the ratgrinders somewhat complex imo but is also pitching the intrepid heroes softballs #he doesn't want to make his friends feel bad as players for doing things they find fun in a game #so he's not going to push back too hard even if it might make sense for him to do so

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whatacaitastrophe · 4 months

Text

Is It Over Now - Chapter 7

Previous Chapter

Chapter Song Inspiration: "Burn Butcher Burn" - The Witcher, Season 2 Soundtrack (performed by Joey Batey)

Chapter Warnings: none!

Spotify Playlist: Here

Chapter Notes: if you have read this fic, liked it, reblogged it, or left comments THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. keep the comments coming bc i love hearing your feedback (and like tinkerbell, i need applause to live).

Chapter 7: I Hear You're Alive. How Disappointing

The next two days fly by without incident, unless you count Wyll making Fallon cry because she has to do one hundred crunches at the end of their final training session before the ball (Fallon counts it). At least when he leaves the morning of the ball he promises he will not be at their door bright and early tomorrow, because he intends to take the next day off. It’s a sure sign of how Wyll expects the evening of revelry and celebration to go.

After their conversation, Fallon and Astarion fell into an easy rhythm. The first night, they stayed up talking about everything and nothing, only taking breaks to exchange sweet kisses. They still haven’t properly had sex yet, but that’s something Astarion is perfectly ok with. When it comes to Fallon, Astarion wants to do this right. He doesn’t want Fallon to feel like he poured his heart out to her just to bed her (and maybe, just maybe, he’s still the tiniest bit insecure and worried that Fallon had done exactly that).

Somehow, despite the past two days being some of the best of his life with Fallon, Astarion is incredibly nervous for this ball. He loves a good party, especially one where the attention will be cast upon him, and he’ll be given the opportunity to charm an entire room full of aristocrats, but the anticipation of this night has him pacing around the suite.

It could also be because Shadowheart arrived at the suite in the early afternoon with a team of hair and makeup professionals trailing behind her to help them get ready for the evening, and as a direct result, Astarion has been left to entertain Lae’zel, who quickly refused the assistance of the small army Shadowheart assembled, declaring she does not need an entire day to become perfect.

“Astarion,” Lae’zel warns after his twelfth lap around the sitting room in the last hour. “If you do not stop pacing, I will make you.”

Astarion scowls at the githyanki, but he does as he’s told; mostly because he’s still fairly certain Lae’zel could snap him in two if she really wanted to. He picks up the book about the young wizard that he’s still reading, but concentration eludes him and he’s just staring at the pages without absorbing any of the content.

“My lover has informed me that I need to work on my��.people skills,” Lae’zel starts with a huff. “So I am going to ask you why you keep looking at the bedroom door and why you cannot sit still, but please do not mistake my inquiry for actual concern.”

Astarion snorts with laughter. “I think part of having people skills is showing genuine concern, Lae’zel.”

Lae’zel gives him a stone cold stare, and he almost regrets teasing her. “It’s the first time Fallon and I are going out in public together. As…more than friends.” He clarifies. “So this giant party where everyone is watching, it’s basically our first date.”

“Yes, Shadowheart did mention a romantic development. I did not realize Fallon was finally over the wizard.”

Astarion winces. “Ah, well, not entirely, but that’s complicated to explain and I’m sure you don’t want to hear about the whole sordid affair.”

“That is correct, I do not,” she confirms. “Besides, I’ve heard enough that I think I understand.”

“Well, that’s why I’m pacing,” he tells her, and Lae’zel levels a stare in his direction. “You asked.” he concedes, raising his hands in defeat.

Awkward silence fills the suite, and Astarion really wishes he’d thought to turn on the phonograph before their friends arrived because now he’s too afraid to stand up and risk the gith’s wrath by moving around again. “Do you think the wizard will show his face?” Lae’zel breaks the silence.

“Gods, I fucking hope not. She’s been doing so well…I worry about what seeing him again might do to her.”

“Maybe that is the real reason why you pace incessantly. You are worried for Fallon, and maybe a little worried for yourself and your romantic involvement with her, should the wizard return.”

Astarion is stunned, and not just because Lae’zel just read him so thoroughly. “Why Lae’zel, I think you may have just shown genuine concern! Shawdowheart will be very proud.” He deflects, as this is a very strange conversation to be having with Lae’zel, of all people. Then again, maybe the warrior is the best person to have this conversation with, because she minces words even less than her girlfriend does, and unlike Wyll or Karlach, or even Halsin, she won’t try to soothe his nerves with false narratives. Astarion defies her and stands to walk over to the cabinet where he and Fallon keep the wine. He pours them each a glass before sitting back down again. “Do you think he’s going to show up?”

Lae’zel ponders for a moment as she drinks her wine. “No,” she declares. “The wizard has not been in contact with anyone for the last year. I believe he is intelligent enough to know his presence would not be welcome.” As backhanded as it is, Astarion is surprised by the compliment Lae’zel affords Gale.

Astarion winces. “Well…that’s not entirely true.”

“My assessment of the wizard’s intelligence, or that he has not been in contact with anyone since he left in the first place?”

“The second part.”

Deafening silence fills the suite again, and Astarion swears Lae’zel does not ever blink. “You’ve spoken to him.”

“I’ve seen him.” Astarion confesses.

More silence. “When?”

“Months ago…it’s a long story.”

“Does Fallon know?”

“No.”

“Does anyone?”

“....no one other than you and Gale.” Astarion did not think it was possible for the githyanki’s lips to get any thinner, but they do and she’s glaring at him. “Please don’t tell her.” Astarion begs.

The silence that follows could not have lasted more than a few minutes, if not seconds, but it feels like an eternity while Astarion holds his breath, waiting for Lae’zel to say something.

“I will not intervene, because it is not my place and unlike my lover, I do not care to gossip,” she sips from her wine glass. “However, I will encourage you to be honest with Fallon, because if she ever finds out you kept this from her, it will not end well for you.”

Astarion sighs, finishing his own glass of wine and pouring another. “That’s what I’m afraid of.”

“I’ve never taken you to be a coward, Astarion. Do not start now, as I do not associate with cowards.”

It might be the nicest thing the gith has ever said to him, and the closest she’s ever come to admitting they’re actually friends. Lae’zel dismisses herself to get ready for the ball, leaving Astarion alone. Astarion sighs quietly and tells himself that he’ll broach the topic with Fallon first thing tomorrow. He doesn’t want to ruin this night for her. Astarion looks at the grandfather clock by the door and realizes that he should probably get ready as well and he heads for the spare bedroom.

An hour later, Lae’zel is the first one to return to the sitting room, followed shortly by Astarion. “Well, don’t you look dashing.” Astarion offers the gith as he takes in her form. The dress Lae’zell chose (more likely chosen by Shadowheart for her), is a simple, black floor length a-line gown with a cowl neckline. The halter top compliments her toned body, and the necklace she’s wearing is a pendant with moons and stars on it. The ensemble is not much different than the one Lae’zel wore to last year’s Winter Solstice Ball, and Astarion is almost certain that Lae’zel not repeating an outfit is entirely Shadowheart’s influence.

The doublet Astarion picked out for himself is black velvet, and the filigree throughout is the same color as Fallon’s dress. Though the development of their romantic involvement is less than a tenday old, Astarion always knew he would be the one escorting Fallon to the ball, and he’d be damned if their ensembles didn’t match, or worse, clashed altogether. Shadowheart calls from the bedroom that she and Fallon are nearly ready, and Astarion begins pacing again. Lae’zel glares at him, but she doesn’t say anything, and Astarion notices that even the stoic githyanki warrior is fidgeting a little in her seat. He does not dare bring it up for fear of losing his head, but it’s sweet to see his friend be nervous about seeing her lover in her dress for the first time.

The door to the bedroom opens and Astarion freezes in place and Lae’zel shoots to her feet. Shadowheart is the first to emerge and though Shadowheart looks absolutely lovely, Astarion is watching Lae’zel. He’s never seen her look awestruck before. Lae’zel walks over to a beaming Shadowheart and takes her hands. “ Zhak vo'n'fynh duj' : Source of my joy. You are more radiant than the sun.” Astarion looks away when Lae’zel captures Shadowheart’s mouth in a deep kiss (it feels weird watching the gith be this vulnerable), his gaze automatically goes to the bedroom door.

Fallon steps through the door, and Astarion is breathless. He imagines the look on his face is not much different than that of the one Lae’zel had on her face moments before, but when Fallon smiles at him, Astarion honestly forgets that there is anyone else in the suite aside from the two of them. Fallon walks–no–floats towards him, the chiffon of her dress having the exact effect Astarion and Figaro envisioned together. He meets her halfway and takes one of her hands and Astarion bows deeply to the woman in front of him, and kisses the back of her hand.

“Well, I must say, whoever chose this dress for you has excellent taste,” Astarion jests as he rises. “You look absolutely exquisite, darling.”

Blush creeps up Fallon’s neck. “Thank you. For all of it.” He knows she means more than just the dress.

Wyrm’s Rock is decorated for the season to the nines. Wyll’s stepmother is known for her parties, and this one is no exception. “It’s beautiful.” Fallon muses in awe as they walk in. “I can’t believe I missed this last year.”

Astarion squeezes her hand softly as he thinks back to this time last year. Astarion and their friends attempted to convince Fallon to leave The Elfsong for this occasion, but their efforts were in vain. When they’d gone to collect her, she was already several bottles of wine deep in the bar with some of the tieflings from The Grove, could barely stand, and was in absolutely zero condition to spend an entire evening socializing with the aristocrats of Baldur’s Gate. They’d all agreed that with the absence of Fallon, and even Gale, it didn’t really feel like much of the celebration it was supposed to be.

The four of them step further into the extravagantly decorated room and are immediately greeted by various members of the court, fawning over Fallon especially after missing last year. Astarion holds his tongue as they fuss and speculate to her face about why she was absent last year, and pride spreads through his body as Fallon fields the question and deflects like she’s been doing this her whole life. This was why she’d become their leader. She charmed people with ease and carried herself with such confidence it was no wonder nearly everyone they met fell in love with her instantly. Eventually she’s able to wave them off, and Astarion leans over to kiss her temple.

“Gods, those people do love their gossip, don’t they?” Fallon muses with a laugh.

“Yes, I’d no idea you’ve been out of the city training dragons, do tell me, when shall I get to ride one? You’ve been holding out on me.”

“Your very own dragon is your solstice gift.” She teases with a wink but expression very quickly changes to surprise and then pure glee. Fallon lets out an excited squeal and Astarion follows her gaze to where Wyll is standing but it’s not Wyll, or even the druid Halsin towering next to him that caused the object of Astarion’s affection to squeal with delight.

It’s Karlach.

Not only is it Karlach, but the tiefling looks like herself.

Fallon does not bother with proper etiquette, and she gathers her skirts in one hand, takes off towards Karlach at a sprint and leaps into her friend’s arms. Astarion trails after her, and though he definitely is not running as Fallon had, Astarion’s gait is definitely quicker than usual. After sacrificing herself and becoming an illithid, Karlach was forced to lay low after the battle ended. For obvious reasons, illithids were not exactly a welcome sight in Baldur’s Gate, but Halsin welcomed her back to The Grove with open arms.

“I missed you, soldier.” Karlach is murmuring into her embrace with Fallon as Astarion approaches the reunion.

“I can’t believe it– you’re here! And you’re you!” Fallon exclaims, hugging Karlach again with tears in her eyes. “How?”

“Just a little bit ‘o temporary magic, I’m afraid. Nettie and our pal Halsin made me a potion so I’d look like meself tonight. Not that I ever stopped being me, but, you know ‘ow it is.”

Fallon greets Halsin next, and the druid picks her up to spin in a circle and Astarion just smiles as the fabric of her dress floats effortlessly around her. He really does have good taste. Halsin was one of the first people to ever suspect that Astarion had feelings for Fallon. The conversation occurred shortly after Halsin confessed his own feelings for Fallon to her, only to be gently turned down after Gale refused the suggestion of an open relationship. At the time, Astarion made fun of Gale for being so incredibly traditional in his way of thinking, but now that he has Fallon, Astarion understands. He doesn’t want to share Fallon with anyone else, either.

“How do you do it?” Halsin asked him whilst sitting by the fire one evening.

Astarion looked up at the druid in confusion. “Do what?”

“How do you cope with the ache in your heart, watching Fallon and Gale together day in and day out? I only ask because I’ve not been in this group very long, whereas you’ve been here since the beginning. When does the pain of watching her love another fade?”

Astarion stared at Halsin, mouth slightly open. “Are you suggesting I have feelings for our dear leader?”

“Am I wrong? I’ve seen the way you look at her when you think no one is watching.”

Astarion frowned. “I don’t have the slightest idea what you’re talking about.”

Halsin gives him an understanding smile. “Then perhaps I misread the situation. My deepest apologies.”

“No apology needed, friend.” Astarion replied before turning back to his book, ignoring the very ache Halsin just spoke of.

Halsin lets go of Fallon, approaching Astarion. The druid offers him a strong handshake and claps him on the shoulder. “It’s good to see you, friend. I am very glad to see the two of you together. She looks happy.”

Astarion looks over to Fallon and then back to Halsin. “She does, doesn’t she?” Waitstaff pass buy and offer each of them a glass of champagne, and Fallon eagerly listents as Karlach regales her with stories of the grove, seeing Arabella again, and learning how to live among druids as an illithid, and learning how to live as an illithid in general.

“I mean, I thought that emperor bloke was joking when he said he ate brains, nope. It’s truly the most horrific part of this ‘ole thing. ‘Course I don’t eat people or anything–” Karlach stops speaking suddenly, and her facial expression shifts to complete horror in an instant.

“You owe me twenty gold, mate.” Wyll tells Halsin, and his tone can only be described as disappointed anger. Halsin also looks very unhappy, and a sickening feeling begins to form in Astarion’s stomach as he realizes that Halsin’s unhappiness has nothing to do with owing Wyll money.

“Well, this is quite the reunion, isn’t it? Leave it to The Winter Solstice to always bring old friends together.” An omnipotent voice comments from behind Astarion’s back, and Astarion whips around, willing his fingers to not ball into fists at his side as he tries to remember to breathe. That annoying, condescending voice only belongs to one person.

Fallon spins around to face the owner of the voice and she gasps. For the first time in over a year, she speaks the name of her ex-lover, and her voice is shaking.

“Gale.”

Chapter List

#baldur's gate 3 #bg3 #gale dekarios #gale of waterdeep #gale #astarion #astarion x tav #bg3 fanfic #female tav #astarion fanfic #astarion fanfiction #astarion bg3 #baldurs gate astarion #baldurs gate #baldurs gate 3 #gale x tav #astarion x gale x tav

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jjtheresidentbaby · 1 month

Note

Sorry to all caps at you but HARPER HBH PLEAS /gen /nf

Little Harper McLean headcanons

a/n: you didn’t specify if you wanted little or caregiver so hope you don’t mind me choosing for you

warnings: !!season 2 spoilers!!, talk of canon things (ie drug use, partying, etc), malakai never left <3

she doesn’t figure out she regresses til season 2 when she’s living with cash in her own space

it’s involuntary at first and she doesn’t even realize she’s regressed, just brushing it off as being extra tried or that the weed she smoked is making her act different

cash is actually the one that brings up that she might be regressing, he’s nervous telling her and gives her a whole list from his notes app on why he things it’s regression

she’s so taken back but sees every point that he makes

cue them going on a mini research binge together

she doesn’t talk about her regression with anyone at first, still trying to get used to it herself and whatnot

eventually quinni notices something’s off and asks her if she’s alright- the stumbling response of “oh yeah I’m fine” harper gives isn’t believable at all so they end up talking about it

quinni helps harper tell amerie as she was worried it’d mess things up between them

amerie of course takes it well but she’s also super confused so they spend awhile explaining things

harper’s headspace is definitely more in the smaller range, she likes teethers & pacifiers & soft toys she can cuddle into

her childhood was rough and her teenage years have been- worse. so stuffed animals and fleece blankets and nice pajamas are a big deal to her

she likes to regress at night for a bit before she goes to bed but might slip after school if something stressful happens

cash watches over her the most for obvious reasons, but also he’s comfortable with her and she’s comfortable with him so it works really nice

darren helps out a lot more when they settle back into living with cash & harper

cash & darren will do just about anything harper wants when she’s small (cash especially tho, he caves at the first glimpse of puppy dog eyes)

she’s got a box of monster high dolls from when she was a kid that she loves to play with

she drags amerie and malakai into playing dolls frequently as they make up the best storylines

she almost never regresses anywhere but at home but occasionally she’ll slip at amerie’s place or quinni’s since she’s comfortable there

amerie may or may not fall back into bodyguard mode™️ when she finds out harper regresses

thankfully malakai’s there to calm that down

nobody ever really sits malakai down and tells him that harper regresses or what regression is he just came over one day and there she was. little. and nobody else was batting an eye so he wasn’t either

months later at a party malakai brings this up to harper and firstly, she laughs, but secondly she gives him a link to a google doc quinni made explaining age regression but also listing specifics about harper’s regression and anyone else in the group that might be a little

malakai babysits a lot more after that

him & missy like to take harper on hikes when she’s feeling more like a kiddo

malakai usually carries one of the girls back down the hike on his back- it always switches back and forth between missy & harper

she has her whole friend group come over for big sleepovers when she’s regressed and absolutely loves it

she keeps a small plush in her backpack at all times and sometimes takes it out to use as a pillow if she’s putting her head down on a table/desk

holds hands with someone at all times if they’re out in public

going out when she’s regressed makes her really anxious so she avoids it if she can- everyone’s very understanding and will go grab something from the store for her or whatever she needs so she can stay home

#jj headcanons #heartbreak high agere #little!harper mclean #harper mclean

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littlebitsmile · 2 months

Text

in flames [C.L.] | Chapter VI

Welcome back to another week's madness. Things are finally a bit more confrontational between Emma and Charles - but don't worry, this is only the start.

Enjoy the off-race-weekend and have a wonderful week, see you next Sunday xx

story: in flames driver: Charles Leclerc [C.L.] trope: #haterstolovers summary: Always working three times as hard as everyone else, Emma does not intend to blow her chance of driving among the best of the best in her very first season in Formula 1. Concentrating on first and foremost getting ahead of her brother, she does not even notice that there are some people even in her own team who think she does not deserve this spot and would rather see her fail. And one driver in particular seems to have a need of always reminding her of that.

────ʚ C H A P T E R VI ɞ────

"And it's lights out this weekend in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia!" I hear the presenter's voice from the TVs on the wall. I'm so angry that I storm through the pit lane into my driver's room without saying a word and slam the door behind me, paying little attention to "Bad luck, no worries, Emma!" from one of the mechanics in the garage.

After yesterday's qualifying, I had the opportunity to start from 5th place today. Everything felt the same as always - the lights went out and I put all my strength into the gas pedal. With my back against the seat, the wind against my visor and a smile on my lips, it was a dream start, the likes of which I have rarely achieved in Formula 2.

The feeling for the car came naturally and without much thought, I took off into the first corner, leaving Oscar Piastri and Sergio Perez behind me. For a brief moment, a warm feeling spread through my chest, after I had felt almost nothing but doubt from all sides in recent weeks. I accelerated perfectly out of the corner and was even able to briefly catch the outside of Charles Leclerc's red Ferrari at the braking point of the next corner. Maybe I wanted too much at that moment - to get one over on him after the conversation at Max's New Year's Eve party, to get back at him. But the feeling when I felt the brief contact on the front left tire and shortly afterward spun into the gravel and then slowed down and slid into the barrier is something I won't forget for a while.

"Are you okay, Emma?" Sarah asked over the team radio. I can't remember what I answered.

Now I'm sitting here with my helmet lying in the corner, my rider's suit still fully on and wrinkles of anger on my forehead. My eyes are still fixed on the screen. I watch as Charles confidently masters lap after lap and only drops one place.

"Frustrating, isn't it?" comes a voice out of nowhere. I look toward the door and see Carlos Sainz, dressed in a red polo shirt, limping towards me. I immediately get up, meet him, and move under his shoulder to support him. He laughs and moves with me toward the sofa, where he drops down and looks at me expectantly.

"Hm?" I say as my head bounces back and forth between him and the screen.

"Frustrating when you actually have everything within reach and then lose it all again - within a millisecond."

I look at him and for the first time, I notice how tired he is. I've known Carlos since he drove with Max at Toro Rosso in 2014, and some days I've actually wished he could put Max in his place. That hasn't always worked out well, but you have to have all the more respect for him when you see how hard he trains for his results. The biggest compliment is probably that my brother hasn't said a single bad word about Carlos and tends to speak positively about the still-Ferrari driver - especially in public.

My anger fades a little. When I think about what I want to say and how it might come across to him, only one word comes to mind to describe me: Crazy. I was on the outside and should have given Charles more space, wanted more than I could handle at that moment and ended up at the end of the gravel trap through no fault of my own.

"I know how it is in racing - everyone is their own best friend, but..."

"I didn't ask how you would rationally assess the situation, I asked if you were frustrated."

"Of course, I am! Of course, I'm frustrated," I admit and throw my arms in the air. My legs start to move up and down the room of their own accord. "I'm trying to put on a good performance and... I'm not saying that Charles is to blame for my elimination, but I imagine there was enough space to the left of him and he..."

"...kicked you out on purpose?" Carlos finishes my sentence. I look at him and consider whether I should nod. A short pause fills the room, leaving only the sound of engines from the race broadcast echoing from the TV. "You're frustrated, but you need to turn it off."

"That's so easy to say - but who am I telling?"

"Sometimes things happen that we can't help. And sometimes things happen that we should and do blame ourselves for, but blaming someone else for something helps us exactly zero."

"Since when are you so wise? Did they accidentally cut something during your appendectomy that's responsible for your impulsiveness?"

Carlos laughs, loudly, before letting out a short "ooh" of pain and reflexively pressing his hand against the side of his stomach. "Believe me, I'm certainly one of the people who knows the most about frustration. Whether Charles was responsible for the situation out there or not, if you blame him, you'll always stay distracted. Get over it and focus on yourself again."

"Is that what you're doing? Any news about 2025 yet?"

"No, and even if I did, I wouldn't be allowed to tell you."

"That frustrates me too, by the way - you're the only one who can hold a candle to Max, I know that better than anyone. And yet Mr. I-have-seven-world-championship-titles-and-wine-my-eighth-behind-and-Mr. I-belong-at-Ferrari-because-it-is-my-dream are more likely to get a seat than you? I wouldn't begrudge them if you can drive next to Max next year and you both win every race with a double Red Bull lead. My favorite thing would be if you were world champion and Max was only runner-up."

"I appreciate your words, but I don't think that's going to happen. Charles is a good driver and person, you've just caught him on the wrong foot the last few times - and your...differences with Lewis are just a result of you being biased. I promise. That will all go away after this year."

"You're too good for this world, Carlos. But the fact that I still have a bone to pick with that one..." I point my thumb towards the TV, "...not even you can prevent that."

I sit down next to him and rest my head on his shoulder. There was once a time when I dreamt of a moment like this, while I cut out photos of Carlos from magazines and stuck them together on a poster. Now he's like a big brother - the only person who knows Max better than me and can probably understand why I sometimes want to wring his neck.

A message appears on the TV informing us that the race incident has been analyzed by race control and that Charles will not be fined.

"Somehow I'm a little scared for him - he doesn't know you yet when you're really fired up."

"He'll learn about me soon enough, Carlos. Just wait."

"What do you think you're doing? Do you enjoy pushing other drivers? You could have left a bit more space!" I shout and charge towards Charles, who is throwing himself into the Ferrari crowd next to me to celebrate his third place. I stand behind the barrier, gathering all my strength and using every ounce of my lung capacity to ensure he can’t overhear me.

Charles turns in my direction, takes two steps towards me and smiles smugly at me: "I'm going to tell you something I wouldn't tell everyone: Fuck off. You're too aggressive in your driving, you think you can get away with anything. You may still be new, but there's no puppy protection here, you can remember that right away. If you want to drive like a pro, you'll have to live with the consequences, we all had to learn that." In the next moment he attempts to turn away and head to his first interview. Standing on the lowest metal bar of the barrier, I lean forward, grab him by the collar of his suit and pull him back towards me. I slide back down to the ground and have to turn my head upwards due to the difference in height.

"You could have spared two centimeters of space without sacrificing your podium place, you conceited snob. Do you think just because it says Ferrari on your back, you're the next Michael Schuhmacher?" My eyes are glowing. A few people turn in our direction and stop talking to each other so they can hear why there's noise here that has nothing to do with the celebrations.

"Do you think because you have Verstappen in your surname we'll all make way for you and give you a win? Oh, wait, you wouldn't win anyway because you've always been number two, right?" Charles steps up to the barrier and is only a few centimeters away from my face. He's taller than me, at least when I'm standing on the ground. I step back onto the first metal bar of the barrier, offering him at least minimal resistance. I swallow. Tears sting my eyes because the statement was more hurtful than I'd like to admit.

"Are you going to start crying now? Woman, we all have our own expectations about this sport and more so of ourselves and therefore, pressure. Everyone has been knocked out before because they drove too aggressively, and the risk therefore being too high. Max might be able to help you out here, but certainly not on the track. Learn to live with it and you might survive longer than a season." His words are quieter now. He looks frantically left and right, probably not wanting to be in the papers tomorrow. I briefly imagine the headlines, then shake my head and meet his gaze.

I take another breath, stand up straight and then look him deep in the eye before speaking with firm conviction: "I hope you remember exactly what I'm about to say, because I'm not going to repeat it again: as long as I'm part of this grid, you have to respect me as much as anyone else, whether you like it or not. And I swear to God, if you pull a stunt like that agin, Max will be the least of your worries." Then I stand back on the ground and take two steps back. Where I was just standing, the room immediately fills up with Red Bull mechanics, but Charles doesn't miss the opportunity to respond again.

"Wow, I’m shaking in my boots. Please, don't strain yourself, let it all out. But in the end, you'll still just be one thing: somebody who barks but doesn't bite." With that, he turns around and leaves me to the crowd of people standing outside cheering for the winners.

"I find myself back in Netflix's Drive to Survive recording room with the same interviewer who sat across from me last time. My flight leaves for Australia on Monday, two days from now, but thanks to the viral videos of Charles' and my argument, they naturally want my direct, unfiltered truth before my PR team strategizes and answers me accordingly.

"Emma! What happened out there? For a short time, it looked like you could make up two places on the first lap. Then there was an incident with Charles Leclerc on the second corner..." the interviewer begins. The additional lights blind me, just like the first time. I don't feel any less uncomfortable and I'm beginning to regret the direct confrontation. I want to race fast cars and compete in races, but I have no interest in adding more drama to a show that's as scripted and shallow as 'The Bachelor'.

"No comment on the incident. Race control looked at the incident and decided not to impose a penalty, I have to accept that," I say calmly. I almost congratulate myself for keeping my composure. Take that!

"Do you expect an apology from Charles Leclerc or Ferrari? After all, they ruined your race." The provocative line is not new to me. I can't even blame him, after all, they're just trying to make their series as exciting as possible. The stereotype is that women are emotional, but the truth is, everyone enjoys drama, regardless of gender.

"It always takes two to make an incident like this happen. I'm analyzing the raw data with my team and will adjust my behavior accordingly - a result like this is disappointing for Aston Martin and most of all for me. But we'll regroup and give our best shot in the next race." I am convinced of my words. I am fully aware that there was a collective murmur around the Aston Martin pit lane at the moment of retirement, along with a few comments that probably sounded a lot like "typical" and "natural". Nevertheless, we must all look forward and give ourselves a chance.

"After tenth place last week in Bahrain and a DNF here in Jeddah, what are the learnings for the next two weeks in preparation for Australia?"

I let a few seconds pass before answering. The first lesson is that I need to react faster to avoid situations like the one with Charles. "I plan to depart earlier than Fernando, giving me more time to acclimate and train."

At this moment, I notice a movement in the background. Everyone turns around before the interviewer thanks me for my statement, shakes my hand and can hardly wait to shoo me out of my chair. In passing, I notice that the crew greet Charles, who has apparently also been invited to make a short statement. All the attention is now on him, which I'm honestly glad about. I am allowed to exhale deeply without anyone noticing how tense I actually was. I stand up, put on my cap and march straight towards Charles. He looks at me wide-eyed as I hug him and wish him a good interview before I sneak out the door, giggling a little at the thought of the questions he's about to be asked. Sometimes revenge comes in a different form than you first expect."

────ʚ [Masterlist] [Chapter V] [Chapter VII (in progress)] ɞ────

Tags: @cmleitora @alliwantisadonut

#f1 #f1 fanfic #formula 1 #charles leclerc #f1 imagine #slow burn #haters to lovers

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msjaeger · 5 months

Text

That Wasn't In The Script (Part:ll)

*there's gonna be underage drinking and smoking but everyone is above 18 so it's technically not underage ;)*

Eren, Jean, Connie, Mikasa and yourself all walked backstage into the dressing rooms to plan for the afterparty. Sasha, Armin and the others had left after the conclusion of the talkshow to either get dressed or mentally prepare themselves for whatever might go down tonight.

You sat down on the comfy chair that was in the centre of the room while Eren and Connie sat on the couch and Jean leaned against the wall. You playfully yank Mikasa down and into your lap, wrapping your arms around her waist and resting your chin on her shoulder. This caused you to miss the red flush on the girl's face. "So what's the plan tonight? We doing it at my apartment again?" You asked and you played with Mikasa's fingers.

Connie scoffs "Bro, be so fucking for real. You don't live in an apartment. You have a whole ass penthouse, babe."

"It's not that big, Con." You reason.

"You have a fucking bowling alley."

Jean throws an empty water bottle at Connie's head and rolls his eyes. "Maybe if you didn't spend so much money on shoes, weed, and cars, you'd be able to afford a nice ass penthouse like the rest of us." Connie shoots out of his chair and storms up to Jean.

"Don't make me shave that mane off." Jean glares at Connie before focusing his attention on you and Eren. "You know, the horse jokes would've never existed if you two stopped telling them when we were kids."

Eren shrugs "If the horseshoe fits."

"Can you guys stop?" Mikasa sighs, annoyed about the constant bickering. "You guys are upsetting Mika, now I'm gonna have to lace your weed with bleach." You say playfully as you hold your friend closer.

"So we'll do it at my place. I can get the alcohol so let me know what you guys want and what you think everyone else wants. Like Smirnoff, Everclear, Pink-"

"If you finish the word 'Pink Whitney', I might throw up." Connie exaggerates and places his hands on his knees while hunching over.

"Real. Last time we hung out and there was Pink, I ended up blacked out on a park bench." Eren cracks his knuckles while recalling the... interesting experience.

"Well, a lot of people know how to handle their liquor unlike some of you." You scoff. "Anyways, Connie can you get some bud? I haven't smoked in a while and I swear I've been smelling colors or something."

"For sure, I got you, ma. I'll text my guy right now." Connie pulls out his phone and walks outside into the hallway. "Do we want this to be a private party or what's the move?" Jean asks as he takes Connie's spot next to Eren.

You think for a bit.

"Fuck it. It's celebrating us busting our ass for the past- what- 10 years? We just gotta make sure security is checking everybody." Jean nods and pulls out his phone to make an announcement on Instagram about it. Eren looks over to you lazily and smiles.

"What do you want me to do, ma? I can get the food and drinks 'n shit to your place in an hour if you want." He offers as he stands up and walks behind your chair. You feel his two large hands rest on your shoulders and a light squeeze.

"It's weird, isn't it?" You say suddenly. Both Eren and Mikasa quirk a bow.

"What do you mean?" Eren asks, still not moving his hands off of your shoulders. You hum. "Just... weirdly, it's over, y'know? Even during that big hiatus that happened between Season 1 and 2, we still looked forward to Season 2. Then Season 3. Then all the parts in Season 4." You pause to remove your head from Mikasa's shoulder to look up to Eren. "It's just... weird."

You hear Mikasa hum in agreement while Eren sighs. "Yeah, I get it. Especially you, Mikasa, Armin and me. We literally saw each other grow up, you know?" You lean your head onto his forearm and right before you were about to add onto that, Connie burst into the room.

"Y/n! Y/n! Y/n! I need the biggest favor of the entirety of favors.!" Connie screams as he runs to you. You sigh but smile at him softly.

"What's up?" Connie begins bouncing on the heels of his feet.

"You know how I'm trying to launch a music career and stuff? My producer asked if I could do a little gig at your party tonight." He falls to his knees. "The beautiful, intelligent, prosperous Y/n. PLEASE. I'll do anything!" He begs.

"Connie get up." You chuckle. "Of course you can. One condition though. When you blow up, you have to say I'm your number one fan." Connie nods his head so fast, you thought it would fly off its hinges.

"I love you so much. Plus I got 15 zips heading to your place in an hour so best believe you're gonna be fried fried." Connie shoots up and fumbles with his phone.

"I gotta call my stage guy, my DJ, my sound guy..." He sticks his tongue out as he concentrates. "You know what, I'm gonna head back to my place. I gotta get ready and organize my crew. What time were you wanting us to pull up?"

Jean clears his throat " I mean, I posted on my story for people to start pulling up at 8. And she probably wants help setting up so come at like 4 or something. Does that work?" He looks towards you and you shrug.

"Sounds good to me. Eren is gonna cater but if you guys wanna bring food or something, I'm definitely not gonna object." Jean nods and stands up. He walks over to you and ruffles your hair.

"Bet. I'm gonna head out with Connie too. It takes a good two hours to look this good. I'll see you later, ma." He kisses your head as he leaves with Connie, who is screaming into his phone about finally being able to put himself out there.

"I'm gonna take Mikasa back to my place and meet up with Sasha, Armin and Reiner. They're gonna help organize everything and then we'll start setting stuff up. You wanna come with?" You ask as you lightly pat Mikasa's waist a few times. She hops off you and you stand up and stretch.

"Nah, I gotta go get something. But I'll probably be there by 3ish." Eren yawns before he kisses your cheek. You grimace and push his face away. "Gross. You're gonna give me rabies." You chuckle as you lightly pull his ear. Eren shrugs.

"You know when you get a girlfriend, you'll have to stop doing that. I have a slight feeling it wouldn't go too well." Eren holds his hand up to his chest in fake offence.

"What?! But I've been doing it since we were little." He wipes a fake tear away from his eyes. "I guess I'll just stay single forever." You scoff and shove his shoulders.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Y/n? Where do you want me to put the DJ booth?" Connie asks as he jogs into your apartment with Jean on his heels. "At least say hi to her first, damn." Jean scoffs as he admires your penthouse. Sure, he's visited plenty of times, to the point where he has his own room. But it never ceases to amaze him.

The open-concept living space is a masterpiece of modern design, seamlessly blending contemporary aesthetics with comfort. High-end finishes and top-of-the-line materials adorn every corner, from the polished marble floors to the custom-designed lighting fixtures. The living room has plush, designer furniture arranged around a sleek fireplace, creating an inviting atmosphere for both relaxation and entertaining. Not to mention you added your own little flare by adding LED lights around certain areas of the living room.

The kitchen is a chef's dream, equipped with state-of-the-art appliances, a spacious island, and custom cabinetry. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or preparing a quiet meal for two, this kitchen is both practical and aesthetically attractive.

A highlight of your penthouse (and the upcoming party) is its expansive terrace, an outdoor oasis in the sky. He remembers the time the group had come over to drink and it ended up with Jean and Eren recreating that one Titanic scene on the balcony. With a private plunge pool, lounge seating, and a dining area, the terrace was the perfect space to host parties for a bunch of young adults whose highlight of the week is to get drunk and high.

"Jesus, did your place get bigger?" He whistles as he walks up to an energetic Connie and yourself, who already drank half of a seltzer.

"Har, har, har. Can you grab whatever that is? It's for Connie's performance and he needs it close to the stage." You crack your knuckles out of habit.

It was currently 7:45, meaning there were 15 minutes left until the party started. It may be assumed that no one ever really shows up to a party at the exact start time but parties thrown by your cast members tend to be excluded. If you were to glance outside the window, you would see a huge line that wraps around two blocks. And obviously, as the night progressed, more people would show up.

"I wonder if Levi, Hange and all the old people will show up?" Sasha suddenly spawned behind you, causing you to jump. She was munching on a slice of pizza while holding a red solo cup. You wrap an arm around her and sigh. "Fuck, you scared me, Sash. But I think they're coming later. They have some fancy event they're all going to.

As the anticipation builds for the upcoming party, you begin to observe the setup you and your friends worked so hard to accomplish.

Dimmed ambient lighting, accentuated by flashing, bright lights and spotlights shines over various areas of the room, creating a scene that could only be described as a scene from Euphoria. The music playlist, carefully curated to match the event's vibe, subtly fills the air, acting as the calm before the storm concerning the festivities that were to come.

At the bar, a well-appointed alcohol station beckons with an array of alcoholic beverages. Shimmering glasses, neatly arranged, await their turn to be filled with a variety of concoctions. The bar is even stationed with two mixologists in case guests don't want to make their own drinks! You watched as Eren sneakily took a shot of Hennesy before shaking his head rapidly with his eyes and nose scratched up.

In the kitchen, a buffet table showcases an enticing spread of appetizers and snacks. From cake to pizza to chicken wings, the culinary offerings set the stage for a night of the munchies. The aroma wafting from the food station adds an extra layer of anticipation. Mainly for Sasha.

A focal point of the setup was the entertainment area. Whether it's the dance floor, a stage for Connie's performances, or a professional DJ ready to fill the space with upbeat music, this area promised to be the heartbeat of the celebration. You even got a photo booth and a karaoke machine that's hooked up to the TV in your other living room.

"You look so good, mami. I forgot to tell you." Sasha says as she slaps your ass. You chuckle as you smooth out your sweatpants. Your 'party' outfit consisted of designer half-black-half-white sweatpants (the only reason you would ever wear sweatpants to a party is if they were 400 dollars), a fitted black cropped cami and a pair of Jordan's. "I don't know, Sash. I feel like I underdressed. You're wearing that cute skirt and Mikasa and Historia were wearing dresses. I feel like I look like those girls who say 'I'm not like other girls' or some stupid shit." You sulk.

"Girl look at Ymir and Annie. Ymir is wearing skinny jeans that make her look like Sojiua Boy and Annie is wearing the same jacket that she wears to sleep. I don't think anyone thinks your outfit is bad. Plus your makeup and hair make it ten times better."

"Yo, Y/n!" Reiner calls out. "It's 8. You ready to open the gates and let the hellhounds in?" You glance around your penthouse, making sure there were no details missing. Once you confirmed everything was set, you gesture to the DJ to turn the soft and ambient music up and into something more up-beat.

"Tell securtiy they can start sending people up once they've checked them."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What time was it? 10? 11? You knew it hadn't been long since the party started but you could estimate at least 300 people were inside your penthouse that very moment. You recognized a few of your friends and cast mates, like Pieck, Hitch, Floch, and a few others, who came later but you knew the majority of the people were fans of the show.

You were currently at the bar, holding a bottle of Tito's, before downing one more shot and placing it back down onto the counter. You began to journey through the sea of people on the dance floor, people noticing you almost instantly cheering your name and moving out of your way. You make your way over to the "VIP section" a.k.a a little section that sat on the small balcony that overlooked the living room that could be accessed by a secret staircase. The security obviously recognized you and let you up the staircase.

Fitted with a few couches, you found a few of your friends chilling upstairs. You had Eren and Jean leaning slightly over the balcony to wave at fans, Floch who was blacked out on the biggest couch and Mikasa trying to light a preroll, except her lighter seemed to be faulty.

"I got you, Mika." You say as you sit down next to her and fish your lighter out of your pocket. With a subtle click, the flame emerged, casting a warm glow that contrasted the euphoric lighting that surrounded. The joint, lifted to her lips, met the flame with a hiss.

She inhaled deeply and then removed the joint from her lips before holding the bitter smoke deep in her lungs. She offered it to you as she exhaled, not before a few coughs left wracked her body.

"My little butterflyyy." Eren stretched out as he turned around to see you sitting down. He slightly stumbled over his feet as he shuffled over to the couch you and Mikasa were sitting on and threw himself onto your lap.

The sudden movement caused some of the roach of the joint to flake off and began to fall towards Eren's face. You quickly covered Eren's face with your hand just as it was about to land in his eyes and instead landed on your hand.

"Fuck." You hiss out as you blow smoke out and begin to shake your hand, hoping the cool sensation will ease the pain. Mikasa quickly snatched your hand and began to examine it. "Are you alright? How bad does it hurt? Do we need to go to the hospital?" Mikasa's words were slightly slurred but you understood it perfectly. She snatched a water bottle off of the table next to her and poured the water onto your hand.

"It's alright, Mika. Happens all the time." You attempt to calm the anxious girl. Eren sits up slowly and looks at you with glossy and low eyes. "Did I hurt you?" He asks quietly, reminding you of how he acted as a child when he would get in trouble. You give him a reassuring smile. "It's alright, I promise." He hugs his knees to his chest and stares at you.

"Eren, I love you so much but I hope you know when you're high or crossed, you get extremely creepy." You chuckle lowly as you unravel his current position. He tilts his head to the side, causing his bun to flop a little. "Wha' you mean?"

"Your eyes get all beady and you stare at me like Chucky." He lays his head down in your lap and shrugs, then proceeds to mumble something. "What was that?" You give him a quizzical look.

"N'thing." He pouts.

Jean finally turned around and waved at the three of you. "Guys! Connie's about to perform! We need to get down there!" Jean announces loudly over the music. You ushered Eren out of your lap and the four of you leave the balcony and go downstairs to what can only be described as the pit.

Connie is standing on the stage with a mic in one hand and of course, a fat blunt in the other. He ushers the crowd to be quiet and surprisingly, the once wild and rowdy crowd became almost like law-abiding citizens.

The four of you join up with Armin, Sasha, Annie, Ymir and Historia in front of the stage as you await Connie to speak more. He clears his throat, takes one more hit of his blunt and lifts the mic up again.

"As y'all may know," he starts off, his speech somehow intact, "I'm Connie mothafuckin' Springer! And I've been working on 'sum I hope y'all enjoy." He pauses as he lazily searches through the sea of people before spotting you and the group right in front of him.

"And I gotta give a quick shoutout to my day ones right here!" He yells into the mic, causing the crowd to clap and cheer. "I'm way too drunk for this," Jean mutters in your ear.

Connie had said something again but you missed what he said. It must've been something about starting the music because all of a sudden, the DJ began blasting a beat through the speakers and Connie began jumping around the stage and rapping into the mic.

"Why does he lowkey look like Central Cee?" Ymir chortles.

"I swear, if one of my windows break because of the bass, I'm gonna lose it."

//// THis is long overdue and I wrote this half-asleep, with five shots of Henny in, and high as balls while at an NYE party so I'll check this in the morning to make sure it is grammatically correct or smth. Anywho lemme know what you wanna see next and ILY GUYS SM HAPPY NEW YEARS///

#aot x reader #aot #attack on titan #attack on titan season 4 #eren jaeger x reader #jean kirschtein x reader #mikasa x reader #shingeki no kyoujin imagine

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losergaymothman · 6 months

Text

ALL of my Criminal Minds Headcanons:

(I watched the entirety of criminals minds for the first time (except season 16 bc it’s ASS), starting in May and ending in September, and I wrote all of these during that period. enjoy!!) SEMI-UNEDITED U HAVE BEEN WARNED.

- I think that Reid would come out to the whole team around late season 4. He’d tell them that he’s trans first, since it’s the scarier one, and then hit them with the bisexual one a couple days later when he tells them about his boyfriend of the time. They’re all very supportive, of course, especially since half the team is queer themselves (Emily = lesbian, JJ = aroace spec/queer, Penelope = genderqueer/pan). It’s also around this time where he becomes more open with all of the team, so he often is able to talk about his depression, anxiety, ptsd and autism/adhd with them, especially since most of them struggle with the same things. He doesn’t like talking about his addiction issues, though, and usually leaves that for his therapist and Narcotics Anonymous group.

[i actually ended up writing a fic related to this, which you can find here:

- this is canon, but can we fucking talk about how Gideon’s son Stephen and Spencer know each other somehow?? like when Gideon dies, Stephen and Spencer HUG. Like they def connected with e/o at some point AND ITS NEVER EXPANDED ON.

Hotch: straight, cis

Morgan: straight, cis

Spencer: demi-romantic (maybe gray romantic), bisexual, trans ftm, autissy/adhd, OCS

Emily: lesbian, cis, bipolar

JJ: lesbian, I think

Penelope: pan, genderqueer (or trans fem. I like both headcanons). Auadhd.

Luke: bisexual, trans ftm (or cis, I don’t care), adhd, PTSD.

- Throughout season 1-2, Spencer had a few on and off relationships with guys and girls, but nothing really sticks until a guy he meets mid to late season 3. After dating for quite a while, this is the boyfriend that Reid shows everyone. Eventually they break up because the boyfriend has to move away because of a job, which then opens everything up for Maeve, and then later the boyfriend and Spencer reunite and become a thing again. Idk how it’d fully work out yet bc I’m only mid season six, so I’ll come back to this when I’ve watched more.

- ^^boyfriend could possibly be Ethan

- Spencer is sensitive to smells while Emily is sensitive to lights

- JJ + Hotch go to the park every week with Jack and Henry

- Penelope hangs up when Reid starts rambling and when he calls back he makes her apologize

- Emily tries to get Hotch get a cat but Hotch is terrified of Sergio

- Reid writes letters to Elle sometimes, but she never writes back :((

- Hotch and Rossi went to Bingo together

- Spencer writes letters to Alex everyday AND SHE ACTUALLY RESPONDS. they send each other obscure crosswords for the other to complete, and they keep in contact as much as possible.

- Hotch is very overprotective (this is fucking canon)

- Penelope got Derek into Taylor swift but he won’t admit it. JJ and Derek blast Taylor swift in the car together and Derek doesn’t let her tell ANYONE

- JJ is always cold and Emily gives her her sweater

- Reid babysits Henry all the time and Henry brags about him to his friends. Reid ended up meeting Henry’s friends when he attended one of Henry’s friend birthday parties to supervise and he was the main attraction.

- Reid lost Henry babysitting once. They were in a museum and Reid almost had a panic attack. Reid made Henry hold his hand whenever they were out in a big, public place after that.

- Elle was the first person Spencer ever came out to as trans (and then she left)

- Reid is a cuddly drunk (though after Tobias Hankel, his sobriety in all forms becomes very important to him, so it’s super super rare for him to drink at all. He usually only does it bc of peer pressure + to be seen as normal)

- Spencer gets overstimulated a lot and Morgan brings stim toys in his pocket to help him. Penelope’s cave is also like a sensory haven, and Spencer is welcome in there any time if things become too much.

- additionally, Spencer’s sensory issues become worse when he isn’t sleeping well (he’s so me core), and so if this becomes a problem, the couch in Hotch’s office is always up for grabs if Spencer needs it. Morgan’s office too, which he uses more often purely bc he doesn’t want to bug Hotch and Morgan is like a brother to him, so it’s fine annoying him all he wants.

- “I don’t have red flags. I have fun facts.”

- Reid turns into a fucking goofball when around Garcia and Morgan

- Garcia + Emily likes to buy Reid funky socks they find (he has two whole drawers dedicated to his socks)

- Spencer is the first to comment whenever one of the girls gets a new hair cut. They love it.

- Whenever Spencer wants to talk about nerdy things, he talks to Emily bc she’s usually genuinely interested in it

- Spencer has doctor who marathons with Penelope w cosplay and themed food! And when Luke joins the team, he joins them too.

- Spencer goes to JJ’s + Will whenever he feels lonely, and will often randomly call members of the team (usually JJ, Emily, or Penelope) if he feels like he needs to talk to someone.

- Spencer was scared of Hotch + Morgan when he first joined the BAU.

- [EARLY SEASONS] Derek is usually the one who seeks out Spencer—not bc Spencer doesn’t want to be around Derek, but bc Spencer doesn’t want to feel like a burden if he asks to hang out. In the later seasons, they do it mutually

- Spencer doesn’t mind the team calling him kid or treating him like a kid bc his parents never treated him as one as a child, so it’s nice.

- Spencer had to put medical grade insoles into his converse after he got shot in the knee bc wearing hard ass converse without them hurt like a bitch

- Season 15 Episode 4, the Mack Meet-Cute. Still happens in my silly Ralvez timeline, but they end up just being really good friends. When Mack asks him if this was some long set up, he’s like “uh, no um, you’re good there. I have a boyfriend actually.” and she’s like “oh, well, sorry. I didn’t know you were gay.” and he’s like “uh, I’m bi actually, but uh, wasn’t expecting you to know.” And then they start this robin + Steve thing.

- Spencer really likes Luke’s grey hairs. The first time he noticed them, he full stopped, staring and then kissed Luke senseless.

this is me promoting my fics again. I wrote a Ralvez fic and you should read it :))

- Spencer going on a rant about Galelio and the Church when a local police said that the church is on the side of the people or something. Does the same thing whenever someone brings up astrology: “did you know astrology isn’t based on any scientific facts? To be a scientific practice, it needs to go through rigorous testing and be able to adapt and change to new discoveries, but astrology hasn’t changed in 2000 years—“

- Spencer is amunocompromised after the anthrax incident, which he often forgets about. He will get a cold, and he’ll be like “meh it’s just a cold whateves”, go to work and then be like “this is absolutely the worst idea I’ve ever had wtf”

- Spencer often forgets he’s disabled. He’ll be doing smth, and then his disability will disable him and he’ll be like “oh yeah, forgot that was a thing”. Ie/ forgets he’s autistic until he has a shutdown in the middle of the workday, forgets he has knee problems until he has a flare up and can’t walk up stairs w/o his brace.

- In the first few years of his time at the BAU (age 22-25, two years before season 1-season 2), Derek always made fun of Spencer for not “getting some” or “going on any dates”, which annoyed Spencer to no end, and also hurt him a lot since Derek just assumed he was that unloveable/undesirable. In actuality, Spencer had gotten out of a really rough break up with Ethan right before he entered the BAU, and wasn’t looking for anything solid or long term, especially since he’s Demi-romantic, and then proceeded to get all messed up with Dilaudid. It wasn’t until years later when the two were talking about it, after Spencer had came out, that Spencer told Derek this and Derek felt awful.

- Spencer can’t eat fish anymore bc of Tobias Hankel burning it when he was kidnappped. The smell also makes him nauseous, doubled up with his sensitivity to smells, it’s awful for him. After some time, it’s a lot easier to bear when ppl around him are eating it, but it still takes him back there if he’s especially vulnerable. The team knows about this, whether it’s bc he told them or bc they picked up on it, so they avoid eating fish around him and they make sure to get him food that isn’t fish.

- Spencer can’t do INAPPROPRIATE THINGS on his knees bc it hurts too much, but still insists anyways and Luke has to be like “dude, there r other ways to do this” until Spencer concedes

- Garcia is usually the only privy to Spencer’s dating life. Well, he doesn’t have much of one, but when he dOES, she’s privy to it. It just happens when you’re one of the few queer and neurodivergent and some kind of aroace spec ppl on the team. Spencer doesn’t really share much about his dating life with the rest of the team, so Garcia is very proud of the fact that spencer chooses to confide in her and treasures it with the upmost honour. It’s one of the few things she can keep a secret about, mainly bc of how important it is to spencer. She is the first one to know when he starts seeing someone, and the person he texts to indulge in ice cream with when they break up (specifically with OC love interest). The only time this doesn’t happen is when Spencer starts seeing Luke, mainly bc Spencer is scared of how she’d react. When spencer does end up telling her, she’s deeply sorry and she cries and Spencer’s like it’s okay! It’s okay! It’s not that bad! And she’s like no it’s not okay! And they have a doctor who marathon the three of them to make up for it, where Penelope lightly shovel talks luke, but mostly apologises for how she treated him.

- Garcia listens to Electronic Music, Emily listens to Dubstep

- Garcia + Hotch have a Father/Daughter relationship