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upagainstthesunset · 1 year

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Alright. Strap in. Get ready. I'm about to drop the entire rundown of my New Gods speedster OC's story. Warning... this is LONG.

Summary: Metron of the New Gods saves a young woman from death. He senses she has a connection to both the Speed Force and the Source, but her memories have been taken from her. Though he plans to use her for his own means, his fondness for her grows. Along with Orion, Lightray, and some extra help from the Flash (Wally West), Metron helps this new stranger find her powers and reach her potential.

[Image: Digital drawing of an original character from the chest up. She has long flowing purple gradient hair and wears dark gloves. She has a cowl with yellow heart-shaped lenses and ear antennae resembling that of the Flash. She has a serious look on her face and her elbows are out with her hands open near her cheeks and palms towards the viewer. /End]

This is going to be a very messy word-vomit type of deal because I just want to talk about her and let's be real, with as slow as I write, it might be months before I get this really off the ground beyond the two fic chapters I've posted so far. Fair warning, it really is almost the whole story, so if for some ungodly reason you care about this thing, be warned there are spoilers.

Part One

So Himon finds this woman unconscious on the streets of Armagetto, and he can't revive her so he takes her to Metron and convinces him to help because she has a connection to the Speed Force and to the Source. They determine she is suffering from repeated heart attacks, and the Speed Force tries to heal at the exact same instant the Source tries to absorb her fading life. Metron saves her by placing a Mother Box inside her chest, which appalls Himon. Though Himon has already tried healing her with a Mother Box, Metron says this one is different. Metron convinces HImon to leave the woman with him instead of taking her back to Apokolips.

Later the woman wakes up but is really out of it. She keeps hearing a muffled noise (which I describe as BNG). It's the muffled sound of the Mother Box in her chest, but in her delirious state she thinks it's a heartbeat. At the same time as she mumbles about this, Metron notices she's awake and asks her name. A mixup occurs and he thinks she is called Heartbeat. He makes an audio note of this in a recording device.

She awakes again later, much more rested and healed. Metron introduces himself and calls her Heartbeat, which she tries to correct only to realize she doesn't know her name. All her memories are gone. He reassures her no knowledge can escape him, and decides to call her Heartbeat until they learn more.

(This is where what I've written in the fic so far ends)

They go to Highfather because Metron wants to consult the fiery hand to get the Source's wisdom. On the way Heartbeat gets curious and Metron explains where they are, who he is, etc etc. Highfather is of course welcoming and kind to HB (I'm going to call her this from here on out for brevity), and he sends her off to get cleaned up bc Metron definitely didn't go out of his way to accommodate her so far.

Once alone, Highfather scolds Metron and really sideeyes him hard for whatever is going on with this woman. Metron is flippant. They go to the wall where the hand begins to write a message: "Metron cannot love" to which Metron immediately takes offense. He's like well yeah duh, why would I, then says some rude remarks about how one day he will know the Source and won't need its wisdom. Highfather is really not digging this. Metron leaves indignantly. When he does, the hand begins writing again and only Highfather sees it: "...but loved he must be."

Meanwhile, HB is cleaned up and wearing some New Genesis garb (this is the precursor to her speedster costume), and she wanders the beautiful gardens of Super Town. There she meets Lightray, who is wonderful and excellent as always. He tells her more about Metron and also talks about Orion and Darkseid, and how people are not always who they might seem. (Lightrays's so emotionally smart and I want to lean into that)

The group reconvenes and exchange more words, idk. On the way back to Metron's lab HB expresses fear and sadness, loneliness. He detours and takes them into space to see the stars and galaxies, and it's beautiful and she's in awe. He wins her trust, but probably did it in a calculating way. (I might move this space section to the next part)

Part Two

HB is dreaming, but it's dark and there's a voice she can barely make out. Sounds like it's saying "see". She wakes to find Metron has been silently observing her. He makes another note in his recording device.

The two travel to Earth to ask Wally West for help. HB can't access any powers, so might as well ask someone familiar with the Speed Force. When they find him, he's zipping around and he notices HB is tracking him with her eyes even though she isn't really moving (like her eyes are focusing on him but using peripheral vision). Metron explains what's up and Wally thinks there's potential if she can perceive at super speed.

Metron realizes something and then fucks off. Wally's like hey where are you going?? Turns out Metron has gone to Apokolips to talk to Darkseid.

Darkseid expected him and says he knew Metron wouldn't be able to resist a puzzle such as that woman. Insinuates he's behind the whole thing. They talk and Metron finds out Darkseid is the reason she has no memories, that was done to bait out Metron. But Darkseid had her and experimented on her (maybe that's why she's got connections to these powers? idk), but wasn't getting anywhere. Now he wants Metron with his knowledge to get her at full power bc she may contain part of the Anti-Life Equation (yeah that old song and dance). So basically Darkseid thinks Metron will succeed where he failed. Metron agrees to provide any findings in exchange for something or other (tbd idk yet).

Meanwhile Wally and HB are trying different things but nothing works. It's like every time something starts to happen, the Mother Box inside HB goes BNG and the connection to the Speed Force drops. (reason behind this that they don't realize is that if HB access the Speed Force too much, the Source will start absorbing again and it'll hurt HB, possibly killing her, so like, she has to improve connections to both energies if she wants to grow.)

They take a break and Wally's like why are you with that guy? He's super shifty. Wally's encountered him before, usually during reality-ending events. HB feels like she trusts him and is maybe even kind of partial to him, but she can't explain why.

Metron Boom Tubes back in and is like we gotta go. Wally's like hold up, maybe she should stay here and I'll keep training her? He's trying to get her away from Metron bc he doesn't trust him. Metron's all no, no it's fine, I've got it under control, and then they leave. (This is where I might move the space section)

Idk if another scene is needed here, feels kinda short. Might put the part where Highfather divulges to Lightray and Orion what the hand wrote.

Part Three

Okay it gets a little hazy here bc I'm not sure what I want to do. But Metron has been mentoring HB for a while now and trying to train her himself, taking lots of audio recordings in the process. Lightray sees them training and wants to join in, and so does Orion begrudgingly. Though Metron is still focused on getting HB powered up so he can use her, he finds that they actually get along. He doesn't admit it to himself, but he likes her alright, which is saying a lot.

During a break HB gets some advice about Metron from Lightray and Orion because she's worried that feelings for him are starting to grow, and she doesn't know if that's wrong. They are honor bound not to tell her about the wisdom from the fiery hand so they're like um well hmm. In the end they say something meaningful, I just don't know what yet.

Metron gets it in his head that they need to stop trying to tap into the Speed Force and should instead focus on HB's connection to the Source. So they all go to the Source Wall. Some sort of encounter or conflict happens there. I'm thinking maybe Metron does some fucked up experiment and it's working, but it's clearly hurting HB. At first Metron's all cold and stoic when the others are like uhh this is not right, but eventually he realizes he doesn't want to her to be in peril. Not because others told him to stop, but because he cares about her. It's fucked up, I know. But look, baby steps for the man okay?

So even though the experiment was called off, something in HB changes and she can kind of sense the Source a little. So it sort of worked?? And because of this, when she dreams that night, she can hear the voice more clearly and it shows her an image of a woman. But HB is like I have no idea who this is. Maybe this is when she realizes it's the Mother Box that's trying to communicate with her.

Part Four

With new found revelation about Mother Box, Metron takes HB to see Himon and get some answers. There it's revealed to both HB and Himon that the Mother Box was Metron's. It was able to save HB even despite the whole thing with the heart attack/Speed Force healing/Source taking her since she was dying, because his Mother Box is attuned to time travel and other multi-dimensional shit. While they're there, maybe Himon makes some comment again about how Mother Boxes are not meant to be trapped inside a body. Metron's like shrug whatre you gonna do? This thing's keeping her alive sooooo.

As HB ponders all this, she starts to realize that maybe her feelings for Metron were actually the Mother Box's feelings. Like, bc Mother Boxes form a bond with their carrier, and she's been with Metron for probably thousands of years. It really causes a lot of self doubt for HB.

Then idk some other stuff happens, gotta bring Wally back into the story in this part or the next. Maybe he does more training with her and her speed sight becomes controllable, which would be cool. Since her Source connection improved during part three, that's why they make headway on the speed thing.

Somewhere in here Lightray lets slip that the hand said Metron has to be loved. Orion's like facepalm omg Lightrayyyyyyy. So now HB knows.

Part Five

Things start to come to a head.

More dreams with clearer imagery bc as HB grows her powers, the Mother Box also becomes stronger and can communicate better.

On Apokolips, Darkseid realizes that Metron isn't going to ever truly betray HB. He summons him, and to try to prove it's fine, Metron gives him the recording device. Darkseid takes it but is like welp I still don't believe you, so he captures Metron.

Somehow HB, Wally, Orion and Lightray catch wind of this (maybe Himon warns them?), and they go to Apokolips to confront Darkseid.

Darkseid tells HB Metron was using her (like, which is true) and she's like no way, so he plays the recording device. It's Metron talking about his plans on how HB is a tool to use. Like, you can't get anymore literal than that. HB is thrown into conflict and despair, confusion etc.

More stuff happens, Lightray, Orion and Wally get incapacitated somehow idk. But ultimately Darkseid forces HB to make a choice. Now that some connections have awakened in her, he wants to regain control of her and toss Metron aside, but he knows Metron isn't going to let that happen unless it's HB's choice so that's why he's set up this whole situation. He will let Metron go if she willing stays with Darkseid to be studied.

HB thinks about this and what the hand wrote. She realizes she does love Metron, so maybe the fact that her feelings for him drive this decision is what the hand meant. He must be loved, and wouldn't it be love to make such a sacrifice in exchange for his safety?

It seems like she's going to agree to Darkseid's terms and it ends on a cliffhanger.

Part Six

Final part. Coming off the cliffhanger, HB thinks more and realizes, no that's dumb. She's not going to sacrifice shit. She searches deep within herself, and manages to tap into the Source and the Speed Force at the same time, more than ever before. It's something she only had the tenacity for because it meant saving someone she loves.

It turns out THIS is what the hand meant by saying Metron must be loved. Going with Darkseid would've been certain doom for more than just HB. This was the choice she had to make.

For the first time, HB is able to move at super speed, she does some action that releases everyone, especially Metron. In the process, Darkseid uses the Omega Effect and manages to slightly graze HB, but her Source connection somehow lets her mostly avoid it and send it elsewhere, which tbf is unheard of. Her powers doesn't last long, maybe like the duration of......... a heartbeat. And then there's a BNG and Mother Box cuts the connection. But it's enough that the others are free, and they start wreaking havoc.

They go back to New Genesis safe and sound, but lo and behold, HB doesn't know who they all are. GASP she lost her memories again. Darkseid's Omega Effect wiped her memories again, which he did just to be a vindictive asshole. Everyone's like oh shit! D: But then Metron says not to worry. Darkseid erased her memories, but didn't target her Mother Box. Mother Box has been around since HB regained consciousness and during all her adventures with Metron and team. So it is able to heal HB's mind and restore those memories. Yay!

Everyone breathes a sigh of relief, and as the dust settles, HB realizes there's another very small memory that she didn't have before. Something new that Mother Box communicated, probably bc of HB's new-found simultaneous connection to the Source and the Speed Force. It's just a name. Lorraine. She doesn't know who that is, and figures (rightly) that it's the woman from her dreams. Metron is visibly surprised.

And that's where it ends!!!

I have ideas for two more story arcs, probably not as grand as this one, but still fun. Obviously this sets up figuring out who Lorraine is and why Metron's like wtf (spoiler alert, she's from Conway's New Gods run). And then there's some seeds of ideas I have about the Black Racer. Maybe even a story about an evil version of HB that goes by Heartbreak (I've mentioned that before, still haven't fleshed it out).

But yeah. If you read all this, holy shit. Oh my fucking god. Amazing. I have only two things to tell you: 1. Why?? 2. I LOVE YOU THANK YOU. YOU HAVE TO LET ME KNOW YOU READ IT PLEASE. OH WOW. I AM BIG GIANT HEART EYE EMOJI AT YOU OKAY?

#ocheartbeat #metron #new gods #fourth world #that post I made the other day about being this close to infodumping about her was a WARNING #i am not kidding if you read all this you are honor bound to tell me #katedraws #metron if i fits i sits

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upagainstthesunset · 2 months

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LMAO I AM LOSING IT IM THE FUNNIEST PERSON ALIVE (TO ME)

okay so in that uquiz i got the girl from lazy town which lets be real, that tracks. I love the pink. I used to wish i had her wig bc it was so bright and full and cut perfectly. (Although, now that i look at it, it kind of looks like a helmet with hair on it. Oh well it still slaps)

Anyway so to sort of jog my memory about what she looked like i was looking at google images of the show. It really had A Look didnt it. People besides the main girl looked hecking weird.

And yeah totally forgot about that pointy mustache guy (tbh i dont even know what his characters deal was) until i saw this picture and my first thought

MY FIRST THOUGHT

was

HEARTBEAT AND METRON

[ID: Stephanie and Sportacus from the kid's show LazyTown posing back to back. /END]

#the shitpost of a lifetime with a demographic of basically one... me #ocheartbeat #metron if i fits i sits #yes im tagging this as them #i will say tho that ive never seen this show #i was a grown ass adult when it was on

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upagainstthesunset · 2 months

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Tried to adjust my last drawing but not really worth posting. Then switched over to this. So 1 hr 20 min later here's another Heartbeat. She's being sassy this time. And yes I am just now realizing I didn't draw her sheer panels. I always forget something! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[ID: Digital drawing of a female original character with long pink hair and dark burgundy dress. She has eyebrows furrowed and her tongue is out. /END]

#katedraws #ocheartbeat #holy shit I thought this took twice as long as it did bc i forgot about daylight savings 🤦

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upagainstthesunset · 2 months

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How would they solve the trolley problem together? For Heartbeat and Metron

Orla hello hello, my fellow fourth world friend!

I don't remember if I answered this one before, and if so what I even said. If I did, that's in the past and time is but a construct!

How would they solve the trolley problem together. Hmm. In all likelihood, Metron would let it happen (coming of the supermen #5 my beloathed) if it were solely up to him. And Heartbeat on her own would try to do something but just not be capable. But! The whole point of this pairing is that together they're something more. So maybe she'd find a way to convince him to do more than just observe. She could use her speed sight to uncover some truth of the matter, then use that information to sway Metron into action. And he certainly would be able to solve it once motivated. A paradox? A philosophical quandary? No matter for one such as Metron, master of time and space!

From Relationship Asks

#kateanswers #ocheartbeat #otpsmartbeat #metron if i fits i sits

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upagainstthesunset · 2 months

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Lmfao should i tag my heartbeat fic with "age gap"? I mean i probably should, but the idea of labelling it and calling that out is so funny to me. Its like yes one of these characters is in their late 20s and one is 14000+ but nobody really know how old he really is.

But also he looks like he's in his 40s, which is over ten years more than heartbeat's age, so.. age gap!

#ill add it later #just realized this morning i hadnt #lol is a 14000 year age gap problematique?#ocheartbeat #otpsmartbeat #metron if i fits i sits

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upagainstthesunset · 9 months

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[Image: Digital fanart drawing of two characters in profile from the shoulders up. The first is an original character with straight purplish pink hair who wears a mask with heart lenses and has ear antenna like the Flash characters. The second is Metron from DC comics. Both are drawn with thick, colorful gradient lines. The background is a very dark purple. /End]

I feel like I haven’t drawn in ages, been a lot going on. But here’s this that I messed around with tonight. And look, a mild attempt at shading! Anyway, even though I’ve been quiet, these two have not left my mind.

#metron #ocheartbeat #new gods #fourth world #metron if i fits i sits #katedraws

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upagainstthesunset · 3 months

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Had this in my drafts for like a month. Instead of taking asks, I'm going through and answering all of these from Character development questions for couples for Heartbeat and Metron. It's been a while since I've posted about them and these are always a fun way to grease the mental wheels.

1. What, specifically, was the catalyst for their physical attraction (if applicable) to the other character? In other words, what in particular had them like “Oh, they’re...hot...”

Neither thinks the other is particularly attractive. I dont think Metron even feels physical attraction. As for Heartbeat, she's the kind of person who starts liking someone physically after she's already got feelings for them. I'm sure she thought Metron was pasty and old looking (because he is), but he really grew on her. Hard to say when though. Maybe gradually since she first opened her eyes and saw him standing over her.

2. Does this change over time? What things do they find “hot” about their partner after they’ve been together for some time, and have had more time to, well, notice and appreciate?

Heartbeat really likes how pragmatic Metron is. A lot of the things others loathe about him she sort of enjoys. And yeah the more she gets to know him, the more she becomes "into" him.

Over time Metron comes to understand that Heartbeat is someone he can trust. He goes through life assuming everyone has ulterior motives, and he likes using that to his advantage. But Heartbeat hides nothing from him. He doesn't like that but he also does. And eventually it means a lot to him. He knows that she's on his side.

I realize im not really answering what these questions are trying to get at, but im going with what comes to mind, especially since its not like theyre actually a couple or anything.

3. By contrast, what was the moment that first made their ~heart~ Soft for the other person? Not necessarily a conscious realization of “I love this person,” but a moment that had them like “Oh...I adore them...”

Metron only realizes when he's about to lose her bc he's an idiot. But in smaller ways, he enjoys repressing the fact that he likes hearing her in the other room while he's working. So probably the first time he became conscious of that. He misinterprets what few feelings he has bc theyre so foreign to him.

Heartbeat's first time feeling that way was when she felt taken care of by him. Again, it starts so small it's almost imperceptible, then it builds. So she doesnt even realize she feels this way until much later.

4. Does this change over time? What will always reliably make them melt with how much they adore the other character?

Just them being them. They like each other just as they are. (Some real Bridget Jones shit i know lol)

5. How do they consciously realize that they like the other character? Does it take them a while?

It takes them a frustratingly long time. If i could write a thousand chapters maybe they still would never get together. Heartbeat realizes first, and at some point down the road will tell Metron. And he isnt going to reciprocate. So yeah. It takes him A While.

6. How do they react to the realization that they like the other character? Is it an “oh my god I’m never going to think about this again” thing, or are they pretty comfortable with it?

Metron represses. Heartbeat isnt sure if her feelings are really hers, or if theyre rooted in the fact she has his Mother Box in her chest. It worries her that confessing any feelings to him would be dishonest. But dont worry, she'll get it sorted out sometime.

7. Do they (or would they) pursue the other character’s affection, and if so, how? Do they tell the other character how they feel? Try to earn their admiration? Woo them with romantic gestures? Flirt with them, skillfully or otherwise?

Heartbeat will try unsuccessfully in most ways. But its a question of what is the ultimate goal in this area? They already spend their time together, are closer to each other than anyone else, care for each other, understand each other. So is the physical part necessary? Is a word like "dating" necessary? Where does the line between platonic and romantic love get drawn? This is what i really like about having a ship where one of the parties is practically unshippable by conventional standards. Anyway, Heartbeat's constant chiding and ribbing will slowly morph into what we might as well call their version of flirting. And even after any confessions, thats where things level out to.

8. What do they think about romantic love? Do they have baggage surrounding it? Do they idealize it? Is it an object of longing and wanting, or were they really not thinking about it until they started falling for the other character? What are their expectations like?

Heartbeat thinks its fascinating and fun. Her highest priority is of course getting her memory and her life back, especially at first, so she isnt really thinking about romance. Metron thinks romantic love is a distraction and a waste of time. It drives people to make bad decisions. I mean, he's not wrong.

9. What do they think about commitment? Is a long-term partnership the goal? Are they thinking about building a life with their partner, or are they focused on the present?

Metron realizes at some point that he wants Heartbeat to stay indefinitely, and he is crest fallen when he realizes she isnt going to. And from Heartbeat's perspective, she never thought of that as an option since she's so hooked on figuring out her powers and going home.

I will say, the story i have in mind is three major arcs. The first is them getting to know each other and dealing with Darkseid and Metron's betrayal. At the end of that Heartbeat taps into her powers. The second arc is more episodic and they go on adventures, ultimately finding a race of beings that can restore her memory and send her home. This arc ends with her regretting her choice and Metron realizing he wants her to stay. And the third arc is the most half baked so we dont need to go into it. ANYWAY i mention this bc how they feel at different points in the two arcs means different answers to all these questions. Okay moving on now.

10. What scares them about entering a relationship?

Metron is scared that if he has even an inkling of feelings for Heartbeat, he cant trust himself and that his judgment is clouded. Heartbeat is very much intimidated by the fact that Metron is a god. Every once in a while something will remind her of this and it kind of sends her reeling. She doesnt feel worthy of his time and attention sometimes. It overwhelms her and makes her heart race.

11. What fears, past traumas, etc. would be hardest for them to talk about with their partner?

Well Metron stands by everything he's ever done. Even if in hindsight he thinks he didnt make the best move, he certainly harbors no guilt over past actions. His choices were the right choices at the time and thats that. And Heartbeat has amnesia soooo kind of a moot point. Oh, she will be VERY nervous when it comes time to tell him how she feels. So there's that.

12. How much independence do they prefer in a relationship—do they want to share their lives as much as possible with their partner, or do they prefer to mostly do their own thing and let their partner do their own thing?

Theyre not codependent even though of course at first Heartbeat has to rely on Metron a lot. They spend a lot of time together, but arent going to be upset if they have business apart. But i think they both dont want their adventures together to end. Id describe them as enjoying going places together and also preferring to work separately but in the same room. That kind of vibe.

13. What is their go-to for making a partner feel loved?

Metron takes Heartbeat places and shows her things. I feel like he actually loves show and tell. This is a man Obsessed with learning, and why would you want to learn about stuff you don't care about? So i posit he is enamored and fascinated with all the strange and beautiful things in the universe. He might not appreciate them in the way most people would, but rather in his own weird cold Metron way. And with that, sharing those things with someone might as well be his love language. And then Heartbeat makes Metron feel annoyed by getting under his skin lol.

14. What makes them feel loved? Would they build up the courage to ask for it?

Heartbeat feels loved by receiving attention and being taken care of. Pretty simple. Metron doesnt want to feel loved, but he wouldnt invalidate Heartbeat's feelings when she does finally tell him. Rather, hes true neutral about it. She tells him and hes like "oh okay so anyway this speed force thing..."

15. What, for them, constitutes a level of intimacy that they would only rarely share with someone? This can be physical, emotional, etc.

Heartbeat is a physical person if she feels comfortable. Its how she feels connected to some one. So likewise, if someone touches her it means something to her. And I guess for Metron, a rare kind of intimacy comes in the form of taking someone on as a companion, protege or successor. Its not a romantic thing, but a closeness thing. Its trust.

16. If they had the ability to just spend free time with their partner, what would they do? Would they go out or stay inside?

Theyd go visit some alien civilization and get into mishaps or shenanigans there.

17. Under what circumstances would they want to be left alone by their partner?

Metron needs to be unbothered when he has to think deeply or when he's working on something delicate. Heartbeat needs to be away from him if he does something to upset her. She might be the kind of person that storms off and needs time alone to cool down.

18. They’re going through something incredibly difficult—perhaps they’re very sick, have lost a loved one, or have gone through a traumatic event. Do they ask for or accept support and care from their partner, or try to isolate themselves?

Heartbeat is literally going through trauma as soon as the story starts, and its weird bc he is there for her in that he's present and making sure shes healthy. But he isnt at all there for her emotionally. Instead he studies her. Its very cold. She wants him to help her though. She wants him to tell her its going to be okay.

I havent thought from Metron's perspective. If he was going through something, maybe injured, maybe suffering a dip in mental abilities, of course Heartbeat would try to help him. I think hed try to push her away though. Maybe? Bc of his hubris? That kind of thing in arc 2 could help develop why he wants her to stay when he realizes it actually ISNT bad to let her help him.

19. Are they okay with public displays of affection? Do they like them?

No! Lol. Metron would never, and Heartbeat would be mortified. Like even in her wildest dreams if they did become physically involved even just a little, no way does she want others to see. Imagine kissing Metron and then Orion sees that? Nightmare situation. Nope. IF anything ever happens, she wants it to stay between the two of them.

20. When would they say “I love you?” Do they say it first? Do they say it often, or is it reserved for special moments?

Metron will never say it. Never. Heartbeat might during the confession. Maybe very, very, very rarely after that. Only at times that would be impactful storywise.

21. If sex is something that would be part of a relationship for them, do both or either of them have prior experiences? If not, how do they feel about it?

Okay so any sex topics im going to answer from a non-canon fanfiction of my own story kind of way. So just be aware.

Metron basically has to be experienced right? With all he's seen and done and years he's lived? I like the idea that he can have sex but isnt really that into it, and doesnt seek it out. But morally he's neutral about it. Its a thing that doesnt matter either way. I think thatd be an interesting way to take his character.

Heartbeat is a very average human and does have desires. Itches that need to be scratched, we'll say. And she's had her own experiences, but nothing of note. Plus she doesnt remember any of that.

22. What does sex mean for them? Socially, religiously, what attitudes are they bringing with them? Is “virginity” something they care about? Do they want sexual experiences to occur within a certain “level” of relationship, or does that not really matter so much to them?

Since Heartbeat is conscious of physical interactions, its very intimate and she wouldn't do it with just whoever. I don't think either of them care about virginity or have any religious leanings. Metron doesn't care for sex but understands its an incredibly common thing for most species.

23. How comfortable are they talking about, and openly communicating during, sex?

Heartbeat gets nervous and embarrassed. Metron is the same as he always is ... which im sure makes it very weird.

24. What would their partner do that would really turn them on, perhaps unintentionally?

Nothing is going to especially turn Metron on right? Like he isnt immune to physical stimulation but that's gotta be about it. Maybe he likes having his massive ego stroked lol. And i dont actually know for Heartbeat. Im not sure yet what fits her. I think maybe something like Metron telling her mid-sex (plainly and flatly) that shes the only one hed do this with.

25. They accidentally hurt or upset their partner. What happened? How do they respond? What do they do to make their partner feel better?

Metron is probably going to make things worse before he makes them better. Heartbeat wouldnt realize she's hurt him, but she does find out shed be genuinely apologetic and direct about it.

26. They have an argument with their partner—what is it about? Do things stay respectful, or is there some shouting and accusing going on?

Oh there's going to be shouting. Heartbeat's going to be emotional and Metron's not going to get it. Its going to be when she finds out he was using her, like more than he had already told her.

27. They have to apologize to their partner. Is this difficult for them? How do they approach it?

In this case its going to get resolved by Heartbeat coming to understand how she truly feels and acknowledging it and other spoilery type stuff for the end of arc one. Metron isnt going to apologize, but he is going to treat her better.

28. How do they feel about the prospect of parenthood? Do they plan on it? How would they react if they suddenly found out they were going to be a parent?

In my heart of hearts and headcanon of headcanons, Metron is sterile. Also no way does Heartbeat want kids any time soon. It would be an interesting filler story if they had to foster a kid for a while or something. Its be a mess but i bet itd be a fun story.

29. What compromises are they making in their relationship?

Heartbeat has to adapt to her surroundings and accept that the present is just as important as the past she lost. So that applies to her relationship with Metron too bc he is very much part of the present. Its not compromise, but more something to come to terms with. And Metron has to learn to be considerate of someone.

30. What completely petty topic (music taste, favorite food) do they find themselves completely at odds with their partner about?

Not petty, but how they treat others.

31. What little thing do they find incredibly (though harmlessly) annoying about their partner?

Sometimes (often) Metron's ego gets on Heartbeat's nerves and she wants to take him down a peg, which in and of itself is hilarious bc hes a god and shes just there with no memory sassing him right out the gate. And i think shed bother Metron kind of often just by being around bc he's used to being solo, especially if hes working on something.

32. How do their friends react to finding out they’re a couple? Do they have lots of mutual friends? Did their friends know, perhaps before they themselves did?

They're not really a couple, but i think people around them get suspicious maybe theyve got chemistry between them before they realize themselves. And there are gonna be rumors in Supertown. Gossip that Metron is keeping some young woman in his quarters. Lol the scandal. Heartbeat wont be aware of this, but Metron will know and do nothing to correct it bc he doesnt waste time indulging gossip. Don't worry though, Lightray will help clear things up ha ha.

33. Under what circumstances would they feel jealous?

Im not sure if its out of character, but maybe if the other gave more respect or adoration to someone else? Idk, i dont really have a good answer for this one.

34. Under what circumstances would they feel protective?

Heartbeat feels a bit protective when people treat Metron poorly bc of his cold nature (and past crimes tbh). She wishes they understood him better. And he's protective of her at first as an asset he's acquired, but over time he just wants her to be safe and well.

35. Would they get a pet? What kind? Who brings up the idea, and who takes a little longer to convince?

I dont really see them with a pet. Metron doesnt understand the point of one, and Heartbeat's kind of gotta figure out her own shit. Cant have a pet to take care of. But Metron does have some little robot helper things he's made, does that count?

Well this was fun. And it was good exercise to start thinking about these two from a relationship perspective. I know a lot of questions dont really apply to them bc theyre not together, but they do have a relationship and there are some sort of feelings in there in a way.

#ocheartbeat #otpsmartbeat #metron if i fits i sits

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upagainstthesunset · 3 months

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I dont talk about my fics here very much bc i tend to feel like im not a real writer, but in an effort to engage with the fandom and acknowledge that yes im out here doing my own thing, here's some links for anyone that might be interested.

If youve ever seen me talk about my OC, this fic is her canon story. Ive got TONS plotted out compared to what's written here, but every so often i post new chapters. Its a hard sell though. OCs are so niche, and even the character from source material is niche. A double whammy of why should anyone care. Its the most ive ever developed a story tho, so thats kind of cool. If i do ever get it all down in writing, itll be my magnum opus.

This is a Bruce/Wally JLU batflash fic that is not finished and hasnt been updated in a long time. Its 99% fluff. And i do have plans to work on it, but i hit a roadblock that i still havent resolved. So for now its on pause, but its had a really positive response from readers so far. Plus, i think its funny.

Super super short test fic for writing something with Metron in it. Him and his young student Esak go look at a mountain and Esak considers his place in Metron's life.

This is the big one. This was a continuation of a fic that hadnt updated in several years. I wrote it as an alternate timeline so as not to step on the author in case they ever came back. Anyway, the original was a huge batflash series that all fans of Bruce/Wally should read. It was so good. It had so many characters and threads, and I spent weeks studying it and taking notes in a huge spreadsheet to make sure i at least did it justice even if my timeline wasnt the true timeline. But yeah writing this really stretched my skills. Im very proud of how it turned out.

And besides those ive uploaded some songs to ao3, but otherwise thats it for my DC stuff. I have a lovehate relationship with writing and with fics, but man there is absolutely nothing like the feeling when someone comments that they enjoyed what you made. So even if im not really a writer, im grateful to be able to share these with people.

#katewrites #ocheartbeat #metron if i fits i sits #batflash

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upagainstthesunset · 11 months

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Gonna take this rare burst of social media energy to talk more about my oc. That's right. It's Heartbeat backstory time!

Since it'll be ages before i ever get to any kind of big reveal in the fic, here's a little summary of who she is. Its really intended to be a mystery in the story until much later, but i seriously cant wait that long. Putting it under a cut in case you want to skip it.

So Heartbeat shows up with no memory of who she is, and Metron takes her in, promising to get to the bottom of it. She's obviously from Earth and besides her inexplicable connection to the Source and the Speed Force, nothing remarkable about her. Despite the amnesia, she still knows about stuff and is aware of what things are. Its like she just doesn't remember her own history. Think of it like not being able to remember what you ate for lunch a week ago.

Metron's like yeah, yeah I'll figure out who you are, and then he immediately proceeds to not do that bc in all honesty he doesn't really care. What he Actually wants is for her to cooperate and increase her powers so he can somehow make use of them. He has no doubt in his mind that he could find out who she is, like it'd be trivial to him, so he back-burner's it and will get to it later.

They go through the whole plot of this mini series, which ive laid out in a previous post, and at the end Heartbeat's Mother Box is able to tell her something. It's a name: Lorraine.

Heartbeat doesn't know who that is, but it incites her to refocus on her amnesia instead of her powers, especially since at this point she's already developed her powers a satisfactory amount. She starts putting the thumbscrews on Metron and he's like okay fine I'll look into it.

To himself he's thinking hmm that name's really familiar. And he thinks and thinks and finally realizes... It's Lorraine Hampton, the woman he was assigned to protect back in New Gods #13, which was the first of Gerry Conway's run after Jack Kirby's initial series was dropped.

Lorraine was a club singer in New Orleans. She was young and smoked cigarettes and lived the night life. She thought Metron was ...alright, which tbh is saying a lot given how he just randomly appeared in her apartment. And she was glad he was there to protect her. I mean, he did stop what's his face from kidnapping her, but later she got abducted anyway. So shrug.

Back to my story, it turns out Lorraine went on to have a child out of wedlock, which wasn't unheard of back then but also wasn't an easy life. She named her daughter Cadence Claudia Hampton. Claudia after Claudia Shane, who she was abducted alongside, and eventually became good friends with (again, this is me injecting my own story on top of canon, there's no indication they became friends in the comics, though they did get kidnapped together). And Cadence bc a cadence is a measured cycle that repeats, like the way music does. Or like a metronome. A METRONome. So yeah. She totally named her daughter after Metron. Look, the whole kidnapped by Darkseid's cronies thing and meeting gods and all that really left an impact on her okay?

She was always grateful that such powerful beings would try to protect her and other mortals from the evils of the universe, so even though Metron was certainly odd, she was thankful for him, and she never forgot him. She'd tell Cadence bedtime stories about a magical god who came to earth in his equally magical chair. Of course as Cadence grew up, that's all it became. A silly story of magic and whimsy.

Metron goes to look for Lorraine, but she has already passed away. Too young. Lung cancer. It ended her career early, and left Cadence alone in her late teens. Metron thinks it a shame. He knows he could use the Mobius chair to go back in time and listen to her sing again, hidden from view. But he decides not to, it wouldn't be right.

Cadence grew up, failed out of college, and tried to make it on her own as a musician. She made her way west to southern California, lugging a guitar or keyboard to whatever seedy bars would let her play. Not very glamorous. Eventually she'd settle for a day job at a cafe even though she hated coffee. The place had open mic nights and sometimes she'd go on if she could get on the list before it filled up. And so years passed, Cadence barely getting by. Mostly alone, mostly with very little.

By the time she was taken by force, she was 29. Ten years after Lorraine's death. Of course it was DeSaad who grabbed her, took her back to Apokolips, and though shrouded to Metron from that point on, he could imagine what she must have been put through. Clearly Darkseid had tried again with the Anti-Life Equation, this time going after the offspring of those he'd calculated possessed it in the past.

It still doesn't explain Heartbeat's connection to such mystical powers, but Metron had his answer to who she was. How funny that it's someone he shares a sort of connection with.

But then does he tell her? Idk yet. Maybe he keeps his cards close to his chest and strings her on for a while. I'd need to give him a good reason tho. And does she have part of the Anti-Life Equation? How did she lose her memories? Why does she have a connection to the Speed Force? And why the Source? Many things i haven't decided yet.

But i like that her name is Cadence. It's musical, a good choice coming from Lorraine. And not only is she named after Metron in a way, but as chance would have it, you could also think of her name as meaning a recurring pulse or beat. Like oh i dont know, maybe a heartbeat. ;)

#ocheartbeat #metron if i fits i sits #oh and i think metrons going to be totally weird about it after he finds out who she is #heartbeats gonna be like tf is wrong with you why are you acting so awkward and cagey #even after the truth comes out hes going to keep calling her heartbeat #and itll secretly make her happy #because thats the name he gave her

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