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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 · 4 months

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I don't usually do this, but I'm going to share a snippet of my Heartbeat fic here. It's a first draft and won't actually be in the fic for like a few chapters probably. But I'm so freaking impatient and want to post the thing I wrote, so that's what I'm going to do.

Before getting into it, here's the context. Metron had dropped Heartbeat off with Wally West to see if he could help figure out how to get her speed powers working. In the meantime Metron leaves to secretly meet with Darkseid, where it becomes clear he's using Heartbeat and makes plans to betray her for his own gain. Back on Earth Wally points out that Metron is kind of shifty and sort of puts the idea in her head that maybe she shouldn't trust him right away. Metron comes back to pick her up and is like let's go, so she goes with him, and that's where this scene starts...

As they rose into the air, she peered over the edge of the chair and watched as the Flash zipped off through the city, a line of red disappearing between the buildings. Part of her had wanted to stay with him on Earth instead of going back with Metron. He was honest and real and pleasant, and she had felt comfortable.

The Mobius Chair hovered in the sky as Metron prepared to open a Boom Tube. She observed as he manipulated the buttons and knobs on the arm of the chair, and she wondered if she had made the right choice to go with him. She glanced back down at the empty street below one last time.

“Hey, Metron, I was just thinking,” she started.

“A good habit to get into,” he interjected offhandedly.

“Uh huh, yeah sure,” she said, dismissing his verbal jab. “So, I was wondering, how am I supposed to know I can trust you?”

-BOOM-

The portal opened up before them, but Metron paused a moment before guiding the chair in.

“Is that what concerns you? I assure you there is no need to be frightened,” he said plainly, then propelled them at top speeds through the Boom Tube.

The suddenness made her heart race. She wasn’t sure if she’d ever get used to this kind of travel, but at least this time she didn’t instinctually cling to his arm.

On the other side of the Boom Tube in the dark void of space, she looked at him skeptically. “You know, you’ve really gotta work on your timing if you want people to take you seriously. Anyway, I’m not frightened of you. I’m just not sure if you have the best intentions.”

She watched him cautiously, gauging his reaction. He didn’t seem taken aback or surprised, not even offended at the accusation. Instead he seemed almost prepared.

“There is something I’d like to show you,” he said, changing the topic.

Before she could protest, he punched a few more coordinates into the chair and it began to shift, the large disc in the back spinning and whirring. They were moving, stars flying past them sideways and through them, but simultaneously standing still. It was absolutely incredible and it all happened so fast she couldn’t possibly make sense of what she saw. After a brief moment, the chair came to stillness in view of a massive nebula, rich reds and blues swirling in the darkness. Occasional shocks of lightning that must have been thousands of miles long cut jagged illuminated shapes through the gas and dust like pulsing veins.

She gasped. The awe of it stole her breath as she took it in.

“It is beautiful, is it not?” Metron asked quietly and with unusual sincerity. He too looked up at the nebula with reverence.

The two sat together shoulder to shoulder in comfortable silence for a long time, admiring the splendor of the natural phenomenon. Eventually Metron spoke again, his voice nearly a whisper.

“I sometimes come here to think. There is nothing special about this nebula scientifically. It is but one cloud of dust in an infinite universe, in which I have traveled millions of times and places, witnessing all matters of creation, life and destruction. And yet I find myself drawn here to this singular moment in this singular location. It is curious, to be sure. I have pondered many times the meaning of its impact on my tendencies, but even now I possess no answer.”

He took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “And so it is a special place for one such as Metron. There has been no other entity, living nor dead, to have gazed upon this nebula, save for myself.”

He placed a hand on top of Heartbeat’s where it rested between them on the seat of the chair. It was an awkward gesture, one that did not suit him. But the effort was made and he continued.

“Until now.”

As he fell silent, it occurred to Heartbeat that this might have been the first real thing he said to her since she woke up in his lab. No pomp or ego, no sly remarks. It was as if he was revealing something of himself to her, something he had shown no one.

“Why did you bring me here?” she asked tentatively.

“I wanted to share-”

He stopped abruptly and took his hand away, placing it back in his own lap, turning his face away from her as if he was embarrassed over some misstep.

“-To show you this place. I thought you would like it.”

“Oh, I do,” she breathed. “It’s… I don’t have the words.”

They sat in silence once more, though this time lacking the comfortable air of moments before.

Metron turned back to Heartbeat, enough so that in response she also turned to look at him reflexively. Her eyes were full of questioning, and in the close quarters of the Mobius Chair, lit by the soft glow of the nebula, it suddenly felt very intimate.

This time when he spoke it really was a whisper.

“You can trust me.”

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

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upagainstthesunset · 2 days

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Morning OC thoughts bc i woke up after four hours of sleep and just stayed awake and now its almost time for work and i feel a little strung out

Anyway

Heartbeat is looking for two things.

Who she is

Home

Makes sense for someone with amnesia. Over the course of the story she will find

Who she becomes in a world where she starts with a clean slate

A place where she belongs

But she will suffer a case of grass is always greener, and throw that away in exchange for who she was and what she used to call home, only to find that she doesnt fit, and to realize that she never did.

Also through the course of the story, new goals arise that are less direct, and certainly not what she thinks are her driving desires.

To harness her powers

To win Metron's approval and admiration

The first of these is obvious and overt. She's basically told by Metron this is something she must do. Thematically, unlocking powers and feeling connected to these otherworldly forces and even communicating with her Mother Box all run parallel to her understanding herself and who she is.

The second of these is a desire that develops as she interacts with someone who is an anomaly. Someone different and offbeat, and is it a coincidence that he also does not seem to fit in? But he definitely knows who he is, and though weird and off-putting by others' standards, his unwavering comfortableness with himself is something that she is drawn to. And maybe subconsciously she sees in him that it's possible to make any place your home if you have strength in yourself. Or perhaps it's that if he of all people can accept her and let her in, that would be enough to feel at ease in a world where nothing else fits.

#ocheartbeat #otpsmartbeat #metron if i fits i sits

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upagainstthesunset · 1 month

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More oc talk bc thats apparently where my brain is today.

Heartbeat's power is well... kinda shitty to be honest. She's meant to be a speedster but she cant move fast at all. Not even a little. If she ever does fully access the speed force i think that might make her less interesting. And so it wouldnt happen for a long, long time. From a story-telling perspective, i would only write that if we've explored all we could with her, and she needs some major shift in order to grow.

Instead, she cant move at super speed, but she can perceive. I dont think ive seen a character with just that. She can see and think and sense at super speed, so its like everything slows down. At first she doesnt realize that its happening, but eventually she'll get to the point where it can be controlled. I've talked about it before, but the best description is that feeling of time slowing down when you trip and fall. Like how suddenly youre hyper aware and notice a bunch of things, but you cant react fast enough to do anything about it.

I think even though it's not a very useful power in an active fight or something, it's still got its merits. Once Heartbeat can control it she'll find that she can use the time to think. She can strategize. Or she can look around to try to find something everyone else misses. And Metron being all about time and space has the ability to match speeds with her. Maybe together they can solve things that others couldn't. Its a talent that actually fits really well with Metron's schtick. Plus, i think itd be funny if shes doesnt want to hear him out about something so she just chooses to perceive at different speeds to avoid him. Ooh maybe she can slow down too, which means she'd stand still while everything else around her continues on. Itd be like seeing things sped up. Dangerous to do, but could be an extension of her powers we explore one day.

Okay actually that makes me wonder how she'd feel about inertia at the museum. Would she know immediately and be like wtf this kid is alive?! I probably wouldnt go there in her actual story, but thats an interesting concept to think about.

Anyway, i think Heartbeat will use her ability to perceive at super speeds (which Wally will dub Speed Sight) as a coping mechanism early on. Imagine in stressful situations if you could just put everything on pause and think through shit. Maybe its not that bad of a power after all. And eventually Metron will catch on to what she's doing, and he'll also change his speed using the mobius chair. I think he'd actually be able to move fast though, so he could talk to her. He could speed up and match her and say, "ah here you are!" as if he is finding her and meeting her where shes hiding. Maybe it becomes a secret place for them. Now if only she could communicate back.

#ocheartbeat #metron if i fits i sits #otpsmartbeat

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upagainstthesunset · 1 month

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Alright more of the Jolene scenario for Metron and Heartbeat.

I think instead of them seeking her out, she shows up on New Genesis with the express intent to become part of Metron's life. She's a disruption, she's inserting herself, she's showing up offering him a puzzle he can't resist. And it's bc she already has preconceived notions about who he is and what he's about. She's enamored with his intellect, and is projecting greatness onto him. She's also beyond genius level and treats anyone who can't keep up as lesser beings. So she shows up, says she needs help with a thing, and of course Metron's curiosity is piqued so he accepts. Then she spends the next however long getting in his business and attempting to push Heartbeat out.

Love how this means i have a new OC. Didnt mean to. And as much as she serves to be a very upsetting point of turmoil for Heartbeat, I think this other woman will grow from the experience as well. She will see in the end that you cant demand the admiration of another just bc you think yourself the height of some ideal. And she will learn to respect someone like Heartbeat even if she doesnt get what Metron sees in her. Through the disillusionment of expectation vs reality of how the whole thing plays out, she will accept her loss and concede to Heartbeat. And maybe someday we'll encounter her again. Perhaps as a true ally in a time of need?

So anyway, ive got a new character to play with. Gonna have to figure out a name that isnt quite as on the nose as Jolene ;)

#ocheartbeat #metron if i fits i sits #otpsmartbeat

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upagainstthesunset · 2 months

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For your Metron/Heartbeat pairing:

6, 14, 49.

Fuscorooni! Hello! How i have missed you! Thank you immensely for giving me the opportunity to continue prattling on about these two!

6. How close are they physically?

Not close, not close. Heartbeat is more inclined to absent mindedly put a hand on his arm or touch him in those casual ways. Metron touches her out of necessity like when taking readings, or helping her onto the Mobius Chair. So in those ways they're comfortable enough with each other, but not really "close". Although, I do like the idea of the other New Gods who know Metron treating the slightest bit of favor he shows to Heartbeat as some big deal bc he's known to be so cold (read: tight assed) all the time 😅

14. Who is a better cook?

I bet Heartbeat's a terrible cook. Living her normal civvie life she was working part-time trying to make ends meet, so it was a real kraft mac and cheese lifestyle yknow? That said, if she does cook something for someone she's going to put her whole heart into it and worry over it and try to do something theyd like. Doesnt mean itll turn out any good, but it's the thought that counts! And Metron is too utilitarian to care much about cooking. I have a hc that he subsists on superfoods that he concocts in his lab. A highly efficient nearly flavorless foodstuff with all the energy you need in a day packed into the densest blandest biscuit anyones ever seen.

49. If one of them wanted to split up, how would the other react?

Heartbeat wants to go home and go back to her previous life, which eventually Metron comes to interpret as splitting up and going their separate ways, and he gets real passive aggressive about it. That won't until much later in my story, but that's how it'll unfold. And if the shoe were on the other foot, Heartbeat would he hurt, plain and simple. She will sooner or later find out Metron's original plan was to betray her, and that'll be such a blow. Not just to her sense of worth, but to her heart as well. I think it will help her realize her own feelings about him, but she's gonna have to suffer through it a bit. And of course either scenario would probably be avoided if they were honest with themselves and each other about how they feel.

From Relationship Asks

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

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upagainstthesunset · 2 months

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17, 27, 36 for Heartbeat and Metron

Hi Em! Thank you for sending these to help save me from my languishing on this dreary Friday. Slowly writing my answers down between stuff at work bc I need these little breaks today ;_;

17. Who would bring home a stray animal?

The answer might surprise you. Or maybe you've already figured it out? It's Metron! And for all intents and purposes, the stray in our case is Heartbeat. 😅 Not out of the kindness of his heart, but as a specimen to study. Sure, in the meantime he would care for a stray animal if he's interested in what a healthy and happy creature is like. But it's not the cuddly feel-good act of taking someone in that this question expects! And lol yes he probably considers her a stray to some extent until he starts to get to know her. As for Heartbeat, I think she's too much of a mess to be in a position to care for any little creatures, no matter how much she'd like to.

27. How would they solve the trolley problem together?

Someone else in my inbox asked this one too so I'll answer it there later on!

36. What is a gift one would give to the other?

Heartbeat would struggle so much to find a good gift for Metron. Not only does he not really care much about tokens of appreciation, he also can have almost anything he wants from anywhere in the universe. He is a god afterall. Although she does have something he wishes were his, which is her connection to the Source. But I don't think that's something she can give away. Or maybe it should be someday? Hmm... Much to consider.

And if for some reason he got her a gift, it'd be either underwhelmingly crap bc he doesnt really get what gifts are about, or itd be some amazingly important relic that Heartbeat would have no business owning. Lmao he'd be like here's a tiny civilization in a bottle, enjoy. And she'd freak tf out bc excuse me that is not something you can just Have?!?!

From Relationship Asks

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

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upagainstthesunset · 2 months

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[Image: The word "Heartbeat" in pink italicized caps against a purple gradient background, and yellow heart monitor lines above and below. /End]

Heartbeat

Fandom: New Gods, Fourth World Pairing: Metron x OC Rating: Teen+ Chapters: 4/? Summary: What if Metron had a companion of sorts? What would he sacrifice for her? And more importantly, what would he sacrifice her for?

Eyyyy here's super short chapter 4 to wrap up Heartbeat and Metron's visit with Highfather and Lightray.

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

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upagainstthesunset · 2 months

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Thinking about Heartbeat. She's going to have a split second to go through the full emotional spectrum when she realizes she's about to lose everything right before it takes effect. And Metron, a being who commands time and space, matches her speed of perception to share their last moment together. But she'll be so, so, SO angry and hurt that instead of a goodbye it feels more like a punishment for them both. She wants him to stop all of this. She knows he can. She knows he can turn back time, he can use his vast intellect, he can make things right. But he doesn't. He just watches her go. She thinks back to when he had awkwardly offered for her to stay as his companion indefinitely, and she has a fading moment of hope that maybe he'd do something heroic. But then she remembers their more recent argument and how he said he would not seek her out if they ever parted ways, and it's all too much. The memory is a reopened wound in a fraction of a second. Her "speed sight" ability lets her watch herself become a stranger to him in real time, and then in an instant she's gone.

#ocheartbeat #otpsmartbeat #metron if i fits i sits

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upagainstthesunset · 4 months

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Metron x oc talk: AU fic edition

I like AUs alright. They're fine, they're fun. But so often those stories let the personalities slip, which loses me. Just because they're in a different setting shouldnt mean they suddenly act differently as well. Its the reason i usually skip AUs in the infrequent times I read fics.

But sometimes i want to entertain ideas of AUs for Heartbeat and Metron. Some of it's hard bc in all honesty, neither of them are very well fleshed out. And the other reason it's hard is bc their dynamic just doesnt hit as well if one of them isnt a god of vast power. But as an experimental exercise, im going to think through an example just for fun.

Lets go with a classic: flower shop AU.

First off, what tf would metron want with a flower shop? Nothing. Even if he were human. And ngl why would i want to read a fic where metron is human anyway? I wouldnt. So from the get go this is a hard sell.

We'll put Heartbeat in the flower shop then. She owns the place, having learned everything she knows from her late mother. Great, now how the hell do we get Metron there?

There are ways this could go if we keep superhero stuff in play. Theres some alien plant causing problems and he needs help, or a villain is using a spore to control people so Metron shows up for plants that can counteract it. Im not very creative so idk maybe theres something better, but both those seem pretty weak. Either way, maybe he mistakenly assumes HB has masterful knowledge of botany and so whisks her off to help before she can even explain. And okay that could have some potential but theres a problem.. we've left the flower shop. It's just an AU that is only circumstantially flower shop adjacent, and has only altered HB's origins but not much else. So other than that is it really too different than the story they already have going? Not so much to be worth exploring more in my opinion. I might as well put that energy into writing their actual story in that case.

Alright what if Metrons a human after all. Ugh, im not a fan but we'll walk through it anyway. So who the heck is he? Probably a teacher. A brilliant scientist with a lousy personality who works at a university purely so he has access to facilities and resources for his experiments. Im already cringing, like just with this much i feel we've lost so much of his character already. Bleh whatever, let's continue.

Now we need them to meet and have a reason to continue interacting beyond that meeting. The flower shop is next to the university and she sees him walk by every day. Okay sure. She wonders what hes like and starts imagining a personality for him (While You Were Sleeping style), only to have it all dashed against the rocks when it turns out he's an asshole. Maybe she attends some botany thing for work and he's there. She approaches him and he inevitably shows his arrogance. They argue about something he maintains is not possible, but she says it certainly is and she has a plant back at the shop that can prove it (im not a plant person so i have no idea what this macguffin would be). He doesnt believe her so she tells him to come into the shop sometime. He shows up later and is proven wrong but then demands to be given the plant to take back for study. But besides that being such a rude, selfish request, this plant was something HB had put a lot of work into and it was started/theorized by her mom so there's that too.

Um alright so we're now at a point of conflict. Every story needs it. But i dont know how to get us out while keeping people in character and pushing these together in a quasi-romantic way that ideally ends in friendship and one sided attraction on HB's part. Im not a strong writer, and as i said before, not very creative. But that's why this kind of exercise is needed sometimes.

Anyway, uh maybe he tries to recreate the plant experiment thing but just cant get it right, which frustrates him to the point of obsession. He storms into the flower shop demanding this time that HB come work for him, which she has no incentive to do. So more conflict there.

Um something something time passes. He walks by every day still but now he knows she sees him so he makes a point of scowling, and she makes a point of turning her nose up. That goes on for a little while, which makes me laugh, both of them being indignant and caring way too much what the other thinks.

And then im still stuck. What kind of event would cause them to become closer despite themselves? It'd have to be metron showing some appreciation of her, or showing some vulnerability. I mean what, is he gonna walk by in the winter and slip and fall so she has to help him? Im sure that works for tons of fluffy fics but i just dont see it for these two. So in order to save me some grief we're going to skip forward.

For whatever reason, they find themselves together not by choice. Maybe another botany event and they are randomly paired up idk. They first bicker as they go around at this event but eventually find they have more in common than they think. Eventually he mentions the thing he worked on that was a failed attempt at what her plant was, and they talk about that. Their unexpected new found rapport plus the topic of his own experiment incites him to invite her to see what hes working on. She wants to say no but shes also always dreamed of seeing the university's private greenhouse. So at night after this event is over he takes her there. Shes in awe of all the stuff he has going on. Crazy experiments. Lots of weird plants. She thinks its fantastic but doesn't want to admit it bc of his arrogance. He shows her the thing hes working on thats based on her plant and shes ends up helping him to solve his problem bc she sees he truly cares about this stuff. Idk what the specifics are, again im not a plant person, but imagine its a clever thing theyre doing. And so he gains a respect for her, and recognizes that just as important this science is to him, this specific plant thing is to her.

Um then they become friends and visit each other and bicker all the time and nobody can believe shes friends w such an asshole and shes like eh hes alright. The end.

So how was it? How was this little brain storming session? In the end i do think it became out of character and really the story didnt have a purpose other than me wanting to come up with something, anything. But thats how AUs often go. I think this story would be literally no different if it were about other original characters. Like, it doesn't rely on specifically Heartbeat and Metron. It could've been anyone. And to me thats sort of a weak spot in the writing. Likewise, it dint have to be plants and a flower shop, it couldve been any field. Besides that, it was very tropey but thats okay and where a lot of the fun comes from. If i were reading this id probably give it a 5 out of 10. Its not a terrible story, but its unoriginal and doesnt do anything special for the characters. But if the goal is to have the archetypes that represent Metron and HB interact, that was accomplished.

#i dont usually do writing exercises #especially as unedited tumblr posts #but hey maybe this is interesting to someone idk #ocheartbeat #metron if i fits i sits #otpsmartbeat #longpost

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