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queers-gambit · 2 years

Text

Do As You're Told

prompt: ( requested ) Billy's less than impressed when his lady decides to disobey his warnings and cuts loose at a party. he might have to teach her a lesson about doing as you're told.

pairing: Billy Hargrove x female!reader

fandom masterlist: Stranger Things

word count: 4.1k [she's a shorty]

note: Billy’s a little OC in this cause I’m a sucker for the whole “dickhead to everyone except my boo” thing. so Billy’s in love with a strong woman but he might push her buttons a little extra at this party…

warnings: author's insecurity to write smut so...my bad for the ending... cursing, degrading name calling, underage drinking, teens being dumb, boys being dumb, um, suggestive language? as always, proceed with maturity!!

The music was so loud, it vibrated the ground walked or stumbled upon. The house was stuffed full of teenagers all looking to say 'fuck school' and 'hello summer', making it swelteringly hot and for refuge to be taken on the back patio where only a few stragglers were mingling.

Yeah, some nobody was trying to break Billy's keg stand record and started puking around second 13. Though not my usual crowd, it proved semi-entertaining as teenager after teenager drowned their worries and sorrows and increasingly made fools of themselves.

"There you are!" Chrissy giggled as she stumbled out of the backdoor, finding me there, fist clenched and perched under my temple as I leaned my elbow on the arm of the chair. "Wow, someone looks like she's having a great time, huh?"

I sighed when Chrissy crashed drunkenly into the seat beside me, a girlish giggle escaping her once again when my hands jutted out to make sure she actually landed in the chair.

"Think you've had enough to drink, babe," I chuckled lowly, eyeing her cautiously.

"Mh, I don't think you've had enough," she countered. "C'mon, what good is an end of the year party if you're not gonna drink?"

I rolled my eyes, "You obviously don't know my boyfriend."

A sort of shadow crossed Chrissy's face, her expression souring, "I don't need to know him to know he's a dickhead."

"Easy, girl," I warned half-heartedly; even though I knew he was, I didn't like hearing other people talk shit about him. They would never know Billy the way I did but right now, that was fine - if they thought he was a dick, I wasn't gonna bend over backwards to defend him. My eyes returned to the front of me, surveying the party crowd.

Billy had actually ditched me when a few of the 'basketball bros' dictated more of his attention. It wasn't the first time, either, and I get he was a star player and all, but seriously? C'mon!

"Seriously, what's up?" Chrissy asked, her voice softer than a moment ago. "You've been out here all night, looking like someone kicked your puppy."

"I'm honestly just tired," I shrugged. "Billy wanted to come tonight, I didn't. Just kinda wanted to hang at home tonight, Mr. Wilson's final really kicked my ass."

"So, why'd you show up tonight?"

"And what?" I scoffed. "Let all the bitches of Hawkins think my man's single so when he's shitfaced, they can make a move on him? Not likely," I shook my head.

"Well, how much fun can it be, sitting alone, outside, sober, while your man's in there," she pointed towards Tina's house, "having the time of his freaking life?"

I sighed, "It's not fun at all, Chris, but whatever. I'd rather be here than at home, wondering what the fuck he's doing."

"I knew it," she grinned. "So, does that mean you'll let me get you a shot or two?"

"No," I blanched with a shudder, "not since two weekends ago... I don't think I can even smell vodka without feeling sick."

"Well, lucky for you," Chrissy grinned, holding up a plastic water bottle, "I snagged us some tequila."

"Oh, really?" I smirked, pinning her with an amused look - knowing tequila was my weakness.

"Mhm, thought you could use some loosening up, so, I snuck it from Mom's liquor cabinet! C'mon," she pouted, "school's out for the summer - just let loose a little."

I sighed, "I don't know, Billy was pretty adamant I stay sober."

She scoffed, "Why? So, he can have all the fun?"

I shrugged, "I don't pretend to understand the way my boyfriend thinks."

"So?" Chrissy smiled, handing over the water bottle. "C'mon," she pouted when I paused to think.

"All right," I sighed, "screw it, right? Summer's here."

"Exactly," Chrissy beamed, watching as I poured a (healthy) shot into my mouth before swallowing. "You know, it's actually kinda intimidating how you just take that back with no chaser, no lime..."

I shrugged, "We don't drink for the taste, babe."

"Wanna dance?" She beamed.

"Uh, in a second," I nodded, taking a second shot and feeling the liquid warm my stomach before it extended into my veins. "Can we go to the kitchen so I can make a drink?" I held up the half-gone water bottle of tequila.

"Hell yeah," she squeaked with a grin, letting me pull her up with me and link our arms.

"Is Jason around?" I asked.

"Yeah, somewhere," she shrugged. "I wanted to hang with my bestie tonight."

I chuckled, leaning over to peck her cheek, "My rescuer."

"Your hero," she teased, giggling when she locked her hand in mine when we entered the stifling house.

Hordes of teenagers were huddled everywhere.

"Move," I snapped to a few people, unamused by their sloppiness due to my relative sobriety. Knowing I was the designated 'queen' of Hawkins, people parted ways to let Chrissy Cunningham and I pass through them. However, when a few girls didn't get the memo, I was glaring, "You thick in the head or something? Fuck outta my way."

They parted like Moses did the Red Sea.

"Ooooookay we're definitely getting you a drink," Chrissy shook her head, hands on my shoulders now to direct me into the kitchen. "You get kinda mean when you're irritated and sober. Real bitchy."

"I get annoyed when bitches don't listen," I shook my head, grabbing a solo cup and opening Tina's fridge. I scanned the contents before grabbing the orange juice and pouring half a cup, topping it off with tequila and giving a couple stirs before taking a sip.

"You're just mad at your boyfriend. Better?" Chrissy smiled.

"Much," I sighed, holding a finger to her to chug the rest of my drink. I ignored the way her eyes widened and her hands fiddled nervously, lowering my cup to refill it and nod at her. "All right, I'm good."

"Yeah? Feeling loose?"

"Sure," I shrugged with a softer smile; truly feeling my annoyance with everyone at the party dimming to a simmer.

"Loose enough to dance with me now?" She pouted dramatically.

"Yeah, let's hit it, babes," I chuckled, taking another mouthful before lacing our hands together and venturing towards the dance floor. Well, 'dance floor' was hard to call it since it was the darker part of Tina's house that was used for classmates to grind on each other.

Chrissy and I made for the middle, easily creating space around us as she giggled and took my hand before losing herself in the music. It required about half of my second cup before I felt like dancing too, and Chrissy was more than happy to cheer in encouragement.

It felt like the longer the minutes ticked on, the more I drank. It was easy to lose myself in a night of teenage debauchery, feeling Chrissy's hands on my hips as we swayed to the music. She giggled when I ground back on her, swinging my hips side to side, unaware of the eyes glaring daggers into our backs.

Chrissy tapped my shoulder and I turned, leaning in to hear her over the blaring music, "I'm gonna get another drink!"

I nodded, "Grab me one, please - I'm gonna hit the bathroom."

She nodded in agreement and we made a promise to meet up again before parting ways. I had left my empty solo cup on a random end table, stumbling over other feet to push my way towards the hallway.

Only, Tommy H. was standing there, talking to Patrick and Joshua. I rolled my eyes subtly, knowing all three of these boys pined uselessly after me since puberty did a real number on me in the eighth grade. I had a bit of a reputation, being the 'queen' made me a high priority dating target and I was adamant on not dating any of the shit-for-brains dumbasses that populated this town. And so I didn't date. I wasn't interested.

Until Billy fucking Hargrove zoomed into town with his Camaro, bad attitude, and ringlets of golden tresses.

Bastard, I thought to myself.

"OOohhh," Tommy called when he caught sight of me, "lookie here, boys! You lost or somethin', princess?"

"How can I be lost when I obviously have a destination in mind, Tommy?" I scoffed, rolling my eyes. "Why else would I ever come around you guys willingly, if not to get around you?"

"Oh, kitty has claws," Patrick leered with a knowing smirk.

I rolled my eyes, "You guys gonna stand in my way all night, or what?"

"At least she's still a bitch," Josh laughed at Tommy. "Some things don't change, do they?" he pinned me with a look. "I can see Billy winds you real tight, huh? You tellin' me that guys not hittin' it right?"

I scoffed before cooing teasingly, "Awe, someone's jealous they don't get no type of pussy. And jealous I rejected you time and again, hm?"

Tommy laughed, "I can see your man isn't fucking you right if you're still such a stuck up bitch."

"Oh, look, surprise surprise, someone's a little mad they've been fucking the same pussy since, what? 7th grade?" I laughed at his expression, pushing past them. "Settle down, boys, you're making a fool of yourselves."

What I didn't realize was Billy watching the entire exchange, downing the rest of his beer when I walked away. I suppose when I pushed past Tommy and Patrick, he mistook the hand I used to push Patrick's shoulder for a flirtatious move.

After I left the bathroom, I noticed the boys gone from the mouth of the hall and moved for the overcrowded living room again. But before I could step out into the sea of bobbing and weaving kids, someone grabbed my upper arm and yanked me to the side.

The force was enough for my feet to trip over each other, "Holy shit! Hey, jackass - " I trailed off, seeing Billy as I caught myself on his abdomen before straightening. "Billy? What the hell, baby? You wanted my attention, just say it for fuck's sake."

"Oh, if I want your attention, I just gotta ask?" Billy sneered, his eyes rimmed with a red haze alcohol produced. "Did Tommy ask you nicely? That why you were standing there, eye fucking him and his boys, hmm? Tryna disrespect me or some shit?"

A few eyes turned to look at us dude to Billy's volume, but I ignored them and scoffed with a glare to Billy, "You're fucking ridiculous - are you being serious right now?"

"You just say the word, doll, and I'll leave you to your new man, hmm? Or is it your new men? Gonna take 'em all home?"

I rolled my eyes, "You're ridiculous - "

"What's fucking ridiculous is my girlfriend standing feet away from me, flirting with anyone who pays her an ounce of attention."

"Are you - "

"Everyone warned me you were some prude," he sneered, "the way you rejected everyone until I came along, but I'm guessing you're actually just a whore, huh? Desperate for any kind of attention."

I didn't think, and the tequila in my system spurred my actions as my hand just pulled back and flattened across Billy's cheek. The crowd around us 'oooh-ed' in shock as I snarled, "You ever think about muttering those words to me again, it'll be the last time you speak to me. Fucking asshole."

Feeling overwhelmed and pretty humiliated, I turned on my heel and pushed past the gaggle of gawking teenagers and after ignoring the way Chrissy called my name in confusion, ripped open the front door to jog through it.

I practically flew down the driveway.

I felt a few tears swell in my eyes, desperate to get out from under everyone's judgmental eyes after providing them with the start of the summer season gossip. From behind me, Billy charged out of the front door and called my name over and over, but I was in no mood to deal with him. With a hand wiping at my cheeks, I turned down the driveway and started down the darkened road.

"Go away from me, Billy!" I snapped.

"Baby," he groaned, "just c'mere!"

"Fuck off!"

"Don't walk away from me! Let's just talk!"

"Go away, William! Just leave me alone!"

"Get over here! Now! C'mon! Don't be so fucking dramatic!"

"Dramatic!?" I repeated, turning to glare at him; hair fanning around me like the skirt of a dress before falling flat around my shoulders. "You're saying I'm dramatic for wanting to get the fuck away from you because you so effortlessly insulted me in front of everyone? Jesus Christ, Billy! Just do me a favor, and fuck off!"

Billy took a few powerful strides to meet me, his hand grabbing my wrist as I struggled. "I'm not gonna hurt you, baby," he rushed, my hands balled up and pounding into his chest, "hey, hey, it's okay, just let me explain, it's okay - "

"No, it's not!" I snapped. "You're such an asshole and I can't stand you when you're like this - you get the smallest emotion you don't know what to do with and just fly off the fucking handle! I'm not dealing with your bullshit anymore, Billy, let go!"

"Baby - "

"No, you wanna call me a whore?" I ripped my hands away from him to glare into the eyes I'll stare into for a lifetime, "Fine! Fine, fucking call me a whore, but then never speak to me again!"

Billy sighed, catching my elbows in his hands, "You been drinking?"

I scoffed, "That's your concern? Get the fuck off me."

Billy shook his head, "I can smell it on you, how much did you - "

"That's all you, jackass. You've been drinking all night with your cronies - "

"Hey," he snapped, tugging me into his chest tighter. "You're not thinking straight, darlin' - "

"I'm thinking perfectly fine, you're the one causing issues," I wrangled myself a step away.

"Just," he sighed, running his other hand through his hair, "get in the car, baby, please, and let me take you home."

"Wouldn't want you to be seen with a whore like me," I snarled, trying to wrangle myself free.

"Baby, I didn't mean it - "

"Oh, fuck off!" I couldn't help the crack in my voice when his hands dropped in earnest shock. I next to never cried, even when Billy and I were fighting after being programmed into the rock solid eldest child my parents ensured I turned out to be. "You can't say shit you don't mean and then try to double back! If you're gonna say something, say it with your fucking chest!"

Billy sighed, nodding, "Your'e right."

"W-What?"

"You're right," he sighed again. "I can't say shit and try to backtrack. I didn't mean it, princess, I just got jealous."

"Of what?" I sobbed. "I'm dating you! And since you're so concerned with rumors, why not pay attention to the rumor that I've never dated anyone in this town?"

"Wait," Billy paused. "Hang on, you're serious?"

I scoffed, turning to walk away, "You're so fucking stupid."

"Baby," he frowned, catching my arm again and instead of pulling me, he moved in front of me, "hang on, no, wait. Hang on. Look, you're right - "

"If you want to pay attention to shit, pay attention to how I don't want anyone in this fucking town. I never wanted shit to do with their stupidity and the way they treated me but then you came in." Billy's face softened a little as I couldn't stop the tears down my cheeks, "You came into town, and into my life, and you fucked everything up, okay? You ruined my life because it's only you for me. Fucking bitch."

"Sweetheart, listen," he sighed, "I was way out of line calling you a whore. I'm so sorry - "

"Don't be sorry, just do better," my lungs rattled a bit from the heavy emotion. "I don't understand life after you, you totally wrecked everyone for me, and I don't know how to honestly be without you. You've just - I don't know, you mean everything to me, and hearing you call me a whore in front of everyone just fucking cut too deep. You have to do better, please."

"I will," he swore, "I will, princess, I'm sorry. I just..." He sighed, running a hand through his hair again out of stress as his eyes looked to the side of my head, "I got insecure, okay?" His eyes dropped in shame.

"Insecure about what?"

"About you not wanting to be with me anymore," he muttered. "You've known Tommy, Josh, Patrick, Jason, all those guys your whole life. I just started to think you'll want them, instead of me, who..."

"Who, what, B?" I frowned, feet shifting to keep them from going numb.

"Who knew you, who knew your life, this town... Who could be here for you better than I can."

My brows furrowed, "If I wanted to date any of those dumbasses, I would have. But I didn't want them, I only ever wanted you. But I don't want you if you're going to insult me, belittle me, and degrade me for fuck's sake. I don't deserve that - "

"No, you're right," his hand rose to caress my cheek, the sounds of Tina's party thumping in the background as the lights from her house illuminated us. "You're right, baby, you don't deserve to be treated like that. I'm sorry, okay? I promised I'd treat you like the princess you are, and I'm sorry for not doing that."

I shook my head, looking away from his pleading blue eyes, "Doesn't do me much good now."

"I know," he nodded, "but I really am sorry, okay? I got insecure and for that I can't apologize enough, baby. Sometimes it feels like you can do better than me."

"Before tonight, nobody's ever treated me better," I whispered. "You take care of me and protect me, but I don't think you trust me."

"Of course I trust you," he rushed, head shaking in disbelief, "I just don't trust anyone else with you, I start to think their history with you will overshadow what we're trying to build."

"Billy, if you can't trust me to tell off a few drunken boys who are working on my last nerve, then you don't trust me."

He frowned, shaking his head, "That's not it - "

"Then, why are we together?"

"Because I love you, princess, you hear me? Okay? You make me a better person," he sighed. "But it worries me when you're drinking and... And you're away from me. I can't protect you - "

"I don't always need protection!" I snapped. "I'm capable of taking care of myself! And I can drink if I want to - "

"Baby, the way I don't trust none of these guys?" he stressed, eyes wide. "It triples when you're drinking because I just - I worry, okay? I'm afraid someone's going to take advantage of you!"

I shook my head, "B, the moment someone crosses any line, I'm coming to you. You protect me, you always have, so, if someone even opens their mouth and I can't handle it for whatever reason, I know for a fact you will. And maybe if you didn't ditch me, you wouldn't have to worry so much."

"You're right I shouldn't leave you like that, but of course you know I would help you - I promise," he swore.

"Then can you try a new approach?" I sniffled, wiping tears from my cheeks. "Like, seriously, baby, I can't handle this if you're going to treat me like you treat everyone else."

"No, baby," he sighed, tugging me in closer so I was cradled to his chest, "I'm so sorry, you're right. I'll just... I'll do better. Okay? I'll do better, and I'm so sorry for calling you a whore. You're not, you're the furthest from it - I just get scared and I lash out."

"Well, stop lashing out at me," I mumbled into his chest.

"I promise, I hear you," he shook his head. "You gonna let me drive you home?"

"How much have you had to drink?"

He chuckled, "Enough, but I sobered all the way up just now. Hate seeing you walk away from me."

I sighed, "I hate walking away from you but I hate when you lash out at me more."

"I'm working on it, baby," he whispered, leaning in to peck my forehead. "C'mon, we can get home and watch a movie, hmm? Like you wanted to earlier, right?" He smiled down at me.

My eyes rolled, "Maybe. My place or yours?"

"Yours, Neil told me don't bother comin' home if it's after 11," Billy shrugged, glancing at his watch before throwing his arm around my shoulders. He directed us towards his car while fishing his keys out of his pocket, "Your parents gonna be mad?"

"If they wake up, yes," I chuckled, hanging off his waist so I was huddled under his arm for warmth.

"We'll be real quiet," he muttered, unlocking the passenger door to open it, "but no promises you'll be able to keep that pretty little mouth shut when I'm making everything up to you tonight."

I smirked, the way his mood changes giving me something akin to whiplash but knowing he was just trying to move on from the tense moment earlier. "Maybe you could put something in my mouth to help me stay silent, hmm?"

Billy grinned, "I have a few ideas, yeah. C'mon, princess," he sighed, offering me his hand to hold so I could drop into my seat in his Camaro.

I waited as he jogged around the front of the car, and when he got in, Billy sighed and looked over at me while turning the key in the ignition. "You know," I trailed my hand over his thigh, "you might've been onto something."

"What d'you mean, baby?" He reached to turn the radio off, listening to my words clearly.

I smirked, "Maybe with you, I can be a bit of a whore."

Billy's jaw flexed, eyes flickering between my eyes and lips, "Yeah?"

"Mhm," I leaned over the center console. "But only with you. Right, baby?"

"Damn straight," he breathed, leaning in to press a sweltering hot kiss to my lips. I whined shrilly when his tongue almost instantly swept into my mouth and his teeth trapped my bottom lip, one of his hands snaking around to hold the back of my head in order to control the tempo of the kiss.

"Billy," I chuckled when he pulled away to press kisses across my cheek, around my jaw, and latch onto my ear lobe - causing an involuntary flinch of my shoulder and moan. "Fuck, Billy," I praised, letting my hand ghost over his denim-clad crotch, hearing him hiss in my ear.

He groaned as I wiggled my hand across his waistband; his hips rising just slightly to straighten out and allow me to rake my fingernails through his pubic hair.

"Keep playin', sweetheart," Billy muttered in my ear, "and I'll take you in the back seat right fuckin' now."

"Why move that far?" I smirked, pulling the hand that wasn't keeping me balanced up to his abdomen and drawing my nails over skin; forcing a small shiver.

"Hey, hey," he pulled back, hand fisting gently in my hair to tile my head back and still my hand, "I'm not kiddin', pretty girl, you're playin' a dangerous game."

"What if I want to?"

"Thought you were mad at me?"

"Doesn't mean I don't want to fuck you. And my parents are home, so, you can eat me out quietly later if you really want."

He chuckled, eyes flickering down to my lips as he bit his own, "With all them people in that house? Where any of them can walk by and see what a mess I make of you?"

"You're the one who called me a whore in front of them, maybe you can show 'em how you fuck me like one, too."

Billy sighed for a second, "Never livin' that down, am I?"

"Not yet, sweets," I let my hand move back to cup his crotch rather forcefully. He took a sharp inhale, eyes glaring back at me as I smirked, "Wanna fight about it some more or work it out other ways?"

"Get in the back seat right fucking now, and for the rest of the night, princess," his hand reached to latch around my neck and earn my gaze, "you're actually gonna do as you're told."

#billy hargrove #billy hargrove x reader #billy hargrove x you #billy hargrove x female reader #billy hargove imagine #billy hargrove fic #billy hargrove one shot #stranger things #stranger things x reader #requests open

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lucienne-thee-librarian · 9 months

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18 on the choose violence 😏

EDIT: As y'all may have guessed, my queue I was saving drafts of these in was running last night and I forgot to switch the time over so here's the real answer.

18 - It's absolutely criminal that the fandom has been sleeping on: you want me to CHOOSE?!? You expect me to CHOOSE just ONE character from Sandman that the fandom sleeps on?!?!?!? Oh, jail for 1000 years - well let me spin the roulette wheel Rose and Jed.

ROSE. God I'm emotional about her. She's been through so much, the loss of her baby brother with a father who it's implied was not the nicest, lost her mother and her best friend in the same year, and she nearly destroyed the world but yknow what, she literally did nothing wrong here. She called Dream an asshole and totally got away with it. She's got gay hair and gayer friends (fellow bi!Rose truthers anyone???? Hello??? Someone else please discuss, queer people do all tend to flock together) and I hope she gets everything she wants.

I really want to explore the possibilities of a growing relationship with her and her immortal family sometime. Morpheus isn't just going to forget about her and Jed and him looking out for her baby brother is the only way I can see her kind of starting to warm up to him again. Like I WANT to see that weird tense but possibly loving relationship explored. Dream clearly respected her intelligence and wanted to give her more information (even if he was also using her to find the Corinthian which. Not cool).

(Also I think she'd go NUTS for the library of Dreams. Like she's a writer and suddenly she's seeing all the books never published?? Who wouldn't want to read them all?)

I have feelings about the parallels between her and Death. Plus I have a hc as some of my friends already know, that in one of Rose's low moments Despair finds her and something about the fact that this girl is family tugs at her. She has her function and her duties but she also has a sense of loyalty. So that could cause some seriously juicy potential internal conflict for her AND Rose honestly kind of needs an outlet for her bottled up grief and the weightof responsibility she feels. For Jed, for Lyta and her son...feel free to ask or dm me if you want to know more this post is already long enough xD

(And the fact that in a series where she's ONE OF THE MAIN FUCKING CHARACTERS for multiple episodes of this series she gets so much less attention ON HER OWN SELF - I'm talking art and fic overall PERIOD, let alone stuff where she gets any interiority of her own or her character taken seriously is just. I don't even know man)

jED. My precious baby boy my son. I want to give him a hug. I want to wrap him in a warm blanket and give him cocoa and as much popcorn as he wants. Dream's reaction to Jed was in fact channeling me. This kid has been through too much and he deserves to live a happier life with his sister, so thank God he's gonna get it.

(But also does anyone wanna talk to me about the fact that Jed is a possible candidate for Dream's successor when he's older and might be even more viable than MASSIVE COMIC SPOILER ALERT Daniel Hall and all the ways this could complicate things HELLO.)

Miranda Walker - either the gif search function is broken which isn't beyond the realm of possibility here, or I couldn't find one gif of her in this show. And I KNOW people have made them I just can't find one...sigh

But I really want her to get more attention because her story is so potentially fascinating even if she barely got any screen time. Like this girl is the granddaughter of Desire, that must've massively impacted her life. I want to know how she dealt with the relationship with her children's father going sour and him taking Jed away and her struggling to raise her kids.

And last but certainly not least drumroll please...UNITY. That's right we're giving the whole Walker-Kincaid family some love!!

HER. The queen the legend the moment.

Her story man...it gets me emotional every time. She could've had a life in the waking world. I really want to see more about what her dream life (which we know she experienced as real, with time passing and all, because of the things she said about it) was like. Even without Desire, how did she handle basically growing up in Wonderland surrounded by dreams? (I can't take credit for the Alice in Wonderland vibes that was @violetoftheendless 's great idea.) Did she make friends and a new found family there? Did she see signs she didn't understand at the time of dreams and nightmares falling into chaos and eventually leaving the realm in a slow trickle?

But also she's just such a genuinely lovely person. She took Rose into her heart without a second thought and was prepared to take Jed - I'm sure she didn't know how much more time she had but she knew she didn't have forever, and she wanted a family again and she'd lost her own parents long ago and never gotten to say goodbye...and the kicker is, unlike in the comic where she's basically on her deathbed already, she COULD have possibly lived a little longer. But she chose to sacrifice her new life to save Rose's. If this woman doesn't deserve the Spirit of Love label like I've seen in some truly beautiful meta from @windsweptinred I don't know who does. BUT ALSO she's not a perfect inhuman angel either, she is capable of being charmed by the Corinthian, which - looking around at the fandom, one can see she's not alone so I for one can't blame her too much, but also she met the king of dreams and nightmares and within less than 5 minutes called him a himbo to his face. She's beautifully human with icon behavior and Sandra James-Young deserves all the credit in the world for this role.

#rose walker #jed walker #unity kincaid #miranda walker #choose violence ask game #the sandman #me banging pots and pans together in delight going ROSE AND JED AND UNITY ARE ALL THE BEST CHARACTERS AND I WILL DIE FOR THEM AND YOURE ALL #GONNA HEAR ABOUT IT thanks for giving me the excuse :) not that I need one

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x-authorship-x · 11 months

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Hey torship.. do u think ppl binge reading on long ongoing fanfictions are bad? I was just finished bingeing a work and another reader commented before me like " oh wow icb i've just finished this (200k+series) in 2 days, what am i gonna binge read now?" And i was like, whoa so honest bro, would that hurt the feeling of the author or not? If it was said like that..

Hey✨

Hmmm, I've not really thought much on it, not enough to have a solid answer off the cuff. I'll try and muddle through it but, short answer? Don't we all 'binge' read?

Long answer is a bit more scrambled but stick with me.

I mean, you gotta join an ongoing fic at some point. If you mean specifically the type of binging where readers wait until updates pile up so they can read big chunks of the story in one go (I have readers who do this, you poor things will be on tenterhooks for decades at this point lol) or, maybe, they wait until the story is completed to start... That's a little different but it's not bad or wrong. I think it's more that, when you read that way, you're distancing yourself from the author's ongoing creativity.

Now, quick disclaimer, a fic is a fic and you can read it however you like, I binge stuff all the time. But fanfic is different from published OG work because the reader DOES have that opportunity to, kinda, participate in the creative process, to be there every step - or update - of the way.

I don't think there's a right or wrong answer to this question, it's about how you approach your reading as much as how you view your writing. To me, as an author with a majority of ongoing works AND breaks in my updating, comments like that are a bit... Sweet and sour. This person binged my fic, maybe even the whole series or all of my works, and now they're left adrift with all these cliffhangers and emotions and the track is hanging, suspended and unfinished, and it's hard to scale off the ride by yourself. I always feel feral when I come up for air after a binge like that, like one of those pics of deer in dark grasses and the eyes are all lit up by the torch. You devoured my work like an animal, all fingers and teeth? I'm delighted!

But the listlessness of an unfinished work binge can also, intentionally or not, sting. Like, yeah, I know that was a lot to leave you hanging with, ain't it rough? (But please don't beg me for more because then the pressure makes it worse) and oh you read all 50K in one day, so you must've been so gripped? (You only commented on the last chapter, you ate that five course meal with a ladle and you mashed all the dishes together and did you even notice the care and garnish?)

My slowly revealed banquet becomes a buffet, whether you're picking at it or gorging. It's a different experience altogether. That's not your fault and it's not mine. It just is.

Most people don't pace themselves when they start a new show, you watch everything you can get your grubby paws on before jumping over to AO3, so why does binge reading become a thing in fandom? Because, for most people, it's the slower process that really makes the experience so positive. I've never published a work that was rubber-stamped finished before the readers ever saw it, so I'll be honest that I'm talking out of my ass as per usual, but I don't think I'd want to just.... Post all the chapters together. I want the reactions, I want the anticipation, I want the readers to travel with me.

To come back to your actual example tho, Neptune, "what am I gonna binge read now?" Is a comment that I would largely overlook by itself. I mean, if that's it, nothing about enjoying the work or thanking the author or anything to soften it, then it's a bit of a micro. Up there with letting the door swing behind you instead of holding it for the person after. (No harm really meant, just in your own world)

If it's part of a comment that expresses that the reader might've shoved down those five courses without savouring the flavours but they just REALLY loved that food, then it's more than fine, it's a big compliment! You were so busy eating that you barely paused for breath! And binging isn't a prerequisite to not commenting or savouring! It's like a mukbang, they love the flavours but fucking hell can they pack down that food in one sitting.

If it's rude, entitled, then I wouldn't give it the time of day. Putting something out there does not mean you're entitled to getting something back, even a smile or thanks. That doesn't, however, mean that it's not poor manners. And, if someone comes into my house and wolfs down my five course banquet before huffing with impatience or immediately leaving for their next meal, that's only a reflection of them and not me. I put the meal out, I can't tell people how to eat it.

This metaphor is running away from me lmao

TLDR: everyone binges, it's not a bad thing. But your manners matter and we should all be mindful that you're enjoying something for free; if the author wanted that conversation between chapters, if the author thinks binging is a compliment, if the author doesn't care at ALL. It's not a crime to be "late" to an ongoing fic, it's not a crime to read how you want.

Personally? I binge a lot, I try to comment as much as I can, and I try to remember that fandom is about community. I hadn't thought too much on the topic before this, tbh, and I don't even know if this makes any sense but I tried to sound it out for you guys anyway.

#reminder that I will delete hate #torship #torship talks #ask #neptune-and-pluto #fanfic #fandom

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ueasking · 9 months

Note

I'm here to lodge a complaint. But first some context. I don't watch reality tv, like at all, ever. Specially dating shows. It's been years since I watch any reality tv. I never liked it and some of it, I really believe is harmful to society. So basically the only rule in what dictates what I watch is - NO reality shows. Now comes the complaint. You are responsible for me breaking this rule. I saw your gifs of His Man 2 and gave in. I thought, let me just watch an episode because I'm not gonna like it anyway. And then I binged the whole thing and finished it today. So I hope you're happy with yourself. End of complaint. (I was rooting for Jun Sung since the beginning. I love that he didn't get distracted by others. I love his conviction. And every time he didn't get called my heart broke for him. I adore them together.) So, all this, just to say, thanks for the gifs because I really liked watching it and I really needed a serotonin boost yesterday.

Haha, thanks for the ask, but I'm guessing that you probably meant to send this to someone else because I've never made any gifs for His Man 2. While I have been enjoying His Man 2 immensely, I only made ONE photo set for this show.

To be honest, I generally try to stay away from reality shows myself but found myself sucked into His Man and the show's fandom because of how big of a deal a queer dating show out of Korea was/is. I enjoyed the first season just fine but all the dumb takes (by people who probably aren't even queer) on twitter/youtube/instagram kind of soured the whole experience for me.

At first, I considered passing on season 2, but ended up getting hooked by the show once again. This time round, I stayed far far away from the twitter/youtube fandom and only kind of engaged with the His Man 2 fandom here on tumblr, which has made the show watching experience much more enjoyable. Anyways, I'm glad you enjoyed His Man 2 and so happy for Junsung and Sungho!

#mailbox💌

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extorchic · 3 years

Text

TOP 5 SK8 Episodes

So I got tagged by @akira-cr to make this list, it took some time but I think I've sorted out my mind, thank you for considering me 😊. Now here comes the list, sorry if it's supposd to be objective, but I'm gonna let my heart out over here (It's gonna be a long post and I'm not gonna cut it ):

NUMBER 5 - Episode 6 - Steamy Mystery Skating?! (A.K.A. The beach episode 🏊‍♂️)

Well this is supposed to be "breather" episode, and it's basically the one that sold the series to me. I like how fun and chill this episode is, although it does (further) foreshadow Reki's insecurity issues. The music is of course SUBLIME! "Seize the Moment" is probably my favorite insert song of all time! (it's been present in Reki's beefs as well, but here it really reflects the fun nature of his character and the show overall). And of coruse, FANSERVICE, not so much in how the boys were in swimsuits (though I gotta admit Reki does look good in them), but on the RENGA interactions!

That hug gave me life! How Langa was worried 24/7 about Reki being injured, at the end when they skated together to escape from the Bantu! I gotta admit that I have some mixed feelings about the implications of Reki being attracted to the faceless girl (I mean, Bi rep is very important too), but I guess my shipping side was just as jelaous as Langa was supposed to be (according to the fans LOL).

NUMBER 4 - Episode 11 - King vs. Nobody (A.K.A. Reki rising! ✨🌺🌞⚙️)

Reki is, without a doubt, my favorite character. He doesn't need to win, he doesn't need to be super flashy while skating, he just needs to be himself. He's been through a lot, many people (including me) have felt tremendously related to him, and seeing him in this episode is just satisfying. With his issues behind, with a promise to skate with Langa after he wins and no longer fearful, Reki rematches against Adam; and the way he does is fantastic! Taking advantage of his creativity, observative skills and mechanical knowledge on skateboarding, he faces up against the main boss and manages to not only endure his violent ways (which were gruelling to see, TBH), but also SOUNDLY HUMILIATE HIM in front of the whole S Community!

Yes, Adam, the "God of S", in the ground covered in mud by a boy almost everyone dissmissed! It was really sunshine through rainfall! I must also add how much I liked to see his renewed relationship with Langa, how much they treasure their company after patching up. I want to elaborate on this in its own post but I personally see that their interactions from this point on are more, I don't know, tender, caring, still playful but not in an entirely comedic way. The way they see each other is also deeper, anyway, it's just what I see.

NUMBER 3 - A DRAW: Episode 8 - The Fated Tournament! and Episode 9 - We Were Special Back Then (A.K.A. The month in which I was in an emotional crisis because of anime sk8t3r b0is 🍎🐍😭🛹❄🍵🌸 )

This is the point in which I got into the show, and the fandom (Yeah, haven't been around for too long). At this point the show wasn't the same, and I realized it when I caught up. Though there were some cool skating scenes in these episodes, the events that caught my attention were outside the road (Yeah, this was no longer just a skateboard anime, it's a whole lot more). Though I had been mainly focusing on Reki and Langa, I really liked having more backstory related to Joe, Cherry, Adam and Tadashi. Seeing how Adam went through a terrible childhood, convoluted teeange years to culminate in an adult with too much power for his own good and a twisted sense of "love", along with some extremely serious psychological issues was very interesting.

I acknowldge him as a complex villain, but that DOES NOT justify what he did to Cherry. This only proves that just because we know his backstory, we don't have to sympathize with him (Adam's just such a terrible person). On the RENGA side, we see Reki avoiding Langa after their rift, and how this affected both. We have Langa's sadness increase scene after scene, as well as his passion for skating dwindling as progressively. Reki on the other hand, just falls deeper and deeper in his depression, but also being unable to stop thinking about Langa, and he ends up going to S to see the latter's match against Joe. It's hard to see whether there's envy, jelaousness, frustration, admiration, pining or fear of being left behind in his mind. It must have been hard for a 17 y/o.

Reki also defends Langa from people speaking behind his back and shouting his name during the race boosts Langa's performance tremendously. This culminates on Reki realizing that the thing he actually wanted was to skate alongside Langa, not on the side, not as support, but together, he just couldn't. There's also the scene which may or may not confirm that Langa's feelings for Reki are more than just friendship! (Felt represented, for reals).

NUMBER 2 - Episode 7 - We Don't Balance Out (A.K.A. This was supposed to be a fun show!😭⛈️💔️)

I wrote a lot about the episodes in the previous spot, but this is the one that flipped the tables, the game-changer, and the one that hit closer home. It is a sad episode, no races there, it's just here for us to see how the circumstances affect the characters. It was hard to see how Reki, who at this point had been nothing but supportive and proud of Langa, starts to see him flying farther from him. Is it jealousness? Dissatisfaction? Is it fear of loneliness? Adbandoment issues? Is it feeling inferior? Frustration? Not being able to improve? Admiration? Care?

And on top of that a broken promise. I just can't imagine how hard is it for a 17 y/o to deal with all of those conflicting issues in his head, as well as the toxic competitive environment on the "S Community". This just came to show that he wasn't just the excitable, goofy sidekick character, he goes deeper than that, and makes him relatable. We also see a deconstruction of the cool, aloof prodigious character in Langa, as he just can't comprehend what's going on with Reki, and he's hurt by it, but still needs to figure out his own ambitions and desries. This leads to the emotional conclusion of the episode (which in turn left me in the aforementioned 4-week-long emotional crisis, thank you)

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

Episode 12 - Our Infinity! - The race was cool, the Renga hug gave me life and everyone had a happy ending

Episode 5 - Passionate Dancing Night! - Despite the beef between Langa and Adam being cool, we start to see Reki worrying about Langa and opening up to him, further deepening their bond.

Episode 2 - Awesome for the First Time! - There's just something special about sharing something you're passionate about with someone else. Watching Reki teaching Langa the basics of skateboarding was heartwarming

NUMBER 1 - Episode 10 - DAP Not Needing Words

After 4 weeks waiting, the anticipation for this episode was gargantuan. Reki's depression was hitting its lowest point, bordering in self-harm, and hurting others as well. Langa continues to look for Reki after seeing him briefly at the hospital while visiting Shadow and we get to see this loving scene where he watches videos of Reki learining how to skate. After confronting Tadashi and realizing that he loves skating because it's fun, he returns home to find out that Langa had been waiting for him but left shortly before he arrived.

This leads to a heartful reunion, where words can't express their feelings, so they resort to do their thing, to skate, and that's where the feelings flow. This is when Langa tells Reki how he admires him tremendously and Reki understands that Langa'll be there by his side, and leaves his fears behind. With a mutual desire to skate together infinetely and a new dap, they rekindle their bond. People watched this show for different reasons, and though I like the skateboarding aspect because it looks cool, my interest leans more on the relationship aspect, and Reki and Langa's is so deep and intimate, and I liked seeing it grow from zero through different hardships (in other words, in all of the years I've been in a fandom, I had never shipped any other pair like these two, I needed to say that).

So I guess it's time to tag some people:

@pico-sour, @sleebycryptid, @elizabethslee, @itsamole, @kaorucherry, @blueflame97, @trieizieme, @tardiskitten, @lady-pendragon-9

So, if you've read until this point, thank you very much (I know it's not supposed to, but this post is yet again a very long "I love Renga" one, but it's what my heart wanted me to write 😅). I'd love to see people other than the ones I tagged showing their lists 😃

#sk8 the infinity #sk8 #sk8 reki #reki kyan #sk8 langa #langa hasegawa #sk8 renga #renga #lanreki #rekilan #top 5 #sk_8

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blooeyedtroll · 3 years

Text

Home on the Range

Rated PG-13ish Lolz. For occasional cussing and maybe innuendos(?). Lolz. This can also be read on Ao3. Feel free to read it there if you prefer.

More art scattered though out this fic, hope you like it!

Hello friend! Welcome!

This is a One shot fic that takes place in mine & @messybitch802 ‘s :

Efflorescence AU.

This is the beginning of our tale, I hope you enjoy.

This is in Hickory’s POV. I thought this would be a fun way to introduce Bloo and Messy. It also seemed fitting since Hickory will play a larger part as our tale unfolds.

However, I’d like to think this could be enjoyed as a fun one-shot Hickory & Dickory fic as well. This fandom needs more Yodel Brothers content!

Big thanks to @jade-green-butterfly and her random ask that kicked my butt in gear, giving me the inspiration to finally start writing:

Anyway, let’s get to it. Enjoy!:

HOME ON THE RANGE

"Rock Trolls... no doubt about that.”

The rugged, orange haired Troll put down his hammer and stepped away from the task at hand. Fence work could wait. This needed his immediate attention. Around this time of day he'd expect to see, at most, a tumbleweed passing by the entrance to the Ranch. Maybe. Nobody ever came out this way. Not since he'd been here anyway. At a good clip, it was about an hour trek away from Lonesome Flats. Which suited his needs perfectly.

The perfect place to lay low and still blend in.

"Bist du sicher?" whispered a muffled voice behind him.

"Of course I am. Now hush, I'm gonna check it out. Stay in character. An’ be ready, just in case."

The orange haired Troll patted the front of his jeans, freeing them of a satisfying amount of dust from the day’s hard work and checked his reflection in a nearby trough. Grinning as he placed a straw of wheat that was kept in the brim of his hat; between his teeth.

Perfection.

Who would guess otherwise, that the reflection in that water, was anything but a genuine Country Troll?

It took a lot of work shopping, trial and error, but he did it.

Well, they did it. The four legged, rugged, handsome, Country Troll was in actuality...two Trolls.

Two brothers to be precise.

Yodel Trolls by the names of Hickory and Dickory.

The last Yodel Trolls by their accounts, and they happened to be the best damn team of Bounty Hunters and Mercenaries in all of Trolldom.

For good reason.

The best tool to their disposal was their ability to blend in. So much so, it was only until it was “too late” for their marks, by the time their true colors were revealed. And this disguise has been their best yet.

Hickory, though the youngest brother, was the much taller of the two. So he was the face to this particular get-up. Making Dickory to be left with the tail end. Literally. Understandably, this was not ideal for him.

And he definitely made it well known on many occasions how he felt about having to play a literal “horse’s ass”.

But by gum, was he the best ass you could ask for.

At this point, Dickory had mastered the art of synchronizing with Hickory's movements, in such a way, it was now practically impossible to spot anything amiss. It was as if they shared one mind while under the guise of this centaur-esk being.

And while Dickory was fairly sour about the whole situation, Hickory found himself more and more, fond of living day to day as a Country Troll. Very much so to his brother’s shagrin. The look, the music, the lifestyle...everything.

It had been two months now since the brothers found themselves here, in Country Music territory. However, last anyone on the outside had heard about them, was that they had "yodelled so hard, an avalanche fell on them"...or something? Which was just what they wanted. For the time being anyway.

The brothers had struck a deal with their last mark.

For his freedom, he was to spread said rumor, so the Yodelers could lay low for a while.

Queen Barb, of the Hard Rock Trolls, was no stranger to the two brothers. As a matter of fact, she was one of their most frequent clients for the past few years. Which suited them just fine. Well, almost. The last few jobs they did for the young Queen, left a bitter taste in Hickory's mouth. Not so much for the tasks she asked of them, but because of something she said and what he saw on their last few visits to Volcano Rock City. Maps. Marked up. Plans of some sort. Hanging everywhere. The young ruler, looking the most tired he'd ever seen her, yet looking as if ready to burst from being too tightly wound, at any moment.

"Hopefully next time I see you dudes, one way or another, we'll all be singing to a different tune. It's gonna be so Rad."

Whatever was going on, both Yodelers agreed that it was definitely not worth getting caught up in. They could just feel it. Deep down. They were hired to track Trolls down and do what needed to do, to get by.

Both of them could be shady characters at times, but they had decent moral compasses to live by. So they told themselves.

That's why the presence of Rock Trolls at this moment made Hickory's blood run cold. Could it be possible somehow, some way, they had been found out? That whatever Queen Barb was up to, she was looking for them? What is it that she’d need them for anyway?

No. Their plan worked perfectly. Blend in as a Country Troll, lay low for a while, only do the occasional "job" when the opportunity presented itself, just until the Queen of Rock cooled her head or went through with... whatever she is planning.

Not a soul knew about Hickory and Dickory being here.

Well.

Unless you counted, July.

Miss July, the owner of the Ranch. A rather interesting Troll.

A Pop-Country Troll. The only mixed genre Troll around these parts. Unlike her four legged, centaur, Country loving neighbors; she walked on two legs... well, hooves. Her appearance could be compared to a more "Satyr" like build, with a perfect blend of both genres in her appearance. The bright colors of a Pop Troll, but the sturdy build of that of a Country Troll.

A Tough, stern older lady-Troll, with a heart of gold.

Running this place all on her own, while tending to her extremely elderly parents.

That's one of the reasons he never expected any visitors here. Nobody in town wanted anything to do with Miss July or her family. Didn't much like associating with “their kind” if they could help it. Though you'd never hear them say it in polite conversation. But that suited Miss July just fine. That's how she liked it. Ever since Miss July and her folks suffered a terrible loss to their family, decades ago, she rarely went into town if she could help it.

Which on one such occasion, is when she stumbled upon the Yodelers, in their first attempts at putting together their “Country Persona”.

They had been camping not too far from her Ranch and the Town, when she found them both, struggling to even walk in time together, in a pair of poorly made four legged pants.

July took their word as Gospel. That they were just fulfilling a lifelong dream of wanting to, in some way, be a Country Troll. So she offered them a place to stay and to show them the ropes on what it meant to be a Country Troll. If they agreed to work for her at her family’s Ranch.

"Until you feel you can stand on yer own four hooves!' She teased.

It could be easily wagered that July being an outcast in her own community, could be a factor of sympathy she felt towards them, making her wanting to help any way she could, and possibly what made her not judgmental in the least. That, and as tough as she put herself on as, she was sweet as apple pie, through and through.

Which did make Hickory especially, feel guilty about not being more upfront with her. As much as he could be anyhow.

Especially so, when the occasional “job opportunity" presented itself around Lonesome Flats during the Yodelers free time. Turns out, there were plenty of Trolls who had a bone to pick with others, or needed matters settled around these parts. Not to mention, crooks-a-plenty to turn in.

But both brothers always repented. By being very diligent working for Miss July on the Ranch. Anything she needed done, got done. It was the least they could do for what she had done for them for these last two months. So the last thing needed was for anything to get ugly around here.

As Hickory approached closer and closer, he could feel his brother tensing up.

"Easy.” He whispered under his breath, smirking, patting behind him in attempts to calm his hotheaded companion. While still maintaining a nonchalant and calm demeanor.

Having spent a fair amount of time in Volcano Rock City for past jobs, and even on several occasions for other clients; needing to spend time incognito as Rock Trolls, it was fairly easy to recognize them from afar.

Upon closer inspection, it did come across as rather curious to see them wearing Country attire. They couldn't be trying to blend in, could they?

No. Not by the way these two held themselves.

One Troll in various shades of blue in appearance, the other in peculiar shades of green from toe to tip. Both faces, still covered by wide brimmed hats. The blue Troll's demeanor was nervous right from the jump. Their green companion, holding them by the hand, grounding them. As if to keep them from sprinting away at a moment's notice. Both looking tired from the trek they must have taken from town to get to the Ranch property and from the sun's unforgiving afternoon rays.

Nothing but what seemed to be electric guitars and simple backpacks on their backs. However, these were definitely the most impressive guitars Hickory had seen in all his life.

The blue Troll’s, from what he could make out, was sage in color and looked as if it was made of some large critter's battered wing. Almost bat or reptilian in nature. The green Troll’s guitar, an imposing, venomous violet, crafted by what could only could be guessed as being once the claw and stinger of some scorpion-type critter. One he certainly wouldn't want to tango with.

Lackeys of Queen Barb’s? No... couldn't be.

"Nobody knows we're here"

"We've been so careful."

He repeated over and over to himself. Almost mantra-like. He really had no reason to be this paranoid he kept reminding himself.

“Who are the most feared Bounty Hunters and Mercenaries in all Trolldom?”

“The Yodel brothers. That's who.” He smirked at that last thought. Puffing his broad chest a bit more, in response to his inner pep-talk.

And no Troll, no matter now--

"H--Howdy!" The blue Troll, clearing their voice, shakily called out.

"Right fine day, isn't it?"

The traveler seemed to ease into the drawl like putting on an old pair of comfy shoes, and with each word, their confidence seemed to boost. Stepping forward from their green companion, they removed their wide brim hat and gandered up at Hickory, with a small smile that damn near made his heart leap through his throat. In a good way?

That was...unexpected.

His usual quick witted mind and tongue, on the spot turned into a train that just left the station.

Those eyes. Absolutely pierced him right through. Large, inquisitive, pale, cerulean eyes. Staring right at him under dark lashes, and surrounded by a cascade of cobalt freckles.

The closest shade of color he could compare those eyes to were a color he hadn't thought of in ages. Snow. Snow that as a Trolling he played in. Usually when you found yourself making forts or laying in heeps that came up so high, you would look, and you'd catch the glimmering sunlight, shining through it. A shade of blue that just melted you to the core and drew out a smile, without you being the wiser.

"Right fine.” he responded. Recovering from his wandering mind.

No time to be side tracked by an adorable, freckled, blue-eyed Troll. With sweet, curvy features, who has solid looking muscles that look they could easily crush--

"How can I help you? You folks seem a bit far away from home. Don't get a lot of Rock Trolls around these parts.”

Thank goodness his voice seemed to be the one on track; at the task at hand.

“Oi! What’s that supposed to mean?”

The green Troll stepped forward, hotly, removing their own hat, as to glare directly at him. Sizing him up. Only a tad taller, but much more lithe in figure to their companion. Definitely much more fierce. Not just in attitude, but in appearance. Their eyes, deep as sapphires. Teeth, the bottom row protruding two large tusk-like lower canines. Ears, pointed back and just as sharp as their claws, which he found himself one the other end of, being pointed at. Just as he felt his hair prickle, preparing himself for what was bound to happen next, the tension was immediately neutralized.

"It's okay Mess” The blue Troll cooed, calming the green one.

"Sorry to just come on over uninvited, but uh, does a Troll named July still live here?"

"You mean Miss July? Sure does. Why, if You don't mind my askin’?"

"Well you see, she's my... can--can I please talk to her? If she's around here today?”

A good long pause washed over the three.

Hickory could feel the trepidation radiating from Dickory behind him as he swished "their tail' in annoyance. Normally, if this was any other situation, it'd be too bad for these two. He'd send them right on their way, or worse if it came to it. They seemed capable. They had guitars, they were Rock Trolls. Random Rock Trolls, showing up, asking for not himself or his brother, but Miss July. Out of all the Country Trolls in Lonesome Flats.

But the waves of anxiety radiating from this freckled Troll were massive; and when their friend wasn't staring daggers at his direction, they were gazing so tenderly and sympathetically at them. These weren't agents of Queen Barbs. These seemed like folks on a sad mission of delivering news, or something of the like. They looked as though this was the last place they would ever want to be.

Dickory always insisted that Hickory was too quick to let his heart think first before his head when it came to their line of work. He didn't see it that way though. Hickory thought himself a good judge of character. Hell, that's why they found themselves in this situation now. Tipping his hat in a friendly manner, he smiled at the two.

"Well, why dontcha follow me then. I'm sure Miss July is making lunch right about now. You folks are just in time. Name's Hickory"

"Messy." replied the green.

The blue Troll remained silent.

"Adorabull got yer tongue cutie?" he teased

Those freckled cheeks lit up in seconds, a flushed lavender. Too cute.

"Somethin' like that' They smiled sheepishly.

All the while, as Hickory walked with the two up to the main building on the property, they stuck to idle chit-chat. About the weather or the nearby town. They passed by many of the fences that housed just some of Miss July's critters. As well as a few stables, paddocks, a decent sized workshed, and the small house the Yodelers had been staying in since they arrived here. It was once they passed that particular building, the blue Rocker stopped in their tracks momentarily. Just staring. Almost trance-like. They only moved again once Messy had firmly grabbed their hand and they followed.

Finally, they reached the main building's porch. The family home. Without any prompting, the two travelers waited at the bottom steps of the porch. Hickory nodded, thinking that might be best. He walked up to the open door. The wafting aroma of today's lunch filling his nostrils. Chili with sweet rolls? If he wasn't mistaken, he could smell fresh squeezed lemonade too. Knowing better to barge in while she was in the Kitchen...

"Pardon me, Miss July?" he called out.

"Dammit Hic, I told ya once, I'll tell ya again. Lunch is on when I ring the damn bell, that's when it’s good and ready!"

Hickory couldn't help but chuckle. That July was a firecracker.

"It's got nothin' to do with that Miss. You see, You've got yourself some visitors."

"For the last time Hic, just call me Jul--"

July emerged from the doorway, holding in each hand a glass of lemonade with mint garnish. No doubt as something to appease the Yodelers until lunch was done. As soon as her eyes met the two travelers, she stopped dead in her tracks. Glaring at them something fierce.

"These two are the visitors I was talkin' about."

"Rock Trolls, huh? Here? Whaddya want?"

The blue traveler, clearing their throat, voice cracking; they smiled, eyes glazed and sparkling with unshed tears. Staring at July as if a secret wish had been granted.

"Aunty Ju-Ju? It's m-me. It's Bloo. I'm home."

Bloo? That Bloo? Could it really be? Hickory didn't need to dwell on that too long though. July suddenly yelped out loud, in such a way that it startled absolutely everyone. Including herself apparently because those glasses in her hands dropped and shattered to bits.

"You couldn't be-- w-what kind of game are ya playin’ at?!"

July at a loss for words. This was serious. There she stood, knees buckling, lip quivering, tail thrashing. Unable to look away from the Troll in front of them at the end of her porch. A look of torment across their face.

Slowly, the freckled Troll smiled sadly, and reached behind their back for their instrument. Hickory acted quickly, putting himself between the two. Staring intently at the Rocker. They stared back, as they slowly brought the instrument forward.

"Please. Let me play?"

Hickory's nostrils flared, biting down hard on the straw in his mouth. How was he so stupid? Well, he wouldn't be fooled this time.

*~strum~*

Though the guitar was imposing and electric, with a stroke of their hand, it played a long, twangy, unmistakable, Country cord.

Silence.

Laying a hand on Hickory's shower, July gently moved him aside, her attention almost trance-like on the player. Waiting.

As if they understood, they shifted and picked up their guitar in earnest. Strumming again, but to a much more upbeat melody. Much more upbeat than most Country music Hickory had heard around town that he grew to enjoy. This sounded more... Pop? Much more like something he'd hear July singing on a day she was in a particularly good mood. Or something July’s elderly mother, the Pop Troll of the family might hum.

That's when they began to sing along, starting off slowly and gaining strength with each note. A large smile on their face as tears cascaded down their round cheeks. As if putting on the show of their lives. It was raw, and beautiful.

"She loves rock ‘n’ roll,

they said it's demons’ tongue,

She thinks they're too old.

They think she's too young,

And the battle lines are clearly drawn.”

“She's a wild one,

with an angel's face,

She's a lovely Troll in a state of grace,

When she was three years old on her daddy's knee,

He said you can be anythin’ you wanna be.

She's a wild one.

Runnin' free."

“She has future plans,

and dreams at night,

they tell her life is hard,

she smiles, sayin’ “that’s alright”, yeah!”

“She’s a wild one,

With an angel’s face,

She’s a lovely Troll in a state of grace,

When she was three years old on her daddy’s knee,

He said you can be anythin’ you wanna be.

She’s a wild one.

Runnin’ free.”

"She's a wild one”~~

"~~Runnin' free.” July finished and sobbed the last line.

"That was the song I wrote for your Mama... all them years ago..My Bloo. My little ‘Bloo-Jay’ came home!"

Hickory stood fully aside now, allowing the two to embrace, for what he now had realized had been the first time in more than two decades. An embrace that both warmed and broke your heart, all at the same time. This was July's pride and joy. Her niece. Bloo, the only child of July's older sister June.

June and July were extremely close sisters. Best friends even.

June was a very free spirited Troll who fancied herself a part-time singer at one of the local bars in town. On one of these trips to town, she met a traveling Rock Troll by the name of Ziggy. Busking for food and drink. Let's just say, it didn't take long at all until wedding bells were ringing and Ziggy was part of the happy family here on the Ranch. The couple waited a while before having a Trolling. The two were busy enjoying married life, Ziggy took June traveling, fulfilling her dreams of seeing life outside Lonesome Flats. And wherever they went, they were singing up a storm. When they returned home to settle down, at any bar or club, or bingo hall that would have them, they continued singing their hearts out. Occasionally even dragging July along. The three of them became inseparable. Especially after Bloo was born. The townsfolk even seemed to warm up to the entire, oddball family. It was all turning up roses for the family finally, after what felt like ages of trying to live in harmony. But it all came to a crushing end.

Shortly after Bloo turned five years old, a serious, contagious illness spread throughout Lonesome Flats. Most folks who caught it, eventually recovered, but there were eight fatalities in the end. June was one of them. The family was torn to pieces by June’s passing. Ziggy just wasn't the same Troll after. A year passed and just as they thought things might slowly start looking up, Ziggy and Bloo were gone.

Apparently he had packed himself and Bloo up one night, and just left without a word. July knew he had family back home in Volcano Rock City, and figured that is where he would take Bloo to raise them. But July dared not go there. For good reason. A Pop-Country Troll, travel to Volcano Rock City? Demand her niece back from a heartbroken father? While leaving her extremely elderly parents to fend for themselves? No. July would be turned away or torn to pieces. King Thrash at the time was feared for good reason in those days and most Trolls feared Rock Trolls the most out of all the other Tribes.

July and her folks basically moved on by learning to mourn the loss of June, Bloo, and Ziggy. They never expected to ever see Bloo or Ziggy again. Yet here Bloo was. Embracing their aunt, while Hickory and Messy looked on fondly. His smile grew wider as he realized how overjoyed July's folks: Clay and May, would be to see their grand-baby again. Something they thought they'd never live to see.

He could see it now that he got a better look at Bloo, as they were bombarded with kisses and hugs, that they did share a little resemblance to their Pop-Country Aunt. Though without a doubt, they took after their father Ziggy the most. No wonder Bloo wasn't easily recognizable at first glance, they looked so different in comparison to how they looked back then as a Trolling.

Who would have thought that he'd meet the Troll who's childhood pictures adorned the home he and his brother were staying in? Which happened to be Bloo's Old family home on the Ranch. The same house they had stopped to stare at on their way to the main house.

"Small world we live in!” He barked with laughter.

"Welcome home Miss Bloo, glad to meetcha." And he meant it, whole heartedly.

"Glad to be home again.”

END.

(Song used was Faith Hill’s ‘Wild One’. Tweaked for this story)

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im-the-punk-who · 4 years

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I'm new to the fandom, but haven't gotten the chance to watch the show yet. Bit weird I know. I've been spoilered for bits and pieces and read some fanfic. Why is so much of the fandom silverflint when flinthamilton is there and so beautiful? I don't want to watch the show and become confused between the ships (lol). Thoughts?

OH BABE. WATCH THE SHOW - JOIN ME IN MY HELL HOLE.

Since you said you've been spoiled a bit, this does contain some spoilers for the show. Nothing major, but I dont think theres a way to talk about this otherwise. ❤

OKAY. I'm gonna say this as politically as possible, lmao, since there is...a healthy dose of animosity between people who ship silverflint and people who don't - mainly because the interpretations of John Silver's character are so varied.

For the record, enemies to lovers is my least favorite shipping trope, and silverflint is probably the biggest notp I've ever had. Edit: And Flinthamilton hits my absolutely favorite shipping trope, which is friends to lovers. We state our personal biases out front like REAL scientists of literature, lmao. That said I have a bunch of mutuals who ship it and I try my darndest to uhhhh at least support them in that to the extent I'm able.

So, imo, the biggest reason silverflint is so popular is that they're the two characters with the most screentime together. Silver and Flint are on screen together in some capacity in just about every episode from the first to the last, and their plotlines and character developments are deeply intertwined. No matter what their actual relationship was, no matter if they were canon or if there were any actual romantic feelings between them, they were bound to be a big ship, especially since one of them is canonically attracted to men. Conversely, Thomas only has about 40 minutes of screentime in the entire series and it is all in flashback from before the series begins. Now of course he also has a lot of what I'll call 'off-screen callbacks' - James' entire character arc depends on his love and belief in Thomas' ideals - but he and James only interact for a very brief period of time and we really dont get a whole lot about Thomas himself.

There are reasons people ship both, and reasons people might be drawn to silverflint over flintham which all comes down to personal preference, but I really do think the biggest reason is their screentime disparity.

That said...even though Silverflint isn't canon, and Flintham IS the show's endgame, that doesnt make one more valid than the other as a ship because that's categorically not what fandom is about. I don't think there's a confusion to be had there, because there's no such thing as 'this is the right ship and this is the wrong one.' I have ships I doggedly sail that aren't canon and that for some are their notps. And I would quite literally fight to the death over them given half a chance. That's fandom!!

I will say that the reason silverflint is my notp is because I personally feel like the relationship becomes incredibly unhealthy when you put a romantic spin on it - but for some people that's the attraction! Or they don't have the same set of personal experiences I have that lead me to those conclusions! Just as a lot of people have experiences that sour them to him, John Silver is a very personal and relatable character to a lot of people. And honestly, if that's true why wouldn't they want to have him get with James Flint who is not only very beautiful but also technically perfect in every way and has never done anything wrong in his life, ever?

And that's okay! Again it's fandom! Everybody is right! You get validation! And you get validation! Everybody gets validation!!

(Lmao that's wrong - there are some people who are wrong but they're mostly wrong because they try to insist their views are the only corect ones.)

Idk what to tell you. Do I personally wish there was more flintham and less silverflint? For sure, lol. But that's because, let's be real - there was ABSOLUTELY NO WORLD where I wasn't going to be a rabid flintham shipper, and also absolutely no world in which I was going to like John Silver as a character enough to want him near my kin, my sun, my only light, my absolute unit of a child James Flint-McGraw-Hamilton any longer than absolutely necessary. I'm aware of my bias. I stand by it, but I am aware of it, lol. BUT HERE'S THE GREAT THING ANON IF YOU JOIN ME IN SHIPPER HELL WE CAN FIX THAT. BE THE CHANGE I WANT TO SEE!!

My biggest advice is that, at its heart Black Sails is a show about stories and the personal bias inherent in them. Keep your mind open, and try not to let fandom influence your personal feelings towards what you find enjoyable. (Even me. If you end up shipping silverflint, I promise I will try very hard not to take offense lmao). Oh, and don't expect a happy ending for anyone. Black Sails is a tragedy, and in true tragedy form there are no happy endings for anyone except the british empire.

For the most part this is a great fandom and Black Sails itself is a show that I think everyone should watch - even if they aren't in it for the ships. While I have some major problems with it(particularly its treatment of its female characters) it's also hands down the best show I've ever seen in a lot of ways. It is full of not just the most pure and perfect mlm ship in Flintham but ALSO some great canon wlw ships, a dumb himbo who ruins everything, lots of POC - specifically a large number of really excellently portrayed black characters - and just...absolutely phenomenal writing. And it says gay rights with its fucking chest. And it contains the most heartbreakingly real portrayal of why revolutions fail and whose stories get told that like. I've ever, ever seen. I still cry when I think too hard about it please don't look at me.

ANYWAY LONG STORY SHORT WATCH BLACK SAILS. (James&Thomas 4eva)

(And, to that end uhhhh, here's some timestamps for violence against women in the first season. I've been meaning to add on for the other seasons but just haven't had time.)

#black sails #goodness i hope this all makes sense lmao #uhhhhhhh idk if i want to tag this in the ship tags #i suppose im already in the main tag do uh #silverflint #flinthamilton #deep apologies if you find my opinions offensive lmao txt it #long post #which should really just come as a standard tag whenever i open my mouth #black sails spoilers #i tries i tries so hard to make this shorter #thats just not who i am as a person and i hope we've all accepted that by now

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