Saving This For Later - Blog Posts

When a Character Is Grieving Someone They Never Got to Say Goodbye To

✧ They talk about the person in past tense… then correct themselves. Then stop talking entirely.

✧ They touch things that belonged to the person like they’re fragile, sacred, about to disappear.

✧ They hoard the last voicemail, last message, last anything. Play it. Don’t play it. Just knowing it exists hurts enough.

✧ They leave something untouched, an empty seat, a half-packed bag, a coffee order that isn’t theirs.

✧ They get irrationally angry when someone else seems to be “moving on.” As if forgetting is betrayal.

✧ They don’t let themselves cry all at once. It comes in pieces. Like they’re afraid too much grief will drown them.

✧ They over-apologize. For being quiet. For being distant. For not being okay.

✧ They become hyper-aware of time, dates, anniversaries, time zones, the exact moment everything ended.

✧ They get superstitious. Ritualistic. As if doing things "right" might reverse something.

✧ They smile when they talk about the person. But it’s brittle. And it never quite touches their eyes.

Fading Embers

The dust has settled...time has passed... They won, didn't they? Time moves on whether we choose it or not. And time was running out very quickly. But, just this once, perhaps that wasn't so bad.

Contains SPOILERS for the entirety/ending of Legends of Avantris: Curse of Strahdanya

CW: death, religious trauma, minor existentialism, hurt/comfort

The still warm air was only broken by the slow creaking of a rocking chair. Rattlesnake was calm for once. Even the old saloon and brothel were uncharacteristically less rowdy than usual, as if sensing that tonight was one meant for reflection rather than debauchery. Off the main road, just further past the old water pump and next to that metallic windmill, was the cozy home of a certain tiefling. Well...he couldn't call it just his home, as a few hopeful Barovians lived on the farmland with him as well.

The tiefling would creak back in his chair again, letting his boot aid in the motion, as he stared off his porch towards that quaint town of his. His hat was discarded beside him, exposing his silvered hair and deep wrinkles. The sun and years of work had been merciful to him, as the once intense rust-red color of his skin has long since darkened, like a piece of worn leather. His eyes didn't work as well as they used to... hazy vision didn't make for good aiming. Silas Morgan, or more commonly known as 'Shepherd' around these parts, hasn't been the sheriff for a few years now.

That title was passed on to Thomas, who has since grown into a fine older man with a family of youngin's to call his own. Shepherd never thought he'd live long enough to have a family of his own, much less grandchildren, but he'd be lying if he said he didn't enjoy it. Of course, the good Doc was also still around. He looked just as Shepherd always knew him. Big clunky goggles, long wispy beard and mustache, and an apron always tied around his waist. It was ironic really. Doc was far older than Shepherd ever was, even now, and yet he still moved about as if he were in his prime, and Shepherd couldn't even button his shirts straight anymore.

Another creak, another rock back and forward, and Shepherd would let his eyes unfocus as his thoughts began to trail even further back. Life was good here. He was content, his family was protected, along with the town...so why did he..? A flickering light caught his eye, making him squint at first before tilting his head up. Still hanging above his porch steps, still watching, was Sarnax's old dragon-bone lantern. And it's flame was beginning to die out. Shepherd wouldn't waste time sitting and pondering any longer. With one final creak, both from his chair as well as his joints, the tiefling stood up and gently opened the latch on the side, snapping his fingers to let his hellish fire relight the kindling once more.

This was a process he's done many times, though not often. And yet, staring so close into the fire, Shepherd couldn't help but linger. What once was a symbol of his pain, of his loss, was now something similar but also so very different. Fire had destroyed him. His parents. 'Holy' fire had cursed him and his family and made him turn from any form of divinity. He once hated fire. But now, all he could see when staring into those flickering lights was sorrow. He had lost another to the flame, but not in any way he could've predicted.

With a long sigh, blinking back the spots in his vision, Shepherd would close the hatch and turned to his chair to pick up his hat. Before heading inside though, he'd turn back to that old lantern. Ever burning. Always guiding those lost in the dark. It never left his sight, it never left this porch, but...just this once, Shepherd was feeling awfully sentimental. He was never one to linger much on the past, but that's just the damndest thing about retirement. It gave you too much time to think. So with a quiet word to Garyx, Shepherd carefully unhooked the lantern and turned inside, carrying the light close to him.

He'd make his way around all of the Doc's loose prototypes and tools, stepping over toys that Tommy's kids would leave behind whenever they visited, and ducked into a room at the back. It was only separated by a curtain from the main house, leaving him with just enough space for a bed and nightstand, but that was all he needed anyways. Shepherd delicately set the lantern down, though he knew he didn't need to be so careful with it. He's seen the storms it whethered through firsthand, and he's known of the power that used to dwell within. But that wasn't the case anymore. It was no longer filled with radiant fire or a sleeping wyrmling, but just fire. Shepherd once again pulled his eyes away from the light, pulling the curtain closed and slowly beginning the process of changing into his nightwear. Or at least, he'd attempt to. He made it as far as kicking off his boots and taking off his belt before his back protested against any further stretching or bending. All these years of hard labor and sheriff work sure did catch up to him...but fine. It felt like a shirt and jeans night anyway.

Practically dropping himself into bed, Shepherd let out a long sigh and rolled over onto his side, just to stare at the flame a little longer. God dammit...why couldn't he ever just move on? The question felt foolish as soon as he thought of it. The few times he wrote his old friends, or they'd reunite on some special occasion, they had all seen it written on his face. That lingering grief. It didn't matter how jovial they were, or what they were talking about, the old Expedition probably knew him better than himself at this point. But they knew. And they saw. He just couldn't forget. The others had such bigger lives to lead, more responsibilities and duties to tend to, but Shepherd didn't have that luxury. He didn't have the academics to teach in a university, or the political prowess to handle relations for old Barovia, or even the ability to wander from town to town defending the innocent. He just had his old little town, with its old little problems. And although he didn't mind that necessarily at first, it left him with a lot of time to sit alone and dwell on what happened. On what could've been.

Sarnax had done the impossible for a man like himself. He swore off all that holy hubbub. He made it a point not to ever get himself tangled up in worship or prayer or anything of the sort. Not after he saw the evil it was capable of. But Sarnax...that damn lizard. When they first crossed paths, he embodied everything Shepherd hated, everything he had feared. That mindless devotion, that willingness to burn and purge in the name of some uncaring god. Through every logical path, he should've always hated Sarnax. He should've slept with one eye open anytime that lizard was present. But fate was fickle, and the gods do so enjoy their games, because that lizard was the closest friend he's ever had. Whether it be through some divine force or sheer stupid luck, Sarnax was the only person he could always rely on. He couldn't tell you where it started, how it formed, or any of that mental jargon. To Shepherd, it just happened.

But that was just it, wasn't it? It shouldn't have happened. And yet, he couldn't regret a single moment. Sarnax was unlike any person he's met before. He was odd, blunt, had a strange way with children, and a lesser understanding of common customs. But...he was also loyal, protective, and a wise nurturer to those he sought out. He was so much more than Shepherd- than anyone- ever gave him credit for, and now people could only know of his greatness in death. Of his sacrifice. Sarnax of the Edelwood...the true hero of Barovia.

Shepherd would use the corner of his sleeve to press up against his eyes, preventing those tears from falling before they even had the chance. Even after all this time...all these years spent working and working... Shepherd never married. He was too old then to start a family the 'traditional' way, and back then, he had already been content with finding little Tommy. But...after all he endured, all he witnessed, he just couldn't bring himself to try and find someone like that ever again. Sarnax had done the impossible. The unthinkable. He made Shepherd a follower of Garyx for crying out loud, but...he had also made Shepherd so horribly attached. They never said it aloud. Never quite had the time to put a name on it. But everyone they met saw it. Shepherd and Sarnax. The monsters that monsters feared. They were the duo that no one could separate, chosen by dragons of silver and gold. And that was perhaps Shepherd's biggest regret. For letting the time slip by the way he did, for not saying what he felt and how much Sarnax had done for him when he could. If he could go back to that awful day, that fated day, he would just say he loves him. At least one more time.

Once again Shepherd had to take in a deep breath, squeezing his eyes shut before looking to the lantern once more. Feeling its warmth, seeing its glow now, it just made him all the more colder. Even now, Shepherd could never claim this as his. Despite what time might've done to his body, his mind still knew what that holy flame looked like. It was so much brighter than this...it was always brighter. He was always brighter. Shepherd could only linger on his grief for so long, and he didn't want to dwell on it any longer. The more he did, the more it ached, and the colder the flame became. Rolling onto his back once more, the tiefling would squeeze his eyes shut, the flickering hues of orange and red dancing behind his eyelids as he sent off a quick prayer to Garyx. He still didn't know if he was doing this whole...'praying' thing right, but it was too ingrained in him at this point. It wasn't much, his prayers usually weren't, but they were still pleas all the same. 'Please...take care of Sarnax. Tell him everyone's still okay...and tell him I said howdy.'

With another aching sigh, the emotion still raw in his throat, Shepard kept his eyes closed and slowly settled into his bed. It wasn't easy at first. His thoughts were still too present, still trying to creep to the forefront, but maybe Garyx was still listening and lending him a hand. Or maybe he was just old. Because whether he chose to or not, his breathing would eventually even out, and his mind would still once more. Finally, after mere moments, Shepherd faded off into a dreamless sleep.

At least...that's what he hoped. His dreams were empty, yes, full of nothingness and blackness but..what was that color? It was faint, easily brushed aside at first. But then more color began to appear. First orange, then yellow. Followed shortly after by red and then gold. The colors danced across his eyes, once distant, now all he could see. They were the brightest he's ever known, intense and raging and...warm? So warm. So very very warm. Too warm. Too familiar. The hues became too much all too fast, and with a start, Shepard shot up with a deep gasp. His chest heaved as he tried to catch his breath, still able to see the flashes of gold every time he blinked...but, as he caught his bearings, he realized that those colors were no mere illusion. They were...everywhere. All over his room, were the dancing hues he had seen in his sleep. Orange, yellow, red, gold, they flickered across his wall in a dance he knew well by now. But, then came a hand.

A hand?

Shepherd's brow furrowed at the added shadow to his wall, following it down and down until it reached his nightstand, to which his heart completely stopped. The lantern was still here, but it burned brighter than it ever had in his possession. The flames licked at the glass as if excited for something, as if gleefully dancing to be brought to its full glow once again. But that wasn't what had frozen Shepherd. Hunched over near his nightstand, black claws cradling the flame and red eyes peering into the lantern, was a lizardfolk. An all too familiar lizardfolk. A lizardfolk that shouldn't be here and yet Shepherd didn't find it in himself to care. He couldn't move. Couldn't even call out his name. If this was some kind of dream, it was a cruel one, because Shepherd couldn't even so much as lift a finger to reach out to him. But thankfully, he wouldn't have to. With the lantern rekindled, those eyes turned away from the fire towards Shepherd, and he could've sworn that everything else in the world had faded away.

Sarnax stared back at him for a moment, too long to be comfortable by normal standards, until finally, he smiled. "Shepherd." It was so matter of fact. It was a voice he hadn't heard in SO long and it still sounded just as he remembered. No...it sounded better. That one word seemed to be enough to break whatever hold was on Shepherd's body, because without a second to waste, he was kicking off his covers and throwing his arms around that worn old robe. Sarnax had jumped at first, but he too would return the embrace, holding his friend tight but the tiefling held him even tighter. He wouldn't question whatever this was. Whether this be a dream or vision or some kind of delusion he was having in his old age, he didn't care. He's seen enough miracles and magic to know not to question it, and right now all he cared about was holding his friend.

If this was a vision or a dream, it was a damn lucid one, because Shepard could truly feel those claws grazing against his back. Could practically smell the ash that had settled in Sarnax's robes and feel the scales along his head. Maybe he was getting old and senile, because this truly felt as if Sarnax was here, cradling him as he'd shake and weep and sputter. But again, Shepherd wasn't one to dwell too long on magic or anything. He just wanted to feel this, to feel HIM. Sarnax was never overly touchy in life, as it was a foreign concept to him, but he didn't even think twice about holding Shepherd as close as he did. He'd rest his snout over the tiefling's shoulder, allowing him his time to sob and release everything he's carried all these years.

When the sobs had become nothing more than teary hiccups, and his grip was no longer bone-breaking, he would still remain where he was. He would only move when Shepherd did, and even though his friend had pulled back somewhat, his hands never left Sarnax. They would continue to clutch his robes as if the second he let go, this dream would fizzle away. "Shepherd..?" Sarnax spoke again, albeit with some gentle concern, and that nearly made him start sobbing all over again. But, steeling his nerve and swallowing hard, Shepherd would just shake his head in disbelief and let the babble fall from his tongue.

"S..Sarnax... Sarnax! I....wha...h-how in the.. Yer HERE. I-I-I don't understand. I saw you...w-we ALL did. You...and Ravenloft.. You were...." His voice trailed off, unable to finish it despite the dead literally standing here in front of him. Sarnax would just smile sadly, giving two awkward pats on his back, before continuing for him. "You saw the power of Garyx, not me.. I was merely the conduit." Shepherd huffed after attempting to dry his face with his sleeve(it was futile). "You know what I mean! You were GONE Sarnax!! You...I dunno how yer even standin' here, b-but I don't care! That don't matter none. Sarnax, buddy...gods.." Shepherd sniffled, and finally allowed himself to smile to his dear friend. "Gods, I missed you... Not a day went by where you didn't cross my mind.." Sarnax's faint smile remained, but there was now a hint of knowing to it, as if there was more he already knew to Shepherd's grief. "I know...the Fire Lord said as much."

"Wait..ya mean Garyx..? He...really told you..?"

"Of course, Shepherd. Although He never answered you, He heard your prayers all the same. You are one of His children afterall."

Shepherd would slowly shake his head in stunned disbelief. Obviously he knew of Garyx's presence, hell he even saw the dragon god himself once. But still...he could never get used to the concept of a present god. With an amused huff, Shepherd's smile grew. "That son of a bitch...he really did." At that, Sarnax's smile fell and was instead replaced with the scaly furrow of his brow. "Shepherd...that is quite disrespectful. Why would you say such a thing?" Hearing and seeing such familiar confusion, Shepherd couldn't help but let out a teary laugh, hugging Sarnax close once again before patting him heartily on the back. "It's..just an expression Sarnax. It's a fond one, promise.." Sarnax still seemed a bit confused, but he wouldn't question it any further.

Now that the initial air of relief and reunion had been cleared, the lizardfolk figured he now ought to continue with what he originally came here to do. Pulling away to look at Shepherd once more, his expression had fallen into its usual stoicism, that grim natural snarl tugging at Shepherd's heartstrings. "Shepherd...speaking of Garyx..I actually come as a..messenger of his. Or perhaps, a guide, of sorts." Shepherd, although questioning at first, wouldn't interrupt. He would let Sarnax continue, simply basking in the sound of his familiar slow drawl. "Garyx...I..have come to take you home." Now that was a bit much for even Shepherd to ignore, as his brow arched and he'd cock his head. "Come home..? Sarnax, yer standing IN my room, yer already-"

And then it hit him. Sarnax was dead. He has been for years now. And..Shepherd was getting older with each day. By instinct, he would turn around to look back at his bed, staring down at the stranger laying before him. It was an old tiefling, his skin reddened and leathered from years in the sun, but a quiet look of peace on his face nonetheless. Shepherd would then look down at himself, staring over his hands and clothes. They were...younger. Newer. Feeling his face, although he couldn't see himself just yet, he could tell. He wasn't as old and withered as he had been.

He wouldn't contemplate too long on his death. He knew it was a long time coming...well, honestly he was just grateful it was in his warm bed rather than being devoured by a giant worm or troll or some other monster from his work. The only sad thing about it was how the Doc might feel when he came to wake him up in the morning. Shepherd's thoughts would cease when he felt a scaled hand on his face, slowly turning his head back towards Sarnax's own. The lizardfolk at this point had picked up his lantern, or at least, the spectral equivalent of it. The real thing was still sitting on his nightstand, the light having burned out without him noticing. Sarnax would again offer a faint smile, that hint of sadness to it, but it was overshadowed by the potential afterlife they now had together.

"Come now, Shepherd...allow me to light your way one more time."

Shepherd would hesitate a moment, perhaps a subconscious doubt that this was all still a dream, but as he'd walk forward to join Sarnax's side, the more he began to accept it. Every step they took through this old house/workshop left the room aglow, with Sarnax's golden light pooling off of each corner and tool like the rising sun. Shepherd would stick a bit too close to him for comfort, but if Sarnax was uncomfortable by it, then he wouldn't have leaned in closer to him. As they'd make their way towards the front door, Shepherd couldn't help but let a question fall, one of many for sure.

"So...what about the others? When it's..their time, I mean.. Will they...?" Sarnax hummed lowly, his hood shifting as he'd shake his head. "I...am afraid not, Shepherd.. They each have their own gods of worship, and when it is their time to die, they will return to that god. Victoria will have her Raven Queen. Kana will...well I'm not quite sure how that would work. And as for the Professor...I can only pray for the best for him."

At this point they had arrived on the porch, their close proximity allowing their tails to find each other and slowly intertwine. An old habit that never broke, it seems. Shepherd, either not noticing it or not mentioning it, would simply scoff and put on a grin. "Hey now, we've cheated death quite a few times already. I'm sure a few of them gods got some kinda custody on us. Maybe we can arrange a visit..~" Sarnax cocked his head, doubtful that was how things worked, but he couldn't resist the optimistic allure Shepherd had. His smile growing just a bit more, he'd shrug and continue to lead the tiefling off the porch, out onto the sand and dirt, and stopped a few steps away from the path. This was it. Time was getting short and they wouldn't be able to stand on this plane for much longer.

Before they prepared to depart forever, Sarnax would crane his head up towards the sky, dimming his lantern slightly just to take it all in. "You know, Shepherd....where I am from, the trees and the homes of the aarakocra blotted out every semblance of the sky.. And...in Barovia, it was always so overcast, that not a speck of the above could be seen. But...seeing this now? I am...glad that the first true night sky I see, is the one from your home." Shepherd too would look up into the night, though it was a sight he was long-since familiar with. These stars were nothing but directional points to him, lines on a map to help him find his way.

But seeing the reverence and awe on Sarnax's face gave him a new appreciation for the expansive darkness of his homeland. With a fond smile, Shepherd would let out a long sigh, his chest lighter than it's ever been in years. "Yeah...it sure is a good one. But I think there's somethin' just a little bit better.." Sarnax cocked his head towards his dear friend, that old quizzical sheen in his eyes. "Oh? And what could that be, Shepherd?"

Shepherd wouldn't say anything, instead he would just stare down at the lizard with a knowing look and a fond smile. Of course, Shepherd should've known better because after some time staring, Sarnax would look around in confusion and speak awkwardly. "I suppose I wasn't clear...what did you mean Shepherd? When you said you believed there was something better than the night sky of Yona?" Shepherd rolled his eyes and chuckled, throwing an arm around Sarnax's shoulders. "Sarnax...just let it pass.." Though still a bit confused, Sarnax would then perk up, the edges of his frill peeking out from beneath his hood to do the same. "Oh! Were we...'having a moment', as you mammals say?" Shepherd laughed yet again, squeezing Sarnax a little tighter. "Yeah, sure...but there'll be plenty more to come bud. Soon as you can get us home.."

Remembering his original purpose here, Sarnax nodded with a faint, crooked smile returning. Lifting up his lantern, the light and fire within would begin to blaze more and more. Swirling and colliding in a cascade of heat and color, the fire would soon erupt from Sarnax's hands and began to coalesce around the pair. In their final moments before fully passing on to return to the Fire Lord's domain, the pair would turn and hold each other in a tight embrace, allowing the blaze to surround and envelop them in its caress.

Shepherd and Sarnax. The monsters that monsters feared. They were the duo that no one could separate, chosen by dragons of silver and gold. And now they were reunited once again. Just as promised a lifetime ago, they would in fact meet and be together once more. Born of flame, and now returning to the flame, they would now enter eternity held within each other's arms.

Body Language

When someone is...

Sad

Face/Body:

Avoidant/reduced eye contact

Drooping eyelids

Downcast eyes

Frowning

Raised inner ends of eyebrows

Dropped or furrowed eyebrows

Quivering lip/biting lip

Wrinkled nose

Voice:

Soft pitch

Low lone

Pauses/hesitant speech

Quiet/breathy

Slow speech

Voice cracks/breaking voice

Gestures/Posture:

Slouching/lowered head

Rigid/tense posture

Half formed/slow movement

Fidgeting or clasped hands

Sniffing or heavy swallows

Self soothing gestures (running hands over the arms, hand over heart, holding face in palms, etc)

sometimes you need dialogue tags and don't want to use the same four

Thanks for reminding me of this Bad/Morally Grey Clark Kent story. Where Clark feeds Bruce something that puts him in a deadly coma for a week. Bruce survives and has nightmares for a bit because Clark fed him mermaid flesh. Eating mermaid flesh makes you immortal if you survive the process. I've been searching for that story for two years!

I can see Diana in collaboration with Clark getting something from Olympus or snatching some magical food from different pantheons to secretly give Bruce to make him some form of immortal.

If you find it, let me know! I’d love to read it. Morally grey Clark is one of my favorite tropes to read.

you’re doing important work with your recs and i admire you greatly 🫡 i will ask tho if you have any good superbat recs that feature pining (can be mutual or not), angst, enemies to friends to lovers, past relationships, or slow burn?

Let's see what I can dig up for you anon :)

slow dancing in the dark by scarletazure - for your pining request, this was the first fic that came to mind for me. Also a bit a of a slow burn too! Bruce and Clark get temporary amnesia, bone, get their memories back, and then deal with FEELINGS. I remember reading an update to this fic after a 11+ hour car drive home. It was a balm to my SOUL.

Rumor Has It by rotasha - Friends to lovers and pining! Bruce comes out as bi and Clark has to deal with this, especially since he's been pining for Bruce for a while

how to perform an exorcism (five easy steps!) by soetry - Clark confesses his love to Bruce. This obviously means that Clark is possessed.

find someone who will stand between your legs by amosanguis - Pining and a bit of slow burn. Also idiots in love, which I consider a subsect of friends to lovers. Ten incidents where Clark had to stand in between Bruce's legs

over this threshold by orphean - Bruce and Clark get married for tax reasons. Shenanigans ensue :)

The Odyssey of Bryce Wayne series by Tatsumaki_sama - This has a bit of everything, pining, friends to lovers, past relationships, getting back together, slow (ish) burn. With the added bonus of a gender bent Bruce!

push the sky away by bleakmidwinter - Pining and a bit of slow burn, friends to lovers. Batman and Superman come to an agreement to cuddle a certain times to get over some touch starvation :) :) :)

Wham Bam Shang-A-Lang by ShowMeAHero - Pining, slow burn, and not quite enemies to lovers, but more of a grumpy black cat learns to befriend a cheerful golden retriever. No capes AU, Bruce and Clark are university professors.

The Xenomorality Hypothesis, Revisited by MaskoftheRay - Enemies to lovers, a bit of a slow burn too. A canon divergency of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.

Love, Conquering by MaskoftheRay - A Krypton survives AU, but Krypton conquers Earth! Some enemies to friends to lovers and bit of a slow burn.

a song came after by susiecarter - The aftermath of Bruce being trapped in a machine where he had a relationship with Clark. So much pining! Especially on Bruce's end!

the cost of being a good dad by Mawiiish - Slow burn! With a side of identity porn and misunderstandings! Bruce's kids thinks he needs to start dating, so they set him up on a date with a hot reporter named Clark without his knowledge. Despite this, Bruce and Clark decide to give this dating thing a shot. Shenanigans (and feelings) ensue.

Happy reading!

Lengthy Superbat Fics!

I'm not sure how to really define 'lengthy' so I'm going for 20k+ (and Superman x Batman of course)

I just looked at how many I have and oh my god this is going to be very long. I will put a *** next to my favourites

From This Day Forward by Mithen (29k) When Kal-El of the House of El must marry a wealthy Terran for diplomatic reasons, Krypton will never be the same.

Action and Re-Action by Mithen (24k) In the first issue of Justice League after the reboot, Batman told Green Lantern he had never met Superman before. This story takes that statement at face value--but what if Bruce Wayne had met him before?

Stranger in a Strange Land by Mithen (27k) (Literally how does Mithen have time for all this) Kal-El of Krypton arrives on Earth as an adult. To the Justice League's surprise, Batman volunteers to introduce him to human ways. There's an immediate bond between the two men, but cultural differences and miscommunication complicate their relationship.

"Did you all have to get sick at the same time?" by Writer_loves_tropes (25k) Alfred is away on a well deserved vacation and Bruce is left to take care of the three Bat boys by himself. He's pretty sure he can easily take care of an eight year old, an eleven year old, and a twelve year old without having to call Alfred for backup. He's Batman. Batman can handle anything, right?

An Honest Conversation by frozenpotions (60k)*** “So Bruce’s longtime best friend had suddenly decided to start eye-fucking him at random. So what? Bruce was used to being the object of this kind of attention. It didn’t bother him. It was—should have been fine. The issue was that it was Clark, and Bruce had enough trouble remaining rational about him at the best of times.” or Bruce and Clark go from friends to lovers the long, long, long way round. Featuring a number of revelations, a well-meaning but nosy son (Dick) and, most prominently, two adult men being completely and utterly useless.

as to which may be the true by susiecarter (53k) It isn't difficult to go on in the wake of Superman's death. His resurrection, though, poses a problem—especially when it turns out there's no such thing as the right moment to explain that Martha Kent's obnoxious billionaire friend? Is also the man who tried really hard to shove a kryptonite spear through Clark's face.

all each riddles, when unknown by susiecarter (52k) Clark, struggling to deal with the events of Black Zero Day, is assigned a straightforward human-interest piece—on Wayne Enterprises. Then Batman catches Superman's attention, Clark Kent starts investigating Batman, Bruce Wayne spends a lot of time arguing with hitting on Clark Kent, and Bruce's best efforts to find a way to hurt Superman start to bear fruit. And then things get complicated.

and if the sun comes by susiecarter (30k) Steppenwolf isn't interested in accepting defeat and walking away. Superman's proven that he's the key to conquering Earth, and Steppenwolf returns with a plan for how to deal with him. A plan that Bruce is able to throw a wrench into—but not without certain unintended consequences.

Only Human by saltedpin (23k) Clark temporarily loses his powers, and while it's initially jarring, he gradually adjusts and tries to go about on a somewhat normal routine after telling his inner circle (which can also include the League since they're building themselves up). Problem is that he is somehow an even bigger danger magnet than Lois in this state.

Loading and Aspect Ratio byJUBE154 (45k) It had started out as a simple design, black everything with black outlines and black hood. It got a little more intense as the world went on, got wind of his ghost on the streets, and became scared of The Bat. So Bruce got a little more creative with it, Alfred and him had a good laugh over the name, the scare. So now the suit had a visible bat-theme, an insignia to drape in the shadows and to paint across the streets of Gotham: “The Batman can fly, you know, I’ve seen his wings.” (A world where nobody has wings, but people think they do, and that changes everything.)

Whoever Falls First by liodain (34k) "There's more kryptonite out there. When the Superman returns, there's going to be an all-star battle royale in the criminal underworld. Every megalomaniacal freak will want a piece of it so they can get a piece of you. And some of them will manage. They'll weaponize it and won't hesitate to use it against you, and when that happens I will not have you flailing around like an idiot." aka: Bruce teaches Clark how to fight.

Repeat Your Favourite Mistakes And Love Them All Again by watchingthestars13 (160k)*** "Oh dear," came Alfred's surprised voice from the stairs, and all of them turned to look at him. His face was a little pale as he stared at all the boys, Jason's huge t-shirt, Tim's dress, Damian wrapped in a spare cape that was in the batmobile. At least Dick was able to fit into Tim's Red Robin pants, and Jason in Damian's Robin pants. Had Bruce been a lesser man, he would've said 'dear god, help'. All it took now was for their eyes to meet before Alfred composed himself.

Opposites Eventually Attract by Pandamomochan (34k) When an accident forces Clark and Bruce to be no more than ten feet apart from each other at all times, both heroes are forced to evaluate what their relationship really means to each other.

The Long Hangover by CoffioCake (55k)*** Clark knows he should take a break: His powers are on the fritz, he feels like shit, and Batman’s treating him like a liability. But Gotham's villains seem to have it in for Metropolis' Big Blue Boy Scout and Clark won't just wait around for answers. Batman might be the world’s greatest detective, but Clark Kent is one of the Daily Planet’s most tenacious reporters. This is definitely a job for Superman.

Conflated by PamiGami (31k) “Are you sure you’re feeling quite all right, sir? I was but fairly sure the head hadn't been impacted.” “No… no, please. Listen. I’m in his body, but I’m not him. I can prove it.” Ill at ease, Clark rubbed at the back of his head, not stopping to think about the weird sensation of feeling not his own curls, but somebody else’s hair. The man continued to stare at him with piercing and scolding eyes. “I believe you.” He nodded. “Mister Wayne doesn’t say please this early in the morning.”

the cost of being a good dad by Mawiiish (96k)*** Dick, Jason, Tim and Damian are all tired of watching Bruce struggle with the stress of trying to handle the newly formed Justice League. He needs an outlet, he needs to relax, he needs to get out of the house, he needs... he needs to start dating. And what he doesn't know won't hurt him, right?

Get Over It by rotasha (32k) Bruce needs to get over his inconvenient feelings for Superman and he meets an attractive reporter who he thinks can help him do just that. Little does he know...

Important Update for Space AU !! 🛸

might* fuck around and make some seed bombs

🌱🌸🪻🌷🌼🌿

*this is not a might, i absolutely will be doing this and inviting all my friends over

GUERILLA GARDENING💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼‼️

Cursory research into the meanings of Mandalorian armour colours...

Black - ne'tra = justice, an unshakeable moral code (also wanting to avoid stains on your clothes)

White - cin vhetin = a fresh start or clean slate (good for converts/adult adoptions)

Grey - genet = mourning a loved one (or recently rejected)

Gold - ve'vut = vengeance (a warning colour)

Silver - shev'la beskar = unpainted armour, a search for redemption (Din Djarin's guilt complex, anyone?)

Bronze - tranyc'bes - nobility and high status (favoured by stuck-up self-important jackasses)

Brown - daryc - valour, galantry, The Audacity (particularly when associated with them cunty lil jedi cape drops)

Tan - vhekadla - loyalty (lit. 'sandy' but I don't like sand, it's coarse and rough and...)

Maroon - daryc'tal - power (all hail Maroon 5, our benevolent overlords)

Red - ge'tal = honouring a parent (very popular, 10/10)

Scarlet - galar'tal - defiance and relentlessness (Mandalorian Scarlett Johansson omfg be still my bi heart)

Orange - shereshoy = shereshoy, a lust for life (the party people)

Yellow - shi'yayc - remembrance, burnt out vengeance (makes for funky funerals)

Mint green - cin vorpan - lust for peace, guardians and peacekeepers (does not necessarily mean I want to fuck guardians and peacekeepers, get your head outta the gutter)

Green - vorpan = duty, commitment and hard work (favourite of farmers, too)

Teal - jahaal = healing, violence as a last resort, I've seen some shit and now I defend peace (favoured by healers and New Mandalorians)

Blue - kebiin = reliability and faithfulness (favoured by single parents)

Sky blue - kebii'tra = new love, newlyweds, marriage and all that fluffy stuff (Satine's famous jewellery TCW S2 - ObiTine for the soul)

Indigo - jiisaviin = prosperity, victory, the feeling that we have achieved our hopes (tempting fate, perhaps)

Lilac - saviin = luck, change, survival in adversity, hope for the future (associated with the old God of Luck)

Pink - cin ge'tal - respect and knowledge, a fusion of past and future (associated with journalists and academics)

Ofc this is a rough guide and if anyone either doesn't like my sense of humor or wants more detailed information, check out these posts too: x x x

depression tips™

shower. not a bath, a shower. use water as hot or cold as u like. u dont even need to wash. just get in under the water and let it run over you for a while. sit on the floor if you gotta.

moisturize everything. use whatever lotion u like. unscented? dollar store lotion? fancy ass 48 hour lotion that makes u smell like a field of wildflowers? use whatever you want, and use it all over. 

put on clean, comfortable clothes. 

put on ur favorite underwear. cute black lacy panties? those ridiculous boxers u bought last christmas with candy cane hearts on the butt? put em on.

drink cold water. use ice. if u want, add some mint or lemon for an extra boost.

clean something. doesn’t have to be anything big. organize one drawer of ur desk. wash five dirty dishes. do a load of laundry. scrub the bathroom sink. 

blast music. listen to something upbeat and dancey and loud, something that’s got lots of energy. sing to it, dance to it, even if you suck at both.

make food. don’t just grab a granola bar to munch. take the time and make food. even if it’s ramen. add something special to it, like a hard boiled egg or some veggies. prepare food, it tastes way better, and you’ll feel like you accomplished something. 

make something. write a short story or a poem, draw a picture, color a picture, fold origami, crochet or knit, sculpt something out of clay, anything artistic. even if you don’t think you’re good at it.

go outside. take a walk. sit in the grass. look at the clouds. smell flowers. put your hands in the dirt and feel the soil against your skin.

call someone. call a loved one, a friend, a family member, call a chat service if you have no one else to call. talk to a stranger on the street. have a conversation and listen to someone’s voice. if you can’t, text or email or whatever, just have some social interaction with another person. even if you don’t say much, listen to them.

cuddle your pets if you have them/can cuddle them. take pictures of them. talk to them. tell them how u feel, about your favorite movie, a new game coming out.

Hollow Knight food concept art I’ve done this before, but I wanted to go into more depth on the processes and ingredients used

I’m slowly amassing the ingredients needed to bake a cake

New draw the squad

All of the Prehistoric Pride guys in one collective post to celebrate pride month. Choose your fighter and have an awesome time :D

More suggestions are always welcome, I sadly was not able to cover everyone, but I will do more of these in the future!

I am going to add more and more to the collection as I get them done :D

If you would like to support my silly little dinosaur art, then you can buy any of these Prideaurs as stickers from my Etsy shop, which I just set up recently. I am pretty new to this entire business side of art things, but I am trying my best :D so a like or a reblog would go a long way. Thank you guys so much for all your kind words and support!

Etsy

ShatterHeadShop - Etsy.de

Shop items by ShatterHeadShop.

wear a different perfume when you commit murder fuckin amateurs 

Greaseball succumbs tohis menstral cycle . drawn in abut 26 minutes waiting for ibuprofen towork.au

Things almost every author needs to research

How bodies decompose

Wilderness survival skills

Mob mentality

Other cultures

What it takes for a human to die in a given situation

Common tropes in your genre

Average weather for your setting

INFINITY TRAIN MEGA LINKS

Season 1

Season 2

Season 3

Season 4

The Train Documentaries

These are MKV files so you'll have to download Kodi/VLC etc to watch them.

UPDATE!

Soundtracks

These are FLACs and should run with any music software

Youtube playlists of officially released OST and rips.

Youtube Video Archive (Deleted videos from CN channel)

The archive isn't by me, found them on r/infinitytrain. Contains the pilot as well. Also the youtube playlists of rips + official OSTs aren't by me either.

A Stone for Yes, A Stick for No (Either Way We Break a Bone) - Submitted by SeesawSiya

#5a230f #883412 #d78019 #c79d6b #cccabe

90’s disco bathroom only lit by a broken fluorescent lamp and a half-dead glow-stick -  Submitted by Marchmay-may

#3C125A #992E7F #AA75B8 #BFF1D8 #90D3D5 #4A96A7

Resources For Describing Physical Things

Setting

Abandoned Mine

Airplane

Airport Check-in

Alley

Amusement Park

Attic

Bakery

Bank

Basement

Bathroom (home)

Barn

*GE* Barn 2 (Dairy Focus)

Beach

Bedrooms

Birthday Party

Bonfire

Bowling Alley

Bridge

Bookstore

Cafeteria

Casino

*GE* Catacombs

Cave

Church

City Park

Classroom

Closet

Coffee House

Courtroom

Cruise Ship

*GE* Cryogenic Sleep Chamber

Daycare

Desert

Diner

Dragon’s Lair

Dungeon (Caution Graphic Description)

*GE* Egyptian Pyramids

Elevator

Farms

Forest

Frozen Tundra

Gallows

Garage

Garage Sale

Garden

Graveyard

*GE* GLOBAL WARMING (dystopian)

Grocery Store

Halloween Party

Haunted House

Herbalist Shop (fantasy)

High School Hallway

Hospital

Hotel Room

House Fire

House Party

Kitchen

*GE* Laboratory

*GE* Laboratory (secret genetic)

Lake

Library

Locker Room

Meadow

Medieval Castle Armory

Medieval Marketplace

Middle School Dance (informal)

*GE* Mindscape (Mind Magic)

Mountains

Movie Theatre

Night Club

Nursery

Ocean/Sea Bed

Old Pick-Up Truck

Pirate Ship

Playground

Pond

Pool Hall

Prison Cell

Pub

Public Pool (Outdoor)

Rainforest/Jungle

Ranch

Restaurant

River

School Bus

School Office

Shopping Mall

Sleep-Away Camp

*GE* Spaceport

*GE* Spaceship

Stands at a Sporting Event

Storm Sewer

Subway Station

Swamp

Taxi cab

Teacher’s Lounge

Toolshed

*GE* Trailer

Treehouse

*GE* Tropical Island City

Urban Street

Video Arcade

Waiting Room

Waterfall

Water Slide Park

Wedding Ceremony (Church)

Woods at Night

Zoo

Weather

Air Pollution

Avalanche

Blizzard

Breeze

Clouds

Dew

Drought

Dusk

Dust or Sand Storm

Earthquake

Eclipse

Fall

Falling Star

Flood

Forest Fire

Frost

Hailstorm

Heat Wave

Hurricane/Typhoon

Lightning

Mirage

Mist or Fog

Moonlight

Mudslide

Rain

Rainbow

Sky

Sleet

Snow

Spring

Summer

Sunrise

Sunshine

Sunset

Thunderstorm

Tornado

Vortex

Wind

Winter

Color, Texture, & Shape

Color

Black

Blue

Brown

Gray

Gold

Green

Orange

Pink

Purple

Red

Silver

Spotted

Striped

Transparent

White

Yellow

Texture

Bumpy

Barbed/Spined

Crackled

Crumbly

Crusty

Foamy/Spongy

Fuzzy

Gritty

Pitted

Powdery

Prickly

Saw-edged/Serrated

Slimy

Smooth

Sticky

Shape

Arch

Circular/Sphere

Crescent

Heart

Oval & Oval-like

Rectangle

Spiral

Star

Square

Triangular

Tube

Wavy

Support Wordsnstuff!

Request A Writing Help Post/Themed Playlist/Writing Tips!

Send Me Poetry To Feature On Our Instagram!

Receive Updates & Participate In Polls On Our Twitter!

Like us and share on Facebook!

Read More On Our Masterlist & See our Frequently Asked Questions!

Tag What You Want Me To See With #wordsnstuff!

Participate in monthly writing challenges!