*Please note that I'm not actually making any of these. Think of this as my form of fan art and these designs are all just for fun.
Hello! Ever since I watched Iron Lung in theaters I've been inspired to design merch!
1.) X-rays (crew neck & pants): This one is currently my favorite out of everything I've designed in this collection. It's based on the radioactive super X-ray Simon uses throughout the movie. It has the button with the peeling tape on the front that looks like it's glowing in the dark. The back is based on the first time we all realize it's actually an X-ray and we see the skeletal system of the crew top side. The pants have the same effect on both the front and the back. Alternative idea would have the front plain and the back with the X-ray.
The color and grainy look is my closest imitation of what the images look like after it takes a picture. On the bottom is the arrow of the compass facing the light. This took me forever, but the X-ray effect was worth it.
2.) The Eel/Elli (varsity jacket & pants): This one is my second favorite. I really wanted to add the eel, but keep it in the dark basically. So I used this sketch-like feel to be a bright negative on a dark backdrop. I decided on a pink/red for the outline so it would represent the blood ocean. The sleeves also represent the ocean. The back has a more full body look of Elli curling around. I can't draw feet for the life of me so I just kept the hands as the focal feature. The front has bloody hands (I have a version with no blood) grasping at you. I wanted it to look like Elli was trying to drag you back.
The pants just have the same sketch design, but of Elli's teeth trying to swallow you whole. The sketching effect is so cool and it kind of gives it a wild feeling, especially in the dark.
3.) The Sub & Ocean (reversible hoodie & pants): This one isn't exactly my favorite and the map portion gave me the hardest time for some reason. So the main point was that I wanted something to represent the sub. So there is a bunch of little details all through it. It has the depth on one sleeve, the
oxygen meter on the other sleeve. The compass on the chestwith the arrow facing the direction the most during impacts. On the other side there is the coordinates (roughly) that Simon went to in order to see the light. The cherry on top is the blood seeping through the seams and slowly flooding the sub.
I really wanted a reversible jacket where one side is the sub and other side is the map. The map is so important to the story so I really wanted to incorporate it in some way. So it has the original map (was going back and forth on adding the blood on it) and the extra paper Simon added to expand it. Even added the tape on the paper for more detail. Since the whole idea was already a lot I decided to just let the rest of the jacket be a solid gray and the main focus is the map.
The pants are just the blood ocean as a whole. I figured having more plain pants with just the color would be best. Especially paired with such a detailed jacket.
4.) Hot Image Mug: So I'm not sure if these types of mugs come in any color other than black (before the hot water gets added), but if it does I think it would be cool for it to be red (blood ocean). The image would be the iconic scene where Elli's picture is captured. The main reason why I wanted it to be a image mug was to have the effect of Elli appearing and disappearing just like how the X-ray works in the movie.
5.) Ita Bag: Ok so I'm mainly an ita bag designer so of course I have to design one of those.
*Ita bags have windows in them so that you can display merch safely. They usually house enamel pins, but you can put keychains, stickers, plushies and more.
I've designed one for the movie already, but that was way before I ever saw it. So the idea for this is the window. They made a big deal about it in the movie and the crack through the glass was such a prominent point. I've seen a slime ita bag that has this liquid in the window. I would want the same effect, but in red of course. The overall bag is a unique shape and the window is also the window of the bag. If the liquid effect can't be done then the insert will have both the "crack" and the blood on it. The back has the plant pendant as the zipper pull.
So that's all! I had a lot of fun designing these and I would love to know what y'all think! Any constructive criticisms and opinions are welcome. Also if you have any merch ideas I would love to hear about it. Please let me know which one is your favorite.
How would the pack (those you have written about + robert) react to Herman having tattoos. These tattoos being well hidden under his uniform. Herman got tattoos and each one is unique based (inspired) by each member. But he keeps them a secret, and maybe get nervous to show them or something. Like how would they react to seeing their claim via tattoo that Herman got on his own without them knowing until after?
Also im so exited waiting for the next chapter of you fic! Its so good! I also wanted to ask when you get done with the fic, if i can save and copy out the fic and turn it into a physically book (for myself only)
Hello! Yeah you can definitely make a personal book out of my fic go right ahead.
As for the tattoo idea I'm just letting you know that whatever cutesy fluff going on I'm my fic would fly right out the window if Herm had a permanent reminder that he belongs to them.
Bonding marks are mostly one note and even though they would still be proud it's a whole other ball park to have a personalized mark to worship and ravish.
Herman would also be so thoughtful that he would find out what everyone's favorite part of him is and then add a tattoo to that part. For example let's say Alice really likes his butt. He would put a tattoo that was clearly for her there.
I personally would want him to have one of those full body tattoos where just about every inch of him is tatted. In that scenario he would integrate each design so it flowed together overall.
For the most part all of them would react more or less the same if they saw a personalized tattoo on Herman. Just some would go more feral over the ink then others.
The only ones who would be even remotely chill about it would be Bruno, Phenomaman and Mandy (to an extent) probably Chase as well, but his reaction would be the most platonic.
Robert, Chad (when he is added), Visi, Janelle and Victor would be the most feral. Robert would be smug, because Herman is walking around with both of his marks (mating bond and tattoo). He would absolutely lord it over Chad's head specifically in his dry sarcastic way.
Royd, Mal, Colm and Alice are mostly in the middle. All of them can act normal for the most part, but as soon as they see their mark on display they get possessive.
Herman would be extremely shy at first, but once he sees (and experiences) the positive reception he loosens up more. Sometimes if he's feeling really cheeky he'll wear something that puts the tattoo on display around whomever it's for and watches them struggle to keep their composer.
Is it ever going to end? One day, but today isn't that day! Here are even, even MORE Waterboy (Dispatch) fanfiction prompts.
Run down. I got ideas and I'm putting them out here as open prompts for anyone to take a crack at. I'll add bonus points for things I would personally like to see in said fics, but it's not required. If there is a ship I prefer watermech, but most of these will work for any other ship.
If you decide to write any of these stories PLEASE send them to me.
Now that, that's out of the way let's get to the actual meat and potatoes.
Prompts
1.) Promotion (angst) - I know that HR has been mentioned a lot in these fics, and honestly I don't really want them to be an actual problem. However I had a thought after reading some fics that have Rob and Herm doing something romantic in the janitor's closet.
Specifically when Herm is eating that melon sadly while sitting in a bucket. I need a story where a love confession was made during that scene (maybe something more for maximum angst material later). Or just keep the scene as is.
Herms the happiest he can be until he overhears the team joke meanly about him getting the spot for sleeping with the boss. Maybe the team knows about the relationship, maybe they don't. But it makes herm spiral all the same.
*Bonus points*
-if Herman basically shuts down and shuts everyone out in the process.
-if Robert has to desperately try and get through to Herman that he didn't add him to the team JUST because he caught feelings.
-Waterboy may be my favorite, but I need way more actual angst for his character. It feels like things get resolved way too quickly sometimes.
2.) emotional split- Herman gets hit with something that splits his emotions into their own separate beings. Or he shifts through all his emotions until he goes back to normal. I feel like this is such a classic idea and I rarely see it used as often anymore.
*bonus points*
-if the angry side is actually a legitimate threat and everyone needs to be careful. Would be cool if he went villain briefly during this emotion
-if the love emotion is an extremely smooth flirt and the only reason it's not used often is because of his confidence issue. The more confident he gets the smoother he is
-I think it would be hilarious if the sad one was constantly crying and was either stuck in the showers of some empty pool
3.) pirates- another classic Au and I'm surprised I haven't seen it yet. Unless y'all tell me that these things are actually stupidly niche and I've been fooling myself this whole time?
Anyway having the team as a pirate crew and Herm is either a mermaid or a spirit of the ocean that really likes a member of the crew.
4.) blind- this one feels like it's actually niche so here goes. Herman is blind. He's been blind for however long the author chooses and has gotten so used to it that he is able to do things as if he isn't blind.
*bonus points*
-if it takes the team a really long time to figure it out.
-if he wears the goggles all the time to better hide his eyes.
-if he (by some magical power science) is able to operate like Daredevil.
5.) undercover couple- I see this in crime show fics more often, but I feel like this would work here as well. Herman has to go undercover with whoever and they need to fake date.
*bonus points*
-if Herm is actually a good actor and is able to slip away from himself since it's easier to play a character.
-if Herman needs to crossdress at all. This specifically could be its own fic entirely honestly.
-if Herm has to seduce/get closer to the perp during the mission
6.) experience- now this one is more suggestive from the jump. The idea I had was that Herman is actually really sexually experienced. He runs in niche circles that highlights the use of his powers.
*bonus points* I got a few ideas for this prompt so bear with me.
The team takes that purity test and Herman's score is shocking.
They play "never have I ever" and Herman is one of the first people out of the game
If on a mission the team runs into people who seem to be REALLY close to our resident waterboy.
A mission that requires seduction happens and Herm is a beast at that.
7.) Fusion- just Steven universe logic on fusions in the Dispatch universe. Of course I would prefer these centered around Herm, but honestly it could work for a Robert centered fic as well.
*bonus points*
-each chapter is a different fusion with each member of the z-team.
-if it is emphasized on which fusions are more stable and which are more volatile. Let's say for the sake of this fic Robert and Herm have a really steady fusion while Visi and Herman have a more volatile one.
-could focus more on actual canon synergy or can just be however the author wants to represent each of the relationships. I imagine that even all of them get along to an extent there would still be compatibility issues.
-if the more stable fusion stays together for longer periods of time. Like Colm and Janelle have to be reminded that they should separate at some point. Having one powerful hero is all well and good, but having two separate heroes made things a whole heck of a lot easier.
-if a forced fusion happens with Herm and one of the bad guys. I think Toxic would work the best since the combination of their powers would be absolutely ridiculous. But if you wanted it to be with Shroud instead that would be interesting as well.
-if there are multiple people fusion chapters.
8.) wing fic. Probably a niche thing again, but I'm imagining that basically everyone has wings. The only person that doesn't is Herman. Apparently I'm on a Steven universe kick and really want Herm to have water wings like lapis. I really don't have any ideas for this honestly. Just think it would be cool for a little mystery.
9.) distance (angst) - I've said this with previous prompts, but I must reiterate how much I need stories where Herman avoids people. I've read some with Robert, but it feels like it's resolved pretty quickly.
I really need this to be a hurt/comfort slow burn that tugs at your heart strings and puts that burn in the back of your throat when you try not to cry. I just want more waterboy angst in general. Less angst that has to do with his powers the better.
*Bonus points*
-if it's mostly in Robert's pov. I just need to see him fall apart while he knows that Herman is dodging him.
-Herman is really good at making himself scarce, if it wasn't for all the water he leaves behind no one would know where he is. I need him to be that good.
-if the team is aware and tries to set things up so that they can finally resolve whatever is going on. If it's a polycule or multi ship I need that exact same level of angst for the rest of them.
-personally I would love for Chase to know what's going on with Herm specifically (maybe because he always has beef and that Chihuahua can always sniff Herm out) and is his listening ear and shoulder to cry on. Extra points if he is cryptid with everyone and gets mad when people push.
10.) jealousy- either Herman has a romantic partner or the team thinks he does. Just a bunch of moments of jealousy.
*bonus points*
-as much as I want angst I would prefer if his partner (if he has one) is not abusive.
-the comedy angle would work fantastic if Herm had a really close friend that everyone thinks is his partner. If said friend amps up the affections just to piss people off
-either that or he gets really close to people outside of the z-team and those people are ridiculously affectionate.
11.) cool as a cucumber- ok follow me here. So instead of Herm getting all shy and adoring when he gets a crush, he is cool and collected maybe even nonchalant right?
BUT he is his usual self with everyone else. Just imagine Robert meets this endearing guy on the first day on the job. Maybe gets a couple of nice interactions here and there, but once Herm is officially on the team it changes.
Now Herm is only showing this soft, shy, endearing, stuttering side to everyone else. And Robert has to witness it first hand. When he approaches or interacts with Herman the guy stops stuttering and isn't as warm. This causes Robert to spiral and obsess over why the change and why only him.
*bonus points*
-for more angst have Herm act this way specifically because when he had crushes in the past that didn't work out. He was really obvious and it didn't end well for him. So now he acts distant with his crushes so they don't know and brutally reject him.
-if Robert thinks that Herm being extra nice and sweet to someone, equals interest and that causes some jealousy. Extra points if it's Flambae or Phenomaman.
-if Robert goes out of his way to orchestrate moments with Herman just to get his undivided attention and care.
-if Robert in a drunken stupor gets upset with Herman (who is trying to help him) and unleashes all this pent up emotion.
12.) total whump- Herman didn't have a good childhood and it manifests itself in his powers and how he holds himself. The z-team unintentionally triggers him and he spirals further into a dark place the more and more it happens. Of course the team eventually learn what's wrong and try to fix it.
*bonus points*
-if we really dig deep with Herman and his negative emotions.
-if we see a slow (or rapid) decline of his normal demeanor.
-if he is able to hide it from the team long enough for it to actually become a problem.
-if each team member triggered different aspects in Herman's past and it takes a while to get resolved.
13.) noticed-picture this! A fic where it's written within the canon story line. So like we follow along what actually happens in the game, but Robert would keep noticing Herm throughout the story. Date with Blonde Blazer? Waterboy is on the brain. Date with Visi? Same thing, until eventually Robert chooses Herman.
*bonus points*
-have all the canon Waterboy interactions the same. Just write in whatever Robert would be thinking and feeling. Maybe have a bi awakening throughout the story until finally choosing the guy he actually wanted from the beginning.
-Keep it sweet. A stray suggestive thought is fine, but I'm imagining absolutely no funny business outside of the canon. More like a character study of Robert falling for a non romanceable option.
14.) dispatcher- so there are a lot of ways this can go:
Herm is hired as a dispatcher instead of a janitor and subs in for Robert from time to time.
Herm is assigned for desk duty (probably to recover from an injury) and he becomes the team's temporary dispatcher.
The team was ragging on Robert about how they can do a better job in dispatching and Robert (rightfully) fed up, takes them up on the challenge.
As a prank Herm is assigned as a dispatcher.
So these are the ideas I have on how he could get into the position. Now for the actual points.
*Bonus Points*
-Herman is actually really good at dispatching. Maybe he played online games that were similar so he knows how to utilize the "characters".
-Everyone is legitimately shocked and at first try to sabotage or refuse orders and Herman is able to work around it effectively.
-He likes being a hero so much that he turns down any dispatching positions.
-Robert is still preferred, but the team won't admit that they really enjoy Herm's skill. Just like when we saw the TV get pulled in during class.
15.) Red ring connection- I absolutely love it when my favorite characters interact with the main bad guy in a piece of media. Especially if canonically they have little to no interactions at all.
So for this idea I was thinking that Herman would have a "spiritual" connection to Shroud. Not in a soulmate way unless y'all want to go in that direction. But in the sense that Herm has visions of Shroud and whatever plans he's making. This has so much potential for angst and that's generally the direction I would want it to go.
*Bonus Points*
-if there is suspicion that Herman is a spy. Like he gets a vision and is either conveniently in the right place at the right time or he has knowledge that should be impossible to have.
-if the story goes in that direction then Robert is trying (and mostly succeeding) in not being super suspicious of Herm, but it gets harder and harder the more times it happens.
-if that glitch for Herm's criminal record is present and someone comes across it thinking the absolute worse.
-if Herman is completely aware that this looks really bad for him, but that he can't really help it if he wants to save the people he cares about.
-the team also starts getting suspicious and everyone starts to unintentionally ice him out.
-in a bid to get back his connections he does something drastic and it puts himself directly in danger.
-if Shroud has no clue what is going on and actively tries to hunt down the only common denominator in all his foiled plans. Maybe the connection is messing him up and it's causing him to make more reckless decisions.
-if Shroud sends his goons and them being around Herm causes more misunderstandings and suspicion.
-Im also a sucker for a bad guy being a flirt, so maybe Toxic? Like he gets sent out to deal with Herm, realizes that he's attracted to the guy and his closeness causes more distrust. I'm imagining more lust over genuine feelings so this can go a little darker in general.
-if he gets caught, they send the team/Robert the footage and there is an argument on if Herm is in on it and if this whole thing is real or not.
-we know that Rob's dad was super hydrated when he died or something like that. Maybe a piece of information brings Robert to the conclusion that Herm had something to do with it? That way Rob can blow up at him and basically abandon the connection they have. Once Robert finds out what's actually happening he tries desperately to get Herman back.
16.) hibernation- I've seen a handful of stories where Herm is really affected by the cold, but what if he actually hibernates?
*Bonus Points*
-Herm bulks up before he goes to sleep. He's normally lean and eats a little amount of food. But once it gets closer to winter, he is found eating constantly. The team remarks about it, but it's mostly brushed under the rug.
-I think it would be interesting if Herm isn't actually aware he does it. Like he lived with his grandma this whole time and hasn't been able to keep a job long enough for it to be a problem. So she just tucks him in and takes care of him until spring hits. Maybe he wakes up every now and then, so that's why it doesn't occur to him that he's basically out of commission for an entire season.
-Even the office has no idea and it causes an uproar when he is found asleep.
-if he is moved to the infirmary and gets visits almost everyday.
-the doctors basically explain that he is hibernating, but that doesn't stop people from worrying when he's so still and cold.
-maybe he has moments where he wakes up and the team tries to enjoy the moment only for him to fall back asleep.
-if you the writer decides to make this continuous and a long winter keeps Herm asleep longer than normal.
17.) accidental vigilante- Herman isn't a hero and didn't get the job at SDN. He still has his powers and somehow finds himself in unfortunate situations. He unintentionally helps save the day, but he slips away before anyone can catch him. Shenanigans ensue.
*Bonus Points*
-if Herm is completely oblivious to what's going on. Like he knows he's in a bad situation, but he has no idea he helped or if he did know, he doesn't think he's really helping at all.
-if there is basically a hit (both from the criminals and the SDN) on him and he is actively being hunted. Everyone thinks that he is being a hero without a license.
-Herm is able to slip away every single time and it frustrates the team the most. Since they are the ones that keep running into him.
-Robert is especially worried and wants this guy brought in so that he can work in a safer (more legal) environment.
-if Flambae has a vested interest in capturing Herman since he escapes from him the most.
18.) civilian- so this one is similar to the vigilante one, but instead of Herm helping and getting away. He is just always in the wrong place at the wrong time and interacts with the whole team.
19.) time travel fix it- Herm gets sent back in time to the day be meets Robert for the first time. Or when he officially starts work, whichever works best. He's back to having no control over his powers and he's back to being low in the eyes of those he used to call friends.
So now he needs to get a hold of his powers expeditiously. Work to take down Shroud before he causes all the problems in his original timeline. Try not to break down on the daily. Build back all his relationships again and maybe, just maybe act on that crush he still hadn't acted on before. Yeah...so just another Tuesday.
*Bonus Points*
-im such a sucker for fix it stories where my fav goes back from a bad ending. It would work enough here if you wanted to just stay within a Shroud is alive timeline. If Herman was picked for the team he would have enough time to cultivate relationships with them. On the flip side if he was a janitor up until the final showdown that could also drive him to want to make friends with the people he saw all the time. Even if they weren't close originally.
However this would probably work best (and have more angst material) if this was far enough in the future where Herm is actually a formidable hero with great control of his powers. Who had great relationships with all these people and maybe some die originally so now he's hard pressed to save them.
-personally would like it if he cultivated relationships with people outside the core team. Like maybe Chase going to the hospital after saving Visi really hit Herm hard and that manifests in him wanting to stay close to the guy. That Royd and him bonded after he stopped leaking everywhere and found out that he had a knack for tech. That he got to know Blonde Blazer as Mandy and struggles to go back to pretending he doesn't really know her. That Phenomaman and him really clicked and would share melons as they talked about all the social norms they both struggle to understand.
20.) Mythical zoo- so the idea for this one is that Herman or Robert are handlers at a zoo. The twist is that all of the creatures are mythical beasts and the other twist is that all the characters besides the handler are some type of beast.
*Bonus Points*
-if the human handler is Herman and he just has cute interactions with the z-team as whatever beast y'all would imagine. Like Prism could be a Gorgon and her blinding ability would translate to turning people into stone.
-for this idea I would prefer Robert to be the handler and maybe he has a favorite beast he really enjoys taking care of and it's Herman.
-it would be both cute and hilarious if each beast had traits and mannerisms that reflected the team member they are supposed to be. Robert would know how to navigate them the best, but that doesn't mean he can let his guard down. Waterboy and Golem are his favorites since they don't actively attack him.
21.) Rogue- alright so Rogue from X-Men is one of my favorite characters and part of the reason is her mutant ability. In the original cartoon, she had Captain Marvel's powers cause she had held on to the other hero for too long. Causing the hero to fall into a coma and her memories/consciousness is trapped inside Rogue.
So just imagine that Herman has this exact power and the water is actually taken from someone else. That could be a reason why he has no real control over it. Either he feels immense guilt and that keeps him from succeeding or the consciousness of the other person is messing with him in revenge.
This is one of the reasons why he keeps himself covered up. So that he doesn't accidentally use his true powers. If you don't want to go in the direction of uncontrolled water. You can make it where he purposely secretes water so that there is another barrier between him and other people.
*Bonus Points*
-If he has moments where he absorbs the z-team's powers when they are already unconscious to save the day.
-if you decide to keep the whole memory thing. You can make it where Herm sees some sad stuff about his teammates and he feels so much guilt.
- if there are moments where he absorbs powers while they are conscious.
-if he is a target of the red ring once they find out about his powers.
-it would be interesting if he touched Toxic and ended up accidentally showing himself to the team.
-if you wanted to put limitations on his power and make it so that he doesn't also absorb memories. Then maybe he's more comfortable touching people who don't have powers. So Robert for sure and maybe Mandy if she doesn't have her amulet.
I love the way u write wwww hope when u manage to flesh out the three of their characters you'll add on their reactions ww 🙂↕️
On a side note all of your waterboy prompts are so fun, but the one abt alpha herman rlly sticks in my head ww
Since the plethora of angst routes it could take is immense, the idea of herman blocking his nose out to not succumb to rut brain is such a fun idea to write abt
Because it can unfold in a super touching or super silly way depending on how one would write it out, polycule or one pairing in general, especially if they've spent so long racking their brains on why herm is so unaffected, thinking maybe herm doesn't see them in that kind of way or something
only to find out in a comedic fashion tht he's blocking his nose out with water either when they run out of possible reasons/grew restless of beating round the bush trying to figure it out and asked herm directly, or of one of them just finds out when they find him unclogging the water out of his nose and put two and two tgt, [if polycule] then the person who had stumbled across the answer they'd been searching for the entire time wld share the discovery with the others
Hopefully it makes sense ww im not very good at phrasing things, also sorry to have to dump all of this in an ask ww i can't exactly write out these but i did want to ramble a tad bit on it because its such a whimsical idea 🙂↕️
Sure thing! As for this specific prompt I agree that there are so many ways one can go about it.
I briefly put Herm blocking his nose in my fic cause I really like the idea, but having that as a plot point not known to the reader until the end would be pretty fun to explore.
Lets expand on this even more! I can always add more ideas to any prompts I have, so if yall are ever curious on how I would build the world just let me know! Or even if y'all have your own ideas and want to know what direction I would go in is also cool.
Ok so for the polycule angle right? You can either have it where Herman interacts with the team individually during their respective ruts/heats or where he kinda stumbles upon them when they are all together and just hovers around while making sure they are cared for.
In the first part we could go in the direction of really diving deep into what each character is feeling and thinking. Maybe some have more insecurities than others or they are very proud and Herman not reacting to them is a kick to the ego. Just imagine each member trying to approach him for answers and possibly failing at it lol.
For the second part we could focus more on the dynamics between the members and how they work together to find out how he wasn't affected. I'm such a sucker for world building regardless of the genre, but omegaverses are always fun to explore (case in point my own omegaverse fic lol).
As for a single ship (in this case Robert) I can just imagine this man already having trouble with his omega status. Maybe it's more traditional in this world and he had to fight to get to where he is. But in doing so he had to forgo more omegan qualities to make it happen. Or maybe he is actually very proud of his status and no matter how he feels about himself the fact that he is considered desirable really strokes his ego.
Only to have this wet nervous man, who idolizes him by the way...just not react to him at all. If the writer goes in the direction of having Robert think very lowly of himself I can only imagine the level of angst that would be had if he came to the conclusion that even a mega fan of his "doesn't want him".
Maybe Herman is walking around like nothing happened and is so happy and innocent that it truly makes Robert feel bad that he is obsessing over it so much. Or for maximum angst have Herm also spiral in his thoughts and have him convinced that he isn't alpha enough for Robert, THE Mecha Man! So he just pretends like taking care of Robert during his heat didn't literally change his life.
On the flip side having Robert vye for Herman's attention and courting him would be a fun avenue to take. Maybe Robert has been lusted after all the time and he hasn't been able to find someone who isn't after him for ulterior motives. Queue him coming into SDN to work and he has already had "unfortunate" interactions with just about everyone. It would be pretty funny if the whole team (for the most part) wanted Robert and they have been trying to court him the whole time. Only for Robert to turn around and try to court Herman instead.
Of course this isn't even considering Herm's own rut either. Maybe by this point the whole team just elected to "keep each other company" when the time comes and they try bringing Herman into the fold when it's his time. Only for him to decline or to agree to help them, but he only cares for them and no smut is had. Now the team is wondering what's going on with Herm and they are surprisingly relentless in their pursuit to have this man.
These are some ways I could think of to write the prompt.
This isn't exactly related to your fic, but im curious do you have tips for anyone trying to write fics for dispatch, because i find it kinda hard to flesh out the characters as they are and your writing really seems to just hit the mark so well every single chapter so i kinda wanna ask for some advice on how to capture it that well if its no trouble 🥹
No trouble at all!! You don't understand how much it means to me that you and other people have let me know that my characterizations of the characters are great!
That was definitely a big worry for me when I first started writing my fic. Plus with the added challenge that it was in a type of setting/genre that usually rewrites the characters to an extent to fit the world. I feel like omegaverse can fundamentally change a lot of things to make the world work.
However the main thing I did was really study the source material. I would watch videos of all the character's scenes, just so that I could attempt to get their character right. How they spoke, how they carry themselves, how they interact with other characters.
What are some random details you can pick up? We know that Sonar went to Harvard, but he also has really dumb moments. Coupe is dark and mysterious, but she is also funny and has random moments that break the illusion (like she just drinks until she throws up? Or that scene with Blonde Blazer and Shroud). Mal uses her tail to hold things and is pretty chill and flirty. But she also isn't to be messed with. Just a bunch of stuff like that.
Chase is probably the best example (outside of Herm of course) I consumed what I could for him and I changed the way I wrote just for his pov. He would definitely cuss in his thoughts. He normally calls people by nicknames and isn't afraid to lay down the law with them.
Heck he even treats Robert that way, but you can tell that this cursing is done affectionately while that cursing is done because he really doesn't like the z-team. He clearly cares, but he is also stuck in his ways until something comes up and puts some sense into him.
Another thing that really helped me was reading other fanfiction (smut can be nice to use, but a lot of them are short so the characterization is sped through in order to get to the good part). I would read something and kinda latch on to what stuck out to me you know?
Like if I'm reading something and I think "[insert name] would totally do this or react like that." I would file it for later and use that as an example on how to write them.
Something else that helped me was keeping in mind "future" developments with the characters. Instead of focusing on how the character would react in that moment I'm also thinking about what they would learn from it. How would they change or shift in a specific scenario?
For Herman (outside of him being my favorite character) I really kept everything I knew about him in mind while writing. Yes he's insecure, but we know that no matter what he still tries. Yes he has little to no control with his powers, but he also can spew it out whenever and through training he gains new abilities (healing). Yes he doesn't have the best interactions with the team, but instead of shutting down he keeps interacting with them anyway.
In-between all of that you can sprinkle in your own headcanons for the world you are building. Omegas can be heroes and capable so he isn't ashamed of his status. His water has caused so many problems so he learned so many skills to make him more desirable for his own pack. He clearly developed coping skills so that he wouldn't be a burden to others. He grew up in a beta family as the only omega, so how would that affect him in a world that thrives on pack dynamics?
Last but not least...have fun! After the research is done you can possibly find yourself in a flow state once you actually start writing. All the details are there and after a little planning of an outline for the chapter you can then just build up from there.
I really hope this helps and if you have any other questions please don't be afraid to ask! These were a little broad so if you need me to clarify or expand on something go ahead. I don't mind at all.
I have two questions. In the omegaverse au how do you think the other members of the Z team +Robert+Chase+ Royd would dress waterboy .
Also how would everyone react if waterboy made them food
I love this fic so much
First off thank you! I'm glad you love my fic so much! So for the most part all the z-team will be happy with the wardrobe that Alice bought for Herman. She has great taste in general and with the help of the designer who declared Herm their muse they both will experiment on styles and silhouettes.
The rest will maybe ask to incorporate something they like and definitely add their colors or symbols into the clothes. They all don't have much care for fashion. As for the food, every single one absolutely loves his cooking and have very specific meals that they enjoy.
*Sonar would love anything that Herm wears, but for sure would want to see him in more fitted suits so that they can match. He would also go a little to the perverted side and ask for the stereotypical "sexy" clothes like a maid outfit or a nurse outfit lol. Victor specifically doesn't have a preference when it comes to food (he put a bug on his tacos). But he does refrain from eating anything "gross" before and after getting Herm's cooking cause he wants to show respect to their pack omega.
*Visi doesn't really care about Herm's style honestly. It doesn't really cross her mind until it's actively presented to her. She finds herself having a new favorite every other outfit. Visi does enjoy seeing him in her colors though. She won't ask him to wear them, but she is definitely very smug when he does. Crop tops tend to be her favorite on him. Surprisingly she is more of a dessert person and she really likes the chunky cookies he makes.
*Robert barely has a sense for fashion on a good day, but he does learn towards clothes that make Herman look comfy. Something about Herman being in a sweater by the fireplace with Nixie and Beef curled up around him, just does something for Robert. He is (unsurprisingly) possessive and likes seeing Herman in his colors. However he likes seeing all his pack represented in some way. As for food he really likes the Chicken and dumplings. He has fond memories for the dish and the pretty blush that dances across Herm's face at the fact makes Robert very happy.
*Coupe really likes to see Herm in dark colors. She also likes more form fitted clothes and asks to see them on him more often. He'll compromise by having at least something more fitted and less baggy on, just for her. She also has a guilty please of seeing him in traditional ballet garments. Janelle really likes spicy food. With all her training over the years she has developed a taste for extremely spicy food and Herm will specifically set a portion (with enough for leftovers) just for her.
*Golem could care less about the clothes in all honesty. As long as Herman looks good and comfortable that's all that matters to him. He does gravitate towards things that don't get dirty easily, but since everything is custom made, he doesn't really need to worry about that often. Bruno enjoys all of Herman's cooking and is always amazed that Herm takes the time to make things specifically for him.
*Chase is also pretty neutral on the clothes. He does lean more towards the 90's aesthetic since Herm looks fantastic like that. He does get pretty happy when he spots anything that has to do with his "Track Star" era on Herman. But since Herm currently wears yellow alot, he gets really smug that they match all the time. Chase is a foodie and likes everything that Herman makes. He has even changed his stance on things he normally hated, just cause Herm's cooking is so good. He ecstatic that at least someone knows how to cook in the whole pack.
*Royd likes to see Herman in pieces that show more skin. He doesn't show it often, but he absolutely loves the show of muscle and anything that highlights that the most is his favorite. But for the most part he also likes anything that Herm is comfortable in. Herm went out of his way to make a childhood dish for Royd and the beta was hooked ever since. He enjoys all of Herman's cooking, but anything that reminds him of home is his favorite.
*Punch up likes bright colors on Herman. Any fun silhouettes are a plus. It reminds him of his old carnival days and he likes to see that on Herm. He's the one that pushes accessories the most, so hats, shoes, knick knacks etc. He really enjoys whatever Herm cooks, but his all time favorite is funnel cakes. Honestly other carnival foods as well, especially roasted nuts.
*Mal likes more revealing clothes on Herman. Any skin showing is a win in her book. Royd and her will just look at him wistfully and talk about whatever is showing that day. She likes him in anything that looks like her portals. Just like the others she also enjoys all of Herm's cooking. Anything that mimics fast food without actually being fast food are he preferences.
*Alice is the mastermind and clearly was the only one to initially care enough to get him a new wardrobe. She likes everything cause she picked everything. If she is inspired to change it up she will. Herman knows this is her way of providing/spoiling him so he goes along for the ride. He had no real idea before she intervened so he trusts her to make him look great. She usually puts him in her colors, but sometimes sneaks in colors from other pack members in there as well. As for food she is probably the most picky. She is willing to eat anything, but she definitely prefers finer dining. She's the one to take him out to bougie restaurants just to give him a break from cooking.
Alright! Hope that answered your questions for now. If you have anymore, don't be afraid to ask! I've been enjoying really exploring more about the AU I created.
Hi! Question, in your omegaverse au I was wondering what would their reaction be if Herman got piercings? Like hip, nipple or belly (could be all three) thinking it could help with finding a pack (if before becoming a pack). Herman thinking the water being a obstecles and getting piercings could help balance it out or something. And if after becoming a pack, he get these piercings for the pack (maybe overheard them mentioning he could look good in them).
How would they react seeing Herman with these piercings? Maybe the hip ones are visible from the new outfit prism got him (crop top or something)
love your story btw, its my comfort one right now
Hey! Thank you so much! Y'all don't understand how happy it makes me, to hear that my fic is a comfort for you. That and the ones where they don't normally read/enjoy the genre, but they really like my story are some of my favorite comments!
Once again I won't add Blonde Blazer, Phenomaman and Flambae just yet. Want to flesh out the dynamics, but I'll add them later.
I imagine that Herman would definitely have his ears pierced. A belly button would look great on him! A tongue one would be really easy to hide. As a matter of fact he would do best with more hidden ones.
The main thing for sure would be that jewelry would be the easiest way to "Claim" him. It would let other people know to back off. Since they come in all these fun shapes and colors, the pack would gift Herm pieces that either have their shape(power) and/or their colors.
*Sonar would immediately blue screen once he catches any type of jewelry on Herman that isn't just on the ears. He would beg to see them and would blue screen again if Herm let him know that he couldn't actually show him without flashing people.
Jewelry: bats, red bowties, rats/mice, a vibrating tongue ring (and would be disappointed that it doesn't work with all the water Herman spews out), crude humor (Herm doesn't wear those lol).
Colors: dark grey, bright red, dark blue,
*Mal would absolutely compliment the look and would offer to show off hers if Herm was willing to show his. She would also lord it over Victor's head that she got to see all of them. That she was more successful than he was.
Jewelry: sword w/chain, devil horns, anything that looks like her portals.
Colors: dark red, yellow, magenta,
*Visi would pretend like it isn't that big of a deal, but she would have frequent stray thoughts about them. Since Nixie (Herman's cat) is with him from time to time she will always warn Herm when Visi is nearby. He doesn't like changing in front of others so she never has a chance on sneaking a peek. She is way more successful when she actually asks about them.
Jewelry: inhaler (as a gag, but Herm genuinely loves them), pearls (especially when they are more pink), clear/invisible pieces.
Colors: lavender, pink, dark purple
*Prism actually knows where every piercing is and talks him into getting more. Herman gets excited and doesn't need much convincing. She goes all out on the jewelry and demands that the pack goes through her first if they want to gift Herm anything. She doesn't appreciate cheap or fake jewelry and her pack deserves nothing but the best. She relishes on knowing about a new piercing and the pack not having a clue. She has a tendency to deck Herm out in her colors until the pack learns about the new one.
Jewelry: stars, anything holographic/iridescent (in her signature colors of course), anything that has to do with music, body chains.
Colors: hot pink, turquoise, gold
*Coupe would approve and would give him heated compliments if she knew some of the more hidden ones. She would always find ways to either incorporate a weapon into the jewelry or it could be used as a weapon itself. Sometimes if she's feeling a little soft she will gift him things she knows he would like (doesn't mean it can't be made into a weapon). Would 100% get him things that have hidden compartments.
Jewelry: feathers, black swans/ballet, jewelry with knives, weapons.
Colors: black, silver
*Punch Up would give a ridiculous amount of compliments. He's got a thing for body jewelry and the belly button one would be his favorite. Especially if it was one that had a chain attached. Surprisingly he would be the one to work with Alice in convincing Herman to get more. He isn't normally possessive, but seeing other people notice Herm wearing his packs colors makes him let out a satisfied sharp grin.
Jewelry: anything that has to do with the carnival, roses, bottle opener (as a gag, Herman will wear them if he knows they will be drinking)
Colors: green, brown
*Golem would be the most chill about it. He'll give compliments and will ask to see, but for the most part he is pretty neutral about them. When he does gift Herman stuff, he always goes for more natural themes like crystals or things that look like rocks.
Jewelry: crystals, rocks, construction cones (as a gag, Herman thinks they are adorable)
Colors: earthen colors
*Chase for the most part wouldn't really care. Unless they are easy to see he doesn't want to know about any others. What the pack does with that information is none of his damn business and he would like to keep it that way. However he does participate in gifting Herm jewelry, but it's mostly other things like necklaces, rings etc. instead.
Jewelry: lightning bolts, water, cats
Colors: red, white, teal (he likes to put Herman in his old hero suit colors)
*Royd would be very happy with the info and immediately try to make something for Herm. His creations are the only ones that Alice approves of and allows outside of her buying things. He would spend so much time on each piece and will even incorporate the other pack members into his creations. The fact that Herman wears the stuff he made is satisfying enough for him.
Jewelry: Anything and everything
Colors: Anything and everything
*Robert would be pleasantly surprised and give praise. He's very nonchalant on the surface, but he almost goes in a frenzy when he spots or feels any of the hidden ones. He'll make up excuses to touch up on any of them and loves the shiver Herman lets out. He is ridiculously smug when Herm wears his colors (since Herman has a tendency to actually wear Mecha Man merch). He makes sure that his symbol is somewhere on Herm even if it's hidden.
Jewelry: Mecha Man symbol, dogs, donut
Colors: Navy, Blue, red/orange gradient
Good Lord this took forever! I hope you like it and keep the questions coming!
In ur omegaverse au im curious what would their reactions be like if herman is sent off on a mission as distraction, eg. [Maybe smt like a dress or so on], and ends up being too successful, having the target become a little too infatuated with him, im curious how wld they react to it, esp if it's either
1. An outfit he's never worn in the vicinity og any of them
2. If the target in question ends up too close to any of their likings
Man this is the first time I get to do one of these! I'm so excited!
Ok! So right off the bat, just about every single one of them would be ridiculously possessive. For now I won't add Blonde Blazer, Phenomaman or Flambae since I haven't fleshed out exactly how I want their dynamics with Herm to go yet.
As soon as you mentioned it I was imagining Herm performing on a stage, Jessica Rabbit style. Similar dress with a long slit up the leg and his shoulders showing. Maybe it is a soft blue or even a dress similar to Ariel's dress when she comes out of the ocean at the end. Having to sing/preform as the team works undercover around him.
*Prism would take the lead on getting him all dolled up. She has money on the line for some very specific bets and she intends to win. Even though she doesn't want other people lusting after Herm, her love for seeing him all sexy and knowing that he gets to go home with them at the end of the day kinda strokes her ego. However she is one of the first to go after anyone who gets a little too close to their omega.
*Sonar would definitely make some funny inappropriate quips as he soaks up his fill of the gorgeous sight before him. He would immediately stop in the middle of doing whatever he is doing just to oogle the man. If someone were to get too close he would change into his monster form with very little prompting. Probably grab at Herman and aggressively scent him just to erase any trace of the offending person once all is said and done.
*Mal would be very supportive and extremely seductive when she sees Herm. She would definitely bounce off Sonar's quips just to keep it nice and light. Once she realizes how much attention Herman gets her whole demeanor changes. The only reason why she isn't snapping is because she is tasked with keeping Victor in check. But as soon as shit hits the fan she lets the hybrid go while swinging her sword right after him.
*Chase would loudly complain about how this was the dumbest fucking idea they have ever cooked up. As nice as his pup looks, he's definitely not happy about how revealing the dress is. Double standards since he would barely bat an eye if Robert wore the same getup. Flipping the den omega off when he says "love you too, Unc." He would definitely be worried once things start happening, but once the dust settles he would definitely start cussing all of them right out while checking to see if Herman is alright once they make it back to the office. Grumbling about how he would have loved to get a few hits in on the guy that had the fucking audacity to touch his pup.
*Visi would most likely make some (loving) crude comments while trying not to show how much his look affects her. She would definitely disregard her post (if it isn't really all that important) just to be around the stage invisible. Either that or to follow Herm around if he was walking the floor while performing. As soon as the creep tries anything on Herm an invisible fist would streak out and punch the guy right in the face. She would be the one to alert the rest that something was happening to Herman
*Punch up would definitely compliment him the most. Of course he would sprinkle in some heat into his words and scent, but for the most part he would give out genuine loving praise. He would be the most mesmerized during Herm's performance and would have to be rudely broken out of his trance just because some little shite decided to put his hands where they don't belong. Looks like the asshole won't be needing his balls anytime soon.
*Coupe would lavish Herm with soft praise. Bouncing off of Colm when his scent spikes and essentially feeding off each other while they give Herm attention. Janelle would boldly slip one of her knives to him and have it attached to a band/strap across his thigh. She would absolutely pin the guy to the wall and proceeded to throw her knives at him as they all gang up to intimidate him from ever looking Herm's way again.
*Golem unfortunately wouldn't actually be there to enjoy the show, but Royd would offer to play the live feed in his lab so that both of them could enjoy the show while temporarily dispatching for the mission. He would rumble out short compliments and grab at Herman for a short purring session before the team takes off. Once things go crazy he has to be stopped from making his way over there. He would definitely latch on the Herm once he's back safe. Probably would help Janelle rough up the guy once he's taken.
*Royd as previously stated would be the one dispatching the mission. He would have given Herman as many compliments as he could. Alternately, if this is happening when the team is still "friend zoned" then he would boldly be affectionate in front of the others with little care to how they would react. He would have to stop Bruno from leaving while hacking systems and directing the team during the mayhem. He would definitely help Janelle in getting payback. As soon as Herm was free from the team's clutches he would definitely smother the man with affection until they both fell asleep.
*last but not least, Robert! He would definitely give nice confident praises and would talk Herm through any anxiety the other omega would have. He would make sure that he was physically there though, cause his protective instincts would be too high for him to sit this one out. Once the creep makes his move Robert would be absolutely ruthless on the guy. I could imagine him almost going feral depending on the level of danger. He would have to be begrudgingly stopped by one of the others just to keep from mauling the man. He would definitely give the green light on whatever the pack wanted to do with the guy after he was caught. They would elect Robert to distract and comfort Herm while they take care of the trash.
Whoooo... I hope that was good for y'all! Of course this all would be happening farther in the future when everyone is an established pack. Let me know what y'all think and keep the questions coming! It's really getting my creative juices flowing!
If you want to read my fic it's called "Waterboy's Guide To Gaining A Pack" on Ao3.
"What’s the difference between a den omega and a pack omega? Like if the den omega calls the shots for the most part than what does the other one do? (nosey)"
Den Omegas are the first ones and actively bring the pack together. How they operate basically sets the overall vibe of the pack. They take the leadership role and depending on the size of the pack also shows how much attention the den omega can give. That's why it's preferred for at least two to be in a large pack. So it doesn't fall entirely on one. Everyone is pretty self efficient, but packs still fall under specific instincts.
That's where the pack omega comes in. They take on a second of command role and they have a more traditional carer approach. They make sure the den omega is able to be affectionate while keeping up with the rest of the pack.
In the z-team's case Rob is the leader, but he himself has been on high alert for a long time. He isn't shy with his instincts, but he's been running around basically packless this whole time. Because of that he is a little more abrasive and wouldn't fit in with traditional pack dynamics. He and the team were ridiculously compatible off rip, but that doesn't mean Robert knows how to run one efficiently. He cares and can be soft, but he is also guarded.
Herm is more of a traditional omega, but he still has his own quirks that make him really compatible with the team. He isn't one to judge and most things run off him like water off a duck's back.
If Rob is gone or busy then Herm would step in. Technically that's happening right now however unintentionally. Herman is going around spending quality time with everyone and blatantly showing affection and comfort whenever. It's making Robert's job a whole heck of a lot easier and the den omega doesn't even know it.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
oh girl PLEASE tell us more about the dispatch omegaverse au im so obsessed with it
Ok here goes!
I'm really fond of non-traditional pack dynamics in omegaverse stories. Especially if Omgeas are viewed as more than caretakers. Betas have an actual active role in society and Alphas aren't just a bunch of entitled misogynistic knot heads.
Of course it was that way in the past, but a bunch of social things came to light and society shifted in a different direction.
Omegas have the smallest population compared to the other two genders. Because of that it was hard to keep the traditional Alpha/Omega pairing. With such a rigid view on what was considered "correct" a lot of people were living their whole lives without a mate or family.
So other pairings were slowly coming in. Some got push back, but eventually those cooled down too once packs were officially introduced. Originally packs were reserved for just family and when you eventually found your mate and started your own family it would be considered as such.
With this new more lax view on gender norms, it was found out that omegas were really in tuned with their instincts. More so than the other genders even. Since people were following such rigid gender norms, omegas had to keep their instincts locked up tight and rely heavily on the alphas they were surrounded by.
Because of that they were considered soft, meek people who needed constant protection. However once they were allowed to let loose it quickly became apparent that they were almost more formidable than their alpha counterparts. Add to the fact that they had such low numbers on their side, the dynamics switched where omegas became very desirable.
The more in tuned they were with their instincts the better mate, protector, carer they were. With omegas finally letting loose it turned out that betas also had instincts. They were previously thought to be largely removed from everything and had no real understanding of the unique quirks of the other genders.
But once alphas and omegas started turning to others (mainly betas) to finally find companions it was found out that betas were a great mediator for both. Their senses and instincts are still very mild compared to everyone else, but that was what worked.
Since they weren't driven by base desires the same way, they were able to navigate things with a relative level head. Plus they have the unique ability to not trigger an alpha's/omega's territorial nature. Of course if they have bad intentions, no amount of mild manners will keep them safe.
Alphas were able to finally calm down since the responsibility and protection of all omegas didn't fall on them as much anymore. They weren't constantly on edge now that they knew that not only were omegas capable of fiercely protecting themselves, but that they wouldn't need to see their fellow alphas as constant threats. Add betas acting as more of the carers it helped alleviate a lot of the aggression.
Now that alphas were allowed to pursue people other than omegas the constant competition between them went down considerably.
Once romantic packs were officially introduced to society it quickly became the norm. By this point all manner of pairings were well known. The only pairing that was slightly frowned upon was omega/omega couples, but that quickly went away. It's not like the overall population was going down.
Today packs will mostly have alphas (they have the highest population surprisingly) a small amount of betas and depending on the size one to two omegas. Once it's made official the den omega calls the shots for the pack. Of course everyone has their own free will, but for the most part everything/everyone needs to be vetted by the omega first.
The main omega is called the den omega and a second omega is called the pack omega. Both are equally important and will work together to make sure the pack is in working order. If there aren't omegas available in a pack then the betas will step up to keep things in order. Alphas as mellow as they have become, will still fly to extreme protectiveness and will trigger other alphas around them.
Everyone is able to have 2 packs: a family one and a romantic one. Having friends as a pack is a newer concept and the only one that doesn't come with a bonding mark. It seems like friendships don't have the ability to do so. That's why people will fall in either of the other established pack dynamics for an actual bond.
This is just the run down backstory of the society of my world.
In my world the orientation works like this:
Robert - Den omega
Herman - Single Omega (for now)
Sonar - Beta
Malevola - Alpha
Golem - Beta
Invisagal - Alpha
Coupé - Alpha
Punch up - Alpha
Prism - Alpha
Flambae - Alpha
Chase - Beta (family)
Blonde Blazer - Single Alpha (in both forms)
Royd - Single Beta (gets mistaken for an Alpha all the time)
Phenomaman - Single Alpha
Let me know if y'all want to know more about each character and how they are in this world. Also don't hesitate to ask more questions or to know more about specific things. I won't give spoilers, but I'm happy to answer what I can.
pleaaaaze.......feed us more of your fic im so hungry.........
Sure! Right now I have up to 15 chapters planned so about 8 more chaps left? Or are you wanting to know more about my AU in general? Cause I would love to get into it for y'all!
You guessed it...Even more Dispatch Waterboy fanfic prompts!
Here I am with more story ideas cause this anxiety ridden character has stolen my heart. Almost all of these will be centered around Waterboy aka. Herman. If there is a ship I'm personally imagining Watermech, but it's open for any ship including polycule.
Ok rundown. These are ideas that I have that are open for anyone to take and make their own. I'll be adding bonus points for things I specifically would like to see in said story, but it's not required.
I'm just having fun thinking these up and if any of y'all actually pick up a story PLEASE send it to me!
Now onto the prompts
1.) revenge, vigilante, antihero - Herm is Mecha man's biggest fan and was devastated when it was announced that the hero was dead. Herman vows to avenge his idol by getting rid of Shroud and his red ring goons.
*Bonus points*
-Waterboy is masked up during his avenging sprees so nobody knows it's him.
-he runs into the z-team during red ring missions and is actively avoiding them as he tries to complete his goal.
-he has a special interaction with each of the members
-Runs into Robert outside the suit, both in his civilian and vigilante forms. He has no idea that Mecha Man is alive and that this scruffy looking man is his idol.
-if there is a Miraculous Ladybug level love square going on. Robert likes Herm. Herm likes Robert. Altor ego likes Robert. Robert doesn't like altor ego. Or whatever pairing makes the most sense.
Extra points if he is still a janitor that interacts with Rob and the team just for them to have deja vu moments constantly.
2. Mind reading- Herman or ship partner (prefer Robert) can suddenly read minds. Realize that their ship partner is astronomically down bad for him or vice versa.
*Bonus points*
-(if found family) Herm is at the end of his rope when it comes to the z team and their bullying treatment towards him. He can suddenly read their minds and they think highly of him and other shenanigans.
-(if polycule) same as found family but way more flirting and suggestive themes
-Alternate version- everyone can read Herm's mind and his thoughts legitimately surprises them. Waterboy is clueless.
3.) omegaverse- Herm alpha x Robert omega- ok follow me here. Robert is a known omega (no secrets here) he suddenly goes into heat (or it's a planned heat). Either around Herman or Herm finds him later.
Waterboy helps Rob through his heat, but not in a smutty way. Like he actually takes care of Rob, cooking, feeding, bathing, cuddling etc. literally everything else. Robert goes to thank him, thinking Herm was either a beta or a fellow omega (cause that's the only plausible way.) Only to find out that Herm is an alpha. An alpha that wasn't affected by Robert in heat. And Rob spirals.
*Bonus points*
So this can go in different directions, so I wanted to explore those a bit.
A.) Rob is shocked by the revelation and he starts obsessing over Herm and why he wasn't affected. Thinking that he's undesirable and an unfit omega, cause why was the alpha he wants not turned on by him!?
B.) Rob swoons and thinks that Herm would be the perfect mate. He was protective and oh so caring and even though Robert's memory was hazy, he doesn't remember ever feeling that loved and cared for before. He's hooked on Herm and actively tries to court him.
This story has a lot of potential in the angst department, but it could also be something silly like Herm blocked his nose with water on purpose so he wouldn't succumb to rut brain.
4.)body horror- Herm's powers are not only super powerful, but they are also horrific. Just imagine that all the "gross" aspects of his powers are actually really tame. When he actually uses his abilities as intended it isn't a pretty sight.
*Bonus points*
I'm imagining something like a Flerken from the marvel universe or it can be put to interpretation of the author actually writing the story.
5.) villain Mecha Man- I have a few ideas for this so I'll just put them all in this slot.
A.) V. Robert x civilian Herman- Robert gets injured or just interacts with Herm in general. He gets hooked when this random wet guy is willing to hang out with one of the most notorious villains known to man.
B.) V. Robert x Hero Herman- I'm imagining something like Catwoman and Batman's relationship. Just a lot of flirting (from Rob) and waterboy legitimately confused and flustered by the whole thing. Even better if Rob is ruthless with everyone BUT waterboy. Z team is bitching about all the injuries they have and Herm is just over there replaying some kiss he got or something.
C.) V. Robert x V. Herman- maybe a major villain x lesser villain? Like that creator from TikTok with the s-rank, d-rank dynamic.
6.) siren- I've seen this plot played with a little bit, but I need more! Please note that I'm making up siren lore just to have these little head canons work. If you want to be more authentic to the cause go right ahead!
-stutter is to break up the lure of his voice. Maybe he's a pretty powerful siren since he is constantly touching water. So his normal speaking voice can be dangerous as well. If he ever sings it's all over for everyone. Avoids karaoke like his life depends on it.
-goggles keeps from hypnotizing people. If people look into his unprotected eyes long enough they can be hypnotized.
-Wetsuit hides his more non human features from view. So gills, fins, webbing the whole shebang.
-Water is a glamour repellent. The water keeps him looking like himself. If he is ever dry the glamour kicks in and he'll look like whoever you are interested in.
-he DEVOURS sea food. He eats everything else normally, but once fish is in front of him he practically goes feral.
-Does eventually sing (most likely to save people) and his singing voice is gorgeous.
7.) chibi vampire- I might be showing my age here, but the plot of this manga had an interesting take on vampires.
Each vampire had "blood affinity" they liked to feed on. So for example the main character liked to "feed" on unhappy people or misery. Her brother likes to feed on stress, her sister on loneliness etc.
So maybe Herman is a vampire and has a specific blood affinity? Not sure what, but again it's up to the author's creative mind. If you want to go into the actual lore of the manga then he's a reverse vampire that gives blood instead of takes.
*Bonus points*
-(if polycule) each member has the trait that Herm likes and he feeds (or gives) on all of them. Some more than others of course.
-(if ship) same thing but with only one (or two) person (people).
8.)power switch- z-team gets hit with the old switch a roo and the have to navigate each other's powers.
*Bonus points*
-if they are constantly switching until everyone has had everyone's power. Extra points if they switch when they actually get the hang of them.
-if everyone realizes how unfortunate, uncomfortable and actually hard it is to control when they get Waterboy's powers.
-if Herman "masters" everyone's powers first. Just imagine that he actually has a lot of control of his powers and what we see is just the part he hasn't controlled yet. So when he gets someone else's abilities, his normal control translates well.
9.) love potion- Herm is affected by some love magic and showers whoever in affection/love. Has the potential to be more suggestive however it could also just be cute and fluffy. I don't have any specific ideas for this one.
10.) Guardian Angel-Herman isn't a hero, but he still has his healing abilities. He uses said ability on the z-team.
*bonus points*
-if he heals them when they are in and out of consciousness. So they have no real clue who or what is saving them. Eventually it's revealed and they try to recruit Waterboy into the fold
-if he helped with the battle with shroud both offensively and support and just peaces out before anyone can catch him.
-if Herman is humble or he just thinks it's the right thing to do so he never goes forward with his good deeds
-if the team is actively hunting him down and he has no clue.
11.) healing kiss- really just want an excuse to have Herman kissing the z-team. What better way than to have his healing abilities activate with a kiss
12.) accidental consumption of Herm's water. Just the team accidentally drinking Waterboy's water and not only is it stupidly hydrating but it's unfairly healthy.
*bonus points*
-maybe it boosts their powers as well, so the team is more or less eager to get water.
-if the water also helps with clear skin and the team notices that they have less break outs and skin issues
Here I am with even more prompts for my favorite Dispatch character Waterboy!
If you haven't seen my previous post, the gist is that I'm leaving these up as open prompts for anybody to use. I'll add a brief description and then some *bonus points* for things I would personally love to see in the fic. However it's not required and you can go in any direction you want.
I have a few more indepth prompts sprinkled in here. I have such clear ideas on them that I'm tempted to write those myself, writing isn't my strong suit though. However I still want to put them out there just in case someone is interested.
Of course if you find yourself inspired and decide to write any of these prompts PLEASE send them to me. I'll read them immediately. If y'all want more of my thoughts on any of these, don't be afraid to ask!
Now onto more stories
1.) Ella enchanted/cursed~ ok so I have 2 ways this idea could go.
-(V1)~Herman was cursed at birth and it affects his voice/speech, causing him to be mute for a period of time. If he is directly told to be quiet, depending on intent behind the command he will either have more trouble speaking or goes entirely mute.
*Bonus points*
-after many years Herman has found loopholes to continue to talk, but it's stilted and even more stuttery.
- like if it's a light command with little intent or force behind it, he can continue to talk. If it's a full blown command he goes completely mute.
-maybe he gets yelled at by someone on the z-team or the whole team piles on him at once in frustration constantly commanding him to shut up. Not knowing he's cursed, and he completely loses his voice. Serious amount of angst with this plot and have it where the team gets worried that he doesn't speak
-if he gets seriously injured and isn't able to tell anyone about it.
-if his grandmother comes in like a storm and rips all of them a new one, letting them know about the curse. Or Chase figures it out, keeps the secret and is the one to lay into them.
-(V2)~The same curse as Ella. Herman is compelled to do what anyone says. He's able to keep it a secret for a bit.
-one thing I think would be interesting if a villain got a hold of him and used the curse to battle/hurt the team.
2.) Truth serum~Herm gets hit with some type of truth thing. He clearly can't help letting everyone know what he thinks when asked direct questions. Also could work for a Robert centered fic where he gets hit with the truth serum.
*Bonus points*
-(if polycule)-tells everyone how attractive and cool he thinks everyone is. Lays into them the most thoughtful tooth rotting enamored compliments on them when asked (can be more smutty if that's the direction you want to go in). Team is smitten and embarrassed. Extra points if Royed, Blazer, Chase (more platonic/admiration for him) and Phenomaman is added to the mix
-(if ship)-gets goaded into a bunch of personal questions that eventually leads to a crush/love reveal. Absolutely embarrassing Herm and he bolts
-(if found family)- instead of him having to be asked questions, he just blurts out whatever is on his mind with no filter. Ribbing alongside the team or blowing up on them when he has enough of their bullying. Depends on how much angst you would want to add. Can also have a ship somewhere in there.
-(more angst)- gets harassed by the team once they realize what happened to him and he reveals some depressing, sad past/thoughts. Could have a ship as well.
-is ridiculously sassy and obliterates villains with his scathing thoughts.
3.) age regression- Herman gets hit with something and gets turned into a child. The team has to babysit until it wears off/is fixed. Shenanigans ensue.
*Bonus points*
-(more angst)- its slowly revealed that Herman didn't have a good past and the team has to come to terms with that. Up to you on how messed up you want Herms past to be. Preferably not "dead dove" level, but its up to you on how dark and detailed you want to be.
-(more light hearted)- everyone thinks that kid Herman is adorable and has a little found family moment until Herm is back to normal. Extra points if they get Robert to be Mecha Man since he is Herms favorite hero to help babysit. Extra, extra points if Phenomaman is added too.
4.) Deadpool ability- Herman has the ability to basically come back from the dead. Has no real fear of getting hurt, cause he always bounces back. Can get limbs cut off and grow it back etc.
*Bonus points*
-Has died on the job multiple times both in front of team members and by himself. Of course they aren't aware and Herm likes to keep it that way.
-the team finds out after he was mortally wounded and confirmed to be dead. Only for him to come back alive in front of someone.
-they get sick/angry when they realize that he has literally died in front of them multiple times. Putting the puzzle pieces together and comparing notes.
-Goes out of their way to try to protect him or keep him from doing anything drastic.
5.) soulmate au~ you can go in any direction with this prompt. I would love to see more in general.
-(V1) (polycule) Herman has multiple soul marks, and was told that he was an abomination or something along those lines. Tries to forget/hide it from his soulmates. The found family version could be the same, but less romance.
-(V2) (ship) Has a soul mark, keeps it hidden for low self esteem reasons. For more angst purposes, he accidentally gets rejected (would prefer Robert, but anybody works here) and has to deal with a broken connection. Phenomaman would be easy, if soulmates aren't really a thing on his planet. Accidental rejection at its finest.
6.) Unicorns- I don't see this trope often, but when I do I absolutely love them. The legend of the unicorn is that they only show/connect/bond themselves to virgins/pure people.
*Bonus points*
-somehow gets the attention of a unicorn(s) gets a protector in the process. Absolutely hilarious to imagine villains getting their butts handed to them by a wet man and his unicorns.
-if the unicorn(s) can tell when someone has impure thoughts about Herm (whatever that entails) and actively threatens them with their horn behind Herms back
-just to be a little different he could bond with a Kelpie instead. Maybe the implication would be that the Kelpie failed to drown him, cause of his powers. Or his powers manifested, cause of his interaction with the Kelpie, now they are bonded.
7.) Olympus- Herman is actually the son of Poseidon.
*bonus points*
-he randomly gets visits from his "family" and has to deal with God level bs on a constant basis.
-Hera is a favorite of mine also, so it would be cool if she actually favored Herman. He's not Zeus's kid so she doesn't have much of a reason to hate him.
8.) hydration (polycule)- Ok follow me here since this is one of the specific prompts. A single member of the z team gets sent on a mission and Robert loses communication. He sends other members to the same mission to get an update on the situation, but he loses connection to them too. In a fit of desperation before he suits up and goes himself Waterboy is sent as the final resort before Mecha Man steps in.
When Herm gets to the location he sees a battle field and ducks to safety as he tries to find his teammates. I'm thinking he runs into Golem and Phenomaman. He gets the run down that the villain sucks the water/moisture out of his victims (think like Crocodile from one piece).
Golem is unaffected, but needs to engage the villain to protect their fallen friends. Phenomaman would still be of help but he's severely weakened so he's been floating around trying to gather everyone in one spot.
Now Herm is trying to get water in his dehydrated teammates. In my mind he basically has to give them mouth to mouth to force them to drink water. Maybe even runs his hands over their bodies (in a non smutty way) trying to get water through the skin as well.
That's all I have for that idea, just like the other prompts it's open to creativity. If you like the idea, but want to go in a different direction that's completely fine.
9.) Chase & Herman friendship- I don't know why, but I like the idea of Herman and Chase having a great relationship. It would be platonic and Herm gets into the habit of helping Chase, cause he's so used to taking care of his own grandma.
*Bonus points*
-Chase likes Herman, cause both Robert and (especially) Beef like him too.
-Chase is smug whenever Herman slips up and really curses. Telling anybody who would listen that Herm learned that from him.
-Chase shows blatant favoritism towards Herman and isn't afraid to show it either. Will rub it in the team's faces any chance he gets.
-Herman can tell when Chase is actually upset and when he is joking.
-Herm also spoils Beef rotten and Chase approves
10.) Rise of the guardians- Herman passed away and became a water spirit. He attaches himself to the team and helps out even though nobody can see him.
*Bonus points*
-alternate version could lean more towards horror. He drowned and haunts the team. Not in a bad way, but he becomes some Eldritch horror in order to protect them.
11.) Herman can blood bend.
*Bonus points*
-if he rarely uses that ability (for obvious reasons) but uses it to save someone.
-(for more angst) the dynamic is similar to black widow and the Hulk at the beginning. Where whoever Herman saved gets antsy or visibly uncomfortable when the blood bending is brought up or just around him in general. Of course this is going to gut Herman and he has a hard time with the knowledge that he scares people he cares about.
12.)Wrong place- This one has the potential to be smutty. Herman keeps finding himself stuck in these situations where he becomes an accidental voyeur. Everyday without fail he gets stuck in an enclosed space with whoever keeps messing around. It's almost like they find him on purpose, cause of how often he has to deal with it. He can't really leave without getting caught so he has to sit and wait until they are done. Up to you on how much detail you want for the explicit stuff.
*Bonus points*
- he's so used to it that he is nonchalant about the subject and just does something else while he hides and waits (like reading a book or scrolling on his phone). Could be more crack/funny. Casually brings up instances in front of the team and practically bullies them with the info. Absolutely done with all their crap.
-he indulges until eventually he gets caught. Whoever it is tries to get mad at him, only for him to blow up at them. Ranting and raving about how he tries to mind his own business, actively tries hiding in different spots and gets caught in the same situation Every. Single. Time! Can you blame him for being frustrated and needing to unwind?
13.) Every (villain) loves Waterboy- Herman gets sent on missions and every single one ends up with him getting hit on in some way by the bad guys. I personally would want this to go in a more funny way, but I acknowledge that the plot has potential to go in an angsty non-con direction. An alternate version can be he gets hit on by anybody, not just villains.
*Bonus points*
-when Herman is dealing with missions on his own, the team/Robert hears him getting hit on. Maybe it's muted for the most part and when Robert unmutes the com it's in the middle of Herm getting hit on by whatever bad guy he's dealing with. Everyone else clocks it while Herm is oblivious.
-when he is paired up with others on missions, the same thing happens. If it goes in a darker direction then the team could witness the bad guys touching on Herman or talking straight filth to him.
-if it's just the villains stealing a kiss more or less.
-if shroud also shows interest in Herm
-if ships are involved then whoever he is paired up with gets mad/jealous when it happens.
14.) Hanahaki Disease- pretty self explanatory if you have been in the fanfiction game for a bit. But if you don't know, it's where someone slowly dies from flowers growing in their lungs, because of unrequited love. I'm honestly surprised I haven't seen this trope done for Herm specifically.
*Bonus points*
-if Herman coughs up water based plants/flowers.
15.) astral projection- Almost every time Robert goes to sleep he astral projects. His soul always finds its way to Herman. Again I'm thinking something soft and fluffy, but it does have the potential to go in a smutty direction.
16.) Fan mail- Herman anonymously sends Mecha Man fan letters. Robert actually starts looking forward to the letters the more and more he receives them. This prompt is one of my fav ideas and would love to see this one real the most.
*Bonus points*
-Robert has no way of sending his own letters to Herm.
-once they officially meet, Herman stops sending the letters. Now that he actually knows Mecha Man he feels embarrassed to continue the writing.
-or he continues to send letters to Rob talking about his work and maybe a new crush on his supervisor. Not knowing Rob is Mecha Man yet. Robert gets really jealous or uncomfortable with that info. (Depends on how much you want Robert to be in denial first) Once he does find out, maybe at the bar scene where Robert reveals his identity that's when the letters stop. Making Rob spiral thinking Herman found someone else or if something bad happened to him.
-Robert actually gets distraught over the letters stopping. Maybe he is irritable and snaps at people more.
-Rob realizes that he has feelings for his number one fan and is determined to find them.
-he either comes across letters that Herman wrote, but never sent after he finds out robs identity, or Herman says something that triggers a thought and Rob figures it out.
17.) Oblivious Beta- Herman is a beta and has no idea that the team (or single ship) is feening for him. Has the potential to be smutty
*Bonus points*
-Herm is actively being courted and has no idea.
-he is aware of what they are doing, but truly doesn't think it means the same thing when it's towards a beta.
-gets hit on/courted by other people and the team (or ship) gets jealous and possessive.
-Aggressive scenting. Especially if he smells like someone else. Herm still gets embarrassed, even though he doesn't think it means the same for him, it doesn't change the fact that it's still a lot of physical touch. Extra points if the team complains about getting wet and gets offended when Herm brings up that they don't have to scent him.
18.) High pain tolerance- Herman didn't have an easy life and as a result of that he has a ridiculously high pain tolerance.
*Bonus points*
-if he gets really beat up or seriously hurt and walks around like it's nothing.
-or he gets kidnapped and tortured in front of the team and he barely reacts. Which concerns the team a lot.
19.) interrogation & torture- This idea was inspired by fanart I saw online where Herm was a villain named Water Board. However I would like this to happen while he is a hero. The team catches the perp and they try interrogating them. No one is able to get any useful info out of them not even Coupe. So Waterboy volunteers to try. The team begrudgingly agrees, openly making bets on if he succeeds. He walks in and just stares and keeps quiet.
I'm imagining that he puts a knee between the perps legs almost straddling them on the chair they are tied to. Herm isn't doing this in a suggestive way, but others might think otherwise, especially the perp. The team is joking that he's going in the seduction route. Maybe someone comments more on it since they already tried seducing them.
Herm cups the perps face and lifts it up to look at him, herm towering above the person on the chair. And just when the target opens their mouth to make some snarky comment. Waterboy just throws up a constant torrent of water in the victims mouth basically water boarding them. Maybe forcing their mouth open when they try closing it. Successful getting the info they need out of them after a few sessions.
*Bonus points* Alternate version
-If you want to make it more suggestive have him force water through mouth to mouth in a kiss. At first the team doesn't understand what's actually happening since all they see is the kiss. But once Herm comes up to breathe the perp turns their head and throws up a bunch of water. Herm calmly (he still stutters and looks almost kind) asks for the info they need and the victim still doesn't answer, but it's clear they are wavering. So Herm continues, practically having a full blown make out session while forcing more water down their throat.
Eventually the perp caves and spills their guts (both literally and figuratively). Waterboy pats their face and thanks them softly, maybe even apologizes to them at the end. He walks back to the team like nothing and proudly tells them the info. The team is actually stunned while Herm tries to stutter through the info. If a ship is involved the person he's paired with thought that was the hottest thing they have ever seen. If a polycule then the whole team is hot, bothered and jealous.
20.) miscommunication- Herman accidentally overhears Robert say something about him, taking it the wrong way. He tries to distance himself from Robert thinking he is doing what's right
*Bonus points*
-Robert has no idea that Herm heard him and is legitimately hurt that Herman has distanced himself from him.
-like I want Robert to be clueless on what's happening with Herm.
-Herm isn't rude, but keeps it professional with Rob
-Herm is more open with everyone else and it's obvious that Robs the odd man out.
-if even the team gets uncomfortable with the change, not liking any of it.
Ok that's all I have for now! If you made it this far I'm truly impressed, cause this was longer than the last post. Thanks for sticking with me all the way to the end!
