#tbou

[persisting]

More of the yet untitled prequel thing to The Bones of You/Prime Divide universe (wherein Jason comes to live in Wayne Manor with Bruce and Dick several years before Dick becomes Nightwing, among other things.)

[snowlikeash]

Cassandra Wayne is seen sporting vintage pearl earrings, courtesy of Martha Wayne. Bruce Wayne has stated he’s been repurposing the pearls his mother wore for the women in his life — “they (the pearls) deserve to be worn again.”

[samtickin]

You Make Me 🌅

twitter | instagram

[a-bang-for-your-bucky]

TBOU Chapter 6: Eclipse Of The Heart

chapter 5

The Best Of Us: Eclipse Of The Heart

Summary: You try to deal with the fallout from the failed reveal party. Santiago tries to prove to you and his friends that he's not a complete fuck up.

Warnings: Pregnancy talk, explicit language (if you are here and you are a minor, please DNI.), ANGST.

A/N: Shout out to my bestie for letting me write her into my little world. I love you @mylifeisactuallyamess 😘

When you left the Morales home, you knew you didn't want to go back to your apartment. Instead, you drove to your best friend's house in the next town over. You were already planning on going after the party, to tell her the news in person. You pulled into her driveway, thanking God, her car was there. You threw your old jeep into park and hopped out.

You rang the doorbell, waiting patiently for someone to answer. You were greeted by her husband, Thomas. "I'm sorry to stop by unannounced." You apologized. You were sure you looked crazy. Your eyes were red, and puffy, makeup smeared, and your hair was no longer done perfectly.

"That's alright. You know you are always welcome here." He said as he ushered you inside. "Honey!" He yelled for his wife. Sami rounded the corner, coming out of the kitchen. She took one look at your disheveled state and she knew.

She didn't have to say anything as she wrapped you in a tight hug. You couldn't help but sob into her shoulder. You vaguely heard Thomas excuse himself over your cries. Separating from the hug, the two of you walked to the couch and had a seat.

"Wanna tell me about it?" Sami asked you when your cries settled down. You wiped the tears away, taking deep, shaky breaths. "Whenever you're ready." She added, as Thomas came back into the room with a tray carrying snacks and a pot for tea. He took a spot on the sofa arm next to Sami.

You didn't know where to begin. Of course, She knew about the arrangement with Santi. She told you it was a bad idea and begged you not to go through with it. You didn't listen to her and looked where that got you.

"I guess I should start with I'm pregnant." You revealed. Sami's eyes went wide. "It's Santi's." You quickly added.

"Who is Santi?" Thomas questioned with a raise of his brow.

"My best friend." You replied with a simple answer.

Thomas nodded, "So, you got pregnant by your best friend?" He questioned again, still lost with the whole situation.

"No!" Sami interjected, "I'm her best friend. Santi is a moron." You couldn't help but laugh at her bluntness. You knew she didn't mean anything ill towards you.

"I can't lay all the blame on him though." You sighed. "You know we fought more than anything, and then we'd make up. I just couldn't do it anymore. Then Bam." You clapped your hands together, "I'm pregnant."

You continued to explain everything leading up to the fact that Santi showed up to your pregnancy reveal party with another woman. Sami was livid. "So, now I am actively avoiding my house, and was wondering if I could crash with you for a day or two?" You gave her your best puppy dog eyes, knowing she wouldn't say no.

"Yes, of course." She agreed. She quickly turned the conversation back to your pregnancy. "So, how are you feeling? Have you gone to the doctor? Is everything okay?"

You nodded, "Everything is great. I'm about 10 weeks along. Dr. Coleman says I'm right on track." It was all surreal, even now. How you ended up here, in this moment, without Santiago broke your heart. You wanted him here, but you had barely even processed what happened today.

As the day came to an end, you laid in the guest room, watching your phone screen. You had at least ten missed calls from Santi. Benny had called, too. That one, you answered. He apologized for his behavior. He wanted you to know that he was more than excited to be uncle Benny. The wave of relief that washed over you after the phone call with Benny made it easy for you to fall fast asleep.

Frankie told him to give you space, but he couldn't. You were having his baby and Santiago needed to talk to you. After the tenth call went unanswered, he finally conceded.

Santiago let himself into your apartment, carrying in bags of baby stuff. Benny and Will came in behind him carrying the crib. Santi had to beg for Ben's forgiveness. Once he told him his plan and that you and the baby were his only focus, Benny reluctantly gave in. You wanted to turn your spare room into a nursery. The two of you stayed up many nights discussing themes and designs. Santi made sure to make note of everything you wanted.

"The Lion King '' was your favorite movie as a kid, and when you found the baby items with the baby Simba and Nala designs, you lost it. Santi promised you he would get it for you. He already broke your heart, he didn't want to break anything else. That included his promises.

The Millers offered to stay and help set up, but Santiago declined, wanting, needing, to do this himself. He positioned the crib sideways, in the corner. A changing table by the window. The nightstand held a cute little night light that doubled as a rain/ocean sound player.

He hoped you liked it. He wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t. He wanted to stay once his work was finished, but he knew you didn’t want to see him. He cleaned up his mess, and left your apartment, locking up behind himself.

What was supposed to be a surprise visit to your best friend to announce your pregnancy, ended with you staying all weekend at Sami's. You unfortunately had to return to your apartment on Sunday. As a writer, you needed your computer. You loved your job, but at this moment, you wanted to hate it. The thought of returning home, where you more than likely conceived your child with Santiago, the thought of him with that woman on his arm, made you sick. It made your stomach knot up. You didn't want Benny to be right about him; Your relationship with Santi was different. You thought he would be different with you. At least now, you finally had an answer to Ben's question. No. No, you did not trust Santiago Garcia with your heart.

Begrudgingly, you said goodbye to Sami and Thomas, overly thanking them for their hospitality. "Stop thanking us. You are always welcome here. You and little peanut." She told you. You smiled at her sincerity. Benny was going to be happy that his nickname was catching on. "You call me if you need anything, okay? I will be right there." She added before giving you a tight hug.

You squeezed back, just as hard. "I will hold you to that. I need someone to decorate a nursery with!" You smiled, but deep down, it hurt your heart knowing you wouldn't do that with Santi.

Pulling into the parking lot of your building, a wave of panic washed over you. You didn't know if you were ready for this. Walking through your front door meant having to face what you ran from. With a deep sigh, you slumped out of your car, dragging your feet to your door. With a turn of your key, it opened. You couldn't wait to take a hot shower and crawl into your bed. You made your way to your room, passing by the spare room.

Something caught your attention out of the corner of your eye. You stopped in your tracks to do a double take. You flipped the light switch, a soft yellow glow emitted from the ceiling. You couldn't believe it. Your dream nursery was right in front of you. Down to the art hung on the wall, everything was there. Santiago, you knew it had to have been him. You walked up to the crib, looking in. There laid a note, written in chicken scratch that could only be identified as Santiago's hand writing. You read the note, tears trickling down your cheeks. You wanted to call him, thank him, have him come over, but you couldn't. You couldn't bring yourself to dial his number.

You went to bed that night with tears in your eyes and Santiago on your mind. You did your best to get back to business as usual. You wrote your article, submitting it long before your deadline. You, Ben, and Kayla had dinner. You even met up with Will. He was having a hard time with his break up, especially with Anna being pregnant. You spent a whole month doing everything in your power to avoid Santiago Garcia.

"Trick or treat!" You yelled through the door, knocking loudly as well. Benny answered in his own costume, dressed as Jack Skellington. Kayla rounded the corner dressed as Sally. "How cute are you two!?" You exclaimed, crossing their threshold. Halloween came quickly as your first trimester came to an end. Benny had asked you to come to his house to give out candy, while they went to a Halloween party at the hospital Kayla worked at. You happily agreed, seeing as you wouldn't be doing anything other than watching scary movies.

You decided not to dress up, just to wear a jack-o-lantern shirt with the face strategically placed over your ever growing bump. "We really appreciate you doing this, doll." Benny thanked you, placing a soft hand on your belly. "Thank you, too, little peanut." You and Kayla both smiled at Benny's softness.

"Alright, alright. Go! Have fun, you party animals." You all but shooed them out the door. Kayla stopped and turned to you.

"Make yourself at home! There's snacks in the kitchen, and extra candy hidden in the pantry." She whispered to you so Benny couldn't hear. You gave her a quick hug and promised you would leave her some.

It was about 530, and it was just starting to get dark. You knew the kids would start coming around soon. You set up your candy station and made yourself a snack.

The doorbell rang. You shot up, excited to see all the different costumes. You opened the door to reveal Santiago, dressed as Gomez Addams. You forgot you were supposed to be his Morticia. "Hey." He said nervously, with a hand rubbing the back of his head.

"Um, hi. How did you--" You trailed off, still in shock that he was in front of you. You hadn't seen him since the failed reveal party. You had come back from Sami's to see that your guest room had been transformed into a beautiful nursery. You knew Santi had done it because he had left you a note. You wanted to reach out, but your broken heart outweighed your mind.

"Benny let it slip that you would be doing candy duty for him. I thought I'd offer my help? If you want it." The look on his face told you everything.

You nodded, letting him inside. "I couldn't fit into my dress." You joked, trying to lighten the mood. He looked down, where you had your hands resting on your little bump. His eyes grew wide, his hands twitching by his side. You knew what he wanted. You gestured to your belly. "You wanna? They aren't quite big enough to feel move yet, though."

Santiago’s eyes met yours. "Are you sure?" He asked cautiously. He didn't want to overstep.

"It's your baby, too." You reminded him, not that he ever forgot. You watched as Santi slowly raised his hand, his fingers spreading apart as he splayed it across your growing tummy.

"This, this is magical. I didn't think- I mean I thought-" Santi choked on his words, trying not cry. He thought for sure you would never talk to him again, let alone give him the option to touch you again, even in the slightest manner. You brought your own hand up to cover his.

"My personal feelings for you will never affect the relationship you have with our child." You looked up, to meet his eyes. To your surprise, they were saddened even more at your words.

You hated him, he knew it. Of course you did. What he did to you was unforgivable. He hates himself for it. He would spend forever trying to make up for his mistake, if you would let him. He wanted to apologize, drop down to his aching knees and beg for your forgiveness, but the doorbell rang. The chattering of children and their parents could be heard. "Let's give out this candy!" Santiago said in fake excitement. His apology would have to wait.

Tags: @mylifeisactuallyamess , @pedritomando , @leannawithacapitala , @440mxs-wife , @swordandstar, @thereadingsofahopelessromantic, @emmy626 , @prettylilhalforc , @dailyreverie @aria725 @diaryofkali @bodapenguin @lazyunknownwerewolf @phoenixofthevalley @xoxabs88xox

@shakespeareanwannabe @itspdameronthings

[angelsaxis]

Even though I very rarely talk about them on here, I really should explain more about Richard, Valentine, and Zinnia. I think part of the reason I do less of this is because it's a contemporary adult romance setting and lots of people who follow me by now know that I do fantasy more (hence TYC).

Richard is a gay concept artist and/or character designer living in New York, Zinnia as well. They're best friends and they met through work, and Richard is the more chaotic act first/think second of the two. Always on the move, he's working two jobs because the viddy game one isn't sustaining him (he also works at best buy as a truck loader).

Richard has a roommate that's barely in the apartment and when he is he kinda ghosts around. Then he disappears one day and he doesn't come back and rent is due and then it's due again and Richard is like. Pissed off esp since the guys alive he's just not responsible. Zinnia lives with her cousin in another apartment a few blocks away.

Val at this point is houseless and living on the street. Val and Richard meet through a mutual aid app where basically someone with means (whatever that may mean for Richard) helps out someone without any means.

Several pieces fall into place. Richards roommate leaves and now he's responsible for all his rent. An hourly job as a member of geek squad opens up at best buy and Richards annoying manager is a sucker for anything military. And global warming has created harsh winter blizzards and one is coming.

What do you know Valentine's a vet who majored in compsci and knows about computers and also needs an apartment to stay in and a job.

So Richard hounds his manager to hire Valentine and he gets the job. Now he's off the street, has a roof over his head even if it's a kinda shitty NY apartment. But also he's clearly a v quiet and reserved guy (terribly shy around new people).

But as the weather warms up they get warmer w each other and then they're pretty decent friends. Val gets poached by a guy at best buy and now he's got a much better paying salaried job. He's also started to develop feelings for Richard but he still thinks he's straight.

Richard has a dog that they both do initial bonding over. Her name is Clancy. Val has nightmares that Clancy wakes him up from.

Val and Zinnia also become closer friends cause they both have the same sense of humor and zinnia is genuinely just a nice person. She's the one to convince Val to get therapy since you know, he's got health insurance now so he might as well use it.

I'll probably continue in a reblog bc I forgot u can't do readmores on mobile

[mydaystan]

if you plan on listening to the book of us : negentropy on repeat all day and for the rest of your life or at least week/month/year, clap your hands 👏👏

[whatbutandreil]

"ignore him," ally said quickly, flapping a hand at alexander, "alexander's whole thing is like 'he's a nightmare' sooooo..."

-

here's a little painting of my oc alexander!! he's one of the main characters in the book im currently writing! he's a fucked up mess and i feel terrible abt making him that way, but i love him with my whole heart i promise. you can go follow my Instagram for more of my art it's really appreciated!!!

-

also, i recently hit 700 followers!!! thank you for all of your support and i love interacting with you guys! im still taking drawing requests btw!! requests are open to aftg & my ocs and you can send them as asks!! summer holiday has started for me and i now have a ton of free time to complete your requests, so send them on in!! you can send as many as you'd like, so don't be shy!!! thank you again for 700 and i can't wait to see your great ideas!!

-

my ocs: The Group (the Group is all best friends with each other, but here is some background on their stronger relationships)

Alexander

James (Alexander's best friend and boyfriend)

Ally

Violet (Ally's girlfriend)

Danny (giant crush on blair)

Blair (painfully oblivious to Danny's crush)

Cormac (the biggest crush on Alexander but Alexander couldn't care less)

-

🚫DO NOT USE MY CHARACTERS OR THEIR STORIES IN ANY WAY (art, writing, edits, ect) WITHOUT MY PERMISSION FIRST. ESPECIALLY IF YOU USE THEIR IMAGE AND STORY FOR YOUR OWN OC. DONT FUCKING DO IT

[snowlikeash]

The rooms were simple and sumptuous at once; everything was of the finest quality, the draped colors muted to browns and yellows and deep greens. High pile carpet allowed bare feet to sink into it as if into fresh loam. It was a comforting place with a comforting smell, incense clinging to the curtains. At this hour, moonlight drenched the room with white-blue light. Here was Ra's al Ghul's public study, where his finest pupils were allowed to approach him.

Bruce leaned against the door, feeling unstrung. He was too tired to mind his posture. All he remembered to do was lower his eyes.

"Ustadh," he said, voice crackling like his throat was raw. It was. He had been weeping.

From a sunken section of the floor, Ra's observed his guest. His eyes, a clear glass-green, were questioning at first, then softened.

"Mahzun," he said, sadly, leaning back in the divan he was sitting in. "Come to me."

Shoving himself off the doorframe, Bruce slunk forward like a wounded dog. He collapsed on his knees in front of Ra's, his forehead bowed deeply, almost touching Ra's knees.

A ringed hand rested on Bruce's head, then pushed through his hair, a soothing motion.

"Habibi," said Ra's, with a gentle voice. "I am sorry. I had to be sure."

Bruce flinched. It hurt to know this man, that he trusted, that he believed in, would inflict harm on him like this.