explaining my lu bodyswap au as sentences that refused to leave my head while i was writing but also didn't fit into the story (some of these may not be in character at all fair warning lol):
1. legend took a deep breath, trying to rid himself of the panic that had been growing ever since he woke up in this body. a child's body. he had spent too long suffering because people had viewed him as "only a child", he would not- dins fucking fire was that a ghost?!
2. "heyyy..." wind whined, grabbing warriors' shoulder. it was surprisingly easy, now that he was in a body that was all tall and grown up. "wars? why is your body bleeding?"
3. twilight had expected warriors to hate being in his body. after all, it was everything the so-called "pretty boy" seemed to scoff at. but wars seemed strangely, overwhelmingly, happy?? as for twilight himself, he was... out of his depth. he hated relying on magic, but this body he was stuck in buzzed with it. and it's not that sky's body wasn't strong, but it ran out of stamina after fifty feet of running, for goddess sake. no, that wouldn't do at all.
4. sky had so much energy. he didn't feel like sleeping or resting at all, but instead his legs itched to run and to climb up trees and over mountains. it was like he had taken a blast of..... wait, was that insensitive?
5. wild hurt everywhere. he didn't want to move at all, in fact. every part of his new body screamed in pain as he sat up with a grimace. "how the fuck do you live like this, vet?" legend gave a tired smile in response from across the camp. "practice, and lots of healing rings."
6. as soon as hyrule woke up, he knew something was wrong. his body was too big and heavy, and oh goddess he couldn't even see out of one eye. what happened??? as he began to panic, magic more powerful than any he had ever felt spilled out of him uncontrollably. he looked up to find that nothing else was moving - in fact, time of all sorts seemed to have stopped. "..... what the hell???"
7. time awoke and immediately knew that he was in a different body. that was not too uncommon of an occurrence for him, but what was deeply wrong was the way that the buzz of magic on one side of his face that persisted in every form no matter what had vanished. in fact, as he flexed his fingers, he realized with a spark of panic that none of the magic he should have was still present. as he searched, though, what he did find was a magic nestled within his own mind. "hey! you finally found us!" a voice from within cheered, and groaning, time had to fight the urge to just ignore it and go back to sleep.
8. when four opened his eyes, he realized that it was quiet. that was... strange, unsettlingly so. when he poked the new well of magic that sat inside of him seemingly in the place of the voices, the taste of copper rose in his throat and his hands took on an almost imperceptible glow. oh. well, fuck.
Ugh i have so many stupid fic ideas that I dont have the energy to write because college and work are kicking my fucking ass to hell and back rn. so I'm gonna write them here for folks to enjoy.
• Robert experiencing side effects from getting electrocuted and then being in a coma for 4 months, and then being tortured by Coupé/Sonar and Shroud, and then the final battle, and literally everything else that happens.
↑ I'd love a fic of Robert, after everything, suddenly having all the physical and mental traumas catch up to him. Him having migraines and struggling with motor function, sometimes, and having memory issues, having the muscular atrophy catch up to him, having his chronic pain make itself known. Despite it, despite all the issues that are catching up to him, his team helps him out. They help take care of him, even when he tries to push through it.
↑ Love the idea of the z-team helping him in subtle ways. Flambae making sure he actually does his stretches, PT exercises, and making sure he doesn't push himself too hard at the gym. Sonar getting him weed, "it's not laced dude don't worry, i tested it", for his pain when he says he doesn't want to be on opioids again. Punch Up helping him crack his back and not injure himself terribly. Visi getting him treats, Blazer getting him heated/weighted blankets for his apartment, et cetera.
• Some fuckass villain shifts the weather in SoCal, somehow, and makes it snow. In fact, they make it blizzard. Robert doesn't have heating in his apartment. He asks Chase to watch Beef, not saying why, exactly, just saying that the concrete floors get cold and he doesn't want Beef being cold.
↑ Flambae figures out the dumb bitch doesn't have heating, and basically kidnaps him and forces him to spend the night at his and Prism's apartment. Robert is quietly very thankful for it, because he doesn't exactly have a blanket at home, or really anything to cover up. He has a jacket that, isn't exactly built for snow.
↑ Flambae makes Robert share a bed with him. "No, you're not sleeping on the FLOOR, bitch. My bed is big enough." And if they wake up cuddled together, nobody else has to know, Robert blames it on the cold. And Flambae's cats stare at them, silently judging their owner's choice in men. (I hc he has two cats, and they're named Razi and Rikuo.)
• poly z-team, SDN hosting a celebration for the return of Mecha Man and celebrating him joining their company. I can imagine other branches trying to convince Mecha Man to leave Torrence and join their branch, and then seeing the Z-Team standing ominously behind him and slowly backing off. Robert wouldn't have left Torrence, anyway. He likes being able to switch between being Mecha Man and Dispatching on the days he can't be in the field. And he likes it there, in general.
↑ I think Robert would be a bit. Worried. About Z-Team wreaking havoc at the party. He's pleasantly surprised when they stay mostly calm. At least, until someone, shockingly nobody on the z-team, adds alcohol into the drinks. And then everything gets a little chaotic. They kinda just get loud.
• Robert having hearing problems from the explosion. They're not really noticeable, at first, but his left ear has significantly less hearing than his right. I dont think even he notices at first, until someone starts saying something while he has a headphone over his right ear, and he realizes he can barely make out what they're saying.
↑ Visi, going on some tangent, and then seeing Robert move out of her periphery. He touches his ear, and then turns to her and asks her to say something. "Uh. Something." And he deadpans at her. "What?? You asked me to say something! So I said something-"
"I think I'm deaf in this ear."
"..."
And she drags his ass kicking and screaming to the infirmary to get his hearing checked and- yeah. He's not quite deaf, just pretty hard of hearing. Chase laughs at him, because even he hasn't lost his hearing yet, and Robert calls him old. Brothers.
↑ Robert gets voluntold to get a hearing aid for when he's dispatching, and he gets built-in hearing aids for his mask when he's in the field. He's not very happy about it, but he kind of needs to hear.
• Flambae and Prism being besties. Prism cramping and making Flambae cuddle with her so she can use him as a heating pad lmao. He doesn't even mind, they can both scroll instagram reels and send each other videos in silence.
↑ I think they'd be pretty affectionate friends. Holding hands, being close to each other in general. I can also see some civvie mistaking them for a couple, and Flambae just pulls Robert over and kisses him on the mouth. Especially if they're on the field, and the headlines go crazy. "Flambae and Mecha Man: Enemies to Lovers!!???"
↑ Better if its poly z-team too, so the press is confused on WHO on the Z-Team Mecha Man is dating, because theres so many paparazzi pictures of him kissing almost everyone on the team, AND Blonde Blazer.
your boyfriend tries to teach you that 'no' is a complete sentence
A Lifetime Ago
when your mentor goes away on a mission with Batman, you're ecstatic to finally be working with Robin. the only problem? he really seems to hate you
Amidst The Fading Sunlight (NSFW)
when Jason finds a pair of handcuffs hanging from your bed, you never expect it to turn into the two of you tangled in the fading sunlight
At The Same Damn Time (NSFW)
you get punished for making jason and roy jealous
Breaking and Entering
he accidentally comes home in full superhero garb and now he has to think of a clever way to explain himself without revealing his identity
Chilling Out
during a party at Wayne manor, you have a panic attack, but Jason knows just how to help you
Chronic Illness Comfort
how they act with their chronically ill partner
Different Kind of Hero
when you faint, the hot paramedic is there to save the day. the only problem? he's kind of an asshole
Drive Me Crazy!
the small things he does that drive you wild before you start dating
Drunk In Love
no one takes better care of you while drunk than him
Emergency Contact
when your current boyfriend abandons you with nothing but your phone, he's the first person you call
Finders, Keepers (NSFW)
slasher! au where you'll do anything to live & Jason intends to make good on that
Fist Fight
your boyfriend reacts to you getting into a fight
Frost and Flush
the way you compliment your boyfriend always makes his heart stop
Harness Your Hopes
when you fall into a depressive episode, he'll do whatever he can to help you feel better
Just Dance
your lame boyfriend won't dance with you? no problem, your best friend is always willing to fill in
Just Friends
he says you're just friends, but when he catches you with someone else, he can't bear it
Just Like That
your boyfriend refusing to dance with you was a wake up call—it's time to come home to the man you truly love (or, you break up with your boyfriend for them)
Late Night Comfort (NSFW)
somnophillia
Leaping Into The Light
he sees your old self-harm scars
Location
you send them your location and stop answering your phone. panic ensues
Meet The Waynes
When Jason brings you to meet his family, he expects awkwardness and prying questions. What he doesn't expect? You to bond with the youngest Wayne sibling
Mistletoe Memories
after a gruelling day of Christmas shopping, Jason rewards you by taking pics in a photobooth
Need (NSFW)
the ways in which your boyfriend makes himself feel like he’s in control again
Never Let Me Go
after an argument with Jason, you're left to fend for yourself outside of a bar
Nothing Else Matters
in the throes of appendicitis-induced pain, you make one crucial mistake: forgetting to tell your boyfriend that you're going into surgery
Press Pause
stopping him during sex for something silly
Pollenated (NSFW)
when your boyfriend gets exposed to something on patrol, you're the only one who can help him
Redtribution
Jason seeks justice for you after you get assaulted
Royalty Treatment
your feet start hurting while you're out, so he comes up with a way to fix that
Stay A While
you’ve always been one to suffer in silence, shutting yourself in your apartment for the duration of your episodes. but Jason Todd doesn’t want to sit idly by and watch you suffer alone, even if it annoys you
Take Me Home
they find out you've been living in your car
Ten Minutes
Jason is tired of your stubbornness always leading to injury
This Unruly Mess I've Made
in your mind, Jason Todd and the Red Hood are entirely different people, but when he comes over after patrol one night, the lines start to blur
☆˚.⋆ Blurbs:
jason saves your life
jason watches a horror movie with you
jason hides the calories on your food
☆˚.⋆ Headcanons:
Passing Out From A Fever (ft. Dick, Jason, Tim and Wally)
Valentine's Day HCs (ft. Bruce, Dick, Jason, Tim, Steph, Cass, Duke & Damian)
Touch Starved Best Friend (ft. Dick, Jason & Tim)
Camping Headcanons (ft. Dick, Jason, Tim and Wally)
Valentine's Day Headcanons (ft. Dick, Jason, Tim, Wally & Kon-El)
Volume Down (ft. Dick, Jason, Tim and Wally)
Rivals w/ Jason Todd
Don't Impress Me Much (ft. Dick, Jason, Tim and Wally)
read your post on steam engine and poppers and i have to ask. any thoughts that all three of them would like in the bedroom? no pressure if u dont want to answer it just that herm's big dick is haunting me
oh i absolutely do want to answer thank you for this platform. herm’s big dick haunts me too it’s okay <3
speaking of which. dick size hcs. i’m fond of t4t4t steam engine but my default for them specifically is all cis. i know i know i’m sorry. anyway robert is a solid 4 inches, medium thickness. small dick robert is real to me. flambae is 5.5, says he’s 6, but thick. not quite beer can but he’s got Meat. now waterboy is absolutely packing it’s basically canon have you seen that boy’s bulge. he’s 8.5-9, medium thickness but leaning skinnier, probably has a little curve to it
herman is a switch because i love pathetic subtop herm but i also love useless big dick herm getting spitroasted by his boyfriends soooo. switch. he’s pretty exclusively sub though; he only leans dom if robert is telling him to in some way dom flambae
chad/zahir likes to talk a big game. he’s the brattiest brat to ever brat. he loves to be submissive but he has to be wrestled into it because he refuses to relinquish control. i think he actually bottoms the most out of the three of them
robert doesn’t really mind what position he’s in but he Will be domming 9 times out of 10. after so much in his life has gone to shit it’s nice to feel like he’s in control of something for once.
i think it’s actually kinkier at the beginning of their relationship when they’re all still kind of hesitant to show genuine/consistent affection (zahir bc it’s a weakness, herm bc he doesn’t want to overstep, robert bc he figures it can’t last). herm got a Lot of practical experience in a short amount of time for kinks he’d never been able to execute on his own/at his grandma’s house. watersports included. cmon guys you know it’s happening.
i do believe that herman is a secret kinkster. he doesn’t have the irl experience but he knows what he likes and constantly surprises his partners with the absolute filth he shares with them (even if it does take him a while to get it out) (but it’s almost More of a turn-on for them to watch him spill through stammers). there’s definitely aspects of corruption kink for all of them with this.
flambae’s never been totally satisfied with his hook-ups, even though he’s got plenty of experience. he’s mortified to discover that apparently, his perfect partners are a depressed normie and a shivering drippy sighthound
yes, they do hero roleplay. they do all permutations of hero/villain/civilian identity porn but their collective favorite is rob as mecha man and the others as new heroes or civilians. you can’t tell me flambae was not into mecha man after that fight. and waterboy’s gay awakening was realizing that his fanboying over mecha man was not (just) about wanting to be a hero like him. so they have fun playing around with that, and it absolutely does wonders for robert’s ego to have his partners thirsting over him both in and out of the suit.
herman has hyperspermia and a terrible gag reflex. he makes up for the latter with his enthusiasm—and robert’s cock is actually the perfect size for him to be able to take more than he usually can. the former is actually incredible for flambae’s possession kink. he loves marking and being marked (hickeys, cum, piss). sorry i just had the image of zahir and robert sucking herm off and sharing his cum between kisses i need a minute.
okay anyway. robert has chronic pain and fatigue and herm is hypermobile w joint pain so they have to be more careful during sex. their (waterproof) mattress has an extra layer of cushioning for support and robert’s usually got a body pillow under him. they’ll always throw a pillow down for herm’s knees too. they have to check in more frequently because both of them are bad at noticing when their body is protesting and so need someone else to remind them to pay attention. one of the aforementioned villain roleplays involved herm being tied up and he didn’t realize until he was untied that his shoulder had been dislocated the whole time. he just popped it back in bc it happens all the time for him but his boyfriends are Deeply protective about it. zahir accidentally blows the windows out of the break room out of embarrassment after alice catches him researching safer bondage practices at lunch.
Cough cough could I ask for some curt and rod hc? There's so little content with them I'm starving </3
Nsfw ones too... if possible
there is, I think my earlier post is one of like 4 things in the tag 😭 and I got you, they're under the cut 👀
Curt & Rod Headcanons
say it with me now: 🗣️ CURT IS A CANON MOMMA'S BOY
cuddle piles!! sometimes against your will as they decide you need a break and flop onto you, using their full weight to keep you from going anywhere
you can fluster both, but it takes work. Usually it takes you being sucrose sweet and sincere to make them actually bashful
Curt sleep talks and Rod snores. sorry not sorry but they totally do
they physically cannot stop making noise, even in sleep
WILL hold things above your head, and if you're a similar height or taller they'll toss it back and forth to keep it out of your reach
self care and hair days!! they both take a lot of pride in how they look so they're down for an evening in to pamper each other (not without teasing of course)
(they both about died laughing seeing each other in the face masks that have animals on them)
neither will say it but they're both suckers for seeing you in their clothes
it just feels so sweet and domestic that they don't know what to do with themselves (this manifests into teasing you and calling you a clothes thief)
cute agreesionnnnn, they wanna just squeeze your cheeks forever
Curt is half an inch taller than Rod, but Rod is petty and wears shoes that have extra thick soles so he's an inch and a half taller than Curt and gaslights him into thinking he's the taller one
and then will use this "fact" in an argument
I hope you're decisive because you will have to pick sides. often.
no hard feelings for either, but they will get pouty if you take ones side more often than the other
NOSY AF
you're going out? where? the store, which one? what are you buying? can we have some?
will steal food off of your plate if they want a bite and wont ask first (Rod is more likely but Curt isn't innocent)
good luck hiding presents or getting them a surprise gift
Curt is a chronic looker at presents, even since he was a kid. he's unwrap them and then re-wrap them
Rod doesn't surprisingly, but he's always asking what you're doing and where you're going so it's still a pain to hide a secret
while they're still objects, they get anxious whenever you're in a room they're not in or if you're out of the house - they're more stationary objects, and so they do tend to stress when you're out of one of their sights
if you leave the house while they're still objects, they're glued to the road waiting to be the first to spot your car coming back home
NSFW headcanons:
they're mean; they like to tease a LOT
the shade doesn't end when it's time for the bedroom, it just transforms into dirty talk
the two of them do not be quiet
they will sometimes talk to each other rather than you, a "man, did you see that? they're so excited for us" "I don't know, I think they can get a little louder"
Curt is usually the first to cave to you though, especially when you start begging
Rod wants to see you whine and tear up a little first
like fighting for who's in charge, the back and forth REALLY gets them going if you try to initiate or take control
but they will fight back - the push and pull is something they're excited about
the only way to really win is to turn them against each other;
it usually goes with you teaming up with Rod first, having Curt be the one who is the subject of your guys's attention
then after he is thoroughly exhausted, catching Rod off guard by teaming up with Curt to help him either get his revenge or to "help"
then you win with both boys being exhausted and putty under your fingertips
What is the most fluff sweet-rots-teeth Flambert hc you have? I need to read something sweet today, this day sucks
The sweetest ones I have is just the ones involving them cuddling
Obviously, I’ve always been a proponent of Flambae being Robert’s heated, weighted blanket. There’s the benefits to his body, yes, due to chronic pain. It also just reminds him of being in the suit but better. Like, when Flambae’s completely over him, it’s cramped and dark and hot, just like the suit. But then there’s Flambae’s heartbeat, all the subtle movements of his body. Robert is starved for affection and this is great. We also can’t forget that he loves playing with Flambae’s hair, and my pal @skeletordidntdieforthis (yes, I’m calling you out) has me convinced he likes Flambae’s smell, too. So, winning situation
On Flambae’s end, he’s never really gotten to cuddle before. Not the way he wants to. His partners would always get too hot or were even outright skittish because they thought Flambae would burn them. And—I mean this in the nicest way—he’s also heavy. Most people don’t like his weight on them, so he’s always the one underneath or to the side
But Robert? That man has shit circulation. He is constantly cold, almost always with his jacket. And because of his time in the suit, he doesn’t give two shits about being hot and sweaty for long periods of time. If Flambae wants to go “on fuego” on his lap, Robert is not calling uncle
And that coldness is nice for Flambae, too. Doesn’t let his own temperature rise high. Keeps him at a gooey warmness
Robert is extremely confident Flambae won’t burn him. Like, he touches the actively combusting Flambae that’s how confident he is. So, when Flambae’s calm? Yeah, there’s no fear
And I’ve already mentioned that the weight is a feature for Robert, not a problem. At the same time, he also doesn’t mind whatever position Flambae wrangles him into. Whatever Flambae is feeling is what they do because all Robert wants is to be near him, everything else in a bonus
Robert doesn’t initiate. Even when his pain is bad, he just won’t. But there is hardly ever a time and place where he’ll refuse Flambae. Even in public. If Flambae is shameless enough to plop down on Robert’s lap or hug him from behind or even tackle him, Robert has none, either. He is beyond the age to care, and like I said, touch-starvation
I’m sorry this is all I can give you. I’m really not cut out for fluff 😖
Well, here’s a little collection of fics I’ve come across featuring older women characters (either explicitly stated, or just written in a way that reads older to me) who feel beautifully shaped by their experiences.
This is such a niche I absolutely love diving into. There’s something about this dynamic that just hits different. The lived-in confidence. The history. The emotional awareness. The way their interactions feel layered— not just flirtation or tension, but experience meeting experience. I wish I had better words to describe why it feels juicier, richer, more grounded. Honestly, I think it’s one of those things you only fully understand once you read it yourself. There’s a weight and texture to these relationships that I can’t get enough of!
I will forever be on the Older!Reader agenda. I’m committed. I’m riding this train indefinitely.
So here’s the collection I’ve gathered so far under this niche! And here’s to hopefully stumbling across even more, because I genuinely love finding stories that let women be seasoned, complex, and fully realised.
And if you’ve got recommendations? You already know I’m all ears.
Massive shoutout to @cafekitsune for the dividers I'm obsessed with.
Key: A - Angst | F - Fluff | S - Smut | C - Comfort | HC - Hurt/Comfort
Joel Miller | The Last of Us:
> As It Always Was by @mirrormauve
Tags: One Shot, HC
Word Count: 6.9k
Description: Joel wants you to come live in Jackson. With him, maybe. But you are stubborn.
> Notes in the Dark by @pandapetals
Tags: One Shot F
Word Count: 1k
Description: Joel always thought he was the musical one with his guitar, until he comes home to find you at the piano, singing softly. It’s a hidden talent you’d never shared before, and the moment leaves him awestruck, falling even harder as music becomes something you can share together.
> Sunset on The Fenceline by @/pandapetals
Tags: 18+ MDNI, One Shot, F + S
Word Count: 11k
Description: In a world still haunted by old dangers, Joel and you have built a quiet life together on a farm outside Jackson. Between playful banter, shared chores, and tender moments by firelight, they hold tightly to the love they fought so hard to find.
> The Band Plays On by @sweetsuburbanlegends
Tags: One Shot, HC
Word Count: 8.5k
Description: You’d never met someone who loved the way Joel Miller did.
> Joel Miller x Reader by @auteurdelabre
Tags: One Shot, A + C
Word Count: 7.9K
Description: Stream of consciousness story for the older ladies that don't feel as represented in the Joel x reader stories.
> Jackson!Joel Miller x reader by @lonely-ey3s
Tags: One Shot, 2nd POV, A + F
Word Count: 5.4K
Description: Established "secret" relationship, small age gap (Joel is late 50s, reader is late 40s), flirting, fluff, violence, soft!Joel.
> Baby, Come Back to Me by @followyourfleart
Tags: 18+ MDNI, One Shot, A + HC + S
Word Count: 18.3K
Description: Separated by miles, years, and the undead, you and your husband have been ghosts in each other’s lives for two decades. The thought of Joel being alive hurt just as much as thinking he was dead. But when a stand-off forces you face-to-face with a familiar man—older, harder, and still devastatingly him—all the pain resurfaces.
> Ma'am by @mssalo
Tags: 18+ MDNI, One Shot, C + S
Word Count: 11k
Description: Joel Miller’s spent a lifetime in control, but under your confident lead, he’s discovered just how good it feels to let go. As your right-hand man in Jackson, he’s desperate to please, finding himself worshipping you in ways he’s never dared before—and loving every filthy second of it.
> I'm Empty Without You, So Come Grow Within Me by @chronically-ghosted
Tags: One Shot, F + HC
Word Count: 9k
Description: With winter approaching, Joel takes stock of what he wants and what he has in his life. He wants you, but he's not quite sure he has you, not in a way that only a life in Jackson can afford. Joel's an old-fashioned guy, so he's looking for an old-fashioned love . . . if he can only remember how to do it right.
> Sugar Talking by @pearlessance
Tags: 18+, MDNI, One Shot, A + HC + S
Word Count: 11.2k
Description: After three years of separation, Sarah's birthday offers you and Joel a second chance. But finding trust isn't easy once it's been broken. Luckily, Joel knows exactly what to say to get you to open up your heart to him again. And it certainly helps when he's begging on his knees.
> Texas Sun by @from-the-clouds
Tags: 18+ MDNI, Series, A + F + S + HC
Chapter Count: 14
Description: Twenty years later, Joel still doesn’t know how to describe what you were to him. You’d never made any promises to each other, but you loved his daughter like she was your own. Had he known what was going to happen, he wouldn’t have let you go.
> Cover Me Up (AO3) by @almostfoxglove
Tags: 18+ MDNI, Series, 2nd POV, A + S + HC
Chapter Count: 27
Description: After you spare the lives of two kids who break into your isolated cabin in the woods, they lead you back to their settlement. You intend to get in, trade for valuable supplies, and get out, but end up staying. Four years later, you’re a solitary but respected pillar of Jackson’s close-knit community when Joel Miller shows up, kid in tow. You think nothing of him or the kid. You like your quiet life. Too bad it won’t stay quiet for long.
> Tender Payment For Our Sins by @3pirouette
Tags: 18+, MDNI, Series, 2nd POV, F + A + HC + S
Chapter Count: Pt. 1 | ... | Pt. 69
Description: Jackson is less idyllic than it seems, as is everything post-infection. He doesn't want to see you tossed out, and can’t take the way you flinch when the men come sniffing around, so he does the only thing he and Ellie can think of to keep you around.
Multiple Pairings | The Pitt:
> It Is What It Could Be (Jack Abbot) by @inkdippedquills
Tags: 18+, MDNI, Series, Ex-MSF Reader, A + HC + F + S
Chapter Count: Pt. 1 | Pt. 2 | Pt. 3 | Pt. 4
Description: You have made peace with loving Jack Abbott quietly.
> Jack Abbot x Reader by @cryonme
Tags: One Shot, F
Word Count: 576
Description: I would love to see something with jack and a closer in age reader, maybe they work in another position at the hospital
> Whatever Happened to Ageing Gracefully? It Got Old (Jack Abbot) by @thatcorporategirlie
Tags: 18+, MDNI, One Shot, A + HC + S
Word Count: 8.5k
Description: You’re struggling with feeling beautiful as you get older, and Jack is not amused.
> Kiss it Better (Jack Abbot) by @/thatcorporategirlie
Tags: 18+, MDNI, Part of a series but I read it as a one-shot (welp), A + HC + S
Word Count: 12.2k
Description: You and Jack make up at his brother’s wedding.
> You Got Me All Twisted Up (Jack Abbot) by @/thatcorporategirlie
Tags: 18+, MDNI, One Shot, A + HC + F + S
Word Count: 13.2k
Description: Jack was no better than Robby when it came to relationships. He moved through life after his divorce using intimacy as a distraction rather than a connection. And then… he met you.
> Know Me Too Well (Jack Abbot) by @domesticblisss
Tags: 18+, MDNI, One Shot, A + S
Word Count: 6.2k
Description: The biggest heatwave in the history of Pittsburgh hits the city, and Jack Abbott decides to throw a pool party to boost the team’s morale. The only problem is that you and Jack hate each other.
> The Heart Skips A Beat (Jack Abbot) by @inknopewetrust
Tags: 18+, MDNI, One Shot, F + C + S
Word Count: 6k
Description: Date night gets interesting when Robby unknowingly interrupts yours and Jack’s dinner with a date of his own—and no one is more nosy than the Abbots.
> Jack Abbot x Reader by @rkkuna
Tags: One Shot, F
Word Count: 617
Description: Jack Abbot being married to milf!reader hmmm.... a few years older than him
> It's Just Us (Jack Abbot) by @fairydustttx
Tags: One Shot, A + HC
Word Count: 2.1k
Description: You graduate with your PhD, a hard-earned milestone that feels different from anything before. Your boyfriend can’t get the day off, and his absence lingers as the ceremony unfolds.
> The Natural Predator (Jack Abbot) by @fangirl-dot-com
Tags: 18+, MDNI, One Shot, F + S
Word Count: 3.9k
Description: Brendon Park swam through the Pitt with beady eyes and a bloodlust. However, after he overstepped his territory, he finds out that there's a bigger fish in the water who's more than willing to put him in his place. And Jack Abbot loves nothing more than to watch his wife take down her prey.
> Jack Abbot x Reader by @pittmebabyonemoretime
Tags: 18+, MDNI, One Shot, S
Word Count: 612
Description: I crave for older reader + Abbot. Imagine that perhaps they helped him with his leg and then many years later appeared in Pittsburgh or something. Or is it just young resident Abbot trying to earn some praise
> No Excuses (Jack Abbot) by @deliciousangelfestival
Tags: Series, A + F + HC
Chapter Count: Pt. 1 | Pt. 2
Description: Dr. Jack Abbott walks into his night shift expecting another case, until he steps into the trauma room and finds the patient isn’t a stranger, but someone from his past.
> Dancing in The Dark (Jack Abbot) by @thegingerjameson
Tags: 18+, MDNI, Series, A + HC + F + S
Chapter Count: Pt. 1 | Pt. 2 | Pt. 3 | Pt. 4 | Pt. 5 | Pt. 6 | Pt. 7 | Pt. 8 | Pt. 9 | Pt. 10
Description: A newly transferred trauma resident finds herself irresistibly drawn to her sharp-tongued, charismatic night-shift chief, Dr. Jack Abbot — a widower with a reputation for emotional unavailability. After months of flirtation, they finally give in to their chemistry, only for the night to end in heartbreak when he whispers another woman’s name in his sleep. Determined to stay professional, she’s blindsided when she’s promoted to work directly under him — just as the woman from his past arrives at the hospital. Now she must navigate ambition, jealousy, and lingering feelings while deciding if Jack is worth the risk.
> Pretty Mama (Michael "Robby" Robinavitch) by @ofthepitt
Tags: One Shot, F
Word Count: 765
Description: A husband who falls in love with his wife for the 10,000th time, and a tiny daughter who fully agrees that Mama is the prettiest human alive.
> Michael "Robby" Robinavitch x Reader by @thedilfydoctorshow
Tags: One Shot, F
Word Count: 1k
Description: Hi! I'd like to please request a Robby X fem!reader where she's around the same age as him and a senior attending at another sector of PTMC (maybe ICU or surgery), and they're married with kids, and no one in the pitt knows until like a holiday party or something. Thanks in advance!
> If (Michael "Robby" Robinavitch) by @rr-after-dark
Tags: 18+, MDNI, Mom!Reader, One Shot, A+ HC + S
Word Count: 8.7k
Description: Robby’s always kept his five daughters close to his chest, but a serious accident sends them all out of orbit. An exploration of family dynamics, forgiveness, gratitude, and connection.
> Mom and Dr. Daddy (Michael "Robby" Robinavitch) by @paigepie213
Tags: One Shot, C + F
Word Count: 7.8k
Description: If you’re the ER mom, does that make Robby…?
> 68 Whiskey (Michael "Robby" Robinavitch) by @somethingeh
Tags: One Shot, A + F
Word Count: 4k
Description: Robby can't get enough of you, Jack's old war buddy and former army medic.
> His Wife (Michael "Robby" Robinavitch) by @queensinxs
Tags: One Shot, F
Word Count: 4k
Description: Robby doesn't advertise his marriage. So when his wife shows up at ED to discuss their son, it's safe to say the residents were shocked. Now they wonder how the two of you met. This throws him back to when he was an MS3.
> Food Is The Way To The Heart (Michael "Robby" Robinavitch) by @porchlightfairy
Tags: One Shot, F + A + HC
Word Count: 10.1k
Description: A timeline of your relationship with Michael through food and how you become notorious in The Pitt. Your story begins when you meet, while you are working a food truck in the park across the street from the ED.
> The Fawn (Michael "Robby" Robinavitch) by @docrobinavitch
Tags: One Shot, F + A + HC
Word Count: 22.5k
Description: Michael Robinavitch was practically your sworn enemy in med school. your sworn enemy that you'd slept with, regretably, once. Then twenty years passed, and back in Pittsburgh, you see one Michael Robinavitch on Hinge. Ever the hopeless romantic, you can't help the curiosity that leads you to match with him. Unfortunately for you, he doesn't remember you.
> Something in The Orange (Michael "Robby" Robinavitch) by @/thegingerjameson
Tags: 18+, MDNI, Series, A + HC + S
Chapter Count: 10
Description: You and Robby approach healthcare from two different sides; him as a Chief Attending in the Pitt, and you as the new Director of Hospital Administration. Initial conflict leads to budding romance, but can Robby keep his trauma at bay long enough to allow himself to be happy?
> I Just Want You (Michael "Robby" Robinavitch) by @marismellow
Tags: One Shot, HC
Word Count: 873
Description: If your asks are still open would you do Robby x Reader where reader is in her late 30s and compares herself to the younger women she sees him normally flirting with? Not realizing he’s just desperate for reader?
Hi everybody and happy (late) Disability Pride Month! This is post one of two about the tf2 mercs and disabilities I think they could/do have. I just thought this and the later physical disabilities post would be a fun post for this pride month! (Even if I've put it out too late 😭) It also gives me an opportunity to talk about and research disabilities, which is always fun.
And more representation never hurt anyone!
I hope you guys enjoy it, and thanks for being patient with me during my uh. 6-month break 😭
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Word Count: 4,300
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Demo:
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) -
Using a mix of fanon, and for once, canon. It's not hard to imagine a man with an alcohol addiction (we will discuss that in a moment, trust me) having struggles with depression.
In my mind, this is something he's definitely struggled with practically his entire life. And it's heavy. It's a drain. He's good at his job, he's a great friend, people in his life care about him, there are so many good things! But it's not enough. And that's what eats at him the most. If he could just "be happy" everything would be better.
Of course, with the mental side effects of guilt and sadness, physical side effects like issues regarding his weight, physical pain, and exhaustion come too.
It's hard to live with. But I do think even though it's something he's struggled with AND struggles with, the people around him, even when he feels like just that thought alone isn't enough, do end up helping him a lot. Demo is definitely, mixed, with his ability to mask, but I think he's usually good at being happy around his friends. I think he's great at making his friends happy. I think some of that splashes back and helps him get through the day.
I've always found it kind of cute that Demo has relation to sunflowers because (even though it's not true </3) the idea that sunflowers face each other when there's no sun to find, kind of just fits him to me.
Alcoholism -
You know I've seen people talking a few times about how frustrating it is that Demo's alcoholism is treated pretty flippantly, or as a joke. And I gotta say I agree completely! There's so many nuances to addiction. There's so much more to talk about, and discuss outside of "isn't it funny.'
Demo isn't stupid. He knows exactly how bad his drinking is for him. He can feel his memory getting worse. He knows its what makes him feel worse. But getting clean isn't as easy as it seems. It's easy to give advice about quitting, especially when you aren't the one trying to give it up.
It starts with stress, or guilt, or anxiety. Just feeling *bad*. Then leads into drinking. Which turns into a high. But ends with a really low low. And after all that he's right back at where he started. And staying clean feels a million miles away. I don't think it's entirely impossible. But much like his MDD it's not something that's just going to disappear. Being around people he cares about, and who care about him help a lot. But it's still an uphill battle. I think he just needs time, and patiences from those around him. He'll get to a good spot in his life though.
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Engie:
Phantom Limb Syndrome and Phantom Limb Pain -
Technically, a tie in with my physical disabilities hc post I'm working on. But I'm an amputee Engie truther, and this, of course, comes with mental side effects.
Phantom limb sensation can vary in the way it presents in people diagnosed with it. I think for Engie it shows up as a heat where his forearm should be. It's not chronic, and it's not something he struggles with forever, but it happened enough when he was first adapting to things that he remembers, even when they start to fade out of his life.
Phantom limb PAIN, however, is different. And not as common as you might think. It definitely still happens and is very real though. I think Engie would feel an aching feeling. It's dull, but still something he can't quite push out of his mind. And, of course, there's a shooting pain on occasion, but it's not all the time. This too fades though. He might not have it chronically, but every so often it comes back up, reminding him it's never completely gone.
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Heavy:
Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) -
In a similar way to my headcanon with Demo, guys, do I even have to say anything? I do think all the mercs have forms of PTSD in their own different ways.
But the key reason I think Heavy has CPTSD as opposed to PTSD is because of the very important distinction between these two mental illnesses. PTSD is triggered by witnessing a traumatic event. We used to primarily use war as an example of what could trigger it. (Though we know now many other traumatic events can lead to PTSD), But CPTSD develops from repeated or long-term trauma. And as I'm sure I'll say a million more times in this post. Do I really need to say more? TF2 loves giving me mental illnesses implications for these guys, Oh lord.
Of course, there's more than just the development of a disorder. The symptoms stay with you, for a very long time. A point raised by people who have been in recovery is that "you developed CPTSD over a long period of time, and it will take time to recover from it." It doesn't help that CPTSD is also very commonly misdiagnosed or mistakenly attributed to other things.
And with Heavy, many of the things I said above apply to him. I don't think Heavy would ever really find out he has CPTSD. The diagnosis never comes to him. A mixture of problems regarding diagnosis and his reserved nature aren't putting any odds in his favor.
He also manages to put on a facade that things are actually okay! Everything is fine! There's no need to talk about the guilt he's felt for decades. Guilt for something that could never be his fault. It's normal. He could have done more. Shame, sadness, and despair follow, of course. He feels even more guilty at just how disconnected he feels he is from everything. If he really loved his family, he would do more. Wouldn't he? If he cared about his friends, he wouldn't put up so many walls. There's also a frustration at how on edge he feels all the time. Like everything is still out to get him.
But fear not Heavy fans, there's still hope. Even though he's undiagnosed, and will continue to struggle for a long time. Slowly, as his body and mind adapt to being safe (or safe enough in comparison to his past), I do think he heals. He realizes the expectations, the guilt, the weight on him can be lessened, or let go. His family is happy. His friends are happy. He can be too.
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Medic:
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) -
Sinking my evil self-projection claws into Medic so I can tell you about OCD. I've seen other headcanons for Medic having OCD that tend to discuss it in the way many people do. "The C stands for clean :)" and I'm sorry, but a man who puts his bare hands in your chest doesn't have "obsessive cleaning disorder" he has OCD, and it's important to know that those aren't the same!
I don't think the idea of being bloody or touching someone bothers Medic. That's fine. He's not wearing his gloves to avoid touching you, but he is spending hours in the shower with the feeling of not being clean enough. Everything being clean isn't what he wants, but the obsession with FEELING clean does. He can turn off his brain for a moment when he's doing what he's good at. But it always creeps back in that each drop of blood is on him. And even when he washes it off. It doesn't ever really go away.
Intrusive thoughts get to him in other ways, of course. It definitely eats at him when it comes to his birds and thoughts of hurting them. He loves them so much, so it's always decently upsetting. He'd apologize to them a set number of times until he feels like it's all okay, and they will comfort him. On a similar note, I think a lot of his compulsions revolve around numbers and counting as well as the overall feeling of "correctness." If he apologizes five times, he feels alright. If he counts his patients' ribs a few dozen times, he can focus better. If he- and so on.
Trichotillomania -
I also wholeheartedly believe Medic has trichotillomania (hair pulling). It's commonly described as a strong urge or compulsion to pull out your own hair. It is notably not a form of self harm, however. I think it really flares up for Medic when he feels a lack of control over the things around him, or he's been away for too many hours. And it is part of the reason his hairline is the way it is now (if you show me a man who's balding or who has a receding hairline, I'll show you a man with trichotillomania…<- the projector)
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Scout:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) -
It's not shocking or new to hear an ADHD Scout headcanon, but it's accurate to his character more than anything else (maybe besides the second headcanon I have for him in this post).
He's definitely got the hyperactivity part locked down. I do think that Scout wasn't ALWAYS as ready to run around, as odd as it might seem. I think that as a kid his hyperactivity came out more along the lines of being very chatty instead of a constant need to move around. But as he found himself going through school, sports became the one part of the day when he didn't feel like he was struggling or falling behind. So he ended up loving it, and the need to constantly be moving around followed soon after.
As he grew up though, everything he had lived with obviously stuck with him. And ADHD didn't just go away. Not that he hadn't hoped it would. He's fully well aware that his attention span and his ability to get things done got worse and worse. I think it's really the only reason he willingly signed up to go fight. He could only imagine himself being useful away from anything where he had to rely on people to help him to learn.
Because oh brother is Scout ever Mr. Learning disability. Not that that's a bad thing! But especially in the time he grew up? Good luck getting anyone to care about that. Which actually leads into something else…
Dyslexia -
So we all know Scout canonically can't read. And I definitely think it's because he has dyslexia. There are multiple types of course, so I specifically think he has developmental dyslexia, with the specific subtype being phonological dyslexia.
So we all know Scout canonically can't read. And I definitely think it's because he has dyslexia. There are multiple types of course, so I specifically think he has developmental dyslexia, with the specific subtype being phonological dyslexia.
And for once, we don't even have to ignore canon. The main challenge for people with phonological dyslexia comes with breaking words into sounds as well as matching letters with sounds. Sounding out words is a struggle, and spelling words themselves can rely only on how the words sound when spoken. People struggling may often default to guessing words based off the sight of them or the context they're used in instead of actually understanding the words.
And honestly, do I have to say more than just showing you this?
Phonological dyslexia doesn't go away with age, it takes a different learning structure to help those who have it learn to read. So it's not a far leap to assume Scout didn't receive the help he needed as a child, and was left still struggling as an adult. I do think, eventually, Scout would find help, and he would struggle, of course, but he definitely learns to read after years of just guessing.
I actually get to give you guys a bonus headcanon. I think Scout's Ma is illiterate. Research has shown there is a very real correlation between dyslexia and genetics. She really did do her best for her children. And she did. But Scout happened to take after her the most, to some unfortunate consequences. But I also like to think as Scout lived his own life, he also made time to help his mom and be an actually good teacher for her. They ended up both helping the other learn and grow <3
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Sniper:
Autism -
"I looked autism up in the dictionary, and they just put a picture of you." Like, once again, do I even need to say anything to you? Well I mean. I'm GOING to.
Much like Heavy, I actually think Sniper never gets an official diagnosis or word to describe the way he is (or if it does, it's EXTREMELY late in life) because he's also extremely reserved, but for other reasons, of course. He doesn't WANT to talk about it. He doesn't need to talk about it. And if there's no point in talking about it, he's not going to bring it up.
In terms of how it presents in Sniper. He's quiet, you aren't going to get much other than the bare minimum information out of him, and that's if you're lucky. Not to mention it's very rare to see him show his emotions openly. Even in things he does hold a strong interest in, he still tends to be quiet and say very little about them. Though there is a noticeable shift in his demeanor. There is an overall bonus to most of his symptoms, that being, it definitely makes the job easier.
I actually don't think his diagnosis (or lack of one) gets to him. He's different from other people. This isn't new information! It doesn't have downsides. There's always lows, sure. Don't ask him how he gets, even if things change for him suddenly. But that's normal, to him at least. Life goes on for him. Name for it or not. I think Sniper just likes being himself. He's fine with his job, and being alone, and not getting into hours-long conversations. And if it means he's okay with being autistic, then he doesn't see a problem with that.
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Spy:
Body Dysmorphia -
It must be a nightmare to become someone else and have to analyze your body in great detail once it's all over. With all the changes that have happened, do you think you could even remember who you really are?
There's always SOMETHING wrong. There's always SOMETHING he could change about himself to just be BETTER. And, oh brother, trust me, he has tried. A perfectionist at heart, and he can't make the one thing he needs to be perfect just right.
Spy absolutely makes up for the way he feels about himself by overcompensating in other ways. It might be true that he just wants to look his best and be high class because that's just who he is. But it's also not hard to imagine it's all another act. What better way to distract someone, right? Not even to mention the fact that he is chronically wearing that mask. Don't ask him to try and look at himself in the mirror.
He is also CONSTANTLY making sure everything he CAN control about his appearance is meticulous and perfect. It's almost an obsession. But it calms his nerves. It leaves less to judge.
I just think it's really interesting to think about…but I won't leave this with JUST me tormenting Spy, of course. I do think there are moments of peace for him. The body dysmorphia isn't going to leave, even if he really wants it to. But I think he can learn to love himself in a way that isn't all for show. He managed it once before…maybe he could do it again…
Paranoid Personality Disorder (PPD)-
Can spies REALLY be anything other than paranoid? Well not really, but most spies don't develop an entire personality disorder surrounding it. But to Spy at least, that's just a further sign that he's simply better. What's the point in analyzing anything further?
But paranoia isn't the only part of it that Spy isn't able to analyze further. The grudges he holds, how hard it is to take criticism. He's cold to the people around him, he can't relax, he always feels the need to argue. There's always something more. But it doesn't matter much if all his actions seem justifiable. He's a good spy. And he's just protecting himself.
(One of the ways PPD is formed actually ties in to childhood neglect, and it reminds me I have to tell you guys about what I think about his childhood.)
Regardless! Much like I've said for the others, he's not getting an official diagnosis anytime soon. And I'm not even sure therapy could help undo everything he's internalize over the many, many years he's struggled. But it's not entirely hopeless. I think if the people in Spy's life can accept him as he is, even if it's hard or confusing sometimes, it'll be a bit of progress towards him healing.
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Soldier:
Postal Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)-
So Soldier is definitely THE man with PTSD in the group of all the mercs (besides Heavy). Or at least his is most prevalent and something everyone is aware of.
PTSD symptoms are typically categorized into four different groups and are different from person to person and can depend on how long someone has dealt with the symptoms. For Soldier I think it started out with "negative changes in thinking and mood". In that for a long time he didn't necessarily remember what happened. The memories of what made him feel so empty all the time just couldn't exist for a while. And eventually it became easy enough to *almost* feel better. The memories weren't there, so Soldier could feel better, in a way. It wasn't permanent.
His symptoms changed towards "intrusive memories" as he found his new job with the other mercs. It was a LOT easier to be triggered by things around him. Not everything comes back to him, so he's able to still have some moments of joy. But when the intrusive memories come back, it's really obvious.
It starts with nightmares. Waking up just barely being able to remember what was haunting him while he slept. Then as the morning comes, so does the memories, then the base goes almost unusually quiet as he just. Sits. Sits with the flashbacks. Reliving it for however long he's stuck in his own mind. Sometimes he talks, but usually it's pretty quiet.
It's obviously extremely stressful. It's like living in a nightmare. But luckily for Soldier, the people around him DO understand. And they know what to do. At any given time SOMEONE will sit with him. Keeping their distance, of course. But they'll talk to him. And while it varies from person to person what they say to him to ground him. They all do try.
Soldier doesn't like to talk about it much after it happens. He'd rather go back to forgetting. But he does appreciate the people around him regardless. And while snapping him out of it doesn't fix the overall problem. Having people support him DOES help. It's just something he'll live with for a long time. But he's glad to know he's not alone.
Pica -
I've actually had this headcanon for the longest time. Couldn't tell you WHY, besides the fact it just fits. For most people, pica improves with age, but it's still entirely possible for someone to be an adult and still struggle with it. It's especially prevalent in conjunction with other mental health issues.
So it's not a shock that it's still hanging around with Soldier. Dirt, rocks, sand, clay, paint chips. You name it, he's probably had a craving for it (and suffered consequences for eating it). A not so fun fact that you can tie in with comments regarding Soldier and lead poisoning is that it ends up being a genuine risk.
The cravings (for Soldier at least) tend to be brought about due to stress. And it's unfortunately pretty obvious that, prior to having people talk to him to help with putting the cravings out of his mind, or alternatives to make the cravings less and keep himself healthy, he was stressed out pretty chronically and the cravings took their toll. His teeth weren't exactly perfect before they got drilled into.
Fortunately, however! He does get the support he needs, so no need to worry too much. Plus, I think he'd find substitutions pretty cool. Not to mention the fact that some of them are almost 1 to 1, with the only difference being that it's actually edible. Imagine his shock that you CAN eat dirt (in a way) without horrible consequences.
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Pyro:
Mutism -
Although very rare and not a common cause of it, I do think Pyro struggles with reactive mutism brought on by childhood trauma. A neglectful and objectively traumatic childhood (which I ALSO still have to tell you guys my thoughts on) made it so Pyro just. Couldn't speak. In most situations at least. The words getting entirely stuck in it's throat as they desperately try and communicate anything. It just never comes.
Even as they grow older and they manage to distance themselves from it's trauma, it doesn't make it suddenly go away. Talking is still a struggle. And it honestly it just becomes harder and harder for Pyro to get back to a point in its life where it can speak. So. They don't. They still make noises, that was never something it COULDN'T do.
I do think instead of speaking verbally Pyro learns ASL. It's one of my favorite headcanons to talk about. I like to think Pyro taught a lot of the other mercs how to sign, or at least understand enough to communicate pretty well. (This actually has a tie in with the physical disabilities hc too! You'll see it come back up).
Kelptomainia -
Do I have any reason for this headcanon? Absolutely not. Will I still argue that it makes sense? Absolutely.
It's just an uncontrollable urge to take things. And unfortunately, while thinking about it, and overthinking it a few dozen more times. Giving in to the urge feels really good. Which has gotten Pyro into trouble a fair number of times. Usually, people on base hardly notice things disappearing (Pyro does manage to put a good number of things back once the urge has been fulfilled, unless they forgot </3) but when they do, they can always count on where it will be.
Pyro does, indeed, feel remorse for stealing from it's friends. But it's not enough to change the pattern of behavior overnight. Though I'd like to think the other mercs are VERY patient with Pyro. They know it's never out of malice, but it's still annoying to have to track down room decor. The patience definitely does help with Pyro getting better, overtime. It doesn't disappear overnight, but I really do think people not instantly being at Pyro's throat with the idea that it's nothing more than a thief who's trying to exploit their friends helps a TON with not staying in a cycle of shame.
Schizophrenia -
And yet again, we end up in the realm of canon! Well, maybe not EXACTLY. Schizophrenia is more than just Pyroland and Pyrovision, but I think there's still something we can sink our teeth into here.
Hallucinations, for example, are probably our best place to start. We see very plainly that Pyro sees things differently from how they are in reality.
This is a good example. The world doesn't work for Pyro the same it does for other people. And well, it's pretty good for showing a lot of Pyro's whimsy (and good for discussions on how a lot of the hallucinations keep Pyro in a safer but not completely unaware headspace). It doesn't really get into how it makes living life really hard.
Sure, Pyro DOES have fun, don't get me wrong, but intermixed with moments of being grounded in reality can leave Pyro feeling incredibly disoriented. The world is always changing around them. How are they supposed to stay unchanged through all of that?
The picture above also shows off another symptom of Schizophrenia. It's behavior changes frequently. From moving around happily to a sudden anger and frustration taken out on the bear. There's also other problems surrounding behavior, in that being constantly between delusions and hallucinations that all feel incredibly real and real life which IS real, it makes it hard to do simple tasks that are needed by them.
They aren't a child. But it struggles to take care of itself. It struggles to know what's real and what isn't. It struggles with speaking in a clear way, and thinking straight. Pyro isn't a child, but they are someone who needs genuine support from the people around them. (And I really hate that that's seen as needing a parent to care for them.) And I'd like to think they DO get that. They have friends willing to help them. It has people willing to take their time and wait with Pyro while it explains what it needs. I think having people who understand them goes a long way.
Treatment resistant schizophrenia (which is what I think Pyro would struggle with specifically) typically leads to a lot of struggling. It's a long-term disability. I've said a LOT in this post that support systems are important. And I really do think they are. I don't want it to sound like I think this is the cure-all. That you can support system your way out of a mental illness. But I just really like to think that as long as the mercs are all together. There's a really high chance that they can all help each other with the things they struggle with. It won't stop everyone from facing side effects of mental illnesses. But I do think it's a start to making sure everyone is safe at the end of the day.
Pyromania -
Also like, obviously. Pyro is a pyromaniac. I can NOT elaborate further. It's just canon.
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And there's the post! I'm very sorry it wasn't posted sooner. I really didn't know time would fly by so quickly. The physical disabilities post will be out as soon as possible. I don't have all the mental illnesses/disabilities mentioned above, but I tried my best to portray them respectfully. And I hope some of you who see yourselves in these characters feel seen!
Also, if you have any headcanons of your own, feel free to tell me about them. I'd love to hear them. I'm working on the physical disability headcanons right now, and it'll hopefully be out in the next few days, but it WILL be published before disability pride month is over.
