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who else up keeping death in their court (where the antic is sitting)

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Rebekah Mikaelson during 1114 AC The Vampire Diaries | 4.04

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TOP 5/10 CHARACTERS PER SHOW (as voted by my followers) ↳ the originals edition #2. Rebekah Mikaelson portrayed by Claire Holt

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You were the only one who never treated me like a misfit. For centuries, my only place was by your side.

KLAUS x REBEKAH - THE ORIGINALS

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Hayley and I will return home and take care of my wayward brother. Elijah will remain here with you. THE ORIGINALS 2X10 Gonna Set Your Flag on Fire

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What's a book written by a woman that changed your life or that you consider a classic? Any genre, any language.

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Alright, Elijah. Where are you?

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Sleepwalkers

Pairing: Vincent Valentine x GN!Reader

Synopsis:

Haunted by decades of guilt, regret, and the weight of choices not his own, Vincent Valentine has spent most of his life as a passive observer, a man shaped by duty and sorrow. One quiet night at camp, amidst the shared grief of his companions and the looming threat of the world’s end, he finds an unexpected moment of connection that challenges his long-held detachment. Or, healing comes in baby steps.

Word Count: 1,396

Warnings: A little angst. Mention of canon character death. Brief mention of blood, body horror.

Read on AO3

Half a century of life, and Vincent Valentine spent most of it asleep. Not just the three decades of self-imposed solitude, sealed away in that coffin, drowning in guilt and regret, but even the years before. He’d been sleepwalking through his life—a shambling corpse, puppeted by duty. He became a Turk to prove something, to make something of himself beyond his father’s long and looming shadow. A man in his own right. That was the idea. But even then, every step seemed more choreographed than chosen.

The post in Nibelheim? That wasn’t for him—it was for Veld, for the team, for the company. Each assignment, each decision, framed by someone else’s need, someone else’s hand tugging the strings. And Vincent, with his quiet acquiescence, had always gone along. Always. Weak and witless as he was, he’d never once dug in his heels, never entertained the wild, reckless idea of wanting something purely for himself.

There was always someone else’s need that was greater, another’s desire that surpassed his own. His father. The Turks. Veld. Lucrecia—

Lucrecia. He had wanted her. But now, with thirty years of distance, he isn’t sure if it had been love or just the impulse to alleviate her suffering, to protect her. He supposes it doesn’t matter anymore. She had made her choice, and he’d bowed out. As always, he’d stepped aside, made room for her to choose someone else.

For all the good it had done him.

Even a death on his own terms had been denied him.

Hojo had put a bullet in his heart, and before his blood could even cool, Lucrecia had plunged her hands into his broken chest and pulled it back out. Between the two of them, they’d torn him apart like dogs fighting over a bone—cutting and stitching, splicing and fusing, until there was little left of Vincent Valentine. The man replaced with something ancient, something dark.

Now, as he sits at the edge of camp, the others settling in for the night, the weight of his inaction feels like it might crush him. He presses a hand to his chest, the sharp metal fingers of his gauntlet resting over the unnatural thrum where his heart should be. The night grows quiet, the buzz of nearby conversation dwindling to nothing as his companions seek out sleep one after the other.

Vincent doesn’t mind keeping watch. The long stretch of quiet solitude comes as a blessing after a day spent tolerating Yuffie’s endless complaints, Tifa’s brittle smiles, or Cloud’s thousand yard stare. Aerith’s absence hangs over them like a cloud and daylight only reveals the fracture in their group, the fragile hold they each have on their grief. But suddenly, the prospect of holding silent vigil by himself until dawn seems a daunting task.

He isn’t sure how much time passes, only that when he hears a rustling beside him, the fire has dwindled down to embers. Overhead, an owl hoots, leaving its roost to hunt, and Vincent turns to find he’s no longer alone.

His eyes trace the line of your legs, the hem of your shirt, the shape of your waist, and finally up to your face. Backlit by moonlight, your hair glows in silver, a soft halo framing your features. You offer him a sleepy smile, stretching as if shaking off the remnants of a dream.

“Couldn’t sleep?” Vincent asks, his voice low and even, though his crimson gaze lingers on your face.

You shake your head, settling beside him, close enough that he can feel your warmth. “Too quiet,” you admit with a small laugh, looking out at the darkened woods beyond the camp. “Figured I’d keep you company for a while.”

He watches you closely, noting the strain that hovers behind the sweetness of your smile, the tension in your shoulders that belies a deeper issue. But Vincent doesn’t press and realizing he’s been staring long enough, he scoots to the side in wordless invitation. It’s a small gesture, enough room for you to settle in, but subtle enough to ignore should you so choose.

It’s all the same to him. Still, he feels a small flicker of relief when you sink down onto the grass beside him. Both of you face ahead, attention fixed resolutely on the horizon. But he glances at you out of the corner of his eye. You worry at your lip, fingers twisting idly around the longest blades of grass. 

“It’s a nice night,” you whisper, abandoning your fidgeting to lean back on your hands. Your head tips back so you can look up at the stars. 

Vincent hums, shifting his cloak higher over his chin.

“Do you…do you think the stars will still be here. Even when–even if, the rest of this all goes away.”

Goes away. Vincent’s lips pull into a tight line. You dance so delicately around saying what you really mean, but he hears what you don’t say. 

If we fail. If Sephiroth gets control of the black materia and brings the world as we know it to an end. If we let everything die. 

The stars. You tilt your head back to gaze at them, their light faint but enduring, scattered across the velvet expanse of the night. The quiet vulnerability in your voice lingers between you like a fragile thread.

Vincent doesn’t answer immediately, nearly decides not to answer at all. His gaze drifts upward, following yours, but he doesn’t see the stars—not truly. What he sees is a void, endless and cold, mirroring the emptiness he’s felt for decades. The world you’re fighting to save feels distant to him, a place he no longer belongs. Another dream his battered body is too weary to chase. But your question tugs at something deep, something he hasn’t let himself consider in far too long.

Will the stars still be here, even if everything else is lost? Like him are they cursed to linger on, watching even as all sense of time or meaning slips away? Suddenly he pities them, the bright points of light sparkling overhead.

“They’ll remain,” he says finally, his voice low, the words carried more by certainty than warmth. “Stars don’t depend on us. They existed long before we did, and they’ll shine long after we’re gone.”

You nod, though your expression is distant, thoughtful. “I guess that’s comforting,” you murmur. “In a way.”

Vincent glances at you, his crimson eyes catching the faint silver glow of the moonlight. “In a way,” he echoes. The silence stretches between you again, the kind that feels both heavy and unspoken, yet somehow companionable.

As the quiet settles around you, the warmth of your presence radiate beside him. Neither of you speak another word.  Your breathing slows, finally the tension in your frame softening as the weight of exhaustion finally takes hold. Vincent notices your movements grow still, your head dipping slightly before it comes to rest on his shoulder.

He freezes, his body instinctively rigid at the unexpected contact. It’s been years since anyone has sought such closeness from him—or since he’s allowed it. His gauntlet brushes against the fabric of his cloak as he considers pulling away. But then, he stops. Slowly, the tension drains from his frame as he realizes you’re not asking for anything from him, not even words. Just rest. Just this, a quiet moment of respite before facing down the inevitable.

Carefully, he adjusts his posture to support your weight. His chin lowers until it rests lightly against your head, strands of your hair brushing his cheek. The gesture is subtle, almost imperceptible, but it feels monumental to him. For so long, his actions have been dictated by others—by duty, by guilt, by expectation. But this? This is a choice.

For the first time in what feels like lifetimes, Vincent Valentine chooses to stay in the moment, to step into it wide awake. Not because he owes it to someone, not because it’s expected of him, but because he wants to.

The stars continue their silent vigil overhead, indifferent to the small, quiet scene beneath them. Yet, for the first time in a long time, Vincent doesn’t feel their distance as a curse. With you resting peacefully against him, the void within him feels just a little less endless. It’s fragile, fleeting, but for now, it’s enough.

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💌 Create Your Own: 5 Fics You Feel Deserve More Engagement 💌

It has come to my attention that quite a few of the fanfics I enjoy reading simply do not get the attention they deserve. Therefore, I've come up with this little idea (that's probably been done before, okay, I don't claim to be original) in which we fanfiction writers/readers/content consumers give a little bit back to our fellow creators. Tit for tat, you know.

Now, I know we fic writers do not always write for others, and that we do not always feel like we should need external validation but hey, a little pat on the head once in a while sure is nice and this is what this post is for.

Feel free to tag your mutuals as well! Nobody is obligated to do this (obviously) but let's try to spread some love to some under appreciated gems out there, one post at a time.

Tagging: whoever wants to do this! Spread the love!

The aim is simple: pick 5 fics of your choosing, in the fandom(s) of your choosing, on the platform(s) of your choosing (ao3, Tumblr, FFNET, etc.) and write a little something about why you like them, or why you think they deserve more than they're getting etc etc.

There's no barometer for this, you decide whether or not you feel a fic is getting enough love or not based on how you feel about it. We're just here to share the love.

Here's mine below the cut.

Prickly thorns, tender roses by @ruiniel

Fandom: Castlevania

Pairing: Adrian Tepes (Alucard)/OC

Summary:

Set after the events of Castlevania (Netflix) Season III. After the betrayal of his young apprentices, Alucard feels barely alive in his lonesome castle. Days wear on, chipping away at his mind and sanity. And what is the son of Dracula to do with this unwanted visitor, suddenly come at his doorstep? Often the prickly thorn produces tender roses - Ovid

This fic was one of the very first I discovered in the Castlevania (Netflix) fandom, and it set an incredibly high bar. I was craving more Alucard content with that same brooding, gothic romance feel of the series, and this story absolutely delivered. Ruiniel has a remarkable talent for capturing Adrian’s character—his angsty, dreamy essence is beautifully rendered, yet the complex layers of his personality remain intact. The emotional depth and nuance that make Alucard so compelling are preserved and expanded upon in ways that feel authentic and true to his character.

What really sets this fic apart, though, is the addition of Ravenna, an original character who is anything but a side note. She’s fully fleshed out with her own agency, motivations, and a presence that is every bit as captivating as Adrian’s. Their interactions are electric, filled with tension and emotion, and Ravenna feels like a natural part of the Castlevania world. Ruiniel’s storytelling is rich and immersive, weaving a narrative that’s hard to put down. Cannot recommend enough.

Always & Forever by @anphibole

Fandom: TVDU

Pairing: Elena Gilbert/ Elijah Mikaelson

Summary:

Looking up at the intimidating walls of the infamous Abattoir, Elena kept those words close to her heart, like a talisman against the dangers she knew lurked inside. She took one step, then another, forcing her legs to move despite the fear. She knew she couldn’t stay the way she was, alone and scared. She knew who she could trust. She always had. 

Wow. This fic completely floored me. It not only taps into one of my absolute favorite (and sadly rare) fic plots—Elejah in New Orleans—but also dives deep into the emotional aftermath of Elena’s transformation and her harrowing experiences with the Salvatore brothers. The author masterfully captures the weight of her trauma in a way that feels both poignant and heartbreakingly real.

What truly sets this oneshot apart is how it gives Elena the voice she was often denied in canon. Her inner struggles and pain are brought to life with such nuance and care, making her story resonate on an entirely new level. The hurt/comfort dynamic is so deliciously written, perfectly blending raw vulnerability with tender healing.

And, of course, all of this is wrapped up in the exquisite Elejah dynamic—a pairing that feels natural and cathartic in this context. This fic is a beautifully crafted, emotionally charged piece of storytelling that lingers long after you’ve finished reading. An absolute must-read for fans of both Elejah and emotionally resonant fics.

Chaos Theory by @tehrevving

Fandom: FF7

Pairing: Vincent Valentine/Reader

Summary:

After he protects you during the Tiny Bronco crash, you find yourself growing ever closer to the mysterious, attractive and red-eyed newest member of your group.

This fic is an absolute gem for anyone who loves a perfect balance of steamy romance and in-depth character exploration. Set during the aftermath of the Tiny Bronco crash, it captures the electrifying tension that builds as you grow closer to Vincent, the enigmatic and dangerously attractive newest member of the group. The author does an incredible job of blending the slow-burn romance with moments of raw vulnerability, peeling back the layers of Vincent’s mysterious persona in a way that feels deeply satisfying and true to his character.

What stands out most is how beautifully the narrative draws you into Vincent’s world--his guarded demeanor slowly giving way to genuine connection. The chemistry between the characters practically sizzles off the page, but it’s the emotional depth that truly shines. This fic isn’t just about the romance; it’s about understanding Vincent’s complexities and how the growing bond between you both brings healing and strength. Go check it out!

Reprisal by @bouncymouse

Fandom: FF7

Pairing: Tifa Lockhart/Reno

Summary: The rebuilt Shinra Electric Power Company is being targeted by an unknown threat and it's up to the Turks to stop them. As Reno starts playing with fire events begin to take a sinister turn. Somebody wants revenge and they'll stop at nothing to get what they want.

This fic fundamentally altered my brain chemistry—in the best possible way. Taking place after the events of canon, Reprisal delves into the often-overlooked question: what happens to the heroes once the fight is over? The story doesn’t shy away from exploring the emotional aftermath, and the result is a richly layered narrative that feels both authentic and deeply engaging.

Tifa’s portrayal is a standout; she’s given the space to grow, to grapple with her emotions, and to navigate her path in a post-canon world. Her struggles and triumphs feel real, nuanced, and utterly human. And then there’s Reno, who is at his absolute best here—charming and infuriating in equal measure, yet layered with an emotional depth that makes him impossible not to love. The unexpected romance between the two is a deliciously complicated slowburn and so satisfying.

Full Disclosure by Cairistiona144

Fandom: FF7

Pairing: Tifa Lockhart/ Vincent Valentine

Summary:

Somehow she was compelled to lay down every deep dark thing inside her for him to see. Because she knew he understood. He would not judge. He realised that she was seeking and finding every hiding place he knew, filling every dark corner of him with her flickering light. * In the half-year since The Advent, Tifa Lockhart ruminates on a bittersweet, sedate new life - until news of a wedding promises to reunite her with friends. The first one to darken her doorway, however, isn’t necessarily the one she’d have expected…

Another Tifa-centric fic because I cannot get enough of her. This one is such an amazing exploration of grief and healing, wrapped in a gentle, bittersweet romance.

Set in the quiet aftermath of Advent Children, it follows Tifa’s journey as she adjusts to a slower, more introspective life. The arrival of an unexpected visitor—Vincent—serves as the catalyst for a relationship built on shared understanding and unspoken truths.

Both Tifa and Vincent are portrayed as beautifully broken, their vulnerabilities are explored in a way that feels natural to both characters. The romance is understated but so touching, their connection forged in moments of quiet domesticity and mutual acceptance. Though not yet finished, the prose is stunning, capturing the raw, unfiltered emotions of two people dealing with their ghosts and finding solace in one another and totally worth giving a read!

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Porter Art Guild insta

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Name ten female characters you like, you get zapped if it's jsut a male character you call a babygirl or other feminine nicknames because I can't see people calling Lestat coquette again

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Babe, listen

Your fic isn’t a flop, it’s a cult classic. Only the coolest freaks like it, don’t worry about it, it’s great.

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me: I'm going to write a fic to my own entertainment

also me, writing said fic:

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The Vampire Diaries  3.22 | “The Departed”

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Just a little Vincent sketch