#// THIS POST HAS BEEN UNFINISHED IN MY DRAFTS FOR TWO DAYS

[bmbidoll]

𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧 𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮

military!baekhyun x f!reader

synopsis: as baekhyun's girlfriend, you missed him the most when he enlisted, and wanted to give him all the support you knew he needed in one of your visits, even if that meant sneaking around to make up for time apart.

content: a 4,7k words, fluff n smut baby i've kept in my drafts unfinished, but did my best to finish.

author's notes: woo!!! it's here finally!!!!!!!! if you've been waiting for this, i'm sorry for taking so long. like i said in another post, i starded struggling with the direction i wanted to go with this and couldn't quite flesh out the universe as much as i wished for. i do hope this is as enjoyable as my two other fics which received an insane amount of love i never expected to receive, i'm forever grateful.

i do not know when my next work will be posted or if i'll post one at all, but i still want to thank everyone that supported me until now. i love you forever!

warnings: tooth rotting fluff, established relationship, nonidol!au, pet names, slight size difference, semipublic sex (barely), dirty talking, fingering, oral sex f!receiving baekhyun is pussy drunk again, p in v, brief belly inflation, unprotected sex, creampie, biting, marking, slight possessiveness.

it has finally come. a dreaded time that both you and your boyfriend, baekhyun, were anxious to face.

his enlistment.

in an ideal world, you wouldn't have to distance yourself from your loved one for such a long amount of time... but as stated by law, he'd have to dedicate his next two years to the stern military of his home country. away from you.

baekhyun moped endlessly, and if he was already a clingy boyfriend, he'd get extreme by the time the unavoidable fate approached, which you'd find a bit too much if you didn't feel sad as well. he assured you that you just wouldn't see him for the first two months, when he'd receive the obligatory military training, and after that, he'd be assigned to public service, and you would at least be able to see him more often through visiting and on his off days.

for someone like baekhyun, the first days were the hardest. having to reshape his routine and manners to one that was arduous and demanding made him miss the comfort you brought him terribly, as he also felt really conscious about his buzz cut. he didn't send any pictures, to which you got slightly annoyed, but let him slide as the feeling of missing him accompanied you daily. he even had limited phone usage to a few hours, so he wasn't even be able to read your goodnight and good morning texts on time.

needless to say, baekhyun hated it. all of it. but got somewhat accustomed to the repetitive routine, adapting to what was needed from him while making some colleagues over the shared barrack.

it was only after two whole months that baekhyun was, finally, assigned to his public services, meaning he would be able to start having visiting times from relatives and friends. though he couldn't say he wasn't happily surprised when he was told that you were there since even before his break.

he strided over to the main building to find you with your summer dress, sat by the entrance with a plastic container on your hands. you seemed distracted by your own thoughts, taking a second to feel the loving presence of his gaze on you after long two months. when you noticed him, it finally took him out of his stun, with the both of you rushing towards each other with wide smiles, happy that the hardest part was over, and that you'd be able to be in each other's presence, even if for limited time.

"love..." baekhyun said as he engulfed you in strong arms. "god. I'm so glad you're here."

completing his military training was no simple feat, exerting baekhyun's muscles to the max. therefore, he gained weight in lean mass, and grew more than ever since you last saw him. it was a surprising feeling, to say the least, making you speechless.

"I missed you." he said before leaning back to see your surprised face and the warm container that you held between your bodies.

"I missed you too..." was all you could muster to speak, still somewhat baffled at the striking differences that complemented baekhyun. "I-I brought you food..." you said shyly, to which made him light up even more.

"oh my god, really? what did you bring?" he asked excitedly, already opening the container from your hands and smelling its contents with a satisfied look. it would always make you blush when he appreciated your attempts at cooking.

"i-it's just some usual meat with vegetables, I felt you could use more energy since they're making you work so hard..." you stuttered slightly, eyeing him in uniform, his already broad shoulders looked even wider, his biceps somewhat straining the fabric of the camouflaged jacket.

baekhyun smiled sweetly once again and closed the container, his face contrasting with the strong energy he exuded. "you're so thoughtful, my love. I missed your cooking the most, since the rations here are kind of bland..." he grimaced, "not to mention awful..." he whispered, but noticed your analyzing eyes.

you wanted to act normally and just indulge in his presence like usual, but you couldn't come up with any words as you took him in. he almost looked taller, if that could even be possible. your eyes found his cap, wondering how would his hair look in a buzz cut.

"what is it, love? you look so... surprised..." he said nervously, as if self-conscious with himself. he knew you were curious to see how he looked when he told you he was growing muscles by his phone, but your face still seemed taken aback.

"it's just... wow... you look so different..." you murmured, eyebrows raised. and even if you didn't mean to make him think he looked that different, he did. his skin, although still flawless, looked a bit tanned. "you're so much bigger and... sturdy... and..." you trailed off, eyes blinking as you raked his uniformed body.

"is it bad...?" baekhyun murmured as your hand found his shoulders.

instantly, your eyes went up to his, frowning in confusion when you met his worried, droopy gaze. his unconscious pout tugged your heartstrings.

"what do you mean bad...? you could never look bad, even if you tried." you said, wondering what were his thoughts as he breathed deeply.

you knew that it's been a while, but you didn't ever think you'd find him anything less than strikingly handsome.

"it's just that... I feel like a different person, and I wasn't really sure if you'd like me like..." he trailed off, signaling downwards to his body, "this." he looked downwards, but found your eyes as you pulled his chin back to face you, making your heart skip at the cuteness of his wish to appease you even in times where the only thing you cared about was seeing him healthy.

"oh, baekhyun," you hummed fondly, caressing his cheek, pulling his head closer to touch your foreheads, closing your eyes as you spoke, "I don't think there could ever be a world where I didn't think you look good, and even if so, I wouldn't care." you opened your eyes, meeting his with a smile, "besides, you'll always be my puppy boyfriend, no matter how you look."

that made him smile genuinely, closing his eyes as he chuckled while basking silently in the gracing presence of you, who made him so much more sure of himself.

but that wasn't enough for you.

you wanted him to know just how much you liked him like this. you cleared your throat mustering courage you didn't normally have, trying to keep your eyes locked with his. "and..." you started, swallowing dry. "do you realize just... how sexy you look like this...?"

that seemed to turn a switch on his head, his eyes opening wide to find your shy ones. his mouth opened and closed a few times, his eyebrows jumping, as multiple emotions passed through his head, making you nervous if your words were appropriate.

it took him a few seconds for him to register your words, but the closeness of you and the way you wanted to go out of your way to make him feel better made his eyes narrow with a newfound glint.

"is that so, love...?" he lowered his tone, looking at how you sheepishly eyed his bigger biceps, making him flex them unconsciously, as his hands started descending on your body innocently. this made him lower his gaze as well to your summer dress, thinking about how it conveniently fell above your knees.

baekhyun pulled your waist closer to indulge in your presence more properly, sniffing your neck in a way that sent you goosebumps all over. your eyes widened in search of anyone that could possibly be near.

"w-wait, baekhyun, what are you doing...?" you stuttered as he breathed in your neck, keeping you still with his large hands on your waist, your own holding out his torso. luckily, the weren't any people around except for a cadet on the front desk, who wasn't even paying close attention to your interaction.

"I just missed you so much, my angel... you smell so good..." he whispered on your ear, sending even more shivers through your whole body, awakening a familiar feeling that started stirring on your lower stomach, mostly due to how long you went without having him close that way.

"y-you should eat your food before it gets cold... how long is your break...? thirty minutes?" you murmured back, gulping at the way he looked at you.

the last time you saw that look in front of you was two months ago, when he had the brilliant idea of making mementos for when you separated. the making of such actually lasted three whole days, and when you looked at the folder again after he enlisted, you noticed he left even more 'gifts' as a surprise.

you used that folder a lot since then.

"as much as I love your cooking with all my heart... there's something else I'm craving to eat, love." baekhyun said close to your lips, which were somehow even more tantalizing than he remembered. the way you bit them when nervous was enough to make him grovel in want.

you blinked so many times, feeling your heart do somersaults in your ribcage. the words he said were so cheeky, you wanted to laugh at his face and roll your eyes, but you were just so... weak.

"are you crazy?! we're kind of in the open of your base!" you whisper-shouted, looking at the cadet who worked on the front desk, staring at his computer with a stressful look.

"do you trust me?" was what baekhyun said amdist your protests, making you nod despite feeling unsure of what he had on his mind.

he asked another question closer to your face, not caring if the other saw it. "do you miss me?" and you were sure he meant more than just missing his presence.

but yes.

yes, you did.

your conviction surpassed your hesitation by a mile. you missed your boyfriend so much that only you and him knew how much it took a toll on you emotionally, and god knows he feels guilty, despite having no control over your situation. despite you making the most effort to cherish every little thing he could give you.

he looked at the reception cadet with a determined look, approaching his desk confidently. "hey, daegu guy! captain said it's your turn to unclog the toilet. he's kind of in a bad mood today, so I think you should go right now if you don't want to do 300 push-ups."

"what the fuck? again? I already did that twice this week, holy shit." the cadet mumbled before standing up to hurry outward towards the camps with annoyance.

before you could ask what baekhyun was thinking, he pulled you swiftly past the visiting area, looking around for a specific section. your mouth parted in a gasp and your heartbeat sped up, but he soon found the small storage room that was by the end of a deserted hallway, pulling you inside.

"baekhyun, what are we—" you tried to speak, but he interrupted your question and crashed his lips against yours, which were successful at shutting you up.

he pushed you against the door, locking it blindly behind you while his body pinned you in place. "I found this place a few weeks ago. been using it to take a breather ever since. no one comes here."

he pecked you repeatedly, licking your lips desperately as he murmured hoarsely. "missed you... so fucking bad." it made you part your lips to breathe, something he was already expecting as he pushed his tongue inside while his hands already rushed under your dress skirt to squeeze your stockinged thighs. you heard him effectively growl when he felt your garterbelts, making you blush and your eyes flutter, it didn't help how his blunt nails tried scratched your hip.

"you're such a fucking vixen for me, aren't you, my angel?" his voice murmured on your ear as he started kissing your neck, alternating his wet kisses with nibbles that made your breath hitch. you have dealt with desperate baekhyun before a few times, but this was a whole different level.

it's not like you wanted something to happen at this visit, since you didn't even think you'd get alone time with him. maybe your subconscious just craved the feeling of dressing for him.

"I just wanted to... d-dress prettily to meet y-you...!" you strained to get your words out without whimpering, scared of being found out.

"that's okay, love. you're gonna look the prettiest coming all over my face. do you want that?" baekhyun hummed in your ear, making you widen your eyes in a short circuit of your thoughts.

he was being serious. you knew that tone quite well.

"h-here?!" you gasped with a blush, making him lean back to caress your face in a more contained expression. he sighed, cupping both your cheeks.

"if you don't want it, we can just hold each other. that's fine by me, you know that." his voice said lovingly, contrasting with the fire you still feel from feeling his rock hard chest on yours.

you know you would be lying if the thought of being made his with the risk of getting caught didn't excite you, it wouldn't even be the first time. you felt your lower body even more bothered, making you bite your lip as you thought about the consequences, finding his eyes after a few seconds.

his eyes watched you with his own amount of care, undoubtedly making your heart flutter with the way you could drown in them. you touched his cheeks with newfound comfort, taking his cap off to caress his buzz cut, catching him off guard. the short strands felt foreign on your fingertips. your nails easily grazing his scalp without his usual fluffy curls, making him hum lowly and close his eyes.

you knew you had him, which only made your want more prominent, knowing you could trust him with your life.

"I miss... feeling you, baekhyun." you murmur, watching the way his eyes easily darken from your gentle words, but not quite satisfied. "so yes... i... want this with you." you finished, seeing his soft grin on his face, knowing your next actions would be anything but.

"then stay quiet for me, love. can you do that for me?" he murmured, pushing his face onto your neck, venturing with nibbles under your ear that made your hairs stand. his hand slipped further under your summer dress, finally reaching your plush behind and squeezing your flesh tightly under your garments. his breathing grew ragged as his lips bit your pale skin with gentle love bites.

"god I missed your smell all over me. so damn sweet." you heard him say as he pulled your skirt over your hips, exposing your lower half as he kneeled in front of you, his eyes fixed on your face before finding your lace. one of many he's gifted you.

"so fucking pretty..." baekhyun groaned on your thighs as his hand pressed against your panties. "and incredibly wet, aren't you? does my girl miss me that bad, that just a few words can get her like this, hm?" he said, pressing against your clit without even looking.

he knew your body by heart, knowing how much you'd have to control yourself not to make any loud noise. you bit your lower lip, nodding your head pathetically as you looked down at him pressing his nose against the soaked fabric, sniffing it like a madman.

you gasped his name quietly, feeling him pull your garments aside to shove his tongue inside with a deep groan.

"god, you're so delectable. I was losing my mind with not being able to eat you out every couple of days..." baekhyun hummed between your folds, sending vibrations that obligated you to bite your hand, your eyes glassy as your mind registered the noises made by his mouth on you.

he lapped skillfully, eventually moving under your dress and breaking your line of sight, but the way he worked you made you sure you'd be unable to focus your thoughts on anything. you felt your panties moving further down, with him coaxing you to carefully lift your trembling legs over his shoulders, sustaining your weight with ease along the door behind you as he tossed the lace back.

"gonna make you come at least once before I enter you, love." he breathed raggedly, making you flinch at the insertion of his index that found your spot within seconds, curling repeatedly in a stinging, yet delicious stretch.

he shushed you softly, kissing your dripping inner thigh before he inserted another, making you swat the door behind you in a desperate attempt to ground yourself when his thumb found your clit.

"got so tight over just a few weeks... your fingers don't suffice, right baby? are you using the gifts I left you with?" baekhyun murmured devilishly, and you swore you'd cuss him if you could.

he eventually slapped your core before nibbling and suckling on your bundle, not ceasing his fingers that pushed in and out of your throbbing center with ease.

baekhyun drove you to tears every time he ate you out, and being without him was harder than you ever realized.

he was an artist with the way he touched you, loved you, devoured you. it was like he could reach the deepest parts of you only with his fingers, your own paling in comparison.

"so pretty. so, so damn pretty. fucking dreamed of you in those barracks." he cursed, raising your mind too high for comfort, and you were glad you could stop your voice as your tight coil snapped, flowing over his face and fingers.

you thighs trembled, your hands shook against the door behind you while you let out a silent scream over the hard bite he left on your inner thigh. his way of leaving a mark.

you panted silent, barely registering as baekhyun held you up, standing up between your legs as he took your lips, awakening you from your afterglow in a ravishing kiss.

your worries were now last priority as you cupped his head, meeting his lips and tongue with a bit of teeth, tugging his lower lip to earn a low groan of your name.

"I love you." he said softly, but the way he undid his camo pants was anything but contained, making you look down as your hand found his throbbing need with rapidness.

"I love you too." you hummed, stroking him as your foreheads met, seeing him struggle not to moan at the feeling of your soft, warm palm.

you were about to raise one leg around his waist, but he was quicker, raising your whole body against the door, prodding the tip of his cock over your entrance, surpising you.

"ready?" he murmured, hearing your instant response and entering your soaked walls with a moan that you were quick to stop with a kiss, tangling your tongues while he bottomed out within you in a brief strain, making you frown slightly.

"fuck... oh fuck, you're squeezing me–!" baekhyun hissed, his eyes closed as you gripped his uniform. "you okay? am i hurting you...?" he hummed, his eyes finding yours in soft concern amidst holding his grip against your tight one.

"n-no... i'm fine, just... been a bit." you breathed, your other hand finding his cheek as you shook your head. "just start slow, please..." you said, making him nod repeatedly as his hips started a gentle, torturous pace, that almost made you throw your head back against the storage room's door.

the way he felt inside was overwhelming for both, stretching you gently after two months apart. you could feel one hand finding your lower stomach to feel himself like always, his girth too much to be concealed within you.

pulsating and merciless, while at the same time, fulfilling and reassuring, like it's meant to stay there.

you kiss him, getting drunk at the feeling of just letting yourself feel him, smell him, touch him after so long. you can barely think of caring about the risk of potentially getting caught and ruining this day that was meant to be special when he starts moving his hips desperately on you. you feel his trimmed body hair tickling your hardened clit in a way that makes you pant and the corners of your eyes sting. it's too much. he's too much.

and you love it.

it's the way his strange, yet familiar grip could bruise you with way more ease, and it probably will. the way you let your tongues meet sloppily as you both pant. the way his brown eyes stare at you, nearly black with how much he's probably dreamed of having you again.

you gasp as he pulls out to turn you around and put you on your feet, pulling your hips back while pushing your dress up and entering you from behind, making you fall forward in a way that makes a considerable noise on the old door.

you bite your lip hard not to make any noise, feeling baekhyun's chest on your back, his hands wrapping around you to keep you up as he picks up his pace in deep, precise thrusts.

"god, angel... you walls are... fuckin—" he grunted, "throbbin' around me... so fucking good." he panted onto your neck, kissing your skin that gradually dampened from your exertion.

you could barely keep your eyes open trying to look behind your shoulder, but felt him pushing your shoulder blades forward making your ass stick up unto his cock, which entered you in a hard slapping sound.

"f-faster... baekhyun..." you hummed, your forehead onto the door as your arms struggled to keep from banging on it from his roughness.

"yeah...? you want it faster, doll? want my cock pumping onto you the way you love...? take it." baekhyun hissed, pushing your hips back to meet another deep thrust that initiated a new, relentless pace.

your mind blanked at this point, your wrist completely over your mouth as you tried to endure your utter need to scream in pleasure. you even felt him lift you again, not giving you any choice but to let gravity pull your dripping puss onto his cock, as both his arms locked your legs up in a standing position.

you were out of it. you didn't know he had such strength, but it made you crave more of that side of him.

his grunts kept you anchored as he praised you infinitely amidst the wet claps of him into you, claiming you his once again.

"I'm... fuck! I'm coming—!" baekhyun stuttered, bringing you over the edge for the second as he bit your shoulder roughly, effectively bruising your skin while you saw black spots, panting while he slowed his pace.

you could feel his warmth spilling back into his length, but you barely registered what happened and the way he grabbed a random toilet paper roll from one of the storage's shelves to clean both of you.

breathing deeply, baekhyun turned to you again, raising your chin, and consequently your glassy eyes, to face him. "you're perfect."

automatically, a weak grin appeared on your face as you mouthed your affection to him, letting him straighten your summer dress that, luckily, had sleeves and could cover the lovebite on your shoulder.

you smiled solemly, knowing it was probably the end of your physical, if not in general, interactions for the day. your hands caressed both of his cheeks in thought.

you'd do anything for him.

you'd wait as long as you needed to have him in your arms again.

your thoughts only dispersed at the sound of baekhyun's weak chuckle. "what's on your mind, hm?"

maybe the fact that you tried your hardest not to tear up in front of him, especially after sex. it was kind of a big deal to you, and he knew that, so accordingly, he hugged you closer, pushing your head onto his chest.

"I just miss you like crazy," you hum. silently tearing up as he caressed your back.

he didn't even have his usual cologne scent, just his natural musk, and somehow that affected you even more.

maybe this little encounter worsened the ache you felt from missing him.

"I miss you too, my angel," baekhyun kissed the top of your head, and you had an idea that he was probably feeling the same.

he always tried to be the strongest one on your relationship, as if to 'shield you'. you usually felt like you didn't need it, but today, you didn't mind the warmth in his arms.

there was only this.

"you ready? I'm probably needed out there again," he smiled sadly, squeezing your hand gently.

you didn't want to linger too much because you knew that he needed you to be strong for him, too. so you nodded, quietly following him into the hallway as your tears traveled. accepting ones, this time.

it was easier to help explain to the cadet why baekhyun vanished with his girlfriend when the younger guy saw you crying.

"I just... really needed a quiet spot. I'm so sorry I dragged baekhyun into it. please don't tell the general." you whispered, making baekhyun open his mouth to speak, but the young cadet had already softened his gaze in understanding, silencing your boyfriend.

"I know just how it feels like, don't worry. my girlfriend was very shaken too." he nodded, facing baekhyun with a salute, which made him smile weirdly in a chuckle. at least he wasn't in trouble.

he took you towards the entrance gate, still patting your lower back as you faced each other again.

"we'll have other times like this. more than you know, okay? I'll make sure." baekhyun spoke, cupping your cheeks before pecking your forehead.

"I know." your voice breathless as you sniffled, grinning with your eyes closed.

suddenly, an older, stern looking guy that was probably his general, appeared. he had a pronounced jaw, his uniform with different details.

"sargeant byun, there you are. your break is over by five minutes, come at once and I'll spare you a punishment. now." his voice deep with authority reflected his stance and sharp gaze.

"yes, sir." baekhyun straightened up before you could say anything else.

the general nodded to you in a silent request for you to leave as he turned to walk back into the base.

baekhyun smiled sadly one last time, mouthing 'I love you'.

.

in a cold night, baekhyun reorganized everything. the clock marked 4 am, yet he felt anything but tired. as he had a clear view of his bed on the barrack, the only thing left to pack was the picture frame he had of you two on your first day as an official couple, on the amusement park, where you cried because of his corny speech on the ferris wheel cabin.

he didn't even practice it, so he stuttered at least five times while looking at you welled up eyes, and even then, he was perfect in your eyes.

he got to your apartment in silence, it must have been 6 am when he signed all the papers of his discharge. you looked so cute, sleeping on the couch waiting for him. baekhyun made you promise to rest and not try and wake up to pick him up, yet he knew you had probably tried to wait up.

his hand gently caressed your cheek, prompting you to hum softly while asleep, then slowly picked you up making as little sound as possible, but since you were a heavy sleeper, it didn't even stir you. it just made your arms cling to him and your lips mutter his name, which made him grin in a tired fondness, like his body finally recognized it returned to the place of his peace.

baekhyun lovingly placed you on onto your bed, removing his boots, jacket and cap, pushing his now grown hair back before crawling next to you, finally stirring you, who woke up in wide, puffy eyes.

"baekhyun...?" you murmured with your sleepy, husky voice that he loved.

he smiled, pushing a strand off of your face before pecking your lips.

"I'm home."

savor

SPORTS CAR

[thefoxholecast]

The Original Foxhole Court Extra Content (Archived from Nora Sakavic’s Tumblr)

We copied the following text directly from the pre-2024 version of the Foxhole Court Extra Content page on Nora Sakavic’s Tumblr blog (korakos.tumblr.com/fox). In March 2024, she did “some spring cleaning” by shortening the list of links and deleting/hiding old posts. The links in this copy lead to archived snapshots of the old posts on the Internet Archive Wayback Machine.

Some of the links are broken. If you have copies of these posts, please let us know so we can fill in missing content!

Because Tumblr only allows up to 100 links per post, we're unable to replicate the full list here. View the full list of links on our blog here: thefoxholecast.tumblr.com/FoxArchive

The Foxhole Court

ETA 2023: most of the posts here are from 2013-2015. Some of them overlap with older drafts. Some answers have evolved over time, even if they haven’t been updated here. Most I haven’t changed my mind on, for better or worse. Take ‘em or leave ‘em, and good luck making sense of ‘em around all the drunk rambling and detours. One day if I have the energy I’ll just sort it into a coherent reference.

~~

Two sections here: the questions submitted by tumblr users, and a miscellaneous collection of stories & factoids pulled from the oft-neglected blog. The questions aren’t in any particular order, though I did try to organize them by subject matter. Ish. Once the dust is settled a bit I’ll try to find a better sorting system. Also, the tumblr tag I use for questions is http://korakos.tumblr.com/tagged/foxhole-court-questions-and-spoilers

Lots of spoilers for The Foxhole Court ahead!

Preface: Why are Asks disabled in 2016?

COURTING MADNESS

—Exy Rules & Regulations

—Exy: A History of the Sport

—Palmetto State University

—The original “What Happens After King’s Men” post

—SON NEFES, the cousins’ freshman year through Renee’s eyes

——One . Two . Three . Four . Five

—Nicky Hemmick

—Seth Gordon

—Aaron Minyard

—Matt Boyd

—Kevin & Andrew

—David Wymack & the Monsters

—Wymack & Andrew re: Neil

—Dan Wilds is recruited to the Foxes *

—Allison through Dan & Renee’s eyes *

——pulled from an abandoned, unfinished book about the Foxes’ women

TUMBLR

NEIL

—Neil’s life on the run

—Do they ever celebrate Neil’s birthday?

—What if Neil told the truth earlier?

—Neil through the Foxes’ eyes

—Neil through Ichirou’s eyes

—Neil’s looks post-book and relationship with his reflection

—Does Neil ever talk to Bee?

—Neil’s millions

—Neil’s fight training

—Who’s Neil closest to beside Andrew

—Neil’s fashion style

—Cellphone ringtone

—Christmas/birthday presents for Foxes

—Does Neil ever cry?

—Neil’s lonely fifth year

—When Neil’s overwhelmed

—Does Neil crush on his teammates?

—Neil & Ichirou’s intimidation

ANDREW

—Andrew’s sober look at his teammates & Neil

—How did Andrew react to Cass’s letter?

—Andrew’s medication and the follow-up

—Has Abby seen Andrew’s scars?

—Andrew & Mama Bee

—Andrew & Roland

—How far has Andrew willingly gone?

—What animal figurine did Andrew buy Betsy?

—Andrew’s eye color

—Andrew’s opinion of the cats

—What’d Andrew say to Nicky in TKM?

—Andrew’s honest opinion of Exy

—Andrew’s thoughts on Neil’s binder

—Andrew and his sexuality

—If Andrew had met Neil’s mother

—Andrew’s thoughts on Neil’s sexuality

—Andrew’s fondest memory of Neil

—Andrew’s aforementioned withdrawal

—Do you think Andrew is really really really awesome?

—Proust and Andrew

—What happens to Proust?

—Andrew’s reaction to Neil’s bday blood

—Andrew on Neil eventually changing out

—Does Andrew get grumpy?

—Does Andrew get less dead inside?

—Does Andrew call Neil by his name?

—Why give the Foxes crackers?

—Andrew’s first choices in winning a fight

—Who liked knives?

—What got chopped from Drake’s arc?

—Does Andrew get off thinking about Neil?

—Post Andrew & Bee’s side story?

—When did Andrew start thinking Neil was interesting?

—Any other words he can’t stand?

—What does he think about nicknames?

—Explain Andrew’s fatal disease in the comic version

—Andrew’s canon mental state

—How did Andrew not know about Tilda’s abuse?

—Why punch Neil for “Sorry”, and when Andrew is sick

—What’s with Andrew and promises

—Andrew’s thoughts on Roland’s premature confession

—Andrew’s arrest

—Wanting nothing vs not wanting anything

—Why was Andrew laughing after Drake?

—If Neil had chosen Dan & Matt over Andrew

NEIL & ANDREW

—The other 10%

—Which teammate caught on first?

—Do Andrew & Neil go on dates?

—When did they first hold hands?

—When did Andrew clue in?

—Exites self-censure

—Betsy’s & Aaron’s reactions to the news

—Roland’s opinion of things

—The breaking point

—Who tops?

—On tying people up

—Their domestic life aka Sir Fat Cat

—I love you

—Andrew and the bed issue

—Nightmares

—Do they learn to talk to each other?

—Blaming Neil for Drake

—Andrew comforting Neil?

—Neil’s fondest memory of Andrew

—Neil getting Andrew off for the first time

—Neil seeing Andrew naked

—Neil & the sex how-to

—How was the first time

—Where’d it happen?

—When was their first hug?

—“I won’t let you let me be”

—Their roadtrips

—Neil waking Andrew up

—Andrew’s real smile

—How does Andrew show appreciation for Neil

—Their happiest moments

—Does Neil ever make Andrew laugh?

—Does Andrew take comfort in Neil

—Does Andrew get protective/possessive?

—Doesn’t Neil crave affection?

—Andrew re: Neil’s panic attacks

—Media reaction to Andrew/Neil

—Further reaction to Andrew/Neil

—On “accidentally” sitting in laps

—What if Andrew died?

—What if Neil died?

—Reaction to getting hit on by others

—Do they celebrate anniversaries?

—The first time Neil pushes Andrew down

FOXES

—How tall are the Foxes?

—Why is everyone so short?

—Where did their names come from?

—What were their majors?

—What do the Foxes look like?

—What are their Hogwarts houses?

—Reaction to the kidnapping

—Do Neil & Renee become friends?

—What did Allison do with Seth’s urn?

—Nicky’s evolution over the drafts

—Do the Foxes get their skiing trip?

—Does Andrew know Nicky kissed Neil?

—When did Aaron & Katelyn fall for each other?

—How did Andrew and Wymack end up handcuffed together?

—Kevin’s favorite things

—Kevin and Andrew’s on-court kerfuffle

—Dan’s haircut

—Dan & Matt’s relationship

—Dan & Matt’s first kiss

—Matt bouncing back from Columbia

—Matt rooming with the monsters

—The other what-if OT3 aka D/M/N and the dynamic

—Do Allison and Renee have the hots for each other?

—Matt forgiving his father

—Any mistletoe shenanigans?

—Thanksgiving and the Foxes

—Kevin’s best friend

—Janie Smalls

—How did Kevin and Thea meet?

—Foxes’ favorite ice cream flavors

—Kevin & Andrew’s on-court argument

—Foxes’ taste in music

—Kevin’s middle name & drink of choice

—Do Kevin & Neil want to kiss?

—Which Fox would Kevin kiss, then?

—Kevin’s best non-Exy memory

—Allison’s three bets

—Why is Allison’s middle name Jamaica

—Kevin, Andrew, and Neil staying friends

—“Joan of Exy”?

—Can the Foxes sing?

—Some of the Foxes’ previous bets

—Do Nicky & Allison become friends?

—Are Foxes based on RL people?

—Nicky when Neil asks about friendship

—Dan & the monsters in Columbia

—What if Kevin was killed?

—Renee and her near-death experiences

—More background available on Renee?

—Why doesn’t Aaron let the Foxes in?

—Team’s reaction to Drake, Andrew’s reaction to being outed

—Andrew & Aaron’s time with Tilda

—Does Aaron reconcile with Andrew over Tilda?

—Nicky & his parents after Drake

—Foxes thoughts in Baltimore

FOXES POST-TKM

—The Pro Teams

—The Weddings

—Neil as the Best Man?

—Kevin after TKM —Thea, Jean, Foxes, and Riko

—How does Kevin & Wymack’s relationship evolve?

—Renee after TKM

—Nicky after TKM

—Aaron after TKM

—Allison after TKM

—Dan & Matt after TKM

—Dan and the US Court

—Any pro-period scandals?

—Andrew & Neil’s relationship with their team

—Would Neil hold Matt’s children?

—Neil & babysitting the Foxes’ kids

—Which Fox’s child would curse first

THE FUTURE FOXES

—Who is Robin Cross?

—Neil and Jack

—Andrew’s reaction to Neil punching Jack

—Foxes’ reaction to Neil punching

—Kevin and Jack

—Neil’s new recruit

—Andrew and Jack

RIVALS

—Who is Riko Moriyama?

—Riko & Kevin’s evolving relationship

—More about Riko & Kevin’s past

—How did Riko break Kevin’s hand

—Riko’s brutality toward Jean

—Any draft where Riko wasn’t killed?

—Were Riko, Kevin, and Jean involved sexually?

—Does the Fox-Trojan rematch happen? Also how do the Trojans & Jean get along?

—Do Alvarez & Laila (Trojans) have backstories?

—Thea’s number & thoughts on Raven brutality

THE “ADULTS”

—Kayleigh Day & David Wymack

—Abby Winfield & David Wymack

—Wymack’s parents

—Did Wymack cry during the trilogy?

—Did Kayleigh know about the Moriyamas?

.

.

.

.

Nora & the Foxes

—Fancast and Andrew

—Changing opinion of Foxes over the years

—Bits of the scrapped K/N/A threesome here and here

—The KxAxN AU where Kevin died

—Will there be a sequel?

—What inspired you to develop Exy?

—Fox fanfictions, collected by coldsaturn

—Why a pseudonym?

—What came first, characters or story?

—Were you the artist of the comic version?

—What did the comic-Foxes look like?

—What do you do when you’re not writing?

[militarywifesvt]

Love at first kick

Pairing:Kwon soonyoung x y/n

Genre : fluff/childhood friends to lovers

Summary: getting kicked in the stomach by a hyperactive taekwondo student was the last thing y/n expected on her first day. Part one part two

Warnings : slight violence ( nothing graphic , just soonyoung competing in a national taekwondo match )

A/n : requested by @alien0n3arth . Yes, I accidentally posted the unfinished version of this sorry 😭 some things in here may seem different cuz I accidentally deleted the other draft 😕.

Years passed , people changed . But y/n and soonyoung didn't. She's still the grumpy introverted girl she was since childhood. But she doesn't get bullied anymore. Even if she does , soonyoung always has his fists ready. They're still taekwondo students . Soonyoung now competes in national competitions and has won many gold medals . Y/n on the other hand , has been stuck in yellow belt since middle school. But she never hesitates on skipping practice just to go see soonyoung competing . She has never missed any of his matches and never will .

Today , y/n got up extra early to go support her best friend . But this time , she's doing something risky . So risky that it could ruin their friendship.

"That's it , today is the day . I can't hide my emotions any longer. I'm confessing to him after his competition"

With that decision in mind , she got to the stadium. It was still empty , just a couple of parents and some siblings that came to see their child practice. Y/n's eyes searched for soonyoung . But couldn't find him anywhere . She ran to the waiting area where competitors usually stay before their match . She found him there sitting on a bench alone , eyes glued to the floor , hands slightly trembling . This wasn't the first time soonyoung has felt like this before a match , so she runs to him .

" Yah , Kwon soonyoung! You better win this match ! You promised me ice cream!"

He looked up from the floor , there she was . Dressed in his team colours, a tiny flag painted on her cheek .

He got up from his seat , the corner of his lips twitching .

" y/n ! I thought you couldn't make it , didn't you have practice today ? "

" and since when do I go to practice when you have a match ? "

She replies with a sarcastic voice .

" now hurry up , you match is in 30 minutes and you better win . " Y/n adds as she walks away to reserve a seat in the front row .

Soonyoung laughed , just a little . Enough to feel his chest loosen a bit

" Thanks y/n !" He screams as he watches her walk away .

She turned around and smiled , " Don't thank me yet . Win first , then buy me ice cream ! "

He nodded .somehow , his nerves weren't as sharp as they were 10 minutes ago

Soonyoung sighed , then mumbled under his breath "only if you knew how much I liked you "

Hours passed , and the match is almost over . The crowd screamed in the arena , but soonyoung barely heard it . Sweat stung his eyes , and the scoreboard in the corner burned into his vision .

4-7 he was losing . He was down by three points . Breathing hard , legs burning , his chest ached everytime he moved . He can't do this anymore , he's going to give up . Then , her voice echoed in the big stadium

" COME ON TIGER YOU CAN DO IT ! YOU CANT LOSE YOU PROMISED ME ICE CREAM !"

He staggered back , eyes scanning the crowd until he found her again . Her fists clenched , screaming his name like it was the only name she'd ever known .

That was all he needed to keep going .

Ten seconds left .

His opponent went in for a strike , soonyoung blocked , twisted , spun . And in one fluid , desperate motion , he launched a roundhouse kick straight to the headguard .

The buzzer screamed .

The scoreboard changed

8-7 . Victory in the last two seconds .

But before he could even take a breath or lift his arms in celebration , a blur of movement from the crowd caught his eye . His head snapped toward the stands just in time to see her .

Y/n .

Pushing past people , jumping over the barrier without even thinking , her eyes locked on him , cheeks flushed , heart practically bursting out of her chest .

He barely had time to react before she jumped into his arms . Catching her by instinct , soonyoung looked stunned , he couldn't even talk . Just looking at her with confused , wide eyes .

She pulled back just enough to look up at him . Her eyes were glassy, filled with tears and emotions . " You idiot , you almost gave me a heart attack ." She whispered , her voice shaking. Soonyoung gave a breathless laugh , still dazed " Y/n , you ran-"

"Because I couldn't wait anymore , " she cut him off , her hands fisting into the fabric of his uniform . " I thought I had time , I thought I could keep pretending . But I can't hide this anymore . I like you , you asshole ! I've liked you since forever! Since you beat those bullied for me when we were young . Since you bought me ice cream every time I got a new belt . Since you always took the blame when I break anything during practice . I just like you ! I don't wanna be friends anymore !" She said before hugging him tight. Soonyoung's heart skipped . Then he smiled , the smile that can light a whole city without any effort. The smile only she has seen .

"Well , you chose the perfect time ," he said softly "because I've been waiting to hear this ever since the day I met you . "

Her breath caught

Then , he leaned down and kissed her , right there , in the middle of the mat , in front of thousands of people , and the medal still swinging around his neck .

And the crowd cheered , not just for the champion , but for the girl who ran to him first and the love that has been waiting for years

Who knew a passionate true love can start from a kick in the stomach . So weird , yet true and innocent.

If you want any other part of this series , maybe the aftermath ( like their families reaction etc) or a problem that made them drift apart but eventually come back to eachother. If you have anything in mind , just tell me

[jiniret-writings]

Sweet Nothings

Inspired by Sweet Nothing by Taylor Swift

Genre: Angst, Fluff

Pairing: idol!Bangchan x idol!Reader

Warnings: Reader ruminates over how they're constantly criticized

Comments, Likes, and Reblogs are welcome and appreciated!

On the way home I wrote a poem You say, "What a mind" This happens all the time

They always wanted so much from you. It was like everyone had some expectation of you that you could never reach. Every lyric scrutinized, every dance move analyzed; even the way you walked was up for scrutiny. What once brought you joy started to feel like a chore. It felt like you weren't allowed to have fun with lyrics anymore unless you wanted articles written about how you had "lost your spark".

That was until Chan came along. The first time you met him you thought he would be like everyone else. Especially since he was a producer and songwriter, you were expecting him to give you feedback from the first meeting--as most producers you met did. Instead, he talked to you about your crocheting. It was a little hobby you had that you barely ever talked about, but he remembered it.

You two had a blossoming friendship that turned to more on a drive home from dance practice. You were playing around with a beat and wrote some lyrics that didn't mean much. It was just an in-the-moment type of thing. But when he heard it, he just smiled at you and added to your little bundle of nonsense.

Industry disruptors and soul deconstructors And smooth-talking hucksters out glad-handing each other And the voices that implore, "You should be doing more" To you, I can admit that I'm just too soft for all of it

He never judged you. That's one of the things you loved most about him. You were both idols who got extremely busy and each had your own bundle of problems, but at the end of the day when you two were airing it all out in the open and ranting about everything from a small inconvenience to huge scandals, there was never any judgement. Only understanding.

There were days when it seemed like nothing was ever enough. You'd go live and message on bubble and post on Instagram and weverse and even uploaded a vlog! But there was always something amiss. Some challenge you didn't do or some song you didn't talk about. Your captions were either lackluster or too cringe. You kept a brave face around the fans, and even started doing so in front of staff. It was only when you were with Chan that you could let the facade crumble and hide yourself in his embrace.

They said the end is coming Everyone's up to something I find myself running home to your sweet nothings

You were only 24 but were already reminded of how easy it would be for you to fade into nothingness. Every month a new artist debuted, and while you were secure where you were now, there was no guarantee for the future. One day, the world would deem you too old to be an idol and all you'd have left was your name.

But when you came home, it was like all your worries were silenced. There were no expectations between the two of you other than to just be.

"Be yourself, that's all I want from you", he'd said one day when you'd tried breaking up with him early in your relationship. Just be you.

Everything was something to be celebrated. Something as small as waking up was an accomplishment when you were with Chan. Lazy days in were rebranded to self care days. There was no such thing as a lazy meal because everything tasted better when you were together. Chan was your safe space and you were his. All there was between you two was pure love. You treasured each other as you were, not as you could be.

All that you ever wanted from me was sweet nothing

This has been sitting unfinished in my drafts for a while, but after Chan changed his Instagram caption I realized how I wanted to write this. I hope all of you have someone you can turn to who can just accept you as you are and not for what you can be. You deserve to be with someone/people who don't have expectations for what you need to be. As always, have a great morning, afternoon, evening, and night <3

-Jini

[sugar-phoenix]

Intro + Masterlist 📖🌱✒️

take two on my big intro post

Introduction

Hello! I'm sugarphoenix (you can call me sugar or phoenix) and I'm a writer and aspiring author from the US. Here's the basic rundown:

19 years old

she/her pronouns

aside from writing, I am an aspiring UX/UI designer. I hope to one day be a pioneer in the industry.

feel free to tag me in anything! I enjoy being tagged in tag games, even if I might not have the time to get around to all of them.

Genres I often write in:

fantasy/romantasy

animal elements i.e. at least one character is an animal shifter/has animalistic traits/characters are compared to animals metaphorically

finding oneself in the mess

dark fantasy/ethereal vibes

You can also find me on ao3 with the same name + here's my kofi if you ever want to tip me <3 taglist: @ashirisu

Current WIP(s)

The Blood That Bonds Us: A fantasy novel that can be succinctly summed up as Rapunzel with Red Riding Hood elements; where Rapunzel is also the Wolf, and the Prince is also Red Riding Hood.

Summary:

There is a prophecy in the kingdom of Venatoria that a Black Wolf will rise from the forest and bring destruction and a new reign to the kingdom. Because of this, generations of royals have hunted down and killed most of the Wolves that reside in the surrounding forest.

Prince Rhydian's father was no different, and he died in a hunt when Rhydian was only a child. But now Rhydian is no longer a child, and he's old enough to prove his worthiness to the crown and possibly take the kingdom back from the greedy crown regent, Alaric. Alaric, however, sets a heavy task for the prince: he must go and rescue a maiden that has been locked in a tower by a witch near a neighboring village. Many young men have tried and failed to rescue her, and the witch is ruthless. But Rhydian will do anything if it means he can reclaim his father's crown and throne.

Daciana has spent all her life in a tall tower. She is protected and held captive by the witch Dame Gothel, who found her in the forest and recognized her for what she is: the Black Wolf. Dame Gothel doesn't hold back on telling her this, and Daciana knows of her fate. She is a monster, a bringer of destruction, and one of the most hated enemies of Venatoria, who are blissfully unaware of her existence. Daciana doesn't feel like a monster, and perhaps life outside the tower isn't that bad, despite what she's been told. But although Dame Gothel has done all she can to keep Daciana within the tower, it's often ill-advised to try and fight destiny. And it will only be so long before the beast is freed from her prison.

CHARACTER TAGS: #♚ . rhydian / #✧ . daciana / #◦ . vincent

This is my main WIP, and the one I'm working the most on.

POSTED WRITING

Blood That Bonds Us Snippets -- screenshots taken directly from my scrivener that give you a little peek into the first draft

Chapter 1 snippet -- snippet of chapter 1 of the first draft

rhydian. -- short character exploration for Rhydian

mourning your captor, your only mother -- short snippet of Daciana's POV (spoilers)

Fanfictions

As of 6/22/2024, any further fanfiction will be posted on my fanfiction blog @sugarphoenixlovesfanfic !!

Fandoms that I'm in:

Honkai Star Rail

Wuthering Waves

My Hero Academia

Deponia

Honkai Star Rail Fics

the new barista -- a super short drabble about a college au in which Dan Heng is the cute barista at your college's cafe.

Death of a Cowboy -- in which I rewrite and expand upon Boothill's past.

𖥔 . overheating . 𖥔 -- Boothill overheats in your getaway vehicle.

cowboy, you have a hard time wrapping things up neatly. ✦ -- Boothill is loud and messy but he grows on you. One day he does something unexpected.

I think I'll take my noodles spicy -- You stop by Jiaoqiu's stall to try his noodles. They are very. Spicy.

My Hero Academia Fics

unfinished hawks x oc fanfic (ao3 link)

"there's this thing I want to say to you" -- short fluffy drabble about Hawks confessing his love to unnamed fem character

Deponia Fics

maudlin -- a short fluffy fic that expands a scene in Deponia Doomsday (spoilers)

All fanfiction can be found under the tag #✤.fanfics .

Short Stories / Miscellaneous

All my writing can be found under the tag #✎ . writings

drabbles in red

complete short stories in pink

Masterlist:

she was a monster (monster) -- short drabble that uses experimental writing

Flash Fiction Friday Prompt "On The Edge" -- short drabble that follows the prompt. it may or may not be somewhat connected to "she was a monster (monster)."

I wrote that one tumblr post -- i wrote a couple of one shots of that one tumblr post with a crow and a cat being familiars and trying to find their witches.

dagger queen -- exercise where I write a drabble using two prompts. dark fantasy/romantasy vibes.

un-satyr -- COMPLETE short story about a satyr who is different from the rest.

vampire x poisoned werewolf -- COMPLETE (?) short story about a vampire and a werewolf putting aside their differences (and perhaps getting a bit too close) in order to save one of them.

cherry red -- flash fiction about a girl and what she leaves behind.

my roommate is a vampire -- currently unfinished short story about a college roommate who is, well, a vampire.

Writing Challenges

2024 November 50k Words Challenge

dividers by cafekitsune!

[tenpintsofsundrop]

What would Dick Grayson be like in bed? (Titans Kink Headcanons)

A/N: So originally I was going to publish all of these for all of the characters in one long post, but I got tired/creatively stalled out about halfway through, and it's just been sitting in my drafts unfinished for weeks now. So I have decided to post them for the characters one at a time so that way I can catch up on them and have the energy to complete them really well. The reader is meant to be completely gender neutral, and I don't really know how to put warnings on this, because there is mentions of kinky topics throughout, but it's basically just a list of kinks? Like, the content itself is like a warnings list for a fic. Main warnings are for kinky topics, Daddy kink, and discussions of BDSM.

DC Titans Masterlist

...

So... one of those things that is totally obvious to me from the source material is that Dick Grayson is Daddy.

Not just when it comes to Daddy kink (although he definitely does enjoy being called Daddy for sexual gratification). He is the living embodiment of the title of Daddy. And tbh, I think he would love being called Daddy in a non-sexual context - which might sound weird if you've never been in that kind of relationship before. But when you try it out with him, you would probably love it.

It's something he would find comforting. You calling him Daddy in completely non-sexual contexts when you have no sexual intent behind it - it would make him feel good because it brings the joy of having a long term partner who feels comfortable calling him that. And he would definitely also love the casual dominance of it. He would love feeling owned by you because he gets to wear that title 24/7.

But he would be likely to say that it's something the two of you can only do in private - like in text messages or when nobody else is around to hear it, because he holds the title very sacred and he doesn't want others to mock him for it, because it is like a safe space for him. Even if he would 'laugh off' any mockery of it, he would feel hurt deep down inside.

But anyway, speaking of casual dominance - it's something he is obsessed with. I think he loves BDSM as a lifestyle, and for him, when he has a partner, it definitely doesn't stop in the bedroom - he loves setting lifestyle rules for you as a way of taking care of you.

He will set rules about when you eat (to make sure you never miss a meal), what you eat - he wouldn't ban you from eating junk food, but he would limit your intake of sugar and make it mandatory for you to eat a certain amount of healthy foods, and if you have a bad habit of consuming too much caffeine or soda, he is sure as hell gonna use sexual punishments to curb it.

His goal with casual dominance and the rules he makes will always be to take care of you and improve your quality of life - including your physical health and your mental health.

Is he always dominant?

I think that he vastly prefers being dominant because he is a control freak who hates giving up any kind of control, and funnelling those feelings into a BDSM relationship can keep him from exerting his intense need for control in other areas of life - like having emotional fits when other people don't do what he wants and violently beating up criminals. And on very rare occasions, when he is with someone he knows very well and trusts, he will play the submissive role. But I don't think he would ever be a submissive in a long term relationship.

If his sub misbehaves, I think he would avoid using pain as a punishment. I genuinely think he wouldn't be into spanking or any other type of painplay, because at the end of the day - even if he's strict about rules, it really makes his soul ache to hurt you.

One of his favourite punishments is overstimulation. He loves giving oral simply for the fact that he loves overstimulating you with his tongue for hours, and he loves vibrators and even fuck machines for the same reason.

He would use attention denial or ignoring you as a punishment - denying you of affection, or going as far as to ignore you completely if you want to talk to him at all (unless it's an emergency, of course).

He would also use this punishment in combination with overstimulation - setting you up with a vibrator pinned between your thighs and leaving you alone until you're whining and desperate, begging for his attention and ready to apologize for whatever rule you have broken.

I can also see him being into semi-public sex. He would be the type of dom to enjoy putting a remote control vibrator in your underwear just to push the button and watch you squirm at the most inconvenient times. He would also love taking you out to dinner somewhere nice and teasing you under the table, living to see you squirm and become desperate for him.

He would love any kind of bondage - tying you up in different complex ways, blindfolds, gags, all of those kinky things. As long as it doesn't hurt you, he would love seeing you vulnerable and wanting - he would love seeing rope against your skin. (And he would absolutely have the patience and intellect to learn complex shibari just to tie you up.)

And lastly (one that is obvious to me from the show) - Dick has a breeding kink.

He wants to be a father so badly, even if it's unconscious for him - it would come out when he feels you squeezing around his cock. And whether you can get pregnant or not (and whether you want kids or not), he would be obsessed with roleplaying the act of knocking you up. He would be obsessed with seeing his cum leak out of you, and telling you how he's gonna knock you up while he's deep inside of you. The first time you tell him to ditch the condom while having sex, it drives him insane, and it's the best sex of both your lives.

(A/N: I think that's a good round-up of all my headcanons for him lmao.)

[bardic-inspo]

Fic authors self rec! When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to at least five other writers. Spread the self-love ❤️

Thank you so very much lovely friends!! 💜💜

@honeybee-bard @caffeinatedmunchkin @pinkberrytea

Aeterna Nostalgia

[Read on AO3] [Read on Tumblr]

Ascended Astarion x Vampire Bride Tav | Rated E for Occasional Smut | Multichapter, Ongoing

This is my passion project and I think my favorite fic I've written. An evil power couple A!A x vampire bride story where the consort falls victim to a modify memory spell, resetting her memories to pre-tadpole times. Astarion has to hunt down whoever did her harm, reacquaint her with her own vampirism, and re-romance his spouse. Tav has to rediscover herself. It will unfold into a bit of a gothic rom com but has a fair dose of angst and lots of yearning.

Blood in the Mortar

[Read on AO3] [Read on Tumblr]

Ascended Astarion x Vampire Bride Tav | Rated E for Smut | One-shot

A close tie for my favorite fic I've ever written. I think it's the best smut I've written, and we'll say favorite completed piece! It's gratuitous, over-the-top, hot rich evil vampire sex, with vampire bride lore sprinkled in, and an evil power couple doing evil power couple things. It was so indulgent to write and I had a blast with it. They hate everyone except each other, they deserve each other (derogatory), etc.

Dhampir Dreams

[Read on AO3] [Read on Tumblr]

Post-Game Spawn Astarion x F!Tav (Generic/Unnamed) | Rated E for Smut | Part 2 is a WIP

A horny stream of consciousness exercise that turned into angsty reflective but hopeful post-game spawn breeding fic 😆I SWEAR I was not lying about writing a part two it's actually somewhat drafted and I WILL finish it one day, but part one can be read as a stand-alone.

Midnight Chimes

Full Chapter List (Includes AO3 & Tumblr Links)

Astarion x Cursed! Tav | Rated E for Occasional Smut | Multichapter, Ongoing

Naomi is cursed! She doesn't know it! But Astarion is strangely drawn to her, and where she goes, death seems to follow. A not-durge but durge-adjacent story that loosely follows the events of the game but focuses more on character subplot and romance.

This was my first foray into writing for BG3 and Astarion POV, and without it, I wouldn't have gone on to write other BG3/Astarion fic. Although it's unfinished (for now), I feel like it serves as a great taste test for how I write these characters, and an introduction to my cursed noise witch (bard), Naomi, who features in most of my other fic.

No Rest for the Wicked

[Read on AO3]

Deacon x MacCready x F!SoSu OT3 | Rated T | Oneshot

Throwing a wildcard out here, this is a Fallout 4 fic! It's also the first one I ever posted to AO3. It's a post-game one-shot about coming home after war when 'home' has always been a foreign concept. It's also about MacCready and Sole, who are in an established relationship, opening themselves to the very first inklings/overtures of loving another man together and letting themselves be loved by him, too. Although my writing has grown and changed so much since I wrote this, I think it holds up, and I think that's because I put a lot of heart and earnestness into it. It's a little slice of comfort for characters who have had so, so much hurt.

[baxteravenue]

been waiting for you to post your jack drafts since you don’t write for him anymore 🥺 love your writing!!!

here you go, these are VERY unfinished and unedited lol... hope you enjoy or not <33 not sure where I was going with this one

Jack had been in Denver for about a week now, feeling shittier than ever. He was not even sure what the hell he was even doing there, maybe getting away from things... Things he couldn’t even pinpoint.

You on the other hand were in Denver because you lived there and went to school there. But besides that, you were on his same page. You didn’t know what the hell you were doing with your life. You weren’t even from Denver, you just had gotten a full ride to a small school. 

You were just trying to get through the days, all of them moving in a blur that meshed together.

“Have you tried any of the coffee here?” A random voice broke you out of your daze. 

You shook your head a little, your head feeling like it still wasn't in your body.

“No?”

“Huh?” You still felt like you were in a daze.

The curly haired man gave you a confused look, “The coffee? Anything worth recommending?”

“Oh…” You nodded, “Uhm I like the tea. I don’t really drink coffee if I’m being honest.”

He gave you a soft smile, “I don’t drink coffee either I was just... pondering I guess.”

You laughed, “Yeah that’s a way to put it.”

“Cherry-Hibiscus Iced Tea for Y/N!” 

“Well, whatever you get I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. Have a nice day.” You smiled at the stranger before grabbing your tea and walking out the door heading down to the record store right next door. 

Y/N… Jack had thought that was a nice name. 

��Next in line!”

“Um yeah, can I get a Cherry-Hibiscus Iced Tea?”

You loved Saturdays just like any other person, the one day of the week where you knew yesterday was yesterday and tomorrow would be tomorrow. The only day of the week were days felt separated. 

You usually spend it doing all your favorite things. Today you allowed yourself to wander into the record shop that you hardly ever went into for the sake of your wallet. 

Today would be a good day, you just knew it. 

“Crystal Castles?” A familiar voice speaks from beside you. 

You look up at the stranger from the coffee shop, “Yeah.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever listened to them.” 

“I’m sure you have, just without knowing it. They’re having a moment on TikTok right now.” You shrug.

“Is that where you found them?” 

You shake your head, “No I just watched a lot of Skins growing up and had a damaging amount of internet access at twelve.”

You expect this to be the last of the conversation but it’s not because he proceeds to introduce himself. 

“I’m Jack by the way.” 

You nod, “Nice to meet you Jack. I’m Y/N.”

Now you really expect it to be the last time the two of you talk but he’s still standing in front of you and now you feel nervous, but not in a way were you want to tell him to fuck off.

“Do you live around here?” Jack asks and you give him a questioning look, making him retract his words, “I’m sorry that sounded creepy as hell, I’m just asking because I’m not from here I’m just like visiting… Tryna get my head straight. I’m from Louisville by the way.”

His nerves somehow ease yours and you find yourself answering his question. “Mhm, I go to school here. The small one in the next town over.”

“Cool, you like it? Is this where you’re originally from?” Jack browses next to you, keeping conversation. 

You look down at his hand, he has the exact same drink as you and you smile. “No and no. What about you?”

“I think that you’re probably the coolest person I’ve met in this state in a whole week.” Jack says.

You look back up from the vinyls, staring him straight in the eyes. “Have you ever tried chocolate shrooms?”

[afmis]

I forget I actually write abt cbeeduo but never post abt it. I was reading my drafts and here’s one I think is rlly cute but is still unfinished 😭 I’ll post the complete version of it once I actually finished lmfaoo

(Based on my hc that c!Ranboo is an artist and has sketchbooks filled with drawings of c!Tubbo)

_____

“Wow… “ Tubbo said, eyes growing wider and wider as he flipped through the pages. Ranboo let out a strangled noise, feeling like they were about to collapse from embarrassment, and his hand twitched to snatch the book back. They watched as Tubbo scoured the pages, mortified as he flipped through pages and pages of drawings of him. This was it. His worst nightmare. Maybe bolting would be a good idea. Or begging for forgiveness. Or maybe crying. Or changing their name and never coming back. Maybe all of them-

“You draw me really… beautifully. “

Ranboo jumped, whipping his head up to stare at Tubbo. Out of everything, that was the last thing Ranboo expected him to say. Maybe “You’re a creep! “ or, “How did you have the time for this” or “Are these drawing’s of me sleeping? “. But not… that. Ranboo blinked rapidly, astonished. Before swallowing. “Um… I- yeah. I guess I do. “ They responded, hoping their voice wasn’t as shaky as they imagined. Tubbo hummed, looking back at the book in silence. He looked… confused. Eyebrows scrunched up and lips turned down in a frown, he seemed to be struggling with something. Ranboo wanted to so desperately read his mind, pick apart that puzzled reaction. Why was that the one thing he asked. Before Ranboo could even utter a question, Tubbo looked back up again, meeting his gaze unwaveringly. He looked… uncertain. 

“Why? “ Was the single thing he asked.

Ranboo could probably explode. Why? What could he even say to that? Confess to daydreaming about him like a creep way before they were ever actually friends? Ranboo would probably rather die than confess his weird crush. Ranboo cleared their throat, tearing his gaze away from Tubbo’s captivating one. One that he drew so many times in that book in Tubbo’s hands. His beautiful, strong, genius hands- oh Prime. It was a thought, something Ranboo knew strongly inside them. He already dug himself deep enough. Might as well say it aloud, huh? 

“W-Well, “ Ranboo stammered, burning holes into the ground and immediately slapping himself inwardly on the head for coming off as a panicked mess. “You-You are. Beautiful, that is. “

Tubbo hummed again from above him, and Ranboo didn’t dare to raise their eyes. After a beat of silence, Tubbo spoke again. “You actually think so? I look like… these drawings to you? Beautiful? “ His voice was carefully blank, emotions guarded as always when it came to genuine conversations. Ranboo despised that in this situation, wishing he could tell what Tubbo was thinking through his voice. Fiddling with their hands, Ranboo nodded. “Yes. I don’t think so, that’s what I… what I believe. Ever since I saw you I- I thought you were beautiful. “ Ranboo confessed, words spilling out of his mouth. Words that they’ve been wanting to say. Words that-

Ranboo yanked their gaze off of the ground and met Tubbo’s, immediately mortified. Their whole body flushed like a furnace, and he felt like he was gonna barf. Oh god, Ranboo thought in absolute horror, staring like a deer in headlights at Tubbo, who looked back with wide eyes. Why did I say that. Why did I say that?! Before Ranboo could actually get on the ground, start crying, and beg for forgiveness, Tubbo laughed. Ranboo’s eyes immediately turned into putty and he wanted to cry. This is it. He realized how weird I actually am and is gonna tell me to never come back. It was nice while it lasted, my sweet chance I’m never getting back.

“You- are you serious? Me? “ Tubbo asked, voice high-pitched. He was looking at Ranboo like they grew two heads, and he glanced back at the drawings the same way. “I-I, you took the time out of your day. To draw these. Because you think I’m beautiful? “ Ranboo nodded faintly, confused as to where this was going. Tubbo huffed, shaking his head. His lips were pinched and he rubbed his forehead. 

“These are beautiful, Ranboo, “ Tubbo murmured. “But, I’m not. Out of everyone, I don’t see how you want to draw me. I don’t get how you see me like this. I’m not a pretty sight, much less a muse. I know that. But… thank you. I’m honored, I guess, to be your muse. “ Tubbo huffed out a self-deprecating laugh, and Ranboo instantly felt his heart break. Pushing aside all embarrassment, Ranboo got on his knees in front of Tubbo and clasped his hands in between their own. Tubbo looked at them in surprise, mouth parted. Ranboo took a deep breath in, and looked into his eyes, summoning all their courage. 

“You know what I don’t get? How you can think that of yourself. I don’t get how you don’t see yourself and instantly see how beautiful you are, because you are beautiful. And I mean that. Every since I met you, I couldn’t help but look at you and think, ‘Prime, that boy is the prettiest guy I’ve ever seen’. My drawing’s don’t even capture half of your beauty, and every time I draw you I wish I could. You’re-You’re a sight for sore eyes. Really, anyone would be lucky to have you. You have the prettiest eyes, why do you think you’re the first person I could make eye contact with? You-You have such a beautiful smile, I want to make you laugh so I can see it every time I’m with you. I- “ Ranboo immediately flushed with embarrassment again, looking at Tubbo’s wide eyes before breaking eye contact. He let go of Tubbo’s hands, losing all courage again. 

“I’m saying. Way too much. Gosh, uh, s-sorry. I mean- I meant all that! I just- I hope it wasn’t weird? “ Tubbo’s melodic laugh made Ranboo look back up again, and all mortification left to watch Tubbo’s wide smile as he laughed. His eyes were crinkled up and- yeah. Beautiful. Tubbo beamed at him, blushing slightly as he looked shy. He rubbed at the back of his head, uncertainty gone. 

“You flatter me, boss man, “ Tubbo said, voice teasing. He glanced away again, before looking back with a soft look. “Thank you. I really appreciate that. “ He added, voice genuine. Ranboo didn’t miss the softness behind it, though, and he relaxed, unable to look away. A large smile took over his face, and he nodded. “Yeah, o-of course, “ They responded. “I just- I want you to know that. “ 

“Hmm, “ Tubbo replied, leaning closer with a smirk and lidded eyes. “That you think I’m hot? A real show-stopper? A complete babe? My ego’s boosted. I’ll never let this go. “ He purred. Ranboo fought the urge to lean away, and instead simply rolled his eyes, cheesy smile unable to leave this face. “You’re so annoying. “ He laughed, covering one side of their face with a hand. Tubbo leaned back, tapping the notebook with a mischievous look. “You didn’t deny it, though, “ He said, eyes sparkling. “You think I’m hot. And I’ve got a notebook full of drawings of me to prove it. “ 

Ranboo groaned, face flushing as he smiled and lazily tried to swipe the notebook with one hand. Tubbo evaded easily, and caught Ranboo’s outstretched wrist with his hand. It was warm. Before Ranboo could tug it away, he was pulled closer, and he was met face-to-face with Tubbo’s bright eyes. Ranboo’s nervousness returned again, and he swallowed, not blinking. He heard the plop of the notebook falling against the couch as Tubbo put it down, and Tubbo’s free hand came to rest gently on the side of Ranboo’s face. Ranboo’s eyes widened, throat suddenly very, very dry. 

“Well, Ranboo, “ Tubbo murmured teasingly, never breaking eye contact. “You want me to let you in on a little secret? “ Ranboo simply stared, unable to do anything but that, before nodding slowly. Tubbo huffed out a laugh, and Ranboo felt his warm breath ghost their face. He was close. Very close. Ranboo’s eyes flickered down to Tubbo’s smirking lips, and they looked soft. And very… kissable. Okay, too close. Ranboo quickly looked back up at Tubbo’s eyes, and by the look in them, Tubbo didn’t let that go unnoticed. Tubbo somehow leaned closer, and stared right into Ranboo’s eyes as he whispered, 

“I think you’re pretty hot, too. “

Annndd this was a dream. Ranboo let out a strangled sound, immediately feeling like he was an old computer malfunctioning. They felt like they were about to pass out, and the gentle hand on his cheek felt like a furnace. 

“Oh my god. “ He choked out. As if that broke the spell, Tubbo’s hand left his cheek, and he leaned away, eyes scrunched up as he covered his mouth. He was giggling, and his cheeks were a lovely shade of pink. Ranboo could stare at him all day. And they did stare. Bug-eyed, unable to move as they sat dumbfounded. Tubbo kept on giggling, that high-pitched, squeaky, beautiful sound Ranboo loved. 

“Oh my god is right, “ Tubbo snorted, finally opening his eyes. They were crinkled up and his hand still covered his wide smile. “God, you’re so cute. “

“What. “ Ranboo breathed. Was this real? He couldn’t even believe he got called hot. And by Tubbo of all people. Wait. 

“Are you-, “ Ranboo swallowed, straightening up as he broke out of his stupor, fiddling with his hands nervously. “Are you- are you joking right now? Aha, uh. You wouldn’t be serious. About that. I shouldn’t have even asked, obviousl- “

“No. “ Tubbo’s hand lunged for his again. Suddenly he stopped laughing, and his face had gone completely serious. Ranboo couldn’t take the switch ups, his heart was about to explode out of his chest. Tubbo’s eyes pinned him, and all Ranboo could focus on were those eyes. And his hand holding his own, too. Oh Prime. 

“I wasn’t joking. I, uh. I’m being serious this time. Though, I was being serious those other times as well, but. “ Tubbo told him. Ranboo stared. Oh. He felt Tubbo’s thumb caressing his hand, and he flickered his eyes down at their hands. Tubbo’s was so small compared to his long, sharp claws. Beautiful, just like the rest of him. And an anchor. Was this really happening? He looked back at Tubbo, only to find him looking at their hands with a small smile. Ranboo could die. 

Ranboo watched him with round eyes, and soon Tubbo looked back at him. He was still smiling, and he looked shy again. Ranboo loved that look on him. “I don’t think calling you hot is very romantic, “ Tubbo muttered, glancing away in mild embarrassment. “And I know you’re a hopeless romantic. I think you deserve better than… that. “

“I’ll take what I can get. “ Ranboo rasped, causing Tubbo to bark out a laugh. “So he speaks! “ Tubbo said, grinning. Ranboo smiled, huffing. Tubbo looked off to the side again, eyebrows furrowing. “Um, “ He said softly, cutting off whatever Ranboo would’ve said in response. His pretty eyes look back into Ranboo’s, and he looks nervous but determined. His thumb starts to caress Ranboo’s hand more quickly. Ranboo nods, simply enraptured by his husband. “I… I really liked what you said earlier. Um, that. That made me feel nice and. I dunno. I didn’t think anybody thought that way about me. That made me happy. Uh, “ Tubbo swallowed, somehow looking like Ranboo in his nervousness. Ranboo squeezed his hand encouragingly, and Tubbo looked back at him, a fond smile taking over his features. He took a deep breath. 

“Ranboo, “ He said. “I think you’re the most beautiful person I’ve ever met. I mean that. And, it’s kinda crazy, because I thought that since New L’Manberg as well. I was like, is this guy a supermodel? And I can’t believe you’re my friend. And much less, my husband now. Like, I married that? And I just. Sometimes I lose my cool. Because I look at you and your- your gorgeous eyes and I can’t believe I get to look at them. “ He smiled happily as stared into Ranboo’s eyes. “And I. Look at your hair and how literally majestic it is and. Your-your cute nose. And your perfect eyebrows and- I can’t stand how much I adore your ears. And I can’t believe someone as gorgeous as you can even exist and. Ranboo, “ He took a deep breath, entertaining their fingers. “You deserve the world, honestly. Someone should be telling you these things every day and. Telling you how beautiful of a person you are inside and out, and how you’re such a great father, and how I can’t wait to raise more kids with you and. How much I love watching you dance in the kitchen while you’re making breakfast because you think I’m still asleep. And how much I love your dumb little jokes and how I pretend to fall asleep every night so I can watch you because I- I can’t believe someone so beautiful exists and is laying right next to me. And how much I wish I could just touch your face and wrap my arms around you whenever and- and- kiss your cute little freckles- “ He huffed, looking embarrassed as he glanced to the side, smiling nervously. Ranboo laughed, shaking his head in disbelief. “Oh my god, “ They said, smiling widely. “This has to be a dream. “ 

Tubbo smiled shyly, playing with his fingers as he shook his head. “If this was a dream I don’t think I’d be so nervous I’d want to throw up over this ethereal being in front of me. “ He responded, now the one to cover his face. Ranboo threw his head back and laughed, feeling so happy he didn’t even know what to do with himself. They gently removed the hand from Tubbo’d face, and leaned up, back in the position they were before. Except this time, Ranboo cupped Tubbo’d face with his head, smiling adoringly at the wide eyed look Tubbo gave him. “Let me save you, then, husband of mine. “ Ranboo murmured, delighted. Tubbo rolled his eyes, obviously still embarrassed, but he leaned into his touch. “Yeah, start talking about how hot I am so I’m the cocky one again. “ Tubbo muttered. Ranboo smiled, shrugging. “If you say so. “ They responded cheekily, making Tubbo groan. 

“Not actually, you dork- “

“Tubbo, every time I look at you I immediately want to propose marriage again, that’s how absolutely hot- “

“I hate you! “

Ranboo laughed, feeling light as Tubbo stared at him fondly. Ranboo rubbed gently at Tubbo’s face, relishing the content sigh Tubbo let out in return. “Well, just know I feel the same, “ They said softly. “I’ve felt this way since I met you. That’s- that’s why I draw you so much. Because I think you’re so beautiful. I could stare at you all day and never get tired. I just want to hold you in my arms as you fall asleep, and really, looking at you makes me want to propose all over again. You really make me lose all composure I have. And I… I’ve wanted to look into your eyes and, “ Ranboo cleared his throat, smiling sheepishly. “Well. Kiss you. I always do. I can’t help it. You’re… you’re perfect. “ Tubbo stared at him, lips parted his eyes were wide, and Ranboo could see them start to gloss over. Before Ranboo could panic, Tubbo smiled, looking content. 

“Ranboo, “ He whispered. “Please kiss me. “

“Oh Prime, I thought you’d never ask. “ Ranboo wheezed out, face heating up. He swallowed, heart beating quickly as he froze up. He wasn’t expecting to take the lead in this, they haven’t ever kissed anyone before. Ranboo leaned in closer, looking into Tubbo’d eyes, and Tubbo must’ve sensed his dilemma. He smiled, huffing in amusement, then closed his eyes as he met him halfway. Ranboo’s eyes were huge, and he quickly squeezed them shut. Tubbo’s lips were soft, just as he guessed they would be. And they were warm against his own lips, gentle and perfect. Tubbo lead him, twisting his head so their noses wouldn’t bump. Ranboo gently caressed Tubbo’s face, relishing in the warmth all around him. He felt Tubbo’s hand cup the back of their head, pulling him closer to deepen the kiss. How was this not a dream? It was everything Ranboo wanted and more. They could cry, and they squeezed Tubbo’s hand, smiling against his lips. This made Tubbo pull back, causing Ranboo to whine in protest, and he opened his eyes to see Tubbo’s amused smile. 

[helenrourke]

December Writing Progress Wrap-up

Today I decided that on the last Saturday of every month I want to share my writing progress.  That way I can look back and see what I did or was inspired by in previous months.  December was a big month for me. After years of procrastination, I finally sat down and began to write fics I’ve been wanting to write for years now.  I’m proud of myself for finally gaining the courage to join the AO3 community and I hope to continue to be a part of it in 2025.

What I published

This is Me – Was a Camp Rock Inspired Seiya x Usagi fic, heavily inspired by an unfinished fanfic I wrote in the 2010s.  I honestly wrote this fic because I read a Tumblr post about reading our old bad fanfiction for funsies and this was the result of it.  I am honestly glad I did this.  Not only did I get to write a scene I always wanted to write, but this fic was also a tribute to a dear friend of mine who passed away who was part of the Camp Rock fanfiction community back in the day.  I hope she liked that the first fic I wrote was inspired by her love of fanfic.  Even though she never really got my love of Sailor Moon.

I’m Giving You the Fire – was the unasked for but written sequel in the same universe as This is Me.  This fic again is a Usagi x Seiya fic, except from Chibiusa’s POV, who in this fic is Usagi’s cousin.  This fic was heavily inspired by rereading my old fic outline and seeing how excited I have been about writing this scene taking place during Camp Rock 2 sequel I had planned.  However, I never got that far to begin with.  I’m glad I finally got to write that scene, and I had fun with it.

The Imperial House – This is the fic I was most excited to post.  I had planned on releasing it in January 2025.  However I had so much inspiration, I was able to post the Prologue and Act One early.  This fic is my Goong inspired, Hana Yori Dango fic where Tsukushi finds out she’s engaged to grandson of the Emperor of Japan.  The Imperial House is the first book of a planned trilogy and is my focus when it comes to writing longer fics.  Honestly, I’m glad it’s finally out and that people are enjoying it. I've had this story in my head since 2020 and I'm glad to be finally writing it out.

Currently Writing

The Imperial House –  I’m currently focusing on having a backlog written since grad school takes a lot out of me and I want to try to post a chapter a month.  However, I know real life happens.  Currently the first drafts of Act Two through Act Four have been written and I am currently writing the first draft of Act Five as of posting this.  The story has been completely outlined, so hopefully I can try to stay on track.

Future Goals for January

Mene – is a Hana Yori Dango Au - Canon Divergence Tsukushi x Akira one-shot that I’m working on as a side project.  I know I said I was planning on working on it one day, but I got a really good idea while working at my job today. It’s currently in the drafting stages and I have no estimate of when I’m releasing it.

The Imperial House – The goal is to finish editing and finalizing Act Two and post it in mid-January.

Final Thoughts

toxic till the end – is the AU - Non-powers Seiya x Usagi one-shot I wrote while listening to the album Rosie at 1AM when I couldn’t sleep after Christmas.  I hadn’t planned on publishing it because it’s about a toxic relationship. However, a fellow AO3 writer @purplesoil who I was chatting with a few days back encouraged me too.  The plans are to release it on New Years Day.

I want to give a quick shoutout to both @sojirosteacup (who is also an author on AO3 and you should check their blog to get a link to their account) and @hana-yori-dango-forever who have been nothing but nice to me since I've started my fanfic writing journey.  Both of them have encouraged me to write my fics, offer me advice, promote my stories, and listen to my rants about my works.  Honestly if it wasn’t for your both I would have given up writing my story, before I even started.

Anyway, writing in 2024 was great, looking forward to growing more in 2025.

[prima-materia-ttrpg]

We do this not because it is easy...

...but because we thought it would be easy.

It's been a while, and I need to put out a blog post or I'm going to go insane. This post was meant to be "Species Highlight - Sepia", which is still sitting in my drafts half finished. Instead, this is going to be a post about burnout and some not-quite-finished things I've been cycling between for Prima Materia. If there's one thing you take away from this post, let it be that you need to take care of yourself and take breaks. You need to rest or your body and mind will force you to rest and it won't be fun.

Last time I made a blog post, I promised that you would get the Sepia, and barring that I was sure that I would be able to get my "next experiment" up and running by the time the week was out. It turns out, I was very wrong. The experiment in question was an attempt to try and write mechanics relevant to the kind of adventures I wanted to see in Prima Materia. This entails actually writing a module, then seeing what mechanics it would require and writing those mechanics. I figured I'd churn out three modules that were intended to run for 3 sessions each, and start playtesting. To probably no one's surprise who's ever done the insane amount of work it takes to write a module that can be run by another human being, this hasn't worked.

The first module is currently unfinished, and I am still excited about it and want to finish it; however I ran into burnout while writing it over the course of a few weeks because I agonized about it not getting done and agonized when I was writing it because I was tired of writing the same thing. I then ran into several life snags that haven't allowed me to work on it. I won't go into details of my personal life here but suffice to say stress has been high and time has been relatively short. Add burnout into this and you have a recipe for not even thinking about Prima Materia for a month and some change.

So, in order to get back into the groove of trying to write, I decided to be a little self serving and write a part of the setting that I wanted to write right then because I finally got hit with the inspiration beam again. This bit of writing will have no relevance to anything for probably years down the line in this project, but it's fun and interesting to me so it served as a wonderful tool for diving back in. I will share with you the little blurb that I wrote about a planet that exists in the setting, though it is hardly even a first draft so much as a note. Names are placeholders and everything here is subject to change.

Ternaki Log(?) World: Carcosa; cold eyeball planet orbiting a red dwarf Carcosa is a planet engineered by the "Architects," a group of aliens that were active between three and four billion years ago. They left a beacon in orbit of the planet that tells us this planet is called "Carcosa" and was the work of an individual named "Hastur." Dating methods used on the beacon and ice core samples taken from the cold side of the planet reveal that this was likely one of Hastur's later works. The planet's crust is comprised of mostly water ice and water, which experiences varying degrees of tectonic activity. A circular portion on the day side is hot enough for this water ice to melt, resulting in the usually hidden subsurface ocean to be visible. In this melted portion there are a few rocky continents and a number of hot spots resulting in island chains and active volcanism. The continental portions are home to several forms of native life, mostly plant-like in nature. Native life on Carcosa has signature markers placed by Architect gene weavers, and share genetic similarities with several nearby planetary biospheres which are unrelated to each other. The native plants can be divided into two categories that use either red or blue pigment in photosynthesis. Animals on Carcosa are wildly varied, but due to the high gravity of the planet most are either very small or very robust. There is one native sapient species on the planet that boasts several civilizations; many of which use bronze tools. In modern times, Carcosa has been designated as a resort planet / nature preserve with several island chains being co-opted for resort use, and is listed as one of the 7 ancient wonders of the galaxy in several major periodicals. The planet is managed by a satellite station in orbit of the planet, which has been in place for several centuries.

The joke here is I saw the meme about the flat earth ice wall planet actually existing (specifically this planet spied by JWST) and decided to make something like it in Prima Materia.

So what's the current project?

When approaching everything again, I came face to face with more design decisions I made in the past that didn't mesh well with what I want Prima Materia to be. Namely, I don't want there to be a class system in the game for several reasons, but there are two main reasons. Firstly, because I want player characters to be able to learn whatever the character would be able to conceivably learn (within the bounds of the system, this isn't a simulation game). Secondly, while I want both vertical and horizontal progression, I want the progression to be more horizontal than it is vertical. I find that classes lend themselves more to vertical power systems and particularly power fantasies (at least when I write them). The profession system I have is just a class system I've been pretending isn't a class system because I cleverly called it something else. So, I've dissected the profession system because it was still in the early stages and divided up the parts to other systems, which made way for at least one new system (quirks of the soul) as well as trees of features that are specifically related to things like combat, medicine, or specific kinds of alchemy.

That was a lot of the word "system." In short, Prima Materia in my brain currently looks like a disassembled car, but I have a checklist to put it back together better than it was before. In fact, here's the checklist:

The checklist isn't finished (and some stuff may be removed or changed) but it has enough to keep me busy for a while, and enough where if I start getting burnt out on one part of the project I can switch gears and start writing other parts. Currently, I'm working on quirks of the soul (working title) and integrating that into the character creation system.

That module I talked about earlier will definitely be finished at some point, though that will happen after more of this checklist is done. I'd love to tell you more but.. Spoilers. All-in-all I'm considering the experiment with side by side module / mechanics development to be.. a teachable moment.

If you read this far, thank you very much for your interest! I need to spruce up the "Species Highlight - Sepia" post before getting it out but I hope to put it up before or on the 16th, @donutboxers art has languished in my drafts long enough it needs to be seen.

Tl;dr: I'm not dead and neither is Prima Materia.

[rene-hl-trashcan]

Anger Has Never Looked So Good

Fandom: Hogwarts Legacy (Video Game) Relationships: Cariad x Riz (MC x MC) Summary : Cariad's little scheme got her into trouble with her boyfriend. But all is according to plan. Notes : Because @starryslytherin0 and I have been brainrotting about this for days (only 2 days actually) and we are too far gone with this ship by now. 💀 Warnings : No beta cuz I die like Ranrok's Loyalists. Also, it is still unfinished because I accidentally posted this (mayhaps in my sleep idk but it was in DRAFTS before I zonked out 💀) AIGHT BABES I DON'T SLEEP AND IT'S FINISHED NOW. There's a bit of spicy scenes in there but nothing too much methinks. Just a heads up.

"What are you doing?"

Startled, Cariad nearly smothered the glowing communication ball with her own skirts, desperate to silence Sylvan who was still chattering from the other side. Thankfully, she had opted for the pillow instead, which did a decent job silencing the ball from exposing her crime.

But, it was already too late, no? Riz had sensed the ancient magic from the communication ball, and who knew how long he had been listening?

The cat is obviously out of the bag, but how far has it escaped?

How much did Riz manage to listen to?

Cariad was just about to gauge how deep in trouble she was in, only to whip her head in urgent panic in the direction of the smothered communication ball just as Sylvan's muffled voice came through;

"By the way, thanks for the idea, Cariad. Ieva and I had lots and lots of fantastic time together."

Sylvan's slurty chuckle which followed after that comment was a harbinger of doom for both him and Cariad.

Cariad could feel the temperature drop around her; the chills of ominous prospect made her tremble.

Why would Sylvan word it like that? Poppy was with him and Ieva. The three of them were having fun touring the world but Sylvan made it sound like it was just him and Ieva gallivanting the world together in some form of romantic escapade.

And with that suggestive tone plus slurty chuckle? The menace completely overdid his role.

Sometimes, Cariad couldn't help but worry that Sylvan's thirst for challenge and penchant for getting into trouble will get him killed someday.

Though now was not the time to worry about someone else.

"Carrie?"

Oh, Merlin.

Cariad shivered the moment the intimate nickname brushed down the length of her neck. It was so unfair. The two simple syllables fanned down her neck, followed with presses of soft lips—all of which were enough to get her knees weak. Again, she tried to gauge how deep in trouble she was in, not knowing whether to be terrified or delighted when realising that her boyfriend's breathing was calm and measured right there against the nape of her neck, the heat of his measured breaths sending shivers down her spine for each of his exhale.

"Princess?"

Oh for the love of Deathly Hallows.

His voice.

Cariad shuddered and resisted the urge to whine.

It was far softer than his usual voice, far gentler too and by the love of Merlin, it somehow got deeper.

Cariad hadn't ever expected that standing straight and calm could be such a Herculean effort.

Unfortunately for her, his hands did not made the simple task of standing easy for her. His left hand—so much larger than hers—held her wrist in a shackling grip while his other hand rested over her stomach.

She has always loved it when he did that, and like the absurdly indulgent boyfriend Riz is, he would spoil her, giving her everything that he knew would send her floating to that blissful happy place. The simple act usually sent butterflies fluttering up her stomach, making her all giggly and blushing at the comforting touch.

However, that comforting touch was now laced with anger. His long fingers dug gently into the soft flesh of her stomach, uncaring of the layers of fabric—never enough force to hurt but oh did it made her tensed up and bit back a moan—and Cariad only have herself to blame for suggesting this little scheme.

Riz loved his niece to death—that was a well-known fact in their little circle. Ieva was the only family member he spared from the execution he personally orchestrated; and he has been raising her ever since, taking the role of a guardian, parental figure, and caregiver for Ieva when he was at the tender age of 7.

Sylvan practically kidnapping Ieva for a world tour, all the while leaving misleading notes and clues alluding to something more happening between him and the girl was a one-way ticket of enraging Riz.

It's reasonable. No father figure would be pleased if their trusted best friend kidnapped their daughter without much notice, especially combined with misleading notes alluding to the two of them eloping just to add to the simmering displeased ire.

Cariad and Riz have been tracking Sylvan, Ieva and Poppy (but Riz didn't know about Poppy, no no no no Cariad made sure her mouth was sealed shut) for weeks now and the notes Sylvan left have grown more and more outrageously suggestive and misleading, which ended up agitating Riz more and more.

Cariad felt utterly guilty for upsetting him, but by the love of Merlin, fury was good on him. He has always been this unshakeable, immoveable force. His composure was unfaltering even in the most tricky situation. It's hard to get Riz angry but when he did...

Oh, it was utterly delicious.

That's the reason she is the one who suggested and orchestrated this scheme. Cariad was the one who tentatively asked if Sylvan knew any way to get Riz agitated, to burn his cool composure into simmering ire that will bath Cariad in his silent fury.

And Sylvan, being the one who is always up for dangerous shenanigans, has instantly decided to persuade Ieva for an impromptu world trip, essentially kidnapping the sheltered girl from her protective guardian.

Initially, it had felt like win-win situation.

Ieva finally got to see the world that Riz was too busy to show her. The previous time the travelling trio checked in, the girl was having a blast trying out food and playing dress-ups with all the nice pretty clothes Sylvan kept buying her. She was chattering on and on about how fun the whole trip was, how well-connected Sylvan was that the guy has friends in literally almost every country they had visited, speaking their tongue nearly as fluent as the locals, all of which were happy to invite the travelling trio to experience their colourful variety of cultures. Ieva has lamented very briefly on how she wished her uncle could take a break and go on trips like this too.

As for the chaperons, Sylvan and Poppy got to indulge in their own little escapade, even with Ieva in tow. They were having a blast of their own too, especially with how giggly Ieva had been as she recounted what she had observed from her chaperons.

And Cariad?

She got her boyfriend angry just as she wanted him to be. Oh, she would apologise to him later, maybe accept whatever punishment he deemed fit because she has been such a bad girl upsetting him like this, but how else could she get him angry? He has the patience of a saint behind that devilishly handsome look. Cariad could pull the most annoying thing that would get other people ticked off but Riz would simply smile and brush a kiss over her cheeks, indulgently permissive and gentle, even if he had to reprimand her on her actions.

But Cariad desired him to get angry.

She craved the way his voice kept getting lower and growlier the more angry and agitated he became. His natural voice was so pleasantly deep and husky, but when it was tainted with anger? It was both feral yet so chillingly calm. Each syllable that he uttered was a caress that sent shivers down Cariad's spine, stoking her lust to this inferno that settled hotly in her stomach, keeping her knees weaks and trembling, thighs buckling together in her desperation to at least to be able to remain standing.

"Would you care to explain yourself, my sweet love?"

This time Cariad couldn't stop the whimper escaping her lips. Not when he was breathing hotly right to her ear, his hand that was gripping her wrist tightened with such a force she wished he would've left bruises while his other hand on her stomach shifted so that he was practically palming her lower belly in such a way she wished he would've gone a bit lower and gave her what she needed.

"I—" Cariad tried to explain, because naughty as she was for upsetting him like this, she also is always his good girl.

But, that has become increasingly harder now.

"—were involved in my niece's kidnapping, yes I can tell that much, sweetheart," he cut her off, practically growling right against her ears, his anger dripped from each word and her thighs instantly buckled as she moaned.

There was a brief startled pause, as if Riz was taken off guard by her reaction but she could feel him so intimately with the way the whole length of his body was pressed up against her much smaller one. Her needs taken over as she whined again, arching her hips to chase his palm that was right there at her lower belly, wishing for that hand to just move a little bit lower.

It was both endearing and torturous when he so carefully and tentatively trailed his hand lower, as if he was unsure he had permission to touch her there but Cariad is his to do to his heart's content. Yes, he had made her promise when they first started dating to let him know if she doesn't want to be touched and right now...

Right now, that was not that case.

It was sweet and endearing of him to set aside his anger in favour of her boundaries. But, the tentative care was nothing but the firewood to her burning lust and Cariad immediately whined again, spreading her thighs as much as she possibly could without her legs collapsing, wanting him to take her, to punish her for being his naughty girl.

There was a brief moment of inaction that made Cariad worry that he would back out—perhaps the stunt she pulled had crossed his line and he was hurt enough to not forgive her for it—but the words that she wanted to utter were forcefully wrung out of her throat in an incoherent moan as his hand finally, finally took possession of her cunt, and she could do nothing but to keep her thighs open wide—as wide as at the soaked panties at her mid-thighs would allow her—her chest arching out when he jerked her up by the wrist to keep her standing straight.

"You filthy needy little schemer," he growled, gentle and calm despite how obvious it was that he was getting angrier—his voice went deeper than she thought was humanely possible.

"Riz, I—" her words melted to a pathetic needy moan, her thighs buckling together to lock his hand in place, gasping as she tried to form a coherent apology. "Sorry—"

Her apology melted to a mess of moans and whimpers, one that it seemed he did not care to accept. He released her wrist just long enough to manoeuver her to the wall, hand then was back shackling her wrists, pinning her up the wall all while keeping his other hand inside her, wringing moans after moans from her throat.

Cariad arched her chest, sweat already dampening the white fabric enough to hint the outline of her bra.

"Sorry—" she tried again, grinding down to take more of his long fingers, whimpering when she was stopped from doing so by the hand that was pinning her up the wall.

In fact, he easily pulled her higher to his eye-level so that she ended up on her tip-toes, dripping on his palm as she tried to grind to his fingers to fill her empty quivering quim.

"A little too hungry for punishment, aren't you?"

He punctuated that growl with a quick brush of his knuckles over her drenched slit and she had immediately tried to keep him there, thighs buckling despite the slight pain from the strain on her shoulders from being suspended like that.

"Riz, I'm sorry—"

But he stopped her incoming apology with a kiss—his fury burned her with lust and she couldn't help but do nothing and accept his fury, let her lips be bitten red and bruised, moaning in grief when she was left clenching around nothing as his hand moved to her chest, paying attention to each breast with bruising feral touch he has never shown her before.

This was different from their usual love-making.

He indulged in his anger and Cariad loved every single second of it.

Because even while being rough and punishing, he still cares for her. A soft press of apologetic kiss over her red bruised lips. Gentle circles being rubbed over the forming bruise on her wrists. A slow loving lick over each bitemark he left on her tender breasts.

He was rough and angry yet still so loving and caring.

It made Cariad whimper, arching into him with a needy high-pitched whine.

"Inside—" she managed a soft plea, confident that her indulgent boyfriend would immediately yield to her request, giving her what she wants as he always did.

Riz halted and pulled back from her neck, wiping his lips with the back of his free hand, adding more fuel to Cariad's desperate lust when the action did nothing but smeared his cheek with her juices.

"Oh, love," he purred.

And Cariad trembled—in fear, want or silent pleas, even she did not know—whimpering just as he continued;

"What makes you think you're getting anything tonight?"

THE END

P/s : Somewhere in the background, if she was not too shell-shocked from his refusal to indulge her, Cariad would have heard a muffled amused cackle and a soft beep of the line finally disconnecting. Sylvan didn't hang up cuz that boy is always curious and has no shame.💀

[starzgaze]

hope you don't mind me ranting rq--

i constantly think about your yan!Hae-In and yan!Jinwoo ideas because they're so fun to mess around with.

bc what if the readers honest to god reaction to either of then confessing to then was "i don't feel the dame way.. you wanna see this cool bug i found?"

that OR the reader is a little freak of a poet and writes romance novels with concerningly detailed cannibalism scenes and is more interested in the shadow ants than either of them.

also i'm planning on writing a fic about the cannibal poet reader, but it's going to take a while because i'm shit at writing-

LMFAOO IDC IF U FLOOD MY INBOX ITS FINEEE more people to talk to anyway because im a bit of a pussy to talk straight up to my mutuals sigh

also thanks i actually have alot in my drafts its just most of them are unfinished and i have no idea if i should let them see the light of day or not... same with w.jc , chi, and sjw sick day fic LMFAOO uhhmm anyway!!

that's actually something i lovvee experienting with lowkey especially as someone who takes a big looong time to realize 'oh they liked me" and it's been fucking months since they confessed but anyqay I actually act like that most of the time it's pretty bad anywaaay this is funny as hell with yandere jinhae who's TRYING their best to make you swoon even if they're not the best with romance but you still don't... budge... bur hey you'll show them some cool colored bug you picked off the side walk! that's hopefully not a mutated monster that escaped a dungeon.

anyway more on the first idea this probably either ends really well or horribly depending on how both jinwoo and haein receives this ooooooorrr the circumstances really on how much they both value you but since im a freak for borderline this is insanity why are you writing this type of literature let's say that if you rejected then you have one swordswoman who accidentally fucks you up psychologically (I don't see haein someone who would do it willingly or deliberately gets enjoyment from it) but with jinwoo its a bit complicated to say because each person has a different take on how jinwoo perceives romance and how he processes feelings but since its my post im going with it's probably borderline fucked up if we consider the fact the more he levels up or grows the more apathetic or inhumane he becomes! im gonna abuse the hell out of this concept

but anywya with jinwoo u're probably gonna either get straight up kidnapped OR because you're lowkey desensitized and carefree that maybe kidnapping doesn't really have any affect on you then he might just sends weird eldritch horrors depictions of death and darkness when you're about to sleep so now you need a cute bug themes night light to sleep because no way you're letting some death incarnate screw up your sleeping schedule.

also those two as an attempt to maybe sway you might get into bugs or whatever little interests like jinwoo is having small consultations with beru or has him on standby everytime he spends time with you or haein overcoming her trauma (this takes place after jeju island) and learns and starts to love bugs just for you to reciprocate her feelings then these two quiz eachother on who knows more and what not it's literally amusing to see them debates over fuckinf caterpillars when you returned with take out because they insisted hanging out with you

anyway now on the latter I LOVE LOVE grotesque depictions of love especially like with murder OR cannibalism like how probably eating eachother is like a way of showing affection and how now your love will always be inside of them (literally) or something along the lines!! it's actually so cool how it's portrayed in media i need some suggestions actually anyway in the context of jinhae and mc being a poet uhmmm I'm not sure because i suck at making poems so im not the best on how to... make this work... i hate writing poems but I'll stick witj the theme of being a romance horror writer but not what you think of like colleen hoover or whomever the fuck wrote haunting adeline (god please i hope those books gets SMITED off the face of earth because this has stained dark romance to the point i dont even wanna acknowledge dark romance as a genre).

if you're a popular horror writer who specializes on creeping out your readers but still somehow delivers a good message or screwedd up message in between the lines of ripped boddies and intestines then jinhae has probably heard of you before like definitely.

like the themes of your books or poems to other people seems to be very disgusting or only written for the shock value but maybe to jinwoo or haein they have a whooole different meaning or one of your books/poems struck them really deep they got into a bit of a rabbit hole going through your collection as an author. i can definitely see both of them becoming fans and attending meet and greets.

oh my god a thought came to me and it's basically how would these two act in the internet if your name was beinf slandered like because your books or poems is not well perceived by all because you would occasionally write screwed up romance that you do not condone at all!! it's all for the sake of symbolism and experimentation with the material but anyway these two would have different reactions to this

for example haein seems to be the type to not be sooo like... like how do i explain this shes the type to have an anonymous account and goes to those forums to have actual discussions and tries to be civil as she can be when she tries to convert these haters why they should like you because i can't see her going as far to try to find this individual's address BUT but im just saying if ever that same hater was in the same dungeon raid as haein, there's no guarantee that haein will probably let them... die and say it was an accident.

anyway jinwoo is less interactive on the internet and is more of a lurker but he's probably the definitely the type to send ominous messages and then appear on their doorstep next morning or even minute if they're that unlucky LMFAO. another case of missing people otw!!

oh and i lowkey love the whooole idea of if you have a writer darling no matter how screwed or how fluffy their stories are the person or people who loves them will try to recreate this. yeaaah i can see this happening with jinwoo and haein and the tiny competition they have is who performed it better.

like for example if you written a poem about the elegant slashes of a sword on how it glides so easily through certain monsters, haein would try to replicate the feeling and explains to jinwoo that she obviously is better at portraying at this because she is a certified swordswoman or something along the lines and honestly jinwoo can't exactly argue against that because she's right but he won't admit it

then with paragraphs that depicts the most grueling experience of death and what not is something jinwoo is really familiar with and he's the type to copy it by doing it on random monsters he encounters in dungeons or even certain monarchs if they're that unlucky or jinwoo feels a biiit experimental LMFAO yeah okay what my brain is fried.

oh talking about darling being a horror romance writer, the moment jinwoo introduces his shadows or you find out about you become absolutely infatuated with them and the whoole idea like especially they're permanently serving death that's a pretty neat idea to you.

you start to write more and talk less to jinwoo and mooore to the shadows, it's pretty funny to see but you didn't notice the fact jinwoo is fuming in the background as he watches you get into in depth discussions with igris and bellion about their past lives and how you'll implement their experiences in a poem

yeha kay thats it my brain wugh dead bye uhm yeah talk to me more i love this sm thanks for food for thought

[gurugirl]

Heya girlie!! I hope you’re having the loviest day and have been drinking plenty of water💓 cheeky nosey question? Do you have anything sitting in your drafts that you’re undecided on posting?👀 or any concepts you’ve thought of or like that you might put out soon!

OH HI! I'm having a good good day yes! Just writing and sipping some iced coffee with my dog next to me so I have no complaints. I haven't had any actual water today but iced coffee counts yeah? 😬 I hope you're also keeping hydrated and having a lovely day :)

And I love these cheeky nosy questions!! Do I have anything sitting in my drafts??? Does this answer your question? 🤭

Let's see...

Of the things in my drafts that I feel like I can talk about (buckle up, it gets wild!)

I've got another subrry that's partly done (based on this couple),

I've got an extra part to go with this but it's not finished,

I have a few requests for a bunch of things that are really similar that I didn't share because I started writing them but never finished - and still intend on getting to them,

an idea with a housesitter!yn I started cooking up based on a cute/cheesy movie from the 90s with Goldie Hawn and Steve Martin (🙈) called Housesitter.

AS WELL as another idea I started based on another 90s late 80s (just checked and this one is 1987 lol) movie with Michael J Fox called Secret of My Success (I don't know what to tell y'all, sometimes I just go off the rails and start something to make it my own and it's based on cheesy older movies but I can't help myself 😂),

military!harry x military!reader

A Don't Stand So Close check where Harry grows a bit of a mustache

a stepdad!h idea someone sent me with a lingerie shopping spree

a MFM threesome idea I've been working on FOREVER

the beginning of a part 2 to Sex Ed with Harry that never got finished

a body guard harry (but i wanted to wait bc it was at a time when there were a bunch of body guard harrys coming out and I didn't want to feel like i was competing with the other amazing authors already doing it and doing it better most likely lol

a request for harry x his wife's best friend 🫣 that I have two versions of and cannot figure out how to finish and also wanted to give y'all a break from the cheating trope for a bit

hitman!harry who's very protective of yn and she has no idea he has feelings for her (or that he's a hitman) until one day she's in trouble and he saves her 👀

dark!harry who's your bartender and winds up talking you into going home with him and things get... interesting but you wind up LOVING it - felt a lot like MCC Harry with those kidnapping vibes (even tho yn doesn't get kidnapped it felt too similar at the time so I didn't finish it)

Phew! So that's some of what I've got in there. That's not to mention what I've got in my actual Word docs drafts (that's where I have most of my WIPs and unposted, unfinished fics). Potentially I could just hit post on some of the things but uffff!!! I really prefer everything to be readable and perfect.

Is there anything on this list y'all would be interested in currently??

xoxo

[remnostrum]

maybe Steve likes Dungeons & Dragons

I have an unfinished 20k+-word Steddie one shot sitting in my drafts from two years ago that I never touched since then because, well, it has an Original Character inserted in it and she's prominent in the story for the two to get together. I didn't know if people would be interested and I didn't get enough time to finish writing it. Maybe I got a little too into making their character sheets as well.

Anyway. Here's a rundown of the plot. Let me know if it's something you'd one day want to read.

It's a Steddie classic: It happens post-Vecna, in an Everyone Lives canon divergence, where they're focusing on high school life and playing Dungeons & Dragons. He grew closer with Eddie, having been one of the only dudes of his age group that understands him. Plus, the guy needs some company after what the town put him through. Didn't do any good to his damn thoughts though.

Steve's having a crisis, both sexually and life-wise, and is going on a bit of soul-searching. He ends up at a 24/7 diner a few minutes out of town, meets this girl working there as a waitress who happens to be an old classmate that never got out of Hawkins after graduation. He finds out she's a nerd, knew Eddie, and had a few inspirational things to say about life. She understood his feelings of not knowing where to place himself; of losing purpose and trying to find that for himself.

Robin is busy grabbing her diploma and preparing for college, and so it leaves him with this other girl who has no interest in him romantically and yet indulges his inner thoughts. They become close friends and she introduces him to D&D with a group of other folks his age that she usually plays with.

He has fun. He understands the joy of playing it and, for the first time, his brain is stimulated in a way that does not require a physical-type of adrenaline. He's using his brain to actively get out of situations, and he learns that what wit he has and the massive charm he already possesses was incredibly useful in a fictional setting. A bonus was getting to flirt with every waking being without punishment. In some ways, it was an exploration.

D&D isn't so bad. But he hasn't told Dustin or Eddie or Robin or any of the others. For once, he is doing something parallel to them that he is enjoying for himself. And not because they asked him to do it with them.

One day, it all comes out. She leaves a set of dice in his car when he took her back to her place after a six-hour session. Steve is hanging out with Eddie, the rest of the older teens, and The Party at a park when she suddenly shows up asking for her dice. They learn he's been "cheating" on them, playing as a paladin for a few months in someone else's campaign. They didn't know that he understood every single ability check and attack roll they've been throwing on the damn table since some time ago.

They rope him into playing a game as payment for his betrayal. But he's too shy, even with the encouragement of Eddie, because roleplay was different when the man he's been eyeing is the Dungeon Master himself. So, he refuses.

Dustin tracks her down. He invites her for a game as a guest player. She accepts, only with the condition of having Steve there to play with her.

Forced, Steve ends up at the table with a joint character sheet with her. They're playing a Victorian-esque, Gomez-and-Morticia, couple named Lord Alistair and Lady Freya Crowsong. He's a Warlock and she's a Wizard (that was secretly his patron). I'm using D&D 5E rules, just because it'd be entertaining and it's fanfiction lol. They roleplay it as a fancy couple devoted to one another in ways that are less romantic and more codependent for survival. The Party are entranced by the narrative which don't happen as hugely for them as most of their games were combat-focused. They wanted to know everything. They also thought that it works because Steve was dating her. He wasn't.

Steve is having fun teasing them. He's not quite sure yet what Eddie thinks, but he's kept a smile on his face and that's enough for him.

Here's the big event. Eddie and the new girl mention a LARP/RenFaire event happening a couple of hours away out of Hawkins. They explain what it is, and show photographs where they can of them meeting folks in various costumes. The kids want to go, as there's a huge Magistrate's Ball happening in one of the big farmhouses it's being hosted. They want to interact with other people using their characters and, specifically, Dustin wants to See Steve as Lord Alistair Crowsong.

He feels a little embarrassed. He says a flat-out no before the girl tries to bribe him to do it. That doesn't work either. Finally, Eddie says he'll show up in costume as Steve's favorite NPC--a handsome young bard that Lord Alistair met at a tavern named Elisor. He was Steve's favorite to flirt with, and most of his romantic intentions for Eddie was directed through this NPC.

He flashbacks to the description of the bard, imagines Eddie wearing the same outfit, and suddenly he said yes.

A month goes by and they're all ready to go. Their costumes are packed, as well as their gear, and Steve, Eddie, and Nancy are ready to ride out to a different city to let the kids experience a whole other breadth of nerdiness.

They have fun. The kids learn what it's like being around people like them, and they get to do different kinds of activities while in character. They watch bard concerts, play farm games, and even watch a bunch of fights at the makeshift coliseum. Steve, for the first two days, isn't Lord Alistair. He's his paladin character because it was easier for him to be someone similar to himself for an entire day.

The last night at the faire, the Magistrate's Ball happens. The kids and other people go first because Steve was strapped to his chair and forcefully had makeup put onto his face. They arrive some minutes late, but he's in his hand-sewn Victorian suit with a makeshift crow-headed cane and his fictional wife at his arm.

He's practically red on the face, if not the pale powder that she put on him, as he interacts with people in that same regal tone he usually speaks in as Lord Alistair. People flock them, asking questions about their "kingdom" and their fictional dead child. The Party swarms them eventually, teasing but mostly in awe, as the two of them kept their airs around everyone.

Then, the crowd parts way. Steve tunnel-visions when he spots Eddie by the punch bowl with a lute in his arms and a goblet at hand. He has his chest out in a white tunic and an open deep purple vest, smirking at a random ball-goer and talking. When their eyes meet, everything falls silent and suddenly, Steve forgets to breathe.

New girl pushes him to his direction, in the guise of "get your wife a drink" before disappearing into the crowd to find Robin.

Then, we switch to Eddie's POV. Who is not only smitten, but he's been glowing with jealousy since he found out he wasn't Steve's first Dungeon Master.

[annika-thelostlove]

Unfinished Draft #1

Drabble for late valentines - Edward nashton talks to you, who he thinks is out of his league.

This is a random note i made in my notes app that has been there since February, which i didn't continue. This turned into a weird dialog drabble. I tried polishing it up, but I still kept it a rough draft in the end.

Edward catches the eye of one of the young COO who works on the top floor of their company. But after a long time trying to flirt with him obviously and even making grand gestures, Ed still doesn't get the hint. Ed just thinks you love his department and gives you all special attention. He believes you are so far from his league. I imagine him being ignorant and cute, clapping along with everyone when she COO buys a new coffee machine close to his desk, not at all realizing it's for him. But now that its valentines Day, the COO loses their patience and gives him a piece of their mind.

-----

"You're here."

His magnified eyes looks up at you through those clear glasses. "Yes."

"You have no plans tonight? It's valentines"

He continues to work his keyboard while he responds to you, "I have no patience for holidays fueled only by consumerism"

"Ah, I didn't realize that's how you feel about this holiday." Biting your lip in thought "Well it wouldn't hurt, would it? I told everyone they could take half the day off if they had plans today. The rest of your floor is empty now."

Edward looks straight at you, suspicious. "I'm sorry to be so forward, boss, but are you trying to ask me to dinner perhaps? Because I don't think it would be appropriate."

"I-"

"Or if it is a joke, it's not very funny"

"No! Mr Nashton, I have good intentions- " he has stumped you, though youve thought he was being ignorant this whole time. "Well, your first assumption is right. I admit. But we're not of the same department, so i didn't think it was going to be some issue. Do you really hate the idea?? That maybe, i am asking you to dinner?"

He looked at you skeptically. "You have no need to talk to me. I am just an accountant, and you have position of chief operations offcer, people like you should not aim so low for someone like me as a romantic partner ma'am."

"Don't say that."

"Don't wha-"

"Don't talk about me like I'm different. I can be interested in you if I want to be."

"Wait i-"

"What's so different about me? I have an Ivy League degree? I have a rich family? I'm tired of people thinking that people like me want nothing to do with you and the people on your floor. I come down here once a day just to see you. Did you know that?"

You swear you see Edwards face flush red. "But that, that doesn't make sense, I'm..me, and you're...you."

"What does that even mean? Edward, look at me! Do you think I'm pretty?" She doesn't know when, but tears have gathered in her eyes, ready to fall. This hurt her to confront more than she realized.

"Wha- well..."

"Am I pretty to you? Do you want me?"

"Of, of COURSE I do, who wouldn't?

"Eddie I want you. Is that enough for you?"

"Uh, what."

"Edward I'm really fucking mad right now, its valentines day, and i was hoping we would be together since two months ago, we are off schedule! so don't test me."

"Um, yes. Yes! It's enough. But I just dont-"

"It's enough for me. That settles it."

"What have I done for you to...I don't understand "

"It SETTLES it. You want to know what i want? Tonight we go on a date. I can answer all your questions then. We are behind on schedule, well..." Suddenly getting shy, you blush. "if you agree to date me, that is, after six months of dating, we move in together. Then I ask you to marry me. If you say yes, I plan we buy a house, I have had one in mind near here. I want children, at least two. But we can discuss that together."

Edwards face unknown to him grows dreamy while he stares at you. "...al-alright"

"But tonight, I'm still not happy with you, and I'm tired of waiting for you to get the fucking hint. So you're going to fuck me a few times to make it up to me. Alright?"

"Fuck, okay"

The scowl on your face melts into a sweet smile

"Good"

--

Note: I was imagining the COO is also a little freak, they've been stalking him, got a full background check done on him, and fell in love even more with Edward loving puzzles and him being from modest beginnings, they also love his extremist alter ego, the riddler. But he'll find out that they know eventually, it was also a fun idea if they are funding him with money for his guns and explosives. They also hate rich people and people who are gold diggers. So Edward was the dream man for them 💕