#{ faceless people with unknown intentions (anons) }

[englass]

How about #7 for the dark prompts?

Sure thing, Anon! Thank you for sending it in!

Have to say, this is such a dramatic prompt that I was going to have some fun with it and not take it too seriously, but... well, that didn't exactly happen...

7. “If they so much as think about you, I will personally see to it that the last thing they ever think, see and know about again is my hand through their chest.”

- - -

Sometimes you question what you were doing with your life. When you were younger you had so many ideas, so many dreams about what you would grow up to be and do; both occupation and personal development wise. Maybe you’d be a librarian, a personal assistant perhaps. Perhaps you’d no longer be so reticent, be more honest and forthright with what you wanted maybe. You can’t say exactly what you thought you’d grow up to do and be like, but what you can say is that romance had been a far, far off idea in the vague outline of your future. Something you only thought about in passing, as a bittersweet indulgence to your secretly romantic heart.

Love seemed like such an inexplicable thing, inconceivable despite the evidence displayed in those around you. For whatever reason you just couldn't see yourself with someone, couldn’t comprehend such an equally desirable and yet dangerous emotion being something that you would ever experience, let alone actually come to possess. The idea of it was all so frightening; so complex and intricate in the way that the unknown typically appears to be.

Maybe, in some strange backwards way, that was why John was such a comfort to you: so complex, intricate and unknown to you as he was.

At first it had been nothing more than an unexpected friendship. It had been hard to believe that such a successful and attractive man would ever be interested in getting to know little, introverted you, even in a purely friendly manner. It had set your foolishly hopeful heart into a childish frenzy at the time, one you’d constantly had to settle and aggressively force down in fear of hurting your sensitive self. The heart is such a fragile thing after all, and you are intimately self-aware of the fragility of your own.

It had been difficult, painful in the way that a yearning heart always is, but you had gotten by; contented yourself with a friendship that sometimes appeared to hint too close at something more, but that you knew never would be. Or, at least, you never thought it would be. John's rather sudden confession during (what you had thought to be) a casual dinner had completely thrown you off guard, completely spun your world on its axis in a way that you couldn’t tell if it was the best or worst thing to ever happen to you.

Ultimately you settled on the former; it was definitely the best thing to have happened to you, despite your many fears and reservations over it all. Fortune had certainly shown favour in gifting him to you and (hopefully) you to him. John had been nothing but supportive and patient during this new experience with him, and it never failed to make your cheeks flush with a bashful heat every time he whispered private assurances and sweetened comforts against your skin.

Yes, life has definitely turned out differently than what your younger self would have ever thought possible.

Sometimes, however, you find yourself questioning what you were doing in this sort of life.

At his core John is a sweetheart, as much of a romantic as you are in his own flavorful way. He’d never once taken a tone with you, never once made you feel lesser than despite your own parasitic insecurities insisting otherwise. John was beautifully unique, and you had no doubt in your mind that there would never be another man like him.

“If they so much as think about you, I will personally see to it that the last thing they ever think, see and know about again is my hand through their chest... ”

And that included his almost disturbing degree of overprotectiveness over you.

Hesitantly you shake your head, placing a cautious hand on John’s arm as he glares menacingly at the… what are they, a guard? You’re really not sure how to describe the people that follow John and his siblings. It’s all very out of your depth, and for your own peace of mind you think it may be best to keep it that way. The less you know the better.

“John, I really don’t think they meant anything by it,” you offer softly, trying to meet his eyes. “They only came in to talk to you. Besides, it sounded urgent. You know they wouldn’t come in like that if it wasn’t.”

John had made it clear a few times already what would happen if anyone came into the ranch without express permission. He used to be a lot more subtle about issuing his threats at the start of your relationship, but not so much any more. In some ways it’s nice that he feels comfortable enough with you to not hide any part of himself, regardless of how dark those parts may be. In other ways you wonder what it is that you are doing with your life -- what have you gotten yourself involved in…

A heavy and drawn out sigh escapes from John, expression softening as he finally turns to look at you; a small and almost guilty smile dispelling his previously murderous scowl. Raising a hand he gently brushes your cheek with the back of his fingers, caressing the quickly redden skin with a fondness that you can feel as much as you can see in the expansive azure of his eyes.

“I suppose you have a point,” he drawls with a teasing lilt, his smile turning charming as his hand smoothes out to cradle your jaw. “I just can’t stand the idea of any of them seeing you; they’re not worthy of such a vision.”

Right… you think anxiously, feebly reminding yourself, overprotective.

“I know,” not completely, but you do know it eases him to hear you say it all the same. “You don’t have to be so harsh with them though. I’m sure they mean no harm.”

John frowns at that, shaking his head. “You don’t know them like I do, sweetling.”

“I don’t,” you agree, “but they listen to you, right? Surely that counts for something?”

The way he watches you makes you squirm, makes you momentarily doubt your safety and the intentions of the faceless men and women around you, but you try not to physically react to him. Only daring to meet his intent gaze with a meek one of your own. Thankfully it doesn’t take long for him to relent in his silent scrutinising of you, offering a gentle smile and a long press of his lips to your forehead.

“I’ll consider what you’ve said, darling.”

That’s about as much as you can ask of him, you guess. It’s a bit disappointing, with how dismissive his words sound, but you know how John can be. Especially when it comes to you; and how pos-- protective he is of you. You try not to let it bother you too much though. Your life is already so much more different than you ever imagined it to be, and you’re not too sure how you’d take it if you started looking too deeply into things; if you started questioning things too much. You don’t know what’s becoming of your life -- oh god help you, but what you do know…

Is that it is hued in red.

[pleuvoire]

random but i wish the person who had sent me an anon a month or so ago about not making posts talking down to poor people about politics had just said “you seem middle class” instead of listing out all the personal details i’ve mentioned about my life over the months or years that led them to believe that, because it super reignited my paranoia that at all times there are eyes on me keeping track of every single detail that could help in tallying up my faults and anything i say will be remembered forever (they mentioned me owning a macbook. when was the last time i mentioned owning a macbook? i don’t remember? it might have been years?) and it fucked me up for a long time afterwards. especially with it being anonymous which always creates in me the deep fear of being watched and judged by some faceless unknown factor that you can’t identify or reach out to for further dialogue and who could be anyone following you (it’s why i usually have anon off but i’d turned it back on recently for like an ask meme or something). and there were other ways in which it still affects me that feel too silly or hard-to-describe to mention. i don’t fault that person for sending the ask (although after taking a long scroll through my archive when i got the ask i do think they exaggerated the frequency with which i make posts like that), the intent was good but i just wish the delivery and wording had been way different. they had no way of knowing and it’s not anyone’s fault but my mental illness here but god i wish i wasn’t mentally ill like this when small things can affect me so much weeks and months later

[skulduggerypleasant]

Twitter Q&A (8/3/18)

Derek did an impromptu Q&A session on his Twitter last night, and answered a lot of tweets in very quick succession. I really do mean a lot, and he’s not even finished with all the questions yet (although I helped him out where I could), so expect an update to this post soon enough! Under the cut, you’ll find a summary of pretty much everything that he said, excluding anything that wasn’t really relevant to a wider audience. There are, inevitably, spoilers for every book up to and including Resurrection. Anyways, enjoy!

We’ll be getting bits and pieces of information about Carol’s death—and it’s consequences—as the books go on, although it won’t be a main plot point by any means. [x]

“China is generally the hardest to write, because I have to force myself to not make jokes. Val's the easiest, because she's the most real to me.” [x]

“Skulduggery has had primarily straight relationships in the past, but pretty much all sorcerers are bi, China included. Val is, at this point in her life, kinda straight, with definite bi leanings.” [x]

Female sorcerers have a monthly menstrual cycle for however long their bodies stay young. [x] (Why do you people ask these things?)

We’re never going to be told Skulduggery’s given name. [x]

The Unnamed will be elaborated on in Phase Two. [x]

Skulduggery brushes his teeth, and he showers if his bones are dirty. [x]

Derek only decided on Ghastly’s grisly fate around Mortal Coil; up until that point, he was going to live. [x]

Derek considers Necromancy the coolest power to write, but thinks that Teleportation is ultimately the best. [x]

“If someone was taken over by [both] a Remnant and a Faceless One, the Faceless One would burn out the Remnant in an instant.” [x]

Derek has no intention of telling us how many books he has planned for the series, but we’ll probably find out eventually. [x]

“[Valkyrie’s] powers will be explored further as we go.” [x]

Only one reflection can be released at a time, and you still have a normal reflection in mirrors all the while. [x]

“I had the first idea [for the series] in the summer of 2005, and I didn't change any of the major aspects since then. The only question was whether to set it in the ‘real’ world or a fantasy world where walking skeletons weren't a big deal. Obviously, the real world won.” [x]

Valkyrie will not be teaching any other sorcerers, as she isn’t in any kind of mindset to teach, and her power set is entirely unique. [x]

We’ll learn how Mevolent died during the war in Phase Two, as well as how the alternate-dimension Mevolent managed to survive where the original did not. Also, it’s implied that there’s plenty more we’ll find out about. [x]

“Harry Potter probably influenced me the most, especially early on. I should have been confident enough to throw off those shackles, but in a way I needed them in order to find my own way of telling stories.” [x]

Derek is suitably—but not necessarily suspiciously—evasive when questioned about possible connections between Valkyrie/Darquesse and The Unnamed. [x]

Skulduggery probably can’t seal his true name, without a heart to carve the appropriate symbols into. [x]

“Okay, but when does Ghastly come back to life?” / “On a Tuesday.” [x]

We’ll find out about Valkyrie’s infamous “vision boyfriend” that Cassandra Pharos saw back in Last Stand of Dead Men. [x]

Again, Derek heavily implies we’ll see the return of alternate-universe Mevolent in future books. [x]

“I've left it open enough so that I COULD link [Skulduggery Pleasant and Demon Road], but I don't think I will, unless I have an awesome idea for a crossover...” [x]

Derek was originally intending to reveal what Saracen’s power is, but now he’s unsure if he ever will. [x]

We’ll find out what strange thing Dusk tasted in Valkyrie’s blood back in Dark Days; it was already confirmed that it was neither her Ancient lineage, or her Darquesse alter-ego. [x]

Necromancers have yet to successfully figure out a way to harness their powers without the use of an imbued object. [x]

Derek is unsure if he’ll ever write (another) Dead Men short story set during the war, as short stories are incredibly time-consuming. [x]

We’ll find out as we progress through Phase Two what, exactly, made Skulduggery quit his job at the Sanctuary. [x]

“China’s charm works on EVERYONE.” [x]

The Reflection would’ve been unable to approach the Book of Names. [x]

It’s possible for a sorcerer who has discovered their true name to achieve power equal to, or greater than, the Ancients/Faceless Ones. [x]

Valkyrie has “not yet” dressed up as Skulduggery for Halloween. [x]

“Love is love, is it not?” [x]

Gracious O’Callahan is based on one of Derek’s friends. [x]

“Where did Skulduggery find the Bentley?” / “In the Bentley shop.” [x]

The Book of Names was not the only way to discover one’s True Name, and the Book itself was created by the Ancients. [x]

“The pop culture references simply reflect the times in which the books are set. The problem is that pop culture can date a book pretty fast, but I tend not to care about things like that.” [x]

Before Skulduggery died, his face was apparently “like, super handsome and stuff.” [x] (As if that surprises anyone...)

“You can use sigils if you're, say, an Elemental, but you can't get to China's level unless you devote yourself to the discipline.” [x]

Lord Vile is not mute, he just doesn’t like to speak. [x]

It’s a possibility that we might see a villain in future who has control over older, more visceral forms of magic. (Although, I can’t say Derek’s response was notably promising, but who knows?) [x]

“Omen has a definite journey in these books. He's just trying to figure out who he is, and find his place in the world.” [x]

“Darquesse is either A) kicking Faceless One ass or B) having her ass kicked by Faceless Ones. Vile hasn't gone anywhere...” [x]

Derek promises that we haven’t seen the last of shunters, again pretty much confirming a return to the Leibniz Universe. [x]

“Solomon always liked the name, which is why he took it... and he HAD [nine] brothers but they all died mysteriously. VERY mysteriously.” [x]

Fletcher was supposed to die early on, but Derek changed his mind. [x]

Solomon Wreath once had a pet gerbil, apparently. [x]

“The Taken Name is a psychological protection, so literally all you have to do is decide on your new name, and there you go.” [x]

We may possibly get more short stories set before the first book. [x]

“As powerful as Vile was, Mevolent was more so.” [x]

There are no plans to tell us much more, if anything, about Skulduggery’s family. [x] (However, we have previously been promised that Midnight will delve a little more into Skulduggery’s past.)

“Is there any way of bringing Tanith and Ghastly back together?” / “Sure. I’ll just have to kill Tanith.” [x]

Derek listens to music while he writes: “Soundtracks only—no lyrics! Star Wars, Marvel, Pirates of the Carribbean—anything big and bombastic.” [x]

Serpine has apparently used Skulduggery’s ribcage as a xylophone. [x]

Darquesse’s personality shifted away from Valkyrie’s because “she changed once her power grew; her consciousness expanded.” [x]

“[Skulduggery]’s unlikely to be the only one who's ever figured out how to do it, but I like to think that anyone else who learned how to fly lost their focus mid-flight and died screaming all the way down...” [x]

Following the death of Anton Shudder, the Midnight Hotel has been passed on to a different (unknown) owner. [x]

There probably won’t be any extra books or short stories about Milo, of Demon Road trilogy fame. [x]

We pretty much already know this, but: “[Skulduggery] is one of the few magically ambidextrous people out there.” [x]

If Derek had the chance to rewrite the series, he would save Ghastly. [x]

Skulduggery’s guilty pleasure is “watching old movies.” [x]

“Tanith is keeping busy, and Militsa SO fancies Val...” [x]

Billy-Ray Sanguine’s magic is earth-focused, so technically it could be classified as an Elemental ability, but because he’s so specialised and his powers are so unique, it’s counted as an Adept discipline. [x]

Elders are elected. [x] (But apparently, Supreme Mages are not...)

“At this point in her life, I'd say Val is probably closing in on bisexual, but heteromantic. So far.” [x]

“[Thrasher] had a mother, but she has sadly passed.” [x]

Apparently, Mevolent’s three generals were “cool with each other,” and “they had game nights and everything.” [x] (Inexplicably, I got scolded by an anon for saying that this was more than likely a joke.)

Valkyrie and Tanith’s dynamic may have changed following the events of the last books, but we’ll have to wait and see “if and when they meet again.” [x]

“There are parts I wish had slightly different rules linked to them, which would have made it easier to use these things in later books, but nothing I regret as such, no.” [x]

Mobile phones still worked when Skulduggery and Valkyrie were in Hammer Lane Gaol (in Kingdom of the Wicked) because... magic! [x]

There are no plans, and there probably never will be, to tell us whether Skulduggery’s child was a boy or a girl. [x]

Derek knew that Erskine Ravel was probably going to end up being the main antagonist in the book in which he was introduced, but he only knew for definite by the time he was writing the book after that. [x]

Again (because when do they not?), someone asked whether there would be a movie or a tv show based on the series, and as always, the answer is: hopefully yes, but no news yet. [x]

Derek would consider writing for Doctor Who again if asked, but he generally prefers having complete ownership over his writing—so he can kill whichever characters he wants. [x]

I don’t know why this was asked, but in case anyone was wondering, Skulduggery and Serpine are not related. [x]

[gcmblingdice]

I been following your blog for a few months now and the development Woo goes through, I noticed, is in drabbles. Is this intentional? Also I may not know what it's like to have bpd, but it seems rough and I hope you and Woo can get through it! Mun fighting!

Aw thank you anon, we will try! As for if it is intentional? Yes and no. For the most part his interactions outside @tuggeriisms is pretty much very simple. In one on one threads with the skz boys and others, Woo has more freedom to express himself, I suppose and gain insight and grow. However a lot of Joonwoo's development is internal as he is rather private to the point that he shows what he wants to show or what he thinks people want to see.

He has avoidance personality traits ontop of his borderline. At times he finds it overwhelming, being stuck in his head. He goes to the skz dorm because, even while he feels like he is not included or left to the way side even when he does interact, he also doesn't mind.

His desires to be what others need has left him feeling shallow and empty. Who is he, really? Around certain people he acts one way and around someone else another. He has no ego. No shadow. He literally feels like a faceless, unknown creature that cant even recognize himself.

See Woo is very maternal and has abandonment issues and trauma from being pretty much deprived of everything in terms of nurture and love. So he compensates by being overly caring, by stretching himself thin and holdinf the weight of everyones problems as his own when he don't need too.

However a lot of these topics are heavy and triggering for me to write and for others and so i ha e found that while I do write threads on it, with Woo exploring and being vuneralble around those who he loves and cherish, a lot of times those threads fizzle out and I finish them in the form of drabbles. In this way I also have freedom to really explore Woo.

So yeah. Woo is my second fave OC besides Karine and one I feel closest too. In a way, I guess he may be the closest I have to self insert??? Hahaha. Idk.

Anyway thank you so much for following me and loving Woo as much as I do.

We love you, anon!

[goodluckgoodhope-blog]

Almost done with tag revamps!

Tag dump (general)

[lih67]

Jared and Gen might not be the biggest monsters in the world but they aren't the best people. Jared likes to pitch a fit and have millions of people attack people, he's decided didn't treat him well enough. Gen's such a piece of work that her own brother has gone to social media to call her out over how she acts. When your own family can't stand you, you might be a pretty terrible person.

You’re a J2 comm hat aren’t you? You sound like one.

Jared and Gen might not be the biggest monsters in the world?! How about they definitely are NOT. Neither one is even close to that no matter what some faceless, nameless completely unconfirmed and unsubstantiated supposed ITK/IHA anons say about Gen over at Spn-Gossip or here on Tumblr.

And if the only thing you can bitch about Jared is him using his Twitter account to complain about other people who were being asswipes to him you have a pretty damn weak argument against him. All because he’s a celebrity doesn’t mean he needs to shut up and not use HIS OWN SM as he sees fit the way countless other people do. And btw Jared does not “have millions of people attack people.” Fucking bullshit. That sounds like incitement and he’s never ONCE posted anything directing or in any way suggesting his followers to attack anyone else. In fact he’s posted for others to STOP doing exactly that when some and definitely NOT MILLIONS have gotten out of line on their own. They made that choice of their own free will. Jared, Misha, and/or other celebs should not be held accountable for the stupidity of others when it is clear that the celeb did not post anything with the intent to incite. Don’t like what he posts then don’t follow him. It’s that simple.

As for Gen I cannot take what others say of her seriously. I remember that FB post from her brother Ben and yeah that was some serious shade he threw but to say that “when your own family can’t stand you, you might be a pretty terrible person” is going too far. Do you know EXACTLY why he posted that? Do you know the relationship he has with Gen? I remember reading that Gen’s parents went through a divorce because her father cheated on her mom. Gen and her siblings took sides and there is one brother she doesn’t talk to much which also happens to be the brother who made that FB post. Maybe Ben’s still harboring strong anger and resentment over that and hit back. Maybe Ben and Gen argued over something and he decided to bitch on FB. Maybe Ben’s actually pissed at Jared over whatever and went after him instead. What Ben wrote can be taken as an insult to Jared, Gen, or both but the why of it is unknown. You saying what you said is just you filling in the holes with a narrative that you agree with. It all depends on how you want to read it and believe me there are lots of people here who have a serious something against Gen that colors how they see and talk about her. Not much is known about Gen regarding personality so a whole lot of narrative was created to fill the blanks. Narrative is not fact, is not truth. So what you and others say about Gen is baseless since there is nothing at all to support that she is a “piece of work” and that her own family can’t stand her. Give proof of what you claim (even strong circumstantial evidence will suffice) or else don’t get salty when others don’t believe.