#(scrapped an entire au i worked on for 4-5 hours)

[fixhbones]

happy itafushi friday <3

[blackbloodteeth]

13th Sentence Game

@bcbdrums linked me this post (about sharing the 13th sentence from any WIP), and then ended up spurring me into sharing them from all my WIPs. I hope this chaos is what you wanted.

While this is mostly everything, I've skipped some WIPs for reasons such as maybe ending up as potential Resbangs™, but otherwise enjoy this absurdly long list I've put together over the course of like three hours.

You can play along and try to guess what each one's about, if you want hahaha

1, "2021 July 15"* You're sitting up, sweating like crazy, all you can focus on is taking in air.

*Technically my first fic, but it was scrapped. Never really posted it because it's too confusing and now outdated.

2. "2021 Sep 24"* As the previously stated unpredictable behaviour has led to only a small number of assessments on combat, the full extent of his abilities remain undocumented.

*Was originally for an event, but I've considering expanding upon it.

3. "(WIP) TBN" It was like the world here at DWMA was some kind of grand show, and he was just some background character.

4. Inner Strings They all called him the Soul Eater.

5. "be crime do gay" Just. Not like that.

6. Scythes don't make for practical weapons He had no idea if he was going to be able to make friends at all, let alone find a meister, someone willing to accept him for himself and actually be able to use him effectively.

7. "(simple au)" He had an odd combo of red eyes with white hair and tan skin, sharp teeth pulled into a defiant scowl, and a black jacket hunched over a frame that didn't look to understand posture for shit.

8. When Death City snows over "Come on, I doubt it'll actually snow; that shit never happens here."

9. I ain't Feline fine She gets him to stand in the center of the spell zone while instructing Maka to keep behind her, eagerly fixing her hat with her paws before starting.

10. Teeth So he'd take to his now familiar hideaway, a piano tucked away in a sparsely used room.

11. Happy Birthday, Soul Not even Maka.

12. "cursed hall" Given they've gotten to know each other to some degree before now, he was already pretty adjusted to seeing the two other members of this makeshift team: Soul and, well, Soul.

13. It's been a long night for my entire life There was always work to be done and he couldn't wait to get started.

14. One Word* Seeing all those intertwined neighbors, how easily they all sent signals together, that part of him craving to connect and belong made him feel hollow, made him wish he could have that just like everybody else.

*Let it be known that this is the notorious development hell WIP.

15. It was a dark and stormy night Of course with her literary weapon and the sudden jolt of her appearance, the figure seems to have been startled enough to give an auditory following to their jumping back, dull gleaming red blinking wildly back at her tense confusion while- Wait, Soul??

16. Ride by night only [6:19 PM] Kinda with him actually, why are you in a hurry then lol

17. The Very Hungry Soul “Well if the very hungry caterpillar would like to make sure we’re not late, he should hurry up and get dressed before I eat his breakfast for him before it gets cold.”

18. See you on the other side "Soul?"

19. The Dragon and The Moth He’s stopped entirely in his tracks when she abruptly goes in for a hug, snout nuzzling against his chest with a much softened sweetness.

20. Draconic Upon further noting its smooth surface he soon realized it wasn’t a star but in fact some sort of rock, blandly opaque like that of salt despite its odd moonlit shimmers, which even stranger still became steadily see-through in the absorbed heat of his fingertips.

21. "(wings made of arms)" Could it... really be......?

22. The Unknown Caller Caller unknown. But for him that was a lie.

23. The Exchange [8th] "Drink?"

24. Don't Escape Making his way around the back, his eyes glide along the sides until he reaches the pile of small logs, the ax resting up against them exactly as he’d left it.

25. The 42nd Story (Ch. 2)* The muffled talking of a woman, determined to be coming from a nearby room.

*As stated in The Ramble Room, this entire story was scrapped. While I didn't share the second and only other chapter despite it being finished, the first chapter was still shared.

26. "2023july11" He proceeds with actually cleaning himself up, a faint smile keeping him still awake and upright.

27. "(Aug31)" Her smile fades a little as she looks him over, a different sense of intrigue making her face bunch up funnily.

28. "hand pun" Her horrid fascination grew to the point of needing a new name for it (morbid curiosity, that's a classic) as the guy turns the hand around while it signs to him, eyes impossibly wide when she notices the similar skin tone under his hood and the missing space in his left jacket sleeve and the red of his eyes when he suddenly looks directly at her.

29. "WereWeek prompt 3" There's this girl – new student who moved in this year – who is so bossy.

30. "trees"* So much on his mind that he can't hold at bay and he can't even walk about it.

*Technically a small one-shot collection, but it's all going to be in the same fic.

31. "here and now"* His fingers stretch out from his palms in front of the glass, hurriedly ruffling through his hair, his tongue sticking out and then grinning ear-to-ear at her again with all the sunlight in the world.

*My current WIP! It's been slow-going, but I can't wait to see it through to the end haha

The rest are unsorted WIPs in my "drabble zone (2024)" doc:

32. 'Cause you are more than just a dream There's an odd look he pauses on her with after hopping off that she can really only describe as him expecting her to feel like he just sealed her in with a wild animal.

33. "blacksmith au" While his body shown well the signs of having dedicated much of his life to his craft, there was a strange affliction splitting much of it in twain, diagonally from hip to shoulder as if sliced by the very heavens itself in warning.

34. Devils don't go to Heaven (working title) “...Where is this?”

Anything else is so disorganized or only a small handful of sentences that I'm just gonna go ahead and stop it here haha

Thanks for tuning in, hope this was at least entertaining, or possibly even enlightening to the sheer amount of WIPs I've manged to collect over the past few years. I do want to go back to them eventually, but one step at a time, eh?

[fredoesque]

4, 5, 21!

4. How many WIPs do you have right now?

it depends on how you count them haha. rn i have abt 2k of a supernatural gbu fic stuck in development hell, and two other wips (gbu and the terror) that consist of a document with about 5 sentences in it each. but there's also 2 or 3 scattered ideas that aren't being written but they are being considered. in pre-production. being tenderized if you will

on top of that i've been writing some drabbles to get back into the habit, but i don't know if i'll be sharing those at all, bc i'm not sure how?? i'd wanna go about doing that

5. What’s a fic idea you’ve had that you will never write?

well never is a big word bc i do love to try and make an completely out-there concept work, but i had an idea for a mean streets lighthouse au that will likely never see the light of day bc i LOST. MY NOTES. like an idiot.

the basic premise was that charlie was a lighthouse keeper and johnny was a ghost haunting the lighthouse. and basically charlie taking this lonely, awful job was still a penance thing and johnny (maybe??? i'm not as sure abt this bit) was still feared and ostracized in a way but also a bona fide menace. and they'd figure out how to build a home together <3 maybe <3

21. Have you ever deleted an entire scene after spending hours laboring over it? If so, why?

sort of?? i was fighting for my life with the ending of this place lets you down (easy). somehow i couldn't get the tone and characterization right, especially while trying to balance them with letting johnny and charlie have some sort of happy ending. i ended up scrapping everything i had and rewriting it entirely, but the actual content of the scene is still essentially the same so?? ship of theseus deleted scene ig

here's the original version if you're curious:

It’s during the feast of San fucking Genarro that Charlie shows up on Johnny’s doorstep. It’s the middle of the night, but there are still people in the street. Music and light and the smell of zeppole waft over. It’s like a slap to the face, seeing Charlie up close again—but, y’know, a slap in the face after you just called a girl fat—really, kind of inevitable. “Hey,” says Charlie, softly. “Would you still like to go see those zombies?” “Yes,” says Johnny before his brain catches up. “Guess so,” he adds after a beat. “Only if you want to watch with me.” “Yeah, sure,” says Charlie and he’s grinning in a nervous sort of way. “If you agree to make out with me in the back.” Johnny feels an answering giggle build at the base of his spine, but he keeps a straight face. “Well, I don’t know. Seems kinda like a bad idea.” “Maybe,” says Charlie, just barely rocking back and forth on his heels. “Probably.” “Alright,” says Johnny. His hearts beating like it wants out. Charlie’s face lights up with a full smile now, the big and ugly one. Johnny’s done far stupider things for far stupider reasons. “Just one problem.” Charlie’s shoulders just about shoot off into orbit. “What’s that?” he says. Johnny leans forward, just a bit. “I don’t think they’re playing that movie anymore,” he whispers. Charlie relaxes again. “No, I don’t think they are.” He grabs Johnny’s hand from across the threshold. He starts them off walking, into the crowd. “I figured there’d be another one we could catch.”

[beanies-in-the-clouds]

I have been summoned. Does this mean I get to subject my followers (aka basically the three friends I have on here) to my favorite stupid bullshit? I say yes. I will subject you to my Favorite Bullshit™. The brainrot is strong with us >:)

Aka this means I will be rambling now so prepare your horses for THE RACES I am letting my autistic ass go WILD.

I have included a cut for those who give 0 fucks about me and want to scroll past :)

I’ve been fixating hard on my ocs lately. I think they are fighting rottmnt for #1 Favorite Bullshit™ spot :) it is tiring but fun to switch back and forth so many times.

Currently I’m editing all the works I’ve written about them in my 3 years in the field… and that means all of my works. Things that 14-year-old me was proud of have now been completely changed. After I’m done editing, I’ll make a new document and place them in chronological order of occurrence (which is gonna be a pain in the ass because they’re in order of written date). This will then eventually be published as a book; A Handful of Darkness! I have a tentative goal to finish polishing everything by June (the end of my senior year in high school). I’ll update if/when that happens!

I made a spur-of-the-moment change and now my series is called Orbital Memories. I am insanely in love with this name and will likely keep it :)

I am grappling with the fact that I have 10 main characters I plan to make character reference sheets for. This means I have to 1) solidify all 10 of their clothing designs 2) learn to draw backside perspective and 3) learn how to properly draw clothes. My cartoon style allows no wrinkles which Just Won’t Fly™. These characters are Luke, Mike, Ray, April, Volton, Kagayaku, Roteki, Meredith, Kiki and Trent. Half are prominent the entire 5-book series and half are not.

Fun fact I debated for a short time about scrapping April’s character entirely because I didn’t want to feel like I was copying the tmnt series for having a sister figure named April. But she stays because her hair is cool and people like my ocs with dyed hair. Teal for the win 🩵

Fandom wise… I am not in many. The severity of which I fixate doesn’t allow for more than a couple because the few I allow I fixate hard. Multiple AUs, storylines, fics and even art (when I can actually draw the stupid lil guys /aff) is crafted. Therefore my Favorite Bullshit™ for fandoms is limited to rottmnt and Super Mario. And partially ATLA. I am also a huge fan of Studio Ghibli and consider it a fixation but am not in any fandoms. I am not aware of their existence (though I’m sure they’re there) and do not wish to be; I’m content just knowing all there is to know and memorizing each line for funsies.

Rise is also a fixation of mine and has been for a year and a half now. Shorter than my fixations on Super Mario and on my ocs, but it’s just as thorough. I have a long fic planned called Diamond Mirrors that has yet to be written. I’m still outlining events and it’s on the backburner.

Super Mario - specifically the Koopalings - is my first ever and longest fandom fixation. I have a long, 4-part fic planned with them called The Vision Walker that is in the beginning stages of being written. It is on the backburner just behind my first book. I have countless hcs for each of them (though more for my favorites!) and always love talking about them.

I love rambling about my favorite things. I don’t get to often and not many people are willing to listen to me dump on and on (I could go for hours) so this post is cathartic. Maybe I’ll get more comfortable sharing about what I love, maybe not. My people-pleaser ass will dictate that :)

Ty for the tag I loved this very much <3

Subject your Followers to your favorite Stupid Bullshit.

[izusun]

OKAY THE BRAINWORMS HAVE BEEN RATTLING IN MY MIND SO APPLY THIS TO ANY AND EVERY AU EVER-

Dekubowl. That's it, that's the post.

No but in the beginning it's the entire class realizing they all like Izuku and fighting each other for his attention (especially the more possessive ones like Katsuki and Shouto)

But then they see him do something absolutely insane and reckless and the class collectively realizes 'holy shit keeping him alive is gonna be a group effort'

And that's how the class changed from 'competing for Izuku's affection' to 'tag teaming to ensure that Izuku is properly healthy and also spoiled to all hell'

Iida and Momo run meetings where the class plan out schedules to make sure everyone gets an equal amount of time with Izuku in half-dates half-babysitting-duty

Izuku has no idea these meetings are happening or that he now has about nineteen/twenty girlfriends and boyfriends until Kaminari finally points it out and he has a crisis.

"I'm not that bad, am I?"

"Deku, if I hadn't known you since the day you were fucking born, I would've been convinced your quirk was a villain magnet."

GOBLIN!!! (according to other ask saying this is u) THANK U SM FOR THIS DEKUBOWL IDEA!!!

i love me some loving deku hours!! and i’ve been pushing the underground “deku fanclub” ran by uraraka for so so long so this one feeds my tiny soul

ok but imagine the creation of the deku fanclub:

it all starts with kirishima and bakugou’s first interaction about midoriya.

kirishima and bakugou are long friends already, hanging out and having fun, but one of the pros of being friends with bakugou was kirishima seeing midoriya in different settings outside of being his gym partner and school work and stuff. he sees midoriya in a different light and thinks, i wanna be more than bros with mido.

so he tells bakugou, asks him if he has a chance or if bakugou would grant him his blessings to ask midoriya out, but, well, bakugou likes midoriya too.

“shitty hair i like him too what the fuck,” bakugou says, tired because he knew.

even if kirishima didn’t realize his feelings yet, bakugou could clearly see it and recognize the shine in kirishima’s eyes is the same as the shine in bakugou’s own eyes, both caused by their nerd.

and kirishima’s like “ohhh shit ok bro.” so they create this bro code of not asking midoriya out yet and if they really want to, to tell each other for transparency’s sake.

well their bro code doesn’t last because todoroki comes along with sero.

“you’ve got to be fucking kidding me,” bakugou says as they’re all gathered in todoroki’s room.

“hey man, no need to be angry because have you seen him? walking adonis if i know my greek mythology that well,” sero replies back.

bakugou introduces the bro code which they both agree but, again, it doesn’t last long because iida, uraraka, and asui come along.

“we have to stop meeting in icyhot’s room,” bakugou hisses, squeezed between both todoroki and kirishima, “why the fuck are you two even in the boys’ dorms?”

“i heard the ugly bro code from todoroki and i think we need to think bigger. the fact that you guys think that suppressing your feelings is healthy is to both you all and deku-kun is crazy. so we’re here to propose a better way,” uraraka chirps in reply, smiling prettily as though iida’s hulk of a mass isn’t squishing her to todoroki’s wall.

so uraraka officially calls them the deku fanclub.

the purposes:

allowing all simping for midoriya (this includes trying to impress him or spoil him)

support group especially for todoroki (who doesn’t know what love is really so they’re helping him get to terms with the actual emotion) and iida (who is too embarrassed to admit that he has feelings for his best friend and often can’t function in normal setting anymore)

the group gradually increases because kaminari, tokoyami, aoyama, and jirou realize that they want to be part of the deku fanclub. tokoyami swears he’s not in love but the way dark shadow exposes him during their meetings, of course, disproves him.

eventually all of 1a (except midoriya) becomes a part of the deku fanclub.

with both momo and uraraka organizing the official deku fanclub, plus iida finally getting over his embarrassment, the club officially rolls.

the rules change and get scrapped, but everything officially changes after the school festival when they learn that midoriya’s ambushed by gentle criminal and la brava.

they met up in the common rooms this time, especially careful because according to tokoyami, sometimes midoriya wakes up in the middle of the night to grab a glass of water.

“he was just trying to get apples. APPLES,” mina hisses, eyes wide in both wonder and worry.

“who even allowed him to go out alone?” shoji asks.

“hey maybe that should be a rule. always go with midoriya.”

“but isn’t that too constricting, ojiro-kun?”

“fuck you’re right.”

so everyone silently explodes in a flurry of trying to discuss which would be more helpful for midoriya. it takes them 30 minutes to gather themselves and from then on, iida and momo finalize the club’s rules.

deku fanclub rules (the essentials):

1. never tell deku (midoriya izuku, sunshine ball, the nerd, etc.) about the existence of this club

2. the founder of the club cannot run as one of the presidents (bakugou, the founder, tried fighting this rule but was beaten by both uraraka and momo. currently, the presidents are uraraka, momo, and iida.)

3. the club members are divided into three groups, under one of the three presidents, to help coordinate everyone.

4. unless it’s on schedule, no one should interrupt each other’s time with midoriya

5. whatever midoriya says, goes

6. if midoriya’s going out BY HIMSELF, ask him if you can assist him

7. never tell all might about “deku fanclub” because he can’t hide a secret from midoriya

8. midoriya likes dark shadow – this doesn’t add up with tokoyami’s time so no one complain!

[guiltysecretpasttime]

Adversity - 13-A

Fanfic update

I’ve decided to utilize this tumblr space to put in WIPs/partial chapters/unedited stories from my end. Then I’ll post it somewhere in Ao3 or FF.net. Maybe.

 In the meantime, here’s an installment of Adversity (the chapters here in tumblr aren’t updated – it would make much more sense if you check it out on Ao3 first before coming back here). In essence this is part of Chapter 13.

Keen to hear what you think about this portion :)

-

Adversity details

Multi-chapter, work in progress, AU, pre-LoK,

Latest status: up to Chapter 12 uploaded in A03

Blurb: Lin and Tenzin are both at the height of their respective     careers – she with the Metalbending Police and he with the Air Nation.     Questions about their future begin to arise and things come to a head when     Lin responded to an emergency call. Would her job take them from each     other forever? Eventual happy ending. Alternatively: The one where Lin and     Tenzin had to go through adversity like Lin’s dangerous job, a near-death     experience, temporary separation and memory loss, unplanned pregnancy and     Tenzin’s responsibilities before they end up with a family.

Tumblr chapters 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Ao3 link |   Ff.net link

---

Adversity – 13-A

 Tenzin clutches a warm towel and wipes it across her forehead. He did not know why and if it would help but he thought it might make her feel better.

Her chest rose and fell with each breath, no longer laborious or irregular. Nonetheless, he kept vigil and held one of her hands. It reminded him of incidents in the past years where he kept watch over her – that night in the Fire Nation Royal Compound when they first found her alive, those nights after missions that might have gone fatally wrong…

The day had started promising. But as always with the two of them, it never was easy…

Once he had the cabana in his view, he should have known that Izumi would have pulled something like this.

---

Tenzin received a message from one of the staff that the princess requested for lunch to be served at one of the beach cabanas. He did not think much about it; it has happened before and figured that maybe Izumi was being a good host.

There was only one person else in the cabana – Lin, who was looking puzzled and was frowning at something on the table.

His feet hit the sand and the earthbender turned to him. “Oh, it’s you.” She looked at him incredulously.

“Sorry to disappoint.” He deadpanned, seating across her. He did not ask questions, assuming that she was led to the cabana using the same ruse.

"I had no idea that you were the man that Izumi said that I'll be meeting for lunch." Lin flicked a note towards him. “Why is she doing this? I found that upon arriving here.”

He caught the paper that slid on the table.

It was in Izumi’s handwriting – informing Lin to please consider (consider – the word was underlined heavily, the insinuation not lost to the reader) this man that she has invited for her. And that they would be left to their own devices as the princess has taken the entire family off for a scenic tour of the island on Druk, Appa and Oogi.

Trust that Izumi would have connived with the rest of the family to pull something like this off.

Tenzin felt the need to apologize for their meddling family and did just that.

Lin shrugged, seemingly uninterested. “Is this supposed to be a test?”

“A test?” What does she mean?

“For me – or for you?” Lin asked back.

“Like for your memory?” To the airbender, it seemed like they were having a different conversation.

The earthbender looked vaguely uncomfortable now, hand lightly patting her belly. “Um no – I mean, for you – is Izumi…?” She trailed off.

For the life of him, Tenzin could not think of what the continuation was.

“Your partner?” Lin finally asked.

What.

“No!” Tenzin’s voice rose, surprised by the question that he did not even consider that the response might have sounded rude. “Of course not!”

“Don’t you protest too much?” Lin was amused. “It’s fine really – or is it a matter of security?” She was being nonchalant about it though Tenzin could have sworn there was a tiny bit of relief in her voice.

“What. No – it’s not like that.” Tenzin had to disabuse her of this ludicrous idea she had. “They’re all just meddling – they mean well – look, Izumi – she’s not my type -!”

Now you just sounded like a whiny teenager.

He cleared his throat and tugged at his collar. “Well, seems like they’re setting us up.”

“Whatever for,” She rolled her eyes then grinned. “Let’s not waste the food then.”

He found himself chuckling at that as Lin proceeded to scoop some food on her plate. “Joke’s on them though.”

Lin’s only response was a raised eyebrow.

“I actually intend to ask you out for dinner today.”

She paused and left her chopstick hanging in the air. “Dinner.”

He wet his dry lips. “Yes.”

“I take it you haven’t told them yet?” Lin examined the other dishes available to them. “What time do we need to get ready or we don’t know yet, depending on how soon they get back?”

Tenzin held the back of his neck as the heat crept up. “I mean, dinner – just us, you and me?”

As much as he did not want to admit, maybe Bumi was right – he did not have game.

Lin’s face was unreadable.

He was able to back-pedal when he heard it.

“Okay.”

 ---

The rest of their lunch went a smoother.

They talked about the mundane things – he talked about Republic City, she talked about the Fire Nation. She asked about what he does in the council and how the RCPD was when they left. He was more than happy to oblige and took the time to answer her questions in great detail.

Before long, when she declared that she felt too full for dessert, he invited her to walk along the shore. He pointed out a cluster of rock formations at the edge of the island.

Lin looked intrigued and they set forth.

He explained that Lord Zuko had told them when they were children that the rocks were formed when the volcano used to be active. It made for an impressive sight, tall and a bit forbidding.

That did not stop them though, Tenzin shared, as they would keep going back there to play when they were younger.

They stood beside the rocks, sandals soaked by the sea, small waves lapping at their legs.

He was in the middle of a retelling of the time Bumi had dared Su to race him to the top (not knowing that the kid can earthbend really well by then) when rather large wave crashed against the rock formation, spraying and drenching them with salt water.

He was laughing, saying he probably should have warned that that usually happens. His eyes alighted on her and was caught mid-laugh.

Lin stood stiffly, her eyes wild. One hand on her cheek (her scars), another on her chest - breathing erratically gulping air.

“Lin!” He immediately held her by the shoulders; she was shaking. “Lin!”

A panic attack.

Each breath rattled against chest as she started blankly, unseeing. Lin was insensible to her surroundings.

Tenzin scooped her up and ran as it all clicked.

Captain Tomasu did say that they had found Lin in the water.

Damn.

The minutes it took him to the rest house felt like hours. With the family away on whatever excursion Izumi and Iroh planned, he had to rely on the staff to come to their aid. Fortunately, the in-house healer was at hand.

The rest was a blur.

 He felt the moment she regained consciousness. Her breathing shifted yet her eyes remained close.

Tenzin continued to run his fingers on her knuckles, whether to comfort her or himself was unclear.

Lin blinked slowly, her breathing sped up. Her hand quickly slapped to her cheek, tracing the scar with shaking fingers.

The airbender could hear her murmuring softly.

“My name is Lin. I’m in Ember Island. I’m okay. I’m safe. We’re -.” Her eyes focused and saw Tenzin at the periphery. “The baby?”

Tenzin leaned forward, grasping both of her hands and placing them on her stomach. “Is okay. You’re both okay – I had you both checked. You just had a little panic attack.”

There was no use alarming her.

“Panic attack…” She whispered to herself. “I used to black out before…”

“I’m sorry,” Tenzin said quietly. “I should have paid more attention to you.”

“You couldn’t have known.” Lin said in an equally soft tone. To his astonishment, she pulled his hand up to her cheek and leaned on it. “You couldn’t have done anything.”

He extended his fingers, gingerly touching her cheek. There were still times in the past weeks when he could not believe that she was here and she was alive. Little touches like these were rare and he savored the moments to remind himself that she was truly there.

“The rice granary,” Lin began, staring at the ceiling, actively avoiding Tenzin’s gaze. “It exploded, you know, the man – the firebender –.”

The airbender waited, this was in the papers and the reports that he was very familiar with.

“He knew what he was doing,” Lin held on his fingers tightly. “He saw me and he set fire – I fell to the water. I felt like drowning – maybe I did.” Tenzin gripped her hand back. “It was really hot and there was a lot of metal scraps. I remember sinking and maybe removing my armor…” Her face scrunched, obviously thinking. “The current was fast, rapidly swept me away – it was so cold. I thought I was going to die.” She resolutely focused on the ceiling when she heard Tenzin’s gasp. “I don’t know how long it was – it was dark, then there was light. My lungs – they burned so bad. Next thing I knew – I was aboard Captain Tomasu’s ship.”

Tenzin’s own breath caught.

Could it be… her memories have returned?

“Don’t force it.” He rubbed her wrist back and forth, hoping to sooth her.

“It’s still blank.” Her face was troubled and eyes were shiny with unshed tears. “I don’t remember what happened before the explosion.”

Feeling her get distressed, Tenzin moved closer to tuck her hair behind her ear. “Don’t worry about it.”

“I’m Lin Beifong, my mother is Toph – we grew up together in Republic City.” She now turned to him. “I live in Republic City now…”

His stomach churned. “What’s the last thing you remember from before?” He asked cautiously, afraid of triggering something.

“I’m deputy chief, I think.” She racked her brains. “There’s this small apartment. I think I live there.”

Tenzin swallowed. This was from a time before they lived together, when they were still exploring their relationship.

“I’m not losing it, am I? That really happened?” Her green eyes wide, seeing reassurance.

He nodded, still silently contemplating what this meant.

“After that – it’s blank.” She released a breath. “Did something significant happen during that missing period?”

“You got promoted to Chief of Police.”

“Maybe that’s it…something to do with work.” Lin guessed absentmindedly, biting her lip.

He added tentatively. “We’ve also decided to move in together.”

The way she looked at him now – it was as if she was seeing him for the first time.

“You’re the father.” She stated it so plaintively with a hint of caution.

“That’s the first time you’ve told me that.” Tenzin attempted to downplay the significance of the revelation. “Don’t worry about it – you probably didn’t know you were pregnant back then before –.” He waved a hand around, at a loss for words on how to explain the situation.

“You’re not even questioning it?” Her voice was tight and her posture tense.

“Not at all.”

She finally let tears flow.

 ---

He embraced her, murmuring reassurances that he will be there for her and the child. He will be involved.

But somehow – there was still that gap in her memory. She was missing something crucial, she can feel it - it was about the Air Nation. The gut feel was of hesitation and wariness. What was it about?

She had talked to Aang the previous days and there were no mentions of issues with the Air Nation.

Maybe it had something to do with crime? With her promotion as Chief of Police?

If only her mother were around… Maybe she could help her piece her memory together.

Lin pulled back from the airbender, who suddenly looked at her with apprehension.

“What happens now – what if I don’t remember?” Now that she had part of her memories back – she hated the feeling of uncertainty.

“We’ll take it one day at a time.” Tenzin inched closer to her, gently cupping her face in his hands, wiping her tears. “Just know that you’re never alone.”

The sincerity in his eyes was enough for her. She did not even need to employ her seismic sense to know he was telling the truth.

She closed her eyes as he moved. She felt his lips on her forehead.

The airbender sat back down, a soft smile on his face.

She looked at their entwined fingers.

She will take this chance.

This was for her child. All for their child. And it will be enough.

[lostinfantasies38]

Fic Writer Meme

Name

Fandoms

Most popular oneshot

Most popular multichapter

Actual worst part of writing

How you choose your titles

Do you outline

Ideas I probably won’t get around to, but wouldn’t it be nice?

Callouts @ Me

Best writing traits

Spicy Tangential Opinion

Name: Jordie is what everyone calls me and my username on Tumblr and AO3 is Lostinfantasies38, so I’m easy to track down

Fandoms: Over the years there have been many fandoms I’ve held dear, but my recent work is in Dragon Age and Dear Evan Hansen. I have temporarily left DA for some fresh air in DEH and have been doing very well there. 

Most Popular Oneshot: I actually have a tie for this one and surprisingly, they are from separate fandoms. 

Permanent Ink from DA: Origins, featuring Alistair and my male Warden OC Zane Cousland is quite spicy and tender. If you like pining bi-Alistair and schmexy love interests, this one is for you. 

For You I Could Be was my very first DEH fic and it’s taken the fandom by storm, which still shocks the pants off me. It’s a deviation from canon and focuses on Evan and Connor realizing they have feelings for each other. Read the tags though since triggering content is mentioned. 

Most Popular Multichapter: I’m sure you’re all tired of hearing about Sun Touched and Find Me Well Within Your Grace, but they are tied yet again. Sun Touched is my Dwarven Warden novelization of DA: Origins with Sirra Brosca and Alistair. Find Me Well is a head-canon fueled prequel of DA featuring young Cullistair at the abbey.  

I won’t bore you all with the details, but I am very proud of both fics. I hope to come back and finish them once I’m the right head-space to devote the time to them that they deserve. 

Actual Worst Part of Writing: The plot and staying on target. I tend to get side tracked by character development at times and that can derail an entire story if I’m not careful. I’m also incredibly careful to not lose a character’s voice while trying to flesh out a whole new side of them in my work. It’s a delicate balance. I want to do them justice, so while playing with them in AUs is fun, I still want them to sound like “them” and not caricatures. 

How You Choose Your Titles: Through blood, sweat, and typically numerous tears and hair pulling sessions. I like my titles to reflect the story, but not sound too fucking cheesy, and sometimes that feels like an impossible task. I try to avoid using song lyrics personally, but I have done it once or twice in a pinch, I won’t lie.

Do you outline: FUCK NO. I have tried and I can’t stick to them. I’m also the type that once I write it out, even in an outline, I lose interest in that particular piece. I need the scenes to be fresh and literally banging on the door of my brain so they flow properly. Everything is fixed/cleaned up in editing, but if the emotion is missing in the initial draft it takes a monumental effort later to keep it from ringing hollow. Sometimes the drafts can’t be saved, period, after outlining and I’ve scraped entire stories/chapters because of it.

Ideas I probably won’t get around to, but wouldn’t it be nice: I have an entire folder of shelved DA stories in the wings that I’m not sure will ever see the light of day now. I’m hesitant to say “never,” but truthfully the more time passes the more likely that word becomes. 

They include: (1) a modern carta/cop AU ft. Sirra/Alistair, (2) part 2 and 3 planned continuations of Find Me Well following Alistair and Cullen through DAI, (3) Varric/Charise Trevelyan DAI story full of intrigue and the House of Repose, (4) world weary veteran Grey Warden Alistair/Rylie Trevelyan DAI, chock full of dashing heroics and a swooning damsel in distress, (5) Cullen/Eryka Cadash DAI with lots of tension/angst due to the Carta & Commander angle causing friction [interpret that how you will, lol!] (6) a modern color soulmate AU with a unique twist ft. Cullen/Alistair (7) a Siren!AU ft. Sirra/Alistair and a cutthroat island of traitorous bitches (8) and finishing my incomplete DA stories. As a bonus, (9) there is a football AU for DEH that I started during NaNo, but it may end up in the scrap pile, too. I’m still picking at it, but meh, we’ll see.

Callouts at Me: Guilt. 

Honestly, I know we do this for free and we have no obligation to write/complete these stories, but we all do it because we love it. Yet with each incomplete story, coupled with my rather abrupt departure from the DA fandom, my guilt has grown exponentially. 

However, I can’t allow it to hold me back and continue to eat away at my soul. It keeps me from being productive and having a hope and a prayer of finishing what I started. If this means that I play in a new fandom for a while, then so be it. I wish I had more familiar faces to follow me there, but I understand it’s not for everyone and I would never make demands. Though, that doesn’t mean I don’t miss my usual readers and the comments I looked forward to, but I have relocated and I have to accept that. Just know that I still love you all and miss the fuck out of you. 

Best Writing Traits: Emotionally evocative prose and creating realistically flawed characters are what I’m best at. My characters are not perfect, because who the fuck can relate to perfection? Who would want to? They are flawed, broken, dealing with a shit ton of trauma as best as they can, and generally bumbling through life. Yes, they may have a LI, but they are not “cured” by love. They are supported by an equally flawed person as they continue to stumble through life, though with fewer face plants than before because they have someone to (hopefully) catch them whenever they aren’t overwhelmed with their own crises. And making all the pain and growth as lyrical as possible is my favorite part.

Sometimes I nail dialogue, too, but more often than not that’s simply luck after hours of talking to myself and laughing/crying so hard I had to include it in a fic.

Spicy Tangential Opinion: Every single kudo, like, reblog, or comment is special. I know it’s easy to focus on the “quantity” of them - but each one represents a real person that one of my stories has emotionally resonated with. Every day we write and post we’re affecting real people behind our stats, which means we can treasure every single one. Talking about the numbers and engagement erases that fact, and I wish more people treasured every individual interaction for the meaningful gesture about their work it is. Each one is a little spark of ‘you are loved’ in the world. {Keeping this Manka because you summed it up beautifully! Bravo!}

Throwing this out into the world! Tag list below (authors only this time, sorry my lovely artist friends) but feel no obligation to do so! Also sorry if you already got tagged!

@kittimau @jennserr @jellysharkbat @fandomn00blr @bigfan-fanfic @blarfkey@darlingrutherford @herald-divine-hell @cassandra-pentughasst @c-e-c-r-o-p-i-a @river-of-asgard @giraffesanddietpepsi @pikapeppa @simper-fi

[feral-creep]

I'm going to need 2,5,9,11, and 12 for save scum please and thank you.

YAY THANKS!

2. which scene was written first

i have no idea lmao i have the *worst* memory. (is that ironic? hm) maybe the chat logs?  i do remember writing chapter “a friend” before i finished chapter 4

5. hardest to write?

all of the scenes where readerchan is UNABLE TO MAKE EYE CONTACT i had to be so cognizant of whomst is wherest in space and time while reiterating not TOO much that she cannot see shit.

like half the time i can't describe any facial expressions b/c she has no way of seeing people's fucking faces. i got so annoyed with it that i wrote in spcial contacts. i wonder how obvious that is b/c i decided to make looking at the world in the eyes a Theme

also the conversation with shig where they chat across from each other and then he flips out about not wanting to change her name, that shit was completely all over the place for like two weeks. it still kind of is

writing tomura and readerchan interacting semi-peacefully is really hard for me actually. i find it so much easier when they’re plotting against each other or have some level of distance

9. alternate versions?

YES actually i scrapped three whole chapters where readerchan willingly drinks quirk suppressant on her first night and shig is all weird and standoffish. idk it just wasn’t working for the dynamic i wanted

there was a plotline i dropped entirely where she gets a job at the bar that they eventually meet at and it was way too convoluted and annoying so i scrapped it entirely.

the first version of the kidnapping scene was super different—i had shiggy threatening her overtly and it just wasn't working. it didn't make sense for him to show his hand that early

the amount of times i have written out scenes where MC thinks about peeing after sex because i'm in Realistic Body Functions Mode and then deleted them because It Doesn't Matter No One Cares It's Fucking Fanfiction is.... over 9000 lmao. i was not joking when i said this is an AU where UTIs do not exist

11. what do you like best about this fic?

i love it when i’m able to write “recursively,” i.e. bringing up a plot thread in chapter 4 that i don't draw a ton of attention to and then using it 10 chapters later to fuck shit up. i am a heavy, heavy outliner and my work suffers if i don’t outline shit. foreshadowing rules esp if the audience doesn’t know it’s foreshadowing

i am really proud of 'a friend' still, the way mc lies to rinko so she doesn't have to have the uncomfortable conversation that "yeah i can erase memories but only in a way that is not in any way helpful to me or you.  you asked me that before, and i tried to help, and it was actually mad traumatic and the second worst thing to happen to me, ever"

i tried to write ‘a friend’ in a way that would have a specific rhythm when spoken and i think i succeeded?

i also love when i get to write in tomura's POV. that scene where he's watching the security cam footage i ended up writing in like 30 minutes and it turned out better than shit i spent HOURS and HOURS on

12. what do you like least about this fic?

occasionally i tend to overexplain shit that genuinely does not. need. explaining. like should i mention kurogiri replacing that table shiggy destroyed in chapter... 15? i don't remember!! i still don't know if i like the idea of tomura wanting to give her a new name or not; it feels convoluted to me still

sometimes i think there isn't enough tomura b/c that's what the audience is Here For

i also think in a certain light, when i reread older chapters, it probably seems like i ship MC and rinko way more than i ship tomura and MC lmfao

the save scumming sessions probably could be written better tbh. i should prob write one from tomura's perspective since lethe can't actually perceive anything about the save scum target until she looks up.

it’s also v unfortunate that the fic doesn’t *seem* like it’s going anywhere until there’s a big payoff in chapter 10. i wrote it that way intentionally, so tomura was circling and circling and circling until BAM but i imagine that a lot of readers are like “wtf is this” before they get to chapter 10

[rgrettes]

heyy, I hope I'm not bothering but I've seen that you used to post about faberry and faberry fics like Shafd, and since I'm trying to find some faberry fanfics to read, could you please recommend me some of your favorites? Thank you :)

OKAY so this took me a whole lot longer than anticipated because I didn’t want to make it be like 500 fics long! But here, in no particular order, are my top 10 faberry fanfics! [excluding SHAfD of course bc whomever asked this definitely knows SHAfD!]I will be including trigger warnings/content warnings! Please be sure that you can handle the subjects before reading the content! Be safe and put your mental and physical wellbeing before a work of fiction!

10. Dirty Little Secret by patchesofink

Chapters: 77/77 [208k]

This fic would actually happen to be the first faberry fic that I ever read. I felt my little 15 year old self cry several times throughout this fic. It’s what first got me into writing fanfic, because I wanted to write as well as this author! There is a content warning so please be careful reading it if you are sensitive to topics mentioned!

Rachel has a secret and Quinn has figured it out - but will Quinn use this knowledge to exact revenge on Rachel for telling Finn that Puck was really the father or will she use her own experiences to help. WARNING - language and sexual content, r*pe.

9. I’ll Be by stix04

Chapters: 20/20 [330k]

God I was such a sucker for fake dating au’s as a young teenager and I’m most definitely a sucker for them now. This one I didn’t read right when it came out, I didn’t actually find it until it had finished but it still makes my top 20 because it’s just too good not to talk about!

Can Quinn pretend to be in love with Rachel just to get out of Lima? Can Rachel pretend to love Quinn so she's not so lonely in New York? And what happens when both girls realize they're no longer pretending?

8. Long Way to Happy by patchesofink 

Chapters: 42/42 [104k]

This is the sequel to Dirty Little Secret and makes the list for being just as good as the original. This author is so talented and the story just resonates in my soul! 

warnings for sexual content, language, violence and potential ptsd triggers!

Sequel to Dirty Little Secret. Rachel still has some healing to do as well with dealing with becoming a mom. Quinn has her own issues to deal with. Can their fledgling relationship deal with the ups and downs of life and cope with senior year? Quinn learns to open up and Rachel deals with motherhood and not letting her past define her. It's a Long Way to Happy.

7. Leather Jackets and Bad Coffee by antonius

Chapters: 11/?? [75k] [has not updated since 2018 :(]

Bikers, 50′s style diners, and good girl/bad girl pairing. Literally who could ask for anything more? I’m super sad this one hasn’t updated in a long time but it’s still such a fun read!!

warning for violence!

Ninety miles and nearly two hours from the heart of New York City, just off of PA-33 North, is the little town of Belfast, Pennsylvania: population 1,257. Right outside the city limits sits Moe's, a small 24-hour diner whose newest waitress, Rachel Berry, has taken her best friend Kurt's advice and started a calm summer temp job away from the hustle-and-bustle of busy city life in order to rest up before her final year at NYADA.During her very first midnight shift, she encounters a group of rowdy regulars led by a pink-haired woman with piercing hazel eyes. Quinn Fabray is the leader of the Skanks, a small but well-known local biker gang that doesn't take shit from anyone.So began the strangest summer of Rachel Berry's life.

6. Talk by saintdyke

Chapters: 17/? [43k] [last updated may 2019]

This is another one I’m sad hasn’t updated in a while! This honestly stole my heart to a point that in the time I found it in mid April 2019 and June of 2019 I have re-visited the fic 105 times, rereading it at least half as many as that. I’m really hoping the author comes back to the fic, because it was keeping me on the edge of my seat.

warning for violence, abuse mentions and depictions, homophobia and ptsd triggers!

(Previously titled Grease Stains, Starry Skies) Famous actress Rachel Berry’s car breaks down in the middle of nowhere. A pretty blonde with a blue truck rescues her from the side of the road, and just so happens to own an Auto Repair shop in town. Quinn is frustrating and mysterious, and Rachel is just as stubborn. Together, they start a revolution.

5. Just off the Key of Reason by iamapanda

Chapters: 30/30 [129k]

This one is another absolute classic in the Faberry fandom, and is another fic that has stuck with me throughout the years! It has a fantastic softer take on Quinn that I truly appreciated because everyone back in the early years of the fandom would make her so angry and bitter and she’s just so soft in some interpretations

Rachel Berry is a successful Broadway star with a new roommate, the very odd, naive Quinn Fabray. It starts with a note on the fridge and a childishly scrawled doodle of an elephant. Everybody has a little crazy in them.

4. Still off the Key of Reason by iamapanda

Chapters: 37/37 [185k]

The sequel to Just off the Key of Reason! Still as soft and as crazy! I can’t mention one without having the other in the list as well! I can’t explain how it feels to look at the ff.net pages after so long, my heart is transported back to 2011 and I’m sitting on my bed after I’m supposed to be in bed. I miss the days where I could just spend time reading these fics and not having adult responsibilities.

Quinn is thundering her way through vet school. Rachel is enlightening the west coast with her talent. The story continues with a wedding, dogs in tuxedos, and Pooh Bear vows. Crazy never fades.

3. A Million Miles of Fun by Jade8Devlin

Chapters: 12/12 [103k]

This one is a little different from the last ones! It isn’t my favorite because of its literary genius, but because of how fun and out there it is! It’s concept is fresh and dark and something I honestly didn’t expect to see but it quickly grew to be a favorite for me!

warning for violence, abuse, mentions of murder! the whole story revolves around The Unholy Trinity + Rachel murdering Quinn’s family so please take that into consideration!

And in Lima, Ohio, a man and woman were killed earlier today during what is believed to be a home invasion. Russell Fabray was last seen leaving Gas'N'Go at two o'clock; his wife, Judith, from a grocery story an hour earlier. Police are linking the double homicide to the area's recent surge in breaking and entering – though these appear to be the first fatalities. The victims are survived by their daughters; Quinn and Stacey."Jessalyn Briggs shuffles the papers on her desk, clearing her throat. The somber expression on her face seems to float off her as she turns towards camera 3."Otis-the-Otter finishes today's news headlines as the little critter that could. Abandoned by his mother and found foraging for scraps in the Nelson family's garbage cans, Otis has proven; if you can't teach an old dog new tricks, teach them to an otter! Otis placed second at this year's Ohio Dog Show after last year's well-documented struggle by the Nelson family to allow Otis to be included. Well done Otis, we here at Channel 43 salute you.

2. The Silence of Silence by your.kat

Chapters: 31/31 [135k]

This one... I can’t describe why I liked it, I just liked it.

warning for mental health, and trauma [possible others, please read with caution]

Quinn and Rachel meet at Haverbrook under unusual circumstances. Why is Rachel silent? And why does Quinn care? "You can hear," Quinn said simply, "but can you speak?"; "Yes," Rachel signed. "I can speak. But silence is a friend who will never betray."

1. Kissing Quinn Fabray by vondrunkaton

Chapters: 6/6 [45k]

This one just makes me super warm and fuzzy inside. I don’t think I can say it’s entirely changed my life but it’s just so soft and i love it

Quinn comforts Rachel after Finn says something oafish. Rachel is surprised by how sweet Quinn is. There's also some making out in delicious detail. Fluffy getting together fic.

I am super open to talking about more fics I love/like and other pairings! This was a ton of fun to talk about and sent me down memory lane! I went searching for two hours on a vague memory of a fic that I think has been deleted by now. But if anyone wants to help me track it down! Hit me up and I’ll give you the details!

[thekidultlife]

The Most Convenient Escape | Jihoon Soulmate!AU (3)

⍟ Pairing: Jihoon x fem!reader

⍟ AU: Fantasy/ Soulmate AU

⍟ Genre: ANGST, SLOW BURN, fluff

⍟ Warnings: mentions of abuse, drinking, and sex

⍟ Word Count: 5.3k

⍟ Synopsis: For all your life, you have a deep disdain towards Soulmate Bonds, so much so that you are able to write opinions about it in a local newspaper. However, as life would have it, you wake up one day bonded to a person you hardly knew. Throwing in an investigation, annoying roommates, and a revolution looming just beneath the surface, you had to seek for the most convenient escape.

CHAP 1 | CHAP 2 | CHAP 3 | CHAP 4 |  CHAP 5 |  CHAP 6 |

ON THE NECESSITY OF GRAND ROYAL BALLS by Alex Fireflower

The Porta Persa Edition, September 6

In one's life, what would be considered basic necessities? Food, shelter, clothing, mayhaps a life partner? Indeed, such factors are important. Yet allow me to tell you, dear readers, that there is something far greater and more magnificent than mere daily needs which regularly perish in less than a common laborer's working hours! An element which elevates the typical human experience to the realms of the ancient gods; giving us a glimpse of the most beautiful, the most majestic blinding auras in this Universe! A necessity which is by far the most crucial of all inventions created by man, known to man! 

That, my friends, is the Grand Royal Ball. 

To be held a week from now at the Crystal Palace, the Grand Royal Ball only admits through invites, usually reserved for the rich and the powerful. Yet what is most anticipated is the glamorous First Waltz where they can showcase their magnificent beauty and impressive wardrobe for the public to see! 

Yet this is simply a mere gathering for the upper class, you say? What, in heaven's name, is the reason why this event is of great importance, you ask?

Look closely, my dear readers! Look at the Grand Royal Ball! Look at it with eyes of impunity! Gaze at its splendor and radiance, and see what these people have robbed from you, from the common people! They who have been brought into this world with silver spoons in their mouths, feed us with scraps from their abundant golden banquets! Banquets such as the Grand Royal Ball, where crimes of extravagance and greed go unpunished in the eyes of god.

Do not forget who mines the diamonds in their earrings, who weaves the silk on their lapels, who farms the fruit in their white marble tables! They who afforded nay a drop of sweat in order to survive, yet admonishes the poor for 'indolence' and 'degradation of moral values'--remember them and do not dare forget in the face of their magnificence! 

If these sheer words do not convey a clearer message to you, then allow me to reiterate. The Grand Royal Ball is an important reminder to you common folk who gaze at them in your grease-stained hands, growling stomachs and exhausted eyes. This is a wake up call to you who still believe that you can be like them, wearing your own beautiful gowns and respectable suits to your own grand royal balls. This is a reminder to look past illusions established by this society dictated by such people. 

You are being exploited. You are being paid by less than what you are worth. If that does not constitute slavery, then there is no worth in reading this article. If you are yet to be angered by such realities through this piece, then I, as an editor have failed my mission. Realize that your fellow laborer is not your adversary. The true cold-blooded monsters are up there in their hectares-wide plantations, sitting on leather chairs and pretending to be your friend, as they casually strategize how to pay you less and less of your appropriate wage, as they search for loopholes in our civil code to perpetuate their evils in the world.

They may look like gods next week, dancing to a waltz in the Crystal Palace with the innocence of a daisy, yet do not be in awe. Do not be complacent.

Do not forget the true enemy. 

◇

"You're going to the ball."

Both Wonwoo and Soonyoung declared, under the purple shade of the wisteria tree in the courtyard, their seriousness catching you off-guard.

"What?!" You shouted, almost choking on a shrimp. "What do you mean I'm going to the ball?! I just slandered it in our newspaper yesterday, if you hadn't forgotten!"

The two boys gazed at you, eyes pitiful. 

"Don't look at me like that!" 

Wonwoo, the bespectacled one, sighed and sat up straight. 

"Look, this isn't a prank. We had to bargain you for um…"

In the middle of his words he gradually lost steam, and began to feel your furious, scrutinizing gaze. For better or worse, he suddenly found the garlic shrimp on his plate quite interesting. 

"Alright, let me handle this!" Soonyoung proudly declared, yet nonetheless deflated after you gave him a similar glare. "Wonwoo...you should handle this after all…"

With a face that may seem calm, Wonwoo conveniently concealed his discomfort. 

"So, um...alright, allow me to explain. I got a bit of a lead on the investigation we're doing and thus, following that trail led me to the ball," he continued, "Apparently, there will be a gathering of the people involved during the evening, and I needed to get in with Soonyoung. So I asked some help, and in exchange, they wanted you."

After listening to his story, you closed your eyes and sighed heavily. There was no way you could stop him even if you wanted to. The deal was done and he had the invitation. 

"So, who's they?" 

You asked, a bit annoyed but you understood the need.

"That would be me."

A familiar voice startled you from behind, as you finally caught a glimpse of the devil Wonwoo had to make a pact with. 

"Jihoon, didn't know you were there," Wonwoo remarked, as the new arrival bent down and passed a heavy binder to him. 

"I just arrived really. Thank you for the reading notes though," he replied, paying you and Soonyoung no heed. "Anyway, Y/N, please return to our room as soon as you finish class. We have to talk about what you're going to wear for the ball."

Jihoon ordered, then stalked away without waiting for a reply, leaving you taken aback. 

After a few moments, you turned to Wonwoo wearing a rather frightening expression on your face.

"Jeon Wonwoo! How dare you bargain me to Lee Jihoon!!" 

◇

'Do you despise Lee Jihoon that much?' 

The voice inside your head asked, completely eclipsing the words of your professor. 

'Do you really have to talk to me during class? ' You snarled, spinning your pen around as you watched one of your classmates getting scolded for sleeping. 

'You don't even like this class. So I'm actually doing you a favor by entertaining you.’

'Touché.'

A few moments of silence passed before your soulmate replied. You thought he bailed out, yet that was definitely not the case.

'Lee Jihoon is the reason why you seem troubled today, isn't it?'

You sighed. 'How obstinate...'

'As obstinate as you, in fact. Have you forgotten that we're soulmates?' 

Clicking your tongue, you knew he was going to bother you if you didn't answer, and well, the words from a month ago rang deep inside your heart: Accept them and learn.

'Fine, he does upset me. I mean, I was not supposed to go to that pretentious ball, now I have to wear those heavy dresses and fake laugh with people I despise a lot! I could be doing something else, you know! Something I enjoy more!'

It took him some time to reply. It's not your fault you had no one to talk about it. Wonwoo and Soonyoung literally sacrificed you. 

'Is it not because you dislike him?'

'I am irritated now because of what he did, yet I surely do not harbor stronger hatred towards him. I live with him after all.' 

'I see. So you simply have a dislike towards parties in general?'

'Not entirely. I don't mind going to parties, yet this one particular ball does not sit well with me.' 

'Why so?'

You propped your chin on your hand as you leafed through the pages of your textbook. 

'It goes against everything I believe in. Why do people have to organize such expensive balls? Wearing expensive clothes? Eating expensive food? They could just donate that money. Don't you think so?' 

He hummed, thinking of a reply. 'You do have a point. Furthermore, it is not only this country's problem yet of entire humanity. Isn't it human nature to be greedy? Isn't it the nature of material objects to be scarce?' 

'Thus, it is an unavoidable, inevitable problem, you mean to say? Well, that would definitely be the case if no effort is afforded to find a solution to this problem. No matter how minute my actions are, I'm sure they would still have a rippling effect.' 

The person on the other side scoffed. 'If only that is how simple things are.' 

'What do you mean by that? Are you calling me naive?' 

He laughed. 'Whatever you think it is shall be its meaning.' 

You were about to interject with your own retort yet was unable to catch up. 

'Well, looks like I still have things to do. It was a pleasure talking to you today. Until then, my soulmate.'

And with that, the connection halted. 

You sighed and slumped on your seat with lips pursed. It was difficult talking to him while keeping your own pride in check. He was definitely talented in wounding it. 

They would magnify your insecurities, your fears, your greatest flaws as a person, and force you to face them.

Sighing, you glanced at the bell that had begun to signal the end of class. 

◇

Bathed in golden sunlight, you entered your dorm room as instructed by Lee Jihoon. 

It has been a month since you began living here yet the days seemed to have gone in a flash. To be honest, other than that time you saw him practicing with his cello, there was little to no interaction between you and Lee Jihoon. He really made sure to avoid me…

Yet right now, so suddenly…what has changed?

Opening the french doors like you did when you first met him, you were greeted by several female attendants and rows of clothes racks, each having a massive collection of gowns.

"Took you long enough to return."

Someone suddenly spoke behind you, making you jump in surprise. Taking a step back, you only bumped into Lee Jihoon's chest. 

"I had to go to the library on the way here," you replied, making some distance between the two of you as the black-haired male marched his way to a vacant armchair. 

"I see. Well then, shall we begin our business here?" He asked as soon as he was settled on his seat, glancing at the gowns at the side. 

"Exactly what I had in mind. Do you wish to explain what these are for?"

With an expression that reeked irritation, Jihoon gave no response to a question he assumed you knew the answer to. 

You sighed. "What I mean is, I thought you had already chosen something for me, so I was quite surprised to see all of these." 

The both of you simply gazed at one another without uttering a single word. Only the sound of the clock ticking and the afternoon bells outside could be heard as you allowed yourselves to be absorbed in your own little trance. Until Jihoon finally relented and stood up. 

"I just thought you would rather choose something akin to your own preference," he told you, scratching his nape, "additionally, these ones here are all about to be thrown out, so maybe you--"

"These ones are about to be thrown out?! But they still look so pretty!" You interrupted, wholly surprised as you inspected the exquisite bead work of the nearest dress to you. 

"It's common for people in the upper class to throw away gowns after wearing it once. So I thought you'd appreciate wearing something like this rather than having something new ordered. We could give away the other ones here as well," Jihoon explained, now a bit conscious of your reaction. 

Chuckling at how he was slowly becoming bashful, you threw a wide grin at him which Jihoon was sure had definitely caught his breath. 

"That was so thoughtful of you! Thank you!" You exclaimed, now more than interested to browse at the racks. 

Unable to respond, Jihoon silently allowed you to check out the dresses while he tried to conceal the fact that his ears had turned red. 

"What about you though? Have you already chosen something for yourself?" You asked in the midst of trying out one blue sequined gown. 

"Since I’m a member of the Parliament, we have to wear a standard ceremonial uniform," he replied, now seated back on the armchair.

"Is that so?" You hummed then continued, "I think I've decided on one so allow me to finish."

After some time, you returned to the common room, showing Jihoon the gown you had picked for the occasion. 

In a beige off-shoulder gown filled with lace trims and appliques, peacock feather patterns of sequins and gemstones, and dangling diamonds, you twirled around the room as the late afternoon sunlight created surreal reflections of light as it reflected on your dress. 

In Jihoon's eyes, you were dazzling, sparkling. He could feel his heart almost explode by how hard it was beating against his chest. What's missing though was a bouquet of roses and a lace veil. This is vexing...

"So what do you think?" You asked, now incredibly self-conscious because of how he was staring at you.

Again, Jihoon was quiet as he glanced at you, yet allowed a sigh to escape before he stood up from where he was sitting. Approaching the coffee table, he picked up a lacquered box and went back to where you were standing.

As he opened the box, you caught a glimpse of a necklace adorned with diamonds, garnets and rubies, sparkling earnestly. Handing the box to one of the attendants, Jihoon held out the necklace to you and wrapped it around your neck.

The close proximity made your heart race for a bit as you unintentionally took a whiff of his cologne. Aware of your reaction, you averted your gaze elsewhere in embarrassment. You were brought back to the present when Jihoon finally took a step back and you felt the weight of the necklace on your skin. 

"Oh...wow, this…" you began yet cannot finish.

"It's a family heirloom so take care of it." Then in a rather unexpected turn, Jihoon smiled at you warmly, making your heart race even further. "It suits you quite well."

Unable to contain it any longer, your lips broke out a wide grin. "I suppose this is a loan then." 

In a rather good mood, Jihoon took your hand in his. "How about we practice our dance? Surely, we wouldn't want to embarrass ourselves during the First Waltz."

You scoffed. "Despite how I may appear, I am capable of a simple waltz."

"That's reassuring then," he remarked, twirling you around so suddenly that had you gasping.

Back in his arms, the both of you moved back and forth as your feet danced to an imaginary melody. 

You never shied away from his intense gaze, rather, you accepted the challenge and smirked at him. 

"So, my dear sir, please answer this burning question I have in my heart," you mocked him playfully. 

"Why are you talking to me like that?" He furrowed his brows which you found adorable.

"I thought since we are to attend such a high profile event, utter politeness is necessary, even in speech."

Jihoon frowned, unimpressed. "Please stop teasing me. What was your question, by the way?" 

Chuckling, you replied, "What are you planning, Lee Jihoon?"

Even though you were still smiling, the atmosphere suddenly turned tense. Lee Jihoon can flatter you with pretty dresses and beautiful diamond necklaces yet you never cared much for them in the first place. To you, his actions were suspicious and it didn't help that he was a rather mysterious person. 

"Planning? Pardon me yet I do not know what you are pertaining to," he replied, as calm as you were. 

"What are you planning by choosing me as your partner? You could have made Wonwoo bargain a million other things, yet you chose me."

This time, it was Jihoon's turn to smirk. 

"I was simply confirming a few hunches, though that does not mean I will divulge them to you." 

This bastard…

You felt a sweatdrop trickle down your cheek as you grit your teeth. "I am not your toy." 

"I wouldn't dream of treating you as such," he grinned at you, "More than anything, you are quite important to me."

"I'd rather wish not to be involved in your political ploys," you seethed. 

He arched a brow at you. "Why would I? You are a mere alchemist's daughter whose political power is the same as the next person." 

You knew where this was going. You spoke no word as you tried to control your expression; not allowing him to see it in your face.

Jihoon smirked, his words hanging on the air.

"Unless, you have more than you let on?" 

*

One week later

The Grand Royal Ball, The Crystal Palace

You kept a tight smile.

The tip of your nose was itching, your skin unused to the makeup covering your face. Superficiality lingered and clung to every corner of the palace from its golden ornaments and marble balustrades to the couples ahead of you, marching their way towards the ballroom for the much awaited First Waltz.Yet you have to smile on. 

Welcome to the Grand Royal Ball!

Beside you was Lee Jihoon, dressed in an attire reserved for high-ranking officials and a sash which proudly broadcasts that he was someone you wouldn't want to mess with. You, on the other hand, wore the gown and the necklace you had tried on a week before, with hair coiffed to perfection and silk gloves which hid the markings on your wrist.

Only the most prominent, the highest  of the high were invited to dance during  the First Waltz.  From billionaire philanthropists and award-winning researchers to  powerful politicians like Lee Jihoon, they all  provide a sense of  prestige to the whole event. This is when the ball catches so much attention after all. 

Lining up uniformly, everyone participating curtsied before the reigning monarch as was the custom, and the music began playing. Facing Jihoon, you gave him a rather mocking smile as you placed your hand on his shoulder and the other on his hand. 

Without a word, everyone began dancing. 

As you stepped across the ballroom, you allowed your mind to slip away from reality; the face of Lee Jihoon reminding you why you were putting up with this sort of pompous absurdity in the first place.

A few days ago… 

You groaned in frustration. 

"I swear, Lee Jihoon is the most irritating man I've ever met in my entire life!" 

"Let's wait for him to fall asleep and beat him up, Y/N!" Soonyoung, who was happily lazing on the grass exclaimed.

"Come on, then! He's already asleep at this hour!" You responded, quite eagerly.

Simply sighing at your shenanigans, Wonwoo closed the book he was reading. 

"Don't listen to him, Y/N. He's drunk," he remarked. 

"But I haven't been drinking!!" 

The other man simply looked at him with a jaded look on his face. 

"You're always drunk even without drinking anything," Wonwoo quietly retorted. "Anyway, Y/N…"

Sitting back down on the grass, you turned to him. It was already past midnight yet the three of you decided to hold a meeting at a long forgotten grove behind the dormitories, usually used by overly-zealous couples for their own pleasure.

"It's true that Jihoon can be cunning if he wants to, yet it's not like we can't do the same as well," he continued, "There's a reason why I had no reservations in bargaining you."

"That doesn't sound too comforting, you know?" 

"As I was saying, Lee Jihoon can be cunning. He can't be trusted to stay at the venue while we are in that meeting. That is precisely why we have to get him out of the venue as soon as possible." 

You nodded. It was the same reason why it wasn't you who was leading this investigation. 

"So my job is to have him stay away from the palace while you and Soonyoung are in the meeting. Alright, I understand."

Wonwoo sighed. "Y/N, I'm not doing this because I think your skills are inadequate, but because we need to play by the rules. If things fail and our cover is blown, Soonyoung and I already have tainted names that another case wouldn't matter much. I can't have you dirty your own name." 

Looking down, you understood where he was coming from. It really wasn't an issue of who's weaker or who's stronger. It was an issue of who's richer and more influential. Wonwoo and Soonyoung, because of their wealth and power, were able to establish their own newspaper company with relative ease. And with that same wealth and power, if anything does happen, the repercussions they have to face and its lasting effects wouldn't be as heavy as an ordinary person would experience. Such is the gift of privilege. 

"I know. I understand." 

◇

You knew, as soon as the dance ended, people would flock around Lee Jihoon, all wanting a piece of that power and influence. 

That is why, when you had the chance, you slipped away from his side and went straight to the buffet tables. If you were going to attend a grand ball, might as well stuff yourself with food. 

That veal over there looks scrumptious!! 

Filling your plate to the brim, you scoured all over the buffet, finding food you have never dreamed of tasting. 

"Y/N! We finally found you, for god's sake! We thought something happened to you!" A familiar voice exclaimed, making you look up from the plate you were feasting on, as you sat on a bench at the side. 

"Ah, Soonyoung, Wonwoo! I didn't see you guys at the dance!" You replied, piercing a turkey leg with your fork. 

"Well, that's because we weren't invited to the dance. Our parents are though, since they are the VIPs," Wonwoo explained.

You hummed. "I see. Well, so far this ball has delicious food. Other than that, it's quite boring. I don't know half these people, and they've been looking at me since a while ago."

Like he always is, Soonyoung embraced you from behind, wrapping his arms around your neck with a cheeky green. 

"Your date is quite popular, you know? It's only natural for people to be curious as to the identity of his chosen date," he remarked, taking a bite of meat from your fork. 

"You're making it sound so romantic," you spat with disdain.

Soonyoung grinned. "Come on, don't you feel anything for our resident politician? You two were dancing so nicely earlier, you know."  

You clicked your tongue. "He's suspicious of me. I think he has a hunch that I'm Alex Fireflower." 

"This is why the Soulmate Bond hasn't visited you yet! You're always so serious! You need to loosen up and have a bit of romance in your life! You can't be young forever!"

"I think Soonyoung has a point here though," Wonwoo suddenly interjected, now with a mischievous smile. "Dating Lee Jihoon could open various opportunities of information gathering. Moreover, you can monitor him more closely than ever before." 

"Oh god, not you too. Isn't it enough that we're roommates?" You complained, sighing.

"No, no! That's not going to cut it, Y/N!" Soonyoung exclaimed, "You have to get inside his room!" 

Glaring at him, you hissed harshly. "I will not enter his room! And I will never date him!"

"Has no one ever told you to avoid using 'never', especially when there is a chance that you will be eating your own words in the near future?" 

A new voice suddenly interrupted your banter as the three of you glanced at the newcomer with a variety of expressions.

In his calm yet intimidating aura, Lee Jihoon stood before you three, waiting for a response. Of course, with a glass of wine in his hands. 

"Has no one ever told you that it's not good manners to eavesdrop on other people's conversations?" You retorted back. 

With arched brows, Jihoon approached you and glanced at Soonyoung who eventually retreated away from you and back to Wonwoo's side with a nervous look on his face.

"It's hardly eavesdropping when I can hear you three screaming from the other side of the room."

At this comment, the three of you looked away in shame, unable to say anything to refute Jihoon.

"If there is nothing else, may I borrow my date for a while?" He then spoke, reaching for your hand while looking at Wonwoo and Soonyoung. 

Grinning, the two easily offered you. 

"Please do, Jihoon (before we turn into mincemeat)."

"Oh of course, please enjoy the rest of the night!"

You grit your teeth and glared at them, annoyed that you weren't able to finish your meal, much less bring anything with you back home. 

Traitors! I'll come back for you two after this!

As Jihoon swept you away from the buffet tables and towards the deserted balcony, you suddenly began to worry about what he was up to.

While dark and cool, the balcony was a pleasant place to escape to especially from a crowd of prying eyes. The crawling rose vines and the tall hedges concealed the area enough so that it was difficult to discern who was who in the balcony. 

"What is it that you want from me?" You finally asked, standing face to face. 

For a moment, Jihoon simply gazed at you before shrugging. "I just thought that since we are already here, we might as well enjoy a dance together. I am not one unkind enough to refuse dancing with my own date."

Arching a brow, you blinked several times, totally suspicious of his intentions. You sighed.

"And here I thought the thirty minute waltz from earlier would suffice," tartly, that was how you replied. 

Jihoon snorted, the first one you have seen. 

"That was simply a mere performance, one that is born out of tradition and formality. This time, I wish to dance with you at our own pace."

Still suspicious, yet nonetheless resigned, you hummed in agreement and took a step forward, towards him. 

Without warning, you snatched the wine glass from his grasps and drank everything in one gulp before discarding it on the balustrade's edge, earning a confused look on Jihoon's face.

"Now then, shall we begin?" you replied, reaching for his shoulder and his own hand on yours.

It seemed like for a moment, Jihoon was stunned by how fast your actions were. However, it didn't take him long to come back to his senses and place a hand on your waist.

Gradually, the both of you swung back and forth a millisecond late from the music's beat, simply too absorbed in each other to correct it.

As you gazed into Jihoon's eyes, you knew you needed that swig of alcohol to survive the whole night. He was as intense as ever; his sharp eyes unreadable, his lips curving into a ghost of a smirk. The grip he had on your waist was firm, sending shivers to your spine. 

You need to loosen up and have a bit of romance in your life!

Dating Lee Jihoon could open various opportunities...

You mentally shook those thoughts away. This wasn't the right time to think about those things.

"I've changed my mind, you know?" Jihoon finally spoke, his voice pulling you away from your reverie. 

"About what?" You asked, your hand warm on his. 

"I want to know you better. I know when we first met, I didn't want anything to do with you, but for some reason, my sentiments have changed over time."

Flustered at the sudden confession, you were only able to say one thing, "Why?" 

"Why…? Why indeed," he made a soft smile at this, as if he knew something that was totally lost to you. "Maybe if I get to know you more, I might arrive at an answer." 

You looked away, unable to face his earnest eyes. There was a feeling in you that knows he was being honest, yet you still couldn't help but feel suspicious. Why is he suddenly springing this up on me? Why does he want to know me? What is he planning? Who exactly is Lee Jihoon? 

You also didn't know the answer to those questions. But maybe, just maybe, you would understand if you just let him in. 

You need to loosen up and have a bit of romance in your life!

God damn it, Soonyoung!

"If that is the case, then feel free to explore, yet that does not mean, the seas are not treacherous," you finally said, your lips curving into a mischievous smile. 

"I wouldn't want anything else."

Grinning back at you, Jihoon leaned forward and placed a small chaste kiss on your forehead, making you look at him with the most stunned expression on your face. 

"I-I...I think I might want to have another drink! J-just stay there! I'll be back!"

As you shouted, you stormed away from the balcony and went straight back to the buffet tables, seeking anything that is liquid, alcoholic or cold to ease the burning on your cheeks. 

"Yes, it seems like I made the right decision with choosing her as my date," he remarked as he watched your retreating figure, smirking to himself.  

By the time you went back, you had already downed a few glasses, and another one on your hand to drink for later. You were tipsy then, as obvious as your flushed cheeks were, and Jihoon had to catch you before you stumbled onto the ground.

"You seemed to have drunk a lot," he remarked as he steadied you on your step.

"...Need it," you muttered, unable to look at him.

"What?"

"Jihoon…" purring, you clung to his lapel with a giggle, your face simply inches away from his. "You...you look quite handsome…have I told you that?" 

With a smirk, you inched closer to him; lips almost brushing against each other. That is, until he turned his head and pushed you away.

"It's late...we should head home."

 His ears were red though.

◇

The school was silent during the dead hours of the night. Students were either prohibited by their curfews or too busy studying to bother with fooling around. Only the soft rustling of wisteria and cherry blossom flowers and the loud ramblings of a drunkard could be heard across the courtyard. 

"Jihoonie~ come on now…don't touch me there," you teased between giggles as he carried you behind his back. 

"Please don't be too loud…"

"I'm not loud! In fact, I'm quite soft spoken~"

"What did I get myself into…?"

You were definitely heavy; and with the weight of the whole dress, Jihoon was already wheezing when he opened the door to your shared dormitory and carried you to your own bed. 

Gently laying you down, Jihoon spent a few moments gazing at you who was smiling at him carelessly. 

"Oh my…" a giggle, "are you going to confess your undying love to me now…?" You asked, making him grin at you. 

"Would you believe me if I did?" Jihoon responded, slowly reaching for your wrist wrapped in a silk and lace glove. 

"Of course not," you smirked. "You're Lee Jihoon." 

Upon your words, he made a small smile, yet it had hinted some sort of deeper sadness. Lifting your hand up, Jihoon kissed the inside of your wrist. 

"Of course."

CHAP 1 | CHAP 2 | CHAP 3 | CHAP 4 |  CHAP 5 | CHAP 6 |

*

A/N: Hii!! This is Hyeri again!! No new chapters for next week (instead some Jihoon smut, if you like those sksksk) Hopefully, after that week, regular updates on this fic will continue! (maybe punctuated by some Wonwoo smut;;; Anyway, I hope you liked this chapter!!! Thank you so much!!

-Hyeri

[thewritewolf]

Two Cursed Detectives in Paris Chapter 6: Case Closed

All four of our heroes hang out together, just before Eerie and Connor head back to the United States.

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 (Final)

Enjoy!

Read on Ao3

“You know what? I think that’s enough English practice for today,” Connor said, throwing his controller onto the couch.

“Wow! Ten minutes and you’re already sick of losing,” Adrien replied with fake sweetness. “That has to be a new record!”

Connor slowly turned toward Adrien and narrowed his eyes. Wrestling the model boy to the ground as pay back was out of the question. Not just because Adrien was a lot more nimble than Connor, but also because Connor had already eaten an entire pizza and the box it came in. Sudden exertion right now wasn’t much of an option. Instead, he settled for glaring at his student.

“Can’t believe I fell for that sweet kid routine when I first met you.” Connor crossed his arms and shook his head. “You’re a little butt when you want to be.”

Adrien stuck his tongue out at Connor, leading the grown man to stick his tongue out right back, with even more vitriol. The next couple minutes were spent just trying to one up each other in an arms race of similar acts of maturity.

Eventually, Adrien asked, “Okay, as fun as this is, what are we actually going to do now? We still have a couple hours that we’re supposed to doing practices.”

“Hm…” Connor stared out the window for a moment. “Wanna go visit the girls?”

“I’d love to!” Adrien’s eyes widened. “Oh, wow! Does this mean I’ll finally get to meet Eerie too?”

“Huh? Oh, right. I guess you haven’t met her yet, huh?” Connor checked the time on his phone. “Yeah, her shift is still going. Although… shoot.”

“What?”

“She might be doing deliveries. Well, let’s head over anyway. Miss Eerie won’t stop talking about how good their pastries are and I want to get at least one… what are they called? ‘Pain au chocolat’?”

Adrien’s face lit up. “Hey, you got it right! Good job!”

Coming from anyone else, Connor might have glared at them for being sarcastic, but Adrien was nothing if not sincere. Occasional teasing aside.

“Of course I did. Now come on, let’s head out.”

The trip to the bakery only took them about ten minutes, enough time for Connor’s stomach to quiet down as he breathed in the scent of baked goods. After saying a few parting words to the Gorilla, Adrien joined him, practically vibrating with excitement. It brought a smirk to Connor’s face. Ah, to be young and in love…

Connor opened the door to the bakery and the first thing he saw was Eerie leaning on the counter. His smirk blossomed into a full-blown grin as she turned toward the sound of the bells above the door. A smile to mirror his own appeared on her face when she recognized him.

“Connor! I wasn’t expecting to see you until later. What’s up?”

“We finished early and wanted to celebrate with something tasty.” He stuck a thumb at Adrien, who was trying to catch a peek through the door that lead into the house part of the business. “This guy wouldn’t stop talking about his girlfriend though, so I thought we’d kill two birds with one stone.”

It was at that moment that Marinette appeared, cheeks flushed as she caught the tail end of their conversation. Her eyes flickered to Adrien, whose face was beet red.

“Connor!” Adrien whined.

The man in question simply shrugged. “What? It’s true.”

While Adrien sputtered indignantly, Eerie smacked Connor’s arm.

“Leave the poor boy alone! I think it’s cute.”

“I never said it wasn’t,” Connor grumbled as he stacked a few pain au chocolats onto the counter in front of a confused giant of a man. The man said something in French to Eerie that Connor couldn’t follow. She replied and a knowing smile crossed his face. He added an extra croissant to Connor’s order, free of charge.

“...What did you say to him?”

“He asked who you were, I said that you’re my partner.”

Marinette quipped something from behind Eerie and all of them laughed. Connor’s tail flicked back and forth - the only thing he caught that time was ‘petit dechat’.

“Don’t worry,” Adrien said, his laughter dying down. “It’s, um, it’s just a French term of endearment.”

“Yeah? ‘Little trash cat’ is a common expression, huh?” Connor crossed his arms and pouted. Before Adrien could respond, Connor asked, “I was kinda expecting you to be working, boss. What gives?”

“The Dupain-Chengs gave me the day off to explore Paris as a thank you for a job well done,” Eerie said proudly.

“Well, we don’t want to disappoint.” Connor smiled. “What does Paris have to offer us, then?”

Marinette perked up and started talking animatedly. The gist he was getting of the conversation was that she had a lot of places that she’d love to show them. After Eerie exchanged some cheek kisses with the two bakers, the four of them left to explore the city.

------------------

“...With her hair fluffed out like that, she scared the daylights out of those teens.” Connor smirked over his coffee. The cafe was one of Marinette’s favorites and Adrien could easily see why as he took a sip of his own beverage. “But after the first time, it’s actually pretty cute.” Nudging his blushing partner, he added, “Wouldn’t you say so, mon petite chouette?”

Eerie was covering her face in embarrassment. “Do you really need to tell them that story?”

“It was a great use of your powers! Why wouldn’t I?”

As the two began to playfully argue, Adrien grabbed his chin and narrowed his eyes in thought.

“Something up, Adrien?” Marinette asked in their native French.

“You don’t think… No it can’t be.” He dropped his voice to a whisper so only she could hear him. “They are dating, right?”

Marinette blinked up at him. “Well… yeah? Of course. They have to be. It seems pretty obvious.”

“Maybe we should ask, just to be sure.”

“Good idea, just try to be discreet about it. You don’t want to put them on the spot if they aren’t.”

“You got it.” Switching to English, Adrien asked, “Hey!” Connor and Eerie looked back at him, eyes still full of laughter from their banter. “You two are dating, right?”

Their pupils shrunk to pinpricks as they gaped at Adrien before glancing at each other, a furious blush mirrored on both of their faces.

“She’s my intern!”

“We’re not like- No!”

“I mean I guess we’re close but-”

“Just because we’re good friends doesn’t mean-”

Adrien held up his hands. “Sorry, sorry! I just wanted to be sure that's all.”

Hesitantly, the two went back to chatting between themselves and Adrien relayed what they said to Marinette.

Marinette winced. “Yeah, I heard the ‘good friends’ part.”

“Huh? You understood that?”

“Of course. After all this time, I can understand ‘good friend’ in four or five languages.”

“Wow! Why’s that?”

Marinette gave him a long, hard look, seemed like she was going to say something, thought the better of it and just gave him a quick peck on the cheek.

“Don’t worry about it, sweetie. And don’t worry about them either - something tells me things will work out for them just fine.”

--------------

Eerie followed behind Connor and shakily took her spot beside him. Just like before, he had taken the window seat. It might not have been much to anyone else, but she was touched at how he did everything he could to make this seven hour flight bearable for her.

Like last night, when he tried his best to keep them both awake for as long as possible. By his reasoning, it was harder to panic at the flight when you were out cold. Unfortunately, the long hours they’d spent putting the pieces of the puzzle together had left her exhausted. They might have had the evidence to nail their forger to the wall, but she was fast asleep shamefully early because of it.

A creaking noise made her painfully aware of her talons and how they were starting to crush the armrests. It was enough to wake Connor up from his nap. While she had failed to stay up, he’d had no such problems, binging whole movies. Waking her up hadn’t done much beyond making her grouchy, but she was wishing now she’d given it more effort.

Blearily, Connor’s eyes moved from the armrest to her face. He yawned and held out his hand to her. It took a few moments of staring before she realized he was waiting for her to take it. In any other circumstances, she might have hesitated, but she was willing to take any scrap of comfort she could get ahold of. Literally in this case.

His gloved fingers intertwined with hers, his thumb circling the back of her hand in a calming motion. She wouldn’t say she was feeling good about the whole flying thing now, but she was at least feeling better.

Better enough that she was suddenly aware of how intimate the gesture was. Eerie had found out early on that the sensitivity of his hands made stuff like this very… personal. After that question from Adrien, she couldn’t help but ask herself if this was just comforting a friend or something more. She sat with eyes locked forward, biting her lip worriedly and wondering if she was looking too much into this.

Building up her courage, she looked over to Connor to ask him, only to see that he’d fallen asleep. His tail was cuddled up close to him as he drooled into it. Despite that, he still held onto her - gently but firmly. Enough to let her know he was still there. Her worries melted away as she looked into his serene sleeping face.

She was leaning forward before she knew it, but she stopped herself just short of kissing his forehead. She quickly pulled back, shoving an errant lock of hair behind her ear. What was she thinking?

Then she took another look at him, her heart softening as she watched him breath the slow and steady rhythm of those deep in slumber. She reached out her right hand, felt the fur of his raccoon ears under her fingers as she rubbed them. His blank expression turned into a blissful smile.

Pulling away, Eerie settled in for the long flight ahead, feeling more at peace than she ever had on a plane before.

[petekaos]

Hello! I just spent the last hour reading all your fics and, while this is something I've always wanted to do, it gave me a sudden burst of motivation to start writing my own fics but I'm staring at my word document and I'm so?? I don't have any experience writing things apart from essays for school and I was wondering if you had any tips for a complete beginner? How do you plan out your own fics? How long does it take you?

hi hi nonnie!! i don’t know when you sent this (probably when i was asleep / offline) but i’m so so glad you enjoyed my fics enough for it to motivate you, that’s so sweet! :’)

honestly my tips would be to write about things you like. this seems so obvious, but if you’re writing fic, it’s important to first realise that you’re writing it for yourself and not for an audience, and as long as it makes you happy, that’s all that matters. if you write about what you think an audience would like... then there’s no passion! your enthusiasm can and will draw people in more than a 5k coffee shop au you didn’t really have much interest in writing. there are certain aspects of a character or situations you want to see them in or plot holes you want to explore, and those are the things you should focus on. the way i write my fics is that i hone in on one part i want to explore, and expand upon that, thinking of meaningful scenes that document growth and progress to get across my point. so -- in my fics there has to be a general red thread that ties the fic together, a point, a feeling i want the reader to be left with at the end. for example, in there’s an art to honesty, my petekao fic / kao character study, the red thread is about kao tackling intimacy and pda as well as finding his own strength after coming out to his friends. i deep dived into his character and how he feels along the course of the fic, and how it changes naturally. points of conflict are necessary to keep the reader hooked and move the plot along in my opinion (unless you’re writing like a couple of thousand words of fluff), whether it be internal or external. most of my conflicts are internal because i write a lot of character studies, but you get my point! the best balance is when you have both -- going back to that fic, the internal conflict is kao still feeling as though he has to hide in front of his friends, and the external conflict is his mother not knowing he’s gay and in a relationship and therefore making comments to suggest the opposite, as minor as this conflict is.

if you’re a plotter, i suggest writing down all your ideas you would like to write at some point, and seeing how they tie in together. i’m gonna keep my petekao fic as an example here as it’s fresh in my mind, but i wanted to write about kao dealing with being open, about pete being a supportive boyfriend, about kao and pete’s dad having a talk, about the cool gang being the Best, and about kao coming out to his mother and sister in a way that’s different from dark blue kiss. now, i had a couple of other ideas that eventually ended up being scrapped for this fic at least. so it’s all about figuring out what your point is and how you wanna get that across, before delving into the actual writing. that’s tricky -- what works for me may not work for you. i usually have a loose idea of the scenes i want to write and then just sort of let the characters take me away and get in the zone. there are certain pieces of dialogue i want to include that i also write down to get to.

the way i plan my fics and certain scenes out is by having what’s called a leitmotif. basically, it’s a recurring theme or metaphor that pops up during the entire piece of work that ties everything back together. sticking with the petekao fic, something that keeps it all together is the metaphor of the closed doors and kao not knowing what to do with his hands, where to put them. i mention the closed doors as a symbol that turns into open doors at the end. so, when i loosely plan my fic out, i keep that in mind and mention it again and again so the reader is unconsciously drawn back into the original plotline. normally, for oneshots and fics like that and the others i’ve got on my ao3, i don’t plan... all too much. it’s only for multichaptered ones, where i need more callbacks and threads to tie the plot together, that i really go through the scenes in detail. 

as for how long it takes me... hm. it depends! there’s an art to honesty took me... around a week, when i really got down to writing it, but keep in mind i’ve been super busy for the past week. my feet are drawn to you, my ramking fic / ram character study, took me i think around 5-6 days? i bulk wrote the last 5k of that one. everyone’s looking for someone to hold, my manboss fic, took me like 2 days because i had free time and just conked it all out. and he got fight stories to tell, my sarawat character study / sarawatine fic, took me i think around 3-4 days too. so on average, i tend to write pretty fast once i stop procrastinating and getting distracted and in the zone, especially when it’s a oneshot. i tend to get bored and focused on other things pretty quickly (thanks adhd) but the point is: it doesn’t matter how long it takes you, as long as you enjoy it!

my most important piece of advice? don’t overthink it. figure out what aspects you want to explore, what characters you love, find something to tie it all together and start writing! plot it out if you’re a plotter. but writing is all about practice, and it takes a while before you figure out what’s right for you and what works for you. i still don’t know it myself! anyone can write, and i’m looking forward to seeing your fics, and i hope this helped! feel free to send me another ask or dm me if you need anything or if you want me to look over your fic or writing, i’d be glad to!

[prettywordsyouleft]

Beyond The Palace Walls - Part Seven

Genre: royal au / fluff / adventure / self-growth

Characters: Jung Jaehyun x reader (feat. Ten, Lucas and Taeyong)

A/N: This story was started as a request but it didn’t suit the idol I was writing it for and it was too good to scrap. Originally, it was going to be a Lucas fiction but then I realised I was writing Jaehyun without realising it and so my bias one of them won it out.

Index: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | Epilogue

Once breakfast was over, it was time to continue towards the neighbouring kingdom with the knowledge that by nightfall you would no longer be on your home soil. You walked along with a bounce in your step, animated after your conversation with Taeyong earlier in the morning. He often caught your gaze from up on the horse he rode due to his injury, shooting you small smiles until Jaehyun let out a heavy huff of air.

“Are you smitten with Y/N, hyung?”

“Should I hold her with disdain still?” he offered, grinning down at you. It made you giggle and Jaehyun looked between you both before he instinctively reached for your hand. It made Lucas erupt in cheer.

“Finally!”

“Were you truly blind to the two of them?” Ten asked incredulously, clucking his tongue at the youngest. “Honestly!”

“Even I knew,” Jane said with a smile giggle. You glanced up at Jaehyun to see the mixture of pride and shyness within his expression and wrapped your arms around his waist. He blinked rapidly but didn’t remove you from your position either, the pair of you walking along joined like that until it became difficult with the undulating ground. With a smile exchanged, you settled for simply holding one another’s hand again, feeling free to do so and receive no judgement from your friends.

It was rewarding to be in love and show it off.

However once you crossed the bridge later that evening that linked the two kingdoms together, you felt Jaehyun’s mood change. He gripped your hand tightly for some time and then let it go altogether on the outskirts of a township. You sighed but nodded gently at Taeyong, watching as Jaehyun retreated further into himself. You wouldn’t allow him to leave you entirely.

“Is there where you grew up?” you asked and he nodded softly. You looked ahead at the twinkling of the lights in the distance, smiling at how picturesque it appeared. “Will we stay at your home tonight?”

“It would be best to go to an inn,” he offered curtly and you smiled gently. Jaehyun wasn’t ready yet. Given you hadn’t planned to tell him of who you were for some time, you could understand the anxiety that came with it. He had even scolded you back when he realised who you were. It would no doubt be playing on his mind as he realised how close he was to admitting the truth.

You wondered how you should take the explanation. Should you allow him to tell you that he was a Prince and feign surprise? You knew too much already though and you weren’t very good at hiding things from him now. He may have even picked up on something brewing since you and Taeyong now were getting along like old friends. Would you just be better to tell him yourself? That you guessed it and remove that element of awkwardness? Would he appreciate that though? The further you internalised the problem, the deeper you were involved in your thoughts and you didn’t know you had been directed into the local bar and inn until you heard and smelt the now tell-tale signs. You blinked and looked around the establishment, it was a full house and most of the punters were merrily wrapping up their working week up with a pint of beer and some of the hearty food selections.

You smiled; you had come to enjoy bars now.

“Alright, this time Princess, no alcohol,” Lucas insisted and you pouted heavily but grabbed for your juice happily. Jaehyun quickly set upon his own beverage, downing most of it before others had even taken a sip. He groaned as the alcohol made its way into his system, and reached forward for the snacks on the table.

“Do you really need to go that intense already?” Taeyong chastised, watching intently as Jaehyun finished the drink and then got up to get another.

“He’ll need all that false confidence to face his family tomorrow, leave him be.”

Jane frowned at Ten’s statement and glanced at you, puzzled. You merely shrugged; it wasn’t yet your secret to share.

The night wore on and Ten and Jane retired before the rest of you, drinks still flowing around your table as the three men reminisced over their years on the road. Even though you weren’t directly a part of the memories, you felt welcomed in, asking questions during the many tales and laughing with them the further they got invested in sharing their experiences. You couldn’t think of a better way to wrap up your journey so far for them or yourself. At the beach, you had discovered your own sense of accomplishment for the first time in your life. You could tell their journey had many moments of such a feeling, and it encouraged you to be hopeful for further experiences now that you knew you could make it in the world. Sure, there was so much more to learn. Yet you had discovered a vast amount already in such a short space of time. It was the beginning of your continued thirst for more experiences. You wanted to look back in three year’s time like the three men were and be able to tell countless tales yourself.

As the night wore on into the early hours of the morning, you insisted that they stop drinking and go to bed since there was much to happen in the following day. Taeyong agreed and hauled Lucas to his feet, the youngest exclaiming another round would end the night well. All the same, he allowed himself to be dragged upstairs and you turned to Jaehyun to help him to his feet.

“Little bird you’re allowing me to perch on you instead now?” he asked with a lazy grin and you chuckled lightly as he slumped against you. There was nothing about his position on you that seemed to match the dainty term he had used and you heaved in a deep breath as you determinedly faced the stairs. It wasn’t impossible but you struggled to haul him up the stairs all the same, Jaehyun stumbling into you on the landing. It made you both smack into the wall behind you and he looked down at you, an intoxicating expression filling his warm eyes. You thanked him for being as drunk as he was or else you knew you would have fallen deeper into such a gaze. Shaking your head, you dodged his messy attempt to press his lips to yours.

“Come on, it’s bedtime, not kissing time.”

“Can’t we kiss the night away?” he pleaded with a whine and you shook your head firmly.

“You’re not alert enough for such thoughts, Jaehyun. You’ll regret it in the morning.”

“I can sober up!” he enthused, pushing back from you and holding his hand up as if it would help his concentration to prove to you that the alcohol was no longer flowing through his veins. You placed your own hands on your hips and gave him a bemused smile as he fumbled around on the landing until he let out a giggle. “Okay, maybe not.”

“Bed it is,” you concluded and headed along the hallway, remembering Taeyong giving you the room number he was sharing with Jaehyun. Your room with Jane was before theirs and you stopped to check the number on your key to make sure you had the right one for when you returned.

Stealing it from your hand, Jaehyun started to chant about it being his room, unlocking it hastily and moving across the room, his hands upon the bottom of his shirt.

“No you mustn’t!” you cried in a heavy whisper, worrying about waking up Jane with his ruckus. You rushed after him. “Jane…”

You blinked when you found the room vacant apart from you both and gasped when you realised where Jane could be. Your cheeks filled with colour and you spun around, trying to deal with the notions within your mind. And then you remembered your own predicament, turning back to face Jaehyun who was now shirtless and kicking off his boots. Snapping your eyes to the ceiling after taking a long look at his well-defined back and shoulders, you sighed impatiently.

“Jaehyun this isn’t your room, you need to put your clothes back on!”

“It isn’t?” he asked and then turned around. You cursed your gaze for instinctively following his movement, soaking in his torso before you moved your eyes back to the ceiling. He chuckled. “What are you doing in my room, Y/N?”

“This is my room,” you countered and he shook his head, approaching you slowly. You backed up as he advanced on you, biting your bottom lip so hard that you were worried your teeth would pierce through it. He smirked before he reached forward, your eyes clamping shut until you realised he had merely closed the door behind you and not touched you at all. When you reopened your eyes, Jaehyun had retreated across the room and climbed into the bed. You groaned. There was only one bed in this room and whilst you had no issues with sharing with Jane, it seemed unfathomable to do so with a man.

Even the one you loved.

“Get up, Jaehyun,” you instructed and he shook his head childishly before nestling into the bedding further. “I need to sleep!”

“Then sleep.”

“How can I?” you asked heavily, now standing beside him in hopes he would get up. With a swift motion, his hand yanked you down and over him, your body nestling into the empty space of the bed beside him. He smiled at your shocked expression and turned to face you, wrapping an arm over you so you couldn’t change the effort he was rather proud of.

You were certain you wouldn’t last out the night with how fast your heart was now beating.

The weight of Jaehyun’s decision finally dawned on him but he didn’t move his arm. Instead, his expression grew sincere and he gently brushed the hair away from your face. You weren’t sure what to expect but the gesture did nothing to calm you down.

“I need to tell you something important.”

You blinked and cursed yourself and your imagination for running off with you again. Composing yourself, you looked up at him again. “You do?”

“Tomorrow,” he murmured, closing his eyes. He drew you in closer to his chest and you had to admit you felt warm within his arms, sleep tugging at you softly. “I’ll tell you then.”

“And tonight?” you asked slowly, Jaehyun opening his eyes to stare at you. He shifted to kiss your forehead and then settled back down.

“Tonight I’m too drunk to do anything but hold you like this. Let me have this one last night with you.”

“One last night?” you repeated, frowning at his wording. But the rhythm of his breathing only allowed your dreams to rush forward and capture you quickly, sleep invading you before you could truly question any of this.

“Your Highness!” a voice hissed and you heard groaning, your own mood now heavy from being disturbed from such a blissful slumber.

Before you could reply though, someone else did. “I told you not to call me that.”

“But-”

You opened your eyes as Jaehyun shook his head adamantly into the pillow. “It’s been three years. I’ve only been back home for a night, don’t shackle me with that term so soon, hyung.”

You blinked, glancing over at Jane’s shocked expression and then waited for Jaehyun to realise his mistake. When he didn’t shift, you poked his bare chest and he shifted away from you with a groan. “I said…”

The gasp that fell from his lips made you giggle in reaction and Jane darted her focus between you both incredulously. She whined. “I don’t know what to address first.”

“Shall we discuss your whereabouts last night?” you asked, feeling rather amused for first thing in the morning. Jaehyun was now sitting up and clasping his head whilst groaning and you instinctively reached to rub his back in comfort. Jane eyed your action avidly. “Jane?”

“Huh?” she said distantly and then snapped out of it. “You know, I think I heard Ten calling for me just now. I’ll go. Perhaps Jaehyun needs to find some water as much as he needs a shirt.”

“I’ll see to it!” you called after her, Jaehyun finally peeking out from behind a hand to stare at you.

“How much of that did you hear?”

You pursed your lips in thought before you smirked. “How much of it do you want me to have heard?”

“You know?” he guessed and you nodded. “You, you really know?”

“Yes, I know you’re a Prince.”

“Did-”

“I figured it out on my own,” you admitted with an encouraging smile, and Jaehyun nodded softly. “Does my knowing bother you?”

“Well, it helps me actually. I was worried about how to tell you,” he admitted and you patted his back gently. Jaehyun glanced at your touch upon his skin and seemed to grow shy. He covered his body for a moment before fishing his shirt up from the ground and placed it on. “I uh, I’m sorry for last night.”

“You were adamant I sleep against you, was that for future practice?” you asked, feeling as if you had been possessed by a minx overnight. You were enjoying watching everyone squirm today. Last night it had been you frightened by your predicament, but after sleeping you felt as if you had overcome such worries. Waking up in Jaehyun’s arms had given you something to look forward to – you wanted to do this every day for the rest of your life.

Jaehyun watched you for a moment and then smiled. “I like this side to you.”

“You do?” Jaehyun nodded. “Why?”

“Because you’re being yourself. You’re not hiding who you want to be. It’s very alluring.”

“Is it time for breakfast?” you asked with a cough, leaping out of the bed as Jaehyun chuckled. You were only equipped to go so far right now. Getting up, Jaehyun approached you as you used the mirror to smooth down your hair, his arms wrapping around you from behind as he gazed at you through the reflection.

“Can you lend me your strength today?”

You smiled and nodded once. “Are you worried?”

“I missed them, I really did. But I don’t want to rule this kingdom when my brother wants to as well.”

“You know, I might be able to help you with that,” you offered, turning around in his embrace and smiling up at him. Jaehyun examined you for a moment and then let his mouth fall ajar in realisation.

“Are you asking me to marry you?”

“Well, I figured I could very well get down on one knee and ask that much of you, but you may wish to do that yourself. Besides, can you imagine the outcry if my Father ever found out?”

He grinned. “You’ve only known me such a short time though.”

“And I slept in your arms during that time,” you retorted, poking him again lightly. You pouted up at him. “Will you take responsibility?”

“Is that how your kingdom works?”

“You also kissed me, multiple times. I’m certain that would seal the deal in my Father’s eyes. How dare I do such a thing and not follow it through?”

“You’re certain about this?” Jaehyun asked more gently, the humour of your conversation easing. “You really want this?”

“Don’t you?”

“No one has ever made me this reckless before,” he said with a smile, leaning in closer. He brushed your hair away from your face. “Marrying you would be a dream.”

“No, it can be a reality, if you want it.”

_________________

Part 8

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[basketcase789]

Heartbeat Song

“Every heart sings a song, incomplete, until another heart whispers back.”

- Plato

Group: BTS

Member: Suga (feat. others)

Genre: soulmate au

Chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Yoongi pulled off his headphones and brought a hand up to massage the back of his neck, trying to work out the kinks. He glanced at the clock on his computer screen, and seeing it was just past 2 a.m., sat back in his chair with a deep sigh.

He was working on composing a song for BTS’ next studio album, and he’d been at it for four hours in his studio now, without much progress. Despite trial and error he just couldn’t seem to mould the melody into the song he had in mind.

He’d always found it difficult trying to compose a song when there was an entirely different one playing over and over in his head. One that was all too familiar.

He brought his hands up to his face to rub at his tired eyes and sighed again. This song did tend to creep into his mind more often when he was exhausted or stressed out. Perhaps it was trying to tell him he’d done enough work for today and to go to bed.

He closed the software he’d been using to edit his music, but wasn’t quite ready to head back to the dorm just yet. He opened up his internet browser instead.

The familiar home page of Synced Up loaded onto his screen. Every night for the past three years he’d browsed the site before going to bed, save for those few nights where he just couldn’t find the energy to.

He clicked on the first audio file displaying under the new uploads section, which immediately began playing in a pop-up screen, revealing the profile of the user who had uploaded it. Female, 20 years old, located in Belarus. He only needed the few seconds it took to read the user’s details to know that this song wasn’t his. He clicked on the next audio file. And the next. And the next...

After fifteen minutes he gave up. With his busy work schedule he couldn’t seem to keep up with all the daily uploads to the site. It didn’t help when the same song was allowed to be uploaded multiple times; first and most common were clips of the user simply humming the melody, and then later they tended to re-upload a version with instruments - whether professionally done or after learning an instrument themselves.

There were just too many people searching for their soulmates via the matching song that played over and over in one’s head.

Yoongi had been searching for three years now with no luck. He’d entertained the thought of simply arranging the melody himself and posting it. Maybe that way his soulmate could find him instead. Sure, the song would be difficult to synthesize at first because the melody sounded like a music box lullaby in his mind, but with a bit of work he could probably get it right.

However, Synced Up didn’t allow for anonymous submissions - no exceptions. You had to be able to prove you were you. In the past they’d had an anonymous option, but people had stolen others’ songs as their own, leading to a whole lot of issues. He remembered hearing about the lawsuits in the news, and the site had even temporarily shut down.

If he signed up then everyone would know it was him. And once fans found out about the melody and memorized it he’d never find his real soulmate. That’s why he’d been searching so earnestly, instead.

He couldn’t help but feel a little bitter when he thought of Namjoon and Seokjin, two of his bandmates to have already discovered their soulmates. Both had found each of their songs their very first try on the website, like fate or something. And as for Hoseok, he had an even more effortless encounter; he found his soulmate one day at the airport while she was humming to herself as he happened to walk by. Yoongi wouldn’t have believed it if he hadn’t been there himself.

Maybe this was all for the best, he concluded. He’d be lying if he said he didn’t get lonely every now and then, but he didn’t exactly have a lot of free time to spend on a significant other. He would be content with just knowing who his soulmate was - or that he had one at all. To know he wasn’t alone in the universe and there was someone out there for him. By his age very few people had yet to find their soulmate, although people in the public eye like himself tended to keep their relationships low profile. His fellow members certainly did.

He finally closed the web browser, but hesitated before powering off his computer. He found himself putting his headphones on and opening his audio software back up. It couldn’t hurt to compose a little something. Any other song that got stuck in his head seemed to disappear once he’d brought it to life, so why not this one? He could do without the constant reminder that he hadn’t found his soulmate yet, for a little while. Maybe actually get some sleep for once.

Half an hour later he called it quits, with the basic melody completed. He’d have to leave for the dorm now if he still wanted a few precious hours of sleep. After all, he knew he’d be back at it later in the morning, trying to meet the deadlines for the new album.

His soul song was out of his head - for now.

It was too early for any sane person to be awake, Yoongi thought, but sometimes it can’t be helped.

He sat at a boardroom table along with the rest of his members, nursing a large coffee. Black. It wasn’t a cream and sugar kind of day.

Yoongi spotted Jungkook stifle a yawn from across the table just as Bang PD spoke up, officially beginning their meeting.

“Okay, you guys know the drill. We have twenty song demos here, and we need to cut the list down to twelve for your next album. And we’re not leaving here until we know which ones and the order they’ll feature in.”

Yoongi never really offered much input at these kinds of meetings, unless there happened to be a song or two he was particularly passionate about. He composed the songs, and he trusted his members and staff to select the best ones from there. Songs that didn’t get picked always had a chance of appearing on a future album, anyway.

Bang PD continued. “We’ve all had time to listen to the songs. As discussed, the previously agreed upon concept for this comeback is…”

This time Yoongi couldn’t help but yawn. Why were these meetings always so repetitive? He could have been spending all this time asleep in his bed, instead of watching from the sidelines while everyone discussed which songs they liked best. Yoongi was confident all of the songs would be a hit, so it didn’t really matter to him. Lyrics and vocals weren’t even set in stone yet, so he didn’t feel particularly attached to any of the songs.

He was nearing the bottom of his coffee cup, but luckily the end of the meeting seemed to be at hand.

“Before we agree on which order these songs will appear, I want you all to have a listen to the song Hoseok has been working on. His track will complete the album as the thirteenth song, and if it does well on the music charts he’ll be allowed to release a solo album in the coming months.”

Hoseok was beaming from the other side of the table, and Yoongi gave him a silent thumbs up while the other members cheered and hyped him up.

Bang PD took a moment to search for the correct file on the laptop and clicked play, as Yoongi took the last few sips of his coffee. The music filled the room, upbeat and sounding exactly like something Hoseok would create.

A few bars later, Yoongi’s coffee cup froze in front of his mouth. His mouth grew dry, but it wasn’t from the bitter coffee. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end as he realized the base melody sounded all too familiar. Although its beat was sped up to match the upbeat tempo, he was certain. It was his soul song.

He felt the blood drain from his face. He’d been hiding the track in a folder amongst the other ones he’d been working on and completely forgot about it. It must have been copied along with the other files when he transferred them to a USB stick for submission weeks ago.

There was no way he could let this song be released to the public. It was far too intimate to have it broadcasted all over the radio.

He waited patiently until the song was finished before opening his mouth to speak, but Hoseok beat him to it.

“I based it off one of your uncompleted songs, you don’t mind do you Yoongi?”

Hoseok looked so excited to be releasing the song, wearing a proud smile and practically vibrating in his seat. He’d clearly put a lot of effort into it. Hoseok was younger than him, so Yoongi knew he would scrap the song if he asked him to. They were close friends, practically brothers, and he knew Hoseok wouldn’t go forward with something he was uncomfortable with. And he knew Hoseok would understand if he just explained everything to him.

But Yoongi found himself smiling instead, saying, “Not at all. Go for it.”

Hoseok had been patiently hoping for months - years even? - to release a self-made album. Yoongi couldn’t let him down like this. He could be biased, but Hoseok’s song did sound like it could turn out to be a huge hit. What harm could it do, really, releasing it to the public? Yoongi was the only one who knew it was his soul song. Him and his soulmate, that is.

Namjoon clapped Hoseok on the back, and Yoongi heard Jungkook say he knew the song was going to be a huge success, mirroring Yoongi’s thoughts. Yoongi looked down into his cup with a sigh. He was going to need a lot more coffee to get through this comeback.

[whiparoundandcry]

Earbuds dump

someone wanted me to go through all the questions so //cracks knuckles

1: What inspired you to write the fic this way?

dunno what ‘this way’ specifically means, but I tried reenacting the way a lot of my fav fics have been, in way of word count per chapter, character interaction, plot balanced w/ the ship, ect

2: What scene did you first put down?

Maaan, it’s hard to remember what came first now. I have a doc thats like, 20 pages of just notes & me outlining the plot and world building. The first scene written on that doc is lloyd revealing his identity to the team, which actually happens about a year before the start of the story!

3: What’s your favorite line of narration?

hmmmm, I’m a sucker for when the narration contradicts the dialogue- I just think it’s really funny, pfft. can’t think of any large scenes I do that in rn, but I also really like this bit, during the city hall meeting The woman sitting at the corner chair closest to the ninja shifted in her seat, and stared pointedly at Kai and Jay. Kai tried not to shift under her stare, but he could feel Jay stiffen next to him. “You two saved Satoshi the night King’s was attacked, right?” Kai’s mouth was immediately dry and his brain cut out. Her voice wasn’t loud, but compared to the silence before, she might as well have fired a gun. The question itself was straightforward enough, but Kai hesitated to answer - first, because Green ordered them not to speak, and second, he had no idea what she was talking about. I try to keep Kai a reliable narrator (aka I project a lot) and I feel like this part is funny for first-time readers, bc you get the feeling of “do I know who that is??? Did I forget?” then kai confirms it like “who tf”

4: What’s your favorite line of dialogue?

Kai looked up from their hands to meet Jay’s eyes, all warmth and kindness. “I dunno. I’ve only know you for a month, but I still feel as close to you as I do any of them.”

ouch!!!! 

5: What part was hardest to write?

GOD ALL OF THE FIGHT SCENES,,, this fic was so ambitious oh my god. That’s part of why the final chapter is taking a lot longer than normal- big fight scene ;v; also the meeting with the mayor was difficult to write bc like, I dont know shit about how city government works. My search history for the time I was writing that scene looked like I was researching for an essay, christ. 

6: What makes this fic special or different from all your other fics?

I’m finishing it :,3

7: Where did the title come from?

real honesty hours: I thre in the bit about Kai giving Jay his earbuds on impulse. I never planned for them to be a reoccurring symbolic plot device or for them to even exist but damn, here we are.

8: Did any real people or events inspire any part of it?

My relationship with my brother def inspires how I write Kai & Nya. I say that I project onto kai a lot, but I project all of my ‘trans younger sibling’ energy onto Nya. ngl, most everything I’ve done in this fic was inspired by batman tho

9: Were there any alternate versions of this fic?

Yeah, I have around 3 scrapped scenes. I’ll probably never release them, bc they were scrapped for a reason :,3

10: Why did you choose this pairing for this particular story?

Kai & Jay are the most boring out of the four boys :, ) so I figure’d it’d be easiest to fit their charters into the plot I had in mind, I couldn’t think of any way to fit in the “zane’s a robot” or “cole literally died” plot into it without making the entire story about those things. If I was made out of time tho, you bet earbuds would be a polyninja story.

11: What do you like best about this fic?

I honestly just like that I’ve gotten as far as I have into it, and the perception that its gotten has been so incredible //sobs. Aside from that, my favorite parts about it are probably Kai & Nya/Lloyd’s relationship, and also that Nya is trans. I hadn’t seen any fics where she was trans before, and tbfh its my favorite headcanon. I’ll never write a cis nya in my life

12: What do you like least about this fic?

The relationship build up seems kinda... eh? I definitely should've put more into it, but at the same time I feel like I did as much as I could with it, just bc I’m so inexperienced with that stuff. I also with I could do a better job of conveying the vibe that I want this version of ninjago to give off (gritty, rough, gotham) but without being super edgy about it?  Also I’m really upset that Cole & Zane are getting shafted in Earbuds. I should’ve come up with more stuff to include them, but everything I came up with just felt forced, so they ended up just being background characters- which is was more than they deserve, bc they’re honestly my favorite boys on the team.

13: What music did you listen to, if any, to get in the mood for writing this story? Or if you didn’t listen to anything, what do you think readers should listen to to accompany us while reading?

Well, there’s always the 8tracks playlist I made a while back (should transfer that onto spotify sometime) but theres a couple songs that I think fit the characters super well that aren’t on the list • “Fresh Eyes” is a super great Kai&Jay song QwQ “so suddenly I’m in love with a stranger / I can’t believe she’s mine / now all I see is you with fresh eyes” From Kai’s pov @ jay??? hell • “Better days” was a song rec sent in by my good bud hedley-ramsay anon, and it’s perfect for Kai’s POV, as he’s trying to stay optimistic about all the shit thats happening around him “Guess I didn't break it, but I bent it / I know I didn't say it, but I meant it / I shoulda had a little more heart and soul” • “Miss Atomic Bomb” is very very good for Lloyd & Harumi. tbh its a good song for them in canon too, but the dark city vibe it gives off fits so well with the Earbuds AU. “I was new in town, the boy with the eager eyes / I never was a quitter, oblivious to schoolgirls' lies” • “Be Still” is also a super great song for lloyd, in this au and just in general. “Be still / wild and young / long may your innocence reign” DONT CALL ME OUT I REALLY LIKE THE KILLERS

14. Is there anything you wanted readers to learn from reading this fic?

not... really? its a fanfiction about legos, I dunno if there’s any lesson to be learned from it. Be gay & do crimes

15. What did you learn from writing this fic?

writing fanfic is super rewarding & fun!! It’s a pretty pig time sink sometimes, but damn if yall don’t make it worth it. 

thanks so much for your continued support everyone!!! The last chapter has 2 scenes to go and is currently over 10k words 💪

[morkmywords]

Black Umbrella | EXO | Mafia au | Part 1

Masterlist | Prologue Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4  Part 5 Part 6

Length: 1.8k

   It was about 2 months since the hotel had switched hands and practically nothing had changed. A couple people had been fired and a few things were switched around but it was still pretty much the same. You even got a small raise so you were pretty happy with your current work situation. The restaurant was closing for the night and most staff were heading home but you were getting ready for your shift at the bar. Like usual you heard whispers about the mysterious new owners but you just ignored them as usual and shoved your things back in your locker before heading to the bar. 

    Tonight it was busy, the bar was filled to the brim with people all wearing shoes that were worth more than your entire apartment with everything in it plus your entire savings. You were on your feet mixing drinks and taking orders all night not once getting a break. You shuffled from one end of the bar to the next until it was 2am and the bar was closing, once everyone had left you pulled out a rag and began wiping tables with your coworker. You offered to stay and finishing cleaning so he could head home seeing as you had a day off tomorrow and he happily agreed, thanking you before he grabbed his bag and left. Due to the great rush of people that night there was a lot of extra cleaning to do which meant you would have to stay behind later than usual. You had finally finished cleaning and left to change back into your casual clothes and rest your aching feet. As you pulled your things from your locker you thought you heard the sound of the front door opening, you dismissed blaming it on your half asleep state and continued changing. 

   Your eyelids drooped and you dragged your feet as you headed to the door mind focused on the idea of going home and sleeping. You yawned as you walked back to the main area but froze as you heard voices, not being fully awake you decided to see who it was. 

“Who’s there?” one of the voices called out and you peeked your head around the corner to see the face of one of the new owners staring back at you. He was joined by an unfamiliar man and they seemed to be having a very serious discussion based on the death glares they were both giving. You cleared your throat and awkwardly moved into their line of sight.

“I’m sorry sir, I was just about to lock up but I can stay if you want,” you said as you bowed your head. He did a once over before replying,

“No, you can leave, the bags under your eyes make you look exhausted,” he said as he waved you away. You bit back you reply bowing once before walking out and slamming the door behind you, it was the middle of the night and you didn’t need some jerk commenting on your lack of sleep. You trudged your way back to the subway station pushing the encounter out of your mind as you made your way back to the dumpy apartment you called your home.

   You woke up fairly late the next day, you were exhausted and perfectly content with staying home and doing chores but somebody just had to ruin your plan.  It was around 4pm when your phone started ringing.

“What is it now Mina?” you sighed into the phone only to be met with your friend’s giggles.

“I’ll be over in half an hour, let's go out tonight!” was all she said before she hung up.

“That girl...” you muttered to yourself as you got up to go shower and prepare yourself for the whirlwind that is your best friend. You jumped into the shower as your mind drifted back to the previous night and you scoffed at the asshole that was your boss, he could’ve just dismissed you but instead, he had to comment on the bags under your eyes and your exhausted state.

    “So where exactly are we going?” you asked as Mina dug through you closet throwing various pieces of clothing she liked at you while throwing the ones she didn’t like on the floor. You frowned thinking about how you would have to clean it all up later when she broke through your thoughts.

“One of the other waitresses told me about this new club and I thought we should check it out,” she said face still buried in your closet.

“What?!” you said in disbelief, this was your first day off in forever and she was taking you out clubbing?

“Why don’t you have any clothes?” she said as she continued digging ignoring your previous question. You rolled your eyes at her antics before she pulled something out of the back of your closet and turned around squealing. She threw a scrap of black fabric that you were pretty sure was supposed to be a dress at you.

“I am not wearing this!” you exclaimed before you threw it back to her.

“Why not?” she whined as you pushed her out of the room.

“I can dress myself, so if you want me to come I’m picking my own clothes,” you said as you began closing the door but the stopped it with her foot.

“Can I still do your hair and makeup?” she asked and you only nodded before closing the door and finding some clothes. 

   You put on a pair of black jeans and a plum coloured t-shirt opting to stay comfortable as you were taken to a club against your will. You let her back in to do hair and makeup, she gave you a once over and gave you a look that seemed to say ‘you’re really wearing that’. You just rolled your eyes and she did your hair and makeup, she left your hair down curling it slightly but other than that relatively simple. Your makeup was a whole other story, your eyes were lined with heavy wings and layers of eyeshadow that was about the same colour of your shirt was skillfully blended onto your eyelids. She even forced you to put on fake eyelashes and when she was done she let you look in the mirror. 

“I look scary,” was all you said as you stared at your reflection.

“No, you look sexy,” Mina said with a wink, “Now let's go before it gets too late!”

“Where are we even going?” you hissed into Mina’s ear as she stopped before a glowing club, you could already hear the music that was playing inside. She walked right up to the security guard by the door and you could feel the glares of people in line digging into your back. As if she could sense your panic she whispered, 

“Don’t worry we’re on the list.” and with a wink, she turned back to the bouncer, told him your names, and you were in.

   The club was packed, people seemed to leak from every crevice and the music was pounding. You stuck out like a sore thumb amongst the crowd of people who were wearing little to no clothes but you could care less knowing that soon Mina would have a little too much to drink and would abandon you so you could go home. You followed her over to the bar where she immediately began flirting with some guy and you were the third wheel, you sighed and asked for the least alcoholic drink they had not wanting to wake up the next day with a nasty hangover. After a few minutes, Mina was completely ignoring your existence so you stood up from the stool and headed to the back where you spotted an empty booth tucked away in a corner.  You plopped down on the bench, trying to avoid the questionable sticky spots as you slid farther into the corner. You sat there feeling lost in thought as the pounding base shook your bones and you felt a headache coming on, you could have been sitting there for a few minutes or a few hours. By the time you snapped out of it you knew Mina had already left, you scanned the crowd as you tried to stand up and something familiar caught your eye. 

  A loud noise echoed through the room followed by screaming, you dropped to the ground and crawled back under the table. You assumed it was gunshots and you prayed to god that Mina was safe, you squeezed your eyes closed and plugged your ears as you waited for it to be over. You don’t know how long it was but the screaming and gunshots eventually stopped and even before you crawled out you knew everyone was dead. Unable to stay under that table anymore you crawled out and stood up but stopped in your tracks when you heard voices.

“You sure everybody is dead?” one asked.

“Yes I already told you Chen,” the other answered as they rounded the corner. You locked eyes with one and your mouth fell open, they both looked somewhat familiar but you couldn’t place them in your frenzied state. 

“Well I guess you were wrong,” the first one said giving the second a pointed look.

“Uh,” you said between their bickering, “Could you maybe not kill me?”

they both turned and looked at you, you suddenly felt the headache return and your vision was swimming. Before you knew it you were surrounded by darkness. 

‘C’mon lets get to the van’ a voice said, then you heard shuffling and that was all you could remember.

   You woke up the next morning in an unfamiliar room with a set of nine faces you finally recognized surrounding you.

“Why didn’t you kill me?” was the first thing you asked, they looked around at each other before one answered.

“getting straight to the point I see, why would we kill you?” he asked taking a step closer.

“You killed everyone else there but you took me..... here,” you answered blankly.

“Ahhhhhh my dear it would have been better for you if you didn’t remember,” Another said ominously. You just shrugged your shoulders which seemed to make him even angrier. 

“I think I-I’m going to pass out again,” you said as your vision began to swim and went black again.

     When you woke up again only one of them was with you.

“What’s wrong with me?” you asked as you yawned, and he sighed before coming over and placing his hand on your forehead. You gave him a confused look before he pulled his hand back and answered,

“You don’t have a fever or any other symptoms that would indicate illness so I’m pretty sure you fainted due to exhaustion, twice.” 

“Okay so, why exactly am I here?” you asked.

He let out an ominous chuckle before answering,

“My dear, you’ve gotten yourself tanged with the mafia.” 

“My bosses are part of the mafia, that's a new one.”