#But I don't think I want to write this fanfic to be read by people anyways

[talkativeanxiousturtle]

I mean. People are doing just that.

"I want a self indulgent fanfic of my favorite ships and tropes I like, but I really hate writing, and I don't want it badly enough to pay someone for that. Oh well. Guess I'll have to keep imagining it. Same as that cool fanart to know what I would look like as a Disney princess! I don't care enough to pay or wait for it, but it'd be neat."

AI: exists.

"Oh hell yeah!"

Like don't get me wrong. I support artists 100% here, and I do think AI is very much a problem. But I'm tired of hearing the same "then why don't you just do it yourself you lazy prick! Anyone can draw! Anyone can learn! It's fun!" yeah I think doing algebra is great fun, but that doesn't mean everyone WANTS to learn/be good at it. To be good at art, you have to dedicate HOURS, YEARS of your life to it. And for some people, drawing/writing isn't fun!! At all!! Why are we expecting that of them? And let's be fr. The people using AI were NOT the people commissioning artists before. The big corporations are the ones doing that.

And the whole fucking "why would I bother reading something you weren't bothered enough to write"... My guy, most people don't CARE about us writers. We're barely respected in OUR circles, what do you think it's like outside?? Most people I know couldn't name me three authors if held at gunpoint. They don't care. They just care about the content, the characters doing the right trope that appeals to their self-indulgence.

People don't care about artists. They care about content. It's horrible, but this is just a reflection of that. So your arguments about "protecting artists" are meaningless. If you want to defeat AI, find a new angle.

no matter what your most embarrassing moment in life is, at least it’s not having fucking chat gpt write fanfic for you bc you’re too lazy to do it yourself

[itsnesss]

Hi, I was wondering if you could make an axel fanfic where him and the reader who has a secret relationship where she wears the goggles for the first time and she sees axel she starts acting different and happy. Thank you so so much. :)

𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 | axel kovacevik × fem!reader

summary | the request

warnings | fluff/soft romance, humor, secret relationship, minor embarrassment/public confession

word count | 1.2 k

author's note | it would help me a lot if you liked, commented and reposted so that more people read what I write and don't forget to follow me, thanks ᡣ𐭩

You have no idea when Hawk and Demetri decided that their latest invention had to be tested at the dojo. Even less how you ended up as the volunteer to experience those AI goggles that, according to them, would revolutionize martial arts training.

“You’re going to freak out,” Hawk says with a smug grin as he adjusts the goggles on your head. “This will let you see anyone you choose as your opponent, and your brain will process it as if it were real.”

You nod with a nervous smile. It’s not that you don’t trust them… well, you kind of don’t. But your curiosity is stronger. Besides, the idea of training with anyone you can imagine is too tempting.

What no one knows —and what makes you blush just thinking about it— is that you’ve already decided who you want to see when you put the goggles on. Axel.

Your Axel.

Your relationship with him is a well-kept secret, a bond both of you decided to keep hidden for now due to past events. Axel is reserved, almost too serious for someone your age, but when you’re alone, his smile and soft gaze melt away any barrier he builds. No one suspects the two of you, and that’s how you prefer it. But today… today you’ll see him, even if it’s just an illusion.

“Ready,” Hawk says, interrupting your thoughts.

You nod, swallowing hard as the goggles turn on. Everything around you fades for a second, and then…

There he is. Axel.

Your heart skips a beat. He’s wearing his gi and has that intense look that always leaves you breathless. It’s so real that your hands tremble.

“Wow!” you exclaim without meaning to, catching everyone’s attention.

“Do they work that well?” Miguel asks curiously.

“Yes… yes, too well,” you reply quickly, unable to take your eyes off “Axel.” Your cheeks burn, but you don’t care. All you see is him, smirking in that way he only does when you’re alone together.

“Let’s fight!” Hawk shouts excitedly.

You take your stance, though you’re not really thinking about fighting. You just want to enjoy this moment. “Axel” looks at you with that sparkle in his eyes, one that gives you butterflies. You can’t help but smile like an idiot, something you rarely do during training.

“What’s up with her?” Sam whispers to Robby as they watch you looking… happy.

But you don’t even notice. Your mind is too busy admiring every detail of that face you know so well, those lips you’ve kissed in secret over and over again.

You take a step forward, raising your fists, but “Axel” lowers his.

“Aren’t you going to fight me?” his voice is soft, like when he calls you in the middle of the night just to hear your voice.

Your heart races even more.

“Not if you don’t want me to,” you whisper, completely forgetting you’re in the middle of the dojo with everyone watching.

“What the hell?!” Hawk exclaims.

“Who is she fighting?” Robby asks, puzzled.

Miguel frowns, sensing something’s off.

“I’m going to…” “Axel” steps closer, and your breath catches. “…hug you if you keep looking at me like that.”

A small excited squeal escapes you, and Hawk and Demetri exchange surprised looks.

“This is… unexpected,” Demetri murmurs. “I thought she was going to fight, not flirt with her opponent.”

You barely hear them. You take another step, smiling like you just won the lottery. You raise your hands and lightly touch “Axel’s” face with your fingertips, feeling only the air where your mind imagines his skin.

“Do you know how much I’ve missed you today?” you whisper, biting your lip.

Miguel, on the other side of the dojo, freezes.

“Wait…” he says. “Me?”

Hawk frowns. “No… she said Axel, didn’t she?”

Demetri checks the data on his computer. “It seems… yeah, she picked Axel, but… I think there was a coding error.”

“WHAT?!” Hawk and Miguel shout at the same time.

“Shut up!” you snap, not taking your eyes off “Axel.” You don’t care who it really is. For you, right now, it’s Axel, your Axel, and he’s perfect.

“Axel” smiles, tilting his head. “I missed you too… so much,” he says softly.

Your knees almost give out.

“Oh my God!” Sam whispers, covering her mouth to keep from laughing.

Robby is on the verge of bursting out laughing, while Hawk looks like he’s about to have a meltdown.

“This can’t be real! This is pure gold!” Hawk exclaims, pulling out his phone to record.

“Don’t you dare!” you yell, turning for a second, but he’s already live streaming to his private dojo friends group.

Demetri tries to stop him, but it’s too late.

Meanwhile, Miguel, horrified, tries to process what’s happening. “She… she missed me? But… it’s not me?”

When you turn back, “Axel” steps even closer, and you smile, unable to help it.

“You look so good today,” you whisper. “As always.”

“Axel” (or rather, Miguel) blinks, confused. “You too… I guess,” he replies, following the AI logic.

You giggle softly, and the sound makes everyone in the dojo fall silent. They’ve never seen you this happy… or this in love.

“Since when… are they together?” Sam quietly asks Hawk.

“I didn’t know… but this explains EVERYTHING,” Hawk replies, amused.

Suddenly, a real voice, outside the goggles, speaks up. “What’s going on here?”

The real Axel has arrived at the dojo, raising an eyebrow, watching the scene with a mix of confusion and… jealousy?

You freeze.

“Axel” (the AI version) is still smiling in front of you, but your eyes now lock onto the real Axel’s, who crosses his arms, clearly waiting for an explanation.

“Why… are you looking at Miguel like that?” he asks, narrowing his eyes.

You quickly take off the goggles, seeing that, yes, it’s actually Miguel standing in front of you, totally confused and a little flushed.

“It’s not what it looks like!” you blurt out quickly, but Axel is already walking closer.

“Isn’t it? Because it looked like you were telling Miguel he looked ‘as good as always.’” His voice has a teasing tone, but you see the flicker of annoyance in his eyes.

“No… I…,” you start to say, but Hawk interrupts.

“It was a glitch! She picked you, but… well…” he laughs. “She ended up flirting with Miguel.”

Axel frowns. “You picked me?” His voice is softer now, almost surprised.

Your face burns as you slowly nod. “Yes… I… I missed you,” you whisper, barely audible.

Axel relaxes, and a small smile appears on his lips. “Come here,” he says, extending his hand.

Forgetting everyone around you, you cross the dojo and take his hand. Axel gently pulls you into his chest, ignoring the shocked gasps around you.

“You don’t have to miss me anymore,” he whispers in your ear. “I’m here.”

You cling to him, smiling, while everyone watches, open-mouthed.

“Well, I didn’t see that coming,” Robby murmurs.

Hawk laughs, satisfied. “I knew my invention would reveal secrets… but this… this exceeded my expectations.”

Axel kisses your forehead softly, ignoring the laughter and comments. Because in that moment, it’s just you and him.

And honestly, you don’t care who knows anymore.

[uceyliyahh]

FRIENDS

Summary: “Heart on your sleeve like you've never been loved,” After being in an abusive relationship Imani decided to close herself off until she gets drafted over to the Raw Brand bumping into her best friend Jimmy as she started to catch feelings for him, but will her heart let her fall for him?

Jimmy Uso x Imani Blackwood

word count: 3697

AWFUL GRAMMAR IM GETTING BETTER I SWEAR LOL.

smut warning; it’ll come in the story randomly so PLEASE PLEASE look out for it I’m not really good at writing ✍🏽 smuts but I’m improving at the moment.

comments, likes, repost are appreciated I would love the constructive feedback in what area I need to approve in. 🤍

ALSO! I don’t not want nobody stealing my fanfics or take it as theirs that will be an issue fasho so keep it cute respectfully.

I only own my OC along with the make up scenarios

Again mdni you have been warned.

TAGS ⬇️ lmk if you wanna be tag 🏷️ @pinkwithhearts @420days @jstarr86 @empressdede @angiedawn02 @biancasreign @ctinadiva @celesteheartsjey @duhitzkay380 @luuvprincess @bunnnyyys @mzv11 @nbanenefrmdao @xbriexx @prettyfilmz @usoinked

@bebesobrielo @skyesthebomb @aikosilo @papireigns-05 @punksyeet @paigereeder @magnificentbouquetmusic @clubsoft @sharmelasworld @mjonthetrack @serenity-noble @alyyaanna @animellver

@hunnidmilly @ctinadiva @charmed-dreamssss @fearlesschimera @partypoison00 @mselenalovebug @bloodlinesbabe93 @luvrsluxe @4milly @xbriexx @trippinsorrows @yyaktayak @yana3sworld @theusotwinzcom @bossbitch-22

Ø4

FLASHBACK 4 Imani was busy training on the ropes, practicing new moves in preparation for her upcoming match in ROW. As she sprinted back and forth, she noticed Zilla entering the gym, a look of concern etched on her face. This sight made Imani pause her training, sensing that something was troubling her friend.

She noticed him reaching into his gym bag, and for a brief moment, it looked like he was pulling out a gun, sending a wave of fear through her. She called out his name, and he immediately froze in place.

"Zilla what's wrong?" Imani asked.

"It's Jordan for some reason he got people down here tryna get you I'm not going to let that happen," He said as she nodded her head.

Why is he acting this way? What could possibly be his reasoning? Is it really just because she chose not to return to him? After all, he was the one who manipulated and controlled her, particularly when she sought to pursue her dreams without him in the way.

Imani stepped out of the ring, her heart racing as she grabbed her phone. The messages from Jordan were alarming, filled with threats about how he would destroy her life if she didn't return to him.

J💔: Imani you got me fuck up yo' I will make sure your life is miserable if you don't come back home

J💔: I got my people up there at yo' job to get you back since you wanna keep playing with me and if you even think about finding a new nigga he'll be dead too

J💔: so stop playing and come home now I miss you and I miss us

Imani was taken aback by the messages she was reading from him, scoffing at his apparent confidence.

IMESSAGE 💬 Mani💫: fuck you Jordan I will never come back to you, you don't miss me nor our relationship you just miss having control over me J💔: stop being fucking stupid Mani them Samoan niggas won't save you Mani💫: I'm family so they will save me regardless of the matter because you wanna be stupid so how about you leave me tf alone J J💔: bitch I will fucking kill you goofy ass over any nigga don't matter who, but aight you just wait

Imani noticed Zilla entering the building, and their eyes met. She could see his gaze soften when he noticed the tears in her eyes. He quickly approached her and wrapped her in a warm, comforting hug.

"Hey, hey, everything is going to be okay Mani aight?" He reassured her.

"My people will protect you, you're family,"

Imani gazed up at him as she gave him a smile while continuing to hug each other.

FLASHBACK OVER

IMANI It's been a few weeks since I last spoke to or saw Jimmy. Our last interaction left a strong impression on me; he had me feeling completely overwhelmed, and it seemed like everything around us was affected by that moment. He reached out with a few texts and calls, but I found myself putting my phone on do not disturb, choosing to ignore them for now.

 It's surprising to see how much energy he has during intimacy. I didn't dwell on it much as I distanced myself from him and the situation we were in, feeling that it was fundamentally wrong. I kept it all to myself, not even confiding in his brother, knowing how he tends to react.

As I prepared for my match against Liv tonight, I couldn't help but feel the intensity of our ongoing rivalry. Standing in front of the mirror, I took a moment to admire my outfit, ensuring everything was just right for the competition ahead.

(Imani's Attire)

As I approached the door, I could hear a knock echoing through the room. When I opened it, I was greeted by Jey, dressed in his signature yeet outfit, with his glasses perched playfully on the back of his head.

As I closed the door, I noticed him standing there with his hands on his hips, and we shared a hug. It felt like I might be in a bit of trouble.

"What's up Joshua?" I asked him.

"Why haven't you been texting or calling Jimmy back Mani?"

Jimmy has already informed his brother about this situation, and now I feel trapped. With Jey aware of what's been going on between Jimmy and me, there's no escaping it. I let out a deep sigh and leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms.

"I really feel lost about what he expects from me, Josh. I expressed to him how inappropriate this situation is, but he just ignored my concerns. I understand he's not satisfied with Trinity, but that doesn't give me the right to interfere in their relationship. That's just not who I am."

"I understand that, but why are you runnin from him?"

"I mentioned this during our family outing, Joshua. I'm trying to safeguard my heart, and I really need some time to heal."

"You know Jimmy isn't goin to hurt you Imani," I let out a heavy sigh, my fingers tangling in my hair as frustration washed over me. I never wanted things to unfold this way, yet every time he's near, it's as if a switch flips in my mind and body, drawing me in against my will. "I know, Joshua. I know he wouldn't but I'm not jumping into a whole bunch of shit I don't need that right now."

"Imani to the gorilla, Imani to the gorilla,"

I took that as my signal to wrap up our chat. I adjusted my outfit, making sure everything was in place, and tidied my hair as I moved toward the door. Just then, Jey spoke up.

"He mentioned that he'd like to see you later tonight." I paused, turning to look at him. "I'll consider it if I'm free," I replied before leaving my locker room and making my way toward the gorilla. I was uncertain about seeing him again; memories of what happened in that studio that day when he arrived flooded my mind.

The thought of it sends chills down my spine; he was overwhelming me, taking me in every possible way.

FLASHBACK - IMANI AND JIMMY AT THE STUDIO (SMUT WARNING)

Jimmy had his one leg up and one leg down combo hitting Imani's spot yanking her hair back to make her look up at him as he fucked her deeply.

"You love me mamas?" He grunted.

"Y-yes I love you and only you Jimmy...you know that..." she stammered softly gazing into his eyes.

"You gon' stop fucking runnin' from me and let me have you huh?"

Imani rolled her eyes in the back of her head biting the bottom of her lips feeling his dick gliding through her g-spot so well she couldn't even let out a simple "yes" all because he was fucking her so good.

It had her mind in a daze when she didn't respond to him he pounded her to the oblivion causing her to moan out his name loudly as his hips were slapping against her ass cheeks.

"Ouuu, fuckkkk."

"Answer me baby, you gon stop or what?"

"Yes, daddy, yes. Imma stop.." she cried out trying to press on his stomach to slow him down but he wasn't having it he let go of her hair while wrapping his hand around her neck thrusting his hips.

"You gon' stop doin what?" His hand tightened around her hips fucking her senselessly as she gasped.

"Imma stop runnin! daddyyy! Fuckk!" Her orgasm sent down a shock wave down her spine feeling her body shaking as her milky cream coated up his dick so well.

Jimmy look down at the sight of it seeing all of her milky cream all over him making that sticky sound as he pumped his dick deeper and deeper inside of her throwing his head back in pleasure. "Look at you mamas, making a mess on me. Such a good girl you're for me hm? You daddy's good girl?" He cooed at her.

"Yes, daddy. I'm your good girl..." Jimmy removed his hand around her neck as Imani collapsed on the sofa with her ass still in the air as he fucked her through it.

Talking his shit while he was in it as he was losing his himself within her as he was drilling her shit in rolling his eyes in the back of his head.

"This pussy feels so good mamas, so wet for me,"

The way his dick was sliding in and out of her and then him pushing it all the way in was a turn on for him as her moans were music to his ears.

"T-too m-much...J-Jimmy...too fucking much..."

"It's too much for you sweetheart? Well you gon' take this dick the way I want you to you hear me?" Jimmy growled while spanking her ass.

"Y-yess daddy.."

FLASHBACK OVER.

I would try to set those flashbacks aside and concentrate on what truly matters to me, which is my career. I don't want to stir up any more trouble than what's already there.

ೃ⁀➷

After my match, I stepped into the shower to wash off the sweat and adrenaline. When I made my way back to the locker room and opened the door, I was surprised to find Jimmy inside, absorbed in his phone. He glanced up at me, and I could feel my eyes widen in surprise.

I barely had a moment to turn and leave when I felt his hand gripping the back of my throat, drawing me back into the locker room. My back pressed against him, and I caught a whiff of his favorite cologne, a scent I adore, as he held me close.

He leaned in close and murmured softly to me. "why haven't you been answering my calls and text messages?"

I felt a tightness in my throat as I looked into his deep, dark eyes. "I've been really busy, Jimmy, with my new singles album and all this wrestling stuff," I explained, as he stepped closer, his hand resting around my throat.

"Yeah, we've talked about it but you could've still answered the phone whenever I called you so were you really that busy?" He said.

Our faces were just a breath apart, my heart pounding wildly as I locked my gaze onto him.

"What I say about runnin' from me?"I remained silent, deliberately looking away as I turned my head. I was unsure of what he expected from me. I sensed his hand gently cradling my chin, guiding my gaze back to his eyes. This time, he tilted his head slightly, his tongue brushing over his lower lip.

"I-I'm not runnin'..." I said stumbling on my words as Jimmy shook his head. "Nah, I don't wanna hear none of that. Why do you keep playing with me Imani?" His voice lowered several octaves, making me feel small and vulnerable, prompting a pout to form on my lips as I looked up at him.

I continued to sulk as he laughed softly, gently holding my chin and drawing me nearer to him. "Fix yo' face baby,"

"I'm not runnin from you...I'm just scared,"

"Scared of what? I told you what it was with me and you keep playing."

"And I told you that you are with Trin and it's wrong as fuck to be doing this behind her back," I continued to sulk as he laughed softly, gently holding my chin and drawing me nearer to him. "I don't want her though, I want you Imani,"

"I'm tryna heal Jonathan..." He seemed surprised when I used his real name instead of the nickname, I usually called him. That's when he leaned in and kissed me on the lips.

"Why, you keep playing Mani?"

"Jonathan...I'm not playing I told you I'm tryna heal and focus on me right now," Jimmy smacked his lips while rolling his eyes at her.

"And I told you, you can do that while you're with me let me take care of you."

I couldn't help but roll my eyes, giving him a look that said I didn't have the time for this back-and-forth about his feelings for me. As he pulled me closer, I felt his hands on my hips, our noses almost touching. He kissed me softly, holding my gaze with an intensity that was hard to ignore.

"Why you keep fighting this? Instead of letting it happen?" He asked.

"Because I made a promise to myself that I wouldn't fall in love again especially not to someone that I'm close with," I said seeing him raise an eyebrow at me.

"I'm not like him though Imani," It brought a smile to my face to hear that from him. "How can I possibly know that? Hm? How can I possibly believe that you actually want me when you're dealing with Trin? I don't need all of this extra bullshit Jonathan," I was feeling really frustrated, but I didn't want to let it show. I knew how he could react, and I didn't want to deal with the consequences.

I sensed him lifting me by my thighs, guiding me toward the sofa. He settled down first, positioning me to straddle his lap and holding me securely in place.

"You really finna have me wait?"

I nodded my head, "if you can't wait for me then you not my person Jonathan simple as that I told you I need to heal I don't know how many times I gotta repeat myself to you," I find myself repeating myself, almost like a broken record, because it seems my message isn't getting through to him at all. I really don't want to rush into something that could end badly and leave me feeling foolish.

His hands glided down my shorts, gripping my cheeks with a firm touch as I lost myself in his alluring gaze. He leaned in closer for another kiss, the sight of him biting his bottom lip adding to the intensity of the moment.

"A'ight, I'll wait then if that's what you want mamas. What'chu doing tonight?" Jimmy said.

"Head to the studio like I always do why?"

"I'm tryna see what my best friend music sounds like in this album of hers," I couldn't help but laugh at him; he thinks he's being clever, but I have to admit, he does have a way with words that makes him quite charming.

"Well you can pull up if you want to, I'll leave the door unlock for you," I said.

"Oh well how nice of you sweetheart, but aight then."

ೃ⁀➷

I was at the studio, just like I usually am, focused on my singles album and typing up some lyrics on my iPad. Suddenly, I heard the door open and there stood Jimmy, the man of the hour, with bags in his hands. It was such a thoughtful surprise—how did he know I was feeling hungry?

He smiled at me as he set the bags down on the empty table. I was so absorbed in my music that I didn't notice him at first. Then, he gently pushed my hair aside and planted a soft kiss on my neck, which made me turn my head to see him standing there.

"Hey, pretty baby. What'chu working on," he asked.

"I'm just typing up some lyrics right now, you bought food?" He gave a nod as he passed me a drink along with the bag containing my food, all the while keeping his attention on my work.

I noticed him settling into the sofa, making himself comfortable in the room. As I removed my headphones and stepped into the booth with my iPad, I could feel Jimmy's gaze on me.

As the guitar began to play softly in the background, I encouraged him to press the button. I put my headphones back on, leaving one ear uncovered so I could hear my voice as I sang the opening lyric.

Spendin' all my nights alone, waitin' for you to call me You're the only one I want by my side when I fall asleep

Jimmy took a seat in the chair I had just vacated, watching me perform a song and rap that he hadn't heard in years, not since our teenage days.

Tell me what I'm waitin' for, tell me what I'm waitin' for I know it's hard but we need each other Know it's hard but we need each other

I move mountains on my own, don't need nobody help Changed your mind when I changed my life, better start believin' in myself

And we all out lookin' for, lookin' for God so we never see it in ourself

Shit, divine intervention move in stealth It's hard to tell what the prayer compelled

I caught Jimmy's gaze as I rapped, noticing how he was really feeling the rhythm, which made me smile back at him.

You can find me dancin' in between the raindrops Tryna find a way to make the pain stop Overtime, on the graveyard

Got a nigga feeling brainwashed My instability's trademark Copy-written in all my decisions

This is not supposed to be a way of livin' Turned my temple down into a prison, shit

The lyrics resonated with me on a deeper level, especially when I noticed Jimmy gesturing for me to join him. As I removed my headphones and stepped out of the booth, the music still filled the air around us.

He stood tall, his hands gently gripping my waist, drawing me nearer until our faces were just inches apart, our noses brushing against each other.

"You're so talented, you know that mamas?" He said as I nodded my head while looking at him innocently.

"I know I am, what else can I not do?" I said confidently seeing a cocky smile on his face. "I don't know you tell me?"

I can't help but roll my eyes and chuckle as we continue to gaze at each other. Am I really going to be foolish enough to let this man ensnare me like this?

Was I really going to lower my defenses, even for a moment, for this man? Especially when he's involved with someone else at the moment? I've always felt that something was off from the very start, especially after that kiss we shared during the family outing.

 I'm wondering if being with him during my healing process is going to be effective. I initially wanted to go through this alone and concentrate on myself, but having Jimmy around makes it difficult for me to focus. It feels like my mind just won't let me do that.

Spendin' all my nights alone, waitin' for you to call me You're the only one I want by my side when I fall asleep

Tell me what I'm waitin' for, tell me what I'm waitin' for I know it's hard but we need each other Know it's hard but we need each other

"You gon keep fighting this? Or let me love you correctly?"

"Jonathan..." I whined.

"Nah, how long you gon keep me waiting mamas? I understand you need to heal and shit but I can help you with that,"

Yeah, back on Vincent with the braces on Used to slide out the back without the neighbors knowin'

I wasn't sure how long I would keep him waiting to come in. I just needed a little more time; I wanted to be certain that I was truly ready.

"Jonathan, please don't pressure me about this."

Pose for the picture with the pearly whites Dead lens zoomin' in, catchin' all my strikes Used to trade Jordan for some molly And she gave me all I need for the night, forties suffice

"I'm not, I just want to know how long you gon keep me waiting for you just to let me love you correctly baby that's all." Jimmy said.

Morally alright, but I need some advice And I know that I'm actin' foolish

Chris would pick me up around noon-ish Half a blunt, yeah, we coolin' Twist it up, puttin' on OutKast Hunnid, Texas heat, and yeah, we cruisin'

I could tell he was truly sincere about this, especially considering my current situation and what I'm experiencing. I felt it was important to provide him with a response.

"Give me three weeks is that fine with you? I need time Jimmy, what I went through with him I wouldn't wish that on nobody," I said.

"A'ight, three weeks it is then. And no runnin' this time around you hear me? I want to love you correctly mamas," His captivating gaze had a way of stirring something within me each time he looked down at me.

Jimmy pressed his lips against mine, and without hesitation, I found myself wrapping my arms around his neck. This time, I didn't want to resist. The kiss was passionate and lingering as he lifted me by my thighs and carried me to the sofa.

But when I love you right, I love you right All by yourself

As he positioned himself between my legs, I wrapped them around his waist, and our lips remained locked together. The way he kissed me was unlike anything I had ever experienced before.

But I'll make it bright, baby, I want you to know I'ma be there for you, I'ma make you see that I want you, I want you

The lyrics resonated with me on a deeper level, reflecting the connection that Jimmy and I share at this moment. It made me question whether I truly wanted to pursue this with him. Did I genuinely want him in my life?

Deep within my heart and soul, I truly yearned to share this moment with him. As Jimmy pulled away from the kiss, he gazed down at me.

"You, gon let me do this? Or you gon keep fighting me?" He asked.

I gently cupped his cheeks with my small hands and shook my head.

"I don't wanna keep fighting you...I just want you here with me." I said softly.

"Then lemme' have you fuck the three weeks I want you now and forever,"

I leaned in closer, pressing my lips against his as he wrapped his arms around my waist, our bodies coming together and sharing the warmth that enveloped us.

Could I let him in?

FRIENDS

A/n: phew the tension between the two is very strong and high but after those three weeks are up do you think Imani will let her heart let him in or will she run away like always or will her best friend tell her that she should let new things come into her life?

But I hope yall enjoy this chapter lmk in the comments below.

STAY UCEY.

3.

[uniquethingtastemaker]

Hi Clementine! I found your Jade fic because Sol reblogged it and adytshrgeutrdjghvkguftyfdhgfd)tfhgvjgv!!!!! 💗💗💗💗💗💗 Oh my gosh!! It was just absolutely perfect and I am in love with your writing now!!! 💙💙💙💙💙 Jade is already one of my favorite Twisted Wonderland characters and for you to write something so amazing - like I can’t even right now. This is perfect, you are amazing, and I love you so much for writing such an incredible story with Jade and posting it on here. Thank you so much!

Ahhhhh!! I'm screaming! Thank you for all the compliments! I always love specific ones lol

I looooove Sol too. She's amazing. I've been in her dms talking and discussing ideas. She's helped me a lot

I'm so glad you like my writing! This fanfic for Jade was really fun. I wasn't expecting it to become so good either, but here we are. I love to write stuff in canon, so expect to see more of that

Because you left so much love in my inbox, I'll disclose what I've been working on recently. It brings me joy when I give people some teasers lol... I also have no idea who your fav characters are, so i have no idea if this will interest you. Disclaimer: this is all WIPs, so things are subjected to change lol

I've been writing the "Overblot Slap -- Vil x Reader." That one is going to be a hit. Many people liked my theory if you just slapped Vil, he probably wouldn't overblot, so I'm making it into a fanfic. It will probably end up being 12k too if not a little more. It goes from Vil's "overblot prevention" to marriage, like Jade's

I have it all lined out. However, I'm still talking to @solxamber about Vil's characterization in terms of the man learning emotional processing. I feel like that would be really hard for him because it's not he usually does. It's hard to break habits, but Vil is nothing if not determined.

Like the Jade x Reader fanfic, it has a good variety of scenes and feelings. This one is more fluff, feel good, and wholesome. Unfortunately, no spice scene... so far at least. It doesn't seem necessary. However, there are some huge comedy elements. The Reader is bold as always and occassionally sassy.

I will disclose a little tiny, tiny teaser to get people hyped:

It's a wild move to stomp up to an almost overblotting Vil, slap him, and then say, "Yeah, you're ugly. You've been acting ugly for awhile now. You almost committed murder because of your stupid ego and inferiority complex. Not everything's about you. You don't get to decide you've lost when you haven't even performed. You're shirking your responsibilities as the team leader."

I read that and kinda lose my mind because what a power move. Again, Reader is bold and so done lol

It's so nice to see Vil so happy in this too. The progression is endearing to watch

We got a Rook x Observant Reader. I'm still playing around with it. I'm not sure how their relationship will play out. I have the first meeting and then Reader semi-catching Rook spying on them. It's more like "oh, i'll investigate where I think he was and check for anything that would indicate he was here." Then they realize that might be intimidating or threatening to someone who wants to stay hidden, so they just kinda apologize to air, knowing Rook is somewhere in the area lol

However, it's unclear where I go after that. I know that Vil's going to a problem. It's Chapter 5. What do you expect?

I'd like to write something with Azul (the man was so funny in the Jade x Reader). I'm not 100% how that will look. I have an idea that might turn into a series. Idk if I'm going to fully commit. Basically take characters realizing their sentient and they're kinda in a game. They kinda get one of those isekai systems where it's like "don't let the Reader know you're sentient and you can earn points." So they get to know Reader that way. Then maybe they're about to die and so Azul pulls them into Twisted Wonderland. That's really the only way I can think of a romance happening with Azul.

As someone so guarded and assuming everyone has ulterior motives, I feel like if Azul would be hard to get to. If didn't have the security of like "oh this person doesn't know i can hear them. Therefore, they will just say their true feelings about me because they don't have a reason not to," then it would be a lot harder

This concept would also be fun for an Idia x Reader. The whole "oh my god, i'm in a game" moment is great. He make so many fun anime trope references and whatnot. He's also so sassy and sarcastic. I haven't written for him before but this seems hilarious to me. I can envision it now.

Technically, I think all the overblot students could have a concept like this. Maybe everyone honestly.

This was also inspired by my reaction to Octavinelle revealing Jamil as the mastermind behind the chaos or whatever. I remember screaming in outrage when Jamil hypnotized Azul. Then the cheer that went up after the twist happened was so loud. So I thought it would be funny if Azul could hear the Reader during that section. He doesn't have anyone like that in game, so I thought I would give it to him

[kwondotcom]

hana— in our first ever conversation, i divulged to you that i've thought of elevatory at least once a week since i first read it. the reason why it took me a bit of time to do a proper rb is because i had annotated it on my second read, needed to take a min to breathe, and ended up only revisiting it now while clearing drafts/my tbr. so, here it is now on read #3!!! THIS WILL NOT BE THE LAST READ (THREAT)

tl;dr one of my favorite pieces of soonyoung writing. the premise in itself is probably the most unique i've seen in a long time, and it just drives me so insane to see such a well-done exes plot. spoilers under the cut. <3

WHAT A KILLER FIRST LINE. an actual art form, really, to have u hook line and sinker in the first sentence!

knew as early as this part that i'd be in for a wild ride. it's very telling of a post-break up sentiment, and it's a stellar set up for the MC's mindset.

there's a lot to love here. the touch of "nine now, but who's counting", the call back of "God hates you" and just. soonyoung's trying to make the most of it. oomf. because of course kwon soony would jump at this opportunity, would try to make small talk w/someone he's been no contact with. it's just his style, and it leads in well to the rest of the story. the next paragraph is actual pure gold: "- sad puppy, you've nicknamed it," following the description of soony as an open book. vicious and accurate read. goes really well with the descriptiveness of this:

(aha. i'm on to you, MC. you can say what you want, but at the end of the day, you can still read him. you still know him.)

i'm more than a little obsessed at a tactless soony + jeonghan, of course, inadvertently being the one at the crime scene.

the first part is already a punch in the gut in itself— the acknowledgement of their differences, serving as a bit of a gravity that explains how the two have acted so far. think the wrong side of magnets clinking against e/o lol. but what amazes me is how hana manages to manifest is a couple of sentences later. soony who winces, who is still obviously pained by his ala-taylor swift the moment i knew moment (i don't even want to think too much of the forgotten birthday scene or i will cry) vs. mc who's 'not sure why [you're] trying to reassure him'.

i said i don't want of the birthday flashback, but it must be said. this fucking line? shot to the chest and i'm in love with the shooter (hana). sighs.

[CAR CRASH] [GLASS SHATTERING] [EXPLOSION] “OH MY GOD” [BABY CRYING] “WAAAHH WAHH” [YELLING] “HELP MEE” [POLICE SIRENS] WEE WOO WEE WOEOO [YELLING] [HELICOPTERS] ‘WE’RE REPORTING LIVE-‘ [EXPLOSION] ‘MY LEG… MY LEG!!’ [BABY CRYING] “AHFUCKK SOMEONE HELP US” [REPORTER REPORTING] oh, this got got me. something about the intimacy of a name, so deceptively simple, and soony feeling the weight of the moment :") man.

this is my favorite flashback scene (and the eventual conclusion 'tried so hard/neither of you tried hard enough) for a lot of reasons. on one hand, there's something my friends and i call the burden of knowledge, which is something i feel jeonghan is vouchsafed in this scene. he's the one who hears out why MC wants to break up with soony, who talks her through it. "little things add up." my god, what a simple truth. part of why i adore elevatory so much— aside from being a study of form, an entire story told in a one-act that no one else besides hana could pull off— is because of the way it aches. it doesn't cut, like some stories might. it doesn't scar. it's just... a dull, familiar sort of throb. like a phantom pain. i think that's the best way to put it. cuts scab over. scars heal. but aches are forever, and this is exactly what that fic does. some old forgotten breakup, some bitterness at the circumstances, some truths packaged in a kwon soonyoung fanfic that remind you right, my pain of that-time-we-don't-talk-about is somewhat universal. it's comforting, in the same way that it's damning, to realize that there are people who know y/our pain that same way. to read it back, though— to have it glaring up at you— is just. a one-of-a-kind experience.

the lead-in to the breakup is devastating, because it really is that, sometimes. you realize love in the tender mundane, which means you can also loss love on a random weekday. "... after realising you had no idea where he kept his cereal bowls" is just an absolute gut-punch. like, ah. this is a life we're supposed to be sharing, a small fact i would know if it weren't for all the distance and time apart (what kind of girlfriend doesn't know where their boyfriend keeps their cereal bowls?!) and it just. little things, as jeonghan had said. also: something so cruel in the breakup starting, and consisting, of MC just saying soonyoung. this, after present-day soony is jolted when MC says his name? yeah. abso-fucking-lutely brutal, man.

won't even try to act like i can be coherent about this when i started crying actual tears the first time i read this passage. even now, my eyes are skipping over the words in an attempt to guard my heart against that impending pain. like, hey, hana. what the fuck! reminds me of a poem, which i'm attaching here. "but i remember our kindness that day, / when it longer mattered."

i can tell you exactly when i first read this (second week of january -ish) and when i read it a second time (earlier this month; the aborted annotation attempt), and i just wish you could've seen the look on my fucking face/the gasp i gusped when it ended with this. i rate about it a lot already in this little post, but it bears repeating: pulling off a one-act/one-setting piece is no easy feat, and you do it with such finesse. the un-chronological order of the flashbacks, the glimpses of their present selves and how they've changed/how they're still like their past versions, and this ending. absolutely bowls me over. hana, you have talent that bursts at the seams. elevatory is living, breathing proof.

You were once deeply and irrevocably in love with Kwon Soonyoung, and it’s incredibly hard to avoid that fact when he works literally two offices down from you. It’s even harder to avoid when you’re stuck in a broken elevator with him for hours, and he seems determined to dissect everything that went wrong three years ago.

⇢ pairing: kwon soonyoung x f!reader

⇢ genre: angst, fluff, exes!au, lawyer!au

⇢ wc: 5.6k

⇢ warnings: minor alcohol consumption, lots of flashbacks

⇢ a/n: early happy new year!! this is my gift to u all <3 thank u to @haologram for hosting this collab and for just being alive. and thank you SOO much to ally @lovetaroandtaemin and em @gyuswhore for beta'ing i appreciate u both endlessly 💗

as part of the don’t hate, litigate! collab hosted by the wonderful @haologram

SOMETIMES IT TRULY feels like God, or the stars in your skies, or whatever the hell is controlling your fate down on this measly earth, hates you.

Sometimes it truly feels like this indefinite being is determined to deal you the worst set of cards, and this – this trumps all. Being stuck in an elevator with your ex-boyfriend sounds like the beginning of a shitty romcom, except it’s not. It’s your life, and it’s been your life for the past eight minutes, since the metal box you stepped in ground to a creaky, noisy halt halfway between the sixth and seventh floor. 

And it takes eight minutes before Soonyoung sighs resignedly. “Are you just going to ignore me forever?” 

Forever, you think, is your least favourite word. There were a lot of things you thought you’d have forever, and one of them is standing right next to you.

You swallow thickly. Your reply comes measured and clipped. “For as long as possible.”

When he speaks next, you can hear the attempt at a forced smile in his tone. “Well, you kinda just failed.”

You stay silent. If anyone had told you five years ago that Kwon Soonyoung would be begging to talk to you and you’d be ignoring him, you would have called them crazy; and yet, here you are. Ignoring him like your sanity depends on it, because actually, it does. So for the past eight minutes – nine now, but who’s counting? – you’ve barely spoken a word. You’re both stuck; the recovery team can’t make it for two hours at least; and God hates you, basically.

Soonyoung’s trying to make the most of it, and you’re not letting him.

He says your name, ever so softly. “Really, though. How – how have you been?”

It’s weird, going from years of no contact to working together. It’s been a year since Soonyoung joined your company, but it hasn’t become any easier. Not when he’s such an open book, so fucking easy for you to read. Every time you cross paths, he gets this look in his eyes – sad puppy, you’ve nicknamed it. Now is no different.

“I’ve been okay,” you say finally, stiltedly. You’ve never been able to resist that face, and you’re pretty sure he knows it too. “What about you?”

The silence is painful, but the way he says fine stings a little bit more. You know when he’s lying, and he never used to do that to you.

“So…” He shifts his weight awkwardly, huffing out an uncomfortable laugh as he gazes intently at his shoes. “This is weird, right?”

You match him with an equally uncomfortable smile. “The weirdest.”

“Our longest conversation after forever,” he says. “But I wasn’t expecting it to go like this.”

You cock your head to the side, fixing him with a questioning gaze. All hopes of ignoring him are sailing out the hypothetical window. “How were you expecting it to go?”

Soonyoung looks up at you with one of those embarrassed, endearing smiles. “Better.”

There’s a pregnant pause, and then – “You know, Jeonghan calls you the one that got away.” 

He’s always had a habit of dropping things like that on you; things that leave you a little winded.

“That makes it sound like I escaped,” you say, with an ease you don’t feel.

Clearly, Soonyoung doesn’t feel it either — he exhales heavily. “Maybe you did. Escape, I mean.”

You snap your head towards him, eyes almost owlish in your surprise; “You’re not serious.” When he doesn’t say anything, you continue haphazardly, “Soonyoung, that’s not — there wasn’t anything to escape from.” 

Your ex-boyfriend looks miserable. Avoids eye contact, staring fixedly at his shoes with a dejected expression he can’t properly disguise; even throughout the three years of your relationship, you rarely saw him like this. He looks…

Heartbroken, your mind suggests.

“I’m serious,” you insist again, pushing the thought out of your mind. “You weren’t a bad boyfriend, Soonyoung.”

He snorts then. “Okay, we both know that isn’t true.”

“It is!” 

“If we had, like, a counter of who fucked up however many times, I would leave you in the dust.”

You don’t know how to tell him this might even be half of it. This weird pedestal he puts you on – it’s not even guilt-tripping. You’ve seen that, but never from him; Soonyoung just truly, sincerely feels bad. Whenever you look back on your relationship, which is more often than you’d care to admit, it’s plain as day. He truly, sincerely feels that he has never deserved you. Like you’re something out of this world, out of his world. 

“Wow.” Soonyoung huffs out the one word, and it’s half a laugh, half admiration. “You are so out of my league.”

“Stop,” you whine, pushing his shoulder lightly. “Don’t say stupid things like that.”

“Well, not everyone gets to date the prettiest girl in law school,” he retorts quickly, lifting his brows. “Not sure why I of all people get to, but thank you.”

“Stop it,” you repeat, rolling your eyes and fixing the tie he’s wearing. “You’re gorgeous and you know it. You should know it, at least.”

“Not just that!” he protests quickly. “I just mean… you’re so smart. And good. And kind, and funny, and — ”

“Ah, yes! Of course, Kwon Soonyoung, known famously for being mean and horrible and extremely unfunny,” you say sarcastically, before tugging his tie and pressing a quick kiss to his lips. “I choose my league, and you’re the only one in it.”

“That doesn’t make any sense,” he murmurs, slightly breathless.

“Oh, shut up and kiss me.”

There were a lot of things that went wrong with you and Soonyoung. You’d started off wonderful: both of you bright, flaming, drawn to each other like magnets. You managed the stresses of law school, graduated together, and lined up jobs – jobs that were miles and miles from each other.`

There were lots of things that went wrong with you and Soonyoung, but if you had to pick one, it would be long distance.

“When did we stop trying?”

The question makes you snort. “What, you want a date and a time?”

Soonyoung smiles ruefully, but there’s nothing happy about it. It’s more of a painful grimace. That’s always been the way with you both: you deflect, he feels. He doesn’t hide the way you do, not from anyone. And for a few years, he was the only one who you didn’t hide from. 

Maybe that’s what has you opening your mouth again. “I could probably give you one. A date, I mean.”

Soonyoung hugs his knees to his chest, eyes searching your face. You can read him so well it physically makes you ache. The hint of uncertainty in his eyes, the twitching of his fingers – he’s nervous. He’s torn between wanting to know what you have to say and the strong sneaking premonition that it might hurt. “Go on,” he says finally, just as you knew he would. 

Honestly, you don’t have an exact date. Things fell apart slowly, and then all at once. A toppling tower – leaning, leaning, leaning, until it crashed. 

“There were probably a few things,” you say, softly. “My birthday, for a start.”

He winces reflexively. “That…” he begins, and then breathes out, shutting his eyes. “I don’t think I’ll ever be able to make up for that.”

“I mean, in the end, it wasn’t that big of a deal.” You’re not sure why you’re trying to reassure him, even if it's true. You forgave him almost immediately.

“Shit.” 

Soonyoung’s first eloquent word when he walks into the apartment only means you become sure of what you already suspected. He takes in the half-eaten cake on the table, candles blown out and tossed to the side, the scraps of wrapping paper littering the floor, the cards; you take in his face. And you know, as quick and as simple as that – he forgot. 

Some small part of you had been holding a sneaking hope that maybe this was just an elaborate attempt at a surprise. You’d told him once, months and months ago, that you didn’t think ignoring people on their birthday to surprise them later was a very nice thing to do. But you’d rather he forgot that than your entire birthday.

His eyes meet yours, both of you frozen to your places. Him at the doorway, you at the table. The distance between you isn’t more than a few metres, but suddenly it feels like an engulfing abyss. Still, even from the other side, you can feel the guilt pouring out of him. 

“Shit,” he says again, before rushing his words out. “Shit, baby, I’m so sorry.”

You haven’t cried all day. You haven’t let yourself, but this has your eyes brimming over before you can control it.

“I’m going to bed,” you say finally, hugging yourself tightly, making yourself smaller. The apartment is warm, but you suddenly feel freezing. And despite your best efforts, there’s a waver in your voice, verging on a crack. “I’m tired.” 

You glance over the remains of your birthday party, one that you plastered a fake, painful smile on the whole way through, and then you turn to leave. 

“Baby, wait,” he implores quickly, and takes a step towards you — you mirror it immediately with a step back, and it makes him pause, his expression falling even further. “Baby.”

“You’re not allowed to call me that.” Your voice is obviously shaking now. “Not today. Maybe — maybe tomorrow.”

Maybe tomorrow you’ll be able to hear his excuses, his promises, but today, you’re allowed to be upset. You’ll let yourself have today, at the very least.

He’d driven hours to see you that day, but he’d still forgotten why he was there. You hadn’t really celebrated your birthday before you met him. Soonyoung was the one who made it a big deal, back when you first started dating, and even now, there’s a sharp pang in your chest when you remember how hurt you were that day.

“You made up for it tenfold,” you remind him now, because it’s true. He made the rest of the week practically a utopia, once you banned him from apologising. And he’d been so busy at work, so incredibly tired the whole month before, and you could understand. Both that he upset you, and that it was an innocent mistake. And you’ve never seen more sincere apologies than those that came from Soonyoung.

He looks grim, shakes his head, but doesn’t say any more. Probably because you’ve had this conversation a few times already, both of you too stubborn to give in. 

“Keep going,” he says, then, looking at you head on. “What else?”

All of a sudden, you don’t want to talk about what else. All of a sudden, you’re annoyed with him, his stupid face, this stupid elevator. “Do we have to do this?” Your voice has switched from somewhat reassuring to harsh – for want of a better word, angry. It makes his brown eyes a little round with surprise, his mouth parting a little.

“What?”

“What else and what if have been on my mind for three years, Soonyoung,” you say acidly. “Forgive me if I don’t really want to talk about it to your face.”

Again, his mouth opens a little bit, stays open as he tries to form words. Until he gives up, seals his lips and nods. “Alright. Okay. That’s fine.”

“I know it’s fine!” you cry out, only more angry that he won’t argue back. You’re lawyers, it’s what you do. And just to be petty, you add — “Besides, I bet your girlfriend wouldn’t be happy about this anyway.”

Finally, his passive poker face drops, and he looks a little confused. “My what?”

Immediately, you regret opening your mouth, but it’s too late to back down. “Your girlfriend. You know, that girl from accounting.”

“The girl fr— You mean Rachel?” Soonyoung gapes at you, and something in you bridles, until he continues. “Mrs Choi, who's married to her wife and adopting a kid next year?”

Well, now you feel stupid as fuck.

“I don’t have a girlfriend,” he continues, and if you weren’t afraid to look at him right now, you’d swear he was hiding a smirk.

“Whatever. I don’t care. Why are we even talking about this?” you snap, irritated and embarrassed.

He still sounds smug. “You brought it up.”

“You sit with her every lunch hour,” you mutter, heat creeping up your neck. “I just assumed.”

“Well, there’s nothing there. So don’t worry.”

“I’m not worried! I don’t care who you date, Soonyoung!”

He looks a little taken aback, blinking once or twice, cockiness gone without a trace. “Wow,” he says, finally. If you didn’t know him as well as you did, you wouldn’t notice the slight tremble in his voice. “That’s the first time you’ve said my name since — ”

He cuts himself off, but you complete the sentence in your head — three years ago. Three years since you packed up and walked out of his life. It feels like a decade ago; it feels like last week. You’d been so sure that you wouldn’t see his face again after that, that it was a decided end of a full four years of your life. Until last year, when he’d waltzed straight back into your life, this time at your workplace.

“This is the new hire.” Your boss is speaking, but you’re still finishing up the last sentence on the document you’re working on, and you listen absently as he fires a couple instructions — “Jeon, you’ll show him around. Filing system, get him logged on, the works.”

You look up then, to cast Wonwoo a knowing smile, because he always gets lumped with showing around the newbies, but halfway to making eye contact with your friend, you catch the familiar tilt of a jaw, the soft lines of a nose you know so well.

You’ve seen Soonyoung in a hundred people since you left him. You’re always looking over your shoulder at the bus stop, at the grocery store, at the library, finding a tiny piece of him in everyone and everything, a tiny piece that lodges itself tight and sharp into your throat until you take a second look, until you see unfamiliar eyes or too dark hair or shorter legs. Until you find something to make you swallow, exhale, and keep walking.

Now, your second look doesn’t yield anything unfamiliar. Except maybe his hair, gone from blonde to black, but everything else — everything else. It’s him, and he looks just as shocked to see you as you are to see him. There’s a heavy moment that seems only heavy to the two of you, everyone else still talking, the boss still giving instructions, but you and Soonyoung are looking at each other, dumbfounded, and all you can think about is the distinct taste of bile in your throat and the tie he’s wearing is the one you got him for his birthday.

Your initial plan is to avoid him. He foils that plan within two hours, cornering you in the break room, whispering urgently, “I had no idea you worked here, I swear I’m not, like, following you or – ”

The thought hadn’t even crossed your mind, and you just pin him with a blank stare. 

“I could quit.”

You’re shaking your head before he can even finish the sentence. “I’m not so butthurt that I can’t be a professional.”

“Right,” Soonyoung nods, breathing out a little. His lips are chapped. He never used to wear lip balm, just used to borrow yours. You hate yourself a little for remembering that.

The memory almost makes your lips twist with an sardonic smile. “I was so pissed when you showed up here.”

You can see his half smile, rueful and charming, through your peripheral vision. “I felt so bad about it, you know. But you just seemed annoyed when I saw you in the break room, so I figured you weren’t… mad or upset or anything.”

“I went straight from the break room to cry in the bathroom for fifteen minutes,” you admit truthfully. “I had to tell Wonwoo I had curry for breakfast.”

“You cried?”

You scowl. “I’m not saying it to be pitied, Soonyoung. I’m just saying, I’m not, like, some heartless jerk with no feelings. Of course I was upset.”

“I know that,” he says quickly, vehemently. “Of course I know that.” He hesitates, and then continues, words practically inching out of him. “It’s not really my place to ask, but… you and Wonwoo… are you guys…?”

“You’re right,” you say, and press your cheek onto your knees to fix him with your eyes. “It’s not your business. But that’d be hypocritical of me, so… no. No, we’re just friends. I’m friends with his girlfriend too, Cam, she works at the plant shop down the road.”

Soonyoung tilts his head back, lets out one of those breathy laughs that aren’t really laughs. “It’s so weird that you have new friends now.”

“Thanks,” you say, dripping with sarcasm.

“Not like that! I just mean I’m so used to – like, it used to be our friends, you know what I mean?”

“Not since three years ago,” you say with false lightness, because when you lost Soonyoung, you lost the friends he brought you too. You catch the glint of pity in his eyes again, and scoff. “It’s not a big deal. They were your friends first.”

Frowning, he speaks again. “First doesn’t matter. It didn’t matter to them either. Seungkwan said you were the one who stopped answering their calls.”

It’s true, and the feeling still burns a little, because Seungkwan and Jeonghan had called so many times. Even Vernon called a couple times, and you weren’t even that close to him, but Soonyoung has always attracted good people. Like calls to like. Maybe that’s why you ended up leaving.

“I was trying to make it easier,” you say bluntly., “for them to choose you.”

Your ex-boyfriend clicks his tongue, rakes a hand through his dark hair. “It’s not about sides, ___, for fuck’s sake.”

“Well, it felt like it at the time, alright?” Your words come out louder than you mean them to, and you pause, trying to quell your defensiveness. 

Soonyoung raises his hands in half-hearted surrender. “Alright. Alright.”

Something in your stomach feels acidic. Leaning your head back against the cool wall of the elevator, you manage to meet his eyes apologetically. “How – how are they, though? Seungkwan and everyone?”

Graciously, he ignores your quick show of temper. “They’re good. Seungkwan’s working freelance photography now. Jeonghan still hates his job, but keeps getting promoted anyway.”

Jeonghan. You told him you thought you were going to break up before you even told Soonyoung. You wonder if he remembers it, because that night is seared into your memory – New Year’s Eve, three years ago.

You’re much drunker than you ever intended to be when you finally find a place to sit in the cramped apartment, waved over by a sympathetic looking Jeonghan. He pats your head affectionately as you groan. 

“Feeling alright?”

“No,” you say elaborately.

Jeonghan never pries, which is probably what makes people tell him everything. He only raises his eyebrows at you, a hint of scepticism toying with his smile.

You look away, eyes drawn immediately to your boyfriend, laughing in the middle of the kitchen. Throwing his head back, squeezing his eyes shut, looking so fucking happy; when you see him like this, your heart always feels so incredibly warm and so incredibly full. 

Except today, there’s something else intertwining it, something similar to dread, and it causes the faint smile on your face to fade a little.

Jeonghan sees it, of course, and when you look back at him, his eyebrows only raise higher. 

You sink further into that horrible, looming feeling. “Jeonghan.”

“___.”

“I think I’m going to break up with him this year.”

If you didn’t know Jeonghan as well as you do, you’d think the information hadn’t affected him at all; his features remain completely impassive, but you catch the flash of surprise in his eyes. He stays quiet for a long time, the silence between you filled with thumping bass and indistinct conversation, until finally, he asks the only question there is to ask. “Why?”

It’s ridiculous, how one word can bring you to the verge of tears. But that one word holds so much weight – why would you break up with him? Why would you, when you’ve pictured a future with him a thousand times over? 

Why would you leave the best thing that ever happened to you?

You blink back the tears, and Jeonghan waits.

His voice is soft, but you still hear him under the din of the party. “Is this about your birthday?”

You shake your head quickly. “No.” You stop. “Maybe. It’s – there’s just – little stupid things.”

“Little things add up,” Jeonghan says gently. You hate how he’s already understanding.

“Sometimes – ” You swallow thickly. “Sometimes I just feel so far away from him.”

You don’t have to explain that you don’t mean physically. Because that’s part of it, but it’s not all of it, but without you saying that, Jeonghan knows. You barely notice when he takes your plastic red cup from your hands, setting it on the table next to him. “And I know he loves me, and he’d never hurt me on purpose, and – he’s been so good to me, Jeonghan.”

Jeonghan only hums, waits for you to continue. And you do, the alcohol only pushing more words out of your mouth. “The distance,” you say, “is killing us.” You rub furiously at your eyes. “No matter how hard we try, Jeonghan, it’s not working, and I feel like – I’m the only one who can see that. He’s ignoring it, but we can’t keep going like this.”

Jeonghan hesitates for a second, looking torn, more torn than you’ve ever seen him look. “Do you still love him?”

Tears blur your vision again, but don’t quite escape this time. “I don’t know how to stop.”

When you kiss Soonyoung after the countdown, your cheeks are wet.

“Long distance.”

“What?”

“You asked what else,” you say, picking at your nails. “I think it was the distance. I think that’s what – you know. Broke us up.”

Soonyoung has that look in his eyes, the one where he wants to argue but knows he’s going to lose, knows that you’re right. He breathes out, licks his lips and tries to speak. “We tried so hard.”

It’s not even a counter-argument. You agree with him, even. The two of you were brilliant at long distance, until you weren’t. Hours-long video calls, surprise weekend visits, staying over for the holidays, until it all started collapsing. Weekly movie nights kept getting postponed. Visits had to decrease in number. You were missing each other’s calls – if one of you wasn’t working late, the other always was. It was like the entire universe was working against you both, and suddenly, you felt like a burden rather than a lover, and Soonyoung would probably say the same. It’s hard not to feel that way, when you’re celebrating your anniversary over FaceTime and both of you keep dozing off while the other talks.

In a way, Soonyoung is right: you both tried so hard. In a way, he’s so wrong: neither of you tried hard enough.

Towards the end of it all, you were too tired to fight. Both of you were. The breakup was a quiet affair, mostly. You brought it up first, standing in the kitchen of Soonyoung’s apartment after realising you had no idea where he kept his cereal bowls.

“Soonyoung?”

“Babe, I told you, it’s the third cupboard from the left,” he calls, but he’s rounding the corner to his kitchen anyway. He stops in his tracks when he sees your face, smile fading, and for a second, time freezes.

“Soonyoung,” you say again, quieter.

And he knows. “Don’t,” he says, faintly, but there’s no weight behind it, because he knows.

Tears are already brimming your eyes, and you’re wrapping your arms around yourself, shaking your head. “I can’t,” you say, and you’re not sure what you mean. I can’t end it. I can’t keep going.

The picture before him is enough for Soonyoung, and any defence, any fight he still had in him (because he’s always been the more tenacious) drains. He gives in, same as you. 

“Okay,” he says, in a voice that’ll haunt you for years to come, a clashing harmony of gentle and damning. “Okay.”

You try to formulate words. You fail. All that you can say is “Soonyoung.” before you trail off. 

You don’t finish. He gives you a tired, forced smile, says something about, “We had a good run, didn’t we?”, but you’re too busy trying to wrench the tears back into your eyes to focus properly. Your efforts are in vain, of course, tears slipping down your cheeks hot and heavy, no matter how much you try to stop.

“I’m sorry,” you say tearfully, but he shakes his head.

“Don’t be sorry.”

After that, he only helps you load your bags into your car and says thank you when you give him the house keys. He does everything so quietly, so methodically, so defeatedly. It’s like he’s just lost a war he’s been fighting for far too long.

It turns out that in the end, four years can be reduced down to this: two cardboard boxes, three bin bags, and two broken hearts.

It’s your fault, in technical terms. You finished this. You’re the one who said the words, or almost said them, the one who spelled out what was so obviously ignored. More than once, because you’d tried this before, six months ago. Soonyoung was the one who fought back. He’d said no, of course, that first time. He’d said no with tears in his eyes, like it was a surprise to him, like he couldn’t see it the way you saw it — that you were on two very different paths. 

Soonyoung didn’t believe in following diverging paths, he believed in forcing yourself straight ahead hand-in-hand, come hell or high water. He believed in it, until he didn’t, and then he let you go.

When it’s time for you to leave, he accepts the hug you can’t help but fling on him just before you step in the car. Both of your arms around each other, fitting into place like you have a hundred times before, but so much tighter and so much briefer this time. Soonyoung clings to you like he’s never going to see you again, because he isn’t. You cling to him like this is the last time you’ll ever hug him, because it is.

And then both of you are pulling away, laughing awkwardly at the wet patch you’ve left on his shirt, and then you’re getting in your car and he’s waving you off and it’s over, just like that.

“It’s kind of ironic, isn’t it?” There’s an acerbic quality to Soonyoung’s laugh as he continues. “We broke up because of distance, and here we fucking are.”

There’s a metre and a half between you two.

“Maybe it was a dumb reason,” you say. Voicing the thought that’s tormented you since the day you drove away. Because maybe it was stupid. Maybe it was a temporary rough patch, and if you’d stayed, if you’d fought a little more and a little longer, you’d still have Soonyoung.

But you didn’t, and you don’t.

There’s a heavy expression on Soonyoung’s face, a strange mix of anger and confusion and guilt. “Maybe,” he says, at last. There’s the vaguest trace of bitterness, the little tiny sting that reminds you again that you’re the one who called it quits. 

“It felt like the weight of the world at the time,” you say ashamedly, squeezing your eyes shut for a second.

Soonyoung takes the chance and scoots closer to you, sitting against the wall with you, shoulder-to-shoulder. (How easy it would be to just rest your head there, as you’ve done a thousand times before.) “It can’t have been easy,” he says, patting your hand with his own. Warm and familiar in its unfamiliarity, which is when you realise you’ve misread him, for once – he’s not bitter. He’s empathetic.

“It wasn’t stupid,” Soonyoung continues softly, rubbing his eyes, “but God, I wish you’d just talked to me. Actually — I wish we’d talked to each other.”

“Yes, well,” you say dryly, wondering if he’s going to catch your reference, “I’ve always had a problem with communication.”

He catches it; it makes him pause, lift up his head, give you a tiny smile.

It takes you a minute to register that the seat across from you has been occupied. When you do look up, you realise Soonyoung’s mouth has been moving since he sat down, and you haven’t heard a word of it. Also, somewhere between the class you guys shared two days ago and his presence in the library this morning, his hair’s gone from a discreet dark brown to a particularly indiscreet blond.

“I’m sorry,” you shake your head, taking out your earphones and setting down your pen. “What?”

“I said – do you have a problem with communication or something?” Despite the nature of his words, he’s practically beaming at you.

You blink at him, bewildered. “I mean… maybe? But — what?”

He holds up his phone. “Project,” he explains elaborately. “I’ve been texting, and I didn’t get a reply, and then I saw you over here, so I thought I’d ask.”

You frown, grabbing your phone. “I didn’t get any texts.”

Soonyoung mirrors your expression, tapping at his screen, and you’re struck by how much the blond suits him. As did the brown. As did the black he had a semester ago. Not that you’ve been keeping track, but it’s hard to not notice someone like Soonyoung. Even if the first time you talked to him was two days ago to organise the project you’ve been paired up for — you know him. Of him, at least.

He swivels his screen round to face you, showing you a contact with your name and what you quickly realise is almost your number. You smile a little awkwardly, tapping the last digit. “That’s meant to be a seven. You’ve got an eight.”

“Fuck,” he exhales, “that explains it. Who the hell have I been texting about litigation then?”

Something about his expression and his tone is so comical it makes you laugh, which surprises him a little – he glances up at you with a blatantly admiring smile, and he taps the edge of the desk. “Your eyes light up when you laugh, did you know?” And as quickly as he says it, he moves on, gesturing to your phone. “I’ll text you about the project, okay?”

He’s like a hurricane, and you’re trying your best to keep up. “Okay,” you agree confusedly, still hot-faced from the sudden compliment. “Yes. That’s — yes.”

As he gets up to leave again, he shoots you another one of those blinding, dazzling smiles, and sticks his hand out. “We’re friends now, right?”

His question sounds childishly sweet, and you can’t find it in yourself to do anything other than agree. 

Your one little reference sets you both off. You spend the next two hours talking and talking and talking, every other sentence beginning with “Remember when…”, as the two of you dredge up the long-buried memories of four long years spent together.

Soonyoung talks about the massive crush he had on you before you even got paired up for the project. You talk about how you never believed him, even when he did ask you out – it took three tries before you understood how serious he was. And then you remember the time Soonyoung sprinted from campus to his accommodation and back just to get you the calculator you forgot for your exam – and the time you both went to a frat party and ended up playing the most intense game of UNO in the bathroom with Vernon, which ended in a drunk Soonyoung trying to flush the cards down the toilet. 

He talks about the surprise party you threw for his birthday, and you talk about the time he tried to make you pancakes for National Girlfriend Day and failed horribly. You ate them anyway.

You don’t, however, talk about other things, even if you remember them. You remember Soonyoung kissing your forehead every morning he woke up next to you. You remember him buying your favourite flowers for your favourite vase every week. You remember coming home after a long day to food already delivered and paid for when he was working hours and hours away. You remember being so incredibly in love that it made you giddy and so in love it made you calm. And you don’t talk about it, just store it away somewhere as a reminder of what love is meant to feel like. If four years with Soonyoung brought you anything, it’s that: it taught you how to love and be loved.

When the recovery team finally arrives, you leave the elevator feeling like a new person. It doesn’t hurt when you look at Soonyoung anymore, there’s only a vague, warm fondness. And he can look you in the eye now, which he does. He smiles at you, sticks out his hand the same way he did all those years ago.

“We’re friends now, right?”

an / AHHH!!!!!! i know this fic is only like 5k but it took a lot out of me so i’d love to hear your thoughts. literally any thoughts. i wanted this fic to be longer but it happened this way and. what can i do. i may be the author but im NOT in control. it’s not a fic i’m 100% proud of but i think it’ll still hold a special place in my heart!!!! i love an angsty exes au.

anyway — this will be my last fic this year!!! see you all in 2025 and thank you so much for all the notes and all the reblogs and all the wonderful conversations this year i love you

perm taglist: @n4mj00nvq @eoieopda @som1ig @glowunderthemoon

@wondering-out-loud @tokitosun @hannyoontify @sahazzy

@dokyeomin @icyminghao @smilehui @nicholasluvbot @lvlystars

@immabecreepin @hanniehaee @kokoiinuts @astrozuya @doublasting

@yepimthatonequirkyteenager @qaramu @weird-bookworm @phenomenalgirl9

@lightnjng @strnsvt @onlyyjeonghan @athanasiasakura

@iamawkwardandshy @twilghtkoo @yuuyeonie @lllucere

@pearlesscentt

@sourkimchi @porridgesblog

[jedidragonrider]

I'm applying for a fellowship, and I have to write five mini essays. Now, I really don't want to write five mini essays. In rebellion of such procrastination, the evil side of my brain went "well, you can just plug some information into ChatGBT and boom, essays are done, you can go back to crocheting and reading your little fanfic."

And for a moment I was sorely tempted.

But here's the thing that snapped me out of it: I wouldn't feel proud at all if I got the fellowship based on AI written essays. It wouldn't be my work. It would be something a computer spit out. Even if I edited it, it wouldn't be my words. It wouldn't be my story. It feels like it would be cheating.

And it hit me: what kind of a society are we becoming if this is what scholarship becomes? That we can just plug a prompt into generative AI programs and get some half-assed awful answers and submit it as human work? And it angers me that there are probably people applying for this fellowship that are doing just that.

Generative AI needs to be stopped; we are losing creativity, we are losing credibility, and one day humanity won't know how to think without a machine to help get ideas flowing. That's so sad.

[trainsinanime]

There are people who want Ao3 to have an algorithm that presents them stories based on their tastes instead of having to wade through the search and filter options. I strongly disagree with that for all sorts of reasons, both to make it fair on newer writers, and because I don't want Ao3 to process my data in that way. Fanfic reading should be private.

(I think it's horrible that Ao3 has a "history" that tracks what I read, and that it's on by default. And that I can't turn it off without disabling the "read later" feature, that's just poor software design. What fics I have and haven't read are my business.)

However, I also get the impulse: Finding fics you like can be hard. Personally I don't think it's that difficult in my current fandom, there it's more that there's way too much good stuff, but I've also been in fandoms where everyone only ever writes for ships that I don't find interesting. Having someone tell you, "you might like this next", can have a lot of value.

So what I tried yesterday is to just add a recommendations section in the bottom author's notes of the latest story I posted. In that case I only posted links to my own stories, but of course I can also link to those of others and promote them. Unlike bookmarks, you can be specific: "If you liked the vibes of this story, that one goes in a similar direction."

I'm not really sure if this is a good idea yet (or if people even click those links at all). What do you all think? My personal problem when reading is that my "read later" list is way too long, so I'm not sure I actually would follow these links myself all that much. And I don't want it to look like a corporate Netflix "get my numbers up" thing, I want it to be fun for me and readers.

[rhube]

Not only this, but it's very rare that that last point will apply.

You are not their teacher. They have not approached you for this service. The have not paid you. They have not vetted you. They probably aren't expecting it, and people are never receptive in that state, so how do you think this is going to help.

In most cases where people give unsolicited critique (con or otherwise) they don't know the person at all.

If I am talking to my very good friend and long time writing acquaintance @ultharkitty about a story, and she says, 'are you looking for feedback on this?' that's entirely appropriate. I have been in at least four different writing groups with her. She knows my writing level and style and I know hers. I know her critique is usually really helpful and even when it's not, she's not gonna get weird about it and set herself up as my writing teacher.

Meanwhile, BlorboSmasher69 has never met me, has not commented on any of my chapters to say anything nice, I know nothing of their ability and they CLEARLY don't know mine. If they rock up and say, 'Hey, I'd like to help you with your writing, are you open to critique?' - my dude, that is SUPER patronising and inappropriate.

This reflects the fact that published fanfic just isn't a very good VENUE to give critique. I've not for works in progress, it's for published works.

Like, I know some newbie writers treat it that way and do want feedback, but a) they're very much in the minority (which may be hard to realise when you're a teenager and all your IRL fanfic-writing friends are teenagers), and b) if you routinely make big edits on a published piece of work in response to feedback, you're probably gonna upset a lot of readers who enjoyed what you'd written the first time.*

By contrast, a newbie writer showing up to a writing group who has an Old Guard approach them and say, 'Hey, your you like me to give you some feedback on this to help you improve?' That's entirely appropriate! That's the very activity everyone is there for! The readers expect to read a WiP. The writers expect to get advice from people who know what they are talking about, or at least describe their experience level up front!

If you don't have a writing group already, I can see there are groups spinning up in Communities. This is a great place to learn both how to write and critique better. Unlike on published works in an archive.

*I have literally seen this happy on a fic that had some really beautiful angst that I adored. But someone rocked up saying they thought it was too brutal and sad and offered to help the author rewrite it. Without warning or creating a new version of the fic so the old one was preserved (which is much less disruptive) they just wrote over the old chapters with new ones. From what I can tell the author was happy with the changes - for which, more power to them - but readers who loved the original fic had no opportunity to download it as it had been.

Abt that unsolicited ‘concrit’ on fanfic thing

My personal opinion is that you should never offer unsolicited critical feedback to people, and you should only offer it publicly at all under specific circumstances. Why?

- Very few people actually know how to give ‘concrit’. They think it just means saying there were surface errors, or they didn’t like how someone was characterized. That’s not concrit. That’s not useful, at all. That’s an amateur review from someone with little to no relevant expertise.

- Especially with fanfiction, you can’t know who you’re speaking to. You can’t moderate tone or intensity of criticism based on their experience and relative skill level. It’s possible that harsh or even moderate critique could make them stop writing forever. Why? What is the point of taking away someone’s joy in that manner? So that the commenter can feel satisfied that they corrected them? That’s cruel and childish.

- Usually fanfiction is published in only one place— maybe three or four, at most. Why should authors be expected to put up with negative criticism in the ONLY place their work is available? Are published authors expected to attach one star Goodreads reviews to their bookjackets?

- If you genuinely wish to help someone improve their writing, you can do so by speaking personally with them and offering your help. The assertion that criticism from a stranger whose opinion they don’t value and whose qualifications are unknown is going to make them better is disingenuous. If someone is sincere in their desire to assist an author in progressing on their writing journey, they should demonstrate that through investing appropriate time and effort. Otherwise, there are many places to complain away from the author’s sight. The only thing accomplished by doing so in front of them is making them feel bad— and if that is someone’s intent, that’s reprehensible.

Anyway. I’ve never gotten useful concrit in my comments or my bookmarks, and I expect I never will.

[cluescorner]

I cannot imagine being a Damian stan right now. You've got both Zdarsky's bullshit (where he clearly doesn't give a shit about your boy) and The Boy Wonder (where Juni Ba clearly gives so many shits about your boy) coming out on the same day. The whiplash must be insane. I hope y'all get some nice warm soup for your efforts jfc

[viridian-house]

Do you have any favorite naruto fics you’d recommend? Any pairing, complete or not, on-hiatus, gen, oneshots, anything is fine lol

I was legitimately just pruning my bookmarks the other day!! thank you so much for asking.

I don't read too much fanfic these days, and I'm picky when I do--only about grammar/punctuation and immersion though. I ship a LOT of stuff (I guess The Youth would call me a proshipper) and although I never read darkfic, I don't shy away from weirder kinks and unhealthy relationship stuff.

categorizing by pairing, if applicable. some of them are smutty, and please note that the first 3 come from FFN which doesn't have a tagging system, but there is some SA CW I'll give in advance.

KAKASAKU | my first OTP! formative fics that totally reshaped my understanding of what fanfiction could be, and how well-written chemistry can make it or break it

HOUSE OF CROWS is the quintessential kakasaku fanfic. it was written during shippuden and so is canon divergent because of that, but also tells a comprehensive story of its own right that is intriguing and well planned. excellent characterization and world building. leaves me gutted in the best way on my yearly reread.

DUTY BEFORE HONOR is another silvershine classic. I don't reread is as often as House of Crows but they are just about equal in quality. again, the chemistry between them is off the charts, and the world feels so alive.

WILL OF FIRE for me is up there with House of Crows in being essential kakasaku reading. cynchick is a multisaku champion and a wonderful storyteller. the stakes in this one are stressful, the romance tense and believable, and we once again get lovely world building and great chemistry.

ITAKISA | a pairing near and dear to me, because men who do everything wrong are so deeply relatable. they both know they don't deserve anything good ever again but they found each other!!!! ARE YOU GUYS SEEING THIS--

A SHARK HIDDEN INN THE LEAVES doesn't have my favorite version of Kisame, but he's plenty close enough. it's a lengthy oneshot that got me into certain *ahem* kinks. it is a very fun and wild fic that is entirely self-aware of how absurd it's being, and manages to have nothing but sincerity at the same time (and I highly recommend the author's other stories as well)

AN ORCHESTRA PLAYING ON, INSANE is a modern AU (extremely rare in my bookmarks) that absolutely tore my heart out. god is it SO much to ask for these losers to be happy?! yes, it is, and I love every moment of it

MADAMITO | a rarepair I am SUCH a sucker for that has some of the most talented authors writing for it. lots of them have ot3 elements between them and hashirama, often angsty, but stuff like that is part of the appeal for me, lol

A HANDFUL OF SKY is an unfinished fic that I genuinely think about like once a week. if it ever updates then I will be over the moon. technically hashimadamito but it hadn't quite gotten there yet

LIKE ALTARS is just such a beautiful piece of writing, mostly on madara. it is everything, that is all

BLOOD AND RIVER WATER is more mito-centric but has one of my favorite madaras of all time

YOURS ARE RATTLED BONES is another short, mito-centric but gut-wrenching piece featuring the opposite type of madara from the last one

OTHER | character-centric stuff that isn't necessarily shippy but also doesn't have a very "gen" vibe either?

A SERPENT IN THE RICE is a little series about orochimaru that makes me feel so so so many things. highly recommended

HERETIC is such a love letter to kushina, and kurama too. cannot stress enough how much I adore this one

there's a few others that I probably won't link on tumblr, mostly unhealthy and/or "problematic" smut hhfhdj but maybe I'll make a public rec list on ao3 for these different categories and stuff like that.

but yeah that's pretty much it!!! I know it's not a huge list with a lot of variety but it's what I've enjoyed over the last 15+ years in the naruto fandom.

[beaniebaneenie]

Look, the problem with this take is that even though you "just want to write fanfic where my blorbos make out sloppy style"?

There are going to be antis who think YOUR fic is somehow immoral. Are those blorbos the same gender? Well, how could you be introducing that to kids! Does the makeout eventually lead to sex? There are children online, you know! Is there an age gap (even just a few years)? How dare you normalize grooming! People will find any reason to ban something they don't like, especially with the prevailing belief that if you don't like something, there has to be some kind of Legitimate Moral Reason™️.

Fuck, "The Cat in the Hat" is on the banned books list. Really. It's banned because the children go the whole book without adult supervision and are taught that it's fun to listen to strangers at the door! And the poor fish, who is just trying to keep the kids safe and be responsible, is shown as the villain.... How can we be allowing children to read this!

For real, I'm not kidding. That's the reason it's banned.

There is always gonna be someone who finds a reason to hate what you write and willing to find a reason why it too should be censored.

As someone who lived through "Strikethrough" and is old enough to have posted shit on LJ, when you let people start censoring things and unilaterally deciding what is objectionable and why? The goalposts will always move and the nets will always catch more things than you want.

Also, those "disgusting perverted things" can be important and have far-reaching, genuinely good consequences.

I had a straight guy friend in college- grew up in a very conservative, anti-feminist house... but knew something wasn't adding up and went to a liberal quaker college, and was trying to undo a lot of the junk in his brain that was lodged deep in his subconscious.

For an English Lit course, he read Lolita.

He was disgusted with the protagonist. (Good, he's on the right track, you're supposed to be.) He and I were having a conversation about "the way this pervert talks about her"... and I gently pointed out that a lot of guys use those exact same phrases and mentality about the women they're interested in, who are adults... and end up making those adult women feel just as unsafe around those men.

That book helped him realize that looking at women like objects, like things men deserve, and the mindset that men can think about women in whatever way they choose and it's somehow "women's fault" if they get creeped out? Was a bad way to live, and a harmful philosophy to have. It also taught him that you cannot recognize a pedophile or harmful person on sight- that when a woman accused someone he knew of a horrible crime, the fact that "he's always seemed great to me" is utterly irrelevant. Reading Lolita made Nick a more compassionate, safer guy to be around.

Sometimes we need things that make us feel uncomfortable, or even grossed out.

By the way, there will always be people who find your fic about "blorbos making out sloppy style" somehow perverted, disgusting, and toxic. I once had someone tell me a very wholesome coffeeshop AU ficlet (where the worst thing that happened was someone's order getting mixed up) was "toxically positive" and "hella problematic" because it "intentionally ignored the serious themes the original show writer was trying to shed light on, and took these characters out of their very real problems and washed over all those social issues, just so you can see them kiss."

The attitudes described in this "Fandom Problem" are the most extreme on either side of the pro/anti spectrum.

Except the problem with this take is that for the proship side, the attitude of "you cannot criticize media ever" is a very very small minority; whereas for antis, it's essentially the entire group's publicly declared stance. (I've literally seen "Standard DNI" on some blogs, which means these people don't even know what they're supposed to be against, they're just so intensely afraid of not being against the 'right' things that they've tried to cover their ass so they won't be the next target of the mob.)

Most proship folks are 1000% here for media critique, for "critically consuming" media, for being allowed to dislike something for no damn reason. It's the "I don't like this, therefore it Must Be Morally Wrong" fuckery we object to.

I've had books I didn't like because the ending sucked, movies that bored me half to death, shows I just didn't vibe with... and media that I loved bits of and vehemently disagreed with other bits of.

"Law & Order: SVU" has had a massive cultural impact in bringing ideas like 'rape culture', victim blaming, and the difficulty rape victims face when attempting to report the crime into the public eye and mainstream conversations. It is also copaganda, because the cops are almost always shown as kind, compassionate people who always work hard for their victims, never break the law unless it's to get the Bad Guys, always believe their victims, claim that only Bad People ask for a lawyer (despite it being a constitutionally protected right), and the in-universe system puts away the rapist almost every time.

These are statements are both 100% true, and are an example of critically engaging with media.

There was a popular webcomic a few years ago that had some characters I LOVED (and still do), did some amazing things for its time, and had a lot of genuinely progressive things.

It also fell into some really unhealthy tropes, like "Out = Happy, Closeted = Bad/Wrong", the racist and sexist "Dragon Lady" trope of a small Asian woman being visually unassuming but somehow a Total Badass™️ who is actually better than all the guys at Guy Things and all the big strong men are scared of, not-great Jewish representation, and background POC only there to prop up the cis white male lead.

Most proship people actually WANT you to engage with media critically. To be able to have your proverbial thinking cap on while enjoying your blorbos, to understand that creators aren't perfect, no matter how progressive they are. It's those conversations around media- what did it do well, what could it have done better, what should it never do again- that make for better art.

The proshippers who claim that anyone criticizing media is a nazi? Very small and absolutely a minority.

The antis who harass people (including telling them to commit suicide) for literally anything that doesn't match their current definition of Morally Acceptable? The vast majority. It is a stance with a foundation built on harassment.

Even in this very take, the OP has beef with proshippers and infers that they're pedophiles, because proshippers claim that "if you ever criticize media for any reason that makes you a nazi, and that includes media that sexualizes children." OP has the belief that proshippers are bad, because they allow media that Sexualizes Children to exist.

...do you know how many abuse/trauma/Childhood Sexual Assault survivor groups were also banned during the Strikethrough and Boldthrough crackdowns? A lot. Virtually every single one.

Sometimes people write things that you might find disturbing, perverted, creepy, or deviant in order to process their own trauma. Sometimes people write to explore a dark theme or fantasy in a safe way, where no one is getting hurt and no crimes are committed. No one should have to out their history or disclose their trauma in order for you to feel better about what they wrote and why they wrote it.

They should tag it appropriately, so that anyone who is squicked or triggered by the material can make an accurate decision about whether to engage with the work, and can give informed consent to experience it.

Movie ratings (G, PG, PG-13, R, NC-17) are a very basic form of tagging. They tell the potential audience which age groups the film is generally appropriate for, and if it's not considered appropriate, it lists why (swearing, violence, gore, sex, etc).

Remember when parents were taking little kids to see Deadpool and getting upset because "no one warned them"? And people were like, "uh, we very much did warn you, that film was rated R for a reason"? That's tagging.

Tag your stories. Engage critically with media. It is possible to have mixed feelings about a book or show. How you create art does not have a direct correlation to your moral stance as a human being. Sometimes you dislike something for no damn reason and that's okay and very much allowed. These are the values of proshippers.

Antis are steeped in harassment, bullying, and cruelty- as well as actual censorship that has been proven to negatively impact communities, especially those of the marginalized and those impacted by trauma and abuse.

Being "neutral" is a privilege, but it's a privilege with an expiration date. Because as long as we allow people to say that what media you consume/create dictates your Moral Standing? Eventually, someone will decide that your blorbos making out sloppy style is indicative of Something Bad™️, and they're gonna come for your work too.

Fandom Problem #7610:

"Neutral shippers are just proshippers in denial" "neutral is the proship stance" "you're either proshipper or anti, you can't be neutral"

I'm shipping neutral because I think this whole discourse is stupid and both sides are terrible. You have the "this children's show is problematic because this ship is vaguely toxic so you're literally an abusive monster if you watch it" and the "if you ever criticize media for any reason you're literally a nazi and that includes media that sexualizes children." Most reasonable people don't fall into either category. Stop trying to drag me to your side or the other. I just want to write fanfic where my blorbos make out sloppy style.

[lupins-hehim-pussy]

I wanna know ur Fontaine msq criticisms 👁️👁️👂I’m all ears

I'm not sure if you wanted me to talk about this secretly or publicly but! Here I go!

The TLDR: Fontaine MSQ aestheticised prison, poverty, child abuse, the justice system/court and didn't properly address any of it.

More:

Focalors/Furina has way too much of a sympathetic angle for a dictator who's lets people drown with her inaction.

Neuvillette feels Bad for sentencing some people to death/prison, but that's it. He's one of the most powerful people in Fontaine. If he felt like there are systemic injustices, I.E sending an abused Child to prison, he should be the first person to DO something about it, not just cry and be sad so the audience can be like aw, that's complex character writing isn't it? No it's not! And guilt doesn't absolve you!!!!!!! (These are stuff we deal with in OTCOJ read my fic now /j)

Meropide has children in it, both Sentenced there (Wriothesley) and BORN THERE (Lanoire), and this is just a quirk of the place. Not only that, Meropide accepts prisoners of all genders and crimes. There are abusers and abuse victims in one place. Do you know how bad that is? How much potential for crimes to happen in a place like that— oh wait, Meropide isn't under Fontaine's jurisdiction. If you are assaulted as an inmate it literally means nothing to the court.

Wriothesley had no qualifications when he took over. Depending on how long he lived on the streets, how old he was when he killed his parents, how old he was when he was first taken in by the orphanage, etc, the man might never have more than 4–5 years of formal education. Sigewinne probably had to teach him how to write reports. And do Meropide's spreadsheets. Edit because I forgot to elaborate on this one: This isn't a point brought up anywhere, which is bad, because when poverty and incarceration robs you of a proper education (and the rights to vote in many places too, too, by the way), it reduces your prospects for jobs, reduces many people's ability to get a home etc etc. Wriothesley was just, narratively, Given his position.

Meropide is an industrialized prison, and they portray this as a good thing. Prisoners are paid in coupons for their labour, and this is also portrayed as a good thing.

The One-Meal-A-Day reform was something Paimon gushed about being so great of a perk, that people might want to go to jail for food (could be interesting and reflective of systemic poverty if MHY had brains, but they don't, so I was just Pissed because essentially all Paimon wanted to say was "Prison isn't so bad, but still don't go to prison guys! Prison labour is really hard!"). By the way, in most real-world prisons they are obligated to feed you three meals a day. Because that's how much food a human needs. MHY went with one meal just so they can say "if you want to eat more, you have to work." And then the welfare meal is a goddamn gacha. So imagine you're a starving child who's too weak to work in the fucking robot assembly line, and you wander up for your first meal in 24 hours, only to luck in with a shit one. I'd kill myself.

They wrote Wriothesley, who's a victim of the system, into a guy who's say shit like "I'm the Duke I can do whatever I want" for a cool moment where he choke-slams an inmate (I know he was a bad guy. But also, in copaganda when cops are violent/disregarding protocols, they are always only portrayed to do that against bad guys, so what does our critical thinking tells us about this one?) They wrote Wriothesley, who was an inmate of a prison so bad, so notorious that it is the literal boogeyman of Fontaine, that has a legal (???) fighting pit, with an administrator who abuses his position to be unreasonable, to willingly stay in the place and become an Administrator who would choke-slam an inmate while saying a cool line about how he has the power to do whatever he wants. They wrote him, the guy who had to be fed on the streets by melusines, to think one-meal-a-day was a good enough reform (while he spends god-knows how much on his boat). This wasn't a victim-turns-into-abuser narrative either, they want all this to be seen as positive character growth.

And then, the final kicker is, they gloss over his entire abuse. You can only read about these shit in his profile, which most people don't because they don't Have Him or doesn't care to unlock it/read it online, and they jammed his entire backstory into a flaccid info-dump at the end of his character story quest. This man isn't Allowed to feel abused and neglected and show any reaction to it within the narrative of Fontaine itself, because if they actually Gave Weight to what happened to him, they'd have to confront THE FUCKING JUSTICE SYSTEM they had NO PLANS on criticising. I don't think they ever explicitly said the fucking Crime-Theatre nonsense was Bad either.

I could go on, but this is already so long. But yeah, I hope this gave you an idea.

[uceyliyahh]

FRIENDS

Summary: “Heart on your sleeve like you've never been loved,” After being in an abusive relationship Imani decided to close herself off until she gets drafted over to the Raw Brand bumping into her best friend Jimmy as she started to catch feelings for him, but will her heart let her fall for him?

Jimmy Uso x Imani Blackwood

word count: 5232

AWFUL GRAMMAR IM GETTING BETTER I SWEAR LOL.

smut warning; it’ll come in the story randomly so PLEASE PLEASE look out for it I’m not really good at writing ✍🏽 smuts but I’m improving at the moment.

comments, likes, repost are appreciated I would love the constructive feedback in what area I need to approve in. 🤍

ALSO! I don’t not want nobody stealing my fanfics or take it as theirs that will be an issue fasho so keep it cute respectfully.

I only own my OC along with the make up scenarios

Again mdni you have been warned.

TAGS ⬇️ lmk if you wanna be tag 🏷️ @pinkwithhearts @420days @jstarr86 @empressdede @angiedawn02 @biancasreign @ctinadiva @celesteheartsjey @duhitzkay380 @luuvprincess @bunnnyyys @mzv11 @nbanenefrmdao @xbriexx @prettyfilmz

@bebesobrielo @skyesthebomb @aikosilo @papireigns-05 @punksyeet @paigereeder @magnificentbouquetmusic @clubsoft @sharmelasworld @mjonthetrack @serenity-noble @alyyaanna @animellver

@hunnidmilly @ctinadiva @charmed-dreamssss @fearlesschimera @partypoison00 @mselenalovebug @bloodlinesbabe93 @luvrsluxe @4milly @xbriexx @trippinsorrows @yyaktayak @yana3sworld @theusotwinzcom @bossbitch-22

Ø2

FLASHBACK 2 Jordan repeatedly called Imani's phone, feeling a mix of confusion and frustration as he noticed that all her clothes and belongings had vanished from their bedroom. It was as if she had finally reached her breaking point with his behavior. In a fit of anger, he began to toss things around the house, shouting at the top of his lungs, until his eyes landed on a note resting on the kitchen table.

'I've made the choice to walk away. I can't handle this toxic situation any longer. I'm ready to pursue my dreams of becoming a wrestler, and I need to do that without you in my life. Please don't try to reach out; I'm truly finished with us. Jordan, your controlling nature and narcissism have taken a toll on me, and it's time for me to prioritize my own happiness.'

from Imani.

After he finished reading the note, he crumpled it into a tight ball and tossed it into the trash can, a bitter chuckle escaping his lips.

"She thinks she could just end us like this?" Jordan said.

"Well she got another thing coming, don't worry my love imma come find you,"

"And imma have my boys find out where you're staying at and no one will save you from me,"

Jordan made the choice to step out of the house and go to his friend's place. He wanted to discuss how to find Imani and share his strategy for bringing her back, especially since she seemed to think this situation was just a game.

He was indifferent to her desires and aspirations; if she didn't allow him to be part of her life, he threatened to turn her existence into a nightmare until she agreed to take him back.

He was on the verge of shattering her dreams, unaware of how his actions were perceived. He couldn't see himself as the controlling and narcissistic person she described; in his eyes, he loved her deeply and felt misunderstood.

He was determined to win her back, regardless of her feelings on the matter.

FLASHBACK OVER

OMNISCIENT Imani had just wrapped up her match against Raquel, emerging victorious. As she organized her belongings in the locker room, preparing to head over to Jey and Jimmy's parents' house, she noticed a familiar text from Jordan, playfully teasing her as always.

As she went through the message, it momentarily unsettled her, leaving her momentarily frozen in place, prompting her to read it once more.

J💔: I know where you staying at baby girl you cannot hide or run from me anymore, you forget that I have people that can track yo' ass in a heart beat since you wanna keep playing these cat & mouse games with me imma show you something, once I have you in my grasp again you'll never leave me again

Imani felt a deep sense of fear for her safety, realizing that Jordan was aware of her whereabouts and her home address. Overwhelmed and uncertain, she struggled to find a way to protect herself, feeling vulnerable even in the supposed safety of her own space.

She felt hesitant to share this with anyone, particularly Jey, as she knew he would likely gossip about it with his friends. Wanting to shield herself and keep the situation under control, she decided to keep it to herself for the time being.

After gathering her belongings, she sent a message to Jey, letting him know she would arrive in about an hour. As she made her way to her car in the garage, she couldn't shake the feeling of fear that gripped her. The thought of Jordan potentially appearing out of nowhere filled her with anxiety, making her acutely aware of her surroundings. She felt vulnerable, worried that he could disrupt everything she had worked so hard to achieve.

She climbed into her car, tossing her belongings into the backseat as she turned the key in the ignition, making her way to Jey and Jimmy's parents' house.

Upon reaching the house, Imani noticed a cluster of cars lined up outside, which sent a wave of anxiety through her. However, she took a deep breath and found a way to soothe herself as she switched off her car.

She picked up her purse and keys, making her way to the door. As she knocked, a wave of anxiety washed over her, her palms clammy and a lump forming in her throat. She felt uncertain about how they would respond to her after such a long time apart.

She suddenly heard footsteps approaching from behind the door. As it swung open, she found herself face to face with a tall man holding a red cup. Their eyes met, and a warm smile spread across his face.

"Hey! Imani! Girl it's been so long c'mon in," Roman said as him and her hugged each other.

Imani stepped into the house, and as she did, she heard someone call out, "Hey everyone, Imani's here!" She looked around to see everyone waving at her, and she happily waved back.

Roman patted her on the back, "you can take your shoes off here don't be shy girl, you want something to drink?" He asked as Imani nodded her head.

Roman led her into the kitchen, where Mama Talisua and Zilla welcomed her with open arms. She embraced them both warmly, and Mama Talisua remarked on how beautiful she had become over the years.

"I heard you're wrestling now Miss Imani?" Mama Talisua said.

"Yes Ma'am all because of Zilla right here putting me on with Booker T," she said as she smiled at them.

As she glanced down the stairs, her gaze landed on a familiar figure. He was dressed entirely in black, sporting a pair of panda dunks and a striking Cuban link silver chain. The alluring scent of his cologne wafted through the air, making the moment even more captivating.

Imani and the boy exchanged a brief glance before she turned to speak with Zilla. In that moment, she noticed his girlfriend lean in to kiss him on the lips, followed by a bright smile directed at Imani. It appeared he was genuinely happy, or perhaps just putting on a facade, as Jey had suggested to her.

Imani paused to take a sip of her drink when she heard Jey calling her name. The sound caught Jimmy's attention, and as he listened more closely, he turned to see Jey approaching her. With a warm hug, Jey greeted her, and Imani was delighted to finally see Jeyce by his side.

"Hey Girl! It's good to see you here! this is my son Jeyce," Jey said.

Jeyce and Imani embraced each other warmly, both smiling brightly. He truly resembled his father, almost like a mirror image. As she and Jey engaged in a lively conversation about work and various topics, she caught sight of Jimmy casting furtive glances her way, seemingly confirming that it was indeed her.

She simply dismissed it, not giving it much thought. "Are you still with that guy, Jordan?" When she heard his name, her eyes went wide. She felt a mix of emotions, unsure if she should reveal that she was now single, all because of Jordan.

"Um, no we aren't together anymore, we like broke up after I left to become a wrestler." Imani said.

"Damn, for real?"

Imani gave a slight nod, fabricating a story for Jey about her relationship with Jordan. She mentioned that he was aware of her current whereabouts, all while trying to shield his family from any added worry or burden regarding her situation.

As she took her phone out, it buzzed with a call from Jordan. Jey noticed and, sensing something was amiss, quietly stepped outside to take the call. He felt a need to gently join the conversation, curious about what was happening.

OTP Mani💫: why don't you just leave me alone J? J💔: Mani you're mines forever don't you understand that? I'm not finna let this go yk I love you Mani💫: well I don't love you after the hell you done put me through I was glad I left your ass I couldn't take it anymore J💔: I only beat you so that you could act right Mani💫: you're such a piece of shit Jordan and you know it don't fucking call my phone anymore J💔: you keep on forgetting baby I know where you stay I can just easily swoop you up and bring you back home with me Mani💫: over my dead fucking body leave me tf alone Jordan I don't need this why can't you let me be happy? J💔: if I'm not apart of that happiness then I'll just make your life miserable simple Mani💫: you're fucking insane all because I left you so I can have control over my life and you couldn't handle it you were losing control over me it was just slipping away from you. J💔: shut the fuck up you whore probably getting some samoan dick huh? He's not better than me I'll tell you that Mani💫: I'm hanging up Jordan don't fucking call me anymore.

CALLED ENDED

Imani let out a heavy sigh, her fingers tangling in her hair as she heard a throat clear nearby. Startled, she turned to find Jey standing there, arms crossed over his chest. In that moment, she realized he had overheard her conversation with Jordan, and the weight of the truth settled in; there was no way to deny it any longer.

"Is there something you wanna tell me Mani? C'mon you know we've been best friends since we were teenagers, what's happening?" Jey said.

"First off you can't be scaring folks like that and secondly...I don't feel safe Joshua...a lot has been happening, and I mean a lot," she said.

"I got time Mani tell me what's been happening," Imani took the time to share her story with him, detailing the struggles she faced over the past few years, particularly during her relationship with Jordan. She opened up about the abuse she endured, how he would physically harm her and attempt to control her, preventing her from pursuing her dreams of becoming a wrestler, all in an effort to keep her focused solely on her music and singing.

Jey listened to her with great care, his gaze gentle and warm. Unbeknownst to him, this moment was unfolding with his closest friend as he wrapped her in a comforting embrace. "Hey, when we track him down, it's done. You know Jon and I are here for you, Mani."

"I know, you think he'll recognize me?"

"Mmcht, girl yes he will probably gotta catch him when he not around his girl though she be trippin a lot I promise you," He said causing Imani to chuckle.

ೃ⁀➷

Imani was in the living room catching up with Roman, enjoying their conversation after not having seen each other for some time. She had always been like family to them, almost a daughter in their eyes. Mama Talisua often expressed her desire for Imani and Jimmy to be together, but with Imani moving away, that dream seemed out of reach. Still, she held onto a glimmer of hope for the future.

She stood up from the couch and made her way to the kitchen, feeling a bit thirsty. As she opened the fridge, she reached for a Jack Daniel's country cocktail, bending down to grab her favorite flavor: Lynchburg Lemonade.

She had just grabbed a drink when she turned around to apologize for bumping into someone, only to find a man standing right behind her, holding a drink of his own.

As their eyes met, she took a moment to appreciate how handsome he had become over the years. Imani smiled at him before deciding to walk by, hoping to avoid any tension with his girlfriend. However, he gently caught her arm, bringing her to a halt.

"Hollon now little girl, you ain't just finna walk past me and not say nothing," Jimmy said.

"My fault did Mr Fatu say something to me?" Imani teased as him and her began chuckling at each other.

They embraced warmly, and as his hand rested gently on her waist, a wave of warmth washed over her, filling her with a delightful sensation before they finally parted.

"How you been mamas, haven't seen yo' ass since high school,"

Her heart raced with joy when he called her mama, making her instinctively tuck her hair behind her ear. "I've been good you know, I'm on the Raw Brand with yo' brother," she said.

 "I've heard that you're a singer as well? Wow, it sounds like you're really enjoying life!" Imani smiled and nodded, taking a sip of her drink as they kept chatting and connecting with each other.

Imani found herself captivated by his striking features and the pleasant scent that surrounded him. It made her ponder why their mothers wished for them to be together. She couldn't help but think that she and Jimmy would have made an adorable couple.

 She and Jimmy sat together on the steps, reminiscing about their high school days, sharing laughter over the amusing memories they created.

The cocktail Imani had prepared enveloped her in a cozy warmth, making her feel all fuzzy inside as she listened to Jimmy speak to her.

"Can I be honest with you Mani?"

"What's up?"

Jimmy gazed into her hazel eyes, then shifted his focus to her lips before returning to her eyes, all while wearing a warm smile. "You pretty as hell girl fasho," She felt a rush of embarrassment from his words, turning away with a soft laugh. In response, he playfully poked her on her left side, asking, "What's so funny?"

Imani punched him in the arm, "you saying all of this to me when you have a whole girlfriend what's up with that sir?" She said in a teasing tone.

Jimmy shrugged, feeling a bit frustrated. "Why can't I compliment my best friend just because I have a girlfriend?" he said. He had a point; after all, we were just best friends and nothing beyond that.

Imani shrugged her shoulders, "aye, I just don't want shawty trippin and cussing at me thinking I'm going to steal her nigga you feel me,"

Jimmy took a sip of his drink, smacking his lips and rolling his eyes playfully. He found himself lost in Imani's gaze, admiring her beautiful features, completely captivated. Just as he was getting lost in the moment, they were interrupted by the sound of his girlfriend's voice.

"Who is this?"

"Don't start trippin Trin this my best friend Imani, Mani meet Trinity my girlfriend," he introduces them.

Imani smiled at her before taking another sip of her drink. She noticed Trinity's expression souring, which left Imani feeling puzzled. She hadn't done anything wrong; she had simply been chatting with Jimmy.

Imani was doing her best to steer clear of any tension with his girlfriend. As she rose from the stairs, she informed Jimmy that she was heading to the living room, offering him one last warm smile before departing. Just then, he halted her, causing her to pause in her steps. "You good Mani, she ain't finna start trippin right Trin?" Trinity had sighed in exasperation at him before turning to Imani with a serious look on her face.

"Whatever, when are we going home? I'm tired," she said.

"We'll leave in a little bit I'm just catching up with my people," Jimmy responded, noticing Trinity arching an eyebrow in his direction. "When you say people you mean her?"

Imani noticed him let out a heavy sigh as he ran his fingers through his hair, a clear sign of his frustration with her. She could sense that he was bracing himself for the trouble she might stir up at the family gathering.

"Trin, c'mon don't do this shit here we'll go home after aight?" He cast her a serious glance, noticing her lips forming a pout as she made her way to the living room.

Imani let out a soft laugh as she took another sip of her drink. "you wanna go out on a walk for bit?"

As she and Jimmy stepped outside for a walk, she nodded her head, unaware that Trinity was watching them with a hint of bitterness at the sight of the two of them together.

Imani and Jimmy were outside, playfully shoving each other as if they were siblings. Jimmy had Imani on his back, spinning her around while she playfully tapped him, laughing and asking him to stop.

 By this time, they were feeling a bit tipsy as Jimmy gently set her down on her feet, wrapping his arm around her shoulder and sharing a laugh to lighten the moment.

"You're so fucking annoying I promise you," She said.

"You love it either way mamas, ion wanna hear no complaints," Imani laughed softly at him as they strolled side by side.

The nickname he used for her flowed from his lips so effortlessly that it stirred something special within her.

"You still dating ol' boy?" He noted Imani's head shake as she replied, "No, I'm not with him anymore." Her voice faded slightly, and he picked up on it, sensing that something was amiss.

Imani paused for a moment, looking up at him, searching his face for clues. "Did something happen when you two were together?" he asked. She shook her head once more, reluctant to share or explain the challenges she faced while with Jordan.

Knowing how crazy he and his people are.

She was taken aback as she felt his arms encircle her waist, and in that moment, she found herself lost in his warm brown eyes, a wave of nervousness washing over her unexpectedly. "You can talk to me mamas, I'm right here."  The richness and calmness of his voice had a magnetic quality, making her feel an undeniable pull towards him.

Imani observed a shift in his attitude as she recounted the events that had unfolded. Hearing about the struggles his best friend faced seemed to affect him deeply. Jimmy held her close, his arms wrapped around her waist, his gaze fixed solely on her, as if nothing else mattered.

"Why didn't you call us or something mamas?"

"I didn't have nobody's phone number and I didn't want to be a burden so I just figured it out on my own Pooks," Imani said avoiding his eyes.

Jimmy gently held her chin, urging her to meet his gaze. He found himself captivated by her striking features, a feeling that puzzled him. Perhaps it was the drinks that stirred these emotions, but he couldn't quite pinpoint the reason. "You need to hear me, you're not a burden, sweetheart. I assure you, he won't come anywhere near you, or he'll face the consequences. Do you understand?" Jimmy reassured her, and Imani nodded in response.

 After he spoke, a profound silence enveloped them as they locked eyes, taking a moment to appreciate each other's unique features and the warmth of their presence. Jimmy gently bit his lower lip, tucking it in, while his thumb softly caressed Imani's lips.

He leaned in and kissed her unexpectedly, surprising her at first. But soon, she instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck, and they lost themselves in a passionate embrace.

Imani experienced a rush of sensations as Jimmy's hands held her firmly, while his tongue danced within her mouth. Her fingers found their way into his hair, but the moment unfolded so swiftly that her body couldn't respond in time to create distance between them.

He shifted his lips to her jawline, planting soft kisses there until she gently pushed him back by his chest, looking into his eyes with a hint of worry.

"Jon, this doesn't feel right, you're with Trin." She said softly.

Imani's cheeks turned a deep shade of red as they gently separated, the weight of the moment lingering between them.

"You, right. That's on me."

"It's okay, let's just keep this between us aight?" Jimmy nodded his head as they began walking back towards the house.

1She found it hard to deny that he was an exceptional kisser, far more experienced than she was. It felt as if he understood her body language better than she did herself. She just hoped that their encounter wouldn't create any awkwardness between them.

ೃ⁀➷

Imani stood in the backyard, lost in thought about the kiss she and Jimmy had just shared. It had taken her by surprise; she never expected such a moment to unfold between them. The intensity of the kiss was unlike anything she had experienced since her time with Jordan. The way he explored her mouth and caressed her body sent waves of sensation through her, leaving her feeling a mix of excitement and longing that she hadn't felt in quite some time.

They had enjoyed a few drinks and decided to keep their feelings to themselves. Still, she couldn't help but long for the taste of his lips once more. However, she was determined to stick to her promise of not diving into anything too intense, especially when it came to love.

She suddenly heard the sliding door open and footsteps approaching her. "Are you okay, Mani?" It was Jey, coming out to see how she was doing.

"Y-yeah I'm fine Joshua," she responded to him.

"You sure? What happened between you and Jon? Yall both came in looking awkward as hell," he asked.

"We made out Joshua..." His eyes widened in surprise as he chuckled, prompting her to playfully shove him while pouting. "It's not fucking funny Joshua, we were tipsy and I'm not looking for anything right now I made a promise to myself,"

He raised an eyebrow at her, "what you mean you made a promise to yourself?"

"I told myself that I would keep myself closed off from finding love again, I mean ion think I'll get lucky anytime soon," Imani let out a deep sigh as she gazed at the moon illuminating the night sky, accompanied by the twinkling stars.

"Imani, don't let that fool make you change for who you are if I'm being honest you and Jon make a perfect couple I mean you hear our mama talk about it nonstop," Jey had a point, but was she truly prepared to face that situation once more? She was determined not to betray the commitment she made to herself.

"I just really want to focus on my career for right now Josh, I don't know if can allow myself to fall in love again," she said.

"Look, I understand but just think about it Jonathan ain't like that I know he ain't happy with Trin for real but he play pretend in front of the folks but when I saw how his face lit up when he was with you I just knew,"

Imani listened intently, nodding as he spoke. Just then, they heard footsteps approaching outside—it was Jimmy, naturally, with his hands tucked into his pockets. Jey quickly sat up, giving his brother a friendly greeting before stepping away, leaving Imani and Jimmy to sort things out together.

"Hey, I'm sorry about what I did earlier. That was wrong of me," Jimmy apologized.

Imani felt a strong desire to gently stroke his cheek, her smile radiating warmth as she looked at him. "it's okay you don't need to apologize for what happened we were tipsy that's all," Imani responded, sensing his hands on her waist once more.

He chuckled at her, "yeah, we were tipsy as hell not goin' lie mamas but..." his voice trailed off for a second. "I  wanna taste them lips again,"

"J-Jon...we can't with all of these people here and especially when Trin is in there too that's so wrong,"

"Just one more time, I promise it felt too good." He swiftly led her to a secluded spot, away from the crowd, pressing her gently against the wall. As he looked down at her, she felt a wave of vulnerability wash over her, making her feel diminutive in that moment.

He gently cupped her face with both hands, leaning in to kiss her deeply. This time, she surrendered to the moment, allowing their connection to unfold. As he lifted her by the thighs, she found herself pressed against the wall, completely lost in the intensity of their embrace.

She could sense his rigid form against her as she embraced him tightly, feeling an overwhelming craving for his touch—an intensity she had never experienced with anyone else, not even with Jordan. The song "Escapism" by Raye played softly in the background, adding to the atmosphere within the house.

He pressed his lips against her neck, showering her with gentle kisses while softly sucking, which made her whisper his name in pleasure.

"J-Jimmy...W-wait..." she moaned.

"Yeah, keep saying my name like that..." he groaned.

Just as they were about to move forward with their moment, a sudden scream pierced the air, halting them in their tracks. They exchanged worried glances, and Jimmy gently set her back on her feet before heading over to assess what was happening.

As they were about to step into the house, Imani suddenly froze, her heart racing at the sight of him standing there with a smirk that sent chills down her spine. How on earth had he tracked her down?

As Jimmy turned to see why Imani wasn't following him, he spotted Jordan by the door, gun in hand, advancing toward her. Imani stood frozen in place, fear gripping her as her breaths quickened, each one feeling more labored than the last.

Jimmy and Jey, along with the rest of the family, formed a protective barrier around Imani, standing firm against Jordan, who laughed at their efforts.

"You think I'm scared of yall niggas? I can have a killing spree over her, she needs to come home right Mani?" Jordan said looking towards her way.

Imani quickly shook her head, feeling overwhelmed by the unfolding drama surrounding Jimmy and Jey's family. A tightness gripped her chest, making it difficult for her to breathe.

Jimmy noticed her in distress and instinctively moved to help, while the others continued to follow the established protocol.

"Jon, take her upstairs please," Mama Talisua said as he nodded his head carrying her bridal style up the stairs.

"Is yo' ass gonna step up or get the fuck out?" Jey said.

"I'm not going to leave until Imani comes home to me and you know how she is Josh c'mon dawg," Jey scoffed at him while folding his arms around his chest.

"Don't think we is cool, we was never cool from the beginning so imma ask yo' ass again, is you gonna step up or get the fuck out like I said?" Jey confronted him directly, seemingly unfazed by the fact that Jordan had a Glock in his hand.

Jordan raised his hands in a defensive gesture and began to walk away, but then he attempted to strike Jey. In response, Jey lifted him effortlessly and slammed him to the ground. Meanwhile, Roman handed his Glock to Zilla, while Jey continued to deliver powerful punches to Jordan, who was pinned beneath him.

Before he could even go crazy Zilla had pulled Jey away from him hearing Jey breathing heavily while looking pissed off. "Get him the fuck outta here now,"

Roman and Jacob took hold of Jordan's arms and gently pushed him outside, closing the door behind them. Meanwhile, Jimmy sat beside Imani, watching her sleep soundly in bed as he tenderly stroked her hair.

He then heard the door creak open and saw Jey standing there, looking in on Imani.

"She okay Uce?" Jey asked.

"Yeah, I managed to calm her down. She just fell asleep," He said wiping his clothes down.

"A'ight then, mama said she can stay here for the night, but we can't let that motha-fuka near her Jon. He know where she stay at."

Jimmy nodded his head glancing at Imani, "I'll take her home in the morning once I get everything done aight?"

As he and Jey exchanged friendly gestures while leaving the room, Jimmy took a moment to look back at her before trailing behind Jey. When they reached downstairs, they found their mom tidying up, and they chose to lend a hand.

"How is she doing Jon?" she asked.

"She doing aight mama, she's asleep right now. I'll take her home in the morning," Jimmy responded while replacing the trashcan with a trash bag.

"I noticed the way you two were exchanging glances tonight, and while I understand you're with Trin, I can't help but feel that Imani would be such a great fit for you." Jimmy laughed softly, a smile spreading across his face as he replied to his mother, "You've been saying that since we were kids, Mom. I really don't think she's interested in anything serious at the moment." He went on to share more.

"I understand son, I do but I'm saying just don't miss out she's family,"

 Jimmy nodded in agreement as he assisted his mother with the cleaning, while the rest of the family was getting ready to go out for the evening. At the same time, Imani stirred from her nap, finding herself in Jey's old room and glancing at the clock to check the time.

It was midnight, and she was taken aback as she prepared to rise when Jimmy entered the room, holding some clothes and catching her off guard.

"You good mamas?"

"Yeah, I'm fine I guess your mama wants me to stay here huh?" Imani spoke while Jimmy nodded, handing her the clothes so she could take a shower.

"Yeah, you're family after all. But imma take you home in the morning after I get some things done if that's cool with you?" Jimmy said.

"Yeah, that's fine Jordan probably messed up my tires so that's fine," He smiled at her showing off his grill's glistening in the light. "A'ight I'll see you in the morning,"

Jimmy approached her and wrapped his arms around her, feeling her head rest against his chest. She listened to the rhythm of his heartbeat and inhaled the scent of his cologne. When they finally separated, they locked eyes, and a wave of memories flooded Imani's mind—moments of them kissing. Overwhelmed, she averted her gaze, focusing on her feet.

"Look at me baby," She looked up into his eyes, feeling his hand gently hold her chin as he smiled at her. "fuck, you're so fucking pretty mamas, I didn't expect you to be this pretty you know?"

"J-Jimmy..."

"What baby?" His voice lowered several tones, sending a shiver through her as she felt her panties grow damp. "You gotta go Trin must be looking for you."

He nodded his head placing a kiss on her temple before pulling away from each other.

"Goodnight mamas,"

"Goodnight Jimmy," Imani spoke as he closed the door, just as she experienced a moment of panic.

What on earth just occurred? What happened tonight that left her feeling this way? Why was he making her feel like this?

Whatever situation he and she are dealing with has really affected her tonight, but she's determined not to let it interfere. She made a promise to herself, and she intends to keep it, so she'll set it aside for now and wait for a better time to address it.

FRIENDS

uceyjucey, kehlani_wwe, trickwilliams_wwe, and others liked your post.

manimon: Pretty Little Thang 😛 uceyjucey: ❤️ kehlani_wwe: girrrl your face card is going to eat every single time manimon: @ kehlani_wwe thank you bestieee 💗🙂‍↕️ hoeslovejordan: you think this shit is a game Imani, imma catch yo ass without them Samoan niggas trickwilliams_wwe: we miss you over here down at NXT mani manimon: @ trickwilliams_wwe I miss you guys too fasho jonathanfatu: damn look so fucking pretty 😩 hoeslovejordan: @ jonathanfatu move tf around bitch ass nigga jonathanfatu: @ hoeslovejordan how bout you move tf around bitch 😒

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A/n: the tension between Imani and Jimmy are running deep but will Imani forget about what happened?

But I hope yall enjoy this chapter lmk in the comments below.

STAY UCEY.

1.

[crownedwille]

For once I'm begging for fics with crown prince Wilhelm in it where that's not just portrayed as a bad thing where he is miserable and he and Simon are struggling but where it can work out and be good 😩

Or give me fics where you have the s3 ending but it didn't solve everything and they don't live a happy 'normal' life and have struggles. Both should be possible, there is not just one option for the way you can write those two outcomes. That's what fanfiction is for - to create and explore different alternatives. I see so many s1 or s2 canon divergence fics but where are the s3 canon divergence fics? Please, I'm begging 😩

[r0semultiverse]

What We Do in the Land of Ooo

🧛‍♂️ What We Do in the Shadows x Adventure Time crossover AU! ⚔

Finn Mertens in place of Guillermo de la Cruz

Marceline Abadeer in place of Nadja of Antipaxos

Bonnibel Bubblegum in place of Laszlo Cravensworth

Jake the dog in place of Colin Robinson

Vampire King in place of Nandor The Relentless

Betty Grof in place of The Guide

The Lich in place of Baron Afanas

Peppermint Butler in place of Wallace the Necromacer

Simon Petrikov in place of Derek

BMO in place of Nadja Doll (her old consciousness uploaded or something was an idea I had)

Marshall Lee & Gary Gumball/Prince in place of Sean & Charmaine

[the-most-account-ever]

In my mind, Kusuos parents at some point may adopt Toritsuka. And that would fit perfectly in my Kusuo-Reita brothers relationship.

Like, for example, one day Toritsuka comes to Saiki household to beg Kusuo for a favor, but when he's there it's Kaniharu who opens the door, while Kurumi is baking something in the kitchen. They inform him that Kusuo is not at home at the moment (either he's doing an errand or hanging out with Nendou and Kaidou). He wants to leave (or go looking for Kusuo) but Kurumi doesn't let him since he's her precious Kus friend, so he stays. Maybe she asks him to help her in the kitchen? He's a little awkward at first, but the motherly love he never felt before makes him have a good time, even if it's not his mom. And then, all three of them eat the freshly baked pie (leaving a huge piece for Kusuo. As they do, they have a nice conversation, but Kurumi at some point slips up and says something about Kusuos powers like she did in that one episode. She and Kaniharu in panic try to say something but Toritsuka says he already knows and tells them about his powers too. Kurumi and Kaniharu are delighted that Kusuo has a friend to who he can relate and start to bombard him with questions. At some point, they ask him how his parents raised him since it's kinda hard to find parenting tips for parents of espers, and he just casually tells them that he doesn't have parents since they abandoned him at the temple. They're obviously in shock, Kurumi starts crying and hugs him. At first, he doesn't know how to react, but starts crying too after a minute.

Let's just say that Kusuo wasn't delighted when he found three crying people at his house, and he was even less delighted when not so long later he has a second, adopted, and far more annoying brother. (but he loves him)