#GAH FINALLY IN THE WRITING MOOD

[imagines--galore]

||The Thread of Fate|| Part Thirteen

Summary: Soulmate AU. They say the Thread of Fate connects you to your one true love. It may tangle. It may stretch. But it will never break. Wrapped around your little finger it tightens when it feels your soulmate is close and loosens when they are far. And becomes visible with the colors of your soulmate’s Nation when you finally fall in love with them.

Pairing: Zuko x OroraOC (ATLA)

Rating || Genres || Warnings: T+ Romance. Adventure.

Previous Chapters - Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four, Part Five, Part Six, Part Seven, Part Eight, Part Nine, Part Ten, Part Eleven, Part Twelve

A/N: Gah! This was a tough one to write! But hopefully it'll be to your satisfaction my dear readers! And yeah, this chapter is gonna cover The Tales of Ba Sing Se but only Iroh's is covered in this. Zuko's will be next don't worry!

For once, Orora was the first one up.

Or at least, the first of the two youngsters.

Iroh's bed mat was empty, she noticed, tiptoeing her way out of the room, not wanting to wake Zuko. He was rather particular about his beauty sleep being disturbed, of course when she had observed so, using the same words, she'd received a cushion to the face.

Alright, so maybe teasing Zuko was fun. Then again it was only revenge since he didn't hold back either.

He'd actually laughed out loud when she had admitted to not understanding the use of a dustpan when she had swept the shop. That was back they had just started to work. Granted his laugh had been more of a HA sound, that was more haughty then playful, she had quickly shut him up by reminding him that there was no need for it where she was from since everything was made of ice.

Besides, just because the both of them had called truce, didn't mean that they were about to stop their arguing. Honestly, most of the time, they were the most interesting part of her day.

Moving to the stove, she picked up the spark rocks, only to stop at the sight of a scroll sitting in the middle of the table. Curious, she picked it up and unfolded it.

Dear Zuko and Orora,

Since there was to be no work today, I decided to spend it by myself. I will be back after sundown, so do not worry about me. Be on guard and stay safe. I expect to return to a clean house, with no broken furniture, and, hopefully, both of you with all your limbs intact.

Love, Uncle.

Smiling to herself, Orora set the letter aside. Honestly, with how much Iroh had to deal with it was good that he had a day off. Enjoy himself perhaps? He did have to work hard to make sure she and Zuko didn't get in trouble, or didn't kill one another.

Humming softly under her breath, she began to prepare breakfast, frowning slightly at the few ingredients that were left in the meager pantry. Deciding to perhaps go shopping later, she continued making breakfast. While normally she would have made something just for herself, she made sure to make some for Zuko as well. The young waterbender had only just put the finishing touches and was pouring some tea when Zuko emerged, tousle-haired, yawning and rubbing his neck from where he had slept wrong.

"Morning!" She greeted, smiling at him. Alright, so she was in a good mood. No work, and shopping later. What more could a girl want?

Zuko made a small sound in reply, probably a greeting back, as he looked around the apartment. "Where's Uncle?" He asked, his voice a little hoarser then usual since he had just woken up. Orora held up the letter. "He said he was taking the day by himself. I'm sure he got tired of us bickering all the time."

Holding up the pot of tea, she gestured for him to sit. "Eat while its still warm. I'm gonna go shopping for some stuff after this, we're almost out of food." Zuko settled onto the futon on the opposite side of the small table they would be sharing.

"You made breakfast?" Usually it was Uncle who made it, since he was the first one up. Orora frowned. "What? You don't think I know how to cook?" She asked, raising an eyebrow at him. Zuko was still looking at the meager yet appetizing bowl of food. "No, but I didn't think you would make breakfast for me. Only Uncle has ever done that."

Her face fell, that all too familiar squeeze in her heart making her nearly clench her chest, but she stopped just in time. Instead her hands tightened around her teacup.

"Spirits Zuko. Why do you have to go and make me sad so early in the day?" She muttered, to which he frowned from where he was already eating his breakfast.

"How is that sad?" It still astounded her how normal Zuko thought it was for people to not care about him. Small things like making him breakfast, or a cup of tea, helping him out with his work at the shop. During those first few days of their truce, when she had offered to help him, he had actually asked her what she wanted him to do in return.

Orora had been stunned to say the least. She assured him that she was doing it simply because she wanted to, a reply that had him frowning in confusion and asking why.

"Just eat your breakfast." She muttered, pointing at the food with her chopsticks and continuing with her own breakfast. "What're your plans for today then?" The girl spoke after a few moments of silence. "Will you actually be going out and enjoying a beautiful day, or are you going to find a dark corner to sulk and brood?"

The scowl he threw at her had her grinning into her cup as she finished up her tea. "I don't do that." He sulked, prompting her to bite her lower lip to keep herself from laughing out loud.

Finishing first, she quickly stood up, giving her utensils a quick wash using her waterbending. "You know its amazing how its the middle of Spring and we haven't had any rain yet." She observed. "I'm looking forward to it. Maybe I can try and waterbend some of the rain to use it as a weapon."

It had been so long since she'd practiced. Orora was actually making plans to go to the Outer Wall and practice at a Lake. One of the patrons at the tea shop had told her about Lake Laogai, maybe she would have a little fun there.

Behind her, Zuko barely heard what she said, his mind focusing on a rather insignificant detail she had just revealed.

Spring.

Mid Spring.

His face fell, his eyes widened, and his hand darted out to grab the letter where it rested on the table. "Wait?! What date is it today?" Zuko, looking around and letting out a frustrated sound when he saw no calendar in sight. Orora turned around, putting her now clean bowl in the small cupboard as she did.

The answer she received pulled an instant reaction from Zuko. His hand flew to his forehead, before sliding down his face as he muttered. "Spirits! How could I forget?!"

She frowned. "Forget what?" It was strange seeing Zuko act like that. Usually he was either annoyed or angry. Though lately even those emotions had been few and far in-between. Sighing deeply, the young Prince removed his hand from his face, gripping the letter with the other as he replied.

"Its............today's Lu Ten's birthday." He muttered. An aching sadness clenched his heart as memories of his beloved cousin rose tot he forefront of his mind.

Orora blinked. "Who's Lu Ten?" She asked, wandering what kind of person would have Zuko reacting in such a manner. Another sigh, before his gaze lifted to meet her's

"Lu Ten is......was my cousin. Uncle's son."

The way he spoke, the sadness in his very expression and eyes had a sickening feeling settle in her chest. And her suspicions were confirmed true when he spoke the next few words.

"He died a few years ago. While he and Uncle were trying to conquer Ba Sing Se."

A startled gasp fell from her lips, a hand rising to cover her mouth as her eyes darted to the letter he still held. "Oh my Spirits, I didn't....you never......he didn't tell........"

Zuko shook his head, putting the letter on the table. "He doesn't like to talk about it. Its still painful for him." The young girl gave a small nod. "I get it, its never easy to loose a loved one. And its never easy for a parent to loose a child."

Silence fell between them, both of them lost in their own thoughts. Orora's were filled with the smiling visage of her Master, and how, despite the tremendous loss he had faced, he was always smiling, ready with the right words of wisdom, not to mention how kind he was.

Zuko was lost in his own memories of his cousin. While he had never been close to Azula, Lu Ten, despite the age difference, had been more of a sibling to him then she had. He had always been ready to play with him, show him a new firebending move.

Orora finally glanced up at Zuko, her expression soft. Clearly the day was just as hard for Zuko as it probably was for Iroh. What should've been a day of celebration, would be a day of mourning for both of them.

Suddenly an idea began to form in her mind, one that could either work out really well, or would go wrong. She hoped it would be the former.

Standing up, the girl quickly made her way over to the small wardrobe where she kept her shopping bag. Slinging both it and her water satchel over her shoulder, she made sure she had enough money before moving to stand beside Zuko.

He hadn't even moved from his spot, opting to simply stare at the wall in front of him, his half-eaten food now cold on the table. Reaching out she rested a hand on his shoulder, an act that he barely acknowledged, other then the slight tenseness in his shoulders.

"Why don't you stay at home today, I'll be back in a couple of hours. I can shop alone."

Receiving no response, and really she hadn't been expecting one, the young waterbender rose to her feet, and with one final glance in his direction, she slipped out of the apartment.

                                          ————————–

Slumping onto one of the many benches littered in the shopping market, Orora wiped her brow as she dropped the food she had bought in the last half hour, next to her. Once she had caught her breath, the young girl did a mental headcount of everything she had bought so far. She had splurged a little to get a few ingredients they normally wouldn't buy, but for her plan to work, all of her purchase was crucial.

Digging into one of the bags, she brought out a moon peach, a fruit she had grown quite fond of since coming to Ba Sing Se. Munching on her snack, she took a few minutes to catch her breath before she was to make the trek back home.

It was amazing how people were going about their lives, as if nothing was happening beyond the borders of their Walls. Then again, maybe for them nothing was going on. The were safe in here. And were so used to it that they didn't think the Fire Nation could reach them.

She hoped it would remain that way.

Finishing the fruit, she quickly stood, pursing her lips as she tried to figure out how she would carry all her purchase home.

She was so lost in her contemplation that she barely felt a familiar figure walk up to stand next to her.

"You've been staring for so long people are actually starting to point at you." That all too familiar husky voice cut through her thoughts, prompting her to turn in his direction.

"Zuko! What're you doing here? I thought you were back home?" He remained silent, cutting quite the imposing figure with his swords at his side and the serious expression on his face. Then it occurred to her. "Have you been following me?" She asked, her tone sounding more then a little accusatory as she glared at him. Zuko glanced at her out of the corner of his eyes.

"Following you and keeping you safe from a distance are two different things Orora." He stated. Ice blue eyes blinked at him disbelief. She stared at him long enough for him to grow uncomfortable.

"What?" He demanded sounding defensive, prompting Orora to give him a bright smile. "Awww, Zuko, were you worried about me?" She all but cooed, her tone teasing, albeit carrying a pleasing undertone. A bright blush spread across the Prince's cheeks, prompting her smile to grow even wider.

If that was even possible.

"Uncle asked me to keep an eye on you in the city." He quickly stated, pinning it all on his absent Uncle.

She couldn't help it.

A warm bubble of affection for the scowling, annoyed, flustered looking Prince prompted her to throw her arms around his shoulders.

And while Zuko's entire being froze, his golden eyes widening in disbelief, Orora allowed herself those few seconds of embrace to enjoy the presence of another person. She'd barely gotten any expressions of affection as a child, and she was intent on not passing up any chance to showcase her affection for her new family. Once Iroh returned, he would be getting a hug from her as well. For now, not wanting Zuko to combust into flames from embarrassment, she simply let out a small laugh. "You're a big old softie Zuko, and you know it." She stated as she pulled back. He was staring at her as if she had grown a second head.

Smiling to herself, the young waterbender quickly turned around and hefting one of the heavier bags, pushed it into Zuko's hands. He fumbled with it briefly, still a little lost at what had just happened, but he adjusted quickly.

"Now, come on! We have a lot of work to do if we want everything to be ready for tonight." She stated before gathering the rest of the bags and starting the walk back home.

Zuko, having regained his normal thought process, started after her. "Wait! Ready for what?!" He called out, his embarrassment ebbing away to be replaced by a sense of elation and tranquility.

All because Orora had hugged him.

Between the both of them, their string flickered again, though neither of then noticed.

                                          ————————–

"Remind me again, how I got roped into doing this with you?"

"Because I threatened to ice you to the wall if you didn't help."

"Argh, I can't believe I'm being reduced to helping you."

"Its called doing something nice for someone Zuko. Now get back to your task. You still have to peel the carrots after this."

An annoyed huff was her only response, but Orora didn't pay any mind to it as she continued to cut the many fruits she had bought.

On their trip home, she had told Zuko of her plan. One that included making delicious food, all ready and waiting for Iroh whenever he would come back, to celebrate Lu Ten's birthday.

Zuko had tried to protest, but had shut up, when she had reasoned that since Iroh had spent the entire day by himself, he would love a little dinner to celebrate the life his son had lived.

As short as it may have been.

Glancing at Orora out of the corner of his eyes, something he noticed he did quite a lot, Zuko couldn't help but be envious of her. He would never have thought of coming up with an idea like that, let alone have the common sense to pull it off. Sure he was a good strategist and all, and could come up with a plan of escape or evasion when the situation called for it, but it would seem Orora had the upper hand when it came to dealing with people in a more compassionate way.

Almost as if they were two halves of a whole.

Shaking his head, he turned his attention back to the dough she had ordered him to knead. So far all he had managed to do was get himself covered in flour, and his fingers sticky. He made a face, pulling his hand away and watching the dough stretch as he did. "How long do I have to knead it for?" He asked. "You can stop once its smooth." She replied, not bothering to take her eyes away from her cutting.

As he began to knead the dough once more, he couldn't help but ask. "So, how does the daughter of a noble know how to cook?" It was a little strange for him since back at the Fire Nation, daughters of noblemen didn't learn to do so. Instead they hired servants to cook for them.

"Well like I've told you, my father believed a woman's place was at home. And while I hated the endless sewing that was of no use, as well as the etiquette lessons, I did enjoy learning how to cook."

Indeed, the way she had taken charge of preparing everything and ordering him about, anyone would think she had done this before. Even her tea making skills had been alright before Uncle had begun teaching her. Now she brewed tea just as well as his Uncle. Though he would never tell the old man that for fear of breaking his heart. He still fancied himself the best tea maker in the world.

Thankfully, the dough had started to attain a more normal shape and texture. It wasn't sticking to his fingers much, and was becoming soft and pliable. "Is that enough kneading?" He asked over his shoulder, accidentally swiping at his forehead.

Putting her knife down she quickly walked over, eyes assessing the now perfect dough. "Looks good, now start on the carrots." Her eyes shifted from the dough to his face.

A small giggle fell from her lips, one that promptly turned into a full laugh that had her clapping her hand over her mouth and her shoulders to shake.

Zuko frowned. "What?" He asked, looking bemused. Not bothering to answer, and still smiling from ear to ear, the girl grasped his shoulders and turned him in the direction of the small mirror Iroh had installed just beside the front door.

He was truly a sight to behold.

And not in a good way.

Somehow, he had managed to get flour in his hair, and on his cheek. That was nothing to say of the sticky dough that hung from his hair where he had wiped his hand not even a few moments ago.

"Why don't you go wash yourself up before the next task?" Orora offered, patting him gently on the back in a reassuring manner, though she was still laughing softly. He just looked so utterly ridiculous like that.

Normally, Zuko would be embarrassed at such a state, but something about the way Orora's carefree laughter followed him to the wash basin, where he quickly scrubbed his face clean, he found he didn't mind looking like that.

Not when it made Orora laugh like he had never heard her laugh before.

Maybe Orora was right. Maybe he was getting soft.

Or maybe, he was allowing himself to accept her as a friend and letting himself not be defensive around her like he normally was with people.

It wasn't long before almost everything was cooking away on the stoves. "You know its convenient to have a firebender around while you're cooking." Orora mused as she came to sit down beside Zuko where he was struggling to make dumplings. "Why do you say that?" He asked, making a dejected face at the lumpy dumpling he had made.

She smiled, as she began to create her own dumpling with practiced ease, though she did go a little slower so that Zuko could pick up on her steps and follow suit. "Because I can always ask you to lower the intensity of the flame, or increase it without having to struggle with the wood and smoke."

He gave her a look, though he did wave his hand and the fire beneath the stove lessened in intensity. Orora grinned at him, while he allowed himself a smile in return as well.

The both of them continued to make dumplings in a companionable silence for a few minutes.

"Were you close to your cousin?" Orora asked, her curiosity getting the best of her as she glanced at Zuko. "Well, I was more close to him then Azula, so yeah, I guess I was." He responded after a brief moment of hesitation.

Suddenly he smiled. "He was actually the one who gave me my first set of Dao Swords. It was just before he left with Uncle to the war front. Told me he expected to train with me once he returned." Placing another dumpling on the plate, he shrugged. "That last part didn't happen, but I did get really good at it."

She nodded in agreement, smiling softly at him. "Well from what I've seen, you are good." He sounded so proud and eager about his accomplishment. "I'm sure he would be proud of the person you've become." Finishing the last of her dumpling and setting it in the steamer she waited for him to finish up before putting it on the pot of water she had bubbling away to start the steaming process.

"Why don't you go get cleaned up. Its just the dessert left so I'll finish up." Nodding, he walked off to the next room, eager to get out of his flour covered clothes. Humming to herself, Orora quickly fixed up the final touches on her dessert. A little treat with a little help from her bending when the time would come. For now though she simply prepped everything before moving to check on the rest of the dishes. It was nearing sunset now, and hopefully Iroh would be returning soon.

Zuko came out after ten minutes, looking much cleaner in his new green Earth Kingdom clothes. Iroh had insisted they buy nicer clothes for some formal engagement they might have. The two teenagers had been a little skeptical at first, and while Zuko had to be convinced to buy new clothes, he still didn't like the colors, Orora had been quick to pick out a rather pretty light green robe for herself.

"Just keep an eye on the dumplings, and set out the table." She instructed, walking past him. Zuko rolled his eyes at her slightly bossy nature, though he did move to obey her.

Once the table was set, he moved to check on the food. The small apartment smelled amazing, and he couldn't wait to actually start eating. Though when he checked on the broth for the noodles, he did decide to do a little taste test.

Picking up a spoon he scooped up some of the broth. It tasted good, just needed a little more spice.

Spotting the container that held the red flakes, he quickly unscrewed the lid and dropped in a couple spoons. Waiting a couple of minutes to allow the spices to dissolve properly, he tasted it again.

Still a little too bland for his liking. And Uncle's too, he was sure.

So he added another spoonful.

And this time, it was perfect.

Nodding in satisfaction, he allowed himself one more taste of the broth before being startled by Orora. "Zuko!" He quickly put the spoon down, pivoting on his heel, and raising his hands as if to defend himself. "I was only tasting!"

Orora frowned from where she stood. "You just had a couple of fruits, leave some room in your stomach for the actual food." She scolded, reaching up to push her blue dragon hair comb back in place behind her head to keep her hair away from her face.

It was then that Zuko noticed what she was wearing. A long light green robe, that was tied around her waist with a satin sash. The edges of the robe was a lighter green, the same shade as the sash. Her sleeves were snug along her arms. The entire dress was covered in swirling deigns in gold as well as the darkest shade of green.

As she straightened the neckline of her dress, he briefly wandered how she would look were she to wear the clothes of his nation.

He couldn't help but look at her now, he would certainly not be able to look away if she ever wore red. Shaking his head to push away the thoughts, he moved to put the finishing touches on his table set-up. And only turned around in time to see her lifting the same spoon he had been using to give the broth a taste.

His eyes widened. "No, Orora! Wait!"

                                          ————————–

Iroh had seen many strange things over the course of his life. But nothing could prepare him for the scene that greeted him when he opened to door to his home.

There was his pupil, fanning her hands with her tongue hanging out, while his nephew was laughing his head off. A strange but not at all unwelcome sight since he had not heard his nephew laugh like that in a long time.

"I wilth kilth thu Thuko!" Came Orora's voice, slightly distorted since she had her tongue hanging out. Her words only caused Zuko to laugh that much harder, clutching his stomach and nearly staggering where he stood. Still fanning her tongue, Iroh watched as his young pupil quickly picked up the entire bucket of their drinking water and empty it completely.

Granted it was not even half full, but still that was a lot of water.

Once done, Orora set the bucket aside and touched her still tingling lips. "Spirits Zuko! Why'd you go and make it so spicy?!" She demanded of his nephew who was grinning from ear to ear. "Because it's how Uncle and I like it."

The young girl only huffed. "Yeah well that spice level nearly had me breathing fire. You're gonna burn your own tongue off if you're not careful."

Picking up the now empty bucket, she chucked it in his direction, which he caught.

It was then that Zuko realized his Uncle was back. Orora, too, caught sight of him standing in the doorway just then. Despite the sadness that he had felt the entire day, coming home to this, to both of them, lightened his heart more then he had thought possible.

"Mind telling me what is going on?" He asked.

                                          ————————–

The small table was laden with all the food the two teenagers, coughOroracough, had prepared throughout the day. There were fresh dumplings, steaming roast duck, udon noodles, a fruit platter and a selection of vegetables to top the noodles with.

Iroh was frowning in amusement from his seat of honor at the head of the table, as he watched Zuko settle on his right and Orora on his left, on either sides of the table.

Clearing her throat, Orora lifted her gaze to meet her Teacher's. "Zuko, told me what today was." She finally revealed. Iroh glanced briefly in his nephew's direction. "I suppose you would've known eventually, given how close we have gotten over the past few months."

Orora smiled at his words before continuing. "And I know that its a very sad day, but I thought that perhaps we should also celebrate today together. In honor of your son's memory. I'm sure he would not want to see you sad." She couldn't help but reach out and place her hand atop Iroh's.

"I....I hope you do not find our efforts offending in anyway."

She truly looked and felt nervous as she waited for her Teacher to react. Zuko looked at his Uncle and saw the reaction before it came. Iroh gently gripped Orora's hand in both his own and, despite the tears in his eyes, he smiled.

"You have too kind and pure a heart for this world, my dear." He said, his voice laced with emotion. "You have truly been a bright light in our lives since you have come." And though he could never have voiced it like his Uncle had, Zuko did give a small nod of agreement when Orora's blue eyes flitted in his direction.

As if seeking confirmation and reassurance.

She smiled back, wiping away the tears that escaped her with the back of her hand. Reaching into the bag he had taken with him for the day, Iroh pulled out the portrait he had of his son. "Place it on the futon Zuko." He tasked his nephew, who quickly obeyed, setting the portrait so that it would take up the final place at the table.

"Before we begin, I would like to propose a toast." Iroh stated, raising his glass of tea. Orora and Zuko gripped theirs as well, after the former had poured a cup for Lu Ten's portrait.

"A toast to my beloved son, in honor of his birthday." Iroh stated, a sad yet proud smile on his lips as he gazed at his son's portrait.

"A toast to Zuko." He turned the cup to his nephew, who looked a little startled to being addressed like that. "For always remaining vigilant and keeping us all safe, for it is his nature to protect." Orora smiled brightly at the flustered Prince.

"A toast to Orora, for showing my nephew and I the compassion we sorely needed, trusting us when no one else would and making us smile again." A please blush crept across her tanned cheeks as she laughed shyly.

"And to myself." Iroh raised his free hand to press against his chest. "For being the best tea maker in all of Ba Sing Se." He stated in a jovial tone. Zuko shook his head, an affectionate look on his face as he regarded his Uncle. "And for getting us safely to Ba Sing Se." The Prince added. "And for always being ready with a word of wisdom to help the both of us out whenever we need it." Orora beamed.

Their cups held aloft, they toasted one last time before drinking the warm beverage. "Now let us eat."

It was truly a night to remember. With easy conversation and stories shared between the three of them. The highlight of the evening had to be the food, though when Orora brought out dessert it overshadowed everything else.

Using her waterbending abilities, she was able to use the cream and milk to create ice cream. Iroh decided to use jasmine tea as his flavor, while Zuko opted for cherries from the fruit platter. Orora herself added strawberries to her own. She even put on a little show by creating small ice sculptures of different animals and having them move around. Zuko added to the fun by creating small fire obstacles she had to maneuver her ice animals through without melting them.

That was a night none of them would be forgetting for a long long time.

                                          ————————–

Tag List - @wavesofchaos​ @violet-potter​ @rennysketch​ @emma-andrea1 @lovesammikinzz @fuzzyfestcat @msrawog @notsaelty @lust-for-pan @aces-tattooartist @jinxxangel13 @lotr-got @bitterspoons @realrintaro @gatorgirl151 @inutheangel @heartfully10 @lucaaahhh @juniper-july19 @anuttellaa @gfksz

[ekingston]

Your reply on ao3 about your wife’s screenshot and being a cheerleader stuck with me, because I’ve realized I don’t actually articulate enough how amazing some writers (read: you) are. I finished the most recent chapter of soup (after eleven-thousand unacceptable distractions), and I was going to plunk together a quick comment that would absolutely not do enough justice to express the genius I find your writing to be. So instead I opened a google doc and started smashing my keyboard which resulted in a pretty long-winded... something, but allow me to fan-girl for like, a second:

The quality and style of your writing floors me every time. There is an effortlessness about it that makes it totally and completely bingeable but also something that gives a little more each time I read it. For me, it’s the most replayable form of literature: I can go back for the plot, for the character rapport, for the punchy dialogue, or for the voice of the narrator. It fits all the moods. It charms me. It amuses me. I want to hug it.

Your work excites me, and when I think of authors and works that excite me, I’m lumping you in with like, Heartburn which is an all-time favorite for that exact reason: I can binge it in a day or go back and sip on it and discover something clever and witty and just impossibly gorgeous in execution.

And speaking as someone who CANNOT for the life of me write something that doesn’t eventually tumble into a vat of angst, I also just adore the way you manage tension without losing the light-hearted reading experience. Holiday wine is a masterpiece, AND I think Soup is almost better because you juggle so much more: the chorus of characters are taking on their own plot lines, the stakes are higher, you add danger and adventure, you weave a more complex, interconnected storyline, and you massage it all beautifully to act as a supporting cast to the core of the story.

Which brings me to the trope (and a complete tangent): miscommunication. Like, ok look… I usually can’t stand it. But that’s mostly because of the execution: the obvious interruptions, the clear misdirection and disregard for natural intuition, the not asking the right questions, the very blatant ham-fisted forcefulness of it just… I can’t.

AND THEN YOU WENT AND MADE A MASTERCLASS OF IT.

You took every complaint you didn’t know I had and put in the work to make it believable. Kara is charmingly oblivious but not for lack of trying. She perfectly talks past Nia and Alex and Lena not just once but every. time. and every time is just so well-conceived and articulated and *gesticulates hands in the air wildly trying to find the right word* gah. The world of her confusion and misguidedness is so believable and commendable and *gesticulates again* gah. This is the absolute genius of the work. I will give kudos till I’m blue in the face about the story as a whole, but I will die on the ‘Easter crushed the miscommunication trope’ hill.

And this is just ONE EXAMPLE of how you knock it out of the park every single time. I could go on about how solidly you write the characters, how charming your prose is, how epic your one-shots are, or how I don’t even care that I can’t trust your chapter count anymore but this is already a run-on and I'm running out of air.

I don’t know how you write, if there is one draft or a million, if you just stream–of-conscious this into existence, or if you summon the words through a ouija board, but it’s brilliant and commendable and THANK YOU for doing what you’re doing.

so. this message is. a miracle? and you are a GIFT. and i’m not going to be able to elaborate much beyond that, because unlike you, i am terrible; at writing attentive notes, at handling compliments, and—hilariously, maybe, since i’ve finally started thinking of myself as a writer again after a decade of self-loathing false starts—at writing down my thoughts in an easily digestible way.

can i say it’s the nicest thing i’ve ever gotten from someone who isn’t (yet?) a close personal friend? that the timing of it was almost implausibly perfect because it arrived in the middle of the deep breathing exercises i was doing after being made aware of some deeply stupid twitter discourse around Soup that was going on right as i was getting ready to post its final chapter?

i think i’ll stick to the important stuff: like THANK YOU. like how your (AMAZING) note completely obliterated the bad stuff and made me excited not just to wrap up this fic, or even to jump into the next, but about doing it all in the first place. that it was a very needed reminder of what an immensely privileged position i’m in to be able to put something out online that brings people (you) enough joy that you want to come tell me about it. and, obviously, that the specific things you chose to highlight are extraordinarily flattering, and i am absolutely not immune to that kind of thing.

i went back and forth on publishing this ask because it feels almost embarrassing, and boastful. but whatever, you know? you made me feel good about my writing again and provided important perspective and ultimately you put thought and effort and overall awesomeness into it and i’m not going to hide that away when you intended it to be shared.

thank you. SO MUCH.

[jackjackal]

Now...Rec #2 on my Master List...*drum roll*

For #1 on Jack's Master TV Show Rec List Pt 1: Detective Shows🔍 please click HERE!

For a more detailed description for new watchers or those unfamiliar with the show, please click "Keep Reading"...I have a lot to say about this absolute gem :3

OOOOOkaaaay y'all better buckle up cause our second show on the list holds a very, very deep place in my heart.

Here's a little bit on the Hardy Boys Nancy Drew Mysteries:

First and foremost...this show is OLD...old in the best way however!! It's from the 70s...so if you don't like old television...maaaaybe this isn't gonna be for you. Just kidding! Anyone (even those who aren't fans of old tv shows) will like this one! Why?! Because of several, several reasons. Which I will now highlight in the next points:

Shaun Cassidy and Parker Stevenson are not only some of the best looking men (pictured in the gifs above) to have ever graced the screen...they were also LEGENDS of their time. Cassidy made his own music (which is CLASSIC by the way) and Stevenson was a pretty epic surfer (which is also showcased in the show in the most epic of ways). In addition to them...we also were blessed with Pamela Sue Martin as Nancy Drew for the first half of the series. If you don't have a crush on her by the end of the series btw then you are NOT normal haha! While we have some AMAZING lead actors/actresses, we also have phenomenal supporting actors/tresses with Ed Gilbert as Fenton Hardy, Lisa Eilbacher as Callie, and so, so many more!!!

Next reason you'll fall in love with this show...the graphics, while old as mentioned above...are so, so incredibly nostalgic! Even if you weren't around in the 70s (which I was NOT lol), this show will STILL feel nostalgic to you. To me, every time I watch it it's like I'm transported to a different, better world in which I have frizzy yet gorgeous hair, bell bottoms, and a leather jacket that somehow never makes you too hot (lol). But seriously...the show has a sort of magic way of taking you to that time and instantly relieving you of all your worries back here in the 2020s. It's literally insane how much this show can cure my bad mood. Like just watching the theme song takes my day from 0 to 100 (and that's cause the theme song is soooooooo iconic!! They even made fake book covers like the actual book series with the actors' images on them...like omg that's cool!!)

Final point I'll make for the show (cause just like with Case Closed...I could probably write a novel on this show alone) the Hardy Boys Nancy Drew Mysteries is great if not for the awesome monster makeup, plot lines, and zingy one-liners courtesy of Frank and Joe, but for the shear incredible chemistry between all the actors. Like Oh. My. Gosh! If I didn't know they were actors I would not be able to tell that Cassidy and Stevenson weren't actually brothers in real life. Their body language, the script, videography, EVERYTHING works together in this show to really sell that they're brothers. Not only that, but their interactions with Gilbert and all the side characters sell this home as well. Like I know it's all acting, but the looks they give each other and the way they tease each other during the little moments of the show like GAH! It...it just...I don't even have words for how awesome it is. Just go watch the show...you will 100% not regret it!!

Okay....now for the rating!!! I gave Case Closed a 5/5 and this show is no different. I will say that if I could, I would give this one like 1 billion stars out of 5...but I'll keep it simple and stick with the grading scale. 5/5 Stars! 🌟What a GOAT of a show!!

[triumphantfury]

Hi!!! Just dropping by because I was missing your fics so I reread them and now I have to tell you how much I love you. I love you a lot, by the way. Like literally every time I read a chapter of yours I love you more because GAH the writing is so damn good. Ahem anyways thank you so much for the update on Wrapped in Red and I still have to fan myself every time I look at Upside, but I've been thinking the most about "To Suffer a Witch." I don't mean to put any pressure on you or anything but may I inquire on the next chapter's status? Or perhaps just request a snippet? Also when you asked the readers whether or not they'd like an eventual lemon I'd like to vote yes to the lemon. Please. Possibly-Demon Hiccup is hot as hell and I'm greedy. 😅

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful writing with us and I hope you have a wonderful day, week, and at least a virtual cabin in the woods where you can relax, read, and at least think on writing!

Oh boy….

It’s taken me forever to get around to answering this ask, but as the new chapter update is almost complete (after way, WAY too many rewrites), I feel like I can finally post this reply with some measure of confidence. Sorry it’s taken so long. I wish I had a good excuse, but my brain sometimes just shuts me out.

Anyway, after much anticipation, and likely a little cursing, here’s an excerpt from the soon to be posted next chapter of TSaW:

*The next couple days seemed to drag by for Astrid. She felt trapped between a longing to see Hiccup again just to prove she wasn’t mad, and a strong urge to just write it all off as a delusion. Perhaps one brought on by some bad grain or curdled milk. Countless times she’d been sure she heard hoofbeats outside, only to have them grow into a roll of thunder the next second. Or she’d catch a glimpse of a dark shadow approaching on the road, only to have it melt from her sight a moment later as if swept away by the driving rain.

Some small part of her was starting to worry she was actually going mad. Her mood darkening as she channeled her other feelings into straight anger so as to help herself deal with it better. It wasn’t as if she could really speak of it to anyone, anyway. She was still too confused about it herself.

Resigned to bear this burden alone, Astrid had kept to herself as much as possible while trapped inside. Waiting impatiently for a break in the weather when she could distract herself with repairs outside instead. The Lord knows there was always plenty of work to keep her busy. That, and manual labour was better than wasting time dwelling on… Whatever it was that had occurred here the other night.

Fortunately - or maybe unfortunately - she’d soon discovered that the storm hadn’t done anywhere near as much damage as she’d expected given its ferocity. The house, shed, and barn had all weathered fair enough at least. An old tree had toppled near the back of the pasture though. She’d gone out to repair the section of broken fencing yesterday. Her brothers helping her as much as she would allow them to - which mostly meant keeping the opportunistic goats from escaping through the hole while she worked.

It had been while she was winding the last of the rope around the newly set post that Ruffnut had approached her from across the field. Somehow always keyed in to the local to-dos, Tuffnut had heard from one of their other neighbours that some people had started to fall ill in town. The worst of which was little Argh — Mr. and Mrs. Ack’s youngest son, who was not yet a full year into this world.

“Gunnar thinks it’s because of those witches that Trader Johan was talking about the other day,” Ruff stage-whispered over the fence. Her thumb gesturing towards the home on the far side of Mildew’s plot as she glanced around, as if to make sure no one else was within earshot.

“I’d be rather foolish to agree,” Astrid huffed. “It’s likely just been brought on by the rain. We all know that a chill in the air today sets a chill in the bones tomorrow.” Looking away from her gossipy neighbour, she dressed the knot as her father had taught her before pulling it good and tight. Then she stood and gave her work a proud once over. Nodding, as if to show her approval to the craftsman.

“Maybe…” Ruffnut’s hesitant reply trailed off thoughtfully, and she was chewing on her lip when Astrid at last looked her way again. It was almost as if she had something she wanted to say, but wasn’t sure if she should speak it aloud.

“Go on,” Astrid grumbled. “Whatever it is, spit it out.”

“Well, Gunnar told Tuff that Trader Johan said the evil, or what ever it is, would arrive first in the form of a black shadow on horse back…”

“Trader Johan has always enjoyed adding plenty of dramatic nonsense about ghosties, ghoulies, and other such things to his tales,” Astrid felt the need to point out. “He seems to think it makes the stories more exciting.”

“I know,” Ruff agreed. “Thing is, Tuffnut swears he saw a stranger dressed in all black when he was out in the woods yesterday. A stranger riding atop a huge black horse. When he tried to get a better look, man and horse were already gone. Maybe the horse was just really fast, but… Tuff said it gave him the creeps.” Her eyes were shifting all around again as she leaned closer over the fence, and she looked unexpectedly nervous.

“Oh, that was probably just…” Astrid’s words died on the way to her mouth as she thought better of it.

Astrid knew how Tuff felt. The unease of not being sure exactly what you had just born witness too. This did not mean that she should necessarily encourage him to repeat his tale. Especially when she didn’t yet know what to think of the whole thing.

Would it truly be wise to mention it to someone else? The twins had never been known for their discretion, and Astrid’s words would simply confirm Tuff’s suspicions — which he would then feel required to share with every person he came across. At best, it could cause a slight scandal that a young man had spent the night in their home. At worst, the superstitious townsfolk may think the Hofferson clan had entertained something entirely inhuman, instead.

No, it was best to keep what she knew of Hiccup Haddock to herself for now. Surely the others would learn of him soon enough. “Just… because Tuff was busy snacking on unknown mushrooms in the forest again.” Astrid finished awkwardly. Covering her near slip-up with an eye roll, just to be safe, and hoping Ruffnut wouldn’t notice.*

If anyone wants to read it, here’s a link to the rest of the story. Or at least the beginning…lol

[i-aint-nothin-but-a-nasty-dog]

Happy Cursed Event!

thank you @naughtystiel for hosting this and happy 28th birthday!!; I didn't write this with the intention for posting but it fits right in so I thought I'd share this wretched little thing @youmakemewishicoulddisappear and I wrote at 4 in the morning :) is this cursed enough for you?

1089 words, can be read below the cut or here on ao3

rating: Explicit

tags: Crack, a/b/o, non-traditional a/b/o, dom/sub undertones, dom!cas/sub!Dean, blow jobs, bad dirty talk, riding, shameless smut, crack filth, office au, office sex, overuse of ~ symbol, satire, not serious, daddy kink

absolute cringefest travel at your own risk but it's a fun cringefest I assure you

have fun! 🥰

The Boss’ Omega

Dean was the only omega at the office. Castiel was the most powerful alpha there was. He was the boss.

“I need to see you in my office.” Castiel said in a gruff voice.

Dean followed his sexy boss to his office, trembling at the scent of Castiel's pheromones. He had no choice, really, but to follow the orders. Castiel’s alpha nature was too overwhelming to ignore. So, with his tail between his legs, he walked through the door, looking at the ground.

His tail was the most sensitive part of him, and all the alphas in the building loved to tease him for it, coming up behind him to pull it, touch it. No matter how many times he snarled, “Don’t fucking touch my tail,” they ignored the whimpering omega.

Once in his office, Dean took a seat across from his boss’ desk, impatiently waiting for the other man to speak. He was shaking in his seat, his eyes, which change color depending on his mood, were a dull gray-blue, showing just how anxious he was for this talk. Though, the dark colors hid the pink around his irises. He was attracted to this alpha.

“Dean,” The alpha began, “Do you know why I called you in here?”

“N-n-n-n-n-n-n-n-n-n-no…” He stuttered out.

“Gah, you’re so pathetic. Just a whiny little omega who can’t even speak properly. You can’t speak or do your job well, can you?”

“N-n-n-n-n-n-n-n-n-no sir, I can’t. I can never do anything right. I’m not like the other guys. I’m not big or strong. You probably think I’m ugly, too.” He sighed and looked away. 

“You’re right. I called you in here because your performance has been lacking.”

“W-w-what d-d-do you m-mean?”

“I mean,” He started darkly, “I need you to change your performance. Do you think I need to punish you? I think I should…”

“A-a-a-a-a-alpha please…how are you going to punish me?”

“You can start by coming over here and kneeling before me.”

Dean trembled but obeyed the alpha’s orders, wobbling on his feet and stumbling over to where the alpha was sitting with his legs spread in his chair, thick cock already tenting his slacks. Dean licked his lips and knelt in front of him between his feet, looking up at his alpha with glossy, doe eyes.

“Take me out.” He ordered.

Dean gulped hard and went to work. He reached forward and unbuttoned the man’s pants, slowly tugging the zipper down to reveal his long, hard, thick. veiny cock. It sprung out and tapped Dean in the nose, earning a surprised gasp from the trembling omega. He let out a soft whine at the sheer size and girth of his cock. The alpha let out a rumbling groan at his cock finally being free and exposed to the cold air of the office. 

Dean gripped that cock tight and raised it from the perdition of not being touched. 

“Suck it.” The alpha snarled, gripping onto his omega’s hair, pulling harshly. 

Dean whimpered at the order before cautiously taking Castiel’s cock into his mouth, his eyes watering from the stretch of wrapping his lips around the entire girth of it. Castiel got impatient and shoved the omega’s head down, savoring how he gagged around the cock 

“A-a-a-alpha please i can’t take it that hard~ You need to be gentle…”

“You will either choke on my cock or you don’t get it at all and we can be done here. Your choice~.”

“Ngh alpha~”

“Do it or else, little omega.”

Dean moaned aloud and went back to sucking that huge cock. He lapped at the head, making his way down the shaft to where the alpha’s knot was steadily growing. The omega lapped happily at the swollen knot, appreciating the loud groan he earned from his alpha when he did.

“Oh, such a good little slutty omega for me, aren’t you. You’ve wanted to be in this position for a while, haven’t you? I could smell your slick a mile away, always so strong when i’m near. I know you have, little omega, always such a filthy whore for me, huh? Can smell it even now, wanna see how tight that little ass is for me.”

“Oh~ Alpha please~”

“Get up here.”

Dean knew what he wanted and quickly stood to shake his pants and boxers off, sitting himself in the alpha’s lap and slammed himself down to the alpha’s knot, both moaning in unison.

“Oh~ alpha, your cock feels so good.”

“So wet for me, little omega, so tight on my cock. You feel so good on my knot.”

Dean started slamming himself down frantically, riding his cock like his performance depended on it, which it did. 

“So good for me, gonna knot you, fill you with my alpha sperm.”

“Please, alpha, want your alpha sperm, only yours. Never wanted anyone else’s, oh–alpha im–”

“Good omega, cover me in your omega sperm~”

They climaxed in unison, Dean whining with a high voice and Castiel groaning lowly. Dean fell limp on his alpha, satisfied and taking in the smell of his alpha’s pheromones, the scent intoxicating.

“How’s that for work ethic improvement?” Dean asked coyly.

“Not bad.” Castiel grumbles, clearing his throat, embarrassed of how good that felt.

“Good enough.” Dean grunted in reply, slumping further against his alpha.

Then suddenly Gabriel busted in the room with a stack of papers in his hand, ready to throw them on his boss’ desk, planning to stay and chat for a moment. But, no. Instead, he was met with the sight of his boss and coworker, both covered obscenely in each other’s sperm.

“Oh cool I’ll leave you two to it, but lock the door next time.” He left as quickly as he had come in.

“That was your first lesson: no more doing stupid shit like forgetting to lock the door. Next time you do, I’m firing you for real. Dick or no dick.”

“N-next time?”

“Keep talking like that and there won’t be a next time”

“S-sorry.”

“Get out.”

“W-w-w-wha?”

“I said get out. What did I just say about talking like that to me?”

“No! Please! I’ll do anything! Daddy–”

“...What did you call me?”

“D-d-d-d-d-d-d-d-d-d-d-daddy?” He gulped nervously.

“Nevermind. Stay.”

“Yes, daddy alpha.”

“Good boy.” He placed a kiss on his omega’s head, Sighing happily. They relaxed in one another’s arms, enjoying the other’s company. Work could wait, they’re paid a salary anyway. 

Boss makes a dollar, worker makes a dime, that’s why they fucked on company time.

[yorshie]

For Lunette Violettes, please?

6. Does this chapter/fic have any twists that you're proud of?

9. What is your favorite dialogue you've written so far?

11. What scene are you the most hyped for this chapter/fic?

Hello! hehehehe thank you for asking! sticking this under a read more because it got long.

6. .......... >:3 mayhaps. perhaps..... let's just say someone's gotten close with their guesses on what the main problem in the fic is gonna be.

9. “You got hurt because I asked you to help. I’ll do it.” He insisted, cradling her hand carefully, thumb resting over the joint of her own to hold her in place. “I should have put in some styrofoam on that edge, especially since it was probably the same one I nicked myself on earlier.”

Winnie huffed, wincing when he dragged an antiseptic cloth over the line, and she felt the sting travel through her hand. “Gah.” Her hand twitched, but Donnie held onto her limb, letting her instinctively pull it close to her torso before coaxing it back towards him.

“At least I got the nut.” She joked in an effort to lighten the mood, to maybe pull his eyes away from where he was frowning down at her cut.

Donnie paused where he was smoothing a large bandage over her skin, wide thumbs lingering on her skin. He leaned against the table, dropping her wrist down into his lap, still avoiding her attention.”The part doesn’t matter, I’m sure I could have reached it or asked some-”

“Hey.” She frowned, tilting her head to try and catch his gaze. “I’m fine, it’s just a little scratch. I’m up to date on my shots and everything, and besides, I wanted to help.”

Donnie sighed, avoiding her gaze, cutting his head to the side to look at the med kit and fire extinguisher with a sharp inhale. “I didn’t want you to get hurt. I should have accounted for the chance of that type of injury. Things just seem to go wrong whenever I get ahead of myself.”

Winnie took a chance, turned her wrist over in his grip and clasped his hand. Donnie started at the connection, but instead of turning his head down to their joined hands like she expected, he focused in on her face, surprise widening his features.

“I didn’t get hurt because of you, Donnie.” Winnie smiled at him, careful as she reached out with her other hand to join her first in holding his hands. “And I want to keep helping you, I like helping you.”

Donnie’s eyes finally left hers, smoothing downward to take in the way she clasped his two fingers in her grip, before he let his thumbs pet over her knuckles, smoothing over bare skin and bandages in an even motion. 

His hands were cool, a product of being a turtle she supposed, the calluses lining the inside of his palm at the base of his fingers rasping against her skin. She tried not to focus too much on how good his loose grip felt, tried not to think about how his hands swallowed hers whole, or how his thumbs lingered for a long moment before repeating their gentle sweep.

Her breath wobbled, just a touch, fluttering uselessly in her throat before she swallowed it down, hoping he hadn’t heard the little hiccup.

Winnie wondered what Donnie was thinking about, when he refocused on her face and tilted his head, clearly considering something with the way his pupils jumped around her features before settling below her chin. The warmth of his gaze low on her throat was a tangible thing, so much so that she swallowed reflexively, and Donnie’s eyes jumped to the motion before returning to himself.

I uh… I believed I promised you noodles.” He ducked his head, and Winnie released his hands and watched as his thumb came up to fiddle with the wraps along his knuckles. 

11. There is a scene i really look forward to in each chapter, that's my motivation to keep writing! This chapter however, I'm excited to show Winnie discovering Donnie's underground garden and how their relationship is progressing!

[giggly-squiggily]

Ahhh squiggly! I just got a chance to read my request you fulfilled and I loved it so so much!!! And I’m extremely honored you enjoy my messages, I’m glad they make your day better! If Pokémon requests are still open, may I please request another one with Roark? I headcannon he gives really good bear hugs! 10/10 bodies the person (and tooootally dosent spin his s/o) and if it’s not a big deal, can you also do another x reader? But, if your Pokémon requests are full, no worries friend! Just ignore this request and have a lovely day! Thank you so so much!! -⚡️

Aww!!! That makes my heart happy! Thank you friend :) And gah, my heart is BLOOMING! Roark beloved- I always love writing for him! This is beyond precious! I've gotcha covered, friend! Have an amazing day aswell!

There was a lot of things you loved about Roark.

For one- he was an absolute dork about fossils and rocks. He could ramble for hours about the history of various prehistoric pokemon and their habits, forms, and the mythology associated with them. His excitement for said things was incredibly endearing, and he had a way to him that made even what seemed like the most boring aspects entertaining.

He was also incredibly supportive of you in all your plans and decisions. As long as you were doing it for you and weren’t putting yourself in harm's way, he was your number one cheerleader, encouraging you to take risks and being there for you if you stumbled. 

Both in the metaphorical and literal sense. He’s a strong guy- there had been more than one occasion where he carried you home after you hurt or exhausted yourself.

All these are great, but by far your favorite part of Roark came in his hugs. There were two types when it came to the fossil loving redhead: the first was softer- a gentle squeeze when the day’s been long and you needed physical affection. They could last forever if you desired it.

The second was even better.

“ROARK! ROARK I GOT IN!” You all but screamed as you raced through Oreburgh, flying past trainers and workers alike. In your hand you were waving a piece of paper, the words “We welcome you to Naranja Academy” sprawled across the top. “THEY ACCEPTED ME!”

“They did?” Roark, who had come running at your screams, whooped in joy as he gathered you up in his arms, spinning you around as you laughed and laughed. “That’s my (Y/N)! I knew they'd accept you! I knew it!”

“I’m going to Paldea!” You cheered, hugging him just as tight as he let you down on your feet. Then the reality of what was happening kicked in, dampening your mood. “I’m leaving Sinoh..”

“Hey, hey- no tears.” Roark smiled as he reached up, brushing your cheek. “This is a good thing! You’ll finally get to travel like you’ve always wanted!” He pinched your cheek gently. “My dear (Y/N)’s gonna be famous! Don’t forget me when you're the new champion, okay?”

“Ugh, you’re annoying!” You laughed, shoving him lightly. “Really though- I won’t be home for a year. I’m gonna miss you.”

“I will, too.” Finally, a drop of sadness entered his voice, the two of you sharing the moment as the world went on. “But,” he shook himself out of it, smiling once more. “I’ll come visit! Once you're settled in, you can give me a tour of the region and introduce me to all your new friends.”

“Hm, we’ll see. I might be too famous by then.” Yout teased, laughing as he pulled you along, the two of you arm in arm as you walked back to your shared apartment. You were gonna miss him when you were gone. “Promise you’ll at least video call me?”

“Everyday.” He swore, raising a pinky finger.

You tucked yours around his, smiling.

Send me a headcanon and character(s) and I'll write a short 300-500 word dabble for it!

[karahalloway]

This or That - Tag Game

Thanks for the tag @angelasscribbles!

Historical or futuristic?

Historical - always. While I've read/watched sci-fi, it's not one of my favourite genres as I much prefer fantasy (which tends to be more 'historical' in setting). Dunno why... Just always been more intrigued by the past than the possible future. Maybe because there is more 'romance' to it, somehow...

Opening or Closing Chapter?

Ohh... Hard! Opening chapters are great if they can grab your attention and suck you into the story from the first page... but closing chapters can be awesome too if they tie up everything nicely, or leave you on a cliffhanger (in an earlier book - hate cliffhangers at the end of the series/standalone book - I NEED CLOSURE PEOPLE!)

Light and Fluffy or Dark and Gritty?

Dark and gritty - while I don't mind light and fluffy, I don't think I could deal with it for an entire book. Like @angelasscribbles and @jerzwriter said, it is much more satisfying to struggle through the hardship with the character, see what they're made of, and come out of the other side stronger and more mature/aware.

Animal Companion or Found Family?

Gah! This is hard! I love animal companions - they are basically like people! But found family also works, so... Both?

Horror or Romance?

100% romance 😅 Can't stand horror - never could. I have nicer things to do than intentionally scare myself half to death and deal with heart palpitations for 2 hours lol

Hard Magic or Soft Magic?

Not quite sure what this question is asking... But if it's asking whether I prefer 'overt' magic to 'implied' magic, then definately overt magic (magic wands, spells, sparkling light shooting from fingertips, etc.) Because I love the idea of there being more to this world than we can see/touch with our 5 senses!

One project at a time or Juggling 2 or more?

A year ago, I woud've totally said one project at a time. But now I'm in the brave new world of having half a dozen projects on the go at the same time 🫣 So while it's nice to have options to bounce between depending on what mood I am in, I am desperately trying to get this list down to like 2-3 projects max because having to many unfinished things on my plate stresses me out 😅

One award winner or One bestseller?

Bestseller, definately. Partly because (a) I don't think I can write the type of book that would be considered to be an 'award winner', and (b) just because you've written an award winning book does not mean that people actually 'like' you book (as award winners tend to be avant guard in some sense, and deal with 'heavy' topics... at least that's been my experience/impression). I 100% believe that books should be for enjoyment, and I think that's better reflected with a bestseller, as opposed to an award winner.

Fantasy or Sci-fi?

As I said above, definitely fantasy over sci-fi.

First Draft or Final Draft?

Ohh... Hard 😅 While starting a first draft is always exciting, I do love the final, polished aspect of the final draft ever so slightly more.

Love triangle in everything or No romantic arcs?

Love triangle, definately! I much prefer some sexual tension in my fics rather than just platonic interactions. It ups the ante to delicious and juicy heights!

Constant sandstorm or rainstorm?

Rainstorm, obviously. I mean, I don't know about you, but sand sucks. It gets everywhere and it's itchy and annoying and gah! While I don't particularly like being wet, I'd take that everyday over sand - sorry residents of Arrakis!*

*Just because sci-fi isn't a fave genre of mine, does not mean I'm not aware of it lol

Tagging my permas in case anyone else wants to share!

Permatags:

@twinkleallnight @lovingchoices14 @kingliam2019 @petiteboheme @angelasscribbles @aussiegurl1234 @nestledonthaveone @queen-arabella-of-cordonia @tessa-liam @alyshak92 @secretaryunpaid @princessleac1 @walkerdrakewalker @tinkie1973 @twinkle-320 @knaussal @nikkis1983 @lunaseasblog @ficloverevie @indiana-jr @differenttyphoonwerewolf @kristinamae093 @eversoaringqueen12 @peonierose @3pawandme @alexabeta @veebug8 @fangirling12566 @queenmiarys @lancelotsimp @coco-lina-s @lolablackwrites @ivyflowers13 @persephone13 @hollygirl1269 @adri-ja-96 @harleybeaumont @katedrakeohd @uneravine

[darwinquark]

Ugh I never know what to do with myself after you update tkof because I get addicted to it all over again and just want MORE! Are there any shows or movies or fics you know that have the same kind of vibe? Inject those two crazy kids into my veins!

gah, thanks so much! <3

and ACTTUUALLLY, I usually don't have a good answer for this (because I'm not always sure what the vibe of TKOF even is) BUT if you haven't seen it already, I'd give Normal People on Hulu a shot. I finally watched it over Christmas break and even though it's super different in terms of the relationship dynamic (and honestly way better than anything I could ever write), I think it strikes a similar vibe in that it's this moody, intimate, character-driven look at two people who seemingly have nothing in common and aren't supposed to be friends that are just magnetically drawn to each other despite themselves, and it sort of skips forward in time and just focuses on scenes between them/exploring their fascinating relationship in the face of lots of obstacles/conflict, and it's really charged with tension and chemistry. It starts off when they're in high school like TKOF, and she's like this super intense Paris Gellar-type loner and he's this quietly popular jock, but they're both the smartest people in their school and connect over books/can talk to each other in a way they can't with anyone else, and it follows them through breaks in time, re-meeting in college as different people (she's come into her own, he's the fish out of water now), etc. Honestly, the actors are just goddamn phenomenal and I'm not a particularly sappy person but I buy their love SO hard. I just kept repeatedly yelling at the screen 'you are SO IN LOVE'. It's really loaded and human and the characters are incredibly layered and the chemistry is palpable, like you never don't want them to just give into each other, you always want them to find each other again. Such well-done conflict and characterizations and yearning. I never got bored of it. I FELT ALL THE THINGS. So definitely worth checking out if you haven't yet! I will say give it a few episodes to grab you, and err on the side of binging it like 3-4 eps at a time if you can because the tension build is the best part about it.

ALSO, recently got an awesome rec for a movie called "In the Mood for Love" which I still have to watch but apparently has a similar plot/yearning/tension, so that's another one to check out!

If anyone else has any other recs, let me know!

[streamacademe]

Week 178, Day 1240.

Even if 85% of my week wasn’t occupied by work, not much changes week by week in lockdown, so there’s not much to write about. Last night, I stayed up until ungodly hours of the morning, resolving an issue I had with some project data, whilst also eating ham straight out the packet and drinking leftover snowballs from Christmas. That’s about as wild as my life gets at the moment. 

In all honesty, I am extremely grateful for the stage I’m at with the PhD, as the demands of it keep me occupied and keep my mind off thinking about the perils our country is currently in with the pandemic. I’ll probably have serious work withdrawal when I get to the end of my PhD. I do however look forward to having my life back and embracing the excitement of new challenges to come. 

That is all for my ramblings this week!

Thank you to 830+ of you that seem to find what I talk about interesting. 

Photo: PhD mood. Source: Google. 

[jen-with-a-pen]

Honeysuckle ❀ IV

SERIES ❀ PREVIOUS ❀ NEXT

summary: You and Bucky are getting ready for another one of Stark's Signature Events when Bucky finds out his outfit has been sabotaged. Accident or not, pink just might be his color after all.

pairings: Bucky Barnes x Reader

warnings: cursing, embarrassed Bucky, the color pink, sam didn't mean it he was just fucking around, outfit descriptions for reader but little to no mention of body description, fluff and closeness and light touching and slight ✨feelings✨

word count: 1.68k

original a/n: yes this was inspired by the pink met gala look. no i will not be taking further questions. also, just like the other parts of Honeysuckle, this is standalone in this lovely little universe i've managed to create. love u all as always ♥ edit a/n: going back through this one was a delight :3 i like seeing how my writing has grown exponentially since first writing these idiots ♥

a/n 04/2024: hi! i have gone through and rewritten and reformatted a few parts in the fic in order to make it flow better and to ensure it has all-inclusive language in it (this was one of my first fics in the fandom and was not as educated as i am now.) if there are any mistakes, please feel free to DM me and kindly let me know :)

divider by @firefly-graphics | gif by @itz-me-aggie | warning banner by me ♥

my ao3 | my masterlist

Read this fic HERE on ao3! - coming soon to ao3! ♥Reblogs and comments are highly appreciated as always♥

“Bucky, we’re gonna be late!” You called from your perch on the couch. You finally secured the bracelet you’d been struggling with for five minutes when a loud groan answered from behind the cracked bathroom door, followed by a painful, “Goddamnit!” 

You jumped as Bucky’s voice shook his apartment. Cautiously, you rose from the couch and moved to the door, muttered cursing and muffled thuds coming from behind it, freezing when Bucky called your name before you could grab the door handle.

“Uh, yeah, Buck?” You swallowed, nervous, thinking of ways to navigate his tone. You’d never heard him talk like this before. Ever.

Bucky cursed again. “Gah–fuck me– could you go ‘n get Sam?” The icy undertones of his request sent a chill down your spine.

“Wh– Buck, we gotta get going, why would you want–”

“Now, Honey.” 

His demand came stronger than you expected, sending you reeling back from the door. You blinked. He sighed immediately after he checked himself, frustrated, uttering another curse under his breath before trying again.

“Now, Honey, please?” His voice softened, granted there was still an edge to it. You paused, even more confused as to why he wanted Sam, of all people, right this fucking second. The gala was starting in twenty minutes and you were already running behind.

“I– Yes.”

A quiet ‘thank you’ followed you out into the hallway as you made a bee-line for Sam’s quarters. Heel clicks echoed off the tile floor, bouncing off the walls as you quickened your pace, stopping abruptly at Sam’s quarters. You pounded on the door, calling out his name. No response.

“Sam Wilson, get out here, damnit!” You yelled, fists readied for another swing at the door. Just before making contact, the door flew open, revealing one Sam Wilson with a brow cocked and busy hands looping a wine-red tie around his popped collar.

“Damn, Honeysuckle, didn’t know you were capable of using such language,” he tisked. You rolled your eyes.

“Sam, Bucky needs you,” you spat out. Sam paused, brow dropping while a dismissive smirk plastered his face. He didn’t believe you. And, honestly, who would?

Sam scoffs a laugh. “Why? Does he need help oiling his gears?”

He stifled a chuckle but you weren’t in any mood to laugh. You instead lunged, yanking him out into the hallway with you, slamming the door shut. He instantly dropped the act.

“Will you just shut the fuck up and come with me?” You demanded through gritted teeth. For all you knew, Bucky could be suffering from another panic attack. Alone. The mere thought of that made your heart hammer harder. And if being late and Sam’s thick skull hadn’t already pissed you off, that sure as hell did.

“Okay, alright, I’m comin’.” Sam nodded, following you down the hallway, still fiddling with his tie. 

“He’s in there,” you said, pointing to the bathroom door as the two of you entered Bucky’s quarters. Sam led the way, gently knocking on the door.

“Bucky? It’s me, can I come in?”

Not a word was uttered as the door cracked open slowly and a metal-plated arm jutted out, yanking Sam into the bathroom before quickly slamming it closed. You flinched, the small living room settling into silence as you stood outside the bathroom, hands fidgeting with the glittery fabric of your dress. It felt like ages of nothing but incoherent, hushed conversation coming from the other side of the door. At your wit’s end, you were about to yell break the door down yourself when Sam started cackling at the top of his lungs. 

Now you were really confused.

“Honey!” He managed to call between howls. “Get in here!”

You hesitated. Gripping the handle, you cautiously pushed the door open to a scene that was the last thing you could have possibly imagined.

Sam stood by the sink, bent over in stitches while tears brimmed his eyes in futile attempts at trying– and failing– to stop laughing. His suit jacket wrinkled at the waist as he jutted an arm out from his stomach, bracing himself on the countertop. 

“Sam what the fuck–!” you began to scold him, turning your head to Bucky. 

Your jaw dropped.

The hulking ex-hitman stood against the opposite wall with his head bent to the floor, loose strands of hair falling from his slicked-back ponytail. His arms crossed over his chest, failing to cover the source of Sam’s outburst: his bright pink dress shirt. And it wasn’t like a typical white-shirt-got-in-with-the-reds-type pink. No, his shirt was as if a flamingo colored itself with a highlighter and then rolled in cotton candy. Bucky’s face was close to matching the hue perfectly as Sam continued to holler over the bathroom sink.

“Oh! Oh, Bucky,” you cooed, voice wavering as you bit back a smile. You stepped toward him, placing your hands on his sulking shoulders. He dared not to look up from his staring contest with the floor as his face became even more flushed at your touch.

“Hey, Buck,” you coaxed as you gently lifted his chin with a finger, “look at me will ya?”

He sighed, relenting, finally meeting your stare. Baby blues beamed right through you as he held your gaze with sad, puppy-dog eyes you couldn’t resist looking away from.

“How did this even happen?” You questioned him, and Sam, looking between them.

“I asked Sam for help doing my own laundry,” Bucky groaned, “and he told me to just throw everything in. Even the reds ‘n whites.” 

“Sam!” You whipped around, shooting daggers as your grip tightened on Bucky’s shoulders. 

“What? He asked, I helped!” he defended. “Didn’t think he’d actually take me seriously!”  Sam wiped away a tear as he caught his breath, smoothing out his suit. Utterly speechless at the minimal amount of brain cells Sam apparently possessed, and empathetic to Bucky’s situation and sweet, sweet naivety, you sighed as thoughts raced to think of ways to remedy the situation so you all could at least show up by the end of cocktail hour because you really fucking needed a drink.

You looked to Bucky, chewing your lip, searching his features for an answer. Then it hit you.

“Wait here,” you ordered, “both of you.” You pointed to Sam as you made way to the elevator in the hallway as fast as your heels could carry you. Once on your floor, you sprinted into your apartment, hurrying to your closet in search of the dress you remembered immediately dismissing when Wanda was helping you choose what to wear for that night. Something you’d never be caught wearing ever, especially at such a public event. With cameras. And strangers.

Do it for Bucky, do it for Bucky, do it for Bucky.

You stripped your old dress off, leaving it on the floor of your closet as you wiggled yourself into the 'eye sore of the century’– your words, in contrast to Wanda’s literal heart eyes when you’d tried it on– and prayed to anything holy that this would make Bucky feel better.

You raced out the door and back into the elevator, hoping F.R.I.D.A.Y. was the only one to see you. So far.

“Man, hey,” Sam nodded to Bucky, who still refused to look him in the eye. Sam rolled his eyes, heart filling with just a tad bit of guilt for messing with him. 

“Buck–”

“Don’t call me Buck.”

“Okay, you know what? I’m sorry. There, ya happy?”

Bucky grunted in response, shifting his weight as he continued to analyze the tiled flooring.

“Bucky, c’mon, I–” Sam stopped mid-sentence, interrupted as the bathroom door whipped open, revealing you standing in the threshold. Your arms crossed over your chest holding a black suit jacket. A bubblegum pink midi dress complete with a multitude of sequins hugged you as you waited for Bucky to notice. Sam sure as hell did.

“Bucky– Honey– Woah.” Sam straightened, adjusting his tie and buttoning his jacket.

Sam’s reaction snapped Bucky out of his trance. His eyes skimmed from the floor to your heels, eyes growing wider and wider as he made his way up to meet your sharp gaze. Without hesitation, you cocked a hip and threw the jacket at him. He caught it, confused, bewildered, utterly mesmerized. Still clueless, however, he looked down at it then back at you. If he didn’t know any better, he’d be drooling. 

“C’mon Buck, get dressed or we won’t make it in time for cocktail hour,” you huffed, tapping at an imaginary wristwatch. 

Bucky gulped. A deer in headlights. 

Out of the corner of your eye, you caught sight of the biggest grin breaking out on Sam’s face. Without another word, he placed a quick peck on your cheek and snuck past you, closing the door. Finally, Bucky seemed to snap back to reality and did as you asked. He swung the jacket over his broad shoulders, adjusting the cuffs and moving to the mirror. You stepped behind him, observing him over his shoulder as he adjusted his tie. 

“You didn’t have to do this, ya know,” he muttered, his small smirk quickly growing across his lips.

“Yes, I did,” you replied, grabbing his waist and spinning him towards you. Manicured fingers reached for his collar, adjusting it as you locked eyes with him. You offered a soft, genuine smile as you tucked a loose lock of hair behind his ear. He returned with one of his own, a free hand finding its way to your waist while your own slid down to stay on his cheek. Your thumb softly stroked his cheek, smooth from when he shaved that morning. In that moment it was as if you were pulling each other closer and closer with each passing second, the air magnetizing as hands lingered for seconds longer than you both were used to. 

In this light, something inside of you screams at how handsome he is.

You ignore it, though, instead suddenly remembering you both had a gala to get to.“Now, let’s go,” you said, dragging him out of his apartment. “I need a damn drink.”

[intheticklecloset]

Sensitive Wings (My Hero Academia)

One Shot

Shipping: DabiHawks

Summary: While trying to have a fun evening together, Dabi inadvertently learns that his boyfriend's wings are ticklish and - well - how is he not going to take advantage of that?

A/N: I don't write DabiHawks very much, but I like their dynamic and wouldn't mind writing more for them in the future. I personally think this one is super cute. Enjoy! ^^

Word Count: 749

~~~

Dabi was trying to get a lot closer to Hawks than he was currently, but he kept running into one hiccup after another. First it was the guy’s glasses getting in the way, then his jacket, then his wild, unruly blonde hair. The villain had the pro hero pinned down on the bed they’d been sharing for a while now, and he was trying to get flirty and intimate, but it was nearly impossible with all these snags coming up to ruin the mood.

Finally Dabi managed to get to Hawks’ neck and start kissing from his jawline to his collarbone, but when Hawks groaned appreciatively and tilted his head back for more, his wings unconsciously came up to wrap around them both, encasing them in a feathery cocoon, and Dabi first giggled when they brushed along his shoulder blades, then shoved them out of the way in frustration.

“Dang it!” he snapped, sitting up and panting for breath. “How am I supposed to do anything with your stupid wings in the way?”

“I can’t help it,” Hawks argued gently, reaching up to pull him back down. “They’re part of my body. They react just like the rest of me does when you’re being so alluring.”

“Ugh.” Dabi pushed the wings aside, then leaned forward again, trying to pin them down. He watched with mild concern as Hawks’ face scrunched up in response. “Does it hurt when I do that?”

“N-Not…not exactly,” Hawks murmured, sounding strained all of a sudden. Dabi shifted slightly, and the winged hero giggled, gripping the villain’s shoulders. “Gah, it tihihickles…”

“Tickles?” Dabi smirked, curling his fingers in slightly. Hawks giggled again, pushing against him now. “Seriously? You’re ticklish here?”

“S-Stohohop,” Hawks pleaded. For a moment it seemed as though Dabi was going to comply; he let go of the sensitive wings and removed the blonde’s hands from his shoulders. But in the next moment he was pinning Hawks’ arms by his sides and sitting on them, leaving him free to reach forward and run his fingertips along the tops of the hero’s wings without resistance.

Well…almost without resistance.

As Hawks’ giggles grew higher-pitched, the wings began to flap around on their own, much like he’d twist out of the way if his feet or sides were being tickled instead. He let out a whine. “Dabi, plehehehehease!”

But Dabi was far from finished experimenting with his lover. He traced his fingers along the tops of the wings where they eventually connected to Hawks’ back, then outward toward the arch. He dragged his nails through the soft plumes, resisting the urge to giggle himself as they tickled his palms in return. Finally he wiggled up into the wing pits, and that’s when the hero’s giggles became laughter, his squirming turning into kicking.

“Plehehehehehease, stohohohohop! I t-tohohohold you, they’re sehehehehensitive!” the blonde cackled, shaking his head desperately. “Dahahahahabi!”

“Nuh-uh. This is what they get for being naughty and getting in my way while I’m trying to be sweet on you for once.” The villain flashed a smirk that sent excited shivers down Hawks’ spine. “Honestly, seeing you all helpless like this just makes me want to see where else you’re ticklish.”

“No!” Hawks cried even as Dabi moved his tickling fingers from his wings to his neck, making him scrunch up as best he could under the circumstances. “Gahahahad, nohohohoho! Plehehehehease, Dabi!”

“Cute,” Dabi murmured, moving down to his underarms next, then his ribs, pleasantly surprised when pressing into the topmost rib just underneath his underarms made him jolt and toss his head back, teeth clenched to suppress his laughter. “Oh – no, no, no, my dear. None of that. Let it out.” The villain pressed in harder, kneading in tiny circles, and finally Hawks’ laughter bubbled up out of him like a spring. “There you go~”

“Plehehehehehease! Dabi, stohohohohohop! I cahahahahahan’t!”

“Can’t what? Can’t take a little tickling?”

“It’s so bahahahahahahad!”

“Aww, is it?” The villain cooed, sounding not at all sorry. “Well, seeing as your wings ruined the flirty mood, I think I’ll settle for making you beg this way. Sound good?”

“Nohohohohohohoho!”

“No?” Dabi chuckled, leaning down to capture Hawks’ mouth just as he found a new sensitive spot and made the hero screech with laughter. Having his lover giggle and gasp helplessly into his kiss like that almost made the villain combust right then and there. “Too bad, baby. I plan to have a lot of fun with you tonight one way or another~”

[faulty-writes]

miruko x strap!on reader nsfw at dorm?? :DD?

*slides u 100$*

[ I enjoy the fact that you incorporated asterisks into this request. *Deposits $100 into the faulty-writes trust fund* AHEM, now then. More NSFW, well I'm not the best at writing it I'll give this a shot. I'll put this under 'read more' just to be respectful to those in the uh...search tags. Again, I'm not very good at writing NSFW. ]

This started when you called her bluff. Though Rumi and yourself had a consented agreement to explore various sexual aspects with each other. She seemed the tiniest bit shy when it came to the idea of being not only dominated but penetrated with a strap on. "Pff, I can handle anything you dish out pretty face! Try me!" she was always a stubborn one.

Rumi was never one to back down from a challenge and the sight of the headstrong bunny on her knees with her delicate lips wrapped around the silicone cock that made up the strap-on had you smirking out of sheer pride. Of course, she was glaring at you the whole while but this was easily fixed when you fisted your hand into her beautiful white hair and made her gag on the dildo.

The first time you tried to penetrate her was a disaster. Rumi insisted on doing it on the bed but not before she prepared herself and while you enjoyed the sight of her fingers sliding in and out of her cunt. You couldn't resist teasing her with the rubber tip of the strap on. However, the mood quickly turned sour when you first began to push it inside of her which prompted her to complain.

The second time you made the choice to prepare her yourself. "Hey! Why are you adding an extra fin-gah!" she was a bit resistant at first. But eventually, you felt her relax and her cunt tighten around your digits. Her clit impatiently twitched and she arched her back when you decided to teasingly circle it using your thumb.

You covered the strap on with lube and ground it between her pussy lips, wanting to tease her just enough so she'd beg for a fuck. But your plans failed when she snapped, "Just put it in already!" but you nonetheless granted her wish. The way she clenched her jaw to conceal the moans that were threatening to escape almost made you want to bottom out in her.

After some less than pleasurable arguing, you managed to find a position that pleased Rumi. She looked beautiful lying partially on the floor with her white hair pooled behind her head and her ears flopped down. But you enjoyed the look of her perky pink nipples the most, they were hard and practically begging for attention.

At times, without warning, you'd thrust your hips and bury the entire length of the dildo inside of her which caused her to arch her back and cry out. But you always clamped your hand over her mouth and instructed her to be quiet, "Pff, y-you think I give a damn if...a-anyone hears, p-pretty face!?" your only reply was continuously thrusting into her, hard and deep.

When she was in the doggy position with her luscious backside in the air you'd take joy in not only penetrating her from behind. But, on occasion, you'd reach over in the midst of thrusting to grab a portion of her hair. "Think...t-that'll teach me anything-ah...pretty face!" she'd snap making you chuckle, it was adorable seeing her attempting to be in control.

On occasion, you'd make her beg for it. But due to her stubbornness, she was quite hard to break. Still, when you managed to get her in that desperate state she'd spread her legs open to reveal her twitching cunt. "Just...stick it in already! Give it to me, damn it!" and you'd grant her wish happily.

You enjoyed the way her breast bounced when you granted permission for her to ride you. The desperate look on her face and the way her mouth would hang open, unable to cease the moans as she continued to impale herself onto you was glorious. "Damn it...I'm cumming and don't you dare stop me, pretty face! Unless you want a broken jaw!" she'd threatened before throwing her head back and finally letting go.

[ravenadottir]

Hello my dear! Can I just say GAH DAMN I LOVE YOUR WRITING!!! I love your style and the way you write the characters makes them feel alive???? Idk how to explain it but I always love reading whatever you write!

I was just wondering if I could ask for a lil scenario? Like “Season 2 characters in a horror slasher movie”. Like who would be what stereotype (the jock, the popular girl, the nerd, the goth, the bully, the rich kid, the basketcase, etc.) who would be the killer(s)? Who would be the final girl (the classic slasher movie trope) I personally think it’d be MC but I’m just biased 🤡✌️. Who would trust/team up with who? Who would die? Who would be in a relationship with who?

I just thought it would be interesting and fun to see your take on this! Thank you so much for your time!!! 🥺💖

YOU CAN'T JUST COME IN HERE WITH ALL THIS LOVE AND NOT TAKE SOME (ALLLLL) BACK!! ✋😭 please, this is just so lovely, and absolutely wholesome so i appreciate it so much!!

OH MY GOD I LOVE THIS! i have to answer this right away, there's no other alternative, cause horror movies (particularly the bad ones) are my favorite so i'm truly into this!

let's insert the og girls and boys in a CLASSIC slasher movie scenario because there are many archetypes i enjoy making fun of, then some of the casa people, cause you know damn well who blake is gonna be, it's not a huge mystery... lol

((future ravena here. i went waaaaaaaaaaay deep into this, but i had so much fun, so thank you so much for sending this ask!!))

mc - yes, she's always the main character. the sidney of our 'scream' that will tear up when finding out one of her friends is a monster, and be looking around so disheartened and lost. her tears glisten like diamonds and she's so pure and can't do no wrong, until she has to fuck someone up, suddenly her 100 pounds body can carry a fucking gary size person and manage to run with them on her shoulder. and that's on *horror movie magic*

hope - the leader, the smart kid that will come to the conclusion they're about to die but had to step out for a second, only to come back on the last minute and save mc and herself, being the "other one that survived". their picture is some of sort of monument in the school now. also, she's probably in love with the main boy that is in love with mc but didn't say anything because "mc is my best friend and well..." delicately looks wistfully at the boy. "she deserves to be happy. she deserves the best." even though mc is clueless about the boy's feelings but i digress. she'll probably eliminate the killer at some point.

lottie - the one that will drag the stupid one to bang in the middle of the forest, and she'll fight for her life BUT WE ALL KNOW THAT STICK WON'T KILL THE UNKILLABLE. she'll also trip on her heel because she insisted that spot was a dump but was still in the mood of banging with a possibility of getting ticks and for that, she's gone! her makeup looks immaculate though, even with sweat all over, dirt that comes from the ground won't smudge that lipstick, my child!

hannah "i'm the one that sees herself as the quirky relatable girl even though my parents have more money the can count and no one, absolutely no one, really likes me for me, only for the MANSION i have in the middle of the woods and the possibility of using it from time to time so in true reality i'm just a sucker" nerdy girl. won't survive long enough and she'll be making remarks about a classic like 'romeo and juliet' and the public can't stand her. she's gonna die on one of the group's traps, BET. JUST REALLY BET!!

marisol - the logical thinker that will think everything wrong. I'M SORRY, BUT COME ON!! she'll be making calculations and guesses on who the slasher is and get it wrong every time, just like most of us because she does make a compelling case! she's also the *obligatory* bisexual that guys in school often ask to be on a threesome and she calls them troclodytes or something. not wrong, just... REALLY OVERUSED.

priya - the HOT GIRL that everyone wants and somehow doesn't get around because she's also in love with mc. enough to make CLEAR SAPPHIC COMMENTS THAT OUR DUMB MC DOESN'T CATCH ON and leaves every boy jealous at the same time. she's the roomate that dreams of pegging mc in their dorm but can't seem to shake that crush/love because... reasons. her screen time is not long but she'll be caught in a kiss with marisol and they'll both die because of their *horniness*. it's ALWAYS because of their horniness.

noah - HE'S THE MAIN BOY, DON'T AT ME. "he's so quiet, and i always wondered what was going on inside his head because..." the mc sighs and chuckles embarrassingly while doing a voice over as he *dreamily walks by her and smiles toothless smile "... he would never let it out through his mouth. i was always left to wonder...". he's absolutely the kind of guy that would offer his own life for mc because *he's been secretly in love with her* even though every single person in the movie and out of it knew it, so it's not a huge revelation.

gary - this is the jock. the second variation of it. the one that will find an exit and not go to shit right away. this one "is different because despite being so popular i would often see him around campus carrying books." said the mc, in a dreamy voice. this is the boy that finds the way out but doesn't escape the slasher and trades his life to save his friends (and by 'friends' i mean the people he's in the cabin for the weekend because that bond is now indestructible for some reason!) but he's shit now. stupidly didn't use the other door even though IT WAS RIGHT THERE and he could've walked out just fine, but noooooooooo!!!

bobby - the 'class clown that never gets laid', but when does, he's a goner. he'll die before he can spell "moan" and i quite frankly won't miss him in this scenario. he's a bit dumb and will take TOO LONG to figure out the noise coming from the bushes is not a prankster trying to stop his action, and he should stop humping the girl and run! they won't because his boner is bigger than his brain and i won't miss him. none of us will.

ibrahim - this boy is also in love with the mc, but you know right away that despite everything he does to catch her eyes, nothing works. that's because the "main boy" role is taken. he's best friends with him though, and the one to say "RUN, MAN, RUN!" he grabs his friend's shirt to look him in the eyes and say "please... save her." like... he could run just fine, but someone had to die and mc didn't really wanna bone him because he's *a friend*, so he'll be left to perish.

lucas - he might be the infiltrated killer man, just sayin'! he doesn't have patience for much shit and has a *traumatic past* that will turn him into the "i lost my entire life because of these people, and now?! now i get to have everything back, mc... everything..." he circles her a few times, probably has her tied up in ropes, looking at his weapon of choice as if it was the *most interesting object he's ever seen* and bam, stoner comes in through the window just in time to realize his *posh boy best friend* is the bad guy.

henrik - THE STONER. do i have to explain even further? no, right? he's also a little funny but he's definitely the stoner! he's crying when he realizes his friend is the killer and keeps saying stuff like "am i dreaming all this??" he was also pegged by mc at some point and has a *undying crush* on her, therefore he needs to die too. it's a shame because he's the public's favorite and will come up with a temporary solution to escape that will only save mc, hope and noah. he also has a final stoner catchphrase and you'll be thankful he's actually gone now because the phrase is so damn stupid!

blake - the cheerleader that everyone cheers when dies. i think when the artist drew her he thought "yes. she will, someday, feature a post on tumblr, by a fan of this game, and they WILL bring her to life as the bitchy cheerleader that deserves to die because she's 50 shades of terrible at any given moment." i can actually picture their satisfied smile too, because... blake was born for this. she's definitely shown under a different light because she decided to bang the class clown, but like, it's not redemption enough. the public is just happy she's gone! she's always making cruel remarks about the nerds, the stoners, she is the jock's girlfriend but has been cheating on him with class clown for a while. "i can't break up with him, bobby... i have a rEpUtAtiOn."

carl - the tech nerd that somehow knows programming, coding, how ancient elevators work, physics, chemistry, he builds bombs, weapons, harvesting tools and more, AS IF ANY OF THOSE WERE RELATED and somehow saves the main boy and girl long enough to be caught in a trap of some sort. he's also very much in deep love with mc and has a tendency of *hiding his feelings through snare comments* directed to main boy. "he doesn't even know how deadly the combination of chlorine and sodium sulfate can be." ah, the combination of chlorine and sodium sulfate, the true way to a girl's heart... anyway, he dies, right after providing them with shelter that he managed to build with his bare hands in a 10 second montage. he'll also say, choking on his own bodily fluids "i never thought you were good for her... save her... prove me wrong." AND BAM, DEAD.

kassam - he's the guy lottie drags to the forest to bone, and no one really knows him well, or even cares. he's just there and will have one (1) moment of enlightenment of his character but in reality he's just there to be friends with the jock and make fun of the stoner. definitely the goth kid that is introverted and went on this trip because he needed some time off. probably will die before an orgasm too, which is... his destiny.

hannah "i figured you all hated me so i decided to fake my death only to make you pay for what you've said/done because i was just an innocent child that read books and tried her best to be friends with you, only to be shut down in every opportunity, so now? now the outside thinks i'm dead and lucas is to blame for. don't worry, our favorite rich boy is gone too... and i'm surprisingly strong for my size and will fuck you all up because *revenge* and *rancorous feelings* and *plot* and run, mc, run..." her dialogue will continue even though it's quite clear mc can't hear shit, but somehow, midst adrenaline and running, and the fact that homeboy noah could take her down, she has an axe so they must run. "run, mc... run from your past... from the bad decisions, from the girl that only thought you were a good friend but you were also just as unfair as the others!" she has a bat, big knife, saw, who cares at this point? it's huge and clearly too heavy for her 90 pounds body to carry but it doesn't matter, because she's not hannah anymore. "i'm now reborn from my pain, and will make you pay..." she finds a short cut and meets them in the front of the forest, close to the highway, walking slowly enough to make you think "how the fuck did this stick figure got there so fucking quickly" only to say "boo" and shoot her shot.

THIS IS WHERE HOPE COMES IN WITH AN EVEN BIGGER WEAPON, and you're left wondering "was she there all along? was she listening in waiting for the perfect opportunity to jump in? is she pretending to be friends with mc only to eliminate them as well? i don't know who i can trust anymore." but she just hits hannah's head well enough to earn them *some time* to run, only to be caught by a police officer that finds them sprinting towards the highway.

he searches the woods for the girl, but can't find her. "she won't be able to survive these woods. there's going to be a cop car in every entrance, waiting for her" as he offers mc the usual blanket and a plastic cup of water.

hope, noah and mc are now going home.

a year later mc is moving in with noah because that traumatic experience led her to realize she was in love with him all along, and hope is tagging along because "i can't live without my best friend."

the mailman comes to the door as she carries the *smallest* package you've ever seen as if it takes so much effort, and then hands her a letter.

"dear mc, i hope this letter finds you in good health. good enough to last until the next time we meet."

the screen closes in, enough for you to see her *perfect flawless skin* and eyes somehow watering so much despite her mascara not running, and then bam! a scream comes from inside the house and the credits roll with a good charlotte, my chemical romance, sum 41 or blink 182 song from the mid 2000's.

[giggly-squiggily]

For the HTD, I headcannon that when Archie gets stressed at work, Shelly and Matt end up tickling him to get him to perk up! :3 (Of course, playful as he is, he’ll get his revenge >:) )

OOO, how I love a good Lee!Archie moment! I've gotcha covered, anon! :D

“Don’t sweat it, Archie! We’ll catch the next one!” Matt raised a hand to slap Archie on the back but stopped, deciding against it. “So uh…yeah. No real loss, right?”

Archie didn’t respond, merely continuing to glare at the open sea. His rod was bent, the fishing line snapped after another Feebas chewed through it. When did these things even get teeth? A loss like this wouldn’t normally bug him, but it’d been a long, long day of endless failure underneath a burning sun. His mood had officially plummeted like his success rate.

“Come on- let’s head in for the day. Clearly nothing’s biting- no need to roast.” Shelly called out to them, arms crossed as she came to stand next to Matt. “We can try again later if we must.”

“I just need one more-” Archie began just as his rod twitched. Had something bit? He went to pull-

Only for it to snap, the top half falling into the sea.

Silence followed. And then…

“Load up, everyone. We’re calling it.” Archie, thoroughly defeated, turned to his crew. “Whatever’s in these waters clearly aint what we’re looking for.”

Voices of “Sir!” and “Finally!” echoed around them, adding a heavy slump to Archie’s already dropped shoulders. Today was not his day it seemed.

“Don’t beat yourself up, Boss- we’ll get you a new rod.” Matt offered, watching Archie take his seat on the nearest bench, rubbing his eyes. “That one was old, anyway.”

“I don’t think it’s about the rod, Matty.” Shelly took a seat beside Archie, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Come now, Captain- we can’t have you sitting here all glum. What would it do for the crew’s moral?”

“Not glum. Just tired, that’s all.” Archie slumped further like a weighted doll, disappointed. He was so down he missed Matt and Shelly’s shared look, followed by twin grins.

“Well- we got just the thing for that. Ready Matty?”

“You bet, Shell!”

“What are ye- GAH!” Archie jerked upright as fingers attacked his ribs, drilling into his torso with various pressure. The frown has sporting quickly faded away into a giggly grin as he squirmed between his admins. “Noohohohohow hohohoohohld on juhuhuhuhst a miihihihinute! Dohohohohohn’t dohoohohohooho thahhhahahhahat! Ahehahahaha!”

“Sorry, Boss. Gotta fix you up before you get too depressed.” Matt laughed as he went for Archie’s neck.

“Can’t have the great Archie glum while he leads our crew now, can we?” Shelly cooed, focusing her attack along his armpits.

“PFFFT-GEHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHHA! *snort* AHEHAHAHAHA! OOHOOHHOKAY HOOHOHOKAY STHAHAHAHAP!” Archie reached out, grasping them both and pulling them into his chest, effectively ending their tickling. “Heh..hehehe…yohohou two are dehehehvils!”

“You loved it.” Matt laughed, pleased.

“Yes, now let us go- you smell like bait and sweat.” Shelly wrinkled her nose, but her voice was warm.

Archie did- eventually. He was glad he had them by his side.

Send me a headcanon and I'll write a dabble for it!

[fiercely-raging-writer]

since i kinda miss seeing you around, jai, (sksksk), i'd like to know on how you're doing! feel free to ramble! :3 - 🔮⛈

[fkjdfjkjdhks!!!!!! axkjhjsfjssjkd /pos] i'm doing okay, i guess? i've not been doing really good for the past week or so, but today i finally took a Proper Shower and went out for a run and lost to my twin in basketball, and i read a little bit of this really neat book called why fish don't exist and i'm starting to feel a little bit like myself again. right now i'm going to go watch the mid-season thingy of the flash [i'm at s2 and i have 1 friend who's seen all of the arrowverse and REFUSES to tell me who the villain is like. mean] and try and use my non-existent detective skills to figure out the identity of zoom. i am very bad at guessing btw but if you try long enough you WILL get it right. i think. i hope.

also, yesterday, i watched knight and day!! and tom cruise was SO good in it i have a problem. i keep watching silly little movies and being a silly bisexual. it's funny. a little. and!! today i picked out like four books to read, and turns out all of them were sciencey books, which i find amusing because i Love Science and i have so many science books. like dkjdkjdfks. AND i found my superman blanket!!! [i am a five year old. gah. anyways]. i also wrote some today :D and worked on a couple of short stories, one featuring a neurodivergent protagonist who's gotten wrapped up in a murder [by accident] and one that's got greek mythology roots [ICARUS. it's, boiled down to the very basics, an icarus fanfic. but it's so much more than that i think] and one that's a retelling of romeo and juliet [because of these violent delights] but this time it's sapphic and they might not die actually. idk depends on what my mood is the day i finish writing it.

AND [this is my last and, i promise, i think this got a little Too Rambly whoops] one of my plants, his name's hector, has two more kids!!! he already had one little kid that i gave a pot too, her name is olivia or liv for short, [yes i name my plants, like i said, five year old] and the other two are going to be ready to have their own pots in a bit!!!! :DD i'm really excited to be naming them and giving them their own pots [i'm calling them twins btw] because after them, this means i have 11 plants in total :DD

how are you doing? how has your day been?