#I don't think I posted the WIP to tumblr but this is the same fic as Akira wishing Akechi happy flat fck friday next to the manta rays

[tricksterlatte]

Making memes for my own fanfic WIPs since they bring me joy. I’m so sorry, Akechi

[musical-chick-13]

"Truly GOOD works don't have thriving fandoms because people aren't interested in fixing them, so what do they have to write fics/make art about."

Idk about you, but I don't write fic for properties I don't genuinely enjoy and think are, on some level, actually good.

[citrus-moonlight]

As I often do, I've seen a few posts going around lately lamenting the lack of interaction with fanfiction/fanart here on Tumblr as well as AO3, but after reading a particular comment last night I just need to say this:

If someone tells you that the lack of response to sharing their writing is making them feel so upset that they're thinking of quitting writing altogether, don't tell them that's not a good mindset to have and they should just have fun with it and write for themselves. (have you just tried not being sad? you'll feel so much better!)

Even if you're a writer who felt that way once upon a time but then you changed your mindset so that you don't rely on others' feedback for validation and now you're so much happier, that's not helpful. Because that's obviously not what the person who is feeling sad and defeated is able to do right now, and for most writers/creators that's never going to be possible.

And it shouldn't have to be.

Especially here. Especially fanfiction.

Fanfiction is something that's created because someone loves something and wants to share it with others who love the same thing. And this is specifically a fandom space, somewhere that is supposed to be a community where discussion and dialogue can and is encouraged to happen between the people who write and the people who read. So when there's radio silence when you share something in this kind of space, do you really not see how that would be discouraging?

Because of course I write for myself - I would never get anything down on the page if I didn't - but I share because ultimately I want someone else out there to read what I wrote, and with any luck, to get some joy out of it. But if no one tells me they did, how am I supposed to know? As far as I know I've just been yelling into the void. As far as I know, all that work wasn't worth it.

A metaphor I've seen as an example is that it would be like having someone invite you over and cooking an entire delicious, heartfelt meal, you eat it all without saying anything, and then just leave. Do you not see how that would be upsetting?

We put so much of ourselves into what we write, bits of our hearts and souls and the things that we love and are exploring and are interested in or confused about. It's such a vulnerable thing to share something you've created, so when you tell someone that they shouldn't care if someone else reads what they wrote or tells them that they liked it, you're dismissing a very real and valid experience for so many creators out there.

Because regardless of how slow or fast a writer is, or how big or small their fandom is, it's still hard and takes time and energy and dedication and love - all of it in between our day to day lives from the mundanities to the heartbreaks - to even get something to the point where we're comfortable sharing.

Now, I know that not everyone thinks that writers are silly or selfish or entitled when they ask for feedback. Before I started writing again after many, many years, the main reason I didn't really comment on fics very often wasn't because I didn't think that the authors deserved feedback, it was more that I didn't really think that it would matter. That my comments would just be noted - if read at all - and brushed aside and then they would continue on about their day.

I could not have possible been more wrong. You might think you're just one person and it's just one comment but it's amazing how it can turn a day (or week, or month) around. How it can encourage someone to finish a story, or make a connection they'd been struggling with, or even just manage to add 500 words to a WIP. It is truly incredible to hear that someone loved something I wrote, and if you've ever commented on or reblogged one of my fics, please know that it truly means the world to me.

I've gone through a rough time with all of this lately myself, but I'm doing a bit better now (for the moment), so I just wanted to say this, in part to remind myself when it inevitably gets hard again:

If you're reading this, whether you're a friend or you've never seen me on your dash and never will again: I'm sorry it hurts right now. I'm sorry you feel discouraged and lonely, that it doesn't feel like it's worth it anymore, that you're struggling to find a reason to continue.

But I desperately hope that you keep writing. I hope you keep sharing. You're worth it. I know it's hard, and if you don't want to and you're just tired of the cycle of giving so much of yourself and getting so little in return, I understand that, too. It's ok to be in your feelings about it, it's ok to feel drained by it, and even though knowing you're not alone in your experience doesn't change anything and it still sucks, it's normal and valid and there's nothing wrong with you feeling the way that you do.

But I hope that you are able to find the joy in it again, because you deserve it. ❤️

[welcometololaland]

10 things - 2024/2025 edition

happy new year, everyone! 2024 has been a year of change for me in so many different ways, and i've posted very little fic this year, mostly due to writers' block and time constraints. so, instead of doing the writing round up i thought i'd list 10 things i'm grateful for in 2024 (fandom edition) and 10 things i want to do in 2025 (also, fandom edition). please feel free to make your own if you wish! consider this an open tag 🏷️

2024 - things i'm grateful for (in fandom, in no particular order)

1. my ride or die friends who deal with my self doubt and breakdowns and (being 100% real) paranoia about situations that simply don't exist - @rmd-writes @celeritas2997 , the popcorn squad and others. wouldn't be writing without your support!

2. the writers who have trusted me to beta for them - @heartstringsduet @basilsunrise @rmd-writes i think i'm forgetting some (so sorry if so). michelle, being with you through first aid was such an amazing experience, and i feel so lucky to have seen you develop as a writer!

3. the people who have read my fics and encouraged me including the wip wednesday and seven sentence sunday tags! - i literally would not be anywhere without you. you actually give me life.

4. the friendships i've made on discord with people who just wanna know me for me and share little snippets of their lives - @reyesstrand and @heartstringsduet the little squirrel photos y'all send me are soul soothers for real! @st-elle-ar and @clottedcreamfudge and @lightningboltreader and @birdclowns for the cat pics! @howtosingit for your commentary and spoiler services 💜

5. the grace given to me by @carlos-in-glasses and @actual-sleeping-beauty - you two are so kind and encouraging and tell me all about your knitting projects even when i go missing for weeks on end. thank you for being my friends <3 and i don't even think you guys know you are both my yarn obsessed friends but you ARE.

6. everyone who has trusted me enough to collab with them on projects - the legends on never the same twice, @rmd-writes @strandnreyes. i loved working with you and i hope you had a positive experience! looking forward to more collabs in 2025.

7. the document gremlins, betas and sensitivity readers i've collected this year - @rmd-writes @strandnreyes @lightningboltreader @celeritas2997 @cold-blooded-jelly-doughnut ty ty ty ty some of those fics were in danger of being lost forever but we revived them!

8. @she-walked-away for making me laugh with your hilarious posts and olympia2997 who apparently doesn't exist on tumblr but leaves the most unhinged comments of all time on my fics.

9. everyone who has translated my fics or made art or gifs this year! inspired by you and in awe of you! @donghaian @whatsintheboxmh @heartstringsduet @guardian-angle22 i know there are more i'm so sorry if i've not listed you here!!!

10. everyone in the various fandoms i'm in who have created brilliant works in 2024! i am inspired by your work more than you know <3

2025 - things i want to do (in fandom, in no particular order)

1. read more, and read more broadly. expand my horizons a bit. read things that are a touch outside my go-to zones just to test the waters. read stuff by new authors!

2. spend time co-writing because that's actually my favourite thing to do. i have some things in the pipeline with a couple of people which i hope work out!

3. finish. the. damn. fic. (eurotrip). IT'S SO FREAKING CLOSE.

4. spend more time with my 2019-2021 beloveds - alex and henry. write more rwrb fic. engage in the fandom a bit more.

5. finish the ring-in 2.0 within 1 month of the LS finale (weep).

6. take one hand off the wheel with fandom relationships - my therapist tells me i need to stop trying to control how everyone feels about me and instead let people show me the kind of friendship they're interested in maintaining. scary because i think i may lose some people along the way but OH WELL WE BALL.

7. worry less about the engagement! god! i need to stop looking so much! *shakes fist at self*

8. write a little more regularly with less word count expectations.

9. learn how to be okay with smaller comments (from myself). sometimes i feel terrible if i don't write a damn essay but sometimes it stops me from reading which is horrible!

10. be a better fandom contributor than i was in 2024 - i think continuous growth is important and i'm always open to feedback (as long as it's constructive and genuine)! my mission is to always make a positive contribution and to make people feel good about themselves, and if i can even do that for one person in 2025, i think i will achieve this goal.

ty for the 2024 wrapped tags @hippolotamus @rmd-writes @reyesstrand @emsprovisions @nancys-braids @carlos-in-glasses @lemonlyman-dotcom @alrightbuckaroo @strandnreyes @thisbuildinghasfeelings @whatsintheboxmh @heartstringsduet @firenati0n @cha-melodius. you are real ones! consider this a tag back if you would like to do a 2024/2025 10 things edition.

[mmmichyyy]

🌸 gallavich fic rec list 🌸

welcome to my 2023 fic rec list! i went through my ao3 bookmarks and my tumblr tags from this year so here's some (not all, or else this post would go on forever) of my fave (new & older) one-shots, completed multi-chaps, wips & ficlets <3

make sure to check out my 2021 list & my 2022 list ! since i'm not going to include fics i've mentioned before in this year's list :)

& don't forget to check out @gallavichfanficlibrary @gallavich-fic-club @gallavichthings @thegallavault for more recs plus @galladrabbles & @gallavichmeta too ✨ let's go!

one-shots:

doesn't matter where we go by @heymacy (The boys take a road trip.)

to think that we could stay the same by teatrolley (post-breakup au, but Mickey gets out of prison, Caleb doesn't exist, and we get really into their past and Ian’s (struggling) head)

of going home by @lalazeewrites (Valiant has taken the greatest fall from grace the superhero world has witnessed in years. The Shrike is an unregistered vigilante who doesn't even ping the radar of Chicago's crime fighting scene. Ian is forcibly put on leave from his job and returns to the Gallagher house, a failure all over again. Not only does he not know what Mickey does when the world goes dark, he doesn't know that Mickey is still living southside at all. Not since the events of eight years ago.)

quiet by @babygirlmickey (In the quiet of a perceived absence of scrutiny, Mickey can be incontrovertibly tender. Or: 5 times Mickey lets his guard down, as observed by various third parties.)

all i need in this life of sin (is me and my husband) by literatii (As embarrassing as it might be, Ian is not only his husband but also his best friend, and Mickey is pretty damn okay with that. Why the fuck would he find other people to do the exact same shit with that he already does with Ian, minus the fucking, when he can just do that shit with Ian plus the fucking? It makes no sense. Or: Ian wants the two of them to have more friends. Mickey doesn’t.)

thirteen hours by @crossmydna (Ian has known for thirteen hours that he’s not crossing the border with Mickey, so he makes the most of the time he has left with him.)

queen of decatur by jaxington (“How’d you know that?” Ian asks, smelling chum in the water, the observant little fuck. “Not like your brothers are getting sent to lady prison all that often.” Mickey thumbs at his lip, trying to find a way out of this conversation. It probably wouldn’t be too hard to distract Ian just by taking of his pants, but he is trying this new thing where he actually tells Ian what’s going on in his head. “No.” He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. “It’s my mom.”)

like strings of fire by @gardenerian (mickey finds a safe and colorful way for ian to indulge himself when hypersexuality rears its ugly head.)

the needle and the burning body by squash (jesuisgourde) (Mickey had two burning torches for hands but he knew what to do with them. Ian's head was on fire and all he knew was how to run and keep running. How to find a cliff and jump off. How to make Mickey chase after him, again and again. And in a cold cell in prison, Mickey catches him.)

some fucked up romcom by godisthedice (Two years after they locked him up, Mickey told himself that he was done with Ian fucking Gallagher for good. Two years as a free man and he's marrying him for all the wrong reasons.)

when the sun goes down by @sam-loves-seb (super cute and fluffy lifeguard au!)

lava java by @stocious (He's being really unprofessional. Mickey might not even be gay. He might be hitting on a straight man through takeout cups.)

here's to hoping i'm not what kills you by @crestfallercanyon (After a confrontation gone bad, Mickey and the Gallaghers get Ian to the hospital. And look, Mickey always knew that if the Gallaghers had a will they'd find a way, but being roped into their schemes himself wasn't something he'd planned on signing on for. All the Gallaghers need to know is Mickey's helping out because he's not pure fucking evil. They don't need to know Mickey was scared shitless when Ian got knocked unconscious, Jesus, he can barely admit that to himself. Once Mickey knows Ian's not dead and not dying, he's out of there. Except he can't bring himself to leave.)

to the thawing wind by @gardenerian (Living and working in the icy chill of an endless winter, Ian and his family are assigned to work the farms to bolster food supply. They live quietly enough, following the rules, until Mickey and Mandy Milkovich (with all their secrets) are moved in across the road.)

i'll come meet you where you are by @crestfallercanyon (Mickey comes back from prison with a ring of vicious bruises around his neck and an edge to him Ian doesn't recognize. But he came back. He came back, and now it's time for Ian to meet him halfway.

closing in walls and ticking clocks by c_cups_bitch_u_wish (So, this is happening. Mickey is sitting in the corner of the bedroom on the comfiest fucking chair he’s ever sat in, and his adult self and adult Ian are about to fuck. And he’s going to watch. What's most odd is that this doesn't even feel like the weirdest thing to happen to him today.)

a spark of fire by @lingy910y (“You wanted us to finally have some time alone. You wanted to keep me safe, but you didn’t really care as long as we were together. You didn’t want it to end.” Mickey swallows a lump in his throat. “I…I don’t fuckin’ know.” “But can I, uh, ask you something else?” Ian rubs his thumbs together. “You like me, Mick. You fucking like me.”)

flip fuck? by @gallawitchxx (Mickey’s always thought that Valentine’s Day was fucking gay. But then some dramatic, ginger fuckhead had to move into the room next to his, and steal his hole, his heart, and the attention of his tumblr mutuals. Mickey decides to keep it lowkey when he asks Ian to spend the evening together: You wanna hang out on Tuesday? Ian’s response is quick and gives absolutely nothing away: Sure thing! That big-dicked idiot better remember it’s fucking Valentine’s Day.)

completed:

prelude motel by @whatthebodygraspsnot (When Mickey’s secret spot is infiltrated by an intriguing stranger, all the warning signs are there. Despite the voice in the back of his head telling him to disengage, he can’t help but bite off more than he can chew, running straight back to the spot and the stranger when a job leaves him injured. Enter: the Prelude Motel - where, for the next three days, Mickey finds himself hiding from more than just his pursuers.)

garden song (series) by @gardenerian (two gorgeous fics about ian's bipolar, about hope, healing, and tomatoes)

better by anomalously (It's been ten years since Ian's seen Mickey.)

in your love by @sgtmickeyslaughter (Mickey had been out of prison for 2 years and Ian never would have known until they ran into one another on a random night in May. Ian fights for the love they shared while Mickey fights for the life he built, as they both struggle with shame and guilt from their shared past it becomes clear that they cannot help but be drawn to what is bright and beautiful between them.)

whumptober 2023 (series) by @sam-loves-seb (21 beautiful fics of angst & hurt/comfort)

out of nowhere by @suzy-queued (Ian should have never offered to hide his father's stash of gold. Now he's stuck living on a deserted piece of land in the woods, alone, losing his sanity. Mickey wants nothing more than to disappear — from prison, from his family, from the entire world. If only he knew where to get his hands on a cool million. The Gallagher gold. Mickey wants it. Ian will do anything to protect it. Who will cave first?)

all these things i have left to say to you by @crestfallercanyon (After all this time that Ian's been missing, he leaves a tape recorder on Mickey's pillow. And on it? An hour of pure, unfiltered, Ian audio that is all, apparently, dedicated to him.)

wips:

keys to my heart by @milkovichrules (Ian finds his stable college life getting difficult when a new neighbour moves into the dorms.)

intro to quantum dating by @spoonfulstar (another college au) (one of my fave fics of all time!!)

the ink is a witness to this by @palepinkgoat (six chapters about the stories tattoos can hold and hide.)

order up by @heymacy (Ian and Mickey work together at a Chicago diner. They like to push each other's buttons - all their buttons. How long until the dam finally breaks?)

second chapters by @squidyyy23 (When Mickey’s PO assigns him a job at the local library, he’s pleasantly surprised—not that he’d ever admit it. Practically lived in the prison library, and what better way to start his new life than with a career he might actually enjoy. And when he meets the charming, clever, utterly fuckable, redheaded children’s librarian, well, shit just keeps getting better and better. Mickey’s definitely not interested in anything serious right now, but what’s the harm in a little fun?)

electric blue by @goodkwuestion (Paramedic Ian Gallagher knows true love exists. He's not going to settle until he finds it either, no matter how much his friends and family roll their eyes at him. Mickey Milkovich, on the other hand, isn't sure about all that stuff. He's an engineer with a long to-do list, and chasing rainbows isn't on it. He'll never say no to a good time and a pretty face though. When they meet, it will feel like kismet, something inevitable that neither of them can shake. Honestly though, who would want to? Falling in love can be the easiest thing in the world, especially when the whole universe is rooting for you... That's if the whole universe is rooting for you.)

ficlets:

all of @heymrspatel's drabbles, especially this one of ian being self-conscious about his body

docks scene & birthday suit gardening ficlets by @metalheadmickey

all of @lupeloto's sweet & domestic ficlets

@sam-loves-seb's meta about ian being the moon and mickey being the sun

ian's birthday ficlet & 31 ways we never meet (a.u.gust 2023 ficlets) by @callivich

airport confessions by @dynamic-power

gallavich drabbles by @whatthebodygraspsnot

all of @howlinchickhowl's a.u.gust 2023 ficlets!

(if you made it this far, i also write fics occasionally too so here's a self-promo lol)

[otrtbs]

writer interview game ✨

thank you for tagging me linds!! <3 @inevitablestars

how many works do you have on ao3? 5 on my otrtbs account (+1 unpublished one) and 6 on my otrtbs_shorts account (where all my one shots and short stories went!!)

what's your total ao3 word count? 580,654

your top 5 stories by kudos? Art Heist, Baby! Tender Curiosities, Baby! Winterlude Angel of Death You and Me

do you respond to comments? i try!!!! i really try!!! ahb! gets unmanageable i fear but if you get there early enough on new chapters that i post on new stories, i really try to get to them!!

what's the fic you've written with the angstiest ending? uhm. i guess art heist, baby! but tbh i feel like i could go angstier... maybe that'll be a writing goal for the new year...

do you write crossovers? no! haven't yet. but i was just talking to some friends today about something so cursed ....that could be my magnum opus if i wasn't a coward

have you ever received hate on a fic? no, never!!! everyone is really nice and respectful and can keep it peaceful and fun :))) !1!1!1!1! (<- girl who is manifesting for the future <- my fic has been eviscerated on goodreads and reddit and tiktok and twitter and in my tumblr asks and on ao3 i wouldn't be surprised if people are adding it to their linkedin atp)

do you write smut? very poorly and briefly and not really el oh el

have you ever had a fic stolen? not plagiarized, no!!! thank god!! but stolen and sold....well, yes i fear.

have you ever had a fic translated? yes! so many wonderful sexy versions of art heist, baby! out there for people to enjoy !! angel of death has been translated too!!

have you ever co-written a fic before? no, because collabing scares me. in the sense that i would be worried that i wasn't writing to my co-authors expectations and also ... if they don't directly align to My Vision i will also throw up. so. i don't think co-writing is in the cards for me

what's your all-time favorite ship? JEGULUS <3 jegulus. my forever girls <3

what's a wip that you want to finish but don't think you ever will? when i say i have...a master timeline full of every event that happened to bellatrix, andromeda, narcissa, sirius, and regulus.... detailing their time at school, what classes they take, key life events...just for me to use to write a massive canon-compliant fic of their lives.... i have put in HOURS and HOURS of work into that wip but i don't think it'll ever be done and/or see the light of day

what are your writing strengths? i really love writing detailed, descriptive interior scenes. it's one of my favorite things to do! i see every interior scene in my fic like a little still-life painting and i want the reader to be able to visualize the same still-life im seeing in my head in their head!!

what are your writing weaknesses? commas </3 grammar in general... like sorry 2 ur honor. but who fucking cares? do you get the vibes? are the vibes there? that's all i care about.

what are your thoughts on writing dialogue in other languages in a fic? i love it!! i've learned a lot of fun phrases from it !!

what's a fandom/ship you haven't written for yet but want to? im gonna write moonchaser (jamus, wolfbucks? idfk) !!!!!! when my james/remus thesis drops i swear !!!!!!!!

what's your favorite fic you've ever written? Winterlude!!! Winterlude is my favorite child, she's beautiful, she's gorgeous, she's fun, minimal angst, happy endings, regulus is hot as fuck in it, i want to go to there so bad. winterlude !!!!!

okay, i'm no pressure tagging @rabidlittlestrawberry @whorerific @pretentiouswreckingball @twisted-tales-told @residentrookie 💕

[intrepidacious]

this writing blog of mine is turning three next week and on the same day, i'm officially entering my charlotte lucas era. i frankly don't think there's ever been more cause for celebration so join me on this perfectly themed and not at all last minute sleepover 💛

whether you're new to my blog or we've been mutuals forever, all are welcome!! i'll be answering your asks starting on my actual birthday (and blog birthday) wednesday 7th august until sunday 11th august!!

details and no pressure tags below the cut <3

THE DISNEY YEARS

🧜🏼‍♀️ we're out to discover! ask me my top 5 anything, would you rathers, or fmk

🌴 ohana means family i'll cast my mutuals in categories of your choosing

🦆 fate/destiny/a horse mutuals only category <3 let me shower you with love and praises, friends!!

IT'S A MUSICAL

🥖 do you hear the people sing i'll put my playlist on shuffle and tell you what song it lands on

🪞 kitsch send me a character and some vibes and i'll create a moodboard

🖋️ hard to be the bard ask about my wips, my posted fics, or come whine with me about writing in general

HEROES AND VILLAINS

🧸 on your left send me a character and a prompt and i'll write you a seven sentence drabble - or i'll write a what if scenario for any of my posted fics!

🦾 i understood that reference … and so will you!! let me recommend something to you

🍩 close the book with a flourish naaah just kidding, this is the headcanon category!! let's make up fun things together <3

WITCHERS AND PIRATES

🏴‍☠️ a story is (un)true let's play two truths and a lie!! either you send some in or you'll have to guess mine

🫙 guess what's inside it! send me a word and i'll see if it's in one of my wips <3

🎻 toss a coin to your blogger give an anonymous (or not) shout-out to another tumblr person and i'll give them some love!!

💜 what my heart just yearns to say come chat with me about anything and everything!!

thank you all for being here and i'm looking forward to celebrating with you!!!

@brandycranby @scrumptious-delusion @aphrogeneias @barnesafterglow @marvelettesassemblenow

@persephoneceleste @gxrlcinema @sanguineterrain @fandoms-writings @krirebr

@demxters @youremyfriend-youremymission @nickfowlerrr @sweetdreamsbuck @wildlivelychild

@obsidianvibranium @targaryenvampireslayer @thornsnvultures @levans44 @idkitsem

[inkedinshadows]

Answer and then tag three or more creators to keep the game going!

Thank you so much @velarisdusk for the tag! 🫶🏻

1. How many words did you publish on AO3 in 2024?

I don't have anything published on AO3 simply because I still don't know how to use it even though I do have an account. But here on tumblr, it's 92.878

2. How many fics did you complete this year?

49! I've never counted them before and never realized just how many they were omg

3. How many in progress or ongoing fics did you start this year?

Ongoing only Bound By Secrets. In progress apparently 10? I thought I had 3 WIPs. I completely forgot about the other 7 lol

4. What was your favorite thing you wrote?

UGH how do I choose one? A Helping Hand has a special place in my heart because it's the first fic I wrote and posted. Night and Days is one of my favorites because I love the banter between Azriel and reader, and I also have to mention Say My Name because omg I loved writing that one and I know I might be biased but I was giggling and kicking my feet while writing.

5. What piece was your most experimental or different from your usual style?

I'd say the first few things I wrote rather than one in particular for the simple reason that in Italian I tend to write very long sentences because it's normal, but in English sentences are usually shorter so it took a bit to get into that mindset. As for experimental, I'm trying to write a fic from two povs at the same time, sort of like an omniscient narrator. We'll see how it turns out.

6. Did any fics surprise you - either while writing or their reception?

Many fics surprise me while writing because I don't plan them out that much other than a few things I want to happen and then I see where the story leads me. As for reception, Bound by Secrets. I didn't expect so many people asking for a part 2! (I'll write it, I promise)

7. Do you have a fic you wrote and loved that went under the radar? (This is your sign to reblog/repost it!)

The Path To Healing and on a happier (and smutty) note Alcohol and Giggles. I cried writing the first one and laughed writing the second one.

8. Who is an artist that inspired you?

I love every single fanart by madschofield and elizianna.the.one!

9. Who is an author that inspired you?

@writingcroissant was the first author I found on here, the literal reason I created an account was to read her fics, and @illyrianbitch was the second. I love everything they write and it made me want to write again.

10. Who is a new author you discovered?

@shedoessoshedoes and @duskandcobalt! I'm going to read all of your fics so don't be surprised if you see me in your notifications for the next few weeks 🥰

11. Did you do any collaborations? How did it start

Nope, no collaborations.

12. What accomplishments are you proudest of?

Kinktober! I decided to do it two weeks before it started and didn't think I'd be able to write all 31 one fics but I did it!

13. What did you learn about writing or creating this year?

When I started posting, I kept opening tumblr every five minutes to see if there were any new notes/comments/etc. Now I don't do that anymore. I still care about people enjoying my content of course and any kind of feedback is always super appreciated, but I don't need to continuously check to know that my writing is valid and good even if I get only a few likes.

14. What is your advice?

I'm the wrong person to ask this to, but I guess write what you like and what you want to read. I know it's basic, but never before I realized just how true it is. Feedback and appreciation for your work is awesome, but you have to be the first one to like it or it's probably going to turn out bland if you push yourself to write something you don't like or are not interested in.

15. What are your creative goals for 2025?

Finish working on all those WIPs apparently lol. And I have an idea for a series that I want to work on as well.

No pressure of course, but if you'd like to @azrielslittleslut @anarchiii @shedoessoshedoes or anyone else who wants to do it!

[sam-loves-seb]

ao3 wrapped 2024

i love doing this every year, thank you for the tags my wonderful beloved friends <3

tagged by @energievie @mybrainismelted @sgtmickeyslaughter

How many words have you written this year?

338,560

How many works did you publish this year?

30 (on ao3, not counting drabbles or ficlets on tumblr)

What work are you most proud of (regardless of kudos/hits)?

medium hot with sugar - coffee shop au (gallavich)

What work of yours has the most hits?

shameless: i'm not the way i was (17,844)

9-1-1: he'll never love you like i can (7,026)

What work of yours got more feedback than you expected?

span the distance (bridge the border) - post-canon gallavich fic where mickey's brothers show up unexpectedly

Favorite title you used.

i'm not the way i was (insp.)

If you use song lyrics, which artist’s songs did you pull from the most?

i use a lot of different artists tbh i don't think i have more than 2 or maybe 3 from the same artist ?? but probably blink-182 or noah kahan just from what i'm seeing at a quick glance

Pairing you wrote the most for this year?

ian gallagher/mickey milkovich

Favorite pairing you wrote for this year?

ian gallagher/mickey milkovich !!!

What work was the quickest to write?

it was you, all the way down - my shortest fic of the year but also the quickest to write, i remember writing this in one sitting and the words just poured out of me like crazy (inspired by gigi's art x)

What work took you the longest to write?

technically it's i'm not the way i was considering i still haven't finished it, but if we're only counting completed fics then it's soon you'll get better

How many WIP’s do you have in your docs for next year?

three (x x x) ongoing wips and four (ish) wips that are either in very early planning stages or have the first 1-2 chapters written

What’s your longest work of the year?

9-1-1: god only knows where this could go (7,039 words)

shameless: i'm not the way i was (103,829 words)

What’s your shortest work of the year?

9-1-1: california dreamin' (1,861 words)

shameless: it was you, all the way down (866 words)

What WIP are you taking into next year with you?

these three (x x x)

What’s your most common “Additional Tags” tag?

"Not Beta Read" (21) followed by "One Shot" (18)

Your favorite character to write this year?

mickey freaking milkovich baby

The character that gave you the most trouble writing this year?

probably buck buckley (9-1-1) i can't seem to nail his voice in a way that satisfies me (i'm gonna keep trying!)

What’s one pairing you want to explore next year?

been thinking a lot about steve harrington/eddie munson (steddie) lately and i have written for them before but i have an idea or two i wanna possibly get into writing in the new year (and with st s5 coming out i'm sure i'll have more to say then)

Which work of yours have you reread the most?

went too far to soothe this soul

How many kudos in total did you get this year?

12,121

Which work has the most comments?

i'm not the way i was (398)

Did you do any collaborative works this year?

yes! i co-wrote Then and Now with @suzy-queued for the gallavich summer camp event this year!!

Did you write any gifts this year?

yes, i wrote:

find someone who grows flowers (in the darkest parts of you) for NotHereNJ for the 2024 gallavich gift exchange

it was you, all the way down for @heymrspatel for being one of the winning admirers with the gallavich art masquerade

buddie week (connor's version) 6 buddie fics for my best friend's birthday (ily @karenandthababes )

Did you receive any gifts this year?

yes! i receieved some wonderful gifts this year:

Frosting on His Nose from @heymrspatel for the 2024 gge (i'm still literally obsessed with this art)

all i know is a simple name from @jessbakescakes based on a very old joshdonna prompt i gave her many moons ago (love this fic to bits)

and idk if it counts as a gift but i'm putting it here anyway because @konaiiro drew a scene from one of my fics and i love it dearly <3

What’s your most common category?

m/m, fluff, whump, post-canon

What do you listen to while writing?

absolutely nothing, or sometimes white noise. very rarely am i able to listen to any kind of music, and even then it has to have no lyrics.

Favorite work you wrote this year?

life changes

Favorite line/passage you wrote this year?

this is my favorite bit i wrote this year, cw: self harm, hospitalization, read at your own risk:

“Twelve stitches,” Mickey tells him, voice wobbly and vision blurry. “Doc said it might scar, but. Yeah. It’ll heal.” It’s like something clicks in Ian’s brain, maybe. Like he remembers. Like he knows the events that happened to lead him here, but he can’t quite comprehend them. He lowers his bandaged arm back to the bed and stares at the wall. He doesn’t look at Mickey again. “So, um. Yeah. They patched you up,” Mickey says, the first tear falling down his cheek. He wipes it away, but the second isn’t far behind and he gives up trying to hide it. “You’ve been sleepin’ basically all night. They said you would. Said what happened was… traumatic, or whatever, and you’d need lots of rest.” “Stop,” Ian pleads. He closes his eyes, the words too painful to hear. To accept, maybe. Mickey nods, looking down at the floor. He twists his mouth to one side, sniffs. “I know you don’t wanna hear it. And you’re probably gonna hate me for makin’ you go to one of these places again—” “Don’t,” Ian whispers. “You’re gonna get some fucking help, Ian.” Mickey wipes at his face with the back of his hand. “I—I’m out of my depth here. But they’re gonna take good care of you, okay? It’s seventy-two hours. The doctors and shit, they’re gonna help you. ‘Cause I… I don’t know what else to do. And if you hate me for that—fine. I can live with that.” He sniffs. “But I can’t live without you. Okay? Do you get that?” “Mickey,” Ian pleads, but he won’t look at him, won’t open his eyes. He can’t. (x)

Biggest surprise while writing this year?

The sense of community in the shameless fandom never fails to surprise me. It's one of my favorite fandoms I've ever been in, and the wonderful people i meet writing and reading and talking about these characters pushes me to keep writing. I don't think I'd still be writing without this lovely community tbh

x

tagging (if you haven't done this yet): @jessbakescakes @iceyartt @deathclassic @whatthebodygraspsnot @crossmydna @jrooc @deedala @suzy-queued and anyone else who wants to play!

[no1teleneoshipper]

Hello people of Tumblr. It is I, Cassie (or Cassandra) the Almighty ruler (sorry apple user) of the Teleneo council here to announce that I am thinking of making an alternate universe of Teleneo where they are in a modern timeline. The only problem I have is what type of modern au.

So, I shall propose the following ideas to you all and I hope you may enjoy. Please comment or reblog this to share your opinion or make the other shippers of Teleneo see this, I beg of you all.

1. COLLEGE ROOMMATES : okay, so I was thinking of making them roommates so I could make the classic ‘and they were roommates’ joke. I was thinking of making Neoptolemus study history, specifically greek history and timelines about the different temples and architectural differences depending on what age it was made in. Or, he could be a greek historian studying the text about the Greek myths and rage quits whenever someone merely mentions a story that was made by the Romans using the Greek names. And I think Telemachus would an English literature major (yes I am projecting) who's favorite special character in writing is the em dash. He also has a chronic addiction for ao3 and he's apart of the journalism club, his journalism coach is Athena. And im thinking of them being roomates being so funny during moving day, because as I said in the previous posts of mine in TikTok and here on Tumblr (btw, TikTok is the same as my Tumblr user, check it out if you're not getting banned or you have not followed me yet!) Odysseus would totally freak out at the sight of the two of them dating. Because what do you do when the 10 year old kid you brought to war is now 20 smth and is dating your precious baby boy? idk, Odysseus would totally help Telemachus with moving (even if Penelope would do most of the heavy lifting cus my girl is spartan) and see Pyrrhus and immediately back out. I dont know this just seems like a fun concept

2. SINGER TELEMACHUS : okay, so we all know hatsune mico or whatever his name was. (I think it was Microphone? Dunno) I was thinking, what if I make an AU about Telemachus going through an emo phase and making music (that's literally just micos songs)? I'm mostly considering making a song fic of him singing homesick in a concert while Pyrrhus is there knowing full damn well it's about him. just imagine all the chaos. Homesick but make it Telemachus visiting scyros. I WANT THAT SO BAD YOU DO NOT GET IT I LOVE THEM SO MUCH UDBDJDNDNNX.

I don't know. That is all, I can't share the others with you all because they're already WIPS of mine... So! I can't spoil anything too good. Toodles!

[thefactsofthematter]

hello newsies tumblr! i’m back to post a scene i found in a random wip folder, from a fic that will probably never exist in full lol

please enjoy some sad canon era javid <3

-

"...and I know we don't pray the same way, you and I, but your folks said you might not mind it if I sat with you and did this. Only one God, ain't there, so I figures we can ask Him for all the help we can get, every which way. Ain’t no harm in extra prayers."

That's Jack's voice.

David is awake, sort of, but too tired to open his eyes. His body is itchy, but he's too tired to scratch himself. His throat burns, so he doesn't dare try and speak.

He just lays there.

"This was my Ma's." He's placing something in David's hand. A string of beads, it feels like. "I should take the time to sit and pray it more often. She carried it everywhere. Only thing I've got left of her, really."

He wraps the beads around David's palm.

"You start at the bottom, see," Jack continues, as if he knows David's listening, "and you say a prayer for every bead. And you gotta have an intention, right— mine for today is that I'm asking God to get you better, 'cause you're starting to scare everyone, Dave, what with how you just keep getting sicker and the fever won't break. We can't go losing you anytime soon, so you've gotta get yourself better as soon as you can."

He's very sick, David realizes. That's why he can't move.

He's a bit scared.

But it's hard to stay scared for long with Jack Kelly holding your hand, so he starts to feel calm again.

"In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti," Jack murmurs.

David hadn’t realized Jack knew Latin. Wonders where he learned it, since he would've left school before the grades they started teaching it. He only went to school until he was eight— he told David that.

"Credo in Deum, Patrem omnipotentem, Creatorem caeli et terrae..."

Jack continues on in words that David's tired brain can't make sense of, but it's rhythmic and soothing. There's a cadence to it like Jack doesn't actually know what he's saying, has just memorized the sounds, probably at church— it's like how David felt about some Hebrew prayers when he was little, just echoing back what he heard others speak.

From bead to bead, Jack mumbles quiet prayers, and David finds himself, somewhere in his fever-addled brain, feeling quite charmed and grateful that Jack would show him this private, vulnerable side of himself. His faith is deeply personal to him, David knows— it's there in the way he never puts on his arrogant show towards the nuns, the way he's quick to take his cap off even on the steps of the church, the way he scrubs the littlest newsies into their very best shape on Saturday nights and drags them to mass on Sunday mornings. David loves to watch him in those short moments before he eats his dinner each day, lips moving silently as he gives thanks.

It's a softer side of Jack Kelly that often stays well-hidden, but makes itself very endearing when it peeks through.

"I think I might be praying for a miracle," Jack sighs, after a long time of quiet whispering, counting along the beads. His voice is a bit shaky now. "But they happens, you know. They said so in the good book. I know it's the very same God lookin' after you and I, and I know He loves you and won't take you away from us here on Earth, not just yet. Ain't your time."

And he takes the beads from David's palm, replacing them with his own hand. He intertwines their fingers and squeezes.

David tries to squeeze back. It's weak, pitiful, but enough for Jack to gasp.

"I knew it," he whispers. "Oh, I knew it, I knew it, Dave. You're there, ain't you? You're listening."

And David wishes he could give him anything more, but he can feel sleep creeping up on him again, so he lets it come. Not much else he can do, but it's nice to hear some hope in Jack's voice.

[blue-disco-lights]

✨ Weekly Tag Wednesday ✨

Thank you so much for tagging me - love this one! (i love them all actually) @jrooc

@stocious @michellemisfit @doshiart @mybrainismelted @mmmichyyy

@sgtmickeyslaughter @gallapiech @suzy-queued @spookygingerr @roryonic

Name and A03 handle: Julia, Blue_Disco_Lights

Current Location: my dining table - my work is hybrid, so this (suprisingly uncomfortable setup) is my desk twice a week.

Favourite picrew: I never really wore my space buns this high, maybe a bit lower… also the jewelry is a Chain Mickey homage obviously.

What's one thing you want in a picrew? I love a creative background and good sweater options. If left to my own devices, I’d be in a hoodie all the time, but it’s nice to spice things up!

Favourite thing you’ve created (or seen created) for the fandom? Hard to choose! it's a tie between some @galladrabbles and these @gallacrafts.

Why is it your favourite? I’ve been knitting since I was a kid but never really got beyond the scarf phase lol - and Season 1 Not-a-booty-call/“Whatever, see ya” Mickey wore that green scarf and I knew I had to recreate it. The t-shirt is me attempting to draw for the tomato theme and I just think it would be so funny if Ian actually wore this outside.

Did it come easily or was it hard to create? For the scarf, it was all about finding the right yarn and also that cute patch that just appeared out of nowhere at the craft store. Drawing is hard because i don't know how 😆

Last ao3 fic you commented on? It was either on Shame-proof written by @ms-moonlight-inn and @notherenewjersey or A Song Only You Can Hear by @suzy-queued - both so good!

Biggest WIP heartache you’ve ever experienced? I’m usually OK with WIPs taking a while, truly… but oh man, I’ll copy @jrooc's answer and say Things Beyond Mistake by grayola. What a STUNNING work and we’re left just aching for what happens for those two. My second is Elevator Music by gallavichsecurity- another beautifully written one that I hope will continue one day. 

Favourite trope or head cannon you like included in a fanfic? I love enemies to lovers, the slower the burn the better 🫠🔥 . I’ve yelled about loving road trip plots a lot, so I loved Highway of Hedonism  by @roryonic (w/ beautiful art by @gallapiech).

Least favourite? I’ve never gravitated to mpreg   

Secret or surprising kink or trope? Never even knew A/B/O was a thing until i got here - hello! Same goes for Whump - once it clicked that it was an actual genre, it was like oh wow, i think i’ve been into this my whole life lol.

Describe how you feel after you’ve created something new? Er, shocked quite honestly. When I see that I actually have multiple things posted on AO3 I do wonder who that person is??

Top hype man you have that always helps you get across the finish line: There are so many hype people i want to thank in my writing journey - your amazing comments & reblogs really made me feel like a writer! (which was a little shocking - so please know they went a long way 💕) @gallawitchxx @energievie @creepkinginc @jrooc @michellemisfit @palepinkgoat @gillyp @suzy-queued @ian-galagher @sweetbee78 @francesrose3 - and special shout out to @mybrainismelted for being an amazing sounding board and co-conspirator on Gallavich Summer Camp among other things!

It's been a bad day, you turn to the fandom and you _____? Hang out on Discord and Tumblr, and fall into one of the very many tabs I have open. Currently it’s You’ll Never See Us Again by @spoonfulstar - and omggggg.

If you're tagged in this post and haven't made one of these yet - this is your official invite!

tagging in @lingy910y @deedala @heymrspatel @atthedugouts @wehangout

@lupeloto @sisitrip @sandrashaine @shippergirl121fic @stocious

@jessij1997 @sickness-health-all-that-shit @thisdivorce @sam-loves-seb @samantitheos

@mickeyheartian @mickeym4ndy @callivich @transsexual-dandelions @nymacron

@rororowyourboat18 @transmurderbug @bawlbrayker @i-think-you-mean-reduction @gallavichsuperfan

@runawaybrainsc @too-schoolforcool @darlingian @thepupperino @celestialmickey

@crossmydna @spacerockwriting @catgrassplantdad @look-i-love-u @silvanshadow

[amethystfairy1]

Desert Duo fic update on my birthday I am so blessed 🙌

Also wanted to say good luck with all your school things that's so exciting, take all the time you need to write and update!!

Also also original story will be so cool whenever that's at a point of sharing! I've thought multiple times that both TT and TTBSC would easily be books I would purchase and adore if they were original fiction (and honestly it wouldn't be too hard to do by just slightly changing some names and MC references)

Happy birthday! 🥳🎉🎂

Thank you so much for the luck, I'm gonna need it 😅 I've got a plan so it shouldn't be to terribly complicated, just a whooooole lot of work! It'll all get done though!

Aw, thank you so much! Yeah, I'm sure I could do that with TTSBC and TT, but I dunno, I feel like both of these stories were kinda crafted with the MCYT aspect in mind, so I am very proud to just leave them as fanfic! 💖

I will say for anyone who might be interested, my eventually plan is to hopefully write my original concept in a style similar to TTSBC or TT...that is, the short stories along a timeline forming a larger narrative, with multiple storylines. It's just how I love writing the most! So yeah! One day I'd love to make a sideblog here on tumblr and post it, or perhaps find some way to post it somewhere to share with you all just the same way I share TTSBC and TT...for anyone who would be interested in following it just off my writing, it would really mean a lot to me.

I say all of this despite having promised myself I wouldn't post anything for my original concept until I finish my degree...which isn't for almost a year...but I guess just look forward to it then? 😆 That or I crack and start posting stuff for it sooner, but I'm gonna do my best not too! I really wanna give a lot of effort to it while also still writing my fics, after all, and I don't think I can swing two massive fanfic WIP AUs, an original concept, and writing for my masters degree all at once no matter how deranged I get when I'm tippy tapping 😭

But I'm so happy and honored that you think my stories are worthy of a book you might buy! Hopefully one day my original works might be on your list, too! Thank you!

[anonenot]

Now I'm ready to updates!

TobiIzu weeks

So. Because of circumstances our discussion with mod of tobiizuweek took a really looooooooooong time.

Firstly there will be their week, in this post. It takes the dates 24.02-02.03

https://www.tumblr.com/tobiizuweek/772592435114196992/prompts-rules-2025

I get the translation on Russian and some quite simple decorative for my own comfort

Remember! The main mod is @tobiizuweek or @elenyafinwe​ so question about these prompts and rules should be addressed at them. I'll be just helpful with collecting on social nets (like twitter or telegram) and maybe with a bit sorting.

What about my prompt list?

So. Because of time that our discussion was taken I decided just put my week after their. I think it's fair: we have only one really matching prompt and someone could started on my list (it's would be rude to don't count their work at this point). So.

The most of rules are same: nsfw is allowed (just be careful with social nets rules and tag properly), any form is allowed (arts, fics, poems, headcanons, aesthetics, wallpapers, paperchild... any creative and new work is okay, old wip is ok too), any language is allowed, work should be focused on Tobirama and Izuna and their relationship, no ai at all

Actually, translation on any language is okay too, just ask the creator.

About hashtags

Sounds like pain, huh.

I believe that there no real necessity in tobiizuweek2025_2 or something. We aren't enemies with tobiizuweek mod and I have no problem with someone who will decide to mess up with prompts of two lists. Do you want to use "opposite attracts" AND "cleric"? Okay, just tags #tobiizuweek2025, underline both the prompts, and I'll take your work to the list. You may bring the work on 24.02-02.03, and I'll collect it, you may bring it on 03.03-09.03, and I'll collect it.

Tag tobiizuweek for first list, tag me for second for help

So. The tag of week is matching while it's actually two weeks.

If you have a question about my prompts, you may ask me there or on bluesky and Twitter. I'm also will be curating blusky account: @/tobiizuweek2025

If you have questions about first list, ao3 collection or tumblr blog, it's to @elenyafinwe

Have fun!:з

Please, reblog this post too, for more attention.

[flowersdiceandlove]

Hello!!! I don't know if you're still interested in talking about your wip fics (if you aren't , then just ignore me), and I don't know if you have talked about it already, but I am humbly requesting to hear about the Xianle Quartet Fourway-Soulmate Marks AU one. I read that and my interest was INSTANTLY PIQUED, PLEASE 🛐🛐

tagging @happypeachsludgeflower bc you asked about this one too.

Okay, this one is gonna be kinda tricky to explain because I originally was just writing this out as a prompt to post and it got away from me. It got to the point where I was just like "I'm already writing this much out, I should just actually write it." So, the first like, half of the fic is written tumblr prompt style and summary with some actual scenes sprinkled in and the second half of it is mostly actual fic with some tumblr prompt style summary in it. Once I get it all down, I'm definitely going to have to go back and work on the first half. Anyway, I'll do my best to explain without getting carried away. Also, since I'm getting busy, I'm just doing this from memory instead of rereading it.

So! As the working title says, it's a soulmate au where Xie Lian, Mu Qing, Feng Xin, and Hua Cheng are all soulmates. They all have four soulmarks on their bodies, each mark in the same spots and each one representing one of them. However...they take a long time to figure this out. Like, it follows canon really closely, the poly only happening after canon. Also, it's really heavy on the MuLian.

It starts in Xianle era. As Xie Lian's servant that dresses and undresses him, Mu Qing sees the soulmarks on Xie Lian and instantly figures out the two of them are soulmates. He doesn't say anything, though, bc he's all self conscious and insecure, thinking he might be thrown out of the Holy Royal Temple and have people try to cover it up and say he was trying to seduce Xie Lian or smth. So, he keeps his mouth shut, just trying to be content with Xie Lian in this way. One day, while Mu Qing is dressing him when they're 16? Mu Qing's sleeve falls down just enough for Xie Lian to see the soulmark on his inner wrist. He grabs Mu Qing's wrist and is like "Mu Qing! You're my soulmate!? Why didn't you tell me? You had to have known. How many times have you seen me naked after all?"

Anyway, Mu Qing basically says that he's worried about people knowing and that's why he didn't say anything. Xie Lian agrees to keep it secret, not even telling Feng Xin, but they do start a little affair. It's all sweet, shy moments, chaste kisses, and blushing hand holding. They both still want to follow this cultivation path, so anything more is totally off the table, not even considered.

Soulmarks aren't actually talked about a whole lot. It's seen as being private and personal. Asking about it seen as rude, and soulmarks are usually covered unless they're in an area that's too hard to hide. Bc of this, while the four of them haven't heard of people having multiple soulmarks, they don't really think anything of it. And, since they also haven't heard of people having multiple soulmates, they just figure that some people just have more soulmarks and it doesn't really mean anything.

Honghonger-er absolutely hates his soulmarks. Fate was what gave him his red eye and his horrid luck, so why would he want the soulmate that fate also gave him? This becomes an even stronger conviction to reject his soulmate when he decides to dedicate himself to Xie Lian and even goes so far as to tattoo Xie Lian's name on his forearm over the soulmark there, covering the mark of his so-called fated with the name of his chosen. This is extra funny bc the soulmark there is the soulmark representing Xie Lian.

Feng Xin just doesn't give a damn about soulmates. He's seen couples who aren't soulmates have happy marriages together, and couples who are soulmates bicker and fight constantly. So, he doesn't let the idea of soulmates sway him one way or the other.

During Xie Lian's first banishment, Mu Qing still leaves like he does because he needs to take care of his mother. Mu Qing figures that this separation between him and Xie Lian is temporary and that fate will bring them together again in the future when they can really be together. For Xie Lian, though, he views it as his soulmate rejecting him, thinking him not good enough anymore and not wanting to be with him. All that rest still happens, but the feelings just run deeper.

When Xie Lian ascends the third time, he figures that Mu Qing still wants nothing to do with him, knowing how much Mu Qing values his godhood and reputation, thinking he'll only muddy it and drag Mu Qing down. Mu Qing doesn't bring it up bc feelings, and thinks that Xie Lian is the one that doesn't want him as a soulmate, and that Xie Lian continuing with his life and not bringing their soulmate status up is him rejecting Mu Qing. Because Xie Lian thinks Mu Qing doesn't want him, when Hua Cheng enters the picture, he doesn't exactly stop himself from catching feelings for him. Mu Qing is having a very angsty time watching his soulmate, love of his life, falling in love with someone else, and then the cave of ten thousand gods...and hualian being all...hualian... He is not doing well. But, they've both lived hundreds of years without each other and don't want to go back to that. So, they try to make it work. Think: divorced couple trying to still be able to interact and be civil and friendly but also move on from the love they still hold. Xie Lian is doing better since he found a new lover.

When Hua Cheng returns from being away for a year as they're stripping down and making out getting ready to have sex, Hua Cheng sees the soulmarks on Xie Lian, freaks out from happiness, and shows the same marks on himself. They figure out they're soulmates and are happy about it, but Xie Lian is also confused bc Mu Qing's his soulmate. When Hua Cheng finds out about Mu Qing, he barges into the Heavens and Mu Qing's palace while Xie Lian's asleep. He almost strips Mu Qing in his front hall in front of his junior officials to check that he really does have the same soulmarks and he wasn't faking it, but Mu Qing, knowing what he wants and that he can't stop him, convinces him to at least take it to a private room just the two of them, wanting to preserve at least some dignity. So, Xie Lian and Hua Cheng know that the three of them are soulmates, but don't tell Mu Qing about Hua Cheng bc Hua Cheng is refusing to admit it and it doesn't really change anything. Xie Lian and Hua Cheng are still choosing to be with each other, promising themselves to each other. Mu Qing...tries to deal.

post-canon, the Xianle trio get together once a month for tea and snacks, trying to work on becoming friends (f-f-friends). Mu Qing knows he's in love with Feng Xin, and he's pissed about it (he's known for centuries). Xie Lian knows he's still in love with Mu Qing even though he chose Hua Cheng. Feng Xin is fucking oblivious. To all of it. Feng Xin and Xie Lian think that their feelings for each other are Totally Platonic.

Eventually Mu Qing just Can't Do This anymore and blows up at Xie Lian that he's still in love with him and that Xie Lian is the one who rejected him and chose someone else. He says that he can't be friends with Xie Lian anymore, that it hurts too much, and that they need to just end this. Xie Lian doesn't go after him when he leaves because he did choose someone else and he's still committed to Hua Cheng. He does feel horrible though and curls up crying about how much he hurt Mu Qing without even realizing.

Hua Cheng had long clocked the fact that Mu Qing and Xie Lian still loved each other and knew this was coming. He didn't want it to, but knew it would eventually. He'd also never want to hold Xie Lian back, so he hugs Xie Lian and tells him it's okay, that he can love Mu Qing too. Xie Lian goes up to the Palace of Xuan Zhen the next day (after repeatedly checking with Hua Cheng that he's really okay with this) and is basically like "You told me yesterday you still love me and want me, so I'm not leaving until you agree to be my lover again. Yes, San Lang knows and is the one who told me to come; he won't kill you for this, I promise." So, Xie Lian and Mu Qing become lovers again.

...They still have major communication issues. They'll get better though! But, as of right now, Xie Lian still thinks Mu Qing doesn't want anyone knowing about them like he did back in Xianle, and Mu Qing doesn't exactly correct him, and he is a private person, just not worried like he was. Also...they don't really have a conversation about sex. They both know Xie Lian's doing it with Hua Cheng, but Xie Lian still thinks it's off the table with Mu Qing like when they were younger. Mu Qing takes a while, but does decide he wants to with Xie Lian.

I don't really know how to explain Hua Cheng and Mu Qing's dynamic without writing out paragraphs and paragraphs about it, but maybe like ex-husband and new boyfriend, but they're both still with Xie Lian, and Hua Cheng's a super supportive husband and Mu Qing is Resigned. Also they're falling in love. Just starting to, though. They're in the...friends?? stage at this point. Oh, yeah, when MuLian got together again, Xie Lian told Mu Qing about Hua Cheng being their soulmate also. They don't talk about it, but Xie Lian has made it clear he's okay with them getting together if they wanted (they're both repulsed by the idea).

Hua Cheng realizes how much his and Mu Qing's relationship has changed first when, while MuLian were spending the night together (also, Hua Cheng literally commissioned Mu Qing a wing in Paradise Manor for him and Xie Lian to sleep in together when Mu Qing spends the night. like I said, super supportive husband), and Mu Qing grabs hold of Hua Cheng's ashes. Hua Cheng feels it, knows that's not Xie Lian's hand holding them, knows there's only one other person it could be, and is...okay with it. It shocks him, but, he trusts Mu Qing. He knew he did because he trusted Mu Qing with Xie Lian, who he values more than his own life, but it's when Mu Qing holds his ashes that he realizes that he trusts Mu Qing with himself also.

Xie Lian doesn't know that Mu Qing did this, and there's even a scene earlier where Xie Lian instinctively bats Mu Qing's hand away when he reaches for the ring. It's only after that Xie Lian realizes what he did and apologizes saying "A gift from San Lang... I'm very protective of it." Mu Qing drops it, but does feel sour because Xie Lian literally never takes that thing off, even when they have sex, so it's kinda just...between them. Always. A constant reminder of Hua Cheng. That's why Mu Qing grabs it one night while Xie Lian's too out of it to notice, and just holds it in a tight grip. He doesn't take it off of Xie Lian, just holds it in his hand. It's kinda like "haha! You may be his husband and get to love him, but I'm the one with him tonight. Not you."

Anyway, Xie Lian is completely oblivious that Mu Qing touched the ring, and Mu Qing doesn't know that it was Hua Cheng's ashes, just that it was a gift from him. Hua Cheng doesn't say anything about it. He knows that Xie Lian, even if he trusts Mu Qing, wouldn't let him touch his ashes bc it should he Hua Cheng's choice on who should be allowed to do that. And he also knows Mu Qing has no idea what he did because he's acting way too normal for someone who knowingly grabbed his ashes. And, like I said, Hua Cheng's fine with it, with letting Mu Qing touch and hold his ashes.

This is to where I've written, and it's at 46,589 words. I'll keep going, telling you my plans:

Hua Cheng, by this point, has become a lot less hostile towards Mu Qing, and after realizing the ring thing, he doesn't even pretend any more, just going with it. They're relationship doesn't completely change, but there's no chance of a fight breaking out between them and Hua Cheng is more...indulgent to Mu Qing, not holding any ill-will towards him. They're both aware that Xie Lian really wants them to get along (and that's why they've been trying so hard up till this point), so when Hua Cheng starts being nicer to him, Mu Qing tries too, and they slowly get on even friendlier terms. Xie Lian is ecstatic, but they also know he'd really like them to get together. And watch. Or at least have them both at the same time even if they don't do anything with each other. That, though, is something that Mu Qing and Hua Cheng were clear that they are not comfortable with because they hate each other and they're barely getting along just sharing a lover separately.

But, that was before. This is now. So, one year when Xie Lian's birthday is coming up, Hua Cheng goes up to Mu Qing like "Hey...so...Gege would probably really like it if we took him to bed together... What do you think of that for a birthday present?" Mu Qing's gut reaction is NO WAY! but... He's comfortable with it when he really thinks about it. So, they come to an agreement, that they'll both be in bed with Xie Lian, but won't do anything with each other, just spoil Xie Lian for his birthday by having both his lovers at the same time.

It is, by far, one of the best nights of Xie Lian's life bc of how happy he is. He has both his husband and his lover with him. He can't think of anything he'd have liked more.

The next morning, Xie Lian is still asleep and Mu Qing wakes up, finding Hua Cheng already awake and still in bed, gazing at Xie Lian. They have a Soft Moment talking about why they agreed to do this for Xie Lian's birthday and feeling a deep understanding with each other. And, they can't help but just kiss, feeling like they're being drawn together and it's unavoidable. And it is. Because they are soulmates, and they both know it. They've felt the soulmate draw to each other all this time even if they pretend that they don't, and they've been softening to each other. And now...after last night, watching the other make love to and dote on Xie Lian, loving him, being completely open in front of one another for the first time, they can't feel any reason to not just kiss each other.

Xie Lian wakes up to that scene. Of Mu Qing and Hua Cheng kissing over him, and smiles widely at it, watching. It takes HuaQing a long moment to realize Xie Lian's awake.

Anyway, the three get together and it's all happy and they're all good! Yay!

Now, you're probably wondering where Feng Xin fits into all this. Well... I thought I knew. But, then I was writing this next part out and was like "Actually...maybe this would be better..." so I'm not exactly sure anymore. Uh oh. I'll figure it out when I get there. But, as for my ideas. 1) HuaQingLian are all happy together, and one day Xie Lian are leaving Mu Qing's palace and Feng Xin sees Xie Lian kiss Mu Qing goodbye. And, Feng Xin is shook. He goes up to Mu Qing like "What was that??! Why did His Highness just kiss you!?!? Hua Cheng is going to kill you!!!" and panicking and stuff. Mu Qing just rolls his eyes and is like "Relax. It's fine. Hua Cheng already knows. Has for decades." "Decades?" "Yeah." "You and His Highness are like actually together? For decades?" "Yeah. You didn't notice? Idiot🙄" "And Hua Cheng allows it?" "Yeah." Feng Xin is having a whole paradigm shift. "...So you two just...share Xie Lian?" "Basically. But we also--" "That's an option!?" Mu Qing snaps his mouth shut as he watches Feng Xin having a total internal crisis. He suddenly realizes that Xie Lian is an option and that he maybe kinda wants him actually. ...And maybe Mu Qing too. He's still reserved about Hua Cheng, but that'll come in time.

Now 2) which is the one I'm kinda leaning towards right now (but it could change in the future) is that HuaLian realize that Mu Qing has feelings for Feng Xin. Because they're already in a poly relationship, they have a talk about it, and HuaLian tell Mu Qing that they're okay if he wants to pursue Feng Xin. Mu Qing doesn't think he should because they've never really gotten along and he doesn't want to mess things up when their relationship is already so fragile. While they're talking, Xie Lian raises his hand and says, "Um...I think I might like Feng Xin like that too..." MuLian talk about it more and decide that they'll both try to court Feng Xin. Hua Cheng is just being #1 Supportive Husband/Lover and helping his two loves with whatever they need. Despite this, and Xie Lian being pretty obvious with Feng Xin about what he wants, it takes Feng Xin A While to figure out that the two of them like like him and want a relationship with him (himbo Feng Xin my beloved). And he's like "Wait, that's an option!?" bc that's the only way I can picture him reacting to it. And, then he realizes, huh, you know what? I can get with this. Me and Xie Lian have always had a good relationship and gotten along. And, I guess I do like Mu Qing like that too...

Anyway, it doesn't take long for MuLian to get Feng Xin to agree to get into their bed at Paradise manor. They strip him first, and he's more than happy to let the two of them take the lead--always the follower. But once they have him naked, they both pause, staring at his body. They turning this way and that, seeing his soulmarks. Feng Xin is thoroughly confused. Mu Qing screams, and punches something. When that proves to still not get his feelings out, he storms out of the room to go beat something up in the training hall that's built to withstand the three of them's powers. Xie Lian just breaks out laughing. Feng Xin still doesn't know what's going on and is confused about how things went from sexy time to this.

Hua Cheng, seeing his lover storm past him, goes to the bedroom to see what's going on. Xie Lian is still laughing hysterically, bent over and clutching his stomach. Feng Xin is still standing naked (or mostly naked) getting even more confused. He looks up at Hua Cheng when he enters, wondering if he might know what's going on. Hua Cheng sees the soulmarks, puts their reactions together, and just sighs, putting his head in his hand. It takes a long while for anyone to explain it all to Feng Xin.

So yeah. ...I don't know how HuaXin get together. I figured I'd figure it out when I got there. I still have a ways to go when I write to figure it out. But, yeah! That's that! Before the Feng Xin thing, HuaQingLian thought they had this soulmate thing in the bag, not knowing that four soulmarks means four people. They were so hitting themselves over the head feeling like idiots that they didn't realize it sooner. Especially Mu Qing.

I left a lot of little things out bc there's no way I could fit it all into a post like this. If I tried, it'd just be the og post that turned into a fic all over again 🤣

I'm getting busy, so I don't know when I'm gonna work on this. I just noticed that you both asked this a while ago and looked at what was coming up for me and decided I should just answer. I have another wip ask that I'll be answering hopefully soon. Hope you enjoyed this! :) And, if you want to know more about it or have questions about it, you can ask. I don't know when I'll be able to get around to really talking about this more, but I always welcome asks! Fandom is about talking with each other and sharing ideas after all, right? 😄 💕

[faejilly]

Ok, I gotta know what “canon complicit” is for the WIP ask meme!

Mostly it's coda fic for individual episodes of the Shadowhunters TV show, to be honest, and there was a tumblr post about canon compliant vs complicit vs compatible which made me laugh so... [THIS, btw, is the version I saw, iirc]

I did specifically use it partly to be petty tho; when I got stuck on rewatching the show to do coda fic for the first two seasons (I was only actively fandoming at the same rate as the show for like, the very end of s2 into s3) I was also reading a lot of fic on AO3 and there was just... there was a lot of fic that seemed really out of character to me, and some of it was people who read and liked the books and were pulling aspects of characters from there (which I'm never gonna do because Clare is terrible) but some of it was people who were just... imho... wrong about my faves. (As people are wont to be, but we all must suffer in silence if we're not going to be assholes about it. 😅)

So some of the episode/fic notes in that folder are very specifically emphasizing aspects of the show's characterization that I particularly liked and was especially unlike fanon/book canon so there's a bit of spite!fic in there, yk?

Specifically I started and stopped like five different things where-in Alec is going to Pandemonium because I'm sad the show didn't let them hang out there, even if I understand that filming clubs is a pain and a half and they probably spent all their money on shiny swords and Magnus' wardrobe. (And I can't begrudge them Magnus' wardrobe because I enjoyed that tremendously, and I'm mostly even more indifferent to fashion than fanon!Alec.)

I was particularly proud of this bit in there, and istg I'm going to actually get it into something I publish eventually; it takes place in between s2 & s3, I guess? The timeline on this show is nonsense, don't worry about it. (Post soul-sword break-up & reconciliation.)

Magnus inches a little closer to Alec, until his knee bumps against Alec's shin. "If you're there as my boyfriend, especially a Shadowhunter, you're going to get a lot of attention." "So?" Alec flicks his fingers out, as if dismissing that. "You don't generally like people staring?" Magnus tilts his head, suddenly wondering if he knows Alec as well as he thought he did. Alec snorts. "Be hard to give a briefing with the entire Institute or a grumpy Council staring at me if that bothered me." "But..." Magnus waves his hands almost helplessly. He has no idea what to say to that. How did he get something this simple so wrong? "I don't like attention if I don't know what my role is, if I don't have, I don't know." Alec shrugs, as if he's not sure he's making sense, but he's going to keep going regardless. "Rules to follow? If I don't know what I'm supposed to do, or how I'm supposed to do it." Their entire relationship tilts slightly sideways in Magnus' head, and he sighs out a long shaky breath. Ohhh. "But you know how to be my boyfriend." "I'm not sure I do, considering." Alec's mouth twists, bitterness and regret and guilt, and Magnus has to hold in a wince. "I made myself think I had to keep all my roles separate, but that didn't work, that isn't possible, and I'd like..." He trails off again, a hint of a frown wrinkling its way across the bridge of his nose. "You'd like to try?" Magnus whispers. "Yeah." Alec ducks his head, the hint of a blush warming his face. "I want to do better this time." "So do I." Alec smiles, and his face is soft and Magnus has no idea what's happening, but he's certainly not complaining. "I didn't think you'd want to deal with a club." "Why wouldn't I be able to deal with a club?" Alec looks affronted, and his frown is back. Magnus bites his lip and lifts his eyebrows. "Clubs are full of people." Alec rolls his eyes. "I don't hate all people." "Darling." Magnus grins this time. "You like about six people in the entire world." "More like twelve." Alec lifts his chin, his eyes looking vaguely upward as if he's counting. His lips twist with amusement as he teases. "Alright, maybe ten."