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arzen9 · 15 days ago

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Can I Be Good? Chapter 3: Part of the Team - Lark

pairing: Astarion/f!Tav | Astarion/f!OC 18+ MDNI word count: 4.4k tags/warnings: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Not Canon Compliant, Vampire Ascendant Astarion, Redemption, Slow Burn, Enemies to Lovers, Mystery, Romance, Drama, Angst, Fluff, Smut, Original Female Character summary: Centuries of pain, a ritual, (not) hunger, (not) desire, a lost soul, a search, a yearning, bodies, bodies... And a heart that changes everything.

In the clerb, we all fam.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY IN ADVANCE, LOVELY PEOPLE<3

Thank you for reading! I love you! LOTS AND LOTS of thank you's to @nerdallwritey for reading this through, for supporting me, for being an amazing friend!! ILY!! Can I Be Good? has a playlist, made by yours truly! If you want to give it a listen: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0pXFYWcgOZXxe8Hf39dhfs?si=f8f44e48d2924b1e

Please click here if you'd like to read on AO3 as the "insert link" function STILL hasn't been working for me. Otherwise, continue on here!

“I guess it wouldn’t hurt to go,” Wyll says on the phone. “It would be nice to meet your coworkers.”

“You mean Karlach specifically,” Lark says with a trill.

“Is that her name?” Wyll asks wistfully.

“Can you not be so obvious with your yearning tonight,” Lark pleads. “She’s my coworker, not your future wife.”

“Could always be both,” he says and chuckles shyly. Lark can hear Lae’zel scoff in the background.

“Well, you guys can come on over here in the afternoon then.”

“And by here, you mean...”

“The Crimson Palace,” Lark says, trying not to cringe.

Wyll chuckles again. “Yeah, I just wanted to hear you say it. Congratulations on landing the job, Lark.”

He hangs up and leaves Lark standing at the bottom of the stairs that lead up to the second floor of the club, phone in hand. Astarion didn’t exactly tell her what to do from now until her little “get together” or whatever, and she hesitates before going back to the bar. For a moment Lark just stands where she is and tries to peer from behind the wall to see where the white-haired woman is, and feels relieved when she spots Shadowheart with her back to Lark, looking down intently at her phone. Maybe she can safely sneak on by and leave unnoticed; but what would be the point? She has to come back for Astarion’s little event anyway. Lark realizes that this place makes her miss the feeling of sunshine on her skin.

“Soldier!”

Lark jumps. “Karlach!” she exclaims. “You almost gave me a heart attack.”

The tiefling laughs, open and boisterous. “What do you mean? I thought I was mighty stealthy.”

Lark raises a brow at her.

“So,” Karlach continues, a sincere look in her amber eyes. “Did you get the job?”

“Oh,” Lark says, straightening up a bit. “Yes, I did.”

It seems that Karlach is intent on giving her a heart attack though, as the next thing she knows, she’s enveloped by two muscular arms and lifted off the floor, feet hovering in the air.

“Yes! I knew it! I knew Fa— Astarion would pick you! He can make good choices sometimes.”

“What do you mean?” Lark tries to ask, but it comes out as more of a wheeze, being squeezed by Karlach to the point of gasping for air.

“Nothing!” she exclaims, putting Lark back down. “Sorry, I’m just real excited.”

“I can tell,” Lark smiles. She hopes her braids are still neat. “I’m not sure I’m all that exciting, though.”

“Oh nonsense! If Astarion’s excited, you can bet your ass I am, too.”

Astarion is excited?

Before Lark can voice her confusion at Karlach’s statement, Shadowheart beckons them.

“What are you two doing over there? You know I’m terribly nosy.”

Karlach gives her a gentle bump on the arm, and the two make their way over back to the bar. Shadowheart winks at Lark.

“Really glad to see Karlach didn’t squeeze your organs out of your body.”

“Still in one piece,” Lark says. Karlach looks away shyly, but her smile is obvious.

“I’m guessing you’ll be working with us, then?”

Lark nods. Karlach woo’s.

“Excellent,” Shadowheart says. “Welcome to the team.”

“We have to celebrate!” Karlach interjects. “Now? Tonight? Where are your friends you had with you the other night?”

“Astarion’s already got that covered, I think,” Lark says. “He said we would have a little get together here tonight.”

Karlach and Shadowheart exchange glances, but their expressions don’t betray any emotion.

“Well, you can hang out with us until then.”

Something pangs in Lark’s chest. She enjoys the company of a few very specific people— namely, Lae’zel and Wyll. It’s been a long time since she actually hung out with anyone else. All of it is by choice, to be sure. There aren’t many people who are willing to understand and accept Lark exactly as she is. She isn’t even sure how her two best friends do it.

But she would have to admit that Karlach and Shadowheart genuinely seem nice, even though the latter is a tad bit intimidating— whether on purpose or not, Lark can’t decide.

The pitiful look she gave her the first time they met won’t leave her mind.

“Tell us about yourself,” Shadowheart interrupts her thoughts. Then, after a few seconds, “Oh, but first,” she says, gesturing to all the bottles behind her. “Pick your poison.”

“Oh, I’m not sure if I—”

“You’re not working right now, are you?”

“No, I start tomorrow.”

Shadowheart smiles mischievously. “Pick your poison.”

“She might not look like it, but Shads is the best at cocktails,” Karlach offers.

“Hey!”

They both turn to Lark again. Waiting.

“Um, I… Maybe a Bloody Mary?”

The two women smile at her, all teeth. As if there’s an inside joke here that Lark just isn’t privy to.

Shadowheart starts immediately, and Karlach pats on one of the high stools in front of the bar. They sit next to each other.

“What about me?” Karlach pouts.

“You can pour yourself something, can’t you?” Shadowheart says, focused on preparing Lark’s drink. Karlach pulls herself off of her seat dramatically, and joins Shadowheart at the back of the bar, one hand on her hip, looking at the seemingly endless array of bottles filled with liquids of varying colors.

“Are you guys working during the day, too?” Lark asks.

“Oh, no,” Karlach says, picking up bottles, putting them back. “We live here.”

Odd. “You do? Why?”

“And I thought I was nosy,” Shadowheart says, but there’s no venom in her voice. “Why not?”

“Well, I just thought it would be weird living in the nightclub you work at, with your boss and everything—”

The two women fall into a fit of laughter at that. Karlach seems utterly lost. It’s Shadowheart who recovers first.

“Boss? You mean Astarion?”

“He’s the owner, isn’t he?” Lark asks, confused as to why they found what she said so funny.

“Yeah,” Karlach says, wiping away a few tears. “But we’re friends. We work together, not for Astarion.”

Huh. Lark’s mind immediately conjures up the image of Astarion standing on the balcony, surveying the crowd. Observing her.

A shiver runs down her spine.

“Are you cold?” Shadowheart asks her. She’s putting the finishing touches on her Bloody Mary.

Before she can answer, Shadowheart continues, “You’ll get used to it, in time. But Lark,” she looks intently at her while placing the glass filled with red liquid in front of her. “Don’t let our living arrangements distract you from what you came here to do. Astarion would never have hired someone if he absolutely didn’t need help with the masquerade.”

“Of course,” Lark preens at the sudden coldness in Shadowheart.

“Shads, you’re scaring the poor girl,” Karlach returns with a glass of something that resembles the color of her eyes. Bourbon? Whiskey? “We’re happy to have you help him out, Lark.”

“It’s not for me to be weirded out by your living arrangements, anyways,” Lark says, tougher than she intended. “I’m only here to help with the masquerade, as you said.”

“What, you’re not gonna work with us after the winter season?” Karlach says, clearly disappointed. “No way. I bet you’ll stay.”

“We never know what the future will bring,” Shadowheart says, but her smile isn’t so soft this time. “How do you like the Bloody Mary?”

----

Shadowheart’s Bloody Mary is so good that Lark has three of them. By the time the three women finish their last drinks (Lark’s third Bloody Mary, Shadowheart’s fourth glass of wine and Karlach’s… well, who’s counting?) the sun outside is setting, and it’s almost time to celebrate Lark’s new job.

Wyll and Lae’zel walk in as Karlach is showing how she can balance two whiskey glasses on top of each other on her head. Lark doesn’t think she’s drunk— it seems that the tiefling naturally has the sort of courage most people need with the help of a lot of liquid.

Lark beams at her friends. Immediately her posture slackens a little with comfort, confidence filling her being. She feels at home with herself when she’s with them— even Shadowheart can’t scare her now.

“Lark,” Wyll greets her, standing a little further away from where her and Karlach are sitting. Lae’zel stands next to him.

“Well, soldier,” Karlach says, carefully placing the whiskey glasses back on the bar. “Introductions are in order!”

Lark turns to her friends to find Wyll’s gaze laser focused on Karlach, and almost rolls her eyes— then she sees Lae’zel.

Her friend’s eyes are uncharacteristically round, and following her line-of-sight Lark realizes it’s Shadowheart that has softened her up like so.

Oh gods. Lark leans on the bar and places her chin in her palm. This might be an interesting night.

Despite her fear of suddenly being stuck in a weird romcom, her friends are civil in their introductions, if a little stammer-y. Lae’zel’s “surprise me” to Shadowheart’s “what would you like to drink” earns her an amused smirk from the white-haired woman, but yes. Wyll is civil.

Then Astarion enters the room— talking to a man that’s walking beside him, with an impeccably smooth purple shirt and shiny, slicked-back brown hair. Lark’s stomach does something that suggests either nerves or one too many Bloody Mary’s. She settles on the latter.

Karlach and Shadowheart don’t seem to notice the two men, still in conversation with Lae’zel and Wyll. Lark’s focus has shifted though, keen on trying to hear what Astarion is talking to this man about. There’s something in the owner of the Crimson Palace that piques her curiosity to indescribable proportions, civility be damned.

And it seems that Astarion is keen on thwarting her attempts at satisfying that innate wonder, as he immediately lifts his head up to throw a smile at her, effectively silencing his companion. She would give anything to see what goes inside his mind.

He tut’s at the sight in front of him, looking rather amused. “It seems that you have started the festivities without us.”

The man in purple makes his way over to Lark with quick steps. “Miss Promise, I am thrilled to have you join us. Thrilled! Astarion’s mentioned your aptitude in magic, and—” he stops when Astarion places the wide of his palm over his shoulder. Lark eyes him suspiciously, but he acts as if there’s nothing wrong. “I’m Gale Dekarios,” the man says, offering his hand.

Lark gets up to greet him, and it hits her— the scent of rosewater, the swirling of a million stars, the alignment of planets. No wonder he was interested in her magic. They share a knowing smile before Gale retracts his hand. Astarion eyes the two of them, his expression unreadable.

“Please,” Lark says. “Call me Lark.”

“Well,” Astarion cuts in before Gale can say anything. “You now have the delight of meeting everyone. Care to return the favor?”

Lae’zel perks up from behind Lark, immediately peeling herself from Shadowheart and stepping to the side to be next to her friend. It surprises Lark, for a second. Her instinct to protect. Wyll shifts his gaze over as well, but doesn’t move from where he’s standing, next to Karlach.

“Lae’zel,” she says, giving Astarion a nod and nothing else. He tilts his head and smiles.

“I’m Wyll,” Wyll says with a little wave of his hand.

“Oh,” Astarion drawls. “Chief Ravengard’s son, in my club? What an honor.”

Wyll looks down, uncomfortable with the recognition, but only smiles, possibly for Lark’s sake.

“Nice to meet you all,” Gale says, seemingly sensible to the sudden tension. “Shall we take this up to the dining room?”

----

The dining room, of course, is a lot bigger than any dining room Lark’s ever seen, and on the third floor which she didn’t realize even existed, but it makes sense considering how high the ceiling looked when she first entered the Crimson Palace. The room itself is in the middle of the floor, accessible through two sets of double doors. Inside there is not much else but a table (bigger than any Lark’s ever seen) surrounded by about twenty chairs. A grand chandelier hangs off the ceiling, blindingly shiny.

Astarion takes the chair at the head of the table, and with a pat, invites Lark to sit at his right. Despite her obvious interest in Shadowheart, Lae’zel chooses to sit next to Lark, seeing as her friend’s face has flushed with panic due to the proximity of her new boss.

If only she knew.

Gale takes the chair on Astarion’s left side, followed by Wyll and lastly Karlach. Shadowheart stays standing for a moment to talk to Gale, putting her hand at the back of his seat. Observing her surroundings, Lark realizes that she’s the only one that seems to be nervous. Even her friends don’t mind the gathering they’ve found themselves in— Wyll is in deep conversation with Karlach, already able to make her laugh, while Lae’zel steals glances at Shadowheart from time to time but keeps her hand on Lark’s armrest.

“I hope Shadowheart and Karlach kept you entertained today,” Astarion tells her, lounging in his seat like he owns the place.

Well, he does. But still.

Shadowheart gives him a side-eye, but doesn’t say anything before turning on her heels and leaving the room. Lark can feel Lae’zel droop with disappointment.

“Absolutely. Shadowheart indulged me with making my favorite drink. Multiple times, even.”

“And what’s that?”

“Bloody Mary.”

“Ha!” Astarion gives a short, loud laugh. It suits him. “I’m more for red wine myself, but that’s a good choice nonetheless.”

As if on cue, Shadowheart comes back with two bottles of wine clutched against her chest. She hands one to Astarion, and then goes to sit down next to Karlach on the other side of the table. Lae’zel’s mood immediately seems to brighten to see her come back, and it amuses Lark— she has no idea how readable she is.

Only when Astarion pulls out the cork of the wine bottle does Lark realize the table has already been set with plates, utensils and wine glasses— except for Karlach who has an already full pitcher of beer in front of her. Lark eyes the two with a smile as Karlach offers Wyll some of her beer. It’s cute.

“Would you like some?”

It’s Astarion’s voice that snaps her attention back to her side of the table. He’s holding the wine bottle slightly tilted over her glass, ready to pour.

“Sure,” she says. As he pours the dark red liquid into her glass, Astarion watches her— quiet, unthreatening.

“Lae’zel, was it?” he says although his gaze is still on Lark.

“Yes,” Lae’zel responds in an exasperated tone. She doesn’t enjoy needless attention and would probably rather watch Shadowheart over the table.

“Your kind still doesn’t favor our beautiful city, even after centuries. Why is that?”

“You speak as if you’ve kept watch,” she sneers. Lark stares at Astarion, displeased with the comment. She knows Lae’zel isn’t a stranger to these kinds of questions; it bothers her that she faces them nonetheless.

“Merely a history enthusiast,” Astarion smiles.

“Perhaps it’s because your kind favors it too crowdedly.”

Lark takes a sip of her own. It really is going to be a long night.

After all the cocktails she had the first sip of wine seems to go right to her head. The room spins around for a little before she can refocus on Astarion’s high-pitched giggle.

“My apologies on my kind’s behalf, then. Would you like some wine as well?”

“I prefer something stronger.”

“I’m sure we’ll have it.”

Just then, an elf with long, red hair enters the dining room from the double doors on the furthest side, rolling a cart filled with various dishes; followed by a young tiefling with another cart, this one carrying different bottles. Astarion gestures at the tiefling to come over and turns to Lae’zel.

“Let’s drink to your friend, shall we?”

The offer of a drink seems to soften Lae’zel, with the added bonus of her pride when it comes to Lark. She has always been her number one supporter (a position she shares with Wyll); reassuring her that poetry was her calling when Lark wanted to give up and switch to something that would actually make money or that she definitely can down the fourth shot of tequila. No matter what life event it is, Lae’zel’s solid support has remained the same.

Everybody gets their food and drinks; they toast to Lark, she flushes. The night goes on, Astarion’s relentless attention finally leaving Lark in favor of a debate with Gale that doesn’t interest her whatsoever. She and Lae’zel exchange a few remarks about the dishes but don’t talk much of anything since the gith is preoccupied with looking at Shadowheart and looking away the moment she looks back.

Lark swears she will talk to her about adult flirting when this thing is over. Not that she’s an expert, considering she has been single for the past five or so years. Stealing glances needs to be left in high school though.

Astarion abruptly leaving his chair catches Lark’s eye and she turns her head to look at the reason— a tall man with long auburn hair, a prominent nose and thin lips has entered the room, and is now smiling at Astarion, his hand drawing gentle circles on the silver-haired elf’s elbow. The man’s sun kissed skin glimmers under the light of the chandelier, as if he does nothing all day but rub himself in oils. Lark snickers to herself. Why does she care?

She should stop staring. She really should. But then the man leans into Astarion’s ear and whispers something, making the elf smile, and Lark can swear she sees him dip his head to place an almost imperceptible kiss on Astarion’s neck.

The magazines must have missed this piece of news— this highly coveted bachelor seems to either not be a bachelor, or a serial heartbreaker.

Lark would put money on the latter— her new boss doesn’t strike her as the type to swoon.

She tries, very hard, to stop this line of thought. It’s unprofessional. It’s not like her to be this nosy. That’s Shadowheart’s job, isn’t it?

Lost in thought, she doesn’t notice the man leave, or Astarion sit back down. It’s his voice again that pulls her back to reality.

“Are you alright, darling?” he asks, wearing a shit-eating grin that looks almost lopsided. Why is he so intent on smiling without showing his teeth? Perhaps he has bad dentures. Although Lark finds that impossible considering how meticulous he seems to be about his appearance.

She also notices the pet name, but decides not to dwell on it. It seems to be his vernacular. Far be it for her to judge. Maybe he’s just old.

“Yes,” she says, her mouth dry like sandpaper all of a sudden. She takes another sip from her wine in an attempt to cure it.

“Be sure not to drink too much,” he says, twirling his wine glass at her. “You’ve got work tomorrow.”

Lark wonders how sharp her fork just might be.

----

“I think you’re being too harsh on him,” Wyll says on their way back. It’s almost his time to get off the train with Lae’zel after, and lastly, Lark. “He just seems like a typical rich guy to me.”

“And how would you know?” Lark laughs. “Wyll and Karlach, sitting on a tree, sharing beer…”

“Come off it,” he says, but there’s no denying the upward tug of his lips. “We were just talking.”

“For now.”

“I’m happy that you have this job now,” Lae’zel interjects. “But I would prefer not to join any get togethers that your boss organizes, from now on.”

Lark puts a hand on her chest and gasps dramatically. “And deprive yourself of the ever-so mysterious Shadowheart? You must really hate the guy.”

“I would have to care for him in order to hate him.”

They laugh. Lark’s head spins lightly, in a nervous but not all too unpleasant haze. She really does have a job now.

She’s not too fond of Astarion either, but he’s not the first asshole she’s had to work under, and he definitely won’t be the last.

“I don’t need him to organize pathetic dinner parties if I want to sleep with Shadowheart,” Lae’zel continue with venom.

“I thought you really liked the crème brulee,” Lark pouts. “And I highly doubt stealing glances like high schoolers will get you anywhere near her panties.”

Wyll grimaces. “Must you always be so vulgar?”

Lark sticks her tongue out at him. Lae’zel tilts her head and stares into the distance for a bit. “What should I do?”

“You’re asking me?”

“Yes. If this stealing glances isn’t how you do it, then I would like you to tell me what to do.”

“I—” Lark stammers. “I’m not sure. I’ve known the woman for like seven hours, Lae.”

“Tell me what to do when you know.”

Wyll and Lark look at each other, smiling. “Sure, Lae. I will.”

Lark goes to bed that night as soon as she makes it home and sleeps soundlessly for most of the night, save for a few instances she thinks she hears a sort of knocking sound. It’s scary at first, annoying after a couple of times.

But the night never lasts and morning comes, the sound of her phone waking her up before her alarm does. She has two texts from an unknown number and sits up to read them, one eye still shut.

Good morning, Lark. This is Shadowheart. You’ll probably want to save my number You can come and start at your earliest convenience.

“Earliest convenience,” she repeats to herself. “What am I, a corporate overlord?”

Despite complaining, she gets up and takes a shower, puts water in the kettle for tea, braids her hair. The chill in her apartment makes her realize she forgot to shut the window again. How does she keep doing this?

On the way to the Crimson Palace, she fiddles with her necklace— the one her dad gave him when she was thirteen. The silver angel holding a garnet warms under her touch.

----

“First day, soldier!” Karlach greets Lark at the entrance, carrying two barrels under her arms. “Break a leg!”

“I’ll try,” she responds before making her way inside where Shadowheart is waiting. The dark blue turtleneck she’s wearing compliments her hair. Or the other way around.

“Hi,” she says. Shadowheart smiles at her, not too icily.

“Astarion’s still in his room,” she says. “You can go wake him up.”

“Wake him up?”

“His room’s on the third floor. Down the corridor to the left.”

“I—”

“He’ll tell you about your daily task, and you can go from there.” She turns to leave, then pauses. “Oh, and Lark,” she seems to hesitate. “Could you maybe… Give me Lae’zel’s number?”

----

The climb to the third floor feels like a strenuous exercise and Lark’s feet want to go back— it seems she has not taken the “personal assistant” part of the job seriously enough. Which is the whole of it.

“Wake him up,” she mumbles, walking down the corridor as loudly as she can. “Does he not have the money for an alarm clock? Probably spent it all on the chandelier.”

Stopping in front of what she assumes to be Astarion’s door, she pauses, one hand on the door handle. “I’ll be good,” she whispers to herself. Then she opens the door.

She’s greeted with another full-length mirror (he must really love himself) and from the reflection she can see herself, but also the bed— where Astarion’s laying, looking at his phone, thankfully covered by dark red sheets.

Next to him is the man from last night— getting dressed.

“Shit,” she gasps and turns her head away, face gone all tomato. Shit. “I’m sorry, I—”

“Shadowheart takes this personal assistant thing too seriously,” Astarion sighs. “You should leave.”

When Lark turns to leave, Astarion interrupts her. “I wasn’t talking about you.”

She dares look in the mirror again, only to see Astarion’s gaze bearing into her soul. He’s not looking at his… Partner at all.

The said partner quickly leaves— doesn’t say a word. Neither to Astarion, nor to her, even when he brushes against her shoulder as he walks out.

Lark is still frozen in place, hand still on the door handle. She feels clammy.

“You can come in,” Astarion says, face buried again in his phone. “I won’t bite.”

Out of pocket, Lark thinks. But what’s new?

She fully enters the room, turning her back against the mirror and facing Astarion head on. He lifts his head to regard her and gives a sleepy smile. His hair is annoyingly perfect, and the bed sheets seem to be strategically placed over his waist, the toned muscles of his chest and the lower half of his legs visible.

“I think you should get dressed too,” Lark says coldly. She can feel the warmth thrumming in her cheeks.

Astarion takes a deep breath. “Must I?”

No, a part of her says. She shuts it up.

“Shadowheart told me to wake you up.”

“I’m awake.”

“Okay.”

They regard each other for a few seconds, but it feels like an eternity to Lark. She’s uncomfortable. Astarion’s nonchalance doesn’t help.

“No need to reveal all of my quirks from the first day, huh darling?” Astarion laughs. Lark doesn’t have it in her to join him. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll get dressed and meet you in my office.”

She turns to leave, trying not to look anywhere but in front of her.

“Lark,” he says. Her name sounds like melted chocolate in his mouth. “Don’t get the wrong idea about this.”

“Why would I?” she asks, gaze plastered firmly on the door in front of her. “It is definitely not my place to get any ideas about how you live your life.”

“And how do you think I live my life?”

“He was there last night, wasn’t he?” she blurts out. Why is she blurting things out? “A pity he didn’t stay for dinner. You seem to enjoy teasing people, after all.”

She really needs to shut the hells up.

But Astarion only laughs— that high-pitched, honest sound. Lark’s heart gives a rather strong thump against her chest.

“Darling, you wound me,” he says, and Lark can hear the pout in his voice. “I never play with my food.”

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animation-is-my-jam · 1 year ago

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hi!!! I recently got into wordgirl in the year of our lord 2023 and I'm glad to find an active wg account pls never stop posting 🙏 anyway, i have a question, are there any good tobecky fics you'd recommend? i've read some already but I'm always open to new suggestions! tobecky is one of my fav ships rn

Hey thanks for the ask! And that's the true spirit of being a Wordgirl fan. Also don't worry on the posting thing, I sometimes take long breaks or forget to actually use Tumblr but I always come back and I'm still somehow fixated on this show lol.

As for Tobecky fic recommendations...ough that's a tough one. I actually started a Google doc guide (like what their called, the author, how to read them, ECT.) about my favorite tobecky fics (giving my personal reviews and overview, no spoilers). But that's unfortunately been put on hold because I got self-conscious about it, and that I can't focus on two projects at the same time (my other one actually being a tobecky fic I'm currently writing, which hasn't been officially published yet, not a self-promote I think). But I do have all the overall names of the fics from the Doc so I'll paste them here, in no particular order.

As of September 2023, Jam's Tobecky fic list recommendations:

- Something Hidden (multi-chapter) (status: complete) (on FF.net)

- The Saving Tobey Series (aka: Saving Tobey, Time to go Home, and 26 letters) (all multi-chapter) (status: Semi-complete) (All On FF.net or AO3)

- Old Wounds Heal (one-shot) (status: complete) (On AO3 or FF.net)

- The Jealousy verse (series) (aka: Jealousy Jealousy, Who am I?, The scientific method, the sordid confessions of a teenage boy (and other extraterrestrial anomalies) (multi-chapter/one-shots) (status: Semi-complete) (All On AO3)

- Meet me on memory lane (multi-chapter) (status: complete) (On AO3)

- A Big mistake (one-shot) (status: complete) (On AO3)

- (Mamma Mia) Here we go again! (one-shot) (status: complete) (On AO3)

- Honey, Honey how he thrills me (one-shot) (status: complete) (On AO3)

- Slipping through my fingers (one-shot) (status: complete) (On AO3)

- Lay all your love on me (one-shot) (status: complete) (On AO3)

- Turning Saints into the Sea (multi-chapter) (status: complete) (On AO3)

- A Mistletoe Prince 2: 2 mistletoe 2 Prince (One shot) (status: complete) (On AO3)

- Space age love song (multi-chapter) (status: ongoing) (On AO3)

- First comes Friendship (multi-chapter) (status: complete) (On AO3)

- Tiny plastic polygons (multi-chapter) (status: ongoing/unknown) (On AO3)

- [Insert dumb robot pun] maybe It'll lighten the mood (multi-chapter) (status: complete) (On AO3)

- Intermissions (one-shot) (status: complete) (On AO3)

- word up, it's wordgirl (and she wouldn't want me using lowercase letters) collection series (one-shots/multi-chapter) (status: Semi-complete) (All on AO3)

- School isn't big enough for two losers to sit alone (multi-chapter) (status: :( Orphaned/abandoned) (On AO3)

- Adventures of Wordwoman Project B (multi-chapter) (status: ongoing) (On AO3 or FF.net)

- Two lovers intertwined (multi-chapter) (status: ongoing) (On AO3)

- She's giving me the evil eye (a poisonous smile) (One-shot) (status: complete) (On AO3)

- El Tango De Becky (the tragedy of tobeybot) (multi-chapter) (status: complete) (On AO3)

- Sleight of hand (one-shot) (status: complete) (On AO3)

- Tuesdays with Tobey (one-shot) (status: complete) (On AO3)

- Don't cry Snowman, it's Christmas, baby (One-shot) (status: complete) (On AO3)

- Just friends (one-shot) (status: complete) (On AO3)

- Spell it out (one-shot) (status: complete) (On AO3)

- This could be the start of something new (one-shot) (status: complete) (On AO3)

- Dumbfounded (One-shot) (status: complete) (On AO3)

- Tobecky Week 2022 (multi-chapter) (status: Complete) (On AO3)

- Robots and knights the kiss scene (one-shot) (status: complete) (On AO3)

- McCallister cat: Tobey gets a cat (one-shot) (status: complete) (On AO3)

- I Realize Now (one-shot) (status: complete) (On AO3)

- Falling for you (literally) (One-shot) (status: complete) (On AO3)

- meteor shower, quick take cover (but the hues in our hair compliment one another) (one-shot) (status: complete) (On AO3)

- Love and the perils of outer space - A counterproductive guide (one-shot) (status: complete) (On AO3)

- Dumbfounded (one-shot) (status: complete) (On AO3)

- Two sides of the same heart (multi-chapter) (status: complete) (On AO3)

- Merry Christmas (unless aliens don’t celebrate, wouldn’t want to be offensive) (one-shot) (status: complete) (On AO3)

- The Same Sparkling Smile (one-shot) (status: complete) (On AO3)

- Feverish (one-shot) (status: complete) (On AO3)

- New and Subtle shades (one-shot) (status: complete) (On FF.net)

- Through the eyes of his mother (one-shot) (status: complete) (On Tumblr)

- Tis the season (one-shot) (status: complete) (On FF.net)

- Your name was written in the stars (multi-chapter) (status: complete) (On FF.net)

[Phew that's what I got so far, obviously there's probably some I wanted to add and mind you this isn't best to worst or like some elitists list of the best tobecky fics (I mean the first Saving Tobey fic is on here and have my gripes with it lol/lhj), it's just the ones I've read and remembered. But I do think they're great and wahoo some of my friends wrote these(⁠^⁠^⁠) ]

#wordgirl #tobecky #tobey mccallister #becky botsford #wordgirl fandom #Wordgirl fanfiction

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columbo-of-narnia · 6 months ago

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You've probably been asked this before, but if you could insert your husbands into each other's shows (Tanner into HSMTMTS and Josh into Cobra Kai), how would you design their characters? What would they be like? What would their purpose in the narrative be?

And most importantly, would they finally get to snog men on screen?

I have never been asked this, BUT I have thought of it! First, let's do Josh in Cobra Kai. This is just part 1. I am gonna add Tanner to HSMTMTS next

His character would be named Briar Thorne and start out as one of Sam's friends. They grew up together, Briar's dad is a lawyer who grew up in poverty, so he does everything he can to provide for his son. Despite this, Briar isn't spoiled and rather understands his privilege and tries to give back to those who don't have as much.

He is very kind and sweet and absolutely hates unnecessary violence.

His narrative reason for being is to add some realism to the show because holy fuck does Cobra Kai not do that itself.

He first meets Robby mid season 1 when Robby first starts hanging around the LaRusso house and he is almost instantly Smitten. Nothing really happens romantically with them until season 3. Really he is a side character one season 1 and 2. He slowly becomes someone Robby can consider a friend and becomes more Robbus friend than sam's (He and she had been drifting apart for a while)

Briar avoids the out of tournament Karate fights but does show up to support Robby and actually goes to the locker room to check on Robby after Hawk cheats and hurts him. That shows Robby that Briar actually cares for him.

When Briar finds out that Shannon just left Robby without food or money. He immediately offers him a place to stay and Robby is thankful but declines because he is living with the LaRussos. Briar leaves the offer open and suddenly after that he is hanging out with Sam more at her place. He knows it's shitty but he wants to spend time with Robby more. He does have a crush but doesn't pursue it because obviously Robby is Dating sam

At the end of season 2 he is there for the Brawl and witnesses Miguel attacking Robby and Robby defending himself by Kicking Miguel over the edge.

Now this is where things change. Robby does still run away. However, Briar is very Vocal to everyone that it was self defense. He even posts videos online showing Robby trying to stop the fight and how Miguel antagonized and kept being aggressive towards Robby up until the point where Miguel fell.

When Robby is caught, Immediately Briar is there with his dad. Robby doesn't go to juvie for Assault but rather running from the police. His stay is still awful but now he had Briar as a Visitor daily.

There is also a lawsuit against the DAs office because they initially tried repressing the videos taken showing how Robby was just defending himself.

When Robby gets out he goes and Lives with Briar instead of staying at Cobra Kai. He doesn't even join the Dojo until Sam comes to see him at the skate park because she tries to just brush everything under the rug and act like she hadn't gone on the news and said "I don't know why robby did it". That's when he joins Cobra kai.

He isn't tricked or conned into it. He is using them. He wants to get back at his dad, at Daniel, at Sam and everyone who turned on him.

He still trains Kenny and forms a bond with him but it's more genuine. Because Robby had someone believe in him (Briar) he hasn't fully gone to the dark side and thus he is able to build a stronger bond with Kenny and teach him the importance of Miyagi-Do and Cobra Kai. How Kenny can use both and not be consumed by either.

Robby initially struggled with his feelings for Briar when he first got out of Juvie. He still had Johnny's voice in his head telling him 'no way my son can be gay. Be a man robby'. It took some time and Briar never pushed, but Robby soon realized he liked Briar back and they began dating.

And Briar actually became good friends with Tory once he got to know her and She learned that he wasn't stuck up or judgemental like she thought. They became very close to the point where his dad was willing to help Tory with any legal Issues her Aunt may cause.

Robby goes to prom With Briar, who sets Tory up with a nice guy. They have a lot of fun until the after party where Sam confronts Briar for dating Robby.

She is upset that he is dating her ex and that he took his side. How she feels betrayed that he dropped her and has been ignoring her. That he is friends with the go who tormented and attacked her relentlessly.

He points out that she dropped Robby when he needed her. How she Betrayed Robby. How she showed up to prom with the man who started all this (Briar does not like miguel). He tells her she is acting immature and that the world doesn't revolve around her. He can date who he wants and be friends with who he wants. Because Tory never would have been aggressive if sam had not been judgmental.

Sam slaps Briar and that's when Tory and Robby come over and tell Sam to back off and Sam is horrified she slapped one of her oldest friends. She tries to apologize but Tory stands in the way and tells her to leave before they make her. Miguell comes over and that's when the after prom fight happens.

When it ends Briar and Robby leave and end up cuddling in the car Tetry lent Robby. They didn't have sex but instead spent the night just talking, Kissing and being together. Robby promises that after the All Valley, he was done with Cobra Kai and all of it. T

I've already written too much, and this is just half of my ideas for Joshua in Cobra Kai because I was trying to keep season 1-3 mostly the same with season 4 changing drastically and season 5 being completely rewritten and season 6 possibly not existing.

#joshua bassett #tanner buchanan #when will my husband return from the war #karate husband #cobra kai #hsmtmts #robby keene #ricky bowen

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lucasandlily · 1 year ago

Text

This is based on the one @writing-prompt-s (That I cannot for the LIFE of me find right now) about being in a world where whenever you lie the number above your head goes up, and you meet and date a guy who has a 0 above his head, until now.

Warning: Self-insert? Kinda? I wrote it based on how I feel like I would react to it, and then I realised it could fulfill the prompt

Your boyfriend has always been the most honest person you've ever met. But maybe it was too good to be true. And you wanted to believe it was nothing bad, but it seemed like he was trying to avoid you, and you didn't know if you could take watching that one become a two in front of you.

So when he finally says, "I have something I need to tell you," you think, this is it, he's finally going to tell me he's cheated on me.

"I... I think I'm a girl."

Oh. That... makes a lot of sense actually. Your boyf- partner, looks at you with a sort of quiet dread as you try to remember how you usually respond to people coming out.

"I'm glad you felt comfortable enough to tell me, and I still support you."

He relaxes a little, but there's still that line his mouth is pulled in.

"What pronouns do you use now?" You ask, hoping to solve whatever your lover is worried about.

"Oh, um, I guess She/They is alright? I haven't really thought about it, to be honest." She laughs nervously, eyebrows creased as the fake laughter dies.

You hold your hands out, and she places her hands in yours, watching the way your thumb strokes skin with a faraway gaze.

Something is still wrong, and you go through all the things you think you could ask.

"Do you still want to be called Lucas?" You ask quietly, giving her a reassuring smile when she looks up at your question, and try not to think too much about it when she quickly drops her gaze to your intertwined hands again.

"I guess. Haven't picked a name yet." Lucas stares at the peeling nail polish on your fingers blankly.

You still want to ask questions, but you decide to let her tell you instead. The room settles into silence as the person you've dated for two years and known for three tries to put into words what's bothering her.

You two have always been very supportive about these kinds of things. You wouldn't have dated otherwise. You've donated to a couple charities here and there, and made plenty of friends all over the gender and sexuality spectrum. You've always tried to be the best person you could be to anyone, really, and in the silence of the room you worry why it took her so long to trust you enough to tell you about the only lie she's ever told.

"Is this... it?" Lucas asks you. You panic a little that you didn't ask enough questions, but at the look in her eyes you realise that might not be it.

"What do you mean?" You ask instead.

Her face twists and it looks like it hurts to when the words come out of her mouth, "You're straight. You like guys."

Her grip on your hands tighten, perhaps unconsciously, as all the words continue to tumble out, "You like hot men, with male charm and muscles, and- and-"

You squeeze back, and Lucas stops and looks at you, almost begs you.

"I still like you." You can't help but feel a little bit hurt when she looks shocked. She even looks up at the number over your head, which obviously hasn't changed.

"Do you still like me?" You can't help but be curious.

Her hands have relaxed, you suddenly notice, as she brings them up to press light kisses.

"Yeah." She says. The number above her head doesn't change.

You cup her cheek when she kisses your palm, and Lucas looks at you the same way they have since the first time you did that.

"I want to be pretty. I want to grow out my hair and wear skirts like you do." She says as she puts her hand over yours.

"I think you'll look nice in long hair. Though I'm not sure if most of my skirts will fit you, but I'm sure we can find one."

Lucas looks at you with those big adorable eyes that always make you want to scream and shower them with kisses and protect them from the world. Unfortunately, you hold back as usual because it usually isn't the time.

"Are you really gonna like me if I'm pretty? If... if I'm a girl? I'd get it, you know. It's not your fault." She says, and there's a painful sort of understanding in those eyes, and you realise the reason why it took so long to tell you was because she was trying to get ready.

"I love you, Lucas. And yeah, you're a girl now, but I still love you."

Lucas rubs her cheek into your hand as you brush the tears that are starting to form away.

"I'd be a lesbian for you." You say as seriously as you can, and as the love of your life laughs, you hope those are happy tears.

"I love you too." Lucas says, and your girlfriend is still the most honest person you've ever met.

A/N: Usually when people/characters have multiple pronouns, I stick with one unless someone else has the same pronoun, but this time I used "They" when referring to Lucas both before and after coming out of the egg. I will say that I am not Trans, or dating anyone who is Trans (Or dating anyone, for that matter :') ) Still, I think this a cuuute idea. I want to say Lucas chooses the name Lily. You know. Cause it's funny.

#original writing #my writing #I swear I made a tag for that #writers on tumblr #writing #writing prompt #not beta read #Like not even by Google Docs my auto-correct #So there may be some minor edits if I suddenly notice a mistake #Trans #transgender #transgirl #Lesbians #Nymphaea writes #not fandom

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lunarflux · 4 years ago

Text

han jisung x reader / femme o/c

genre — fluff

cafe!au pt 2

suggested background music: x

9:59pm

Like clockwork, Jisung switched off the lights to The Rose Room. The quaint little cafe he owned with a friend seemed to have the most solemn atmosphere just before closing, and tonight was no exception. The red glow from the streetlights danced along the freshly polished floor like a night light. It was time to lock up and head home.

Jisung polished off the last of his coffee, forever regretting how much caffeine he continuously consumed just before he had to sleep. All the part-timers had gone home for the night, and the only company left in his coffee house was the sound of flickering lights and a symphony of car horns from down the road.

10:05pm

Jisung had his key in the door, but in his head, he was counting down.

Ten seconds.

With a deep breath, he heard the gears click together, and right on time, there she was.

Hyacinth & Holly - that was the name of the flower shop across the way. Jisung had his routine locked down that by the time the doors had shut, you were about to walk out.

Always carrying a fresh bouquet of blue hydrangeas, there you were. Locking up your own little kingdom of hues and aromas, you turned and gave him a small wave.

This was the routine that Jisung always looked forward to at the end of the day - seeing you even if for a moment. You both always walked in opposite directions, but that simple five seconds of eye contact were enough to make him forget his fatigue.

One day, he'll talk to you.

One day.

But this is not that day.

Jisung turned his heel, knowing you'd easily turn yours away from him. The walk back to his apartment was always quiet, but lately, it was even more solemn.

Hyunjin, your last-minute roommate had moved out last week to live with his girlfriend. It was just one less person he interacted with during the day, and it was only then that he realized, he didn't really talk to that many people.

In his head, he would imagine you walking through the doors of the Rose Room.

Strawberry latte? Iced rose tea? - He would guess your favorite drinks in the hopes that one day, you'd walk in, and he could surprise you.

Hyunjin used to tease him.

"Just go over there on your break. You're never gonna know her name unless you just talk to her."

Jisung scoffed at the thought of that conversation, remembering how it took over a month for Hyunjin to confess his own feelings. Then again, the flower shop opened up a few months ago, and still he hasn't spoken to you.

One day.

Jisung walked into the Rose Room at 2:00pm.

An unfamiliar vase with two massive sunflowers sat on the bar top.

"What's this?" He picked up one of the yellow stalks and prodded it with a small smile on his face.

Jeongin continued to work on his Americano. "The girl from the shop across the street dropped it off this morning. She said someone canceled their order, and she'd already clipped the stems so it'd be a waste not to put them out."

Jisung felt the lump in his throat expand. She had been in here.

"I was gonna bring her a drink to say thanks, but I didn't ask what she liked." Jeongin slipped off his apron. "I figured an Americano would be okay -"

"I'll do it." Jisung interrupted. "But give that to the next customer, I'll make something."

Carrying a small plastic lunch bag, Jisung steadied himself. The strawberries in the sandwich he made had to stay pristine. Paired with the rose tea, he made his way over to the storefront, ready to be either rejected or welcomed.

"Hello!" A part-timer greeted, the name 'Yeji' scribbled on her name tag. "Can I help you?"

"Um -" The familiar lump in his throat was back. "Th-The girl who brought the sunflowers. Is she here?"

Yeji tilted her head, looking over to the sunflowers behind Jisung, not realizing the amount had been altered. "That might have been my boss? But she isn't here."

"Oh." Jisung was almost relieved.

"Is that for her?" Yeji motioned towards the lunch bag.

"No - I mean, yes, but -"

"She'll be back later. She only came in to help prepare an order, but she closes usually." Yeji said with a smile. "Do you want me to leave that in the back -"

"No!" Jisung nearly screamed. "I mean, no, no, I'll come back. If... that's okay?"

The surprised girl nodded quietly.

9:48pm

The strawberries in the sandwich got soggy and the rose tea watered down. Jisung slumped his head over the counter, still cringing from today's interaction with the girl who very well knows his crush and could easily ruin his chances.

Why am I so awkward?

Taking a deep breath, he leaned forward, peering out into the street. He didn't know if you were there. He didn't even know if he could muster up the same courage to go back.

Jisung reached for the door, tempted to just run over if only to catch you before you closed up, but before he could, you emerged.

Holding his breath, he watched as you walked outside - but not alone.

You were with someone. A guy. He patted your head, and you smiled back.

Jisung's grip on the door handle pushed the blood from his knuckles. It was too good to be true. He waited too long.

And just like that, he felt his heart drop into his stomach. He didn't even know you, yet he already felt that familiar pang of sadness and disappointment. It wasn't as if he was craving a relationship, and perhaps, he had built you up too much in his head. He didn't know your name or your favorite color. He didn't know the music you liked to listen to on your way to work or the sound of your laugh. He really didn't know anything, and seeing this solidified that thought.

You were a stranger after all.

Hyunjin and his girlfriend, the day manager left together today, but not before trying to talk Jisung out of his mood.

"You know that might not be her boyfriend," she shook her head. "Don't jump to conclusions."

"What other guy would meet up with her that late at night?" Hyunjin rolled his eyes. "If you were the closing manager, you know I'd show up to walk you home."

Jisung cringed, seeing the couple exchange loving glances.

"We're just saying not to give up. You can't wait forever."

They weren't wrong. It seemed better to try now and get rejected than to wait and wonder.

9:59pm

It seemed automatic now. The counting. Only now, he didn't really know what he was counting down to.

Jisung heaved a heavy sigh as he inserted his key.

"Are you closed?"

Wait.

Jisung nearly stumbled down from the small ledge of the door.

There you were. Apron and purse in one hand a fresh bouquet of blue hydrangeas in the other.

"Yeah, we closed -" He cleared his throat. "We closed - I mean, we close at 9:30."

"Oh." You almost looked upset. "I'm sorry, I'm just so used to seeing you leave after ten, so I wasn't sure. I always wake up too late to come here before my shift, and you guys are always so busy.

Jisung put his key back in the lock without thinking. Opening the door, he held his breath.

"I can make you something."

You swung your legs under the seat. Jisung quietly steeped the same kind of rose tea he wanted to give to you before. Glancing over, he could see one of the last strawberry sandwiches of the day as if it had been waiting for him to reenter.

"Do you always work late?"

He heard your small voice over the counter. Walking up, you joined him so that the only thing between you was marble. Jisung nodded, setting the glass of tea and sandwich in front of you.

"Yeji told me you stopped by yesterday. I'm sorry, I missed you."

"It's fine." He could feel the cold sweat on the back of his neck. "I would have brought it later, but your boyfriend was there."

"Ex."

"Ex?"

"Ex." You smiled, quietly sipping your tea with a blissful sigh he'd never seen before. "Dropping off my spare work key. I'd forgotten it when I moved out last month."

Ex. Her ex boyfriend. Of course.

"Why did you break up?"

Picking at the edges of the sandwich, you shrugged. "You know how it is. Working adults not working the same schedule. I like working the night shifts. I like closing the store. And he hated how many hydrangeas I brought home. Said it made the apartment smell too much."

"I think they're pretty. The blue ones."

As if you'd forgotten the color already, you giggled. "They're my favorite."

"Mine, too." Jisung could feel the air lessen.

"I can bring you some tomorrow if you'd like."

"That'd be nice." He smiled, genuinely for the first time in what seemed like a long time. "If you want, I could -" He caught himself.

You nodded towards him, midway through your sandwich.

Punching his leg, Jisung quietly scolded himself. "If you want... I could walk you to work. I'd like to see you - the flowers, I mean, and everything tomorrow. Y'know. Before it gets dark."

"You'd wake up early for flowers?"

"W-Well, yes, and I need to wake up earlier anyway - I drink too much caffeine at work, and I need to stop sleeping so late, and -"

"Okay."

"Okay?"

"I'd like that," you beamed.

Jisung almost choked. "I'm sorry, it's just. Well. I don't even know your name."

"y/n." You poked his cheek. "All you had to do was ask."

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