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jarofstyles · 11 months ago

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Azure- Indigo 5

Helllooo my loves! Here is part 5 to indigo. It's really cute I can't lie, I'm proud of this story :')

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Series Masterlist

WC- 5.4k

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Y/N had forgotten how Harry appeared to other people.

She had been almost floating on air the rest of the weekend, a smile permanently on her face as she walked about her apartment, tending to chores and making sure to take time to look after her tattoo. She had been diligent about her research beforehand, yes, but it was even more imperative now that she kept the piece in pristine condition.

They’d been texting frequently. Once she had gotten home, he had responded back and it simply hadn’t stopped. There were pauses, warnings from him that he had a client coming in or he was going on a run, but most of the weekend had been spent texting him, giggling at her phone, getting to know him a bit more. His texting style was a bit similar to how he spoke, a bit of dry humor sprinkled in. It seemed he was a little more bold through the phone as well, messaging her with smooth flirtation and obvious interest in her stories. He asked involved questions, checked in on her multiple times, but he wasn’t overly bearing. Y/N felt like she was being hand fed bits and pieces of the man that had always puzzled her.

“So who’s the guy that had you pretending you’re not smiling at your phone?” Over brunch, Y/N’s friend Julia had caught on to her sneaking peeks at her phone, smiling to herself and trying to pace responses. It wouldn’t be hard for anyone to notice this. Y/N couldn’t be subtle if it could save her life. Once you got to know her, it was even more obvious that her feelings would be displayed out for anyone to see. A real heart on her sleeve type of girl.

Y/N hadn’t wanted to bring him up initially, but the excitement to finally dish about a guy she was actually excited about seeing- even if it was only one planned date- had her mouth almost ready to burst. She didn’t want to tell anyone in their initial friend group because… because what if it didn’t work and then everyone made it super awkward? Y/N did not do good with that sort of pressure and honestly, she would most definitely cry if someone teased her for not being able to keep up with Harry.

Julia, however? Sweet Julia was a former coworker, mostly removed from that group of friends and it was easier to dish when she hadn’t met him.

“Well…” Y/N tucked her hair back over her shoulder, fiddling with her napkin. “It’s a guy I’ve known for a bit. He’s actually the one who did my tattoo.” Lifting her arm she motioned to the ink that her friend had previously fawned over. She had a few tattoos herself and had been impressed at how good it had turned out despite some of the detail being scabbed over. Y/N had taken a bit of the moisturizer Harry had given her out after their drinks and shown her, the whole thing.

“Ohmygod- a tattoo artist?” Her friend’s eyes widened. “The one who did that one? You sly thing… did you get down and dirty in the studio? Oh my god, you gave it so good he had to see more of you? Y/N, you’ve been holding out on me!”

Y/N gaped, floundering for a moment before housing her friends with wide eyes. Her voice hadn’t exactly been quiet and she could feel the lava burning underneath her skin. She loved Julia, but she didn’t have a sense of volume sometimes. “Jules!” She hissed, shaking her head. “No! I didn’t- I didn’t do anything in the studio. No, he was completely and utterly professional and sweet.” There was a weird need to defend Harry’s honor.

In reality, there was no true idea in her mind if Harry did that sort of stuff before. With how attractive he was, she was sure people attempted it but she doubted he would actually do so. Not when he had worked so hard on his shop’s reputation. He’d told her all about that when they’d gone out afterwards.

“Ok, then what the hell happened? What is his name? Let me see him, immediately.” Her expectant hand shot out, looking at her with a raised brow as Y/N chuckled at her friends' antics- and her audacity. She was lucky Y/N loved her.

“His name is Harry.” Her voice was soft as she typed his username into the instagram search bar. “He’s a tattoo artist. I met him through our friend group. He’s a friend of Sarah’s. He did my tattoo at his own shop. He owns it himself, and he’s got a few people who work there too.” Pride bled from her voice as she pulled his profile up and handed it over. There weren't too many of him. He had a few tagged, a few photos on his own, but it was mostly his tattoo work and random things here and there. “He’s got a few awards and done a few famous people’s work. It’s so cool. He drew my tattoo up right next to me in his office, his process is so interesting.”

The girl was chirping about him as if she was already smitten, a dreamy little smile on her lips slipping a bit as she took in Julia’s expression. “What?”

“Nothing! Nothing- not a bad look, I promise.” Julia hurried to correct her face but she turned the phone back to Y/N. “This is him? The one in the black?”

It was a photo of him she had seen the other night while she did her obligatory snooping in his tagged. A tight black tee shirt with the Harley Davidson logo on the chest covered his torso and tight fitting black jeans covered his bottom down to his brown boots. His arms bulged slightly as they were crossed over his body, a pint in hand as he looked at the camera. The other hand held out a middle finger over his arm, a cold scowl on his face. His piercings glimmered in the photo, an obvious flash used. It was part of Sarah’s summer photo dump, one he had commented a simple eye roll emoji for despite liking it. Y/N’s snooping was thorough.

“Yeah… Isn’t he cute?” Y/N asked nervously. It wasn’t that she needed her friend’s acceptance. She liked Harry either way. It would just be nice to not feel a bit off guard when she had expected a squeal back from seeing him. Harry was hot, that was no question. Even if you simply spoke to him without seeing his physical appearance, it was more than obvious he was just an attractive man in general.

“Cute isn’t the word I’d use. He’s good looking but… He’s a little scary for you, isn’t he?”

While she knew that the question was most likely an innocent one, it raised her hackles a little bit. Sure, maybe he looked a little scary. Maybe he was intimidating to most. But that didn’t have much to do with anything. “No, I don’t think so. He’s incredibly sweet and kind. He didn’t even charge me for my tattoo and tried to venmo me back his tip but he’s… He’s a little shy.” It had been apparent to her when he had told her why he had been so silent around her. “He tells awful jokes and he’s taking me to a drive-in movie this weekend because he remembered that I liked the one they’re showing. He’s really thoughtful. I know he’s got tattoos and piercings but that doesn’t mean-”

“Woah, slow your roll, Cinnamon Bun.” Julia placed her hand over Y/N’s. “I didn’t mean anything mean by it. Not at all. I’m sure that if you’re with him, he’s a nice guy.” Her face showed guilt for working Y/N up, scooting her chair closer to her. “I just mean he seems a bit intimidating. You know that I’m used to seeing you fawn over more sporty guys, the cleaner cut ones. It was just that he’s different from the norm for you, babe.”

Y/N’s wind sank and her sails dropped as she realized what her friend had meant. Of course it hadn’t been meant in malice, but she still worried. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to jump on you like that. I just think.. I think he’s had a lot of people assume a lot of things about him in the past and it makes me weirdly protective of him. I know I’m kind of his opposite in a lot of ways and it makes me a little insecure because I know people will definitely call it out. Your meaning isn’t bad but eventually people are going to see I don’t seem to be the normal type for him.”

That was the truth. Y/N had seen peeks of girls he had flirted with or gone off to hook up with and they didn’t exactly look like her. Not at all.

“Oh, babe. I’m sorry.” Julia sighed. “No. I didn’t mean it that way. If anyone has shit to say, fuck ‘em. I was just surprised. You’ve never been the bad boy aesthetic type but hey, if he’s nice to you that’s all that matters. As long as he knows you’ve got a miniature blonde friend who’s ready to attack ankles at any moment for hurting you and knows how to hide bodies… we’re all good.”

Y/N had let it go. Julia meant well, but this was exactly why she wanted to wait a bit to let their friend group know they were… something? Seeing each other? They hadn't even gone on a date yet so it seemed to be a stretch to say dating, but whatever it was. Not until it felt steady. They’d all worry over her and warn Harry off when in reality, all he had done in the past was be anxious and let Y/N read him wrong.

She wanted to protect him from the ribbing and the questions and let them get to know one another in a more intimate way privately. It would be something she would have to bring up to him later…. But how?

—-------------

H: Hi, gorgeous. What are you up to?

Y/N: Hi hi :) Just got done making cinnamon bread.

H: And are you bringing me a piece of that tonight?

H: Please say yes or I’ll probably cry.

Y/N: Of course, crazy. What do you take me for?

H: A goddess, if you continue bringing me baked goods.

H: But please remember that there is a snack counter there and I will be happy to buy you whatever you want from there or pick up something beforehand.

Y/N: I really can pay for some of it myself. I feel a little bad making you pay for everything, you’ve already got the tickets.

H: I’ve got the tickets and more. If I’m taking you out, I’m paying, sweetheart. Nonnegotiable. Your payment can be some of that bread, if it makes you feel better.

H: I’m just happy you said yes and are giving me a chance after I’ve made an ass of myself.

Y/N: H :( no

Y/N: You didn’t mean to make me feel bad. I internalized it and maybe you need to work on communication a bit but honestly, It’s all water under the bridge!!! I’m really really excited to go out with you.

Harry ran his hand over his face. His wrist ached from the 6 hour session the day prior but he was more than a mess of nerves now that the time for their date was almost here. He vacuumed out his car, cleaned it, sprayed with some sort of spray, and replaced the little vent air freshener. The whole thing. His range rover wasn’t ideal for this sort of thing so he had chosen his vintage convertible. The bench seat could lay back and provide more lounging space- and that’s exactly what he had wanted.

This had been his first dream purchase once he started making more money at his shop. As soon as he finished his car payments on the Range Rover, he had set his sights on a vintage car to cruise around in by himself during the warm nights, a good sound system having been modified in it so he could lose himself in thought while driving down the coastline. This car was his baby. Soft yellow exterior with a pinstripe detail, the smooth car appealed to him immediately. He’s spent months scouring sites and driving to look at different listings but this one had his heart immediately. There hadn’t been too much to change on it, but he had made his personalization with black and white fuzzy dice hanging off the rearview mirror, said sound system, and refreshed seats. The car had been his reward for the hard work and his endless backaches from being hunched over tattooing.

It had been a no brainer to choose this one but he did worry about if Y/N would think he was being overly flashy. Harry had never been one to show his money off to the masses, instead choosing to invest a lot and keep everything quiet. He’d seen some friends, seen his own clients even complain about how people used them for money and with the concept being newer to him, he wanted to be responsible. He’d read too many financial horror stories on reddit to risk it. His mates guessed he made a decent amount considering how much his minimum was and how picky he was with clients, and sure he picked up the tab a lot without saying who did it, but he tried to keep himself a bit guarded with that. He hoped that if this continued with Y/N- which god, he was praying it would- she wouldn’t be upset with him keeping that a bit of a secret.

To be honest, he was overthinking every single thing. Despite appearing cool, calm and collected in his texts, he had felt like his thoughts were running out of his head at max speed. Realistically, he knew Y/N wouldn’t have said yes if she didn’t want to. She’d have been more than justified if she had, but somehow Harry must have done something right to get the karma to have not only her forgiveness, but her affection. Even the slightest bit.

Triple checking his outfit, he had felt silly brushing his overgrown hair out of his face but still made sure that there hadn’t been some miracle stain that showed up on his tee shirt or new rip in his pants. There wasn’t, as suspected, and he finally made himself leave the house. The car had the blankets folded in the trunk, along with the two oversized pillows he had purposely chosen despite being a bit chunky. They were straight off his bed, the best ones he had ever found. The plush purple blanket was oversized, a steal from a liquidation store he went to just to feel like he could ‘treasure hunt’ was big enough to cover the seats, and he had a few different ones for Y/N to choose from in the back.

Was she a faux fur blanket girl? Linen? Crochet? Plush? Velveteen? Another obscure but endearing thing he wanted to carve out of her.

The drive to her place consisted of Lana Del Rey and the top up of the car. It was obvious it was a convertible but he was trying to keep the warm breeze as a shared experience for them both tonight. The real nerves had hit outside of her stairs, his phone dipped back in his pocket once she had told him she was on her way down. His palms were sweating, a constant reminder of himself to not fuck this up playing on a neverending loop in his head.

The world went quiet for a moment, though, once Y/N opened the door and shot him a smile so sweet that it almost hurt his own teeth.

Every time he saw Y/N he had been in awe of her beauty, but it hit a little different now. She had dressed up for the purpose of going out with him. Her lavender colored dress with slightly puffy sleeves, casual as ever with its soft looking fabric, but seeing something like that on her was bringing it to a new level. It swished on her thighs, brushing an inch or so above her knees. Sandals were on her feet and a cream colored oversized bag that resembled one he brought to the beach was hung over her shoulder, snapping against the pavement as she descended the stairs and made her way over to him.

“Hi!” She chirped, eyes sparkling slightly in the afternoon sun. Sunset would happen in just 30 or so minutes and he had to wonder how his brain would handle seeing her in a golden glow in his car. On a date with him. “You look really handsome, H.”

It was so opposite what people would assume of a man with his general outward demeanor and rough around the edges appearance. His cheeks heating and having to swallow a lump in his throat to unknot so he could reply to a simple compliment, you’d never expect it. Harry liked that maybe only Y/N would be able to uncover a part of him he kept hidden to protect himself from hurt. The iron armor he kept guarding his heart seemed to melt to molten metal when she reached up to take a hug from him. She smelled so fresh, like laundry in the best way. The warm type right out of the dryer, unsullied from any possible contaminants. She smelled brand new, a start over for him.

“You always seem to outdo yourself in how gorgeous y’look when I see you.” His guts had returned when he was hugging her, unable to see her reaction. Somehow, Harry could remain stone faced when drunk people came in demanding ink, when he’d gotten in fights at bars during that rougher period, but he couldn't control himself around a soft little doe of a girl like Y/N.

“Thank you.” She grinned, pulling back with her eyes finding his until her attention was stolen by the car behind him. “Oh my god… Is this a new car?”

Pride bloomed in his chest as she fawned over his car, one of his prized possessions that she was slightly bouncing on her toes as her hand ran over the hood. This was the reaction he had been hoping for. “Well, technically it’s an old one.” The joke was cracked with a smirk, making Y/N laugh and his chest feel full.

“No shit, funny man.” Her hand pushed his bicep. “I mean, when did you get it? I’ve never seen you drive this, just your Range Rover.”

“It’s sort of a special occasion car. Drives down the coast mostly, sometimes car meets if Niall finds one and tells me to bring it. I got it a while ago but the other car is more practical so it stays in the garage while I put the milage on the other one.” He placed a hand on the handle to open up her door, letting her take a look inside. “It’s really special to me. I try t’be careful with her.”

“Her?” Y/N rose a brow as she sat herself in the seat, wiggling around as she got comfortable. “Should I be jealous?”

Her own flirty jokes made Harry relax a tiny bit more. He wasn’t the only one feeling this, and it made him feel a whole lot better to hear it from her. “No, no. She’s got nothing on you, darling.” With a wink, he closed her door and jogged around to his side and patting himself on the back for not choking at the response he just gave.

—---

Y/N’s own body was buzzing with nerves. Sitting in this fantastic car that she knew her grandfather would absolutely lose his head over, Hozier’s ‘Abstract’ played through the radio and her hair was fluttering around as Harry drove through the streets towards the destination. The sun was warming her cheek, hand dipping up and down as she let the wind pass through her fingers. There was some chatter but mostly a silence that Y/N found to be quite comfortable. Harry wasn’t an incredibly talkative person in general but he seemed to be a lot more open when it was just the two of them. She was enjoying this, the overall energy pretty good- a bit nervous and giggly but what first date didn’t start off like that?

“How did you even find out about this?” Y/N turned to look at him as they waited in line to park his car and let them scan the code he had open on his phone. “Like, I didn’t even know there was a drive-in so close to us. I still feel like a newbie here sometimes but.. It was really thoughtful. I never thought I’d get to see this one on a big screen since it had come out before I could have watched it.”

“I remembered you liked that movie we were seeing when I was scrolling down instagram. It was weird, I knew there was one but I never interacted with anything about it so… The algorithm must have helped me out.” He laughed, running his thumb over his lower lip to hide his smile a little bit. “I know people normally would say a movie on a first date would be a little eh, but we know each other a little and it’s your favorite. It’s outside, too. Anything is ten times better under the stars.”

Y/N loved that. That was true, but for someone who had been so nervous to speak to her before he was sure as hell doing a good job finding all the soft pleasure spots in her brain and stroking them. Clicking off things on her mental list she didn’t know she had. “I’m glad it did. I’m excited, especially with a car like this, it’s incredible. You did a perfect job picking this out.” Truly, he had plucked a dream scenario from her romantic underbelly and brought it up to the surface.

“Good.” He smiled, pulling up to the person scanning their tickets. It was pay per car, so it hadn’t been too spendy, but Harry was more than going to make up for it. His relief was clearly lifted off his shoulders as she expressed her approval of his choice. He’d probably fall on down the sewer if she hated it.

Their spot was a place in the middle and towards the back. There were only about 50 spots, and they had definitely been a bit fucked with traffic but at least they werent in a corner. Cutting the car off, he took a breath before turning to her. “We’re gonna pull the top down and uh, the bench seat flattens out. So it can be easier to stretch out.” He flexed his hand around the gearshift, watching as her face brightened. “I’ve got loads of blankets in the trunk and two pillows too. M’not trying to be suggestive but it’s easier to get comfortable.” Harry wanted to make this the most memorable date- in a good way. The knowledge of the fact he knew for a fact other guys in the group fancied her and could talk to her without seeming like an ass used to make his stomach hurt, but it was such a relief to have her with him now. She was way too sweet and understanding but he adored the fact that she had particularly chosen him to go out with. Y/N wasn’t a prize, she wasn’t an object, but he felt like he was a winner for getting to spend time with her.

“Here-” He took his wallet out and slipped one of his cards out. “Go and get whatever you want for the movie and we can get proper food after.” The cool plastic was paced into her palm, his fingers closing her own around it so she didn’t drop it. “Whatever y’want and I mean it. They’ve got those chocolate bars y’like, I saw online. Buy the whole candy case if you want. I’ll get this fixed up and meet you over there to help carry it.”

Y/N wasn’t going to argue, her jello like knees shaking as she walked over to the retro shack. It was unreal. Harry had seemed to put a lot of thought into every step. His mention of knowing her favorite chocolate was there and that he’d remembered it even just having heard it in a very tipsy conversation she’d had with Charlotte with Harry ‘glaring’ at her across the table. Apparently, he had just been focusing on her answer and not wishing she would drop dead. Who’d have thought?

Rocking on her feet, Y/N looked over the menu and made her mind up pretty quickly- an absolute miracle for her- as soon as she saw the selection of drinks. Usually she wasn’t a carbonated bev type of person, but when she saw you could add little flavors into them, she was more than happy to order a sprite with strawberry flavoring. She had only been a few places where they’d done so before, so she was taking it. She went with a Root Beer for Harry and another bottle of water to split, a large popcorn and a side of the cheese sauce that she lovingly called plastic cheese like her mother always had. As much as she was tempted, she chose 3 things of candy. Sour, sweet and chocolate. The array.

Swiping his card felt a little wrong but secretly, she was happy that he had insisted. There had been many a date where the man hadn’t even offered, or who thought buying a lackluster meal meant he should have access to her body. While she didn’t need him to pay, the gesture was what she liked. Harry had been nothing but respectful once he had actually opened his mouth to talk to her.

Placing the lids on the drinks, she had placed them on the tray but frowned slightly at the idea of walking across the field balancing them and not dropping them. Thankfully she felt a large hand on her own as the tray had been swiftly taking into his grip. The tray that had seemed ginormous in her own hands looked small in his.

“Told you I’d come to help. You don't need to be carrying it.”

Again, Y/N didn’t feel like arguing as she let him lead her back to the car, his lack of clumsiness making her look twice as bad. She’d stumbled three times, the uneven terrain making it a little difficult with the dents the cars had carved into spots in the lot. Thank the sky above she had let him take it. Her mind had been on that but was taken out of thought when she saw the set up. It was so cute, Y/N almost let out a coo as she watched him place the tray on the close trunk. It had been set up like a bed, three blankets overlapping each other on top.

“Didn’t know the kind of blanket you liked so I brought a few.”

If he got any more adorable, Y/N would lose it.

“You did? That’s so sweet, H.” She whispered, slipping her shoes off as he opened the door to let her get in easier. There was no way she was about to mess up the thing he had put so much thought into. Her eyes went to the plushy one, lifting that one as Harry removed his boots. “I claim this one.”

Harry added the blanket preference to his Y/N list mentally.

“Perfect.” He nodded. “Did you want to share or do separate ones?”

The days were perfectly warm, but since the sun had been setting the cool night had been settling over the place. It got nippy, and Y/N was selfish and curious. “Sharing is fine.” She peeped, spreading it across her lap and holding it open for him. This would bring them closer. His thigh was near hers, sitting sprawled out as he carefully balanced the tray to sit in front of them.

This was just… good. Harry was obviously a little nervous still, but Y/N was laughing at his jokes, she had been interested in what he had to say. It wasn’t the fake half assed listening most people did. She asked detailed follow up questions and laughed at the right times, especially when their hands met when trying to grab some popcorn as the trailers before the move began.

They were shifting closer to one another, slowly allowing it to happen until Harry suggested laying back. The popcorn setted between them, He put a second blanket on them when he noticed her shiver slightly. Y/N was trying to figure out how to ask to cuddle with him without asking outright, but it was hard. All he was doing was being respectful but she wanted to be closer to him, wanted his arm around her and the cold to disappear. It felt like everytime they brushed that she got pleasantly flushed.

“Y’cold still?” Harry whispered, another shiver getting his attention. He didn’t need to know it was from his hand brushing the popcorn from her thigh over the blanket.

“Yeah, I run cold” She said softly. “Can we get closer? Body heat is a bit better.”

Harry loved it. Her innocent expression but obviously wanting to get closer, to be held by him specifically. “I’m never going to say no to having’ you close to me, sweetheart.”

His arm was lifted and she ducked underneath, his body turning slightly on his side so she could get close and lean into him, the blankets pulled to their chins and his hand falling to her arm where he began to run his fingers over.

Y/N wanted to squeal, but she settled for a happy little wriggle disguised as getting comfortable. He was indeed much warmer than blankets, but his fingers running over her and her cheek pressed against his shoulder with his body heat leaking through his shirt made her warm right in her stomach. His touch felt so good, comforting and exciting all at the same time. So far, this had been the best date she had ever been on and it really had just begun.

—------

Y/N was so beautiful.

Harry had been paying far too much attention to the girl curled up against him like a little kitten. Purring as he stroked her bare skin once his fingers had gone under the blanket for her. The screen illuminated her face as she watched her movie, his lips watching her lips as she silently recited lines and giggled at the right moments. He was learning a lot just watching her reactions. The yearning on her face during the softer romantic scenes, what things got little giggles, what made her cringe. How long her eyelashes were and how her nose curved, the tiny marks on her face he had never seen.

This was the type of date he had always wanted to have. To go out with a girl he genuinely liked, who saw more of him than met the eye, who wanted to get to know him. Someone who could make him loosen up a bit. He’d not had any goals for this besides having her enjoy herself and hopefully grow to like him more. Enough to give him a shot of dating her. It made him realize how his past in bed hadn’t made him feel a fraction of the excitement or even pleasure that this did. Simply sitting with a girl he had a massive crush on holding onto his shirt, watching her beauty in real time. There was no feeling of rush with her. As much as he was truly attracted to her, he was happy with this. Maybe a kiss or two would throw him over the moon. Just being in this scenario felt like a dream come true.

He was sure the movie was great, but the vision in front of him was far, far more interesting to him.

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heavenlymorals · 7 months ago

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How a Modern Perspective Skews Historical Characters: A Mini Rant on the Hatred of Female Characters in RDR2

This isn't that organized cuz it's more a rant than a retrospective but fuck it it's my blog, I do what I want-

There are so many people who have actual hatred, not criticisms, for Abigail, Molly, Grimshaw, Mary, and other female characters in the Red Dead universe.

And honestly? I find it very interesting. Sure, men will probably always find a reason to hate a female character, but what I find interesting is how many women also hate these wonderfully crafted characters.

It could be so many reasons as to why this may be the case but honestly? I think it's because people forget that they CANNOT analyze this game authentically through the modern lens of morals and behaviors. This game takes place in 1899 America. Let me say it again. This game takes place in 1899 America.

One more time, just for good measure- this game takes place in FUCKING 1899 America. Women had to be dependent on men because otherwise? They'll either be in poverty, exploited, killed, or all three. There was also the honor system. When had to be the moral high ground for their family so them messing up has consequences on their fathers, mothers, siblings, cousins, and anyone connected to their family name.

Abigail getting pissy at John for getting in trouble all the time? If course it'd feel annoying if you're looking at it through the modern perspective but when you don't, it's a woman telling her man to act like a man and be careful because if he doesn't, she and her son will be destitute and destroyed.

Mary not getting with Arthur but using him? What's the likely hood that the law would bother to help Mary when the two people she needs help with are her father and brother- two grown men who can make their own choices that she literally can do nothing about because as a woman, it wasn't her place to dictate what they do. Arthur was her only option. "Girl, what her family thinks doesn't matter, she still should've gotten with him" girl no, because it's much harder and difficult than that- it's like tearing away an entire identity that you depend on to fucking survive.

"but what about Sadie? She was also living during this time period and she isn't drowned by societal expectations-"

Seriously. Do some research, read a book, expand your knowledge of gender roles and what that entails for people because it explains so many things about these characters in such a human way. They aren't "bitches", they are women of their time and people have to understand that.

No. Sadie isn't a part of this discussion because though she is a fun character and an amazing character, she is a mishmash of historical women who did masculine things to survive at one point but then went back to traditional roles, even if they did occasionally go back to to those old activities for sport sometimes, like Anne Oakley or Calamity Jane. Sadie's entire character is basically "but what if they didn't and committed to the nontraditional lifestyle". There are many inconsistencies that Rockstar did regarding the time period that they established earlier to accommodate Sadie's character better. Sadie is a great character but she doesn't belong in this discussion.

Edit: Ok, since this was a rant, as mentioned previously, I was a bit too rushed with the Sadie aspect of this post and ignored some crucial details. I'm not gonna change the post besides just this though. @hillbillyhipster84 made some great points that Sadie was a reference to Appalachian women and real outlaw women who did run and were accomplices in men's crimes, that I was too ignorant to mention prior beforehand because I didn't do much research. I still don't believe that People should use Sadie to bash the other women though, because those women mentioned above were not the status quo and thus were more trivialized because of it.

So many cultures still operate like this too so if anything, you're just learning something new about another culture.

But I swear, anytime someone talks shit about these characters, y'all got me looking like this-

#rdr2 #red dead redemption 2 #abigail marston #mary linton #susan grimshaw #molly o'shea #arthur morgan #rant post #historical #guys should i do a full post analyzing all the girlies from a historical period to better understand their character?

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yelenasdiary · 1 year ago

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Little!reader request! CG/sisters Nat and Yelena

Just a bunch of fluff of reader and her cgs who happen to be her sisters from the red room watching bluey together

Family Time

Pairing: Caregivers! Natasha Romanoff & Yelena Belova x Little! Reader

Summary: After finally getting you to settle down after a sugar high, your older sisters sit and watch your favourite cartoon together.

Comfort | No Warnings | 0.7K |

AC: I’m Australian and I’ve never seen bluey, lmao. But I hope you enjoy this x also, please note, I am not a little and I write this purely based of research. If I have said anything incorrect, please don’t hesitate to message me via DM or asks.

It was Yelena who had given you some soda in your sippy cup, maybe a mistake when she noticed how hyper you had gotten but it was hard for her to say no to her younger sister when you gave her your signature puppy eyes. She tried everything to get you to settle down before Natasha would return from the store, but nothing worked to keep your attention. Sitting down in the living room, surrounded by your toys and favorite plushies, she offered to do some arts and crafts with you.

"But can't find crayons!" you pouted as Yelena placed your coloring book on the table. "Well, when was the last time you had them?" Yelena asked, unsure of where they'd be.

"Sissy took them!" you replied, crossing your arms across your chest.

To Yelena's relief, Natasha walks through the door with a welcoming smile. "Sissy! Where's crayons?" you asked as you sat down at the coffee table and opened up your coloring book. "If you're going to ask like that, you won't get them" Nat replies with a raised brow, reminding you to use your manners.

"Sorry" you pouted, "can I please have my crayons?" you asked once more.

Natasha whispered to Yelena that they were on top of the refrigerator. She had placed them there to stop you from chewing on them, snapping them in half or drawing on the walls. Yelena grabbed them and placed them in front of you before grabbing another one of your coloring books to join you.

"Thank you Sis!" you smiled before grabbing an orange crayon.

Natasha made peanut butter sandwiches for lunch, cutting off the crusts for you otherwise you wouldn't eat it. She filled your sippy cup with apple juice and placed it on your small plastic table.

Since your older sisters saved you from Red Room, they've learnt a lot about you, things they didn't know before and together, they work as one to help give you everything you need. They love you more than life itself, you're their baby sister so anything you need, they'll do it.

Given the events that took place in Red Room it was no surprise that your Psychologist informed your sisters that you age regress as a form of dealing with the trauma of Red Room. Both sisters did their research and they best to make sure you always felt comfortable and safe when you were feeling little, some days were harder than others.

"Are you ready for lunch?" Nat came into the living room with another soft smile, you nodded before you realized how hungry you were then raced to your table. Natasha chuckled, "somebody is hungry!" she commented as she and Yelena followed you into the dining room.

It was important to them that when you were feeling little that they help create a whole different childhood for you, everything mattered, even to the tiniest details. Mealtimes were to be eaten in the dining room as a family and there was a routine, they followed that they learned you loved and reacted well too.

"After lunch wanna watch bluey" you spoke after taking a bite of your sandwich.

"I'm sure we can watch bluey before your nap" Yelena replied, Natasha nodding in agreement, "do you want to change into your bluey shirt beforehand?" Nat asked. You nodded with excitement.

For your birthday, Yelena had a shirt made just for you of your favorite Bluey character. The shirt brought you plenty of comfort and joy and you always wore it when you would watch the show.

After lunch, Nat helped you change into your Bluey shirt before you both joined Yelena on the sofa who had already got Bluey ready. You made yourself comfortable between your two sisters, resting your head on Natasha's shoulder as you began to suckle your thumb. Yelena pressed play and watched as your eyes instantly lit up.

Plenty of chuckles were shared between the three of you as you grew more and more tired as it came closer to your nap time. Yelena reached for a throw blanket before throwing it over the three of you. After a handful of episodes, you were softly snoring with your head still resting comfortably on Natasha's shoulder.

The two older sisters smiled softly at one another, finally able to have family time like they had always dreamt of.

#yelena belova #yelena belova x reader #natasha romanoff #natahsa romanoff x reader #black widow #marvel #fanfiction #little!reader

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blade-that-was-broken · 6 months ago

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I’m going to spit out a theory on how jd lost his leg in the soldier au. I know this is probably wrong but I want to theorize. I think Tres was driving one of those military jeeps with the whole squad in it (except delta) and ran over a landmine it was an old kinda shittily made landmine so the explosion didn’t kill anyone but John was sitting shotgun and the jeep hit the mine with the shotgun side wheel so he took the worst of it while everyone else got surface burns. Anyway jd was kinda completely out of it on painkillers and getting back to back surgeries for like a month or two and that’s why he doesn’t actually know if his leg is in Sudan or not because he doesn’t know if it got amputated immediately in Sudan or if it got amputated when he was back in the U.S.

That’s why tres blames himself but jd doesn’t blame tres at all cause well jd also did not see the explosive on the road that thing was hidden well.

Anyway I love this au a lot. An idea i have about it is that JD was the one who tapped out tres in his graduation ceremony. Idk why jd would have been there but they clicked well cause Tres has no family beyond his squad and his squads family and neither does JD (at the time at least) and the second jd talks about tres to bruce, the dad in him realizes that tres is jds unofficial adopted son and Bruce is very much an uncle.

Anyway welcome to my Ted talk this is just a theory I love this fic so much thank you for writing it.

First and foremost... I was going to write something about this and then... major burn out. Either that or my brain is just NOT cooperating with this. However, I've got notes instead.

Okay so... you aren't entirely wrong. This is actually pretty on track. However... it gets worse... it gets so much worse. I don't have a lot of details but this stuff is janky and its a lot longer than over the course of one explosion. The explosion from the truck isn't actually what takes John's leg but they go through a whole ordeal that lasts at least a few weeks before getting back home to the states. The ending part especially is something John is extremely fuzzy on so that's why he's not entirely sure where his leg is. But it's also a joke with some of his darker humor.

When I said this ordeal kind of gives Tresillo an out of the military of an honorable discharge or something, I mean it. It was gnarly and that is putting things lightly.

Tresillo's feelings of guilt goes deeper than an IED that no one noticed - it's a bit more up close and personal than that which is probably.... it's just yikes. Tresillo blames himself because he's thinks he never should have been on a team with such more experienced soldiers and that they wouldn't be in that mess if it wasn't for him, and John wouldn't have gotten hurt if he wasn't busy trying to protect Tresillo. This isn't true, however, but Tresillo is a kid and he likes these people and he just has a lot of guilt and shame that he really shouldn't.

So, I'm very pretty sure that's not how anything works but since this is an au, I can do what I want so I'm going to absolutely roll with it. I'm just going to roll with JD and the others knowing this kid was going to join them and they go to the graduation (or maybe even meet him beforehand/get to know him beforehand etc.) and quick to realize that no one is gonna tap him out and John just doesn't even hesitate.

Tresillo is kind of an undisciplined brat at the beginning. It's how he knows how to get attention. I'm also debating on whether he had to choose between prison or the military so that might be a factor. Anyways, they don't give up on him and are super good and chill and eventually he just kind of sinks into it all. They all bond and become friends/family. John is very proud of him and although would never really say the concept of brother/son/etc. he sees all of these people - including Tresillo, possibly not Chaz - as family. He just doesn't always use those types of labels.

Bruce however, very well might.

I'm really glad you like this au! I find it super interesting to talk about and ya'll come up with some really great ideas and questions which make ME come up with more stuff too!

#ask #soldier on au

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harper-collins · 1 year ago

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DCJ - Billdip

Here's the previous part of this series.

This is going to be the last one of this series, mainly as I thought this would be a good ending point, and I'm moving on to more undertale things.

Thanks to everyone who's read this series on Tumblr, and I hope you enjoy the short but sweet ending <3

Bill felt nervous, which was unusual, especially for him. He’d heard about an unfortunate situation finally coming upon him, and he’d waited until the last second to finally do it. Dipper was switching jobs, to one with more money involved, and he didn’t want to just stop contact with said brunette.

They had become good friends by now and met with each other in their free time. But it felt like this part of Dipper’s journey - their journey, was important. He’d met Dipper this way, shared close moments together, and gotten to know each other. If he didn’t do it on Dipper’s last day of work here, Bill wasn’t sure whether he’d do it again.

The blonde strolled in casually as if he were trying to re-create all that had happened before. Dipper was free, and leaning on the back of the chair. Bill doubted he had much to do on his last day, considering that he’d already been teaching the other student who was going to replace him his job in detail merely days beforehand.

Bill came to the desk and watched as Dipper turned and got closer. “Well well, look who’s here, honouring the tradition as always,” the brunette teased, pleased to see his friend. The blonde lightly chuckled at the other’s reply, glad to see he was in good spirits.

“Heya Pinetree, how’s today been treating ya?” Bill asked, putting his arms on the desk as he stared down at Dipper. The brunette hummed for a moment before looking back at Bill. “Same as always, not too bad, not too great, how about you?” Dipper asked casually. Bill didn’t want to reply. More cause he wanted to tell the truth but not give anything away, but despite that, he spoke up.

“Well I’ve got something on my mind if you have the time,” Bill winked as he spoke, causing Dipper to raise his eyebrows and relax in his chair. “Do go on,” The other replied airily, ready for what the other might have in store. But the blonde knew he wasn’t prepared for what he was going to ask.

“Well, since today’s your last day here, and this is how we got to be friends and know each other, I thought it was the perfect moment…” Bill drifted off, watching the other’s eyes intently. Dipper sat there waiting, watching the other as well. Dipper had no idea where this was going at all and was getting nervous as more time went by.

“... That I ask you out, so, ‘Dipper’ Pines, will you go out with me?” The male asked, giving a soft look to the other. The brunette looked confused, and felt the urge to laugh to begin with, wasn’t this a joke of some sort? He quickly realised that Bill was being stone-cold serious at the soft look he was receiving from the other. That wasn’t something that Bill usually did.

“Bill I…” Dipper began, drifting off as he didn’t know how to reply. The other’s face began to drop, assuming the answer before it was spoken. “I… I’ll go out with you,” Dipper quietly mumbled. The blonde’s previously darkened face brightened up at the reply and almost hugged the brunette profusely across the desk at the reply.

“Thank you, Pinetree! I won’t let you down!” The blonde replied eagerly saluting him as he giggled. The brunette smiled in response as he watched his now lover from the desk. “There are sound ground rules I want to set though,” Dipper murmured, grinning at his other half. Bill’s eagerness quickly turned into dread as he saw the evil look across his lover’s face. This was bad news for him.

When Dipper had originally taken this job, he’d taken it because of the ease, and the books. But what he got from working at the library was more than he’d bargained for, in the best way possible. He’d found a lover, one he wouldn’t have found if he hadn’t gone for the job at all.

The brunette took it as a life lesson of sorts. If he didn’t put himself out there, then he’d have never found Bill, and he wouldn’t find many more friends to come if he just stayed in his own bubble. As that shift ended, Dipper smiled as he glanced at the library for the last time, before turning back to Bill and leaving with him.

There were many more life lessons and journeys to find.

#writing #billdip #gravity falls au #bill cipher #dipper pines #fluff #dipper is a librarian

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casspurrjoybell-27 · 6 months ago

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In a Heartbeat - Chapter 22 - Part 1

*Warning Adult Content*

Simon

"You've done this before, haven't you?"

Sam watched in awe as I helped clear the newborn's airways, handing the pup towards Belle, the mother wolf as she cleaned the rest of the amniotic fluid off the pup's grey fur.

I wiped my hands clean as I rested my hand on Belle's back, giving her a soothing stroke as I looked back up at Sam.

"I volunteered a lot in my old pack," I explained.

"I helped my mother with the pregnant wolves."

He smiled.

"You're just full of surprises, aren't you?"

Some silence went by as we soothed the young mother, reassuring her, the pup nestled next to her chest to eat.

Sam mentioned there were two more pups, so it was safe to assume we'd have another couple of hours till she safely delivered all her pups.

Most werewolves tended to have their children in their human form, it made things a lot easier but there were some that rather go through with it in their wolf forms.

It was quicker and less painful in their wolf forms but it required a lot of timing and safety precautions beforehand.

Shifting was not recommended after the end of the first few weeks, so for rogues, many didn't know they were pregnant until it was too late to shift.

Belle had been one of those rogues who simply didn't know.

She had told me the broad details of how she ended up here earlier.

Her mate had been one of the many RC Betas from my old pack.

Lucky for her, he had no qualms with being with her, only she wouldn't be allowed to enter or even apply to be a member.

The rules had gotten stricter since I left and she said it would take at least ten years to be assimilated into the pack, ten years for her to raise these young pups on her own, an impossible feat.

A single mother wolf with just one pup would be a challenge alone, with three, I feared for Belle's life and for these young pups.

So she sought shelter here, a literal oasis.

I only hoped she'd be alright on her own or that her mate would help her in every way possible.

"Is it alright if I ask you a question, Simon?"

Sam tapped my hand.

I nodded, watching as Belle closed her eyes in exhaustion from delivering her first pup.

"You're from that pack nearby, right?" he asked.

"The large one, right off the main road near the mountain and lake?"

I gulped.

"It's been a long time but yes."

He frowned.

"I was just curious if it was true, what these patients have been telling me. If it is really strict and malevolent as they make it seem."

My hand stopped brushing Belle's fur.

I didn't know how to answer.

In a way it was but a part of me knew that there were worse packs out there.

Our pack didn't fight other packs, we didn't exploit the wild game nearby but there were definitely better ones.

In a way, it wasn't the pact that was strict but the alpha himself.

He reached a tentative hand toward my clenched fist.

"Sorry if it's a touchy subject. You don't have to answer, Simon."

"No, no."

I shook my head.

"It's fine. It's just, I guess it wasn't so bad when I left. Sure I got kicked out but I wouldn't say everyone there is bad."

I thought of the old friends I had there and how Xavier and Lucas turned out pretty decent.

"Hmm," he stopped to think at first.

"I figured things were pretty rough with the amount of patients I've been seeing. Many complained that they weren't offering medical help anymore, so I wondered if maybe the rumors about the Alpha were true."

I pursed my lips, looking at the hungry pup still suckling the mother's milk.

I didn't want to think about Vince, not right now.

Not when things were this peaceful. I sighed before changing the subject.

"I'm glad you're helping wolves and people like Belle. It's a real blessing for people like us. Thank you, Sam. Really, it means a lot."

He let out a nervous laugh.

"Really, I'm just doing my job. Besides, I enjoy this, helping others."

We remained silent for a bit, only the tiny pup's mewls, the steady chirp of crickets, and passing cars filled the air.

Sam yawned audibly before looking toward me with a soft gaze.

"You were kicked out?"

My breath hitched as I gave him a curt nod.

"It must've been difficult for you," he whispered.

I gave him a swift nod again.

He opened his mouth to speak before closing it, settling on staring at the young pup.

After some time, he spoke softly again.

"May I ask why?"

You would think I'd be used to this but I wasn't.

It was a simple question but it was like Pandora's box.

I didn't want to revisit it, to unleash the emotions and memories of back then.

The pain, the pull of the bond, the rejection, it was all too much.

My whole body tensed, closing my eyes to focus on my breathing.

In, out, in, out.

I opened my eyes hesitantly, almost expecting me to be transported back to that day, to relive it all over again like my nightmares.

Luckily, I was still here, in Sam's clinic.

With Sam, Belle and her pup.

I didn't dare look at Sam, instead, watching the way Belle's chest rose and fell.

"Belle," I paused.

"Belle's one of the lucky ones. Her mate cares about her. He accepts her, loves her, even if he can't be with her at the moment."

I watched from the corner of my eye as I saw Sam's face fall as he worked it out in his head.

I didn't trust myself to say it bluntly.

Too afraid it would break me to say it.

"She sure is," he muttered to himself before giving me a soft look.

"But to kick you out? Isn't that a bit extreme?"

"For an Alpha, I suppose not."

"Alpha?" he asked.

I frowned, then realized my mistake.

I bit my lip, I couldn't just be telling people about our bond like this.

If the rogues heard a word of this, it wouldn't end well but, despite everything, why did I feel the need to protect him, his reputation?

But this was Sam.

I had no reason to believe he'd spread this to others.

"Your mate?" Sam continued.

"But he has a Luna."

I rubbed my arms, trying to distract myself as Sam seemed to work it out in his head.

He sighed.

"So he chose her over you?"

It had been more than just that.

He had been dating Sarah for as long as I remembered.

He was so fixated on making her his Luna that I was never an option to him in the first place.

I couldn't compete with someone like her, even if I tried.

"Yeah, I guess."

"Well, that's just foolish," Sam said incredulously.

"To reject a mate bond, that's just a pity. I've never fully understood it but I know that it's a horrid thing to do to someone."

It wasn't just the rejection or being kicked out that hurt though.

It was watching my family get accused of crimes none of us committed.

Watching them as Vince's Betas tore them apart in front of our own home.

The feeling of not being able to stop it, no matter what I said or did but I couldn't tell Sam that.

I didn't want him to know how broken I felt.

Not when he embodied the complete opposite.

Even if he had been so open, so inviting, I didn't want him to know of the atrocities I've seen, nobody deserved that.

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saltedkoifish · 3 years ago

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good afternooon;Decided to send you an ask wondering if you have any visual novel recommendations or would want any (I'm reading one asi am tying this)

thank you for the ask ~. hopefully this isnt a late reply ?? i dont know i dont see dates on here rn but anyway :D please prepare for a long and detailed, to my best ability, descriptions. to answer the second half of your question .. please by all means recommend to me !!! i feel like my vndb library has been lacking, and i would love to enjoy new things. start - starting with the non R18 and well known novels i know so far. CLANNAD is a very well known anime and visual novel. as someone who has yet to finish maybe 95% of the game left ... (i've been stalling, sorry .) i am confident that the appraisals it has gotten by those who HAVE finished it are definitely worth listening to. with especially high rating, it could most likely be considered a MUST for visual novel readers. the higurashi series !!!!! this is bloody and scary, and can be considered denpa as it takes alot of elements of insanity into the characters. i LOOOVE these sound novels (sound novels are visual novels that have no choices, you just read. there are also no CGs and rely on audiowork in the overall environment (but no voice acting unless youre playing in some certain versions of the game .. ? i do not know anything about them though but they are not in steam. no voice acting in these novels is no problem for me at all ! ) , which is especially really immersive and personally really crucial to the novels, so headphones recommended ! and description. instead of a CG, you imagine the full picture in your mind..) it being a series with arcs, and as someone who usually likes to prefer short series especially in anime, all seconds of these novels i have spent were fun and worthwhile. if you dont know where to start, i gotchu the first four sound novels are considered the "question arc", introductory novels as they make you "question" whats going on. read these four in order, and then you can move to the "answer arc" .

the second four sound novels are now the "answer arc". of course, likewise the question arc, this is where the secrets shown in the questions arc novels are finally revealed!!

all of these novels are found on steam. onikakushi (first question arc novel/first novel of the overall series) is FREE. beforehand warning: i believe majority, if not, all of these novels are R18 and may or may not have blood related content. if possible ill label them! some visual novels i REAAALLY wanted to read (but unfortunately couldn't find any downloads at all ..) were the White Album visual novels! they are a romance series, with a love triangle trope (maybe more than three people liking each other ?) !! R18, these have sexual scenes. !! another one is "shizuku", a very denpa-based novel and one of the "big three" of the denpa genre consisting of it, sayooshi (which i read and love but do NOT recommend casually to majority of people), and jisatsu no tame no 101 no houhou (i dont know anything about this but here is a lil page that talks about it ! (be wary of possible spoiler ?) !! all three of these novels are R18; GORE, not just blood, related content as well as triggering and sexual scenes. (this is especially in sayooshi as it basically revolves around it.) !!

(a novel mentioned in my pinned post introduction:) kimi no kanojo no kanojo no koi, better known as totono for its shorter title lol, is a romance novel !! with denpa. a little bit of patience and feeling as if you're finishing the game and it'll pull you into a whole new second half of the overall thing. even when you expect it, i am sure the turns of events will still surprise. !! R18, mild blood related content (can be triggering to a certain but mild extremity) and sexual scenes; these are also triggering to a certain extent especially in the "second half" of the game where it turns dark. !! as a subahibi fan, of course i would recommend that one too . i've also been wanting to read it's remakes, tsui no sora, and tsui no sora remake. !! R18 likewise subahibi, heavy content! one or two very graphic sexual scenes as well as extremely detailed description concerning it and some gore. !! kara no shoujo. this is a very intriguing novel despite me having not read any part of it or know any of the plot besides vndb description, the following:

"" March 1956. Tokyo, a metropolis finally starting to recover ten long years after Japan's defeat in the War. Private eye Tokisaka Reiji accepts a strange request from a girl in Inokashira Park.

"I want you to look for something. Me. My true self."

Meanwhile, a series of bizarre murders plagues the area, where young women disappear, only to turn up dead and maimed with their wombs torn out. Seeking assistance on the case, Detective Uozumi Kyozo called up his old friend and former coworker, Reiji.

Reiji's little sister attends Ouba Girls Academy, a school on the outskirts of Hoya City, where two young women have mysteriously vanished. Saeki Tokio, the vice-principal, calls Reiji to investigate their disappearance, giving him his third case.

Reiji infiltrates the academy as a substitute teacher to glean more information - that's when he meets the girl once again.

Kuchiki Toko - his first client, the girl who asked him to search for her true self. Her manner is distinctly boyish as she remarks:

"Heya - so we meet again, Mr. Detective."

The body count continues to rise. What should be a simple search for some students is starting to grow out of control. For some reason, the number of missing people and unidentified bodies don't match up.

Who will be chosen as the next victim?

As the endless cycle of tragedy continues, what mysteries lie behind these new cases? Behind a similar series of murders from six years ago?

Perhaps one girl's smile might await beneath the shell of tragedy... "" i have been a big fan of detective stories! i liked reading agatha christie novels for book projects in school. this novel is on steam too ~~ i also believe there is not only an episode two, but a third (last) episode. all three of these episodes have the same lone protagonist (the detective). second episode has an additional main protagonist. !!R18, sexual content and, most confident that there could be death and blood. !!

swan song . a novel i still have zero clue what is about. it caught my eye and i put it into my wishlist because it had some quite popularity among people. (as someone who is a big fan of sayooshi, which also has some more 8 ratings than 10s, this does not put down my interest.) ratings of swan song for reference:

an earthquakes ruins a city during christmas eve, and six of the main characters gather in a church in desperation of finding shelter from snow. (cover of the novel is a naked lady btw but nothing else thats graphic) !! R18, sexual content and possibly triggering description and setting concerning extreme conditions in life. might be blood .. ? !! i believe these are the ones i have to display ~~ . i hope description has helped a lot. thank you for the ask ! once again.

#denpa #visual novel #visual novels #animecore #webcore

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cafeacademia · 4 years ago

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Love Between The Pages | Chapter 2

Blaise Zabini x Reader

Part summary: Blaise spends his second meeting with the book club and begins to get to know you more while he decides that perhaps book club isn't so bad after all

Warnings: None, just fluff, one use of the word "mudblood", but not in a malicious way, some light teasing/banter, this is turning into an "everyone is friends AU".

Word count: Approx 2100

Navigation

A/N: Hi loves! I hope you enjoy this part, I had fun writing this, to be honest this series has been really lovely to write in general! I'm really looking forward to writing the next part, I have some fun things planned for the next chapter!! Enjoy! 💕💕

“She’s a mudblood Ravenclaw.” Draco hissed at his friend. “Muggleborn.” Blaise pressed, though he did not glance up from his book as Draco tried to emphasise how much he didn’t like that fact about you. “It doesn’t matter. Why do you care for her attention anyway?” Draco asked. “Perhaps it’s because she’s quiet.” He ground out, Draco looking at him rather shocked as Blaise tried desperately to finish the last chapter of the book he had borrowed the previous week during his first book club meeting. Of course, it had been for punishment that he had to attend and not even for a fault of his own, but Blaise had to admit to at least himself that he was rather enjoying himself.

Books were his quiet escape. He found things he did not in his day to day life. He found functional families with fathers and a stable mother, of which he did not have himself. He found romance blossoming in the most poetic of ways. Oh to experience the nuances of love. And perhaps most importantly, books were his escape. Blaise was a stoic, quiet person and he was a loner at the best of times. As much as he enjoyed his friendship with Draco, because whether others believed it or not, the pale blonde was not as bad as he appeared to be on the outside, Draco did have a gift of pulling everyone else into his messes. Blaise just wanted to be left alone so he could fully indulge himself in the worlds of the books he read and the little stories he wished he could be a part of too.

“If you’ll excuse me, I want to read the end of this book before the club meeting starts.” Blaise said, Draco still staring incredulously at him. “Suit yourself, I don’t care, I’ve not even read much of my book.” Draco replied matter of factly. “For someone who doesn’t care,” Blaise paused, looking up from his book to give Draco a pointed look. “You’re awfully early to the meeting.” Draco glared at him, his fist tightening as he stood up as tall as he could in front of his friend. “Shut up, Zabini.” He said it, perhaps meaning it in a more angry tone than it came out, but despite his best efforts, it came out as a weak little whine, Blaise looking up to smirk at him and getting a snort of amusement and a lopsided smile back from Draco. “So dramatic.” Blaise rolled his eyes.

“I don’t see the problem.” Cho said as you walked along the corridor towards the library for your book club meeting. “The problem is that he’s a Slytherin.” Hermione huffed. “Oh stop it, you only don’t like Slytherins because of Draco.” You rolled your eyes. “Well, Draco-.” “Is Draco, not the entire house.” You said, Cho giving an approving look around you at Hermione. “It’s just because that Zabini boy asked you to read with him.” She huffed. “Mm, and you’ll continue to read with Draco just like last time, will you?” You teased, Cho unable to stop herself from giggling, because whilst the pair had squabbled the entire time last week, they had actually managed to read in each other’s company too. “That was different. He wouldn’t leave me in peace.” Hermione scoffed, but all three of you knew she could have very well gotten up and moved somewhere else in the library. Hermione had a habit of making sure others knew they were disturbing her, whether she meant to be a little bit brash about it or not.

With one last knowing look between you and Cho, the three of you entered the library together.

Ginny had arrived only moments beforehand and was pulling her robes off to sit more comfortably, while Neville was likely running a bit late, which was usual on a Thursday afternoon after Herbology. It was so often that he would spend a little bit of extra time in the greenhouses, forgetting the time completely, he’d even missed a couple of meetings because of it, not that anyone minded of course.

“Ah there you are. A bit late are we?” Draco announced as he walked out into the main part of the library. “We are perfectly on time.” Hermione rolled her eyes. “Where’s Theo?” Ginny asked, receiving only a shrug from Draco before he went off to squabble with Hermione.

Walking up to an empty chair, you pulled your school bag off your shoulder and placed it in the seat before you wandered off to find your book for this week. It was a few minutes later as you began to explore the shelves that you peeked around the end of the bookcase to clock Theo and Neville walking into the library together and you wondered if they had been in Herbology together.

It was then that your fingers grazed over the back of an old copy of Sense And Sensibility, your eyes catching the subtle glint of the gold gilding of the title pressed into the spine. It was a hardback, bound in a deep blue cloth with gold and white detailing. Stepping up on your toes to get a better grip on the book, you reached up for it, but someone took it before you could. Deep toned fingers gripped the copy of Sense and Sensibility, carefully lifting it off the shelf for you. “What are we reading?” Blaise asked softly. Turning a little to see him, you saw him looking down at you with a hint of a smirk on his lips. He wasn’t standing too close to you, but he was close enough that you had to really look up at him.

“Sense and Sensibility.” He read out loud. “Romance?” He asked, garnering a silent nod from you in response. “I thought so.” Blaise smirked. “Romance is often in your hands.” He said, his conversation making you feel flustered already and you wondered if you were good enough at hiding the effect he had on you or if he saw what his confident, mostly stoic demeanor did to you.

While Blaise was usually the quiet one, he knew you were more shy than he was, so he hoped that by speaking to you in small bursts wouldn’t be so intimidating, especially as just a week beforehand, you had looked at him, Draco and Theo with fear in your eyes when those fireworks had hit your table. He’d never forgive himself for not stopping Draco.

“Any suggestions for fiction?” Blaise asked. “Yes, actually.” You replied softly, your cheeks instantly warmed by the courage it had taken to respond and the surprise that the words had left your lips. Taking a few steps down the aisle, you crouched down to a little nook near the bottom where a purple and floral patterned copy of Pride and Prejudice perched. You carefully pulled the book free from the shelf before standing up straight, Blaise holding out the book he had been holding onto for you while you held out the one you had picked for him. “It’s a good read.” You told him as you took the Jane Austen novel from his gentle grip as he took the book that you held out from him. “I’ll just have to trust you then.” Blaise smiled softly at you.

Sitting down at a table, you smiled when you saw Blaise settling down beside you, his gaze landing on yours for a moment before he opened his book and began to read. Glancing over at your friends, Ginny and Cho were both giving you knowing smiles as they looked up from their quiet chatter together, Hermione happily sitting beside Neville with Theo on the other side of him as they discussed the books they had read last week. While Draco seemed to try his best not to look like he was interested in anything, he was paying an awful lot of attention to their conversation.

You became more relaxed next to Blaise as you read, losing yourself in the pages of the book you had chosen, enjoying the setup of the story and the feel of the book in your hands. There was nothing quite like calm, quiet company while you read a good old hardback book with pages that smelled like an old library, the smells of candles wax sconces and the distinctive wood polish the tables were buffed with each week.

It wasn’t long before a good half an hour had passed, though it only felt like mere minutes had passed by when you looked up from your book. Blaise considered it for a moment as he looked up from his book, his fingers poised at the corner of the page, ready to turn it over. Glancing to his side to see you, he wondered for a moment, hesitating to speak up. Feeling his gaze, it warmed you as you turned to look up at him, meeting his soft eyes, his lips curving up into a barely there smile, but one that you could tell was genuine. You couldn’t hold back the bright smile that the soft look Blaise had given you had elicited.

“What is it?” You asked softly, his smile widening as he fondly shook his head. “Sorry, I was just wondering,” Blaise paused as he considered the thought on his mind. “Why is it that your club never seems to read somewhere else?” He asked. “It’s always the library, why not a quiet spot by a tree or…” He trailed off. Why had you never thought of that? Going to sit out in the grounds on a warm spring afternoon to enjoy the fresh air and the nature as you all indulged yourself in books and discussion about various authors and their writings. “Do you have a quiet spot by a tree?” You asked, barely above a whisper, Blaise giving you a little smirk. “I think I do, actually.” He nodded. “Then, why don’t we all read there next week?” You asked, the warmth in Blaise’s smile becoming softer and brighter and you almost melted at the way he looked at you, gentle and sweet and captivated on every word you had to say. It made you feel shy in the best way, your stomach floating with butterflies and head light with an almost whimsical warmth, giddy and flustered. “I would love that.” Blaise said, leaning back in his chair before looking back down at his book and turning the page.

Blaise already held a fondness for you, he had for a while, but now he was starting to realise that it wasn’t just a little school crush, his feelings were telling him there was something much more to that attraction than just something as simple as a crush.

By the time the clock tower bell rang again to signal the turn of the hour, even the boys that had been the least liking of the book club just a week ago seemed to be disappointed it was over. Theo had been sitting with Neville nearly the entire time, somehow the two of them getting into a conversation about The Secret Garden, which Neville had suggested he read. All while Draco had gotten himself so stuck into a book that he looked disappointed when the low toll of the bell sounded to tell the hour.

“Enjoy yourself?” Blaise asked as he approached Draco. “Of course not.” He scoffed in response, but there was no heat behind his words. Blaise knew just from the tone he had used that Draco had in fact enjoyed the hour, even if he wouldn’t openly admit it. “Neville’s lent me his copy of The Secret Garden.” “You mean Longbottom?” Draco asked, though he couldn’t help but give the faintest of smiles when he looked up to see the pure joy the book in Theo’s hands had brought to his face. Perhaps this book club business wasn’t so bad after all.

“What’s going on with you and the mud- muggleborn?” Draco asked, correcting himself mid sentence as he, Theo and Blaise began to pack their things away while you chatted with Cho. “We just read together, she’s sweet.” Blaise smiled to himself as he pulled his bag onto his shoulder and rested his hands in his trouser pockets. “You like her.” Theo grinned, Blaise chuckling softly before he took a few steps away from his friends. “I’ll see you at dinner.” He told them over his shoulder as he made his way over to you.

“Can I walk you to your common room?” Blaise asked as you picked up your books and tucked them under your arm, his words making you feel warm and like you wanted to hide away out of the shy, excited feeling you got when he spoke to you. “I’d like that.” You replied quietly, the Slytherin smiling as he took to your side with his hands tucked comfortably in his pockets, looking down at you as you walked towards the exit together.

Perhaps Draco getting him into trouble wasn’t so bad in the end and hopefully next week, Blaise could enjoy the warmth and comfort of spring outdoors with you and your friends.

Blaise Taglist (OPEN):

@paintballkid711 @megantje123 @chaotic-fae-queen @slytherinwh0re @frecklesandfirecrackers @starofthedawn @mingyuahjumma @dracosaccount @90smalfoy @fuckingdraco @loving-life-my-way @cpetrova @miraclesoflove @struggling-bee @weasleywhore @little-me204 @dreaming-about-fanfictions @ur-local-reality-shifter @wh0re4blaise @cherie-draco @lazypeachsoul @sistheselenophile @sw33tgirl

#blaise x reader #blaise zabini x reader #blaise x you #blaise zabini x you #blaise x y/n #blaise zabini x y/n #blaise zabini #blaise #blaise zabini imagine #blaise zabini fanfiction #blaise zabini fluff #blaise fluff #hp imagine #harry potter #hp #harry potter fanfiction

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unpopularopinionbydemand · 3 years ago

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Secret Crush on You ep. 13 mini review ✐∗ ˖࣪ ༻

rating 𓄷 9.5 - by far my favorite episode, and I know I say that every episode, but no, seriously, this one was it.

spotlight couple of the week 𓄷 JaoSky and TohNuea (I thought I could choose, but I really can't)

spotlight actor(s) of the week 𓄷 Billy and Seng (their relationship has skyrocketed this episode, so happy for them)

review:

Okay, was not expecting that turnout with Nuea finding out about Toh's secret memorabilia. I for sure thought they were going to make it hella corny, with Nuea jumping onto Toh to confess how horny Toh's collection made him. But no, this was done with precious timing and perfect detail, casting over our initial problem with Toh feeling like his relationship wouldn't last and Nuea reassuring him that it will. They shared a pretty hefty moment together, and I'm glad we were able to finally get a moment with them that felt vulnerable and exquisite. For once, I didn't mind that they took up most of the run time.

Sky and Jao.??????? Literally it was perfect??? and everything and more than I wanted it to be?????? Genuinely, I wasn't expecting a bed scene from Jao and Sky, cause I would've 100 percent accepted it, but the fact that we did get one, twice in one episode, is crazy. They were so soft with one another, Sky made sure to be gentle, yet he let Jao know beforehand he didn't know how much he could hold back. I have never seen such desire in Jao's eyes but it was clearly there, and gosh was it amazing. Just to see Jao even be the one to somewhat make the first move to show that he didn't mind that Sky touched him or kissed him -- urgh, it was too good. I finally feel complete with this couple, and Now Jao is not afraid to show intimacy even around his friends, God, these creators are geniuses.

A crumb and a half of Daisy and Intouch. I'm scared at this point that they'll be rushed into oblivion. Next week is the LAST episode, and we've gotten next to nothing. What I'm thinking will happen is that we'll either get a flashback to moments that they've had together off-screen while we were busy with Nuea and Toh, or they'll explain that they've been in a relationship for so time now. Either way, it'll suck because I want to follow along with o their journey, not halfway to their destination.

As much as love Kongkwan and Fong, there was no reason to have them in this series if they weren't going to do anything but give us nothing. I know they're getting their own series, but they just feel lackluster here, to the point that they are basically irrelevant. I wish we could actually see some development between the two. Instead, they're just there.

Like I thought, there was no need to add Kong into the series for the very unnecessary drama. It's so irrelevant that it makes me angry. It does nothing to destroy Nuea and Toh, Toh doesn't think any less of himself because of it, and it's just pure stupidity. With the time they took out to introduce this conflict they could've used it for our two other relationships that have zero development.

They didn't show any Daisy and Touch for the next episode and so now I'm a bit nervous. Again, they most likely are going to have a secret relationship, because, at this point, it would be absurd to have them get together in the one episode we have left. Either that or they're friends with benefits since Touch isn't afraid to say some flirty shit out of the blue.

Until next week folks. Can't believe it'll be the last. :(

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renova-writes · 4 years ago

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Coney Island Hotdogs

Requested by: @maximeevansblog

Summary: “The reader is the daughter of bucky barnes, and the have a daddy - daugther Day, but the reader wants to sleep but her dad has other plans , and end of the Day the asks what do you wanna eat Mac donalds and the watch a movie, but the reader falls a sleep trough the movie, and he carries her to bed, but she wakes up and her dad she go back to sleep button, i am carring you to bed, and allot of fluff and cuteness and if its ready you tag me right thanks”

Words: 2,004

Warnings: Just basically a bunch of Fluff. Some mentions of bullying and death, but very light and fun

Other Works: masterlist

"Five more minutes," you whined. The clock on your bedstand read 5:39 am.

"Hey, button," you heard a voice whisper. The dark locks dangling over you told you that it was your father. "Get dressed. I have a surprise for you."

"It's too early."

"I know, but I'll make you a (your favorite caffeinated drink)" Your dad obviously wanted you to get up but was not going to force you. That was one of your favorite things about him. He never forced you to do anything you didn't want to.

"Really" Your sleepy eyes lit up at the mention of caffeine.

"Yes button, really. I promise. Just get yourself ready to go, and it will be waiting for you" he smiled and walked out of your room, "Also, bring a jacket. Just in case."

With that, your dad left. As you paused for a moment in your bedsheets, soaking up the last moments of fluffy warmth before you needed to get up, excitement crawled up your spine. It wasn't often that you and your dad did things, just the two of you. He was always busy with the Avengers, or you two were over with Sam and his family. When you did make time for special days, he usually asked you what you wanted to do beforehand.

His walking into your room at five in the morning, asking you to get up so that you two could have a bonding day, was unusual. He must have something special planned.

You forced yourself to get out of bed. That was going to be the hardest part. Half asleep, you dragged yourself over to the bathroom. You did your business and paused after washing your hands to brush your teeth and your hair. A smile crept across your face in the mirror as you tried to guess what you were going to do.

The zoo? The park? Maybe the museums?

You lived in the Avenger's tower in the heart of New York City, so there were many options. You gave up trying to guess and decided to go with whatever. It was going to be fun no matter what.

It was the beginning of spring, so it was warm during the day but cold in the mornings. You picked out a light floral dress, leggings, and a cardigan so that you could have layers. Some essential jewelry and your boots would also be a part of your outfit.

After putting on your clothes and some basic makeup, you made your way to the main room of your apartment. Just like he had promised, your dad had gotten your beverage from the Starbucks next to the lobby. He had probably gotten it before waking you up as it was sitting in the microwave/fridge.

"Hey button. Nice to see that you finally have awoken from your cavern of blankets," he joked, "You ready. I've got an amazing day planned out. Just the two of us."

"Yep. Where are we going."

"Button, that's a surprise!"

"Tell me!!" you giggled.

"Well, it wouldn't be a surprise if I told you," he smiled. A goofy grin was on his face, with admiration pouring out of his eyes.

"Just a hint…" you begged. "I'll probably forget by the time we get there."

"No. I want it to be a complete surprise," your dad insisted, "that's why, after you drink your drink, I want you to put on a blindfold."

Oh dear, he was very insistent about this whole surprise thing.

"But first, BREAKFAST!!!" he exclaimed as he presented you with your favorite breakfast, waffles, and strawberries. The plate seemed to sparkle with deliciousness as your stomach cried out in hunger.

"Yummy!!!"

"See, I remembered your favorite" he seemed very proud of himself. You had mentioned that you liked waffles when Wanda had made them for a birthday breakfast.

"Dig in! I put some strawberry syrup into the waffles themselves so that we would have extra strawberry flavor."

He handed you a fork and a knife, and you cut into them. The heat fell off of the bite on your forked, and you braced yourself in anticipation. Your father could cook; he and Steve used to make dinners for the team. But that was with Steve, now that he was gone, your dad rarely cooked. It had been hard for him. He was slowly getting over it; you definitely helped. Having somebody to take of, his therapist agreed, was very good for him. But his food was very hit or miss. This morning, however, the waffles were amazing.

The strawberries tasted fresh and had the perfect amount of sweetness. The waffles were eggy, precisely the way you liked them.

"Dad! These are delicious!" you exclaimed.

"I know, right, they're so good," he nodded in agreement, "but can I admit something? I stole the recipe off Auntie Wanda."

It didn't matter where he got the recipe from. They were delicious. It took the two of you a total of 10 minutes to eat the entire plateful.

He pulled a blindfold out of his pocket and put it around your eyes. You had faith that he wouldn't let you bump into anything. You weren't going to have to worry about the crowded city streets. When the strangers passing by got a glimpse of his metal arm, they always made a beeline away from him.

You knew it hurt him. You could see it in his eyes. He was your dad, after all. When you were younger, you couldn't understand why they were afraid, but now that you were older, you knew. It never, even for a second, hurt your relationship with your dad. You loved him. You knew that the real James Barnes was a cinnamon roll. This was a man who wouldn't kill spiders when he found them in the kitchen. This was a man who hung out with the Parker boy and played video games.

Even though the blindfold around your eyes took away your sight, you knew that your dad was checking to see if his gun was where he needed it. After all, he was the Winter Soldier. But that was an everyday thing. When he stopped rustling with his pockets, you felt a hand on your shoulder guiding you out of the room.

------

As soon as you heard the crowd's excitement, you knew where you were. The smell of cotton candy and hot dogs confirmed it.

Your dad had taken you to Coney Island.

You hadn't been there since you were a little kid and couldn't control your excitement. The hand that had been guiding you on your shoulder disappeared and removed the blindfold.

After taking a moment to adjust to the light, your eyes took in the flashing lights and kids running around. The roller coasters and carnival games all around you captivated your attention and caused a smile to form on your face.

"How's this for a surprise Button?"

"Dad, this is amazing! Thank you!!!"

"What ride do you want to go on first?"

The morning flew by in a blur. You and your dad had decided to go on every single ride you could. He had enjoyed the bumper cars and had won you a stuffed panda bear on one of the shooting games. You got the famous coney island hot dogs for lunch and ate on a bench on the beach. The entire morning, there was one thing that you really wanted to do… Ride the Cyclone.

"Hey, dad….."

"Yes Button"

"Can we ride the Cyclone"

"Um. of course. We have to. What's the point of coming here if we don't."

You threw away your trash and got in line. A man with purple hair and tattoos strapped the two of you in and took your picture.

"Alrighty ladies and gents," the loudspeaker in the car said. "Are you ready for the Cyclone"

Everyone on the train whooped and hollered in excitement, and the car lurched forward. Slowly you crept up the first hill and felt the adrenaline follow. At the top, you saw the people on the benches below. You couldn't help but compare them to little dolls from your height.

With that, the car reached the top of the hill and falls.

"Whoa, Button, I think I'm going to be sick," Buck said once you were off. He was looking somewhat green and queasy.

It was your turn to guide him... to a trash can. It turned out he wasn't going to throw up, which you were grateful for, but the Cyclone's toll had been taken. He rested his body on a bench and called it quits.

"What time is it," he asked. You checked your watch. It was two in the afternoon. "How about we do something a little, slower."

"Sure," you agreed. You were in Brooklyn, his home borough, and he decided to take you on a tour of where he grew up.

"And this is the alleyway where your Uncle Steve decided to get in all those fights," he said you passed by. "One time, after I saved his tiny ass, he told me that he thought he had pulled a muscle, and I was all like, 'Steve, you can't pull what you don't have."

You giggled at the thought of skinny Steve. Continuing on your tour, you saw his old apartment and walked through the one he shared with Steve. It had been turned into a museum, and you laughed together for an hour as he pointed out every single detail that had been changed.

"There was no way that we could have two beds! There was no heater, so we shared one! Why would they change that! It wasn't like we had anything going on between us!" he argued. You laughed as the tour guide still could not recognize one of the old occupants of the apartment.

Once your dad seemed satisfied with his tour, the two of you walked down to the nearest subway stop. In the underground station, you passed those golden arches.

"Dad, can we get McDonald's," you asked.

"Are you sure, Button, we can get much better food back a the tower"

"Yeah, we haven't had it in forever, and I need to feed my inner Chicken nugget," you joked.

He must have been in an excellent mood because he gave in to the lure of the golden arches. He also seemed like he really wanted a burger because he got his usual order, Two big macs, a large fry, and an M&M McFlurry. The super-soldier serum had granted him the ability and need to eat loads of food. You also figured that he wanted a break from Pepper's food because she had decided that the entire team needed to become more healthy conscience. It wasn't that anyone hated her food; it was just somewhat bland. And besides, who wants couscous when you can have Micky D's.

After Bucky had wolfed down his food, and you had savored each bite of Chicken Nugget, you got on the train back home. You could feel yourself grow tired as your body finally rested from an exciting and full day. Your head drooped down and rested on your father's shoulder.

"Hey, button, let's watch a movie in the tower."

He picked out a classic, The Wizard of Oz, and made popcorn. You barely made it to the tornado before your eyes finally gave up. You were so tired that you didn't feel your dad pick you up and start carrying you to your bed.

Your eyes fluttered open as you heard 'If only I had a heart' playing from the TV.

"Hey, Button," your dad's voice whispered, "You fell asleep. I didn't want you to wake up on the sofa, so I'm taking you to your bed."

He laid you down and pulled up the blankets. With a kiss on your forehead, turned to leave.

"Dad, I love you," you called out.

"I love you too, Button" On that note, he turned out your light and closed your door

#bucky x y/n #bucky x daughter!reader #bucky fluff #domestic bucky #fic request #steve x you #sam x you #marvel #avengers #avengers x young reader

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windowsandfeelings · 3 years ago

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writing ask, you say? as someone who has been unbearably obsessed w/ your oeuvre, as is lit tradition, I NEED to know 1, 10, 25, and 36. but for 1 you can't say Before Sunrise.

ahhhhh Leeson!!!

1. Which of your fics would you keep the basic plot of but rewrite completely? (Not Before Sunrise)

OKAY BUT. The answer is Before Sunrise, because I loved the idea behind it, and I loved writing it, and I felt like I grew a lot as a writer working on it (I mean, I also wrote it while I was in college, so hopefully I was growing a lot as a writer anyway), but I was also so young, and writing about Rory and Jess in their late 20s with no real concept of what that was actually like, and I knew very little about New York (or the rest of the world) at the time, and I'm just...very aware that I could do that story justice now in a way that I couldn't then. But I still love it! And it was the first thing I wrote that really had an audience. And I finished it, even though it took me like 2 years.

BUT SINCE YOU SAID I COULDN'T SAY BEFORE SUNRISE:

Maybe something else from back then? Christmas Wrapping was fun, and I haven't gone back to it in a log time, but I'm sure things about it would make me cringe now.

I also like the idea of fixing up and finishing I'd Rather be in Philadelphia.

10. - already answered

25. Is writing the whole thing beforehand better or worse than writing it as you go?

I mean, since I mostly write one-shots I do usually write the whole thing first, but speaking specifically to multi-chapter fics: I'm not sure. I had grand ideas about writing all of Met You at the Right Time before I posted anything, mostly because I didn't have faith that I'd be able to finish it otherwise, but I'm glad I started posting.

Partially that's because other people's enthusiasm has been driving me to keep working on it. Partially it's because the comments have provided a perspective on the story that's helped me to figure out some details. One specific thing has changed because of the reactions I've gotten.

That's not to say I want to listen to the readers about everything, but I do think it gives me a sense of what to lean into more and what to maybe pull back from.

36. How do you come up with fic titles? What's the one you're most proud of?

Often they're song lyrics, but sometimes they're phrases that are relevant in some way.

Back of House seemed to make sense since it was the setting for most of that fic, and like restaurant lingo that they would use at the Claw. The River in Egypt came from the idea that Dan and Blair were in denial about their feelings for each other ("Denial's just a river in Egypt..."). I loved the idea of Saturn Return as a title for a fic about Joey coming back to Capeside in her late 20s after a long time away.

November 24, 2016 was a) the date I posted it, b) the date it was set, and c) the last day before AYITL came out, and therefore the last day before it became canon divergent.

Often I play around with the title for awhile before I settle on one. Met You at the Right Time was, at various points, titled:

Be Kind, Rewind

Vary My Days

Untitled

There's Nothing Time Can Do

Before I settled on MYatRT. And honestly, if I hadn't posted the first chapter I probably would have changed it again. (I kinda loved Be Kind, Rewind.)

Anyway, IDK which one I'm most proud of. Maybe The Boyfriend Tour of North America? I just thought that one was kind of funny.

#fic writer asks

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spnfanficpond · 4 years ago

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Pond Diving - Imagineteamfreewill

Welcome to today’s Pond Diving Spotlight! We hope that you enjoy this little insight to our members and perhaps even find some useful tips for your own writing. Happy reading!

Want to volunteer, send us an ask! We’re looking forward to learning more about all of you! Not sure what PD is, you can learn more here.

“Don’t Be Koi About It” - All About You

Name: Meg

Age: 20s

Location: United States

URL: @imagineteamfreewill

Why did you choose your URL: I first started out structuring my stories as imagines, and the “Team Free Will” part was pretty obvious.

What inspired you to become a writer: Reading Supernatural fanfiction inspired me to get back into writing, but I’ve always enjoyed it. My mom likes to talk about how when I was in Kindergarten, I drew a picture about how I wanted to be an author and now I write in my free time.

How long have you been writing: According to tumblr, I’ve been writing fanfiction since 2014, but I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember.

What do you do when you are not writing i.e. Job/Hobbies etc? I’m a music teacher, so I sing and play piano, and I’ve played a bit of cello and tenor saxophone as well. I love movies, baking, sleeping, and a few video games.

How long have you been in the SPN Fandom? I joined sometime around Season 8 or 9, I think. I don’t really remember!

Are you in any other fandoms and do you write for them? I really enjoy Marvel and I’ve read a lot of Marvel fics, but I don’t write for them. I like a lot of TV shows (New Girl, Parks and Rec, The Good Place, Outlander, etc), but I wouldn’t consider myself part of the fandom.

Do you do any writing outside of fanfiction? If so, tell us about it? I love to write poetry. I had a poetry blog at truenorth-ink a while ago, but I haven’t updated it recently at all. Most of my poems aren’t published or posted anywhere.

Favorite published author: I love some of the early series by Rick Riordan and I also really enjoy poetry by Nikita Gill and Atticus. Lately, I've really been getting into Leigh Bardugo's books.

Have you ever read a book that made an impact on your life? Which one and why?: I think "East" by Edith Pattou really affected me! I read it when I was in 6th-8th grade and I think about it often. I think it's something that really stuck with me and got me interested in fantasy books so much. I read it at least once a year.

Favorite genre of fanfic (smut, angst, fluff, crack, rpf, etc): I love angsty stuff, and most of the time I prefer it when it has some fluff mixed in. Straight fluff is often hard for me to read because I need something that’s more realistic for my own life and point of view. I also really like whump, but that can be a lot sometimes so it depends on my mood.

Favorite piece of your own writing: I don’t know if I have a favorite, but I loved writing Back to the Start (my mermaid series) and The Switch (a canon-divergent apocalyptic Reader x Sam series). Right now, I'm really enjoying my Consort series (a Goddess!Reader x Dean series). Creating my own rules in my own little universes is one of my favorite things to do, especially since I can’t always do whatever I want in real life.

Most underrated fic you have written: Empire. I loved getting to write Boyking!Sam because it was so different from my normal Sam stories and I did a lot of research for it. I’m pretty proud that the story never got too bloody or gory, too, so if you want some Boyking!Sam that’s not drenched in blood (for lack of a better term), I’m your girl!

Story of yours that you’d most like to see turned into a movie/tv show: Probably Back to the Start or The Switch. I think those two series would be amazing to see with J2, the rest of the cast/characters I included, and special effects! There’s so much I’d want to explore with both of them that I didn’t put into the series.

Favorite Tumblr Writer(s): @luci-in-trenchcoats, @sunlightdances, @supernaturalfreewill, @lipstickandwhiskey, @smol-and-grumpy, @percywinchester27, and @kaz2y5-imagines

Favorite fic from another writer: I don’t think I could pick just one, but I’ve read all of @sunlightdances Dean fics multiple times. Her works got me through some pretty sucky times in my life and I don’t think I’ll ever get sick of her writing! I’ve also been reading her Bucky fics recently and it’s made me love Marvel fics even more than before!

Favorite character to write: Sam Winchester

Favorite Pairing to write: Reader x Sam (Reader x Dean is a close second)

Least favorite character to write (and why): I don’t like to write for Crowley or Gabriel. Gadreel is hard for me even though I can do it, but I don’t understand Crowley or Gabriel’s personalities at all because they’re literally so far away from mine.

Do you have anyone you consider a mentor? No, although @lipstickandwhiskey and @kaz2y5-imagines really encouraged me in my writing!

Do you have any aspirations involving your writing? I would love to write a non-Supernatural work of fiction to publish, but that’s a long way off.

How many work-in-progress stories do you have: Oh Lord, I have so many! I have at least four series and two one shots in the works right now. I've also got over 100 one shots/series plotlines written out in the notes on my phone and various Google Docs.

What are you currently working on? I’m currently working on a Cinderella series, my Underworld series, my Puer Rex series, my Consort series, an Author!Sam fic, and an Author!Dean fic. I also write stories for my Words series now and again.

“Pond Diving” - All About The Writing

What/who has had the biggest influence on your writing? Reading other people’s work. The intense storylines of @luci-in-trenchcoats ’s fics have gotten me to be more bold with my writing and the emotions and description in @supernaturalfreewill’s works have inspired me to let my work have more feeling.

Best writing advice you've been given: Not necessarily writing advice, but I was once told that anything worth doing is worth doing at least a little bit every day. Think about it—if you wrote even just five minutes a day, how much better will you get over the course of a month? A year?

Biggest obstacle you’ve faced in your writing: Repetition of words and commas. So many commas and so many uses of the same word over and over again. It’s a hard balance between using the word and using synonyms without sounding like I’m sitting there googling synonyms for “said”. I also tend to spend a lot of time on things that I think are super important but aren’t really important in the long run. I’m wordy as hell and my writing would be dull if I didn’t edit it as thoroughly as I do.

What aspects of writing do you find difficult when you write fanfiction? A lot of times I have these ideas that I think would make a great series but I don’t think through them, so planning out the plot of a series (or even a standalone fic) beforehand is something I struggle with.

Is there anything you want to write but are afraid to (and why): I would love to write more fics that have the characters dealing with severe mental disorders or that take place in a mental hospital, but I’m afraid that I’ll portray something wrong and solidify harmful stereotypes about what it’s like to deal with those things.

What inspires/motivates you to write: Honestly, just wanting to write things that I enjoy. Sometimes I get sick of reading other peoples’ stuff since it’s not exactly what I want, so I just write my own!

How do you deal with self doubt: Understand that sometimes it happens. You’ll doubt yourself—everybody does. If I’m doubting myself or my writing, I’ll take a break until I remember why I write. Then I’ll remember that yeah, writing for an audience is fun, but I write because I have cool ideas I want to explore, not because I need the attention or love of strangers. Lastly, I’ll reread my old fics, especially the ones I love, and then I’ll go back and edit old fics that I haven’t looked at in a while. That way I can see how I’ve improved and I don’t feel so terrible anymore! Reading my own fics is a bit of a guilty pleasure of mine, and I’ll read through my masterlists every once a while just to remind myself of the things I’ve loved, where I’ve been, and where I’m going.

How do you deal with writer's block: Like I said, I reread old fics and edit old fics that I haven’t looked at in a while. Seeing the things I’ve done before always helps to focus me. I’ll also read other people’s stuff or talk about headcanons with some friends to try and find some inspiration.

Do you plan/outline your story before you start: Lately I have been, but only because my periods of intense inspiration and productivity are getting farther and farther apart because of my job. I’ve found planning it out to be more and more helpful, especially for my series. A lot of times if I get a great idea, I’ll outline the whole plot or any significant details I want to put in that one shot/series so that I can come back to it whenever I have the time or I’m inspired for it again.

Do you have any weird writing habits: I write best in places that are unfamiliar to me or in places/times where I shouldn’t be writing. Class? Writing. Airport terminal? Writing. 4am when I have to be up at 6? Writing.

Have you ever received hateful comments on your fic and how do you deal with it? Not that I remember! I feel like there’s probably been one or two over the years, but I probably just got upset about it with my friends for a while and then got over it.

Conversely: what’s been some of your favorite feedback on your fanfic? A long time ago, when I was writing Back to the Start, I had one person who sent me asks for every single series update. I screenshotted them and saved them on my laptop. There’s one particular one where they say that they’re happier because of my writing and honestly, isn’t that what we all strive for? That people’s lives are better because of our stories? I’ve also had some pretty great friends recently who’ve made it a point to reblog and send asks/messages on all my works, which has been so meaningful that I never replied to the asks. They’re sitting in my inbox and I go through and reread them sometimes when I’m feeling down.

If you could give one piece of advice to a new and/or struggling writer, what would it be? Write down everything. If you come up with an amazing piece of dialogue, even if it’s just one sentence or one person talking, or if you come up with something you’d think would be a great title… WRITE IT DOWN. It doesn’t matter if it fits into whatever you’re currently writing or not, it’ll come in handy! I don’t know how many times I’ve gone through my idea list and found really obscure lines/titles/inspiration that didn’t make sense when I wrote them down, but are now exactly what I need to finish a fic. Even if you don’t end up using it, jotting down your ideas is still writing, and that’s good practice!

#pond diving #spnfanficpond

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corpsemukbang · 2 years ago

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I'm a kind of person, who'll read the spoilers, before starting the book/movie/etc.😅

So, what is condensed plot of EYHO?

i originally wrote something MUCH more indepth than this, then realised it was waaaay too long and detailed. so i've cut it down even more, i hope this is intriguing enough hehe

also i've decided to not go into depth with the ending quite yet. i'm feeling generous but not THAT generous lmao

MASSIVE spoilers ahead!!!!!

It begins with a total of three murders and a murderous cannibal lady on the loose, and Sage, a crime investigator, wanting to earn some recognition for once. She's young and she's not the ideal detective white man like her other three coworkers, Wesley, Lucas and Ethan, so her opinion isn't taken into account very often. So of course, she understands that may change if she finds Ivyanna Sutherland, AKA the Cannibal of Westwood, through her own intuition.

The approach she takes is looked down upon, but she doesn't care. Analysing criminals' psyche is nothing new, and with a case as nonsensical as Sutherland's, it should clear a lot of water. In between analysing crime scenes, she comes to understand that Ivy doesn't match the profile of a killer at all, and in fact seemed like... a very nice woman. Nothing was clicking, up until one day where Sage feels responsible for a victim's demise. After venturing into the woods that surrounds the town out of desperation to find any trace of her, she finds herself talking to a person she can't even see. They claim not to be local, just hiking through, and out of her exasperation, Sage shares as much about the case as she can, if not a little more than she should. Things like how Ivy showed no signs of cannibalistic tendencies, no urges to kill, how strange it was that she survived falling off of a ravine... And the only motivation she could find was for her first victim: her ex-husband, Sean Jackson. The stranger takes interest in this in particular, as well as Sage's theory in there being abuse that had been covered up due to Jackson's status as police chief. So much so that they invite Sage to come back into the woods the following day.

Of course, that person was no hiker. They reveal themselves to be Ivy Sutherland herself. Again, it makes no sense, as so far Ivy has killed all of her witnesses, but instead she decides to give Sage her time of day, letting her ask her questions (and answer them poorly) and not have any intention of harming her. It does mean Sage can't share her meeting with her with anyone, or they'd think terribly of her.

Despite the poorly answered questions though, she finds a possible missing link between the victims: similar to Sean Jackson, they all have something despicable to their name. Some terrible form of abuse that they would have otherwise gotten away with. She confirms this belief with the next murder not a day later, when she meets up with the victim's sister, Jessica, beforehand, who had very few good things to say about him. Before finding that mutilated body however, Ivy decided to pay her another visit, and may have accidentally stolen her phone in the process. Oops.

In a quest to get her phone back, Sage is forced to pay Ivy a third visit. On their joint quest to find where Ivy left it, Sage takes the opportunity to find out more about Ivy and to answer questions about her that she still couldn't make sense of, as well as trying her best to not enjoy her time with her, or the way Ivy compliments her skills...

Then when she finally hits a nerve, Ivy decides to answer Sage's other questions by purposely falling from a great height. Upon finding her she has no pulse, but sure enough, she's not dead. Sort of. She's undead. She's not entirely human. Or something. It's bizarre and Sage can hardly believe it, but once taking a moment to observe her body, her inhumane features... It makes sense.

Now the only thing that doesn't make sense is why Sage enjoyed watching her kill that night, when they bumped into a group of patroling police. Why can't she get the strange woman off of her mind?

Amongst that, she starts to notice... changes within Westwood. People have started to notice a pattern in the murders, that the murder victims may have not been very nice people to be around, mixed with doubts within the police force. So much so that a protest forms based around those very things, led by a journalist named Crystal, who Sage finds out knew Ivy before all this began. The protest gets interrupted by cops, and then by Ivy herself, who leads the police, Sage, and her coworker Wesley to a horrific scene. Wesley especially is affected, and takes his anger out on Sage after the fact, letting her know that she isn't welcome on their team.

Fearful for her career, Sage is forced to make a decision. She meets up with Ivy again, this time seemingly with no work-related intentions. They spend a whole day together, bonding and talking, with Ivy showing Sage where she's been hiding.

Big mistake.

Sage leads her team to the hideout, the closest they have ever gotten to tracking her down. It was by chance that Ivy wasn't 'home', so it is still seen as a big step forward. It's like she flipped a switch, with Ethan praising her and inviting her to a night out. Finally she was being taken seriously, and yet she was racked with guilt.

She stays behind in those woods and finds Ivy, who is pissed that Sage broke her trust. Though she can't bring herself to kill her, she does chase her off. Sage knew it had to happen eventually, so why did she feel so empty?

Well, as it turns out, feeling like you restored the status quo of a misogynist-driven town isn't all that great. Neither is Ethan, who she thought was finally starting to respect her, revealing he's attracted to her. Neither is Wesley threatening to assault her, if not worse.

Running away from all of that and finding Ivy again... That's much better.

Sure, she'll have to go back eventually, but she can spend the night with her. And the day too. And perhaps assist her in a murder. Or three....

She knows there will be consequences for this, but she doesn't really mind. She's glad to be with Ivy, and to be doing something a little more satisfying that bringing a woman, who she understands is just very hurt and angry, to so-called justice.

What's the worst that could happen, hm?

#eyho #eyho spoilers #eyho writing #sage sasaki #ivy sutherland #ethan foster #wesley dixon #lucas howard #tw sa mention #tw abuse mention #tw violence mention

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ladytabletop · 7 years ago

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Hello!! I was the one who asked about where to find a group! I have a new question now, apologies if you've answered anything similar. So my friend and I haven't had any luck finding a grouo to join, so we've decided to start our own! I'm the one most interested in DMing out of our group, but here's the problem; I'm inexperienced. This would be my first *actual* game as a DM and I played one short session as a player once. That said: Any advice/tips/resources? ♡ Thank you!!

Hi there, so sorry about taking so long to answer this!

For your first game, there’s a couple important questions to ask yourself before you start. I will give advice under the assumption that you’ve already chosen the system you want to play.

First, how long of a game do you want to run?

This is important mainly if you’re running something you’ve written on your own. It won’t necessarily be neat and easy, like saying ‘We will play exactly ten sessions.’ But knowing whether you’re looking to run a very long running game vs. a self-contained short can help you the DM when writing plot points and the like.

Second, pre-written adventure or homebrew?

There are tons and tons of pre-written adventures for pretty much every system out there, whether they are published by the company that made the game or by enthusiastic players and GMs who put their own adventures out there in a published format. It’s worth noting that if you like something like Rise of the Runelords for Pathfinder but want to run it in DnD5, it isn’t too tough to adapt something from one system to another.

On the other hand, a homebrew plot can be really fulfilling! It requires a bit more work on your part, but it can be worth it. Keep in mind that you can start with a published adventure and veer into homebrew territory as you get more comfortable running things.

NOTE: a homebrew setting is a whole other beast, and here’s a post about that.

Also another beast: allowing homebrew in your games. If you’re going to do this, please please please talk with your players beforehand and make sure they know that balancing during the game may happen. Nobody likes to be nerfed, but if there’s homebrew that’s just outclassing everyone else, it has to be scaled back. Use your resources online, ask people to look over things you think might be over or underpowered.

Third, what style of game will this be?

Is it going to be political intrigue and espionage? A classic dungeon delving guild style? A Lord of the Rings-esque sweeping fantasy epic? A more modern fantasy fast-paced mystery? Seafarers and ship combat? A really dark game where things are serious, or a funny goofy romp?

All of these are great options, but be sure your players know a little bit about what type of game it will be so they can get on board! No one wants to bring a hardened vigilante elf barbarian with no stealth to a game that’s primarily social challenges and shadowy murders (actually now that I’ve said it, I do. but he would be thematically appropriate and not useless).

Now that those questions are answered, here’s a few more suggestions.

As a GM, it’s important to root for your player characters. If you’re the type of group that likes to play as GM vs. players, this campaign is deadly, that’s fine as long as that’s what everybody wants. But if not, you the GM need to challenge the characters without decimating them. Find out what their goals are and root for them in achieving them, but don’t make it easy! Help them have fulfilling character arcs and try to be familiar with their characters wants, flaws, past, etc. It’ll help you make things more personal in the plot, whether that be by making them run into an old foe or by helping them eventually trust people again, etc. Being familiar with the characters and what the players want for them will help you make the most satisfying game for everyone.

Remember that you’re a storyteller, but it’s not your story you’re telling. You can have plot points you’re attached to, NPCs you love, but ultimately, the story should be about the players. Let them shape it! Try to get them as involved in the heart of things as possible. Don’t make it seem like things can happen with just the NPCs, as though your characters are the bystanders. Let them be in the thick of the plot. This isn’t to say things won’t happen without them - they have to! But when things start really cooking, the PCs should be there, they should care about what’s happening, and they should be able to affect it to some degree.

Be flexible. Improv is a key skill for DMs. Not everyone is great at it, and that’s okay. That’s what online resources and prep time are for! But regardless of how good or not you are at making things up on the spot, you need to be flexible. Your players are going to change the way you think the plot will go. They’re going to surprise you. They’re going to (hopefully) have character arcs that change, and you need to adapt with them. You need to be ready for these things to happen, which honestly means being ready to throw out your prep and throw out the things you’ve worked on sometimes.

That being said, it’s important to do at least a little prep, especially if you’re running a plot heavy game and not a smash and grab dungeon crawl. This can be as simple as using index cards with bullet point NPCs, treasure, and monsters/encounters, or it can be as involved as writing out details about the setting and plot that you can read when it comes to the appropriate time and making huge complex maps and encounters.

Be consistent in your rulings. Sometimes the rules get debated, or you want a house rule at your table, or a spell is worded vaguely and there’s multiple interpretations, etc. In these instances, you get to say, ‘Hey, GM rules this.’ (I only recommend doing this after having heard arguments for why it could be ruled multiple ways). After you say that, stick to your guns! The rule stands, and it stands for everybody. Unless you really really think you were wrong later, in which case you should talk to your players and rectify things, you need to be consistent in the way you adhere to the rules so that no one feels cheated.

My last piece of advice for you is to always have open dialogue with your players. Get feedback on how they think the game is going. Get their predictions about the plot. Touch base about how their characters are feeling, what their goals are. Make it clear that if any players aren’t having fun/are having issues, they can come to you and you’ll do what you can to help. Just be open in your communication. And remember, everybody at the table should be having fun, including you.

Now that I’ve gotten through all that, here’s some resources I like to use for my games.

Donjon RPG Tools - this is my favorite of all time. Tons of random generators, from names to encounters to maps to treasure. There’s an initiative tracker, an xp calculator if you use experience points, and a dice roller. It’s really an all in one tool.

My resource tag has everything from inspirational art to interesting dungeon builds to how to incorporate linguistics into your games to answers to the question ‘How do I start a game?’ answered by other people. It’s really just an amalgam of collected resources.

I enjoy the Obsidian Portal campaign manager, and there are tons of others out there.

A lot of folks use the Same Page Tool to make sure all players and GM understand exactly what’s happening and what’s expected at the table.

I use the DnD5e Spellbook app (which of course is system specific, but super useful).

And other than that, I mainly just have pdfs of the system I’m using, a piece of scrap paper so I can note NPCs, locations, and plot points that the PCs encounter that may be relevant in coming sessions, notecards with stat blocks for enemies, a sheet to track PC ac, initiative, goals, and flaws. You’ll figure out the setup that works for you the longer you GM.

Good luck!!

#the lady answers #long post #that got a little out of hand

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