#Short humorous story without importance. | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

ikeuverse · 10 months ago

Text

mr. funny guy | lhs

pairing: heeseung x fem!reader genres: fluff, humor wc: 3.8k+

꒰ 𝅄 warnings ꒱ : a few swear words, mentions of alcohol. yeji, sunghoon's sister, is portrayed in this fic as being of age, because there is a part that insinuates that she has been drinking.

꒰ 𝅄 synopsis ꒱ : why was it so important to heeseung that you laughed at his antics? you hadn't felt the need he had to make you smile, to be the reason for your smile. a ride home was all he needed to understand your motives and talk to you about them.

꒰ 𝅄 notes ꒱ : this came to me as a totally random thought and made me want to write it, without pretension. yes, konon is written as jake's girlfriend just because i wanted something totally different, and i've never seen anyone put her as the girlfriend of any of the boys. idk, nothing special, hehehe. i hope you like it!

꒰ 𝅄 masterlist ꒱

Every group of friends consists of having outstanding personalities or a representative for each thing among them. Heeseung could be the personification of the funny kid.

He had always been in charge of making the best jokes and making everyone laugh ever since he met his friends at the end of high school and the beginning of university. With Heeseung around, it was as if there was no sadness at all.

Even his attitude was that of a big, awkward, funny guy, which gave him even more credit for his antics.

Heeseung was responsible for making Jake stop crying when he got his first low grade in calculus at university. Not even his girlfriend was able to cheer him up, but Heeseung trying to prepare a smoothie and forgot to close the lid of the blender, causing all the fruit and mixtures to fly around the kitchen... Oh, that got a good laugh out of Jake. And a few curses from Jay, for sure.

Heeseung was also responsible for making Sunghoon and Yeji cry with laughter a week after their puppy went missing. She was crying and he said he would help his friends find her, even if their hopes were slim. Heeseung did find her, but that didn't stop him from coming back all wet and with mud all over his shorts because the dog had wandered into a garden and he ran with his life to rescue her. Telling that story out loud made it all worthwhile in the end.

What Heeseung never managed was to get many smiles out of you, Yeji's best friend. It wasn't as if you and she joined Sunghoon's group of friends very often, but when you did, you were the only one who stayed quietly in the corner of the room and didn't crack a smile when he made a joke.

At first, it didn't make much difference to him, not least because you only appeared occasionally and Heeseung only found out about you sometime later. Because you really were so quiet that you seemed almost invisible. But as time went by and Yeji attended more and more of the boys' meetings – even more so after she and you made friends with Jake's girlfriend – Heeseung didn't want to admit it, but he started to feel a bit insulted.

Why weren't you laughing at his jokes? Why didn't you crack a single smile at his antics in front of his friends? You were supposed to hate him, in Heeseung's mind. That was the only explanation for why he never saw a single curved movement of your lips.

"Relax, man" Sunghoon said one night when the two of them were in the kitchen preparing the popcorn for the movie. "Yeji said that Y/n is like that, very closed," he took a larger bowl to pour the contents into, placing it next to another in case he needed a spare. "She took a while to open up to the girls, so maybe it's nothing personal."

So it would seem. Heeseung thought, rolling his eyes as he tried to forget about it and focus on the movie night they all had together.

A whole month passed and he tried not to focus on the thought that you didn't like him, because if that were the case, Heeseung would have gotten there first. He knew everyone there before you did, so if you didn't like him, you might as well not hang out with them anymore and just be friends with Yeji and Jake's girlfriend.

But no, that night what he wanted to happen happened. And without expecting much, without creating any expectations that you would smile at him.

"What are you three doing?" Sunghoon approached and ruffled Yeji's hair, hearing his little sister grumble and curse him for it.

"Trying to make sushi at home" she huffed "But Konon's the only one who can, and she gives the hardest tasks to me and Y/n to do."

"Come on, I think we're doing fine," you said, avoiding looking at Konon because you knew she was laughing at the two of you.

You held up a hot roll you had just rolled, hoping it wouldn't fall out of your hand and spill all the rice. Your eyes met Sunghoon's and then looked at Heeseung, who was standing in the kitchen doorway.

"You're doing a great job," Sunghoon complimented.

"Yeah, long and crooked... Looks like Sunghoon" Heeseung pointed to the hotroll in his hand, and he almost shouted when he heard the sound of your laughter.

It wasn't possible what Heeseung's eyes were seeing at that moment. You. Laughing and then smiling at him... Did that really happen?

Sunghoon abruptly turned to Heeseung as if he was thinking the same thing. Of course, he and the boys were the only ones to hear Heeseung's lament that you never smiled at anything he did. But now it had just happened.

And he wasn't sure if he wanted to see it again, because strangely Heeseung's heart was pumping in a way that he wasn't happy about. Not to mention the fact that, apart from thinking about your smile and the sound of your laugh for weeks, the boy wasn't proud to say that he had dreamt about it.

Was it stupid to say that he had actually dreamed of your smile? Shit, that couldn't be possible.

"Heeseung!" Jake shouted to get his friend's attention, snapping his fingers in front of his face.

"Fuck, what a fright" Heeseung wriggled in his chair "What's wrong?"

"I've been calling you for about five minutes, what world were you in?"

"In the world where Y/n keeps smiling at him" Sunghoon hummed.

Fucking bastard... How did Sunghoon have to be so direct like that? All right, his friends knew and couldn't stand to hear Heeseung fantasize about it for weeks, but hearing it out loud from someone else made him feel like a bit of an idiot.

"In my defense, I'm still in shock about this" he tried to say, hearing Jay's laughter from across the room.

"Still? How long has it been... like, three weeks? A month?" he asked, already knowing the answer. If Heeseung were to count, it had been a month and a few days, because every month the girls tried to make a different food. And he distinctly remembers his skills – not unlike Konon's – in rolling the seaweed into sushi.

"Do you like her?" Jake sprawled further back on the sofa, almost throwing his legs over Heeseung's lap. Sunghoon was sitting on the floor staring at the TV while the movie was still playing.

"What? No" he said too quickly, regretting it the moment all the boys' eyes landed on him.

"Dude, you literally went to great lengths just to make her laugh for you" Jay got up from his chair to walk over to Sunghoon and sit down next to him on the floor.

"And when that happened, you didn't stop talking about it the whole time," Jake added.

"I said you could all make me stop talking—"

"We don't want to, it's cute" Sunghoon smiled "Besides I think it happened a few more times after sushi night."

"What?" it was Heeseung's turn to shout, startling Jake who was cursing at him quietly as he curled up on the sofa.

At that moment Heeseung was standing in the living room, pacing back and forth near the TV and watching his friends with mixed feelings. Jake was still recovering from his shock, Sunghoon was pressing his lips together, feeling guilty for saying it just then. While Jay held in his laughter and closed his eyes to wait for the conversation to unfold.

"You're just telling me about this now? Fuck Sunghoon, what do you mean?"

"Dude, I'm sorry" he said, "It's just that you got so excited about it that if I told you she smiled a few more times, you might explode."

"I'm exploding right now" from the coloring of his face, it could be possible.

What do you mean you smiled at Heeseung or something related to him and Sunghoon didn't say anything at all? Now he wanted to know, what was the occasion? Had he done something funny, said something at the wrong time, or made a joke? Or did you genuinely smile just because he was around? What had been the circumstance in which you smiled at him?

"All your gears are turning at the moment and I think it's my fault" Sunghoon got up from the floor, straightening his pants and then sighing, "But she smiled at times when you weren't looking."

"Why?"

"Look, I know your mind because I've lived with you for years, but I have no idea what she was thinking about it" Sunghoon's words had a unique effect on Heeseung. He was even more pensive.

"Yeah, he's right" Jake said.

"You too..." Heeseung then turned to Jay.

"Dude, we talked about this for hours and worked it out together," he defended himself, cringing when the other threatened to approach.

"Hey, calm down!" Sunghoon held him by the shoulders even though he knew his friend would do absolutely nothing to any of the three "Now that you know, you can do something about it."

"Yes, kill the three of you."

"Or talk to her and ask why" Jake shrugged and stood up, giving his best smile in response "Now how about we order something to eat? I'm starving."

"No, no more drinks for you today, young lady" Sunghoon snatched the glass from Yeji's hand, listening to his sister's protests even though she was already a little upset.

"But hey, we're celebrating" she tried to catch it, but to no avail, her older brother was taller and would surely use that to his advantage.

"Celebrating what? The loss of your liver?" Heeseung looked around at the number of glasses on the kitchen counter.

He sighed as he imagined that the owner of that house would have an extremely difficult time cleaning up, but his thoughts were soon cut loose by the sound of laughter that flooded the room. His body went still and his eyes widened at the sight of your standing in front of the kitchen door.

"Hey, Heeseung, you look like you've seen a haunting" you waved at him, smiling briefly and then turning your eyes back to the Park siblings.

"He just heard something" Sunghoon added.

Not knowing what it was, you didn't bother asking him and just walked into the kitchen where the three of them were still standing.

"What's going on?" you asked.

"Yeji's already drunk, so let's go home."

"But she's celebrating," you pouted "It's not every day you get an A in Professor Choi's class."

"The worst professor at that university" Yeji picked up a glass to raise and pretend to toast, then put it back on the counter.

"But you've had enough, so I think you'd better go home" he looked at his sister and then at you "Has Jake taken Konon yet?"

"They just got home, Jay told me as soon as I came into the kitchen" you looked around for something to drink "And you two, what are you doing here?"

Sunghoon had gone after Yeji before he left and Heeseung had been in charge of looking for you, so the two of them could take you home safe and sound. But he didn't want to say that out loud.

"We came after you two," Sunghoon replied.

"Okay, let's go" Yeji whined "I won't be able to finish my drink anyway."

"Not even if we just have one more beer? It'll be quick and—"

"Nope" Heeseung stood in front of you when you threatened to approach the fridge. Looking up thanks to his height, this was the closest he had come to you since you two met.

It might have been the effect of the drink or the moment itself, but he looked glistening and that had – strangely – made your heart flutter.

Blame the drink, blame the drink, please.

"Come on Y/n, these two dullards don't know what fun is" Yeji pushed past Heeseung, ignoring his protests as she grabbed you by the arm and pulled you out of the kitchen.

"That's it man, a few more moves and you two would be kissing in this kitchen" Sunghoon held Heeseung by the shoulders without missing an opportunity to tease him.

He acted on instinct to stand in front of you so that you wouldn't advance into the kitchen, right? He also ignored the distance between the two of you because he miscalculated his steps and Sunghoon was right to say how close you and Heeseung were. But those thoughts had to be pushed aside as quickly as possible.

And that happened when Jay's voice echoed in Heeseung's ears, standing next to his friend's car.

"Can you take Y/n home?" he asked. Heeseung didn't want to show his shock, but the orbs almost popping out in the expression that caught him off guard made Jay laugh right away "I've had a few drinks and I certainly won't be able to drive."

"But—"

"Take her and come back for me" Jay handed Heeseung the keys to his car.

"Why don't you just go along? I can drop you home later."

"Because I'm not finished here yet" Jay's lips protruded forward in a pout, he took a few steps away from Heeseung, nodding and smiling at his friend "And I don't want to witness anything pornographic in my car. Unless I'm the one doing it," he shouted the last part and Heeseung turned sharply in the direction you were with the Park siblings.

He would have given anything at that moment for you to be so drunk that you hadn't heard any of the shit Jay had said so far.

"Where's Jongseong going?" Yeji asked when he saw the boy disappearing among some people in the garden of the house.

"He said he didn't finish whatever it is in there" Heeseung sighed "Come on Y/n, I'll take you home."

None of you missed the mischievous giggle that escaped from Yeji, soon to be joined by Sunghoon. Heeseung knew very well about his friend, but why did his little sister even seem to be complicit?

"Do you know where I live?" you asked so naturally that Heeseung had forgotten how serious you were whenever you were around him.

"No, but you can tell me while we go in Jay's car," he said, and you just agreed and let him guide you to the vehicle. Neither of you cared what the Park siblings said as you and Heeseung walked to Jay's car. He showed himself to be a tremendous gentleman by opening the door for you and checking that everything was okay until you buckled your seatbelt so he could close the door and turn the car around.

"Can we go?" he asked and you nodded, giving Heeseung the coordinates so he could get to your house.

For Heeseung, the silence was necessary while he reorganized his thoughts because, for the first time, he was in a place alone with you. That had never happened since the two of you met.

Now for you, the silence was agonizing because it made you think and observe. To think about how hard you'd tried to get away from that man next to you and to observe how well he drove. His hands firmly gripping the leather of the steering wheel, his long fingers drumming now and then when they stopped at a traffic light or how agile his hand was at holding the gearshift. You also found yourself swallowing when his hand accidentally hit your leg when changing gears. He wasn't doing it on purpose, you knew that, but it was inevitable not to smile quickly.

"We're here" he was the first to break the silence, indicating that he had followed your coordinates very well, and now the two of you were parked inside Jay's car and in front of your apartment complex.

You looked out of the window, a sigh escaping your lips as you looked back at the boy in the car sitting next to you.

"Thanks, Heeseung" you said sincerely, opening a smile when his eyes met yours. Heeseung smiled too, but he didn't look so happy about it. He seemed... Annoyed?

"Can I ask you something, Y/n?" he said just like that, not even bothering to respond to your thanks. But you didn't mind either, after all, your sobriety was starting to kick in, but even so, your alcohol-addled body made you more curious than usual.

"Anything," you said.

It took him a while to formulate that question, pondering whether he should really ask it or just let it go and get on with his life as if it didn't affect him. But it certainly did. Heeseung knew why he had dreamt it, he had to ask.

"Why haven't you ever smiled at me?" might seem like a silly question from the outside, or even sad if the person was as sentimental as Heeseung.

At first, your eyebrows drew together in surprise. But then everything relaxed and you unbuckled your belt to turn around and face the boy.

"What do you mean?"

Heeseung repeated your gesture a few seconds later, unbuckling his belt and turning to face you too.

"I mean, ever since we met you've never smiled at anything I've done," he shrugged, trying to sound firm in his words, not wanting to waver or show how ridiculous it might seem "Surely Yeji has already let it slip that I'm the clown of the group and, I don't know, you're the only person who's never given me a single smile."

"Does that bother you?"

No. He should answer, to appear tougher.

"Yes, a little" Heeseung didn't want to follow his thoughts, he wanted to act on the emotion of the moment "I thought you didn't like me or, at worst, thought I was so dull that you begged the girls to get away every time we met in a group."

He was being so honest with you, opening up so genuinely that you felt a little bad. Maybe your way of acting on everything you'd heard hadn't been nice, you might have been a bit extreme with it.

"I'm sorry" was all you managed to say, without knowing exactly why you were apologizing. Whether it was for your reaction or for never getting to Heeseung and wanting to get to know him.

"Why?" he asked.

You didn't want him to ask, so you wouldn't have to explain yourself, you'd get out of the car and drive away. But Heeseung's sparkling eyes seemed to call out to you every second, guiding you to him as if you belonged there, staring at him as the words came freely out of his mouth.

"We have a group of friends at college and certainly Yeji's brother and his friends are sometimes a topic," your gaze quickly shifted to the window behind Heeseung. Anything being more interesting than his eyes paying attention to you right now "I once commented that... Well..."

"Say, it's okay," he tried to encourage you and you looked back at him, could blame it on the drink if something got out of hand, and would say the next day that you didn't remember anything you were saying. Even though by then your sobriety had reached more than half of your body.

"I told I thought you were very handsome" you nibbled your lower lip and continued, not even giving Heeseung time to process the information "A friend of ours said that you were not only handsome but funny, but that was a danger."

"What? Why?" he tried to shake off the tingling feeling in his chest and his cheeks heating up at the confession. So you thought he was handsome from the start.

"Have you ever heard of the theory of the funny boy being a danger?" you crossed your arms and snorted when Heeseung denied it with a nod "He'll make you laugh so much, you'll laugh. Laugh and laugh until you're naked in his bed."

It was his turn to laugh, hiding his face with his hands and messing up his hair.

"Shut up, don't laugh," you groaned in frustration, uncrossing your arms and trying to push his hand away from your face. The contact was electrifying, even if it only lasted a few seconds. Heeseung uncovered his face and looked at you.

"So Yeji's friend said that about me, and you believed it?" Heeseung wanted to sound confident as he raised an eyebrow, even though, if he had to get out of that car, his legs would be as soft as jelly.

"Well..." a few seconds passed and you sighed, "I avoided contact so I wouldn't have to believe it. I don't know, preserve myself as much as possible since you seem to be well known at the university."

"So you didn't want to smile at me because you thought you'd end up in my bed?" Heeseung leaned forward a little, looking a little defiant. You leaned forward too, your hands resting on your lap.

"You make all the girls smile, what difference would it make if I smiled at you?"

Don't be so honest, Heeseung thought to himself, but it was already done when he launched into it.

"Maybe because your smile is beautiful and when that happened on sushi night, I ended up dreaming for a long time."

"What? Did you dream about my smile?" you almost shouted in the car.

"Too many questions for one night, don't you think?" Heeseung pretended to shake himself, looking for the car keys that he hadn't even taken out of the ignition. Turning on the air conditioning might be a good idea since neither of you made any mention of leaving.

"Too many confessions for one night" you leaned back in your seat.

"I think we're going to need a few more nights for you to tell me more" he also leaned back in his seat, but his head remained turned in your direction.

"Are you asking me out on a date?"

"Would you?" he asked back, a stupid – but extremely beautiful – smile adorning his lips as he said again, "I want to prove that friend of yours completely wrong."

"I'd love that, then" to his surprise, asking you out had been completely light-hearted. He didn't feel like throwing up or running away, or even saying something silly, stuttering... Nothing. Heeseung was just himself as he watched you bend down to him and brush your lips against the corner of his.

From the way Heeseung's head was tilted, giving indications that he wasn't going to move, you purposely kissed him on the corner of the lips, pulling away before he made any risky moves.

"I'm waiting for a message from you so we can make an appointment, mr. funny guy."

You winked at him, watching as the tip of Heeseung's tongue traced the exact spot where your lips touched the corner of his. The smile never left him as he watched you open the door, wave, and close it to leave.

A smile had never left Lee Heeseung like that.

#enhypen fluff #heeseung fluff #enhypen #enhypen heeseung #heeseung #lee heeseung #enhypen au #heeseung x reader #enhypen x reader #enhypen masterlist #lee heeseung fluff #heeseung fanfics #lee heeseung x reader #heeseung imagines #bay writes.

547 notes · View notes

ask-the-pioneer · 4 months ago

Text

Hello and welcome to @ask-the-pioneer! This is a scripted ask blog dedicated to a slugcat OC of mine called Marbles (she/her), titled the Pioneer. She is a re-interpretation of Artificer’s blue slugpup, set in a AU where the pup survives, grows up, and receives a name. The main story begins some short time after the end of Artificer’s campaign. At that point in time Marbles is already a young adult (early 20s in human years). She parts ways with Hunter - her mentor - and ventures out to seek the knowledge contained within the pearls that she was always captivated by.

This blog is run by @kalivasquez (@kalivasquezart). Keep in mind I’m not a native English speaker. There may be spelling errors or weirdly constructed sentences at times. This is my first ask-blog ever so idk what I’m doing but I’m trying my best 👍

CONTENT WARNING: This blog has content rating of +18 due to potential sensitive themes: mental trauma, depictions of violence, suicidal ideation, blood and gore, or other graphic imagery that may be uncomfortable, scarring or otherwise triggering to witness. Viewer discretion is advised. Posts containing mild themes will be tagged appropriately, while posts showing heavy themes will have "mature" filter applied to them. Please be aware that all the content shared on this blog is intended for an adult audience!

More info below the cut, including blog rules. Please read it!

Blog Rules 📜

Last update: 10th of October, 2024

By default you address the main character - Marbles, aka the Pioneer - in your asks. If you wish to inquire me directly (as an author of this blog), please include “[OOC]” at the beginning, or otherwise indicate that the message is directed at me and not the character.

Asks are answered in-character. Sometimes the character may react to your ask in a seemingly negative way. Please keep in mind that it is done from their point of view, and it does not imply that I (the author) personally reacted badly to your message.

I appreciate all the asks that I receive. However, I reserve the right to not answer some of them, at my discretion. It is not guaranteed that you receive a response. Still, I’ll try my best to answer as many messages as I can.

Be aware that some asks I receive may be skipped over, especially ones that are short and vague, in favour of more complex asks that help me push the plot of this AU forward. This is also relevant for asks that refer to the same subject (duplicates).

Please be tactful! Asks that are inappropriate or confusing in their intent (like spam, baits, asks containing slurs) will be deleted. Sorry!

Do not send me asks via direct messages (DMs)! I keep my DMs open in case someone needs to contact me for other reasons, like incorrect tagging or important offsite matters. If you send me a DM meant to be answered like an ask, your message will be ignored and deleted.

Do not repost my art onto your own social media accounts. Honestly, don't. I don't care about publicity, I have enough following here to last me a lifetime. Anyone can see this blog without needing to log in or register on tumblr.

More rules may be added later. Please check this section again periodically.

General Character Info ℹ️

As of now, this ask-blog has only one acting character - Marbles the slugcat, aka the Pioneer.

Name (given): Mirmyntasseth, Eight Marbles Cast in Stone

Title (given): the Pioneer

Nickname: Blue (for family), Marbles (for friends, after being named by an iterator)

Pronouns: she/her

Age: young adult (very early 20’s in human years)

Personality: energetic, curious, savvy, humorous, short-tempered, resilient, drive, a little naive and too trusting, exhibits mild case of abandoned child syndrome

Specific traits:

good at finding pearls (she loves them, goes about as crazy for them as scavs) and other trinkets,

knows martial arts, can incapacitate enemies by hitting their pressure points,

can craft explosive spears and grenades - they do less damage, but stun for longer; crafted explosives have deep orange color,

already has a mark of communication, granted by NSH,

Tools:

Marbles is often seen wearing a light colored “sling bag” on her back, where she keeps her pearls and other items,

at a muuuuuuch later point in time, she receives a gift from a kind interator - her very own citizen ID drone; the drone can read from pearls and translate slugcat speech into other languages.

Current reference sheet:

For more in-dept info and drawings/references of the character, please visit Marbles' ToyHouse page.

AU Timeline ⏱️

the story of Pioneer takes place some years after the end of Artificer's campaign, and begins at the same time as Hunter's campaign in-game

this AU assumes the following timeline for slugcat campaigns: Spearmaster -> Artificer -> Hunter -> Gourmand -> Survivor -> Monk -> Rivulet -> Saint,

Artificer/Hunter/Gourmand campaigns happen close together, with Hunter/Gourmand overlapping slightly; all three scugs are roughly the same age, with Arti being the oldest (early 40s), and Hunter the youngest (39),

Saint and Monk are still slugpups by the time the story of Pioneer beings,

Spearmaster is unlikely to be present in this AU as it is assumed that over 432 cycles have passed, meaning they are no longer alive,

Rivulet is unlikely to be present in this AU as here their campaign is assumed to have taken place *much *later in the future,

Saint is thought to be stuck in a time loop, and *may *appear in this AU.

AU Setting 📝

Pioneer’s Backstory (before the events described in this ask blog):

Marbles/Blue (the Pioneer) was born in the Garbage Wastes area, raised by a single mother (Artificer); the other parent remains unknown,

she had a sibling (who was also the runt of the litter) - a brother named Bryn, the green slugpup; the two were fraternal twins,

she got separated from the rest of her family in a scav toll incident,

was not killed, but abducted instead by the scavenger toll tribe, brought into their local shelter just before the rain started,

initially assumed to have been taken in as a fodder in case of predator attack,

in the end she has earned her keep when she learned how to make grenades and explosive spears, turning herself into a valuable asset for the tribe,

was treated fairly well, but never truly incorporated into the local scavenger community,

had stayed with the tribe for many cycles, learning how to fight and survive, but also how to look for valuables (mainly pearls) and haggle with other tribes,

could probably have run away, but she held on to hope that mom would come back for her,

whenever she got “lost”, the tribe would look for her to bring her back,

after one of her short solo expeditions, she came back to the camp only to find out the entire scav tribe has been wiped out,

ran away and been wandering aimlessly for a while, eventualy stumbling upon Hunter who adopted her, took back to NSH's superstructure, and underwent training alongside him (under NSH’s supervision),

promised to accompany Hunter during his important mission, but had to suddenly part ways due to unfortunate circumstances (just before the beginning of Hunter’s campaign).

Post Tagging 🏷️

I use the following tags:

#rain world, #rain world oc, #rain world au - default tags added to all answered asks (unless OOC),

#rain world spoilers - is included in posts that may spoil RW lore, for example: when answers hint to the conclusion of Artificer’s campaign,

#rw - rain world-specific characters that are present in a post, such as: “#rw hunter” or “rw five pebbles”; i will try to use the full name(s) intead of abbreviations,

#au lore - posts that contain important worldbuilding information for my AU,

#ooc- out of character posts, or anything else that doesn’t fall under “rain world” umbrella,

(more tags will be added to this section once I actually start posting stuff)

I also tag sensitive content with appropriate tags like #tw [trigger], if shown.

Text Key 💬

Most dialogue takes form of narrated drawings, where Marbles speaks in her own voice. The speeches are a part of the drawings themselves.

However, if a post contains additional text, the following key is used:

[Narration]

[The road was long and arduous, and she was glad to have finally found a shelter]

(Thoughts)

(This place is full of scavengers, I should be able to trade those pearls for some food)

“Speaking”

“How come you have not seen a vulture before? Climb up to Sky Islands, they are everywhere!”

//OOC

// more art coming soon woohoo!

Credits 📑

image in the blog's header belongs to Pawel Czerwinski on Unsplash

Yoŋasabi script (slugcat language, original conlang) in the top banner by @opashoo

all the other drawings posted on this blog were made by me, unless stated otherwise

#rain world #no one actually reads the “About” page so i've decided to turn it into a pinned post #can you believe i still haven't come up with the name for this AU lol #pinned

150 notes · View notes

buskingalbatross · 2 months ago

Text

AmazingPhil channel marathon musings

during a pre-show q&a back in november, in response to a question about what show someone should binge next, dan said they should watch all of the AmazingPhil channel from the start. I was not the person who asked this (nor was I at this show), but regardless I did decide I wanted to take dan’s suggestion seriously. just a few days ago, I finished watching all of AmazingPhil in chronological order. and now i really want to talk about what it was like and why I would recommend marathoning his channel to pretty much anyone—because it was a blast.

I watched all of the 369 currently public AmazingPhil videos over the course of 35 days, which is from my perspective a pretty casual marathon. 369/35 = roughly 11 videos a day, though due to algorithm and monetization policy stuff, phil’s videos became longer in duration around 2015-2016; for many years, most of his videos were around 4 minutes long or less, which for me meant that early on in this marathon I was watching more videos per day, and then later on my pace slowed. phil’s videos with dan are usually pretty long as well, so if I had something like a baking video or wdapteo up next to watch, I might have only watched one or two videos that day.

unsurprisingly, watching all of phil’s videos in order in a relatively short span of time gave me a really cool perspective on how phil has grown as a person and as a YouTuber over the past eighteen years. surprising to me, though, was how I felt like watching his channel in such a linear way felt a bit like coming to know who phil is for the very first time, again. despite having watched his videos for over a decade, i feel like i understand his style and creativity and personality more fully, and in general better, than I did before. watching 2007 phil become 2009 phil become 2011 phil and so on in the span of a few days or a week meant seeing clearly how his sense of humor evolved, how his editing and creativity developed, how his perspectives on life and relationship with his audience shifted. much as when you binge an entire tv or book series and immediately afterwards feel like you’re brimming with information, and have all the context, that’s sort of how I felt. and it was new for me because I’d never done that with phil’s content before—I’d never followed the course of his life the way you might a fictional character’s.

AmazingPhil is also an incredible capsule of 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s Western internet culture, obviously. it’s like an anthropologist from the future with a very hyperspecific thesis topic’s dream treasure horde. what a person can learn about one corner of the world, and one corner of society, from AmazingPhil’s videos is, well, a lot. I see so much cultural value in AmazingPhil, it’s insane. his videos are not sketches, essays, and commentaries on society and life like Dan’s, but I’d make the argument (as I’m sure most of you would) that they’re just as important and critical to helping people understand themselves and the world they live in. and the kind of people they want to be, too, perhaps.

there were also certain videos that stuck with me more than they had in the past. I discovered new favorite videos and videos that I considered more interesting than I previously had. (I tried just now to make a list of some of these but it rapidly got too long, so instead I’ll restrict myself to mentioning only one, a new favorite, from 2021: “I Got Catfished.” - which i think is a fantastic example of phil’s storytelling style). dnp have both said before that they view life as a performance – and phil is without a sliver of doubt a magical and incredible performer. he knows so well how to tell stories with words, pacing, structures, and effects that are hilarious and entertaining; he turns anecdotes from his life into these amazing whimsical pieces of art made in a way no other person has ever made things. YouTube has from the beginning presented him with the perfect way to be creative in a way that suits him. and more than that, i found that it was never even remotely unpleasant to watch his videos every day for over a month. there is simply not an AmazingPhil video that doesn’t bring me joy and make me sit there smiling like a fool. my cheek muscles are probably stronger than they were 35 days ago.

so, to you I say, go: watch all of AmazingPhil, draw your own conclusions from his current oeuvre and deepen your parasocial relationship with Phil Lester in ways you cannot yet comprehend. I really recommend.

(final notes: one side effect of watching all of phil’s videos was being unexpectedly yet thoroughly convinced he does indeed possess psychic talents. even though i don’t believe in magical anything, i do now believe phil lester inherited prescience from his grandmother.)

(also dan is completely right that every time phil changes his hair, he regenerates into an entirely new man.)

(also also I made an AmazingPhil spotify playlist that is highly specific to my music tastes but that anyone is welcome to listen to all the same) ✨🐗💙🥱

#if i'm honest sharing my thoughts about dnp like this makes me anxious i am a lurker and a fic writer at heart so #if you disagree with my thoughts simply do not let me know #but also if anyone wants to talk about this or other dnp topics feel free to dm anytime :>#phil lester #amazingphil #dnp #dan and phil

115 notes · View notes

cilil · 3 months ago

Note

Hi, do you have any advices for budding writers on AO3 or here?

Hey! :)

I've given this some thought and compiled what I hope might be some helpful pointers, but if there's anything else or anything specific you want to hear more about, feel free to ask again. Also I'm assuming this is about the amazing craft of fanfic and not, uh, building a platform or whatever (I wouldn't be very helpful with that, I'm a nobody x)).

Share what you feel comfortable sharing.

So since you're asking about budding writers on AO3 and Tumblr, I take it you're at a point where you feel comfortable sharing your writing online, which is amazing. Nevertheless, I feel the need to once again mention (just for anyone who may be in the same or a similar situation) that it's completely alright not to be comfortable with it (yet) or not to share everything you write. I share almost everything simply because I'm annoying and it makes me feel accomplished and since I've grown pretty comfortable with it, I might as well; but not everyone feels that way and feelings also change. It's completely alright to write just for yourself or a small circle of friends.

Don't worry too much about "being good".

I will be the first to admit that I deeply relate to struggling with perfectionism when it comes to writing (and other creative pursuits). However, as someone who's been reading fic for many years, tends to be into quite niche and obscure things sometimes and is rarely spoiled by big fandoms' abundance of food, I want all writers, especially new ones, to know that you don't have to write the most amazing, perfect, publishing-ready pieces. What matters is your passion and creativity, which will show in your writing regardless of skill level. Not to mention that fic is free and in fact a tool for many to experiment.

That's not to say you can't strive to improve or be good - by all means, I find it admirable if you want to hone your craft and make progress as you continue to write. Just don't let perfectionism ruin your fun and stifle your creativity.

How to get better without trying overly hard.

Aside from just writing, writing and writing (that is the most important part though), how do you improve without making it a point to do so? Well, if it works for you to read/watch guides or you enjoy specific writing exercises, that's great, but one thing that I find gets overlooked a lot in writing spaces is simply: Reading. Just reading for fun.

I find that I often discover little things in other people's writing that I really like and then I think to myself "wow, that's really neat how they did that, maybe I could take a page out of their book" (pun intended) and make it a point to pay attention to these things when I write. Essentially, it's like creating a nice patchwork blanket which is your style, made up of your own voice and preferences as a writer and cool stuff you picked up on the road.

Let me just name some examples, which, yes, are also an excuse to shamelessly blow some writer friends of mine a well-deserved kiss of appreciation. @sauron-kraut writes incredibly polished short stories with beautiful wording and atmosphere that have a lot of little hidden things to discover and dissect, and I want to steal her ability to set the stage and hide those easter eggs. @a-world-of-whimsy-5 is an absolute legend when it comes to writing medieval and medieval-adjacent stuff, and I learned so much from her fics. @i-did-not-mean-to has a way of writing with such esprit and wit that I always end up in a good mood after, a style of narrative voice I've adored for over a decade, and I've greatly improved my humorous writing in particular thanks to her. @crackinthecup has the marvelous ability to craft extremely emotionally evocative scenes, which have encouraged me to be more courageous and experimental in my sentence melody and structure. @tragedybunny has a way of writing that reminds me of coming home to a warm and comfy place, and I will find out how she did it and how I can do it as well.

So as you can see, it can be super helpful to compare notes with your fellow writers. Never be discouraged by someone else's ability; instead learn and expand your own.

Feedback, criticism and community.

Let me just get one thing out of the way: You don't have to take criticism from everyone. Or at all. As far as I understand, the fanfic community has come to to agree that we're doing this for fun and don't give criticism unprompted/when we aren't sure it's wanted or welcome. As a general rule: Take criticism from those you would also seek advice from. Ask for feedback if you feel comfortable, and if not, that's a valid boundary to have and I will gently smack anyone who presumes to pick apart writing that was made for fun and generously shared with the community for free.

The community aspect, however, should be taken into account on other fronts. While I won't tell anyone they have to interact and believe that, in an ideal world, everyone's writing would just speak for itself, it is helpful to engage with the community. Things you can do (both on Tumblr and AO3 if also applicable/possible) include: Respond to people interacting with your works, interacting with other people's works (for example while you're doing your reading sessions and looking at other writers' styles) and just overall being present, being talkative, going with the flow.

Again, this is not a must. But I will say that pretty much all of us want positive responses and interactions on their work and that just won't work if you expect everyone to show up for you all the time and never show up for anyone else. Engagement, passion and community are our "currency" in the absence of money and reciprocity is an important element of that. A lot of friction and complaints in the fanfic community regarding lack of interaction or entitlement are rooted in misunderstandings of this fundamental principle.

But don't take this in a cynical manner. Seek out what you enjoy, share the joy and passion and you'll make friends just accidentally - which is the part that I find makes fandom on AO3 and Tumblr so much fun! (I don't even want to be a "traditional" author anymore, I want this instead😁)

Find your groove and groove along.

Lastly, make sure your writing is fun for you or else it'll become a chore and eventually get ruined for you as a hobby. This is unfortunately a continuous task as your needs and interests shift - for example you might be in the mood to do an entire drabble challenge one month and during another month you feel so drained that you couldn't do another one. Or you might want to write something different for a change. Or whatever it may be.

Either way, one recent lesson I've learned is that I got too tied up in obligations and it left no space for spontaneous inspiration, so I never got to write what I wanted to write in the moment and it pushed me quite close to burnout. Do yourself a favor and always hold that space for yourself. In practice, this could for example mean that you do one event and on the side write this cool new idea you had, instead of doing three events - which is fun and games until it starts getting too much and you don't have time for your passion projects.

Finding your groove also includes the whole technical aspect, such as which writing programs you use, which device (or none at all), where you write, how to make yourself comfortable, how to get in the right headspace for things. I would also like to encourage all of you to be a bit crazy and whimsical about this: For example I've gone to the perfume store, picked out a scent for a specific character in a specific scene and sniffed it while writing the description several times now. Do what it takes. And say goodbye to your squeaky clean search history - you will research some weird stuff just to get that one line right.

So yeah, these are just my random thoughts on fic writing and what has been helpful in order for me to have lots of fun with this hobby. Happy writing!

#on writing #writing advice #fanfic #fanfic community #fandom

61 notes · View notes

melzula · 11 months ago

Text

North and South

part two

pairing: zuko x princess!reader

notes: part two is here! again, there’s some notable changes from the comics to fit Princess into the story but i think it works! hope you guys enjoy :)

summary: team Avatar is together again, but Galik’s vendetta against the Northerners prevents them from enjoying their time at the festival

~ part of the fire lilies series ~

Hakoda and Malina are waiting outside the palace for you when you finally return from your talk with Katara. Both look eager to speak to you, and you’re not sure if that’s a good sign or a bad one. The trio had been vague when requesting your presence for an impromptu meeting, so you weren’t exactly sure what they wished to discuss with you, but if you had to guess you’d assume it has something to do with the oil refinery they wish to build.

“Thank you for agreeing to meet with us at such short notice,” Malina professes earnestly as the two escort you to your office. “I know how busy you must be what with the festival being tonight.”

“It’s not a problem at all. I always look forward to hearing new ideas for the improvement of our tribe,” you assure her with a shake of your head. “But I do have to ask, what exactly are you hoping to discuss with me?”

“You said you wanted proof that the construction of the oil refinery would be in the tribe’s best interest,” Hakoda notes thoughtfully as the three of you finally reach your office. “Well, Maliq and Malina managed to bring the proof to you.”

You furrow your brows in uncertainty at his words and open your mouth to ask just what exactly he means by that, but your is question answered when the doors of your office are finally opened. In the center of the room stands Maliq with a content smile on his face, and beside him stands none other than the Blind Bandit herself.

“Toph!” You exclaim in surprise before rushing forward to envelope her in a tight hug. “Oh, it’s so good to see you!”

“I’d say the same thing if I could see,” she notes with a humorous grin. “Nice to know you missed me, your highness.”

“Of course I did! It’s been much too long.”

“Wouldn’t have been so long if you’d told me about that assassination attempt,” she notes wryly before giving you a harsh punch to the arm. “I would have kicked that guy’s butt in an instant if you’d asked.”

“Yeah, my mistake,” you note sheepishly, rubbing the tender spot on your arm from her punch. “What brings you here now?”

“We thought it would be best if you heard from a representative of a successful oil refinery yourself to see just how impactful this project could be for the South,” Maliq answers on Toph’s behalf.

“Representative? I’m an executive partner now!” The girl corrects with a hint of annoyance in her tone.

“Miss Beifong here oversees Earthern Fire Industries and has offered to supply us with the materials needed to extract the oil and build the refinery,” Malina explains animatedly.

“Wait a minute, how are you being offered supplies for a project that doesn’t exist yet?” You retort with a raised brow, looking at the two siblings expectantly. Malina turns meek under your gaze, but Maliq doesn’t seem to have a care about being caught in the lie.

“We may have bent the truth to get Miss Beifong to come here today,” he admits with a shrug. “But does it really matter? Now that she’s here she can tell you all about the success her refinery has had and how important such a project will be here in the South! We figured if you wouldn’t listen to us, maybe you’d listen to a trusted friend.”

“Going behind my back for something like this is unacceptable,” you scold firmly, doing your best to keep your anger at bay. “You have no right to make these types of decisions without my approval. I am Chief, and you two are visitors. Don’t forget that.”

Maliq is stunned by your words, obviously not expecting this type of response from you. He thought you were smart enough to understand how big this project could be, how desperately your people needed something like this. Why were you being so naive?

“I’m sorry, y/n, I didn’t know this was an ambush,” Toph repents, awkwardly grasping at the back of her neck. “As much as I love Malina and Maliq’s work, I wouldn’t have come if I’d known you weren’t onboard.”

“You’re making a mistake!” Maliq tries to argue. “You need to stop seeing things through such a Southern lens and look at the bigger picture here!”

“Southern lens?” You retort in offense. Malina picks up on your displeased tone and quickly steps in for her brother.

“You’re right, we shouldn’t have overstepped,” she apologizes on his behalf. “We just want to do all we can to help lift up the South.”

“I appreciate the sentiment, but if you keep going behind my back then I won’t be needing your help any longer,” you warn before turning your disappointed gaze to Hakoda. “I appreciate all you’ve done and all you’re doing as advisor, but this cannot happen again.

“Understood, Chief. We shouldn’t have lied to you,” he repents with a sigh. "Perhaps we just got a little carried away.”

“I don’t want to hear anymore about this oil refinery,” you say with finality before turning to Toph. “I’m sorry you came all this way for nothing, but I hope you’ll stay for the festivities taking place tonight in honor of Sokka and Katara’s return home.”

“Free food and games? I’m in,” the girl replies with a grin.

You’re able to say nothing more as a knock on the door interrupts your conversation. All heads turn to the doorway where your mother steps in, a sheepish smile on her face.

“I hope I’m not interrupting,” she apologizes bashfully, “but Chief y/n is needed in the courtyard.”

“No, of course not, mother. Our conversation is over,” you tell her, giving the group a pointed look. “Hakoda, could you please take Toph to Sokka and Katara? They can get her situated while I’m gone.”

After giving your orders, you follow your mother out of the office and into palace hallways towards the front doors. “What needs my attention?”

“You have a visitor is all,” she notes with a giddy smile. “They requested your immediate presence.”

“It better not be another representative,” you grumble irately. You’re still frustrated over the fact that you were lied to by your advisor and that the siblings had tried to go behind your back with their project, but the feeling doesn’t last long when you see who’s standing outside the palace doors.

Bouquet of fire lilies in hand and a tender smile on his face, Zuko immediately opens his arms for you to throw yourself into his embrace. He’s impossibly warm and his hold on your figure is impossibly tight as he hugs you close to his chest.

“Zuko, you made it!” You exclaim, escaping his hold to cup his face in your hands and pull him down to meet your lips in a kiss.

“I wouldn’t have missed it for the world,” he replies breathlessly after breaking your kiss. “You have no idea how much I’ve missed you.”

“Definitely not as much as I’ve missed you,” you argue with a careful smile, your face growing warm as he hands you the bouquet of flowers before pressing a chaste kiss to your cheek.

“Thank you for hosting me and allowing me to stay in your home,” Zuko says to your mother, bowing in respect to the woman.

“After all you’ve done for my daughter? It’s the least I can do,” she smiles with a passive wave of her hand. Then, looking to you, she says, “I’m going back to the square to finish setting up for the festival. I’ll see you two there.”

Now alone, you eagerly take Zuko’s hand in your own and practically drag him back into the palace.

“Oh, I have the perfect outfit picked for you to wear to the festival tonight!” You exclaim elatedly while Zuko struggles to match your pace. With your back turned to him, you don’t see the way he looks at you as if you hang all the stars in the sky.

It’s good to be back.

~~~

Despite the celebration being held in honor of Sokka and Katara’s return home, you haven’t seen much of the siblings since the start of the festival. You remain glued to Zuko’s side as you stroll through the square and admire all the work that went into putting the festivities together.

“You certainly outdid yourself,” Zuko compliments with a faint smile as he watches a group of children play ring toss in hopes of winning the giant stuffed koala otter on display. The South is warm and full of life, so different from what Zuko was used to, but he enjoyed it all the same. It felt nice to finally spend time with you without having to worry about his sister or his father or any other nonsense that often got in the way of your peaceful life together.

“You don’t think it’s too much?” You ask with a sheepish laugh. “I wanted Sokka and Katara to feel appreciated, but I also just wanted to give my people the chance to have fun for a night and not have to worry about any of their troubles.”

“You’re a wonderful leader, and the South is lucky to have you,” Zuko compliments before giving you an affectionate kunik.

“Y/n!” A voice interrupts. Aang and Katara walk arm-in-arm towards you, and everything finally feels complete when the Avatar greets you with a hug.

“Aang, it’s so good to see you! I’m glad you could make it,” you express earnestly. “I was worried my invitation might have gotten lost before it could reach you.”

“It’s nice to be back in the South,” he sighs happily. “Everything looks great!”

“Everything tastes great, too!” Sokka adds as he and Toph join your group. He holds multiple skewers of meat and passes one off to you and Zuko while Toph trails behind holding a plethora of stuffed animals. “Isn’t this amazing?! Team Avatar back together again!”

“It certainly does feel like old times,” you note wistfully as you think back to your time during the war- how things have changed. “I want to thank you all again for being here, you have no idea how much this means to me.”

“We’ll always be here,” Katara says with a warm smile. “No matter what.”

“Y/n,” your mother calls from across the way, interrupting your little reunion. “It’s time for your speech!”

“Oh, of course. Sokka, Katara, come with me,” you tell the siblings, giving them no time to argue as you take each of their hands and escort them to the front.

Using your bending, you send a blast of ice into the air that erupts into a flurry of tiny snowflakes. The act catches the attention of your people, and they watch in awe as the snow begins to fall over the festival.

“People of the Southern Water Tribe, it is my great honor to have you here tonight to celebrate the return of our heroes Sokka and Katara!” You announce, earning an eruption of cheers and applause for your friends. “It is because of their bravery and sacrifice that I stand here before you today. Our tribe took a hard hit during the war, but we’ve persevered and come back even stronger! Every day that passes brings the Southern Water Tribe into a new era of strength and hope. At this time I’d like to take this moment to also thank our Reconstruction team Malina and Maliq for their help in our rebuilding process. I have great hope we can accomplish great things with the help of our sister tribe, and I’d just like to say that-“

“-Everybody needs to get out of here now!” Toph interrupts frantically as the ground begins to shake beneath you. Panicked gasps and murmurs spread throughout the crowd as you try to gain your bearings only to falter at the sight of the giant drill that emerges from beneath the ground. Your people have scattered away in search of safety, and you’re left standing horrified at the display.

At the top of the drill stands Galik, surrounded by fellow warriors with their battle regalia on and weapons at the ready. His features are angry, his eyes dead set on the Northern siblings as he begins his rant.

“Brothers and sisters, I am Galik of the Southern Water Tribe!” He proclaims. “I am your warrior, your blood, your true brother. So believe me when I say that those scoundrels from our so-called “sister tribe” are not here to help us! They are here to subjugate and humiliate us!”

“Galik, what is the meaning of this?!” You demand harshly as you approach the man despite Sokka’s warning voice begging you to stay put. Zuko watches on anxiously from the sidelines without making a move; he doesn’t want to interfere in water tribe business, but he’s prepared to do what he must to protect you if anyone so much as raises a hand towards you.

“I am sorry to ruin your celebration, Chief y/n. I know you had good intentions when inviting these outsiders into our home, but we can no longer stand by and watch them take advantage of your trusting nature. They tend to strip our land of its oil and destroy everything we’ve worked to build!”

“That oil will bring prosperity to your people!” Malina tries to argue. “These plans are for the benefit of the South!”

“Those plans,” you correct firmly, shooting a harsh glare at Malina, “no longer exist. I shut them down, Galik. No one is taking our oil.”

“So you think,” Galik corrects before producing Maliq’s missing briefcase. “Those foreigners plan to claim our oil for themselves! They plan to colonize our tribe, to have our Chief step down from her duties and allow the North to take control!”

“What? That can’t be true!” You cry indignantly before looking towards Malina. The woman doesn’t meet your eye, and slowly you feel the disappointment begin to rise within you. “Can it?”

“It was true,” she murmurs shamefully. “We never used the words colony or colonize, but we worried that the South wasn’t ready to handle such important resources. We worried that such a young girl wasn’t fit to rebuild an entire tribe.”

“And we were right,” Maliq butts in harshly much to his sister’s dismay.

“No we weren’t! We realized we were wrong and decided to abandon our original plans!”

“No, you decided! I never agreed to a change of plans!” Her brother lashes out before angrily pointing a finger at you. “Your Chief is too stuck in the past to move forward into the future! She can’t handle such a big responsibility, none of you can!”

“That is enough!” You try to interrupt only for his construction crew to block your path. Zuko is by your side in an instant, taking their transgression as his cue to step in.

“Watch it,” he warns them lowly, his eyes blazing with fierce protectiveness for his Princess.

“We’re building that refinery with or without your permission, and once that oil is out of the ground it will be under Northern control!” Maliq declares much to his sister’s trepidation.

“See how they disrespect our Chief?!” Galik counters to the group of onlookers that watch the scene unfold. “Our blood and sacrifice kept them safe during the war, and as if that wasn’t enough, now they want our oil! They want our home! They’ve wormed their way into our affairs like parasites, feeding off of our land for their own benefit! Hakoda has abused his position as advisor and led us astray. I’m sure he’s conspiring with them to take the throne for himself much like that traitor Koa tried to do!”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about!” Sokka cries angrily from the crowd. “Our father would never approve of this!”

“Hakoda is too much of a coward to stand up to his own Chief!” Maliq asserts before turning his critical eyes back to you. “But I’m not. I expected better from a Princess, a girl who’s traveled the world and seen for herself the success of other nations, but I guess you really are just a Southerner after all. You can’t be trusted to know what’s best for anyone, and that’s why the South needs the oversight of an actual civilization!”

“The South needs you to leave! Immediately,” you proclaim harshly, staring down the man until he finally backs off. The air is thick with tension after Maliq’s outburst, and no one knows just what to do or say. Finally, Galik interrupts the silence.

“Your kind heart fails you again, y/n,” he says with a shake of his head and a menacing tone. “After all they’ve done, they don’t just get to leave.”

“For the tribe!” He and his warriors cry before charging at the siblings.

“Quick, we have to help them!” You urge Zuko before discarding your parka to allow you a greater range of motion to bend.

“After everything they’ve done?! He completely disrespected you!” The Fire Lord adduces.

“That doesn’t mean they deserve to be killed!”

You quickly use your bending to procure a wall of ice to block the group from reaching the siblings. You catch Aang and Katara in your peripheral fighting off Galik’s men while Sokka and Toph attempt to crowd control, and beside you Zuko shoots blasts of flames to ward off the attackers.

Suddenly, a heap of rock knocks your feet out from under you and sends you sprawling into the snow after colliding into your figure. You’d been so engrossed in warding off Galik’s men that you hadn’t even noticed Maliq and Malina’s crew sneaking up behind you.

“Don’t hurt her!” Malina protests only for one of them to dismiss her concerns.

“If she was such a “big and powerful” Chief she would have been able to defend herself,” the earth bender argues. “She’s nothing but a Southern bender.”

A ball of fire is suddenly shot in his direction and the quickly man ducks to the ground in fear. Peering up from the snow, Zuko towers over the man menacingly with his hand ready to strike. “Want to say that again?”

“H-Hey, it was just a joke! Honest! She’s a really good water bender!” The man splutters. He screams in terror when another blast is shot his way, but it only lands on the side of him and narrowly misses his head.

“Don’t you forget it.”

While the wind was momentarily knocked out of you from the impact of the rock, you’re quick to recover and get back on your feet to fight. However, you falter at the sight of Galik standing before you. He holds a hand up in surrender to signal he has no intentions of fighting you, and so you do the same.

“This has gotten out of hand, Galik. You need to call off your troops,” you plead breathlessly. “We shouldn’t be fighting.”

“I’ve tried to be patient with you, y/n, but I can only do so much,” the older man admits with a sigh. “They deserve what’s coming to them.”

“I’m just as upset as you are about Maliq’s plan, but this isn’t the way to go. At the end of the day we’re all a family.”

“Family?! Did the Northern scum care when our water benders were desecrated by the raiders? Did they care when our Princess was taken from us by the Fire Nation? Did they care when your father lost his life in battle while their Chief got to hide behind a wall of ice? They are not our family, and you need to realize this before it’s too late.”

“If we continue on this way we’ll be proving them right!” You argue desperately. “We’ll only show them that we can’t handle our own affairs! Just stop this and I’ll make it right!”

“It’s much too late for that now, Princess. The situation has gotten out of hand and needs correction. You’ve done all you can to rectify the problem, but your judgement is clouded by your love for the Fire Lord. The ash maker has brainwashed you.”

“How dare you call him that?!” You yell fiercely, your blood boiling at the insult and your patience just about worn thin. “You’re the one that’s brainwashed if you truly believe such crazy conspiracies!”

“It’s not a conspiracy, it’s the truth! How many times have you let foreigners take advantage of you?! You risked your life to save Zuko’s and yet you are the one that carries the scars on your hands! You opened our home to the Northern scum and yet they wish to take the throne away from you! You’ve had your chance to do things your way, but it’s time for me to take over now, Chief.”

You notice his eyes are no longer focused on you but on something behind you, and you immediately react by whirling around and using a water whip to disable your approaching attacker before they can reach you. Your move sends them flying across the courtyard and into a nearby food stand. Guiltily, you make a mental note to pay the owner for the damages your attack has caused.

“Y/n!” Zuko calls as he rushes towards you. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine, but Galik got away,” you huff in disappointment. Surveying the area, you notice that both the Northern siblings and your friends are missing from the square. “Where are the others?”

“I’m not sure, but they must have run after him.”

“I’m sorry things always seem to get out of hand when you visit the South,” you say with a demeaned frown. “I promise it’s not always like this.”

“Hey, it’s much better than the stuff I put you through when you visit the Fire Nation,” Zuko jokes in an attempt to lighten the situation. “You handle the stress of being a leader far better than I ever could.”

Smiling faintly, you give his hand a comforting squeeze before urging him out of the square. “Let’s go find Gilak.”

“Chief y/n, you have to come quick!” A guard calls from the distance, alerting you of her presence and interrupting your conversation with Zuko. The next words to come out of her moth are the last words you ever expected to hear, and they fill your stomach with dread when she shouts, “Hakoda’s been stabbed.”

| atla tags: @niktwazny303 @sirkekselord

| zuko tags: @ilovespideyyy @yiyibetch @eridanuswave @lammello @a-monsters-love @taeeemin @lora21 @livelaughlovekuni @lovialy

| fire lilies tags: @emberislandplayers @kikaninchen-2 @music-geek19 @thia-aep @thyunnamed @haylaansmi @nataliahaslosthershit @idkdude776 @aangsupremacy @thirstyforsometea @ihaveaproblem98 @brown-eyed-thang @xapham @misnmatchedsox @chewymoustachio @that-bucket-hat-gal @chilifrylizard2 @kyomihann @kaylove12 @kiwihoee @freggietale @moon-spirit-yue @bubblegum-bee-otch @docackerman @rinalsword

#melzula writes #fire lilies #zuko #zuko x reader #zuko imagine #prince zuko x reader #prince zuko imagine #atla #atla x reader #atla imagine #toph #sokka #katara #aang #north and south #avatar the last airbender

233 notes · View notes

buubonita · 2 months ago

Note

budbonita. fellow horrortale connoisseur. opinions on the horrortale game that came out this jolly holly eve,,,,,,, me personally i am very calm and relaxed (eye twitch) 🙂

Hello, Tryglybud! Its good to see you again in my ask box :3c okay lets het to the point shall we?

THERE IS SPOILERS ON THIS, so have that on mind before READING!!!

WARNING FOR child death mention, decapitation mention.

That said (rubs my little fly hands)

If there's one thing I really liked about Horrortale is that SAS takes elements from the original game and re-routes them to fit the story. The charm of Horrortale is that it's precisely an alternate timeline that you can believe will happen without problems. A neutral route that turns into the living hell of monsters.

Anyway, now to point out the little things I liked.

The dark twist of Sans' Iceezs puzzle! In the original the joke is that you can't find any of the words that are written (the fucking puzzle is not doing the puzzle if you want to pass it. It's literally doing nothing lol) but here you literally HAVE to find the words to advance. I found it funny because if you've played UT your first instinctive action is to do nothing! It's like that Papyrus puzzle and the colored tiles that you don't expect to be relevant and then it turns out that it was! Just cute, thanks SAS.

The music! the overall atmosphere is super eerie and ominous, the opening song for waterfall is simple and sounds like still water. It gives you the feeling that you're in dead ground. Like the genocidal route in waterfall and its theme, but again, SAS USES the game's foundations and directs them into their own story YYYYYY OUAGHAHA I LOVE IT! Do you think Aliza inhales the dust in the air while walking?

Goner Kid!'s dialogue is literally a reversal of what one of Gaster's followers says about living in a world where everything is exactly the same but you don't exist in it. In this case, SAS AGAIN redirects and gives new meaning to phrases and details from the game for Horrortale.

The underground would probably have been saved if Sans didn't exist, that is, if Sans had decided to die for all of them! AAAAAAAAAAAAHHH I'M REALLY SMILING LIKE A LUNATIC. I love, LOVE the importance SAS gives to the source material considering Horrortale is a timeline and not an AU! It adds another layer of depth and reinforces the plot a lot; you who played the game and knew the story and grew fond of these characters are now witnessing the suffering that YOU as a player caused in one of your games!

Onion san submerged in that pit of black water was scary, I really expected him to come out of there to kill me when I first saw him (and I wanted that to happen, for him to jump out and kill us why not? >:3). His exchange with Aliza is sweet and adorable considering how scary he managed to look at the beginning haha. Horrortale is still a sad story even though it has scary elements.

The painting on the wall of waterfall reminded me of that thing Alphys created to rip out Horror's magic eye, although the description says it seems to be from a creature. It's probably ambiguous on purpose.

Aliza's deaths are brutal. I died with River Person for the first time and I felt bad for Aliza, poor thing was stripped down to the bone! A gruesome death. The rabid Temmies! I loved that they were included, their dialogue is simple but works well and feels in character. She was decapitated, MY POOR GIRL! Devored, impaled, drowned, this girl wont stop going through the most horrorific DEATHS!

And that's another thing with Horrortale, they all feel in character just like their original versions! Sans is still a joker, only his psychosis has made him more violent, more sadistic and prone to darker humor (I'd eat Horrortale's little black humor animated shorts with fries). He also keeps the tendency to beat up children, his character is consistent and that's why he's my favorite.

There's such a thick and obvious parallel with Aliza and Horror when he says "how much do you think your life is worth?" I mean, if he's on her case maybe it's because he wasn't in her shoes for long (although Aliza doesn't wear shoes!)

And I'm not saying Killer or Dust aren't, they're also wonderful in their own way but they're maybe very different approaches, but they work (and I love them too, believe me).

My only complaint with this little game is that it's very short once you figure out all the puzzles! But I can't complain when we get more of the comic in JANUARY (my birthday month!!). I look forward to more story and seeing more characters soon. This was a little treat i will treasure with all my heart.

#I HOPE YOU DONT MIND THE LONG TEXT #i got excited #Horrortale is my fave and will always will be #i think i talked enough but surely there is details that i am ignoring for sure #utmv #undertale au #Horrortale #horror sans #horrortale aliza #buu asks #tryglybud is their own tag

28 notes · View notes

space-matt · 1 year ago

Text

always there for you

matt.sturniolo x fem.reader

summary: They’re not easy days for you, especially when you’re in your dark ones. But luckily you have someone by your side who can make you smile

cw: fluff, mentions of depression, anxiety and hint of cheating

author note: hi all! this is my first story here so pls be kind! I really hope that you’ll like it

----------------------

English is not my first language, if you see grammar and typing mistakes, I apologize in advance! I just ask you not to be rude to me ♡

---------------------

revised

"You've gone through the worst time you've ever had."

You’ve always dealt with situations differently than others, and when you’ve been diagnosed with depression, you’ve had confirmation.

It wasn't easy, but thanks to the support of your parents, you slowly got out. You started to live better even when you moved a couple of hours from home to university, only for the first year.

You had everything you could want: good grades, a group of dependable friends, and a boyfriend. But fate dealt you a cruel blow when you caught him in bed with the one friend you trusted.

The city of New York can often leave one feeling trapped and in need of escape. After much contemplation, you decide to embark on a journey of self-discovery, leaving behind a part of yourself in the city that has been your home. With your bags packed and heart filled with anticipation, you prepare to step out into the unknown and embrace new adventures in Los Angeles.

You had managed to find a small apartment and a job at a bar, but despite that, you still had an uneasy feeling at the end of each day. This feeling kept you uncomfortable and you couldn't sleep all night. On top of that you had a lot of work to do, which only added to your anxiety about managing everything.

As you were getting ready to start your shift at the bar, you suddenly saw a man walking towards you with three large glasses in his hand. You tried to move out of the way, but unfortunately, he ended up spilling the drinks all over you. The man, later introduced as Matthew, or Matt for short, was clearly apologetic and offered to help clean you up.

After a few minutes of awkward laughter and wiping the drink off your clothes, Matt suggested that he take you out that same evening to make up for his mistake. Despite the unexpected situation, you agreed to his offer and exchanged phone numbers with him. You couldn't help but feel intrigued by this fallen angel from heaven.

As you spent more and more time together, you found yourself becoming increasingly drawn to him. At first, it was just a casual friendship, but as you got to know him better, you began to see him in a different light. You found yourself admiring his sense of humor, his intelligence, and his kindness.

And as the days went by, you realized that you had developed genuine feelings for him. And it seemed that he felt the same way. The two of you spent more time together, going on long walks, sharing meals, and talking late into the night. It was as if you had found your perfect match, and you couldn't imagine spending your days without him.

As things seemed to be settling down, your depression episodes grew more intense, keeping you in bed for days.

Your employer had prior knowledge of the situation, but they were understanding enough to grant you a few days of leave without any consequences or negative impact on your job. They recognized the importance of your well-being and the need for you to take time off to deal with the matter at hand, and therefore, they supported your decision to take a break from work. This allowed you to address the issue with a clear mind and return to work feeling refreshed and focused.

Matt was aware of the different medications you had to take in order to alleviate the disturbing thoughts and he was always there for you, supporting you no matter what. However, one thing that bothered you was that no one could see you in that condition, and the fear that one day he might become exhausted made you sink even deeper into the pillow.

For four consecutive days, you found yourself unable to get out of bed. You only left your bed to relieve yourself in the bathroom or to drink water which you had kept on the bedside table. Matt, who was concerned about you, tried to visit you by using the duplicate keys. However, you were not comfortable with the idea of him seeing you in such a vulnerable state, and you refused to let him in.

Despite your love for Matt, you couldn't help but feel guilty and ashamed of the state you were in. You couldn't understand how he could love someone like you who was unable to get out of bed for days. You tried to search for answers, but your mind was foggy, and you couldn't come up with any.

It seems that Matt's accidental spillage of glasses on you may have actually been a blessing in disguise. According to him, having you in his life is one of the best things that has ever happened to him. Your presence and the joy you bring him make him feel incredibly fortunate. Your smile, the touch of your hands, and the way you gaze at him with love and affection leave him spellbound every time.

In fact, if anyone were to ask him if he had any grievances or dislikes about you, he would be at a loss for words because he adores every single part of you, inside and out.

At this very moment, he is putting effort to find something for you, despite knowing that it might not be an ideal time. He wishes for you to comprehend that your appearance does not matter to him. Whether you have been wearing the same pair of pajamas for days, or your hair is messy and you have no make-up on, his only desire is to support you during these difficult times and be there for you every single second.

As you hear the sound of the keys fitting into the lock of the door, you quickly turn your head in the opposite direction. You notice the alarm clock on the bedside table and see that it marks 9:28 in the morning. You realize that you must have passed out last night without even realizing it, and now you are waking up to a brand new day.

In the meantime, Matt straightens up the house and knocks on your door. To his delight, it opens to reveal you lying under a white duvet. He slowly approaches. "Hey, babe, you're awake" he says. You turn around without meeting his gaze, but you can pull yourself up, noticing your favorite red roses on the bed.

You gaze into your partner's eyes, who says "Babe, look at me" Your voice is hoarse from not having spoken in days, but with longing shine in your eyes you say "I missed you"

Matt sits down on the bed beside you and pulls you into a tight embrace. You feel his strong arms wrap around you, and you lean into his chest, feeling safe and loved.

As he holds you, he whispers softly, "I missed you a lot too" Matt tilts his head down and kisses the top of your head, making you feel even more loved and cherished. The warmth of his embrace and the softness of his lips on your head make you feel like all is right in the world again. You take a deep breath and smile, grateful to be reunited with the one you love.

As you hold onto him, you can feel the weight of your emotions bearing down on your shoulders. You know you pushed him away, but you couldn't help it. Looking up into his eyes, you try to explain. "I'm sorry I pushed you away, but you know how I get when I'm in this state" you say softly, hoping he'll understand.

He stops and looks straight into your eyes, his gaze unwavering. "You don't have to worry" he says, reassuringly. "You need your time, and I respect that. You don't have to face this alone. Just know that I'm always here for you. Don't forget it" he adds, his voice gentle and comforting.

You nod, feeling a sense of relief wash over you. The weight on your shoulders slowly begins to lift. He leans in and kisses you tenderly, and you feel the warmth of his love surround you. "I love you" he whispers. "Love you too" you reply, feeling grateful for his understanding and support.

That's what you missed, him. Matt is the person you have been longing for and he has the ability to make you feel good.

#sturniolo triplets #matt sturniolo #sturniolo #ff #matt sturniolo x reader #fluff #chris sturniolo #nick sturniolo #matt sturniolo imagine #matt sturniolo x you #matthew sturniolo #sturniolo fanfic #sturniolo x reader #sturniolo edit #one shot

134 notes · View notes

featherwurm · 2 months ago

Text

NSFW Alphabet - Karlach & Zatavia

Saw this on @blackjackkent's blog and I wanted to give it a go with the tief beef. The template blank is here and I'm too impatient to wait to answer via asks so here's the whole thing - included are links to various arts, though it's by no means comprehensive I've uh... been obsessed I suppose.

A = Aftercare (what they’re like after sex) – It depends on how long they’ve gone and how worn out they are, but they’re always at least a little cuddly, and more often than not very cuddly, wrapped up in each other talking freely about whatever crosses their minds. If it’s late they’ll sleep, if it’s early they’ll put themselves together and face the day with lots of gentle touches and fond kissing in between. Even in the most friendly, loving sex there can be a drop after, and both of them know each others tells and when to be extra and overt with kind words and whole body hugs.

B = Body part (their favorite body part of theirs and also their partner’s) – They both struggle to pick one, they both love each other very wholly. Outside of the obvious, Tav is particularly fond of kissing Karlach around her neck and shoulders, over her knuckles and fingers, and gently biting her ears. Karlach is fond of much the same, but likes working over the ridges and bumps of Tav’s body as well, from tail tip to collarbone.

C = Cum (where does your muse prefer to cum/have someone cum) – Neither of them are particular, but they do like to either watch the other or be holding them close or both as they do. Karlach does have a real love of Tav coming in her mouth when she’s riding her face, and Tav loves watching the whole of Karlach react so enthusiastically when working her with her fingers. Both of them really get going feeling the other’s wetness against their thigh when grinding together as well.

D = Dirty secret (pretty self explanatory, a dirty secret of theirs) – Between each other, there’s nothing really, they both communicate strongly what they want and when and how, and enjoy teasing and toying with each other too. Neither of them are shy about being crass or forward. They both have a lot of silly stories about getting nearly caught here or there for this or that, or making stupid choices, and they’ll undoubtedly make more together. They, of course, harass their friends with these sorts of things.

E = Experience (how experienced are they? do they know what they’re doing?) - Karlach, despite her decade long dry spell, does have a lot of sexual experience, although very little romantic experiences, with her previous relationships being short, fast, and often (though not only) purely physical in nature. Tav is not dissimilar – she has only one substantial long term relationship under her belt that was over fifteen years before she met Karlach, but she’s had lots of flings and hookups in the meantime. These women’s little black books are something else, but now they are very content with each other, and Tav gently leads Karlach by the hand through the more mundane parts of sharing your life with someone else (although many things they simply learn together, hand in hand).

F = Favorite position (this goes without saying) – Tav likes variety so much it’s hard for her to pick, honestly doing different things is important to her, although any position where she can utilize her flexibility to trib with Karlach drives her wild. Karlach is also a big big fan of this, and also of the fact that Tav is big and strong enough that she can easily get on top of her, press her down, and generally do as she pleases – the fact that Tav is dexterous enough escape at any time and emotionally forward enough to also stand her ground is something Karlach doesn't consciously think on, but that element does do something for her. Tav, who is also big, likes that Karlach is big enough to pick her up and hold her (whether sexually or not.)

G = Goofy (are they more serious in the moment? are they humorous? Etc.) - Look, sex is always a little silly, writhing slippery bodies making all kinds of noises and fluids and such, and Tav and Karlach know this and love to laugh together. They can have their serious, close moments, were intimacy is critical to emotional well-being, but they’re also soft and fond of each other. What’s the point if you can’t laugh?

H = Hair (how well groomed are they? does the carpet match the drapes? Etc.) - Tieflings tend to not grow a lot of body hair overall, and both Karlach and Tav are long beyond parts of their lives where they care about doing anything about what little they have. Tav’s pubes have gone gray, and Karlach’s are still black with some red threads like the rest of her hair, although it’s subtle.

I = Intimacy (how are they during the moment? the romantic aspect) – They are both deeply loving people who have found someone who they connect with fundamentally. Tav is notably needy, physically and emotionally, and wants to hold tight and be close and say Karlach’s name and hear her own. Karlach is not much different, though she loves eye contact more than Tav (Tav has learned to enjoy it) and is most keen on feeling wanted and needed. It’s a good fit.

J = Jack off (masturbation headcanon) – Neither needs to as much as they used to, but still sometimes someone is sick or tired and there’s not much for it. Their appetites match each other but no one is ever perfectly in sync. Neither of them is shy about it, and neither of them care if the other has a need they need to take care of, whether it’s while they’re together or apart. Tav knows herself well and can draw it out or make it quick, Karlach tends to be a bit more unpredictable and gets lost in mental fantasy going here and there (sometimes even distracting herself.) Karlach is always thinking and talking to herself, Tav is much more quiet and focused on her own physical reactions (and can even involve it in meditative practice).

K = Kink (one or more of their kinks) – Despite how forward and rough and tumble they both are, they’re not especially kinky with each other. More than anything they just enjoy sex. They’ll sometimes tussle for who’s on top, but it’s more playful than a serious show of dominance. They can both get riled up after battle – being sweaty and or bloodied, but that’s really more the adrenaline than anything (and they’re both such adept fighters they kinda have to be a bit into it.) They both like to see the other totally loose and uninhibited, but they both fall into that with each other easily enough. Sometimes they’ll have a silly verbal role-play, but more often than not that’s just them being goofy before getting into it. Now that she can touch, Karlach does sometimes like a bit of over-stimulation, and Tav is well attuned enough to her body to oblige. Tav is a bit more into denial, and Karlach does like seeing how long she can keep her going, sometimes (if Karlach can help herself to not just give in to her.) Karlach is very fond of Tav’s flexibility, but she sees it more as a perk than a kink.

L = Location (favorite places to do the do) – Anywhere, anytime, anyplace as long as they can find just enough privacy to not be in front of others. If they have a little coin, then a nice room for the night never goes wrong, but neither of them needs much luxury or comfort. In their travels they have fucked in some spectacularly beautiful places, and they both think fondly of pink sunrises, mossy under-story, bright desert night skies, and other spectacular vistas where orgasm has added an extra tinge of love to the vast world they live in.

M = Motivation (what turns them on, gets them going) – They’re both idiots, a stiff (ha) breeze is enough sometimes… but getting blood flowing in any way is good too, hiking, swimming, fighting, anything active. They both think each other are smoking hot, and it’s hard to go to bed or have a bath without at least getting their hands all over each other (quite honestly, they’re both a little physically full of themselves too – they both KNOW they’re hot, which gets them going as well.)

N = No (something they wouldn’t do, turn offs) – Both have a hard no on feeling eternally restrained or constricted, especially Karlach. She also does not like being treated like an animal or pet (it’s not come up as it’s not Tav’s inclination, but it would be a hard pass.) Neither of them go in for anything unsanitary. Both are resilient to heat and fire, so that kind of play has no real allure. Honestly Karlach overall much more in preference of softness over any kind of tools or toys that might cause pain (She’d be willing to try, but that’s neither here nor there.) Tav is indifferent to pain, but prefers not – it doesn't particularly interest her, and she’s tried some various hard things in her life, but they did little for her.

O = Oral (preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc.) - Both love to give and receive, and sometimes both at the same time. Tav has more varied experience than Karlach, but Karlach is quite adept as well. They both just make each other melt. Tav can be a little more impatient about it than Karlach, getting Karlach’s pants down at the soonest opportunity to go to town on her. Karlach does not mind in the slightest, to put it mildly.

P = Pace (are they fast and rough? slow and sensual? Etc.) - Karlach can be very tender if she’s concentrating as hard as she can, but she often just lets herself fall into what feels best, which can be quick and rough. Tav doesn't mind, but she’s better at teasing things out when she’s more in the lead. Both of them like the variety their dispositions allow.

Q = Quickie (their opinions on quickies, how often, etc.) - Look as soon as they could touch, there’s not a closet, alley, or other tucked away little spot where they didn’t at least make out in the whole of their tadpole-addled journey.

R = Risk (are they game to experiment? do they take risks? Etc.) - They don’t really engage in any play that’s necessarily risky on it’s own, but given that they’re out there fucking in the wilds of Faerûn there’s always going to be an element of ‘you didn’t see the owlbear tracks, did you?’ Thankfully with their skills and training they’re now both at a point where they can either take things on or hightail it out if they’ve made… a mistake.

S = Stamina (how many rounds can they go for? how long do they last?) - The record is two days straight (with, yanno, rest and bathroom breaks and snacks between but pretty much nothing else) and they probably could have kept going but decided it was time for other things.

T = Toys (do they own toys? do they use them? on a partner or themselves?) - They both have an excellent strap game, and have both bought phalluses they like used on them (they travel light together, but there’s enough room in there for a harness and strap.) Karlach’s choice to be used on her is a little longer and thinner with more fine detail for external play, Tav’s is thicker and shorter with deeper, softer details that feel better inside. They even found ones that are color coordinated, more or less. Tav tends to enjoy penetration more than Karlach, but she does like it too, now and again.

U = Unfair (how much they like to tease) – They get very high on each other, and love to tease out sounds and spasms and other needy, wanting shows of affection and lust. Even if Karlach can be in a hurry, she still wants to know Tav is having a good time, and likes to tease her a little to do so. Tav can really be a tease, keeping Karlach going into utter misery before giving in to her and letting her come.

V = Volume (how loud they are, what sounds they make, etc.) - They’re both noisy and not shy. They both tend to rapidly go inarticulate, moans and whimpers and chirps broken up with the occasional swearing or their lover’s name. Karlach tends to have a rhythmic, almost musical cadence. Tav voice is deep and she lets her breathing gets very articulated.

W = Wild card (a random headcanon for the character) – They are both capable of using their tails for penetrative sex, Tav’s, lacking connective skin, is thinner and can penetrate more deeply, Karlach’s is thicker and more rigid. They both like the other’s quite a lot.

X = X-ray (let’s see what’s going on under those clothes) Okie:

Y = Yearning (how high is their sex drive?) - High on both accounts. They have libido for days. Unless they’re very busy, exhausted, or sick, they’ll go at least once a day. Twice ideally, more if possible.

Z = Zzz (how quickly they fall asleep afterwards) – Once fully sated, cuddled, and content with the intention of sleeping after, Tav drops off fast, although Karlach often does too. Which one goes first is a bit of a tossup, although it will often be Tav. They tend to rest curled up together for a little bit, then to let go to properly sleep for the night. They do also like to fool around before getting up in the morning, and both can find it energizing too – eager to hop out of bed and get on with the day.

Tagging: @joasakura, @ankoku-jin, @sharp-fawngz, @bottomvalerius, @victoryinsolace and anyone else if you want to do this for fun with any of yours!

#bg3 #baulders gate 3 #karlach #tav #Zatavia #prompt fill

30 notes · View notes

beegomess · 19 days ago

Text

All Along, We Were Like Him || Kendall Roy

A/N: Just a reminder that my first language is not English!

02. Can I show my love for you?

You and Kendall started going out more often. What started as casual encounters - coffees and dinners without high expectations - quickly evolved into deeper conversations. He trusted you in a way that surprised you, sharing important plans and strategies about Waystar.

It was an almost disconcerting level of openness, considering the short time you knew each other. You opined carefully, keeping yourself distant enough not to seem committed. But deep down, she couldn't avoid the fascination with the trust he placed in you - and the vulnerability that came with her.

Still, there was a part of you that knew that what was happening could cause problems, especially with your own family. Your father had never hidden his contempt for the Roys. He and Logan had already been close friends for decades, until a betrayal - on both sides, as you heard fragments in the stories - turned this friendship into rivalry.

It was with that in mind that you prepared for dinner that night. It would be just you, your father and Oliver, but any conversation involving the Roys was enough to make the atmosphere tense.

Dinner started as always: tense, silent and punctuated by cold phrases about business and responsibilities. Just the three of you at the table, a scenario that should be familiar, but lately seemed tighter, more suffocating. His father was in the center, as always, commanding the dynamics with incisive questions and veiled observations that looked more like orders. Oliver, next to him, played the role of responsible son, although his smile denounced that he was just waiting for an opportunity to provoke.

The sound of the cell phone vibrating in the bag was the first deviation from the routine. Everyone heard, and you almost felt your father's disapproving look crossing the room before he even spoke.

- Turn it off, whoever it is.

You forced a restrained smile, trying to soften the discomfort.

- Sorry, I must have forgotten to hang up.

You got up calmly, crossed the space to the bag and took the cell phone. Kendall's name blinked on the screen, but you quickly rejected it. However, other messages appeared soon after.

- If you need to answer, just answer soon. - Your father said, impatient, crossing his arms and watching you as if you were a distracted child.

- It's not urgent at all. It's okay. - You answered, trying to close the subject, but Oliver didn't miss the opportunity.

- Is it your boyfriend? - He let go casually, without even looking at you, his voice full of irony.

His father turned his head, his eyes narrowing immediately.

- Boyfriend?

- Yes, she's been dating Kendall Roy. - Oliver says almost as if it were great news.

Your father's look hardened.

You took a deep breath, keeping your composure.

- Of course not. - He said firmly. - I don't know where Oliver gets these things from.

- Oh, please. - Oliver replied, shrugging his shoulders. - You keep going out with him. Coffees, dinners... Do you want me to pretend I don't understand?

- I have meetings with many people when Dad is not around, Oliver. But you wouldn't understand, since you barely show up at work. - You try to divert the target of the conversation, but your father didn't seem convinced, and his silence was almost heavier than words.

- So you're saying that this proximity to the Roys is purely professional?

- Absolutely. - You answered, the lie coming out more easily than you expected.

He laughed, but in no mood, shaking his head slowly.

- So tell me what agreement is this we have with them, dear? Because as far as I don't remember, we don't have any.

You took a deep breath, you knew you needed to choose your words carefully.

His father's laughter was bitter, without humor. He shook his head slowly, with a look that mixed disbelief and tiredness. - So tell me, honey, what professional agreement is this with them? Because, if I'm not mistaken, I don't remember any.

It was like a punch in the stomach. He was trying to push you to a corner where there was no escape. You tried not to give in, but your breathing became harder with each word.

- Dad, you know better than anyone that understanding someone's weaknesses is essential. - The voice came out more serious, more calculated. - Knowing them is an advantage. No matter what you think of the Roys, they are competition. And if I'm close, if I know what they think, it puts us at an advantage.

For a moment, it seemed that he was going to give in. But then, he laughed. A laugh that had nothing funny about it.

- I thought I already did this with Siobhan. - Oliver's voice cut the air, loaded with a poisonous irony. - Unforess these weaknesses are... more personal?

Oliver's provocation was like a snat. You felt the anger grow, but your father was faster, cutting the road before you had a chance to answer.

- That's a waste of time, dear. - The coldness in his voice made his stomach turn. - I told you, you should have other priorities. You need to focus on what really matters.

You opened your mouth to answer, but he didn't give you a chance. With a sudden gesture, he got up from the chair, taking the napkin and throwing it on the table hard.

- Dad, please. What does this have to do with...

- It has everything to do! - He replied calmly, but the fury totally disguised. - Do you want to follow in my footsteps? Great, but do it right.

A brief dense silence followed, Oliver gave a little smile like a child who got what he wanted, which did not go unnoticed by his father's eyes.

- What about you? - He looked at him with even greater fury - Are you thinking of copying Logan's addicted son with these shitty bets? - He got up, throwing the napkin on the table hard. - I'm fed up.

The silence that followed was almost deafening. Oliver kept a smile on his face, satisfied with the chaos he had helped create.

After the explosion at dinner, you tried to hold your composure, but the tension on your shoulders was unmistakable. His breathing was heavy, and the silence in the room seemed to press even more. Oliver kept sitting, casually fiddling with his cell phone, as if he hadn't just watched and encouraging the destruction of an already fragile moment.

You couldn't take it anymore. He pushed the chair back hard and got up. Taking his bag, he marched towards the exit without even looking at it.

- Good night to you too, little sister. - He said with a mocking smile, without even looking up.

You pressed your lips, fighting against the desire to answer. He didn't deserve any more words from you. He walked to the elevator with quick steps, his heels echoing on the marble floor of the corridor. As soon as he pressed the button, he felt the anger begin to bubble, mixed with a sting of exhaustion.

When the elevator doors opened, you came in and pressed the ground floor button hard, as if that could unload some of your frustration. As soon as the doors began to close, you heard footsteps through the door that began to close.

- Wait. - It was Oliver's voice.

You almost ignored it, but the automatic reflexes made you arrive on time. He entered the elevator, still with that damn smile on his lips, and stood by his side, the atmosphere inside the small space becoming immediately suffocating.

The silence of the elevator was as suffocating as dinner had been. You kept your arms crossed, staring at the control panel as if it were more interesting than Oliver's presence. He, in turn, leaned against the wall with the usual condescending smile, his eyes shining with satisfaction for having caused chaos at the table.

- Funny how good you are at talking about weaknesses, but you never see yours. - He broke the silence, his voice low, almost casual. - It's tragic, actually.

You narrowed your eyes, without turning your face, trying to keep your composure.

- Oh, please, Oliver. - His voice came out controlled, but loaded with sarcasm. - Because you are the image of perfection, aren't you?

He laughed, without humor.

- Still, I'm not the one who's in a case with a Roy and pretending that this is strategic.

You turned your body to face him, your gaze sharp.

- At least I don't spend half my time trying to hide prostitutes with the company account. - His tone was as lethal as a well-calculated blow.

His expression hardened. He opened his mouth to answer, but you cut him off before he could articulate a word.

- Good luck explaining this to Dad. - You finished, letting a cold smile touch your lips.

The elevator reached the ground floor with a light and low whistle. The doors opened, and you left without looking back, feeling a momentary feeling of victory. The tension was behind, but you knew it was still hovering, silent and loaded, as you crossed the lobby.

When he got out of the elevator, his feet echoed in the corridor, but his mind was a thousand, carrying with him a mess that you could no longer hide. The discussion with Oliver was still boiling in his head, the feeling of frustration and helplessness mixed with the irritation of knowing that nothing, absolutely nothing, would change in that dynamic.

Every word he said, every gesture of your father... you felt more and more trapped in that cycle. But at the same time, a part of you questioned what you were doing with all that. Every dinner, every conversation about business that said nothing, but had everything to do with what you were and what you should be. What was left there besides a constant struggle to prove its worth? As if it were just an endless race.

You took a deep breath, trying to get away from these thoughts, and went to the car in front of the door. The driver was there, waiting, and you quickly got into the vehicle. When sitting, the feeling of claustrophobia did not pass, but the car soon began to move, and the city around him seemed to be in motion while his head remained in a distant place.

When he finally looked at his cell phone, Kendall's messages were there, waiting. You hadn't realized how many hours had passed since the last time he called. The screen blinked with another notification from him. "Plan change. Can we talk?" His mind automatically made a connection with what Oliver had said before about the Roys. It was always a mess, but you had to admit: their chaos was somehow intrinsically linked to what you wanted to achieve, what you needed to achieve. But what was really going on? What was forming between you and Kendall?

You looked at your cell phone again. Two missed calls from Kendall, and then the lump in her throat tightened. He didn't use to be so... insistent, but you knew that if he was acting like that, something was wrong. And you, what were you doing? Part of you hated to admit it, but something in what your father said was echoing in your mind: "This is a waste of time." You forced yourself to ignore the feeling, but you knew it was impossible. Doubts about your own choices began to grow like an invisible shadow, a voice you didn't want to hear, but that was there, always.

For a moment, he hesitated. What would you do now? His mind was running, but he didn't know if it was still worth it. But something at that moment made his fingers act without thinking. You started typing an answer, almost unintentionally, a quick sentence: "Can I go to your house?"

Kendall's response was almost instantaneous, as if he was waiting. "Yes."

And with that, you warned the driver, who followed your request without question, and the car went through the city to Kendall's building. You had never been there before, but when you arrived, the building seemed impersonal, modern, a perfect reflection of the life he led. Upon entering, the security guard at the entrance didn't seem to care much, and you crossed the lobby without hesitation. The elevator was right there, and you clicked the floor indicated by Kendall.

In the small space of the elevator, the feeling of anxiety became more palpable. The metal walls reflected your tense expression, and you couldn't look away from the number of the floor going up. Disconnected thoughts took over his mind. His head looked like a whirlwind of doubts. What the fuck do I want here? The feeling of letting yourself be carried away, once again, by something that not even you yourself understood, grew every second. But I couldn't go back, not after everything I had said.

When the elevator stopped, you left without really knowing what to expect. Kendall was already in the room, as if she had stayed there, waiting, but trying to disguise her anxiety. He held a glass of drink in one hand, still with his shirt unbuttoned and already without a tie, traces of the exhausting day of work.

- I didn't think you would really come. - He said, his voice calm, but his gaze delivering something more difficult to decipher.

- Yeah, neither do I. - You answered, with a low and very tired voice. He speaks quickly, with the kind of attention that had become almost uncomfortable for you.

Without saying anything else, Kendall went to the small bar in the corner of the room and served you a glass of the same drink, the sound of the liquid hitting the glass cutting the silence between you. He walked up to you and extended the glass, his eyes trying to read something in his expression.

- Did something happen? - He said, the slight concern barely disguised in the voice.

You looked away for a moment, letting your eyes wander around the apartment. It was the first time you were there, and everything seemed like an extension of it: modern, sophisticated, but with a certain disorder that betrayed you. Papers and notes were scattered on a central table, and a pile of folders rested in a nearby armchair. You took the glass he offered and took a small sip before answering.

- Just... family. But I don't know if I want to talk about it. - You said, directly, avoiding diving into this subject.

- Right. - He said, respecting his answer as he returned to the couch and sat down, letting out a sigh.

- So what? What was so urgent? - You asked, tilting your head slightly, the discreet tiredness mixed with curiosity.

Kendall took a deep breath, as if trying to gather the right words before answering them.

- I think I found a solution to Waystar's debt. - He said, the tone loaded with seriousness.

You crossed your arms, tilting your body slightly in his direction, intrigued.

- Who accepted to invest?

He hesitated, as if evaluating the best way to deliver the information.

- Stewie.

His reaction was immediate - the eyebrows raised in surprise, but his tone remained light.

- I didn't know they were still so close.

Kendall let out a dry laugh, almost as if the memory was bitter.

- "Next" is not exactly the word. He saw an opportunity.

You looked away to the window, watching the city lights outside while digesting that. It was strange how this world always revolved around the same names, the same fragile alliances.

- And Frank? - You asked, still looking out, but with a casual enough tone not to seem accusing. - How are things with him?

Kendall relaxed a little, as if thanking for the change of focus.

- Well. He thinks we can use the advice to get my father out, as long as we play the right cards. - He replied, and you felt the weight in those words, although he tried to seem more confident than he really was.

You turned your face in his direction, approaching, studying his expression for a moment.

- And Stewie would be one of those letters?

- Yes. - He confirmed with a short nod. - If he's with me, it's already a sure vote. Frank believes that you can convince two or three more with this.

- It's a risky move. - You commented, not as a criticism, but as an observation while sitting next to him on the couch, but not so close.

Kendall gave a half smile, the one that always seemed to balance sarcasm and resignation.

- All this is risky. But you already know that.

You nodded slowly, absorbing the words. He was right, of course. Nothing in this world came without risk - no business, no loyalty, no alliances.

For a few seconds, silence reigned between you, until you broke it with a softer tone.

- I think you're handling it well.

He looked up at you, surprised by the unexpected validation.

- Really? - He asked, almost skeptical.

You shrugged, a small smile on your lips.

- I'm not saying it was the perfect solution, but you made a decision. And, considering the options, it was the best I could do.

Kendall seemed to absorb that for a moment, as if she needed to hear from someone else to believe it.

- That means a lot coming from you. - He said, the sincerity evident in his tone, and you felt something inside you warming up with those words.

You looked away, trying to hold the smile that threatened to escape.

- "Thank you"? What should I answer now? - You joked, the light tone, but with that ironic touch of someone who already knew that the answer would not come easily.

- To be honest, I don't even know. - Kendall replied, with a low laugh, accompanying her lightness. But contrary to what it seemed, he was not as relaxed as he tried to demonstrate.

You were closer now, in a way that seemed... natural. It was as if the conversation, despite everything, was part of a more intimate scenario. The sofa didn't even seem to have the huge size it had, the physical proximity between you was starting to become more palpable. Kendall was leaning against the backrest, while you were on your side, your eyes wandering through the glass in front of you and him.

The silence that followed, instead of uncomfortable, became a kind of tacit understanding between you. Until you decided to break it.

- What about Shiv, does she know that? What are you doing? - You asked, your gaze fixed on the glass, but the curiosity evident.

Kendall took a while to answer, almost as if she was weighing her words.

- No. No one but you and Frank knows that. - He spoke with an honesty that still seemed to have something unsaid.

You laughed, but it was more of an ironic smile, more for yourself.

- It looks like she's going to hate you again for a while, then. - You let go, without trying to hide the provocative tone.

He turned his face to you, eyes narrowing slightly.

- I won't be the only one to be hated here. - He replied with a smile, but you noticed a slight tension in the way he looked at you. - What do you think she'll think of you if you find out you're supporting me in this?

The smile disappeared from your face for a moment, and you stared at him with a look that was a mixture of disbelief and fun.

- I'm not "supporting" anything, Kendall. I don't have sides here. - Your voice was calm, but the sarcasm was there, as always. - I'm just listening, trying to understand what the hell you're doing.

He laughed, a laugh that was almost an exhalation of relief.

- Of course, because that will convince Shiv. - He gave a half smile, the irony now balancing on both sides.

You made a face, recognizing the truth in his words.

- Well, maybe she'll hate me for a while. - You justified yourself, the tone a little softer, almost like a confession. - But it will only be until Tom does some nonsense. So, I bet she'll call me, needing a friend. It won't take long.

Kendall laughed low, but you could see the real touch in your laugh, as if you really knew that this would happen.

- Oh, of course. It's always easier for you. - He looked away to the glass, but a smile still cast a shadow of fun on his face.

- She'll hate you, that's for sure. But it won't last long. You'll need something, then you'll remember that you still exist. - You joked, but the words came out with a genuine touch. An understanding between the two of you, of how everything in that dynamic was fold.

The climate changed slightly, the mood was gradually dissipating, leaving a more loaded space. Kendall didn't break the silence immediately. You noticed that he was reflecting, but you didn't know exactly what. Until, finally, he spoke.

- You know, when I asked her to send me her number, she made me promise that she wouldn't try to sleep with you. - He said, smiling lightly, but his eyes were deeper than the smile indicated.

You laughed softly, the sound coming with a touch of surprise.

- I know, she told me. - Her voice came out more natural than you expected, and the silence that followed became thicker, loaded with something unsaid.

You looked at him, staring for a longer moment than usual, and for a second, the words got stuck in your throat. Kendall didn't look away.

- But, to be honest... - You paused, feeling the intensity of the moment take shape. - This rule... I would have no problem breaking it.

The tension intensified in the air between you. The joke that was in the conversation before disappeared, and now there was something more... real. Something more personal, deeper.

Kendall held his gaze for a second that seemed to prolong in time, something in him oscillating between vulnerable and resolute. There was a subtle change in his expression - a reflex of uncertainty mixed with something deeper, something that seemed to be weighing him down for a long time. Then, he leaned gradually, adjusting to face you completely.

Without realizing it, you also lean over, as if something invisible was pulling you both closer, leading the distance almost imperceptibly.

- You know... - He started, his voice a little lower, more hoarse. - I thought you were going to cut me in the middle of this sentence. Throw in my face how stupid that sounds. But you... - He gave a short laugh, shaking his head as if he was trying to understand. - You never do what I expect.

For a moment, his words were in the air, heavy and light at the same time, full of unspoken meanings. You felt your heart beat faster, but kept your gaze firm, offering a small smile, almost restained, but loaded with something that said more than any word could convey.

The tension between you was palpable, like a magnetic field impossible to ignore, taking you more and more to the same point.

Kendall looked at you, this time with an intensity that seemed to disarm you, the silence between you loaded, as if the words were completely unnecessary.

He approached, slowly, but without hesitation. His knees almost touched, and the proximity made the air look denser. You felt his warmth, the subtle smell of whiskey mixed with the expensive perfume, everything around him drawing your attention in an almost suffocating way.

When he raised his hand, it was as if time was slowing down. Kendall hesitated, her palm hovering for a moment in the air before gently touching the side of her face. The gesture was so delicate, so unexpected, that for a second you forgot to breathe.

Then, he leaned over, and you found his movement in the same rhythm. The first touch of the lips was hesitant, almost shy, but quickly evolved to something more. The accumulated tension exploded, and the kiss became deeper, more urgent. Your hands automatically went up to his shoulders, and you felt Kendall's fingers intertwine in your hair, bringing you even closer.

The breathing of both became irregular, the most desperate movements, as if months of frustration and unspoken desire were being resolved at that moment. Kendall slid her free hand down the side of your body, stopping at your waist and gently pulling you closer, eliminating any space between you.

You lost track of time, space, anything other than its heat and the intensity of the moment. All that seemed to matter was that, at that moment, you were exactly where you should be.

When you finally moved away, it was just enough for you to breathe. His eyes were still fixed on yours, and whatever you were looking for there, you found.

- It definitely complicates things. - His voice came out in a soft whisper, almost an invitation. You tried to mask the tension with humor, but there was something deeper hidden in the words.

- As if we knew how to live differently. - Kendall replied, with that smile full of irony and a touch of vulnerability that he rarely showed.

You couldn't help but smile too, but there was something in his eyes that made any rational thought disappear. Maybe he was right. Maybe complicating things was inevitable. But for the first time in a long time, you didn't want to think about the consequences. I didn't want to weigh the implications. I just wanted the moment, raw and sincere as it was.

Without further hesitation, his hands moved on their own, grabbing the collar of his shirt and pulling it back to you. The kiss that began hesitantly soon gained an intensity that made his heart race. Kendall, for a brief second, seemed surprised, but this quickly undone as he corresponded with an almost desperate urgency. His hands went up to your waist, firm, as if he wanted to make sure you wouldn't escape.

The sofa became too small to contain the energy that pulsated between you. He got up partially, his lips still attached to his, and pulled you along with him. Before you could even process, the two were standing, their bodies so close that there was no room for air between you.

His hands went down to your hips, instinctively guiding you towards the corridor. Each step seemed like an excuse for one more touch, a stolen kiss on the way, while the surrounding house disappeared in a blur of muffled laughter and deep sighs.

Along the way, pieces of clothing were discarded, left behind as a trail of something that no one would bother to collect so soon. His hands explored his shoulders, going down his chest, while he did the same, as if they were both trying to memorize every detail of it before it ended.

As soon as they arrived in the room, Kendall pulled you firmly against the door, his back pressed against the cold wood while he took his lips in an urgent kiss. The intensity was electric, leaving the air between you charged. The sound of panting breaths filled the small space between the bodies when he moved away just enough to face her. His eyes were full of desire, but also of a palpable vulnerability, as if he needed to make sure that you were there, that you were not just the result of your imagination.

Without saying a word, you reached out and turned the doorknob behind you, letting the door open slowly. The room was immersed in gloom, illuminated only by the soft lights that came from the huge windows and exposed the urban landscape, a dance of bright points and shadows. You crossed the space with a confidence that seemed to challenge you, your bare feet against the tile floor, the light fabric of your lingerie capturing the low light and highlighting every graceful movement of your body.

Kendall remained still for a moment, observing as if the simple act of following you with his eyes was a privilege he needed to savor. The expression on his face mixed fascination and desire, as if every detail of his trapped him in a trance.

When you got to bed, the impeccably arranged sheets sank slightly under the weight of your body. Sitting with your knees bent and your eyes fixed on him, you were a silent invitation. Kendall took a step forward, then another, each movement loaded on purpose, the discreet smile curving her lips.

Without haste, he climbed on the bed, his knees sinking into the mattress as he approached. The air around seemed to vibrate, and the tension between you was almost palpable. When you opened your legs, offering space for him to settle on you, the heat grew. He leaned slowly, his hands firmly on the sides of his body while their faces met again a few centimeters away. His breath was warm against his skin, his burning gaze as if the moment was something he never wanted to forget.

Kendall let the weight of her body partially settle on hers, the touch of their bodies warming the surrounding space. His perfume was unmistakable, a woody and sophisticated mixture that seemed to cling to the air, marking each breath. He took one of his hands to his face, his fingers sliding down the line of his jaw to his neck, as if he wanted to memorize every detail.

- You're unbelievable. - he murmured, his voice hoarse and low, as if the moment was something too sacred to be broken by words. His gaze was fixed on his, intense and deep, while his thumb traced small circles on his skin, a gesture that was simultaneously delicate and possessive.

You felt his fingers slide down your ribs, lightly touching the lace of your lingerie as if it were an obstacle that he still hesitated to remove, prolonging the anticipation. Your own restless fingers found their way to the back of his neck, where you played with the hair strands as you pulled him closer, connecting your lips again in a slow kiss, almost lazy, but loaded with a growing heat.

He reacted with a low moan, moving his lips through his as if he were getting lost at that moment. When the kiss deepened, his movements became firmer, his fingers exploring her body with a mixture of reverence and desire. He made sure to map every curve, as if he was trying to understand exactly what made you shiver.

You arched your body lightly when you felt his lips leave yours to explore your neck, the unshaven shaving brushing your sensitive skin while he distributed slow and provocative kisses. His voice came again, lower and almost like a whisper against the curve of his shoulder:

- Damn, I've waited a long time for this...

The words made something inside you vibrate. They carried not only desire, but also a kind of desperate need, as if that moment meant more to him than just physical proximity. Without realizing it, you pulled him even closer, as if it was impossible to bear any distance between you.

Slowly, his hands found the closure of his lingerie, hesitating for a fraction of a second, his eyes looking for his in search of permission. When you nodded with a soft smile, everything seemed to dissolve in a heat wave.

The world outside, the city lights, the time - everything disappeared, leaving only you two, lost in each other, as if that moment was the only thing that mattered.

As soon as Kendall pulled you closer, the control he seemed to have over the moment became evident. His hands were firm on his body, exploring every inch with precision and an undeniable intention. He wasn't in a hurry, but he didn't hide what he wanted either - you, whole, at that exact moment.

Kendall had her lips brushing her neck. His teeth lightly scratched his skin before he kissed the place, the heat of his breath sending chills down his spine.

And then, a moan that escaped from his lips was enough response. He smiled against his skin, a satisfied smile, as if he was exactly where he wanted to be.

The feeling of his fingers going down your waist made you arch your body, seeking more contact. He noticed your reaction and made a point of prolonging the touch, going down slowly, provoking you in an almost cruel way.

His movements were precise, and every touch seemed designed to provoke you to the limit. You found yourself unable to wait any longer, and your hands found their way to his chest, pushing him lightly so that he would lie down. He laughed low, a deep sound and full of malice, but he couldn't resist.

Your eyes fixed on yours while you positioned yourself on top of him, holding your hips against his.

You answered by leaning forward, your lips meeting his in an intense, almost fierce kiss. He growled against your mouth, his hands squeezing your thighs, encouraging you to move. And you moved, slowly and deliberately, pulling a low swear word from him.

- Fuck... like this - he murmured, his fingers digging lightly into your skin as you dictated the rhythm.

Control was in your hands now, and you took advantage of it, exploring his body with the same intensity with which he had explored yours. The nails scratched his chest, leaving small red marks while you made him lose his breath. Every movement was a provocation, and the way he looked at you, his head tilted back, his eyes half-closed and his lips half-open, only encouraged you to go beyond.

- You're fucking beautiful like that - he said, his voice choppy, the words escaping as if he hadn't even planned to say them.

The roles had completely changed, and now he was the one who seemed on the verge of losing control, his hands exploring his body shamelessly, trying to pull you closer.

When the climax came, it was intense, almost overwhelming. You collapsed on him, your face buried in his neck while trying to catch your breath.

For a moment, the room was in complete silence, except for the sound of the heavy breaths of the two of you.

You got off him, your muscles still trembling, and lay down next to him, feeling the cold sheets contrast with the heat that was still pulsating in your body. His chest went up and down as he tried to catch his breath, the silence seeming heavier than expected.

- Okay, maybe that wasn't exactly in my plans for today. - You broke the silence, the voice carrying a tone of lightness that contrasted with the intensity of before.

Kendall let out a low, almost dismissive laugh, but her eyes were still on you.

- I'm not going to lie... this has crossed my mind before. - He spoke like someone who confesses something without regret, the smile on his lips almost defiant, but still sincere.

You arched an eyebrow, opening a small smile while fixing your body under the sheets.

- Really? Pretentious.

He shrugged, his expression carefree.

- Maybe a little.

The silence returned, but this time it was comfortable, almost intimate. Still lying next to him, you approached, letting your head rest on his shoulder, as if it were an instinctive movement. The heat of his body seemed to attract you, and he didn't hesitate to put his arm around you, pulling you closer.

And then, you just stood there, with you leaning against him, while the slow movements of his hand helped dissolve any tension that still remained. Little by little, his breathing became calmer, his body completely relaxed against his.

That's when he realized that you had fallen asleep, the features of your face calm and serene. He watched you for a moment, his head slightly tilted to look better, and couldn't avoid a small smile. It was strange, but at the same time... it seemed so natural.

Kendall adjusted the sheet around you, keeping you close, before letting her head fall against the cushion. While you were sleeping soundly, he closed his eyes, letting himself be carried away by the unexpected peace of that moment.

The night passed silently, the city around the hotel gradually extinguishing while the darkness of the room remained constant. Sleep came easy for you, lulled by the warmth of Kendall's body next to you and the comfortable stillness that hovered between you. He moved a few times during the night, but never to the point of waking you up completely.

Now, the shy morning light began to invade the environment, gently illuminating the contours of the room. The sound of the cell phone vibrating on the bedside table was what got you awake, that insistent noise that seemed to echo louder than it should. Still a little groggy, you stretched out your hand without thinking, groping the device until you picked it up. With his eyes still closed, he answered automatically, taking it to his ear.

- Hello? - His voice came out dragged, the tone loaded with sleep.

- You're kidding me, right? - Shiv's familiar voice sounded on the other side of the line, dry and full of disbelief.

You frowned, still half lost, without immediately understanding the seriousness of the situation.

- Shiv? Is everything okay? Why are you calling me so early? - Your concern was genuine, but the words came out hesitantly while you fought against the fog of sleep.

On the other side, Shiv's silence was short, followed by a humorless laugh.

- Why am I calling you? You're the one who should explain to me why the hell you're answering Kendall's cell phone at seven in the morning.

And then, his mind finally cleared enough to realize what was happening. You looked at the device in your hand, the screen clearly displaying the name "Shiv" and, above, a generic wallpaper that was definitely not yours.

- Oh, shit... - you murmured, letting out a sigh while processing the situation.

On the other side of the line, Shiv sighed audibly, but the sound was not of relief.

- You're unbelievable... fuck. - Her voice was full of frustration. - Is he there?

You hesitated for a second, staring at the phone as if you could change the course of the conversation with the thought. But before he could decide what to say, Kendall, half awake, stretched out his hand and took the device with the calmness of those who already predicted this.

- Hi, Shiv. What's up? - His voice, hoarse and indifferent, contrasted with her clearly irritated energy on the other side of the line.

He got out of bed, dressing in one of the pieces of clothing thrown in the room, walking while talking, his expression oscillating between irritation and boredom. And soon the bathroom door closed with a soft click, leaving you alone in the silence of the room.

You let out a sigh, turning to the side and staring at the ceiling. You still felt the heat of the sheets around you, but now there was something more: the certainty that the morning would be much more complicated than you expected.

______________________________

masterlist

xoxo, bee🫶🏼

16 notes · View notes

sisitrip · 5 months ago

Text

"As Sweet and Soft"

Gallavich A.U.gust 2024

Smell her. She makes an event deadline on time lol.

For Gallavich A.U.gust @gallavichthings 'free week', I'm pulling out something a little different.

A/N and TW: The title of this story is a misnomer of sorts. This is a story that deals with themes of loss, regret, a retelling of an unaliving attempt, abandonment, and unburdening of harmful secrets. But, it also includes, above all, love of family, reconnection and the humorous ways we all try to overcome massive pain because there’s just no right way to do that. Here, there be comedy too (I hope) and moments so special (hoping again), I smiled the entire time I wrote it.

So, lovely readers, the both of you lol, if the themes I mentioned will bring you harm in any way, feel free to skip this one and peruse other works that will keep you safe. Besides AO3, check out some other Tumblr accounts in the Gallavich fandom that might have offerings for you. This fandom is jammed with phenomenal creatives and I’m so happy they let me say “I go here.”

With that, please enjoy "As Sweet and Soft."

--------------------------------

Ian walked him to the front and sat him down carefully as if settling a delicate piece of rice paper. With a kiss and a promise to be back after his ‘errand’, Ian left him alone and reeling.

Mickey sat in the loudest quiet he’s ever been unlucky enough to sit in. Churches, somehow more massive inside than out, always seem to bestow their attendees the power to hear the smallest sound; an apologetic peace offering for its chilly welcome.

Mickey flexed that bestowed power to catch a tiny sniffle. The scritch of nails on stockinged legs. A softly sobbed “42 is so young.” He hid behind this cataloging of sounds, all while wrinkling the most threadbare eulogy ever crafted. Panic rising, he stalled, cataloging absences too. His brothers were here, but his father was not. An aunt he’d never met was here, but Ian was not.

His mother would never be anywhere again.

“I’m sorry Mr. Milkovich, but we’ll need to get started. We have a wedding scheduled for later,” the priest murmured regretfully, having materialized like a ghost. He should be regretful. The celebration of death shouldn’t be rushed.

At the lectern, he looked for Ian’s face in the small crowd, but he still wasn’t back. He needed Ian to keep the world from caving in. What errand could be more important than that?

He smoothed out his speech on the polished, lemon scented wood. But, tears, fat and blinding, made it impossible to read. At sea, he crumpled the eulogy, struggling to articulate this tectonic cut into his life. He cleared his throat, blinking hard, and gave up on doing this justice. He’ll just do it his way.

“I don’t have a lifetime of memories with her to tell you about,” he began, talking to a pillar instead of the people watching him.

“She left-” He swallowed hard. “She escaped when I was five. It wasn't as dramatic as that sounds. Her disappearance was actually kind of unremarkable, at first.” He gave a short, bitter laugh. “For something that rocked us hard, I somehow managed to miss it.”

He pressed his fingers into the wood, grounding himself.

“It wasn’t until I hurt myself that it finally sank in. Like a lot of five year olds, I thought she’d feel it if I got hurt. Like physically feel my pain. Dumb, I know. But, she always used to magically appear to comfort me and bandage me up whenever I got hurt.”

He cleared his throat, fighting against the drain of tears building up.

“When my cut went on bleeding and she didn't show up, I knew. I knew without a doubt that she wasn’t coming back. She couldn’t feel me anymore, I told my five year old self. So, I put a paper towel around the cut and I broke every toy car I had. That’s how I was able to let her go. I didn't know it would be harder to let her go this time.”

A door opened somewhere and footsteps approached softly behind him. He refused to give the priest the benefit of his attention. He was almost done anyway.

“But, I didn’t let go of what I remembered about her. How she always smelled like dryer sheets and mercurochrome. How her blue eyes dilated to near black whenever she laughed too hard, which wasn’t often.”

He couldn’t see the pillar now and the soft sobbing from the attendees was wrecking his ability to get through this. He went on, nearly whispering as he fought his own sobs.

“I didn’t let go of the memory of her sneaking up behind me, when I was drawing or coloring, and blowing kisses into the back of my neck to make me laugh. To make me feel like … somebody loved me.”

His eyes were streaming freely now and the pillar was a shapeless waterfall of gray. He doesn’t think he can finish. But, a small hand, bearing chipped, black nail polish squeezed his arm.

Mandy. Beautiful, and here and here and here, filling the crater of his grief with her light and love. She gave him a curved smile through her tears.

Weakened by surprise and gratitude, he leaned into her, pressing his forehead to hers. A pressing warmth on his other side was unmistakably Ian who held him up with an arm around his back. He could finish now. He could do anything. But, more than anything, he wanted to honor his mother. He took a deep breath.

“Like I said when I started, I don’t have a lifetime of memories to share with you about my mother. But, I have the ones I just told you about and I will treasure them until I die. When she could be m-my mother, she was everything.”

He broke. His harsh, raw sobs escaped unchecked and the church saw fit to amplify them with heartbreaking clarity. Mandy and Ian pressed in close and helped him back to his seat where he couldn’t let go of their hands. Not even long enough to wipe his face of tears. Mandy took care of that. Face just as wet, she cleaned his cheeks without bothering to clean her own. That hadn’t changed in all the years they grew up together. Ian held his other hand between his own, sleeving it in safety and warmth.

The awful, anxiety ridden part is over. He did what he could to honor someone he’d lost a long time ago and he’s at peace with it. As at peace as anyone could be whose mother died. It’s a fitful kind of peace that settles uneasily like a misshapen shroud you never wanted to wear.

The rest of the service was quick and when Mandy inclined her head to the side door, he and Ian followed her, leaving the receiving line of strangers for the small, grassy graveyard out back. They sat amongst the sunshine and crooked tombstones, faces upturned to a cloudless sky the color of his mother’s eyes.

“How’d you know?” he asked Mandy, taking in her shaggy black hair and pierced septum.

“Your hubby tracked me down a few days ago, bought me a ticket. Got me here to the church in record time.” She threw grass at Ian who just smiled softly at her. “He drives like a criminal.”

He caught Ian’s gaze, heart burning inside him.

“Errand, huh?” he asked, chin trembling. He will never do anything better than marrying this man.

Ian winked at him then turned to Mandy.

“You’re staying with us for a few days,” Ian said, cleaning grass off his pants.

He and Mandy exchanged amused looks. Ian had used his “argue with me and find out” voice.

“Eww, on the Westside? Do I need to get my shots before they let me in?” Mandy teased.

Ian stood and yanked her to her feet with a smile. “No shots required for family,” he said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. His mother’s dark hair.

They laughed, easy and comfortable, as if no time had passed. He wished his mother could see this enduring friendship between his sister and the man she wouldn’t let him give up on.

Ian and Mandy held out their hands to him and he squinted against the sun and their openly loving expressions, blinded by both. He’s going to remember this moment forever. His favorite people are smiling down at him and it was as sweet and soft as a kiss to the back of the neck.

When he’s pulled to his feet, he can’t help the impulsive kiss to each of their cheeks, surprising them. He shrugs. It’s that kind of day.

“You want to go to the repass?” Ian asked, arms around the both of them as they walk through the shrines of people who will keep his mother company.

“No,” he said, looking at Mandy. “You?”

She gave the graveyard a sad, final look. “No. Let’s just get out of here. We’re disturbing the sleepers.”

They found Iggy and Colin shuffling around in front of the church, looking uncomfortable in their ill fitting suits. He’d told them not to bother dressing up, and was touched that they hadn’t listened. When his brothers saw Mandy, they broke into twin grins.

“Dickhead 1 and 2, what’s good?” Mandy called, grinning too. Before they answered, she dropped her purse and took a run at them, arms wide. If there was anything good to be had from this awful day, it was his brothers happiness at seeing their sister.

Iggy and Colin caught her and lifted her between them in a hug that at first was full of smiles then descended into tears. Mandy wiped their faces with the sleeve of her jacket and they touched her hair, trying to smile through their tears. Another moment as sweet and soft as a kiss to the back of the neck.

“What’s this shag shit?” Iggy husked as she cleaned his face.

“Wolf cut. Easier to take care of.” Mandy cleaned Colin’s face next as he flipped a hank of her hair.

“Call it whatever you want. It’s a mullet,” Colin said fondly while very gently cleaning her face with his tie and pressing a kiss into her cheek. “You look butch. I like it.”

“Ian,” Mandy called, smiling at Colin. “Can I bring these two weepy little bitches?”

Ian picked up Mandy’s bag and looked at him with a soft, questioning smile. He shrugged. It would feel good to have his siblings in the house tonight.

“Alright, listen up. Anyone of you fart, and I mean one damn fart, and everybody is getting kicked out except Mickey and Mandy,” Ian warned with a smile, linking hands with him.

At their place, Colin ordered a ton of UberEats from every restaurant within a mile and they got comfortable down to their t-shirts and boxers. He knows the circumstances are different, but it felt like it did when Terry left for long stretches and they’d buy fast food with the money they pooled together. It’s how they celebrated the gift of peaceful days and no fresh bruises.

He smiled when Mandy padded out of their bathroom wearing one of Ian’s shirts, looking adorable and small. With a burger in her mouth, she whipped out a bottle of black nail polish and shook it while eyeing her brothers meaningfully. He knows what’s coming and her habit, born out of a need to self soothe, is exactly what they need.

He and his brothers took off their socks and while they ate, laughed and drank, Mandy painted their toes. It broke his heart a little to see her shoulders relax with each painted toe, a reminder of how she used to cope.

Ian bounced questioning eyebrows at him while Mandy painted Iggy’s toes.

“Mandy would paint our toes when she was upset,” he explained. “Been doing it since she was like what, Col?

“Four?” Colin answered.

“Three,” Iggy chimed in, pointing a drumstick at Mandy. “I had more paint in between my toes than my actual fucking toenails.”

Mandy threw a french fry at him.

“Better than what you got between your goblin toes now. Was that dryer lint in there?” she asked, moving on to start on Colin’s toes.

“Could be. Or it could be cat hair. I like the mystery.” Iggy wiggled his now black-painted toenails. “Speaking of mystery, what’s up with your bare toes? Never saw you go one day without painted toes when you were home.”

Mandy smiled. “Stopped needing to do it. That should tell you something about my level of peace, yeah?” She started painting Mickey’s toes next. “Who wants to play Dead Body?”

Ian swallowed his bite of cheeseburger, eyes popped wide. “Dead body?” he parroted weakly.

“Yeah. When we were little, we used to compare the times we all saw a dead body,” Iggy said, eating a slice of pizza.

“You did this, why?” Ian asked.

“Because, it was better than comparing bruises,” Mickey murmured, forking into his burrito bowl, toenails painted coffin black now. He doesn’t hate it.

Ian gave him such a soft, sad look, Colin scoffed.

“Of all the brutal shit we endured, seeing a dead body was like getting hit in the face with a pillow. Don’t sweat it, Ian,” Colin dismissed. “I’m going first. Mattara, alley. Gut stuck.”

“My turn,” Iggy said. “Lipotzik, train tracks. Froze to death. They had to crack his ass in half.”

“Don’t know her name,” Mandy said, “But, the girl who OD’d in the massage parlor. I saw them taking her out.”

He wasn’t going to join this game, especially because he’d never told anyone about it. But, now that his mother was truly gone, it didn’t feel like telling someone else’s secret. Not anymore.

“I saw Mom dead once. I mean before this time. She died twice.”

His quiet comment silenced the room. Poor Ian. His face crumpled when he realized that Mickey wasn’t joking.

“What are you talking about?” Mandy asked, sticking the nail polish brush back in the bottle.

He looked at his painted toes while he spoke.

“I got up one night. Had to pee real bad. I used to hold it because even a toilet flushing would set off Terry if he was trying to outsleep a hangover.”

Mandy scooted closer. Iggy and Colin did the same, food forgotten. He went on, speaking from a place of surreal memory.

“I couldn’t hold it though, so I went into the bathroom. The first thing I saw were her feet. They were pruney and blue looking. Wet too. She was all wet.”

Ian got up and sat behind him, tucking him into the vee of his legs.

“She wasn’t moving and Terry was kissing her. Or, I thought it was kissing at the time. I realized later he was giving her, you know, mouth to mouth or whatever. See, he’d … he’d pulled her out of the tub where she’d drowned herself.”

Of all the heavy things he’d wanted to lay to rest today, this secret had to be heaviest.

“Terry kept giving her mouth-to-mouth. He didn’t even notice me standing there. I … I pissed myself when I saw her face.” He inhaled shakily. “Her eyes were open and she wasn’t blinking. She was just … blue.”

Colin and Iggy exchanged grim looks, but said nothing.

“I must’ve said something. Maybe called her name. Terry kept pressing on her chest and snarled at me to get out. I couldn’t leave so I kind of squatted down and grabbed her cold foot thinking I could help him. Maybe help her.”

Ian entwined his arms around his waist, and leaned him back into his chest while he finished in a rush, wanting it out and over.

“She eventually blinked, coughed up a shit ton of water and started breathing again. She saw me and the first thing she did was shove Terry away, told him to get out. When he did, she put me in the same water that she’d drowned herself in, crying the entire time she washed me. Later, Terry told me if I said anything about what happened, everyone would know it was my fault. I knew that wasn’t true, but it felt like it was. At the time. Eventually I didn’t have to say anything because she left a month after that.”

He didn’t cry with the memory. Maybe because it hadn’t felt like a memory at all. It was more like a dream. Blue, cold and unreal in all its horrible detail.

Colin broke the hold the memory had on him. “Christ, if I could bring Terry back to beat him to death, I would.”

Iggy took an emotional swig of the Jack Daniels he was clutching, face red and working. “Me first, you second. That fucking fuck.”

Mandy tossed back the rest of her wine. “Me first and the two of you can hold him.”

“I’m calling the roster,” Ian interrupted, squeezing Mickey tight. “Mickey gets the first punch, then Iggy and Colin can hold him after they’re done so Mandy can kick him in those two shriveled things he used to call his nuts.” Ian gave his temple a hard kiss. “Me last so I can be the one to wiggle my big, gay dick at him in farewell.”

His brothers and sister held their silence for a single beat before falling into wild laughter. But, instead of laughing himself, he gave Ian a soft, sad kiss of understanding. Ian looked a little pale despite his effort to joke. The story had affected him too. He can see it in the tightness around Ian’s eyes. His story was one of the horrible things they had in common - children of mothers who got a second chance after giving up completely, but who had to leave their children to survive.

“You okay?” he asked Ian, cupping his face. “I probably shouldn’t have brought that up. I wasn’t trying to trigger whatev-”

Ian pulled him closer and kissed his forehead, his eyes and his mouth last.

“There. That worry right there. That’s how I know I couldn’t have picked a better husband.” Ian kissed his nose. “I’m good, baby.”

The Milkovich siblings watched this exchange silently, but exploded into gagging noises when Mickey kissed Ian three times in succession, surprising him. Again, today was that kind of day.

“Death makes both of you literal pussies,” Iggy said, laying down to put his head on Mandy’s lap.

“Seeing as how all you do is chase and admire pussy, what you’re really saying is that you want what they have,” Mandy retorted, bouncing Iggy’s head.

Iggy opened his mouth to argue, but shrugged instead and settled for stealing a fry off Mandy’s plate.

“He definitely wants what they got. But, it takes him twice as long to chase pussy, and when he finally gets some, he’s in that shit for like a minute,” Colin said, slapping Iggy’s foot. “One minute, motherfucker.”

That’s all it takes. Iggy’s up and wrestling Colin while Mandy laughs and picks up her wine to avoid its destruction. Ian calls out a foul hold every now and then, tucking Mickey into his chest to avoid the wild foot swings.

He smiled, watching it all from the safety of Ian’s arms. This wasn’t a repass that anyone would find dignified and he doesn’t give a shit. This was healing. As healing as any monotone gathering where cookie cutter condolences just made you feel oily and ill at ease.

This was what his mother would’ve wanted. Food, laughter. Love. No eulogy could've honored her more than this.

They stayed up late enough to finish the booze and food. Mandy claimed the couch and the boys curled up on the armchair and floor in front of the fireplace. He checked on them a few times before letting himself be pulled to bed where he lay, eyes hot and unblinking.

The story he’d told had shaken something loose inside him that he couldn’t quite knit back together. His mother was gone for real. No pruney toes. No gout of coughed up water. No tears as she cleaned him in the water of her death.

She was gone.

Ian settled close to him, and the small lump in his throat became a boulder. It forced him to cry to alleviate the pressure, or so he told his cowardly soul. His tears turned into sniffling. Soft sobs, helplessly cried into Ian’s chest, followed. The quiet crying became harsh barks of pain and he curled into Ian trying to escape it all. Ian took him in his arms and cupped the back of his head to murmur nonsensical sounds of comfort. If only it was as simple as that. Soft words and a firm hug to clear away the pain. God, he wished it was that easy.

A soft knock on their bedroom door preceded Mandy padding in. His crying must’ve called her. It always did. Even when it meant she might catch a beating, Mandy always slipped into his bed and hugged him until he stopped crying.

She did the same thing now, climbing over Ian to lay on his other side. She put an arm around his waist and he cried harder. For her, for his mother. For all of them.

Another soft knock. Iggy and Colin padded in with pillows and blankets. They settled down on the floor on either side of the bed without saying a word. Ian, God bless him, just smiled into his hair and gave him a squeeze, letting him know it was alright.

After everyone settled down, the room was quiet and filled with the blue-tinged light of the moon and their collective breathing.

“I think it goes without saying that we expect y’all not to fuck while we’re in here,” Colin said quietly from the floor.

Iggy snorted from the other side of the bed. Soon, they were all laughing.

Ian leaned over, kissed Mandy on the cheek, leaned down over her to slap Iggy on the chest then leaned all the way back to slap Colin on the top of his head. When he settled back down, he gave Mickey the softest, sweetest kiss. It was exactly what he needed. This closeness is what they all needed.

As he started to fall into sleep, a gentle, almost melodic fart rang out. The bed shook as he, Ian and Mandy struggled not to be the first to laugh aloud.

“I can still stay, right Ian?” Iggy whispered from the floor, his plea a confession.

They all dissolved into giggles, hissed softly between teeth. It was cleansing, this infantile humor. It was also a way for motherless children to find comfort and laughter in the dark.

“Yeah,” Ian said, breathing soft laughter into Mickey’s hair. “You can stay.”

He hid his face in Ian’s neck to let the warm pulse there soothe him towards sleep. He faded to the sound of the occasional laugh from his family, glad he was surrounded by the people who love him.

And he can’t be sure, but just as he made his final descent into sleep, he felt something that eased his pain enough for him to sink into unconsciousness.

A kiss, soft and sweet, pressed into the back of his neck.

#gallavich #gallavich fanfic #my fic #gallavich fanfiction #gallavich fic #ian x mickey #ian gallagher #mickey milkovich #a.u.gust 2024

33 notes · View notes

jesperweidemann · 5 months ago

Text

Writing Engaging Introductions and Compelling Conclusions Part 2: The Role of Introductions

Why Introductions Matter

Introductions are the gateway to your writing. They serve as the first impression and set the stage for the entire piece. A well-crafted introduction can captivate the reader's attention, establish the tone and context, and present the thesis or main idea clearly. Here’s why introductions are crucial:

Capturing the Reader’s Attention: The opening lines of your introduction are your chance to hook the reader. If the introduction is engaging, the reader is more likely to continue reading. This is especially important in an age where attention spans are short, and competition for readers' time is fierce. An engaging introduction can make the difference between a reader staying with your piece or moving on to something else.

Setting the Tone and Context: The introduction sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Whether your writing is formal, informal, serious, or humorous, the introduction should reflect this tone. Additionally, it provides the necessary context, helping the reader understand the background and relevance of the topic. This context is crucial for making the reader feel grounded and prepared for the information or arguments that will follow.

Presenting the Thesis or Main Idea: The introduction should clearly present the thesis or main idea of the piece. This gives the reader a clear understanding of what to expect and what the central argument or purpose of the writing is. A well-stated thesis provides a roadmap for the reader, guiding them through the points you will make.

Elements of an Effective Introduction

An effective introduction typically includes the following elements:

The Hook: The hook is a technique used to grab the reader’s attention right from the start. There are several types of hooks, including anecdotes, quotes, questions, and statistics. The choice of hook depends on the topic and the audience. A strong hook can make the reader curious, excited, or emotionally invested in your writing.

Background Information: Providing necessary background information helps the reader understand the context of the topic. However, it’s important to strike a balance and avoid overwhelming the reader with too much information. The background should be relevant and concise, setting up the thesis without distracting from it.

Thesis Statement: The thesis statement is a concise summary of the main point or argument of the piece. It should be clear and specific, guiding the reader on what to expect in the rest of the writing. A strong thesis statement is essential for keeping your writing focused and coherent.

Types of Hooks

Different types of hooks can be used to make the introduction engaging. Here are some common types:

Anecdotes and Stories: Starting with a short, relevant story or anecdote can draw the reader in and make the topic more relatable. Anecdotes can humanize your writing and create an emotional connection with the reader.

Interesting Facts or Statistics: Presenting a surprising fact or statistic can pique the reader’s curiosity and encourage them to read further. This type of hook works well for topics that involve data or surprising information.

Provocative Questions: Asking a thought-provoking question can engage the reader and make them think about the topic from the outset. Questions can also create a sense of dialogue between the writer and the reader.

Quotations: Using a relevant quote from a well-known figure can lend authority to your writing and capture the reader’s interest. Quotes can also provide a succinct way to introduce the theme or main idea of your piece.

Descriptive Scenes: Painting a vivid picture with words can immerse the reader in the topic and set the scene for the rest of the piece. Descriptive hooks are particularly effective for narrative or descriptive writing.

Examples and Analysis

To understand what makes an introduction effective, let’s break down some examples:

Example 1: Anecdote Hook

“When I was ten years old, I discovered a dusty old book in my grandmother’s attic. Little did I know, that book would ignite my lifelong passion for history.”

Analysis: This introduction uses a personal anecdote to draw the reader in. It’s relatable and sets the stage for a discussion on the importance of history. The anecdote creates an emotional connection and makes the reader curious about the writer’s journey.

Example 2: Statistic Hook

“Did you know that over 60% of adults in the United States have never read a book cover to cover? This startling statistic highlights a growing issue in our society.”

Analysis: This introduction uses a surprising statistic to grab the reader’s attention. It immediately presents a problem that the rest of the piece will address. The statistic is shocking and makes the reader want to learn more about the issue.

Example 3: Question Hook

“What if you could change one thing about your daily routine to improve your productivity? Would you do it?”

Analysis: This introduction uses a provocative question to engage the reader. It makes them think about their own habits and sets up a discussion on productivity. The question creates a sense of curiosity and invites the reader to reflect on their own experiences.

Example 4: Quotation Hook

“‘The only limit to our realization of tomorrow is our doubts of today.’ – Franklin D. Roosevelt. This quote perfectly encapsulates the theme of overcoming self-doubt.”

Analysis: This introduction uses a quote to lend authority to the writing. It sets a motivational tone and introduces the theme of the piece. The quote is powerful and provides a succinct way to introduce the main idea.

Example 5: Descriptive Scene Hook

“The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a golden glow over the quiet village. Birds chirped softly, and the air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers. It was the perfect setting for a new beginning.”

Analysis: This introduction uses descriptive language to paint a vivid picture. It immerses the reader in the scene and sets a peaceful, hopeful tone. The descriptive hook is engaging and makes the reader feel like they are part of the scene.

Crafting Your Own Introduction

When crafting your own introduction, consider the following steps:

Identify Your Audience: Understanding who your readers are will help you choose the most effective hook and tone for your introduction. Consider their interests, background, and what might engage them the most.

Choose a Hook: Select a hook that is relevant to your topic and will engage your audience. Experiment with different types of hooks to see which one works best. The hook should be intriguing and make the reader want to continue reading.

Provide Background Information: Give the reader enough context to understand the topic, but avoid overwhelming them with too much information. The background should be concise and relevant, setting up the thesis without distracting from it.

Present Your Thesis Statement: Clearly state the main point or argument of your piece. Make sure it is specific and concise. The thesis statement should provide a roadmap for the reader, guiding them through the points you will make.

Revise and Refine: Review your introduction to ensure it is engaging, clear, and sets the right tone for the rest of your writing. Don’t be afraid to make changes to improve it. A strong introduction is essential for capturing the reader’s attention and setting the stage for the rest of your writing.

Additional Tips for Writing Introductions

Be Concise: While it’s important to provide enough information to engage the reader, avoid being overly verbose. A concise introduction is more likely to hold the reader’s attention.

Stay Relevant: Ensure that all the information in your introduction is relevant to the main topic. Avoid tangents or unrelated details that might confuse the reader.

Use Clear and Simple Language: Avoid jargon or overly complex language that might alienate the reader. Clear and simple language is more effective in engaging a broad audience.

Create a Smooth Transition: The introduction should smoothly transition into the main body of the writing. Ensure that the last sentence of your introduction leads naturally into the first sentence of the next section.

Engage the Senses: When using descriptive hooks, engage the reader’s senses by describing sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures. This can make your writing more vivid and immersive.

Reflect Your Personality: Let your personality shine through in your introduction. Whether you’re writing in a formal or informal style, your unique voice can make your writing more engaging and relatable.

By following these steps and understanding the elements of an effective introduction, you can create openings that captivate your readers and set the stage for compelling writing.

< Part 1 ||| Part 3 >

22 notes · View notes

swordfright · 1 year ago

Note

any tips for writing c!punz? I'm losing my mind out here

I'm gonna start by referring you to some posts that might be helpful:

elm on c!Punz as a very emotional character

my thoughts on c!Punz's self concept

aidan on c!Punz as an enabler

c!Punz is great at putting on a chill, laid-back demeanor, but underneath that he can be very intense, and if you rewatch some of his key plot-heavy streams chronologically, you can very clearly see him becoming more and more intense as the story progresses. Two things I think a lot of ppl tend to either forget or gloss over are 1) he was there almost from the beginning and presumably remembers the golden past that c!Dream so desperately wants to recover; and 2) he was possessed by the Egg, which would've had a pretty big impact on him vis-a-vis how he views his own autonomy and role/involvement in plot events.

In terms of motivation, I think he can be quite tricky to pin down. He claims his motivation is to "live a life without mystery," but that's in the No Way Home stream when he's angrily berating c!Tommy, and personally I don't see this as a terribly reliable admission. I'm not saying he isn't interested in discovering the secrets of life and death, but if you pay more attention to his actions than his words, I think it's fairly clear that this motivation is second to his desire to help c!Dream. He doesn't just want answers, he wants to help c!Dream get answers. What this tells us is that, in a complete reversal of his "money-motivated hired goon" facade, Punz is actually very discerning when it comes to who he's willing to pursue long-term projects alongside. Will he work FOR anyone? Perhaps (he certainly wants you to think so.) Will he work WITH anyone? Hell no.

Another thing I find really interesting is his relationship with Sapnap and how it informs his relationship with Dream. The two of them have been on opposing sides of various conflicts at various points, but Sapnap seems to continue to see Punz as a friend throughout the story, and Punz plays along even after the staged finale. He helps Sapnap and Karl plan their wedding, Sapnap even says he wants Punz to be a groomsman! The two of them are so interesting in relation to Dream, it's a really under-explored dynamic imo! Former brothers-in-arms vs current brothers-in-arms. I think you could definitely argue that, post-prison, Punz is trying to be Dream's replacement for Sapnap in all ways except one: he isn't going to tell Dream no. He's the yes man Sapnap couldn't be.

Also, I think it's important to remember who he was and what sort of stuff he was up to prior to his involvement in the major plot points. He was a beekeeper! He liked giving gifts, and still does! His sense of humor is goofy and sometimes pretty immature, just like c!Dream's. He wants to be respected by the people he respects. He takes good care of his things. In short, assistant manager at the necromancy store isn't his only occupation.

(Lmk if you want clips for any of these points btw! I’ve done a lot of generalizing in this post but I’m happy to find clips if that’s helpful for you.)

#wanna add that c!punz was also around for a lot of the El Rapids stuff #which imo is...relevant later :))#asks #c!punz #c!dream #c!stagedduo

74 notes · View notes

sarahivess · 2 years ago

Text

60 questions to ask the Duffers if Byler isn’t endgame

Thank you @merth-or-nothin for the help!

1. Why emphasize so much on the strong “Friends don’t lie” in the very first episode of the show, showing Will couldn’t even lie to Mike, only for him to lie to Mike for the first time in the second to last episode of the second to last season?

2. Why did Mike and El such a short build up before getting together? If they were meant to be endgame, why not build them slowly, so the audience could be invested in the development of the relationship?

3. Why were Mike and El separated every single season?

4. Why do Mike and El fight so much when they’re together? They barely have any cute scenes at all when they’re dating.

5. Why did El refer to Mike as "her first boyfriend?"

6. If she was meant to only date (then marry) Mike, why draw attention to the fact that he's the only boy she's dated?

7. What was the purpose of El asking Mike if he'd be like her brother in s1? Why give them a familial association?

8. In season 4, why is it revealed that Will is in love with Mike as Mike's relationship with El is eroding?

9. Why make a point to show the audience Will loves Mike the way he wants to be loved, while El makes him feel like a random nerd?

10. Why have Will in the background of every single Mileven scene (except for their bedroom fight) in the entire S4, making the audience to root for Will?

11. Why have Will love Mike at all?

12. Why bring Will into Mike and El's relationship? If Mike doesn't feel the same way, it's a waste narratively and it's anticlimactic.

13. Why did Mike change so much between seasons 2-3 without any perticular reason? And no, it wasn’t just puberty. That change made Mike go from being one of the most loved characters to one of the most hated ones.

14. Why frame Mike and Eleven’s relationship in S3 as unserious and unhealthy?

15. Why make everyone go against their relationship and why break them up as early as in the beginning of the second episode of S3?

16. Why empathize so much on El in EP3 and her independence, making us (the audience) feel genuinely happy when she breaks up with Mike and frame the breakup scene with light-hearted humor and comedy?

17. Why make Will and Mike’s first fight scene in the show dark and angsty? And making it a huge contrast to Mike and El’s comedic breakup scene.

18. Why make Max say “he’ll come crawling in no time begging for forgiveness” to El, which was true, but he didn’t come crawling back to El. He went to Will’s house, begging for forgiveness.

19. Why spend SO MUCH time on the Byler scenes and putting so much effort in them so they’ll look intimate? It’s such a contrast to Steve and Dustin’s scenes for example which is almost always comedic.

20. Why have so MANY Byler scenes at all?

21. Why have “tender emotional music” in almost all of the Byler scenes in S4?

22. Why make Will even confess behind El’s name instead of just confess himself and having Mike rejecting him right away? Why drag it out all the way to the very final season?

23. Why spend an entire day filming the van scene if it wasn’t that important anyway? If Will is just ending up getting rejected anyway?

24. Why the whole painting plot?

25. Why so many parallels with Jopper, Jancy and Lumax?

26. Why the very same soundtrack when they became friends again as when Lucas and Max became friends “On the bus”?

27. Why is Finn describing Mike’s story arc for both season 3 and season 4 as “Mike is trying to be a normal teenager”, “Mike is trying to be as normal as possible” and “He’s trying to keep on a normal path” why so much focus on Mike trying to be normal?

28. Why spending two seasons on Mike trying to say the word “love” to his girlfriend? Isn’t that a kinda boring arc for someone who’s just having bad self esteem because of his parents loveless marriage?

29. Why does the whole cast and even the Duffers always so secretive and giddy and smiley every time Byler gets brought up if it’s just another sad tragic unrequited love story?

30. Why having Will say “I’m not gonna fall in love” with such a heartbreaking tone and then end up making him not get the boy he’s in love with and has been since the very beginning?

31. Why put so much effort in the set design to queer code Mike (as in rainbows, shirtless men, monsters with muscles, the word BOY in the bg, multiple closet imagery, even a big sign towards the closet saying “One way” if it meant nothing or was just weird coincidence’s?

32. Why the triple take? What was the point of that?

33. Why filming and editing the last scene of S3 emphasizing that Mike is going to miss Will more than El? (Him looking back at Will’s house, then it cuts to Will, then it cuts back to Mike who walks up to his mom and hugs her with a heartbroken look on his face)

34. Why make El say in the letter “I think there’s someone Will likes, cause he has been acting weird” but all we see in s4 is Mike acting weird?

35. Why make Mike being able to hug everyone except for Will, when he could hug him just perfectly in s3?

36. Why make Mike treat Will differently than his other friends?

37. Why make Mike and Dustin have the same look on their faces as they watch Will and Max dance with other people and then after that Mike looks upset until El shows up?

38. Why is The Duffers so “hushy hushy” about Byler at all? If it was obvious it’s unrequited why not just clear that shit up because they KNOW they’ll get a lot of backlash if it turns out it was a big queer bait all along.

39. Why start to build up and hint at Will’s love for Mike from the very first episode and make it canon in the second to last season?

40. Why so many coded talks which easily could be interpreted differently? Like Karen’s “I want you to know you can talk to me, I don’t want you to feel like you have to hide anything from me”, Ted’s “See what happens?” About Will’s disappearance (as in see what happens if you’re queer? You get abducted, killed etc) and Ted’s “our son with a girl?”

41. Why make Mike NOD in the scene when Will talks about how difficult it can be to open up about something the other person may not like to hear?

42. Why make Will having to remind Mike of the painting and his coded speech before Mike can say it? Why could he only say it the moment El was about to die?

43. Why make it look like Mike doesn’t want to kiss El by removing her hands away from him (3.01) and not reciprocating, not kissing back with eyes wide open looking confused in 3.08? Why frame him like he isn’t interested in girls at all? (Princess Daphne, Phoebe Cates, Max etc.)

44. Why never show us Mike’s pov?

45. Why SO MUCH effort in flashbacks during the entire S4 except for the monologue when El only remembered one single moment with Mike? Why did she had so many with Max but only one with Mike?

46. The ending scene in S4. WHY put them in couples when they could just have made them stand together all of them instead?

47. Why does it look like El isn’t talking to Mike at the end of S4? Why does she look annoyed at first and THEN sad when she finds the bottle under her bed which reminds her of Max?

48. Why SO MUCH yellow and blue coding when it comes to Will and Mike? Even their colors of their clothes are almost always blue and yellow as well.

49. Why make Mike nervous every time Will is close to him in S4 or accidentally touches him?

50. Why make Mike say “we’re friends” to Will twice when both him, Will and the audience clearly knows that already?

51. Why associate the word “crazy” with “love” and then make the “crazy together” scene?

52. Why having Mike saying “it was the best thing I’ve ever done” about meeting Will but then having him say his life didn’t start until he met El?

53. Why did Mike’s words work for Will in S2 (making him being able to communicate) but didn’t for El (not until she looked over at Max)?

54. Why write the lines for Will “We could just play DnD for the rest of our lives” and “Not possible” about him joining another party?

55. Why make Mike look at Will’s lips so much? Why the flirtiness in the bedroom scenes in S4? They could easily have remade those scenes if that wasn’t intentional.

56. Why all the classic romantic interruptions in season 4 which we’ve seen plenty of times in the show between “more than friends”-couples earlier?

57. Why make such a HUGE contrast between El’s reaction to being without Mike and Will being without Mike in S3? (El did a high five with Max while Will cried and destroyed Castle Byers)

58. Why make Mike say “Hawkins isn’t the same without you” to only WILL and not to El? Why does Mike not have any problems opening up to Will but only to El?

59. Why couldn’t Mike say the full reason why he and El had their fight in 4.03?

60. Why have so much hints and clues in the show that Byler is endgame so it’s possible to make 300+ pages slideshows, hours of long videos with proof of Mike being gay, if everything is just unintentional or “made up”?

#byler #anti milkvan #60 questions to ask the duffers #if byler isn’t endgame #byler question’s

210 notes · View notes