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lemontrash · 5 years ago

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Epithets; the Pros and Pitfalls

Ok gang, so recently the topic of epithets in fanfic has come up and this is a topic I have been thinking about a LOT for A LONG TIME so I figured maybe now is the time to share my thoughts on phrases like ‘the braided baka’ and ‘the ebony-eyed Chinese pilot’ and what some of the pitfalls are in using epithets to enrich your writing.

NOTE: I am not slamming the use of epithets! I am not coming into your fic from 25 years ago saying ‘shame!’. I am only maintaining that these are tricky to get right, and to raise awareness of how epithets can be a really useful, powerful tool of description but also a double-edged blade.

What is an Epithet Anyway?

An epithet is a word or phrase applied to a person or thing to describe an actual or attributed quality, in addition to or instead of their name, and which are used to identify.

On one side of tradition, they are poetic. Homer, writer of the Odyssey, was a big fan of these. ‘The wine dark sea’, ‘rosy fingered Dawn’, and ‘Nausicaa of the long white arms’ are some of his most famous, never mind ‘Apollo, destroyer of mice!’. In his works they were generally descriptive, or talked directly to the schemata (the perceptions and understanding) of his audience.

Everyone knows Achaeans are super hairy, right? You know that.

On another side of tradition, they are identifiers. If you have a populace named virtually nothing but John, Richard and Henry and you’re not used to using family names, then calling this John ‘Long John’ and that John ‘Little John’ helps direct attention to the right person. Or to acknowledge their good or bad deeds/attributes (Peter the Brave vs Stinky Pete, for example) or their lineage (Aragorn son of Arathorn/ John of Gaunt). They can be used for comedic purposes as a device to make purposefully similar characters more amusing (Wee Jock, Big Jock and Smaller-than-Big-Jock-but-Bigger-than-Wee-Jock Jock all agreed to steal the sheep. The Pirate with the Peg Leg and the Pirate with the Clothes Peg boarded the ship.)

But notice that many of these epithets still use people’s names or are direct substitutions for when a name isn’t known. And they are largely subjective - epithets carry not only description but opinion - the opinion of society at large or the opinion of the individual speaker - and pinpoint value - what it IS about this person we should pay attention to.

And that means epithets can be used to praise, (Richard the Lionheart), to criticise (Bad King John), and to stereotype (those hairy Achaeans).

Oh and these are just epithets used for people. Epithets come in other forms, for example:

“The earth is crying-sweet, And scattering-bright the air, Eddying, dizzying, closing round, With soft and drunken laughter…”

The highlighted parts of Beauty and Beauty by Rupert Brooke are also epithets. But i’m going to focus on those used to describe people in this discussion.

In short, epithets always carry meaning in two ways - they focus on what the user feels is perceptively important about the subject of the epithet, and as a result, when we look through the lens of an epithet, our view of a character narrows.

Why are they Great?

Because they’re poetic by nature; they add interest and often eloquence. And because they tell us so much about the point of view of the user. They can add new facets to characters and give writers a secondary means of identifying characters to reduce name fatigue, or differentiate between otherwise similar characters. They can be comedic or evocative. They can show the changeability of characters as they develop or when circumstances change. Clever Odysseus, Lord of Men can become Pitiable Odysseus, hated by the sea.

But because they are poetic, because they carry opinion and because they are inherently narrow in their focus, there’s a whole bunch of pitfalls to be aware of when using epithets. Getting this wrong, well, maybe you just make your story harder to follow. Get it very wrong, and at worst you could genuinely offend someone.

What’s the Problem with Poetry?

The first basic issue you may encounter is that your epithets are too vague or are being overused.

‘My better half’ is an epithet. But if he (she? they?) has not been introduced in any capacity and you also alternate referring to him (her? them?) as ‘the hardened police officer’ and ‘the sloe-eyed beauty’ I might be forgiven for losing track of how many people are in the scene, how they’re related and how I should be thinking of them. Especially early in a story where i’m still getting up to speed with the setting. Here your epithets are muddying the story and it’s a situation where you should be using names. Even for fanfic where we’re assuming that the characters are familiar to everyone, you should be clearly introducing your version of the characters, because generally readers like to know they’re on the same page from the start rather than get thrown for a loop later on. And also you can’t be sure what your reader is thinking, so tell them.

Don’t forget that a NAME captures the whole of a person. Epithets only capture a slice.

You may also make your epithets too purple. ‘The azure-orbed golden-haired CEO’ is a mouthful, and may be adding detail that is irrelevant to the scene; imaging encountering that in a scene where Quatre is busy slashing through Leos in a desert battle. Who is stopping to think about that? Why does it deserve a spotlight right here, right now?

The other type of overuse is to pick one epithet that is your favourite and use it for every other mention of that character. Because epithets carry more meaning than names this is a little like shouting that character’s name through a bullhorn. It’s great the first couple of times - Wow! Exciting! Memorable! - but it fatigues faster than using their name would have. The epithet can then become annoying (’I know he’s got long hair, stop saying it!’) or at very very worst it can become othering. You will alienate your reader from the character, and at the absolute worst, this may mean your reader either comes out with expressions of an attitude to that character that you had no intention of courting or encouraging, or they think YOU have those attitudes and go away from your story thinking ‘wow, that was a well-written story but OOF. that guy’s got some uncomfortable feelings about stuff’.

Whose Line is it Anyway?

Epithets can be factual. They can be based on things you know, I know, and (most importantly) everyone in the story knows. For example, ‘The Wing Gundam Pilot’ is a factual epithet for Heero and is based on knowledge accessible and agreed by 99% of people.

It would still not work if the narrative POV is a character who doesn’t know Heero or doesn’t recognise him as a Gundam Pilot at all. E.G. He’s in disguise and questioning Abdul, who has never met him before.

And this is because epithets are still directional. They convey an understanding or a focus from the user to the reader, regardless of if the user is a character within the story, or the voice of the author themselves. And that’s where it can get weird.

Let’s say I’m writing a story from Rashid’s POV. As a person, he is unlikely to be fussed about the colour of Heero’s eyes, or the fact that Trowa is tall because Rashid is too pragmatic to give a hoot if your eyes are blue or not, and literally everyone is a shrimp compared to Rashid. So in that story, epithets like ‘The azure-eyed pilot’ or ‘the tall pilot’ would be strange if not meaningless coming from that character, and in fact would break the 4th wall by forcing the author’s voice into the foreground.

Effective epithets are either universal and readily accepted (and therefore often neutral/factual, even if they are poetic - rosey-fingered Dawn) or they are naturally biased towards the perspective of the user. Which means characterisation of an epithet used by a person in a story to describe another person in the story goes both ways: When a story in Heero’s POV describes Duo as a ‘violet-eyed beauty’ I may think ‘Duo, purple eyes, pretty boy, yes. check!’ but I will probably also think, ‘wow, Heero’s a massive closet romantic and he has some serious pants-feels for Duo’.

Or if that doesn’t match my view of Heero as a character, I may well think that this author has missed the point of Heero Yuy: Perfect Soldier and it’s THEM who has the serious pants-feels for Duo. If it’s the middle of a gritty battle scene, I may also think ‘Wow, is this really the time, author? Put it back in your pants’.

Or maybe in the above example, it’s a 1x2 but this is jumping the gun. Heero isn’t aware of his own feelings yet so this kind of epithet is premature in Chapter 1. Bring it in down the line when Heero’s acknowledging to himself that Duo makes him go all weird and sweaty.

So use epithets knowing that they will describe the target but also the user, and if those things don’t accord, can jar your reader quickly out of the headspace you were trying to achieve or shout your own voice over that of your characters.

Distilling or Reducing?

If I take a mint plant and distill it, I will end up with a bottle of menthol oil which I could shove under your nose and declare ‘this is perfume!’ and you, eyes streaming, would have to stand there and generally agree.

But if i take a mint plant, rip off a leaf and push it in your face and declare ‘this is perfume!’ you’re less likely to agree with me. Because in this case, I am not distilling, i am reducing.

Epithets can work the same way. At their best, they take everything you want to convey about a character and their situation/personality and condense it into one potent phrase that socks your reader in the face.

But all too often, they are used reductively and then you actually lose a great deal of what’s important about a character for the sake of showmanship and/or lazy writer’s short-hand.

Let’s go back to the Odyssey. Odysseus has just washed up after being shipwrecked; he’s naked, salt encrusted, beardy and beasty and savage. Whilst stumbling around on the shore he is met by a princess, Nausicaa. Nausicaa of the long, white arms. That’s her epithet. From a modern feminist perspective, it seems a little reductive, but in the context of the story, it’s a distillation. She plays an opposite to Odysseus in this scene as he struggles to come back to civilisation after his hardships. She is washing rich clothes; he’s dressed in rags. She’s feminine and cultured and graceful; he’s acting like a wild lion. She represents civilisation and ideals with her fragility and her skin that’s been protected from the sun. He’s burnt and has forgotten how to act like a man.

So whilst the epithet is focussed it tells me a lot of what i need to know and expect of Nausicaa in terms of her role in the story, and the fact that she will compel Odysseus to come back to himself as King of Ithaca.

However, epithets are commonly based on appearance, status or origin, and can very easily fall into stereotype and tropes. Remember Homer’s hairy Achaeans? Was that a flattering description? Would Achaeans bang their chest and cheer proudly to be described as hairy, or would they be put out? If Achaeans are hairy, then what are Trojans?

Let’s bring this to a modern context. If I use ‘the American pilot’ as short hand to convey that Duo is brash and loud and reckless...can I guarantee that my reader will agree with that assumption? Personally I know a lot of Americans, many of whom are not brash or loud or reckless. And if Americans in my fic are de facto brash and loud and reckless... what are Chinese people like? Humourless and ill-tempered? Or is that just Wufei? As a British person, I can find it more than tiresome to see myself represented as old-fashioned and endlessly polite; particularly when it gets obvious that the writer hasn’t the first clue about the UK or British culture. I can only imagine what it’s like for minority groups.

If you start short-handing in this way, it’s the top of a potentially slippery slope into unintentional racial or cultural profiling. This is where epithets can start to raise eyebrows or make readers reach for the back-button. You need to ask yourself - is this lazy description or is this meaningful? Is this from a ‘generic’ POV (IE, mine as the author) or is it quantified by the POV of a character in the story who may carry those biases? Should those biases be acknowledged or explored by the story? Should those biases be carried in character speech only, then, or is it ok to put them into the prose?

Is there a way I can characterise that without short-handing with a basic epithet? If I’m already saying that Duo flipped the table and threw his hands up in impatience, does tagging on this epithet strengthen the meaning of those actions, or are his actions defining the epithet?

Did you know that the alternative meaning of ‘epithet’ is ‘a disparaging or abusive word or phrase’? This is loaded description.

And finally, sometimes the epithet is just plain boring. If the epithet is a universal fact, then it is also a static snapshot of the character we’ve seen before; and it’s often not even individual. Heero has blue eyes... but so does Quatre, and so do Relena, Zechs, Mariemaia, Treize, Sally Po, Sylvia Noventa and that guy over there. It tells me nothing about Heero as a person and even if we argue ‘but it’s a specific shade of blue!’ Well...sure. It’s still not that unique and you shouldn’t have to dig that deep into the epithet to make the trait stand out. It’s the literary version of a newspaper headline yelling ‘WOMAN WEARS CLOTHES’.

For example, compare:

‘The blue-eyed Vice Foreign Minister entered the meeting room’

Cool beans. So what? Relena’s arrived but my attention is already distracted away from her looking for something more plot-related. Especially if this is chapter 3 and her appearance has already been described to me 6 or 7 times.

‘The false queen, Relena Peacecraft entered the meeting room’.

J u i c y! Sounds like tea is going to be spilled. Who’s still holding this grudge against her? Is she the villain here? I’m gonna keep reading.

TL;DR

In summary, epithets carry a lot of personal perspective and can be powerful devices in writing. Used well, they will lift up your writing and make it memorable, vivid and engaging. Used thoughtlessly, you can stumble into a number of pitfalls, some which will make your writing harder to read or unintentionally comedic, and others that could make you look like an asshole.

#fanfic writing #writing advice #epithets #YMMV

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anxiously-going · 5 years ago

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4, 8, 28, 29?

4.) What's your favorite genre to write for?

Sci-fi is way up on that list. I've also tried my hand at fantasy, in fact my first exposure to fanfic was my English teacher in high school recommending me to fanfic.net as a place to explore my creative writing skills. I tried out some Lord of the Rings fics, which, along with my Doctor Who fics, will likely never see the light of day. Fanfic aside I also have recently dabbled in the dystopian/post apocalypse flavor of story because I am a sucker for things looking super bleak and then everything getting fixed- or y'know, trying to fix it anyway....

8.) Where do you take your inspiration from?

Wherever I can get it. Not all of it gets used of course, but I do tend to pick up strange ideas in strange places. Yesterday I was watching The Librarian trilogy, and the third movie involved vampires. So instantly my brain was like "here me out, Len gets turned on an away mission and Chekov won't shut up about Russian Vampire Lore and some of his more obscure knowledgeis actually super useful to dealing with the aliens." And I have been telling myself to put a sock in in since.

Course. Other times I see a prompt and there's just so much Potential there, and my brain won't go near it so. I just take what I can get I suppose.

28.) What's something you wish you'd known before you started posting fanfiction?

People are generally excited to read it, and there aren't as many mean people as you think there are.

I mean, sure, I've only been posting for a year, but I haven't gotten a single mean comment on any of my stuff and that's honestly not what I was expecting. I was, in full disclosure, prepared to have my first story go up in flames, delete it, and rename my account and then never post fics again. As it turns out? People aren't that bad. Yet.

29.) Do you have a story you don't feel gets as much love as you'd like?

Not really because I never expected any of them to get any attention.

I'll Have Your Back is one that's pretty near and dear to me. It sort of started out a vague headcanon, and it took quite a while before I finally found the words to shape it into a story.

Also It's Not For Christmas, which sounds kind of ridiculous, because it's my most recently posted, but both of these stories have more personal elements in them for me so I hold them a little closer in my heart.

#ask #this got a little longer than i expected #i'm a rambler i'm sorry #it's one of the reasons i relate so much to the doctor

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glottia-arts · 5 years ago

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New family members?

Oh, a text post? A FANFIC TEXT POST? On my art blog? Yeah. Was gonna put it on my main, but decided against it. I haven’t written anything since high school (aka 5 years ago) so let’s see how this goes-

This was inspired by @konan720 and her cute idea of seeing her Rough Patch, Blueberry, being adopted by my own Rough Patch’s, Neo and Celest. This was going to be posted on Father’s Day, but obviously, I didn’t finish it in time. Unfortunately, it didn’t turn out to how I would have liked, but I might write up another story as this is out of the way. Figured I’d share anyways. Fair warning, the A Hat in Time characters in this story were written in an attempt of being a mix between how they’re portrayed in konan720′s and my own universes. There’s also some sadness, but some cuteness as well in the story.

Word Count: 6,534 _____

“Neo! We’re heading out!”

At the call of his name, the weathered Rough Patch’s ears perked up and he rushed around the corner of his home as fast as he could. His kids were taking off for the day and he didn’t want to miss saying goodbye.

Positioned near the door to the apartment, still adjusting their coats and boots, was his three girls. Hat Kid, Bow Kid, and Mustache Girl. Neo sat down and patiently waited for them to notice him, trying his best not to wag his multicolored tail.

Hat Kid was the first to finish with her outdoor wear and immediately caught sight of the bush cat, smiling widely at seeing him fail to resist wagging his tail. “There you are!”

The second Hat Kid opened her arms for him, Neo jumped straight into them, nearly toppling her to the floor. Bow Kid finished next and looked up to discover Hat Kid laughing almost maniacally while being attacked with love by the family cat. Their loving antics caused her to join in on the laughter. Mustache Girl was still tightening her own jacket, but paused at the noise. Angling her head she saw the cause and smiled to herself, shaking her head then going back to fixing her summer coat.

Neo let up on his snuggling and gently nuzzled against Hat Kid’s cheek, his own version of a goodbye kiss. Laughter dying down to soft giggles, the young alien patted the cat's head.

“All right, you be good now. Mom already left and depending on what’s happening at the studio, this could be an all-day event. She says she’ll try to finish things up fast given who has to come to take care of you today.”

Neo’s smile faltered, trying not to let who was coming over to look after him put him in the dumps. True, they get along a lot better now, but sometimes Neo still worries over his master and kids.

“Hey, hey, hey, I saw that.” The blond done with her own preparations said, joining into the conversation. “Look, I know you didn’t like him at first and truly, I don’t blame you. If it makes you feel better, Mom also has a surpri-“

“Peyton!” Hat Kid yelled indignantly, somewhat appalled her sister would spill something that needed to be kept a secret from the cat.

“What!? It’s not like he can talk! Besides, it might make him feel better! You know how he is when he’s alone with that jerk!”

“Yes, but your mom puts a lot of trust into you, so don’t you think it’s unfair to go against that.” The bow loving child paused, looking from the hooded girl to the Rough Patch then back again. “Even for his own comfort. It is a special secret...”

“Yeah, I guess..” Mustache Girl pouted and crossed her arms, looking off to the side to avoid seeing at her siblings of sorts. She continued on in a harsh whisper. “It’s not like I would tell him exactly what it was.”

Neo tilted his head in confusion. Is a special event happening later? What was the surprise? Overlooking this, for now, Neo nuzzled Hat Kid’s cheek again before jumping to Bow Kid and offering her the same goodbye. Bow Kid smiled, happily accepting it. Navigating her path, with no help from the pale foliage, she made her way to Mustache Girl.

At Bow Kid’s approach, Mustache Girl turned and met with dual glowing eyes. Pout melting to a smirk, she carefully took the Bush Cat from Bow Kid. Getting the same treatment with an added content purr, the girl placed the cat back down onto the floor.

Inspecting over Neo, with Mustache Girl adjusting Neo’s his socks; The girls gave him their last goodbyes and departed to Dead Bird Studios for the day.

After a few minutes of waiting to make sure they weren’t returning for a forgotten item, Neo made his way to the living room, contemplating why they didn’t require his help. It’s very rare when he’s left home alone. Even rarer when he needs a sitter. Usually, when he wasn’t on set with his master, he’d have free roam of her office or even worked up front with the Receptionist. He was a great guard for trouble makers and apparently an excellent ‘complaint box’. Whatever that was. Any time someone complained, the Receptionist would refer them to him. The birds who gripping would shut their beaks and swiftly back out of the room.

Arriving at the couch, what looked to be a pool of darkness appeared in the middle of the floor, interrupting his thoughts. On guard he watched as a figure popped out of the blackness, manifesting into the living room.

“Knock knock, I’m he-“ The newcomer glanced around the living area before his glowing eyes finally locked onto the neon glowing cat. “I just missed them, didn’t I?”

Neo gave the specter a deadpan look yet nodded. It seems today would be an odd day, especially if Snatcher was late. Another rare thing. Glancing to the digital clock, the cat tapped his paw against the couch five times.

“By five minutes!?” Surprise painted the ghost’s features before melting into a scowl. “Looks like I need to remind the minions to not let this mistake happen again.” Pinching where the bridge of his nose would be, Snatcher sighed. “How worried was she? Or was she disappointed?”

Neo didn’t understand what the elder ghost meant. It instantly dawned on him and he meowed to get his fellow ghosts attention. Snatcher slowly looked to him, somewhat appearing to dread the answer. Once in viewing position, he saw the cat shaking his head.

“She left early then?” A nod. “Ah.. so it was just the young brats I missed. All right, I can deal with that. No apologies or anything for later!” Snatcher’s signature smile returned full force, pleased that he was in the clear. “I guess you perhaps deserve one. Too bad! I’m not one for apologies, but I brought you something kiddo!”

It confused Neo as Snatcher pulled around a satchel, reaching into it. He’s never seen the shadow with a bag, he always just... summons something with his magic.

After a little careful rummaging, Snatcher let out a quiet ‘found you’ before carefully grabbing his find, lifting it out of the bag. Neo didn’t expect Snatcher would actually bring him something. Once in sight, it wasn’t a something, but someone. Someone he knew well. The curious cat stood on the tips of his paws, trying to get a better look and confirm who he believed it to be.

In Snatcher’s hand was Neo’s little Rough Patch friend, Blueberry. She was observing her new surroundings with her tongue stuck out, wondering where the forest went. Inspecting her over, Snatcher sighed and pulled out rags that were stored in with her. Even when carefully settled into a roomy pack, the youthful cat still managed to squish some of her berries and make a mess of herself. Thankfully, the bag was dark and the stains on the inside wouldn’t be too noticeable.

Finally clean, Snatcher went to set the bush cat down but was stopped by a loud meow. Looking at the elder cat, Snatcher wondered what the problem was. With neon eyes glared at him, he got the message and narrowed his eyes right back.

“For the love of.. SHE’S CLEAN! I washed her before bringing her. You’re as bad as the brats, threatening to beat me with umbrellas and bats if I don’t live by the hygienic code when stepping into your mother’s home. I’m aware of her allergies and OCD habits, so don’t you dare pretend I’m not.” Snatcher jabbed the hand holding onto Blueberry out toward Neo. “Smell her if you don’t believe me.”

Glancing between the young Rough Patch struggling to reach him and boop his face, to the similarly faced ghost, Neo relented and didn’t bother to sniff Blueberry. He gestured for Snatcher to lay her down.

“Glad we understand each other.”

Blueberry was placed onto the floor unceremoniously. The different surface was weird, so she began tapping her paws to get a feel for it. Everything here was odd, but she didn’t mind. Once adjusted to the carpeted floor, she made her way to Neo and attempted to boop his face. She was taller a minute ago and could have got him! Why can’t she now? Neo smiled at her antics and leaned down within range, giving his friend the satisfaction she wanted. Neo gently booped her back and looked to Snatcher, meowing out an apology.

Snatcher waved the cat off while seeking something else in his bag. “Eh forget about it light bright. It’s annoying being threatened by kids with weapons and a cat who can turn anything into a popsicle. I hope you appreciate me bringing that one here for you to chatter with. It was hard to get her away from the other Rough Patch and her own caretakers. Not without tipping them off at least.” He glanced to Neo and narrowed his eyes. “Not a word of this to them.”

Snatcher almost conjured up electricity to shoot at Neo. Seeing that smug expression that Hat Kid gives him on the cat’s own face was irritating, to say the least.

“... I’m having a nice little conversation with that brat when she gets back.”

Returning to his search, Snatcher found the object he was looking for. Plucking a novel out, he noticed stains and marks were littered over the cover. Eyes thinned, he peered to see Blueberry stare right at him with that ridiculous face of hers. Leaning close, tone half-heartedly threatening and claw pointed right in her face.

“You owe me a new book.”

Blueberry stared at him, not even registering his sentence. Seeing a clawed hand close to her face, she did what any reasonable cat would do. She licked it. Snatcher jumped in surprise at this, quickly pulling his hand back to inspect it. What was akin to laughter could be heard coming from Neo, as he patted Blueberry’s head on a job well done.

“I swear you’re all just trouble makers in this family.” Snatcher grumbled, wiping his fist on a rag, then attempted to clean up his book.

If Neo could talk, he’d have a very ‘mature’ conversation with Subcon’s King. His initial thoughts of a response being “you’re a part of this family as well, so that makes you one too” and “thanks, we have something in common now.'' Funny how being stuck in ice for a long time with the deranged former Queen to being taken in by his new family changed his banter and personality.

Blueberry drew him out of his thoughts by shuffling close to the ragged cat, nuzzling him and trying to do something. Oh! She’s trying to crawl into his foliage. Sadly, with being frozen, he lost most of his leafy disguise to the ice and could barely hide in the essentially deceased camouflage himself. Celest may have some blame for the little one’s action, as she lets the almost baby sized Rough Patch often crawl inside her leafs to hide or play.

Neo tried to deter her, but she was just not having it! Today the young one is very determined and the elder Rough Patch didn’t know why. Sighing, he rested his head atop of hers as she continued on her mission. Blueberry briefly paused at feeling his head connect with hers, but resumed her actions just as quickly as she stopped.

Unfortunately, she could not crawl into his foliage like with the dazzling celestial cat. But at least Blueberry was close enough to Neo where his leafs were no longer a barrier. Soft purring emitted from her as she continued nuzzling him.

Neo wondered why she wanted to be so close to him. He didn’t mind, warmth is always nice and helps with his damaged nerves. It’s just... odd to him. He’s not a typical Rough Patch, or at least he thinks he’s not. He’s not sure what would be normal for his kind. If he was normal, it would probably have been while alive. No magic, no permanently dead leaves, normally colored skin… and who knows what else. Why did she desire to be near a weird cat that should have perished in ice? All the others had...

Flashbacks ran through his mind, combining with his negative thoughts about himself. His rational thought process started shutting down, and he never noticed his shaking nor the tears that trailed down his face.

Blueberry bared no mind to the shaking, yet felt something warm and cold hit her foliage. Shifting from Neo’s side, she glanced to the object that touched her. Glowing yellow and blue liquid on her leafs made her confused. Her berries are a darker shade of blue and she’s never had yellow berries. Shaking her body to rid them of her leafs, tiny ice cubes fell as well. Ice? The last time she saw ice was when the crazy lady everyone talked about was still present in the forest. Maybe Neo was freezing things again? Looking up to him to confirm her thoughts, she was met with a silently crying cat. Never seeing Neo this way before worried her.

Quiet literally jumping to action, Blueberry managed to bounce high enough to lay her front paws on Neo’s face. She sought to stop the flow, but they just kept falling. The action caused Neo to register something had occurred. He wasn’t wholly conscious of what was going on in the real world, but he at least recognized that Blueberry was there and touching his face. With no exact response and the liquid still seeping from his face, Blueberry yelled.

Snatcher stopped his reading to glance up from his new position on a reclining chair, curious about the commotion. Panic shot through him, seeing the undead cat crying both familiar yet unfamiliar tears. To top it all off, the young one was touching him while making loud cries.

Snatcher did his best on quietly shutting his book and placing it down, but with fear present, it sounded like he slammed 20 other books shut while throwing them across an echo chamber. Floating off the armchair towards the cats, he glanced between the two panicking on what to do. In a split second decision, he grabbed Blueberry and hauled her away from Neo. Snatcher did not need to be on the receiving end of several girls chewing him out for letting the small cat become frozen. True Neo didn’t initially react negatively to the howling or touching, but he didn’t want to take his chances.

Blueberry was not fond of being in Snatcher’s grasp, attempting to reach Neo. Her friend is in trouble and she demanded to be there for him. He attempted to silence her, but she continued struggling and producing the same high-pitched noises.

It wasn’t immediate, but Neo soon registered the loud sounds coming from the young cat. Glancing up to see her struggle somewhat pulled him out of his negative musings. Tears dying down, he hissed at the ghost in warning. Blueberry stopped her movements and shouts at seeing Neo somewhat come back to the world. Snatcher huffed, but continued holding her in his palm.

“Look, I was just doing you a favor. You don’t have to get violent over it. I’m unclear over what you were crying about, but you didn’t seem all there. Could have been a terrible situation, with your… emotions.. and powers. You could have easily frozen your little buddy here.”

Crying? Neo didn’t understand, he had been crying? Now that he was settling down and gaining his senses back, his face felt funnier than usual. Looking to the floor, he noticed the glistening tears and the glittering ice. Snatcher was right, he had been weeping. He could have frozen Blueberry in a different situation. Ears drooping and head hung low, he looked like he would go into another depressive state.

“Hey stop that. Ugh, come here.” Snatcher drew close and picked up the disheartened boy. He tried to be comforting, pulling the elder Rough Patch against his body. Neo didn’t struggle as Snatcher thought he would, which was good. Floating back to the recliner, Snatcher retook his seat and placed both cats on his ‘lap’. Blueberry moved close to Neo and inspected his face, observing for the weird liquid to reappear. Neo wanted to turn from her prying eyes, but remained still as his body demanded he stays put.

Snatcher moved to pet the miserable cat, yet hesitated given the cat’s emotional state. Much like his master, Neo preferred to be asked before being touched. At least in certain ways and by specific individuals. Petting was one of those ways and Snatcher, sadly, fell under the category of those that need to ask. Given the situation, Snatcher sucked up his pride and went on.

“Can I… pet you?” Silence. For a few moments, nothing happened. Snatcher thought he might have offended the cat, but almost sighed in relief to see Neo nod. Moving his hand slowly, as to not startle him or his companion, Snatcher placed it on the elder cat's head. With great care, he ran his clawed fingers through the formerly vibrant leafs.

Closing his eyes, Neo accepted the affection from the ghost. Snatcher was surprisingly gentle. Another thing Neo did not predict from him today. Soft purring surfaced from him, nearly causing the feared king of Subcon Forest to giggle in delight. He held back though, cause this was certainly not cute. He did not adore this Rough Patch, or any of the others. No matter what everyone said. All it was, was progress on Neo bonding with him. But gosh if he didn’t wish he owned a phone so he could call and brag about this to the cats caretaker and Moonjumper-

Adding to the situation that already made Snatcher glow with delight, Blueberry snuggled against Neo, including her own purring into the mix. Internally, Snatcher screamed. Darn these cats, if he weren’t already dead he certainly would be now. Free hand doing nothing, he moved it to pet Blueberry’s head. Her purring grew louder and was melting his nonexistent heart. Maybe he should ask to watch Neo next time. He could deal with catnapping Blueberry for this type of situation again. Maybe bring in another friendly Rough Patch or two.

After what seemed like a few seconds later, Snatcher reluctantly stopped petting the duo. Neo’s purring ceased to exist while Blueberry’s died down.

“Now I realize it’s none of my business, but care to share why you were upset?”

Neo isn’t keen on interpreting this, but he’s been informed it’s better just to express something than keeping it to himself. He wasn’t certain how he’d communicate this to the specter. He struggles with gesturing, compared to Celest. After mulling it over and hoping he had a simple yet understandable communication method, he reopened his glowing eyes to begin gesturing.

“Hmm… the ridiculous birds at the studio?” No. “That one TV program you watch with the kids?” Nada. A TV show would be nice to watch right now. “... time constraints on the industry that are leading to the downfall of this-” Snatcher never completed his sentence as Neo, to the best of his abilities, gripped the closest hand of the ghost and shook it. Intangible noises following suit. Backing up to make more room, Blueberry observed the scene unfold. How Snatcher’s hand was being shaken looked like fun, so she began swaying her head from side to side, mimicking it.

“Ok, OK! I get it, that’s not it, quit shaking my arm.” Neo stopped but not before butting his head against Snatcher’s hand, slightly frustrated. Releasing the appendage, Neo smacked his paws against the spectral beings lap, trying to come up with a better way. His family easily understood his gesturing, but for Snatcher he’s at square one.

As he stared at his paws, he figured out something that could help. Looking to the shadow man, making sure he had his attention, Neo gestured to his own face. Snatcher frowned, wondering where the deceased cat was running with this. Still seeing the confusion, Neo gradually moved his paw from one side of his face to the other. Trying to point out the parts of his skin that were still the original color versus the skin damaged by Vanessa’s magic. Seems the ghost understood this action.

“The contrast of your face? Specifically, your skin and your frostbitten skin?” Nodding in confirmation, Neo continued forward.

Neo now gestured and patted his gray mane a few times. Seeing the ghost nod, Neo shifted so his left side was visible to Snatcher. Given the position of the leafs, he tried his best to gesture at the specific orange and green leafs with his tail.

“Ok more contrast… this time, with your body foliage?” Neo nodded and wondered if Snatcher understood. Unfortunately, the ghost was still confused. Neo frowned, wondering how to better convey this.

Padding over to him, Blueberry remained in his field of vision. The confused Bush Cat didn’t understand the situation, but she wanted Neo to know she was still present. Neo glanced at her and realized something, letting out a soft meow. Looking back to Snatcher, he gestured one final time, this time between Blueberry and himself. Blueberry thought this was a game and tried to pat Neo’s paw with her own.

Snatcher followed Neo’s paw, glancing between both Rough Patch’s. Why were contrasts so important? He tried to recall another clue, even in a past conversation. Was there ever any odd behavior like this mentioned prior? Conversations hardly spoke of Neo singularly, only in context with others. After mulling it over, he did manage to recall something. The mention of the cat possibly being self-conscious of his appearance. Snatcher found that odd given Neo’s personality, but using himself and the cat’s caretaker as other relevant examples, he supposes the concept isn’t too far-fetched.

Neo stopped gesturing, seeing Snatcher’s facial features soften. Neo very rarely sees that look. This is only the second time he’s seen it directed towards him though, and he does not like it for some reason. Snatcher carefully grabbed both Rough Patch’s, bringing them into a hug. Neo stiffened at first, but relaxed once he got used to the contact from the ghoul. Snatcher quietly spoke to him.

“It seems the issue was simple. You’re uneasy about your new appearance. Especially being surrounded by others like you, who are as colorful as you used to be. Unfortunately for us, death has taken many things. You were lucky though, you kept your body and didn’t have to go through what the others and I had. It is a shame we cannot quite look as we used too, but we adapt. There will be those that may not like your appearance, but” Snatcher pushed Blueberry closer to Neo. “There are still those who care about you, regardless of said appearance. You’re lucky in that regard Neo.”

Neo’s eyes widened in response to Snatcher’s reply. The ghost can be quite thoughtful when he wants to be. Coming down from the shock, he thought of the actual words the former lawyer uttered. True, he wasn’t vibrant with living color as he used to be, nor will he ever walk the same, but his family loved him. Those outside his family cared for him. Multicolored undead mess and all. He might not quite understand why they do, but at the moment he supposes he doesn’t care. Negative thoughts did try to worm their way through, but he just kept on thinking of what Snatcher said. Remembering all the love and affection he’s received from everyone.

His past life was nice, but this current one? No better people could have found him. The Dweller’s of the past will forever remain in his heart, but this new place? This new family? The love here feels just right. He doubts his insecurities will go away right off the bat, but for the ones he cares about? He’ll try to be better. One step at a time.

“Glad you’ve seen the light rough boy, now. How about I read you some of this story? Stories tend to help your caretaker relax after she’s been in similar moods.” Much to Snatcher’s surprise, Neo pounced onto his fluffy collar, excited to listen about a story.

__________

The rest of the day flew by for the trio. Much to Snatcher’s prediction, the cats fell asleep during his storytelling. Some odd hours later they both awoke, Blueberry full of energy and ready to play.

Neo couldn’t take part very long in the playful actions, but made sure Blueberry at least had fun. Crawling all over him seemed to be her favorite activity. She even brought him a few household objects to mess with. Snatcher immediately replaced those as soon as she was done presenting them to Neo, attempting to keep the apartment in the same condition as when he appeared.

When snack time fell, Blueberry often disappeared. Snatcher never knew where she ran off to, just that she always appeared shortly after he laid her snack out. The final time is where he vowed he would always keep an eye on that cat as long as she remained on this mortal plain. This was the time he finally decided to pay attention to where she would wander in from. Setting her meal down, he scurried off to his seat, opening his book and pretending to read.

Time ticked by slowly, waiting for her arrival. Where was she? It took her no less than five minutes to arrive at her dish prior. Closing the neglected book and placing it down once more, Snatcher slid off the chair, searching for the Rough Patch.

Not in the living room. Nor the kitchen. Heck, not even the bathroom. He doubted that she wound up in any of the bedrooms. Where could she be? Asking Neo was out of the question. Said cat was wedged between some couch cushions making sure recordings of kids shows went uninterrupted. Patch boy had dedication to the family; there was no doubt about that.

Drifting over to the food bowl he tried to figure out where she disappeared to. If he had been paying attention, he could have picked up sounds not coming from the TV.

Giving up on speculating, he concentrated on her soul. Unfortunately, the second he pinpointed her it was too late. Falling from the air-conditioning vent was not what he expected in the slightest. Thankfully, she landed safely on his head, squishing some of her namesake on him in the process. Blueberry ever determined, began running on the top of his head. Reaching for her added another mistake to the list, as she didn’t wish to be captured. Next thing he knew, she had jumped down into his fluff. Somehow the cat managed to wriggle around in there. Trying to and with no avail catch her, Snatcher gave up and sat down by the Neo.

New TV episode finally finished, Neo pressed a button on the remote to end the recording. Finally acknowledging Snatcher, Neo saw that Snatcher just looked done. Stains littered his head and his fluffy collar was a mess. But also, moving…? Safe to assume, this is what Blueberry had done after he took his eyes off her. Snatcher wouldn’t hurt the excited cat, so Neo left him be.

A few minutes passed before someone entered the residence. Neo’s ears twitched, struggling to determine who arrived, but no sound came. Pushing his way out of the couch cushions, he maneuvered to glance over the furniture, ready to pounce on whoever just arrived. Snatcher noticed how alert Neo was, narrowing his eyes and glancing to the same location. Fire in hand, he was bracing for trouble.

“Knock knock!” A voice sang out. Floating into the duo’s view, Moonjumper revealed himself.

Hearing his voice, Blueberry stopped her antics and peaked out of the fluffy maze. Annoyed by his appearance, Snatcher extinguished his flame.

“Well well, if it isn’t everyone’s favorite ghost.”

“Good to see you as well Snatcher.” Ignoring the sarcasm, Moonjumper approached the couch. Beaming brightly at the two forest creatures. “Even greater to see you both~”

Tail wagging, Neo meowed happily in response. In her excitement, Blueberry jumped out of Snatcher’s collar. She would have face planted on the couch if not for the orange strings that caught her.

“Careful now. Don’t need to hurt yourself or stain the couch.” Strings lifting the girl up and placing her into his open palms. Visibly squashed berries shown, he began crafting a makeshift handkerchief with his strings. “Don’t need your mother to worry about you more than what she is.”

Cat now out of his hair, Snatcher did his best to fix it back up. “Darn troublemaker has had worse falls than that. Trust me.”

Moonjumper didn’t know what to make of that comment. Frankly, he was a little afraid to ask. So he chose to ignore it for now, cleaning Blueberry up with the now finished handkerchief.

“So, why the heck are you here? No one else is home. Pretty rude to enter a home uninvited, don’t ya think?”

“For your information, I was granted permission to enter. I tend to ask or call ahead of time, unlike a certain character.”

“You want to go mask boy?”

“Perhaps another time. Plans have been established and I don’t intend to miss them.” Clean once more, Blueberry received some affection before being settled down by Neo.

“Oh? You finally get a date?” Snatcher smirked, draping his arm over the couch to face the other ghost better.

“I suppose, but not in the way you’re assuming. As for your other question...” Moonjumper turned to face the entrance hallway. “All right miss starflower, you can present yourself now.”

Another person was here? None of them recognized the nickname. They could hear soft and slow thuds along with bell chiming.

The sight of seafoam green surprised Neo. With all these weird events taking place, today seemed like a dream. Fully in view was his very first Rough Patch friend, Celest.

A high-pitched squeak escaped from Blueberry at the sight of the celestial Rough Patch. Moving as quickly as she could, she hopped down from the couch and ran to greet the large Rough Patch. Celest was barely halfway to Moonjumper before the tiny Rough Patch ran and jumped into her foliage. Reaction time to this was slow, Celest stopping a few moments after feeling the little one worm her way into her leafs. Neo joined the two on the floor, sniffing the surprisingly well-cleaned cat.

Snatcher’s hair flared up in annoyance at seeing the enormous Rough Patch. “You really know how to agitate me you darn forgotten doll maker. Constantly having to one-up me!”

“Well, this wasn’t my plan. I’m just the delivery boy today. So if you need to take your ire out on anyone, why not our mutual friend?” Moonjumper slyly glanced over his shoulder to his irritated counterpart.

That got the purple ghost to shut his trap, but he nevertheless glared daggers at the puppeteer.

“Besides, I had no idea you had brought little bramble berry here with you. I had heard all about how you ‘stole her’ from her mother. She was thoroughly upset about that. If today were any other day, I’d have it in my right mind to settle the score for upsetting her so. At least I can inform her you only brought the little bush here instead of who knows where else.”

“Figures she’d cry to you about it.”

Moonjumper narrowed his eyes, irritation finally showing. “She had every right to be concerned, provided how you were prior. Still somewhat are I should say. As we were with the children and the young miss of this home nearly the whole day, they likewise heard this.” A barely visible flinch. “I anticipate a lecture in your future.”

Running a clawed hand down his face, Snatcher groaned. “Just great... wait… you were all together for nearly the whole day? They were supposed to be helping those annoying birds at the studio. How’d they have the time to fetch the Alpine Rough Patch?”

“Yes, they were helping the directors, just for the morning. I gathered my own party then met up with them around noon, transporting us to the mountain range. From there we continued to the Twilight Bell and commenced our search. It was quite the hassle trying to locate the sacred bell’s guardian, but you probably don’t want to hear about it. And yes, all the girls are ok.”

“I don’t care what happens to them!”

“Right… well, the delivery is completed, now on to my next query. I’ve been requested to fetch you for the evening.”

“Really? What about the Rough Patch’s?”

“They’ll be fine. Neo and Celest know how to take care of themselves, adding in the young one to their watch won’t be troublesome for them.”

Snatcher doubted that, given how much trouble the young one caused him in the end.

Both glancing to the group, the elder bush cats were laying down side by side. Blueberry squished between both of them. Neo was talking to Celest about something; she in turn sitting as still as a statue listening. Blueberry was relishing being wedged between both of her seniors, snuggling against them for warmth.

“See like I said, just fine. Now come along, the girls are expecting us.”

Grumbling, Snatcher stood. “Fine, I’m coming. So where are you dragging me?”

“That’s a secret, my friend.”

“Of course it is.”

“Nothing bad will happen, if anything it’ll be a nice night for you and I both.”

“What’s going to be happening exactly?”

“I’m not at liberty to say.”

Eye twitching, Snatcher huffed and threw his arms into the air. “FINE! DON’T TELL ME! Just take us to where we’re needed!”

“Of course, just give me a moment.”

Floating over to the bush cat trio, Moonjumper leaned down to pet each of their heads. “Now all of you be good. I’ll bring everyone back later. As for you Neo.” He leaned in close to whisper to the curious cat “Alles gute zum Vatertag.” Leaning back to examine the cat, he was quite shocked. Moonjumper covered his mouth to keep from chuckling at the adorable expression. “I see you recognize that. Good. I hope you know for the rest of your existence; along with your current family, the little one and your companion here really love you.” Emphasizing that, Blueberry squealed and rubbed her head against Neo. Celest made a soft confirmation sound of her own, startling both ghosts.

“.. she does sound like a little whistle.”

Moonjumper stared in awe at the large cat, but came back to his senses. Right, the girls.

Coughing, he rose back up and glided to Snatcher. Looking backward to the cats one final time he waved, grabbing Snatcher’s arm with his other hand then teleported them away.

Neo was still rather shocked from what the big man in orange just told him. Was that today? That explains why all the girls have been excited this past week. His own master even thought of bringing Celest here to visit him. He supposes this was his gift. Not that he minded, Celest’s companionship was great! If he was being honest with himself, he missed her quite a lot.

Snatcher even brought Blueberry. Another he had missed. Neo would think this would be Snatcher’s gift, but the shadow was not aware of these celebration days. Neo still remembers when his master or girls would have to explain one of the days to him.

Before he got too much further into his thoughts, a voice caught his awareness. Twisting his head, he saw Blueberry crawled her way near his face, still squealing and bobbing her head back and forth. Celest was looking at him oddly, it was an expression he was uncertain of. Something about it caused his insides to feel warm. Embarrassed for what seemed to be no apparent reason, Neo turned away struggling to cover the yellow and blue blush painting his face.

Blueberry pushed her way out from in between the two, pawing her way to stand before Neo. Observing him, she wondered what he was doing. Hiding? This wasn’t hide and seek; they played that earlier. He didn’t even bother saying anything back after big puff and her supported Moonman’s statement. Maybe he didn’t understand? That was possibly it. Staring at his socks, an idea came to her head. Tapping at Neo’s left paw, she attempted to get him to lower it. After a few moments he did to question her, but she was already in motion. Once in range, she bit down onto the sock and started tugging it off.

Meowing in turmoil he attempted to make her stop. This even surprised Celest, causing her to move and try to stop her. Once it was evident she would not give up, Neo stopped struggling against her so he didn’t ruin the clothing item.

Sock torn off, Blueberry spat the offending cloth out of her mouth. Locating the heart shape on his paw, she started tapping on it. Seeing it puzzled him, she stopped. Remembering something, she pushed his paw inward towards himself. It was a bit of a process, he’s so much bigger than her. Once his paw was touching his chest, she meowed and pat his paw once again.

It didn’t take long for Neo to get what she meant. He was astounded that she learned of this fact about him. Normally when he put his left paw against someone’s chest, it was his way to tell someone he loved them. He only ever did it with his master and the children. Now that it was thrown back on him, especially by a Rough Patch he cares about, he choked up.

Celest saw tears develop in the undead cat’s eyes and shuffled as close as she could to her companion. She knew of his insecurities with their kind and this seemed to be another step in the ideal direction. She’s proud of his progress and pleased that Blueberry is helping him as well. Leaning down she nuzzled the top of his head before resting her cheek against it.

Neo was shuddering at this point, but unlike the tears from earlier, the ones that fell now were happy. Damaged arm moving away from himself, he reached around Blueberry and tugged her towards him. Doing his best, he tried to avoid getting tears on her, but failed miserably.

This time she didn’t seem to care about the tears, just glad that the hurting Rough Patch got the message. Blueberry closed her eyes and curled up against Neo, relaxing in his hold.

Neo might struggle over his insecurities and may never truly get over them. But for now, he’s happy his family is with him. All of his humans, a friend, and another little girl for him to love.

#A Hat in Time #Rough Patch #Neo #Blueberry #Celest #A Hat in Time OC #original character #Hat Kid #Bow Kid #Mustache Girl #Snatcher #Moonjumper #glottia writes

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smashing-teacups · 6 years ago

Note

19, 29, 61!

19: What does your URL mean?LMAO SOOOO... way back in the day when I was a wee bairn of sixteen, writing my first novel-length fic (in another fandom entirely), I thought I was super duper clever and used teacups falling to the floor and smashing as a foreshadowing device for Very Bad Things to Come. So this handle is literally me mocking my teenage fanfic writing self. I wish it was something cooler than that - an ode to my terrible crockery-smashing temper, a dislike for tea vs. coffee... but no. No. Nope. Scathing self-mockery.

29: Do you believe in ghosts? How about aliens?A hesitant yes to both, because if I say no, what if they come get me?

61: Are you wearing socks right now?Hell no. It is MAY, and thus I am in perpetual barefoot-and/or-flipflop season from here until snow falls again!

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pingo1387 · 6 years ago

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2AM

Drabble written for writing class a year ago, for a future fanfic. Franky and Robin visit an all-night diner.

The man with the limp and the prosthetic nose led the messy-haired woman down the street, glancing back every so often to check she was still behind him. They ignored the honking cars crowding the road and the occasional shout from the buildings packed tight together—all meaningless noise that he, at least, had long since grown accustomed to. Skyscrapers loomed in the distance and neon signs screamed if looked at for too long. Someone jumping from a metal stairway nearly bumped into them but caught himself in time and cursed at them before striding away.

“Here we go.”

The man opened the diner’s door and the woman walked inside, barely aware of her surroundings. He followed and brought her to a booth, where they sat on stunning, stained red vinyl, their reflections sharp in the window. A stopped clock hung above them and struggled to tick forward as a justifiably bad-tempered waitress brought them menus, slapping the plastic down on cheap wood. The woman’s feet brushed the cool linoleum floor, but it was warmer than the sidewalk outside, and she stared at her menu as if it was an alien thing.

“Are you gonna order anything?” the man asked when she didn’t move. She shook her head.

“Well,” he said when the silence persisted, “at least have water. Please?”

She nodded. The waitress stopped by again, eager to speed up their visit.

“Coke,” the man said. “And a hamburger and fries. Medium rare, every topping you got.”

“Water,” the woman said, her voice not more than a murmur. The waitress, accustomed to mumbles, nodded and whisked away their menus after writing down the rest of the man’s order.

“So,” the man said. “I’m Franky.”

“Robin,” the woman whispered. She glanced up at him and looked back down, but not before he noticed her heterochromia.

“Can I ask why . . .” He shook his head. “Guess that’d be super rude. Well, do you—where do you live?”

“Upstate.” Her answers, though they had become real words, remained short and direct.

He scratched his head. “You wanna go home? I can call you a cab, if anyone even bothers with this area at this hour.”

“I’m not going home.”

“Ah, yeah, alright. Well—”

The waitress interrupted them with their drinks. Robin held hers, flinching and pulling away to rub off the condensation from her hands, and Franky took a drink from his Coke so quickly some splashed onto his cheek.

“So, you want a place to stay?” he asked, seizing a napkin to wipe off his face and frowning.

She shrugged and took her water again, taking the smallest of sips. The clock above them continued its futile struggle to move time forward.

“I’m not leaving you out on the streets, especially not at this hour,” he said with authority, as if he’d had experience taking care of people in her situation. “I’m not a therapist, but—come on, even I know a warm place to stay makes anyone feel better. My mom’s a super cook, and I have a friend who lives upstairs—plays the violin. He’d be happy to chat with you. That sound good?”

“I suppose,” Robin said, her voice growing stronger. She took another sip, shivering.

“Where’d you leave your shoes? I can go fetch them tomorrow if they’re still there.”

“I threw them in first.”

“Oh.”

The food arrived. Franky thanked the waitress with a hearty smile and dug in, finishing half his fries in a matter of seconds.

“You sure you don’t even want a fry?” he asked, pushing the basket towards her. She lifted a hand and plucked one limp piece from the pile, but she didn’t eat it at first, instead staring at it and tearing it in half, and then in quarters, and then in eighths, and then she finally ate the tiny pieces one by one, chasing each with a sip of water.

“So you can borrow some shoes, and socks, if you want,” Franky continued when she remained silent. “When we get to my place, you know? Or we could even go out on the town tomorrow and get you a new pair. Maybe not new, but something to call your own.” He took a bite of his burger and swallowed, wincing at the amount of mayonnaise the cook had dumped on the bun. “So, I mean, does that sound good? And feel free to take more fries.”

Robin nodded again and took another fry. Franky only offered once more before finishing off the meal himself, chasing the rest of his burger with the rest of his drink.

“You’re making me feel guilty,” he said in a weak attempt at lightening the mood. “I feel weird when I’m the only one eating.”

He looked at her hopefully as the waitress took away the basket and replaced it with the check, but a stab of true guilt pierced him when her eyes welled up.

“Sorry, that was a stupid joke,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck. He reached into his pocket and put a roll of bills on the table, standing and holding out his hand. “Hey, let’s go, yeah? Stick with me.”

She wiped her eyes and took his hand, leaving her half-finished water to puddle on the table, and they left the diner, the stopped clock still fighting to tick.

#one piece #franky #robin #opfanfic #writing adventures #ask to tag

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wendelah · 7 years ago

Photo

Everywoman is a multifandom gift exchange for fanfic and/or art which is focused on female characters. Nominations end Friday June 1: Tag Set. The nomination form is just a click away. You can nominate four fandoms, eight characters or groups of characters, in each. You can nominate crossovers, too.

Schedule: Noms: May 25th - June 1st Cleanup: June 2nd - June 3rd Signups: June 4th - June 11th Assignments out by: June 14th Assignments due: July 13th Final pinch hits due: July 19th Stories revealed: July 21st Authors revealed: July 28th

More details at the Everywoman 2018 FAQ

This is open to artists and writers. You do not need to have a Dreamwidth account to participate. You do need to have an account at AO3 to sign up. I don’t know what the wait time is for an account right now but I do have some account codes. Let me know if you need one.

Signups – Requests & Offers

Requests: There is a required minimum of three distinct fandoms requested. You may request up to ten fandoms.

Offers: There is a required minimum of four distinct fandoms offered, you may offer up to ten fandoms.

Fic/Art Requirements

Fic is required to be at least 500 words, fanart must be a nice sketch at minimum. No lined paper, no photomanips.

Socks are allowed, just don't cause trouble with them.

It’s a short time frame to work in, but 500 words? No problem. The X-Files is already nominated but so many fandoms with great female characters are missing. I can and will nominate Fringe, Timeless, Parks and Recreation, plus one fandom tbd. Maybe The Americans if I’m not gutted by the finale on Wednesday.

The Dreamwidth community is small so I’m signal-boosting in the hope that more people will (1.) make nominations and (2.) sign up to write and create art about female characters.

In case you’re wondering, the poster is made from the cover of the first issue of Deviations: The X-Files. Yes, it’s an X-Files canon AU with two female leads. I’d nominate it if I thought anyone but me would write it or request it.

In a world where young Fox Mulder was abducted by aliens and never returned, another Mulder takes up the crusade against deception! Meet Samantha Mulder, a believer who won’t stop until she finds out the truth about her brother!

#everywoman fanworks exchange #deviations: the x-files #signal boost #The X-Files

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alkanet · 7 years ago

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Tagged

Tagged by @sandalwood01 and @tsukuyomiland

R U L E S

- Always repost the rules.

- Answer the random 11 questions posted for you.

- Create 11 new ones and tag 11 people.

- Let the person who tagged you know that you answered.

@sandalwood01‘s questions:

1. Favourite film? Animated: The Heroic Legend of Arslan Live action: The Lord of the Rings

2. Do you read fanfiction? Sometimes. Not too often, because I’m VERY picky about fanfics, there is a long list of things I don’t like finding in them. But if I find a fanfic about my OTP, or someone recommends one, I’ll read it. I prefer short fics, though.

3. Do you write fanfiction? I used to write, sometimes, but again, not very often. You can still find some of my old, old works at Fanfiction.net xD (I deleted some of the oldest ones because they were too embarrassing).

4. What’s your dream job? Wow, I don’t know. I wish I knew. If I had a clear dream job, I’d be working towards my dream and not stumbling in life as I am v__v But I’d like an artistinc or creative job. Illustrator, fashion designer, writer, singer, actress... if there was such a thing as a professional cosplayer, of course I’d like that too.

5. What do you like to do in your free time? Lately, I spend most of my free time on the internet... Also reading, roleplaying, sewing, listening to music and singing along.

6. If you’re an artist: do you prefer working with traditional or digital media? If you’re not an artist: what media do you find more appealing, visually speaking? I prefer traditional art, that’s what I do. But I find digital art very appealing visually. In the past, I thought it looked too artificial, but with modern techniques, digital artists create amazing pictures, so full of life! I want to learn digital art too.

7. How many languages do you speak? Spanish, English, and some Japanese.

8. What’s your favourite music genre? I don’t really have a favourite genre, but my favourite band does folk rock, so I’ll choose that (I don’t listen to other folk rock bands, though).

9. What internet browser do you use? Firefox is my main browser. I also use Chrome for my RP accounts, so I don’t have to be logging in and out (I keep both browsers open when I’m roleplaying and checking my personal accounts at the same time). Sometimes I also open Internet Explorer for a 2nd RP account.

10. Are you wearing socks right now? If so, what colour? Yes! I’m wearing my blue Ravenclaw socks (I’m a Gryffindor but I bought a 4 pairs set with all Hogwarts houses :D)

11. Recommend me either a song, book, or fanfic I might like :) Oh wow... I always go blank when I have to recommend something ^^U I’m halfway through the Liveship Traders trilogy by Robin Hobb and it’s quite addictive.

@tsukuyomiland‘s questions

1. Your favorite fairytale? Cinderella. I used to collect different versions when I was younger. 2. Favorite dog breed? Siberian Husky. 3. A car or a motorcycle? A car, I guess. I’m not very interested in vehicles, but a car would be useful (to go to conventions, especially) 4. Favorite fruit? Apples are what I eat the most. 5. Do you believe in aliens? Yes, but I’m also scared of them. 6. Your favorite X-Men? Storm! 7. Beach or swimming pool? Beach. 8. Traditional or digital? Traditional. 9. Romance or adventure? Adventure, always!! 10. Least favorite candy? Liquorice. 11. Best sword? WHAAAAT you can’t make me choose! xD Andúril.

@tsukuyomiland‘s questions again because she tagged me twice (it’s what happens when you take ages to reply to memes ^^U)

1) What’s your favorite dinosaur? I don’t have a favorite one xD 2) Pluto is still a planet for you? Yes! 3) Water levels in videogames: yay or nay? It depends? But they are usually stressful... 4) Which movie will have a sequel if you could make one? I don’t like sequels too much... 5) And from which novel/comic/videogame would you make a movie? I’d love a movie of the Belgariad book series! Actually, more than one, because it’s 5 books... at least a trilogy or a TV show... 6) Do you have a piggybank? I have a slimebank (a piggybank shaped like a Dragon Quest slime, but it’s really small and I can’t save a lot xD) and a savings box I share with my brother for our big cosplay projects (we save a fixed amount every month). 7) What’s inside your purse/backpack/bag/pockets? Keys, wallet, chapstick and phone (but I usually take my phone in my hand to play Pokemon Go) 8) Which color is your umbrella? Beige and brown, with polka dots and a ruffle. 9) Favorite phase of the moon? Crescent moon. 10) Do you like karaoke? YES!! I love singing!! 11) Your best way to relax? Listening to music and singing along. I usually do that while I’m working on a cosplay or coloring a picture.

MY QUESTIONS

1. Your favourite dessert or candy

2. Describe your current fashion style

3. If you could live anywhere (real or fictional, or just a generic place like “at the seaside” or “a castle”), where would it be?

4. What is your favourite nostalgic cartoon/show from your childhood?

5. What is/was your best subject at school?

6. Your favourite flavour and scent

7. Can you drive a car?

8. What do you do first when you wake up?

9. Do you like shipping a lot of pairings, or do you have just one OTP?

10. Do you use journals or schedule books to organize your life, or just improvise?

11. You get kidnapped by the villain of the last show/movie you watched, who is it and how bad would that be?

Tagging @ukinea, @equinebay, @la-sub-rosa, @laxusjojosmokerbiggestfan, @billgatesmousepad, @littlesmokecloud-yan, @envythedestroyer, @vovat, @kawanokatsuhito, @amidiggory, @colleyuriko

#tagged #meme #long post

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braincoins · 4 years ago

Text

He groaned as he came to, and she sat up straighter in her chair, setting the tablet aside. As his eyes opened, she pushed the button to bring the head of his bed up a little, because she knew he’d try to sit up, and also that he shouldn’t.

“Ellen?” he asked groggily, head flopping in her direction.

She blinked. He never called her that in public. Hell, he never called her that outside their shared moments in a bedroom they’d started sharing more out of necessity than romance. But he’d said it, so she’d respond likewise.

Still, she was quiet with it. “I’m right here, Dwayne.” She laid a hand on his arm.

“I feel like shit,” he groaned. “Don’t they have painkillers here?”

“They do, you’re already on them.”

He winced. “Great.”

She slid her hand down his arm, took his hand in both of hers and gave it a light squeeze. “Dr. Lau said it went well.”

“I’ll take his word for that,” he replied. “Hard to tell right now. And there’s still...”

She interrupted him. “Don’t worry about the cost right now. You worry about getting better. You’ve needed the bio-heart for a while now.” She didn’t say how long.

“Yeah, I know.” And he didn’t say why.

Neither of them discussed why he’d waited either. Back in the US, back when they were fresh from LV-426, he could’ve gotten the biomechanical heart implanted for a low cost, because it had happened on duty, on an official mission for the USCMC and The Company.

But it would have also meant being sedated in a hospital that The Company practically owned. It would have been the exact definition of letting his guard down. It might have meant he would conveniently “not wake up”.

“How’s the kid?” he asked instead.

She smiled. “Fine. She got her official name change.”

“Let me guess: she’s Ellen now, too?”

She chuckled. “No. She’s Jordan.”

His brow furrowed. “What?”

“She’s Jordan Ripley. To remember the past, but not be tied to it.”

“I’m still calling her ‘Newt’.”

“She still wants to be called ‘Newt’,” she reassured him.

“Bishop and the shithead?”

“Don’t call Jones that!” she retorted in mock-outrage.

“Why not? He is.”

She snorted. He could very well have pointed out that she called him a little shithead on a regular basis.

“He’s fine. Bishop’s fine. He likes his new job.”

“At least one of us does.”

Hicks was a mall cop, which he hated, but it was low-profile, no security clearance to file for, and it was a steady, if not lucrative, paycheck. Bishop had landed a security job as well, but at an R&D center. They only cared about model number and capabilities; most people still didn’t bother running security checks on artificial people. His paycheck was also steady, and much larger.

And Ripley was back at the docks. She felt safe in a powerloader, even if she sometimes had brief flashbacks of flashing teeth and acidic slime. Not exactly a glamorous job, but at the end of the day, she at least had a sense of achievement: this many boxes loaded or unloaded, that many shipments sent off. Her paycheck fluctuated based on the work - sometimes she got sent home if there wasn’t enough to do that day - but there was a union to make sure she got HK minwage each check, at least.

“I still think it was too soon,” he said quietly.

“No,” she insisted. “You needed this. You heard the doctor. Your heart was too damaged to keep going much longer otherwise.”

He sighed. “I know, but...”

“We’ll figure out the money,” she told him. “Stop it.”

“Fine. I’m too tired.”

She stood, keeping hold of his hand with one of her own, and leaned in to kiss his cheek. “Get some sleep.”

“And don’t dream?” he asked with a wry grin. He’d heard it enough times.

So instead she said, “And dream only of good things.”

“Oh, so... you then.”

She blushed. “Stop being charming and go to sleep.” She tried to pull away, to go sit down in the chair again, but he gripped her hand tight.

“Hey,” he said. “Bio-heart or not... it’s still yours.”

She stared at him, blush roaring into full flame on her cheeks. “Dwayne, that’s...”

“You don’t have to say anything. You just have to know.”

She leaned in and kissed him, on the lips this time. “I love you, too,” she whispered. Then she stood up straight and ordered, “Now sleep.”

“Affirmative,” he said with a wink and a yawn.

She shook her head, reclined the bed for him and went back to her chair. She picked up her tablet and tried to resume reading, but his words ran over and over through her head and heart. She sat there and smiled.

#Socks writes Aliens fanfic #Ripley/Hicks #Dwaylen

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they-are-there-upon-his-head · 7 years ago

Note

Hi, I just really need to talk about modern AU great Comet hcs Please love me

an unprompted ask?? for me??? this is the content I signed up for

so yeah i’m just gonna make a big ass list of headcanons lemme know what you think,,, i love modern au so much so this is also a long post beware!!!

these are random as hell but are heavy on the Andrierre, which is good and bad because I love this ship but also I haven’t read War and Peace so some of the Andrey headcanons might be dead wrong

and of course feel free to correct and/or add on to this list! I’d love to hear what you guys have to say about this and I’m always up for talking about Great Comet

so let’s begin

Anatole is a picky picky picky eater, he’ll only eat very specific things like That One All-Natural Organic Overpriced Brand Of Mac ‘N’ Cheese™

9 times out of 10 Helene is going to or drinking Starbucks

Dolokhov will eat ANYTHING but he still ends up going to Taco Bell way too often

he drinks too much Mountain Dew

Pierre keeps his shirt on at the beach/when swimming

he only leaves the house to walk to the local convenience store and buy snacks, and the liquor store to buy booze

Marya loves couponing

Dolokhov prides himself on his cool sneakers

Sonya plays the ukulele

she wears a lot of scarves and flannel and loves autumn

Andrey owns a lot of soft gray sweaters

Mary has a really old ipod nano that has like ten songs on it but she listens to it and dances while she cleans in the morning when her father is asleep

Helene wears athletic wear (track pants, cool sneakers, etc) for the aesthetic but isn’t much of a fan of working out

Andrey goes for a run every morning

Natasha uses the dog filter on Snapchat way too much

Balaga wears a weed hat and weed socks

there’s a 99% chance Anatole has texted “send nudes” in the last 12 hours

Pierre has a lot of t-shirts with random bands on them

Marya loves strong coffee

Natasha and Sonya share a room that’s decorated with fairy lights

Andrey works a bunch of jobs and has really weird hours

lucky for him, Pierre never sleeps

so they often go to the local diner together at 3am and get milkshakes and cheese fries

Pierre fucking loves cheese fries

Sonya had a weeb phase

Dolokhov is still in the tail end of his emo phase tbh

Anatole secretly loves Buzzfeed quizzes

Balaga is an uber driver

Sonya watches a lot of Food Network and HGTV

Natasha loves The Bachelor

Dolokhov watches roast videos

Pierre once watched vine compilations for 13 hours straight

somehow word got around that Dolokhov secretly has an embarrassing tattoo (something along the lines of “I love my mom,” perhaps?) but when confronted about it he turned bright red and vehemently denied its existence

Helene wears those Aesthetic™ shirts with random French words on them from like Forever 21 or something

Dolokhov wears Timberlands and track pants and snapback hats

he also wears his socks pulled up high like your friendly neighborhood fuckboy

Natasha has worn the same pair of Uggs for a long time

Balaga unironically wears Crocs (often paired with his weed socks and oversized denim cutoffs)

Dolokhov takes snowball fights very seriously

Andrey can drive but he hates doing it

he bikes to work and around the city

Mary also hates driving, but that’s because she’s deathly afraid of it

Pierre bought contacts but never uses them, he just wears his glasses instead

Dolokhov is really into sports, both watching them and playing them

his favorites are soccer and basketball

he forces Anatole and Helene to watch some games with him and they hate it

they just rate the players’ attractiveness instead and end up talking and wolf-whistling over all the commentary

Dolokhov is annoyed by it at first, but always ends up joining in and marveling at the muscles on these guys! look at those fucking biceps

Natasha visits Pierre once in awhile and brings some gifts and food (usually baked goods that her and Sonya make)

they just sorta hang out and talk and eat, sometimes Pierre makes tea for them and they have a little tea party

Pierre’s very awkward but Natasha is good at diffusing the awkwardness, mostly by talking a lot about nothing

one time she convinced him to let her paint his nails and honestly??? Pierre kinda liked it

he wanted to tell Andrey about it but Andrey still doesn’t seem ready to talk about Natasha

Pierre’s ok with it though, he’ll give it time. Andrey will come around eventually.

Mary swears by medicinal teas and herbs for almost every ailment

she also collects flowers and dries them and hangs them in her room

Dolokhov does parkour

Balaga runs a meme account

Marya has everything you could ever need in her purse, including napkins, Advil, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, tampons, pepper spray, tweezers, Beyonce’s entire discography, the whole city of Moscow, etc

Pierre has a lot of books on the French Revolution

one Valentine’s Day, Andrey got Pierre a locket with Napoleon’s face in it and Pierre was so confused until he opened it and he just looked so pained while Andrey laughed

honestly Pierre thinks it was actually really fucking clever and it’s kinda sweet that Andrey noticed how into the French Revolution he was

also, he had never seen Andrey laugh as hard as he did in that moment and that made it all worth it

Pierre’s favorite TV show is Gravity Falls, though Ancient Aliens is a close second

he also watches reruns of Jeopardy a lot and is surprisingly good at it

sometimes Andrey will watch it with him; Pierre gets all the history stuff and Andrey gets more of the pop culture questions

Helene listens to Lana Del Rey, Dolokhov has a soft spot for twenty one pilots, and Anatole is always a slut for some Britney

Pierre listens to Radiohead and other depressing existential indie/alternative rock

Natasha is a sucker for a good love song, Broadway musicals, or any happy boppy pop song tbh

Sonya loves folk music and anything with string instruments

Andrey is partial to some good 90s grunge rock (Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Weezer, etc)

Marya listens to pop music of the 70s and 80s music, stuff of the “good old days”

boy oh boy can she GET DOWN to Dancing Queen

Mary thoroughly enjoys Christian rock

Andrey secretly loves to dance, he’s one of those people that just kind of loses himself in the music and is just completely in the zone while dancing

honestly??? Pierre’s jealous because 1. how do you relax while there are people around you and 2. how the hell does Andrey still look cool

Pierre is either too self-conscious to dance or he just kind of nods his head to the beat, that’s all he’ll do

(unless he’s alone in which case it’s WILD)

Dolokhov’s dancing is basically just jumping with some fancy footwork once in awhile

Anatole and Helene twerk. c’mon of course they do

one time Natasha tried to teach herself how to twerk and Marya walked in and grounded her for a week

Pierre thinks The Shawshank Redemption is the pinnacle of cinema and will fight anyone who thinks otherwise

Natasha sings in the shower

Anatole loves chick flicks and has a crush on Ryan Gosling

he forces Dolokhov to watch shitty romcoms with him as revenge for Dolokhov forcing him to watch sports

but I mean they’re all curled up on the couch with their arms around each other and Anatole’s crying and Dolokhov’s laughing at him and they’re eating ice cream and takeout from the one place that Anatole actually likes and it’s just them because Helene’s knows that this is just Too Much™ so she left and she’s basically the voice of reason in their friend group and it’s really quite the experience

Pierre was in a really shitty cover band in college

Balaga is always high

Sonya loves oversized sweaters and leggings

Dolokhov has his ears pierced

Helene has a nose ring

not a day goes by when Anatole doesn’t quote Mean Girls

Mary owns a lot of those wooden blocks with random little quotes on them (you know the ones – they’re in any given Marshalls and dearly beloved by suburban wine moms), like “Be happy” and “Jesus loves you” and “You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy chocolate”

one of Andrey’s many jobs is waiting tables at Applebee’s. Pierre has visited him there a couple times and boy did Andrey look dead inside

the only reason Andrey works so many jobs is so he can afford his own place because his father is a piece of shit

Pierre offered to help with the financial aspect of it but Andrey wouldn’t let him pay for it

still, Andrey ends up sleeping over Pierre’s a lot, not that Pierre minds

Old Prince Bolkonsky exclusively watches FOX news and he yells at the TV a lot

he eats the same thing for lunch every day: a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, which he makes Mary prepare

fun fact: Mary is allergic to peanuts

Sonya works at an ice cream parlor and brings home desserts for Natasha and Marya

Marya loves chocolate ice cream, Natasha prefers vanilla with rainbow sprinkles

Sonya is a butter pecan kind of girl, if we’re getting into it (and we are)

Anatole likes French vanilla (it has to be French), Helene likes coffee, and Dolokhov is partial to death by chocolate (or something similar)

Bolkonsky has to have peanut butter ice cream, Mary likes strawberry

Andrey prefers sorbet, but if he had to pick, he’d go with pistachio

Pierre’s favorite is cookie dough

Balaga probably found a way to make weed ice cream tbh

Mary loves scrapbooking

Sonya writes fanfic

she loves to read and wishes she lived in a Barnes & Noble

Andrey and Pierre play video games together and they’ve gotten really good at it

neither one of them likes intense fighting games but they do really like Mario Kart

Andrey plays as Yoshi and Pierre plays as Bowser

Pierre tried to teach Natasha how to play but she kept falling off cliffs

her favorite character is Princess Peach

her and Sonya dressed up as Peach and Daisy for Halloween once and it was really cute

Pierre has worn the same black hoodie for two years

Natasha runs an aesthetic blog

she also writes poetry on said blog

one of Andrey’s coworkers keeps accidentally calling him Andrew and it makes Andrey so irritated

the Kuragins can’t swim

Dolokhov tried to teach them but it didn’t work because Helene’s bikini kept falling down and Anatole wouldn’t go under water because it would ruin his hair

if Andrey goes over Pierre’s during the day, he’ll help him clean the house because Pierre has no motivation to do so

about once a month Marya will stop by and remark how disgusting the house is and before Pierre can even defend himself the whole house has been vacuumed, the windows are washed, the laundry’s done, the clothes are folded, the shelves are dusted, the bathroom’s scrubbed, the beds are made, and there’s fresh flowers on the kitchen table

then they hang out and complain about people to each other and it’s a grand old time

Pierre’s really grateful to Marya, but she refuses to take a compliment

let’s be real though, she relishes in watching Pierre keep saying nice things about her because she keeps denying them and he feels obligated to make her agree

Pierre has a shitty Toyota Corolla from the early 90s that has no AC and is being held together by duct tape and he’s afraid to drive it but too attached to sell it

Sonya has a folder on her laptop that’s just pictures of Tegan And Sara. that’s it

Marya doesn’t know how to whisper

Pierre loves the movie theater but will only go if Andrey or Natasha go with him

after the whole Anatole Fiasco™ Natasha and Sonya blocked Helene on Instagram so she kept making fake accounts until they accepted one of the follow requests

Andrey takes Halloween very seriously

Pierre bites his nails

Helene taught Anatole how to do makeup and now he won’t stop contouring

Anatole takes an obnoxious amount of selfies

Sonya’s wardrobe is almost exclusively from Target

Pierre spends an embarrassing amount of time on Wikipedia

Marya had a flip phone up until a couple months ago when Natasha and Sonya convinced her to get an iPhone

Marya hates it because she doesn’t know how to use it and it makes her feel stupid

but Natasha’s teaching her how to use it and it’s kind of growing on her, it’s just so practical and functional and now she has a pretty red case for it that matches her nails and

Marya goes and gets her nails and hair done every couple of weeks, it’s her mandatory “treat yo’ self” ritual

Anatole pretty much only wears pastel colors

Dolokhov pretty much only wears black (or very very very dark gray)

he has a black jean jacket decorated with lots of pins that he wears all the time

there’s a skull pin and one that says “Jesus hates me” and a Blink-182 one and an Obama one and a gay flag one and an eggplant emoji one and one that says “I love my boyfriend” and it’s fucking iconic

his favorite shirt to wear it with is his Batman shirt

Dolokhov likes DC better than Marvel, Pierre’s the other way around (is that what the duel was fought over??? lmao)

Anatole doesn’t care but he thinks RDJ is hot

Andrey likes both and doesn’t understand why everyone’s so angry about it

Helene has an extensive collection of bralettes

Natasha hates pants and only wears skirts or dresses

Sonya doesn’t think she’s very good at drawing or painting but she still does it anyway because it makes her really happy

Pierre once said “love you” while talking on the phone with Andrey and he didn’t know what to do so he just PANICKED and chucked his phone across the room but he forgot to hang up and it turns out Andrey didn’t even hear what he said after all

ehhh hopefully this is pretty good? it was fun to make and made me laugh while writing it but let me know what you think!! and please add on to this post, i need more modern au headcanons hhhhhh

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