#Sorry but I just can't help but think about the logistics of how this shot was taken

[twotailednekomata]

Edit: I have been told that the Yellow account this screenshot came from is fake. Still pretty impressive, though!

I understand this is not the intended reaction (*Vsauce music* Or is it?) but who, the fuck, took this above-view angle and how!?

[be-the-glenn-to-my-maggie]

I’m dying to hear about the your Norm and Tsu’tey HCs🤭🤭 (Side bar: I’m also so conflicted about Tsu’tey living hcs bc then we don’t get Jake’s imposter syndrome (?) feelings about being the leader of the clan (ik there’s a name for it but I don’t feel like looking up how to spell it) yk? Like I’m sure he’d probably still have it to some degree but idk it’s like on a lesser level yk? ) this is probably a grammatical nightmare I’m so sorry 😭😭

Hi friend, no, don't worry, I understand completely what you're trying to say.

First, you've completely distracted me with your side note, so we have to start with that. I see no reason why Tsu'tey living can't still involve Jake's imposter syndrome feelings, in fact, even make them a new and bigger beast. I think there are two schools of thought with Tsu'tey surviving the Battle of the Tree of Souls; one where he lives and remains clan leader and Jake becomes kind of like his right hand man, and two where he is severely injured in the battle to the point that he is disabled and he gives his role to Jake. I adore stories with both, and I see endless potential in both, but I kind of love the second one just for the pain and trauma and potential healing that it poses.

Like, come on. Tsu'tey is shot like a ton of times. I think they only way he could survive is like, Eywa intervention and also human surgery and tech. I'm thinking it would have to be that one of the humans finds him first, or once the battle was over Norm and Max had separated Jake's loyal humans out to help with some medical help just because so many people and Na'vi were hurt, and once they found Tsu'tey Mo'at encouraged letting them help? The logistics of how it would even work, letting the humans help, are a little complicated to me.

BUT ANYWAYS, I feel like that's like, double the imposter syndrome drama. Tsu'tey is still a badass, obviously, but he can't do things with the ease he used to. He gives his title to Jake because it takes him years to recover properly, and even then he knows he won't ever be like he used to be. There could also totally be a layer of mistrust in some of the older Na'vi, their leader should be dead but was saved by creepy human tech, and the new possibility is fucking Jake "used to be human" Sully? DON'T even get me started on the fucking ride Jake and Tsu'tey can go on, getting close over life changing disabilities, crazy leadership pressure, and being weird Eywa freaks. BUT ALSO Jake just stole this dude's job and fiancee, and now he's disabled? Please that has to be some imposter syndrome and guilt like crazy. And Tsu'tey definitely has some bitterness and guilt, but also feels useless and aimless? Like what is his purpose now, Jake and Neytiri have a family and the clan and he's just, like wandering around like half the guy he used to be, no family and should be dead?

AND THAT'S WHERE NORM COMES IN. Norm gets the weirs, jealousy, uselessness, I've-been-replaced-in-my-one-purpose feeling. My guy was hired with like seven degrees to do a job Jake came in wholly unqualified for and half assed his way through epically and changed the state of the world. Idk, I feel like in a ton of ways they are kindred spirits in a polar opposites way. Same feelings in different circumstances.

I've said this before, but one of the things I adore about Norm and Tsu'tey as a concept is neither of them is each other's first love. They both had their epic love story, their perfect person. They had their fairytale. And now they are both a little older, a little more jaded, and a little more broken and aimless. They also were both in a heterosexual relationship before. It's so far from a replacement of what they lost, it's learning to be a new person in the wake of the old and finding the perfect person for the new ones they've become. They're both stuck in each others world for the time being, what with Tsu'tey stuck recovering in the base and Norm now stuck on Pandora forever. I think that is a fun concept to explore. I've gone too far into this though, so here's this word vomit.

[calciumcryptid]

CalciumWatches: Never Let Me Go Episode One

This is a very dramatic opening.

Oh, hello daddy issues. That was quick. Not even a minute in.

Nueng: I understand I am not as important to my dad as his work is. // Mom: I'm glad you understand him. :) // Me: Wow.

The father does look punchable. I hope he gets punched.

Eighteen and already put to work. Damn. Rip Nueng.

His father is setting me aflame with anger.

There is going to be an arranged marriage sub-plot isn't there? I can sense it.

Oh, so the father has someone to carry his umbrella but his wife and son have to carry their own? I see how it is.

At least he is self-aware about being a shit dad.

Hmm, that is a suspicious amount of women in the cast. My arranged marriage plot line senses are tingling.

Oh, daddy dearest is dead? I said punched, not shot.

Damn. Okay. Wow. What???

Hmm, the intro is not helping my arranged-marriage senses.

His father JUST died, give the kid two seconds.

Since his father is out of the picture, can I be his step-parent? Nueng, no offense, but your mother is hot.

Oh good, I have a name for his mother. Hellooo Tanya.

The hottest woman, even though she is probably going to cause some mommy issues.

Who is this mysterious man? Men?

Sleeveless Pond, save me. Save me sleeveless Pond.

There is nothing hotter than a person in a white tank top.

I see Palm is a dramatic bitch. Lovely.

DAD???

NOT THE WHITE SHOES- I see you rich brat.

Oh, the pseudo-uncle is going to die.

Damn. No friends. Friendless.

I wonder if there is going to be a secondary couple in this.

I think I am supposed to be paying attention to the music club leader dude's obvious fat crush, but I am too distracted by the Christmas tree.

Oh, there is going to be some homoerotic shooting lessons aren't there?

Palm!

There is something up with Uncle Chanon. :/

Interesting first meeting.

Is one of the problems an arranged marriage (please say no).

Oh, Palm is smitten. You can't convince me otherwise.

[ Ad from where Legal Site got the Episode: Wait, hold on. When did this come out? 2022? When did KinnPorsche come out? Also 2022. That explains why I got a MileApo jumpscare (affectionate). ]

Nueng, why are you holding a gun? We both know you can't use it.

Right into the pool, standing close and awkward while on is half-naked. This is a bizarre thing to do with a man you met like not even twenty-four hours ago.

Oh, so Pond has the kicked puppy look patented.

Once again, bizarre thing to say to a guy you met not even twenty-four hours ago.

Oh, yay, Palm is having fun! Get that bag.

Nueng, why are you lurking?

Palm, why are you following?

Okay Boys Love. I am pretty sure the logistics of that happening are not in the narrative's favor. It is very funny, they both have a startled dog look but like Palm may naturally put his hand there but their bodies are not-

Sorry Nueng, I'm fairly sure you have a dog now.

Oh, the real uncle(?) emerges.

Tanya is a queen. I want her carnally.

Uncle Kit, as in fox kits?

Uncle Kit, that is a bizarre thing to say.

He isn't going to try and marry Tanya is he?

Oh that kid who followed him earlier is probably his son, isn't it? He wants to take over the business and have his son in line? Damn.

NOT THE FATHERS DAY EVENT! FOUL! VILE! EVIL SERIES!

Already offering to catch you, what a nice man.

That is like three boys love too close shots in one episode??? Damn.

I take it back, Nueng's father seemed absent but nice.

Oh damn, he was shot on his birthday. My brain skipped over that detail.

Oh, Nueng has a brain. Lovely. When are his braincells held hostage?

How am I suppose to feel about Nueng's dad? I can't tell.

That is the fourth time they've gotten very close together. Magnets.

Wait, no, this is so sad. Why is Nueng's request Palm being his friend? What is with these sad businessman, when I am I going to get a happy businessman? (Well, I guess Kinn was happy but in the dark romantic comedy way.)

Thanks dad for drafting me into being your boss son's bodyguard.

Hello Chopper, can't wait to meet you. I bet you are evil.

The face Nueng pulled when Ben got closer to him in the preview. I love this one specific face Phuwin makes. It is amazing.

[mlobsters]

supernatural s13e12 devil's bargain (w. eugenie ross-leming, brad buckner)

laughing that the recap shows asmodeus impersonating cas on the phone, i have such a blind spot for this plotline because i aggressively don't care - i had forgotten they did that too (i was just guessing when i mentioned it prev ep), and sometimes i think about the process for picking clips to include in the recap. like, these dumbasses forgot about the asmo!cas phone call, better remind them (it's me hi i'm the dumbass it's me)

CAS Yes. And the archangel, Michael, again the Apocalypse World version, wants to use the spell to invade and conquer our world. That’s why I met with Lucifer. DEAN So…You met … Cas, I specifically told you not to do anything stupid. CAS Well, he was weak and given the context of our imminent annihilation it didn’t seem stupid. Lucifer wanted to help fight Michael.

what's stupid is dean telling cas not to do anything stupid. i would snap at my kids for that and tell them they're being rude and mean. so i'm glad cas snapped at him, slightly, and sounded mad

SAM Oh yeah, Lucifer wanted to help, sure. CAS If he were lying I’d have known it. He was, he was scared. But Asmodeus showed up before we could finish our conversation and when we finally managed to escape Lucifer did try to kill me. DEAN Oh so much for helping.

feel like they're trying to reestablish lucifer being scary. something about being sarcastic but like, he tortured our sam for an unknown but probably very long time, they have every right to be bitchy and sarcastic at the least towards cas on news of him sorta working with lucifer for a minute

ketch and asmodeus shenanigans *eyes glaze over* ditto for lucifer having to be human

DEAN Cas, I’m sorry. All that time you were with Asmodeus, I should have known it wasn’t you. CAS No, he’s a shapeshifter. Besides, I was the one who got myself captured. DEAN Yeah, but if Sam and I knew you know we would have– CAS Yeah, I know you would have tried another long shot. I’m fine, Dean. DEAN You sure about that?

my dig at the soulless plotline, but how long did dean (AND BOBBY) go with soulless!sam before realizing something was seriously fucked up with him (i would say an UNREALISTICALLY FAR TOO LONG TIME) but if we're accepting that to be in-character, then surely brief phone calls you can't expect dean to have realized it wasn't cas -_- so apologize for making the don't do anything stupid comment instead.

ah so this is the episode with danneel in it (oh, just looked it up, didn't realize it was more than one) i knew she was an angel but didn't know when. haven't seen anything she's in, only know of her vaguely due to jackles. was very much not expecting a ... very young sounding voice. her smile reminds me a bit of kate siegel

SISTER JO Don’t be afraid. You’re whole again.

oh lord the ableism. how do you think that feels to people that have facial differences? ugh. i know that's super common and pervasive but ugh.

girlboss angel, okay, why not

mmmk. little distorted demon growl in the mix of that whole scene

DEAN Alright, I say we take dickbag back to the bunker and find out what he knows, put a bullet in him and burn his bones and flush his ashes. CAS I like that plan.

how about since you know 100% this guy isn't going to break under torture, and that torture info is bad and useless anyway - just kill him and be done with it. i know, shows gotta do this, but i'm so over everything.

SISTER JO We don’t have to rush. We can do this slowly.

really wasn't expecting the kinky angel action a la sam and ruby. i feel the logistics of the angel grace recharge that's supposedly happening here don't quite add up :p but weird sex scene with jackles's wife. that just keeps going. i get it.

KETCH I know you think I’m a monster. DEAN Because you are. KETCH But even I must draw the line somewhere. And letting Lucifer free upon the earth? Well, as it turns out, that’s my line. Not to mention the whole Michael situation. I know you want to kill me. I know you can’t forgive me but if you think about it I’m the lesser of, well, at least three evils. All I ask is that you wait to murder me until after I prove useful. Hmm?

lesser of at least three evils was funny, i'll give them that. still heavy sigh over all this

DONATELLO (screaming) It's like pulling friggin' teeth!! (calmly) I’m working my way through the ingredients. SAM Right. Okay. At least we know the spell we need is in there and we have a plan.

so does that mean sam is all hunkydory now that they have a plan? no more "in a dark place" sam? insert eyeroll

speaking of eyerolls. did they get a proof of concept from him showing he can actually make angels?

LUCIFER Hail to the king, baby.

mhm. preferred when ash said it :p

it's on the damned tip of my tongue who he's reminding of and driving me up the wall. but the cackle i cackled. ARCHANGEL BLADE. okay. why not. couldn't even come up with some random cool sounding backstory having thing like the first blade. nah. just like the angel blade, but upgraded.

gabriel? sure, why not. not like i can keep track if was supposed to be still dead or whatever. s13-15 like one long reunion tour?

[andorerso]

Hey, so you don't have to answer this ask and I'm sorry for sending it on anon, but I just wanted to say that I think you shouldn't feel obligated to cater to your potential readers to a fault. Everyone reads and prefers different things and for you to alter your story because your readers prefer this or that kinda feels to me like you're letting go of your creative freedom of writing, and that's what fanfic is all about, right? Write the things how they feel natural and right to you and not because some people might prefer it differently. If they really like your story they will read it no matter what. 🫡

Also I mean this in an encouraging way, I hope I didn't come across as rude or condescending. Have a nice day!

Hey, thank you for reaching out, I see what you mean and I'm not offended or taking it the wrong way. But honestly, in this case it's just logistics. Nothing about the story actually changes except for how it's divided up. While I did envision a long one shot at first, that was when I thought it'd be 10-15k. Not potentially 25-30k (yeah, with the smut addition, it's gonna be even longer than I said). So I was already starting to feel that may be too long for a oneshot, and my original plans may need to be altered a bit because of the length. But the overwriting is all on me. I could have kept it shorter, but that didn't feel like the story I wanted to tell.

At the moment, I don't want to break it up into chapters because it doesn't feel like a chaptered story to me, but a two parter would make sense (first they're rivals, second they're hooking up). So I felt like it could work either way, and I could use some advice to see how people feel to decide. (Although at this point, I think I'm definitely going to divide it up. I might be willing to post a 20k oneshot, but not a 30k one.)

I don't feel like that is catering too much to readers. I know you can't please everyone so that's useless. I really only ask for opinions when I'm stuck and can't decide for myself, in which case I feel I might as well ask what people would prefer because it does actually help me. And every writer needs help occasionally. And sometimes seeing an option not win is what makes me realize, hey, that's the one I wanna go with actually!

[awellboiledicicle]

That moment Astarion has to explain what he is because Hawke literally gets up out of "What the fuck"

"Shit, i-- I wasnt going to hurt you, I just... need blood."

A beat of silence.

"Why?"

A scoff before Astarion realizes the man in front of him is either serious or wants him to admit it. Honestly, were he not so damned hungry he'd have the patience to lie, come up with some clever excuse like having a disease that needs it or something. But he's desperate and Hawke isnt stabbing him yet.

"For-- I'm starving. Normally I'd hunt some animal, but I'm too slow now-- I havent eaten since we were taken." A look of dim recollection crossed Hawkes face before being overtaken by a look that made him squirm. Frustration. "I was only going to take a little, I swear!"

"Is that..." Hawke spared a glance across camp toward the other tents and Astarion worried he was about to try waking the others. Thankfully, he simply looked back and crossed his arms. "This is going to sound strange, but is that a you thing or an elf thing?"

Well now he was hungry and confused.

"What."

Hawke's expression flashed annoyed before settling back into the sort of exhausted wariness he usually wore.

"The blood thing. Have we been starving you and Shadowheart? If so, I'm very sorry-- does it need to be fresh, or from a specific animal--"

Some part of him was considering this reaction very lucky, but it was drowned out by the fact Hawke stepped closer and seemed right where he wanted him. He'd ponder logistics of Hawke's confusion later, right now he was just... starving.

"No, no, it's just-- just me." He ran a hand through his hair and glanced around once more to make sure no one had stirred. A bit unfortunately, he caught sight of Anders peering out from their tent, watching with a look of tired interest. "Shit. Listen, I'm just not strong enough to be useful. You need me strong for fixing all this and I need your help."

"How much do you need?" He sighed, rolling up a sleeve while Astarion tried not to look dumbfounded and Anders started out of the tent. "Don't give me that look, love, if he needs it he needs it."

"I'm getting up so you don't let him bite you like a dog." Anders grumbled, stretching and making his way over. Astarion had a protest half formed, panic bubbling up a bit at the idea that not only would he be stopped from feeding but that this healer was about to use his staff against him. Which would not be ideal. "Is it a disease or possession?"

"Pardon?" His nose wrinkled as the healer came close and peered into his eyes a bit more intensely than he liked. "I don't think its either? Look, why does it matter?"

"Because one can kill Hawke and the other we have to worry about you deciding cannibalism is a good idea."

"Hells sake, no-- I'm a spawn, I can't turn anything."

"So vampirism is different too. Interesting." Anders hummed and glanced at Hawke. "If he can't turn you, and you're really going to let him drink your blood--"

"I'd rather keep it, but it's not the first time something needed my blood and this one is at least on my side."

"Fair." Anders sounded less than convinced, but dutifully held out a hand to Hawke. Astarion watched as he extended his arm and the healer drew a knife from his belt. "I'll open a vein and you get what you get."

"I really could just... sink my teeth in, you know."

Anders frowned and felt along Hawkes arm, not looking up as he found a vein.

"And bruise all the muscles? No." He laid the knife against Hawke's forearm and pursed his lips. "Ready, love?"

"Ready." He shot Astarion an amused smile. "Don't spill any, now. My blood's a hot commodity."

Astarion would normally have quipped or made some comment about not wasting it, but he was so. So hungry. The second the ruby red bloomed across the other man's arm, he was on him with all the intensity of the starving beast he was. The taste was phenomenal as he expected, but there was a surprisingly bitter note to it. Not enough to gag him, but enough to slow him a bit. As his mind cleared, he became aware of just how closely the other two were watching him.

Eventually, the wound coagulated and he resisted the urge to lap at it, to knick the skin more and keep going. With all his self control he pulled back. Anders immediately wiped at the wound and held up his hand, before frowning and grumbling.

"Let me get some water and some potion. It should stay closed, but I'd rather it was clean."

With that he returned to their tent, leaving the two rogues alone.

"Better?"

"Much. My head is clear and I feel... happy." He rolled his shoulders and idly wiped at a spot of blood left on his lip. "But, as invigorating as you are... I do need something more filling. I'll be back in time for watch."

"Bring back anything substantial-- we could have used that boar." His tone was light as he relocated to a fallen log by the fire. "Or just mark it and we'll get it later."

"Noted. And, Hawke?" He paused at the edge of the fire light and cast a glance over his shoulder. "This was a gift, I won't forget it."

In the morning Astarion is just surprised Hawke (and Anders, with rolled eyes) stick up for him. Though Hawke does scold him for sounding absolutely like he's being sarcastic about helping.

Hawke and Anders are gonna keep fucking up the races in Faerun for a bit because like. Why are the elves tall. What do you mean being on the surface isn't that big a deal for dwarves here but being underground is. why are some of them purple. whats a githyanki and what do you mean they lay eggs. Lae'zel you hatched from an egg?? huh.

There's dragon people??

They're going to be quietly confused when Shadowheart makes the "half elf" comment to Lae'zel because they just assumed she was an elf too. Half elves with mostly elven features are rare and yeah they met one, but he was a mage and they kinda figured that's why the elven genes were so obvious.

They don't even mean to be insensitive or anything, they're just deeply in the space of having known about like four kinds of people in their lives and suddenly theres like 10 minimum.

Its mostly a problem for Anders, because he wants to be able to heal everyone that needs it. So he's just like frantically looking through books they find for info and while they didn't like the apothacary's shop for being a secret necromancer thing, it did have recipies and books on anatomy. Which would actually throw him-- since autopsy and detailed anatomical knowledge was a highly controlled thing in Thedas, or at least in the south. Anywhere the Chantry could insist it was blood magic, anyway.

Hawke meanwhile is just treating it as an ever evolving game of trivia. Oh, there's crow people. And cat people, somewhere? And snake people? huh. Neat. Magical creatures not out for blood? cool cool.

Anders is also deeply curious why Lae'zel, from an oviparous race, has breasts. He debates asking before deciding he likes not being stabbed with swords.

[thefudge]

i think you mentioned in a previous post that the kathony sex scene seemed rushed to you. care to expand on that?

yeah, i was referring to that first sex scene in the great outdoors lol

okay so, everything about it felt...truly bizarre to me. the editing, the choreography, the "underwear" & stays that looked way too modern, even for bridgerton, the setting (!!!), the confusing visuals etc.

like, yes i could see the passion and chemistry....but also i couldn't? because the editing was so choppy and rushed i could barely understand what the hell was happening. i get that they were going for that heady, fever dream atmosphere, to show how frantic kate & anthony are in their lust for each other, but surely there was a better way to do it? instead of looking natural, the whole thing looked staged and weird. and i cannot stress how distracting the victoria's secret lingerie was. even if we ignore the fact that kate would've been wearing a shift under her stays, i don't get why they had her keep the stays on during the whole scene. it's not like the actress shied away from showing her nakedness later in the season. if it was supposed to be some kind of statement that kate was not ready to be *that* naked to him...well, it didn't really hit home, since anthony was already parked between her thighs, which feels a lot more intimate to me. and the stays just looked so baaad and out of place. they looked like a tiny, glorified bra and it annoyed me to no end. there was that moment where anthony reached up with his hand to touch her over the stays while he was eating her out and i kept muttering "just take off the stupid bra!" instead of enjoying the scene. speaking of which, couldn't we allow the eating out to...actually play out? couldn't we slow down a little? idk, the whole choreography felt so chaotic. maybe the actors were told to improvise and do what felt right...but maybe more direction would've helped! half the time i had no idea what i was looking at! it took several gifs on tumblr to figure out the physics of the whole thing.

which brings me to the setting. ughhhh. outdoors sex. i'm not saying it couldn't have been fun, but what they had to work with was two small and uncomfortable settees. the undressing part was hilarious, because there's a shot where kate is standing clumsily above anthony, with those annoying lingerie shorts covering half the screen, and...i could only think she must've climbed up on the settee??? i mean, it doesn't make sense otherwise. i remember i started laughing, because that's such a funny mental image??? and it just keeps being ridiculous because you can't figure out how they're standing/sitting!

logistics aside, why not have this moment happen during one of their morning park rides? and let's say they both return home super-flushed but everyone assumes it was due to the riding (hehe)? the park is a) more secluded, b) more meaningful to them. cuz the pretty bower where they hook up felt so random and exposed? like anyone could've walked by cuz it's practically in anthony's back yard. and sure, you can say they were reckless with passion but...idk, it still felt random to me.

i guess my last complaint is that, because it was so weirdly edited and put together, the sex scene lacked actual passion to me. it felt anticlimactic. it felt like talented actors going through the motions. you're telling me that after soooo many tension-filled scenes of them staring longingly at each other, when they finally get down to it we get no in-depth reactions? idk, some close-ups of their faces, an exchange of emotional looks when he's on top of her, anything! it's weird because they give us a lot of close-ups of random body parts, but they suddenly pan above them during the sex and the whole thing looks almost impersonal.

anyway lol, i'm sorry i'm pontificating over a sex scene, but this show kind of sells itself on the regency raunchiness, and it was kind of lacking here, not because it wasn't "raunchy" enough, but because the raunchiness wasn't allowed to play out, and the emotional aspect of it was so strangely muted, esp for a couple that seemed so intense.

[turinn]

Naive

Ray Blackwell x M!Reader

Summary: An invitation at a party reveals that Luka had no idea you’re gay, and brings up a concern you hadn’t had before. Tags: Crack, fluff, secret relationship, mention of homophobia, alcohol consumption A/N: This is based on a dream I had where Luka and I had this exact conversation and when I woke up and remembered it I nearly threw up laughing. I did actual research for the girls outfit and hair bc im a fashion history nerd. the pocket watch i just thought was cute. Fenrir calls the reader fruity but its okay bc hes gay too god bless Word Count: 1.5k

The party was the usual affair expected of the Godspeed's, an air of elegance- present but not too overbearing- hanging over the large hall. Music drifted gently to your ears as you took everything in, a small smile settling on your face.

You couldn't help but feel a little underdressed. The officers had, of course, kept their uniforms on, but everyone else present was dressed to the nines. You'd thought the suit you wore was lovely when you and Seth had seen it last week, dark blue with a white trim, paired with a pale cyan tie and pocket square. The gold watch that settled comfortably in your pocket had been a gift from Blanc, supposedly made by Oliver to look similar to his own, to commemorate your decision to stay in Cradle. Compared to everyone else, it felt rather simple now, but you pushed the thought aside. Nobody was judging what you were wearing, they were here to enjoy themselves same as you.

"Would you like a drink?" Ray asked, voice soft enough not to startle you too much. This wasn't too effective, as you'd gotten lost in your thoughts, and sort of forgotten there were people around you, but it was kind of him to try. "Oh, yes, please." You smiled at him and a moment later he'd walked off, talking to Sirius about something, leaving you alone with Luka. Fenrir had disappeared to greet his family when you'd first arrived, and Seth was who knows where, but you didn't mind it being just the two of you. Luka rarely came to these, in fact this was the first he'd been to since you'd arrived in Cradle, despite it being your fifth, and you decided someone should stick with him so he didn't feel quite as nervous.

As you turned to say something to him, you noticed a lady making her way over to the both of you, looking rather flustered. Her fists were clenched at her sides, and she seemed to be muttering something to herself, but it was clear she had intent to speak to one of you. Perhaps she wanted to talk to Luka? He was cute, it wouldn't surprise you. What did surprise you, however, was when she walked up to you instead.

"Um, excuse me if this is far too forward, but... would you be interested in dancing with me?" She sounded so nervous, and you almost wanted to say yes. Any other man would have been lucky to get such an invitation- she looked stunning. She wore her hair in curls, gathered at the back of her neck, with a hairpiece of pale blue flowers was pinned at the front, a necklace donning the same type of flower hanging just above the neckline of her gown. The gown in question matched the colour of the flowers well, though the width of the crinoline supported skirt would have made you concerned about the logistics of dancing with her- if you'd had any intention of saying yes. Her cheeks were tinted pink as she chewed her bottom lip and waited for your answer, avoiding your gaze. A hand on your chest and a sincerely apologetic look on your face, you began to respond. "Oh dear. I'm terribly sorry, but you seem to have gotten the wrong end of the stick. You're a very attractive young lady but I'm afraid... how should I put this," You glanced at Luka for help, but he seemed to have no idea what you were trying to tell her, "I'm afraid I don't tend to set my eye on the ladies, so to speak." "You're... gay?" A sympathetic nod. "That's the ticket. Sorry, love." "Oh, it's not a problem! I'm really sorry to have bothered you!" She suddenly looked much less nervous, though a little embarrassed, and scurried off. You sighed. "I feel a little bad. I really hope she finds someone to dance with." Luka looked at you quizzically. "Why did you lie to her?" A confused laugh escaped you. "I'm sorry?" "You told her you were into guys. Why lie?" As he said this, Seth and Fenrir came up behind him, and hearing his question their eyebrows shot up. So did yours. Was he kidding? "Luka, sweetie, you have got to tell me what part of my personality made you think I was heterosexual, so I can set about changing it immediately." Seth choked on his drink, and though you flashed him a grin, you weren't entirely kidding. Going from Victorian London to a world where being gay was perfectly acceptable had been quite the change, but you'd been certain all of your friends had known. It's not like you were quiet about it, and sure, Luka was naive but... come on, now. "Wait are you... you were being honest?" "Yes?" "Luka," Fenrir began, stepping next to you and resting an elbow on your shoulder, "How have you seriously not noticed that he's gay yet?" "Well- there was no reason for me to assume!" "You watched me drunk make out with at least 2 different Black Army soldiers in my first month here!" Luka looked flustered, and utterly dumbfounded. The expression was one he wore often, usually when people insinuated that someone was in love- but somehow about five times more confused. He was unfortunate enough that Ray and Sirius returned at this moment, just in time to hear both your last remark, and his next one.

"I thought that was just something you did when you were drunk?" In another moment you were on your knees, legs shaking so much from laughter that you couldn't hold yourself up any longer. Fenrir was right there beside you, practically convulsing. Everyone else was laughing too- except poor Luka. You felt a little bad, truly you did, but this had to be the funniest thing you had ever heard. "He's completely straight, but watch out! Get a couple drinks in him and he turns fruity!" Fenrir managed to get out between cackles, and Ray was glad to have put your drinks down when Luka had last spoken, because he too nearly fell to the ground at this.

"Luka- Luka I'm sorry." You pulled yourself to your feet, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. "We aren't laughing at you." Another fit of giggles overcame you. "Okay we kind of are, but it's not malicious or anything. That was just... hands down the funniest thing you've ever said." It took most of you 5 or so minutes to fully calm down from what he'd said, and anything that jogged your memories of it would bring you back to a state of uncontrollable laughter for the rest of the night. Luka came round to it being pretty funny after you talked him through the dozens of times you'd mentioned your sexuality to him since you'd met- every one of which had gone over his head.

Hours after the party had worn down and you'd all made your way home, you lay in bed, your head pressed against a familiar chest, and sighed. "What's up?" "I just... D'you think anyone else just hasn't realised?" Ray cocked his head, confused. "I'm gonna need a little more info than that, kitten." "I suppose I just... Back in London, it's not even legal to be gay, and I don't know if it ever will be. When I first came out to Fen, he told me that it was fine here, accepted and even celebrated. So, I guess I just thought that people wouldn't make the automatic assumption that I'm straight, y'know? I mean I talk about it a lot among you guys but- when I’m out and about... where do people think my final destination is? When I pick up a silly cat themed gift for you does the shopkeep think I’m buying it for my wife? It shouldn't be a big deal, I guess, but I'd never been able to be myself until I came here, and now it's like I can be me but... people will still only see who I am if I tell them. It's just weird is all. I dunno. Maybe I'm drunk." "You're not drunk. It's an understandable concern. I guess I've never thought about it, because whether or not people would accept that part of me has never been an issue, but the fact that you've had to hide it for so long and now that you're able to be open people still aren't seeing it must be hard. If you want we could... come out, so to speak?" Your eyebrows raised, and you moved back, propping yourself up on your arm so you could look your partner in the eyes.

It had been decided at the very start of your relationship, which had officially begun a few months after you'd made the choice to stay in Cradle, that the two of you would keep it under wraps for a while. Being from the Land of Reason was more than enough reason for people to take an unwanted interest in you, and you didn't need the extra attention being the King of Spades' partner would garner. Plus, anyone with a grudge against Ray would see you as a target the second you announced it. It had been a sensible suggestion on his part, one you hadn't hesitated to agree to, and as far as you knew only Sirius and Fenrir knew about your relationship. Fenrir because he had walked in on you sitting in Ray's lap while he worked late one night, and Sirius because- well, can anything get past that guy? And now, Ray was offering to tell the entirety of Cradle you were his, just so that you didn't feel like you were hiding your identity anymore? You could feel your eyes starting to burn, and you cursed the late hour and the alcohol in your system for making you cry so easily, but... "I don't think we need to be that drastic. You were right when you said it would keep me safe for us to not be in the public eye, at least for now. I'm sure Seth can come up with some better way for me to tell the whole world I'm gay." "I don't doubt that at all." Ray grinned, placing a gentle kiss on first your forehead, then your nose, and finally on your lips. "Tomorrow, though. You need your beauty sleep." "Ah, yeah, can't risk getting ugly. My boyfriend might not want me anymore." You quipped. "Exactly." He smirked at you, turning out the light and pulling you into his arms.

[trekkiehood]

Hi, I was wondering how you organize your works in progress especially multichapter ones cuz the way i've been doing it is getting overwhelming for adhd mind to keep track of so i'm looking for new ideas. Thanks!

This has been sitting in my ask box for MONTHS and I keep meaning to answer but I wanted to give an actual thoughtful answer but..... y'know what it doesn't matter here we are.

So "organize" might be a bit of an exaggeration. When it comes to all of my fics as a whole... there's not organization. Like.... I just write whatever one-shot comes to my head and hope my readers don't hate me too much.

But for the individual story I... kinda have a system. Well... three systems which I will try to explain the best I can. Hopefully one will work for you!

1. Write Out the Dialogue First

This one is mainly used in my co-author fics with @pricelesstrashpanda. Essentially we work out all of the conversations, all the dialogue, with nothing but stage directions (i.e. *nods*, *annoyed*,*slams door*) because once that's done... you at least know what the characters are seeing/feeling. Even if you don't have all the logistics, you know what the characters see at the very least.

This is similar to what I did with Polyvagal. Just make sure that you have all the dialogue worked out. Then go back and add all of the narration, setting, a basically the non-dialogue. (The difference here is that I just... left it all dialogue with random blocks of narration, but that's beside the point.)

This system is great if you want to write but can't "story". It lets you get down the skeleton of the story without actually worrying about much else. Even if you just have six different sets of dialogue with random headers to remind you who's talking and about what.

2. Write an Outline

I only really do this when it comes to "really" longfics.... or more accurate "I never meant for it to get this long what on earth am I doing" fics. And typically this is because I've "daydreamed up" several chapters ahead and I'm afraid to lose what I've thought up.

Now this is definitely not a "school approved" outline. Mine are literally just ramblings on bullet points.

An example from One More Year:

As you can see, it's poorly spelled, weirdly worked out, and just generally makes little sense to anyone other than me.

HOWEVER it got me where I needed to be when I didn't have time to write out every little detail. It let me know how long the story was going to be, what I needed to think about, and make sure I had an overarching plot that made sense.

If you do this, I HIGHLY recommend using strikethrough when you've written it. (On Docs you can use Alt+Shift+5 to strikethrough text.) It helps you see where you are and what you need to focus on.

Just poorly explain the entire plot to yourself and when you've written that part, mark it out so you still have it if you want/need it but don't have to think about it.

3. Just Write What's in Your Head

The idea of this makes me cringe in theory, but it's one of the most useful things I've figured out.

Just write it.

That scene from chapter 17 is stuck in your head and playing out PERFECTLY?

Write it.

But... but... you're only on chapter 3!

Oh well!

Write it anyway!

Some of my favorite chapters were the ones written out of order. And it's because the chapter is in no way forced. It's what you wanted to write. So you write it the way you envisioned it without "needing" too.

The rest of the story will play out. Connect the dots. It's much easier to connect the dots than to freestyle.

I hope at least one of these will be useful to you! I know they are all kinda chaotic but they are the way's I've found easiest to stay organized. Otherwise... I'm just free writing and that... never really ends well....

Just write out what you know you know and work from there.

Thanks for asking! Sorry it took so long, but this was truly an honor to receive and answer <3