#Thank you for reading my story and for taking the time to let me know you liked it

[rosecentaur1916]

The irony is that I kind of had this happen. I worked at a Small Tobacco Shop in my home town for less than a year. The owners also own a party shop on the other side of town so that's why I said kind of... anyway! I had worked for them for 11 months or so and over that time even though it was decent pay (took a little over $600 home every two weeks back in 2018) they gave me a ride home every night (I had to walk everywhere as I had no car or even a license), and sometimes let me comp my cigarettes (I quit in 2020) they were mentally and emotionally abusive. So much so my direct manager, who was the youngest brother was so mentally and emotionally abusive to me a customer came in and asked if he had hit me! When that happened I knew something was wrong. I mean, I had a feeling when I'd have to close up the shop and go have a cry in the bathroom pretending I was using it. I was the only one running the store, but they had surveillance camera's up and would call me if they found any shoplifters (which price of anything that was shoplifted came out of my pay) or I was doing something I shouldn't be, which was barely anything. I was so bored because I had come from a small box pharmacy chain and was used to facing and cleaning quickly. I had gotten so fast at it that I had lots of time to spare and had seen in other small businesses that people read books or wrote or did a myriad of things between customers when the shop was empty. So, I started to read at first - got in trouble... so I couldn't do that anymore. Then I tried writing... had to negotiate to be able to keep that... it worked. Thank God... so I wrote. I wrote a lot. When I didn't have anything in my mind that needed to be written I started to do little exercises to keep the boredom at bay. Got in trouble for that too.

Yes, yes what about professionalism. Exercising, writing or reading in store isn't professional blah, blah, blah. I only did it between customers and when the story was emptier than a ghost town. I'd keep an eye out on the front of the store. There were so many advertisements for cigarettes you could barely see into the store, but I had gotten sharp at being able to see through the cracks when a customer was coming and made sure to make myself available, presentable and professional before they came in. Putting down my pen, or shoving my book under the counter. All of the abuse and boredom came to a head and I couldn't take it anymore. I was so beaten down that I could barely function at home... where I was *also* being abused. Something had to give - so I quit the job. My boss had the audacity to tell me I couldn't quit. He tried to give me back my professional quitting letter and tell me that I couldn't quit. I said okay, and never went back. Leaving behind a refurbished first generation iPod that he said later he threw away. Asshole. Lo and behold about six months later the Tobacco Shop was completely closed, storefront completely empty and every single part of the counter, displays and product stuffed into the party shop which was their first business. I had quit and the shop had gone out of business. I was astounded, because that means they couldn't find anyone else to work for them. I didn't know they were probably going to be unable to find anyone else, I just couldn't take the abuse anymore and quit for my own mental health. ...And that's the story of how I shut down a business by quitting.🤷🏻‍♀️💜

[mischiefmaker615]

Chef's Choice

Over the past time of having tumblr, i have collected my personal favorites- stories that i always get drawn back to when i need inspiration, something to read, and/or something to enjoy with whatever mood or situation that needs tending LOL (not in order and there are so many others i love!!)

Thought it be best to introduce you to some of the greats out there :D

“Seems like the prince of Asgard is seduced by a mortal woman”

By: @fictive-sl0th

(OMG i absolutely LOVE the doctor themed stories with Loki XD ya never know what direction it's gonna end up ;) )

A Coveted Bride

By: @magicbystarlight

(i absolutely LOVE jealous Loki, anything in the realm of dark theme and possessiveness XD we don't judge here. it's an enquired taste and darling, you cooked!!)

Duplicitous *Long Snake Moan*

By: @darkficsyouneveraskedfor

(everything you write, i got to read! truth be told, we didnt ask for but we absolutely needed!!)

Pinned Down

By: @lokisgoodgirl

(come on, just by the titles alone you know it's gonna be good! everything you've written, i've fallen in love with each detail, nothing is rushed and personalities are captured beautifully! i've caught myself gasping out loud in public with some of the stuff you bring us and i absolutely love it!)

Overstimulation Welcome Him Home More Between His Thighs

By: @sarahscribbles

(had me drooling in kinktober!!! just the title alone, i hit favorite so i could read it when i got time and darling, you didn't disappoint! so many stories just draw my attention and every aspect of them is truly perfect!!! i need more!!!)

thirty seconds

By: @muddyorbsblr

(what i would give to be in the readers shoes!! omg i loved this!!! hit all the right feelings and i cant help but reread this far more than thirty times LOL)

The Chambermaid

By: @wheredafandomat

(i want Loki to step on me!!!! i wouldn't mind slave life if it meant serving him LOL gods this was perfect!! i always loved maid x Loki themed stories, keep them coming!!)

Kinktober Day 16

By: @suguru-getos

("we listen and we don't judge" *cough* i love me some CNC! seems like a very hidden kink topic so i got positively excited when i saw this mentioned in your writing and just HAD to read it Lol kinky indeed!!! truly my favorite fic of yours so far!)

Overtime Safehouse

By: @cleo-fox

(I'm pretty sure all of tumblr knows who you are Lol i have enjoyed EVERYTHING you've come out with; your plots, details and character embodiment, Loki is on point!! i cant even fathom where to begin on making storylines this deep with all the bells and whistles. you are truly an incredible writer!!)

"I can do….terrible things to you."

By: @oh-look-at-her

(i can't literally do anything but bow down to you and get up only when given permission LOL truly a damn good time reading your work!!)

Firestarter

By: @delaber

(who doesn't love a good enemies to lovers story Lol can't tell you how many people i've shooed while i was in the middle of reading this XD)

Frozen Stiff Happily Never After

By: @simplyholl

(tbh i struggle finding REALLY good Jotun Loki fics and absolutely fell in love with this one!!! thank you for letting me die in peace now Lol had me giddy and blushing!!)

Have Mercy

By: @mochie85

(you captured his hot and pain in the ass personality so well!!! i LOVED this went through all the emotions on this one!! kinda like an enemies to lovers story Lol why cant it be me!!!)

A Tales of Tangled Desires

By: @angelremnants

(i fell in love with the part one, not expecting for my request to be answered but i got a part two and absolutely have become obsessed!! i love your writing so much and thank you for the prayer being answered! Lol)

And The Gods Made Love

By: @thefairywithboots

(thank you for my request being answered!! anything you publish, i cant get enough of and love the pure art like pace you take to form every inch of your story!!)

[rcmclachlan]

okay, so if you’re not writing the aquarium scene in the 118/217 scheming fix-it (god i love this) can you at least share what mishap and or shenanigan gets them banned from the aquarium?? (since you mentioned it in the tags i assume you picked one!)

The aquarium is Christopher's idea, because getting Buck and Tommy back together is the one thing he and Eddie can talk about without it devolving into shouting or week-long silences that make Eddie want to put his fist through his living room wall.

So if plotting to interfere in the open bear trap that is his idiot friends' breakup gets him an hour of uninterrupted screen time with Chris three times a week? He'll meddle in a way that would make even his abuela say, "cariño, that's a little much." He'll change his legal middle name to el metiche.

"Buck used to take me to see the otters when I was younger; they're his favorite. But the exhibit has been closed for a year because they've been redoing it," Chris says, then texts him a link to the aquarium website. "The big reopening is next week. If someone asked Buck to take Jee-Yun, he wouldn't be suspicious."

"Chris, you're a genius," Eddie says, a little awed. His entire body aches to reach through the laptop screen and across state lines to pull his kid into a hug, but all he can do is sit on his hands and hope his face shows all the love he feels.

A small, but genuine grin unfurls on Chris's face. "That's not news, dad."

Eddie decides to take the aquarium idea to what Chimney keeps calling the weekly 118-217 Shadow Summit to see if the rest of the group thinks it holds water—no pun intended—and is extremely offended when Dana gives him a slow blink and says, "That's actually not bad. Who came up with it?"

"Is it that hard to believe it was my idea?"

"Very."

Dana presses the rim of her wine glass to the sly, crimson curve of her mouth. With her victory rolls, winged eyeliner, and tattoos, she looks like the winner of a car show pinup contest. She also looks like an evil queen out of an old school Disney movie. At least five people in their general vicinity look like they'd thank her if she force-fed them a poisoned apple or turned into a giant dragon.

Eddie reaches into the bowl of popcorn by his elbow and throws a handful of it at her. She just takes a sip of her wine and serenely lets the kernels bounce off her.

"Knock it off before I put you both in a time out." Lucy drains the dregs of her beer and says to Chimney, "Having Buckley take your kid is the perfect excuse—she's, what, two? Three?"

"Five," Chim says with the heartache of a man whose baby is almost old enough to rent a car. "As long as we don't tell my wife that Jee's playing the part of the cutest MacGuffin ever in this little plot, we should be good. But how do we get Tommy there?"

"Short of planting a bomb in the penguin tank, I can't think of a reason Mr. Nature Boy himself would ever voluntarily go." Hen roots around in the popcorn bowl for the kernels with the most butter. "Actually, he might be thrilled if we did that. I don't think he likes birds very much."

Dana lifts a brow. "I smell a story."

"Does it smell like KFC?" Chim pops a pretzel in his mouth and chews loudly, grinning. "Once we've adjourned the cabal for the evening, remind me to tell you about Maurice."

Eddie doesn't know Nico very well—he can't get a read on the guy to save his life—but the smug smirk he's sporting looks entirely out of place. Nico takes the last mozzarella stick off the platter they'd ordered to share and puts it between his teeth like a cigar. He looks like the world's lamest oil baron.

Eddie looks at Dana in askance. Wordlessly, she plucks a piece of popcorn out of her hair and throws it at him. It nails him right between the eyes.

"Let me handle Kinard," Nico says. "I'll get him there, no problem."

To his credit, Nico does get Tommy to the aquarium the day of the sea otter exhibit grand reopening. And thanks to Chimney planting Chris's idea in Buck's head at the start of their next shift, Buck does take Jee-Yun.

Unfortunately, their paths never cross, because while the penguin habitat doesn't explode, the sea jelly gallery does, completely flooding the first floor. When the aquarium is forced to evacuate everyone, Buck and Jee-Yun end up at the Chili's down the street, while Tommy ends up riding in an ambulance with an old woman who gets stung by a box jellyfish.

"I don't understand how this happened!" Lucy shouts, keeping her fingers on the ankle pulse of a man in the middle of an allergic reaction to a lilliputian jelly sting as Hen and Chim pump him full of epinephrine and then start administering compressions.

Eddie would help, but he's carrying three kids—two in his arms, one on his back—through shin-deep water to safety while attempting to dodge all the bluebottles floating on the surface. Dana glides past him to get the next group of kids waiting to be rescued, not a hair out of place. She looks like a fucking mermaid. He's gonna trip her the next time they pass each other.

Annoyed, Lucy casts around and then asks, "Has anyone seen Nico?"

Just in time for the man himself to sedately walk through the pandemonium, two bewildered penguins tucked under his arms like purses. He smiles brightly. "Hey, did Kinard pass through here, by any chance? Phase two of my plan is ready to go."

Eddie stares at him. "What was phase one?"

He never does find out what exactly phase one entailed, but it's enough to get them permanently banned from the aquarium for life.

"If you ask me, the punishment so does not fit the crime," Nico says, digging an elbow into Eddie's side as he jostles for room in the back of Athena's squad car.

Eddie says nothing. He's too busy mentally composing the short-answer portion of his application for the El Paso Fire Department, although, in the end, it doesn't matter. He completely forgets everything he plans on writing when Athena slides in, glances in the rearview mirror, and shouts, "Those better not be penguins in my back seat, Edmundo Diaz!"

He and Chris spend two hours talking about it during their next call, so Eddie calls it a win.

[cheshireliam]

"Wrapped in Wicked Romance" Story Event: Epilogue

Ring Schwartz

This is a fan-made translation solely for entertainment purposes with no guaranteed perfection; expect mistakes, grammatical errors, and some creative liberties. All original content and media used belongs to Cybird. Please support the game by buying their stories and playing their games. Reblogs appreciated.

Read this before interacting

Ring: I’m asking you out on a date! 

His date proposal that sounded more like a request to duel left me standing there wide-eyed in shock.  

Nica: … Ring. You’re not challenging her to a fight. Can you try again, but be more relaxed this time? 

Nica shrugged in exasperation, thinking the same thing I was.

Nica: Also, you didn't explain yourself well.

Ring: Oh, uhh… right. My bad. 

Ring: We couldn’t have a proper date with all that happened the other day, so… 

Ring: I want to take you out on a date again. Can… can I?

His voice was shaking as he nervously asked for my response.

I couldn't bear to reject him, seeing that he was trying his best.

Besides… I realised after our last date that I wanted to get to know him better, so there was no reason for me to refuse. 

Kate: I’d love to. 

Ring: R-really!? I’m not dreaming… right? YES…! 

Nica: This is reality. Good grief… look at you getting so excited as if you two are really in a relationship.

Darius: Isn’t that great, Ring?

…

The next day, Ring and I went for our date right away. 

While waiting outside Crown’s castle, I saw Ring sprinting towards me from a distance at full speed. 

Ring: … S-sorry! I’m late…! 

Kate: No, you’re right on time. I’m the one who came early. 

Kate: You arrived first and waited for me the last time, so… I thought I’d be the one to wait this time.

Ring: I-is that so? Then, next time I’ll come early t— 

Ring: Ah… no, nevermind. 

Ring’s words cut off mid-sentence, realising there might not be a next date. 

That kind of made me feel lonely.) 

(... I never realised how badly I wanted to spend more time with him.) 

Whether it was his endearing shyness due to being unaccustomed to interacting with women that made me want to tease him a little, or his kindness for thinking about others, or even the evil side of him that could mercilessly kill under Darius’ orders… I wanted to know even more about him. 

I felt that one date wouldn't be enough, and so…

Kate: Next date, it’ll be your turn to come early.

I picked up where Ring cut himself off, so that we would entirely erase the possibility of future dates happening.

Ring: Y-yeah… that's right!

Ring: Even though I can’t fall asleep the night before our dates… I’ll do my best to wake up early.

Ring nodded so vigorously that I was worried his head might fall. 

I felt relieved and at the same time, my chest was filled with a tingling warm feeling .

Ring: But first of all, let’s make sure today’s date goes smoothly.

Ring: Y-your outfit today… It reminds me of the colour of Bluebells. It looks beautiful. 

Ring: A-and your hairstyle… it’s amazing. It’s braided like chains…

Ring: … I think it suits you and… you look lovely. 

Kate: I discussed with the maids at Crown’s castle before deciding on my clothes and hairstyle! Thank you for the compliments.

Ring: I see… alright, I’ve done the compliments part…

Ring: Next is… uhh… you can hold my arm. 

Ring said and thrust his right arm out at me.

(The last time, he made an excuse saying he was “warming up”.)

The slight improvement made me smile tenderly, and I gently placed my hand on his arm.

Kate: Thank you. Well then, let’s get going!

…

And so, we went to The Scala, which we couldn't do the last time, and watched a play. 

Afterwards, we explored the city while shopping, and I introduced him to a restaurant that was both affordable and served delicious food.

We spent our time to the fullest, enjoying everything London had to offer.

…

Ring: … Everything felt so new to me.

Ring: Thank you for the enjoyable date, Robin.

Kate: I’m glad you had fun! By the way, what was the most impressive experience for you?

Ring: … Definitely Liam’s acting. 

Ring: He’s usually all sparkly and pink, but when he went on stage today, he was more of a glaring black colour. 

It was a unique description, but it was clear as day how moved he was by Liam’s performance.

Kate: Fufu, I’ll make sure to tell Liam that you enjoyed his performance! 

Kate: Also… can I ask you another question?

Ring: What is it? 

Kate: … Was today’s date also Darius’ order? 

Ring: …

Ring: … Looks like you’ve seen right through me.

Seemingly having accepted the situation, Ring began explaining. 

Apparently, Darius suggested the idea of going on a date today because Ring and I weren’t able to interact properly the last time.

Kate: I see…

Ring: … Robin? 

Kate: I had a hunch this was all Darius’ idea, but…

Kate: I also kind of hoped that you asked me out because you wanted to… so I feel a little lonely. 

Ring: ah… 

(I guess I was just selfish for wanting to know the truth… now I feel somewhat embarrassed.) 

Kate: Sorry for making it awkward! Let’s head back.

Ring: W-wait! It’s true that it was Dari’s idea this time…

Ring: But even if he didn't make the suggestion, I think I would’ve still invited you on a date myself. 

Ring: You’re a dangerous person… with a curse that makes my heart race every time. 

Ring: I think… I need to get to know more about you and come up with a strategy to counter it. 

Ring: So… I want to spend more time with you.

(A curse that makes his heart race…?) 

Of course, I wasn't a Cursed One. The reason why Ring’s heart was racing was likely because he isn’t used to being around women. 

(But… regardless of the reason, I’m glad to know he wants to get to know me better.)

Kate: I want to have more time to get to know you too. So… I’ll look forward to that from now on.

Kate: By all means, find out a lot of things about me and figure out your strategy.

Ring: Y-yeah… bring it on!

We’ve only just met not too long ago, so there were still many things about each other that were unknown to us.

Even so, one thing was certain— we both wanted to know more about each other. 

I don't know what kind of relationship we’ll build in the future as I grow more familiar with Ring…

But, right now, I’m just happy that we share the same feelings. 

[skelotom]

So 2024 was kinda wild.

Below is the long-winded and sappy ramblings of a lich (me), so feel free to continue scrolling. I hope 2025 treats you well.

I didn't really start making art until March, but made nearly 200 renderings over the course of the year. I think I made maybe 10 total in 2023...so it is safe to say this year was more productive. I barely knew how to use blender at this time last year, I still barely know how to use it, but at least I know slightly more now.

Not every project was a wild success, I still have *a lot* to learn about making music. I also doubt my book will ever get published...but even just getting those projects done is a win.

I also met tons of people I never imagined I would talk to, let alone become friends with.

2024 hasn't been all sunshine and rainbows (I'll spare you specifics), but it is still miles better than my average year. I can't complain.

This year I will probably slow down with the renderings. But the posts I do make will be a bit longer. I like my longer form multi-frame comics and stories. I hope you do too.

I also have a day job that will start taking much more of my time. I really need to start studying/taking exams to get licensed as an architect. The six exams will suck. And studying will eat quite a lot of time. That will also suck.

Also shockingly, living a near completely sedentary lifestyle is not very healthy. I need to fit going to the gym into my life somewhere so I don't waste away completely. Being a skeleton irl is actually not very fun at all.

This year looks hectic, and kinda scary. Fascists are scary...But we'll get through it. Thanks for reading this far, and thank you for coming along for the ride.

Potential Projects for 2025:

-Online store with prints, buttons, and stickers

-Erin finally learns grease pencil in blender

-More short stories and comics

-Another attempted book? one that might actually get published? (more on this later)

-????

[kenobiwanx]

Happy New Year!!! 🌟

First of all, I want to thank each and every one of you. Thank you for supporting me and my art. This past year was a good one for me, and that's thanks to all of you!

I don’t know if I’ve mentioned this before, but I live by my art. This is my full-time job—it’s what pays my bills. And 2024 started off great: I received commissions every single month, something that hadn’t happened in previous years. That was a huge change for me, truly life-changing. I’m so grateful to everyone who decided to spend their money on my art, to trust me with your ideas, characters, and stories. It means SO much to me, and I say this from the bottom of my heart. I put everything I have into creating the best art I can for you, truly. When you message me saying how much you loved it and how much my work means to you, I cry for real. It moves me deeply. So thank you for all the kind words and support.

This is going to be a long message because I feel like I need to thank you and share a bit about myself. So, if you read all of this, you're a warrior, lol.

I don’t usually share much about myself or my personal life, but here are a few things. Well, I’m from Brazil—you probably already know that. I’m a self-taught artist, and honestly, I’m like that with everything I know how to do. I love learning on my own with the resources I have available. When I set my mind on doing something, I go all in. Drawing came into my life as a form of therapy, a way to focus on something other than my negative thoughts. I’ve always been a very anxious and depressive person and went through a lot of trauma that made things worse. Since I didn’t have the resources or support to seek professional help, I tried to find my own way—and that’s how I learned to draw!

I won’t say I’m 100% okay now because life hasn’t been easy for me. I lost my mom to breast cancer six years ago, and it had a massive impact on me and my mental health. She was my rock, my world, and losing her was devastating. She fought the disease for five years, and during that time, I was the one taking care of her, keeping the house running, and looking after my two younger siblings. I was just a teenager, but I suddenly had so many responsibilities. It messed me up a lot, but if I had to do it all over again just to have more time with my mom, I would.

I wish she were here to see how far I’ve come with my art because she was the only one who supported me back then. I know she’d be so proud of me for not giving up.

I used to do realistic traditional art before, spending a whole month on one piece. It was fun for a while, but it was just a hobby—I only sold a few pieces to family members. Then, in 2020, during the pandemic, I decided to switch to digital art. I wanted something that gave me more freedom to express myself creatively, and digital art offers that. So, I started learning. And guess who became my muse for this journey?

Yep, Pedro Pascal, lol. From my very first digital drawing, he was my go-to subject. And let me tell you, those early drawings weren’t great, poor guy, lmao. But thank God, I improved! I’m still drawing him to this day, and he’s been a huge reason I’ve gotten so many commissions since most of them are of his characters. I’m incredibly grateful to him and the roles he plays.

Anyway, I’m working on rebuilding myself, trying to move forward, achieve my goals, and take things step by step. This Christmas, I was able to buy a huge drawing tablet, which was a big milestone for me. I used to do everything on a small tablet, so this was a major upgrade—and it’s all thanks to everyone who commissioned me this year. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I hope 2025 will be just as good. I hope you’ll all stick with me and keep asking for commissions, lol. I wish you all the best in life, that you achieve everything you dream of, and that you stay healthy. Please take care of your mental health too; it’s just as important as your physical health.

I have a lot of personal projects I want to work on this year—art ideas I’ve set aside for years that I hope to finish in 2025.

This year, I plan to open commissions every month. The only exception will be if my waitlist gets full before I open them officially, like who Dm me to reserve a slot earlier, which happened in December. My DMs are always open!

I’ll also be updating my price sheet, adding new information to my terms and conditions, and increasing my prices. It’s been about two years since I last updated them, so it’s time. But don’t worry—it’ll only be an increase of about $10-$15. I still want to keep my art affordable for everyone.

I’ll sort all of that out in the coming days, so stay tuned for updates!

My January waitlist is already open, and there are a few people in line. If you want to reserve a spot, feel free! Just keep in mind the price adjustment I mentioned earlier.

I think that’s everything! I know this was a lot of text, lmao.

Thank you again, everyone! Happy New Year, and I love you all! And I love you, Pedro Pascal!

[pinkberrytea]

midnight blue 🌙

Round, radiant and casting a creamy white halo, the moon stands before them proudly, imposingly, a celestial pearl in a sea of stars.

Diana may be too perceptive for her own good, but Astarion is no less insightful; he has a suprise for her, one she will not soon forget.

Spawn Astarion x Named F!Tav (Diana)

w/c: 1.5k words . spotify playlist . dividers

a/n: happy new year! this fic is a gift for @amoremagnificentbastard as part of our server's secret santa exchange. i was so excited that i got to write for diana, but also pretty intimidated since i feel like that's a huge responsibility! i hope i was able to do her justice. if you haven't read amy's distarion fics, please do yourself a favor and go read them already, i promise you won't be disappointed! i'd like to again thank @xxnashiraxx for her invaluable support; she was there holding my hand ever since the drafting stages, and i couldn't have done this without her. i love you friendo!

tags: hurt & comfort; fluff & angst

“How much farther, Astarion? I’m freezing,” the young priestess says, arms wrapped around herself in an unsuccessful effort to shield her shivering body from the harsh winter cold. Her coppery curls bounce with each step, the late night silence broken only by the howling wind and the crunch of snow underfoot. What was she thinking, indulging him when he insisted that they go on a “light hike”? Although in truth, denying him never came to her naturally, and it only seemed to become harder with every passing day; not that he made things any easier, but the amount of incentive required for Diana to submit to her lover’s whims had dropped to dangerously low levels in the past few months, much to her dismay.

“We’re almost there, darling.” Astarion’s face creases into a smuggish simper, and he stops, holding out a hand while waiting for her to catch up to him. “I thought you had snowfall in Amn?” he asks, voice laced with a playful lilt and eyebrows quirked upwards in feigned surprise. Diana pouts, forehead wrinkling with annoyance, acquiescing though begrudgingly and intertwining her fingers with his outstretched ones; as soon as she does, he pulls her to him and sneaks an arm around her shoulders, which doesn’t really help with the cold considering his own lack of natural heat, and yet the familiarity of his embrace brings her comfort anyway.

“We do. Just not like this,” she mutters, her softening frown betraying the disgruntled tone with which the words leave her lips. He plants a loving kiss on her temple before picking up the pace, and it doesn’t take long for the indigo sky to start peeking out through the dense foliage of the towering trees surrounding them, adorned with a glimmering blanket of twinkling stars.

“There. Just behind that rock,” Astarion says, pointing to the rocky outcrop at the end of the path they’d been following. Diana scrunches up her nose, disdain crafting her cerulean irises into a frustrated stare, but before she can protest, he squeezes her arm reassuringly and meets her gaze with rounded, almost pleading eyes. “You trust me, don’t you?”

The priestess is briefly taken aback, blinking slowly as if thinking of what to say; once enough time has passed, she lets out an exasperated sigh, hunching in defeat. “I do. You know I do. But gods, Astarion, climbing a rock? In the middle of the night? In this weather? That’s a big ask even for me,” she retorts, brushing her hair to one side, though the warmth radiating from her voice and the subtle smile tugging at the corners of her mouth tell a different story—one where he emerges victorious.

“I know, sweet girl. Thank the gods I have such a patient, understanding lover, hm?” he purrs, clearly pleased with himself. Diana sighs again, and without first shooting him a disapproving glance, she lets him guide her to the base of the rugged boulder. The night is bright enough that even her human eyes are able to make out all the ridges and crevices she’s supposed to use as leverage to reach the top, but still, Astarion steps forward and takes the lead, pulling her up as he slowly claws his way to the summit.

“Careful, darling.” Taking her hand in his, he watches her feet to make sure she’s keeping herself steady. The phantoms of days past rush through her mind as they inch closer to their intended destination, and in the minutes that follow, it’s as if they’re still lost in the wilderness with a mind flayer tadpole lodged within the recesses of their brains, a promise of ceremorphosis that would never come to be. They had climbed many a rock back then, though never during the night—their life together in the sun now feels like a distant dream, a wistful memory. 

“Do you ever regret it?” Diana asks, her voice small, hushed, no louder than a whisper; they both lie naked in their shared bed, Astarion with his pectorals pressed flat against her back, one arm folded possessively around her hip. The sunlight casts dancing shadows from behind the tightly drawn curtains, almost teasingly, caressing the pure white sheets with ghostly brushes of its long, splaying fingers. His closed eyes twitch in acknowledgement of her question, but he remains quiet for a while; when she is finally convinced he has fallen back into a trance, he then suddenly breaks the silence, cold lips vibrating against the warm skin of her shoulder as he speaks.

“Regret what, darling?” The tone with which he articulates each word is remarkably gentle, tentative, even. She doesn’t reply immediately, trying to first contend with the inevitable pang in her chest, searching for the source of it, much as it eludes her. This happiness, this halcyon bliss, why does she think herself not entitled to it? Why does it cause such guilt to bloom in the depths of her heart? No matter how many times he reassures her, it seems her soul can’t be so easily swayed—they did the right thing, of that there is no doubt, but none of it holds any weight when she isn’t the one struggling with the consequences; when he’s the one sentenced to spend the rest of his days in darkness, never again to feel the sun on his face, never again to feels its soothing heat. 

“Nothing. Forget it.” And just like that, Diana once more closes that door before it’s even opened. Truth be told, she’s terrified she won’t be able to seal it back shut; she’s terrified that whatever is hiding behind it will cause her fragile reverie to shatter into a thousand pieces, crumble into dust and dissolve in the ground beneath her feet. She’s afraid, so afraid—of losing him, of losing them, of losing everything.

Everything.

“My love?”

The silky sound of Astarion’s voice brings Diana back to the present, and she jerks her head up to look at him, eyes large and mouth slightly agape. With an eyebrow raised quizzically, he chooses to shrug her reaction off rather than dwell on it, propping himself with both arms to finally leap over the edge of the boulder; he then helps her do the same, and before long the two are standing on the highest point of the hill, hands still locked together.

“So? What do you think?” Astarion asks, staring at her expectantly, appearing almost boyish for a few fleeting moments. She returns his gaze with confusion coloring her expression, but shortly afterwards, his meaning at last becomes clear—a quick turn of her face reveals the reason why they have hiked all the way up to this place, and no sooner than such revelation is brought to light, Diana feels the threat of tears prickle her long lashes.

The full moon.

“By the Moonmaiden’s grace, Astarion… it’s beautiful,” she whispers, bringing a hand to her own quivering lips. Round, radiant and casting a creamy white halo, the moon stands before them proudly, imposingly, a celestial pearl in a sea of stars. It shines so intensely that the landscape splaying below them is fully visible to the naked eye, every tree, every stream, every stone and every flower laid completely bare, stripped from their shadowy secrets. It’s the wee hours, and yet it might as well be noon.

“You know, darling, when you made no mention of the usual request for a pint of milk with the full moon quickly approaching, I really began to worry.” Though his mouth curls up into a smirk, Astarion speaks with apologetic softness, his crimson irises gleaming affectionately. Using his free hand, he tucks an unruly lock of auburn hair behind Diana’s ear; softly brushing the pads of his elegant fingers against her cheek, he then cups it gently, gazing upon her with dreamy tenderness. “Whatever is afflicting you, my dear, we can work through it together. You need not keep it to yourself.”

The tears welling up in the priestess’ eyes finally roll down her now flushed face, leaving a glistening wet trail in their wake. Of course, how could she have been so foolish? Words are not required—she understands it now. One has no need for the sun when they are loved by the moon; one has no need for sunshine when they have the pale, forgiving glow of the Lady of Silver’s moonbeams illuminating the path forward. Astarion is not sentenced to live in darkness—not while Diana remains by his side, not while she is there to bathe him in light, warmth, and life.

Life. With everything it has to offer. 

“I love you.”

Their lips touch before their eyelids close, and for a split second they’re each able to see the tiny flecks floating around the others’ pupils, swimming in pools of blood and moonlight. Diana wraps her arms around Astarion’s neck, and he wraps his around her waist; her tears taste salty on his tongue, his breath feels cool against her skin. The winter moon watches them warmly from its place amid the stars, cradling them in its soft embrace; it’s going to be okay. They’re going to be okay. Maybe not forever—maybe not even for long, but right now, all is well, and so it shall remain, until dawn breaks, painting the sky midnight blue.

[svt-luna]

HAPPY NEW YEAR, MY LOVES 🥳🎉🎊

as we step into 2025, i want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared since i started this blog back in august of 2024. it feels like just yesterday when i was nervously writing my first post about Luna and Jeonghan, not knowing if anyone would read my impulsive and bored ideas. and now, here we are— 2,639 of you beautiful souls, united by our love for this story. i am endlessly grateful for every single one of you!!

2,639?!!? TWO THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED THRITY-NINE?!?!?

i still haven’t wrapped my head around that fact. i love you. i am grateful for you. i appreciate you. i adore you.

in just a few short months, this blog has become something beyond my wildest dreams. it’s not just about the numbers or how fast we’ve grown (though WOW, it’s humbling); it’s about the connections we’ve built. through this blog, i’ve had the privilege of meeting so many wonderful people.

you’ve trusted me with your stories— about your struggles, your triumphs, and your lives. your bravery and openness have been such a gift. to those who’ve shared with me, you already know who you are: thank you from the bottom of my heart for trusting me. and to those i haven’t spoken to yet, i’m always here, ready to listen, ready to celebrate your triumphs, struggles, and stories no matter how big or small those are!

to my lovely anonymous messengers— though i don’t know your names, i see you. i see your kind words, your unwavering support, and the love you pour into this little corner of the internet. thank you for being a part of this journey, even from the shadows.

but as with every story, there have been challenges. there were moments when people doubted me, spoke down to me, bullied me, and tried to drag me down because of this blog— they still do. those times were hard. there were days when i questioned whether i should keep going. but then i would see your messages, your love, and your support, and suddenly, the weight didn’t feel so heavy anymore.

you kept me grounded. you kept me going. you reminded me why i started this in the first place. for that, i will always be thankful.

despite the challenges, 2024 was an unforgettable year filled with stories about favorite our bunny couple, Jeonghan and Luna. you laughed with them, cried with them, and fell in love with them over and over again. and let me promise you this— 2025 is going to be even better. i have so many exciting stories planned, and i cannot wait to share every single one with you.

so, here’s to the stories we’ve shared, the ones we’re about to write, and the community we’ve built together. thank you for making this blog a place where love, creativity, and connection thrive.

i couldn’t have done it without you, my lovelies!!

wishing you all a year filled with love, laughter, and endless inspiration 🩷🩷🩷

With all my love,

sel 🌙

[bedouinpoet]

Auld Lang Syne (times long past)

A New Years Eve story! Bit of fluff and smut mixed together hope you all enjoy! Aaron Hotchner x Reader (18+ only please)

In your most secret of dreams you never thought you would have found such a family as you have made in the BAU. Falling in love with each member. Derek Morgan and his kind strength, bringing out the best in those around him. JJ and her abilities to care for all those around her. Penelope Garcia and her beautiful quirkiness, finding good and beauty in everyone and everywhere she goes. Spencer Reid and his astonishing mind constantly challenging you to better. David Rossi and his warmth, his ability to always know when something is wrong and how to comfort you with a smile and a “kiddo”. Emily Prentiss and her humour and beautiful laugh. Last but not least, the man whom you fear has taken your heart and if he ever wanted, your body and soul too, Aaron Hotchner. And gosh did that terrify you. You’ve debated over and over if you’d ever truly tell your boss just how you felt. Another year passing with your family and you’ve made plans this New Years Eve….

“this is for you and you and you my lovely humans” you say as you hand out the invitations to your team at the round table. “What’s this y/n?” JJ asks you as they all look at the small simple envelope you handed them. “I am glad you ask you fabulous blond, it’s an invitation to my new years celebration…as you know I fixed up that old house out in the country and…I don’t know it’s been a rough year for us all. I think we should have something to celebrate.” Your team all looks at you warmly but all you can focus on is Hotch’s eyes, the emotion hidden under that usual serious expression and you can’t quite read him. But his smile warms your heart as you remember to mention. “Oh and I hope it goes without saying this invitations extends to your family’s I wanna see one cute ass Henry and jack running around my house eating cookies to their hearts delight!” that’s seems to excite JJ “that’s fabulous! Thank you y/n consider me a definite yes, Henry and will have so much fun at that big old house!” JJ gives you a big hug before sitting down. “like I’d miss a chance to snoop into your life! Consider me in beautiful beautiful girl!” You wink at Pen and thank her.

“Hey I helped you repair that place pretty girl of course I’m in gotta see my handy work” you nudge Derek with your elbow as you sit down next to him. You notice Hotch still had not said a word that you begin to worry he won’t wish to come. Considering everything that this year brought. But the rest of the team all agree and you are at least relieved about that much. As Pen takes the remote for the screen to begin on our new case. The entire time you can’t seem to tear your gaze from Hotch who seems to avoid your eyes and your heart begins to break little by little but you try and let it be for now. As Pen explains the gruesome case in front of you. “thank you my darling y/n for bringing some spark of happy happy fun times times to this morning cause this case is a doozie and a weird one….New York city is dealing with a serial killer who’s victims all thus far seem to be middle aged men of Irish decent…” the team begins speculating the why’s and who’s but you just can’t seem to hear as you look at Hotch and wonder if perhaps you offended him? That’s why he said nothing about coming…

“y/n may I see you in my office please” Hotch says after telling you all, wheels up in an hour. You head into his office as he follows close behind and closing the door behind him. “um…is something wrong sir?”

you look at him and can’t help but lose yourself in his gaze even as he seems hesitant to talk. “No…yes, I mean-y/n I hope you don’t think because I did not give you an answer at the table that means I don’t wish to go or that I was acting rudely I was just taken by surprise-“

“why? You’re as much a part of my family as the rest of the team?” those words seem to soften Hotches mood and eyes, being replaced by a moment of heartfelt naked emotion that almost made your knees give in and your entire body melt away. He smiles,

“Thank you hun. But…..if that’s true why did you never mention you buying land in the country to me? Or that you needed help repairing it? I could have-I don’t know, but I would have been glad to help-“ his genuine wish to help everyone on his team all the time warms your entire heart and you find yourself giving a sigh of relief as if you you’ve held your breath this whole time. “Hotch….is that what your upset about?” he shyly nods in a way you’ve never seen before and you consider your next words carefully as your entire body wants to shout ‘because I’m in love with you dummy! And I was so scared that if we spent all that time together I’d just fall for you even harder and not be able to stop myself from saying something stupid. Never knowing if you felt that same way and it scares me and I don’t want to be a burden’

but instead you take a deep breath stepping closer to Hotch who’s arms are still crossed and standing by the door, stepping closer. “Hotch….i didn’t mention it because I know you, you would have offered to help me, to do whatever you and…with everything that’s happened. I figured you would want to spend your entire time with Jack, and I don’t wanna add to your workload . I want Jack to have time with his dad….its precious. And I don’t know I guess I didn’t want to burden you. That’s all…so….will you and Jack please do me the honour of being my guests?” you smile and don’t even realize how pleading your eyes betray in you. “y/n you can never be a burden….ever. Do you understand me?” his expression turns deadly serious as if you understanding is life and death. You meekly nod and smile “I understand now can you please say yes so I can breath again!” He laughs and it’s like music to your ears “we would love to is there a dress code?” ‘Aaron Hotchner whatever you wear will make me weak’ you think remembering those grey sweats he wore once at the hotel. You shake it off

“nope just whatever you are comfortable in”

you feel yourself able to stand a little higher now glad your whole family will be there.

….

The case was a tough one. Having to talk to too many victims families, realizing they were going to be going into the new year with such grief, was something that took pieces of your heart but you finally caught caught the unsub a young Irish woman who saw all these men as the one she lost many years ago and decided no one else was deserving of a man like him. “Must have been a good man” is all you seem to think. You feel yourself swell with pity a pang of guilt for all those families, victims you leave behind as you all fly back home….

Hotch let’s everyone go home early to get ready for your new years dinner. “I’ll see you all tonight well done everyone you all deserve to celebrate…”

everyone parts ways at the office but not before asking if there was anything you needed for the party “nothing but all of your companies lovely humans” as you see Reid leave you feel excited to see how he will like your in home library you built. You laugh to yourself and turn in time to see Hotch (the usual last person here) he steps up close to you “come on I’ll give you a ride then we can go together so I can help set up, better then you getting a cab” confusion is evident on your face as you reply “Hotch that’s not necessary? I can grab a taxi it’s no biggie and everything is already there just gotta set it in order that’s all plus what about Jack-“

“I’ll pick him up from his aunts on our way y/n ….i want to help….besides everyone else got to see this ‘big old house’. Me and jack want our own private viewing”

are you crazy or is Aaron Hotchner flirting? You can’t even argue you love both those boys and would be glad…

…

“that’s it just past the gate…as a warning I do have a housekeeper who will love spoiling Jack with all the fresh baked cookies!” “yayy!!!” Is all Jack could say before he sets eyes on your home away from home “THATS your house?! It’s like a castle!” Jacks childlike astonishment makes both you and Hotch laugh “well kiddo it WAS built a long time ago, I just fixed it up” Jacks eyes don’t leave the old mansion as he whispers “it looks like magic!” You blush with pride that this place can erupt such wonder from this amazing kids mind. “Thanks kiddo, maybe later I’ll show you and your dad around the whole place how does that sound?” jacks excitement grows as he asks his dad “sure buddy if it’s not to much trouble for miss y/n”

“no trouble at all”

…

After Introducing Hotch and Jack to your housekeeper and cook Mrs. Maclean you show them around some of the house saving the library for last, the biggest room in the house and and where the celebrations will take place. The entire time you watch as Hotch smiles the entire time, carrying Jack who’s smilies and laughs. You realize even if nothing comes between you and Hotch you are glad that you could help them be happy on new years, if anyone deserves some happiness it’s those two. Jack plays around the halls as Mrs Maclean puts the nonalcoholic spritzers and Champaign on ice “guests should be coming in soon and I expect you Mrs M to relax and let loose ill take care of letting everyone in. Won’t be many people other then the team it will just be a few more friends-“ she smiles and agrees as she looks between you and Hotch leaving you alone. “Thank you for this y/n….the party hasn’t even started and already Jack is having the time of his life it’s good to see…I thought this New Years was gonna be hard with…with everything that happened and Haley.” You can see Hotch’s eyes begin to tear up as he struggles. “I know Hotch it’s alright you don’t need to say more. And it’s absolutely my pleasure besides not everyday a persons home is called magical! Definitely highlight of my year?” You wink as you try to lighten the mood he lets out a light laugh from the cries and he holds your arm as he clears his throat “y/n…” he turns you to him dropping his hands to hold yours. You feel your heart pound as you look up at him longing and terrified

“Hotch?” “Aaron, please just call me Aaron”

“okay…Aaron…what’s wrong?” his hands tighten over yours as he clearly struggles to find the words

“I don’t really know how to say this, I’m, I’m your boss I know, and 20 years your senior and maybe this is a mistake but…perhaps I’m wrong but from what I noticed I thought you may feel the same way and this is probably only time we will be alone for the rest of the night so…I’m in love with you y/n….i think I’ve been in love with you for a while now and I think you feel the same way. I truly hope you do but if I’m I’m wrong and if I’ve made you uncomfortable-“ you try to speak, you want to speak, every part of you wants to admit how absolutely in love with this man you really are as you stood in absolute stunned disbelief, and apparently for too long as the doorbell rings

“fuck-let’s-can we continue later please?”

“yea it’s fine…. I said all I have to say….ill wait for how ever long it takes to hear whatever you wish to say” you run to the door as you faintly hear Aaron say “always”….

the night became a roaring success, your friends all hitting it off with your BAU family and vice versa, everyone having a good time, laughing and telling stories, pen and Derek flirting, Reid hitting it off with your English professor friends, Dave telling stories with JJ and will and Emily chatting it up with a couple of your veteran buddies. Throughout the night you never get a moment alone with Hotch and you start to fear you’ve missed your chance as it come five minutes to midnight and Mrs Maclean comes to you handing you a spritzer and whispering “it’s almost time dear” her Irish accent reminding her just what she meant.

“right” you take one more longing glance at Hotch before

“excuse me ladies and gents, it’s almost midnight and as it comes down to the time we would like to ask you to join us in an old tradition of ours and by we I of course mean my most loyal of housekeepers and friends Mrs Maclean, like this house, we have gone through plenty….like all of us, we have lived and loved and lost and gained and had to leave many behind and so we sing a classic to count down the new years together as a family. You and Mrs M begin “should old acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind. Should old acquaintance be forgot and auld lang syne…”

you feel your heart grow with pride and eyes begin to fill with tears of memories as you look at your veteran brothers and sisters, your professors, and your BAU family and everyone joins as you see Hotch walk closer to you until he stands by you, Jack holding his hand as they join “for auld lang syne my dear for auld lang syne”

“we’ll take a cup of kindness yet for auld lang syne….”

“Happy New Years everyone!” Everyone cheers in unison as you see everyone embracing each other and just as you finish giving Derek a hug and kiss you turn to Hotch who hugs Jack and kisses his head and turns to you. You hug Hotch, realizing you are finally in his arms your embrace tightens letting your warmth envelope each other

“happy new years sweetheart” he whispers in your ear as you do the same “Happy New years Aaron Hotchner” as you release you look into each others eyes and you find the courage as you devolve the fear in both of your eyes by making your move, grabbing his shirt and kissing Hotch deeply feeling him grab your waist and cupping your cheek deepening the kiss even further as you hear “whoooooooo! Yea Hotch get it!” You both release each other to laugh as you hold his face in your hands and whisper “I love you too Aaron Hotchner and I am so glad I get to go into the new Years kissing you and waking up with you…” you wink at him with implication as his eyes fill will love and darken with lust as he replies “I love you, and can’t wait for that and more”

….

as the last of your guests leaving you and Hotch by the door and Jack and Mrs Maclean eating what’s left of the cookies, you hug Aaron as he grabs you in and kisses your forehead, feeling his warmth and being so close gets your mind and body excited as you look up at Hotch and his eyes seems to read exactly what your thinking as he smiles “what are you thinking beautiful?” He caresses your arm, you shrug innocently but smirk “I’m thinking how would you and Jack like to stay the night? Have plenty of guest rooms already ready in preparation for anyone who wanted to stay the night….if you want” you pepper a kiss on his neck as Jack and Mrs M go into the library to drink the last of the spritzer. He groans and grabs you harder as you kiss his neck deeper. “You’re killing me y/n” he groans as you giggle “is that a yes”

he laughs “as if I could say no”

you release each other as Jack comes back and Hotch walks towards him and going on his knee “hey Buddy! Y/n wanted to know if youd wanna stay here tonight like a sleep over? Do you wanna?” Jacks eyes glow with excitement “yea Daddy can we!?” He smiled kissing his son on his head “of course buddy!” He turns to you “guess we are all in haha”

“perfect! Just so happens the treehouse room is all set anyway so Mrs Maclean could you show Jack the way and we still have a few packages of toothbrushes for our guests”

“of course come along dear you’ll love the treehouse room love it’s as magical as the woods of Ireland” she winks and takes him by hand….

The treehouse was built to look exactly like the whole room was carved in a tree. It was one of your favourite rooms in the house. “plus it’s just down the hall from my bedroom so if Jack needs anything you can try and. Pry yourself from me and save the day” you wink at Hotch as he closes the light in Jacks room and closes the door, he looks at you with darkened eyes as he grabs your neck lightly….

“stop teasing me little one unless your willing to pay the price” his vice deepened and you quiver with excitement as you squeeze your legs together feeling yourself getting wet. Your smile

“a price I’m more then ready to give you…sir”

he growls “fuck” kissing you deeply opening your mouth with his tongue and grabbing your neck as you moan “Aaron please”

he laughs into your mouth “patience sweetheart”

Hotch keeps his distance until you enter your bedroom as if he knows this is torture for you. Like a switch, a wild animal, Hotch closes the door behind him and immediately pins you to it, using his knee to separate your legs even further and pushes his body into you, crashing his lips on you, his tongue an overwhelming wave of pleasure as he opens your mouth wider with his tongue then biting your bottom lip you most into his mouth. He grabs your hair forcing you to look up at him. His eyes a mix of animalistic lust, and love, admiration and it’s makes your entire body weak.

“oh y/n you are gorgeous…do you have any idea how much I’ve wanted this…needed this, needing you”

you feel your entire body warm and shake with excitement as you whisper “you have me, I’m yours sir” and with that his lips crash into yours again and trailing down your neck, he tears off your clothes until your in nothing but your red lace bra and parties and Hotch groans as he looks up and down your entire body “how the hell have I not kissed you before-“

he carries you to the bed before you can answer, laying you down as he takes off his old grey t shirt and then his worn jeans. He stands at the edge of the bed his breath quickening, his eyes a storm of emotions as if he is offering himself to me and waiting for my judgement. He is giving all of him to you, scars, heart, body and soul. You slowly sit up moan “you’re incredible sir” you trail your hands lightly over each of his scars, he swallows hard as you keep one hand on his impressive hard on, pumping his cock, he groans as you begin to trail kisses over every scar you touched, his moans drive you crazy and are by far the hottest sounds you have ever heard. “yes y/n fuck”

you finally stand and kiss him as he pushes you down on to the bed, putting himself on top of you, you instinctively spread your legs wide for Hotch as he trails kisses down your neck and on your breast, biting your nipples as you moan “Aaron fuck!” And your hand goes through Hotches hair.

“Aaron please…please! I need you inside me please”

He groans as he adjusts himself to your entrance but hesitates

“are you sure babe? Are you sure this is what you want? That I’m what you want?” you wrap your legs around him in answer as you kiss h his neck trailing up to his ears “Aaron….youre all I want” with that all hesitation, everything that’s stopped you two from admittedi g your true feelings to each other all this time, everything that’s stopped you is out the window and now it’s just the two of you against everything. And you feel it as he thrusts into you with such a need you couldn’t control your own body as you grabbed Hotch for dear life scratching down his back and biting his shoulder as he bites your neck. You moan into each other until your release as he cums deep inside you….and you look into each other knowing that there’s no going back now….

you lay down beside each other, Hotch caressing your arms up and down, kissing your hands, shoulder and lips. His eyes a calm Caramel filled with love. “Happy New Years Aaron Hotchner”

“Happy New Years my love”

[admirationandromantics]

Camping Date

So cute, so adorable, it's great! I love date ideas, whether it's a spa night, or going out. Already being an established couple takes out the awkwardness and uncertainty of it all, I think. My writing is not top notch at this time, so I have to apologise for that, but the fact that you still like stuff is absolutely marvellous. Thank you all for requests, and the fact that you read what I write. It's incredible, and I appreciate it so much!! <3

Word count: 1,8k (Unedited)

🍋‍🟩Hello skilful writer, imagine briefly mentioning in a group setting (around Josh) that you haven’t ever been camping before because your family wasn’t that type of family to go and you’d never got the opportunity and you get an invitation to the lodge during the summer just for a casual hangout thinking nothing of it. You are welcomed by Josh at the door and you’re surprised by the fact it’s so quiet and he said he just wanted to hang out with you, he covers your eyes with his hands while he leads you out to the back garden and there’s a lovely tent (not huge but enough space for sleeping bags, a fridge as well as a tv and console and you guys game and stuff, you’ve never felt so seen and he admits he has never felt what he feels with you (delusional, I know) -@b3rryb3t

“Yeah, I love mountain climbing, camping comes natural with that as well” Sam explains, taking a sip of her drink. I’m sitting on the floor, using the edge of the couch as back-support. Josh is sitting on the cushions next to me, occasionally reaching out his leg for me to give him some attention. 

“You know, setting up camp on a wall, looking out into the abyss, it’s gorgeous!” 

“Sounds a little too much like extreme sports to me” Jess chimes in. 

Everyone was sharing some types of camping stories, Josh and his family, Sam when climbing, Jess and Emily who were basically forced out because they needed family time. Mike told us about that one time he and the rest of the boys went, and we all listened with curious ears. 

“Well, Josh was the only one who really knew what to do, so while he fixed everything, we made the fire” 

“Wow, they made the fire like real men” Ashley whispers sarcastically to the other girls, and we all laugh. 

“Tell us, how much time did you use to get it going?” 

“Well…” 

Josh interrupts him with a scoff, leaning back on the couch as everyone’s eyes fall on him. 

“They didn’t manage, when I was done with setting up, they had at least used forty minutes, and weren’t even close blazing it up” 

Everyone starts laughing while Matt, Mike and Chris silently look down on the floor, not daring to say anything else. I shift my gaze upwards, leaning back against Josh’s leg. His hand comes down to stroke my hair, fingers tangling down until he reaches my neck. Thumb rubbing soft, warm circles as I lean my head back. 

“And what about you? Got any good camping stories?” 

I think back, but I can’t remember. My family never went, and usually my friends have gone on family holidays, so they couldn't exactly invite me. 

“Never gone camping before” 

“What?” Josh exclaims, a bit shocked. His fingers stop their attack, and I nudge his leg, urging him to continue. 

“Lucky” Emily says, letting Matt wrap a hand around her. 

“Why have you never gone?” Sam asks. These people really couldn’t imagine it. I keep my explanation short, urging them to keep talking about something else. 

“Never had a family like that, and most of my friends didn’t go either. Those who did went with the rest of their family” 

Everyone hums in reply, understanding the situation, and Josh finally resumes the massage. I turn my head, giving his knuckles a small kiss and smiling before turning to the others again. Sam suddenly gets a glint in her eyes, sitting a bit up and exclaiming. 

“We should go camping with the whole group sometime!” 

“No!” “Yes!” People shout out at the same time. Then everyone starts yelling at each other, explaining why or why not this would be a good idea. My hand finds its way to Josh’s leg, slithering around him and using it as a pillow while I sit beneath him. 

***

We’re walking up to the lodge, the path being much easier when there isn’t a bunch of ice and snow in the way. He invited me over for a “summer getaway”, the complete opposite of what we usually do. It’s still cold here, it’s a mountain after all, but we don’t need gloves nor huge jackets. Instead of dark pine trees and white ground, the surroundings are blooming in greens and flowers. The trees look much more lively when the sun shines down and brings their dark colours forth. 

“Okay, we’re here” Josh exclaims, stopping in front of the lodge. 

“The mountain is easier to climb in the summer” I state, looking around. I can’t get enough, the colours and atmosphere. Occasionally seeing a small animal, which normally would have frightened me, but now, feels completely natural. 

“It is, sorry to say, but you’ll not be able to see for a while” 

“What do you mean?” 

“You need to put this on” he says, holding a black piece of fabric in front of me. Usually, I would oblige at once, but considering we’re on a mountain with a bunch of wild animals. 

“Josh, I know I look good, but do you really think this is the place?” 

He laughs, rolling his eyes as he comes closer. His lips meet mine, caressing them with such tenderness, I can’t help but blush. It’s nice to know that even though we’ve been together for so long, he still makes me all giddy and flustered. As we kiss, I feel something heavy in front of my eyes, his hands making their way to the back of my head, fiddling with a knot. He tightens it, luckily not too tight, before leaning away and taking both my hands in his. 

“Okay, you need to trust me on this”

“Famous last words” I joke, and he snickers, walking backwards in front of me. He leads me away, a couple of turns and swings, occasionally having to tell me if there’s a road block. 

“You know, this is what people do when they’re about to kill someone” 

“Or take them very hard against a tree in the middle of the forest” he adds. 

“Hmm, wouldn’t be opposed to that idea” 

“Then I’ll keep it in mind” 

“Shit” I blurt out, leg walking into something which stumbles me. Josh is quick, letting me fall on him while one hand goes around my waist to hold me up. 

“Sorry, should’ve told you about that branch” 

“I hate being blind” 

“I’m kinda into it” 

“Of course you are” 

We continue a bit more, being even more careful than before. He keeps saying we’re almost there, and I can’t wait to see what he means. He explains each step, making sure that I’m prepared for everything. 

“Okay, this last one is a bit tricky, but you need to sit down” I nod, bending my knees before sitting completely down on the mossy ground. My feet are hanging down, signalling there’s a drop here. I wonder how far. He lets go of my hands, and I call out. 

“Yeah, I’m right down here, I need you to jump” 

“Josh, I can’t jump if I can’t see how far or where I’m going” 

“Yes you can, just trust me, come on” 

“Fuck” I mutter, the idea being terrifying. I take a breath, hands gripping the edge of the rock, scooching from the moss to the hard, stone edge. I jump, hands letting go and body in the air. I’m caught almost immediately, Hands going to my waist, slowly putting me down on the ground. I let out a breath of air, the thought was scarier than the fall. 

“You made me think it was much further down” 

“I didn’t say anything about the height” he laughs with a bit of a cocky attitude. I know he can’t see it but I roll my eyes. Gosh, were we almost there yet?

“Okay, we’re here” 

He moves behind me, hands on my waist, keeping me steady. I take off the fabric, the sunlight immediately blinding. A couple of seconds later, I’ve finally adjusted, and am met with a cozy tent. In the middle is a small fire, not lit yet, with a bunch of pillows and blankets all over. There’s a huge dark one between some trees, set up like a screen, with a projector set up right by it. Consoles are beside it, and a small portable ice-bag is laid next to the tent. 

I can’t even muster up words, everything being completely perfect and fixed. 

“Oh my god” 

“Do you like it?” 

“Josh I love it”

I turn to him, a loving smile on his lips as I capture them in mine. He did all of this for me. 

“Is this why you wanted to come up first?” 

“Well, had to set everything up” 

“I love you so incredibly much” 

He deepens the kiss, hand coming behind my head, pulling me closer. My arms fall around his shoulder, hugging him tightly. What a wonderful guy, I must be the luckiest girl on earth. 

“You said you’ve never been camping before, and I know having all this tech-stuff here is not quite traditional, but-”

“It’s amazing, I can’t believe you did this for me” 

I give him another small kiss, taking his hand and leading him into the area. Everything is planned out, the daylight slowly giving out already, making the projector visible. We sit down, and he opens a drink before handing it to me. The clearing is beautiful, rocky moss ground and trees. A little squirrel climbs up, curiously looking down at us. 

“How did you get the idea?” I ask, curious about his creativity. 

“Well, you told me you never had been camping before” 

My heart melts at the memory. A small thing, really, but he remembered it, and did something about it. He wanted me to have this experience, and he wanted to have it with the both of us. He walks up, turning on the projector and grabbing a couple of consoles before sitting back down beside me. 

“So, have you done this with a lot of people?” I ask teasingly, leaning against him as he takes a sip. 

“Nah, none have been that special. I’ve never quite felt before what I have with you” 

“Neither have I” 

He puts the drink down, hand going to my arm, urging me to do the same. I oblige, letting him lead me down, back pressed against the moss. His lips find mine, capturing them in a passionate manner. I open my mouth, letting my tongue roam over his lip. His hands wander over my body, groping and massaging every tender area. A small moan escapes my lips, and I feel him smile against me, slowly moving down to my exposed neck. 

I open my eyes a bit, seeing the squirrel watching intently. I almost let out a laugh from the sight, and use my fingers to nudge him in the side. 

“Josh…” “Mhmmm” he mumbles, continuously attacking my neck. He’s focused, working his mouth with magic. 

“Someone’s watching us” 

“What?” 

He stops immediately, looking around worriedly. I laugh, pointing up at the animal. He looks in the direction, a foul expression on his face as he notices. 

“Damn that thing” 

“You know, you have made so much ready here, let’s play a couple of games before spending the night in the tent” I tease, sitting up and taking another sip of my drink. 

“I promise you, no one sleeps well when camping” 

“Then it’s good we’re not planning on sleeping”

[mr-hopkins]

The Day His Heart Spoke a Truth🌷✨

- Park Sunghoon Imagine

Sunghoon and You have been together for 5 years. And on a spring day, his heart speaks to him. His gut telling him, that he must never let you go. You, who is in front of his eyes, an angel dancing in a field full of swaying flowers. As he takes a breath, he is consumed by his inner thoughts.

Read the rest below 👇🏻

The sun, a lazy painter, was dousing the meadow in a golden hue, casting long, dancing shadows as Sunghoon filmed you with a vintage camera. Its whirring sound, a nostalgic lullaby, accompanied the gentle breeze rustling through the sea of wildflowers. You, a whirlwind of laughter and sunshine, chased butterflies with a mischievous glint in your eyes, a daisy crown adorning your head.

"Sunghoon-ah, look!" You squealed, holding up a delicate bluebell. "Isn't it beautiful?"

He smiled, capturing the moment, the sunlight catching the sparkle in your eyes. Five years. Five years of stolen kisses under the stars, whispered secrets late at night, and quiet moments that felt like forever. Five years of knowing, with a certainty that defied logic, that you were his. "More beautiful than any flower," he murmured, his voice a low rumble against the wind.

You blushed, throwing a playful punch at his arm. "Cheesy." He chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Only for you."

He lowered the camera, his gaze lingering on you, a silent question hanging in the air. You tilted your head, a playful eyebrow raised. "What?"

He shook his head, a ghost of a smile playing on his lips. "Nothing. Just… happy."

Happy wasn't the word. Contentment, joy, elation – these words danced on the edge of his tongue, inadequate to describe the overflowing happiness that swelled within him. Watching you, carefree and radiant, surrounded by the vibrant colors of spring, he realized with a sudden, breathtaking clarity how utterly, irrevocably in love he was. "Let's dance," you declared, grabbing his hand. He laughed, a genuine, heartfelt sound, and allowed you to pull him into a clumsy, joyful waltz. You spun and twirled, your laughter echoing through the meadow, a melody sweeter than any bird song. He watched you, his heart aching with a love so profound it felt like it might overflow. Suddenly, you stopped, breathless and giggling. "I think I'm getting dizzy." He pulled you close, his arms wrapping around your waist. "Rest here," he said, guiding you to a patch of soft grass. He sat beside you, the camera forgotten in his lap. "You know," he began, his voice soft, "I feel so incredibly lucky."

You looked at him, your eyes wide with curiosity. "Lucky?" He nodded, his gaze fixed on your face. "To have you. To have found you. It feels like the heavens smiled down on me and sent me an angel." You felt a blush creep up your neck. "Oh, Sunghoon..."

He smiled, his eyes twinkling. "It's true. You're my sunshine, my best friend, my everything." He leaned in, his breath warm against your skin. "I don't know what I did to deserve you." You reached up and traced the lines of his jaw, your fingers lingering on his soft skin. "You don't have to deserve me, Sunghoon. I chose you."

He closed his eyes, savoring the moment, the feel of your touch, the warmth of your presence. He recalled the five years of building a love story that felt like a fairytale. And he knew, with a certainty that settled deep within his soul, that this was only the beginning.

He opened his eyes, his gaze locked with yours. "I love you," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "More than words can say." You smiled, your heart overflowing with love. "I love you too, Sunghoon." He leaned in and kissed you, a slow, tender kiss that spoke volumes. As he pulled away, his eyes held a promise, a silent vow that whispered of forever. He knew, with a certainty, that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with you, creating a lifetime of memories, one cherished moment at a time.

Thank you for reading :)

[twirlymarimo]

twirlymarimo's 2024 year-end zosan fic rec!

after a full orbit around the sun reading zosan fanfics, i decided to make a list of recommendations bringing light to these beautiful pieces of work, whether it made my heart hurt, made me laugh, or just simply hooked to the story. enjoy reading!

☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

i would give you my heart, i think by fairv it's not finished but the first chapter is an absolute banger. multiple angsty trope in one - canonical character death, pining, miscommunication, friends to lovers, secret dating, what more could you ask for. i constantly find my self thinking about this story and i wish i was patient enough to wait for the finished work. this one deserves a lot more kudos!

homesick by summerofspock another mystery banger from summer! the vibe is twin peaks meets teen wolf and the premise is angsty but fluff is sprinkled here and there to keep our hearts stable.

insiduous by riotoftime and aevv the dynamic duo of the century that brought us tin lover is back with a new world to take over our minds with every update. their synchronized writing style reads like a book, just take a look at the world building in this one. the story is starting to pick up just like the intense dynamic between our two faves.

a heavy heart to carry by inkinmyheart i realized none of the first recs are finished, my bad but this one is! i typically avoid vampire aus because trauma from reading twilight but the concept here is interesting! i always enjoy ptsd sanji and the build up to the ending/reveal was satisfying.

the proposal by brunetta6 a well-written adaptation of the rom-com classic, the proposal. the accurate description of hokkaido brought me back down memory lane when i visited in 2023. hilarious dialogues with a tiny slice of angst makes a perfect pick-me-up read in the winter time.

lost myself when i caught sight of you by thecrownofclowns the sigh i let out after reading this. so hauntingly beautiful, like one of the fics that made me believe zosan is canon lol if this was a song, it would be a house in nebraska by our queen ethel cain

the knight shift by strawhatbougie inspired by THAT photo that circulated the internet, the author brought justice to what the audience wants - sanji in white fishnet leggings.

the mummy by greenyogurtelephant i love movie adaptations as you can see lol i read this on my e-reader in the summer and it was so hilarious, entertaining, and truly fits the essence of zosan. i would suggest to watch the actual movie either before or after reading the fic.

loose ends of the night by veto_power_over_clocks if you like pain like me, the first 4 chapters are all about miscommunication and wanting to smack both of these guys' heads and screaming at them the entire time. zoro POV too which is so rare these days but author delivered!

this post has been deleted. by evils if you love social media au but need it in a written format, this one is for you! a mix of comedy, fluff, and a slice of angst thru miscommunication.

seagrain by fruityumbrella ever thought about what would happen if sanji and zoro find out they've both done the one thing that make up their very core? "you know what, hell yeah," author fruityumbrella said.

thank you for reading if you made it this far! i have way more fics that i liked this year but i only got my account a couple of months ago so i couldn't track the ones i read earlier in the year. i also tried to feature ones that are not from well-known authors but i still had to give credit where it's due ;) thank you to all zosan writers for keeping my mental health stable (or maybe not for adding to my delusions about these two) <3

if you liked any of the fics above, please don't forget to give kudos, comment and bookmark! writers work so hard to give us amazing stories and they take so much time out of their schedules to do so.

if you're interested in more of my fic recs, you can check out my ao3 bookmarks here.

[agirlandherquill]

truths

goodness it's january 1st already, only feels like yesterday that i typed up the final post for writeblr - which was such a blast, and thanks again to all who participated - and even if you didn't, it's never too late to use the prompts for a little inspo! - anyways, for the past couple of days i've been working on a little story, something completely outside of my usual comfort zone,

for starters, it's not fantasy, in my mind it's a contemporary thriller, and it's written in first person (cue the nervous butterflies)

and incase the title wasn't a give-away, i've decided to give this story a very simple title - truths.

it's a story about a journalist in a small town trying to solve a series of murders terrorising the community, and she's teaming up with a private detective to do it - which is bound to have it's chaotic moments, just like the case and the story she's trying to write

and for once in my life, I've come up with a little blurb (queue sarcastic applause, because blurbs are the bane of my existence)

"Three murders and counting plague a small town, where no-one has a clue who's responsible, not even the police, and it's the greatest story to hit the local papers in years - only it's not been written yet, because journalist Bette never publishes an unfinished story. She is going to find the truth, find who's responsible, and finish the tragic story for her community, once and for all. Only she's not alone. Someone else is along for the truth-seeking ride. Private-Detective AJ appoints himself her partner in crime - or truth, if we're being specific - and he has no intention of letting the killer walk free. Let the search for truth begin - for all of them. Because the truth is twisted, it is tragic, it is different, from every angle. And for Bette and AJ, the truth could be just as deadly."

have i got your attention? read on if you'd like a sneak peek to the story, with the first chapter :) (and if you want to read more, i'll be sticking the chapters up on ao3, which you can find here)

He’s looking at me again.

For the fifth time in the last hour, I pretend to sip from my empty mug, using the opportunity to catch a glimpse of him. Only this time as I shift in my chair, someone walks past, crashing into my table. Coffee spills from their mug and onto my shirt. 

I stand up with a gasp at the shock of it, then try to swipe a few napkins from the rack on my table, dabbing frantically at the stain while the person whose coffee has now ruined my day leaves the shop without another word. 

“Some people hey? Are you all right?”

I look to my left. A man, early twenties, unruly brown hair and blue eyes stands there, offering me a few more napkins. Oddly nice of him. Nicer than anyone else in here. 

“Thanks. I’m all right.” I take them, and make a pitiful attempt of rubbing the stain out of the material. “I can’t say the same for this though.”

“At least it didn’t damage anything more important.” 

“What?” I look at him, confused. Is my shirt not important? Is it not important to not look like a coffee-stained slob at 11:33 in the morning? 

He gestures to my laptop, sitting next to my empty mug. The criminally empty mug, which he spots, the corner of his mouth twitching in amusement. “Oh,” I sigh, reaching and double checking nothing had spilt on it. It was fine. “Yeah, I guess so.”

That’s when I notice it. The table where the staring man had been, was empty. I look away, then to him. “I guess this was just the perfect excuse you needed to come over and talk to me, wasn’t it?”

He props a hip on my table. As though he has the right to do so. I fold the useless napkins into a ball and stuff them in my empty cup before I look at him again. “Get bored of staring for an hour?”

“I didn’t need an excuse to talk to you.”

“No?”

“I just needed to know the right thing to say.”

I tense. “I’m sorry?”

He blinks, then holds his hands up. “I swear, I’m not one of those guys that tries to pick girls up in coffee shops - I’ve never- I don’t-”

Why is it on me to stop him digging his own grave? I sigh. “It’s fine. Look, I’ve got a busy morning ahead of me, and I’d rather not stand here in a stained shirt and become a spectacle, so if you want to say something… Go for it.” 

He clears his throat. “I’ve been here for the past couple of days, wondering when you’d come in.”

“Right,” I stare at him. “Because that’s not creepy.”

“No, no, I-” He rubs his neck, clearly flustered. “I was told, that if I wanted to talk to you, that this was the best place.”

I should be more alarmed by this, shouldn’t I? But there was that usual nagging at the back of my head, curiosity doing its usual tactic of becoming irresistible. It’s going to become a problem for me one day, I know that, but for the past 23 years of my life it’s not steered me too wrong so far. I sit back down in my chair, scoot my laptop out of the way, and nod for him to sit. He looks surprised that I’ve not told him to scarper. He sits down and I take a minute to take him in. His shirt is white, new, I think, judging by the lack of creases. All of the buttons are done up, save for the one nearest his throat. He likes to be presentable, but not so uptight that he’d rather not breathe. Brownie points in my favour. If there’s one thing I can’t stand, it’s people who act as though they were born with sticks shoved up an unspeakable orifice. He wears a blazer - if I had to name the shade, I’d go for slate - Not too obtrusive on the eyes, but nice all the same. And it fits him well. Tailored? No. I think that’s muscle under there, not fabric. 

That’s when I realise I’ve been staring for a fraction too long. He’s smiling at me, an awkward one, but he doesn’t seem to mind. Then again, if he’s been watching me for the past hour, I’m allowed to return the favour, right? 

I prop my chin on my hand. “So, first off, who told you I’d be here?”

“Alfie.” Down at the Piper. Course he did, mouthy bastard. I’m not allowed to have my own private schedule down there.

“You want a job down at the Piper then?” I’m surprised. He doesn’t strike me as a journalist. In fact, he looks too nice for that.

He shakes his head, and I have to admit, curiosity digs its claws into my mind a little bit more. “What then?”

“I-I think it’ll make more sense first if I explain to you who I am.”

Policeman. Christ. He’s come to tell me I can’t use my sources on this story and without them, I’m-

“I’m a sleuth.”

I have to hear him say it again in order to believe my hearing’s not just left me and gone to hell. “What?”

“A… Sleuth. A private detective, whatever name you want to call it.”

Private detective, not an actual one. Phew, I’m in the clear. I tilt my head. “Go on then, Detective, tell me about yourself.”

He shifts in his seat, as though the mention of the title makes him squirm. “Well…” He looks nervous. I pity him. He’s not the sort of person I like to see squirm. For starters, his suit hasn’t come from the posher shops way down the high-street. I raise a hand to the passing waitress and order us two more coffees. He looks at me, blinking, before he seems to relax a little and goes on. “My name is AJ, I’m investigating the…” He stops as the waitress brings us our coffees, I slip her the cash and take a sip of mine, while he waits for her to be out of earshot before he continues.

“I’m investigating the Chapel Murders.”

I very nearly spit my coffee in his face. It scorches my throat as I force it down and reach for my laptop, discreetly shutting the screen. The screen of the story I’m writing for the Piper’s front page, about the very same thing. If he’s seen anything- No, he can’t have. But how does he know I’m the one that’s writing- Oh. Alfie. I’m going to drown him with the water fountain one of these days, then he’ll keep his mouth shut.

I take a napkin and dab at my lips, gesturing for him to go on.

“I’ve been asked by one of the families to find who’s responsible, and since the police aren’t about to do me any favours, I thought I’d come to you.”

“And you think I know anything?”

“I think that you’re the best chance I’ve got in this town, and you’ve been typing for 30 minutes straight, you’ve got something.”

“Listen, there’s such a thing as credibility and I can’t have you putting mine into question,” I sigh, packing my laptop into my bag. I pick up my coffee and stand. “It’s been nice talking to you AJ, I wish you the best of luck but I’m afraid I can’t help you.” No matter what Alfie’s said.

His face falls. I didn’t expect to see him so disappointed, but then I remind myself. He’s a P.I. He’s got to be used to doing things on his own. I raise my coffee cup to him. “Have a nice day.”

I leave The Brew, my favoured coffee spot in town, at precisely 11:48, when I check my phone and round the corner. I get to the zebra crossing when someone touches my arm. I jolt. My phone flies out of my hand and clatters to the floor. Someone reaches it before I do. I turn and see AJ, holding it out. “Look, I’m sorry, I just really need your help.”

“So you try to give me a heart attack?”

One of the cars at the crossing beeps at me. I shoot them a glare. Drive past then, it’ll be my funeral if I step out. But I’m busy right now. They beep again and I wave them through, turning back to AJ, who is still touching my arm. “I told you, I can’t help.”

There’s something in his eyes that stops me from bolting immediately. He looks… Sad? 

He takes a deep breath, then pulls his hand away from my arm. “Matt Colton. The second victim. He’s my brother.”

I pause. His face did feel familiar. But when I’ve spent the last two nights staring at the photo we’ve put out for Matt’s eulogy, it would be one I wouldn’t forget in a hurry. Guilt kicks me in the ribs. I can’t just tell him to get lost now, can I? He deserves to know. He deserves to find the truth about who took his brother’s life. Isn’t that why I took this job? For the truth? For people’s stories?

I thrust my coffee cup into his hand. “Hold this for me.”

He stares at me, but takes it. “Why?”

“Because, I can’t write with my hands full.” I fumble with my bag for my pen, then take out my notebook, flicking to the back page. I scribble the address for the Piper on it, then my email address, then I tear the page out and hand it over to him. “Meet me there, 7:45am tomorrow. Don’t be late.”

I take my coffee from him, a small part of my stomach fluttering at seeing the hopeful smile dawning on his face.

“Thank you. I mean it. T-Thank you.”

I salute him with my coffee and head across the road, only to be stopped by someone shouting. 

“Hey! Hey!”

I pivot on the curb, confused.

“I called about you at the Piper, but Alfie never gave me your name.” He gave you everything else though - Christ, I’m having words about privacy when I get back to the office.

“It’s Bette.”

He smiles at me, and waves. “I’ll see you tomorrow Bette.”

And then he walks away on the other side of the street, and strangely enough, I find myself looking forward to it.

~ ~ ~

now for the tag list!

(p.s if you'd like to be included/notified too, interact with this post :) p.p.s im finally getting around to updating it, so bear with me :))

@humbly-a-doppelganger @imawholeassmood @frostedlemonwriter @yrndrgn @abditorywriting

@riveriafalll @lead-to-code @casualsuitturtle @floweryprosegarden @joeys-piano

@catwingsathena @godsmostfuckedupgoblin @nothoughtsjustmhaandotherthings @anaisbebe

@drchenquill @leahnardo-da-veggie @tiredpapergirl @pastelpinkhobbies @a-mimsy-borogove @the-letterbox-archives @corinneglass @darkluminosity @kuebiko-writing (so sorry for the super late addition!)

[nikoniclove]

hello! i haven't read all of the ace in the hole fics yet, so i don't know if this idea works with the ages you have in mind for the characters, but i know emily (and jj) are a lot older than ace and paget went grey pretty young irl so it might work

could you do a chapter where somebody mistakes emily for being henry's grandma (a young grandma, to be fair) instead of his mom and showing her dealing with the insecurities of being an older parent and worrying that she won't be able to be as present as she wants to be in henry's life when she gets older? or feel free to completely ignore this request if it doesn't work with the character's ages lmao. thank you!

Ao3 won’t load, so for now, this one will live here. It will eventually get copied over to as a new one-shot in an existing story once the gods accept my fluff offering.

Mislabeled

AN: set after Therapy Has Paws, also includes a brief (very brief) look at Ace pregnant with #2

——

Emily hustles Henry inside for summer camp, a week of Lego Robotics while school is out. “Excited,” she asks with a smile as he skips merrily to the intake desk.

“I’m building dancing ducks today!”

“Maybe when I pick you up, you can show me your progress! I bet it will be super cool, bud.”

The woman at the desk can’t be out of college. She asks for Henry’s name twice. “Can I build Legos now,” he grumbles when it takes her longer than he thinks it should.

“Sorry, we don’t have grandparents on file. Can you tell me your name so I can register the adult who is dropping him off?”

“She’s not a grandma. She’s an imma,” Henry explains with growing annoyance that he’s still not surrounded by Legos. When the woman looks confused, Henry elaborates again. “Imma is like Mama or Mommy but in Arabic and Hebrew.”

“Right. Sorry,” the woman says sheepishly.

“I’m already on file. Emily Prentiss.”

“Right, yeah, I’ve got you checked in, Henry. You know where to go?” He rolls his eyes because obviously he knows where to go.

“Hey, come here,” Emily prompts, crouching to his level. He immediately reaches for her hair, twisting the shoulder-length, silvery locks between little fingers. It’s always been a soothing tactile sensation for him, given that all three of his grown ups have longer hair. “We can choose to be kind,” she reminds him in French. “Remember not everyone is familiar with how our family works, and that’s okay. It only has to make sense to us.”

“Okay, can I go now?” Emily nods, whispering her love as he clamors off towards the hallway. “Bye, Imma! Wait, wait!” He races back, wrapping his pinkie around hers. She kisses their joined fingers three times in rapid succession. “Okay, now bye!”

Emily watches long enough to make sure he gets to the correct door and then heads back to her car, ignoring the jab at her age. Or at least trying to.

All day long, she is shorter with people than she’d like to be. JJ calls her out on it mid-afternoon, and Emily is annoyed that she is letting such an insignificant comment from a young stranger affect her this much. “It’s nothing,” Emily insists. “Get back to work.” JJ scoffs humorously because they both know that phrase will not have the intended effect. “Jennifer.”

“It’s obviously something.”

Emily sighs, pressing her fingertips into her eyes. “It’s stupid. The lady at drop off thought I was Henry’s grandmother, and he corrected her with about as much attitude as your previous response in case we needed more evidence that he’s your son through and through.”

“I’m sorry that it hurt your feelings,” JJ sympathizes, ignoring the attempted deflection about Henry’s sass. “People should really get used to the silver vixen look being for any age, especially when you rock it so well.” Emily grumbles, and JJ realizes she’s not ready to hear physical compliments yet. “What’d you tell Henry?”

“The line about people not needing to understand our family and that we can choose to be kind.”

“Seems like you handled it well then, which is no surprise because you’re a great mother.” Emily hums a noncommittal sound. “I’m sorry it’s thrown you off balance today. We can help you level out later tonight,” JJ offers. “What else can I do, Em?” As expected, Emily brushes it off, and when she sends JJ back to her desk, the blonde actually listens.

When Emily arrives at pick up, she grumbles to realize how grateful she is that the incorrect stranger isn’t behind the desk. “I’m here for Henry Prentiss. I’m his mom. He should be in C1.” Another college student disappears to find him, returning with the child.

“Imma!” Emily easily swings him onto her hip, despite his lanky legs. He’s her boy after all. She scribbles out her signature and shows her ID to confirm her identity. As she gets Henry into his car seat, he yammers a mile a minute about all the things he built. “Me and Duncan are working on a pirate ship!”

“Duncan and I,” she corrects with a kiss to his forehead.

“You’re not building the Legos! I am! You gotta go work, and I get to play with Legos.”

“You’re spot on there, kiddo. Ready to get home to moms?”

“Can we get ice cream, Imma?” He flutters his eyelashes at her, and she chuckles, declining easily. “Please! I won’t tell!”

“Of course you would,” Emily laughs. “It’s the first thing you’d do. You’d run in, all hyped up on sugar, and giggle while you tell Mama our secret.” He shrugs with a toothy grin and emphasizes the please. “Pretty please is not going to help you now, but I do know we have ice cream in the freezer, so maybe have dinner we can have some.”

“Hmm.” Henry decides it’s a worthy compromise. “What’s Mama making?”

“Your guess is as good as mine, Hen, but I’m sure it’ll be tasty.”

Henry is quiet in the backseat with the exception of his legs swinging in the open space. “Imma?”

“Yeah, buddy?”

“Why did the lady think you were my grandma? Does she know Mimi or Mémé?”

Emily’s knuckles whiten, as she tightens her hands around the steering wheel. “No. She doesn’t. She saw my gray hair and assumed I was someone else to you.” Henry’s little head tips to the side as he tries to understand. “She decided I looked a certain way, and to her, that meant I must be your grandparent instead of your parent.”

“Just cause your hair is silver? That’s what Mama and Mommy call it. It’s silver.” Emily’s chuckle is strained. For some reason this conversation aches. “A lot of superheroes have silver hair, and Mama says you’re like a superhero but you get the bad guys in real life.”

“Oh yeah?” Emily glances in the rearview mirror at her son, who looks out the window listing off characters left and right. Everyone from Storm to Quicksilver, Rogue to Black Cat. “What do you think of my silver hair?”

“It’s pretty, and it’s soft,” Henry answers seriously. “And superheroes have silver hair, and that’s cool,” he rambles. “Would you fly?”

“If I could have a superpower,” she clarifies. “Hmm. Good question. I’d like to teleport or make multiple copies of myself, so I could be home with you more. Would you fly?”

“I’d be like a basilisk lizard!”

“Okay,” Emily chuckles at his adorable boyish enthusiasm. “What superpower would that be?”

“In the Wild Kratts book, they have these webbed big feet, so they run really fast on water, and Mommy showed me a video and they’re really silly. I wanna run so so fast that I can run on water.”

“Hmm, that’s cool. I didn’t know that. If you want to be super fast, it seems like we should watch The Incredibles. It’s a kids’ movie about a family of superheroes, and they all have different powers. The little boy has super speed.”

“Cool! Can we watch it tonight?”

“Let’s check in with Mama and Mommy, and then we’ll decide. If not tonight, maybe for Family Movie Night this weekend,” Emily offers. Henry decides that’s amenable, and the rest of the drive is filled with song singing.

——

Once the garage door opens, Henry takes off at full speed, bursting through the house. “Dude! Shoes,” Ace calls. “Also, hi?”

“Hi Mama,” Henry replies, toeing off his shoes and kicking them in the general direction of the hall.

“Where are you off to in such a hurry?”

“Backyard. C’mon, Goose!” The pup near your feet perks an ear up at his name. You nudge him, giving him the command to follow Henry. The rescue service dog trots in that direction. “Imma said ice cream for dinner!”

“Imma said no such thing,” Emily denies emphatically. “Stop getting me in trouble,” she playfully calls out to Henry. “I get in enough of that on my own, bud.” She leans her hip against the counter, her gaze heavy. “Hi, my love. How was your day?”

“Nothing unusual. Jen told me some dick weasel got in your head.”

“That’s certainly a phrase,” Emily chuckles, her hair shifting like a curtain around her shoulders. “Actually Henry fixed it.” You arch your eyebrows. “A lot of superheroes have silver hair, and I was told specifically that it’s silver and not gray. He said you tell him I’m a superhero, so to him it makes sense. Plus he thinks it’s soft and pretty.”

“It is soft, and it is pretty,” you confirm, your hand warm on her cheek. “You seem more settled than JJ described.”

“I snapped at a few people in the office.” Your expression says you know she’s underestimating. “Fine.” As she acquiesces, Emily wraps you in a hug from behind, her chin on your shoulder to nuzzle your neck and her hands interlaced under your pregnant belly. “I snapped at a significant number of people today, but the drive home with Hen was good. It helped. Hearing you say the phrase ‘dick weasel’ also helped, and this smells like coq au vin. Are you going to be able to eat that, love?”

You shrug, leaning back into her stability and comfort. “I’ll do my best. Little Bit could use to eat something that isn’t a bland carb.”

“I don’t think Little Bit gives a shit,” Emily teases. “I can make you some plain pasta when your plan inevitably leads to nausea. Where are the kicks today?” You take her hand, sliding along the underside of your belly to the spot where growing little feet bump you from the inside out.

“They’re calmer now though that I’m up moving. Heaven forbid I sit down for a few minutes, then Little Bit decides to throw a rave in Mama’s belly, huh?”

“Definitely JJ’s kid then,” Emily snarks. “Neither of us are the dance party type people.”

“I don’t know you’ve been known to dance around if the right people ask.”

“Don’t make me tickle you,” she threatens. “I’ll wash my hands and take over. You sit. I can make you some tea.”

With one hand at your lower back, Emily guides you to one of the bar stools. You watch the way her blouse ripples and flutters perfectly around her chest and stomach as she pulls her silvery locks into a low ponytail. She rolls her sleeves, puts the kettle on, and then turns to look at you. “Okay, where were you? Walk me through it.”

“You’re beautiful,” you say instead. Nothing else, nothing verbose or elaborate. Emily glances down at her outfit, briefly trying to understand what you’re seeing after her day fraught with insecurity. Her lips curve in a genuine smile at the simple compliment. You can see it relax her body a bit.

“Coq au vin,” Emily prompts again through her smile.

For whatever JJ was worried about, Emily is at baseline, and your home feels like it’s filled with the warm, stable tenderness you adore.

[captn-trex]

200 follower celebration event !

thank you so much for 200 followers!! very super cool of you guys for following me and interacting with the work I put out, it seriously means the world to me :)

to make it a little fun, I'm going to be writing song inspired fics, because music is definitely something that inspires me and my writing a lot! and also I like to know what other people are listening to because I'm nosey hehe. please make sure to read the rules !!!

this event will be running from today (jan 2nd) to jan 31st, ending 11:59pm GMT (may be subject to change)

how it works

please add all this information to your request :)

step 1: pick a clone, any clone

step 2: choose a dialogue prompt from the list below (or two, you can just give the prompt number)

step 3: give me a song to inspire the vibe/story of the fic

step 4: note any extra information you feel is important (such as any specific lyrics you love, tropes, story ideas, sfw/nsfw etc. etc.)

dialogue prompts

fluffy prompts

1. "I can't remember the last time I did this with someone"

2. "here, why don't we share?"

3. "I've missed this"

4. "you could stop staring now." / "oh no, absolutely not."

5. "read to me"

6. "come here sweetheart"

7. "you're just the cutest" / "you're the only one who is allowed to say that."

8. "give me your hand"

9. "come lie with me. let me hold you"

10. "look at that, your hand fits perfectly in mine"

angsty prompts

11. "did you really have to be that honest?"

12. "can we start over?"

13. "of course it meant something!"

14. "that isn't what I meant and you know it"

15. "everyone else might be buying it, but I'm not"

16. "I can't keep acting like I don't see something is wrong with you"

17. "we need to talk about that little stunt you pulled earlier"

18. "don't you ever wonder why I get like this?"

19. "what is your problem?"

20. "do you want my help or not?"

hurt/comfort prompts

21. "when's the last time you actually slept?"

22. "you're safe now"

23. "stop pretending that you're fine! you need a medic"

24. "I'm not leaving, okay?"

25. "how are you feeling?" / "will you stop asking me that"

26. "take these meds, they'll help"

27. "let me help you this time"

28. "I'm sorry" / "don't be sorry, it's not your fault"

29. "take your time, I'll be here when you're ready to talk"

30. "promise?" / "of course, I promise"

flirty prompts

31. "don't try to charm your way out of this" / "you think I'm charming?"

32. "bite me" / "I thought you'd never ask"

33. "why didn't we do this sooner?" / "you were too busy pretending you hated me"

34. "this isn't over" / "oh, I'll make sure of it"

35. "I can't help it, you're fun to mess with"

36. "why not tonight? I'm even wearing something pretty"

37. "you know... you're kinda cute when you're mad"

38. "were you always this pretty?"

39. "do you have a name or can I just call you mine?" / "does that line usually work for you?"

40. "hello beautiful, you alone here?" / "...we came here together"

smutty prompts

41. "hmm, you're not very patient are you?"

42. "can you kiss it better?"

43. "that's my good girl"

44. "you can do better than that sweetheart"

45. "I could make you feel better"

46. "is that a threat or a promise?"

47. "can you feel how much I want you?"

48. "staying quiet was never your strong suit, was it?" / "make me shut up then"

49. "louder. let me hear you pretty girl"

50. "can you be good for me?"

misc/extra prompts

51. "it's the middle of the night, what are you doing here?"

52. "I told you to knock first!"

53. "don't look at me like that" / "like what?"

54. "is that the best you can do?"

55. "I've been wanting to kick your ass all week"

56. "is that really necessary?"

57. "what are we?" / "you're asking me?"

58. "I can feel you staring at me. You aren't being very subtle, you know"

59. "do you have a crush on me or something?"

60. "you're so jealous it makes you look stupid"

request rules/guidelines

if your request goes against these, I will not complete it, so please read this carefully before requesting!

this event is exclusively for clone x fem/gn reader pairings, just because that's what I write for, but you're welcome to give suggestions like jedi!reader, medic!reader etc. but no clone x reader x clone

make sure to mention whether you want it to be sfw or nsfw !!!

I have the right to refuse any request if I'm just not vibing with it for whatever reason, or particularly if it's something I'm not comfortable with (non-exhaustive list incl: noncon & dubcon, aforementioned clonecest, AU stuff outside of the context of the star wars galaxy — like modern AU type stuff, motherhood/pregnancy/kids etc.)

abide by the request template; I want to keep all fics in this event within the same parameters

I will only be accepting requests between the given dates, any received afterwards will not be counted

if you don't plan on reblogging, don't request from me :)

extra info

I'll have anon requests on, but this is a follower event after all, so I'd prefer if you didn't use the anon function — the basic requirement is that you follow me and have interacted with my blog

feel free to message me if you have a more elaborate idea/want to discuss/clarify/bounce ideas off each other!! I'm always down for that anyway, so don't be shy :)

clones I'd like to write for if you want to take that into consideration: fives, wolffe, tech, echo (tbb), kix

alrighty! that's everything :)

as a reminder: this event is running until jan 31st so make sure to send in your request before then!

all works in this event will be tagged under #trex's 200 follower celebration, and will most likely be added to a masterlist at some point

I can't wait to see what you guys send in ! thank you again and happy requesting :)

— lia <3

[starsonablackboard]

i already wrote this post last night but tumblr decided to not save it so here we go again. let me present to you

the goat au, aka anger management

starting with the main character, the beast, the moment, the loveable bastard -- the goat

belial di inferi (or belial from inferi, or as dear @joffyworld put it, bel from hel). idk how to structure this properly so have this chart i made while first brainstorming the au, and then i go over it in more detail. since the goat is supposed to be "the twisted reflection of the lamb", i took my lamb's every character/story important moment and tried to mirror it

if you didn't know (which i didn't), the term scapegoat comes from the book of leviticus, where a scapegoat is one of a pair of kid goats that is released into the wilderness, taking with it all sins and impurities of the community, while the other is sacrificed. i'll go into more details about belial's death and life prior to it in future posts, i hope to actually make a little comic for it, so all of this will be a bit chaotic, just bear with me.

belial was raised with explicit purpose of being sacrificed, not hunted down like lamb was, so from a very young age they knew their days were numbered and there's no chance of changing it, no point of trying to push back against literal gods. they are accepting (they'd like to believe at least) of their fate and live by "it's better to squeeze everything from what you are given and meet your death with a smile than be miserable all of your existence".

when their death and subsequent revival comes and goes, they're left with zero guidence as to do with their new life outside of the profecy they are apparently apart of. they never though of what they would like to do or how they would like to live since it was never an option. they supress their feelings of anger, fear, hurt, desire for live not just survival, so not even this feelings can guide them. the only thing keeping them from laying down and never get up is the "well now i have a job to do"

belial doesn't get the purple crown for quite some time actually, all they do have is the blessing from their goddess that makes it possible for them to come back to life after dying and a bit of her ichor that can be molded to different weapons and tools (i'll talk about that more when i talk about their goddess so like tomorrow). so no flashy rituals or miracles or mind reading that lamb has. their cult is less of a cult and more of a refugee village, open to anyone seeking safety and shelter

since they do not have the same abilities that lamb has and don't share the same confidence in their inability to fail, they're actually much more cautious and precise in their fighting style. also, no crown no curses so that's another reason to not rush head first into battle

i know what i described so far doesn't sound like the chaotic bold and loud menace the canon-fanon goat is, but this is where coping comes in. belial is loud, intence, sameless, brass and utterly unable to keep a serious tone in any conversation, because it's the opposite of how they feel deep down -- hopeless, numb, hurt and always already defeated. noone would like to feel this way and especially to waste a very short life on feeling this way, so belial's masc is the furthest swing of the pendulum from this state.

that's it for this time, next post is going to be about the "narinder" of this au -- ofelia. i decided to break this thing into multiple posts (one - there's a lot, two - your humble person wants engagement), but it's hard to find where one topic starts and another begins so if this feels incomplete and choppy it's because it is and im sorry it'll get better i promise. as always, thanks for reading!