#Trying to write short stories for november

[biscuitcupcakecinnamonroll]

God I want to tf my roommate so badly. I've been watching them come home so exhausted the past few months. When they first got here they were so excited and told me about all the things they were going to get up to now that they moved out from their ex's. Lately though all they've been talking about is the overtime they have to put in for a project at work. I've got it figured out though. If I can just transform them into a dog, I could give them a perfect little de-stresser weekend. I've been slowly filling their body up with magic. Ever since I've noticed their exhaustion, I've let the ambient magic in the apartment slowly seep into their body. It's been going on for a couple of months so far, they've got to be completely malleable by now.

I can wait. I think. I can't imagine it'll be long now. One night where they haven't gotten a chance for themselves. One night where I can trick them into laying down on the couch while I get them something. Need a glass of water for a new med you're taking? No problem Hon', lay down here. They wouldn't be able to resist falling asleep during that brief little moment. Poor little roomie. They'd just be too easy to distract and mesmerize while they're like this. Really it's their own fault for getting like this. They'd be too exhausted to focus on anything more then their meds and water.

They wouldn't even notice my hand on their shoulder, kneading their skin and coaxing fur to form up the side of their neck. I'd take the empty glass back and place it down on the table. Between all the charms the couch was enchanted with and the ongoing toll of work, they wouldn't be able to resist laying back down. I'd guide them down and take their hand in mine, massaging at the back of their hand until I feel the soft fuzz of their coat coming in. Move my attention to their fingertips so that I could feel their fingernails thicken and grow into toenails as the skin of their fingers changed their texture towards toepads and fur. Feeling at their palm, massaging it gently into a paw pad as the final step before their entire hand was finished changing into their new paw. From their paw, up their wrist, past the elbow, and up to their chest and around to their shoulder, completing the transformation of a foreleg. My original hand on their neck following the pattern in reverse, transforming the rest of their torso and remaining arm.

Placing my hands on their calves, even their pants wouldn't be able to protect their legs from my ministrations. Their legs would quickly change, shrinking into their new slender form. I'd laugh watching their pantlegs poof out as their coat came in. I wouldn't even need to move my hands for the shift to follow down to their ankles, transforming their feet into hind paws. I'd be practically chasing the transformation up to the hips and stomach. I'm pretty sure all I would need to do is make space for their tail to come in.

Their head though. I'd want to take special care for them once their mind transfers over. I'd gently cup their cheek in my palm, feeling their coat start to form under my hand. Petting them from their head to neck, taking breaks to give attention to their ear. Feeling the cartilage soften while the skin stretches out as their entire ear repositions on their head. Stroking their cheek with my thumb as I reform their jaw into a snout. I'd let go of their head and hug them gently while the spell finishes, waiting for the initial thrash before they pick up my scent. The one-two-three sniff, before a heavy sigh, and then going limp into me. The sign I know I have my dog again. I'd give them a hug before pulling away at any clothes they were still tangled in. As excited as I know they are to see me, I know they're just as tired. We can fall asleep together on the couch; we don't have to go anywhere. And when we're ready, we can go for a walk around the neighborhood. Why not a park, too. We'll have all the time in the world.

[herbertwest]

"I should start thinking about NaNoWriMo' I think to myself, forgetting that it is literally the end of January (meaning there's about 10 months to go until NaNoWriMo)

[flyawaybooks]

thinking thoughts..... too many hobbies and interests right now, curse my breadth of skills and abilities. I literally spent all day doing a bunch of things for like fifteen minutes at a time instead of really getting stuck in anything. I want flow state!!!! give me!!! flow!!!!

[mikkimadison]

Ed had not been having a good day.

First, he woke up an hour before his alarm because Jazz made a mess in her crate. While cleaning that up, he'd found out he was almost out of cleaner and almost out of dog food, which meant he had to cram a trip to the store in on his lunch break. But then the meeting before lunch ran just five minutes longer than it was supposed to, leaving Ed scrambling to get food, get home to let Jazz out, and get to the store before he had to be back at work. And then he hit every red light on the way, so of course he was late.

Which meant he was late for his post-lunch meeting, and his manager reprimanded him, and it meant they might lose out on a very lucrative contract. Then, when he finally sat down to each lunch, stomach growling, he discovered he'd gotten the wrong order.

When he got home and saw Jazz had gotten out of her crate and proceeded to destroy his couch, Ed decided someone had it out for him. And he had a pretty good idea who.

He put Jazz's leash and harness on her, stuck a little bottle of wine out in the pocket of his coat, and went for a walk.

Jazz was thrilled about the walk, shoving her head into every third bush to smell whatever was living there, but Ed hauled her out with a promise to let her sniff as long as she wanted on the way back. With his luck right now, she'd get attacked by a cat he hadn't seen and they'd have to make an emergency trip to the vet, and that would delay this even longer.

The temple he needed to visit wasn't in one of the city's main districts, but further off the beaten path, in an area where there were a few temples to regional gods. Smaller gods, as it were.

Ed stomped up the stairs with his dog in tow and muttered the usual prayer at the door, and then set his small wine bottle in the alcove nearby for gifts. Now, now maybe things would go back to normal.

"No."

Ed whirled at the voice, but there was no one there. Only a cat sat on the ground a few feet away, fully black except for a ring of white fur around its eyes. It was almost lost in the evening shadows between the hanging lanterns except for its furry white mask and ̃glowing yellow-green eyes.

The cat meowed, and then repeated, clear as day, "No."

Jazz sniffed at the wall of the temple, showing no indication that she'd heard the cat at all. Which meant...

Ed glared at the cat. "No? What do you mean, no?"

The cat flopped on its side and lazily stretched. "It's been six weeks since your last visit. No prayers, no gifts, not even hardly a thought spared for old Min. One bottle of wine isn't going to cut it."

"I've been under a deadline at work," Ed said. "I've been busy, and every weekend's been booked."

Min's tail twitched. "And yet I bet you've made time for the others, haven't you?"

Ed winced. No point in lying. "Well, I was already in the temple district..."

"Oh, of course." Min scoffed. "Already down there, easy enough to bring gifts for health and travel, safety and fortune. So easy. So much harder to find your way to this temple, the temple of your childhood. So hard to spare a few minutes for the god of little lucks."

Ed closed his eyes and counted to ten. It was frustrating, but Min wasn't wrong. He got onto his knees and bowed. "Min, o god of little lucks, I'm sorry for neglecting you. Please accept my deepest apologies and tell me how to make it right."

Min rolled back up into a seated position and its tail twitched thoughtfully. "Make this pilgrimage each evening for one week, and bring a gift each time."

"A week?" Ed gaped. "Every day?!"

Something cracked above his head, and a tree branch landed just a foot away from him and Jazz.

"Oops," Min said.

Point made. "All right," Ed muttered. "But I can't afford wine each time."

"Tuna's fine." Min trotted to a low pillar and hopped on top of it. "And bring your mutt. She could use the exercise, hm?"

Ed looked at Jazz, who was still happily sniffing everything in a six-foot radius. This was the first time they'd been on a real walk in over a month. He'd been neglecting her, too. "Okay. I mean, yes, o god of little lucks."

Min purred and hopped down from the pillar, and then disappeared into the darkness without so much as a parting yowl.

Then again, maybe Ed really didn't need a god to say goodbye to him. Especially one who had him on its shit list.

He sighed and got to his feet. Jazz trotted over and leaned into his legs, her tongue lolling out between her teeth as she panted.

Ed gave her a good pat on the side. "What do you say we take the long way home, girl?"

Jazz woofed.

"Yeah, I thought you'd like that."

Ed led her back down the stairs and onto the street, letting her sniff to her heart's content. Maybe after a longer walk, he'd feel like he'd made up for neglecting her for the past few weeks.

And maybe he'd also pick up some tuna on the way.

You’re a deity of something small and seemingly unimportant. You’re the first one the people stop praying and sacrificing to when things get dire. Oh, what fools they are.

[novella-november]

Novella November 2024 Announcement Post

Hate AI, but love writing challenges?

Want to take part in a global, fun project to write a Novella in one month?

Grab some friends, and take part in Novella November, by writing 1,000 words a day for the month of November, ending with a 30,000 word Novella to test and stretch your novel-writing skills!

Your goal is not perfection, but merely getting into the habit of writing a litte bit every single day :D

No website, no sign-ups -- Just a community initiative to write using only your own word!

What are the rules? Just Three so far!

#1 - No AI

#2 - No Plagiarizing

#3 - Wordcount for the month should only come from what you write during the month.

What does that mean?

Only words written during November should go towards your Wordcount for the month... but! Feel free to use your 30k words as a continuation of previous writing, or just make it the first 30k words in a longer novel!

Don't think you can write a whole entire 30k word story? Write a series of short stories that total up to 30k!

Not ready to write original works yet? Write a 30k word fanfiction that you can post after the month is over!

Share your writing experience, tips, encouragement, and questions in the #Novella November tag!

---

EDIT, from the tags: Want a progress tracker? Track your progress with TrackBear!

https://trackbear.app/

Don't have a word processor? Use LibreOffice , the free and open-source alternative to Microsoft Word!

Want to organize/storyboard your Novel and don't want to pay a subscription? Try 7writer by Simon Haynes!

Want to be able to listen to your story aloud for proofreading using TTS (text to speech)? Try Balabolka!

Or, create some custom progress / Goal Cards in advance you can fill out as you reach word goals! For ideas and templates, search this blog for "goal cards" :D

Want to do a writing challenge in more than just November? Check out my ideas here for year round challenges to keep you writing consistently! Got feedback? Send it in, I'd love to see everyone's ideas!

---

EDIT 2: I almost forgot to mention, if you are unable to write/type your story, you can also narrate/dictate your story to your preferred recording device!

If you're doing a Recording only and it doesn't automatically generate a transcript, it would obviously be hard to judge the word count -- but you're also working with a lot of obstacles, so I'd say if you're able to complete your story via voice recording from start to finish, you've definitely achieved the goal!

Edit #3: added the title "Novella November 2024 announcement post" to the top to make it more standard with my Ominous October and Drabble December posts (will be updating Outline October shortly) , added "Official Announcement Post 2024" to the tags so people can easily find the monthly events for 2024, and added a bit of bold to the third bullet point in the original post from September 2nd 2024 for emphasis.

[tiredsmashbros]

SMG34: LIPBITE COMIC WIP UPDATE

oh boy... i know a bunch of folks are hyped for this comic... and boy oh boy are ya'll's prayers going to be heard... kind of... butt for the celebration milestone, and granted majority are from this comic, i thought it was best to give EVERYTHING that i have currently.

starting off STRONG with what you freaks most want: the completed pages. andddd yep that's it that all that i have done LMAO. i've been fixated on my own smg4 oc: tsb, and during the end of my summer was unfortunately fucked over by some personal issues that fortunately got resolved last minute good grief the anxiety prevented me from drawing the gays sigh... aNYWAYS LINEART WIPS!!!!

here are linearts i have completed / in the progress of!! want to aim like i did in the past by finishing up lineart first, and then speed through with color + minor rendering. the reason i have a few colored is to test out what it would look polished and my god... i have improved A LOT. THESE GAY PEOPLE GIVE POWER I AM NOT KIDDING BELIEVE ME IM NOT CRAY- anyways onto wip pages!

jumpscare: tsb stickman sketches. oh yeah. this is how i sketch and i blame sensei eiichiro oda /j. and in case anyone is unable to understand it {i don't blame u LMAO}, smg4 wakes up from the dream and is startled to see mario by his bed. they have a short convo before mario leaves, and we get a job to smg4 in the bathroom trying to put up a brave face. until the moment he leaves he's stunned due to seeing smg3 at his front door. will i elaborate more on specifics or unwritten dialogue? NOPE! gotta keep secrets to make it even more enjoyable at the end!!

currently at 13 sketched pages total, but this is probably gonna be reaching towards 20-ish pages, surpassing part two, but it will depend on how i come up with how to end it. additionally to confirm there will be a PART FOUR / chapter 3, to end this story. my goal is to have it done before i finish my senior year, or at least during the summer after i graduate bc good lord who knows whats gonna happen.

and lastly, before i end this crazy update, SCRAPPED PAGESSS!!!!!

CONTENT WARNING : NSFW SKETCHES !!!! PLEASE LOOK AWAY IF YOU ARE A MINOR OR DON'T LIKE THIS TYPE OF STUFF!!!

oh boy... dont draw comics while sleep-deprived at 6am... idek what i was even aiming with this ngl other than just for fun, but i scrapped it due to not being what i had in mind for the story. if it doesn't serve a purpose or narrative, its bye bye YEAH BYE BYE THIS IS THE CLOSEST NSFW UR GONNA GET FROM ME HAHAHAHAHA- i say that despite writing a nsfw jojo wattpad smh im only confident doing it in words good lord. btw not watermarking these bc i gen don't care since they're legit scrapped {left top part was kept and completed} so idk what to do with these. im just throwing it and walkin away

now to end with this update, i can hear your question, "when will this be done?" and to answer that question: i'm not entirely sure due to my heavy focus on my smg4 oc: tsb, but my best chance is postponing my oc lore a bit and complete this before november UOIYGJDSIUHJKDWSXYUGHJKCS but we shall have too see...

if you want to join the ping list comment on this post LMAO [click]

ignore below if you're not from the tsb birthday partydddjdhdhdjd

...

...

...

thurs: smg34 is canon in the tsb universe / au. though most of their encounters are platonic or best-friendy-way, they eventually express their feelings to one another and start dating 3/4’s way of the tsb storyline arc. tsb is a supporter of his friend's relationship and admires and takes inspiration from their relationship heavily to input his future love life. yearning to be in a similar position... to learn what is to really love someone... or what it's truly like to be loved...

[wanders-in-wonderland]

~Welcome to Wonderland~

Disclaimer: If you are a minor, please please do not interact with my content and I will block you if I see you. I absolutely do not condone any true non-consensual activities, all sex should be performed with consenting adults, clear communication, and trust. Just because I write about non-consensual topics does not mean it is okay in real life. My blog contains content that may be triggering and I do my best to tag accordingly but please be warned and engage at your own discretion!

Hello! Thank you for stopping by my little corner of the internet and welcome! I write long- and short-form content that spans a variety of my own kinks that most commonly include overstimulation, consensual non-consent, rape fantasies, and being a breedable, submissive slut ;)

I try my best to tag my stories accordingly and this post will (hopefully) always be the most updated list of my long-form content. Short-form content is posted in pink text and tagged with #drippythoughts. I’m open to requests and suggestions and my ask box and DMs are always open for anyone who wants to play! Also, I love when y’all interact with my posts by commenting or reblogging so please feel free!

~ Masterlist ~

A Game | Drugging, Aphrodisiac, Mind Break, Choking, Breath Play, Overstimulation, Predicament Bondage, Vibrator

As Planned | Consensual Non-Consent, Anal (Painal), Fake Safe Word, Aftercare

Broken Rules | Overstimulation, Daddy Kink, Vibrator/Fucking Machine

Countdown | Overstimulation, Sybian, Edging, Exhibitionism, Mind Break

Date Night Distractions | Overstimulation, Cockwarming, Praise

Difficult Decisions | Overstimulation, Vibrator, Bondage, Gaslighting (ish), Daddy Kink, Clit Pumping

Don't Move | Drugging, Paralytic, Rape Fantasy, Mind Break, Overstimulation

Electrified | Consensual Non-Consent, Overstimulation, Drugging, Aphrodisiac, Electrostimulation, Medical (ish)

Ex-Boyfriend | Rape Fantasy, Mind Break, Edging, Overstimulation, Bimbofication

First Date | Consensual Non-Consent, Rape Fantasy, Mouth Fucking

Fuck Me Like You Hate Me | Overstimulation, Mind Break, Vibrator, Dacryphilia

Jealousy | Daddy Kink, Overstimulation, Edging, Mind Break, Exhibitionism (ish)

Lover Boy | Overstimulation, Cuck, Threesome (ish but not really), Exhibitionism

My Roommate | Spanking, Rape Fantasy

New Toy | Daddy Kink, Brat, Edging, Overstimulation, Vibrator

Pay to Play | Rape Fantasy, Kidnapping, Mind Break, Overstimulation, Medical (ish)

Please Professor | Rape Fantasy, Overstimulation, Mind Break, Academia/School, Vibrator

Roles Reversed | Overstimulation, Daddy Kink, Brat, Rope Bondage

Smile for the Camera | Cam Girl, Consensual Non-Consent, Rape Fantasy, Exhibition, After Care

Taken: Denial | Rape Fantasy, Kidnapping, Edging, Mind Break, Vibrator

Taken: Refusal | Rape Fantasy, Kidnapping, Overstimulation, Edging, Somnophilia, Vibrator

The Monster in My Bed | Consensual Non-Consent, Overstimulation, Choking, Intruder

The Popular Vote | Rape Fantasy, Mind Break, Fucking Machine, Vibrator/Sybian, Clit Torture, Electrostimulation, Overstimulation, Edging, Ruined Orgasms, Exhibitionism

Treatment Plan | Rape Fantasy, Tickling, Overstimulation, Restrained, Medical, Mind Break

Updated November 17, 2024

[2amriize]

˚⟡˖ when you are both idols — RIIZE | hyung line.

shotaro, eunseok, sungchan, wonbin

ᡣ𐭩 masterlist

note! hi hi! i want to start doing also one shorts of individual members, so if anyone has an idea or an scenario to write about let me know! ♥

genre fluff

pairing idol!riize x idol!reader

click here to see maknae line ver.!

ᯓ★ SHOTARO

You and Shotaro already knew each other before he debuted, since both of you have been dancers from a young age, and you had taken dance classes together more than once

When he debuted, you didn’t lose touch and continued talking through messages

Everyone around you knew how close you were—you even congratulated him on your Instagram stories for his debut!

Just a few months after Shotaro debuted, the company you were with decided to add you to the next group that was set to debut, and you finally debuted at the end of november as the main dancer

You and Shotaro would often meet up whenever you had the time

Since it was the end of the year, you were able to meet several times at year-end award shows and festivals, and you even had to practice together because you had a collab stage together.

Oh my god, everyone could sense the tension between you two.

You just weren’t officially anything, or rather, you had never talked about it.

After the collaboration, people started shipping you two. too much

And then screenshots of the stories from your old account surfaced, and people began to speculate whether you were a couple

Neither of the companies said anything, and you both continued acting as usual

ᯓ★ EUNSEOK

You met because you were both chosen to be MCs together on a music show.

You couldn’t help but be surprised by how handsome he was in person.

At first, both of you were quite shy, but during the rehearsals for the special stage you had to prepare, you started talking more and becoming closer.

In truth, you had a lot in common, so it was pretty easy to find things to talk about. You wouldn’t stop talking until they called you back for practice.

After a few weeks as hosts, people began to notice how good your chemistry was, and you even started joking with each other during interviews.

It was no surprise when you won the award for Best MCs of the Year.

But after a few months, the contract as hosts ended, and your last day as hosts had arrived.

You were quite sad and even started crying during your final speech.

When you returned to your dressing room, you were still crying, so Eunseok came over to try and make you laugh, saying some joke as he always did, which worked.

“You know we’re going to keep seeing each other, right?”

ᯓ★ SUNGCHAN

You had heard that Sungchan from RIIZE was tall, but when you saw him in person in the company hallway, you didn’t expect him to be THAT tall.

He had debuted recently in RIIZE, but you had already been an idol for a few years, so when he saw you, he greeted you with a slight bow.

You found him too cute to just see him in the company hallways, so one day, you asked some mutual friends to give you his number so you could talk to him.

What surprised you was that you didn’t need anyone to give it to you, as you received a message from him just before you could send one.

“Thanks for the snacks you sent us! We enjoyed them ^^!”

A few weeks later, you were already having dates inside the company, in hidden spots so people wouldn’t catch you.

But the secrecy didn’t last long, because when asked in an interview who your ideal guy was, you didn’t take a second to perfectly describe Sungchan.

“I like tall men, very tall. And ones who work out regularly. But not serious ones, they have to make me laugh and have an angelic smile.”

Although there were some rumors, no major news broke out.

Whenever you were promoting at the same time, you always visited RIIZE’s dressing room to give them gifts and cheer them on, as well as to see your boyfriend.

ᯓ★ WONBIN

oh wonbin... Among all the idols, Wonbin is famous for his looks.

And that’s exactly what you did when you saw him in person for the first time.

You had to do a challenge for your comeback together, so you met in one of the hallways of the music stations to film it.

Wonbin had a very soft voice and was very respectful, and you could tell how ambitious he was since he didn’t mind recording as many times as needed until both of you were satisfied.

You couldn’t stop sneaking glances at him whenever you could.

But you refused to ask for his phone number—it was too embarrassing.

After finishing the recording, you simply said goodbye and went back to your respective waiting rooms.

To your surprise, you bumped into him again at the cafeteria.

And what surprised you the most was that as he left, he placed a piece of paper on your table.

His number.

Oh, your face turned red, and you couldn’t help but smile.

You didn’t hesitate for a second to text him, and to your surprise, you got along quite well.

It didn’t even take a week before you arranged to meet up to learn some dances together since you both loved it.

He was the perfect dance partner!

click here to see maknae line ver.!

[hoe4sports]

The patterns in the wallpaper

A/N: A short piece, once again based off my own experiences. You can find more stories here.

Warning: Mentions of abuse, sensitive subjects, read with caution .

If you have struggled or struggles with the same things, please know that I’m always available for a chat. I care about you.

If you find yourself in a psychological emergency; please seek medical attention.

-

As a child, you weren’t really a child. In the surge of your mother’s impulsive decisions and explosive temperament, you suffered your fair share of the consequences. The consequences was piled up in your invisible backpack glued to your shoulder, and over the years; your backpack would get heavier and heavier.

At one point, the backpack was so heavy that you couldn’t get out of bed anymore. Your backpack was above your capacity leaving your attempts at standing up looking like a baby trying to walk for the first time.

The consequences of the imaginary backpack was there when you met Alexia. You met at a coffeeshop. It was the perfect romcom meeting. Alexia ran into you, and dropped her coffee on you. You had subconsciously met a few months earlier in a group therapy session for people dealing with anxiety and depression.

5th of November

One of the assets of Alexia was her face. Her face stood out to you, she didn’t look like she belonged in the room. Sure, mental illness and unwellness dosent have a spesfic look, but if you are attentive and willing to dive; you can see it in their eyes.

The thing about eyes is that it’s the only part of your body that you cannot lie with. Your eyes are like the windows to your soul, to your headspace. When you would look across the room, you would see people’s eyes. Most had drained eyes, eyes that looked like the had seen the most unforgiving of actions.

It was not like your eyes were any different. They were the same. Dull, sad, lost. There are a million ways to describe them, but the most fitting word would be gone.

Your eyes would brighten as the therapy went on. After having a few experiences with Alexia, the light had been sparked again. Like you were finally free to breathe. But, then you got the call.

“Your mother is sick, I don’t know how longs she has left”.

The light in your eyes were simply gone. Just like your mother stole your childhood, your innocence and your magic; she stole the light in your eyes and your adulthood.

It wasn’t the grieving of potentially losing your mother that had hit you. It was the grief of the loss of hope. The hope that one day, she might realise all her wrongs and try to do them right by apologising. That day looked further away than ever. It was just the tiny girl inside of you who were holding on to the hope of an apology like a child holds onto a helium balloon.

You laid in bed, sideways, facing the wall. The wall has patterns in it, carefully chosen by you and Alexia when you built your house a few years ago prior. The wallpaper is unique, you have never seen anything like it.

Alexia didn’t know it back then, but you wanted patterns on your side of the room for a reason. If you ever would spiral down into the state of mentality you had when you met Alexia, you would have something to look at.

10th of November

When your life came crashing down, a regular November night; you stared at the pattern in the wallpaper for hours. As Alexia’s soft snores fills the room bearing evidence of her trust that you are asleep: your eyes were wander to the wallpaper. Eyes heavy with sadness; but somehow also anger.

The anger lasts. It builds up. It turmoils into something bigger. Something heavier.

Anger for how your mother chose to run away from this world instead of dealing with the consequences of robbing your life before it had even begun. Anger for how she made things easier for herself. Anger for how the hope of an apology disappeared into thin air in sync with her existence.

“When i was 7, i would write my mami notes to tell her how sorry i was and how I wouldn’t mind if she gave me away to have someone better than me.”

Alexia looked at you with sadness in her eyes before wrapping her arms around you. The pair of you laying together, close to each other in totally silence and as different. Not a bad kind of different, but a healing kind of different.

“You didn’t deserve that.” Alexia whispers into the top of your head, while your face stares into the wallpaper. “I know” you respond.

25th of November

You don’t really know how to respond, or how to talk about your childhood. Your childhood had been taken out of your backpack after going to therapy for years. The consequences of your mother had been placed into a suitcase before it was thrown up to the loft. You simply forgot about it, for years. But one morning, the suitcase was back in your room filling you with grief of the life and the potential you were supposed to have.

“When I was a kid, my mom would ask me when I would go home again.” You whisper, the memory lingering in your head for a moment before the pattern of the wallpaper takes over again. “You didn’t deserve it, amor” Alexia whispers into your hair.

Alexia never tells you, but each time you share something about your childhood; her heart breaks for the person you were supposed to be. She tends to imagine what you would be like without the struggles,without the consequences of your mother. A part of her hopes that one day, you’ll have a little girl who will grow up to be just like you; but with two loving parents and a safe home.

Christmas is closing in, but you are still staring at the wall. You follow the pattern with your eyes: that’s all you have capacity to do. You never read, watch tiktoks or use your phone. You just stare at the wall, waiting for this to pass. The only issue is that this time; it won’t just pass. You haven’t realised it yet. But Alexia has, already having a list of the best private physiatrist that money could by ready for whenever your mind can hold two thoughts at the same time.

Alexia dosent push. She never does. She’s pacient. She’s consistent. She’s the most reliable asset you have had in the entirely of your life. She waits, and waits and waits; because she knows that one day you’ll be ready to move your gaze away from the wallpaper.

1st of December

“How is it today, amor?” Alexia asks. It’s the same question everytime she gets home from training. She’s just waiting for the day when you have an answer. “I don’t know” is your response. It’s always your response. Like your brain dosent have the ability to answer anything else.

Days become weeks, weeks become a month and a month became multiple months. Months of you laying in bed, waiting for it to get better. Months of you never leaving your bed for more than 5 minutes. Months of having the living room and kitchen being used by only one person.

Alexia is functioning for you, almost on your behalf. She opens your mail, books occasional doctors appointments over the phone, she brushes your hair and she brings you water with ice and a cut up apple every single morning before she leaves for practice. She dosent push it. She just leaves it infront of you.

When she has away games, she haves Alba over. Alba stays in the guest room, and she occasionally checks in on you. Never pressuring you, never making you feel bad. She understands the situation, and she wants to support her sister.

5th of December

Closing up to Christmas, Alexia is at practice tying her cleats. Mapi sits next to her watching as person after person disappears onto the pitch. When it’s only the pair of them left, she looks at Alexia.

“How’s y/n? She hasn’t been at any games this season” she wonders, the memory of you sitting next to her during her injury fresh in her mind.

“She’s alive, that’s all that matters” Alexia responds, quietly cleaning up her spot before getting ready to warm up. She clenches her jaw, not wanting to break in-front of her teammate.

Mapi smiles sadly at her understanding the severity of the situation. Ingrid went through the same thing when her grandmother died.

“I’ll get Ingrid to call her” Mapi says, not a tone of judgement in her voice.

“Anything helps” Alexia responds knowing that you and Ingrid created a special bond when Ingrid was injured. You went home to her and Mapi’s place to take care of her while Mapi went on the US tour with barca. That’s to your nature. Always taking care of others. Always attentive to others feelings.

On the drive home later that day, she dosen’t listen to music like she normally does. It’s quiet. She’s thinking. Her head is filled with worry, hoping that you will find it within you to recover again. Not because she wants you to or because she’s sick of caring for you; but because you deserve to live a life free of worry.

When she pulls up into the driveway, she sees the curtains are pulled in-front of the windows. She does it before she leaves, wanting to shield you from any media or fans. She trusts the fans, but not with you. You are fragile. A small tap, and you’ll break.

She grabs her phone and gets out of the car, walking the few meters to the entryway before locking herself in. Dinner is on her mind, perhaps salmon with pasta? You don’t eat much, but you eat pasta. If she just makes extra pasta, then she can put some pesto on it and have you eat just the pasta.

Her thoughts are spinning trying to find ways to help you without helping you. It’s exhausting, she thinks. Not caring for you, but watching you fade away until an empty shield of what you once were.

She takes off her shoes, and greets your golden retriever. He licks her hands, and wags his tail. Always so happy to see her. Her mind dosent understand how he can be happy of small things like pebble, squirrels and birds.

But then, at the corner of her eye. She sees movement. Her mind instantly brushes it off as the cat, but her curiosity gets the best of her. She rounds the corner, and her breathing stops. She stops in her tracks. Her jaw is on the floor. Her mind is empty. She’s at a loss of words.

Why?

That’s because in the kitchen, she sees you. For the first time since mid October; you look alive again. Like the color has come back into your face. Like the spark in your eyes has returned.

Out of bed, freshly showered in her Barca joggers and a hoodie cooking.

She thinks it’s a dream.

It’s not. You smile at her before pointing to the pot in-front of you.

“I made soup" you say, stirring the caserole of sweetpotato soup.

Alexia’s face soften and her lips smiles

She dosent know what to say.

You embrace her, and look her into her eyes.

She doesn’t know why, how or when Ingrid called you. But, she knows that her patience paid off.

“I love soup” Alexia responds.

7th of December

But the thing about the wallpaper, is that it’s quite the trickster. One day out of bed costs a lot more than the stamina you’ve had since getting familiar with the wallpaper a few months ago.

The wallpaper draws you in again, and for the next few weeks you lay in bed facing the wallpaper. There isn’t a singular emotion in your face. Apathy.

Christmas is closing in. It has always been your favourite holiday. You didn’t love holidays as a child, fearing the consequences of having to be with your mother’s unreliable emotions for en extended period of time.

But Christmas is different. Christmas reminds you of your grandparents. It reminds you of coming to their house, and helping your grandpa with getting the boxes of Christmas decorations from the loft.

The loft has a special smell. It’s usually not a pleasant smell, but you love the smell. It reminds you of nostalgia. It feels safe.

Nobody expects you to feel safe at your mother’s. After all, you would spent all weekends and all holidays at your grandparents. Neglected from your mother’s love and attention.

Perhaps, a part of her passing is knowing that she will never apologise. There will never come a day where she realises her mistakes, and takes responsibility for her actions. Instead, the little girl inside you has to take responsibility of her actions. It drags you down. It feels heavy.

The memory of begging your mom to change her was is still fresh in your mind. A picture of you sitting in your bedroom, tears rolling down your face while brainstorming how to get your mother to change. Maybe if you were just a little nicer? A little more helpful? A little less annoying?

“I wish I could get my mom to change her ways, maybe she would finally care about me?” you whisper out. That’s all you do these days. Whisper. Alexia holds you from behind, her arms wrapped around you like you are some fragile kitten. “The truth is that that no child can save her mother” Alexia hums, gently kissing the top of your head.

11th of December

Alexia’s patience never runs out. She waits. She happily waits for you to find your way out of the maze you have been pulled into. It’s not like you walked into the maze yourself, you were put there against your will.

It’s trial and error. Walking tirelessly to find your way out of your brain. The only thing she can do is wait. You stare at the wallpaper, and she waits. That’s how the days are going by. You stare, and stare and stare. She’s talked to her mami about it, and she supports the wait. It hurts Alexia’s mami to know that you were treated badly by your own birtggiver. She could never imagine doing something neglectful to her own children.

Alexia knows it’s not your fault, any of it really. She knows that you were supposed to be cared for. Loved. Held. But you didn’t get that. You had to figure it out yourself. It’s confusing for a little girl.

The situation confusing for everyone. Patri dosent understand why you aren’t there.

“Why isn’t your girl around anymore? Did you piss her off again?” She jokes.

“No, my wife is sick” she responds, not wanting to shine more light on your situation. She has decided that this is a private matter.

"Sick of you? or of football?" she jokes back. The room is now quiet. Awfully quiet. It’s an unwritten truth that they don’t joke about you. Mapi and Ingrid knows. Caroline and Marta too. Even Fridolina knows about your struggles.

Alexa clenches her jaw, trying her best to cool her anger. Pina tries to get Patri to cut it out, but for some reason; she dosent understand that it’s a serious matter.

“For fucks sake Patri, my wife is sick. Her mother that abused her for years had passed. She’s struggling. Can you leave me and my wife alone?” Alexia snaps, banging her cubby shut before marching out of the room.

Everyone looks at Patri. “Why did you do that?” Ingrid snaps, Patri just shrugges. “I didn’t know she was sick, I was just asking a question!”

Mapi looks at Patri.

“Read the fucking room.”

17th of December

The last game of the year, Alexia forgets her cleats. She had bought new ones after throwing away her old ones. The new ones were bright pink. Nike mad brilliance. Alexia didn’t really want bright pink, but they had the exact same colour as the top you wore on your first date, and the thought of your smile when you would see the cleats with the explanation; that convinced her.

A member of staff offers to go home for her, and get them; but she dosent want to. Even though she needs to eat with the team and do the pre game meeting. No matter how tired, she’s never willing to expose you at your most vulnerable state.

She says her goodbyes before sprinting to the car. Her luck has ran out, and there is traffic making her later than anticipated. The rain is pouring down, making cars drive slower. Her knowledge on the neighbourhoods in Barcelona are to a T after living there for many years. She makes shortcuts before finally pulling up to your street.

The houses passes by. Neighbours like the Ramirez where you would have bbqs and miss Talia where you would be invited for cookies reminds her of better days. Not just how things were a few months ago, but it reminds her of what’s to come when you find yourself back again. When you find your way out of the patterns in the wallpaper. It’s what’s ahead that’s important.

The better days.

Christmas is conveniently here. It adds to the traffic. Normally your house would be all dolled up by now, Christmas gifts and bright lights everywhere. The good old improvised wrapping station you would make taking over Alexia’s office. Normally, she would pretend to be annoyed by it. But, the truth is that she misses it. She misses walking along side you when you try to find this year’s wrapping paper theme. She always pretend to be annoyed by it, but she promises herself that next year; when you feel better, she’ll never complain.

When she pulls up to the house, it’s dark inside. It’s comforting knowing that you haven’t left the house. She knows that you wouldnt do anything dumb, but in the back of her mind the worry of how your mind taking over your rationality lingers.

With quick steps, she moves inside. Your dog greets her in the hallway, like he always does. He’s happy. His butt wiggling from side to side. She’s smiles softly spending a minute petting him, giving him kisses and belly rubs.

“Alexia? Can I come with you to the game?”

Alexia’s eyes widen. It’s like she can’t comprehend what is happening in front of her. You are standing there. Hair done, makeup on. A pair of jeans with her jersey on your upper body.

“Uh” is all she can say.

You laugh softly at her.

Your laugh. She can’t remember when she last heard you laugh before. She’s not sure what to say. If this is a surge or if you are actually feeling better. She separates her lips to speak, it words dosent come out.

You look at her.

She looks at your eyes.

Then she sees it. The sparkle is back. It’s not huge, like a few years ago, yet it’s there. A small twinkle.

“Ale, I think I’m feeling better. I’m gonna talk to the psychiatrist tomorrow”

She smiles, then she nods.

Her frame crashes into yours. Her arms wraps around you, hiding your head in her neck. She can’t remember the last time she hugged you standing up. But she’s grateful.

“My love for you is endless, princesa”

.

[reputayswift]

INTO FOLKLORE: a folklore, evermore, & ttpd narrative playlist

The lives of several interconnected townspeople play out alongside their folkloric counterparts, answering the question: can we write our own endings…or are we destined to repeat the past?

insp. 1 2 3 4 5

[listen here] [visuals here] [follow along below↓]

CHAPTER 1: THE ROAD TO THE LOOKOUT 🛣️

gold rush -> exile -> chloe or sam or sophia or marcus -> this is me trying -> i hate it here -> epiphany -> hoax -> the prophecy

APRIL. James abandons a belated love confession over a misunderstanding at prom. Betty explores the folklore surrounding the local lookout, where a spirit still awaits her exiled lover.

CHAPTER 2: CLOSETS OF BACKLOGGED DREAMS 🎥

seven -> robin -> my boy only breaks his favorite toys -> peter -> coney island -> champagne problems -> the bolter -> marjorie -> clara bow -> thank you aimee -> the 1 -> dorothea -> i can do it with a broken heart -> mirrorball

MAY. On the precipice of graduation, aspiring actress Dorothea contemplates a proposal from her childhood sweetheart. 1950s television personality Marjorie Finlay faces a similar dilemma.

CHAPTER 3: FOREVER IS THE SWEETEST CON 🛸

cowboy like me -> I can fix him (no really I can) -> the tortured poets department -> peace -> august -> down bad -> loml

JUNE-AUGUST. James and August indulge in a whirlwind summer romance while hiding their true intentions. In the Summer of Love, two con-artists finally meet their match: each other.

CHAPTER 4: PROMISED TO ANOTHER 🌿

guilty as sin? -> ivy -> the lakes -> but daddy I love him -> illicit affairs -> the manuscript

SEPTEMBER. A 19th-century poet risks a prosperous engagement for true love. An affair between Betty's father and a bright young journalist proves to be anything but a fairytale.

CHAPTER 5: THE LOUDEST WOMAN THIS TOWN HAS EVER SEEN 🐈‍⬛

willow -> the albatross -> mad woman -> cassandra -> who's afraid of little old me? -> the last great american dynasty

OCTOBER. Inez hosts a Halloween party at a house rumored to be haunted by a historic town pariah. In the late 1600s, a woman is accused of witchcraft.

CHAPTER 6: NO BODY, NO CRIME? 🔍

tolerate it -> the black dog -> right where you left me -> fortnight -> it's time to go -> so long, london -> my tears ricochet -> how did it end? -> no body, no crime -> fresh out the slammer -> florida!!! -> happiness

NOVEMBER. Upon discovering her husband's infidelity, Betty's mother has a breakthrough about a long-forgotten cold case from the late 80s.

CHAPTER 7: 'TIS THE DAMN SEASON 🧣

evermore -> I look in people's windows -> the smallest man who ever lived -> closure -> betty -> imgonnagetyouback -> cardigan -> 'tis the damn season -> the alchemy -> so high school -> long story short -> invisible string

DECEMBER. Conflicts come to a head as everyone returns home for the holidays. The spirit at the lookout finally finds closure.

[omegastation]

Hi. I haven’t used Tumblr in such a long time. It's kinda weird. Last time was two years ago...

I went to Valencia in Spain a few months later. Some parts of it reminded me of the Citadel. I wanted to write about it here, but I couldn’t. I couldn’t really come back here because I couldn’t play the game. I couldn’t concentrate at all, couldn’t finish a simple mission, couldn’t just “play”. I’m still in my first Legendary playthrough if you can believe it. I was losing something that brought me joy and didn’t really know what to do.

And the long story short about my time away: I got a Master’s degree while still working (evening & weekend classes). It’s fairly recent, I learned in June that I got a "Grande Distinction" (with great distinction? idk how to translate it well in English, it's just one of the highest marks). So that was nice :)

Less nice: I got a severe pulmonary embolism in November. My lungs are okay but I have to deal with daily hyperventilation now, which means I’m quite tired and need to make an appointment soon for respiratory physiotherapy. If you’re wondering, I don’t smoke and I’m fairly active. What else? I’m about to self-publish (finally!!!) my collection of short stories in French. Mom helped me yesterday, we ordered printed books. So I'm still writing. Reading and knitting all the time. And I’m still working at the same job I was working at, and I’m happy there, though it can be demanding and I have to be careful not to overwork myself.

In the end, I did manage to come back to the game and finish a mission. Not only that, but I played more missions, and that was a real "omg I can do it" moment. And the more I play, the more I want to talk about it. So there you have it, I hope I can come back and just try to enjoy myself in a chill way. I don't know how long, we'll see. I think time has helped me, at least, to look at things differently. I don't want to feel any type of obligation. I want to do things for fun because it's fun, and let that be enough.

It’s been so long, the fandom has probably changed a lot. Some people might be gone. I’ll reintroduce myself one way or another, but right now I’ll just find stuff I like to reblog and talk about all the ideas that come to mind. Bear with me if it has been said recently or so many times before. I just feel like starting all over again and I missed a lot of posts. My memory isn't what it's used to be either tbh...

Finally, I hope you’re all doing well. Thank you to the people who sent me messages. One person wrote that they missed me. I don’t know who they are, it was anon, but that really moved me, because I really did miss this community and all the discussions we had. I also miss, as always, Dustie who has been gone for a while now.

Anyway. Thank you.

[d0wnb4df0rf1cm3n]

Someone's there.

Bucky x Reader

Summary: When you walk home from the office, someone seems to be following you home. Your best friend is not happy about that.

Word Count: 2.5K

Warnings: Stalking/Stalker-Ex BF, Domestic Abuse, Anxiety, Angry!Bucky, Protective!Bucky, Panic Attack

AN: This is definitely not what I intended to write when I started but anyway. Have good day my dudes!!!

You stepped out of the office, pulling your coat tighter around you against the night. It was mid-November and New York was getting colder and colder every day that passed by. You were excited about Christmas - it was one of your favourite times of the year. The lights that went up from apartment to apartment, the tree and ice rink in Rockefeller center that you and your boyfriend - Nathan - visited every year, you and Nathan driving up to Boston to meet your family. Well, your ex-boyfriend.

You'd broken up a month ago. He'd been laid off about a year ago and taken up drinking to fill the time. Nathan was not a very nice drunk. He'd yell and throw things when he was angry, which was most of the time when he was drunk, and then beg you to come back, saying that he needed you and that he'd clean up his act as soon as he got a job. You had a well-paying job - secretary to the Avengers - but Nathan was always the higher earner of the two of you. You could hardly sustain his lifestyle on your job, but you stayed. Why? You had no idea.

Nathan was a smart guy, he got picked up by some major firm headquartered in Manhattan just over a month after he got laid off. He was back to his old routine of leaving the house at 6 and coming back by 8 - you hardly saw him anymore.

And much to your dismay, the drinking didn't stop. Sure, he slowed down. He couldn't risk ruining his reputation at his new workplace. So he limited the drinking to after work. But he never stopped.

The throwing vases became throwing punches, the yelling became constant threats, consoling words became consoling sex.

You did well to hide the new bruises from your colleagues, although your act was not good enough to fool everybody. You'd let your guard down in the toilet, rolling your sleeves up to wash your hands, just as Natasha Romanoff. Yes, Natasha Romanoff aka the Black Widow aka the world's best assassin.

She didn't mention it there, but you were called to a meeting with her soon after. She sat you down with a glass of water and asked you a simple question: "Are you safe?"

Your wide eyes and trembling figure gave you away.

Nat implored you to break up with him or to at least come and live at the compound for a while - just until you figured out what you wanted to do.

You turned her offer down, stating that you were fine. You'd be fine. She fixed you with a stern glance, but even Natasha Romanoff couldn't force you to do something you didn't want.

Bucky, on the other hand, was a completely different story. He'd noticed the bruises long before Nat had, and gone out of his way to try and make your life easier. He sent you less paperwork to file, fewer menial tasks to do, and even put in a request for you to be moved to the New York office. In his eyes that meant you'd be further away from Nathan.

The next week, you both moved to Manhattan.

The bruises started to get darker, and more visible around your body. You dropped the short-sleeved dresses and low necklines in favour of long-sleeved turtlenecks with trousers.

Bucky worried for you. The dark rings around your eyes, the ghostly pallor of your skin. He was determined to save you. The only issue was he had no idea where you lived. New York was a big enough place that he'd never run into you. He knew you didn't live in Brooklyn, but that was about it.

The night where it all came to a head was after a Stark Gala. There was a group photo, where Bucky's arm rested on your hip while your arm rested on his. Nathan was pissed. He'd been sitting on the sofa when you came home, the photo open on his phone and a half-drunk bottle of whiskey in his hand. He pushed you into a wall and slapped you, his rings cutting into your face. He yelled every manner of words in your direction, calling you a 'slut' and a 'whore', and telling you that you were worthless. You cried, fresh bruises forming on your neck where he gripped you and blood dripping down your face.

You took his berating for the next few hours until Nathan retreated onto the sofa, sitting down and muttering under his breath. You opened your mouth, trying to defend yourself. Wrong move. Nathan stood up, even more agitated than before. He grabbed the bottle of whiskey that was almost finished and brought it down on your head.

The next thing you remember was waking up to 4 white walls. You were in a hospital, your hand being gripped tightly by someone. You tried to escape from the vice-like grip when a thumb ran over your knuckles. You knew those hands.

"Bucky." You whispered, your eyes still adjusting to the light. Your voice was sore from disuse, but the way that Bucky's eyes lit up, you would have thought that you were singing a love song just to him.

The calmness in your heart faded as soon as your brain caught up with you. You tried to convince Bucky that he needed to go but he shushed you gently.

"Shh. Don't stress yourself out. You're safe. I promise." The red rings around his eyes gave him away. Bucky had been crying. Over you.

You held his hand tightly that day. And the day after. And even the day after that. You weren't sure if you would ever find the strength to let go.

By the time you were out of the hospital, you'd moved back to Upstate New York - Bucky had made sure that you would never have to set foot in the city again if you didn't want to.

You returned back to work as normal - the restraining order you had filed against Nathan made your mind rest easier. The whole team was happy to have you back and smiling again, but they made sure to check in with you a hell of a lot more than they used to. Clint would swing by with an apple, and accidentally leave it at your desk - the first time, you'd felt bad and tried to return it, but you quickly caught on to his tactics. Nat would bring up game nights and movie nights, begging you to come, even if it was just you both.

But most of all, Bucky. Every day, you'd wake up to a text from him, wishing you a wonderful morning and spewing some inspirational affirmations for the start of the day. He'd bring you coffee, made just how you like it, as soon as he was back from his morning run. He'd spent a while perfecting the drink - making sure it was exactly to your standard. He'd walk you to your apartment for your biweekly 2pm therapy sessions (that he'd set you up with after he had realised how much difficulty you were having sleeping), and then off to lunch at some random hole-in-the-wall spot that he knew you would love. He'd call you as you got home, making sure you got home safe, and then a goodnight text to fall asleep to.

To others, his persistent need to be around you would be stifling. But after 4 years of having your needs be put lower than the damn cockroaches in the walls, it was nice to feel wanted.

You set your life up - personal bank accounts, new social media - anything to separate that part of your life from your new one. You got a new phone (courtesy of Tony, who insisted on buying you the latest iPhone, no matter how hard you tried to convince him that he didn't need to do that because 'where on earth would you find the money to pay him back?' He scoffed at that, "I'm a billionaire hun, I think I can afford to buy my secretary a new phone). You went to get your haircut, the shorter length was something you knew Nathan would have hated.

You'd walked into the compound the day after you got it cut, worried that no one would like it as much as you did.

As soon as you made it to the kitchen, you heard a loud wolf whistle. Nat was sitting on the sofa with Sam, and they both cheered loudly as you posed for them.

Bucky's jaw dropped as he walked into the kitchen. You were still showing off for Nat and Sam - you hadn't seen him walk in.

He walked over, reaching behind you to get a pod for the coffee machine, leaning down to whisper in your ear, "Looking good, Doll." His hot breath against your neck sent shivers down your spine.

You smiled up at him, before grabbing an apple and heading back toward your desk. You glanced back at Bucky and your eyes drifted downwards to a very large and very prominent issue. You stifled a giggle before getting back to work.

You'd continued to tease Bucky for a while, inconspicuous brushes and a few comments here and there. Enough to make him flustered, but not enough to make him suspicious.

He continued being the perfect gentleman. Helping you when you needed him to, being there when no one else was.

You started your normal journey back home, getting out of the compound was sometimes a tedious affair because of the thousands of security gates between the compound and the outermost gate. Given that this is where the Avengers live and train, it's justified. Still tedious though.

It was a quarter mile from the compound to the bus stop that took you home - you didn't like driving, especially in the frost and the dark. You put your headphones in, picking back up on the podcast you started this morning. It was an interesting one - some new True Crime podcast that your best friend had recommended to you.

The hair on the back of your neck stood up as you walked through a dark and lonely street. You gripped your bag tighter around you and sped up. There was someone following you.

You glanced behind you, your eyes catching sight of brown hair and a blue t-shirt. It had Palm Springs emblazoned on it. Funny. You'd bought Nathan a similar t-shirt a few years ago.

You fished your phone out of your pocket, quickly dialing the one person you felt safest with.

"Doll?" Bucky picked after the first ring.

"Bucky, cred că cineva mă urmărește." You said, your voice loud enough that the other person could hear you were on the phone.

"Tell me where you are, Doll, I'll come and get you." You could hear Bucky pulling on a jacket and grabbing his keys.

"Umm, cred că sunt aproape de Joey's."

"The pizza place?"

"Da, îl văd de unde sunt." The footsteps behind you seem to be getting louder, but you forced yourself to remain calm, "Am să te aștept acolo. Vă rog să veniți repede."

You ducked into the pizza place, walking straight up to the counter. By now, you were sure of who it was - but Nathan didn't follow you into the pizza place. Maybe you were just overreacting. Joey's was mostly empty, with a few teenagers here and there - probably camping out after some house party that got shut down.

"Same as always, kiddo?" Joey asked, and you nodded with a slight grin. You and Bucky came to Joey's Pizza Place a lot - Bucky used to say that it felt like home. You were inclined to agree.

"No metal man with you today?" Joey enjoyed teasing Bucky. His dad, also named Joey, had fought alongside Bucky in the war. Joey had grown up on stories of the greatness of the Howling Commandoes and it had been one of his greatest pleasures to serve him pizza every time they came.

"He's coming - got caught up in traffic."

"Busy men, huh?" You giggled at that.

The door opened again. You turned around to find yourself face-to-face with someone you hoped you'd never see again. Nathan's sister.

"Thought I'd find you here, bitch."

June stalked over to you, her face filled with rage. She had been good friends with you before Nathan and your relationship started going wrong, but when you had confided your pains with her, she'd turned her back on you. Blood is thicker than water. She'd called you names before - filling your comments with every vile comment she could think of, texting and emailing you death threats, anything to remind you of just how broken and damaged you were.

Before you knew what was happening, her hand collided with your cheek. The whole place burst into action.

Joey jumped around the side of the counter as June hurled insults at your face.

You tried to push her away as she swung at you again, but her hand hit your shoulder.

Joey pushed you behind him, as one of the kitchen hands stepped out to pull June back.

A teenager was on the phone with the police.

You tried to cover your ears as the noise built in your head.

The door swung open, letting in a draft.

Boots on the linoleum floor. Familiar boots.

Sirens.

"We were in the neighbourhood, Sergeant." Something about a noise complaint.

A hand pulling you into a firm chest. Tears streaming down your face. Your favourite voice whispering sweet nothings, stroking your hair, begging you to calm down.

"You're doing so good for me, Doll, just keep breathing." Bucky's pulse was steady under your hand. Slowly, your breathing evened out and you lifted your head to meet Bucky's eyes. He kept his arms wrapped tightly around you to stop you from collapsing.

You stayed in Bucky's embrace while the police wrapped up - June was being taken to the local PD for the altercation and also driving under the influence. Bucky told you that Nathan had also been arrested for violating the restraining order. Your heart sunk.

"I'll never escape him, will I?" You whispered to Bucky, as you sat down in your favourite booth to eat.

"You can, and you will," Bucky reassured you, squeezing your hand in his.

You ate your pizza in relative silence after that - most of the shop had cleared out with the police. Joey gave you your pizza for free, along with a tight hug on the side. He told you that you'd always be safe in here, "although metal man seems to have that covered." Bucky glared at the nickname, making you both laugh.

You walked hand-in-hand to Bucky's motorbike - his fingers ghosted over the bruise on your cheekbone from the slap as he fastened your helmet on your head.

"It's nothing, Buck. I've had worse." Bucky gave you a pointed look, "Too soon?"

He threw his leg over the bike and you settled behind him, resting your cheek on his spine. "Forever is too soon for my liking."

You smiled at that and nuzzled further into his back.

"Where to madam?" He said, putting on an exaggerated British accent. You leaned up to whisper in his ear.

"Take me home, Buck."

[if-whats-new]

What's New In IF? Issue 29 (2024)

By Aj, Dion, Briar, Jen and Peter

Now Available!

Itch.io - Keep Reading below

If you read the zine, consider liking the post: it helps us see how many people see it! And sharing is caring! <3

~ EDITORIAL ~

Small Talk... is back!

As you might have read in our last Issue, the Small Talk... section is back due to our amazing interviewers! Continue reading and check out their short debut interview with Leia Talon!

If there’s someone else you’d like to see them interview, don’t hesitate to let us know!

We want some feedback!

As we’re starting to get a hand of things, we would love some feedback from you guys! What you enjoy, want more or less off, how we could improve... Anything goes! We even have a nifty form.

We hope you enjoy this new issue!

AJ, DION, BRIAR, JEN AND PETER

~ BE A PART OF THE ZINE ~

THIS ZINE ONLY HAPPENS WITH YOU!

Want to write 1-2 pages about a neat topic, or deep-dive into a game and review it in details? Share personal experiences or get all academic?

WRITE FOR THE COLUMN!

Prefer to be more low-key but still have something to share? Send us a Zine Letter or share a game title for Highlight on…!

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Came across something interesting? Know a release or an update announced? Saw an event happening? Whether it's a game, an article, a podcast… Add any IF-related content to our mini-database!

EVERY LITTLE BIT COUNTS!

Contact us through Tumblr asks, Forum DMs, or even by email! And thank you for your help!!

~ ENDED ~

The 7th edition of inkJam is over and you can check out the result here.

You can now check out all 58 entries for the Monstrous Desires 2024 Visual Novel Jam.

The October Bitsy Jam has also ended. There were only two entries, so be sure to show them some love.

~ ONGOING (VOTING) ~

The voting for ECTOCOMP 2024 has officially started! To vote and participate as a jury, you must do so by giving between 1 to 5 stars on each entry page of the jam. The voting period ends on November 30.

~ ONGOING (SUBMITTING) ~

Disabled Rep VN Jam has a very simple premise but a very important message.

Once upon a time, a game jam was held to create stories around the theme of fairy tales… and that game jam is the Once Upon A Time VN Jam. It’s running from October 1st to January 31st.

Concours de Fiction Interactive Francophone 2025 is for all French-speaking enthusiasts. Submissions are accepted March 3rd 2025.

Are you perhaps a fan of more somber, melancholic themes? Then check out the Dying Year - Visual Novel Jam! You have until the end of the year to participate.

The Black Visual Novel Jam is all about working with creative professional developers who work in visual novels to bring more Black stories to life. The goal is to create a space where Black creators can show their unique storytelling through visual novels.

~ OTHER ~

Jams are a great way to find new games! Don’t be afraid to check out submissions from previous years as well. There might be some gems hiding between them!

~ SMALL TALK… ~

> WITH LEIA TALON @leiatalon

Joining us today is a fantasy romance writer Leia Talon! ~ Author of the newly released “Ink and Intrigue”, “Their majesties’ Pleasure” and and The World Tree Chronicles book series.

⟶ Hello, Leia! Welcome to Small Talk. We are absolutely thrilled to have you here with us!

Thanks for giving me a chance to chat with you!

⟶ Before we begin, would you mind sharing with us a bit about yourself and how you got into IF writing?

A few years ago I was looking for writing opportunities that were outside the box, so to speak. I’ve gone the self-publishing route and tried my hand at getting a traditional publishing deal as a novelist, and was hoping there were other avenues to earn a bit of money doing what I love, which is writing fantasy romance.

At that time I’d written a dozen novel manuscripts and dabbled in screenwriting, then stumbled upon Choice of Games and Heart’s Choice, which piqued my interest in a big way! I thought I’d try my hand at interactive fiction. Many of my manuscripts aren’t published, so I thought I’d be able to pull source material from stories I’d already created. What actually happened is I made up a completely new world for Their Majesties’ Pleasure, my first game with Heart’s Choice, then built on that and pulled from one of my unpublished stories for Ink and Intrigue.

⟶ Now, onto the questions! Would you ever try different mediums when it comes to IF? (i.e Ren'Py, Twine)

I’m not opposed to it, but I’m a storyteller more than a gamer, so it would really depend on how well I could use each medium to tell a story.

⟶ What are the similarities and differences between writing a “simple” novel and an interactive fiction one?

So many! How about some bullet points?

Similarities:

Both need strong characters,

A strong plot,

Vivid worldbuilding,

And plenty of motivation and conflict for characters.

Differences:

Outlining is a must! You can write a novel on vibes and figure out the plot as you go. You can’t do that with IF, at least I don’t think it can be done well, or at least it would prove extremely difficult for the author to pull off. Having a plan helps figure out pacing, scope-creep, and gives you a definite outcome (or outcomes, as the case may be) to work towards. Planning is helpful for novels, too, but essential for IF.

With novel writing there’s the phrase “K!ll your darlings,” meaning you cut any scenes, sentences, or words that don’t advance the plot or add something vital to the story. In IF, all your darlings can come out to play! If someone isn’t interested, they can skip that choice, or if they are interested, they can enjoy the side-quest or conversation or glimmer of information that would otherwise be omitted in a novel.

Writing IF adds coding, obviously, and a lot more details and complications to a story, keeping all the variables in play and making sure to wrap up all threads at the end. You have to do a certain extent of wrapping up plotlines with novels, but nowhere near the extent required by an IF.

A novel is typically 90,000 words or so, whereas an IF can be far longer (or shorter, if the author prefers). I’m honestly still blown away that Ink and Intrigue ended up being over 300,000 words! A playthrough obviously isn’t that long, but that’s like writing three novels.

I’m sure I could keep going with other similarities and differences, but these are some big ones.

⟶ What made you come up with this idea for an IF?

Ink and Intrigue is based on one of my unpublished manuscripts, though it’s vastly different in myriad ways. I took some of the worldbuilding from that story and meshed it with the world in Their Majesties’ Pleasure, and then made up an entirely new cast of characters.

⟶ What is your biggest source of inspiration? A lot of people say music, but we are interested to know what yours is.

Fantasy books, nature, and the characters who come to life in my head.

⟶ It's normal for creators of all kinds to encounter writer's block. What do you do when this formidable foe appears between you and your will to write?

I stick to my outline and keep writing, or take a break if that’s what I need. Going for a walk works wonders.

⟶ Tattoos have power in this IF; could you describe what that feeling is like? Is it like a burning sensation across your skin or more akin to releasing a breath you didn’t know you held?

The actual tattooing process is painful in this story as the dragon ink is painted on, but after the tattoos heal there’s no pain involved. It’s more like a rush of power or a tingling of awareness, depending on the strength needed. I think different mages would feel it in different ways, depending on how long they’ve been using dragon runes. The sensations might be strange to an initiate, but second nature to a master.

⟶ Tell us about your favorite ROs and why you feel drawn to them. When you were writing this character were you including traits you find ideal in partners?

I love all the ROs, but Kai is special. Partially because he’s the only character I brought over from my manuscript, and also because he’s this delicious blend of stoic, funny, driven, kind, and constantly working to better himself. I think those are ideal traits in partners. He also has other traits I enjoy in fictional characters, like a dark past and a dash of vengeance.

⟶ What’s the most important thing you consider when designing ROs?

I aim to write distinct characters who are genuinely good people, even if some are also morally gray. Otherwise, the characters basically form in my head and tell me who they are as I’m writing. I do a basic sketch when I outline, just a short description of each character, then see how they develop as the story progresses.

The characters are in charge. I’m just along for the ride.

⟶ Which RO do you think is the hardest to write and which one is the easiest?

I don’t think any were harder or easier. I had previous material for Kai, so that helped, but each character was fun and offered up plenty of dialogue and personality as I got into the story. Rae is feisty, Thea is quiet but playful, Teo is a compassionate artist, and Kai is humble and at the same time he’s one the most powerful mages on the island.

⟶ Which characters from your previous IF would get along with the cast of Ink and Intrigue?

All the main characters would get along, though there would definitely be some sparring on the training field to see who was the best fighter and blow off steam. It would be a wild party if you brought the cast from Their Majesties Pleasure together with the characters in Ink and Intrigue. That would be fun!

⟶ Could you give us an idea of the future your choices hold for Kitherin?

I don’t know how to answer this without spoilers. lol! Suffice it to say you can help the Kitherin in many different ways, including protecting from otherworldly threats and traitors within.

⟶ How do you manage the branching in your story?

The outline helps, but it still gets out of control. I write notes in future chapters as I go about how I’m going to pull each thread through to be sure I don’t drop any branching plots along the way. Editing and getting feedback is key. Beta testers to the rescue!

⟶ Was a scene exceptionally challenging to write?

It’s not like a single scene jumps out at me, but there are always places in the story where I just don’t want to write what needs to be written because I want to go on to something else that I’m excited about. There’s definitely a degree of discipline required.

⟶ Some people find it difficult to write spicy scenes. Do you have a certain mindset when writing these?

Honestly, spicy scenes are some of the hardest to write. My mindset is I’m trying to write something that has heart to it, as well as physical tension—where you can get to know the characters in a more intimate way. It can be hard to balance the art I want to bring into it with the choices and variables, as coding all those can complicate a scene that I really want to flow well. I also work hard to ensure there’s a range of spice, sweetness, and options that don’t involve physical intimacy at all, but that still feel fulfilling and special.

⟶ Would you like to give some advice to people who want to get into IF writing?

OUTLINE! Seriously. Know where you’re going and what endings you’re aiming for. Things will change, but at least you’ll have a road map. Otherwise, keep at it. Consistent practice really does pay off. Just keep going and have fun with it!

⟶ Thank you for sitting with us here today! It was lovely to have you, Leia.

My pleasure! If any of your readers are into magic tattoos and legendary love, you can play the demo of Ink and Intrigue for free!

> ONCE AGAIN HUGE THANKS TO LEIA TALON FOR SITTING WITH US AND ANSWERING OUR QUESTIONS!

~ NEW RELEASE ~

Sacred Veins is an 18+ game collective with a classic art aesthetic, creating games with focuses on narrative. They just released their first game collection: Righteous. Check out Apistis Sophia, Disiecta Membra, Heaven For A Heathen and Svipul. @sacredveinscollective

Werewolves 3: Evolution’s End (CScript) is the third installment of Jeffrey Dean’s acclaimed “Claw, Shadow, and Sage” series. After years of conspiracies, secrets, and escalation, the fight has finally come out into the open.

A (self-proclaimed) heartwarming visual novel about spending the days with your dog. Mugi-chan was abandoned at the shrine; now it's time to take him home! You can now play the un-official English release of I Can't Be Human (TyranoScript).

Légumes de saison (Decker) is a compilation of two games - 1 Duck, 2 Ducks and 33 // Apocalypse : Le Banquet.

You wake up in an unknown room with no memories of your past. With nothing, you must research, find and choose to find the way out from here in Silent Perception (Ren’Py).

Protect Mina from haters and find the recipe for the most delicious secret dish in Mina’s Cooking.

As always, don't forget to check out the submitted entries to the events mentioned in the previous pages. They deserve some love too!

~ NEW RELEASE (WIP) ~

Kassja is ill, and being too weak her village throws her into the forest. Yet, as she is dying under the scorching sun that trespasses the greenery, the spirit patron hears her hateful prayer of death for those who used to be her folk. Check out The Rerooting of an Asphodel (Ren’Py)! @thebreezyslothstudios

In The Chronicles of Salt and Iron (CScript) you’re trapped on an Iron prisoner ship after incurring the Triad’s wrath. Your future seems bleak, until a freak disaster grants you a new chance at freedom…and a glimpse of a deadly secret that could topple the entire regime.

In Fortune Forsaken (CScript) ancient shackles bind you to the mortal realm, a soul severed from a home lost to the sands of time. A curse on you, a blessing for those who take command; Who wouldn't like to own a God? @fortuneforsaken-if

The Lost Bride (CScript) is a reimagining of Bram Stoker’s iconic novel, Dracula. Play as Mina and shape her fate as she visits her childhood friend Lucy, who’s seeking her company and counsel with an urgent matter concerning her very own future.

King Arthur: Living Again (CScript) - After being badly injured by Mordred, King Arthur finds himself as his 15-year-old, inexperienced self.

As you learn the ways of the criminal underground you reconnect with people you never met. Reforge bonds that you've never made. And recall memories you've never had. You were a god once upon a time, can you become one again in God Syndicate (CScript)? @god-syndicate-if

~ UPDATES ~

Blackwood Manor (CScript) released Chapter 2 Part 1. @ang3lwithapen

The Sunhold Coven (CScript) released Chapter 3. @the-sunhold-coven

Vanguard (Twine) updated Chapter 1. @vanguard-if

A Shriek of Ash and Fire (CScript) released update no. 5. @krogpile

Haunted (Twine) updated a final part of a rewrite.

Honor Amongst Thieves (CScript) added extra content to their Patreon demo. @leoneliterary

Hubris (Twine) updated Chapter Two- Luminary Fever. @hubris-the-if-game

Reincarnation Of The Archdemon (CScript) released Chapter 2.

Sanguine Sky (CScript) added new content to their Patreon demo. @sanguinesky-if

The In-Between (CScript) released Chapter 11 for early access. @dalekowrites

Thicker Than (CScript) released their monthly update. @barbwritesstuff

Viatica (Twine) released Chapter 11. @fir-fireweed

Universal Constants (Twine) released Episode 3.

Keeper of Life and Death (CScript) updated their demo. @keeperofthesunandmoon

Fallen Hero: Revelations (CScript) updated their demo.

Weeping Gods (CScript) added new content to Chapter 2. @jcollinswrites

Tri City Monsters (Ren’Py) released Amir Chapter 3. @tricitymonsters

~ OTHER ~

A collection of high resolution artworks from the game Chronicles of Taldun: The Remainder is here.

The VNture podcast is back with episode #124.

~

As always, we apologize in advance for missing any update or release from the past week. We are only volunteers using their limited free time to find as much as we can - but sometimes things pass through the cracks.

If you think something should have been included in this week's zine but did not appear, please shoot us a message! We'll do our best to add it next week! And if you know oncoming news, add it here!

~ MAYBE YOU NEXT? ~

We did not get a submission this week. But if you have an idea for a short essay, or would like a special space to share your thoughts about IF and the community...

Shoot us an email!

~ HIGHLIGHT ON ~

A couple of games that we thought were cool.

Dominion of Darkness by Adeptus7 (Twine)

"Dominion of Darkness” is a strategy text game in which the player takes on the role of a Sauron-style Lord of Darkness with the goal of conquering the world.

Vendetta by @vendetta-if (CScript)

*drum rolls* for the game highlight!!!!! Vendetta by @ vendetta-if !!! THIS IF IS FANTASTIC! DESERVES SO MUCH MORE LOVE 💖👏

//submitted by anon//

Apistis Sophia by @sacredveinscollective (???)

Whew, this one is an experience and I loved everything about it!

A big thank you to the anon who brought our attention to Sacred Veins and their work!

//recommended by Dion [Team]//

Your favourite game here?

Do you have a favourite game that deserves some highlighting?

An old or recent game that wowed you so much you spam it to everyone?

Tell us about it! And it might appear here!

WE LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU ALL! WHETHER IT'S GOOD OR BAD, OR EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN...

Have something to say? Send us a message titled: Zine Letter!

As we end this issue, we would like to thank:

our awesome anon!

For sending us their game Highlight!

As always, huge thanks to all you readers who liked, shared, and commented on the last issue!

What might be tiny actions are huge support and motivators to us!

Thank you for cheering us on this journey

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Would you like to know more about the Team? Check out our new Meet the Team post!

And see you again next week!

AJ, DION, BRIAR, JEN AND PETER

WHAT'S NEW IN IF? 2024-ISSUE 29

[writingdotcoffee]

The "Alt" NaNoWriMo Challenge

I'm a big fan of NaNoWriMo and the energy the event breathes into the writing community. Hundreds of thousands of people start working on their novels at the same time. Lots of people share their progress and cheer each other on. Several now-famous authors have started their best-selling novels during NaNo over the years.

That said, it's not for everyone. Writing 50,000 words per month is a serious commitment. Doing it alongside school or work is no joke. In fact, most people who sign up don't finish. According to these stats, only 1-2 out of every 10 participants complete the challenge.

I've never joined NaNoWriMo myself. I'm a slow writer, and I know that I would burn out. Instead, I set a different writing-related challenge for myself every November.

In 2018, I started reading one short story every day. It turned into a regular habit, and I ended up reading hundreds of short stories over the following few months.

Last year, I wanted to build a 30-day writing streak. In the end, I wrote for 232 days in a row. 2023 became the most productive year of my writing life by far with over 250,000 words written.

This year, I will be doing something similar, and I want to invite you to come along for the ride.

The Idea of "AltNaNo"

The idea of finishing a novel in a month seems outrageous to most people. That's what makes it so compelling. It's like standing at the foot of a snowcapped mountain with a rope and a couple of ice picks. The challenge itself is inspiring.

The AltNaNo challenge is the exact opposite. The goal is as small as possible on purpose. The focus isn't to achieve this massive feat but to squash all excuses and merely start writing.

You may not be able to write 50,000 words in a month. But almost everyone can find 15 minutes to write every day.

The Challenge

The goal is simple: Write for at least 15 minutes every day in November.

Writing 100 words and calling it a day after 15 minutes is a success.

Spending longer and writing 500 words is a success.

Wrestling with a difficult scene for 15 minutes and writing only a single sentence is a success.

Spending 15 minutes trying to write after a long day and not producing a single word is a success, too.

Be a tortoise. We all know how the story goes.

How to Join

I've set up daily challenges for the first week in Writing Analytics, if you wanted to join us there:

Day 1/30 ✅

Day 2/30 ✅

Day 3/30 ✅

Day 4/30 ✅

Day 5/30 ✅

Day 6/30 ✅

Day 7/30 ✅

I'll be posting daily updates on the blog as well.

PS: If you'd like to learn more about developing a writing habit, check out this free course I launched a few weeks ago.

[novella-november]

Want to participate but need smaller goals to work towards, because a monthly goal is a little too intimidating?

Try to write one short story a week, totaling 7.5k words :)

Successfully write four short stories over the month of November, and congrats!

You've now written 30k words in a month!

Despite the name of the event being "Novella November" , the goal here isn't strictly to specifically write an entire Novella -- rather, the goal here is to write 30k words in the month, doing so in consistent little chunks, to train your brain to be able to write as a *task on command* and not just when you've been struck with inspiration!

Your goal over the month of November is not to worry over the quality, reread from the start to edit or make changes -- save all that for later! Open a second document to take notes in, if you want, but your goal is not "perfection ready to publish", your goal is to write consistently, because what you are writing is just your first draft, and its *meant* to not be perfect!

That is what editing later is for,in fact *multiple rounds of editing*, and if I can think of some catchy names, I'll try to make a month themed on editing your first drafts from November, feel free to leave suggestions!

If anyone is interested in further writing challenges, I have another one tentatively titled "Public Domain Day Dash" where on January 1st, you pick a random, brand-new Public Domain short story, read it, brainstorm for one week, and then write 5k words a week for the next three weeks, totalling to a 15k word short story adaption of that brand-new Public Domain work, a kind of Public Domain "Big Bang" event to celebrate all of the new works entering the public consciousness!

[cuubism]

Nanowrimo

As per usual I'm torturing myself trying to write 50k words in November (though probably not through the official Nano website, RIP. Oh well there's still my best friend Microsoft Excel)

I've had a running list of projects I want to finish by the end of the year, so here's hoping some of these will be churned through in November 🤞

They include:

Michelangelo's Hands: a post-2022 meeting canon (slight) divergence about artist burnout and trauma and having your craft turn against you. And learning how to rest. (Normal Dreamling material)

Good Horses: a teen/high school AU where Dream is a sheltered--though more like caged--rich kid and Hob is the feral wild kid who helps him embrace his own self-determination and freedom. ....With a little twist.

Covetous: after Hob rescues him from the fishbowl, Dream offers him sex as a boon (though really more like intentionally misunderstands Hob's words to make himself the reward. Hob did not even ask for a reward btw). The rituals, they are intricate, etc. Exploration of greed, risk, wanting, and intimacy.

Order of Operations [The Complex Math Elopement Chapter]: Math AU Dream and Hob get spontaneously engaged and have a nice fun sexy time. That's literally it XD.

In Waking Dreams [Final Chapter]: I NEED to finish this one we're nearing the 2 year anniversary of starting it XD. Basically just the wrap up of the story, questions answered, new understandings, new intimacies, you wouldn't think it would take me this long, and yet.

Deja vu, Deja connu [Chapter 4]: the "Dream was Hob's prior lovers in disguise" fic. Ch. 4 is the conclusion of the Eleanor arc. It's an emotionally intense chapter and hard to write but I have so much planned for this fic and I need to just get back to it 😔

the better to see you with, my dear [Spy AU] [Chapter 4]: another fic that exists so much in my head and not on paper! But the chapters are short so it really should be achievable. Ack.

[Undisclosed original short story]: this is actually due Nov 15, I am behind, Help.

There are other projects as always but these are hopefully my priorities for the year 😓 though I've historically been bad at prioritizing. Watch me just write a bunch of new things and not finish any of these :| Always happens!

Join me in November suffering if you want 🫡

-

Bonus completed fics:

Dreamling Olympics Equestrian PT 2

"Normal", chapter 4

New Thief Hob Drabble

Dream and "Bad Boy" Hob run away from Dream's arranged marriage, prompt fill

Woodland Creature Dream fic

Burnout Dreamling Fic