#and I'm a sucker for “small town and a strange thing is happening'

[crimson-synths]

watching stranger things has been a healing experience for me

It makes remember things I missed having as a kid and helps remind me who I was a bit better

[bambinella]

Queen Rivalry

A/N: The lack of fanfics for Life is Strange is a CRIME, and I'm here to fix it. I recently finished LiS True Colors and I'm in love with it. Definitely a game I'll play again, and write for! Enjoy! Art belongs to this amazing artist!

Summary: Typhon is gone, and Alex is finally starting to enjoy her life with Steph

Warnings: Spoilers for Life is Strange: True Colors! And fluff ofc

Word Count: 1922

It was a month after Typhon had been taken down, and things finally started to feel… normal. Diane and Jed and everyone directly working for Typhon had disappeared from Haven, and peace had returned to the small town. After deciding to stay in Haven, Alex still lived above the Black Lantern, which was now run by Ryan. While she and Steph didn’t officially live together yet, the DJ nearly spent all her nights at the Lantern at this point. With everything she’d been through so far, Alex was rarely surprised by anything anymore. This time, however, she was surprised. She was smiling and actually felt happy. For the first time in so long, she felt like she belonged here.

While losing Gabe had left a big hole in her chest, spending her days with Ryan and Steph seemed to slowly close the gap, making her feel whole again. And if she was being honest, it was mostly Steph that healed her. The ‘hot DJ with the best beanies’, as Steph liked to call herself, was there to help her up every time she broke down over her brother’s death. She couldn’t think of anyone who had helped her like that, in all her life, besides Gabe. With Steph she felt at home. Speaking of home, they were currently spending the evening at Alex’ place, as they were in the middle of yet another rematch for the claim to the title of Foosball Champion. To no one's surprise, Alex won again.

“Boom! Oh yeah! Seems I remain the undefeated Queen of Foosball!” Alex cheered as she bounced herself over to the couch, sucker-punching the air to celebrate her victory.

“Damn you Alex Chen! I swear I’ll make you pay next time!” Steph laughed and groaned at the same time, shaking one clenched fist in the air while accepting her defeat in Foosball yet again. This happened way too often lately.

“That sounds exactly what a sore loser, who will definitely lose again, would say to the Queen,” Alex teased as she scooted over, making room for her girlfriend to sit next to her.

“Ohoho, get off your high horse already! Did you forget that I was the original Queen of Haven before you got here? You’re just trying to usurp the throne!” Steph’s eyebrows raised dangerously high, a playful smirk playing on her lips. Alex smirked right back at her.

“Please. We all know I’m the better Queen. After all, what kind of royalty would wear a beanie for a crown?” She had barely finished her sentence before Steph lunged at her, her aura almost vibrating with mischievous intent.

“You take that back right now! Nobody insults the beanie without consequences, not even my very-good-looking girlfriend!” She playfully demanded, to which Alex only started laughing.

“Never!” She shot back, trying to hide her blush from that comliment. 

They wrestled on the couch, with Steph mainly trying to push her off. The brunette had strong arms due to being a drummer, but overall Alex was the stronger one of the two, so for a moment she thought she’d win this little fight. Until Steph pressed her fingers into her ribs.

“Stohohop!” Alex laughed, her hand immediately covering the area, and Steph’s hand, before looking up at her. Steph, who was looming over her and basically straddling her, quickly processed what had happened as a wide, evil grin slowly spread on her face.

“No way! You're ticklish? Looks like the new ‘Queen of Haven’ has a weakness after all~!” She almost purred, and Alex could tell she was going to heavily abuse this knowledge. She gulped.

“H-hey Steph, we can talk about this, right? How about another rematch of Foosball, huh?” Alex suggested nervously, unable to stop herself from smiling. Steph shook her head.

“I think I’m gonna choose a fight I know I can win this time!” She said, and with that she dug her fingers into Alex’ sides. The latter shrieked and grabbed Steph’s wrists, immediately bursting into giggles.

“Aahhahahaa! Steeheheheph! No fahahair!” She cried out, her blush now definitely showing. Ever since she and her brother had been separated all those years ago, she’d barely gotten tickled at all. Why was she still so ticklish?!

“Oh I think it’s very fair!” Steph grinned, unbothered by Alex’ attempt to stop her as she squeezed up and down her sides. Her grin got even wider when Alex’ laughter spiked as she tickled her ribs, indicating that they were even more sensitive. So of course she had to zero in on that weakness by gently drilling in between them.

“AahaHAHHAA!” Alex squealed and tried to roll on her side, yet found herself very stuck. When she tried to hide her ribs with her arms, she discovered that Steph somehow always found a way to still tickle her there.

“My my, someone’s really ticklish huh? I’d be careful if I were you, announcing left and right that you’re the Queen of Haven now. What if someone sends an assassin after you? What if they find out you’re ticklish and decide to exploit that weakness?” Steph teased, slipping one of her hands under Alex’ shirt to tickle her bare stomach, sending the young woman into another fit of laughter.

“THEY WOHOHON’T! OHOHO! OHOHO STOHOHOHOP!” Alex put one of her hands on her girlfriend’s shoulder in an attempt to push her away, yet all that did was make her laugh harder as Steph used the momentum to sneak in tickles under her arm. This girl knew how to murder someone with tickles for sure!

“Oh I’m not stopping until you take back your words about my beanie!” Steph smirked, and that was when Alex knew she was fucked. She usually wasn’t the type of person to take back her words, but tickling to death could be an exception in her case. Her thoughts suddenly got interrupted by a familiar tingling, which made her open her eyes and look up. Steph’s aura was glowing brightly, a golden light surrounding her, and she immediately recognized it. It was joy. With little effort she tapped into it, temporarily forgetting the fact that she was being tickled to death, as she ended up in one of Steph’s memories.

“Gabe! Gaahahahabe! Stohohop you dihihihick!” “Oh no, you can forget mercy after cheating like that! Take this!” “Ahaha! Hohohow is winning cheheheating?!” “Doesn’t matter, you won so that means you cheated! And I’ll tickle you until you admit it!” “You dohohork! Ahahaha stohohop!”

It only lasted a moment, yet Alex was filled with joy from the memory. The thought of Gabe and Steph playing games and having tickle fights felt… just right. She didn’t even realize Steph had stopped until she felt a hand on her shoulder.

“Hey, Alex, are you okay? Did I go overboard?” Steph asked, sounding worried as she gave her a once-over. Alex blinked a few times before sitting up, snapping out of it. She gently pat Steph on the arm and smiled at her reassuringly.

“No you didn’t! I’m fine, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to but you were just so… happy. I saw one of your memories,” She admitted, almost feeling guilty as she awaited her reaction. Steph had asked her to warn her before tapping into her emotions, but it had felt so natural. To her relief, Steph looked pleasantly surprised.

“A memory? What did you see? What happened?” She asked, almost eagerly. Alex smiled.

“It was about you and Gabe. You two were playing some game, and it ended up in a tickle fight,” She explained, and she could basically see Steph’s eyes light up as she remembered.

“Oh! That was last year! He’d invited me over and we were playing one of his favorite board games, because he used to win it most of the time. So when he lost, of course he accused me of cheating! What a jerk,” Steph explained with a smile, and it made Alex smile too. While memories of her brother were still painful, she didn’t mind them as much if they were the joyful ones. Plus Gabe had given her useful information.

“That’s so sweet. And you know what?” She said as she wrapped an arm around Steph’s waist, pulling her close against her so she could whisper in her ear. “It also made me realize that you’re ticklish too~” She added. The reaction was immediate. Steph tried to jump off the couch to safety, and Alex only tightened her grip on the girl’s waist while her free hand dug into her side, causing Steph to bark out a laugh.

“No! NO! Alex don’t you fuhucking dahahahahare!” Steph giggled, trying really hard to sound menacing, yet Alex could only gush at the attempt. She was intimidating no one here.

“Oh but I do dare, now be a good girl and take your tickles,” She giggled, smiling a little wider as she saw the blush appear on Steph’s cheeks. Got her! Her nails tickled all over her toned stomach, making her girlfriend yelp and increase her struggles. Moments later she managed to escape from the grasp, only to tumble off of the couch on the floor.

“Ha! Can’t catch me!” Steph teased, yet before she could crawl away, Alex had caught one of her ankles and pulled it up to her lap.

“Ohhh no, you’re not going anywhere! I’m not done with you yet!” Alex grinned mischievously as she tickled the bottom of her socked foot. Steph shrieked and pulled at her leg, yet couldn’t muster up the strength to free herself due to giggling too much. Poor girl was stuck on her back, with no way to get up as her ankle was being held hostage. Perfect, Alex thought.

“Alex! ALEX NOHOHOHO! PLEHEHEHEASE!” The brunette cried out in laughter as she rolled around on the floor. Every time she pushed herself up to try and reach her foot Alex simply tickled under her toes, making her laugh harder and fall down again.

“Begging already huh? Good thing Haven is no longer in your hands, sheesh,” Alex playfully scolded, lightly fluttering her nails against the middle of her foot.

Steph was laughing and giggling too hard and too fast to even properly protest at that point, so she merely grabbed her own beanie and pulled it over her face as she laughed her heart out. Alex nearly melted at the sight. This was such a good discovery.

“Aww does it tickle too much? Maybe I could show mercy if you admit I’m the better Queen. Or you could not, and then I’ll be forced to–”

“YOU AAHAHAHARE! YOU AHAHARE NOW STAAHAHAHP!” Steph immediately surrendered, banging one hand on the floor. Alex chuckled and let go of the foot, leaning her chin into one of her hands.

“See, now that wasn’t so hard, was it?” She teased, briefly laughing as Steph flipped her off.

“You’re horrible. Even worse than Gabe, and that says something,” She shot back, yet Alex could hear the smile in her voice.

“And you’re adorable,” She cooed, causing Steph to grumble under her breath. The brunette was still slightly embarrassed and folded her arms while continuing to hide under her beanie. Alex let out a chuckle and sat herself down on the ground next to her girlfriend, gently lifting the front of her beanie to look into her eyes.

“Hey, kiss up and shut me?” She asked. Steph, embarrassed or not, smiled brightly at that.

“Thought you’d never ask,” She smirked, immediately leaning up to kiss Alex.

Yep. Life was good.

[skeeballcatt22]

Even though Disgrace is really old and I've taken the ideas and stories for my own personal work, it's still a big part of my writing journey. Here's a scene I rewrote:

“It’s not a prank,” a cold voice seethed from the roof of town hall. Grian sat above them all, dark eyes shaded by shaggy and dirty bangs. Grian jumped down, landing on one knee right in front of Etho and Xisuma, displaying the blood stain on his back to the two. He stood up, straightening his ripped tank top.

“You okay there, dude?” Ren asked from the crowd.

Grian flipped his hair out of his face, giving a clear view to the myriad of scratches on his face. “Peachy.” He looked back at his admin and Etho and then back to the crowd.

 He leaned casually forward on the railing, clicking his tongue, “It’s not a prank, it’s not some big ‘gotchu’; I blew the mansion sky high. Wasn’t gonna finish it anyways,” He added the last part under his breath. Grian looked dictionary sick; pale skin, sunken eyes, and red nose. His expression sat neutral on his face, “And, y’know what? It’s really nothing to anyone’s concern, y’know?” He stood, stretching his back, “I’ll just rebuild it or something!”

Impulse stepped up, “We can help you, if you want,” He said, “We could help get you some of those materials back.”

“No, really, don’t bother with that--”

“Grian, really, if there’s something  you need help with we are here for you,” Cleo oftered.

Grian put his hand up before anyone else could speak, “I get it; y'all want to help me. I appreciate it, I really do, but I made this mess, and I alone will clean it up. I got upset and KA-BOOM! Y’know?” He laughed in a way that added to the strange air of his behavior.

A small part of Xisuma wanted to be proud of him for coming forward with what happened, but the rest of him was too unsettled by it to fully commit to that conclusion. Grian turned around and shoved his way through Etho and Xisuma to get into the town hall.

Mumbo narrowed his eyes from the back of the crowd, “We should go talk to him.”

“Why would we want to?” Bdubs said. Doc shoved him and walked with Mumbo to the steps of town hall. The hermits moved out of their way, Ren asking if they had any idea what was going on. Scar came with them, reassuring the hermits that, as their mayor, he would bring answers shortly. Iskall and Bdubs stayed behind.

They walked up the steps and Scar turned to address the crowd, “Now this was a strange way to start the day, and I can promise that answers will be brought shortly! I hope knowing that griefing isn’t a potential causation eases your nerves!” 

“We’ll go talk to him,” Mumbo told Xisuma. The admin gave a solemn nod. They walked into the town hall, the empty room devoid of the diamond throne, only Grian standing in the center, a clear view of the blood stain on his shirt.

“Grian-” Doc stepped forward first, Grian suddenly turning around, fists readied. He lowered his arms seeing Mumbo and Doc.

“Oh,” He said as if he wasn’t about to sucker punch Doc, “Sup guys.”

“Sup,” Mumbo said, laughing softly in an attempt to ease Grian’s nerves, “You doing okay, buddy?”

Grian’s smile looked like his own for the first time in… actually a while. “I should tell the truth shouldn’t I?”

“I think that would help everyone, yeah,” Doc said, harsher than he meant it.

“Yeah,” Grian chuckled, “Um, well, I just haven’t… felt like myself recently,” He started pacing, immediately putting off Doc and Mumbo. “I’m sure people have started to notice it, but my dumbass can’t remember how to act.” He stopped pacing and looked Mumbo and Doc in the eyes, another thing that made the room stale. “Like, you guys, you look terrified.”

“You don’t normally stare at me like that,” Mumbo admitted. 

“See!” Grian said, starting to pace again, “Let me guess, I don’t normally pace either?” Doc and Mumbo shook their heads. Grian sighed and stood still, eyes on the ground. “You want the truth? The truth-truth? I'm not the great builder you think I am. I’m not smart, I’m not socially adept, I’m not anything you think I am.” He looked away and crossed his arms, wincing, “I’m not what you think I am.”

[bookaddict24-7]

REVIEWS OF THE WEEK!

Books I’ve read so far in 2023!

Friend me on Goodreads here to follow my more up to date reading journey for the year!

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124. Animorphs #1: The Invasion by Katherine Applegate--⭐️⭐️⭐️

I've somehow gone my whole life without reading an ANIMORPHS book, even though I used to watch this show when I was a kid.

I have to say that I was so pleasantly surprised with this book. From the beginning, I was hooked. The simple writing cut to the chase and held my interest. I also like how this isn't like those MGLit older series where you get one different story per book. It seems like you definitely have to read this in order and I'm excited for it.

Also, these villains are hella creepy. I don't know how my generation didn't have more nightmares as kids. Especially with the retro covers of this series.

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125. Indigo Ridge by Devney Perry--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

The way this book had a chokehold on me when I first started it and realized how much I was going to enjoy it.

I've been meaning to pick up INDIGO RIDGE because I read another book by Perry and while it wasn't a favourite, it was still a pretty enjoyable read. INDIGO RIDGE, however, was a whole other experience.

I loved the small town aspect of it and how humble and kind this family is. I also loved this enemies to lovers with a heavy dose of sexual tension trope. Ugh, I'm putty for this kind of romance because I'm just waiting for one of them to cave. I'm torn on whether I love or feel eh about how the author didn't do smutty until about mid-book (like there were many fade to black scenes until more detailed scenes were introduced.)

The intriguing part of this book was the mystery at the core of the story. I don't read a lot of romantic thrillers and I was pleasantly surprised to actually really enjoy this sub-genre. I wanted the MC to prove everyone wrong with her skills.

Anyway, this was a great start to the series and I'm loving it so far! Such a pleasant surprise!

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126. The Girl in the Lake by India Hill Brown--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

THE GIRL IN THE LAKE is definitely a young reader's horror book, but it was strangely adorable, too? Especially with the twist. But there were definitely creepy moments. With a cover like that, I would expect nothing less.

One of the shining stars in this book, however, is the commentary on the history of racism and the stereotypes (rooted in racism) that have plagued the Black community for decades--like the belief that "Black people can't swim". When one explores the history behind this one particular stereotype, they'll find some pretty eye-opening and heartbreaking truths. The exploration of this generational trauma made this book all the more special.

I really enjoyed this one and if you have a little reader who likes a good horror story with a dose of life lessons and historical lessons and commentary on racism, then I highly recommend THE GIRL IN THE LAKE.

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127. Juniper Hill by Devney Perry--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Okay, this one hitttt. I am such a sucker for these single parent tropes, especially when theres a gruff someone who can't help but fall for the parent and the baby.

While I thought the romance was a little too quick in this one, I did love how the MMC was with the FMC. He assured her and remained her strong support system. One of the things I love about these books is the communication that happens between the couples. That alone has me coming back for more.

There were definitely some allusions to the main suspenseful twist in this book. I loved all of it, as twisted as that sounds--it was so fascinating and had me hooked. Maybe I need to read more romantic suspense books...

This was great and I devoured it! Can't recommend this series enough!!

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128. I Survived the Shark Attacks of 1916 by Lauren Tarshis--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was such a fun and quick little read.

Sharks scare the living crap out of me, but I've always been so fascinated by them. I knew that a lot of the fears we have of sharks now are based on the events of the 1916 attacks (which spawned the JAWS book and then, the movie).

While I've seen a lot of shows about the attacks and read various allusions to the attacks, it was still interesting and entertaining to read the story from the (fictional) perspective of a child living in that time.

Straight to the point and quick, this was enjoyable and I definitely want to read more of the books in this series!

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129. Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins--⭐️⭐️⭐️

I've been wanting to read this book since a clock app reviewer mentioned how at the end of the series Gregor is covered in scars that will follow him for the rest of his life. The reason why this grabbed me was because you don't always see these middle grade fantasy books where the realities of the trauma faced by these children follows them into the real world and have real world consequences.

From the get-go, I knew I was going to enjoy this book because the MC, Gregor, has such a jaded perspective on the world because of his father's disappearance. This is definitely one of those characters who would fit perfectly in a YA novel because of the way he views the world. His character is complex and I'm curious to see how he evolves as a character as the series progresses.

I loved the addition of his baby sister. She was stinking adorable and listening to the audiobook added to her adorableness. I just wanted to protect her with my life. Such a cute and great little addition to a story full of adventure and a situation that, to be completely honest, would probably be too much for a regular pre-teen.

While it wasn't a favourite, it was a pretty great read full of surprisingly dark themes and imagery. I'm definitely going to have to check out the sequel!

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130. Her Good Side by Rebekah Weatherspoon--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I went into this book not knowing what to expect. I never expected to find a story that was so cute!! This had so much going for it: Great communication between friends, healthy af relationships with said friends, and an MC with a passion for something that even though she wasn't a pro, she still wanted to learn.

The {fake} relationship was so cute and even I forgot at times that it was fake. The chemistry between the characters was great and I couldn't help but cheer them on. I just wanted the best for them. Even though they had some rocky moments, I loved seeing them grow together and help each other out.

I want only the best for this couple and their adorable selves. Wouldn't mind reading another book set in this school!

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131. The Luis Ortega Survival Club by Sonora Reyes--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Big TW for anyone who wants to read this book--the author does a wonderful job of explaining the title of the book at the beginning of the book!

I was a huge fan of Reyes's debut novel, so when I saw this new book, I knew I had to pick it up. Much like the debut, this one didn't disappoint!

This was a heartbreakingly honest and raw portrayal of a teenager who has just experienced a sexual assault. This already traumatic experience is made even more heartbreaking when you learn that she is autistic and has a hard time communicating with those around her. The powerlessness and the confusion surrounding the guilt she feels made me want to reach through the pages and absolutely destroy Luis Ortega.

I think that while the budding sapphic relationship between the MC and her love interest was sweet, and her growing friendships of the other girls who were also survivors of Luis Ortega's predatory assaults, the strongest message (for me) is what goes through the MC's mind after her rape. The guilt. the downplaying, the questioning, the denial--readers who may have experienced something similar, or may have had that mindset at one point in their lives may be able to relate.

This was an incredibly heavy book and it really hits you with those emotional punches, but it's also so incredibly important. It's also a perfect example that SAs can happen to any one, no matter the age--the devastation and the violation has no age.

I highly recommend this book, but please proceed with care.

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Have you read any of these books? Let me know your thoughts!

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Happy reading!

[alfredosauce50]

Hi! I was wondering if you could do some Romano + Prussia x royal reader (separate) headcannons? I'm a sucker for a good forbidden romance and would be happy to see what you want to do with it. Thank you!

Yes, of course! Sorry for the kinda late response--I got carried away writing other things. What a coincidence that I've been doing a lot of exploring in fantasy! The reader is referred to as she/her.

Forbidden Romance Headcanons - Prussia and S. Italy

Prussia - The earnest pickpocket and sheltered princess

Unfortunately, Gilbert is on the wrong side of history. As an albino, he's been an outcast ever since he was born. In an age of superstition and class divide, his parents had no problem abandoning an extra mouth to feed. Especially when they were a demon with magical powers. Left to fend for himself as a baby, he only ever survived thanks to the generosity of an old neighbor. When they passed away due to old age, he had to get on by himself on the streets. Stealing, lying, whatever it takes to get some quick cash. And he's been doing it ever since he was five.

He loved fairytales ever since he was a kid. His guardian always told him these stories before bedtime, after all. They said it was good luck to give the princess a flower, and he remembered this a few years later during the royal parade in town. Pushing through the crowd of onlookers, he held out a small dandelion hoping you would take it. Before the guards could swat him away, you took the flower with a smile. All you remembered from that time was a small and dirty face gleaming up at you. And, of course, a pair of striking red eyes you would never forget.

In his adolescence, he became a thief with quick hands. It wasn't until he took on the most dangerous job of all did he make himself a public enemy. Stealing the royal family's jewels. And he would've gotten away with it if he wasn't forced to take a detour through the princess's bedroom. Unbeknownst to him, you were wide awake. Immediately, you recognized him as the little boy from that day. Without thinking, you hid him in your wardrobe until the guards left. That was the start of a strange friendship forged between two people from two worlds--a dirt-poor criminal and the well-loved princess of a thriving kingdom.

He visits you from time to time by climbing up the side of the castle. When he first did it, you practically throttled him by his collar, screaming, “Do you have a death wish? They'll throw you to the lions if you get caught!”. He simply responds with, “The awesome me never gets caught! That's why I'm here, ja?” Soon, this becomes routine until you learn to trust him.

Gilbert loves gloating about his adventures as a street rat, whether it's about singlehandedly beating up gangs of bullies or outrunning the palace guards. As a sheltered person of royalty, his stories reflect experiences alien to you. But it opens your eyes to things you've never seen, and it's very fascinating.

If he's not telling grossly exaggerated anecdotes of his greatness, he'll bring in board games and cards he “borrowed” from his friends. You've never played with them before as your parents deemed them unrefined. It fills him with pride to see you enjoying yourself so much, especially when he's teaching you how to play.

You don't go out very often, so he always brings back little trinkets and souvenirs. When you found out he stole them all, you would hit him on the head and tell him off. “Where did you get these from? Stealing and giving these to the princess--do you know how stupid that sounds?” Then, you would pinch his cheek until he tears up and admits his wrongs. “I-I thought you would like them, okay? I wanted to give them to you as a present...” The next day, you would accompany him to the shops he robbed and pay the owners back.

He gets upset and embarrassed when he realizes those gifts aren't gifts at all. Not when you paid for them yourself! One of the ways he shows affection is through giving gifts, but that unfortunately clashes with not having money. So he's eager to make something out of himself, even if he has to work as a bottom feeder and face unfair treatment for what he looks like. When you find out, his boss gets one hell of a time dealing with you. After that, he uses whatever small amount he earned to buy something for you.

As he grows out of his old habits, he becomes more honest. In fact, he's so determined to prove himself that he shows up one day with a homemade board game scribbled out on a spare piece of parchment. He's nervous and twiddling his fingers, and that's when you know you have to help him get back onto his feet. He's so touched by your kindness that he shows you a secret he's been hiding forever--he can do magic. It's one of his skills that let him become so good at stealing in the past.

After some practice to touch up his abilities, you try convincing your parents to let him work in the palace as an all-rounder. With the magic dancing in his fingertips, there's nothing he can't do. He has a green thumb, good reflexes, and the horses in the stables listen to him better than the caretaker! He can't forget that you encouraged him to let go of his doubts and previous identity as a petty thief. There's nobody in the world he looks up to more.

On the night of your eighteenth birthday, he's invited to a ball to celebrate. Once again, he finds himself anxious to see you in your dress, especially when he's quite glammed up himself with his suit and hair slicked back. While you teach him how to dance, he tells you he looks ridiculous. But you think otherwise and make it explicit. That's when Gilbert realizes he's completely smitten with you. He embarks on another journey to improve himself until he thinks he deserves you.

South Italy - The plebeian pâtissier and renegade royal

War has ravaged the kingdom and eaten into the state's reserves, leaving inflation rates at an all-time high. The suffering middle and working-class take it up to their rulers in a coup d'état, killing the king and queen. And now, they're searching for the princess amidst the chaos of an ungoverned dominion. Romano couldn't be more indifferent to such a cause, only ever caring about putting food on the table. He works day and night helping out his family's bakery, making what he can to get by. However, he's forced to take a side when he finds a girl on his doorstep on the verge of starvation.

Unable to turn away someone in need, he nurses you back to health. However, he does so with spite, wondering to himself why he has to give what little he has left to a princess. When you feel better after a few days, he's eager to send you off but changes his mind as you leave. Romano can't bear to let you face certain death, or worse, knowing how bitter the townspeople are about the unpopular war. So he welcomes you back with a sharp sigh with his head turned away. “Alright, alright, you can stay. Now stop making that pathetic face, you spoilt principessa--it's depressing.”

He relays a few house rules as conditions for keeping you around. You have to help him with chores. Cooking, cleaning, sewing, everything. Considering you always had someone doing those tasks for you, you're hopeless at it. He'll swat your hand and show you how to do things right with an annoyed scowl. “No, no, no, no, no! You're doing it all wrong. This is how you do it. What do they even teach you in that palace, huh? Books? Maths? Books about maths? Well, they won't keep you alive, you know!”

Because he's so observant and strict, he's a good teacher, and soon, you get the hang of everything. Before, he had to open his mouth to correct you every few seconds, but now, he can just watch you do his work with his arms crossed. It's a little demeaning to have someone watch your every move, but inside, he's relieved you're finally fitting in and not a complete waste of his time and resources. In reality, he never wanted to send you off and hoped he could just handle an extra mouth to feed. Not that he'll ever tell you.

When you're out and about, he makes you wear a cloak to hide your identity. When he's forced to interact with people, he'll hold you close and play everything off without arousing suspicion. Even if your hood falls off, he won't react--he's screaming inside in panic, but he's a great actor when he needs to be. You're totally not the princess, just a crazy similar doppelganger. The cloak is there so that people don't make a fuss. When they leave, he'll turn to you and scream how much of an idiot you are. But really, he was just worried to death--and you have a feeling he was. So you hug it out and leave him cussing with a red face.

As you two grow closer, his cousin Antonio notices how much he cares about you despite his efforts to hide it. It's a problem. He approaches him and warns that if people found out he was hiding the princess, he would get killed with her. Romano heats up and screams, telling him that he already knew what he got into the second he let you into his home. When he's asked why he's still keeping you around, he responds with, “It's not fair that her parents fucked up, and she has to face the consequences. Just like how I never wanted to run this stupid bakery--I wanted to be a painter, not burn my hands in the kitchen all day!”

Unbeknownst to him, you overhear the conversation. The next morning, he discovers that you're gone and loses his head. While he's screaming and crying, he's swarmed with the possibilities of what happened to you. He's a bit of an overthinker, but his paranoia is deserved--were you taken away in the middle of the night? Are you even still alive? He spirals down a path of self-loathing until he confronts how much he misses you, then his regret of never being frank with his feelings. Romano didn't understand what he had until he lost it. To say this was a wake-up call--to be more honest with himself--would be an understatement.

A week later, you return unscathed. Turns out, you left to stay with the owner of a paint shop owner your family always supported and bought from. You present him with a gift of some high-end oil paints, brushes, and canvases. When he sets them all down, he'll pull you into a tight hug, and once again, tell you how stupid you are. While he has you in his coils, you smile to yourself as you pat his hair, happy that you also got something in return. Some transparency. “I just thought I'd give you something... For all the trouble.” You'd say, and he'd shush you with a few hard kisses. “You were never a trouble. I wanted you to stay, so I'm more to blame than you.”

As the political situation of the country calms down, so do the anxieties of angry neighbors pounding on his door. You return to his home much to his content. Now that you're just as good as him at icing cakes, you spend more time running the bakery. This gives him some time to paint, and he can't be happier. Once you both get settled, he discovers another hobby on top of making art. Making coffee! The bakery evolves into a café lavishly decorated with his paintings, and it becomes the most popular establishment in town. You both realize how overrated it is to want to be anything more--you never bring up your title ever again.

[obisgirl]

So, the hubby and I watched Midnight Mass on Netflix...

So, the hubby and I watched Midnight Mass on Netflix...

I want to preface that I am Catholic. Before there are any questions about that, I am a practicing Catholic, and my husband is a newbie Catholic (he went through adult RCIA). I'm also not the crazy Right-wing type, I also don't like horror for the sake of horror.

I remember even asking my husband before we started watching, is this like really scary? -- which is funny coming from me, considering I watch Evil on ParamountPlus, and Supernatural. I also watched all seven seasons of Buffy: The Vampire Slayer.

Anyway, the point I want to make is that as a religious horror, I take none of what happened in Midnight Mass seriously. I actually found myself laughing a lot towards the end of the series, for a couple of different reasons.

This is a vampire horror story. I definitely think the monster is a vampire, even though the series never explicitly says that the monster is a vampire. But come on!

The above is the monster, aka not saying it's a vampire, but is a vampire!

And this is a vampire from Skyrim!

I mean, there's definitively similarities between these two blood-suckers. This was the most laughable part for me. Midnight Mass' vampire had all the classic trademarks of a vampire too: couldn't walk around during the day, blood boiled directly in sunlight, the exchanging of blood. I seriously cannot understand how a priest can mistake this guy for an angel. I don't know what angels look like, but I'm fairly certain that wouldn't want to drink your blood in order to survive. That's a huge stretch to take.

The other point that I found laughable, is when the priest switched the daily schedule to a nightly mass. First of all, if my local pastor suddenly said to us, 'Okay, folks, from now on, all masses will be held at night.' The first thing I would ask is, 'WTF? That only happens at Easter Vigil and Christmas EVE!' The fact that no one in this town even questions how unusual that is, tells me, that these people have been living on this tiny island too damn long, or don't have cable. Or both.

Third, once the first two outsiders learn that the priest murdered and ate an island resident, and the nun wants to help cover up said murder, the first followers, are baffled but obey orders to cover up the murder, even though they know that this is not typical behavior of a normal priest.

There's an awful lot of Bible interpretation stretching on Sis. Bev's behalf too. I can't think of any nun who in real life, would willingly cover up a gruesome murder and cite scripture for doing so.

Thankfully, there is a small group of people who question some of the strange occurrences, so the island inhabitants aren't all idiots. That's a plus.

I also have to give kudos to the casting director for making the sheriff Muslim in a predominantly white Catholic community.

But the story really isn't about the vampire, not vampire monster. The story is really about how religion interpretation can go wrong in a small-isolated community, if left unchecked. The people become monsters, and do things they wouldn't ordinarily do to the ones they love, but the vampire's blood makes them do it.

Oh yeah, and the priest sired a child back in the day -- which is actually a B plot point.

Even though it has some questionable, and laughable plot points, Midnight Mass is still a fun watch.

Now, I'm currently re-watch Good Omens, on Amazon Prime, because reasons.

[giomagnetism]

HIIIIIIII IVE BEEN REVAMPING THIS OLDISH OC OF MINE AND I MUST TAKE ANY OPPORTUNITY TO INFODUMP 👉👈 she’s named Oko and is a fucked up alien shapeshifter Thing called an Errantel (species designed by @/black-mesa-slut-voice)

They end up trapped on earth and wander around the forests surrounding a small town, causing rumors of a mysterious cryptid. A self-proclaimed ghost hunter named Poppy goes out to investigate, expecting to find an especially odd raccoon or smth, but is like. Oh holy shit that is a whole ass monster right there. Girl help

But the two start getting along as Poppy teaches Oko about how humans and earth work, while Oko works on perfecting her shapeshifting! She develops an interest in birds and wants to try to look like them, though they’re not quite there yet 💔 but there’s something Strange afoot............ Oko has long since reigned in all the cryptid activities, but mysterious things have started happening all over the woods. Turns out, she may not be the only entity hanging around, and the two of them start puzzling out the possibly malevolent new force! Also they do lesbianisms together which is fine

OHOHOHO I LOVE HER...... 10/10, i want to take poppy's place. that's a whole ass monster and i would like to lean against her chest and feed that big ol mouth on her stomach. (your ability to draw monster anatomy amazes me??? like. i can absolutely see the greyhound strength in there and imagine the loping, steady, slinking way she moves, oough)

shapeshifters are the COOLEST and her color palette,, i love the white / plum / pale yellow, it's VERY eldritch ..... you've got me curious about the other monsters and the world oko comes from, this seems very like the sort of story that escalates in danger and otherworldiness dramatically by the end, in contrast to a light and happy start, and i'm a sucker for that 👀

[hjertetssunnegalskap1]

Okay, I've been thinking which fic to ask you about and there are SO many good ones. But then I decided, hey, I'm going to be biased and ask for Just a Summer Dream because it was from my prompts and it's glorious. The bit that's always stuck with me is the swimming/water stuff and the wonderful summer vibes you created there, so if you want specific direction then ... that! Lol.

Ah, thank you so much for this director’s commentary ask, Allie! 

Okay. So. The Skam fic Just a Summer Dream was a result of me trying to get out of a writing spell. I asked for smut prompts and got the prompts 7. A quickie because No Time,  12. Summer Fling, 26. Dazed & Confused, and 34. Fingering. And for some reason, I wanted to cram all those prompts into one fic, hah. The summer fling prompt gave me the setting, and I got the idea of Isak visiting his sister in Trøndelag, and Even travelling with his family and meeting him there. The reason I imagined this small town in Trøndelag, was because I could think of the place I come from, and easily describe it without having to do too much research, lol. 

The prompt a quicky because no time gave me the ideas for the sexy moment in the beginning of the fic, and started me off. My plan was to write a short drabble or ficlet, but that proved to be difficult. I ended up with about 9 K words instead, lol. With four prompts, that’s maybe not so strange. Pretty early on, I decided to have a sort of non linear narrative and vignets, just because I wanted to try it out. And I guess that I hoped it would help me make the story not too long. That’s probably why this whole thing starts right in the middle of a hot moment in the bathroom: 

Even can’t tear his eyes from Isak’s lips. He knows that Isak knows, that he really doesn’t object to this situation at all. Isak might not know that Even could have said okay to almost anything at this moment, though. Even likes Isak so damn much. He knows that this thing is temporary. And yeah, he knows that to do this, here, probably is a stupid thing to do.  He knows that it’s just a summer fling and that he’s too invested and a quick fuck in this bathroom will do nothing to help that, but the thing is… he doesn’t have the energy to care. He wants Isak so much, and he wants him now.

We jump back to their first meeting, and it seemed fitting to let them meet in a bathroom, since a bathroom sort of started the whole thing in the show. Because, as many times before, I do borrow a lot from the show to use in this fic. I did the same with the scene where they swim in the lake. It’s pretty close to what happened in the show, actually, with the banter and the game of holding their breaths: 

The water glitters around them and all over them and on Isak’s eyelashes. Isak is delightfully competitive, as always, and there’s laughter, and Even wants this banter between them to stretch on and last forever.

No. Even wants Isak to kiss him. Like Romeo kisses Juliet. Just to see, just to feel if this feeling is what he thinks it is. So Even teases, and they banter, and duck, and hold their breaths in the silent water.

Everything slows down, down there. Between them tiny bubbles shoot to the surface. His hair, weightless and waving, frames Isak in front of him. Behind Isak, the underwater world of the lake fades to black. Isak’s eyes are dark, staring at him through the water. Even is bursting, but more with feelings than with lack of air.

He moves forward and kisses Isak. It’s a surprise-kiss. A sweet attack. A test. Will Isak allow it or push him away?

A little secret: Part of this scene was something I cut out from another fic idea (that I can’t recall right now, maybe one of the other smut prompt fics). Anyway, I really enjoyed writing it, and the summery feeling of it. Maybe that’s the reason why the boys end up in the lake again that same night, fully dressed, hah. 

The sexy moments between the boys almost wrote themselves in this fic. I guess that summer and sexy moments are closely wired in my brain. Also, it was a nice way to explore the feelings of “I love this, but I want this to be more than just a summer thing”. 

I really loved writing the more wistful parts towards the end, where Even thinks that Isak only wants a fling, and nothing more. Well, I’m just a sucker for pining; I guess that’s no secret. 

I won’t spoil the ending, but I can say that it was a challenge to keep things short and make the ending satisfying. Hopefully, it was, although I would love to explore what happens next with these boys. I still have an idea for a sequel in the back of my mind, and I hope I’ll finish it. 

So. This story did help me get out of my writing spell, but not only that, I had a lot of fun writing it. Thank you so much for this opportunity to ramble about it!  

[avrilsky]

one short sentence prompt: 18. I can't wait to hug you. b/c i'm a sucker for a good hug.

This was just gonna be a sappy one-shot about hugs but turned into one with father figure Nedley. There is Wayhaught hugs in here, don’t worry. It’s still pretty sappy. Thank you for the prompt and I hope you enjoy!

“I miss you.”

Nicole smiled, sitting down on the edge of the hotel bed and dropping her phone beside her after putting it on speaker.

Her and Sheriff Nedley were a few towns over talking with potential recruits set to graduate the academy in the next few weeks. None of them panned out, not that Nicole was really surprised. It wasn’t like the academy trained you for dealing with literal demons.

She had been excited to be included in recruiting more officers, to be included in helping shape the Purgatory Sheriff’s Department into the place she would one day be proud to run. Not that she wouldn’t be proud to be in charge of the department as is, she would just add more female officers.

Now she was more discourge than excited. She didn’t think they’d ever find anyone capable of dealing with all the strange and downright evil shit that went done in Purgatory but then again, Nedley had found her.

“I miss you too, Waverly.” Nicole bent down untieing the laces on her boots and kicking them off with a satisfied grunt. “I’ll be home tomorrow, baby.”

Home.

She wasn’t talking about her house or Purgatory in general. She wasn’t even talking about the homestead, where she spent most of her time since being attacked in her house by Widow Mercedes.

No, to her home was when she was wrapped in Waverly’s arms. It was sappy and maybe cliche but Nicole didn’t care because it was true. Waverly was her home.

“I can’t wait to hug you.”

Nicole grinned though Waverly couldn’t see and flopped back on the bed, putting one arm behind her head to prop it up some. “I cannot wait to hug you. How was your day?”

A knock on her hotel room door startled Nicole and she’s already reaching for the pistol sitting on the bedside table before a second knock sounds.

“Hold that thought, baby there’s someone at the door.”

She left the phone on the bed as she tipped toed to the door, checking to make sure there’s a bullet in the chamber and the safety off.

She wasn’t always like this, terrified to open the door with some kind of weapon at the ready, something in hand to defend, protect herself with.

It wasn’t always like this. Nicole’s eyes dropped to the scar on her wrist, teeth marks forever embedded on her pale skin. A reminder of exactly why she refused to answer the door without some kind of weapon.

Looking through the peephole, Nicole releases the breath she had been holding and clicked the safety back on as she opened the door, giving Nedley a small smile.

“Ready for dinner?” He asked, eyes drifting down to the pistol she’s tucking into the waistband of her jeans as she moved away from the door. “You okay there, Haught?”

“Yeah, I’m good.”

Nicole picked her phone up, taking it off speaker and holding it up to her ear with her shoulder as she set about putting her boots back on. “Sheriff and I are going to get some dinner. I’ll call you when we back. I love you.”

“I love you too, Nic. Tell Nedley I said hey.”

With her boots on, Nicole shoved her phone in her front pocket and her wallet in her back. She removed her pistol from her jeans and put it in the safe provided in the room before she turned to Nedley.

“Ya know, we ain’t in Purgatory anymore. You’re safe here, Haught.”

He patted her shoulder awkwardly but the concern in his eyes more than made up for the awkwardness.

“I uh, still have some um Widow related issues,” she mumbled, looking down at her boots and rubbing at the scar on her wrist. A nervous habit she picked up in the last month or so.

Every time Waverly caught her doing it, she’d take her wrist gently, slowly and press a kiss to the marred skin, whispering an apology and a ‘I love you’ over and over again. It always calmed her and helped her forget the memory of excruciating painful poison running through her veins, if only for a little while.

Nedley put his hand over hers, stopping her from rubbing her skin raw. “I won’t let something like that happen to you again, I promise.”

Nicole gave him a small smile. “You can’t protect me from everything, Sheriff.”

“I can damn well try.”

Nicole fought to urge to hug the man standing in front of her. Nedley had been on her side since day one. Since she moved to Purgatory, he had been more of a father to her than own biological father.

He looked out for her, made sure she was fitting into town well enough. Helped her move from the shitty apartment she lived in when she first got to town to the house she lived in now. Hell, he helped her get the house as well.

He was just there for her, when she had no one, when things with Waverly were up in air. He was, he is the father she’d always wanted, always needed.

“Thank you, Sir.”

“Anytime, Nicole.”

To her surprise, he pulled her into a hug. It wasn’t any less awkward than the pat on the shoulder but that didn’t make Nicole feel any less cared for, any less loved.

He wasn’t good with affection, giving or receiving, but he tried and in Nicole’s book him just trying was enough. Him just trying meant a lot to her.  

“You’re like another daughter to me. You and those pain in my ass Earps, you’re my other daughters.” Nedley pulled away, scratching at the back of his neck and avoiding her eyes. “And I protect my kids.”

Tears welled in Nicole’s eyes and she blinked rapidly to keep them from falling, eyes drifting down to her boots again. The last thing she wanted to do was cry in front of him.

He cleared his throat and headed for the door. “Let’s get something to eat, I’m starving.”

“Oh, Waverly said hello.” Nicole closed the door behind them and fell into step with him as he made his way to the elevator.

“Speaking of Waverly.” He pressed the call button and stared straight ahead. “How is that divorce coming along, Nicole?”

Nicole choked on her own saliva, eyes nearly bugging out of her head as she looked up at him. “Uh, it’s finalized, Sir.”

She knew he had been the one to call Shae when she had been in the hospital this last time but she didn’t ever think he would bring it up. She’d been hoping, praying that he wouldn’t.

It had been bad enough explaining the whole marriage to Wynonna and she really didn’t want to have to explain the whole Vegas trip and marriage to him.

Waverly had been understanding when they finally got the chance to talk about it. Hurt but understanding nonetheless. Just as she had been understanding but hurt about Waverly kissing Rostia.

Those things were in the past though and she really didn’t wanna rehash any of it.

He nodded once, stepping onto the elevator when the doors opened. He waited until the doors were closed and they were well on their way to the lobby before speaking up again. “So, when are you planning on proposing to Waverly?”

Nedley dropped her off at the homestead just as the sun was setting, painting the sky in brilliant hues of pink and a breathtaking blueish purple.

One of Nicole’s all time favorite things about Purgatory were it’s sunsets and sunrises. They were, simply put beautiful and she loved when she got the chance to watch them with Waverly. Bundled up under a blanket together, passing back and forth a thermos of coffee or hot chocolate, Waverly’s head on her shoulder.

Nights and morning spent with Waverly doing nothing more than cuddling and enjoying the beautiful scenery Purgatory has to offer was Nicole’s favorite way to spend her time off.

It wasn’t often that they got to enjoy the simple things in Purgatory. There was always something coming up, something keeping them from just living a normal life. Whether it be demons, witches, or interrupting sisters.

There was always, always something but tonight, Nicole didn’t have to work. Tonight Wynonna was off with Dolls or Doc. Tonight there were no witches, no demons. It would just be her and Waverly and she planned to take full advantage of it.

Nicole walked up the freshly shoveled walkway, making it about halfway before Waverly stepped out onto the porch wearing one of the flannels Nicole had left and a pair of the boxers she usually slept in.

There was something so intimate about seeing Waverly in her clothes, that were just a little too big for her. It was adorable and somehow sexy at the same time and it filled Nicole with this warmth, this happiness.

In a few quick strides Nicole had reached the porch steps and before she even had a chance to climb them, Waverly launched herself into Nicole’s arms.

“I missed you,” Waverly breathed, burying her face in the crook of Nicole’s neck, her arms wrapped around Nicole’s back, slender, soft hands slipping under her winter jacket and fisting her shirt.

Nicole wrapped her arms around Waverly’s waist, pulling her in closer and brushing silky brunette hair with the tip of her nose, inhaling the scent of the shampoo Waverly used and something entirely Waverly.

After a week in sleeping in a hotel room on an uncomfortable bed without Waverly next to her, after spending a week with Nedley and arrogant soon to be officers, after a week without Waverly’s touch, Nicole was finally home.

She was finally where she belonged, where she felt the safest, where she felt loved and wanted.

“I missed you too.” Nicole pulled back, cupping Waverly’s cheeks and kissing the tip of her nose.

Waverly grinned when she brushed her nose along the bridge of Waverly’s, up to her forehead where she placed another gentle kiss.

Waverly grasped the back of her neck, fingers playing with the ends of short red hair. “I made dinner.”

Nicole smiled, unable to stop herself from stealing a quick kiss. “You made me dinner?”

Love for the woman in front of her swelled in her chest, threatening to burst her chest cavity wide open and spill out in the little space between them.

Nedley was right. She needed to marry this woman and she needed to do it soon.

“Well, technically I made myself dinner but you can have some,” Waverly shrugged one shoulder and sighed dramatically with a roll of her eyes. “I guess.”

“Well, if you feed me, I’ll clean up the mess you made in the kitchen,” Nicole said, reaching for Waverly’s hand and lacing their fingers together, leading them up the porch steps.

Waverly was starting to shiver and Nicole wanted to get her inside where she knew a fire was going before she got too cold.

“And what makes you think I made a mess?”

Nicole looked over at her with a knowing look, holding the front door open for her. “Because I know you, Waverly.”

Waverly was without a doubt the best cook in their little band of misfits but God, did she make a huge mess when cooking anything, no matter how small. Nicole was sure that the kitchen was a disaster, but she didn’t mind cleaning it.

If Waverly had went through the trouble of making her dinner then the least Nicole could do was the dishes.

Waverly stuck her tongue out at her before bringing their joined hands up and kissing each of Nicole’s knuckles then pressing an impossibly soft kiss to the scar on her wrist.

“I love you, Nicole Haught.”

The words were whispered against her scar before Waverly pressed a longer kiss to the skin there.

“I love you too, Waverly.” Nicole tugged on her hand, bring her in for another hug. This time Nicole buried her face in the crook of Waverly’s neck, breathing in the smell of her skin. “More than anything.”