#and i don't have a twilight verse

[butscrewmefirst]

❝ i'm not so sure you should be here. ❞

@agedrot gets a starter!

[nosignofwings]

To the prince we offered twelve thousand flowers, ⸢Blooming⸣ in an untouched field.

15 days of FatT | twitter ↳ day 12: blooming

[blackbirdloki]

How the fuck am I supposed to just move on with my life now that I know what the full version of meikyuu denshi kairou sounds like

[portraitofalinkonfyre]

Knightmare In Toronto

Chapter 2: Portal Paradox

Main Masterlist | Fic Masterlist | Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

There was a distinct pain in your head when you rose from your slumber, laid on the couch like a drunkard. A blanket had been draped over your prone form, though you chalked it up to an unusually proactive action you'd taken before your nap. Your perfectly normal, fever-dream nap starring medieval men without food allergies who broke into houses.

That is, until you saw one of those men–a new one with dirty blonde hair, a dark green tunic with tan pants, and... were those face tattoos–sitting in your armchair and your fears were realized: today (at least, you think it's still today) was real and there were more strangers in your house.

Ignoring the pang of discomfort in your neck, you shot up, ready to square up to this new threat. "Who are you?"

"Oh! You're awake," the man smiled, which was incredibly weird for a home intruder. "I'm Twilight."

Twilight… why was that familiar? It almost sounded like a gang name, but you highly doubted the aforementioned situation was even remotely affiliated with gangs—though the odds that he had been watching you sleep were a bit close for comfort.

At your lack of response, Twilight's expression shifted to one of concern. "You alright–?"

"I don't want drugs!" You blurted.

"I repeat, we don't have drugs," Four's head popped in from the kitchen, expression a perfect deadpan.

"Only people on drugs talk about portals!" You shot back as black spots danced in the corners of your vision. "Ain't no portals in Toronto!"

"Toronto?" Twilight looked puzzled in the shrill wake of your outburst. What was this guy, a saint?

"Canada," you finished. He stared at you with a baffled expression and you deadpanned. "How do you not know where that is?"

"Because we are not from your world," another, deeper verse answered. You watched in disbelief as yet another man stepped out of your minuscule kitchen. He was tall, wearing a long silver tunic and black pants. Two crimson stripes lay perpendicular beneath his right eye, and there was another blue marking on his forehead.

You opened your mouth, closed it, and opened it again.

"Drugs."

"That's not–" Four sighed, running a hand down his face like a tired dad. "You need sleep."

"You need Jesus."

"Excuse me?" Asked the tallest man, and you wisely shut up.

Twilight, who had been silently observing the exchange, piped up. "About that, sorry for falling on you."

You blinked. So that's why your head hurt like you chugged some bourbon and fought a moose for territory. "Oh, naw, it's fine, you should see what I deal with at work."

"When you say it like that, I don't think I want to."

Your laugh surprised even you, bubbling up your throat like soda. "Smart."

The newcomer cleared his throat, bringing silence back to the room. "Miss..." he looked to Four, who mouthed something suspiciously close to your name. "(Y/n), I know this may seem impossible to you, but this situation is very much real. I can assure you that no one here is under the influence of… substances."

Damnit, you were hoping you could make that joke a few more times. "Okay, well, he," you pointed at Four. "materialized in my living room and that man," you pointed even more aggressively at Twilight, who had the decency to look sheepish. "apparently fell on me. Speaking of, how are you here?"

"The door was unlocked," the tall man said, and you nearly fell over. "About your garden..."

Your expression turned to one of terror. "Not my petunias..."

"I'm afraid you'll have to direct me in finding replacements as none of us are familiar with this world."

Wait.

"Us...?" You parroted, trying and failing to hide your apprehension.

"About that–" Four began, only to be interrupted when yet another crash rang out in your kitchen, followed by a series of loud whoops, and your greatest fear was once again realized: there were more of them.

"Just how many more of there are you?" You asked in horror.

"Currently five, as we are waiting on Legend, Warriors, Sky, and Hyrule."

Oh god, was your first thought, followed by: who the hell names their children that?

"We got Wild!" Wind introduced. "Five down, four to go!"

You could handle this. You would handle this. Like an adult.

"So... you're not from this world?" You asked the tallest of the three, which seemed to be the leader of the current group.

He nodded sagely "Yes, we are from a land called Hyrule."

...Hyrule? Why was that familiar? It certainly wasn’t a place you knew of, but you didn’t think they were lying.

"You seem conflicted," Four observed dryly.

"Quiet, I'm having my midlife crisis," you said, despite the fact that you were nowhere near your fifties. "You try having medieval men poof into your living room like it's a regular Tuesday."

"Gee, that's oddly specific."

Your eye twitched.

"Four," said the tallest man, effectively regaining control of the situation. "Our apologies for causing you strife, but this situation is quite unique."

"No kidding," you muttered, but being upset wasn't going to solve anything. "Okay, what's your plan then?"

The tallest seemed to hesitate, so Twilight took over. "We were hopin' we could wait here until everyone passes through. For safety."

You couldn’t argue with that; they were a long way from home if your suspicions were correct. "Alright, I can do that."

"Much appreciated," he looked like he wanted to say more, but purposefully chose not to.

You would have said more, but Wind chose that exact moment to appear with yet another man in tow. He was lanky and tall, with yellow hair that reached his midback. His tunic was also blue, though considerably shorter than Wind's, and he had various belts criss-crossing his chest. His most defining feature, however, was the large pink scar marring his left cheek and ear. You tried not to look too hard.

"This is Wild," Wind introduced. "Wild, this is (Y/N)."

'Wild' nodded politely. "Nice to meet you."

"Likewise," you responded, feeling a bit sheepish. You glanced at the clock and realized it was now past five. "Geez, I really slept in, huh?"

"It was for the best," Twilight offered a wry smile. "Better get so"

You waved him off. "You're fine, I'm alive."

"That is good."

"Wait, what's happening?" Wild cut in with a confused expression. "Where is everyone?"

"They haven't appeared yet," Four responded, though his voice was slightly uncertain. He gestured to you. "They've agreed to let us stay until everyone comes through."

"That's so kind," Wind exclaimed. "I knew you were nice."

You couldn't hold back a soft scoff. "I wouldn't be so trusting, l could be an axe murderer."

"Are you an axe murderer?" asked Four.

"Naw, I prefer maces."

"Well, I'M a pirate," interjected Wind, laying a hand on his chest.

"Oo, shiver me timbers," you said on instinct. Wind laughed raucously, and you caught a few others chuckling along. Maybe this wasn't as bad as your reptile brain had made it out to be...

Your phone buzzed in your pocket, and you pulled it out for inspection, missing the curious glances from the other occupants of the room. In the time it had taken to come to terms with this insanity, you'd managed to miss six messages from your bestie, Brianna, who had invited you to an after-work party a few weeks from now. After typing a quick response, you shoved your phone away and stood up. "So, who's hungry?"

This chapter fought me tooth and nail, so I’m glad it’s finally out there for you all! Enjoy and don’t forget to tell me what you think in the comments!

[cosmetichorror]

Okay so I’ve hit a mini writers block, so I was scrolling through my drafts for inspo and found this masterpiece.

I’ve never seen the post this oneshot was inspired off of in person, but I’ve seen screenshots, so it’s based off of this

Hope you know I was laughing the whole time I was writing this

—

"THIS IS THE WORST HYRULE WE'VE BEEN IN!" Wind exclaims, startling everyone out of their thoughts.

They're in a new hyrule, and they know there's a Link somewhere. It's like a fucked up game of hide and seek, or where's Waldo. But the longer you take to seek out Waldo the longer all of your Hyrules are in danger. And the worst part? There isn't a village ANYWHERE!

"Don't be rude, Wind." Time scolds, glaring at the teen.

Legend shakes his head "No, no. He has a point." He looks around "While this place is pretty, we're low on supplies and there's not a village in sight." He points out. Wars nods along to this.

"We're on a path, there's got to be one near." Four speaks up, arms crossed.

Despite this, they continued to walk for hours.

The orange sun has begin to set, casting a shadow on hyrule as the moon begins to rise, but Hylia has apparently taken mercy upon them, because distantly they see what appears to be a village. Many sighs of relief and mummers of thanks to the gods are sent, and the chain has a new pep in their step.

It’s a quaint village, with a nice dirt road and cute little houses, alongside what appears to be some statues in the center of all of it. They agree to start at the center where the statues are, and make their way around gathering supplies and finding an inn- if there even is one, that is.

But as they walk closer to the statues, they begin to take a familiar shape. But soon enough, they see exactly why that is.

"Is that.." Time stares in awe. Jaws are dropped, eyes are bulging, and all sense of frustration from the long journey is swept away by pure bewilderment.

There in the middle of the town stood several statues, nine of them to be exact. Eight of them were shockingly familiar, though the tallest one was a stranger to them, we'll focus on that one after.

There was a statue of each of them. Time, Twilight, Legend, Warriors, Hyrule, Four, and Sky. The details aren't exactly accurate, their faces don't match very well but the clothes are very accurate much to their surprise. They know they've been reduced to fairytales across many time periods, but never have they had statues built for them.

"What. The fuck?" Legend manages to make out.

Time doesn't even censor him. He's far too flabbergasted to even bother.

"That can't be us, can it?" Sky mumbles out, walking up and running a hand along his statue. It's high quality metal, but despite that it shows age. These must have been here for ages.

An elderly lady that sits in a chair not far from the statues watches them, her aged eyes never leaving them. They can understand why, not every day you see a group of such well versed warriors after all.

She watches them carefully, and the group notices. They exchange strange glances but other then that stay relatively in their conversation about what these statues could mean, although they've quieted down.

Then, the old lady gasps, and she shakily runs as quickly as she can up to the chain.

"You are the hero's of old!" She cries out, and Sky sputters. "I- well, uh- maybe??” He knows there's no point in trying to hide it when there are literals statues built of them, albeit not completely accurate.

"They have returned to us! What foe have you come to defeat, old great ones!" The elderly lady cries out, tears beginning to form in her eyes. "I have heard tales of you from my mother and grandmother! I never imagined I would have the honors of meeting you, oh great heros!" She exclaims, falling to her knees in front of them.

People begin to gather around, walking out of their houses to see if it really was true. Kids hide behind their parents legs, mothers and fathers weep in joy, people bow their head in respect to them. Meanwhile, most of the chain had never been so uncomfortable in their entire lives.

"Uhm, hi?" Time greets, waving a hand. "You uh, you don't need to bow to us, ma'am." He speaks, helping the elderly lady up off the ground.

"You built STATUES for us?!" Wind exclaims, practically bouncing on his heels. "Hah, wait till I tell Tetra about this!" He smiles, nudging Wars.

News has quickly spread through the village, and people have started running out of their houses offering food and gifts. Apples upon apples, pots upon pots- how did they know they like pots??

"Of course we built statues! How else would we send our thanks to you for your heroism!" A women in the crowd calls out, and several mummers of agreement are heard.

"They must be here to bless us and this land!"

"No, they're here to take our offerings and answer our prayers!"

"They're here to gift us with their wisdom and courage!"

"Perhaps they're here to bless our dearest hero and savior?"

They chain pause at that last bit.

"Dearest hero and savior you say?" Wars hums, before nodding. "Yes, we're here for... the last one. We must meet with the hero of this time." He speaks, looking around at the chain, who nod along to him.

"Yes. That is correct, where is he?" Four asks.

The crowd laughs a little bit, nudging each other and mummering.

"Oh, great old ones! Locating the hero is nearly impossible! He never stays in one place for too long, such is the ways of the hero!" A father calls out, cradling his newborn in his arms.

"I'm sure if you just wait, he will stop by. Our dearest hero is always so smart, he always seems to know exactly when people need his aid!" The elderly women speaks, patting Fours head, who sends the elderly women the harshest glare he can muster.

The father that was speaking just a second ago walks up, and holds his baby out to Sky. "Would you please bless my daughter, oh great and wise hero of Skies? I wish her to prosper in life!" He begs. And just like that, the crowd stirs wildly.

"Wait, please, bless my mother for good health, oh hero of Hyrule!"

"Hero of the Four sword, would you bless my weapons for strength!"

"Oh great hero of Time, please, bless my grandfather with more time on this earth!"

"Hero of the Wind, please come bless my boat!"

"Bless our fighters, strong hero of Wars!"

"Hey! Listen! Please bless my farm for good crops and livestock, hero of Twilight!"

"Hero of Legends! Please bless my son for safe travels, won't you?"

As if things couldn't get and weirder, they just did.

"You want us to... bless you?" Wind mumbles, thoroughly confused.

The chain look between themselves, no one quite sure what to say. What does one say when they're quite literally being worshiped? No amount of monster fighting, god slaying, hyrule saving experience prepared them for this.

"Of course! Why else would you be here?" A young teen calls out.

Time takes this opportunity to get a little closer to their goal. "Well, we're hunting strangely strong monsters that bleed black. You wouldn't happen to know of any of these, would you?"

A man in the crowd calls out "Some monsters have been more bold lately!" And several mummers of agreement are heard.

A women wielding a pitchfork lazily in one hand speaks up next. “I fought one of them monsters just a few days ago, and it bled black! Just like you said!”

“Please, this is why we need your blessings!” A young women cries, and the entire crowd seems to agree.

Sky looks to Time, who looks to Wars who in turn looks to Legend, who turns to Hyrule who nudges Four, who looks at Wind who then turns to Twilight, who shrugs.

“Uhm… I, uh… Guess we have some time to kill? Might as well?” Sky says, more of a question then a statement. Time looks around, and nods.

“Okay.. Uh, we’ll bless you.” He decides. The crowd cheers, and people run up with babies in hand, shoving them out for the hero’s to take. Wind happily took the strangers babies, he was used to holding little ones after all. He somehow had three babies at once. Time had two. Legend held the infant he had in front of him, not quite sure what to do with it. Four had a toddler, Twilight had… four babies? Are they not concerned about him dropping them? Erm, anyways… Hyrule held one baby, and stared at it all wide eyed as if it was a bomb that would go off at any moment. I mean, that is sort of how babies work. Wars had two toddlers propped up on his shoulders, and one of which had his scarf in its mouth. Wars could do nothing about this. Sky held a six year olds hand, and the six year old stared up at him all wide eyed.

But now came the real question. How exactly do they bless these kids? Wind decided he would be the one to set up how to bless people. He stood out in front of everyone else and made sure they were watching. He simply kissed the babies foreheads, mumbled something under his breath and then walked back up to the babies mother. “Consider your kids blessed!” The mother gratefully takes back the kids with tears in her eyes. “Oh thank you, wise hero of the Winds!”

The rest of the chain looks at each other, and shrugs, deciding to follow in Winds footsteps. Baby forehead after baby forehead was kissed, then they had to move onto the teens, which was pretty awkward considering half of them are teenagers as well. After that, they had to bless weapons, and houses and boats and even animals. In short, a lot of things were kissed that day. And yet, still no sign of the hero of this land.

Thankfully, they were offered a free stay at the inn, but they were still frustrated.

Morning came early the next day. Children played about in the streets, farmers tended to their crops, but most importantly someone stood beside their bedsides. He was a blond teen with nasty scaring on half of his face, he was missing an ear and had long blond hair, he bore a vibrant blue tunic and a cape with a hood. He looks at the chain, then peers out the window to the statues, then back at the chain. And the chain immediately realizes this is the hero they’re looking for. Mainly because the tallest statue look exactly like him.

“You’re Link, right?” Sky sits up. The new hero nods, looking back at the statues again in pure bewilderment.

“And you’re… the hero’s of old?” He clarifies. Wind nods.

“That’s us!” The teen responds.

“Soo…” the new hero starts. “They gave you the worshipping treatment too?”

[rwrbficrecs]

Hope you all enjoy our recs for November ❤️ (even though they're a little late!!) Incenatus by @missgeevious (book/movie-verse)

@suseagull04: I can't recommend this fic enough! If you love Twilight and The Phantom of the Opera, this fic is for you! A mysterious masquerade, a soulmate connection, and chemistry that's off the charts all culminate to make this one of my new all-time favorite fics!

Meaning Something by bleedingballroomfloor (book-verse)

@dot524: Really enjoyed this Liam POV that goes deeper into what actually happened with Alex and Liam, his relationship with Spencer, and how Liam reacts to Alex & Henry during the book. The feelings & coming out are really well done.

Needy & Greedy by @clottedcreamfudge (book-verse)

@heybuddy-drabbles: It's been HELL of a month in good and bad ways so I didn't have time to read much. I'm choosing to recommend a series of unconnected one shots, all steamy and delicious and fun and short for casual reading when you don't have much time to commit to a 70k fic. If you like smut tis for you!

Taste the Way You Bleed by @cha-melodious (book-verse)

@myheartalivewrites: a super fun What We Do In the Shadows AU, written for the RWRB halloween fest. Alex and Henry are oblivious vampires, pining for centuries, and the rest of the super-six turn up in hilarious mockumentary-style interviews. The summary alone had me HOOKED.

Camp Llwynywermod by bleedingballroomfloor (book-verse)

@myheartalivewrites: one of my go-to for comfort, all time fave fics. Alex and Henry as co summer camp counsellors, pining and bickering for years. The tension is top notch!

@dot524: It’s funny and I really enjoyed the camp setting and their journey from enemies to friends to lovers. This is a fun and cute fic.

Downburst by @cricketnationrise (book-verse)

@rmd-writes: an AU of The West Wing ep 'In the Shadow of Two Gunmen' - mind the tags, this is an angsty but beautifully written fic with very clever use of multiple POVs to tell several stories of love (including platonic love). This is so good I was mad I didn't write several lines in it myself.

@thesleepyskipper: Truly an incredible and unique work that was done with care. The way the various memories/flashbacks are done and how they are used as part of the storytelling absolutely blew me away. Loved that we got multiple POVs here too!

Underground by @zwiazdziarka (book-verse)

@suseagull04: An adorable kid, fantasy (including mentions of fantasy classics!) and a rescue mission make this such a fun read! The world building in this fic is phenomenal too.

A Long Way From the Playground by @three-drink-amy (book-verse)

@dot524: This is a getting-back-together AU where Alex & Henry were childhood friends who grew apart in college and then unexpectedly are neighbors. I enjoyed the slow burn here and the payoff — it’s just a comforting feel-good fic!

Five-Drink Henry by @whimsymanaged (book-verse)

@daisymae-12: I was honestly already hooked from the title and the fic did not disappoint – so much so that I’ve reread it so many times the past month. Loved everything about this fic!!

The Domestication of Household Spiders by @cultofsappho (book-verse)

@daisymae-12: This was everything I didn’t know I needed from a spiderman AU! Loved it so much. There’s also 2 new recent fics published in this series – plenty of spiderman Alex to read!!

you make it look so easy, i know it's not by @anincompletelist (book-verse)

@daisymae-12: A really fun fic about Henry’s first American Thanksgiving not quite going to plan. I was already laughing from the summary alone

The great turkey calamity? by @smblmn (book-verse)

@zwiazdziarka: This fic tells us what is actually means to talk turkey and this once Cornbread is a star he deserves to be. It's crack, it's exsistential crisis, it's hilarious. Oh, and Alex and Henry fall in love here too.

Lay You Down by ronans (book-verse)

@inexplicablymine: when I tell you the fluff is fluffing, Henry runs a sleep YouTube and Alex is in his comment section and in his DM’s and in his head. Do yourself a favor if you need a sweet treat today and read this work

@thesleepyskipper: OMG this could not be any cuter. I loved the way we got to see their relationship grow as they got to know each other online. Truly an adorable, well-written story that will plaster a smile on your face throughout.

Risk is Just a Board Game by @three-drink-amy (book-verse)

@suseagull04: Angst, domestic fluff, college AU, the holidays- this fic has it all! A look at why friends with benefits isn't always the best idea that culminates in an ending reminiscent of a Hallmark movie.

On My Mind (Let's Go) by @sparklepocalypse (movie-verse)

@zwiazdziarka: contrary to popular fanon, Henry can dance and here he uses that to get what he wants on New Year's Eve party. No notes, just go and read it.

check out our past Monthly Faves here ❤️

[absolutebl]

This Week in BL - I Gave a 10/10 to a BL... me!

Organized, in each category, by ones I'm enjoying most at the top.

Nov 2023 Wk 3

Ongoing Series - Thai

My Dear Gangster Oppa (Thurs iQIYI) ep 4 of 8 - I love this show. I adore Tew's the simple backstory. No frills. No fuss. He got dragged in the way many do and he can kill so they kept him. They aren’t trying to make it needlessly complicated (which is rare for Thailand). That said, the pacing is way tf off, the emotional arc is rushed and then sappy out of absolutely nowhere. Before you ask, the kiss is not at issue, we halfway through they should be kissing, but the romantic life changes - too soon. But I don’t care. Finally, they left us this ep reminded of 2 v important things,

this pair kisses beautifully

in BL all mafia be gay

Fun fun!

Last Twilight (Fri YT) ep 2 of 12 - It's official, I love this. It’s a classic caregiver/bodyguard trope where one of them is opening the other one up to the world, but sweetly. I’m enjoying the softness of JimmySea's take and I hope GMM TV takes its cues from the success of My School President and doesn’t push this particular show into rough or edgy territory. Stay on target GMMTV. Don't mess with my bias again!

Twins the series (Fri GaGa) ep 3 of 10 - Finally, our adorable side couple has emerged! This show remains engaging without losing pace (despite the main couple being slow burn), which is all I want from a Thai pulp, and more I could ask for currently from a sports BL. 

(Note: when I dictate the computer always puts "Thai pope" instead of Thai pulp - this is hilarious to me.)

Pit Babe (Fri iQIYI) ep 1 of 14 - I guess they didn’t strip the omegaverse out of this. Unfortunately, I’m not an omegaverse fan, so I find its presence extremely off putting. (But it’s kind of amazing that somebody finally put one on our screen.) Unsurprisingly, it’s a lot of alpha posturing and hyper masculinity, because that’s what this kind of worldbuilding is an excuse for (lazy writing and lazier characterization). This means I don’t like Babe AT ALL except that he’s smell orientated and a bit verse. Way is lovely tho, because Nut is a great soft screen presence amongst the testosterone haze. 

Middleman’s Love (Fri YT & iQIYI ep 2 of 8 - I’m not gonna lie (when have I ever bothered to lie to you all?) I’m struggling with this show. The sound effects are getting worse. That is not allowed. Still I found this installment slightly more bearable than the last last, probably because there was more of the cast in play and less of Jade being too cringe to live. 

Absolute Zero (Weds iQIYI) ep 8 of 12 - AKA temporal paradox of pain.

My Universe (Sun iQIYI) Friends Forever ep 13 of 24 - Ooo it’s a bit of a teacher/student (coach/player) thing. Linguistic negotiation and kinkification of phi. Also actually kinky. But not consensually. Gonna get dark. Bummer. 

Playboyy (Thurs Gaga) 1 of 14(!) eps - Whines. Must I? Gaga doesn’t have a skip ahead button. Sad sack main characters really do not work for me. But this was better than I expected. I wasn’t expecting much. 

Look: This is helmed by Cheewin (shudder) with screenplay by Den (Only Friends - shudder the second) under Copy A Bangkok (they deserve not my shuddders). It's gonna be a shizz show people. It's Thai dark War of Y style - my least favorites. Apparently, there is meant to be a "plot" but when has Cheewin ever bothered with plot?

On a completely different note does the blond look like that Korean actor/idol from At a Distance Spring is Green & Wanna One to anyone else? Or is it just me? (Park Ji Hoon)

Ongoing Series - Not Thai

A Breeze of Love (Korea iQIYI) eps 3-4 of 8 - I like it a lot. Dongwook is so obtuse and socially awkward and reserved and needy and Dohyun is so gay over and simultaneously wildly confused by this behavior. Fantastic. A bit stiff, even for Korea, btu I'm okay with it since everything else I'm watching right now is decidedly NOT stiff.

I finished it!

Let's Eat Together Aki and Haru AKA Aki wa Haru to Gohan wo - Japan BL movie 1.5 hr

Best friends life together during university - cheerful sunshine loves to cook, grumpy tsundere loves to eat. Aki is a bit manic pixie dream boy for me (not my favorite archetype) but they’re cute and it’s one of those Japanese slice of life pieces like Our Dining Table that isn’t really a romance in fact it’s barely a drama. This isn’t friends to lovers because they’re basically already in a relationship (which everyone around them knows) they just aren’t fucking. I did spend a lot of time worrying that they weren’t eating any green things whatsoever. In the end this isn’t my thing when there’s no kissing at all, and this was a bit too dull even for JBL. Sorry Japan, one cannot trade on cute and cheese alone. I know, you want to. But that's not a BL or a personality. 6/10 

I Cannot Reach You AKA I Can't Reach You AKA Kimi ni wa Todokanai (Japan, maybe coming to Netflix) 8 eps - This classic friends-to-lovers BL is everything Japan does best. Angsty. Emo. Aching. Driven by real thirst. Yamato is deeply in love with his childhood bestie, Kakeru, and has been for ages, unable to hide his ungainly damaging high school need. He wants Kakeru in every way possible and it oozes off of the screen. Kakeru is silly and a little simple, but not frenetic or overly camp about it. He is earnest, and genuinely wants to keep Yamato in his life which means giving a romance (and gayness) a fair chance. We watch him realize his affection and what form it can take in a truly authentic way. This show was impossibly kind to both of its lead characters and I felt honored that I got to watch something so lovely and rare play out on my screen.

I LOVE LOVE LOVED THIS. IT'S SO GOOD.

10/10

Let me be perfectly clear: I have watched 646 BLs and only handed out nine 10/10s.

I talk more about why this one made the cut, here.

It's Airing But...

One Room Angel (Japan Gaga) 6 eps - adaptation of Harada’s manga (which I did not like) about a clerk who's stabbed, nearly dies, and returns home to find an angel waiting for him. With only 5 eps and a good chance this won’t end happy, I'm gonna wait and let you tell me how it goes.

SHADOW (Thai Gaga) 14 eps - I'm not wild about Thai horror (or horror at all) even one featuring Singto and Fluke. I'm holding off on this one and if told it's good I'll binge later.

Beyond The Star (Weds iQIYI) 8 eps - House of Stars meets Boyband. I was NOT impressed. Waiting to be told if I should bother.

What Did You Eat Yesterday Season 2 AKA Kinou Nani Tabeta? Season 2 (Japan Gaga) 10 eps - I find this series more fun to binge, so I'm waiting until it completes its run.

Next Week Looks Like This

STARTING

11/20 Bake Me Please (Mon Gaga) ep 1 of 6 - trailer here, stars Ohm (of OhmFluke) opposite Guide (bestie from IFYLITA). This looks like an actually gay version of Antique Bakery (play it again, BL). I'm intrigued, it looks HELLA pretty.

11/22 7 Days Before Valentine (Weds ????) ep 1 of 10 - trailer here, horror-esk. Adapted from y-novel of the same name, directed by Tu (180 Degree) stars Jet (Why You… Y Me?). When you want your old love again, but fate sends you a reaper instead. All he can do for you is kill people. I'll likely give this a pass and wait to binge if safe.

11/24 VIP Only (Taiwan Fri Gaga) ep 1 of 10 - Screenplay by Lin Pei Yu (WBL) about a chef who courts a shy writer with spicy beef noodles.

11/25 The Sign (Sat ????) ep 1 of 10 - trailer here, horror-esk, but with a suspense and adult characters. Special investigators who loved each other in previous lives reunite in new bodies. Stars Billy Patchanon (BillySeng) & Babe Tanatat (new). Includes other SCOY favorites as a special investigation team. I may give this a try (depending on distribution) because I'm into the non-horror bits.

11/26 The Whisperer (Sun ????) 1 of 10 - trailer here. Thai horror BL that ALSO involves cheating (what joy is mine). He has dimples (My Ride) but I don't think even that gives me the will. You can tell me how this goes.

11/26 Cooking Crush (Sun YT) 1 of 12 - OffGun are back, trailer here. Adapted from the novel “Love Course! เสื้อกาวน์รุกเสื้อกุ๊กรับ” by iJune4S this is about Prem who runs a not-so-popular restaurant with 2 friends. About to go on a cooking competition with a huge reward, Prem gets involved with Ten, a stressed-out med student who wants Prem to teach him to cook.

Still Coming November BL

11/30 For Him (Thurs ????) ep 1 of 10 - high heat trailer, I suspect iQIYI will scoop this one up. From the people who brought us Unforgotten Night (please no) based on a y-novel, man nursing a heartbreak has a one-night stand, but the other boy didn't want it to end. It looks terribly trashy so I'm in! Maybe I'll do a trash watch?

Nov 2023 line up with screen caps here. Not kept updated.

Original 2023 forthcoming BL master post (see comments, some are inaccurate, NOT KEPT UPDATED).

THIS WEEK’S BEST MOMENTS

To be fair this was last week but I did get the screen shot until now. (You are Mine)

I Cannot Reach You serving all Japan's favorite tropes plus some very un-Japan decent kisses.

(Last week)

[eiswolfzero]

More G1 infection lore

GeluAteKurama over on DA had some questions and I figured I'd post the answers here too:

what will happen to ponies like Pinkie that G1 counterparts had wings or horns??

I'm still undecided on what will happen to pinkie but for now I imagine phantom pain. Her brain tells her there should be wings and there aren't wings = pain. It will be like chronic pain. I'm not sure if I should move a little bit into body horror in that case but I'd rather not. Maybe more feathers are triggered in her coat.

If the pony is a unicorn but their G1 self is a pegasus would they lose their magic and grow wings or just lose magic and be confused as to why they can't fly??

In case of someone being an Unicorn but G1 being a Pegasus, yes, the magic would at least dim to a certain way. The g1 pony wouldn't know how to use the Unicorn magic and might actually have body dysphoria along the way too.

And what about the ponys that don't have a G1 counterparts but do maybe have a G2 or G3, would they turn on one of those ones??

A very good question. I'm not very well versed on anyone outside of the main 6 and the princesses so I'd be curious to know who got inspired by who. The possibilities it would open up!

And the ponys who are completely original to G4, would those be immune to the infection or get some different symptoms??

And yes, those original to G4 are immune to it. They are completely safe and sound. What would be interesting thought, about ponies with similar inspiration. Like Twilights mom who has a coat inspired by G1 Twilight. Mhhhh

[majorproblems77]

ITS LU UPDATE TIME!!!

AND IT IS ALL ABOUT SKY AND IM SO EXCITED :DDDDD

You know what that means! It means a long post by me! :D

Cant wait to be excited about my blorbo for like 30 minutes, so sit get some popcorn and like some earplugs cause i will try to contain my screaming but I've been waiting for more Sky stuff and I'm so excited!!!!

For point, and because I keep forgetting, all the panels I'll be talking about belong to JoJo and @linkeduniverse

Let's do this!

Alright lets get this out of the way first, I love some parallels right, So as per usual, if I need a panel from anything prior I'll let you know where it's from!

So what do you think he asked him.

Hey sir! Have you seen a guy with a big flag on his back going way to fast come through there?

Man is just like, oh yeah he went that way past the forge that your other weird fellows were at earlier.

He run, Then he hero stop. Power pose activated, target acquired. Then he run some more

Run my blorbo run!

Genuinely interested in what exactly this is, Is it a map? Is it a list of places? Is it a paper with time shift shenanigans in it?

I'm not versed in the postman, Is this normal, or did he do this cause he heard Sky and wanted him to think he was waiting?

This face has be dead. (/pos) I love him so much my dear blorbo its been too long since we saw you last.

Putting this together for 1 reason

Postman is a dick, Sky was so close, That can't be more than 10 or so metres at most. Poor man ran across Town out of town to catch up to you for you to go sprinting off into the woods, and my man is full on Olympic sprinting to deliver this mail geesus.

Also, the compulsory return of the king 🧍, Sky is the king of this pose and will not be beaten. Although Legend comes pretty close.

God the expressions in this update are top tier, Sky is just so expressive. Right now, Man is thinking why he does this to himself.

I'm fucking cackling, this art is amazing and Jojo's sister did an amazing job. Like I feel like I can hear this picture with that teasing tone that my siblings would use on me when we were younger. God I love it.

So even though Sky is looking towards Legend here, so I'm totally under the impression that Legend said Wahhhh, and Hyrule said I cant run. As Hyrule was with wars When they got split up initally. Poor Sky, man has become the butt of jokes. Im glad Four is giving them a look, He doesn't look impressed. Its okay Sky, you've got a friend in Four behind you. :D

War's is the real MVP of this arc in my opinion, Man has been in charge of the ragtag chain while Time has been out of action looking over Twilight. He's at the end of his tether.

Part of me wonders if this is going to impact his fighting going forward? Maybe he'll slip up because he's so stressed. He knows not all of them are knighted. These heroes he is with are NOT soldiers and he can't treat them as such.

And this sentence. Don't Interrupt! sounds like he is scolding rowdy recruits, rather than fellow heroes.

Which if you think about it, Sky is giving essentially a scouting report here, He scouted ahead and has returned to speak about his findings. War's is a captain, in his era he's a commanding officer. He's taken reports of this kind before.

Having a panel with Time, Wild and Twilight in Gives me more life than i think i give it credit for. (I am in the crowd that there's a family connection between these three.)

It's also nice to see Wild, like genuinely smiling.

Moving on

Hero pose again! :D

I love this man

These panels are very important to me so give me a moment while I explain.

Sky probably has her words engrained in his mind. You can see the questioning look, and thinking. "Is this going to work?"

That eternal dream That he's talking about, he knows her power is faded, but he's going to try anyway. I just didn't think he would use it to track what I can only assume is the postman.

It's really nice to have Sky's relationship with the master sword put on display. It means a lot to me and has brought me great Joy through this update.

He cares about her. And even if she can't talk to him anymore. He still trusts her to lead him true.

And this panel breaks my heart! Something inside of him probably really hoped Fi would speak to him or give him more of an indication. Sky looks so sad.

I just wanna hug him, and tell him it'll be alright. He's probably thinking about turning around at this point. Maybe he's thinking about how some members of the chain perceive Fi.

A soulless weapon.

(Or maybe im thinking too much into this)

The way his faith is restored!

Fi did lead him! She did! She's still there somewhere, and his shock! Oh my boy. My sweet blorbo,

And having used like super zoom on that last panel, MY BOY IS SMILING! :D

RUN BLORBO RUN I BELIEVE IN YOU!

(Also appreciation for the full body shot's we've got of Sky from this update, I love it so much I love him so much.)

Did I go hunting for the references, Yes I Did.

I think the following area is the area where they pull Twilight too, rather than the battle field and he then moved on from here to get to the battle field.

From sunset pt4

The pillar behind Sky has the only slant I can think of. It looks to be the same angle, but that could just be me.

If it is that location, it might be closer to that battlefield than we originally (Or at least I originally) assumed.

(If you've got any other places let me know!)

God i love him

Blorbo beloved! Is about as shocked as i am with the whole Mailman thing.

The confidence of this man is unreal. He's ready, he's moving he's going. He's going and ain't going to stop.

Me absolutely yelling at how this portal looks, it so ANGRY, But we know the Shadow is pissed right now. And if the shadow is making these portals and he's angry. I think the chain might be in for a surprise as they move on to the next location.

Which if I have to be honest. I think is going to be Skyloft. I think we are moving into a Sky arch, having had a Twilight Arc. (I also really want to see Skyloft in this universe, and there's an opportunity here. We've had more master sword things. We've had Sky content. who knows where Jojo will take this next, but I'm excited either way.)

Finally back to the chain! :D

The gremlins return :D

Wind's little 3:< face as he's thinking is giving the energy of an upcoming detective arch, He is thinking and he is thinking HARD okay.

Poor Sky. Man has been running around doing all the hard work while the rest of them just enjoy themselves. Hyrule especially is kinda like 'Ohhh... our bad...'

It's actually a kinda guilty look, maybe he feels a little bad about the teasing from earlier?

Now i gotta mention the potion thing, cause its just so damn funny not too. Sky my blorbo slow down you are gonna choke on the stamina potion.

But.

I want to focus on War's here.

And Wild too.

These two. These two are important.

Wild has gone from happy and chill vibes to Oh shit real quick.

After everything he put into the Shadow, while the shadow was injured and watched as the thing exploded. It just decided to come back or something. And Wild, here I imagine is thinking, "How was that not enough..."

Now Wars.

War's is Stood not looking at anything, In fact, I think he's looking past Time. The last thing he said was a two word scolding but apart from that he's been awfully quiet. Now he looks like he's thinking. He's closed off, protective.

The only time I can see where he does this is when he's in what I'm going to call, 'Captain mode.' So, When he's flicked something in his head that tells him he has to be a knight.

He dosent do it often, in fact from what I can see he does it 4 other times.

In order

Devine dark reflections pt 8 - when he's talking about knighthood with Sky and Hyrule

Sunset pt11 - When talking about Wild, and the fact that he's left

Sunset pt13 - When speaking to Twilight about pulling his own weight

Dawn pt 2 - when Twilight is talking about the team they are.

And now here in Dawn 7 - Where they are discussing the fact that an enemy they fought escaped or survived.

All conversations I would assume a captain would have to have with his men at one point or another. I wonder what He's thinking here. It's got me thinking.

Woah, So this took me longer than I thought. I am on the 4-hour mark now. Lmaoooo

Hope you enjoyed it! Thanks for listening to me ramble for like 20 minutes.

And just remember

Sky is the sweet bestest blorbo beloved and I love him. :D

Thanks for coming to my tedtalk.

[kid-kit-kit]

I don't know how to hype up a drawing 😶

Anyway FRIENDS,FOE AND UNDECIDED

Let me present to you one of the fan kids I'm the most proud of (he's literally just a tiny verse of his dad and it pisses Vil off)

The one and only Edward! (It is a twilight reference)

This little freak is always looking to take the best picture of ''beauty''.

he is a bit of a perfectionist and will force you to pose for hours if it's needed to take the perfect picture.

I will not shut up about him nor the next kids y'all have been warned.

Also I'm thinking about changing my post day from Sunday and Thursday to Saturday and Wednesday do y'all care or have any other suggestions??

[skyscrapergods]

@f4nd0m-fun

If Sun and Moon and Friends and Romance have gods, what about Life and Death? What about Family rather than just Romance/Friends? (Is Flurry Family?)

Also, how does this change some of the big battles in show? Like the first one of the Mane vs Nightmare?

So the interesting thing about Skyscraper gods verse is that it has mostly been equestria-centric. The gods ponies know of are Sun, Moon, Romance, and Friendship, yes. But there are more than ponies in this world.

They think that the only gods that exist are Alicorns, because they have ponycentric worldview. Ponies aren't the only creature that can ascend! They are not the first, nor will they be the last.

I don't have any concepts for other gods in Skyscraper Gods, yet, but I'm sure they exist.

Edit: I have since discovered the God of Life, an ancient giraffe named Boabab

In my personal world, which can be found at my other sideblog, @worldofvonder, there was a trifecta of gods, Life, Death, and Change. But something happened to one of the gods, which caused the whole world to become what it is.

I have extensive writings about Vonder's gods in the worldbuilding channel of my patreon discord server.

Which is also where you can see my drawings and not-yet finished works for Skyscraper Gods, including flurry heart, nightmare moon vs celestia, sunburst, and my elusive ocs, including angsty men tormented by visions, and gay furry cannibals.

I know how the battle of luna vs celestia goes down, but I do not know yet how twilight defeats nightmare moon a thousand years later. I will have to brainstorm with my patrons, hopefully I will see you there!

If you would like to donate and get access without involving patreon website, just let me know and we'll arrange something! For example if you want to give me $20 I'll just send you a server invite and check back in a year if you wanna stay!

[sebstanaddict]

Midnight & The Light

Bucky Barnes!Vampire AU Story

Summary: James Buchanan Barnes is a solitary and powerful vampire detective who works for the London Police to cover up murders done by his fellow vampires. One day he finds his job and himself challenged and tempted by a female detective thrusts as his partner.

Pairings : James Buchanan Barnes x Female!Reader

A/n: this is my very first attempt at writing horror/thriller/mystery genre so please bear with me.

With that said, I'm not really well versed in vampire lore, and the vampires in this story are largely inspired by those in Twilight. So those of you looking for the original type of vampires, unfortunately you won't find it here. But those who enjoy Twilight, might find this enjoyable too.

Oh, this is also set in modern day London where Bucky is British, haha. Although I won't write him differently as I'm not really familiar with the difference between British and American English.

Warning : murder and crime scene depiction

Word count : 4k words

Chapters (1/10) - Might add more

Chapter List >

---

Chapter 1

The narrow alleyway was damp with the remnants of London's ceaseless rain, the stench of rot and grime clinging to the brick walls. In the shadows, a woman lay crumpled on the cold pavement, her throat slashed open. Her skin was pale, almost gray in the flickering streetlight, her eyes staring blankly into the void. She had been a prostitute, someone no one would ask too many questions about, and that's what made her the perfect target.

But the job had been messy. Too messy.

From the shadows, a figure emerged, wiping blood from his lips with a smirk of satisfaction. His fangs glistened briefly as he looked down at his work. It was an indulgence, a feeding that went too far. He had been warned.

Before he could disappear into the night, another figure stepped out from the shadows. Taller, broader, and far more intimidating. James Buchanan Barnes. His icy blue eyes locked onto the vampire before him, and his voice was low, edged with simmering fury.

"Another one, Dorian?" James said, his tone calm but laced with threat.

The younger vampire, Dorian, froze, wiping the last trace of blood from his chin. "She was just a nobody, James," Dorian sneered. "What's the harm? Besides, I needed to feed."

James stepped forward, his hand gripping Dorian's collar in an instant, slamming him against the brick wall. His supernatural strength far surpassed that of the younger vampire, and Dorian winced as the pressure on his throat increased.

"I told you to leave London," James growled. "Last week, you killed someone. I gave you a chance, told you to get out. But instead, you've left me another body to clean up. You think I enjoy this? Cleaning up your mess?"

Dorian's eyes flickered with fear for a moment before his bravado returned. "You've been doing this for centuries, Barnes. What's one more body?"

"One more body brings suspicion," James snapped, releasing his grip slightly. "And suspicion brings hunters. You don't want that, do you?"

Dorian's confidence faltered at the mention of hunters. They both knew that hunters were the only real threat to vampires, and James was right: the more bodies, the higher the risk.

"Leave town," James ordered, his tone cold. "This is your last warning. If I find out you're still here, I won't be as forgiving."

Dorian nodded quickly, his arrogance shrinking in the face of James's authority. Without another word, he disappeared into the night, leaving James alone with the body.

James sighed, crouching down to inspect the woman's wounds. It was a brutal, sloppy kill, one that couldn't be easily explained away. He'd have to make it look like a suicide, another tragic statistic in London's dark underbelly. It wasn't the first time he had done this, and it wouldn't be the last.

As dawn approached, he made sure every detail was in place before vanishing, blending back into the city as if he had never been there at all.

---

The London Police Headquarters  buzzed with the usual activity—phones ringing, detectives grumbling over paperwork, and officers exchanging hurried conversations about the latest case. 

James walked in, his usual indifferent expression hiding the exhaustion that came with centuries of cleaning up after others. He passed through the sea of desks until he reached his own, tucked away in the far corner of the room, away from curious eyes.

He had just settled into his chair when his superior, Captain Harris, approached, file in hand.

"Barnes, another one last night," Harris said gruffly, tossing the file onto James's desk. "Same area. They're saying it looks like a suicide, but something about this doesn't sit right with me."

James glanced at the file, already knowing the details. He had made sure the scene would point to suicide, but Harris was an old detective with sharp instincts. He wouldn't be fooled so easily.

"I'll look into it," James said, keeping his tone neutral.

"Good. And one more thing," Harris added. "You're getting a partner. New transfer."

James's head snapped up. "What?"

"I know, I know," Harris said, waving off James's protest. "You're used to working alone, but the higher-ups want someone paired with you. Someone to keep an extra set of eyes on things. Especially after this recent string of cases. Come on, follow me, I'll introduce you to her."

Her? He thought as he followed Harris. He never had a female partner before. This should be interesting.

The captain stopped at the desk of a young woman who was busy sorting through paperwork.

"Y/n," Harris said, his voice cutting through the din of the station. "This is Detective Barnes, your new partner. James, this is Y/n L/n."

Y/n looked up from her desk and smiled. James was struck by the vivid contrast between her bright smile and the dimly lit office. It was as though a sudden beam of sunlight had pierced the drab, monotonous atmosphere of the headquarters, illuminating everything around her.

"Nice to meet you, Detective Barnes," Y/n said, extending her hand with a warm, welcoming smile.

James took her hand. Despite the gloves he was wearing somehow their connection struck something in him, surprising him. Her smile was like a flash of light breaking through the clouds, and he found himself captivated. For a moment, the surrounding chaos of the office faded, leaving just the warmth of her presence.

"Likewise, Y/n," James managed to reply, though his mind was momentarily lost in the glow she seemed to emit.

The captain's voice continued, but James's attention was almost entirely absorbed by Y/n. Her laughter, light and melodious, cut through the usual tension in the air, making him feel an unfamiliar sense of ease. He noticed how her enthusiasm seemed to radiate a comforting warmth, contrasting sharply with the shadows that had long hung over him.

As they exchanged brief pleasantries, James couldn't help but be drawn to her, feeling an inexplicable pull. The way she carried herself with such genuine kindness and energy was a stark departure from the cold, calculated world he was accustomed to. It was as if she was a beacon of light, effortlessly drawing him in.

When Y/n spoke again, her voice brought James back to the present. "Shall we get started on the case?"

James nodded, his thoughts still swirling with the unexpected effect she had on him. As they began to walk toward their new assignment, he felt a stirring in his chest—a rare and potent attraction that he hadn't experienced in years. Her light seemed to offer a glimpse of something he had long forgotten, and he realized that her presence would be far more impactful than he initially anticipated.

---

James looked ahead at the road before him. He was in his car, heading towards the crime scene, with Y/n sitting next to him. 

The drive was quiet at first, the two detectives sitting in silence as the city blurred by outside the window. But Y/n finally broke the silence, glancing at the file in her lap.

"The victim," she said, her voice cutting through the tension, "it doesn't make sense."

"What do you mean?" James asked, though he already knew where this was going.

"No signs of a struggle, no forced entry, and those wounds—" she shook her head, flipping through the pages of the file. "They're precise. Too precise for a suicide. It's almost like something else killed her. Something not... human."

James's jaw tightened, his mind working fast. He couldn't let her go down that road, couldn't let her get too close to the truth.

"You're overthinking it," James said, his voice calm and measured. "It was a suicide, plain and simple."

But Y/n wasn't buying it. "I don't think it was."

James exhaled, his hand resting on her arm as they stopped at a red light. "Y/n, you're new here. These kinds of cases... they happen. People fall into dark places, and sometimes, they take their own lives. It's tragic, but that's the reality."

As he spoke, he let his hand linger on her arm, his gloved fingers brushing lightly against her skin. He looked into her eyes, willing her to believe him, to let his influence take hold.

But Y/n's expression didn't change. Her eyes remained focused, unwavering. "I still don't think it was a suicide," she said, pulling her arm away gently.

James felt his heart stop for a moment. His power—the mind bending ability he had relied on for centuries—had no effect on her. His mind raced, trying to understand what had just happened.

How could she resist him?

As the car rolled to a stop near the crime scene, James couldn't shake the unsettling realization: his influence didn't work on Y/n. He had expected her mind to bend effortlessly under his touch, as human minds always did. But she remained untouched by it, her skepticism unwavering.

And then there were her eyes. He hadn't noticed them until now—one blue, one light brown, with streaks of dark brown running through them like cracks in ice. They drew him in, magnetic in a way he hadn't experienced in centuries. Something about her was different, and that difference was making him more intrigued.

The fog hung thick over the alley as they stepped out of the car, the sound of police chatter muffled in the night air. Y/n pulled her coat tighter against the cold, her eyes scanning the scene ahead of them.

"I still don't understand," she said, her voice low but resolute. "How could it be a suicide when the evidence points to something else? The precision of those wounds..."

James' jaw tightened as he walked beside her. His mind was still processing her resistance. He had lived for centuries, long enough to perfect the art of manipulation, of influencing thoughts with nothing more than a touch or a glance. But Y/n... she was a puzzle, and he hated puzzles that didn't fall into place.

"It's not that uncommon for suicides to look this way," James replied, trying to sound casual. He could see the victim's body now, still lying where he had left her the previous night, carefully arranged to appear self-inflicted. "People in dark places do irrational things. Sometimes the mind goes to terrifying lengths to end suffering."

Y/n stopped, her eyes narrowing as she looked at him, skeptical. "But that precise? That clean?"

James sighed, knowing he'd have to try again. His eyes met hers, those two-toned irises that seemed to pull him in deeper the longer he stared. He reached out, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. His fingers lingered, the familiar spark of power flowing through him, directing it toward her mind.

"It was a suicide," he said softly, his voice laced with supernatural persuasion. "You're overthinking this. Trust me."

For a second, he expected her expression to soften, for the lines of doubt on her face to smooth away. He expected her to nod, to agree, to let go of her suspicion. But instead, Y/n stared right back at him, unfazed. Her eyes didn't glaze over, her posture didn't relax. If anything, her resistance only deepened.

She took a step back, her eyes locked on his. "Why are you so sure it was a suicide?" she asked, her tone suspicious now, a challenge in her voice.

James blinked, momentarily at a loss for words. He couldn't remember the last time he had been rendered speechless by a human. Hell, he couldn't remember the last time he had felt something other than indifference toward one. But there was something about Y/n that was crawling under his skin in a way he hadn't anticipated. His pulse quickened—something he hadn't experienced in years—and it took everything in him to keep his calm demeanor.

"I've worked these cases for a long time," James finally said, his voice steadier than his thoughts. "I know what I'm looking at. It's just a matter of experience."

Y/n frowned, not buying his answer. "Experience, or deflection?"

His lips quirked in a faint smile. Bold, he thought. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, you seem too... invested in making me believe this is just another routine case." She crossed her arms, her gaze unrelenting. "And the more you push, the more I think you're hiding something."

James felt a flicker of frustration rise inside him. He wasn't used to this kind of challenge. Normally, humans were easy—compliant, pliant, eager to believe whatever narrative he spun. But Y/n...she wasn't bending, and worse, she was turning the suspicion back on him.

The crime scene stretched ahead of them, the body still lying where the investigators were waiting to process it. But James's attention was entirely on Y/n now, this enigma standing before him, immune to his powers, with eyes that bore into his soul. Or whatever remained of it after three hundred years.

He stepped closer, his voice lowering as he tried one more time, feeling the pull between them growing stronger, more dangerous. "You're new here, Y/n. You don't know how things work yet. Just trust me on this."

Again, nothing. Her eyes narrowed, but she didn't waver. "I trust facts. Evidence. And so far, none of that points to a simple suicide."

James's patience was thinning. He had no choice but to play along for now, to deflect further without making it obvious. But deep down, a gnawing curiosity started to bubble inside him. Why didn't his power work on her? And why was he so drawn to her? His hands itched with the desire to touch her again, to test if it was a fluke, but he stopped himself, knowing it would only make things worse.

The magnetic pull between them was undeniable now. It wasn't just the frustration of a failed influence—it was something more, something darker. Something that made him want to unravel the mystery that was Y/n, to find out why she resisted him and why her presence ignited a long-forgotten sensation inside him.

"Fine," he said, stepping back and conceding for now. "Let's take a closer look at the scene. Maybe you'll find what you're looking for."

But as he walked ahead, leading her toward the body, James couldn't shake the feeling that something was shifting. Not just with the case, but between them. His carefully constructed world, one he had spent centuries building, suddenly felt fragile, and Y/n stood at the center of it, holding the pieces he couldn't quite grasp.

The alley was still dark, the smell of death heavy in the air. But for James, there was only one mystery worth solving now—and she was walking right beside him.

He continued to wonder why his powers didn't work on her. And beneath that, the more dangerous thought he couldn't quite dismiss: Did he want them to work on her? Or was he starting to enjoy the fact that they didn't?

As James led Y/n deeper into the alley, the scene came into sharper focus. The victim—a woman in her mid-twenties, blonde, with pale skin that gleamed under the streetlight—lay sprawled on the ground, her body positioned to look like she had simply slumped over after the act. But the wounds told a different story. They were precise, clean, almost surgical. James's eyes flickered over them, knowing exactly who had done this.

"You said the coroner will be here soon?" Y/n asked, kneeling down beside the body. Her voice pulled him back into the present, and he quickly masked his thoughts with the same cool indifference he had used for centuries.

"Yeah, they should be arriving any minute," he replied. He crouched down beside her, his hands brushing the edge of the victim's coat as he pretended to inspect her.

"I can't make sense of these wounds," Y/n muttered, her breath clouding in the cold air. "They're too deliberate for a suicide."

James glanced at her, suppressing the urge to sigh. She wasn't wrong, but she also wasn't supposed to figure that out. He could feel the weight of her gaze on him as he studied the body, aware of how intently she was watching his every move.

"I've seen similar cases," he said, feigning nonchalance. "Sometimes people who are really desperate can do extraordinary things to themselves."

Y/n didn't respond right away, but he could tell by the way she clenched her jaw that she didn't believe him. His eyes flicked back to hers, and once again, he felt that magnetic pull, those mismatched eyes—that seemed to anchor him in place.

She rose to her feet, scanning the surrounding area. "There's no weapon here. How could she have done this to herself without a blade? And if she did, where is it?"

James straightened, his mind racing. He needed to steer this investigation away from where it was going. Y/n was digging too deep, and his own kind would not tolerate a human—no matter how sharp—getting close to the truth.

"The weapon might have been picked up by the others, taken as evidence," he said, looking away. "We can check for that later. Right now, let's wait for the forensics team to do their job."

Y/n gave him a skeptical look but said nothing more as they heard the distant rumble of an approaching van.

---

The morgue was cold and sterile, the hum of fluorescent lights buzzing overhead. The victim's body lay on a steel table, draped with a white sheet. Forensic examiner Dr. Michael Carter stood over it, his gloved hands hovering as he prepared to begin his analysis. Y/n stood nearby, arms crossed, her eyes flicking between the body and James.

"I'll do a full autopsy," Dr. Carter said, his voice matter-of-fact. "But from what I can tell, these wounds are unusual. Too precise for a suicide, in my professional opinion."

James could feel Y/n's eyes dart toward him, her suspicion mounting. He needed to take control of the situation—now.

"Doctor," James said smoothly, stepping forward. "I appreciate your thoroughness, but I think it's clear what happened here. The victim took her own life. The evidence, while unusual, still supports a suicide."

Dr. Carter looked confused, his brow furrowing as he glanced at the wounds again. "I don't—"

James touched his shoulder lightly, focusing the full weight of his power into the man's mind. His voice softened, persuasive but commanding. "It was a suicide. You'll file your report accordingly."

The effect was instantaneous. Dr. Carter's confused expression smoothed out, his muscles relaxing under James's influence. He nodded slowly, the resistance draining from his face. "Yes...suicide. I'll note that in my report."

Y/n's jaw tightened, her confusion palpable. She watched the exchange, eyes narrowing as if sensing something was off, but she couldn't quite place what.

"That doesn't make sense," she murmured, more to herself than anyone else. "How could he change his mind so quickly?"

James remained silent, but inwardly, he felt a ripple of relief. One more threat neutralized. Still, he couldn't ignore the fact that Y/n hadn't relented—not completely. His power had no effect on her, but it seemed she was willing to let it go for now, if only because she couldn't understand what was happening.

Dr. Carter finished writing his notes, turning toward Y/n and James. "I'll submit the report by tomorrow morning. Suicide, just as we suspected."

Y/n's eyes flashed with frustration, but she forced a nod. "Thanks, Doctor."

As they walked out of the morgue, James could feel the tension radiating from Y/n. She was still confused, still skeptical, but for now, she wasn't pressing the issue. They walked in silence for a while, the night air crisp as they left the building and stepped into the quiet street.

James glanced at her, his gaze softening despite himself. He couldn't ignore the fact that he was drawn to her in a way he hadn't been to anyone in centuries. Her mind was a mystery, her resistance fascinating. And those eyes—they haunted him, challenging him in ways he hadn't expected.

Finally, he broke the silence. "You look like you could use a break."

Y/n raised an eyebrow, clearly taken aback. "A break?"

He shrugged, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah. Coffee, maybe? There's a place around the corner."

Y/n hesitated, her suspicion lingering. "You think coffee is going to explain why none of this makes sense?"

James chuckled softly, his eyes lingering on hers. "No. But maybe it'll give us a chance to talk, get to know each other. I think we could both use that."

She stared at him for a moment, clearly weighing her options. There was still that spark of suspicion in her eyes, but beneath it, something else—curiosity, maybe. Or perhaps she was starting to feel the same pull he did, the strange connection between them.

After what felt like an eternity, she nodded. "Fine. Coffee."

James felt a strange rush of anticipation. As they began walking toward the coffee shop, he couldn't help but wonder what secrets Y/n held—and what made her so immune to his powers. For centuries, he had controlled everything and everyone around him. But now, with her, he felt like the rules were changing, and he was no longer sure who was pulling the strings.

And the thought excited him in ways he hadn't felt in a very, very long time.

—

The coffee shop was small, dimly lit, with a cozy warmth that contrasted with the biting chill of the London evening. The smell of roasted beans filled the air, and the quiet murmur of conversation blended with the soft clinking of mugs. James and Y/n sat at a corner table, far enough from other patrons to keep their conversation private.

Y/n took a sip of her coffee, her eyes flicking over James as if she were still trying to figure him out. "So, how long have you been with the police?"

James leaned back in his chair, giving her a casual smile. "A while now. I've been... around, you could say."

Y/n smirked. "That's vague."

James chuckled. "It's been years. I've moved around a bit, but I always seem to find myself back in London. I guess the city has its way of drawing me in."

That much was true, though the rest of what he would say would be carefully crafted lies. He wasn't about to reveal his centuries-long existence or the true nature of his work with the police. It wasn't time for that—at least, not yet.

"And what about before that?" Y/n asked, her tone light but probing. "You've got this air about you like you've seen it all before."

James raised an eyebrow, impressed by her observation. He shrugged, keeping his tone nonchalant. "I've done a bit of everything. Some military work, odd jobs here and there. But I always end up back where I started—helping people, trying to solve problems."

Y/n nodded, though her eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism. "Must have seen a lot over the years. That would explain why you didn't seem too rattled by the scene earlier."

James lowered his gaze, feeling a familiar pang of guilt at the lies. He didn't want to mislead her, but the truth wasn't something he could share. Not yet. Not with her. He wasn't even sure why he felt so compelled to protect her from that truth.

"It's part of the job," he replied. "You get used to it."

She studied him for a moment, her mismatched eyes gleaming in the dim light. He found himself momentarily mesmerized by them, as if they were pulling him deeper into her orbit. He hadn't felt anything like this in centuries, and the realization both thrilled and unsettled him.

James forced himself to look away, taking a sip of his coffee, trying to hold back the distaste in his tongue. He could feel the attraction building, something beyond mere curiosity. It was a connection, one he hadn't allowed himself to feel since... her.

His mind drifted back to his past, to a time when he was still human. He remembered her vividly—Eliza. She had been everything to him. His fiancée, the love of his life. Before the darkness took him, before the hunger and immortality. When he became a vampire, he broke their engagement, knowing they could never be together. He'd loved her too much to put her through that life, to risk her safety.

The pain of losing her had shaped the centuries that followed. He had promised himself he wouldn't love again, wouldn't allow anyone to get close enough to hurt him in that way. And for centuries, he kept that vow, burying himself in his work and his duty. But now, sitting across from Y/n, he could feel that resolve weakening.

"So what about you?" James asked, steering the conversation away from himself. "What made you want to become a detective?"

Y/n stirred her coffee absently, thinking for a moment before answering. "I guess I've always wanted to do something meaningful, something that matters. I've seen enough injustice to want to stop it. I thought being a detective would give me that chance."

James nodded, listening closely. He admired her drive, her passion for the work. It mirrored the fire he once had when he first started working for the police, though his reasons had become more complicated over time.

"And have you?" he asked. "Found that meaning you're looking for?"

She shrugged, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Some days. But I suppose the job isn't always what you expect. Like today—there are just some things you can't explain."

James tensed slightly at her words, wondering if she was circling back to the murder scene. He could see the gears turning in her mind, still questioning the way things had played out. She was smart—smarter than most—and he couldn't help but admire her persistence. But it also made her dangerous. If she got too close to the truth, there would be no way to protect her from the world she was about to stumble into.

He watched her, feeling that magnetic pull between them grow stronger with each passing second. Y/n was different. She didn't just challenge him; she made him feel alive in a way he hadn't since before he became what he was.

Y/n caught him staring and arched an eyebrow. "You okay?"

James snapped back to the present, his expression softening as he smiled. "Yeah, just thinking."

"About what?"

He hesitated, unsure how to answer. His mind drifted back to Eliza again, to the weight of that promise he had made all those years ago. He had vowed never to love again, never to let anyone in. But as he sat there, across from Y/n, the weight of that promise felt like it was starting to crumble.

"Just... old memories," he said finally, his voice softer than before.

Y/n leaned forward slightly, her curiosity piqued. "Old memories, huh? Anything you want to share?"

James smiled, shaking his head. "Not tonight."

She looked like she wanted to press further, but something in his tone must have convinced her to let it go. Instead, she leaned back in her chair, her mismatched eyes locking onto his again. "You're a mystery, you know that?"

James chuckled, though there was an edge of sadness in his voice. "Maybe. Or maybe I just don't have all the answers."

Y/n didn't break eye contact, and for a moment, the space between them felt charged with something unspoken, something that hummed with tension. James could feel it—the pull, the connection—and he wondered if she felt it too.

He hadn't expected to feel anything like this ever again. Not after Eliza. Not after everything he had lost. But here she was—Y/n, with her sharp mind, her mismatched eyes, her bright smile and the way she seemed to see right through him. And for the first time in centuries, he wasn't sure what would happen next.

"I'll figure you out eventually," Y/n said, her tone half-teasing, half-serious.

James smiled, though inwardly, he was filled with a strange, unsettling excitement. "I look forward to seeing you try."

But as they sat there in the warm glow of the coffee shop, James couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning. Y/n was different, and he knew that whatever came next—whatever secrets she uncovered or truths she refused to ignore—she would change his life in ways he hadn't even begun to comprehend.

And for the first time in centuries, that thought didn't terrify him.

It intrigued him.

[andreafmn]

Collision | Chapter 20

Word Count: 3.1K Story Description: (Y/N) Uley is back home after being away for four years. Her life is at its first standstill and she is taking this time to find out who she is without school. But she never thought that coming back to the reservation would turn her whole life around. In the midst of secrets and mystery, a man crashes into (Y/N)’s and her life will never be the same. Chapter: 20/? A/N: your eyes do not deceive you, that's right, two posts in one day. Where is my prize? 😅😅 but I am very surprised at myself that I was able to post both Twilight stories. Also, don't hate me for that ending... My content will always be free, but if you’re feeling particularly generous, you can leave a tip on any of my posts  or buy me a coffee to support me and my love of writing Follow 😊 -> TikTok • Instagram • Business If you’d like to be tagged in this or any other story: click here Make sure you have my notifications on so you know every time I post! Please check if you’re tagged in the story, I’ve reached the limit of tags on Twilight again it seems. 😅

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Chapter 20

Time moved weirdly when you were stuck in the same routine. Days muddled together, only certain events sticking out. There were no beginnings or ends. There were only moments awake and moments asleep. That was how (Y/N) could tell that time had passed. When she was conscious, she could see that things had changed.

Her life consisted of work, school, Paul, her friends, and her family. There was nothing more. There was nothing less. Simply the same cycle, over and over again. It was good enough in the beginning. The semblance that things were getting better made her want to believe it.

But time was not kind to lies. As the seconds passed, the harder it was to keep her cracked façade whole. She could smile, she could laugh, she could enjoy life as it happened to her. Still, there was something that was always missing. A gaping hole in the middle of her chest that she covered every day.

(Y/N) had to believe that things got better. Even if at that moment it felt like things would turn worse, she needed to believe that they would change. She was getting everything she had dreamed of, everything she had worked so hard to obtain. And yet, there was a sadness inside her that didn’t allow her to enjoy it.

Two months had passed since the last time she had cried for them. Eight weeks since her eyes had dried and the pit had opened inside her. Since she had rid herself of the idea that they were ever coming back… that he was ever coming back.

She thought over the words she had told Bella. She needed to take a first step; any step that would make the life she was living real. She owed it to herself, she owed it to her mother, she owed it to her brother, she owed it to every person that had been beside her through it all.

“What’re you doing in my room, Paul?” (Y/N) was startled as she saw her friend’s reflection in the mirror before her. She had been focused on studying; her head engrossed in her books all afternoon. “Is everything okay?”

“Not exactly,” Paul responded “Jacob Black is going through his first shift and he’s freaking out. Won’t listen to anyone, not even Embry.”

“Where is he?”

“He’s in the woods with Sam and Embry.”

She followed the boy out of the house and into the darkness of the forest. Why they needed her help, she did not understand. (Y/N) was the least versed in the supernatural world. But if there was something she understood it was feeling scared and overwhelmed by it. It was an all-consuming implosion of the mind. Everything they had known as reality became a rose-colored canvas over what was truly happening.

Far into the trees and away from the town, Sam and Embry stood before a giant russet-furred wolf. The animal moved from side to side, his eyes far away and scared. The boys tried to calm him, lifting their arms in a show of peace. But it did nothing to calm the poor boy that was stuck in his wolf form.

“Guys, step away from him,” (Y/N) called as she closed the distance between her and the wolf. “He’s scared.”

“Paul, I told you not to bring her here,” Sam seethed. “She could get hurt. Again.”

“He did nothing wrong,” she reprimanded. “Just get away from him, please.”

They quickly did as told, leaving the girl and the wolf. But she could still feel her brother’s cautious stare following her every move. (Y/N) was tentative in her steps, showing Jacob no sign of danger. She stared into the brown of his eyes, trying to connect with the scared boy beyond the animal.

It had only been a week since he had confronted (Y/N) regarding Embry. He had taken her by surprise, wondering why his best friend had suddenly started to avoid him and Quil, and had started hanging out with Sam’s group. She had done what she could, but the boy was too angry to stand reason.

He had rapped harshly against her front door, his knuckles beating against the wood loudly. She had been studying, far too focused on her books to know who it could have been at that hour. It was late at night and her mother had left only two hours before to work. And there was no chance that it had been Paul or Embry since they were out on patrol that night.

She sauntered down the stairs, fear clutching at her limbs as she walked. There was no reason for anyone to be knocking on her door that loudly. It made her tremble, but she was smarter than to allow fear to overtake her.

“Jacob?” (Y/N) had called out in surprise as she swung open the door. “What are you doing here at this hour?”

“Look, (Y/N), I have nothing against you ‘cause you have always been a good friend to me,” he sighed. His eyes were red, telling her that he had been crying. “But I need to know what your brother is doing. It was weird when he took Jared, even weirder when Paul joined. Now, he’s changed Embry as well.”

“W-what do you mean he changed Embry, Jake? He was there at your birthday party last month.”

“But he wasn’t really there, was he?” Jacob continued. “He’s been avoiding Quil and me in school. He comes up with excuses or doesn’t even respond when we call to hang out. And he barely said a word to me other than ‘happy birthday’ at the party. And now, we see him hanging out with your brother and his weird gang.”

“It is not my place to talk about what happens with Embry, Jake; what happens with any of them for that matter,” she tried to explain calmly. “All I can tell you is that he definitely is not in a dangerous gang like it’s rumored. My brother is not a dangerous person.”

“Then, why can’t Embry talk to us, huh? Why is he clearly under instructions to not talk to his friends or even to his mom?” Jacob exclaimed. “She’s been asking us nonstop what’s happening with her son, and we have nothing we can say.”

“Jacob, I understand how frustrating this must be. But I can’t say anything. It’s really not my place.”

“So, what? You’re just gonna let your brother keep taking guys from the rez and making them turn their backs on everyone they know?” he said, his voice rising slightly. “It’s not right, (Y/N), and you know it.”

“I wish I could tell you what is going on, Jake, but…”

“But it’s not your place to tell. Yeah. I got that,” he scoffed. “If there are any more guys that are taken from their families because of your brother, it’ll be on you, (Y/N).”

“No one has been taken from their families, Jacob,” she replied defensively, biting down on her tongue to not anger the boy further. “They’re always free to come and go.”

“Yet they’re not free to talk,” he seethed. “I can’t believe you don’t see what they’re doing, (Y/N). You’re smart enough to know that something’s not right.”

“I’m sorry I can’t be of more help, Jake,” she sighed. “But I can promise you that your friend is safe.”

“It doesn’t matter much to me that he’s that safe when he can’t even say hi to me in the halls.”

“Jacob…”

“No, it’s fine, (Y/N). It’s not your place.”

He had left her house completely infuriated. So angry that he wouldn’t even return her waves when they ran into each other in town. And she understood his anger. Someone had come between him and his best friend. They had ripped away a relationship without a single reason.

But now, he would understand the why. Now, he would be in on the secret.

(Y/N) reached her hand out, showing Jacob that she meant no harm. Her movements were slow and calculated, always in sight of the brown wolf. She was letting him know he was okay, that he was safe.

“I know you’re scared, Jacob,” she spoke softly and calmly. “I bet you’re stressed too. Nothing that is happening is making sense.”

Jacob let out a huff in response, his eyes searching her over.

“I promise we will let you know everything that’s happening,” she continued. “But the first thing we have to do is get you back in human form. And I’m gonna help you with that, okay?”

The wolf’s head nodded, his pacing stopping dead in his track. He walked toward her outstretched hand, his snout bumping against it. He nuzzled into her, his pained eyes begging her to keep talking.

“You need to calm down,” she told him. “Center your mind and think how it feels to be in your human form. You have to focus and keep calm.”

It seemed her voice was what he needed to do the trick. The wolf stepped back and closed his eyes. She was almost sure she could feel the air changing around them as Jacob focused. And then, it all happened swiftly. One second, the russet-colored wolf towered over them. And the second, Jacob was covering up his naked body with his hands.

“Uh, is there a chance any of you brought a change of clothes?”

“Here,” Sam said as he threw the boy a bag of clothes. “There are many things you’re gonna have to learn now.”

Jacob disappeared behind a tree to get changed, running to shield himself from the others. (Y/N) had no idea what it was like for the body to go through that shift. But she could begin to imagine how disconcerting it would be to have your body turn into a massive wolf after an angry outburst.

“Thank you, (Y/N),” Paul said as they waited outside of Sam’s house as Jake was informed of everything. “We should have you over every time a new kid shifts. You’re good at calming them down.”

“I guess I can understand how it feels to not feel in control of your own body,” she sighed with a smile. “But I’m glad I could help with Jake. Just last week he was grilling me over what you guys were doing.”

“we’re not doing anything wrong.”

“Not in the eyes of the town, Paul. People think that you’re a dangerous gang that is corrupting the boys in the reservation.”

“Eh, I’m used to it,” he shrugged. “Not many people thought I was a good guy before. I doubt I could change their minds now. And, honestly, I don’t care what people think of me. Just you.”

“Well, then, you’re lucky I like you, kid,” she laughed. “You would be very sad if I didn’t.”

“I really would,” he said, making her laughter die in her throat. He was too serious. Too serious for the playful tone she had spoken with. “I couldn’t live without you.”

“Paul, what’re you…?”

“I’m serious, (Y/N),” he continued as he took her hands in his. “You’re the most important person in my life, (Y/N). I would die without you.”

“You’re important to me too, Paul,” she smiled softly. “But where is all this coming from?”

“I just… gods, I just need to tell you.”

“Tell me what?”

As Paul opened his mouth to speak, the door to the back slid open, Jared and Embry tumbling out. They wore playful smiles on their faces and were holding plates of food in their hands.

“Yo, (Y/N),” Jared called. “Jake’s asking for you.”

“We’re sort of in the middle of something here,” Paul muttered through gritted teeth. “He can wait.”

“We’ll talk later, Paul,” she smiled as she put distance between them, her heart beating a million miles a minute. “I’m gonna go see what he needs.”

“But (Y/N)…”

“Later,” she called from the door.

(Y/N) had an inkling of what Paul was going to say. She could feel it deep in her bones. The past three months had been perfect –too perfect, she guessed. The last thing she wanted was to break things off with Paul, to put distance between them. But she knew that it was what would be best for them both.

As she walked into the house, she allowed herself to push down the thought. To forget that sooner rather than later, she had to push him away. To forget that the start of her poorly mended new life crumbling was nearing. Nothing good lasts. That much she knew.

Jacob was waiting for her at the dining table, a look of shame plastered across his face. He was shaking slightly, the weight of the new information heavy on his shoulders. And she could see what he truly was. A boy that had his whole life ripped from under him.

“Hey,” she called out softly. “Jared said you wanted to talk to me.”

“Yeah,” he chuckled softly, his head snapping toward her voice. “I owe you an apology, (Y/N).”

“No, Jake. You were angry. I understand.”

“But you didn’t deserve to be on the receiving end of the anger,” he continued. “You were protecting Embry, protecting all of them. And I was pretty mean to you.”

“You don’t even make the top five, Jake,” (Y/N) laughed as she sat beside him. “But, if it makes you feel better, I accept your apology. Even if there’s nothing to apologize.”

Jacob remained quiet for a second, his gaze falling onto his hands. “Your brother said I can’t see Bella,” he peeped. “I know it’s to keep her safe, but I don’t know if I’ll be able to. I can’t just abandon her right now.”

“I understand that, Jake. But this is only for the time being,” (Y/N) tried to help. “You need to learn to control the phase. If something makes you snap when you’re with her…”

“I know. Sam told me… all of it,” he sighed. “What if I imprinted on her? She’d be allowed to know everything then, right?”

“You can’t force yourself to imprint on someone, Jake. It doesn’t work like that.”

“Not that we know of,” he smiled, hopeful. “I’m gonna try and I’ll be the first.”

“Jake,” she called as the boy jogged to the front door. “Jake!”

“Thanks for the talk, (Y/N)!”

And the next second, he was gone.

“Maybe delusion runs with the shifting gene,” she said to herself.

(Y/N) used the moment to leave Sam’s house, though. She needed to escape that conversation that Paul was sure to want. Things were changing once more and she was not ready for it. The last thing she wanted was to lose her grasp on the reality she had forged for herself. She had crafted it to the most minuscule detail and she couldn’t let him ruin it.

She ran to her home, locking herself in her room. She could feel panic building inside her. As the reins she held on her façade slipped, she could only feel the dread that was underneath. The (Y/N) from six months before was trying to claw her way out. To make her feel the same pain and sadness, making the hole in her chest grow.

But she couldn’t let it. She couldn’t let any of it out. She had to keep every last ounce of those emotions buried deep inside, locked away with the memory of him. It was the only way she would survive. The only way all of that heartbreak would have been worth it.

Instead of spending the night studying as she had planned, (Y/N) crashed on her bed, succumbing to a tiredness she didn’t know she had. She had only planned to rest her eyes for a second, not to completely fall asleep.

She was walking down a path she had come to hate, but one she still knew like the back of her hand. The road to perdition, she had branded it in her mind. She could see the bridge as she walked, begging her limbs to not keep moving. She never wanted to be back there, much less when he wasn’t there.

But the closer she got, she could make out that there was a figure standing there. A figure she had done so much to forget about, even if she never wanted to. Not really.

“(Y/N),” he breathed as she stopped in front of him. “God, how I’ve longed to see your face again.”

“Carlisle,” she said, her voice breaking as tears burned in the back of her eyes. She couldn’t walk to him. Too scared that he would disappear if she did. “Where have you been?”

“Being a coward, I guess,” he replied. “I have missed you, my love. So much more than I could ever tell you.”

“Then, show me,” she commanded in a whisper. “Show me how much you truly have.”

Carlisle extended his hand and she gladly took it, sighing happily as the coldness enveloped her. He pulled her over the treaty line, making her body crash into his. He placed one hand on the low of her back as the other cradled her cheek. His amber eyes looked intently into hers, the warmest smile he could muster spread across his lips.

“Kiss me,” she whispered and Carlisle obliged.

He pressed his lips softly to hers, love slipping past his mouth. It was just as she had remembered it. Just as cold, just s perfect. It was what she had been missing for months. A true connection of love and passion. Her hands traveled up his chest, feeling. He felt so real.

“I miss you, Carlisle,” she cried as they parted, his thumb wiping away the tears that fell. “Why won’t you come back?”

“I’m right here, my love.”

“No, you’re not,” she sighed defeatedly. “This is only a dream. I know it is. Because you’re not actually here.”

“But I am, (Y/N),” he smiled. “You can feel me. You can see me. You can hear me. Who’s to say that I’m not.”

“No, Carlisle,” she said sadly, taking a step back. “If you were here, I wouldn’t be able to wake up.”

She stood on the railing of the bridge, making sure she was past the treaty line. She looked down, the river angry and rushing, rocks piled up everywhere.

“What are you doing, (Y/N)? Get down from there.”

“I can’t do this, Carlisle,” she sobbed. “Not even in my dreams. Because when I wake, you won’t be there, and I’ll be right back where I started.”

Without another thought, she let herself fall, and she waited for the crash.

But it never came. She woke up in a sweat a second later, clutching at her racing heart. The beginning of the end, she thought. She could feel herself crumbling, and it scared her. 

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[omegalomania]

some kind soul uploaded the full q&a that fall out boy did the other night! here is a highlights reel of things that grabbed me while i was watching for those who don't have time to watch:

they have a rapport with the interviewer and have hung out with him a bunch. patrick says they spent like 30 minutes making fun of couches last they hung out lmao

pete describes working with neal avron as being held like an enchanted forest creature with him standing inches from pete's face and saying "what. are. the songs. about." and pete going "oh my god he's looking into my fucking soul rn"

when asked what their favorite meal is, andy says "mom's spaghetti" and doesn't elaborate, patrick says "sushi" and doesn't elaborate. pete says that he's like the joker and he's a simple man and today he had a full english breakfast and he didn't know what to do with half the stuff that showed up.

pete talks about discussing the name of "the beatles" with elliot ingham (their photographer) and says he finally understood that their name was a pun. he says about this "i'm not the sharpest tool in the shed" and doesn't realize he's referencing a meme. the crowd immediately fills him in that it's a lyric by smash mouth. andy clowns on him for this right after: "he's NOT the sharpest tool in the shed"

the host says that pete seems very intellectual. pete says "i PROMISE you that's not true."

when asked about formative musical influences andy and patrick both cite familiar names (andy namedrops drummers for bands like slayer and metallica, patrick says his dad being a folk singer was a huge influence and the 1989 danny elfman batman score). pete says joy division but says he's a visual person and most of his influences are movies.

there's a moment where patrick and pete banter and pete points at the host and says "he just told me i'm smart, i'm trying to live up to it!!" and patrick says in this very small high pitched voice "please be nice to pete!"

anyway pete says his biggest influences are "all the twilight movies except for the one where they introduce [i have no idea what he says here because the crowd promptly goes apeshit]" and also lego batman.

for newer artists patrick says he really likes the new zulu record and the new incendiary song. he says he also likes MSPAINT, alvvays, and another band i couldn't catch the name of

pete says he likes all of patrick's recommendations and says he also likes games we play. andy doesn't give any artists but says patrick gave a "great list" because he's VERY jet-lagged. he's keeping it together as best as he can tho lmao

when asked about if they would ever do a fashion runway show like they did in 2013, patrick says he was embarrassingly short for the whole thing. "i'm at like, bellybutton level." so he says he doubts they would ever be invited back to do something similar "unless they want a bunch of hobbits"

someone asks about producing and patrick gets really in depth with what producing is like and uses "from under the cork tree" as an example - "nobody puts baby in the corner" was barely adjusted from demo form but "sugar we're goin down" had totally different verses at first until they got better direction from the producer.

when asked about what their favorite video to film was, pete says youngblood chronicles WASN'T a lot of fun to make because it was like 9 months with fake blood in your hair and clothes that haven't been washed oNCE. he also didn't love doing the prosthetics for "love from the other side"

the host asks if they've seen the last of us and pete says yes but points at andy and says "he hasn't seen the last episode though so no spoilers!!!" which i thought was very sweet. he then follows that up with "just watch the fuckin episode so we can talk about it!"

patrick and andy said they shot a music video recently that was a "blast" but it's not out yet. pete calls it "very fun, very funny." the crowd starts cheering and patrick hastily says "YOU HAVEN'T SEEN IT! you're under NO obligation to like it! but if you do then that's good :)"

patrick says one of the best parts of being in a band is that they all have imposter syndrome but in different ways so they can build up each other's ideas even if they don't believe in their own.....

pete's very nervous about the lyrics to this album cause he's not sure they'll be relatable since he has a lot of "insane fears day to day about not existing." he went to a lot of places that were terrifying to him and he was like "should i talk about this to my therapist" but his therapist said "put this in your lyrics"

"heaven, iowa" was the song that took the longest to come together on this record. this is followed by a rly long anecdote from patrick that im putting in another post cause it honestly made me howl.

when asked about who they'd most like to collaborate with, andy without hesitation says "ourselves" and nothing else. pete says he wanted a kid cudi feature on the album but it didn't work out since he was either busy or ghosted them fldjflkdf

when asked what song are they tired of playing that they can't cut from the setlist and they DON'T want to answer. patrick says some songs have really high notes that are demanding physically for him but that's as specific as he gets lol

pete's like "well we've got this punk song we end all our shows with from one of our earlier albums and it gets very chaotic and sometimes it's a bit of a fancy crowd of people who are like 'i like centuries, i like some of their other songs....i write sins...' and before we start the song i'm like. oh god this is gonna be bad."

when asked about the songwriting process, patrick says: "pete sends me lyrics, i mine them for stuff i like, and....i hate starting answers like this i feel like i've been saying this all MONTH. so i have ADHD - " [crowd fucking goes wild]

when asked about which projects they're proudest of outside of fall out boy, patrick turns to andy and says "andy is very quiet about being in like thirty bands" but andy says he's proud of "all of it"

patrick remarks that he's heard some love for soul punk but is also super grateful he gets to do film and tv scoring now too! he says he likes that when he's talking to people and they ask what he does and if they don't know bands or anything he can say he likes scoring for film and tv and their eyes glaze over and there are no follow-up questions LMAO??

pete is proudest of the bands on his record label!

for favorite songs on the new record, patrick says he likes "what a time to be alive" and says the lyrics are "so tremendously pete"

pete likes "baby annihilation"

when asked about the most difficult song to play live, patrick said headfirst slide wasn't really that difficult even though he expected it to be. he says a lot of songs on mania were very challenging to play live, like young and menace. pete says "what a catch, donnie" was very hard for his "little brain" to play

at the end pete shouts out the host for being fantastic since they've hung out like 3 times now and he thinks he's a great dude to hang out with. andy inexplicably follows this up with "you look like a DAMN fine cup of coffee" and doesn't elaborate but patrick thinks that's his way of saying thank you too

[nogitzune]

Snippet Sunday

Tagged by @beaconfeels to share a WIP--unfortunately I haven't added anything else to the twilight au, BUT I have more heartbeat verse to share.

Peter stands in the doorway. Stiles can hear Derek’s tinny voice from his phone, talking or saying something, but he’s not processing it. Peter’s standing. Behind him in the hall hospital workers carry on like a comatose man isn’t moving and standing right before their eyes. Stiles can feel as his jaw drops in surprise, and watches as Peter smirks at the sight. “Hello, Stiles.” Peter’s voice is cool, and something in Stiles’s chest seems to pulse at the words--a reassuring balm spreading from it. “You’re--you--what?” Stiles can’t wrap his head around it. The adrenaline rush from seeing the room empty is still coursing through his veins, the worry at Peter’s absence still ringing in his head.  “Yes, shocking, I know.” Something about Peter’s voice makes Stiles’s head fuzzy, he can’t seem to focus. “What a good little beta you are; staying by your pack's side; bringing me another beta that night.”  “Scott? I didn’t--I didn’t /mean/ to--” “Didn’t you?” Peter asks calmly, stepping into the room and closer to Stiles. Stiles thinks he should probably be backing away, if the angry tone to Derek’s voice on the phone is anything to go by. “It was your idea to go into the woods that night, and you can’t deny the wonders it’s done him.” “We weren’t supposed to--he wasn’t supposed to be a werewolf--I didn’t even know about werewolves!” Stiles can’t get his thoughts straight.  “--And if you did? It’s done him so well; first line; new girlfriend; no asthma; wouldn’t you have wanted that for him?” Peter walks closer with every word, slow and sure of himself. Stiles can’t tear his eyes away from Peter’s stare. “So loyal--making sure he remains undetected; looking after me; watching over the pack.” Peter’s voice turns sultry at the end, hungry and wanting. His eyes begin to glow, not blue like Derek’s or gold like Scott’s, but red. Burning red. “I--alpha. You’re the alpha.” Stiles finally realizes, mind working slowly under the fog suddenly consuming it. He isn’t scared--something’s wrong, why isn’t he scared--he knows he should be worried but he can’t feel anything past the warm balm spreading from his chest. It grows with every step Peter takes closer. “You’re the one killing people.” “Yes.” Peter stands before him, close enough to touch, and Stiles can only watch as Peter reaches for him. He feels Peter’s hand as it caresses his check, a mockery of the first time Peter did this on that first full moon. It’s softer, smaller, this time, as Peter rests it cupped around Stiles’s throat. “And you’re going to help me.” Claws sink into the back of Stiles’s neck, and all he knows is fire.

Don't you just love being manipulated by pack bonds you don't even know are there 😊

[adracat]

G Witch's Cinematic Rhythm and the Poetic Edda

You might have noticed or seen someone highlight the rhyming shots in Gundam The Witch from Mercury. If you don't know what I mean, I refer to the repeated usage of rhyming shots such as these

Important moments echoed and distorted, rhyming with each other. These are just a couple flagrant examples but hardly alone. When you look close, G Witch loves to do this clever bit of repetition throughout. But what's its purpose? A mere stylistic choice, might be your first assumption. I suspect it's meant to invoke something specific.

Because as I've discussed in my G Witch Norse analysis, the show appears to partly follow beats of Norse Myth (link to examples). And from these rhyming shots, call to mind the Poetic Edda. The Poetic Edda is a collection of tales, skaldic poetry, and songs featuring the mythological exploits of Norse gods and hero-cycles. It features alliterative poetry; echoing but different. The same as the rhyming shots above.

This isn't limited to its episodes either, but also in the various homages to past gundams, such as Miorine being a distorted echo of Relena Peacecraft (link to my analysis on the subject), her relationship with Suletta mirroring Utena/Anthy (RGU) and Miranda/Ferdinand. (The Tempest)

Considering the other influences within the show, The Tempest and Utena respectively, this theme of cycles and rhyme is perpetuated. Revenge, systematic abuse/oppression; metered verse and fantastic tales of witches, royalty, and love blooming within the dark ugliness of humanity. Its rhyming structure becomes nothing short of brilliance.

WHAT DOES THIS ALL MEAN?

First off, neat right? But what will it mean in the grand scheme of G Witch. Consider the Poetic Edda is not a coherent narrative but an amalgamation of stories/skaldic poetry that flows past, present, and future. It simultaneosly tells of Ragnarok or the twilight of the gods, the strife between the Aesir and the Vanir then unification through a marriage between Odin and Frigg/Freya. Similar to the Tempest where Prospero rescinds his plans for revenge upon the union of Miranda and Ferdinand.

This tale ebbs and flows and so do its references within G Witch. Yet I suspect the show's end will likely mirror the most prominent beats-- The End of the Gods, which could mean Benerit Group/Permet weaponry/Spacians, peace and unification between Spacians (Aesir) and Earthians (Vanir) and of course if Miorine becomes president that would make her Odin within the spacian pantheon; a Queen as Relena becomes in Gundam Wing.

Another rhyme in a show enamored with poetry and cycles

Note: Odin does descend into Niflheim, a realm of the dead, to consult a seeress/witch (maybe Eri👀👀) so she could still take a dip into QZ hell