#and will probably evolve into another long chapter

[nerdallwritey]

Great news: I have an idea for a part two of “An Evening To Ourselves”

[4-the-l0ve-0f-art]

"Caleb becomes a wet rat (and gets unpixelated?!)"

Chapter 2: In Another World

Pairing: Caleb x GN Reader

Word Count: 880

Genre: Reverse isekai, fluff, romance, comedy, supernatural, angst, slow burn

Rating: General Audiences

Trigger Warnings: implied human experimentation, bullying

<< Chapter 1/Prologue next >> Ao3 Link

---

Caleb had always felt like something was missing from his life. He never got to talk about it, and no one around him knew. Except maybe his grandma. She seemed to be able to look through him no matter what. He remembered how she looked at him when he came home with his face covered in bruises as a kid.

“Caleb, what happened?”

Caleb would smile. He always smiled. “Nothing, Grandma. I fell down a long flight of stairs.”

She didn’t need to know. She didn’t need to know about the kids always questioning why they never saw his parents pick him up from school. Why was he always alone when he went home, while other kid’s parents asked them about their day at school or scolded them for stirring up trouble in class in front of their teacher? They didn’t need to hear the laughs and whispers the day after a parent-teacher meeting where they saw his beloved grandma come and go.

“He’s an orphan, isn’t he?”

“No wonder no one wants to be friends with him.” 

“He probably did something bad. That’s why they left him.”

But grandma always knew. He never understood how, but she knew. And she would ask him things and tell him things he couldn’t understand.

“What are you thinking about, Caleb?” She would ask as she bandaged him up.

“Grandma, will you leave me too?”

Josephine looked at him. “I won’t. I will never leave you.” A pause. She went back to treating his injuries.

“But.. I’m getting old, child. Everyone has to go some day.”

Then it would go silent.

…

That night, after helping Josephine clean up the dining area, he asked her a question. And the answer stuck with him ever since.

With eyes filled with too much darkness for an 11 year old, he asked, “Grandma, is there anyone in this world who would love me, despite knowing I’m a monster?”

He remembered how Josephine looked at him with a face full of sorrow. He wondered if she was thinking of their days in the lab.

Her answer came in a whisper as she patted Caleb’s head. “Maybe in another world, child.” She muttered. 

“Maybe in another world.”

…

Caleb had a dream that night.

Someone who seemed to be as lonely as him. He felt it.

He felt their desperation. To be loved, to be seen, to be something to someone. More than something. Their everything.

He felt like he was lost in someone else’s body. Like he was witnessing the emotions of a living, breathing person, who wasn’t him. But how could they not be him? Their emotions felt like his. Their desperation mirrored him. Yet, somehow, he knew. He knew those feelings weren’t his. It was like experiencing someone else’s pain by feeling it as his own.

When he woke up, he felt like a part of him was left behind in the dream. Calling out to him. Like the dream had what he felt was missing his entire life.

He remembered seeing glimpses of someone. Glimpses of their life. Their thoughts. Their vision through their eyes. But never the face. Never their face, or anyone else’s through their eyes. And the glimpses were quick. Fleeting, like a dream you would forget as soon as you woke up. A messy blur of what little pieces you could remember after waking up.

His dreams were never the same after this.

Most of the time, they were memories. Nightmares, from his time in the lab as usual. But there were nights where he got that same dream from his childhood, slightly different each time. Like the person was evolving, growing, as he was over the years. He would savor those dreams. Those glimpses. And the feeling of hollowness that they left behind, filled only when he got to see that person in his dreams again.

Caleb missed something, someone, his entire life. He never found out who.

Occasionally, he would think about the answer Josephine gave him. Laugh it off as a silly way to comfort a child, even, as he got older. But despite these thoughts, it always stuck with him in the back of his mind. Locked away, to think about, on nights he couldn’t fall asleep after her murder.

Maybe in another world.

It was funny how faith worked.

…

The cat had been suspiciously quiet while you were watching TV. You subtly turned your head around to look at him.

You couldn’t help but let out a laugh at the unexpected sight before you, despite how jarring it was.

His eyes looked like they were taking up 70% of the space on his face with how wide they were, fixated on the TV. And his tiny little cat mouth was hanging open. He reminded you of those compilation videos where the pets would be completely taken aback at the concept of technology, and moving pictures on a screen. He was completely transfixed on the trailer playing on the screen.

I reacted like that too when I saw him. Finally something this wet rat and I can agree on.

You nodded to yourself in approval of your own taste.

Little did you know, the “cat” and you were on completely different pages. 

Worlds apart, even.

---

Taglist: @roseapov @mangooes @zukini-01 @browneyedgirl22 @mavix @staristoo @hohoooowhy @pirana10 @lunia-likes-pomegranet @bertieorangy @heyimseli @xxnessinessiellexx @mcdepressed290 @mentaltrouble2201

A/N: You can DM me or comment if you want to be tagged in this series and it'll be done in the future parts <3 hope it was an okay read i posted part 1 a long time ago 😭

[echoes-of-a-dream]

blind instinct 0.1 | matt murdock

blind instinct masterlist | matt murdock masterlist

synopsis: when you find matt unconscious and bleeding out, your instinct is to take him to the e.r.: good instinct. when they won’t release information on his condition to anyone outside of kin, you lie and say you’re his wife: bad instinct. when matt wakes up from surgery with amnesia, believing when the doctors say you’re married, you play along to keep him safe: you don’t even know how to categorize that one.

amnesia | childhood best friends to lovers | marriage of convenience/fake marriage | slow burn | mutual pining | wc 1.6k

<- previous chapter

YOUR POV

You yawn as you check the time, blinking in surprise at the numbers staring back at you. “Oh, crap, I gotta go!”

Matt huffs a laugh, feeling at his tactile watch you got him for his law school graduation. “It’s barely nine.” 

“Exactly.” You stand, giving your best friend a hug, a little awkward considering he’s still sitting down. “Past my bedtime.” You two had finally found time to hang out—between Matt’s busy job as a lawyer, requiring him to work at all times of the day, including when a client is arrested at two a.m., and his busy nightlife as a vigilante, it feels like you never get to see each other. So, it was nice to have your schedules overlap—you caught up on each other’s lives (your failed dates, Matt’s successful cases), watched a movie (with audio descriptions on for Matt), ate dinner while you watched (courtesy of grateful clients from the aforementioned successful cases), and laid on his couch chatting for a little while—you snuggled under a blanket, Matt’s feet stubbornly resting on your lap no matter how many times you try to kick them off. 

“You know, when people call you an old soul they aren’t meaning you have to actually be old,” he teases.

“I have to be up early tomorrow!” You defend.

“No, you don’t,” he refutes easily, lips twitching up in a smug smile. You glare even though you know he can’t see it, although you know he can guess your expression judging by the way his smirk grows.

“Become best friends with a human lie detector, they said,” you mutter as you go to grab your shoes, well aware that he can hear you. “It’ll be fun, they said. You won’t want to murder him every time he calls you out, they said.”

“Murder?” Matt, who followed you to the entryway, raises an eyebrow.

“Yes.”

“You know, you can get arrested for that.”

“Good thing I have an incredible lawyer friend.”

He chuckles. “You just said you would kill me.”

“I meant Foggy.” You sniff primly, allowing Matt to pull you into a real hug and easily returning it. In your normal tone, you admonish, “Eat food, drink water, I hope the case tomorrow goes well, and for the love of everything holy please do not die before I see you again, Murdock.” It’s almost a ritual for you two—slowly getting longer over the years. Back when you were in high-school, still living at St. Agnes, and Matt, two years older, had just started Columbia, it was drink water, Murdock, and for the love of everything holy don’t die of kidney failure. That quickly turned into remember to drink water and eat food, you’re all skin and bones; what are you doing, starving yourself to death for fun? (to which Matt would joke that you were not building a strong case against being a grandma in disguise), and then once he started interning at Landman & Zach it became eat food, drink water, you’re gonna kill it tomorrow in court as long as you don’t let your habits kill you first—please don’t do that, by the way, before you found out about Daredevil and it evolved into its current iteration.

“I’ll try my best,” Matt says, as he always does.

With that, you head out, making your way cheerily towards the subway station to take it back to your apartment. You’re aware of your surroundings, of course: only an idiot wouldn’t be, not when walking through Hell’s Kitchen at night. It’s a little early for Matt to start his patrol, he probably won’t for another hour or so, so you’re on higher alert as you walk.

You make it safely to the station before realizing with a jolt that you left your purse—including your MetroCard, your literal ID, everything you need to function as an adult—at Matt’s. Already tired, you head back, even more tense than you were before. Shadows seem to jump out at you and you more than once hold your breath in fear upon hearing footsteps, only for the person approaching to pass you or turn, either way paying you little to no mind at all. 

It’s a little while after you left and with a large sigh of relief that you return to Matt’s apartment, thankfully catching the door from the pizza guy before it can lock again. He’s on the sixth floor and the elevator is broken, so it takes you another little minute before you make it to his door, now panting and sweaty. You lean against the door for a minute, resting and catching your breath before calling out “Matt?”

No response. He’s definitely not asleep, he’s probably not on patrol, and you know he can hear you. You try knocking, but still nothing

“Matty? Sorry to come back, I walked all the way to the subway station before I realized I left my purse.”

Still no response. Horror stories begin playing through your head, your imagination still fully awake and active from the walk back to Matt’s apartment. Maybe someone figured out he was Daredevil. Maybe he had a heart attack and died. Maybe he hates you.

“Matt, I’m getting a little worried!” 

You force yourself to stop, breathe, rationalize. Maybe he heard something and went out as Daredevil a little early—you can’t hear sirens, but generally sirens come after Matt is done. Maybe he’s in the shower and can’t get out at the moment—you don’t have super hearing, you wouldn’t know. Yet, the fear, the panic clawing at your throat, the gut feeling telling you something is wrong, doesn’t let up, prompting you to pull out your phone and attempt to call his burner phone he takes out as Daredevil. There’s no response. He could be in the middle of a fight, you tell yourself, but can’t shake the feeling of off. 

“Matthew Michael Murdock! Open the door, please!”

There’s a sound of a crash that causes your heart to leap into your throat, hands shaking as you grab the spare key to the apartment—hidden in one of the potted plants outside his door, the ones you gave him because “this hallway is too drab, it makes me depressed every time I see it”—every fear confirmed. Matt Murdock isn’t clumsy. The only way that crash could happen is if he is injured or if someone else is either breaking in or fighting him. It takes a few tries to get the key in the lock and unlocked, panic causing your faculties to fail. Only a few steps in and you’re tripping over an unconscious guy—not Matt—and you flip on your phone flashlight so as not to overstimulate Matt with the sound of buzzing lights. At least, you hope he’s alive to avoid overstimulating. 

A few steps in, and you see him lying on the ground, coffee table split under him. His mouth is open as he mouths at the air, straining for breath and some kind of relief. He’s covered in blood and you can only hope most of it comes from the assailants. There’s a gasp that you belatedly realize comes from yourself as you rush to your best friend, hands hovering over him as you try to figure out what to do. 

911. Right. Call them. Smart.

Your hands are steadier now that you have given yourself direction, all emotion pushed aside as you focus on completing the task.

“9-1-1, what’s your emergency?” The operator asks when they pick up.

“I’m- my- my friend is hurt. Home invasion.”

“How badly?”

“I don’t know. There’s a lot of blood. At- at least some from his head, but head wounds bleed a lot, right? But- it’s all over. Torso, legs, arms, face. I don’t know what’s his and what isn’t.”

“Alright, ma’am, I have dispatched an ambulance and police to your location. Can I ask what happened?”

“I don’t know. Sorry, I’m saying that a lot. I left my purse in his apartment and didn’t realize until I made it to the subway station, so I came back to get it. When I left, he was fine, and he was alone, and then when I got here there’s two unconscious randos on the ground and Matt’s injured on the ground.”

“Alright, thank you. Do you know if he is conscious?”

You hesitate, unable to tell if his eyes are just closed and he’s out of it or if he’s genuinely unconscious. Tentatively, you reach out to cup his face, and he instinctively leans into it. You exhale in relief as you inform the operator, “He’s conscious.” Matt mumbles something you don’t quite catch. “Matty? Hey, Matt, buddy?” You whisper, soothingly stroking his cheek and trying to wipe away some of the blood. “Can you talk?”

Over the line, you hear the operator telling you to make sure he stays conscious. The ambulance is about seven minutes away still, can you manage for that long? You promise to do so, getting put on hold while the operator tends to another emergency.

“Matt?” You try again, his eyelids fluttering without really opening. Further concerned, you part his eyelids—there’s something about checking eyes in tv shows, right?—just in time to see it roll back into his head, only showing the whites. You grimace, grossed out, and quickly let go, moving to attempt to shake him awake in a move of blatant stupidity you will later look back on with deep regret.

And when nothing happens and Matt doesn’t wake, all you know to do is find his pulse—weak, but present, quick but regular—and sit there with 9-1-1 hold music blaring through your phone sneakers, crying and praying for the ambulance to please hurry up, please G-d please, wishing and hoping with everything in you.

next chapter ->

click here to join the taglist

[blastoqueen]

Sunrise.

Chapter 2

Rating: Teen and Up

Relationships: Noa x Mae (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes)

Content warnings: None

Comments: English is not my first language. Sorry if something is wrong.

“What’s that thing on your feet?” Noa asked while he and the human girl walked to the lake the next morning.

“They are called shoes” said the Echo “They protect your feet while you walk”

“Why do you need… to protect them?”

“So they don’t get hurt”

Noa rolled his eyes, it was almost annoying how weak humans were. He had never seen an animal so fragile and needy, only babies were like that. Maybe Mae was a human baby, he hadn’t thought of that. Should he ask her?

Echoes were the most useless creatures he had ever seen, their skin was almost hairless and could easily tear, they could get burn from the sun, the sun! They were unable to climb most of the time and they stink. Why were humans like that? They looked like a bad joke.

Mae noticed the expression in the ape’s face but choose to ignore him. She thought about the evolution of humans and wondered if apes were to evolve. “They are evolving” a voice in her head reminded her “Second by second”. It was terrifying.

How could she explain to Noa that being so fragile was part of their evolution? That human's bodies adapted to being comfortable and their minds used everything around them to build tools. “Our strength is in our minds, not our bodies”.

When the arrived at the lake, the Echo observed the clear water, and she came closer. Noa sat a few meters away and started to eat a peach he brought in his little bag.

“Noa?”

“What?”

“I need privacy”

Noa looked at her, not knowing exactly what she meant.

“Privacy… for what?”

“I´m gonna get clean”

The ape stayed still for a second, but the insistent look in the girl told him he needed to leave. He sighed with annoyance and walked away. Echoes had weird ways of doing things, why would they need privacy to shower? Among apes, that “privacy” was non existing when they took showers, even though they didn’t shower often. They just went under water when they started to smell, and there was no problem if other apes joined.

“Dumb Echoes” Noa thought.

A few minutes later, Noa came back to the lake to take Mae to the village. When he got close, he saw the girl sitting on a rock, washing her naked feet. She was wet from head to toe and Noa noticed that she was not wearing any of her weird clothes.

“You done?” he asked.

Mae screamed and the ape turned his back, ready to fight the thread behind him. However, nothing was there, his look went back to the girl.

“Turn around!” the girl screamed again.

Noa obeyed but found nothing behind him.

“Nothing is there”

The Echoe submerged in the lake, only her head being completely visible from above the water.

“I swear Noa if you don’t turn around…” the furious tone in the human´s voice made the ape rapidly turn and keep his gaze on the trees.

“I don’t understand, Mae”

“I told you I needed privacy!” she was mad, really mad. Noa felt scared, he had never heard the woman scream like that. Was it really such a big deal?

“You took so long; I thought you were finish”

“It was only five minutes, Noa!” he heard Mae getting out of the lake and getting dressed again “When you see someone naked, you turn the fuck around!”.

“Naked?”

“No clothes, Noa!”

Oh, so it was about those stupid pieces of clothing she was wearing. Noa rolled his eyes. It was probably another human custom to be embarrassed of their body. “If I were that ugly, maybe I would cover too” he thought.

“It is normal for animals to not use clothes” the ape said, she could hear the annoyance in his voice.

“I´m not an animal” she said, furious “You are an animal, that’s why you think it´s normal”

Then, Noa got mad. He turned around abruptly and came closer to the already dress woman. When Mae notice this, she backed off, almost hitting the ground by tripping with a wet rock. The ape grabbed her arm before falling and spoke.

“I am ape” his voice became intimidating, the girl wished she had her gun “You are an animal. The only special thing about you… is that you speak. Nobody cares if you are ´naked´. Clothes only make you look like a ridiculous animal”.

Noa let go of the girl, noticing that his hand left a mark in her arm. Mae was speechless, her heart was beating way too fast and became sweaty again, for the first time she felt truly scared of Noa.

“If you want to go back to the village… you know the path”.

In only three second, he was gone.

------

When Mae came back to the village, she noticed a few curious looks from the apes and when she got close to the main tower steps, Anaya got in front of her.

“You can not go up” he said shyly, the ape couldn’t even look her in the eyes for more than one second.

Mae sighed “Why?”

“Noa is there. He asked nobody to… interrupt him"

“Could you tell him I need to speak to him?”

“No, no, no, nobody can go up"

“It´s urgent”

“Can´t”

Mae became desperate.

“You know what? Fine. When you see him, tell him I´m gone and that he doesn’t have to worry about me anymore. Thank you for the food”.

-------

“She is gone?!” Noa screamed.

“I wanted to tell you” Anaya explained. He looked nervous and guilty “You said nobody in the tower” he hated making mistakes, and by the look in the leaders’ face, he made a big one.

Noa got out of the tower and looked around for a horse, it was getting dark. When he grabbed a black horse, a female voice stopped him.

“Noa” it was Soona, she looked worried, anxious. Why was everyone so anxious? He felt like a terrible leader, watching his people became stressed. He was there to make everyone feel safe and happy, why was he failing?

“Let her go” she said.

The female came closer and put her hands on Noas shoulders.

“I can´t” the leader said “She is going to die”

“She can take care of herself”

“Soona…”

Noa was about to cry. He felt an enormous responsibility towards his clan, but at the same time he knew he couldn’t just let Mae run away again. He hated her so much, and at the same time he didn’t.

“Noa” the female whispered, she brought their foreheads together and closed her eyes “Stay with us. Stay with me”

Noa closed his eyes with so much regret, he held Soona’s head carefully.

“I can´t” he said, separating himself from the ape.

He got on the horse and left the village.

He was coming back, he just needed to find the human. Noa wipe away a tear, hearing the cries of his friend left behind.

[larkingame]

so, it's 2025...long time no see.

I'll skip they hi, how are yous and get down to the real meat and potatoes of what I'm here to say. TLDR: Larkin is still being worked on (screenshots + such below) and it's always going to remain a free game, but it's under heavy construction atm. thanks for checking in 🫡

for the two people who want to hear the long sob story that usually comes with these type of posts from online creators: I fucked up my back majorly and was out of work for a long time. I went back to work pre-maturely and! I've fucked it up again. the stress of this, lack of income and the fact that i've been taking a lot of meds to help the injuries (but mess with my ability to stay coherent) has made it really difficult to consistently focus on larkin, writing, social media in general, but it is still getting worked on in bits and pieces.

that said, some back story: I started working on larkin in 2019/2020 and it was really really fun! loved it. had a great time. but then i started posting about it and showed it to other people (and to my surprise they??????? liked it????) which made me put a very large amount of pressure on myself that made it not so fun any more. over time i would go through cycles of it's fun! to it's not fun! and so on and so forth. throughout this time I also had pressure from a lot of people around me (irl) to somehow like. strictly monetize larkin somehow, and as someone who was like VERY INSECURE and obsessed with people like mishka making like insane funds off of her game of the same type?/genre? i gave in to that pressure (if you could not tell by all my occasional dirty deletes of shade towards twc. truly pathetic and if any of yall saw. apologies and thanks for ignoring it.) addressing that: i liked twc when it came out, it was fun for what it was and larkin would not exist without it. so thanks for that miss jenkins and i will probably still passively engage with it on my own time.

but, back to larkin. anyways, the looming pressure of this need to monetize made me hate everything that i was doing and constantly feel like i needed to re-evolve and rework and just, overall not have a fun time with it. throughout the months of november, december and january when i was really missing the days of larkin's existence as an idea when me and my sister would just like walk around our neighborhood and i would just infodump to her about my cowboy vampire ocs. so i found my old larkin notebook and the stickies i made planning plot stuff and avoiding tumblr i just. had fun working on my little cowboy vampire game. like not really thinking about other stuff. and that's essentially it.

so I came to a conclusion: larkin is something i love, and i want to continue loving it. so essentially, i won't be monetizing the game itself. episodes/chapters whatever they end up being in the end will always be free. yay. if you want extra content/want to support me in some way monetarily, feel free to join the patreon, however, I won't really be active on it until i have something substantial to show you game wise. that being said, you can still subscribe for access to the backlog of short stories and art etc. I'm turning off charges each month until i have like a real game for you to play that doesn't make me sick to my stomach to look at or think about. another note: pc players are going to be priority until it's finished. I will have a mobile version but i can't promise you she will be all that pretty.

another note, because larkin is free i can't promise quick turnarounds on anything but what i'll be offering on patreon when i start charging again and additionally: i'm back to making larkin a game for me. i really lost a lot of enjoyment for doing this stuff when i thought about that pressure i put on myself like i mentioned above but also, when i started writing it for other people in mind. first and foremost i am making larkin because i like cowboys, i like vampires, i like horror and religious trauma themes. i'm writing this for me: kc, so i can go on my computer and teehee at all the kissing scenes and make a cool cowboy character with fights. i'm going to make it gay and self-indulgent and basically just have fun with it because it's my game and i am making it and i said so.

all that said here are some of the major things i've done with larkin over this past little while:

updated the website so that it is now useable :)

done a lot of work on the ui:

and i have been rewriting a lot of stuff because I FEEL like it was not good and was not fun for me. THE DEMO FROM LAST JUNE ESPECIALLY. it hurts my stomach to look at.

visually, dan (@tapeworrmart ) has been on his fucking a-game with the art even through my crisis. here's the male ace portrait he put together for me last fall and the art for the main menu:

we also have some more art in the works that i am very excited for because they are in pursuit of new fun features :D

all that said. thanks for the continued support if you're still reading this, appreciate any interest you have in my game.

[colonelkaboom]

A prince, a knight & a poet

✦ Chapter 1 - Entering the kingdom ✦

After several years of moving around and suffering from your unreliable income as a freelance writer, you decide to return to your home town searching for inspiration and stability. You're welcomed by old friends, in ways you didn't expect. You meet new friends who make you feel capable and valued in brand new ways. When the sun sets and the moon rises, more than just inspiration might bloom...

Chapter 1 ll Chapter 2 ll Chapter 3 ll Chapter 4 ll Chapter 5 ll Chapter 6 ll Chapter 7 ll Chapter 8 ll Chapter 9 ll Chapter 10

✦ Xavier x Caleb x Reader ✦ Word count: 2.8 k ✦ Modern AU setting ✦ Slow burn, friends to lovers, Caleb's been crushing on you for a decade

You couldn’t help but feel like a failure as you make the last left turn back to your old hometown. The place you tried so desperately to get out of as soon as you were old enough. There wasn’t anything particularly wrong about this place, you were just excited to see more, to see something else. Now, five years later, you’re back with your tail between your legs. A lost puppy finally returned home. 

You weren’t truly lost though, and you’re returning home of your own volition. What were you coming home to? Who knows… Your grandma passed before you even left, so there was no more family to reunite with. Friends? Sure, there might be some, but most left around the same time as you did. Everyone promised to stay in touch of course, but no one did. 

You hoped coming home would reignite the creative spark inside you once more. Inspiration had evaded you for far too long and you realized you needed to return to your roots, the place where your love for writing evolved into a true passion. 

The worst part of being a struggling freelance writer for the last five years was that it had left you in a depressing financial state. When you were browsing for a place to stay you came across a name you recognized who happened to be looking for a roommate. Caleb Xia. At the time, it seemed like a good idea, a familiar face. A friendly face. Someone you once knew well enough to maybe dare share a home with. Another friend who swore to keep in touch but didn’t. 

As you slowly pulled into the parking lot of the apartment complex you couldn’t help but feel scared. Large magnets filled your stomach creating an uncomfortable pressure and pinning you to your car. You hadn’t seen him or spoken to him in five years. He was barely a man back then, but now, who knows. You hoped he’d still be like the Caleb you knew when you were a teenager, just more mature. What would he think of you? Why did you care? It’s not like you were ever that close. Other than that one incident, you were probably more like well acquainted acquaintances than friends. Now, he was just a roommate, you might not even see much of him. 

A sudden knock on your window makes the magnets that once weighed heavy in your stomach jump to your chest as if gravity suddenly abandoned you. Once you’re calm enough to focus on the person standing before you, you open the car door and offer him a smile.

“Hey, Pips! It’s so good to see you.” Caleb smiles, that same warm smile he’s always had. Good. The sound of the old, strange nickname only he used also comforted you.

You get up and greet him with the same enthusiasm he offered you, feeling far more at ease already. To your surprise he pulls you in for a strong hug that lasts a little bit longer than you expected it to. It made you feel welcome, it made you feel safe. It made you realize how huge he’d gotten. Tall and muscly. He was big back then too, but not like this. 

“Hi, Caleb. It’s good to see you too.” You smile up at him, silently taking the time to appreciate how vibrantly violet his eyes are against the sunset. 

“You have no idea how happy I was when I got your message about renting the room.” He exclaimed happily.

“Really?” A puzzled look adorned your face, unable to hide your surprise.

“Yeah, the room has been empty for a bit too long to be honest and the last two people who rented it were, um, not exactly ideal housemates. Assuming you haven’t changed drastically since we last saw each other, I suspect you’ll be a much better fit than they were.” He nervously chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck. 

“Can I help you carry anything?” He questions, although it sounds more like a request to be of service.

“Um, well, all this stuff is going upstairs I guess, so if you’re offering?” His offer seemed genuine, but you can’t help but feel like you’re taking advantage of his politeness. 

“Of course, happy to help, Pips!” He reaches out and opens the door to the back seat and turns to you as if asking for permission to grab something. You smile and make a gesture telling him to go ahead. 

After you’ve made three trips up and down the 5 flights of stairs, and Caleb has done an additional two laps, you’ve finally got all your stuff inside. Caleb informed you that the elevator frequently was out of order, but that someone was supposed to come fix it on Monday. 

Caleb’s apartment was quaint, modest, a bit bare… Hopefully he wouldn’t mind if you brought some color into the place. It looked nice and clean though, which was a relief. The lingering scent of lemon mixed with chemicals told you he was prepared for your arrival. 

The small mountain of bags and boxes seems bigger now that it’s splayed out on the floor of your new bedroom. However something quite important seems to be missing…

“Caleb? I thought the room came furnished… Where is my bed?” You question. You couldn’t afford to buy a bed now, those things are expensive. Besides, it’s getting late, the store is surely closed by now.

“Yeah, like I said, the previous tenants weren’t that great so I had to get rid of the bed.”

“Ew.” You furrow your brows, hoping he doesn’t elaborate further.

“I wanted to wait until you got here so you could pick a bed you liked, but you got here a few hours later than I expected so -” He glances at his phone checking the time. “ - We’ll have to save the furniture shopping for tomorrow.”

The look on your face must have been pretty descriptive as he softly chuckled and nudged your hip with his.

“Don’t worry, I’m sleeping on the couch. I changed the sheets on my bed when I realized you’d be late. It’s nice and clean for you. Sorry for the inconvenience, I’m sure you’d prefer to get properly set up right away.” You nervously bite your lip at the change in plans. He was right, you’d definitely prefer to get set up in your own room. But the reason there is no bed for you tonight was because he wanted to get you one you’d like. How sweet. 

“I can take the couch though, it’s no big deal.” You smile at him and shrug. You really, really don’t want to sleep on the couch after all those hours in the car… 

“You’re not taking the couch.” He declares. “And, I’m taking you to the grocery store, you can get whatever you want. It’s on me. I owe you for messing up your first night here.”

“Caleb, shut up, it’s not your fault. I can’t let you do this, I’ll feel like I owe you something in return.”

“If you’re still half as decent as you used to be and pay your rent on time, that’s all the payback I need.”

You roll your eyes and nudge his hip like he did yours. Although your first night here will be different than you hoped, it would still be a decent first night. Perhaps you didn’t need to be so scared of sharing a space with a well acquainted acquaintance after all. 

You didn’t dare make any special requests at the grocery store, fearing Caleb would financially oblige your every sweet and savory desire. He did ask for your opinion on almost every item he picked up though, if you had a brand you preferred, what your favorite flavor was. He informed you that there’d be a shelf in the fridge just for you, but that he’d prefer sharing food. It was just easier to purchase and cook for two people rather than one. You informed him of your inability to cook but he reassured you that he’d gladly do the cooking, he actually enjoyed it. 

A growing worry weighed you down. It seemed too good to be true. He seemed too good to be true. At what point would he have buttered you up enough to finally reveal his true intentions? Your slightly limited but abysmal experience with men judged Caleb harshly, but also reminded you to be careful. You’d been burned before. Coddled and doted upon by male friends only to eventually have a hand or two venturing further and further down your back. 

«Hey, you ok?» A gentle voice called out to you followed by a soft thud of a cabinet door closing as Caleb put away the last items from your shopping haul. 

You must have spent too long inside your head pushing and pulling at old thoughts and memories. Guess he noticed. 

«Yeah, I’m good. Just tired, it’s been a long day.» You sigh and force a smile that offers nothing to either of you. 

«Something is bothering you.» He states and offers you the opportunity to elaborate. 

«Is it me? I’m pressuring you, aren’t I? I promise I won’t get in your way, and if the cooking thing is too much for you that’s fine too. I’m not expecting us to be besties or anything.» He seems nervous, like your discomfort is actually affecting him. 

His eyes are fixed on you, gauging each change in your expression, body language, how your breath changes. If he dared move a bit closer he could probably get a glimpse of the pulsing skin on the side of your neck. Fuck, it’s like he’s 17 again, battling a crush on the girl who could never hold a full conversation without a break to quickly write down some sudden burst of inspiration that had occurred. 

At one point, he even tried to keep track of how many breaks you had to take with various people in your friend group. Who could coax the most inspiration out of you? Who’s presence aided whatever story you were working on forward? He won, of course. While others seemed bothered by your inability to hold a conversation, he loved it. 

Eventually he could tell when you’d had your lightbulb moment before you’d gotten your phone out to write something down. Your eyes widened slightly, a soft nibble on your lip in concentration, and then a movement of your shoulders that somehow made you look a few centimeters taller. You were so cute. So beautiful. So passionate. You still were. At least he hoped you still had that passion and that he could still tell when inspiration had struck. His little author. Except, you were never his. 

«It’s not you, Caleb, don’t worry. I swear I’m just tired.» That was a lie. He had done nothing wrong, but your mind kept shouting at you to keep your guard up. The look on his face told you he wasn’t convinced you’d been truthful. He seemed hurt. 

«I’d really appreciate the cooking.» You relax your neck a bit now viewing him at a slight tilt. And this time, your smile is genuine. 

He huffs out a breathy chuckle and softly shakes his head. 

«At your service, m’lady.» He stares at you out of the corner of his eye and then he sees it; wider eyes, lip nibble, shoulders, and then your phone is freed from your back pocket. Nimble fingers swiftly dance across the screen. He did it again. Five years had passed, but you were still you. Thankfully.

The poet braced herself as she carefully approached the knight guarding the entrance to the kingdom. He was large and intimidating covered in armor shining like mirrors in the warm glow of the sunset. Would he turn her away like so many others who claimed poetry written and read by a young woman could only be love letters to the devil?  She stepped as close as she dared before she spoke, asking for entrance to share her poetry with the kingdom. She saw his eyes now, a warm purple with a tinge of orange near the center that perfectly matched the glow surrounding them. They gazed upon her with kindness and she felt at ease.  He straightened his posture before tilting his head in her direction.   «At your service, m’lady.» 

You could feel it already. The inspiration you had been missing for so long was already starting to make a comeback. Surprisingly, it was being around Caleb that seemed to crack open the first lock. His warm and caring personality reminded you of the past.

The two of you had spent the remaining hours of daylight doing your own things. You had been in your new bedroom slowly unpacking the most important items you knew you’d be needing in the next few days.

Next to the now almost full dresser was a door leading into your en-suite bathroom that was quickly stocked with your essentials.

You took some extra time organizing your desk, where you hoped you’d be spending many productive hours writing your stories. The current layout would not do, so you had asked Caleb to help you move the desk so it was under the window, giving you a beautiful view of the trees across the street, currently wearing their autumnal colors. 

Caleb was at your doorstep before you even had time to finish your sentence and agreed to help you before he ever knew what you needed. You explained your vision and he understood immediately. Somehow he managed to place one of the desk legs on his sock, causing a very ungraceful tumble and inciting genuine laughter from both of you. The whole scenario felt strangely domestic as you kept urging him to push the piece of furniture just a little more to the left, a bit more, no that’s too far, stop, stop! Perfect. As you finished your decorating, he cooked you a tasty late dinner leaving you perfectly full.

Then came bedtime. You’d be spending the night in Caleb’s room, surrounded by his things, his scent, his thoughts and memories. It felt like you were walking into some sacred space that held all his secrets. Did anything in this room carry traces of your shared past? Did the thoughts and memories he carried with him into this room remember you? 

“So, I left an extra blanket on the bed since you mentioned you tend to run cold at night. I’ll leave a light on in the kitchen just in case. Aaand here is my spare charger, keep it until you find yours.” He smiled and handed it to you. 

It was unfair to Caleb how you still couldn’t fully trust his kindness. You’d make yourself miserable if you continued to constantly be on edge waiting for the other shoe to drop. There is a high likelihood that Caleb really is that nice, a few bad experiences does not mean all men have ulterior motives. 

“If you need anything at all, I’ll be right outside your door, m’key?” As if he sensed your thoughts spiralling he quickly added “You can lock the door if you need to, I’ll be right there if you need me.” You smiled at him before muttering a thanks and good night. 

Caleb settled on the couch. It was too small for him to comfortably sleep on, but he’d still rather have you sleeping soundly in his bed than on the couch. He listened intently for any noise beyond his bedroom door. Would you lock it? Then there was a soft click that answered his question. That’s ok though, it’s your first night here. If locking the door helped you relax, he was ok with it. Suddenly the soft click happened again. Did you unlock it? Did you need anything? He wanted to go check on you so badly, but that would surely be too much. Too overbearing. He kept his eyes on the door ready for you to exit it, but you never did and he fell asleep shortly after. 

Just make up your mind already, you can’t keep locking and unlocking the door. Surely he’d heard it click twice. Your fingers lingered on the handle as you considered locking it again, before deciding against it. Instead you retreated to the bed and grabbed the extra blanket before crawling under the covers. You’d be freezing in here in no time. 

Your imagination was running wild. Model planes, various books and miscellaneous knickknacks were staring back at you in the dark begging you to figure out their origin stories. Within the next twenty minutes you had crafted enough plausible storylines to fill the 5 years of his life you missed out on. And a few less plausible storylines that instead fed your love for fantasy. 

Images lingered in your mind and you were unable to calm your overactive imagination. Instead you felt the need to reach for your phone for the second time since reuniting with Caleb just a few hours ago.

AN: I had a desperate need to write for my two favorite boys, and this is the direction my imagination wanted to take. I don't know how many chapters this will be, it depends on my brainpower and whatever feedback I get. Chapter 2 is almost ready and chapter 3 is in the works, but that's all I know so far. Idk if the other boys will make appearances yet, but there is a Rafayel mention coming in chapter 2. 

Likes, comments and reblogs are highly appreciated! If you want to be added to a taglist for future chapters, let me know.

Read more ll Masterlist ll Colonel Kaboom 𓂃🖊

[sweetflanfiction]

Asymetrical Symphony - Part 25

Universe: Arcane (LOL)

Pairing: Viktor x reader

Summary: You had been on the rooftop with Jayce and the Herald and somehow you were sent to a place where things can be different with your help

Disclaimers and Warnings: If you want me to tag you on the chapters let me know! Also leave a comment with your thoughts :D Not finished, not proofread. English isn't my 1st language. All I know about LOL is from google and all I know about Arcane is taken from the show, so inacuracies will be plenty. I have a sort of idea on how to I'm gonna go with magic and runes, so bear with me. The reader will be written as GN (going by they/them) to get everyone involved, but if you see any discrepancies let me know

A.N: I'm sorry for the delay. Unfortunately life gets in the way of these things!

Part 1 • Part 2 • Part 3 • Part 4 • Part 5 • Part 6 • Part 7 • Part 8 • Part 9 • Part 10 • Part 11 • Part 12 • Part 13 • Part 14 • Part 15 • Part 16 • Part 17 • Part 18 • Part 19 • Part 20 • Part 21 • Part 22 • Part 23 • Part 24

• ··········· • ············ •

The trip down to the Entresol level was far easier than the one you just did. Get on the ascensor. Get off. Welcome to Zaun.

The undercity was very similar to what you remembered in your dimension, even though you hadn’t spent a long time there. Dark, chaotic, and yet in the chaos there was beauty. People shouting back and forth, vehicles coming and going, lights reflecting on colored glass panes. 

Once upon another timeline, after Viktor became hexed and started his commune, you became a common guest in it. Helping him do things and reach higher, do better...improve…evolve. He would find ways to get you to the commune quickly and safely; most of them wouldn’t have you pass through the streets of Zaun. And if by any chance you’d need to, he’d get someone to accompany you. 

No…he wouldn’t get someone…He would make someone.

It was hard to try and distinguish what was made out of love and what was made out of fawning. He wanted you in the commune, whether because he cared or because he needed more evolved; you didn’t know. But looking back at all the gestures he did, all the little smiles and touches, it was hard to imagine him, at that time, doing it for love. It was a means to an end. Much like the hex angel he had sent after you.

A tap on your shoulder snapped you violently out of your thoughts, so much so that you had to grab your chest to keep your quickening heart from exploding.

“Gods, Viktor.” You breathed. “Scared the shit out of me.”

“We have been walking for 10 minutes.” He sounded confused. “Where were you?”

“Far.” You looked at him, and he had a concerned look on his face. “Sorry.”

“No need to apologize. As long as you come back.” 

“I’ll try.”

“We are here.”

You had stopped in front of a two-story building. It was thin and tall, and it looked like it had been pulled up by the roof disproportionately. The broken window on the ground floor showed the dancing shadows of an abandoned store, with half-empty shelves and dust shimmering there. The other two floors had two square windows to the street but only a faint light coming out of them. The door to the living quarters was ajar, and despite looking neglected on the outside, clothes were hanging on the windows, and on the last floor, there was a little parapet with some plants on it. 

“There.” Viktor pointed to the first-floor window. “That was my bedroom.”

You looked up where he was pointing and smiled. There was a purple curtain there, and you wondered if that was there when he was.

“And that was the living room.” He pointed to the window next to the other.

Viktor had a melancholic air to him. A sort of haziness in his eyes as he remembered those times. You kept quiet, letting him reminisce.

“You want to go up?” You said when he sighed with finality.

“No. There is probably someone living there.” He turned around to walk further down the artificially lit streets.

You silently followed him through the streets, watching the stalls and the stores start to get customers. You knew danger lurked around every shadow, especially with the chembarons running amok, but right now it seemed calm and safe…safe-ish.

One thing that surprised you, though, was the sound above the sounds. Above the cacophony of the undercity, there were whispers and buzz like a layer of frenzied talk about the frenzy. Several times you’d pause and look back when something whispered in your ear. It didn’t feel evil or angry. It was playful, like a child touching your shoulder only to hide away.

“Is everything alright?” Viktor asked, and you nodded.

“I’ll explain later. Rune related.”

He paused and looked back at the building that was once his home and then at the intersection where you were both standing. In front was a metal bridge, a path to the left towards more buildings, and a metal stairway to the right.

“It’s there.” He pointed to a small location on a metal landing on a lower level.

“More stairs!”

“Zaun’s architecture is vertical.” He spat out, limping towards the steps.

You walked beside him, keeping a close eye on him. He held to the thin railing, and between that and his crutch, you both made your way down slowly but safely.

“As you can guess...” He adjusted his aid and straightened up. “It was fun for me growing up.”

The layer of sarcasm in the sentence was as thick as the fog that rolled above.

“Between the lungs and the bones, I was a regular at the playground…if there had been any playgrounds…” 

There was resentment in his voice, but not anger. He wanted the best for the Undercity, even after it had pushed him aside. He knew, the same as you or your mother, that the betterment of Zaun would be the betterment of everyone who lived in it. Whether they were healthy or not.

“Would you ever consider coming back?” You expected a resounding and quick no since that had been the answer given to you by his cosmic twin, but once again the thoughtful silence told you how different they were.

“Yes, if that’s a decisive factor in the improvement of people's lives here, I would.” There was no doubt in his tone.

“Sounds like you’ve thought this over.”

“Heh. It is where I was born; I will always love it. No matter what it becomes.” His head nodded forward, and you saw your target location coming up.

The store window was bright with orange and yellow lights, reminding you of a lit fireplace. The black-trimmed glass panes with gentle curves made it welcoming, and the array of colorful packages and signs made it even more appealing to the eye. But what made you look at the small store was the symbol on the sign. It was the fire rune, mirrored and delicately decorated with leaves and flowers.

“My mother used to come here.” He recalled once more. “I liked the little candy they had for coughs and the muscle cream too.”

You smiled at him and walked inside, his presence close behind you. The little voices and sounds from what you thought were the arcane became a little louder as you approached the store, but they quickly became silent as the bell signaling a customer entrance rang.

The inside of the store was warm and smelled of dried leaves and soothing balms. The dark wooden shelves were filled with paper packets, glass bottles, and tin cans with various colorful labels. The decorations, the advertisements, and even the rug on the floor were old and raggedy, but it gave the place a cozy feeling.

“Hello. Welcome to Fireside Elixirs and Medicines. My name is Elysium. How can I help you?”

Elysium smiled and brightened up the room as they placed their hands on the glass counter. They were wearing a baggy cream-colored wool sweater with a flowery detail embroidered in it, under a pair of green overalls. Their sleeves were rolled up, and his arms were filled with flowery and leafy tattoos.

“Alena sent us,” Viktor announced after the door closed, and Elysium's smile got bigger.

“Oh, yes! You must be the hex-head and the heir.” 

You tried to bite back a laugh but failed when you glanced at Viktor’s confused face. His eyes blinking, eyebrows furrowed, and his mouth trying to come up with a reply.

“That’s us.” You waved, and they nodded.

“I’ve got what you asked for here.” Elysium walked to the back of the store, waiting for them to follow.

“What did you ask for?” Viktor mumbled as he followed you, the wooden floor from the apothecary creaking.

“Old records of old customers...” you whispered back as Elysium opened the door to a small storage room and office space.

The small round table in the middle was filled with cardboard boxes, and those boxes were filled with notebooks and binders with papers of different sizes and colors inside. It was literally a mess of papers and books and dust bunnies.

“It’s all I could find, and Janna knows if that’s all of it.”

“I just wanted a list of clients…” you stuttered, surprised at the number of boxes and sheets.

“Yup…those are it. 90 years worth.” Elysium patted you on the back. “If you need me, I'll be right there.”

They pointed to a small corner couch that had an open sketchbook and some pencils next to it. You nodded, still a bit shocked.

Viktor was already inside the office, looking around the boxes, grabbing the lightest ones, and placing them on the floor.

“Do you still sell the rosehip tea?” Viktor asked quietly, Why did you finally accept your fate?

Elysium nodded curiously while you looked at both of them.

“I would like to buy some.” They nodded again, moving to get him his tea. “Do you perhaps have a kettle here?”

“Not here, but I can get you some hot water.” Both of you realized at the same time what the scientist wanted to do.

“That would be appreciated. Thank you.”

The storekeeper nodded again and turned around, probably to find the tea and the water. You shifted your gaze to Viktor, who was now fishing for something out of his satchel.

“Rosehip tea?” you asked, mimicking his movements from before, picking up some of the heavier boxes.

“It is good for joints and inflammation.” He explained, taking out a small leather coin purse, a notebook, and a pen with a colorful top.

“You believe in that?”

…someone else didn’t…

“I believe in anything that might help me. If anything, the human mind is very susceptible to the placebo effect.” He sat down in a chair, starting to undo his brace, sighing in relief once it was free.

Both of you sat down at the table as you started by picking a box and trying to make heads and tails of the boxes.

Viktor was a pro, quickly grabbing everything out of one box and making piles for each size of paper sheet and note and then making another pile with the whole notebooks. You started to follow his lead, adding papers and notebooks to the piles.

Elysium would come around at certain points throughout the morning, bringing the water for the tea and two mismatched cups. It was clear the shop still had some customers, the bell ringing from time to time and Elysium’s calm voice helping them out.

By the time lunch came around, you had made your way through a couple of boxes, and both looked proud when their new acquaintance whistled, impressed.

“I’m starting to think we should pay you for this.” They joked, leaning into the doorway.

“No need. It is quite…relaxing.” Viktor quickly blurted, and you snorted in disagreement.

“Please forgive him. He’s usually knee-deep in chaos.” You grabbed your backpack.

“Well, it’s food time. If you guys want to come, I’m going to a little stall down the street.” Elysium grabbed his satchel bag and waited for your answers.

You both nodded in sync and made your way out the door.

“Alena told me you are interested in the magic symbols. Can I ask why?” Elysium asked, slurping his noodles.

“I am researching them for my studies.” Viktor quickly blurted it out before you could even open your mouth.

“For hextech?” 

“No. Personal.”

“That’s awesome!!”

“What do you know about them?” You asked, setting the spoon down and leaning over the serving shelf of the food stall.

“Urban legend. Mom warned me about the old man with magic, that he would come and take me if I got into trouble.”

Viktor nudged your knee with his own, and you looked at him. He raised his eyebrows, and you nodded, acknowledging that the shopkeeper had the same experience as Viktor.

“Did your grandparents see him too?” 

“Not my grandparents…my great uncle.” Elysium finished his food and pushed the bowl aside. “He once saw him near the lanes, just looking.”

“Did he talk to him?” Viktor asked, also pushing his food aside and grabbing a small tray with a little fried round pastry layered with sugar and cinnamon.

“But he would see him there almost every day. Gr’uncle thought he was a ghost most of the time, and he was scared of ghosts.” They gave you a sad smile. “Later in life he became…sick…mentally…he’d forget things and see things, and we couldn't tell what was real or what was his imagination.”

“Was it the mines?” Viktor asked, plopping the sugar bomb into his mouth.

“Probably…or the gray. Or both.”

The air turned solemn, the three of you contemplating the lives of the citizens of the Undercity. They had been forgotten by the council; every piece of comfort they had been given by them was performative. Sure, Councilor Kiramman funded and made the pipes that expelled the gray from the city, but in the end, there was always a blade above these people's neck. You knew this because you saw it. Caytlin only needed to turn a key, and the toxic gas was once more weaponized against them. 

Every time someone tried to do good…actual good for the people of Zaun, there were hurdles and committees and just unenthusiastic talks about why they needed actual schools for children in Zaun; meanwhile, Piltover prided itself on the education of its citizens. 

Heimerdinger had been right when he told the boys back then about security, and when they told you, you were just as outraged as they were. Now though? Now you know that Hextech indeed needs some security precautions. Against Piltover's need to stomp on their lower city mostly.

Zaun was dangerous; the shadows were sometimes death sentences, but they had been left to fend for themselves. Enforcers weren’t policing the bad guys here; they were just making sure the cages were locked.

It angered you that you had been blind to most of it. Even to the point of not giving a shit about it. Your ivory tower was way too high for you to see the people down below. Until you were dragged into it. Sure, it was by a hexed Viktor, but the experiences were all real, the people who wandered into the commune, their stories. 

And even though the means he used were flawed, he tried to help them. Only to be the one who would fatally use them.

“It was evolution, my dear friend. The betterment of ourselves only leads to the betterment of our surroundings.” Viktor's mechanical voice snapped you out of your thoughts. He was right there…in your ear.

“Are you alright?” Elysium asked, stopping the animated conversation they were having with Viktor. You're Viktor.

“Yeah…sorry! Just thinking about the boxes back at the store.” You looked at your gloved hands. “I can’t feel the tips of my fingers.”

“I think we can start to decipher the clients with what we have now, and perhaps tomorrow we could investigate those.” Viktor grabbed a paper bag with grease stains from the man in the stall. It was filled with the sugary fried pastries he had been eating. ���When we exhaust all of those people, we go back for more.”

“Sounds like a game plan.” Elysium nodded as if he was the one who was going to do it.

“It does.” You looked back at the shopkeeper. “You’re going to help us with this?”

“Ah! No. That’s all you.”

You groaned as they laughed, patting your shoulder in solidarity with your exasperation.

What you had thought was going to be a day of exploration turned out to be a day of tracking people through receipts, prescriptions, and old notes made by at least two generations of Alena’s family.

Luckily, once Elysium announced the shop was closing, Viktor groaned, apparently enjoying this methodical work, and you let out a relieved moan.

Elysium handed Viktor a tin with more rosehip tea and bid you both goodbye. It wasn’t late, but the air was starting to become even more chilly.

• ··········· • ············ •

@marshy-moo @victormydarling @blueesmiski @th3stup1dcat @22carolina08 @httpstes @that-one-shitty-blog @disa-pointment @sseleniaa @kitewa @moons-lighttrail @aysluxe @fae-doodle @local-mr-frog @bakusquadobsessed @cherry-cola-100 @optimistic-but-very-realistic @seeksrsnn @thecordelialetters @notsaelty @lansy-4 @ayupfrogg @sammypotato @wnbrw @lucycarlisleswife @noxturnalmoth @ren-ren23 @furblrwurblr @kapitankarate @mynicknameisgasoline @octo-octopie @birbwithhat @kneelarmhstrung @dedicated2viktor @elvishstudies @iamfandomnerd @jazzypop-op @jojo-at-heart

[trans-rites]

Compleation, from Surgery to Paint Job

So like, in Scars block and before, Phyrexian oil is depicted as having several consistent properties. First among them is infection. This has been consistent throughout all of the oil's history in magic. Another is transformation. Phyrexian oil is actually a soup of nanobots that take the place of your bodily fluids, and in doing so, form a link to the oil's group consciousness.

Note that I didn't say hivemind. See, your mind remains, however changed. The oil doesn't puppeteer you (and if that does happen, you can probably blame Sheoldred. Sorry, Venser.) What it does instead is fill your mind with echoes of Phyrexian history, from as long ago as Yawgmoth and even before. In this way, you* remain. Only, you aren't quite the only thing in your body anymore.

*(I admit that in some depictions, Phyrexians are portrayed as mindless puppets—but in others, some self survives. What do we get from that? Up to you, but to my mind, it means either that it varies, or that those stories are from the perspectives of assholes. Or both.)

POV: You're Ashnod, and your boss is getting even worse lately Art by Jeremy Wilson

Still, whether you think Phyrexians are the people they were (or even people at all), one thing is inarguable: phyresis itself isn't compleation. Rather, the sickness compels you to seek compleation, like a salmon swimming upstream when it knows its time is soon.

Or at least, that's how it was.

So What's Compleation Then?

Well, pre-2023, compleation was the 'end point' of Phyrexian growth: the imago of the life cycle, a complex surgical process whereby your body would be transformed. Repurposed. Your skin may be replaced, or plated with metal sheets; your viscera filled with tubes and cables for more efficient transmission of fluids.

(Notably, if you happened to be a robot beforehand, compleation would often involve grafting flesh and bone to your already-metallic skeleton. Phyrexians are liminal creatures.)

Another truth: among incompleat Phyrexians (organisms born directly from the oil, or those infected by phyresis), compleation was an honour, a sign of maturity and rank. Only for enemies of Phyrexia is it a punishment.

After ONE though, there's (ironically) more just one answer.

Rona, Sheoldred's Faithful by Ryan Lee, a.k.a. 'easily one of my top five ways to wake up.'

See, ONE (and DMU before it) changed up a lot of New Phyrexia's art style. Gone were tattered, broken dolls like Shattered Angel, replaced with Elesh Norn's new 'mommy bait' design (Have you seen how she gets less 'gross' and more 'MILFy' with every new piece of art?)

Worse though, in my mind, is what happened to compleation. In ONE story chapters, Nahiri's hands just sort-of... turn into swords after her exposure to the oil. Meanwhile Jace, after being infected by a black Phyrexian of all things, begins developing Surgical Bay-esque stalks. Why? It's not like Phyrexia can't turn flesh to metal (read: Memnarch), but never like this.

Yes, there's excuses. Yes, Jin-Gitaxias launched a software update through the oil. And yes, it's possible to theorize ("Jace's blue mana caused changes in him common among blue phyrexians," "Norn's fear of flesh caused a design shift in Orthodox phyrexians," "Nahiri's arms just did that.") But I don't think we should have to bend over backwards justifying what to me reads as plain inconsistency.

And Boy Is It Inconsistent

Because there are recent cards like Vivisurgeon's Insight (Adam Burn), Evolved Sleeper, and the above Rona that honour previous depictions of compleation and phyresis! But—with no disrespect intended to the brilliant art and talented artists—cards like Furnace Reins (Brian Valeza), the story articles mentioned above, and heck, most of the March of the Machine card gallery do the opposite.

I mean, what's even happening in Furnace Reins? Urabrask's new black and red Gundam aesthetic is spreading over that minotaur like a mold! Where is that metal coming from?!?!? Or is there mycosynth making it that I just can't see? Am I going crazy? And am I wrong for being disappointed when story articles describe 'peeling off' Nissa's metal plates to reveal basically undamaged skin underneath? She's not even bald anymore.

Please don't mistake me for hating Magic story. Believe me, I couldn't write this essay if all I felt was hate. Magic has me climbing the walls with how much I care about it. But oh my god, do I get the feeling that not everyone at WotC feels the same way.

This is hardly a call to action, and certainly not a request to further harass anyone who works at Wizards. What it is is a composition of my thoughts and feelings on a subject I'm desperately passionate about, and the suggestion that you check out some Magic story that still very much deserves to be read. Places like MTG Lore are a great place to do that. You should also check out Transformation, Horror, Eros, Phyrexia, a friend's essay that I still think about regularly.

Thanks for reading. And remember, there's nothing normal about liking Phyrexians...

[steamberrystudio]

Tumblr Devlog

05/07/2025

Helloooo everyone! Here is your tumblr devlog!

Coming to you on time! A Christmas miracle!

Summary Bullets:

Released Chapter 6. Huzzah! Chapter 7 Stuff

Finished expressions for Daaz's Path

Finished expressions for Kav's Path

Finished expressions for Noel's Path

Finished expressions for Raif's Path

Finished expressions for Yren's Path

And finished expressions for the "No LI Path"

Finished and coded one minor character sprite

Made some sprite variations for Silver and Blue.

Created the flowchart template/mock-up

Added music cues throughout the chapter

Added a couple of small visual effects

Started working on coding SFX

Art:

I haven't done too much art since last time because I've been really focused on sprite expressions. I did finish the side character sprite (I still had to draw his expressions) and got him coded.

And I created a couple of new visual effects for the chapter. 

I also decided to reduce the minor characters from 5 to only 4. I've started on the second one.

I also made yet another variation for Silver and Blue, who have evolved without revealing their faces...yet again. I swear, we'll see their faces eventually.

And yeah that's it.

Other Stuff:

So the big news is that I managed to finish sprite expressions for Chapter 7. Caveat being that the three remaining minor characters will need some expressions coded in but they appear so little that it's probably 30 - 45 minutes of work. If that. For all intents and purposes, the expressions are complete.

I used a slightly different strategy this time around that, while still tedious, helped me get through them much faster than I thought I would.

Once expressions were done, I went through and coded the music cues. I usually do that as one of the first things but this time I just really wanted to get a head start on expressions because there are so many and it's such a long chapter.

I also have started working on the sound effects. There are a lot of SFX in this chapter because there's an action sequence so that takes a little more work than normal. But I should be done with that by the end of today or tomorrow.

I also built the flowchart mock-up that I use to build the flowcharts. Honestly, having the mock up just lets me have a visual on what I need to expect from the flowchart. And gives me a sort of head's up on where it could go wrong.

Upcoming Weeks:

Going forward I will be splitting time between art and other things.

I can't draw for long periods each day which means that with expressions out of the way I will be drawing for part of the day and doing other stuff for the rest of the day.

Currently my focus will be:

Finish the minor character sprites

Finish sound effects 

Probably start on the flowchart

The two biggest parts remaining (not the *only* parts - just the biggest) are CGs and the flowchart. I will be starting CGs once the remaining sprites are done. But for the most part, as I said, I'll be dividing time between art and the rest of the stuff.

Until it's done. I will hopefully be back in two weeks with more updates.

[maybefae]

Full (Super)Moon in Taurus Messages!

Pile 1 - Pile 2 - Pile 3

Remember, this is a general reading and it may not resonate for everyone or completely. Tarot is a tool to help guide but you are responsible for your actions and life, you choose your path.

Tips!

I want to preface this reading by clarifying that I’m not an astrologer! I enjoy it and I read about different events. On November 15, 2024, we will encounter the Full Supermoon in Taurus. This will be the last supermoon of the year! A supermoon is when the moon appears bigger and brighter in the sky, this one coming a little closer than usual. It magnifies the already heightened energies of a full moon. With it being in Taurus, the usual crazy energies will seem more grounded by this earth sign. However, the moon also aligns with Uranus and Neptune, so even if the energy is grounded, it will also push the boundaries of comfortability to help stimulate growth. Remember: evolving and adaptability is key to survival. Neptune will heighten emotions and psychic senses, so pay attention to dreams. But the main focus will be more in the material realm.

Pile 1

Tarot: Eight of Pentacles, Ten of Swords, Two of Wands, Seven of Cups, Nine of Cups, Six of Swords, Page of Cups, Six of Cups, Eight of Cups, Ace of Swords, Six of Pentacles

Oracle: Forgiveness (horizontal), Good Luck, Confidence, Beauty, Finding

In one of your cards, more specifically the seven of cups, there is an image of two frogs. Frogs can symbolize adaptability, like this moon-Uranus lineup. For some of you, especially since Taurus is linked to Venus (the planet of love, connections, beauty), there could be a message here for people in connections or are wanting to get a connection off the ground. You could be trying out different solutions to any hiccups in your relationships to see if it works. Or you could be willing to see where a new connection goes (could be with someone that you would usually not go for). There is a sense of going with the flow and not having an exact plan. This could make a lot of people uncomfortable, but this lunation tells us that we are pushing our limits a little bit. This person that seems like a gamble could be a wish you have been asking for! I think you two probably have to cultivate together a little for you to see that they are your wish fulfilment.

On the other hand, the frogs also look like a mirror reflection. This love could honestly be with yourself. You are taking the time to work on yourself and to carve yourself out of clay until you’re at your ideal you or ideal life. This could be another wish fulfilment. There is a sense of finally finding yourself after a while. You could honestly be feeling more beautiful and confident within yourself. Especially with other astrological events that deal with ending long and difficult chapters, you could honestly be at the point where you have broken out of people-pleasing ways. It doesn’t mean you don’t care or you don’t have empathy, but you are done helping people that won’t help you.

That being said, you could be leaving a job that wasn’t healthy for you. Somehow you leave, firing or quitting, but it’s a blessing in disguise because it seems like you are looking to chase your dreams. What’s on the other side is something that is worth working hard for. For some, this could just be a promotion. You could be leaving a position that sucks and be promoted into a position that you’ve really wanted and could’ve studied really hard for.

Okay. As I’m doing your reading, I just realized that the cards of this deck create an image when put side by side. And it is 2:22 AM. I’m gonna take it as a sign. Everything will feel like it’s aligning. Especially if you have been dealing with things falling apart or not working out.

There is also a sense of moving on. You are probably someone who hasn’t gotten apologies from people who have hurt/wronged you and it used to eat you up. I think you have gotten over the fact that you won’t get these apologies. If they do end up apologizing it feels more like a “thank you” from you and not an “I accept your apology.” And since you’ve let go of this situation it gives room for good luck and new situations.

Pile 2

Tarot: Five of Cups, Nine of Pentacles, Ace of Cups, The Sun, Six of Wands, Two of Wands, Eight of Cups, Four of Pentacles, Knight of Cups, Ten of Pentacles, Four of Wands, Two of Pentacles, Queen of Cups

Oracle: Finding, Strength, New Beginnings

Before I start with the cards, I want to say that one of the messages I heard was “One of the books you’ve been waiting for is coming out earlier than expected.”

I feel like your oracle cards are a full message in yourself, “Finding the strength in new beginnings.” I think a lot of people are feeling a desire to say “fuck it” and go after something they want. There is a feeling of wasting time being stuck in something that isn’t fulfilling. This energy is carried over from pile 1 but you seem more urgent about it. 

The world is seemingly falling apart and there is a feeling of not wanting to waste time on something that doesn’t make you happy. And you could be feeling the need to follow your heart. There is a goal that you can’t keep your mind off of but it seemed risky before but you are reaching the point where it seems like it won’t hurt to try. It will feel temporarily uncomfortable in the moment (there’s that Uranus energy) but I feel like you have a strong enough foundation to pick yourself up even if there’s a hiccup on the journey. Life is too short not to at least fulfil even the smallest of dreams (which could feel big to you). I think you will be very cheap with your money when you take the leap to walk away but I think it’s a smart idea. As long as you’re following your gut. If something is screaming at you that it’s wrong, then you can find a safety zone. But if it just makes you a little nervous, I think that’s where you will find the most growth. Following dreams will always feel risky.

The message here is to trust yourself. There is a new beginning on the horizon if you find the strength to muscle through a little uncomfortability. Even though your safety bubble is comfy to be in, your dreams won’t happen unless you step out of it (even if it’s just to take a small step). I think you’d be really proud of yourself and how you transform even from a small step towards your goal. (There are blue butterflies in each of your oracle cards.)

Pile 3

Tarot: Page of Swords, Queen of Wands, Page of Wands, Ten of Cups, Eight of Cups, The World, Two of Swords, Two of Cups, Four of Cups, Justice, Page of Cups

Oracle: Empowerment, Talent, Fertility, Friendship

Okay, breathe with me. Breathe in…1…2…3. Breathe out. Again! Breathe in…1…2…3. Breathe out. Before I even pulled the cards, they were giving me a hard time shuffling and it would only go if I relaxed and took a breath. They would also only start shuffling if I did it in a certain direction. Some of you are being stubborn about how you are doing something or you’re stuck in a freeze response. Relax, baby. Lemme see what the cards say. Breathe.

I just wanna get a message out of the way before I carry on to the more general ones. This could just be for one person but one of you could fall pregnant. This pregnancy could come out of the blue and everything seems overwhelming. Maybe you wanted a family but it’s far sooner than you expected or maybe you are going to be a single parent. I want to say that I believe everything is going to work out and your friends are more than willing to help out. Or it’s telling to you rely on your friends during this time.

Alright! So I think you have been bottling up your emotions and thoughts for far too long. The anxious feeling that I was feeling was probably you not speaking up for yourself and now you’re feeling disempowered. You have a very passionate and fiery soul underneath the meek page of swords, Pile 3. Speak up! What you have to say matters and I think you’ll be surprised with how much your thoughts are needed. Even if there is backlash, you will feel a whole lot better once you have gotten your emotions off your chest and thoughts out of your head! It’s not easy but I think it will become easier with time. You also could have a bunch of new ideas for something that could be beneficial. I think all of this mostly takes place in a work environment but take it and apply it to your situation. 

There could also be a message of turning to your friends at this time. They could offer some encouragement. But once you put everything on the table, I think you’ll be surprised with how things work in your favour.

Decks Used: Ethereal Visions Illuminated Tarot Deck by Matt Hughes, Spellcasting Oracle by Flavia Kate Peters and Barbara Meiklejohn-Free, Oriens Tarot Deck (Mini) by Ambisun, Mystical Manga Tarot by Rann and Barbara Moore

Dividers: @inklore

[admirationandromantics]

Going overboard, 1: Memento Mori

Okay, so first the prologue, and now the first chapter. As I've said before, not all chapters include a Josh-interactions because of accuracy to the game, so you'll just have to live with it. If you haven't read the Prologue, go to my profile, then the masterlist, Josh Washington. You'll find it there. Get ready for tomorrow!

Chapter 1: Memento Mori

After what happened up on the mountain last year, Josh didn’t stay in touch. At first we all tried to talk to him, help him, but we gave up one after another. He talked with Sam a lot. I think she did the most she could until he cut contact. I didn’t want to put too much on him, and we all were in grief as well, so it probably was the best solution. 

Sam and I had regular coffees. It helped us both. We shared stories about them, and she told me about everything which happened that night. The prank wasn’t about me, nor Josh. Not even Beth, but she still had to suffer the consequences. Poor Beth, and poor Hannah. We all knew she had a thing for Mike, but setting her up like that was not okay. I now despised them all, Jessica, Emily, Mike, Matt, Ashley. Matt was such a sweet guy, I couldn’t imagine him standing there with a camera, recording everything. For me though, Ashley hurt the most. I loved her, I truly did, but I cut contact quickly after I got to know about the evening. She sent me a bunch of texts, begging me to talk to her. She was sorry, she was drunk, caught up in the moment, and everyone was doing it so she felt like she had to. She never knew that the aftermath would be as bloody as it did. I still didn’t text her back. 

A month before the anniversary of their disappearance, Sam got a video message from Josh. He invited her up to the cabin again, stating that this would be a way to honour their memory, and relive the experience, but with a good ending. There would be booze, partying and just making new memories. Based on the video, it seemed like he asked everyone in the old group. Everyone except me. I felt hurt. Betrayed in a way. I was one of the few he talked to, cried to. Our relationship didn’t evolve after the event, but I was still there for him, trying to comfort him. Sam told me that I should come with her, but I declined. If he didn’t want me there, it was okay. She couldn’t understand why, but she kept being insistent, urging me to give it a chance. I didn’t have to be there the whole time, and if I wanted to, I could leave the very next day since the bus went through the area once every day. 

It would be good to talk to Josh, maybe even if he didn’t want to. I was selfish, I knew that, but I had to see him. I wanted to see how he was doing, how he was feeling. This also made me think of Chris. He would probably be there, and I hadn’t kept in touch with him either. I felt bad, but at the same time, we weren’t that close. I knew that he still hung out with Ashley sometimes, and maybe that made me a bit afraid. Maybe she would try to contact me through him? Maybe I wasn’t just selfish. Ashley also needed to talk. Talk to me, clear the air. I would let her. I finally agreed to come with Sam up to the cabin. 

***

The bus is empty, except for Sam and I of course. She didn’t pack much, and I didn’t either. I figured that I wouldn’t stay long. I just needed to talk to people, get some weights off my shoulders. The radio is playing, and no surprise, it’s about Beth and Hannah. I hold my composure, trying not to cry. The trip is long, and I end up sleeping on her shoulder for a good amount of it. Sam is watching something on her phone, but I don’t peek. I simply look out the window. There is an eerie feeling to these mountains. I felt the same last year, but this time it feels stronger. The black trees are covered in snow, untouched by animals. 

Finally we reach our stop. The sign says “Blackwood Pines” and hadn’t it been for last year's events, I would still love the name. Being here for the first time felt magical, straight out of Narnia, joining a winter wonderland of mystery. Now, I feel nervous. The air isn’t as fresh, the ground not as hard and the snow was too white. Instead of smelling winter, I smell something musk, like a dead animal or rotten meat. I look over at Sam, and I think she notices too. 

We start walking in silence, through the gate and up the trail. As we walk, she stops. 

“Did you hear that?”

“Hear what?” I whisper, getting anxious. Maybe it’s a wild animal, a wolf or a bear. 

“Hello!?” Sam shouts, and my eyes widen. Why would she do that, what if the animal looks at us as a threat now. I look around, expecting something to pop out, but it’s silent. 

“Sorry, I probably just thought I heard something,” she says, continuing walking. She notices my tenseness. 

“Are you okay?”

“No, absolutely not” I state, looking around again. 

“Hey I get it, this is weird, but we’re doing this for Josh right,” she starts, taking my hand, stopping me. 

“I hate to say it, but you need to relax. Nothing bad is going to happen, and people are just being friendly”

“I know, I know. I just can’t shake off this feeling that there’s something here”

“It’s because of last year. We’re all still thinking about it, so we know how you’re feeling”

I look up at her. She’s right, I’m not alone in this, and we’ve both been there for each other the whole year. 

“Yeah, thanks for the talk. It’s just… well, weird”

“It is, but I think this is good for you. This trip could be a way for you to let go, get some closure. They both would’ve wanted that for you” she says, before pulling me into a hug. I breathe, and some of the tension lifts. Thank God I still have Sam. When we pull away she looks at me, smiling. I smile back, before looking behind her. My mouth opens, eyes widen and my breath hitches. I grab her hand, holding hard. 

“S-Sam, c-c-careful. Stand s-s-till,” I whisper. She holds her breath while searching my face for answers. 

“Boo!” I shout, punching her with both my hands. She screeches, jumps and I feel her pulse in her hand. 

“Got you” I laugh, while she’s still trying to compose herself. 

“Fucking asshole” she says. I can’t stop laughing. 

“You know, you’re going to ‘wolf wolf’ me.”

“I can live with that” I continue laughing, before starting to walk again, her following after. 

“I’m joking, that was out of line, sorry” I say after a while. 

“At least you got to see my ‘frozen’ face”

“Yeah that’s why I laughed” 

We reach the gate, and a piece of paper is pinned on the lock. 

“The gate’s busted, climb over -Chris” 

“I guess we have to climb,” I state, looking at the gate. There are big spikes on the top of the gate, so I look over at the side. It’s a stone wall. 

“Right up my alley” Sam says enthusiastically. Of course it is. 

“I’ll give you a lift first if you take my bag” she says, already taking off her bag. 

“Fine, just don’t throw me over with those strong climber-arms of yours” I reply, taking her bag and making my way to the wall. She puts out her hands and I grab somewhere safe on the wall. She helps me get up, and I jump down the other side, looking up, waiting for her. 

“Gosh, the stones are cold” she complains, finally getting to the top. 

“Should’ve worn gloves” I smile, showing off my red-covered hands in a theatrical manner. She laughs before hopping down. I give her backpack back, and we continue up. 

When we finally arrive at the cable car station, the place seems empty. I see a couple of cars in the parking lot, but don’t want to check who they belong to. One of them must be Josh’s. I walk up to the bench, noticing a backpack and a ringing phone. My curiosity is immense, but I don’t touch it. Sam notices who’s bag it is. 

“Hey Chris!” she yells, looking around for him. 

“Hey guys” he answers, and we both turn around. He seems older, more harsh than the year before, but I don’t comment on it. 

“How are you ladies?”

“Well, as you can expect” Sam answers, still smiling. I smile as well, keeping the mood light. I don’t notice how much I’ve missed him before seeing him now. Something in me breaks a little. 

“Oh, so, I found something kind of amazing”

“What?”

“I’m not gonna tell you got to see for yourself” he smiles, grabbing his backpack and leading us around the house. We get to the other side where we’re met with a shooting range. Barrels and bottles stacked for hitting, as well as bags hanging from the trees. 

“Ta-da! Pretty rad right?” Chris exclaims, loving this a bit too much. Sam forces a smile, guns are not a source of happiness for a pacifist. 

“A gun range on the bottom of a ski lodge” I comment. “How… nordic?”

Chris picks up a gun before looking at me. 

“Well, have you met Josh’s dad?”

“Yeah”

“Then we shouldn’t be surprised” he says before turning and aiming the gun. I hold my breath, not comfortable with this funny clumsy guy holding a death-weapon. He shoots the bags and one of the cans. I’m kind of impressed. 

“Nice shootin Tex” Sam teases, not impressed. I guess it would take something better than shooting to impress her. She fakes an annoyed look before turning my way. 

“Wanna try?”

“You know what, sure. It’s been a while” I say before taking the gun from him, taking off my backpack and laying it beside me. 

“You’ve done this before?”

“Josh has taken me shooting several times, not hunting though, luckily” I smile, remembering how close we felt the first time he showed me how to use it. 

“I bet that’s not the only thing you two have done” he comments, a smirk on his lips. 

“Haha, funny guy” I tease back. Sam holds her laughter. I shoot a couple of bags, stopping when a squirrel jumps on one of the barrels. 

“I guess that’s our sign to start going to the lodge,” I say, leaving the gun and grabbing my bag. 

“Jeez, I wish Josh would take me shooting,” Chris says, and I smile. 

The cable car is coming, and Sam makes her way over there. I use the opportunity to grab ahold of him. 

“Hey Chris, about this year-” I start, but he holds a finger up, signalling for me to stop. 

“I get it, if I were in your shoes I would’ve done the same”

“Really?”

“Yeah, it’s weird being back, but I’ve been wanting to clear up everything. We should keep in contact, even though you don’t want to talk to Ashley, I understand”

“When did you become such an understanding gentleman,” I tease, punching his arm and start walking. He lifts his arms in the air. 

“Haven’t I always been?” And I laugh at him. 

We all get in the cable car, and it starts moving up. Chris starts talking about how he and Josh met, and I pay close attention. I’ve only heard this story from Josh, and I love getting the different story-perspectives. 

***

We arrive at the top, I stand and try to open the door. It will not open. 

“Uh, guys, I can’t get the door open.” Chris tries, but can’t manage either. His response is to smack the window. 

“Ahh, what the hell!” I hear someone say. Jessica. I compose myself. 

“Jess! Over here, open the door!” Chris shouts. I see her through the window, and I bite my lips from having to look put together. Don’t look like a bitch, don’t look like a bitch, don’t look like you have anything against this piece of scum. I keep chanting in my head. 

She opens the door, and we all thank her. As we walk out, Chris starts whining. 

“Oh my god. I thought we were goners. Another ten minutes in there and I would’ve chewed off my own leg.”

“Aw, sick Chris,” Sam comments. 

“Look, I’ve got a lot of meat on my bones. This is all muscle down there.”

Sam rolls her eyes. “Yeah riiiiiight”

“Keep telling yourself that Chris,” I add, clapping him on the shoulder as I walk past him. He lowers his voice to a whisper. 

“Well, we all know who’s bone you want to jump…”

I turn around, mouth agape and eyes threatening. He immediately puts his hands up in defence, walking backwards two paces. 

“Just jokes, just jokes” says, voice cracking. 

“Dickhead”

“Notice how I’m not going to make another joke about that,” he answers. I quickly make a snowball and throw it at him, hitting his chest. Sam places herself between us, arms tense as if waiting for someone to attack. 

Chris uses this opportunity to snatch whatever Jess is holding. 

“Well, well, well… What do we have here?”

“Chris” Sam starts. He opens it, a surprised look on his face. 

“My goodness! Seems like someone has a crush on our good friend and dear class president Michael Munroe.” Shit. That’s not good. 

“Chris,” I threaten. 

“And what kind of sizzling erotica might our Jessica be capable of imagining, I wonder…”

Before he’s able to see more, Jess quickly snatches the item back. 

“If you must know-” she starts.

“Mike and I are together now.” We all look at each other. 

“Drama,” Chris answers. 

“No, pretty cut clean actually. Em’s out, I’m in,” she explains. I look over at Sam. She doesn’t know what to say. Luckily, Chris breaks the awkwardness. 

“Well, we should keep going” 

“You go, I’ll be waiting here for a bit”

“Waiting for Mike?”

“Just go”

We oblige, walking further and leaving her behind. The trail is quite big and visible. It’s comfortable to walk on. As we turn a corner, I see the cabin. The cabin where Josh is, where Ashley is probably waiting. The cabin which was the last place two of our best friends were seen alive one year ago.

[ihavethedreamiesx]

Novice | Felix | Easy to Expert (2) [NSFW]

Lee Yongbok (Felix - Stray Kids)

Rating: M (18+) MDNI

Word Count: ~4.7k

Pairing: Felix x AFAB!Reader

Genre: Reader-Insert, Smut, Fluff

!!This is smut…if that much isn't clear you should probably leave now!! MDNI!

Warnings: She/Her Pronouns used, Swearing, Kissing, Sex Toys, Butt Plugs, Oral (F!Receiving/Anal; M! Receiving), Anal Play, Anal Sex, Unprotected Vaginal Sex (Don't do this, please)

Author's Note: This is a sequel to Easy. I got a comment on Archive requesting a sequel for something that was put off for…another time.

This was just supposed to be a second chapter but it devolved/evolved (depending on who you ask).

-> Part 1 <-

Revised (1/30/25)

I am cross-posting this on Archive and Wattpad. Please reblog! Share, even if its to the other sites! Let me know if you want to be on the taglist!

The morning after Felix utterly rocked your world, he had sweetly asked you to be his girlfriend. You agreed, of course, and then he took care of you that day because you could, in fact, not walk. He made you pancakes to eat in bed, and he even carried you to the shower. Despite the soreness, you couldn't have been more content, and you spent most of the day just watching Netflix together. He got several messages when he didn't show back up to their dorm the night before that he then had to deal with. He even had several missed calls from Minho and one from Chan that he had to return. You were still half asleep then and didn't hear the conversations, but the group chat blew up so bad he had to shut his phone’s sound off. It was also evidently the chat you were not in that they denied existed.

Neither of you want him to leave after lunch, but he has stuff to do and a part-time job. When you stop by the door to see him off, he puts his shoes on and then turns to you.

"I'll see you later, love." He leans forward and you welcome him, hit soft lips capturing yours. You hug him tight, and he laughs at your cuteness when you don’t want to let him go.

"I love you." you whisper, and a giant smile breaks out on his face, and he bumps his forehead to yours.

"I love you, too." And with that he leaves.

~θωθ~

Over the next few weeks you continue to hang out with them all as a group, not yet having another chance to be alone with Felix. On a Thursday evening you get a message from him seeing if you’re free the next night. Will this be your first actual date?

"I know it's kind of unconventional…but would you want to go to the arcade?" he asks, and you reply instantly with a yes. You really don’t care where or what it is if it’s with him. Plus, the arcade he’s talking about is huge and has so many different things to do past game machines, like an obstacle course, trampolines, and a foam pit. Since he’s coming from campus after his morning class, you meet him there instead of him picking you up. One thing that is nice about doing college online is that you have a more flexible schedule. You rock on your feet, hands in the pockets of your coat as you wait. You have on a set of pink shorts overalls over a white turtleneck and white stockings to protect you from the cold. Winter is coming. You decided to wear a short pair of pink Ugg boots that’ll be easy to take on and off at the arcade.

"(Y/N!)" It’s easy to know it’s him, even with the giddy tone, his voice is deep. Plus, certain words are still tinted with his accent even after speaking Korean for so long.

"Felix~!" You beam as he jogs over to you and instantly pulls you into a hug. There is no else around, so you eagerly returned it, but pulls back just in case.

"Ready, love?" He smiles sweetly and you nod. His wavy hair, dyed blonde with a tinge of black at the roots, is tied halfway back and he looks ten times prettier than you could ever hope to be. He opens the door for you and refuses to let you pay for your own pass. They stamp your hands to signify you have full access that day and you head in after checking your coats. Since it’s late in the morning on a Thursday, it isn’t very busy, and there aren’t any children since they would be at school. It’s the perfect time for two adults to goof around like kids. You want to go the trampolines first, but those will be tiring, so it’s best left for later. You start with the traditional arcade games, and you kick Felix's butt at a shooting game. You simply let him do the motorcycle simulator racing game, the way the fake bike moves kind of makes you motion sick. He wins the basketball tossing game and then you move to the simulation games. Your favorite is the archery one and you both tie scores on that.

"Foam pit?" he asks after you’re done and you grin, both of you running to the next place like children. No one else is there and you both take your shoes off and leave them at the worker's station and he leads you up the stairs. There’s a rope that you can jump onto and swing on before landing in the pit. It makes you a bit nervous because of the height, but after watching him happily do it first, it makes you less hesitant.

"Move out of the way!" You motion to him, rope in hand. Taking a measured breath, you hook your leg around the rope and kick off like you’re told. You squeal and let go, landing with an oof onto the blocks of foam. The worker can’t even help but laugh at the two of you. You literally have to swim to get out and he helps pull you out. To take a break you get some snacks, chicken nuggets and soda.

"This is so fun, Felix." You beam and he smiles around his bite of food.

"I know, love." He reaches up and brushes a crumb from your cheek with his thumb and you smile bashfully. The final stop for you is the trampolines. Once again, there’s no one there and so you’re given pretty much free reign. Instead of playing with the games that are projected, you just jump around together. Like one must do, you sit on the bouncy material, and he jumps near you to launch you in the air. You squeal in delight, and while you can’t launch him to the same extent, it’s still fun. The two of you have been at the arcade nearly four hours and you’re out of breath as you put your shoes back on.

"Do you have anything else to do today?" he asks you as you leave, a cold wind blasting at you, and you shuffle closer to him. You don’t see, but he smiles, and he turns you with his hand on your shoulder, so your back is to the wind.

"I don't why?" You look up and him and his smile falls into a smirk.

"Hm, can we go back to your place?" He steps closer, his nose nearly touching yours. You forget you’re in public for a second, ready to kiss him, but a kid laughing forces you to step back. It seems school is out so there’s going to be an influx of arcade patrons.

"Sure." You reply to him, and you start to head that way. As you walk you notice there’s a thin flap of plastic sticking out of his bag, caught in the zipper.

"Hold on." You stop him and go to fix it and when he notices what you’re doing, he swings the pack off his shoulder and out of your view.

"Hey!" You playfully glare at him, and he shakes his head, "It’s a surprise! Don't look." He fixes the plastic himself, and you look at him suspiciously.

"Hm, okay." You let it go, and continue to your place. Once again, he holds the door open for you and you wait at the elevator. The door to the side that leads to the stairwell opens and you glance to see who it’s. It’s the guy who lives a few doors down, some gym rat that thinks he’s hot stuff. You roll your eyes at his strut and Felix smirks. Changbin makes it work, he looks good, not over the top. This guy is…gross.

"Hey, unit 304." He struts over and you don’t even look up from your phone.

"Who's your friend?" He has a flirty tone, and you know he thinks Felix is a girl. He looks at the guy, annoyed, then speaks. The guy's reaction is hilarious.

"I'm her boyfriend." His deep-ass voice rumbles through you and you bite your lip to keep from laughing.

"Oh, uh, sorry bro." He bows a bit in apology and then scurries away. When you get into the elevator, you both burst out laughing and you continue to giggle even as you plug your door code in. He helps you take off your coat and you hang them both up with your bag. He keeps his with him though.

"Okay, what's the surprise?" You ask and he smirks.

"Later. Come here, love." He puts the bag behind him on the couch and you sit down with him. His hand goes to your jaw, slightly cold still and you lean in to let his lips press to yours. Like last time, the kiss gets intense fast, both somewhat desperate. You haven’t even had the chance to really be alone until now, so you only got quick pecks in while the others weren’t looking. When Felix's hand moves from your cheek to the back of your head, you whine softly, and his tongue wiggles its way into your mouth. When you have to pull back to get more air, you scoot closer to him, and he smiles. He adjusts his position, so he has one leg up on the cushions, facing you.

"Ready for the surprise?" He places a soft kiss on your jaw, then under your ear, not able to get to your neck because of your turtleneck.

"Yes…" You’re a bit hesitant, wondering what the heck he got. When he pulls the plastic shopping bag out of his backpack, you’re expecting some kind of candy or food that you like. No. It seems these last two weeks he’s been thinking about what he found in your nightstand. The butt plug.

"This okay?" he asks, pulling out a few more items. There’s some kind of kit to…get clean, then he also had made sure to buy the right size condoms. There’s also a cleaner and lube and one other thing you don’t immediately recognize. You pick up the box to look it over. It’s long and you turn it over to look at the picture on the front and your eyes widen. You shoot him a look and he tries to remain smug, but he’s a little nervous.

"A tail?" You shake the box. There’s a light pink plug along with either a long striped cat tail or a round fluffy bunny tail. It advertises as well there are more attachments you can get. He struggles to find some words and points at the picture on the box.

"I-if you end up…liking it…" He finally gets out and you huff, amused with his flustered state. You hum, placing the box back down and lean in to whisper in his ear.

"Do you want me to go…get ready?" You lick over his ear lobe, and he groans low.

"Yes, please." he says this, but he ends up wrapping his arms around you, pulling you into his lap, and kissing you again. You tilt your head, deepening the kiss, your hands go to his jaw and his hands dig into the flesh of your butt. After pulling back, you smirk, and he lets you get off his lap. You put the items back into the bag and scurry back into your room. You have a little surprise for him as well. Hating that you only had a plain set of underwear on last time, you compensated for it and went to the lingerie store. At the time, you weren’t entirely sure what he would like, but you think the black set would be perfect. First you shuffle into your bathroom, and take your clothes off. Your panties already have a dark, damp spot on them and you huff. Just looking at the bag for a second, you replay different over-thought scenarios in your head, and grab the cleaning kit. Reading the instructions, it’s kind of embarrassing to think about going ahead with it, but it’s really exciting as well. You go ahead and do everything you have to, and the sensation is…weird to say the least. Makes you excited too though, thinking of what Felix will be doing. Before him you never could get turned on that fast that easily.

Going to the paper bag holding your new set of underwear, you put it on and have a few issues with the straps and ribbons. The top piece is just some ribbon with some boning that wraps around each breast but leaves your nipples on display. A thin silk corset wraps around your middle, once again with some boning. The panties are crotchless, with thin mesh and you have to tie the ribbons on the side to hold it up. Slowly you pull on the fish net stockings, not wanting to poke a hole in them with your toes. It’s the same mesh as the panties, and has ribbon crossed over and winding up, sewed on. Looking over yourself in the mirror, you hope he thinks you looks as good as you thinks you do. The final piece is two ribbons you tie around each wrist and it’s a bit difficult on your non-dominant hand, but you manage. Grabbing the bag he had purchased; you go back out to your bedroom and lay each one out. Taking the box, you place it inside your nightstand drawer and instead take out the plug you already had in there. Looking it over better, it’s three different size rounds attached by the silicone but only has one vibration setting. Your core clenches at the thought of him using it on you, so does other places. Shuffling to your door, you prop it open and call for him that you’re ready. You scurry back to your bed and stand at the end, trying to look innocent as he steps in.

"Fuck." His voice is quiet but rumbles through the room and he shuts the door behind him. You live alone but it makes you feel more secure and private still.

"Did it work?" he asks about the cleaning you assume, and you nod shyly.

"You look amazing, love." He compliments, stepping forward and looking over every detail of your lingerie intensely.

"The idea is I can leave it on…But if you take it off be careful, it wasn’t cheap." You fiddle with one of the ribbons hanging off the corset.

"You look amazing, turn for me." You do as he asks, and he smirks when he sees that your panties are barely that, and that there’s a hole in the crotch that’ll allow his cock easy access. Even where he’ll fill you with the plug is easy to get to.

"Hm, good girl." He hugs you from behind, his teeth nipping at your ear, his hard cock grinding into your butt.

"Let’s get ready." Felix lays another kiss on your neck, and you go back to the still unopened box and unwrap the plastic. You watch him undress out of the corner of your eye. He comes over to you as you pull the black silicone plug out of the packaging and looks at the little booklet that came with it. He snatches it from you and the cleaning spray, heading to the bathroom, his underwear tented over his hard on. Luckily, the little plug only needs a battery, and there’s one included. Thinking he’s probably cleaning up; you look at the condoms and you know that the ones you had are definitely the wrong size. The lube is specifically for anal, and it seems it will numb you some, good for a first-time thing.

"Battery?" he asks as he comes out, now fully naked and your mouth waters.

"Next time." He huffs as you eye his cock, and you sneer playfully. You hold out the battery for him and he gets it in and hits the button. It buzzes rather aggressively, and he smirks and shuts it off.

"Hmm. A little later, okay?" Felix suggests and huffs at your eager nod.

"Lay down, love." He sit you down on the edge, and you do as he asks, in much the same position as last time. You’re nervous this time as well, but for a different reason. You turn your head to watch him grab the bottle of pink lubrication and you shiver a bit.

"You're okay, love." You try to calm down, but you squeak when he makes you move your legs into a better position, then kisses your pucker. He laughs at your reaction and your hand comes to your mouth, covering it.

"Is that stuff flavored?" you ask as you smell strawberry when he opens it.

"Yeah." You can hear the smirk in his voice, and you shiver from nerves again. You gasp when the cool gel touches you, just a small bit on his finger at first. He smears it around your hole, and you feel a slight tingle, the numbing kicking in.

"Might make my tongue numb," he mutters to himself, feeling the tingle on his finger. He squeezes some more out and tells you to breathe as his finger presses against you, the long thin digit only entering your ass to the first knuckle. He pulls it back out, smirking at the clenching muscle. Smearing some more lube onto his finger, he adds it to your skin, and you yelp loud when his tongue circles your pucker.

"F-Felix!" You had a feeling that's where it was going, but it’s still a very strange sensation. He hums, the taste is very artificial, but that’s okay. His arms wrap around your legs like before, and he shoves the wet muscle into your ass, and you try to relax and not clench too hard. You whimper as his tongue fucks into you, licking up the lube he’s spread over and in you. As he continues, it becomes easier to breathe, but your fingers still dig into the sheets. You’re a little worried by how aroused you’re getting from this. Is this the kind of thing you’ve needed from the start?

"Next time, I'm putting my cock inside you." His tongue leaves your ass and then licks a stripe through your cunt and sucks hard on your clit.

"F-Felix!" You gasp, your orgasm already rising fast. He really had pulled the seal off last time. The buzz of the toy hits your ears and then the silicone touches your puckered hole. There’s obviously more lube spread over it, and you have a hard time not clenching too much as he eases the toy in. It feels incredibly strange and new, but scarily good. The flat end of the toy nestles against the crook of your ass as he gets it all the way in. He smirks as he sees your cunt walls clenching around nothing. You almost scream when he shoves two of his fingers into you, the slight numbing from the lube tingling your pussy now. Another hard suck to your clit makes you cum. You settle down from it faster than the first time, but you’re just as out of breath. He wiggles his fingers a bit and you whine; he can feel the little bumps of the toy through the walls of your cunt and even some of the vibrations. He stands and helps pick you up so you can be further up the bed. You’re almost afraid to move with the toy in your ass.

"D-do you need a condom?" You won’t meet his eye, finger poking the box. You really liked how it felt to get full of his hot cum and you are on the pill…

"Well…they’re more for-" He gives you a look and you nod in realization.

"But next time." He winks and you flinch when the head of his cock meets your soaking folds.

"Ready?" He plans on doing it much the same way as last time. Rough seems to work better for you, and he wants to see in the future just how far you’ll like to go. You nod in response to his question and his fat cock fills you instantly and your back arches. It’s so odd, having the vibrating toy in your ass and Felix's cock splitting your pussy open. Even he’s a little thrown off. Just like with his fingers, he can feel the nubs of the toy through the wall separating your cunt from your ass, and the vibrations are dull but present. You walls clench his cock hard despite you trying to relax, and you’re so wet for him.

"Ready?" He asks again and you nod, fingers already digging into the bedding near your head. Felix pumps his hips deftly, grinding his pelvis into your clit and immediately his pace is relentless. Before he kind of built up, his thrusts were hard but shallower. Not this time. The bed is already shaking from the force, the head of your bed frame banging the wall. Once again glad for living alone, you let the high-pitched keens float from your lips. Tears prick your eyes at the pleasure. He pulls you closer some, sitting more on his knees so your lower back rests over his thighs. This makes your hips raised, your shoulders pressed into the bed to steady yourself. His hands hold your lower thighs near your knees, and he rolls his hips, the angle letting his dick pummel your back walls. He loves watching your breasts bounce, wrapped with the black silky ribbon. The feeling of the thigh-high stockings against his sides is more enjoyable than he thought it would be. You’re gorgeous naked, but like this it’s like you’re gift-wrapped just for him.

"Felix!" You gasp, back arching harder, head thrown back and he grunts, slowing his thrusts as you clench around him in your orgasm. He was going back and forth earlier on whether or not he wanted to fuck your ass or not that night, but he decided he will. The way your cunt squeezes him is incredible and he really wants to know how it compares. As your orgasm dies, he pulls his cock out of you.

"Come clean me off, love." He gets off the bed and you scramble to kneel before him at the end of the bed. Grabbing the condom box, he sees you waiting eagerly to swallow his cock, slick and shining with your juices.

"Okay, love." He allows and you reach to wrap your hand around the base and instantly take the rest of him into your mouth and slightly into your throat.

"Fuck~" He groans and he’s going to have to decide later which hole of yours he prefers. Pulling off of him, his cock is more clean than before, but now covered in saliva. He takes a condom from the box, tossing it somewhere on the floor and opens the package. You take it from him, placing it just over the tip and bringing your mouth back to him. He swears again and you slowly let his cock bury in your mouth, the condom sliding over him as you go. When your nose touches his groin, you pull back and swirl your tongue around for good measure, then pump your hand over to make sure it’s on all the way.

"Turn around." He helps you get up off the floor and you crawl back onto the bed, letting your front half fall to the sheets, ass in the air.

"(Y/N), you're gonna kill me." He huffs and you giggle. Hearing the lube bottle open again, the smell of strawberry wafts as well.

"Breathe." He coaches and you do, each of the little nobs popping out of your ass as he removes the toy, shutting it off. He tosses it to the floor; it’ll be easier to clean the fake hardwood floor than the sheets or rug. You quiver at feeling more empty again, and gasp when he drizzles a big glob of lube straight onto your ass.

"Gotta get you ready love." Felix swirls his finger over your entrance, then presses forward again, not stopping till his index finger is completely inside. It’s a little shorter than the toy actually, but it’s definitely different. You whine and try to stay relaxed as he wiggles it some. Your hole is kind of numb from the lube and tingly from the vibrator. Felix continues to coach you as he adds a second and later third finger to prepare you. The longer he does it, the more aroused you get, the odd feeling spiraling into a whole new kind of pleasure.

"Ah~" You whimper and moan as he withdraws his fingers. They’re tingly as well from the lube and he strokes over his cock with the remaining gel. His hand is a bit sticky after, but he can worry about it later.

"I'm going to start, princess." He informs and you take measured breaths, trying not to flinch when the head of his cock touches your ass. You groan as he eases in, digging your teeth and nails into your pillow to release tension. If you thought his cock felt big in your cunt, it’s a whole new kind of stretch as he fills your ass. Your head swims and you had no idea it would feel so good. Your cunt clenches around nothing, wanting to be filled as well, something you can explore later. He sits inside of you, unmoving for a few minutes, both of you trying to relax.

"Move." You gasp out and he digs his fingers into your hips, thumbs into your butt cheeks. He makes a shallow thrust and you both groan at the feeling. He’s much more gentle as he buries his cock deep into your ass than in your pussy. His thrusts are less punishing as well, pulling out about halfway before his hips meets yours.

"More, please." You cry out and he grunts, picking up the pace but not changing the depth. Your fingers leave the sheets, needing something more solid, so they wrap around the rungs of your headboard.

"You like it rough, huh, love?" You moan in agreement.

"You like my cock in your ass?"

"Yes, fuck!"

"What a slut, just for me though…" He grunts, leaning over you more.

"Ah!" You practically scream, Felix's hot dick starting to fuck you deep, more grinding than anything.

"(Y/N), love, you're so good for me." He groans, the rumble like thunder going through him and into you. Your cunt clenches around nothing again, you’re getting close.

"Feliiixxx~" You cry, and he gives you a husky chuckle.

"Cum, love. Cum for me." And you do. His hands hold the headboard for support, white knuckling the wood. Your ass is even tighter around him as you fall apart than your pussy, and it knocks him over the edge too, filling the condom. Eventually he wants to paint your insides white. Your cunt, your ass, your throat… After both of you have calmed, still shaking, he pulls out and you flinch at feeling empty again.

~ (O-O)~

"Ow, fuck!" You hiss as he lowers you into the hot water of the tub. He chuckles and you scowl at him which makes him laugh harder. After you settle into a good position, you sigh, the hot water relieving your aches. He sits on the mat by the tub, arms crossed on the lip. He’d reclothed his bottom half and had helped you out of your lingerie while the tub filled.

"Hm. How was that?" He traces his finger through the water.

"You've ruined me, Felix Lee." You mumble and his laugh echoes through the bathroom.

"So…I have an idea…" He drifts off and you straighten your head to look at him better.

"What?"

"How would you like to get your pussy and ass filled at the same time, hm?" He suggests and you think for a sec.

"We would have to figure out how to keep the dildo-"

"Not…not a toy…" He drifts off and your eyes widen in realization.

"Oh."

"If that's not-"

"Who?" you ask, and he blinks in shock, then smirks again.

"Who do you want?"

-> I.N. <-

-> Seungmin <-

-> Hyunjin <-

-> Han <-

-> Lee Know <-

-> Changbin <-

-> Bang Chan <-

Master-List

[swga-ficrecs]

long fic recs

this is a list of fics that are, well, long regardless of the trope and plot. for voracious readers who aren't satisfied with short-length writing. all these fics are considered holy grails because i don't read long fics if they aren't well-written. all fics are finished unless noted otherwise.

✒️ unfinished

yoongi

third wheeling by @untaemedqueen  i absolutely love everything about this. it's a lot of my favorite tropes in one giant fic. the characters are complex and fleshed out, the pacing is good, and i love the writing style. the smut is well-written and, though the catalyst for the plot, well-paced that it doesn't feel like a smut-centric fic.

suit & tie + drabbles by @jungshookz this is is a long fic but in bullet points, so i can only imagine how long this could've been if it was written in full sentences. another fic where yoongi does a 180°, but their dynamic is adorable from the beginning. not a lot of drama, a good fic to go back to if you want something lighthearted. you can probably tell by now that i love ceo fics.

desolate by @angelicyoongie this fic is long but has a very straightforward style of writing that's easy to follow and understand. it's one of the few hybrid fics i've read where they fight for a hybrid's right to freedom. i love how much yoongi opened up and changed throughout the fic. it's one of those fics where the idea of a hybrid isn't romanticized.

the deal by @untaemedqueen a great introduction to syndicate fics if you're looking for one. this is a chaptered fic that isn't too long and is easily digestible. it doesn't touch on mafia-esque activities so much. i have a thing for romance fics where the stone cold character evolves into a romantic, and this tickles that itch.

jimin

balletteacher!jimin x ballerina!reader by @jungshookz ✒️ this bullet point mini-series should be considered a full series already, considering the length of each drabble and how many of them exist. this is a forbidden romance between a teacher and a student with different personalities, so it's interesting and endearing how they developed their feelings over time.

i want to be with you by @oddinary4bts

a lengthy oneshot of strangers-turned-lovers and how love grows slowly between two people who are worlds apart. very well-written, i dreaded how quickly i finished reading it. i love how human jimin is in this fic. the oc is very relatable as well—very realistic and not overtly romanticized. i can easily identify myself in her if i were in her shoes.

taehyung

maybe i do by @chateautae another fic that is a mix of my favorite tropes. this fic has fewer but longer chapters. another smut-filled fic that doesn't feel overworked and serves as a good break between dramatic scenes. i love how both characters developed throughout the story.

jungkook

please love me by @ahundredtimesover i loved the complexity of the characters and how they navigated through their situation. they both had to do a lot of growing up in this fic, and it was done in a well-paced manner. the drabbles also give a lot of insight to this universe. i go back and read the drabbles a lot.

evolution of a lover's heart by @jeonstudios

a heartwrenching masterpiece. i waited a long time for this to be finished, and it did not disappoint at all. one of the most emotional and resonating fics i've read so far. my heart feels for both of them so much. the kind of love that people wish they would have.

the boy with galaxies in his eyes by @oddinary4bts

an emotionally captivating and heartwrenching oneshot that i never expected to read. both characters were well-written and well-fleshed out, it was easy to fall in love with them and understand their actions. the writing itself was really magical too—flowed so smoothly, it didn't feel as long as it actually was. an absolute hidden gem that everyone should read!

4-7-8 by @jiminrings

not the longest of fics, but a great read nonetheless. i read this a while back, and it was only after i reread it that i was able to truly appreciate the characters and their development. it has a very realistic plot that tugs at my heartstrings. everyone deserves this kind of partner and love.

our first and last by @thedefinitionofbts ✨️

if you love the concept of alternate universes and soulmates, this is a must read. the author utilized scientific concepts that i had a hard time grasping and, at the same time, supported the plot really well. i'm so glad i came across this fic.

multi-member

sanguis duology + (ongoing) oneshots by @borathae absolute monster of a fic, probably one of the longest ones i've read. even though i was annoyed at mc's stubborness, i think it was a driving force throughout the fic. i also never imagined the pairings in this, but i enjoyed the ride. there were some parts where i felt the author could've woven details better to make the story smoother, but it's charming in the sense that i need to think and connect the dots from previous chapters.

a place called home by @agustdakasuga i keep re-reading this fic every few years. i loved how each hybrid came into her life and how they eventually stayed. i also appreciate how each hybrid's personality isn't necessarily stereotypical. great pacing in each chapter, good to read if you like chaptered fics that aren't very long.

the road to you by @bonvoyagenoona

a slow burn masterpiece. this fic is a rollercoaster of experiences that is complemented by terrific writing and pacing. it's very instrospective, which is something i personally like. it has a little bit of everything and a good amount of smut, but it all works wonderfully together, the words flew by quickly.

[puzzleglum]

I wrote a theory for the webcomic The Glass Scientists almost 2 weeks ago. Originally posted in the Disqus comment section underneath last week's update. Before another new page drops on Monday, I figured I might want to share it here on Tumblr, too! If only for my own satisfaction in archiving.

Some small parts aren't quite relevant anymore, I think, but we'll see whether the conclusions hold up, soon. My best guess would be within the next update or two. In the meantime, enjoy!

*******

THEORY TIME!!

I’ve stayed awake one night early last week thinking about what Jekyll could possibly be planning, thoughts swirling. And I think I figured out a solid possibility. Before I get to that, though, I first want to lay down ALL the pieces that brought me to my conclusion. Every piece of supporting evidence I could think of is here.

(Warning: this got pretty long.)

EXHIBIT A:

Whatever he’s planning has to deal with all of what he talked about here:

I want to pay particular attention here to Jekyll conflating his own reputation with that of the Society. In his mind, the two are inseparable. And for good reason, but I’m not about to summarize the whole comic’s events. My point is, his plan HAS to save his, and by extension, the Society’s reputation somehow.

And it doesn’t matter WHAT it takes. He was willing to lock Hyde away (for a few weeks, mind) to save the Exhibition and the Society, after all. SOMEONE had to take the fall for the street fire. He didn’t want to have to do this, but he was pushed into a corner.

Now, his first plan, when his form became unstable and the sudden transformations started, was to go to his office and search for a spare potion he missed. But that plan is right out the door, cause he scoured the entire place:

Now he’s pushed into a corner again, with the WHOLE Society at stake. If the public finds out Jekyll’s secret, they’re both ruined.

And now?

Only a matter of time until the world finds out his secret.

Time for EXHIBIT B:

Jekyll’s plan, I think, is unlikely to be an Un-Hyde potion of some sort. He didn’t even know how the original potion worked exactly! And since he doesn’t have any of the old potion left, he probably can’t make a modified version of that either. But, if he still had SOME of the ingredients left, but not all, perhaps he could make a different sort of potion. Perhaps.

But my main point is that I don’t think Jekyll’s plan is a potion to get rid of Hyde. I also think it would be too convenient if he suddenly figured out how to make an Un-Hyde potion that works. On a narrative level, it would be too easy. That’s not his plan. No easy outs for our dear Doctor.

EXHIBIT C:

We know there is going to be a moment that will reflect this chapter’s cover. Sage told us so!

Right here, at the last sentence:

Obviously, it’s not going to be a literal parallel. It’s more about intent, I think. Jekyll is going to do Something, and that Something is NOT going to be good for Hyde. But, and this is key here, it’s not going to be good for Jekyll, either.

They both go down together. I can’t stress this point enough. Jekyll is not planning on coming out of this unscathed. But, remember, his plan HAS to save the Society’s reputation somehow. The world can’t know the truth.

(EDIT: my thoughts on the details of the parallel have evolved since. Now I think it will end up being a lot more literal than I initially thought. See this reply I wrote for more details on that. The key point of this Exhibit remains the same, however.)

EXHIBIT D:

This page feels like Jekyll is saying goodbye, somehow. Not only is he not coming out of this unscathed, I get the strong sense that he’s not planning on coming back at all. Clearly, he doesn’t want to do this. But he feels like he HAS to, for the sake of the Society. He’s resigned to it.

Someone has to take the fall.

Now, you’ve all been reading my reasoning thus far, probably wondering where I’m going with all this. Don’t worry. I only have three exhibits left, and then I will try to bring it all together. Thank you for your patience. I mean it.

EXHIBIT E:

Remember this very interesting bit about how Jekyll and Hyde’s mindscape works?

And a moment later, Hyde’s inner monologue says this:

“Only, I have a funny feeling that, once I went all the way down, I wouldn’t be able to find my way back up again.”

You may or may not already see where I’m going with this. :)

EXHIBIT F:

Remember this tweet by Sage? Since I first saw it a year ago, I’ve never forgotten it.

Now, I’ve seen different people theorize whether this is Hyde or Jekyll in Hyde’s body. Well, I’m going to make THREE (hopefully reasonable) assumptions:

1: This is Hyde, not Jekyll in Hyde’s body.

2: This panel will take place in THIS chapter, the one we’re still in, or early in the next.

3: Hyde’s distraught, despairing expression is caused (at least in part) by whatever Jekyll did. His plan.

(There is one more assumption I could state here, but I’ll save it for later. Keep this panel in the back of your mind for a bit if you want.)

And for the FINAL, EXHIBIT G:

Remember the trick Hyde used to force Jekyll to take control again? Forcing a transformation?

And now, remember THIS PAGE?

It’s probably safe to assume that this, too, works both ways. :)))

And NOW? I’ve run out of exhibits! Well! Well well well!!

(This panel is not relevant, I just wanted to use it. :D for fun!)

(Also, thank you so much to anyone who’s read this far?? Seriously! This thing is way longer than I planned!!)

My theory is that, quite simply, Jekyll is going to sacrifice himself to save the Society. To save his reputation, and thus, the Society’s.

I don’t think he can get rid of Hyde. But he doesn’t have to. He just needs to preserve his secret, because nobody in the overall public can know that Jekyll and Hyde are the same.

And in order to do that, his form needs to be stable. Remember Exhibit A? The big secret is in danger because he keeps transforming back and forth with no volition. Well, he’s got a solution for that.

Jekyll just needs to let Hyde take control. Permanently.

How? By going into the deepest parts of their mindscape, forcing Hyde to be at the front. Never to be seen again, never to return. His secret will disappear with him.

In order to “stabilize” their form, their body, and stop the sudden transformations, Jekyll doesn’t have to get rid of Hyde. He most likely can’t. But he can get rid of himself. He can certainly try, at least.

If Hyde will never stop fighting Jekyll, then he just needs to let him "win."

More than that, he can let Hyde take the fall for his own disappearance. Remember the will Lanyon found?

Lanyon straight up thought Hyde was blackmailing Jekyll because of this!

Picture it. In the public eye, if Jekyll disappears, or thought to have been murdered, and it looks like Hyde’s fault, that’s just unfortunate! Jekyll would simply be an innocent victim! Hell, the public might be inclined to show the Society sympathy because of it.

No secrets revealed, no ruined reputations. Hyde goes to prison, and that’s that. The Society itself is saved. All at the cost of both Jekyll and Hyde. And a good leader would do whatever is necessary…right?

The End.

This is Jekyll’s final, desperate gambit. And that’s my theory.

One final bit. See it as an afterword!

Lanyon seems about to rush in and try to stop Jekyll from whatever he’s doing in the office. But me, I think it’s already too late.

When he runs in there, all he’ll see is Hyde, and, perhaps, a broken mirror.

(That’s the other assumption I’m making about the panel with what’s supposed to be Hyde picking up glass shards. Just picture the drama of it all!!)

AND THAT’S ALL, FOLKS!!! Thank you for reading!!! :DDDDD

I’d love to hear what others think! What did I miss? What do you agree, or disagree, with? Feel free to tell me all of it! I love discussing what might happen next!!

EDIT: There is now an Addendum to this theory where I clarify some things I plain forgot to when I first posted it. PLUS, there's an EXTRA Exhibit I came up with later! Link to the comment here, in case it might get lost in the replies.

*******

That's where the original post ends! I'd like to say one more thing. I already addressed this in the Addendum, but I'd like to state it here too: this is ONLY a theory for what Jekyll's plan is. That was my intent, anyway.

By that I mean, I think this plan would FAIL in reality, in several key ways. Mainly, I think Lanyon and the others are going to intervene before Hyde would actually get arrested. Together, they may work to find a solution to both bring Jekyll back (if he's already deep in the unconscious) AND to keep their secret safe. I have hope they'd figure it out!

I'm also planning to post a more general thematic analysis of the whole comic, soonish. With a particular focus on the character arcs of Jekyll and Hyde. Look out for that! I'm still working it out, but it should be done sometime next week.

After that's done, I'm going to share my theories for how I ACTUALLY think the comic might end. Cause I sure as heck don't think it will end as I described above.

That's all! Thanks for reading!! :DDDDD

[sasoriis]

The final chapter of MHA was bittersweet, hopeful, but with enough realism to remind us that life can still be mundane, underwhelming, painful. Honestly, this was a pleasant surprise to me as someone who saw this series as excessively optimistic at times. I wasn't expecting the epilogue chapters to go the way they did, and while I don't think the execution was perfect, I appreciate Hori for making the effort.

To get my complaints out of the way, I wish there had been more time for Deku and Bakugou to talk - about the apology, about Bakugou's death, about how their feelings about one another had evolved over the course of the series, or at the very least had more internal monologues. Deku in particular felt so...distant? Bakugou is my favorite character, so I'm probably the most hung up over him. He went through this incredibly traumatic experience, but we never see if and how this affected him (certainly, it had to have). At the same time, he's the type to keep his most personal thoughts and feelings private, he's also less about verbal expression and more about actions, so I can understand Hori's choice to an extent...but idk, that's where the internal monologue could have really helped.

Similarly, it's quintessential Bakugou (presumably) to secretly save the money for Deku's suit for such a long time. IMO that level of gift-giving plays right into his strengths and was an incredibly significant gesture given what we know about him as a character. Perhaps he doesn't have the words, but he can show, very clearly, to Deku that he can finally return the same admiration and deep affection that Deku always held for him. It isn't explicitly canon, but it's enough for me, it's more than I was expecting, actually.

Initially, Deku's ending made me sad. And I think it still does to some extent. He saved the world, and the world, for the most part, moved on. But that's reality. For many IRL helping professions, this is the routine - doctor's save lives, therapists successfully intervene in crises, the work day ends with lives irreversibly change, and then we wake up the next day to start it all over again. I've seen complaints that Deku lost his dream, didn't have a "becoming Hokage" type of moment, etc, but that was never why he was trying to be a hero in the first place. It's upsetting, of course, but he continues to help people despite the lack of quirk, the popularity, because he genuinely cares about humanity.

And in the end, we see that returned to him through those around him, we see his dreams return. He and his image of victory will get to compete together for the rest of their lives. I'll be 90 years old, and those panels of Bakugou reaching his hand out to Deku will exist somewhere, in a library, on someone's bookshelf or coffee table. And that's while it isn't perfect, it's an ending I can get behind.

[theninthdoor]

hii since your asks are open, could you pls do an updated love reading on nct dream? thank you!!

Mark || king of swords, king of wands, eight of pentacles rx: It's unclear to me what his relationship status is at the moment, as he seems to be really focused on his career at the moment - and so that's all I pick up from him. However, I do think there is someone in his life that he's been quite serious about for a little while. This person could also work with him, or have worked with him before, and so that would make sense as we're picking up on his career so strongly. Overall, though, this connection seems stable and Mark's energy is also pretty solid. And, whoever this other person might be, they come across as an individual who's also extremely career-oriented, and that, I think, is a point of connection between them.

Renjun || the sun rx, four of swords rx: I sense a lot of uneasiness coming from him, so I think whoever he's been dealing with as of late is either not the most trustworthy person or he, himself, has developed some serious trust issues. Either way, there's lots of unclarity in terms of both their relationship status and each person's intentions towards the another & the connection. To be honest, though, this just reads as a failed fling that someone had high hopes for. It's not likely to evolve any further than this, I think…

Jeno || eight of swords (horizontal - so neither reversed nor upright), knight of swords: I feel like Jeno is single, but not for long. This Eight of Swords gives me the idea that he's just about to be done with this chapter and move onto the next, and that he's also a little bit impatient. The Devil is at the bottom of the deck, too, so I don't see him being too shy about flirting with the one(s) he's interested on either. And then the Ace of Cups is behind that, so it really won't take him too long to find a new partner. lol

Haechan || six of swords rx, knight of wands: He's been going back and forth with a connection for a while now. This relationship seems to be quite unsteady, yet there's still plenty of passion and interest here. The biggest issue, I think, is just that him and this other person can't seem to come to an agreement on how to move forward, so they're forever stuck in this limbo phase. Two of Pentacles rx + Five of Cups rx at the bottom of the deck = this isn't perfect, but it's good enough for now. Neither is too dissatisfied, regardless of their issues.

Chenle || five of cups, the world rx: Officially, it seems that he's single. However, I think he's still hung up on a relationship or fling that ended quite recently. He didn't get closure from that ending and the whole situation might've also not gone the way he wanted, so he's still very bitter about it all. I'll be honest, though… this reads as if he's been and is, still, talking to a brick wall. So, from the other person's perspective, this is done for good (regardless of what Chenle thinks), and so I don't see them being willing to ever give it another shot. It's over.

Jaemin || page of cups rx, four of pentacles: He's been with someone for a while now, I think. This connection feels very warm, steady and familiar, so they either have been together for quite some time, as I said, or they were friends for a long time before giving the romantic relationship a chance. For the moment they seem to be going through some minor issues - probably because of some third party situation, as we have the Three of Cups at the bottom of the deck -, but they might find a solution for it soon. It's not too bad.

Jisung || ace of cups rx, six of wands rx: This one is funny… I think Jisung has been entertaining someone he now realizes he really doesn't like that much, or at all. This person seems nice, overall, but I also see them as being "way too much" for him. Their personality just reads as a little overwhelming for Jisung, honestly, and only now does he seem to be realizing that, after already giving them hope. So, with this, I think he will now try to end things between them as smoothly and politely as he can. There's no need for anyone to get heartbroken, from his point of view. They're simply not a match - that is all.

(Disclaimer: All is alleged and for entertainment purposes only. Based on current energies.)