#because i have some more wips that explore dark themes too

[meguwumibear]

Thank you for warning and tagging! It is generally best to put the trigger first (e.g. #noncon tw rather than #tw noncon) because of the way automated filters work. It would probably also be a good idea to tag for csa (child sexual abuse) specifically.

hello!! thank you so much for this message. i went back in and added a tag for csa. i will keep this advice in mind moving forward!

[jeschalynn]

im also very interested to hear about the solomon x g!n reader !! im a huge huge sucker for fics that explores the darker themes so yes 😽 (this will be my last ask so that other people can ask too BAHAHA)

Exploring the darker side of Solomon's past and personality is probably my favourite part about his character. It makes a delightful contrast when we see so much of his present self: a goofy, charming, sweet-as-sugar sorcerer who wants to be our friend and teacher (and more).

But like the demons (and some of the angels in OM), things aren't always what they seem. You don't become the world's most powerful sorcerer by playing by the rules and caring about things like control or restraint. You don't wage war against the Devildom for fun. You don't get cursed and imprisoned by ocean spirits because of a misunderstanding.

There's so many dimensions to his character that are glossed over because he doesn't like to talk about his past, and he's not always forthcoming about the things he knows or what he's up to. He's so convincingly reassuring that it's easy to pretend (or hope) that he has only our best interests in mind.

OG S1 laid the foundation of warning us about him, and while the writers abandoned that theme early on and then gave us NB S1 (aka the roommates-to-lovers fanfiction AU), his shady history and questionable morality still something I enjoy writing about.

He's also one of the characters I self-ship with and navigating that aspect of him is part of the challenge and a reward in itself.

I have a lot of dark Solomon ideas and outlines kicking around. A lot. The one I've been working on most recently answers the question, what was NB!Solomon up to while we were stuck in the past? (Hint: it has devastating consequences for Reader and the Solomon from our timeline.)

ask me about a WIP

[nerdieforpedro]

WIP Thursday

I’m unsure which WIPs to post snippets of. I’m always writing new stuff and working things that I’m planning to continuing and editing. The writing feels like a compulsion but is also therapeutic for me. It’s a curious conundrum 🤔

I was tagged by @avastrasposts and @frenchiereading I love you two ❤️

Anywho, this week, I’m just going to name ongoing or pending fics I have. It’s a long ass list but if you follow me, you should have an idea that I am a master of none and will write whatever idea sticks in my noggin. Behold!

Current ongoing fics (on Tumblr):

Nights in Coruscant - Din Djarin

Coasting through the Rainbow - Javier Peña

A Safe Place for Us - Dieter Bravo

Our Journey through the Star Ocean - Din Djarin

Weddings 101 with Dieter - Dieter Bravo

Fire and Fury - Pero Tovar (DDDE)

Security Logs - Frankie Morales

Therapy for the Well-Adjusted - Marcus Pike

Uncomplicated Mi Amor - Javier Peña

Come live with me Angel - Benny Miller

Current fics on AO3 (might be on Tumblr one day, you’ll also need to be a registered user to read them):

Front Office Adjunct - Dave York (Dark)

Foul Play - Javier Peña (kinda Dark)

Caught in the Magic of You - Marc Spector

Fifty-Six Wildflower Lane - Frankie Morales (Dark)

WIPs that are in Nerdie’s notes floating around:

Viridesicant Seduction - Ezra

The Green Shop of Memories - Marcus Moreno AU with magic (maybe Nerdie looked at her Harry Potter books too long, thought she was in the coven with the witches from “The Acolyte” and chose to pull a modern day fantasy out of thin air) 👀 Also @secretelephanttattoo ‘s glorious fic Afterword is to blame.

Common Tongue (Moment’s Silence) - Din Djarin

Drinks after Work - Tim Rockford (He’s gotten most of my horny vibes as of late, what’s a few more? Also coworkers to lovers? Also they’re in their mid-forties. The vibes say so, so it shall be written.)

Honey and Sugarplum - Jack Daniels (Him and that damn Stetson. The brim is wide like him.)

No title - Oberyn Martell as a sex worker? (All vibes. Could stay as is, could have an older virgin reader or just an older reader who wanted to explore some stuff)

No title - Poe Dameron talking you through giving yourself an orgasm. (Vibes and also Zoom?)

No title - Marcus Acacius fic (The plot? convoluted and doesn’t have Marcus in the orgy because he wasn’t invited. Frankly he doesn’t want to be there and it’s not hot without him. But is still plot relevant, sneaky stuff, plans and an assassination or two. It’s Rome baby, just a Tuesday evening before we hit up the bath house.)

No title - trying to rework an m/m fic I’ve been trying to write since January. Why did I need a time skip in there? Also don’t worry about feelings. It’s buns out. But also feelings because, we care kinda. Well about seeing tears and knowing we did that. This is why it needs to be reworked, maybe with different characters. Theme will stay the same though.

So you know, a few things. Just a couple. 🤭

Does anyone believe when I say it might be a problem? Who does all this at the same time? Ugh…😭

Peeps who might be interested: @inept-the-magnificent @megamindsecretlair @soft-persephone @soft-girl-musings @angelofsmalldeath-codeine

@maggiemayhemnj @magpiepills @morallyinept @lotusbxtch @bitchwitch1981

@mysterious-moonstruck-musings @for-a-longlongtime @lady-bess @westside-rot @fhatbhabiee

@sin-djarin @syd-djarin @julesonrecord @perotovar @djarinmuse

@alltheglitterandtheroar @rosecentaur1916 @pedroshotwifey

[kazeofthemagun]

Anonymous asked:

send 🍀 and i'll recommend an oc rp blog

Positivity meme

[.....Oh boy y'all already know where this is going]

[I legally cannot answer this without putting my bestie in the #1 spotlight, aka Bug aka @cursedfortune aka some other blogs I'll mention in a sec. Literally the most amazing person ever and one of, if not the best friend I've made here in my 4~ years of being on tumblr.]

[To preface, Bug's blogs post ns/fw so keep safe if that's not your thing/you're a minor, as well as heavy content to be expected from dark fantasy-themed muses. The details you'll find on the blogs themselves, so I'll refrain from wasting too much time when I could be getting to the JUICE 🥤.]

[The main, the OG, @cursedfortune . Bug's main OC, Mortem, is amazing in every way. Seriously. She's got it all. Looking for a strong, competent female character with an intriguing and compelling backstory sprinkled throughout the blog? They're your Bug. Fancy some in-depth exploration on blue-and-orange morality that transcends human understanding and puts in the forefront the often terrifying workings of balancing forces? They're your Bug. Really, those who have been here for any amount of time probably know but Mortem is Kaze's first and only ship but neither of us went into it thinking those two chucklefucks would catch feels in that way. In hindsight it makes complete sense, but here's the deal: don't begin your journey with this character solely to ship. It won't work that way - shipping needs chemistry first and foremost and female OC muses are already dealing with many users who go in with only the intent to write romance/smut and largely ignore what makes the character so compelling and unique in the first place.]

[Not to give lessons on tumblr etiquette, I'm sure y'all can understand 💜]

[Some other OC blogs of Bug's that I've interacted with a bit less but are nonetheless amazing:]

@bvd11975 That's not a spambot, baby. That's Nes, a special agent of an agency focused on paranormal investigation that plays a key role in Bug's overarching setting. Kickass character, design, story and personality-wise.

@ofmanytxngues A glorious force of chaos lmao. Not *that* Chaos, but uhh.. there's def A Wormy Boi (gender neutral) involved there somewhere. Marie is another character I haven't written with all that much and is on hiatus atm but I simply cannot not give her a shoutout while I'm at it. Marie and Ana riding an ice cream truck when?

Some others that are more WIP atm ^^ you'd have to approach Bug for them. (And their canons! But this is a meme for OCs specifically ;)

[NOW, to take a break from gushing about the best soup to ever soup and give due spotlight to others who 100% deserve it - keep in mind this is based on my interactions with them, as in, I am unlikely to shout out people I haven't written with or otherwise interacted with enough!! This is in no way personal, but rather a natural consequence since there are SO many amazing people and muses on tumblr. 😄]

@halfkuma and @knightshonour . Those two started out as iterations on the same character and evolved into separate people: also feature a healthy dose of secondary OCs and some canons. Rowan is a character I've fallen in love with (figure of speech) very easily since, well, I do happen to enjoy gloomy, doomed by the narrative warriors, and Soulsborne, very much. Halfkuma is a blog based around the Touhou universe with the mains, Roan and Touri, being bear yokai. (Half and full respectively). Furthermore, Slap himself is one of the chillest beans on here and is always a pleasure to talk to and meme with.

@hriobzagelthewanderer !!! Because how could I NOT. Kov is amazing and so is his muse. I was so surprised to see a figure from Polish (and generally Slavic + Germanic) folklore, that I essentially grew up reading about, transformed and adapted into an amazingly crafted muse. Hriob Zagel combines various mythologies + popular media inspirations into one giant (pun intended) goofball who is an absolute delight to see on my dash.

Aaand last but not least (for now!) Though I haven't interacted with her personally just yet, @hexenjagd . Obligatory shoutout to a dark fantasy/Elden Ring-based female OC with some of the most intricate yet well-flowing backstory I've seen on the site. Helena, the Witch-Knight, a person branded by the touch of Death and everything it entails within the setting. Definitely grimdark and macabre in all the right ways and I am here for it. 😎

[ginevraweasley-potter]

It has been years since I have engaged in the Marauders fandom. I’m trying to get back more into the “classic” Marauder fanfics such as All The Young Dudes and The Life and Times but they all missed a certain element of “something” for me this go around. Anyways, I’ll try and read through them again to see if I’m being unfair. I do like their premises.

But none has captivated my imagination and interest as CH Darling’s series The Last Enemy (TLE). It’s currently ongoing but I admire the nuanced take on Lily, how she’s not portrayed as this wholly perfect character. She’s got flaws. She’s got ambition. She’s so well written that I am so in love with her. No one’s Lily Evans has captivated me as much as CH Darling’s Lily.

Additionally, the fact that CH Darling started the narrative on the 5th year, meant that the story didn’t shy away from the arrogant toe-rag James Potter and I believe that CH Darling brought justice to Severus Snape’s character. Genuinely, I hate Snape but the multiple perspectives of TLE story - which does include Snape - has provided me with a far better understanding of his character than any internet annotation or analysis has done.

The characterization and growth of both James Potter and Sirius Black was handled well and not unrealistically. They were described as brilliant students and chronic pranksters, which CH Darling highlights and integrates into this series (something that I find is greatly missed by a lot of the earlier fanfics that depicts them as pranksters solely and not academically inclined which I disagree with). I love it! James still holds his prejudices towards Snape and Sirius toes that line between what he has been taught and what he has learned.

Remus and Peter are also given their own spotlight. I love how CH Darling explored the ramifications of Sirius’s betrayal and that it’s not just an “I’m sorry” and it is all better. I suspect that, if the author continues this series until the inevitably tragic ending, they will utilize that event as an important inflection point. I do hope they go on to write till that point because I want my heart to be thoroughly crushed. Peter’s character exploration borders on uncomfortable and resigned pity because dramatic irony understands where his character will go on to be and so you try to read between the lines of his perspective, waiting for that inevitable shift of his character.

What I believe really sets this series apart is the way CH Darling portrays the geopolitical climate of the Wizarding World as Voldemort comes into power. It’s all too familiar with our current state. The author makes the story relatable beyond the romantic themes and intrapersonal relationship dynamics.

I do have my fair share of criticism but for now, I must recommend this series because (while a WIP) it is sure to become one of the Marauder “classics.”

You can follow the author @chdarling and @chdarling-tle

The Last Enemy: The Howling Nights by CH Darling (complete)

It’s 1975 and war is simmering beneath the surface of the Wizarding world...but at Hogwarts, it’s magic as usual as the fifth years prepare for their O.W.L.s amidst politics, pranks, and other poor choices.

Severus Snape wants to prove his worth.

Lily Evans wants a fresh start.

James Potter wants Lily Evans, though no one is more surprised by this than him.

Sirius Black wants to write himself a new story.

Remus Lupin wants to survive the next moon.

Peter Pettigrew just wants to keep up.

But as tensions bubble over, sides will be chosen, friendships destroyed, families parted, and paths forever altered.

The Last Enemy: Dark Marks by CH Darling (on going)

It’s 1976 and the events of the past term at Hogwarts have left their mark on all involved. But it’s a new school year now, with new teachers, new rules, and new regrets. Yet as the war clamoring outside the castle walls grows ever louder, the students inside will learn that some marks are impossible to wash away.

[16woodsequ]

20 Questions for Writers

I was tagged by @eriquin. Thank you!

1. How many works do you have on AO3?

58! I can't believe how many it is!

2. What's your total AO3 word count?

1,154,427

3. What fandoms do you write for?

Mainly Marvel, but I've also written for Transformers and Sherlock

4. What are your top five fics by kudos?

Alternatively

Sins of the Father

Uncovered Issues

The Alternative Handler

All Too Familiar

5. Do you respond to comments?

Yeah! I respond to all my comments!

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

Either Ice and Empty Spaces, or Nothing Left

7. What's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

Probably Sorrow is Not My Name.

8. Do you get hate on fics?

Yes, on some of my more politically themed fics.

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

No smut for me!

10. Do you write crossovers?

No really, I wrote Zuko's Weird Dream as a challenge, but that's it.

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Once I believe. Someone posted my fic and some others on this site I'd never heard off, and we got their account shut down.

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

Not yet! I've had someone offer, but didn't hear back after that. I do think about translating my fics myself into French, since I know the language, but that's a future project.

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

Yes! I wrote The One Where Clint is Steve's Weakness with @jinxquickfoot and wrote sympathy won't you come around? with @turtle-steverogers

14. What's your all-time favorite ship?

I don't really ship people the same way a lot of people do? I think it's something to do with being aspec for me. I enjoy SteveBucky because their friendship is so strong, but I don't think I ship them. I dunno.

15. What's a WIP you want to finish, but doubt you will?

Hmm, I've kind of learned to never say never after I came back to the first multi-chapter Marvel fic I ever wrote and finished it. But maybe the fic "It's not my/your fault" (named that because I haven't decided which of the two words to use). It's kind of a trauma vent fic, and I don't know if I need to finish it right now.

16. What are your writing strengths?

Emotional impact and exploring trauma and mental health.

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

I feel like I sometimes use the same sayings and words a lot to describe things and feelings. So I'm try to be conscious of that.

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in fic?

When I do it, I like to put the translation or indicate the translation somehow within the text. I think it breaks the flow if readers need to know what's being said, but have to scroll down to the notes for translations. If the character doesn't need to know, or isn't supposed to know what's being said, then I will leave the reader in the dark, but if the character is supposed to know what's being said, then I will indicate it in the text in one way or another.

19. First fandom you wrote for?

Transformers! Still has a special place in my heart.

20. Favorite fic you've written?

That's so hard! I feel like I often feel very excited for recent fics that I've written. But I am really loving my fic Therapy Works (if your therapist isn't a Hydra agent) that I'm posting right now. It is such an amalgamation of all the themes I love writing about Steve, and it's a perfect spotlight on what he's gone through, as well being a continuation of different fics I've written that people have loved. It's great :D

Low pressure tag: @jinxquickfoot @meidui

[dawsonskyelar]

I love talking about my sons too much to wait for someone to ask about them so I'm just going to yap here for Storyteller Saturday. Obligatory do not read if intending to read the novels warning.

@bardic-tales @creators-club

What inspired the core theme of your WIP?

I've always loved the idea that there are infinite versions of ourselves, and I thought that the idea of these different selves meeting was interesting. Also opposites attract is my catnip.

How does your WIP explore the balance between light and darkness?

YAY a question about my writing process! Sebastian suffers from depression and I've tried my best to weave that into the narrative. But I also know that pure misery porn isn't fun, so I balance it with funny moments between him and the other characters.

What personal values or experiences influenced the themes in your WIP?

I decline to answer this. All I'll say is that this trilogy is a manifestation of everything I've experienced in my life.

How did you choose the title of your WIP, and what does it symbolize?

My Heart Will Go On is my favourite song of all time, and 'the spaces between us' just sounds romantic and illustrates the first novel perfectly. The sequels are currently titled If You'd Never Left and When I'm With You, and along with the first novel, illustrate Sebastian's relationship with true happiness. And I also think the combinations of these words sound incredibly poetic.

Which character arc best represents your WIP's central theme?

The entire trilogy is about Sebastian's fight against depression and coming to terms with his past. Nick goes through a similar path but we don't really see it because the story is told through Sebastian's POV.

What’s your favorite trope to read and write, and why?

Opposites attract, duh. I also love characters overcoming personal obstacles against all odds.

How do you approach writing complex character relationships?

I think about how Nick's and Sebastian's pasts have influenced them to become who they are in the story and how that can inform their thoughts and reactions. The best thing about opposites attract is that you don't have to look too far to look for conflict.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced while writing this story?

Finding motivation and getting around my healthy eating program because I CANNOT not drink sugary drinks when writing.

Do you prefer outlining your WIP in advance or letting it develop organically?

I think about how I want the story to progress, what kind of arc I want the characters to go through, then plan out the best conflicts for that purpose. However, the outline is subject to change as I learn more about the characters and the world.

How do you stay motivated when tackling emotionally intense scenes?

What do you mean? I LIVE for emotionally intense scenes, baby!

Which of your characters would you get along with best in real life?

Nick, I think. We both love to have fun and eat food.

If you could spend a day with any of your characters, who would it be and why?

Nick and Heidi - Nick for the fun aspect and Heidi for a not-talking-much kindred spirit.

Which character is most misunderstood, and how would you defend them?

Definitely Sebastian because I know some people don't like doom-and-gloom characters like him. That's OK, my story isn't going to be for everyone.

Who was the hardest character to write, and what made it challenging?

Probably alt-Heidi. She's such a bitch and so different from Heidi that it was hard to make her at least tolerable. Also figuring out the logistics of her background was hell.

Which character would you trust with a dangerous secret?

Heidi. She's extremely shy and talking to people is hard for her, but she's still trustworthy even without those things.

Share a line or excerpt that reveals a character’s deepest fear.

His pale skin, long hair and slanted eyes never failed to remind Sebastian of a snake. If he had a list of phobias–not that he did–then snakes would be the second item.

What’s a favorite dialogue exchange you’ve written?

‘Up at this hour already, bastard? You’re such a prissy goody-two-shoes, y’know that? It’s like they’d make you cough up two years of pay if you were a second late, y’know what I mean–?’

CRASH.

‘OW!’

‘That’s what you get for changing my alarm tone, deadlast.’

‘I watched a man disappear, Nick!’

‘So?’

‘So?’ Sebastian couldn’t believe this. Was this the same Nick who always put other people before himself? ‘Do you realise what this means? If more people are moving across dimensions, something bad will happen!’

‘You’re talking bullshit! Nothing’s gonna happen! It’s just a swap of places!’

Sebastian was incredulous. ‘So you’d stay here even if other people were taken away from their lives?’

‘Yeah!’ There was no hesitation in Nick’s voice.

‘And why is that?’

‘Because my parents’re here.’ Nick glared at Sebastian defiantly and bit down on his bottom lip that had started to quiver.

‘They’re not yours, Nick! They’re Nichole’s! Your parents are dead!’

‘They see me as their son. That’s good enough for me.’

Nick’s eyes were wet, but he didn’t shed a tear. ‘You don’t understand how much I want this. You had a family. You know having someone love you feels like. I never had that.

Share a scene where a character’s true nature is revealed.

The fire that he’d been trying to repress for over a decade flared through his system. Without warning he reached out and grabbed her by the throat. She let out terrified gagging sounds as he pinned her to the floor. She’d caused him irreversible damage. He was going to do the same to her, so she’d know how he felt.

‘I did everything I could,’ he growled at her. ‘Do you know how often I wake up at ungodly hours because of you? Crying because I couldn’t do anything to save you? Do you know how much I’d give to have all of it back so I can do it right?’

Sebastian’s hair was askew and his entire face was shining with sweat. He was the definition of a madman. He tightened his hold on Madeline’s neck and delighted at how she squirmed and squeaked. This was it. He was finally going to put an end to this. At last, he’d be free from their clutches. How he’d longed to do this. Since the day they left him.

Post an excerpt that showcases your WIP’s central conflict.

See second part of 'Favourite dialogue' question.

Share a snippet that highlights a moment of vulnerability or intimacy.

This excerpt is from my current WIP. Apologies for bad writing because it hasn't been edited yet.

He felt something warm and solid against his back and Nick’s hand reached up to close the cabinet. ‘C’mon, can’t we make this last just a bit longer?’

Sebastian’s heart skyrocketed. The sensation of Nick’s body against his was almost enough to send him into cardiac arrest. He was seeing stars and his knees hand turned to water.

‘The… The pizza will go bad.’ Even his tongue felt heavy in his mouth.

‘It can wait a few minutes.’ Nick rested his chin on Sebastian’s shoulder.

‘Most people wouldn’t say… the kitchen is a romantic place.’

‘Who gives a fuck.’ Nick turned Sebastian’s head so they could face each other. The rhythm of his heart against his chest was almost painful. Nick’s lips were shining and the low light hid his eyes, giving them a mysterious look. He wished death would hurry up so he didn’t have to think any longer.

Nick mouthed something but Sebastian couldn’t hear it over the rushing in his ears. Nick’s arms around him felt like an anaconda had captured him. Even as Nick moved closer his eyes were still hidden. Sebastian’s stomach rolled and he felt liquid shooting up his throat. He held onto the counter’s edge as Nick’s lips finally touched his.

What’s an angst headcanon that isn’t explicitly shown in your story?

The fact that Sebastian remembers what his family looked like when he last saw them implies he watched all of them die.

What’s a little-known fact about your main character’s past?

Nobody helped Nick when he was beaten up by the orphanage's bullies - in fact they just stood and watched as he screamed in pain.

Do you have any secret backstories or plot twists you haven’t revealed yet?

In the third book Nick hates the idea of Sebastian getting therapy because he got fucked over by the therapist he was forced to see when he was sent to jail.

What inspired your character’s name, and does it have a deeper meaning?

All the names in the trilogy share the same initials as their inspirations, so that's my base. For Sebastian I like the actor Sebastian Stan because he portrayed Bucky Barnes so brilliantly and he's so beautiful but I'm so lucky the name itself has potential for many nicknames. For Nick I took his name from Nick Carter, my favourite Backstreet Boys member, including the unusual spelling. Carter is a blond and he gets up every time life tries to kick him down which I find SO inspiring.

What’s a detail about your world-building that you love but rarely mention?

The reality cracks lead to other dimensions so in theory you can walk through one and you'll be travelling between them seamlessly.

[vacantgodling]

re. about

ren (or rimz for cool kids). he/him. twenty five. black. queer. neurodivergent.

i'm redoing this because i'm losing steam (thanks work) and i'm pulling back on a lot of projects to mostly focus on things that make me personally happy. as is the nature of my brain, i will still jump back and forth between projects when i lose the flow for another, but i’ve narrowed my important wips down to just three main ones. other projects are currently being shelved, or put to the side as half baked ideas that i still need to keep in the oven before i introduce them to anyone formally.

(so if you don’t see a wip listed in the wips tab, it’s either shelved indefinitely or i want to work on it on my own for a bit. you can ask me about my other wips if you know/remember them but i can’t guarantee i’ll answer about them at this time. this also doesn’t mean i won’t ramble about them when i feel like it.)

important sideblogs = no pressure to follow just fyi

@babylonsfalling -> all my fandom and other nonsense goes here

@todazzlingreading -> this is a personal checklist for things i want to read by y’all that i don’t have time or spoons to get to at the moment i see it. once i read a post there i’ll delete it from that blog and rb it over here with any comments in the tags :3

to find my art commissions, please look here: https://www.tumblr.com/vacantgodling/715216537870532608/commissions-are-open

re. disclaimers / interaction

i mainly write fantasy; it’s a broad overarching label that covers all of my interests and it’s my first love in writing. horror and horror adjacent elements always make an appearance in my works. i emphasize complex mlm relationships and male leads, and romance is a great love of mine as you’ll notice from the king of my current wips. worldbuilding is also a great love of mine. i also love writing smut and talking about my characters having sex.

as such some disclaimers: following me is a very much curate your own experience. i don’t want to hold back talking about adult and mature themes so if you’re uncomfortable with anything i talk about i’d just suggest you unfollow lol nothing personal.

i’m open to asks and talking about anything but there’s no pressure. anons are always cool. i’m probably not gonna do writing based tag games too too much bc writing has been nonexistent lately but character asks or ramble ones i will do :)

also, as a personal ask: please do not refer to any of my characters as babygirl or girlie(s). shit makes me squick thanks.

re. main wips

linked are the main tags & once i finish the wip intros for paramour and tcol (revamping them) i’ll link them as well. feel free to ask to be on the taglist for any of these (i’m going to do better with these) — taglists will be activated for all writing and official posts. this won’t include ask games or random babbling.

PARAMOUR || “saved” from an imminent social death through arranged marriage, HYACINTHUS SHRAPNEL is whisked away to The Chateau aux Aisles D’or, where an unlikely sexual relationship with his butler AMON leads to far more than he bargained for.

THE CHRONICLES OF LATHSBURY (check out the crash course HERE) || The Aegean Guild of Explorers, led by the mysterious newcomer to Lathsbury Madja Fandel welcomes its newest contingent after the guild bid: PIPER FAIRWIND a MBW with a fighting spirit and desire for money and glory, DEUX UNDERSHIELD a naive protector seeking answers for her brother’s spurn, SANDRA “SAN” DEARBORN a vicious hunter with a chip on their shoulder, CLEAR BRIGHTENDALE a medic with a host of dark secrets, and FORTE SYMPHONIA a ranger seeking his own destiny, are as ready as they’ll ever be to enter the fray, to conquer the mysterious and dangerous LABYRINTH. Forces that have been in motion since before their lives even began are finally reaching their peak, and the five of them will have to use everything they’ve learned and then some to stay alive.

re. navigation

talking -> musings and personal thoughts

about renjamin -> insight to me / who i am

ren analysis -> when i get meta about my wips

ren mix -> a treasure trove of my music taste

ren polls -> any polls i make

ren reads -> for my ramblings and analysis as i try to get back into books

friends tag -> talking with friends or boosting my friends work

others work -> boosting other writeblrs work

hall of fame -> praise / things that make me happy that i want to keep

ren writing -> all of my writing in one place

ren poems -> all of my poems in one place

ren fic -> all of my fandom related writing in one place

ren art -> all my art

q eh you eh -> queue

sex mention -> tag for any sexual content.

worldbuilding -> all of my worldbuilding notes across all my wips

find the word tag -> for this game specifically so i can find it

last line tag -> for this game specifically so i can find it

ren hot cakes -> specifically for my overly opinionated opinions

writing recap -> tracking my writing journey so i can hold myself accountable

[starsscarmyceiling]

Gimme some of that Clone Wars AU pls! Stirring the Sky

Hoooo ohhh man, Abby! The origin story to this one is actually pretty funny…and I know I’ve blathered on to you about my fics…BUT for everyone else…so a few months ago, an anon asked me if I had any sort of fic prompt ideas floating around in my head, which you can find here. And what do I do ofc??? Why, write out 5k worth of prompt ideas because a bitch over here can never stfu. And ONE of those ideas…I honestly got really attached to it and I was like…well oh NO I am going to have to write this, aren’t I?? It’s from the “Canonverse Divergent” section, I thought of this Clone Wars AU, and this is the original prompt I wrote:

“Clone Wars AU where Cal and Jaro are assigned to try and recruit the Nightsisters to try and get the upper hand in the war with Dooku (lol I wouldn’t say exactly a Dark Disciple route but that’s up to you). Merrin is voluntold (the opposite of volunteered) by Mother Talzin to try and become allies with the Jedi (they could have their own shady Nightsister ulterior motive going on as well), and Merrin reluctantly goes with the Jedi. And oooooooOoOooo wow the shenanigans that can ensue from that. (Merrin also has to try really hard not to lose her shit over leaving Dathomir for the first time in her life). I’d imagine a lot of frustrations from both parties. The clones mercilessly make fun of Cal and his Nightsister gf (but they also have to tell him what’s up). He thinks she’s unreasonably obtuse and rude, and she thinks he’s frustratingly smug/arrogant. Merrin could prove to be a definite asset in battle. Cal probably thinks it’s hawt 😳 OH NO SHE’S HOT SEE LOOK HOW WE GOT HERE WE LIKE TO HAVE FUN HERE.

Now suddenly she’s mysterious and complex, and he’s frustrated that he wants to know more. He’s actually the sweetest person she’s ever seen and she’s angry about it. She constantly has to check in with her sisters and it’s getting harder and harder to go behind his back or deny that she maybe might not hate him anymore she maybe even may want to smooch him WOAH who knows. They bond over feeling used in this war. Come on. You got it from here right?”

Soooo, YEAH…I gots a little too overindulgent in my thoughts and started writing THIS…but I am so very excited because it’s just the two of them being endlessly frustrated yet hotted up for each other at all times. All the clones ship it HARD. Merrin starts to grow attached to some of the clones that are very welcoming to her…actually fun fact…if you’ve read my fic “what’s grown between (surgery scars)” when Cal told Merrin about his clone trauma…I literally pulled what he was saying from this WIP…HEH…

ALSO, I honestly just want to live my best life and push forward my personal HC that I have of if Cal were older during order 66 or it never happened, him and Jaro would 100% have Jake and Holt energy from Brooklyn 99 agenda.

And I am so very excited to explore a lot of these themes that I’ve brought into my Merrical writing in a setting like this. Cal contemplating his feelings, his so naturally compassionate and empathetic spirit that wants to take care of everyone else before himself, and then someone like MERRIN steps into his life??? OOF I am gonna have some fun with this and the psychometric Jedi and space witch of it all. GOODNESS I am so excited for it.

AND SO…here is a long ass preview because I honestly didn’t know where to cut it off…Cal is answering a comm from their commander, Zand, on his and Jaro’s ship and well he may have sensed a presence while doing so…😏😏😏

When there was nothing there still, he turned once again to his original direction, but as soon as he did, there was a flash of green light and smoke, and suddenly, there was a figure there before him.

“There is no need to brandish weapons or administer threats Jedi,” she stated with her voice laced in malice, which ironically enough did feel like a bit of a threat.

Cal severely balked at this sudden interaction, “Who are you?”

The woman crossed her arms with still a severe expression on her face, “Does it matter? We are all just—unsettling to you anyway.”

His eyes narrowed as he put the pieces together in his head, “Were you—spying on me?”

Her expression changed to that of incredulity as she raised an eyebrow, “You left the door to your ship open.”

It was a bit shocking, her audacity as he bristled all over again, “Are you seriously blaming me for you trespassing onto my ship and listening in on my private conversation?”

This woman, who Cal only now after processing the last several moments did he start to take in her appearance, did give off such an intense energy in the force. Cal felt her ire, her disdain so much so that it almost made him feel dizzy.

A short breath escaped him as he shut off his lightsaber, and all she did was continue to glare at him. She was short statured with light gray skin and intense brown eyes. Her soft features on her face were adorned with tattoos that lined her forehead, her cheeks. And it was all coming to a head, feeling her emotions, his emotions of frustration, accost, but now he was also flustered, bewildered, and definitely anxious.

He hated to think, though it was sad, but true, that he thought she was astoundingly beautiful.

His mind tried to do a complete turnaround because that was very much besides the point, and he did his best to keep his mental shields up, having no idea what she was capable of as she finally continued to speak.

“Though Mother Talzin invited you here Jedi,” she said again with such derision to her words, “do not hold the false notion that you are in any way welcome.”

Cal almost wanted to laugh at her statement, his own ire stacking up again in his mind, and he actually welcomed it as it was much easier to process in the moment than anything else he was currently grappling with.

An exhale escaped his nostrils harshly as he kept up his glare, “Believe me,” he stated with his own contempt, clipping his lightsaber to his belt again, “I would like to get off this force forsaken planet as soon as possible.”

She tilted her head at him, seeming to descry in her own way, which caused the fringe of her silver blonde hair to slightly cascade into her eyes as they scanned over him. It made him—exceedingly uncomfortable for a multitude of reasons he really couldn’t dwell on at the moment.

“That is at least something we can agree on Jedi,” she uttered in a flatter tone than she had before, but still possessed an air of intolerance.

“I have a name you know. Don’t know how I’d get around the confusion of actually just going by the moniker of Jedi,” he stated in what was a mockery of her sardonic tone of voice.

She stood there still for several moments as she raised an eyebrow at him, which to him translated into some form of her being through with his banthashit.

“Jedi…the Jedi?” The Nightsister questioned with a genuine air of perplexment to her voice.

Honestly, once she said it out loud, Cal really wasn’t sure what he was even trying to accomplish. Was he trying to make a joke? Was he trying to be a smartass? Was he trying to break the tension? If Jaro was asked, he’d probably claim that Cal would try and accomplish all of the above.

“What, are you attempting to be clever or snide?” She asked as she began to take careful steps circumventing him, “Or just insulting? You think you can come to my home and disrespect me in such a way?”

Cal crossed his arms as he scoffed, “You’re the one who snuck onto my ship first, Nightsister.”

If she was going to address him in such a way he’d do it right back. He was feeling that petty.

Though, he very much resented himself when his mind flashed with the title ‘Nightsister, the Nightsister,’ and he had to hold back a stupid smirk.

She was temporarily out of his view, though he still felt her, always felt her as she too laughed humorlessly, “You are extremely full of yourself, aren’t you Jedi?”

The way she said it this time seemed to give off the same amount of snark he was emanating.

Cal waited until she was there in his vision again as he slightly upturned his chin to her.

“I bet you’d like to think so, wouldn’t you? Profile me, put me in a box of whatever your false perceptions of Jedi are,” Cal almost barked at her. Force, he didn’t even remember the last time he’d been so irritated with a person.

“And you are not doing the same to me? Making your own assumptions and insulting something you don’t even understand.”

Another scoff was in his throat, “Yeah, and let’s still not forget how you acquired such information from me.”

Her glare was fierce again as the disparagement was almost palpable on her face now, “I only was scoping out the situation because I have my people’s interest in mind.”

Cal realized he was flexing his arms now as they were still crossed over his chest out of sheer frustration, “You could have just asked me you know; I would have been more than willing to speak with you about any such matters that occur with my order.”

“And how was I to know this? All I have heard about Jedi is that they are liars and selfish thieves!” She exclaimed.

Again. He was taken such aback again at the gull.

“And where in the hell did you hear that? A Separatist the people The Republic is trying to stand against?” He said, but then he already had another retort on his tongue, “And for that matter, we were the ones that were invited here and ever since we arrived, all we have gotten from you is blatant disdain when we hadn’t even done anything!”

“None of us wanted you here!”

“That’s not my problem! Don’t take your misplaced frustration out on me!”

His statement seemed to give her pause, and Cal hadn’t even realized that they’d somehow managed to step closer and closer to one another in this skirmish and were definitely in one another’s personal space.

Kriff, how did I end up here?

Her eyes were narrowed up at him as he still found that anger, but he also cornered something else in them that was not easy to place.

“You should have never come to Dathomir Jedi,” she admonished in a strained tone.

A short sigh fell out of his mouth.

“Cal.”

For the first time, he found actual confusion on her countenance, “What?”

“Cal, my name is Cal Kestis, not Jedi. Again, I don’t go by Jedi the Jedi.”

Honestly, he wasn’t exactly sure why he said it. At this point he recognized they were both being assholes to each other.

Her eyes were all over him again though as she leaned back to cross her arms, “Do you think you are exceedingly hilarious, Cal?”

He didn’t know what it was. The concept of his nomenclature was always simple, straightforward concept in his mind, but there was something in the way that she said it, the timbre of her voice, that drove him insane.

And that sort of insanity seemed to have many faces right now, many of which were irritation.

Still, he crossed his arms all the same, “I am starting up my own comedy tour, actually.”

And never in his life, as he was already trying to convince himself that it wasn’t true, had he ever been so…aroused by the utterance of his own name.

This…he needed to get himself out of this situation now.

Her eyes scanned him again, “I do not find your antics the least bit entertaining.”

“Well, I guess I won’t be reserving the cranky Nightsister a seat, now will I?”

A narrowed gaze in his direction now. And he wasn’t sure how he felt—about being under her scrutiny.

“You are extremely arrogant and insolent,” she declared, her eyes still fierce, “but it is not as if that really matters, Cal.”

He was very much resenting the shiver that was sent down his spine.

SOOO YEH, hope you guys are as excited for this one as I am!!! I literally think these two don't even have the ability to be around one another and NOT be super horni right off the bat for each other haha.

SHENANIGANSSSS

[ruiniel]

Greetings, Senpai~👋😁 It may not be an Ask You Anything day, but mind humouring a close-to defeated underling? (Totally ignore if you're not up for it) You've mentioned in the past that your writing style has changed over some years, and I recently finished Prickly thorns tender roses (love it! Reviews to follow) and am extremely curious as to how you yourself view how your style has altered, if you wouldn't mind sharing??

fREN you're too humble I know your writing is brilliant and we're all just obsessed little critters in the fandom pond when it comes to fic writing. Uhh thanks again for reading ye olde fanfic, I know I said I needed some time but then got tired, so this won't be an in-depth reply or anything, just rando thoughts.

The main thing that I feel (hope) helped me change and improve was to keep writing. Good, bad, 'odd', unpopular topic, rare-pair, dark? Kept writing. Paused for days, months, years? Went back and picked it up again. Wrote many things I'd never share because they're just so experimental but it helped to explore. I feel like by keeping up creative writing some things got ingrained into my head as to how I like to approach plot, characters, tone, point of view and POV shifts.

Doing beta reading for others also made me zoom in more on the importance of editing and proofreading and I'm more attentive to that in my own drafts nowadays: word choice, clarity and sentence structure, grammar, style, phrasing...

Show vs Tell is a hairy topic, I did try to hone in more on when it works better to tell and when showing might be more effective. On 'showing' emotions, states of mind, I like this bit I saw: Ask yourself, “Can a camera see this?” If the answer is “no,” then you have some work to do.

For sure not as 'trigger happy' to share as I used to be say... 3 years ago (WIPs don't count, eh). I also take more time with the planning phase (even outlining, gasp!) when it comes to multi-chapter stories. I found I enjoy the research phase and figuring out how to incorporate that into the world building and characterization (if it applies) and whatever theme I'm obsessed with at the time.

Through all this reading different styles and genres helped me too. I found myself unable to keep the 'reader glasses' on after a while, instead taking note of all of the above and more in published creative writing.

Ty for the question

[project-aphelion]

07.20.2023 - A Big Change

So. Uh. It hath certainly been a while since I properly updated on Aphelion. It has also been no secret that I’ve been struggling with this wip. 

In short, I created this wip when I was a teenager and full of angst, and although I did pare down the angst in the story a lot as I grew (both physically and as a writer), there were just certain aspects ingrained into the story that were still just Too Much, and I really wasn’t liking where the story was going. And THAT meant I wasn’t having fun writing the book, which truly was the worst feeling.

So...what now? I don’t want to abandon this story! There’s still a lot I like about it, and I really want to share it with everyone! But I really needed to figure out how to fix this story, or else I’d just find myself trapped in the same hamster wheel, tumbling around in the same story issues no matter how much I tried to rearrange them.

FIRST: To identify the problem. This is something I’ve been aware of for years, and it’s that Cay’s story is much too dark and gritty. That could be fine, but...the type of stuff he goes through is giving T/he Fo/xhole C/ourt, which is a series that I did like a lot for a time, but that I’ve also come to be critical of for its...how do you put it...trauma porn? I think that’s the word. And I don’t want my story to be that, even if it is popular.

But here’s the thing: I’ve tried paring down how dark Cay’s story is. I’ve tried having the bad stuff happen off screen, or be implied instead of said. NONE of it was working. And it doesn’t get better in the planned sequels, where he basically spends all his time consumed by guilt and grief. His whole story was huge bummer to think about, let alone write. He also just adds so much complexity to the story, which could be a fine, normal thing, because twists and turns are fun, OR it could just make the story more muddy and convoluted. And I’ve been finding it’s the latter.

And, leading into the next point...

SECOND: Prioritize. What exactly is it about this story that I like? I like Rian’s story, which is an exploration of the “kid with superpowers used as a weapon” trope that I like a lot, and I like Shelby, who I’ve always liked writing because of how dry and snipey she can be. I like the odd relationship between her and Rian.

And Cay...well, I like Cay, and I like how I made his story intertwine with the rest of the plot, but he was, UNDOUBTEDLY, the one dragging everything down. It’s always his chapters that feel too convoluted, too convenient, too contrived.

And so, THIRD, the diagnosis:

I’m cutting Cay entirely out of the story.

And that’s. WILD. to think about. He was the bona fide main character. He was the character I drew the most and thought most about. There was a plot twist (several, in fact) involving him later in the story that I’ve always been excited to see readers’ reactions on, but I had to weigh my options: do I want a story that works, or do I want a reaction from readers?

I want a story that works.

So. Right now, I’m trying out a new version of the story WITHOUT CAY. That’s right. He’s gone from the story. And what I found out is that when I do this, I actually open up a lot more room for properly placed (AND paced) exposition and worldbuilding. Parts of the story are allowed to breathe. It allows the story to be more focused on the theme and character relationships.

This means that, yes, I’ll be killing so many darlings. There are still parts from Cay’s story that I really love, but if I can’t kill these darlings, then the story isn’t going to go anywhere.

Other things that will be cut are: the “magic” system (it never added anything to the plot. This is also a problem I’ve been aware of, but I never cut it because I just thought the concept was cool.); Ev and Jack; aepids (the pterosaurs they ride on).

That being said, I do plan to reuse some of these in another story that I’ve also been stuck on, sooooo we’ll see how that goes.

I’ve gotten one chapter done so far; basically I’ve repurposed parts of Cay’s chapter and turned it into Bee’s chapter. I struggled a little with it (this chapter/setting ALWAYS makes me struggle) but I managed 3k words for it!

That was a long update, so here is an excerpt or Bee and Idan scavenging.

What do YOU think? Lentils or clam chowder? Vote now in the tags.

[darkfictionjude]

Etymology nonnie here!

The more I learn about the Superhero IF the more struck by grief I become. Knowing that by no chance of my own, I lost something that never had. Of course, consciously I know you can still write it one day. In the future... How distant will it be? Who knows?

It also makes me want to write my own superhero IF. The problem is I have no concept for the story. I have some idea for the MC (and have the project in Twine create some time ago, even if no story has yet been written). Yet, dear Jude, don't fret (I know you probably weren't fretting, but still). I wasn't intending on taking 1950s americana as a setting (although I love it).

The thing is, I love the idea of having a superpowered MC being in a complicated moral and living situation because of their powers. What is convinient? What is moral? What is just? What is possible? So many questions to ask. So many aspects of our psyches to explore. So many intimate conflicts to obsess over.

Also, the kind of power changes so many things. Telepathy is always something morally questionable. There is always an invasion of privacy. And if it goes the Fallen Hero route, where you have telepaths capable of mental manipulation, blockage, possession, and mental erasure... Well, they can be rather easily fall into villainous territory. Yet, they're invisible, and flexible, and so intriguing.

Then you have powers that change the character's body. Their appearance. And you can write so much about identity. Even if the changes are positive (think, something akin a successful super soldier serum), the character has to confront the changes. What has been gained? What has been lost? Was it worth it? Was there even a choice? Will I lose who I am?

Yet, there is also this conflict inside my writer's heart: Go for subversion or playing a trope straight but to its maximum range and expression? Exploring the dark side of superheroes, or superpowered people in general, is always fun and fascinating. There is so much it can be done. So many interesting character that can be created from both approaches. So many interesting conflicts that only make sense in this kind of stories...

Like, I do love my Superman, Batman and Spiderman. The beacon of hope; the dim light in the darkness who no matter how much pain he has still believes in second chances; the one caring about the small issues of their neighborhood as much as the big schemes that are inflicted upon the big city.

Yet I also enjoy my Soldier Boys out there (and not just because Jensen Ackles is so attractive, mind you). I'm a sucker for Captain America/Winter soldier inspired things. So it surprises no one.

Now I'm seriously considering making my Superhero IF project my main project instead of the one I'm actually writing. I probably won't, since I don't have a concept yet. Just many ideas. Many themes. Many possibilities. And too many thoughts about Fallen Hero that may or not contaminate anything I create that is superhero themed.

And I do enjoy my current WIP. Even if my progress is slower than I would like. However you all probably won't hear about it for a while. I want to have most of it planned (and some of it written) before making a Tumblr blog for it.

Etymology you really do have a lot to say hahaha I could never, your question asking skills are very polished although technically you didn't ask me a question 😭

[usamamoweek]

Meet the Creators - Wishwars

What username(s) and platform(s) can folx find you on? (Please include links!)

@wishwars- can find stories on AO3 or FFN (links in platform names)

(Fun Fact) What is your favorite kind of potato?

Garlic mashed <3

How long have you been creating works in fandom spaces? How long have you been active in the SM fandom?

I started reading SM fanfiction in 2014 and writing it in 2016. How time flies!

What type(s) of creative works do you usually make? (fanfics, digital art, cosplay)

I write fanfic (while being in awe of those who also create things with their hands)

What do you enjoy about creating for the SM fandom?

This was the very first fandom I was ever a part of, and I'm still just so amazed not only by the creativity of its fans, but also their generosity. There is also just something about the enduring message of love that exists in SM that makes me feel so happy and full inside when I get the chance to contribute in some way to the world it created!

Are you strictly UsaMamo or do you create for other pairings as well?

While I write other side relationships, UsaMamo is my OTP, so I always feature them at the center of my stories.

What inspires you to create works for Usagi and Mamoru?

Their relationship and the tropes it supports have followed me into many of my other fandoms--a sunny personality that actually also has a lot of trauma to work through and the seemingly dark, brooding personality that secretly has a big heart--and I can't get enough of it! They just fit so well together!

Do you tend to work on multiple projects (WIPs) simultaneously or try to finish one at a time?

I have a lot of WIPs in folders on my computer that I never publish... in part because I have fics I have published that I want to actually finish and if I start too many, I won't finish any...

Do you prefer large projects (chaptered fics, webtoons/zines, highly detailed art) or small projects (one-shots or simple art)?

I love to read one-shots and while I have written a few, I often get drawn more to chaptered fics, which give me more space to tell the stories I want to.

Are there any common themes, situations, tropes, or mediums in your work?

I basically always write non-senshi fics, and I'm not actually sure why... I think I just really like focusing in on the emotional aspect of their characterizations in AUs without having to also keep up with the added details of their other lives. I also quite enjoy writing fics where they aren't already in a relationship--it's the pining angst that really gets me!

Is there anything you haven’t explored artistically and would like to try?

Maybe someday I could try writing a fic that does have them as senshi. I've read so many that I love, and it could be a fun challenge!

[skywalking-through-life]

I know imma lil late for the WIP title game but I’m here!! lol anywayyyy i was looking thru and there are just so many to choose from i was like imma ask about this one oh no wait what bout this one?? lolol but seriously for my ask i have 2 and you can choose which one you wanna do but it’s the Poseidon and Ms. Lafayette parent teacher conference or the fed kidnapping one which 👀👀 I’m actually really intrigued by but whichever you choose lol 🫶🏽🫶🏽

Hello there, dear friend! You are not at all late, but I am so excited that you decided to send me an ask even though you thought you were! 💙

You are too sweet - there ARE a lot of potential ones to ask about, lmao, because I have no chill and make notes about every idea I have. And I'm happy to say that I've actually already answered the Poseidon-Ms. Lafayette parent-teacher conference one here...

...so you're going to get an answer to both! I am honestly SO thrilled that you asked about the Fed kidnapping fic, because I have been DYING to talk about it! The amount of space it takes up in my waking and sleeping thoughts is CONSIDERABLE. Just the outline is right now is as long as [conduct not unbecoming]! 😭 I'm still holding a lot of cards close to my chest regarding this fic, but I'll give you some basics, and a tiny snippet of my outline! But before I do, just a heads up: this fic is actively going to explore darker topics and themes than I've explored in any of my published writing thus far. Characters are going to get seriously physically and psychologically hurt, face some pretty sadistic enemies, and have to reckon with some really intense moments. Because it is me I can promise 1) no major character death, and 2) a happy ending, but there will definitely be suffering before that happens. See more below the page break. 💙

Essentially, it is going to be one long sequel to my entire 'Percy's senior year (mis)Adventures' series (you'll see why once it's out), and it will be set just after his sophomore year at New Rome University. He and Annabeth are back in NYC for the summer, Annabeth has an internship, but he's still trying to figure out how to spend his summer. He's got some tentative hopes and plans, but because he's Percy Jackson...well, does anything ever go right for him? Here's a chunk of what will become the first chapter. You'll probably be able to tell what I mean by 'Fed kidnapping' after this. 😉

"Percy absently unlocks the front door, arms full of bags, not looking up but calling to his mom that he's home. 

It's as if the apartment is holding its breath. No one greets him, he looks up, concerned. "Mom?"

A toddler's squeal is heard from the living room, and is abruptly cut off.

He doesn't even stop to put down the bags, palms Riptide but doesn't upcap yet, comes charging in…and is brought up short by the presence of men in dark suits surrounding his terrified parents and baby sister. More suits emerge from the kitchen, weapons drawn.

Percy thinks for a moment about fighting, but freezes when the suits in the living room also draw their weapons and point them at him. He stiffens and holds his bag-laden hands away from his body. Too many guns to risk an open fight, not in this setting.

A suit who looks like he might be the leader has been sitting in Percy's favorite chair, cool as a cucumber, the whole time. With everyone frozen, he stands and casually starts talking. He is bland and boring looking, very gray, and he looks oddly familiar to Percy - though he can't figure out why.

"Hello, Perseus."

"Who the hell are you?" (Angry but controlled, eyes darting)

"An excellent question. But we need not concern ourselves with those particularities right now." (Smiles placatingly) 

Percy gives him a withering look.

"Now now, none of that. Your country is in need of men like you, son." (Charming, but only barely, flashes an official-looking badge)

"If this is the beginning of some kind of weird military recruitment spiel, don't bother. I heard enough of those in high school. I'm, uh…a pacifist." (Wary, thinking frantically)

"A pacifist, eh? Been in a lot of fights for someone who doesn't believe in violence," Rattles off a brief list of Percy's history of school incidents. (Still barely charming)

Percy is shaken by how much this guy knows, but doesn't want to show it. How does this guy know who he is? Who is he?

"...so don't try to lie to me, boy. It won't end well for you." (A hint of real menace)

Percy wants to snark back, but his danger sense warns him to shut up…for now. Probably not for long.

"Now, if you're done with the smart remarks, this is how this is going to work. You are going to put those bags on the floor. You are going to turn around, and you are going to put your hands on the wall behind you. You will be searched and secured. You will not resist. And you will come with us, quietly."

Percy is still, mind racing. This is no military recruitment spiel. So why does the government want him? Do they still think he's a potential domestic terrorist, or have they discovered he's more than meets the eye? So he falls back on the old standby: making fun of his enemies. "Very original, 007. What movie are you stealing all the cheesy lines from?"

Lead Suit does not like Percy's attitude, but mostly stays cool - only small cracks appear in the armor. But he now gives a command, and suddenly red laser dots appear on the heads of his mom, Paul, and Estelle. 

"I don't think you really appreciate the gravity of your situation, Mr. Jackson. Should you not decide to cooperate with us…well, actions have consequences."'

...dun dun dun! So yeah, I think you can parse out where this might potentially be going. 💀 I'm actually incredibly excited to write it, to get it out of this abbreviated form and onto ao3! But I have to finish 'Percy's senior year (mis)Adventures' first, or a bunch of things won't make sense. 😉

[certified-anakinfucker]

📖 RN NOW PLS

you have no idea how far back i had to go in my OLD ask tag to find this fucking link. i love you kebbie i really do and i hope this genuinely proves it - so send me a book for a daydreamed story of mine! trust me i have many!

this ask has deadass been in my box for two years now um. holy fuck. its gonna be super long bc this is actually my excuse to force myself to figure out how this fucking story actually goes. youre my sacrificial lamb, babe <3

under the cut for toxic/abusive relationship themes | mostly stemming from not putting an end to toxic cycles and briefly refusing to believe it was an issue

so i had this old ass wip, right. it was called parisian lovers despite no one in the entire story being french whatsoever and it was basically a love story for a sexual relationship with danger turning into a genuine view into what happens when you dont. like check yourself before running headlong into what you think you want

ive since started readapting it to (surprise) swtor and an excuse to explore sith pureblood (henceforth referred to as "tsis") cultures surrounding whats considered normal in their dating/relationships, and also how it challenges familial relationships

the details of it are super fuzzy mostly bc all the meat of it was lost to twitter dms that i refuse to open. so heres a quick fast easy rundown

basically, youve got tsiksos. he is the third born and third son of an extremely powerful and wealthy union of bloodlines, and since hes really not the most important one, he decides he wants to study a niche theory of dark arts. something about how channeling power needed to cast sorcery can be amplified through vocals and choreography. basically he went to a contemporary dance school for the shadow wizard money gang

tsiksos meets ûtainoz, who is practically a beast in this school. he sees the valedictorian spot and hes steamrolling anyone he needs to. hes ruthless, hes heartless, hes a smooth-talker, he will do anything to get his way, and tsiksos found that hot and sexy and definitely worth falling in love with

predictably, this goes terribly. tsiksos doesnt know what the hell he walked into, only that he may as well enjoy it because hes sleeping with the hottest, most talented guy at this school. ûtainoz got a little too comfortable, though, and by the end of their tenure there lost his valedictorian spot to tsiksos,,, who was also gunning for it right under his nose

but whatever, its fine, they go their separate ways with the taste of one anothers venom permanently burned in each others mouths. they both fill their own niches. ûtainoz goes into more of a performative, traveling role and relies on his aesthetic rather than his power - whereas tsiksos followed through with his intent and deepened his connection to the dark arts through what he learned. he became something of a siren, honestly

anyway anyway anyway. tsiksos moves off of his homeworld. he decides he wants to actively burn fires through everywhere ûtainoz has been. and hes extremely successful. he wants to win, he needs to win, he will win. he meets utajhaiw while in the new city, and while poor utajhaiw falls in love - tsiksos sees someone he can keep close with him if he just uses all the right words.

which works! theyre together, its great, theyre fucking almost daily. but they argue every hour. to the point where it gets violent more often than not with tsiksos on the offensive. the arguments are largely fabricated or instigated out of boredom. but isnt it worth it for the sloppy nasty disgusting hateful makeup sex?

yeah well. the neighbors of their apartment dont think so. theyve nearly called the cops every time, until neighbor laishtzi comes over to investigate what just hit the wall. he gets pulled, literally, into the middle of their fuck. his partner rîshja follows and, likewise, gets pulled into the middle of their fuck. its like some sort of apology thing for them too and it becomes regular.

enter: their friend nunjor, a lawyer (i think. something like that) who also ! gets pulled into the sex life. whats worse is that both tsiksos and utajhaiw both fell in love with nunjor and wanted to have him as a permanent third.

sometime after this, the whole hatefucking thing gets a little too hateful. tsiksos actually genuinely nearly kills utajhaiw, and hes starting to hide the knives in earnest. nunjor suggests that they attend actual couples' things instead of just their joint performances where utajhaiw plays and tsiksos conjures something.

they try it. they enjoy it. their relationship actually improves. they make a vase together in a ceramics class.

by the way, utajhaiw has asthma. tsiksos has been stressing him out so bad hes started smoking. on purpose. yes it is what you think it is and tsiksos thinks its hot because he wants to shotgun the smoke from his mouth

anyway, something happens and tsiksos starts backsliding. they have another argument and he breaks their ceramic vase. all that dust from the glaze and the clay triggers a pretty bad asthma attack, bad enough that the neighbors come over (it had been so long without an incident) and call the paramedics to come get him. utajhaiw actually snaps at tsiksos in the middle of literally coughing himself to death, and this is uh. a little traumatizing. because its never been this bad before.

utajhaiw makes it to the hospital fine, refuses to see tsiksos, and nunjor is on utajhaiw's side - that was fucking uncalled for, dude. tsiksos goes back to their apartment, alone for the first time since they bought it together. naturally he should not be alone at this time

laishtzi phones a friend, kaqur (psychiatrist-adjacent) and his partner jashru (probably a psychologist, if not professional "wtf is wrong with you, stop that"). they agree to take tsiksos in while utajhaiw is back home with his family.

its about a year i think? that tsiksos stays with them, basically on s-watch, and it turns out he has a really severe derealization + depersonalization whammy going on, spurned from still dressing the way ûtainoz liked him to dress and the way other people wanted to see his body. he punched through a mirror. so once he started dressing in looser, more comfortable clothing - surprise! he felt better!!!

(meanwhile, utajhaiw spent a year at home strengthening his lungs again, writing songs and poetry, and reconsidering his entire life. spoiler alert: he actually was in love with tsiksos)

but things are never easy. at some point, tsiksos has a bit of a meltdown and breaks out of his little prison, steals the spare key to his apartment, and ends up burrowing in the bed wearing utajhaiws clothes and sleeping on his side of the bed because he feels so fucking bad about what he did to him. but uhhhhhhh.

apparently nunjor also decided to pay a visit that night. and tsiksos, in some nightmare-sleep-haze, reacts to nunjor trying to wake him as if he were ûtainoz - meaning he tried to apologize through offering his body. rubbing his hands on his thighs, face in his crotch (since nunjor was standing at the side of the bed). when nunjor gently corrected him and woke him (not that he would have been upset at the idea of fucking him again, buth he didnt seem to be in the right headspace) it actually uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh sent tsiksos into a worse panic. scrambling out of the bed. tripping on something. breaking a glass.

oh, hello ptsd - it sure is nice crab-scrambling backwards on your hands and bare feet over glass while hyperventilating and sobbing so hard you genuinely cant see. again, laishti and rîshja to the rescue getting him back to kaqur and jashru.

so heres where the fun happens. ûtainoz comes back. hes genuinely changed for the better, he is apologetic. he wants to make it up to the person he hurt the worst. does tsiksos take him up on that? yes. should he have? yes, actually, because he needed the closure.

they start rekindling what little flame they had together. days turn into weeks, months, and theyre getting along just fine. apparently nunjor had left, and tsiksos had no comm - by the time tsiksos noticed, it was uh. almost a little too late.

theres a time where tsiksos and ûtainoz are in a speeder together and ohhhh nunjor is a poet, its in his full name, but he also composes. he sings. and he sings about how badly someone has just lifted him higher than ever before dropping him down into nothing. tsiksos has a breakdown on the lawn of some random recreational park.

things will get better again, though! somewhere along the way, tsiksos and ûtainoz make peace with who they are and who they were. nunjor comes back and he and tsiksos talk it out. they forgive each other. and then tsiksos and utajhaiw reunite. they explain a lot. they forgive each other.

tsiksos/utajhaiw/nunjor throuple endgame is the only thing that matters to me actually.

thanks for coming to my ted talk i love you so much

[genjishimemeda]

been going through my WIPs and i'm gonna post a couple old old old ones that i really need to finish. this one was meant as a gift for someone but i think they went on to block me (lol)? idk. it was like almost ten years ago.

it's cloudgeal with the theme of gardening

Of all the areas in the Shinra building, Cloud likes the courtyard most.

Few even realize it's there, attached to the cafeteria like some awkward, bulbous tumor that everyone passes by, probably curious about, but doesn't bother to explore. It's weird and it's honestly rather ugly, obvious sod laid down over a metal floor with weak, meager sunlight filtered through glass, supported by flickering sun lamps, its only sources of light. The grass itself on the sod is just a pitiful excuse for grass, yellow and brown for the most part. They said nothing grows in Midgar, and it's probably true.

Except, and Cloud notices this, there's one corner of the courtyard where the lamp doesn't flicker, the grass is a little less brown-and-yellow, and there's obvious signs of work.

He's drawn to the courtyard in the first place because, being a mountain-dweller, nature's in his blood. He didn't have to (and didn't want to) ask about its existence; it just sort of happened that he took the wrong door out of the cafeteria when he wasn't paying attention and wound up looking at a small patch of greenery wondering how he got there. For a brief moment, it had reminded him of when the snow finally melted and the grass hadn't yet grown back after a winter in Nibelheim; returning there, he smiles as he notices the grass is just a little bit greener than before.

And over in the corner, there's a little row of pots.

As he nears, he counts maybe six of them, sitting in neatly arranged rows. The soil's still moist and the lamps are fixed on them, but not directly. He makes a noise of curiosity, kneeling down and examining them. Nothing on them says who put them there, or even what species of seed was planted in them. Just nondescript clay pots, sitting and waiting.

A little confused, he leaves for the day.

Some time a few weeks later, he pops back in just to have his lunch in relative quiet, and the pots are still there. It's a little warmer, and he notices the thermostat is set to almost 27°—going to sit by the pots, he notices one has a tiny shoot sticking up from the center. It's not quite like the green, fleshy stem of a flower, but like a thin, bladed leaf. The soil is damp again, as if they've been recently tended to, and the watering can is, in fact, still there.

Cloud picks it up and examines it. Again, like the pots, it's nondescript to the point of blandness. He places it back down, gently, and just looks at the tiny shoot with masked wonder.

By the next time he has a chance to return, early one morning before breakfast is even ready, all the pots are bearing several little shoots, but this time, the soil is dry. He realizes the time of day and, glancing at the schedule that seemed to have mystically appeared on the wall, the plants have yet to be watered. Curious, he looks to the can, and gingerly lifts it to see if there's any water in it.

Barely…

Shrugging to himself, he goes to the spigot on the wall and starts filling it. The water is cloudy, obviously not filtered tap. He's not sure if it's the best choice, but it's all there is—maybe the plants need the extra minerals? Hoping he's not destroying anything, he sprinkles water over all of them, kneeling before them and ensuring they've each had an equal amount.

To himself, or maybe to the plants, he mutters, "That should be okay…"

He sits there a while longer, checking each one over. The original one has a few more leaves, and they're a nice, vibrant shade of green. Not too dark, not too pale. He can't be sure, but he thinks they're bromeliads. He'd only seen a few in his lifetime, as they were more well-suited to warmer climates than Nibelheim (and possibly even Midgar), but he knew what they looked like in a vague sense.

He looks at the schedule again and notices "drain the cups" written in small writing beneath the watering notes. When he glances at the pots again, he notices the bottoms slip out. Removing each one, he pours the excess water onto the grass… probably how it got so green in the first place. He continues to pour out the water as it drips down, and eventually they all stop leaking.

With caution, he picks up the permanent marker by the schedule and checks off the watering.

* * *

From then on, he checks up on the plants daily. When he gets there before their caretaker does, he completes the tasks himself. That is, up until one day he comes in and there's a note attached to the schedule.

I'd certainly like to know who's been tending to the plants, the note says. Succinct and clearly written, though the handwriting is quite obviously masculine.

Cloud pops open the marker and scrawls his name and rank onto the paper.

They exchange words in notes over the next few weeks, and the plants have become handsome bunches of leaves. Cloud is gently stroking the leaves as he waters them this morning, reading over the last note written.

It's not the first time I've planted bromeliads here, but they always die before they flower. I'd like to have this batch actually bloom this year.

When Cloud leaves, he decides to do a bit of research.

As far as he reads, bromeliads are mostly tropical, though can survive a drought if needed. Some need lots of sunlight, some shrivel up under too much. They're not supposed to soak, thus the draining, and their flowers come naturally. Cloud wonders if they're perhaps exercising a little too much care, rather than too little.

We should meet, he writes on his next note, the book from the library tucked under his arm. What's your schedule?

Unfortunately, the next note leaves him disappointed. My schedule is so spontaneous I couldn't give you a set time.

* * *

Cloud's next eating lunch with some of his squadmates, barely listening as he's thinking about the note and eyes fixed on the courtyard door. He's hoping he'll see someone go in and figure out who tends to the plants, who's been writing back and forth with him… and who shares his love of nature in this gods-forsaken city.

"Y'know that Second, uh… Zack's his name, yeah?" one of the guys says.

"Mm?"

"Heard him in the hall earlier whinin' that the guy who trains him showed up late or somethin'."

"And we care, why?"

"He bitches like a damn dog in heat, man. It was grating as hell."

Cloud just tunes out the conversation and wanders over to the courtyard door. It's not like he cares what they had to say about some SOLDIER he doesn't even know. He goes for the door, though freezes when he notices someone's in there.

Surreptitiously, he glances through the fog of the door and barely makes out a large black shape amongst the silver walls and greenery. Backing away, he tries to find a place to look inconspicuous, and waits. This is the moment he's been waiting for, swapping those notes like they were little kids or something. He tries not to stare at the door, and waits.

He hardly notices when a SOLDIER Second with hair rivaling his own comes marching through the cafeteria and opens the door.

"Angeal, what the heck?" the Second half-whines. "We were supposed to train like twenty minutes ago."

"I'm sorry, Zack," came the voice from inside, and Cloud cranes his neck a little. "I had… business to attend to."

"More important than me?"

A deep chuckle. "Just a little."

The black-haired young man just sighed. "I'll see ya in the VR room, then." He then muttered something under his breath about 'Genesis' and 'bugs.' Cloud doesn't know what to make of that, but he has a name!

Angeal… Where does he know that name? As he's mulling it over, he misses the man pass entirely, only shaking out of it when he doesn't hear any shuffling anymore.

Armed with half of the identity of the man he was looking for, he scampers off to see if he can actually nail down just where he heard that name.

* * *

A SOLDIER.

Not only that, a SOLDIER First.

Angeal Hewley.

Cloud's mouth goes dry as he reads the SOLDIER roster again, and doesn't find another instance of the name. He can't believe he's been corresponding with one of the triumvirate of SOLDIER Firsts (and subtly thanks the gods it isn't Sephiroth, he'd die of a heart attack even at such a tender young age). He'd never be able to approach him, even if they planned the meeting, and dear gods he was alone and he was shaking like a leaf.

When he returns to his room, he looks to the library book sitting on his bunk looking, for all a book could be, so forlorn. He flops down on the bed and opens it up, looking at the card inside and reading through the names.

Sure enough, multiple times, Angeal's name. Going back several years, at that.

He closes it slowly, then rolls over and looks at the bunk above his. He kicks his one leg, not fully on the bed, and tries to think.

After several hours of tossing, turning, trying to nap, and grinding his palms onto his eyes, he makes his decision.

He may be shy, but gods-dammit, Cloud knows he's not a pussy.