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esoteric-joke · 4 months ago

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Interview with Darling28

(#Interview1)

Welcome to the first interview of The Dear Writer Project and a massive thank you to the wonderful Darling28 for being so supportive of this whole idea since the beginning!

Darling28 about her writing process, her inspirations, her experiences with writers block and her future plans on writing:

What does your writing process usually look like and is it always kind of the same for every story you’ve written?

Oh interesting question. It's usually the case that ideas come from the simplest things and suddenly a complete plot is in my head within minutes or sometimes even seconds. At least the rough outline. Apart from that, my characters often like to take the plot for themselves and I just watch in amazement at what they let me write. I often suffer as much as the reader when I write because I let it flow out of me and often don't know what to expect. Most of the time, though, I have a specific scene in mind in the beginning, often for the middle of the story, and I can hardly wait until I finally get to the point where I can write it. The end of a story quite often involves a marriage proposal, I realise, even if I don't always intend to, but Louis and Harry in my stories are very stubborn about it.

But other than that, my writing process is pretty simple: get excited about a new idea, start writing immediately, often at a speed that makes my betas despair and end up questioning the whole story until I reread it myself and suddenly love it.

Do you have any sort of structured writing plan before you start writing or do you just write what comes to mind?

I'm absolutely far from structured. I have the problem that my best ideas about what to write next come to me when I'm driving and I have to memorise whole conversations or scenes for the rest of the journey. As soon as I've parked, I write it down as a note. But there's really nothing more than these few notes, no mood board or major characterisations, I just let myself go with the flow. I also think that would take some of the fun out of it for me personally, I love getting to know my characters over the course of the story and I don't want to plan everything in detail beforehand.

You said before that you write a lot, especially after you’ve got a new idea in mind. How much time do you invest in writing in your day to day life?

I actually write every day and usually around 3-4k. I think it takes about 3 hours of my time, but that's really just a rough estimate. I usually write already in the morning at breakfast before I have to go to work and then spread the rest over the afternoon and evening.

Our Souls Intertwined is your longest work at the moment. Was it also the one you wrote the longest on?

Our Souls Intertwined… I wrote this story together with freakingmeout and we took turns writing chapters, each of us wrote one character. Despite the length, I don't think we really needed much time to finish it because the other author is just as fast as I am at writing and often each of us had finished a chapter within a day. It was perhaps a little worrying in hindsight haha.

If it wasn’t Our Souls Intertwined, what work of yours did take you the longest?

Oh wow I think you've got me now and I can't give you an answer off the top of my head.

I'm guessing it might be Calm after the storm because that's my longest story that I wrote on my own. So it makes sense that it probably took me the longest to write.

But when I think about it, it could also be the current one I'm writing that hasn't been published yet. My last few weeks haven't been easy for personal reasons and I haven't had time to write and everything has stalled. I just started writing again a few days ago and am catching up.

She also told me that she sometimes drives her betas crazy with the amount and pace that she writes. On some Sundays she writes all day and sometimes feels a bit empty inside afterwards, she admitted.

What work of yours did come together the fastest?

I would say Men are shit. This story practically wrote itself and I could just let my thoughts, which I put into the story as Louis’, run free and didn't have to think about them any further. It was a great experience and I love this Louis so much!

Do you finish writing the story completely before you start publishing or do you start publishing whenever you finished a chapter?

For my first stories, I posted while I was writing. So I finished a chapter, had it proofread and then published it.

However, my only beta at the time had of course her own life and sometimes couldn't keep up with the speed at which I wanted to update again.

So at some point I started to finish writing and only then published it.

What worked better for you, personally?

Both definitely have their pros and cons. But I really liked publishing in the writing process. You get immediate feedback on what you've written, sometimes even ideas for the rest of the plot from readers' comments.

However, it would have stressed me out a lot, like in my situation the last few weeks where I couldn't write anything and had to make the reader wait for updates.

What inspires you in your day to day life the most?

The story often comes to me really quite by chance, mostly inspired by songs, not so much by the lyrics but by the feelings they convey, what lies between the lines.

Did you ever have a writers block and what helped you out of it / What do you do if you feel unmotivated?

Yes, I've had a writers block for the last few months and I've missed writing so much. But there's no point forcing yourself and for me it was best to wait until it felt right again. Before that, I didn't have anything like that as far as I can remember. Sometimes I just didn't know what to write next and got a bit stuck, but my advice here is: just start writing. Don't think, just do it.

And if I'm just unmotivated then I leave it for the day because I know it'll be definitely easier the next one.

What do you find most stressful/annoying/repetitive in the process of writing a story?

For me it's the hardest thing to end the story because then I'm usually so connected to the characters that it feels like saying goodbye to a dear friend every time and I'm actually really sad.

Oh and one thing that really frustrates me is that my Louis and Harry very often crash the chapter with sex. I love writing smut but sometimes they overdo it (okay it amuses me a bit too).

Darling28 also told me, that one of her favourite phases in writing a story is the getting-to-know-each-other phase. She said that she loves it because that’s when she feels like the characters come to life and the tension between them grows.

Can you tell me something about any future projects you’re working on?

I'm happy to tell you about future projects!

In addition to my many ideas for stories that I haven't started yet, I'm currently writing four open ones. Two with other authors and two of my very own. I hope that I will soon be able to present the readers with something new from me, because for me it is always the best thing to finally be able to share my work with the fandom.

For the next part of the interview, I asked Darling28 more specific questions about her works.

What work of yours is your personal favourite?

It's really difficult to name THE one. But I'll go with the three that come to my mind first, okay?

Calm after the storm, because I love their love in this story and I felt for both of them while writing it. It still touches me today.

Men are shit, because Louis is just chaos but so sweet at the same time. I loved describing his ADHD brain, letting his mind run wild. I wanted to give neurospicy people a story in which they can find themselves and feel understood.

True Colours, because I wrote this story for my friend and beta who wanted me to make Harry really suffer as it's usually Louis in my stories who has to go through everything horrible. I love the development of the two of them in this story. They heal together and I don't think there's anything better.

What fic of yours would you recommend to someone who isn’t familiar with your works and why?

I think that would be Paparazzi. That's the most popular one of mine and it contains a bit of everything but it's not as extremely angsty as others that I wrote. A bit of enemies to lovers, gay awakening, smut, fluff - what more could you want?

A lot of your works are based around complicated and complex topics like having a bad relationship with your parents, mental health issues and homelessness and everything that comes along with it. Why do you specifically choose to write about those topics?

I love the drama and the big emotions.

But also because none of our lives are perfect. Everyone has their own struggles and their own traumas and I love picking up on that. It especially touches me when readers find themselves in it, feel understood and heard. I think for some it's some kind of validation. It's wonderful to turn something very sad into something very good. As much as I love the drama, I also love the happy ending.

And of course it's also free therapy in a way. There's always a part of me in most stories.

The Magic Within You is your only story, that doesn’t really have any of those topics (besides of Louis’ tendencies to panic quickly). Why did you want to write something so different to your usual writing style?

The Magic Within You is a pure, cheesy Christmas story that was set up like an advent calendar when I posted it, but I think it can be read very well throughout the year.

I always find Christmas a difficult time of the year myself. Lots of people come together and I'm often overwhelmed. I especially wanted to give people who might feel the same way a cute story, offer some distraction and sweeten the day. I hope I succeeded.

By the way, I love how you mentioned the panicky side of Louis. So adorable.

Is something like an advent calendar planned for this christmas season too or was it a one-time thing for you?

No, I haven't planned another one, but never say never. Maybe I'll suddenly get an idea in October and start writing like crazy.

Actually, a sequel to The Magic Within You was planned for this summer but unfortunately I couldn't do that for personal reasons that I had already mentioned. But I definitely want to publish the sequel next year!

You wrote Our Souls Intertwined and Bring me to life with freakingmeout. How did that go?

Oh it's a totally interesting experience because here too we only had the rough plot, but because everyone wrote their character in alternating chapters it was always exciting for the other to see what would happen in the chapter of the other. Sometimes I sat there shocked or totally amused and had to think about how I was going to live through certain situations with my character. It's definitely anything but boring and you experience it as an author as well as a reader.

When I asked her if it feels like a roleplay kind of thing she actually confirmed that it does sometimes feel like exactly that.

Paparazzi is your most popular work. Why do you think this one in particular got the most attention?

I have absolutely no idea why Paprazzi is the most popular one. I often ask myself that but maybe it's really because it's not such a heavy one? But instead of looking for answers, I prefer to be happy that so many people like it.

Is there a work of yours that you’d like to get the attention that Paparazzi got or just more attention in general?

Oh yes, definitely. In my personal opinion, Holding On To Heartache has far too little attention. I know where it comes from, or rather I suspect that the tag 'suicide attempt' puts a lot of people off, but I still think it's worth reading. You can always expect a happy ending with my stories.

Is there a work of yours that you wouldn’t publish again in hindsight?

I must confess that I have already deleted my very first story. And I know that my betas and friends will kill me if they read this now. Because they kept stopping me every time I had a crisis about this story but I did it nontheless one day. I guess my secret is out now... oops. If you read this, please don't be mad!

But I'm actually thinking about revising it and publishing it again at some point.

Are there any characters in one of your stories that are inspired by people or animals you know in real life?

Yes... Bree in 'Paparazzi' is my friend and beta. But I don't think I realised until the later chapters that I was using her as a role model for this absolutely wonderful character.

For the last part of the interview, I asked Darling28 some personal questions that are more about the fandom and less about her experiences with writing.

Since when are you in the fandom and what made you become a part of it?

I am a Lockdown-Larrie haha. I was watching Tik Tok videos out of sheer boredom like probably so many others and suddenly a video with two guys popped up. It's this one where Harry is sitting on the armchair, Louis is sitting on the armrest while Harry is looking up at Louis, absolutely enamoured. I was just sitting there and I remember thinking: who the hell are these two guys that are so in love?

I read through the comments and searched the web for more informations. After that, my days were filled with watching all the YouTube videos and then making a Twitter account. I was absolutely down the rabbit hole and I don't regret it one day. At first I was in the lane of LHH (I mean, come on, just look at him) but then I listened to Louis music and he got my number 1 and never lost rank again. Also, the song Just hold on saved me, the lockdown was not a good time for my mental health.

Your favourite Louis and Harry Era?

LHH forever. If I had enough money I would bribe him to let them grow long again. Although I'd have to meet him first. My plan isn't finalised yet as you can see but yeah... I think you know now how serious I am, haha.

And Louis... Hedgehog and FITF. I just love when his hair is fluffy.

Your favourite movie H starred in?

My Policeman. Damn, I was broken after watching it but it's so good.

Who’s your favourite writer in the fandom at the moment?

One of my favourite authors is BoosBabycakes. I especially love their a/b/o stories!

And your all-time favourite fic in the fandom?

Oh, that's really difficult. There are too many good ones and I really need to think about it for a moment. But I would like to name a story that is not one of the fandom's always recommended ones.

Okay... I go with this one, it's definitely one of my favourite a/b/o stories, the nesting is so sweetly described and I think I really need to read it again:

You've Got A Higher Power, You're Once In Any Lifetime by BoosBabycakes

What makes you want to stop reading something?

If the story is written in first person or the plot doesn't make sense to me and I question too much in the story. Some stories are also too artificially drawn out for me. I don't like slooooooow burn. My attention span doesn't last that long.

Your favourite song at the moment?

Call me by Neeve, it's a small german indie band but I like them a lot.

Of course nothing beats Louis music, I hope I don't have to mention that, do I?

Do you have a favourite movie or a favourite series at the moment?

No, neither of them. I haven't watched anything for ages. I prefer to spend my free time writing.

What was the most unusual thing that inspired you at some point?

Erm I hope this doesn't come across as weird but Louis' bum and waist. For some of my a/b/o stories and ideas that I still want to write.

What is your favourite season?

Spring, when everything turns green again and starts to blossom.

She also told me, that she has hay fever and that sometimes it’s unbearable for her until autumn but she still loves spring the most, especially after the darker months.

Who would you like to read an interview from?

I don't have a specific author in mind but I'd like it to be someone with a smaller fanbase to draw more attention to them.

I wanted to make it a little tradition for every interview, that every writer gives every of their works a colour and a season. It’s just a fun little thing for the end of the interview I thought would be interesting. Thankfully, Darling28 thought it was a great idea too, so here are the results:

Captured Ink, Hidden Hearts - pink and black, spring.

Bring me to life - darkblue, autumn.

Our Souls Intertwined - dark red, late summer.

True Colours - rainbow, obviously, autumn.

Men are shit - pink and green, summer

The Magic Within You - ice blue and white, winter (on a sunny day)

Tainted Love - brown, winter

Calm after the Storm - purple, early spring

Tank tops and a phone call - red, summer (a very hot day)

Letters - dark green, last summer days

I'm with you - white and grey, autumn

Paparazzi - yellow, summer

Holding On To Heartache - black with golden sprinkles, winter

Paradise is in your own mind (Sequel HOTH) - dark pink, spring

You Sunshine, You Temptress - green, summer

Careless Whisper - dark blue, winter

A huge thank you again to Darling28. Thanks for understanding my vision and being so open and kind. I appreciate it so much.

#DearWriterProject #larry stylinson #author interview #fanfic #ao3 writer #ao3 #ao3 author #fanfiction #larry fic #harry styles #louis tomlinson

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bingebuddie · 7 months ago

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Here... We... Go...

Hi all,

Well, so far, 2024 has sucked for me... but anyway...

I've been feeling pretty out of sorts mentally, and depending on where my head is at, I've been bouncing back and forth between Fics and my Wes and Cole novel.

I am going on a writing retreat May 4-12th... so... expect some major movement...

I wanted to provide a few updates on where I am with my Fics and other works.

Sideways:

Published updates here have been slower than I wanted or anticipated. This has nothing to do with the story, as I have this outlined for Arcs 6-10... Yes, up to Arc 10.

My personal life has gotten in the way a lot over the last few months and has just eaten up my time to write.

Now, Arc 6 will lead right into Arc 7 and 7 into 8. You will want to throw some stuff at me for some of the wtf moments and having to wait between arcs... but it's all coming. Anyone new to the series has had the benefit of reading five fully finished-out arcs that took me about a year to write. Have some patience with me. It will be worth it.

Arc 6, Into The Unknown, has multiple chapters drafted. I just need to clean up some edits from my beta, and they will be posted. May is going to be a big month for this arc.

This is a pivotal point in the series. It spans Chapters 37-48, making it the longest arc so far. This installment will delve into the Seals' backstory, their connection with Buck and Eddie, and much more. It’s a substantial piece of the puzzle that you won't want to miss.

This one does have some heavy moments...

This does end with a cliffhanger... But I promise, it's not our boys directly you are left wondering about...

Arc 7—Strong—Eddie will need his friends and family like never before. This is a heavy Diaz family arc. The outline is eight Chapters.

This also ends in a cliffhanger and that promise I made above... does not apply here.... insert evil laugh...

Arc 8 Genesis—This is the big one. It all comes together here, and it is the part I am most excited to write. It is also the longest, with an outline of 16 chapters. You will find out more about Genesis in Arc 6.

This arc will change all of their lives and the status quo as we know it. Grab your seats and tissues. The previous title for this was Unleashed...

Arc 9 - Experience/Circles - Tentative Title - No tease, as it will spoil what's to come...

Arc 10 - My All - googles Mariah Carey ...

Sideways isn't going anywhere...

Shifted:

Volume 1: Nevermore

This was originally planned to be 30 chapters. I have 20 published right now. The rest of this is outlined, and chapters 21-25 are written and ready to be published. I haven't posted these because Chapter 25 ends on a massive cliffhanger, and I don't want to leave you all hanging. I will be finishing this... after Arc 6 of Sideways ...

I have a plan for the second arc... but that's all the way behind everything else on my docket...

Impossible:

If you have read this one, I have yet to post the last chapter...

This has an MCD, and while I was writing this, I lost a friend. It was hard to finish. I have finished the outline, and this will be completed soon.

Run:

This is on hold. I have too much else to focus on. Consider this on hiatus until I say otherwise. It might even be scrapped... will see...

Would You Mind:

This one was a lot of fun... The wrap-up/epilogue is done; it's with my beta...

Lap Dancing Eddie will return... in Sideways...

I Don't Want To Be Your Freind:

As of today, 7 of 11 chapters are posted. This is all outlined. I have drafts of chapters 8-11 done. Going to beta and will be posting soon...

I started this leading up to Season 7; it was my mind dealing with all the rumors and leaks... In my mind and my group chat, I was calling this my Anti Tommy and Marisol fic...

This got way out of hand and became a monster of a fic...

Now... on to what else I have brewing...

Future Shock - 3 Part Series - Magic/BAMF/Mayhem/Found Family/Soul Mates/Redux/Ryan Throw's The Timeline Into A Blender and Tada...

As It Is - 2030 and the 118 have been a fractured team since the lawsuit. When members of the team start to be picked off one by one, Hen, Chim, and Bobby, have no one to turn to until friends and family return in their most desperate hour.

As It Was - Details what led to the fracturing of the 118. A retelling of Season 2 and part of season 3...

As It Was Always Meant To Be - Now reunited, will the 118 be able to rally around each other, or will their painful past be too much to overcome.

This has a loose outline and it's very large ...

Depressed, Devasted, and Destroyed aka Something To Hold On To:

I keep calling this Triple D or DDD... This is a pure angst fest... major whump... like I'm mad at myself for the whump here ... seriously...

This has an outline...

Relationship Goals—In an effort to rebuild their friendship after their recent relationships crash and burn, Buck and Eddie join a local hockey team along with some of Buck's old seal friends. This was pure fan service to myself and a way to get Buck, Eddie, Wes, and Cole to play hockey and not have to do it on Sideways. This currently sits around 60 pages.

Stolen - A stolen kiss changes everything between Buck and Eddie... This angst fest is somehow incredibly soft... This is about 35 pages right now...

The Ties That Bind - Buck breakdown fic... This might get scrapped and merged into DDD from above...

All I Want for Christmas - Think Scrooged Vs. It's A Wonderful Life Vs 911... This won't be posted until holiday time...

The Wes and Cole novel is still moving along... it's my refuge when the show does something stupid...

I should probably get to writing... it's not like I have nothing to do....

#buck x eddie #buddie #evan buckley #eddie diaz #buck and eddie #911 abc #buckley diaz family #evan buckely diaz #911 buddie #buddie fic #a03 fic #my fic #fic writing #911 fanfic #buddie fanfic

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sweetprfct · 7 months ago

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Written in the Stars

Joseph Quinn x Fem!Reader

Summary: You are a believer in fate but after getting your heart broken, you had stopped believing it. Until you met Joe. Suddenly, it got you questioning if fate is real or not.

Author's Note: I think I'll publish two chapters at a time as I try to re-edit these parts. :)

Wordcount: 5.1K

part one - part two - part three - part four - part five - part six - part seven - part eight - part nine - part ten - epilogue

AUTUMN 2022.

“Sara, I’m getting off work a bit early. I’m stopping for pizza. Let me know if you want some.” You left that voicemail on Sara’s phone for the second time now.

You were supposed to go out for drinks with your co-worker, Nicola, tonight but unfortunately, Nicola was out sick today due to a bad case of seasonal flu. So, there goes the Friday night plans that you two had. In all honesty, you were sort of glad that you weren’t able to go out tonight because the thought of having to go and change into a nice dress and fixing your hair and makeup was kind of making you feel exhausted. You stood in the middle of the busy and crowded subway car and checked your phone again.

No phone calls or messages back from Sara.

Seriously, what was that girl doing?

“Hey, I’m getting off the subway soon. I’ll just get you some dinner too, so I hope you haven’t had any yet. Also, please call me back. You’re starting to worry me now.” You left another voicemail for Sara before exiting the subway car once it arrived at your stop.

You passed by one of the pizza shops near your apartment building and decided to go inside and order some dinner for you and Sara. As you waited, you checked your phone to see that there were still no messages back from Sara. You knew she left her bookshop café an hour ago, and she didn’t mention anything to you about having some plans for tonight. You were starting to get worried because the both of you usually communicated well with these things in order to keep a clear and relaxed mind for the both of you. Letting out a sigh, you took the two boxes of pizza from the counter and headed to your apartment building.

You just hoped that Sara was taking a nap or something because it was just unusual for her to do this. Entering your apartment building, you stood inside the elevator, looking up at the ceiling, thinking how you were ready to get out of your work clothes and just sit and relax on the sofa, eat pizza, and watch your favorite show. Stepping inside your place, you saw how the lights were all dimmed, making you wonder why because you and Sara never dimmed your lights like this. Innocently thinking that maybe Sara just left it like this to try something new, you walked in your living room, and your eyes widened in shock. Immediately, you let out a scream from the scene that you just saw.

“Ohmygod!” You covered your eyes with your hand and looked away.

You did not just see a half naked man on your sofa. Sara immediately came from under him, also half naked, and yelled, “Ohmygod!”

Without even trying to say or do anything else, you quickly ran in your room, trying your best to look the other way and not see whatever was going on in your living room. You exhaled sharply, locking your door and setting the pizza boxes on your desk. You set your hand on top of your chest, breathing heavily.

What the fuck?!

Your heart was beating so fast as you tried to process everything that you just saw. This was not the Friday night that you expected it to be. Not a few seconds later, you heard a knock on your door, and you hesitated to even open it. You didn’t want to see what was on the other side of it. You heard a second knock and you took a deep breath, covering your eyes with your one hand and opened the door, letting Sara in before quickly closing the door behind you.

“I’m dressed.” Sara stated.

You took a peek from behind your hand before dropping your arm completely on your side. You let out a sigh and saw Sara was playing with her fingers nervously.

“I’m sorry I didn’t—” Sara shook her head, trying to find the right words. “I’m sorry I thought you were coming home late.”

“I—” You also tried to find the right words, still trying to erase the little show you saw in your living room from your mind. ��Nicola was sick, so my plans got canceled— Is this why you haven’t answered your phone? Who is that guy?”

“We met at the bookshop like four months ago.” Sara bit her lower lip.

Your eyes widened in shock. You were just hearing and seeing news after news tonight. What did she mean she met him four months ago in the bookshop? Sara hasn’t mentioned anything about this nor have you seen that man in the bookshop at all.

“We have gone out on dates and well, we kinda talked everyday and flirted…” Sara cleared her throat. “And I didn’t tell you because I thought this was just some stupid thing that wasn’t going anywhere, but now…”

You raised your brow at her. “...And now?”

“Now, we kind of made it official, and I wanted to bring him to meet you.” Sara explained.

“Oh, okay. So, you decided that it was a good idea for me to meet him butt naked in our apartment?”

“No!” Sara scratched her forehead. “I didn’t think you would be home early tonight. I was going to let you meet him tomorrow… with clothes on.”

You let out a soft chuckle as you shook your head and stared at your best friend for a moment, who was giving you her puppy dog eyes to forgive her.

“Well, the image of his bare ass is still glued into my brain.” You teased her.

“I know. I’m sorry! I didn’t—ugh!” Sara buried her face on the palm of her hands and shook her head in embarrassment, making you laugh softly.

“Hey,” You laughed, taking her hands away from her face as Sara looked at you with flushed cheeks. “I’m kidding—Well, not really because it is technically still glued in my brain, but still. It’s okay. I understand.”

“Really?” She kept her pout on her face.

“Really.” You laughed, “I have one question though… Are you happy?”

“Yes.”

“Okay,” You grinned, pulling her into an embrace. “Then, I’m really happy for you, and I hope he is treating you right. Don’t be like me.”

Sara chuckled softly. “He is. Um… We’ll move into my room.”

You shook your head and said, “You know what, do whatever you want. I’m gonna stay in my room for the rest of the night, eat my pizza and watch Friends.”

Sara’s jaw dropped on the floor, “You’re going to watch Friends without me?”

You gave her an evil smile as you shrugged, unlocking your door and opening it for her.

“That’s so unfair. Just because I got caught.” Sara mumbled under her breath, walking out of your room.

“Oh, here take this.” You laughed as you handed her the other box of pizza. “You do whatever you want with that.” You teased her as Sara’s jaw dropped on the floor again, stunned by your joke before you closed the door behind you.

You shook your head at the situation and went to freshen up before sliding yourself under your bed covers. Turning your TV on, you watched Friends and ate the pizza you bought for dinner. It had been a long day, and you surely didn’t expect what greeted you in your apartment when you arrived home.

Though Sara finally has someone that makes her happy, you couldn’t help but smile and be overjoyed for your best friend. She always had put everyone else first, and she deserved someone that would care for her too. You just hoped that this man wasn’t like your ex. That he wasn’t going to break Sara’s heart because you knew how that felt. Losing your whole self after the breakup was not what you wanted for her. Even though you knew she was tougher than you, you still hoped that she wouldn’t know the same pain you felt before.

Spending the rest of the night on your bed and watching reruns of Friends, you eventually fell asleep and when the morning came, the sun was shining brightly through your big glass windows. The city was already busy outside as you got up from your bed, took your throw blanket, wrapped it around your body and tiptoed towards the kitchen. You could hear some clattering noise going on and realize maybe Sara was already awake. When you entered the kitchen, you saw the man that Sara brought back last night, making some tea.

“Oh.” You paused in your tracks, pulling the blanket closer to you.

The man turned to face you and smiled. His blond hair all disarray, and he was holding one of your mugs in his hand. The both of you stood there for a moment and just stared at each other, thinking about the little encounter you two had last night.

“Good morning.” His English accent slipped through his voice.

British.

“Good morning.” You muttered, still frozen in your place.

“I’m sorry. Sara told me I could make some tea here in the morning.” He looked down at the mug that he was holding. “I want to apologize about last night.”

You finally were able to move as you walked towards him and opened the cupboard, taking a mug out. “Hm… You mean when I saw you butt naked on my sofa?” You teased him.

You watched as his cheeks flushed, scratching the back of his head, “I’m really sorry about that.”

You laughed softly, pouring yourself a cup of coffee. “It’s fine. I know.”

“I’m Wesley, by the way. Wes.” He held out his hand to you.

You introduced yourself and shook his hand, chuckling softly. You watched as Wes’ eyes caught the Friends poster on your living room and nodded his head towards that direction.

“You and Sara both love Friends, huh?” He asked.

Technically, that poster was yours, and you had that in your dorm room back in college. It was the show that you and Sara first bonded over when you first met and ever since you moved in together, you had hung it up there as a reminder how your friendship started.

“Yeah, we’re obsessed with that show.” You grinned.

“That’s quite funny because my best friend loves that show too.” Wes commented before the both of you were interrupted by Sara.

“Joe?” She smiled, coming out of her bedroom in her fuzzy robe.

Wes leaned down to kiss Sara on the cheek, making her smile. You couldn’t help but look away, feeling like you were interrupting a moment between them. Though, you also couldn’t help but smile about the fact that they were really sweet together.

“Yes, Joe. I was just telling her how Joe loves the show Friends like the two of you.” Wes explained.

“Which by the way, you will be watching with me too.” Sara stated, making Wes roll his eyes. “But speaking of Joe, I feel like the two of you would get along very well.” Sara turned her attention to you.

You saw the smile on both of their faces, and you knew exactly what Sara was doing. She had been encouraging you for a few months now to go out there and date again, but you had refused many times. It was not like you didn’t want to go out there again. You did. But it was hard after Carter. You felt like you couldn’t trust anyone so easily anymore. So, you just raised your brow at Sara, who was grinning at you before she changed the subject and turned her attention to Wes.

“I have to go to the bookshop for a few hours because two of my employees are running late today.” Sara said.

“Okay, I actually have to head home, but I’ll pop by later on. I’ll bring Joe if he’s not busy today.”

“I’ll come with you. I need to find a book anyway and finish my work.” You said, drinking the rest of your coffee. “And maybe I could help you out serve coffee.”

Sara nodded her head, “Sounds good.”

Leaving the couple in the kitchen, you made your way to the bathroom to freshen up to get yourself ready for the day. Sara’s bookshop café was only two blocks away from your apartment building, and she opened it up the year after you both graduated. It was something she had been wanting her whole life. The bookshop only started off small but once everyone had started coming in, Sara was able to expand it and add a little coffee shop inside for everyone to hang out and feel comfortable. It was Sara’s little baby, and she was always protective and picky with people to hire because she wanted to have someone that she trusted whenever she wasn’t at the bookshop.

“I know what you’re doing, you know.” You told Sara later that morning as the both of you walked down the street.

Sara was looking down at her feet, stepping on each crunchy leaf and laughed at what you said.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She replied, side eyeing you.

“Please. I’m not dumb. I saw that expression on your face when you mentioned John.”

“It’s Joe.” Sara corrected.

You rolled your eyes, “Whatever his name is.”

“You need to go out there again. I’m not kidding, Joe really is nice. I really do feel like you two will get along really well.”

“Well, maybe I like what I have right now.” You argued back.

Sara gave you a look as you both arrived at the bookshop café, knowing full well that you were lying through your teeth. You purse your lips as Sara chuckled and unlocked the bookshop doors.

You always loved Sara’s bookshop. The tall shelves and walls were made of dark wood that made the place look warm and cozy, especially during autumn and winter. It was two stories. The little coffee shop was at the back of the store and there was a little lounge area right by it. Upstairs, you could look down and see the first floor of the bookshop. Sara had also made a little lounge area at the back with string lights hanging on the ceiling and little bean bags set on the fuzzy carpet. Though, other than that, most of the upstairs were just a series of tall bookshelves.

Looking around, you smiled as you adored the bookshop. You couldn’t get used to how beautiful and cozy it was. It has been a few weeks since you came over to the shop due to the fact that your work has been keeping you busy, and you would work late all the time. As you walked with Sara towards the back, you set your stuff in the lounge area and opened your laptop before following Sara behind the coffee counter and helped her set up the coffees.

Back in the earlier days when it just opened, you and Sara used to be so busy just bumping into each other and making coffees for everyone. Now, Sara has hired two people to help her but lately, you have been trying to convince her that she should hire another extra pair of hands.

After setting up everything, you made your way upstairs to find the books that you needed and for a while, you sat at the table and focused your attention on your laptop in front of you until you saw Sara struggling behind the counter. You were quick to get up from where you were sitting, put on an apron and helped her ring up some customers.

“Don’t you miss working with me?” You teased Sara later that day as you steamed the milk for the latte.

“Yeah, remember when the counter was small and we would just bump into each other and spill coffee all over.” Sara chuckled.

“Sara, you really need to hire one more person. I think you need two more extra hands around here.” You suggested as you watched the crowd of people finally started to go down.

Sara let out a sigh, wiping her forehead with the back of her hand. “I know. You know how picky I am.” You watched as she opened the fridge underneath the counter. “I’m gonna go to the back and get some more milk. I can handle it from here. Go back to your work, I know you still have some stuff to do.”

“Okay.”

Wiping down the countertops and putting everything back to its place, you kinda missed the rush that it gave you. Sure, you were busy at work but you were always behind a desk now. Though, at the same time, you couldn’t picture yourself being like this everyday. It would stress you out. You honestly didn’t know how Sara was doing it.

“Hello, may I get a small cappuccino?”

Your thoughts were interrupted as you finished wiping down the countertops. “Yes, give me one second, sir—”

As soon as you glanced up, you froze in your place and saw him. It had probably been a year already, but you knew that face. You remembered that face. You could tell he remembered you too because he had the same expression as you. His eyes widened in shock and suddenly, a small smile tugged on his face.

“Hi!” He greeted you.

“Hi.” You smiled, nervously wiping your hands with the towel that you were holding.

Why did you keep bumping into this man? Manhattan was big enough for the two of you to not be constantly running into each other.

“I didn’t know you work here.”

“Oh, I don’t. I was just helping—”

“These crates are heavy!” Sara interrupted, coming back carrying a crate full of milk. You quickly dropped the towel you were holding and helped her carry it over and set it on the counter.

“Joe!” Sara exclaimed as soon as she saw him. “It looks like you two finally met!”

Wait, Joe?

Was this the Joe they were talking about this morning? Was this the Joe who is Wes’ best friend? Your eyes widened at Sara, and you slowly turned to Joe who was smiling at your best friend like they have known each other for a while.

“You’re Joe?” You asked, stunned.

Joe nodded his head, giving you a warm smile as he held out his hand and introduced himself. As you shook his hand and also introduced yourself, you couldn’t help but wonder how many times you two kept running into each other and you just now were learning his name.

Joe.

“Where’s Wes?” Sara asked as she started making Joe’s drink.

“Oh, he’s in the restroom.”

Not a few seconds after, Wes came up behind Joe with a big grin on his face and said, “Oh! You two finally met!”

Wes squeezed Joe’s shoulder, while you and Joe stared at each other for a moment. You could see how Joe was holding in his smile, while you looked down and bit your lower lip. Sara and Wes could feel the different vibe that was radiating from the both of you when you gazed up and saw them exchanging looks.

“Okay, what is with the weird vibe?” Wes asked.

Joe cleared his throat as you let out a soft chuckle and said, “We met before.”

“When?” Sara and Wes exclaimed in unison as both of their eyes widened in shock.

You turned to Sara and said, “The night that Carter broke up with me.”

Joe did the same to Wes and said, “When I proposed to Rue.”

“He’s the handkerchief guy?”

“She’s the handkerchief girl?”

Both Sara and Wes said it at the same time again as they stood there and stared at both of you with wide eyes. You felt the blood rushed to your cheeks as soon as Sara mentioned the little nickname you two had for Joe. You told Sara about that night. The night how Joe had given you his handkerchief because he found you crying, and you thought it was weird how both of you had the opposite situations that night. You also had mentioned that you ran into him at the mall the next day. Letting your eyes study both men in front of you, you couldn’t help but feel embarrassed about the little nickname. Then again, Wes and Joe also called you the same thing. So, what were you so embarrassed for?

Turning to Sara, you could see the playful smile that was slowly curving on her face, and you shook your head, knowing exactly what she was thinking. You were just glad that you were saved by Sara’s two employees walking in the shop because the conversation immediately ended as soon as they entered. Hoping you could avoid this conversation to continue, you untied the apron from your waist.

“I know what you’re thinking.” You whispered at Sara as you passed by her before hanging the apron on the wall. You let her employees take over as you slipped yourself away from behind the counter.

Walking back at your little table where you had set your things earlier, you sat down and went back to work on your laptop. Joe didn’t take his eyes off of you as he waited for Sara to finish making his cappuccino. Letting Wes and Sara have their own space, Joe grabbed the drink from Sara and paid for it before walking towards where you were sitting at the lounge area. He could see you were focused on whatever you were doing in your laptop, and he couldn’t help but think how you looked beautiful.

“We meet again.” Joe said as he stood in front of you with a smile on his face.

You gazed up from your laptop and said, “It seems like it.”

“How are you?”

You bit your lower lip and said, “Better. How’s everything with you? Are you finally engaged?”

Joe sat across from you and let out a scoff, shaking his head. “Um… no. We broke up two weeks after that night.”

You furrowed your brows as you completely stopped what you were doing and gave Joe your full attention this time. “Oh? I thought you said you were working things out.”

You watched as Joe took a sip of his drink and said, “Well, you can’t really work things out when one of you is cheating on the other.”

You raised both your brows and shook your head. You didn’t know the woman but this was probably the third time that you had judged her in your head. Pushing the thoughts away, you focused your attention back to your laptop.

“Idiot.” You mumbled under your breath, low enough hoping Joe wouldn’t hear it, but he did anyway.

Joe smiled to himself as he heard your little comment. Sipping the rest of his cappuccino, he watched you work for a moment. His eyes lingered towards your long hair and the way you typed on your laptop. Then, his eyes fell to your long lashes fluttering, and your sparkling eyes that were focused on the screen. He never noticed it then because his mind was too busy with Rue but watching you sit there in front of him, he couldn’t help but think how stunning you were.

“How about you? Have you yelled at anyone lately?” Joe teased you, knowing that he would be able to see your smile.

He was right. Because not only did he receive a genuine smile from you, a soft laughter also escaped from your lips. It was the first time he saw you smile and the sound of your laughter was music to his ears. The last two times he had run into you, you were upset, and he couldn’t blame you, honestly. He still remembered that night. He remembered how much of a dick your ex was.

You glanced up from your screen and saw the playful smile that tugged on Joe’s face. You could tell he was teasing you as his chocolate button eyes sparkled.

“No, I don’t yell at people.” You said. “That’s just for you.” You added, teasing him back.

You watched Joe laugh at your joke and thought about Sara’s little comment this morning. Maybe she was right. You were able to get along with Joe easily. Interrupting your little conversation, Sara and Wes walked over towards the two of you. Wes’ arm was around Sara’s shoulders as they smiled at the both of you, knowing full well that they were right. You both were getting along quickly.

“I’m quite peckish. Do you want to get some pizza down the street?” Wes asked.

“Sure.” You and Joe said in unison as you closed your laptop and packed your things.

The walk to the pizza shop was only two minutes. You and Joe walked right behind Wes and Sara, and you tried your best to keep your focus on your feet and let them step on the crunchy leaves on the pavement.

Left, right, left right.

It wasn’t like it was awkward between you two. You just didn’t really know what to say or talk about with him. After all, you two just officially met. Joe was quiet too. He tried to find something to talk about with you but nothing really came to mind. As the four of you entered the little pizza shop, you settled yourself at a corner booth. Wes was the most talkative out of everyone, and you could tell how happy he was. His happiness was radiating out of him. You couldn’t help but laugh and smile at his little jokes and glanced at Sara from time to time.

She’s happy.

“You know what? I’m still absolutely shocked over the fact that you and Joe have met before.” Wes said, his attention turned towards you. “What are the odds that I’d meet Sara too?”

Joe chuckled, sipping on his soda. “Wes was completely down on his knees the moment he met Sara.”

As you sat there, you realized one thing. You now just found out about Wes and Sara, but everyone else knew about all of this except for you.

Even Joe.

You turned your attention to Sara and asked, “You know you haven’t told me exactly how this happened.”

Sara gave you a smile and turned to Wes and Joe. Both men exchanged looks before Wes said, “So, we were walking down the street after a long day. Joe just finished filming a movie, and I was there visiting him on set, and it started pouring hard outside. We found Sara’s bookshop café and since Joe was already crying that he wanted some coffee because it was cold, we decided to enter.”

“And there was Sara behind the counter making drinks, and Wes just stood there frozen in line and drooling over her. Ever since then, he started coming in almost everyday.” Joe laughed.

“It’s so funny because I started noticing him, and he would come and talk to me. He started ordering a different drink everyday.” Sara added.

The four of you laughed as you saw how Wes’ cheeks flushed. “Hey! I was coming in everyday. I might as well try all the beverages.”

“Well, that took you four months, and you were finally able to let her say yes, did you, mate?” Joe teased, nudging Wes on the side.

“That’s so cute. I’m so happy for you.” You murmured to Sara, who was sitting next to you. “And you said you’re an actor?” You turned to Joe.

“Oh, yeah!” Sara replied to your question.

“You know, she works at a production company.” Wes added, pointing at you.

You furrowed your brows, wondering how Wes knew that and figured maybe Sara had mentioned it to him. It wasn’t really something you like to brag about because it was just some normal office work in your opinion.

“I work at the office. I just do paperwork and… other things.” You shrugged.

“Do you ever want to work on set or be in front of the camera?” Joe asked.

“No, not really. I mean that would be great, but I don’t think I’m good at that part of the business.”

Joe nodded his head in understanding as the four of you continued to eat pizza and have little small conversations. You learned that Wes was too afraid to actually ask Sara out at the beginning and that was why he didn’t do anything about it, which made Sara think that it wasn’t gonna go anywhere. Joe, however, was able to finally convince Wes to ask Sara out on a date and just two days ago, they finally made it official.

You thought that story was actually really cute, and you couldn’t be more happier for Sara. Looking at Wes, it seemed like he was also very genuine towards her. When the four of you walked out of the pizza shop that day, Joe and Wes had to go their separate ways since they both had plans, while you and Sara decided that you would spend time together and shop.

“So, I guess I’ll see you around.” Joe said to you.

Wes and Sara were saying their goodbyes a few feet away from the both of you, and you thought this time, there would be an actual chance you would see Joe again. Not run into each other in surprise but actually see him because you knew he would be tagging along with Wes from time to time.

“Yeah, I guess so. It was really nice to finally meet you officially.”

Joe chuckled, “Yeah, it was nice to finally meet you two… officially.”

“Bye.” You smiled at him before locking arms with Sara and walked in the opposite direction.

“So?” Sara raised her brow at you.

“So… I like Wes.” You replied to the question you already knew she was asking. “He’s really nice and funny.”

“Really?” Sara’s eyes widened in happiness. Her whole face glowed the moment she heard you say those words.

“Really.” You laughed, nudging her lightly. “Even though our first encounter was a little… traumatizing.”

You both laughed together at your little joke. Sara knew you would never let that subject go now.

“And Joe?” Sara asked.

“He’s… nice.” You smiled.

Sara didn’t say or ask anything else as she lightly nudged you on the side, making you stumble a little. As the autumn leaves fell from the trees, both of your laughter filled the streets as you both continued down the sidewalk.

********

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#Joseph Quinn #Joe Quinn #Joseph Quinn x Reader #Joe Quinn x Reader #Joseph Quinn x You #Joe Quinn x You #Joseph Quinn x Fem!Reader #Joe Quinn x Fem!Reader #Joseph Quinn Fics #Joe Quinn Fics #Joseph Quinn Fanfics #Joe Quinn Fanfics #written in the stars #part two #sweetprfct

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fanfic-the-wish-your-heart-makes · 9 days ago

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Part 4 of Gotham Characters React to You Getting Easily Scared by a Movie 👻☠😈😨🎃:

Oswald Cobblepot, Renee Montoya & Carmine Falcone <-last part (part 3) Part 1

Oswald Cobblepot is the only one who gets angry — but only because he cares about you. Your reaction has him insulting the people who didn't put enough warnings on the movie, in true Gertrud Kapelput style! 😌😠 He also questions whether he does you good...

You're glad that you have someone to cling to as the movie gets scarier. No doubt Oswald would frighten the villains. Ah! Why does this movie have to be that scary? Oswald notices right away that you aren't fully enjoying yourself. He knows how strongly you usually hug him and this is harder than usual. You too realize that you're almost sinking your nails into him, and try to relax.

He pauses the movie and diverts his attention to you. "Are okay, dear?" Oswald looks you over, his sea-green eyes mirroring a fracture of the TV's light. You try to smile. "I'm just more easily frightened than you are." "Do you want to stop watching?" "Yes, if it's alright for you—" "We'll stop right away."

He presses few buttons until the TV is off and then tosses the remote control to the other side of the sofa.."Why wouldn't they put warnings before this?! Now you had to suffer! Not to mention: no doubt lots of children will be watching this too, allowed or not. Whoever's responsible should be fired, incompetent fools!" He makes a wild gesture, furious in an endearing way, and catches your look. "What?" "You can be so cute when you're protective, even if you're angry." "I—" he feels warmth spread in his chest, "I'm glad you feel safe with me."

Perhaps you shouldn't: what scared you on screen is often his reality. If this was already hard to watch for you, then— You give him a kiss. "Now I know who I can turn to to fight off movie inspectors." He chuckles. "That you do, my dear."

Renee Montoya has seen her fair share of horrible things but watching something spooky around Halloween or autumn is such a classic date idea that she really wanted to try it. Having her arms around you, bringing you a mug full of tea or hot chocolate or another beverage of your choice, and leaning back to for once get frightened by something fictional seems like a perfect pastime...Until she finds out how you feel about it.

The evening starts getting uncomfortable for you when the story picks up its pace, the vibe becoming creepier and creepier. At first it's bearable, Renee leaning towards you and giving you some warmth, but then she gets up to bring you something to drink, insisting that you can continue watching, and now you're shivering in front of the television.

"There you go," she announces, and hands you a warm cup, which you take with quivering hands. "What's wrong?" "I'm scared." "Of the movie?" "Mhm." "We can stop watching. You don't have to do this to yourself." You sigh. "Thanks, that's best decision, I think." She strokes your back and kisses you. "It is."

Carmine Falcone doesn't want you to feel as if you were the odd one for being scared. He knows how resistant he's become to horrific occurrences because of his position, and wants to preserve your justified reactions to these things where he can.

You're trying to be patient, wait a little. Maybe the movie turns out to be less scary than you think. But right now it is definitely scary. Suddenly the film pauses and you feel his hand on your shoulder. "Let's stop here. There are classier movies, my dear." You're sure he means less frightening, but nod regardless, glad that he took the initiative.

______________ Author's note: Everything after the beginning of Carmine's part was written after Halloween, so that's the upside to me not publishing these headcanons/one-shots then 🤗 ->part 5

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callsigndragon · 2 years ago

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Desperate times, desperate measures | Ch. 2: Till death do us part

Pairing: Jake "Hangman" Seresin x fem!writer!reader (Most of the times, she will be called Page)

Word count: 2.5k

Warnings: mentions of death, angst, Jake and Page fight for the first time, and the wedding-

A/N: THANK YOU ALL FOR ALL THE COMMENTS AND FEEDBACK I'M GETTING FROM Y'ALL. It's absolutely wonderful to see the amount of love i get from you guys, i love you all so much.

It's okay if you like it and all, but please... a comment is also welcomed and if you reblog it? I'll kiss you on the forehead.

Masterlist

When the lawyer leaves the room, you remember that there’s someone important that you haven’t called and who will be suffering as much as you when she knows that Anne is dead.

But so many things happened yesterday that you completely forgot to call your other best friend.

“Heeeeeeey, how’s my favorite writer doing?” Gabby says, and the background noises make you guess that she is at a Starbucks at the moment.

“Gabrielle, can you go to a quieter place?” You tell her, sitting down and bracing yourself for what’s about to happen.

“Holy shit, that serious? Okay, okay, let me go to my car.” It only takes her a few seconds, but it feels like a lifetime. “Okay, in the car already. Tell me what’s wrong.”

“Luke and Anne got into a car accident yesterday, they died, and they wanted me and Jake to be Emma’s legal guardians in case something happened to them, but Jake’s work is really dangerous, and I’m ‘too young’ to be a single mother, so the only way we can get Emma’s custody is by getting married, and I can’t get married to fucking Hangman, Gabby, I can’t!” You let it all out before you even realize that you’re just rambling and rambling, and that probably Gabby hasn’t understood a thing and she’s going to freak out.

“Luke and Anne are… dead?”

“Yeah… they’re gone.”

She starts sobbing, and you want to punch yourself for the way in which you delivered the news. “Send me your location, I’ll go get you.”

“Don’t worry, Matt is here with me. I’ll go to your house.”

“I’m… I’m staying at Anne’s.” You clarify, wincing when you hear her swearing with a shaky breath.

“Of course you are, Emma needs all the stuff that’s in that house. I’ll see you in 20.”

Just wait until she finds out that you two cannot get Emma from CPS until you accept to be her legal guardians... and you can only do that when you get married.

“....And Hangman just went to get a marriage license because apparently it's faster and easier if you’re a member of the military.” You finish the story, watching how Gabs' knuckles tighten when she grabs the mug with force.

“Man, life couldn’t get more complicated even if it tried.” She sighs, wiping her face with a tissue. “How are you holding up? We all were best friends, but you’ve known her all your life, honey… And now you have to take her place, and raise her daughter.”

You nod, eyes unfocused as you drift away, remembering a conversation from a few weeks ago, in which you told Anne that you ‘envied the life she had’. A life that now was yours.

Yesterday, when you woke up, you were a single writer who had just published a new novel. You had good friends, you had a good life, a good house, a good car. It was everything you ever wanted, and you worked so damn hard to make it happen.

When you wake up tomorrow, you are going to be a married woman and a mother. You’re going to have to give up your car and your house. You’re going to have to reschedule all your promotions and the release of your new book. It’s going to take a few months before you settle down and manage to find time for yourself and time to write again.

How much can a life change in one day, huh.

“With a man I hate. This feels like shitty fanfiction written by a teenager.” You scoff, letting your head hit the back of the sofa while you close your eyes.

“Honey, you started with shitty fanfiction written as a teenager.” Gabby says, making you chuckle.

“I hope that nobody ever finds them.”

The main door opens, and you see Jake, followed by all the members of his squad. “Hey, Gabby.” He greets your friend.

Gabby only answers with a nod, turning her head towards the rest of the aviators, noticing that Nat is between them. Gabby may or may not have a tiny crush on her. But she knows that this is not the time to be a teenager with a crush.

“You got the license?” You ask Jake when he sits next to you, taking a deep breath and nodding.

“Yeah, it was easy. I called the squad to act as witnesses; I thought Gabby was in Texas working on her next movie.”

“We’re switching locations, and they gave me a few days off. I have to call them and let them know that I have to attend a service.” She grabs her phone and goes to the kitchen, probably to call her agent.

Sometimes you forget that you met Gabby a few years ago, when one of your first books was turned into a movie, and you went to the studio every day to help Anne, who was the director. Gabby was cast as the main actress, and soon the three of you turned into the bestest friends.

Gabby and Anne were always ready to listen to your craziest ideas and plots for upcoming books, even if that meant staying up until 3 AM and chatting on a video call. Anne used to prepare her pitches with you and Gabby, so it was perfect whenever she had to meet the producers or studio executives. Gabby prepared her scripts with you two, getting ready for her next audition.

It was the perfect team. You wrote. Gabby performed. Anne directed.

The three of you were preparing to work together soon, as you had written your first screenplay not long ago. Anne insisted on you giving it a try, because your books ‘felt like movies most of the time, so it’s not that different’. And you did, finding that it was funny and really entertaining. Auditions are being made at the moment, and the only thing you know is that Gabby was the hilarious best friend of the main character.

It made you sad, though. The amount of times she had performed that role over the years... And even after she won not only a Grammy but was nominated for another one! Why is she still getting these roles? Gabby said that, in this film, she felt more connected to that character than to the main one, so she was not mad about it.

But you’re getting tired of Hollywood’s hypocrite ass. They always talk about inclusivity and giving more opportunities to other actors, but you don’t usually see a black actress in the main role of a big movie. That’s Hollywood for you.

“I guess we’re going to the courthouse now.” You question, observing as all the members of the squad, some of whom you can consider friends but others whom you don’t know as well, are standing in their dress uniforms.

“In a bit.” Jake clears his throat. “Look, we only have to pretend until the caseworker approves us. Then it’s all over.”

“Oh, so you want me to get a divorce as soon as we get a seal of approval?” You retort, turning your body in his direction.

“What, you want to be my wife?” He scoffs, looking at Javy, who is shaking his head, as if he was telling him to stop with the jokes.

Jake should listen to Javy sometimes.

“I’m a public figure, Jake. Once I get married, everybody will know! And if I get a divorce in three months, right after CPS gives us their blessing, people will know too!”

“What do you mean? Do I have to play the doting husband for the rest of my life?” He raises his voice, and you can see from the corner of your eye how Rooster takes a step in your direction, but Bob and Payback stop him.

“This was your idea, Jake. Don’t yell at me.”

“Then tell me, what was I supposed to do? Let a bunch of strangers take my goddaughter away?” You can see the unshed tears in his bloodshot eyes. He had been crying, too. Probably even more than you and Gabby.

There’s a different level of connection between people who risk their lives together. It’s unsimilar to everything you've seen. The stronger the connection, the bigger the loss.

“I think that you took the only option we had. But we’re gonna have to fake being in a marriage for longer than you initially thought.” You get up from the sofa, moving to the kitchen, only pausing midway when he asks his next question.

“How long?”

How long? Well, that’s a good question. Long enough for them not to suspect. Long enough so they forget about you two.

How long is that?

“A year.” You proclaim, feeling as if your words echo all over the house.

“Do you have any cute dresses in your suitcase?” Gabby says, rummaging through the small suitcase you packed for the three days you were supposed to stay away from the city.

“No, I don’t have anything appropriate for a fake wedding.” You groan, sitting on the bed.

“Maybe we can go buy something before we get to the courthouse?”

“I don’t think we have time for that, Gabs.”

A soft knock on the door makes you tear your gaze away from your friend, waiting for the newcomer. Nat’s head pops up from the other side, eyes closed. “Are you girls visible?”

“Yeah, we’re trying to find a dress.” Gabby says, checking her reflection in the mirror before Nat opens her eyes.

Rolling your eyes, you see that the pilot has a bag in her hands. “What’s that?”

“On my way here,” Nat starts, walking into the room and handing you the bag. “I thought that maybe you didn’t have anything to wear. So I bought you this.”

You get the dress out of the bag. It has a vintage air to it, and it’s white. The skirt stops over the ankles. It’s the kind of wedding dress that was used for civil weddings. Just like yours.

“It’s beautiful, Nat. Thank you. You didn’t have to.” You hug her, trying to understand how a beautiful soul like hers is friends with Jake.

“Me and Bob will take you to the courthouse. Take as much time as you need.” She nods in Gabby’s direction and leaves the room.

You start crying as soon as you realize that your best friend will not be attending your wedding.

The ceremony isn’t long, and you’re grateful for that. Because you’re not sure how much time you can hold Jake’s hands on yours, while faking to be madly in love. Jake plays the part like a champ, even telling the officiant that he didn’t want to rush this wedding, but he’s going to be deployed soon and wants to marry the love of his life before he has to leave for a few months.

It takes all your strength not to take off your high-heels and throw them at his head. But the shoes are Anne’s, and you don’t want to damage them. It’s something borrowed. The sapphire earrings are an heirloom given to you by your grandma. It’s something old, and something blue. And the dress, bought for you by Nat, is something new.

You didn’t care about these small traditions because this wedding wasn’t real, but if you’re going to be married to this idiot for a year, at least you’re going to do it right.

“The future promises many happy days ahead,” says the officiant, making you take a deep breath to avoid laughing at his face. No, there are no happy days ahead for you. “filled with unique opportunities, adventures, and challenges. It is through trust, love, and the unfailing support of each other that you will meet these inevitable ups and downs.”

You and Jake look at each other, feeling the weight of the words on your shoulders. There will be adventures and challenges, and as much as you hate to admit it, the only way you are going to survive this year, is by supporting each other.

“Do you, Jacob Seresin, take Y/n L/n to be your spouse and to live together as partners, to treat them her love and respect, and to build a marriage that grows stronger and more loving as time passes?”

Jake doesn’t even blink when he answers. “Yes, I do.”

“And do you, Y/n L/n, take Jacob Seresin to be your spouse and to live together as partners, to treat him with love and respect, and to build a marriage that grows stronger and more loving as time passes?” The officiant repeats the same words, but they don’t feel as the ones he said to Jake. They feel heavy. Like a doom.

“Yes, I do.”

“The wedding ring represents the promises and potential of marriage. It has no beginning and no end, and is a timeless symbol of the love and commitment you have pledged. As you wear your ring, let it remind you of the love you feel here today.”

Love. The only thing that you don’t feel towards your soon-to-be husband.

“Jacob, place the ring on Y/n’s finger and repeat after me.”

Javy gives Jake the ring, that is soon placed on your finger. It’s cold. A coldness that burns your skin.

I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and devotion, as we join our lives together, today, tomorrow, and for as long as our love shall last.

Those are the words that Jake and you have to repeat, each of them damaging your soul and leaving behind small crecives that you hope time can heal.

The officiant’s next words make you cry, but he believes that you’re just an ‘emotional bride’.

True marriage is more than just a ceremony or a piece of paper – it is a lasting bond that joins two lives and two hearts.

You don’t want him near your heart.

Marriage is love.

You don’t love him.

Companionship.

He will spend most of his time away.

Trust.

You don’t trust him.

And Respect.

The only thing you respect is his job and his dedication to Emma.

May you always find strength in each other, laugh with each other, and find safety and comfort in each other’s words and company.

What strength? What laugh?

May you celebrate many joyful seasons together, support each other when days are difficult, and continue to learn and grow closer together with each passing year.

Only four seasons with him. Nothing more.

“You may kiss!”

And when he kisses you, Jake doesn’t know if the saltiness in his lips is because of his tears or yours.

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tryhardgwen · 1 month ago

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hi gwen!

tysm for writing and posting, I really love all of your work!

quick question just for fun: if someone could only read five of your fics and no more, and you got to pick which ones, which five would you want them to read? you can include wips if you want

happy writing and i can’t wait for your next update!

anon i am so sorry for the late reply, i just. had to think about this a LOT. then i may or may not have forgot about it. oops. but thank you so much for the submission and for enjoying my fics!!

ok we are NOT including wips because that would make this answer infinitely harder. also because i can’t really judge them because… they’re not… done. im also not counting i want your violence, since it's not finished. i AM including kim suhwan vs. the world, however, because it's essentially finished. so i'm picking out of my 25 fics. that being said, here is my list of my 5 fics i would want people to read:

kim suhwan vs. the world

all my love

the mouth of the wolf, the eyes of the lamb

and all of my dreams, they’re growing lucid (i mean, can we do two here? just the whole busan boy series. this and the beach.)

don’t blame me

pour one out for the fakenuts sure, but i havent written one im incredibly proud of yet. if the one im working on turns out good, then well… 😶‍🌫️ but thats neither here nor there since it is NOT FINISHED and i dont wanna torture myself with choosing.. really op i have 26 published fics and ur making me choose FIVE of 25. ok, i will delve into my reasoning under here.

ahem. so, to start with... kim suhwan vs. the world. i feel like this one is a little self-explanatory, if only because it's my most recent fic. i do think it's one of my best written (my older fics are definitely lacking in skill, i didn't get good at writing until late 2023 i'd say) and i just... love the plot. so writing quality is great, concept also great! description amazing, dialogue amazing. my best work so far... i guess that makes sense, since im improving in skill as i write and grow more. i love peyz. i love writing fics about love and growing up and coming of age, and okay i DID project a bit onto peyz because i too have an unrequited crush and uh... i struggle with my emotions being a "lot" a lot. especially as of late, ive been "feeling" a lot. i get angry, i get sad. i mean my dad died lol! (i do sort of separate my fics nowadays as pre-dad death and post) but this story is just so special to me. you can see my growth as a person and a writer in comparison to my first fics. i mean, its been two years, pretty much. suhwan here is so special to me, and so is jihoon, honestly. wangho is too, and... god i do love geng 2023 so much. AGH. i know chapter 5 isn't out yet, but it will be tonight, or tomorrow! before t1 geng semis, at least. i hope.

next, all my love. also self-explanatory i think. it's my most popular fic, and even though i don't even really like onerzeus, i love this story and i love my iteration of them. i really badly wanted to write a second chance homecoming story (fun fact, aml was almost a bengifaker instead of onerzeus!) and i ended up doing that. i chose onerzeus since i thought they fit it. and then the fic sorta snowballed. i initially wanted 3 chapters, 10k each, 30k total word count. hoo boy that didn't happen LOL. EVERYTHING snowballed. i started putting all my favorite music in it, and putting cars and stick shifts in, and making the almost-family have an auto shop. i put jojopyun in bc i fucking love the guy so, so much. i put many bits of myself and my dad into it (i look back on this fic with a tad bit of sentimentality because it has so much of him in it. i did write that fic before he died). but i put just.. things i wanted to put in. it was SO self indulgent! gumakeria marriage, jojopyun, music, and cars... i remember working super hard on this fic in particular, and i think it paid off. all the "surprises"/cliffhanger type-things were something i put a lot work into. i think the writing quality of this fic is... halfway decent/pretty good... description was almost amazing, and dialogue was pretty good. conceptually, one of my best. this fic will always be special to me.

next would (maybe surprisingly?) be the mouth of the wolf, the eyes of the lamb. conceptually, i believe this is my best fic conceptually, which is why i chose it. i really don't think this shows my best writing at all (not even top 5 best writing) but i think i execute the CONCEPT well regardless! i did write it in pretty much one sitting because i was in the midst of burnout and i just got the idea and knew i had to get it out, so that's my excuse on the sub-par writing quality and possibly choppy plotline. it has pretty okay description, not bad dialogue. i definitely could've made it smoother. but in general, i just love the "lck mid holy trinity" of faker, showmaker, and chovy. i love lck midlaners so much. the idea of showmaker and chovy being kindred and faker the grey man descended upon me like a blessing from the gods. BY GOD DID I COOK. i didn't write a ton of au fics prior to this fic (ntm any fantasy aus), but i really should more. i love it so much, and i love the ending (which i wrote at like 4 am in the morning in a haze because i randomly thought of it half asleep!) i'm super proud of this conceptually and i need to write more lck mid fics in general (this time with scout too!?)

okay, i really wish i could count the busan boy series as one. but i cannot, so i am choosing and all of my dreams, they're growing lucid. despite it ill be talking about both fics in this section. i think this is my best work slash series of canon-compliant gumakeria i've written thus far--(i haven't written a ton since it came out, if at all, honestly). i feel like i really perfected their characterization here, over writing so much gumakeria. the reason i pick aaomdtgl over the beach is probably writing quality/skill. busan boy is by far my "favorite" of the two concepts, but it's lacking in execution, and it's noticeable especially in comparison to its sequel. the beach has okay writing, pretty decent description, and amazing concept. and all of my dreams has great writing, great description, and great concept. i was always grumpy the beach got so much less attention than and all of my dreams, but... i guess it's for a reason, lol (also bc its um. SAD! they LOSE!). (please go read the beach if you haven't though... i do love that fic so, so much.) also stream niki and the neighbourhood... read! my first songfics i guess, i just love those two albums. also i was a tad bit insane for these two fics--i wrote the beach because i was like, worlds in Korea? lets win. time to write losing in Korea fic first to set up for it. then i wrote a large percentage of and all of my dreams before t1 even won worlds because i was so sure of it. 2023 gwen was insane.

lastly is don't blame me. this is largely because of concept, because the writing is ass. don't blame me was my second published fic, so that's my excuse. the writing IS bad, i was waltzing along lacking in skill... yeah. the prose is so short and empty and fucking hell i could nitpick all day. i guess it sort of fits the fic?? (no im lying to myself lol it just sucks.) the description is meh, the dialogue gets the point across. but CONCEPTUALLY... the fic eats! it slays! demon keria yes pls! good job 2023 gwen! you did slay! my au fics do slay, and i had so much fun with this. i really fell into the rabbithole of league lore... god i love it so much. it's just so fun to write. and the ending! i love the ending a lot and i just like the tone and mood of the fic. i mean, its chilly, a little haunting... im not sure. dbm still has unwritten sequels LMAO i may or may not choose to write... i want to, but it's been a long time... i guess only time will tell.

so... yeah! that'd be my list. if you're interested in hearing why i DIDNT include some (one) fic, keep reading :] (wjnstt was the only one i wanted to address.)

now i think the main question to myself when choosing was... do i include we just need some time together or not? i know its a rather popular fic of mine, but i nixed it in favor of dbm i guess because i prefer dbm. and in terms of canon compliant gumakeria, busan boy clears it and does it a whole lot better in everything (characterization, writing quality, dynamic, everything). i don't... like wjnstt, not really. i mean, i haven't read it in a long while, so i couldn't tell u if that's 100% accurate of a conclusion, but. it was the first fic i ever started writing, and you can TELL. hoo boy writing quality be IN THE GUTTER. oh my GOD. to be fair, again, i haven't read it in a while so my judgment is probably a bit skewed/i could be misremembering. but i haven't reread it because IM SCARED OF IT. IM GOING TO GET SO MUCH SECONDHAND EMBARASSMENT AND CRINGE AT MYSELF OH GOD. ITS SO ASS. FUCKING HELL. my characterization is kinda ass (all of the characters), my writing quality/skill is unpolished... so many things. my description is okay... meh... i guess. my dialogue is probably the best part of the fic, and that's only halfway decent. but at the same time, i remember pouring my heart into this fic. i really do. conceptually, i think it was okay, and i remember it meaning a lot to me. i guess i just... sort of grew up and out of it. i mean, its been two years, pretty much. i wrote it in the midst of a bad depression slump, and i was younger, and... a lot changed since then, bascially. okay maybe i should reread it. fuck. we'll see i guess. i have a love hate relationship with this fic, that's all ill say for now. it'd probably make... top 6 or top 7. yeah. not sure. not top 5 though, sorry.

anyway, thank you so much for the question again op, and i'm so sorry for the late reply! and for yapping. i yapped a lot. hopefully you liked reading it though. much love, hope you have an amazing day, and let's gear up for worlds semis this weekend!!

#gwen answers!#lolrpf #aml #ksvstw #tmotwteotl #dbm #wjnstt #busan boy #the beach #aaomdtgl #i yapped a lot

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mrsbsmooth · 11 months ago

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….hiiii. um, i'm the gary season 2 pov anon. i'm so warmie at the thought that literally anyone else would want to read the fic, it's been such a labor of love, like two whole years of writing. it's also veeeeerrrry spicy lol, which was another concern of mine, as i've published fics before for other fandoms and such, and had fun doing it, but i had a really awful experience with a now ex friend of mine who had previously beta read literally everything i've ever written. but i'd found out that she was shit talking about my writing behind my back and when i confronted her she just doubled down about it and even posted in this writer's group chat we'd both been in for *years* about how awful my writing was and how glad she was that she would never have to read it again, with a literal picture of something I'd written when i was like, twelve and had sent to her as a joke. anyway, i've been really…insecure about my writing ever since, and i hadn't even realized it until now, and i just wanted to thank you?? you're such a fantastic writer and you're such a wonderful spot in the fandom as well. i've decided to go ahead and start publishing the fic, though it's prooobably going to be a long process, haha. first chapter is up, and if you're into it, i hope you might give it a shot? https://archiveofourown.org/works/52324489/chapters/132367141 anyway just wanted to thank you and say that i love your writing!!!

Okay so before i address a single other thing, I've just finished chapter one and AAAAHHHHHH I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Gary's internal monologue is so intriguing, and honestly right now, I needed this. Male POV is one of my absolutely favourite things to read (and write!). I love Cass she must be protected at all costs!

Here's the Gary fic: if i fall (can you let me down easy)

Now, onto the rest.

Firstly, I am so, so sorry that happened to you, but you've gotta fix your language. That's not an 'ex friend'. That's someone who was pretending to be your friend, but never, ever was. It doesn't matter if they did favours for you, or were kind to your face. If they're deliberately putting you down behind your back, they're not your friend, they never were, and you should stop giving them the honour of referring to them as such. Especially not if they took something you shared with them in confidence and used it against you.

Not. A. Friend.

Writing is unbelievably personal. You are putting a piece of your soul, a tiny bit of your own history and story into everything you write. So to share that with someone and have them betray your trust? I can totally understand why you would feel anxious or insecure about sharing it. But I can tell you right now, you have absolutely no reason to be insecure about your writing. Absolutely NONE. This is good. Like I had to go switch the laundry and do the dishwasher, but i had my phone in my hand the entire time just scrolling because I was having a great time reading it.

It absolutely warms my heart that you're publishing it, I hope you continue to do so because I think this really is a great fic. It's such perfect timing as well, given the eps have just disappeared and this is so close to canon so far, urgh. I can't wait.

Encourage everyone (especially the Gary stans!) to go and read <3

#litg gary #litg #love island the game

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pastafossa · 4 months ago

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hi, pasta :)) i really hope you’re good !!

my bad if this is something you’ve talked about already but i was just wondering what inspired you to write trt??

also is it okay for me to say that (like just from all the notes you put at the end of chapters and being able to get in your head a lil bit from all that) you genuinely seem like such a cool person <3

THIS IS SO SWEET, thank you so much!😭 My chapter end notes have absolutely turned into a little director's commentary session so those are definitely a look into my head, so I'm delighted you enjoy them!

And I haven't answered this question in a long time, I don't mind answering again!

Behind the cut so I don't clog everyone's feeds!

TRT basically started because I was talking to a friend about the list of POVs I'd written in (1st, 3rd limited, and 3rd omniscient at the time), and she threw out a, 'You're literally just missing 2nd person, DO IT YOU COWARD. I DARE YOU'

she thought i'd just do a oneshot she did not mean for me to go out and write War and Peace: Daredevil which is hilarious in hindsight

Anyway, my brain went 'CHALLENGE FUCKING ACCEPTE-wait I don't know how to write 2nd person. I'd only ever experienced it in RPGs and Choose Your Own Adventure books/stories up until that point (hilariously, I didn't even know about Reader fics at this point), but I liked those well enough, so I went and did some research, checked out CYOA library books to figure out how I could write a good You like the ones I loved in games and books. The whole time I was also trying to think of what the hell I'd even write about. I knew I wanted it to be Daredevil since it was my favorite fandom, and obviously it would have a You in it like CYOA books (discovered Reader fics around here during the research phase, which helped a bit), but I had no real plotline beyond that. Then I had a post come across my previous tumblr account's feed. It was one of those prompt-type idea posts for writing, and it said (paraphrased since it's been like 7-8 years):

'According to myth, there is an invisible red thread that binds two soulmates together. Though it may tangle or stretch, it never breaks.'

And... something clicked.

What if you could see them?

What if there were more colors?

Colors not just for a soulmate's love but for all love - love for friends and family, for teddy bears and your old car, for all our sweet dogs and purring kitties that love us wholly, for forests and the sea, for books and music and your old house and your entire city and holy shit that's it-she can see them, and if she can see them, she can track them, and how useful would that be to those in power? And if you have these psychic connections that's basically a way into someone's soul so what if it was like a whole other realm and obviously it's not physical so emotions would look like this and memories like-

A general plotline began to fall into place after that, built on my favorite plotlines and archetypes and tropes and my love of DD - an Evil Scientist/Defeat the Monster story arc; bring in the Bad Dude But A Good Dad archetype combined with the Cool Mafia Guy (partially inspired by Jonny Marcone in the Dresden Files); a slow burn romance which I loved watching/reading but had never tried writing before; a conflicted, morally grey protagonist to further explore the theme I loved in Daredevil of redemption and ethical dilemmas and the question of choosing who we become, etc. Once I realized how big this story was going to be, I decided to go all in and throw everything I had into the arcs and plotlines, sort of as an experiment to see if I could write a longer story at that point since I want to be published one day. And it just kind of kept getting more and more detailed from there, as I came up with twists and turns to throw in, ways I could more deeply explore this section of Hell's Kitchen and the wider Marvel universe because goddamn did I love this world the writers had created, found ways to incorporate tropes that I adored, until eventually it became TRT: this love letter to both Daredevil and all of my favorite tropes and storytelling in general. <3

#the red thread #so basically TRT started with a dare to write a 2nd POV fanfic and i was like OK and then i wrote one of the longest 2nd person fics ever #and the longest daredevil fic ever #because that is who i am #Pasta Answers

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theycallmeratt · 6 months ago

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12, 14, 17 for fic writer asks! :)

12: trope I'm really into

I did a stupid laugh reading this question. I'm really into the "they asked for no pickles" trope. Heists, I've been trying to figure out how to write one forever and I keep getting paralyzed, but watching heist movies is my comfort. The one where you apply modern technological/programming ideas to fantasy worlds. The sunshine and storm cloud couple.

14. Where do I get inspiration?

1) Daydreaming. Whenever I do anything physical I daydream and a lot of that is "what if this character did this?" Most of them are silly but if I get a scene I like I'll write it and that might turn into something. I try to not dismiss any idea.

2) I get it a lot of inspiration from other people. Shadows of the Lost came from a post about imperialism and the Gerudos' relationship with death/zonai came from a post about lore theories. Flowers was based on a tumblr post about flower language. Arcanus Fisticuffus was from the MMMay posts, Wine, Iron and Other Damnables from a post about enchanted weapons. Stranger Flames have Burned was from a @naughtybg3confessions post. I always try to link my sources in fics!

3) Talking with people, especially joking about things. I feel like I'm always taking my jokes to absurd levels, but in Arcanus Fisticuffus the idea for Liam and Cal to be filling everyone's heads with stories about Rolan came from a bit where they were going to make sure he won (as well as the incoming cobra kai jokes). Honeypot came from a joking demand for a thirst fic. Hornoscopes from joking about horoscopes. Sometimes an individual inspires a fic and I usually gift that fic to them.

4) Going off that, writing absurd stuff and trying to make it work, like when Astarion and Minthara crash a patriar party to make sure Wyll is getting the respect he deserves in Dance, or when I explain the "fade to black" sex scenes at Sharess's Caress... and then involve shovel (Sharess's Mess).

5) Exchanges! I've written a lot for exchanges.

6) Fixing problems I have with the story or finding solutions to things that make me uncomfortable. Like, I don't want to write overly gendered language/insults. That led to my current fic-canon (which I don't remember if it made it into my published fics but if not, I'm going to fix that) where Ganondorf being male doesn't make him the leader; it's that he's Ganondorf, the same guy, reincarnated. And that led to Gerudo having a huge reincarnation culture that lined up nicely with the lore post I linked above.

17) talk about your writing and editing process

I write on my phone, in google drive. I'm not stoked about this set up but it means I can write while waiting in line or on a walk so I do it.

I make a new doc for each fic, put in the prompt or idea I have, and then let it sit until something hooks me. Rarely am I'm writing at this point, but I might be researching or brainstorming. All links, ideas, notes, etc, go into the doc. Everything stays in the doc until I'm finished.

For long fics, I have to break it out once the total work count is around 30k because drive gets wonky. For short fics I do not do all this prep haha

I often make a list of character beliefs, lore, vocab for me to reference. Examples (sorry for the photos of text):

Dialogue patterns:

And body language (or kinks, erogenous zones, etc):

I usually write a few scenes I like first, or a bunch of random lines. Those might not make it into the story, but I'm the kind of person who has to do something to figure it out? I can't think my way through it (or, at least, I haven't tried to build that skill).

I often pick a "voice" scene, which is the scene I read to remember the voice the rest of the story should be written in. If possible, I read that scene before I write new stuff.

I edit as I go, normally. I usually make notes of what I want to add at other points so I don't forget

I also make a timeline:

And I try to note any plot holes, any points where I can put hooks or foreshadowing in, etc.

Once a story is done I go back through the "to add" list and make sure it's in the story, try to patch holes, make sure it matches the timeline, make sure the characters match my notes, etc.

I also break it out into chapters that are about 3000-5000 words long (if it's not already there) and rewrite the endings of each to feel nice.

I write up my fic breakdown (for long fics) and link my resources.

Then I make my partner read it. They do it solely to amuse me/hype me up and they are amazing.

Then I post it! And the moment I post it I notice 5,000 errors.

#questions and answers #ratt replies

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according2thelore · 11 months ago

Text

2023 top five!

@preseriesdean thought it would be fun for artists/authors/creators to post their favorite five creations this year, and i agree! it can be anything: your favorite posts, fics, art, edits, fanvids, anything!

i saw some folks turning this into a tag game, so here are some tags! @deanwinchesterpregnant @dyed-red @mercette @crucifysam @weirdbrothers @togethertogethersoulmates @pookeenpie

if you end up doing it, pls tag me! i'd love to see y'all's works! :)

-lizzy

so in no particular order, here are the five fics i liked the best/am the most proud of!

considering that everything i’ve written on this account (240k words of it good lord) was published since february 23rd, i’ve got a lot to work with!

i was in the fandom back in 2012-2013 until 2016-2017, and when i rewatched it recently with some friends, i realized just how many words and feelings had been broiling since. i wrote a LOT for spn back in the day (not published, just for the pure joie de vivre), but everything on the ao3 is completely new since feb!

1. tell me, why are you still so afraid?

or, the "what do you want, sam?" fic. this one might be a surprise! it did moderately well, but i'm really happy with it! i love writing weechesters/pre-series, and i hope this fic did them justice! it hit a lot of points i liked, and i had so much fun writing it!! i'm proud of it! :)

2. you're pretty when you don't speak

or, sam's wife pov. i was shocked!!! aghast!!! frankly agog!!! at how much folks loved this one! i had the idea in the shower of all places, lmao, just the idea that wait, being sam's wife must be so lonely. it was not the usual fare (and written in second-person pov), so i was expecting it to gently and quietly flop. but no! i wrote this fic in two sittings at one a.m. the night before a paleopathology exam, so i'm shocked any of it was coherent in the morning. thank you, dear reader, if you interacted w it at all! :)

3. romans 3:10-11

ahh, romans. to other folks that write, this was one of those fics that scratched in my bones until i sat down and wrote it all out. does that sound pretentious? it was stifling; it was all i could think about. even now, i look back on it and feel like there are things that are missing, extended scenes and extra themes that i wished i had teased out. the response was overwhelming and positive and i'm so glad you lot liked it! if you ever want more...idk...lemme know...

4. we didn't get it right, but love we did our best

or, the Heaven fic! this one took awhile to make, and a lot out of me to do! it's the longest fic i've made this year, by a lot! the planning process was a lot of fun (even though charlotte was mostly asleep), and i even colour-coded themes and turning points i wanted to include. the sense of accomplishment when it was done was a great part of this year!

5. there's no such thing as a clean break, when your heart starts bleeding out

or, the stanford!era fic where dean bleeds out on the highway and decides to not tell sam about it. one of my favorite things to write is a character getting more and more out of it as they lose control (or blood), and this one was a fun challenge! i love stanford!era dean, because he's so mangled and angry and sad. i feel like that one tweet that william shatner posted where he said ELECTROCUTE HIM!!! this also feels the most like the things i wrote back in 2014, so it brings nostalgia :,)

this was WAY harder than i thought! i loved and was so proud of so much of my work this year! a top ten would be easier, but i'm happy with this list!

thank YOU for reading! :)

we are holding hands now and there's nothing you can do to stop it. y'all keep this up and we might even have to stare lovingly into each other's eyes.

#spn fanfic #spn fic #sam and dean #samdean #wincest fanfiction #wincest #wincest wednesday #2023 top five list #tag game

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cinematicnomad · 7 months ago

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20 Questions for Fic Writers

tagged by @zainclaw and @andavs 🥰🥰🥰

How many works do you have on ao3? 39 apparently

What's your total ao3 word count? 288,797 words

What fandoms do you write for? actively right now? nothing really lol. haven't published a fic since 2022. but i guess you could say 911 and teen wolf given some random WIPs in my drafts. also i randomly started jotting down some notes for a stranger things steve/eddie fic that will probably never be written.

Top five fics by kudos 01. take my hand (take my everything) (buddie) 02. taste your beating heart (sterek) 03. so show me (family) (buddie) 04. you never said a word (sterek) 05. be careful (my darling) (buddie)

Do you respond to comments? yes, always! i usually try to wait until i have a dozen or so, which can sometimes take a bit of time, but eventually i respond to it all.

What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending? i have a sterek drabble called and i fell heavy into your arms (688 words) that is basically derek seeing stiles die and then immediately letting himself be killed

What's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending? most of them?? not sure i can think of one specifically that was happier than the others.

Do you get hate on fics? ah, i almost said no, but then i remembered that for my fic taste your beating heart every now and then i'll get scott fans who think the fic should be tagged as "bad friend scott mccall" even though he's NOT a bad friend in the fic, it's just a nuanced view of their changing relationship. like, that fic is about 3 main things that include: stiles and derek getting together, solving the main mystery, and stiles and scott's friendship maturing to a place where they can love each other and still be brothers without thinking they need to be in the same pack!! like it's FUNDAMENTAL.

anyway, i had one reader who i think quit the fic halfway through bc i gently pushed back on their rage comment insulting derek and stiles for a fight that takes place with scott. the reader left an angry reply to my response, which they then deleted before i could even look at it, and then never commented on the fic again even though they'd been commenting on the fic since chapter 1.

Do you write smut? no not really. i don't know why i'm so bad at writing sex, but i am very bad at writing sex.

Craziest crossover i have no crossovers

Have you ever had a fic stolen? not that i know of??

Have you ever had a fic translated? yes, someone translated my mike/harvey suits fic trembling hands into russian all the way back in 2013.

Have you ever cowritten a fic before? i have not!

All time favourite ship? to write? to read? no idea, so i refuse to answer.

What's a wip you want to finish but doubt you ever will? i've got a sterek idea that's an AU of the netflix show virgin river. i had a pretty brief outline that i sketched out some, and even started writing a little, but it never went anywhere. i did create an AU gifset for it and every now and then when people start reblogging it i think about going back to try and write it.

What are your writing strengths? i think i'm good at realistic dialogue? but i don't know. i haven't written in a while so i'm not feeling super great about my writing at this very moment.

What are your writing weaknesses? i suck at setting a scene. and conveying a complex emotion. also i feel like i get v bogged down in what characters are physically doing or whatever and i try to describe it and it just detracts from the story over all. yikes ok i'm feeling worse about my writing than i thought lol

Thoughts on dialogue in another language? if the context is there to understand what's being said, great. otherwise, just adding context to the dialogue tag (he said in french, in german, etc) works. personally i'd prefer not to scroll back and forth between the fic and the notes to figure out what's being said.

First fandom you wrote in? harry potter. on the site quizilla back in the year of our lord 2005 lol. i started off writing like. a harry/oc fic lol where the protagonist was the classic american exchange student who had her own prophecy. truly mortifying!!

Favorite fic you've written? i have a soft spot for taste your beating heart bc it was the first long fic i ever completed and it took me 7 fucking years to write it. but i think my favorite is actually finding our way (back home) which i really think captured everything i was aiming to do. will i ever be able to do that again??? who fucking knows. probably not. on the more self-indulgent side, i really really love the margaret buckley character study i wrote called so far from who i was.

tagging!! @woodchoc-magnum, @crazyassmurdererwall, @tattooedsiren, @machtaholic, @catdadeddie, @tripleaxeldiaz, @valleydean, @thisapplepielife, and anyone else who wants to do this.

#tagged in #about kat writes #i am.#not feeling good about my writing at this very moment apparently lol

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thefrogdalorian · 11 months ago

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It's New Year's Eve and I just wanted to share some mushy thoughts about life and Mando and Din and how this year has been overall for me!!

If you don't want to read below the cut I just wanted to wish you a Happy New Year!! I hope you have a wonderful time, whatever you do to celebrate. I'm currently on a trip so I may not be terribly active, but if you're struggling and the emotions of the day are a little too much, please do message me. I've been there plenty of times. You're not alone. NYE should really be about looking to the future rather than dwelling on the past, but I know how easy it is to get caught up in that depressive loop of thinking.

But if you do want to keep reading, then strap in for some Oversharing Online and gushing about how much Mando means to me:

I first started watching Mando during the pandemic in 2020, I think the first episode released like 2 days after the UK went into lockdown or something. 2020 was an awful year for me, as I'm sure it was for so many of you. A lot of things happened to me that I'm still trying to process but I hope to start therapy in the new year and go some way to addressing it.

Anyway, The Mandalorian came to me at a time I dearly needed it. It was welcome relief from The Horrors I was experiencing. I was hooked pretty much straight away, who was this mysterious man? What were his intentions? Was he good or bad? OH WOW THAT WALK. THAT VOICE!!! I loved it, but it wasn't until The Believer that everything changed for me. It went from enjoyment to full-blown obsession. I couldn't wait until Season 3 aired, and I think the expectations I had built up in my head could never have lived up to the reality of what I felt upon watching it for the first time. I was pretty disappointed most weeks, but I feel so differently now.

This year has been pretty strange for me. I had some amazing highs (like being able to go to Star Wars Celebration where I got to see so many amazing Din and Mandalorian cosplays which was an INSANE experience and I still kind of haven't properly processed yet??) and also some difficult lows.

In June I finally got my autism diagnosis, something I'd been essentially waiting for for EIGHT YEARS. It was a huge shock but also not shocking at all. As in, I knew I was autistic since being a teenager but I was absolutely not expecting to be told right there and then at my assessment. So when the psychologist looked me in the eye and told me that I was autistic it was somewhat of a gut punch. Processing it was extremely difficult but during that time I found myself drawn back to Mando and particularly to season 3. I rewatched it again and again fell in love with a season that I'd probably felt on the whole underwhelmed with at the time, until the last two episodes, which I loved instantly.

When rewatching it, I noticed things that I'd missed before, which led me to become kind of obsessed with the idea of Din and Bo together. I know not everyone enjoys that but that truly is what I love about media, that we can all watch a similar thing and interpret it differently! I don't think I'm any more correct about the way I view certain interactions than anyone else. Shipping should just be a little fun, not ruin your mental health or dictate how you treat strangers on the internet. And it especially should not lead to any real world harassment of creators and actors.

So in September an idea formed and between then and November a 182,000 word fic landed in my lap. That's the best way I can describe writing it for me, I was so fixated on finishing it and the plot just kept coming the more I wrote. It is by FAR the longest thing I've ever written and probably ever will write, but the routine of writing it and publishing it helped claw me out of a spiral I was in after my diagnosis.

And it was publishing it on AO3 that gave me the confidence to rejoin a fandom space again. It was a big step for me to put myself out there but I'm so glad that I did because that's what led me here, to discover this wonderful community who adore Din and The Mandalorian just as much as I do. I'm so happy that I finally found my way here. It was way less intimidating than I ever thought it would be!

I know that I haven't been here for the longest time, I wish I just got over my nervousness and made a tumblr earlier in the year so I could have joined in with the hype before season 3. But also considering how poorly received the season was overall, maybe it was for the best that I wasn't here.

Despite my relative newness here, I just wanted to say how welcomed I've felt and that is a truly lovely feeling. Thank you so much to everyone who has interacted with any of my posts and especially my writing in any way, big or small. It means a lot to me! I cannot wait to be around for all the buildup to Season 4, honestly. I know it seems so far but after midnight we can say it's (probably) only NEXT YEAR!

I have no idea what 2024 has in store for me. That doesn't scare me, in fact I'm quite excited about not knowing what will happen. I

Of course, I have some goals I'd like to achieve for myself but whatever happens, I know that Mando will be there to endlessly rewatch and whatever comes my way, I'll always have Din Djarin. He's the only man to ever exist! That gorgeous tin can who instantly soothes me every time I get to watch his silly little exploits with his silly little son. Where would we be without him, eh?

Anyway, whatever you're doing tonight to celebrate and even if you aren't, I wish you all the best. Stay safe, enjoy yourself and I'm sending you lots of love and light for the year. May 2024 be a healthy, happy prosperous year for you and your loved ones.

See you in 2024!

Love,

Spud 🥔🐸

#text post #a little oversharing on the internet as a treat #actually autistic #i basically just love din and all of you here THANKS for welcoming me to a space where i can just rant a lot and you all support me djdjdj #just autism things #i wrote this before i went away lol #but i still feel every word!!#almost midnight for me 🥺🥺🥺

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pearlsephoni · 1 year ago

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Coffee for Two

Can also be read on AO3!

Rating: T

Fandom: Haikyuu!!

Pairing: Iwaoi (Iwaizumi/Oikawa); mentioned Sakuatsu (Sakusa/Atsumu)

Characters: Tooru Oikawa, Hajime Iwaizumi, Atsumu Miya

Word Count: 5.1k

Summary: Tooru Oikawa's work as a barista is simply a means to an end until he joins the V.League. The last thing he needs is a secret admirer leaving presents around the café and making him look forward to this cursed job.

A/N: Written for @/Katefacee on AO3 as part of the HQ Valentine’s Day Exchange over on Twitter! This was originally published on AO3 on February 14th.

“Kawa-kuuuuun— Woah, what’s wrong with you?”

Tooru lifted his head from the counter and blinked at his coworker. “Look who decided to come in.”

“Huh?” Atsumu breezed into the backroom of the cafe, the small space letting the metallic slide of his coat on a hook and the rustle of him tying his apron reach Tooru at the cash register. “I told ya I’d be late today. Got it approved and everything.”

“It seems awfully convenient that you couldn’t make it to your only opening shift this month.”

“Awww, don’t be bitter, Tooru-chan.” Atsumu joined him at the register with a pat on his shoulder. It was deeply frustrating, how good he still looked despite coming straight-in from the cold. The wind had artfully tousled his bleached hair and left his cheeks looking nice and rosy. It only made Tooru more self-conscious of his own hair, left unstyled and frizzy in his rush to get to the cafe on time.

“You left me to open alone. Let me be bitter.”

“Fine, fine.” In his own version of an apology, Atsumu began restocking the fridges and re-brewing coffee for the canisters, letting Tooru continue to lay on the cashier counter. “How was opening?”

“A group of moms going on a biking trip came in. They all wanted frappes and breakfast sandwiches.”

“Jesus.” Tooru smiled into the granite at the sound of the blenders getting rinsed out as well. “Well, here comes yer favorite. If that’ll help.”

It was a taunt. Tooru knew it was a taunt. But that didn’t stop from him shooting upright and dragging his fingers through his messy waves just as the door opened with a jingle. “Good morning, Iwa-chan!”

He looked dead on his feet, poor thing. Tooru would’ve felt bad about taking comfort in that, if Iwaizumi hadn’t still looked devastatingly gorgeous. Even with dark circles under his heavy-lidded eyes, he took Tooru’s breath away, all tan skin and strong muscles and messy hair that he wanted to run his fingers through and get even messier. His frown at Tooru’s nickname made him even hotter, all serious and brooding. “I told you not to call me that.”

“But it’s cute! Just like you!”

Those hazel eyes widened a bit at that, and his ears turned a sweet pink. “Can I at least have some caffeine before you start annoying me?”

“So mean, Iwa-chan,” Tooru said with a pout, already finishing up with putting in his order. “Want anything to eat? We got more egg white sandwiches in yesterday.”

Iwaizumi blinked. “Maybe later.”

“Oooh, are you sticking around today? Midterms already?” He only got a groan and an adjusted backpack in response. “Can I help with anything?”

“Want to write my kinesiology lab report?”

“I meant with coffee.”

Iwaizumi snorted, the corner of his lips ticking up just enough to make Tooru feel proud, before wordlessly handing over some cash. “You can keep the change,” he said, “for a tip.”

If he kept this up, Tooru was going to reach across the counter and pull him into a kiss.

Atsumu stayed suspiciously quiet the whole time, only piping up with a chipper, “Here ya go!” as he handed Iwaizumi his drink: a black coffee with a single pump of vanilla. He finally broke his silence once Iwaizumi got settled into his regular spot at the booth in the far corner. “I still don’t know why he, as a senior, is getting a coffee everyday when it’s such a simple drink.”

“Maybe he just wants to see me!” He grinned at Atsumu, waiting for him to roll his eyes and give him snark for his “misplaced confidence.”

But instead, the blonde just hummed noncommittally, still watching Iwaizumi as he blearily unpacked his laptop and notebooks. “...Tsumu-chan?”

“Hm? Oh, yeah, maybe.”

Cool, so he definitely wasn’t listening. Tooru would forgive him, if only because he was now restocking the breakfast sandwiches. If Tooru had to handle a bagel within the next hour, he would be making sure the knife was sinking into anything but a bagel.

Shifts with Atsumu usually passed like this: bickering punctuated with silent acts of help. Tooru opened by himself, and Atsumu cleaned up the carnage when he clocked in. Atsumu prepared the sandwiches, and Tooru refreshed the food displays and wiped down the unoccupied tables.

And all the while, Iwaizumi worked in his corner, frowning at his laptop and shuffling through the growing piles of notes that migrated from his backpack. Sometimes he had his headphones on, especially when it was a busier day. Other times, like when there weren’t many other customers lingering, he was happy with nodding his head to the cafe music. Tooru wasn’t sure if it was just a happy coincidence that Iwaizumi usually nodded along with his playlists, but he’d take any wins he could.

“D’you need me to move?”

Tooru looked up from a stubborn stain on a table to see Iwaizumi looking at him. “Hm? Oh, no, that’s fine! Tsumu-chan can wipe down your table after you leave.”

Iwaizumi’s brow creased, but he just nodded and watched him silently for a moment, before muttering, “Do you ‘-chan’ for everyone, or just people you like annoying?”

Another glance up showed Tooru a tiny curve to Iwaizumi’s lips, which brought a gleeful smile to his own. “Nah, just people I like annoying. That means I actually like you!”

Did Iwaizumi always blush and frown like that whenever someone flirted with him? How did he get through the day like that? Surely a ton of people flirted with him, right? “Lucky me,” Iwaizumi mumbled, turning stolidly back to his laptop…only to look back up at Tooru. “Wait, how many hours have you been working today?”

“Awww, Iwa-chan, you’re worried about me?” Tooru snickered at the deepening frown he’d earned himself. “Don’t worry, I’ll be done in an hour.”

For some reason, instead of the relief he was expecting, Iwaizumi looked a little nervous. “Oh. Alright.” He slid his headphones on before Tooru could ask any questions. Weird.

Weirder still was the thoughtful expression on Atsumu’s face when Tooru returned behind the counter. “Tsumu-chan? Whatcha looking at?”

When Atsumu met his eyes, Tooru was startled to recognize a strange mix of glee, confusion, apprehension, and suspicious, all melting together in his warm eyes. “I’ll tell ya, but you have to promise you won’t freak out.”

“That is the best way to guarantee that I will freak out.”

“Then I’m not tellin’ ya.”

“Wha— why? Tell me!”

“No!”

“Bye.”

“Tsu— wait, Iwa—!” Too late. In the time that Tooru had finished cleaning up and gotten back behind the counter, Iwaizumi had packed up his things, thrown away his trash, and slipped out of the cafe. “You made me miss saying goodbye!” he whined at Atsumu. “Now you have to tell me!”

“Oh please, like ya won’t get another chance tomorrow,” Atsumu scoffed. He rolled his eyes, but he also finally let Tooru get his hands on the mysterious item.

It was…an envelope. An envelope with his name neatly written across it, correct characters and all. “...What?”

“Yep.” Atsumu popped the “p” with flair.

“Where did you find this?”

“By the granola bar basket. Open it, I wanna see what’s inside!”

Tooru glowered at Atsumu as his fingers moved to obey him, carefully tearing open the top of the envelope. Inside were some carefully pressed autumn leaves and a short note, written in the same neat writing on a small, blue piece of notebook paper.

For the best barista in town. I saw you collecting some leaves the other day. I don’t know what you need them for, but here are more for your collection.

“Wait.” Tooru flipped the paper over and saw only empty lines. “Wait. There’s no name!”

“Holy shit,” Atsumu breathed, his confusion giving way to delight, “you’ve got yerself a secret admirer! And he gave ya…leaves?”

“My secret admirer knows me better than my coworker,” Tooru sniffed as though his cheeks weren’t growing warm. “I’ll have you know I’ve been collecting some to decorate my apartment!”

“Okay…why does he know that?”

“He doesn’t, he says so in the note— hold on! How do you know they’re a ‘he’? They could be a girl! Guys don’t usually notice stuff like that.”

“Sure, usually. But for a crush? Absolutely. Besides…” Atsumu turned away to finish refilling the fridge. “Girls tend to be less shy about sentimental stuff like this. If they make you a present, they’ll give it to ya personally. Guys, though…they get embarrassed by any advances that aren’t just…askin’ ya out.”

“Speaking from experience?”

“Don’t throw stones from a glass house, Tooru-kun~” Atsumu shot Tooru a blithe smile. “Now put that stuff away and get back to work.”

“So unromantic,” Tooru scoffed, “no wonder your boyfriend’s so scary.”

“I heard that!”

☙❧

Tooru knew, objectively, that he had it good. He was the shining star of the collegiate leagues, poised to receive multiple Division 1 offers once he graduated. As the starting setter of the university team, he could work towards any degree he wanted while resting assured that he would earn the career of his dreams. Every time Iwaizumi spent an entire day frowning at his laptop and nodding off over his notes, Tooru felt a burst of gratitude for his own circumstances.

Even the cafe wasn’t so bad. Sure, most days he had to bite his tongue so hard, he nearly tasted blood. But at least he didn’t hate his coworkers, and he had a finish line in sight: he would graduate in March, sign on to one of the teams that sent him offers, and leave behind this university and this cafe, never to be seen again. And until then, he had occasional presents from his secret admirer to look forward to—just the week before, he’d gotten pressed marigolds to add to his autumn decor, along with a sports energy drink powder packet to help him “stay upright when you’re overworking yourself.” But all the little perks and presents in the world couldn’t ease the horror of—

“Oh my god, Christmas is next week.”

Atsumu shot him a bemused look. “Yeah? I just told ya all about my plans with Omi. Weren’t ya listening?”

“It’s next week?” Tooru repeated, ignoring the question.

“Yer such a jerk! I was so excited, and you just ignored me?”

“Tsumu-chan.” Tooru pushed himself off the counter to take Atsumu by the shoulders. “I love you—”

“No, ya don’t!”

“—but if I have to listen to someone’s romantic plans with their romantic partners, I will be walking into the sea.”

An abashed wrinkle came to the corner of Atsumu’s eye, though that didn’t make him stop pouting. “We’re not close to the ocean.”

“How is that what you—”

“Morning.”

Tooru whirled towards the entrance (definitely not with a squeak, thank you very much), and felt the clouds around his head disperse at the sight of Iwaizumi. “Iwa-chan! Hello!” He had to fight to not skip to the register, ignoring Atsumu’s quiet scoff. “Is it still morning?”

With a small frown that made him look unbearably cute, Iwaizumi pulled out his phone and squinted at the time. “It’s not noon yet.”

“...You’re kidding.”

“Why would I kid about that?”

“I still have four hours here?”

“...Ah.” Tooru couldn’t believe what he was seeing: a small, sympathetic smile softening Iwaizumi’s weary features. “Did you open again?”

He didn’t often ask after Tooru, mostly because Tooru was more than happy to offer his own unsolicited updates. But he always remembered the smallest details, and when he did ask, his quiet concern always made Tooru’s chest feel warm. “Yeah,” he sighed, feeling the corner of his lips tick up despite himself, “but it’s alright. Seeing you makes it worth it.”

It really was worth it, especially to see Iwaizumi’s eyes widen and ears flush that sweet pink again. “...Can I have my coffee now?”

“Already on it!” Atsumu called.

Iwaizumi’s ears stayed pink as he paid and rounded the counter to the pick up area. The color only ebbed away when he accepted his drink from Atsumu, much to Tooru’s quiet satisfaction. “Here ya go!” Atsumu cheerfully announced.

“Thanks.”

“Hey, Iwa-kun?”

Iwaizumi stuttered to a halt and turned just enough to pin Atsumu under a small, confused frown. “Yeah?”

“I’m feelin’ nosy about our favorite regular.” His smile stayed blithe, even as Iwaizumi’s eyes flickered towards Tooru and his ears warmed again. “D’ya have any plans for Christmas yet?”

“Don’t you have a boyfriend?”

“Oh, I’m not asking for myself! Just curious, thas’all.”

“Oh…then…not really.”

“Aw, what a shame,” Atsumu hummed, with a smile that said quite the opposite.

“...I guess.” With a last quick glance at Tooru, Iwaizumi adjusted his backpack and made his way to his regular spot. When he was safely tucked into his seat and had his headphones settled over his ears, Tooru landed a backhanded smack to Atsumu’s arm.

“Ow, what the hell?”

“That’s my question!” Tooru hissed. “What the hell was that?”

“Oh please, don’t act like you weren’t wondering,” Atsumu scoffed, rolling his eyes even as he rubbed at his arm. “I did you a favor.”

“Being embarrassed by the world’s most obvious wingman is not a favor!” Never mind that a knot he hadn’t noticed in his stomach had loosened the moment Iwaizumi reluctantly admitted he didn’t have Christmas plans. No Christmas plans meant no partner meant Tooru could continue crushing on him guiltlessly, even if he still needed to scrape together the courage to actually…do anything about his crush. It wasn’t fair, how much harder it got to flirt the more he actually liked a person.

“Oh, quit moping.” Tooru squawked from under the hand ruffling his hair. “Just cuz ya don’t have plans doesn’t mean all hope is lost! You might get another gift from your secret admirer!”

“Shut up!”

Too late. Tooru didn’t miss the way Iwaizumi went still for a breath, eyes flickering towards the counter, before snapping back to his laptop.

“Nah, don’t worry. I still think it’s him.”

“Well, I don’t,” Tooru grumbled, letting the top of the coffee grinder drop with a dulled clang over new beans. “If Iwa-chan liked me, he would say something. He wouldn’t jump through all these hoops.”

“Fer chrissake.”

Tooru wasn’t sure why, out of everything about the strange secret admirer situation, Atsumu was so stubborn in his belief that Iwaizumi was the one behind the gifts. Iwaizumi didn’t do secret gifts and notes. He certainly didn’t do pressed leaves and flowers and sports energy drink powder packets.

Okay, maybe he did the last thing. But still. If he’d wanted to give them to Tooru, he would’ve just…handed them over. The sad thing was, as much as Tooru wanted to relish the feeling of having a secret admirer, any happiness he felt was tinged with a bitter disappointment that the gifts weren’t coming from Iwaizumi.

At least he could keep enjoying the view. Iwaizumi only stayed for a few hours—“Practice is earlier today.”—but in those few hours, he kept standing and stretching a bit before sitting back down to work some more. Something about not wanting to stay seated for too long because it’d be bad for his muscles. Tooru couldn’t quite recall the reason, but he could say that he was in full agreement. Anything to let him continue playing witness to the bulge of Iwaizumi’s bicep and deep sigh he let out as he stretched his shoulders.

“One more hour,” Tooru finally sighed, rolling his neck and shoulders during a brief lull in customers.

“Congratulations,” Atsumu muttered with a wry grin. “Any plans for the rest of the day?”

“I’m going home and taking a nice nap before practice.” He noticed a flicker of movement from the corner of his eye and looked up in time to see Iwaizumi making his way to the bathroom.

“God, yer like a prairie dog.”

Tooru frowned at Atsumu. “I’m sorry, we can’t all have some weird enemies-to-lovers thing in high school. Some of us have to make do with sad little crushes.”

“You said it, not me.”

Tooru only dignified his coworker with a stuck-out tongue as he made his shift drink. If he were totally honest, he did feel a prick of jealousy for the way Atsumu had met his boyfriend: years in high school pining away, until they found out they would be attending the same university, playing on the same collegiate team. The thought of holding back his feelings on a daily basis, instead of at infrequent tournaments and training camps made Atsumu pop his secrecy like a balloon and blurt out his feelings. By some miracle, Sakusa had felt the same, and the rest was history.

Meanwhile, Tooru had spent high school thinking he was straight and dating his way through girls who didn’t understand his devotion to volleyball. He didn’t realize he was bisexual until college, which meant his lame gay puppy crush was happening just as he entered his 20s instead of his teens. And he hated it. He hated feeling like this, so easily flustered and pining and hoping something would change without actually doing anything to change things himself.

“Leavin’ already, Iwa-kun?”

Tooru’s head snapped up to see Iwaizumi frozen in the middle of sliding his laptop into his backpack. “Ah…yeah. Practice is soon.”

“Want a snack before ya go? Kawa here loves the peppermint brownie!”

“Tsumu, you snitch!” Tooru gasped, secretly preening under Iwaizumi’s soft scoff and softer grin. “Now he’s not going to think I’m a big serious volleyball player!”

“The occasional brownie won’t ruin your playing,” Iwaizumi reassured him in a flat voice. “But I shouldn’t, not right before practice. Maybe next time.”

“I’ll have a nice and warm one ready for you!” Tooru called after him as he left the cafe.

“Maybe yer right.” He turned to see Atsumu shaking his head at him. “Maybe it’s not him. With how obvious you are, he’d have no reason to feel nervous about askin’ ya out.”

Tooru didn’t have any comeback besides narrowed eyes and a muttered, “I’m going to restock the coffee and not think about the injustice of you having Christmas plans.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

Tooru hauled the box of coffee bean bags to the cafe’s merchandise shelf and began refilling the lines of beans. Arabica, French Roast, Peppermint Hot Chocolate, Espresso—

Wait, what?

His eyes snapped back to the packet that they had just scanned over. Sure enough, it was a little white paper packet with green lettering, clearly taken from a larger box of hot chocolate. The lettering promised peppermint hot chocolate “with real peppermint crumbles!” And next to the packet was a now-familiar envelope, holding a now-familiar slip of blue notebook paper with now-familiar neat writing.

You really like candy canes. I don’t really see the appeal of mint, but my roommate swears by this hot chocolate around Christmas, so I asked if I could take a packet. Maybe this will become a favorite of yours, too.

“Tooru-kun? Why’d you stop?”

His head shot up, and he was mortified to realize that his eyes were stinging with the threat of grateful tears. “Nothing, just…found something.” The sound of a gasp made him grin as he hurried through the rest of the stock and returned behind the counter.

“Lemme see, lemme see!”

Tooru skirted Atsumu's grabby hands to present the note over his head. "Behold! A Christmas prese— hey!"

Atsumu reached up and plucked the note out of Tooru's hand to coo over it. "Awww he—

"They."

"—noticed yer favorite candy? And robbed his roommate for ya? That's so romantic!"

"...Robbery is romantic?"

"Sure! I stole Samu's shirts for my first coupla dates with Omi!"

"...Huh. Well, my admirer specifically said they asked their roommate, so…wait, that's not the point!" Tooru sputtered. “The point is that they’re observant and sweet about it, and they don’t expect any congratulations for it, they just want to spread a little happiness, and…”

His words faded as he stared at the note, noticing something for the first time: a slight smudge to the otherwise-neat letters, as though something had brushed the still-drying ink. It looked an awful lot like his admirer was left-handed.

Iwaizumi was left-handed.

No. No. He couldn’t let himself hope. Iwaizumi didn’t even know about how much he liked peppermint until today, thanks to Atsumu’s blatant wingmanning. No amount of wishful thinking and Atsumu’s conspiracies would make it any more likely for Iwaizumi to be the secret admirer.

That’s what he told himself, at least. If his mind still lingered over all the possible “what if”s, well…nobody’s perfect.

☙❧

Against all odds, Tooru made it past Christmas and New Year’s unscathed. It helped that he was forced to work less during that holiday week, though for once, he found himself wishing he could be back at the cafe when he was stuck at home. He loved spending the New Year with his family, but he couldn’t help wondering what, if any, presents his admirer might have left him.

Never mind the fact that the gifts had stopped while Iwaizumi was out of town. Correlation did not mean causation…or something like that.

He didn’t fully realize how much he’d come to look forward to the gifts until mid-January, when he arrived to work on a Saturday afternoon and was presented with a tiny gift bag dangling off of Atsumu’s finger. “Awwww, Atsu-chan! I didn’t get you anything.”

Atsumu rolled his eyes. “You know this isn’t from me.”

“Then who—? Oh!” Tooru snatched the bag off of Atsumu’s finger and peered inside. He found a red good luck charm and, sure enough, a slip of blue notebook paper.

Happy New Year. It’s a bit late, but I hope this can bring you some luck this year. Honestly, you won’t need it for V.League try-outs. You’ll be the best setter they’ve ever seen.

“Why’re ya crying? What’d the bastard say?!”

“These are happy tears, you idiot,” Tooru laughed, hastily wiping his tears away. “He…he knows I’ll be going to V.League try-outs this year. How does he know that?”

“I knew it! You said ‘he’! D’you admit that yer admirer’s Iwaizumi?”

Heat rushed to Tooru’s cheeks when he met Atsumu’s knowing, glinting eyes. “N-no! Not necessarily…”

“Right. And the fact that he came in this morning is just coincidence,” Atsumu said with a snort. “He looked mighty disappointed to find me here alone, by the way. Not that that has anything to do with anything.”

“Shut up!” Tooru shoved at Atsumu’s shoulder with a helpless laugh.

He would never admit it out loud, but Atsumu’s theory was proving to be more and more likely. The thought was thrilling and terrifying all at once. Here he was, so impossibly close to the two things he wanted most: a place on a Division One team, and Iwaizumi. At least the V.League was something he’d been working toward for most of his life.

Iwaizumi, though…he could only call upon luck and the other man’s feelings. Tooru was so close, the clues were lining up so well, that the thought of his guess being wrong made his stomach twist into knots. If his admirer wasn’t Iwaizumi, then this whole endeavor would become incredibly disappointing for both himself and whoever his admirer did turn out to be.

As the gifts continued, they began to show hints of the admirer: a favorite candy, the flavors of sports drinks that he avoided, a mention of his mother’s cooking.

Then, a week before Valentine’s Day, Tooru found a Vabo-chan keychain with a note tied to it like a carrier pigeon.

I don’t know if you have plans for Valentine’s Day. If you do, then I’m so sorry if these trinkets have made you uncomfortable at all.

If you don’t, and you would like to spend it with me, could you leave a note here with your answer? You can accept or reject me, but either way, I’d like to know. I don’t want any chocolates to go to waste.

Chocolates…chocolates on Valentine’s Day. Usually girls gave chocolates on Valentine’s Day. Was his guess wrong? Was his admirer in fact a young woman and not the young man he’d been yearning after for the past year?

He shook himself out of that spiral. Whoever his admirer turned out to be, he knew one things for certain: he wanted to meet them.

And so, with a piece of plain white lined paper torn out of his Spanish notebook, he followed the instructions and left a note in return, for the first time in the months that he’d been receiving gifts.

I’d love to~ I close on Valentine’s Day, but we’ll be closing a few hours earlier for the holiday. You come here often enough to leave all these presents, so…I’ll see you here?

Two days later, he found a slip of blue paper with five short words.

Yeah. I’ll see you then.

“Holy shit,” he whispered at the paper. “I have a valentine.”

☙❧

Valentine's Day found Tooru breaking one of his cardinal rules of fashion: he was wearing his favorite dark jeans to work, putting them at risk of coffee stains. But he also had a chance at breaking a years-long streak of being single on the holiday, so screw it. He deserved to break a rule.

"The second yer done with dishes, ya have to change out of your work shirt," Atsumu reminded him for the umpteenth time that shift.

"I know, Mom."

"Snark all ya want, it's not gonna be my fault if yer valentine sees ya in the orange monstrosity before ya even leave for yer date." Atsumu fell silent, eyes widening in horror. "Oh my god," he whispered, "I really do sound like my mom."

As nagging as his coworker was, Tooru immediately missed his distracting presence when he was left alone for the last hour of business. He nearly dropped the espresso cups at least three times while making orders in that hour, and as soon as he locked the doors and flicked off the cheery neon "Open" sign, he moved faster than ever before through the closing procedures.

Once the meeting time rolled around, Tooru had not only changed into his teal shirt and gray cardigan, but he'd also had the chance to fix his hair in the cafe bathroom.

All that preparation, and he still jolted at the sound of a light knock at the front door. He peeked out from the backroom at the glass door, his heart swelling with joy as soon as he made out the person outside.

There, looking like a dream in black slacks and a green button-down that brought out the olive tones in his eyes, stood Hajime Iwaizumi. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, and he fiddled with a small gift bag as he stared up at the sky. Tooru could tell he had tried and failed to tame his messy hair, the strands already springing out of the soft combover he'd attempted.

Happiness and anxiety unlike anything he'd felt before swirled in Tooru's stomach as he made his way through the store and flicked off the lights on his way to the door. Iwaizumi had looked at the door when the lights started switching off, giving Tooru the unique pleasure of gazing into those lovely eyes as he unlocked the door.

Iwaizumi backed away from the door to give Tooru space to open and lock it from outside, but they still stood just a breath away from each other when Tooru turned from the store.

"It's you," he whispered.

"Y-yeah," Iwaizumi admitted, sounding strangely hoarse. "Um…surprise? Oh, uh, here." He suddenly held the small gift bag between them.

Tooru wasn't surprised to see some peppermint-dusted chocolates inside, but pure joy and gratitude still made his eyes sting when he met Iwaizumi's gaze again. "They look wonderful," he said with a smile. "I didn't know you like to cook, Iwa-chan."

Like clockwork, the nickname made those tan cheeks turn a sweet pink. "I…I don't. I mean, I don't cook sweets, not really. So…sorry if those don't taste good."

"Still…thank you. For this and for…for everything else." The more Tooru thought about the series of little trinkets and gifts, the more he marveled at the idea of Iwaizumi so diligently taking note of his life and preferences. "You…you remembered so much about me."

"I…yeah." Iwaizumi grimaced, and Tooru couldn't imagine why, not until he asked, "That wasn't…creepy or anything, right?"

A soft laugh slipped out of Tooru before he could hold it back, but it was hard to feel guilty about it, not when it earned him an even deeper blush from his secret admirer. "I could answer that," he murmured, stepping in close and relishing the sight of those hazel eyes widening. "But I think I'd rather kiss you, instead."

A quiet "Oh" was all the warning he got before he was pulled into a slow, deep, swoon-worthy kiss. Iwaizumi kissed with intent, as though he wanted to make sure every brush of his lips would be seared into Tooru's memory. Tooru tried to give as good as he got, and he was rewarded with the sound of a low groan and Iwaizumi's hands falling to his hips to back him into the storefront.

Everything about him was intoxicating: the amber musk of his cologne, the note of chocolate on his tongue, the feeling of his hands trailing up to Tooru's waist, the sound of his soft noises and groans. Tooru wanted to catalog and file away every detail of this kiss that he'd thought he would never experience.

When they parted, Tooru felt drunk, a feeling he saw mirrored on Iwaizumi's face. "Woah."

"Woah," Tooru agreed, laughing. "You'd better get this date started, Iwa-chan, or I'll keep you here and kiss you all night."

"That's not the worst idea you've had," Iwaizumi grumbled. But he stepped away, letting their only contact be Tooru grabbing his hand.

"Hey, Iwa-chan," Tooru hummed as Iwaizumi led the way to the bus stop.

"What, Nosy-kawa?"

"Hey!" Tooru gasped, helpless to the laughter shaking out of him. He valiantly ignored the heat prickling through him at the sight of Iwaizumi's smirk.

"...Well?"

"Nothing, just…I am oh-so-happy it was you! I’ve been hoping you were my secret admirer since the first gift!"

Iwaizumi didn't say anything in response, and he didn't need to. The pink on his cheeks and the gentle squeeze of his fingers told Tooru everything he wanted to hear.

Their date had barely started, but Tooru already knew that this would be the best Valentine's Day he'd ever had.

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