#but also it puts everyones addresses in a simple place and i can give updates and stuff! whee!

[isa-ah]

does kickstarter let you run very small goals?

[b-a-pigeon]

Nanowrimo Update - November 13 Word Count: 2257 / 24285 (total)

First: I am so close to the halfway point but I am running out of steam and have other things to do :') Tomorrow, though!

Second: I have (mostly) recovered from my various ills and am trying to put my life back together... but here is a pretty simple and messy synopsis of the story so far!

***

So: Ara is a vampire; his memory has been tampered with through some mysterious magical process that has yet to be diagnosed. Most wizards assume his amnesia results from a curse gone terribly wrong, but the magic itself shuts out any attempts to pry into it, so all they can do is theorize aimlessly.

After spending unknown centuries searching for a cure, or at least an answer, Ara gives up. He passes a few decades living and working at a remote monastery, receiving snippets of magical information and news about the outside world from the travelers who pass through, otherwise isolated.

Our story opens when Ara decides to set out again, having forgotten the hopelessness that led him to hide in the first place. He hops trains across a now-unfamiliar landscape, transformed by a period of rapid political and technological change. The world he finds is inconsistent with the shadowy memories he retains; it's more connected than ever (trade, airships, steam trains) but also more divided (policed borders, wealth gaps), and he finds it all very alienating and overwhelming.

Still, he keeps pushing forward. His destination is the house of a wizard who holds his collection of old journals for safekeeping, its address scrawled at the front of his new journal so he wouldn't forget. But police and bureaucracy trap him in the border city-state of Avei, and he's forced to wait.

He only has one contact in the city, a stranger who turns out to be a scholar in the academic study of magic (who we'll call N). N is so fascinated by Ara's case that he agrees to house and study him while Ara figures out his way forward—and offers him work on the side. This is, obviously, a pretty sweet deal for Ara, who accepts.

It's supposed to be a temporary measure, but Ara feels increasingly trapped there. He waits for the local government to find him a way across the border, but they keep demanding bribes as they drag their feet; N seems to have outsourced all of his study of Ara's case to his conman of a wizard, L, who seems disinterested in anything but making money.

With time, Ara ends up increasingly drawn into the competing schemes and loyalties of N's employees as they all try to use him as a pawn to manipulate each other. He has his own mystery to solve—but there's a conspiracy brewing right in front of him, and he's not sure he ever had the choice not to get involved.

***

...and, so far, that's it! The last two paragraphs hint at what's to come, but otherwise this is just where I'm at now, optimistically 1/3 of the way through this story. There's just so much background info I want to explain that I've made it really hard to succinctly summarize this book, lol.

All I'll say about the rest is that everyone is hiding something, but some of those things are less dramatic than assumed; (obviously) there is a common thread connecting all these mysteries; and everyone in this book is either a vampire of unknown age, history, and motivation, or a wizard... and Ara helpfully shares in one of the first pages that you cannot trust chance or coincidence when it comes to wizards :)

[cricutmaker01]

Crafts With a Cricut Machine: Explore 10 DIY Projects Here

Your dear friend’s birthday is near, and you have no idea what to give them. Or, have your Cricut machine come to the address, and you have set it up properly but are searching for some cute ideas about crafts with a Cricut. Your right spot is this blog post. Yes, here I will share with you all some amazing and time-saving DIY projects that you can make easily at home. So, bring your Cricut machine out and put in some effort to create something great for your close friends, family members, or special ones.

I have been doing crafting for the last 5 years, and my craft business is doing well online. Since I have given a lot of time and effort in crafting, I can help you with some creative projects that you will love to do for sure.

Stop wandering and go through some attractive projects straight away.

Project 1: Tea Towels

Are you thinking of creating something for yourself or your home? Tea towels can be a great option. Yes, it is one of the easiest projects when it comes to crafting with Cricut machine free. Moreover, you can create one and gift it to anyone you want. One of the best things about this handmade item is that you can sell it, too. More than that, it can be a good selling item as everyone needs tea towels in their homes. What can be more exciting than making money with Cricut projects?

Project 2: Happy Birthday Acrylic Sign

Do you want to surprise your mom on her birthday? Create a happy birthday sign and surprise her. Personalizing the sign will make the celebration more special. And you know what? You can keep the sign and use it after one or two years, too. You can update the sign to differentiate it. But, when you plan to keep it for a long time, make sure to remove the vinyl and keep the sign in a safe place.

Project 3: Ribbon Bookmarks

If you know a friend who is an avid reader, you can create some cute ribbon bookmarks and give them to him. You can also create personalized bookmarks to remember the pages from where you will need to start reading the next day. Iron-on vinyl scraps are great materials to make ribbon bookmarks with a Cricut machine. Start with these crafts with a Cricut and impress everyone with your amazing DIY skills. With this project, you can be assured that your bookmarks are always in place, even when you are away for a long time.

Project 4: Repurposed Windows

Are you among those who want to make some DIY projects and sell them on some websites? Include repurposing windows in your following DIY project. You will need to use Vinyl or Windows Cling to start this project. You can sell this project or keep it at home, giving your home a unique and eye-catching look. These are really simple to create and make an impressive piece of statement. You can do this project in a quick and efficient way. Gather materials such as vinyl or window cling along with transfer tape. The final look will make your heart laugh out of happiness and satisfaction.

Project 5: Doormats

Handmade doormats are something that will never go out of the trend. What can be more exciting when you have a Cricut machine by your side? This project just requires transfer tape, permanent vinyl, and a bit of patience and effort to complete this DIY project. Add this to your craft inventory, and you will have some nice pieces of design for your home. Moreover, you can sell them on online websites. Add several funny quotes to your mat designs or personalize them, including your last name or something special. That’s how you can start crafting with Cricut machine ideas.

Project 6: Wood Signs

Wood signs are ever-lasting, and you can create them with the help of a Cricut machine you have. Most importantly, everyone loves the sign. So, create a sign and add words displaying the meaning and intention behind them. Use paint or vinyl and sell your craft projects on online platforms. Spark joy to your project by adding phrases. It is obvious customers will fall in love with it. The best part of this project is that you can create wood signs in various ways. Just go with trying different materials.

Project 7: Felt Banners

Are you a great fan of felt banners? Go with felt and iron-on as materials and create the projects you have in your mind. These projects are easy to do and inexpensive, too. Create them effortlessly and make something unique with your Cricut product. There are many possibilities you can do with these projects. Make changes to the shape, or you can create a banner in pennant style. This way, go with these crafts with a Cricut machine and surprise everyone.

Project 8: Baby Clothes & Accessories

Undoubtedly, everyone wants to shop for their babies. And when it comes to shopping for a baby, how can you forget baby clothes and accessories? Whether it’s baby showers or you are going to your loved one’s baby parties, these are some cool gift items you can present to them. The smiles on their faces will be worth the time and effort you put into these projects. By using an Easy Press and iron-on/heat transfer vinyl, you can keep these DIY projects simple.

Project 9: Personalized Vase

A vase is an important piece of project that you can use to decorate your home. So, create one and brighten up your home like never before. Yeah, it is a great idea to make use of the Cricut and get started with creating a cool, personalized vase. Furthermore, this project is easy to make at home when you have a Cricut machine. You can use either Cricut Maker or Cricut Explore Air 2 for this project.

Project 10: Iron-On Corkboards

If you’re looking for an inspiring Cricut idea, iron-on corkboards are a great project idea. Design some awesome cor boards for your busy moms, and she will be more than happy. In addition, you can gift that project to your favorite teacher, too. It’s quite simple, and the steps are effortless. You just need to have an EasyPress/iron and iron-on.

Thus, take inspiration from these projects and make something special with your Cricut.

Conclusion

There are so many Cricut projects you can easily make with your Cricut machine. When you have a Cricut machine, whether it’s Cricut Maker, Cricut Explore, or Cricut Joy, take inspiration from crafts with a Cricut and create the one that needs you at the moment. The Cricut provides an unlimited number of possibilities for creating DIY projects using paper, wood, vinyl, and other compatible materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Some Inspiring Cricut Projects for Beginners?

Did you buy a Cricut machine a few days ago? Now, the time has come to use it and create some awesome DIY projects. Beginners can take inspiration from the projects given below.

Custom water bottles and tumblers

Mini canvas art

DIY window decals

Drawstring bag

Cork coasters

DIY fall tea towels

How Can I Make a Personalized Vase With Cricut?

If you are excited about making a personalized vase with your own machine, here are the steps to guide you.

First, open the Cricut app.

After that, select the image on the canvas.

Next, select the image layer (each layer of the image).

Further, click on the Make It button.

Remove the vinyl, then.

Lastly, cut the transfer tape.

What are Some DIY Projects to Start With a Cricut Machine?

When you have a DIY machine, get inspired by these super easy and effortless crafts with a Cricut. These are time-saving, too.

Paper projects

Adhesive vinyl and vinyl iron-on projects

Labeling projects

Infusible ink DIYs

Simple crafts with specialty items such as wood, glass, and more.

Felt and fabric diy crafts

Home decor projects

Source: crafts with a Cricut

Visit here For More Information: Cricut Drivers

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[ict101]

7 Ways for IT to Deliver Outstanding PC Experiences in a Remote Work World

Managing the personal computing experience was relatively easy when everyone was in the office: IT owned the hardware, maintained the software and ensured that appropriate defences were in place. But with people now dispersed to home offices around the world, in many cases, it’s up to them to take the responsibility for ensuring their PCs are safe and performing at their best.

That includes making sure devices are free of malware and up to date with patches and upgrades. Employees now need to secure sensitive information and troubleshoot issues that would have been handled by the IT help desk in the past. Working at home also introduces new PC management complexities, particularly when the devices in use haven’t been procured by IT. Variances in hardware configurations and operating system versions can create complexities that the average business user isn’t equipped to address.

I. Connect and Share IT organisations can help their business colleagues cope by sharing best practices and making sure people know help is there if they need it. While most people are competent at basic PC management, even simple tasks like installing a video camera can still flummox many. Here are a few steps the IT department can take:

Create a work-from-home FAQ with a list of best practices and how-to videos for common tasks and security precautions. This should be a living document that is constantly updated and includes a section where people can post questions and tips about what’s working for them. Create a security checklist that gives homebound workers an easy way to ensure that they have all the right protections in place. Include advice on securing mobile devices, too, since those devices are often tied closely to the data employees access in the cloud and on their work computers. Create a database of the equipment employees are using at home, including make and model number, serial numbers and MAC addresses. This relieves employees of the burden of asset tracking and gives you a way to audit what’s being connected to your corporate network. Set up a video help desk. At times like these, people crave interaction. Make sure your IT support staff is available by video conference to demonstrate tasks and put a human face on your organisation. Hold regular lunch-and-learn video sessions in which IT people can address down-to-earth issues like troubleshooting performance problems as well as enlighten with education about broad subjects like how cloud computing works. Create a newsletter with tips for securing and maintaining equipment and getting the most from your company’s approved software, as well as news and updates about patches and new products. Facilitate the purchase of equipment, software and supplies for employees from a short list of approved products. This enables you to register assets in a master database and track what’s being used in the field.

II. Manageability Matters When provisioning employees with home equipment, remember that platforms matter. The most manageable enterprise PCs enable IT organisations to monitor and troubleshoot critical functions remotely while ensuring that endpoint security and performance is up to snuff.

Active Management Technology (AMT) from Intel, which is embedded in all Intel vPro platform-based devices, gives IT organisations the ability to remotely access and control unattended devices regardless of location. With integrated keyboard, video, mouse (KVM) remote control, IT support staff can solve most issues from afar, as if they were sitting at the PC. That includes initiating and monitoring the progress of a system rebuild, collecting hardware asset data and even initiating a power-on for applying patches. Intel® AMT monitors all hardware inventory, for comparison to a client management database, and can be set to wake devices at predefined times to install software updates and upgrades or configure existing tool sets to power on systems securely and remotely. This can be done even over a wireless connection.

Intel vPro platform-based devices also come with the Intel® Endpoint Management Assistant (Intel® EMA), a suite of cloud-based tools for supporting mobile employees both inside and outside the firewall. Intel® EMA provides a secure connection from a back-end server to endpoints to enable seamless, efficient updates and monitoring with minimal disruption to end-user workflow.

The combination of Intel AMT and Intel EMA make vPro platform-based systems provide built-in manageability where it matters most: at the silicon level. The combination reduces the risk of noncompliant systems gaining access to the corporate network and significantly lowers the likelihood of breaches.

[claudeleine]

Did it ever occur to anyone that Wanda’s Roma background in the comics was BUILT on racist stereotypes? Similarly to M’Baku but also several others. And maybe that’s why the show runners stepped away from that..?

okay, so i think what we have here is someone who skimmed the original post in question (paragraph 2) and likely didn’t ready any of the links attached because that first message has been addressed already... but for anyone else in the same boat:

from gavia baker-whitelaw’s article:

Wanda and Pietro's Romani heritage was canon for decades (including in their non-mutant backstory), although this depiction often had problematic undertones. Wanda is literally a mysterious foreign witch, a damaging stereotype that acquired more nuance in later comics. But instead of updating Wanda and Pietro as modern Jewish/Romani superheroes (much like how Black Panther's charismatic M'Baku started out as a villain named "Man-Ape"), Disney whitewashed them. This casting choice was divisive in 2013, when The Atlantic highlighted the negative connotations of casting a white blonde actress as Scarlet Witch. Roma people are a marginalized ethnic minority, and Disney chose to erase their presence from the MCU.

...This rewrite was rather tone-deaf, because it involved Wanda and Pietro volunteering for neo-Nazi experiments. In the comics, their original parents were Holocaust survivors. Whedon also ignored the most obvious solution to Wanda and Pietro's non-mutant backstory: Django and Marya Maximoff, their Romani parents from the comics.

white washing characters is never the best solution. it doesn’t address the issue in so much as it just sweeps it under the rug. as well as perpetuating the idea that white is some unproblematic neutral that ppl can just default to. like can you imagine if in an attempt to “fix” how m’baku is portrayed in the comics, they just...put a white guy in the role? you can’t just remove a characters racial or ethnic background. no one is saying that her comic background hasn’t been problematic, but this isn’t the way to remedy that.

@scarlet--wiccan has an amazing post about the erasure of this whole family’s ethnic identity in the fox x-men films (x).

@villyns also has a good post outlining some examples of the mcu white washing rather than actually fixing the problem (x).

and here’s a decent article on white washing in media and why it’s a problem (x), quote from this article below:

Making a movie is not an easy feat; there are many things to take into account and even more people that you have to please, but there are also standards and morals to uphold. Whitewashing, blackface, brownface or yellowface is not just about denying jobs to minority actors, appropriating the stories of these groups, perpetuating stereotypes or keeping them invisible, it is about undermining their value as human beings and turning them into stepping stones, props, for white artists.

as for the second part. i think that’s entirely possible, actually. it’s done a lot to characters, where they won’t explicitly state their ethnicity but give them attributes from one (often stereotypes) and make them a caricature without making it, like i said, explicit. take the concept of jewish-coded villains in media. no one from disney has ever said that mother gothel in tangled is jewish, but it’s been pointed out by everyone that she’s jewish coded through stereotypes, ones specifically often used for “evil” witch-type characters, which is no coincidence: large, hooked nose, curly hair, greedy, etc. edit: hollywood uses coding like this often for racial/ethnic groups and the lgbtq+ community.

the maximoffs in the mcu and xmcu have never been explicitly made romani, with disney going so far as to change their parents romani names (django and marya) to oleg and irina. the name changes were unnecessary, except to distance the maximoffs from their original romani identity. the mcu changed their origins stories and cast non-romani actors to portray the maximoffs, and considering they went as far as to remove their jewish heritage as i mentioned before, it’s not a stretch that this is all an attempt to veil their romani background too. while they often joke about stealing and fortune tellers and poverty (the wv halloween episode really put it all in one place, but they’ve been doing it forever in the xmcu and mcu), i wouldn’t say this is an attempt to make them romani as much as it is to use a romani-esque caricature, to use it as a sort of “aesthetic” for the twins without acknowledging that it’s an ethnicity. the aspects they choose to keep are often either negative or painted in a negative light. i think the fact that el*zabeth ols*en continuously uses the g-slur to talk about wanda and costume design, speaks to that. 

and even if the mcu came out and said, “oh, our wanda is romani,” that wouldn’t change the fact that she’s played by a non-romani actress (who continues to use anti-romani slurs, despite knowing she shouldn’t) and that so far, they have not explicitly stated in the mcu that she is.

from gavia baker-whitelaw’s article:

Wanda and Pietro's whitewashing feels like an attempt to "neutralize" them. It frames their ethnicity as a problem to be avoided, rather than an opportunity to celebrate an under-represented group. This also meant that Marvel could cast famous white actors instead of sourcing an unknown Romani actor, during a period when the MCU was visibly uninterested in racial diversity.

But Marvel Studios wanted to have its cake and eat it, too. While Wanda is now white and Sokovian, her role isn't completely divorced from its Romani origins. It can't be, because everything in the MCU is informed by the comics. That's how we end up with El*zabeth Ols*n describing her Age of Ultron costume as "kind of this g*psy, vagabond feel"—terms that usually wouldn't come to mind for a simple black minidress and maroon jacket. Wanda's Romani heritage remains visible through veiled references and superficial costume choices, sidestepping any hint of meaningful representation.

from jessica reidy’s article:

Today, some Roma do call themselves witches, and serve as healers and spell-casters in a community, but make no mistake, being a witch is a job like any other. I was trained by my grandmother, I studied hard, I started a business, and I take bookings in my Google calendar. This is the context that most people miss when creating (or, in this case, adapting) Romani witch characters like Wanda Maximoff, and while the Scarlet Witch has plenty of magic, she does not need to fall into the stereotype, nor have her identity erased.

Representation matters. Wanda’s Romani ethnicity has been well-stated in the comic books, sometimes capturing the discrimination and violence that Roma face, and other times falling flat and stereotypical. Marvel also owes us, as Roma are often rendered as mentally unstable thieves, such as Dr. Doom, Wanda and Pietro’s community, and Wanda herself, and the entertainment giant capitalizes off of these stereotypes, reinforcing them all the while.

Every opportunity we get for accurate and positive representation is essential to us because it shapes the way people understand us.

linking the post i made again, because it has a list of articles and posts i’d recommend really taking the time to look through and engaging with them, as well as following folks like jessica reidy and @scarlet--wiccan​ on social media for more info from romani folks. 

[yoonieboonie]

The Substitute Lover (6)

word count: 2.5k

genre: fluff, angst hehe

pairing: myg x reader

summary: Finally meeting the college boy you’ve been eyeing on for months, everything goes wrong when you realise what you’re really getting yourself into.

a/n: this is part 6 !!! Thank you for the feedback from last chapter!  The vote for updates was split so I updated on the weekends and weekdays! :> If you can, please please please leave me a feedback after reading this chapter. :> Thank you!!!

NEXT | PREVIOUS

"Joonie, you promised." You groan into your phone. You are pacing back and forth in your apartment as you talk to Namjoon who decided to do a raincheck on your plans today. You were supposed to buy a gift for your Mom as her birthday was near. If you can't be there physically, you at least wanted to send something.

"I know, Y/N." he sighed on the other line. "I was pulled in by Mijin saying Mrs. Lee needs me for rehearsals. No one else in our batch can play flute but me." you can hear in his voice that he wasn't fond of the circumstances too, so you decided to let it go. You can just go alone.

"I contacted Hoba, he can take you."

You found yourself roaming the mall alone for a good hour when you receive a message, asking where you are. Assuming that it was Hoseok's new number, you respond with your location and saved it under the name "Hobi" as you pocketed it to continue your stroll.

You turn to a corner and your mouth opened to gape like a fish. Yoongi is walking towards you with his hands in his pockets. He finally reaches you as you close your mouth.

"I'm assuming Joon didn't tell you that I was coming?" He mused. I shook my head mutely.

"Does Eujin know about this?" you asked. You didn't mean to impose. Yoongi nodded his head. Why was he lying about something as simple as this?

He doesn't know. He doesn't even know why he said yes to this at all. All he knows is that he intends to enjoy today. He's having too much on his plate. You shrugged and cleared your throat.

"I want to buy a shark charm." you said, not looking at him.

"Shark?" he repeated. You put your hands together and placed it above your head as if to act like fins. "Sharks. Jaws. Fish are friends, not food?" you mused.

This made him smile to himself. You really are a peculiar one. "That's my favourite animal to exist, I'm giving that to my mom as something to remember me by."

He nods in understanding. He then leads you to what you assumed were a jewelry store. You trail behind him quietly. This was the start of your friendship and you didn't want to jinx it by doing or saying anything stupid.

You two walk around the store quietly. Charms of different sizes and figures displayed in a glass case, sparkling in the lights that illuminated the whole store. You try to focus on looking for the charm you intend to buy, momentarily forgetting about Yoongi.

You hear a throat cleared beside you and you turn thinking it was Yoongi, rushing you to hurry and pick already. To your surprise, you were faced with a handsome, handsome young man. Confused, you moved to the side, thinking that you may have blocked his way.

"Anything I can help you with, ma'am?" the man asked politely. You then realised that he was a clerk at the store. You feel heat creep up your cheeks just as you failed to answer immediately. You were too busy being flustered to even open your mouth.

Yoongi was quickly beside you, making you recollect yourself.

"I-I'm looking for a shark charm." You said, and awkwardly doing the fin thing you did for Yoongi earlier. The man in front of you chuckled heartily, revealing a dimple on his cheek. You found yourself blushing again.

Yoongi clicked his tongue in annoyance and lifted his hands to bring your "fins" down. Once your hands are back to your sides, he spoke up.

"He knows what a shark is, Y/N. You don't have to do the hands." You nod, and subtly glance at the nametag of the man in front of you that read "Jeongguk".

"Follow me, sir." Jeongguk paused for a while. "Ma’am." he warmly smiled again.

Jeongguk showed you all types of charms and pendants available in the store and in the end, you bought a bracelet charm. It was beautiful.

"Thank you, Jeongguk. My mother would love this, I'm sure." You thanked him one last time. He bowed slightly.

Yoongi was itching to leave and you are honestly sorry to take up so much of his time. So you both head to the exit but before you reach the door, you hear a soft "wait" behind you.

Yoongi was the one to turn first, and then you did. It was Jeongguk. You assumed you have forgotten something but he handed you a piece of paper.

"I wasn't going to since it was unethical," he explained. "But I don't want to have met you and not shoot my shot."

Yoongi snatched the piece of paper from Jeongguk before you could get it. Was he fucking invisible? What was this guy's deal?

"What's your deal, man? Don't you see that we came in together?" Yoongi asked, trying to stay calm.

"I didn't think you would mind, sir." Jeongguk explains. Yoongi shot a brow at this.

"The ring on your finger." Jeongguk answers. "She doesn't have one."

You try and keep a straight face and act unaffected with the statement. Before you can even reply, Yoongi was dragging you out of the mall and into the parking space, not even bothering to stop. He was pissed beyond words. Why was everyone endeared by you? This was a mystery to him.

And you? Blushing furiously at everything that boy said. He scoffed beside you, while you are still oblivious to why he got angry. You assumed it was because you inconvenienced him. You are already thinking of ways to apologise but you were busy not tripping. He wasn't as tall as Namjoon but he was relatively taller than you and you had to jog in order to catch up to his pace as he continue to drag you by your cardigan sleeve.

He was mumbling angrily as he dragged you to his car. You stayed quiet beside him, he must've felt humiliated to be with you. Had you not been with him, he wouldn't be mad right now.

"Yoongi." you call out. His head snapped to your direction. You cleared your throat awkwardly, and fixed your glasses.

"I'm sorry," you start. This made Yoongi's eyebrows furrow in confusion. "I should've just waited for Namjoon to be free and not have you come with me." you spoke up.

"Stop." He replied. "I told you before and I'm telling you now. I wouldn't be here if I didn't want to."

You look up at him, you felt your entire emotions surge and you are fed up with everything Yoongi does and says. You sigh as you ran your hand through your hair.

"Yoongi, why are you here?” you asked. “Have you figured it out?” “Figured what out, Y/N?” He returned. Your mind flashed back to last week’s events.

You were on your way to Mr. Do, your professor’s office, when you heard a female voice that made you stop in your tracks. You start hiding at a corner while at the Business Administration building..

There you found Eujin and Mr. Do hugging tightly. You didn’t really know how to react. After all, it was just a hug. You would like to put a little faith into the love of Yoongi’s life. She would never do this to him, you thought. But when he attempted to kiss Eujin you were quick to react. With your small frame, you pushed the two away from each other. Your chest heaving with every breath that you took.

"Eujin. Mr. Do." You cleared your throat. This made them jump away from each other. Like a fire was lit and burned the two of them. "I-I will pretend to have not seen whatever this is" You start.

Mr. Do, as you addressed him to be, seemed to relax at your statement.. After all, he will not only lose his job but also his dignity once this gets out of the three of them.

"But" you continued. "This has to stop, please."

The way you begged confused the fuck out of Eujin. Why were you begging? Weren’t you supposed to be happy that you caught her and can finally be with Yoongi?

"Y-Yoongi. He loves you so much, Eujin." You faced Eujin who has no emotion in her face but shock. "Please don't hurt him, please." You continued to beg.

Unbeknownst to you, Hoseok followed you to the building for you have left your apartment keys on the chair you sat on. He watched the whole ordeal as you started to beg. He wanted to zoom into the picture and take you away. You were lowering yourself to beg for Yoongi? He was infuriated with whom? He no longer knows.

"Mr. Do, please know that if this continues, I will report to the Dean immediately." You threaten and with that, you grab Eujin's arm and drag her to the restroom nearby.

"Don't fucking touch me, Y/N." Eujin takes her arm back as soon as you both arrive at the restroom. She made sure no one was around when she turned to face you. You can see clear as day that she is terrified with what you saw. She didn't want to lose Yoongi.

"I-I won't tell." you promised as you fixed your glasses.

"Why not? Wouldn't that benefit you? You can finally have Yoongi." Her voice was shaky as she said this.

"I'm not selfish, Eujin. I want him to be happy." You smile. "So please, while you haven't done anything you'd regret yet, stop now. I can guarantee that I won't tell him." you urge.

She closed her eyes, ran her fingers through her hair and looked in the mirror. She was still shaken but better. Without saying a word, she turned and left.

You had no choice but to watch her figure leave.

“Nevermind. I can go home from here.” You fake a smile. You bowed your head and turned to leave. Yoongi has had enough of you leaving and grabbed your arm. The contact sending shivers down your spine. You were quick to remove his hand and something flashed in his eyes. It was gone before you could even decipher what it was. “I’ll take you home. You accept these offers from Hobi and Joon, why am I any different?” He was going to start dragging you but you spoke up again. “Yoongi. we're friends, right?" you asked, as you removed the paper bag of the charm from his hand.

"Of course, we are." He answered as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"Then don't act more than that. I asked you to give me a chance and you didn't." you face him tiredly. "I had to endure seeing you with Eujin for months and you didn't hear anything from me. The least you can do to is to not confuse me with all these halfass comments. I like you but I will never be a substitute lover."

With that, you turned to leave. Everything is crashing down on you. With the stress of having to hide what you saw, to your studies, and now with Yoongi confusing the fuck out of you. You just cannot catch a break.

Yoongi was too shocked to react, he wanted to follow you but what would he say to actually appease you? You were right, after all. Spending time with you honestly confused his feelings for Eujin. Hoseok and Namjoon knew this but didn't say anything. They took matters into their own hands and set you two up.

You sat at a bus stop as you rummage through your bag for your phone. Dialing Namjoon's number, he picked up after a few rings.

"Y/N?" He had a teasing tilt to his voice. "How was it?" As you expected, he wasn't in practice as it was quiet around him. You sigh into the receiver.

"W-What do you t-take me for, Namjoon?" You try to make your voice as stable as you can but it cracked in the end. The humiliation and exhaustion with the whole narrative is making your head spin.

"Did something happen, Y/N? What did Yoongi do?!" He grew alarmed as you cried. You heard shuffling as another voice spoke into the phone.

"Y/N? Are you alright? Where are you, I'll pick you up." Hoseok spoke.

"You were in this too?" You gritted your teeth. Anger and disappontment bubbled in your stomach, no matter how you tried to push it back down, trying to be rational.

"I am not a toy for your trio to play with." You finally spoke coldly. "I have feelings too. I'm not a charity case, Hoseok."

Hoseok winced at the lack of nickname and familiarity to your tone. He and Namjoon only wanted to make you happy, hence the setup of the date.

"Please, I'll pick you up." Hoseok sounds panicked already. "Y/N, love, tell me where you are." On his side, Namjoon watched shocked with how he addressed you. Hoseok was shocked too.

"Don't bother showing your face to me," You breathed. "I don't want anything to do with the three of you.” You were about to drop the call as a bus approached the station but you stopped as soon as Hoseok spoke again. “I saw you last week, Y/N.” You didn’t reply. You both knew what he was talking about. “It was none of your business. That was up to Eujin and Yoongi to fix—“ “Come on, Y/N! Do you hear yourself? She was cheating on him and you know it.” His voice was cold, you barely recognized it. “Even if Eujin did cheat on Yoongi, even if they break up,” You pause. “It still wouldn’t be me. Yoongi will never choose me.” “And how sure are you of that?” A voice spoke but it was not Hoseok. You glanced to your right and saw Yoongi who must’ve followed you. He was panting as his chest heaved up and down. He ran. The bus finally stopped in front of you. You gave him a final look. Yoongi’s eyes were begging you to not get in. But you did. ------------------------------------

NEXT | PREVIOUS

[lukin08]

All Summer Long

Here is my submission for the Summer Lovin @frozines.  A big thanks to @punkpoemprose for putting this together.  Amazing, as always

Rating: T

Words: 5261

Also available on AO3

The bell dinged over the door as Anna pulled it open. She took pause at the sound and looked around. At first glance, the store looked exactly as it had from her childhood. Knotty pine planks lined the walls and ceilings matching the cedar siding on the outside of the building. T-shirts ran across the top of the long back wall, all beckoning tourists to purchase them. The racks leading over to the checkout were full of snacks and hats for anyone unfortunate to have forgotten their own. Anna walked over reading all the fronts of the baseball caps. She had to use all her self-control to not grab the pink and black one that read ‘Boat Waves, Sun Rays and Torch Lake Days’.

After closer inspection, much had changed to Pabbie’s. New floors, a quick serve area that had about every grab and go food you could think of, and most importantly, a bakery and ice cream counter all filled out the large space.

She was flipping through a rack of sweatshirts when a voice called out. “On your left, Red.”

Anna jumped out of the way as a man passed her quickly carrying two large boxes over his shoulder.

“Sven!” A middle-aged woman called, following quickly behind him.

“Gotta go. We’re on fire today!”

“You tell him I need his order today before 5.”

“I’ll try.”

“Do it or you’ll be out of luck next weekend! No pilfering from the store when you run out of supplies anymore. It’s messing up my books!”

“Love you too, Bulda!” He said, flashing her a grin then disappearing out the front door.

The woman stopped next to Anna, put her hands on her hips and sighed. “Those two will be the death of me, I swear.”

“Everything ok?”

The woman looked at Anna and smiled. “It gets busier earlier every summer. Used to be until the third week of June when the water got warm when the crowds started, but we’ve been running full steam since before Memorial Day.”

“Wow. That early?”

“Who would have thought? Guess we aren’t the best kept secret of Michigan anymore.” The woman took a long look at Anna. “Anything I can help you with?”

Anna glanced out the window at the marina. “I actually had a question about an installation for a dock. Do I need to go next door?”

The woman waved her hand. “No need for that. Follow me.”

Anna followed her over to a counter at the other end of the room. The sign above it on the wall read ‘Torch Lake Marina’. There was all sorts of literature on boat rentals and storage and marine services on the counter.

“I didn’t realize the marina was part of Pabbie’s. I had to double check the address when saw it.”

“We purchased it a few years ago. Now what can I do for you?”

“I need to schedule a dock installation.”

Anna gave her the information and after a few minutes she had a time for the next week for the Marina to come out.

“Arendelle. Now that’s a name I haven’t heard in years. There was a family that had a place on Cherry Road named Arendelle. Are you any relation to them?”

“Yes. That’s me… I mean that’s my family. My parents owned the house. We used to come up here a long time ago.”

“I remember your father. He was in here all the time with the boat in the summers. Got along well with my father. How is your family doing?”

That was all it took. One simple question and Anna was off, spilling her guts to a stranger. She explained her parents' passing five years prior and the over ten-year absence due to her parent’s intense focus on her sister’s health. But Anna was back with a vision for the house and being up at the lake this summer was just what she needed. Internally she was screaming at herself to just stop talking. But Bulda kept asking her questions and seemed genuinely interested in what she was saying that Anna just couldn’t stop.

“That all sounds amazing, dear. You must keep me updated with how things are going. Can I give you one piece of advice?”

“Sure.”

“Make sure to take a minute to breathe now and then. You can blink and the entire summer will be over.”

“I will. Some friends from home are coming up tomorrow. I think we are going to head over to the sandbar. It should be fun!”

“Or at least entertaining. The sandbar on the weekend is always good for that.”

-------

This wasn’t what Anna had envisioned for a day out on the water. The morning had started fine. Anna was thrilled to be back out on the water again. To understand the depths of Torch Lake’s beauty and appreciate its deep aqua and turquoise colors, you really had to take it in with your own eyes on the lake. It was even fun at first when they anchored at the sandbar. But things took a turn for the worse as the day went on.

They anchored with a group of boats and the faces were all familiar. The uppity groups she remembered from school, all in the same social circles her family were in hadn’t changed a bit. They played their music too loud, drank too much and Anna quickly remembered why she left Ann Arbor as soon as she could. As much as she was trying to rekindle old relationships, perhaps some of them were better left as old friends.

Fending wanting to check out more of the sandbar, Anna decided to venture away from the group. It was easy getting around. Barring the occasional deep spot, the water wasn’t more than up to her thighs most of the time and in some stretches it was only at her ankles. There was over two miles to walk if she wanted, but Anna was on a mission.

Rumor was there was a pontoon that served food on the sandbar. She didn’t really believe it, but she was intrigued enough to go in search of it. After a few questions and only getting turned around twice between all the boats she looked up at the large yellow and black sign that read ‘Burger Barge’ stretched across the pontoon.

After spotting what looked like the area to order, Anna went up the side of the boat. As soon as the person in front of her was handed the foil wrapped sandwich, she stepped up closer. “I’ll have a burger. That’s all you have, right? Or is there something else?”

The man up at the boat was in front of the grill. He didn’t bother to look up. “A little busy here.”

“I can wait. How long do you think?”

He pointed his spatula down to the end of the boat. “Order in the back, princess. Just like everyone else.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I saw you hand a burger to someone. I thought-“

“Does it look like I take orders here?” he snapped. “Do you see the prices anywhere? You think I’m going to handle everyone’s money and cook all the food at the same time?”

“I’m sorry, I-“

“Do I know you?” He had stopped what he was doing and was staring at her now.

“Excuse me?” Anna tried to make out his features, but his blond bangs hung over a wide bandana covering his forehead and sunglasses obscured his eyes.

“Do I know you,” he said slower, dropping his sunglasses down to get a better look. His brown eyes glared over at her.

Anna crossed her arms in front of her, annoyed at the tone he was taking with her. “You most certainly do not!”

He grinned, which only infuriated Anna. “Good. Line’s at the back of the boat. Get moving.” He pointed again and went back to flipping the food on the grill.

“Well maybe I don’t want to eat here anymore.”

“Suit yourself. Good luck finding something else to eat out here.”

“Rude,” Anna said under her breath. She went to walk away because he did not deserve her business. But her stomach rumbled in protest and what other option did she have?

The line was long and snaked behind a few other boats. It only gave Anna time to stew on the conversation and what an absolute ass the cook had been.

“Hey, Red! From Pabbie’s right?”

Anna was almost taken back at the smiling face in front of her. “Yes. Sven? Did I get that right? I think that’s what the owner called you.”

“You got it. I’m always having someone chase me down calling my name. What can I get you?”

Anna bit her bottom lip looking at the choices. “What do you recommend- the chicken sandwich or the burger?”

“You can’t go wrong with anything, but,” Sven leaned forward. “We’ve got the best burgers on the lake. Trust me, I know the cook.”

“Oh, him.”

Sven glanced behind him then back at Anna. “From here or…somewhere else?”

“A few minutes ago.”

Sven’s face relaxed and he smiled again. “Don’t mind Kris. His bark is worse than his bite.”

“I don’t plan on talking to him again, but thanks.”

“Stick with me Red this summer at the Burger Barge. I won’t steer you wrong.” Sven handed her the burger and a canned drink. “The Coke’s on me. For your pain and suffering.” He winked at her before turning away to take the next customer’s order.

------

The truck pulled onto the driveway, the long trailer behind it making a metallic rattle against the sections of dock it was carrying. Anna got up from her chair on the beach and threw on a shirt over her bikini top, not bothering to button it up. Old shorts and cover up seemed appropriate enough to meet with the dock installers. She was halfway back to the house when two men got out of the truck.

“I don’t know. Go ring the doorbell.”

The voice that got out of the passenger side was familiar, but he was turned away from Anna. She jogged over, waving her hand. “No need. I’m here.”

“Red!” Sven turned and grinned. “We keep running into each other!”

“Hi Sven. And it’s Anna. Anna Arendelle.”

Sven tipped his hat. “Pleased to meet you, Anna…officially that is. How was the burger?”

“Best one I’ve had in years.”

Sven laughed. “I knew it!” He pointed across the truck. “I think you’ve met my business partner.”

Anna looked through the windows of the truck and recognized him immediately. He was standing there with his head down, clearly not happy. “Oh no.”

Sven bumped Anna’s shoulder. “Relax. If it makes you feel any better, he’s probably freaking out right now.”

Anna giggled as she looked through the window again and saw the man take a deep breath and go to walk around the truck.

“Anna, Kristoff,” Sven said as he introduced them.

“Ma’am,” Kristoff said.

There was a part of Anna that was pleased with how nervous he looked, but she decided to let him off the hook. “Just Anna please.”

Kristoff nodded. “Anna, could you show us where you want the dock?”

A few minutes later, Sven and Kristoff were rolling the sections of the dock down to the beach. Anna took her place back on the beach and picked up her notebook. Sven made small talk with Anna as she went through her plans for the house. Kristoff, on the other hand, kept his words short and only talked to Sven about what they were working on. Still, Anna found herself drawn to Kristoff, watching him from behind her sunglasses. He was easy to keep an eye on, watching him work in the water with just his swim trunks on, the muscles in his back flexing against the weight of the dock. A girl could get used to a view like that.

“Pay no attention to my rude friend,” Sven said as he leveled the two closest sections of the dock together. “He doesn’t like talking to anyone who isn’t a local.”

“I’m a local.”

Kristoff barked a sharp laugh. “For what, five minutes?”

“Ok. Then how long until I’m considered local.”

“Make it past Labor Day and we’ll talk.”

A little later Sven ran back to the marina to pick up extra posts, leaving Anna and Kristoff alone. Anna watched as Kristoff looked like he was mulling something over. After a few minutes he took a deep breath.

“I’d like to apologize for how I talked to you on Saturday. It was rude and unprofessional, and I shouldn’t have done it.”

“No you shouldn’t have.”

“The guy in front of you was trying to scam me for a free burger. Said the order was wrong. It wasn’t. What a crook.”

Anna laughed remembering the scowl on Kristoff’s face. “Apology accepted.”

“Thanks.”

“So, you aren’t just the Burger Barge’s master chef, I see,” Anna said as she watched Kristoff work.

“That’s just a weekend gig Sven and I came up with to make extra money when we were in college. It just took off and we haven’t stopped. I run the marina most of the time.”

“So that’s connected to Pabbies?”

Kristoff nodded. “Family business. It was my grandfather’s. My mom and dad took it over when I was kid and have been running it for years now. We bought the marina when I came on full time after school.”

“We used to go there all the time. It’s one of the good memories I have of my childhood. Spending time on the lake and going over to Pabbies to get a snack was the highlight of my summers. I was so sad when we stopped coming up to the lake.”

Kristoff was leaning against one of the posts now, watching Anna. “So, what are you doing here?”

“What do you mean?”

“Its just you in this giant house by yourself? Seems like a waste.”

“My sister didn’t want to deal with it anymore. It's all part of her freeing herself from worldly possessions process she’s going through. I couldn’t bear the idea of selling it and I needed a fresh start, so I bought out her half from her.”

“So, you’re just here with no plans?”

“If you must know, I do have plans. I’m updating the house and turning it into a bed and breakfast. And I’m going to run it.”

“Great. For more rich tourists to find the lake.”

Anna shook her head. “No. I want it to be affordable. I want people to bring their families and get to enjoy the lake like I did as a child. I want them to have those memories. As many people as possible. There’s so much land on the property, I was thinking of eventually expanding if it goes well. Maybe even hosting weddings. This house was built to be filled with joy and laughter of many people. I feel it in my bones.”

Kristoff went back to anchoring one of the posts. “Sounds ambitious.” Anna was about to argue with him when he added. “But nice. We need more of that around here.”

-----

Anna wasn’t exactly sure why she was nervous, but she was pacing up and down the landing outside of Pabbie’s waiting for Kristoff. They had struck up a bit of a working relationship, with Kristoff working on several smaller outdoor projects on the house as the main work inside was being done. She looked forward every day when he strolled onto the property after his work at the marina, often staying for dinner when she absolutely insisted. He seemed less and less resistant to stay every time she asked. Today was the most excited she’d been all summer. Her boat had arrived at the marina and Kristoff called her that morning saying it was ready for her to pick up. Now she was waiting for her to bring it around and take it out for a test run.

“Need a lift?”

Anna spun around only to see Kristoff pulling up along the landing with a big grin on his face. He put the boat in neutral and waved at her to come over to the edge. In one strong movement, Kristoff lifted her at the waist and into the boat. Anna let out a small squeak when he put her down, breathless at how effortless Kristoff made that look. He went slowly out of the marina area and past the no wake zone of the sand bar. As soon as they were past the buoy, he turned to Anna. “I’ll take it out then show you where everything is. Then it’s all yours.”

“Sounds great!”

“Where to?”

“Anywhere.”

“Want me to open it up? This baby goes fast.”

“Yes! I love to go fast!”

Kristoff gave her another grin and let open the throttle.

-----

They were out in the middle of the lake where Anna had stopped the boat. She was laying on the back of the boat without a care in the world. The water had been too tempting, and she couldn’t resist jumping in. Safely that is, Kristoff insisted on her wearing her life jacket out in the open water. Now she was laying on the towel, stretched out enjoying the warmth of the afternoon sun. Anna felt Kristoff’s eyes on her, but she didn’t dare look over.

Kristoff leaned back on the seat, stretching his legs out. “We’ll get the boatlift put in tomorrow then I’ll bring the boat over.”

“Sounds like a plan. Hey, I need an opinion.”

“Ok.”

“How many boats do you think I should have for next summer? I want the guests to be able to go out on the lake and enjoy it. I was thinking about one pontoon, but is that enough?”

“You want my honest opinion?”

“Duh. That’s why I asked you?”

“None.”

Anna lifted her head and looked at Kristoff. “Wait, what? None?”

“You heard me. Boats are a lot of work and you already have one. What you need is kayaks and paddle boards, a couple canoes and maybe a raft for swimming. That’s all. Keep it non-motorized.”

“But don’t you think I should have something?”

“Not everyone will want to use them. Plus, the expense of keeping them up and the insurance is only going to force you to keep your rates higher.”

“Mmm, suppose you’re right…for once.”

“Watch it.”

Anna pondered her options for a few minutes before sitting up, stretching and wrapping the towel around her. “I’ll just have to recommend Torch Lake Marina as our exclusive source for rentals.”

“I think we may be able to work a deal out with…wait, have you come up with a name for the B&B yet?”

“Working on it.” Anna looked up at the afternoon sun, wishing the day could last longer. “I suppose we should head back. I’ve kept you out too long.”

“I didn’t mind. It was nice spending the time with you. Let’s just hope Sven Actually did some work while I was gone.”

Anna tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear. “It was nice today, wasn’t it?”

“Hey Anna?”

“Mmm?”

“I won’t be able to come out to the house for a few days.”

She sat down in one of the seats, feeling a sense of disappointment that she wouldn’t be seeing Kristoff, but also that he hadn’t asked her something different.

“Of course. Is everything alright?”

“Just gearing up for the 4th. It’s going to be hectic. Sven and I are going to be out on the boat at the sandbar all week. I wish we could both grow an extra set of arms its going to be so busy. But I’ll see you for the fireworks if you still want to go.”

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world. Oh wait! I just had the best idea!”

“What?”

“Do you trust me?”

------

“Who thought this was a good idea?” Kristoff was tapping on the wheel of the pontoon waiting at the landing at Pabbie’s.

“This was all you, my friend,” Sven said with a laugh. “Relax. Anna will be fine, and we need all the help we can get this week.”

“She’s late. We should have left by now.”

“Five minutes isn’t going to change anything.”

“Have you seen the boats out there already?”

Sven rolled his eyes then pointed to the parking lot. “There she is.”

“What the hell is she carrying?”

“I’m here!” Anna yelled walking as fast as she could with the large cardboard box. As soon as she got to the boat, Sven grabbed the box and helped her step on. Kristoff was already in the process of untying the ropes and started moving before Anna sat down.

“Don’t mind him, Red,” Sven said. “He’ll calm down once we get anchored in a good spot. What did you bring?”

Anna smiled. “I’ll show you as soon as we get set up.”

She took the short time it took to ferry out to the sandbar to relax. Anna wasn’t sure what Kristoff’s reaction was going to be with the surprise, but she hoped he was open to it.

“Absolutely not.” Kristoff shook his head when Anna showed him the t-shirts that read ‘Burger Barge Torch Lake’ on them with a silhouette of the pontoon.

“Why?” Anna and Sven whined simultaneously.

“How are we going to sell those and the food? And I don’t have the money to pay you for those, Anna.”

“Relax. You have me to help and I promise I won’t sell a single shirt that gets in the way of the food orders.”

“No one’s going to want those.”

“Wanna bet? You take care of the burgers and I’ll stay out of your way and help sell these. You can pay me back out of the profits from the shirt sales. If they don’t sell, I’ll eat the cost.” Sven and Anna stood there holding their breaths. Finally, Kristoff relented, his face softening. “Ok, but the food is a priority.”

“Aye, aye, captain.”

“Don’t start.”

-----

The fire was soothing as Anna sat near it on the double swing. She was bone tired from working these last few days on the pontoon and staying up for the fireworks tonight. But it was a good tired. An ache from an honest day’s work and pure satisfaction. Kristoff came over and sat next to her. He handed her a stack of bills.

“What’s this?”

“Your cut from the week.”

“I don’t need-“

“You earned it. We made more than ever, even splitting it three ways. There’s also the money for the shirts.”

Anna gave Kristoff an impish grin. “I already placed another order. Told you we’d sell out.”

“You were right, and I was wrong.”

“Mmm say that again.”

Kristoff nudged Anna. “Seriously. Thank you for helping us.”

“Anytime.” She rested her head on Kristoff’s shoulder. “How do you do this all the time.”

“You get used to it. Its only for a few weeks in the summer then it quiets down.

“Still impressive.” Anna looked over at the property’s dock and noted the flags flying. “So, who’s the Michigan State fan?”

“Oh that? It’s where I went to school.”

Anna chuckled. “My dad would not be happy with you.”

“University of Michigan alum?”

“Worse, he was the president of the school.”

“The president? Let me guess. You and your sister followed suit.”

“My sister went full ivy league. I pushed back against every expectation and went to Ohio State.”

“Ohio State?! That’s treason. I’d tell you to fly that flag at your place, but it would be like putting a target on your back.”

“Guess I should fly the Michigan State flag then.”

“Nope. Not allowed unless you have someone that lives there.”

“Maybe one day,” Anna said through a yawn as her eyes closed.

The next thing she remembered were warm strong arms carrying her back to the truck to take her home.

-------

“I can’t believe how much nicer it is on the sandbar today!” Anna looked around. There were people, but the masses were gone. There were places to move and not a drunken party every ten feet.

Kristoff was sitting on the back platform of Anna’s boat, legs hanging in the water. “Sven, tell Anna the rules of the sandbars for the locals. Since she isn’t one, she needs to know.”

Sven came over to the group and hopped up on the platform. “Rule 1!” He called out. “Never go to the sandbar on the weekend!” Everyone raised their drinks and cheered. “Rule 2. Stay away from the west side. Only tourists go there! Rule 3. Don’t act like an asshole! And Rule 4. The most important of them all. Don’t engage with the tourists!” Everyone cheered. “Here’s to making it through August everyone. One more week and the summer season is officially done.”

They all clinked their glasses together in solidarity.

The rest of the day was a blast. Anna spent her time talking to everyone, playing games and even making plans to meet up with a few of the girls the next week. It had taken all summer, but Anna felt that she was finally starting to feel at home. She found herself walking with Kristoff later. She also found herself being a little flirtier than usually, a little more playful than normal. Maybe it was her comfort level, maybe it was their seclusion away from the group. Whatever it was, Kristoff didn’t seem to mind.

“I bet I can.”

“No way.”

“Three tries.”

“Three. That’s it. Then you have to admit you can’t do it.’

“Deal,” Anna said in agreement. “Now hold your hands out like that. Remember if you take a step, then I win.”

“And what do you win?” The grin on Kristoff felt dangerous. Anna didn’t want him to stop.

“I’ll tell you after I win.”

She squared herself up to Kristoff, lined her hands up with his, pulled them back and then pushed as hard as she could, contacting his palms. Kristoff stumbled back, surprised at Anna’s force. But then he took another step back, losing his balance as he stumbled and fell into a deep spot on the sandbar.

Anna was doubled over in laughter when he came out of the water soaked and hair flattened down past his eyebrows. “You think that’s funny?” he said, brushing his hair back with his hands.

“N-no, no!” Anna said, trying to talk and laugh at the same time. “I got you. I totally got you!”

“I’ll show you something funny!”

Anna didn’t stand a chance. She screamed in laughter as Kristoff scooped her up and ran. “Kristoff, put me down!”

“Oh, you want down?”

“Yes!”

“Ok.”

Kristoff unceremoniously threw Anna off the edge of the sandbar. Anna screamed, hitting the water. She didn’t stay under long, a strong arm grabbing her, bringing her up. Kristoff was standing just where Anna couldn’t touch the bottom. He held her tight, his hands wrapped around her bare waist.

“You dirty rat. I won.”

“Yeah, what are you going to do about it?”

They didn’t move, locked close together. Anna’s breath hitched at the way Kristoff was looking at her with a want in his eyes. She gave into it too, closing her eyes, leaning in ever so.

“Kris! Anna! Where are you? Time to go! We’re heading out!”

Anna broke away from Kristoff, the moment lost. “We should head back,” she said, walking back to the boat without waiting for him.

-----

“Oh hi, dear.” Bulda was restocking the shelves with shirts. “Anything you need?”

“I was actually looking for Kristoff. Is he over at the marina?”

“He took off early to do some work over at my house for me.”

“How’s he been?” Anna was following Bulda around as she went to clean up the counter near the bakery section.

“Fine. A little quiet. But nothing unusual. Why? Is there something I should be concerned with?”

“No. I just haven’t seen him since before Labor Day and I was wondering how he was.” Anna looked down, wringing her hands. “Bulda, can I ask you a question?”

“Anytime dear.”

“Have you ever tried to do something that you wanted to do, I mean really want to, but then miss your opportunity? And then make it worse because you doubt yourself and over analyze everything. Then make it weird and even more worse by avoiding it all together?”

Bulda stopped what she was working on to listen to Anna. “I don’t know about anything that specific, but I will say that holding something back never helps. Best to just get out what you need to do and move along. Otherwise, it festers.”

“I suppose you’re right.” Anna turned to look across the street at the home on the lake. “So next door?”

Bulda nodded. “In the backyard.”

She knew he saw her, pretending not to notice, then giving in and walking over to the swing.

“Hey.”

Anna patted the seat. “Sit with me.”

He sat, dropping the weight of his body the last few inches with a weary sigh. Neither of them said anything at first as they slowly swayed back and forth.

“Anna, I'm sorry.”

“Kris, there’s nothing to be sorry about."

“But there is. I’m sorry if I read something wrong and made you uncomfortable.”

“You didn’t.”

“Then why have you been ignoring me?”

Anna turned to face Kristoff. “The house is finished and the permits came this week. I think I can start having guests this fall. I just need to get the staff up and running and the marketing done.”

“That’s great. But I don’t understand what that has anything to do with what we’re talking about.”

“It does. The house. The project. It’s the first time I’ve ever been able to do something truly for myself. Where I can say this was my idea. This is what I want to do. Do you know how scary that can be?”

“I guess.” Kristoff was leaning forward, elbows on his thighs, clearly concerned with the conversation. When Anna placed her hand on his thigh, he looked up at her.

“There’s other things that I want too. But that’s just as frightening sometimes to trust my feelings.” Anna took Kristoff’s hand and led him to sit back up and face her. “I’m the one who’s sorry. For ignoring you and for ever doubting what I want. Because I know. I truly know there’s nothing more I want right now than you.”

Anna felt Kristoff's whole body go from rigid and defensive to relaxed. He grinned at her, rubbing her knuckles with his thumb. “You know I have a rule,” he said resting his head against the back of the swing.

“Still won’t consider me a local. Ridiculous.”

“Well, you did make it past Labor Day, so I guess you are officially a local now.”

“Would you stop talking and kiss me?”

“Gladly.”

His hand cupped Anna’s cheek pulling her into a soft kiss. Anna closed her eyes, grinning through the kiss as she savored the moment, never wanting it to end. A cool breeze blew in from the lake. Kristoff wrapped Anna tighter in his arms as she shivered. It was a reminder of how quickly things could change and this time Anna welcomed it with arms wide open.

“Oh, I forgot to tell you, I finally have a name for the B&B.”

“What’s that?”

“The Toasted Marshmallow.”

Kristoff let out a hearty laugh.

“You like it?”

Kristoff leaned down lips brushing Annas. “I absolutely love it,” he said before kissing her again.

[a-nice-and-interpretive-fanzine]

[ID: A cream-colored banner that says "A Nice and Interpretive Fanzine: essays and art about the meanings we've found in Good Omens." There is a photo of a book page with a key on it behind the banner text. The photo source is rosy_photo on Pixabay. /end ID]

A Nice and Interpretive Fanzine: Information Masterpost

Welcome!

This is a zine for those of us who love the subtle, complex work that is Good Omens, and who’ve enjoyed the thoughtfulness of the fandom as people interpret how the many moving pieces of the story come together, creating a slightly different meaning for each of us.

To put it simply, it’s a book full of the fandom’s own analysis and commentary about the Good Omens TV show, enhanced with illustrations from our brilliant artists.

This zine is analytical in the sense that all the writers are expressing their own nonfiction thoughts and feelings about the show, rather than writing fanfic, but it is not meant to be heavily academic. Anybody who likes to pick apart the series and discuss it should be able to enjoy it.

The zine will contain essays by fans who are passionate about analyzing and interpreting different parts of Good Omens - the characters, the plot, the writing techniques for the book and script, the cinematography of the TV show, the popular content of the fandom itself. Accompanying these essays will be black and white illustrations from our artists.

How are you organizing this process?

May 1-May 15: Everyone submits their application to do writing or art through a Google form. Behind the scenes, I’ll be setting up a separate email and Discord.

May 16-20: Applicants will be screened during this time.

May 20: I’ll email everyone to let them know the outcomes of their applications. The final participants will get a link to the Discord server for the zine (totally optional, of course).

May 21: If there’s any clarification or solidifying of ideas that needs to happen, I’ll contact you and discuss with you by this point. This is also when artists will be matched up with essays.

May 22 to August 14: This will be a period of just working on our essays and art. The Discord chat and Tumblr will be there for support and for exchanging ideas!

August 15: Participants need to email their full works to the zine’s email address by this date. No special formatting is needed; I’ll do that in InDesign.

August 15 to August 31: I’ll be putting the zine together in InDesign.

September 1: Preorders will open.

September 30: Preorders will close.

October 1: The zine order will be placed!

October 15: Assuming all goes well with printing and shipping, the zines will be shipped out in waves starting on this date. If the printing or shipping from the manufacturer is delayed, then shipping will just start ASAP.

Writer Application HERE Artist Application HERE Asked and Answered Questions on Tumblr The Fanzine's Page on Twitter

Read below for more detailed information about the zine in a Q and A format!

What are the specifications for the zine contributions?

For writers, I’m starting with 3k words or fewer per essay (approximately 10 pages at the size of this book). This depends heavily on how many participants we actually get, so it may change!

For artists, I’d be looking at black and white works, 300 DPI, 5.5 x 8.5 inches or smaller. If your art is supposed to fill up the entire page (i.e. no white space), please make it a total of 5.75 x 8.75 inches with nothing too important around the edges to account for bleed during the printing process.

Can I submit an essay to this zine if I’ve already posted it on Tumblr?

Not as you’ve already posted it. We don’t want to just copy/paste the exact thing that hundreds or perhaps even thousands of people have already read.

However, it IS fine and maybe even a good idea to take the same thought from your post and refine it, preserving your same thesis. For example, a lot of Tumblr posts are just us fans jotting down 5 or 6 paragraphs of random thoughts at 2 AM, but some of them are really cool thoughts! Expanding them and turning them into a bona-fide Essay would make those posts into excellent zine chapters. And you can copy small pieces of your own language as long as the whole thing isn’t just pasted word-for-word.

How long do essays have to be? Is there a limit?

With the number of writers we have, I've calculated that each person should ideally keep their essay to about 6000 words. There is wiggle room.

There’s no real minimum for your contribution; some analytical ideas are really good but can be expressed concisely, so it’s okay if your essays only come out to a few pages typed. For reference, with our book size, a page is about 300 words.

What happens if the zine sells a lot and you end up not only breaking even, but turning a profit?

It’ll go to charity. While I’ll ask the participants what they want to do for certain if we do make enough money, my suggestion will be donating it to Alzheimer’s Research UK in honor of Sir Terry Pratchett.

I’m not really comfortable calling this a “charity zine” up front since I simply don’t know if it will raise a significant amount. For the most part, I just want the thing to physically exist, which means breaking even, and don’t want to make it more expensive for buyers than it needs to be to afford the printing costs.

What kinds of essays are you talking about? What could be included?

In short, any analytical thoughts about the Good Omens TV show - and possibly even the fandom as it interacts with the show - are possible inclusions for the zine.

To expand a bit, think about the meta posts you see floating around Tumblr. Often these involve analyzing characters, or picking up on patterns in the plot. Sometimes fans use their own background knowledge to write posts about the significance of certain costume choices or the way music plays into each individual scene. Some posts examine the ways the series approaches gender, while others might discuss ways that the characters present as neurodivergent. That’s how diverse the pool of possibilities is for subjects in this zine.

How does art come into this?

Images will be black and white, to match the bookish mood of the project overall. Images can range in size from a half page to a full page.

I’m planning to talk to the artists and authors and loosely pair artists with essays that appeal to their personal interests.

I know how to illustrate a story, but how do I illustrate an essay?

There are infinite answers to this! I’ve seen some beautiful symbolic artwork in the fandom already (e.g. a number of takes on Aziraphale munching on an apple with Crowley in snake form curving around him), and there are tons of symbolic motifs to draw from, but these are not the only options. An artist illustrating an essay about cinematography, for example, could draw a well-known scene from an alternative angle. An essay about Heaven as a capitalist corporation could be illustrated with a cartoon of Gabriel giving some sort of excruciating PowerPoint presentation. A character analysis could be accompanied by a simple portrait. And on and on. I’m not interested in limiting the possibilities by trying to make a list, but just know that there are many and you don’t have to make it complicated if you don’t want to.

If the writers can reuse their essay ideas, can artists reuse their drawings?

Similarly to the writers, if you already have an interpretive drawing that you’re in love with, artists can use the same ideas and the same fundamental composition that is present in their own existing work. However, it has to be redone in some significant way. Whether it’s taking something you drew in 2019 and redrawing it using an updated style, taking a sketch and turning it into a lined and shaded piece, or redoing a full-color drawing so it presents more strikingly in black and white, it shouldn’t be identical to the thing you’ve already posted.

So how are you choosing participants here?

It’ll be based on what people are interested in writing about (or illustrating). I’ll be looking for people who are passionate about their essays, but I’ll also be looking for variety. It all depends on what people want to offer, so I won’t know for sure what it will look like put together until everyone’s application is in.

For artists, I’ll be trying to figure out whose style looks like it would adapt well to illustrations in black and white, and also who demonstrates an interest in the same subjects as the writers.

If we don’t get a lot of applicants, I’d love to simply include everyone, but I can’t commit to that without knowing for sure how many people are involved.

Do I have to use a formal writing style to participate?

No. You should use a style that makes your thoughts and ideas as clear as possible, but as long as it’s understandable, you can also get a little artistic with it. You can “write like you speak,” though perhaps in a more organized way. You definitely don’t need to worry about stylistic rules like not using the first person. This is not academia.

Is this zine going to center only on Crowley and Aziraphale?

That remains to be seen! It depends on what ideas show up in the applications. There will be a lot of the ineffable partners for sure, but whether the whole zine will center on them or whether there’s plentiful stuff about other characters will depend on what the participants suggest.

Do we have to agree with all your personal interpretations of Good Omens to be in the zine?

No! In fact, I’m assuming that a number of essays will contradict each other, too, and that’s perfectly okay. The zine is a sampler of fan interpretations meant to inspire, not instruct. It’s not “Here’s a fan-made guide on how to understand this TV show,” it’s “Look at all these moving parts and how many meanings we can find in them. What does it mean to you?”

However, there are some basic rules and assumptions by which I’m working here.

I don’t personally have the energy to include essays that are highly critical (“negative”) in this zine. It’s analytical but also meant to be fun.

I’m pretty focused on the TV adaptation. This isn’t “no book analysis allowed” but just that the essays will end up being weighted toward subjects that apply to either the TV show or both the book and the show.

Each writer should focus on making their own points over disproving other fan interpretations. If you’re writing in an expository style, it’s normal for the essay to contain rebuttals to opposing ideas, but these should be minor supporting points, not the heart and soul of your essay. For reference, I’d say the majority of meta I see floating around on tumblr would follow this rule just fine.

Essay ideas that seem to contain bigoted or exclusionary sentiments will not be accepted (no TERFy stuff, for example).

What kinds of editing will go into the zine? Are you going to argue with us about the contents of our writing?

While I might ask you to elaborate on certain points in your writing or clarify your thoughts about your subject, I’m absolutely not here to ask you to change the thesis, opinions, or headcanons on which your writing is based. If I really have a problem with your initial idea, I’ll tell you that up front and politely decline the contribution.

While formatting the zine, I’ll make minor edits if I think I see a typo or misspelling, something small and obviously unintentional. As with any other zine, your content won’t be changed without consulting you.

Is this a SFW zine?

Yes. If people want to discuss sexuality in a theoretical way, like erotic subtext, that would be allowed. There are canon references like Newt and Anathema’s moment under the bed that might come up, too. But there will be nothing explicit, and since these are essays instead of stories, there will be no “action” going on between characters. Let’s just say sex isn’t a forbidden topic, but it will be like discussing it in English class.

As for other topics that could make the zine NSFW, like gore or extreme language, I don’t think they will be an issue. Some dark topics, like abuse by Heaven and Hell, may be discussed, but they will be warned for, and these are not stories, so you aren’t going to see violent actions playing out.

Will there be any “extras” like charms or stickers?

I’m not sure yet. I’m most inclined to keep it simple, because of the nature of the zine, but would be open to including some bonus items if there’s an artist who’s really passionate about it.

With that said, I am pretty committed to making a hardcover edition of the book available, in addition to the standard softcover version.

You’re doing this with only one mod?!

Yes. I personally find it easiest. While I’ve worked on multi-mod projects in other domains and adore all of my co-mods, it’s a little bit different when it’s a project with this many moving pieces that includes real-life components like printing and shipping. Though there are a lot of individual things to be done, I am experienced with all of them, so it’s less overwhelming to just take on the whole project. That way, I know exactly what needs to be done and when, and there are no issues with assigning tasks.

What qualifies you to run this zine?

The résumé answer: in fandom, I successfully solo-modded a large not-for-profit zine in the past, the @soulmakazine2018, and while I can’t speak for the whole fandom, it definitely seemed to be well-received. <3 In real life, I’m a case manager and this involves coordinating and communicating with a lot of different people including my 100-person caseload, budgeting services, and filling out all kinds of paperwork on the fly, all skills that can be imported into zine work.

The practical answer: well, I’m the one who decided to start this project, so if you like the sound of it, you're stuck with me. I say with encouragement and enthusiasm that if you’d like to do a different take on a commentary zine, you should absolutely do it.

[statticscribbles]

Mission Pt 1: Backlog

Summary: A Peggy/Reader/Bucky, Reader is another winter soldier, Bucky was left in charge of you

You wake up and everything is black, you can feel the cold creeping in and you wish for the before. You squint against the light and can hear screaming and gunshots far off. The man standing in front of you holds a gun towards you; you nod and grasp it, moving out of the box they usually keep you in.

“Fuckin’ hell they didn’t say you were a woman.”

“Orders?” You ignore his questions and wait for him to say what he wants. He explains how you need to follow him and make sure he doesn’t get killed. 

“Accepted mission. Where is the end point?”

“End point? Uh, my hotel room.” You nod and follow him out. He screams as you drag him back to the wall and shove him through a door.

“Safe in room, wait.” You return to the main hall and pick off the agents searching for the man. You know they don’t expect you to have a new handler yet so they enlist you for help. You lead them back to the room shooting them when they peer through the doorway. You step on the bodies as you reach for the man.

“Sir, Come out. It’s safe now.” You tug him over the bodies and move towards the entry way. You press him towards the car, and he stumbles over his nerves as you shove him in the back seat.

“I am not being driven by a woman.”

“Then we walk.” He grumbles but settles into the back seat as you start the car. You drive in silence for a while before the man tells you his hotel address. You pull up to the building and can see most of the people in familiar clothes. You nod to the man and as he gets out he beckons you forward.

“To my room, those were your orders.” You tuck the gun away and nod moving in front of him to lead him towards room 304. You can tell you unnerve him although you’re not sure if it’s because you’re a woman or because you just killed ten people. You step over into the rooms threshold and nod to him as he enters it. You turn to him when he closes and locks the door.

“New Orders are-“ You shoot him through the stomach.

“My orders before you were to kill you, thankfully your mission did not interfere with superiors.” You nod and step over his body before aiming the gun at his head and firing. You begin to make your way back to the base but a smell wafts around you and you find yourself captivated by it. You follow it and find yourself standing in front of a diner. You catch a glimpse of your reflection and decide that there’s no blood anywhere so you can afford to stop in and eat real food, with the emergency money Commander gives you. You order a burger fries and a milkshake and the woman who takes your order smiles at you. You can hear the door opening and another person walking in.

“Hey there English, can I get you the usual?” You don’t look up but assume the woman’s nods form the scrape of the chair you hear next. 

“Any more leads on that old case? I’ve seen you pouring over the files, who was she anyways, she can’t have been that important to the SSR otherwise they’d have everyone looking for her.”

“You’re smarter than everyone gives you credit for, she was a very good friend.” You frown at the voice. You’ve heard it before, you’ve heard her before. You searching through your old missions and as you finish you burger the waitress worriedly fusses over you.

“You’re crying, are you sure you’re alright miss.” She hands you a tissue and you wipe your face with it. Clutching it you nod.

“Fine, just a bad memory is all.” You try to smile but the other woman is suddenly peering at your face.

“Y/N?”

“I’m sorry, I don’t know anyone by that name, I’ve been told I have one of those faces.” You smile awkwardly and glance up to the clock. It’s only been an hour; you’ll be able to make it to the safe house long before sunset.

“I’m sorry, are you sure you don’t know anyone by that name.”

“I wish I could say otherwise but I don’t know anyone named that.” You stand and excuse yourself, wringging your hands as you know she wasn’t asking the right questions. You make it to the safe house and Commander ushers you in fretting over you.

“What happened?”

“Target requested a mission, but it didn’t interfere with the orders to eliminate him, just extended the mission. He’s dead, in his hotel room.”

“You smell like grease..”

“ He decided to get food with me. I had a milkshake.” Commander frowns.

“And a burger and fries..”

“You’ll have to burn that off before we put you back in cryo. You know the rules about eating on missions.”

“It would have been suspicious to refuse..” Commander nods.

“Let's go train then, you haven’t beaten me in years.” Commander laughs and lets you charge first. You’re twisting yourself back and fumbling to grab at the knife you dropped as another agent scampers forward.

“Commander, a new mission..” The agent shrinks back when they see you panting holding the knife in front of yourself protectively.

“Thank you Jason, well, looks like you’ll be going into cryo for a while then… They want to work on improvements with other subjects, but they’re allowing me and my team to keep you in peak health; we’ll be waking you every few years to re-feed you and keep you up to date on the world. They said it should only take a decade or so to complete.” You nod and pocket your knife before following Commander down to the basement. You tense in fear as the cryo pod comes into view and you shrink back as the door hisses open.

“Come one, you know this has to happen eventually. Go on. Make it easier and choose to sleep.” You swallow and nod skittering around the edge before clumsily climbing into the open door. You peer up to see the Commander smiling down at you.

“You’ll be okay Y/N, you’ll be okay.” You feel the cold and you’re not sure if you nodded back before everything goes back to the dark before.

Commander looks no different than when you went back in, but you’re brought to a small table in the basement that wasn’t there before. You notice their limp as you settle into the chair.

“Your leg?”

“Nothing to worry about, just age. Now you’ve been out for five years, so this is everything that’s happened.. We also have some clothes and music for you to examine as well. If needed you can be brought out to the town nearby.” You nod and begin to read the notebooks and newspapers that the agents have gathered for you. You look up the stairs as a knock on the door sounds. A male agent comes down holding a tray.

“Average meal of the week. Eat it.” You can tell he’s afraid, you’re not sure if it’s of Commander or you. You nod and eat the food mechanically.

“This is a chicken pot pie, it’s a simple easy dish to make, we could cook it if you want.. We have a week till you go back in. You’ll need to train and use some updated weapons.” You nod. Commander gives you the quilt that you’ve been told to sew. You add a few squares of fabric from the old dresses and clothes your wore. The new wardrobe you won’t wear is folded nicely in the closet. You wonder when the quilt will be finished and you secretly hope once it’s done they’ll let you keep it. Commander lets you work on the quilt for an hour before you’re brought up to the kitchen to learn how to make a chicken pot pie. You learn what and how to fire and dismantle an Uzi within the next two days. Once you have your knives strapped to your arms and legs Commander hustles you towards the town. You wish for the combat clothes you normally wear, but tuck yourself into the massive winter coat anyways. You’re tense and paranoid in the strange town, it hasn’t changed much but you long to go to the city nearby and look for the diner. Commander asks if you want to go to the city tomorrow as you seem to be able to handle the crowds of the town. You try to hide your excitement but can’t help the warmth in your smile. You wake up from the cot you’ve been sleeping on to hear shouting and a gunshot. You keep your knives close but stay curled under the blankets and coat from the wardrobe. You huddle curled under the coat tucking your body as close to yourself as you can get. You can hear footsteps rushing around the rest of the house and you can hear the door slamming to the basement and you tuck yourself under the coat fully. You hear men shouting and all the papers on the table being thrown around. You can hear them ripping the clothes out of the wardrobe and tossing them over the coat you’re tucked under. You hear stray gunfire and then the footsteps telling you they’ve all left the room. You peek out as you hear another set of footfalls. You can hear the limp as they stomp down the stairs and the worried face of Commander stares at you before hustling you over to the cyro’s open door.

“You have to get in now, we need to transport you to New York, it’s the safest place for you. Get in.” Commander shoves you forward into the pod, you turn around and see blood covering the doorway as it’s closed over you. You fall into sleep before you can question if the blood is your own.

You wake again to Commanders face. There are gray hairs are slowly creeping over the brown you’ve grown accustom to. You’re not sure why you’re expecting his hair to be longer.

“You’ve been out for fifteen years. Come on Y/N, time to get up, you’ve had enough beauty sleep. A lot’s been happening.” You stumble out of the pod and swipe your hand through your hair.

“We’ll have to give that a trim, it’s getting long again.” You nod and move towards the table you see in the corner.

“We’re in New York city. Still a basement, but that’s safest right now. Shall we get down to business? Quilt first, it helps with your motor skills and helps your body adjust to being out of the pod.” You’re handed the quilt and given twice the normal amount of fabric to add, you settle into the new armchair and start sewing.

“There was a space craft launched, and a new president, as well as Winston Churchill’s funeral, in addition to two men going into orbit, and a massive civil right’s movement. There’ were some amazing movies and musicals produced. And my favourite part of this year so far is that sixty-six of those nazi’s got life sentences in prison.”

“Busy year then?”

“Oh! Germany’s been divided by a wall as well, that happened a few years ago. You don’t need to know any of that though. I’ve woken you up because you have a mission. Here is everything you need to know about it, you have two days. It shouldn’t take you that long though.” You nod taking the black book from her hands you scan over the information and go to the wardrobe to find clothes to wear. You like this year; the clothes while not terribly loose seem to be long enough to conceal more weapons than previous years. You slip you knives against your skin and hum in time with the sound of the metal. You depart the safe house for the first time in a decade. You giggle at the thought. You’re walking through the streets and find the building easily. You walk through the doors and slip past the secretary  and up the two flights of stairs. You’re scanning the door numbers when a young woman approaches you.

“Excuse me can I help you?”

“Yes I’m looking for Mr. Phillips office I have a three pm meeting, and I’m terrified I’m late.” The woman smiles and leads you to a large door where she knocks and shoves you in with a wink calling out to Mr. Phillips’ that his three o’ clock is here. You smile shyly and notice another woman sitting in a chair.

“I should get going then. Sir, I’ll see you later.” The woman stands and as she breezes by you tense. She keeps her eyes straight ahead and you can tell she gasps as you tell Mr. Phillips you name is Y/N. You’re not sure if that was a reckless move, but within the hour Ms. Peggy Carter is the only one to remember. You’re sitting outside a familiar diner, cleaning one of your knives in the back alley before you start your way back to the safe house.

You slip into the house without knocking and you ready one of you knives dragging the tip against Commanders arm as it’s draped over the arm of the couch.

“You’re late, stop by to get a burger again?”

“No just to clean up, lot’s of blood.”

“Blood?”

“Yeah the orders on the paper were to kill Mr. Phillips..”

“After we got information out of him! How the fuck are we supposed to get information out of a dead guy!”

“I can get it I swear!” You stumble back as Commander lunges forward from the couch, gun gripped with white knuckles.

“You fucking better! Get out and don’t come back till you have all the information!” You scramble back to the headquarters and mumble an excuse about forgetting your purse. You shift through as many of the files as you can; folding and stuffing the papers into the bag you slipped under your skirt. You huff and finish emptying the file cabinets against the back wall. You hear footsteps approaching and sigh as you crawl onto the fire escape the slip into the alley. You return and throw the bag towards the chair Commander sits in.

“Thank you. I’m sorry for being harsh but that would have ruined the mission. I won’t punish you like the rest of the agents want me to. But if they ask I shocked you for a while.

“Of course.”

“You’ll have to go back in now, the mission is finished.”

“But I could help you look through the files.. or I could-“

“Y/N, you have to go back in. no arguments, go on. I’ll be down in a second.” You’re seated at the table scribbling in the margin of the notes you’ve been given to learn. Commander comes down the worn steps, the limp all the more obvious and you take a moment to truly look at Commander’s appearance. 

“Commander, your hairs long, we should trim it…” you laugh weakly.

“Come on, to the pod. In a minute though, I need to tell you something first.” You nod letting commander hold out the quilt to you.

“We’ll let you finish this, I’ve left instructions for your next handlers. When you go into the pod this time, I wont be here when you wake up. You’re going to be asleep for a long time, but you’ll be okay.” Commander smiles at you. Now is as good a time as any to ask.

“Commander, did I ever go on a mission with anyone named Peggy Carter, I keep remembering her but I’m not sure if, it’s all fuzzy..”

“You’ll remember her as you sleep, you’ll remember what happened to us. Now, Y/N, go to sleep.” You furrow your brow biting your lip.

“Goodnight Commander.”

“Bucky.” He smiles and kisses your forehead.

You can hear two people arguing as you wake up, you make a point not to move but another man’s voice say’s your heart rate is increasing. You try to keep yourself calm but you can feel the panic creeping in. He comments again on your heart rate accelerating and you open your eyes to realize the door to the pod is still closed. You slam your hand against it and it pops open. There are three men in front of you and two other people behind them that you can’t see.

“Did none of you read the instructions?” You watch as they’re expressions shift.

“Instructions?”

“Yes, look they’re right here. Commander, oh.. Here.” You hand them the piece of worn paper and you grasp at the quilt.

“I need to sew more on this, it helps with my motor skills.”

“Of course.” One of the men hands you the sewing kit and smiles softly. You nod back. You finish stitching the clothes you last wore and you look up as the group read the instructions.

“So it say’s here we give you all these notebooks, you read them, and we ‘take you out for current time activities’ which apparently is normal stuff people do every day in this time period..”

“What’s the year?”

“2018” A woman steps from behind the men.

“Peggy!” You jump forward clinging to her. You can vaguely hear one of the men cursing and another woman stands next to Peggy, she gentely pulls you off her.

“You changed your hair it looks so light? Did you get bleach to do it, is there a secret mission?”

“My name’s Sharon, Peggy was my aunt.”

“She died? But I never got to tell her I was okay..”

“You knew Peggy?”

“Yes, she was my friend, and I worked with her on some of the missions..” 

“Y/N?”

“At your service!” You beam at the man who walks down the stairs.

“Wow, you’ve changed quiet a bit since I last saw you, the hair looks good.” Bucky raises an eyebrow.

“You knew me when I was Winter?”

“Of course, we only went on a few missions but your team liked to brag about you to my team. They called you the fist and went on and on about all your missions, they just called me Y/N..”

“Y/N?”

“Yeah, number 56327. If you want to be more specific..”

“Oh. Oh god, I’m so sorry I didn’t..” You hold your hand up smiling.

“It’s alright. Nothing came of it.” He nods and moves you away from Sharon. You tilt your head at the other woman. She raises an eyebrow at you and steps closer. You step backwards and Bucky laughs.

Support My Writing?

[billyspotato]

Stopping You - Michael Gray [Part 1]

Words: 3.236 words

Type: Angst 

Warnings: Swearing. Probable misspelling. Some big hatred towards the characters Michael and Gina. There will be scenes of the show in here, but also some made up (this applies to all parts of this future story). No race of the reader is mentioned (therefore, anyone can read this as themselves). Female Reader. (Season 5 Spoilers)

In this particular chapter: Mentions of domestic abuse/violence. Slight mentions of blood.

[Prologue]     [Part 1]      [Part 2]    [Part 3]

A/N: Gif’s not mine :)

Today was the day that Michael Gray would set foot in Birmingham once more. He must be getting off the ship by now, probably getting ready for another trip, but this time by train. That’s basically the only thing that occupied your mind since you woke up.

You can’t really understand what you’re feeling. You’re not nervous. You’re not anxious. Are you fearful? Maybe, even annoyed at the situation that you’re finding yourself in?

Everything is a big mess in your mind this morning.

You adjust your shirt while looking into the mirror and you’re looking good. The suit type pants are tight on your waist, creating the curve as it went down to your hips. Your white blouse, which was baggy, is tucked in the pants. Hair styled into perfection and makeup... somewhat existent.

You walk out of your bedroom and run down the stairs. Tommy wouldn’t like the idea of you getting late to work, so that means that you need to speed up.

You slide your feet into your heels and grab your expensive jacket and purse before leaving your home and walking to your car.

The neighbors, as always, peeked out of their windows as they saw you leave your home. Looking beautiful, as always. Running as if you weren’t wearing heels in the first place.

It was no lie that men dreamed of having you and girls dreamed to be you or like you.

The confidence you radiate is enough to catch many people’s eyes. Especially with the work that you do. You’re not really the role model kind of type of woman, but that doesn’t change how you’re seen in Birmingham, or any other city you pass by.

As you park your car, you quickly put on your jacket after locking the doors and making your way towards the Garrison.

When not doing any big “missions”, Tommy trusts you to deal with the people from the city. Hear their problems and see if you or the Peaky’s themselves can help.  Tommy and Arthur sometimes do take your place in the Garrison, but it is pretty rare. Maybe when you’re sick, or understandably hungover.

You walk right in the bar and it, surprisingly, had more people than normal.

Everyone looked up when hearing your heels click into the wooden flooring or when their curiosity took over as Mickey, the bar owner, said to you a simple “Good morning”. Some almost sighed in relief when seeing you, probably hopeful that you can help them.

“Who’s first?” You ask as you open the door of the reserved room.

A woman stands up as the words come out of your mouth, her hand slowly coming up as she tried to signal that she’s the one who has been waiting the longest. You give her nod while coming in the room, taking off your jacket as the woman, slightly afraid, walks towards the office while looking at the wooden floor.

“Close the door” You tell her as she gets through it.

The lady quickly turns back and closes the door slowly, as if she is fearing to making too much noise.

“You can sit down, make yourself comfortable” You tell her as you looked at today’s paper on your desk.

You can’t forget to thank Mickey for that.

The woman walks over to the couch in front of you and takes a seat, holding her hands in her lap, trying to hide her sweaty palms and trembling fingers.

“So...” You start once noticing her nervous state, “How can I help you, Miss?”

The lady swallows slowly before starting to talk.

“I’m here to talk about my husband” She starts, and you look up from the paper to her, making eye contact. “He-he beats me”

“Do you have children?” You ask while grabbing a pen.

There’s some silence as the woman tries to fight her tears, and you patiently wait for her to talk.

“Yes, three boys” She says while nodding, looking back up at you, tears filling her eyes, “But he never touches them”

“Can you tell me your name, your husband’s and your address, please?” You ask after grabbing a sheet of paper from your drawer.

The lady answers as quick as she could. You assume that her speed when talking would’ve been because she is scared of her husband catching her in here, or something along those lines.

You’ve been doing this job in a daily basis for almost 2 years, domestic abuse victims are the most common. And their fear is always the most prominent.

You write everything down before starting to make more questions, in which you ask for details, for the sole purpose of this information being used against her abuser.

As you were done with this particular lady, you offered her protection and announced that someone, member of the Peaky Blinders, will have a ‘talk’ with her husband today, right after he comes back from work. Therefore, she should not be in the house when it happens.

As the lady is walking out with a sad smile in her face and while cleaning her tears, a man came right in, ignoring any kind of words from you when calling the next person, and of course, the lady that was making her way out.

You look down over your written words on the paper once more before looking up at the man that has made himself comfortable at the couch with a cup with whiskey.

You ignore your disgust towards the alcohol beverage so early into the morning and open your mouth to speak.

“Next time. Wait for me to call you in” You say while playing with the pen in your fingers and looking at the man, “You’re not coming in here to order anyone around, but to ask for help. Something we, Peaky Blinders, are not obligated to give. Therefore, show some respect towards me and everyone else that is here for the same reason as you the next time you come in. Understood?”

The man nods at your words and you take a deep breath before leaning back on your chair.

“Now. How can I help you?”

(...)

As you continued to work at the Garrison, taking notes on everyone that is looking for help, whether it was protection or financial. Michael laid back on his seat at the train, deep in thought, as Gina read through her book, right next to him.

Michael’s mind is completely occupied with how his return home will be. With now a fiancé right next to him as he will see his mother again. His cousins. But most importantly, you. The woman that Gina never heard of.

How will she react when she sees you? Will you greet him? Or her? Are you even still In Birmingham?

His mother or Tommy never updated him on you. Not that he ever asked, but he always found it strange. Polly never was a woman to talk much over the phone, but it was different when talking to Michael, she even talked about her lunch. Now, not talking about his (ex) girlfriend is more than odd to him.

But again. He never questioned it. He didn’t see a reason to do it.

As the train came into a stop, he snapped back into reality. He looks out of the window and sees the station that he once, two years ago, stood to travel to America in hopes of helping his cousin’s business grow.

“Let’s go baby” Gina’s voice sounds next to Michael and he looks over at her.

The couple stands up and walks out of the carriage, taking a deep breath in of the polluted but chilled air of the city that is Birmingham.

The sky has its usual grey-look which didn’t really appeal Gina, but Michael couldn’t really care less. He just wanted to get out of that platform.

Michael felt anxious, almost. He doesn’t know what to expect when introducing his fiancé to his mother or to his cousins. He doesn’t even know what to expect when he sees you. Have you changed? Are you still the loving girl with floral dresses that he once fell in love with? Or are you a complete different woman? Maybe just like Gina?

He’s greeted by suited men, in which he quickly recognizes that they’re apart of the Peaky Blinders by one of the razor blades that picked from one’s hat. And as they soon help the couple with their luggage.

Michael and Gina step out of the building to be quickly greeted by the sight of Polly Gray herself. Polly leans back into her car as she sucks the smoke out of her cigarette.

“Hello mom” Michael says with a small smile, “This is Gina” He continues as his mother walks slowly towards him, and the blonde also walks out of the building, probably just finishing the conversation regarding her luggage with the men “My fiancé. I asked her to marry her on board”

Gina walks towards Michael and when close enough, she wraps her hand around Michael’s arm.

Polly stays silent. Hiding her hateful glance with her dark glasses and showing no emotion regarding what her son just said.

“She’s my fiancé, mom. At least look at her” Michael says after not understanding her lack of emotions.

Polly opens her mouth to speak as Michael is done talking.

“Tommy said to ask you,” She starts, now talking off her glasses to stare into her son, “To tell me the truth”

“We’ve been travelling for 15 days, Mrs. Gray. Maybe we can talk about this in another time” Gina says to Polly, confidence prominent in her voice as she spoke.

Polly doesn’t budge. It’s like she didn’t even talk.

Michael agrees with his fiancé out loud and Polly swallows slowly in annoyance, hating profusely how her son is behaving.

“Let’s go home and we can talk” Michael says, triggering something in Polly as the word ‘home’ comes out of his mouth.

“You have no home till you tell me the truth” Polly says, emphasizing the word ‘no’, while taking a step closer towards Michael.

There’s some silence between the family members as Gina stared into the back of Michael’s head, almost annoyed of how the hell he isn’t standing up for himself.

“Michael!” A voice sounds, Arthur’s, which catches everyone’s attention. He opens his arms in the air while walking towards the younger man, “Hello, love!” He adjusts his jacket, slowly coming into a stop, “Welcome to Birmingham, hey?”

Michael clenches his jaw at his cousin’s words but Polly decides to grab her son’s attention once more.

“Michael” She says, making the man look over back at her.

Michael starts talking as soon as his mother stopped speaking, telling her the details of what happened at the ship. Polly hears every word in full concentration, but Gina decides to break it, by emphasizing: “At gun point”

Polly shuts up her soon-to-be daughter in law by reminding her that she isn’t talking to her, and that triggers something in Michael.

“Fuck you” Michael says, spitting the words into his mother’s face, completely hating the arrogance and hatred in her voice. “Fuck you too Arthur. This is my fucking fiancé. I bring her home to this!”

Polly fights her urge to roll her eyes and Arthur stays still as if he was watching his kid throw a tantrum.

“Let’s go Gina” Michael tells the blonde.

Before the couple could start walking away, Arthur stands in front of them. Teasing the young man into not introducing the woman. And that’s when Michael loses his cool.

“Look at this. This is it Gina. This is my fucking people.” He says while looking at his fiancé in pure disbelief, “Do you want to know the truth Arthur? Do you want to know the truth, mom?” He says while turning, now, into the people who just questioned him, “I did not betray my fucking family!” He shouts into the streets while waving his arms into the air.

Polly continues to look at him with no readable expression in her face.

“Now, mom. I want to go home”

“I booked you a suite at the hotel” Polly says and that annoys her son even more, making him start talking again.

“Is that Tommy’s orders, now was it?” Michael starts and Polly shakes her head as he turns to Gina once more.

“Oh, shut up!” Polly says, making her son look at her in shock, “You want to talk about betrayal? You want to talk about your people?” She starts, still with a calm expression as her words spat with venom, “But did you even care to know anything about Y/N?” Polly asks.

The question catches Michael off guard, and your name almost sounds strange to his ears. Especially when said by his mother.

Michael doesn’t answer Polly’s question. But Gina. Oh, she is more than confused.

“Who is Y/N?” Gina asks her soon-to-be mother in law and Polly almost bites the inside of her cheek hard enough to make it bleed.

“I’ll take that as a no” Polly says as if Gina’s words filled with confusion were enough of an answer to her previous question, still not disconnecting her eyes away from her son’s.

Disgust was very much present in her tone, and she proudly kept it through her whole sentence.

Michael, not wanting to cause any more trouble or more confusion to his poor fiancé, walks out towards her, who offered him comfort as he stood close enough.

“Come on, baby. Forget about’em” She says.

The couple once reunited in each other’s arms decide to start walking away, trying to make somewhat of a good distance between them and Michael’s blood relatives.

Arthur, hating his cousin’s attitude, turns back to the young man and says with a smile.

“Oh, don’t worry Michael. You’ll see her at the meeting tomorrow”

Michael fights his urge to turn back around and question your presence in tomorrow’s meeting, in which will only regard the family’s business and his mistake which costed the millions that were lost, and continues to walk.

You are not a part of the family, not connect by any marriage. Not that he knows of, at least. So, it doesn’t make sense to him.

As Michael’s head soon starts to question and imagine every possibility in which would explain your presence at the meeting, Gina’s was occupied with: who the fuck is Y/N?; and finding possibilities of you being one of Michael’s cousins but he just tends to forget to mention you in conversations since you aren’t too important.

(...)

You sigh in relief as you close and lock the door of the room that you stayed most of your time in.

You got in here around 9 in the morning and now it’s dark out. Someone needs to give you some food, or you’re going to fall over.

You wish Mickey a good night while walking out of the busy Garrison and slide in your arms into the jacket before the cold breeze could catch up to you.

You walk over to your car and once you turn it on, you only stop at Polly’s house.

When listening to your car engine, Polly got up from her couch and walked right over to the door. And as you were about to knock, she opened it, catching you by surprise.

“Is this starting to become a race?” You ask her with a smile, and she smiles back.

“If you want to lose every time” She says with a playful tone while taking steps back inside the house.

You laugh as you get in the house and start taking your jacket off and right after that, your heels. As Polly made her way to the couch, where she left her glass of wine, you made your way to the kitchen, where, you silently hope, the leftovers of Polly’s dinner are.

While you serve yourself a plate of the mouth-watering food, Polly starts to talk.

“Do you want to know how Michael’s arrival was?” Polly asks, catching you off guard when you’re walking back to the living room.

You completely forgot about Michael after such a busy day.

“Sure” You tell her as you sat on the couch with the plate on your lap and a fork on your hand.

“Well, let’s just start with what’s new in his life,” She starts, and you nod while putting some baked potato inside your mouth, “He has a fiancé”

You stop chewing at her words and you look up from your plate to look at Polly.

“For how long?” You ask, swallowing not only the potato but also the weird feeling that is starting to build up in your chest.

“He said he asked to marry her on the ship. But I have no idea how long they’ve been dating” Polly admits while sipping her wine.

You nod while looking back at your food, grabbing a piece of your salad and putting it in your mouth.

“It’s okay that you feel bad about this” Polly comments, breaking the silence, “Feel like he betrayed you. Like he left you to have fun… Because in some way it’s true, or at least until we hear his side”

“Which must be interesting” You say with a sarcastic tone while eating some more.

Polly smiles at your venomous words before putting down her glass and slightly shaking her head.

“Want to know how the conversation went?” She asks you and you nod quickly while chewing.

As Polly starts to talk, your attention is at its maximum level. And she told you everything, even Arthur’s entrance, which made you laugh.

Everything but one thing, her question regarding you. Polly feels like his silence towards you could open up old wounds, so she decides to stay quiet and move on with other issues.

(…)

As Michael looks out of his suite’s window, Gina is already fast asleep. His thoughts and his mother’s question continued to hunt him, keeping him awake.

What could she mean by that? Had something bad happened to you while he was in America? Had you gotten married or anything like that?

He doesn’t know. His confusion continues to hunt him.

But he’s sure that something did happen. Michael doesn’t know if it’s bad or good, but something big happened, and everyone is hurt by his silence while it all happened. He read that through everyone’s expressions as they spoke of you. Especially Polly’s. His own mother.

He’ll have to see you tomorrow, and that thought pains him. What if you’re the exact same? The same loving and emotional girl that he’ll have to break once more by saying that he is soon-to-be married.

But what if you’re not? Does the thought of him hurting you hurt any less? God no. But it does create curiosity. Which is only one more feeling to keep his eyes wide open and mind moving miles a minute.

He looks over at Gina, who is sleeping peacefully in their bed. Skin shinning with the moonlight, blond hair still perfectly curled.

Can he even compare the two of you? No. Why? Because you two are polar opposites. Or were, at least in this case. And that is what keeps Michael awake in some nights: what in the hell made him choose Gina over you? And, of course,

Does he still love you?

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[firelordzukohere]

Interior Décor- Epilogue

Hello! I’m sorry I uploaded late! I planned to post this yesterday, but it was a busy weekend! But, it’s here! I really hope you like this and it gives you an ending you appreciate. 

I’m now opening requests. If there’s something you’d like to see, maybe related to Zuko and (Y/N) or anyone else, please feel free to send me an ask with a request or a prompt! I will gladly try and take a shot at it!!

Finally, I’d like to genuinely thank everyone for everything. Every single like, reblog, comment, and ask just seriously makes this so much better! I truly appreciate everyone in this fandom and I love each and every one of you!

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Zuko X Fem!Reader

Warnings: Fluff, Slight Aangst(heh), and some implications

Word Count: 4k

Summary: Iroh felt it was time for the Palace to reflect the time of Peace and Love that Zuko promised five years earlier at his coronation. He takes it upon himself to hire an interior decorator to help his nephew out and work together. What he didn’t expect was for Zuko to possibly find his own peace and love in the process.

Chapter 4: Trompe l’oeil >> Epilogue

"When the world is at odds and the mind is at sea, then cease the useless tedium, and brew a cup of tea," a familiar voice whispered behind her, breaking her from her thoughts as she stared at the mural on the wall of the shop. Turning to him, she smiled and accepted the cup of tea he held out for her. He winked at her before turning to examine everything else going on around them. Following his lead, she watched the people within the shop mingle and enjoy their tea.

The grand opening of the Jasmine Dragon Fire Nation location was in full swing. After Iroh had bought the property in the middle ring of the nation, he hired (Y/N) on to decorate the place from top to bottom. It had taken a couple weeks as there was some structural and code issues.

Now the establishment was a beautiful, grand tea shop with hand painted murals of dragons, intricately carved out pillars, quaint seating, and the smell of tea filling every corner.

"Where do you get this stuff, Iroh?" She giggled after taking a sip of her tea. Iroh smiled to himself as he stared at his customers seemingly enjoying themselves in the brand new store.

"All old people know the perfect proverb or sentiment to say," he teased, "it comes with the age." (Y/N) let out a hearty laugh and nodded her head, accepting his claim. "This place looks wonderful, dear," the general complimented. "Your hard work has definitely paid off."

(Y/N) blushed and took another drink of tea to hide the warmth on her face. "It's your hard work General Iroh, the Fire Nation has come along way thanks to you and the Fire Lord, you both deserve success." It was Iroh's turn to blush, now.

"Speaking of my nephew, I thought he would be here with you?"

It had been exactly a year since Zuko and (Y/N) had stopped being idiots and had gotten together. They spent as much free time as they could with each other. Dinners were often spent in the garden, which the turtle ducks enjoyed due to getting spare bread chunks. Days off from the throne and decorating were usually done walking through the city in street clothes enjoying the public and the lack of advisors and guards breathing down their necks. Some holidays were spent visiting his friends in their Nations, getting to know them. After their first meeting, which was simultaneously a mess and a success, (Y/N) couldn't get enough of the GAang and insisted to always be around whenever they visited or Zuko went to visit them.

The easiest of the four to get along with was Aang, obviously since he was kind to everyone, followed by Toph who appreciated her blunt comments, closely behind was Sokka who enjoyed playing pranks on the rest with her and her sarcastic comments, but the hardest to break was Katara. Katara was protective of Zuko and she didn't want anyone to try and take advantage of the Fire Lord.

It took (Y/N) four months to convince Katara that she wasn't with Zuko for the fame and status. It had been a process but she came out victorious when Katara began sending her letters often and ended up being her closest friend of the group.

They would all tell her how apparent it was that Zuko loved her. The way he would look at her, talk about her, or even how he'd be around her.

The two had grown together over the last year.

(Y/N) learned that Zuko needed care and words of affirmation to reassure him that she was still there for him. He enjoyed cuddling and affection, which was something that was apparently new to him according to the group, as he wasn't much like that with Mai other than a few kisses here and there. Learning what kind of day he was having just based off of the way his eyes were set or how his shoulders felt, sometimes how he kissed her said it all. It was the rough days that she knew he needed extra care and she'd try to make him laugh, or show him extra attention.

Zuko discovered quickly that (Y/N) was very easy going. She went with the flow on his busy schedule, never complaining about not being able to see each other and she was always there for him whenever he needed it. Her strong attitude and demeanor to get everything done thoroughly and thoughtfully, while also compassionately was exactly what he wanted in a future Fire Lady. She still cared a lot what people thought of her, definitely having a people pleaser attitude, he figured came with the job of working with interior décor, but she had been working on it a lot since the start of their relationship, especially after the rumors grew about her possibly getting the Palace job to sleep with the Fire Lord. The rumors had been shut down quickly, especially after the people began to see how desperately in love with (Y/N), Zuko was. Soon enough, the people of the Fire Nation adored her and Zuko couldn't have been happier about it.

Now, after a year, they couldn't image their lives any other way. Zuko was finishing up big projects with Aang on making the world peaceful, and (Y/N) had several clients, including General Iroh, who were eager for her to work her magic on their interiors.

(Y/N) was definitely in a wonderful place in her life, and she couldn't help but smile and think about the man who she loved so much, causing Iroh to grin in return at the look on her face.

"He's in a council meeting, apparently he had some business with them that just couldn't wait," she teased, "he said he'd be here after."

"Knowing my nephew, it must be important, he'd come up with any reason not to meet with the Sages," Iroh chuckled. "I'm going to brew some more tea, take care of yourself dear." He said before making his way to the back.

The party was packed, people from all over the nation came to see the notorious General Iroh's brand new tea shop in the Fire Nation. She'd seen several familiar faces and some new ones. It was nice to watch as people admired her decor and the hard work she had put into making the perfect place for Iroh.

At one point, a woman walked up to her, with an apparent nervous look on her face, "Excuse me? Are you the Palace decorator?" The woman asked, causing (Y/N) to internally roll her eyes. T

hat was a new title Iroh and Zuko came up with to tease her. It had caught on quickly that Zuko had begun dating the Palace decorator and that was officially her title to anyone who wasn't in on the joke. While it helped with the business, it definitely annoyed her to think that people only wanted her because she had the official title.

"I did decorate the Palace, yes," she responded the same as she did for everyone who asked her.

"You did this place too, correct?" The woman said, gesturing to the tea shop. "As well as Captain Yuzai's home?"

"Yes, I did both," (Y/N) beamed proudly.

"I was wondering, I have a home in Ba Sing Se that just does not feel comfortable to me, would we be able to discuss the possibility of you going out there and updating it for me?"

"Absolutely! I have another possible job in Ba Sing Se, so to do both at the same time would be simple enough!" The woman grinned in return before giving her, her address in the Fire Nation and setting up a meeting next week.

Watching the woman walk away, (Y/N) couldn't help but smile before she gasping as someone covered her eyes with their hands.

"You look beautiful tonight," he whispered in her ear before moving his hands away. Turning to look at the Fire Lord, (Y/N) blushed. "I'm sorry I'm late. I hope Uncle doesn't hate me too much." She shook her head with a giggle.

"You know he could never hate you!" She chastised before standing up and pressing her lips to his scar affectionately. "I'm glad you're here. How was your meeting?" Zuko's body tensed. "That bad, huh?"

He brushed a strand of (Y/H/C) from her face and shook his head, "it was good, we got everything done, properly. I don't want to talk about some boring old men though, I'd much rather you and I smile a bit, mingle and then go back to the Palace and have a proper dinner." His lips pressed to hers, immediately warming her body with his affection.

"Mmm... I'm not sure" she pulled back slightly and smiled, "I'm having so much fun here. I've been getting new job offers and I think I heard Iroh brought ice cream from the Water Tribe," she teased. "You'll have to do some real convincing to get me to go back with you."

Zuko chuckled, "if you come back with me, I can convince you much more thoroughly" his voice low and raspy. (Y/N)'s cheeks burned and she looked down at the cup in her hand, attempting to gain control of her brain and her body. "Plus, I have a present for you." Her attention whipped right to him and she frowned, her brows furrowed deeply and her lip pouted out just barely.

"No! We promise we weren't going to do presents! I thought we agreed to wait until you were on your leave and go to Ember Island and that would be our present to each other!" Zuko rested his hand on her elbow and shook his head.

"It's not that kind of present, just trust me," he whispered, attempting to reassure her. "We're still going to Ember Island in the summer. Just you and me." He pecked her nose gently. She let out a breath and nodded her head. The one thing she could do was trust him. "I love you," he whispered before pressing his lips gently to her forehead, "Now let's go mingle so I can take you back to the palace, the turtle ducks are hungry." He teased making (Y/N) let out a giggle.

"We’d be horrible parents if we left those poor dears starving," she winked before following him toward a group of people to talk with.

People fawned over Zuko, like they always did, and he accepted it with such humility. Instead of allowing people to talk about him and his accomplishments as a young Fire Lord, he would turn the discussion on others, asking them about their businesses, their family, aspirations in life, all of it. He didn't just nod his head and deafly listen, instead he would ask questions about their answers, or follow up with a story of his own to relate, letting them know he was thoroughly listening to them. He was a caring Fire Lord and (Y/N) couldn't help but fall in love with him more and more. Zuko was a natural at being the lead of the Nation and she knew it had a lot to do with his past and what shaped him into the man he was today, the wonderful, compassionate, handsome man.

"So Fire Lord Zuko," one of the elderly woman interrupted a conversation about farming in the outer parts of the Fire Nation, "it has been almost a year hasn't it?" She asked, gesturing to (Y/N) and him. "Any thoughts about the future? You know those single women are getting restless about if this is serious or not." The woman winked and (Y/N)'s body stilled. She couldn't believe this woman was implying that their relationship wasn't serious. Zuko, seemed a bit taken aback by her question as well, clearing his throat several times.

"I'm not sure what that means, Ume," Zuko responded diplomatically, "I can assure you though, I will not be getting rid of Miss (Y/N) here, anytime soon," he wrapped his arm around her waist and tugged her closer, producing a blush onto her cheeks.

"Ah, young love," Ume fawned, "I'll have to tell my granddaughter that there's no chance then," she playfully pouted before turning her attention to the other ladies who were gushing over Zuko's declaration.

With the distraction, Zuko leaned toward (Y/N) pressing his lips to her ear, "let's find Uncle and then get out of here." She nodded desperately and allowed him to lead her toward the back of the shop, where Iroh was talking with one of his workers with delight.

"The earnings tonight will carry us into next month and we'll make a large profit in no time! Your hard work has been greatly appreciated, Iruna," Iroh complimented, "you can leave for the night, go enjoy your evening with your family." The woman bowed gratefully and rushed out the door before Iroh could change his mind. When the General caught Zuko's form in the corner of his eye, his smile grew, brightly. "Fire Lord Zuko!" He wrapped his nephew into a deep hug. When they released Zuko returned his arm to (Y/N)'s waist. "How did your meeting with the council go? Did you get their approval?" Zuko nodded his head and his Uncle grinned. "Wonderful! The future of the Fire Nation is looking bright!"

"Uncle, we were just coming over to give our congratulations. I'm going to go take (Y/N) to dinner at the Palace, if you don't mind." Iroh shook his head and began shooing them toward the door.

"Go enjoy your evening. One year together is a great feat for anyone, celebrate!"

With quick goodbyes and hugs, (Y/N) and Zuko made their way to the Palace. It was a nice evening out and neither complained about walking side by side back.

"I can't believe it's been a year," Zuko said after a few minutes of silence. "It feels like it's been a couple of weeks," he confessed. "I know I've been busy, but I feel like everything in the Palace is still so new since you changed it up. I'm still finding small details you've added, like the dragon carvings inside my wardrobe, or the flames painted inside of the sconces." (Y/N) smiled at her boyfriend.

"Good, that means I've done my job properly, each day should feel like a fresh one inside of your home." Zuko chuckled and pulled her closer as they walked. "I can't believe it's been a year either. So much has happened in such a little time. We went from client, decorator, to fighting the council on if I was a proper courtship for you, to dealing with the public about my true intentions, to meeting your friends, becoming friends with your friends, and now we're at a year." She reminisced. They had definitely hurdled over many obstacles in their relationship, but nothing stopped them from being together. There was never a doubt over their feelings for each other.

"I'm interested to see what our future looks like," Zuko's voice was soft. (Y/N) nodded and they returned to their comfortable silence as they walked toward the Palace.

When they arrived, Zuko had everything already prepared. Dinner in the garden was a sweet little picnic full of food. It was their favorite foods and desserts piled onto a maroon blanket placed nicely next to the pond. (Y/N) was ecstatic at the site and leaned over to her boyfriend, pecking him on the cheek affectionately before grabbing his hand and walking with him toward the spot.

After their dinner outside in their garden, (Y/N) was kneeled next to the pond, playing with the turtle ducks while Zuko walked around. She didn't say anything, but he seemed to be on edge after the food and she wondered if maybe something hadn't sat right with him. To help ease his tension, she tried humming a bit, pretending it was for the turtle ducks, when in fact, she knew he enjoyed her tunes as well. He had said it reminded him of his mother the first time he caught her doing it.

Zuko turned to look at her, while her attention was on the duck, he couldn't believe he was lucky enough to have been with such an amazing and beautiful woman. While he was annoyed at the question Ume had asked during the tea shop's opening, he was also grateful because it gave him a chance to set the boundary that (Y/N) wasn't going anywhere. He was in love with her.

"General Iroh's shop looked wonderful," he complimented her softly as he walked behind her, leaning against the tree that hung over the pond. She looked up at him and grinned before turning her focus back to the pond.

"Thank you, I'm glad you think so, I really hope people enjoy it and it helps Iroh's business out."

"People weren't able to keep their eyes off of the décor, (Y/N)," Zuko said, trying to let her know that she didn't have to be modest.

"I guess that's true…I did have a woman come up and ask me to take a job with her in Ba Sing Se, I already have a job there next month with that Nobleman's wife, I'm sure getting both done at once would be great." Her voice proud as she discussed her business, another thing Zuko couldn't help but adore about her. "However," her tone turned playful, "I could do without the 'Palace Decorator' silliness I keep hearing," she teased.

"That's what you are," he joked back, "no one else on this planet will ever be allowed to touch the Palace while I'm Fire Lord, I might as well let everyone know that now," he poked fun, "though, if you don't like that title…" he began, reaching into his pocket while she was still looking into the pond, "I'm sure a promotion is in order." He pulled out the object he had been carrying around all night, holding it just perfectly that the light glinted onto the golden surface.

Not seeing this action, (Y/N) snorted out a laugh, "A promotion? Oh come on Zuko, there's not much else I can get promoted to," she turned to look at him as she spoke, "other than the--" that's when her eyes caught the object in his hands and all words escaped her. Her mouth formed into an O, all amusement washed away.

"Fire Lady?" He asked, attempting to keep his voice level as he held up the royal headpiece typically worn by the Fire Lady.

(Y/N)'s eyes darted between Zuko and the crown, attempting to decipher if he was joking or not.

"Zuko, you can't be serious…" her voice low and filled with uncertainty as she spoke her thoughts out loud. He couldn't actually be implying this.

"Dead serious," he said, taking a step toward her, still holding the piece in his hand as he did. "I want to spend every day with you, go back to our room after a long day and relax with you, redecorate the Palace every single year with you, make fun of the Sages with you, dance every night with you,, all of it...with you." He whispered. "There's nothing I've been more sure of in my entire life. Which isn't saying much, since it's been filled with more than enough uncertainty, but you…" he finally reached her, "are the only certainty I've ever known."

"Me? Fire Lady?" She looked down at his chest, unable to focus on his molten eyes or the crown in his hand. "I…" All logic escaped her forcing her to dig through her mind and figure out a reason behind all of this. "The Sages, they'll never agree to it."

"They already did, this afternoon," his tone calm and collected. He knew this was a shock to her, it was a shock to him, but he had known that he wanted this since the first time she smiled at him and giggled.

"That's what your meeting was about?" Her eyes darted up to him, surprised at this revelation. It wasn't some meeting about the nation, it was to get their approval on her being Fire Lady. Then Iroh's words rang in her head.

Knowing my nephew, it must be important, he'd come up with any reason not to meet with the Sages.

How did your meeting with the council go? Did you get their approval?

The future of the Fire Nation is looking bright.

Iroh knew.

"(Y/N), am I just going to hold this thing all night, or are you going to say yes?" Zuko teased as he watched her try to reason through everything in her mind.

She took a deep breath and looked up at him. There wasn't a doubt in her mind that she loved this man more than anything in the world and here he was before her, asking her to spend the rest of his life with her. It was everything she had ever hoped, but still somehow felt like such a dream.

"You didn't ask me," she smiled up at him, her tone completely void of panic now.

"(Y/N), my love, my Palace decorator," he winked causing her to giggle, "marry me. Become the Fire Lady that this nation, this world, needs, the Fire Lady I need." Resting his forehead against hers, he smiled.

"Yes," she whispered and immediately his lips slanted over hers, pulling her into an intense kiss. After a few moments, they separated slightly, catching their breaths, when he placed the crown into the half topknot she had luckily decided to wear that day.

"I love you," he purred into her ear, before placing a chaste kiss on her temple.

"I love you too Fire Lord Zuko," she giggled, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Fire Lord Zuko and Fire Lady (Y/N)," his goofy grin plastered across his face, "I like the sound of that." Before she could respond, Zuko captured her lips with his again.

(Y/N) couldn't help but think back to what Zuko had said earlier that night:

I'm interested to see what our future looks like.

She couldn't agree more.

Master List 

Tag List: @royahllty​ @mangoberry43​ @mrskeishasdead​ @taeeemin​ @blushbadger​ @shortmexicangirl​ @fire-lady-livi​ @jujugentle @nnon-it-up​

[hualianff]

T.F.T.A (I.H) III 《II》

Irodori – Hiroaki Tsutsumi “I can touch up some patches of the walls that look washed out?”

“Uh, no you don’t have to-“

“-oh! And I can vacuum the carpets in the morning before work, during the day, and at night once everyone leaves so the floor will always be spotless-“

“No, really, that’s a bit much-“

“Does anything in your office happen to need dusting?“

HX sighs. This human never stops.

First, it is the food and drinks he delivers to the employees on each floor–without being asked to. His employees are filthy slobs when it comes to dealing with their customers as it is; the extra vacuuming would admittedly be appreciated. Though, HX has no complaints when XL personally brings him fresh coffee and pastries from the bakery on the corner.

Then, it is the excessive cleaning that has somehow become one of his biggest priorities, courtesy of XL. HX supposes this is what he needed a custodian for in the first place. But he can’t help but wonder how YY found a human who is so damn eager to be worked like a slave.

“Mr. Xuan, what cleaning fluid brand do you prefer the bathroom floors to be mopped with?” Xie Lian asked, still sitting in the lone chair in front of HX’s desk, one hour after he first entered. Here he was, going through a laundry list of sterilization questions while HX was still trying to process just how ugly the human’s work uniform was.

He’ll have to do something about that.

HX was, by no means, generous or fashionable. Hell, he currently had on all black–the inner and outer robes being different shades–and cheap sandals that exposed just how pale his skin was. He sported the same skull earrings since first getting his ears pierced, and he kept his hair back in a simple, low ponytail that felt like a rope of lead at times.

They surely must make quite a pair, like the dark and mysterious goth teen meets the wrongly-dressed happy-go-lucky old man. There is no doubt HX beat XL in age by a couple of hundred years, yet, XL somehow still gave off wise-beyond-his-years energy. A man who has seen and been through plenty of life’s obstacles.

Such fragile beings, humans were.

“Um, Mr. Xuan?” XL spoke up again when HX didn’t answer his twentieth question right away. “Is it alright if I call you that? Or should I call you Black Water?”

HX’s frown deepened, sincerely considering how XL should address him. It was not like XL knew the truth behind the title Black Water, and for that reason, it felt improper for the human to speak a name he was not aware held so much power.

“Mr. Xuan is fine,” HX says curtly.

“Oh, okay. Mr. Xuan it is.”

HX exhaled with thinning patience. He placed his elbows on the desk, preparing to shoo his new employee away so he could work in peace.

“You can just call me Xie Lian. I hope to be of the best assistance to you, Mr. Xuan,” XL adds quicker than HX can respond. “By the way, about those cobwebs surrounding the hallways lights-”

Seriously, was this guy out of his mind?

From XL’s perspective, he believes he hit the jackpot with this job. Not only is it incredibly low-stress compared to his previous hustles, but XL often finds himself to be most useful in keeping Black Water company. Yes, XL is aware HX strives to be as antisocial and non-confrontational as possible. And yes, a boss-employee relationship probably shouldn’t cross a certain line into the best friend zone.

But whenever HX happens to be nearby, and XL bounds over with a dozen updates on his work and random stories that he can’t help sharing, HX begrudgingly stays and listens.

“See? Doesn’t dusting make everything nicer to look at?“ XL questions with a sunny smile, gesturing to the bookshelves on one side of HX’s office. He was a quarter of the way through with this task when his boss walked in.

HX merely grunts, then plops down in a chair different from the one guests typically sit in. It appears to be a new addition to the room. In XL’s eyes, more furniture means more growth in self-care for one’s personal space. In this case, HX’s working environment.

Naturally, XL approves with a satisfied nod. He also can’t stop the next words from tumbling out of his mouth.

“By the way, I noticed your tastes in literature differ across many subjects: Folklore, politics, ocean science…”

HX raises an eyebrow at this comment.

“What about it?” he asks, a little blunt, a little curious.

XL continues dusting in between the shelves. He faces away from HX and is glad his boss can’t discern his nervous expression. XL knows he has his nosy moments, knows that he often unintentionally crosses others’ boundaries in order to connect, which irks people all the time.

Maybe this is one of those moments.

Still, XL wants to try.

“Do you want to tell me about them? I’m quite the avid reader myself, and some of these titles look positively compelling,” XL says, skimming a hand down the exquisite spine of one of the books. He turns his head just enough to sneakily eye HX’s reaction, who hasn’t changed his seating positions the last forty minutes.

HX’s arms remain crossed over his chest, staring straight ahead at the wall of bookshelves XL insisted on dusting and tidying. His obsidian eyes noticeably sharpen, jaw slightly relaxing.

HX doesn’t say anything for a long minute. One minute bleeds into two, and then three.

XL sighs, a bit disappointed. He doesn’t want to push HX’s limits, nor initiate conversation he is in no place to discuss. Quietly, XL turns his attention back to work.

But as XL squats down to straighten out some books on the lower shelf, the image of black robes gliding along the floor catches his eye.

HX walks to one of the middle bookcases, caressing his fingers along his vast collection until he pauses on a book with an emerald green cover and characters glimmering in gold. He plucks the novel out of its homely crevice, opening the cover to flick through the worn pages.

XL takes this as his cue to approach, waving around the feather duster in anticipation. HX shifts to show the human the open book, finger pointing to the section header.

“This one is a myth about a parasitic ghost who latches onto its host and feeds off of sadness, sorrow, despair,” HX explains slowly, deliberate with his words. XL’s mouth opens in an “oh” shape, expressing interest in his features.

HX brings the book closer for XL to see.

“It’s one of my favorite reads,” HX murmurs, focusing on the text. XL blinks in astonishment, feeling especially honored that HX shared this with him.

It has only been one month since XL started working at Paradise Deals, and despite HX’s “I don’t care” attitude when it comes to basically anyone ever, XL definitely considers them to be friends.

And that is honestly the most he could ever ask for.

“Then I’ll be sure to put it on the top of my list,” XL chirps, tapping the book with the duster.

The corner of HX’s mouth tugs upwards.

*** Flor y Sangre – Sophism, Isabella LeVan, A Million in Vermillion One day, as XL rides the elevator up to the eleventh floor, it stops at the third floor first. The doors open to reveal a man with a green dress shirt tucked into black-and-white checkered pants. The same checkered-patterned suit jacket hangs loosely over his shoulders.

The man’s dark hair is long enough to cover his ears, making him appear quite young. Side bangs obstruct his eyes, but upon seeing XL’s face, the strands fly out of the way as he shakes his head in surprise.

“YOU!” The man seethes out, stomping into the elevator with clenched fists.

“M-me?” XL looks around, then points to himself questioningly.

“What are you doing here!? And what the hell are you wearing!? Am I supposed to fall for a dumb disguise like this?” The stranger fires back, voice getting more high-pitched as he jabs an offending finger at XL’s nose.

XL is beyond confused. He glances down at his custodian attire, the nameplate thankfully still in place. It’s in navy this time, courtesy of Black Water’s kindness is providing XL with more than one work outfit that doesn’t automatically suck the soul out of whoever sees it.

There is an awkward beat of silence.

The elevator doors close, XL now pressed with his back against the wall, nervously fiddling with the mop in his hands.

“Do I know you?” XL asks, forgetting his manners in a panicked state while searching his memories, trying to recognize the man in front of him.

“Fucking rude, as always,” the man sneers, giving XL a nasty stink-eye before backing off. “If you won’t reveal your true self now, I’ll just follow you until you do.”

“Excuse me? I have no idea what you’re talking about,” XL rushes out, sneaking in a few bows here and there. “Perhaps you’ve mistaken me for the wrong person?

The man crosses his arms as if seriously contemplating XL’s words. His eyes shift from XL’s face, to his attire, to the mop, and then finally, up towards above XL’s head.

He decidedly shakes his head, unconvinced.

“No, I’m not that gullible. How convenient would it be that the first time I see you in who-the-fuck-knows-how-long, you’re stuck like this,” he hisses lowly. “Weak. Useless. Ignorant.”

Now that makes XL’s eyebrows rise into his hairline. He’s been harshly insulted before–regarded as pitiful and lacking potential in many areas–and likes to think his skin is thicker because of it. But to be directly attacked by a man whom he has no memory of meeting before? XL can’t help but feel like this is entirely uncalled for.

How does this man even know him?

The elevator doors slide open, having reached the eleventh floor. On the other side stands Black Water, wearing an expensive-looking suit with navy lining and silver cuffs. His foot stops its tapping on the ground where it had been denting the carpet.

“Xie Lian, I’ve been looking for you,” Black Water says, completely ignoring the other man in the elevator. “I’m meeting with a few clients on the east side of the city, and I need you to handle the documentation.”

He holds out a huge briefcase with the same fish symbol as the ones on the doors in the hallway. As XL steps out of the elevator to accept the briefcase, an interested “Xie Lian, huh?” sounds from behind.

“Pardon me, sir, if I can’t recall our first acquaintance. But did you need something from me?” XL asks while turning around, attempting to hold out an olive branch once more. Next to him, Black Water pulls out his phone and mindlessly scrolls down the screen.

“I can’t believe you actually did it. Got yourself a name and everything,” the man says, disbelief coloring his features. Then his eyebrows pinch together in a sudden display of anger. He locks eyes with XL, those amber eyes looking eerily similar to his own. “You disgust me.”

Before XL can react, the elevator doors slam shut instantly with a loud boom, masking the sound of fingers snapping right next to him. XL jerks at the sound, hands white-knuckling the briefcase.

“Do you know who that is?” XL asks his boss, tilting his head. This encounter has left him awfully confused and a little worried about his job. Would this affect what his boss thinks about his impact in the workplace?

It seems this trouble is needless when HX eyes simply narrows his eyes at the closed doors, a stormy expression on his face.

“No one to concern yourself with.”

Bonus:

XL finds out QR is the lower-levels’ boss, who holds an apparent grudge against him…? Once QR had come across XL in the elevator, he sticks around like an unwanted pest, somehow having the time to harass XL many hours a day.

XL: “Why does this guy keep following me around and insulting me?”

XL eventually cleans QR’s floors too because he has time and it seems QR won’t leave him alone.

HX: “Give me back my custodian!”

QR: “Fuck off! Why are you so defensive about mortal scum?”

XL, wiping down the doors, whistling: (´∀��*)

[thompsborn]

Happy FFWF! What's your favorite title you've given a fic? Why?

okay so i looked through ALL of my posted fics, including my ~secret identity~ and my it account, and i’m too indecisive to pick a FAVORITE favorite, so here are the ones i can’t choose between, in no particular order

• sea green, see blue

this one isn’t marvel, it’s my ron/harry one shot that i’m still planning to write a sequel for eventually, but this title just HITS me okay?? i love this fic a lot too, like i put say more thought and effort into this bitch than i needed to, and i spent literal HOURS of my time trying to think of a name for it, and then i found this song while listening to a playlist of music that was on how i met your mother, because himym is one of my favorite shows and had so many great songs in it and oftentimes i’ll find such good lines in those songs—case and point being this one, which, while the lyrics don’t FULLY fit how i think of ron/harry, the title of the song fits the fic PERFECTLY, because the entire central point and theme of the fic is the two of them seeing each other—how they think, how they act, how strong and smart the other is. it’s all about their perception of each other and harry, green eyes, seeing ron, blue eyes, who sees harry right back. it’s just. i love it. SO much.

• when healing hurts

this title is kind of self explanatory and not hard to grasp, but i still just love it a lot, especially since it perfectly grasps the main part of why i wanted this fic to be in this series and why i wanted to write it in the first place. peter’s healing factor is incredible and is written about a lot but i just always think about how there are situations where his healing would be agonizing, and i’ve read fics that explore that but i wanted to write my own version of it that fit into the series, and the title gives the two main points of the fic—healing and pain, and how they can go hand in hand. idk i just think it’s nice and suits the fic really well!!

• the portal closed

again, self explanatory title once you read the fic, but that’s kind of the entire point of it! this is a fic about a different version of the mcu, one where everything changed due to a singlilar event going differently—tony not making it out before the portal closed. and this is an exploratorion of everything that follows from that point. it’s simple but it’s exactly the purpose of the title and i get so excited whenever i open the doc to work on it (which i need to do since i haven’t updated in a hot minute) and it’s just v satisfying to me!!

• hold me (like the night sky holds the moon)

lol so ~secret identity~ (even though anyone i’ve been in a marvel discord server with knows this) but this is my other account where i post anything that includes ~spicy~ content just bc i like having it completely separate from my main fics since a majority of my fics don’t actually include explicit content, HOWEVER i love this fic and the title and wanted to include it anyway! this entire one shot was directly inspired by three songs written by anson seabra and i don’t even remember how i got the idea but i rememver listening to those three songs (especially broken, which i still listen to very regularly) on repeat and busting this fic out in like a day or two, and the title comes from one of those songs (this one, specifically) and it just. it captures the point!!! the point of the fic!!! is peter going from “fuck it i ruined my life and i’m still ruining it and now i’m just living what’s left of it and that’s just what it is” and then making it to “this is still hard and i’m scared and i’m sad but you helped me see what i wasn’t seeing before and i’m so grateful for you and i want you to be here and me to be with you even though that scares me even more” and the song is just AAAAA !! the title is so poetically lovely and from the song that CAPTURES THE ENTIRE POINT and just. wow.

anyway.

• butterflies and storms and ooey-gooey feelings

i have no justification for this other than i think it’s a really cute title for a really cute one shot

• fall into your blue

so this is also a lyric from a song (any jon bellion fans? anyone? hello?) that i was so grateful to realize fit this fic because this was also a fic i remember spending HOURS trying to brainstorm a name for, and i just happened to be listening to jon bellion and this song came on and i was like,,,, wait. this fic isn’t complete (but i did recently get back into my it fics a little bit and started rewriting the second part) but the premise behind the fic is these guys, two different separate people, who are in their senior year of high school and who are getting ready to become adults and have their whole futures ahead of them but they can’t do that yet because there is so much behind them that they need to address and deal with, and they meet and they fall into each other and help each other and end up being the people they needed to help them through this last year of really being like a high school student.

they’re both sad—aka blue. they fall into each other. hence, the lyric fall into your blue being literally the PERFECT lyric for this.

• empty world

i’ve mentioned this fic before on this account because it is still my favorite thing that i’ve literally ever written so far in my life, but the title is also very important to me and to the fic. it has a double meaning!! this fic is three parts, right? part one is richie being forced to grow up in a world that is literally empty—he doesn’t know why, but everyone else is just gone, in the blink of an eye, and he’s alone, and it slowly gets more and more apparent that this loneliness gets to him and all he wants is to see his friends again, to see eddie again. part two is eddie growing up in a world where richie is “missing” and they can’t find him no matter how hard they try, and he runs on empty hoping that richie will shownup one day, and bases so much of his life around the fact that he knows a huge part of it is missing, and he may have the rest of the losers and he may go to college and get a job, but he still feels empty because he knows that a vital part of him is just gone. part three is the reunion and the aftermath and how they try to process the fact that all of this happened in the first place and the fight against pennywise and all of that, and then they win and that emptiness is gone because the losers are all together, eddie and richie are together, and they get to have the rest of their lives like this. there’s so much meaning packed into the words empty world that it’s insane!!

plus i wrote a literal song in order to have good names for the chapters, as well. so

part one — “i have not seen your face in so long” aka richie and being alone, doing everything he can to never forget the losers and eddie and trying to picture what they might look like as he gets older since he never got the chance to see them grow up with him

part two — “but i will never forget your name” aka eddie doing what he can to live his life after having to accept there’s nothing else he can do to try and find richie but in every single thing he does he remembers the boy he loved anyway and it constantly weighs him down

part three — “without you, this is an empty world” aka they feel that emptiness in them start to fill up and heal once they’re together again and they get their happy ending

• an old heart, a new home

another one that feels a bit self explanatory once you’ve read the fic, but it’s a reddie fic and this is a marvel blog so i doubt anyone has or will pfjjf, but the title captures the fic! an old heart (eddie, due to being cursed to live forever until blah blah magic magic i can’t remember the specifics—and to an extend, richie, too, since he is a reincarnation of the man eddie originally fell in love with) a new home (the apartment building, each other). plus this is a fic series that i’ve been considering taking down and turning into an original book for a while now, and if i did i’d keep the name the same bc i feel like it fits so well !!

and that’s it :D i listed too many but oh well !!

[rpbetter]

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Due to recent events, I am changing this rule. It’s hard for me to receive messages unexpectedly, and I hate to imply that I’ll be able to get to these quicker because it isn’t the truth. Quicker, better responses come from the inbox. However, there have been too many incidents lately in which people needed to speak privately and had to make that a request. If you’re having a problem and need to vent, request sensitive advice, etc.? It’s alright, go ahead and drop me a PM, y’all. I’ll get back to you as soon as I am able. Please, do not be angry with me if I respond to inbox things or my queue is running! You’re important to me, I just might not have the requisite social cognition and energy you deserve at that time.

Aggressive inbox messages will be responded to in kind. I don’t care if you are on anon or not, if you haven’t an ounce of polite communication skills, I won’t have them either. This is not a “we don’t publish anon hate” blog.

I highly encourage asks and submissions on any and all RP topics, and it’s perfectly alright to be salty as fuck in them, you can totally vent here, but don’t take out your frustration on me or be demanding of me. I am always happy to help with information, advice, or just a response to your venting-it’s important to know someone is listening. However, it may take me a few days to a week to get to you, be patient. 

If you are going to vent, leave out usernames. This isn’t a callout or burnbook blog. It’s fine to state characters and fandoms, but if this becomes a problem, it’ll have to change. I don’t want this becoming a salt blog for one or two fandoms I very likely can’t even stand. Practice the fine art of alluding to things, its good experience for your writing! Besides, RPC problems are RPC problems, I promise. It might feel like it’s just your fandom, but there is something relatable in all corners.

I will not overly police comments. Keep the slurs and shit out of it, though. If there is an issue going on pertaining to a serious instance of hate speech, or behavior I, personally, deem as too inappropriate and/or immature to be taking place on my post, I will step in. Otherwise, I expect everyone to be adults in the comments and reblogs too. If you want to argue with each other, that’s your business. If you want to argue with me, I’m not sorry in advance.

Addition to the above: this is not a blog in which it will be tolerated that commentators or those submitting with the URLS are targeted for callouts, shaming, or other instances of bullying. No, I cannot make those people stop bothering you by blocking them, but the least I can do is address that by shutting down their access to this blog and it’s posts by blocking on the URLs I have for them. And I will. Fuck that “we can’t be responsible for” shit. It’s my blog, it’s my content I’m putting out there, I’m not going to just ignore shit like what went down over on COAR, thanks. Not. Cool.

This is definitely not a place for:

people who think giving muses labels, including top/bottom “dynamics,” is a good substitute for character traits, personality, and development

those with no reading comprehension skills

folks dependent upon aesthetics and aesthetics-based purple prose as filler for actual writing

anti-original character/just wants to fuck a FC or canon character club, get the fuck out immediately

y’all who see writing as an obstacle to getting down to action, be that smut, drama, or fight scenes...it’s literally a writing hobby

politics, any manner of phobe or ism, violent/non-inclusive feminists, purity/rpc/fandom/content police of any manner, and exactly any manner of racism, sexism, or religious intolerance - I give not a shit if it’s popular to hate the straights, for example, I neither believe in nor tolerate reactionary classifying of any group as blanket-statement evil

people who are going to tack onto my posts shit like, “it’s okay, OP, you can say x character.” Trust me, if I were talking about one character, I fucking would name drop them, don’t bring me into your fandom drama, I doubt I know or want to know who that anime guy is who looks like 12 other anime guys to me.

About Vespertine

You can call me that, Vespertine. I’d rather you didn’t go with Vesper, but as it is unfortunately so likely to happen, I won’t feed you to the dogs over it either. RPB Mun is also acceptable.

I’m alright with either she/her or he/him, they/them is also fine. Apparently, that was big enough clue-in for the poor reading comp crowd, so while I feel it is not of importance, I’m nonbinary, yes.

Late 30′s, chronically ill but still working adult with neurodivergence. I’m both busy and Busy, and always sick. This limits my brain power and ability to be here. I have an active RP blog that I won’t be sharing to keep responsible distance. That is always going to be my priority, it is my primary hobby.

Please, don’t tumblr message me totally random things if we don’t have that kind of relationship! I’m too ill and busy, and it really fucks my nerves to have a bunch of messages/have to suddenly interact socially with people. Don’t do it. Use my inbox, use the submit, comment on posts. I cannot do random messages of “hey” and so forth.

I only do written RP, don’t expect me to understand much of anything from tabletop. I’ve RPed for the last 23 years consistently, on every platform from AOL chats to forums to messengers and here. I also don’t do RP in discord, so I’m sorry, but I can’t advise you much on anything with a word count, except to stop it for serious RP. Other than that, I promise you that I’ve seen the trends, the drama, the fandoms. I can give a lot of advice and perspective on a wide range of topics, situations, and characters! When I don’t have a clue at all, I’ll try to do enough research to give you an answer.

Do I come off as a horrible, strict asshole? I do! I’m not going to say that I am just a shy bean who is more scared of you than you are me. I’m not. I’m honestly feral, but have common decency, compassion, and sense. All of which are lacking in the general RPC. So, if you can inbox/common/otherwise interact with anyone else on this site, you can totally handle me!

Honesty and openness are policies.

And in the spirit of that, I repeat; you can fucking do better, tumblr RPC!

[lorraines-stinkin-cute-corner]

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REVISED ON JANUARY 21ST 2021

[bexterbex]

A Soul to Mend His Own | Ch. 54

Warning, PLEASE CHECK TAGS IF YOU SEE SOMETHING YOU DON’T WANT TO READ THEN DON’T READ. Tag lists are closed

Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Alternate Universe - Soulmates, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Will tag as I go along, Will update tags, Slow Burn, Influenced by Star Trek and other Sci-Fi themes, References to We Happy Few, Tons of References and quotes to George Orwells 1984 see if you can find them all, The First Order is the new Big Brother,  but who is really surprised, Blatant Nazi Symbolism, Interrogation Themes, Eventual Smut, Eventual Romance, Really just drawn out Slow Burn, Don’t repost without permission, Torture themes, Suggestive Themes, Execution themes, Disturbing Themes, Implied/Referenced Abuse, Verbal Abuse, Controlling Kylo Ren, Physical Abuse, Implied/Referenced Self-Harm, Kylo Ren is Not Nice, Kylo Ren Has Issues, Supreme Leader Kylo Ren, Possessive Kylo Ren, A character shamelessly based on Zelda

A Kylo Ren x Modern! Reader in a soulmate au with some canon divergence. —————————————SLOWBURN————————————–

He is already the Supreme leader, searching the universe to find you, his Empress. Your name on his wrist has been the only constant in his life, while you have doubts about his existence and his acceptance of you. He isn’t in the database and why did the name Kylo Ren cover Ben Solo?

MASTERLIST

Chapter 54: Learning and Encouraging

The general placed your lunch order for you, stating there were specific things needed for your course. When the droid arrived it placed a rather elaborate place setting in front of you. Lots of silverware and glasses that you weren’t familiar with.

The general seemed to want to make sure everything was precise and forced you to maintain a straighter posture than normal, “Now m’lady it is important that you take such a lead at this formal dinner. Other than the Supreme Leader, you will be the next highest ranking person there.” He then started to show you by example how to do things.

“So everyone will be looking at me and judging me. Got it.” You instantly got nervous. You hated being the spectacle of everyone’s judgment.

“Now, now m’lady, they will simply be following your lead, as will the Supreme Leader. One of the reasons why you are learning such things is that he needs to be shown what to do, he will follow your example. He has been taught these things, but he tends to either ignore them or forget them. He will be searching your mind and following you at the dinner,” Hux informed you.

“Searching my mind? Like he will literally be following my lead? I don’t know if I like that.” Truly you didn’t, it rather creeped you out.  

“Well, m’lady it is either you or I, and I think he much prefers your mind versus mine. I can tell you that he does it anyway, if you know where to look you can feel him moving around in there.” He pointed to his head,  “You might find that it is a good way to communicate without alerting others. I have found it rather useful at times.”

You considered this for a moment. He was in your head? You knew he read your thoughts, but you assumed that he didn’t do it all the time. But now you thought twice about it. Could he see what Adlez and you were doing? Would it even work if he knew what you were trying to do? How good was his concentration? This was something you were going to have to test.

“Ok, so if I do this correctly then he will take my lead?” You weren’t sure if that was the best thing.

“Yes m’lady, but I might recommend that you rather overly think it when you do. Like yelling in your own mind or rather when you pick up a glass you need to truly think about picking up a glass or a fork. He will need to be led by you as to what to do, less we want to make fools of ourselves.” He then went through what each item was used for and in what order you were to use them.

You eventually got to actually eat your food, “But it is very important to note that anytime you get up from the table all males will stand with you,” said the general. “The Supreme Leader will probably initiate this. You do not have to stand when another woman gets up, but any male that does not stand for you is someone who is insulting you.”

“Do you have a feeling that someone might try to insult me?” This was not something you wanted to repeat, not after the last time.

“There may be some at the dinner that do not appreciate that your planet has not been in the last few galactic wars. And now it is reaping the benefit of the First Order’s graces without doing the work.” You could tell this was not his personal feelings, only possible opinions that he was relaying to you.

“Would they possibly be the same people who are in favor of General Pryde staying around?” You had a gut feeling.

The general did not answer exactly but shared a pointed smile with you as he turned back to eating his lunch. You got the message. You were about to fight an entirely different battle. One that Kylo wasn’t proficient in, one that you would lead on your side.

“They may also make snide remarks about you m’lady, so you best be prepared. Adlez and Olivia-Rose will make sure you are presentable. It will be best if there are no marks along your neck. While they may be something, the Supreme Leader enjoys, it will not be something appreciated by them less you be in a different position; like that of a courtesan and not a lady.” He pointed to his own neck, miming to where your marks were.

“We won’t have that,” stated Adlez. “If anything, that will be the women they call wives that they will bring along.” She seemed ready to take this battle for you. You wonder if it was ever insinuated that she was one in her previous marriage. High society women were known to be catty and backstabbing.

“Of course not, but Lady Ren may have to remind the Supreme Leader as to the purpose of covering herself up.” You could tell that both you and the general knew that he probably wouldn’t be happy with the decision to cover them up.

Your hand went to the mark behind your ear, the one he almost seemed to insist be there at all times. Not that the other marks didn’t mean anything, but this was the one he darkened and remarked every morning. You had a feeling that this was the one that would have to stay, his little mark of ownership over you. His signature, his brand.

“I will try to do so general, but perhaps we can find a dress that makes covering them less tedious?” You turned to your ladies with the question.

“I have just the dress in mind, m’lady. It will show off a bit of your back but almost nothing of your collarbone and what is shown will be easy to cover. One of your many beautiful floral dresses,” said Adlez.

“We are confident we can cover any mark, the Supreme Leader decides to leave,” said Olivia-Rose.

Both of them made you feel better, you were glad you had their company otherwise you would be all alone here. Floundering trying to make this all work, lost trying to find your new role. They were essential to your success.

After lunch, you all made your way up to the second level. You walked past the place where your drink from the other night had crashed. There was a stain in the carpet there. You stared at it for a moment before taking your spot. Adlez noticed the stain and walked back downstairs before coming back with a brush and a bottle of seltzer water, salt and a rag. She went to work lifting the stain if only she could do that to the memory.

The general informed you that you would be skipping around in order of lessons until the Supreme Leader informed him that you were to do some of the others he had in mind.

Ch. 19: The Chaperon and Other Conventions

Ch. 27 Part 1: Notes and Shorter Letters (para. 1-24)

Ch. 27 Part 2: Notes and Shorter Letters (para. 25-59)

Ch. 27 Part 3: Notes and Shorter Letters (para. 60-97)

Ch. 27 Part 4: Notes and Shorter Letters (para. 98-140)

Ch. 27 Part 5: Notes and Shorter Letters (chart How to Address Important Personages - to end)

Ch. 28: Longer Letters

“Once you are officially introduced as the First Lady, Lady Ren of the First Order and because you are not married to the Supreme Leader at any official events, you are not to go off alone with him. I believe the Supreme Leader has designated myself as your official chaperon at the dinner. You will also take up some duties, including some official correspondences with some of our allies. When we get closer to the dinner the Supreme Leader and I will sit down with you and go over your new duties,” the general then stood and folded his arms neatly behind his back.

So you were not only were you and he going to be watched by everyone, you couldn’t be alone together for five minutes. You were also going to be given new duties and responsibilities. Part of you was happy because you were going to be trusted with things, but part of you was dreading having to possibly do something you didn’t want to do.

“It is also recommended that for the next few meals following up to the dinner that you follow that same set up to practice your etiquette. It should now be set up on your meal preference list to eat this way. Even though the Supreme Leader will probably just follow you, it may not hurt to have him eat like that with you beforehand,” you could tell that the general was giving you a hint. You would agree that Kylo had some manners to work on and it wouldn’t hurt to start early.

The general then took his leave as you followed your ladies down to the dressing room to get ready for dinner. You saw the lieutenant linger for a moment before he also took his leave.

You then got ready with your ladies, putting you in another rather simple dress for the evening and doing another simple but elegant style.

“So is there anyone that has caught either of your eyes on board,” you asked both of them.

Adlez caught your eye in the mirror you could tell that she knew what you were doing. “Not particularly for me, but I have had fun with some of the officers at the bar.”

Both of you watched Olivia-Rose blush and duck her head when both of your attention turned to her. “There is no one in particular.”

“No one in particular, or someone who hasn’t noticed yet,” asked Adlez taking the lead. Her all-knowing eyes settled on her younger counterpart.

“I don’t know if it would even be appropriate, or even if it would be reciprocated,” Olivia-Rose said in her own defense. She looked stressed and worried.

“It is most certainly reciprocated and really all you need to do is ask permission from Lady Ren,” said Adlez to her. She then looked at you, asking permission for her.

Olivia-Rose then caught your eye in the vanity mirror, you got up and took her shoulders in your hands. “Of course you can, all I ask is that if it doesn’t work out that you will be able to work together. He is my assistant after all, and you will have to be near each other every day.”

Olivia-Rose just blushed and ducked her head. Eventually, she nodded in response. You then walked over to the vanity mirror with her and Adlez to inspect their handiwork. They did an excellent job, as always.

“Adlez do you think you can get me ready for bed by yourself?” You turned your head to the older woman.

She met your eye in the mirror and answered it with a smirk, saying, “Of course I can.”

You then turned to Olivia-Rose, “I expect that you should be able to track him down. Or do you want me to send him a message? I am giving you the opportunity to do it now before things get too hectic for all of us.”

She blushed and ducked her head once more, “I can find him m’lady and thank you.”

With that, you dismissed them both and headed to the living area to wait for Kylo to return for dinner. You had some things to discuss tonight, one of them being the execution tomorrow. You just hoped he could keep a level head for once so that another night together wasn’t ruined.