#chapter 4 was pretty good I still think personally I prefer 3 but like there was definitely a lot of improvements from 3

[orb-the-watchman]

Favorite part of Poppy Playtime Chapter 4 is when they said Bitch cause they only say it once and it's in such a ooooooo we said a bad word oooo kinda way

[crossfandomskylines]

In the Space Between Us: Chapter 11

OTHER CHAPTERS:

Chapter 1 I Chapter 2 I Chapter 3 I Chapter 4 I Chapter 5

Chapter 6 I Chapter 7 I Chapter 8 I Chapter 9 I Chapter 10

Chapter 11 I Chapter 12 I Chapter 13 I Chapter 14 I Chapter 15

Chapter 16 I Chapter 17 I Chapter 18 I Chapter 19 I Chapter 20

Pairing: Glen Powell x OC

Summary: It's the next day and Gabby prepares to meet Glen's family.

Word Count: 4.6k

Warnings: None. This one's pretty fluffy.

A/N: Please continue to let me know what you think with Hearts, Comments, and Reblogs! Also if you'd like to be tagged please let me know, and I will get you added to the tag list!

Tag List: In Comments - Tumblr for some reason doesn't like linking more than 5 usernames so I'm just going to use the tags in the comments to make sure you get the notification!

The soft buzz of Glen���s alarm broke the quiet stillness of the morning, pulling him from sleep. His hand shot out instinctively, silencing it before it could become more than a gentle vibration against the nightstand. With the room now bathed in silence once more, Glen rolled over, his movements slow and careful as he tucked himself closer to Gabby.

She was still sound asleep, her breathing deep and even, the faintest hint of a smile lingering on her lips. The early morning light filtered through the edges of the curtains, illuminating the curves of her face, the wild strands of her hair spread across the pillow. Glen couldn’t help the soft smile that tugged at his lips as he watched her, so peaceful and relaxed.

He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer against his chest. She stirred slightly, mumbling something unintelligible before adjusting herself to press further into him. Her head nestled into the crook of his neck, her warm breath brushing against his skin. His smile deepened as her hand found its way to his chest, resting there like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Gabby, with all her fire and quick wit, wasn’t exactly a morning person. She preferred slow starts and as much sleep as she could manage, often groaning her way through the early hours. But here, in his arms, she was soft and content, radiating a warmth that Glen felt all the way to his chest.

He let out a quiet sigh, his chin resting lightly against the top of her head. How did I get this lucky? he wondered, his thoughts drifting as he held her. There was something about mornings like this—her in his bed, the world outside still quiet—that made everything feel right. Like this was how things were always meant to be.

The alarm buzzed again, the sound louder now in the otherwise silent room. Glen tensed for a moment, expecting Gabby to grumble or bury her face further into the pillow. But she merely shifted, the movement slow and lazy, her fingers curling against his chest as she sighed softly in protest.

“Five more minutes,” she mumbled, her voice heavy with sleep.

Glen chuckled under his breath, brushing a kiss against her forehead. “Five more minutes,” he agreed quietly, reaching over to hit snooze again. What was five more minutes, anyway, when the rest of the world could wait?

As she settled again, her breathing evening out, Glen found himself thinking about how much she’d changed his life in such a short time. Before Gabby, mornings like this were just another part of the routine. But now, waking up to her beside him, the feel of her in his arms—it made everything else feel a little less important. It made him want to savor every second, to steal as many of these quiet moments as he could.

He tightened his hold on her ever so slightly, resting his cheek against her hair. Her warmth, her presence, the way she fit so perfectly against him—it was enough to make him wonder if he’d ever truly slept before her.

Eventually, Gabby stirred again, mumbling something he didn’t quite catch as she squirmed against him. He laughed softly, pressing another kiss to her forehead.

“Good morning, sleepyhead,” he murmured, his voice low and affectionate.

“Mmph,” she replied, barely coherent as she burrowed further into him. “Not yet.”

Glen smiled to himself, content to let her have a few more minutes. Anything for you, sunshine, he thought, his hand absentmindedly rubbing slow, soothing circles along her back. The day could wait. For now, he was perfectly happy right where he was.

Glen shifted carefully out from under Gabby’s hold, smiling to himself as she groaned softly in protest and blindly reached for him in her half-asleep state. He leaned down, brushing a gentle kiss against her temple before swinging his legs over the edge of the bed.

“Where are you going?” she murmured, her voice thick with sleep as she propped herself up slightly on one elbow, her hair a wild mess around her face.

“Going for a run,” Glen replied, his tone light as he stretched his arms over his head. He glanced back at her, already knowing what her reaction would be but unable to resist teasing her a little. “You want to join me?”

Gabby squinted at him, her brows furrowing as though he’d just suggested something utterly absurd—which, to her, he had.

“It’s not even fully light outside yet,” she mumbled, her head flopping back onto the pillow. “What kind of crazy person runs for fun and in the morning?!”

Glen chuckled, reaching for his running shoes by the side of the bed. “This kind,” he replied, gesturing to himself with an exaggerated grin.

Gabby rolled her eyes, though her lips twitched with the faintest hint of amusement. “Great,” she muttered, pulling the blankets up over her head again. “I finally found your red flag. A morning person and a runner. I knew you were too good to be true.”

He laughed, the sound warm and genuine, as he knelt by the bed and tugged the blankets down just enough to see her face. “A red flag, huh? Guess I’ll just have to work extra hard to make up for it.”

She peeked at him, her smile softening as she reached out to poke his chest playfully. “You better,” she teased, her voice still groggy but laced with affection.

Glen stood, pulling on his sweatshirt and grabbing his phone and headphones from the nightstand. “Don’t worry, I’m just running around the property,” he assured her. “Make yourself comfortable while I’m out. Go back to sleep if you want. I’ll wake you up when I get back.”

Gabby let out a pleased hum, already snuggling back into the pillows. “Best boyfriend ever,” she mumbled, her voice muffled.

Glen grinned as he stood in the doorway, watching her settle back into the bed. “And don’t you forget it,” he called softly, earning a lazy wave of her hand before she drifted off again.

As he headed down the hall, lacing up his shoes, Glen couldn’t help but shake his head in amusement. She might not understand his love of running, but it didn’t matter. Watching her half-awake, throwing playful jabs with her messy hair and sleepy smile, was more than enough to start his morning off right.

Gabby rolled over onto her side, letting out a small huff as the soft sound of the bedroom door closing behind Glen faded into the early morning stillness. She buried her face in his pillow, inhaling the faint scent of his cologne mingled with the fresh air from his morning run. It was comforting, but not quite enough to lull her back to sleep.

She groaned softly, flipping onto her back and staring at the ceiling. Mornings had never been her thing, and despite how much she wanted to drift off for just a little longer, her mind refused to cooperate. Eventually, she reached for her phone on the nightstand, squinting against the brightness of the screen as she opened her favorite social media app and began scrolling absently.

The minutes ticked by, filled with the hum of quiet videos and the occasional half-hearted chuckle at a meme. She was starting to lose herself in a particularly adorable dog reel when her phone vibrated, the name “Dad” flashing across the screen. Her heart skipped slightly; she wasn’t entirely sure how this conversation would go, given the circumstances. Still, she swiped to answer and brought the phone to her ear.

“Hey, Dad,” she said, her voice a little groggy.

“Hey, kiddo,” her dad’s warm tone greeted her. “How’s my favorite daughter doing?”

Gabby smiled faintly, pulling the comforter up over her lap. “I’m good. How about you?”

“Can’t complain. I just wanted to check in, see how you’re settling into LA and if you’ve made any friends.”

“Yeah, things are going well,” Gabby said, hesitating for a beat. Her dad would find out sooner or later, and she figured honesty was better than avoidance. “Actually, I’m, um... not in LA right now.”

“Oh? Where are you?”

She hesitated again before deciding to rip off the Band-Aid. “I’m in Texas.”

“Texas?” Her dad’s voice held a mixture of surprise and curiosity. “What are you doing in Texas?”

Gabby winced, bracing herself. “I’m visiting... someone.”

“Someone, huh?” he asked, and she could almost picture the amused tilt of his head. “What kind of someone?”

“A guy,” she admitted, biting her lip. “His name’s Glen. We’ve been dating for a little while.”

There was a pause on the other end of the line. “Dating, huh? And when were you planning on telling me about this Glen?”

“I don’t know,” she said sheepishly. “Soon?”

Her dad’s chuckle was soft but tinged with a protective edge. “Well, tell me about him. What’s he do?”

“He’s... an actor,” Gabby said, knowing this was where things might get tricky.

Her dad let out a low whistle. “An actor? Like... famous actor?”

“Kind of,” she admitted. “He’s been in a few things. He’s more well-known than not.”

“Hmm.” Her dad’s tone grew thoughtful. “How old is he?”

“Thirty-five,” she said quietly, cringing slightly as she waited for the response. She was only five or six years younger than Glen but she knew her dad would have something to say about it.

“Gabby,” he said, his voice laced with concern, “that’s a bit of an age gap, don’t you think? And be careful, sweetie. Guys like that, with the fame and all…they’re not always what they seem.”

She sighed, pressing her phone closer to her ear. “I know, Dad. But he’s a good guy. He’s kind, and thoughtful, and he treats me really well. I like him a lot. He’s… he’s real. Down-to-earth. I think you’d like him.”

Her dad didn’t respond right away, and she could hear the faint rustle of papers on his end, as if he were trying to process her words. Finally, he spoke.

“Well, as long as he’s treating you right and you’re happy, that’s what matters,” he said, his tone softer. “You’re my little girl, Gabby. Of course, I’m going to worry. But I trust you to make good decisions.”

Her chest tightened with gratitude, and she felt a small smile tugging at her lips. “Thanks, Dad. That means a lot.”

“I’m holding you to introducing him to me soon, though,” he added, his tone lightening. “I’ve got to make sure this guy’s good enough for you myself.”

Gabby laughed. “Deal.”

Just as she was about to say goodbye, the sound of the front door opening caught her attention. A moment later, Glen appeared in the doorway of the bedroom, shirt damp from sweat, his face slightly flushed from the run. He gave her a curious look as he leaned against the doorframe, tilting his head to listen.

“Alright, kiddo,” her dad said. “I’ll let you get back to it. Call me again soon, okay?”

“I will,” Gabby promised. “Love you, Dad.”

“Love you, too.”

As she hung up the phone, Glen crossed the room and perched on the edge of the bed. “So… that sounded interesting,” he said with a teasing grin.

Gabby rolled her eyes, though her smile gave her away. “My dad,” she explained. “He just found out I’m in Texas… and about you.”

“Oh yeah?” Glen said, his grin widening. “What’d he say?”

“He had some questions,” Gabby said, leaning back against the pillows. “You know the usual protective dad stuff.”

“And?” Glen prompted, his tone light.

“He’s a little concerned about the fame thing,” Gabby admitted. “But he said as long as you’re good to me, he’s okay with it.”

Glen’s expression softened, and he reached out to gently cup her face. “I can work with that,” he said quietly.

Gabby smiled, her earlier nerves melting away as she leaned into his touch. “Good,” she said softly. “Because I really want him to meet you.”

Glen’s thumb brushed lightly across Gabby’s cheek as he processed her words.

“You want me to meet your dad?” he asked, his voice soft but tinged with an undertone of apprehension.

Gabby nodded, her hand instinctively reaching up to rest over his. “Of course, I do. You’re important to me, Glen. And he’s my dad—he’d want to meet you eventually.”

Glen let out a quiet chuckle, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “That’s a big deal, Gabby. Meeting the dad…” His hand slipped away, and he leaned back slightly, his expression shifting to something more vulnerable.

Gabby tilted her head, watching him closely. “It is a big deal,” she said gently, “but it doesn’t have to be scary. My dad’s not going to grill you or anything. He just wants to make sure I’m happy and that you’re treating me right. And you are. So you have nothing to worry about.”

“Still,” Glen said, rubbing the back of his neck, “he’s your dad. I know how these things go. I can already imagine him looking at me, wondering what a guy like me is doing with his daughter.”

Gabby frowned, sitting up straighter. “A guy like you?”

Glen hesitated, his gaze dropping to the floor. “You know… an actor. The fame, the tabloids, all the stuff that comes with my life. It’s not exactly what most dads picture for their daughters.”

“Glen,” Gabby said firmly, reaching out to take his hand. “My dad might have his concerns, but he’s not going to judge you for your job or your life. He’ll see what I see—the guy who wakes up early to go on runs, who makes me laugh until my sides hurt, and who treats me like I’m the most important person in the world.”

Her words seemed to ease some of the tension in his shoulders, though his smile was still faint. 

“You’re not just some guy I’m casually dating, Glen. And if my dad can’t see that right away, well… he’ll figure it out. He’ll see what I see.”

For a moment, Glen didn’t say anything, his thumb brushing over her knuckles as he turned her words over in his mind. Finally, he sighed, his lips curving into a small, crooked smile. 

“Okay,” he said quietly. “If it’s that important to you, I’ll make it work. Whether it’s us going to Iowa or your dad visiting L.A., I’ll be there. I want to meet him.”

Gabby’s face lit up, her relief palpable. “Really?”

“Really,” Glen said, leaning in to press a soft kiss to her forehead. “But just promise me you’ll prep me ahead of time. I want to make a good impression.”

Gabby laughed, wrapping her arms around his waist and pulling him closer. “You’ll be fine. Just be yourself, and he’ll love you. I promise.”

Glen’s arms slid around her, holding her against him as he rested his chin on top of her head. “Alright,” he said softly. “But if he gives me the ‘dad stare,’ you’re going to owe me.”

Gabby laughed again, tilting her head back to look up at him. “Deal.”

Glen held her for a few moments longer, his fingers idly tracing patterns on her back. Then he pulled back slightly, a playful glint in his eye.

“While we’re on the subject of parents…” he began, his tone shifting as if he was about to deliver a hard truth. “We’re meeting mine in like an hour,” he said casually, a grin tugging at the corners of his lips. “So you need to get out of bed and start getting ready.”

Gabby groaned dramatically, letting her head fall back onto the pillow. “Glen, why do you hate me?”

“I don’t hate you,” he teased, poking her side lightly. 

Glen watched her face carefully, the playful light dimming as he saw a flicker of uncertainty in her expression. He tilted his head, brushing a strand of hair away from her cheek.

“Hey, it’s gonna be fine,” he said softly, trying to reassure her with a warm smile. “They’re going to love you, Gabby. My mom’s excited to meet you—she’s been talking about you all week.”

Gabby let out a nervous laugh, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of the comforter. “Yeah, excited. That’s what makes it so intimidating.”

“Trust me,” he continued, his voice steady and calm. “You don’t have to be nervous. They’re pretty laid-back, especially my mom. She’s a little... enthusiastic, but that’s just who she is. And my sisters? They’ll probably spend more time teasing me than focusing on you.”

She gave him a small, appreciative smile, but the tension in her shoulders hadn’t completely melted away. Glen’s thumb brushed gently across her cheek, silently urging her to breathe.

“Listen,” he said, leaning closer until his face was just inches from hers, “just be yourself, okay? That’s all they want. I promise, you’ve got nothing to worry about.”

Gabby sighed, her head tipping back against the pillow. “It’s just not fair,” she muttered, crossing her arms like a pouting child.

“What’s not fair?” Glen asked, his grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.

“You only have to meet one person—my dad,” she pointed out, raising a brow. “I have to meet your mom, your dad, and your sisters. It’s like the Glen Powell Family Gauntlet.”

Glen chuckled, shaking his head. “I’ll be right there with you the whole time,” he said, his tone softening with reassurance. “And if they get to be too much, I’ll step in and tell them to back off. You have my word.”

Gabby studied him for a moment, then smirked, that playful light returning to her eyes. “...Or,” she said, her voice dropping into a teasing lilt, “we could just stay in bed.”

Before Glen could react, she grabbed his wrist and tugged him down onto the mattress beside her, her arms circling around his neck as she grinned up at him.

“Gabby,” he said with a laugh, propping himself up on one elbow as he hovered over her. “As tempting as that sounds, you are not charming your way out of this.”

“Why not?” she teased, running her fingers lightly through the damp hair at the nape of his neck. “This bed is warm, you’re here, and I don’t have to face anyone’s enthusiastic mom if we stay right here.”

“Nice try,” he said, leaning down to press a quick kiss to her lips. “But we both know my mom would hunt us down, and trust me—you do not want to deal with that wrath.”

Gabby sighed dramatically, flopping back onto the bed as if resigning herself to some great tragedy. 

“Fine,” she said, her voice dripping with faux misery.

Glen sat up and swung his legs off the bed, reaching for his phone on the nightstand. He glanced at the time and groaned softly. “Alright,” he said, pushing himself to his feet. “I’m gonna shower. You should start getting ready.”

Gabby hummed in response, but she didn’t move, her head still nestled against the pillow.

“Gabby,” Glen said with a pointed look, leaning down to tap her nose lightly.

“Yeah, yeah, I'll get up,” she mumbled, her voice muffled against the blanket. “Eventually.”

He shook his head, unable to suppress a smile. He leaned down, pressing a quick kiss to her temple before heading into the bathroom.

The sound of the shower running filled the room as Gabby stretched lazily, the weight of her nerves still lingering in the back of her mind. She told herself she’d get up in a minute, but the warmth of the bed was too enticing, and before long, she found herself sinking back into the plush comforter.

About fifteen minutes later, Glen reemerged, a towel slung around his waist, his hair damp and dripping slightly onto his shoulders. He glanced over at the bed and raised a brow when he saw Gabby still cocooned in the blankets.

"You've got to be kidding me,” he said, his tone laced with mock exasperation.

Gabby cracked one eye open and smirked. “I said ‘eventually.’”

“Gabby,” Glen said, shaking his head as he stepped into his closet. She could hear him rifling through hangers before he returned, now dressed in a pair of jeans and a fitted gray T-shirt. He leaned over the edge of the bed, bracing one hand on the mattress as he looked down at her.

“You really need to get up,” he said, his voice softer this time.

Gabby groaned, covering her face with her hands. “You’re insufferable.”

“And yet,” Glen murmured, pulling her hands away gently, his expression softening. “You’re still here with me.”

Her lips twitched into a smirk as she arched a brow, tilting her head to meet his gaze. “I mean, technically, I was basically kidnapped,” she teased, her tone light but playful.

Glen barked out a laugh, his head tipping back as his amusement filled the room. When he looked back at her, his expression was a mix of mock disbelief and amusement. “Kidnapped? Really? Please, enlighten me—how exactly did I kidnap you?” He said as he sat down on the bed and then laid down next to her.

“Well,” Gabby began, propping herself up on one elbow as her fingers traced lazy patterns across his chest. “You lured me here to Texas from California, and somehow, I ended up in your bed. Seems a little suspicious, doesn’t it?”

Glen shook his head, his lips twitching as he fought back another laugh. “Oh, so that’s how we’re spinning this now? For the record, you climbed into my bed. And I didn’t drag you here. I asked if you would come and you agreed.”

“Details,” Gabby said, waving a dismissive hand. “You promised snuggles to get me in your bed, which—might I add—you delivered on very well. But still, it’s questionable.”

“Promises of snuggles does not constitute kidnapping,” Glen shot back, his tone mock-indignant. “If anything, I deserve a thank-you for my outstanding hospitality.”

Gabby gasped dramatically, pressing a hand to her chest. “You want me to thank you? For holding me hostage?”

Glen laughed again, shaking his head as he reached out and wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer. “You’re unbelievable,” he muttered, his voice thick with affection. “But fine. If that’s how you want to play it, I’m the big bad kidnapper, and you’re my helpless victim. How ever will you escape?”

Gabby pretended to think for a moment before leaning in, her lips brushing against his as she whispered, “I think I might have Stockholm Syndrome because I don’t think I want to escape.”

Glen’s smile softened, and he cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing gently against her skin. “Good,” he murmured, his voice dipping lower. “Because I wasn’t planning on letting you go anyway.”

She melted against him for a moment, savoring the way his words wrapped around her like a warm blanket. But then, Glen leaned back and glanced at the clock on the nightstand, groaning lightly.

“As much as I’d love to keep you here all day,” he said, his tone regretful but teasing, “we really do have to go meet my parents. My mom will definitely hold it against me if we’re late.”

Gabby sighed, dramatically flopping back against the pillow. “Fine,” she grumbled. “But only because I don’t want to start off on her bad side.”

“Smart choice,” Glen said with a grin, offering her a hand to pull her out of bed. “Now, get up. No more excuses.”

She took his hand and let him tug her to her feet, rolling her eyes playfully. “You’re so demanding.”

“Only because I know you,” he shot back with a smirk. “You’d stay in bed all day if I let you.”

“And what’s so wrong with that?” she teased, poking him in the chest as she grabbed her bag and headed toward the bathroom.

Glen watched her go, shaking his head with a smile. As much as she drove him crazy sometimes, he couldn’t deny how much he loved every second of it.

Gabby swung her legs over the edge of the bed, pushing her hair out of her face as she stood. “Mind if I use your shower?” she asked, glancing over her shoulder at Glen, who was busy pulling on a t-shirt.

“Go ahead,” he said easily, gesturing toward the door that led to the master bathroom. “There are fresh towels in the cabinet under the sink, and anything else you might need should be in there too.”

“Thanks,” Gabby said with a small smile, padding toward the bathroom.

As she reached the door, Glen’s voice stopped her. “Hey,” he said, and she turned to see him leaning against the dresser, arms crossed casually. “What do you usually eat for breakfast?”

Gabby hesitated, then shrugged. “Honestly? I usually skip it. Just coffee, if that counts.”

He arched a brow, a teasing smirk tugging at his lips. “Skipping breakfast? That’s unacceptable. No wonder you’re so grumpy in the mornings.”

She rolled her eyes but couldn’t help smiling. “I’m not grumpy.”

“Sure you’re not.” He stepped closer, resting his hands lightly on her hips and leaning in to press a quick kiss to her lips. “Waffles it is, then. Trust me, I’ll make you a breakfast person.”

Gabby laughed softly, her hands brushing over his chest before she pulled away. “We’ll see about that.”

“Challenge accepted,” Glen shot back, his grin widening as he stepped aside to let her head into the bathroom. “Take your time. I’ll get started in the kitchen.”

As the door clicked shut behind her, he lingered for a moment, shaking his head with a fond smile before turning toward the kitchen to start breakfast.

Glen stood at the kitchen counter, lazily stirring the waffle batter in a large mixing bowl. The morning sunlight streamed through the windows, bathing the room in a warm glow. The quiet hum of the house was peaceful, almost too peaceful, as he let his thoughts drift.

The soft buzz of his phone vibrating against the counter snapped him out of his reverie. He wiped his hands on a nearby towel before picking it up. The screen displayed an alert from the gate’s security system: Code entered. Gate opening.

His brows furrowed in confusion. Few people had the code to his gate, and even fewer would show up unannounced this early in the day.

Setting the phone down, he reached for his coffee mug and took a slow sip, trying to piece together who it might be. Was it a neighbor? Or worse—someone who’d managed to guess the code?

The thought made him grab his phone again. His thumb moved swiftly over the screen as he opened the security app, pulling up the live feed from the gate camera.

A familiar SUV filled the frame as it rolled through the gate and made its way up the long driveway. Glen exhaled sharply, his shoulders slumping slightly as he recognized it.

“Well,” he muttered under his breath, setting the phone down with a sigh. “There goes the quiet morning.”

He abandoned the half-mixed batter on the counter and headed toward the front door. As he stepped outside, the crisp morning air greeted him, carrying the faint sound of tires crunching over gravel. He stood on the porch, hands resting on his hips, watching as the vehicle came to a stop a few feet away.

The door opened, and a figure stepped out, their movement deliberate and unhurried.

Glen let out a long breath, tilting his head slightly. “Mom,” he said, his voice tinged with both exasperation and curiosity. “What are you doing here?”

[beanghostprincess]

Do you ever think about the fact that like, we know NOTHING about buggy? Yes of course we all know the devil fruit thing and how he was on Rogers crew, but the sheer amount we DONT know? Insane.

1 How the frick did he get on rogers crew?? Did roger kidnap the poor the kid? Did buggy just stowaway or something? Roger wouldnt take on anybody so there has to be a reason.

2 No one else looks like buggy except maybe vivi. Is buggy some long forgotten race? Is he actually royalty but their whole race was wiped out? Is it just a genetic mutation? I NEED ANSWERS ODA

3 WHO ARE HIS FAMILY?! Who are his parents or if he has siblings or cousins??? Did they disown him or did he runaway????

4 This is a personal preference but there is NO WAY buggy is as dumb as he plays. You can’t be that stupid and still be a successful captain/businessman/leader/yonko. Whatchu hiding buggy???

5 Where did the circus act come from? When he was on rogers ship there was no circusy makeup or any mention of things related to the circus, the only thing we have about that is that buggy wore bright clothes, but ROGER wore bright clothes. So did he join a circus after he and shanks broke up?? Is there a backstory there??

6 Last one I promise. Does anyone else think it’s a little strange that there are only two people in the series that wear clown makeup and one of them has nothing to do with the circus? Rosinante and buggy have extremely similar makeup, did they know eachother? Rosinante had no reason to wear clown makeup except maybe as a disguise, what the heck was that about???

7 Okok, last one last one. Did Oda say who he based buggy on? We know that almost every character in one piece is based on someone in real life or a myth. But we don’t know who buggy, an OG of the story, is based on. Little strange don’t you think? Oda?? HMMMM?

Mmm, I agree with you in the fact that we actually lack A LOT of information about Buggy's story (and also Shanks', but that's wayyy more plausible to be told in more detail than Buggy's) and I wish we knew more about where he comes from. But I think I can answer some stuff you mentioned!!!

4. Buggy is not playing dumb in any moment. He is directly not dumb at all and he has been shown countless times being of the most strategic characters in the manga. The one thing that holds him back is not being confident in himself because he still keeps the burden of living under Shanks' shadow on his shoulders so he often acts cowardly and seemingly without any goal at all but to survive. After chapter 1082, though, I think we will see wayyy more of him acting like a boss and following his dream and showing his true abilities. It's not that he's playing dumb, it's that he doesn't let himself be brave and now that he's on the same level as Shanks, he can do whatever he wants (if Mihawk and Crocodile let him lmao). And the reason why so many people follow him despite Buggy constantly saying he doesn't want to be seen this way because he sees himself as a loser who keeps pretending to be great, it's just that he's... Great. He just doesn't see it but he has an inherent effect on people when he gets serious. Being a failguy doesn't make you any less of a genius.

5/6. Actually, I believe we won't really get an answer to that. Perhaps we do if we get another flashback but maybe it's just character design and that's pretty much it. There must be something about wearing clown makeup as a mask of their true personality and yadda yadda yadda but that's for another day.

And about Buggy's past and the theory about him being a Nefertari: It's a pretty good theory and I actually really like it, keeping in mind how much influence both Buggy and Vivi's family are having lately in the manga. But I am not really sure about that being true and I am not even sure either if we we'll get any Buggy flashback at all. So I guess we will just have to wait and see what Oda does!!!

[aebi12]

"Resentment" - Chapter 25 [AemondxRhaena]

Summary

He is the cause of her sufferings. He took her dragon, her betrothed, and her father. Now, he will also take away her future by having to marry him.

With so much history and bad blood between Rhaena and Aemond, their forced union has everything to fail, except that the proximity will make them discover that perhaps they have more in common than it seems.

AU - the Greens win the war.

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

Masterlist of my other works.

Read on AO3

Tags: enemies to lovers, slow burn, romance, angst, drama, eventual smut, hurt/comfort

Please remember that english is not my first language, so I'm sorry for the mistakes...

Disclaimer: these are not my characters, they belong to George R.R. Martin, HBO, etc. Only the plot of this fanfiction belongs to me.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

King's Landing is not exactly a beautiful city.

Although, during his childhood away from the capital, Daeron had often romanticized it mainly due to the nostalgia he felt towards his mother and siblings, he had encountered a disappointing reality upon returning to the city after the war.

King's Landing was dirty, messy and smelly.

The complete opposite of Oldtown.

Oldtown and its eternal charm, its mix of tradition and modernity. It had been a good place to grow up. A place that, since a few days ago when his older brothers had told him that he should formalize his betrothal as soon as possible, he has been thinking about more and more frequently.

Although, if he is honest, it is not exactly his maternal family's ancestral city that he misses, but rather his uncle. Ser Gwayne had been a father to him since his arrival at the Hightower. He had taught him to fight, to hunt, to write... and it was precisely his advice that he wants now more than ever.

As if you didn't know what he was going to tell you.

His uncle, an honorable knight, would surely tell him that a betrothal with Lady Westerling is an excellent choice for a third son like him. That, in addition to being beautiful, the young woman is kind, educated and of noble birth. That her dowry will be more than enough to increase his personal reserves, which would never be as large as those of his older brothers. That, by joining one of the oldest houses in the West, he will have more influence in the kingdom. Not that he needs it, he doesn't mind not exercising political power, he is more than happy taking care of practical matters than dealing with tedious issues like Aemond.

Daeron is aware that marrying Marianne Westerling is the best option. Still…

His gaze shifts to the young woman who silently walks beside him through the gardens.

“I am sorry, Lady Marianne, I probably should have suggested we talk in one of the drawing rooms,” he says after watching her shiver for the third time.

“It is fine, my prince, I do not mind the cold,” he assures her, though her red nose and cracked voice say otherwise.

Daeron simply nods, and they resume their walk in silence. It is not an awkward silence, and though he knows what he’s expected to say, he can’t do it. At least not yet.

“I did not get a chance to tell you,” Marianne’s voice cuts through his thoughts, “But I did enjoy watching you compete in the tournament, my prince”

“Thank you,” he replies with a smirk, “I would have preferred to win, though.”

“You were the winner in my heart.”

Marianne seems to register her words a second later, because her cheeks flush and she looks down, clearly embarrassed.

Daeron finds the gesture adorable.

“I appreciate the sentiment,” he replies.

It takes Marianne a few long seconds to face him again, and when she does, the prince is once again struck by how pretty she is.

And by how little effect that beauty has on him.

You are a fool, he thinks as his mind conjures up the face of someone else. Someone he can never have.

“There is a matter I would like to discuss with you,” he finally dares to say, “It is my wish that we can unite our houses through a betrothal. The Crown agrees with my idea and the king, my brother, has agreed to our marriage. However, I would like to know what you think about the matter.”

His words sound formal. Too formal and rehearsed. And yet, the smile that appears on the young woman’s face is so wide that it increases the feeling of ingratitude he feels.

“I would like nothing more than to be your wife, my prince.”

Daeron struggles to offer her a smile, “It is decided then. The council will arrange the details with your lord father, so we can proceed.”

“I am honored, my prince,” she replies, bowing.

 “My brother will surely announce the betrothal soon, but I ask for discretion for now. It's wiser this way.”

“Of course,” Marianne nods immediately.

“And we should probably wait until winter is over before we get married,” he says more to himself, “Yes, I think waiting a while would be wise.”

Time. It's just what he needs. Time to get used to his future.

And time to banish ideas – and feelings – that are better left uninhabited.

***

His sheets no longer smell like her.

The scent of roses that always surrounds Rhaena has almost completely disappeared from his room, and as Aemond shifts in bed trying to find a comfortable position to rest, he can't help but grab the pillow at his side and inhale deeply, wanting to find a trace of his wife in it.

But he finds no comfort in the action.

Like the previous nights, he can't sleep either. His room is now a place that torments him. All he can think about every time he enters it is Rhaena's body lying between his sheets, her platinum hair spread across his pillows, the softness of her skin, her kisses...

Aemond growls, exasperated with himself because, no matter how hard he tries, he can't get her out of his mind.

Although he finds refuge in his daily work, forcing himself to focus on the affairs of the kingdom, on accounts, reports and inspections, the nights are torture. Every time he returns to the Tower he walks silently so as not to hear her, so as not to succumb to his desire to require her presence, to see her or to hold her in his arms. Only that his private rooms are living proof of what he tries to deprive himself of. And, although he knows that he could very well request new accommodations, that masochistic part of him does not wish to do so. No, that little part delights in sleeping in the bed he shared with her, where he felt her warmth…

The prince curses once more as his mind conjures the sensation of sinking inside of her, of her moans and the way Rhaena says his name when she explodes with pleasure. His body betrays him too, and he feels his cock getting excited, growing between his legs and screaming for his attention.

“Seven hells!”

Would it be so bad to summon her? To share her bed again? At some point he would have to, because after all, their union must produce an heir. So why not just give in to his desire? Why keep keeping her away? Wasn’t it easier to just…?

No.

He had done it once before. He had given in to his passions and it had brought him close to death. He had allowed someone else to control him and have influence over him. And he wasn’t going to do it again. He couldn’t show himself weak again. He had agreed to this marriage only to fulfill his duty to the realm, to please his mother and help in the survival of his house. Nothing more was required of him.

Aemond moves between the sheets again, but when the pressure on his cock becomes unbearable, he can’t help but slide his hand and stroke the length of it, moving up and down and imagining it’s Rhaena’s hand stroking him. Or her mouth. How would it feel to have her lips and tongue wrapped around his cock? The mere thought makes him explode, spilling his seed all over his stomach.

Defeated, though somewhat relieved, he cleans himself up and manages to sleep for a few hours. As the sun breaks dawn, he slips out from between the sheets and walks to the training yard, where he grabs a sword and begins to stab the straw man.

“Bad night?”

The question comes from Ser Criston, who joins him, also taking up a sword.

“I didn’t get much sleep.”

“Once again?” the knight faces him, tacitly challenging him to a duel, “What is troubling you, my prince?”

He does not answer immediately. Though he trusts Cole, he doesn’t dare discuss his situation with him. Or anyone, really.

“I think we should send Daeron and Tessarion to the Stormlands.”

“Is this because of the thefts to the nobles?”

“It is happening more and more often.”

“Your brother wouldn’t be much help, not on the back of his dragon,” Ser Criston replies, “The thieves probably set up camp deep in the woods, from the sky Daeron would not be able to see them. You know that as well as I do.”

“Mmm,” Aemond lunges at the knight, who deflects his attack with ease.

“Send me if you are so worried about the situation.”

“No, I need you here.”

The prince repeats his action and lets out a frustrated grunt when he fails to even touch his master.

“You are distracted,” Cole comments as they put down their swords and catch their breath, “What is it really bothering you?” When he gets no response, he insists, “The realm is at peace, the council follows your instructions and there is no sign of disloyalty on their part.”

Aemond takes his sword again and Cole his morning star, wielding it skillfully and making the young man concentrate to the maximum so as not to be hit by the weapon.

“Is it Lady Rhaena?” When the prince glares at him, a sideways smile appears on Cole’s face. “I imagine that living together is not proving to be an easy task.”

“Why do you assume that?”

“You have always been an independent young man,” Ser Criston dodges again, “Accustomed to your ways and routines. And now you have a wife to include in all of this. It must be… complicated.”

“I barely see her.”

“Why is that?”

Aemond shrugs, “I have no need to,” he lies, “She is just…”

“Your wife,” the knight cuts him off, “Who in the eyes of the gods you covered with your cloak and swore to protect.”

“She does not need my protection, she is safe here in the Keep.”

“That is not what I mean,” Ser Criston replies, shaking his head, “Lady Rhaena requires your attention and dedication as well.”

Aemond lets out a cynical chuckle, though internally, he feels a tug of guilt and bitterness at the knight’s words, “She receives enough attention from the Court. I do not think she desires mine.”

His words must convey something of what he feels, because Ser Criston stops his attacks and watches him with those shrewd eyes that detected his lies as a child, and made him confess his escapes from the castle to try to sneak into the Dragon Pit, “You can be gentle with her. There would be nothing wrong with getting along with your wife. I know you didn’t wish to marry her, but that doesn’t stop your feelings towards that union from changing over time.”

“We married to produce a royal heir,” Aemond retorts, “For the future of the dynasty. You told me that, remember?”

“I remember,” he nods and lets out a heavy sigh, “I just think there is nothing wrong with you feeling affection for your wife, my prince”

Aemond grimaces and looks away for a moment.

“It has nothing to do with that,” he finally murmurs, and when he faces Criston, it is with a harsh and cold look in his eye, “Let’s keep training.”

And although his words echo in his mind, he focuses only on the comforting sound of steel against steel, trying to forget his doubts and everything else.

***

“We are honored by your visit, Princess Rhaena.”

The orphanage is considerably larger than the one she visited last time. And it is filled with small children running around in torn shoes and scantily clad despite the cold. Seeing their little red noses and almost purple lips, Rhaena is suddenly embarrassed by the fur coat she is wearing.

The septa, an elderly woman, offers her a rickety chair by the fire.

“Thank you,” she replies with a smile, “I hope the provisions I brought are enough to ease your burden.”

“Praise the Mother,” the woman replies, “Our burden is great, as you can see, my lady. But we try to house all the children who are in need.”

Rhaena looks back at the many children of varying ages who are excitedly running around the carts filled with vegetables and wheat she has brought. This orphanage, one of the ones on the queen dowager’s list, is her first stop in Flea Bottom.

“The Crown appreciates your service, septa,” Rhaena clears her throat, “What else do they need?”

“There is never enough food, my lady, but we also require clothing and blankets. Last winter took more than half of the children in our care.”

Her heart sinks at the woman’s words, “I am very sorry to hear that.”

“It was a shame, really, but the Gods are probably taking better care of them than we could,” the woman sighs, “There are few who will grow up to be good men and women.”

Rhaena looks back at the children, and a lump form in her heart, “How long will they be under your care if they cannot find families to take them in?”

“A few years, until they can take care of themselves. We try to teach them practical things, but it’s hard to make a living in this city.”

The sound of a crying baby cuts off the conversation, and a young septa enters with a small child in her arms.

“One more?”

“I’m afraid so,” the young woman sighs and, seeing Rhaena, bows before leaving the small room.

“The arrival of winter makes the women simply abandon them.”

“Isn’t there some way to find their mothers? To help them so they can raise their children?”

“Babies are not welcome where they come from,” the septa explains, “Most of these children are the children of prostitutes on the Street of Silk. There is no place for these creatures in these establishments. And those that are kept are for a much worse fate.”

Rhaena pales and the septa apologizes for bringing up an inappropriate subject for her.

For the rest of the visit, as she oversees that the orphanage receives all that she has brought to offer, Rhaena wanders through the gloomy, cold rooms, promising to return with more help.

“I will return soon,” she assures the septa, “And I will bring more useful things.”

The children cling to her skirts, bidding her farewell, and Rhaena tries to contain her sudden urge to cry as she leaves the place.

“Shall we return to the palace, princess?” the royal guard asks.

“Not yet,” she sighs, “I want to walk around the city a bit.”

The man follows her silently and the girl tries to ease her heart as she thinks about the harsh reality she has just witnessed. She knew the city had many shortages, but she was not prepared to see them so directly. King's Landing had looked lovely on the occasions she had visited, although that was probably because they had embellished part of the city for the wedding. Now that she had ventured deeper into the heart of the town, she could see the reality.

“This place is not appropriate for you, my lady,” the guard warns her

“Why not?”

“Well it is… it is the Street of Silk, my lady.”

“Oh,” Rhaena stops abruptly and looks curiously at the establishments that, in the light of day, seem quite ordinary.

The famous Street of Silk. Women wearing the most revealing dresses she has ever seen emerge from one of the houses, laughing and holding glasses while hugging a clearly drunk man. The man touches them shamelessly and they do not protest, rather they respond to his caresses while they continue laughing and then enter another of the houses.

“We should go back to the palace, princess”

Rhaena nods and they return to the carriage. During the ride, her mind can't help but return to the scene on Silk Street. And the many establishments she had seen. Were they all brothels? Were they all packed at night, offering forbidden pleasures to men? Had Aemond frequented any of these places? Did he still frequent them even now?

Doubt grows inside her like poison ivy. The prince had assured her that distractions were things of the past, but was he keeping his word? Or was that why he no longer called her to his chambers? Perhaps he preferred the more experienced touch of his lover. Rhaena feels her heart race as she considers the possibility that she had been a disappointment to Aemond in the marriage bed. Was that why he avoided her? Had the novelty of possessing her been so dull after a couple of times that he needed something more? Had she failed?

“We are already at the Fortress, Madam”

Rhaena gets out of the carriage and advances through the castle without even looking where she is going.

“There you are!” Marianne’s arms suddenly encircle her and her friend’s squeal of excitement stops the thoughts that are gnawing at her insides. “I was looking for you,” her lady continues, “Oh Rhaena! The prince Daeron asked me to be his wife.”

“What?” she gasps, surprised, “How… how did it happen?”

Rhaena tries to act surprised even though she expected it to happen because, after all, Aemond had assured her that she didn’t have to worry about it anymore.

Just as he assured you that there would be no one else but you, she thinks.

And, if he had kept his promise to Daeron and Marianne, why wouldn’t he also keep his promise to never visit his former lover again?

Yes, her doubts were unfounded. They had to be, she thinks as she watches her friend’s smile, pleased by the betrothal, and making plans about the wedding, the dress and the decoration of the sept. “Prince Aemond will announce our betrothal soon,” Marianne beams, “But you mustn’t tell anyone until then.”

“Yes, yes, of course,” Rhaena beams back, “I am so happy for you. And that we can still be together.”

“It is amazing, is it not?” Her lady’s honey-colored eyes fill with unshed tears, “And we will be family! Our children will be cousins ​​and grow up together.”

Rhaena giggles and tries to push her doubts aside, letting herself be carried away by the idyllic picture her lady paints for her.

@user05152535456 @pugetprincess @draftswriting @hopefulnovelwritingland @maymunahar @niocel @goldenjoyboyy @gracelessbeach @jenmakeusin10 @dagma18 @atargcvnt @iidontgiveafuckuniverse @ammo23 @qyburnsghost @ithoughtulikedme @avidreader73 @feyresqueen @zeroinetoheroine @dragontwinsfireandblood

Let me know if you want to be tagged

[11queensupreme11]

First of all: Long Live the Queen! Hope you're doing great, your stories are a real delicacy... I first discovered your Tsunami fic when I was in my jjk era, but your Arsenic Blues woke up my inner pjo fan. So eager to see how this all unfold.

But for now, time for the Rankings!

My personnal RoR favorites based on the manga only:

1) Shiva--> Not in the harem, but I had to place him somehow. Was searching for a Shiva fic in the first place. Love the himbo energy. At least it's good to see he's one of the "sane" one in your story.

2) Anubis--> Same, feral himbo doggo energy, can we ask for more?

3) Beelzebub--> Noo don't unalive yourself Bb love u so pretty haha🥺

4) Hadès--> All Hail to the King, here for the BigBro energy

5) Poseidon--> Mytho/Pjo fan here, of course he's one of my favorite gods, but I'm not a fan of his RoR portrayal. He's pretty tho.

6) Apollon--> Too effeminate for my taste, I was rooting for Leonidas anyway.

7) Loki--> U ugly ass, stinky ass, nasty ass bi***

Now, the interesting part, the Ranking based on [Arsenic Blues], as for now, until chapter 31:

1) Beelie Bestie 🤗! It seems you will soon give us reasons to hate him, but for now he's my personal favorite. Hope he will overcome his current difficulties. Fun fact: I tried to translate "Beelie" in my language, tried to find an equivalent nickname, I found "Bébou" (pronounced beeboo, another way to say "baby"). That’s so cute!

2) Loki--> I know it's unlikely but... is this bad that I really want him to take Percy's virginity 😳? Your writing is soooo good, it made me root for him of all people. Everyone loves a good outsider, and since he doesn't want to kill Percy anymore, he climbs up the ranking.

3) Anubis--> Favorite from the manga, I was sooo happy to see that u included the doggo. Didn't appear yet, but I have really high hopes for him. Beware the Allmighty Knot!

4) Poseidon--> This is a dark fic, I understand the appeal, the taboo of the incestual relationship, but since he's already her father, her family, the one who has authority over her, I think he has an unfair advantage compared to the others. This is the reason he's kinda low ranked, but I really loved the relationship he built with our best girl. Embrace Fatherhood (but not too much😰)

5) Hadès--> Same here, too much authority over her, doesn't have the appeal of the gradually evolving relationship. Creepy old  uncle, hope your non-existent liver bursts. For now, he's the one who had the most "action" with Percy, so it seems unlikely that he will have her virginity as well.

6) Apollon--> Well, at least he's funny 😅. I'm sorry, but based on his pathetic simpy behavior, I have to give him the stamp of the "Whiny Little Bitch" of this story. Don't worry tho, there always have to be one in a fic, and he's not as bad as his Tsunami counterpart (Yuuta you nasty motherfucker I had faith in you-).

7) The Seventh--> Seeing the results of the poll, it seems I'm one of the only weirdos who voted for Ahura Mazda. Raa would be awesome too, but I have to say I was disturbed when I first saw that angry buff dude in the spin-off. For me, Raa was still that muscle mommy from the webtoon/manhwa Ennead (read Ennead. Ennead is good for your health). I just want the 7th to not be Cu Chulainn. I know I would still love it if you include him (cause ur writing is golden) but that's just a preference of mine.

I hope I'm understood. That's a big ass message, my thoughts are all over the place and my home country is known for having a shit level in english.

If you're interested I could do the same kind of ranking for Tsunami/Bloodflood. Have a great day, Peace!

A SHIVA LOVER OMG HIIIII

the anime did him sooooo good, he's so hot there, i'm glad they didn't fuck him up like LOOK AT HIM

the bonus chapter for chapter 91 is about shiva AND IM SO PISSED IT HASN'T BEEN TRANSLATED YET, I WANNA READ IT SO BAD I DON'T EVEN CARE IF ITS SUPER SHORT 😭😭

also, YES PLEASE you're free to give me your own bloodflood/tsunami rankings too!!!

[greyauras]

Just wondering something. Is this idea that I cooked up in my head at 4 am a good one? Basically to sum up the tags, TFT/NB GhostSoap except Ghost is a retired veteran and Soap is a university student... continued

⇓⇓

(in what? Idk but I'm open to suggestions...engineering? Like some cool welding stuff? Because what do you need chemistry for in day to day life? See, this is why I'm stupid.) They become roommates due to both of their low income on an ad (they work at a bookstore together maybe?), become friends over the years and enjoy living together.

Simon is a trans man (which means afab) who never elaborated that he was trans or anything. He's never "said" it but he's very open about it, (walks around shirtless, doesn't care about periods but it's obvious that he has them, there's a box of pads in the closet)

(I'm using he/him pronouns just to make all of this easier to type out but I think the order of preference would be They/He/She? Possibly switching the he and she around depending on the "mood". Yet last night I thought she/he/they…)

Soap is an AMAB who's not very comfortable with how people see him. The way he sees himself is very confusing. He's comfortable "being" a man but doesn't "want" to be a man and doesn't feel the most comfortable in those roles. (Still enjoys traditionally masculine things and of course any gender can do this) But that's what's confusing, he knows that clothes are just clothes and people can wear whatever they want but it goes past the feeling of just wanting to wear pretty clothes. As you might've guessed (it's dysphoria).

Simon notices the way that his friend/roommate looks less confident and hides under big clothing that Soap usually doesn't wear. Basically this worry of change in confidence and personality makes Simon think that Soap is in an abusive relationship or something and tries to get him to open up about that. So no matter what, Simon is supportive, just guessing the wrong issue. (Maybe miscommunication needs to be added as a tag…)

But anyways, that's a very short summary of that. And basically, Soap struggles with the feelings of being a perverted faker (he's not but that's a common doubt) and being too masculine while also not liking too feminine. As there's some masculine attributes he likes about himself (body hair).

I haven't written anything, I just made a draft and this is all just floating feelings in my head. (In my head I said 3 chapters but this is getting too long? All this shit would have to be covered in at least 5) I just wonder if it's not a good idea because it hits a sensitive spot somehow. 😭

I'm a trans guy (AFAB) but never had any experiences with androgyny and non-binary feelings. I'm very binary...very dude like. So I obviously also have NO idea what being AMAB with any other gender identity would be like. (So Simon would be struggling with the same thing)

So feel free to tell me the differences between Bigender and Demigender (Demigirl/Demiboy). I just feel that's how a Soap that I've made in a TFT (that's not FTM4FTM) universe of them would mostly identify as. I've seen people hc Ghost as Agender before. I can totally see it. But never anything for Soap.

I looked up these attributes and feelings as if I was the one struggling myself and thought "Yeah that's what they would relate to". 💀

(the results were Bigender and Demigender if you couldn't tell but apparently there's a difference between them. Which I would like to know. Because maybe what I'm trying to describe is Gender-Fluidity.)

This is probably going to flop because I yapped too much (683 words? Omg bro stfu, no one wants an essay) but I'm not going to a place like reddit for this to know if it's morally incorrect. (I don't think it is but I would like a second opinion basically)

[lolokouhm]

FUSHIGOVER pt. I [THE LEAKING]

1 / 2 / 3 / 4

this ff is a fix, we’re living post 235 chapter. The rest is irrelevant

Loving him felt like cheating.

I was a fucking cheater.

I've cheated countless times in my life. There was a part of me that was convinced that this incredible luck I for some reason possessed would finally run out one day. I mean, everyone had their limits.

Well, that day definitely was not today.

I was in love with Megumi Fushiguro.

And I was more that ready to tell him that.

Actually no, scratch that. I wasn't. Despite being relatively brave (I was a jujutsu sorcerer after all), I'd much more prefer to exorcise another curse than tell him the truth. Reasons? Multiple. He was my friend. A good one at that. And the blood-freezing amount of shit we've been through together...

I mean, it takes two to tango, right?

Well, let's just put it that way. I didn't see myself tango-ing with Fushiguro anytime soon.

Maybe I was blind. Maybe I needed Gojo's Six Eyes to see what I've been so desperately wanting to see for the past few months, but unfortunately, this technique was, for some reason, reserved only for him. Well, that sucked. Almost as much as my mental state that morning.

'Didn't sleep much?'

The bed was definitely too small for two people, but I didn't really treat Nobara that way - she was a part of me by that time. A whole year of studying together, training together, shopping together, crying together was enough to blend us into one human being. Sort of.

'I'm so done.' I sighed. What would I give to hide under the bedsheets and never come out. At least for the next 15 minutes. 'It's insane that we still have classes.'

'It is', she nodded and snuck under my bedsheets to hug me tightly. 'Two more years and you'll be in the clear. So get up and let's go. We've got things to do.'

I stood up and slowly went into the bathroom, to make sure nobody would confuse me with a curse and I wouldn't get exorcised by mistake. That would suck. I shivered in front of the mirror, fixing my hair and putting on some sunscreen. Nobara joined me a moment later, being the only girl in the whole school that actually understood the importance of SPF filters, especially in this field of work. We were exposed to the weirdest shit on the entire planet, so the least we could do was putting on some cream.

'I've heard that he's coming back.'

'Today?' I tried not to sound too excited, but I apparently failed, as my best friend suddenly chuckled.

'Yup, today. So, is that it? Is that THE date? Should I prepare for being the only single person out of us two?' Nobara put the cream back in the drawer, delicately tapping the rest onto her right cheek.

'No.'

'Phenomenal. I've endured your mental breakdowns for the past four months, so I'll guess another few won't kill me. I mean...' She pointed at the left side of her face. The scars were getting less red by the day, but we both knew - they weren't going anywhere anytime soon. 'I've survived that. But still, (Y/N). You're hopeless.'

'I'm considerate.'

'You were.' Nobara nodded, catching my glance in the mirror. 'But he's fine now. Or... relatively fine.' She shrugged. 'Whatever. It's not gonna get worse. Someone has to unpack his trauma. You're the best choice. You were the first one to crack the 'fushigover' joke, weren't you?'

I was. And I wasn't particularly proud of that.

'I was drunk. And you were the one who gave me that... Vodka Sour, so it's technically your fault.' Alcohol wasn't my best friend, but Nobara and booze got along pretty well, so sometimes I got dragged somewhere in between them. 'I... Can you even imagine that?' I turned around to face Kugisaki. 'What would I say? Hi, Fushiguro. I've just wanted to tell you that I think I might kinda love you. I know you probably have more important things on your mind than that, but I was about to explode, so please, just don't think about it too much.'

'You're hopeless.'

'I'm realistic', I corrected. My morning routine was over. I was ready to go out. Finally. ‘I can’t just go out like that. It’ll be a disaster.'

'GIRLS!' Somebody opened the door and barged inside my room. 'Have you heard? He's back!' Yuuji suddenly appeared next to Nobara. His eyes shone in excitement. 'Fushiguro's finally back!'

My heart skipped a beat.

'Already? Gojo's back too?'

'Yup.' Yuuji nodded and looked at me. 'Oh, (Y/N). He wants to talk to you.'

I frowned. Gojo wanted to talk to me? Right after he and Fushiguro came back from Kioto? That was... surprising, to say at least.

'Now?'

'Yeah. Asap. That's why I came actually.' Yuuji smiled. He was an angel. 'I kinda got too excited. Oh, is that THAT SPF?'

I exchanged a look with Nobara. She seemed quite amused, but a small crease forming on her formed made feel me a little anxious.

Praying I wouldn't see Fushiguro on my way to the Gojo's office, I almost run through the corridors. I've been desperate to see him for the past few weeks, but when the day finally came, I wish I could fall under the face of the Earth and never come back.

It's been almost a month since Gojo got Fushiguro out. Or rather, since Gojo got Sukuna out of Fushiguro's body. That day... I couldn't say I remembered it very well because of the sheer amount of emotions I went through, but even the slightest thought of Megumi's body, laying there lifeless, was making me shake. Oh, that picture was tattooed in my head.

If only you could erase it.

'You're leaking.' That was the first thing I've heard when I entered the room.

'Huh?'

The white-haired man sat in front of me. His gaze was piercing. Gojo smiled and pointed a finger on me.

'I've been wondering for a while now. Sukuna is hiding somewhere, so some disturbances are normal. I'd be surprised, if there weren't any.' Gojo scratched his head. 'But the amounts of cursed energy in this school are ridiculously unbalanced. So I figured, someone has to be in a very bad state.' Gojo crossed his arms, but he didn't really look intimidating - rather amused. 'And it's you.'

'Me.' I repeated after him, not really sure, what to think. 'That's...'

Gojo tilted his head a bit, looking like a curious puppy. No way this man was the most powerful sorcerer.

'That's a very suggestive thing to say.'

The sorcerer chuckled and stood up.

'That was a good one. But nah. Your cursed energy is leaking out of you.'

If Gojo was joking, then the joke didn't sit right at all. What was even worse, most of the jokes we usually cracked together landed perfectly, so combining that with his piercing gaze made me feel even more confused. He wasn't joking. He was serious.

'(Y/N), I seriously adore you. And your sense of humour is just the best. But I've had my eyes on you since that day.' The stronger sorcerer alive, my ass. He suddenly looked somehow apologetic. 'I don't think...' He sighed and I felt weak. 'Let me put it this way. I felt your cursed energy during the fight, even though you were pretty far away. How is that possible?'

'I...' I was speechless. 'I have no idea.'

'You lost control. And you haven't regained it ever since.'

'It's not possible.' I panicked a little when I realised that my voice was actually shaking. 'I've got it all under control. I don't feel bad. Or any different.'

'You're lying.'

I was.

'You have to get it sorted out as soon as possible, otherwise we're going to have our hands full again. And I seriously want a break.' I've never heard Gojo speak like that. Right there, in that moment, he seemed... tired. 'But anyway, congratulations.'

'What for?'

'For getting him out.' The air in the room suddenly became colder. 'If it wasn't for your cursed energy, things might have been... different.' Gojo's gaze wandered for a second, looking for something behind the window. When he finally turned back to me, his fatigue vanished instantly. 'Whatever. I'm glad it happened. Just get it under control. Want some mochi?'

'Yeah.' I needed the sugar to process everything my teacher has just said. 'Maybe even two.'

'Take three.' Chewy rice balls felt somehow calming. 'Oh, and Megumi can't wait to see you. He was sulking most of the time in Kioto, but seemed weirdly excited to come back. And I'm good at connecting the dots. If your cursed technique was able to get his will to live back, then I guess he'll be more than happy to see you.' Gojo stretched his arms. 'Just don't scare him.'

'With what?'

'You know.' Yeah, I had it coming. 'The leaking. Megumi's inexperienced.'

'That was awful.'

'I know. But you laughed.'

I guess I really did.

———

It's really going to be an unhinged series. But we're going to have a lot of fun. Muahaha

[kuzure-collapse]

ik it just came out (which: btw, i loved the art and the questions + answers sm), but im already so curious abt the process with creating the quiz and how you assigned some of the answers to characters (besides the gimmes). do you mind walking through a bit of lore or explanation for some of the question and answers!?!? ❤️

I started drafting the quiz around the time I got back to editing/revising the LoBro drafts and posting chapters. I spent a lot of time on it because I didn't want certain questions to be too skewed to one character while still keeping in mind that some characters have overlapping traits. Although, based on the recent results...either my quiz was still flawed or a lot of readers happen to be perfect matches for yanagi (poor satsuma has barely hit 20 while the top three have surpassed 100).

I theorize that if you're a perfect match for guys like Satsuma, you're probably not chronically online enough to encounter my fic anyway. During my time drafting this post, I went back and edited the quiz to help our boy out a little more.

There are questions that I want people to answer honestly and freebie questions where I allow people to choose based on what result they want. I'll go through my approach to each one without spoiling too much.

1- joke question, answers describe their builds

2- i thought love language was an important thing to consider. it's revealed in the results which language each character has as their main one. i hint it very subtly in the story. Tomohiro and Satsuma are pretty obvious but I was initially unsure of what I wanted for Kotose and Yumeki. So their signs of love language are pretty vague in early appearances.

3- a few answers were overlapping and some were specific to one character. i wanted each result to have the same number of options linked to them, so i had to think of shared traits for the overlapping options. these were the questions i had to revise a lot. it was hard finding good traits for mc.

4- same as 3. you gotta take the good with the bad.

5- many overlapping options. some are hobbies that the LI does and some are hobbies that the LIs would find attractive in someone.

6- cliche favorite color question referencing the color themes of the characters

7- another question about what you find attractive. clothing is a way of expressing oneself so i feel it does kind of indicate personality and style. you want to have an aesthetic that works with yours after all. if you picked "i prefer him naked" or any options in the quiz that make you sound desperate, you'll get MC

8- sibling status was a hard one. if you are an older sibling, I matched with someone who would prefer a mature and leaderly partner. if you are a younger sibling, you got someone who is the mature and leaderly partner. if you have brothers, you were paired with more masculine LIs. if you have sisters, you got more feminine LIs. The other options were filler to make the numbers even. don't read into it too deeply

9- ideal dates are explained in this ask

10- each LI got 2 options for music. i didn't want to overcomplicate things by having overlapping choices, but there were a few exceptions i made for the sake of satsuma after editing. I've considered expanding upon their music tastes in a future post.

11- internal struggles that each LI experiences. a perfect match would be able to relate to their sadness. if you have a good understanding of each character, you might even consider it a freebie

12- because i mentioned that yanagi was kinda based on cartman. I divided the choices based on how similar the SP characters were to each LI, though some were just there to even up the numbers

13- a freebie. i mentioned who each of the LIs were based off of in this post, so the images were hints at who it could be (if people didn't already guess based on the personality)

14- how each LI would deal with an attack. yanagi's option references a joke from the early chapters

15- freebie

16- freebie. new question added so that anyone who was frustrated with their result (likely people who got mc/yanagi) could have another chance to change it (and get satsuma)

A sister quiz is in the works. Hopefully the results will be more even ahaha

[presidenthades]

Once again, I am doing a series of my behind-the-scenes thoughts for The Golds while I do light edits for formatting, typos, and continuity. Here’s Chapter 6!

For this chapter’s title, I chose to reference the Stranger because of the fear for Jace’s life throughout the chapter. But there are no lyrics for the Stranger in “The Song of the Seven” because, as Sam Tarly says in ASOIAF, “no one sings of the Stranger.” Hence the placeholder: (The Stranger has no songs). And, at the end of the chapter, Jace tells Aegon that she wants no more songs.

Like Chapter 3, this chapter has no scene breaks since it is essentially one long scene during one day. In Chapter 3, there’s a mystery while Jace is trying to figure out what Aegon has been up to, then in Chapter 4 we find out the truth. Here it’s reversed: we already know from Chapter 5 what happened to Jace, but now we’re following Aegon as he tries to figure out where she is.

The chapter starts with Aegon having a normal morning. We see he’s developed the habit of helping his wife dress, and his knowledge of her gown, shoes, and hairpin is useful in his investigation later.

The irony of Aegon and Jace’s last dialogue before they separate! Turns out it’s not Aegon we have to worry about missing the lunch meeting 😢.

Aegon is of the opinion there’s nothing wrong with a little brawl between boys (he and Aemond still brawl on occasion). TBH he probably would’ve kept moving if he didn’t know any of the boys, but because he knows Ronnel, he intervenes. Also, since Aegon pays Gyles, Gyles and Ronnel are part of Aegon’s household (although Gyles makes pies for pretty much everyone who asks), so there’s some of that feudal responsibility where a lord takes care of his people.

Ronnel is basically the new kid at school, and the other servant boys don’t like him because they perceive favoritism from Aegon (which there is). I’m sure the castle staff have some kind of hierarchy that factors in things like tenure, and suddenly Ronnel and his dad show up going “milord Aegon” in what the others deem an overly familiar way. Gyles’s pies are very in demand among other highborns at the castle, which means Gyles’s standing quickly rises (and Ronnel by proxy), so the boys are envious of Ronnel’s good fortune. And most of the servants are from the Crownlands, so the boys are quick to pick on Ronnel’s Vale background.

Gyles is around 30 (Aegon is 18) and from a very different background, so it would be difficult for them to be true friends in a society that places so much emphasis on class and wealth. But they’re at least friendly because they’ve known each other for so long, and Aegon has been thinking a lot more about fatherhood. Gyles is one of the few men he personally knows who seems to have a healthy relationship with his son, so I feel like Aegon has asked Gyles a few questions about fatherhood prior to this chat in Chapter 6. The convo about Gyles’s wife foreshadows some of the issues Jace wrestles with in the coming chapters (although she has a much happier resolution), and it’s definitely on Aegon’s mind while he helps her through the aftermath.

Aegon’s little detective business just kind of happened. Probably started with one of the former captives at the warehouse asking for help related to the Tyroshi, and it snowballed from there as word spread around the city that “hey, if you have a problem, Prince Aegon might help you out.” Of course Aegon would prefer not to get the boring problems (I keep imagining BBC’s Sherlock only taking interesting cases), but he puts up with them because the smallfolk are very enthusiastic with their gratitude—and Jace likes it when he helps people, which is probably the bigger incentive.

The innkeeper disapproving of his daughter’s elopement is supposed to parallel Daemon disapproving of Jace’s elopement, so Aegon is inclined to sympathize with the young couple instead of the father (again, the theme of smallfolk and highborns being essentially the same, just with more or less money). AND the daughter is pregnant, so Aegon is envisioning what he and Jace would want in that scenario. Also, Aegon specifically buys a goat as a wedding present because it’s just about one of the most useful things a peasant could have. The goat is relatively inexpensive to maintain and feed, and it provides milk and some wool. And it can be marked with ownership, so it’s harder for a jealous neighbor to steal than a sack of coins. (This is my amateur understanding of goats, I know very little about goat husbandry.)

I’m probably going to write a chapter from Liane’s POV in my smallfolk anthology. She’s a very smart girl who was born into poverty, can’t read (hence the X she signs on the contract) but has a good head for business. For a poor prostitute in this society, the most common career paths are either a) keep being a prostitute forever, b) repent and join the Faith as a septa, or c) become a brothel owner. Liane has been working on option C for a while, and she sees the opportunity to buy the building she works in when Aegon shows no interest in the Garden. He also doesn’t take a cut of their earnings, so she’s able to save up faster the next few months. I like to think that because she’s worked side by side with the other girls so long, she’ll be a good manager to them rather than let the authority go to her head. And the influx of money that Aegon sends them after they help Jace significantly improves living conditions, to the point that Liane might even be able to change it from a brothel to a different establishment.

But the most important point of the scene: Aegon sows good karma by selling the Garden to Liane for dirt cheap (1 groat = 4 pennies), and it pays dividends that very day when Jace needs help.

Rhaenyra mentions in the Handbook that Luce had quite a few childhood fears, including storms, which she still secretly has. I gave this fear to Luce because I was thinking about the canonical Storm’s End chase scene and how that would be even more harrowing with a fear of storms. Now I also realize there’s some symbolism because Cassandra Baratheon is one of the Four Storms ⛈️.

In Chapter 4, Aegon is quick to distract himself when he starts thinking about the baby and being a father. Here, he purposefully lingers on thoughts about fatherhood as he observes Daemon interacting with Alyssa; Aegon is making progress coming to terms with being a father.

Sorry not sorry but I love the imagery of short Lucera wearing Aemond’s big coat 🥰. She’s soaked after flying on Arrax in the rain, and he probably makes some snarky comments about how unkempt she looks while he wraps the coat around her. (Meanwhile Rhaenys is off to the side like “OK ignore me, I’m just an old lady, thanks.”)

There is some irony that Aegon sneaks out alone to the city all the time and deliberately gets in trouble but is always fine, while the one time Jace leaves the castle during her pregnancy, the worst happens.

Aemond thinks Aegon is being panicked and reckless (which he is), but Aemond follows him anyway because a) that’s his brother even if he’s kind of a dumbass sometimes and b) Aemond knows he’s the only person who can keep up with Aegon right now 🥲.

Bethany is in a heckload of pain right now, and it would be her right to demand a maester’s attention before her own wounds worsen/get infected, but she cares about Floris so she makes sure Floris isn’t alone at the end 😢.

Aegon’s threat to feed the madam’s brother to Sunfyre and make her watch is indeed a reference to a certain canon event… 👀

Aegon has definitely done his homework on the Tyroshi since he spent a while trying to catch him. I might flesh out the guy’s backstory in a future fic, but I imagine him to be from one of Tyrosh’s ruling families (the archon is chosen from a conclave of the richest families in Tyrosh). I had to make up a name based on the naming patterns of other Tyroshi characters GRRM created.

Throughout this chapter, Aemond serves as the voice of reason and is able to quickly refute many of Aegon’s arguments because he knows how Aegon thinks. Admittedly, Aemond would act a lot like Aegon right now if Luce were the one in trouble—but then Aegon would be the one knocking sense into Aemond into that scenario. The brothers are more similar than they like to admit.

Bethany is very angry at Elinor, understandably so. Bethany did her duty and came to Jace’s defense, and she almost died for it—plus she’s aware that her face is never going to look the same again. Meanwhile Elinor abandoned their mistress and did absolutely nothing to help anybody, and she’s perfectly fine (for now). I don’t think Elinor was thinking at all about her crush on Aegon at the time, but Bethany really wants to make her words hurt and ensure that Elinor doesn’t come away completely unscathed. Definitely not friends anymore.

As I’ve said before, book!Aegon has excellent zingers, and TGC says Aegon has an eye for people’s weak spots. Here, Aegon deliberately says one of the most hurtful things he could possibly say to a girl who likes him: “you’re worse than a dog.” 💀 (I can’t blame him though.)

Despite the circumstances, Westerosi values are pretty engrained into Aegon, so he feels like he can’t lay hands on a highborn girl like Elinor, whereas he wouldn’t hesitate to beat a man into a pulp. So he hands (pun not intended) Elinor to Rhaenyra, because the optics of a mother/another woman punishing Elinor are much less bad, and he’s confident Rhaenyra will make it hurt. (And he forces Elinor to personally tell Rhaenyra what she did. Oof!)

Book!Aegon is capable of immense cruelty, especially after he’s been wronged (I’m hoping we see that in S2). I wanted to channel that here when he punishes Edwyn Pyle. First he unofficially puts Edwyn on trial, with Aegon as judge and jury, and makes Edwyn sweat as he confesses everything he did wrong. Of course Aegon deems him guilty, and part of him would like to kill Edwyn personally. But Aegon also thinks the other guards need to be punished for blindly obeying orders (we can argue whether this is fair to the guards, but Aegon doesn’t care about being fair right now), so he includes them in Edwyn’s punishment. I was inspired by the Roman practice of decimation, where if an entire group of soldiers (usually groups of 10) needs to be punished, one of them is randomly selected and the others beat him to death. Aegon makes the other guards take turns beating Edwyn so they never forget their failure (and if they mess up again, next time it might be them being beaten to death), and it adds extra burn to Edwyn’s death because he’s being beaten by the very men he was ordering around. (And yes, Edwyn does end up dying after 12 hours of this.)

Although I just said Aegon is capable of immense cruelty, he is arguably “nicer” than Aemond 😅. In F&B, Aegon shows mercy to Gaemon Palehair and agrees to knight Trystane Truefyre before execution, neither of which he needed to do. Compare to Aemond, who slaughters all of House Strong including the toddlers and burns tf out of the Riverlands 😐. Neither of them is really nice though, let’s be real.

A younger Daemon would’ve been out searching on the streets too, but he is sadly no longer a young man. Instead he’s been playing spymaster at the Red Keep, and it pays off. The old man who has info about the hay wagon goes to a brothel in Mysaria’s network, and she sends word to Daemon. The show has made Mysaria a populist, so I think she approves of Jace’s attempts to help the people of KL. And I’m sure Mysaria has heard about Aegon’s detective services, so overall she’s inclined to help find Jace.

A wagon, two mules, and pile of good hay are worth way more than a little rowboat, hence the old man’s eagerness to trade and disinclination to ask too many questions.

Kites have been used in warfare for many centuries. When you have dragonriders, you need to be able to signal them somehow, and I feel like kites would be a pretty good solution for that. Now that there are so many adult dragonriders in KL, someone (probably Corlys or Daemon) suggested incorporating the kite system for emergencies such as this. The gold cloaks were notably incompetent during Chapter 4, but I think the Targs have whipped them back into shape during the last few months.

Luce is honestly not in much danger at all on dragonback, with only one “enemy” on the ground. But Aemond worries anyway 😛. (Aegon’s been in a state all day, some of it probably wore off on Aemond.)

When Aegon asks “where is she,” the Tyroshi realizes they haven’t found Jace. He knows there’s no way he’s escaping now, so he decides to drag out Aegon’s torment as much as he can before he’s inevitably executed.

Aemond reacts very strongly to Aegon digging into the Tyroshi’s mutilated eye because…uh…well, the eye thing 👁️👄⚫️. Aemond has zero sympathy for the guy but he’s probably getting some secondhand pain watching it happen.

I actually do think Jace saw Arrax while Luce was flying out, but she had no way of signaling Arrax, and it was too dark/high for Luce to spot Jace in the trees 🙁. Jace probably thought about trying to follow Arrax, but she had no idea when/where Arrax would land (and a dragon is much faster than her on foot), so she continued onward to the city.

Contrary to common belief, House Hightower’s sigil colors do NOT include green! It’s a white tower with orange flames on a gray field. That’s why Alicent’s necklace is white gold and amber. I imagine it as a necklace from when she was a girl (long before her green era), and she gave it to Jace shortly after the elopement.

The guards who refused to listen to Liane are probably due for some very arduous training drills once the Targs have the bandwidth to pay attention to them 😬.

The Liane chapter I mentioned above will probably cover in more detail what happens when Jace shows up at the Garden. I imagine that once the girls realize Jace is in fact the missing princess, they kick out all their customers so they can focus on her.

Jace has a big problem with people touching her in the next chapter, but right now she’s still in shock, so she lets one of the girls comb her hair. The Garden girls have never interacted with anyone as high society as Jace before, but they’re offering the best hospitality they can: dragging out a clean mattress and blankets, building the fire as hot as they can (firewood ain’t free), giving her clothes (they don’t have much that’ll fit a heavily pregnant woman but they try), scrubbing Jace’s muddy shift.

Jace being soundly refused help from the other shopkeepers shocks and hurts her a lot. She’s spent her entire life being recognized instantly because she’s a princess. But the smallfolk have only ever seen her from a distance, if at all, and she would’ve been dressed in royal finery, like during her wedding day. Now she’s only wearing her shift and one shoe, and her hair (which is black instead of a distinctive Valyrian silver) is a mess. Usually the only people who walk around in public in their smallclothes are whores, so the shopkeepers take one look at her and assume she’s a whore. Meanwhile the girls at the Garden are at the bottom of society, so they know what it’s like to need help but be scorned by everyone else. They don’t believe Jace’s identity at first, but she’s a pregnant woman in desperate need of help, so they let her inside because they’ve been in similar straits before.

This is a turning point in Aegon’s journey to fatherhood. His concern most of the day was about Jace, but when he feels Cheeseball move for the first time, it suddenly strikes him that the baby is not just an extension of Jace, as he’s been thinking so far. This is the moment when Aegon realizes he loves the baby because it’s his child, not just because it’s part of Jace.

Luce has been away for six months, but she grew up with Jace. She immediately clocks that Jace isn’t going to be entirely OK. Aegon also knows this deep down, but he’s desperately hoping for the best so he’s acting like it’s only a physical thing.

Rhaenyra picked a very poetic punishment for Elinor. Elinor loses her dominant hand, which she used to push Jace, but it’s also the hand that made her excel as a LIW because many of Elinor’s talents, like hairstyling, lay in the dexterous use of her hands. But even if Elinor were ever welcome at court again, she wouldn’t be able to reclaim a similar position. The loss of her hand also takes down her marriageability a lot, if the dishonor weren’t enough. I also imagine Aunt Elinda had a lot to say to Elinor 😬.

Alicent doesn’t know how to comfort Aegon (and he probably doesn’t want it right now), so she defaults into “hostess” mode (the queen is basically hostess of the entire castle/court) by making sure he and Jace have their physical needs taken care of.

Jace spent many hours alone in the woods, so she had a lot of time to think about what happened that day. She’s already begun internalizing her guilt about her ladies’ deaths, and how her pregnancy led to them being in the Sept. She feels like she shouldn’t celebrate the baby when her ladies/friends have died because of it. And the Tyroshi talked about how people sing about Jace and Aegon, hence Jace’s temporary aversion to songs. So Aegon’s first attempt at helping her back to “normalcy” fails—but as we see in future chapters, he figures out another way.

Chapter 7 commentary here

[hunieday]

8th Anniversary story - Chapter 3 : The request for a mysterious new work.

Chapter 1 - Chapter 2 - Chapter 3 - Chapter 4 - Chapter 5 - Chapter 6 - Chapter 7 - Chapter 8

Please note that I am not a professional translator and I'm only doing this to share the side materials to those who cannot access them, if you notice any mistakes please let me know nicely. Enjoy!

[Takanashi Production]

Tsumugi: Thank you for your hard work, everyone!

Riku: Thank you, manager!

Yamato: Thank you for your work.

Tsumugi: We’ve received a job offer from a certain beverage company’s 8th anniversary campaign!

Iori: What do you mean, a “certain”?

Tsumugi: We know who they are, but they want us to work with them on this project to advertise new items aimed at the younger generation without giving us information in advance.

Tsumugi: From what I understood, they’re planning to release new products to celebrate their 8th anniversary and want you to provide your honest opinions as advisors.

Mitsuki: So they want to keep the company name hidden.

Nagi: Hm….So it’s a big-name company with a strong brand image?

Sougo: It is relatively rare to have a company’s image still be highly successful and well-known by their 8th anniversary.

Sougo: If I do a little research, I might be able to find out right away. Of course I won’t do that, though.

Tamaki: Sou-chan, you know a lot about companies and stuff.

Sougo: Not so much these days.

Iori: So, what is this project going to be exactly?

Banri: They plan to release four consecutive new drinks as part of their “8th Anniversary! Four Thanks project.”

Banri: They want to hold a large-scale campaign under this theme so they asked for our help with it.

Mitsuki: Huh, sounds interesting!

Riku: Interesting! What are we supposed to do for this campaign? 

Tsumugi: It is indeed an interesting concept, but it’s a bit complex in some aspects since it’s different from what we usually do.

Tsumugi: We’d like to confirm with you first…

Riku: Different and complex…?

Yamato: Are we gonna get locked in a restaurant’s basement?

Iori: Or maybe the facility we’re promoting will suddenly have a power outage…?

Banri: Don’t be so wary, you don’t have to worry! Maybe! Probably!

Banri: Do you remember when you formed temporary units with TRIGGER to do your opening act at Zero Arena?

Riku: Of course, we remember! Iori and I were paired with Tenn-nii!

Iori: That’s right. I was a bit nervous at first that they’d find out you were twins.

Nagi: Mitsuki, Yamaot and I formed a unit with Yaotome!

Yamato: That’s right! How nostalgic!

Mitsuki: We kept shouting “Wasshoi!”

Sougo: Tamaki-kun and I sang with Tsunashi-san.

Tamaki: Yeah! Feels like that was what made us good friends with Ryuu-aniki and TRIGGER.

Mitsuki: That’s right. We had the opportunity to really get to know TRIGGER. I was super nervous at first.

Yamato: I get you, I was scared of Yaotome at first but then he seemed like a nice guy.

Nagi: Mister Momo and Mister Yuki gave IDOLiSH7 and TRIGGER a wonderful gift.

Banri: Sounds like you guys have fond memories of that. Then, will you make new memories this time, too?

Iori: What do you mean?

Banri: This time, if you’re up to it, they want to form four units with members from IDOLiSH7, TRIGGER, Re:vale and ŹOOḼ,..

Banri: Four person groups inspired by four new soft drinks… They want to put together temporary shuffle units to advertise them.

Nagi: OH! So they want to shuffle us again, right?

Banri: Correct. Guys, what do you think?

Riku: Forming units across the four groups sounds interesting! We don’t get opportunities like these every day, I want to do it!

Mitsuki: I agree: I can’t imagine what it’d be like but that’s what’s motivating me to do it.

Yamato: We know TRIGGER, Re:vale and ŹOOḼ pretty well so it should be okay.

Nagi: I still prefer singing with IDOLiSH7 over a shuffle unit but… These new teams, these new encounters will surely help me grow and give us new memories.

Nagi: So I don’t mind. I’m happy to do it.

Iori: I agree with the general consensus, still I would have preferred to know the company’s name beforehand.

Iori: If the managers think it’s fine, then we should be okay.

Sougo: I’m fine with it too. I’m a little concerned about who we’re working with though..

Tamaki: Right! Have you decided who’s gonna be with who?

Banri: Not yet, we haven’t decided on that.

Banri: For now they’re holding and internal survey as well as a consumer survey to select idols who’d match each drink’s image

Tamaki: Woh, sounds interesting! I wanna give it a try!

Riku: Right? Since we can’t even guess this got even more exciting!

Mitsuki: Count me in! It’s gonna be a fun and flashy project!

Banri: Thank you. What about the others?

Yamato: Well, if everyone else’s up.

Sougo: I have no objections.

Tsumugi: Thank you very much! I’ll make sure to convey it to the other party.

Riku: Yes!

Tsumugi: They have to consider the other agencies as well, so it might end up being canceled.

Yamato: Ah, I see. Even if we agree that it’s a good idea, the other agencies might be against it.

Iori: Some might decline before even asking the talents.

Riku: That’s right, I see… What will happen then? Temporary shuffle units…

Yamato: Moreover, the fact that it’s with a secret company makes it even more intriguing.

Sougo: …

Sougo: …It can’t possibly be related to the FSC…?

Sougo: No, if they really were the managers wouldn’t have allowed this.

Sougo: But if it’s a recently acquired or a subsidiary of an affiliated company, even they wouldn’t know who’s really involved…

Sougo: Father…He came to see BORW.

Sougo: He’s never tried to interfere ever since, but he might have changed his tactics and intervened from another side as a client…

Sougo: Am I being too paranoid? Why would they need to hide the company’s identity…?

Tamaki: Sou-chan, you okay?

Sougo: Oh…Yes, I’m okay.

Sougo: I hope it’s nothing…

[Yaotome Production]

Gaku: Four new temporary shuffle units, huh? Sounds interesting

Tenn: Singing and dancing with different people might be a great learning experience.

Ryuunosuke: I’m looking forward to seeing what kind of units they’ll be forming! …But, isn’t the President against this?

Anesagi: The president said he'll leave it up to you guys to decide.

Gaku: He’s become mellow.

Tenn: He trusts us.

Anesagi: Everyone seems positive about the shuffle project. I was a little worried, but shall we accept it?

Ten Kujo: By all means, thank you. I look forward to working with you.

Gaku: I won't lose to you two!

Ryuunosuke: I won't lose either!...Although we don’t know who we’ll be working with yet.

Gaku: That’s right, not knowing who you’re gonna be with makes me feel giddy.

Tenn: I think they want something catchy and fresh, so it's going to be completely different from the last time we did it at the arena.

Ryuunosuke: No matter who I'm gonna end up with, I'll enjoy it to the fullest. We can take on the challenge and bring results back to TRIGGER.

Gaku: That’s right.

Tenn: But why did that company want shuffle units? ......

Ryuunosuke: They wanted to create more publicity or something?

Gaku: The four of us participating in the campaign together would be enough buzz.

Tenn: You already know which company's project it is, don't you, Anesagi-san?

Kaoru Anesagi: Well, yes. I knew right away why they wanted to do this project.

Tenn: You knew right away…?

Kaoru Anesagi: Ah, I'm sorry. Please forget I mentioned it. We promised to keep the name of the company secret.

Tenn: Yes. I understand.

Ryuunosuke: A company that wants to do a shuffle project… could it be a record company with highly skilled producers?

Kaoru Anesagi: No, it's a beverage company.

Kaoru Anesagi: But they know a lot about entertainment, and have been launching real flashy projects recently, so they might have connections to people in the industry.

Gaku: Maybe Kujo’s working for them, building up his life again?

Tenn: …

Gaku: Just kidding. What's Kujo up to now?

Tenn: Well, I’m not sure… Kujo-san has a thing for appearing out of nowhere.

Ryuunosuke: I think Kujo-san would like the idea of shuffle units involving us all, right?

Tenn: Yes he would, but I don’t think he’s involved this time… Probably…I’m sure…

Tenn: If, somehow, he was really involved…

Tenn: I wonder what Kujo-san's intentions are with this…

Tenn: No, I’m probably overthinking it. Maybe it’s as simple as them wanting to keep the company name a secret and nothing more.

Tenn: President Yaotome and Anesagi-san have decided that there are no issues, and they've agreed to it, so I'm sure it'll be fine…

To be continued...

[heavensbeehall]

More about the other victors & chapter 16

They're a little strange, but I'm pretty sure neither of them is going to try to make me uncomfortable by stripping naked.

Again, Katniss is not a sexual being yet. She is most comfortable with Beetee, Wiress and Mags because she understands those type of relationships. Also the three of them are awsome.

I glance around the Training Center. Peeta is at the center of a ribald circle of knife throwers. The morphlings from District 6 are in the camouflage station, painting each other's faces with bright pink swirls. The male tribute from District 5 is vomiting wine on the swordfighting floor. Finnick and the old woman from his district are using the archery station. Johanna Mason is naked again and oiling her skin down for a wrestling lesson. I decide to stay put.

Peeta is much better with people, all kinds of people. Katniss doesn't know what to do with naked people. So she stays with the nerds.

I want to know what Finnick and Mags talk about at the archery station.

I feel bad, knowing that their district must have suffered much worse than ours. I feel I need to defend my people.

Here's a chicken or the egg question. Are the victors from 3 and 4 rebels because their districts are rebellious. Or are the districts rebellious because their victors are?

Plutarch Heavensbee in the magnificent purple robe with the fur-trimmed collar that designates him as Head Gamemaker. He's eating a turkey leg.

I don't know why I find it hilarious that he's eating a turkey leg, but I do. I am imagining one of those rlly big ones from fairs and stuff.

When we make our way into the dining area, I see some of Peeta's gang have other ideas. They're dragging all the smaller tables to form one large table so that we all have to eat together. Now I don't know what to do. Even at school I used to avoid eating at a crowded table. Frankly, I'd probably have sat alone if Madge hadn't made a habit of joining me.

I wonder whose idea this was. I suspect Chaff. But we can see some of the school versions of Katniss and Peeta. He was always with a group from the town kids. She prefers to be alone.

Chaff doesn't seem as bad at lunch. He's sober, and while he talks too loud and makes bad jokes a lot, most of them are at his own expense. I can see why he would be good for Haymitch, whose thoughts run so darkly. But I'm still not sure I'm ready to team up with him.

This description of Chaff reminds me of my dad. He's a people-person and feels the need to entertain everyone all the time. (It can be exhausting and I can see why someone as introverted and inhibited as Katniss would be put off.) But the fact that he makes an effort to seek out Haymitch--who pushes everyone away--makes me love him. You know Haymitch says mean stuff to him and he just laughs it off.

After lunch I do the edible-insect station with the District 8 tributes--Cecelia, who's got three kids at home, and Woof, a really old guy who's hard of hearing and doesn't seem to know what's going on since he keeps trying to stuff poisonous bugs in his mouth.

I think Woof knows exactly what he's doing when he puts poisonous bugs in his mouth.

Finnick appears again when I'm picking up fishing tips, but mostly just to introduce me to Mags, the elderly woman who's also from District 4. Between her district accent and her garbled speech--possibly she's had a stroke-- I can't make out more than one in four words. But I swear she can make a decent fishhook out of anything--a thorn, a wishbone, an earring. After a while I tune out the trainer and simply try to copy whatever Mags does. When I make a pretty good hook out of a bent nail and fasten it to some strands of my hair, she gives me a toothless smile and an unintelligible comment I think might be praise. Suddenly I remember how she volunteered to replace the young, hysterical woman in her district. It couldn't be because she thought she had any chance of winning. She did it to save the girl, just like I volunteered last year to save Prim. And I decide I want her on my team.

Do we thinks Mags did have a stroke? I have a headcanon that she's had a speech impediment her whole life but that's just in the imaginary Mags story I write in my head.

In fact, I feel as if I've somehow been initiated into the victors' circle. During the next two days, I spend time with almost everybody headed for the arena. Even the morphlings, who, with Peeta's help, paint me into a field of yellow flowers.

Yellow flowers again.

Mags, who I can understand a little better now, decides she's just going to take a nap.

Queen shit. I love Mags.

[i-am-beckyu]

Just out of Reach, but Never out of sight

Here it is!!! The long awaited follow up to chapter 1!!!! After a mini writers block on it and a small rewrite we have the finished product. So without further a do, enjoy Jornos Ch 2!!!!

Chapter 2: Terrified

Chapter 1, Chapter 3, Chapter 4,

cw: general fear, panic and anxiety, fear of death, child abandonment, pretty fluffy chapter. word count: 3723

Disclaimer! This story is based on the characters of the Dream SMP and not the real life content creators. Anything that occurs in this story is purely fiction and should be treated as such. Thank you.

When Wilbur had received a text from Phil saying he’d found what he thinks is an abandoned child and brought them home on their way back from work, well Wilbur was confused as F***! What did he mean he’d found an abandoned child? Yes he knew Phil had a bit of a soft spot for kids and a bad habit of ‘adopting them’ figuratively speaking (that’s if Tubbo and Ranboo had anything to say about it), but he said he’d brought a kid home. 

Had Phil kidnapped a child? His brother Techno was equally as confused from the text in their family group chat, and had texted Wilbur to ask if Phil was being legit about this or not. Techno wasn’t going to be arriving home until late that night, as he had a group assignment he was working on with his classmates. Being an English major he had so much school work that came with it and it was just another one he had to knock out of the park. But it sucked heavily for him since Techno wasn’t much of a ‘people person’ to begin with and preferred doing things solo. So maybe it wasn’t a bad thing he wasn’t going to be home just yet. Wilbur knew how some people reacted to seeing Techno…

Wilbur walked up to the front door of the house and opened it up with his set of keys. “Hey Dad! I’m home!” He called as he made his way inside after relocking the front door. “Dad? You here? Where’s this kid you were talking about-” He was about to make his way into Phil’s office when he noticed a figure seated in the kitchen. Sat in a daze was a scrawny and young looking teenager in tattered clothing. They were definitely underfed and probably hadn’t had a good bath in years if not ever; if the look of their mud stained rags clothes said anything from their appearance. “Hi, you must be the kid Phil was talking about,” Wilbur said with a smile as he approached them. The kid shrunk in on themselves at being addressed, but gave a slight nod avoiding eye contact.

“It’s nice to meet you.” They didn’t respond. Instead the kid in question ducked his head down and began to fidget with their hands, shoulders tensed. Right. Phil said they were abandoned right? Probably very on edge right now being in a stranger's home. “So you got suckered into coming home with Phil huh? How’d he pick you up?” He joked trying to ease the tension.

The kid still didn’t respond which just added to the awkward atmosphere in the room. 

Wilbur was about to go find Phil when they quietly responded. “I uh, got lost and um. Ran into a ‘ste-reet lamp’.” The kid said, almost as if they were testing out the word. “I just want to go home to the w- uh nevermind...” The younger said before cutting themself off.

Clearly they were hiding where they lived, but Phil had said to be calm with them. From the dried tear stains down their cheek and slight redness in their eyes, he could tell this kid had been through alot as it was, so better not to push them. “Well I bet that hurt. Did you at least damage the street lamp? They’re all pretty useless at night anyways.” Wilbur said, trying to lighten the mood as he took a seat at the counter. “I’d like to see one of them busted up.” “I didn’t bring it down, but I left a good dent in it.” The kid responded, cautiously eyeing him up and down, before continuing on a little more confidently. “I could have brought it down if I had wanted to. Nothing can stop me! I’m a big man!”

Wilbur couldn’t help the laugh that escaped him.

“A big man huh?  The rest of those street lamps better watch out then in case you go crashing into more of them.”

“Hey it’s not my fault it got in the way!” The blonde snapped back in retaliation, their face scrunched up in annoyance. Wilbur just laughed more at the kid's antics, but they seemed to realize their small outburst, and shrunk back in on themselves. Their hands returning to rest in their lap. 

Well that wasn’t a good sign. “So uh what’s your name?” Wilbur asked, realizing he had yet to ask after a moment's awkward silence. The kid studied him for a moment before answering.

“It’s Tommy. It’s um, nice to meet you, Wilbur.”

Huh? He didn’t remember introducing his name? Or did he? Oh Phil probably told him. That would make sense.

“Ah Wilbur! I see you’ve met Tommy.” Think of the devil and they appear, as Phil walked into the kitchen to stand next to him by the counter. 

“Sorry about that Tommy. I had a call from my co-worker about one of the files I’d given them today.”

Tommy remained still, keeping his eyes trained down avoiding both his and Phil’s gazes. They exchanged concerned looks before Phil motioned for Wilbur to follow him out of the room. 

“We’ll be back in a minute Tommy. Just gotta talk to Wil about some family stuff.” Tommy flinched minutely, but kept his head down and gave a slight nod before Phil and Wilbur exited the room.

“Where in Prime did he come from Dad?” Wilbur demanded when they were both out of ear shot. 

“I have no idea Wil. Kid barely uttered a word on the way here and kept stopping to stare at the strangest things.” “What do you mean?” “He stopped and stared at a bicycle, letter box, phone booth, a trampoline, another letter box, a tree and then at his own hands several times on the way here. Honestly Wil, you’d think Tommy’s never seen any of these things before just based on how long he stared at each object.” “Oh Prime, are you serious?” Wilbur uttered in disbelief.

“Maybe they’ve got a concussion? Tommy did say he ran into a street lamp right? Maybe that’s a side effect?” “I don’t think so.” Phil replied, crossing his arms, a frown forming on his lips. “I don’t think he hit the street lamp all that hard. I heard him running and turned too late to stop him before he ran into it. Then when I checked to see if he was okay, he had a full on panic attack!” “Phil, that's awful.” Wilbur gasped.

“The Kid already looks like s*** and acts like one wrong move and he’s done for.”

“I know! I don’t get it either.” Phil responded as he peered around the side of the office door frame to look at Tommy. The blonde was staring up at the clock, almost as still as a statue.

“You should have seen him when he was coming here Wil. I don’t know what happened to him, but it’s as if he’s at war with himself.”

“Well it can’t have been good.” The brunette huffed in annoyance. “What is he? 14, 15? He looks like he’s been dragged through hell in those clothes and hasn’t eaten in what? Days? Prime, has he eaten anything ever?!?” 

Phil walked over to where Wilbur was seated at his desk, and rested his hand on his shoulder giving it a reassuring squeeze.

“I don’t know Wil, but I’m hoping we’ll find out soon. He just needs some time to settle. When Techno gets back, then we can figure out how to help him.” 

“I know. You’re probably right.” Wilbur said as he reached up and squeezed his father’s hand. “I hope we can.” 

              ฅ/ᐠ｡ꞈ｡ᐟ\ฅ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tommy stared blankly at the clock on the wall. He’d been stuck Human Bean size for roughly what he felt was 2 hours as he’d watched the long stick thingy in the clock complete 2 full rotations, the smaller stick thingy moving two numbers over. It was the only thing he could do without the fear of wrecking something at this new size. 

When he first grew, he thought he was imagining it from how hard his head had been throbbing. But when he had heard Phil’s voice and looked up locking eyes with the Bean, he’d been terrified which had resulted in a panic attack. He has no idea how Phil had calmed him down but he knew that no matter what, he couldn’t shrink down now. Because despite this entire fiasco, it seemed Phil didn’t know he was in fact not a Bean and was instead a Borrower. 

But could he even call himself that anymore? 

Borrowers can’t change their size at will?! What even was he? 

He didn’t know how he’d grown in the first place, let alone know how to shrink back down! Prime! He didn’t even know if he could?! Tommy hadn’t had very long to dwell on those thoughts though. Not when Phil had offered to bring him home, unknowingly saving him from his inner turmoil.

However, even with his new size it was difficult for Tommy to focus on his current situation. The Borrowers at the colony had always said he got easily distracted and that’s what would get a Borrower killed. They’d punished him very harshly every time he had so it was very difficult to focus on following Phil back to the house when everything was just so different. So many new things he’d never seen before or at such a different size. It was alienating in a way, yet he was curious and wanted to know about it all!

So he didn’t understand why when he’d first slipped up, staring at what’s apparently called a Bye-see-call, he hadn’t died by the human’s hand there and then. He’d gotten distracted and needed to be punished, so surely the punishment from them would be 100x worse than what any Borrower could do? But Phil had just simply looked at him oddly before asking if he was alright, asking him why he was staring at the strange contraption with a confused crooked smile. It didn’t make sense! Even after he continued to slip up staring at something else, the man was patient and unknowingly provided answers for what objects were with a smile. 

Don’t get him wrong, he was beyond excited he was learning more about his surroundings, but surely if Phil knew what he really was, this whole situation would be completely different? Yeah that had to be it. If Phil didn’t know he was a Borrower, then he had no reason to harm him. As long as he was big, he was safe. 

But how long could that last? He didn’t know how to become small again and even if he did, he couldn’t with the Bean around. He was trapped in the very place he had tried to get home to and now Wilbur was back. He’d already mucked up, getting ahead of himself responding brashly to Wilbur’s comment about the street lamps. He couldn’t afford to lose focus. He eventually let his eyes wander from the clock to around the kitchen. It was so strange looking at everything at his new size. So familiar yet, so wrong. His eyes soon came to rest upon the bag Phil had taken to work. He’d emptied it of the papers and files when they had first arrived and left the bag sitting on the counter; the cow keychain poking out of it ever so slightly. His eyebrows furrowed as he sat and stared at it in disgust. If he had just left it alone. He didn’t even like its stupid adorable little face anyways. It probably felt really itchy and scratchy to the touch anyways. Tommy hadn’t actually gotten a chance to feel it properly when he tried to unhook it from the keychain. He was too focused on it to take notice of its texture. Besides, it wouldn’t fill the burning desire to fill the hollow feeling in his chest. It was just a dumb cow. Why the hell would he want something as stupid that for all those dumb reasons? He was snapped out of his thoughts as the sound of footsteps made their way back towards the kitchen. ‘Wilbur’ his mind supplied judging by the clinking of the quick, long strides the Bean made whilst walking across the wooden floors. 

As predicted, the Bean walked back around the counter taking a seat back in front of him, leaning forward perched on their elbows. “So Tommy, you hungry?” “Not really.” Tommy lied. He was in fact absolutely starving and exhausted from all the adrenaline he’d been riding the past few hours. He hadn’t eaten anything since last night when he’d gone out on his supply run, but he didn’t want to be a nuisance to the Crafts, but he also didn’t know what he was supposed to do while they were around. “Well, we were thinking we’d get pizza for dinner. Anything in particular you’d like?” Wilbur asked, oblivious to Tommy’s inner turmoil.

“Um, what's Pe-sa?” Testing the strange word out on his tongue, a questioning look on his face. Clearly that was not the right response because Wilbur just stared at him with a furrowed brow puzzled.

“You-you don’t know what Pizza is?” He asked incredulously. “Ha! Just kidding! Of course I know what Pee-za is!” Tommy laughed nervously, trying to play the interaction off as a joke.

“Just get whatever you’d like haha...”

“Uh okay then…” Wilbur stood, giving him a weird look before taking out his phone thingy, pressing buttons on it, making a call to order the pizza. That was a close one.

He sat and waited some more while Wilbur and Phil got things set up for dinner, Tommy returning to stare at various objects before the sound of a doorbell brought him out of his thoughts and the pizza was placed on the counter.

“Eat as much as you like Tommy.”

He gave a timid smile before looking to the box as it was opened and his mouth dropped open. A large circular flat piece of bread covered with red sauce stared Tommy back in the face. It was layered in different kinds of meats and topped with melted cheese, the glorious smell of it wafting through the air filling his nose with a heavenly aroma. So this is Pitza. The thing he’d watched many Beans eating during their movie nights or football finals was sitting before him. He’d smelled it many times wafting through the vents and had tried before to get his hands on a slice. But his only success were the few cold pieces of the crust that some smaller Beans didn’t want. This Peaza though was whole, hot and for him. He picked up a slice and bit into it. 

It was an explosion of flavour and even better than he’d ever imagined. It was like a party in his mouth. No, it was like, TEN parties in his mouth and all at the same time! It was so good in fact, Tommy began to stuff the slice into his mouth. He couldn’t get enough! It was the best damn thing he’d ever eaten!!! “Slow down mate! Don’t want you to choke.” Tommy immediately froze. 

Right. He wasn’t alone in the walls. 

He was in the Crafts kitchen, eating with Phil and Wilbur. Slowly Tommy lowered the rest of the slice he was eating, swallowing the last mouthful with a heavy gulp. How could he forget? He’s eating with Beans. He can’t afford to get over excited and eat as much as he wants. They’d get mad with him for eating too much of their food and then they’d hurt him for being greedy! Slowly he finished the rest of the slice before returning his hands to his lap. “Hey it's alright if you’d like another slice Tommy.” Phil said to him, Tommy glancing up slightly from the remaining pizza. “Just wanted you to slow down is all.” Tommy stared at the pizza, the gloss of the melted cheese tempting him to take another slice tauntingly close. He wanted more. “Uh no thanks.” He lied, closing the lid of the pizza box. “I’m good.” “If you’re sure. We can always heat it up later if you change your mind.” Ignoring the alluring urge for another slice, Tommy allowed his eyes to wander around the room again. He looked at the shelves and to the clock, but found his eyes trailing back down to the cow keychain once more. This time however, Wilbur took notice. “You like that keychain huh?” They mused as Tommy looked away, his face flushed.

“Would be better if it didn’t have that chain bit attached to it.” Tommy murmured as he glanced at the small trinket. “Ruins the softness of the cow.” “If you like, I can remove it from the chain.” He didn’t wait for an answer, as Wilbur carefully began to remove the chain from the plushies stitching. Tommy watched silently as the Bean worked, before he finished and deposited the now chainless plush in front of him. “There we go. What do we think?” He didn’t reply, instead continuing to stare at the small plush. He didn’t- he didn’t think that Wilbur would actually take it off the chain. He really wanted to pick it up. Wanted to take it back into the walls with him. Wanted- “Alright boys, I think we should get Tommy here to bed.” Phil spoke up, interrupting Tommy’s train of thoughts. “You’ve had a pretty big day and I think it would be best if we got you settled and spoke more about things in the morning.” Tommy gave a little nod before standing to follow Phil, eyes trailing down to look at the cow plush one last time before leaving to follow. They walked through the house, Phil leading Tommy into the guest bedroom as he recalled, Wilbur trailing from behind. “You can sleep in here for the night Tommy.” Phil led him into the little room. 

Tommy had been in here many times before. The Beans often used it for storage due to Phil’s ‘Dad hoarding’ habits, as the twins called it, so there was always something easy to borrow. The walls were a plain white and the room itself had a tall bookshelf, a nice desk and single bed with light green bedding. It was quaint despite the array of misfit clutter.

“If you wanted to wash up before bed, I’m sure we could find you something to wear.” Wilbur said as he followed in after Phil and Tommy. “You also don’t have to if you’re not comfortable Tommy.” Phil chimed in. “There’s no pressure.” “Thank you.” he responded quietly before moving towards the bed. Tommy didn’t want to be any more of a bother than what he already had been. The room was enough and the thought of a bath right now while nice also worried him. Water was treated like gold in the old colony and wasting too much of it to bathe in was massively frowned upon. The phantom pain of the scars on his back throbbed slightly at the thought of the last time he’d had a proper bath. He had used the cold streams to wash up many times since the ‘bathing incident’. “Well alright then.” Phil sighed softly as he moved for the door. “The bathroom is down at the end of the hall and to the right if you need it.” Tommy gave a little nod as he watched Phil and Wilbur begin to exit the room. “If you need anything, just let us know. Wilbur’s next door to you and I’m across the hall. If you hear the doors open later tonight, don’t be alarmed. It's just Techno coming home from study.” ‘I know, but thanks’ Tommy thought to himself as Phil left the room, turning his attention now to how Wilbur was wavering by the door frame silently, debating something before nodding and making his way back into the room. “I thought you might like this.” He said as he placed a small brown and white object on the nightstand. The cow plush. “You can have it if you want. I don’t think anyone would mind.” 

Tommy simply stared at the small toy mouth slightly agape, not noticing the way Wilbur smiled softly at him.

“Hope you sleep well Tommy.” Wilbur said as he left the room, swiftly closing the door behind him.

Tommy glared at the cow plush in disgust. It was all the stupid things fault he was in this mess in the first place! If he hadn’t wanted it so badly and just left it alone, stuck to staying within the walls, none of this would have happened! He wouldn’t have gotten stuck in Phil’s bag. He wouldn’t have fallen out of it. He wouldn’t have nearly gotten lost. He certainly NEVER would have grown to be Bean size and gotten stuck at it too! The realization that he was still stuck at this size hit him full force in that moment.

Shit

He had no idea how to become small or if this shift was permanent. He didn’t know how long he could pretend to be a Human Bean before the Crafts got suspicious or kicked him out. Trying to be quiet and submissive may have worked in the old colony, but even they got rid of him as soon as they could. He just wanted to be his normal 3 inch tall self again. Curl up, tucked in small, safe and sound in his little home in the walls. He wanted to be small. He wanted to go home.

Tommy looked over to the small plush again, the once big toy to him now not even half the size of one of his index fingers. Despite all the grief it had caused him, he still wanted it. Still wanted to hold it close and make all the worry wash away. Wanted to feel like he would be loved okay.

He leaned over and gingerly picked up the cow plush and laid down, curling tightly into a ball on the bed as silent tears began to trail down his face.

It was the softest thing he had ever touched.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AND THERE WE GO! WOOOO YOU MADE IT TO THE BOTTOM! Thank you for reading and thank you to @a-xyz-s for proof reading again!!!

For my gt peeps I know there wasn’t a whole lot of gt this chapter but next chapter I will be back with some tiny Tommy times so stay tuned!!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Tag list: @brick-a-doodle-do @munchkin1156 I'm not sure who else to add to this. If the tumblr fam wants to be tagged in future let me know or if you want be removed ping me ^v^

[yuniemaki]

tagged by @cadriona you have all my love and undying support, even should i become an undead i will come back to bang on your doors so you'll finish your UNFINISHED WORKS.

how many works do you have on ao3?

39, I don't know what are anon'ed works, lalala

2. what's your total ao3 word count?

492,719

3. what fandoms do you write for?

Genshin... once upon a time in the ff.net days I wrote for Dragon Age, Claymore, Air Gear and Skyrim/Oblivion too, but these days a certain lesbian couple from Genshin lives rent-free in my head, y'know?

4. what are your top 5 fics by kudos?

BY KUDOS??? 😭 1. Dancing in circles 2. Trust in the stars 3. a gift from the stars 4. Welcome back, my Captain 5. Even if it's selfish, I still want you to stay

5. do you respond to comments?

Yes I love all comments they make me squeal because wow someone found my shit in a sea of food and went, "damn I'm gonna talk to the person who pooped this shit out!" I'm honoured. Work sometimes makes me slow but I read every comment and spend way too long thinking about how I should respond HELP

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

I... I don't do angsty endings... there is a fic with one, but it's currently locked because it's for a zine. I'll share when it's out :P

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

THAT'S EVERYTHING HELLO. ANGST WITH HAPPY ENDING MY BELOVED

8. do you get hate on fics?

probably, but I don't see it, so eh ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

9. do you write smut? if so, what kind?

you do not ask yunie what smut she writes.

10. do you write crossovers? what's the craziest one you've written?

i hardly write crossovers... it's enough trouble to make sure my ideas are potentially canon-compliant, nevermind making sure they could be accepted as canon for TWO universes. I wrote one for Skyrim x Genshin though. beiguang but dark brotherhood x pirate. :D

11. have you ever had a fic stolen?

naur i'm not that amazing

12. have you ever had a fic translated?

sadly nope tho i would be honoured

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

nope, i've done that plenty in classes and am honestly not a fan, but i'm sure it works for people who are very in-tune!

14. what's your all time favourite ship?

beiguang. my beloved. they pulled out 500k words from me and still counting after a 10-year hiatus. amazing

15. what's a WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

one that's been sitting in the pile for a while... about ningguang faking her death and beidou finding out like a year later. no, i don't have anything beyond that line :(

16. what are your writing strengths?

i think i write dialogue pretty well

17. what are your writing weaknesses?

i'm often too lazy to edit, and i slack a lot on descriptions because... yeah, i'm too lazy for my own good. :/ i can also get really impatient with longer fics like i'll get angry that i'm not at the scene i really want to write, count the number of chapters i still have to do to reach there, then close the doc in rage.

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

i don't really like it, because it's kinda immersion-breaking for me. i prefer to write it all in english but state that the character is speaking in xxx language instead

19. first fandom you wrote for?

Claymore, with OCs!

20. favorite fic you've written?

beiguang mafia au with their version of a happy ending. I love my beiguang twisted, obsessive and somewhat toxic

tagging @canonical-transformation, @aurilium, @mireillexy, @dreamerinsilico @asharinhun, @narcoticwriter and anyone else who wants to answer! OPEN TAG!

[ineffable-snowman]

Fic Tag Game

Thanks for tagging me @gingiekittycat 💜

I already did this a few months ago (and somehow managed to find it on my blog, wow!), so I've copy pasted most of the answers and updated some of them.

How many works do you have on ao3?

fifteen

2. What's your Ao3 word count?

403,077

3. What fandoms do you write for?

right now I'm not writing much, just occasionally trying to work on my Good Omens wip.

4. What are your top five fics by kudos?

Maybe Someday - 1,114 kudos

Trouble Man - 853 kudos

Pet Psychopath - 738 kudos

Match Made on Earth - 616 kudos

Partners, Accidentally - 571 kudos

5. Do you respond to comments?

I try, because I think interaction is important to keep a fandom "alive" (even if often I don't know what to say apart from "thanks for reading and commenting"). That reminds me that you, @gingiekittycat, sent me the nicest comment and I still haven't responded yet, will do now right away!

6. What's the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

I don't write angsty endings. But some readers didn't agree with me that Match Made on Earth had a happy ending, so I will pick that one here.

7. What's the fic your write with the happiest ending?

They all have happy endings, but the ending of Four Chord Songs and Sentimental Lyrics is particularly sappy. I was wondering if that love song in the last chapter was *too much*, but then I thought: nope, it's Anakin, *too much* is his personality trait.

8. Do you get hate on fics?

Some months ago I got two very rude anon comments on one of my Obikin fics accusing me of horrible things. The accusations felt pretty generic and did not fit that particular story at all, so probably from someone who had not even read the summary, but they still left me a little shaken. Fortunately, the people in the Obikin discord were really kind about it and helped to cheer me up.

Back on FFNET I received the occasional "ew, they're not gay, why would you write that?" Also there were some people who were angry at the way I wrote Obi-Wan, saying things like "how can you say he's your favourite character and then characterise him as weak/flawed/incompetent... and make so many bad things happen to him?"

BUT, all in all, fandom has been a positive experience and the many good interactions far outweigh the odd rude comment.

9. Do you write smut? What kind?

Does one awkward sex scene per multi chapter fic count? (No.)

10. Do you write cross-overs?

No.

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

I don't think so, not that I know of.

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

Yes, a long time ago on FFNET when I still wrote Harry Potter fic.

13. Have you ever cowritten a fic before?

Yes. Would love to do it again but I'm a very slow writer and would hate to leave someone waiting for too long.

14. What's your all time favourite ship?

I feel like Obikin is the "correct" answer because I always come back to them.

15. What's your WIP you like to finish, but doubt you ever will?

Step into Christmas with me. So far, I've managed to add two chapters every season. If I continue at that pace, I might finish it in two more years...

16. What are your writing strength?

Beginnings and endings.

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

The long middle parts that always become too long and repetitive.

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

I don't really like it because it takes me out of a story. I don't want to check footnotes or use google translate in the middle of reading. I prefer if it's done with descriptions or dialogue tags matching the perception of the pov character, for example, if the character doesn't understand Spanish but I do, it's better if it's written like "...she said something in Spanish that sounded like a question to him" instead of writing down the actual question in Spanish.

19. First fandom you wrote for?

Just for myself: Harry Potter. Posting online: Star Wars.

20. Favourite fic you've ever written?

Servants of the Force is definitely not my best writing but it's still my favourite fic anyway because I've never put so much effort into a fic before and I'm proud that I finished it.

tagging @chanihobbit, @saddybildaddy, @sky-kenobye, @ineffableobikin (no pressure tags!) and everyone who wants to do it (again).

[moinsbienquekaworu]

And now, by popular demand, the latest post in the series of me listing fics I have enjoyed reading: Kylux edition! (dedicated to @romanticvampire and @zeawesomebirdie <3)

Usual disclaimers apply, that is to say I have my own personal tastes & biases, I prefer longer works, I read a lot of smut + people write a lot of smut for this ship, there are very few kinks I won't read, I love omegaverse, and there's lots of fucked up dynamics for these two, so read the tags carefully before reading!

Obviously I'm not saying those are the only good fics ever or the best, just that I had them downloaded to my phone/in my AO3 bookmarks and thought they were at least a fun read. You're free to think I have bad or weird tastes, but keep that to yourself.

All the links work as of late june 2023, so if you can't see one of the fics, it's probably archive locked. Sometimes I add comments but sometimes I don't, and obviously I have stronger opinions about certains works than others, but it also can just be that my memories are vague or that the summary just sells the fic better than any comment I could add. The fics are sorted from longest to shortest.

Onto the list!

First, here are authors whose names I Remember, most likely because I dug through their entire AO3 to find more cool fics back when I was really into Kylux, but also maybe because I realised while making this list that they'd written a few works I like but hadn't connected to them before. It doesn't mean those are the only authors worth reading, they really really aren't, they're just authors whose names I recognise and who wrote multiple fics I liked! They're listed in alphabetic order.

– callmelyss/(a)roseofgalaxies

• From the Last Whelming Sea (42k, 10 chapters)

By now, Kylo might have recited the story himself, how it had been before, how there was once a mighty republic—or an empire—or both?—between the many planets. How it had fallen into war and chaos. How, in insolation, their world had changed, the oceans rising, the cities tumbling. How the people had changed afterward, taken to the life still possible under the waves. – Generations after the Republic, the Empire, the Force, and terrestrial civilization have fallen from memory, Kylo is a prince on the cusp of fulfilling his destiny as leader of his people, who live among the sunken remnants of the world before. That is, until he meets Hux, a cantankerous tinkerer with an affinity for technology and the old relics, who challenges his understanding of everything he thought he knew about the oceans, the galaxy, his family—and himself.

• And All That Road Going (38k, 4 chapters)

Kylo regards the pair of them. Phasma’s pale hair haloes her paler face; Hux’s eyes are dark, unfathomable in the shadows. The city’s lights glitter behind them, beckoning them all back, but neither spares a glance that way, at that luminous oasis. They’re both looking at him, expectant, and at the road ahead. And it would be much easier to do this alone; he didn’t want to involve other people, least of all two strangers he’s just met. – Kylo Ren, AKA Ben Solo, the son of a prominent California Senator and a mechanic, flees his past and the authorities, trying to leave both behind in the Nevada desert. Along the way, he picks up a cynical waitress and a sharp-tongued con artist in need of their own new beginnings. Together, in his father's '77 Plymouth Voyager, they find more than the road between the edge lines.

• My Baby's a Devil in the Bedroom (20k, 6 chapters)

“Oh, obviously.” Kylo let out a shaky laugh and ran both hands through his hair. “Wait, no, you’re serious. You’re a fucking demon.” “Well, yes, not to put too fine a point on it.” Hux smiled, clearly pleased with himself at the joke. “Or more accurately, I’m a succubus. A sex demon.” – Kylo has an unusual squatter. He's pretty fine with it.

• Monster, Lovely (8.9k, 2 chapters)

“Wait, what?” The redhead—previously with his tongue halfway down Kylo's throat and his hand jammed into the front of his jeans—takes a halting step backward. He raises his fingers into the grimy light from the bathroom window. No mistake: they’re glistening with secretion and glowing a faint violet as he turns them this way and that, studying them. “Huh.” – It was supposed to be a casual party hookup. That was before Armitage knew about the tentacles.

• Hesitation Change (8.2k)

“I—" Kylo says. Meaning to explain. Except he doesn’t know that he can. Account for the impulse just now, to go against this precisely coordinated spectacle, to answer an unposed question, what it would feel like to kiss him in front of the entire expanse of known civilization, and, perhaps most pressingly, whether his lips are as soft as they look (softer). – The Supreme Leader marries his Grand Marshal.

-> absolutely insane about this author. Monster, Lovely is always lurking in my brain. From the Last Whelming Sea and And All That Road Going altered my brain chemistry. The author made all the works private while I was finishing up the list and I waited until they made them publicly available again because I could not post a Kylux reclist that didn't link to them. Lyss (if that's still what you go by?) if you're reading this you changed my life a little and I don't know you but I love you.

– Camellia Cook

• Catch and Release, in collaboration with armoredsuperheavy (19k, 4 chapters)

Six months after the death of Supreme Leader Snoke, Hux feels like he’s all that’s holding the First Order together, but he’s barely managing to keep himself together. He’s stressed out and exhausted, unable to step away from his work long enough to truly relax. Kylo Ren is intimately acquainted with the feeling of being overwhelmed by one’s responsibilities. Looking at Hux, he remembers a long-ago encounter that helped him escape that feeling once, for a little while. He’s certain he could do the same thing for Hux, if only Hux would let him.

• Decadence; Or, Five Times Hux Tempted Kylo Ren and One Time Ren Tempted Him (17k, 4/7 chapters)

Hux is horrified to learn the depths of the new Supreme Leader's asceticism, and so he personally sets out to convince him that there's nothing wrong with enjoying yourself from time to time--for the greater good of the First Order, of course. A little pleasure might go some way towards decreasing Ren's famous volatility, after all. Not that kind of pleasure, though. This isn't a seduction. (Yes, it is, but Hux is the one being seduced.)

• Moonlighting (11k)

When Hux decides to visit a famous red-light district in search of a little stress relief, he’s disappointed in the selection until a tall, broad stranger in a skirt and heels catches his eye. When he gets closer, he finds that the stranger isn’t a stranger at all--it’s Kylo Ren, Supreme Leader of the First Order, selling himself on a street corner. It must be some sort of undercover work to track down a resistance operative--surely that’s the only possible explanation. There’s no way Ren could be doing this just because he gets off on it… right?

• masters of the fucking universe (5.8k)

Kylo Ren, CEO of First Order Peacekeeping Solutions, plucks his top engineer, Armitage Hux, out of his lab and brings him along to a high-class fundraiser to help sell their newest innovation. Hux is just trying to keep up, and not give away the enormous crush he has on his boss--which is made much more difficult when Kylo decides he wants some company after the event.

-> I keep thinking about Moonlighting, I would safely put it in the top 10 of the hottest fics I have ever read (hottest to me personally of course). I will forever mourn that Decadence didn't get finished, but the 4 chapters we have are already incredible.

– flyting

• In A Crowd of Thousands (1.2k)

Hux recalls the time he met Ben Solo, unaware that Kylo remembers it too. “It was Endor Day,” Kylo realizes. He remembers those parades, distantly, through the veil of another life. A hot, cloudless summer day and a cheering crowd. “Yes,” Hux says. “I didn’t realize it at the time or I wouldn’t have-” he stops, shutting his mouth. “Wouldn’t what?” “I suppose I got rather into the spirit of things. I was twelve. It was warm and there was music, and everyone was so excited. Someone gave me a free iced chocolate. It was the best thing I’d ever tasted.”

• Breaking Down Like Fractions (6.9k, 2 chapters)

For the TFA-kink prompt: AU where Ben Solo never became Kylo Ren, but he's still the same man who *could* have become Kylo Ren. He's prone to fits of temper, he's very strong in the Force, and... he's a Jedi. He's developed a soft touch on people's minds (because Uncle Luke is so disappointed when he's mean to prisoners, although Uncle Luke is disappointed in him anyway) and he's the Resistance's interrogator of last resort. And then the Resistance captures a prize: General Hux of the First Order. He's building a base somewhere that can destroy an entire star system at once. And Ben is the only one who can find out where it is.

• Reputation (15k, 9 chapters)

Kylo finds out Hux is an omega. Functionally it makes no difference -- everybody in the FO takes hormone control -- but every so often medical deems fit to have someone go through a rut/heat. Alpha/omegas are uncommon enough that it doesn't present real disruptions. Kylo is excited. He's an alpha, and has never experienced being around an available omega. Omegas are supposed submissive, needy things -- according to Han's old romance novels and Snoke's gender essentialism 101, at least. And the glut of porn. Subjugating the general sounds appealing. It turns out heat makes Hux mean. He's aggressive, hostile, and doesn't seem to give a fuck about Kylo or his fancy dick.

-> Reputation has been on my wall list of fanfics I like since July 2021 and the author writes great (that's the end of the sentence, their writing is great)

– imperialhuxness

• Brighter Visions (14k)

Then: Free-wheeling arms runner Kylo Ren sells illicit kyber to a disgraced general with nothing left to lose. Now: The Emperor doesn't cope well with lateness from his best clandestine operative. – "Kylo’s chest clenches, and he pulls Hux closer. The Force is glowing again at the margin of his consciousness, something warm and golden and alive threatening to burst out of it. Thirty years of life, and he’s been three different people: the failed padawan, the misfit criminal, and the Emperor’s one-man death squad. Only the lattermost has been happy."

• Love, Your Crooked Neighbor (11k)

When Snoke assigned Hux to bring in his newest asset, Hux was expecting some everyday Coruscanti underworlder on a low-profile Core World. Predictable. Routine. What he gets is a burning compound on a nameless hunk of rock, a confused young pseudo-Sith, and oh, yeah. Feelings.

• Super Fade (8k)

After Ben returns to his hometown from a disastrous first semester of college, his dad attempts to revive one of their oldest father-son bonding activities: picking out New Year's fireworks. His going-places high school ex is the last person he expects to find on the other side of the counter. – Over a gray v-neck—not a button-down, what the hell— that bares his pale throat and prominent collar bones, the guy’s wearing a leather jacket. An enamel pride flag pin shines on his lapel. “Oh, my god,” Ben breathes. “Armitage?” What has to be Armitage fucking Hux looks him up and down. “How‘s Yale?” he says, and adds belatedly, “You may set your items on the table.”

-> Once again, Super Fade changed my life, it is so very memorable to me for personal reasons. Love, Your Crooked Neighbor is an extremely fun read also, not like funny but very enjoyable to me

– Kyluxtrashpit @kyluxtrashpit (who is still posting about them even though it's been years, thank you for your service, I haven't read for these two in a while but I'll swing by for your last fic)

• Floss Me (2k)

Hux, Kylo's boyfriend, is aghast to find out how rarely Kylo flosses (i.e. never) and he can't take it anymore, so he decides to take matters into his own hands. Kylo's mind, however, takes things in a different direction, and it turns out both of them enjoy the rather unexpected results.

• Aural (2.7k)

Hux fucks Kylo's ear. (Yeah you read that right)

• Monthly Reports (3.1k)

Kylo Ren's tantrums are expensive, and those extra expenses always complicate Hux's paperwork. Rebalancing the budget takes time, time that could be better spent doing something useful. So, of course, he devises a punishment for Ren.

-> Now those may sound a little... strange. Especially Aural. And it would be reasonable of you to think "ew I'm not reading that" but what is life if you never read fics that sound insane and are actually also very good? Huh? You can check out the rest of their works because they're also good, this is just the few I had downloaded on my phone. Floss Me is more normal and I am still a little obsessed with it <3

– notlikelybutpossible (all archive restricted!)

• the Fall Out Kylux series (148k, 3 works of about 50k each)

Inexperienced alpha Kylo Ren gets stranded on Hoth with reluctant omega Armitage Hux. Guess who’s going into heat. Guess who has to help him…

• My lonely heart calls (37k, 3 chapters)

Irreverent werewolf Kylo Ren meets repressed furry Armitage Hux. They're perfect for each other.

• the Dick in a box series (8.7k, 3 works)

In which Kylo Ren presents Hux with his dick. In a box.

• Once A-Pawn A Time (7.2k)

Hux has seen the mysterious man around a fair bit over recent months – he's hard to miss, with his height and build, not to mention the scar that runs all the way down one cheek. Hux is reasonably sure he’s living out of the battered Ford that he often leaves in the Walmart parking lot. But he's never come into the pawn shop before…

• Yours, desperately (6.7k)

Ren discovers Hux has a secret kink. And, being an emotionally fluent, boundary-respecting adult, decides his new purpose in life is to convince Hux to share…

• Holding out for a Hero (3.6k)

When Kylo Ren emerges from the waves before him, Armitage Hux is far more interested in his cock than, y'know, the fact that he's a centaur...

• Tie me down and use me up (2.1k)

"I just think that Kylo's massive cock deserves to be edged or used as a dildo for someone else's pleasure. Preferably with little to no regard for the pleasure or satisfaction of the man it belongs to." (@ProteanKylux, 28 July 2021, Twitter)

• Oil and fire (2k)

Kylo, a friendly liquid blob monster, encounters a human hiking through the forest who entrances him like a flame entrances a moth. He wants to touch.

• Soggy Biscuits (2k)

Kylo Ren was not prepared to deal with a very drunk, very uninhibited Hux bragging about how fast he can masturbate. But... he also wasn't prepared to just let him win.

-> I'm insane about all of those but especially the Fall Out Kylux series, Alpha Dog and Omegalomaniac lives in my brain still. I also remember clicking on the AO3 email for Soggy Biscuits <3 Once A-Pawn A Time is weird to read once Anakin becomes your blorbo as well but the concept charms me so much

– sigo

• Homecoming (13k)

“Ren, it’s midnight,” Hux sighed at his infuriating coworker. “Get to it.” “I may have informed my entire family previously that we were dating.”

• Whitecap Violence (5.2k)

When Kylo had first wanted to bring Hux along, Hux had protested. Bad enough that the Supreme Leader was always off galivanting planetside somewhere. The Chancellor should stay on Coruscant. Kylo would hear none of it, and here Hux was.

• The One with the Eggs (4.9k)

Hux turned on his heel, but hardly made it two steps before running straight into Kylo Ren. He knew his face betrayed his dismay. He didn’t have time for this.

-> Eggs are not everyone's thing but when they're yours it's really hard to find good fics, thankfully this fic exists. Homecoming was a kinda strange but fascinating read, by which I mean I read it once years ago and I still remember it pretty well, and Whitecap Violence is easily one of my fave titles I've ever seen

– solohux

• Screaming Colour (38k)

For as long as Hux can remember, he's been able to see everything in brilliant, vivid colour. His mother tells him that it means that he's got a soulmate somewhere in the galaxy who's waiting for him and little Hux is excited to think that his soulmate can see things in the amazing colours that he can. But one day, the colour begins to drain from Hux's world. (Soulmate AU where you see everything in perfect colour until your soulmate dies)

• What We're Made Of (13k, 3 chapters)

On the morning of your 5th birthday, you'll wake up with a new toy beside you, one that is made in the image of your destined soulmate. Young Ben has a little wooden General with orange hair and a woolly greatcoat that matches his little cap, whilst young Armitage has a soft plush of a Jedi, one with soft dark hair and two brown buttons for eyes. The two boys are happy with their new toys. Their families, however, are not. It shapes them.

• Emergency Consort (7.2k)

Supreme Leader Kylo Ren is close to sealing a deal with a highly influential council that’ll help sway the war in their favour. The only issue is that the council only deal with alphas who are mated as they believe that they’re much tamer and more level-headed this way. All Kylo needs to do is pretend to be mated whilst visiting the planet to sign the agreement. He seizes the opportunity to offer Hux a promotion in return for pretending to be his mate. Hux agrees, and their courting begins.

• Pander To The Prince (4.7)

Armitage Hux is a pillow prince, leaving it up to his Sugar Daddy, Kylo Ren, to do all of the work for him in the bedroom.

• The Sixth Drink Instinct (2.2k)

Drunk student Hux spots his hot professor in a bar and goes over to him.

-> What We're Made Of and Emergency Consort were some of my first Kylux fics I think and I have such a deep fondness for them! Also just the concept of What We're Made Of is incredible.

– sternfleck

• the Arcana Imperii series (56k, 9 works)

Based on the “Duel of the Fates” leaked alternate script for Episode 9.

• Nestful (5.5k)

Out of everyone in the First Order, only Kylo Ren knows the truth about Hux: the General is half alien...and entirely appealing. Or: Hux builds a nest out of pillows and clothes when it’s time for him to lay his eggs. Kylo wins his trust to enter the nest and give Hux the reward he deserves. For Kylux Positivity Week 2.0, Day 8. Prompt: “Wild Card."

• salt & he was still hungry (2.7k)

“I don’t see why it’s so crucial that I share this childhood experience of yours,” Armitage grumbles, cuddling Millicent closer even as he leans back into Ben’s arms. “We’re adults. We’re old enough to have children of our own, if we were so inclined. Surely there are better ways to spend our time than in surrendering to nostalgia.” Ben only hugs him tighter, one big arm around Armitage’s waist, while, with the other hand, he pulls a pillow into Armitage’s lap and rests the open picture book across it. Then, with a last kiss to Armitage’s temple, he begins to read. In the light of the moon, a little egg lay on a leaf. - Soft grown-up boyfriends Ben and Armitage cuddle in a blanket nest and enjoy Ben's favourite picture book together. At least, Ben enjoys it. Armie, on the other hand, has many thoughts about caterpillars, child development, and their romantic future.

-> The whole "salt-verse" thing is fascinating to me tbh. Remember what I said about egg fics being rare? Yeah, this is My Egg Fic™ for Kylux (and one of my egg fics of forever across everything I've ever read). Is it weird that I have one, yes, is the fic deserving of the spot it's been occupying rent-free in my brain for years, also yes. I hate to say this but Arcana Imperii is the vibes I wanted for the end of another Kylux fic lol.

And now, the actual list of fics! Some of those authors also wrote other fics (cough cough hollycomb) but if they're not on the list it's that I just never read them/found it easy to pick a favourite, not that I think they're bad!

• Dollars to Donuts by ktula (183k, 24 chapters)

Kylo just wants to ask Hux out on a date. That's all he wants. Sure, he's been closeted since he figured out he was gay, and he's never gone on a date with anybody before, and also Hux intimidates the hell out of him--but how bad could it possibly be? (It could be 'proposing a celibate fake marriage to the guy you've been in love with for two years so he can get his inheritance' bad, Kylo. That's how bad it could be.

-> Classic, I can't not include it but it's probably super popular and you might have seen it somewhere (I don't know I don't look at stats or talk to people). Personally not only did I like the fake dating (love that stuff) I also appreciated the author including a commentary at the end of chapters, it helped me Get the fic and it was cool.

• Ad Augustana per Sciencia by Star_flaming (157k, 12 chapters)

Hux prided himself on being a man who managed to have interests outside of the military. His newest interest; history so old that many thought it useless in the modern age. And he could have been quite content, reading articles and books on ancient cultures if it wasn't for Kylo Ren, who seemed to have made it his goal to inject himself into Hux's academic pursuits when he wasn't destroying the ship through his apparent self-destructive tendencies. Or: Academia brings two idiots together and builds a new regime

-> I never finished this fic but the worldbuilding is absolutely insane and I say that with all the love in my heart. The concept of space children makes me foam at the mouth it's so cool and I want to see that energy in canon SW so bad. Incredible. Also love when there's Ancient History <3

• In The Days Still Left by carefulben (154k, 23 chapters)

The instructions are clear, but following them will take more strength of nerves and willpower than either General Hux or Kylo Ren could have anticipated. With Starkiller Base destroyed, they are sent on a mission that will test their loyalties and bring things to light that may have been better off kept in the dark.

-> Add it to the pile of never finished fics I should really really finish. I remember it vaguely but I know it was cool and good.

• Reach Out and Touch Faith by for_autumn_i_am and ktula (146k, 10 chapters)

New Contacts (1): General A. Hux [Finalizer] - Kylo blinks. Sits up, and carefully presses the button. It’s—fuck, it’s a professional holo of him. Full colour, instead of the wavering blue of the hologram unit embedded in Snoke’s throne, and General Hux has—General Hux has red hair, and green-grey eyes, and he’s so focused, so settled. Like he knows what he wants. Like he knows how to get it.

-> Okay I'm going to be honest I read that one because of the title haha. It might even have introduced me to the song, but I'm not certain. Almost no memories of it but it absolutely cannot be bad, look at that summary, look at those authors, I just know it's good.

• The structural fabrications series by kyluxtrashcompactor (133k & 3 works, 40-50k per work)

Six months ago, Armitage Hux fabricated a fiancé, never expecting to have to drag him to a funeral in Georgia, pretending to be something they weren't. The problem was, Ben Solo was everything Hux had ever wanted. Ben Solo had hidden his love for his roommate for years, thinking that someone as perfect as Hux would never want a broken soldier like him. But he was wrong. Sometimes you have to tell a lie to find the truth.

-> This series was so.... yeah. If you don't want to Feel Things inside your heart right now you should keep it for later but it's great. I read the first fic, knew I couldn't handle the two others right then, and unfortunately didn't come back, but that first work was insane and incredible and a ride.

• Beauty Beneath (Beyond) by dallystrings (104k, 11 chapters)

“You know Ben, he’s a disaster when it comes to planning in advance,” Hux laughed lightly, dropping his hand to entwine his fingers in Ben’s. “I’m Hux, his boyfriend.” or, the one where Ben really doesn't want to go home, and Hux is just trying to be a better friend. or, or, the 2020 newly edited version of Beauty Beneath (2016)

-> I like fake/pretend relationships okay!! It might not be the single best I've ever read but it does the job and it does it well.

• Suit Porn by for_autumn_i_am (77k, 9 chapters)

Armitage Hux has worked tirelessly to become CEO of First Order Corp's UK office, however his counterpart in the States, Kylo Ren, is the most infuriating man with whom to exchange emails. When Hux is called to New York to meet with Ren, he encounters a delicious man in a suit, who wants to do unspeakable things to him. But when Hux walks into his meeting the next morning, he's in for a surprise and the beginning of a relationship that is far more than just business.

-> I had no memories of this one so I went to read it and I don't think it's present-me's jam anymore, but it sure delivers upon its premise if that sounds interesting to you!

• Sweet Home Arkanis by Gefionne and minzimpression (68k, 8 chapters)

Hux is engaged to the man of his dreams. There’s just one catch: he’s already married to his high school sweetheart, Ben Solo. Now he needs a divorce, and he needs it fast.

-> Do you think those cliché hallmark movies are entertaining if not very good? Well. Fanfic version, ie automatically more enjoyable because at least there's no weird sexism. I'm selling it all wrong, don't listen to me, it's just really good, I have great memories of that one.

• There's no escape from my authority by The_Marron (67k, 20 chapters)

Hux refuses to go to Snoke like a schoolboy waiting for punishment he did not deserve. Now he has two weeks until they reach the Supreme Leader's quarters to stage a coup and take Snoke out of the equation. To do that he will not only need his crew, but also the loyalty of his rival. Nobody said becoming an Emperor was easy and pleasant.

-> I only remember the title but it is a really cool title. I think it was good? That summary is certainly making me want to take another look at it

• All Hearts Come Home For Christmas by aaelandair (66k, 8 chapters)

"Do you want to come home with me and pretend to be my boyfriend for a week?" Hux stares at him incredulously. "What the actual fuck, Ren? No." - Kylo desperately needs a fake boyfriend for Christmas, so his family won't be disappointed in him once again. Hux would be the perfect candidate for the job, except for the part where he doesn't want to do it. Convincing him that this is actually a good idea should be easy, though. Right?

-> Aand some more fake/pretend relationship! This one is really good at that trope and a very fun read <3

• Status: It's Complicated by PangolinPirate and sunnywritesstuff (61k, 8 chapters)

Armitage Hux is a graduate student working hard to make ends meet. To ease the financial strain he offers tutoring lessons. Enter one Kylo Ren, an apparently spoiled rich kid whose struggling to pass his law classes and is in danger of loosing his considerable inheritance if he can't improve. Kylo has everything Hux wishes he had when he was an undergraduate: Money, connections, parents who gave a shit about his education. Kylo asks Hux to be his tutor and what started as a side gig for cash turns into feelings. At first, Hux is unimpressed with the spoiled man-child student, but slowly realizes he can’t hide from it anymore— Kylo Ren does something to him that no other person ever has before, and to hell if he won’t indulge in that.

-> Didn't finish that one either, I'm a fanfic magpie and AO3 is full of very shiny jewels, but the beginning was fun

• the Kylux Animal Welfare AU (Madame, That's Not A Hedgehog & co) by GenerallyHuxurious (57k & 11 works for the whole series, 21k & 7 chapters for the main fic)

Armitage Hux is an animal welfare officer with First Order Animal Rescue, one of the biggest animal charities in the world, he spends his days saving animals and his nights home alone with his three-legged rescue cat Millicent. Kylo Ren's mother helped him open a private wildlife clinic in the hope that he'd stop causing international incidents in the name of animal rights. Hux hasn't had a date in six years and Kylo's been trying to work out how to ask him out for the last four. Now he might have spotted his chance…

-> ASPEC HUX!!! This is not a drill!!!!! He's aspec!!!!! He's demi!!!! The plot is also immaculate obviously but aspec Hux!!!! It touches on animal abuse so be careful, I know the last chapter really shook me, but it stands out in my memory and I love it a whole lot. Aspec Hux also once again.

• Dire Oversight by ezlebe (54k, 7 chapters)

“Thvala has a long tradition of binding political alliances with marriage,” Captain Pforn says, looking up from the heretofore agreed contract and folding his hands over the data pad. He has a smile like what he said isn’t absolutely senseless, “It is the will of Sovereign Andeles that you and Prince Gheralt fulfill this aspect of the contract.”

-> Fake marriages my beloveds. I keep reccing fics with that trope but they're all fun!!

• On Bended Knee by rudbeckia (47k, 10 chapters)

Armitage Hux, just out of an unhealthy long term relationship with an older man, is on vacation. On his first night, the complete stranger from the next room proposes. The handsome complete stranger with shoulders that look like he could wrestle a ram and hair that would make a poet weep. Armitage says yes. That’s no basis for a lasting relationship. Is it?

-> Ohoho I am insane about that one. The start of their relationship. The development. Hux's ex. I won't spoil but there is Something in their relationship that is different from what you usually see in romance and it's great.

• Young Couple Arguing in IKEA, 2016 (Mixed Media) & First Love, Late Spring by hollycomb (7k, 38k & 3 chapters)

Ren drags Hux to IKEA and asks him what he thinks about cacti. Hux does his best to avoid a full nervous breakdown.

"Hux felt like he had nothing left to lose and ended up back at the apartment Ren shared with his cousin and her husband, indulging in what he assumed would be a reckless one night stand. It was reckless indeed, but Hux was still there three days and approximately nineteen fucks later." Ren's POV on bringing a lonely ginger criminal home and never wanting to let him go.

-> ALSO obsessed with that one. Obsessed obsessed. It hit me right in the feels and it was absolutely insane and I am in genuine love with it. You can read them in whichever order, I think I read First Love, Late Spring first? It comes first in in-universe chronological order but that doesn't really matter. BTW, if you have not, listen to First Love, Late Spring by Mitski, it is also an insane song that makes me feel shrimp emotions.

• Hotline Bling by minzimpression (37k, 4 chapters)

Hux wants a dick pic from his recent hook-up. Unfortunately, he texts the wrong number.

-> If I was serious-insane about the others I'm silly-insane about that one. It's very very fun to read, at least in my eyes.

• What we want by mssdare (37k, 7 chapters)

Kylo is doing Community Service in a state-run assisted living facility outside NYC. He hates his job, his life, and mostly--himself. One of the patients in the facility is old Colonel Hux. His son, Armitage, is the most infuriating, stuck up man Kylo has ever met in his life.

-> And back to more serious-insane. I think if you read all the fics that Resonate with me you can tell what's wrong with me. ALSO! ASPEC HUX!! Yeah I have to shout it from the rooftops because I love it. More aspec characters everywhere. I love his relationship to sexuality there.

• On the Waves by OneWhoSitsWithTurtles (34k, 7 chapters)

Armitage Hux is forced to join his father and step-mother on a 14 day cruise hosted for high society families to network and debut their children to the world. Now that Armitage is 25 years old he is expected to marry someone whose family will strengthen the Hux business and if by the end of the cruise Armitage isn’t engaged, he’s in trouble. Worse still is the fact that Armitage is gay and his father would disown him if he knew. Resigned to a miserable two weeks, Armitage is caught off guard when he catches the eye of Ben Solo, who is on the cruise with his own family. It doesn’t help that Ben is exactly his type and although Armitage tries, he can’t resist temptation as he and Ben become close. For two weeks their affection grows in secret with one question remaining: what happens when the cruise ends and their time together runs out?

-> The plot is straightforward, the fic is fun, there's some Rey and Phasma in there too if you like them!

• Something About Volcanoes by betts (28k, 5 chapters)

“Think about it.” Hux makes a grandiose, sweeping motion with his arm. “The drama. The chaos. The rumors. The only thing better than a destination wedding is a heartwarming coming-out story to take the spotlight away from your selfish loved ones and their horrid pursuit of emotional fulfillment. Then you wait a few months, and announce it was all just a phase and you’re in fact happily engaged to…I don’t know, one of those body pillow things.”

-> Yet more fake dating. I just love fake dating. They're assholes in this one and I love assholes.

• fingerprints smudging the stars by TheSpaceCoyote (21k, 2 chapters)

For years Hux has carried himself with the poise and power of an alpha, his true endotype hidden with the help of fake scents and powerful suppressants. But on the cusp of Starkiller's completion, something slips through the general's carefully crafted failsafes and threatens to undo everything he's built up over the years. Hux has never been one to accept help, but with an unexpected problem mounting—not to mention the interference of unpredictable alpha Kylo Ren—he might have to.

-> Dope title and I have very few memories of this one but it sounds like a neat omegaverse. I also trust the author to do words good

• The Wildflower Prince by PangolinPirate and solohux (21k, 4 chapters)

Armitage Hux is an omega, locked away in a tower until his alpha father can find use for him. His tower is deep in the enchanted forests and surrounded by an impenetrable circle of magic, so Hux lives a very lonely and quiet life. That is, until gifts begin appearing upon his balcony.

-> I really like omegaverse too! Sue me! This one is neat and simple and a great read, it has Rapunzel vibes and it's fun.

• Caim by Eiramma (20k)

Hux is stolen from his academy bunk late one night and is dumped on the frozen waste land that is Ilum along with a small handful of his other classmates. Despite never having dreamed a night of his life, on his first night on this frozen planet, Hux finds himself in the body of an angry padawan, Ben Solo. As his stay on Ilum continues, it becomes apparent that pair of them share some sort of deep connection forged through mysticism of the Force, that permits them spend their dreams in one another's waking lives, and Hux has no idea why. But with danger lurking around every snow covered tree, Hux begins to wonder if he will be able to live long enough to understand the mystery of their bond, never mind deal with the growing fondness for the other boy that has begun to bloom in his heart.

-> not on AO3 anymore but I have an epub file if someone's interested, just hit me up in private! I love love love this kind of dyad thing, and I have a fondness for teen!Kylux.

• the Galactic La Leche League series by gundamoocow (17k, 2 works)

Kylo Ren’s jaw hangs loosely and his eyes are steadfastly fixed on Hux’s chest. He hasn’t moved an inch since Hux unclasped his tunic hook by hook to reveal a tight, flattening undershirt that leaves little to the imagination. Hux shirks the tunic off and drapes it over a chair before pulling the undershirt over his head. Removing it is always a struggle, but he manages with enough grace for Ren not to notice. He is topless now, wearing only his boots and jodhpurs, standing awkwardly in his room while Ren appears frozen in time with his eyes glued to Hux’s torso, surprise plain on his face. Hux frowns. “Surely you were aware?” Ren shakes his head. “No,” he utters, his voice weak as if winded. “I had no idea.”

-> Now I know what you're thinking, what is this, why are you reccing this, etc. Well the fic is fun to read, and it's hard to find male lactation without mpreg or children in the picture but the idea has potential to be really hot, so. There. Cringe culture is dead, live a little and try a good lactation fic

• Family Values by SpookMouse (16k, 8 chapters)

“Alone on Thanksgiving? Mad at your dad? I am a 28 year old felon with no high school degree, and a dirty old van one year younger than me painted like Eddie Van Halen’s guitar. I can play anywhere between the ages of 20 and 29 depending on if I shave. I’m a line cook and work late nights at a bar. If you’d like to have me as your strictly platonic date for Thanksgiving, but have me pretend to be in a very long or serious relationship with you, to torment your family, I’m game.” Or, Hux brings Kylo home for the holidays.

-> I think the summary just sells that one on its own. Look at this. Incredible Kylo energy.

• Unknown Pleasures by gundamoocow and hexgoldyloins (16k, 7 chapters)

Kylo Ren and Armitage Hux are rival employees at First Order Engineering, a multi-disciplinary engineering company headed by the elusive CEO Snoke. For years, Kylo and Hux have been at each other's throats, vying for power and advancement within the aerospace division. An opportunity to have an audience with Snoke presents itself, but it involves forming an unlikely alliance and going undercover…to a BDSM sex club.

-> Also reread that one for the list and hmmm yeah it's good. The BDSM etiquette could be better but if you compare it to canon they're doing so well <3

• Nothing but a Flickering Flame by leviathanofthesky (14k, 7 chapters)

General Hux’s father visits the Finalizer after Snoke’s death to pay tribute to the newly crowned supreme leader. Unfortunately for Armitage, Kylo’s sudden interest in him and the fact that his shipment of suppressants seems to be lost in stars-know-where doesn’t help the situation at all.

-> Hmm, good old Brendol bashing <3

• Reptile Husbandry by koi_boi (13k)

Hux is an accomplished researcher who's having a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad time in the field. He stumbles into a cave filled with secrets and one very large, very curious snake. Hux gets fucked in more ways than one.

• There's a Desert in My Blood and a Storm in Your Eyes by frapandfurious (12k, 5 chapters)

Hux and Kylo have been on the road together for over a year. They're free and they're in love. Until a ghost from Hux's past finally catches up with them.

• Give Me a Shot to Remember by decotex (11k, 6 chapters)

Everyone on the Finalizer has at some point had to listen to the General and their resident Dark Lord's flirting. They are not subtle. Someone points out Kylo Ren's soft spot for a certain First Order general. Hux contemplates this over vodka. Feat. heavy drinking, a ship full of gossipers, and no subtlety whatsoever.

-> I found a fave song of mine in this fic. The last chapter was an Experience and I re-live it every time I listen to Goodbye to a World.

• Lapdog by Antique_Mango (11k)

“I’m willing to listen to what the Supreme Council has to say,” Ren continues like they are having a reasonable conversation, and not like Hux is half a moment away from losing every last bit of his hard-earned decorum, “as soon as you sit down.” “On your lap.” – After his fall from grace Hux is barely keeping it together, convinced that everyone wants him dead (himself included.) Kylo tries to change his mind.

-> Oh yeah baby, amplify those emotions! Make them feel things! More!!! I left a loonng comment on that one because it fascinated me so much.

• A Whisper In My Ear by Ellstra (10k)

A minute reaction of Hux’s inspires Ren to suggest adding some spice into their sex life. Hux isn’t entirely certain what to expect but he’s definitely on board.

• Young Men at the End of Everything by partialresonance (9k)

Kylo thinks he can get used to life in exile, so long as Hux is there to live it with him. But a random stroke of fate suddenly throws Hux's life into jeopardy, and Kylo has to turn to an unlikely source for help.

-> The title is great the old lady character is great it's a good read and pretty memorable for a 9k fic

• an insult to basic geometry by brawlite (7.4k)

It's not that Kylo wasn't trying to summon a demon; it's just that he didn't think it would actually work. He also didn't prepare himself for the hypothetical demon that he probably wasn't going to summon to be so damn hot. And now the demon is asking him what he wants -- and the only thing Kylo really seems to want is the demon himself. That's within the terms and conditions, right?

-> Dope title, check, demons, check, I follow the author on here and am slowly getting into other fandoms they've also written for, check. (no but for real when I saw their name looking for Venom fic it felt like seeing an old friend, great surprise)

• Pheromones by EmberSH (6.2k)

After a blind date gone wrong all Hux wants is to have a drink and find a distraction for the evening; Best case scenario someone who'll treat him a little rough. Kylo Ren is so much more than that.

-> This was the hottest fic I'd ever read for a looong time years ago. Genuinely, it completely blew my mind when I was like 14. The follow up was less fun because I am Not a noncon person and I really really wasn't back then but it's also good. The fic has vampires, go read it if you like vampires.

• silk & heat by surrenderer (5.2k)

When Ben gets home, Armitage has some exciting plans for the rest of their day together. For Year of Kylux's "Omegaverse" week!

• A Decent Proposal by PaperPrince (5k, 5 chapters)

Hux is very happy not being in a relationship with his roommate and best friend Kylo Ren. But when Kylo faces deportation, they find themselves re-evaluating their co-dependent lifestyle. What is marriage really? Two people who is on the cruise the rest of their lives together. So what difference does it make if you take sex away from the equation?

-> ASPEC KYLO!!!! Not the best writing in the entire world, but the concept and aspec Kylo got me.

• Botanical Exercises by need_more_meta (3.9k)

Hux finds a flower on his bed. Then another one. And another one. For Kylux Positivity Week 3.0, Prompt: “Flower Language” with a dash of “Oh No He’s Hot.”

-> It reminds me of Dites-le avec des fleurs <3

• When Christmas Comes by Pizzzazlut (3.6k)

"Kylo bit his lip as he tried not to show Hux how much that simple touch was already affecting him. Because an Alpha shouldn’t want this. An Alpha should never crave for his sweet albeit feisty Omega to fuck him into submission like this, to make him beg for more with each delicious thrust." Or the one where Alpha Kylo bottoms for his lovely Omega.

-> People who do fun stuff with A/B/O dynamics are galaxy brained and so very right and I love them.

• What Couples Do by Mesmeret (3.4k)

Kylo likes matching with Hux. At first it’s socks but they gradually figure out ways to share things together that keep them company when the other is away. My contribution for the Soft Issue of the Kylux Zine Project.

• How Not To Train Your Not-Sith Enemy by humane (3.1k)

"Forgive me, master." Hux murmured, head bowed in shame, "I feel it again. The pull from the dark. It tempts me more each time." Luke arched a single bushy eyebrow. You? Tempted? it seemed to say. "It's Kylo Ren." Hux admitted. Sympathy and profound understanding blossomed on Luke's face, the likes of which could only be observed in individuals that had personally experienced the unique brand of disaster that was Kylo Ren. "Are you tempted by his chaos?" he prompted. "His unbridled power? His seeming freedom? None of those are the way of the force." Hux frowned, puzzled. "No." he said, "I'm just tempted to decapitate him." Or: In which Hux is an EXTREMELY uptight jedi knight and Kylo is the not-sith that gives Hux aneurisms with the sheer blazing power of his incompetence.

-> I don't know how well this meshes with prequels lore, I read it back when I didn't care about anything beyond the sequels, but the premise is great

• Blood, Bitemarks, and Stupid, Stupid Love by TheSilentUnderworld (3k)

Being roomates with an annoying Alpha Werewolf was fine. Until he started messing with Hux's mail.

-> Werewolf x vampire <3 <3 <3

• I'll Be the Sun, You Be the Moon by need_more_meta (2.1k)

Chancellor Hux is preparing for a ball. He enlists Ren’s help. For Kylux Positivity Week 3.0, Prompt: “Put It on Hux | Put It on Kylo.” For Year of Kylux, Prompt: “Duel of the Fates Timeline.”

• Sweet Redolence by Jakathine (2k)

What happens when the desire to best your opponent turns into a desire to bed them instead…and then fate pushes you together rather Forcefully.

• Rabid Curs by Potboy (1.9k)

In which Kylo, all alone in the First Order with a master who mistreats him, goes to the wrong man for comfort. Unfortunately Armitage Hux is all he's got, and he's not a very comforting person. They do their best - it's all they can do.

• Dirty White Boots by BlackHellKitty (1.6k)

A Kylux-story based on the song "Dirty White Boots" from Lenny Kravitz. Kylo and Hux do some roleplay sometimes. Just pure PWP without any kind of big story. :3

-> The reasond Dirty White Boots is a Kylux song to me

• Come Morning by elfriniol (1.5k)

True, Kylo liked Hux. A lot. He couldn't imagine his life without talking to him about Star Wars trivia and offering judgmental commentary for shows they occasionally skimmed through on Netflix. Or going out for drinks. But if Hux wanted something else – that proverbial, dreaded more – Kylo wasn't sure of himself.

-> ASPEC KYLO!!! Oh how I love it when they're aspec.

• After by Davechicken (1.1k)

Aftercare, and emotions.

• Living in Close Proximity in Case of Sudden Yet Inevitable Betrayal by 5ofSpades (874 words, 9 chapters, drawings)

In which the Supreme Leader gets himself two ginger roommates.

-> This. Is not a fic. It's drawings and I cried at the end like a BABY. The artist's art style is impeccable, it inspired me a whole lot back when I 'read' it.

And this is IT folks! I didn't @ anyone (except Kyluxtrashpit) because I only know a few authors' tumblrs and I didn't want to discriminate, plus the fandom is pretty old and I would assume most of them have moved on or are inactive. If you know that someone on the list would like to be tagged don't hesitate to do it/tell me though, those fics all mean(t) a lot to me!

Hope the list is good & you, the reader, find something new and interesting to read! I really don't know which fics are considered popular or good or whatever, I don't talk to people usually. Okay bye bye thank you for reading <3

[error-dream-was-found]

ooooh okay, for the fic writer thing! 1, 4, 14, 16, 33, 40 and uhhh 56? bonus of 39 (if you want)

Thank you for asking <3

1. "Do you prefer writing one-shots or multi-chaptered fics?"

I prefer multichaptered fics ... my last attempt to write one-shot turned into 160 000 words long fic (still updating btw)

4. "Where do you find inspiration for new ideas?"

Everywhere ... seriously, it´s a mix of shower thoughts, 3 Am ideas and random things I thought of while reading another fics. For example the 'enderchest torture' idea hit me while I was reading some fic where to get Dream out of Pandora they hide him in an enderchest and my brain just went "wait for how long was he there? What was it like for him? Would it even be possible?" And I moved from there. That one is one of my less developed ideas but it´s a good example of my thought process ig. Or fics like 'monsters don´t deserve hugs but you aren´t a monster' came from that single sentence. I thought about it while reading some fic where Dream went "I´m a monster I don´t deserve nice things and it spiraled from there.

14. "how do you write emotional scenes? Do you ever feel what the characters feel? Do you draw from personal experiences?"

It depends on my mood ig? If that makes sense. Sometimes I really get into it and even make myself cry. But sometimes I'll ruin these characters lives with zero care. I certainly draw from personal experience as much as I can. Although I don't really have much personal experience with the stuff I'm writing about so *shrugs*

16. "How many fic ideas are you nurturing right now? Share one of them?"

*counts on fingers* ehm ... well if I count in the half-baked ideas and all that ... I think I could have roughly 15-20? (I wanna talk about them T-T)

You already know about the superhero one (although I have new trauma for blob!), so I'll say a bit about a different idea one of my dremon fics perhaps? I don't have a name yet but the mail story line pretty much goes like this: Dream is a demon - cruel creature feeding off humans emotions, mostly happiness. Demons in common are manipulative, heartless and selfish beings that prey on humans.

The rest of the characters are mostly demon hunters (not sure on all members yet but Sapnap, George, Sam and Quackity are certainly there).

The plot basically begins when the hunters catch Dream. He's not very strong and thus not considered a serious threat. Instead of killing him immediately they decide to experiment on him (to learn more about demons), the problem is - Dream is the sweetest person ever. He's nothing like the other demons they've met and well it's kinda hard to dissect someone alive while they rant about the adorable cat that lives in the backstreet behind the convenience store ... (sry for ranting)

33. "Do you want to be published some day?"

Yes but unfortunately I'm not too good with creating original stories and my writing style isn't really good so .... maybe one day ... (until then the closest I'll get is printing my own stories ... that is also a way to practice book binding lol)

40. "If someone were to make fanart of your work, what fic or scene would you hope to see?"

Honestly? I have no idea. There're just so many scenes I love and I'd absolutely love to see drawn. But if anyone ever were to make a fanart of my fic I'd be over the roof about it, I wouldn't care what scene it is I'd just be so damn happy that they liked the story enough to go through the trouble of creating the art. And any scene they'd pick would be perfect because then I'd know which scene they liked the most.

56. "What's something about your writing that you pride yourself on?"

... I'll be honest I don't think my writing is anything special, there are a few scenes I'm happy with but overall .... *shrugs*

But if there's something I'm really proud of it's probably the fact that I was able to write a story that many people enjoyed. When I started writing 2 years ago I never thought I'll have this many people not only reading my story but also liking it. Sure, it's not that much but it's a lot more than I ever expected! It blows my mind because I know that there are much better fic out there, yet people still decided to read something I wrote. It´s really crazy

39. "Share a snippet from a WIP"

daamn this is getting too long ... Imma sharing a snipped anyway! But what snipped .... I'm feeling like doing an villain arc today so I´m gonna post something from a story I haven't published yet and probably won´t be able to publish for at least few months:

Note: this story is still sitting in my drafts so the grammar check wasn't done yet, therefore there are extra grammar errors which I apologize for

He tripped over something. The tiny sharp rocks covering the forest floor dug painfully into his palms as he tried to slow down his fall and the pain shooting from his scraped knees pushed a new tears into his eyes. He just wanted to stay there on the floor and cry but hte monsters were getting closer. He can´t let them get him, he can´t! Desperately trying to wipe the tears out of his eyes, Dream stood up, only taking a second to glance back at the thing he tripped over. It looked like a fence … looking forward again, the blonde saw a tall dilapidated building. 

It was looming over him in the dead of night like something right out of a scary story his mom would tell him on these good nights when instead of yelling at him she'd put him to bed and if he was lucky she´d tell him a story. He wanted to ran away from the half collapsed building but as scary as it was the monsters were scarier. That building would provide him at least some cover and he needed that desperately. He won´t be able to run all night and the air was already heavily filled with the smell of rain. It was just a question of time till the storm begins. Encouraged by the hisses and groans from behind Dream ran inside. 

It took his eyes a moment to adjust to darkness that was even more prominent now. Once he did he realized he was in what seems to be an abandoned Prime church. He looked around nervously. The place gave him chills. It was clear that no one worshiped Prime here for years, maybe even decades and the place now had a sinister atmosphere to it. As everything holy did when it was forgotten for too long. The cracked, faded paintings of Prime´s angels looked down on him, it felt as if they were watching him, following his every mood. The wooden floors cracked under his weight and from the altar a soft clinging of chains could be heard as the incense swung in the light breeze. 

But the worst of all was the terrible feeling that he's not alone. That there´s something watching him. Someone. No, no he was just being dumb, this place is clearly abandoned. Maybe it's just an animal that settled here. Or these dumb angles. Yeah it must be the angles. It's dark and he's tired, he's just imagining their eyes moving to follow him. 

The first drops of rain hit the ground and a wind whistles through the abandoned church. Goosebumps raised to the surface and Dream shivered. It's just cold, it's just cold, it's just cold. The rain got heavier in just a few minutes. A lightning flashed through the sky and a thunder shook the whole building, just as a voice from somewhere in the shadows spoke up.

“Won't you look at that … a human. What a treat”

The question of who's there froze on Dream’s tongue as another lighting illuminated the inside of the church and the body less shadow floating in front of him. It had a distinct shape of human but none of its features could be seen other than two glowing eyes. It dived for him.

Dream screamed.

- story name: Sweet Little Nightmares (I'm more than willing to talk about this story :)

Sakra nechala som sa uniesť. Dúfám, že som ťa neunudila k smrti a gratulujem ak si sa dostala až sem ;)