#currently working through my writers block so thank you for the patience <3< /div> Explore tagged Tumblr posts

[andersonfilms]

firefighter!abby who comes in every sunday morning to your floral shop, tucked in a tiny corner downtown. you’re usually tucked away in the back, doing floral arrangements, calculating your inventory, organizing new shipments, or just avoiding others in general. an introverted nature is ingrained into your bones. so, dina takes over the front counter. she’s sweet, kind enough to engage in conversation. big brown eyes and welcoming smile always seeming to put the customer’s at ease, assessing their needs as they step foot in the door. 

firefighter!abby who comes in on the dot, half-past nine, right before her shift. her build, incredibly tone, clad in black cargos and her seattle fire department t-shirt tucked in. she greets dina with her blinding, pearly white smile. warming her up to the core as dina grabs the assortment that’s ordered every week. yellow roses, white lillies, and peach carnations make their way into the abby’s hands. she thanks dina, with the same somber look in her eyes before she exits with the same bouquet she always does. 

firefighter!abby who is out for the day, cup of coffee in her hand, ellie to her right telling her about the black-haired beauty she met at the local pub. swearing up and down there was a cute friend, supposedly, but it really just sounds like this is her only way in which her friend needs to enlist help from the hunky-blonde for assistance. 

“So, let me get this straight. You met this girl—” 

“Dina.” Abby pauses, blonde eyebrows quirk upwards. “Wait, does she work at a floral shop?” 

“Yes—” Ellie pauses, envy swirling in her emerald eyes immediately, “Fuck, Anderson, do not tell me you’ve fucked her!” 

Abby smirks, wanting to tease her spunky friend. “C’mon, are you fucking serious? No. Shit. Did you really fuck her?” Abby winks as she takes a sip of her black coffee, bicep flexing in the process. 

“Dude. How the hell am I supposed to compete with your greek god  fucking biceps?” Ellie lifts up the sleeve of her shirt, comparing her much smaller arms to Abby’s very toned and thick muscle. Even Abby’s veins are more prominent than hers. 

Abby giggles, “First off, you can’t but you don’t have to…this time. I just buy flowers from there and everyone kinda knows everyone. It’s Jackson.” 

“Oh, thank god. You had me worried there for a second. Jesus.” Ellie nudges her shoulder, picking at her naibeds anxiously. “So, will you come so you can meet her friend?” 

Abby thinks for a moment. How bad could it be? It’s just one night, right? 

firefighter!abby who comes to the flower shop on a saturday this time. the doorbell rings signaling her entrance, but she doesn’t find dina working the counter like she normally does. you’re someone new, someone she hasn’t seen before, someone beautiful. so much so, she feels as if her feet have been glued to the hardwood floors. dear god, she looks like a goddamn idiot. she’s thankful you’re helping someone as abby tries to break from her caulking spell. 

firefighter!abby who takes note of how attentive you are with the customers even if your body fidgets as you help them but then you smile, it makes her melt. anderson, get yourself together, you have a date tonight. it’s just one, incredibly beautiful girl. you’re fine. she’s fine. before her brain can make one more stupid thought, you’re walking up to her. 

You smell of lavender, it coats Abby’s senses as you make a beeline for her. It could be the shop or it could be you. She believes it’s you. 

“Afternoon, is there something I can help you with?” You ask, Abby reads the name tag on your chest and musters up somewhat of a coherent sentence. You start making the arrangement for her, it’s then she notices how familiar it is. 

It isn’t the flowers she typically chooses, the one she orders through the website of the shop, but the craftsmanship is identical. Down to the yellow ribbon to wrap it neatly, keeping the specially made bouquet in place. 

Abby’s blue eyes must light up with wonder because you smile, it's soft as it slips out of you, too quick for you to hide behind the wall you usually keep yourself within. 

“Um, you make all the arrangements here, right?” Anxiously, you dust your hands on the maroon apron tied around your waist. 

“Yeah, I would hope so. It’s my shop.” You’re not boastful about it, or snarky, it’s sweet. As if you’re proud and you should be. 

“Oh, sorry! I hope you don’t take it the wrong way. I just, um—” Speak blondie, you’re making a fool of yourself. “ I come here every week and have just never seen you before s’all. It’s nice to match the wonderful shop to the even prettier owner.” 

Abby wonders why she doesn’t ask for your number or even try to. She’s not exactly a stranger to beautiful women. When she knows what she wants, she’s like a dog with a bone. Never has she ever halted, or had someone stop her dead in her tracks without even trying. 

In her mind, she’s finding excuses. It’s the sun’s fault for letting the light hit your eyes perfectly, saturating the color even further. Or the way she obsesses over your curves, or the joy seeming to radiate every time you smile. 

It can’t be any of those little things. 

Abby fishes for the wallet in her jacket pocket, before handing you her card, you finalize the transaction before handing the silver card back to her. Calloused fingertips press against yours, much softer than Abby’s, but it excites the two of you. 

Not that either of you spoke a word of it. 

“You’re girlfriend’s a lucky girl. It’s a thoughtful gesture—” but your eyes build a fright in them, a horror that you can’t take back. “I’m sorry! Oh my god. I didn’t mean to just, fuck, assume you had a girlfriend or that you’re into girls. Jesus, I don’t know what came over me. God.” 

Abby bites down a smirk as you anxiously beat your nail on the countertop as if you ruined the interaction. Impatiently needing this to be over. 

“S’okay, really, you didn’t assume wrong.” Mischievous pools of blue look you up and down, pointed canines kissing her pink lips as they bite at the flesh. 

“I don’t have a girlfriend. Well—” Abby leans over placing her palm against yours, her fingertips linger on your skin, setting it ablaze. Releasing your grip of the bouquet and palming the wrapped flowers in her firm grasp.

“Not yet.” 

lmk what you think! hope you enjoyed it! ♡

[rhaemaya-valwynn]

Real Life Update #2 and Chapter 2 of Warm my Soul-Naga!Jotaro AU

Hello everyone, I just wanted to pop in and let y'all know how things are going.

I've finally hit a better patch in life, though some things are still going on. The major change was that two weeks ago I finally got out of my stressful job (which was causing severe night terrors and health problems both mentally and physically) The amount of stress relief I have was so drastic that when I saw my endocrinologist for my type 1 diabetes, my A1C dropped a whole .5 points, being below 8.0 for the first time in nearly 3 years (As the job I recently moved from I had worked there for almost 6) In all honesty, I'd been trying for a new job for years, but things kept falling through, and bills needed to be paid along with reliability in hours and high pay. I couldn't just up and leave. Also, please pay unions. They got me out of my crappy job into a much nicer one. They work, truly, they do.

The amount of relief I've had has broken my writers block and I've had time to write and be passionate about my hobby again. While I'll make no guarantees on when things will come out, I have been working on re-writing chapter 2 to Warm My Soul and am already at 5k words. I don't want to set time frames for fics currently since I'm just starting to realign myself to a less stressful environment, but I'm quite hopeful for future projects.

Thanks again for your patience and well wishes. I hope to see you all around soon!

[gravitywonagain]

“Nobody asked about my writing” meme

thank you for tagging me @amethyst-noir <3 you're wonderful

i'm not sure i did this right; i'm working on too many things at once...... so i picked a few :D

 1: what are you currently working on? 

umm... several things. if we're going to stick to the immediate and not look at my entire wip folder, currently i'm working on finishing wagbfm, an external porny wagbfm oneshot ch, and a fic with the working title "under streetlights" as my main fan projects.

but then also, because i hate myself or something, i have (oh god) two (2) original projects that i'm building. the first shares a universe (or at least a magic system) with a fanfic that i'm not allowed to touch until i finish wagbfm because it will be a similar undertaking in length and world building, and it has the working title "desert mirage". the second doesn't quite have a plot yet, but i've been spending a not insignificant amount of effort developing the magic system for it from scratch (must be masochism), and its working title is "rebel yell".

2: summarize your current project 

which one? okay, i'll do the fics here and the original ones next.

wagbfm (taken directly from ao3): Wei Wuxian died and Yiling Laozu rose in his place. He has avoided the Triad societies he grew up around, maintaining his anonymity and forging a new cultivation path. Now, thirteen years later, Hanguang-jun walks into Demon-Subdue Hall and requests Yiling Laozu's services for GusuLan Triad. Something is stirring in the world. Something that necessitates his return to a life and to people he’s long since mourned as lost to him.

"under streetlights" (significantly less polished): 13 years after the car accident that took Wei Ying's life, Lan Zhan has fled the memories and grief that haunt him in San Francisco, only to find himself making a strangely compelling connection on Grindr in Florida.

3: summarize your current project poorly 

"desert mirage": Girl magically decapitates herself only to find out that it's not even her own head.

"rebel yell": In the world of genetic magic users, the one-armed whistler with perfect pitch is king.

4: describe your favorite character or characters

i think almost every character from mdzs could fill this list. plus several from my many other fandoms (looking at you, asami sato). but this seems aimed at ocs or other characters i haven't already spent time dissecting on this blog so...

meet calliope burns: she has two love interests, one arm, and zero fucks left. her default mode is research spiral. her glasses are always dirty. and she once threw her cheap-as-they-come prosthetic arm across a room because her roommate would not stop punning at her.

(also, worry not, i don't do love triangles unless the triangle gets closed... with polyamory, in case that wasn't clear.)

5: post a line from your current project without any context 

“You’re dead,” says Lan Zhan, and Wei Ying feels glass splintering around his temple.

6: how do you get through writers block?

patience? or, more accurately, distraction. i have no cure for it. i mostly just wait it out by doing other things. sometimes that becomes very difficult and aggravating, but i have not yet found another solution. sometimes making playlists helps?

7: would you want to live in the world of your current work? 

hell no. i do not write fun places to live; i write interesting places to live. and as we have all discovered by now, interesting is exhausting.

8: briefly discuss your outlining process, if you outline 

um... sporadic? it tends to start as a vague idea in a note on my phone. then when i've added enough to that note, it gets a onenote. on the onenote i collect a lot of larger character and world building things, in addition to figuring out the plot. the plot gets a bullet list with an associated timeline. then when the prose starts, it gets a google doc. from there the prose and the bullet list inform each other back and forth until i get something coherent out of them both. which is to say, mostly it's pretty freeform.

9: what is the aesthetic of your current project?

wagbfm: a darker chinese version of Romeo + Juliet (1996, dir. Baz Luhrmann)

"under streetlights": cigarette smoke and that fever dream feeling that accompanies yellowed, peeling motel wallpaper, but in, like, pretty sunset colors

"desert mirage": american southwest cow skull art

"rebel yell": 1980's punk scene meets 1950's technology meets 1910’s human rights violations and eugenics… plus magic!

10: what song sums up your current work the best?

wagbfm: the title is based on a lyric from "Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes, but i think the song that gets at the heart of it might actually be "Freak" by Sub Urban

"under streetlights": the fic is inspired by "3 Nights" by Dominic Fike, but the song that it most resembles is actually "Hurting on Purpose" by Whethan

"desert mirage": "Black Magic" by Magic Wands but also "Corazón Espinado (feat. Maná)" by Santana... it's complicated

"rebel yell": "It's a good day (to fight the system)" by Shungudzo though the working title is obviously taken from "Rebel Yell" by Billy Idol

Tagging: @dovebeast, @epistemologys, @jasontoddiefor, @eldritchjackalope, @iamwestiec if you feel like it, and really anyone who wants to play!

[theflagscene]

hi! I’m really glad to see you back on my dash, I know you were away for a while. I’m curious now that ur back will there be updates to ur fics again? <3

‘Ello!!! Thanks for the kind message, anon. I’m happy that my constant shit posting at random times of the day is something you’re glad to see lol, since I know I come on, flood the dashes of my followers for a continuous fifteen minutes and then peace out for hours at a time before coming back and repeating the process lol!

To answer your question about my fics, it’s… difficult. Because I don’t really have an answer, at least not a clear one. I’ve been very honest about the mental breakdown I had over a year and a half ago as well as the processes I’ve been going through to get back to what would he considered my baseline mentality, which if I’m being completely honest, was never that great of a baseline to begin with.

My life isn’t currently in danger, so don’t be concerned about that. I am under the care of multiple wonderful medical professionals who are trying their best to help me find the will to live, I also have an amazing support system of health care workers and friends that get me through the darkest moments. I’ll be honest, the darkness is there more often than not, it’s very tough to get through the days. Because of this I’m not currently writing anything, it’s not a writers block per se, more like I just don’t have the spoons to actually do it. I use most of my mental and physical strength just getting out of bed in the morning to make coffee and take my meds, so by the time I have the free time actually sit down and write, all my energy is used up.

The fics are mostly written, either new chapters or the next fic in a series, they’re just not actually post ready. There are endings missing or big plot scenes only half done, or they’re not edited/beta read, etc. I have read what I have/need to post multiple times trying to kickstart myself into finishing them, but my mind just doesn’t work atm. I’m really sorry to my readers, I feel terrible that I’ve left them waiting and wanting for so long, but unfortunately this is not something I can rush or force.

Just let it be known that while my fics might be on hold, they are not abandoned. I will find my way back, I will get out of this, I’m trying I’m damndest. And I hope I have your understanding and patience whilst I work on these mental health issues 🩷❤️🧡💛💚🩵💙💜🖤🩶🤍🤎

[softxsuki]

Currently feel sad, dealing with anxiety, and not feeling good tonight and this one is an urgent request. Can I request a comfort fic where Y/N had an anxiety attack which caused her to burst into tears until she felt herself wrapped in her guardian angels arms and bare chest as he grabs Y/Ns little music box/carousel and hums along with the melody to help her feel better. After Y/N feels better, Eren lets her rest in his bare body as he continues to soothe her with his love? Thanks - 🌙

Eren Comforts Reader Through Her Anxiety Attack

Pairing: Eren x Fem!Reader

Warnings: descriptions of an anxiety attack [ie: heavy breathing, rapid heartbeat, trembling, crying]

Genre: Comfort

Post-Type: Drabble

Word Count: 810

Summary: In which you suddenly have an anxiety attack in the living room and Eren comforts you as soon as he gets out the shower.

[A/N: Hi 🌙 anon! Sorry for keeping you waiting for so long, but I finally got this done! I had a bit of writers block tbh, but as soon as I could picture this scenario in my head, it got a lot easier to write. I hope this helps you now, and through any future bad days <3 Thank you for all your patience and I hope you enjoy! <3]

It began with your head–worrying thoughts circulating through your mind as the circumstances in your life made you feel even worse. You could slowly feel your heart rate increasing, making your breathing fasten at the same time. Your body was trembling with nerves as you tried to make the thoughts go away so you wouldn't feel so anxious, but it was useless, nothing was helping.

You sink to the ground, breathing heavily, as desperate, frightened tears escape your eyes, loud sobs emitting from your lips at the same time as you continue to gasp for air. It was then that Eren finally came out of the shower, clean from his busy day at work, and that’s when he saw you on the living room floor, where he had greeted you earlier upon returning home.

He races to your side, dropping down to the ground so he can better assess the situation. Finally sensing his presence, your eyes shoot to him, desperately wishing for him to release you from your anxious thoughts that were out of control, holding you in a choke hold.

As soon as he sees your eyes, he understands; it wasn’t the first time you’d had an anxiety attack while he was around, and while he may have been lost the first time it happened, he learned overtime how to help you calm down after many trials and errors.

“C’mon sweets, you’re okay. I’m right here,” he consoles you, lifting you from the ground as he laces his fingers between yours and leads you to your shared bedroom. He instructs you to sit on the bed, which you quickly do through your persistent heavy breathing and crying, but Eren’s composure was at least stopping you from progressing further into your anxiety attack.

He presses a kiss to your forehead before walking to the other side of the room, and returns seconds later with your small music box that you loved so much. In no time, the sweet sound from the music box reaches your heart, filling the dimly lit bedroom. Eren takes a seat beside you and reaches for you, hugging you close as your head rests on his bare chest.

You grip onto him for dear life trying to get your rapid heartbeat and tears under control, and then you hear it–the deep vibration coming from Eren’s chest as he hums along to the melody of the music box. The calming hum reverberating in his chest, slowly brings you out of your anxiety attack and into reality as he rubs small circles into your back, reminding you that he’s there. Slowly but surely you began to focus more on the warmth from Eren’s bare chest and the sound of his low hum instead of your overwhelming thoughts that had caused you to spiral into your anxiety attack.

You weren’t even sure how long it had been, but you had finally settled down, taking shaky breaths as you still cling onto Eren when the music box’s repeated song comes to an end. The room fills with silence, but that was okay so long as Eren was holding you.

Eren looks down at you with a smile, his hands still rubbing soothing circles into the small of your back.

“You’re okay now. I’m right here, you’re perfectly safe in my arms,” his smooth voice comforts you.

You nod once, looking up into his green eyes that were full of so much love and patience for you, “I’m sorry Eren, I made you go through that again, I ju-”

“There’s no need to apologize or explain yourself to me,” he cuts you off, “You’ve been through a lot in one night. Why don’t we just go to sleep now and we can talk more about it in the morning after you’ve had a chance to rest, okay?”

He never ceases to amaze you with how understanding and gentle he was with you. He made your heart race with emotion every time.

“Ok…thank you,” you tell him with a yawn, the exhaustion of your anxiety attack crashing down on you all at once as your eyes struggle to stay open.

“There we go,” he lies down and brings you down with him, snuggling you close to his bare chest, “Close your eyes and rest now, my pretty flower. Don’t worry, I’ll watch over you as you sleep so that nothing can disturb your rest.”

He places a lingering kiss to the top of your head, and it was in that moment right in his arms where you felt the safest.

“I love you. I’ll see you in the morning,” Eren whispers in your ear, and that’s the last thing you hear before you fall into a deep sleep.

You were glad to finally feel calm in your mind and heart, and it was all thanks to the man who was holding you so protectively, Eren.

REQUESTS ARE OPEN :D

Posted: 2/18/2022

[ladyheraofthewhitearms]

When would we expect the next fic to come out?

Hi! So, first of all, I'm so sorry for the delay between fics. Between a bad case of writer's block / anxiety, Easter weekend, and now a cold (which may or may not be COVID), I've been really struggling to finish the WIPs that I have going on right now. I'm working on ~2 or 3 requests and I'm nearly done with the rough draft for one. Hopefully, it should be posted sometime this week or next week. My goal is to have something out in honor of "Hollow Mind" this week so I'll try to post something before then.

Thank you all so much for your patience and, I assure you, I will be posting more soon. I'm still working on managing my schedule and, even though it might seem like I'm MIA, I'm working hard for us Belos Bitches (affectionate) :)

In the meantime, here's a little excerpt from one of my WIPs to tide you guys over:

「Philip’s eyes darkened.

“You know, you do look rather good under me…” he purred, leaning closer.

(Y/N)’s cheeks flushed. It was strange to see Philip this bold. Usually the man was much too flustered to make a move. Hell, even a slight touch in passing was enough to leave him with enough blood rushing to his face that he’d nearly pass out. Anything this intimate would practically kill the man on any other day. I wonder what’s so different today…

Without thinking, (Y/N) started leaning in as well. They were close enough that they could smell the musky soap that Philip had used this morning. An alluring scent of bergamot and sandalwood.

Their lips had barely brushed when Philip suddenly pulled away.

“My shoes!” he exclaimed wide-eyed, quickly stumbling off the startled witch.

Blood started rushing to the witch’s cheeks in a sexually frustrated rage. This bastard was about to kiss me and he's worried about his shoes of all things?! I swear to Titan, I’m going to throttle this man.」

(P.S. I genuinely would like to thank you all for your requests! There's literally SO many good ideas and I can't wait to show you what I've come up with :) I'm currently going through them all and I have a lot of ideas for fics outlined. I just need to actually sit down and write them hehe. Much love and thanks again for your patience <3)

[drimareuniverse]

Looking for a creative writer/storyteller

Hello! I'm Jay, I'm a non-binary artist and I'm looking for a creative writer that can help me write stories for my pet project Drimare Universe! Particularly my Webcomic and Visual Novel.

More details below, all help and sharing is appreciated!

The Drimare Universe is a world located within the dreams of humans, and the Drimare are its main inhabitants spread through various different regions.

It's composed of smaller stories focused on specific groups of characters (Like how Marvel has Spider-man stories, Iron-man stories, etc.) The general tone is a fun modern fantasy slice of life type.

I've been working on the project on my own for the past 10 years, and although I have a lot of lore and character info written down, when it comes to writing stories themselves, my skills are lacklustre. I finally accepted that I need someone that could help me with that, so here I am!

I keep most of the character info and lore archived on its wiki here if you're curious to learn more about it.

My current two projects that I'm looking for help on are a Webcomic and a Visual Novel, both of which are on hiatus because of my difficulty and general dissatisfaction with my own writing :(

I basically have loose plot points, certain scenarios, conversations and ideas, and I need someone that can tie those things together in a satisfying narrative way.

You don't have to work on the comic AND visual novel, but I am looking for help in at least one of those projects.

General requirements

Be over 18 years old. I'm 23 and not comfortable working with minors.

Be LGBTQ+ friendly! A LOT of the cast is LGBTQ in some way and certain characters focus a lot on topics of gender and sexuality so the more you know about the topic, the better :)

Have the patience to learn about my characters and world's quirks and lore lol! I'll try to explain things as best as I can! Bonus points if you have weird ideas yourself.

Basically, you write, I give my input, and then we use the finished script for the comic and/or visual novel.

You will be credited!

As for rates, my budget is small so let me know how much you charge! I'm somewhat of a writer myself and I don't feel comfortable having someone work for free, but I also have no idea what people usually charge for stuff like this. I can also offer my art in exchange if the person is interested/comfortable with that! Examples are on my DeviantArt as well as other links found on my profile.

I'm looking for someone I can work with for the long term so expect me to be a returning client if I enjoy your work! :) Ideally, I'd like to make a team eventually, but a writer is the priority atm.

I don't really have a set deadline so don't worry about having to finish things by specific dates.

It's my first time trying to commission someone for writing so I apologize if my etiquette is off, I'm only experienced in art commissions. I have no idea how I'm supposed to commission writing so I'll just describe what I'm looking to get below.

For the webcomic

Drimare Universe is the first official webcomic series based around the world of Drimare Universe, focusing on the origin story of the two siblings Zelly and Blade, as well as other characters they meet throughout their journey. It's set roughly around 10 years before the current timeline.

Available to read on Tapas here

It's an origin story for two siblings, followed by episodic stories of them meeting other characters from the cast and learning about the world around them. It's sort of built like a cartoon show, with more serious episodes, others more light-hearted, some important one, etc.

There are only 13 pages in the first episode so far, but I'm unhappy with the current script for the rest of the story and need help with it.

I'd like for someone who is actually good at writing and having better ideas to give it a look and either suggest things that could work better or straight-up rewrite it from scratch but better

The other episodes only have the general main plot points written down, with further episodes still being in a draft phase (I got so caught up with my writer's block with trying to figure the first two episodes, that I haven't been able to focus on the following ones)

***

For the visual novel

Drimare Universe Friendsim, is an ongoing Visual Novel project that will feature various characters from the Drimare Universe series, it is currently being developed on Ren'Py and free to download on the DU Friendsim itch.io page.

It is heavily inspired by games like Hiveswap Friendship Simulator as it follows a similar concept of a Human protagonist meeting various cast characters in order to form friendships with them.

The series will be released in various volumes, each one focusing on a specific character, with the events changing depending on the player's choices.

Available to download for free on Itch.io

It's about a human dreamer character who wakes up in the dream world and meets respective Drimare characters.

If you've played Hiveswap Friendsim or Pesterquest, it's the exact same concept. YCH protag meets characters in a very Isekai inspired scenario. It's like a dating sim, but friendship focused instead.

Unlike the webcomic, which takes place in the past, this visual novel takes place in the current timeline. Also unlike the comic, the visual novel is not canon.

Each volume is focused on MC (Who is referred to as "Dreamer") meeting a specific character, with other secondary characters making appearances as well.

There are two volumes available so far, each composed of one short story.

The tone is playful and comedic, I guess "quirky" could be a word to describe it. But still capable of having its serious moments,

Each volume has three endings. A short bad ending, a neutral ending, and a good/true ending. (The length and amount of endings can be flexible)

You don't have to know how to program visual novels or anything like that, I just need help with the stories. I'll be in charge of adding the writing to the game, animating the sprites accordingly, etc etc.

Apologies for the long text, I just want to be sure people understand exactly what I'm looking for! Ideally, I'd love to find someone that could share my passion for creating content for this project, but for now, I'll just settle for just finding someone at all lol

You can contact me through PMs here, though I also accept messages through Twitter DMs or Discord!

Twitter - https://twitter.com/NE0Nbandit

Discord - Jay ����🌊#9625

Thank you for taking the time to read this! <3

[hitsuackerman]

Unpredictable (Overhaul x Reader) pt.15

a/n: thank you all so much for the patience! this took a while to write cause i had a little writer’s block~ BUT I AM BACK AND READY WITH OVERHAUL’S SOUL! :D

warnings: this cannot be read solo, crossover

Links: part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5, part 6, part 7, part 8, part 9, part 10, part 11, part 12, part 13, part 14, part 16

Masterlist to my other fics: here :)

Overhaul’s waiting list: @jjk-biased @infinite-universe-love @dirtypride @blackymomo03 @azzie @purple-rabanito​ @meximorrita @awesomeee19​​ @celestial-kanzakii​

“Are you feeling better?” Levi asked. His eyes glued to the view of the city. With the car parked, all 4 doors opened, and his ass rested on the hood, it reminded him of the day where he ended everything and fixed it from scratch. Taking you to this part of the mountain was nothing new. Each time he would visit, both of you would always stop by.

“Yeah.” Every blink you took stung. Moments had now passed and your breathing was finally even. “Sucks to be me, right? Coming to terms with these feelings for a villain, handing over a case, and now…”

“It does suck to be you.” Levi snapped back. “It’s your fault for having a type.”

“Excuse you?” You punched his arm. “You didn’t tell me you used to be a criminal when you were younger. And besides, there’s a difference!”

“What’re you going to do?” His eyes followed a flock of crows in the sky. Pretty rare for them to be flying that high and during this time of day. The sun was high up but the cold breeze compensated for it. “You’ve got a bunch of heroes eyeing you down now.”

“I honestly have no idea.” Leaning on his shoulder, you exhaled and closed your eyes. “Seriously, though? You had to bring me here?”

“This view always calmed you.” He leaned his cheek on your head. The scent of the meeting room barely covered the same shampoo that you still used till now. For a moment, a part of him wished he had not destroyed what the both of you had. Blinking his regrets away, all he could do now was to relish his time with you.

“Aren’t you being sentimental~” You could feel a smirk forming on his lips. Somehow, your mind drifted to where things had gone wrong. Distance was not much of an issue. It was probably the stress that your jobs offered that made you both realize that things might not work out. Or perhaps the insecurities that you felt with Petra. “I’m hungry. Shall we go?”

“For the record,” Levi said as he extended his hand for you to hold. His gray eyes were as inviting as ever when both of you made eye contact. “In case things fall off with that piece of garbage you caught feelings for, I’ll be here.”

“I know.” Squeezing his hand, the corners of his mouth curled up and that was the end of the conversation. Pulling you towards him, he draped his arm on your shoulder as the both of you walked towards the passenger's seat. “Remind me again why we broke up?”

Watching you take your seat, he leaned on the door and crossed his arm.

“Unresolved insecurities.” Sharing a giggle and chuckle, Levi closed the doors. When he finally took his seat, he revved the engine up and went back to the road.

Before you knew it, the days had gone by and the both of you were now outside of Endeavor’s Agency. Every so often, heroes would enter and exit the building. It was always a hustle and bustle in this part of town. Though it was no surprise. This was the No.2 hero’s agency.

Entering the building, you were greeted by Burnin’. A bright smile worthy of overshining her hero name rested on her face. Though the both of you barely did any missions together, she still deemed useful as a connection for hard to reach heroes related to Endeavor. Of course, it was rare for you to contact her.

“Endeavor is currently having a meeting with Hawks but he’ll be done in a few minutes.” She said. Pressing the doors to the elevator, she ushered the both of you in and selected the floor to the office. “I wasn’t expecting Ackerman to tag along~”

“Caught myself off guard too.” Levi replied.

“So does Hawks still exit using the window?” You asked.

“As always.” Burnin’ giggled. “He likes to leave a few feathers as well to annoy the boss.”

“Typical.” You and Levi commented.

When the doors opened, all 3 of you walked down the carpeted hallway. Just as Burnin’ was about to offer you both a seat, the teasing sound of Hawk’s voice echoed through the halls. Shaking her head with amusement, she stated that there was no need to sit and that their meeting was now finished.

Indeed it was when a feather opened the doors for you and Levi to enter.

“(L/N). Ackerman.” Endeavor greeted. The last name raised in a questioning manner. This would have to be the first time he’d get to meet the infamous officer. Gesturing to the large sofas he continued.  “Have a seat.”

Facing his back, you could see the messy blond hair and crimson wings. Burnin’ wasn’t kidding when she said he likes to leave a few feathers behind. Taking a seat on the sofa across Hawks, you were met with a rather flirtatious smile and wink.

“Well if it isn’t my partner in crime and favorite chicken.” There it was. The voice that made women’s knees grow weak and panties to drop. Though you would be lying if you didn’t feel yours slowly slipping away from your waist. “Been a long time, ain’t it chickadee?”

“Yeah. After that grocery stake out, I’ve been rather selective when it came to random cases falling on my desk.”

“Those nuggets were shit and you know it.” Hawks stood up, eyes lingering on you. Making his way towards the window, he stretched his wings and fluttered them. One swift movement and he was now floating. “Well, Endeavor’s all yours. Call me when all this is over, dove. I got something to ask you.”

“Have a safe flight, Hawks.” You dismissed his message but would of course call him later. Adjusting your position, you turned to face Endeavor. No matter how much you viewed him, he was always intimidating. Probably due to the flames. It was a miracle Hawks wasn’t roasted with each visit. “I do apologize for taking a bit of your time, Endeavor.”

“It’s fine.” He waved it off. “So, what questions would you like to ask?”

“It’s mostly about your shares for these groups of companies.” Asking Levi to hand over the file, you accepted it and placed it on the glass table. When Endeavor seated himself, he reached for the documents and read through the list. His brows visibly furrowed. “Whatever minuscule detail you can think of, it would really help us in the arson case.”

“Arson?” He began to flip more pages. Blue eyes scanning the words in black and red ink.

“Don’t worry. You’re far from being a culprit. It’s just that your name shows for each holding the company has.” You scratched your nape. “It’s straw grabbing, I know. This case just needs a bit of push, whatever the amount.”

“I merely bought their stocks thinking it would look good for my agency.” Endeavor finally spoke after a long pause.”I apologize but there’s nothing much I can tell you about this. If it helps, I can assign a few heroes to assist on the case.”

“No, No.” You reassured him. “It’s fine. The HPSC took over and this is actually my last task for this mission. Feel free to keep that copy, though.”

Thanking him for his time, both you and Levi bowed and bid him farewell. When the elevator door closed, you began fidgeting with your fingers. The meeting proved nothing. Another dead end. The guilt of not being able to hand over any sort of information began creeping in. At least the case wasn’t on your hands now.

“If it’s worth mulling over,” Levi commented as the doors opened. “He was holding back information.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ll tell you in the car.”

And he did. The second the doors locked and engine purred to life, Levi scanned the surroundings to make sure none of you were being followed. For more precautionary measures, he used his quirk to check if the winged hero left  behind any small feathers.

“My quirk sensed sudden hesitation when he finished reading the list.” Looking at the time, he decided a meal was needed. “It was a mere second but I latched on to it. Assessing his aura, it seems as if big shot is hiding something. It’s up to you if you wanna tell the asshats that information.”

“How do you manage to sneakily use your quirk?” It always made you ask how he sharpened his abilities. Did his quirk evolve already? If not then Levi is definitely a monster.

“You learn a thing or two being in the underground.” He wasn’t ashamed of his history, either. Levi was about to continue till his phone vibrated in his pocket. Taking it out, he answered the call. “Erwin?”

Hearing that name, you had a feeling the call would be long. Holding the phone for him, Levi let go and continued driving to the nearest Mendy’s. Every few seconds he would hum and agree with whatever Erwin was telling him on the line. Before the call ended, he donned his signature ‘tch’ and bid farewell.

“I have some bad news.”

“Hit me.”

“I’d rather not.” He smirked. “Erwin needs me back at the precinct.”

“Oh.” Your shoulders slumped and sighed. “When are you leaving?”

“He said as soon as possible.” Your silence was something he did not like. Stopping at a red light, he tapped his finger on the wheel. “Are you scared?”

“About the coming days?”

“Yeah.”

“Not as much. I still believe that there’s something I can do.” You looked at the rear view mirror. “I honestly have no idea what I can do but my main priority would have to be making sure the heroes don’t catch me with him.”

“And how exactly are you going to do that?” Levi challenged. “You’re already on a case with him and I highly doubt they’re going to leave you alone.”

“Being on the case with him isn’t the problem.” Massaging your temples, your eyes landed on the take out menu Mendy’s had. Telling him you’d have the usual, you waited till the windows were close to continue. “What I’m worried about is if he finds out, he might not trust me anymore. I don’t even know if he fully trusts me.”

“I can assess him if you want.” He offers, his outstretched hand taking the paper bag.

“Can’t. He hates people.” Squinting your eyes at him, you pouted. “And, if I can recall, you took down one of his deals back then. So, it’s a definite no-no for the both of you to meet.”

“That was years back.”

“The man holds grudges.” You took a bite off your food. “It’s a miracle he hasn’t dropped by the apartment and talked about the updates.”

“That’s cause he knows I’m with you. How clueless can you be?” He flicked your forehead. “He trailed us the day I arrived. Though, I think it was mere coincidence that he was by that restaurant,”

Ah. That explained why he became pissed all of a sudden that night. It had been running through the back of your head, knowing his tendencies. But him being pissed about Levi in the same room as you? Butterflies began to flutter in your stomach. Overhaul was jealous? You didn’t know it was possible but here he was. Once more, excitement crept in with tonight’s possible video call.

“Oi.” Levi snapped your thoughts. “If you’re seriously thinking about mentioning my name to that asshole, i will not hesitate to rip that hideous jacket of his.”

“You’re no fun.”

“You’re too easy to read when it comes to trashman.”

Shoving your food into his mouth, it was satisfying to see his eyes widening with shock. A few minutes later, the both of you were now nestled into your cubicle. Remembering that Hawks was waiting for your call, you excused yourself and went towards the rooftop. Knowing Hawks, he would surely drop by the moment you’d call him.

Staring at the view from the rooftop, it made you wonder how it felt to be like Hawks. How would it feel to be able to fly and soar through the skies? Did he ever get sick from being too fast? Or was he now used to it? Dialing his number, he answered on the second ring.

“About time you called, dove!” The sound of wind breaking was a bit clearer today. He was probably speeding through the air. “You’re on the rooftop, I presume?”

“Only you can make me head up here.” Staring at the skies, you were now looking for the sight of red feathers gliding. “And, you’re probably nearing the area?”

A gust of wind hit your back causing you to lose balance. Turning around, Hawks took his headphones and visors off. With each step he took, he ruffled his hair till he was now in front of you. The sunlight made his golden eyes shimmer brightly. Or maybe it was something mischievous running through that birdbrain of his.

“Ya always had slow senses, dove.” He gestured you towards the shaded area. “Wouldn’t wanna let my favorite officer get sunburned.”

“What did you want to tell me Hawks?” You took a seat on the spot he patted.

“Just wanted to inform you about this case I’m workin’ on.” He pokes your cheek and hands over a piece of paper. “Open that when you're in your nest, lovebird. But, the real reason for my face to face visit is that my feathers picked up a rumor.”

“And that is?”

“A certain yakuza seems to be taking interest in the League of Villains.” Hawks nods his head and leans on the wall. “But the real headline here is that a cute officer teamed up with the mentioned yakuza.”

“You’re not suggesting anything now, are you?” You cocked an eyebrow only to be met with his golden hair tickling your face. Knowing how good Hawks was with gathering information, you let him lean on your shoulder. “I am. We’re working on a project together.”

“Annnd?”

“And?”

“It seems as though that yakuza is taking an interest in you lovebird~” His face inches away from you. Of course, this was nothing new considering how flirty he was whenever he was your companion. Your toleration skills were just high for Pro-Heroes. Or maybe it was because he was just dangerously handsome, you were willing to pull your pride down. “But I ain’t done yet…”

Furrowing your brows, you watched as the winged hero stood up and offered his hand. Cautiously accepting it, Hawks pulled you into his arms. Both your chests collided as he flapped his wings. Grabbing onto his jacket, you could feel your feet losing contact with the ground.

“Hawks, don’t you dare…”

“Oh, I do.”

Not wasting any moment, you felt the wind whiz past your ears. Not a stranger to surprise flights from Hawks, it was always a wonder as to where he would land. The sun was still shining and the streets were busy so there weren’t a lot of options. With that thought, it was now dawning to you that you might be landing on a high rise building.

“Open your eyes, dove.” Hawks whispered into your ear. Placing you down gently, he made sure to let you hold on to his arm knowing you weren’t the bravest when it came to heights.

“Why bring me up here you feral chicken?!” You clung to his arm. Heart pounding in your chest as your eyes focused on the ant-sized cars on the streets. “Wasn’t the rooftop enough?”

“I just wanted to know if you’re doing well.” He shrugged his shoulders. “Having a yakuza take interest in you, more so when he’s the head, is rather dangerous ya know.”

“Oh.”

“Oh?” He raised an eyebrow and stared you down.”OH?! How the tables have turned! You don’t mind it, do you?”

“He doesn’t see me that way, Hawks.” There was no point in denying things when it came to Hawks. The bird was as nosy as the word could get. “This thing won’t amount to shit. Whatever emotions I placed on the table, it’ll all lead to the heroes flushing it down the toilet.”

“So, you’re not shaken that you’ve caught the cooties for Overhaul? Damn, lovebird. If I knew you had a thing for villains, I’d turn over to their side~”

“You know I can give you a heart attack right now, right?”

“You do know you’re standing on the outside of a 780ft building, right?” Having you cling onto him like a koala made him laugh. Patting your head, he wrapped one wing around you protectively. Seeing how you let out a tired sigh made him think.

“You’re a double agent. How would you handle this situation?” The day you found out that the HPSC gave Hawks the mission of infiltrating the League was the day you despised them even more. Finding out that they would be taking over the Arson Case, only to be given the new assignment with Fatgum and Nighteye, it was the validation you needed. They were not to be trusted.

“Wow~ You’re not even gonna deny liking the guy? Gotta hand it to ya chickadee, you’re feisty for putting your life on the line. Career-wise, it ain’t looking bright if they sniff out you like him.”

“I know.”

“But, to give credit where it’s due, Overhaul is a pretty smart bird. Working with him, I’d have to be intrigued too.” Hawks eyed you down. It had only dawned to you how they shared similar eye colors. “I know I’m all for stopping them and making sure that heroes like me finally get some time off. But seeing as the situation your in is much more complicated than it seems, just make sure you clean up nicely. Be three steps ahead and use your connections.”

“Careful of Dabi.” You warned him. Humming his answer, you reached out for a feather and plucked it. “Now, if you have no other questions to ask, please take me back to the precinct. I have a guest and he has to prepare for his leave.”

Swooping you off your feet, you found yourself being carried by Hawks. At least this time, he let you wear his headphones. Securing it on your ears, you were now inches away from his face again. Remembering that he had piercings, you had to admit he made your heart beat a tad faster.

“You likin’ the view, dove?” Hawks was now soaring through the air. Being the object of your undivided attention always made him giddy. Having you wear his headphones was such a cute sight. But he knew where he stood. You had made it clear before that you would tolerate his behavior and that you only saw him as a hero and close friend. “We can always have a date if you like it that much.”

“I would punch you but I value my life.”

“If the trashy bird man doesn’t fully reciprocate your feelings,” He added before landing back on the precinct's rooftop. HIs eyes focused on the raven haired man leaning on the wall where both of you sat moments ago. “I’d say it but, I too, value my life.”

“Hawks.” Levi greeted the winged hero with a deadpan face.

“Ackerman~” His feathers ruffled a bit. Every single feather told him that Levi did not like the scene before him. Of course he didn’t care. “Just stole her from the job for a few minutes. Pro-Hero to officer.”

“I didn’t ask.”

“Whatever.” Looking back at you, he winked and gave you a finger gun. Accepting the headphones back, he wore them and fixed his jacket. With one flap of his wings, he now hovered in the air. “See you in a few days, lovebird!”

Watching him fly away, you could feel Levi burning his wings.

“He means well.” You defended the bird.

“You have a thing for birds and villains.” He gave you a look of disgust before opening the door for you. Offering you his arm, he held on to your fingers as the two of you passed through the hallway. Other officers stared at how touchy the both of you were. “Anyway, I have to leave in 3 hours. Will you be okay when I’m gone?”

“I will be~ Don’t worry~” That slight crack in your voice was a little too evident for Levi. Hoping he wouldn’t push, you were relieved when he gave you his ‘tch’.

“What’ll you be doing after you drop me off?”

“I’ll meet up with Nao at a cafe. We scheduled an updating meeting for the Fukuo Kai case.”

“Keep in mind that I’m only a call away.” He pulled out your chair and waited for you to sit down. “I may not have wings or be a B-Class villain, but I’ll always have your back no matter what.”

“I will keep that in mind~”

The hours passed and you were now waving farewell to Levi. He stood by the train doors before heading to his designated seat. The familiar sight of having to watch him leave was not the best feeling in the world but things needed to continue. Grabbing your phone, you dialed Tsukauchi’s number, to which he answered after 3 rings.

“I’m by the cafe, already. Anything you want?” His voice was upbeat today. There must have been an improvement. Giving him the food you wanted, he took note and proceeded. “Take your time, I’m not in a hurry.”

“Sure. I’ll be there in around 15 minutes.”

Surely enough, you arrived 5 minutes earlier. Walking towards your waving partner, you had to wonder why he was rather happy today. Were the updates he had in store positive? Surely.

“So, what’s making you all smiley and giddy? D’yu eat those euphoric candies again?” You teased.

“Nope.” He rummaged through his bag and took out an envelope. Taking its contents out, you accepted it and began to read the latest updates. It really was good news. The case was moving just fine. “Overhaul’s been very compliant, I’ll give him that. He managed to dig in a little more regarding Fukuo Kai’s base and confirmed how many yakuza under them.”

“That’s good to hear.” You nodded your head and continued reading the print. Not sure what you were looking for, your eyes mindlessly wandered and listened to his speech.

“It also dawned on me that Overhaul hasn’t been lying at all. I was expecting him to lie about something but my quirk didn’t pick up any sort of foul play in his words.” He continued. “Who knew he would be this cooperative. Maybe having him as an ally wouldn’t be half as bad as I thought.”

“I agree with your point.” That was a lot of praise coming from Tsukauchi.

“He also mentioned that you were keeping up your end of the deal quite well.” He took a sip of his coffee. “The main update I want to give you, though, is that with the information Overhaul gave us, the plan to infiltrate them can now happen in two months.”

“T-two months?” Your eyes shot up towards the person sitting across you. “That’s a big amount of time.”

“It is. The sooner we can stop the Fukuo Kai the sooner we can cut ties with the Shie Hassaikai. Or at least until Fatgum and Nighteye get them.”

“Right.”

“That is better, right?”

“Of course. It’s bad enough that we went to them for help. The media still has no idea and hopefully it stays that way.” The food arrived and you cleared the table of your things and papers. Once the food was positioned, you took a piece of tissue. “How many people do you need in the stakeout?”

“Ah. That’s also what I want to talk to you about.”

“Meaning?”

“Overhaul has one additional request.”

“Which is?”

“To have you, and no one else, be his partner when the stakeout comes.”

- - - - -

a/n: hawks has a special place in my heart so i had to add in a bit of hawksxreader in this chap ;) hope yall didnt mind~ see you next week :D

[ardentprose]

Chapter 2 - Together

Yoongi X Reader

Warnings: Language, Implied Racism?? (just in case)

Thank you as always for your patience. Battling anxiety and writer’s block is not easy but I made it through! These chapters may become shorter so that they are easier to read and more frequent. Thanks <3.

Thanksgiving Break.

Cars roll up to dormitories, some carrying friends, others parents who have made the drive to see their beloved children and take them home for a hot dinner. Within a few hours most of the campus is abandoned. Dorms stand clean, vacant and locked. The cafeteria prepares its last late lunch before closing down its services. Those staying on campus for one reason or another have their fridges stocked for the next twenty four hours for their own small celebrations.

Tucked away in one of the dorms’ bedrooms, Min Yoongi shoves various black pieces of clothing into his duffle bag. Unlike his fellow dorm mates roaring with delight in the hallways, Yoongi is less than thrilled.

To start, he had no idea the Thanksgiving break existed, let alone Thanksgiving. Call him air-headed or ignorant, but Yoongi preferred the term focused. So hyper focused that he could miss big details around him like a national holiday that shut down every school in the country.

With one hand Yoongi presses down his clothing, while the other attempts to zip up his bag bit by bit. Biceps flexing and knuckles protruding, Yoongi leans all his weight into the bag until it finally shuts with a satisfactory zip.

He releases a huge sigh and turns to his empty backpack. He still has to pack his music equipment. It’s nothing fancy like he has back in Korea, but a small portable keyboard, laptop, headphones, and launch pad.

But for now he’s hungry and if he doesn’t hurry Hoseok will raid the pantry and steal his portion of snacks. On his way to the kitchen, Yoongi slams the door closed to their dorm, effectively muting the rowdy men in the halls. One he swears is Kim Seokjin cursing out his roommate for spilling a beer.

“You packed and ready to go?” Hoseok asks from where he stands in front of the pantry doing exactly what Yoongi feared. The shorter boy walks up behind him and hip checks Hoseok out the way. Hoseok allows it and easily reaches over Yoongi’s head. 

“Yeah for the most part.” Yoongi mutters, sliding an arm into the shelf and hugging all his snacks at once to his chest.

A pack of Cheetos drops and both boys glance down at it. Hoseok swoops down and picks it up, offering it to Yoongi.

“Keep it.” Yoongi says, turning to head back to his room.

“Alright, Yoon, not so fast.” Hoseok tugs on Yoongi’s shoulder but it doesn’t deter the solemn man from heading back to his bedroom. Hoseok follows on his heels, trying to gauge his roommate’s mood.

“You never let me have your snacks. What’s wrong?” He asks, tossing the Cheetos on Yoongi’s bed and then going over to hop onto his. Hoseok was an efficient, clean person - most of the time. The past weeks had gotten a tad hairy but Hoseok made up for it by deep cleaning their dorm until it smelled of lemon and Clorox. As such Hoseok was packed and waiting for his ride two hours in advance, giving him ample time to figure out what had his roommate so down.

Lying back and tucking his hands behind his head, Hoseok watches Yoongi find places for his snacks to go around the equipment he puts into the backpack.

After another minute of silence, Hoseok is about to ask again when Yoongi finally responds.

“I’m going with Y/N to her house.”

“No shit, really? You excited, bro? That’s practically an invitation to-”

“No, it isn’t.” Yoongi shoots Hoseok a glare hard enough to make him swallow the rest of his sentence.

“Then why are you going?”

“She invited me.”

“And you want to go?”

“I don’t have a choice. They’re closing down the school.”

“You could stay if you really wanted to. But you’re not. You’re going to Y/N’s house and celebrating Thanksgiving with her family. “

“Yeah.”  Yoongi exhales, sending the word out between shaky lips. Hoseok narrows his eyebrows, then sits up to see if Yoongi truly looks as terrified as he sounds.

“Yoongi.” He calls and slowly, Yoongi turns to meet Hoseok’s eyes.

“You’re freaking out aren’t you? Don't worry. I’m sure Y/N’s family is as sweet as she is.”

“I’ve never been to an American house before.” Yoongi admits. He sits down on the edge of his bed and drops his face into his hands.

Hoseok hums, reaching across the few feet of space between their beds and taking Yoongi’s hand in his own.

“Okay, but Americans are not some alien species. They’re normal people like us and once you get there you’ll have fun with them. Especially if Y/N’s there with you.”

“Are you sure?” Yoongi lifts his head, sending his friend an incredulous look. “I have yet to see normal behavior from them.”

Hoseok wrinkles his brow, then bursts into laughter as realization dawns.

“Yoongi! Trust me! I’ve been here two years alright? I lived with an American family last year and they were the coolest people I have ever met. You’re freaking yourself out over something that’s not a big deal. We come from different cultures, but so what? At the end of the day we’re all human and we all like to eat.”

“You sound like Y/N.” Yoongi groans, rubbing his face in anxiety.

“Hyung, listen.” Hoseok’s tone becomes serious as he searches for Yoongi’s eyes. “You will be fine. Y/N wouldn’t take you with her if she thought you wouldn’t enjoy it. And if you get uncomfortable just tell her. I can’t imagine she would get offended.”

“I’m not doing that.” Yoongi frowns, lifting his reddened face from his relentless palms. His lower lip juts out and his cheek are round and flushed.

“Ah, hyung. Then just stay on campus.” Hoseok gives up, falling backwards onto the bed and releasing a groan.

“N-no. I want to go.” Yoongi mumbles. His heart is thudding in his chest and his palms are clammy, but no matter how terrified he is of your family, Yoongi knew he didn’t want to mope around his empty dorm for five days.

He knows he would be miserable spending the holiday alone, because his attitude has already changed since meeting you. Much to his disliking. The first few weeks of school Yoongi refused to leave his dorm, not even for Hoseok. He liked having the dorm to work on his music without disruption.

But then he met you. Smiling, laughing, sweetheart you. Someone who promised to help him pass his English tests. Someone who forced him out to a cafe once a week in order to study. Someone who tried his coffee even though she didn’t like the black taste of it. Someone who was gentle when he stuttered. Someone who trusted him enough to fall asleep on her books in public.

And somewhere along the way Yoongi suddenly found himself looking forward to the cafe sessions every Thursday. Now whenever he was alone he missed having you around to fill the silence. He spent hours looking up unique coffee flavors to win you over instead of working on the next bar of his latest song. Instead of glaring and refusing to speak, Yoongi laughed with you whenever he mispronounced a word. Never having been one to initiate conversations, now he couldn’t help but tease you just to earn your pretty eyes on him again and again. To hear you say his name felt like he was the most beautiful Korean word you had learned.

Yoongi chews on his lip, his eyes coming back into focus as he picks up on Hoseok’s humming while texting away on his phone. Hoseok was used to these sessions where yoongi would temporarily leave the planet and be lost in the recesses of his mind. As if it was second nature Hoseok drops his phone on his stomach and looks over at Yoongi.

“So you’re going?”

“I’m going.”

----- “Hey Yoongi!” You wave across the parking lot causing the older man to blush and look down at the sidewalk. Hearing your rapid footsteps he comes to a stop, meeting your excited eyes with his one apprehensive ones.

“Are you ready? Is this all your stuff? Do you need help carrying anything?” You fire questions at him making him widen his eyes at the near foreign words flying from your chapped lips.

“I’m all right.” He answers after processing the words.

“Hey, that’s English! We’re not even studying. Wow, you must have an amazing teacher.” You wink and laugh. Yoongi just smiles, overwhelmed by this new side of you that is clearly excited for this Thanksgiving holiday.

“Are you ready?” Yoongi asks following you back to your little grey sedan. You nod several times while popping open the trunk for him to place his duffel bag and backpack in beside your luggage.

“I’ve been waiting for Thanksgiving break for years.” You drag out the last word and slam the trunk closed.

“I can’t wait for you to meet my family, Yoongi.” You send him a heart-stopping smile before digging your keys out your pocket and sliding into the front seat.

Yoongi swallows. He doesn’t want to take away from your excitement but to say the feelings were mutual would be far from the tight ball of nerves currently wrapping around Yoongi’s throat.

Getting in and closing his passenger door with a thud, Yoongi leans back against the seat and slides his hands down his black jeans. He shifts his legs together than apart and tries to figure out what to do with his arms.

Why am I so weird? Just stop moving and sit still. Yoongi berates and shifts again until you flick on the radio distracting him from his attempt at not being awkward.

The first few minutes of the drive pass in silence. Trees blur into one another as you speed up, heading towards the highway.

“Do you care if we get some snacks?” You ask, breaking the silence with a glance Yoongi’s way.  

He nods knowing full well his backpack is stuffed with snacks. Hoseok even gave him a parting gift of some Haribo gummy bears to wish him good luck.

“Great, let’s stop here.” You say and turn into a bright yellow gas station.

Just say you already have snacks in your bag, idiot. Save some money.

But she might not like them. They’re mostly Korean junk food.

Just ask and see what she says.

Who am I to deny her? She wants snacks. We get snacks. Yoongi ends his internal debate by slamming the car door closed and follows you into the convenience store.

Although having been in America for a semester now, Yoongi never grew tired of how many Americans snacks there were in your average store. All the rainbow advertisements and family sized packaging blew him away and was the reason he fell into an obsession of hoarding chips, Cheetos, and candy from his roommate.

You split up heading towards the bathroom while Yoongi walks down the candy aisle. After picking up some Twizzlers, he turns the corner and finds a familiar blue package of chocolate cookies. He grabs it and purses his lips, sounding out the word.

“Oh ree oh….Oreo!” Lighting up with recognition, Yoongi chuckles, grabbing two packs of the sweet cookies. If there was anything he had learned in this country, it was oreos were fucking cocaine to college students.

Even if I can’t finish all of these, I can always sell them. He reasons while grabbing a third pack.

“Hey, what’d you find?” You grin, back from the bathroom, and Yoongi grins back, unabashed by the amount of food in his arms. “You know my family will feed you right?”

Yoongi recognizes your teasing tone and rolls his eyes.

“Olee- Oh ree oh.” Yoongi grins.

“They’re good!” You agree, taking some from his arms.

“Fuck yeah.”

You burst into laughter, walking ahead of him to the counter. “Yoongi, I swear the only English you’ve learned how to say correctly are curse words.” You grab some things along the way for yourself and set them on the counter.

“Oh wait! I want to grab some gummy bears for my sister!” You turn on your heel and take off towards the candy section.

“I have gummy bears!” Yoongi calls after you, but you must not understand him as you disappear around the bend.

Turning back to the counter, Yoongi spots a bell and rings it. The cashier, an older man with slumped shoulders and bags under his eyes swings the backroom door open. He eyes Yoongi up and down before shuffling forward to sit down at the cash register.

Silently, he starts ringing Yoongi’s snacks up while Yoongi pushes the items within the man’s reach.

Yoongi glances towards the candy section where you disappeared to. The man is almost done ringing up his things. He hasn’t so much as spared a glance towards him, but he might ask a question Yoongi doesn’t know the answer to.

Please hurry up. He bites his lip as the cashier meets Yoongi’s eyes for the first time. He must look a nervous wreck because the cashier raises his eyebrow for a tenth of a second before sliding his gaze into neutral once more.

“Ten ninety five.” The man clears his throat.

Yoongi swallows thickly, and pulls out his wallet from his back pocket. Separating the green bills he searches for the correct number, praying you’re on your way back before he has to hand over the money.

Alas, you are still nowhere to be seen as Yoongi picks out a ten and picks out a five dollar bill - just to be safe - and places it on the counter.

“I said ten ninety five.” The man says. Lightning courses through Yoongi’s veins.

Shit! I got it wrong. Before he can grab the money back the cashier sweeps up the cash, muttering something under his breath.

“Hey, sorry. I found them.” You sigh, placing your hand on Yoongi’s shoulder and reaching before him to drop the candy.

“You have to wait your turn.” The cashier rests his hand on the open drawer, staring at you.

“Oh, no we’re together.” You respond, offering a polite smile.

“You’re with him?” The man states it like it’s a warning, causing your smile to fall.

Yoongi glances between you two, trying to figure out what the problem was. Or why your hand - which he was still processing as being on his shoulder - was now clenching his bicep.

I’m studying harder this break. He chews on his lip, sensing the tension between you and the cashier. His heart begins to pound, hands growing moist.

“Yeah. We are.” You state in the same tone the cashier used with you. Stepping closer to Yoongi, you hook an arm around him and send the man a look. “Thanks.”

Yoongi’s face blooms and he grows stiff, his entire mind focused on the fact that you were touching him, holding his arm against your side like it would be ripped away from you otherwise.

“To each his own I guess.” The cashier mumbles, sliding the receipt back over and unhooking the plastic bag to hand over the counter.

“Yup.” You respond curtly, turning with Yoongi on your arm and leaving the store.

He follows you numbly to the car, not realizing your speaking to him until he feels a sharp poke to his side.  

“Yoongi? Are you alright?”

“Hm? Yeah.” He blinks, watching you toss the snacks in the back and then get into the car. He follows suit and pulls the seatbelt across his chest.

“I’m sorry about in there. I can’t believe he asked that.”

“What happened?” Yoongi asks softly, blushing with the lack of knowledge he possessed in order to help you.

“Oh, you didn’t understand him? Well that’s for the best then.  It wasn’t a big deal. He...he just assumed something.”

“Assumed?”

“Guessed wrongly.”

After a moment of silence, letting you concentrate on merging onto the highway, Yoongi turns to you once again.

“Together. What does it mean?”

“Together?” Yoongi frowns watching your cheeks color.

Now he was more confused than before. Did the cashier insult you in some way? He himself be damned, if that man said anything to upset you Yoongi swears he will find the location of that gas station and teach the man a thing or two - in Korean.

“I-It just means...like...you know...we stay with each other.” You wrinkle your brow and your knuckles tighten around the steering wheel.

“Me and you. We are together?” He asks for clarification. In return he gets an even deeper shade of red on your face. You lick your lips, curling them into your mouth.

“Yeah...we are.” you hesitate and Yoongi watches amused. “As friends.”

“Together. Friends.” He sighs satisfied with your explanation. Yoongi closes his eyes and leans back against the headrest.

“Yeah. Friends.” You repeat in a voice so soft,  Yoongi barely catches the words as he drifts off. 

[reifromrfa]

*Insert title here*

Hi guys! It’s been a while since I’ve really talked to anyone here or posted anything. Life has been busy but at the same time I’ve been in a slump and have been unproductive ;~; Still, I’m smashing through my writer’s block so I can continue doing what I love the most --writing. 

I have some updates under the cut (commissions, projects, a big THANK YOU message)! Idk if anyone will read it ^^; But I’ve been MIA and have some things to say so...I guess I’ll get right down to it! :D

• Commissions are currently CLOSED. I want to focus on finishing the ones I currently have and once I’m done with all of them, I’ll open commissions again! To those who commissioned me, thank you so much for all the support and for trusting me to write your stories <3 Also, thank you for your patience ;A; I’ll get your stories to you soon!

• New Projects! I’ll still finish the MM fics that I have right now (or I’ll try to! as much as I can!) like Avenged and V’s Reset Theory Fic. I also want to revamp On the Line when I get the chance to and hopefully finish the story! I’ve had the entire story mapped out but didn’t get to really finish it ;A; Would you still be interested in reading it? ^^; Let me know! 

Aside from my old works though, I’m also looking to busying myself with new projects ^^ If you haven’t seen me spamming my blog yet, please check out the original story I’m working on with the ever-brilliant @rossyele​ <3 It’s a story about two lovers and it’s packed with fluff, angst, action, suspense, a lot of questions and hints (to which some have been trying to connect the dots but hehe no spoilers ;) ) and well, will there be smut? Follow our blog, @teamicamea-scl​ to know more! I’m also going to working on a ton of new things, and I’ll share it here with you guys for anyone who’s interested ;w;

• Lastly, thank you thank you so much for 4,167 followers!  AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! I haven’t been active much but I see the likes, comments and reblogs on my stories and fjal;skjflkdja I APPRECIATE YOU ALL! It’s heartwarming to see how my stories from 1,2 years ago are still being read and it’s really inspiring me to write more :) To a writer, every like, comment or reblog means a whole lot so thank you so much, to old friends and new ones! THANK YOU!

The world is going through a tough time right now. All of us are affected by this pandemic and I hope all of you are safe and healthy! I want to write more because stories take us on all sorts of adventures and pull us into different worlds. We get to meet amazing characters that make us laugh, cry, laugh and cry at the same time (It’s possible. It’s not attractive, but yeahhh :)) ) and just bring us comfort in these times. We may not be able to physically leave our homes but I hope my stories (and yours! I read fics when i have the time so please don’t hesitate to share your fics to me ;w;) can take your mind off of reality for a little while and keep you company ^^ 

If you’re reading this, thank you haha and I hope you’re doing well :) 

I can’t say this enough, THANK YOU FOR ALL THE LOVE AND SUPPORT and stay safe guys!

-Rei

[mrscullensrutherford]

5 Questions for Writers

Tagged by the amazing @myfeyrelady

I am going to answer these with all of my fanfiction in mind. 

1. Do you have a favorite character to write? Who and why?

HZD - I have a love/hate relationship with writing Nil. He was always my problem child and took the story wherever he wanted to but he also helped me create some of my best scenes, the macabre psycho.

DA - Cullen, for sure. I love exploring his trauma, addiction, and growth throughout Inquisition. 

ME - Say what you will but ALTEA SHEPARD takes the cake. I love my OC and that’s all there is to say about that. 

2. Do you have a favorite trope to write? Or one you want to write?

Nada. I have covered SO MANY tropes that it is hard to pick a favorite. While it isn’t exactly a trope, I do enjoy placing characters in awkward situations and seeing how they handle it. My characters or the characters I utilize write the story, I am just their tool. 

3. Share your favorite description you’ve written?

This is from I Didn’t Ask for This 2.0 - Cullen/Trevelyan

I was thankful that the stream wasn’t too far from camp; with every step, I became more aware of my surroundings due to the burning mark within my palm. I can hear the scurrying feet of small animals in the foliage below my feet, feel the cool breeze softly caress my shoulders as I make my way to the water, and smell the snow that caps the distant mountaintops. The air is intoxicating, overwhelming my senses with the sharp scent of evergreens as I pass between their trunks, mixing with a bittersweet tinge of the cocoa that still lingers on my tongue.

From this distance, I can hear the sound of voices rising from our camp, but I block them out and focus on getting to the water. I can only imagine what the others are telling Cullen. I’m sure that Dorian will attempt to be discreet. But Sera, Bull? Not a chance. In fact, I can imagine Sera reenacting the events of my evenings in outlandish gestures with dramatic gasps and sighs for the Commander. Though she had previously warned me to stop talking when I needed to “do that,” it is always much more difficult to stop myself in the moment when the rush hits me. At least I am careful to not say anything that would make them believe I had someone specific in mind, and usually, I don’t.

As I continue through the trees, aching to reach the stream, I remember the way my body ached when we encountered a group of warriors training with swords and shields. One, in particular, was quite handsome, and I couldn’t keep my eyes from trailing down his body as the sweat dripped from his skin, gleaming in the sunlight. It had awoken something primal within me, and I imagined him pressing my body against the rough bark of a tree, scratching at my skin as I tore into his with lips and teeth as we devoured each other. I used him in my imagination as I would have used him in the Circle. But tonight would have been different. Tonight, I have no doubt there would be a specific person on my mind.

I crest the hill and find the stream I knew would be there, my skin tingling with the need to immerse myself. I follow the curve of the water’s edge to a small pool where the current lapped slowly along the rocks. It may not be deep enough to submerge myself beneath the shallow waves, but it will cover enough of me to fulfill my need. Our party had stopped at this same pool previously on our way to the Hinterlands, and I can still recall how the cool water greeted the sensitive flesh of my chest as I stood in it all of those days ago.

4. Share your favorite dialogue you’ve written?

So, conversations between Aloy and Nil are always amusing but there isn’t always a ton of dialogue. However, Nil has some of the best lines in-game and in fic. From Seeker of the Nora.

Aloy began to worry the feather at the recurve of her bow. If she wasn’t careful, she knew she’d strip the small fluffs but she was less concerned with how her bow looked than she was with what she was about to say. “This mission, it is more than it seems.” She shifted her weight, raising one leg onto the platform and squaring her body to face him, wanting to ensure her words were clear. “I may have found my Mother. And I am quite sure it is not the woman I have been chasing this whole time.” She hoped that some kind of realization would cross his face, that he would somehow understand what she was trying to say but there was only his calm visage reflected back at her. There was patience and waiting.

She wasn’t sure she could bring herself to say the words aloud. She needed to find peace with it but she hadn’t even gone into the Mountain, yet. How was she supposed to reveal her deepest fear if she didn’t know it was real? What would be revealed when she entered the Nora’s Sacred Mountain this time? She now knew that the door to the Mountain hadn’t recognized her but Elizabet Sobek. She was still uncertain of her connection to the woman. She really only knew that they looked and sounded alike.

Nil took her hand then, rubbing small circles into her flesh with his calloused fingers. “Aloy, I don’t care where you were born, who your Mother is. You could have fallen from the Sun’s anus and it wouldn’t change who you are.”

Aloy scrunched her nose and held back a small laugh. She should have known Nil would use his macabre sense of humor to bring her anxiety down a notch. She flipped her hand over and took his rather large one into hers, squeezing it gently and just holding onto him for a while longer before deciding that they should probably make their way back to the camp and to, what she could only assume, would be an over-anxious Erend.

5. Scene you haven’t written, but want to?

I am now working on a full-length fic for my OTP, so everything is a little exciting. I am most looking forward to the moments in Wrong Side of Heaven where James and Altea start to realize they have genuine feelings for each other. I have written smut and one-shots but never the real romance part of it. And they are flirty as hell, so there isn’t anything lost there but the heart of it, the finding the person you can count on and always has your six. THAT’S what I am looking forward to the most. 

Tagging forward to @oops-gingermoment @pikapeppa @orbrandir @natsora @obvidalous @dafan7711 @rpgwarrior4824 @smolbiotic @inquartata30 @helila @amostsovereignlady @valaloy @shepardluvsgarrus @kittleskittle @bronzeagelove @autodiscothings @n0rmandysr1

Feel free to ask me questions about my OCs! I’m always happy to gush :)

[goodticklebrain]

Q&A August: Kate Powers of the Redeeming Time Project

Q&A August continues! I first met Kate Powers at the opening reception of the 2016 Shakespeare Theatre Association conference.  It was my very first STA conference and I was, needless to say, SUPER NERVOUS about suddenly being in a huge room with hundreds of top-notch Shakespeare experts, artists, administrators, and educators. I felt very much like an impostor and interloper: after all, I was just drawing these stupid little comics, while these people were making Shakespeare come to life, and were changing lives in the process.

I had heard of Kate’s phenomenal work with Rehabilitation Through the Arts at Sing Sing Correctional Facility, so I was already suitably intimidated when I was first introduced to her. However, she took one look at my name tag, said “Oh my god, you’re HER”, and then seized me by the arm and proceeded to lead me around the reception, introducing me to all manner of Shakespearean theatre luminaries and instantly incorporating me into the STA community. And that’s pretty much Kate in a nutshell for you: welcoming and supportive, absurdly generous with her time and energy, and never hesitating to help lift people up in any way she can. Over the past several years she has become a wonderful resource, correspondent, and friend, and I’m so excited to share her with you now.

Take it away, Kate!

1.  Who are you? Why Shakespeare?

I am a director, a text nerd, a prison theatre maker. I saw my first production of Shakespeare before anyone had a chance to tell me that this was going to be good for me, or that these people talk funny.  I was eight.  The play was in a park downtown; we had a picnic and a can of mosquito spray standing by as we watched Petruchio arrive (on a motorcycle, wearing leopard-print hot pants, as it happened) to wed Katharine.  I am sure that I missed a lot, but I had a great time.

After a student matinee of my production of Measure for Measure at the Kansas City Rep in 2005, a girl asked at the post-show discussion, with great urgency, if Isabel was going to marry the Duke.  When I directed The Winter’s Tale at American Shakespeare Center, I spoke to a lady in the audience who was seeing her first-ever Shakespeare play.  She asked me if I had updated the language or if someone else had done it for me.  She was stunned when I told her that we had not changed a word.  “It’s crystal clear,” she exclaimed.  I am all about smashing up the cultural church of Shakespeare and starting the Shakespeare block party.

2.  What moment(s) in Shakespeare always make you laugh?

It’s cheap, but it is textually supported cheap. I laugh every time an actor playing Malvolio reads the letter, “If this fall into thy hand, revolve,” takes a beat, contemplates, and then turns in a circle. It’s not actually what the letter writer means (it means “consider,” essentially), but it doesn’t matter. I think you have written a strip about revolving Malvolios, (Mya interjects: I have!)  and I would like someone to start a band called the Revolving Malvolios.

3.  What's a favorite Shakespearean performance anecdote?

I would probably have to go with Squirrel Butt Romeo.

Mya interjects: Kate is, of course, referring to the immortal anecdote that led to the creation of this comic:

4.  What's one of the more unusual Shakespearean interpretations you've either seen or would like to see?

I saw a Czech language production of Hamlet while I was in grad. school. The host at my B&B in Prague strongly discouraged me from going. I think he thought I would be upset when it wasn’t in English. I told him it was okay, that I was fairly familiar with the story. They cast Claudio much younger than I had previously seen. The late king’s much younger brother. He read like an older brother to Hamlet in some ways, and also, he was HOT. I suddenly understood “The king doth wake tonight and takes his rouse, / Keeps wassail and the swaggering upspring reels,” much more clearly, and I also could see the appeal, the sexy appeal, the temptation, the need to believe, for Gertrude.

The interpretation that I have seen far too often is the leather-clad Hamlet wielding an AK-47. Just. Don’t.

Mya interjects: OK, I have definitely seen leather-clad Hamlets, but Hamlet wielding an AK-47? What is that??

5. What passages from Shakespeare have stayed with you?

“It is required you do awake your faith” and “Let be” are perpetually in the front of my consciousness.

Mya interjects: I totally forgot about “Let be”. Is there a more powerful two-word quote in all of Shakespeare?

Right now I hear Sir Thomas More’s “mountainish inhumanity” speech to the rioting mob loudly and insistently:

“Grant them removed, and grant that this your noise Hath chid down all the majesty of England; Imagine that you see the wretched strangers, Their babies at their backs and their poor luggage, Plodding to th’ports and coasts for transportation, And that you sit as kings in your desires, Authority quite silent by your brawl, And you in ruff of your opinions clothed; What had you got? I’ll tell you. You had taught How insolence and strong hand should prevail, How order should be quelled; and by this pattern Not one of you should live an aged man, For other ruffians, as their fancies wrought, With self same hand, self reasons, and self right, Would shark on you, and men like ravenous fishes Would feed on one another.”

6. What Shakespeare plays have changed for you?

Which ones haven’t?

7. What Shakespearean character or characters do you identify the most with?

I pretty much am Beatrice, with a dash of Paulina. Very smart, very punny, often wielding my words as a weapon, tenacious, determined, protective of those around me, and also afraid of getting hurt, yet determined to speak, to name injustice when I see it. “I care not. It is an heretic that makes the fire.”

8. Where can we find out more about you? Are there any projects/events you would like us to check out?

I am the founder of the Redeeming Time Project. Our name comes from Hal’s speech in I Henry IV, “I’ll so offend to make offense a skill / Redeeming time when men think least I will.” We make theatre with men incarcerated in two Minnesota state prisons. I started doing this work over a decade ago with Rehabilitation Through the Arts in New York state.  We believe human beings are born inherently good, and we teach critical life skills (such as empathy, critical thinking, communication skills, teamwork, conflict resolution, goal setting, delayed gratification) through making theatre together. At Sing Sing Correctional Facility in 2016, while we were rehearsing Twelfth Night, one of the men said, “Shakespeare gave me words for emotions I didn’t know I had.”

The act of imagination required to play a character can become the spark of compassion that leads to empathy. One can learn empathy through the effort of performing a play, because one must ask, “What is it like to be this character? What is it like to walk in his shoes?” Through rehearsal room disagreements about the interpretation of a scene, or a line, one can learn to tolerate not just different points of view but also ambiguity itself. This newly acquired tolerance and wider understanding of human behavior helps cultivate patience and perspective.

Shakespeare teaches us what it means to be human, in all the nobility as well as all the depravity that it can entail. Again and again, he asks us, “What does it mean to be alive? How should we act? Who am I? What do I love?” Redeeming Time makes Shakespeare accessible to all, restores a voice to the silenced and voiceless, and explores the full complexity of the human condition.

Incarcerated individuals who study and perform Shakespeare challenge. They develop a passion for learning. They explore the full complexity of humanity through Shakespeare, reassessing their past and current choices, as well as their future options, as they do so. Although RTP will work with material written by other playwrights and authors, Shakespeare will always be the firm ground on which we stand.

(Back to Mya) Thanks so much to Kate for taking the time to answer my questions. You can find out more about Kate and her excellent work here:

plainKate.com

The Redeeming Time Project

@_plainkate_ on Twitter

Plus, you can hear Kate on several episodes of the Reduced Shakespeare Company Podcast:

Episode 346: Theatre in Prison

Episode 398: ‘Salesman’ Behind Bars

Episode 498: Year of Shakespeare

Episode 532: Shakespeare and Trump (also featuring yours truly)

Episode 580: Redeeming Time Project

COMING THURSDAY: A fellow Michigander who just happens to be one of my personal Shakespearean superheroes!

[maple-writes]

Novel Prep Tag

Tagged by  @oleander-fricke and @corishadowfang Thanks!!! This’ll hopefully be really useful as I’m still trying to figure out a whole new wip here

So bear with me lol.

Rules: Answer the questions and then tag as many writers as there are questions answered (or as many as you can) to spread the positivity! Even if these questions are not explicitly brought up in the novel, they are still good to keep in mind when writing.

FIRST LOOK

1. Describe your novel in 1-2 sentences (elevator pitch)

Richard, Volt and Skyler, the three person crew of courier ship the Lord of Chaos (working name for now lol) all have someone trying to track them down. As easy as it would be to live their new lives, none of them can run forever.

2. How long do you plan for your novel to be? (Is it a novella, single book, book series, etc.)

Just one book. I wish I had the patience for multiple books but… I do not.

3. What is your novel’s aesthetic?

It’s a little rough in this department, but something along the lines of romanticized space travel, far future society spread across multiple planets, daring heros and cunning villians. Tbh think like… Spatoon 2 Octo Expansion... but in Space.

4. What other stories inspire your novel? 

I am currently seeking some inspiration right now lol. But so far I don’t think there have been any specific stories that really inspired this one as much as just like… General ideas that come up in a lot of different stories like the vague notions of space stuff, fugitives, over-the-top skills/abilities, … I hope to find some outside inspiration soon though.

5. Share 3+ images that give a feel for your novel

*photo credit bottom: Xavier Portela

MAIN CHARACTER

6. Who is your protagonist?

Technically I have three planned for this one, but I’ll focus on Richard for now.

7. Who is their closest ally? 

Hands down, Volt Powell. He trusts her completely .

8. Who is their enemy?

He wouldn’t really call the Organization (name in the making still lol) an enemy, but he wants nothing to do with him and fears being captured and dragged back since he more or less ran away (and is VERY valuable to them both financially and practically).

9. What do they want more than anything?

To exist as freely as other people without having to hide away out of sight. He doesn’t want people to think he’s dangerous and he just kind of wants to live his life.

10. Why can’t they have it?

The organization that made him is trying to track him down, and he can’t usually leave the ship in populated areas without running the risk of someone reporting him (he’s not exactly human-looking as he was more or less created through a combination of genetics and engineering by what can kind of be considered space mafia/illuminati stuff?? More on that eventually when I have it figured out).

11. What do they wrongly believe about themselves?

That he’s only valuable/most valued for what he can do, not who he is.

12. Draw your protagonist! (Or share a description)

He’s fairly tall, with black hair that is so dark it doesn’t reflect any light. One eye is similar to that of a cats, with a yellow-orange iris and slit pupil that can dilate wider for better night vision while the other looks less biological, and was made to see light in the infrared spectrum (though has broken by the time the story takes place). He has sharp teeth, fingertips that can convert to claws, and antenna-like things by his ears that allow him to kind of... tune his hearing or something. His skin is fairly pale, with a kind of cool-toned complexion like he’d been outside in the cold for too long. 

PLOT POINTS

13. What is the internal conflict?

Since he’s kind of like a cyborg with biological and non-biological parts making up his body, he needs semi-regular maintenance, but its been years since he’s last been with the organization and the lack of upkeep is starting to show. He doesn’t want to worry Volt, and especially doesn’t want to worry Skyler, so he tries to keep it to himself, but there’s no question that his body is wearing out and will only get worse without treatment only the organization can give. But at the same time, if the organization were to operate on him, he knows they would replace a part that had been accidentally removed years ago which alters neurotransmitter function that made him easier for them to control and blocked most emotions except anger. So he doesn’t want that.

14. What is the external conflict?

That parts a little fuzzy right now, but it will involve the organization gaining on  their tail, the tyrannical prime minister’s daughter (skyler’s half sister) and a tangled web ready to unravel.

15. What is the worst thing that could happen to your protagonist?  

The Organization captures him back and turns him back into a tool for extermination.

16. What secret will be revealed that changes the course of the story?  

It’s all up in the air right now, so I’ve got nothing for sure yet. But I’m thinking that there may be one person who ends up being connected to more than meets the eye.

17. Do you know how it ends?  

No lol.

BITS AND BOBS

18. What is the theme?  

Different kinds of love (ie, family, friends, parental, siblings etc…) and ties between individuals.

19. What is a recurring symbol?  

I don’t know if I’ve gotten far enough to have that kind of detail known yet.

20. Where is the story set? (Share a description!) 

A solar system… somewhere… maybe our solar system… maybe not? Depends on if I want to make up planets or not.

21. Do you have any images or scenes in your mind already?  

Yeah some of them, though I can’t be sure how many will actually make it into the story when I start writing. None of them are in any way connected to each other either.

22. What excited you about this story?  

I’ve wanted to do a sci-fi thing for a while (my last two wips were both fantasy based) so it’ll be fun to explore the genera. This story also uses characters that I made when I was still a kid (like, elementary school and early high school) and I’m excited to see how I write them- Rick, Volt and Skyler- now compared to when I first made them. This also gives me an excuse to write about things like genetics and other science things that I find interesting.

23. Tell us about your usual writing method!  

Well, it’s kind of lengthy but it works. First I get the idea, then flesh out the characters and sort of form a vague story around them. Next I make a point form, chapter by chapter outline of what I  think I want to happen. Then I pick a nice notebook and handwrite the first draft from the outline. After that, I review what I wrote, make a few notes and rewrite it on the computer. After all that than I revise, and finally, I edit.

Thanks again, and hopefully I’ll know more about  this unnamed wip eventually!

tagging: @esoteric-eclectic-eccentric, @iwritetypos, @pens-swords-stuff, @lilmissravingwriter, @writingbusinessizzy, @writerproject, @urbanteeth, @iamidentical and @thelysstener have fun. 

[badwolf-in-the-impala]

~The Absent Heart~

~Part 9~

Previous Parts:  ((~Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 - Part 5 - Part 6 - Part 7 -Part 8 - Part 9~))

Image credit: badwolf-in-the-impala

Chapter warnings:

A/N: I am so sorry I haven’t posted on this one in a while...writers block has been killing my soul on this one recently 0.0 and I’m a terrible person, I know...especially with the cliffhangers. I have issues lol anywho, the follow up to this chapter should hopefully be up sooner as I have this entire week off. Which means instead of adulting, I’m gonna write instead! **YAY**

As always, thanks for putting up with me and reading my stories. It means a lot <3

If you would like to be added to the TAGLIST, just let me know!

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As the days drug on, Ivar found himself growing only more and more impatient. Freya’s condition only seemed like it was worsening, meaning their journey was put on further delay. Torvi working tirelessly round the clock as he hovered, providing the care she needed to keep the infection from spreading, but she had yet to fully wake from the fever fueled slumber into which she had slipped; save for the night she had woken the whole camp with her screaming.

Lost in the violent throws of a fevered nightmare, shouting incoherently in her native tongue, Saxon -- language she had not spoken in years -- as she writhed helplessly in pain on the makeshift bed in her tent. It had taken both himself and Ubbe to hold her down while Torvi forced a concoction down her that put her back under. It was stressful to say the least...and Ivar couldn’t stop placing blaming himself.

Obsessing over every little detail of events leading up to where they were now. If he hadn’t of drug her to that feast, just let her work instead like she wanted to, maybe she wouldn’t have stumbled into that girl; Runa? Wouldn’t have protected her, wouldn’t have taken her place for the beating that neither of them deserved...if he had just made her stay behind? Hadn’t asked her to come at all? But then again, perhaps it simply had been fated to happen, like Floki keep trying to assure him.

But Ivar refused to let it go, obstinate as ever.

It was weighing heavily on the entire group, driving a wedge between brothers as they argued on what should be done, given the current situation. Sigurd suggesting that he and whoever so wished to join, should take Floki and venture ahead to scout and secure their location. The mere thought sending Ivar spiraling into a rage that took hours to calm him out of. Ubbe only adding fuel to the fire when he suggested Sigurd might have a point, and Hvitserk choosing to side with no one and remain out of the argument. Already knowing that neither party would be able to agree in the end.

“Maybe they are right, Ivar?” Floki had chimed in sometime later, once Ivar had calmed down enough to listen. Earning a menacing glare from the youngest Ragnarsson. Floki holding his hands up defensively. “We will have to leave sometime, my dear Ivar...with or without her, I fear will not be your decision.”  

“I do not wish to speak of it anymore, Floki...now leave!” Ivar snapped, dismissing the older man with a sharp gesture of his hand. Floki bowed, an air of sarcasm underlying his actions as he turned on his heel to leave; ignoring the frustrated scream that rang out down the beach behind him.

“As you wish, my Prince.”

The days had started to blur together in a repetitive routine of pacing the beach, scavenging what little food could be found, and sitting at Freya’s bedside...praying to the Gods that she wake soon. Patience was wearing thinner by the day among the men, and if circumstances did not change, and soon, Ivar feared there would likely be an uprising.

“Explain it to me again, Torvi. If the fever is gone, why has she not woken yet?” Ivar demanded impatiently for what seemed like the hundredth time.

“I have told you time and time again, Ivar, I do not know when or even if she will wake.” Torvi gave an exasperated sigh. She had expended every resource she had available in an attempt to help Freya; but to no avail. She remained lost in the grasp of what ever dream-world the fever had been pulled her inside of.

“I am not Helga.” She admitted with defeat.  “Perhaps if she were here, she would know if something more could be done...it just-- it does not make sense.”

“Her body is here, physically. But her mind? The Gods have pulled her mind else where.” Ivar stopped pacing just long enough to roll his eyes at Floki who had just seemingly materialized out of no where; interrupting the conversation.  

“I am not in the mood for your ridiculous analogies, Floki.” Ivar spoke harshly as he resumed his pacing, blue eyes staring at Freya’s motionless form as if she would wake up at any moment. Floki turned his attention to Torvi who simply shook her head at the boat builder, motioning for them to step outside. The conversation resuming once they were out of earshot of the tent.

“I am at a loss, Floki.” Torvi admitted. “I have done everything I can think of...everything Helga has taught me; and yet, she does not wake!” Floki nodded in answer, stroking his beard thoughtfully as he stared out at the vast sea before them.

“The Gods have a plan, Torvi...and while I may not know what that plan is, I do know that Freya is meant to be part of it.” He replied. “One thing I do know for sure, we can not stay here any longer.”

“I know.” Torvi replied. “I have done all that I can here...her fever is broke and the wounds seem to no longer fester. She can be moved, but she will be at the mercy of the sea once we set sail.” Floki nodded in return, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder as he turned back towards the tent in which Ivar still remained.

“It is a risk we are going to have to take.”

The seas had become increasingly rough, day after day, storm after storm; it made keeping course a constant battle. It also made caring for the unconscious Freya more difficult as they traveled. Most of the men were unnerved by her eerie appearance...so lifeless, yet still so alive. Many had even begun to blame the growing string of bad luck on her.

In the few weeks since resuming their journey, they had tracked off course, drifting for several days in the wrong direction before it was corrected. Multiple men had begun to fall ill from an unknown ailment, and three boats had perished to storms along with the countless men that crewed them. Many a whisper had spread of her body being cursed. Some even brave enough to dare threaten to throw her into the sea, in hopes that perhaps it would please the Gods? Though none dared come close enough to attempt such a reckless thing with Ivar sitting guard.

It was a death sentence in and of it’s self to challenge the Cripple, let alone try to take what rightfully belonged to him. Slave or not, he had already made it clear she was not to be harmed. But with rations running low and tensions running high, many of his fellow Viking brothers were starting to press their luck.  

“You tempt fate to freely, Cripple!” One man exclaimed, pointing a finger in Ivar’s direction accusingly. “That Slave bitch is cursed! I can feel it. She should be thrown to the depths as offering to Ægir; for the sake of everyone!” Many of the men and women on their boat cheered in agreement, arguing back and forth what should be done as Ivar seethed silently. Floki’s attempts at reason going unheard as the voices grew louder, drawing several of the nearby boats in as they took advantage of the eerily calm seas.

“You would do best to hold your tongue!” Ivar growled in a murderous tone, pointing a dagger back at the man who was making the accusations. Bracing himself against one crutch as he hovered protectively in front of Freya’s body, alongside Torvi and Floki.

“What in Odin’s name is going on?!” Ubbe yelled as himself and Hvitserk crossed over from their boat to Ivar’s; taking in the scene before them carefully.  

“Your Crippled brother has lost his fucking mind!” The same man from before shouted, pointing to Freya’s body that lie safely at the rear of the boat, just out of reach. “She’s cursed, I can feel it in my bone! Her body needs gotten rid of!”  Cheers of agreement erupted again into the evening air.

“Over my dead body!” Ivar roared over the noise as he lurched forward, dagger ready. Ubbe stepping in between his brother and the rest of the boat, allowing Hvitserk to take stance in Ivar’s previous place guarding Freya.

“Enough!” Ubbe yelled, the boat falling silent for a moment as everyone’s attention fell to him. “I know we have had some ill fated luck, but that does not mean we are to start throwing people overboard. So long as she still draws breath, she stays.”

“But--” The man started to protest, cut off by the sharp glare Ubbe gave in return.

“I would choose silence, if you wish to keep your tongue.” He stated, one hand still planted firmly against Ivar’s chest. The youngest Ragnarsson sneering after the man as he turned, retreating through the throng of people that had gathered, stepping onto the other boat without another word.

“Reign it in, Ivar.” Ubbe warned lowly as he turned to face his brother. “We are all on edge, but now is not the time, nor the place. Understood?”

Ivar remained silent as he narrowed his gaze back at his brother. Rage burning rampant through his sapphire eyes as he took his place back beside Freya protectively as Ubbe ordered everyone to return to their places.

The wind starting to pick up steadily as storm clouds grayed what little light was left in the sky. Hvitserk exchanging a worried glance with Ubbe as Floki rushed to the front of the boat. The atmosphere shifting abruptly as the swells started to grow and raindrops started to fall from the darkening sky. Lightning cracking overhead violently, followed by an ominous rumble of thunder that shook everyone into terrified silence.

“Drop the sails! Drop the sails!” Floki shouted franically, several men rushing to get it lowered as the surrounding boats followed suit. Ubbe pushing his way to the front, stopping short of where Floki was perched on the bow, clutching to the wooden serpents head like his life was about to depend on it. Watching helplessly as the eye of the storm barreled toward their fleet.

“What do we do?” Ubbe questioned as he looked up to the boat builder.

“We pray to the Gods that that mans superstitions aren’t right, my dear Ubbe...that is what we do.”

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Additional Notes: In Norse mythology, Ægir is a sea jötunn associated with the ocean. He is also known for being a friend of the gods and hosting elaborate parties for them. He is the namesake for the exoplanet previously known as Epsilon Eridani b.

TAGLIST: @greennightspider r​ @captstefanbrandt @microsmacrosandneedles @irishhiggins @dmv49 @naaladareia @readsalot73 @terrainhead

[froldgapp]

21, 27, 33

21) Tell me about another writer(s) who you admire? What is it about them that you admire?

Oh boyyyy! What a hard and good question! In FMA, @antigonerex absolutely masters Riza Hawkeye. I also always adored Sevlow’s stuff: such an eye and ear for adventure horror. Their Roy is perfection.

In Voltron, this is so hard! Forgive me if I forget anyone (it’s 23:20 and I’ve sat through a three hour meeting today * rubs hands together for mercy *)

@radiofreekerberos solid ear for voice and beautiful pacing. We’re currently working on a thing called Boiling Point together and she’s my beta for Scales. I think Breathless was the first fic I read of hers!

@blackcatbone takes incredible care with all of the characters, and has 360 thinking when it comes to their histories and motivations. She’s just started a hard-nosed crime piece called Red. Check it out!

@justheretobreakthings Remember Me is currently breaking my heart. They capture the fine line Keith walks between gentle soul and deservedly righteous guardian of fairness.

@sol1056 wrote the seminal Slip the Surly Bonds. The patience and fortitude of this fic is so geil, together with a beautifully drawn Shiro, vibrant cast of OCs, and a vulnerable, guileless and very in-chracter Keith.

Read @haleykim84‘s In the Hands of Hatred the other day and loved all the action, suspense and how she handled the various paladins as well as the baddies.

There’s loads! @fenri is a lexical acrobat, @greenteafiend is stressing me out of my box with their time loop fic, and @wolfsan11 delivers solid gentle Keith time after time. Too many! I’ve definitely missed loads, sorry! Arghhhhhh!

27) Do you make a general outline for your stories or do you just go with the flow?

The only story I properly planned was Here Dead We Lie for Fullmetal. I still have its original scribbled plan somewhere. It depended on these three distinct ‘POV’ that all had to slot in perfectly together. I would honestly love to write like that again. Since starting in VLD, I’ve been doggy-paddling through most stories, but would really love to get back to a place where I can plan and execute.

Saying that, with the aforementioned bedtime “day dreaming” in another question, I’m able to map things somewhat. So in Scales, for example, there are certain scenes where I know how they’ll play out.

33) What’s the biggest compliment you’ve gotten?

I’ve had two people print, bind, and send me copies of Fullmetal fiction of mine, which is… insane. One was of Here Dead We Lie, and the other is Quiet Crown. Insanely kind. When I got the package with HDWL inside, I sat on my kitchen floor in Seoul and cried. Haha! So I suppose that counts, right?

Thanks anon!

[chuulain]

I was tagged by the amazing @kittyboo8015​, thank you! 💕💕💕

Questions for Ao3 Writers:

1. How did you come up with your username and what does it mean?

My username is chuulain and it doesn’t really have a meaning. I made a different spelling on Chulainn, from the character Cu Chulainn.

2. Which fanfic of yours has the most feedback? (bookmarks/subscriptions/hits/kudos)

Second Chances

3. What is your AO3 profile icon, and why did you choose it?

Same as here, of eruri, cause I love them.

4. Do you have any regular/favourite commenters?

Kinda hard to say with only two fics up, so I appreciate anyone who comments :)

5. Is there a fanfic that you keep going back to read again and again?

I have a list on my pc of all my favorite fics and when I’m bored I’ll pick on to read again.

6. How many stories are you subscribed to? How many do you have bookmarked?

I’m still figuring out how this works. If anyone has the patience to explain then feel free to do so :)

7. Which AU do you find yourself writing the most?

Modern au and fantasy.

8. How many people are subscribed and bookmarked to you in total? (you can view this on the stats page)

1 subscribed and 4 bookmarks

9. Is there something you’d like to write about but are afraid of people judging you for it? (Feeling brave? If so, share it!)

Hmm I do write some self indulgent things that I don’t post online, cause I worry people don’t like to read it. It’s my experience in fandoms that fics with oc children aren’t popular, so I’ll keep those to myself.

10. Is there anything you would like to be better at? Writing certain scenes or genres, replying to comments, updating better, etc.

I suck at writing smut. I’m always wondering if it’s too cliche or too rushed or not. So I rather write plot and fights.

11. Do you write rarepairs or popular ships more often?

I write eruri and mobuhan. Eruri is popular, but mobuhan not so much sadly. But I write what I enjoy.

12. How many stories have you posted on AO3 to this day (finished and unfinished)? 

2 and they’re part of the same series.

13. How many stories do you have saved in/with your writing program?

Uhmm I think about 8.

14. Do you write down story ideas, or just keep them in your head?

Mostly write them down, but some are still in my head, cause it needs a little more before I consider it a full idea.

15. Have you ever co-authored a story?

No.

16. How did you discover AO3?

Through google searching for eruri fics.

17. Do you consider yourself to be a popular or famous author in your fandom(s) on AO3?

Haha no, not at all.

18. Do you have a nickname or fandom name for your readers? No, but I love anyone who leaves kudos and nice comments.

19. Was there an author who inspired or encouraged you to write?

Not really.

20. What writing advice would you give to a beginning author?

Write what makes you happy. Also reads lots of fics to see what kind of writing styles there are and which one would suit you.

21. Do you plot out your stories, or do you just figure it out as you go?

Plot the important things and figure out the things in between as I go.

22. Have you ever gotten a bad comment on a story? If so, what did you do?

Not yet.

23. Is there a certain type of scene that you have a hard time writing? (action, smut, etc..)

As I said above I suck at smut. It takes so much time and I rather put that in plot.

24. What story(s) are you working on now?

I’m working on part 3 of my series, my self indulgent fic, and plotting out some other fics that will be worked on at a later time.

25. Do you plan your next project(s) before you finish your current ongoing story(s)? 

Yes, cause when I hit a block on one story, there’s always another to work and plan on.

26. Do you have a daily writing goal set for yourself? 

I attempted, but forcing it out is just bad for the quality of writing.

27. Do you think you’ve improved as a writer since you first started? 

I hope so.

28. What is your favorite story that you’ve written?

Second Chances.

29. What is your least favorite story that you’ve written?

I like all of my fics.

30. Where do you see yourself (as a writer) in 5 years?

Hopefully I’ve managed to finish a lot of fics by then.

31. What is the easiest thing about writing?

Thiking about the main lines of the plot.

32. What is the hardest thing about writing?

Writing the in between scenes leading up to major things. 

33. Why do you write?

I need an outlet for my fantasies.

I think most writers have been tagged by now, but feel free to do this if you like :)