#every time I add a song or edit it I go a little more insane | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

phagechildon · 1 year ago

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Song of Our Soul - Part 4

Life’s been pretty insane again so I haven’t been able to write much I’m so sorry ;/////; I’ve been updating very slowly to Twitter whenever I get a chance, so here’s what I’ve been able to write so far! It’s a longer part to make up for the time! It’s not really edited, but I will once I upload it to AO3 eventually. I’m experimenting with different POV’s too. Hope you enjoy ❤

— Modern Wangxian reincarnation soulmate au where both hear a song in their dreams, a song so familiar yet so foreign. They catch glimpses of each other in their dreams, and hear their voices, but when they wake up, all they remember is the melody and the other’s faint emotions. Angst with a happy ending. TW: mentions of violence, child abuse, abandonment, suicidal thoughts, mentions of rape, etc. Will add more

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

----

To Lan Zhan’s relief, Mo Xuanyu didn’t disappear like he originally thought he would. After stopping that night, Mo Xuanyu was the first to text him the next day.

“Morning Lan Zhan! Say, you don’t actually go to school, do you?”

“I do.”

“What?! Lan Zhan, you’re crazy! You’ve already struck gold, why waste your time going to school??”

If this question had come from anyone else, he would’ve been annoyed. After all, it was a well known family tradition. Instead of annoyance, a warmth settled over him, one the musician didn’t understand. “Every Lan has a degree in their field, I will be no different.”

“But music is so different from law and law enforcement. Don’t people harass you at school?”

“They do not bother me.”

“ Wow 😲 I don’t know if that��s impressive or sad. How could anyone resist Hanguangjun?!🤯”

Once more, he could feel the tip of his ears turn a little pink, not sure how to process the other’s words. His music knew they were soulmates, right? So was he purposefully flirting with him, or was he looking too much into it?

“Shameless.” He wrote back, unable to come up with anything else.

Surprisingly, Mo Xuanyu never left him on read. In fact, he was adamant on being the last to respond, even if it was just: “Goodnight Lan Zhan! Please don’t text back because then I’ll have to respond and neither one of us will sleep 🤣😂”

Lan Zhan did notice something odd though. Every time he asked a more personal question, the other would either take a long time to respond (while not answering the question directly), dismiss the question completely, or find a way to smoothly turn it on him. It was as if he didn’t want him to know about his personal life.

Which made his further findings a little more disturbing.

Mo Xuanyu: Deceased at 5 Years Old. Cause of Death: Homicide. Culprit: Unknown. Suspects: None.

“Did you know older foxes like to cuddle with humans Lan Zhan?”

This wasn’t the first time something random like this has come up, and the Lan couldn’t help but wonder how and why Mo was looking up fox facts.

“I did not. I would have thought they would be too scared of humans by that age.”

“Right?? Guess when you get to that age you stop giving a shit 😁🤣”

Later on that day, he sent another strange text.

“Why do people litter in rivers?? Don’t they know it waters the wildlife? Outrageous!”

Foxes, and now rivers. He certainly seemed to love wild life.

“I have seen them myself. Littering has indeed gotten worse.”

“Oh? Do you camp or hike often Lan Zhan??”

“Sometimes. When I was younger, I attended an astronomy camp for two months. During free time, I would often go to the river and clean up the trash.”

“An astronomy camp?! 😲😲😲😲 I always wanted to go to one! Or did I? Maybe I have? I have a horrible memory, guess that’s what a head injury does 🤣”

A head injury. The first bit of personal information he’s given out freely. While Lan Zhan was a little afraid to press, he had to if he wanted answers.

“A head injury?” He asked, hoping the briefer the question was, the more comfortable Mo felt.

“It was a long time ago Hanguangjun! I was almost six at the time. I don’t remember much from before or after. But I feel like I might’ve gone to one. Wouldn’t it be funny if we went to the same one? 🤣🤪”

While Lan Zhan knew this was Mo trying to joke around again, part of him felt his body seize up. He attended the club when he was around six years old - around the same time he heard the music start to play. Would it really be possible that they bumped into each other at the astronomy camp? With Mo’s memory gone, he had no way to prove it.

Things only got weirder when he finally found the police report for Mo Xuanyu’s murder:

The report was shorter than Lan Zhan expected, especially after finding out Mo Xuanyu wasn’t the only one who died that day.

Needing groceries for the following work week, Mo Xuanyu’s mother and aunt brought him along to the local supermarket. On their way out, Mo Xuanyu bumped into the leg of a biker who was later identified as Wen Chao, one of the leaders of the Wen gang. In a fury, he kicked and threw a can of soup at the child, where his mother then shielded him with her body. He then harassed her verbally until an employee intervened. Before leaving, Wen Chao swore he’d make them pay for being incompetent.

Around ten o'clock that night, someone burst through the front door of the apartment. According to the lone survivor, Mo Xuanyu’s aunt Mo Shi, a man in all black shot Mo Xuanyu’s mother, making her bleed out and watch as they brutally beat Mo Xuanyu to death. The only reason the killer spared Mo Shi was because she feigned gratitude for “finally” getting rid of the nuisances in the family. Immediately after he left, she called the police and was put under protective custody for a few months.

While the obvious suspect was Wen Chao, police have footage of him robbing three civilians at the same time of the crime. Mo Shi claims the assailant didn’t wear any gang affiliated symbols, which the Wen gang was known to do even under supposed covert operations.

Though Lan Zhan didn’t like to make conclusions without further evidence, he found the Wen gang’s innocence hard to believe. After all, he worked with his brother and trained men in taking them down.

Having met Wen Chao on a few occasions, he knew the man well. While he was a despicable man who was easily baited and angered, a child that young bumping into him wouldn’t have set him off like that, especially if the mother didn’t say anything outlandish. What he said also raised suspicion. As it was left out, Wen Chao and Mo Xuanyu’s mother most likely had no connection before this incident, so how was her son bumping into him incompetent?

There was more to this story, that much was obvious. In fact, he was almost positive it was planned.

Before he could do further research on his mother and aunt, he saw his phone light up.

A notification from Tumblr: Suibian sent you a message.

Glancing at the time, a flicker of worry threaded through his veins, not realizing it was already one in the morning. For once though, he was glad to have lost track of time.

Opening his phone, his heart stopped in his chest.

“Maybe we shouldn’t do the collab thing after all.”

-----

“Why not?” Lan Zhan wrote back, the message illuminating Mo’s pale and dirtied face.

He hadn’t expected a response, not this late at night. Mo Xuanyu stared numbly down at the phone screen, his eyes glazing over at the words. The answer was obvious, wasn’t it? His inspiration might claim to like his version better, but what if that was it? Aside from his newest song, there was nothing special about him. Besides, everyone who ever got involved with him got hurt, so if he really cared about Lan Zhan, he should keep his distance, right?

… would that be cruel to Lan Zhan though? Despite popular belief, he wasn’t dumb, he knew they were somehow connected. How else would Lan Zhan play the other part of the soothing melody from his dreams? One that had so many notes in places where his lacked, the two versions creating a whole.

Hearing that melody outside his dreamscape had been the only thing that stopped him from stepping off that bridge that night.

”I’m here,” Hanguangjun said through the notes. ”You’re not alone, I’m here.”

The more he listened, the more those and other inaudible words warmed his soul. Tears soaked his cheeks, though he wasn’t sure when they started to flood in the first place. For the first time in his life, he didn’t feel suffocated by another’s care and love. He felt safe and truly wanted, and it was all because Hanguangjun played the missing part of their song. It made him realize that even before the trust he had in his mother shattered, he never truly felt safe with her.

“Mo Xuanyu, you know what happens to the people who cloud your judgment. If you don't want them to be punished, come home.”

When he read that text a few days late (he silenced all her calls and texts), he couldn’t help but laugh. Them hurt Lan Zhan? Impossible. How laughable. What he’d give to see his mother’s smug smile fall into one of fear after realizing who he’s been talking to.

Yet part of him still couldn’t help but worry. No one was untouchable, and that included Lan Zhan. Just the thought of someone hurting him to get to him made him want to rip his own heart out and crush it so they no longer had a reason to hurt his apparent soulmate.

The mere reality of that made Mo scoff, finding it utterly ridiculous how he felt this strongly for someone he barely even knew. Part of him wondered if he was delusional, but feelings this powerful can’t be manufactured.

Besides, someone tainted in filth and blood shouldn’t associate with someone so perfect. They needed to step off a bridge so they'd no longer be a burden on the world.

“Lan Zhan, let me ask… why should we?” He managed to type back, his silver eyes hardly focusing on what he was typing. Too sober to be responding, the back of his brain whispered. In the morning, when he looked back at these messages, he’d berate and scold himself for letting his depression speak truthfully.

“Why not?” Lan Zhan responded again, making his frown deepen. He really wasn’t making this easy. How could he convince Lan Zhan he was poison? Part of him was tempted to ghost him, maybe even block him to prevent him from finding him again. Everytime he went to do it though, his finger would hover over the block button and his anxiety would race.

Don’t do it don’t do it don’t you dare fucking do it. It literally felt like he was crushing his own soul with his bare hands every. single. time.

“We’re just not compatible. You’re well, you. You’re beautiful, you’re gorgeous. You’re exceedingly good at playing the guqin. That goes without saying. You’re really good at calligraphy, and-” his thoughts came to an abrupt stop, but not his thumb as it pressed send. Oddly enough, he had a vague sense of dejavu. How could that be when he’s never been close enough to say such things to someone? And why focus on calligraphy? Sure he's seen it before, fans like himself liked to see everything he did. But still, calligraphy?

Shaking his head, he quickly added to the last message. “I know better than to put people on pedestals, this isn't me idolizing you or anything like that. I just don’t want to ruin your reputation. Sure you like my version, and maybe others will too, but I don’t exactly have a good reputation.”

The biggest understatement of the year.

How could he warn Lan Zhan he was danger and not worth it without outright saying it?

“I do not care about trivial matters like that, and even less about what others think. I make my own judgments.”

“Lan Zhan, you barely even know me,” he wrote truly back, feeling a little aggrieved. “What if I’m actually some criminal trying to hurt or exploit you?”

“A criminal brave enough to try going up against a Lan would be worth knowing.”

Mo couldn’t help the snort that left him, his self deprecating mood lifting a bit. Yet again Lan Zhan was able to do something no one has before - pull him from his dark place and make him feel secure. Even his mother hadn’t been able to do that.

Maybe things would be different with Hanguangjun.

“What if I’m hideous?” He teasingly wrote, quickly following it up. “You should know my wardrobe mostly consists of ripped jeans and hoodies these days. Mostly black or red depending on which one is clean 😉”

After escaping, he secured a cheap black hoodie from the thrift store along with another set of jeans. There were only two outfits to his name right now.

“Appearances do not matter. Anything you wear to the performance is welcome.”

“ 😲 Anything you say?! Lan Zhan, you should really watch your words 😉”

“Shameless!!”

This time a chuckle left his lips as he curled up more into himself, cradling the phone in his hands. His body shivered as another frigid breeze swept through, making him inch slightly closer to the crackling fire. Another trip to the thrift store was needed. At this rate, he’d die from frostbite before seeing Hanguangjun in person!

It didn’t matter if he felt good enough to collab with Lan Zhan anymore, or felt like he’d endanger his inspiration. Right now, as he drifted to sleep, the only thing that mattered was finally meeting him in person. Once he did, whatever happened afterwards, he knew he'd be able to die happily.

----

“Do you ever feel nervous before a show?” Mo Xuanyu asked. It was now three days before the performance.

“No,” Lan Zhan responded, purposely leaving out that this is the only show he’s felt nervous about. After all, he’s going to properly meet his music.

“You’ve never looked shy in front of a crowd, but you also don’t talk to your fans either.”

“I do not perform for the crowd, I do it for myself,” he wrote, purposely leaving out the part where he did it in an attempt to reach out to his soulmate. With both of them avoiding the topic, Lan Zhan assumed it was safe to save the subject for later.

“You really are a weird person Lan Zhan, but in a good way!” Mo responded, quickly following it up. “At least we don’t have to worry about the fame getting to your head or any scandals. Now I have a way to sniff imposters out 😉”

“How will I know if there is an imposter of you?” A risky move, Lan Zhan knew, but it also made sense in this context. “The tickets are sold out.”

Five minutes-

10 minutes-

“You’re right. Even if someone showed up to your dressing room, how would you know it’s me?”

Five-

Ten-

Fifteen-

Thirty-.

“Lan Zhan… no one else looks at your messages, do they?”

A hard fearful lump formed in Lan Zhan’s throat, his fingers unconsciously tightening their grip on his phone. He finally had physical evidence that his music was in danger, and not just from himself. The caution towards others seeing these messages clearly showed his trust was fragile. Mo Xuanyu didn’t want to be noticed by someone.

“My brother used to help manage my account, but not anymore. I am the only one who has access. However, if you feel uncomfortable, I can give you my phone number. We will need to exchange information for the collaboration anyway.” Writing out his number, he hit send, and waited.

After asking for a description or possibly even a picture of Mo, Lan Zhan knew he’d have to wait a while. If answering simple questions took his music a while to respond, finding the courage to send what he looked like probably made his anxiety skyrocket.

Surprisingly, it was only a few hours later when he received a text from an unknown number: “Am I your only fan in your phone?” The text preview showed as another text came through - a picture text.

Opening up his phone, Lan Zhan’s eyes scrunched up with a mixture of emotions.

“Am I your only fan in your phone? How scandalous Hanguangjun! What if I was pretending to be Chenqing this whole time, or worse! What if I wasn’t human?!”

The picture below the text was one of a fox. Lan Zhan wanted to shake his head until he noticed an arm wrapped around the fox, then a chest adorning dark clothes. This was an image of someone cuddling a fox, and based off its ragged appearance, it seemed to be a wild one.

… Mo hadn’t googled fox facts the other day. He found out older foxes liked being cuddled by cuddling one himself. That was incredibly dangerous! Why would he try such a thing?!

Wait, if the fox was real, did that mean when he talked about a river full of trash, he stumbled upon one too? He knew Mo liked nature, his blog was filled with pictures of a forest. Did he perhaps live by one? This was something he’d make a mental note of.

“That is incredibly dangerous,” Lan Zhan texted back, hoping he still didn’t have the fox captive.

“I already told you they like being cuddled, and so do I. I don’t see a problem~ 🦊 ”

Worry and anger made Lan Zhan scowl, trying to balance the two emotions out before responding. Yet as his fingers pressed a few letters, Mo sent another message - a picture message.

This time, it was a selfie of the most beautiful man he had ever seen in his life. Those alluring yet mischievous silver eyes stole his gaze, finding himself lost in them. They’re sparkling and smiling, but also filled with a deep sadness he wishes he could eradicate. Framing them is long black hair tied up with -

A red ribbon. Lan Zhan grasped his heart, feeling it race in his chest. It’s the same exact ribbon from his dream, one of the only parts he remembers when he wakes up.

“Jeez, I must love hoodies cause I’m wearing one in all my selfies 🤣”

“You look fine.” More than fine, actually, he wanted to add.

“Aw, thanks Lan Zhan! ❤ I know how great I look and all, but please don’t show me to too many people, okay? I know how hard it'll be to hold back 😉 I’m just trying to stay out of family drama and would prefer no one recognize me.”

Family drama? Well, even if it was a lie, it was yet another glimpse into Mo Xuanyu’s personal life. “I promise only to show it when it comes to your safety.”

“PFFF Lan Zhan! What do you mean by that? No one I know enjoys what I do, so I’ll be fine at the performance! Don’t go showing me to all your security guards, I’ll have them swooning! 🤣”

… then why mention not showing the selfie to others? Mo Xuanyu really knew how to confuse and concern him.

His concern doesn’t go unnoticed by his brother who stops by later that night to eat dinner with him.

“Did something happen, Wangji?” Lan Xichen asked as he slowly pulled the takeout boxes out of the bag. “You look troubled.”

“So do you,” Lan Zhan admitted, becoming just as worried for his brother.

“It’s nothing to worry about,” Lan Xichen merely waved. “We finally besieged one of the Wen gang’s main hideouts. Twenty two are in custody, thirty are dead.”

“That’s good news.”

“It is. We found three shipments of illegal weapons along with logs and footage of their heists and crimes.”

They actually found logs and footage of their crimes?! That meant there was a huge possibility Wen Chao wouldn’t get away with all his crimes no matter how much money he threw around. That was definitely worth celebrating!

“Do you need assistance combing through them?”

Lan Xichen shook his head, a genuine smile peering through this time. “No, but thanks for the offer. The footage is rather disturbing.”

“I see,” Lan Zhan mumbled, seeing his phone light up with a new message from Mo. He didn’t notice the way his mood instantly lifted, but his brother did.

“Things must be going well for you too Wangji.” Lan Zhan froze up, the tip of his ears turning pink. “I haven’t seen you this happy before.”

Not knowing what to say, he nodded, though his eyebrows knitted in worry. “I am…but I am also worried.”

“About your new friend?” Seeing his little brother nod, Lan Xichen’s own eyes scrunched a bit worriedly. “Is this related to your searches in the database?”

There were no secrets kept between them, including their search histories. Out of curiosity, Lan Xichen had clicked on the search after seeing Lan Wangji reviewed the case file several times. To his surprise, he found the file classified as a cold case. “Is your friend related to the victim?”

For a moment, Lan Zhan stayed frighteningly quiet, which considering he hardly spoke, said a lot. “He’s claiming to be Mo Xuanyu.”

Shock couldn’t help but breech his face, now understanding what had his brother so perplexed. The same question that plagued Lan Zhan for so long now infected Lan Xichen: Why would someone pretend to be a dead child?

“And you looked him up to see if someone had the same name?”

“That was the first thing I did,” Lan Zhan sighed, no longer feeling hungry as he stared blankly at his food. “He is the only one that comes up.”

“I see… have you tried inquiring about it with him?”

“No,” he admitted, biting his bottom lip. “I… think he is in danger.”

Considering he was using the name of a deceased child, he must be wrapped up in something dangerous. “What makes you think that?”

Now that he was finally telling someone else, Lan Zhan felt like a nervous wreck. He was worried - he was beyond worried. After saving his soulmate from suicide, now he had to save him from something or someone who drove him to make such a decision. How could he do that when all he had were breadcrumbs of his life?

He couldn’t lose him. Dear god he couldn’t lose him. That pure unfiltered fear was unexplainable, but he didn’t need it to be explained.

Lans only loved once. That was the only explanation he needed.

Taking a deep breath, he told him about the suicide attempt, his cautious reactions and responses, and the way he skirted around personal questions. While leaving out the most important part, the one about the song in his dreams as it would make him seem insane, his brother nodded with a distressed look on his face. Something didn’t seem right even to an outsider.

“That does seem worrisome,” Lan Xichen agreed, resting his chin in his hand for a moment. “Even if he wanted to pose as the deceased Mo Xuanyu, you’d think he’d say his head injury happened when he just turned five, not almost six.”

Lan Zhan nodded, completely agreeing with him. “He needs help.”

“I agree. Mind if I lend a hand?”

Normally Lan Zhan hated getting his brother involved, especially since he had so many other responsibilities. Yet he couldn’t help but nod, his desperation too great.

Somehow, he knew they didn’t have a lot of time. “Thank you.”

“Of course. Is there anything else you know?”

“Not really. I do have a picture of him, if it will help.” Mo asked him not to show it to a lot of people and seemed okay when Lan Zhan said he’d only show it to people when it concerned his safety. This situation definitely matched up with those terms.

“The picture he didn't want others to see?” His brother asked, wanting to make sure he was okay with this.

“Yes. He said not to show many people, and I only intend to show it to you. Besides, this is to protect him.”

The moment Lan Xichen’s eyes landed on the photo, his whole face went pale. The reaction wasn’t expected, which only made Lan Zhan nearly panic. Did his brother already know something?

“Wangji… are you sure this is your friend?” He asked, zooming in to get a better look at some of his features. It didn’t calm him down in the least.

“Yes.”

“And he’s safe?”

“... Brother, why are you asking? Do you know something?”

“Is he safe?” Lan Xichen asked once again, his stern tone making his brother quiet down.

“I believe so. He has been texting me the past three days.”

“Good,” he breathed out before closing his styrofoam take out box, no longer hungry. “Before I say anything, I want to confirm something first.”

“Brother-”

“Wangji, whatever you do, make sure to keep in contact with him and find a way to convince him to meet up before the event.”

“Why?” Lan Zhan asked, unable to help the exasperation in his desperate voice.

“I dare not say, not until I confirm it. Let me know if you’re able to meet up with him.”

Meet up, meaning his brother didn’t find him a threat. So why was he so concerned about him?

“Okay,” he said, swallowing the rest of the words in his throat. He trusted his brother with his life, so no matter how hard it was, he would be patient.

----

“I know this is sudden, but are you in town?” Lan Zhan asked, pursing his bottom lip anxiously as he typed; a habit he’s never had before now. “I would like to meet up before the performance, if that is okay with you.”

As if waiting to hear from him, three dots started appearing, showing Mo Xuanyu was typing, then stopped. Anxiety and fear tightly gripped his chest in an attempt to suffocate him, unable to handle the suspense. Would this scare Mo off?

“Before?? 😳😳😲 Hanguangjun, haven’t you heard it’s bad luck to see each other before the ceremony?”

The tip of his ears burned slightly as his golden eyes read the text, immediately thinking “shameless, ridiculous!” Referencing the performance as some kind of ceremony had to be his soulmate flirting with him, right? How was he supposed to respond to that??

“I will risk it if it means being able to meet you without the eyes of others.”

“... Lan Zhan wants to get me all alone 😨😱”

… was Mo trying to imply something there?? “It gets fairly busy, and I do not want our first meeting to be rushed and interrupted by others.”

“Is this really Hanguangjun? Quick - take a picture of what you’re doing right now, no matter what it is!!”

Another picture? Looking down at his lap where two bunnies sat, his ears became a little pink again. No one knew about his affinity for rabbits. Until now, he hadn’t really cared if anyone knew or not. For some reason, the thought of Mo knowing made him feel embarrassed.

Regardless of how he felt, he raised his phone and took a picture, making sure everything was in view. Behind him his beautiful peonies could be seen, their colors so vibrant they nearly drowned Lan Zhan out.

“Holy shit - are those bunnies!?” Mo sent, the three dots immediately popping up again. “Are those peonies?!”

“Yes,” he simply responded, still not sure what this reaction meant.

Instead of words, a picture message was sent. In what must’ve been Mo Xuanyu’s hand was a little white bunny figure attached to a thin cord, resembling either a phone or wallet charm. “At least you have the real thing! I like bunnies too 😍 Do you have more??”

Lifting his gaze from his lap, Lan Zhan stared down at the seven other bunnies hopping around close by. He sent this scene to Mo as well.

“Holy shit I didn’t expect you to actually have more! Do you tend to the garden yourself?!” Just beyond the bunnies were dozens of flowers of all kinds along with fruits and vegetables at the corners of the frame.

“I do.”

“Why don’t you hire a gardener? That’s a lot of work!”

“Tending to it brings me peace.”

“So you’re a prodigy, an expert at the guqin, exceedingly smart, intoxicatingly handsome, a diligent housewife, a masterful gardener - Lan Zhan, how are you not married???”

“I have not found my fated one.”

“Aiyah even your fated one doesn’t deserve you! Anyone who manages to steal your heart will just use you!”

“I do not mind being used by my fated one.”

“You can’t just let someone take advantage of you Hanguangjun! - I take it back, you’re not allowed to marry! Who knew you’d be so irresponsible?? 😡”

A very small smile folded at the corner of Lan Zhan’s lips, once again finding Mo Xuanyu’s protectiveness cute and endearing. “If they are my fated one, I know I will be unable to do anything but love them unconditionally.”

“Just because you’re fated to be with them??”

“Because we are fated for a reason.” To outsiders, this sounded like severely flawed logic. To those who knew him, they were well aware Lan Zhan didn’t love easily. He didn’t talk to others easily either. If he truly loved someone enough to call them his fated one, then that person had to be extraordinary.

“I never took you as a romantic, now I don’t know what to do with this new information 😵 😵 ”

“Are you in town today?” Lan Zhan asked, trying to reel the conversation back to his first request. It would seem Mo had somewhat of a silver tongue.

“I am. Where would you like to meet? I don’t do well in crowded places.” For some reason, Lan Zhan had a feeling Mo actually meant he didn’t want to go somewhere he’d have a higher chance of being recognized.

“There is a small cafe I frequent. I can pick you up?”

… ten minutes passed, leaving Lan Zhan waiting with bated breath.

“Lan Zhan, you really have to stop being so chivalrous! I’m not gonna lie, I’m a little lost.”

Lost? How could he be lost when there was a GPS on his phone? Shouldn’t he have reception since they were texting each other?

“Where are you?”

“Somehow I ended up at a cemetery.”

A cemetery…? How did he end up at a cemetery?? If Lan Zhan hadn’t been the one to invite him out, he would’ve assumed this was a set up. Actually, it still seemed like a set up. It wouldn’t make sense though. Why would someone on the run set a trap for him?

Shaking the thoughts from his head, he got the name of the cemetery, informed his brother, and quickly left.

---

He was shaking. How could he not be shaking? So much had happened this morning and the only thing he wanted to do was drink and sleep. When was the last time he even had a drink? Probably the night he fled from the Wen’s den.

Considering he relied on buses and trains, it didn’t take him too long to get to Gusu. Filled to the brim with nerves at the idea that Lan Zhan would hate and discard him, the world naturally thrusted more problems on him.

Traveling all night, he accidentally fell asleep on the final bus, missing his stop for the cheap motel Wen Ning managed to find for him. The only thing that woke him was a fight breaking out on the bus, a fight between a Wen gang member and some martial artist who refused to give up his seat for him.

Naturally, with his shitty luck, he knew the gang member from the Wen gang. He was one of the ones he never wanted to see again. While he should’ve pondered what they were doing in Gusu, he instead kicked them both out of the bus while the driver quickly closed the doors, leaving the two brawling in the street.

Opting to get off at the next stop, the doors barely closed behind him when he saw two other Wen gang members walking towards him. Bolting was his first instinct, and he was glad he didn’t give in. Such an abrupt action would’ve caught their attention. With the oversized black hoodie covering his slim frame, they wouldn’t notice a thing unless they ripped the hood off his head.

Taking deep breaths, he managed to slip away without drawing their attention.

Focusing so much on escaping, he forgot to pay attention to where he was going, hence how he ended up at a large cemetery.

And now, if he was being honest, he didn’t want to leave. The main reason he nearly stepped off the bridge was so he didn’t have to deal with all this shit anymore. Yet here he was, lost in Gusu with Wens crawling all around the city. How ironic would it be if he got caught in Gusu while trying to find his way to the song in his soul - the one that convinced him to stay a little longer?

“Lan Zhan…” he mumbled, clenching his phone with shaky hands. Just saying his name helped steady his breathing. Lan Zhan. Lan Zhan. Lan Zhan Lan Zhan Lan Zhan-

The sound of a car approaching made him snap his eyes open, not even sure when he closed them nor when sat on the ground to curl into himself. While he would’ve opted to call himself pathetic, all thoughts were silenced as he watched the white car pull up. This wasn’t someone from the Wen gang, all their cars were either black or red, which meant this was either someone visiting their loved one’s grave or-

The window to the passenger seat rolled down, instantly putting Mo Xuanyu at ease.

Lan Zhan.

For a moment, all they could do was stare at each other with wide eyes, gold bearing into silver. They weren’t sure who moved first (or when Lan Zhan got out of the car), only that they met each other halfway, arms around each other in a desperate embrace.

… desperate embrace?

Mo Xuanyu quickly pulled himself away, his face bright red as he cleared his throat. “S-sorry! I guess I tripped. Your handsome good looks nearly killed me Lan Zhan!”

Lan Zhan looked stunned, needing another moment to recover. “I am glad you did not fall.”

For some reason, that made Mo burst into a fit of laughter, needing to wrap an arm around his stomach the longer it went on. “Lan Zhan-” he breathed out between cackles. “I can’t believe you came!”

Confused, the Lan titled his head ever so slightly. The sight made Mo Xuanyu’s heart race with heat, laughing even more. “I can’t - I can’t- you’re too much!!”

“How so?” He asked just as calm as before, not helping poor Mo’s condition.

Taking deep breaths, he managed to satiate the laughter with tears in his eyes, using his finger to wipe them away. With his other hand, he gave Lan Zhan’s forehead a gentle teasing flick. “Don’t trust anyone who asks you to meet them at a cemetery again! I could’ve been a creep or serial killer!”

The barest hint of a smile flashed across those stone lips, one that made Mo nearly swoon more. “I will not,” he said, simply placating him with a warm glint in those alluring eyes.

Standing in front of one another at least, Mo Xuanyu found himself nearly a head shorter than his inspiration, which made him pout a little. Growing up poor with little food severely stunted his body. Odd how he hadn’t cared about that until now.

Ironically his stomach growled, stopping his lips from moving and speaking some more. Instead he watched Lan Zhan’s eyes widen, then soften again.

“Let us get something to eat.”

The thought of real food made Mo’s mouth water, humming and nodding desperately. He can’t remember the last time he had an actual decent meal. Hopefully the cafe wasn’t too expensive, he barely had ten dollars to his name.

----

The drive wasn’t as awkward as Lan Zhan thought it would be. Granted, he also hated socializing with people, especially when they had a lot of energy. Somehow, he only felt endured and almost breathless as he watched Mo Xuanyu excitingly point at places they passed and inquired about them.

“What about that book store? Have you been there too?”

“I have.”

“It looks so homey from the outside!”

“It is my favorite one, actually. It is very quaint and quiet.”

“Oh??” Mo’s mouth formed a small ‘o’ as he pressed his face against the glass, trying to get a better look as they started to pull away due to the light turning green.

“Would you like to stop?”

As expected, Mo shook his head, a somber expression taking over his once sparkling smile. “Another time.” There was a hollowness to his voice, one that made Lan Zhan’s eyebrows knit together and grip tighten on the steering wheel. If it wasn’t for the looming danger of knowing someone was after his music, he would’ve pulled over and forced the other to indulge himself. Something he was positive Mo either didn’t allow or couldn’t.

The moment his eyes had settled on his music back in the cemetery, a silent alarm whirled in the back of his head. As charmed and speechless as he had been, he managed to take note of certain details.

He was thin. Too thin. Even the oversized hoodie couldn’t hide the growing hollowness in his cheeks. Embracing him only confirmed what his eyes observed. His waist was far too slim, his bones protruding more than what was healthy. Then, there was his smell. While his nose was buried in those tied back long black strands that smelled like cheap shampoo and conditioner, there was an undertone of a deep earthy musk.

It wasn’t bad, in fact it was a little nostalgic. He wasn’t one to reminisce on his childhood, that is until he started talking to Mo Xuanyu. The smell brought him back to the days he spent in a haze during astronomy camp. Of getting lost in the forest during a violent storm and becoming quite ill. It made him remember going back to the forest, often hiking on trails and finding a place to quietly play his music - the music that played nonstop in his soul.

With the picture of Mo cuddling the fox and talking about rivers being littered, part of him wondered if his music had been hiding out in the woods before coming here. Just the thought made him grip the steering wheel more, his knuckles turning white as he glanced over to his soulmate again, seeing him pointing at another building.

“What’s that one?”

“That is a Gusu brand clothing store.”

“Oh,” Mo said, wrinkling his nose as they passed by the glass windows, seeing expensive looking suits and dresses in the window. “Looks too expensive, they’ve squandered such a cool looking building!”

Lan Zhan shook his head, finding a little amusement in the response as he turned down a sidestreet. There wasn’t a lot of parking along this road, but seeing the lack of pedestrians, there didn’t seem to be a reason for more.

Mo Xuanyu’s eyes immediately locked onto the little cafe without it needing to be pointed out. It was a cozy looking coffee shop painted a light lilac with flowers blooming at the front door and windows. On display in the window seal were small lotus flowers that were obviously fake, but still captured their beauty as they framed the name of the small business: Lotus Cove.

Lan Zhan took off his seatbelt, unaware of the quiet maelstrom that was brewing inside of Mo.

His head ached despite being empty as he stared at the building, unable to process what he was feeling. It was unpleasant, that much he knew, yet as Mo tried to turn away, he couldn’t. There was a silence that overtook him, a silence that made a tingling white noise sensation quietly form in the back of his head and ring quietly in his ears.

Was this fear? Was this oppression? The numbness that settled into his limbs and bones made him think otherwise. There were no prominent emotions, just a tingling blank slate.

“Mo Xuanyu?” Lan Zhan quietly called, snapping him out of his thoughts.

Right, he was here to spend some time with his soulmate. It didn’t really matter what he was feeling or how this would end anyway.

“This is really cute!” He beamed, his smile not fully reaching his eyes. Not sure if he was being too obvious or not, he quickly got out of the car and scrambled onto the sidewalk. His feet froze one cement block away from the door, though he wasn’t sure why. The only thing he knew was that he didn’t want to go in alone.

His behavior must’ve been odd because Lan Zhan walked up to his side with a concerned gleam in his gorgeous gold eyes, one Mo quickly learned he hated to see.

“Who knew you’d find such a cute little cafe like this? You really can’t judge a book by its cover,” he winked, making the tips of the other’s ears turn a slight shade of pink.

Oh no- that was really cute. Mo felt a very faint blush of his own take hold and cleared his throat, opting to stare at the door to the cafe instead.

Before he could say anything shameless, Lan Zhan opened the door, gesturing for him to go inside. Instinctively he clenched his fists, a wave of nervousness washing over him. Not knowing why he felt like this made him a little irritated. He liked to face things head on, so not being able to face whatever the hell he was going through right now pissed him off.

For Hanguangjun’s sake, he entered with a smile. “Why thank you my fine gentleman!” He chuckled.

“Lan Wangji!” A female’s voice beamed in happiness, making Mo quickly find the source. Behind a dark wooden counter was a beautiful young woman with long black hair tied into two slight buns with bangs framing her comforting honey-dew eyes. She wore purple-jean overalls over a short-sleeve white shirt with small cute pins aligning the top.

She was comforting, even if the white noise became a fraction louder.

“It’s good to see you again!” She smiled, her eyes then moving to Mo. A spark of fond shock made him feel self conscious, unknowingly taking a step closer to Lan Zhan. “You brought a friend with you today?”

“Yes,” he bowed his head ever so slightly, his eyes silently glancing over at him. Knowing Lan Zhan was leaving it up to him if he wanted to introduce himself or not made his heart race in fondness. He really was perfect in every way.

“I’m Mo Xuanyu,” he said, slightly bowing his head as well.

“I’m Jiang Yanli, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” she smiled, bowing her head in the same manner. “Lan Wangji’s never brought a friend before. This is cause for celebration!”

Lan Zhan wanted to refuse, knowing she liked to go overboard, but there was something in the way she couldn’t seem to take her eyes off Mo that made him curious. She was married and wasn’t the type to steal glances at other men. For her to be this interested meant she saw something special in him.

“Please take a seat! Would you like your usual?”

“Yes please,” Lan Zhan said, picking up a paper menu and handing it to Mo, the action seemingly snapping his music out of whatever thoughts he was having. “Do not worry about the prices. This is my treat.”

Mo snapped his head up faster than he could blink, the look of shock and guilt making his heart ache more. “Hanguangjun-”

“I was the one who asked you to come out here. It is the least I can do.” There was far to it than that, but leaving out the rest would make this less awkward. Thankfully his soulmate easily gave in, his silver eyes scanning the menu as Lan Zhan led them to a seat away from prying eyes from the street. He didn’t dare take a risk.

“I think I’ll just take a tea,” Mo smiled, his reward being a glare from Lan Zhan.

“No, you are hungry. The food here is very good.” Reaching over, Lan Zhan flipped the menu over, forcing Mo to look at the food items. What he didn’t expect was the way his silver eyes stayed glued to something on the list, something that made his whole body stiffen.

Knowing the menu by heart, he wasn’t sure what could have caused such a reaction. Peaking at the paper, he didn’t see it altered in any way.

“Here’s your hot jasmine tea,” Yanli placed his steaming hot cup on the table along with the rest of the pot. “Would you like your usual salad too?”

“Yes,” he said without looking at her, his own eyes glued to his soulmate.

“What about you Mo Xuanyu?” Her voice seemed to snap him out of whatever trance he was in, though his body remained stiff.

“Oh, uh, watermelon iced tea please,” he mumbled, avoiding eye contact as he fidgeted with the edge of the paper menu. “And lotus root soup.”

The smile that placated her lips faltered for a moment, enough for Lan Zhan to see it. “You’re in luck, I just finished preparing some so you don’t even have to wait! I’ll be right back.”

Right, today was the anniversary, a day he never missed before. Thankfully some part of him remembered enough to bring Mo here so she wouldn’t be alone.

“Have you had lotus root soup before?” Lan Zhan asked once Yanli was out of earshot, a little curious. It wouldn’t be his first choice, especially since it wouldn’t fill Mo Xuanyu up enough. If it weren’t for the meaning behind the dish, he would’ve made Mo change his selection to something more filling.

Mo Xuanyu’s gaze became distant as he hummed to himself, thinking. “I feel like I have, a long time ago,” he admitted. “When I was very small.”

Very small. As much as Lan Zhan wanted a specification, he had a feeling he wouldn’t get one. “How much memory loss do you have?” He chose to ask instead.

The question made Mo shift uneasily, teeth piercing his bottom lip. Odd, that was something Lan Zhan started to do himself in recent days even though he didn’t know anyone with such a bad habit.

"You worry too much Lan Zhan," Mo laughed, though it felt pained and forced no matter how hard he tried to hide it with his grin. "I prefer living in the now, you know?"

No, Lan Zhan didn't know. How could he when he was he one that stopped Mo from jumping off the bridge? The present didn’t seem much better than the past. He wanted to be frank, to say it outright, but he had to be careful with what he said. Somehow he knew his soulmate was getting closer and closer to a bottomless edge. Though he’s never met Mo Xuanyu in person before, he could see how uneasy he was.

Something wasn’t right. Everything was starting to go wrong.

“You can not live a fulfilled life without confronting the demons of the past,” Lan Zhan said, watching as Mo’s fake smile faltered a bit.

“Is that a Lan philosophy?” Mo asked, lightly and playfully bumping his foot into the musician’s. He was a fidgety person, he noted. “You can only fight demons if you remember them.”

There was a smugness in his voice, one that gave life to that forced smile. Seeing the smallest hint of it made Lan Zhan’s heart a little lighter while filling with even more determination. “Are you sure you do not remember?”

Mo’s face didn’t change, though he did deflate in his seat a bit, finally realizing he couldn’t run from this.

“It’s hard to say,” Mo hesitated, opting to stare out the window as he continued to avoid eye contact, clearly uncomfortable with the conversation. “I don’t remember most of my childhood. Considering how mom and I have struggled, it’s probably for the best.”

Slowly, as if pushing thoughts from his mind, Mo finally turned to him, opening his mouth when Yanli emerged from the kitchen again. Her hands were completely full, and while she did this for a living and was obviously used to it, Mo Xuanyu still jumped up and met her half way.

“Not that you aren't perfectly capable, but don’t you have employees to help you?” Mo couldn’t help but ask as he carefully stole the tea from her, winking at her confused expression. “Beautiful flowers like you deserve to rest!”

Yanli stood there staring for a moment before giggling, an odd fondness twinkling in her eyes. A fondness Lan Zhan only saw when she looked at childhood pictures.

“Such a charmer, no wonder Lan Wangji likes you,” she giggled, missing the way his ears pinked at the tips at the comment.

---

The two made their way back to the table, Mo Xuanyu instantly taking a sip of the watermelon tea. “So refreshing! The best I’ve ever had!! Did you make this yourself?”

“I did,” she beamed, setting the soup on the table in front of him. “I’m glad you like it!”

Mo smiled happily as he turned to the soup, scooting in to sit a little closer to the table when his eyes fully settled on the soup, finally seeing the inside of the bowl.

And his heart stopped.

Something was wrong. Something was very, very wrong.

Don’t eat it. Don’t you dare fucking do it. Every inch of his body and soul trembled, his eyes catching sight of his hands actually shaking. Thankfully they were in his lap, a place Lan Zhan couldn’t see.

“I hope you like it,” Yanli said, her smile shadowed with a weight Mo knew too well. This soup meant a lot to her. Turning it down now and wasting Lan Zhan’s money was out of the question, not to mention upsetting her. He’s only known Yanli for less than twenty minutes but if anything happened to her he would kill everyone even remotely responsible and then himself. Which was weird. Why did he feel so strongly towards someone he just met and only spoke a few words to? Lan Zhan was his soulmate, so he understood why they instantly clicked. But her? No matter how he tried to think about it, it didn’t make sense, and honestly he didn’t really care.

Ignoring the way his body and mind screamed bloody murder in an attempt to stop him, Mo picked up the spoon, making sure it had a fair amount of soup on it.

The smell. Dear god the smell. Heavenly. Sweet. Light. Powerful- overwhelming.

Vicious, merciless thorny vines wrapped tightly around his head, forcing his lips to part with an inaudible gasp.

Don’t do it - don’t you dare fucking do it!!

The instant his mouth closed, he felt sick. In fact, he felt violently ill-

’You have to be a good boy,’ he heard his mother say, the exasperated yet wickedly gleeful tone foreign to him. His ears start to ring, his head fuzzing into static.

That’s not his mother, that malicious tone doesn’t belong to her-

Stop stop you have to FUCKING STOP-!

Bile burst upwards so fast Mo hardly had time to cover his mouth in time, narrowly avoiding puking in the soup and all over the table.

”A-Xian, are you feeling okay?” Someone asked.

A female. Someone he didn’t know-

That’s a lie-

“Mo Xuanyu?” Yanli’s voice pierced through the static, her voice sounding just like the one that just spoke.

A-Xian. A-Xian… who the hell was that?

“Mo Xuanyu?” Lan Zhan’s voice dripped with worry, his reaching hand making Mo instinctively stumble to his feet, more vomit nearly making him lose his composure. The sudden movement did not help the immense pain and extreme pressure in his skull. It made it hard for him to actually see.

In a daze, both seeing and hearing static, he somehow managed to find the bathroom. His legs carried him before he even realized he found it, barely managing to stumble to the toilet before letting it all loose

Feet hit lush vibrant green grass surrounded by beautiful blooming flowers. Giggles as pure and bright as the sun made his heart lurch-

Cold. It’s so cold, and so, so dark.

He wasn’t supposed to remember - he wasn’t supposed to think about this-!!

Why did you have to fucking do it?!

----

Helpless. For the first time since he found his music’s Tumblr post, Lan Zhan felt completely helpless. Mo was hurting and Lan Zhan had no idea how to help. Should he give him space? People hated when others saw them in such a vulnerable state, yet he couldn’t find himself caring about that. Without sparing another glance to Yanli, he quickly followed after his soulmate.

Part of him was surprised Mo didn’t lock the door behind him. Then again, given his current state, he was surprised he even made it to the bathroom by himself. Upon entering, he saw Mo Xuanyu collapsed against the toilet, heaving up whatever managed to slip into his stomach. Considering how skinny he was and how he hadn’t even eaten a full spoonful of soup, there couldn’t be much for his body to expel. Yet it kept trying to do it anyway.

What did people normally do in this situation? Instinctively he learned forward, barely giving his soulmate any warning before gathering his hair into his hands, trying to prevent any more throw up from getting in it.

That’s when he saw it. The fading red and purple mark on the back of Mo’s neck. Lan Zhan wasn’t an idiot. He knew what that mark was, and he couldn’t help but feel a flare of unchecked jealousy rush through him. Was his soulmate in love with someone else? No, it didn’t seem possible, not when he tried to commit suicide.

Feeling him start to dry heave again, Lan Zhan shook those thoughts from his mind. Now wasn’t the time to dwell on that. He needed to be here for Mo Xuanyu. When he was sick, Lan Xichen used to rub circles into his back, so maybe it would help his soulmate?

Gently he reached forward, letting his fingers rub against his back. Immediately a choked wail left Mo’s lips, jumping up from his slumped position only to slip and hit his head against the wall. Lan Zhan reached out, wanting to steady him, but froze. Those enchanting silver eyes were blown wide with fear. Fear of him.

No, that wasn’t right. Those eyes were focused solely on his hands, not his face, which helped pinpoint the source of his fear. Knowing the physical source didn’t help much though. Mo Xuanyu was having a panic attack and Lan Zhan had no idea how to help. He barely understood his own emotions, how could he help someone through theirs?

Actually, there was something he could do; something that worked before. It would be hard with no instruments, but he could use his own voice. His voice wasn’t fine tuned like his technique on the guqin, but it was all he had. Closing his eyes, wanting to give Mo Xuanyu the privacy he needed, he hummed the song of their dreams.

The result was immediate. His fast ragged breathing slowly became calmer until he eventually started to hear the other part of their song being hummed by Mo.

Weak at first, which was to be expected. Gradually their duet picked up in strength, Mo Xuanyu’s breathing slowly regulating into normal breaths. Even then Lan Zhan made sure to keep his eyes shut, not brave enough to risk undoing the progress they’ve made.

After an unknown amount of time, Mo finally spoke. “I’m sorry,” he mumbled, finally prompting Lan Zhan to open his eyes again. “And thank you.”

#wangxian #phage writes #mdzs #ive had so much going on im so sorry. my broken foot is healing enough but then dad had a heart attack brother passed out hit his head and #my mom just got diagnosed with cancer... and ive been helping a very dear friend not go insane almost everyday after work #shes basically my sister and between family members (my poor sis is a mess too) i haven't had much time to even sleep x.x let alone breath #been losing my mind but it could be worse x.x anyway hope you guys enjoy!

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nonsensical-ramblings · 2 years ago

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Hey! Strap in guys, it's byler music analysis time.

So, was somebody going to tell me that Being Different (from the van scene) and The First Lie / The First I love You ARE FUCKING IDENTICAL TRACKS??? OR WAS I JUST SUPPOSED TO LEARN HOW TO EDIT AUDIO TO FIGURE THAT OUT MYSELF???

LISTEN TO THIS!!!!

youtube

I thought they sounded similar, but I had no idea that mixing them would give me something this amazing. I didn't do any editing to these tracks other than adjusting the tempo, balancing the volume, and clipping off the ends.

So then you're telling me the track that plays while Will is pouring his heart out to Mike in the van. It syncs up perfectly with the track that plays when Robin comes out to Steve? With the track that plays when El tells Mike she loves him for the first time? With the track that plays when Jonathan and Nancy first get together?? That these songs and their associated scenes are clearly and deliberately tied to themes of romance and/or queerness in every instance, and that the result of mixing the songs together is something agonizingly beautiful, like they complete each other, like they were meant to be the other half of the words left unsaid? YOU'RE TELLING ME that the names of these songs are The First Lie, The First I love You, and Being Different?

excuse me while I go into cardiac arrest. ahem.

It's a through-thread that's impossible to ignore once you see it. Idk about you, but my third eye is wide fucking open right now and all it sees is byler endgame and a kiss scene in the pouring rain as a final variation of these tracks swells in the background, finally complete with all its parts in sync, finally with its full potential realized, finally seeing this arc to its well-deserved conclusion. Somebody sedate me I'm going insane.

(Some extra rambling about combining the tracks under the cut)

Being Different has, from what I can tell, three distinct segments if you listen to the original. The track starts off with these long, droning tones, slowly building in intensity as time goes on. Then, around the 1:10 mark, the second segment introduces the melody of eight (four? sixteen? idk, however you want to count it) repeating notes that originally tipped me off to its similarities with the other two tracks. (Just listen, you'll hear it!) This is the segment that I used in the mashups. At 2:32, that melody is suddenly overtaken by some audio distortion and reversed instruments, and fades out to leave us with the rest of the song.

So since the tracks are drastically different lengths, I had to cut off the beginning & end of Being Different, because The First Lie / I love You matched best only with that middle section. Just fyi.

But other than that, what you see is what I did, nothing more. I cannot stress that enough. Go listen to each of the songs on their own, and then come back and realize that I didn't splice anything, I didn't go in and sneakily add a couple extra bars to either track. They just work like that.

It's literally "yeah you can copy my homework just don't make it too obvious" levels of subtlety going on here. Same key, same number of repetitions, the way it's not just a parallel it's a PERFECT COPY- they go quiet and then crescendo and switch between variations of the melody at the same time and I am losing my mind.

If I'm remembering this correctly, The First I love You was a bit too long, so I had to trim off a part of the end in order to prevent it from spilling past the threshold of the second segment of Being Different. But The First Lie specifically was EXACTLY as long as that segment. Note-for-note. Like they just took The First Lie, without cutting it down at all, reworked it a bit, added some extra stuff on the ends, and put it in the van scene. To tell you I was flabbergasted does not come anywhere close to the reaction I had when I realized how well these tracks fit together.

And a little something I noticed while I was looking for a good version of each of the songs to use- The First I love You, from El's love confession scene to Mike in season 3, pay attention and you'll see that "love" is never capitalized in the title of the song. Not on Spotify, not on Youtube, not on Wikipedia, I couldn't find a single official source that capitalized "love", which is WEIRD because all the other songs have consistently capitalized every word in their titles! I'll leave you to draw your own conclusions from that but all I'm saying is... I'm pretty certain it was on purpose. Do with that information what you will.

#there's no way i was the first person to mix these tracks #right??#there's NO way #but i've never seen anyone bring this up before #and it's such a monumental piece of proof #anyway i've been chased away from ST reddit so hi guys i'm here now #seriously stay away they are out for blood and will gleefully disembowel any unassuming byler they find #i tried to post one of the track mixes with the simple caption:#Mashup between The First Lie (Season 2) and Being Different (Season 4)#AND THE MODS REMOVED IT DJFHDSKFHDJ #they didn't specify a reason #only AFTER i pushed they said it was for the watermark & link at the corner of the video #which does technically break one of the rules... even though the point is to prevent self promo... which i was not doing LMAO #byler analysis #byler proof #byler music #mike wheeler #will byers #stranger things #byler #soundtrackgate

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barnesafterglow · 3 years ago

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hey guys! so i finally hit 1k not too long ago which is insane bc i feel like i just made this blog yesterday. being on this site has been the best few months of my life, honestly. i have made some of my best friends on here, and i wouldn’t give them up for the world. i’m so grateful for every single person that follows and supports me. i love you all so much <3

that being said, i thought it would be fun to do a little something for this milestone, and what better way to do that than to make it completely based around taylor swift <3. it feels fitting both because of my username, and the very first fic i ever wrote and posted was based on a taylor swift song

this challenge will start now and end on march 25th. no minimum or maximum word count, but i do ask that if it’s more than 500 words, please use a read more.

edit: if you still want to participate but weren’t able to meet the deadline, please feel free to write something - just make sure you tag me and i’ll add it to the masterlist!

rules:

my blog is 18+ and therefore this writing challenge is too

smut, fluff, and angst are all welcome! please no dark fics

please do not write anything with non/dubcon, bathroom play, underage characters (in relationships), or anything related to suicide, eating disorders, etc. (these last few in particular are very triggering to me and i will not only not read them, but block anyone who submits them)

tag me in your work as well as tagging the post #all’s well writing challenge

message me/send me an ask if you have any other questions!

i will be going through and reading these as they are posted (to the best of my ability), and adding them to a masterlist that i’ll post when all of them are submitted! if it has been more than a couple days since you posted and i haven’t reblogged it yet, shoot me a message or an ask because i may have missed it

below are some suggested prompts, but any lyrics/anything taylor swift related can be used! you also don’t have to use specific lyrics, it can just be the vibe of the line/song. just please be sure to include what the prompt is at the beginning/in your author’s note :) you don’t need to claim a prompt, they can be used by multiple people because i think everyone can make their own unique story!

fluff

“this love is difficult but it's real” love story, fearless

“can't help it if there's no one else” hey stephen, fearless

“the stakes are high, the water's rough, but this love is ours” ours, speak now

“i'll be loving you for quite some time” stay stay stay, red

“all i feel in my stomach is butterflies” everything has changed, red

“just grab my hand and don't ever drop it” i know places, 1989

“you are the one i have been waiting for” king of my heart, reputation

“now i've read all of the books beside your bed” paper rings, lover

“all along there was some, invisible string, tying you to me” / “hell was the journey but it brought me heaven” invisible string, folklore

angst

“and i was right there beside him all summer long, and then the time we woke up to find that summer gone” tim mcgraw, taylor swift

“even now just looking at you feels wrong” should’ve said no, taylor swift

“and my heart's not breaking, 'cause I'm not feeling anything at all” the way i loved you, fearless

“and i stare at the phone, he still hasn't called, and then you feel so low you can't feel nothing at all” forever & always, fearless

“it turns out freedom ain't nothing but missing you” back to december, speak now

“you never called it what it was” / “when your brooklyn broke my skin and bones” all too well, red

”gone was any trace of you, i think i am finally clean” clean, 1989

“but if the story's over, why am i still writing pages?” / “tryna find a part of me you didn't take up” death by a thousand cuts, lover

“i knew i'd curse you for the longest time, chasing shadows in the grocery line” cardigan, folklore

“august sipped away, like a bottle of wine, 'cause you were never mine” august, folklore

“now i'm begging for footnotes in the story of your life” tolerate it, evermore

misc. (ones i really don’t know how to categorize/could go multiple ways)

“but i know you wish it was me” speak now, speak now

“broke your heart, i'll put it back together” how you get the girl, 1989

“should've known i'd be the first to leave, think about the place where you first met me” getaway car, reputation

“all of this silence and patience, pining and desperately waiting” / “i don't want you like a best friend” dress, reputation

“tell me that you're still mine, tell me that we'll be just fine” / “i don't wanna lose this with you” afterglow, lover

“breakups happen every day, you don't have to lose it” / “if our love died young, i can't bear witness” right where you left me, evermore

“everybody wonders what it would be like to love you” gold rush, evermore

characters:

any mcu characters

any sebastian stan characters (except tommy lee and jeff gillooly)

any chris evans characters

if you want to write another character feel free to send me a message and ask!

no pressure tags if people want to signal boost <3

@pellucid-constellations @itistimeforusalltodecidewhoweare @sweetascanbee @sweetdreamsbuck @babiebucky @treatbuckywkisses @spidderboy @aphrogeneias @atlaese @ambrosiase @starbuckie @howdoyousleep3 @buckydaddy @bubblebuckys @buckys-left-middle-finger @foreverindreamlandd @writing-for-marvel @fandoms-writings @nexusnyx @strwbrrybucky @benignbucky @inklore @abovethesmokestacks @jadedvibes @the-iceni-bitch @asgardwinter @schmuckyschmarnes @bloomingbucky @maladaptivexxdaydreaming @smokeinherperfume @beefybuckrrito

#i'm so excited pls don't let this flop #it has been in my drafts for months #all’s well writing challenge #writing challenge #writing prompt #marvel fanfic

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glitteronadumpsterfire · 3 years ago

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🇮🇹🤘 Italian indie rock bands masterpost 🤘🇮🇹

So I'm seeing a LOT of support toward Måneskin from people pretty much all around the globe by now and that made me so damn happy that I decided to make a post about some Italian bands from the alt-rock/metal scene I know/listen to that I think you (hopefully!!) would love as well <3

Måneskin

What's more to say about Måneskin? I've known them for ten seconds and they're already consuming my life. Peak bisexual energy. The lyrics are what I wish I could write; Damiano's voice is what I wish I sounded like; their instrumentals is what I wish my life was like; their aesthetic is how I wish I could dress like. God speed beautiful you bastards, can't wait to see you at the top of the world

IN NOME DEL PADRE ("In the name of the Father") is angry, sleazy and sinful, just like Damiano comparing himself to Jesus Christ in the lyrics for all the times he "died" (ergo the failed attempts to break through as a musician or, more generally, all the hardship he went through his life) but every time it was worth it (Son morto più di cento volte, mai morto invano trad. "I died more than one hundred times, but never in vain").

He states that he won't forget the past and all the people who doubted him, looked at him as if he was insane or didn't take him or his passion seriously because of his young age, that he'll never stop aiming for the sky (Toccare il cielo e tornare a mangiare asfalto trad. "To touch the sky and come back face down in the dirt"), that the stage isn't enough for him and he hungers for more (Ehi, fate spazio, fatene tanto /Che adesso non mi basta il mondo, non mi basta il palco trad. Hey, get out of my way/ Because the stage is not enough, the world is not enough for me). I get Mötley Crüe's Too Fast For Love era and Appetite for Destruction vibes from this, anyone else?

Go check out "Coraline" (heartbreaking ballad about a girl who grew up with huge insecurities in an unfriendly environment and great sensitivity to whom the singer offers a possibility to open up to him, pure poetry) and "Vent'anni" ("Twenty years", it's along the lines of In nome del Padre, talks about the youth who isn't taken seriously by others when they talk about their dreams, especially if that dream is to become a musician/artist, 10/10 very angry) if you haven't already! They're two of my favorite songs by them who am I kidding the whole fucking album is my favorite song by them

Afterhours

they're the spiritual fathers to Måneskin in a way (Afterhours' singer, Manuel Agnelli, was their coach when the band entered X-Factor's latest edition) and a pillar of Italy's indie scene. The singer looks a worryingly lot like Severus Snape but that adds to his decadent hero's charm

cryptic lyrics, haunting bassline, tormented voice: Male di Miele literally means "pain of honey" or "honeyache" (a juxtaposition that i find brilliant) and has been defined as "the italian Smells Like Teen Spirit" which I think is incredibly accurate

check out "Dentro Marilyn" ("Inside Marilyn") from their first album too to appreciate Manuel's vocal abilities at their fullest!

Superhorror

Previously named "Superhorrorfuck", they're the epitome of what I want the "Glam/Shock rock revival" to be like. Exhaggerated, flashy, just too much and unique in the modern scene, they resurrected what KISS, Mötley Crüe, Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper started back in the 70s and 80s: it doesn't take too long to realize where they took inspiration for their iconic makeup from! Edward's maniacal voice sounds like nails on a chalkboard (but, like, in a good way) accompained with loud, raw and hysterical guitars that make you feel like you snorted ten lines of coke. If Ed's appearance reminded you of a blond Marilyn Manson I'm pretty sure it was his intention.

Here's something from their latest album, came out in 2020, "Italians Die Better":

also little side note: THESE DUDES LITERALLY COME FROM MY OWN TOWN LMAO??? DO I NEED TO SAY MORE LIKE, I THINK THE GUITARIST WENT AT MY SAME HIGHSCHOOL AND I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW THAT IT'S SO FUCKING COOL

Subsonica

Coming straight from the 90s, another important band in the alternative/electronic italian scene. They all look like they could be my uncles, I trust them

Here's probably their most famous and recognizable song from 1999, "Tutti i miei sbagli" (All my mistakes):

Verdena

another military stone in the alternative/psychedelic rock/grunge scene in Italy, for fine connoisseurs only. if i had to choose only a word to describe them, i'd say "visionaries": every album of theirs is a trip to unexplored, indefinite territories that take you to an undescribable dimension (pretty sure their music is the closest to what overdosing on xanax feels like) and their lyrics don't necessarily make sense. either that or Alberto (the dude on the left in the pic who looks both like Charles Manson and your 14yo cousin who thinks he's a man bc he smokes and has one chesthair) is an alien sent from space and is speaking the language of the gods, but we don't have the means to understand what he's trying to communicate. either way, shit slaps, dude pls make another album

Their first single from 1999, Valvonauta ("Valvenaut"???? A valve astronaut??? I think???? idk man) (don't worry about trying to understand the meaning, more than 20 years have gone by since it came out and nobody has got it yet):

Tre allegri ragazzi morti

literally "Three Happy Dead Lads". Idk man they put me in a good mood while at the same time giving me nostalgia of memories I never had and times I never lived. Great listen if you want to have an existential crisis

if "Male di Miele" is the italian Smells Like Teen Spirit, I consider "Il Mondo Prima" (The World Before) to be the corrispondent to In Bloom: sounds like a very happy-go-lucky song but has a very dark and melancholic meaning behind the lyrics:

The Bastard Sons of Dioniso

Coming from Trentino Alto Adige, the Bastard Sons of Dionysus classified second place at the second edition of italian X-Factor. Their style is very... Theatrical? It's very unique. It's like if a group of renaissance minstrels who used to entertain the Gonzagas took a ride on the time machine (probably invented by Da Vinci, wouldn't be surprised if he thought about it back then or actually made some prototypes even) and got teleported in the future, where they discovered modern instruments but still talked about court life in their lyrics using the dialect of their own time. Oh and also they could kill you, don't test them. Basically Ezio Auditore's favourite band

Yes, L'amor Carnale ("Fleshly love") is about sex, but considered what I told you about them before, you can guess they put it more... Elegantly than say, Mötley Crüe and sleaze rock bands from the 80s 😂😂😂

Umberto Emo

*inhales deeply* now, how can I describe how much I love these boys. They're the equivalent of both having a nervous breakdown and shitposting on main at the same time. Their sound say Bring Me the Horizon but their lyrics say Children of Bodom. You laugh the whole time hearing the singer talking bullshit, but then he'd just scream something that hits you so hard you need to sit down and think about life, as if you were at a party and you were having the time of your life and idk getting drunk tits and dick out and getting head by that hot guy you always had a crush on, and all of a sudden the alarm goes off and you snap out of it realizing that oh you were just dreaming and you remember that you actually don't have any friends and the dude you thirst for has a girlfriend already. These rats from Verona's sewers are one of the few reasons that make me feel proud of where I come from. The only people who know about them are me, my best friend who introduced them to me, and probably their aunts and I wish they were known by SO MANY MORE people and that they had the success they deserved before they split up after such a short timespan of activity. Gone, but never forgotten 😔✊

"Dr. Bepis and Mr. Aids" is a very, very long piece (lasts about 9 minutes) but it is, in my opinion, the one that represents what Umberto Emo is all about the most. it's more of a rage filled medley, where they put all their drabbles and a lot of throwbacks to their other songs together. some of my favorite verses (that can be translated) include:

Datemi un sogno, un sogno banale/ tagliamoci un dito e facciamoci male (trad. "Give me a dream, a mundane dream / let's cut our fingers and let's hurt ourselves"),

Questa è la storia del cavallo omofobo, trottava al galoppo con in culo un microfono / Questa è la storia di Frate Agostino, girava nei bagni e ti offriva un pompino (trad. "This is the story of the horse that was a homophobe, he'd trot and gallop with in the ass a microphone / This is the story of Brother Augustine, he'd skulk in bathrooms and offer you a blowjob"),

Scusatemi per tutto questo, scusatemi ma non ci riesco / E in fin dei conti è colpa mia, in fin dei conti è colpa tua, in fin dei conti non importa / E domani siamo sabbia. (trad. "Forgive me for all of this, forgive me but I can't help it / And in the end it's my fault, in the end it's your fault, in the end it doesn't matter / And tomorrow we'll be sand."),

Io ho mangiato sassi per anni, senza sapere che gusto avessero/ Masticavo i miei stessi denti, privandomi del desiderio / Travolto dai ricordi, come sabbia in questo tempo (trad. "I have been eating rocks for years, without knowing their taste / I've been chewing my own teeth, depriving myself from the desire / Overwhelmed by memories, like sand of this time")

or the self depreciating, passive aggressive Sono ancora triste, quindi uso parole difficili tipo sesquipedale /Che schifo la punteggiatura (trad. I'm still sad, so I use complicated words, like sesquipedal / punctuation sucks)

and the timeless chorus Mario Giordano sei un rettiliano (trad. "Mario Giordano you're a reptilian" I don't know honestly what statement they wanted to make with this other than it rhymes lmao)

which as you can see, range from being completely demented to blasphemous to become a punch in the gut to complete and utter nonsense (and it's only one song!), but the majority of their verses could be simply translated as [angry italian unintelligible screaming] (which, honestly, is a mood anyway). I urge everyone who sees this to go listen to them (especially my italian mutuals) even if you can't understand shit of what they're talking about. I'm sure their music will transcend language barriers

Btw sorry not sorry for the wall of text, they just mean so much to me and I could write a 56 pages long essay about them and their lyrics 😭😭😭 other songs I recommend are Il fumo uccide ma è parte del piano ("Smoking kills but it's part of the plan", opening with "It's raining shit"), Barbara D'Urto (a play on words on an italian talk show host's name Barbara D'Urso,"urto" means bump, clash, collision, but it's also a way to describe someone who rubs you the wrong way), Qvando Cera Lvi (don't worry, the title is nothing but a mockery of the fascist slogan and the lyrics is the epitome of the demented) and idk, everything else they have really, which can all be found on YouTube

Punkreas

i included them almost exclusively because i love the pun they made with their name. as every good punk band out there, they remind you how much society sucks and that you should go against its rules no matter what while making you bang your head to their tunes

"Total disgust" is not only a mood and a critique to politicians and society's consumerism's ways in general, but also a punk rock banger from 1992:

Furor Gallico

Probably the only people from Milan I wouldn't hate on sight, "Gaelic Fury" is a folk metal band who I can't say for sure they have true Gaelic origins, but they sure wish they were born in that time (and if you didn't know, believe me when I tell you this particular metal subgenre is very big in Italy, especially in the northern regions). Their music will take you to distant places forgotten by man, and Davide is the creature of the enchanted forest who'll whisper his land's secrets to you through his lyrics

Diluvio ("Flood") is an inspired and evoking ballad about a man who loves rain and thunderstorms (can relate) in all its forms and at the same time an ode to the marvel of Nature when it unleashes its fury (I could write another whole essay about this song but I'm gonna restrain myself)

Other bands worth checking out bc tumblr doesn't let me add more than ten pics and ten audios in one post: Negrita (I define them the Italian Red Hot Chili Peppers, very chill they put you in a good mood), Litfiba (hard rock for dads), Linea 77 (another important punk rock band from the 90s), Caparezza (a peculiar man, it's hard to describe him lmao but he's a great songwriter and always tries to evolve his style), Rhapsody of Fire (inventors of Epic Power Metal. It's like Power Metal but with more dragons and Christopher Lee)

To anyone who joined me in this journey and stuck around till the end and checked out all the artists:

✨💕Thank you💕✨

I could kiss you rn I'd love to know which one was your favorite and talk about them!!

To anyone who read about only some of them and didn't listen to any or just some of the songs:

💖Thank you💖

I really hope you liked those you checked out!! Tell me what you think and don't be afraid to ask me about the lyrics or something!!

To anyone who couldn't handle the whole 34-pages-long essay and just scrolled past this post/couldn't be bothered to read my ramblings and just went for the songs:

💫💞Thank you💞💫

even only for your patience alone, sorry for clogging your dash with my bullshit lmao (not only with this post, just in general) and I hope you have a great day!!

@ italian mutuals feel free to add more!! Let's make the italian indie rock scene more known to the world!! Unleash the mammamia spirit ❤️❤️❤️

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moonbaby26 · 4 years ago

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(gif from Jason Passaro’s youtube edit here)

Title: One Shitty Friday Night (Part 1)

Pairings: Peter Maximoff x Fem!Reader, Colossus x Shadowcat

Summary: Set after the events of Deadpool 2, you and your boyfriend Peter are on a double date downtown with your fellow X-Men Piotr Rasputin (Colossus) and Kitty Pryde (Shadowcat) when Deadpool and Russell arrive unexpectedly. Chaos and violence naturally ensues, including taking down mafia henchmen, dealing with news media and paparazzi who circle in with the action, and a jealous Peter. This will be concluded in Part 2 with the mixed reactions of Logan, Charles, and Erik when you all bring Wade and Russell back home, etc. 😄

Notes: For simplicity’s sake as Piotr R. is normally called “Peter” as well, he’ll just be referred to as Colossus here.

Warnings: Some alcohol use. And it’s Deadpool, so a lot of cursing and irreverent jokes of course. This started out as just crack!fic that became actual fic that had to be split into two parts because it hit post limit. Holy cow.

Peter Maximoff x Reader Masterlist

—————————

Kitty all but snorted, trying to put her drink back down on the table before it could end up fully sideways instead as her laughter left her trembling.

Colossus sighed quietly, but you could still see the warmth in his eyes as he looked down at her before helping dab up some of her errant wine off the table with a thick cloth napkin.

It was late Friday night, and save for your semi disapproving, large and very Russian designated driver, the other three of you were now several drinks deep and a bit too loudly enjoying Peter’s retelling of the Led Zeppelin cover band debacle. You’d been there with him that night, but it never got old the way Peter told it.

“I shit you not, and this guy still keeps hitting on Jean.” Peter continued, his third nearly empty glass of craft beer still in hand. “Scott’s about to fry the dude. They’re playing Immigrant Song, and these lasers start up. All dudebros in the club go wild, and Scott tries to sneak off a warning shot. Freaking air balls it! I have to move like forty people and it still blows a damn hole in the wall. But nobody even noticed! Fake Robert Plant is screaming his heart out and everybody is just eating it up. I swear my Dad could have flown in there, cape billowing and they still would have thought it was part of the show!”

You were at risk of being elbowed in this small restaurant booth, with how animated Peter was as he spoke beside you. But you didn’t mind. The lighting was dim, possibly verging on romantic, the smell of good food from the kitchen reminded you of what was to come, and you were just enjoying time with some of your favorite people.

When Peter did finally drop his hand again though, the not so subtle movements of it then up your thigh also promised something much more personal later tonight. Maybe it was the warmth from the mixed drinks you were also nursing, but you shifted your leg a little, pushing even more into his touch under the table. Your movement just signaled your silent agreement to him that tonight would be a perfect night to be throwing clothes on the floor as soon as you got back to your shared room at the mansion.

It’d been a long, tiring week after all. Helping teach classes during the day and training your ass off in the danger room every night, you didn’t think it was unreasonable to cut loose a bit now.

Even Colossus was chuckling a little at last, but the big guy was always softest around Kitty. You in particular had been one of her biggest supporters when she’d first confessed her attraction towards him. You’d noticed his bashfulness with her as well, and all the little glances he’d given her long before she’d ever worked up the courage to ask him out.

But that seemed so long ago now, it was hard to really remember a time when they weren’t together. Almost as long as you and Peter really.

You glanced up as the waiter came back by to check on you all, saying your food would be out in a few more minutes and asking if anyone needed more drinks.

“Oh gosh, we’re really running up the tab right?” Kitty smiled.

You could see the little bit of relief in Colossus’ expression as she waved the waiter off though, her current wine glass still nearly full. “I’m fine for now, thank you.”

Peter glanced at you and you nodded as well. A buzz was fine, but you didn’t want to be climbing the mansion stairs full on drunk tonight. “I’m good.”

As the waiter left, your conversation got a little more subdued. You leaned into Peter somewhat, hip to hip in the booth as he put his arm around your waist.

Kitty was now talking about a movie she thought you should all go see next weekend if you could. You were just in the process of agreeing as you’d wanted to see it too, when Colossus suddenly went stock still, a look of real surprise on his face.

Kitty evidently noticed as soon as you did, you both staring up at him in unison.

“Do not turn around,” He instructed to you and Peter, eyes locked on something behind you.

Of course when told to do one thing, it would take everything in Peter’s willpower to not do the opposite. But to his credit he actually did hesitate. “Do we need to be dodging something? I mean, I can move us if I need to, man. You just gotta let me know.” Peter stated.

“I don’t think he’s seen us yet. Please do not draw attention.” Colossus responded, still frustratingly vague to the rest of you.

But he hadn’t metaled up yet, his skin still entirely human looking. So on the plus side, it couldn’t be someone he thought an immediate physical threat.

You glanced to Kitty for some hope of explanation as she was seated beside Colossus and facing the same direction. But she was too short in comparison to him, and couldn’t see all the way across the booth dividers as easily as he could. “Well who is it?” Kitty demanded quietly.

But you heard an impatient voice carry over clearly from the nearby restaurant entrance.

“Look, you know he’s here. I know he’s here. Don’t make me leave you guys a bad Yelp review. I will totally Karen that shit up. I’m just here for him.” A pause. “...And some of the cannolis. God, I love those things. You went a little scarce on the filling last time though. Don’t make me add that to the Yelp review.”

You heard the hostess stutter, fear evidently building. “Sir, firearms are not allowed in this restaurant. The owner, he, I...I can’t.”

There was a loud sigh from the man, the distinct sound of a gun cocking, and then all hell broke loose.

“WADE!” Colossus screamed, your entire table flipping as he stood up, metal now encasing him in this even larger form.

Abruptly you were now standing back by the entrance yourself. Peter had one arm around you, and the other around Kitty as he let you both go just as instantly, having just brought you there before he disappeared again.

That little flare up of vertigo from the speed and sudden stop didn’t mix well with the alcohol, and she and you both stood there another moment, queasy as Peter appeared again with an armful of guns.

It would have been comical as he clearly had no idea where to put them now, but everyone else that had still been in the restaurant was already screaming and running for the doors in a panic.

The owner of the multiple guns couldn’t care less about the crowd however, only turning his full focus to the lot of you then in exasperation.

“Oh my God, you anti second amendment, mother fuckers. I’m in the middle of a job here!”

“You can’t just point guns at innocent people, Wade! We have talked about this many times!” Colossus retorted, all seven foot of him now standing over Deadpool with paternal like annoyance.

“For fuck’s sake, it’s called a threat. I wasn’t going to kill her you overprotective, asshat! Now Giovanni is probably holed up in some pussy ass panic room, or he’s already ghosted me out the back door! And yes, I know that is such a stereotypical mob boss name and totally sounds like the Pokemon villain. Fuck him and his always trying to take Pikachu! He had a talking cat the whole time who just wanted his love, but no, got to have the electric rat. Fuck!”

“Language, Wade!” Colossus scolded. “There is still a child present!”

And honestly in all this insanity, that was the first time you actually noticed Russell also still standing there. Everyone else in the room had now fled out into the street.

“I’m fucking fourteen,” The boy replied defiantly. “And yeah, we were working!”

“Daddy and angrier metal daddy are just talking, hon.” Deadpool commented, waving a hand.

There was a small gust of air beside you and you looked to Peter knowingly. Wade’s guns were now all on a table, though intentionally still distant from your current position. “So I just made a couple laps.” Peter spoke up. “The cops are already coming, and there’s still a bunch of guys in the basement. They were opening some crates, probably getting weapons? I didn’t know if we were taking them out yet though. I didn’t touch anything. But is Giovanni like a big dude with gold rings and all?”

“I’m telling you besides the drug and human trafficking, it’s practically more criminal how much he sets back Italian-American stereotypes. They are an honest, manicotti making people goddamn it.” Deadpool answered.

You really were starting to regret the amount of drinks you’d had. If you’d known tonight was going to be anything like this, you would have gladly stuck to water. Your head was already trying to throb a little as you finally spoke. “So, does this guy actually have warrants out on him? If the cops come, they’re all going to end up shooting each other most likely. Can we just defuse this by giving him up to them?”

“I would say we assist to prevent unnecessary bloodshed, if that is the case, yes. I’m sure the Professor would prefer that.” Colossus agreed.

“Freaking goody two shoes, all of you.” Wade sighed. “But he has to get arrested or dead okay? I don’t get paid otherwise.” He paused though, then looking back up to Colossus before suddenly elbowing him. As if he’d even really feel that. “And hello rudeness, are you not going to introduce me to your little girls night out club here before we go bust some heads in a gratuitous X-Force/X-Men hotties crossover?”

“X-Force?” Kitty asked, sounding as already over this as could be.

“Well, we are a little empty on the roster at the moment. Some...unfortunate parachuting incidents. Wind advisory that day. You know how it goes.” Deadpool shrugged.

By her expression, no. She did not know how it went.

But the sooner you started, the sooner this could be over. Colossus motioned to each of you in turn, “Peter, (Y/N), and Kitty. These are my teammates and friends.” He nodded back to Deadpool, “And this is Wade.” And then to the boy. “And Russell.”

Of course you already knew who they both were. It’d been a bit of a scandal really, with the whole Essex House fiasco and the deaths that had occurred there. Fair or not, a lot of the blame had ended up on Juggernaut the second time around though you thought. Which is why Charles hadn’t had to deal with too much bad press in the aftermath.

You could not let this become another Essex House situation for the X-Men though. You were about to speak up about heading to the basement together and Deadpool staying out of your way so you all could neutralize everyone without any fatal hits, when he gasped dramatically, making you freeze again.

“Kitty!? Like an actual girl named Kitty? Oh my God, this whole time I thought you were his cat!” He hit his own leg, laughing. “I’m thinking, holy shit this guy loves his goddamn cat, but who am I to judge you know? I had a dog named Mr. Shuggums. Cutest little fucker.” He took a breath. “I miss him.”

“Wade.” Colossus groaned. “We do not have all night.”

Okay, so there was still something sweet about Colossus gushing about his girlfriend even to this manic mercenary. But no kidding, this show really needed to get on the road here.

“Guys, why don’t we just let Peter disarm them all, Colossus, you grab Giovanni, and Kitty and I deal with anyone who still resists? No one has to get hurt, and then it’s all done, easy.”

“And then we go find somewhere else to eat. Killing me here. I wanted that damn calzone and tiramisu.” Peter sighed, pulling his goggles back down over his eyes again. “More guns coming up.”

He disappeared at once, but when he didn’t return immediately as you were so accustomed to, you and Kitty exchanged a nervous look.

And after only another few seconds, your instincts told you something had definitely gone wrong.

“Is the basement directly beneath us?” You asked Deadpool sharply, already reaching out a hand to Kitty. Your adrenaline was starting, all good feelings gone as it was now time to act.

But you’d worked together long enough now, you didn’t have to explain your plan to her or Colossus.

Yet when the previously mouthy merc had no instant response, just staring at you in thought, it was clear he hadn’t done any recon beforehand at all. He’d literally just walked in here and expected everything to work out.

“Perfect.” Kitty said sarcastically, glancing quickly to Colossus as she took your hand. “You’re our backup, dear, in case our vertical entrance doesn’t work out. Come find us.”

“Always.” He said, already turning, his weight shaking the floor as he ran to look for any stairway downward while you and Kitty dropped straight through the floor.

It was surely a risk of its own to use her phasing ability so blindly as this. You could end up in a too small crawlspace, in underground piping, a sewer system, anything really. She’d make sure not to go solid until it was safe, as to not impale or bury you alive of course. But if Peter were in trouble, there was no time to waste by ending up at a dead end and having to go back up and try again.

You’d held your breath, as there was no way for you to process oxygen either as your lungs and every other part of you shifted through the other matter. It was darkness and insulation, pipes, and conduit that flashed by at first. But in the fractions of seconds that it took to fall, you had already powered up. The white light of your energy field overtaking your body, shielding you both as you did fall into a larger open area.

It was even darker than the restaurant above, all concrete and dampness. The glow from your body was the brightest thing there as much more men than you’d expected all turned in surprise. You saw the glint of multiple gun barrels now, but the thing you wanted to see most was Peter’s silver hair as you’d scanned the area for him instantly.

There was a stairwell in the distance. He was laying near the bottom of it. But you had no time to be shocked or afraid, only anger swelled as you released Kitty’s hand, making you solid again. “I’ll get him.” Was all you said. Letting her know to protect herself as you flew to him. Bullets couldn’t hurt her if she was ready for them. But Peter would be defenseless without one of you now, and by means of your power of flight you were the faster of you and her.

The man closest to Peter had a different kind of gun though you realized. Something you didn’t recognize at all as he aimed at you. You splayed your palms to create an energy shield in front of you as he pulled the trigger.

It didn’t make a sound though. But everything around you instantly distorted as pain exploded through you. You saw five or six of him now, as your feet hit the ground, unable to concentrate enough to fly then. But even as you stumbled, realizing your shielding wasn’t fully stopping whatever that weapon was doing, you were still able to expand your shield rapidly, hitting the man with the force of a car in your pain and sending him flying into a nearby wall, the weapon clattering to the ground lightly against his now limp body.

But you still felt like you were going to puke.

“Kill them you idiots!” Someone screamed.

You dropped yourself, laying over Peter just as quickly, grateful to feel him breathing as you focused through the pain to extend a shield around you both as the gunfire started.

“Bitch!” Another man yelled as Kitty just walked unharmed through all the flying bullets towards you.

“Shadowcat actually,” She said, skilled enough in her powers to choose what was solid and what wasn’t. Just the outside of her fist being all she needed to crush his nose in one punch with a squirt of blood, and only the end of her foot used as she swept her leg after to knock his own right out from under him.

Even among your own team, sometimes people could forget that that petite Jewish girl was about as skilled a martial artist as anyone could be.

“Babe?” You heard against your ear though, glancing back down to Peter. There was real relief even in the chaos as you saw him smile up at you.

He talked back against your ear in the noise as Kitty continued to utterly wreck the guys around you. “I fucked up a little, right? That gun...they already had it going, aimed at the door when I came back, a trap...I think I hit every stair on the way down...I still see like three of you right now.”

“Ditto.” You breathed.

And then there was another even louder noise as the remnants of a door also came flying down the stairs. Colossus barreled in behind it like a stampeding elephant, Deadpool right behind him as they leapt over the both of you and joined the fray.

“We found the basement!” Deadpool announced gleefully, swords swinging. “Don’t think they’d even locked the door back actually, but fuck if big Russki doesn’t love a dramatic entrance!”

For a moment you thought all your words about at least trying not to kill had been for nothing, thinking Deadpool was going to chop these men into literal pieces. But even as blood sprayed left and right, you realized he was just cutting tendons. The men then unable to hold their guns, unable to stand at all as he crippled each he reached in succession.

It was still completely horrific, but hell, how much could you really ask for from someone like him? Especially when you yourself had slammed that one man into a concrete wall as if he were a ragdoll. You glanced over anxiously for a moment, glad to see him shifting a little, but still crumpled exactly where you’d thrown him. He was alive, a small relief at least.

——————————

Obviously the other gunmen hadn’t had a prayer either though once you’d all been down there together.

Colossus already had a still cursing Giovanni slung over one shoulder as you were now helping Peter back up and trying not to step in all the blood as you all walked over to Kitty.

“What a mess...very interesting weapon though,” She spoke of that odd gun that’d been used on you and Peter, it now in her hands as she turned it one way and then another examining it. “I’m bringing this back with us. The police don’t need anything like this. Hank and I can figure out how it works. And how to defend against it hopefully before we run into another one of these out in the field.”

“It seems this Giovanni was more a threat than expected,” Colossus said, giving the still squirming man an unhappy look, before looking back to you all. “Are you alright, Peter?”

“I’m still hungry.” Peter grumbled, an arm over your shoulder to still help stabilize him as his other hand went to his head as if it were pounding. He also had some bruising starting on his face, no doubt from his tumble down the stairs. “I wouldn’t have drank so damn much if I’d known we weren’t going to eat...”

With the speed of his metabolism, that alcohol likely was hitting him pretty hard now on his already empty stomach.

“We should turn this guy over and get out of here.” You agreed. Though you didn’t feel so hot yourself. Still a little nauseous from whatever that weapon did to your senses. But at least you weren’t seeing triple of everything anymore.

“Hold it, girl scouts!” Deadpool piped up, chipper as ever as he grabbed something at Giovanni’s neck before any of you could think to stop him.

The man choked just a moment though, before a piece of metal snapped off into Wade’s hands. It was a necklace, with a symbol of some sort. You saw just a glimpse of it before Deadpool pocketed it. “No proof of finishing the job, no payday for DP. No payday, then no liquor, no coke, no hookers. Am I right?”

It was too difficult to tell when if ever he was serious, and you all chose to ignore his comment, starting back up the stairs. The odd sounds of bullet fragments falling back down the stairwell caught Peter’s attention though as he gave a grossed out look to Wade for a moment.

The now impact deformed bullets were starting to work themselves back out of all the bloody holes in Deadpool’s costume. You knew where you’d seen that before of course, but Peter was the only one that actually said it aloud.

“Damn, you and Logan would be a pair.”

There was a pause, and you could swear even with the mask, you thought you saw Wade’s cheekbones move in a way that signaled he was outright grinning from ear to ear. “At least someone gets it. He still won’t return my calls though. Such a diva lately.”

Once you did get to the top of the stairs, you only found a very agitated Russell standing there, Wade’s guns in his arms. “You took long enough, the cops are outside you know. I’m not going back to jail for you!”

“Cool your tater tots, kid.” Deadpool responded lazily, in no hurry, but grabbing the weapons back to holster them all regardless.

“I could have finished this faster! I would have fried their asses!” Russell argued.

“You would have been shot. Fire does not stop bullets.” Colossus only answered matter of factly.

Russell made a face, but Wade cut him off before he could say any more.

“Now now, listen to metal daddy. No sass. And actually, I think there’s something we should talk about, champ. X-Force is way more badass and all, but we don’t exactly have a training and junior member tier yet. Maybe later. You might want to think about riding home with these guys and checking their setup out. I don’t have any powers myself to relate to you like that, except me being very shootable, devastatingly charming, sexy, smart, and a competitive level Skee-Ball player...”

Deadpool sighed, continuing. “But these guys have a Danger Room. Which is totally not a sex dungeon, yeah I was bummed about that too. But they could let you unleash that school shooter level teenage angst and burn all the shit you wanted until you really figure out your powers.”

Russel bristled. “I’m not a school shooter you prick! And you always said the X-Men were neutered dweebs and-”

Wade coughed loudly, ushering Russell forward suddenly as you all continued to walk. “Hah, kids. Such darlings. Mishear everything don’t they?”

Colossus only answered without offense though. “The offer is still open, Russell. Though you have said no before. The Professor would never turn down a young mutant in need.”

It was Peter who surprised you a little, a smirk on his face as he contributed. “Freaking sweet house too, man. Xavier’s loaded. Big screen TV, a pool, basketball court, your own room, supersonic jet. Bunch of cute girls as well, or cute boys, you know whatever you’re into.”

“I’m not gay.” Russell huffed, but actually looked to be listening now as he didn’t immediately spit back with a sarcastic retort.

Though you gave Peter a weird look and he just grinned. “What? I stayed for you didn’t I, babe? Just saying. I wasn’t exactly on board with the whole team thing before that either. I know where he’s coming from is all.”

“It’s up to you, Russell.” Kitty said more diplomatically, before returning to the matter at hand. “We’re parked at that parking garage two blocks south. Everyone meet back there, Colossus and I will hand this guy over to the cops out front. The rest of you, I’m sure there’s got to be some emergency exit you can sneak out of. Probably better to split up actually. Less attention.”

—————————

Just as Kitty had suggested, Deadpool and Russell went out one way, and you and Peter another. You came out onto another street behind the restaurant. And you’d just finally started to relax again, Peter taking your hand in his own and walking away like an honest to God normal couple for once, just out on the town together before you noticed an oddly placed white van with distinct lettering on it.

Peter saw it too just as the light from a camera hit you both.

“Hell,” You breathed.

“Want to run?” He asked seriously.

“Too late, they’d just film us ditching, and say we had something to hide.”

Your headache was returning in full force you thought as you steeled yourself, seeing the reporter now in a full sprint towards you.

“It’s Quicksilver! And (your codename)! The X-Men are here!” A woman shouted.

As you walked closer to the news van, the camera flashes only increased. It looked like a small group of paparazzi had also camped out here, hoping for this exact result. How did word travel so damn fast?

“Marcia Fletcher, WAFN nightly news!” She introduced herself at once, her camera man there just as quickly, huffing a little from the run as he got you both in focus.

You could see the lights on on his camera as she shoved her microphone in front of you and Peter. “You’re on live coverage of the Ruffiano’s restaurant shootings with WAFN. Is it true that Giovani Marcello was apprehended here tonight by the X-Men? And how did you know he was here when he’s been on Interpol’s most wanted list for four years?”

You knew without looking at him that Peter was happily deferring the speaking role to you now as you tried not to look rattled. You attempted to think of what Charles would and wouldn’t want you to say, even with the pain in your head and lingering nausea. “We didn’t know who was here. We were in the area and saw people running and went to help, that’s all.” You lied.

“But the reports of gunshots, witnesses also said Deadpool had drawn a gun on a restaurant employee and Colossus was seen inside. Is Deadpool now affiliated with the X-Men again? Did he shoot anyone?”

“Deadpool is not affiliated with the X-Men. Colossus was here tonight, but he only would have been defending anyone he thought in danger. Deadpool did not shoot anyone.” You tried to keep to short truths that time.

“But then why was Deadpool there? Should people really believe it would be a coincidence that the X-Men and Deadpool would be at the same incidence at one time if not working together?”

“Well you’re here aren’t you? Are you affiliated with us?” You replied before you could stop yourself, though still restraining the annoyance you really wanted to put into that statement. “Trouble attracts a crowd.”

Peter made a sound, a restrained laugh you knew. But before the reporter could blurt out another question, one of the now growing number of paparazzi called out, “(Your codename), hey look here! Is it true you and Quicksilver are still dating!?”

You knew better than to be baited, humoring any of them just made it worse. They were like piranhas. But Peter couldn’t help it, turning to look as so many cameras flashed. His arm slid around you protectively. “Why wouldn’t we be, dude?” He called back.

“Are you saying the photos of (your codename) and Gambit were before you two reconciling?”

It took every ounce of your self control to not respond, but oh God did you want to. It was the mission in Tanzania. You knew it. You, Storm, and Gambit. Peter had stayed in the U.S. for that one as it’d been the holidays and his Mom had wanted both he and Wanda over for some time together.

After the mission was over, the three of you had ended up on one of the beautiful Tanzanian beaches for a single day. Just a single day to yourselves.

You’d had the audacity to wear a revealing bathing suit though and you and Remy had been photographed together, him shirtless of course because it was a goddamn beach. And laughing and smiling because, surprise, you were friends! And they’d cropped Ororo out in all the closeups for complete loss of context.

It’d been a thing in some of the tabloids for a while, but you really thought that had finally blown over. Of course if anyone asked Remy, he liked to play coy on the whole subject to keep up his God’s gift to all men and women sex symbol status.

“Peter, let’s just go,” You whispered in his ear, sure anything else said would only make things worse.

But you could read him all too well, and when he turned his face to look back at you, you already knew what he was going to do. You didn’t try to stop him, because never would you humiliate him on live television with any type of rejection, but oh, you would never live this one down. Never.

He kissed you hard. And there was nothing fake about it, honestly the kind of kiss usually reserved for your bedroom as you felt heat rising up in you. The camera flashes clicking over and over as you could still taste the alcohol he’d drank before.

When he finally released you again, you gasped a little. He gave the photographers a ‘fuck you’ look, before speaking just to you. “Now we can go.”

“Fly or run?” You breathed.

“Fly please. I’m still about half out of it.” He admitted.

You powered up to some surprised and excited sounds from the crowd. Your whole body glowing white again in the energy you emitted.

“Wait, aren’t you going to stay and talk to the police!?” The reporter shouted.

“They know where to find us if they need us.” You answered, extending your energy field around Peter, before you took off vertically, making sure to get sideways over the rooftops as soon as you could though to breakup their camera angles and finally give you privacy again at last.

You landed gently atop the parking garage only a few moments later, letting him go again as you powered back down.

“Are you mad at me?” He asked, just taking your hand again though.

“No.” You said truthfully. “But, I have no idea what we’ve really just done. We still have to go home...home where the Professor always watches the 10:00 news with his late night tea.”

Peter sighed, only half joking. “We could always go stay with my Mom for a while?”

You just moved in closer, pulling him against you as you laid your head on his shoulder. “We’ll survive, babe. Somehow we always do.”

“I think that says more about you than me though. Pretty sure I’d be face down in a ditch somewhere already if it weren’t for you.”

You chuckled, wrapping your arms around his neck then before raising your head back up to kiss him once more. Much softer this time, and even longer than his jealous little display a few minutes ago.

He made one of his little noises of contentment, hands sliding down to squeeze your butt through the thin pants you were wearing. As he pulled your hips tighter against him, he broke the kiss enough to speak regretfully. “I really was hoping to get lucky tonight...”

“Same.” You smiled. It had been a while. Mostly from you both being so tired by the time you finally got in bed. Passing out on each other had more been the norm the past couple weeks. “We get some food in you, and see where things go?”

“Gross! Get a room!”

You startled at the sudden shouting, having wholly thought yourselves alone up here in the moonlight.

Peter rolled his eyes, yelling back at Russell, “Kid, we have one! And we’d already be back there by now if it wasn’t for your little mafia hunting shenanigans!”

You looked over to see Deadpool and Russell both standing in the doorway to the parking garage stairs.

Wade whistled, leaning back against the doorframe. “Way to take down that Marcia Fletcher a notch! I always found her too uppity to be honest. I think she’s still butt hurt that they didn’t give her the lead anchor spot when Carl Sanderson moved to the early bird morning show. Tanya Meyer on the 5:00 news though, that’s my girl.”

You blinked. “How...how do you know-” It was literally minutes ago, it would have taken them just this long to walk here.

Deadpool lifted up his cell phone. “Facebook live, bitches. Don’t you follow WAFN? The recipes they post from Saturday morning cooking with Pat are always delish.” He looked back down at the phone though, happily reading. “Hah! Peggy Fredrickson from Brewster, New York thinks Marcia’s contouring and drawn on eyebrows are getting worse. Fire your makeup person, Marcia.” He tapped something on the screen. “Like comment! Oh, and Michael Morris from Ridgefield says who wouldn’t do Remy LeBeau. Damn, Michael, all out and proud on main.”

Peter let go of you, taking an annoyed breath. But then looking back to you. “Please let me at least prank Remy, something, anything.”

“But he didn’t do anything.” You replied, though only more stressed now that this was already blowing up on social media.

“Exactly! He should have at least denied it! But no, Mr. cool Cajun can’t admit that you’d actually choose me over him.”

“Hey now, I think you’re looking at this the wrong way, Quickie.” Deadpool interjected. “There’s always the ménage à trois option. I mean he’s French right? And Michael from Ridgefield is just spitting truth. Who wouldn’t want to do Remy LeBeau? He could shuffle my cards anytime.”

“You guys are so fucking weird.” Russell groaned. “Can we go find your damn car now?”

But you didn’t move yet, still looking fully at Peter. “Wade’s just trying to get under your skin. We all know how Remy is. He’d flirt with a piece of cardboard if it suited him. It doesn’t mean anything to him.” You recognized that Gambit was physically attractive of course, you had eyes too after all. But that was the only extent of it. You loved Peter. Not to mention you wouldn’t at all want to get on Rogue’s bad side. She and Gambit were tumultuous enough without someone else being added to the mix.

“This is adorable, really. But I did bring ‘good job team for sending a little girl selling, gentrification funding, pencil dick mob boss to butt fucking federal prison’ cannolis. Want some?” Deadpool offered, lifting up a large takeout box you somehow hadn’t noticed before.

Peter’s shoulders dropped a little, still heavily annoyed though eyeing the box. “So does this mean you’re coming back with us too?”

Wade shrugged, “The kid doesn’t know you guys. What kind of daddy would I be if I didn’t at least go and make sure he actually wanted to stay in your little mutant commune before I ditch him there?”

“You aren’t my damned dad.” Russell said, though almost sounding too tired to argue further at this point. He reached up, taking a cannoli from the box and biting into it as he started to walk back down the stairwell. “What floor is the car on?”

“Just one down from here, you already passed it. Black SUV,” you answered. Colossus and Kitty must not have been here yet if Wade and Russell had made it all the way to the top deck without finding them.

Peter grabbed your hand again, walking with you to the doorway as he grabbed three cannolis out the box begrudgingly with his other hand. He passed one off to you, before biting into the other two in quick succession.

And you only had a moment to see all the thick scarring under Wade’s mask as he lifted it just enough to start eating one himself, before turning to follow you both out and down the stairwell.

———————————

(Concluded in Part 2 here)

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masterofdemise · 2 years ago

Note

for the Bingo oh I wonder what your thoughts on Pluto >:3c wanna enable you to talk about him ehe >:D

I've done him before but since it's a new bingo and the last one was from awhile ago, I thought I would do it again.

I could have technically scratched off more of the boxes but I decided not to because that would be too many circles.

Since I don't feel like doing anything productive, I'll actually go through every single box that isn't repeated.

(Edit: Removed color coding but it was unintentional because tumblr just removed it for some reason :/ Don’t know how to add it back now so it’s stuck with just bolded text)

Everyone but me is wrong about them <3: Not enough people think about him for me to disagree with others so I can happily not check this box. I also haven't heard other people's head canons for him so I can't say whether or not they are wrong.

I'm obsessed with their character arc: What character arc :'(

They got done dirty by fans: There are some works that I've seen that make Pluto the absolute worse human being on the planet and as much as it makes me sad, it's also understandable since he doesn't get much characterization in the first place.

They got done dirty by the creators/Not enough screen time/Wasted Potential: This one is obvious and needs no explanation.

Too much screen time/Overrated: You would have to be tripping on stairs to think he had too much screen time or was overrated. Pluto has like what, less than ten fans including me and a lot of them have disappeared from the Beyblade fandom since then :(

Adoption Papers: If I could steal him and make him my OC I would.

I am constantly going insane: I mean anyone following me can see it for themselves lol

They work better as part of a dynamic: Pluto doesn't exactly have much of a "dynamic" because of how little he appears and the fact he's always in the temple. One of the headcanon/story things I like to personally add myself is the rivalry between Pluto and Dynamis. It sort of makes sense considering they are opposites in sorts of ways. I wish Beyblade did more with them.

The popular ships for them suck: I've seen only three ship pairings for Pluto and it's Johannes, Rago, and Dynamis. As you can tell, I prefer Johannes but I can see Dynamis being one as well(there were some really cute Pluto Dynamis fics on pixiv that were really wholesome). I'm not personally a fan of the Rago ship but I'm not going to freak out if someone likes it (I don't know how to feel about Pluto being with someone who can step on him like a bug :/ )

Constantly listening to songs holding them like a paint swatch: I do this with every character I'm obsessed with(mostly with my OCs only but Pluto is fancy enough to get this treatment).

I want to study them like a cockroach: He's so mysterious and unusual. Like, so many questions can be asked about him. How old is he even? Is he like every other character and has dead parents? Did he even really do that much behind the scenes of Dark Nebula and Hades Inc. or did he sit in his temple all day? I want to know.

What's wrong with them (affectionate): He's so stupid and I love him for it.

What's wrong with him (derogatory): I was about to check this one off but most of the time when I make fun of him, it's only cause I think he's the goofiest lil' guy. I couldn't actually hate him.

I would never want to meet them: I'm such a boring person irl I don't see why we would have a reason to oppose one another.

They've never done anything wrong in their life <3: He's probably done many things wrong(He's the leader of a doomsday cult) but I'm always one for villain characters so it's okay :3

My opinions would be received by most fans as akin to hitting a wasp's nest with a baseball bat: I've had a good experience in the Beyblade fandom so far and haven't encountered that many weirdos(yet) but unfortunately I have had some experiences where people were kind of rude to me about liking Pluto so unfortunately I do have to check this box. (I will clarify that the person did apologize but still. It has made me rethink how much art I really want to upload of him at times)

This is the best character in the work: I mean I love Pluto and he's my favourite character ever but is he the best character in the work? Yes and no. No because as you know he barely does anything. There are many other characters that are objectively better(imo I love Dashan, Ryutaro, and everyone in Team Dungeon)

I like them but I don't really think about them much: Yea sometimes I wish I could not think about them much but that clearly isn't the case.

I don't really have much to say about them: I have too much to say about them. I'm using every fiber in my body to not put him in literally everything.

I actively dislike them: No.

Biting and killing and maiming them and death and violence: He has already died twice. He doesn't need to die more times. I was about to jokingly check this box but it made me a bit sad so I didn't.

#beyblade

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rataltouille · 4 years ago

Text

GEOMETRY OF THE HOLY MOON (1 AM): A SHORT STORY

GENRE: surrealism, literary fiction.

POV & TENSE: this little space is not enough for how wild the form is so i talk about this later!!

SETTING: a small desi village, 1924-25.

TONE: dreamy, unsettling, melancholic.

THEMES: faith vs reality, how people perceive others and how they perceive themselves, grief dealt the wrong way.

AESTHETICS: the splash of water on a quiet night, thick clouds obscuring the sky, rippling the moon’s reflection on the water. the intensity of a garden in spring, the emptiness of a dying town, the suffocation from being singled out. hands grazing lightly but never fully held. a lingering sadness behind your laugh. believing in things you shouldn't believe in. putting faith on a starless sky.

STAGE: completed first draft, 4085 words.

LOGLINE: a young boy, surrounded by loss, claims to talk to god. the story follows him and his conversations with this god, all while his village spies on him as he weaves his way around the two most crucial and lonely years of his life.

LITERAL LOGLINE: on today’s news let’s talk about a small backward town that hates sad little boys who worship god, even though the place is lowkey a cult!!

CHARACTERS:

THE SUMMER BOY: he’s around thirteen, and he’s very emotionally attached to his past. he lost his family at a young age to an unstable force, so he spends his time talking to himself. he’s a quiet, demure and sweet person, always willing to help others. he’s outwardly oblivious and sees only the good in people to a point where he doesn't understand when they’re trying to do him wrong. but! considering how the story [like a lot of my others] has themes of perception vs reality, it needs to be said that he isn't all that innocent. he’s rather impulsive and rash, never afraid of hurting himself [and thus accidentally harming others].

A GOD: is he real? do we even know if he’s an actual god? a very elusive figure despite having a lot of screentime. he’s a surprisingly humanised character and arguably the one with the most empathy. he has a soft spot for the boy and the two have a deep bond which is not common for a human and a god to have. you don’t get insight to what the other gods are like, but they’re implied to exist. this story has a very messy and hazy view towards religion and godhood and their nature towards humanity, and this vague figure, a dreamlike character, is proof enough of that.

THE VILLAGE: okay so in general these people suck. the village consists of, well, the village, but they’re very fluid in the way they appear in the story? as in for the most part they appear as a collective, a unit. one character, the summer boy’s “friend”, is somewhat separate considering he’s a pretty important character. it’s very hard describing this unit of a character but essentially they’re the main antagonistic force and they hate the protagonist for seemingly no reason.

WHAT GOES DOWN:

sometime around this time, the boy chances upon meeting his “god”, this being who lives up in the clouds and whom he talks with often, except you don't know if this god is real or not. that’s one of the recurring themes of this story: what’s real and what isn’t. it’s :) a fun time :) for sure :)

essentially Things Happen And It Only Gets Weirder. i cannot even try describing what happens because it’s all very spoilery but let’s just say that this is a very sad story but not even in a “this makes me cry” manner, but rather in a “this is so fucked up wtf why”. the prose of this is very, very hazy and thick, in a manner that’s both smooth and suffocating. there’s also a lot of moon and water imagery which we love. i love the atmosphere + the setting—colonial india— as it’s a subtle but key element to the plot.

FORM:

OKAY YES be prepared for the true colours of how unhinged i am. i apologize for the form brainrot.

POV: so in this story i really said “what if it had all three of the main povs... jk jk... unless 😳😳” and then proceeded to use all three povs. you’re probably wondering, how did i do that? WHY did i do that? and my answer to that is: 🙂

the first-person pov: the summer boy narrates in first person. his pov takes up about 40% of the story, and this is where we unlock family backstory + how he feels about the various forces playing into his life. he’s an extremely unreliable narrator and he knows it; his narration oscillates between very naive and very self-aware, and this effect is pretty disconcerting. the summer boy is kind of a walking contradiction and we love that conflict.

the second-person pov: a god narrates in second person. his pov takes around 20% of the story, and his scenes all involve his conversations with the boy. his pov is extremely detached, and suspends belief because he seems awfully made up. there’s an edge to the prose in his narration, where you know that something's off, but you can’t exactly pinpoint what.

the third-person pov: the villagers narrate, either as a collective, or as an individual figure, in third person. they take up the other 40% of the story, and there are so many different people and differing opinions with this, and every time we read a third person excerpt it’s a different person, and this is mostly used to add onto the different ways in which the boy is perceived. this is also where the structural part of the form gets really wacky.

STRUCTURE: if my story isn't told in vignettes is it my story though /j. gothm is told in vignettes, each one between 50 to 500 words. the first and second person bits are normal-ish vignettes, with straightforward narration. the third person vignettes, on the other hand, are super assorted. we have a lot of epistolaric sections— there’s a letter, a folk song [which was found around the summer boy], and most of the conversation is told as just plain dialogue without tags. there’s also a phone call transcript, and finally some normal chunks of prose. what am i doing wtf.

also to add onto this the story is told non-linearly. 😀 the only thing that keeps me from going insane is the fact that there are chronological tags before most vignettes [also the manner in which they're tagged differs from pov to pov. for example a few of the third person conversations are marked just as “sunday” or “thursday”, while the summer boy’s narration is marked with the full date and year]

in all this clownery i completely forgot to mention what the tense was [the way everything else was so complicated that i forgot tense was a thing lmao] and good news!! it’s the only sane thing about this story!! it’s told fully in present tense. thank everything.

AN EXCERPT:

okay i’m once again not sharing much because this will be submitted to litmags 🧞

[The boy is scrawny as always. He carries an air of diswant— even death had rejected him when the plague killed only his grandmother— but walks like he doesn’t notice. He smiles at them, jitters, and wipes his hand across his knees. Blood comes away in thin, translucent lines. He saves it on the kerchief he keeps tucked in his shirt, careful to dirty the cloth even more. The villagers scrunch their noses in disgust; who knew how old and rotten the kerchief was, or how long it had carried blood like the unwashed sword of a warrior?]

also by the way this excerpt is in square brackets because it is a third-person interjection in a vignette that is otherwise first-person [at this point...]

SPARE THOUGHTS:

this was inspired by a conversation i had with my grandfather, where he was telling me about how people used to sing songs to the skies, as a way of devotion to a specific god. he used the [loose translation of] the english word “yearning” to refer to the emotion the singers would invoke, and that sparked the concept of a disillusioned young boy who talks to the moon as a way to please the god he’s in love with. it’s a very softly disconcerting story and once again deals with the theme of “perception vs reality” which if you know me and my work, is the theme i’m forever obsessed with.

i really like how this turned out? the atmosphere is exactly how i wanted it to be, and there’s so much i have to add on as i edit and i’m really looking forward to that. this is also the only short story i’ve written where i knew which litmag i’d love for it to be published in? like i never write things with publishing in mind, but for some reason while writing this story it occurred to me that it would be a perfect fit for this specific magazine and i love that. anyway if you’ve made it through the post till here,,,, bless you and your braincells. and that’s all for today!!

#am writing #writeblr #wtwcommunity #atlastracking #ofcolourtracking #crabappletracking #tw death #tw plague #tw blood #the way this post gets increasingly incomprehensible...#love how my blog has just descended into pure chaos post-hiatus #geometry of the holy moon (1 am)#god complex #god complex intro

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faunusrights · 3 years ago

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yeah, all i got is this belly button lint: a happy huntresses short fic

wrote this real quick because i love thinking about the random crap fiona has in her Inventory(tm). also i just like thinking about these clowns in general, so,

"Okay, so, what's actually in your Semblance right now?" Joanna asks one day in third year, when Fiona and May have sneaked away to Robyn's dorm to lose at cards and help edit her new batch of flyers promoting union creation in the workplace. Fiona had given a couple a look and accepted them as good enough, but May is weirdly exacting about her standards and is currently trying to convince Robyn to nudge the text headers over by ten pixels to the right. That's why, as she's sat on the floor and wrapped up in the drama of watching Robyn try and slowly fail to ignore May's insistent pleas for her to boot up her editor, Fiona's caught just a little bit off-guard by the question.

"My Semblance?" she asks, and Joanna nods all serious-like from her place on the bunk above Robyn. Joanna often looks very serious, because she suffers from what Robyn calls resting thoughtful bitch face, so sometimes it's hard to gauge how actually serious about something she really is. "I mean, it's probably a mess in there right now."

"I keep forgetting you actually use it like storage space," Robyn adds cheerfully, having now progressed onto shoving May away from her laptop computer every time she tries to creep closer. "Since most Semblances are, y'know, combat-only things or like... special occasions, I guess. And yet here you are, telling people you really don't need a bag for all your groceries!"

It is fun to flex on all the people struggling to carry like six bags to their car or their home, and Fiona preens. "Yeah, it's nice. I mostly keep things in it that I'd wanna have in an emergency, but it's been a while since I last sorted through it, so, who knows what garbage I've put in there."

"Tell me Robyn's braincell is in there too," May says imploringly, still trying to slide an arm around Robyn to get at the keyboard, but Fiona just shakes her head. She can't and won't be blamed for that particular disappearance any time soon. Instead, she rubs her hands together, scrunching up her face as she tests the edges of the Semblance. It's a funny thing, a Semblance like this--she never really has to think about it, but it's always just in reach, like this extra weight in her chest that she can totally forget about. It's strange to think about, so she often just doesn't.

"Okay," she starts, and she goes for the biggest item she can sense, which is an easy one to explain. In her hands materialises an acoustic guitar, worn and scuffed with age, and this attracts to attention of every girl in the room. "Well, this one's easy. This is my guitar, and honestly? If I ever leave it behind in the meatspace and don't pick it up on my way out the door, know that you've just seen my evil clone and you have to kill her."

Joanna blinks, and Robyn seems caught between asking about the guitar, the evil clone, and also the fact that Fiona insists on referring to the physical world as the meatspace. So, she does as Robyn does best, and settles on an expletive. "Shit! You play?"

"Been playing since I was... like seven? Something like that." Fiona shrugs, because she really can't be sure; her first vague memory of even seeing this guitar was a long time ago, her uncle telling her it used to belong to her grandmother who'd never managed to learn a damn thing on it. So, Fiona had taken up practice, if only because it was something for a little lowlands Mantellian Faunus to do during the long, cold polar nights and the endless sunshine of the midnight sun. "But, yeah, this is always on me in some form or another."

"You should've played it whilst we were on watch our last mission," May says, with a certain scowl that Fiona knows is 100% directed at their team leader, who is currently off doing... some sort of bullshit with their partner, no doubt. Gods, this team is a nightmare. "All those hours trying to stay awake so we could stare into nothing..."

"Sorry," Fiona says, and she means it. She'd intended to, but, well, she'd sort of chickened out. The echo in the mountains is kind of insane. "Next time?"

May nods, but Joanna cuts off whatever she's about to say next by waving her hands through the air like she can physically dissipate the conversation. "Okay, okay, cool, but now I gotta else you got hiding in there."

Re-compressing her guitar--and oh, is Fiona thankful that dematerialising and rematerialising it doesn't leave it out of tune--Fiona has a mental root around. "Uh, okay, so, we've got--"

In no particular order, she starts pulling things out: a pair of thick gloves for the brutal Solitas chill, an extra pair of socks (hugely understated by most, but never by Fiona), a ushanka that Robyn instantly cheers for, and a couple of jackets ranging from light windbreakers to thick furred jackets that feel like she's wearing a mattress around her ribs. Her Scroll and wallet are in there too, naturally, as are her keys and some extra ammunition, and she pulls out a load of old train tickets with a grimace. "Hm. I was meant to throw these away years ago."

"You're basically carrying around a wardrobe in there, then?" May asks in a way that'd maybe be a little teasing if she didn't look about as jealous as she sounds, but it becomes a thoughtful expression when Fiona shakes her head again.

"Bold of you to think I haven't got a whole pantry in here too," she says, and now Joanna looks very interested. "Check this out."

The first thing she pulls out is a gallon jug of clean water--endlessly fucking useful, she's found, especially when you're in some situation where you can't sit on your ass for an hour waiting for the water purification tablets to do their job--before pulling out a whole host of Atlesian MREs that she keeps around just in case shit really does hit the fan. Atlas rations are... not good, in a phrase, but she's owed them her life more than once, so, whatever.

"What dates are on those?" May quickly interrupts with a critical eye, trying to make out the printed numbers on the snow-patterned packets, and Fiona tosses her one if only to distract May's hands from trying to puzzle out Robyn's password when Robyn isn't directly paying attention.

"Things don't really degrade in my Semblance," Fiona admits. "I've tested it before on stuff with a short shelf-life, like cheese and milk, and honestly I can leave it in there for months and have it come out just as fresh as when it went in. Something to do with a sort of... internal stasis, I guess." Then, she adds, "One thing in my Semblance is a goldfish in a bowl, but he's part of a practical theory I'm running, so I can't materialise him for another fifteen years or so."

"That sounds very normal," Joanna says, and Fiona is glad she agrees as she barrels right over the inherent sarcasm.

As May agonises over finding the date, though, Fiona continues to unveil her pantry--there's plenty of snacks, like dried fruit and nuts and energy bars and chocolate, and when she reveals she carries extra for every member of her team and then some (then some in this instance being Robyn and Joanna, not that she'll admit it), Robyn looks delighted. "That's so sweet! Look at you, making sure nobody goes hungry. You're one in a million."

That's cute and very gay, but Fiona has a lot of stuff to be working through and so she keeps on going--there's a flask of coffee that, thanks to the maybe-stasis, is eternally hot, a bottle of dark Mantellian ale she keeps as, uh, moral support, and she blushes when she pulls out half an uneaten tuna sandwich. "I wondered where that went. Whoops."

May looks up from the MRE for a second, and then does a double-take as she takes in the sight of the very limp and sad-looking sandwich, made courtesy of the Atlas Academy cafeteria. "Wait! Isn't that the sandwich you accused me of stealing last month?!"

"Anyway!" Fiona says with a forced grin, quickly making it disappear back into the void where it can safely continue not existing. "I think the final thing in here is... wait."

She blinks, and suddenly in her hands are at least a hundred little booklets entitled The Pocket Guide to Communist Outreach, scattering right over the floor. Robyn yelps, and then reaches down the side of her bunk to pick them up. "Oh shit! I forgot I asked you to hold onto these! I thought we ran out, nice."

Joanna's face is in her hands, and May sighs long and hard before tossing the MRE back to Fiona with a distinctly pained expression.

"It goes out of date in a month," she notes with distaste, and Fiona just sucks it up without a word. She'll be thankful for it when they end up down a dark cave with no backup, but Fiona figures she'll sit on that one for a bit before being able to make the greatest told you so call in history. She can wait.

"So," she says, watching as May takes advantage of Robyn's momentary distraction to try and access her computer again. "I guess... do you wanna hear me play a song?"

Joanna watches as her partner leans too far over the side of the bunk, yelping as she nearly slams her head directly into the hard vinyl of the floor, and she grimaces. "Please do."

Grinning, Fiona finds her guitar again--somewhere buried, she mentally notes, beside the gallon of water but under the coats--and she slings the broad strap about her shoulders before settling it on her lap, crossing her legs tightly beneath herself before finding her place on the fretboard. After having not played since being back home, it relaxes her more than she'd ever realised it did. It helps to be surrounded by friends, though. Helps to be with family.

"I don't take requests," she adds, flatly, and Robyn laughs from her place on the floor before music fills the dorm, soft and deep and achingly familiar of a place far, far below.

But she's okay with calling this place home, too.

#is the title really a spongebob refer--#rwby #happy huntresses #fiona thyme #robyn hill #may marigold #joanna greenleaf #my writing #sorry this was in my brain for a while there sdfhjgsdfgjh #BUT ITS OUT NOW. ITS FREE.#what else would you have called this #fiona doesn't mention this but she also has emergency condoms and a literal handgun. just in case.#JUST IN CASE...

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troped-fanfic-challenge · 3 years ago

Text

TROPED: JATP MASTER LIST

And for our encore, the Master List of all 53 (fifty-three!?) fanfics written for our FIRST Julie and the Phantoms TROPED event!! It was such a treat for us to see how a new fandom took on our prompts! We, here at TROPED, love it when our authors push the limits of what a trope can be, and this fandom kept us on our toes, and we loved every word! We hope you enjoy these trope bending, phantastic fics as much as we did!

New rockstar writers joined us for the first time for this event, which is the coolest thing for us! We love getting to see how different fandoms interpret our prompts and how you see these stories through the lens of different characters. We learned a lot about how to run an event this round, with new voices helping us to make TROPED better, which was so exciting. We came out of this event with new ideas, and we’re pumped for what’s next! We hope you’ll join us again soon ;)!

*Some summaries have been edited for length. Tumblr has a max post length. Who knew!

ROUND 1: ANGST FICS

The Tropes:

Character discovers they’re not human

Coffee Shop AU

Poorly Timed Confession

Character A catches Character B crying

————

the sky was gray and white and (cloudy) (Rated T) [Alex x Willie] by @screamin-amuseum

Summary: “I’ve got you,” Willie’s whispering over and over, panic creeping into his voice. “Alex, I’ve got you, okay? Come on, baby, come on, it’s okay, I’ve got you, you’re gonna be okay, I love you–”

Alex spits out what feels like a clot of blood and gives Willie a tired grin, probably looking completely insane.

“That’s pretty gay of you,” he says, just as his vision clouds over and he passes out.

Honey, You’re Familiar (Like My Mirror Years Ago) (Rated T) [Julie x Luke] by nik_knows_nothing

Summary: Luke works at a coffee shop, which is normal, quietly pines after his coworker, which is normal, and also occasionally steals people’s faces without really meaning to.

It’s probably that last part that moves him pretty solidly out of the “normal” territory.

But that’s fine, that’s totally cool.

He’s handling it super well.

You Can’t Value People Less Than a Good, Hot Cup of Bean Juice (It Just Seems Rude) (Rated T) [Julie x Luke] by nik_knows_nothing

Summary: Julie gets a job at a coffee stand in the middle of nowhere.

It’ll help to pass the time, if nothing else.

And if there’s a cute guy who works the shift after her and sometimes leaves her ridiculously endearing messages on an ancient tape recorder?

Well, that’s just a bonus.

honest to god I’ll break your heart, tear you to pieces and rip you apart (Rated T) [Julie x Luke] by @tonightthestarsalign

Summary: the siren!Julie AU no one asked for

new instincts (Rated T) [Luke x Reggie] by @comeonpeters

Summary: Reggie is fine with being the only human member of his band, Julie and the Phantoms (tell your friends!), just like he’s fine with being the only single member. It doesn’t make him feel lonely, and he’s only picking up more shifts at the coffee shop because he needs more money, not because he’s avoiding being alone. And picking up more shifts at the coffee shop is making the work easier! He’s only a little confused by the fact that he can now touch the espresso machine mid shift without burning himself… must be all of the experience.

you look like you’ve just seen a monster (is that what i look like to you?) (Rated T) [Bobby x Alex x Luke x Reggie] by @aroacethetic-shitpost

Summary: it’s angsty tiefling bobby time, folks!

We Are Monsters, We Are Proud (Rated G) [Flynn x Carrie, Julie x Luke] by @americanhoney913

Summary: Carrie finds herself at a college like no other in search of her dad and some answers. Julie’s not feeling good and maybe staring at roses wasn’t the best idea.

Monster College/Coffeeshop AU

sending forth their beautiful voice, and my heart was fain to listen (Rated G) [Julie x Carrie] by @madeline-kahn

Summary: Months after the death of her mom, Julie prepares to sing again and makes an upsetting discovery.

rise from the ashes (Rated M) [Alex x Willie] by @willexxmercer

Summary: At a time when everything was going wrong for Alex, the one bright spot in his life was the charming barista at the coffee shop he frequented. At least, it was the bright spot until everything went up in flames. All he could do was hope that they could rise from the ashes and figure things out together.

Siren’s Song (Rated T) [Ray x Rose] by hufflebibin

Summary: The Scopuli was never meant to be a permanent arrangement. Rose had taken the job straight out of school just looking to make a little extra money before the tour kicked off.

That was four years ago.

After a string of bad luck befalls Rose and the Petal Pushers, she can’t help but wonder if she is the problem. Or is there something more sinister at play?

Yellow (Rated T) [Julie & Reggie] by @tmp-jatp

Summary: Reggie just wanted to get some new guitar strings. A shapeshifter!Reggie au

Angels Like You (Rated T) [Luke x Reggie] by @sunsetcurveofficial

Summary: Reggie is having a bit of a weird day. It gets worse when he figures out that it’s because he died in his sleep and has somehow been walking around as a ghost without realising it. Meeting Luke helps. Luke says he’s a fellow ghost, and there is something about him that Reggie just feels drawn to. Falling for him is the easiest thing Reggie has ever done, but Luke is a little more than he lets on, and it turns out that their story actually started long before Reggie thought it did.

look into my eyes (it’s where my demons hide) (Rated T) [Flynn x Carrie] by @fanfics-she-wrote

Summary: Hiding out from demons was never a desirable nightmare. Of course, Carrie would much prefer a run-for-my-life nightmare than actually running for her life. Having Flynn around is a very welcome soothing balm, though.

Bring All The Monsters Out To Play, Let All The Red Erase The Grey (Rated T) [Bobby & Reggie] by @kennysbirthday

Summary: Mythologicals, Reggie realised, were kind of like queer people. Sometimes your Token Human friend turns around one day and admits that actually, there was something they were suppressing all along, and they hadn’t realised.

–

Reggie’s final exam has been pushed forward at the most inconvenient time. Bobby is sick, Alex is missing, and now he needs to help a selkie get their ‘Happily-Ever-After’ in order to scrape a passing grade. Oh, and if his boss catches him handing out more free coffee, he’s gonna get fired.

————

ROUND 2: FLUFF FICS

The Tropes:

Exes

Time Loop AU

Camp Counselors

Prank Wars

————

Okay, Campers, Rise and Shine! (Rated T) [Julie x Luke] by nik_knows_nothing

Summary: The Groundhog Day meets Gravity Falls meets Summer Camp meets The Author’s Own Distaste For Prank Wars AU that no one asked for. Ever. At all.

Starting To Forget (Just What Summer Ever Meant To You) (Not Rated) [Flynn x Carrie] by bi_magic

Summary: Last summer didn’t end on a positive note for Carrie Wilson - she and her girlfriend broke up on the last night of camp, and she’s been miserable since. But it seems that the universe is intent on having her fix that this summer. Even if that means she has to live through the same day over and over and over again until she does.

Creative B.S. Was No More, Was No Less (Look Around, You’re Gonna Miss What You Found) (Rated T) [Alex x Luke, Flynn x Reggie] by @americanhoney913

Summary: Alex and Luke go undercover on a mission to a summer camp in order to find a talisman that could endanger the camp and all the kids. While there, they bond with the kids and make peace with the fact that they broke up.

While Alex and Luke are away, Flynn accidentally fucks with time.

bitch but like romantically (Rated T) [Flynn x Carrie] by @screamin-amuseum

Summary: or: flynn gets stuck in a time loop. {for troped jatp round 2}

down by the bay (Rated T) [Alex x Willie] by @sunsetcurbed

Summary: Over time, Camp Phantom has simply become known as a selective summer camp: one that took only the kids that Caleb saw promise in. And Caleb wasn’t exactly lying. He really did take only the ones he saw promise in, he simply looked for different traits than others might.

For example, say, hypothetically, a boy who could see the future. Or, hypothetically, a girl who could interact with ghosts. Or, hypothetically, a boy who could summon objects to him with a simple thought. Or, and this is completely hypothetical mind you, a boy who could manipulate time.

Those might be some traits that Caleb saw promise in. Just, like, as examples.

Time will tell (But only if you do it right) (Rated T) [Flynn x Carrie] by @malecacidd

Summary: Carrie had been acting a little off for a week or so, but Flynn was pretty much known for seeing something in nothing, and that was probably what they were doing then. If something was going on, Carrie would tell her eventually.

Who knew all it took was a little bit of miscommunication to mess up time itself?

and so it begins (Rated T) [Bobby x Reggie] by @comeonpeters

Summary: It’s the first day of their second week at Camp Carolling (they’re spending an entire month, and they’re getting paid to be there!) when Reggie gets a little lost in the woods. During this misadventure into the woods, he finds an egg shaped rock, an inhabited cabin that may or may not be riddled with signs, and something that might be magic. He probably doesn’t get paid enough to discover magic.

or, when they were thirteen years old, four boys met at camp carolling and eventually became a band that almost became something legendary. now, all four boys are coming back as counselors, three boys in one band and one boy in his own solo act.

so begins the reunion, though it doesn’t go how any of them imagine.

Porcupine Day (Rated T) [Bobby x Ray x Rose] by @wr0temyway0ut

Summary: It’s been fifteen years since Trevor broke up with Ray and Rose and they’re… not fine, but managing. But when Trevor to adds insult to injury and buys the camp across the lake from the one they once owned together, the two camps become locked in a bitter rivalry. With neither side willing to set aside their pride and work out their issues, the universe decides to settle their fates itself.

Day After Day (After Day After Day) (Rated T) [Alex x Willie] by hufflebibin

Summary: When Alex met Willie just after their senior year of high school, they spent a wonderful three months dating before their relationship ended in a blaze of glory. Now, four years later, they meet again as counselors at a summer camp. The only problem? Alex keeps reliving their first day together. The day that Luke had declared “Prank Day.”

This is not how Alex pictured his summer going.

clocks move faster (it’s all we’re after) (Rated G) [Julie x Luke] by @willexxmercer

Summary: Julie likes it when her friends are happy, so when she realizes she’s stuck in a time loop, she uses her knowledge to make sure everything works out for everyone… except she conveniently forgets to factor herself (and Luke) into the mix.

Touch of Magic (Not Rated) [Alex x Luke] by @williexmercer

Summary: When everything stands in Luke and Alex’s way of getting to be with the people they love, they have to repeat the day over and over until they can get the happily ever after that they want.

the play’s the thing (that goes wrong) (Rated T) [Alex x Willie] by @madeline-kahn

Summary: Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow creeps in this petty pace from day to day for Macbeth, but not so for Alex and the production of Hamlet that he is directing and starring in. And while he’s stuck repeating the day of the performance over and over, mishaps of all kinds befall the cast.

anything, anything (for another run with you) (Rated T) [Alex x Willie] by @aroacethetic-shitpost

Summary: the camp counselor/exes/prank war/time loop fic of your dreams (unless you read all of the other troped round 2 fics lmao)

there’s a glorious sunrise, dappled with the flickers of light (Rated T) [Julie x Luke] by @tonightthestarsalign

Summary: ex-best friends Luke and Julie, working as camp counselors at rivaling camps, find themselves stuck in a time loop

the daughter of apollo (Rated T) [Julie x Luke] by @the-most-beautiful-broom

Summary: the JATP x Camp Half Blood AU that nobody asked for

maybe the world isn’t ending (maybe it’s been postponed) (Rated G) [Julie x Luke] by @tmp-jatp

Summary: It’s the last day of camp and Julie has one more prank planned for Luke. He just doesn’t know what it is.

Here We Go Again (Rated T) [Julie x Luke] by @kybee1497

Summary: Julie blinked as she stared at the place Euterpe had disappeared. What did that even mean? What journey? Old places and lost faces? What was she talking about? But before she could dwell on the questions swirling around in her mind, the sky full of stars began to move, shifting in place and descending until they were all around her. Julie felt her feet leave the ground as she rose up and up. One star in particular was burning brighter than the others, growing bigger in front of her.

It grew and grew, until the light was blinding and Julie had to throw a hand up against the harsh light. She closed her eyes as the light surrounded her and then she was falling. Falling down, down, down.

————

ROUND 3: CANONVERSE FICS

The Tropes:

Secret Places

Neighbors

First Kiss

Time Jump

————

Just say you won’t let go (Rated G) [Julie/Luke] by @fanfics-she-wrote

Summary: Hey, Julie

You're the heart and soul 'round here, it's plain to see

in which Julie has a second chance with her boys, and then a third

we will fight to shine together (bright forever) (Rated G) [Bright Lighting Guy/Rob from the Orpheum] by @screamin-amuseum

Summary: the rob/bright lighting guy fic literally nobody asked for but i wrote anyways. enjoy gays, bring ur tissues

what happened when (Rated G) [Alex/Luke] by @janaikam

Summary: Before Julie and the Phantoms, before the guys became ghosts, before Sunset Curve – they were Luke and Alex. Not 5 feet apart cause they’re totally gay.

who cares if one more light goes out? (in a sky of a million stars) (Rated T) [Ray/Rose] by @tonightthestarsalign

Summary: The first and the last time Ray ever kissed Rose.

we can forget the world (just you and me) (Rated T) [Alex/Willie] by @sunsetcurbed

Summary: “This was the first place I ever came out to someone,” Alex says, spinning around and taking in the tree house.

together we can take on the world (Rated G) [Alex/Reggie] by @comeonpeters

Summary: Alex Mercer meets Reggie Peters on October 8, 1983, which means that two days have passed since Reggie’s sixth birthday, because Reggie is a Libra according to the magazines that his mom reads when she gets Reggie to paint her toenails. He’s also just moved to Los Angeles, California from his hometown of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, a small town in the mountains, and he’s told Alex Mercer about all of this in the three minutes that they’ve known each other, and he might be the loudest, most obnoxious boy that Alex has ever met, and he absolutely has to be Alex’s new best friend.

The Peters family moves in down the street from the Mercers in 1983, and so begins the rest of their lives.

Long Live (Can I start another life with you?) (Rated T) [Julie/Luke] by @smolfangirl

Summary: It’s all too much for one day: first a muffin, then more heartbeats. Julie just needs some time to think. If Luke runs after her to sit by her side so she doesn’t lose it, she won’t complain.

Except afterwards, he starts acting weird. Very weird. And months later, she’s tired of letting him keep his distance.

She can’t do this. Not right now. Not today.

She jumps back on her feet.

The excited grin falls from Luke’s face. She doesn’t try to catch it.

“I – I think this is too much. I need some time. Alone. Sorry.”

Then she runs. She runs past the calloused fingers reaching out to her. Past Reggie and the door, past carved pumpkins on porches and Cornelia Street.

She just runs.

Roses (Rated G) [Emily & Luke, Alex/Luke] by @americanhoney913

Summary: It becomes a sacred place she shares with her son. Mitch is usually off at work from dawn until six o’clock, but Emily’s working from home for now. She works as a florist’s shop right outside the neighborhood. So she brings home seeds and little flowers and other cuts from the store; she and Luke will spend hours out in the dirt, planting seeds and making mud pies and Luke will babble about whatever happened in daycare and make up stories about the different flowers.

Somewhere Only We Know (Rated T) [Nick/Carrie] by hufflebibin

Summary: A journey through Nick Danforth-Evan’s life as experienced in the safety of his backyard hide away.

The Itty Bitty Details (Rated T) [Alex/Willie] by @williexmercer & @futurearchaeologyprof

Summary: 5 times Willie knew Alex and one where Alex knew Willie

you’re the only one who makes me (my wildflower) (Rated T) [Bobby/Reggie] by @willexxmercer

Summary: The tree was Reggie’s safe space, and Bobby was his safe person. He could escape all his troubles there, except for one nagging thought - did he have feelings for his best friend?

Dying complicated things.

because i’ve known you so long, i know every cadence and what they mean (Rated G) [Alex & Julie, Julie/Luke] by @tmp-jatp

Summary: the Juke 5+1 fic from Alex’s POV.

Someday (I’ll See You Again) (Rated T) [Alex/Willie] by @kybee1497

Summary: They’re wrong. Alex, you are not a failure. You’re incredible. You’re smart. You’re funny, and the best friend I could ask for. You’re a wicked talented drummer and you have a beautiful voice. And more important than all of that, is that you’re you, Alex. And the you you are is wonderful, and lovable and perfect. If your parents can’t see that, that’s their own fault. But I swear, Alex. If you’re afraid of them, I need you to tell me. You have to be safe.” Willie’s voice had gone desperate by the end. Alex deserved to know how freaking amazing he was and the fact that his parents didn’t bother to tell him, and actively worked to tear him down instead, was infuriating.

But Willie also worried about him. He’d worried about Alex since the first time he heard Mr. Mercer shouting through the window, a worry that never really went away. Not with the way Alex automatically straightened up when his parents were mentioned, as if he could hear his dad lecturing him about appearances from miles away. Not with the way Alex looked when he was with them, perfectly pieced together and falling apart at the seams, eyes distant and shoulders tense. Willie was pretty sure he had worrying about Alex etched in his bones by this point.

The Energy Never Dies (Rated T) [Gen Fic] by @americanhoney913

Summary: Four moments across time in the loft of the Molina’s garage.

————

ROUND 4: FINAL!

Theme: Author’s Choice

Tropes:

Royalty AU

Soulmate AU

“Long Story Short…”

Author’s Choice

———

Look, Steal From the Rich. Do It. (Rated T) [Julie/Luke] by nik_knows_nothing

Summary: A Julie and the Phantoms Star Wars AU that kind of looks into the ramifications of soul marks in a turbulent society, but mostly just focuses on the gang infiltrating a fancy Core World party.

take my heart (and take my hand) (Rated T) [Alex/Willie] by @sunsetcurbed

Summary: The stranger smiles. “I’m Willie,” he greets.

“Alex,” Alex nods back.

“Sir,” Willie says pointedly, and smirks up at him as he bows exaggeratedly.

“The word sir is coming out of your mouth directed at me, but I don’t feel like you just addressed me as a sir at all. And please, call me Alex.”

“My apologies,” Willie hums, straightening back up. And then, pointedly, he lowers himself back into the same bow and makes deliberate eye contact with Alex. “Sir.”

Alex blinks. “You’re not going to call me Alex, are you?”

“Absolutely not, Sir.”

the princess and the lord (Rated T) [Julie/Luke] by @the-most-beautiful-broom

Summary: a JATP x Princess Diaries 2 AU

Diamond in the Rough (Rated G) [Julie/Luke] by @tmp-jatp

Summary: The JATP Aladdin AU

Okay, So You’re Interrupting the Political Guy Again, So Think About That (Rated T) [Julie/Luke] by nik_knows_nothing

Summary: Julie and the Phantoms meets The Goblin Emperor meets a soulmate AU meets the author’s stunning lack of what I assume is basic knowledge on how monarchies work.

i had the time of my life, fighting dragons with you (Rated T) [Julie/Luke] by @tonightthestarsalign

Summary: luke gets hired by some noble to bring back the princess that was kidnapped by a dragon

born to be yours (Rated G) [Alex/Willie] by @willexxmercer

Summary: “Hello. It feels strange, resorting to notes like this, but I couldn’t think of any other way. I know you’re here, somewhere. At the ball. I’ve tried to find you for the past few nights. My parents always told me never to believe in looped days and soulmates, but I think this just proves that they were wrong.

My name is Willie. I don’t know how to find you, but sometimes I feel like I’m drawn to you. Like I can just sense you nearby. I don’t know if you’ll find this, but if you do, I’ll try to wait for you on the balcony.

Until we meet.”

our best days are yet unknown (Rated T) [Alex/Reggie/Willie] by @aroacethetic-shitpost

Summary: When Prince Alexander of Sacuria meets his fiance, Prince William of Coterra, he’s astonished to discover that he recognizes his daemon. He recognizes it as one of the other shapes that his own daemon is able to take… as his soulmate. The only problem? Alex already has a soulmate: Reggie Peters, his childhood best friend. What should he do about finally meeting his second soulmate?

Panic and run away? Yeah, sure.

Little does he know he’s about to have a bigger problem than that…

————

Please take the time to read of all these incredible fics! Leave the authors some kudos/comments! They worked so hard this whole event. Thanks so much!

Just as a reminder, our non-anon collection is always open and we are always so excited to receive any submissions! The TROPED: JATP official collection has been CLOSED but if any of our prompts inspire you, please share your fics with us in our non-anon collection! Simple put ‘TROPED_Non_Anonymous’ where it asks for the collection name, and be sure to put what round you are writing for in your notes so we can be sure to tag it appropriately when we share! Also, just as a note, fics submitted to the non-anon collection do not have to follow the word limit and do not require the same strict adherence to the tropes, though we do ask that you comply with our other rules regarding no rape, incest, negativity, and things like that! Happy writing!

TROPED JATP AO3 Collection: https://archiveofourown.org/collections/TROPED_JATP_1

TROPED Non-Anon AO3 Collection: https://archiveofourown.org/collections/TROPED_Non_Anonymous

#troped: jatp #jatp fanfiction #troped: masterlist #julie and the phantoms #long post

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