#fic: seasons don't fear the reaper

[appletreeduty]

tagged by @emilykaldwen

rules: make a new post, and post your latest lines from your WIP & tag as many people as there are words.

not gonna have enough people for that but here:

And it hits her, now, finally. Too late, perhaps, but if she's ever accused of being a horrible mother she will show the tape of her saying the following to the jury: “Isn’t there anything I can do to live?”

Because Seven fucking Hells truly rain down on her before her children be raised in the Faith - and without their father, without her, they absolutely will be while she’s farting about dancing in the ether with a ghostly amalgamation of their long-dead father - and she will not let it happen.

In a maneuver only Aemond could’ve done, he spins her to his chest, clasping one wrist to her front and one to her back between them, and leans to say in her ear, THERE IS THE ONE.

tagging: @acrossthesestars ; @kingsroad ; @dragonsbone ; @arrthurpendragon ; @songsonacliffside ; @justcocoxoao3 ; anyone else who wants to!

[megalommi]

This is exceedingly indulgent, a song fic!

I wanted to write Baggs using his powers with his voice in another way (also because I don't write him using his powers enough, oddly)

The specific cover this is inspired by is the NSP cover of Don't Fear the Reaper, but I pitched and slowed down while i was writing this, fits the more dark and seductive mood better.

(Can't share it here for obvious DMCA issues that would cause, but would highly recommend seeking that out).

This is non canon.

Each snow packed step takes so much effort, your legs are heavy and you are so tired.

The path was far behind you, having taken off in sheer terror into the thick woods.

What you had seen at a gate in the middle of the road, seeming to await your arrival, a skeletal face with a knowing grin, like the visage of death.

But now, you were hopelessly lost, tired and numb from the cold.

The still, frosty forest seems to swallow any sound, so you startle when under the crunch of your footfalls and your laboured breath, something else pulls your attention.

It drifts so softly through the trees, hard to pinpoint from where, a gentle humming of a tune you think you recognise from somewhere.

It's deep and warm like hot chocolate, oh so pleasant to the ears. You can't help but bask in it a little longer, you think you actually start to feel warmer.

Something tells you that's not a good sign, you need to get out of this cold.

You continue your trek again, the humming is closer now. You note a burgeoning urge to find the source, and you can't help scanning your surroundings for signs of the owner.

All our times have come

Here but now they're gone

The humming blends into a sweet serenade, the words echoing, drifting sweetly into your ears.

Is someone out there? Their words are gentle, a cadence that comforts you instantly. Something tells you this stranger will help you.

Seasons don't fear the reaper

Nor do the wind, the sun or the rain

The buzz of anxiety tensing your body starts to settle, your gasps of exertion evening out and slowing down. The numbness in your limbs are replaced by pleasant tingles.

The snow is no bother to you now, it's effortless to follow that wonderful voice.

We can be like they are

Your mind supplies, a soft trilling in the base of your skull that doesn't sound like your inner voice at all.

Come on, baby

Closer now, peering out from the darkness, a pulsing, pretty magenta glow.

don't fear the reaper

The sweet, tempting voice in your mind urged, chanting the mantra over and over, deep in your mind.

Baby, take my hand

We'll be able to fly

You're reaching out before you can even think to. You feel floaty and nice, you want this stranger to take you away.

Baby, I'm your man

He steps into view, a skeletal face with a knowing grin.

Your heart drops and you still, panic cutting through the haze that had fallen over your mind.

But he serenades you still, a pretty melody like a soothing lullaby, his arms open and inviting.

And like fingers stroking through your hair, tension massaged from your shoulders, your body relaxes.

Your thoughts and fear fall away again, chased by wonderful fuzzy niceness that sends your reeling from the whiplash.

You sway, dizzy with the heady feelings flowing through you, your only anchor is the heated gaze of white and magenta, brightly glowing in their sockets.

You stumble into his arms, that encircle you like a warm blanket, chasing away the cold.

The world falls away into darkness with the sensation of falling, and you squeak in terror, only for that emotion, too, to be scattered and forgotten.

~

A golden, regal hall bathed in streams of light pouring in from high arched stain glass windows.

You are steadied on solid ground once again, and it's so warm that your skin prickles with the sudden shift in atmosphere.

Valentine is done

The song echoes through the halls, it's just for you to hear.

Here but now they're gone

You think you catch a ripple in his expression, but you're turned around, led to a window.

And you hardly believe what you're seeing.

Romeo and Juliet

Are together in eternity

A kingdom that stretches to the cavern walls. Fields of lava surrounding so many homes. A beautiful grove flowing with water. And a little isolated town caked in snow.

And twinkling above it all, pretty, false stars embedded in the ceiling of the cavern, shining down on so many trapped and desperate people.

40, 000 men and women everyday

like Romeo and Juliet

That tempting voice at the base of your skull whispers to you, and you understand.

40, 000 men and women everyday

So many people to save.

redefine happiness

It's for the best.

Another 40, 000 coming everyday

we can be like they are

Gloved hands smooth up and down your arms.

Come on, baby

You're not afraid.

Baby, take my hand

You accept his outstretched hand. You're lead away, his hands cupping your own.

We'll be able to fly

A hand at your back, and your hand held out in his, your world suddenly spins as you're led in a waltz,

dancing to the thrumming pulse that starts in your chest and radiates calm through your whole body.

Baby, I'm your man

You step perfectly in time with him, spun and dipped, expertly lead by his control.

You don't know how to dance, it does not matter.

The entrancing melody drifts through the hall, his cape flows in a graceful arc, his grip is strong in your hand, his gaze warm and smile amused.

It's all so magical, you must be dreaming.

He slows and lowers you in a deep dip, and he's so close, breath intermingling with yours.

He's stopped humming.

You utter a sleepy murmur in question.

His expression darkens, his grin sharpens.

And that magenta eye

pulses

expands

rings of cyan

magenta

cyan

magenta

cyan

magenta

flow over you, through you, into your mind

and you helplessly drop down

down

down

sickly green ambient lights that cast long shadows

~~

Dark, clinical halls

The smell like a hospital, sharp and clean

down

You pass darkened hallways, and not even the fog could dampen the chill down your spine.

You're moving?

You're on a padded table. You can't move.

You're strapped down.

You feel like you should be more afraid. But you are drifting under waves of bliss that smother your thoughts and emotions as quickly as they build.

Finally you've seemingly arrived at your destination.

An operating room, filled with complex looking machines and devices, some you recognise as heart monitors, drip bags.

Some are completely alien, nothing like anything you'd find in a human hospital.

Before you can even sluggishly blink, you're hooked up to all manner of devices, tested, poked and prodded, in a process that's typical of a hospital check up.

You are overwhelmed by the rush of activity, and you lay your head back.

There's an enormous structure above you, that hangs down from the ceiling.

A machine, but shaped like the skull of some animal you couldn't hope to identify.

But with terrifying teeth like a predator.

Pointed right at you.

You startle as you feel a skeletal hand on your cheek, pulling your focus back

to him.

He trains his features into one of sympathy, but you can see the sharp pull of his grin, the excitement in his eyes.

Love of two is one

But you can't resist.

Here but now they're gone

It almost seems taunting, but you're helpless as you sink into the false, saccharine sweetness.

Came the last night of sadness

He strokes your cheek in something meant to be comforting. You are comforted beyond measure, warm and tingly once more.

And it was clear she couldn't go on

It was true, somehow

Then the door was open and the wind appeared

The machine above stirred awake

The candles blew and then disappeared

Lights blinking and flashing, the engine a deep, monstrous rumble, as if it were alive, as if it were hungry.

The curtains flew and then he appeared

He filled your vision once more, turning your gaze, twitching with your terror bubbling up to the surface.

Saying don't be afraid

Your vision shrunk down to just the two of you, alone in this moment, he was here for you.

Come on, baby

He reached out to hover his ungloved, skeletal hand just above your chest.

and she had no fear

You sunk into bliss.

And she ran to him

A glow burst from your chest, and he crooked his finger in a beckoning motion.

then they started to fly

Your soul hovered pliantly in his gentle hold.

They looked backward and said goodbye

Distantly, you felt the machine lowered closer and closer to your chest.

To your soul.

she had become like they are

Hadn't you seen vials full of other souls down here?

She had taken his hand

His visage had broken into a crazed triumph, too perfect teeth wide and sharp.

she had become like they are

It was for the best.

Come on, baby

Cyan

Magenta

don't fear the reaper

[steddieunderdogfics]

This week’s writer spotlight feature is:  Capriciously_Terminal! @capriciouslyterminal has 106 fics on ao3 in the Stranger Things fandom and 105 of them are in the Steddie tag!

@mustardyellowlilac recommends the following works by Capriciously_Terminal:

Where the Sun Can't Reach

Spit Me out, You Don't Know Where I've Been

It's the Ritual of the Thing

Baby I'm Your Man (Don't Fear the Reaper)

It's as if she writes memories, rather than stories, and that makes them tangible and devastating -- @mustardyellowlilac

Below the cut, @capriciouslyterminal answered some questions about their writing process and some of their recommended work!

Why do you write Steddie?

I started writing Steddie because the characters of Steve and Eddie have such specific and human voices that I literally couldn’t get them out of my head after watching the first drop of S4. (Also I’d just gotten a new puppy who didn’t love sleeping through the night so I had plenty of time to think). The more I wrote for them the deeper I found myself in their voices and thinking about what they could do and I had to keep going until I ran out of steam.

What’s your favorite trope to READ?

I love a good “Steddie interwoven into previous seasons’ canon events” story. Especially if an author makes it SO specific. I want Steve and Eddie in Starcourt. I want Eddie Munson popping up at the pumpkin patch. I want Eddie Munson in the background at Starcourt drooling. I want him to spend this whole time watching Steve’s character growth and finding it impossibly hot before getting twisted up in the horror.

What’s your favorite trope to WRITE?

I definitely love adding Eddie Munson to canon (thinking about him and life-guard Steve Harrington is where this all began, afterall). However I think that I, as a person, am just as obsessed with The Horrors. As such adding monstrosity/new flavors of spooky to this show was my favorite thing to do.

What’s your favorite Steddie fic?

I can narrow it down to two! My favorite piece of Steddie fic that changed my brain chemistry has got to be fastcardotmp3’s “that’s just wasteland, baby!” (https://archiveofourown.org/works/42351597) because the scene in the lake? The genuine wonderful take on in media res apocalypse living? Dot’s talent for characterization/love? I’ll never live it down. Actually, go read everything by fastcardotmp3. Do yourself a favor. The other has to be “every mistake was made purposefully” by birthdaycandles (https://archiveofourown.org/works/41795838/chapters/104862381). It turns out I’m a sucker for excellent narration and watching Steddie/plot shenanigans from Tommy Hagan’s prickly point of view. It gave me everything I’ve ever wanted.

Is there a trope you’re excited to explore in a future work but haven’t yet?

I always wanted to write a When Harry Met Sally AU about Steve and Eddie meeting throughout their lives/development. I don’t know if I’ll ever pick it up again but it’s still there knocking at the back of my mind. I’ve also got like fifteen of the drabbles in i love you you dope with bits of continuation in my head too.

What is your writing process like?

In general, my writing is a very all or nothing process. It’s either going to go all day, through meals, and not stop until the idea is finished OR I’m going to be stalled completely. Generally, though, if I’m in my crazy inspired phase I’ll have an idea (specifically the beginning of something) and if that idea sticks in my head for more than a single day then I probably can’t leave it until it’s done. However, this did change with my writing i love you you dope. I decided to answer p0ck3tf0x's "100 Ways to Say I Love You" list one prompt at a time. Once a day. RIP. This led to a writing process which was more of a sit down after work and immediately write the first thing you could think of until it’s done kind of affair. I can’t recommend that style lol. It led to some pretty intense burnout by the end but I am proud of how many ideas came because of it. It showed that, through tenacity, most ideas could be something worth pursuing.

Do you have any writing quirks?

I can’t help but put first and second person pronouns in descriptions as if speaking to the reader and I’m a frequent and blatant tense shifter. It’s all over the place at times lol. I also LOVE a good stream of consciousness description, flitting from one image to another, which probably lead to these grammatical quirks and a shit ton of run-on sentences.

Do you prefer posting when you’ve finished writing or on a schedule?

Before I started writing i love you you dope I very much preferred finishing my writing before I posted it. It took ages but nothing felt worse than having to leave something unfinished because I’d lost the plot (which has happened several times).  However, part of the draw of i love you you dope was that (as a challenge) I had to write and post daily. While I learned I can write on such a grueling schedule, I can safely say after finishing it that I prefer having the time to ensure something’s to my standards. Or, at least, until I’m tired of looking at it and just want other people to see it.

Which fic are you most proud of?

If we branch outside of my Steddie work it’s a fic for a little show called Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency that I think I’ll never top. A Road Song in Quartet that Smells like a Trio is basically my novel/brain-child about my favorite rowdy vampire boys and I have to shout it out everywhere I go. However, to stick to the Steddie, I had such a great time with characterization in writing It’s the Ritual of the Thing. Some of those descriptions are still some of my best work. Or, I’d have to say, Can We Both Be Lonely If We’re Both Looking at Each Other? It’s an AU modeled after the world of The Magnus Archives Podcast and not only was I proud of the way I was able to layer monstrosity on both Eddie and Steve but I just loved the world. I actually planned out a whole main plot for the world that never saw the light of day.

How did you get the idea for Baby I'm Your Man (Don't Fear the Reaper)?

I can’t remember which came first, the title or the idea of Eddie meeting Death as played by Steve Harrington, but the song title by Blue Öyster Cult had definitely been sitting in my head for a while. The idea initially started as a Seventh Seal reference with Eddie having to challenge Death with Steve Harrington’s face to a game of basketball but that scene wasn’t working so instead we got a trip through various S4 locales and a fun Death with good hair.

When writing Spit Me out, You Don't Know Where I've Been, what was something you didn’t expect?

I honestly didn’t know if anyone would vibe with the language/story. For a fic that focused a lot on unease, offal, and how hard it would be to picture a future in a small town I was waiting for people to not touch this one with a ten foot pole. So to hear that it actually channeled people’s feelings or that it was something that people enjoyed (as opposed to just me shouting stressful things at the sky) was a big expectation dodge.

What inspired It's the Ritual of the Thing?

When I was in high school I had a friend who asked me out once, the first person to ever do so, and my first instinctual response was to genuinely ask him why he was really calling me after school. He insisted that he really did want to ask me out and for some reason that made my blood run cold. The date did not go well, obviously, but I remembered the gut punch to think someone wouldn’t want you/the desire to say no just because it frightened you for years afterwards. It felt like such an Eddie thing to feel, especially if Steve Harrington was the one to ask him out. Honestly…I poured a lot of my own worldview into Eddie Munson as I wrote him and that’s where a lot of this came from.

What was your favorite part to write from Ritual of the Thing?

I’d have to say it’s a toss up between two parts. Firstly, I’ll never get over the descriptive imagery in the beginning (I’ll never forget lines like “Suddenly it’s like he’s a Jack-O-Lantern with his mouth carved open. A candle sits on his tongue and its light is shining out of his eyes”). It was the kind of sentence I was thrilled to read after I wrote it. Secondly, I was really proud of Eddie and Robin’s conversation after Steve told her about his asking Eddie out. I loved both of their voices in that moment and the thought of Robin trying to explain how much Steve could love you even after you’d had to let him down…and her little fake nightmare discussion.

How do/did you feel writing Where the Sun Can't Reach?

On one hand it felt like I was exorcizing something because I show my class The Sandlot once a year and that means for one day I watch the scene where the kid fakes drowning to make-out with the lifeguard four times. That’s too many times. I had to process that. But I do remember that feeling of loneliness that could come with summer. That could come with wishing for a room somewhere with someone you loved when it felt impossible. I remember when the smallest of things could mean the world when you had nothing else…so in a way maybe I was exorcizing that too.

What was the most difficult part of writing Where the Sun Can't Reach?

Besides the jokey answer of reliving the aforementioned scene from The Sandlot on purpose, I’d have to say trying to accurately consider the physics/feelings of Eddie’s trip into the water. The feelings/actual consequences of hitting his head. I’m not too sure I got the details right but I remember working on it so many times that I eventually threw in the towel and went with what I had.

Do you have a favorite scene and/or line from any of your fics?

I think…it’s gotta go to my lone vampire Steddie fic I Go Hungry Every Night. The whole thing’s one big treatise to Upside Down skinned vampires and food/service as a love language? And also the fact that I love vampires/monstrosity. I just went way too hard with the line: “If you asked Steve what the opposite of tracing constellations in someone’s freckles in the afterglow would be he’d say this, making shapes in the pieces of the wound they’ve given you. The one that weeps red slowly.”

Do you have any upcoming projects or fics you’d like to share/promote?

While I wish I did, and I’m always thinking about various unfinished fics in the strangest moments of my life, I think I’m pretty knocked from my Steddie writing mojo. I love you you dope was an incredible process and I am so proud of it…but I think it cauterized my writing brain for Steddie. I’d love for people to poke around the fics I wrote and I will say that other people’s intrigue sometimes pulls my attention back to old ideas…but I do believe I’m a bit out to pasture here lol.

Outside of these questions, Is there anything YOU would like to add?

Writing Steddie was something that kept me sane during a really stressful transition from college to adulthood. These characters and all the people I got to meet/talk with in this fandom have been one of the greatest joys in my life. I’m so honored, like honestly floored, that anyone would nominate me for something like this. The thing about writing fic is that oftentimes when you start it can feel like you can’t possibly amount to what other people do. Like you’re just a little voice that doesn’t have anything special about it even when you tried so hard. But I stand as someone who felt that way and still found that people did enjoy what I wrote and if I can do it, honestly, anyone can. <3

Thank you to our author, @capriciouslyterminal, and our nominator, @mustardyellowlilac! See more of Capriciously_Terminal's works featured on our page throughout the day!

Writer’s Spotlight is every Wednesday! Want to nominate an author? You can nominate them here!

[misc-obeyme]

your reaper headcanons 🤲 hand them over please

but if reapers are meant to be neutral, it makes the idea of romancing thirteen as a mortal so sad, to me at least 😭 either she comes to collect your soul, and ig she keeps it close to her to remember and admire

but imagine if like this is a first time circumstance where a reaper has a bias towards a human, and because she's not technically neutral to mc since they have a connection, so they don't allow her to collect mc's soul (maybe in fear of her trying to interfere?)

I don't know what's worse, her never getting to say a proper goodbye because she wasn't allowed to do it herself (and the question of whether or not she'd have the knowledge of when mc will die (there are the life candles so maybe...)).

Or having to collect the soul of the person you love and knowing you'll never see them again. And the possible stalling but you can't change fate, you can't make an exception. And spending the last day together, and mc turning to thirteen with a soft but sad smile and just saying "I'm ready."

help I made myself sad AKDKWJF. My fave characters are always the one's who get hit with the angst beam (sorry Mammon and Solomon)

OH AND I WONDER HOW REAPERS GET LIFE CANDLES DISTRIBUTED. Because she watches over a lot and the cave is big, but there's TONS of people and we saw the demon brothers also had candles, so that adds even MORE candles. I HAVE TOO MANY IDEAS I NEED TO CHILL

ANYWAY the manga makes me very happy and barnes and noble is having a bogo 50% off sale for manga specifically, so you could pick up the first two volumes. There's a lot of Mammon ass shots. And plot. I'm totally reading for the plot...

- ✨ anon

Oh oh oh now you're making me wanna write some sweet & sad Thirteen fics...

So okay, here are my personal headcanons about reapers. This is stuff that I developed because I needed to for my OC story lol.

I think of the reapers as being neutral. They don't belong to any of the three worlds because they exist in all of them.

The fact is there are like 8 billion people living on earth. That means there has to be a lot of reapers just to cover humans alone. Not only are there a ton of them, but their lifespans are short compared to demons and angels. So necessarily, I think most reapers live in the human world.

However, death comes for all and has no affiliation to any world.

Demons obviously have candles, as evidenced by the time OG when the bros went looking for Beel's. So it makes sense to me that angels would have candles, too.

The candles manifest the moment the soul it's attached to comes into being. They simply materialize out of the air into the reaper's cave. As long as that candle is lit, that being is alive.

Human candles don't go out until the entire candle has burned down and this can certainly happy quite quickly. They vary more dramatically in size.

Angel and demon candles are all basically like big ole pillar candles that never seem to actually melt at all. They are eternally burning. However, angels and demons can die, so when this happens their flames just go out like someone snuffed the candle at which point the rest of the candle turns to ash or dust.

The Devildom and the Celestial Realm have a much smaller population than earth does. So Thirteen is the only reaper in the Devildom. All of the demon candles are in her cave. I think of it as her jurisdiction. Candles move realms if the person they're attached to does, too. MC can move between the realms by the end of the OG, but due to their strong affiliation with the Devildom, I think their candle moved to Thirteen's cave some point in the first season of OG. Basically, I think the candle manifests in whatever realm the person thinks of as "home" and certainly MC feels the brothers are like their family.

Similarly, I think there is one reaper whose jurisdiction is the Celestial Realm. They keep track of all the angel's candles.

And due to the amount of humans that exist, there are untold amounts of reapers working in the human world.

I like to think that reapers can kind of make pocket dimensions to house themselves and their candles when necessary. So there would be actual caves where reapers have made their homes (with magic to keep curious humans out), but if they have to create extra space they just create a door that acts as a portal between their cave and the human world.

There is a lot of paperwork involved with the creation of candles and the collection of souls. Because what happens with those souls once they're collected?

Personally I think you could say all kinds of things are possible. I never really bothered to figure that part out because the game doesn't specify and I'm cool with it being unknown.

I like to think that Thirteen could choose to keep MC's soul if she wanted to, she would just need to file the correct paperwork for it.

All of this is how it works in my personal au that I developed for Arrie's story, but it's kind of how I think about all of it now.

I have Azrael as the head of the reapers, but he's an angel still. However, he's become more neutral toward the realms as he's had to step into the role of reaper boss.

It's this idea that any being from any of the realms could die that makes me think they have to be neutral. Especially if the realms are at war with each other. I mean, when the Devildom and the CR were at war, reapers would have had to collect souls from both sides.

Anyway, this is all just my personal thoughts on it lol.

I like the idea that Thirteen would be the one to collect MC's soul. It would be hard, but you know she wouldn't trust anyone else to do it. Plus, MC is hers. And if they were dating, I think MC would give Thirteen permission to keep their soul for as long she wants.

Wouldn't it be a comfort to know the reaper that's collecting your soul loves you? When the last thing you see is her eyes shining with tears? The last thing you hear is your name on her lips?

In my personal au, reapers can't die. But what if they can choose to die?

What if Thirteen doesn't collect MC's soul because she gives up her own life at the same time? Maybe their souls can merge and instead of being collected at all, they simply vanish or scatter into stardust, forever entwined.

Oops now I'm sad too.

Anyway, I clearly have zero chill about any of this, so I say embrace your ideas! Let them go crazy, why not!

As for the manga, I'm probably gonna order it online. I don't have a Barnes & Noble in my town, so if I want to go there, I gotta go to a different town. And I'm just too lazy lol. But now I want to read it, only for the Mammon ass shots. I mean plot is cool too I guess.

[mayflysdie]

run baby run, run for your life.

I did not proof-read this. I wrote this while in class lol.

I was thinking about making it a smutty fic but I don't think my writing is good enough for that - oof.

Warnings: dark themes. (lmk if I need to add anything to this)

His brown eyes contain a primal darkness, hidden by his mask. However, his eyes tell a story of a strong and dangerous passion that captures me with its sinister hold. His head gives a little tilt as his gaze lulls away. Then, his shoulders pull back and his eyes stare into mine; a chill runs down my spine and the alarms in my mind ringing.

He stands nonchalantly against the wall, with his arms folded across his chest. His pose gives off a clear warning - he is a predator stalking its prey, and I realize that this prey is me.

He indulges in this ritual every now and then, especially when he has been away on prolonged deployments. He seems almost driven by an instinctive craving; a hunger to hunt and possess me.

With inexorable intensity, he stalks me like a wolf, relishing every moment of the pursuit. His delight only intensifies as he sees me scamper before him, shying away from his advances. Gripping me ever tighter in his grasp, he finally makes the kill - and mine is a fate that cannot be escaped. a clear game of Wolf and Rabbit. 

He looms, a seasoned hunter, quietly observant of my every movement. His predatory gaze piercing each fiber of my being, honing itself with anticipation for the impending strike. Awaiting my signal, to ignite the chase.

My gaze sweeps the room, seeking an optimal course of action for fleeing. A flood of adrenaline and fear pulsates through my veins, coaxing me to make a dash away, yet my inner voice vehemently advises otherwise, cautioning me that any sudden movement will set off a pursuit.

“Run baby, run for your life. i’m going to tear out your heart and it will always be mine”

Like a wolf's final growl of warning, fear rains down my spine and propelled me into action. I leapt over the couch, hurrying towards the backdoor. Thankfully, the sliding door was already ajar which granted me a swift escape route. Not wanting to linger, I sprint outdoors without sparing a backward glance. The sound of the boots pursuing me made abundantly clear how near the predator was.

The rapid strides that I took brought me to our backyard, through the shrubs and into the depths of the woods. He was close behind me, running at the same speed. The only thing reverberating in the night air beneath the pitch-black sky were the steady rhythm of my feet and his heavy breath.

as if the wolf turned into the grim reaper, an intense and eerie air has pervaded me from the back. I can feel my neck hairs standing on end, as if a hand is attempting to encircle it. My heart rate has accelerated, realizing the finality of the situation.

"you're mine"

A faint whimper escapes me as strong arms are wrapped around my waist, lifting me up. He quickly readjusts his arm so one is still holding me securely around my waist, while the other gently covers my eyes. I can feel his hot breath fanning against my neck, even through his face mask. The combination of tobacco and a woodsy scent fills my nostrils.

I shudder, my senses in overdrive as his hands cover my eyes. Trembling, I call out for Simon, and after some time he removes them from me. He spins me around, and before I have a chance to blink I'm met with a hard surface at my back and his hungry gaze upon me.His bulky physique restraining me against the trunk of the tree, his hands on either side of my head. I slowly raise my arms and remove his mask, unveiling a look of unrestrained desire. without wasting a moment, his lips attach to my neck. hungrily nipping and biting down. i whimper as the bite is sure to draw blood. I clutch handfuls of his tactical vest, my fingers needing something to hold onto for stability.

He slowly draws back from my neck, gazing deeply into my eyes with a menacing grin on his face, his lips inches away from mine.

" you will always be mine"

[deletingpoint]

agents of shield fic

so, i recently rewatched agents of shield. well, not rewatched, more like started again where i left it off in the middle of season 3 (i stopped watching there for some reason, prob cause i was so tired of Ward). anyway, season 4 turned out to be amazing, a pleasant surprise. season 5 was here and there, didn't like the whole future storyline, wouldn't it make more sense for the future people to got to the past instead but whatever, sort of reminded me a bad episode of stargate sg-1 (hey, i absolutely love that show, but it is old). i suffered through season 6 and regretted it by the end. i'm not gonna watch season 7 right now, maybe at some point, no idea, wanted real Coulson. actually rewatched the first two seasons instead.

long story short i started writing a sort-of-a fix-it for myself. takes place after season 5 (but i changed a couple of things regarding the time travel stuff)

so, if anyone's interested here it is

Seasons Don't Fear the Reaper

[rosalind-hawkins]

I'm sending you butterflyshipping for your ask game.

For this ask meme, and y'all are welcome to submit an ask if you'd like, I love to spout headcanons about ships.

You know, I feel silly for not seeing this one coming lol. And hey, fun fact: the only reason I wrote a butterflyshipping fic in the first place, aside from being inspired by that one other fic, is the name. I just really like butterflies lol. And at the time, I was growing my writing muscles by just writing every ship that even slightly intrigued me.

Good for you for getting me to talk about the ladies that I ignore most of the time. It's not that I don't like them, they're just not high on my list compared to other characters.

Gives nose/forehead kisses

Mai gives it to both of them because she loves the cute faces they make. Ryou really loves receiving them. Mai makes a pretty cute face herself when Ryou leans over and gives her head a peck.

Gets jealous the most

Anzu has a very jealous personality, so I'd have to say her, but if Ryou ever got jealous, it would be a sad kind of jealous that makes him ball up in insecurity.

Picks the other up from the bar when they’re too drunk to drive

Ryou doesn't like driving, it makes him anxious, but he's not big on drinking and the ladies are, especially out with friends, so that leaves him as the designated driver. He drives Mai's car and always makes them both sit in the backseat.

Takes care of on sick days

Ryou mostly does this, partly because he was so alone for most of his life and always wished he'd had someone to take care of him, but when he's the one that's sick, Anzu is the one taking care of him. Mai is supportive, just not the caretaking type.

Drags the other person out into the water on beach day

Ryou is the one getting dragged, after he's got two coats of sunscreen on him. I would say Anzu would be dragging him alongside Mai, but in the beach/pool episode of Season Zero she didn't want to get in the water either, so I think Mai is dragging them both in, even if it's just the shallows.

Gives unprompted massages

Mai, and Anzu to a lesser degree. Mai is very touchy, and sometimes she startles Ryou with the unsolicited/unexpected touches, and he'll say something if it's ever a problem.

Drives/rides shotgun

Mai drives, Anzu rides shotgun, Ryou is occupied in the backseat with his happy meal.

Brings the other lunch at work

I've explained my "Ryou doesn't cook" headcanons elsewhere, and I can't imagine Mai can either (mainly cause she didn't have to) so that leaves Anzu as the one saying "you remembered to bring lunch to work today right? You didn't??? Hold on, I'll be there in 40 minutes."

Has the better parental relationship

Anzu has a normal relationship with her parents while Ryou's are dead/MIA and Mai's were distant and detached.

Tries to start role-playing in bed

Mai is bold, no fear and no insecurity. Ryou is easily embarrassed, Anzu goes along with it sometimes.

Embarrassingly drunk dancer

ALL OF THEM. If Ryou has had enough to drink that he starts dancing though, it doesn't last long before he passes out or collapses. Anzu cannot stand fucking still, she will just be constantly jiving to the music in her own mind. Mai is the least embarrassing about it, but it's still a bit not-quite-what-she-would-normally-do.

Still cries watching Titanic

Ryou and Anzu the most, but all of them really, depends on the day. If Mai and Anzu are PMSing and turn it on, Ryou will cry with them because he can't help it, he's too empathetic.

Firmly believes in couples costumes

Mai mostly, but Anzu has a lot of fun with it too. One time they dressed up as a devil/angel/reaper for Halloween, and even though both ladies wanted Ryou to be the angel, he insisted on being the reaper or else he wouldn't participate. So Ryou was the reaper, Anzu was the angel, and Mai was the devil.

Breaks the expensive gift rule during Christmas

As the one with the most money, Mai does often. It makes Ryou feel bad though, so cause of that she tries to follow the rule.

Makes the other eat breakfast

ANZU. She's the absolute mom in the relationship, if that makes sense. Mai is like, "I've got a latte, that IS my breakfast" and Ryou's like "I'll eat an hot pocket at lunch, I'll be fine until then" and Anzu is like "No! Three meals a day! Sit down and eat!"

Remembers anniversaries

All of them are actually really good about this, and the only surprises are the presents themselves. They start talking plans months in advance, and sometimes they go on little trips

Brings up having kids

Anzu, because she wants them the most, and then Mai suggests they try to get pregnant at the same time so they can go through it together, and just the idea of that gives Ryou a nervous breakdown, so they both backpedal like, "It's okay sweetie, it's not happening right now, it was just a suggestion." Ryou is absolutely going to be a stay-at-home dad though. He will be there for every second of his kids' lives. Meanwhile, Mai is the "wait right here kiddos, Mommy needs to go teach this man a lesson" parent.

BONUS HEADCANON

All three of them have Marik trauma, so no, he's not invited to the wedding. Anzu was possessed and had her life threatened by him, Mai got her soul stolen by him which resulted in traumatic psychological torture, and Ryou was stabbed thanks to him in addition to the possession and the time he spent in the Shadow Realm.

[red-meat-my-beloved]

Happy wincest wednesday i decided to answer my own questions:

what song describes samdean the most?

I have a whole playlist but i think either Holy by Zolita or Dont fear the Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult

if spn was set in europe, what country would the Winchesters be from? What language/languages would they speak?

I gotta be honest, i forgot the iron curtain probably would have massive rammifications well into the show. that being said, either Eastern Europe or Russia. They'd speak Russian and a jumble of other slavic languages.

if they didn’t have the impala, what car would they drive?

Setting this in the European universe, i first thought they'd have a Trabant or a Lada, but i think a Trabant would be too small for the intense amount of travel and i feel like the Impala was already an unusual sight back in the 80s/90s as opposed to the amount of Lada's driving around. So im going with a bigass Wartburg station (or maybe even the 311 camping edition).

is there a project you’re working on currently? Do you have a line or sketch from it to share?

Everything is on hold for a bit, but i have a few WIPs that are waiting until i come back to them.

what’s the first fanfic for supernatural you’ve written? Did you publish it? Or if you don't write: what's the first fanfic you remember reading?

The very first fanfic ive ever written was a very self indulgent one with crossover from like a thousand properties and it sadly died along with my first laptop. the first non-crossover fic was a ‘mistaken for a couple' fic which survived through a flashdrive miracle

is there another codependent/emeshed duo from a different fandom you enjoy? Are there parallels to Sam and Dean?

Jen and Judy from Dead to Me. They are fucked up toxic codependent and deserved to live forever :(. I guess i could see Dean in Jen and Sam in Judy.

what type of wincest dynamic do you currently enjoy most? (sexual, platonic, dark, fluffy, early seasons, etc.)

I really like it when they're platonic but crossing the line juuuust a little

Happy Wincest Wednesday! I have a few questions for people to answer. Feel free to answer them all or just one (or none at all) even if you’re not tagged!

what song describes samdean the most?

if spn was set in europe, what country would the Winchesters be from? What language/languages would they speak?

if they didn’t have the impala, what car would they drive?

is there a project you’re working on currently? Do you have a line or sketch from it to share?

what’s the first fanfic for supernatural you’ve written? Did you publish it? Or if you don't write: what's the first fanfic you remember reading?

is there another codependent/emeshed duo from a different fandom you enjoy? Are there parallels to Sam and Dean?

what type of wincest dynamic do you currently enjoy most? (sexual, platonic, dark, fluffy, early seasons, etc.)

@luminescent-chorus @applecrumbledore @digitalmeowmix @baronsamediswife @fandom-hoarder @lorehouse @ruinedsam @fungal-waste @youchoseeachother @s2e11playthingsyuri(did you get sniped by staff again??)

[appletreeduty]

Tagged by @dragonsoftheeast! Thank you for thinking of me!

How many works do you have on AO3?

4, but more on the way!

2. What's your total AO3 word count?

17,043

3. What fandoms do you write for?

Only HOTD so far! I have a bunch of unfinished Black Sails, Yellowjackets, Good Omens, OFMD, etc, though....

4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

first two are tied: splendor in the grass, you are the angel that I couldn't kill then it's seasons don't fear the reaper, then farewell, my mortal son

5. Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?

I respond to almost all comments, because seeing people read my work and responding enough to it encourages me to continue writing out the stories in my head, to continue actually finishing them, to continue posting. I'm a pretty small creator so I have the luxury to respond to basically every single comment right now since I don't get many, and I want those who read my fics to know that seeing their comments makes my day!!!!!

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

This one's a tough one. Anyone who knows me knows I'm pretty much incapable of writing a happy ending - even the happiest endings I write are bittersweet. I think my angstiest based on just how heartwrenching (with not even half of a bright side, not even a slice of the smallest most cynical comfort) is "farewell, my mortal son", in which faerie AU Alicent Hightower has to give up her favorite, only pure son Daeron as a changeling and is powerless to protect him against what his life is about to become despite how hard she fights.

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

Again, a tough one since I am just the worst at happy endings, but probably "seasons don't fear the reaper", where Helaena is able to reunite with a dead Aemond in death (even though she dies)

8. Do you get hate on fics?

Honestly. I'm not a big enough writer to get public outrage, I don't think. However I'm sure there are people who have read my fics and have left with a sour taste in their mouth. I write about pretty nasty stuff, I write in the POV of quite deranged characters, and I do not tread lightly or mince words when I do so.

9. Do you write smut? If so what kind?

Pretty much every single one of my fics is smut. The dove is not just dead, it's decomposed; read the tags please.

10. Do you write crossovers? What's the craziest one you've written?

I haven't written one, but I'm sure I might sometime in the future.

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Honestly, not sure. If it had been, nobody has informed me and I have not seen it.

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

No, but I would love for someone to enjoy my fics enough to translate them to other languages!

13. Have you ever cowritten a fic before?

Was in the process of cowriting a fic, but separated from the other writer for personal reasons. Still wishing it could've been completely cowritten, since the AU I created is such a big universe!

14. What's your all-time favourite ship?

Too many to count! I am admittedly a ship-jumper

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

"under the blackthorn tree" - it's a HOTD canonverse epic fic and I have the whole outline and a lot of chapters written but it's so perfect in my head that I get discouraged every time I write something out and it's not how I pictured it would go.

16. What are your writing strengths?

I think I have a sick writing style/voice (I work really hard on it) and I think I'm really good at portraying character voice in POV. I also am good at finding just the thing to really stab the reader in the guts in terms of drama/angst.

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

It takes me 847589347589374895734 years to write anything because I overthink and then procrastinate overthinking and then overthink more. I really struggle to write the quiet, conflict-free moments that are necessary to properly pace my stories, though I recognize that they're needed, which makes it worse when I struggle to write them.

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

Dialogue in another language for a fic is cool, but I think it's important to keep the medium in mind. On film, you can have entire scenes where characters are speaking a different language and just put subtitles so the audience can understand what they're saying; this is frustrating when the concept is translated directly to fic, because as a reader I feel like I'm skipping over entire paragraphs just to read the meaning and am not appreciating the purpose of the characters speaking a different language. In the case of the purpose being for a POV character to not understand the language, then they surely wouldn't be able to understand all the separate words, so it's more effective to just write that the character does not understand the language. Personally, I like to use short phrases that require no translation due to context, and that's personally my favorite use of a second language in fic.

19. First fandom you wrote for?

................. It was an All-American Rejects bandfic on Mibba/Quizilla/whichever one of those early-2000s quiz sites. I was 10 please don't judge lmao

20. Favourite fic you've ever written?

Tie between splendor in the grass and seasons don't fear the reaper right now!

No pressure tags: @catnico @spooky-risley @cinemassance

[beanie-beebo]

Oneshot: Dean pays respects to an old friend.

A/N I know I never really write like I used to, but I do come up with a few good things now and again. Enjoy. ❤

In the life of a hunter, you couldn’t have connections. Ties to the normal civilian life meant putting others at risk. Sam and Dean knew this, but nothing would stop them from feeling connected to the people they saved. Every once in a while, an opening would come up between hunts. Giving them the perfect opportunity to catch up on the lives of those they saved, however they could. Usually it was through local papers; it was safer that way. Calling meant the connection would still be there, and opened the possibility of a blossoming partnership.

One early summer afternoon, Sam and Dean had settled back into their chintzy motel room. Their previous hunt had consisted of nothing more than a measly vamp infestation, but still nonetheless grueling. It was enough to make Dean want to sleep for a few days after a nice, hot shower.

“I wish more hunts were this easy.” Dean said, plopping onto the nearest bed.

“Yeah, you’re telling me.” Sam said, failing to observe Dean was on his bed. “Alright, I don’t know about you, but I need a shower. I can still smell that last vamp we took out, perfume included.”

“Bathroom’s all yours. I need a breather, maybe a nap. Just don’t use up all the hot water, Frieda.” Dean said.

Sam rolled his eyes before shutting the bathroom door with a huff. Dean gave himself an approving nudge on the shoulder and smirked. 

“Dean 1, Sam 0.” Dean muttered to himself triumphantly.

He momentarily began to doze, but it wasn’t long before his thoughts got the better of him. It had now been almost two months since his father chose to sacrifice his own life for Dean. He still couldn’t wrap his head around it all, of what exactly happened and why his father seemingly gave up so easily. He wondered exactly what could have been going through his mind when he did what he did. There were so many unanswered questions, ones he would probably never get the answers for. The likely deal his father made to save him was just as much of a knee-jerk choice as Sam going to that faith healer that one time. How desperate was his father to make such a choice?

Dean still remembered the look on Sam’s face when he found out his brother had drawn the short straw, from that hunt not too long ago. He never was good at hiding how he really felt, not from Dean anyway. The hurt shone brightly in his younger brother’s unshed tears, and it was obvious the only reason Sam brought him to the faith healer was out of desperation. But deciphering his father’s true intent was like trying to focus a laser on a minnow in murky water.

Had Death whispered in his ear, or was he really so far out of options? Dean paused as the image of the reaper coming after him in Nebraska came to him. He shuddered as the memory clashed with his father's final moments. 

Dean opened his eyes and sat up, suddenly feeling sick. A knot formed in his stomach for a completely different reason as a face wedged itself to the front of his mind.

He almost reluctantly opened up Sam’s laptop and went through Ford City’s past few obituary sections in the local papers. 

There had been so much going on, he hadn’t recently checked in on any previous hunt survivors. Guilt seeped deep into his heart. Last time they had talked, she had months left to live.

Sure enough, in the second most recent newspaper was Layla’s face, sticking out like a sore thumb.

“Layla Rourke; beloved daughter, niece, granddaughter, and friend to many passed away Thursday, June 29th 2006. Services will be held Friday, July 7th at Munderloh Funeral Home from 1pm to 3pm and 5pm to 7pm.”

Dean’s stomach dropped. Another name to add to the list of the people who he didn’t save, once again. He almost wanted to laugh, the last conversation they ever had, involved faith. Where was this so-called God now? Where was He whenever good people needed it most? It was easier to believe that a God never existed than to get his hopes crushed every time a life drained away, at his stupid expense nonetheless. Yet, the people who still believed, got their hopes crushed in the end. Dean only wished he knew how to feel.

“Hey, you okay?”

Dean turned around to a fully dressed Sam, fresh out of the shower.

“Uh, do you remember Layla? The chick who was at that faith healing session?” Dean asked.

Sam huffed in amusement. “Yeah, I definitely remember. Why?”

“She uh, her funeral is this week.” Dean said.

“Oh..” Sam said, rubbing the back of his neck. “Wow, um. I’m sorry to hear that.”

“I think I’m gonna head up to Nebraska, you good for a few days?” Dean asked.

“You sure you don’t want me to come with? I’ll be fine, but I know how much that last conversation…” Sam trailed off.

Dean clenched his jaw. “I need to do this by myself, Sam. I’ll be fine.”

“Alright, just let me know if anything comes up.” Sam said. “I know you don’t want to talk about it, but-”

“You’re always there, blah blah. I know. Enough touchy feely crap, I’m headed out.” Dean retorted.

"And Dean?” 

Dean turned around, a hard glare set in his eyes.

“Just be careful.”

Dean slammed the hotel door behind him in frustration, roared the Impala’s engine, and sped off towards Ford City.

~~~

Dean pulls into a decent sized parking lot, thankfully while all the other grievers seem to be heading away for intermission. He takes a swig of whiskey and exhales roughly before heading inside the nearly empty funeral home to pay his respects. After finding his way to the correct viewing room, he comes across a shorter woman standing by the casket, blocking his view of Layla. He hangs off to the side out of sight, waiting until she is ready to leave the room. 

“You can come up, if you wish. I won’t be too long.” She says.

“It’s alright. You take your time.” Dean says.

“You’re not bothering me, hun. I don’t bite.” She responds.

He takes up the invitation; Dean figures it probably wouldn’t hurt to give her some company.

“She really was something, wasn’t she?” Dean asks.

She sniffles lightly. “Layla truly was one of a kind. One of the brightest souls I have ever had the blessing to come across.”

Dean nods, taking in Layla’s peaceful presence. 

Brief pause. “How did you know her?” The woman asks.

“Layla.. She was kind to me even when I didn’t deserve it. Even when I was for some reason chosen to be saved over her, she never held it against me. I think she even had faith for me.”

“Yeah, that sounds like Layla. She didn’t have a mean bone in her body. I’m Jamie, by the way; Layla’s aunt.”

“Nice to meet you; I’m Dean. Sorry for your loss.”

“Thank you, same to you.”

Another brief silence.

“You know, I may not know you, but I can tell you’re worth more than you think.” Jamie says.

“Sorry, but you are highly mistaken.” Dean replies.

“Layla, she was a person of good faith. She only kept you around, if she felt your intentions were good. She may have been kind to everyone, but if you knew her, you also knew she wasn’t one to condone ill intentions. If she had faith in or for you, you are a good person.”

Dean didn’t have an answer; his eyes focused on Layla.

“Did you come far?” She asks to break the tension.

“Uh, yeah,” Dean finally glances back into Jamie’s direction momentarily. “I was originally working in Jersey this weekend.”

“Hm, now if you weren’t a good person, then why did you come all this way for her?”

He stares at Layla’s portrait next to the casket. He knows Jamie was trying to make a good point. Although, that point didn’t condone everything he had done.

“It was nice meeting you Dean, take care.” And with that she walks away, leaving Dean alone with Layla.

For a few moments, he didn’t even know what to say. What could he even say? One of the last times they had been together, he stopped her from being healed. He felt so dirty, standing here when he clearly felt he shouldn’t have been. It’s not like his brother couldn’t kill Azazel without him. Yeah, Sam would be broken without his brother, but not incapable. He would have Bobby at least. Sam survived college without him, he could have survived Dean pulling the short straw.

“Hi Layla..” Dean’s voice begins to waver. “I bet I’m the last person you wanted to hear from, but.. I’m here anyway. I couldn’t not say goodbye..”

Dean plays with the denim of his jeans awkwardly.

“Listen, about what happened months ago.. I need you to understand, I never wanted this to happen to you. The reason I was healed...wasn’t God. Although, I’m sure if you were here, you would say so anyway. My brother brought me to Roy because... he was desperate. And.. He made a mistake. I mean, I guess if he didn’t find Roy, we never would have met and I would have never saved those people..”

Dean pauses and glances behind him, making sure he was still alone.

“My brother and I, we hunt things..Unnatural things. I’m not going to explain everything but, if you were to follow us for a day, maybe you would understand. And what healed me, was something.. not natural. And God.. He wouldn’t condone what it was. Now, I know I couldn’t save you. But there hasn’t been a day that has gone by, that I haven’t regretted that. Hell, if anything, I would have traded my life for yours in a heartbeat.”

Tears begin to sting his eyeline.

“Layla I.. I wish things could have been different for you. I’m sorry.” He sniffled. “I know your Aunt Jamie was saying all these things about me being a good person, but.. If I was a good person, I would have let you be saved, even if it was unnatural. But me being me, I hunted the unnatural thing before you could get that chance.”

Dean pauses to collect himself.

“Yeah..” He whispers to no one in particular.

He gives her a final farewell, shoves his hands deeper into his pockets, and somberly heads outside. Just after he walks out the double doors, a paper smacks him in the face causing him to flail briefly. After gathering himself, he holds out the paper to observe.. a poster appreciating the troops. “Thank you, for putting your life on the line. You are our hero.”

Suddenly he looks up, feeling as if he has eyes on him. Standing across the parking lot in a beautiful, rose colored dress is Layla, smiling. Before Dean could think of what to do, she disappears.

[i-lovethatforme]

List some of your favorite fics from other heavily Spideychelle focused writers? :)

WELLLLLLLLLL ofc and here you go! xxxxxxx

@awakening5: his fics here and newbie when???? i count at least 6 wips xxxxx

you look really petty - ha i shortened your title

ripple effect series - as i SHOULD

cat and spider - part two for Halloween when

@coykoii: all her fics here sure would love an update before the princess di show comes out and you jump ship again

growing together series - my BELOVED

i (don't not) love you - clown hours thinking this will ever be updated I'm so sad jillllllly

the love you gave me, darling (nothing else can save me) - jill loves a bracket to be fair

@justmattycakes: fics and comment button to ask for updates here

don't fear the reaper (w wifey credits) - not over mj's bones crushing but okay

with the click of a button - BABIES

the man from shield - my birthday is like four months away matty gotta keep up w traditions

@machiavelien: spicy fics and art here dying w lack of thirst wips xxxxx

a gilded affair - poor boy peter and rich girl mj that loves him anyway exactly

black dahlia - smutty angry girl ty update when (affectionate unless [redacted] dies then derogatory)

what spiders do in the shadows - hehehehehehehe spooky season

don't forget to kudos and comment if you enjoyed! xxxxxxxxx

[doctorprofessorsong]

Destiel Fic Recs

The toddler won't sleep. Sucks to be me, but good news for you because I have a fresh list of fic recs. A little something for everyone here.

"Bumper Cars" by mansikka (Explicit, 111k words)

A really satisfying case fic, especially if you are craving some early season, on the road style plot. Dean, Sam, and Cas investigate a haunted carnival. There is some great only one bed tropey goodness and they are idiots your honor. Sam ships it and has delightful sibling vibes. Highly recommended.

More below the cut

"Oh, Maybe It's Love?" by theweakestthing (Teen, 7,046)

A short but really sweet Cas POV fic. Cas tries to define what it is he feels for Dean.

"Keep Your Love Alive" by dothraki_shieldmaiden, FriendofCarlotta (Explicit, 42k words)

Canon compliant through the finale fix-it. Dean finds himself in Heaven, but something isn't adding up. Where is Cas? Where is everyone?

SPOILER. Look away.: This one's for the Dean is in the Empty truthers.

"hold onto your voice, hold onto your breath" by unicornpoe (Teen, 7k words)

Another fix-it (there can't be enough ways to overrule the writers in my book). I wrote: "absolutely beautiful" in my notes. It has Orpheus/Eurydice vibes.

"Yarrow, Lilac, and Foxglove" by ahurston (Explicit, 10k words)

A lovely "Cas gets a garden" fic. This is part 2, but works as a standalone. I haven't read part one yet, but I have no doubt it will also be amazing and soft. Ahurston really excels at writing sweet moments, so check out part 1 as well if you want another 9k of garden Cas.

This is set post canon and serves as a truly delightful soft epilogue. 

"best friends without benefits" by lizbobjones (Explicit, 20k words)

Dean and Cas are morons who don't know how to use their words. Come get your repressed Dean bi disaster goodness in this case fic. This one is funny and stealthily romantic, plus Cas suggests they become "fuck buddies," which I am still recovering from. 

 

"That Black Dog Ache" by SaltyWords (agent4hire22) (Explicit, 28k words)

Dean gets struck by a love spell and gets stuck in horny jail. When Cas shows up to offer assistance, things get complicated. 

"The Distance Of The Setting Sun" by murron (Explicit, 17k words)

There is something soft and sweet about this fic. Set post S5, Cas, Dean, and Sam travel the world (aided by Cas’s ability to transport them). That's is. That's the fic. Just them traveling and resetting after the apocalypse. 

 

WIP Recommendations

"Angels Don't Fear the Reaper" by you-cant-spell-subtext-without (ayreisha) (Mature)

Dean becomes Death to save Cas. Things go terribly wrong. This one is a really great concept done well and it is making me feel super angsty. I am really excited to see where it goes.

"The Unbroken" by Casblackfeathers (Explicit)

As you can see from this list, I am not a big AU fan, but this one is worth making an exception. This is a sweeping post apocalyptic zombie story. The Croatoan virus hit when Dean and Sam were kids and the world is overrun. It's fantastic.

"The Pull of Us" by Shelikestv (not rated)

This one makes me slightly feral and I am struggling to even describe it because it's very twisty and complex. Let's go with: it's a memory fic and a really good one inspired by some inconsistencies in the underlying show. 

"Rockin the Suburbs" by chocolatecakecas

A fake relationship case fic featuring Baby Jack. What else could you want in life? Seriously. I do a little happy dance every time this one gets updated.

Authors of the WIPs tagged below if you want to follow them for updates.

@you-cant-spell-subtext-without @chocolatecakecas @shelikestv @casblackfeathers

[you-cant-spell-subtext-without]

well, I did a thing.  I promised this to y’all when I hit 500 followers and somehow I have now surpassed that, SO -

here’s Chapter 1 of my Death!Dean fic - Angels Don’t Fear the Reaper on AO3.

[edited to add covert by the lovely @lilac-void​]

Summary:

When his eyes first open, there is nothing but darkness. Not the velvety, deep black of night, but the steely, thin murk of nothingness. Of cold.

Of death. Of Death.

Somehow, it feels like coming home.

Dean dies to become Death, but then - things go horribly wrong. Welcome to Supernatural - Season 17 (because Season 16 belongs to the fandom).

playlist

WIP; updated Saturdays!

(playlist updated as new chapters are added)

BIG THANKS to @shelikestv, @im-shaking-like-milk and @fellshish for beta reading this and letting me wild out about Death!Dean at all hours of day and night XO

tagging a few more mutuals under the cut; please lmk if you want to be added or removed <3 thanks again to everyone who encouraged me.  this has been fun to write!

@cactuscas @joharvele @chocolatecakecas @trenchcoatimpala @lilacvoid @deanwasalwaysbi @darkshrimpemotions @thisisapaige @starrynightdeancas @sinnabonka @casisalamp @rambleoncas @heller-jensen @evermorecastiel @castielsbeeslippers @beingforcedtolivebadwriting @minxyone93 @subbydean @rmcdean2021 @dean-and-cas @emotionalsupportqueerbait @iamnotmereally @seffersonjtarship @smiledean 

[elitesheepi]

Tagged by @sagemoderocklee thanks! ╰(*°▽°*)╯

Rules: List the first line of your last 20 stories (if you have less than 20, just list them all!). See if there are an patterns. Choose your favorite opening line. Tag some people to play the next round!

Gaara wasn’t meant for love. It was a fact that was instilled in her for as long as she could remember. No one could love her after all, not even her own family. - Konoha Lillies Bloom Twice

He’s dead. He’s supposed to be dead and free of the burning chains that kept him binded to this world. For a while, he felt nothing but darkness. This inky blackness that covered him like a heavy blanket. He wasn't happy, but he was at the closest level of peace possible. - Revenant

“Alright, that’s enough, we’re done. We’ll pick up tomorrow and I expect improvements.” The choreographer clapped her hands together and left without another word. - Nothin' But the Streetlights and the Stars

“So, where do you wanna go first? Kalos is a pretty big region, has a little bit of everything,” Raihan asked. His rotom was opened up to a map of Kalos with a list of notable locations listed along the side. Rendezvous

“Your hair’s getting long again, Leone,” her hands curled through his silver locks. “I’ll cut it, eventually,” he murmured. - We Were Born Sick

A Kage’s Anbu team isn’t something to be treated lightly. Being an Anbu is already a selective position that no ninja will be selected for carelessly, but to be a Kage’s Anbu means being the protector of the important person of any Hidden village. - Anbu Diaries

“Oi, Gaara, quit spacing out on me,” Kankuro’s muffled voice came through the thick fabrics of his scarf, “I wanna get this over with already.” - Never Said Goodbye

Fear was a powerful feeling, Lee learned this years ago when he first began his journey down the path of becoming a ninja. Fear could cloud one’s judgement, make them sloppy, and leave his own life at risk. He learned to look past his fear like it was genjutsu and focus on what was in front of him. - Don't Fear the Reaper

It’s been getting worse. The village was always prone to having heavy rain seasons, but this crossed the boundaries from rain to outright storms. The sky seemed to constantly be black with storm clouds and crackled and distressed the village. If the lightning didn’t set the crops and lands ablaze, the rain crushed their roofs and flooded the paths. Heavy winds shoved them to the ground. It was becoming far too common to find people bleeding to death as the wind shoved them against rocks. - Horrors of a Lonely Heart

“Alright! Listen up, you lazy good-for-nothings! I have news, so you better listen for once in your miserable lives,” King Moron was already exhausting Yoshiko and the day barely started. He couldn’t seem to go one day without starting it off with an insult. She could just put her headphones on and tune him out, but he seemed more irritable today, and like hell she’d be on the receiving end of his wrath. - Quiet Afternoon Crush

Ahhh, the clearest pattern is that I always start out with dialogue. The oldest fic on here, Quiet Afternoon Crush, was when I was 18 and it just set the stage for the types of openers I would rely on. I just want to set the stage without over expositioning it in the first few lines and it always felt the most natural. I got into doing other forms of openers later and I think I prefer them slightly more

My absolute fave of these is Revenant tho. Like i wrote that opener, slapped my knee, sent it to my friend and was just like "Yeahhhh, that's an opener," *sips coffee* hahaaa

Anyways, idk who tag anyone can do this. Have fun! ( •̀ ω •́ )✧

[masked-disciple]

AO3 stats meme

Tagged, on a technicality, by @teatotally.

1. how many works do you have on ao3?

So far, 66. I have a few that just need to be uploaded but I haven't been assed to do that, rip me. :p I'm still trying to figure out some stuff, like what of Sagiverse gets to be Ao3'd and what doesn't, I need to send an email about that.

I need to send many emails...

2. what’s your current ao3 word count?

309 105, apparently! I didn't even notice I cleared 300k with Come the Bloodsoaked Flame (Seasons Don't Fear the Reaper), but apparently I did!

3. how many fandoms have you written for and what are they?

Four! Saint Seiya, AQW (as it was a crossover), Madoka Magica (also a crossover), and Third Life! I've written more that'll never get posted, like my old Vocaloid, RuneScape, and Percy Jackson fics. :p

4. what are your top 5 fics by kudos?

Blood Against Bone Like Fire And Stone leads us with 167! In second place is Along the Dusty Road Where the Morning Mist Goes with 84, in third is Love Like War with 56, in fourth is Come the Bloodsoaked Flame (Seasons Don't Fear the Reaper) with 48, and in fifth is Green Grows the Asphodel with 38!

Can you tell I don't write popular fandoms? :p

5. do you respond to comments? why or why not.

I do my best to! I have a few that need answers rn, but I really love comments, so I try to answer them~

6. what’s the fic you’ve written with the angstiest ending?

This are two fics that this could go to. Either Blood Against Bone Like Fire And Stone, which has a canon-compliant unhappy ending, and The Rose-Gilded Key, which I wrote specifically for the angst. I would say RGK is worse, because I made that ending up myself, but folks like BBFS a whole lot, so.

7. do you write crossovers? what’s the craziest one you’ve ever written?

If we ignore Sagiverse, which is a mega-crossover, it's either Saint Seiya with AQW or with Madoka, and both are equally acceptable. :p

8. have you ever received hate on a fic?

[cackles in "I write underage incest porn so what do you think buddy"]

9. do you write smut?

Six explicit fics, all but one of which existed specifically to be porn, say yes.

10. have you ever had a fic stolen?

Surprisingly, no! That's what you get for being niche as all hell. :p

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

Co-written a series? That's Sagiverse, baby. Co-written a work where we both did the first draft? No, but Faolan and I are working on it!

12. what’s your all time favorite ship?

This is where I say Minos/Albafica. You know that's what I'm gonna say. But here's the problem... I discovered a new MiAlba artist on twitter last week, and I genuinely am not interested in their art, not because of style or anything, but because Minos is both 1) male and 2) a top, and wow, Sagiverse!Minos has ruined me, that's the only MiAlba I want anymore.

So we're gonna say Albafica/Minos and specifically where Minos is both a lady and a bottom, and give the fuck up. :p

13. what was the first fandom you wrote for?

RuneScape/Percy Jackson/Minecraft crossover. You don't wanna know.

14. what’s your favorite fic you’ve written?

You want me to choose?? Just??? One???? No I hate you you're the worst. So after considering my entire AO3, I'm going to have to go for a tie between Of Rosethorns & Requiems and So Catch the Honest Tide. And that is only because A Monstrous Manifesto is still a WIP that has not been published. (I could talk about AMM forever. The only person who has access to the plotline spreadsheet is my fiance, Faolan, but y'all are gonna love it.)

I admit this is also because I haven't been able to sit down and write anything Regulus-centric, which is gonna piss a lot of people who like his character off, but I'm gonna have a lot of fun with it. For those concerned: that kid should have major PTSD, and I'm just saying, giving him a hero corruption arc makes him terrifying.

If you read this, you're tagged. Go do it. :D

[thefudge]

For the fic meme: "Seasons don't fear the reaper (nor do the wind, the sun or the rain)" 😉

hmmm tom/ginny fic where tom is this harvest god that comes to Hogsmeade every ten years to collect virginal blood. ginny offers herself up, but is prepared to fight and kill him. she DOES end up planting a sacrificial dagger into his heart as he’s about to take her, but it doesn’t kill him since he’s immortal - it merely binds her to him. now the two have to coexist while trying not to tear each other’s eyes out hehe.