#go read this amazing story I had the honour to create art for

[nonsensefromtheabyss]

Hello! I am OK1610 from ao3. I loved Riddle V.I.Z.ion so much! Such an amazing story with great characters! I loved the aliens especially! Your story inspired me to weave my own tale for these characters as well as a design element for Diz (the support beams) for my refs of the aliens (credited in the post)! I cannot wait to read more about them and their pasts!

Any chance we can get a little sneak peak of what is to come?

('Riddle Classified' sounds like a great name btw!)

Hello!! Lovely to see you again!

Literally had to spin in circles at work when you said my story inspired you, was not prepared; I’m honoured <3 and I hope you have fun creating! You art is so perfect!!! I love how the style is still reminiscent of the game art but far more detailed and much more fun to look at—it’s so vibrant! They’re all super adorable (rotating Quiz in my mind rn) and it looks like such a sweet AU—I’m an absolute sucker for stories where things end well (which I don’t think anyone would guess from my own works XD.) Would be super intrigued to know more when you’re ready to share!

(Definite spoilers for my future Riddle School fic below the cut!)

Dutifully adding a tally to Riddle Classified’s column! I swear the title is going to be the bit I decide last with this thing, it’s certainly giving me the most trouble XD

As for sneak peaks, hmmm; it’s a little early in the process for me to feel like I’ve got much that’s actually interesting to share, but I could tell you about the first chapter? It’s post defection, a few years into the V.I.Z.ion Project, and involves Quiz being kidnapped by bounty hunters/pirates. He has to stall for time, turning them against each other as a distraction, while Viz and Diz sneak around and kill off the people stationed at other outposts before picking him up. 

It’s told from the perspective of the pirates, who really have no idea who or what Quiz is, and is set in a snowstorm to really play up a theme of isolation/being trapped. Horror movie vibes. They know something is going on outside, and they know their contacts are going cold one by one, but they can’t figure out why—maybe it’s just the storm like their leader says, maybe it’s something else. They’re stuck with this unknown alien who’s sounding way too plausible when he says the roof might cave in, or there’s something outside, who talks them into telling him the scary stories they’ve heard about rogue soldiers in the area. If they go outside and try to run, they’ll definitely die of exposure, but if they stay? Unclear. And surely nothing out there could be alive. The noises are the wind, just the wind, they’re not in danger, nothing’s getting closer, everything’s fine.

It’s a good opportunity to play with Quiz’s unique skill set of appearing very harmless to manipulate people, gives me the chance to do some exposition on the alien’s species lore, and—most vitally—sets a pretty sinister tone for the V.I.Z.ion crew actually in action! A good jumping off point for what’s to come!

Another chapter I’ve got planned as a definite inclusion (though I don’t know where it’ll go yet; probably late in the collection) is them kidnapping Phil. It’s from Phil’s perspective, and I’ve honestly just been galaxy braining over it for a few nights now; he just barely escapes them when they see him first (runs through populated places they can’t follow, gets on a bus, his dog attacks Quiz when he gets home) and then spends the next few days as Dib from Invader Zim trying to convince his family that Aliens Are Definitely Real And Also After Him. They don’t believe him. One night he wakes up to find that everyone else is knocked out, and the aliens are in the house searching for him. He doesn’t get away this time. Very stressful times for Phil—I don’t think I’ve ever written a non-stressful time for Phil. I don’t think I’ve written a non-stressful time for any of these characters.

With this chapter, I’m hoping to do something with the perspective shift, which is another reason I think it should come late in the formatting. While the aliens are very much villain protagonists in this, having everything be through their eyes will eventually make them familiar—maybe not exactly relatable, but certainly comfortable. The jarring dissonance of exchanging that highly militarised, desensitised perspective to an actually human one—the P.O.V of someone we, the audience, know—when he’s terrified and being hunted by them appeals to me. Particularly as, at that point, I will have written scenes of the V.I.Z.ion aliens interacting with humans from their own perspective, and the difference between what they think and what people think can be thrown into even sharper relief.

I realise I’ve told you about the only two chapters that aren’t from the alien’s direct perspectives, so sorry about that! But I hope they made for a satisfying sneak peak <3 maybe this isn’t what you meant at all… I’ve never actually done a sneak peak before!

[hardlypartying]

Sooo I just binge read silver spoons and I cannot express how grateful I am that you exist <3 Call me dramatic but I literally CRIED out in relief when I stumbled across your fic. There aren't many Riara fics to begin with especially ones with more than 2 chapters lol so let me tell you that I rejoiced when I saw your lengthy one. Thank you so much for creating this work of art. I couldn't stop reading it. Every chapter was a treat. It's so well written and the dynamic between Kiara and Rafe is just ahhh *chefs kiss*. I live for the slow burn between them you have no idea and you're doing an amazing job at building that tension. I love the pacing of this story too- it doesn't feel rushed at all and your characters are well fleshed out. I also find Sofia's part in this very interesting and am curious to know more about her relationship w Rafe. Whether you'll be leaning towards the platonic side for them or something more. Hopefully if it's the latter then it'll be completely one-sided on Sofia's end cause I selfishly just want Rafe all for Kie hehe. Whatever happens I am here for this story! It's so delicious. Thank u thank u thank u for quite literally keeping that Riara dream alive and I can't wait for the next update <3

Wtf this is so sweet 😭 now I’m crying!

I would never call you dramatic because I feel you!! Finding a fic that just resonates with you is heaven sent, a blessing, and I’m so honoured you feel that way about silver spoons 🥹💗 You just hit on a lot of my concerns in this message and it’s filled me with so much gratitude that you reached out to tell me that— these kinds of messages are the reason I write because I love being able to talk to you guys about this random ass idea that I had in my head and now you get to join along for this ride.

As for Sofia, chapter 12 is going to get into her relationship with Rafe a little more. It’s a bit elusive so far and because at its core it isn’t much lol. It isn’t one sided but it also isn’t going to transpire into anything meaningful in this fic!

Thank you so much for sending me this message, I’m grateful that you exist 💗

[garoumylove]

hi! would you tell about your drawing and writing journeys? how you started, what inspires you, if there were any obstacles etc - everything that you'd like to share! ive seen some of your old arts and can say that you've made a great progress, also some color scemes that you choose for your arts, like red/pink/white are very beautiful ヽ(*・ω・)ﾉ

Ah thank you so much for such a kind ask!! (I'm writing this on my PC so I can't use emojis but just imagine a lot of hearts inserted here!! ^.^)

I'll try to keep this as brief as I can as I don't want to go through my life story and sound self important!

But basically I've been writing since I was pretty young, like middle school. I was lucky to have some amazing English teachers who always encouraged me and praised me! I wrote for English class and just for myself since I was like 12. At first they were just fantasy stories and then as I got into high school it became romance stories and fanfiction (that I never published). I have hundreds of pages worth of writing from my high school years omg! I'd stay up late instead of sleeping writing this stuff haha!

I also wrote some crack LOTR fanfic with a friend in high school and we published it but it got taken down eventually and has been lost to time.

I stopped writing for a while because I got older and life got in the way. Then in 2017 I got very sick with some mysterious neurological thing (and i'm sick again now unfortunately) and to cope I got into anime and manga because it was the only thing that held my attention enough to distract me from a pretty horrible health crisis.

I watched OPM as one of my first animes and then read the manga. I ended up just falling in love with Garou's character. As someone who was bullied by other kids and adults in my life pretty constantly I saw A LOT of myself in him and understood his anger and secret insecurity. I felt so much for him that it pushed me to start writing little romantic drabbles again in my diary. Eventually, someone showed me AO3 and I saw people writing xReader fanfiction which I had not heard of before but I was instantly hooked and decided to try write a silly little smut just for fun, just to try it out. I posted it on AO3 in 2019 and got an overnight very positive response and a couple of people asking me to write more. I was very pleasantly surprised, so I did! And then after a couple of fun smutty xReaders I started to write things that were more emotional, a bit deeper and I became very passionate about it.

We get so little of Garou's life and thoughts and feelings about things outside of his hero hatred and his bullying and insecurity that I wanted to fill in those blanks. I wanted to explore the depths of his mind and character beyond the desire to be a monster. Because of course he is very human and very insecure inside just like many of us. I also wanted to explore that romantic/sexual side of him and his thoughts and feelings about that since that's also a basic and huge human need for most people. So that's where my writing inspiration comes from! I feel very lucky and honoured that so many people have read my fanfics and enjoy this characterisation of Garou I have created.

As for the drawing, well I really loved drawing as a kid but I wasn't very good and it's not something I took too seriously even though I loved doing it. It wasn't until I got into One Punch Man and Garou that I became really passionate about learning how to draw. I wanted to dive into the OPM universe and create, create, create. I wanted to make Garou and other characters come to life through my art (and writing).

The ship I draw (Garou and Eiko) is based on my xReader fanfic "Love/Hate". I just fell in love with my own story so much that I wanted to draw it as well as write! So the two things have come together nicely in that way :)

For my colour schemes...I just really love warm colours, that's all I can say really haha! No matter what I draw I always end up gravitating towards the warm reds. It's like a habit/addiction I guess lol!

My ideas for drawings are a mix of completely my own original ideas and using memes or photos etc as reference when I'm feeling the art block. But I do love drawing Garou, light of my life, my love. I've probably done it over 500 times now =^.^=

I hope I managed to answer your questions! Please let me know if there's anything else and thank you again for your kind words!

[lifeofkaze]

Ooooh, that is one *amazing* game! Thank you for the tag 💛💛💛

THE BALANCE SERIES

Okay, so technically, this isn't one fic but three (with one still left unwritten) but I wouldn't be here without them, and you honestly can't make me choose. An Art of Balance was the beginning and rekindled a passion I thought I had forgotten, A Search for Balance made me grow as a writer to a point I thought beyond my skill level, and A Source for Balance will (hopefully) be the crowning glory of this project.

Summary: A trilogy about Lizzie Jameson's struggles with life, love, Quidditch and that sometimes, we are our own worst enemies.

WHEN STARS IGNITE

@the-al-chemist said it already, but this story wasn't only the groundwork for one of the most meaningful friendships I have the honour of having in my life, but also created a space in my head and heart that I - still - come back to so often and that spouted so many more stories than I ever thought possible of a crack headcanon.

Summary: see @the-al-chemist post above

CRIMSON TIDE, DEEP BLUE SEA

This pirate story/pirate AU is one of my least-read stories, and saying that it doesn't make me a little sad would be a lie. I still think that there are stretches of writing in it where I was at my best, and Ava is my most broken but also my most complex and well-developed characters by a long shot (sorry to the others, but it's true).

Summary: When Charlie Weasley accepts the proposition to go on one last adventure with his old crew, he never would have thought that he'd face the ghosts of his pasts more than figuratively.

WILD FLOWER

Probably one of my most beloved short stories. As most of Selene's adult stories, this one basically assaulted me in a moment when I was so overwhelmed with my own life that everything poured out of me and into written form. I remember shaking by the time I was done, and I like to believe that this and my own life experience is something that translated into it.

Summary: Selene struggles with her life as a business owner and mother and her own desires.

BOY AND THE GHOST

Another story that overcame me in fully written form in a moment of emotional turmoil. Henry's stories are always deep, always wistful, and I never know if I feel better after writing him, or if I have torn up my heart a little more. But I can't seem to stop dealing with him, either.

Summary: Henry shares his thoughts about storytelling with one of the only friends he has.

Tagging: Al stole my entire taglist, so whoever feels interested, please do share!!

Fic Author Self Rec

Fic authors self-rec! ✨ When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you’ve written, then pass on to at least five other writers ❤️

Thank you @uncertainwallflower for the tag! This is difficult, but I'm going to try. There are in no particular order.

A Change of Heart | 15k, E

What is she thinking? Spilling all her secrets to a man who is practically a stranger? However, as Lily glances over at him, she can easily see him becoming a friend one day. He's kind, understanding, and funny. Plus, Marlene says that he's a great guy. If Marlene approves, then Lily knows she shouldn't question her.

This is one of my favorite Jily fics and it focuses on Lily and James and their scheming friends trying to get them together. Lots of fun and shenanigans in this one. (It also was not on AO3 until two second ago apparently lol)

Paris | 3k, T

In which Draco decides to accompany Astoria on a trip.

This fic cracks me up every time I read it. Draco and Muggles really don't mix, but it was fun making them try.

Reunion is Sweet | 17k, T

“Why didn’t Ron come along?” Angelina asked.

Merlin, Katie thought. Just how many people have they invited? There were six bedrooms in the house — three on the bottom and three on top. When Katie had suggested using her aunt’s house, she and Alicia had decided that they would split the bunk beds upstairs and leave the others to decide where they wanted to sleep.

Harry rolled his eyes. “Ron’s too wrapped up in Hermione to go anywhere for very long.”

Ginny snorted. “Literally.”

“I didn’t need that mental image,” Harry grumbled.

Or, the OG Quidditch team + Ginny spend a five day weekend together.

I wrote this for TTB Spring Fling and it was so much fun. These guys are crazy and it was a blast writing this. 17k felt like nothing. The fic focuses on Katie/Oliver, but there are other pairings mixed in there.

Four Times Harry Walked in on Ron and Hermione and One Time He Didn't | 3k, E

“For fuck’s sake,” Harry sputtered.

Ron jumped, nearly exposing Hermione to Harry’s line of sight. He thanked Merlin that it was dark.

“Harry,” Ron panted, as he pulled his trousers back up. “I didn’t expect you to be early.”

“Early?” Harry shot back. “I’m on time. Where the fuck is George anyway?”

“Downstairs closing,” Ron answered, still not moving from between Hermione’s legs. “He said he could close without me since I’d been working so hard.”

“So, you thought you’d come up here and have a quickie?”

I only include this one because Harry's sass was on fleek in this fic and I'm pretty sure it's the only time I've ever be able to write him like this again.

Uncharted Territory | 34k, M, 28 chapters

A collection of oneshots chronicling George and Angelina's time as parents.

My newest fic and one that brought me back to writing again. Very near and dear to my heart. Plus I love writing about George and Ange. I've got a bunch of fics of them that will probably never see the light of day lol.

Tagging: @harryissuchalittleshit @the-al-chemist @four2andnew @sweeethinny @hinnyfied

[crazybutgood]

Day 7 (crazybutgood)

For today, the lovely @the-starryknight has so kindly submitted a reclist for me 🥺 When she messaged me saying if she could gift me through the advent, I was very much just an honoured flattered bean. Thank you so much starry for doing this 💖 I had the pleasure of discussing with her to create my box as well:

Image description: a blue origami box with a print of white and pink flowers and petals on it. Inside is a smaller pale purple origami box.

Here is starry’s submission:

One of the things I love most about participating in fandom in this moment is the vast variety of different kinds of creativity.  From fic writers to podficcers, artists and embroiderers, reccers and ficbinders, there are so many amazing ways to make.  In my eyes, @crazybutgood embodies that kind of generous creativity.  From rec lists to podfic to writing to stunning origami, I find myself blown away again and again by CBG’s brilliant approach to fandom — she inspires me to find new ways to celebrate, to share, and to make. 

When CBG said she’d be posting a series of recs as a sort of advent calendar, I knew exactly the person I wanted to be celebrated with it: CBG herself! So I’ll share a few favorites:

📚 Fics by CBG:

“He thanked the stars for the direction their lives had taken after the War. Merlin knew Harry had been Draco’s guiding light in times of darkness and despair. However, this was no time to dwell on sadness, but rather celebrate victories, and everyday joys with the man he loved.”

— You Light Me Up

“‘मेरे । Mine,’ he says with a smile as they continue kissing, the lesson forgotten.”

— Language of Love

Origami by CBG:

📜 Drarry ‘Round the World Collab with @julcheninred - I was so excited when I saw the notification that this was published because not one but two brilliant creators working together? I love this piece, they have crafted such a brilliant story. I love the subtle intricacies of CBG’s origami Jersey Devil, so neat and textured.

📜 With Great Yawns and Stretchings - I adore so much about this piece — the origami cats, tea and mugs are perfectly folded, and I love the staging of each photo (the cat amid the coffee beans, the rainy window background), a beautiful progression of warm and loving moments.

Art Recs by CBG: 

🖼️ Patronuses I and II - Just another sign of CBG’s generosity in fandom is her detailed and thoughtful art rec lists, like this one! I loved reading about all the different patronus headcanons, and discovering beautiful art I’d never seen before.

🖼️ Drarry Comics - This selection of comics is one amazing piece after another (after another). CBG’s insightful commentary immediately made me want to click on each and every one of these — full of CBG’s signature joy and care for other creators.

Origami Recs by CBG:

💖 International Tea Day 2021 Origami Rec List - CBG has curated a collection of tea and fics and art, with stunning and carefully chosen origami teabags to go with each. The list is full of wonderful pieces to read and look at over a good cup of tea.

💖 First Line Tag Game + Origami Fic Recs - Thoughtful recs plus stunning origami? Yes please! I love CBG’s style of incorporating quotes into the folds of each rec. This, combined with her thoughtful commentary, makes for a wonderful list. 

Thank you, dear @crazybutgood, for letting me in on this project so I could take a moment to appreciate you for the many, many wonderful ways you share in the joy of this fandom.  I feel so lucky to get to share this fandom with you! May 2022 bring all kinds of new creativity, new joys, and many bright moments to come. 

----

@the-starryknight, it was so incredibly nice of you to write such a lovely and thoughtful reclist 😭🥺❤️ I am extremely floored and humbled and I appreciate it very much 🙏🏼💕

Starry herself spreads positivity in fandom through various means such as Tuesday TLC zone, stunning fic-binding, and her lovingly curated recs and rec lists. Check out her amazing writing on her Tumblr and ao3 as well! She’s doing an advent fic this year too, read it here :) Happy holidays, @the-starryknight ! 🥰

[natigail]

Phil Lester is someone who makes me feel safe in a lot of ways. In honour of his birthday, I want to put some of them onto the page. 

I can turn to his videos when I want a laugh or a smile. I still pause to properly read all the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it text he likes to put in his videos. I go back and watch my favourite videos, sometimes just putting them on in the background while I’m doing something else. His voice is soothing to me, his laugh is utterly infectious (somehow even more when he’s laughing at his own silliness) and he is such an excellent storyteller. 

I started watching he was publicly out but even before that he’d created this lovely and comforting community of (overwhelmingly) queer people and I could never have predicted how many friends and how much comfort I’d find here. When I tentatively dipped my toe into his fandom, I was a newly maybe queer person. Now I’ve learned a lot more about myself and I’m proud to be who I am, in part because of Phil, Dan and the people I met through watching them.

I had only just started dabbling in writing fanfiction when I got really into (Dan and) Phil’s videos, and it was the most natural thing to start writing about the two of them. The fact that such creativity and art was always accepted, even encouraged by the boys themselves, is something I will never take for granted. I was scared about writing rpf at first, but it has brought me so much joy and made me grow so much as a writer to be allowed to borrow inspiration from these two wonderful men. I have told so many stories that are dear to my heart even now.

Videos these days are more of a rarer treat, since the gaming channel shut down and Phil started to relax his video schedule a little. I wholeheartedly support that and honestly I think it means that we get higher quality videos because you can tell that he has so much fun with what he chooses to make. He is creative, uncompromising and he’s secure with himself. I might start to miss him when we hit the two weeks mark but I know a video will come, sometimes when I least expect it - and often when I most need it.

Happy birthday to Mister Amazing himself and thank you for always creating such a safe space for so many people like myself. You are an inspiration and a wonderful lad and we are lucky you decided to pick up that camera and make your first video blog. 

[creativeashproductions]

Welcome to Our Hell // Charlie Gillespie

IN WHICH: Charlie asks the reader a simple question that leads the man to fall down a rabbit hole of reading. Despite the panic you felt along with your fellow writers you still introduced and helped him navigate the pool of fanfiction.

Warnings: None (it’s actually possible with me??)

Words: 1k

A/N: I couldn’t resist making a tiny blurb about the revelation that Charlie has read fanfiction, that he enjoyed reading it. I actually talked about how Owen and Charlie would react to jatp fanfiction so sorry for manifesting 😬

ALL FICS MENTIONED ARE TAGGED.

TO BE TAGGED SEND AN INBOX/ASK PLEASE!

Masterlist

Your eyes slightly glanced up from your computer to where a certain someone was humming along to an Eagles song. His hips swayed as he slipped the egg in the pan, unaware of your eyes following him. He was entirely in his own world while he left you to finish up what he was led to believe was just school work.

The innate cheerful aura the male gave off regardless of the landscape had always been one of your favourite things about him. He saw the joy and good in things most people tended to overlook. It didn’t matter if he had his guitar in his hands or a cooking tool; he’d shoot that smile that melted your heart.

“Whatcha doin’?” Charlie questioned, peering over the island in the apartment you had rented in the city.

“Just doing some work.” You replied, beginning to type once more with a sudden burst of inspiration. You barely noticed he had slid the egg onto the plate before he was at your side.

“Are you writing for Tumblr?”

That one sentence froze you. Fingers stiffened above the well-loved keyboard of your computer you’d invested a fair amount of money on. Goosebumps swarmed every inch of your skin that suddenly lost a few shades.

Your skittish gaze found purchase in the warm ocean of hazel that bore no judgment, “Did you just say Tumblr? H-how do you know Tumblr Charlie?”

The Canadian hummed in response with a thoughtful expression, “I saw this really cool artwork, and it had a link. I followed it to Tumblr. It’s such a cool site.”

“It’s a hell site.” You deadpanned at the young actor who held no contempt for the different creativity methods unleashed in the fandom. Your e/c irises stayed stuck in a battle of colour with his own eyes.

“If it’s a hell site, why do you go on it?”

“It’s like a car crash or a burning building. It’s horrifying, but you stay to see which outcome ends up winning.” You had to carefully find the words to eloquently describe why you kept returning to a site that was frustrating at times.

“There’s so much diversity from songs, traditional art, poems, dances, covers and now writing. It’s insane.” Charlie chucked as he nudged the plate of breakfast he’d cooked for you, “I’m really digging the ‘90s Lalex books-”

“Fanfics. Fics for short.” You offered the man who held a slight expression of confusion that quickly cleared up, “And the writing has been going on since the series dropped. I’d be rich for every fic that referenced Luke’s aversion to sleeves.”

The boisterous laugh filled the room as Charlie hunched over. His arms wrapped around his midsection.

“Don’t you find it weird that there are fics about you?”

“Weird?” Charlie spoke, scrunching up his nose adorably. His hazel eyes lightened further, “Y/N, I’m not weirded out. I’m honoured that I made enough impact to have people writing about me.”

A small smile broke across your face, “You totally have a secret account, don’t you?”

“No. NO.” The whisper come in the dark of the bedroom where both sides of the couple should be sleeping. You had been before Charlie whined with his phone attached to his hand.

“Baby?” You groaned, turning to find him still invested in the world of fanfiction. His hazel eyes, tear-filled, raised to meet yours, “What are you doing up at-3am?”

“I just finished reading this adorable fic about Willex. The euphoria had me reading the next fic without reading the summary.” Charlie cried to the bedside light you’d turned when his sniffles woke you up. The near distraught man didn’t fight as you gently took his face out of his hand.

“Oh, Char.” You hummed, bringing the brunette into your arms as he mourned whatever was in the fic.

“Luke died with his girlfriend waiting in the Orpheum. She lived and began a life with Bobby..er Trevor.” Charlie whispered against the soft comforter you’d only recently bought, “They never got to say goodbye. As Luke’s portrayer, I just know the double betrayal took him to his knees.”

“Ah, you found @losttinwritings​ ‘See you Again’. That one is a doozy.” You winced, remembering the heartbreaker, “You, however, need sleep.”

Charlie’s eyes quickly met the phone sitting in between you two, “But-”

“Here.” You handed over your own phone after clicking your secondary account, “It’s one of my all-time comfort fics when I’m feeling sad. @dream-a-little-bigger-x​ always nails it out of the park but ‘Love Shack’? Immaculate.”

Charlie’s eyes flickered between the phone in his hand to your eyes twinkling in the albeit shitty lighting the cheap lamp offered. The vulnerability in your eyes at offering your blog took his breath away. This was a place where you were safe in your thoughts with no judgment.

“Oh! And @cherrymaybank​ created ‘A Romantic’. A beautiful story in the eyes of a hopeless romantic Luke and the stoic, independent reader.” You offered with a grin and sigh of happiness, “I’ll have to start tagging you in the ones I adore. Definitely gonna introduce you to @merceret​’s work; it’s always amazing regardless of how long the fic is or the distance between work. I’d wait a thousand years for her.”

Charlie’s lips spread to reveal that smile that always had you falling back in love over and over again. It even eased the panic you felt viewing Charlie’s rather honest confession he put on his Insta story. He’d caused panic within the writing community as he boldly announced his pride, awe, joy and love for all the fandom provided creatively. 

Next thing you knew, you’d started sending each other fics you’d think the other would enjoy; it often ended up with the same fic being sent. Charlie didn’t address the topic publicly to allow the buzz of panic to die down. He also never discovered your personal writing blog either, well, that you knew about.

Sometimes you’d find him sniffling over a story where Luke discovers his girlfriend was unknowingly pregnant and never got to see him child grow up. That one also tore your heart apart and you’d been the one to write it. Just a secret you’d be taking to your grave.

Tag List (PLEASE SEND AN INBOX TO BE ADDED! I CANNOT GUARANTEE YOU WILL BE ON THE LIST VIA POST COMMENTS!)

@safehavenmuse @siennanoelle01 @whiterose291 @mell-bell @blackhood5sos @ficrecsideblog @ifilwtmfc @deadpoolgirl23 @crappy-unicorn @sunsetcurve-h @elioelioeli0 @lovesanimals @popcrone818 @lolychu @deepsleepnat @tenaciousperfectionunknown @aunicornmademedoit @just-a-writer-here @simp4reggie @faithiebrock01 @overlyhypedup @differentsoulrascalsalad @aesthetic-lyss @versaceapa @carleywhittaker @lostgirl219 @itsalexx21 @elllaoo4 @merxxleighann @mediocremunge @fantomlovesjuke4ever @dpaccione @oswin05 @kaylinfayezink @aberette13 @faithie-brock-gillespie01 @eharvey0218 @overlyhypedup @benstormy @auriandthepussicats @sarcasticsagittarius1998 @whothefuckstolemykeds  @siriuswvrld @princessvader15 @xoxbloodreinaxox @heimdoodle @joshy-obx @lovesanimals @oopsiedoopsie23 @am3l1a-24 @flying-solo-without-you @jaskiers-sweetkiss @lostrandomfangirln @must-be-a-weasley-92 @jatp-holland @ilikealotofpeople-younotsomuch @dxlanhxlland @dasexydevitt13 @ifilwtmfc @arianagrandes-things @kinda-really-lost @marinettepotterandplagg @ssprayberrythings @morgandamrose @thedarkqueenofavalon @zukoshonourr @crybabyddl @spooky-season-bitch @kcd15 @morganayennefertyrell @magnet-girl @all-in-fangirl @kinda-really-lost @tenaciousperfectionunknown @badwolf00593 @blowakissbabe @talksoprettyjjx @thesweetestsinner @kaitieskidmore1 @writerinlearning @aiofheavenandhell @sageellsworth05 @link-102 @thesweetestsinner @merceret​ @imsydneywalker​ @sunsetcurvej @nicoledawson5604 @merceret​ @kexrtiz​ @biqherosix @lukewearingbeanies​ @dangersolns @soverignparker

[bourbon-ontherocks]

time to shine ‘thursday’ Friday

This tag game was created in hopes of reaching at least a few people and creating more awareness for the creator-side of tumblr. Time to Shine Thursday is inspired by these posts and meant to be for all artists alike: writers, editors, poets, GIF makers, cartoonists etc. This is me giving you all an excuse to show off!

Only rule: Be as thirsty for attention as you want to be! Link your old fics/art pieces or anything that didn’t get enough attention, or link a work you loved to create or share a draft from your newest WIP. Or do all of these. Be greedy. Show your art. Crave attention. Be proud. And don’t forget to give your friends an excuse to show off theirs!

Additional note: Please consider dropping one of your favourite hidden gems by another author along with your own work so others can enjoy it as well and so that it doesn’t stay buried any longer!

I was tagged eons ago by @misshazelevers20 @juuuunaaaaoooo and @whiskeyjack (thanks lovelies! 😘😘😘)

I am proud of:

My two favourite fics It Hurts When I See You Struggle and I hear her scream (and I feel nothing). I love them so much, to me these are the fics where my writing is at its finest, and I really managed to make these fics look exactly like what I had in mind in terms of plot, atmosphere, emotional journey, so I’m very proud of having hit my own target in the middle with them. In that regard, it makes me particularly happy that the first one is my most bookmarked fic of all.

I am beyond honoured that the talented writers and wonderful human beings that are @whiskeyjack and @septiembrre trusted me into betaing their respective fics. I love these stories so much and the fact that I, a non-native English speaker, could be of any help in their writing process makes me the proudest. Also betaing someone else’s work is an amazing experience that teaches you a lot and everybody should try it. Go read these amazing stories asap everyone, and I’m looking forward to the next chapters!

I am very proud of my Cold Showers Lead To Crack crackfics series because being funny is pretty often harder than being angsty, and also the writing process of these fics involved much cackling to myself. In particular, I am super proud of the Bourbon glass POV Pour Me A Drink, And I'll Tell You Some Lies and the Dean x Reader self-insert But the tigers come at night with their voices soft as thunder because both were kinda out of my comfort zone and lead me to explore new things and have a lot of fun. Also I gifted both of these to @sothischickshe  and I am beyond psyched and proud that they seemed to make her laugh at least a little ❤️

My Cyborg!Rio edit because I spent an unreasonable amount of time on it and I find it so funny

I want to shoutout:

@sothischickshe​‘s upon your ignorance (and the gray despair) of your ugly life (Dean x Rio bodyswap, it’s amazing, hilarious, and totally underrated) and the underrated gem that is Maybe it’s something in the water, I re-read it recently and it got me cackling so hard

@ama-ssiempre​‘s art, which is my favourite, in particular the BRIO HUG and the kiss for the Mystery box prise, but also everything she draws (check it here) ❤️

This little gem I recently discovered: PTA Vibes by greyish, it’s clearly not underrated since it has 1k+ kudos but it’s been posted quite a while ago so I thought I’d dust it out a bit. Rio gets in Beth’s PTA (mostly) to mess with her. That’s it, that’s the plot, and it’s absolutely hilarious.

@sdktrs12​‘s GG edits. There's just something so crispy and pretty and fun/ny about them, and sometimes they hit me where it hurts too, and the colouring & fonts are always gorgeous, and I love especially the Fuck It series (Beth and Rio’s versions), and the Bitch!edit and the Man...!edit and so many others! 💖💖

@misshazelevers20​‘s hilarious @textsfrompaperporcupine​ and The Onion headlines GG edits. These are always so fun and on-point!!

@icanthearyoufromhereplease​‘s moodboards!!! Especially the A Rational Choice one, but reallly, all of them!!

I tag: I don’t know, I assume everyone’s already done it, but in case you haven’t/want to do it again, I tag @missmaxime​ @sdktrs12​ @septiembrre​ @ama-ssiempre​ @mamey2422​ @daydreamstew​ @sothischickshe​ and YOU if you read this

[gumnut-logic]

Thunderfam Appreciation Post

I’m giving this a new post to prevent scroll city, but the original and several reblogs can be found by clicking the above link. Also, it’s an excuse to post a piccy of Virg cos any excuse, really :D

Many thanks to @willow-salix for writing this question list :D

Before I start, I just want to say that I value every member of this fandom. I’m often hopeless at communicating in group settings so I don’t speak to many peeps, but that is my failing, not anyone else’s. You are an amazing group and you have supported me and each other just brilliantly over the last nearly three years that I have been hanging with you guys. Thank you ever so much for all your wonderful support and encouragement. I’ve had so much fun and created so much stuff…you guys are amazing. Thunderfam rock!

Please note that my memory is pathetic and I will fail to mention everyone. Please do not take any offence if you aren’t listed below. That does not mean I don’t value you, I do, it just means I have swiss cheese between my ears.

-o-o-o-

Your favourite writer of your favourite boy.

@i-am-chidorixblossom  You are a whumper and comforter after my soul. You speak the Virg :D @vegetacide I adore your turn of phrase and your description is to die for.

The person who's stories you will always read.

I try to read most fics that come across my dash, but there are a few that have me jumping up and down. @i-am-chidorixblossom , @vegetacide , @tsarinatorment , @scribbles97 , @the-lady-razorsharp , @janetm74 Of course, I regularly fail at this as some of you write a huge amount of fic and I am often playing catch up, but fic!

Who wrote the first fic you read in this fandom.

I landed on FF.net back in May 2018. I immediately ran into @the-lady-razorsharp who I knew from another fandom ten years prior and she was absolutely wonderful, drawing me in and introducing me around. I gobbled up several of her fics in the process.

Person you can talk to for the longest without a break.

I am hard to get started, persistence is required, but once started, it is usually hard to shut me up. @scribbles97 @vegetacide and @tsarinatorment have all discovered that. Dangle a Virg, a plotline and stand back.

Person you can't be trusted to be left alone with.

Um, @vegetacide and I have plotted out the entirety of Warm Rain together…poor Virg. Add @the-lady-razorsharp into the equation and Virgil ends up with a beard, dressed in leather and riding a Harley – that was a hilarious evening.  Between @tsarinatorment and @janetm74 Virgil gets grey hairs and has to go rescue Scott – because Scott inevitably ends up in the story :D  @scribbles97 gets the blame for Gentle Rain – expand your horizons she said ::headdesk:: But then there was the time I left one random line about Eos visiting Virgil in the shower and went to bed. I woke up to hilarity and chaos as Thunderfam took the idea and ran with it! Love you guys :D

Person whose fic made you cry the most.

I know there were at least two fics that made me cry, but for the life of me I can’t identify them. I did cry writing my own fic – Flannel – and don’t tend to reread it for that reason. Purupuss traumatised me with A Quiet Day to the point I had to put it down and walk away for a bit ::wails::

Person whose fic made you laugh the most.

I have no idea. I know there are fic out there and I know I’ve read it, but without a complete list of everything I’ve read, I don’t have a clue.

Person whose fic made you think the most.

Aaaargh, I don’t have a master list so can’t remember everything. Staring at my paltry favourites list on FF.net (which was mostly gathered three years ago and never maintained), Purupuss�� ‘Brothers in Arms’ and her whole Quiet series has me wanting to write a Scott-Virgil telepathic fic (and she has given me permission to run with the idea, I just haven’t actioned it yet). Counterpoint by Swallow and Amazon is amazing and likely contributed to Sotto Voce.

Person you have laughed with the most.

I’m really not liking this ultimate one person idea. I’ve laughed with a lot of people in this fandom. I’ve candy cannoned a bunch of you as well :P There has been mad plot cackling, evil conspiring, fic written to stir pots and delight on purpose. Hell, I’ve even written fic that was purposefully a giant virtual hug because I’m so far away that even if half the world wasn’t in isolation, I couldn’t hug most of you. Sure, I talk with some of you more than others, and there is laughter in those chats…oh, god, so much cackling, poor, poor Tracy boys. But then there are also so many smiles both vocalised and not. Thunderfam is one of my happy places. Bring on the belly laughs :D

Your comfort fic that you'll go back and read again on a bad day.

I will often resort to my own fic when I’m really down simply because it helps me get to sleep :D and it is kinda tailored to me ::grins::  (and my memory is that bad I often forget what I wrote anyway – yes, it is that bad) But there are also a few on my FF.net favourites list. Mostly hurt/comfort in a Virg flavour. Cheesycheese, nhsweetcherry, A Small Rescue by Nalina, Breathe Easy and Under the Weather by @loopstagirl – several of hers, in fact – the Virg ones :D Pretty much anything that has Virg fainting and being looked after apparently :D Chiddi and Veggie fic, of course.

Favourite piece of fan art.

I have never been so honoured by artists before. This fandom has some amazing skills and I have been gifted some beautiful works. You guys are amazing (I keep saying it like a broken record, but you are).

Again, I’m stuck on having to list one and I can’t. I think Fanart Appreciation Month in January pretty much summed up my opinion.

Who have you known the longest in the fandom.

@the-lady-razorsharp followed by @vegetacide both wonderful peeps. I can’t miss out on @weirdburketeer either for her amazing support almost from day one.

Favourite OC.

I have to say that I really enjoy reading about Ray from @i-am-chidorixblossom ‘s fics :D He is so gentle and kind and just ::sigh:: Virg likes him lots :D Selene by @willow-salix is, of course, a major presence in the fandom and amazingly written. @hedwigstalons ‘ Claire is lovely.

Person who supports your work the most.

The Thunderfam? There have been some wonderful people who support all the time. @hedwigstalons  @cg29 @janetm74 @weirdburketeer in particular have been amazing support liking and commenting on just about everything I write. I honestly don’t know how they do it. Plus several peeps over on FF.net and Ao3 who support me over there.

And then there are the poor souls who put up with me in chat and listen to my wibblies and whining and character checks and field random chunks of writing that get thrown their way. @scribbles97 @vegetacide @the-lady-razorsharp  @tsarinatorment @i-am-chidorixblossom @onereyofstarlight @godsliltippy  @willow-salix @janetm74 all have had random passages thrown at them at all times of the day and night by a crazy me begging for feedback. Does this work? Is this in character? Am I insane? What the hell is Scott doing? Is this John??? I give up, tell me what to do? Virgil is driving me insane! So, um, yeah

Person who's progress you are the most proud of.

I love those peeps who appear in fandom who start off poking around commenting and generally being lovely and then all of a sudden get out their own pens and start writing and they are frickin’ amazing! Both @janetm74 and @hedwigstalons come to mind in this department. Like holy cow – ‘here is my first fic and I’m not sure’ ::reads it:: Omigod! Where did you come from? That was amazing. Sit down here now, keep doing that writing thing, bloody hell! I think being brave enough to pick up a pen and join in is a major thing :D

Person who's story you think is underrated and should be read by more people.

If I find fic I like, I reblog it and shout about it. What I like is definitely skewed in a Virgil direction and this dictates often what I’m going to read first. I can’t reblog what I haven’t read. So, this equation will always be skewed by ‘reasons I haven’t read a fic’ which mostly involves either Virgil or the fact I’m juggling RL. So, my answer to this is if I think a fic needs to be shouted about, I shout about it.

Something you think people would say about you.

She’s nutty.

Silliest 'thing' you do with someone.

I’ve been known to write fic on the fly directly into chat windows to try and distract peeps going through shitty times.

Favourite pairing you now Stan because of someone's fic.

Virgil/Kayo because of @vegetacide for reasons I have blamed her for multiple times. @the-lady-razorsharp and @weirdburketeer were accessories to the fact.

Favourite headcanon from someone's fic.

Um, Virgil and coffee? I got that from somewhere and it has infiltrated my fic…a lot.

Ultimately, though, I feel most people I interact with contribute to my fic and how I’m feeling. This has been a wonderful experience. I try to return the support as much as I can, but sometimes it is a juggle between writing more, my stupid fluctuating mood, the demands of RL and my own creative drive. I hope I’ve helped a few peeps, because you guys have certainly helped me ::major group hug::

And yes, I hug a lot, because to be honest, I have no other descriptor to communicate how I feel, so you get buckets of hugs :D

Tagging the Thunderfam. Feel free to grab these questions and run with them. You’re all part of the gang whether you write, read, art, gif, screenshot, chat, babble, stare at Virgil all day...I know I do a lot of staring.

Nutty

(Thunderfam rocks!)

[rason-rodd]

Opinions and Reviews

My opinion on ... The Rebirth Arc of Red Hood (aka why I’ve been rather absent from the Fandom for almost a year)

More than a year ago or so, I started losing interest in the Red Hood Comics. Between disappointment and frustration, I decided to leave the fandom or at least take some distance for a little while, a decision which, sadly, almost came naturally.

But the disappointment I felt was not caused by my followers. On the contrary, I’ve always been thankful and honoured to have them, to have you. The Red Hood fandom and more largely, the DC comics fandom, allowed me to meet so many amazing persons, persons who have always supported me and my work as a fanfic writer and I hope they’re doing okay wherever they are right now.

No, my disappointment was caused by the directions the Red Hood Comics were taking, directions that, as a huge fan of Jason Todd, couldn’t tolerate.

Red Hood and The Outlaws Rebirth started in 2016. And whether you liked the New 52 or not, you had to admit that the Rebirth arc started very well and the very first issues were very promising, offering the Jason Todd fans always wanted to read and that was in continuity with his predecessor from the New 52. Jason was this troubled leader fighting psychologically with a trauma he couldn’t leave behind and trying to win the trust of a father who never really trusted him while doing his best to help the city of Gotham and his new friends, putting aside all his personal problems mentioned above. Truly an amazing character with an incredible character development and an outstanding potential.

Lobdell, along with Dexter Soy’s magnificent artwork, brilliantly brought this Jason Todd to life and Red Hood and The Outlaws became, to me, one of the best DC Comics of its time. The story with Black Mask was coherent and realistic and creating this Dark Trinity was a genius idea. The members of the Outlaws completed each other and bonded in ways the previous Outlaws never did. No stupid love triangle. No unnecessary love story. Just lonely people finding a family in each other.  Separating the team was a big mistake and in my opinion the series started to go downhill because of it. 

After issue 26, nothing was the same. Soy and his art was gone. Jason’s iconic costume changed drastically and the writing as well as the storyline started losing quality. But I remained faithful and kept on reading. I was hopeful. I was wrong. The arc in Appleton was pointless and completely unmemorable. Trying to bring back Willis Todd was a good idea but the attempt led nowhere. Jason willing to be the “Prince of Gotham” and led the criminal world by dethroning Penguin could have been great but the story was messy again. 

And then Issue 37 happened and I was done. New Outlaws ? Seriously? Who are theses kids anyway? Jason as teacher hired by Lex Luthor? Are you kidding me?  I literally HATED that arc. The characters were not likeable or endearing. The story was terrible and completely WTF. I couldn’t see where Lobdell wanted to go with it. And Jason was not the Jason I used to love. The way he used to be portrayed - which I adored so much - was completely gone. And so I stop reading and I “left” the fandom, bitter, disappointed and truly frustrated because of what they had done to my beloved character. And as if that wasn’t enough, DC started doing sh*t with Nightwing as well (Ric Grayson was a joke right?)

I stopped reading for months but I tried to stay informed and finally when I learned that Artemis and Bizarro were back I gave RHATO an other shot only to be offered what? A useless (yet cute I have to admit) Jaytemis romance that didn’t go anywhere and another goodbye to Bizarro (Btw, what the hell is Trigon doing here?) and to the Outlaws.

So in a nutshell, RHATO Rebirth started with a bang with an amazing art, a good storyline and endearing characters. But, DC and Lobdell didn’t use its potential and it started losing quality after issue 27 until it reached a point around issue 37 where it became lame. Lobdell’s Jason Todd and his story ends far below the expectations I had placed in this series at its beginning with unresolved mysteries (Artemis full past + Willis Todd) and a few messy last issues that didn’t bring anything to Jason’s character development. 

Let’s see what the new team has in store now. 

Oh and yes, I’m back !! ;-)

[tasteofsmut]

Tasteof Smut Fest Masterlist!

It’s September, and we’ve now come to the end of the Taste of Smut Fest! Us mods @eva-eleanore​, @tasteofshapes​ and @veelawings​​ would like to thank everyone who participated in the fest by creating such gorgeous works or who left kudos and comments for our amazing content creators - THANK YOU for this precious August gift! We hope that you’ve enjoyed this fest as much as we have! Here’s the MASTERLIST OF ALL WORKS sorted alphabetically by ship.

Albus Potter/Scorpius Malfoy

It starts with an inkpot by @penguinanimagus​ / vivi1138 (FIC) Albus Potter/Scorpius Malfoy

Senses: taste, smell, hearing, touch

When you have a crush on your best friend, sometimes all you need is a little push in the right direction. Being locked in your dorm, unable to see or be seen, might just be the perfect opportunity to confess.

Blaise Zabini/Ron Weasley

Down Into My Sensory

by

TheUltimateUndesirable

/ @ultimateundesirable (FIC) Blaise Zabini / Ron Weasley

Senses: hearing, sight, touch

A boring tasteless marriage with Hermione leads to Ron being enraptured by his sense when he finally feels something more again. That something is shagging Blaise Zabini. What's Ron going to do about being married to his high school sweetheart and finding himself without her? Go with it all like he has been and or finally move on from what was clearly a mistake.

 Charlie Weasley/Hermione Granger

Bared Before Him by articcat621 / @articcat621​ (FIC) Charlie Weasley/Hermione Granger

Senses: Touch,  Hearing 

One Saturday afternoon, Charlie offers a suggested activity that she just can’t turn down.

Draco Malfoy /Harry Potter

Long in the Baking, Never Quite Done by @p1013 / p1013 (FIC) Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter 

Senses: Taste, touch 

“Hi, Luna.” Harry toasts her with his glass. “That looks lovely.”

She curtseys back. “Thank you, Harry. It’s to keep the wrackspurts away. How’ve you been?”

“Good. I brought cakes.”

“Wonderful. I’m assuming Ginny sent you in here?”

He smiles. “She did.”

“Warned you about Draco?”

“Yes.” He takes another drink. “Though I don’t know why she felt the need. We’ve been civil for years.”

“Does she know you fancy him?”

Harry chokes. 

Centric Dreams by SensibleRen (FIC) Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter

Senses: Sight, Hearing

Draco keeps having dreams about no one else other than Harry Potter. Each dream continues to come true the following day, until Draco has a particularly interesting one. 

Woodsmoke by @underscoresally​​ / underscore_sally (FIC) Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter, Harry Potter/Hermione Granger/Ron Weasley

Senses: smell, touch

After the war, Harry questions Draco and Draco demands answers he isn’t quite prepared for. But the warmth of a late-autumn fire and the smell of woodsmoke have a magic of their own, and as the answers come, so does an understanding.

Prepare the Brush for Me (I’m Craving With This Need) by @clemandben​ / Ladderofyears (FIC) Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter

Senses: Sight, touch and scent.

Harry Potter is feeling artistic. Draco is his canvas.

Arôme d'Amour (Aroma of Love) by @slytherholic​ / slytherholic (FIC) Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter

Senses: Smell

Harry's in for a surprise when he's hit with a perfume that attracts only the true soulmate.

With You, Always by acupforslytherin / @acupforslytherin​ (FIC) Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter

Senses: hearing

All his life, Harry repeatedly hears one same calming tune in his dreams. No one seems to recognize the mysterious song, until one day, Harry catches Malfoy humming it when he thinks he's alone.

all the feelings that you're making me feel by M0stlyVoid / @bonesliketambourines​ (FIC) Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter

Senses: Touch

Harry should have known that ‘clean bill of health’ he got after a spell rebounded off him in a raid was too good to be true, especially with Draco Malfoy involved. He never expected this, though, but he finds to his utter shame that he could bloody well get used to it.

esto quod es, fortis et liber by @drgngrl87 / DragonGirl87 (FIC) Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter

Senses: Smell, Taste

One fateful late-night run ruined Harry Potter's life...or did it? When the wolf in him threatens to turn life as he knows it upside down, he's left with no choice but turn to Draco Malfoy for help. Can his former Hogwarts nemesis fix his problem? And more importantly, will they be able to keep their hands and paws off each other?

 Tracing Body Lines Unexplored by Veelawings / @veelawings​ (FIC) Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter

Senses: Touch, Sight

Harry had teased him a few days ago, made a crude joke about Draco’s Slytherin scarf that he couldn’t even remember at the moment, but it had led to this. To Harry naked on his crisp white sheets, green eyes masked by a green tie and waiting for Draco to follow up on his promise. That he could make this scarf Harry’s favourite thing in the world.

(Or — gentle body worship, but kinky)

 Even the Night by tackytiger / @tackytigerfic​ (FIC) Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter

Senses:  Taste Touch Sight

I'm so bad at this

Two boys meet on a rooftop

Read and find out more

Featuring lots of cigarettes, a Midsummer sky, close encounters in a bath, and plenty of fireworks.

 the first language by saltwatergarden / @talkingtravesties​ (FIC) Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter

Senses: Touch

There are some things that Draco just knows about Potter. For instance, he hates the press. He loves his friends deeply and would die for them. He's terrible at fending way his simpering fans and the stories about how powerful his magic is are more than just stories. He also hates being touched. Or does he?

  Honey Just Put Your Sweet Lips On My Lips by angrywitchpolice / @angrywitchpolice​ (FIC) Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter

Senses: Taste Smell Touch Sight Hearing

Harry and Draco’s first time together, lost in the sensations of each other.

  A Light for Another's Dark by p1013 / @p1013 (FIC) Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter

Senses: Touch

Every touch leaves a memory. For Unspeakable Draco Malfoy, this is literal. When Harry Potter goes missing, Draco is asked to use his ability to Read the memories embedded in the objects he touches to help find Potter. While following his trail, Draco's only certain of one thing: what he learns about Harry Potter affects Draco's life more than he wants to admit, and, more worryingly, not just his life, his heart.

They Glow (Bright) Under the Moon's Light by @zandragorin​ / ZandraGorin (FIC) Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter Senses: Sight, Touch It took some time but now Harry's finally realized that Potions isn't as bad as it once seemed. Of course, this realization has nothing to do with a particularly gifted (and good-looking, fit, gorgeous) Potions Professor. None whatsoever.

 Don't Waste Your Eyes on Jealous Guys by EvAEleanor / @eva-eleanore​ (FIC) Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter

Senses: Hearing, Touch

For two years now, Harry’s life has been different. Not only does he work in New York City as the Auror liaison to MACUSA on and international murder case, but he’s seen more of Draco Malfoy than he’d ever thought possible. Working with him, and spending time with him after work. During all of this time, Harry has watched him going back to his shitty boyfriend over and over again. The worst thing about all of this, he’d fallen in love with him. Maybe there’s hope for him though. Maybe for just one night...

 Pottering with Potter by keyflight790 / @keyflight790​ (FIC) Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter

Senses: Hearing

Harry doesn't know why he has a wireless show either, but he's going to make the best of it.

  Here’s To You by Drarrymadhatter / @drarrymadhatterstuff (FIC) Draco Malfoy/Harry 

Senses: Sight and Taste

Harry’s in a muggle bar drinking to Sirius’ honour on what would have been his birthday. Draco comes into the bar after a horrific blind date in need of a strong drink. Together they take on the cocktail menu and experiment with taste and sight.

 Crimson Neon by xanthippe74 / @xanthippe74​ (FIC) Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter

Senses: Smell

Winter, 1999. Harry thought going to New York would help him get his head on straight, but all he has to show for it are sore feet and a fridge full of takeaway containers. And now he’s homesick on top of everything else. It doesn’t help that his mysterious neighbour in 2C keeps cooking dishes that remind Harry of home and all the people he lost or left behind.

The familiar face behind the door of 2C is only the first surprise. As the bleak winter eases into spring, Harry discovers that happiness isn’t as out of reach as he thought… as long as he can find a way to hold onto it.

  another heart whispers back by slytherco / @slytherco (FIC & ART) Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter

Senses: Taste, touch, smell, sight, hearing

At twenty-five, Harry Potter is still a virgin and sorely lacking in options to change that state anytime soon. To help him find a plus one for Ron and Hermione’s wedding, and maybe kill two birds with one stone, Harry’s friends set him up on a series of blind dates. The only problem is, there’s something not quite right with each of their candidates.

“Every heart sings a song, incomplete, until another heart whispers back. Those who wish to sing always find a song. At the touch of a lover, everyone becomes a poet.” ― Plato

In which Harry learns that some things are worth waiting for, that looking and seeing are two very different things, and that his heart’s song has been heard a long time ago.

  Sun Stroke by peachpety / @peachpety​ (FIC) Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter

Senses: Touch

Draco, Harry, and a handful of friends take a summer holiday at the beach. With the help of a sultry sea setting, encouraging friends, and a fisherman's jumper, Harry and Draco's mutual attraction swells and things get hot on a salty summer night.

Every Inch Of You by Ladderofyears / @clemandben​ (FIC) Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter

Senses: Touch, Sight

When Draco returns after a year at the Koldovstoretz School in Russia he has gained some weight and now has quite a prominent belly. He feels shy about his new physique, but Harry thinks that his lover looks just as gorgeous as ever.

Cooling Down by prolix (shal) / @prolix- (FIC) Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter

Senses: Touch, Taste

Harry needs to relax. Draco needs to cool off. Together, with a little bit of ice, they manage to do just that.

 Your Music To Create by GayAFSlytherin  / @gayafslytherin (FIC) Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter

Senses: Touch and Hearing

Harry has taken up piano as a coping mechanism. However, he really wants to be part of a bigger group so he signs up to be the solo Pianist for an orchestra. What he doesn't know is that Draco is going to be the solo Cellist for the orchestra as well. They're both fascinated while watching the other play and, unexpectedly, by each other.

The Scent of You by tsundanire / @tsundanire​ (FIC) Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter

Senses: Smell

After a chance encounter leaves his new sense of smell reeling, Harry discovers that being a werewolf has more to offer than he'd ever imagined.

Espresso Patronum by tasteofshapes / @tasteofshapes​ (FIC) Draco Malfoy/Harry potter

Senses: Taste, Smell

When Draco reappears five years after the war and opens a wildly popular coffee shop, Harry’s pretty sure that Draco’s Up to Something. He just has to prove it.

Draco Malfoy/Hermione Granger

Royal Purple Polish by littymcgritty / @littymcgrittywrites​​ (FIC) Draco Malfoy/Hermione Granger

Senses: Hearing

Tell me, have I lost my mind again?

I get the feeling you might feel the same

Tell me you can feel that love, feel that love again

In which Draco and Hermione try love for a second time. Sort of.

All Tied Up by sunflower_swan / @sunflower-swan​ (FIC) Draco Malfoy/Hermione Granger

Senses: taste, touch, hearing, smell

It is Draco's birthday. Hermione has a (sexy) surprise planned, but he will have to wait to find out what it is.

nobody wants to hear you sing about tragedy by MissELY / @misselylux​ (FIC) Draco Malfoy/Hermione Granger

Senses: Hearing

Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger have a series of unpleasant, confusing, and electric encounters during the Death Eater trials after the war.

"And once again, for better or for worse, the sound of that voice is enough to fell her."

Limbic System by dirtymudblood / @dirty-mudblood​ (FIC) Draco Malfoy/Hermione Granger

Senses: Sight (and also smell)

There are very few things that are unexplainable. Quantum entanglement, antimatter, the Fermi Paradox to name a few.

Add to the list; Hermione Granger’s inability to orgasm.

Love is Blind by Aneiria / @aneiria-writes​ (FIC) Draco Malfoy/Hermione Granger

Senses: Sight

‘Draco, we need to talk about what happened,’ Hermione said now, placing a cup of tea next to her partner as he sat hunched over her kitchen table. She gently laid her hand over his, guiding him towards the handle so he could drink. ‘I have to complete our report for the DMLE.

Draco Malfoy grimaced and shook his head. ‘There’s really no need, Granger,’ he said, but she pushed on anyway. Draco had acted as bravely as any Gryffindor today, and she wanted to know why.

‘For all we knew, that curse could have been an Avada. You could have died, but you jumped in front of me without hesitation.’

‘Of course I bloody did; I’m your partner!’ he snapped back, looking in her direction with his sightless silver eyes. ‘That’s the first thing we were taught in Auror training, remember? Always have your partner’s back.’

Because Six Ate Seven by VexLonely / @vexlonely​ (FIC) Draco Malfoy/Hermione Granger

Senses: Sight

"Draco Malfoy had started gardening for stress relief, but looking down at his delicate failures, he seethed.

He had never seen Number Seven out in the garden, had never crossed their path in the posh St. Mungo’s housing where they lived. He blamed the wizarding world for enabling his antisocial tendencies. With a floo inside most apartment units and apparition at one’s fingertips, who needed to linger in a hallway?"

 sandalwood and gardenias by secondbutton / @kissingturians (FIC) Draco Malfoy/Hermione Granger

Senses: Smell

A balanced fragrance of sandalwood and something musky and earthy followed him like a shroud. Draco Malfoy smelled like a magical forest’s best kept secret. Like the moment following a storm when the sun peeks back over the clouds and living beings stop what they’re doing and pause to marvel at being able to roam outside again. It was a crisp top note with more robust undertones, and just a hint of sweetness. She thought she might love the scent if it lived on anyone else other than him.

Ginny Weasley/Luna Lovegood 

Fingers in her hair by Hypallepse / @hypallepse​ (FIC) Ginny Weasley/Luna Lovegood

Senses: Touch

Whenever Luna is having a nightmare, Ginny is here to take her in her arms and distract her by brushing and braiding her hair. But while Luna is reminded of her mother, Ginny thinks of something else entirely.

 Take a trip into my garden by sassybipotter / @sassybipotter (ART) Ginny Weasley/Luna Lovegood 

Senses: Touch, Sight

How do you announce your engagement to the world? By capturing the ethereal beauty of your fiancée and sharing it with the world.

Ginny Weasley/Pansy Parkinson

How to Pull a Publicity Stunt, and Everything in Between by @triggerlil​​ / triggerlil (ART/FIC) Ginny Weasley/Pansy Parkinson

Senses: Touch, sight, hearing, a bit of smell and taste

Ginny and Pansy live on the edge of the spotlight—constantly straddling the line between living private lives and being bonafide celebrity sensations—when they finally step into the spotlight, they decide to take full advantage of the attention.

a little chocolate now and then by Pineau_noir / @pineau-noir​​ (FIC) Ginny Weasley/Pansy Parkinson 

Senses: Taste, Touch

There are few things Pansy Parkinson holds dear, but first and foremost is her girlfriend, Ginny.

Harry Potter/Ronald Weasley

Sun Kissed by @static-abyss​ / static_abyss (FIC) Harry Potter/Ronald Weasley

Senses: touch, sight

Harry notices the freckles the first time they meet, the light dusting across Ron's face as he stands there in his maroon knitted jumper with the yellow R in the centre. If Harry didn't know any better, he'd swear he could trace the tendrils of a lightning bolt from Ron's nose down to his cheek. Something warm settles in Harry's chest at the knowledge that, perhaps, Ron carries a piece of Harry, no matter how unknowingly. It's proof of a connection between them, the first real tangible relationship Harry's ever had that is good and whole and wanted.

Harry Potter/Scorpius Malfoy

Underneath Your Clothes by Ladderofyears / @clemandben​ (FIC) Harry Potter/Scorpius Malfoy

Senses: Sight

When Scorpius wears a pair of very small, very lacy and very revealing pair of purple satin knickers to work, Head Auror Harry Potter is driven to near distraction.

Harry Potter/Severus Snape

These Scars We Bare by MiriMora / @mirimora (FIC) Harry Potter/Severus Snape 

Senses: Sight

Harry is a photographer by profession, and he's working on a new series to be revealed in the fall. He has one last subject that he'd love to capture for his series highlighting the brave individuals who bear scars from the Wizarding World's two wars with Voldemort, but he's pretty sure he's going to have some convincing to do if Severus Snape is ever going to agree to step in front of his camera, even if they are friends now. Further complicating matters, he's also harboring some unrequited feelings for the prickly Potions Master. Or so he thinks…

 Hermione Granger/Severus Snape

Vanishing Inside Us by @dwell-on-dreams / HogwartsToAlexandria (FIC) Hermione Granger/Severus Snape

Senses: Sight, Hearing, Touch, Taste

Sometimes, the only thing that matters is how the other feels. And this time, Severus knows he has to show how he feels too, or it won’t work anymore than it did the first time around.

Hermione Granger/Sirius Black 

Lucky Dog by realjane / @thesuperjane​ (FIC) Hermione Granger/Sirius Black

Senses: Taste, Smell, Touch

Thanks to a new marriage initiative for the betterment of wizard-kind, SIrius Black finds himself wed to the woman of his dreams. He has no idea that she's been dreaming of him, too. Maybe this arranged marriage thing isn't so bad...

Lily Evans/Sirius Black

French Braid by heirblack (FIC) Lily Evans/Sirius Black

Senses: Touch and smell

A nice, relaxing, and lazy day in the Gryffindor dormitory leads into a bonding session over hair.

Narcissa Malfoy/Rabastan Lestrange

Memories That We Made Will Never Change by @malfoylestrange​ / Houseofmalfoy (FIC) Narcissa Malfoy/Rabastan Lestrange

Senses: Sight and touch

They fell in love in the midst of the first wizarding war, and when he went to Azkaban she moved on with her life and her family. Now he’s back,and the memories and regret that Rabastan Lestrange brings up in her are stronger than ever.

Remus Lupin/Sirius Black

would you just look at me by HogwartsToAlexandria / @dwell-on-dreams​ (FIC) Remus Lupin/Sirius Black

Senses: Sight, Touch 

Moony's been in a mood, and therefore isn't the best version of himself either lately, which is code for, 'Sirius is a mess when Remus won't talk to him' really.

Severus Snape/Sirius Black

your arms, around my lungs by HogwartsToAlexandria / @dwell-on-dreams​​ (FIC) Severus Snape/Sirius Black

Senses: Hearing, Touch

Even when they hate each other, even when they argue more than they talk, the sound of Sirius' regular breathing still brings Severus solace when the nightmares don't want to go away.

[succubusphan]

Le Roi -Chapter 1 (August 1780)

Summary: Daniel James Howell looked at himself in the lavish mirror in front of him. The intricately embroidered flowers in his clothes were mesmerizing. He wished he could stay in his suite and paint them, but he had been invited to Chateau Versailles for the celebration to honour the second birthday of Princess Marie Thérèse.

So far he had become popular among the french for his portraits of barely dressed women with mildly scandalous undertones. Lovers all across Paris had hired his services to immortalize the object of their desire for posterity, but Daniel wanted more.

Rating: M

Tags: Phil is Louis XVI, Strangers to Lovers, no heterosexuality to be seen, Artist Dan Howell, Versailles AU, Scandalous Court affairs, Some historical facts were alterated to fit the story but will hopefully be mentioned in the notes, Happy Ending meaning this do not end like they did historically. The rating is for the cheeky dash of smut I added.          

Word Count for this chapter: 2549 (Total 11374)

A/n: Written for the @phandomficfests christmas exchange for  @allthephils, one of my favourite authors and an amazing person. I hope you have enjoyed this story and it was what you were expecting. I realize this could have been so much longer but I couldn't possibly write all the intricacies the story deserves so I stuck to the main characters.

A Million thanks to my amazing Beta @thoughtathought who really tackled this fic and really brought it to life (especially for suggesting I add that scene).

Read on ao3

Daniel James Howell looked at himself in the lavish mirror in front of him. The intricately embroidered flowers in his clothes were mesmerizing. He wished he could stay in his suite and paint them, to immortalize their beauty, but he had been invited to Chateau Versailles for the celebration to honour the second birthday of Princess Marie Thérèse. It was a singular opportunity to mingle with the people of the king’s court and potentially gain a sponsorship. So far he had become popular among the french for his portraits of barely dressed women with mildly scandalous undertones, emphasising their gentle beauty. Lovers all across Paris had hired his services to immortalize the object of their desire for posterity, but Daniel wanted more. He wanted to evolve with his art and a sponsorship would give him such liberties.

  The sound of the horses outside his home announced the arrival of his carriage. One of his clients had offered to take him there since it was a long ride and he didn’t own a carriage or horses himself. How he was going to return home was a matter of luck, but luck had been on his side since he’d decided to leave his home land for a brighter future away from his family - from his obligations. It wouldn’t be hard to chat his way into someone’s carriage if the need arose. He shook his head and headed to the door, grabbing a small art piece he had created for the princess rooms if the King and Queen so wished it. 

  Daniel got in the carriage and kissed the hand of madame d'Harcourt. The trip was amicable albeit a bit boring since it took five hours to get to the Château de Versailles through a muddy road deep into the woods. The afternoon was spent discussing the history of the place they were going to. According to madame, Louis XIII had received the lands from a noble family as a gift since he loved to go hunting there and it had all started with a small hunting lodge, and three generations after, it kept growing and growing to accommodate the necessities of the royal family and the court. 

  Upon noticing his nervous state the closer they got to the destination, madame d'Harcourt asked him what was wrong and Daniel stumbled over his words to explain that he was unsure of the court manners. Thankfully, he received a lesson on the basics and madame assured him that she would stay close by to help, if needed. 

  Daniel got out of the carriage with as much grace as he could muster and extended his hand to assist his companion, who readily took it with a gentle smile. “Mercie,” she nodded at him, her posture changing completely. It was time to put on a show.

  They entered the Palace and followed the rest of the guests into what madame informed him was the “Hall of Mirrors.” Daniel nodded and did his best to control his expression. The sheer amount of gold in every corner, the chandeliers, the exquisite decorations, and all the art pieces adorning the ceiling made his heart beat faster; he felt his soul ascend, maybe he was entering a special King of heaven on earth. 

  The night was going splendidly. Daniel managed to converse with various people, mostly ladies, who were very interested in his art pieces. It seemed that compliments from satisfied noble ladies had been heard all around France. It was a hushed murmur of course, given the nature of his most popular works, but it was something nonetheless. 

  “Excuse me, monsieur Howell?” Daniel heard someone say behind him as he saw the eyes of madame d'Harcourt go very wide before she bowed and took a step back. He turned around only to be met by the Queen herself, already extending her hand to be kissed, with a small smile upon her lips. He nodded, before bowing and placing what he hoped was a respectful kiss on her hand. “Oui, your majesty. It is an honour to finally meet you.”

  Marie Antoinette’s smile widened and gestured to the lady standing not quite beside her - given the width of the queen’s dress. “This is my lady in waiting, mademoiselle Campan.”

  “My lady,” Daniel said with a small bow. He looked between the two women unsure of how to continue without making a fool of himself.

  “It’s wonderful to finally meet you, monsieur Howell,” mademoiselle Campan said with a smile that did very little to hide what was going through her mind.

  “She’s quite a fan of your work and has spoken very highly of you and the way you depict the female form, so I had to request you come and ask you to do a portrait of me. Would you be interested?”

  Daniel blushed furiously, knowing that the Queen herself had seen or at least heard of how he tended to paint women in various states of undress and wished to be potentially immortalized in such conditions. Briefly gaping at her, he answered: “I would be honoured, your majesty.” 

  The Queen smiled widely and looked at Mademoiselle Campan, who merely smirked at her. Daniel tried not to visibly frown but he could sense that he was missing something in the silent conversation of the ladies. 

  A voice pulled Daniel from his musings. “Will you introduce me to your friend, my dear?” 

  Daniel turned to his right and almost felt his knees go weak as his eyes met with the bluest eyes he had ever seen, even those of the queen. The King had an unprecedented beauty, his high cheekbones, strong jaw and arched eyebrows gave him an angelic aura. Of course the layers upon layers of lace and silks and the puffy wig made him stand out even more, but if Daniel’s calculations were correct, they were of similar height and built. 

  “Of course. This is monsieur Howell, the artist I mentioned recently.”

  Realizing he was staring, he bowed. “Your majesty.”

  “Oh wonderful, wonderful. Will you be making a portrait of me for my bed chamber?” The king asked.

  Daniel’s eyes widened. “I- I- her majesty the Queen has requested a portrait of herself, would you like one of you as well?”

  “Of course! It would be easier if you just joined the court and moved here, wouldn’t you think so? I’m afraid the ladies have been talking and we would keep you quite occupied.”

  “That’s - I’m honoured. I…”

  “Philippe! You have scared the young man! He came to enjoy a party and you ask him to move in!” The Queen laughed.

  The King laughed. “Perhaps you are right, my apologies monsieur Howell.” 

  “No, please - there’s nothing to forgive. I apologize.” Daniel felt himself blushing. 

  Philippe smiled. “Very well. Would you walk with me?”

  “Of course, your majesty.”

  King Philippe bowed to Marie Antoinette and mademoiselle Campan before turning on his heels and walking away; Daniel bowed to the ladies as well and followed him, his eyes lingering in awe at the various paintings and statues displayed in the two following rooms.

  Once they were alone, Philippe slowed his pace, waiting for him to catch up. “My apologies, I really needed to find some peace and quiet.” 

  Daniel was shocked that the royals knew his art, that they had dared speak to him, and above all, that they behaved like normal people. The night had not gone as expected. “Of course, I assume having so many people around all the time must be hard.”

  “It is, but I do love Versailles. I can usually have some private time after I’m done with my state affairs and I walk through the gardens or read a book in my rooms. That’s why the Queen and I spend so much time and energy in decorating and making our rooms more suited to us than those who used them before us; it is our own little world away from everything and everyone.” 

  Daniel nodded. “I think I understand.” 

  “Wouldn’t you like to join the great artists who have created pieces for our home? Look around you, monsieur Howell, the kind of beauty you put into the world would fit right in.”

  “I would gladly create for you, but may I ask, is it really necessary that I move into the Palace?”

  “Well, I understand that you came from Paris, so unless you wish to travel ten hours a day and sleep in the carriage, it would be the most convenient. The amount and size of works we require would take you many months, possibly years to complete.”

  “Years?” Daniel’s eyes felt near to falling out of his skull.

  “They would be highly regarded and well paid, of course. We know that we are asking for quite a bit of work.”

  “I’m afraid that I can’t even consider it as an option, the amount of money that is required to abide by Versailles etiquette… I could never afford to live here. The cost of the fabrics alone would be my ruin.”

  The King stepped forward and held onto Daniel’s hands, his piercing eyes rooting him on the spot. “Monsieur Howell, I do not invite just anyone into my court. We know perfectly well what your situation is, but worry not about such small matters, only focus on what your heart desires, anything else will be taken care of.”

  Daniel lost himself in the eyes of the king, but before he could say something he would regret, he took a deep breath and answered. “I - I will think about it… if that’s acceptable, mon Roi.”

  Philippe smirked before squeezing Daniel’s hands lightly. “You amuse me, monsieur Howell. Not everyone has enough courage to keep the King waiting.” 

  “I -”

  Philippe raised his hand. “No, no. It’s perfectly fine. I will wait for your reply, which I hope will be satisfactory.” Philippe’s smirk widened and Daniel thought he saw the King of France staring at his lips as he licked his own but a second later Philippe let go of his hands and stepped back. “I trust that you can find your way back to the Hall of Mirrors by yourself, if you don’t mind, I would like to stay here for a while.”

  “Of course. Thank you, Sire.” Daniel bowed before making his way back.

  The rest of the night was spent dancing with madame d'Harcourt, eating and drinking copious amounts of champagne. By the time the sun was rising above the palace, Daniel and his friend were on their way back to her estate in Paris, deeply asleep in the carriage. 

  --

  The following weeks had Daniel lost deep in thought as he painted the first sight he had caught of Versailles, its golden gates and beautiful gardens leading to the Palace itself. He had a one time opportunity to change his life, to reach new heights but it would depend on the will of the King and his generosity. Would it be worth it? Or would it cost him everything? 

  He sighed and ran his brush on the leftover oil paints on his palette, gently mixing three colours into the perfect shade to add more highlights. It was not uncommon for Daniel to paint when he needed to make big decisions, it helped him clear his mind and relieve some of the tension.

  Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of his favourite work, a portrait of a beautiful young girl who had once been important in his life. It was during the creation of that piece that Daniel decided to renounce his family and move to France with little to no warning. For such a radical decision with incredibly important consequences, once his mind had been made up, there was no turning back. He’d needed a change, to turn his life around and make it his own, and by god, he had done it. He didn’t regret it, not a single day. 

   Perhaps it was time for another change.

  --

  When Daniel had to pack his belongings and leave his house behind, it was madame d'Harcourt who provided transportation once again. The queen had suggested this and invited the madame to spend a few days at Versailles with her and her friends. 

  Before they entered Versailles, madame d'Harcourt checked Daniel’s lace tie and straightened his robes. Satisfied with her work, she nodded. “You’ll fit right in. They’ll love you.”

  “Thank you,” Daniel said. Madame d'Harcourt had been a good friend, his only friend in fact, since he’d arrived at Paris, despite her occasionally overbearing maternal instincts. 

  --

  Daniel accompanied madame d'Harcourt to the Queen’s rooms and was invited in briefly so that Marie Antoinette and mademoiselle Campan could greet him and welcome him to Versailles. “We will give you a day’s rest to settle in, monsieur. Today I want to enjoy the afternoon with the ladies, but tomorrow we hope to start on my first portrait,” the Queen said with a smile. 

  No less than twenty ladies were listening to their conversation and murmuring. Some discretely admiring him from behind their white lace fans.

  “It will be an honour to capture your beauty and grace on canvas. I hope you deem my work worthy to be displayed.”

  “I am confident that I will. Good day.”

  Understanding that he was being dismissed, Daniel bowed. “Good day, your majesty.”

  --

  The following day, his first important commission started. The piece would be quite big, to be hung in one of the main halls of Versailles. Marie Antoinette would be depicted sitting with the princess on her lap. Given that portraying a very rambunctious two year old would take time, Daniel suggested that Marie Térèse would be in the room, getting used to their dynamic while he painted her mother and the background. 

  The princess enjoyed spending her afternoons with them, often sitting close to Daniel with her dolls and watching him paint. It was not unusual for the king to stop by every few days to check on the progress and occasionally stay a few minutes in between meetings. He gave Daniel quite a bit of his attention, which the Queen didn’t seem to care about except when he distracted Daniel. She would roll her eyes when he wasn’t looking and mention she was tired of holding the pose. The King would excuse himself shortly after and let them continue.

  Once the entire portrait was finished and dry, it was time to add Marie Térèse. Daniel had told her all about what they were about to do and she had seen the process with her eyes so she didn’t complain at all. She sat all her dolls beside Daniel so they could watch her being painted and went to her mother’s lap. 

  “You are so good, my darling. If you stay very still, maman will give you cake later for looking beautiful in the picture.”

  “Ohh! Beautiful like maman?”

  “Even more so, my love.”

  Completing the last bit of the portrait took several weeks; Daniel's work often interrupted by pretty birds and wandering puppies. The time they could keep the child sitting was limited and they didn’t want to push her. After all, Marie Térèse would spend many hours of her life posing for paintings. 

 Next Chapter

[encrucijada]

self-appreciation tag.

tagged by my babes @alicewestwater !

rules: it’s time to love yourselves! choose a few of your favorite works you created in the past year (fics, art, edits, etc.) and link them below to reflect on the amazing things you brought into the world in 2020.

it’s no lie i am just awful at finishing things. as of posting this i have once again decided to rework my previously main wip and have started a new wip. i tried to do nanowrimo and failed. have like 3 short stories that are just... halfway done. and who knows at what point in the future i will actually finish writing a book. Anyways.

¿QUÉ PASA, CALABAZA?

i can’t believe a story about a talking cat means so much to me. wait no. actually i can believe it. i hadn’t planned for media noche to be much but then i got way too attached to her character and so proceeded to write a prequel after i wrote this short story, which wasn’t as good but still. i can consider this the first honest-to-god short story i actually finished, which makes me extremely happy. what it really did for me was basically map out my writing process for me, helped me break it down to use later. i can write from a vague feeling, imagery and aesthetic and make it work!!! which for the way my brain works creatively is amazing. can’t believe thinking “story with black cats and pumpkins like over the garden wall??” turned into something. [ READ HERE ]

UNDERSIDE OF MY TONGUE

so much happened in 2020 i had completely forgotten i did escapril at all. and once it was over i compiled my flash fics/poems into a collection i titled “underside of my tongue” from a line in the first flash fic about hemera and eos. i explored creative formatting with escapril which is something i really enjoy and it really helped me write all 30 entries. i also wrote self-indulgently and (once again like with ¿qué pasa, calabaza?) from imagery instead of plot and it worked wonders for most flash fics. i say most because i definitely rushed some to be up to date. i used escapril to expand on the modern greek mythology universe that lives rent free in my brain, wrote apocalyptic new testament that caters specifically for me, and also made me realise how much i like fantasy body horror. more specifically botanic body horror. and now that escapril 2021 is coming i’m gonna use that opportunity to write another 30 flash fics and/or poems because... because i want to make chapbooks with them! [ READ HERE | TAG ]

SUNFLOWER

as i write this i haven’t finished writing this short story, but i’m going to, because it’s a gift for my cousin whose birthday is on the 17th. i have a thing for taking old stories or concepts or characters and reworking them to mold into my current writing style and that is Just what i did with this short story. the characters were barely characters and the story barely a story because it’s based on a game of pretend my cousin and i played when we were like 6yo. now i’ve turned it into a story on deniability. and of course sprinkled some fantasy body horror on top of it. depending on how it turns out i even want to try and submit it to lit magazines!! [ INTRO POST COMING SOON ]

MARIPAZ & THEO

character appreciation post! and writing partner appreciation. @lorybean and i created these characters last year which feels unreal. and they have turned into my comfort sandbox characters that went through an entire development arc in less than a year, and good for them! it’s hard to choose between my babies because i do love all the ships in my wips. but mari and theo are truly versatile and dynamic characters that can be put into nearly any scenario and not lose their attributes, and that’s amazing. in love with how they play off each other, also that they are a queer m/f couple of colour!! they are like real people in the way they interact with the world, with each other, and how their psyche works. they showed me the truth and now when people ask me if i perefer friends-to-lovers ot enemies-to-lovers i’m gonna say lovers-to-ex-to-lovers. [ A ONE-SHOT | TAG ]

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

my revamp of my first serious book attempt, fantasybane, finally has experiments i like for each character so i can actually write it (in theory)! i decided to rewrite the first “book” i wrote with my cousins at 11yo and now i have three girls who cried wolf, and the ship of iris x argyle which makes me oh so happy. the concept of somewhere in limbo that i share with @chaoticdecember . the his dark materials podcast i share with @maragraphs

tagging: @chayscribbles @cabuyas @magnoliaash @harehearts  @shapeshiftersandfire @mackerelgray @rossafabula @lasbrumas @semblanche - and idk who else but if anyone wants to do it consider yourself tagged!

[elderflowergin]

2020 Creator Wrap: Favorite Works

Rules: It’s time to love yourselves! Choose your 5 (or so) favorite works you created in the past year (fics, art, edits, etc.) and link them below to reflect on the amazing things you brought into the world in 2020. Tag as many writers/artists/etc. as you want (fan or original) so we can spread the love and link each other to awesome works!

Thanks for tagging me, @rain-hat! I am honoured. 

This has been a year. 

Before 2020 I’d never so much as gone beyond a paragraph of writing. I read a lot, lurked in fandoms, wrote bits and pieces that never coalesced, and tried my hand at poetry (I still cringe!) but I’d never finished a story. 

I posted a Hyena meta in April, which was just my way of getting something off my chest. From there, @thefeastandthefast, @my-randominterests, @nothingremainsunsaid and I had a great discussion about the show and things just exploded from there. @nothingremainsunsaid asked in a DM if I had a story lined up, and I was like, do I? I did not think I did. 

As it turns out, I did. I hunkered down and wrote my first story in June, and just...kept going. It’s been a throughline in a difficult, tumultuous year, made more tumultuous by the pandemic. 

This would not have been possible without the very lovely @thefeastandthefast. I couldn’t have asked for a better hype woman or cheerleader, and I would not have been anywhere near brave enough to hit the post button if not for her. 

I wrote like, 7 things in a microscopically tiny fandom, so picking 5 seems extreme. 

1. fingers laced together, T, 3634 words,  SBS Hyena

This is not the first thing I wrote, but it’s the one that flowed out the easiest. I also had the most fun with it, so regardless of its objective quality, I will always have a special place in my heart for it. I set myself little goals with the stories I write - consciously and otherwise - and in this one it was “how couple-y can I make these two look without them ever acting like a couple?” I live for that dynamic. It’s also the story that prompted the ongoing series I’m writing. 

2. but I linger on, dear, E, 8616 words,  SBS Hyena

I never planned to write a series, let alone a long-drawn out one about Geum-ja and Hee-jae splitting up and finding their way back together. I wanted a single story that was not supposed to exceed 3,000 words. Reader, she lied. She kept expanding, growing tentacles and insisting there was more story to tell. thefeast even christened her Squiddaughter. 

This was not the easiest story to write. I panicked at the idea of writing Hee-jae’s voice, which I’d never done before (despite writing an entire story about just him). I panicked about writing such a sad story. I panicked SO MUCH about the porn. There was just a lot of panic, but the breakthrough of settling on a voice and a mood felt so good. There was so much satisfaction in turning this one over to thefeast. 

3. low in the weeds, E, 4641, SBS Hyena

Oh, my eldest child! I knew nothing when I first wrote it. It’s my least favourite; looking back, I’m not entirely pleased with the voice and it seems uncertain to me. But if there’s anything I’ve learnt from this year, it’s to appreciate that I had to start somewhere. So I’m embracing her. And I feel grateful that I got the idea, that I wrote it, and that it resonated with some people. 

Tagging: @thefeastandthefast (on tumblr break, but I must!) @nothingremainsunsaid, @my-randominterests, @ryn-s, @beingjanee and any other creators who are reading this. No pressure! 

[lavender-lotion]

I was tagged by @lindstrom2020 for this! thank you <3

Rules: it’s time to love yourselves! choose your 5 (or so) favourite works you created in the past year (fics, art, edits, etc.) and link them below to reflect on the amazing things you brought to the world in 2020. tag as many writers/artists/etc. as you want (fan or original) so we can spread the love and link each other to awesome works!

this was really hard. i’ve posted quuuuuite a bit this year and... a lot of it i don’t totally remember?? to figure out what i wanted to showcase here, i looked through my 2020 posting schedule and... wow. it’s been a long year, huh?

1. (baby) maybe that matters more - Teen Wolf | Steter | Mature | 16,610 words

the reaction to this fic (the comments, the kudos, the acceptance) single-handedly ignited a drive for writing teen wolf content that i thought was going to be dead forever after a serious of bad experiences. there are still some work i know i’ll never work on again, but i am so exciting to fall back into a world that i loved for so long. i can’t wait to see where this specific fic takes me :)

2. and all i know now is without you i could never find my way - X-Men | Various | General - Explicit | 55,310 words

this series is kind of cheating because 1. it’s a series and 2. i technically started it december 26th, 2019 BUT the other 54k was all written this year! lonk verse is on this list because this is the first thing that i have EVER written that has... transcended myself. i have birth to this four person, crack family, and i’ve seen it grow it something bigger than that. like, not only have i written 55k of this family, other people have written variations of this family, too. that has been one of the most amazing things in the world. i have so, so many plans for the four main family members of this universe that i can’t wait to work on! 

3. to love and be loved by you | MCU | Bruce/Peter | Explicit | 62,688 words

this is a wip, which... is one of the reasons why i wasn’t sure if i wanted to include on this list. another reason was i wasn’t sure if i wanted to include this on this list is because the rough draft for this work was completed in 2019. the reason it’s on here is because i am massively impressed with myself for having a work this long - a work that isn’t even finished! before i posted the first chapter i decided to edit this work. well, that “edit” turned into an incredibly thorough rewrite, and now the first 6 chapters are longer than the entire work used to be.it is the longest thing on my ao3. i know it is going to surpass 100k. it is. the biggest work i have and im so excited to get back to it in 2021!

4. patience is a virtue (i'll reap what i've sewn) - Push (2009) | Nick/Cassie | Explicit | 3,573

as im writing this fic currently has 22 hits and a single comment but... i don’t really care, because it’s one of the first things i’ve written in months that i’ve loved. i loved writing this. i love the story and the concept and the characters i got to play with, and i truly love the finished piece. it made me want to write more, and since usually writing is such a frustrating process itching to be done, that was amazing.

5. take us, together, like the stroke of a bow - Glee | Hummelcest | Explicit | 13,365

i love this fic. it is undoubtedly one of the longest smut fics i have EVER written but beyond that... it grew into a sprawling verse (that i just haven’t written it). i got to thirst of Burt Hummel, by first fatherly crush, and i got to write all the dirty father/son feels i hadn’t had an outlet for since leaving teen wolf. it was really nice to brain storm, really nice to read, and it’s a universe i really like to think about! 

honourable mentions (listen, i post A LOT): Lav's Original Fiction - some of my first ever original fiction what is the self amid this blaze? - really sweet trans gal loving its waters hold the dark of death - do i need say anything more than thunder rangerscest? i’d gladly break my own heart if it meant being loved by you - a really fun project i worked on alongside a close friend whom i adore Date me? - very fun fic to write of a sweet rare pair a single lie discovered is enough to create doubt in every truth expressed - my first ever team tony fic!!!

I AM TAGGING: @midrashic, @flightinflame, @stronglyobsessed, @elledelajoie, @ireneadonovan, @tinaxpow, @leviice458, @wolfgeralt, 

[elesianne]

Favourite works of 2020

I was tagged by @houndsofvalinor-art and @alystraea, thank you!

Rules: It’s time to love yourselves! Choose your favourite works you created in the past year (fics, art, edits, etc.) and link them below to reflect on the amazing things you brought into the world in 2020. Tag as many writers/artists/etc. as you want (fan or original) so we can spread the love and link each other to awesome works!

I wrote and posted more in 2020 than during any year before and I do love pretty much all of the fics I finished (unloved works also tend to remain unposted, lol) so choosing works for this was difficult but here are 6+2 of my favourites from the 24 fics I finished in 2020.

1. is Ever-beloved, my exploration of Eldalótë/Edhellos's life from childhood to death, with a focus on her marriage to Angrod. It's a romance story, definitely, but in it I finally managed to cover in one fic all the tumultuous events that the members of the house of Finwë go through. Well, up to Dagor Bragollach, because [spoilers]. I enjoyed getting to know the house of Finarfin much better both through research into everything that HoME says about them and by developing Edhellos, Angrod, Aegnor and Orodreth's characterisations beyond quick mentions for the first time. I also enjoyed writing another quiet, gentle protagonist, showing the inner strength that such a character can have.

2. Of Míriel's line is the 'baby sequel' about Caranthir and Tuilindien having their first child. Romance, a bit of angst (courtesy of Caranthir's inherited fears about the dangers of child-bearing), tons of fluff, and family interactions – all my favourite things to write in one fic! Bits of this fic are from 2017, including the child's name, but most I wrote last year, and stitched all the little bits together – this fic is another one of my (many, many) Frankenstein's monsters…

3. Out of all the fics I wrote last year, I probably had the most pure fun writing Pink dress and high heels, suit and tie (AO3, Tumblr). I initially wrote it in bullet-points because 1) I was afraid I wouldn't be able to capture it in words fast enough (it was one of those fics that arrived in my brain fully formed and demanded, screaming, to be written down) and 2) because it felt so indulgent – being an AU of my own fic – that I didn't know if I'd find the nerve to post it. I found the nerve to make the changes to turn it into a proper little fic and post it, several people loved it which made me very happy, and I've been fighting the urge to write a sequel. Writing a modern AU for a change was fun, and I could finally use as many modern swearwords as I felt the characters' emotional state warranted!

4. In the sun, you (AO3; Tumblr) was my first attempt at writing about the Edain, and my second femslash. I'm proud that I managed to find a 'voice' for Haleth, and I enjoyed writing a… quiet story about strong emotions. I loved crafting the few, short, but very meaningful sentences that Haleth and Aeres say to each other.

5. In another world (AO3, Tumblr) was inspired by @houndsofvalinor-art's lovely art for the TRSB and is my attempt to give Aredhel a slightly kinder fate, at least for a little while. I liked exploring Aredhel and Celegorm's characters at this point in time and how they are together, and the nebulous borders of friendship and attraction and love, and the exceptions that people make for those they love.

6. Inspired by the line 'But it is said that released soon from Mandos, he went to Valinor and there dwells with Amárië' (HoME 11, Grey Annals) and by Rhapsody's digimanip for the TRSB, The faithful is the fic about Amárië and Finrod that I've been trying to write for years. It did not turn out quite as I expected or hoped but I like it anyway. I wanted to explore and build up Amárië – what did she do during the centuries that Finrod was gone? Surely not just sit and pine? – and Finrod after his death and re-embodiment – what does he now want, having lost much but also regained the chance for other things? – and how they renegotiate their relationship on new, perhaps more equal footing.

+1 About 95% of Your spirit calling out to mine was written during 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 (sigh) but that crucial last 5% I wrote in the first week of 2020 so I'll mention it here. It remains and will likely remain for a long time the fic I'm the proudest of. My novel-length elf romance! With many warts and weaknesses, but also a lot of good stuff and nice lines and even some worldbuilding (which I hate doing, lol).

+2 is a fic I've finished but haven't posted because there's a part missing in the Lothíriel/Éomer series before it: A queen's honour, about Lothíriel and Éomer's first serious argument. It has a different tone and attitudes than my fics usually do, and it's a small, neat little fic, and I look forward to posting it one day. A snippet can be read here.

I don't know if they've been tagged already but off the top of my head, I'll tag @arofili @absynthe--minded @cosmicgong @katarrinskey @alkarinqque @busymagpie @aamuusva @forth-eorlinga

Tumblr seems to be making some mentions and links invisible no matter what I try, grr! I hope they work anyway.