#guess I'll say thank you for lending me your life

[reblog-house]

Me when I added a song into my Spotify Likes weeks ago: I'm probably not gonna listen to it much. I only like the last half anyway.

Me, now, listening to it in its entirety on loop and having it stuck in my head for multiple days in a row: Yeah I may have miscalculated a bit.

[ken-dom]

Currently thinking about Jacob Palmer x fem reader going through a dry spell becoming more and more desperate for anything that he is willing to do anything to go home with you he’d get down on his knees and beg if you asked

Sorry for taking a billion years anon! Hope you’re still thinking about it 😩 personally, I can’t resist this. This lends itself so perfectly to pathetic Jacob, and I’m a sucker for making them pathetic 😈

What Jacob considers a dry spell wouldn’t be a very long period of time at all. Imagine him going home alone a few nights in a row, having failed at picking someone up. Then it turns into a couple of weeks and he's sad and horny...

NSFW, gn!reader

It’s happened before, it does from time to time, especially at the quieter times of year when the bars aren’t filled with potential matches for him.

But it’s not quiet right now. The bars are bustling, and he’s had plenty of chances. He just hasn’t actually managed to impress a single person he’s tried to chat up for almost a week.

And when going home alone bleeds into the second week, he wonders if he’s lost his charm, or his skill or — whatever that perfect combination of elements is that he’s spent years perfecting and has down to a fine art. Or, he thought he did.

He gives the bars a miss for a couple of nights. Maybe he’s just burnt out? But even his sex toys are boring him now, and the ache between his thighs is becoming unbearable. But he doesn't bother even trying tonight.

Laid in bed, lazily stroking his throbbing cock for the third night in a row, he feels a tear trickle down his cheek.

Enough is enough. Is this what he’s been reduced to? A sad, sobbing mess, jerking off alone on a Friday night?

He can't have that.

And so an hour later, he’s marching into the bar, the one he always starts at, and strides right up to you.

‘Hey,’ he nods, eyeing you. ‘You were here last week. You turned me down, remember?’

This time, he’s taking a more direct approach. He doesn’t have time to waste if he's going to change his luck.

‘Excuse me?’

‘I want you to come home with me,’ he says, plain, and then a little more seductive, 'I... I haven't stopped thinking about you.' It's a lie and you both know it.

‘No, thanks.’

‘A-alright. May I ask why?’ He might as well try and figure it out at the source since he’s dragged himself all the way here.

‘I don’t do one night stands. Not my thing. You seem very…’ your eyes drag up and down his body and he notices the way your lip curls at one side, ‘nice, but, no, thank you.’

They rarely do until they meet me, he thinks, but instead he says, ‘What if we don’t call it that?’

He turns to the bartender and gestures something, and you guess he must come here a lot because the man not only recognises him but immediately begins work on mixing two drinks.

Unfortunately, he’s so hot your general rule of no one night stands suddenly seems a stupid guideline to have placed on yourself. You begin to wonder, what if?

‘What are we supposed to call it then?’ you ask, with a sigh of resignation and a curiosity that slips though just enough to set excitement bubbling in his gut. ‘You won't call me after. I'll never see you again. Or, if I do, you'll pretend you don't know me. What can we call that?’

‘An adventure? Having fun? Whatever you want,’ he says eagerly, leaning in to follow up with a whisper. ‘One thing I can guarantee.’

‘And what would that be?’

‘Orgasms like you’ve never experienced.’ His voice has dropped low, breath hot against your ear, and your core clenches.

You didn't realise one night stands cared about a single orgasm let alone the plural. Fuck. You want him.

‘But I don’t even know your-’

‘Jacob.’ Wow that was too fast.

‘Okay, Jacob. Let’s say I come home with you. Hypothetically. What then?’

He’s never had to play desperate before, but your response to it is making his blood run hot. For the first time in his adult life he’s not sure what to say, dazed by his bodies reaction to you. Is he playing desperate or just plain pathetic? His cock twitches and he grips the edge of the bar, not going unnoticed by you.

The cocktails he ordered are placed on the bar in front of you and you turn to take yours, delighted at the taste. He has good taste. You could tell that a mile off, but feeling it against your tongue hits different.

‘Oh, this is good!’ you exclaim, wondering why he hasn’t picked up his drink. When you turn back, ready to accept his invitation after all, he’s not there.

Well, he is there. Just not where you left him.

He’s knelt at your feet, gazing up at you, and suddenly you understand the true meaning of the phrase puppy dog eyes. And it makes your heart race. You suddenly feel the need to slam him against a wall, strip him bare and watch him tremble.

‘I’ll do whatever you want me too,’ he promises. ‘Give you whatever you need. Thats what’ll happen if you come home with me.’

‘Anything?’ you ask, knees turning weak at how utterly needy he looks down there.

‘Anything.’

‘Let me get my coat.’

[makeitmingi]

Cause Baby You're My Muse [Chapter 50]

Genre: Romance, Idol!AU, Music, Slight angst

Pairing: Mingi x Reader (y/n)

Characters: Producer!Reader, IdolLyricist!Mingi, IdolProducer!Hongjoong, Idol!Seonghwa, Idol!Yunho, Idol!Wooyoung, Idol!San, Idol!Yeosang, Idol!Jongho, cameo(s) by other celebrities

Summary: You always preferred producing underground, having an unknown face and governed by your own rules. But when you start freelancing for idol groups, you say goodbye to your lone wolf lifestyle as you learn to work with idol producers and lyricists.

Word count: 3.3K

As comeback season right around the corner, you saw the boys a lot lesser. You dealt with whatever came at you on your own until it hit you that your worst fears came true.

You've grown dependent on them.

Having to grow up and take care of Haneul independently, you've always told yourself that you would never be dependent on anyone else. Because you lend yourself to heart break. It was too daunting to trust someone so much that you've built walls around yourself and your heart.

But these 8 boys made you lower your defenses. No one has ever been able to worm their way into your life so easily.

You never thought you were capable of loving another person like you love Mingi. You don't regret nor deny your feelings for Mingi but it still scared you. A part of you felt like you didn't deserve him.

RINGGGGG

The phone ringing on your desk made you jump, breaking your internal monologue. You cleared your throat and lower the volume of your music before answering the phone.

"INDIGO!"

"Don't YELL! My ear is right next to your mouth!" Hongjoong exclaimed.

"Now you're yelling, hyung." Jongho stated.

"Umm... Hello? Is everything okay?" You chuckled at how the boys just turned to arguing amongst themselves or more like Hongjoong scolding them, momentarily forgetting that you were on the other side of the line. But you were used to this.

"Yes, Indigo. Everything is fine, don't worry... Guys, can we get back to the reason we called Indigo? She's waiting for us and you're all just bickering like kids." Yunho got everyone's attention.

"This is why I should have just been the one to call her." Mingi voiced.

"Oh shush, Mingi. But Yunho is right. We want to invite you out for dinner tonight! We'll watch the music video release together." San explained.

"Music video release...?" You tilted your head, frowning in slight confusion. That was when you pulled open your calendar and looked at the date today.

"Dear Indigo. Did you forget that tonight is the music video release?" Yeosang chuckled.

"I... No! I remembered!" You grew flustered. With everything happening, you didn't even remember that today was the music video release day. It was so anticipated, the first time the song with made with Ateez would be put out there. You hated that this person threatening you that took away your excitement.

"It's okay, baby. We understand that you're busy with all your projects and deadlines now, it happens to the best of us. Yah! Stop making her feel bad." Mingi comforted.

"Aww, thanks, Mings." You giggled. Trust Mingi to always be on your side and protect you.

"You're just saying that because you're biased! You let her get away with everything." Wooyoung yelled.

"Of course, she's my girlfriend! If I don't protect her, who will? And I'm not the only one. Hongjoong hyung and Seonghwa hyung are Mr Big Brothers." Mingi argued.

"So I guess we'll see you tonight at the dorm?" You heard Seonghwa's voice through the bickering.

"Yes, Hwa. I'll see you all tonight." You replied.

"Baby, are you in the studio now? Is it a good time for me to drop by for a bit?" Mingi asked before you could hang up. You looked at the studio around you. It wasn't a good idea for Mingi or anyone to be in your studio now.

"Sorry, Mings. Today's schedule is quite packed. I've got back to back calls with clients for my projects then a meeting with Maddox after." You apologised.

"Nothing for you to apologise for, baby. I'll catch you around later then. If not, I'll see you tonight." Mingi assured.

"Okay before you guys start having your own little couple's conversation. I'm taking my phone back and cutting the call."

"I can just call her on my own phone..." Mingi said.

"DO THAT THEN!" Hongjoong yelled, ending the call, either on purpose or accidentally. You blinked in shock and picked up the phone to see that indeed, the call got cut.

The music video releasing tonight marked the start of comeback season, it also meant that the promotional showcase would be happening soon. And before you knew it, the boys would be actively promoting their new album across multiple platforms; music shows, radio appearance, variety shows, even overseas performances.

*DING DONG*

"Coming." You went to the door. You answered it by poking your head out first, in case it was one of the Ateez boys. But it was just Eden so you let him in.

"What's up?" You asked.

"Just wanted to come and see how you were doing. By the looks of it, you got things handled?" He said, looking around the studio space.

"Yeah. But I've been so caught up, I didn't even realise that the music video release was tonight. The boys just invited me over for dinner tonight and to watch the video release." You informed.

"That's good. You should enjoy it, Indigo. Forget all this for a bit, you know?" He chuckled.

"Don't worry, I will. It'll be nice to see what an idol's comeback season is like or at least, witness the start of it." You smiled. Eden nodded, patting your head. He was another person you were grateful for, not only helping you through this but also mentoring you.

"I'll see you at the promotional showcase. If you need help with the other stuff, let me know." He said. You nodded and bowed gratefully, walking him out.

'Hi baby, sorry Hongjoong hyung hung up on you just now. It was rude. But don't worry, Seonghwa hyung scolded him. - Mings'

'Hi, Mings. Don't worry about it, I'm used it. Not the hanging up part, the part about how you guys are utter chaos. Joong must have been driven up the wall by all of you. - Baby'

'They should have just let me invite you to dinner. There wouldn't be fighting over the phone then. - Mings'

'That wouldn't be fair. - Baby'

'Fair?! What fairness is there?! I'm the one dating you! We're a couple, a pair, our minds are linked. These things like inviting you for dinner is my DUTY! - Mings'

Even though fans like to tease Mingi over how possessive he is of his best friend, Yunho, you always thought it was adorable when he acted like that. He would have this little pout when he tells you how upset or jealous he is. And of course, he was rather dramatic, as if you've betrayed an entire kingdom.

'Okay okay, Mr Jealous Pants. I swear, you're just as possessive as Wooyoung. - Baby'

'I'm not going to let you shame me for being possessive over my girlfriend. That's a priviledge of being a couple. And don't compare me to Wooyoung. - Mings'

'Alright, I have to go. I'll text you later. I love you. - Baby'

'Work hard, baby! I love you too. Knowing that I'll be thinking of you. ;) - Mings'

You couldn't help but laugh at how cheesy he was. Mingi liked to play things cool but he was an absolute cheesy goofball around you. It was the real, honest side of him that only you saw.

"Indigo? You free to start our session early?" Jongho appeared outside your studio.

"Sure. Let me get my stuff and I'll meet you in the recording studio." You told him. He nodded and walked to the recording studio. Even Jongho and Seonghwa didn't know the current state of the studio, you didn't want to bother them with it.

"Sorry, I was busy with some calls from other project partners and forgot we're even meeting today." You laughed as you entered and sat down at the table, setting up the system.

"No worries. Take your time." He smiled. While you got ready, Jongho warmed up his vocals behind you.

Jongho offered to help you record some guide vocals for some draft tracks that you have and of course you weren't going to say no.

"Are you sure you have time to do this? You know, with the comeback and all." You asked, facing the screen as you pulled up your notes and composing softwares.

"It's all good. This is under my comeback schedule." He chuckled.

"Sure..." You turned around with a raised eyebrow. When you were ready, Jongho went to the recording booth.

"Ah, ah, ah. Can you hear me?" He spoke into the mic as he put on the headphones, adjusting the volume of the audio that was being fed through.

"Loud and clear." You pressed the button and spoke into your own mic. Jongho sang a tester line to get his starting pitch right. When he was ready, he gave the thumbs up and you played the music. You watched him recording, holding his phone up to refer to the lyrics that he wrote for the guide.

"Sorry, let's go again." He stopped singing to apologise, the track still playing behind him.

"No worries. No need to rush through. Take it slow." You told him upon stopping the music to replay it for him again. Jongho's vocals were so strong, you were honoured to be able to work with him.

"I'll record the chorus again, please." He requested, taking a drink of water as he waited for you to play just the chorus for him.

"Counting into the chorus." You said.

"That's a great one. Take a few minutes and let me know which track you want to do next." You told him.

You worked with Jongho for a few hours, it was a very productive session with Jongho's professionalism and keen ears. Even after the recording was done, he sat with you and was able to offer some advice on what to change.

"Thanks again for today." You patted his shoulder as you both stood outside the recording studio.

"No need to. I had fun. So I guess I'll see you tonight?" He tilted his head. You nodded with a smile and waved to him before you both parted ways.

"Oh, Hwa." You were shocked the see the male standing by your studio door.

"Hey. Did you just come from a meeting?" He smiled, pushing himself off the wall to wrap an arm around you.

"Uh, yeah. Just some guide recording with Jongho." You told him. Seonghwa already noticed the way you suddenly grew nervous but made no attempt to open your studio door.

"So... what's up?" You asked him.

"We've been busy preparing for the comeback and haven't been able to see how you've been doing. Or at least physically visit you. So since I have some free time and I was in the building, I wanted to check in and see if everything is okay. Is now not a good time?" He asked, his expression softening.

"Sorry... But rest assured, I'm fine. Just been busy with everything else." You reassured him. Seonghwa guessed your apology was referring to it wasn't a 'good time' now.

"Don't apologise. I'm glad you're doing okay, at least. Make sure you eat your meals and get some sleep." He patted your head.

"I will. I just..." You chewed on your bottom lip.

"No need to explain yourself to me. I understand." He smiled softly, making you let out a soft sigh of relief. No one should see the state of your studio now.

"I'll see you tonight at the dorm then." He said. You nodded and gave him a brief hug.

Once Seonghwa left, you entered your studio, making sure to lock the door behind you. You sat back at your desk, opening your laptop to start working on the guide vocals Jongho just recorded, distracting you from the moving boxes that sat around you.

-

"There she is." Yunho grinned, seeing you rush out of the lift and into the basement carpark. You waved, knowing they wouldn't be able to see you smile with your mask on.

"Hi, Yuyu." You hugged him. He patted your head and held your bag for you while you climbed into the van.

"Thanks for waiting." You said, removing your mask once the van door was closed.

"We didn't wait long. We just ended too." San assured, moving to the back so you could sit next to Mingi, who had his headphones on. You sat between him and Yunho.

"Hi." Mingi whispered. Since he couldn't kiss you, he slipped an arm around your waist, softly squeezing your hip to show you affection.

"Hey, how was work?" You asked.

"Good. The work out was tiring but we need to build stamina and endurance for the comeback." He replied. You nodded, knowing that all the boys have been working hard in the gym. Throughout the drive, you chatted with Yunho and San about how they have been too since it's been a while.

"Well, your new skincare routine must be working out well because you're glowing, Sannie." You giggled.

"I am? Thank you." San blushed slightly, hands coming up to touch his cheek. Mingi's arm remaind around your waist securely but he was more focused on listening to his music.

"Actually, now that I think about it, we've never seen you dance before, Indigo. Even in informal settings." Yunho pointed out.

"Why would you suddenly bring that up? And I'll have you know, you have never seen me dance because I have two left feet. I suck at dancing." You sighed.

"Really?" San blinked.

"Haneul can tell you all about it. She's always making fun of my dancing." You rolled your eyes.

"Maybe you need a dance lesson. I'll give you a free dance lesson any time you like." Yunho winked. That made Mingi clear his throat really loudly, glaring at his best friend for flirting with his girlfriend right in front of him.

"Thanks but I have no intention of being a dancer. I'll stick to being behind the scenes, producing in my studio, in front of my computer." You chuckled.

When the van pulled up, the manager let you all get out of the van. Mingi wordlessly took your bag and slung it over his shoulder.

"We're home!" San and Yunho announced as you all removed your shoes at the entrance of the dorm.

"Finally. I've been waiting to do this." Mingi wrapped his arms around your waist, drawing you in so he could kiss you. You giggled into the kiss, hands moving to hold his biceps.

"I've missed you, baby." He stroked his head.

"I've missed you too." You smiled fondly at him, tip toeing to plant another kiss on his cheek.

"I missed you the most!" Wooyoung exclaimed as he came over, scooping you up and spinning you around. You burst out laughing as Mingi yelled at Wooyoung for stealing you. With one hand on either side of your face, he aggressively pressed a kiss to your cheek with a loud smack.

"Jung Wooyoung!" Mingi yelled.

"Joongie!" You went to hug the captain, who was standing by the kitchen. He smiled at you and wrapped his arms around you, patting your lower back lovingly.

"How have you been?" He asked, patting your head.

"Good. You've lost weight." You pouted, feeling how small his waist has gotten since you've last hugged him.

"Hi, Yeosangie." You greeted. Yeosang smiled through his wet bangs, having just stepped out of the shower. He wrapped an arm around you to pull you in for a hug.

"We've missed you being around." He chuckled.

"I miss all of you too." You said as he ruffled your hair. Since you were in a hoodie and sweats, you momentarily went to Mingi's room to change into lighter clothes. You stole onto of Mingi's shirts to wear instead. Just as you pulled the shirt down, someone came in.

"Relax, it's just me." Mingi said when you turned around quickly to see who had come in.

"You should still knock when you know I'm changing." You crossed your arms and raised an eyebrow at him. Mingi's hands came to rest at your hips.

"I really missed you. I'm glad you're here." He pressed his lips to your forehead. When he pulled away, you leaned against him.

"Even though we live in the same building, our schedules still take us away from each other." You chuckled.

"Mhmm, it's gonna get harder as comeback season begins." He said, one hand coming up to rub your back as he held you to his body. You bunched the material of his shirt.

"But we'll be okay." He whispered, kissing the crown of your head.

"You two have 5 minutes to come out or I'm going in, and you wouldn't want me going in there especially since I haven't even greeted my daughter yet." You two heard Seonghwa knocking the door. Seonghwa was lying, acting like you didn't have the exchange with him earlier today outside your studio.

"Alright, we're coming!" You giggled. Mingi grasped your hand as you pulled away and left him to the door. Seonghwa opened his arms to hug you. He patted your head like Hongjoong did.

"Have you been well? Taking care of yourself and eating meals?" He asked. You nodded your head.

"Good." He praised. You and Mingi walked to the living room area to see everyone bringing the multiple plates of food out.

"Wow. That's a lot of food." You said.

"We never have enough food." Jongho scoffed, making you laugh. You momentarily let go of Mingi's hand to help Yeosang bring the eating plates and cutlery out.

Mingi stared at the hand that you just let go of, why did it suddenly feel weird when you hand slipped away from his? A heavy feeling settled in his chest. Mingi didn't understand it. His hand felt so empty and cold that he clenched it.

"Mingi hyung, are you okay?" Jongho asked, noticing the taller just stand there, staring at his hand weirdly. Mingi nodded his head. At Jongho's question, you lifted your head to see Mingi walking away.

"Where's he going?" You came to the maknae. He shrugged and you followed where Mingi left.

"Mings?" You knocked on the bathroom door. The lock clicked and you let yourself in. Mingi leaned against the sink.

"You okay?" You frowned in concern.

"Yeah, I'm fine, baby. I just spaced out for a moment and needed to wash my face." He said. You stood between his legs as his arms circled around you.

"Are you not feeling well?" You tried to touch his forehead but he avoided your hands, instead leaning down to press his eyes against your shoulder. It was silent and all you could hear was Mingi's slightly heavy breathing right by your ear. Your hands came up to brush the hair at the back of his neck.

"Are you tired? You can sleep if you want." You spoke softly. He shook his head.

"I'm fine. I just wanted to hold you." He mumbled. You let out a hum, giving him as much time as he needed. When he was ready, you both went out to join the others at the table.

"The countdown!" Wooyoung cheered excitedly as you all looked at the Youtube countdown on the screen.

"Turn the volume up." Hongjoong said to Seonghwa, who had the remote. You held Mingi's hand, squeezing it nervously. Even if you didn't appear in the music video, you felt the nerves in your stomach.

"Don't be nervous." He comforted.

"You're nervous? Don't be! The song is great, ATINY will love it for sure." Seonghwa added after hearing Mingi comfort you.

"Shh, it's starting!" San hushed everyone. This was the first time you were watching the video after all the editing. You were offered a chance to watch it by the video production team after the cut and editing but you had declined.

As the video started, you cast glances at the 8 boys around you, their eyes glued to the screen with anticipation and excitement. You couldn't help but smile sadly, knowing you'll miss this.

~

Series Masterlist

[carlos-in-glasses]

The Notorious C-I-G

💌 🍄 📚 🏜️ 🐝 (you don’t have to answer this one if you don’t want, I already know it’s me 🤭)

Lemon...right?

💌 ⇢ how many unread emails do you have right now?

Darn you for making me look! 248!

🍄 ⇢ share a head canon for one of your favourite ships or pairings

Answered this one here and here but here is another: After Andrea met TK and really started opening up her heart and mind to Carlos being gay and in love with another man, she began seeking out queer art, books, shows, so she could learn more about the community her son is a part of. Carlos recommends and lends her things! I touch on this in my fic Wrestling Angels.

📚 ⇢ what’s the last thing you wrote down in your notes app?

I didn't have to say anything. He knew I was shaking.

🏜️ ⇢ what’s your favourite type of comment to receive on your work?

I love it when an aspect or overall theme leads a reader to discuss something and it gets a bit more personal and chatty. Fire Island and Sweet Dreams and Flying Machines led to comments in which people shared their memories and feelings about the AIDS crisis and about 9/11 respectively. I guess it makes it seem like the fic has a bit more 'social impact' in a way. It's quite amazing when that happens.

🐝 ⇢ tag your biggest supporter(s) and say one nice thing about them

Haha @lemonlyman-dotcom... right? You have been so supportive and friendly from the beginning - the beginning being pre-tumblr when you were leaving such lovely comments on my fics. When I saw you'd set up your tumblr I was so happy to be able to interact with you on here too. And now look!

And @thisbuildinghasfeelings - you were one of the first people I spoke to on here and your kindness and enthusiasm not just towards my writing is just incredible and I feel very lucky you're here.

@heartstringsduet your comment on Afterglow of a Supernova basically changed my life in that it made me instantly more confident in my writing, like it represented a turning point in how I felt about it, and you've always been in my corner. And you've made art for my fics???!!!

@goodways you have been so lovely about my fics I feel like I can never thank you enough and your comments always make me laugh and make me think. Your feedback always means the world to me.

@herefortarlos your enthusiasm for my fics, all fics and this fandom is a thing of beauty and so inspiring.

@welcometololaland you were one of the first people to ever tag me in anything and I remember it vividly because I couldn't believe it haha. Your comments are always so hilarious and make me feel like I've done something right, and without you I wouldn't have written I Was Thinking About Your Mouth, so I am forever grateful for that and for you being such a good sounding board when I complain about work!

@cold-blooded-jelly-doughnut mate, you are divine and the fact that you spend any time beta'ing my fics when they are still kinda hot messes is wild to me. Thank you as well for your kindness and generosity!

@im-overstimulated-and-im-sad you are a delight and your comments are like a balm to my soul!

@reyesstrand Also from really early on you were leaving such encouraging comments on my fics and including me in WIP tags and things and I'm so grateful and forever awestruck.

@paperstorm I always cherish in particular how incredible you were about Fire Island (and When Soulmates Swim recently!), and how you helped so much in my hour of need when the whole scary situation around Afterglow of a Supernova happened. Thank you!

There are other people too of course but I worry I'm banging on a bit too much like I'm at the Oscars and the music is going to play over me talking so I just want to wrap up by saying thank you to everyone who has read my fics and commented and left kudos - I've said it before and I'll say it again, it really does blow me away that you're giving your precious free time to my stories in that way.

[punsmaster69]

19/OCT/20XX

at some ungodly hour, i woke up on the couch, papyrus sitting beside me.

i tried to get to the kitchen and snag something from the fridge without waking him, but he hopped up the second i set foot in the kitchen.

"...'sup, paps. sorry to wake you."

"HOW ARE YOU FEELING?"

"i'm good. pretty hungry, though."

"I'M GOING TO TAKE IT THAT YOUR LACK OF PUPILS IS.. NOT INTENTIONAL."

"...what?"

"they're gone?"

closed, open.

open, closed.

"nothing?"

"THEY'RE STILL GONE."

"..literally knocked my lights out, huh? weird."

"CAN YOU SEE ALRIGHT?"

"vision's the same."

in the light of the fridge, i could see him anxiously fidgeting.

"i feel fine, so you should go back to sleep."

"just gonna eat and then.."

"..well. can't say i'm very tired anymore, so i guess i'll just hang out. watch tv or something."

"I.."

"I'M NOT TIRED, EITHER!"

"..SO, I'LL ALSO JUST HAVE TO 'HANG OUT' ."

"ok. you want me to grab you anything while i'm here?"

he shook his head.

paps quietly observed me the whole time, but i don't know what for.

kept opening his phone, typing to someone.

"who else is up at this hour to be responding to you?"

"ALPHYS HAS YET TO FALL ASLEEP."

"wanna see if she wants to hang out too? that way we can all be nighttime losers together."

"..EXCLUDING THE LOSERS PART, A SLEEPLESS SLEEPOVER SOUNDS HELPFUL!"

"helpful?"

"FUN. I MEANT FUN."

——

"heya."

"Hey-"

"EEK!!"

"Wh-why are your eyes off?!"

"dunno. woke up with 'em stuck."

"HELLO ALPHYS!"

"Hi, Papyrus."

they exchanged a series of looks whose meanings were lost on me.

"..so whenever you're done with the staring contest, there's blankets here for you, alphys.

"Oh- um, yeah. S-sorry. Thanks, Sans."

——

"ARE THERE REALLY BEINGS UP THERE IN THE SKY??"

"This is show is (very) fake, Papyrus."

"REALLY?"

"what, you don't believe in aliens?"

"I do! What I 𝗱𝗼𝗻'𝘁 believe is that they'd visit Earth to draw circles in farmland and steal cows."

"WHY WOULD THEY NEED SO MANY?"

"Exactly!"

"Totally ridiculous."

"maybe they wanna make their own farm."

"But why the crop circles?"

"i'm not one to judge someone's artistic medium."

"What meaning do those hold??"

"PERHAPS THEY ARE SUGGESTING THAT LIFE IS BUT A CIRCLE THAT LOOPS ENDLESSLY."

"........."

"that's crazy talk."

"YEAH, YOU'RE RIGHT."

"CIRCLES ARE PROBABLY JUST THEIR FAVORITE SHAPE!"

"I guess that could be true."

"Still, weird place for it."

"maybe they buried treasure."

"THAT'S CRAZY TALK, TOO!!"

"All of this is crazy to begin with."

"true."

——

tori called me, hearing from papyrus that i was awake now.

we got off-topic quickly.

"i think my shirt has a hole in it."

"Would you like for me to lend you another one?"

"...i'll just sew it at some point."

"Hehe, okay. If you say so."

"What a shame, I was looking forward to finding the most embarrassing thing in my closet for you."

"the previous time was intentional?"

"..No! I do not know why you would ever think that."

"i feel less bad about that skeleton-hand shirt, now."

"What a shame it is for you, that I like it so much."

"I have been wearing it to bed as pajamas, since it is not quite appropriate for my little ones to see."

"probably for the best."

if flowey saw it.. my cause of death might suddenly change from 'unknown illness' to 'botany accident'.

"You are sounding a lot less drained today."

"Are you feeling better now?"

"yeah, way better."

"I am glad to hear that."

"Is your eye feeling better, as well?"

"they, uh, don't hurt, anymore...?"

"But, something is different?"

"....."

"nah. they're all good."

"Sans..."

"...."

"If they are 'all good' as you say, you would not mind turning on your camera, would you?"

i stared at the enable camera button on my phone.

it stared back.

"i'm.."

"naked."

"totally bones out-"

"Sans."

"ribs in the open air-"

"𝘚𝘢𝘯𝘴."

"You mentioned your shirt a mere moment ago."

"So unless simply talking to me over the phone was enough to make you strip..."

"Please show me your eyes."

damn it.

"...Please, uncover the camera."

"it's not covered. must be broken."

".........."

the disappointment was loud. i slid my finger off the camera.

"it-"

"this doesn't hurt, at all."

"my sight still works, and-"

"Does that not hinder your ability to express emotion?"

"like i did much of that."

"Sans, a monster's ability to express themselves is one of the most important things they could lose."

"they'll come back. i'll survive without 'em for a while."

"Have you tried doing it manually?"

"like...?"

"Can you use magic to return your pupils?"

"i-"

"Please, just try."

"....ok."

𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗸,

....

𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗸.

"......"

"anything?"

"Yes!"

"..huh."

had a slight ache in my skull before, but it felt like it got a little better all of a sudden.

"Without your pupils, you have quite the threatening energy about you."

"oh. ..yeah."

"It is nice to see your expressions again!"

"...."

"guess i'll keep doing this, then."

"There is nothing else I should be concerned about, is there?"

"that's it."

"It is easier to tell whether you are being truthful or not!"

"nevermind. i'm turning 'em off."

"Do not!"

"don't need an automatic lie detector on my face."

"It is so nice to see you look my way."

"..if you turned on your camera, i'd have more to look at."

".....Then, give me just a moment."

after about a minute, she returned.

"I apologize. I had to find some pants."

"n-"

"no worries."

tori turned on her camera.

i waited in anticipation as it loaded.

her fur was slightly ruffled, which she also said sorry for.

"I hope you do not mind too much."

"not- not at all. it's cu-"

"uh, looks. looks good."

"You are also looking good, for a skeleton sitting in bed right now."

"thanks. guess that's why they call it beauty sleep."

"It must be!"

——

she stared at me intently, as if trying to memorize my features.

"you're not gonna forget me that quickly, right?"

"Forgetting you would not be easy. I simply wish to have your image as fresh as possible in my mind."

"..You cannot stare back!"

"why not?"

"I am appreciating your candid face."

"...it's hard to stay that way when you're looking at me like that."

tori leaned even closer to the phone.

i covered the camera.

"Awww."

"I suppose I should go back to sleep now, anyway."

"Good night, Sans."

"goodnight, tori."

"....."

"I care for you very much. Please be safe."

"i ..care for you, too."

i stared at the blank phone screen for a while, replaying the call in my mind.

my soul felt like it was gonna jump out of my chest.

eventually gathering myself, i reentered the living room to join papyrus and alphys.

[pawsometoons]

GUESS I'LL SAY THANK YOU FOR LENDING ME YOUR LIFE!~

[detective-piplup]

And I'm baffled why you choose to stay with me You're completely free, yet you refuse to leave In the face of anger, you say, "Patience before pride" While you're feeling dead inside, I'm so alive And it's all thanks to you that I survived Guess I'll say thank you for lending me your life

[somewhereapart]

20 Questions for Fic Writers

Thank you for tagging me @revolutionsoftheheart! 💋

1. How many works do you have on AO3?

230

2. What's your total AO3 word count? 1,851,307

3. What fandoms do you write for?

Currently: SVU (EO), MCU/Marvel (Steggy), Once Upon a Time (OQ) (shut up, i'm calling it current bc I intend to continue, I've just been taking a little break....)

Over the course of my fandom life: Battlestar Galactica (Lee/Kara), Private Practice (Charlotte/Cooper), CSI:Miami (Calleigh/Eric), and if you count all the writing I did in notebooks during my teenage years Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel: The Series (Buffy/Angel, Buffy/Spike, Angel/Darla).

4. What are your top five fics by kudos?

Couches (SVU)

Breaking In (Once Upon a Time) (** This one would absolutely have the top spot if the OQ fandom had made the shift to Ao3 sooner. Baker's Dozen would probably be in the top 5 as well, so... honorable mention. lol)

Lip Service (SVU)

Convalescence (SVU)

Mistakes Were Made (SVU)

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

I used to respond to every single comment, years and years ago. Now I am terrible at responding to comments, for a number of reasons. 1) I just don't have the spoons I used to have, and oftentimes I will start out replying to all the comments and then the day will pass and the next day I maybe don't have the time/energy for it, and then I worry people will think I'm intentionally ignoring their comments, which I am very much not, so I kind of adopted an "if I can't get to everybody, I just shouldn't do anybody" mentality which is probably not the greatest and I am trying to work on... 2) I tend to keep the tab open for my latest fic/update for a day or two to see what comments roll in but then after that, I close the tab and I forget the inbox on Ao3 actually exists so I'm reliant on my email alerts to know when there's a new comment, and I don't check that email every day so sometimes it's dayssss after someone leaves a comment on a not-quite-brand-new work before I see it. And then I feel like I've accidentally left it too late? 3) I feel like I should have more to say than just replying to everyone with "Thanks!", or I feel bad when I have more to say to some reviews than that (because they ask a question, are more specific about something, etc.) but then reply to some of the others with only "Thanks!" Like I feel like the people who just get "thanks!" are gonna feel like I don't value their reviews as much as the people who get a longer response, and then they'll feel bad or like they wasted their effort reviewing and then I'll feel bad bc that is very much not the case. (See above re: "if I can't do it for everyone, I'll just do it for no one.") This is the (one and only) downside to me of the Ao3 comment reply format vs. FFNet review replies -- I LOVE that the Ao3 comments format lends itself better to conversation, but the FFnet review replies went to people's DMs so nobody knew if they got a "Thanks!" on this one and someone else got a paragraph. 4) I feel like it pads the Comment count? Like it looks like the work got double the response that it did, it feels a little like I'm cheating? So in summary, I have Comment reply anxiety, clearly lol. But I love receiving everyone's comments, and I hoard each and every one like a dragon with their treasure, and I appreciate everyone who takes the time to leave one. Maybe in 2024 I should make it a goal to reply to all of them idk...

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

Mmmmm.... Hexes, maybe? I was scrolling down the OUAT fic memory lane last night and hit OQ Angst Week, that had some doozies. Maybe Sing A Song of Forgetting, that one was rough.

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

Baker's Dozen, probably. (Which, fun fact -- I put the OG version back up on Ao3 a few years back "temporarily" and then forgot to take it down, so if you have that and the published book version, now you can compare, I guess 😂)

8. Do you get hate on fics?

Not much these days, but I have a few times in the past. The one I got the most hate on is actually not on Ao3 because when I moved over my Private Practice fics from FFnet, I didn't move anything incomplete that I wasn't expecting to finish. But it was a Charlotte King fic that dealt with her fiance coming back into her life (before we actually met him on the show) while she and Cooper were broken up, and I was very clear that it was a Charlotte fic not so much a CharCoop fic, but oooooh people were mad that there was a love triangle going on and it was unclear who she was gonna end up with. LIVID. FURIOUS. That's the fic that made me turn off anon reviews for the first time bc I had someone who would just troll me with hate reviews and blow up my DMs. It was a time....

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

Indeed, and pretty much... whatever's clever. lol I need more specifics on the last question.

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

Not really, no.

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Yes! Someone swiped a chunk of one of my EO fics and reused it like word for word (with the names changed, obvs) in their Jopper fic this summer! And someone linked me to it and I blew up their Comments section on the chapter and they deleted their entire internet presence, it was wild.

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

No, because every time someone asks me for permission to translate one, I say no, bc I am very protective of my work. lol I don't like not being able to vet the translation and know that it comes across the way I want it to. I've talked in the past about having a friend of mine do a Spanish translation of Baker's Dozen, but she literally does translation for a living and she's so familiar with my writing and my writing process (and I'm so familiar with hers) that I can trust the end result would be what I'd want it to be. Also, in my experience, folks who want to translate my work also want to repost it somewhere themselves, and I haaaaaaate that. I'm a control freak about my work, I want it to be where I want it and have control over the managing of it at all times. (I get annoyed when people repost my work to other fic archives/collections, or have it bound in print for themselves, etc. I don't like that. What if I want to go back and change something? Just leave it where I posted it and link back to there, please and thank you!)

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

Yes, but never to completion.

14. What's your all-time favorite ship? It's like choosing between children, I can't.

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

If Every Road Led Back Home (the aforementioned Charlotte King fic). Everything else, I am still convinced I'll finish it someday. lol (But if we were gonna be less optimistic than that, What Happens in Vegas, and L'ébauche probably)

16. What are your writing strengths?

Porn with feelings. lol Sex scenes with what I call "heightened realism" -- it's probably consistently better sex than real-world sex, but never so much that it seems implausible or too exaggerated, and I like to include little mishaps, or imperfections, or the real things that often get skipped over (hey condoms, hey lube, hey peeing after sex) because when you've been writing sexy fanfic for two decades, quite frankly it's boring when it's perfect and shiny every time. I have a Steggy fic planned for sometime this year that is basically "their sex life has one consistent and inconvenient obstacle and here's all the ways that works out (and sometimes doesn't work out) for them." I haven't flexed my angst muscles in a while, but I used to absolutely love writing stuff that wrecked people until they were yelling at me in the comments. I miss doing that.

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

Rampant abuse of grammar (I know I'm doing it, I just don't care), overuse of the word "just", and too many parentheticals. Also knowing when to stop. I will use 18 words when 3 would do, and I can very easily write myself into the weeds instead of staying on target and writing every scene with intent toward a goal. (Hi, Breaking In.) Also, finishing things. (Hello again, Breaking In, and every other unfinished WIP both on Ao3/FFnet and in my Google Docs graveyard.)

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

If it fits the fic, absolutely, but only a language I can find a native speaker to check and correct for me before I post it. I don't wanna be the one out here with the wonky Google Translate French that makes people who can actually read the language cringe.

19. First fandom you wrote for?

Technically, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The first fanfic I ever published on the internet was a Spuffy fic that is now lost to the ages because it was on some fic archive that no longer exists, but I did a lot of pen-and-paper BtVS fanfic writing in middle and high school.

20. Favorite fic you've ever written?

I'm gonna go with Breaking In, because it's my baby. My Beast. The big guy. My Everest. And also Baker's Dozen because it's Baker's Dozen.

tagging in a no-pressure way (and sorry for any double tags): @goodthingscomeinthrees @behindthelabels @rahleeyah @roboticonography @doctorhelena @lyricalviolet @audreysl0ve @ninzied @somuchwhatever and anyone else who wants to do it!

[agapintheskin]

as someone who has troubles finding irl friends due to autism, fear, awkwardness, very little time and energy etc, having some sort of online community is essential for me to form friendships or at least likeminded people. People to talk to whether that's on a very superficial (fandom) level or then moves on to more personal things.

irl I've had some very good friends that I'd still consider ppl I love but I still have issues finding time and energy to meet them and essentially what happens is that you lose some connection over time, whether you like it or not, there will be things in your and their life that you might try and catch up on once you meet again but it will still feel like there's distance growing bigger and bigger. And I've also had plenty of friends, especially friends within larger friend groups, that ive lost due to fights, lack of shared interests, just growing apart.

In general, irl friends have never been close enough or stable enough to really trust them with deep shit or physical closeness. And for many reasons I've lost trust and got more anxious in getting close to people for fear of abandonment and, well autistic social reasons I guess.

On the internet it's very linked to my hyperfixations, lose it and the friends and acquaintances will most likely move on as well. Each time I find people that I legitimately have love for even if I will most likely never meet them, maybe sometimes because of it. I guess the physical distance tho sometimes lends itself to a different sort of closeness tho, more daring in what you open yourself up to.

At the end of the day I know rationally that those people I now, at this moment in time, found for myself, will not stay in my life for long, or at least not forever. And as an overthinker I'm already thinking of losing them, it's seriously annoying lmao. Like it's almost mean how I just know I'll have to say goodbye to them at some point while I'm actively having a great time.

All this to say, there has been people in my life, even recently, that told me they consider me their best friend and I have such difficulty to respond to that. It's not that it's not probably a mutual feeling (i don't know, what is a best friend?) but there's also expectations and fears connected to that for me. The loss would be bigger, the disappointment in me not being what they thought me to be would be bigger. It's so hard to explain. I just know that very few people so far have stuck with me, I don't have the strength to invest in friendships, i barely have the strength to invest in myself, and I know the people who consider me a friend, a best friend even, deserve to have someone that can't just make them laugh a lot but someone who can also be there for them when they're in trouble. And I'm so preoccupied with my own struggles that I can barely handle those situations.

I'm just a very selfish friend unfortunately. Idk what this is I just felt like writing this down, feel free to ignore, thank you if you read tho.

[leffee]

Day 7: Nostalgia

"Vinnie?”

“Yeah?”

“How come you never wear turtlenecks?”

Vinnie frowned and turned to look at Sunil, his fingers’ movement stilling on the controller. 

“I dunno.” He shrugged, “Why? Seems really random.”

“Well, I just think a turtleneck fits your style.” Sunil gestured at Vinnie, focusing on the oversized hoodie he was wearing. “You like baggy, comfortable clothes, right? Yet I just realized I have never seen you in a turtleneck.”

“I guess, I'd say when it comes to that, I'm more of a hoodies’ guy than a sweaters’ one. ‘Sides, I don't wanna be called your copycat.” He nudged Sunil and then cursed when he realized that when he wasn't looking his character in the game had died. “Damn it.”

“Heh, don't worry, my friend, I wouldn't think you're copying me, it's just a piece of clothing. Even if you were, you know what they say, copying is the highest form of flattery.” Sunil nudged Vinnie back who grinned.

“I guess there might be something to it.”

A while passed with the conversation seemingly forgotten. Both friends were once again immersed in the fictional world on the screen, sounds of buttons being pressed filled the room with an occasional choice word escaping their lips.

“Would you like to try one on?” Sunil’s voice cut through the air.

“You mean a turtleneck?” Vinnie asked curiously.

“Exactly. I do have plenty of them in my closet, I could lend you one while you're here.”

“Sure, why not?” Vinnie shrugged, biting his cheek from the inside. “Since you're offering. Maybe I'll even end up swaying towards wearing turtlenecks on a daily basis.”

“That's what I'm trying to do,” Sunil joked and paused the game. “I will be back in a second.”

“I'll bring some snacks from the kitchen.” With one last nod Sunil disappeared from the room, leaving Vinnie to get up, crack his knuckles, and head to the kitchen.

He began rummaging through the drawers and cupboards gathering a few snacks: a bag of chips, salted peanuts, and a bottle of soda. 

“These should do.”

He returned to the living room and made himself comfortable on the couch again. He reached to open the bag of peanuts, but his wrist was stopped by a hand.

“Maybe put this on first.” Sunil carefully threw a turtleneck on Vinnie's lap. “I'd rather it stayed clean.”

“Alrighty, if that's what you want.” Vinnie put the bag aside and looked down, running his hand on the material. It was just a simple black turtleneck, but it felt fuzzy and soft under his fingers.

“I just really think you will- wait, wait, you don't have to…” But the other already took off his hoodie where he sat. “Or you can just do that.”

Vinnie simply offered a fake apologetic smile and having put his hoodie aside began putting on the borrowed piece of attire. Arms were easy enough but then he had to worm his head through the narrow hole on top. Eventually though, he was all done.

“So, what do you think?”

“Feels good so far,” Vinnie said, absent-mindedly adjusting the collar. “How do I look?” He turned more towards his friend and struck an over dramatic pose.

“...Like a child who scoured through their dad’s closet actually,” Sunil deadpanned once he really took in the sight in front of him. “This is much too big on you.” He smiled softly and tugged at the edge of the turtleneck.

“Wh- that’s not what I meant!” Vinnie whined and puffed out his cheeks.

“I know,” Sunil assured quickly, “I couldn’t stop myself; I apologize. Aside from that, you look good in it, it fits you in a way.”

“Really?” Vinnie perked up, still adjusting his collar, and once Sunil nodded at him, he thanked his friend.

“You can feel free to wear it for now, just remember to give it back when you’ll be going out.”

“Got it, Sunster.”

“Now, show me which snacks you brought us.”

With that, they returned to their previous activity, albeit now with snacks unpacked on the table in front of the couch, the image on the screen coming back to life.

However… something was wrong. Vinnie couldn’t quite pinpoint it, but instead of focusing on the moment each time he tried, he was distracted, his mind returning to focusing on that damn collar. Likewise, one of his hands kept going back to it, grabbing, and readjusting it multiple times a minute it seemed.

It was probably just caused by not being used to wearing something like that, Vinnie told himself. But it felt… too tight, too limiting. He pushed in two of his fingers between the collar and his neck. There was definitely space between them, and yet as soon as he retracted his fingers the fabric seemed to cling to his skin.

“Ugh,” He grunted quietly and turned his head from side to side, but it didn’t accomplish anything. He huffed and took a deep breath, closing his eyes for a moment and reaching out to grab a handful of chips. And then another one. And one more. Then some nuts. Then a large sip of soda.

But with each gulp that damn turtleneck seemed to close in on him. Larger sip. 

“Hey, not so fast, leave some for me,” Sunil said with a mix of joking as well as seriousness in his tone.

“Right, sorry,” Vinnie replied breathlessly, not turning to gaze at the other.

The ticking of the clock was too loud, grating on his nerves. His vision became blurry, it was getting harder and harder to control the character on the screen. The pressure around his neck was there once more. He tried to draw a breath into his lungs, but his effort turned into a shallow whistle instead. What was… happening? He attempted to breath in through his nose, his fingers clenching on the controller, tiniest beads of sweat appearing on his temples. 

He tried to catch another breath.

And another one.

The pressure grew.

And grew.

Everything became blurrier.

His throat seemed to reject all air, feeling too tight to be even capable of taking it. Too tight. Too tight. 

“I swear, Vincent, you’re such a disappointment. To think I had such big plans for you… what did I give birth to you for?!”

A hit. A flash

“Vinnie…?” Sunil eyed the turtleneck that was now on the floor and next at his friend whose now bare chest was expanding and contracting too many times a minute.

“Sorry, for um, throwing your thing there to the floor,” Vinnie choked out. “I don’t-I don’t think turtlenecks are for me.”

“Why?” Sunil observed his friend closely as he put on his previous attire. “You look really pale, paler than normal.”

“I dunno, felt kinda too tight. Here,” He scrambled for the turtleneck and gave it back to Sunil, “I’ll stick to my usual stuff.”

His friend gave him an intense look once more, causing Vinnie to look away. His mind still felt swimmy, but at least he could breathe again.

“Let’s just continue playing, yeah? Or we will never get past this level.” 

Sunil didn’t reply, instead looking back at the screen that seemed to mock him with the displayed text - defeat.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

🧍

Yet another one of those fics jumpscare. I told myself that since this is a daily thing those fics/drabbles would be approximately 500 words each but they just keep getting longer and longer.

[bees-draws]

Your delicious body heat It's so warm inside of me It's too bad you don't have more meat on your tiny body

While you're feeling dead inside, I'm so alive And it's all thanks to you that I survived Guess I'll say thank you for lending me your life

[kittytl]

[HRH] Flower Fine Festival - Chapter 3

Faith: I think it's a good idea to choose a flower based on its symbolism.

Dino: Yeah! In that case, we should go for one that symbolises "Love And Peace"!

Keith: I knew you'd say that too...

Junior: I just checked and there's no flower with this meaning.

Dino: There isn't... Then, a flower with a positive meaning would be nice. The cold winter finally ended and made way for the warm spring, I want everyone to enjoy it to the fullest.

Junior: Then, what about the gerbera daisy? It means "to cheer up" and you give it to someone you want to feel better. Each colour has a different meaning but they all seem positive.

Dino: "To cheer up"... ♪ It's perfect for spring.

Faith: Since there are different colours, it could make for a very pretty and colourful scenery.

Junior: Alright! Let's go with the gerbera daisy.

Dino: Keith what do you think?

Keith: What? Ahh, no objection.

Faith: Great. The groundwork is already laid.

Keith: On my side too, the cookies are ready. The only thing left is to bring them to Marion. Ahh~~ What a pain~~ If only someone could do it in my place...

Junior: Me! Memememe! I will do it!

Keith: Oh thanks, you're a big help.

Junior: Leave it to me! Dino, lend me your pizza delivery bag!

Dino: Of course. I'll get it for you.

Faith: You know how to make good use of him.

Keith: He gets to talk with Marion and I get to relax. It's a win-win situation.

Flower shop clerk: In this store, you will find all kinds of flowers. Please feel free to ask me if there is something you wish to take a closer look at.

Dino: Then I'll go straight to the point, where can we find gerbera daisies?

Clerk: The gerbera daisies are this way. They exist in various colours.

Junior: Ohh... Like I thought, they're even prettier in real life.

Faith: The real thing can give quite a different impression than in pictures, just like Keith. It reminds me of Valentine's day. You looked quite sharp, like a totally different person.

Keith: Oh, that... Even now, people still ask me who's in that picture.

Junior: Hey! Stop slacking off and help us!

Faith: Yeees...

Junior: We have to choose them together! Achoo!

Keith: That's a big sneeze. Hay fever?

Faith: You're allergic ochibi-chan?

Junior: Who cares about that now! I said that I'll do my best. I guess, if you don't want to do it it's fine...

Faith: ?

Junior: So, if I don't want to do it, it's fine too...

Keith: What're you talking about?

Dino: Achoo!

Faith: You also have hay fever Dino?

Dino: Hey, did you know? Every flower is unique. So, it's okay to just choose whatever, right? Everyone, just choose the ones you like...

Keith: Hey, what's wrong?

Clerk: *sigh* I don't want to serve costumers anymore... I'm closing for the day.

Faith: What?

Keith: I don't know but, It's kinda strange.

Jack: Emergency, emergency! Substance was detected near Canary Street. All available heroes should head towards the location.

Faith: It's close.

Keith: I've a bad feeling about this. Let's move.

Faith: Understood.

Junior: Wait... Walking is tiring... Running is even more tiring...

Dino: Ugh~~ My feet feel so heavy~~ Isn't Canary Street way too far from here?

Keith: It's starting to look like something really happened.

Faith: Agree.

[hunsa-jars]

"And it's all thanks to you that I survived - Guess I'll say thank you for lending me your life"

People Eater by Sodikken [BLENDER/FNAF] by Smamuel

[thesorcerersapprentice]

For the royal themed asks: Monarch, Coronation, Elegance (I don't have an OC in mind, so dealer's choice)

Thank you @sender-paulson for this ask! Check out their amazing WIP Little Horns: First Circle and find out once and for all if the Prince of Hell can survive High School!

💜 ROYAL-THEMED OC ASK GAME: 💜

I'll be answering for "Guacamaya," the OC for GORGONA. A full character profile for this ferocious babe is forthcoming, so keep your eyes on the dash! If you'd like me to tag you, please interact with this post.

MONARCH - What could “corrupt” your OC? As in, what methods, such as bribery, blackmail, or even threats, could cause your OC to deviate from their moral compass? How easy/hard is it for your character to give in to such corruption?

This is such a juicy question. I had to sit down and think about this one for a while. I guess, in a way, Guacamaya is corrupt from the start? She accepts her role as heir because to refuse the power she is being offered means endangering her life and the life of all those she loves. But isn't that the definition of folding to a threat? Moreover, accepting her role as heir means lending her abilities to a system (monarchy) she doesn't believe in and aiding a tyrant (her grandfather). I don't really know if that makes her a great person lol That's not to say she doesn't have a moral compass. She won't commit murder or aid in mass slaughter or anything like that. There are limits to what she'll do, even if it means relinquishing her life. She's just playing for the wrong team (and has no real choice in the matter).

CORONATION - How does your OC feel about responsibility? How do they handle (or avoid) it?

Guacamaya loves to say she hates it (especially at the start of the novel), but it's plain to see she loves it. She doesn't avoid it at all.

ELEGANCE - How do they feel about being posh or fancy? Do they find it dumb and boring, or do they genuinely feel as though it is the proper way to go about the world?

Guacamaya is conflicted about her social status. She's absorbed some of the classist rhetoric around her birth family, but she's aware of it, so it's not that she buys into it exactly (although, at times, when she's high on power, she does lean into the idea that maybe there's something "special" about them). Her impoverished life in exile has taught her that "poshness" is often used as a tool of oppression against the common people, with whom she feels a certain affinity, so in a way, she disdains it. It's never very black and white since she's neither completely posh/fancy (having grown up in exile) nor completely "common" (given that she did spend some of her formative years among the aristocracy and spends most of the novel playing an inherited role). What's clear is that she doesn't agree with the abuses her grandfather, the tyrannical King, has levelled on the country and would fully support a revolution that supplanted the monarchical system of power if it didn't require her assassination.

[youhideastar]

Let's Get ((REAL)) fic writer asks: 🎙️, 💫 & 💝

Yay, thank you for asking! Ask game post is here.

💫what is your favorite kind of comment/feedback?

This is not an interesting answer, because I feel like everyone would say the same, but... the longer and more detailed, the better! The readers who basically live-tweet their response to the fic bring me so much joy. But there's also a special place in my heart for the folks who take the time to let me know that a story resonated with their personal experiences, or changed the way they see or approach something in their own life. There's a song by Gaslight Anthem that gets at a lot of why I write in the first place: "I know there's someone out there feeling just like I feel / I know they're waiting up; I know they're waiting to heal." And when I know that I achieved that... that's a great comment to get.

💝what is a fic that got a different response than you were expecting?

I've been doing this for almost 15 years, and by now I've generally got a good sense of what kind of response a fic is going to get, based on fandom, length, pairing, subject matter, etc. But I was pleasantly surprised by the positive response to A Sword With No Hilt. That fic is heavy, and the summary is vague because I was trying to avoid spoilers, and it's omega LWJ, which automatically shrinks the audience because in the Year of Our Lord 2023 some slash fans still care so much whose dick goes where (joke's on them re: this particular fic, though), so I was expecting it would enter the water without a splash, as it were... but people liked it! And the comments I got were really wonderful - readers really got that fic, you know? They picked up on the sweetness and the healing that grows from underneath all that pain. That made me so happy. ❤️

🎙️which one of your fics would you like someone to make a pod-fic of?

True confessions: I do not listen to podfic, or audio fiction of any kind. My fiction reading style includes so much bouncing around the page that I find it super uncomfortable to consume fiction in the linear way that audio demands. So I guess I'll say I wish someone would podfic The Words in Your Head because I think it would be fun for them! (Lots of different accents and voices, fun lines to deliver, and the stage-direction-y narrative notes lend themselves to audio, I think.)

[victorianpining]

Rebs! writer ask game for you!! <3

1, 3, 6, 7, 10, 14, 25, 28, 32 (if you want), 34!

Thank you Emrys!

1. What font do you write in? Do you actually care or is that just the default setting?

I go for something that looks "bookish," so my defaults are bookman old style, baskerville, or garamond. Vampire fic is currently being written in the Google font Spectral.

3. What is your writing ritual and why is it cursed?

I have to be listening to music, either a playlist I am listening to to death so the words aren't distracting to me, or music without lyrics that matches the vibe. I always hope my session will start with me feeling really inspired but that almost never happens so I guess that's where the cursed part comes in. When I am having an absolutely awful time but know I need to get work done, I will break out my 20 sided die and roll it for how many minutes I have to focus before I get to take another break.

6. What is your darkest fear about writing?

My greatest fear is that my work will have some kind of fatal flaw in it that I am blind to while working on it but that I will feel like I should have been able to see in retrospect that will lead to people getting hurt. And yet I've decided to go on writing knowing that is a very real possibility (it's happened before).

7. What is your deepest joy about writing?

When I'm in a writing session and it's one of those times when it's all falling into place effortlessly and I feel like I'm not even really me anymore, just a conduit for the words, and at the same time more like me than I ever do the entire rest of my life, like that's what I'm always meant to be doing.

10. Has a piece of writing ever “haunted” you? Has your own writing haunted you? What does that mean to you?

For me, it's an idea that lingers in my head that I either can't quite make sense of, am not willing to come to terms with, or causes me some other kind of lasting sadness, something that feels unresolved to me, basically. I'm learning that the best way for me to become un-haunted is to reclaim those ideas and use them myself (though the story that comes out of that process can become a new ghost).

14. Do you lend your books to people? Are people scared to borrow books from you? Do you know exactly where all your “lost” books are and which specific friend from school you haven’t seen in twelve years still possesses them? Will you ever get them back?

This is an interesting question, and I think I have an easy out as a librarian, I'll be like "oh did you want to read that? Here I'll place it on ILL for you," but I hadn't realized until right now that no, I do not ever lend my books to people ghsahglhds. Listen they don't need to see all my unhinged notes.

25. What is a weird, hyper-specific detail you know about one of your characters that is completely irrelevant to the story?

My writing process works in a way that I don't usually *have* details that aren't relevant to the story, because it's so much work for me to come up with details I feel like they all have to have some additional utility. Even if I spend time on something that doesn't end up being mentioned, they still originally had a point I was trying to hint at with them. I really admire people who come up with all these backstory details just to flesh out the world!

28. Who is the most delightful character you’ve ever written? Why?

Ooh, I feel like I can't really go in detail on that one, so I'll just say a minor character in the original story I'm still in the planning stages for is an absolute treat.

32. What is a line from a poem/novel/fanfic etc that you return to from time and time again? How did you find it? What does it mean to you?

Oh, there are literally so many. I'm going to go with this part from the One Story interlude in How to Read Literature Like a Professor. I could quote the entire chapter, but the ending is my favorite:

Stories are like that, too. That one story that has been going on forever is all around us. We- as readers or writers, tellers or listeners- understand each other, we share knowledge of the structures of our myths, we comprehend the logic of symbols., largely because we have access to the same swirl of story. We have only to reach out into the air and pluck a piece of it.

34. Thoughts on the Oxford comma, Go:

It is small, elegant, and precise. But also, if someone doesn't write with them and it's still clear what they mean, who cares?