#hopefully this tickles someone's fancy

[potpourrifandoms]

Here’s a quick drawing of Cadavre (the human skeleton) and Fracture (the cat skeleton) from Kris Straub’s Broodhollow comics and his Local 58 analogue horror series on YouTube.

Yesterday I got a brand new digital drawing tablet, and I’ve spent all day today trying to figure it out. This piece is the first thing I drew on it, and I think it turned out okay, especially since I have no idea what I’m doing when it comes to digital art. I thought I’d post it here in case anybody else likes Cadavre and his cat as much as I do! :)

[russellsppttemplates]

The “she’s busy” prank with lando cuz i reckon it would be funny😭

link to trend- https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGemP92BS/

Note: thank you for attaching a link, anon, you know me and my lack of knowledge of TikTok way too well 😭 I have seen a few posts too, so hopefully it's good enough!

Lando left the track he did his run of the day on, preferring to do it there instead of running in the city like usual. He was thinking you could have some takeout at home, getting his phone from his pocket to ask you what you were fancying.

Hey baby, just finished my run and I thought we could have some takeout! Is there anything tickling your fancy?

Lando sipped some of the water he brought with him as he waited for your reply.

Bro, she's busy

That was weird, who would have your phone? He didn't recall you mentioning someone visiting and he knew you were staying home.

What do you mean? Y/N, are you okay?

I just told you she's busy

That wasn't usual, and Lando was starting to worry

Who is this?

Put Y/N on the phone, please, give it to her

No can do, I told you we're busy

Doing what?

That sounds like none of your business, mate

Lando tried calling you but the call was instantly declined.

That's it, I'm coming home

Lando sent the text and started his car, driving home as he heard a few messages getting through but being wise enough to not text while driving. A call came through as he stopped at a red light, accepting it with the button on his steering wheel, "baby, Y/N, are you okay?", he spoke as he heard wheezing and laughs on the other side of the call, "is everything okay? I'll be home in about five minutes, okay?".

"I'm sorry, baby", you breathed out, "Max and P wanted me to try it! I'm sorry, my love", you explained as your boyfriend's bestfriend took your phone.

"Pietra saw it on TikTok on our way here to surprise you and she knew you'd fall for it", he explained as Lando groaned, "it was funny though!".

"I was worried sick, you asshole!", Lando yelled, "I left my girlfriend at home and changed my usual run routine and I thought someone had broken in!", he said.

"Usually people think they're being cheated on", Pietra chirped in. Lando shook his head and scoffed even though they couldn't see him, "Y/N wouldn't cheat on me", he said confidently. It had been the first thing you promised eachother and you both took it seriously.

"So you thought someone was kidnapping me? And you were coming to get me and save me?", you cooed, "of course I would, baby! I'm parking the car, I'll be up in a bit", he dialled off the call.

Opening the door for him, you jumped in his arms and his your face in his neck, "you'd come to save and protect me?", you cooed again, kissing his face everywhere in hopes he would forgive you, "of course I would, I knock the guy right out", he flexed his muscles.

Max laughed as Lando closed the door with his foot and walked to the living room to meet them, "first you come here unannounced, then proceed to prank e through my girlfriend and you're laughing about my fighting abilities? It sounds like you really want to be offered to sleep in the balcony", Lando tsked, "you wouldn't", Max groaned, "I wouldn't, but it would be good considering what happened", Lando reasoned before kissing your neck when you nuzzled your face in his neck, "also, someone needs to order the takeout now, so I think that's punishment enough".

(Thank you for sending this in ✨️)

[brain-amoeba]

i was sent this ask:

"Hello, you! can there be a headcannon where, (Scout, Sniper, demo, and my favorite Texan, engi) hugging S/o and the merc is like: “Oh no I’m in love with them” as their face is all red? And, S/o is sorta worried about them and asking “you good?” this scenario has been itching my brain for a few days lol

Anon jilly🦭🌺"

and i believe you may have forgotten to turn anon on when submitting the ask, so i still saw your url. out of respect for your anonymity, i will answer here instead of from the inbox, so hopefully it still finds you well! also i hope you don't mind i do a mini scenario for these as opposed to HCs, just to give yall a little more content :3

Mercs Getting a Big Ole Hug

Scout

-You two always had a strong bond, and a dynamic like childhood friends. It was always fun and games with Scout, and when the time came, he knew how to comfort you and be there for you albeit in his own clumsy and Scout-y way.

-It wasn't until he noticed the way the other Mercs looked at you did he start to see you as more than just a friend--he now became acutely aware of how soft your skin felt when it brushed up against his, the way your hair perfectly framed your face, every small detail about you, and he couldn't believe he never noticed any of this before.

-It was your day off, and as usual, you spent it with Scout. The two of you tired yourselves out playing catch outside, as well as other fun roughhousing typical of your other pastimes. While running for the ball, you tripped and fell forward, but Scout was quick enough to catch you, and held you in a tight embrace. You instinctively wrap your arms around his torso and bury your head in his chest. He maintains his grip on you, but his face is as red as his uniform--all of a sudden the outside air feels cramped and he's getting clammy. It was like getting hit with his own Atomizer: all the times he's admired every little thing about you coming together all at once to beat him over the head with the realization that he was in love with you.

-You finally let him go, looking up at him and yelping a bit in surprise. "Scout?! What happened to you? Should we go see Medic?!" You ask frantically, concern showing on your scrunched features as you took in Scout's seemingly-ill state. "N-Nah, I'm okay, really! More than that, actually...I feel amazin'." He gazed at you with a softness you hadn't yet seen before, but it sparked a warmth in your heart and your tummy that you didn't oppose.

Sniper

-Sniper wasn't exactly one for PDA, let alone physical touch. Just didn't tickle his fancy. But you, something about you gave Sniper the desire, for the first time in ages, to hold, touch, and generally be around someone of his own volition. But for some reason, he just couldn't find it in himself to act on those desires. Whether it be his own deeply-instilled professionalism or cowardice, he couldn't tell. Whatever it was, all he knew was him being afraid of scaring you off. So he did nothing. The minimal interactions with you now would suffice, and his imagination could do the rest.

-You weren't exactly having the best day. Just yesterday, you scuffed a one-on-one encounter with an enemy merc that cost your team the mission, and today's target practice was not kind to you either. You found yourself alone on the range, tears of frustration pooling in your [color] eyes as you trudged along to set up the target dummy Sniper once again. Overwhelmed by frustration, you found yourself hugging the Sniper dummy for even the slightest sense of comfort, dropping your rifle to the dust below with a thud. The real Sniper, who had volunteered to check on you, heard the sound of your rifle hitting the ground as he left the base. The impact immediately spiked his adrenaline and caused the worst thoughts to run through his mind. He quickened his pace, almost falling over in place once he beheld the scene. Sniper couldn't help but feel a tug on his heartstrings watching you embrace the dummy of him. A warm flush crept its way to his rugged features as he realized the depth of his feelings for you way-exceeded his expectations.

-It's now or never, he thought to himself, finally finding the courage to approach you. He put a large gloved hand on your shoulder, eliciting a fearful shriek from you. Your face reddened with embarrassment, stammering as you tried to come up with a good excuse for your behavior. Wordlessly, Sniper wrapped you up in a tight embrace which immediately soothed your worries. "Shhh. It's alright, roo. Don't cry, now." He spoke just above a whisper, and despite being there to comfort you, he himself was trembling with anxiety at what he's just done. When you finally gathered yourself and parted from the Aussie's embrace, your eyes widened. "Sniper! What's gotten into you?!" He looked down at you with a slight smile, as if it would conceal the way his heart pounded in his chest.

"You have, sheila."

Demoman

-He wasn't always drunk! Okay, maybe he was, but that didn't mean he was always unaware. He was especially aware of a certain little merc who always took him to bed, always got him water, and always made sure to wish him a goodnight, even when the rest left him to drink himself to oblivion. He thought of you very fondly, like a close friend more than just a colleague. You were the first of the bunch to ever show a genuine compassion for him and actually attempt to care for him even in his drunken state (and he knew that was no easy feat).

-It was another night like always, the rest of the team off taking care of their own business while Demo had some precious one-on-one time with his scrumpy, this time accompanied by you! And you were actually drinking with him! It was the weekend, after all, and you decided what the hell, why not, and let your hair down a little. While not nearly as intoxicated as your Scottish companion, you definitely felt the buzzy warmth of drunkenness sneaking up on you. You felt more bubbly, confident, and silly. You gazed upon Demo fondly as he slurred through stories of missions, both failures and successes.

-Right as he was getting to the story's climax, he raised his arms above his head for dramatic affect, and you impulsively leapt into them. "Awwe Tavichhh, I wuv when you tell stowiesss" you mumbled into his chest, arms wrapped tightly around his torso as if he'd leave you any second. The sudden show of affection almost sobered Demo up a bit, but he quickly dropped his arms and returned your embrace. In his drunken state, the warmth of your body against his felt like fire, and he couldn't help but notice the way you fit perfectly into him. Demo soon grabbed your shoulders, moving you back to meet his gaze. The sudden serious look on his face sent a shiver down your spine. "D-demo! What's the matter?!" He took in your flushed face as if he were looking upon the Mona Lisa herself before finally speaking, "Oh it's nothin, lass. I just enjoy lookin' at ye."

Engineer

-You were lucky enough to get some time off when you were informed this go-round of contracts did not include you. To your surprise, they didn't include Engie, either. You discovered this when you bolted for the workshop in a panic as you realized your prized headphones were destroyed! You were about to go on a walk before fishing them from your backpack and soon met with the disappointment of your prized possession in tatters--wires frayed, and hanging down almost mockingly.

-As you busted through the double doors of Engineer's workshop, he jumped in surprise, nearly dropping his wrench. "Well howdy to yourself too, darlin'!" He regained his bearings and approached you with a chuckle. "What's got you in such a tizzy, hm?" You simply raised the broken pair of headphones up*, looking at him like a lost puppy. "M-my headphones are destroyeeeddd!" You whined. Engie, behind his goggles, looked at you with a twinge of pain in his eyes just from hearing how distraught you were. Though he was empathetic to your "loss", he couldn't help but admire how adorable you sounded when you whimpered, and got a bit of an ego-boost from how you immediately came to him for aid. Engie took the headphones from you, inspecting them closely as he set them down on a nearby workbench. "Y'know, dear, these might not be a lost cause...let's see what some good ole fashioned Texan ingenuity can do!" He assured you with a sly smile.

-You fidgeted nervously as you watched over his shoulder while he tinkered away on your poor headphones. "Can I get you somethin' to drink darlin'? Maybe some water?" Engineer didn't take his eyes off the headphones as he spoke, currently re-twisting and wrapping wires before getting to work on the broken frame of the device. "I'm okay, thank you, Engie..." Truthfully, you were just too nervous to take your eyes off of the headphones while Engineer repaired them. Of course, you trusted his skillful hand, but with them being such a meaningful item to you, you couldn't help but hover over his shoulder and watch. Suddenly, Engie spoke up again, this time with a command-- "Close your eyes, dear." Nervously, you did as you were told. Engineer turned to face you, gently placing the repaired headphones on your head. Your eyes shot open and hands immediately went up to feel the newly repaired device now muffling your hearing.

-Without a second thought, you pulled Engie into a tight embrace. "Engie, you're the best!! Thank you so much!" You exclaimed, nuzzling his chest a bit as the two of you embraced. His large gloved hand gently caressed your back, giving it a slight pat in response to your praise. While Engineer typically maintained a relaxed exterior, internally, he was practically melting. A proper southern gentleman such as himself couldn't be indecent in the presence of a lady, but the fog on his goggles and pink in his cheeks said otherwise. You pulled away, removing the headphones. You went to inspect them further, but the sight before you stopped you dead in your tracks. "Engie?! You feeling alright??" He looked like he was about to pass out--and he felt like it, too.

-Engineer simply nodded, placing his ivory-colored cowboy hat on your head in response.

*this is exactly what i envisioned for this scene btw

[darylsfavoritegirl]

It's very awkward to post after so long. This is not proofread so it probably has a lot of mistakes I'll edit after posting lol I just wanna put something out here. This has been on my drafts forever. There'll be a part 2!! (hopefully). I got me some ideas for this type of plot!!

Summary: Right after losing the prison, y/n loses her way and stumbles upon that jerky group daryl had to deal with. They unite and all.

Your hand went out to the unyielding fingers covering your mouth as you breathed harshly through your nose.

The guy behind you yanked your arm to your back, forcing you to stay still. There you were, trapped among a couple of men and even with Daryl, they outnumbered you.

Your heart's beating made you lightheaded. You were already hungry and the pit in your stomach grew more obstinate.

"Easy, Len." The chubby one shouted lightly with a half-grin tugged on the curls of his lips.

"Joe'll want her nice and neat." He leered through you with half-lidded eyes as if a starved bear. His body reeked with eagerness that turned your stomach upside down.

A minute passed as his men started looking around bewilderedly.

Your heart skipped a beat. He was leading them to your camp with Daryl. You shut your eyes screwed as Len's enthusiastic breathing tickled the back of your neck.

"Been watchin' this bitch. She's got a boyfriend somewhere 'round here."

Your eyes burned as he kept sniggering behind your ear. His pitiful friends started to laugh your ears off alongside him.

You yelped against his palm pressing harshly against your lips as you shook your arms, trying to free yourself.

"Oh, oh easy attagirl." He came close near your neck, whispering into your ear.

"Shut that little mouth for your sweetheart's dear life."

A tear slided down your cheek onto his knuckles. It was out of pure rage and how you couldn't do a thing about it.

"Seeing how she resisted us... Joe will want someone like her." Another man uttered as questions pondered your head. Who was this man?

"Yeah yeah yeah."

You could feel Len shaking his head in a fancy way as if mocking.

"But first, we'll have our fun.. am I right gentlemen?" He chuckled behind your ear as your vision darkened.

Your vein on your neck throbbed against your ear as their rigid laughs filled the air before they all turned around harshly.

Len forced you around aswell, and there he was, Daryl, his crossbow looking directly into Len's forehead as he spoke in a commanding voice. They could outnumber him, outpower him yet he was the one with his lethal weapon, catching them off guard.

"If ya lay hands on 'er, consider yerself a dead man."

Your eyes followed the chickened-out Len who-was-yet trying to stand his post like a devoted soldier. After all, he had the numbers.

"If you are a smart man, you'd drop that crossbow of yours to the ground." He demanded, his eyes peeking along his men as if seeking verbal support.

"We got your girl, don't we?" He forced a chuckle.

"Nah. Handling a whole bunch o' pricks ain't never been trouble." He whispered under his breath, not taking his eyes off of the man holding you hostage.

"You've got some balls, I'll give you that."

His mockery grew denser as Daryl was not acknowledging your presence yet your gaze never left his face and his firm stance.

"But see, you ain't gonna win this. You'd be-"

All of your heads turned to the sound of someone clicking their tongue in the middle of the woods behind some bush.

There appeared a man looking in his middle or late 50s with distinctive features bearing his face. You heard one of the men softly huff "Joe.." as you exchanged glances back and forth.

"That ain't very nice now is it Len?" He inquired, not masking his letdown filled with an uncanny stare.

"We- we were bringing these two right to you." He stuttered, you felt his grip loosening on your back. You heard his chapped lips forcing a smile, a smile without the eyes.

"Then why the hell that fella over there holding his crossbow at your skull point?" He smiled, trying to look inviting to you, nonetheless you wouldn't buy it.

"Got his baby-doll over here." He chuckled, putting on a confident manner.

The man they called Joe, smiled.

"Son o'va bitch is a chatter." Daryl said. You turned your head to him for a brief moment as he kept pogging Len with his dark-eyed stare.

"Let go of her." He shook his fingers at the two of you as you felt him letting go completely.

You massaged your wrists as you gazed at Daryl through your brows. If you were alone, you'd just bolt as fast as you could, only you weren't and you had no weapons whatsoever.

Joe came closer to him, only leaving a distance with the crossbow between them.

"You ain't very friendly." Joe expressed and yet again you felt that ear-offing, jambering on tone in his voice.

Daryl stayed silent, his solid gaze never left Joe's. Joe was inches away from death, even so, he kept making senseless, unnecessary comments.

"Well, can he talk?" He asked his men, chuckling at his own statement.

"Wer' leavin' " Daryl grunted as he didn't move or lower his crossbow.

Joe looked bewildered.

"Trust me, some of us are more hospitable."

Daryl finally lowered his crossbow.

"That ain't appealing ta me."

"Wer' goin' " He took a step ahead, Joe placing his arms on his ribs to stop him. Daryl initially glared down at his forearm then to his eyes, giving him a penetrating stare.

"No need for any o'us ta get hurt." Daryl glared at him obstinately

"See, that's right. So why don't you come with us? You don't seem like you got a group out there." He held out his hands extravangtly. He, then turned to you, his eyes sizing you up.

"Why don't you put some sense into your boyfriend over there?" He asked you as you sharpened your stare, then gaze at Daryl.

"I mean, trust me. You don't wanna die out there all alone." He chuckled loudly, vibrating the leaves and bushes all around you.

You stood there, mulling over your odds out there. It was just the two of you, plus both of you had no idea if any of your friends were even alive.

A part of you wanted to be part of someting greater. Safe to say, your prospects of surviving even with a gang like that were more favorable than it was with you two only.

The other part of you felt like you didn't have much of a say in this. Consequently this Joe guy was only asking you out of the little-to+none courtesy he persuaded he had in himself.

You'd spent your life with men like him. It was either with physical force or the presumed kindness and the virtue. Daryl had thought the same all along, you saw the little sparkles fade in his eyes when you looked up. This was the new world order.

Joe must've seen both of your features soothen that he clapped his hands dramatically and made a "Ha" sound.

You'd walked a few hours, exchanging secret glances with Daryl.

When you'd taken a break after walking for hours at an abandoned gas station was when Daryl embraced his arms all around you without saying a word as you were trying to figure at how to shatter a vending machine glass.

You were kneeling down, your palm was pressing your forehead as if trying to remember something long forgotten as your eyes were screwed shut.

It was like you'd totally forgot his presence, bearing you from walkers or more to say -something you both didn't wanna admit or had the heart to say it to eachother- bearing you from the gang of rural vigilantes you happened to join.

For a second, he knelt besides you, his crossbow still at hand with a brawny grip when you felt his arms go around you, followed by you getting up reflexively.

For a moment, you froze. Your eyes were stuck on a walker lurking around feets away you. Your hands stayed put, this had never happened before.

Then your heart melted into his. You noticed his heart beat going faster against your chest. You gulped, which made an out of the blue sound and you hoped he didn't notice. He didn't.

Then one of your arms started embracing his neck slowly while the other went over the back of his shoulders. You were sure you didn't go tighter with your hugging yet did it feel like you were suffocating him with your clutch.

His head fell to the crook of your neck, breathing lightly against your bare skin that goosebumps started swell.

" 'M jus' glad yer alright."

He, then broke the embrace, however your arms were still around his neck. You gazed deep into his eyes, aspiring to see something you'd never seen in those heavy, forever serious eyes.

"I'm fine, and you?" You tilted your head forward and gave him a begging stare through your lashes.

He let go of your waist and nod his head in agreement as he kept biting his bottom lip and eyeing you up and down.

You knelt down again, trying to look occupied incase any of them popped up infront of you.

Daryl was still standing, when you lifted your gaze to check him out was the time you were blinded with the sunny sun shine and his face wasn't visible. Too shadowed, too dark.

"What's wrong?" You asked as you kept working on the vending machine with an adjustable wrench.

He started speaking as if he was contemplating all along.

"If things go south, ya be the first one ta run off."

You furrowed your brows as you turned your head to his direction. There was the dazzling sunlight again, hence you shielded your eyes with your hands.

"And let them skin you alive?" You inquired. You knew the answer, yet you sensed to speak about it as to put sense into him.

He maintained his silence as you felt your rage run through you. You got up, the tool still in your hand and you squeezed it like you could break metal.

Your eyes cut right through him yet he stayed put.

"Daryl?"

He rested his body weight on one leg and kept staring at you.

"Those assholes kno' damn well how ta get a reaction outta someone." He lowered his eyelids.

"If sumthing goes down, I need ya gone."

"Right up."

"Ya hear me?"

Your eyes scanned him for a while with a wrinkly forehead. You didn't know which words to utter.

"I won't leave you." You said low as your eyes were trapped on the pavement 10 feets away from you.

You heard him letting out a sigh as you followed him with your eyes. You were beyond bewildered.

-End of Part One-

[doublegoblin]

Five pebbles reading

HEY! I thought I got the volume to a reasonable level but Tumblr boosted so just a heads-up about the volume! It might be a tad loud...and I closed this out without saving...

Hopefully this tickles someone's fancy ^^. The track is the reading of the dialogue Five Pebbles has for Survivor and Monk in that order. Nothing too fancy but also used this as a means to work on some more subtle audio work.

Enjoy! Hopefully!

[moodymisty]

hey! Just wanted to say I really enjoy reading your works! I’ve joined tumblr to put in a request, hope I’m doing this right lol. I was wondering if you’d have any headcanons for tech x female jedi general reader? It’s purely self indulgent for my self insert oc, lmao. But I’d love to hear what your thoughts are on how tech would be in a relationship with a general. Thanks so much!

[ 𝕸𝖔𝖔𝖉𝖞𝕸𝖎𝖘𝖙𝖞'𝖘 𝕸𝖆𝖘𝖙𝖊𝖗𝖑𝖎𝖘𝖙 | 𝕬𝖔3 ]

Author's Note: You're doing just fine, and welcome to tumblr! It's a mess but it's ours. I love self indulgent OC's so hopefully these little HCs of mine (and a little drabble because it was cute) will tickle your fancy.

Relationships: Tech/Gn!Jedi General!Reader (it just so happened I wrote it without any specific pronouns used)

Warnings: None, unless you consider clone/jedi relationships something to warn about?

Tech would at first, probably be a little bit at odds with a Jedi; Not in a hostile way, but his very '1+1=2, logic is superior' sort of brain competes with someone who trusts in something so vague as the Force. He doesn't enjoy the lack of concrete answers when it comes to the Jedi.

It's an even more prevalent if you're the 99's official Jedi general.

Tech and the Batch are already grappling with the feelings of finally being shackled with a Jedi, after having avoided it for so long. They didn't feel like a Jedi would fit in their squad, no matter how you might be. It's not the easiest hurdle to jump for sure, especially with Tech.

He's cold at first; You can tell he's displeased by your presence, but is attempting to be amicable. It's when you try your best to mold into their group rather than change them, when Tech ends up realizing that maybe this wasn't as bad as he thought.

You both find a common ground, and Tech even comes to enjoy the more historical side of Jedi teachings, even if he doesn't really get all of it.

He often times finds himself tinkering in the same area you're meditating in; He finds it relaxing in a way he can't explain. He makes sure to be quiet and not disturb you.

But it's actually Tech that's the one to make a move in upgrading your relationship, surprisingly enough- once he realizes his own feelings for you go far beyond how his brothers think of you.

He's extremely blunt; He enjoys spending time with you and would like more, but he knows that clones aren't exactly the pick of the litter. You vehemently reassure him that you'd love nothing more. It's not as if he's the only one who's feelings had been morphing over time, as you'd very much grown to enjoy being around him.

I think that Tech would be the least likely, besides Wrecker, to treat you being a Jedi as a 'big deal' in a relationship. Hunter and Echo would probably hesitate due to a fear of chain of command issues and Echo being used to Jedi more, while Crosshair has a sort attitude towards everyone including Jedi. Tech knows that the Kaminoans cannot find out, but beyond that, you being a Jedi is nothing intimidating to him.

If you ever gave him permission, he would love to tinker with your lightsaber(s). Acts of service are Tech's way of showing he likes someone, and to improve something that means so much to you would make Tech extremely happy. He also would love to see the inner-workings of something so integral to the Jedi order. Lightsabers aren't exactly something you get to mess with every day.

Has a spare robe of yours he wears uses as a blanket sometimes. He got yanked at the collar by Hunter once, when he was wearing it and almost left their barracks without realizing.

You can hear out far to your left, outside the shell of the Marauder, that someone is working on one of the LA-AT's with a high powered drill. Someone else is pulling a fuel hose across the hanger, as it drags across the ground with a consistent, sliding noise. Somewhere else is the yelling of a captain disciplining his troopers. It all fades to the background relatively quickly. The metal of the Marauder is cool beneath you, piercing the rough fabric of your robes.

There isn't much room in here to meditate, especially without any interruption, but the Batch and you have come to a sort of solution. There may not be much space between the cockpit seats, but it's enough, and you can seal the door if you need an extra bit of quiet.

It works. If anything, you've come to enjoy it. There's a familiarity about it. In the way that the Jedi temple has a comfortable feeling of home, as does the Marauder.

-CLANK-

Something small and metal hits the ground; A screw, you think. Judging by the way it bounces a few times before it starts to roll across the floor. You pay it no mind, palms shifting ever so slightly as they rest on your thighs. The sudden sound took you out of your meditation for a moment and the noises outside the ship came flooding back into focus, but soon enough you manage to slowly push them out again. Back to a state of peace, each sound being filtered and muffled as if dunked in water as you once again fade away into-

-BANG-

"Tech..."

You open one eye, looking up to your left and watching him look over the arm of his seat trying to spot where his tool went.

"Apologies."

It hit your foot, and so you open both eyes and grab it- with a grunt getting up from your cross legged position and handing it to him. Once you do, both of your hands rest on the arm of the seat to support yourself.

"Don't worry about it. I'm not going to get anywhere with this noise anyways." His eyebrows raise behind his goggles and with both hands gripping his current project, he makes a motion as if going to get up from his seat.

"I could do my work elsewhere, if you require complete sile-" You quickly lean in to give him a kiss on the cheek, close enough that your lips brush against the corner of his mouth.

"It's not you. The noise in the hanger keeps throwing me off." Tech looks out the side viewport to see a groups of clones working on various starships, and he notes how loud the sounds actually are. He's just gotten used to it, he guesses. He's slept in far louder places.

"I like having you here when I meditate, actually." You see the way his eyes light up a bit, both from the loving nature of what you'd said, and the curiosity of wanting to know why.

"It's nice knowing you're here. And ok." You reach up and adjust the light on the side of his goggles so it isn't pointing upwards. Tech doesn't seem to even notice that you doing so.

"Nothing is going to happen on a Republic base," He says, before taking note of the way you roll your eyes at him.

"I know, I just like the feeling." You squeeze his hand that's holding his screwdriver, and while he can't hold yours back, you note the way his eyes watch the gesture keenly.

"Once I finish this, I can promise you complete silence." You smile before he kisses you on the lips, feeling the way you gently sigh against them.

"Take your time. I'm just going to watch."

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[basilone]

Hellooooo, guys, how're we all holding up today? 😊I'm winding down on my Sunday eve with what looks to be a busy-ish start of the week ahead, so just taking it supereasy right now. The weekend's been good, though! Got to see the fabulous Dune 2 (and, yes, Austin's got the raaaange, darlings) and got my hands on a new nightstand that's hopefully gonna replace some of my bedside table chaos in the next few weeks. I gotta say, my recent icon change and blog color change has got me feelin' rather awesome – I always do better in blue.

Creatively speaking, I'm gifsetting along nicely and gathering my thoughts on each MotA ep as it comes along. I'm really just putting out some character moments at this point, as we've still got another 20 years to gif the rest of this gig. 😂 I also gotta say if you're looking for someone to critique the show, I'm not your girl because I'm in love with it.

Also in light of more MotA less problems, I'm still accepting prompts from this list right here. Send me one alongside a canon character and/or an OC of mine, if anything tickles your fancy? ^^

What're y'all working on? How're you enjoying the show? 💙

[sky-fire-forever]

Happy Friday and a big welcome to DADW!! 💚💚

My prompt to you is: “How much of that did you hear?” For Fenris/Anders/Hawke! Hopefully it tickles your muse’s fancy!! 🎉

Thank you so much for the prompt and the warm welcome! For @dadrunkwriting

Content warning for some implied suicidality on Anders' part before the Chantry boom

My Hawke in this uses they/them pronouns

It isn't often that Anders and Hawke fight. They're usually on the same wavelength, always supporting each other and having each other’s back through thick and thin. When it comes to the big issues, like mage rights and the immorality of slavery, their beliefs are always entirely the same. When they do disagree — on matters like the ethics of blood magic and the type of people who use it — they’re usually able to have rational conversations and debates instead of devolving into screaming matches or insults. 

They at least know when to change a subject before it turns too sour. 

Today, though…  

Today they’re at each other's throats. 

“Why can’t you just trust me?” Anders demands, trying to shoo Hawke out of the clinic. 

“Because you’re lying to me!” Hawke snaps back. “You even admitted it! How am I supposed to trust someone who lies to my face?” 

That stings, but Anders doesn’t show it. He just grits his teeth and flexes his hands. “It’s for your own good,” he says even as he feels that hint of doubt that’s been plaguing him all day. Ever since Hawke agreed to distract the Grand Cleric even while knowing Anders had lied about wanting to separate from Justice. 

But Justice reassures him from somewhere in their collective consciousness that this is for the best, that Hawke would just try to stop them if they knew. The cause is bigger than Hawke, bigger than anyone. 

When the dust settles, Hawke may never forgive him, but it’ll be too late by then. This way, Hawke is spared the responsibility of having to stop him. 

“My own good?” Hawke stares at Anders like he’s lost his mind. Maybe he has. “You don’t get to make that call!” 

“Why did you help, then?” Anders asks, frustration overriding his guilt. “If you don’t trust me and my plan, why did you help me with it?” 

Hawke stands and stares at him. “Because I do trust you,” they say with an unnatural solemness.  “I trust you and I love you, but I’m worried you’re going to get yourself killed, Anders.” There’s a pleading note in their tone. 

They reach for him, but Anders pulls away. He can’t meet their eye. 

“Please,” Hawke’s voice comes out softer now than it did before. “Please, whatever it is that you’re planning… talk to me. We can do this together like we always do. You don’t have to be alone in this.”

But that’s where Hawke is wrong. Anders has to do this and he can’t let anyone too close, not this late in the game. It’s too late for him now. Hawke will see that when the Chantry burns and it will be up to them to give the people their justice. Justice can only come with a heavy cost and Anders shall be the one to pay the price. 

“I think it’s time you go, Hawke,” Anders says as he turns away. “I’ll– I’ll see you at home.” 

As much as this betrayal hurts both of them, he can’t pull away from Hawke completely. He can’t tear himself away from their side forever, not until after the deed is done. There’s a selfish part of him that needs Hawke still, that clings to them even with hands soon to be slick with blood. That selfish part of him that’s human and not spirit longs to hold Hawke in his arms tonight instead of sleeping alone. 

There’s a moment of tense silence before Hawke sighs. “I hope you know what you’re doing,” they say before their footsteps retreat. 

Anders resists the urge to cry as he starts cleaning up his clinic. He tidies things away with shaking hands until footsteps approach from behind. 

“They are only angry with you because you’ve frightened them,” Fenris says and Anders internally swears. 

“How much of that did you hear?” Anders turns to face Fenris, not looking forward to another lecture from his lover’s lover. 

Fenris and him haven’t always seen eye-to-eye. They’ve bickered often over the years and that bickering has often evolved into arguments and shouting and desperately trying to make the other understand their point of view. But lately they haven’t been quite so hostile towards one another. 

In fact, they’ve become close friends. Bound together by their shared love of Hawke. They’d both do anything for Hawke and somewhere along the way, respect grew for one another too. 

Anders doesn’t want to watch that respect wither away. 

“I heard enough,” Fenris says cryptically. “I know you are hiding something from Hawke while begging them to trust you. That seems rather counterintuitive.” 

Anders looks away. “You wouldn’t understand.”

“You’re right. I don’t.” Fenris steps forward until he’s in Anders’ space. “But I don’t believe you understand either, mage.” 

Anders blinks, startled by their closeness. He feels cornered, but not threatened. “What?” 

“Hawke cares for you. Many people care for you. If something were to happen to you…” He trails off, an expression Anders can’t read flickering over his face. “It would be unfortunate,” is what he settles on saying. 

Anders doesn’t know what to say. He knows somewhere along the way, he and Fenris had grown from rivals to friends to… whatever exists now between them, but he hadn’t expected Fenris to express such open concern. 

“Fenris…” 

“It is something to consider.” Fenris steps back and in an instant, he’s gone from the clinic. 

Anders is left alone with swirling feelings of guilt and doubt. 

[umbry-fic]

A Survey from the Goddess

Summary:

Congratulations!

You have been chosen to partake in a survey from the Goddess.

For seven days starting from tomorrow, an angel shall accompany you, asking you a question per day.

Please think carefully about your answers - there is much the Goddess does not know.

Fandom: Tales of Symphonia

Characters: Lloyd Irving, Colette Brunel

Relationships: Colette Brunel/Lloyd Irving

Rating: G

Word Count: 9018

Mirror Link: AO3

Original Post Date: 14/06/2024

Notes:

A modern AU which started as a crack fic and gained a plot by the end :) Original concept from A Survey From God by rerulili!

~~~

DAY 0

"What in the...?" Lloyd stared at the card that had been slotted between two mundane letters. It was surprisingly fancy, the material sturdy and staying firm beneath his fingers as his thumb swiped across its texture. There was a golden seal stamped on the front, tickling at a long-buried memory at the back of his mind. Were those wings?

“How in the world did Zelos get into my mail?” he muttered, furrowing his brow as he flipped it over and found that the other side spouted nonsense. This had to be a prank. There was no other explanation, but this was a lot of effort to go to for a simple prank.

Tossing the card onto a corner of the tiny dining table in his dim dorm room, he pushed it out of his mind, opting to return to his bedroom and catch up on some assignments before the start of summer proper.

DAY 1

Massaging his temples as he stepped out of the dingy lift that groaned behind him, he headed towards the door to his room. It was late enough that he was the only one shambling down the corridor, though most of the doors he passed still had light spilling out from beneath them, revealing that most of his dorm mates were still up, burning the midnight oil in this city that never slept.

Hopefully he could stave off the pending headache. Zelos had been a pain for the entire evening, refusing to admit any part he had to play in breaking into the dorm’s mailbox and claiming that was impossible. Then he proceeded to get drunker and drunker, leaving Lloyd to deal with his increasingly insane antics while Sheena laughed at his expense and didn’t lift a finger to help. Tonight's only saving grace was Sheena being the one to take Zelos home. If he’d had to do it he might have murdered his friend on the way, fed up with his laments on the woes of love. Knowing his luck, he'd have been haunted by Zelos' annoying ghost for the rest of his life, nothing able to shut him up.

Fumbling with his keys and being very grateful that he’d decided to stop drinking once Zelos had started clinging to him like a particularly depressed koala, he swung open the front door.

And froze with one foot in the room, eyes widening as he stared at the tiny attached balcony. Most nights it was empty, not a soul occupying it. On other nights, when he failed to find the solace of sleep, he might spend an hour or two sitting there, shoulders hunched as he stared out at the city skyline, hoping the chilly night air would clear his head. Tonight, however, there was someone already there, another soul encroaching in his residence.

“Oh, you’re here!” A girl with hair like spun gold clapped her hands together, blue eyes sparkling. “We can finally get started!”

Slam.

At some point, he’d managed to get his whole body into the room and closed the door behind him, but even the deafening banging sound didn’t dispel the image before him. There was still a girl that he had never met before in his life standing on his balcony, her unearthly beauty illuminated by the countless lights of this sleepless city.

Neither was it making the wings that extended from her back, covered in feathers that ruffled in the slight breeze and bathed in soft shadows, vanish from sight.

Darkness was beginning to creep into the corner of his vision as he continued to stare, unable to tear his gaze away.

Alright. So maybe he’d had more to drink than he’d thought. Maybe both he and Zelos were passed out cold and Sheena would kill them tomorrow morning after giving them a rude awakening.

“Here’s the first question: do you like animals?” she asked cheerfully, oblivious to the thoughts that were rattling around in his head at top speed and crashing uselessly into each other.

“Yes,” he answered faintly, before crumpling to the floor.

DAY 2

Consciousness came to him slowly, in bits and pieces, his surroundings constructing themselves around him as his senses came back to life. A familiar melody floated through the air, hummed softly by a gentle voice that tugged at the strings of his heart. His head rested against a comfortable surface, and there was a hand running through his hair, soothing his anxious heart as the faint scent of spring embraced him.

He didn’t feel like waking up, not while he rested so peacefully, the nightmare that was last night having passed. But a persistent feeling that something was wrong hounded him. Sheena wouldn't let him sleep in - she'd have murdered him if he didn't wake up to help her with breakfast, most likely with a pillow to the head with all of her strength funnelled into her arms. And she certainly never hummed.

He opened his eyes.

Periwinkle blue eyes blinked innocently down at him, a hand stilling in his hair. “Good morning,” the girl from yesterday whispered, her golden hair falling around his face, almost close enough to tickle his skin, forming a veil that shielded him from the first rays of the morning sun.

He would forever deny the screech that left his throat at that moment as he scrambled out of her lap, moving so abruptly that he slammed his head against the wall. Slumping with a groan, he rubbed the patch of skin that would most certainly bruise in a few hours, squinting at the intruder.

Did alcoholic delusions last till the next morning? Or had he finally snapped, losing the battle against the many stresses of university?

“Are you alright?”

“W - who are you?” he croaked in a wholly unflattering voice, his throat terribly dry as he tried to inch further away. It would've been a relief to declare her wings nothing more than a tacky Halloween prop, but one glance at them was enough to dispel that notion - they shifted together with her in a way that couldn't be described as anything but alive, flapping anxiously and causing feathers to peel off and flutter through the air in a shower of white.

“Did you not get the letter? I’m your assigned messenger from the Goddess, here to give you the survey!” Her wings drooped, lips drawing into a disappointed pout.

“A… a letter?” And a survey? This was one of the most absurd things he had ever heard! (Why did it ring a bell? And why did she seem so strangely familiar?)

“Wait. This thing?” he yelped, grabbing the forgotten card still balancing on the edge of the dining table. Its vibrant colours had not faded over the span of two days, still giving off the same sense of grand decorum.

“Yes!” She perked up again, nodding enthusiastically. “I’m glad to see it reached you. This is my first time doing this, and I already arrived late yesterday, so I thought I might have forgotten to send it.”

“You mean Zelos really wasn’t lying?” he whispered in mounting horror, rising in his throat. That meant all of this was real, somehow. Which meant that angels were real, which would mean -

He pushed himself to his feet abruptly, refusing to let that train of thought run any further, knowing it would only result in a cataclysmic crash. “It’s too early in the morning to deal with this. I’m going to make some breakfast.”

~~~

“Oh, you didn’t have to. I don’t need to eat!” The girl protested as he slid a plate of toast in front of her, even as she stared at the food with the expression of someone who had been starved for days, eyes sparkling like she was looking at the world's greatest delicacy.

“Just take it,” he grumbled, settling down with his own plate of charred toast, the black bits flaking off. It had been his standard breakfast fare ever since he'd started living here in this dorm alone. Not particularly appetizing, but good enough to propel him through the day.

“Thank you so much!” She proceeded to scarf it down like she was a famished wolf, and he couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.

“So, you're really a…” He gave her a once-over, taking in her attire. At first glance, one might mistake her for a schoolgirl. She was dressed the part in an outfit reminiscent of a girl’s school uniform, a messenger’s bag slung over her shoulder and pressing against her hip. Her long golden hair was neat, a tiny braid dangling next to her right cheek, secured with a blue ribbon.

That illusion could only hold if one ignored her wings, which in the light of the sun were even more breathtaking than they had been yesterday, covered to the brim in downy white feathers that he couldn't help but yearn to touch. They were tucked behind her now, giving a little shiver with each bite of toast she took, but if she were to stretch them out to their full length, they could likely fill the entire corridor.

“Angel?” She pushed her now emptied plate towards him, bowing her head in gratitude. “Yes, I am an angel! I will be with you for the following six days, and every day I will ask you a question, as mandated by the Goddess. Thank you so much for the food. It was delicious.”

He marvelled at the fact that she could utter those words with a straight face. She probably didn't even realise that her very presence had torn his world down to its foundations and was now reshaping it, piece by jagged piece.

“It's just burned toast…” he mumbled in confusion. “How did you even get in here?” Unless he had forgotten to lock his door on his way out yesterday afternoon, which was highly unlikely, there had been no way in apart from somehow passing through solid wall. At this point, he wouldn't even be surprised.

“I flew up to your balcony!"

Choking on his next bite, he barely managed to catch the spew of crumbs with his hand. Flew up to his balcony? Wouldn't that mean everyone had seen -

“Don't worry! You're the only one who can see me!”

His shoulders sagged and he buried his face in his hands, groaning in agony. Scratch the morning, he'd never be ready to deal with any of this. But if she was going to be sticking around for a whole week, which seemed likely given she was still not disappearing no matter how hard he blinked, then he'd just have to find some way to handle all of this. Might as well humour her and complete this strange survey and hope that would have the promised effect of getting her out of his life.

“Alright. What’s your name?”

“I don’t have one!”

“Uh…” He scrambled for something else to say, slightly afraid that if he offended her, she'd smite him with lightning or something equally ridiculous. But she didn’t appear upset, her smile just as serene as before, her hands remaining calmly in her lap. “What… What’s today’s question?” He gathered their plates and practically ran to the sink in a bid to escape the awkward cloud hovering over them that it seemed only he could sense. Only to be met with the stack of dishes from yesterday that he had yet to deal with, a tiny tower wobbling precariously that threatened to topple and leave him with a pile of shattered porcelain at any time. With a sigh, he readied the soap, continuing to keep an eye on his “guest”.

“Hm…” She bit her lip, rummaging through her bag and pulling out a roll of parchment that she slowly began to unroll - only for it to keep going and going, until the end of it nearly hit his feet. How had that even fit in her tiny bag? Why was he even bothering to think about this? “Day 2, day 2, day 2… Ah! Here it is. Are you sleeping well at night?”

Nearly dropping the plate in hand and introducing his feet to the sharp bite of porcelain, he turned to fully face her, incredulous, soap suds sliding off his hand. “That’s a random question.” He was expecting something more along the lines of ‘What are your personal beliefs on reincarnation’. Then again, she'd asked him about animals last night, hadn't she? What was even the goal of this survey?

“There is much the Goddess doesn’t know and that she wishes to learn." The angel beamed, once more clapping her hands together. "Take as much time as you need to answer!”

Returning to running the plate under the sink, he pondered the question for a moment. He still didn’t get it. Why would some hypothetical Goddess, sitting on her grand throne up in the untouchable sky, want to know about something as mundane as sleeping patterns? “I’m just like most people. There are some nights when I can’t sleep, but for the most part, I do just fine.”

Some nights he lay flat on his bed and blearily stared at the ceiling, thoughts running tired laps in his mind and refusing to dissipate. Thoughts about the choices he had made to find his way to this very point in time, about the dreams he was trying to chase, about the many encounters and farewells he had experienced. The refuge of sleep would evade him, even as exhaustion blurred his vision.

But that was neither here nor there, tiny moments that would go unnoticed, buried by the rapid flow of time in this city that stopped for no one, charging onwards forevermore like a runaway train. By the morning, he would not be refreshed, but he would keep trudging onwards, for that was all he could do to avoid being left behind.

Pulling out a slip of paper, she procured a feather pen out of thin air to rapidly scribble on it before throwing it into the air. It vanished in a bright explosion of light, leaving blue sparks to fizz out.

He barely flinched, his limit for absurdity having well and truly been met and overtaken. Rushing off to his room, he shot her one final glance over his shoulder. “I’ll be in my room. You can just… stay here, I suppose.”

Closing the door on her face as the smile dropped from it, he heaved a sigh of relief when he was met with the normalcy of his messy bedroom. Stationery and papers were scattered everywhere, his bed pushed into a corner, and his laptop buried under a sweater that had been haphazardly thrown over it. There were no signs at all of magically-appearing angels.

Perhaps if he kept his contact with her to a minimum, he could pretend that everything was the same as it’d always been, forcing down the strange traces of recognition that flashed through his mind whenever she smiled at him that made his heart clench painfully in his chest.

Each time he passed the living room to grab a drink, he spotted her on the balcony - leaning against the railing with her hair caught in the wind, sitting cross-legged with her head resting against the wall, padding across the floor as she ran her fingers across the narrowly-spaced grills. It appeared she had found her retreat, staring down at the streets below and the people passing by with undisguised longing on her face.

In the fragile quiet, he was no longer able to ignore that there was something familiar about her, an invisible thread tied securely around his heart that found its other end around her wrist, relentlessly tugging him towards her. An itch came alive under his skin whenever he gazed upon her visage, an echo of something that was no longer within his reach.

That night, sleep claimed him after hours of fitful tossing and turning, plunging him into dreams that were nothing more than quick dashes of colour against a canvas, lacking details. A girl, face blurry as she held her hand out to grasp the moon, her shining eyes the colour of the lazy summer sky they had become friends under, her brown hair pooling around her head where she lay on the grass. Beneath the weight of that muggy summer night, they had talked of dreams, the words flowing out of him as easy as breathing. He had shifted closer as the moon rose higher, drawn in by the shy, sweet smile on her face as his hand had found hers, their fingers tangling together.

He awoke to rays of sunlight falling gently on his face, tears stinging in his eyes as he reached blindly for things he had lost long ago.

DAY 3

When he stumbled into the living room, she was already seated on the sofa, once more reading diligently from that long roll of parchment. In his sleep-addled state, it took him a few scans of the room to discover what had mysteriously changed overnight. The separate piles of mail scattered around had congregated into a single neat one, the floor entirely bereft of feathers and every surface spotless, devoid of dust.

“Did you clean all of this up?” he asked, attempting to rub the sleep from his eyes, thoroughly impressed. “You didn’t have to.”

“I had nothing better to do,” she answered, blue eyes raising to meet his. “I don’t need to sleep.”

Guilt slammed heavily into him, shame burning in his stomach for having ignored her for a whole day and for his plans to continue doing so for the rest of their time together. From what she’d said, it’s not like she’d asked to be assigned this job either, and anyone with eyes could tell she was lonely. The least he could do was not shut her out and make this any harder than it needed to be.

“I need to go grocery shopping.”

“Oh.” It was almost impossible to catch the flicker of disappointment across her face that was quickly covered up, but her drooping wings betrayed her true emotions. Faced with such a sight, how could he possibly refuse reaching out a hand to her to answer her silent plea? Besides, it would give him an opportunity to try and confirm his suspicions.

Scratching the back of his neck, he sighed, averting his gaze to the practically sparkling floor. “Do you… want to come with me?”

In an instant, she had shot right next to him in a blur of feathers. Jumping on the balls of her feet in infectious enthusiasm, her wings flared, nearly knocking him to the floor. “Can I? Can I really?” Her face was pushed dangerously close to his - at this distance, he could count every fleck of darker blue scattered among her eyes, strikingly familiar.

“Yes!” he blurted out, taking a hurried step back to put some much-needed space between them, heat flooding his cheeks. “Come on.”

~~~

It appeared that she had spoken nothing but the truth - nobody could see her. Even in the middle of the day, the streets were still fairly packed, passersby ranging from cheerfully chattering students to working adults rushing to their destinations. Regardless of who they were, they parted around her like a river would part around a boulder, not even sparing her a second glance. Not even when she exclaimed at the top of her lungs, her gaze flitting from location to location a hundred miles a minute. Even the most mundane of sights like a simple traffic light captured her full attention, and he didn’t have the heart to drag her away, simply watching in amusement as she ran in circles around the pole, eyes glimmering in wonder.

She was also incredibly clumsy, constantly tripping over uneven parts of the pavement, stray cans, or empty air, instantly shattering the image of the graceful angel she had been trying very hard to maintain this whole time. He constantly had to catch her before she thudded face-first into hard concrete, her thanks spilling out of her as her wings twitched in embarrassment, trying their very best to hide her flushed face.

From observation, her wings seemed like an extension of her. They flapped erratically whenever her heart soared with happiness, drooped when sadness weighed on her shoulders, tucked into small shapes behind her when pale red dusted her cheeks. To be honest, it was rather… cute.

“Here.” He sat down on a wooden bench, patting the spot next to him until she took it, giving her wings a little shake. The trees in the park were starting to show the first signs of autumn, orange and browns beginning to overtake fresh green as a faint chill began to fill the air. “Have this.”

“Oh, you didn’t have to!” she parroted her words from yesterday as she accepted a little paper bag containing a piping hot potato croquette, steam still rising from it. From experience, he knew it was delectable, and the tempting scent wafting off it was enough to make his mouth water.

“It’s better than burned toast,” he muttered, rolling his eyes. But he couldn’t help but break out into a smile as she took a big bite and then let out a squeak of “Hot!”, blowing on her tongue. Adorable.

“So what’s today’s question?” he asked into the silence that had fallen, watching the wind rip leaves from branches, depositing them on the dirt, which was rapidly being smothered by layers upon layers of trampled leaves.

“Hm… Do you get along well with your family?” she asked between tiny nibbles, peering at him.

“Uh…” His fingers curled in his lap, his tongue suddenly stiff in his mouth. Where was he even supposed to begin with that question? There was so much to say, but his feelings regarding this matter had always been a complicated tangle that he’d never really been able to make heads-or-tails of, not for lack of trying. “I… guess? It’s just been me and my dad for a long time. Honestly, I don’t know how to describe our relationship. We’re not the closest, and there are a lot of times when we don’t see eye-to-eye.”

There was an awkward distance between them, a chasm that had seemed to widen over the year since he had come to this city. Whenever they met, his father never seemed to know what to say, leaving nothing but empty silence broken by stilted conversation as they struggled to understand each other, leaving him drained by the end. It had been that way for as long as he could remember, ever since illness had taken his mother when he was young, leaving his father to take care of him alone even as he travelled from place to place for work. Their circumstances had resulted in more than one heated argument stemming from the desperate anger that welled up within him as he continually uprooted himself from every life he ended up building for himself, even if he’d known deep down that it had never been his father’s fault. Perhaps grief had forced them both to withdraw, and when they were ready to emerge from the protective fortress they had built for themselves, they’d forgotten how to connect with each other.

But at the end of the day, he knew his father did care, even if his ways of doing so were sometimes hard to pick up on. He had always done his very best to provide for him and give him a good life. Even still…

“At this point, I’m not sure we can patch it up,” he admitted with a heavy heart. It seemed such a hopeless prospect, not with the yawning abyss that would need to be bridged.

“Well…” She chewed on her nail, having devoured the croquette, disregarding the way it burned her tongue. “You still have a long life ahead of you, don’t you? That’s all the time in the world to get to know each other better. It won’t be easy, and sometimes it’ll feel like pulling teeth, but it’s possible. So you don’t have to give up now.”

“That’s… surprisingly good advice.” He squinted at her, slightly confused that those words of wisdom, delivered with such an encouraging tone that he was beginning to sway towards the notion that it truly was possible, had emerged from someone who gave off the impression that she had never experienced human nature before.

“That’s just how I feel. If it helps you, then I’m glad.” Shrugging, she flashed him a sheepish smile, laying a hand on his shoulder.

“Maybe,” he answered, picking at his jeans, the warmth of her hand sinking into his body and gradually finding its way to his heart, wrapping it in a soft blanket. “Maybe I can try.” All the walls between him and his father were daunting, but perhaps with the memory of her words, he might find the strength to overcome them someday.

“So, um… Is it alright if I give you a name?” He broached the subject carefully, unsure if it was some kind of taboo for angels. For all he knew, it could be.

“Why?”

“I’d feel bad to keep referring to you with no name,” he mumbled, face aflame. Especially when she kept helping him, intentionally or not. It was the least he could do to repay her boundless kindness, fitting of a benevolent angel.

“Sure.” She shrugged nonchalantly, blue eyes curious as she waited with bated breath.

“Uh, well…” He took a deep breath, remembering another girl from a lifetime ago that he’d thought he would never see again, not after her untimely departure. She’d been much the same as the angel before him now - always cheerful, reaching out a helping hand without a second thought, endlessly dedicated to her faith. Perhaps he was barking up the wrong tree, attempting in vain to keep the candle flame of hope alive that he should have snuffed out ages ago, unable to muster up the strength to abandon the promise they’d made together. But there were so many similarities that it was starting to drive him mad trying to keep his thoughts from running wild, even if he could no longer remember her face well enough to match it to the one across from him now. Familiarity pooled in his heart, so much of it that it threatened to force its way through its walls and spill out onto his trembling hands. It was like the ghost that had haunted him for much of his life from the corners of his vision - the sway of her hair, the sound of her carefree laughter that had long since rusted in his memory - had been given a flesh-and-blood form once more.

He could recall her name, written in a child’s messy scrawl on a crumpled piece of paper he still possessed, holding the final remnants of a heartfelt dream he was still incapable of giving up. “How about Colette?”

When she wrapped her arms around him, her wings reaching to embrace him as well, the breath left him in a slow exhale, the tension leaking from his shoulders. The two of them fit together perfectly, and he relaxed into the hold that his very soul recognised, the imprint of it having never faded.

“I love that name,” she whispered as his cheek pressed against her shoulder, her hand coming to rest comfortingly on the back of his head. “Thank you.”

DAY 4

“Do you need any help with that?” he asked over his cup of warm milk, perfect to relax his mind before turning in.

“Hm?” Colette’s reply was delayed, distracted as she was, attempting to contort her arm to pluck a feather that was frustratingly out of reach. She’d been grooming her wings for the past thirty minutes and growing increasingly more frustrated as she failed to reach some out-of-the-way spots, the frown on her face becoming more and more pronounced as her wings lashed out, liable to break something. “Uh, sure.”

“Tell me if I’m pulling too hard, alright?” He sat down next to her as she turned to give him unfettered access to her wings, stretching them out as wide as they would go. Suppressing his awed gasp at the full length of them, he was finally able to see exactly how they could support her weight. The sight of her soaring through the skies must be something indeed, and he yearned to see it - would her clumsiness carry even into the Heavens, or would she be the very picture of elegance?

“Thanks,” she mumbled as he got to work, something bright blooming in his heart knowing that she trusted him with what was clearly a vulnerable part of her. Running his hands over her wings, he could feel the hard bones that lay beneath as he tugged gently at old, grey feathers to pull them out, adding them to the growing pile by the sofa, and smoothing out feathers that were out of alignment. “I usually have someone help me.”

“I can imagine.” Her feathers were soft, his fingers getting lost within their endless sea of white - he almost wanted to never leave. She was practically melting beneath his touch, once more humming that same tune she had when he had first woken up with his head resting in her lap. It almost seemed like she’d fall asleep, for even if she didn’t need to, surely she still needed to rest. “What’s today’s question?”

“Are you doing the things you want to do?”

He froze mid-way through pulling out a feather, a tremor racking his hand. Swallowing, he completed the motion, slowly backing away from her. It felt like ice had grown over his heart, brittle and about to crack.

“I… I think so. Honestly, I… I don’t know.” He smiled a little bitterly, worrying at the feather in hand, avoiding her curious gaze. “Sorry that I don’t have the definitive answer.”

He was here, in this massive city which he had once called home with his mother, unable to recover the easy joy he had once felt in faded memories that he could barely dredge up, back when things used to be much simpler. Working himself to the bone for the sake of a dream that may not grant him a future, chasing the stars like a child that had yet to grow up, reaching desperately for those glinting, inhuman lights. Surrounded by throngs of people that didn’t know his name, feeling nothing but tiny and insignificant.

Some days, he felt like a fool chasing nothing more than a mirage, the ashes of his dream falling between his fingers as he questioned whether any of this would be worth it. But there were spots of bright happiness, moments when he reaffirmed his determination, deciding that he couldn’t give up. He would make his dream come true, for the sake of the friend that had been left behind in happy summer days.

“That’s alright,” she answered gently, turning to face him and placing a hand on his cheek. He couldn’t help but lean into her touch, taking a shuddering breath as her voice washed over him, soothing his weary heart. There was no judgement, only a kind understanding that thawed the ice, chasing away the chill. “Nobody holds the answer to everything, even about themselves. There are no right or wrong answers. It’s like I said before - you’ll have the time to figure it out. I’m certain that you will, whether it be tomorrow or a year from now.”

Blinking away the tears that were suddenly pricking at the corners of his eyes, the words of thanks he wished to express stuck in his throat, he hid his face in his arm as her hand found its way to his back, giving it a comforting rub. Her appearance had granted him a miracle, one that he clung to with utmost gratitude, her encouraging words a shining beacon of light in a sea of uncertainty, saving him from drowning.

She said nothing more, only squeezed his hand, keeping him company.

DAY 5

“Lloyd! Wow, it’s been a while since I last saw you.” Sheena waved, peeling from a group of students and bounding over with a cheerful stride. She completely ignored Colette, who stared at her with wide eyes. “Did Zelos piss you off that badly? If he actually did cross a line, just tell me and I’ll take care of him for you.” The wicked grin on her face and the cracking of her knuckles sent a shiver down his back, and he quickly sent Zelos his prayers.

“No, it’s fine! All that wasn’t his fault.” Frantically, he waved his hands in denial. Hopefully, that would be enough to deter Sheena from murder. He would not be held responsible for that.

“If you say so. So, what brings you to campus today? Summer classes as well?” Sheena returned his nod in commiseration. “Hey, are you free next week to come over to my place? Zelos will be joining. We can compare assignments on our common mods and play a few rounds of Smash.”

Next week… He mentally checked his schedule, counting through the days. “I should be free, so sure.”

“Great.” She grinned, patting him on the shoulder. “I’ll send you more details later, I’d better get going. The professor for my next class will skin me alive if I’m late. See you later!”

And just like that, she was off, blending into the crowd of students headed into the school building before he could even blink. Sometimes, he couldn’t help but compare her to a whirlwind, never stopping and always on the move.

“Let’s go, shall we?” he told Colette, moving off towards his own destination. She followed behind him, a small smile on her face.

~~~

Colette kicked her feet back and forth, her face pressed against the library’s wide window. It afforded a wonderful view of the university courtyard, which even in autumn was filled to the brim with a myriad of flowers, painting colour into the drab environment.

Staring hard at the mathematical equations he was supposed to be deciphering, he found that the various symbols were starting to get mixed up in his head. “Ugh, that’s it, I need a break,” he groaned, massaging his temples and tossing down his pencil, which rolled until it was hanging dangerously over the side of the table. Joining Colette by the window, he pressed his shoulder against hers, her right wing giving him a friendly nudge. “How about you ask me your question now?”

She turned to look at him, blinking. “Alright. When you need someone to talk to, is anyone there for you?”

An invisible grip loosened from around his heart. He’d been anticipating a question on the same level as the previous two days, but this wouldn’t require the same level of soul-searching that had left him wrung out and emotionally exhausted, her presence the only thing grounding him.

His first instinct would have been to answer no, but looking even a little bit deeper instantly told him that this wasn’t true. While he’d never revealed most of the thoughts that simmered under the surface to his two friends, the time spent with them - playing video games, lamenting over homework and occasionally getting drunk together never failed to cheer him up. The two of them had been the ones to approach him and invite him to hang out with them, again and again and again, refusing to give up until they'd successfully battered down the walls he had erected. They picked up when he was feeling down and always tried their best to make him feel better - acting as anchors, keeping him from getting lost in the rapids.

“Yeah, I do.”

It was a simple answer, but it was the comforting truth.

She smiled silently, and returned to peering out the window.

DAY 6

“I win!” Colette cheered as she dropped the controller into the cushion resting in her lap, her wings flaring wide and smacking him in the head.

Rubbing the side of his head, he congratulated her once more, having long since lost count of how many times she’d claimed victory over the past thirty minutes. He’d suggested playing a few rounds of Smash to introduce her to video games, and tied a wager into the game - the loser would have to reveal something about themselves.

At first, he’d learned much about her, doing his best to quietly gather information. She’d been born nine years ago without any recollections of her past life like every other angel, and had finally been deemed ready by her mentor, a grumpy senior angel who held no love for humans, to take on her first assignment. Every word that fell from her lips only further confirmed his suspicions - the timeline matched up perfectly. Still, he found that the truth was too difficult to say aloud, getting lodged in his throat. To do so would be to open himself up to the possibility that he truly was delusional, desperately clutching onto a mirage that threatened to dissipate at any moment, unable to face the painful truth. For now, he was content to keep it close to his chest, the knowledge like a ball of warm light filling the void of grief he’d been carrying around for almost a decade.

He'd laughed out loud when she’d picked Pit to play, but she’d gotten terrifyingly good at the character and was now solidly beating him in every match. So he’d told her, detail by detail, about the friend he’d once made who had meant everything to him. The day they’d met by the river that ran behind the sleepy countryside town that she called home, an unflinchingly kind girl saying hello to a boy who had closed off his heart, not wanting to be hurt again. The nights they’d spent together as he taught her the names of the stars painted across the canvas of the night, and they confided in each other about their dreams, finding in each other the strength to make them come true one day. The promise she’d made to meet him again on the day he’d moved away, holding strong to the belief that it would happen regardless of the years that would pass and the distance that spanned between them, and the letters they’d exchanged until it had all come to a tragic end.

She absorbed it all with a thoughtful expression, her face betraying nothing of what she thought no matter how closely he watched it. It was infuriating, but he bit down on his tongue to stop himself from blurting out something stupid.

Searching for another fact to give out, he was interrupted by her clapping her hand over his mouth. Sputtering in shock, he did his best not to blush to the tips of his ears.

“How about you answer today’s question instead?” She smiled sweetly, removing her hand.

“Sure thing…” He eyed her suspiciously - did today’s question warrant such an action?

Her smile didn’t waver at all as she asked the next question, the words she uttered growing wings and crashing straight into his heart. “How do you define love?”

“Wh - what? T - that’s…” Words fell clumsily from his lips as he turned into a stuttering mess, tearing his gaze away from her, his previous efforts for naught as he felt his whole face grow hot. Surely he was red as a beet by now, embarrassment settling firmly in his chest. Had she purposely lowered his guard just to spring this question?

“It’s… something warm and encouraging,” he mumbled, the words coming to him easily with those halcyon days fresh on his mind, even if those memories were a decade old and faded at the corners. Regardless, she still shined bright no matter how many details about her got smudged, a light that never dimmed in a world that wouldn’t have hesitated to put it out. “It pushes you to be a better person. It carries you through your worst days, and makes your best ones all the better. But…”

Acrid doubt pooled on his tongue. “I was so young back then that I wouldn’t have known what it was, and it was only a year, so maybe -”

A firm finger on his lips forced him into silence, her wings forming a secure cocoon that enclosed them. Slicing a space out of the universe just for the two of them, and narrowing his world to just her.

“If you believe it to have been love, then that’s the most important thing, isn’t it?” she whispered, so close that he could feel the brush of her breath against his cheek. His heart racing, he could do nothing but stare into her vibrant blue eyes, drawing him in, her beauty otherwordly and stealing the breath from him. If he wanted to, he could reach out and run his fingers through her golden hair, he could press the palms of their hands together, he could lean his forehead against hers. There were so many things he could do, that his soul cried out for him to do, to press closer until there was no space between them at all.

He was acutely aware that tomorrow would be her final day on this earth before she returned to whence she came from, her assignment complete. It would be like saying goodbye, all over again, not knowing if he would ever see her again, for what reason would she have to descend again? That knowledge, cold and sharply piercing the vulnerable walls of his heart, held him back from all that he yearned to do. But even then…

Grabbing her wrist before she could pull it fully back, determination burning in his veins and driving him forward, he extended an invitation to the angel before him, who had guided him with a gentle touch, re-alighting the embers of hope in his heart.

“Would you like to go somewhere with me tomorrow?”

DAY 7

“Two tickets for the Ferris wheel, please.”

The bored attendant searched behind Lloyd, trying to find the mysterious second person, before shrugging and handing the tickets over, clearly deciding this puzzle wasn’t one worth solving.

Struggling to keep a straight face over the mistake he’d made, Lloyd made his way to the end of the queue. Colette wasn’t even trying to stifle her giggles, making his ears flush red as he scowled. Joining him, she hugged the plush puppy he’d won from the ringtoss close to her chest, hiding a smile behind its brown fur as a wing brushed against his back.

They had spent the entire day at the amusement park that this city boasted, exploring the attractions it had to offer. They had played the games, his eyebrows raising higher and higher as Colette had somehow managed to win every single one, even though he swore they were rigged. They had gone on the thrill rides, Colette giggling maniacally while he’d done his best not to throw up afterwards. They had even gone to the haunted house, which she’d found hilarious, managing between bouts of laughter to mention that demons did not look this cute and sending his thoughts into another panicked spiral about the logistics of hell.

They had laughed and yelled in unison over games won and lost, the looming deadline that crept closer with every second that ticked by conveniently forgotten. And now here they were, standing before the Ferris wheel, lit up in dozens of purple and blue LED lights, flashing in patterns that cast the ground around it in the same colours. The sun had dipped below the horizon, leaving a few stars to twinkle in the sky, high above, ready to act as witnesses to the ending that was soon to come.

He could vaguely remember riding the Ferris wheel once with his mother, who had picked him up by the waist to show him the sights when they’d reached the apex, her warm laughter as his tiny fists had swung through the air sticking with him through the years.

It was a place he’d once promised to bring another girl if they were to ever reunite, sealing their vow by wrapping their pinkies together. Her eyes had lit up when he'd described his blurry recollections of the park, blown away by what was, to her, a technological marvel that she'd never had the chance to set her eyes on before.

The angel by his side stared up at the Ferris wheel with wide eyes, tracking its circular motion.

The queue cleared in no time, and before he knew it, they were seated in the carriage, rising at a leisurely pace. The people below them gradually disappeared into colourful dots, the entire city spreading out before them - a veritable maze of buildings with lights that burned bright throughout the night.

Colette was staring out of the window with an unreadable expression on her face, her fingers tracing nonsensical shapes in the mist her breath left behind. Her wings were tucked close, so much so that she seemed smaller than she usually was, the dog plush lying forgotten beside her.

In the silence that had fallen, he repeatedly clenched and unclenched his hands, his stomach twisted into knots. There was so much he wanted to say, needed to say, even, but as always, he found himself hesitating, terrified of what letting the truth slip could do. What if she didn't believe him? Or worse, what if the truth hurt her? He didn't want to burden her with something that might chain her to the ground with its immense weight. She had no responsibility to carry it - being born without memories had freed her from beneath its shadow, even if he owed her the truth of who he was.

Of course, she beat him to it. She’d always been much braver than him, her courage the force that pushed him to be better.

“You know, I think the odds of me getting assigned to you was one in a million,” she mused, her words sending an electric jolt straight to his heart.

He could scarcely believe his ears as she put to rest all of his fears, easily speaking the truth like it was no big deal.

“I've always dreamed of a boy, even if the dreams fade once I awaken.” Her smile was sad, her eyes downcast and melancholy as her wings wrapped around herself, her voice carrying with it the years she had grieved for something she hadn't even known was missing, cradling her bruised heart and unable to find the source of the never-ending ache. "The melody of your heart called out to mine, and it wasn't hard to put your face to the boy in my dreams. I’m... really sorry for breaking our promise.”

“Don’t be,” he snapped automatically, finding his way through the feathers that formed a shield around her to place his hand in hers, hoping the tender emotions he held in his heart could reach her and take away at least some of the pain. He had never blamed her, not once, not even when he'd curled into a tiny ball in the sterile room in the new location he had moved to, tasting salt on his tongue as his heart shattered. “It wasn’t your fault. And you’re here now, aren’t you?”

It was cruel fate that had stolen her away and forced them apart, and yet she had found her way back, against all odds. He would carry all those years of grief with him for the rest of his life, feeling their weight pressing on his shoulders forever. But he wouldn’t give up the chance to have met her, nor the miraculous way she had re-entered his life, keeping their promise in her own, wondrous way. She had always encouraged him to continue believing, no matter what, the memory of the curve of her warm smile enough to keep him going even during his bleakest days.

“I… suppose I am.” She stood, leaning over him with the plush resting in the crook of her arm, her wings catching the silver light of the moon as they arced over him, blocking his view of the sky. All at once, he could truly see the angel in her in its full glory - not just the steadfast guardian but also the holy avenger, something fierce burning in her eyes and keeping him pinned in place, unable to move even a single muscle. “Hey, Lloyd. Tell me. Do you… believe in the Goddess?”

He understood, that this was the final question. And thus, he owed her the truth, and nothing but the truth, just as he'd hesitantly told her his views on faith so many years ago. It mattered not if it was painful - it was still what he owed her.

“You’d think I would say yes with you standing in front of me, but… No. I would like to think I have the strength to achieve my dreams.” With the help of those around him who cared for him, tangible and real, he would keep moving forward towards his own goals regardless of the obstacles that he would have to overcome. It would never feel right to put his faith in a deity who lived up in the sky, even if she did exist, completely disconnected from the lives people led on the ground.

“Good.” Her expression softened, the tears shimmering in her eyes making his heart clench painfully in his chest. He yearned to reach out and grab hold of her, draw her close and never let go, but he forced himself to remain still, knowing it would be selfish of him to do so, to make their inevitable parting all the more difficult. “Hold onto that strength, and I’m sure you’ll be alright. I… I really am sorry.”

I’m sorry that I have to leave you again.

“I’ll be fine, don’t worry.” It was his turn now, to reassure her with the faith he would grasp onto and never let go of, as she once had, pouring all of his heart into his words as he ran a comforting hand down a wing, shivering beneath his touch. “Besides, I believe that…”

“No matter how far you go…” There were tears swimming in her blue eyes, but she didn’t shed them, her round cheeks puffed up as she clenched her fists, her brown hair swaying with the force of her determined motions. “So long as we believe it’ll happen, then surely…”

“...someday, we’ll meet again.”

A small smile spread across her face, her expression doing its best not to crumple. “Thank you for everything,” she whispered, her voice wobbling as she pressed her lips to his cheek. Tying her heart to his with a thread that would never come undone, even as she vanished into stardust that scattered into nothing, marking the end of a transient, most beautiful dream.

Leaving him with a single soft feather lying on the metal floor of the carriage that he retrieved with trembling hands, the imprint of her warmth against his skin, and the tears streaming down his cheeks that he’d finally let free.

DAY 8

“You free next week for some bar hopping?” Sheena asked off-handedly as she trounced both him and Zelos in Smash, letting Zelos’ increasingly annoyed complaints at always being the first one to get booted off the platforms go in one ear and leave out the other.

“Can’t,” he mumbled, not tearing his gaze off the screen as he did his best to avoid getting caught in Sheena’s wrath. “I’m meeting my father.”

That earned him both of his friends’ attention, their gazes contemplative. “You know, I think that’s the first time you’ve said that with no dread. And the first time you haven’t tried to weasel out of it,” Zelos commented.

“Ha!” he cheered as he took advantage of the distraction to take another stock off him.

“Hey! Why me again?”

“You know, Lloyd,” Sheena said as she flopped onto her stomach, her fingers rapidly punching inputs into her controller, once more contributing to Zelos’ demise as he wailed. “You seem different.”

“Do I?” he answered, nearly dropping his controller in shock, surprised that she picked up on it. He certainly felt different after the week he'd had, that he still wasn't certain was anything more than a particularly vivid hallucination brought on by stress. But the feather on his bedside table said otherwise, and he’d clutched it close to his chest that very morning, smiling at the warmth it evoked.

“Yeah. Happier, maybe?”

His heart felt lighter, like the shackles fettering it that he hadn't even known had been there had been broken. “I guess I met someone.”

Zelos perked up instantly, a smirk crossing his face. “Woah, Lloyd met someone? Is she pretty?”

“Shut up,” he groaned, smacking Zelos in the head with a pillow before the three of them burst into collective laughter, helping to chase away the persistent cloud of melancholy that still hung over his head.

He carried a new sadness with him, tucked into a corner of his heart reserved just for it, the events of the past week weaved into the tapestry of his life. But he was also freer than he'd ever been, ready to try and soar with the wings she had gifted him, gathering strength every day. There would be bad days when his determination would wane and grief would grip his heart once more, and there would be good days when he could laugh out loud with his friends and grin and feel like he was at the top of the world. And every day, he would do his best to work towards making the many dreams he held come true, whether his progress be a mile or an inch, trying his utmost to be a better person as he cradled the memory of her close.

Just as he’d promised her he would, waiting patiently until the day they would meet again.

[danpuff-ao3]

20 Questions for Fic Writers!

Thanks for the tag, @givereadersahug [x]!

1. How many works do you have on AO3?

Normally I like to specify "HP Fics" since that's my current mode, but altogether (with other fandoms and meta across other pseuds) I'm at 112! (101 for HP Fics, though! 😂)

2. What’s your total AO3 word count?

689,993 so far!

3. What fandoms do you write for?

Currently just Harry Potter, but I have a few Marvel fics still on my account, under my danvers pseud!

4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

Ooh interesting! Let's see...

Daddy's Boy (Snarry, E, 2k)

Daddy Knows Best (Snarry, E, 2k)

Obscene (Snarry, E, 1k)

Breed Me, Daddy (Snarry, E, 2k)

Contempt (Snarry, E, 20k)

0% surprised that 3/5 are Daddy fics LOL. Though lowkey offended that Contempt is only #5. My proudest work but boy oh boy do people love their weird porn!

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

Heck yes! Though I need to catch up now. It means the world to me that people take the time to leave me their love, so the least I can do is give my gratitude. You have no idea how much a comment makes my day!

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

Aha hands down this one is so easy: A Matter of Time. I am stupidly happy with how that one turned out, and just how well executed that angst was. Not to toot my own horn or anything!

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

idk why but my first thought was Orange Blossoms...which is pretty angsty-fluff all told and the ending is hopeful at best. My brain just goes: "that's a happy fic, right?" 😂 But actually I think probably The Curse of Anteros. That one's properly happy, I think, with plenty of angst beforehand to make that happy ending feel well worth it! Though someone is free to correct me, with over 100 fics maybe I lost a happier ending somewhere in there! 😂

8. Do you get hate on fics?

Not often. I did go on a delete-a-spree late 2020 due to some rudeness. One person bookmarked a fic calling my writing "mediocre" and I sorta spiraled. Also I get the odd person leaving weird comments on Collateral Damage for the surprise (background) ship in there. Also the odd person who doesn't read tags on fics that are especially angsty or especially dead dove...idk for all the weird and problematic stuff I write I could get more hate I guess, though I'd rather not!

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

Who me? Nah. 👀 idk, I write whatever tickles my fancy! Oftentimes it's virginity loss cuz that's my favorite. I love big passion and bits of violence thrown in. Idk "what kind" actually means so hopefully that was a good explanation! A bit rough, a bit mean, a lot of passion, and it's probably someone's first time doing something.

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

No, but I want to! I have a HP + PJO crossover I swear I'm going to get to one day!

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Not that I know of and I really hope no one out there steals my fics. I work really hard on them and they mean a lot to me.

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

A few!

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

No but again: I want to! I've had fanart made, and podfics, and translations...the closest I've come is for Snarry Bang and collaborating with an artist, which was The Curse of Anteros with @mrviran!

14. What’s your all time favourite ship?

SNARRY!!!! OTP for 20 years and counting!

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

Geez. Probably old fics long abandoned on ffnet, but I won't get into those. (Though I'd really like to rewrite and continue/finish Resistance.)

16. What are your writing strengths?

...causing pain? Idk I don't feel I have strengths, but I'm told I hurt people's feelings 😂 I write intensity pretty well I think? I like to think my characterization is okay. idk!

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

All of it. Writing in general. AHEM. Um....fluff? I'm almost curious enough to ask but no please don't tell me my weaknesses, it'll hurt my feelings 🤣

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

I like it! Adds a bit of flavor imo! But to each their own, y'know?

19. First fandom you wrote for?

Harry Potter! I've only ever written for HP, Marvel (of which a few still exist online), and Stormlight Archive (of which none still exist online). Weird I never wrote for Supernatural, considering how mega into that fandom I was for a while...

20. Favourite fic you’ve written?

Hands down Contempt. I'm still the proudest of that fic. I'm starting to think The Curse of Anteros is better, but Contempt will always have my heart.

I really poured my whole heart and soul into that work. And I still get way too emotional talking about it or thinking about it! And it still blows me away how many people have loved it. I really wanna relisten to the podfic @mrviran did of it and just sob through it! 😂 God I really, really love that fic. I truly do not have the words to express just what that story is to me.

Tagging (no pressure): @perverse-idyll, @writcraft, @lizzy0305, @arrisha-ao3, @babygray, @fleetingdesires, @ripeteeth, @loneamaryllis, @wolfpants, @sweet-s0rr0w, @greenmegsnoham, @lqtraintracks, @serenaew, @indigo-scarf, @maesterchill, aaaand anyone else who wants to play!

[potterandpromises]

sorry for not winning you an arcade ring: chapter 10

The conclusion. [Chapter 1] [Chapter 2] [Chapter 3] [Chapter 4] [Chapter 5] [Chapter 6] [Chapter 7] [Chapter 8] [Chapter 9]

Also on AO3

(Picks up one day after the last chapter.)

Hid in the backroom of the venue, still in her wedding dress, Mabel bursts into full belly laughter.

Theo huffs out a laugh, too, watches her from behind the chocolate croissant held to his lips. There's a crinkle around his eyes when he laughs. Or when he holds it back.

All things considered, the second (annual?) killer reveal party went better then she anticipated. To think the case was ultimately solved by some blue paint speckled on Sazz Pataki's shoes.

She should take off the dress. It's a rental, and it isn't covered in blood or anything, so she should be able to get her deposit back if she manages not to spill on it. But, if she leaves, even just to go to the bathroom, even just for a few minutes, her agreement with Theo will end, and it'll all be over.

How long, until Charles and Oliver are finished talking to reporters and come find her? It could be hours, honestly. Hopefully.

She's tired of hoping.

Theo's eyebrows are raised; his mouth quirked upwards. He's stopped snacking just to puzzle her out.

"This is ridiculous," Mabel says, and again in sign: "We’re ridiculous."

"You only just realized?”

"No."

She doesn't want this to be the last time they stand around in fancy clothes eating leftovers. (She does not know how to sign 'leftovers.')

She crosses to his side of the staging table, pauses just far enough away that they can talk, just close enough to reach out and run her fingers down his face, if she wanted.

He bites his lip, looks right through her. If it were someone else, it would be like a bite. Down by his hip, his fingers curl into a fist, glide up.

“Life would be less complicated,” he's slow, tense, doesn't move his mouth at all, ��if we stopped…”

He stops, lets his hands hover for a moment. “But you know that.”

Mabel shakes her head, digs her teeth into her lower lip. “People think we’re bad for each other, but they’re wrong, okay?” She looks around the room as if it contains all their complications, as if it isn’t their last ditch oasis. “And you’re worth… I-T.”

He’s less of an oasis in the desert, more of a pond frozen still. “Theo?”

He blinks and the tension eases out of his shoulders. That curiosity is back in the crease between his eyebrows, in the slight tilt of his head. Zoe was right, he really does have beautiful eyes. There's something like wonder in them. Something like joy.

Mabel searches her mind for the sign: 'kiss,' and once again draws a blank. She should have prepared. Easily, she lets it go.

She steps forward. He steps forward. Their lips brush, but mostly, they just bash their chins together.

They pull back, look at each other, and, at the exact same time, snicker.

"We're so in S-Y-N-C."

He nods, licks his own sheepish grin.

In the back room of the venue for their fake wedding, she kisses him again.

His hands land on her hips. Her fingers find his scalp. They sink into each other, go down.

She straddles him, presses him against the 90s carpet. His sigh tickles her cheek. The train of her dress spreads out in all directions, covers him. His hands slide up, make her shiver, find the sides of her breasts.

The door opens.

“That was a wonderful— oh!”

Mabel pulls herself upright, but not off of Theo, because the only thing worse then being caught like this, would be to trip on an escape attempt. Theo, meanwhile, writhes beneath her.

“Well,” Oliver says, “I can’t say I’m actually surprised. Though, it would have been nice if— Charles! Quit staring!”

With some teamwork, Mabel and Theo disengage their complicated clothes. As they pull apart and stand up, Charles seems to reboat himself.

“As long as your happy," he says, like someone's kicked him to say it. It gives Mabel a warm, fuzzy feeling anyway.

"I am."

"Yes, well, then I think it's best if we leave these two young loverbirds alone." Oliver seems genuinely pleased by the development, by his understated smile. "Text me the dets!"

He and Charles shuffle out, arms entangled in something between hand holding and arm wrestling.

"I'm not going to do that!"

She turns back to Theo, who hasn't quite recovered.

"They're fine," she reassures him. He looks skeptical, and worried. "And we're fine, right? We have..."

“We have time,” he finishes, taps his wrist at the same moment she does.

[hosannan]

“lady nanna?” caeda approaches her in a curious but nonetheless friendly manner. when she’s got nanna’s attention she offers the hand imprinted with earth for a handshake— her other carefully holding a glass of champagne. “my name is caeda, queen of archanea— but more importantly i’m also leif’s friend.” something of a teasing smile tugs at her lips as her eyes crease in amusement. “forgive me for the sudden and abrupt introduction, but i terribly wanted to get to know what leif’s lover is like— and hopefully become friends?”

"Your majesty, any friend of Lord Leif is a friend of mine." Nanna gracefully pulled out her sunlit skirts to curtsey, as her perfume lightly curled from each lock of hair. Catching that tease that erupted from her highness' soft lips, Nanna's own upturned with the same mischief. "Might you have an interest in regaling my lord's stories since I've been gone? I did wonder how he has been holding up on his own, but it seems I was mistaken. He has never truly been alone, has he?" Her lord was the type to consult with many and befriend few—so whomever claimed his acquaintance was in a league worth such praise.

It tickled her, like the flutter of butterfly wings, that someone was so keen to seek out her Lord's lover—as Nanna, who quietly cupped her heart in streams of fancy since childhood, was still reeling from the fact that her love was made real. In equal parts honor and shyness, she raised her head in pride, to relish in the title. What had Lady Caeda heard of her, of them?

"...Hehe." A flight of gentle laughter, like a jingle of bells, rang out. "Has your curiosity been quenched? It humbles me so, that I might represent my Lord as his love." She glided her hand onto Caeda's, the steady gravity of the earth tugging at her finger tips. In exchange came a quiet, thunderous surge that scattered from her own. "And humbles me more so, that I might stand here as your friend."

[your-sweet-cookies]

What are your biggest rp pet peeves?

Message from Mun: I don't really have many pet peeves when it comes to RP, since I'm usually the type of person who does their best to focus on the positive aspects of the community. But I will admit that there are a few that can sometimes even get to me, and I'll write a few down:

People who don't read your rules - there is a good reason why Muns even take the time to write these special specifications lists labeled as "Rules". If it weren't something important, we wouldn't bother with writing them in the first place, so please, read them!

Lack of communication - There are soo many misunderstandings and conflicts that could've been avoided between people if only they would communicate more. It pains me seeing my friends being hurt by others because of something that could've been avoided if only people would talk more between one another before jumping to random conclusions. So please people: proper communication is key! Use this ability we've been invested with by nature!

Meme asks sent just for the sake of sending something in the hopes of getting something in return and then never coming to read the answers - One of the reasons why nowadays I kind of take a long time writing answers to meme asks is because I don't really have the same motivation I used to have in the past. This is due to a lack of confirmation if the other party is even going to read the reply. As one might see, I do try to keep an equal length between the answers I deliver, so that people don't feel discriminated, and the answers end up being usually long in length, so it's a bit disheartening spending half an hour or more on a single reply, only for it to be never read. I'm not expecting meme posts to turn into threads, but at least leave a like as a sign that you at least acknowledged the answer and that there's a chance you hopefully read it.

"Highschool clique" - This is a phrase referring to the phenomena of people interacting only with a small group of people and ignoring everyone else trying to interact with them. This can lead to people exclusion and creates a toxic environment for the community. Let's try to be more friendly and open to one another and not act like highschoolers, since we're adults after all!

People ignoring your asks/deleting them without further notice - There have been many instances in which I would put effort into writing a long ask (either in order to start a thread or continue one), only for it to never be answered without a proper reason. If you don't like the topic/direction I might've taken, please for the love of God, just send me a DM or answer that ask privately, letting me know why you'd not want to answer it and what should I send instead. Ghosting my messages, threads and asks only hurts me and makes me feel anxious and insecure about my writing and whether or not you like me as a RP partner and want to continue our threads/interactions.

And Lastly, my biggest pet peeve of them all: People ghosting your threads! This one's similar to the previous one in my list, but it's somewhat more hurtful because it kinda sends the clear message of "I grew tired of you, so I'll just abandon our stuff without a proper reason or explanation." It's just painful, especially if said person then never messages you again in DMs either and you're just left hanging in there indefinitely, wondering if there's even a point or not into initiating further interactions. This somehow comes back to the point about communication too, because things would be much different if the party involved would at least send a DM letting you know that "hey, I still wanna write with you, but that old thread doesn't tickle my fancy anymore, let's try something else!". Trust me, sending a DM explaining stuff DOES make a HUGE difference and it's far better than ghosting someone!

[pathanto]

Benefits of Online Study with Digital Tools

Hey there, fellow learners! Are you ready to take your education game to the next level? Today, we're diving headfirst into the world of technology and learning styles. Strap in, because we're about to embark on an exciting journey to discover how digital tools can supercharge your learning experience, no matter what your style is!

Embracing the Digital Revolution

Let's face it: technology is everywhere. From smartphones to smartwatches, laptops to tablets, we're surrounded by gadgets that have the power to revolutionize the way we learn. But how exactly can we leverage these digital tools to our advantage?

Understanding Your Learning Style

Before we dive into the tech stuff, let's take a quick detour to explore learning styles. Are you a visual learner who thrives on colorful diagrams and charts? Maybe you're an auditory learner who absorbs information like a sponge through podcasts and audiobooks. Or perhaps you're a kinesthetic learner who learns best by getting hands-on with interactive activities. Whatever your style, there's a digital tool out there waiting to complement it.

Tech for Visual Learners

Hey, visual learners! Are you tired of drowning in a sea of textbooks and lecture notes? Fear not, because digital tools are here to save the day. Dive into the world of mind mapping apps like MindMeister or draw.io, where you can create colorful, interconnected diagrams to visualize complex concepts. Or why not try out online flashcard platforms like Quizlet to spice up your study sessions with interactive quizzes and games?

Tech for Auditory Learners

Calling all auditory learners! If you're someone who learns best by listening, then you're in luck. Say hello to the wonderful world of podcasts, where you can find a treasure trove of educational content on just about any topic under the sun. Whether you're brushing up on history with Dan Carlin's Hardcore History or delving into the mysteries of the universe with Neil deGrasse Tyson's StarTalk Radio, there's something out there to tickle your auditory fancy.

Tech for Kinesthetic Learners

Hey, kinesthetic learners! Are you itching to get your hands dirty and dive into some hands-on learning? Look no further than the wide world of interactive simulations and virtual labs. From exploring the human body with apps like Complete Anatomy to conducting virtual chemistry experiments with platforms like ChemCollective, the possibilities are endless. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to dive into some digital dirt!

Mixing It Up: Blended Learning Approaches

But wait, what if you're someone who doesn't neatly fit into one learning style box? Fear not, because there's a solution for you too. Welcome to the world of blended learning, where traditional teaching methods are combined with digital tools to create a dynamic, personalized learning experience. Whether it's flipping the classroom with online lectures or incorporating gamified learning platforms into your curriculum, the sky's the limit when it comes to blending digital and traditional learning approaches.

Conclusion: Tech Up Your Learning Game

And there you have it, folks! We've barely scratched the surface of the vast world of technology and learning styles, but hopefully, you're feeling inspired to take your education into your own hands and embrace the digital revolution. So go forth, explore, and don't be afraid to experiment with new tools and techniques. After all, the future of learning is in your hands – quite literally!

Your Turn: Share Your Tech Tips!

Have you discovered any awesome digital tools that have revolutionized your learning experience? Whether you're a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learner (or a delightful mix of all three!), we want to hear from you! Drop your favorite tech tips in the comments below and let's keep the conversation going. Until next time, happy learning!

our website pathanto is a online study platform that provides online study material or ncert notes

[townofcadence]

Artair--- he laughs, though it's likely not the place for it. But the way she'd scrambled out from that window like her life depended on it, and the way she flattened again against the tiles with huge eyes tickled something inside him. She scrambled like a cartoon character brought to life. Even if he could feel those other guests on the peripheries, it was still faint enough, and at least he seemed to have good company.

Besides, his way up here had been unorthodox already. He wasn't trapped exactly, and he'd make sure she wasn't either.

His smile is crooked as he takes both drinks from her, so she can readjust without issue. When she looks-- significantly more comfortable, he passes one back. "Pfff-- Yeah, me too. Hopefully I smell like rainwater breeze or whatever." His expression is playful, his hand moving as he spoke, before he looks back out over the fire. "At least you closed the window, too. I mean I think like two to three more people up here and the whole roof might just give up and collapse."

Artair popped his cap with the metal of his prosthetic thumb, before taking a sip. He made a face at the taste, but university parties weren't known for stocking fancy beer, that much he knew going in. This tastes like cheap beer's offbrand relative. But it's a drink and a chance to chill with someone who seems nice enough and not have to worry about anything. So he still takes a sip, and offers her a hand, in this case, literally. If she accepts, he cracks open her beer as well.

"So. My new college-sanctioned rooftop pal. Got a name or anything I should call you by?"

"Sweet! I actually grabbed two so if yew want one-" The hatch to the attic pulled open. The loud music poured up through the attic and out the open window with the accompaniment of creaky hinges keeping the ladder attached. Someone was coming up, giggling and dragging someone else with them.

"Shit!" Rachael grabs the bottles by the neck and quickly scrambles out of the window onto the roof. She got out and closed the glass to the window sill just as a group intoxicated party goers clamber up, laughing and talking like sailors. They must be looking for a quieter place to hang out as well. The last one up pulls the attic door shut behind them, trapping Rachael and Artair on the roof.

Rachael has a gecko esque way of laying on her back on the roof. She didn't want anyone else getting the same idea as them to take the party up onto the roof. This was probably the last place anyone could go for some peace and quiet. Her wide eyes dart to the side at Artair and them she holds out the two bottles still hanging between her fingers.

"Guess we're chillin' up here fer a while. Glad we got off on th' right foot. Yew weren't lying either! Yew did shower." She get a lopsided smile on her face.

[elesheir]

Thick was the fog. It lingered as a cloak about the evergreens, dense and thickening as the fumes of bogs. Everywhere, it flitted past pinecone bunches, and beyond the spindly twigs, the clanging of steel shrieked. O! A gruesome skirmish! Now, someone just bellowed in death... "Many are those paths before you,” a soul then suddenly warned, a nameless rogue, stood between a pair of aspen, sheathing his blade stained bloody. Looming, the far sunlight skittishly avoided him. The fog bore down heavier. Like magic. How odd. "Choose wisely. Many among them here end most unkindly. You should not have come."

@astatheloner, the hunted.