#i am not taking constructive criticism on this opinion lol

[galadriel-blue]

VENTING

Rant under the cut (people telling me to change things about my blog [like the way I tag things???] and just general Rings of Power hate towards me

Hey just so you know, it's not my job to cater my personal blog (that I made for fun) to your personal preferences. This is a Rings of Power & LOTR blog. I am going to post about both because it's my blog. If you only follow me for my Rings of Power stuff, great! If you only follow me for my LOTR stuff? Also great! follow me for both? Awesome! Spectacular even! but like, If you don't like one of the fandoms I post about, then block the tags or just ignore it instead of going onto MULTIPLE OF MY POSTS and messaging me, telling me what to change about MY BLOG.

This is all because I tagged something Rings of Power related with a LOTR tag and a few people got mad at me (comments and messages) saying that "The Rings of Power isn't LOTR??? Can you not tag it like that I don't want to see Rings of Power stuff. I follow for LOTR" like what???

They exist in the same universe whether you like it or not?? And lots of people tag TROP stuff with LOTR tags too. Plus, sometimes I am talking about both in the same post (like comparing and contrasting things that are the same or different from the show and movies) so I am going to use both tags for that. Besides, why are you telling a complete stranger who posts her stuff for fun to make her blog okay for YOU? I make my blog and posts for me so... Maybe just block me and move on if you don't like how I post things, or tag things.

Also, it's not my problem if you don't like Rings of Power?? Don't interact with it then?? Like, you can control that? My blog is pretty clearly a Rings of Power blog. I literally have Morfydd Clark's Galadriel as my pfp lol

If you don't like it don't interact with it. I could care less if somebody hates the show I genuinely enjoy because it doesn't affect my enjoyment if someone dislikes it. Just don't be a bully and don't tell me how to run my blog because it's upsetting when the only comments I get are "I don't like this show can you stop posting about it," and "Don't use those tags pls I don't like seeing Rings of Power on my feed."

Cater your experience to you and I'll cater my experience to me. If you are going to be entitled and tell me how to run my blog, I am just going to block you <3

If you read this to the end, you deserve a The Rings of Power Galadriel for your troubles.

[lokidjarin-7567]

The Prophecy

Viktor x You When the friend of your youth, Viktor, sees you still living in the Undercity, and working in a strip club at that, he is determined to reconnect, and rekindle a childhood friendship that was rooted in something more. Contents: fem!reader, fluff, angst and smut all in one folks, 18+ MDNI, a few physical features described but still reader insert I think (hair colour and freckles), both Viktor and you POVs, long-ass one shot 8.1k words Taglist: @night-fall-moon @zsuzsu321 @sh1zhu @circeinspace @casualjagodek @retrokatz @am-3-thyst @xlittlemissydjx @sseleniaa @thefandomsfervent Hi guys, thanks for bearing with my while I've been working on this one!! I have been absolutely obsessed with this man ever since I finished Arcane, so I just had to write something about him! I also think a lot of people mischaracterise him, so I tried really hard to get his personality right - let me know if I actually have lol. Anyone who knows my works knows how slutty my smut can get lol, but this is actually quite tender so a new one for me too. Anyway, I'll stop waffling now, I hope you enjoy. TTPD Contents | General Masterlist | AO3

DISCLAIMER: while this, in my opinion, is still classified as an ‘x you’ fic, a few physical features are described, namely ‘you’ having burgundy red hair that is, at one point, described as curly and having freckles, alongside a handful of super vague descriptors (eg. fluttering eyelashes, slope of her nose AKA things that can be applied to any and all faces) - basically everyone in the Arcane show has cool hair so I thought this would be a cute detail. It’s possible to ignore if you don’t want to think about have a different hair colour, but if you don’t want to, don’t read it! Almost every comment on this fic has been relating to this which, when I put hours of hard work and effort into something that I was proud of, is insanely demoralising. There has always been a disclaimer in the contents above, but I’m adding it here as well so it’s as clear as possible. Dead dove do not eat and all that. And I’m always open to constructive criticism, but there’s a way to go about it, and a way that will put someone in a slump for months, so please think before you comment! Anyway, not to put a downer before the work, thank you for the reposts and loves so far ❤️

Viktor was lost in thought as he made his way back to Piltover, small tube of Shimmer tucked away in his satchel. He didn’t know what to do. Using it might stabilise the Hexcore, allowing it to keep the plants alive and accomplish everything he and Jayce had been working towards for years, maybe even curing this sickness that had taken over him, or…

Or it could end horribly.

The undercity was as dark and unpleasant as he remembered it. He had never fit in here in his youth - too scrawny, too bookish, and with his leg, he stood no chance. And now was no different.

The neon store signs stood out against the blackened buildings and muddy streets. This part of the city, deep in the underbelly of Zaun, seemed busier than the rest, roads bustling with call girls and salesmen and tourists from Topside taking their pick of unruly establishments. Hundreds of voices layered atop each other in a cacophony of harsh laughter, garish music and argumentative tones. There was barely space to walk, especially with his cane, and he was starting to wonder if this journey was even worth it.

Then something caught his eye. A flash of red, deep and vibrant, moving towards him on the far side of the lane. It was hair, bouncy and curly and his subconscious told him it was shorter than it should’ve been, but it was a colour he knew. Her face wasn’t one he could place at first, but as she got closer, he saw the freckles that smattered across her nose like a constellation, her pink lips that were perpetually curled into a soft frown, her eyes that she always accentuated with brown liner. It was her.

The only friend of his youth. A young girl who used to sit behind the foliage near the water where he tested his inventions. She was shy, even shyer than he used to be, too scared to ask him anything about what he was making for a long time, just watching with curious eyes. But he would never forget the day she moved closer. The way her long, burgundy locks flowed around her, almost touching the floor, the way she was trying her best to be confident, but there was a soft shake in her hand, and a slight stutter as she said hello. Then she produced a small invention of her own - a submarine, the same colour as her hair, designed to float perfectly so the periscope was the only thing that peeked out from the surface.

For years, they were inseparable. She was more artistic than him, always adding a flair to her designs that he didn’t have, so he’d let her ‘improve’ his too. They would play together, and then as they got older, build together, each creation more daring and experimental. And then they started to drift apart. They were in their mid teens when her mother got sick, and she couldn’t make it out as much. Viktor always offered to help, but she refused, not even allowing him to see where she lived. And so, when Professor Heimerdinger found him and offered him an opportunity to be his assistant, he couldn’t even tell her. He left a note, delicately placed under a rock where they would build together, telling her where to find him and how to get in touch, but he never heard anything.

And now here she was. He called out her name softly, not wanting to alarm her in this hostile city, but she didn’t hear. She’d walked past him now, so he turned, following but she was walking fast, faster than he could manage. He called out again, but it wasn’t until then that he noticed the headphones over her ears. She couldn’t hear a thing. He carried on, hoping she would stop but she didn’t. If it was anyone else, he would’ve gone home, given up, but now he’d caught a glimpse of her, he had to see her. To talk to her. To find out why she never got in touch. To apologise for leaving her behind.

She disappeared from view for a moment, and he panicked, thinking he’d lost her again, but he caught a movement out of the corner of his eye, entering an alley beside a row of bars and clubs. He grimaced, following her to see the red locks just moving out of sight again, and a bouncer closing the door behind her. He tried to follow her into the building, but the man stopped him.

“Please…” he asked, out of breath, “it’s an old friend, I need to see her…”

“Staff entrance only, pal. You’ll have to go ‘round the front like everyone else.”

“But… she’s right there… I only need one moment, if she just saw me…” The words died on his lips. Would she even recognise you?

“Don’t make me ask you twice.”

It was dark inside the club, the lights low apart from on the stage and around the bar. It was only mid afternoon, but the place was near full of lowlifes just starting their evenings, sloshing their drinks and talking loudly. The neon from outside carried into this space too, strip lights around the platforms accentuating their presence. There were dancers atop each of them, but he averted his eyes. He shouldn’t have come here. This was so far from his comfort zone, loud and unruly, a long way away from his lab, but he had to see her. He couldn’t let her go again.

He found a stool by the bar, ordering a soda and waiting for her to start her shift. There was no way he could miss her again if he was right here when she started.

And then he saw her at the very edge of his vision, as though his eyes were programmed to search her out in any crowd. She was on stage, cherry red hair glowing in the soft lights, combined with the neon from below making her look like a ghost, ethereal. What was she doing up there?

***

“Afternoon, Joey.” You muttered to the bouncer, and he opened the door for you wordlessly as you slipped off your headphones, replacing your perfectly selected playlist with the sleazy music of the club. Just one of the many reasons you hated working here. You were running late, as per, throwing your things in your locker and quickly changing. Lacing up your shoes always took the longest time, and you barely even had a chance to check yourself in the mirror when you were finished. Your hair looked perfect at least, the naturally burgundy curls sitting at shoulder length. You missed the long hair of your youth, but it become impractical very quickly, and the memories it held… you ended up cutting it all off soon after your mum died. That was when you started working here too. You’d had dreams, of course you did, but growing up in the Undercity made it almost impossible to follow them. There were worse places to work though - for the most part, the patrons were respectful, and everyone who you worked with was kind, but it was still a strip club. At the end of the day, no little girl wanted to be an exotic dancer when they grew up. At least it just about paid the bills.

You had been put on a long shift today - late afternoon until the early hours. You didn’t mind though; it was exhausting, but more time meant more tips. And you needed the money. You were saving, slowly but surely. One day, it would be enough.

These shifts always started slow. Not many tips this early in the day. Not enough drunks - they were all too willing to part with their money, an exploit you knew how to use. After a while on stage, it was your turn to make your way into the crowd. You started away from the bar, smiling at a few, a couple of words of flirtation thrown around, but no one was loose enough for anything else yet. There was something different about the energy today though. You felt… exposed, on display, more than usual. Self conscious in a way you hadn’t been since your first week. By the time you got to the bar, you were already feeling frustrated at the lack of interest. But your favourite coworker was pouring the drinks tonight, and she had one ready for you already.

“Thanks, Katie” You crooned, knocking back the shot quickly and she immediately offered to refill - something you gratefully accepted.

“Thought you might need it. Slow start?”

“Yeah, not the best day so far.” You took your second, thanking her again, when you heard a voice call out your name. Your real name. It made you start, whipping your head around to find the source. You didn’t use that name here. You were expecting to see an ex, or an old boss, but instead you were met with a face you hadn’t seen in years.

His eyes hadn’t changed. Kind but tired, amber in colour and glowing like whiskey in sunlight. The curve of his nose was the same, the curl of his lips, the small moles like points on a map - one beneath his right eye and the other to the left of his lip. There was a cane tucked beside his stool, and he was dressed well. Too well to be in this part of town. A uniform of some sort, something a Topsider would wear: blue shirt accented with a cream ascot and waistcoat. It suited him.

As soon as you saw him, every fond memory of your childhood rushed back to you like a river. The gentleness when he explained his creations to you. His willingness when you asked if you could paint them pretty colours, or add cute designs. The way he held you as you cried about your mum falling ill. How quickly he offered you support, and how quickly you turned him down. You didn’t want to be a burden, but you regretted that choice as soon as he stopped showing up to your usual spot. You kept going for months before you gave up, still trying to find him. The last time you visited was to scatter your mum’s ashes - your stories of Viktor’s designs and the beautiful creek where you tested them out together being one of the last things that brought her comfort.

And now, he was here.

He’d made it out. He’d made it Topside. And you’d only fallen further down.

If there was one person you never wanted to see you like this, it was him. He was the only slither of your youth and innocence left, the only soul in the whole of Runeterra who knew the true version of yourself, the first version of yourself. The version you actually liked. And now, he had to see this. You couldn’t tell what you were feeling. Every emotion was vying for attention: joy, nostalgia, anger, envy…

He repeated your name in a questioning tone, and you realised you’d been staring at him, the rollercoaster of emotions you just went on likely visible on your face.

“Do you know him, darling? Or shall I grab Joe?” Katie asked from behind the bar, staring him down with a protective look. Viktor opened his mouth to speak, indignant look on his face, but you answered for him, never once being able to tear your eyes from him.

“Yeah I… cover for me? If anyone asks, he got a dance.”

“Of course.” Viktor’s gaze had returned you, confused, and you just muttered a ‘come on’, signalling him to follow you, and you lead him across the floor to one of the private rooms. They weren’t exactly the nicest places to talk, the whole room painted a hideous deep purple, a weirdly-shaped black velvet sofa the only thing to sit on. As soon as you closed the door, turning around to see the soft look on his face, every drop of anger seeped from you, replaced with relief. Relief that he was alive. Relief that he had done something with his life. Relief that you hadn’t lost him forever.

You couldn’t help it but let the tears fall as you threw yourself at him, wrapping your arms around him tight.

***

He was surprised by her warm welcome. After all these years, he had always imagined she would resent him, but here she was, face pressed to his chest as she hugged him, tears falling onto his shirt. He didn’t even have to think about it, one arm naturally surrounding her as she cried, keeping her close, while the other held firm to his cane, ensuring it was stable for the both of them. He never wanted to let her go again.

She eventually pulled away though, wiping her tears with the shy smile he remembered so well.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to.. on your fancy Topside shirt too.” She laughed nervously, tucking her hair behind her ears. “I… um, I imagined bumping into you one day, finding you again, but I never thought I would be dressed like this.” He finally let himself glance down at her when he said that, to take her in completely, safe in the knowledge that she wasn’t meeting his eyes. She looked beautiful - a black two-peice set, solid silk on the areas that counted, but the frills and accents were a sheer lace, stockings too, glittering beads woven into the delicate material. Even if the environment didn’t suit her, somehow the clothes still did, the same style he’d seen her develop in her teenage years. Simple in colour, beautiful in design - the cunning of her inventor’s mind applied to her other passion.

“What are you doing here, Viktor?” She sat down on the awkward sofa, curling her legs up onto it, and he followed suit, resting his cane against the arm.

“I could ask you the same thing.” It fell from his lips before he could stop it, and he winced, expecting her to be offended, but she just smiled sadly.

“You got out.” She stated as a shrouded question, ignoring his quip, and he nodded. He could explain, he should, but not yet.

“And you never wrote me.” He responded.

“Write you? Viktor, I didn’t know where you were.” She never got your letter.

“I left you a note by the creek. You never got it?” She shook her head. “I’m so sorry. I should’ve found you somehow, or…”

“It’s ok, Vik.” She shuffled closer on the loveseat, grabbing his hand and squeezing tight. Hearing the name she used to call him sent a pang of pain to his heart. This is what he had been missing out on all these years, all because of a stupid letter. “If I was in your shoes, I’d have done the same. Besides, I never let you see where I lived, or anything else about me. And when mum… I fell off the face of the earth. I wouldn’t have let you in no matter how hard you tried.”

“I’m still sorry.”

“I know.”

***

You spent a long time asking about his life now. He was working in the academy, partners with Piltover’s favourite researcher, helping to create the HexTech that kept the whole city afloat… he had changed the fucking world. And you were… here. Still.

He said your name softly, as though trying to broach a subject carefully and you knew what was coming. You had seen the query floating in his eyes since the moment he saw you.

“What are you doing working here? I mean, you’re brilliant, more so than me, and yet…”

“I’m still stuck in the Lanes?” You sighed.

“Well, yes.” You’d never once thought of him as ignorant. Maybe he’d been living Topside for too long.

“I never got my break. You deserved what you got, of course you did, and you’re the smartest person I know, Viktor, but that doesn’t change the fact that you got lucky. And it’s not the same here as when we were kids. Sure, things weren’t great then, but now… There are no jobs, no money, housing is insanely competitive even though most of it is disgusting.. it’s a vicious cycle meant to keep you in the shitter. This is what I could get. It pays my bills and lets me save a little, the other girls are nice, it’s close to my apartment…”

“But…” You knew from the look on his face what he was going to say - a long speech about how much potential you have, and how much better you could have it. You dropped his hand.

“But what?” You couldn’t help but snap, defensive over the very job that you cursed daily. “But I’m better than selling myself to sleazy drunks? You think I don’t fucking know that? You think I want to be losing my sense of self every day just so I can keep the lights on? You think it’s my dream to feel like I’m a lesser human being because I will let someone pay me to take them into this room and…” You stood up then, starting to pace as silent tears fell. You never let yourself think about any part of your life longer than you had to. Not pondering on it was the only thing keeping you alive.

“You know I wasn’t saying that…”

“I know I’m sorry… I just…”

“I know… I know…” He stood up then too, wrapping you in his arms and letting you cry. Again. You felt so stupid. “I missed you.” He whispered, face nestled into your hair, barely audible.

“I missed you too.” The tender moment didn’t last for long though, as a sharp knock on the door startled you, jumping away from him and wiping your eyes.

“Vikki?” Joey’s voice called out, and you breathed a sigh of relief. “You ok in there?” You put on your smiley voice, cooing back to him.

“Yeah, all good Joe, got a paying customer in here...”

“You got it, doll.” You heard him walk away, and turned back to see Viktor looking at you, head cocked, small smirk playing across his features.

“What?” You asked with a shy smile, wiping away the last of your tears.

“Vikki?” Oh.

“Well I couldn’t exactly use my real name.” He laughed at that, and you couldn’t help but giggle too. “That does mean we’ve been in here too long though, I should…”

“Yeah, no of course…” he moved to open the door, grabbing his cane, but you stopped him quickly, pressing your hand against the door frame.

“One second…” He frowned as you reached towards him, but he didn’t move, just watched curiously as you took your time unknotting his ascot. Once it was off, you unbuttoned a few of his buttons, trying to ruffle his shirt a little, make it look like you had actually been doing your job rather than talking to an old friend. “There…” you muttered quietly, realising he’d shuffled a little closer to you as you worked, and now his lips were only a breath away. He was looking at you so intently, as though there was something he wanted to say, but he never spoke, just gazed at you in a way that made your heart swell. Your hands lingered on his chest, comforted by the warmth and solidness of him. A reassurance that he was real and here. You didn’t want to move.

“Please, don’t go anywhere just yet…” you muttered, the words tumbling from your lips before you could stop them.

“I wouldn’t dream of it.”

***

She had been backstage for a while now, muttering something about trying to move her shifts around. She came back beaming, and it was infectious, a smile he was trying to fight taking over his own face just at the sight of her.

“Ok, if you’re busy tonight, or you have plans, you can tell me to piss off…”

“Never.” She blushed in response, her wide smile spreading further as she spoke, and he was helplessly drawn to her, eyes scanning her face intently.

“Well, someone came in early for their shift, but someone else is running late… anyway, our schedule is a mess, but good news is I only have to stay for another hour and then I’m free so… I was thinking, maybe you’d want to grab some food and catch up? Unless you have somewhere else to be…” She still sounded so shy, so unsure - the same habit she had when she was young, babbling when she was nervous. He was finding it hard to connect the dots in his mind: the timid person before him now, the girl he used to know, and the dancer on that stage, full of bravado and confidence.

“That sounds wonderful.” The joy in her face was intoxicating, and he watched as relief visibly washed over her body.

“Ok, brilliant.” She spun away for just a moment, trying to track down the bartender she seemed to know well. “Katie, he’s with me, ok? Send him back in like an hour, and his drinks are on my tab.” He tried to protest, but she rested a hand on his shoulder, quickly silencing him. “I insist. It’s the least I can do, considering how long you have to wait around.” Again, he tried to tell her didn’t mind, that he’d wait as long as she needed, anything for her, but she was gone already, slipping into the crowd, his shoulder cold where her hand had been. He sighed, turning back towards the bar on his stool, taking another sip of his soda.

“That’s our Vikki…” Katie mused, slicing a few garnishes behind the bar. “Never accepting that somebody else would want to do something for her.” He let out a dry laugh, half at the name, half in agreement.

“That sounds like her.” A beat of silence passed between them. The club was starting to fill up, but it wasn’t too rowdy yet, and nobody else was at the bar, all relying on bottle service and shot girls instead.

“Drink?” He shook his head politely. “How do you know her?” Katie asked, staying busy but obviously trying to snoop. He didn’t mind. She was a topic he didn’t mind talking about.

“Childhood friend. I haven’t seen her in… a very long time.” Her eyebrow shot up at that.

“What was your name, by the way?”

“Viktor.” A look of surprise flitted across her face.

“Ohh.” She drawled knowingly, smiling at herself as she continued to wedge limes.

“What?”

“I’ve heard of you, that’s all. Her childhood love who disappeared on her while her mother was dying…”

“You don’t know the whole story…” He snapped back quickly. He might hate himself for what happened, but he felt the need to defend his choices. It had turned out well for him, he just wished he could’ve found her. Taken her with him. Their life could’ve been so different. Katie chuckled, continuing her tasks.

“Oh trust me, I do. She’s very quick to defend you, you know. You can do no wrong in her eyes…”

“Not so sure about that…” As he muttered to himself, something she’d said suddenly hit him. Her childhood love…“Actually, on second thought, I will grab a drink please, whatever she usually has. But don’t put it on her tab…”

“I wasn’t planning on it, Topsider.” She saluted mockingly with a smile.

Two down and that was all he was having, just needing something to take the edge off after Katie’s admission. All those years wasted, because you thought childhood love was stupid and pointless. And now, seeing her again, you still love her as much as you did back then…

Katie was on her break, so he twisted in his seat, trying to find her in the crowd. She had never been difficult for him to spot, everything about her so familiar to him, and this time, she was centre stage, which made it even easier. Every part of him was screaming to turn away, to not taint his view of her, but he was instantly transfixed. She danced so fluidly, so gracefully. Every movement she made was purposeful and poised. However much she hated her job, she took pride in it. He was a scientist, sure, but she was a creator, through and through.

***

You were finally finished, and you were exhausted. Even though it wasn’t even half a usual shift, seeing Viktor, all the memories it brought back, it had been so emotionally draining.

You were grateful that the changing area was empty. It wasn’t the usual shift time, and no one ever came here on their break, so at least Viktor wouldn’t have to deal with that. You almost laughed at the thought.

There was a gentle knock, and his voice sent a flutter straight to your heart.

“Vikki?” He called out mockingly, and you laughed at the way he’d latched on to your new name. It was inspired by him, after all. “Are you decent?”

“Yes, you can come in.” You were looking good, if you said so yourself. The fashion and the opportunity you were afforded to express yourself in that way was one of the few things you did like about this place. You’d tried to incorporate the shapes and designs of your ‘work attire’ into a more Lanes-friendly outfit, layering a black organza shirt over the lacy bodice, beading shining through the sheer fabric, pairing it with a bubble skirt and knee high boots, just the right height to allow your stockings to peek from the top. There was only one item that wasn’t black; his neckerchief that you had taken earlier was now around your own collar, tied in a dainty bow. He grinned as soon as he laid his eyes on it, striding towards you and gently holding the hemmed edge between his fingers.

“I guess I’m not getting this back, huh.”

“Never.” He shrugged.

“I’m ok with that.” God, the way he looked at you. It made you melt without fail, warm flush spreading across your cheeks.

“Are you ready to go?” You muttered, eyes still glued to his, honey tones making you feel as though you were stuck in them. A fly trapped in amber, resigned to its fate.

“I’m ready when you are.”

You’d decided you were going to cook for him tonight instead of taking him out. The places near you either weren’t nice enough, or they knew you for the wrong reasons. Besides, you wanted to show him your place. To show him that, even though you were still here, you had done everything you could to make the best of it, to continue learning and inventing and developing yourself.

That did mean you had to stop by the store, though. Which meant bumping into Angel. He and Viktor would not get on.

You had grabbed Viktor’s arm as soon as you left the club, a habit from the times Joey had walked you home, knowing that you were safer beside a man than by yourself. Even though the Undercity was bustling tonight, there was something so soothing about being here with him. A nostalgia warming you from the inside out. He let you guide him into the shop below your apartment, chatting absentmindedly about nothing and everything, when a smooth voice stopped yoou in your tracks.

“Not so fast, Vikki…” You groaned, turning back the few steps you had made into the entrance.

“Hey Angel.” You cooed, although it felt wrong falling into your usual flirtatious routine when Viktor was right behind you. He was working behind the counter today, thumbing through the till. His long dreadlocks were down, grey peeking through his beard, wide grin as his eyes traced over you, following your arm to where it joined the man next to you.

“Is that a nickname, or…” Viktor muttered, and you couldn’t help but laugh as you responded.

“No, Vik, this is my landlord Angel…”

“Landlord, huh? Thought I was more than that, sugar…” He leaned across the counter, shit-eating smile on his face, clearing noticing and enjoying the fact he was winding up your new companion. Viktor scowled, moving a step closer to you.

“Yeah, yeah, keep dreaming, old man…” You sent him a wink, and he laughed, the booming noise of it always making you smile. “What have you got in that’s fresh? I’m actually cooking tonight…”

You chatted a little longer, grabbing what Angel recommended and some wine, before heading upstairs via the back of the shop. Viktor was still scowling slightly as you were unlocking your door, and you laughed lightly, nudging him with the bag of shopping.

“What?” He huffed.

“I don’t like that guy.” He grumbled, feeling smug that you had called it.

“He’s my landlord, Vik, and a friend. He’s a good guy, don’t worry.” He just shrugged as you finally got the door open, and you thanked the stars that you had remembered to tidy last night, or else it would be a complete tip. There were still remnants from your busy morning scattered all around the studio: scrap pieces of fabric and thread strewn across the kitchen table, the half-finished neglige you were constructing laid over the back of one of the chairs, the cogs and pieces of machinery lie abandoned next to your sewing machine in the wake of the modifications you were trying to make so it could handle more delicate material. The space itself was dark in colour, olive and navy washing the walls, brown leather sofa and black countertops marking their territory in the small apartment, the stain-glass screen in front of your bed the only splash of jewel toned colour. You could feel Viktor’s curiosity at the place, and as he stepped further into it, a smile settled onto his lips.

“It’s so very… you.” He said, and in any other intonation, it would’ve sounded like a bad thing, but when he said it, full of adoration.. it was a compliment of the highest order.

***

She was mesmerising as she cooked, twirling in the kitchen to her carefully selected vinyl, a wide smile on her face as she tested what she was making. He wanted to help but she wouldn’t let him, batting him away and telling him to sit down, and for now, he had obliged. But, as much as he wanted to help her always, right now, he just wanted to be close.

“At least let me pour the wine?” He said, already standing to help, and she huffed, but didn't object. Instead, she handed him the corkscrew and the bottle wordlessly. He smiled, leaning against the counter and continuing to watch her as she stirred. She was always so chaotic when she was creating, something evidenced by the near bomb-site on her kitchen table. It was just so… her. Everything about her apartment was as well, such a perfect and beautiful representation of everything she was, every tiny detail of her life and personality reflected in the space she lived in. The colours, the soft furnishings, the bookshelves lining the wall behind her bed. Then, he noticed something about the stain glass screen that separated the room, soft light from her bedside lamp washing through it and creating a blue ripple across the floor like a stream. It was of their place, their creek. It was abstract, sure, but he would recognise it anywhere. The way certain rocks jutted out, the colours of it all, the small boat floating in the still glass water.

“Did you make that?” He asked earnestly, and she briefly glanced up from the stove to see what he was looking at.

“Yeah, I've been trying out a lot of different hobbies actually, things to keep me busy when I’m not working. That was one of my favourites…”

“It’s beautiful.” She smiled sadly, focusing her attention back to the pan.

“It reminds me of you.”

He poured them both a glass, and she gratefully accepted.

“It’s nearly finished, just a few more… oh I meant to ask earlier…” Her mind was such a beautiful thing, the speed at which it moved so captivating, not even time to finish her own thought before starting another, “why were you even here today? In the Undercity, in my club… I just never thought I’d see you back here by choice.”

“I was visiting an old friend, a quandary about a new gadget Jayce and I are working on, but…” He was going to say something about it, ask her opinion on whether he should follow Doctor Reveck’s advice, what he should do next, but he decided against it. “He didn’t have any insights.”

“Maybe I can help?”

“No, I…” She looked hurt at the speed the word left his mouth, almost recoiling and turning back to her cooking with a frown. “I mean that you probably could, but I don’t want to taint tonight by talking about a project that has been frustrating me for weeks. Another time though, of course I would appreciate your insight.” She sighed in relief, smile flitting back across her face. She grabbed a spoon from the drawer, humming as she did, a flurry of breathtaking movement as she dipped it into the sauce, spinning back around and holding it up to him.

“Taste?” She asked, the look on her face so hopeful it melted him, her joy infectious. But underneath all of it, he couldn't help but notice the cracks: the bags under her eyes, the tiredness set into them, the subtle shake of her hand. But he just smiled, enveloping her hand in his and bringing the spoon to his lips.

“It’s perfect.”

“I’m not sure I’d go that far.” She looked proud nonetheless, spinning back away from him and he was left to watch again, heart swelling. He wanted this. Cooking with her, drinking wine in the kitchen to her favourite record, letting her order him around. He wanted the… intimacy of it. The domesticity. The realisation of it ached. You could’ve had this. All these years without her, all these years wasted. Precious time that you no longer have to spare. If you’d have just waited, just taken more time to find her, insisted on helping her even…

“It’s ready!” She exclaimed, presenting a plate with a wide grin, and every stress, every regret simultaneously melted away and intensified, a pit forming in his stomach.

“It looks wonderful.”

***

You had eaten, and you were both now on your second glass of wine. You felt closer to him with every single second, drawn to every word he said like moth to a flame. At some point in the evening, you’d moved to the floor, backs to the sofa, as you looked through some of your old sketches you had found. The conversation lulled momentarily, a faraway look in his eyes, and you realised how close you had gotten. Your elbow was leaning on the sofa, supporting your head with your body twisted to face him, knee pressing against his thigh. You moved your head forwards to glance at the sketchbook, and your hand fell, resting on his shoulder. A stillness fell over him at the touch, and he smiled sadly to himself.

“I think you should come back with me.” He stated with finality, and you froze.

“What do you…”

“I think you should come back to Piltover.” He closed the book, placing it gently on the low coffee table. He was serious. “Help Jayce and I with our projects. Let me teach you about HexTech.”

“Vik, I don’t exactly have any actual experience. I don’t have an education. I can’t afford to live Topside…”

“You can live with me.” He said it so simply, like it was so obvious. Of course you would love that. Now you’d seen him again, you didn’t want to be apart from him but… “Professor Heimerdinger can give you lessons, but you have the mind already. There are certain things that can’t be taught. You have the passion, the skill, the creativity…”

“But…” You weren’t trying to pick apart his plan, but it felt terrifying. Even though it was everything you had ever wanted, it felt so far fetched. Like a fever dream. It didn’t feel like your life, your future.

“No, I… I lost you once, I can’t do it again.”

“Vik…” He grabbed your hand that was resting by his shoulder, and you felt yourself relax into his touch. He turned head to meet your eyes, sadness creeping into them.

“I don’t have much time left.” The finality of his statement shocked you, and you couldn’t tell what he was talking about. Did he have somewhere else to be? Oh god, you’d already kept him here too long…

“What do you mean, time left?”

“I’m dying.” It felt like somebody had punched you in the gut, all the air in your lungs gone.

“You’re…”

“Dying.” He repeated factually, and your heart sank further into your stomach. “And if we don’t… Jayce and I are working on something that might help, but if it doesn’t, I need someone I trust to take over from me.”

“Viktor, hold on, I need to think…” Your mind was racing, and you still couldn’t quite wrap your head around everything, hands running through your hair. He was dying. He wanted you to move Topside. He wanted you to work with him. To take over his life’s work. “It’s been years. I haven’t seen you in years and now you want me to… now you trust me to…”

“Of course.” He muttered, speaking your name softly to get your attention, hand gently wiping your face where tears had fallen without you noticing. “You’re everything to me, you always have been. There’s nothing I wouldn’t trust you with.” His hand was still resting on your face, and as you searched his eyes, you saw something else. Something pleading, something that echoed the feeling bouncing around in your heart. It would be hard. It would take a long time to settle in, to learn the ropes, to feel like you belonged. But it was your dream. To help change the world. And if he didn't have long, there was no chance you were wasting any of your time left with him.

“Ok.” You answered nodding, and you watched a smile take over his face, heart swelling at the sight.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah… Vik, you’re offering me my dreams on a silver platter, and on top of it all, I get to be…” You nearly slipped, about to say be with you but you knew that was a lot. That you had only just reunited and to spring the whole I’ve loved you since I was 10 and I’ve never loved a soul since thing on him might ruin the dream that he’s just given you. But, fuck, you wanted to kiss him right now. “I get to work with you again.. there would have to be one hell of a catch for me to say no to that.”

“The whole dying thing isn’t too much of a problem then?” He asked with a slight smile, trying to hide a genuine fear beneath a joke.

“Oh, honey, knowing that we don’t have another decade of time to lose… I’m not letting you slip through my fingers this time.” His hand felt so natural resting against your cheek you’d forgotten it was there until it moved to cup the base of your neck, thumb drawing gentle lines across your jaw. His amber eyes were searching your features, looking for anything to indicate that you were unsure, but your resolve shone through, and you could see the moment he realised this was going to work, relief flooding through them.

Then, before you could process what was happening, his hand gently guided you forward until your lips brushed against his—light as a feather. For a moment, you couldn't believe he had just kissed you, that it was real. But as you met those pleading honey eyes, everything else faded away. Every doubt, every regret, every sliver of worry vanished, replaced by such overwhelming care and love that you felt you might burst. Your body gave in without conscious thought, melting into his arms as you kissed him. His hands drifted to the back of your head, tangling in your hair and pulling you closer. You couldn't get close enough, your hands gripping the front of his shirt. His fingers traced down your body until they reached your hips, pulling you over him. A soft giggle escaped into his mouth as you swung your leg over his, settling onto his lap. When he finally broke for breath, you found yourself chasing his lips, panting into the space between you with a wide smile.

His lips found yours again, this time with more urgency, more need. Your hands slid up his chest to his shoulders, steadying yourself as his grip on your hips tightened. The feeling of his fingers pressing into your skin sent shivers down your spine, and you couldn't help but let out a soft moan into his mouth. He smiled against your lips, one hand moving to cup your face while the other remained firmly at your waist.

"I've wanted this for so long," he whispered against your mouth, voice rough with emotion. You could only nod in response, too overwhelmed by the feeling of finally being in his arms after all these years.

The record had long since stopped playing, leaving only the sound of your shared breaths and racing hearts in the quiet apartment. His thumb traced gentle circles on your cheek as he pulled back just enough to look into your eyes, full of warmth and something deeper, something that had been there all along. Something that you had been too blinded by insecurity to notice earlier. Something that you knew all too well, reflected in your own heart. You pressed your lips to the mole on his cheek, and the one beside his mouth, a small smirk playing across his features as you did.

“I still can’t quite believe this is happening.” You muttered softly against his cheek, and he sighed, thumb dancing across your lips.

You eventually found yourselves entwined on your bed, limbs tangled in soft cotton sheets, his back pressed firmly against your sturdy wooden headboard as you rocked into him with gentle, deliberate movements. Each subtle shift of your hips sent waves of pleasure coursing through your body, making your breath catch. You panted softly into his mouth as his strong, careful hands helped guide your every motion, his touch both grounding and electrifying. The overwhelming need to be closer drove you to pull him tighter against you, your arms wrapping securely around his shoulders until there wasn't even a whisper of space between your bodies. Your chest pressed firmly to his, feeling his rapid heartbeat matching yours, as your head naturally found its place in the crook of his neck. You pressed feather-light kisses against the sensitive skin, tasting the salt and breathing in his familiar scent. The intimacy of the moment was almost overwhelming - so intense, so raw, so perfectly natural - and you found yourself climbing toward your peak faster than you ever had before, your body responding to his every touch as if it had been waiting for this moment forever. You whined softly into his skin as pleasure built within you, each movement bliss, and he responded with a groan as he pressed his lips tenderly to your temple.

"That feels so good, sweetheart," he drawled, his voice coarse with desire, and your hips instinctively bucked harder against him, drawing a sharp gasp from both of you. His meticulous fingers traced teasing patterns across your hipbones before finding their way between your bodies, circling your sensitive clit with perfectly measured pressure that made your toes curl. His other hand gently cupped your chin, drawing you back until your eyes met his, gilded with desire but still so full of tenderness. His lips ghosted across yours before he pressed his forehead to your own, releasing your face and returning his hand to your hip, guiding you once more. You could feel yourself fluttering around him as your pleasure built to an almost unbearable peak, and his eyes rolled back, a broken groan escaping his lips and filling the charged space between you. The coil of pleasure wound tighter and tighter as you approached your climax, desperately seeking more of him, claiming his mouth in a deep, passionate kiss that swallowed the stream of desperate moans spilling from both your lips. When your release finally crashed over you, it was like nothing you'd ever experienced - all the pressure, all the built-up desperation exploded like a supernova and pure, white-hot ecstasy consumed every nerve ending, every thought, every sensation except the feeling of him inside you and against you. He followed shortly after, gasping your name like a prayer against your skin as his own pleasure overtook him, his lips finding purchase on your neck as he shuddered through his release. In that moment, it was perfection, hearing him, feeling him, everything you had ever dreamed of and more. But as you came down from your shared bliss, you couldn't quite silence the intruding thought lurking at the edges of your consciousness - that you wouldn’t have him for long.

***

She looked so peaceful curled against him, her head nestled perfectly in the crook of his chest as if she belonged there, her beautiful red hair fanning out like a fiery halo in the dim light. Her beauty was staggering - the gentle slope of her nose, the delicate arch of her brows, the soft curve of her lips - and he couldn't help but trace each feature with his fingertips, mapping the geography of her face with tender precision. She sighed contentedly in her sleep at his touch, unconsciously pressing closer to him, one hand curling loosely in the fabric of his sheets that lay across them. He couldn't remember the last time he'd felt this complete, this profoundly at peace, as if all the jagged pieces of his life had suddenly aligned. His fingers continued their gentle exploration, committing every detail to memory - the light dusting of freckles across her nose, the subtle flutter of her eyelashes, the way her lips curved slightly downwards even in sleep. He wanted to capture this moment, to carry it with him always like a talisman, a protection. A reminder that he would do anything to preserve her peace of mind. To make her happy.

The soft amber from the bedside lamp caught in her hair and painted her skin in warm honey tones, making her look almost otherworldly in her beauty, an ethereal being who had chosen, inexplicably, to be with him. He pressed his lips to her forehead in a feather-light kiss, breathing in the familiar scent of her hair, before letting his own eyes drift closed. Despite everything - the illness creeping through his veins, the uncertainty that clouded their future like a torrential storm on the horizon - right now, everything felt exactly as it should be.

[cherry-bomb-ships]

Hey guyyyyysss so I am posting this just to get some constructive criticism, this is my first time trying to record vocals with a mic that isn't my phone and I would love some second opinions! You guys might know by now that I've been wanting to make vocal covers of Splatoon songs with lyrics I've written for a while now, and this is my first venture into doing so! Fair warning I'm not incredibly proud of this final result and there's definitely gonna be some stuff I'm gonna re record once I can (my voice is done for today tho lol), but I figured I'd put it out there any way to get some feedback and advice. If you are wanting to leave some feedback, please read below the cut as I might have already said something you might comment on (I'm also putting the lyrics down below the cut). Any comments, asks, or even reblogs with constructive criticism are encouraged, it's the whole reason I'm posting!

First of all the biggest thing I do not like: my vocals for Marina 💀 I already know they sound way too tired and soft, and once I have the chance I'll re-record them with a LOT more energy

That being said, I don't think I mind how Pearl's vocals came out! There are some parts that I wanna go back and re-do, but overall I am happy with them!

Another thing on Marina's parts is they definitely got a bit muffled and compressed during recording - I did her parts first, when I was still figuring out the optimal setup to record in the first place, and it definitely shows!! 💀💀 That'll definitely get fixed when I go back and re-record as well!

That's all I've got to say for now, as promised, below are the lyrics since I know some parts are a bit muffled! That's something that will get fixed next go-around

[Marina] I'll start movin' now if you're only a move away [Pearl] Pearl and Marina! Here we come, we're Off the Hook! [Marina] I'll say, it's so strange, music makes me feel this way [Pearl] Y'all ready for this?! Wanna start up this party? You know where to look! Cuz we keep it fresh where the rest get cooked Not off the chain, Off the Hook Here come those girls The hottest in Inkopolis 'Rina movin' grooves and Pearl's on the mic! Now time to fry 'em Can't stop what we're cookin' up! Freshest in the club, now give us some love! Now ya understand, with my mic in hand, there aint't a band that lands close to this jam! Wake up, we rockin' the Square! Come on, kiddin' squids, get your fins in the air! There's no problem with changing your mind, you're mine now. [Marina] Whoa, we could be the stars Me and you now We could rule this party Then take our bow There's no question You'll start ruling the world! Or, we could run away Late in the night Your hands on my body Just hold me tight And you'll be there Right where you belong!

[plasticageau-psychonauts]

ASK RULES:

No NSFW asks. - Suggestive (but not straight up NSFW) questions are allowed to be asked to adult characters ONLY. If you ask a suggestive question toward the minor characters, you will be hard blocked. (The owner of this blog is 18+. Minors asking suggestive questions will not be answered.) - Proshippers/comshippers DO NOT INTERACT. I don't want to argue with you, just please do not interact. Proshippers/comshippers will be blocked on sight.

Roleplaying is allowed! - I love to roleplay and encourage it! You may muse as any character, even if it's a canon / different au version of the characters. However, please specify that you are roleplaying and who you are musing as. - Please don't be weird and follow all the blog rules, even in roleplay. - Please don't godmod the AU.

Avoid spamming. - Please remember that I am a real person in her senior year of high school (soon to be college) and that I may not reply to your ask immediately. If I do not respond to your ask, it is most likely for a reason. I have the right to not respond to your ask for any reason. - Spamming will result in a hard block. - Asks involving art take time. Please do not pester me for these.

Remember that this is an AU. - This is an AU that diverges from canon in a number of ways. There may be some things that are inconsistent with canon, and that is intended. Avoid derailing the AU / restricting it to canon. - If you'd like to add on to my AU or even insert your OC into the AU, feel free to DM me on Discord or on my main blog (both @soulsofairlight)! However, forcefully inserting your OC or character into the AU will result in a block. - Headcanons, theories and other speculation on the AU are more than welcome! However, please do not force things into the AU and try to "make things canon" to it that aren't. You will be blocked.

Haters will be made fun of. - If you're here to make fun of the AU or shame me or something, don't even try because you will not be taken seriously. You will instead be publicly shamed and made fun of for your pathetic behavior. - If you don't like the AU, I respect your opinion and am always open to hearing constructive criticism. However, if you're here to whine about it then like go make your own AU or something lol

BEFORE YOU FOLLOW (BYF):

Reminder that this is fanfiction. - The Plastic Age AU is a symbolic fanfiction based on the Psychonauts series by Double Fine Studios. All characters are owned by their respective owners and my takes on them are purely based on my own developments. - The plastic age AU shares the same topics of mental health that are seen in the original series. If these topics may upset you, please proceed with caution. Be safe. - This AU may be "cringe," however, I don't care and I don't want to hear it.

This blog is intended for 16+. - Due to the sensitive nature of not only Psychonauts itself but of the AU, this blog may not be suitable for younger or more sensitive audiences. - This AU explores the personal experiences of the creator in a symbolic manner and is a coping mechanism. It is used to understand and express these experiences in a healthy way. The heavy topics in this AU are treated with care and respect and are based on the personal experiences of the creator They may be upsetting.

This blog contains HEAVY SPOILERS for the entire Psychonauts series. - If you have not played/watched gameplay of Psychonauts, Psychonauts in The Rhombus of Ruin, and Psychonauts 2, you may have trouble following. - If you have not played/watched these games and do not wish to be spoiled, come back once you've finished them! I'll be waiting for you! ;)

Dividers source: @animatedglittergraphics-n-more

[mer-acle]

What is it with studios being so terrible at responding to criticism.

I don't mean ignoring constructive criticism, though they do that too, I mean if they do react and change something and it's the most baffling illogical out-of-pocket thing ever.

Example:

Disney remakes Snow White and the 7 dwarves

Peter Dinklage speaks out saying the movie is problematic because of the portrayal of the dwarves

Now this is a criticism to be taken seriously and evaluated. Ideally you would talk to an organization for people with restricted growth and figure out if it's just his opinion or something widely agreed upon in the community. Part of it should also be looking into what exactly the problem is and if it's fixable without basically changing the entire story

Now I can't really say Disney only took Dinklage's criticism into consideration, they did say they did consult several people from the community but it's not exactly transparent

Regardless they end up changing the dwarves to magical creatures to avoid stereotyping.

Now other people from the community speak out that this decision takes away rare acting opportunities from them, again, understandable and important to consider.

So what does Disney do now? Do they backtrack, do they stand their ground on the change?

Mind you, both options could be sold as listening to the community

So naturally Disney does the third option.

CGI dwarves.

I cannot begin to describe the bafflement this decision fills me with. Like, how do you fuck up this bad? This simultaneously plays into the stereotypes Dinklage criticized and gives not a single actor from the dwarfism community an acting opportunity??? Nobody wins here.

I'm not saying Disney would make any decision bc they actually care about people with dwarfism, they do not. But why, as a corporation, would you make a decision that is guaranteed to make the entire community unhappy? I am confused as a human being because the logic isn't logicing, but even from a capitalist standpoint there is no sense in this and i cannot fathom this decision was made.

Sorry this specific example is the one that's been worming around in my brain lol maybe I'm missing how this is actually the perfect solution or something

[rui-drawsbox]

Hi! Sorry if this is a weird thing to ask, but how do you deal with harsh criticism of your art? Like, especially someone who's more of making fun of you rather than genuinely trying to help? I recently started trying to post my art online because I've always been super secretive about it in the past. Normally it's fine, but recently I got some (not asked for) harsh criticism, that more of verged on making fun of me then actually trying to help, and it was multiple people. It was really disheartening. I'm not letting it stop me, because I know it's just part of posting your work online, but if you have any tips on not letting it get to my head, I would love to hear it.

I absolutely LOVE your art, by the way. You're hands down one of my favorite artists.

aaa hello anon thkusm and im so sorry that happend 😭

unfortunately i don't have a similar experience with criticism to compare, at least not to that point. But i hope that the fact that those people are FUCKING RUDE is something we're all aware of and it shows their lack of awareness in general. Believing they're entitled to say their completely irrelevant opinion to a stranger online that didn't asked? ridiculous

Take it from who it cames from, a random stranger from internet that thinks they have the right to correct other people's ANYTHING aka.a rude mf. You don't have to tolerate other's people bullshit and im happy you're not letting that stop you! Always remind yourself that people that give unsolicited 'constructive criticism' are people that lack basic etiquette

am i yapping too much? sorry not really sorry hdgds At least what i (and my mom, i asked for a second opinion since she receives wayy more rude stuff than me lol) think that those opinions are not worth listening and you shouldn't engage with them. That doesn't mean you're wrong if it affects you btw, it's totally normal if you feel bad after that and specially if it's coming from many people, im just saying you shouldn't take them to heart to the possible extent

[thesafecafe]

This is totally not a submission but I kinda want your take on this.

So I have this book on tumblr so I decided to place it on Wattpad in case someone wants an offline version. There was this one person that seems to enjoy it so far but as of recently uploads they commented something. (Image down below)

I don't know what to reply back. I know I'm not the strongest writer but l've seen people write and get tons of compliments n stuff, so I'm like, "I'm sure they won't mind my skills." And after this comment it made me more insecure and anxious every time I want to post in the next chapter or another book.

To some people it's nice to have feedback n criticism is 100% fine.

I know you reblogged something similar to how people are commenting, or putting their own opinion about other fanfics and how people are not commenting and it just got me wondering about this comment again.

Wasn’t even about the grammar because that’s what I’m most worried about. It was about how the chapter was formed. And for the past year, that’s what I’ve been working. So idk how to feel. 

I’ve been writing for quite some time and this is the first time I’ve built the confidence to post something like this.

I know I shouldn’t be overreacting, but I’ve edited this chapter/arc on and off for the past year and even posted it on Tumblr before I took it down to re-edit it. I just want your opinion on this thing or am I just jumping too high? I just don’t know how to respond back to this. I don’t want to spoil anything, and I don’t really know what point of the chapter was so different than the previous one because it was a cliffhanger and the next one, it continued right after so…🤷🏾‍♀️

 (I crossed out her name because I don’t know if you would reply back and I don’t want people harassing her) Don’t get me wrong, they’re an extremely nice person and sweet, she literally be the only person commenting under the story lol. And I love her for that.

(Sorry if there’s any spelling mistakes, it’s late 🤡)

Hi honey, first of all, I'm glad you asked! And I in fact would not send hate a person's way, don't worry ednfjb. As for what I think, I feel like as a reader, if you're confused, you should maybe ask questions like "hmm, I don't understand why character A did this or character B did that, when" or something along those lines you know? And it's nice to have feedback/constructive criticism, so I get them being a sweet commenter.

However 😌 I do believe that suggesting an author has not taken the time to edit their work is undermining all the hard work, blood, sweat, and tears that you've put into your stories, and it seems quite rude. You don't have to be the strongest writer or the best, but you worked hard and you continue to practice and get better with every story you create and edit. I don't think you're overreacting, because every time you write, you grow and change as an author, and if a chapter felt different or confusing, they should've politely said "hey, this part confuses me." Not just up and decided to say "you don't edit your work, let me know if you need me to do it." It might not have been intended to sound that way, but it comes off that way regardless. I don't know what to say to that either to be honest.

How you form your chapters is how you form your chapters! Don't let one odd comment stop you or make you doubt yourself, because your stories deserve to be written and seen, exactly the way that you write them! I promise you'll be the author you want someday, and you'll still have room for growth. (I'm still very taken aback that this person would even suggest that btw like, please don't think it reflects on the work you put into it, and no shade to her but that just seems so rude imo. If it was a cliffhanger and then continued...did she skip something?).

[piaisabelvargas]

thumbnail credits: https://x.com/kellymmmmmeng

Before we get to my thoughts and feedback on Vanta's karaoke stream today, I just want to make it clear that I wanted to write about this not to judge him but to just give hopefully some constructive criticism. I am not a professional singer, I guess just an amateur one. But I'm also a Filipino, so we kind of know the standard for what a good performance is like and what good singing sounds like. I know that Vanta already knows he still needs a lot of improving, and I think I just want to help him, at least in a small way. I am not one of those fans that always says, "Your voice is amazing" or like, "Your singing is incredible," when I know it's not. Honestly, I was afraid to do this at first because I knew I would be criticized a lot and might get cancelled, but I just wanted to be honest. I don't like to say things I don't mean. I think it's okay to express your opinions without sounding like you're trying to offend anyone. Please, let's openly talk about these things! Like Wilson said, let's have conversations! Feel free to DM me on my Twitter/X (@aip_lebasi).

I'm Your Man—I got to say, he improved a lot in terms of being in tune. At least in singing this song. He is definitely more in tune now. He was breathing, but not in the right places. I know he's congested; it was really hard to breathe. Knowing the right place to breathe will help you even if you're sick or congested. 

L.O.V.E.—The original is Nat King Cole, by the way. But Michael Bublé's version is so good too! Vanta sang this song well too, better than the last time. I recommend listening to the original because it's easier than you think. It seems like Vanta only knows Michael's version, and I agree that it's quite harder. 

Unforgettable—I think this song is still a little bit hard for Vanta, but I also know that he wants to challenge himself, so please continue to sing and practice this song because I think it really suits his voice.

Kissing a Fool—I will say this as nice as I possibly can. I don't know the song, but I know that he was out of tune and flat most of the time. I'm sorry! I know he likes this song and enjoyed singing it, but yeah. I will not stop him from singing this song. I want him to sing anything he likes to sing. Please continue to practice this song because I also think it's good. 

My Way—His best one! He did so well when he sang this song. He was very much in tune and hit the higher notes; even the energy level has improved. It's like he was in a singing competition. I know he said singing this song is harder for him, but the results were so much better. I also chuckled when he dedicated this song to Filipinos because of the culture surrounding this song. I agree on that one comment; I approve! No one is getting shot. LOL.

Sway—His 'Sway' this time is a lot better than the last time. Although I noticed that he knows just one version of it, Michael Bublé's, and these versions tend to be harder because obviously they add a lot of their styles and techniques into the song. It takes a lot of practice if you want to somewhat replicate those, especially the higher notes. 

What You Won't Do for Love—I think this song is beautiful, but also, I agree with Vanta, it is hard to sing. He said he didn't like his performance. I think he did his best despite being congested. I want him to continue to practice this song because it would be so amazing if he could hit those high notes and sing this song properly. 

Two accapella songs—I don't know these songs, but weirdly enough, Vanta sounds better in accapella. Even though the energy is lacking, he still sang them pretty well. Good job, Crowshi!

Overall, he did quite well despite being so congested. Another reason why I did this is because I also believe in Vanta's singing abilities; he has a lot of potential. His tone and style are definitely in the jazz genre; he's definitely a crooner, and I'm so excited because of that. That is why I'm always looking forward to his karaoke streams. I really appreciate Vanta for always giving his best for the crew. I can see that he wants to get better; the work that he's been putting into his singing is so admirable. Thank you, Vanta! Keep on singing, and I will keep on listening and cheering for you.

[sweetlarrybaby]

hey everyone :)

i’m looking for someone to beta-read my new & ongoing money heist / casa de papel larry fic. it’s still a work in progress, but i would love an extra opinion on what i already have / am currently writing.

i assume it’s going to be a long-ish fic, because the universe of it kind of requires it, but i’ve never written anything that was more than 4K so i’m mainly planning to see where this is taking me !!!! i realise as i’m saying it that it might be the worst ad ever written for a beta reader !!!!! but pls give me a chance !!!!!!!

all in all i’d love an input from someone outside of my brain. lol. what i need most imo is someone to grammar-check what i’m writing (although i don’t think i’m that bad but just in case!!!!!), rephrase some stuff (because english is not my first language), just someone to give me constructive criticism on the plot & character backgrounds + development etc etc etc !!!!

(you don’t need to know much/have watched la casa de papel imo !!!! even better if u can give me opinions on my plot etc without being biased by the series :) )

thank you thank you thank you :)

here’s a little snippet of what i already wrote for the fic:

Suddenly, a scream pierced the tense silence. One of the hostages had tried to make a break for it and was quickly subdued by Winehouse. She’d roughly grabbed her by the hair, maintaining her at arm’s length while Lennon strode over.

As soon as he reached both women, Winehouse let go of her grip, Lennon taking over by claiming the woman's arm with a violence Harry had never witnessed in his quiet life. The sheer force of his grip made the woman cry out in pain, her eyes wide with terror.

"What did I say about staying calm?" Lennon's voice was low and menacing. The woman whimpered, clutching her belly protectively.

She was pregnant.

Harry must've realised it at the same time as Lennon did, because the latter dropped her arm a second later, as if burned.

Harry felt a pang of sympathy for her, and an unsettling fear settling in his stomach.

“I don’t want to hurt anyone,” Lennon said, his voice regaining a semblance of calm as he addressed the room. “But if you don’t follow orders, I won’t hesitate.”

The woman nodded frantically, tears streaming down her face. Lennon gently guided her back to her spot next to Harry, and Harry instinctively reached out, his arms coming to cover her shoulders, as if to shield her from danger. Although he knew he couldn’t.

Lennon's demeanor had shifted as radical as life goes to death, from violent enforcer to reluctant guardian.

Harry almost had whiplash, as he was sure the rest of the hostages could relate.

He couldn’t help but believe Lennon’s words to be a lie, though. They were all going to end up hurt, in one way or another.

ps: lennon is louis’ alias !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[luimagines]

Wanting interactions and opinions from the people that support you isn't annoying. It shows how much you value our voice and feedback as well as want to improve upon your craft. It takes a lot of courage to speak up and ask for something you need I mean the fact that you are even willing to take feedback about your writing is impressive and very admirable because most people would throw a down right hissy fit if someone said "oh well I didn't like this part and I feel it can be improved upon" now don't get me wrong constructive criticism is one thing but being down right rude is another if someone is being rude I wouldn't dignify the "question" with a reaction even less an answer sorry I think I started rambling and I forgot my original point that happens alot to me I want you to know that I for one am more than happy to talk although I can't say anything yet cause you haven't released the fic part that I commissioned yet and I don't want to spoil it for everyone lol

Well Soulmates from the Start has already been published because I couldn't wait. XD

I know, at least, that it's a popular series of mine so I wanted to give while I had to motivation to write it. However, it had mixed results. So it's whatever.

I understand what you mean and there are some people whoa re rather rude, or unintentionally rude when they disagree with how something is written, but I'm the type of person who gives the benefit of the doubt in almost every interaction. Either that, or assuming the best intentions of others. Very few people are malicious on purpose and I sleep better for interpreting it that way.

As for accepting feedback in general, it's just how you get better at something period. :D

And asking for ... a need, I guess I can say, is something I'm trying to get better at. I figured I had to say something about when I'm teetering on the edge of giving up the blog when I could very well just say something. You know?

I might as well try all my options, including posting somewhere else. So I'm going to see how this all places out before I throw in the towel.

[anxiousgirl]

15 things I don’t do anymore since my pre frontal cortex finally finished cooking

- drink alcohol. used to drink only a few times a year anyways so why bother at all when it’s literal poison

- ask for people’s attention. if it isn’t given freely, I actually do not want it lol

- speak my mind all the time. I used to put my foot in it a lot because I talked too much and didn’t think enough. I am much more reserved now

- say “yes” when I want to say “no.” I just say “no” now even if it means people feel uncomfortable or awkward. my boundaries are a work in progress and I take that work seriously !!!

- hang out with people whose values do not align with mine even if they are fun to be around. (I am talking fundamental values that should not be up for debate) at this stage) I will immediately ghost you if you turn out to be a racist, misogynist, homophobic, transphobic (or otherwise intolerant of other groups of human beings existing) and have virtually no regret about doing it

- Indulge in or engage with “toxic positivity” … no room for platitudes, I want a realistic view. I don’t need pessimism either but I need the truth lol just reality please, thanks

- argue with anyone who refuses to see nuance in a topic or consider another pov

- argue with anyone who has a temper issue! haven’t done that in years but my gossssh what a waste of time to argue with someone who is coming from such a reactive and emotional place lol

- go bowling. I really hate bowling. I like the first 3 rounds and then I am just dying to get out of there lol

- ignore my own gut instincts. the amount of times I ignored my gut in my twenties is asinine! could have saved me so much grief had I just listened and trusted myself more

- neglect my family for the sake of a romantic relationship. I am so lucky to have a close family who welcomes my partners and my sister’s partners with open arms and I used to just ignore them a lot of the time 😭

- neglect my mental health or try to hack it on my own like some sort of witch doctor. when you’ve got CPTSD and anxiety issues (me) professional help is the right move. the internet cannot heal me and neither can daily supplements lol I go to therapy and therefore am calmer, more functional and organized (at least when it comes to my mental health lol)

- assume that a boyfriend will solve my problems lol I used to think that getting a boyfriend was all I needed to solve this deep-seated wound of unworthiness that I carry around with me. god I was dead wrong. no other human being can solve your inner wounds but you. so a bf has become less appealing to say the least. I still want one day cuz I’m a romantic sensitive silly little girl but maybe when I am of a saner mind lol

- put much stock in anything unkind said to me. I’ll take constructive criticism all day long but the moment someone is unkind or rude to me I file it under “projection” and disregard it because there is seldom a valid reason to be blatantly unkind when expressing even a negative opinion to someone

- assume I won’t run into people I used to know in public. I have learned you must always be prepared to run into anyone out there lol a coworker, an ex’s roommate, an old teacher, the guy who SA’d you… this city is too small. Always prepare to flee lol

[andypantsx3]

hey andie, i've been a long time reader of your work and you've been one of my inspirations to actually post my own fics! do you have any tips to get started?

Ahhh omg!! I am so deeply honored omg, and so so proud of you!! What a huge step!! Is there a particular thing you have questions on?? I'm happy to help however I can!!

In terms of more general advice, though, I think probably the best thing I can tell you is take time to prepare yourself for feedback!! Whether you ask for it or not, feedback is going to find you once your stuff is up on the internet, whether it's a super sweet comment that makes your entire week, or a 4/10 rating in someone's public ao3 bookmarks (yes that has happened to me a few times💀).

For the most part getting feedback is amazing because people are so unbelievably kind and they phrase things in ways that just make you want to roll in those comments like a dog in the dirt lmao. And sometimes people give critique but you can just sense they want to be helpful to you and it kind of touches you in a weird way even though they are picking you apart in front of god and everyone lol.

But even well-meaning criticism can sometimes deal psychic damage, to be frank. I openly ask for constructive critique but even then a lot of it is not helpful. People are very poorly informed even about the objective of concrit, which is to help the author tell a compelling version of the story they want to tell, not to dictate what you would personally find satisfying in a story. So often you will get a lot of subjective commentary, and you will need to be able to determine where it falls in terms of usefulness to your growth.

There are also rare cases where a very not well-meaning person who is just having a bad time comes across you and thinks you are the perfect person to take their issues out on. I recommend just deleting these comments or messages or whatever because they are not worth your time, and their objective is not actually to help you improve or become a better writer. It's just to be a shit.

So TLDR, just be prepared for other people to give their opinion, solicited or otherwise, and be prepared to sort through what is actually valuable feedback and what is just like, some rando who wants a personally-tailored fic or is being a butthead.

But know that it's gonna be so so so worth it in the end because you get to have a thing that you made out there in the world!! And it will help you connect with other people in ways you never have before and it's gonna be amazing!!!!

Sending you all my love and good luck for your literary debut!!!!

[grimgoregrimoire]

🕯️ ⇢ on a scale from 1 to 10, how much do you enjoy editing? why is that?

🛼 ⇢ describe your latest wip with five emojis

🐇 ⇢ do you prefer writing original characters, reader inserts, or a mix of both? 

🧃 ⇢ share some personal lore you never posted about before

🎲 ⇢ what stops you from writing more in your free time? 

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

🧸 ⇢ what's the fastest way to become your mutual?

🪐 ⇢ name three good things going on in your life right now

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

🍬 ⇢ post an unpopular opinion about a popular fandom character

🔪 ⇢ what's the weirdest topic you researched for a writing project?

🦷 ⇢ share some personal wisdom or a life hack you swear on

❄️ ⇢ what's your dream theme/plot for a fic, and who would write it best?

🌿 ⇢ give some advice on writer's block and low creativity

🥐 ⇢ name one internet reference that will always make you laugh 

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

🍦 ⇢ name three good things about a character you hate

🥝 ⇢ do you lie a lot? what's the most recent lie you told?

🦋 ⇢ share something that has been on your heart and mind lately 

🦴 ⇢ is there a piece of media that inspires your writing? 

🍅 ⇢ give yourself some constructive criticism on your own writing

🐚 ⇢ do you like or dislike surprises?

🪲 ⇢ add 50 words to your current wip and share the paragraph here

☁️ ⇢ what made you choose your username?

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

🌸 ⇢ do you have any pets? if you do, post some pictures of them

🎨 ⇢ link your favourite piece of fanart and explain why you like it

🧩 ⇢ what will make you click away from a fanfiction immediately?

Hi hi thank you so much for all the emojis!! 🥰

🕯️ ⇢ on a scale from 1 to 10, how much do you enjoy editing? why is that?

Pffftt well, I've been "editing" my book for the past two years, so..... Joking aside, I would probably give it a solid 8. Nothing is as good as seeing all the hard work you've put in and then just giving it that extra little cherry on top!

Now, if you're asking me about spelling and grammar editing.... Don't.

🛼 ⇢ describe your latest wip with five emojis

🧛‍♂️🗡📓👻🏳️‍🌈

🐇 ⇢ do you prefer writing original characters, reader inserts, or a mix of both? 

I've never written a reader insert but now yall got me thinking 😅

🧃 ⇢ share some personal lore you never posted about before

I have this weird thing where everyone thinks I look like someone else, and it's caused some pretty hilarious phenomenons. One time at the airport, a kid started screaming and crying because I waved at them. I still, to this day, have absolutely no idea who they thought I was ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

🎲 ⇢ what stops you from writing more in your free time? 

So I have this fun little thing called ADHD...... But yeah, honestly, I'm incredibly chaotic, and while trying to keep up with the real-life stuff and all the distracting stuff and all the projects I got going...... Yeah, that's why I'm typically up until 2 am writing lol

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

Yay another one!!!

Zukka (Avatar: The Last Airbender)

Anytime Hakoda takes Sokka for some father-son bonding time, Sokka relentlessly insists Zuko come along. Zuko and Hakoda think he's just being a clingy boyfriend, but he just wants to show Zuko that he is deserving of love from a father figure and that Iroh isn't just doing it out of guilt.

(In turn, Iroh tags along from time to time, and their trips quickly go from family bonding to a dad joke battle)

🧸 ⇢ what's the fastest way to become your mutual?

Literally just come say hi!! I swear, contrary to popular lore, I don't bite!

🪐 ⇢ name three good things going on in your life right now

I'm very lucky. Everyone in my family is doing great. Having this great opportunity to finish and publish my book. And I have great, supporting and loving friends 🖤

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

"He was just one of this like shitty guitar players in a shitty band."

"And?"

"And he was in a punk band, and I did graffiti. Can I make it more obvious?"

🍬 ⇢ post an unpopular opinion about a popular fandom character

I never finished Stranger Things' first season, I don't know that I even got through the first five episodes. I was so bored the whole time.

Bonus hot take; I had the exact opposite problem with The Walking Dead. Around season five, I got really bored.

🔪 ⇢ what's the weirdest topic you researched for a writing project?

Guys, go Google New England Vampire Panic. Very interesting to read about, and also a good band name if you're from New England!

🦷 ⇢ share some personal wisdom or a life hack you swear on

Even if you absolutely suck at it, if it's something you love, do it with all the confidence in the world, and you'll find your place.

+ Nobody's as confident as they claim. It's all a production. Fake it 'til you make it, but don't sell your soul over it.

❄️ ⇢ what's your dream theme/plot for a fic, and who would write it best?

So I've recently gotten into Baldur's Gate, and I just really fucking need Gale and Astarion on like a buddy cop mission where it's just absolute clown to clown communication. Gale being his waxing poetic self, and Astarion is far too emo and far too gay for this shit.

I don't know! I'm willing to bully all my friends until one of them picks it up or I just do it myself lol

🌿 ⇢ give some advice on writer's block and low creativity

Don't force it. If it's not coming to you take a break don't chase it! You'll only wear yourself out and hate what you did write.

Rome wasn't built in a day, but it sure burnt down in one. Remember that.

🥐 ⇢ name one internet reference that will always make you laugh 

Wouldn't you like to know, weather boy?

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

Very specifically, "You're evil"

Muahahahahaha 😈

🍦 ⇢ name three good things about a character you hate

Oh man, I don't think there's absolutely anything redeemable about that woman.

1.) Uhh, when she shuts up, she's cute ig.

2.) She's fun to write because I don't get to be pure evil a lot.

3.)................... She's kinda the gateway to one of my favorite characters?? 👀

🥝 ⇢ do you lie a lot? what's the most recent lie you told?

Here's a fun little fact about me, I'm brutally honest sometimes to the point of offense 😅 and I don't ever really have a need to lie.

That being said, I love randomly lying to strangers for literally no reason. Just recently, someone was being rude and interrupted my dinner with my family, so when they asked what I did for a living, I gave them a very detailed description of how I work in a morgue. I've never worked in a morgue a day in my life lol but it got them to leave me alone.

🦋 ⇢ share something that has been on your heart and mind lately 

Man, this might be too deep for tumblr, but it's that time of year again when I can't stop thinking about death and all that good stuff. I'll spare you guys the gritty details, though.

🪲 ⇢ add 50 words to your current wip and share the paragraph here

"Look, when I moved out here, I got a mess in Oakland waiting for me, okay? My friend got all this shit and fucked this guy over and this crazy motherfucker showed up ate half my burger and killed a fucking guy. When the boss showed up, told me to get his wife outta there, I did and I ain't never been back. I got know idea what's waiting there for me."

"Hm, that's unfortunate," I crossed my arms, "Especially 'cause I watched it happen in Pulp Fiction with you last night!"

"Goddamn it."

☁️ ⇢ what made you choose your username?

So I answered the username part over here, so I'm going to answer about my pen name now!

I actually changed my pen name fairly recently to Gabryél Grimm-Goretz. Gabryél is actually part of my legal name 😅 and so I thought it would be cool to use it because i never get to use it day to day. I went with Grimm-Goretz to kinda represent my family and heritage in a way while also leaning into how my writing is typically grim and gory.

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

Whelp, we've got a nice handful of followers over here now, and unfortunately, I can't tag everyone. BUT I want to tell you all that you are appreciated. You are talented, and you are loved! Never let anyone tell you you're not good enough 'cause they're no better 🖤

🌸 ⇢ do you have any pets? if you do, post some pictures of them

Right here! uwu

🎨 ⇢ link your favourite piece of fanart and explain why you like it

I'm gonna be a little bit of a punk ass and tag myself here lol Link link link

I did this piece last year in celebration of one of my favorite band's new albums, and yeah! I just love it. It came out so good.

🧩 ⇢ what will make you click away from a fanfiction immediately?

When a narrator is like, "She smiled tit-ly, so deeply that her large pendulum breasts heaved, then jiggled tightly into her pink, completely see-through lace bra. Her breasts were no doubt expressing their own excitement." 🙄

For you 😌💞

[skymoral]

So I wanted to do another take on something with TMNT! I had so much love with the previous one, so I wanted to say Thank You!

Now on to what I want to talk about his the concept of a “Teenager”. Mind you I am a HUGE NERD & FAN! Of TMNT always have been and forever will be.

Although I do have my constructive criticism here and there. Because I watched all of them from the old comics, to the first series and movie. All the way to basically… Now lol

As everyone know the lovely TMNT had another movie called, “Mutant Mayhem.” I will say it’s cute and all and them trying to do something different. I’m not going to over hype it, it was nice. It wasn’t like bad.

But the main thing I didn’t like(mind you it’s just an opinion lol), is them saying there finally TEENAGERS! Like they look,act, and voice by actual teenagers.

Now being voiced by real teenagers is cool and a nice difference. But look and act like teenagers, from all the ones I watch they ALWAYS act like teenagers when they aren’t in fight mode.

Lol here me out Most teenagers look different and act different in there own ways. Through my time when I use to be in Highschool, when I use to be a Teenager. I seen some teenagers that look like adults! Like some of them I couldn’t believe was in my school and mistook them as someone that wasn’t a student. There are also some that look like little kids that are high schoolers and act like kids. So looking and acting like a teenager is relative.

Me saying that is taking into the account of when people were talking about the design of the 2014 & 2016 TMNT film

Mind you to me teenage age begins from 13-20 at the least 13 more so leaving out of your middle schooler phase into a Highschooler.

TMNT 2014-2016 - They gave me the age of 18-19 yrs. old based on there look and behavior. Especially Mikey, but they are still categorized as a Teenager. With sometimes Teenage behavior like all of them show at time.

TMNT 2003 - They gave me 16 or 17 year old vibes they were jokable and played a lot. Even certain serious times depending on how serious. But still Teenagers.

TMNT 2018-2019 - They gave me 14-15 year old vibes. They play around and immature a lot of times even during majority of serious moments.

TMNT MUTANT MAYHEM - They gave me 13 year old vibes. Turtles slowly or just started to enter there teenage year and trying to come out of that middle schooler energy type phase.

All in all they were STILL TEENAGERS! This isn’t the first movie where they are and act like teenagers. They always do at certain time, but as you grow older and at the stage of leaving from those teenage tendencies. You act a bit more mature.

Now I didn’t age range all of them, that’s because these were the best examples to really gauge there characters. Because these were really good, different, unique adaptations. The ones I didn’t mention were similar to the ones above as well.

Now again this is just my opinion, and I don’t be bias for a specific TMNT. But a fair analysis over all of them, I won’t say what TMNT adaptation is better. I do enjoy the 2003 but I love all of them as I watched all of them across, and one may have something another is lacking and so on. So it’s hard to say what is better, each one has it’s own flavor and spice. That one person may like it and another may not, and that’s completely fine.

I just don’t like when people say this recent movie, this is the first time they’re teenagers. Probably the first time voiced by teenagers(Kudos with that). But this is not the first they act like one.

Because they act like teenagers in each adaptation, just possibly a different teenager age range or just another kind of teenager.

I love TMNT, and always will. Every TMNT is great to me in it’s own way, and any and everyone is free to agree or disagree. :>

Love my TMNT lovers!💚🐢

[insipidenvy]

20 Questions for Fic Writes

Thanks for the tag, @cnnmonbimee!

1. How many works do you have on Ao3? I have 103, though only 94 are publicly available through my profile.

2. What’s your total Ao3 word count? 423,411! Quite a lot of words, if I do say so myself 😤

3. What fandoms do you write for? A huge majority of my fics (and that I'm probably more known for) are for JSHK! Before that, I was dabbling a bit in Ensemble Stars, but the second most-written fandom for me would be Fairy Tail, the series that actually inspired me to start writing!

4. What are your top five fics by kudos?

your flowers are my lullaby (JSHK, 304 kudos)

The Girl Next Door (JSHK, 273 kudos)

The Fantastical Case Study of the Lonely Rabbit and Ghostly Cat (JSHK, 254 kudos)

Just Confess or So Help Me God- (JSHK, 198 kudos)

Whose Hunt is This? (JSHK, 186 kudos)

Looking back at some of them, I am embarrassed by my cheesiness 😌 It will happen again, sorry if that's not your thing.

5. Do you respond to comments? I try to! Whether it's a simple comment or a detailed one, I always love reading people's thoughts! This is reminding me that I haven't done so in a long time, I'm sorry to any readers who've left comments that I haven't responded to! I've just been so busy with life that it often slips my mind >< I'll try to get to them soon!

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending? That's tough... I tend to write fluff so any angsty ending might just be those with character deaths... even then some of them still get a happy ending 🤔 But if I had to pick, then it's either Heaven on Earth or Fly Away with Me?

7. What’s the fic you wrote with the happiest ending? Again a toughie because I mostly write fluff lol. The first fic that comes to mind is farewells are not forever! Mostly because I was able to receive a lot of thoughts and feedback for this story in particular, so it sticks out to me the most 😊

8. Do you get hate on fics? I've only gotten two negative comments on my fics, and truthfully, I found their thoughts fair. Were they constructive criticism? No, but what they voiced was exactly how I felt about my writing, so I don't fault them for voicing their opinions. If anything, those comments helped me take a step back from writing to figure out how I wanted to continue with my writing/posting quality, so I have to thank them for that!

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind? I've written some, but as I've told Hime before, you'll need to subscribe to my (nonexistent) OnlyFans to find out 😉

10. Do you write crossovers? I don't, but I see merit in doing so! Personally, I like to write for fandoms separately. There may be AUs, but never a crossover between characters from both series/fandoms.

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen? I don't think so? If I found out I did I don't know what I'd do apart from making an announcement here or on my ao3 profile saying I currently only post works on ao3...

12. Have you ever had a fic translated? Nope. Someone offered to translate my fics for me in the past to Spanish, but around that time there was a whole drama about how one writer/translator just used Google Translate. It got heated and I got scared lol, so I asked the writer who offered to translate my fics not to translate them and even added the whole "Please do not translate my works" thing in my profile.

As someone who does translation work myself, I hope that any translations are done with love and care and not lazily thrown into a translator. That isn't to say the person who offered is any of that, on the contrary I think they were genuine with their offer, but at the time I didn't want to get wrapped up in any drama so I stepped away from anything that could drag me into it.

I think I'm more open to the thought of having my fics translated now, but I might be picky or cautious of who offers/does them.

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before? No, but I find the idea fascinating! I have a lot of self-doubt about the quality of my writing, and now that life's gotten busy there's the whole speed and availability aspect to work around too, so I don't think I'll be able to write anything for now lol

14. What’s your all time favorite ship? I can't choose! My favorite ships depend on my mood lol One moment I may love HanaNene, for example, and the next it's AmaNene, or even TsuNene, or even HanaNeneTsuka! It's hard for me to pick one.

15. What’s a WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will? Never ask a woman her weight, a man his salary, or a writer their WIPs u_u I've not found the time or energy to write, and currently my interest and motivation for this fic in particular is at an all-time low, but I want to finish Down the Plank and Into Your Arms. I try to ensure all my fics as completed for this account, so that's one promise I want to keep.

16. What are your writing strengths? Dialogue... maybe? More specifically, banter? That's one aspect of my writing that's often praised, so I think maybe that.

17. What are your writing weaknesses? I'd say, without a doubt, it's descriptive writing lol Sorry I've got no imagination or good words to set the scene, it just kinda fills itself in my head.

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in fic? I've thought of doing that before, but I couldn't think of a scenario that required anyone to speak in another language lol

19. First fandom you wrote for? Fairy Tail! Quality and pet peeves of mine for the series aside, it's got a soft spot on me for being the fandom that pushed me into writing fanfic.

20. Favorite fic you’ve written? Why must you make things tough 😭 As I'm sure you've noticed by now, I'm awful at deciding a single favorite of anything. BUT, if I really had to pick only one..! It's glass shattered, clay battered.

I think this was written the month before the Severance chapter lol It's an introspective fic in Hanako's POV and it's got some metaphors/themes that I'm proud of. Even after knowing what happens post-Severance, I don't feel like the Hanako I wrote here is all that different from the Hanako we know in the manga.

Others I'm proud of are I Must Think of a New Life and I Mustn't Give In, i leave you with all that i love, but i will never let you go, Love is a Race and I'm Stuck at the Goddamn Start Line, Roots Run Deep, Leaves Grow Bare, Happily Never After, and love like a rose!

I swear that last sentence is only six other fics even if it looks like a paragraph🤧i do like me some long titles...

I not good at thinking of who to tag in particular, so I tag everyone! Everyone is free to participate!

[dreaming-marchling]

Candle rollerskate juicebox dice mushroom planet candy tooth icecream tomato bug flower

on a scale from 1 to 10, how much do you enjoy editing? why is that?

I think I'd have to go 5. Dead center because I really love the first like 15 times I read something lol. I re-read my writing a LOT in preparation for posting. So that initial edit when it's all really fresh and then later when I'm making it all cohesive to make sure it matches with the way the story flows is great. Then it gets really miserable and tedious. The final read through before I post is like dragging myself through mud.

describe your latest wip with five emojis

🌿🐻🐍🔒🌧️

share some personal lore you never posted about before

I don't talk about books much but I'm a huge reader outside of fics too. Like I own hundreds of books.

what stops you from writing more in your free time?

I have a hard time focusing. Fighting the "I feel emotionally blah, I'm just going to mindlessly scroll" thing is a battle some days.

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

I've not written it (yet) but I have kind of endless daydreams about Magnus using Pandemonium as an informal court for the warlocks (or just Downworlders in general but technically it's meant for the warlocks he leads) to bring him issues/requests. And then on nights when Alec is with him, this powerful Shadowhunter just drapes himself on Magnus, sits in his lap, sitting on the floor at his feet and laying his head on Magnus' leg... just not having to put on his Leader face and letting himself be Magnus' instead. Maybe only on Downworld night? And the Downworlders are unsure of how to take this but Magnus is very "he's surprisingly cuddly *shrug*" about it

name three good things going on in your life right now

I have two wonderful cats who make my home happier, I finally bought a new mattress (it's glorious) and though I'm dealing with some crap at work I do have a job that is not bad and allows me financial stability

post an unpopular opinion about a popular fandom character

I think this was the popular opinion and then the tide has since turned but I continue to loathe Nesta from the Court of Thorns and Roses series. The main justification after all those pages was like "you can't hate her, she hates herself" but like no, I can totally continue to hate her.

share some personal wisdom or a life hack you swear on

Steam a cut up head of cauliflower, slowly roast 5 to however many garlic cloves as you want in a few tablespoons of butter (or oil), combine, season, thin with a little water (especially pasta water if going on pasta) and then blend in a food processor for like a decade. Literally walk away and start cleaning up your kitchen. Blend until you worry for the motor. It'll transform into the fluffiest creamiest garlicky "alfredo" sauce that won't break and get all greasy when you reheat later. Great for batch cooking that requires reheating.

name three good things about a character you hate

Jonathan in Shadowhunters: It wasn't his fault really, he loved Clary, his little move while he was activating Clary and Jace's runes was super smooth

give yourself some constructive criticism on your own writing

I need to understand and internalize the difference between lay and lie. I can't forever go off what sounds right in my head and defying spellcheck. I'm sure some reader is like BITCH YES PLEASE lol

add 50 words to your current wip and share the paragraph here

“I will.” She promised. He hated dumping so much on her. Lying to the police, having to take care of Brian in the aftermath of something so major without him, calling everyone and having to tell their family and the team what had gone down… This was a lot to ask anyone.

They had no choice. Dom trusted her. He trusted her so fucking much.

do you have any pets? if you do, post some pictures of them

Unfortunately I am a weirdo who likes to keep all photographic evidence of my life off the internet but I do have 2 awesome cats. A tortie girl and a black boy who are littermates. They're 3 now. She never shuts up and he squeaks. She demands I wiggle the string constantly, he's literally got an anxiety disorder that in the last year has really let up its grip on him and he's like blossoming. They're great little monsters.

Thank you for asking!