#i just gotta rework some stuff in the middle

[batim-rewritten]

sup.

[mattiesoriginalworks]

another bit from one hit wonder or something

[killershrike]

I want to say to all writers or would be writers; we gotta stop comparing ourselves to other authors. Take inspiration, absolutely!!! I have taken sooo much inspiration from media in my fic Dark Suspension. Not just from books, movies, tv shows, songs, paintings, everything. I think it's absolutely so important to use the things that inspire you to create and not be afraid of "ripping off." Obviously if you copy and paste a whole paragraph and just change the names then maybe rework it a bit. But, personally, I see absolutely no problem in having direct inspirations. Yes I have a lot of original lines and things, but I also have reworked some of my favorite moments and lines into the story.

Two examples from me specifically:

• Cersei Lannister and Margaery Tyrell speaking together. "Gone, a gentle word, why not say slaughtered?" reworked into So-yin saying "Force, a gentle world, why not say slaughtered?" When Ghost tells her about "forcing" Bad Bloods to give up info.

• In The Terrfier 2 Art the Clown brutalized a victim and two of the ways is by snapping the victim's arm in half and tearing it off her, and another way is by tearing her hand apart so it rips down the middle. This was reworked into Ghost, tearing an arm off a corpse and snapping it in half to create a "knife" to throw at someone escaping. And then directly tearing a man's hand apart so it rips down the middle.

Someone could argue this isn't Changed enough, not Original enough, I disagree. This is where it comes to opinion and where I hope to help me and other writers or potential writers to feel some ease. I've been seeing a lot of people saying they're too scared to post their fics cause of people saying things like "copying too much," "too much description," and "too much dialogue." And really, at the end of the day, everyone is wrong. Even I am.

Art has always been subjective, but I feel like writing can be some of the most subjective of all. One person can read Homer's Odyssey, a literal world renowned classic, and say it's boring. Someone can read The Lord Of The Rings books and say they're stupid, even though it's arguably the most popular book series to date.

No matter who you are or how "good" or "bad" your work is, there will always be people who either love it or hate it or don't care. We have got to stop comparing ourselves and holding ourselves back from sharing the things we want to because of other people's stupid little "writing rules." Those dont exist.

You know what the only rule of writing is? You gotta write. To be a writer, you have to put words down somewhere. That's it. That's all. Whether it's me, you, or Stephen fucking King. We're all just silly Little Guys with thoughts in our head that we put down and share with other people because they mean something to us. Just because you aren't a published author and Stephen King is doesn't mean you're a worse writer, or shouldn't bother posting your stuff. He just had the opportunity, luck, or possibly both, to end up in a position as a famous and published author.

But even he didn't start that way. So many authors don't put their stories out as a way to get famous or attention, I definitely didn't. I use my story as a way to work through my own pain and hopefully come up with some fun and interesting ideas along away. I'm not saying one way is right, go for that bag if you want! Or just post your story for fun! Just don't feel like you can't post your writing or people will hate it or won't read it because these stupid "rules." Someone will read it. Even just one person. And you never know, maybe that one person could turn out to become a friend!

I've found so much happiness by posting my story and characters. Yes, I've received some hate, but the love and support I've gotten so outweigh that. Sometimes, I get caught up in the negative and the anxiety, but overall, I don't regret posting my writing and will continue to do so. I hope you can too!

[averageartistamber]

DnD Campaign Update

Okay, so my Pheonix City Adventures campaign has been going pretty well all things considered. Did have a player drop out, then a second player I had to kick (long story), but everyone else says they're having a good time (and things should feel even better with the problem player removed.).

Learned a lot of stuff about the DM experience, especially with stuff like on-the-spot rulings and communicating with the players. Combat and encounters are still very much an area I need to work on.

The group recently turned Level Three, and are currently in the middle of exploring a haunted house (and it's Otherworld counterpart.), and will resume next session. They've been putting together the mystery of the house and it's abandonment while fighting the strange creatures that have taken over (mostly homebrew monsters, many will need tweaks for next time I run this particular adventure).

Just gotta figure out what to do with the problem player's character now that they're gone. Thing is, this was the beginning of a small arc for this character, so I'll have to rework the next handful of sessions too, which shouldn't be too much work to be fair.

Yeah, and once the quest is cleared, they'll get the house for themselves, which they can either sell or spend some of the gold they earn on their journey to get the place fixed up and nice again. Decided to drop in these "projects" that they players can invest Gold into relatively early, since two of them are also looking to get driving lessons (one want and motorbike and the other wants an RV the group can travel around in.).

It's been about a month of playing now, and, yeah, hopefully things will get better from here. Haven't got much prep work to do this week, though I might give myself a small head start on future quests.

Also, I have been kinda ill this week, but when my voice is normal again I'll try to do the audio recording for the Ultraman video at some point soon.

[mud-castle]

sfowefnjfwkn;l I'm trying to figure out the biology of the pantalian(?) dragons and it is just. so confusing.

For example, do rainwings secrete poison, acid, or anything else? Some poisons can burn/damage skin, but not to Queen Scarlet level, and that's not even talking about how it would have to pass through SCALES, not skin! AND HOW DO THEIR FANGS WORK. ARE THEY FELXIBLE. DO THEY HAVE TO AWKWARDLY MOVE THEIR HEAD TO AIM. WHAT IS GOING ON.

How do Sandwings survive? They don't have an easy way to get rid of heat(Ex: Big ears) aside from their 'sails' and even then that's IFFY cause I don't know if blood runs through it or not. Realistically, they should be awake during evening/dawn, or night(Based on whether the dunes get cold at night) but they seem to be active during the day?? but they can still get heatstroke??? tf is going ON with these guys.

Mudwings are fine, ig. nothing really special. Trying to make em more like crocodiles.

Nightwings are also fine- making them more like fluffy bats. Volcano idea might get scrapped/reworked, so there's that. Still gotta massively nerf Mindreading/FutureSight.

Why are Seawings so small? Do their ears fold underwater- wait, why do they go above land? They can live underwater without ever going up, and with the war and all, it would make sense if they never left. Maybe they still need to get air, but they live in coastal areas/islands and have the 'mudwings can hold their breath for an hour thing'? Would give them some actual stakes.

Skywings should have feathers/beaks. They would get cold in high altitudes, and they should just have feathers cause they have nothing else going on with them.

I am not touching Icewings with a ten foot pole. They do not radiate cold. They have fur. They live in the Taiga. I will die on this hill.

aeejcnjkdnddjikssk this dragon series has me by a chokehold.

*Pyhrrian* and Welll

Poison and acid are not mutually exclusive, could be both and scales can be very tough but they will be affected regardless, and there are 100% acids strong enough to do that to Queen Scarlet. Idk man, they open their mouths and black acid comes out, that's about as far as the books describe. Where did it come from? Are their teeth stronger and hollow? Does it come from behind their teeth? Back of the throat? Are their mouths made of tougher stuff so the inside doesn't melt or does the acid never touch the inside of their mouths? Idk.

Idk man they just be doin it. Mind you, it's canon that Sandwings can get heatstroke so idk what they're doing always running around in the middle of the day.

I think the fact that Mudwings are fine shows how neglected they are as tribe. Which is sad..

I am unfortunately not on the dragons with fur train when it comes to WoF, you do you though. Also 100% more batlike Nightwings. I think there's a lot of ways to go about Mindreading without nerfing it. For example I found out that apparently some people narrate their lives internally while others have more concepts they hold unless they're thinking of something specific. There's a lot to do with just that. Future sight is honestly not overpowered. The average future-sighted Nightwing has 1 unclear vision a week, Clearsight and Darkstalker had 10,000 clear visions a day and are outliers who should never have been counted.

Seawings being aquatic is exactly why I've been questioning why they ever joined the war to begin with. Trade is basically nonexistant, they have no settlements on land, why bother with the war at all?? There could be Seawings who don't know how to verbally speak because there's got to be seawings who've never had much of a need to go above water.

As with fur, I've never personally been a fan of feathers on the dragons. I do like to think that Skywing fire burns the hottest (rather than Sandwings) and that's why they don't get cold up there. They're living furnaces, which would also explain why firescales are specific to them.

Icewings are weird.

I explain away some of the weirdness I want to keep in my rewrite as an effect of magic during the evolution of the dragons, and other stuff is just kept because Rule of Cool or suspension of disbelief.

[le-agent-egg]

Sorry I keep talking about Rivers but I just wanna. Get some thoughts out about him. I think for someone who plays a lot of rock music and shit he’s really shy and socially awkward, most of it stemming from trying to figuring out his gender, like he plays bass (which people joke about the bass player being forgotten between everyone else in the band) and doesn’t sing in any of the songs that he writes himself by the way, because his voice is still pretty feminine (he kinda has a voice you would expect a tomboy in middle school to have, like it’s deep and raspy but it’s still feminine in terms of like cadence and bullshit). So even though he made his band and he writes all the songs, he refuses to sing and talk in interviews because he’s so scared of people “figuring him out” if that makes sense. Like even with all the encouragement from his family he’s like “fuck I don’t wanna be super out there…” lot’s of internalized gender issues :(

I think it would be cute if some of the squad went on to teach at Hope’s Peak later in life, specifically Sayaka being a music teacher and being all “We’re gonna host a Battle of the Bands!” And everyone is like “aw man Rivers you should sign up :D” so he puts his band down and later that night he’s like “FUCK WHAT HAVE I DONE” and he’s just stressing to shit like “mom please god can I back out” and Sayaka’s like “you can, but I’d really encourage you to perform!” So Rivers is just worrying about performing in front of like a few thousand people for a pretty long time, like I’m talking revamping some of the songs he’s wrote just to make sure he doesn’t need to show up much in them :(

One thing though that I really wanna work on is Rivers’ relationship with his stepparents, and while I have some ideas for Mukuro I think it’s better if Makoto is the one to give him a little boost of confidence. Like it’s 2 in the morning and Rivers is like reworking a bunch of stuff, and Makoto comes down like “What are you doing kid?” And he just starts explaining about everything he’s worrying about, like “I don’t know if I can go on stage, I can’t just be myself because I’m still figuring out who I am, I should have never signed up for this I’m gonna screw up so bad” and then Makoto’s like “I know what you mean, it’s kinda hard dealing with not knowing exactly who you are” because of the whole lucky student thing where he’s just an average guy who was in a school for literally the best of the best, like man I want Rivers to bond with Makoto sooooooo bad because I feel like up until that point Rivers would still kinda see him as his stepdad and just someone who lives in the same house as he does yk. ANYWAY

So Rivers decides to just say “fuck it” and takes a risk of not only just using his original songs, but writing one where he’s the focus with like bass and singing. And he’s panicking to his band one week before the competition “GUYS. UH. I’VE GOT A NEW SONG WE GOTTA REHEARSE” so they go about the performance as usual and then Rivers is like “well. Here goes nothing” and he!! Actually has a lot of fun! Like yeah people are surprised that he’s the star for even like one song because he’s so shut off lmao!

So they don’t end up getting first, maybe like third or fourth, but everyone is like “all that matters is that you got out and put yourself out there!” And wahhh it’s kinda the catalyst for Rivers to get a bit of his confidence back and figure out who he is… also I definitely think after all is said and done Leon and Sayaka would be like fucking sobbing lmao and Makoto just gives him a little smirk and thumbs up hehe

Also, if they do an encore performance I think it would be very silly if everyone is like “You guys should play Hot To Go” just for the obligatory “I hope they play Hot To Go!” Meme haha

[algernongirl]

might be slow updating , gonna vent real quick so if you don’t want to read it’ll be below :) it doesn’t have triggering content or anything

-

I’ve been an artist ever since I was 11, and posting since that age too. I never got any interactions on my posts, which were usually on amino and stuff, but I figured that was because my art skills weren’t great. I wanted to keep trying, hoping to get more engagement.

And yeah, engagement isn’t everything. But keep in mind that I was in the 6th grade and didn’t have many friends at the time. Any I did have didn’t really… acknowledge me? If that makes sense. Like we talked but they never complemented me or said I was good at anything. My parents were going through hard times with my mom being sick with something I won’t disclose here. Also, at the time, I auditioned for the school plays. I also didn’t get lead roles, just bg ones. I figured that since I wasn’t really a good actor I didn’t get good roles, so once I was better I would get better roles. So like my art I just kept trying.

But with both my art and acting, as middle school progressed, I didn’t get any engagement or good roles. Still didn’t have many friends, and since I was struggling with mental health at the time I often hid my real feelings from those true friends I did have. I thought it made me weak. I had gotten better, and was posting frequently and stuff, just never got more than 5 or 10 likes. Didn’t get any roles but that was probably because my drama teacher was a real piece of work lol. Anyways self esteem blah blah

Not going to go anymore into that bc I don’t wanna think abt it but I just got waitlisted for a college, and rejected from basically everyone that I applied to. Mind you I had a 31 act (I studied for like weeks). And idk, I’m just. I don’t know if this makes sense, but it just feels like my whole life I’ve been fighting and fighting for things that the universe just doesn’t want to give to me. Maybe it’s bad luck or something, but it feels like something in my life is always dragging me down and I gotta fight against it.

And it sounds selfish, but other people don’t have to fight and I want that so bad. One of my good friends at school is also the daughter of an immigrant, and I’m so jealous of her because she has so many things that I want. Her parents are loving and supportive, and while mine are too she gets to be in the art class while I have to take all academic classes ‘for my future’. She’s so pretty and she has a boyfriend, and I just feel so weird. And it’s not that she hasn’t had a hard life, though we don’t really talk about our pasts. It’s just that so many girls at school and around me are pretty and good at stuff and I just feel like I have to keep fighting and fighting for what I want, and if the universe decides to give it to me it isn’t going to be without any pain on my part. I just want things to be easy for once. Plus today I also posted some art I was proud of, but got no engagement (not on here). I’ve been posting frequently and reworking my account, hoping to be able to draw to get some side money when I’m in college, but now I’m not going to any of the colleges I want to go to and no one knows or likes my art and I just. I guess I just want the universe to cut me a break for once. I don’t get why I have to fight like a dog just to be happy, why I can’t just sit back and let it come to me for once. Why the world still made me fight when I was a little girl. Why it insists on making things hurt.

Idk just a rant ig

[dontwanderoff]

god this fic of mine with the yaz doing the doctor’s hair was truly a moment eh?

[jaskiers-sweetkiss]

Sunset Swerve - Part 6

Pairings: Luke x OC

Word Count: 2.5k

Warnings: light cursing

A/N: Day 6 of @jatp-week is favorite fanfic trope and since I’m a sucker for enemies to lovers here’s the next chapter of Sunset Swerve! We’re through episode 5 now. Some house keeping before you get into the chapter: song lyrics are italicized and the songs used in this chapter are Get Gone and Last Song by Thalia Mar. Idk why but the jatp soundtrack reminded me of her music so I figured why not make them Apollo 81 songs? Definitely recommend checking her out! As always, let me know what you think!

Part 5  Masterlist

___

“Where are they?” Julie paced backstage.

“They’ll be here any minute,” Jordan had reassured the girl last time she had asked. That had been nearly an hour ago and this time the ghost girl had no explanation for their absence.

She frowned as she considered what might be keeping the three ghost boys from their first gig. The only feasible explanation she could come up with was that they’d gotten what they needed from Willie’s friend and were currently confronting Bobby. The thought made her blood boil, that they would abandon the girls for revenge.

“I have no idea,” Jordan answered the pacing girl, “But I have an idea.” “Idea for what? Can you like summon them here or something?” Julie asked skeptically but at least she had stopped pacing.

“No.” Julie frowned. “But, I know a way Julie and the Phantoms can still perform. Well, Julie and the Phantom, singular.”

“We can’t perform without the guys, we need them for all our songs.”

“True,” Jordan admitted. “But there are some old songs I wrote with Apollo 81 that we could perform with just the two of us.”

“You want to learn a brand new set of songs and perform them tonight?” Julie questioned, crossing her arms and giving Jordan a look that clearly showed her disbelief.

“I already know the songs and you’re a freaking music prodigy, we can absolutely do it.” Jordan protested, “I’ll pop back to the studio to get my notebook and meet you in the band room, okay?”

Julie nodded, smiling at her in a way that told Jordan how crazy she thought she was.

Jordan appeared in the studio a moment later and quickly scrambled up the later to the loft, sifting through her left behind belongings for her old song notebook. She kept the most recent one on her at all times in her bag but it was filled with songs for a four-piece band, none of which she could rework in time for herself and Julie to perform. However, she knew somewhere in the loft there was a notebook of songs she and the girls had been working on just for fun, some of which could easily be performed by just the two of them.

She thrusted it into the air triumphantly when she finally found it in an old box with some Apollo 81 memorabilia.  She quickly poofed back to the school, landing on the piano bench next to Julie.

“Did you find it?” She asked after recovering from being startled by the ghost’s sudden appearance.

“Got it right here,” Jordan held up the notebook before flipping through the pages. “So I was thinking we could start with...”

Jordan walked Julie through her thought process on the setlist before they got to work. Just two songs to learn as fast as they could. They practiced for nearly an hour, Julie finally seeming comfortable enough with the lyrics and melodies to make it work when she got a text from Flynn.

“We should get out there,” Jordan said, moving to place a reassuring hand on her shoulder but forgetting that was impossible. “We’ve got this.”

Julie nodded, taking a deep breath before holding her head high and marching out of the band room. Jordan whooped excitedly as she followed behind her.

“Get ready cause Julie and the Phantoms are about to rock your socks off!” She called excitedly though she knew only Julie could hear her.

Julie shook her head, laughing at the girl’s outdated phrases.

“It’s eleven o’clock, you gotta perform,” Flynn said when they arrived backstage. “Even without the guys you’ll sound amazing.”

Julie smiled at the compliment.

“Don’t worry, Jordan and I have a plan.”

“You’re going on?” A voice asked from behind them and Julie froze.

Jordan cooed silently at how adorable the blond boy was, clearly caring about Julie and the band.

Julie nodded, though Jordan could see the nerves filling her again. Nick grinned from ear to ear before running out on stage.

“Guess what guys!” He exclaimed, grabbing Flynn’s microphone. “Julie fixed the hologram thing! Who’s ready for a show?”

The crowd erupted into cheers and Jordan grinned, starting to bounce on the balls of her feet as she felt the mix of nerves and adrenaline pumping through her body as it always did before a performance.

“Uh, hi,” Julie said, stepping onto the stage and accepting the mic from Nick.

“You’ve got this,” Jordan called out reassuringly and Julie took a breath, starting stronger.

“So, here’s the thing: even though we got the machine fixed, thanks to Nick,” she smiled at the boy and the crowd cheered, “I still can’t link up with all the guys, WiFi am I right?” She joked, gaining chuckles from a few people in the crowd.

“So, the shows going to look a little different tonight. It’s just me and Jordan, hope you don’t mind.” She smiled lightly and the crowd cheered while Jordan whooped again from behind her.

Flynn grinned at her best friend, giving her two thumbs up as she walked off stage.

“Get all your bags, get out my house, I don’t want your stuff around. I never did you wrong, but you did me wrong so go ahead and get gone,” Julie sang from the piano, repeating the intro once before Jordan joined in.

She poofed onto the stage, guitar in hand as she took over the melody, Julie jumping up from the piano as the crowd cheered for what they thought were hologram effects. As Jordan played Julie began to stomp and clap out a back beat, getting the crowd to follow along as she joined her bandmate in center stage.

“All this time, I wasted on you,” she began the first verse, the crowd yelling excitedly as the girls played. “You’d think I’d feel something. You thought wrong. I feel nothing, so now I guess it’s your move.”

“You used my back as a door, left me for dead on the floor. You didn’t try no not one bit,” Jordan took over for the pre chorus, leaning into her own mic. “Thought I came off as weak, well this is me proving you wrong.”

“Get all your bags, get out my house...” Julie took over the chorus once more, Jordan singing the backup harmonies.

Before she knew it the song was over and the crowd was screaming. Jordan grinned, slinging her guitar to the side as she pulled her mic from the stand.

“Hi, guys!” She greeted the gymnasium. “We’re Julie and the Phantoms!” The name was met with a roar of applause from the students. “I hope you don’t mind that we deviated from our usual rock sound for you tonight.

“For this next song I wanna get my girl Flynn up here!” Jordan spoke, waving the girl onto the stage again. “As you’ve all seen tonight, Flynn is crazy talented and I’m hoping she can help us out with this next song as we’re missed a few hands,” she laughed, gesturing to the mostly empty stage and Flynn nodded, moving over to her setup.

“This ones called Last Song, hope you like it,” Jordan grinned, gesturing to Julie who had returned to the piano.

While Julie began the first verse, switching the keyboard to an organ sound Jordan explained to Flynn what they needed.

“...I never let it go cause you never gave me the chance to,” Flynn joined in with the beat and Jordan grinned. “I never had the time to talk and be done with you, so I say it now,”

“This is the last song I promise you at least for now,” as Jordan came in on her guitar Julie bounded over, holding out her microphone for the ghost to take over the chorus. “This is the last song I’ll ever write about you.”

The two girls fed off each other’s energies and the cheers from the crowd, neither one able to keep the smiles off their faces.  It was over before Jordan was ready for it to be, the three girls taking a bow and Jordan disappearing once more.

She watched from the side of the stage as Julie thanked their audience and soaked up the applause with her best friend. The gymnasium emptied out not long after and once she was sure Julie was all set she poofed away, planning to give the guys a piece of her mind.

When she arrived back at the Hollywood Ghost Club she wasn’t sure what she was expecting but it hadn’t been a hopping party with a massive band. The whole room was dancing and Jordan couldn’t help but bop along to the beat as well as she searched for her bandmates. She finally found them as the song wound down, all three of them right in the middle of the stage.

“The haunting hour is upon us!” A man in a fabulous purple suit called when the clock struck midnight and the crowd replied with a low ‘ooooh’ before the band kicked up again.

Jordan watched with crossed arms as Luke scrambled to get the boys together, the trio rushing towards the exit where she was stood.

“Oh shit,” Luke cursed, stumbling to a stop in front of her and holding his arms out to stop the guys behind him.

“Yeah,” Jordan said snidely and the guys gulped.

“Gentlemen, what’s the rush?” The purple suited man from before questioned as he poofed behind the group and Jordan turned to face him. “You must be Jordan. We certainly missed you tonight.”

“Looks like I missed out on quite the party,” Jordan replied sincerely before turning to glare at the guys.

“Well the party’s just getting started, and you have an eternity after all,” he quirked an eyebrow at her and she smiled gratefully at the offer.

“Y’know that girl who can see us?” Reggie interjected, pushing forward past the guys. “We sort of bailed on her. See there’s this dance at her school tonight, and she’s got this friend Flynn who’s a super cool dj like-“

“Okay, I don’t think he has an eternity to hear the story,” Alex cut him off.

“Basically we’re late for a gig,” Luke summarized and Jordan snorted, late was an understatement.

“But what about my offer?” Purple suit asked and Jordan frowned.  

“What offer?” She asked, looking between the man and her bandmates.

“To join my house band,” he answered, spreading his arms out in a grandiose gesture. “Naturally the offer is extended to you as well, I’ve heard you possess a great musical talent.”

“Thank you,” she blushed at the compliment. “But, I’m already in a band.”

“Yeah, it’s like we said Mr. Covington,” Luke started but purple suit held up a hand to stop him.

“You have your own band, I understand.” He said, his seemingly warm smile not quite reaching his eyes. “But, if you ever wanna come back and fix that little problem with your friend, the Hollywood Ghost Club is always open.”

The guys grinned at the offer and Jordan held back a sigh. She understood the importance of getting back at Bobby but their pursuit of revenge was kind of becoming a problem.

“Yeah, man, we’d love to come back,” Luke accepted and purple suit smiled, reaching out to shake his hand.

“Music to my ears,” he said, shaking each boy’s hand in turn and then reaching Jordan. She hissed slightly as she felt something burn into her wrist as they shook hands.

“Oh, it’s just a little club stamp.” He explained as she watched the purple symbol fade away and they all nodded at the explanation.

“Until next time,” he said, chuckling deeply. It was actually mildly disturbing, Jordan thought.

She stood and watched as each boy filed out of the building, not planning to let them out of this one. Alex took a moment longer to inquire about Willie, which Jordan allowed because truthfully she was rooting for them.

Once they were out of the club, they all poofed to the school, Jordan appearing next to Julie under a now half-popped balloon arch.

“Julie we are ready to rock this.... dance,” Reggie called as the guys ran into the gym, faltering as they took in the scene before them.

“We are so, so sorry that we bailed on you,” Luke said, stopping next to Reggie as they faced Julie who had since stood up, adopting a disappointed stance.

“Yeah, the night really got away from us,” Alex continued.

“And the twin,” Reggie added, only to be met with glares form the other three ghosts.

“Why didn’t you come get us?” Luke asked, turning on Jordan accusatorially.

“Nuh uh, don’t you turn this on her,” Julie sassed, stepping between the two ghosts. “You guys were supposed to be here. She’s not your babysitter.”

“You’re right, we’re so sorry,” Luke sighed, staring down at his shoes. “But we’ll make it right, we’ll do whatever it takes. We’ll play the next school-“

“What, another dance where you can bail on me and make me look like a fool? Save it,” Julie  spoke and Jordan gulped. “If it weren’t for Jordan I never would’ve been able to show my face here again!”

“You know what sucks?” She continued, growing more emotional as the confrontation went on. “Our songs were good. And all three of you knew what I’ve been through. How tough it’s been for me to play, and you do this? Bands don’t do that to each other. Friends don’t do that to each other.”

Jordan tried to hide her sniffles as she discreetly wiped the tears from her eyes. She couldn’t handle Julie’s speech and the heartbreak obvious on the guys’ faces. She had wanted them to get shamed a little for their mistake, she was disappointed in them herself, but not like this. She couldn’t stand to see all her new friends this upset, especially with each other.  

“This was a mistake,” Julie said quietly but firmly.

“Y-you mean the school dance right?” Luke gulped.

“No.” Julie said coldly, “I mean joining a band with you guys.”

Before any of them could stop her she was running out of the gym, both Luke and Jordan calling out her name as she left.

“Why couldn’t you have just come and gotten us, Moss,” Luke spat, turning his heartbreak and frustrations on her.

Jordan sniffled, no longer trying to hide her tears as she stood from the gym floor.

“Why couldn’t you have just been responsible?” She wasn’t sure where she’d found a voice through her tears and swirling emotions, but the voice she found was full of malice and betrayal.

Before they could get into another of their signature fights she poofed out, reappearing in the studio. She didn’t stay long, only taking the time to grab her book before running up the path to the house and Julie’s room. She hoped the girl wouldn’t mind that she was there, but she was certain she wasn’t welcome in the loft anymore.

She nearly collapsed in pain upon arrival in the room. A sharp jolt of pain had shot through her chest, it felt almost as if she were dying again.

“What the hell was that?” She groaned quietly to herself, curling up on the ground.

Part 7

___

JATP Taglist: @meangirlsx 

Sunset Swerve Taglist: @oopsiedoopsie23 @angryknightstatesmantrash @onlygetaway @deni-gonzalez @advicefromnixxxx @brooke0297

[professionalwritingnerd]

Danny Phantom Rewrite Questions

Okay so I’m in the middle of writing chapter 1, and I have a couple questions for the phandom that i was gonna just make a strawpoll about, but like. That’d be a lot of strawpolls.

1. Keep Sam? Fix her, redesign her, or ditch her?

A’ight look guys imma level with ya’ll, I really don’t like canon!Sam as a character. I never have. I never enjoyed how she treated her friends or how her decisions impacted the story. I’ve never liked her. And after some character re-designs and making new ones, her character ended up being a little... redundant when other characters started filling in her role.

So initially, I was just gonna chuck her from the rewrite.

But after seeing a couple of fanon designs, I’m considering - HIGHKEY ON THAT “CONSIDERING” - re-including her with some heavy re-designs and reworking of her character. But I’m not sure. 

2. OWLS FOR THE FENTONS... or familiars?

Okay so upon doing a deep-dive into some DP trivia, I learned Danny was originally supposed to have a pet owl, but because Harry Potter was coming out right around the time DP was being produced, they chucked it.

But honestly, an owl pet would be boss as hell. And when thinking it over, I decided to make the Fentons EXTRA weird, I wanted to give EVERYONE in the Fenton family owls. Like everyone got their own personal owl companion.

But I started wondering if owls would work for each one of them, so I thought maybe giving them all familiars instead. 

So Owls or seperate animal companions? If seperate, what animals would you give each Fenton? SOMEONE in this bitch would get a cat and we all know it.

3. 14 or 16? 

Okay so I wanted the beginning of the story to start around Danny’s Freshman Orientation where he meets some new friends and we first get introduced to Casper High. Figured it’d be a good way to become oriented with the setting and characters.

However, I started considering aging up the characters just a wee bit and either letting students transfer in or let Danny transfer high schools to still get that formal intro to Casper High. If I age Danny up to 16, I may age Jazz up to being 18, a high school senior. 

Thoughts?

4. Uniforms?

Okay this is completely inocuous, but for some reason, i wanted to give students of Casper High a loose uniform code. Really flexible and able to pick textures and designs that worked well for them, but at least adhered to the dress code, had specific colors, and maybe included the school jacket or something. This story takes place in the near future, 2045, so even if uniforms aren’t as popular now, I considered them making a comeback later.

5. Other?

What’s some stuff you’d like me to address/consider for the rewrite? There’s so much shit i gotta think over, i’m sure i missed something, lol

[blissfulalchemist]

“You look really pale. Sit down. I don’t need you fainting before I get this stitched-up.” + dealer's choice, please? 😊

Thank you! Please enjoy some Lance during A Chance for Faith 

Got a little long sorry. But for a little background please look at these two pieces X X

The empty house never felt like his, how could it when it was “loaned” to him. It didn’t feel right to make this place feel like his when the pictures of the previous owner’s life were still hung on the wall when he was assigned to it. Lance had looked over the pictures trying to figure out if they were alive or dead, all the faces in recent months blurring together, each battle feeling as empty as the last. So far one herald was taken down and because of that the fighting was just going to get worse. The residents, people once his friends, had John in their sights which meant that Lance was now in their sights too. He needed out, there was a plan to get out, one that involved John helping him, only if Jacob was taken down first. That plan was looking more distant with each minute passing, plans were changing and Chance was getting angrier with John, just wanted him out of the way. Lance needed to talk to Eli, get him to let Wheaty out and on missions Chance could help out with, all the while he could rework everything. 

Lance tossed the leather duster on the kitchen table along with the shotgun, stripping himself free of the attire marking him as the enemy, back into clothes he missed. Lance ran his hands over the soft fabric of the plain v neck shirt, a small comfort, something he missed for months after Cat was gone. She never cared about him wearing what made him comfortable, the regular clothes made her feel safer too she would tell him. Not safe enough. He sighed shaking his head going to the fridge pulling out whatever leftovers he had, the tupperware tossed into the microwave. Out, that’s all he needed, just like Cat, out so he could go home to Sage. Beg for forgiveness, tell her he was wrong to have not listened to her sooner, he should have sucked up his pride and lived with her when he had the chance. All of it so he could have maybe died with the pride of a father rather than the bitter pride of a failed and fallen hero. 

He never even put up a fight, all that talk and he didn’t do a damn thing other than roll over for them. Only for history to repeat itself when Eli gave him the opportunity to leave with him, form the militia, taken on this whole group sooner….or ended up dead sooner. Going home, that’s the end game. Going home and putting this whole thing behind him. 

Lance pulled out his wallet, carried only by habit, flipping to the picture of him as a young man, the red brown hair of his daughter with the soft brown of her eyes, smiling as she sat on the rocks of Ariel’s grotto, his arms wrapped around her so she wouldn’t fall. He worried about losing her that whole trip to California, wouldn’t let her out of his sight as she ran from princess to princess to ride to show, eyes big and full of wonder. That same wonder as the next picture his eyes moved too as she stood in a cap and gown, her certificate bearing the symbol he wore on his shoulder, the day she finished her doctorate. He didn’t need to see his face to remember the pride he felt that day, the one he should have been feeling if he left Montana all those years ago. The closest he got was when little Catlina, her nerves frayed and scared, requested him to walk her down the aisle of that church. That’s all it took and he finally got a glimpse of all that he lost in thinking he was protecting his heart. How stupid of a man he was….

The steady beeps of the microwave brought his thoughts back, the food lukewarm in the center as he sat at the table. The silence almost welcomed if it weren’t for the whispered thoughts and worry. He stood cleaning up the mess, hands careful as to not disturb the unmoved knick knacks, all hopeful for their owner’s return. He’d just finished drying the dish as the back door kicked open, instinct reaching for his handgun, aimed at the intruder. Well intruders, Faith, in the second hand leather jacket, pulling along the curly haired deputy, huffing and hunched over as she met Lance’s eyes. Chance groaned, clutching his side, eyelids drooping as he struggled to keep his footing. 

Lance holstered the gun, quickly pulling Chance’s weight off Faith, “Alright kid come on,” Lance moved him to the couch, tossing an old towel over it, “Let’s sit you down, don’t want you fainting just yet, not before I stitch you up.” He laid the young man down pulling up his shirt, Chance fighting him weakly, “Don’t fight. I’m helping you, not hurting you.” 

“Might be the Bliss still,” Faith said, handing over the medical kit, “I found him bleeding out in the middle of a field of them.”

Lance nodded, looking her over, still as clean as when she left earlier in the day, “Guessing you didn’t see what happened,” she shook her head, pushing back the falling strands of hair from her ponytail. Lance gave a quick nod, “You found him at least, that's what matters,” Lance jutted his chin towards the kitchen, “Mind getting a bowl of warm water and a few rags?” Faith nodded, disappearing, Lance turning back to Chance, “Alight now I need to see the damage you did, gotta know what needs to be done.”

Chance’s eyes stayed shut, pushing Lance’s hands away, “No. Don’t need your help.”

Lance let out a sigh, eyes rolling, Kids these days, “Don’t need you fighting either, but here we are.”

“That doesn’t even make sense, Baptist’s lackey,” his eyes opened just enough to shoot daggers, going wide quickly as he sat up gasping, “Where is she? Where’s Faith?”

Lance put a hand on Chance’s shoulder, pushing him to lie back, “She’s just in the kitchen, didn’t go anywhere.”

Lance watched as his green eyes, glassed over, jumped from place to place, “No she’s not here. She’s gone. She’s left.” His hands gripped onto Lance’s shirt, pulling him closer as Lance maintained steady eye contact, “I want to go back. She was there. She was real. She wasn’t gone,” Lance didn’t flinch as Chance’s face became a breath away from his, “Send me back, peggie.”

“Chance,” Faith warned, walking through the doorway, bowl full in her arms, “that’s no way to treat Lance.” 

Lance grabbed the deputy’s hands gently, “He stole you from me though,” Chance’s hands ended up back at his sides, lying on his back again, Lance going back to work on identifying the wound, “He stole you away after-.” The room hushed, Chance swallowed, eyes closing tightly, “After I-,” he took a deep breath, voice breaking, “After I shot you dead.”

Lance and Faith locked eyes for a moment, before she kneeled running her fingers through his hair, “You didn’t Chance. I’m right here with you. I brought you to Lance. He’s going to help you get better so I can explain everything.” The wound wasn’t as deep as Lance thought it was going to be, but stitches would be needed for the fastest route of healing. Lance saw Faith gently kiss Chance’s forehead, as he prepped the needle, “Do you need some help?” 

Her hands moved to hold the wound closed before Lance could say anything, “Chance this is gonna hurt, but can’t afford to drug you up more than you already are.” The young deputy mumbled incoherently, the needle piercing his skin. He hissed in pain, Lance’s hand holding him down, “Just breathe okay? You don’t need many, so keep calm and you’ll be done quicker.” Lance’s hands were steady as he got the first two stitches done, catching the color of Faith’s face, the same look as that night after the bunker collapsed, “You look really pale.”

“You think I’d be used to seeing stuff like this,” she said the look in her eyes getting farther away.

“Medical gore can feel different from what we’ve been seeing in recent weeks,” Lance assured, Chance starting to shift, his breathing even, “I got it from here. Just keep him calm and in place. Don’t think he fully understands that you’re more than just some realistic hallucination.” She nodded, cleaning her hands of the blood, kneeling next to his head, hands grabbing his whispering in his ear words of comfort. 

“Lance,” he glanced to Faith, hands never leaving his work as he made sure there wasn’t anything else that needed attending, “What if he’s not able to shake off the Bliss?”

So far a clean bill of health for the kid, “Like he becomes an angel?” She nodded, lip trembling, “You said you found him a field of the flowers, so that seems unlikely.”

She looked down to Chance’s face, pushing his hair back from his eyes, “A field of the more potent ones. What I used to make the powder form for the Marshall….,” her words trailed off.

Lance pulled out the small flashlight from the kit, pulling one of Chance’s eyelids open, moving back and forth. Lance looked closely watching for the movement of his pupil, as it grew smaller and then bigger, “It's a little slow right now but he’s gonna be fine. We’re not getting the Romeo and Juliet ending anytime soon.”

She let out a breath, “Thank you Lance.”

“Don’t thank me,” he said, standing to clean the area, “Thank his sheer dumb luck.”

“I worry that he’s going to run out soon,” she followed, “He’s getting too reckless.”

“He was grieving, on top of that he’s angry and annoyed with John.”

“What does that mean for you?” Lance paused, Faith placing a hand on his shoulder, “I know you planned on getting out once Jacob was taken down, but, well,” she glanced over her shoulder to Chance, “what if he’s determined to go for John next?”

“I’ll figure it out,” Lance gave a quick shrug of his shoulders, “No need to worry about me.”

“Mary would have,” the two looked up at the sound of Chance’s mumbling and stirring.

“She worried about everyone,” he set the last of the stuff down to dry on a towel laid out on the counter, “Treated it like her job.” Lance walked over gently picking up the young deputy, “Let’s get him lying down in the bed.” He listened to Chance mumble in his sleep about Faith and Rachel, his mind working to untangle the two, Good luck on that one, Chance. Once he got him settled, Lance pointed to Faith, “Stay with him. Make sure he doesn’t start moving too much in his sleep, don’t need those stitches coming undone.”

She nodded, removing her jacket and shoes before curling up next to him on the bed, his hand finding hers to hold onto, the mumbling slowing down as Faith held him close. She started to whisper, placing kisses in his hair, Lance nodding to himself, They have each other, they’ll be okay. Lance shut the door, pulling out the maps and paperwork he had on the operations of Eden’s Gate, spreading it across the table. The original plan was solid, John was supposed to go last so Lance could better keep the kid out of the trials, help get his buddy Pratt out of that center. Easier to help Eli and the militia if Lance could stay in the Project fold as long as he could afford. Other than Chance’s own emotions getting in the way, it would be the smarter option to get John off the board next. He provided the air support and ran the supplies through the county, including weapons and ammo. 

Jacob wasn’t stupid though and was preparing for them to go to his brother next. He’d have a better army, and stock pile of everything he needed to step on all their necks. Not to mention anyone left alive in his cages and bunkers would be killed, all innocent. He needed to spend more time up there with Jacob, get more information on what was happening, the ins and outs that changed frequently since the reaping began. Lance had become John’s primary security and if he was being honest with himself, scared to go back to that center. 

It took him months to be able to get himself back to a rational mind while that song played, longer to make sure he would no longer black out in a rage, but anytime he spent more than a few days there the song started to creep it’s way back into his mind, the conditioning taking hold. It was a fight every time to get himself back to some semblance of normal, even though the nightmares never stopped. Every night, drenched in a cold sweat as the fading notes played in his ears and the face of the young recruit driving a steam roller over the bodies of his friends and their families along with the innocents Lance had to cover up all those years ago. Jacob had to be taken down next, there was no avoiding it. 

It had been a few hours before Lance finally looked up from the paperwork, rubbing his eyes. He made a grab for the bottle of Tylenol and a beer from the fridge, the pills washing away with the comforting taste of hops. He finished the bottle quickly, hiding the rest under his bed, just in case. Lance paused at the door hearing the faint sound of singing, stepping closer he put his ear closer to the door, Faith’s voice coming through. Lance cracked the door open seeing the deputy curled into Faith, arms wrapped around her waist as she stroked his hair, lips softly singing what sounded like a lullaby. 

Her eyes caught Lance’s as she finished the song, “I’m just going to be outside the door,” she whispered in his ear, “I’m not going anywhere.” She placed a kiss in his hair, sliding out from his grip, shutting the door quietly behind her. 

“How’s he doing?” Lance asked, following Faith to the kitchen, watching as she searched the cupboards.

“He had a hard time sleeping,” she frowned, “only did when I started to hum and sing.”

Lance gave a soft snort, “You’ve been singing for hours then?”

She shook her head, a smile pulling at the corners of her lips, “No, just when he’d start to stir.” 

Lance pulled down some boxes of mac and cheese from one of the cupboards, “I’ll make you something.”

“You planning on making it Mary style?” Faith gave a brief smile leaning against the fridge, eyes turning to the floor as she crossed her arms, “I don’t see why John had to lie to us still.”

Lance nodded, “His way of protecting himself. Less people knew-.”

“The better it was to keep her safe,” she nodded, “That’s what he said but she was fine here. She was safe. No one was going to hurt her.”

Cat was just going to hurt others, “At the time she was,” She became too dangerous, “but don’t you think it’s better that she didn’t stay now this has all come to pass?”

She grumbled, shrugging, “Chance said the arrest was for suspicion of kidnapping,” Lance stiffened at her words, “Did we really steal her away from her home?” He didn’t say anything as he stirred, Faith’s eyes starting to widen, “Lance,” her tone lowering, “you know something, don’t you?”

Lance closed his eyes letting out a slow breath, “What do you remember Mary telling you about herself?”

“I-. Well-.” Faith stopped furrowing her brow, “She told me once that she had sisters, she was a humanities major,” she gave a small laugh at that, face growing serious once more, “Thinking back it seemed she always did talk as if she was going to go back somewhere.” Faith’s eyes misted as she looked up to Lance, “We did take her from a home. A family.”

Lance nodded, “Nothing we could have done at the time, she was too scared of what would happen,” he looked to Faith, “There was a point she was wanting to stay though. Wanted to live a life here.”

“It was still wrong,” she swallowed, “I see that now. That’s why John let her go, do you think?”

“Yeah,” he lied, “It is.” Lance scooted Faith away from the door of the fridge gathering butter, milk, and grated cheese to mix in with the noodles. “You want true Mary style?”

Faith wiped at her face, shaking her head, “No I think we should take it easy on Chance’s stomach.”

“Don’t think there’s much need for that,” Chance suppressed a yawn as he rounded the corner, “I’m gonna be leaving soon.”

“You should eat first,” Lance countered, watching as Chance grabbed onto Faith’s hand. 

“You could poison me.”

“Chance,” Faith turned, “Lance would never do that!”

Chance’s green eyes focused on Faith, “Look I don’t even remember how I got here. He was nice a few times but that doesn’t mean he’s trustworthy.” He looked back to Lance, “Sorry to intrude on you, but I’ll take my leave. Thank you for the stitches.” 

Chance made his way to the front door, stopping once he opened the door, frowning eyebrows knitting together. He looked over his shoulder at Lance and Faith standing in the kitchen still, “I’m not staying. I need to go home,” his words pointed right at Faith.

Faith and Lance glanced at each other, before looking back to Chance, “Chance, do you think I can’t see Faith, still?” Lance asked, taking a step towards her, the deputy’s green eyes going wider, “Cause I can see her just fine.” Chance turned slowly, eyes fixed on Lance’s movements, “I can feel that she’s a real person,” Chance moved quickly as Lance put a hand on Faith’s shoulder, stopping in his tracks once contact was made. “You know why I can do this, kid? Cause she’s alive. She’s alive and well.”

Faith patted Lance’s arm, “It’s a lot to take in I know, but I didn’t expect to find you bleeding out in the middle of one of a Bliss field.” Chance didn’t move as his eyes looked between the two of them, “Lance I think you need to have him sit down again.”

He gave a curt nod, “Probably right ‘bout that.” Lance gently led Chance to sit at the table, Faith moving the papers to the side, “Let me get you some water, while you process.”

Chance looked to Faith, “So you really aren’t dead? I didn’t shoot you?”

She shook her head, “No I’m alive and well.”

“She is now,” Lance interjected, “I have to be honest with you, kid, you did shoot her.” Faith gave Lance a pointed look, he rubbed the back of his neck handing the water over, “You shot her but she had a vest on with blood packets in it.”

“She stopped breathing though,” Chance watched as she sat next to him, pushing a lock of hair behind her ear, “I saw you grow pale and cold. Your pulse stopped.”

She blushed, her fingers tracing the tattoos on the top of his hands, “We used the poison from the play, Romeo and Juliet, or something similar. It was John’s idea.” 

“Or something similar,” Lance grabbed a bowl from a cabinet, “Faith altered it a little bit.”

“Why not tell me about the plan then?” Chance asked, his eyes the only part of him revealing the hurt he felt.

“Because,” she looked to the table avoiding his gaze, “there was a chance that it would actually kill me.”

“Didn’t want to get your hopes up,” Lance said softly, placing a filled bowl of dinner before the young man.

“I’m so sorry, Chance,” the first tears falling from her eyes, “I wanted to tell you I really did, but I-.”

Chance nodded, placing a hand over hers, “I understand,” he shot a glare at Lance, “I don’t like that it had to happen this way,” Faith looked up, his eyes softer for her, “but I get it. Roles reversed, I’d have done the same thing.”

Watching Chance now Lance had a hard time believing that it was the same deputy from the church that took too many risks, let his anger get the better of him, and had no idea where to even begin. There was still a reckless streak with him, but it was met with thought, care, and control. The plans made were more methodical and had a bigger goal than just taking down Joseph, Chance, the one sitting in front of him, was maturing into what was needed for the county. It was no secret though that Chance had taken a downward turn and the interactions Lance had with him showed a face that he saw in the young men coming back from the deserts of the Middle East, and that worried him more. This was never the life a twenty five year old should have been living, so when all this was said and done Lance couldn’t help but wonder what was going to be left for Chance. Jacob was planning something big, something that Lance feared would be too much for Chance to cope with.

“So tell me,” Chance started, “I know you’ve helped in the past before, but why bring me to Lance, Faith? Could have gone closer to where you found me.”

“Lance was never really a part of Eden’s Gate,” her shoulders sagged, “He was, well is, someone that we forced to join.”

Chance looked at Lance, eyes level, “She’s right. I’m on your side,” Lance justified, “Doesn’t look like it and I’ll never claim my hands to be clean, but I didn’t want this anymore than you did.”

“So then why stay?”

“Information,” I was fearful to leave, “told Eli long time ago I could help gather information on the operations for him.”

“But then you got sent to the valley,” Lance held back the small laugh, “Kinda easy to notice where you spend the most time.”

“Yeah, guess that’s so. I didn’t want to but not like you get much say in this group.” Lance took a seat, “Then I got assigned to be personal guard to little Miss Mary and John didn’t want to give me up after that.”

“So will you join us after we take him down?”

“What do you mean by taking him down?”

“Classified information,” Chance’s jaw set, leaning back in the chair, “Can’t risk it.”

“You can trust him though,” Faith pleaded, “He might be able to help you.”

He let out a sigh, “That may be true but its going to be hard enough to convince everyone that you’re not going to hurt them,” Chance faced her, running a hand gently down her cheek, “Trust is a hard thing to earn in times like these.” Faith closed her eyes, leaning into his hand, “You have to be prepared to not get all the information right away, or even the same level of respect for your insights.”

“You’ll be my voice though right?” Her eyes opened, glancing at Lance, “Lance’s too?”

“Of course, it's just going to take some time and they’re going to try and test your loyalty.”

“Do you doubt mine?” Lance saw the look on her face, the one that wanted to know the answer to a different question, “Will you treat me like an outcast too?”. 

Faith never expected to be welcomed with open arms, but she never considered that Chance very well might play along with the others, keep himself in the majority, Lance never thought to warn her because he never doubted what Chance’s answer would be.

“No,” he shook his head, voice clear and firm, “I believe in you and I know you.” Lance turned away as the two kissed, grabbing something to drink. “I love you,” he heard Chance whisper to her, clearing his throat.

“You two should eat something,” Lance pointed to the bowls in front of them, seeing the blood run up Chance’s neck, “Then get some sleep. You can go back to the jail in the morning.” 

He nodded, “Thank you.” The two ate quickly talking amongst themselves as Lance moved about the house cleaning up and settling himself in the living room, some of the papers  from earlier in front of him again. He’d look up now and then, enjoying the sound of the two of them talking, oh how he missed the days of Sage when she was young and bringing friends that she met in the county over. How they all seemed to never quite run out of things to talk about, the laughter that would erupt, even how there never seemed to be enough snacks for them all. Simpler days, memories more precious now that they were gone. 

He waved at the two of them as they made their way to the spare room, Lance making his way to the backyard, listening to the sounds of the night. Lance pulled out the old crate under the lawn chair, hands finding the recent project he was working on, a wooden jackalope. He’d made them before but never to the detail he was attempting this time around. It was the fur around the eyes that he was having the most trouble with, had to be just right, and a little harder with the limited light Lance seemed to be getting nowadays. 

Lance didn’t look up as he heard the soft footsteps making their way through the house towards him. “How much sleep did you get,” Lance asked, with a small smirk.

“Plenty,” Chance said leaning against the door frame, “Can’t do much else with fresh stitches.” 

Lance gave a chuckle, “Really have changed since the night at the church.” Their two eyes met, Chance giving a shrug, “What can I help you with?”

“Straight to the point,” Chance pushed himself off the frame, taking a few steps towards Lance, “Saw the papers you were looking at earlier. You got a lot of information on Jacob.”

“Try to keep tabs as best I can.”

“Do you really want out of Eden’s Gate?” Chance asked, crossing his arms.

“Yeah,” Lance set the tools in his hands down, “I really do. What are you proposing?”

“How close can you get to Jacob at this point,” Chance deflected, his narrow eyes assessing Lance’s every move.

“Personally? Not close enough to have him reveal secrets,” Chance rolled his eyes, “To get information? I could get close enough to break into most places you needed me to get too.”

His green eyes lit up, Chance’s thumb rubbing against his chin, “I still can’t tell you what we have planned, but if you can get yourself back into Jacob’s good graces then I can help get you out for good.”

Lance leaned back in the chair, “You sure you can do that? No offense but its not always easy to get out and stay out with Jacob.”

Chance waved him off, “Just need you to make one big heist of information and then we can work on taking him down.”

“So you have a plan?” Chance shrugged, the movement giving Lance a cause for an eye roll, “Classified I assume. What information were you needing? Some is going to be harder to get a hold of more than others.”

“You’re willing to help me?” Lance nodded, crossing his heart, “I need to know the end game for the trials he’s been putting me through.” Chance shifted, “There has to be one, sometimes I think I have an idea of what it is, because things just start to feel familiar when I walk by locations, but I can’t seem to figure it out.”

“You don’t want to be a pawn anymore.”

“Especially for Jacob,” he shuddered, “Do you think you could find that out?”

Lance sighed, “I can try. Something like that though? Jacob isn’t going to have it written down clearly. I’m going to have to break into his office for that. Gonna need a good plan to get that done, I can’t do it alone.”

Chance nodded, “I’ll help you.”

“You have a plan already?” Lance narrowed his eyes, “You’re not going to expect me to pull a Mission Impossible are you?”

Chance laughed, “No, nothing like that,” he pulled the other chair closer to Lance, “It is however very reckless, very stupid, and something you and I can’t tell anyone else about.” Chance held out his hand, “Do we have an agreement?”

Lance looked Chance up and down, there was no way he was going to let it go. He seemed to have his mind set on going through with finding the information he wanted, information that even Lance may not have been able to find for him. If Lance didn’t help him, Chance was as good as dead by the end of it all. Lance grabbed hold of Chance’s hand, “Yeah we got ourselves an agreement,” Someone has to keep you safe.

[vgckwb]

P5R: Rebel Girl (A FeMC Story/P5R Rework) Chapter 34: A Fine Line Between Simple and Complicated

Saturday evening. Ann was wandering around Central Street. Ryuji had messaged her earlier about “Making it up” to her, but she didn’t know what that meant entirely. Still, Ryuji seemed earnest in his attempt, so the least she could do was make an appearance.

“Hey!” Ryuji called out. Ann turned around to spot him. “Over here!” Ann walked up to him. “So, are you ready?”

Ann was confused. “Ready for what?” she asked.

“For me to make it up to you,” Ryuji answered.

Ann stared at him. “What does that mean?!” she shouted.

“Urgh! Sorry…” Ryuji said. “I’m gonna buy you dinner, and we can just, you know, talk…”

“Oh” Ann said. “Sure, I guess…”

“Great!” Ryuji said. “Follow me.” Ryuji walked into a beef bowl shop. Ann followed. They took a seat next to each other, and placed their order. While they were waiting, Ryuji turned to Ann and asked “Well, what do you think?”

Ann seemed confused. “It’s a beef bowl place…”

“Huh” Ryuji said.

“What?” Ann asked.

Ryuji thought for a moment. “No, I guess that makes sense.”

“What?!” Ann asked again.

Ryuji sighed. “Nothin’. It's just… I dunno, I thought you’d be a little more excited. But really, you only get that way about desserts.”

“Oh. Yeah” Ann said. There was a bit of silence as their food got delivered. “Thanks,” Ann said, not looking up at who was serving them. They started eating. Ann then stopped and looked at Ryuji. “What’s all this about?”

“Huh?” Ryuji said, looking back at her, food in his mouth. He swallows what he has and answers “I just thought this would be nice. Just the two of us, you know. Plus, I needed my make it up to you for that comment I made last week.”

“I get that…” Ann said.

“So what’s the problem?” Ryuji asked.

Ann stared at him. “I’m just… not sure…”

“‘bout what?” Ryuji asked.

Ann remained silent for a bit. “Well… You’ve been acting a little weird.”

“How so?” Ryuji continued.

Ann looked at him. “You keep saying the right things, but you also say the wrong things. It’s tripping me up.”

“Oh” Ryuji said. “S-sorry…” He looked down.

Ann saw him saddened. “No, it’s fine,” she said. “It’s not really your fault. It’s just who you are.”

Ryuji looked up. “I get it! All I need to do is change myself!”

“NO!” Ann shouted. “No, you’re amazing just the way you are. You don’t need to change. At least not drastically.”

“Oh” Ryuji said.

“It’s just, sometimes, when I want you to be serious, you kind of change the topic, or make a joke” Ann said. “And while that is fine sometimes, I want to know what’s going on in your head, you know? We were inseparable in middle school. But now, it sometimes feels like you don’t want to try and get that back…”

Ryuji looked forlorn at Ann. He took her by the hand. “Hey” he said. “Is this about me deflecting from the painting request from Yusuke?”

“Huh?” Ann said, surprised and blushing.

Ryuji sighed. “It’s just that… things were getting serious. I don’t mind opening up to you because we’ve known each other for so long. But, for a moment, I forgot everyone else was there. And that scared me.” Ann was shocked.

Ryuji continued. “It feels easier to bare my soul like that to people I’ve known for a while, and can trust wholeheartedly. It’s not that I don’t trust everyone, but like… I don’t know. I don’t think they’d do anything to hurt me, but I’ve been burned too many times before to open up to people like that right away.”

Ryuji looked at Ann. “I can do that with you because I’ve known you for a while. And despite everything that happened with Kamoshida, I can still put that trust in you. So, I’m sorry if I’m a little awkward, or a bit hesitant. But I want you to know that the middle school kid you connected with is still there.”

Ann smiled. “Ryuji…”

“So, should I not be here then?” they heard Ren ask.

Ryuji and Ann were alarmed. They looked up to see that Ren was serving them. “Ren?!” they both shouted in unison.

“Hi” Ren greeted them.

“You’re working here too?!” Ann asked.

Ren nodded. “Though it is a bit demanding.”

“How much did you hear?” Ryuji asked.

“Bits and pieces” Ren answered. “I was busy with the other customers.”

“Oh. I see…” Ryuji said

“But I will say, I totally understand what you said about being burned before,” Ren added, sitting down next to them, setting a beef bowl down in front of her. “It took a lot of courage for me to admit that I was a lesbian to you guys. Too many times, that has been a barrier for people liking me. That, and I guess my general attitude.”

“I see…” Ryuji said.

“So go at your own pace Ryuji,” Ren said. “We’ll understand.” She started eating her beef bowl.

“Woah! Aren’t you on duty?” Ryuji inquired.

“Huh?” Ren said, mouth full of beef. “Nuh-uh.” She finished her mouthful. “I just got done. Someone else just started working.”

“I see…” Ann said.

“Do the two of you wanna be alone right now?” Ren asked. “Cause I could move.”

Ryuji smiled. “It’s fine. I think all of the really embarrassing stuff was said already. Unless you want it to be the two of us Ann?”

Ann shook her head. “It’s fine.”

“Sweet,” Ren said. They finished eating their beef bowls, while also just chatting about different things. After they finished, they paid the other server and got up to go. “You go on ahead,” Ren said. “I gotta get my stuff from the back.”

Ann nodded. “Alright, seeya!”

“And thanks again!” Ryuji added. The two of them left.

Ren waved goodbye to them. She then headed back to pick up her things and go. One of those things grew a little impatient. “What took you so long?” Morgana asked.

Ren answered “Just some friendly conversation.”

Morgana pouted. “I wished I could have joined in.”

Ren smiled. “I’ll get you some tuna once we get out of here to make it up to ya.” Morgana perked up. Ren changed back into her usual clothes and headed out.

The next day, she got a message from Jose.

Jose: Hey.

Jose: I know things have been hectic lately with everything going on with Madarame.

Jose: But I was wondering something.

Jose: Would today be a good day to help me study humans?

Jose: I understand if you want to prioritize Madarame first.

Jose: But I want to get to work as soon as possible.

Ren: It’s fine.

Ren: I can come and help you today.

Jose: Really?

Ren: Yeah.

Ren: If I keep prioritizing Phantom Thief stuff, I’ll get too pressured too fast, and that won’t do anyone any good.

Jose: I see.

Jose: Meet me by Kosei.

Ren: Do you have a plan?

Jose: Sort of.

Ren: Well, I guess I’ll just have to go with it.

Ren: See ya soon.

Jose: See you there.

Ren put her phone in her bag and headed off. She made her way to Kosei and saw Jose standing by the gate. “Hey there Madame!”

Ren was confused. “Madame?”

Jose nodded. “I learned that that is a polite way of greeting someone.”

Ren chuckled. “We’re friends, so you don’t need to do that. You can just call me by my name.”

“Oh. OK. Hey Ren” Jose said.

Ren was still chuckling. “Hey Jose. So, what’s your ‘sort of’ plan?”

“Well,” Jose said, fishing through his pocket, “I have these tickets from the theater department to go see a production they’re putting on. I thought seeing a live performance would help me figure out humans better, but…”

Ren was curious. “But what?”

Jose sighed. “Most people who got them were talking about bringing a date, and I’m not entirely sure what that is. Would we be going on a date if I asked you to come along with me?”

Ren was surprised. She looked at Jose. “Um, before I answer that, how much about humans do you already know?”

Jose looked up. “Well, I know functions,” he explained. “I know how people do things. I’m just not aware of why.”

“I see,” Ren said. “So, do you know what a date actually is?”

“Well, based on what I know, a date is when two people hang out together and do something,” Jose said. “But I’m not entirely sure why…”

Ren smiled. “A date is something that happens between two people who are interested in each other romantically.” Jose was a little surprised. “So, I guess the question is, are you interested in me romantically?”

Jose thought about it. “I’m sort of aware about things like love and romance, but I don’t think I fully understand it.”

Ren chuckled. “Don’t worry. Nobody really does. It’s quite complicated.”

“Well, I know the basic idea of it,” Jose said. “But I don’t think I have those sorts of feelings for anyone.”

“And that’s fine,” Ren said. “You seem a bit young, so you might not have those feelings yet. Or ever. And that’s fine too.”

Jose looked up at her. “But isn’t the usual process of romance to find someone to marry and have children with?”

“Well, that’s certainly a very common end result” Ren answered. “But it doesn’t have to be. We’re Phantom Thieves after all. If we just accepted everything society has given us, we wouldn’t be doing what we’re doing.”

Jose thought about it. “I guess you’re right. Those shadows told me that humans were destined for chaos and despair, while you guys told me that wasn’t true.” Jose nodded. “So, I just have to fight for what I believe in.”

“That’s the spirit!” Ren said.

“So, I’m guessing if you were to come with me, it wouldn’t be a date,” Jose explained. Ren shook her head. “I see. Would people think it was?”

Ren was shocked, but not entirely surprised by the question. “Well, I don’t think so. There’s a very apparent age gap between the two of us.”

“Yeah, but in magazines you see like 50 year old business moguls going out with 20-something models, right?” Jose asked.

Ren was shocked again, and this time she was entirely surprised. “That’s… different…”

“So, it would be a ‘no’ then for people thinking we were dating?” Jose asked. Ren nodded. “Alright. But would you like to go together anyways?”

Ren smiled and said “Sure.”

“Great! It’s the least I could do after borrowing that cloak from them” Jose said. “Follow me.” Jose led Ren into Kosei’s theater, Jose presented the two tickets to the ticket taker and they let him and Ren inside.

The theater department was putting on a production of Cinderella. Ren really enjoyed the play, but couldn’t stop blushing as she remembered the dream she had about Sumire a little while ago. Once they were finished, the entire auditorium gave them a standing ovation. Ren looked at Jose, and she could tell that he did like it, but was confused about this part.

Once they left the theater, Ren turned to Jose and asked “How did you enjoy the play?”

Jose had to think for a moment. “Well, I really liked the story. And I liked the way the performers acted it out. But I’m still wondering something…”

“What is it?” Ren asked.

“Why is it that people tell these stories in the first place?” Jose wondered. “Not just on the stage, but through movies, books, games…”

“Well, you enjoyed it, right?” Ren inquired. Jose Looked at her and nodded. “That’s why.”

Jose was surprised. “So, people do things for their own amusement? I see. To be honest, a lot of other creatures do those kinds of things as well. I just thought that humans might have had a bigger reason.”

“What makes you say that?” Ren asked.

“Well, the person that put me up to studying humans in the first place believes that humanity will serve a greater purpose” Jose told her.

“Huh. Well, that seems like a bit of a tall order…” Ren said, nervously. “But maybe it’s not that humans are inherently better than other species. It’s just that we learned how to use these instincts to make something better.”

“Huh. So, it’s a form of magic” Jose said.

“Well, not in the literal sense” Ren explained. “But if you want to think of it like that, then sure.”

Jose went back to thinking. “I’ve been learning in class as well. Whenever I’m arranging flowers, they all start as individual flowers. But by the end, they become an intricate, delicate art piece that inspires many emotions from it. You’re saying humans are like that?”

“Well, they can be,” Ren said. “Unless they’re like Madarame.”

“Right,” Jose said. He grew determined. “I want to fight for the best of humanity. To see it become more than the sum of its parts.” He faced Ren. “And you’ll be there to help, right?”

Ren giggled. “Of course.”

“Great! I can’t wait to get started!” Jose shouted.

I am thou... Thou art I… Thou hast acquired a new vow...

It shall become the wings of rebellion that breaketh thy chains of captivity.

With the birth of the Aeon Persona I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and new power

Aeon-Jose: Rank 1

Jose settled down a little. “By the way. That Cinderella character seems a little familiar…”

Ren lightly chuckled. “Another name for Cinderella is Cendrillon.”

“Oh. Like Sumire’s Persona” Jose replied. “That makes sense. She reminded me a lot of Sumire”

“Yeah,” Ren said, blushing, thinking about her dream again.

Jose nodded. “Thanks for coming along.”

“No problem,” Ren said. “Seeya later!” Ren started walking out.

“Bye!” Jose waved back. Ren smiled and left.

Ren took another shift at the beef bowl place later that evening. It was a little busier than yesterday, but Ren managed. Once her shift was over, she again made herself a beef bowl and sat down to begin eating.

“My, they were working you hard tonight” said a friendly voice. Ren turned towards it to find the street orator she had noticed on Central Street from time to time. “Were you the only one working?”

“Uh, yeah” Ren answered. “It’s kind of how they do things around here.”

“Well, they should fix that,” the man said. “A young lady such as yourself shouldn’t have to do all of that by yourself.”

Ren took a bite of her beef bowl. “I can manage,” she told him.

“Ah, my apologies,” the man said. “I didn’t mean to underestimate you. I just think that anyone your age should have better working conditions.”

“I see…” Ren said. She sighed. “I’m sorry.” The man was slightly taken aback. “You were just looking out for me. I’m not great at talking with people I don’t know too well without complicating things for myself…”

The man smiled. “It’s alright. We’re all prone to making mistakes from time to time.”

Ren smiled and looked at him. “You know, I really like your speeches whenever I get the chance to hear them.”

The man rubbed the back of his head. “Why thank you. It’s not every day I get to hear that.” Ren continued eating. “Say, why don’t you come help me out sometime?” Ren looked up. “You’re an earnest girl, and you’re hardworking. Plus, you seem to have a fair amount of confidence in you. I could use someone like that helping me out.”

Ren swallowed another bite. “What’s in it for me?”

“Ah ha ha ha ha ha!” the man laughed. “Well, of course I would compensate you. But you might also learn a thing or two from me.” Ren was curious. “You told me yourself you weren’t great at talking to people you’re unfamiliar with. As a politician, it’s my job to do just that. Maybe by observing, you can learn something.”

Ren smiled. “I’d like that.”

“Well then, it’s a deal” the man said. “If you could just give me your information, I can contact you on nights I need you.”

Ren got out her phone. She began setting up his contact info, when something occurred to her. “Oh yeah. What’s your name?”

“Ah ha ha!” the man laughed again. “I completely forgot about that. My name is Toranosuke Yoshida.”

“Ren Amamiya” she replied.

After they exchanged information, Yoshida looked at her and said “Thank you for the beef bowl, by the way. I look forward to meeting with you.” Ren smiled.

Yoshida took out his wallet and handed her some cash. Ren was confused. “Um, I thought you already paid for your meal.”

“I did,” Yoshida said. “This is for your meal.”

Ren looked at the cash. She looked back at Yoshida. “Thanks.” Yoshida simply nodded and walked out of the restaurant. Ren finished her bowl, paid, and headed back to get her things. Once she had everything, she headed back to Leblanc for the night.

[creamypudding]

Process

Procrastination hour - it’s soon bed-time anyway so I’ll excuse myself from writing as I shift to SCREAMING INTO THE VOID. My chapter is a mess. This feels very much like that other chapter I had a breakdown over a while ago. I can’t even remember if it was for this fic or another one. But this current one feels very much in line with my workflow from back then. I am utilising colour-coding a lot more now though. It just sucks when partway down I forget what colour is supposed to represent what theme, so I end up using whatever I think is the right one, LOL! Anyway, I think I’m starting to thread the various bits and pieces together into some sort of order. But it’s very haphazard. I’ll find myself on one train of thought - desperately try and finish it, even as I skip pages and pages of other content so I can find where this theme concludes. And then I have to backtrack and pick up another thematic thread and try and flesh that out, and hope the whole thing will fit together as a whole.

Maybe a visual representation will get across how deeply fucked up this chapter is right now 😅 (see below)

I just need people to know how much I’m suffering right now. Writing isn’t easy. It’s also not this hard a lot of the time. This current scenario is just excruciating. But it’s all for the greater good, right? I’m so fucking close to finishing this monolith of a story. Just gotta hang in there and keep chipping away at it until it finally makes sense to me. So in the image below... the top part -which is ‘mostly’ devoid of colour, is ‘finished’ and I will most probably split and make that section into its own chapter. And then the rainbow of colour  below that is my great big mess, and the stuff after that is my ‘original chapter’ that I’m copying and pasting and reworking into the rainbow grosseness you see before you. I haven’t looked beyond the pink and red colour coding. All the stuff after that - the green and pink and poo brown - will also be fleshed out and go into it’s own chapter which will hopefully be more straight forward than the colour vomit middle I’m facing right now, lol.

It’s just.... hard. And hurts. But...time for rest and recharge. I hope tomorrow will bring more clarity, and maybe I can lock down a proper colour coding guide so I know what exactly I’m looking at, at a glance, lol. This is all part of the process.

[mikkock]

HELLO I ADORE YOUR OCS SO MUCH WILL YOU TELL ME ABOUT KAI HE LOOKS LIKE A TOTAL "YOUR DAUGHTER CALLS ME DADDY TOO" DOUCHEBAG AND I FUCKING LOVE HIM AND WANNA KNOW MORE ABOUT HIM

LBLMVBGK THANK U OMG love it when ppl like my kids, im a proud dad rn

ALSO wrow congrats on ur on point analysis, cause, that’s the Essence Of His Being (fun fact since i got two characters who go by the name of kai -cause fuck that basic writing tip that says ‘dont have two characters named the same thing- i usually refer to him as The Bad Kai cuz he a bad bitch)

so lets unwrap that dude shall we uwu 

SO this dude was created when i realised my story didnt have antagonists so i made a bunch of Bad People and then they all became good people after i started giving them more personnality somehow eXCEPt him for some reason, the only survivor of the “everyone will be baby” plague, the only rude bitch in this house, the only guy who’s still on the dark grey side of morally grey...but tbh im in love with him cause he’s an asshole and im an idiot so like.

His base concept was basically something along the lines of “fuckboy but make it Couture”, like douchebag indeed But Gotta Be Fancy at being one, gotta add a pinch of Sneaky Bitch in the pot. His aesthetic is Chillin, gettin in ur pants, then moving on for some more chillin and more pants. So if you’re into some funky sexy time with no pressure and no ties, ya gon get along, your goals meet, time to have fun.

All that is supported by his charisma, cause unless ya got some nasty history, he’ll just look like that charming bad-boy “oho hot dude with a dangerous but not agressive” vibed person, and he’s quite a sweet-talker. He’s probs not only the ‘your daughter calls me daddy’ kind but also ‘and so will YOU, i’m scoring with the whole family and you wont stop me (and you wont WANT to stop me)’ 

He got that handsome ppl priviledge ya feel

but also, he wouldnt be a rude guy if he was just the ‘i enjoy chill frick-fracking and im just so sexy that no one can say no to that booty’ guy

Dude got quiiite some spite-fueled ego and Does Not Take losing well, and will not, in fact, let himself lose on any objective he has, and when that objective is A Person, he gets ugly. Being good at sweet talking also means being good at small stuff like “not saying exactly the truth always when it would be more beneficial not to”, “deliberately using euphemistic, ambiguous or obscure language so to mask wrong doings and technically saying the truth but in such a way that it becomes completely masked by a thick fog of bullshit”, and “use words and behaviour in general to influence others unscrupulously so to get something in return”. Even a little “playing with their perception in order to make them doubt in their thoughts and selves”. In short dude got no qualms about using all the tools of manipulation available if it means that he comes on top (or on bottom if the goal was getting an assful eeeeeey we’re masters of comedy here) It tends to be all for short term results tho, so not much your ‘boyfriend who convinces you you’re nothing without him” and more of a “you thought you were dating but only you were thinking that as he always kept it just vague enough to have you not official yet convinced of his and now you’re blaming yourself for believing you were together”

master of getting ass, also master of Ugly Ass Breakups, and master of suddenly dissapearing from your life so hard that you wonder if it was just your imagination all along (he got ugly past with a bunch of other ocs especially he’s ex boyfriend with two that are now together cause i dig that sort of drama the sAME dUDe gave u the trust issues that held u from going full lovey dovey ? i fucking lIVE off that kinda shit wait until he pops back like ‘oho hello fancy seeing YOU TWO here my two fave exes together incredible what a small world”)

Though I have to rework on all that cause that backstory is oLD AS SHIT (like prolly i built it in what, 2016? ew ugly) I had that stem from some sort of neglect-fueled inferiority complex. I had given him a kinda cold family with a bunch of siblings who got Way More Nurtured due to their respective talents and achievements, having him left behind and feeling like he got nothing. SO that’s basically the explanation as of today but i dont like iiiiit anymooooore so I’ll have to work on it to make it something i dig, cause idk, bitch feels flat so far.

BUT i do intend on keeping the whole concept of ~Loneliness~, and of him working alone and quite hard for anything he gets. And the general need of proving himself that had come from the WIP backstory. I don’t exactly see him as an overachiever at all, but definitly as an obstinate and persevering hardworking guy, because “Look YALL I WAS aBLE TO DO THIS YALL THOUGHT I COULDNT HUH YALL LOOK DOWN ON ME well fuck u cause idc im better than u now also ur mum’s into bondage i kno from experience bye”. So tbh pair up with him for group projects, you’ll be sure his share of the work will be done (but also if you dont do yours then he’s probably going to be a bITCh about it, no remorse in leaving blank slides in the middle of the powerpoint and then loudly proclaiming ‘OH RIGHT This was supposed to be Kevin’s part but I suppose he never sent it to me, despite the numerous reminders i sent him, no big deal, no hard feelings, its ok sweetie we all sometimes feel too lazy i forgive u :)” )

Also he’d be Chill to hang out with for like, parties, nights out at the bar, that kinda shit. He definetly has some beans to spill about quite some people, he gathers the goss as he gathers lovers (i was gonna end that in “as he spreads legs” but it sounded too PG-18 for this good Well Behaved family friendly blog) and Will Not stay tight lipped, and Will be a bitch when trashtalking people, and It Will Be Entertaining as it always is when you’re hearing about crazy exes and you’ve had some beers. 

Now trivia that idk where else to write cause idk i stupid or more like disorganised :

- he digs red ale beer like if ya wanna win him over with the appropriate alcohol offer there u go

- he’s a fake blonde (cause my hobby is painting regrowth roots on hair)

- his design is a mixture of those 3dgy denim boys u see on pinterest and the specific brand of fuckboys that are french-L-section-chic-grunge-hipster-fuckboys (L section is like a branch of highschool)(that word combo is a so specific kinda guy)(its kinda like a softboi but more arrogant but in a lowkey way)(also they rich)(but he’s not rich so guess that should make him Less Arrogant)

-im constantly dead afraid of giving him more characteristics and story or whatveer cause he’s the only meanie i got left and i do Not want him to stop being an asshole but everytime i develop a character they end up nice or redeemed or whatever and i wanna keep him a bitch so i neglect him (just like his parents in his 2016 version wow)

he smokes (prolly started quite early to Be Kool and now relies on it for stress relief)

he’s outspoken and extraverted and prolly the guy who had a lot to say when you were doing debates in class (there’s always that person who has a Lot to argument about)(its him) but outside of a Set and Defined debate structure he probably doesnt give his mind voraciously 

he’s a law student and despite saying he’s the one bad guy left he probably wont be a corrupt lawyer or judge or whatever like come on he will do his job properly he worked hARD FOR THIS justice may be served

he’s not the kind to openly hate or even dislike anyone cause what’s the point of wasting your energy on that? its much funnier to him to be obnoxiously Neutral with someone and basically ignore them but still strike them with some Spikes of passive-agressive comments, let them be Mad at your calmness

he’s 177cm tall (that’s like 5.8 according to google)

honestly if you’re bros with him he’s fun to be with the being a jerk is completly coincidental 

he probably ranks high in the list of “those criminals who steal big lighters from their friends” 

i think at a point his design had tattoos but i forgot the designs of those so now he doesnt anymore

a dog person

i think ive run out of facts (or my brain dead) so im leavin with a shirtless pic cause my hobby is drawing tits

in short, charming asshole who can get ugly, secretly feels lonely and small, works hard for himself, better have him as a friend than as a foe though probably not the most frontally agressive enemy, and also, your booty, hand it over.

[themagiciansreccenter]

Author Spotlight @echomoon

Every week we are going to be interviewing a writer from The Magicians fandom. If you would like to be interviewed or you want to nominate a writer, get in touch via our ask box.

First things first, tell us a little about yourself.

what up im jared, im 19 and i never learned how to fuckign read. JK my name is Theo and I super know how to read. Most of the time. Also I’m 22. Anyway I’m one of the more OG members of the Magicians fandom, having been here since back in the early days of early s1. Uhhh I’m nonbinary and hella queer. Metafic is my most favorite thing in the world other than puppies. I cry at least once a day. I have adhd and depression and chronic pain and hella other issues. I’m an anthropology major, in my third year. I’m a slytherin, an illusions discipline, and a pisces.

How long have you been writing for?

Since I learned how, basically, but I only really started posting things online because of the Magicians and also because of Twilight?

What inspired you to start writing for The Magicians?

It’s the BEST and I find it very easy to write from Quentin’s pov which means I actually finish things sometimes lol.

Who is/are your favourite character(s) to write? What it is about them that makes them your favourite?

Quentin, because he is essentially me if I was born as a cisdude except more repressed in terms of sexuality and also more wealthy, which makes him super easy to write and super easy to get ideas about. I also like Penny, because for some reason people think I’m good at writing him?

Do you have a preference for a particular season/point in time to write about?

I write a lot set in the Brakebills years because I like the whole magic school thing and the exploration of magic and interpersonal relationships without having to deal with the Beast or other threats trying to destroy everything they know and love? Like I like that slow burn, spread out, things are happening but they’re happening slowly and also heres some meta about magic kind of exploration that that time gives me the opportunity to do. I think this is partially influenced by that the first book has them in that setting so much longer, and partially because I’m still doing the whole college thing myself and find that easiest to relate to (because no one really wants to read ‘Quentin working two part time jobs and struggling to survive and nothing else happens’ unless it’s just a tiny segment of the fic lmao).

Are you working on anything right now? Care to give us an idea about it?

Well, in regards to Magicians fic, I’m still trudging along on chapter two of Magician’s Path - I’m trying to introduce more of Julia’s side of the story as well as working on how to warp the two canons into each other while also making the storyline unique - and also on the next part of crazy/classic/life, my paradise kiss and magicians crossover au. I’m also trying to find the time to record more podfic of my fics, because I think its important to have audiofic available. But nothing new, just continuations.

As for other fandoms, I’m working on a HELLA long reworking of the Descendants universe (hi i love disney channel movies dont judge), and that’s my primary focus right now in terms of fic.

How long is your “to do list”?

Very

What is your favourite fic that you’ve written for The Magicians? Why?

Oh heck, um… probably either all tied up or The Magician’s Path. all tied up was my first time writing PiV smut and also writing shadeless!Julia and I’m just really proud of it? And TMP is like, my baby, my huge multichapter canon reworking that I’m putting so much planning into and I’m always so excited to talk about it. I know it doesn’t seem like much yet but y’all I have so many plans for it and I hope you end up loving it as much as I do.

Many writers have a fic that they are passionate about that doesn’t get the reception from the fandom that they hoped for. Do you have a fic you would like more people to read and appreciate?

TMP for sure - I hope that when I’m done more people give it a try.

What is your writing process like? Do you have any traditions or superstitions that you like to stick to when you’re writing?

Ha my writing process is either ‘has no ideas for months straight and then suddenly idea when I’m supposed to be doing something else but I gotta write this down!!!’ or ‘one sentence every month at most’. Now that the FTB server has gotten bigger, I’ve found some people who will proofread for me, so there’s that editing process afterwards (thanks @oneeyeddestroyer for being the best beta).

I guess my only superstition is that if I’m doing a multichapter or big work I try not to give too much detail out when I talk about it because I get worried that saying about the plot too much will make me lose interest in it.

Do you write while the seasons are airing or do you prefer to wait for hiatus? How does the ongoing development of the canon influence and inspire your writing process?

I do tend to write more when the show is airing, because more people are engaged and it’s something to fill the void between episodes - during hiatus I tend to drift away a bit and focus on other fandoms. This is the first show thats been so all consuming for me, I don’t usually watch things while they air because I tend to forget about remembering to watch them after a week or so? But Magicians keeps pulling me back and keeping me in.

As for ongoing canon developments, it really depends on the thing. If it fits into my plot of it’s a detail I want to put in, I might, but otherwise I’m comfortable lifting what I want from canon and throwing the rest out for a fic - we follow a show with canon multiverses, we can do what we want lmao.

What has been the most challenging fic for you to write?

Honestly, most of my fics? Because I try to improve every time I write and like, explore new things. So whatever I’m working on at the time is the most challenging.

Are there any themes or tropes that you particularly like to explore in your writing?

EVERYONE BEING HAPPY AND NOTHING BAD HAPPENING EVER cough cough I mean, um. I like meta, I like worldbuilding and exploring meta and seeing what I can change. I keep accidentally writing soulmate fics? So that’s a trend I guess.

Are there any writers that inspire your work? Fanfiction or otherwise?

Oh heck, so many dude, I don’t even know, I’m gonna just link you to my bookmarks because that’s the fic I love and probably unconsciously imitate on the often

As for nonfic, like I def want to write like Marisha Pessl or Tamora Pierce or Donna Tartt or Lev Grossman or Mark Z Danielewski but more in his house of leaves phase than his current stuff tbh or Neil Gaiman and also like. Everything that you read or watch or experience makes up how you see the world and how you create what you create and I consume so much stuff I can’t even begin to guess my influences beyond the little tidbits that I keep in my bookmarks or on my shelves.

What are you currently reading? Fanfiction or otherwise?

Currently I’m reading a lot of harry potter fic - the mood is the department of mysteries or other exploration of magic, so things related to that. HP fic is my go to when I’m not revving for any fandom in particular. Nonfic, I’m working my way through Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, which is hella fucking good, as well as a bajillion textbooks.

What is the most valuable piece of writing advice you’ve ever been given?

Fuck canon do what you want

Cringe time:

Are there any words or phrases you worry about over using in your work?

Yes but now that you ask can I remember any? Nope.

What was the first fanfic that you wrote? Do you still have access to it?

Oh shit dude I don’t even know. The earliest one I can remember was this like, post twilight self insert fic where the cullens came to my middle school for some reason? I barely finished the intro of it iirc but it might still be in my stack of papers in my old room somewhere.

Rapid Fire Round:

Self-edit or Beta? Beta (always get a beta kids! They’re worth their weight in gold)

Comments or Kudos/Reblogs or Likes? Comments!! (please, leave me comments, i live for them)

Smut, Fluff or Angst? fluff

Quick & Dirty or Slow Burn? Slow burn

Favourite season? All?????? Dont make me choose

Favourite episode? Im stuck between life in a day or all that josh

Favourite book(The Magicians books)? Probably book 2, i love seeing julia’s side of things and exploring hedge magic

Three favourite words? BUTTS, lore, hearth

Want to be interviewed for our author spotlight? Get in touch here.

[thisbrutalbelle]

chatzy with @monsterbyamile

        miles and bella wake up the morning after the black light party and discuss him asking her to meet his kids before he heads to work.

Bella had come in quite late, it was practically morning by the time she slipped into Miles apartment and changed into one of his shirts. He was a pretty sound sleeper, though admittedly she was also very quiet as she moved about the bedroom. It was already beginning to feel a lot like a second home to her, so many nights she either crawled in beside him or awoke to find he’d crawled in next to her. Honestly she didn’t even sleep, she just crawled in next to him, found a position close to him without disturbing his sleep and closed her eyes, waiting for him to wake up. No doubt it wouldn’t be long and with how heavy Bellamy slept him waking her often took a few tries, especially if the sun was up, her vampiric form naturally wanting to sleep. When he finally stirred she opened her eyes, wriggling closer to him, arms wrapping tightly around him as her lips pressed a kiss to his back.

Normally it wasn’t the sounds she made or the movements in the bed that woke Miles up. It was her scent. While he slept, her familiar scent would enter into his mind, and with such close proximity, it quickly enveloped his dreams until finally he started to wake and could feel her arms wrapping around his middle, and her lips pressing against his back. “Hey,” he mumbled groggily, blinking slowly against his heavy lids. “What time is it?”

“Morning,” was all Bella responded, her phone abandoned somewhere in the apartment, probably the bathroom, and not able to tell her. Her nose pushed against his back, nuzzling in close as she felt his warmth take hold of it, making her cheeks red. “Maybe I’ll look while I bring you some food,” she teased.

Miles grumbled in protest, still half asleep but knowing enough that all he wanted right now was to brush his teeth and down half a pot of coffee, but all he managed to say was a sleepy, “Okay, okay,” before he pushed himself upright. “I gotta brush my teeth,” he said as he lumbered out of the bed.

Bella was quickly in front of him, planting a kiss to his lips before he could make his way to the bathroom. With that she was gone, already in the kitchen, sitting on the counter and putting on some coffee for him. Her speed came out at times like this, unfortunately for the groggy Miles. Whatever the case it probably helped because by the time he’d get done she’d have his coffee made, some toast and be onto bacon and eggs.

Miles felt much more awake after brushing his teeth and washing his face. Also the rich smell of the coffee wafting through his apartment helped. He went out to the kitchen and came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her middle and pressing a kiss to her cheek. “Morning. Is that for me?” He nodded his head toward the food she was preparing on the stove.

“For us both,” Bellamy answered, leaning into the kiss, her body falling back against his. It didn’t seem like he was upset with her after the night before but she was still a little worried about things. “You excited for the day?” she asked, figuring that was the best way to introduce things.

“Yeah, it should be fun.” Miles gave her one more kiss before pulling away to pour himself a cup of coffee. He leaned against the counter beside her as he took a drink, looking at her from over the rim of his mug.

Bella frowned slightly, pushing the bacon around, waiting for it to become crispy. “I didn’t really expect you to ask me to come with you, I was sort of surprised,” Bellamy commented, not intending to give things up. Maybe Miles didn’t want to talk about how she hadn’t said ‘yes’ like he may have wanted but Bellamy couldn’t give it up.

Miles wasn’t upset about it, at least, not really. He wasn’t mad at her but he was a little bit annoyed. “I didn’t want to make it a big deal,” he shrugged. He figured asking her like that was essentially the same as asking if she wanted a drink or to get some food. “If you don’t want to, that’s fine. I just figured, we’ve been seeing each other for a while now, and it’s probably about time you met my kids.”

“I thought you’d be pleased,” Miles added on.

Bella nodded her head, taking the fry pan off and sitting it to the side, turning off the stove. “I am pleased,” she assured, turning to look at him while the bacon continued to crisp while the pan cooled. “But it is a big deal, beyond just the fact obviously I need to make a good impression so it doesn’t screw things up with us, I always sort of expected that part, but…I don’t want to make anything hard on you later. I don’t think it’s smart for me to spend time with them if Beth doesn’t know what I am. Usually I would say it’s not any of your exes business what I am, just like it isn’t any of mine what you are, but this is different, what I am is…not something people might want their kids around and unfortunately Beth sort of gets a say in that,” Bellamy explained, rubbing her hands on her thighs.

“I don’t care what Beth thinks,” Miles answered sharply. “They’re–” he paused and set his coffee down on the side, jaw clenched as his fingers tapped against the counter top. “They’re my kids too. I get to decide who gets to be in their life. If you were just some woman, I wouldn’t care, but you’re you. I don’t give a damn what Beth thinks because…” He turned toward her, “What if she says no. Then what? The rest of my life you never get to see my kids?”

Bella didn’t expect Miles to be pleased by what she’d said. Fact was it sucked he would always have to turn to someone else to decide stuff about them, someone he wasn’t romantically attached to and couldn’t compromise with in the same fashion he would have if they were a couple. For the both of them things would be easier if Miles was just by himself but easier didn’t really mean better. Bella’s hands searched for his own, pulling them away from the counter. “Then we wait and we see and we make it obvious that it’ll be okay,” she insisted, kissing his fingers softly. “If you don’t tell her, and she finds out…don’t you think that will be worse?”

Miles let out a frustrated breath as she reached for his hand, but he welcomed the touch. “It’s not like we’re that much different. I’m just as dangerous around them as you are. I hate that I have to constantly ask what I can and can’t do with my own damn kids.”

“Then…maybe don’t ask, just tell her,” Bellamy said, squeezing his hands softly. Admittedly Bellamy didn’t believe it was true that Miles was just as dangerous, but she also saw so much goodness in Miles and it took a lot for her to see it in herself. “Say that you know what I am, that you know I wouldn’t do anything, and that if it ever seemed like I would you’d do what was best for your kids. I mean, she can’t deny you seeing them and…if she’s a good person then she wouldn’t, but…she should know.”

“I don’t suppose I could just text her this and call it square?” Miles said half jokingly.

“Just send through 'my vampire girlfriend and I are taking the girls to make some tie dye shirts, drop them off later’,” Bellamy laughed, shaking her head a little, holding his hands to her chest.

Miles stepped in closer as she drew his hands to her chest, chuckling as she played along. “If only,” he pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. “You’re right though. I’ll talk to her.”

Bella smiled, glad that he understood why she hadn’t quite jumped for joy when he asked her. “You really want me to meet them though?” she asked, looking up at him with her big golden eyes. “How much do they know about me?”

“Of course I want you to meet them,” Miles pulled his hands out from hers, stepping away just to turn off the stove since the bacon had been left on and was just close to burning. “They know that you’re my girlfriend, they know you’re a vampire,” maybe it was strange that his kids knew more about Bella than their mother did, but Miles just didn’t like having to talk to her about things other than when he could see his kids next. “They know you have a few businesses, and they know you have a dog. By the way, they want to meet your dog too.” He got some plates down from the cupboard and started plating the bacon, eggs, and toast – which he grabbed from the toaster.

Bella watched as he moved, beginning to prepare and plate their food. “They do? And they’re not like…scared?” Bellamy asked. There was every chance if his kids knew than Beth did, even if he hadn’t told her then they might have and not thought much of it. After all they knew what Miles was, they knew what the town had within it, why would it be weird to think he was with someone who wasn’t human? “Boss will probably be a whole lot more interesting to them than me, plus he obviously loves attention so I’m sure he’ll be pretty happy to be played with and have his fur pushed in all kinds of directions.”

“No, they’re not scared.” Miles grabbed some forks from the drawer and set them all down on the counter, “They were actually pretty excited about it at first, but after I told them you couldn’t actually turn into a bat they didn’t seem to care all that much.”

“Oh my god,” Bellamy let out, momentarily distracted by the topic of bats. “It’s such a scam, I should be able to be a bat,” Bellamy decided with a firmness. “But I’m glad and excited and nervous and probably going to mess it up,” she smiled, leaning over the counter and picking up one of the forks for herself. “So maybe if we can’t get to tie dye today we can do something else together.”

“I think you should talk to whoever is in charge of the whole vampire thing,” he said pointedly, picking up a piece of bacon and taking a bite, “Get them to rework the rules a bit. You won’t mess it up.” Miles assured her, “They’ll love you.”

Bella smiled as he said they’d love her. Bella hoped that was true, that they’d see how much she cared for Miles and that would be what mattered most but kids could see things that adults couldn’t. Bella didn’t want them to look at her and see how fucked up she was. Even if they couldn’t exactly pinpoint it Bella just didn’t want to know everything she’d done could be seen so easily and destroy things so quickly. “So what should we do? Fly to Disneyland?” she half joked.

Miles laughed and reclaimed his coffee, taking a drink to help down the mouthful of eggs and bacon. “No Disneyland. We went there once and only went on three rides. The whole rest of the day was spent waiting in line. No ma'am. If you want to take them somewhere, the Wild Waves Theme park over in Federal Way is good enough.”

“But I can get us VIP, they like take you around and put you to the front of all the lines,” Bellamy stated. She had never been to either of the Disney locations in the states and was pretty obsessed with going. Iann had said he would go with her but it was one of those things with no definitive time line so Bellamy mostly had just done her research to make the trip as painless as possible for the man who loathed corporate America. “Yes! Okay, let’s go there,” she beamed, beginning to eat some of her food. “That’ll be a fun day. And that way you can have today with your girls and tell them that they are going to meet me instead of springing it on them too.”

“Okay,” he nodded in agreement, “Sounds like a date to me.” Miles smiled at her, genuinely looking forward to Bellamy meeting his kids. “Have you ever been to a water park like that before?” She hadn’t been to a zoo before so he figured maybe it would be her first time at a water park too.

Bella shook her head. “Closest I’ve been to a water park is a slip'n'slide at my friends place when we were in high school but we were pretty drunk,” she admitted. Bellamy barely remembered what had happened, bits and pieces coming to mind. “So it’ll be a first for me, as I tend to have a lot of with you,” Bellamy noted, finishing off her food. “I want to have lots of firsts with you.”

Miles finished off the last of his food with one last gulp of his coffee. “Good, I like having all of these firsts with you.” He wrapped his arms around her middle and kissed her repeatedly on her cheek. “It’ll be fun, and you’ll be great.”

Bella smiled, feeling his arms around her and grasping him back, willing him to remain in her arms and her in his. “I’m guessing you have to go?” Bellamy asked him, a heavy disappointment in her voice.

Miles would have stayed there with her, holding her all day, kissing her all day and just hanging out but he did have to go. “Yes ma'am. I got to go to work and then I gotta pick up the girls from my parent’s place.” He gave her another kiss before he pulled away, picking up their dirty plates and setting them into the sink. “Thanks for breakfast, babygirl.”

Bella felt a sort of emptiness as he slipped out of her arms. It felt like it had been forever since they’d had a whole day together - even though they’d just had a whole week for his birthday. She was so used to having partners whose schedules basically revolved around her because…well, they didn’t exactly have traditional jobs, but Bellamy decided since he would be at the auction they’d be able to be close then. “It’s okay,” she said of the food. “Are the girls staying over tonight or can I stay again?” she asked, only ever asking permission when their was a possibility they would be there.

“You can come over. Beth is supposed to pick them up later,” Miles poured himself a bit more coffee to drink for while he got dressed into his uniform.

“Okay,” Bella acknowledged, watching as he dressed, slowly becoming even more attractive as his uniform fitting to him. It was tremendously hard for her not to buy a prisoner costume and wait for him whenever he came home, she resisted though assuming it would be in poor taste. “I’ll be here,” she told him, leaning up and kissing him, her mouth pressed to his she deepened it more than any of the one’s previously.

Miles pressed a hand on the small of her back, pulling her closer as the kiss deepened. “You better be,” he spoke lowly against her lips as he continued the kiss.

Bella blushed as she heard his words, hands grasping the fabric of his shirt, almost willing it to come off though not pulling. “Or else?” she teased back, smirking against his lips.

“Or else,” Miles muttered as a promise, kissing her deeply once before he unwillingly had to step away.

Bella just continued to smile at his faux sort of threat, knowing he had to go. “Miss you,” she assured him. “Love you.”

“And I love you, babygirl,” Miles shouldered on his jacket and stuffed his keys, phone, and wallet into his pockets. “I’ll see you later.”