#i listened to reflections while writing this

[levandright]

BEST FOR YOU ✦ P.SH

pairings : ex! sunghoon x fem reader ୨ৎ content / warning(s) : hurt with comfort, sunghoon gets closure ୨ৎ word count : 1.5k

synopsis. sunghoon reflects on his past relationship with you, feeling the weight of your breakup and the distance that has grown between you. as he sees you move on, he is reminded of your shared memories and the love you once had. coming to terms with the changes in your lives, sunghoon finds peace, wishing you well as he lets go of the past and the connection you once shared. lev notes : this is inspired by the song best for you by slchld <3 i actually cried when i first finished writing the draft which was shorter (around 700 words) and this is my first ever angst!! hopefully it doesn't dissapoint >.> i genuinely had such a hard time writing some parts but i pulled through with the power of friendship!!

sunghoon sat in his room, the dim light of his desk lamp casting shadows against the walls. the air conditioning hummed softly, the only sound filling the silence of the quiet evening. he leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair as his gaze drifted to the window. the stillness in the air matched the quiet that had settled within him—a feeling he couldn’t shake, no matter how many times he tried to distract himself.

there was something about the loneliness tonight that felt different. it wasn’t just the silence that made it seem so heavy, but the creeping ache in his chest that had been growing for months, ever since your breakup. sometimes, in the middle of a busy day, he would forget that the person who used to be at the center of his world was no longer there. but in moments like this, when it was just him and solitude, the reality of it all hit harder than he cared to admit.

the soft glow of his phone screen illuminated his face as he unlocked it, absentmindedly scrolling through his instagram feed. it wasn’t like he was looking for anything specific—just trying to fill the emptiness in the room with something, anything. his thumb paused when he saw your post. you were smiling brightly, laughing with your friends at some outdoor café. the image felt almost surreal to him.

he had never been the type to go through his ex’s social media, not anymore. but today, something had drawn him in. he couldn’t help but wonder how you were doing, how you were living your life without him. it had been a while since you breakup, and he had been trying his best to move on, to accept that things were over between you two. but seeing you this happy, living the life you’d always dreamed of—it hurt.

your smile was the same as it had always been, bright and effortless. but now it wasn’t for him. it wasn’t because of him. that realization hit harder than he expected. his heart clenched, and for a moment, he couldn’t breathe.

he continued scrolling through your feed, stopping at another post—a picture of you and him, taken months ago at the park. he remembered that day so clearly, the way the sunlight had filtered through the trees and made everything glow. it had been a perfect day, one that had felt like it would last forever. how naive he had been, thinking that nothing could tear you apart.

but everything had changed.

back then, you and sunghoon had been inseparable. high school sweethearts. you had shared everything with each other: dreams, laughter, and even the inevitable frustrations of growing up. you were each other’s safe haven. but life had a funny way of pushing people in different directions, of breaking apart the very things that once seemed unbreakable.

he remembered the late nights he’d stayed up studying, only to have you call him crying, talking about how much the distance between you two was weighing on your heart. and then there were the times he was too exhausted from his part-time job to really listen, too caught up in his own world to hear the desperation in your voice. he was juggling university, work, and trying to hold onto a relationship that was slowly slipping through his fingers.

sunghoon had never been good at balancing everything. he had never been great at handling the outbursts or the tantrums that sometimes came from the overwhelming pressure of your long-distance relationship. back then he had only been able to offer quick reassurances, tired words that meant little in the face of your pain. and when the break-up came, it felt like a punch to the gut.

the reason you drifted apart was simple, yet so complicated at the same time. you both had grown, and in that process, you had grown away from each other. the person he was back then, caught between uni and a part-time job, he had failed to truly see the depth of what you needed. and now looking back, he wished he could have done better.

"i should have tried harder," he whispered to himself. "i should have been there more."

but that didn’t change anything now. he couldn’t go back in time and fix his mistakes. all he had now were memories, and the reality that those memories would never become anything more.

the pain of that realization had hit hardest after the breakup, it felt like the ground had shifted beneath him. for so long, he had imagined his future with you. suddenly, he was adrift, lost in a world that no longer made sense. he remembers nights lying awake, replaying the last few months of your relationship, questioning what he could have done differently, feeling anger, confusion, and heartache twist together inside him.

eventually, he learned to let go of the resentment, to see things with a little more clarity. you both had grown, and sometimes people simply grow in different directions. even now, he knows that his feelings for you haven’t faded, that part of him will always love you in some quiet, unspoken way. but he’s come to accept that you’re better off without him, that he needs to let you go fully.

and then, one night, it happens. he’s scrolling again, mindlessly, when he sees it. a new photo—one that’s different from the rest. you’re standing next to someone, a guy with an easy smile and a warm, gentle presence. jay.

jay, sunghoon had heard about him from mutual friends. he was kind, thoughtful, everything sunghoon wished he could have been for you back then. and now, it was clear: you had found someone new. someone who made you happy. someone who could give you everything he couldn’t.

sunghoon sat back in his chair, feeling a lump rise in his throat. it felt like the final confirmation that you had truly moved on, that his place in your life was nothing more than a shadow now. he’d always imagined a future with you. he’d imagined growing old together, supporting each other through everything life threw at you. but now, all he had were his memories—and even those felt like they were fading, slowly but surely.

he looked at the photo again, your smile still as bright as ever, but this time, it wasn’t for him. it was for jay. and a strange peace settled over him. you had found love again. you were with someone who made you feel the way you deserved to feel.

sunghoon took a deep breath and opened your chat. he had been avoiding it for so long, unsure of what to say, but now he knew. he wanted to reach out one last time. he didn’t expect anything in return, but he needed to say what was in his heart. after all, he had never been good at letting go, but it was time.

his fingers hovered over the keyboard as he searched for the right words. they trembled slightly as he types:

“hey y/n… i saw your post. i just wanted to say, i’m really happy for you. you deserve all the happiness in the world, and i know jay will treat you the way you’ve always deserved to be treated. thank you for everything, for all the memories. i’ll always wish you the best.”

he paused, staring at the message for a moment before pressing “send.” a weight lifted off his shoulders as soon as he did, his heart heavy yet at peace. by saying goodbye in that simple message, he was letting go, wishing you well—even though he knew he’d never see your smile in person again.

sunghoon sat back in his chair, his eyes drifting back to the photo of you and jay, the one that had started all of this. for the first time in months, he wasn’t angry or sad. he wasn’t resentful. instead, he felt an odd sense of closure, a peaceful acceptance that the two of you were no longer meant to be.

his mind wandered back to the first time he saw you, in the school library. you had been sitting at a table, a pile of books in front of you, your head slightly down as you concentrated. when your eyes met his, you smiled shyly, and something in him had shifted. it was as if the world had slowed down just for that moment. that smile had been the first spark, the first flicker of something that would grow into an overwhelming love. that first smile had stayed with him, a memory he carried through every moment you shared.

“i fell for you right then,” sunghoon whispered to the empty room. “and i think, a part of me will always love you.”

he closed his eyes and leaned back, letting the memory of that smile wash over him. it was bittersweet, but in that moment, he finally understood. you had been his first love, and though that chapter had closed, it would always be a part of him. and that was enough.

he whispered a final goodbye to himself, letting the memory fade into the stillness of the night. with it, he carried a silent promise to move forward, even if it meant holding a small piece of you with him forever.

as he drifted off to sleep that night, he silently wished you well, hoping that wherever life took you, you would find everything you were looking for—and more.

perm taglist. @honeychocos @honeybelleee @manaah02 (open!)

©levandright

[eddwardharrison]

WHAT DO U THINK ABT ECLIPSE BEING A SOFTIE TO JAKE AND ANDREW IN THE NEW EAPS EP??

I’M SCREAMING AND CRYING.

I JUST WATCHED IT / AM LITERALLY WATCHING AS I TYPE THIS. || ALL LOVE / NO HATE

I ALWAYS KNEW ECLIPSE WOULD BE A GOOD DAD. I ALWAYS FUCKING KNEW. MY OWN WRITING AND AU’S FORETOLD THIS. ECLIPSE IS SO FUCKING SWEET OH MY GOD.

I’VE COME TO A REALIZATION. ECLIPSE IS GOING THROUGH A METAPHORICAL SERIES OF TRIALS THAT IMPROVES HIMSELF AND THE LIVES OF OTHERS. AND ALL OF THEM DIRECTLY REFLECT HIMSELF AND HIS TRAUMA.

Level One Exposure Therapy.

He had to get Sun and Moon to stop fighting each other so they’d learn to share the body without having to split or suppress. It was successful, now they can switch in and out at will and are willingly giving each other their turns. They’re even learning more about themselves such as “hibernation”, or more accurately, dormancy.

Sun and Moon was the whole reason any Eclipse’s existed. Their willingness to work with each other and themselves dictate what will happen when an Eclipse is created. Because of the natural hatred and fear between the two, a negative Eclipse is always created. But, it seems, we are creating a Ruin. A Ruin would be FAR, FAR GREATER than an Eclipse. It’d be like…gaining a younger brother. Metaphorically.

Level Two Exposure Therapy

Andrew, the dead ghost child. The haunting one, to be specific. He’s like a little miniature version of Eclipse, being a little selfish prick that demands things while making fun of Eclipse as he does. Creating a body for him will allow him to finally interact with others, to gain real relationships and learn to live as the undead,

Level Three Exposure Therapy

Facing the two Andrew’s is like facing his literal inner child, if he had one. In reality’s case, it’d be called V0/V1 Eclipse. The Andrew stuck with Jake is just suffering as he once did and is developing that same anger and hate that Eclipse once had, and is trying to stop it before Jake becomes a monster as he would in the other universes.

On top of that, Jake didn’t deserve to die. Eclipse understood that far more than he realizes. Now, he’s trying to break the laws of life and death to give Jake AND ANDREW another chance to be happy.

He knows it’s possible to give them both a moderate and healthy control, because he did this once before— with Sun and Moon.

ALSO THE CONVERSATIONS GOING ON BETWEEN ECLIPSE AND MONTY?! CAN WE DISCUSS THIS?!

“The Eclipse I knew never would’ve stepped in, if anything, he probably would’ve probably egged me on to smack his head off. So what’s happening with you, then? Making you change and all this…well, malarky?”

“I just…didn’t want you to hurt ‘em.”

“That’s it?”

“I could ask you the same thing, Gator. With you and Earth…”

(1.) MONTY TAKING NOTICE OF ECLIPSE’S CHANGE, THEN MENTIONING IT BACK TO HIM AS THEY COMPARE EACH OTHER AND THEIR ISSUES.

(2.) MONTY ASKING WHAT’S GOING ON, AND FOR /ONCE/, ECLIPSE /EXPLAINS/ WHATS GOING ON AND /DOESN’T GET SHIT ON/,HE /DOESN’T/ GET YELLED AT, AND HE /DOESN’T/ GET INTERRUPTED?! AND THEN MONTY /BUILDS/ ON HIS ANSWER TO SHOW THAT HE LISTENED?!?!?! One of the biggest issues with Eclipse’s interactions is that everytime someone asks “why are you doing this” or “what is actually wrong with you, explain it”, Eclipse TRIES to, and then they SHUT HIM DOWN, PUT WORDS IN HIS MOUTH, AND THEN CALL HIM USELESS AND GIVES HIM ANOTHER REASON TO INVEST IN CEMENT BOOTS AT THE LOCAL LAKE. LIKE WHAAAT!!!!!

(3.) ECLIPSE SHOWING EMPATHY, COMPASSION, AND WORRY FOR STITCHWRAITH. TRAITS WE HAVE /NEVER/ SEEN BEFORE IN THIS MAN!

(4.) MONTY KNOWS ECLIPSE IS HIDING MORE. /I/ KNOW HE’S HIDING MORE. HE’S IN FUCKING DENIAL!!!! I’M IN FUCKING DENIAL!! ECLIPSE AND ME HAVE NEVER STOPPED SHARING BRAINCELLS FOR 2 SECONDS OVER THE COURSE OF 2 YEARS OH MY GOD.

(5.) ECLIPSE,POKING AT THEIR RELATIONSHIP. MENTIONING EARTH. OH MY LORD-ECLIPSE. HOLY BALLS. I love it when Eclipse just MENTIONS Earth and my 32 braincells goes wild in the stadiums watching through my eyes that are watching the screen.

I can unpack SO MANY THINGS FROM JUST ONE QUOTE ITS DRIVING ME INSANE!

No, because when I heard this, I sat up. I fixed my posture. I looked ahead. I was at attention. I was READY. I GAINED CONSCIOUSNESS DUDE.

[leighsartworks216]

My Heart Will Always Belong To You

Zayne x gn!Reader

I've been working on another Zayne fic that I've been grappling with because I feel like it may be out of character for him to do some stuff + I just don't know how to continue it, so in the meantime here's something that I needed to write for my own sanity

Warnings: established relationship, fluff, domestic fluff, cuddling, kissing

Word Count: 864

Main Masterlist

Love and Deepspace Masterlist

AO3

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Despite how uncomfortable it must be, Zayne spreads out along the couch, his long legs stretched over the armrest. Normally, he would fit - just barely. Tonight, however, he lays like this so he can rest his head in your lap. It was your idea, really. He’d just got home from work, his exhaustion weighing him down more than usual, and you’d offered immediately to help him relax.

His eyes are closed. One hand rests on his stomach while the other holds your hand, which he keeps securely over his heart. Whatever you have on the TV plays on, but he isn’t listening to it. All his focus is on you.

The way you carefully remove his glasses and set them aside. The brush of fingertips as you sweep his bangs from his eyes. Your fingers combing through his hair, nails scratching lightly at his scalp, drawing out all of his tension so effortlessly. Your breathing, your pulse under his fingers, the heat of your thighs under his head.

You love seeing Zayne like this, for as rarely as it seems to happen. Face relaxed, worries stolen away, resting his eyes and trying not to fully fall asleep. Not that you’d mind if he did. With the weather getting colder and Wanderer attacks ramping up, he’s been busy seemingly nonstop trying to keep Linkon healthy and healed. No matter how many times you remind him to take a break, it never seems to be enough to fully relieve the burden from his shoulders. To know that you have the power right here, right now to do just that only encourages you to find ways to do this more often.

You lean down to press a soft kiss to his lips. He sighs contently as he returns it, his nose pressing lightly into your cheek. It’s slow and delicate, with quiet breaths shared between you both as you kiss again and again. There’s no heat, nor is there any expectation for there to be. It just needs to stay like this, and you’re both happy to keep it this way.

When at last you do pull away, he opens his eyes to look up at you. The light of the TV highlights the planes of his face, accentuating his nose and the cut of his cheekbone. He’s gorgeous. Sometimes, it’s still so surreal that you get to call him yours. That he chose to be with you, of all people. Not that you feel he’s out of your league or that you’re unworthy of the way he looks at you; it’s just hard to believe sometimes. (If you did ever feel that way, he’d ensure you are thoroughly aware of how untrue they are.)

His hand squeezes yours. “What are you thinking about?” he asks, voice raspy as he whispers.

You smile and trail your fingers down his cheek. He leans into the touch without hesitation and without thought, eyelids fluttering at the sensation. “I’m thinking about how pretty you are,” you say. “Especially your eyes.” He opens said eyes again to look at you. The light catches just right, turning the muted jade green of his irises into something closer to sour apple candy.

“Hm.” His eyes flicker across your face, before meeting yours again. “I’ve never given them much thought.”

“You should. You hold the whole world in your eyes, dear heart.”

“Can you see your reflection in them?”

You brow furrows slightly as you look. In this lighting, however, it’s impossible to see anything but the glint of light from the TV. “No.”

He tilts his head slightly. “Then how can I hold the whole world in my eyes?”

You laugh quietly and playfully pinch his cheek. He shakes you off with a smile. “That was cheesy.”

“Careful, or I’ll start to think you enjoy my bad jokes.”

You laugh again, a bit louder than before. It draws out his own chuckles, just seeing you so happy. You free your hand from his hold just enough to loosen his tie. “I must be getting delirious from sleep deprivation, that’s all.”

He grabs your hand to pull it away from his tie. “Alright. We can go to bed now.”

You’re loath to let go of him so he can sit up. You think, if given all the time in the world, you’d dedicate so much of it to simply holding him. With all the stress of his job, he deserves as much time as possible to rest. You wish you could give him that.

Overwhelmed with the desire to do just so, you hug him from behind before he can even get his legs off the armrest. He holds your hand again, turning his head to try seeing you. “Darling?”

You lift your cheek from his back to rest your chin on his shoulder, squeezing him a bit tighter. “I love you.”

He smiles. You let him raise your hand to his lips, where he places a lingering, reverent kiss to your knuckles. His thumb strokes over your palm, opening up your hand so he can place another kiss to the center. “My heart,” he whispers against your skin, “will always belong to you.”

---

Tag List:

@the-golden-jhope @deepzombieyouth @huen1ngk41 @armycaratlover @cheesemachine44 @nyx2021 @angel-jupiter @thelittlebutton

[lantur]

I've been quietly processing and reflecting all day. There's a lot of grief for the future that the nation could have had, grief and anger for the reality of what the majority of the American people wanted, and worry for the future, on so many different levels.

I wrote yesterday about what it meant for me, as a person, to vote for Kamala Harris, after my experience with racism as a child and teenager. In light of that, the loss feels even more personal and devastating to me than it did when Hillary lost. It's too painful on a deep emotional level to talk about properly.

The one thought I had earlier today that made a lasting impression on me is the importance of art. I went to the gym this morning and listened to Eminem while I worked out. I've listened to his music for the past ~20+ years. It's been there for me during every period of stress and pain and anguish in my life, and in 2022-2023, when I felt crushed by grief and when I felt like I was breaking apart, mind and body.

I listened to this music that means and meant so much to me today and I was so comforted. For an hour, I didn't have grief, fear, anger, or uncertainty, I just had me and the music that I love.

I hope that we can all find comfort when we need it most, in the music, art, writing, video games, podfics, podcasts, visual medias, that we love. I'm grateful to the creators that put their heart and soul, their time and effort and energy, into the art that comforts us during the darkest of times.

[slut4evanpeters]

Lets Groove Tonight

kit walker x reader

song i recommend listening too: i want your love by chic

warnings: mention of alcohol, suggestive dancing? not really though! reader is mentioned to be a "lady" and female pro nouns are mentioned. lots of build up cuz again.... im a slut for a backstory KIND CORNY.

word count: 4.5k

notes: yes yes i know kits timeline is in the 60s but i mean.... what would it hurt to put him in the 70s🤫 i thought of this while writing a waren lipka club fic and i was like..... KIT + 70S + DISCO = FUCKING HOT! and i apologize for how clunky this is ya girl is TIRED.

Ahh yes, the 1970. The year of the disco scene, the decade of bold colors, high fashion, and music that pulsed through your veins. It was all alive around you, vibrant and daring, and somehow, you were right in the middle of it.

So here you are, seated at the wooden vanity that your husband, Kit Walker, had crafted for you with his own hands. Each detail of it was unmistakably his work, the smooth, polished surface, the sturdy frame, and the slight scent of cedar that lingered as you leaned in closer to the mirror. Warm light glowed softly across the room, catching the soft, coiled strands of your hair as you adjusted them. The pin curls sat tight and meticulous, framing your face with a precision that took effort but looked effortless.

You focus on your reflection as you apply the last touches of your makeup, finishing off the look you’d spent the evening carefully crafting. You sweep a vibrant teal eyeshadow across your lids, letting the pigment stand out against your skin, shimmering in that daring, unapologetic way that only 70s fashion could. You smile at the final effect, a flash of color that catches the light every time you blink. Finally, you glide on a layer of nude lipstick, pressing your lips together to set the look—a perfectly balanced mix of bold and understated.

Taking a deep breath, you reach up and slowly pull each pin from your hair. The curls unfurl one by one, cascading around your shoulders in voluminous waves. You fluff them gently with your fingers, marveling at the soft, touchable texture that’s equal parts glamorous and natural. To complete the look, you slip on a simple white headband, tucking it back behind your ears and pushing the loose waves away from your face. The band sits perfectly in place, giving your style that effortless, carefree touch.

As a finishing touch, you reach for your Aqua Net hairspray and give a few even spritzes, holding the can at a practiced angle to ensure each curl holds without stiffness. The familiar scent fills the air as you watch your reflection take shape, your hair settling into soft, bouncy waves that will last well into the night.

You stand up from the vanity, taking one last look in the mirror to admire the final result. The gleam of teal eyeshadow, the soft waves, and the vintage headband all come together perfectly, embodying that effortless, chic vibe you’ve been craving. You smooth your hands down the front of your makeup-stained robe, then cross the room to the closet you share with Kit. As you open the door, your fingers glide over the colorful array of fabrics inside, each one a piece of the vibrant spirit that fills your life.

Your hand pauses on a bell sleeve mini dress, a shimmering piece of cream coloured fabric with a floral pattern woven into the material. The sleeves are long and flowy and the skirt has just the right amount of swing, giving it that playful, flirty edge that fits the mood of the night. You lift it from the hanger and step carefully into it, sliding the dress up over your hips, letting the fabric settle softly against your skin.

Just as you slip your arms into the airy, loose sleeves, you feel a warm presence behind you, a familiar touch that sends a shiver down your spine before you even turn around. Kit’s hands rest gently on your waist, and he leans close, his breath warm against your neck.

“Hey, suga’,” he murmurs, his voice low, tinged with a hint of mischief. You can hear the smirk in his words, and the sound alone is enough to make you smile. “Need some help with that?”

You glance over your shoulder, meeting his gaze with a grin. “Yes, actually, Kit. Could you please zip me up?”

Kit’s hand slides up to find the zipper, his fingers grazing the small of your back. He takes his time, zipping the dress slowly, letting the fabric hug your form as he draws it up inch by inch. Just when you think he’s done, Kit presses a gentle kiss to the back of your neck, and then another, his lips warm and soft against your skin. His touch is slow, lingering, as if savoring the moment with each kiss he leaves along the curve of your spine.

His hands rest on your shoulders as he finishes, giving them a gentle squeeze before he steps back, admiring his handiwork. “There you go, darlin’. Lookin’ like a dream.” His voice is low, thick with warmth, and his gaze travels over you with a blend of pride and adoration.

“Thank you, you’re an angel, Mr. Walka’,” you say with a playful lilt, pressing a kiss to his cheek. His skin is warm under your lips, and a slight grin spreads across his face as he watches you glide past him. You feel his gaze on you, that familiar, gentle heat, as you make your way out of the room.

At the front door, you reach down to grab your knee high white platform boots, admiring their pristine shine. The boots are perfect, capturing a daring vibe that’s made for a night like this. You slip each one on carefully, adjusting the fit and feeling the slight lift they give you. The smooth leather feels snug against your legs, accentuating the line of your calves, while the glossy finish gleams under the soft lighting. Once they’re on, you stand up, feeling a whole new level of confidence as you balance on the chunky heels.

Kit reaches for the door, his fingers wrapped around the handle, and with a smooth, gentlemanly gesture, he opens it wide for you. “Ladies first,” he says, voice warm and teasing as he dips his head slightly, holding the door as if he’s unveiling something grand.

You grin and step outside, feeling the cool evening air wrap around you, your dress swishing around your mid thighs as you walk. He follows you out, and the two of you stroll together, his hand finding the small of your back, guiding you toward his red truck parked under a tree. The truck has a certain charm, its deep crimson paint shining under the glow. When you reach it, he’s already ahead of you, opening the passenger door with a little flourish.

With a laugh, you hop up onto the seat, the soft interior fabric a comforting contrast to the cool night air. Kit closes the door gently behind you, his face lighting up as he circles around to the driver’s side. He climbs in, settles into his seat, and starts the engine, the gentle rumble filling the quiet of the street.

As he pulls away, the radio crackles to life, and “Heart of Glass” by Blondie fills the vehicle, the familiar bass line vibrating through the seats. You can’t help but start to sing, belting out every lyric with a confidence that only the two of you in the truck could hear. You sway in your seat to the beat, letting the music take over, glancing over at him as he watches you with a smile that reaches his eyes.

You look to the side, propping yourself up over the middle console just enough to reach him, and press a sweet kiss to his cheek, feeling the slight stubble under your lips. His hand reaches over instinctively, finding yours and giving it a quick squeeze, his thumb rubbing gentle circles on the back of your hand.

Finally, the neon lights of the disco club come into view, casting a rainbow of colors over the street. The parking lot is buzzing, the bass from inside thumping faintly even from here, and you can already feel the excitement pulsing through you. Kit pulls into a spot, shifts the truck into park, and turns to you, a twinkle in his eye, like he’s just as ready for this night as you are.

You step out of the truck, feeling the buzz of excitement as the neon lights from the club reflect off the polished white leather of your boots. Kit slides an arm around your shoulders, pulling you close as you walk toward the entrance. The bass from the club’s sound system pulses through the doors, thudding in time with your heartbeat. Kit flashes a grin at you, his own excitement mirroring yours.

As soon as you step inside, the club’s energy hits you in waves. Multicolored lights swirl overhead, flashing across the dance floor packed with bodies moving in perfect rhythm, their sequins, bell-bottoms, and feathered hair catching the strobe lights. The air is heavy with the scent of hairspray, perfume, and a hint of leather and smoke, mingling with the beat of the club

Kit gives your waist a little squeeze, leaning in close to shout over the music, “Gonna start the night off with somethin’ strong? White Russian for the lady, right?”

You nod with a grin. “You know it, babe. Let’s do this right.”

The two of you make your way to the bar, Kit’s hand never leaving your hip. You feel his warmth even in the cool air of the club, grounding you amid the frenzy. He leans across the counter and orders with his signature Boston charm, flashing a confident smile. “White Russian for her, whiskey for me, pal.”

Moments later, the bartender hands over your drinks, and you take a long, slow sip of your cocktail. The mix of cream, vodka, and coffee liqueur slides over your tongue, rich and smooth. Kit watches you, his eyes alight with amusement as he takes a swig of his whiskey.

“Tastes good, huh?” he teases, leaning in close.

“Mmm, perfect,” you say, licking a trace of cream from your lip, giving him a playful look. “Now let’s see if you got the moves to keep up with me, Mr. Walker.”

He laughs, a low sound that mixes with the beat of the music, and takes your hand, leading you toward the dance floor. The opening beats of I Want Your Love by Chic filter through the speakers, and the room seems to come alive in time with the rhythm. People on the floor cheer, spinning in wide circles, hands raised as the song’s bass line rolls out in waves.

Kit moves behind you, his hands slipping onto your waist, pulling you back against him. You can feel his warm breath at your ear as he murmurs, “Show me whatcha got, darlin’.”

With a grin, you start to sway to the beat, slipping effortlessly into the classic disco moves. You stretch one arm out, fingers pointed, before pulling it back in, letting your hips sway side to side in sync with the music. Kit’s hands stay firmly on your waist, guiding you, his thumbs grazing over your hips as he sways along with you. The two of you move as one, sinking into the rhythm of the song as it fills the room. You throw your arms up in the air, fingers snapping to the beat, feeling the pulse of the music flow through you.

Kit chuckles, leaning in close to your ear, his voice thick, “Ya look like a million bucks out here, baby. Like ya were born for this.”

You laugh, pressing back against him, feeling his solid presence behind you. “Maybe I was, Kit,” you say, flashing him a playful look over your shoulder. “Ya got the moves to keep up?”

“Oh, I got moves,” he replies, his grin turning a bit cocky. His hands tighten on your waist, and he pulls you even closer, his hips swaying in perfect rhythm with yours.

The chorus kicks in, and you spin around to face him, throwing your arms over his shoulders as you sway together. Kit grins, his eyes crinkling at the corners, the lights above flashing in his dark eyes. He’s got that look of pure joy, the kind you only see when he’s completely in the moment.

“Damn, baby, you’re somethin’ else,” he says, his voice a low murmur against your ear.

You toss your hair back, giving him a wink.

"Right back atcha, handsome." His eyes glint with something deeper as he gazes down at you, that grin slipping into something softer, more intense, that pulls you in closer.

The music pulses around you both, like it's part of you now, a beat that syncs with your heart. Kit's hands slide up your sides, his fingers skimming over the soft fabric of your dress. You shiver under his touch, feeling every gentle pressure as he wraps his arms around you, pulling you closer until there's hardly any space left between you.

You look up into his eyes, the colored lights flashing above casting shadows that make his gaze even more mesmerizing. His face is just inches from yours, and you feel his breath, warm and slow, against your cheek. He leans in, and you can see the slight smile on his lips as his hand moves to the small of your back, guiding you in a slow, sultry sway to the rhythm of the music. You press yourself against him, letting him lead you, feeling his solid warmth, the gentle press of his body against yours.

Your hands find their way up to his chest, fingers lightly tracing the edges of his collar as you take in the texture of his shirt, the steady beat of his heart beneath it. His hands tighten on your waist, holding you like he doesn't want to let go, and his head dips down toward you, his lips brushing softly against your cheek. It's barely a kiss, more of a tease, his lips grazing your skin as his hands slide down your back.

You feel your heart race, each beat quickening in time with the music. The world around you blurs, the swirling lights, the heat of the crowded room. All of it fades away until there's nothing but you and Kit, caught in this intoxicating dance. His mouth moves to your ear, his voice a low murmur that sends a thrill down your spine.

"Ya know, I could dance with you like this all night," he whispers, his breath warm against your ear. "Makin' everyone here jealous as hell."

You smile, tilting your head to meet his eyes, your hand slipping up to cup his cheek. "Good. Let 'em be jealous." Your voice is soft but daring, and his smile widens at your words.

Without another word, he leans in, his lips finally pressing against yours. The kiss is slow, unhurried, like he's savoring every second. His hand slides up to cradle the back of your neck, fingers tangling gently in your hair as he pulls you even closer, deepening the kiss. The music fills the spaces between you, heightening every sensation, every touch. You feel the strength in his arms, the steady way he holds you, grounding you and setting you alight all at once.

Your arms wrap around his neck, pulling him closer as you lose yourself in the kiss, in the warmth of his body against yours. The crowd around you seems to fade entirely, the music a distant pulse as he presses his forehead against yours, catching his breath, his thumb gently brushing over your cheek.

"You're somethin' else, ya know that?" he murmurs, his voice thick with feeling, his gaze locked onto yours, as if he's seeing something in you that no one else ever has.

You bite your lip, barely able to keep the smile from spreading across your face.

"Guess you bring it out of me."

With a grin, he spins you around, his hands on your hips as he pulls you back against him, moving with you in time to the beat.

You laugh, the sound light and free, and he leans down, his lips brushing your shoulder, sending a shiver through you. You sway together, moving as one, his hands guiding you in slow circles, as though he's afraid to break the spell.

As the song's beat pulses on, you let yourself sink into him, feeling his breath, his touch, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against your back. You close your eyes, allowing the moment to consume you completely, each note of the song carrying you both deeper into a connection that feels as electric as the music filling the room.

The night at the club felt like magic, like stepping into a different world. But now, as you and Kit step out into the cool night air, there’s a different kind of warmth between you. A quiet, lingering happiness that’s somehow just as bright as the flashing lights and thumping beats of the club.

Kit’s arm wraps around your waist, pulling you close as you make your way back to his truck. The music from the club fades as the door swings shut behind you, leaving just the sound of your laughter and the soft crunch of gravel underfoot. Kit’s fingers give your side a little squeeze, and he glances over, his dark eyes reflecting the soft glow of the streetlights.

“Didn’t know ya had moves like that, darlin’,” he teases, that playful Boston drawl coming through thick and warm.

You laugh, leaning into him as you walk. “Thought I’d surprise ya. And you, Mr. Walker, I had no idea you were such a smooth dancer.”

“Yeah? Well, I do my best,” he says with a grin, reaching out to open the passenger door for you. “Hop on in, Mrs. Walker.”

You slide into the seat, a smile lingering on your lips as he shuts the door gently behind you. A second later, he’s in the driver’s seat, settling in and giving you a quick, happy look before starting the engine. The gentle rumble fills the truck, and Kit reaches over, finding your hand with his and giving it a soft squeeze.

The drive home is quiet, the streets empty, and the only light is from the streetlamps casting a soft glow over everything. Kit keeps one hand on the wheel, the other intertwined with yours, his thumb brushing small circles over your knuckles. The radio hums softly, playing a familiar, gentle tune. A perfect backdrop to the night.

Kit glances over, catching your eye, his smile tender. “Ya had a good time, sweetheart?”

You nod, squeezing his hand in return. “Perfect night. You, me, a little disco… Couldn’t ask for anything better.”

“Yeah?” He lets out a soft chuckle, looking back to the road. “Well, I’ll have to take ya dancin’ more often. You light up that floor, ya know?”

You lean your head against the seat, watching him with a soft smile. “Only ‘cause you’re there with me.”

For a moment, he just looks at you, his eyes warm and deep, like he’s memorizing every detail of you in this moment. “Darlin’, you got no idea what you do to me,” he murmurs, his voice low and a little rough around the edges, softened by affection. “Every time I look at ya, I just feel… lucky.”

A warmth spreads through your chest, and you feel yourself blush a little under his gaze. “Kit, I’m the lucky one,” you say softly, your fingers lacing even tighter through his.

“Yeah, well,” he replies, his grin turning a little sheepish, “maybe we’re both lucky, then.”

As you pull closer to home, Kit rolls down the window a bit, letting the night air sweep in. It’s fresh and cool, a welcome contrast to the warmth inside the truck, and the scent of pine and earth fills the air. You close your eyes for a second, breathing it in, feeling completely at peace.

Kit looks over, his face softened in the gentle moonlight, and reaches up to brush a loose strand of hair behind your ear. “Y’know,” he murmurs, “nights like this… they’re what I live for.”

You smile, your eyes meeting his. “Same here, babe. Just us. Nothing else.”

The truck rolls to a gentle stop in front of your shared house, and he cuts the engine. For a moment, neither of you move, just sitting there, soaking up the quiet, intimate warmth of the moment. He brings your hand to his lips, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to your knuckles, his eyes never leaving yours.

Kit’s hand lingers on yours as he gently releases the seatbelt, his eyes catching yours in the soft, dim light. The world feels quiet, like it’s just the two of you wrapped in a bubble of peace and warmth. He leans in, pressing a gentle kiss to your forehead, his lips warm and soft against your skin.

“C’mon, darlin’,” he murmurs, his voice softened, barely above a whisper. “Let’s get ya inside.”

He slides out of the truck, circling around to your side in a few strides. Even after all this time, he always insists on opening the door for you, and tonight is no different. He pulls it open with a gentle smile, extending his hand to help you down from the seat. As your boots touch the ground, you can’t help but smile up at him, your fingers still laced in his.

The night air feels even cooler as it brushes over your skin, but Kit’s hand is warm. The two of you walk up the path to the house slowly, savoring each step, your fingers still intertwined. He holds you close as you make your way up the steps, the wooden porch creaking slightly underfoot, a familiar sound that makes home feel even cozier.

Kit pauses at the door, giving you a long, lingering look, his dark eyes shining with that deep affection you’ve seen in countless moments like this. He raises your joined hands to his lips, pressing another kiss to your knuckles. “Ya look real pretty tonight, ya know that?”

You smile, feeling a warmth bloom in your chest. “Thank you, Kit. You’re not so bad yourself.”

He chuckles, a quiet, content sound, and finally reaches for the door, opening it with a slow creak.

As you and Kit step through the front door, a calm stillness settles over the house. The warmth of your night together lingers between you, a gentle reminder of the fun and closeness you shared. Kit’s hand is steady at your waist as he guides you inside, his fingers tracing slow, comforting circles.

Once you’re in the soft glow of the living room, he turns to you with a gentle smile. “Alright, darlin’,” he murmurs, his voice soft with tenderness. “Let’s get ya comfy.”

Without another word, he kneels down in front of you, one hand sliding along the back of your calf as he reaches for the zipper of your boot. His fingers work slowly, careful not to rush, as though he’s savoring every little moment. When the first boot slides off, he leans down, pressing a gentle kiss to the arch of your foot, then moves up to your ankle, leaving a trail of warm, soft kisses that send a shiver up your spine.

He looks up at you, a soft grin lighting up his face as he takes off the second boot. “Been lookin’ at these all night,” he teases, his voice low and playful. “Ya wear the hell outta these boots, but I’ll tell ya, they look even better comin’ off.”

You laugh softly, feeling warmth rise to your cheeks. Kit stands, sliding his hands up to your waist, his fingers tracing over the fabric of your dress before he takes your hand and leads you down the hallway. You follow him, feeling a gentle anticipation as he brings you into the bathroom.

Once there, he turns to you, his gaze warm and focused. He reaches for a soft cloth, dampening it under warm water, and then brings it up to your face with a gentle touch. He starts wiping away your makeup, careful and precise, his thumb brushing softly over your cheek as he clears away the remnants of eyeshadow and lipstick. The warm cloth feels soothing against your skin, and his tender gaze never leaves your face.

As he works, he murmurs softly, his voice thick with affection. “Ya know, you’re somethin’ else. Didn’t need any of this to begin with,” he says, gesturing to the makeup he’s gently wiping away. “Just as beautiful as ya are. Hell, I’d say even more so.”

You smile, eyes soft as you watch him. “Flatterer,” you tease, but his words make you feel warm, like you’re wrapped in a soft glow that only he can give you.

Once he’s finished, he sets the cloth aside, giving you a quick kiss on the forehead before gently guiding you out of the bathroom. His hands are steady on your shoulders as he leads you to the bedroom, his touch grounding, calming. He steps behind you, unzipping your dress with the same care he showed with the boots, sliding the fabric down over your shoulders and letting it pool softly around your feet.

He finds your favorite pair of pyjamas. A soft, worn set that’s seen countless cozy nights and slips the top over your head, guiding your arms through the sleeves. Then he gently pulls the matching pants up your legs, his hands warm and careful as he helps you step into them, before smoothing the waistband comfortably against your hips.

“There we go,” he murmurs, his voice filled with quiet pride as he guides you toward the bed, pulling back the covers and tucking you in with a softness that melts your heart. He presses a quick, tender kiss to your forehead, his eyes lingering on you with an adoring smile.

“Alright, sweetheart,” he whispers, “just get settled. I’ll be right back.” He straightens, giving you one last look before heading back to the bathroom to finish getting ready himself.

You watch him go, feeling the warmth of his care still wrapped around you. A few moments later, he returns, his face fresh and hair slightly damp, and he slips into bed beside you, the mattress dipping under his weight as he pulls the covers up around you both. He wraps an arm around you, and you feel his warmth spread across your back as he settles in close.

You turn to face him, resting your head on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath your cheek. His arm slips under your head, his fingers finding their way into your hair, gently twirling and stroking through the strands. His other hand rests against your back, drawing slow, soothing circles that send you into a deep, quiet peace.

“Ya know somethin’?” he murmurs, his voice a low, comforting rumble in your ear. “I’m the luckiest guy in the world, and I mean that. Every damn day, I get to look at you, love you, be with you.”

You smile, nuzzling into his chest. “I love you too, Kit,” you whisper, feeling a deep, contented warmth settle in your chest.

He holds you close, his hand brushing gently through your hair as his voice grows softer, his words gentle. “That’s my girl… Just close those eyes, honey. I gotcha.” His hand continues its gentle, soothing motion, and the sound of his steady heartbeat lulls you into the sweetest, most peaceful sleep.

[tomorrowxtogether]

TXT Debut a Sparkling New Chapter — and Reveal Which Previous Era Their New Album Is a Throwback to (Exclusive)

PEOPLE spoke to Soobin, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Taehyun and Hueningkai about making "The Star Chapter: SANCTUARY"

Tomorrow x Together's latest release is an evolution and a nostalgia play all at once.

The Star Chapter: SANCTUARY (out Monday, Nov. 4), is officially the start of a new era for the K-pop group's five members — Soobin, 23, Yeonjun, 25, Beomgyu, 23, Taehyun, 22, Hueningkai, 22 — who spoke to PEOPLE ahead of its release.

They're moving out of "The Name Chapter" — two albums that reveled in the freedom and occasional chaos of youthful indiscretions — and into "The Star Chapter." Represented by a bright, shining logo rebrand, it carries messages about finding true love and lasting happiness.

“To some extent, I think it really reflects us growing up,” says Hueningkai.

"In our past installments, it was more of those magical moments, like ‘Run away together with me,’ or something that could be a little bit less responsible," adds Taehyun. "But this time around, it's romantic, but in a sense that it's grounded and more realistic.”

Sonically, SANCTUARY has a sweetness that recalls some of the group’s earliest releases.

"I think you're spot on about talking about how you thought of The Dream Chapter when listening to this album," Huengingkai confirmed while discussing their influences with PEOPLE in October. "It's something new, but it's something that also provokes nostalgia as well," he adds.

The lead single, "Over the Moon," is dreamy pop but includes some very grown-up themes with lyrics about living under one roof and planning for the future. Other tracks, like "Danger" tip into funky Bruno Mars-like territory, or in the case of "Forty One Winks," more upbeat R&B.

While there's no real rock or pop punk moments (something they've leaned into with great success in the past with songs like "LO$ER=LO♡ER"), "Higher than Heaven" does have a romping pop-rock bent.

The album's sound isn't just a reflection of the group's shifting tastes. “We have this big narrative that overarches every installment in our musical journey," Hueningkai explains.

Their discography, and the larger lore of the group, incorporates a sprawling fictional backstory that can feel intimidatingly complex for the casual fan. But the themes — the pains of growing up, the reality of facing adulthood, and the heartbreak that so often goes along with it — are universal enough that they come through easily in their earworm singles.

While TXT has shared in the past that their music is often informed by personal experience, they often keep a distance from speaking about their own relationships, instead telling the song's stories of crushes or lost loves as the tales of a “boy” (representing all and none of them) directed at “you,” an embodiment of their fans.

Explaining the meaning of their latest album, for example, Beomgyu says, “It’s a chapter where the boy finally recovers his name and remembers the promise he made with you. And they finally reunite in this album. So it's the rejoicing that they all feel with this reunion.” 

All five members wrote lyrics and music on SANCTUARY, something they've been increasingly passionate about over the six years since their debut.

Taehyun admits to doing most of his writing in the car and on planes, amid their busy schedules. They still find space for collaboration though. "We tend to work separately on lyrics, but when we get stuck, we ask for help from the other members," says Soobin.

Seemingly non-stop promotions can be draining, but they're candid about how they keep their minds and bodies healthy. "Sleeping well is the best thing you can do for yourself," says Beomgyu. Adds Soobin, "We eat a lot of supplements, too, and try to work out a lot so that we can stay healthy and keep up our stamina."

That work ethic has gained them a mountain of accolades in relatively short career.

In 2023, they headlined Lollapalooza in Chicago, then performed at the VMAS in New York, where they also took home the award for Push Performance. Their last album debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, making them only the second K-pop group to enter the chart 10 times, with the only other being their label mates BTS.

Asked if that sort of accomplishment is exciting or intimidating, Yeonjun explains, "We feel both. We feel both elated, and also we feel a sense of responsibility. And I think both are needed, because only when we feel that responsibility can we grow as artists and evolve as artists. So because so many people are giving us love and support, It's our duty to grow and evolve, and show new sides of ourselves as artists."

Adds Taehyun, "We are eternally grateful to Global MOA who always provide us with a lot of love and support. And with this album and the albums going forward, we're going to pay back to them by providing really good music and performances."

The Star Chapter: Sanctuary is available to stream now.

[the-apocrypha]

3, 22, 26?

3. How would you describe your writing style? 

Uh. Functional. Highly functional. Occasionally I strive toward the slightly poetic or prosaic, and I feel like my own tendency toward dry humor will come out from time to time, but otherwise I think it's pretty… basic. 

(The more literary answer is that my style is highly reflective of my history of pretty much only ever writing within the bounds of fanfiction. While there are obviously exceptions, there tends to be a lot of homogeneity amongst fanfiction writing style, for a lot of reasons, including (1) You tend to write what you read, and (2) People generally turn to fanfiction for literary comfort food. While a House of Leaves or an On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous is nice on occasion, we are mostly here to straight torture or sexify or cuddle our blorbos and we don’t want to beat around the bush. It is in no way a bad thing! It’s actually kind of cool, from a literary perspective, because it's genuinely recognizable. Like the Scholomance trilogy! They are good, but you can tell by page two that this person absolutely cut their teeth on fanfiction. So, I am a product of my experiences.)

22. What is it about watching the same two idiots fall in love over and over again? 

See above: comfort food. 

Long answer: for me, I am a person who does not instantly attach to characters. I rarely enter fandoms that are based around a single book or movie, and greatly favor comics/television/series because it lets me spend a lot of time with characters and my affection for them can really take root and grow. Fanfic is just the next natural extension of that. I am very much a person who finds a Happy Button and then wants to mash the Happy Button ad nauseum until it breaks. I listen to the same album on repeat for three months. I just discovered Tim Tams and have bought a box a week for the last four months. And when I settle into a fandom, I want to see my blorbos having nice things over and over and over and over again. :D 

26. What would you describe as OOC?

Oof this is a tough one! I think characterization is such a personal thing that it’s impossible to define that. I definitely have opinions on things that I read, on whether they’re in/out of character, but the beautiful thing about fandom is that we are all casting prisms of the same characters and what is out of character for me may be in character for someone else! So, eh. 

I will say that I feel like any time I start writing for a new fandom, my first fic or two will always feel a little rocky in characterization. Once I’ve written more and developed a more nuanced and consistent concept of the characters, I usually look back on the early stuff and go woof. Sandman has been no exception to this. (Fond wave at fly me to the moon. You’re not completely terrible.)

(for the writers ask meme)

[wastingawayinmyroom]

dance. 108 words. fluff.

Take my hand.

Remus laughed. Brightly, softly, in a way that he couldn't quite describe, like the universe captured every good thing and fit it into that one sound.

"You can't dance? Really?" He teased, leading Regulus out to the balcony. What was this song? Elvis Presley? "I thought you were an aristocrat, Reg."

Take my whole life too.

He spun around. Once, then twice. It was wonderful. Magnificent.

Regulus rolled his eyes. "I never needed to," he said, and he was pressed against the other boy, moving in slow circles.

But I can't help,

Remus smiled. "Dance with me, then."

Falling in love with you.

Regulus did.

[commsroom]

eiffel's problem is that he sees every injustice as an interpersonal issue. he doesn't understand how his flippancy or apparent leniency towards hilbert might look to hera; in his mind, it doesn't contradict his support for her. to eiffel, it seems obvious - he is also one of hilbert's victims, hera is his friend, of course he's completely on her side - but he fails to fully grasp how the stakes are different for her.

ep 19: "you need to stop treating this like a joke, officer eiffel." / "hey, i'm the person for whom the joke tolls." / "i get you're scared he put something inside you. but i hope you haven't forgotten emergency code alpha victor. he put that in me." and ep 51: "they're just jokes! they don't really mean anything." / "see, eiffel, you get to have that. they can be 'just jokes' for you because you're... well, you. but we don't get that."

the issue in shut up and listen is eiffel's repeated, if unintentional, microaggressions, but it's also his general use of dark humor as a coping mechanism - jokes he feels justified in making because of how the subjects of those jokes have impacted him. eiffel sincerely believes in treating people equally, but his idea of 'equal treatment' can be idealistic and naive. he has an awareness of interpersonal harm, but he's lived most of his life without ever being confronted with the reality of structural harm - being pre-judged and othered and having his life devalued on the basis of outside categorization.

but the thing about that is that it has happened to him, too. eiffel is an addict, and a convict, and marked as from a lower socioeconomic class than minkowski or lovelace, and those things are the reasons goddard futuristics was able to buy him as prison labor and - without his consent - consider him expendable for medical experimentation. none of that is a coincidence, but he doesn't see the systems at work, only his own actions and regrets. which he then equivocates to the worst actions of people who don't share his sense of morality or guilt.

eiffel's ability to recognize and bring out the humanity in the people around him is one of his best qualities, but... on the basis of his identity, he's been able to live a life where he conceptualizes himself as the default person, and that's been reinforced by the pop culture he loves so much. that's a massive blind spot. he assumes everyone navigates the world in a similar way, and so, on some level, he sees everyone around him as an extension of or a reflection of himself. if evil is always personal, then it can always be reasoned with.

[sasukimimochi]

Word Count - 1112 ; Warnings: depiction of animal death, injury... (i'm not sure it needs more warnings but pls let me know if theres anything u think needs to be warned for).

.Shattered Reflection✦.

- .✦Breaking Dawn. (The origins of Shattered Reflection)

Wei Wuxian grabbed the nearest weapon from the wall as he shoved some shoes on quickly, not wanting whatever was tussling the chickens to get away with hurting them or even worse before he could get outside.

He hated having to get up in the middle of the night if an animal came and attacked the livestock, but Lan Wangji was doing it every time and he was still so sore after putting up a new rain water collection system, so he wanted to let the other rest more since he himself did much less.

He felt like he should probably take something a bit better, like a bow and arrow, but he was fairly confident in fending anything off as long as it wasn’t a typical wild dog, which he would definitely shout for Lan Wangji to come help him with, as brave as he wanted to be.

He greatly underestimated what was out there, however.

“Hey!” Wei Wuxian shouted aggressively as he ran out of the house, sickle in hand. He had to present himself as aggressive, otherwise it’d be hard to scare off whatever was in the-... the…

coop…

Wei Wuxian completely froze up, face pale and eyes wide on the dark, hunched over figure in the chicken coop. He could hear the sickening crunch of bones, the tearing and snap of flesh as those sharp teeth and claws broke through skin and feathers to feast.

The beast inhaled deeply as it lifted its head, red dribbling off its jaw in sickeningly slow, syrup-like drips…and turned its head directly to the frozen Wei Wuxian, who was so afraid he dropped his sickle with a quiet clang.

Lan Wangji was alert already because of the noise and Wei Wuxian’s shouting, but he sat upright immediately when everything went virtually quiet other than the subtle clucking of scared chickens. His heart dropped however when he heard his husband scream, and not just any scream, but one that he made when he was genuinely terrified. Usually, this just meant a dog or coyote, but something seemed much more urgent and terrified with the nature of it.

“Wei Ying?!” Lan Wangji jumped out of bed, rushing out without even grabbing his shoes. 

Wei Wuxian was pinned to the ground by a massive black werewolf, and he had dropped his sickle many feet away.

Lan Wangji didn’t have time to think. He rushed forward, grabbing the sickle from the ground roughly and dashed towards his husband and the wolf. In seconds, in what felt like an eternity, Lan Wangji took such a tight hold of the fur of the werewolfs head and cut it’s head off in one urgent, messy motion.

Wangji threw the head away and wiped the blood off his face so he could see, and leaned down to check his husband over. “Wei Ying! Wei Ying, are you alright?” He took his trembling husband into his arms, dropped the sickle, and rushed inside.

Wei Wuxian was bitten. Lan Wangji cleaned the wound immediately, drained the bite area, and applied medicine, but…

“There’s…a chance we didn’t do enough.” Lan Wangji tightened the wrappings, brow furrowing. “I’m sorry…”

“L-lan Zhan…I…you did what you could. I’m…I’m glad it was me, not you.” Wei Wuxian leaned into his husband’s weight, feeling the other bring his head in to rest upon his shoulder.

“Wei Ying…” Lan Wangji didn’t agree, but what were they to do? They’d not seen one of the creatures before, and it was quite the shock for both, however…he couldn’t imagine how stressful it could become for Wei Wuxian.

Wei Wuxian shook his head and leaned it into the other’s, closing his eyes. “We’ll know if…If something happens by dawn, right? So…I just have to stay awake until dawn. We’ll know for sure.”

Lan Wangji pursed his lips and leaned against his husband’s hair, closing his eyes tight. “Mn…will be here for Wei Ying.”

Wei Wuxian actually made it through most of the night, so by the time early morning was set to arrive, he was feeling pretty hopeful.

“Lan Zhan, see? I’m strong. Everything will be completely fine.”

Lan Wangji gently pet the other’s hair back, eyes low in worry. “There is still time left. Don’t move too much.” The bite of a werewolf worked by poisoning through moonlight. If they moved too much now, there was a chance he wouldn’t make it through the morning without his body entirely changing.

“Of course, I won’t move…” Wei Wuxian frowned and scratched slightly at his arm, where the bite lay near. “I…It feels uncomfortable.”

Lan Wangji gently pulled the other’s hands away. “I’ll look. But stay still.”

He wished though that he hadn’t, when the bandages fell away.

Lan Wangji tensed, staring at the still bleeding wound with hiked shoulders. The skin around the area was colored somewhat with blackened lesions, and hair seemed to be sprouting from the area in small tufts. “W-Wei Ying…” He swallowed tightly, “It’s…” What they hoped wouldn’t happen.

Wei Wuxian was hardly listening, whimpering quietly as pain seemed to periodically ripple from the open lesion. “Lan Zhan…it’s…ngh!” He grits his teeth and curls up reflexively, trembling in his husbands arms. He fought the feeling, but how could you fight something that was already in your system? And he was losing the battle. He knew it, but he fought anyway.

Lan Wangji grimaced as he listened to his husband cry in pain, the snaps of his bone rearranging under his fingers and muscle spasms that followed. “I’m here. I’m here Wei Ying…”

His husband was no longer a small trembling body in his arms as time passed. He became full and soft, but with claws and teeth and hard angles.

His husband whimpered, and it wasn’t the sound of a human.

The sound made his husband bark and cry in fear, which only made him even more afraid. Lan Wangji covered his ears and buried his face in the fur atop his head, humming quietly to his husband in an effort to calm him. 

His husband was no longer human. He didn’t get to him in time.

“It’ll be okay…” He tried to comfort him, but until Dawn broke and his husband’s skin was once more against him, he was terrified.

Wei Wuxian was so tired and weak as the sun filtered through the room, finally able to calm down now that the sound of his own voice wasn’t what he was most scared of.

“Everything will be okay.” Lan Wangji whispered into his hair, gently petting down his husband’s spine one stroke after another.

“Everything will be okay…”

They had been through so much together, and this would be…quite the challenge, especially for Wei Wuxian…but they had each other. He held the man tight, the tremble fading away into exhausted sleep.

They would always have each other.

They will figure out what to do.

“It will be okay.” He whispered, with a gentle kiss to his husband’s temple. 

“It will be okay.”

-

This is something i'll casually update, i'm not sure how much i'm going to do of it but i of course got hooked on my joke idea of "wwx as a werewolf who is afraid of himself" and so, here's the origin of how he became one.

The setting is for now in ancient china but LWJ is a farmer (they still know how to fight tho, how much idk? cuz werewolves kinda throw a wrench in the mix of things. i need to design them before i feel like a decision is really made).

but anyway i'll post the other thing i prepared after i get some sleep i'm exhausted ; w ; i'm still recovering but i wanted to get this one up during the weekend at least as i said i would. remember, GOM isn't uploading this week; but i will be posting two things i already wrote to compensate for it. I have a Clash of Immortals bonus chapter (yes a whole chapter) set in the future where they're already established i'd like to finish the sketch for so i can post it next. i just gotta sleep though for a bit i'm so tired- the one that's coming is rated explicit i'd say so make sure you have mature posts set to "show/blur" and not "hide."

the sketch i did is more like a cover art and more metaphorical i believe than a literal scenario! i'm having trouble thinking but if you've read this far you know those things didn't happen here XD i wanted to sketch something with a lot of symbolism.

Thanks for reading!! 😊💖✨

Check out more art of this/other MDZS Projects on my masterpost! ❤

[triflesandparsnips]

Something something Ed seeks out or is confronted by his own reflections three times in ascending order of violent emotions (the hand mirror, the salver, the knife)--

And we see Stede being painted twice in his old life, not looking at the painter or the painting but at some distant other thing, and then finally seeking to see himself in the third appearance of his portraiture-- only to find he's been painted out.

I wonder if Stede will someday ask to be drawn, and how, and whether he will look at the artist while they work, or the other people in it (if any), and seek out the finished work and be happy to see himself reflected in it.

...and I wonder if Ed will avoid reflections now (remove the mirrors, avert the eyes, but sometimes he'll catch himself in still water and flinch away--) because he knows what he is, he made himself this way, he knows how others see him and he can see it in their eyes without needing any further proof (except what he sees in Stede's eyes doesn't seem to match, so better not look there, fuck, fuck--)

Stede will look so, so hard now, and Ed will look at anything but-- a switch now, from their season 1 selves, lasting, perhaps, until they can finally see themselves -- and each other -- fully.

(And maybe, after that, they'll be able to see themselves together.)

[randomgumwrapper]

and she said ‘what’s with this dog motif?’ and i said ‘do you have something against dogs?’ i am almost completely soulless i am incapable of being human i am incapable of being inhuman i am living uncontrollably

[sambambucky]

oooooo ao3 wrapped seems like so much fun! can i ask 3, 6, and 27? 😁💕

omg egg hi egg hiiiiii thanks for askinggggg. i did answer 3 & 6 here but, like, i can still...

3. What work are you second most proud of (regardless of kudos/hits)?

i went from 'hehe wouldnt this be fun' to actually writing and posting too many white lies (and white lines) in record time! even though it was a brain worm and it didnt feel like i had much choice... i am proud that it got finished and is mostly coherent

6. second Favorite title you used

sorta weird, kinda nice ! the draft title was sooo ugly and dumb i ended up sooo pleased i could replace it with something more.. tonally appropriate

27. What do you listen to while writing?

i mooostly don't listen to anything? i have a hard time writing while anything with lyrics is playing. however. i am just pretentious enough to put on classical music and sometimes, like, 'cool cafe jazz' type stuff when i'm editing. and actually when i'm doing au stuff i have been getting into playing related soundtracks !

from the wrapped list!

[hella1975]

Hi hella! I love love your writing and have done so for years and liked your posts but above all else I am a social media lurker at heart. But I wanted to tell you that following you for so long I’ve seen you go off to college and strike out on your own. Your self reflection and how you move through your life is so inspiring. I feel like your proud distant auntie sometimes cheering you on from afar. Growing up and going through school and into your adulthood is so confusing and frustrating and depressing sometimes but I’m a bit on the other side now and can tell you you’re doing so well. Absolutely killing it and it’s a privilege to read about. Your openness often has me reflect on my own life! I appreciate you bestie 🫶

reading this was genuinely so emotional BESTIE WHAT THE HELL

[daddy-long-legssss]

Thank you to @ineveryspaceandtime for the tag <3

2023 had a lot of joys and grief for me.

One of my biggest highlights was a solo trip to London, England and seeing the Arctic Monkeys twice in concert. I made new friends through this fandom. Got two new tattoos. Tried jollof rice for the first time. I'm always dancing so that's nothing new but I had really good laughs with friends and family (the ones that make you feel like you'll have a six pack after cause you've laughed so hard). I fixed up an old turntable by myself using YouTube tutorials which was a cool project. Deciding to travel and prioritize myself while two of my family members were ill was a really big, tough decision but I'm glad I did it. I learned how to make Caribbean dishes which was really important to me and a way to preserve my heritage and my grandma's legacy. I also baked some really amazing things from my favourite cookbook. I stopped biting my nails which is a big achievement for me but overall, I just had really good moments with friends and family but especially myself in 2023.

Hoping there will be even more joy and personal growth in 2024. Tagging anyone who'd like to do this!

[merevide]

it’s one of those nights.