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inevitably-johnlocked · 11 months ago

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Christmas and New Year's Eve 2023 Pt 1: New Bookmarks and WiPs

Happy holidays everyone! Let's get into the holiday spirit with some new Christmas fics I've recently added to my Bookmarks and MFL lists! LOTS of stories, so this list is split up into two lists! PLEASE check out the lists below for past bookmarks and MFLs! If you have a WORK IN PROGRESS that you'd like added to this list, PLEASE add them in the replies/reblogs and I'll add them to subsequent posts of this list!

The second list posting shortly is my MFL list, so if you have a finished fic you'd like me to add to the lists, please add them to the next post!

Thank you so much!! <3 Merry Christmas!!

[PART TWO]

See also:

Christmas Fics (Dec. 2017)

Christmas: Oblivious That One or The Other is In a Relationship

Christmas 2019 Part 1 (All Bookmarks XMas and New Years)

Christmas 2019 Part 2 (Marked for Later)

G / T / K+ Rated Christmas Fics (Dec. 2018) (Updated Dec 2021)

Community Recs: Christmas 2020 (Updated Dec 2021)

Christmas Trees / Decorating

Christmas-Time Love Confessions

New Year’s Fics (Jan 2023)

Christmas 2023 Pt 2: Marked for Later

BOOKMARKS

Santa Knows by Itsallfine (T, 1,719 w., 1 Ch. || Christmas Party, Love Confessions, First Kiss, Fluff, Matchmaking, POV Sherlock, Pining Sherlock) – Sherlock and John both get exactly what they want from the Yard's secret Santa exchange. Pure holiday fluff.

The Way to Start the New Year by glass_rose_paperweight (G, 4,251 w., 1 Ch. || New Year's Eve, Fluff, Pining John) – On New Year's Eve, Sherlock drags John to America for a case, much to John's frustration. However, a mistake in booking looks like it might lead to an even worse New Year's Even than John originally thought ... or, maybe it's just what the boys need.

This Year by DiscordantWords (T, 6,283 w., 2 Ch. || TEH Divergence / No Mary, New Year’s Eve, John’s A Mess, Jealous John, Awkward Conversations, Trapped in a Closet, Estranged After Return, John POV, Semi-Reunion, Angry John, First Kiss, Reconciliation, Clueless Sherlock, Happy Ending) – Last year, Sherlock Holmes showed up at the Landmark with a fake moustache and a bad French accent and threw John's entire life into disarray with two words: "Not dead." This year, there are more surprises in store.

Wonderful, Etcetera. by VictoryCandescence (T, 16,955 w., 3 Ch. || Wonderful Life AU || Alternate Timelines, Brotherhood, Homophobia, Suicidal Ideations, Mentions of Drug Use, Friendship, Different TRF, Sherlock’s Past, Victor Trevor is Past Boyfriend, Depression, Hallucination?, Love Confessions, Christmas, First Kiss) – Sherlock thinks everyone would be better off if he had never existed, including and especially himself. When he finds himself in a world in which his wish has been granted, he begins to think perhaps even he could be wrong – but it takes an unlikely chaperone to make him not only observe, but understand.

Deck the Halls by itsalwaysyou_jw (T, 31,018 w., 24 Ch. || Advent Fic / Multiple One-Shots, Assorted Tags) – One Johnlock ficlet for every day leading up to Christmas. Who is ready for pining, first kisses, established Johnlock, and everything in between? This collection of stand-alone ficlets will have it all.

Not Broken, Just Bent by Schmiezi (E, 87,585 w., 43 Ch. || Pining, Love Confessions, Rape/Sexual Assault, Torture, Hurt/Comfort, Heavy Angst, Villain!Mary, Suicidal Ideations, Main Character Death, Sherlock First Person POV, Parentlock, Sherlock’s Mind Palace, Grief/Mourning, Emotional Love Making, Possessiveness, Depression, PTSD, Kidnapping, Virgin Sherlock, Eventual Happy Ending) – "For a second, I allow myself to remember teaching John how to waltz. There is a special room in my mind palace for it. A big one, with a proper parquet dance floor. For a second, I go there. I remember holding him, closer than the World Dance Council asks for, excusing it with the fact that we are training for a wedding, not for a competition. For a second, I feel his hand on mine again, smell his sweat, hear the song we used. For a second, I allow myself to love him deeply. For a second, only a second, that love reflects on my face." Fix-it for S3, starting at the end of TSoT. Evil Mary.

Bakers with Benefits by Raina_at (E, 88,130 w., 14 Ch. || Great British Bake Off AU || Strangers to Lovers, Switchlock, Friends with Benefits, Mentions of Alcoholism / Past Drug Use, Banter, Flirting, Fluff, Light Angst, Semi-Public Sex, Past Sherlock/Victor, Mutual Pining, POV Sherlock, Obsessive Sherlock, John’s Bum) – Sherlock Holmes has a successful YouTube baking channel, but what he really wants is his own bakery. When an old friend sends him a call for the very first Great British Bake Off, he seizes the opportunity to finally win a sponsor for his bakery. Here's the plan: Win Bake Off, get the bakery, don't fall in love with the handsome Army doctor at the neighbouring station. Easy.

The Lost Special: Family Matters (As Do Relationships) by ShirleyCarlton (M, 144,688 w., 40 Ch. || S4 Fix It Fic / Meta Fic, Unreliable Narrator, John’s Mind Bungalow, Friends to Lovers, Happy Ending, Demisexual Sherlock, Holmes Family, John Whump, Gay Mycroft, Misunderstandings, Drug Addiction, Parenting, TFP is a Nightmare, Virgin Sherlock, Slow Burn, Minor Character Death, Switchlock, John’s Past, Sherlock’s Past, Eurus, Love Confessions) –Sherrinford is not really the name of some high security prison. That was just a figment of John’s frantic coma dream. And Eurus is not actually Sherlock’s sister. That’s just something random she said to John before shooting him. Sherlock and John were never actually estranged. That was just their act to cover up what really happened to Mary – or Rosamund Moran, as her real name has turned out to be. Sherlock does have a secret sibling, though, and his name is Sherrinford. After finally eliminating Moran – though in a rather dramatically different way than they had envisioned – and exposing the truth about Eurus, John encourages Sherlock to delve into his past and to find out whether the reasons to keep Sherrinford away from Sherlock were the right ones, and to discover what really happened in 1981. Along the way, Sherlock and John gradually, finally, stop keeping each other at a distance, and eventually become a proper family of their own.

WORKS IN PROGRESS

Christmas with You by hey_there_buddy (NR, 3,258+ w., 11/? Ch. || WiP || Christmas, Marriage Proposal, Tooth-Rotting Fluff, Established Relationship, Waltzing, Morning Kisses) – Sherlock wants to propose John and he came up with his own idea.

From the First Time That I Saw You by BookGirlWithLove (E, 6,813+ w., 4/16 Ch. || WiP || Actor John AU || Christmas, Meet Cute) – Sherlock Holmes very rarely paid any attention to popular culture. He didn’t listen to the radio or watch telly. He seldom watched films. Unless that film had a certain actor in it. A certain actor who, while he might not be on everyone’s favourite list, was most certainly on Sherlock’s. In fact, he was the only celebrity to ever give Sherlock pause, which said a lot. That actor was John Watson. Who was currently standing in Sherlock’s sitting room, awkwardly holding two bottles of wine.

Christmas in Honeycutt by helloliriels (T, 25,768+ w., 12/16 Ch. || WIP || Christmas in Connecticut AU / WWII AU || Kidnapping, Spies / Secret Agents, Codes & Ciphers, Past Relationships, Developing Relationship, Fake Marriage, Fluff and Angst, Happy Ending) – John's publisher asks if his family could entertain a war hero at their idyllic estate in Somerset for Christmas. Only ... John doesn't have a wife ... or a daughter. Or an estate. He has a bedsit. In London. And some wounds of his own to recover from ... but he can't tell his publisher that or he'll get fired … What's a writer to do? Cracking Codes. Super Spies. Sherlock in Disguise. A wild Christmas romance set in the countryside! Just what the doctor ordered! Part 6 of the Liriels Chaptered Fics series

The Prince of Hearts by prettysailorsoldier (M, 46,206+ w., 12/? Ch. || Modern Royalty AU || WiP || Matchmaker Sherlock, Prince John, Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Sexual Tension, Mutual Pining, Christmas, Fluff) – Sherlock Holmes is making big waves in London as the head of a thriving matchmaking firm, his unconventional approach earning him the title 'The Chemist'. To Sherlock, love is in the data, a collection of variables plugged into equations to calculate the perfect match, but, when the royal family of the small country of Galerre hires him to find a spouse for the crown prince, he will find that some matters of the heart are not so easily solved.

Since First I Saw Your Face by Stavia_Scott_Grayson (M, 398,966+ w., 19/22 Ch. || WiP || ACD Canon / 1884 Victorian AU || Friends to Lovers, Pining, UST/URT, POV Sherlock, Christmas, Developing Relationship, Turkish Baths, Victorian Attitudes, Sussex Holiday, Cocaine, Holmes’ Childhood, Cold Cases, References to Canon) – During the Great Hiatus, Holmes, studying in Tibet, reflects on his first meeting with Dr John Watson.

#johnlock fic recs #christmas fics #new year's fics #my fic recs #wip fics

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whilomm · 1 year ago

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hey since newbie ppl are asking:

HOW TO GET FOLLOWERS ON TUMBLR

(i mean i only have a few hundred but like, idk thats more than 0)

make posts. if ur an artist do Art or whatever if u just wanna talk about shit just Talk. if u wanna talk to urself thats fine who give a shit.

talk about shit u like. it can be fandom shit it can be hobbies it can be random bullshit who cares.

tag ur shit. tag it correctly dont spam tags, if its not about stevens universal dont tag it that just for views bc that gets u blocked and reported as spam but add as many relevant tags as u feel like.

if ur talking about random special interest bullshit tho dont expect the post to get notes unless u have followers most of the time. not that we dont love that shit here, we love posts that are just ppl infodumping about shit we dont know jack shit about, but like. might not pop up for ppl if they arent following the "#deep sea vent worms" tag. u should still talk about deep sea vent worms even if no ones listening tho maybe someone will find it like 4 years later.

follow people. some of them will follow back some wont. i usually dont follow back bc i dont pay attention but other ppl do. make sure ur blog has like, an icon/description first tho so ppl dont think ur a bot and block u.

reblog shit. thats the main point of the site.

talk to people. dont like, be weird and pushy about it or anything (i.e. "HEY IM NEW HERE WILL YOU FOLLOW ME??") but feel free to just make relevant conversation in the tags or in reblogs or in the replies. thats chill u can do that.

u can also dm ppl on here. im too shy to do that but thats an option. i wouldnt reccomend dming them with "please follow me" or whatever but if u have st to Actually DM about then go for it.

oh yeah the ask box use that too. again not to promo but like. if u wanna send ppl asks about their art or ask them qs about stuff theyre into do that. some people are also freaks in the ask box which may or may not be Fine depending on the variety of freak. please observe typical freakish askbox behavior before attempting it yourself and tailor it to the askee (i.e. dont send the horny ask to the blog that loves hearing peoples fucked up workplace osha violation stories. unless they also like horny asks. just, dont assume random blogs like horny asks until Otherwise Specified.)

anyway yeah just. use the site as intended and youll probs get followers Eventually as long as ur Doing Stuff. maybe not many followers but thats fine who give a shit.

#buzzy #tumblr newbies #reddit migration #reddit migrants #twitter migration #twitter migrants #tumblr tips

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asksoldieron · 11 months ago

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SO-16: And Here's the Action!!

If there's a lot of engagement on this, this post is liable to get real long, beware before you expand.

No art, and I'm pissed because I had a really cool idea for this one. Erik is playing with guns and guns are cool! I have played with some guns (in a controlled environment, don't get nervous) and I can confirm that they are very cool. Not cool enough for me to spend money spraying more lead indiscriminately around the environment, but if forty feral hogs habitually showed up on my lawn, I'd have me some fun. Well, I'll edit the art in later, at some point, hopefully.

*ahem*

Welcome to the Engagement Lounge, for The Chatterbox Massacre (SO-16) an instalment! Short comments can go in the replies, but there's a 475 character limit. Longer ones will need a reblog. Remember to @asksoldieron if you're reblogging someone else's reblog, so I can see it too!

😭Waaaaaah I wanted to draw St. George-in-Erik firing guns with magic but I just CAN'T yet! I mean, non-zero chance I'll screw up my first couple illustrations when I can draw again, so I probably shouldn't draw that one first anyway, but I wanna see it. Damn.

IRL, I'm not fond of violence as a solution, but as a writer I appreciate the expedience. BANG-BANG-BANG-BANG-BANG-BANG-BANG-BANG! Okay, and now we have a whole bunch of NEW problems. I suppose that's not really a solution at all, but it's still gonna look cool when you imagine it. That's how come they say it's not possible to make an anti-war movie. You script it and make it part of a narrative and put some good actors and effects in it, and it just looks cool. Can't help it, gotta roll with it.

On the other hand, while Erik certainly doesn't deserve to die for being who he is, you can see why the cops prefer to kill immies on sight. Look what they can do! But, on the third hand, look at what Maggie can do. Nobody's going to unload on her for being magical unless she does something and they see it.

Poor Maggie made a little error and punched Mordecai when she really didn't need to, but if you've been reading you may suspect who (or what) put their finger on the scale, and who helped her shrug off David's little god trick. But to tell you the truth, it's like that because I forgot how magic works when I wrote the first draft. I needed her to punch him in the face! Fortunately, their unseen observer needed her to punch him too. We'll get to that when they get home again.

I was surprised by how little time it took to actually kill everyone. (Ha-ha, there's another one of those things I can only say because I'm a writer.) I was worried it needed to be more epic. The spouse advised me that that's just how it is when only one guy has a working gun in a street fight. It's over. People are dead and that's forever. On to the next thing. Bleh. I don't like the idea of it, but it rings true enough.

John is... not doing well, is he? I'd been planning this scene for years but that caught me off guard. I didn't realize what the situation would look like to him until I got him back inside and George handed him a gun. Well, let's see, Erik's family are right there to help him and he knows that, and he's holding an object that will get him out of the way so Erik can go home. Uh, yeah, why wouldn't he? (Currently writing the next 6 and I've almost got him out of Prokovia, and the plot, for the time being. Jenny will put him back together and Rob will forgive him, but Billie might not...)

Next instalment goes up on Erik's birthday, and mine! It's not birthday-themed or anything, but after all this nonsense his family do finally have enough information to get him home. They just have to put it together!

[Back to site?]

#tin soldier and soldier on #instalment #engagement lounge #still wanna draw #but also need to make tamales and more cookies #dang christmas why you so complicated?

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jacquelinemerritt · 2 years ago

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Dragon Ball Z: Abridged Episode 54 Review

Originally posted August 26th, 2016

The hum before shit hits the fan.

The Cell Games are presented to us as a combination of a threat and promise, which is appropriate, given both that cursory knowledge of the original series makes it clear that the games (and all the highs and lows associated with them) have been coming, and that Cell himself is setting them up as a corrupted version of the Dragon Ball Universe’s most famous and wholesome events, the World Martial Arts Tournaments.

Sometimes, having never seen the original show puts me at an interpretive disadvantage. This is definitely one of those times. Not having seen the original show here means that I can’t dissect the significance of this corruption, or understand it any further than simply knowing that it’s there. As such, I’m going to simply move on to the rest of the episode, but I invite discussion and exploration in the replies and reblogs, as I’d be very interested to know what might be going on at a thematic level.

The majority of this episode is not focused on the introduction of the Cell Games, however. It is instead focused on developing our heroes as they rest, specifically developing Trunks, Vegeta, and Krillin further thanks to their shared failure to stop Cell. Krillin particularly is shown to be more compassionate than we’ve ever seen him before, as he befriends Android 16 and takes him back to Dr. Briefs for repair, where we gain insight into the processes that make 16 the bird loving, Goku-murdering construct that he is.

Chi Chi is also given special attention in this episode. I have been defending Team Four Star’s portrayal of Chi Chi as deep and nuanced since I began reviewing this show, as they have consistently coded her to be overbearing towards Gohan, yes, but overbearing because she understands the actual stakes of allowing a child to be involved in battles for the fate of the world.

Now, finally, a year later, Team Four Star is given a chance to make that subtext into text, and they do so wonderfully, with Chi Chi giving a speech to our heroes about her desires for him to have better than a life of fighting and surviving off prize money.

It’s this moment of characterization that, when contrasted with the Chi Chi of Gohan’s nightmare, makes it clear why the nightmare is so horrifying. Nightmare Chi Chi, though only briefly appearing, has none of the underlying love or hope for Gohan that are present in his actual mother. Instead, she is replaced by a monster that threatens him with intense disappointment, listening to none of his concerns and refusing to accommodate his desires to fight.

It’s fitting then, that the ultimate monster in Gohan’s nightmare is his own father. Goku has yet to listen to any of his son’s concerns about fighting, constantly spurring him into dangerous situations with the implicit threat that he will be disappointed in his son if he doesn’t come out of them a better fighter (as evidenced by his extreme method for triggering Gohan’s first transformation into a Super Saiyan). Gohan’s nightmare is watching his own father tear away his greatest sources of support, calmly murdering both the father and mother who love him, Piccolo and Chi Chi.

Goku and Cell are the same threat to Gohan because both are putting him into danger that he wants no part of.

Rating: 4.5/5

If you enjoyed this review, consider supporting me on Patreon.

Stray Observations

“I’ve been watching the country music channel. Did you know country music is terrible?” Yes I did, Trunks, yes I did.

I am finally caught up with my reviews of Dragonball Z: Abridged. It’s a pretty incredible feeling.

This also means that I can finally go back and rewatch the entire show! I held off on doing so because I wanted reviews to be focused on the progression from each episode to the next (though this obviously didn’t stop me from watching new episodes as they came out). It’s gonna be fun to go back and watch these casually again, as I have missed that very much.

Oh, and for the curious, my current word count on all these DBZA reviews?

40,882.

#dragon ball z abridged #dragon ball z #team four star #tfs #dbza #dbz #dbze ep54 #and here we are #the last DBZA review i posted in 2016 #but not the last i posted #the next few pieces are entries into a queer media series i started #and a horror media series i started #both of which were to help me better understand both genres of films #they both fizzled out pretty quick #mostly because i was not in a stable enough situation to write consistently #but they were worthwhile experiences still

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juteanworld · 1 year ago

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October 4, 2023

Good afternoon fellow blue app perusers!

Today's post is a bit late because at my planned time, at lunch, I had to finish some homework I had meant to do two days ago already. But at least I got it done! Unlike last night's post because I had procrastinated too much. But also did a bit of some things!

• Did some food and cuisine worldbuilding for the tropical island country of Jute (see @tropical-saa for more)

• researched Vanuatu's national food laplap for that, and I would honestly want to try it

• Added a short story, a just-story about humans learning language from a bird to the collaborative worldbuilding wiki (also on @tropical-saa) and gave some in-universe context to it

• Added an article on traditional approaches to mental health on Jute to the same wiki, based on blog posts (again on @tropical-saa)

Today!

I had a class on machines. These green perhaps inscrutable pieces of technology are supposed to help break up the soil, a bit similar to those machines that break twigs and branches into small parts (woodchippers is apparently the word). They are relatively heavy and have bunch of dials and functions I still don't understand.

Apparently they are made by Ferrari in Italy, the same company that makes the famous sports and Formula 1 cars!

A tractor for moving large amounts of grass. But cleaning the blades is difficult, and you sit right behind the engine, so you might breathe in toxic fumes.

That's why these "riders" are preferred, where the engine is in the back and preparing to clean the blades is a walk in the park. I tried it after observing it being done once, and I had no issues at all, and just needed about 4 minutes to do all the steps and then undo them to make the vehicle ready again.

Both the tractor and rider have height-adjustable blades, you use what looks a bit like a gearbox on the right to change it.

Today I also got a free plush bun! 😊

Goals!

• Once again, reading and writing. 2 x 10 pages and 15 minutes.

I really have to internalize the fact that my books are actually much more interesting than aimlessly scrolling through feeds online, hoping to find something. Instead, my books are interesting right away, I just need to remember them and push through any weird excuses I have to not open them. Then I also have more to talk about here and my feed scrolling will actually have a purpose, trying to find people with similar interests, who have read similar books etc.

As for writing, not many seemed to have had an interest in voting, so I will do what I would want personally, which is to combine option 1, 2 and 4. Posting on my website, a new side-blog and reblogging here.

Be excited for the return of the courtroom drama with a transgender protagonist!

• Finally do the plant blog updates.

I am ready to do this exciting work that I have been told has been well regarded by many. It's really not hard or takes a lot of time. My plan for the first new post is to go over the garden cosmos flower, and add heights and other missing basic data to other entries.

• Math club and sewing club!

To be honest my main motivation here is to meet and talk to more people and have a new opportunity or two to share my cookies, but I also am interested in both mathematics and sewing enough that I want to give both a try!

See you later!

#photos #gardening #machines #ferrari #lawnmower #plushie #plants #writing #writeblr #math #sewing #booklr

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neptunevasilias · 2 days ago

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Doing a little check-in/reflection now that I worked my way up to the end of August last night with the "10 years of sssn" thing.

First of all, what is this all about? I got into rwby/team sssn in 2017, so I've been around for a long time, but I actually just missed this sub-fandom's heyday, or at least only saw the tail end of it. So I consider myself a "historian" of the fandom, with an academic interest in observing the social phenomena as well as just my normal fan interest in the characters. Tumblr's reblog system has been really helpful for this: each reblog is a new instance of the post, rather than just an embedding of the original post, so if the original post or poster is deleted, I can still access the post. The tagging system also means I can easily find more posts on other people's blogs.

Since I care about this so much, I thought it would be really awesome and fitting to reblog posts on their 10th anniversary. That would've taken a lot of setup, though, so I never got around to it. Until last night, when I stayed up until an awful hour to get all of the 2014 posts ready.

I'm obviously not trying to get every single post there ever was. I'm not even getting every single post I've ever collected. And, I'm not even getting every post that I would have wanted to gather together if I'd had the time to be more thorough. There's also some other complications, like I've been blocked before by artists who I assume wanted me to stop reblogging their ancient art. (and by the way, my collection goes beyond what I have on this blog. I have a side blog where I collect pretty much anything I can get my hands on, even if it's not "good" or I don't "like" it, both for the sake of a complete picture and also because I can still use those old posts as a jumping off point for more deep diving)

I might still reblog some posts later even though they'd be "out of order," just to show that I think it's a good and/or significant post that I still want to celebrate reaching 10 years. For now though, I'm working on getting caught up to today's date with what I was immediately able to scrounge together.

Enough about that! Time for some actual reflection. This has been really fun and interesting to be honest, even though I spend a lot of time cataloguing stuff from this fandom and have a good grasp of trends, limitations from parts of canon not existing yet, etc, I still was surprised seeing it all put together like this. I don't know whether or not it's just because I spend the most time looking for Neptune posts, but it seems as though after he was introduced in July, he was given a lot of exclusive attention because he was new. I didn't expect him to be so much more prominent than Sun at this time. Of course, this is also exclusively to this growing sub-fandom (which, since it's pretty much lacking half of its characters, arguably hasn't reached the point where it can be called "the team sssn fandom" yet). To the wider fandom, Sun was probably still a more relevant character (and by the way, it is still surreal to see 2013/early 2014 content of him that was by himself, where his only other connection to other characters is with other Faunus).

We can also see the early beginnings of the fandom making things up about the characters in order to have something to work with. Before a name was revealed for him, people (or at least one artist) called him "Azure" just from seeing him in the trailer for volume 2. Now at the end of August, Sage and Scarlet are still in that same position, because they only exist as a still image in the opening. But for now (possibly, again this could just be because I focus a little more on him than the others), the attention is still on Neptune. I haven't seen anything mention it, but they would have actually known about Scarlet's name (and from what I know about the community they would have at least regarded it as a theory) because Sun tells Neptune not to go blab Blake's secret to Scarlet. I mentioned that without Sage and Scarlet, this sub-fandom hasn't quite solidified into its final identity, but their shared attention on a minor character is laying the grounds for it.

I don't really have a point to make by saying this, but I feel like it's worth pointing out that by this point most of the fans are still pre-existing RT fans and/or part of the target audience that rwby initially drew in. And since it's tumblr (and a large chunk of it slash), this is also the intersection of that demographic and the tumblr demographic. As rwby becomes more popular with volume 2, we'll see the fandom diversify a little bit, but it's interesting to see this stage. Another side note is that it's interesting to see a tumblr community during tumblr's prime. Not a lot, if any references to the sub-fandom or larger fandom's presence on other social media. There's not really a need to, I guess, because tumblr is still thriving and its culture is so different from other social media. And if I understand it right, twitter hadn't become the dominant fandom presence yet at that point.

I don't have a way to neatly wrap this up because I need to get ready to go to school NOW, but yeah that's all folks see you later!

#chris post #SO SORRY if you are reading this and you were part of this fandom...... i'm not trying to treat you like a science experiment or anything #and also thank you for your service in the yaoi wars

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fishtomale · 29 days ago

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posting stuff about my forgotten realms / dnd ocs under the cut and then i’m going to reblog oc ask games. this is your warning. also some of them do have full player character sheets but i’m not sharing that unless someone shows interest. focus is on these 4 characters and their dynamics within an adventuring party.

Characters

Name: Osza (she/her)

Species: Yuan-ti

Subtype: Pureblood

Class: Bard

(Eventual) Subclass: College of Glamour

Background: Acolyte

Alignment: Neutral Evil

As a Pureblood Yuan-ti Osza wasn’t born with an obvious path towards the power and success her culture valued, but as she grew she did find comfort funneling her service and gifts for musical performance towards the serpentine gods’ temples where she would worship and work. Osza valued her role and social network in all the serpentine gods’ temples, but would eventually focus her efforts towards Sseth whose temple housed her dear friend, Tizhali, whom she grew close to. It wasn’t until later that Osza would learn that Tizhali had been raised to be the ideal sacrifice to their god, Sseth- a willing one. In distress Osza tried to convince her friend to flee her station with her, but she ultimately failed. It was then, the day of her dear friend’s death, that Osza swore to empower her own voice so that no one else would oppose or leave her ever again, setting out to gain favor and power in Sseth’s eyes that she may one day join his court and consume his flesh as a means to reabsorb her friend’s sacrifice.

Name: Cypress (he/they/it)

Species: Fairy

Class: Rogue

(Eventual) Subclass: Scout

Background: Scribe

Alignment: Chaotic Neutral

Cypress led a charmed and esteemed life in The Feywild as a major legal scribe who recorded dealings between the major courts and houses of powerful fey. While Cypress did find fulfillment in his opportunity to put his observational skills to use in this role it was in fact at home with his two young children, Finch and Briar, that he experienced the most joy and purpose. This was all well and good until a group dedicated to the Seelie court apt on securing their own legal scribe, and therefore their own spin on history, in an upcoming deal used their magic to seal Cypress out of the The Feywild binding him to The Material Plane. Upon entering this new realm Cypress found himself scared and confused, the skills he had learned to survive in The Feywild holding little potence in this alien realm as even a beast as simple as a cat was able to overpower him and steal sight in his right eye. Cypress seeks only to survive long enough to find a way home and see his children grow up safe and happy.

Name: Stag (he/him)

Species: Human + Reborn (Undead)

Class: Barbarian

(Eventual) Subclass: Path of the Berserker

Background: Outlander

Alignment: True Neutral

Stag's body was at some point raised as an undead servant via a Lich's necromancy to serve as muscle to guard it's hideout, an unfeeling, unthinking mass animated only to follow simple orders, until one day, Stag's consciousness came back to him. Stumbling out of the Lich's grasp and into civilization with only a name and a vague impression of the world he previously inhabited it didn't take long for Stag to realize that things had changed since last lived as a conscious being. The world no longer functioned by might alone, and all creatures had grown more cunning in their tactics, meaning he'd have to adapt fast if he wanted to survive long enough to understand this new world and remember crucial details of his past life.

(I'm still designing this character, so I don't have an image for her. Osza may be in a sense the leader of this group but this character, Leonora, is in a way the narrative and emotional lynchpin of the group, so I keep making changes and alterations. The information given for Leonora is more subject to change than the rest of the characters shown.)

Name: Leonora (she/her)

Species: Aasimar

(largely human with lineage of Lathander)

Class: Paladin

(Eventual) Subclass: Oath of Redemption -> Oathbreaker

Background: Folk Hero

Alignment: (initially) Chaotic Good

Leonora always took immense pride in her worship of and shared lineage with Lathander, valuing his principles of renewal and rebirth above all else. Leonora was more than happy when she came of age to leave her village and follow in the path of the Oath of Redemption paladin believing it the most direct way the show divine mercy to those who need it most. Even among paladins of the same oath Leonora was known for being not only naive, but foolish, in her over willingness to dismiss danger and threat in others in situations where she thought the individual, no matter how depraved and power hungry, was worthy of redemption. Leonora's moral fortitude is put to the test when she joins the very harmful party of Osza, Cypress, and Stag with the goal of guiding them towards the path of Lathander's light and forgiveness.

Dynamics

Osza and Cypress were the first two members of this traveling party, and while there are power struggles on occasion between Osza, Stag, and Leonora, Osza is generally understood to be and treated as the leader of the group.

Even if not openly, all the members of this party (especially Osza and Leonora) are quite sentimental and do care for one another quite a lot, but still often verbally justify staying as one party even when goals diverge because they see themselves as having complimentary skills and as being stronger together.

Though Osza is the only evil aligned character initially I would consider the impact of the group as a whole evil based on their willingness to associate with and support Osza and because of their selfishness in fully prioritizing their own goals.

The party by and large presents themselves as being only motivated by self preservation and pursuit of their own individual goals, but does function in the understanding that given the chance their fellow party members would assist them in accomplishing these goals. This is not the reality.

Osza sees others she cares about putting themselves in danger or making moves that would separate them from her as betrayal to the highest degree, so Osza will constantly interfere on behalf of Leonora’s self sacrificing goals and tendencies and Osza will ultimately try to interfere when Cypress has a chance to return to The Feywild because she sees that as abandonment.

Stag not only sees Leonora’s way of letting her enemies live as foolish but also as offensive and uncaring as he anticipates any foes that aren’t vanquished to be a possible and likely threat to one’s friends, family, and home.

Though hardened and sometimes harsh in his delivery of what he believes to be the truth Cypress does take on a sort of fatherly role to the group as the eldest and the only known father (Stag spoilers).

Stag has to learn to appreciate and respect people of different types, be it women in authority, newly emerged races and species of Faerun, or those who have builds and skills he doesn’t see as ideal for survival (ie; doesn’t prioritize strength). Stag says rude and out of pocket things but is actually quite good at receiving feedback and very willing to apologize when called out.

Every party member is a menace in their own way. Osza is knowingly manipulative and controlling and seeks to gain favor with a god who values acts of cruelty even if she is functioning from a place of deep trauma and insecurity. Cypress’ internalization of Fey values makes it so that he sees transparency and the bodily autonomy of others as easy to override so long as he doesn’t cause them physical harm or pain, despite he himself fearing being trapped above all else. Stag is fearful and programmed to utilize his strength first and foremost to a point that he isn’t really equipped to deal with external problems in a non-violent manner. Leonora does not initially understand or care to understand what it means to suffer by another and therefore leaves difficult tasks like killing or subduing a threat to others, and will eventually become quite hypocritical when she decides all she cares about is protecting the lives of her friends / party members at any cost.

#mish.txt

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pbjelly90 · 10 months ago

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I got tagged in a thing! I am barely tumblr literate so I didn’t realize this until I scrolled and saw it—there is probably a place that shows you where you’ve been tagged in things and I just have no clue where it is. 😅

I never post anything on here besides reblogs of stuff I like and want to see later, and I’m pretty sure 99% of any followers I may have are bots lol. But I will be a good sport and do this one, even if I probably already formatted this incorrectly (is the reblog more commonly put above or below my reply?)

Reading/watching something new and really connecting with one or hopefully even multiple things about it, be it the characters, setting, tone, plot, humor, art style, etc. I love discovering a whole new series/fandom to fixate on.

Delving into reading/looking at all the content for a new or favorite current interest, whether it be reading meta, finding fanart and comics, reading scans of whatever content hasn’t come out in English yet, etc. I don’t read fanfic as often because my attention span can be short and I am picky, but also grateful to all those who write it, especially for fandoms without a lot of content out there.

Drawing art or writing new backstories, scenarios, etc with my OCs. I love doing any kind of worldbuilding especially or drawing concept art for a character I haven’t previously drawn and sharing this with friends to get their feedback and update our headcanons of what they look like. I do these things so much it’s rare I work on writing my actual dang stories.

Collaborative writing with friends. Again a thing I do so much and enjoy so thoroughly it’s very difficult to get me to do my own dang solo writing in comparison. Besides the random odd short story I might do on occasion, I haven’t finished much of my own personal writing in ages. I have no discipline lol.

Spending time with loved ones, out in nature, or observing art, listening to music, traveling, gaming, etc, all the soul nurturing things I do outside of writing or drawing that feed my creativity and replenish those energies. I get a lot of my inspiration from things I read and watch, but the rest comes from experiences like these. I know for instance my ability to write parents or younger characters improved immensely after I became an aunt and spent a lot of time with my nieces and nephew. Grateful for all these experiences that make me a more well rounded version of myself and fuel a lot of my emotional writing, themes, etc.

I’m not gonna tag anyone because I probably have like 2 followers max, but anyone who wants to do this is welcome! And thank you @seeingteacupsindragons for tagging me, I love following your blog and was very surprised and honored to see myself tagged in a post!

I got tagged to list five things that make my happy and tag ten people, but I ahhhhh am not reblogging the whole chain. So new post, tagged by @ladytemeraire.

Fully immersing myself in a story, whether reading or creating it, and exploring and poking around all the bits that are there and just being with the story

Pretty jewelry

When people trust me enough to ask for advice/opinions and seek out my thoughts on things

Doggedly fixing something

Talking to my friends :) ILY.

Tagging people who reblogged stuff from me...most of the recent ones are from that poll, so let's pick... @user-needs-new-hyperfixation, @hergan416, @ashcadence, @featherstorm2004, @pbjelly90, @soapy-soartp, @mayarab, @eirinstiva, @ch40sw01f. @deityofgaycrimes

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alltheficsiwant · 2 years ago

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Same Old Hawkins, Or not? | Part Five

PART Five | The Aftermath

Summary: After the events regarding the gate and the mind flayer. Reader now has to deal with her unsaid issues and the inevitable talk with her boys. Though, of course, Billy Hargrove has the habit of fucking things up into proportions.

Warning: Graphic violence, dark themes (Attempted rape and abuse). If you are triggered about these topics. Please read with caution or skip the part with !!! and continue on after the second !!!

Also, MINORS get the hell out of here. Forgot to rate this as 18+

Pairing: Eddie Munson x Harrintong!reader

Words: 6.7k

Note: Hey guys! We are nearing the end. I think they are just two more chapters after this plus the epilogue and we are done. I have a sequel planned for this because originally. I wrote a rewrite of Season 4 but opted to do season 2 instead. If the series gained enough traction or notes or request to be continued. I might continue on with it. Sooo, reblog, like and comment guys! ALSO, my ASK are open, SEND ME YOUR THOUGHTS OR ANYTHING AT ALL. - J <3

PART Three | PART Four | SERIES MASTERLIST

Will be posted in Ao3 soon!

After Eleven managed to close the gate, you and the rest of the kids gathered back to the Byers house and eventually towards the new Hopper residence in the middle of the woods.

In the span of a month, you built a bond with the kids as you helped in fixing things up in both residences. You also managed to meet El. During those times, the talking later never happened between the three of you. Well, Steve is busy curing his wounds both physically and emotionally. (“It’s not a phase anymore is it?” “Yeah, squirt. She called it,” “Well, better luck next time, Jerk,”). While you and Eddie, kind of dance around one another. Going on the same routine, meeting up every Wednesday at the lake and Friday’s for the campaign. Though the dynamics between the two of you changed, something Gareth and Jeff the ever observant sophomores noticed. You and Eddie didn’t even confirm or deny everything when they questioned you individually because you haven’t exactly talked about it yet.

Though Eddie did try, you swiftly change the subject and metal head gets the que. Luckily, despite Eddie’s obvious temperament as he wants things to be done rather quickly. He didn’t chastise you. You’ll tell when you are ready or you get over the initial mortification that is Eddie witnessing your first flashback. (So far, you haven’t had any, thank God)

Instead of dealing with those, you offered your help to the other kids. You grew closer to them, especially Max who you decided to take under your wing. You became her escape when Billy or anything under her house gets too much. You opened your doors to them much to Steve’s annoyance. (“You still love having them around Steve, admit it.” “Give me another month and I’ll decide,” “Whatever makes your sleep at night,”)

The next thing you know, you got thrown into the committee of highschoolers that handles the Snow Ball for the middle schoolers. It wasn’t exactly your type of thing but it teaches you how not to be late again in Ms. O’donell’s class twice in a row. Causing you to miss your Wednesday’s with Eddie twice too.

Well, you didn’t have to explain. He knows that, because he was there when Ms. O’donell delivered the blow but regardless. You were quite thankful for it. The inevitable talk of your feelings regarding the metal head is postponed.

Now you just need to get through your head. We hope you had more time though but someone has the tendency to throw a wrench into your plans. It's no other than Billy FUCKING Hargrove. After the incident in the Byers house, Max told you that Billy is pissed off more than ever to everyone and especially both you and Steve. He was itching for a fight and always provoked Steve but Steve who finally broke apart with his friend group didn’t bite on it.

Just landing on ignoring the bully and going on his merry way. The same treatment is given to you, making the Hellfire club members especially Eddie (Despite the unspeakable topic that looms over the both of you) was extra protective. Though you assured them that Billy is more bark than bite when it comes to girls.

You should have learned your lesson when he easily slammed your body down on the floor causing a flashback. Though, you were at ease because it was school and Billy doesn’t want to get into trouble. Doesn’t he?

Well, you learned that in a very hard way.

You volunteered to finish up with the designs. It was the last week of November and there is one week before the SnowBall and the official start of the Winter Break. The committee which is not surprisingly led by Nancy Wheeler wants to get ahead of everything. Including the decorations and since you made it clear that you would not spend your Friday night in a ball as a chaperone. You opted to help with the decors and preparations.

You wanted to finish it as soon as possible since you are itching to finally talk to Eddie because you miss the metal head. You always felt like he was too far from you despite being there. You volunteered to finish up not knowing that there is someone lurking around you waiting a chance to make a move on you.

Not the move you wanted and not the person you want to make a move on you.

“Ahhh. If it isn’t the Harrington Bitch,” When you hear his voice echoing through the room, you can’t help but sigh. You stopped for a moment before shaking your head to continue what you are doing. You really don’t want to give Billy Hargrove a time of day. “You’re not going to acknowledge me?”

You remained silent but you did move out of your chair and around the table. Subtly putting distance between the two of you and so that you will be able to see him.

“Seriously, silent treatment? I never thought you could shut that mouth of yours,” Billy snarled and that made you look up at him with an exhausted expression.

“What do you want, Hargrove?” You asked him as you laid your hands over the table. Billy walked— no more like stalked towards you as he slammed his hands against the table. You jumped as you took a step back from him. Seeing your reaction, Billy’s face lit up as he smirked at you.

“I told you I’ll deal with you and your cousin later. This is me wanting my due,” He told you and that made you clench your fist. Forcing yourself to calm down.

“What are you going to do? Beat me up?” You asked him as you tried to move slowly around the table enough for you to dash past him and out of the room. Thank God you are wearing your jeans and sneakers. You would just get your leather jacket and helmet tomorrow. Right now, you need to escape Billy Hargrove.

Billy looks like he isn’t getting your plan though his eyes raked over your body very slowly making you shudder in disgust. That look is so damn familiar. Fuck. No flashbacks please. Not fucking now.

“I have other ways to ask for payment,” He said as he turned to look over at you again before he landed back on your eyes. “I think we just need to fuck out our differences. You know,” He offered and that made you laugh at him. Making sure that the mocking is there.

“Fuck it out? You are a cocky asshole. Do you think that my hatred for you is what? Sexual tension?” You told him, the mocking tone heavy on your voice as you moved slowly around until you stood still. Two chairs are between the both of you and you just need to find the right timing to run. “Well, you have to wake up Hargrove. Not every girl wants you and not every girl wants to be in your pants. Besides, you wouldn’t be able to handle me,”

Billy snorted at that. “I cannot handle you? I remember, I handled you just fine back at that house. You tiny little thing,” He looked over at you. His eyes darkened a bit. “I could easily pin you down and do anything I want.”

You shuddered at the image and twisted your face in disgust.

“You are all bark but no bite, Billy. Now it just makes me think that you're overcompensating on something that isn’t there at all huh?” You told him as you readied yourself to run as you finally were able to release the fuel you accumulated about him through the months. “What do the housewives you seduced say? Did they come back for more or are they just as disappointed as Mrs. Whedon?”

Then you ran. “You little bitch— come here!”

You tried to out run him but you are no match to a nearly six footer basketball player. You are no athlete and you never really qualify for track. Your gait is also short because of your height but you hoped that the surprise is enough advantage.

You're so wrong.

You were merely out of the room before you felt a hand on your arm and the next thing you know you are slammed against the wall. You will yourself to focus on the adrenaline and the flashes of memories trying to seep in. You fought Billy back. Using the strength you had for years of riding a bike that is heavier than you and wielding wooden swords at the Dojo back at the Shit Show.

“You fucking bitch, let’s see if you are going to be fucking disappointed.” he said as he pinned you down and the next thing you know lips are on you. You are no virgin and you already had a lot of encounters with guys but usually it was on your own terms. This is not it and the moment that Billy’s lips touch yours. The image shifted again and this time you are back at the floor of that apartment. Bleeding and struggling as you find the way to topple the guy off you.

He was already halfway through your blouse. The knife he was using was sharp as you felt it knick you a couple of times but you remained to struggle. Despite the sharpness of it and the fear of being slashed. Your will to escape is greater.

“Please stop! Let me go! I don’t know anything at all!”

The man laughed as he continued to cut through your blouse. He is on the last three buttons that lay across your stomach.

“Look at you! So pretty!” He exclaimed as he stopped and examined you. He ran his knife on your stomach, the blunt side before he leaned down. You looked at the side as tears fell from your eyes. Your hands are pinned down by the other man as he laughed at the scene.

“We will surely enjoy this! If you won’t talk maybe we can use your mouth for something else,”

Then you felt him move a bit down and felt his crotch touch your knee. You felt his knife going through the last three buttons.

“You are ours to—”

The image was abruptly changed as you felt arms enveloping you from behind. Familiar leather clad ones as you were rocked back and forth. Your name murmured to your ear as your cries died. Your vision blurry because of the tears but eventually cleared as your cries quiet out.

“That’s it sweetheart. Come back to me baby. I got you, you're safe.” Eddie mumbled as he continued to rock you back and forth. You blinked trying to gather yourself as you willed the images to disappear. You leaned your head against Eddie who stopped his rocking momentarily and leaned against you too.

“You’re okay sweetheart. Are you back to me now?” Eddie asked as you slowly nodded. “Okay, now I need you to breathe with me– that’s good– in and out. Just like that. Breathe with me.”

You didn’t notice you were struggling with your breath but as soon as he said it. You gasped and desperately tried to follow Eddie’s breathing. Though you heard a sound of struggling and turned just in time to see Steve picking up an object and slammed it against Billy’s face. Rendering him unconscious though you didn’t manage to see more as Eddie moved until you were facing him. His eyes trained on you.

“Eyes on me only. I need you to breathe with me again. In and out,” Finally it latched on as you followed every inhale and exhale. You didn’t know how long you and him sat there just breathing until you felt exhaustion taking over you as you slumped inside Eddie’s arms. Though you tried to fight it, everything is just heavy on you.

“I’m calling Hopper,” an unfamiliar voice said. A voice that is not Steve’s or Eddie’s since you have ingrained their voices. “I would like to take her out of the scene but if this is assault–”

“She needs to be here,” this time you knew it was Steve’s voice that said that. “Fuck, we should let her rest though. You can give her to me Eddie, I’ll take her—”

As soon as you heard that, your body instinctively borrowed itself to Eddie and the next thing you know you are whining no as you turned in his arms. You wrapped your arms around him and locked yourself against him.

“I got her, just got some blankets. We need to lay her down in something warm and soft,”

“I’ll get that,” another unfamiliar voice said before you heard shuffling feet. You tried to open your eyes, which you didn’t know you closed but it just won’t cooperate.

“Hey, you don’t need to stay awake,” It was Steve who spoke again. He had grown closer to you as you felt a hand running through your hair. While another is running against your back. “You can rest. We got you now Squirt,”

You didn’t know that was the words you needed to hear as the heaviness became ten fold and you felt safe. Then everything went black.

The next time you wake up, you are inside an office and laid down on a sofa. It was night and the reason you have woken up is the raised voices you hear.

“Please! Don’t call my dad. I beg you–” That sounded like Billy.

“Now you come begging? You fucking assaulted my cousin you fucking asshole!” It was Steve who shouted. You heard some shuffling and muffled voices. You urged yourself

“It wasn’t intentional. I got too angry. She-she– provoked—”

“Don’t you fucking say it!” A voice so shrill made you finally sit up. You knew it was Eddie who spoke up this time. You looked around trying to find them. “Don’t you dare say she fucking provoke you hargrove. She hated your fucking guts!”

“Okay now- you boys chill it out,” It was Hopper who finally spoke up. You carefully stood up as you still feel like your limbs have weights on them. Your eyes looked around until it landed over a window. There you see Steve, Eddie, Hopper and Billy. Though what surprised you was Jonathan and Nancy standing on the side. Nancy glaring at Billy while Jonathan just looked at him in disdain.

Hopper was actually standing with his back on you while the others were actually facing you. You guessed that Hopper is obscuring their view of you. You will yourself to move, wanting to hear the conversation.

“Now you listen here shithead,” Hopper said as you saw him leaned forward as he got up to Billy’s face. “You can deny having your way with the girl but the bruises on her arms can be evidence enough for assault.”

You were already standing at that point and no one even noticed your movement as you watched and listened. Though at the mention of the bruises you looked and nearly gasped as the hand shaped bruises.

“She fucking asked for it,” Billy hissed and you can’t help but watch in shock as Steve and Eddie went for him. Hopper had Steve while Jonathan went for Eddie. Though Eddie being the closest managed to land a punch on him, careening Billy a bit off his seat.

“Let me the fuck go!”

“Let me punch him Jim!”

Both of them shouted. Billy, who was recovering from Eddie’s punch, wiped the corner of his mouth as he glared at them all.

“It doesn’t help if you fucking go at him–”

“That bitch freak saw it coming. The way she fucking provoked me all the damn time,” Billy continue to speak.

“I suggest you fucking shut up—”

“She fucking deserved that when she can’t keep her mouth—” Slam! You jumped as Billy got his head slammed against the table and then again for good measure. The four men stood shocked that same as you as you saw Nancy holding on to Billy’s hair. She did it again making Billy groan not caring that his nose had started to bleed.

“Nobody deserved that asshole,” Nancy seethed as she glared at him. Billy looks at her as his nose continues to bleed. “I know your life is fucked up but you don’t have the fucking right to fuck others,”

Nancy then finally looked up through the window. Her eyes widened. She called out your name and they finally looked at you. You stood there shaking. Eddie immediately moved and the next thing you know he is right in front of you taking your face in his hands gently. You looked up at him and met his eyes full of concern.

“Hey,” He greeted as you reached out and wrapped each of your hands on each of his wrists.

“What happened?” You asked as you looked over at him. He sighed before he carefully moved his hands so that he could wrap his arms around you. You willingly got to him. The movement was natural just like that night. You are drawn to him. You settled your head against his chest.

“You don’t remember anything?” He asked quietly.

“Bits and pieces,” you gave and Eddie sighed. You heard someone stepped inside the office too and you leaned back to look to see Steve standing there. He was sporting an unreadable expression for a moment before it settled with concern as he looked at you.

“Hey squirt,” he said and you gingerly let go of Eddie who let you as you rushed towards Steve. He readily opened his arms as you slammed against him. His arms automatically wrapped around you as he buried his head against your head. “You scared me there a little,” He murmured alongside your name.

You don’t know how long you had each wrapped up but the both of you are interrupted when Hopper came into the office with Nancy and Jonathan behin. You let go of Steve and as soon as you made contact with Nancy. You gave him a small smile which she returned.

“Okay kid, why don’t we all sit down,” Hopper said as he motioned for the sofa and the empty seats in his office. Steve let you go and guided you towards the sofa. Eddie sat beside you while Steve took the other side. Your hands automatically reached out for them. Though you opted to lean your head against Eddie’s shoulder which Steve didn’t mind since he has one of your hands in his.

Hopper shuffled some papers around before he pulled out one before taking up his pen, “I know you just woke up but I need your statement,”

You looked at him for a moment before you nodded.

“Okay, can you tell us what happened?” Hopper asked. You tightened your grip on Eddie and Steve trying to remember what happened before you had another flashback.

“Ummm, I was in the room trying to finish up the decoration for the upcoming Snowball. I volunteered because I wanted my next Wednesday free,” You quietly told them. You felt Eddie’s thumb start to draw circles over the back of the hand he is holding. You leaned further towards him but still not letting go of Steve.

“I thought I was alone but Billy showed up. Talking about paying back whatever the hell it is,” You shakily took a deep breath as you looked down not wanting to look at anyone by the next bit of your story. “I-I did provoke him but only to fluster him so that I could run out of there. I already have my keys to my bike. I just need to outrun him,”

“But he caught up to me. I was ready to fight him off but he caught up to me. The next thing I know, he had me backed up the wall and–and—” You stuttered as your mind went blank.

“H-he kissed– oh god,” You can’t help but say as you closed your eyes. “He kissed me and that is all I can remember,” you told them. Not wanting to tell anyone that you slipped into yet another panic attack, or they already knew that you guessed. They would have witnessed it when they caught you there. You just don’t want to voice it out hoping you wouldn’t receive any more questions about it.

Everybody was silent after that except the scratching of Hopper’s pen. You can’t help but burrow deeper into Eddie, seeking the safety he provides. Not that Steve doesn’t give that but you craved Eddie’s presence. Not being able to be with him properly during the weeks since the night about the secrets of Hawkins. You let go of Steve’s hand and fully leaned against Eddie. Eddie immediately lifted his arm to let your head rest against his chest while his other hand caressed your arms. You saw Steve looked over at the two of you with narrowed eyes before he just looked towards the chief of police as he spoke again directly to the other four.

“Now, you four tell me how you found them? What are you doing at school?”

“Me and Jonathan are there to check up on her. The committee members said they left her there. We were about to go there and help her when we met these two outside, arguing,” Nancy explained as she pointed towards Eddie and Steve.

That made you look at them two. They had a sheepish expression on their faces. Hopper just looked at them before he spoke again.

“Why are you two arguing outside the school?” He asked as Steve and Eddie looked at each other.

“I was there to check on her,” Eddie mumbled. “I knew she was doing that for detention and we have our daily outings during Wednesdays,” He offered. You looked over at him as Eddie looked down at you. “I missed you, so I brought some food for us. Hoping you are still there,”

You can’t help but wrap your arms tighter around Eddie.

“I was there to also check on her. After everything that happened, I got a bit paranoid being alone inside the house,” Steve explained his presence. “Me and Eddie kind of got into a bit of an argument.”

Hopper narrowed his eyes and he scanned the demeanor of the three of you. He has his own conclusion.

“I assume it's about the relationship between Munson and her,” Hopper said as he looked down at the paper on his hand and scribbled it down.

“Yes,” Steve and Eddie answered in unison. You however looked between the two of them.

“Do we have a relationship?” You can’t help but ask as you look over at Eddie. Whose eyes softened as he looked at you. He reached out to cup your cheek with his hand.

“If you’ll have me, sweetheart,” Eddie mumbled, you looked at him for a moment before you nodded as you leaned back against him. Steve just looked at the exchange horrified.

“We still have to talk after,” you mumbled against his chest as Eddie smiled widely as he wrapped you back in his arms again.

“It's a date,” he just said. You didn’t know what he did but Steve grunted at that.

“We are getting out of topic here. How did you guys find them?” Hopper said as he looked over at you.

“We heard a loud noise coming from inside.” Nancy explained. “Steve and Eddie immediately went inside running. Me and Jonathan right behind them. We thought its something about the upside down.”

“As we grew closer, we heard Billy and then,” Nancy looked over at you as you looked over at her before she mumbled your name. “Then, she was screaming. Steve was the first one to reach the room.”

Steve whose fist clenched at the memory of you. You were sure of that and that made you detangle yourself off Eddie to comfort your cousin. Who opened up his arms for you as he held you this time.

“What did you see Steve?” Hopper asked.

Steve tightened his hold of you before he started speaking. “Billy was on top of her, kissing her and she was just thrashing around. When I saw that I just saw red and threw him off her.”

Everybody was quiet as Steve gathered himself. “I was angry and mortified because even after I took Billy off her she kept thrashing around. As if she is still fighting someone off,” Steve then looked down at you. You looked away not daring to look back because you just knew you would crumble.

“Then I came in,” Eddie said. “I already recognize that she is having another panic attack–”

“Another?” Steve asked but Eddie just shook his head pleading him not to speak. You felt Steve pull you closer with that.

“Instead of helping Steve, I went to her. Wrapped her in a hold and tried to coax her back. She already had bruised arms at that time.”

“Then me and Jonathan saw the scene, just in time for Steve to knock Billy out and for her cries to die down,” Nancy said.

Hopper nodded as he finally put down all their statements. Then he stood up towards a drawer and pulled out a camera. He gave it to Jonathan.

“We need pictures to file on a case—”

“Is he going to jail?” you spoke up suddenly as Hopper looked at you while Jonathan took it.

“I’ll detain him for now but I will be filing a case in Juvenile court. He’s still 17,” Hopper said as he looked at where Billy is nursing his bleeding nose and bruised face. “But I’ll be calling his parents and Steve’s to discuss the situation—”

“I don’t want to file a case,” You interjected . Steve and Eddie protested at that.

“No way, Squirt. We are filing that case.”

“You can’t just let him go like that?!”

“Detain, make him do community service. I don’t want him to end up in jail,” You told them as you looked around the people in the room.

“Why, sweetheart? He triggered your panic attack again” Eddie said as you looked at him.

“I know, but he can learn his lesson in a different way,” You told them. The image of Max came into your mind now that you are starting to think a bit more clearly. “I provoked him in that room. He was offering me sex and I threw something at him that engraged him. I knew Billy was ticking time bomb of anger.”

You glanced towards the window to look at him but he was already looking at you. Steve and Eddie noticed that and tried to shield you away but you refused. Despite the horrible flashbacks he forced on you. You knew Max and the situation of her house. How despite Billy being an asshole and totally misguided. He was the only thing that became a buffer for Niel and that is something that should be dealt with.

“I’ll probably regret this later but he deserves the help he needs,” You told them as Billy finally looked away from you. You turned to them. “And I just want this night to be over. I just want to rest,”

Hopper, who was quiet, nodded. “I still need to file this and have a case kid,” he told you and you nodded. “But I’ll see what I can do to not send him completely to Jail. I should contact—”

“No,” you stopped him as you looked at Steve. “I don’t want Uncle Harold to know about this not now please,”

Steve looks like he wants to argue but he just sighed in defeat and nodded. “Your choice kid, you’re already 18 right?” You nodded at that. “Okay, I'll detain you and it's best to have Jonathan go with your bruises then you guys can go.”

Jonathan gingerly stood up and walked over to you. “This will be quick,” he murmured quietly. You nodded as you lifted your arm. It trembled a bit and it was heavier than usual but held it up as still as you could. Jonathan took a few photos before he lowered it down.

“You have a bruise on your face too,” He murmured and you just nodded. Closing your eyes as he took another set. “Anywhere else?”

You felt your body and winced when you tried to move your back. “I-I think my back has some,” you murmured.

“Ummm, are you okay to lift—”

Without thinking about anything else, you lifted your shirt up. Everybody scrambled suddenly at your movement. Steve and Eddie stood side by side and turned around while Nancy hurriedly shut the blinds off. Hopper stepped outside, probably taking Billy’s side of the story. Jonathan was looking away.

You removed and turned your back to Jonathan, leaving you in your modest bra. You didn’t even register what you were doing. You just want it to be over and done with. In that moment, you forgot what you were trying to hide for everyone.

“You can take a picture, it's okay.” You told Jonathan as you clutched on the back of the sofa. You don’t know who gasped loud, you never knew who it was. You were too tired and worn to think about it as you heard Jonathan click the camera.

“D-do you have something on your front—” You turned a bit, though when the room became incredibly quiet. You suddenly opened your eyes and gasped. Your hand instinctively covers your stomach. You looked and saw that Eddie and Steve were frozen on the spot. Their eyes wide as it's trained on your now covered stomach.

Jonathan, who probably saw it too, has his eyes trained on Nancy while the girl has her hands covering her mouth.

Shit. They saw the scars.

Steve called out your name and slowly you opened your eyes to stare at him. “Where did you get those scars?” He asked.

“S-steve,”

“Where did you get it?” He asked, his eyes glossing over as he looked at you. “I-Is that what happened back in—” He stopped his eyes darkening. He made the same face when you talked about not running away in the forest but this time it was accompanied by anger. Fuck.

Steve called your name, your complete name and that made you start to shake. Your tremble probably prompted Eddie to finally move. He carefully moved towards you. His eyes were full of concern.

“Sweetheart,” He mumbled as he grew closer. Your vision started to blur as tears flooded your eyes.

This isn’t happening. This is not how you want them to know about this. You don’t like the way this is fucking unfolding. Fuck. Fuck.

“I-I’m sorry,” You forced out as you shook your head and looked at Steve.

“P-please d-don’t tell me Uncle Nate– FUCK!” Steve exclaimed as he clutched on his head. “Is this the reason why your move to Hawkins got delayed? Is this the reason why you won’t tell me anything about Utah?”

You just continue to shake your head and cry. Eddie finally reached you and once his arms went around you. You flinched and backed away. Eddie jumped and a flash of hurt came across his face before it was gone.

“S-Steve please, n-not now. N-not today–”

“What happened?! What are you not telling me?”

“Steve! I don’t think this is the best time to berate your cousin,” Eddie finally spoke as he glared at the guy.

“B-but”

“I’ll tell you when I can” You spoke out as you looked at Steve. “I-I just want to rest for now. Please?” You pleadingly look at him.

Steve closed his eyes as he ran a hand through his face. “I’m sorry.” He quietly said before he looked over at you.” Y-yeah, I’m sorry. I-I just need–” He suddenly walked out of there and you finally broke down crying.

Eddie moved to take you in his arms and this time you let him as you buried your face against his neck. You didn’t know how long you were there in his arms until you felt him move you to get your shirt back to your body. Then he made you wear his leather jacket, leaving him on his hellfire shirt. You slipped your arms through the jacket and it was too big on you. The sleeves went over your hands but that’s okay. You inhaled his scent and for the second time that night. Your body felt heavy and without another thought in your head. You welcomed the darkness this time.

Hopper made sure that what happened with Billy and you remained under wraps. Billy’s parents were informed that he got into a fight and managed to hurt you a bit. Luckily Steve has bruises to show that he did try to defend you. Uncle Harold was beyond pissed when he learned of the fight.

Though you placate him, telling him that you are fine. You are not. That Hopper would be taking care of it. Fortunately, despite Uncle Harold’s insistence of handling what happened. He was only able to come home for one day before flying out again. A business trip he cannot miss but he made sure that Steve and you are stocked until Christmas and until they manage to come home.

After that night of incident, you and Steve are walking on eggshells. You both agreed that it was better for you to recover at least enough to take the exams before the winter break hits.Before the two of you finally talked.

Of course, during this time, Eddie suddenly became yours and Steve’s mediator. You might be too fucked up in talking about the shit show but talking about you and Eddie. That is something you are sure of. There is not much to talk about, nothing will change except that every touch and comfort is something more than friends do.

The two of you haven’t really kissed or gone on a date yet. You can’t seem to enjoy it knowing that the talk with Steve is looming for the both of you. Also, Eddie wants to know what really happened to you as he witnessed two of your panic attacks and two of them he helped bring you back.

He became your rock. He didn’t ask questions for the whole duration that he was with you when you recovered. He was just there, offering his warmth and affection to you.

Though you knew, the inevitable will come and you are absolutely terrified.

Terrified that when you tell them what happened back there might change their view of you. They might realized that despite the strong facade you're fronting, you are more fucked up than they realize. What if they didn’t want anything to do with you? What if Steve would always look at you out of pity? What if Eddie decided that he doesn’t need another fucked up thing in his life?

That rolled around your head for days as you waited for the impending talk. You never voiced it out. Out of fear that it would come true. Then without even doing that, the day came.

It came two days before Christmas. The case against Billy came to head as it was quickly processed in the city hall as Hopper knew the mayor personally. They wanted a sentence before Christmas came. He was sentenced to an anger management course right at Hawkins General while doing a total of 78 days of community service starting a month before the school ends. He is also going to be under probation and at all means should stay away from you until further notice.

It was Steve who delivered the news once it was over. Uncle Harold had cuddled you up while Aunt Miriam tried to console you. Though, the two of them need to leave again for another business trip. Bringing another slightly sad news that you will be spending your first Christmas in Hawkins without them.

Though it was a good thing that you and Steve are left alone. You wouldn’t want them to hear what you are about to tell Steve. You also decided it was best to have Eddie there. He deserves to hear too after witnessing two of your breakdowns.

So there you were with Eddie by your side, his arms bringing you the support you needed. Steve was sitting there looking everywhere but you as silence enveloped the living room. You didn’t know how to start and sure as hell knew that you wouldn’t be able to tell everything without any liquid courage.

“Why do we pull out Uncle’s hidden whiskey, yeah?” You spoke, breaking the silence. Steve finally looked over at you with a raised brow.

“I thought you hate fancy drinks like that?” Steve mused as he moved, getting it anyway as he knew he needed something to do.

You nodded. “Still hate it but I think we all three need something stronger,” you told him and he nodded. He excused himself towards his dad’s office leaving you and Eddie. You picked on your nails as you waited anxiously. Eddie must have noticed because the next thing you know. A big hand enveloped almost both of yours. Stilling your hands on doing further damage while the other wrapped itself around your shoulders.

You felt his lips land on your temple and stayed there as you closed your eyes and leaned to him.

“You got this,” Eddie mumbled against your temple as you nodded. “Steve, he might be a bit dramatic–”

“Oh, I know that,” you can’t help but say and that made Eddie chuckle.

“But he is a decent guy. He might be a jerk and asshole most of the time but he’s your cousin. He’s family. Whatever you say to him, it will be okay,” Eddie mumbled. You nodded but then you pulled away as you looked back at him.

“What about you?” You can’t help but ask. You hesitated as you looked at him. “What you will hear today, you might not want anything to do with me after,” You finally voice out the fear that nagged your head and made you terrified. Though the moment it went out of your mouth, Eddie looked back at you with pure adoration. Something you didn’t expect from him, not after what you said.

“Nothing can make me go away from you. Okay?” Eddie reverently told you as he reached out to hold your head with both of his hands. His brown doe eyes stared straight at yours as he spoke again. This time, quietly. “Whatever you say, it won’t change the fact that I am completely taken by you sweetheart. Hell, I even stayed by your side trying to be a hero when I’m not even close to it.”

You can’t help but hold on to his hand as he spoke. “Whatever it is, I will be right by your side when you face it. Okay?”

You nodded as he leaned down and placed a kiss on your forehead. The two of you pulled away from each other just in time for Steve to enter the living room with three glasses and the bottle of whiskey. You looked at him to see an unreadable expression on his face but once he looked at you. His gaze softened.

“Here,” He said as he poured you some. You took it, not waiting for the other to have their drinks. You downed it one go, relishing the burn as you winced. Then you can’t help but stare at the glass as you wait for the other two to settle down.

“Hey,” Steve called out your name. You looked back up at him as he looked at you still with a softened gaze. “Whenever you ready,”

You took a deep breath before you looked over at Eddie who just finished taking a sip on his glass. He nodded in his head at your encouragement. With one final nod, you looked over at Steve.

“Whatever you know about my father through Uncle Harold is complete utter bullshit,” You started and bit your lip as you continued. “Papa didn’t die because of a poisoning in the labs he worked at—” you trailed off as you looked over at Eddie and then Steve before delivering what could possibly open the floodgates of memory.

“He was murdered.”

To be continued.

#eddie munson #eddie munson x reader #eddie munson x you #eddie munson x female reader #eddie munson x fem!reader #steve harrington #billy hargrove #nancy wheeler #SOHON #alltheficsiwant #stranger things fan fiction #stranger things fan fic #harrington!reader #stranger things #ilovemyrockstar

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mini-melo · 4 years ago

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right, because i just want to write down my headcanons man, and @petrichormeraki reblogged my last post with an ouch in the tags and i'm very willing to make it hurt a little more.

also it is literally 2 am, my new bed is too hard to sleep on, and i'm still sleepy as shit, so this is in no way a quality post.

---

Nobody "found" Tommy, exactly. Things started going missing in small quantities, objects moved randomly, and there were remnants of a basement that Grian never built in his old hobbit hole.

When the pranks started, and the obnoxious laughter followed it, the hermits weren't surprised so much as they were relieved that they weren't going crazy. They still don't know who it is, but as long as they aren't just imagining things, they're fine.

Eventually, Tommy just... shows up.

Grian sees blond hair in his hobbit hole every once in a while, and it's much too tall to be Zedaph, so he investigates his old base. When he sees a lanky guy who's very much not Zed preparing what looks to be a chicken canon, Grian turns around and pretends he didn't see anything. He laughs when he wakes up the next day with said canon in the middle of his base, shooting chickens all around him.

Scar sees red dart into some shops now and then. He thought it was Grian, pranking hermits again, so he follows the red streak running around and finds a tall—boy? man? —guy rummaging around the chests in The Barge. It doesn't take long for Scar to realize this is the guy that's been taking from the shops. He was about to confront the mystery man when he realizes that the guy in red leaves something else in the chest, and it may not have been diamonds, but Scar knows enough about scuffed appearances to know this guy doesn't really have a home. Doesn't really have anything.

Mumbo catches glimpses of a tall figure hovering around the edges of his industrial district. He thought it was Xisuma, with the height and all, so he leaves it be until he finally sees the figure in full view, blond hair blowing in the wind as he just stares at the melon and pumpkin farm. The next day, Mumbo doesn't acknowledge him except for a shulker box full of melon and pumpkins in the exact same spot. When he finds it again, the box is empty except for some redstone and a note. "I wanted to try it but I don't know how, so here's your redstone back."

Tango changes his door's button to a lever, and he keeps hearing it open and close. He thinks it's Mumbo checking the redstone, or Grian pranking him again, so he goes down only to find a blond boy (not like he realizes until much, much later that this is a child) flicking his lever repeatedly, a relaxed air about him and a small grin on his lips. Tango leaves him be, and the next day puts the button back. He leaves levers, unconnected to anything, around his base, and smiles when hears delighted laughter followed by the flicking of a lever.

Beef makes new maps only to find cobblestone dicks already made in some parts of his map district. He thinks it's probably another Grian prank and just destroys them. Suddenly, he makes a map clear of anything and he starts flying there. The next moment, he looks at the map and there's a grey line in the middle. Beef encounters a tall blond (he looks young but so does Grian so he doesn't think about it) happily building a cobblestone dick when he gets there, and he can't help but feel a little guilty at the thought of having to tear it down. He leaves it up, makes another map to build on, and hangs the map with the cobblestone dick in Grian's old hobbit hole, where the mystery guy is supposedly staying. The next time Beef visits the map district, the area above the cobblestone dick is full of wool, obstructing it from the map and making it free for more wallapaper.

It all comes to a head when Xisuma checks the whitelist after one-too-many incidents and finds a glitched out name.

T̷̢̧̰͙̜̩̺̜̤̰̣̖̣̙͋̊̅̽̆̚͘͠ọ̷̗̮̯̺̪̤̬͖̗̌̌̍̀͗̒͗̚͘͠ͅm̸̡͓͎̦̠̲̫̯̓͒̍̔̍̌͗̐͆͊̀̅̀̔͘ḿ̶̛̫̯͖̰̤̗͋̃̄̓̆̓̇͛̍̅̏͝ÿ̵͙̙̯͙̈́I̷̲̫̞̠̮̒̂̒͘̚̕͝n̸̡̳̮̲̝̮͍̦̑͗̑̄͌͛͌̋̀̇͆͠n̴̖̄̓̋̀i̴͚̘͂͆̿̕͝ţ̵̞̪̬̯̠̮͈̬̮̼͈̠̥́͊͐̀̊̐̆̂͑͋̎́

He looks at the code and realizes that wherever this TommyInnit came from, it doesn't have a very good admin if this is what his internal code looks like. Xisuma tries to fix it, and succeeds. For the most part. The only thing he couldn't seem to touch was a line of code so glitched out that he couldn't read it at all.

After that, Tommy is seen a lot more. Everyone has just accepted this random guy that Xisuma hasn't kicked yet and collectively decides to let him be. He seems to be paying for his stuff now, although not with diamonds, but he's still trying.

Tommy, for his part, comes onto a peaceful server full of big buildings and redstone contraptions. He wants to destroy shit, destroy everything beautiful, but then he remembers Wilbur blowing up L'manberg, and Techno summong withers in L'manberg, and Dream blowing up Logstedshire, and Tommy can't bring himself to destroy the hard work of these so-called hermits. Instead, he watches and observes and steals just enough to survive. He sees Grian's pranks and just emulates the gremlin, and his very first prank was so harmless and subtle that people didn't notice until they hit their own furniture. Who knew moving stuff two inches to the right would be a great prank?

Somehow, Tommy becomes part of the hermits without even trying. He emulates Grian even more and makes a small starter base of his own. Mumbo leaves him some redstone in shulker boxes and he makes his own farms, and eventually he starts his own big base. It takes him so long, so many tears, so many tests, and so much energy, but when he's finally finished, about a year into his stay, the hermits throw him a party in the big dining area of his cobblestone textured castle.

And if the castle was vaguely dick shaped? Nobody needs to know it was intentional.

---

it isn't even that angsty, which is surprising.

anyway, i have so many thoughts about this and i might expand on some things eventually. maybe later today, or tomorrow. definitely when i've slept for more than 2 hours.

#mcyt #hc x dsmp #hermit!tommy au #god i'm so fucking sleepy #but this bed makes me want to burn everything #have this very very rough fic #about how tommy ended up in hermitcraft #melowrites

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oneoftheprettynerds · 4 years ago

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Welcome To The Darkside: Dark!Steve x Reader (Mob AU)

Chapter 1 in the Lipstick and Crayons Series

A/N: I just posted a story I know but I’m in love with this idea right now and this is my favourite fic right now. It’s going to be a three or four part fic I think and your support in any form: like, comment or reblog is appreciated greatly. Here is a piece of my heart right here.

Warning: Eventual Non-Con, Sickening Threats, Mob Themes, Violence, Death, Manipulation, sort of Blood Kink I think, Cheap Tricks later.

Genres + Characters: Mob AU, Single Parents AU, Steve Rogers x Reader.

Summary: Steve can't ever repay you for what you did. After meeting you, Steve believes his broken family is the missing piece in the puzzle of your own wrecked one. Indebting the crime lord to you has been the biggest mistake of your life, cause now you can't get rid of him, no matter what. Loyalty and favours go a long way in the mob.

Chapter 1 : Welcome to The Darkside

The gunshots around you frightened you more than anything in your life ever had. The merry, joyful ambience of the carnival was ruined in an instant. Screams around you provoked your panic-stricken form to gather your wits and run or hide. It wasn’t just you caught up in this dreadful situation, there was also someone you’d protect at any cost.

Picking your daughter up and setting her on your hip, you looked around for the way out. Who would have thought that open grounds were hard to get out of? Another wave of terror ran through you when the gunshots audibly neared and the crowd ran in random directions.

You decided to go along the way you recognised the games and shops at. You ran as fast as you could, checking on Grace in between to find her looking curiously all around but still more intent on eating her cotton candy than inspecting. You couldn’t be more thankful for kids' oblivion than at that moment in time.

A bomb explosion up ahead in your path made you halt in your tracks because you knew some of the attackers were scouting there. Turning back wasn’t an option, neither was crying and you were sure you closer to the exit this way. Another blast behind you took away the option of you retracing your path. You weren’t considering it but it gave you little comfort to have your options open.

As the shrieks and screeches grew tenfold, your best bet was to hide, the assaulters had already surrounded the field, the chaos around you informed you. Jumping through innumerable dead bodies, of kids and adults that ached your heart, and dodging bullets while laying low, you went inside a photo booth to hide.

This will not be in vain; you’d protect Grace no matter what.

The curtain to the photo booth provided cover from predatory eyes while the rest of the metal booth was quite safe against bullets you concluded hopefully.

You were just looking for a weapon to prepare for any adversity that might come your way, when the sound of crunching of pebbles made their way to your ears.

Failing to find a weapon in few seconds you opted to attack the intruder yourself when a voice reached your ears, “Mama?”

You puzzled your eyebrows and lowered your defences by just a bit when a toddler stumbled inside the booth, blonde haired and blue eyed. You were definitely not this girl’s mama but you grabbed the kid’s forearm and pulled her inside, shushing her gently and seating her beside Grace on the sitting bench inside. You were thankful Grace entertained her by offering her the pink cloud of sweetness.

You peeked outside but failed to find anyone else in 20 metre radii of you, nobody resembling the wandering kid nor looking for one. You did not know what you would do with another kid in your hands in this dire situation nor was it a wise decision to bring her inside and take her under your wing but you did not have it in you to leave an unsuspecting child, a mere four or three-year-old at that, during a calamity so extreme.

Your maternal instincts governed your thought process, imagining Grace to be in her shoes, all alone and discarded while a possible terrorist attack was happening. The kids’ corpses lying outside gave you no doubt that these children’s fate would be the same if found by the attackers.

A small tug in your dress made you look back and you found the azure eyed kid at your feet, offering you the street food you bought earlier while hugging your leg and observing you. Grace munched in the back silently, still happily eating and unaware.

You kneeled and whispered, “What’s your name, honey?” Maybe the girl understood the urgency, maybe she was just mimicking you but even she murmured in a low voice, “Sarah.”

You nodded, “Sweetie, I need you to sit there quietly and make no sounds, okay? We are playing a staying quiet game.” That was a stupid thing to ask of a kid but you hoped, you really, really hoped she would comply.

Her eyes widened in recognition of something as she eagerly asked, still in a hushed mumble, “Like I does for Dada in meekings?”

“Yes, you smart kiddo. Exactly that.” You replied with what you hoped was a convincing smile and ruffled her hair while nudging her towards her former seat. With kids, you knew a little encouragement went a long way to get them to do things. She whispered an ‘okay Mama’ and went about and sat.

You didn’t get to enjoy her obedience as the thud of pebbles crunching met your ears again. Your breath hitched; your intuition told you that this was not another kid confusing you for its parent.

Your eyes found a discarded piece of metal rod from the booth’s wrecked framework. You grabbed and hoped for the best, to save both the kids at your ability’s mercy.

Steve only saw red. The moment the first shot sounded in the air, he knew whom the assailants were, whom they were coming for. Going out tonight was a bad idea, a really reckless one indeed but when his daughter started bawling seeing the carnival’s lights from the car and wanted to get up and close, he couldn’t say no. He really tried to though, he really did.

It hadn’t been even a year since his wife died, but the father-daughter duo was getting by. He knew his wife took his daughter to the carnival and bought her things, toys and teddies, on every birthday of her own. It was a ritual his wife started, spending her birthday with her little offspring during the daylight and going out for a romantic dinner at the end of the day with her dear spouse. If only things could still be that way, could still stay the same.

When his wife turned out to be an elaborate spy all along, he was baffled. His professional side was, dare he say, impressed by the commitment to character but his personal side was beyond disappointed, disheartened in the worst way because his daughter was his most precious asset in this cruel world and that gift was given by such a treacherous person.

She begged and pled for mercy, to let Sarah have her mother and swore on her life that she quit her espionage journey when she actually fell in love but Steve didn’t trust a single syllable out of her filthy, deceiving mouth, not anymore.

He didn’t kill her though, because Sarah was his first priority no matter what. Her assassination was the work of his rival mob, ‘The Vice Kings’ led by the bastard Rumlow. It was an open invitation for war in the city, for them money came first and useless people had to die. They killed two birds with a single stone, git rid of a useless former member and successfully made a statement.

Then began the still happening rivalry between those Vices and his mob, ‘The Avenging Cartel’. The wound from his wife’s assassination was still fresh, he didn’t miss her as much as he had taken the hit to his pride. There had been a peaceful agreement until the brutal maiming of his spouse and now he was working more than ever, barely able to make time for his princess and that was his only regret, missing her childhood.

And now he felt more futile, his palette of emotions ranging from hues of ire to shades of dread. He couldn’t believe his entourage of trained professionals failed to monitor a two-year-old. He had just stepped aside to take a call, leaving her with his latest driver and three bodyguards. How could he be that clueless to not realise the imposters infiltrating his ranks, standing right there and selling away his location?

As soon as the sound of the first firearm shooting reached his ears, he leapt towards his daughter only to find her missing. His little minx thankfully escaped for one of her little adventures and successfully evaded these cheats, whom he shot right in the middle of the eyes when he glanced at the grenades packing in the coats’ undersides.

His moment of gratitude evaporated in mere seconds as he realised that the Vices now surrounded the entire area, their mission being his daughter’s abduction. If they wanted to kill both of them, they would have already, considering Steve’s distraction gave them quite too many openings. They wanted him to surrender, because mobs worked that way; only when one leader signed off his territories did it become the other party’s possession. If they just cut one head, another would grow in its place, a new leader would succeed the predecessor.

He sent emergency signals to both Barnes and Wilson, the only ones he could trust right now, summoning them with back-ups. The screams of the crowd did not ease him at all, piling on his burden and stress as he prayed for the first time ever, that by some miracle he would reach his daughter first in this field and she would safely be in his arms by the end of the night, not become a victim to what his enemies were planning.

He did have a tracker in her pendant but this realisation hit him later than he’d like to admit, the frustration clawing away his wits. The ground was now quite empty, piles of bodies scattered across the field abruptly where people became victims to the grenades, any person who failed to protect themselves, died. As he was pulling his phone out again, his eyes caught sight a flower bead. The same bead he and his daughter used to make a bracelet a month ago. She wore that everywhere, to day-care, while bathing, to birthdays.

The bracelet was obviously broken now but it was almost like a trail that led to his treasure, like in the Hansel and Gretel’s fairy-tale that Sarah loved. He followed with quiet steps, the beads far apart and some resting under the debris but they sure did lead him somewhere, and when he found the even the pendant in his path, he knew he had only the few beads to rely on.

Some thumps and crashes made him alert, his pistol ready, and when he neared carefully to a distorted metal framework of sorts, his eyes widened.

A young woman had a body in front of her lying on the ground. In a pool of scarlet it rested, still and unmoving while her breathing quickened, her eyes shining with tears that she tried too damn hard to confine to her eyes. He knew how hard the first kill always was, but one grows numb with increase in body count.

Brave women were his type and he would have been turned on by her courage, her hands stained red with whatever weapon she attacked with. Her soft facial features and her curves in the dress she wore were a show stopper for sure, and he would’ve been flirting with her if it was not for the brutal severity of the situation, his daughter missing and in possible danger.

His vigilant senses, courtesy of the epinephrin, picked up two things; the butterfly bead that rested in the door of the booth the woman stood at and the creep shadowing her from behind, ready to attack with a baseball bat he might have found in one of the other game shops.

Steve used his position behind the neighbouring booth to make a bull’s eye shot, the bullet going just an inch above the female’s shoulder and going across the creep’s head. The logo on the corpse’s leather jacket showed Steve he picked the right side to defend.

The sheer suddenness of the move caught the woman off guard as she dropped her weapon and twisted back to find the soulless eyes of her possible attacker staring at her. She quickly armed herself with her attacking rod once again and tried to trace the bullet back from its shooter, her eyes wide and calculating.

Steve decided it was time to interrogate, to find Sarah.

The graze of the bullet above your shoulder alarmed you and you stood dumbfounded only for an instant though. You were sure the bullet was meant for you but the thud of a body behind you, seemingly preparing to attack you proved you wrong.

Calming yourself, you still stood on the ball, because someone killing your attacker didn’t necessarily mean you were safe. With just a pull of the trigger, your fate could very easily be the same. You had to play this smart.

“Lower your weapon. I won’t repeat myself.” A husky voice called out, laced with seriousness which left no room for argument.

You did as he said, knowing that shabby rod was no match against the gun. He stepped out from his hiding position and gave away his location, steps slightly treading towards you. Your hands trembled, heart thumping a bit too loud while blood and sweat coated your frame.

When moonlight lightened his face, you saw his blonde luscious locks, slightly overgrown, a neatly trimmed beard darker than his hair and the cerulean blue eyes that were clear as crystal but shadowed with proficiency.

“Good, now did you see a kid around here? Blonde and blue eyes?”

His question didn’t surprise you, the gun barrel trained on you did. The previous man you had killed, that laid dead ahead of you had asked the same question. You did not know why they were after the toddler nor did you have the time to dwell on it. Time was of the essence now and he was expecting an answer.

The fact that he saved an unsuspecting lady was a plus point, but you also had to consider that he was threatening you all the same. But if that was his kid, it was understood, the resemblance between them was uncanny but that wasn’t enough proof. However, as your flickered to the man you killed, you noticed the logo on his jacket was the same as the one on your possible murderer’s jacket. It still wasn’t enough evidence but you had no choice, the man had a gun and you had two kids relying on you. At least he wasn’t on the bombing side.

“Yes, what is she to you?” You tried to be brave but you were sure he saw right through you.

“You don’t ask the questions here but this one I’ll answer. She is my daughter. Now, where is she?”

“How do I know you’re not lying? I can’t just and her over to you!”

“Her name is Sarah; she is my carbon copy. She is wearing a pink dress with white flowers; pink crocs and her hair is in a ponytail with a white scrunchy. She had two white clips in her hair beside the ponytail. Enough proof?”

No, you could be a creepy paedophile for all I know.

You were still contemplating when he spoke again, “She’s my daughter and I know she’s in that booth beside you. I appreciate you trying to protect her I think but she’ll respond to me calling her. Sarah?”

The little toddler poked her head out, her eyes brightening in recognition and you heaved a sigh of relief involuntarily. Your maternal instinct made you anxious for kids you barely even knew. She ran towards her father shouting ‘Dada’ and jumped into his arms while he hid his gun. You almost snorted at that, tons of dead bodies surrounding you and he was worried about the gun?

He propped her up, hugging her tightly, and with what you knew now, he was scared to death and rightfully so.

Grace poked her head out and ran towards you now, hugging you from behind your legs and silently peeking at the mysterious human. You held Grace’s hand now, intertwining your fingers and felt relief after long. Even though there was no knowing that the man would help you two but you gave yourself comfort you weren’t alone here, not anymore.

Sarah turned and met your eyes again and whispered lowly, “Oops Mama, I think the games over! Sowwy!”

Steve’s eyes widened at that and you laughed at her innocence, feeling light. You played along with the kid, “It’s alright.” You didn’t want to play ‘Mommy’ anymore after that thinking it would offend her father but even, he chuckled, his laugh beautiful and boisterous.

Suddenly men dressed in black and armed with weapons ran about, skidding and crossing you to survey the area out. You shielded Grace once again but the father ahead of you didn’t even flinch. Noticing your unease, he came closer and put a hand on you arm, “I’m Steve and don’t worry, these are my men, the good guys.”

You nodded, not agreeing with his idea of good and bad but since you hoped he did acknowledge that he owed you one, you hoped none of these men would attack you. You introduced yourself and he nodded.

With Sarah on his hip, he started following one of his men and you followed along hoping to get to the exit. He even asked to drop you home but you refused, just wanting to get to the parking and put all these guns out of your kid’s sight. He tsked over his shoulder and you knew he would insist again later but for now he listened intently to the man he addressed as Buck.

This Buck eyed you several times, not so discreetly, while Steve renounced the whole incident of some spies and whatnot. You closed your eyes, not wanting to eavesdrop and just wanting to relax but you could do neither right now. They were after Sarah; you had presumed right.

Sarah made grabby hands from over Steve’s shoulder while Grace slept soundly in your arms, maybe jealous of her. She pouted and then slowly began her lower lip began to tremble. A whine escaped her mouth as she started bawling. Steve stopped to shush her but she continued screeching, “I miss Mama!” and tried to get away from Steve and jump into your arms. Buck looked surprised while Steve’s eyes pleaded yours and you nodded and gave Grace to her and took Sarah in your arms, gently shushing her and patting her back. She drooled in the crook of your neck but that was nothing new and quietened down. You didn’t want to give Grace away but you couldn’t see another child so miserable, not when you had one of your own.

Steve and ‘Buck’ observed you, not saying anything so you broke the silence. “I’m sorry she confuses me with her mother, I hope she doesn’t get offended by this.”

“She’s no more.” Steve looked down and you cursed yourself for breaking the silence, make the situation more awkward and unbearable.

“I’m sorry.” Well that was better than joking about how Grace didn’t have a father either.

“Don’t be, she deserved what she got.” Steve mumbled and continued walking with ‘Buck’, lightly patting Grace and kissing her forehead.

The peck should have bothered you but you were too engrossed by his words to eavesdrop further or check on Grace. What did he mean she deserved it? You didn’t even want to think of the probability of him killing her. With all the soldiers that surrounded you, you suddenly realised he was capable of more than you thought and you felt stupid for feeling safe with him when you did. He was a leader of sorts, a person with unimaginable power and you had dived headfirst in the kind of things you should avoid at all costs. Even though you hadn't crossed him or weren't on his bad side, getting involved was a mistake.

You learnt this lesson the hard way soon enough.

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thefairyletters · 4 years ago

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NaruSaku Fanfics

I wouldn't say much – I love NaruSaku and I hate to see great works shadowed behind the piles of popular NS stories that I never have liked as much except for a few, which also I'll drop below in the list.

I'll update this list whenever I come across a story that I particularly enjoy or finds worth spreading word across. So be sure to like and reblog this post so you can revisit it to add new story in your reading pile later.

Also, genres vary and are not mentioned, but does it make any difference as long as the story is good?

Warning: super long post featuring beautiful, beautiful stories that you wouldn't regret reading. I swear. I'm positive. Contains SNS and other side pairings.

Without further ado;

How I fell in love with my best friend: Krapo || ff.net || M || complete

How the little blond boy Sakura had always known had changed, changing as well her feelings. The unfolding of their life, while Naruto worked to become the best Hokage and she faced her own emotions. Growing Love.

(I have nothing but upmost reverence for this story. This author writes one of the nest NS and I have loved all. NS is beautiful and Sakura is badass. Everything we already know is here and more.)

Dangerous infiltration mission: Krapo || ff.net || M || complete

Naruto and Sakura are send by the Hokage for a difficult infiltration mission. They will have to face more than just the danger itself as they will have to keep their cover to be fake husband and wife credible. how it will impact the relationship between the two ninja. Growing Love. Misunderstanding.

(If you loved the aforementioned story, you'll love this one too. Mutual pining.)

All over again: Krapo || ff.net || M || post-war || complete

Sasuke come back, Team seven is reunited. But Sakura has lost Naruto. How will she make him fall in love with her again? What other difficulties lies ahead of them?

(Naruto loses memory. SasuSaku angst but not in romantic sense and I loved it all. Misunderstanding and more mutual pining. And I'm in love with this story too.)

Hit the floor running: Sakurablossom009 || A03 || M (but unnecessary) || Modern Hitman/Robbers AU || complete

Life was going great, Sakura thought. She was penniless, stranded in Europe without a way home, her fiancee had just dumped her for another woman AND her new companion was quite possibly a thief. How could things get any worse? Wait...was that guy pointing a gun at her?

(Now, personally, I don't prefer modern AU, but this story really had interesting characterisation and more character depth. NaruSaku is pretty spot on. It also features SasuHina and bamf!Hinata)

The greatest pretenders: snowyseas || ff.net || M || Borutoverse || ongoing

Fifteen years is a long time to not talk to someone you consider your best friend, and is made even more difficult when they (and you) are married. The things Sakura should have confronted Naruto about never came to fruition, but as an old saying goes, "the truth will always be revealed".

(Your typical I-made-a-wrong-choice-but-now-can-be-done story but unlike many other stories in this they don't admit their love for each chapter at the first chapter itself. In fact, it feels so canon and you can almost superimpose it upon the canon. Sakura is mentally strong and knows what's right. )

He was the sun: SavageTrickster || ff.net || T || Canonverse || ongoing

He had come a long way - from a lonely orphan ostracized by everyone to a loved hero. He deserved all these. His Hokage dream to come true. All the ramen he could eat. - Her eyes fell on a certain Hyuuga seated close enough for accidental touches. Her heart sank a little at a harsh whisper of reminder - And a deserving girl...who could give him all her love.

(So far so good. It's ongoing, and is at chapter 3. Sakura leaves Konoha much like how Naruto did, to explore the world aka seeing my headcanon in writing.)

Wilderness: Kanji no Sakka || M || canondivergent || ongoing

As the war screeches to a temporary halt, Naruto leaves the battlefield on a unique mission only he can complete. Sakura is ordered to go with him. In the days that follow their bond is changed forever.

(Although I hate any explicit stories that involve characters below age 17, I give this a pass because of the uniqueness of plot and characterisation. It has fine lemons that comes with a good plot.)

How It Should Have Been: OfPaintAndOil || ff.net || T || canon divergent || oneshot

It wasn't supposed to be this way. Sasuke was supposed to be the dark one, the unredeemable one. Naruto was the bright one, the good one. It wasn't supposed to be like this, with blood on his hands and glowing red eyes and a grin. Naruto was supposed to make everything better, and maybe he did, in the end, but Sakura had never expected the end to look quite like this.

(Featuring Yandere!Naruto. It leaves you wanting for more and is a fascinating read. It's dark themed so proceed with caution as your favorite character might or might not be dead.)

The Best Dates are the Cheap Ones: Shivakashi || ff.net || T || post!Timeskip || Oneshot

The whole point was to get the best date; that meant the richest and classiest guy, right? Sakura realizes what she has taken for granted and Ino learns a lesson in value.

(Sakura learns her lesson and snatches her boy. InoNaru is worth noting. Not the best characterisation of Sakura but bear with her jealousy for that is the reason why NS fluff exists. Story itself is very light and entertaining.)

mangoes and strawberries: ohthelinsanity || ff.net || T || postwar || oneshot

Sakura Haruno was elbow deep in Naruto Uzumaki's guts when he asked her to marry him. It was so not the right time. But she still said yes.

(This story just screams NS upon every single line. Diabetes warning. Too cute for this world. One of the best NS fluff I've read thus far. It kinda sticks to you forever!)

18 minutes, 23 seconds: ohthelinsanity || ff.net || T || postwar || oneshot

in which Naruto asks Sakura about that time she literally reached into his chest and grabbed his heart with her bare hand.

(Heartwarming. We all know how Sakura held Naruto's heart on her palms and how we love that moment. This is memory of that moment reminisced by our cutie pies.)

One Big Uzumaki Family: John Smith || ff.net || T || postwar || Complete

A set of drabbles revolving around Naruto, Sakura, and their children. It turns out that, when the war ends, these two get busy. Real busy.

(IF YOU DON'T READ THIS MASTERPIECE HOW DARE YOU CALL YOURSELF NS FAN?!!! READ!!! This story should be on the top of your reading list.

UNDERRATED AF!

R e a d t h i s s t o r y and cry with me for this should have been canon. 100%)

My Life Would Suck Without You: peanutbutter126 || ff.net || T || oneshot collection

Sometimes it's the smallest things that matter the most.

(Read this and then One big Uzumaki family. You'll feel super satisfied. I promise.)

Colors and Carousels: Folle Sakura || ff.net || T || oneshot

She couldn't count the number of times she'd been mistaken for Naruto's girlfriend. Not that she minded. But Naruto acted like it was so… so… offensive.

(No words for this one. Just read and enjoy the confusion.)

Let's Get Married: luvtoshi || ff.net || M || postwar || complete

It was supposed to be a simple solution to their immediate problems. But maybe they took more than they can chew?

(This is one of my few favorites that is also popular. Spot on characterization and beautiful relationship growth. This is one of the few stories that always stuck to me.)

Chasing Smoke with Bare Hands: soulaire || ff.net || T || oneshot

"I could have loved her," Sasuke says flatly. "If she'd just given me the chance—" "Sakura gave you all the chances in the world," Kakashi cuts in, stern. "You underestimated her. And you underestimated her ability to walk away from you. At the core of it all, that's where things went wrong."

(This story is for those who loves both SS and NS but thinks Sakura deserves happier life than what she got in canon. Features NS and slight SS.)

Touch: ohthelinsanity || ff.net || T || oneshot

Kakashi watches as his student grow to be more physically comfortable with one another. He finds it kinda ridiculous.

(Fluff. Feelings. Kakashi's fed up and might have diabetes from all the observation.)

Moonlight shadows: luvtoshi || ff.net || T || oneshot

Sometimes, the moon brings out hidden feelings to the surface.

(Beautiful literature. NS feels. You can almost mistake it for canon with the way characters are written.)

Seriously Serious: Damsel in Shining Armor || ff.net || T || modern AU || oneshot

He confessed to her when they first met. He confessed to her years after. He confessed to her almost everyday. Her response was almost always positive... So why the heck was he still single? "I love you." "Love you too. So is Sasuke-kun taken or not?"

(The only reason why I even picked this story is that it is a oneshot. I have very little interest in modern AU. But this one makes another exception. Pining. Love at first sight.)

It was always you: luvtoshi || ff.net || M || postwar || complete

The war is long over. They have both grown. Now it's time to conclude their story. Naruto and Sakura.

(You know what, all stories from this author are just, Chef's kiss. )

A Safe Pair of Hands: Kanji no Sakka || ff.net || T || oneshot

Sakura heeds a stern warning to make it clear how she feels about Naruto.

(Feels. You'll love this if you like first person pov. This story told from Sakura's pov.)

Other Dreams: tricksie || ff.net || M || oneshot

"Naruto, you shouldn't endanger yourself—" "Stop it," he snapped. Dropping his arm to hook under her seat, Naruto pulled her firmly onto his hip, locking her to him. Sakura gasped, suddenly aware of just how very close they were.

(Sexual tension. Romance. Leaves you wanting. Also, high on feels and lust on equal measure.)

Heaven Unexpected: Folle || ff.net || M || oneshot

Because nothing can happen; it's Naruto. He always comes back. He's practically indestructible.

(Heavy on feels. There are chances that it might rain. Actually there are high chances. But oh well, it's beautiful and one of my favourites so here it goes.)

Shade of the Leaf: Ravyn || ff.net || T || canon divergent || complete

Sasuke is back. Naruto has joined ANBU. Sakura is spending more time in the hospital than in the field. Team 7 struggles to redefine itself, because sometimes you don't know what you really want after all.

(Featuring Mature but still in-character!Naruto, Badass!Sakura, (Bit)Supportive!Sasuke along with Team 7 friendship. Mutual pining. Ending but with a lot loose ends.)

Breaking Up Isn't that Hard to Do: Narf-for-the-Garthoc || ff.net || T || oneshot

This is not an epic tale of action, suspense and true love. Yeah, I'm disappointed, too.

(This is pure comedy. With a dash of romance. And insanity.)

Steamy Encounters: Narf-for-the-Garthoc || ff.net || T || oneshot

A flurry of coincidences and fateful machinations bring Naruto and Sakura together at the local baths. Can they rein in their animal passions? And do you really think that's the kind of story I write?

(Just r e a d. Please.)

Garden of Sanctuary: Nes Mikel || ff.net || T || Canon divergent || oneshot

An alternate ending to Naruto. The Heavens describe the Garden a peaceful paradise. The Hells describe the Garden a baneful prison. In here... which is it?

(This is part of a series which you can follow from the author's profile. This is the second part, but can be read exclusively. As far as the AU goes, this story and settings is brilliant and heartbreaking. This is told from Naruto's pov. To look at things from Sakura's, read the first part. It is multi-chaptered.)

Complications: Geno Calamari || ff.net || T || canon divergent || oneshot

While capturing the Kyuubi, Uchiha Itachi finds true adversaries in the form of Haruno Sakura and Uzumaki Naruto.

(Wanna see NaruSaku teamwork? This is it! You wouldn't find it anywhere better. Strong!Naruto, Strong!Sakura versus Itachi Uchiha)

Life is a waving feather: jusrecht || AO3 || T || AU || oneshot

Everyone thought they were inevitable.

(There's beauty in subtlety and this is that. Also, mentions of character death.)

Home: kirabook || AO3 || T || AU || complete

Shinachiku finds himself in a strange place with little to no explanation. Everyone he knows is there, but why are they acting so strangely? Why do they seem so different? And where is his home?

(Cute and heartwrenching at the same time. Cameo Stalker. Read this for NS family feels pre-marriage.)

Things we never say: thekatthatbarks || AO3 || T || oneshot

She wished she knew how to hold things lightly. There were some things she was terrified of breaking. Whether it be from an honest misstep or simply because she could.

(Reminds you why we love NS so much.)

Open seasons: sazzafraz || AO3 || T || SNS || postwar || oneshot

The way Sasuke comes home is less myth and more devastatingly embarrassing happenstance.

(Featuring badass!Sakura, obedient!Naruto and normal!Sasuke, as well as Sakura's commentary on her life)

Five things Sakura will never tell Naruto: sowell || AO3 || T || AU || oneshot

Kunoichi know how to keep their secrets.

(NS relationship analysis story.)

Artistic purposes: StormyInk || AO3 || M || AU || Oneshot

Sai finds his favorite drawing subjects a bit lacking of late, and he sets a plan into motion to draw his team mates together. Simply for the sake of his art, of course.

(Aka Sai is fed up from seeing his teammates dancing around each other and decides to help them get laid–the story. You gotta admit Sai is the best wingman.)

I collect my tears (so I can drown you in them): amako || AO3 || T || AU || complete

The hardest thing is letting go. Or Sakura sees Naruto falling in love with Shikamaru a little more every day, and she does the only thing she can think of. Then it's only a matter of learning how to stop loving Naruto.

(Sakura and Angst that has nothing to do with Sasuke. Featuring Sakura-sensei. And Shikamaru. It's a great story if you know when to let go of canon)

Stranger than the wild: kiddattwell || AO3 || M || SNS || postwar || Ongoing

The war is over and Sasuke is home for good, but Sakura can't choose between the boys she loves. Sasuke still has his demons and Naruto still fights them and Sakura still follows them both, but this time down a path that none of them expected.

(This is canon. It is the best SNS story I've ever read. Story told in SNS POV in rotation. Slow burn, pining and relationship complication. YOU GOTTA READ THIS, I INSIST!!!! Also features SaiIno and InoShika.)

Bringing Back Sasuke: Blue Jeans || ff.net || T || post war || oneshot

Naruto brings Sasuke back to Sakura. Many, many times over. Sasuke does not appreciate; not the blood and definitely not the angst.

(I've read this story multiple times and it gets funnier and makes your heart hurt and swell simultaneously each time. NaruSaku wouldn't be blissfully happy together without Sasuke thrown somewhere in the mix, that's exactly why I love SNS. This story perfectly represents the dynamic of team 7.)

Yurei: Kanji no Sakka || ff.net || T || AU || oneshot

The past should stay dead and buried, but it won't if Naruto can't let go.

(Not exactly my favourite story, but I liked the concept. We all know how stubborn Naruto is once decides on something. If he wants to become Hokage, he will become Hokage. If he believes in Sasuke, he will believe in him forever. If he loves Sakura, he will marry her – uh, or should have, very OCC of him that he didn't.)

Tag NS fan you know so they don't miss any of this!

#naruto #sakura haruno #naruto fanfiction #uzumaki naruto #fanfics #fanfiction #fanfiction reccomendations #fanfiction rec list #fanfiction recommendation #ff.net #ao3 #narusaku #i ship narusasusaku #i ship these two so much #naruto x sakura #sasusaku #kakashi hakate #shikasaku

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therealvinelle · 4 years ago

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What are vampires?

(Yes, I changed the title from “What is venom?” a week after publishing and after a whole set of sorry souls reblogged the post. I’m very sorry, but as I sat down to write the follow-up piece I realized that this meta is about vampires, not venom, and the title is no longer appropriate. My perfectionism got the better of me and I’m sorry.)

There’s been a lot of speculation on that in this fandom, here comes my take. It’ll split into four parts, this being part one where I look at what venom does to the human body. In part two I look at hybrids, part three I speculate on what venom is, part four I treat possible origins and raisons d’être of venom.

So, this first part is mostly me regurgitating facts. We won’t get anywhere if we’re not all agreed on what vampires are.

Also, I get very pseudo-scientific in this meta, but I have no education in biology or medicine so I could be wrong about everything. I tried to use good sources, though, so I can’t be entirely off-base.

With that out of the way, LET’S DO THIS.

To create a vampire, you infect a human with venom. This venom spreads throughout the body, altering every cell. The process is complete when the heart stops beating. If the human was injured at the time of infection, they will be healed, as long as the heart keeps beating.

Let’s go through that.

How does the venom spread?

When Bella was bitten by James, Edward was able to suck the venom out. Several minutes passed from she was bitten until Edward sucked the venom out, yet the burn was only reported to be in her hand. By contrast, anyone who’s ever had pharmaceutical administered intravenously knows that blood travels quickly. If venom travelled like any normal fluid, Bella would have said «My hand is on fire. No wait, my arm! No, wait, my torso! No, wait-» and Edward wouldn’t have been able to suck it out.

Additionally, Bella has that scar left by James. The venom had already altered the cells at the entry point.

To me, this sounds like the venom is like Pac-Man, spreading through the body by altering one cell at a time. It’s the only explanation for why it’s so slow. More on that later, though.

How does it alter the cells, and in turn the human body?

Physically, their skin is made impervious and perfectly even, their teeth are straight, razor sharp and white, their bodies impossibly strong, fast, and precise, their senses heightened to an insane degree yet they feel no pain from most physical injuries. Their digestive system is altered so they can only consume blood, preferably human blood, anything non-blood is regurgitated. They’re much more attractive than they were in life. They’re not reliant on oxygen, and their blood doesn’t circulate. They produce their own venom.

Mentally, their minds function at the capacity necessary to even utilize a body like this. They are able to process their heightened sensory input (for example, it’s the brain that interprets visual input from the eyes. For vampires to be able to see better than humans, both eye and brain have to improve), process though much faster than humans, they forget nothing, and they feel emotion and physical sensation more strongly than humans do.

Let’s go through these alterations one by one.

Skin

Frequently likened to marble, vampire skin is as hard as stone. When Bella becomes a vampire, she’s stunned Edward’s flesh now yields to her touch. Before, if she pressed her finger on him, his skin would not yield. The shapeshifters can kill vampires because their fangs are sharp enough to pierce their skin, without that advantage they couldn’t do it. No ordinary weapon could injure a vampire.

The stone skin is an armor, protecting them.

Teeth

As us humans get older, the enamel in our teeth is worn away, revealing the tooth’s underlying yellow color (the dentin). Vampires can live for thousands of years, yet their teeth remain that perfect blinding white. What changed? I see two possible explanations, one being that vampires still have enamel, and it’s too strong to ever be worn away, or they don’t have it because their teeth have been altered to the point where they don’t need a protective layer anymore, and their composition is something completely different from that of human teeth.

I think it’s the latter, as there are two other major changes reported. Their teeth have changed shape, they are now sharp enough to pierce through human or vampire skin. They’re also venomous (more on that later), able to inject anybody they bite, fellow vampires included, with venom.

There’s also the fact that vampires are changed on a molecular level, but more on that later.

Strength, speed, and precision

Meta I wrote on vampire strength disparity.

Vampires are ridiculously powerful, no upper limit (as in, «Newborn Emmett can carry 500 tonnes») is given, but whatever it is it’s high. Alice might just be the physically weakest vampire in the saga (Jane is physically smaller, but she eats properly. Alice lives on a subpar diet), but to Bella it makes no difference, Alice blows her out of the park anyway. Edward, a malnourished and not too strong vampire, is easily able to pick up entire trees by the roots, and then throw them at a small target.

As for speed, vampires move faster than the human eye can register, which according to this article means they can reach a speed of 38 146 mph! (61 390 km/h for us metric people) (Also, the traveling object used for this calculation was a ball, and the article specifies that it would be different for bigger objects. Alas I’m not going to bother my physicist friend with this, so we’re using the ball number.)

When it comes to precision, vampires exercise perfect muscle control. They’re so graceful their steps can’t be heard by humans, Edward can famously stroke a soap bubble without popping it, and they’re able to perfectly mimic the handwriting of others (a task anyone who’s ever googled forensic calligraphy will know is next to impossible). Much of this appears to be instinctual, like a downloaded .vampire package. Knowing how to attack prey, where to bite, that all happens on autopilot. So too does running, jumping, walking (funny how their default mode, even Carlisle’s, is to walk too quietly for their designated prey to detect). Snarling, hissing, and growling are also distinctly non-human manners vampire adopt.

Senses

Heightened sight, hearing, and smell is extremely useful. It makes them much more effective hunters. The smell especially is useful here, but really, all their senses are invaluable in this. It’s great for dealing with fellow vampires as well, they can see, hear, and smell their kind coming from a far distance.

There’s an added advantage, though. As I got into here, and here, if a vampire’s memories of their human life is dull and washed out compared to their brilliant new existence, dismissing humans as equally deserving of life becomes that much easier to justify. Heightened emotions serves this same purpose, though considering their longevity I think this is another form of survival, that they’re wired not to grow bored with life (but this is really for a separate meta).

There’s also the fact that their senses have to be tuned up to 11 to fit their other enhanced abilities. There’s no use in super-speed if you can’t see where you’re going.

Vampires’ heightened senses make them more efficient predators, and help them become the bloodthirsty sociopaths we know and love.

Pain receptors, or lack thereof

Vampires feel pain when they are thirsty, when their limbs are torn off, when they are bitten by other vampires (it appears to be the venom that stings), or when subjected to a gift that induces pain (Jane, Kate). They don’t feel pain like humans do, nor do they feel discomfort (they can sit indefinitely in any position, never feeling the need to shift around.

Interestingly, it looks to me like pain serves the same function for them as it does for humans. The brain registers pain to tell us something, a biological error message. Don’t walk on that leg, it’s injured. Get your hand off the hot stove and don’t put it there again. Pain is useful.

Vampires, by contrast, are not going to get injured from someone hitting them. There are no blood vessels that can burst, no soft tissue that can burst nor bones that can break. So, no need for their brains to register that as pain. Humans need to change positions every now and then for the sake of our circulation and so we don’t develop pressure ulcers (and I’m sure there are more reasons), vampires have no circulation and, as mentioned above, their skin is armor. No pressure ulcers.

What they do need pain for, is to let them know to feed. That’s the big one, and in turn the strongest one. The pain of the thirst is unbearable, as it has to be to turn a human who was infected with venom into a killer. It’s survival. Same goes for feeling pain when their limbs are torn off, or their bodies damaged by a bite. Their pain receptors let them know to avoid this next time.

As for Jane and Kate’s gifts, this may not serve a purpose for other vampires, but it serves a purpose for Jane and Kate. It protects them. So, sucks for everyone else, but that’s what gifts do, they give the gift-haver a leg up on others.

Digestive system

Carlisle had spent many years attempting to understand our immortal anatomy; it was a difficult task, based mostly on assumption and observation. Vampire cadavers were not available for study.

His best interpretation of our life systems was that our internal workings must be microscopically porous. Though we could swallow anything, only blood was accepted by our bodies. That blood was absorbed into our muscles and provided fuel. When the fuel was depleted, our thirst intensified to encourage us to replenish our supply. Nothing besides blood seemed to move through us at all. (Midnight Sun, chapter Home)

Ignoring the horrifying fact that the context for this quote is Edward wondering if Bella’s tear could stay in his system forever, this here is extremely interesting and I agree. Partly because I can’t think of anything better, partly because Carlisle is an in-universe medical genius who’s had access to far more data than I have. He can run experiments, I can’t. Even if I came up with a theory I thought was better, if blood absorption through porous tissue is Carlisle’s best theory then there must be evidence in favor of this which I don’t have access to. So, porous tissue it most likely is.

(Also, my «Carlisle totally volunteered for vivisection fun times with Aro in Volterra» theory survives that first paragraph. Vampire cadavers might not be available for study, but live ones absolutely are, you just pick them apart and put them back together after, and bring in Corin and/or Alec so the guinea pig has a good time too. There’s no way that never occurred to Aro. Even if it didn’t, it’s bound to have occurred to someone over the years, and Aro touches a lot of people. And we know he and Carlisle discussed what vampires even were, that they were best friends and all about that science.

We also know that sometimes, your weird science experiments involving dismemberment and tripping on Corin in Volterra, stay in Volterra. The tissue is porous, Edward, DON’T ASK ME HOW I KNOW.)

This has huge implications. What happened to the digestive system they used to have?

It’s still there, but non-operational.

Middle solution: it’s recognizably there, but welded shut. At some point, whatever the vampire ingests hits an untraversable boundary, and from there the blood is absorbed while any other matter remains, undigested (though possibly dissolved by venom) until regurgitated.

The vampire’s inner anatomy is unrecognizable from that of a human. Vampires have no need for livers, bowels, gall bladders, and so on, and so these organs no longer exist, or have even been replaced by other organs (assuming vampires need any, more on that later).

My vote lies with the third option, though both second and third are possible. The first one, not so much, as it means that in theory, they could force something through their system. They can’t.

More, vampires are nothing if not extremely efficient and economical organisms. They don’t need to feel pain from a physical blow, so they don’t. Why carry around these organs they’re not using?

Then there’s what they even need their digestive system to do. Humans need the nutrients in our meals not just as fuel, but as- well, everything. We need the building blocks for our cells. Our bodies are constantly renewing themselves. Vampires, by contrast, don’t appear to do this. There’s no waste of any kind, and their skin doesn’t get flaky. Edward specifically says blood is fuel, and I think that’s a literal interpretation.

Now we’re veering into speculation territory, and this isn’t the place for it just yet as we’re veering into what venom is and does, but I think whatever digestive process vampires have, serves to turn their blood to venom. I don’t think there’s any particular organ for this, I think that’s just because that’s what happens when venom comes into contact with blood. We see it happen when humans are bitten, and I think it’s fair to assume that the same thing happens when venom comes into contact with ingested blood.

This also helps explain why animal blood isn’t equal to human blood. Animals can’t be turned to vampires, it’s blood but venom and animal blood aren’t on the same FM, so to say. So, with no better option, yes venom can make do with animal blood, but it won’t perform as well as it would with human blood. The vampire is now weaker, with the frankly terrifying side effect that their eyes change color. We’re so used to this that we just go «oh, yeah, animal blood means their eyes turn yellow. It’s like a LED light letting you know which diet the vampire is on!» when in any other organism, a chance of color like that is usually the sign of something being wrong. Blue lips, yellow sclera, red urine, all color changes that point to something not being not as it should be.

Now, to go further here would mean getting more into what venom even is, which is best saved for part three. I’ll say this, venom appears to be the only fluid in the vampire body. It’s moistens their eyes (and melts their contacts), pools in their mouth, is injected through their fangs, and the application of venom to a wound makes them heal faster. Venom is the substance they rely on, more so even than blood, their elixir of life. (My speculation on how Edward was able to impregnate Bella is reserved for the hybrid/what is venom metas).

Also, on what vampires carry over from their human bodies, I do think they’re economical enough to not fix what ain’t broken. I think this because the human nervous system is absolutely brilliant, and indeed Bella regains sensation during her transformation where her spine had once been broken and unable to communicate with her brain. Question is, of course, was this because her new vampire body still uses the human nervous system, or did Bella regain sensation because her transformation had gotten to a point where this was no longer the case?

Beauty

The beauty part has gotten some very valid criticism, as beauty is very subjective and venom makes it out to be an objective, empirically measurable unit.

To caveat first, we see in canon that not all vampires are gorgeous. James was an ugly human, and so as a vampire he’s no beauty. Maggie was emaciated and not particularly attractive, so she’s bony and not hot by vampire standards. The Cullens, by contrast, were attractive humans. Human Bella is a hottie, she pulls all the guys without issue. If she were as plain as she thinks she is, she wouldn’t get male attention. Being new is only gonna get her so far. Jasper was turned because Maria thought he was a cutie, and same goes for Emmett with Rosalie.

(There’s also a certain inherent bias - I imagine attractive people have a much higher chance of getting turned than uglies.)

More, understand that vampires don’t look human. They’re flawless, desirable, perfect, yes - but they are very distinctly not human, and humans know as much instinctively:

Like any normal human, suddenly standing just a foot away from a vampire would send adrenaline racing through his veins. Fear would twist in his stomach for just a fraction of a second, and then his rational mind would take over. His brain would force him to ignore all the little discrepancies that marked me as other. His eyes would refocus and he would see nothing more than a teenage boy. I watched him come to that conclusion, that I was just a normal boy. I knew he would be wondering what his body’s strange reaction had been about. (Midnight Sun, chapter 21, page 547)

Vampires are beautiful in the way the Nefertiti bust is beautiful. It’s perfect, otherworldly, timelessly beautiful, but looking at it you know this is a bust and not a living human woman.

With that in mind, I think some of the vampire’s unnatural beauty is… not circumstantial, but happy bonuses to their other qualities. Their perfect skin, for instance, goes a long way towards making them beautiful. Perfectly smooth, a glowing white, no disruptions like blackheads, scarring, or sweat. At one point Bella describes Rosalie as looking airbrushed. Their perfect teeth, impeccable grace, these features also help.

Now, I think when venom makes a human more beautiful, I think the big thing it does is make the features perfectly symmetrical. This by itself is immediately inhuman and unnatural, more computer generated than human, just perfect enough to tick off the uncanny valley box. This would explain the flawlessness Bella keeps describing in vampires. It also explains the disparity in beauty, the features Rosalie had to work with and get symmetrical were lovelier than the ones James had, and why they can look completely different from each other yet share that same kind of uncanny impeccability. It also explains how people of wildly different face types and ethnicities can all be beautiful, the venom won’t erase the features you had but rather refine them into the best they can be.

I do think that refinement, in addition to symmetry, happens. If it didn’t, the change wouldn’t be so radical from human to vampire. More, all vampires are described as having sharp features, Esme stands out for the fact that she retained some of her human softness. So, the venom appears to make features more angular and, well, sharp.

Aro’s description is in favor of my interpretation of vampiric beauty:

I couldn't decide if his face was beautiful or not. I suppose the features were perfect. But he was as different from the vampires beside him as they were from me. His skin was translucently white, like onionskin, and it looked just as delicate (New Moon, page 234)

His features are flawless, meaning symmetrical. He should be beautiful, so it’s the skin that gives her pause.

There’s also the matter that beauty is observed in the body, not just the form. They all look strong and limber, even the tiniest of vampires. I imagine some of this is simply texture, that vampires are made hard, smooth, and perfect, but we have this from Bella looking in the mirror after waking up a vampire:

She was fluid even in stillness, and her flawless face was pale as the moon against the frame of her dark, heavy hair. Her limbs were smooth and strong, skin glistening subtly, luminous as a pearl. (Breaking Dawn, page 261)

Fluid even in stillness, her limbs smooth and strong. This woman was starving to death when she died. Combined with the fact that Edward, who was a sick 17-year-old, has muscle definition, it seems venom does body sculpting as well. Though it’s worth noting that hydration goes a long way towards muscle definition for humans, so the change in fluid composition in vampires could have something to do with it their limber appearance.

Then there’s the other vampire beauty markers.

Their voices are described quite unusually, with words like wind chimes, bells, or feathers. They’re beautiful, but, like everything else about vampires, inhuman. When Carlisle calls Billy on the phone, Billy immediately recognized the voice as somehow wrong, it’s too clear and sharp.

I mean, I think in part this is because their vocal cords aren’t made of soft human tissue anymore, but most likely stone. No matter what they’re made of, though, it’s no surprise that we’re not getting human voices out of them.

Their scent is appetizing to humans and other vampires alike, and serves a duel purpose. Humans are attracted to them (well, vampires are too), while vampires are able to use it for tracking purposes. It’s tremendously useful for keeping track of your territory, as randos can’t walk in and eat your food and sneak off again without leaving a trail. It’s also good for meeting up with friends, we see Carlisle and Siobhan use it for this purpose in Midnight Sun.

Circulation

The purpose of blood is to carry oxygen and nutrients to the cells. Apparently, this isn’t a need vampires have. All they need is venom. The theory that their tissue is porous adds to this, as it would mean blood travels through their body in a different manner. The porous tissue replaces circulation.

So, no circulation for vampires because they don’t need it.

This meta is now getting ridiculously long, so I’m putting the venom production section in the venom meta.

The transformation

The transformation is complete when the heart stops beating. The former human is now a vampire, and no longer reliant on a heartbeat, nor oxygen. In this they are different from hybrids.

As for the process itself, I think that as the venom spreads, it starts multiplying on its own. This is why it took longer for Carlisle than it did Bella, she was bitten and injected multiple times and on every part of her body while Carlisle was grazed on the arm. Bella had more venom that could work on her, Carlisle did not. These facts support my theory of the slow spread of venom.

I’ve played with the thought of the transformation happening in stages, where the first act is the spread of the venom, which then spreads throughout the body and heals the body to put it at default, the second act is the bodysculpting, and the third act the finishing touches. It doesn’t quite fit with venom transforming as it goes, though, so I’m very hm on that.

A few observations:

Activity level doesn’t appear to help spread the venom. Carlisle exerted himself, and his transformation took far more time than normal (though lying still instead of contorting in agony probably doesn’t help in that regard). Bella laid still as a corpse, and her transformation took far less time than normal. The venom spreads in its own time, regardless of what the blood circulation is up to.

Going by the accounts of the Cullens, while the pain is constant, the transformation hurts increasingly as the venom spreads.

Bella was severely injured, and needed to be healed before she could even feel all the pain. Her broken spine, for instance, meant she couldn’t feel below the waist.

Carlisle said it’s «easier if the blood is weak» (cryptic much?! Not making it easy for me, dude. Though as this was said in the context of Edward explaining that Carlisle would only turn someone already dying, I do think he’s referring to what it’s like for vampires, though, that humans are not so tempting if they’re half dead.)

Healing

Now we’re veering into the venom meta, but: the transformation fixes anything that could impede the vampire’s function. Bella would get nothing done with her post-birth broken body, and so she’s fixed up for her. Alice’s emaciation means she’s thin and less strong than others, it doesn’t physically prevent her from doing anything.

The venom, it appears, heals the human not because it’s being altruistic, nor to make the vampire more appealing to others, but to make the human into an ideal host. BUT MORE ON THAT IN THE VENOM META.

With that, my god we’re done. And this meta is words in total, an ugly number.

Lastly, I know that putting a read more at the end of a 4k long meta is the worst joke in the world (RIP to you poor souls scrolling past this. My reason for not being a read more kind of gal to be found here)

Nothing yet, I’m afraid.

#long post #had to delete immediately after posting because i hadn't actually written anything in the skin section #so i deleted rather than having people reblog before it was ready #ops #twilight #twilight meta #twilight renaissance #twilight vampires #twilight venom #twilight biology #vampire biology #also i am very proud of the way my ship snuck into the post #sorry not sorry but it's a bedbug ship #it won't stay out of my stuff #edit: can't count. wrote five parts

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