#i really like it and i'm pretty proud of it

[gyaruhana]

thanos fluff hcs pls ?

Thanos/Choi Su-bong - Headcannons

Synopsis: fluffy thanos headcannons..

A/N: i have so many thanos requests i'm tweaking out !! glad to know i'm not the only one who loves him..

Warnings: none just thanos being a cutie :3

➠ Thanos might be a little unhinged but he’s actually a total sweetheart when it comes to his partner

➠ I’ve said this before but I’ll say it again, he always has an arm around you !! he likes touching you in public because he’s very open and proud of you

➠ I’m ngl.. He probably sleeps on top of you 

➠ Somehow, you two go to sleep with you on top of him, his arms around your waist, and then the next morning you wake up with him on top of you practically crushing you

➠ If he wakes up before you he’s going to coax you awake with neck kisses for the record

➠ If you’re both in the squid games, he’s always right next to you. He will never leave your side and he will make sure you’re safe !!

➠ If you almost get killed then he totally dips from the game and decides the money isn’t worth it

➠ To him, you are everything

➠ On a different note, he makes far too many raps about you !!

➠ He’s always talking about how he’s so deeply in love with you and how you’re so pretty and it’s so god damn corny but he refuses to stop

➠ Sometimes he even freestyles out of nowhere

➠ (probably freestyle rapped at your wedding)

➠ Honestly likes playing with your hair and like twirling the strand of hair between his fingers..

➠ He does NOT care if it's corny, he has matching rings with you far before he even proposes to you

➠ He really really really loves matching with you !! 

➠ He probably gained a sixth sense with you too

➠ Like the typa sense that makes him hand you a tissue right before you feel a sneeze coming on

➠ Everyday with him is also super fun because he's always taking you out to places 

➠ Parks, clubs, concerts, beaches- literally anywhere with you because he every place is his favorite place if you're there

➠ In conclusion, he's an absolute sweetie who adores you and wouldn't trade you for anything !!

"Yo, senorita! Did you miss me?" the familiar voice of your boyfriend calls out as he skips toward you. He throws an arm over your shoulder and pulls you close to him with a smirk. Despite the confident smirk, his eyes told a different story of vulnerability and trust. "I was thinking I could take you out on a nice little date. Treat my girl, yeah?"

[deadtired-highkeyenergetic]

All The Reasons Why

Sorry for the lack of updates. Been suffering from jet lag and still kind of am, staying up until 3am for an event isn't helping much, pretty sure I haven't actually slept the whole night/early morning. Anyways after all that angst here's some...uh fluff? Sad fluff but still fluff I'm pretty sure

Summary: Alcohol loosens Silco's tongue and you find out a lot more about Silco's feelings towards you than what you expected

You've never really seen Silco drunk before. He has such a high tolerance towards alcohol that sometimes you believe he's immune to getting drunk, but tonight proves otherwise because he's stumbling into your room with flushed cheeks and red ears.

"Silco?" You hurriedly guide him to your bed before he can smack face first into anything. Considering how you knew he was outside your room from the very loud string of curses that came after the sound of something smacking into your door, you don't quite trust him to navigate his way around your room.

"Hey." His speech is slightly slurred, sea foam eyes unfocused. He better not puke all over your bed or anywhere in your room for that matter, you don't want to clean up that kind of mess in your room. He does obediently sit on your bed, watching you rather intently.

"Did you need something?" You ask, not quite sure why he tried to enter your room in the first place.

"I need to tell you a secret. Promise you will not tell anyone else?" You can smell the alcohol coming off his breath even when there's a gap between you both, a testament to how much he's drunk tonight.

"Uh, sure." Well this is intriguing. Silco always kept his secrets to himself, refusing to give others a peak at the cards he held in fear of them using it against him, not even Vander knew everything about Silco.

"There is this…person who I like."

You raise an eyebrow, lips quirking up in amusement. What an opener. You're pretty sure you know who he's talking about, but there's still a small part of you that doubts it, whispering all the reasons why it isn't the person you're thinking about, hissing that you're delusional and that he's found someone better. Someone better than you.

"They are amazing in every way. They look good, they fight well, they are better than me when it comes to scaring unwanted attention away. They are kind, caring, nothing like the tough image they project to the world. They hide behind the image of a rough unfeeling fighter because they have to in order to survive, but they are always so gentle with me and the ones they care about. They always worry about me, always know when I need someone to talk to, always know when to give me space and when to offer me their shoulder to lean on. They know all my habits, know my favourite food and drink, know where to find me, sometimes I wonder if there is nothing they do not know about me." He takes a deep breath, gaze searching the floor.

"But they are atrocious at giving compliments. It is as though they cannot say nice things to other people. I know though, that they compliment people through actions. They like messing up my hair, slapping me on the back, nudging me with their shoulder, sometimes they even tell me 'not bad', but that is the nicest thing they will ever say to me. I know that when they mess up my hair they are proud of me, slapping me on the back means 'well done' and 'not bad' means 'great job'." He smiles softly and you can't help but smile back, a warmth growing in your chest.

"I like it. I like the way they cannot compliment people, I like the way they try to show their appreciation for someone by doing little things for said person, I like the way their nose scrunches when they try to say something nice but all that comes out is 'not bad'. I like the way they fiercely devote themselves to everything, from what they believe in to protecting someone they care about. One moment they are angrily hissing at someone to shove off and the next they are turning to me, asking if I am alright in the most monotonous tone ever." He laughs quietly, gripping the bed sheet.

You recall when that exact situation happened, the confused look he gave you upon hearing your question and the amusement in his voice as he told you that you could at least ask him that with some concern. In your defense, you were checking him for injuries at the same time, analysing any possible sign knowing that he would stubbornly keep any injury a secret from you.

"I like the way they awkwardly react when I hug them, standing stiffly like a brick and staring at me confused. I like the way they do their best to console me when I cry, whether it be resting a hand on my back or patting my head. I like their loyalty. I know I can entrust more than my back to them, I know I can entrust my life to them because they will never betray me, never turn their back on me. I know that they will burn the world for me, and that if the whole world turns against me they will still stand by my side and fight against the world with me. I like every part of them — the parts they are proud of and the parts they hate." His voice drops to a whisper. "But I cannot understand what they like about me. They look at me and see 'Silco', not a miner, not Vander's shadow, not a 'dirty little thing' but I am not like Vander — a strong fighter with a heart as big as his size. I am not like Felicia — sociable, gentle and kind. All I can do is plot from the shadows, skulk about at celebrations, stare at my notebook as my friends chatter the night away. I am only a 'dirty little thing', not someone to be so devoted to, cherished, or loved."

A lump forms in your throat at his words. To hear him tear himself apart, believe the things enforcers and those who hate him say about him, it makes your heart ache.

"I think they like you because of how passionate you are about the dream of Zaun." You swallow hard, struggling to find the correct words to say. "They like the way you dare to dream big, the way you strive to become more than what others think you are. They like the way you persevere through it all, the determination in your eyes that drives you each and every day. It gives them hope, encourages them to dream of what can be, makes them fall in love with you over and over again. They like the way you fight for what you hold dear, no matter the odds you face."

He shakes his head, biting his lip as tears begin form.

"They like you because of how much you care about those you love, even if you don't ever show it through words. They like the way you smile contentedly as you quietly listen to friends banter, rolling your eyes when they say something dumb and drop the wittiest line whenever you do say something. They like the way you struggle to get properly mad at them for doing something stupid, the annoyed sigh you make as you massage the bridge of your nose when you find out they've done the very thing you told them not to and the way you always threaten to leave them to suffer the consequences alone but never do. They like the smile that forms on your face when you're proud of them, the way the corners of your eyes crease when you're happy." You don't recall when you took his hand in yours but it sits there now, nestling warmly as your fingers intertwine.

"They like the quiet laugh you make when something amuses you, the messy bedhead that they always see first thing in the morning, the sleepy mumbles that fall from your lips as you stumble towards the bathroom. They like the smell of the coffee that you make, the way you bring it to them in their bed piping hot and freshly made, the gentle kiss you press to their forehead after that. They like the way you lie down on their stomach, face buried in their shirt when you're tired. They like the moments when it's complete silence but it's a comfortable silence. They like the way your first thought is always them, even when you're drunk." You pull him into a hug, the first one you've ever initiated and he freezes for a moment before returning the hug, burying his face into your shoulder.

"They like the way you're always there for them, the way you always know when something's wrong, the way you always know how to cheer them up. They like how you've memorised all their favourite things, their habits, and always surprise them with little gifts." His tears stain your sleeve, causing the damp fabric to stick to your skin but you don't care. You gently rub his back, a motion that you've since learned brings him great comfort and hear him sniffle.

"They like the way your palm fits into theirs just nice, the sound of your heart beating, the warmth of your body pressed against theirs underneath the blanket, and they want nothing more. They just want you for who you are, want you as you are, love you as you are because to them you're amazing, you're their whole world, their everything. And they're glad to know you feel the same way too." You nuzzle into his hair, holding him tightly.

He clings onto you, gripping onto your shirt as the tears flow and his body shakes with each sob. You simply continue holding him, giving him all the time he needs to let everything out and soon he's cried himself to sleep in your arms. You gently tuck him into your bed before dipping under the covers yourself, pressing a kiss to his forehead.

"I love you Silco. Always have and always will."

[bodhrancomedy]

Update: I opened it.

(Dated cira: 2009)

To me,

Hey, how are you! There are so much I want to ask, like what is my job, At the momant, I am trying to publish a book. (I want to be an athor and star in a few plays too!) I like drawing, writing, daydreaming, climbing trees, collecting myths from all over the world, running and playing my D.S, (I just got a new game called "The legend of Zelda, Spirit tracks") do you still have Coffy? How are Mum, Dad [two sisters]? Do I have a pet? I live in [house name], where do I live now? My friends are Chloe, Davide, Hugh, Sophie and Simon. Who are my friends now? Did I get a degree? What is my house like? How much do we get payed? What is the newest tecnoligy? Have you been to Egpt, New Zeland and Norway.

Bodh

To me,

I'm well, thank you. I'm going to do my best to answer your questions even if some of the answers are probably not what you thought they'd be when we were nine or ten (you couldn't have dated this to make our lives easier?).

Currently we are a member of the gainfully unemployed, but that is due to a series of decisions on our part rather than lack of ability - don't worry! However, I think you'd be really pleased to know that we are, in fact, an actor and writing and have a few really cool projects coming up.

I'm excited to hear about the book, was that a series of short stories starting with the Magic Jug? We still haven't officially become an author (yet), but we have punished several plays, poems, and short films! We made our stage debut in Edinburgh in 2021 as a principle cast member in Redraft, but our TV debut on Hope Street in January, 2024. Our first acting job was with the BBC which is incredibly cool of us. We also just finished working for the Royal Shakespeare Company too, making a little digital series about a fake political party. We got to go to a press night in costumes from the RSC costume department complete with a crown and fill in for an actor during a rehearsal for the play we were working with!

We still like drawing, writing, and daydreaming. We have a much bigger collection of myths now, but we've been slacking in our running. We still play on the DS - down to recently replaying Spirit Tracks! Nintendo came out with an update to the DS called a Switch and the newest Zelda games of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom are going to blow your mind.

We still have Coffy - it's OK we didn't have to give him up when we got bigger like you're worrying about. He sits on my bookshelf and watches over me when I write just like he does now.

Mum, Dad, and our sisters are doing very well. Your little sister is going to do a postgraduate degree and your older sister is working her dream job and happily married. We're very proud of them.

We don't have a pet, sadly, because we live in a very cold, very cramped flat in the capital. It's pretty rundown and very expensive, but we live with two very, very cool people so that's all good. You have loads and loads of brilliant friends and, while we lost touch with most of those friends, you still talk to Chloe and she even came to our sister's wedding.

You did get a degree - you got a first class Bachelors of Arts with honours in Theatre and Film from QMU in 2021. You loved the course and I'm thinking of going back to do a Masters in Acting for Stage and Screen this year.

Our last jobs as tour guides and lifeguards paid us minimum wage, unfortunately, but if you saw the pay-cheques for acting and writing your eyes would pop out of your head! They're not as much as you think they are, but they're really fun to look at.

There's loads of new technology but I think the one which would interest you the most is NASA's Parker Solar Probe which just flew only 1.8 million miles above the surface of the sun at 43'000 miles per hour which is faster than any human invention has ever gone. It's so cool.

We haven't been to Egypt, or Norway, or New Zealand, but we have been to Iceland, and Italy, and the Netherlands. We're going lots of more places, don't worry.

Thank you for writing to me, I hope this letter is what you hoped for.

Yours,

Bodh.

So I went home for Christmas and while I was there, I found this tucked away in a corner of my room which is being reorganised.

It’s a letter to my future self.

It’s clearly been opened once, but I don’t know who by or when.

From the handwriting I’m guessing it’s 2010ish because I doubt my handwriting was that good in 2005 and I lived somewhere else. 2010-2025 seems the kind of gap a teacher would assign.

So, I have 2 days before I can open this.

[taruruchi]

I haven't posted any art in a hot second, so here's something I drew a few days ago and something I just finished 🫡

[ultopias]

sherliam nyc life art dump 2024 😁 long post!

↑ (this was a result of listening to seulgi's "anywhere but home" on loop (it's a good song listen to it!!!). it looks unfinished bc i didn't know how to finish it but. i don't really have anything good to use as the cover for this post LMFAO)

↑ (comic commission!)

↑ (before - after)

(by the way, if you don't like sherlock with moustache, keep it to yourself i don't need to hear it🙏 also get out of my house)

i asked if people minded me including the arts i already posted separately in this post and some people said they didn't so i was gonna do that, but i made some pretty long comics in 2024 and the post easily reached the max amount of pics allowed so i ended up having to exclude those after all 😂 dang it

i think i drew even less in 2024 than i did in 2023 which was pretty disheartening and i'm not proud of it. i don't rlly wanna say "but i did my best..!" either cause idk if i did LMFAO

nevertheless thank you for sticking around in 2024 too! yuumori finally resumed and we have something to look forward to every month again. i hope this sparks more motivation and i'll try to manage my time better in 2025 so i can draw more 💪

happy new year, i hope everyone is happier and healthier than last year 💗

[hippolotamus]

Hippo New Year

tldr: what a fucking year. best wishes for 2025 and all that. the end ✨

expanded version:

actually, I'm delighted to report that, personally, this year was pretty uneventful. an absolute blessing compared to last year. although i lowkey adored the mini explosion of pygmy hippos 🦛 fandom on the other hand... hoo boy what a shit show. but that's not telling you anything you don't know. it definitely still had its highlights tho! take a speedrun with me, besties (under the cut because apparently i ramble a lot)

@this-is-bwr had a hell of a year, most notably by starting an original work that is nearly finished its first round. i'm so fucking excited and seriously don't think i could be more proud of you (although you will inevitably prove me wrong by doing some other incredible Thing) 🖤

@stereopticons finished and published an incredible, highly anticipated Schitt's Creek fic that's been in their WIPs for 2 years. Love a good exes-to-lovers with a healthy dose of miscommunication and meddling? go read gather up the avenues. you won't regret it, promise. i love you so much and look forward to our next year together. 🦦❤️🦛

learned i'm tumblr married to a witch (affectionate). when @bidisasterevankinard first brought up the idea of Buck and Tommy getting together, i was... (don't hate me) skeptical. definitely more in the 'ok, sure, we'll see' realm. oops. love you the mostest, babe (please don't divorce me) also, she graduates uni this year and has worked so fucking hard and i could not be more proud 😘💙

additionally, @diazsdimples became my tumblr husband! it has been such a fun year with you, James. From collabs we may or may not ever finish to Alfie and BEST to Ballet AU and Teddie... 2025 is shaping up to be a fucking delight. 💞

@dr-shortsighted-owl... YOU OWLFICIALLY BECAME DR OWL THIS YEAR. WHAT?! I know it's been a Journey™️ for you and it was amazing to see this happen for you. Also, I don't go here but if you're into fic for Jojo's bizarre adventure... she's your owl. 🦉❤️🦛

@eddiebabygirldiaz... jesus, what a year in fic for you (one day i'll catch up, i swear). but i really want to highlight that Ryan is making an original work(!!!) that i am legit frothing over. when it comes out, don't ask me what my plans are... i'll be reading that. so excited, dearest bee 💞🐝

speaking of original works, i'd be remiss if i skipped over @rewritetheending, who released margins earlier this year. I was instantly endeared by Alex & Elijah's story. i'm not exaggerating when i say that i think about 'Tell me about more.' every single day. i don't actually think i could coherently articulate the impact that had on me. it cut deep. well 👏 done 👏 and I can't wait for Adrian & Beau's story

psssst! did you know @spotsandsocks surpassed 1m words on ao3???? And she makes the cutest lil dragons 🥰 Spotty, I am eternally captivated by you 💞🐉

@doctorkinney, yes, Nolan, you are in fact my beloved. always 🪿💞🦛

@slightlyobsessedwitheverything i feel like you're (the most) singlehandedly responsible for helping turn me to the deep dark waters of multi-shipping lol I was already getting there but talking BEST, BuddieTommy, BuddieShannon, BuckShannon, etc has been incredibly cathartic and some of the most fun i've had this year. 💞🐝

also in the multi-shipping lane, huge hat tip to @bucksbignaturals for sucking me into the SalTommy void and deeper into Jeddie. what a ride 😅

@filet-o-feelings first of all, you joined the Dark Side and gave us such a sweet BuckTommy fic. Second, giving you so much love and hugs for all that's happened this past year, and all of the crossing all the things Amazing things yet to come

@daffi-990 gave us some truly remarkable Buddie reads this year, most notably stuck now so long, we just got the start wrong aka rival firefighters. so proud of you for finishing this one. it was an instant bookmark for me and everyone should definitely read it ❤️🚒

@steadfastsaturnsrings you are an eternal ray of positivity and i absolutely adore you for that. i love exchanging EddieShannon HC with you and hearing about your fic ideas. 💞 🪐

gonna give a big shout to @theotherbuckley for your amazing BuckTommy art, gifs, vids (that had me wheezing), fics and tweets (Chris calling oblivious Eddie out will always be gold to me) 💜

i feel like i could go on and on and on about every single one of you. in case you haven't guessed by now, cheerleading/providing yells is kinda my jam. while the beginning of the year (and beginning of April for some reason... idk... strange 😅 ) saw some moots disappear, this year also brought brand new friends that i'm having a blast getting to know. Looking at you @swiftiefirefighters, @mmso-notlikethat, @half-oz-eddie, @peppermintquartz, @inell, @herrmannhalsteadproduction, @lavenderleahy…

and ofc my eternal love and devotion to @elvensorceress 🐥💞🦛 @giddyupbuck @midsummersmorn @lemonzestywrites @bi-buckrights @beyourownanchor6 @bucksbiawakening @monsterrae1 @your-catfish-friend (positively feral over what's coming in the pipeline from you) @actuallyitsellie @statueinthestone @thelikesofus @wildlife4life LOML @lizzie-bennetdarcy @rmd-writes @welcometololaland @djdangerlove @wikiangela @thekristen999 @diazheartsbuckley @dangerpronebuddie @tizniz @kitteneddiediaz @a-noble-dragon @freewayshark @theplaceyoustillrememberdreaming @imtheiliad @singlethread and many more i couldn't fit here 🫶 😘

[inkasrain]

Viren: Not the Cliff but the Road

I'm pretty sure that most of The Viren Conversation has been had (and had, and had!), so I don't want to beat a dead (disgraced, former) High Mage. Howeverrrr, there is one element of the way this character finale played out that remains one of my favorite things to come out of the TDP room, and I just want to talk about it a little. (As always, just my take, not canon.)

I have a strong personal bias against the idea of death as an inherently redeeming act in fiction. We are so accustomed to the idea that a succesful hero's arc will conclude in sacrifice, and that therefore a reformed villain's arc must end in the ultimate sacrifice, that we don't think to probe the origins of this concept. To me, this is basically just deeply ingrained Christian pedagogy masquerading as narrative fact. I don't personally think that there is anything inherently salvational or goodness-proving about this arc format, or that it should be the natural default for stories like this. Death does not cleanse; life does. So theoretically, I should be unhappy with the way Viren's arc ends in season 6. He -- a bad person -- dies doing a good thing. He sacrifices his life for Soren and the people of Katolis and thus is redeemed.... right? If I thought that Viren's change arc ends with his death, sure. But that's not how I see it. For me, Viren's arc draws to a close before the attack on Katolis, and before his death. I don't actually think he has a singular redemptive moment. Instead, it is the sum total of his choices and actions from 509 to 606 -- the ways he makes use of his life -- that are cumulatively cleansing. Viren has always thought of himself as someone who makes "the hard choices" but he's been pretty good at wriggling (or being wriggled) out of the consequences. As of 509, that changes; he changes. He makes choices that will be painful for him. That will place a burden on him. And that, most importantly, he believes he will have to live with. There is nothing short-term about the decisions Viren makes after that point in the story. They are all the actions of a man who has finally realized that he can (MUST) live with the consequences of his "hard choices." I'd even include choosing not to kill the Homunculus in that category, as the death Viren faces there is a quiet, lonely, and utterly unremarkable surrender -- all things his character in many ways been defined as working so strongly against.

If there is a true peak of his arc, I personally see it as the moment in 606 when Viren burns his letter to Soren. He has gone through the agony of exposing his darkest moments and can move forward with the clarity that such an experience provides. But even more importantly, he chooses not to burden Soren with that knowledge -- and in doing so, accepts that he will live with Soren's anger and blame. He will not justify himself at Soren's expense; he sacrifices any hope of receiving love from his son because he knows those feelings are the cumulative consequence of his own actions. Viren's death is a culmination, if anything, of his love for Soren and his arc of shifting the focus of his life to others. His death does not retroactively prove his goodness, does not justify his past. It is a sad resolution of a man's struggles, nothing more. So I don't see Viren's choice to sacrifice himself as a redemptive act, because I really don't think he needs one. He is doing the work already, living the life, walking the more difficult road. It's bittersweet that the road ends, but they all do. The important thing is, for me, that Viren isn't defined by the act that ends his life, some kind of spectacular salvational swan dive off a cliff. Instead, he is marked by the journey, the change he underwent to get to that point in his story. (And like, I was a very minor participant in the orchestration of this arc, but I'm ridiculously proud to have been a small part of this kind of storytelling.)

[kimoralov3]

lay all your love on me epilogue

jj maybank x heyward!reader

<- previous

her phone

his phone

the baby shower had gone on with little to no problems. well, expect for the boys burning the food, but other than that it was perfect!

you all were sat around the bonfire, "saving space" by sitting in your partners lap. as you guys sit there conversing amongst yourselves, you feel a tap on your shoulder. sarah is standing over you with that smile of hers that lets you know she's just bursting at the seams trying to keep a surprise in.

"can you and jj follow me really quickly?" she says so that only the two of you can hear. you nod, but before you can get up by yourself jj secures an arm around your waist and carries you like a kitten.

"i'm perfectly capable of walking, you know?" you say with a laugh.

"i'm aware, but this is way more fun." he says as he sets you down where sarah had led the two of you. "what's up?" he asks as he wraps an arm around your shoulder.

"sarah and i wanted to tell the two of you something. something pretty important, actually." john b says as sarah bounces on her heels beside him, clearly very excited.

"is she okay?" you fake whisper as you look between the two of them. john b chuckles nervously, trying to calm down his wife.

"yeah, she just-"

"you're gonna be valerie's godparents!" sarah blurts out then quickly covers her mouth. john b sighs and hangs his head, scratching the back of his neck.

"what?" you and jj say at the same time.

and with that, lay all your love on me is officially over! i'm not really good with words, but i just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who read and commented in such, it honestly made my day. i honestly didn't really have an idea of what this fic would be, but as someone who is overly critical of themselves i can happily say that i'm proud of this fic and how everything played out. once again, thank you for reading and i hope you stick around for click cute, because that's gonna be a lot of fun and 10x as unserious.

@arkofblake @ivysprophecy @murdockcastleslut @queenvane64 @yoongling @cassiewritessalot @iloveeejjjj @divierses @dreamybabbyy @freyawhitexxx1 @sheisntyou @212-apricity @beeskisses @awurtzx06

[aishangotome]

Azel Radwan: Chapter 16

Chapter 15

Thank you @passthechloroform for providing the video for this chapter!

♡———♡

The next day - two visitors walked through the bustling Tanzanite market with familiar steps.

Luke: Hey, are you really going?

Clavis: They said they wanted to meet us. There's no reason to refuse, is there?

Luke: But, you know, their intentions are pretty obvious...

The building in front of the two men, who had stopped walking, was the headquarters of the trading company that controls Tanzanite's tourism industry...

Luke: Aren't we going to get scolded?

Clavis: Haha, don't be so scared. We just entered the building without permission the other day, right?

Luke: After kicking down the "no entry for non-personnel" sign.

Clavis: Don't worry, just relax. I'm a professional at apologizing.

Luke: That's not something to be proud of.

Sighing at his brother's boisterous laughter, he heads towards the entrance where people are coming and going.

As they enter the lobby, crowded with tourists, the person they are looking for immediately comes running over.

Kumush: Thank you for coming. My name is Kumush, and I am the president of the Tourism Association.

Kumush: Please, come this way.

-- At the same time.

Silvio: You...

Emma: It's a misunderstanding!

Silvio: What is?

In the middle of the pure white hallway of the royal court, filled with a sacred and solemn atmosphere, Silvio, whom I happened to pass by, stopped in his tracks instead of walking on.

The people passing by were also glancing at us, and cold sweat trickled down my cheeks.

(How did this happen?)

Silvio: You're the one who made them kneel and cry, aren't ya?

Emma: As I said, it's a misunderstanding!

Aisha: Lady Emma, I will serve you with all my heart and soul, so please give me another chance!

Nadia: We will devote our lives to you, Lady Emma!

(...This is troubling.)

Prostrating themselves before me, foreheads pressed to the floor, were the two maids who were previously punished by Azel.

They seem to have regained their sanity more than back then, but the moment they pass me in the castle, they assume this position faster than a gust of wind and repeatedly apologize.

Emma: I really don't mind, so please raise your heads.

No matter how many times I say it, my words don't reach them.

I'm at my wit's end, feeling like crying.

Silvio: Jokes aside...

(It was a joke...)

Silvio: Look at how frightened they are. God must have done somethin', right?

Emma: That's true, but I don't know what he did...

Silvio: You know, don't ya? As you can see, they were threatened.

Silvio: Imagine this. If God told ya, "You'll die if you don't do good deeds tomorrow," what would you do?

Emma: ...Even if I was doubtful, I might try to do good deeds.

(Because God's prophecies are a "guaranteed reality.")

Silvio: They were subjected to the same thing. The prophecy of a tragic future turns reality into a nightmare.

Silvio: I don't know what the condition is to wake up from the nightmare...

Silvio: But the fact that they're eager to serve you with all their heart and soul... doesn't that mean something?

(Now that you mention it...)

Silvio: Ha, you're really favored by that greedy bastard, aren't ya?

Silvio's words made my heart leap for some reason.

Emma: Why do you say that?

Silvio: I don't know what these two did, but it means he's set them up to be your absolute allies, right?

Silvio: Even if he does this, it ain't worth a penny to him.

Silvio: The fact that he's doing somethin' that doesn't make him money clearly shows how he values you.

(...)

*flashback*

Azel: I remembered I had an urgent matter. It's extremely troublesome, but...

(...I still don't know the true meaning of that urgent matter.)

(But, if in fact he was just doing everything he could so I wouldn't be humiliated again...)

When my perception changes, my heart also sounds the alarm.

Emma: --Perhaps, that's not it.

Emma: I think it's not for my sake, but for revenge and to protect himself.

Silvio: What's that about?

Emma: I can't tell you the details, but...

(To prevent me from going crazy with the aphrodisiac and attacking Azel.)

(There must be no other meaning.)

*flashback*

Emma: Is it wrong to fall in love with the Living God?

Azel: It's absolutely forbidden.

Azel: Because it's troublesome.

*flashback over*

I let out a small breath and turned to the trembling maids.

Emma: If you have time, there's one thing I'd like to ask of you...

Silvio's guess seemed to be correct, and the two, raising their heads, had their eyes shining as if they had found hope.

Emma: I wonder if you could request an audience with His Majesty the King?

Nadia & Aisha: "We'll call His Majesty right away!"

The two regained their energy like fish in water and disappeared in an instant.

It's normally impossible for a mere book merchant to take the king's time, but they made an immediate decision.

Silvio: They might grant ya any wish, if it's yours.

Emma: I've learned to be careful with my words.

Silvio: If it's bestowed by God, use it without hesitation.

Silvio: By the way, are you goin' to do business with the king?

Emma: No, there's something I want to ask him.

-

Enis: I apologize for the wait.

Before long, I was ushered into the throne room, and His Majesty Ennis welcomed me warmly.

(...The fact that I can summon even the king immediately is scary.)

Enis: Prince Silvio, it's good to see you too.

Silvio: Sorry to interrupt. I'm just an escort.

Silvio: I was curious about what this woman wants to ask the king.

Enis: Oh? I'll answer anything I can.

The silver-haired king smiles cheerfully, not seeming offended by the sudden summons.

Emma: I apologize for taking your time during your busy schedule.

(This might not be something I should ask for an audience and take your time, but...)

Emma: About the prophecy of the end left by the first Living God...

Emma: Prince Azel said it would be good to ask Your Majesty Enis, so I came here.

Enis: ......

Enis: ...I see, the Living God...

(His face changed color...?)

Just like the diviner woman I met in the alley before, it was a reaction as if he wanted to avoid "touching the end."

Enis: Any diviner or member of the royal court knows the prophecy of the end...

Enis: The fact that you specifically named me must be a divine order to give you information that only I know.

Enis sits deeply in his throne and looks up at the ceiling.

His appearance, as if he is thinking of a distant place, is filled with anguish, and I exchange glances with Silvio.

Enis: Of course, I will answer your question.

Enis: But before that, would you listen to one request of mine?

Enis, his gaze back on me, gives me a sincere look.

I don't know what the "request" is, but I don't feel any malice in it.

Emma: I'll be happy to accept if it's something I can do.

Enis: Thank you. Actually--.

-

Azel: I refuse.

Back at the temple, Azel's first words as he was repairing the outer wall were not "welcome back."

Emma: I haven't said anything yet.

Azel: The fact that you came back in a hurry at this hour speaks for itself.

Azel: You have two choices: give up, or have the wealthy gentleman next to you pay me.

Silvio: Why the hell should I pay ya when there's no profit in it for me?

Azel: Prince Silvio, I hear there's a custom of offering coins in Kougyoku.

Azel: It's a wonderful system of faith where you offer money as a thank you for God's blessings...

Silvio: That's what he says, woman.

Emma: I don't want to be squeezed dry anymore.

Azel: Then there's no room for discussion. I'm busy, so...

Azel skillfully applies a glue-like substance made by adding water to lime, as if filling the gaps in the crumbling stone wall.

Emma: It's a request from Enis.

Azel: Why should I listen to the words of a mere king?

Emma: Please, just this once... You just need to show your face at the evening party for a little while.

Tonight, an impromptu evening party hosted by the king will be held at Tanzanite Castle.

The party, which will be attended by influential people from the Land of Illusions, seems to have the intention of gathering information on the unstable situation following the recent riot and showing that God's protection is still in place to build peace of mind for the people.

Emma: I heard that you don't really like parties, Prince Azel...

Azel: Yes. The reason I don't want to attend gatherings of people... Surely you understand, intelligent as you are?

Emma: It's because the participants get restless, right?

Azel: ...What kind of reason is that?

Emma: If you were to attend the party, Prince Azel, the people around you would surely be distracted.

Emma: They wouldn't be able to enjoy chatting, and the party meant for enjoyment would turn into a gathering to worship God...

Emma: I thought that you wouldn't want that to happen.

(I've noticed while spending time with you that despite your mean personality, your kindness shows through here and there.)

I felt that my guess that he was intentionally not participating out of consideration for others was accurate.

Azel: The me in your mind is quite compassionate, isn't he?

Azel: Unfortunately, I have no such noble purpose. It's just bothersome.

Azel: However, it was unexpected that Enis would ask you to do an errand.

Azel: The fact that he's resorting to such a poor way to buy time means that he still hasn't come to terms with the prophecy in his heart...

Azel: It's pathetic that he still can't let go of his emotions even though he's become a puppet.

(Puppet...?)

As if to say the conversation was over, Azel continued his repair work silently.

It seemed he had no intention of listening even if I brought up the king's name, but this was within my expectations.

(When asking Azel for a favor, payment is an absolute condition...)

(However, I don't have an endless supply of wealth like Silvio.)

(I'm glad I prepared a secret weapon before coming here.)

Emma: Prince Azel.

I take out what I had in my pocket and hold it out in front of his mystical eyes.

His work stops.

Azel: ..."Special Service Ticket that grants any wish"...

Silvio: ...!

Ignoring Silvio, who suddenly burst out laughing, I offer the ticket to Azel with both hands.

Emma: This has a monetary value equivalent to repaying all the debt I owe you.

Azel: ...Are you stupid?

Emma: But as a special offer! If you grant my wish, I will give you this ticket for free.

Azel: ...

Emma: Please don't look at me with pity.

Silvio: My stomach hurts... A "do anything you want" ticket for a God... I'm impressed... Haha...!

Emma: You're laughing too much, Prince Silvio!

(I knew it... I knew the chances were slim... but I'm starting to feel embarrassed.)

Azel: ...It's embarrassing, isn't it? Trying to bribe a God with a cheap, childish ticket like this.

Emma: It's a... luxury ticket...

Azel: It has no value to me. In the first place, you still have a huge debt.

Azel: Above all, I am a God who grants people's wishes--aren't you giving it to the wrong person?

(...I want to rewind time right now.)

I cover my flushed face with my hands, but peek at the God's face through the gaps in my fingers--

Azel: Only a fool like you would think of such a ridiculous thing.

(...)

For just a moment--in a fleeting instant that I almost mistook for an illusion, a soft, moon-like smile appeared on his face.

(No, I... I seem to be weak to this face.)

I quickly averted my eyes, feeling as if I had touched something forbidden.

Silvio: Woman, you couldn't seduce the God?

Emma: ...He was too tough.

It seems Silvio didn't see it, so I pretend nothing happened.

Silvio: Well, the king also said "it would be difficult," right? There's no point in givin' up.

Silvio: If you have time to deal with the God, why don't ya go back and prepare for the evenin' party?

Emma: You're right. I think the maids are waiting for me--

As I try to give up and leave Azel, he grabs my hand.

Azel: Why are you attending the evening party?

Emma: His Majesty the King invited me.

Silvio: You wannna gather information for the Rhodolite guys, right?

Emma: That's part of it.

Azel: You, who are drowning in debt, should have the important task of making my dinner.

Emma: There are leftovers from yesterday, so you won't have any trouble with your meal, Prince Azel.

Azel: ...

Emma: Is it... not okay?

(I was invited to the evening party and ended up replying, but maybe that was too hasty.)

Although he doesn't have his usual frown in front of Silvio, I feel pressure from his gentle smile.

Azel: Have you forgotten that you are a debtor? You must prioritize God above all else.

Emma: Prince Azel, could it be that...

Emma: ...are you lonely?

Silvio: ...!

In contrast to Silvio, who burst out laughing again, Azel's smile stiffened.

Azel: You... you have some nerve to insult a God?

Emma: It wasn't an insult, it was an observation.

Azel: That's not something to be proud of. I'm actually relieved that you won't be here.

Emma: Well then, I'll be off to the evening party.

Azel: ...

Emma: Ah, I finally understand. Actually, you're worried-- Ow!

In the end, as always, he pulled my cheek and forcibly silenced me.

Azel: Maybe it's time to consider imprisonment for blasphemy. After paying the fine, of course.

(Not good, not good!)

Silvio: Ha, don't worry so much. I'll accompany you.

Silvio: An escort is essential for Tanzanite evening parties, right?

Silvio: If God isn't coming, I have no choice but to be your partner.

Silvio was grinning broadly, and it was clear that it wasn't just out of goodwill.

(But I'd feel uneasy going alone, so I'll take advantage of his offer this time.)

Azel: ...You're quite the curious one, Prince Silvio.

Silvio: I don't want to hear that from ya, the one who's lettin' an unknown woman live here.

Silvio: If you ain't happy about it, you can come along. You love free meals, don't ya?

Azel: A God cannot easily be involved in worldly affairs.

Silvio: What's that, you money-hungry bastard?

Azel: In the first place, Emma, do you really intend to go?

Azel: Your little head seems to have already forgotten what happened at the royal court.

(He might actually be worried about me.)

(...This is awkward.)

Emma: I'll be careful.

Silvio: I don't know what happened, but I'll be there, so it'll be fine. You owe me one.

As if to rescue me from Azel's clutches, Silvio puts his hand on my shoulder and casually pulls me closer.

Azel: ...Well, fine.

Azel: I don't care at all, not even a little bit, where you go or what you do.

Azel maintains the smile of a merciful God.

But his eyebrows were faintly furrowed.

As if he had seen something unpleasant.

-

Clavis: --Now then, Kumushu. What is this matter that we must discuss away from prying eyes?

Unlike the bustling lobby, the reception room upstairs was filled with silence.

Kumush: I don't like beating around the bush, so let me ask you directly.

Kumush: Are you familiar with the world's calamity, the beast of ruin, the renowned figure known as the ever-victorious general?

Clavis & Luke: "................."

Clavis: ...Of course, we are.

Luke: Why is his name coming up?

Kumush: Actually, there's something I'd like to consult with you about.

The lump that was taken out of the wooden box placed under the table changed the atmosphere of the room.

Clavis: ...This isn't a funny joke, is it?

.

.

.

Chapter 16 Letter

If you’d like to support my translations, feel free to buy me a coffee here! :)

I just wanna say, I love Silvio in this route. I love that he's kind of an acquaintance and not just a full-on jerk to Emma. And I love that he's making Azel jealous LOL.

[mrfellsans]

Crazy to think it's almost 2025..currently 9pm while I'm writing this and I wanted to say a few things

I might get into a bit of sensitive topics so be aware!

If you don't wanna read everything I wrote it's fine, short note:

thank you guys so much, sorry I didn't draw anything! have an amazing new year and I'm wishing you all the best genuinely from the bottom of my heart ❤

Hey first off I wanted to start it on a nice note and say HAPPY NEW YEARS TO ALL AND ALL OF MY MOOTS, you guys really changed me I mean I made SO many friends online and I'm so grateful for that and I'm also grateful for all the friends I already have that stuck to me or the people I got to know and get closer to this year. Just letting all of you know, my followers, friends, etc that I love you all dearly and I thank you all so much for the support you have no idea how much all of your kind words mean to me I love you all, adding onto that I was also able to improve my art a lot and I'm so proud of myself for that! If you have anything you have improved in just remember it and be proud of yourself for it!

And now to get a bit deep, this year was a roller coaster for me, especially during the end where a lot of stuff was going on with me. I remember at the start of 2024 I thought that I wouldn't live to see it be 2025 and my hopelessness peaked near the end and I was sure that I wouldn't make it, I was in such a horrible place but my family, you guys, other friends and people, you helped me stay here just long enough to see another day and realize that things aren't that bad, I thank everyone that has helped me get through it even when I felt like it wasn't worth it anymore and I have no idea how to thank everyone for it but thank you deeply from the bottom of my heart.

And to end it off, some goals I have next year is to improve more on me and my art. I really wanna learn how to animate, learn anatomy better, just in general I wanna learn SO much more in the art world and I hope this new year I'll achieve that!

I love you all.

And I hope you have an amazing new year ❤

-Selever

@yago-undertale @luigigirl12 @candymagnolia @izzy-the-chaotic-gremlin @moonflower-pies @cutechan555 @paras1t1c-squ1dd @bigboybird @trasho-pando2011 @tv-peppino @miaar10112 @pizzatowet13 @misdreavusplush @echostarsys @fluffygiraffe @nightofthephant0ms @yourlocalxiaosimp @idiotspage @mattplatonic @alan-william @radaverse @ask-crow-aus @the-rainbow-sandwich @panhbr @mrcarrotcakestuff @sa1tamasbiggestfan @djeycartanime05 @somecartoonisttalkshere @bellagrimfox @noir-ish-bee @lunar-dal @alice-the-demon @sunny-ismyname and literally many others

Sorry for the tag I just looked for moots that popped up on my notification box or I could think of at the top of my head so if you weren't included please don't feel bad, this is meant for all my moots and followers to see and yea pretty much! (＾ｖ＾) 

[jules-writes-stories]

2024 Fic Writer End of Year Roundup

Answer and then tag three or more creators to keep the game going!

Thank you to everyone who tagged me! I'm sorry this is late. I've been working on it for days. It's really long.

1. How many words did you publish on AO3 in 2024?

366,893

2. How many fics did you complete this year?

9!

3. How many in progress or ongoing fics did you start this year?

I have 1 WIP: A Love That Bleeds and a Koschei x Eris fic that's not posted yet (but close to drafted).

4. What was your favorite thing you wrote?

I love all my babes equally, but I am most proud of Just Enough Light to Cast Shadows, which was my first fan fic, and a true labor of love.

5. What piece was your most experimental or different from your usual style?

Monster feels different from a lot that I've written. It's pre-cannon and examines Lucien and Eris's relationship, and is not ship-centered.

6. Did any fics surprise you - either while writing or their reception?

My Azris modern AU The Night Court Lounge really took me by the throat. It was supposed to be a slutty little spite fic and then it just took off. The boys caught feelings and I caught feelings. But I have @pippsmcgee to thank for hyping that story up. She was the brain child behind a big plot point, the pet names, and just talked me through positions and timing and what ifs... truly a gift.

7. Do you have a fic you wrote and loved that went under the radar? (This is your sign to reblog/repost it!)

Hmmm... not sure? Maybe my Amarantha x OC fic? It's hard to write pre-canon stories, especially for a villain! A Love That Bleeds is pretty dark and touches upon themes of slavery, love and autonomy, and is different from much that I write. But I am so proud of it.

8. Who is an artist that inspired you?

There are too many talented artists to list. Here are a few: @nus4y who makes Azriel's skin literally glow and everything just screams passion. LOOK AT HIS BRILLIANCE on A03 (NSFW)

@queercontrarian never fails to surprise me. Their take on the Court fashions, hair styles, jewelry. So much diversity and representation. THIS is one of my all time favorites. THEEESAN.

@palomita-de-la-sangre whose style is so unique and gorgeous and raw. This is what I mean.

@seihdacalling is immensely talented! Her Eris and pups and JEL Eris? AND LOOK AT MITHRAS (my beloved OC).

@bloodyplunder whose work is so passionate and full of color and movement. LOOK at this! AND (NSFW) LOOK AT JEL CHAPTER 25 on AO3!

@fourteentrout is inspired and talented. And all around incredibly kind and supportive. Just brilliant. LOOK AT FIRE SPRITE ERIS

@laxibbeb creates characters' faces in a way that hold so much emotion. NESTA is a favorite, omg... and AZRIEL IN STIRRUPS.

@elleybug @chunkypossum @lucychanart (who made me a Tamsand believer. God, this one?) so many more...

9. Who is an author that inspired you?

There are SO many. First and foremost, @chunkypossum who welcomes new creators with so much warmth and support. Every single story. Every word is magical. @iftheshoef1tz is another legend who is so kind and warm and wickedly talented. Every single story is perfection. Will they adopt me as my Azris parents? Maybe. Congrats! It's a shoe-possum!

@the-darkestminds is truly someone I could write a book about. The emotions she brings out with her characters and words will leave you breathless. If you want to feel, read her stories. You will walk away so full of every emotion, but also with a newfound appreciation for each character. And @mistandmemories whose Eris is the funniest, most clever, most lovable in the biz. Her Azriel makes me laugh constantly. How you ask? Shenanigans. Windows, pants, awkward moments of self doubt and a precious inability to communicate. Go read it. The plots, the politics. The WIT. The decades of delicious edging. (It was several chapters but gods it felt like a lifetime).

These two have been writing their own multi-chapter fics beside me this year, and without their friendship and support, I probably wouldn't have finished. ILY!

@pippsmcgee will never be rid of me and my neurotic little paws. This one just looks at a story, a character, a scene, and says "you know what will make it even more (painful, sexy, exciting)?" And you better listen. But she also wrote a beautiful story about young Azriel that inspired me so much this year.

@shadowsandlint is full of talent-- Her prose is layered with meaning and flows so naturally. I can't put her stories down.

@zenkindoflove For her OC Alexius, who is my baby forever and ever. Creating an OC is gutsy and brave and takes so much talent. She's got it all. Also stunning world building and dialogues! And don't get me started on Elucien...

@talibunny30 For her depictions of young Nesta and her OC Boudica. She shows so much of Nesta's trauma in a thoughtful and honest way. I love it!

@neciebee whose writing is like poetry. Every time I read it I'm like, wait! Come back. Tell me more. I want... more? Gimme!

@witch-and-her-witcher whose fics are so magical. Her Nessian is my all time favorite. Nesta, Cassian, the Illyrian culture that she built for us. Just stunning.

@born-to-riot for VAMREN. But also sexy plots, hilarious shadows, and fluffy Azris moments we need.

@acourtofladydeath for writing pieces that challenge readers to sit with uncertainty-- gray characters and grief that lingers but also carry lessons and hope.

@secret-third-thing for such perfect storytelling-- every word matters and every image counts. The descriptions and details are exact, the settings are lush and imaginative. Also, Artaban.

I could keep going... If you are not on this list, but I've commented or left kudos or bookmarked your fic, you've left a mark. If not, I'm coming for you in 2025!

10. Who is a new author you discovered?

@g00seg1rl who writes smut like a witch. A very sexy witch. @nus4y who is another sexy witch? Watch out for these two. @jolenes-library is so talented! Motorcycle Azris AU. Enough said. @buffy-vanserra whose prose is beautiful. Every word matters. @clockwork-ashes has so many lovely pieces I couldn't choose just one. @unanswered-stars for those damn letters. You know the ones. I'm still crying. @yanny-77 : Best Elain in the biz. And the Lip Ring.

11. Did you do any collaborations? How did it start?

@brunetterebel010 @mistandmemories and I wrote A Solstice Carol. It started as a lot of joking about Rhys being Scrooge. And it became a true passion project! @talibunny30 helped with brainstorming ideas and beta reading, and @fieldofdaisiies and @pippsmcgee beta read.

Also my partner in crime in all Azris fics: @pippsmcgee who talks me through plotting the political animal, asks the important questions, and twists the knife of angst. She keeps my eyeball obsession in check.

12. What accomplishments are you proudest of?

I'm most proud of Just Enough Light to Cast Shadows. It really is silly, but finishing it, right at the end of 2024, and looking back at all the new friends I've made along the way, and how it has touched other people just makes this year feel special.

Thank you so much to @pippsmcgee for helping me land that plane. And for being my very first comment, ever. When I saw you and @talibunny30 and @neciebee were reading, I felt legit. And to @mistandmemories and @the-darkestminds who were on this journey with me. It was so important to walk beside you during it all!

13. What did you learn about writing or creating this year?

Write was brings you joy. Comparison is the thief of that joy. You can only write your own story, and it's ok if it's not for everyone. Because a story that is everyone's is probably no one's, you know? It will reach the people it needs to.

Outlines are important (for my process). They saved my ass so many times. And beta readers. And friends. And reader-readers. They all saved me too.

14. What is your advice?

Surround yourself with people who cheer you on. Be sure to support other creators. The community aspect of fandom is important. We're all just out here putting our hearts onto the screen and hitting Post.

15. What are your creative goals for 2025?

Finish A Love That Bleeds, Finish my Koschei x Eris fic, and start plotting out a longer Azris multi-chapter fic. It's a little seed right now, but one day soon...

[missnotbrave]

"The Only Two Fish in the Sea" by tchotcho

typeset, bound and designed by masqueraves (that's me!)

“What if we kissed?” Hongjoong chokes on the bite of sandwich he just took. “To break the curse,” Yunho clarifies. It takes two hacking coughs to clear his throat before Hongjoong can reply, “That’s not how it works.” -------- Hongjoong starts reliving the same workday. (Un)fortunately, someone else is stuck in time with him.

My first fully case-bound fan bind! This is one of my favorite Ateez fics, and it was so fun to make it! I have reread this fic many times while binding, I was starting to wonder if I was stuck in the time loop as well lol. I pretty much took the fish metaphor and ran with it for the whole design, with little chapter icon-thingys and goldfish origami paper I found in my paper stash. I'm really proud to display it on my shelf with my albums and photobooks :)

Anyways!! Had a great time making this, another thanks to tchotcho for their lovely writing and for letting me bind this :D Progress pics and more details under the cut !!

Progress pics, featuring my messy, scuffed setup!

Materials used were mostly things I had already lying around in my house, save for the blue bookcloth, which I bought off amazon. The textblock is printed on plain letter sized paper, the bookboard is the cardboard back of a watercolor pad, and I didn't have mull, so I used a piece of cardstock in place of it.

The typeset was done in LibreWriter- never used it before and knew even less about formatting, but I'm very happy with how it looks! Sewing the endbands was also a new experience! Made the mistake of using a thicker, not very flexible cord (I had ideas of including shiny HTV for the cover as well but realized that I'd need a cricut to be able to cut complex designs like text), but I'd say it's pretty good for a first try. I'd love to try a method to smooth the jagged fore edge of the textblock but. That's for another day and another bind ;)

[chimggukchim]

2024...A Look Back At Jikook

As we bring in the new year and all the possibilities and hope that it brings, I thought I'd reflect on the year that was 2024 and all that we received from Jimin and Jungkook. Here are some of my favourite presents!

Are You Sure? - Duh! Lol. How else would I begin this list? I don't think there was anyone who could have ever predicted that we would be getting a reality series with just Jikook. Like...THAT HAPPENED! We literally got to spend 8+ hours with Jikook and their dynamic. Added to that...MERCH?! So I'd say it was a pretty rewarding year if we'd just gotten that.

MUSE - I'm sure we all felt a bit dejected when FACE's promo time wasn't that long due to most of the guys needing to release their stuff before their enlistment date in December. This is not meant to be a fighting point (I don't care to entertain mantis). Anyway, it was a joy to not only see him release another album, but also have that album and it's HUGE single be given an adequate amount of focus time. I personally enjoyed MUSE more, as the songs were more to my taste and...BLONDE JIMIN!!! I was completely obsessed with his look for this album. And I love that even though a lot of English was incorporated into the album, there was still a very big presence of Jimin in its creation. Jimin is so creative, it isn't even funny, and I personally look forward to him being more involved in BTS' music production and lyricism.

WHO - Listen...when Seven came out and did THOSE numbers, my mind was blown. Just look at the records it took from BTS and Dynamite/Butter! I was like...how can that ever be topped? Well, Park Jimin had something to say about that, apparently. I cannot even begin to tell you how many times I was simply dumbfounded that Who was not only keeping pace or was close to what Seven did last year, but surpassed it in so many key areas! It isn't that I doubted Jimin or anything. But certain patterns have been established; Jungkook has, for years, been arguably the most popular member just based purely on a consumption factor. So his releases would have done numbers. And Seven was a very heavily promoted single. Not to mention, Jungkook himself was present to do a promo run (which is why it got radio for those who don't understand how radio deals work in the US). So what Who has achieved without all of that (especially without Jimin to physically be here to promote) is absolutely incredible. And it shows me that, like Jungkook, Jimin would absolutely kill a solo run whenever he so chooses in the future. I am like a proud mama seeing what Who continues to achieve to this day, and am happy that he has the support.

Who Is My Heart Waiting For - Yes, Jimin. Who was your heart truly waiting for? lol. I won't go into much analysis here because there are amazingly detailed, cohesive, logical takes on the Who MV by others, so you can check those out. What I will say is that there is not a doubt in my mind that those are Jungkook's eyes in that billboard, and that this MV was done deliberately. Jimin and Jungkook have, over the years and on numerous occasions, put a bit of each other into their art, and just enough to have our heads scratching yet not be overtly obvious about anything. Kings of subtle yet loud, I would say. And this MV for me, was another example of that. Sure, one can debate that we can't be 100% certain it's JK but to that I say...to each his own. Because it wasn't just the eye thing. It was the entire MV. And the link to Taeyang and his ENL mv, I don't think is a coincidence. He is one of Jimin's biggest influences, and they did spend time together. I truly do think that Jimin used this opportunity to tell us who really has his heart.

Jikook are a MUSICAL DUO FORCE to be reckoned with - Potential relationship aside, looking at Jimin and Jungkook from a purely professional standpoint, what 2024 has shown me is that if these two were to ever be given the opportunity to become a sub-unit in the future...they would conquer the musical world. They have both shown with their music, that they have the support to be absolutely successful, and with the release of AYS, and how it was received, there is an indication that they are a very popular duo within the fandom as well (don't let keyboard trolls on social media gaslight you into thinking otherwise). Plus, the stage presence they have individually, and the chemistry they have together is otherwordly insane. So if there is one wish that I did have where jikook are concerned, it would be that BigHit see the potential there and give them a shot at a sub-unit at some time.

Jikook continues to Jikook - No matter what anyone comes on here to say (anti, solo, akgae, denialists etc), 2024 has shown us that Jimin and Jungkook continue to go very strong. They enlisted together for a reason, and it seems that they are happy they did so. These two continue to be the 'You Are Me, I Am You' duo that the universe conspired to put together. They are happy together now, and I cannot wait for them to be happy together come June, 2025.

Anyway, those were just some of the little gifts that I was happy to be given by these two this past year. I'm sure I missed some stuff, so you are most welcome to share your thoughts too.

HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!!!

[bitbybitwrites]

I was tagged by : @porcelainmortal, @alasse9 @forabeatofadrum

Thanks for thinking of me! . . I should really do this before 2024 is up, right? 😂

BTW its still Dec 31 here where I am, so I'll say it counts.

I've done a lot more than I expected this year, as I look back. And I'm kind of proud of myself.

I started writing for another fandom - RWRB. Its been fun adding these characters to the mix.

I managed finishing 1 multi-chapter fic and a 11 shorter fics.

I'm still plugging away on 3 longer multi-chapter WIP, adding and posting chapters as I go.

I have compiled an additional WIP list of (*stops to count*) 16 other fics that are not posted yet, but are in various stages of readiness. I flitter around adding bits to each when inpiration hits.

I think that's about it for me for 2024 - still writing, slow and steady. 😊

I'm always so happy to see any of kudos and comments if you have left any . . . and I'm still really apologetic that I haven't gotten to responding to many. There's only so much time in the day. I will try to get to them!

WRITING GOALS FOR 2025: Basically write more, and write as often as I can. There are so many of my WIP I want to get into and finish . . hopefully some of you will find them interesting to read!

Wishing you all a Happy New Year and a productive and creative 2025! I look forward to seeing/reading all you create!

See links and descriptions to everything under the cut!

1.) COMPLETED FICS

April 2024

Falling For You (Klaine fic) - 26,089 words

Summary:

Kurt Hummel thought by donating his services as a florist to Memorial Sloan Kettering, that he would simply be giving back to the medical community. A good deed for the month of December. Little did he know that a few chance run-ins with an adorable doctor and a sweet little girl in the hospital lobby would change all that. Written for the Klaine Secret Santa 2023 Gift Exchange.

May 2024

Pretty Shiny things (Klaine fic) - 1,943 words

Summary:

The clangs and shrieks of the alarm system at Christie's Auction House filled the corridors, echoing through the mostly empty building. They were just as loud as the beating of Kurt and Blaine's hearts as they raced down corridor after corridor while they attempted to escape. “You’ve got to be fucking kidding me,” Kurt growled through his teeth as he ran, slipping slightly on the polished marble floor as he turned another corner. “I leave you alone for five minutes . . . FIVE MINUTES, Blaine. What on earth did you do?” **** Discovered a fun new thing on Tumblr called Ficlet Friday. This ficlet was inspired by a dialogue prompt by annepi: Prompt: Klaine - “I leave you alone for five minutes...”

June 2024

hold me close (FirstPrince fic) - 836 words

Summary:

Alex has had a rough day. It's a good thing that Henry's home to take care of him. For a Ficlet Friday prompt : "Tell me anything. Everything.”

blythe spirit (FirstPrince fic) - 1,756 words

Summary:

“I . . . I don't know why you're even interested." “Baby, I love you.  I'm interested in everything about you." Alex gave Henry a very pointed and heated look that definitely hit the mark. The flush on Henry’s face now deepened.  He worried his bottom lip between his teeth for a few moments as he considered his options. “Come on,” Alex softly cajoled.  “You can’t just say things like: ‘I played Elvira in a school production of Blythe Spirit’ and not expect me to ask for pictures . . or at least the lowdown on it all.”  Alex pouted again to prove his point.  “I’m a weak man, H.  These are the types of things I need to know more about.” ***** From a Friday Ficlet prompt: "Tell Me anything. Everything."

nightfall (Klaine fic) - 219 words

Summary:

Blaine sighed as he collapsed onto the sand. With his chin upon his knees and arms wrapped around his legs, Blaine gazed out toward the ocean, deciding that the purple-ish pink sky that stretched out before him was absolutely breathtaking. If only he had his camera with him. It would be a perfect addition to his next gallery exhibit. ***** Based off a Tumblr Prompt/Ask Game - "Create a microstory from the prompt selected" Thanks to Falles for giving me: "49 - nightfall"

i'll always come back to you (FirstPrince fic) - 504 words

Summary:

Alex will always come back to Henry . . .always Based on a microstory prompt: #32 - dust motes

July 2024

fire island follies (Klaine fic) - 3,027 words

Summary:

Blaine Anderson is off to a weekend on Fire Island - well, his good friend Santana is draggng him on one. He's not so sure it's the best thing to do - but a run-in with a beautiful performer from the Fire Island Follies quickly changes his mind. ****** From a Tumblr Friday Ficlet prompt from bowtiesandboatshoes : "We're going to Fire Island.  It's like gay Disney World." Title is from an actual burlesque/cabaret show: The Fire Island Follies

i hate waiting (FirstPrince fic) - 555 Words

Summary:

Alex needs to keep his daughter from being bored.   inspired by this adorable picture on Tumblr by wordsofhoneydew

study date (Klaine fic) - 945 words

Summary:

"Get your hands off me!" The sound of a scuffle had Kurt look up from his reading. To be honest, Divination was such a bore of a class. It's not like he needed to learn anything new about it. Kurt had all of his mother's crystals, divination tools, and journals tucked away in her old trunk up in the attic of their home. He could read tea leaves and scry with the best of them. He had long ago lost focus on the chapter Professor Holiday had assigned them for the evening, so at this point, any other distraction would be welcome. Even if it was prefect duties.

Originally this was a bit of a false start for my fic, Advanced Potions

The original prompt was "hogwarts!au + 4. meet messy + 6. "what is that?"

August 2024

what can compare with your beautiful sound (Klaine fic) - 1,183 words

Summary:

Kurt’s brow furrowed as he concentrated on the task at hand. He had to get it just right. His hand hovered just a few inches higher, and with a deft flick of his wrist, a drop of wax fell from the lit candle in his hand to his canvas below. The canvas moaned in ecstasy. “Now, darling, we don’t want to shift, now do we?" Kurt softly murmured as he leaned in close. "You've been such a good boy for me so far." ***** Based off of a microstory prompt from Tumblr : "candles"

November 2024

smutsgiving/wanksgiving 2024: rwrb/firstprince - 662 words

Summary:

Prince Henry has been given a new gift for his bedchamber. Entry for Smutsgiving/Wanksgiving 2024.

smutsgiving/wanksgiving 2024: klaine - 580 Words

Summary:

Dinner was lovely, but Blaine is really ready to go home. Entry for Smutsgiving/Wanksgiving 2024.

2.) PARTIALLY PUBLISHED WIP:

(Klaine) If I Can Make Your Heart My Home - (Klaine Reverse Bang 2023) Life in New York City and working in the restaurant industry wasn’t exactly what Kurt Hummel had expected it would be. He’s lonely, stressed out and miserable. He’s almost ready to throw in the towel and return home to Ohio when a chance meeting with a musician in Central Park changes everything. (Warning: an angsty rollercoaster of a ride. Soooo many cameos from Glee characters! 😉)

(RWRB) Puppy Love - (RWRB NYE gift exchange 2023) The cold snowy day that Henry Fox discovers an abandoned beagle puppy in an alley brings handsome, flirty veterinarian, Alex Claremont-Diaz into his life. Alex is a single dad, recently moved to NY with his young son who Henry hasn't met yet - or so Alex thought. (Fluffy kid!fic)

(Klaine) Sanctuary - (Klaine Word Scramble 2023) Crown Prince Blaine has stumbled into a secluded glade, trying to escape the horrors of the bloody war his father had brought upon their kingdom. Mourning his beloved older brother and faced with the burden of taking his place in the kingdom, Blaine yearns for a place to hid from the world to deal with the issues weighing on his heavy heart. He encounters a mysterious elf, the guardian of the magical spring that Blaine has mistakenly defiled, whose growing connection to his life the young prince can't ignore. (Inspired by an idea/ artwork by @datshitrandom and @justgleekout)

3.) WIP FICS TO FINISH AND POST

My WIP list can be found here! I keep it updated. Feel free to ask me about any of them if you're curious . . 🥰. Hoping to finish some of these in the coming year.

******

OK so ( as usual) I'm late to post - so if anyone hasn't done this yet and wants to - take my big open tag for it and maybe some of these folks might want to do one of these wrap ups as well?

Tagging ( participate only if you want to): @wowbright, @gleefulpoppet, @daisyishedwig, @spaceorphan18 @special-bc-ur-part-of-it

@myheartalivewrites, @14carrotghoul, @thighzp @tailsbeth-writes @onthewaytosomewhere

@sophie1973 @getmehighonmagic @tinyarmedtrex @henrysfox @blueeyedgrlwrites

@kirakiwiwrites @madas-ahatters-world @sarkyblueeyes @heartsmadeofbooks @iboatedhere

@little-escapist @littlemisskittentoes @kurtsascot @hkvoyage @lilinas

Psst. . . and if any fanartists see this and want to share what they've drawn this year, tag me! I'd love to see your work if I've missed some!

[letmetellyouaboutmyfeels]

Fic Author Self-Rec

I was tagged by @qqueenofhades mwah dear!

When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to at least five other writers. Spread the self-love. ❤

I know what I would pick for the five if I was being fully honest - it's the same five I've repeatedly picked before (Reincarnation AU, Hades!Buck AU, Zombie Apocalypse AU, Ghost!Buck AU, and Hades!Eddie AU). But I wanted to challenge myself and pick five fics from this year, 2024, since it is the end of the year and it would be nice to look back on it.

I wrote far more fanfic than I planned (728,600 words), including a threesome collection and a rarepair (77k words for a Midsomer Murders fic what is wrong with me). I had hoped to surprise post my big Xedgin fic as a new year's gift but that ended up not happening, alas. I haven't forgotten it though and while I am now 100% focused on my original novels I promise to find time to post it.

Anyway enough navel-gazing, here are my five favorite fics from this year!

Racing with the Brakes Cut

My Fast & Furious AU that I wrote in a burst of inspiration after I was made to marathon the series with friends. I had a lot of fun writing it. There's a very particular feel to the first F&F film - a vibe of Los Angeles in the dog days of summer, a sense of desperate people living in the beautiful grit of the city, a feeling of messy found family, and a particular brand of homoeroticism, that I wanted to capture. I like to think I succeeded.

Held Up a Lightning Rod (Wonder Why I'm Struck)

THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO JUST BE A FUN SUGAR BABY AU. I predicted it would be around 60k words and it turned out double that number. But I'm really proud of how I wove seasons one through four into this canon and ended up incorporating Buck and Eddie's alternate relationship into the canon. This is also a fic I posted chapter by chapter and the responses I got from everyone along the way were delightful. I think this might be one of my most popular fics, actually. I just had a blast writing it and responding to everyone's comments, it really felt like a community, and that's what fic and fandom are all about.

Connected the Dots in Reverse (But Still Completed the Picture)

This is a Ghost Files/Unsolved AU and that proved to be a challenge. How do you capture the feeling of watching a video in a written work? How do you replicate the banter and the humorous editing? I also had to watch the entire two series over again to pick what locations and quotes I wanted to incorporate into the fic, so that was a lot. But I had a lot of fun writing it. It was especially fun to get to lean into Eddie's sassy, goofy, Buck-enabling side.

The Blood Between My Teeth is My Own

I am so proud of myself that this was only 32k. YAY, ME! I love the 118 as werewolves, and it was great to finally dive into that with a fic that had a proper plot. It was fun to explore Eddie's personal issues through the lens of lycanthropy, and I enjoyed depicting werewolves as properly monstrous rather than just big wolves or slightly-transformed humans. I wrote this in the span of about 72 hours and I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out.

I’m Not Breathing Unless I’m Giving You CPR

YES I KNOW THIS IS FROM 2023 BUT BEAR WITH ME. I wrote this fic as an experiment and was extremely nervous about its reception. I didn't think most people would read it or enjoy it. But if you look at my stats page for 2023, it has the most hits, second-most kudos, second-most bookmarks, and second-most comments. I'm floored, absolutely floored. Over the last year I've repeatedly gotten really lovely comments from people talking about how this fic has affected them, and it's really meant more than I can say. Especially as I dive into my novels which feature characters who are various levels of disaster and do often mess up, or are hard to love, or who make wrong or bad choices, or are mentally unwell, it's so encouraging to know that this darker fic that I really was nervous about has been so loved.

Tagging @extasiswings @tripleaxeldiaz @peridotglimmer @givemeunicorns and @princessfbi. No pressure but I hope as this (terrible) year comes to a close you all have a chance to look with pride at some of your writing!

[taffywabbit]

it feels weird to finally get a year where I get to say this but I think maybe 2024 actually WAS my year. hopefully not the last, but it really feels like the first, at least in a long time. I was stagnant and static and drifting without much momentum in any direction for quite a while, and then suddenly this year:

I finally moved into a solo apartment and am no longer living in a house with an ever-shifting pool of like 5 roommates. having my own quiet comfy space to cook and relax and be nocturnal without bothering anyone has been HUGE for my mental health

I worked very hard to recoup the money I lost from that move and got myself in a fairly stable and comfortable position again, work-wise

I finally started HRT in June, after about 5 years of waiting/struggling to find a doctor/fear/general motivation issues. which absolutely kicks ass and is probably the highlight of the whole year if I had to pick just one

I also finally got diagnosed with ADHD and (with a little trial and error) got medicated for it, which is another thing I've been trying to sort out for like 6 years. hey did you know executive dysfunction and problems with memory/task management/motivation make it really hard to go through the process of getting treated for the cause of those symptoms? wild huh

I rekindled a much closer relationship with a couple of my younger siblings, especially the elder of my two sisters, and we have really nice chats fairly regularly now (crazy considering we did nothing but fight constantly for like 20 years lol)

I came out fully to my family, for better or worse, and MOST of them have been surprisingly chill and supportive about it

I worked on a little game project with a friend for a couple months! it didn't end up working out but I learned a lot from the experience

I started doing WAY more personal art and kinda rediscovered my passion for it, and as a result I've progressed a lot stylistically and technically within the past few months

I beat Pseudoregalia 94 times since the first time I tried it in February. not really an achievement on the same level as all this other stuff but I'm still proud of it

like idk! there were a lot of rough patches this year and I was honestly pretty burnt out for the first half of it, but 2024 still feels like the year where I bundled up all my frustration about going nowhere with my life and achieving none of my goals and turned it into fuel to just blaze through a bunch of stuff in the back half. I wish I'd done a lot of it sooner, but life has been reminding me a lot lately that it really IS better late than never, so I'm trying to keep that perspective in mind and not let the idea of a ticking clock intimidate me like it used to. I am trying to be optimistic that 2025 will allow me to continue this momentum. we'll see I guess!

idk if I really have any resolutions per se? I guess I'd really like to make music more often in 2025, even if it's just small things I do in one or two sittings occasionally instead of full songs. I started writing a song this year, with lyrics and everything, and then didn't finish putting it together, so at the very least I'd like to make THAT happen soon. I think finding a way to get myself back into animation casually would be neat too - I have a lot of mental hangups and personal roadblocks holding me back, largely from my awful college experience, but I think if I can just find some tools that are comfortable for me then I'll be able to conquer those and hopefully start enjoying it again on my own terms. there's other stuff I'd like to pick up this year as well but honestly I'm keeping my expectations small for now and we'll just see what happens! let's do it, wahoo