#i'd love to think there would be some kind of funny banter but like realistically if i met them they would be so terrifying

[emelkae]

Meeting Your OCs Tag

Thanks for the tag, @catharticallysarcastic!

Rules: write a short snippet about if your OCs ever met you irl (or in their world, that’s up to you) and write about the conversation they would start with you (or you would start with them). Then tag some people

I love this concept, but I had a problem justifying why the War Machines and I would ever have a conversation unless I made my reason for being there a little more interesting. So my answer might have ended up kinda unconventional. It's also longer than I'd expected, about 700 words. Under the cut:

Every writer's gotten lost in their own story before. It feels amazing, that moment when you slip into the words and let them carry you off to a place where the world inside is vivid, real, almost tactile.

Not every writer gets stuck. I did.

I didn't notice it at first. I just thought I'd reached that much-beloved "flow state" that looks more like hyperfixation in brains like mine. It wasn't as if my characters usually stick to my plans for them or anything, so I didn't question it when Briar's eyes snapped away from the command center's starry viewscreen to look in my direction. They narrowed, the quirk of his eyebrows turning his frown from one of surprise to curiosity.

Claw frowned too, but only concern lurked in his face. "What's up?"

"I... I don't know," said Briar, wringing his hands. "I can feel someone that way." He pointed toward me, which is when I started to realize something was off about the story, but I didn't really grasp it. "It feels like a person. But there's nobody there."

"Like a ghost," gasped Lug, stroking the cat in his enormous arms.

"I didn't think you believed in ghosts, kid," Claw chuckled.

The Repair Units swiveled in their chairs, each running their white eyes over the far wall of the command center.

"Are you referring to that shadowy corner?" Circuit said. "That would be Sharpe you're feeling, then."

Oh, is that where Sharpe had gone? I had a lot of characters, so I tended to lose track of quiet ones like Sharpe. I turned toward him to see what sort of position he was standing in—only to find a pistol barrel nearly stuck in my nose, so close to my eyes that they crossed.

"How did you get in here?" he hissed.

The command center exploded with motion. The Repair Units jumped from their seats with their pistols drawn, Lug pounded across the center toward me, and Claw shoved Briar behind him, unsnapping his crossbow from his backpiece. To my shame, I slid down the wall and tucked my knees up to my chin instead of running or even saying a word. My hands were by my head, palms out, and I wasn't sure when I'd put them up.

"Hey, wait," said Briar, "they're not gonna hurt us. They're scared."

"They should be," growled Sharpe, and I assumed the next thing I saw would be the white flare of the laser bolt he'd send into my skull.

I didn't expect Briar to come out from behind Claw and make hesitant steps toward me. Claw moved with him, his hand on the boy's shoulder, and I had no idea where to look. They were all huge, staring down at me with such hard and distrustful faces.

"I-I don't know," I babbled. "I'm not. I don't... How?"

At my nonsensical words, they lowered their weapons and glanced at each other. My cheeks went red. This was either a dream or some kind of break from reality, and I still couldn't talk like a normal person, even to my own characters. Nobody moved until Gamma hopped from Lug's arms and sniffed at one of my hands. I rubbed her face, mumbling something like "oh my god," which made Lug laugh and reach toward me.

"Kitty likes you!" he said. "Good enough for me."

I reached slowly for his hand, which enveloped mine as he pulled me to my feet with no effort at all.

"I'm not supposed to be here," I said stupidly.

Claw snorted. "No kidding. Circuit, Mobo, take the Warrior planetside so we can drop off our stowaway."

"I don't think that'll help. I don't know how I got here. Or I can't remember."

The Repair Units' eyes brightened in fascination. They'd settled back into their chairs, but they rose again and moved toward me with scanners in hand. I'd never realized exactly how in sync they were, so watching their identical golden faces was dizzying.

I could only tell Mobo apart from Circuit when his gruff voice spoke. "Amnesia, then? What's your name?"

"Emel."

"You remember that. Huh."

And they both fell silent, probably lapsing into thoughtvoice as they scanned me.

I got stuck in my story, but I guessed that wasn't all bad. Maybe I'd wake up tomorrow back in my bed. For now, I just stood still and let them scan me, feeling the others' gazes like something palpable on my face.

Open Tag! Also tagging: @avrablake @drabbleitout @nopoodles @talesofsorrowandofruin @my-writblr @the-finch-address @writingonesdreams @muddshadow @sleepyowlwrites

[the28thofseptemberr]

helloooo!! i didn't do a fic rec last month because i was so busy with my exams and barely had time to read, so this month's post is going to comprise of mostly fics i've read in june but also some i've read in may.

thank you to all of the incredible writers, please go support them!! and remember to read all of the tags and possible warnings before reading the fic! here is the list of fics (mostly below the cut):

read

•° — led by your beating heart by @missandrogyny 29.4k | E | famous harry/non-famous louis

Nick leans over. "Oh," he says, his voice smug. "Who is that?"

Harry just blinks at his phone. "Um," he manages to stammer out.

"Who's that, Harry?" Nick asks again, but this time he raises his eyebrows and smirks. Harry knows Nick is just teasing, and that he's not really looking for new Harry Styles gossip, but, um. He might have found something. Accidentally.

Harry opens his mouth to speak, but all that comes out is another 'um'. He really needs to work on translating his thoughts into words. But then it probably wouldn't be any help right now, would it? His mind is as blank as a newly erased etch-a-sketch.

"Oh," Nick says again, this time gleefully, seemingly having picked up on Harry's distress. "Looks like we've got a story here! Are you going to call or delete her number?"

Her number. So Nick thinks it's a girl. Well, Harry can't blame him: 'Lou' is kind of an androgynous nickname. His stylist's name is Lou.

But this Lou, well, Louis, he's kind of, really, really not a girl. He's really pretty though, which, is something.

(Or: AU where Harry's in One Direction, Louis isn't, and they reconnect over a game of 'Call or Delete'.)

note: this was so funny and cute and well written, and everyone was characterized so perfectly!! i adored the chemistry between louis and harry, this fic kept me smiling for the whole time while i was reading <3

•° — sounds like love to me by @neondiamond 14.6k | G | kid fic

“Do you want to hear the heartbeat?”

Louis watches as Harry’s face falls with the realization that this is one of those things he won’t be able to experience. For a second, Louis considers saying no, to show Harry they’re truly on the same boat through all of this. But he nods in the end, reaching over for Harry’s hand as the doctor flips a switch. Noise fills the room then, and it takes a few seconds for the sound to become clear enough for Louis to make out the baby’s fast heartbeat.

“It’s really fast,” he voices his thoughts out loud as he uses his thumb to tap against the back of Harry’s hand, replicating the rapid rhythm of the baby’s heartbeat. It takes the younger man a little while to figure out what Louis’ doing, but a huge grin breaks out on his face as soon as he does.

“Is that them?” He signs with the other hand, his own eyes starting to tear up when Louis nods.

OR: Harry is deaf, Louis is pregnant. They figure it out.

note: i'm not a fan of mpreg or kid fics in general, but i stumbled across the fic post for this on my dash and the summary sounded really intriguing to me, so i had a go at reading and it did not disappoint!! it was really sweet and fluffy but also so touching and heartbreaking in some parts. plus, i really enjoyed how harry and louis worked together and supported each other.

•° — this restless dream by @afirethatcannotdie 5.6k | NR | first meetings

“Hiii, I called earlier about the dogs?” he asks, taking a few steps closer to the desk where Louis is standing. He’s taller than Louis, with a dimple when he smiles and bright green eyes. There's a cute eagerness about his whole presence. “Do you have any puppies?” He’s a bit like a puppy himself, actually.

AU. Louis works at an animal shelter and Harry wants a puppy. Things don't go quite according to plan.

note: this was so so adorable and soft, especially since i have a soft spot for h&l with pets. i also have a soft spot for h&l being oblivious lovesick idiots and this was perfect!!

•° — all i see is you, lately by @runaway-train-works 2k | G | first meetings

Harry noticed him for the first time three months ago. He couldn’t not, really, what with the man being so pretty and all, and Harry remembers it well because it was three days before his birthday and he had joked to himself that seeing someone so gorgeous for three days on the trot must be an early present from the Gods.

Or

The one where Harry has a crush on a fellow commuter.

note: this one was quite short but so sweet and perfect and lovely!!

•° — the things i'd do to wake up next to you by orphan_account 36.1k | M | amnesia fic

AU. Harry wakes up to a pregnant Louis Tomlinson and a wedding band on his finger.

note: this fic was incredible, i'm always up for an amnesia fic and this one was heart-breaking and realistic but also sweet and fluffy as well :)

•° — this glorious mess by theweightofmywords 14.2k | M | post-breakup

His head lolls to the side, and his eyes float open to focus on what used to be his bedside table.

It’s empty now, devoid of the framed photo of the two of them. And Louis knows that he has no right to feel hurt, but somehow, this only confirms what this really is.

“This is the last time,” he cries, his voice breaking both from pleasure and pain.

“I know, baby,” Harry breathes, burying his face in Louis neck.

note: this is the third mpreg-centric fic i've read this month and... i don't even like mpreg?? but god the premise of this fic intrigued me so much, and it was lovely and emotional and beautifully written.

•° — BLAH BLAH BLAH there's a moment you know (you're f*cked) by @mercurial-madhouse 3.2k | M | spy au

Anyone impulsive enough to betray their country is either foolish or overly-confident. Louis’s too cunning for the former. So his inflated ego tips precariously close to the edge between pride and hubris. In sum: He may be an expert, (as proven by the .32-cal Beretta Alleycat Harry found strapped to his back) but ex-agent Louis Tomlinson will explode like a busted bullet misfiring in a broken gunbarrel if Harry can find his trigger.

___

Or, the spy AU in which Harry thinks he's prepared to meet Louis only to find he's not.

note: the banter and tension in this fic was so good and so fun!! i need moreee

•° — every lonely place by @ham-palpert 38k | E | time travel/alternate lives fic

Facing the fact that he’s been prioritizing his career over his relationship, Harry proposes to his longtime boyfriend Louis on a whim. But when yet another work emergency takes precedence over their plans, Louis decides he’s had enough. Harry goes to bed drunk and alone, and when he wakes, he finds himself in an entirely different world. Over and over again, Harry visits a lifetime he’s once lived, across time and dimensions. And wherever there’s a Harry Styles, there’s a Louis Tomlinson.

note: this was such a unique fic! and such an emotional one too, love the message it sends and the character arc and development was so good

•° — tick-tock by bubblegumclouds 6k | G | soulmate au

When Louis was born to Jay Tomlinson with a tiny 2 years on his clock, it starts the most beautiful love story. Even if things are missed, fate finds a way to make it work.

note: this was just so, so cute and fluffy and sweet! i loved it

•° — baby baby, you're a caramel macchiato by @missandrogyny 3.2k | T | coffee shop au

So, yeah, Harry doesn't think it's that far of a stretch to call himself a good barista. There are some particularly bad ones, and some particularly good ones, and, with his work ethic, his skill, and his charm, he'd probably be lumped in with the latter group.

note: this was so lovely, and i especially really loved the little section talking about louis' name and how it suits him!

re-read

•° — one shines brighter by @afirethatcannotdie 11.8k | T | wedding fic

“Hi, baby. You doing anything fun today?” Harry shrugs. “Dunno. Thought I’d see how I was feeling before making any plans.” “You wanna get married?” Louis asks. Harry’s face breaks into a smile, and he nods. Louis’ lips are just brushing Harry’s when Gemma appears in the hallway. “You two are in so much trouble.” Harry's wedding was never supposed to be the happiest day of his life. No, that was going to be the day after, when he finally got to start his marriage. Unfortunately his family (and Louis) have other ideas.

Featuring a pair of moms who only want the best for their kids, meddling sisters with too much time on their hands, and a groom who gets caught up in the fairytale.

note: i adore this fic!! it's so so so adorable and so soft and well written, and you can feel how in love h&l are with each other. so so good!

my own fics

•° — under your bed in new york 33.4k | T | exes to lovers

"We know you're still in love with Harry."

Louis' nostrils flared up. "I'm not—"

"Louis."

"I'm not!"

there are many things louis likes to tell himself. we broke up for a reason. it's been so many years. and of course, the classic: i’ve definitely moved on from him. but when he suddenly finds harry back in his life after three years, louis realizes he might be a little less moved on than he thought.

au; spilling coffee onto an ex, being set up on dates, and having a nosy puppy might be all louis needs to find love again

note: i didn't actually write or publish this one this month, but i did edit, revamp and make a fic post for it this month so i thought i'd put it in here anyway. reblog the fic post here!

[thatmexisaurusrex]

What I'd Like From Cap 4

Hey people!

So I saw some shit about Cap 4 having Sam being a constant underdog and I kind of hate that, so here's what I'd like out of a dream (yet realistic) Cap 4 movie:

1. Starts with an action sequence during Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Just think about how fucking cool that would be. How would you miss out on that opportunity??? The outfits of the crowds, the excitement mixed with the danger, Sam being a King at one of the parades only to cut that short to fight some asshole supervillains. It would be amazing. Think that Día de Los Muertos scene in that one James Bond movie but more action-packed.

2. Sam is already mentoring Joaquín as the Falcon/learns in the first action sequence that Joaquín has taken up the mantle of the Falcon and begins helping him transition into the role immediately.

3. Sam's starting to form his own Avengers team already. Does he have Stark Industries helping him fund it? No. But he does have the backing of The Wakandan Outreach Program and Pym Tech. And he's not making the new Avengers base in New York or something; he's going to make it back home in Louisiana with people using magic portals to get in from other sides of the country so that people don't need to be able to afford New York rent to be an Avenger or live onsite.

4. Serpent Society would be fun. And I'm not thinking "realistic", I'm thinking they lean into those snake costumes.

5. Cameo of Old Man Steve on the moon. I need confirmation, sue me 😂

6. Bucky is either 1) retired throughout the whole movie and the most domestic man you'll ever meet, 2) Bucky only helps with research as he's retired now, or 3) Bucky only helps out at the climax of the film when Sam really needs him because Sam can take care of shit and Bucky can take a break from violence. This does not mean that there won't be cute and funny banter between them on the phone or at their apartment that they have together now that Bucky has moved to Delacroix, but he's not part of the movie as a beat people up guy.

7. I am fine with some of the conflict being about whether or not the public approves of Sam, that lines up with some of the stuff that's happened in the comics, but I do not think that should be the main conflict nor do I think it should be too big of an issue - maybe Fox has problems with him and most people are here for him because fuck that being the main conflict.

8. I need either Sharon to be a major villain in this or does something so drastically selfless that it makes her having a redemption arc make sense. I'm not saying I don't like Sharon, but she did shoot Karli in front of Sam, so it's hard for me to think of her as an antihero or an antivillain. I also kind of love the idea of Sam having to grapple with the fact that the person he has to take down is one of his friends and his friend cares more about herself and taking down the government who screwed her over than doing the right thing. I like Sharon getting to have a darker, nuanced character, and I kind of hope she stays a villain, but I have no clue what they'll do with her from here on out.

9. I'd actually love it if Sam talked down the villain instead of a CGI fight sequence. His empathy prevailing and not needing violence to save the day would be much more impactful.

10. Happy ending. Another going off into the sunset scenario. I feel like we rarely get a happy ending, a clear happy ending from a Marvel film, and I want this for Sam always.