#i'm reading needful things and sometimes i come to a sentence that's just like. indescribable. mr king why have you done this.

[beaft]

google help me

[andersonfilms]

this, plu, oh my god. this beautiful story you have woven together is just absolutely breathtaking. the best way i can describe it as someone who embroiders, each piece of thread needled with precision. just like each word and line created by your wonderful mind. each better than the last. honestly, each time i'm in awe. not to mention the love i have for greek mythology just increases my love for this by a mile. in my brain, it’s like you choose everything so carefully, every word perfectly placed to convey exactly what you want. there’s something so incredibly creative and just mind blowing about it to me. leaves me out of sorts in an incredibly addicting way.

i was so excited for this one and you certainly did not disappoint in anyway shape or form. fully, i stand by this — angels cheer when plu posts. i’m definitely gonna read this many, many, many more times. the way you’ve gotten me, a loyal and faithful abby stan to be fully obsessed and enamored with ellie fics is beyond me but when it’s this good i can’t help but let my brain sink into it.

also, the way you wrote the action, the imagery in this is actually insane. itching my brain in the most delicious way possible. impossible for me not to love anything you write. and enjoy more of my plu praising yaps …. impossible for me not to divulge in this masterpiece you have created and blessed us with.

Soon after you sat down though, unexpectedly, Ellie began with a wobbly voice, tears welling up in her eyes, “I love you so much, can't stand to be apart from you. This is torture, sometimes I can’t bear to wait for the sun to set, I need to rip it out of the sky myself. What did we even do to deserve this?”

okay, let me talk about this for a second. i’m such a lover girl to my core. i love love. and this? punched me in the heart with full force. there’s just something so intimate about crying to the one you love about how much you care for them. and ‘i need to rip it out of the sky myself’ oh. i’m unwell. gutted my soul to the point i’m not sure there’s anything left there.

PURE GOLD. convinced the gods themselves wrote this bc it’s too perfect for us mere mortals. don’t ever tell me your dialogue isn’t anything but perfection because … lies !!! in just a few lines, you conveyed everything that’s needed and it makes me feel absolutely feral with love. knowing it shall all be ripped away shortly makes it even more just ….. scrumptious.

She was holding your hands gingerly, ghosting the pads of her fingers over your knuckles. For the first time in so many years, you felt a strange warmth brew in your chest, what was it, you had forgotten. Could it be hope?

hope. ugh i am a hopewhore, if you will. when the odds are stacked against you, it’s all you have sometimes. yet again, displayed perfectly because what is more hopeful than a love you want to believe is forever and long lasting? maybe you were going for something else but this is what i picked up on, personally. sometimes it’s all we have, the thing we have to cling onto. the one person who makes us feel it, the safest and most frightening feeling. hope and love. we’ll do anything to keep it for ourselves but sometimes it has a a way of slipping. this fic did such a good job in representing it. such a kick to the fucking gut, knowing what’s to come. knowing it will be fleeting, winding you until there’s so air left to breathe. okay now i’m just yapping away but seriously this is just wonderful, plu. your writing provokes such an emotional side of me, i don’t know how you do it. every sentence is like you know the inner markings of my heart. INSANITYYYYYYYYYY. THE TALENT. INCREDIBLE.

The pain was indescribable, so painful she couldn't even scream, but it was thankfully short-lived—she lost consciousness almost immediately after coughing up some blood. It splattered all over the mulberry tree, dyeing the previously white fruits to a shade mimicking that of wine. What followed was never ending blackness, but finally peace, and she left the world with a smile on her face, her last thought was that of you.

okay okay okAY OKAY. THATS ENOUGH ANGST. HEAVY WITH THE ANGSTSHSHSYS. okay meme brain shut up this instant, actually i love angst, to my core. such a lover of crippling, soul-crushing endings that make me question my existence. give to me, all of it. in this you certainly did bc HELP?????? need some god go save me now bc this is such a merciless serve.

and the added thought of dying for the one you love, thinking of them as you wither away, the last piece you have is the love you have before becoming, well, nothing but that. all of it so meaningless too, because they are still there and could be tangible if only she had waited and not jumped to conclusions. but alas, love is never logical and ensues the dramatics of greek mythology. you’ve really represent it in such an exceptional manner.

okay, i’m done, for now. i love u and your magnificent brain. #1 plu stan for life. sorry if some of this makes no sense my mind is jumbled with my love for this inside and out. the mythology loving beast has been awoke within me and SHE IS LOUDUUDUDDDDD. yeah, anyways love you and your writing. always.

Where the Mulberry Tree Stands

before you read ▪︎ my masterlist

☆: my rewrite of the myth of pyramus and thisbe. ♡ but with ellie as pyramus, & reader as thisbe. i realize this is very niche, but i wanted to try something new! absolutely adore mythology of all kinds, so basically wrote this for myself. if you do read, hope you enjoy! well, as much as you're able to...photomode creds—astralnymphh on pinterest.

◇: reader discretion is advised!! please do not read if sensitive to heavy angst with a tragic end, descriptions of suicide & brief mentions of parental abuse. also contains flowery writing and references to figures/things in ancient greece (which i pray are accurate...) ++ 4k wc

“The gods envy us. They envy us because we're mortal, because any moment may be our last. Everything is more beautiful because we are doomed.” — Homer, The Iliad.

Tap tap tap, three raps on the plaster wall in double time signaled to her on the other side that your meeting time had arrived. Tap tap tap, and she returned it with a flourish at the end, a new arrangement every day, so you knew to escape into the night.

Ellie—who was named after and nothing short of the embodiment of light itself—your lover, your soulmate, your other half lived just there. But generations upon generations of family tension forbade you two from living your dreams. Decades of battles for who had better quality fruit, sweeter honey, more drachmae, which family was favored by the citizens in the area—it all felt trivial, and frankly silly, when you thought about how much she meant to you in comparison to all that.

You had memories of early childhood, kneeling on the scratchy straw of the floor, while your mother berated you for spending time with the girl. “What were you thinking? I will not have my child associating with dishonorable likes such as them, you have disappointed me greatly. If I catch you over there one more time, by gods I will feed you to the wolves with my own two hands. Try it, one more time and you'll see what will fall upon you.” The way her voice shook with emotion was harrowing, you've never seen your mother in such a rageful, infuriated state, you could have sworn she was emulating the anger of a gorgon, and you remember the slap across your face that quickly followed her outburst, how it burned.

Yet through all the lectures and beatings, you never understood where she was coming from. Shouldn't bonds—strong and robust as if they were forged on Hephaestus’ anvil—come above all material things? You thought so at least. And she agreed. When you matured, you pitied your family for missing out on such experiences. “They will never know how lucky we are.” You would whisper in your lover's ear, whenever she fell asleep on you during your beloved nightly outings.

Every time you laid eyes on her, it was like you fell in love all over again. Her olive eyes shining, grin lighting up her entire face, husky giggles filling the air as she bolted to tackle you in a tight embrace. You two spun in each other's arms, nearly tripping over the low wooden fence marking your shared property. It only earned a laugh—when you were with her, any negativity was completely erased, as if it never existed in the first place. All stresses, worries, cares in the world simply vaporized into the air, and the only emotion you knew was adoration.

You two skipped hand-in-hand to your favorite spot by the river, where the air cooled and the grass was dotted with baby blue flowers. You toppled over, falling to a heap on the ground. Moist smacks of her lips all over your face while she cradled your jaw tenderly, every reunion with her felt like it was multiple lifetimes apart. Your breathing synced as you sat together in silence, enjoying each other's company.

Soon after you sat down though, unexpectedly, Ellie began with a wobbly voice, tears welling up in her eyes, “I love you so much, can't stand to be apart from you. This is torture, sometimes I can’t bear to wait for the sun to set, I need to rip it out of the sky myself. What did we even do to deserve this?” You pulled her in and cuddled her close to your chest, letting her listen to the rhythm of your heart and wrap her arms around you to rub your back. You felt the way her hands trembled, you couldn't remember the last time you saw the tough Ellie break down like this, it was tearing you apart.

Kissing the top of her head, you interjected, “But observe it positively, at least we are able to see each other at all, and we live so close, only separated by one thin wall.” Her shoulders began to shake, sticky tears quickly soaking through the linens you were wearing. Feeling your own heart shatter into countless pieces, you just stroked her hair and let her cry as much as she needed.

She clutched you tighter and wailed, “I just wish to spend every hour by your side, every hour awake and every hour asleep, without any separation. I wish I could cook for you in our house, with vegetables grown from our soil, bring you flowers from our garden, and tend to the animals you and I named, instead of waiting until sunset after a day of listening to my father talk badly of you. When I hear him spout all that nonsense, it hurts me so deeply, because all he's saying are lies…this is so unfair.”

You tried your best to console her, “Shh, my love, don't cry. That is the most beautiful dream and I wish it all the same, but don't despair.” You moved her face so she looked up at you, sparkly tears streaming down her sun-kissed cheeks, her beauty was blinding—even when she was sad. “Don't lament, for I am right here, look!” You tried to cheer her up, “I'm holding you now while we rest, while we breathe in the crisp air and feel the soft blades of grass beneath us, all will be well. Don't dwell on those thoughts, let them go.”

Swaying gently from side to side and humming a calming melody, you succeeded in soothing her, feeling her relax in your arms and her shudders slow to a stop. She sat up, rubbing her eyes. You continued the sweet reassurances, kissing away her tears. “One day, whether it be soon, or when we're old and fragile, struggling to stand or wipe our own asses,” you pause to share a chuckle with her, “We won't have to meet like this. Just trust, there is a plan for us in the stars, trust in our gods.”

She nodded, turning to gaze off in the distance, and watch a white crane drink from the water. She snapped to look at you with surprise blazing in her eyes, more round than your mother's prized ceramic dishes. “I have a thought, what if we wed? In secret, with our families never knowing a thing. Or even better we go to the spot over there,” she stopped to point across the river, at the large mulberry tree standing tall in the middle of a yellow-green field. She continues, “And we run away together. We could hitch a ride on a ship and sail over to Lesbos, perhaps we can meet Sappho herself! I've always wanted to. But first we must profess our love for each other, properly, tomorrow night's time, under the tree, to ensure we're blessed. What do you think?”

She was holding your hands gingerly, ghosting the pads of her fingers over your knuckles. For the first time in so many years, you felt a strange warmth brew in your chest, what was it, you had forgotten. Could it be hope? You felt your mouth stretch into a smile so wide it ached, and you burst forward to throw your arms around her neck again, mumbling into the side of her neck, “Yes, yes, Ellie, a thousand times, yes. Oh, I can't wait, I will swipe one of my mother’s silk veils, cook us a celebratory meal, it will be so wonderful.”

Mellow belly laughs, delightful as those spilling from a leader being crowned, tore themselves from her chapped lips, and she squeezed you so tight against her, like she was never planning to let go. “And I will bring my spear, gifted by my grandfather, so I have it to protect my wife from anything that dares harm her.” Hearing her refer to you as her wife, it was a feeling like none other. The butterflies in your stomach swarmed like they became a flock of swallows, their excited tittering heard all the way across the ocean.

You squealed, “Ah I love you, I love you, I love you, my dearest, we will have such a wondrous life together.”

“Yes, that we will, but let's rest until then, I look forward to it. I will write a song just for you as well, bring my lyre and sing to you so we dance from evening until dawn arrives. As soon as night falls, I will be by the spot waiting, that is a promise. Now rest, we have big plans ahead of us, have the sweetest dreams, love.”

The next day spent waiting was as torturous as Ellie describes, only worse. Because all you could think about was her. Running away with her, never looking back at your old lives, getting joyously joined in matrimony—albeit informally—your mind was plagued. After your mother left for her daily errands in the town, you dug through her things, practically overturned her whole space to find the veil. You put it on, feeling so exquisite. It appeared as if it was weaved on an angel's loom, the fibers soft and vibrant.

When all that was over, you resorted solely to watching the sun move in the sky. You were feeling impatient and antsy, and briskly grew tired of waiting so you decided to get started on the trek. You have not been over to that spot in some time, but were interested to see how the tree had grown, and if it had reared fruit. You observed the clouds and the sky during your stroll—the sun had not set fully, the sky still as orange as freshly pressed juice.

Luckily the river was shallow, so you just hiked up your clothes to your waist and crossed without a hitch. You scurried through the tall grass and made it to the tree, sitting down underneath it. You took a deep breath in, smelling the clean air and observing the lively nature around you, still bored but glad to be away from your house—nothing good ever occurred there.

Looking up, you're pleasantly shocked to see the tree is full of fruits, clusters of pale baubles brightly contrasting the green leaves. You reached up and took one from the stem, biting into it, but you recoiled at the taste—tart and bitter, it was horrendous. Like you were eating something utterly inedible. You threw it on the ground, grinding it to a pulp with the bottom of your sandal, that's how offended you were at the assault it performed in your mouth. “Ugh, gross, these are meant to be ripe…do we really eat them like this? What a waste of a fruit.” You muttered to yourself, resuming a cross-legged sitting position by the tree's roots.

After some more time of uneventful waiting, you felt the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, at attention, primal alarm bells going off inside you—something wasn't right.

You scan your surroundings with haste, noticing movement in the tall grass in front of you, you're transfixed and stay staring at it, ripping a branch off of the tree to use as a weapon, because your warrior wasn't here yet to protect you from harm.

You heard her before you saw her, a low guttural rumbling rang through the air that could only belong to one thing. Out of the grass emerged a golden lioness, slinking towards you with hushed aggression, her teeth bared and dripping with the remains of a kill.

Your instincts to run away kicked in with full force, and you screamed out for help, running as fast as your legs would carry you. Unfortunately, the speed at which you sat up caused the veil to fall from your head and to the ground—but you didn't care, you didn't think it was possible for your mother to hate you more than she already does. You ran as far as you could, briefly glancing behind you to see what the situation was, what the lioness was doing.

You were able to make out her tearing the fabric apart so voraciously, bloodstained jaws ripping it into shreds, bits of dyed fabric flying to all sides. You still ran as far away as you could, you did not want to be the next victim of those canines, that would be anything but pleasant.

Once the adrenaline wore off you collapsed, panting heavily, trying to catch your breath with difficulty. The tall plants hid you well from any threats, so you laid down, and closed your eyes to recuperate before it was time to meet with Ellie.

When night fell, Ellie made her way to the spot, spear and lyre in hand. She was so excited, and had spent the whole day practicing her act happily, making sure every note she played was perfect. She wanted to make this the best one-woman show you've ever seen.

She couldn't contain her glee, and resorted to sprinting to the designated meeting place, calling out to you, her voice light as a birdsong, “Lovely! I've arrived!” But she stopped short in her tracks when she didn't see you jogging over to greet her with a hug, or really anywhere at all.

“Where could you be?” She asked the world in bewilderment, casting glances all around her to see if you were playing a trick on her. She didn't think you were, but didn't wish to jump to worst case scenarios right away.

Her heartbeat sped up slightly, suffocating fear bubbling up in her throat at your absence. Scampering closer to where she thought you were going to be, she still saw you were nowhere to be found. That is, until something colorful caught her eye.

Hanging from a branch, a piece of torn fabric, stained with dark, still-wet blood. Her line of sight dropped, and she saw more pieces strewn across the dirt, next to glaring claw marks in the soil, and decorating the tree's bark.

She suddenly felt winded, as if somebody had thrown her from a height and she landed flat on her back, full panic setting in. “Oh gods, oh no, what-” She gasped, teetering backwards, overwhelmed by the realization that had taken hold of her. “No, no, no, no, she's right over there. This is from before…” she muttered under her breath, her inhales labored, head pounding as if she was struck by a hammer, and hands shaking so intensely the pieces of fabric she was still holding slipped from her fingers.

“Love! Come out!” She yelled again, her voice cracking, her vision tunneling and chest seizing—this couldn't be happening.

The blood roared in her ears, tears pouring out of her eyes while she pawed at her hair and fell to her knees, hyperventilating. Her spear and lyre clattered noisily as they fell, lyre shattering to bits. She yanked on her locks, unable to believe what was happening to her—where was her love?

She picked up the pieces of the veil, frantically trying to rejoin them, the blood coating her uncontrolled fingers and staining her skin, the hideous color making her stomach turn.

Then the sobs came, she had never cried harder in her life, her whole body heaving with each quake, the pain in her soul worsening as seconds flew by. She kneeled before the tree, pleading to the sky, “Someone…anyone…please. I need her with me.” She felt light-headed, consumed by otherworldly anguish as if it was bestowed by Hades’ hand. It began to morph into numb hopelessness the longer she stayed there, praying, weeping into the ground.

She had to do something, escape from her body, thoughts were swarming her mind, the idea that you were dead ridding her of balance, taking everything from her.

She pleaded until her throat hurt, until crows had perched at the top of the tree to watch her exhibition. They cawed mockery at her, as if they were saying, measly human!

She howled, “What is this life, just give her back to me! Give me back my love, give her back to me, I can't be without her. I can't, no I couldn't. It's too—no—uh. Gods, anyone? Why, why, why?”

Cacophonous, animalistic, cries fell from her lips until she couldn't produce a croak—voice dry and hoarse, waves of grief clawing their way out of her, eating her from the inside out. Her tone barely above a whisper, she was still mumbling, “Give her back, give her back to me. I haven't done any wrong in my life, we can't help where we come from! Just give her back.” In the furthest recesses of her mind there remained a glimpse of hope that she could bring you back, if she willed it hard enough.

She was flooded with memories, memories of your scent, your warmth in her arms, your sing-song voice and the love-filled looks and caresses she was so blessed to be the recipient of. All of that, was she never to experience it again?

She attempted to stand up, but her legs could not hold her, she fell on the hard ground with a grunt, even having cried out all her tears. Every passing moment made it more difficult to breathe, made her chest hurt worse—she needed to do something to ease it.

Her spear. The glint of the metal alloy caught her eye from where it was, any sense of judgment she had before was gone, replaced by pure darkness, the wish to leave the world.

She picked it up, and almost couldn't hold it, the handle feeling twenty times heavier than usual, the blade shaking in her unsteady hands. Was she doing this? She had to, there was nothing else left for her, she thought.

She found her voice, slowly angling the glimmering edge of the blade towards her heart, and said a word. “My love, we'll meet again. We'll meet in the flowering fields of Elysium, where I will get to hold your hand once more, and we'll have our own house, attached to a garden full of vegetables to cook delicious meals with. We'll play with the animals we named, and spend every hour together—awake and asleep. I must do this, for life isn't possible without you.”

She took a deep breath and stabilized her hands, bringing the spear tip to touch her sternum. Her voice steadying, she said three words for the very last time, “I love you.” Before plunging the blade in her heart with all the strength she had left.

The pain was indescribable, so painful she couldn't even scream, but it was thankfully short-lived—she lost consciousness almost immediately after coughing up some blood. It splattered all over the mulberry tree, dyeing the previously white fruits to a shade mimicking that of wine. What followed was never ending blackness, but finally peace, and she left the world with a smile on her face, her last thought was that of you.

Over in the grass, the breeze flying through the tall stalks lulled you to a sleep, and you awoke with a start, confused as to what had happened and where you were.

You blinked the bleariness away and sat up, remembering the lioness that tried to attack you. What a story you had to tell Ellie. She wouldn't believe you, in your mind's eye you could see the way she'd nod, the teasing tone to her voice, “Yes, that happened. No, no, of course I believe you, when have I not?”

At the thought of her, you remembered why you were out here in the first place—to meet with your future wife and profess your love, then run away to live the life you dreamed of. Oh how you couldn't wait.

You jumped up and dusted yourself off, then ran to the tree, eager to tell Ellie about the encounter you had.

But the sight that befell you was the worst thing you could've ever imagined to see. Something only written in the most famous tragedies, something no one ever wished on another person, even their worst enemies.

Ellie, your love, laying on the ground in a pool of maroon blood, with no color in her features, and her spear sticking out of her chest.

You gasped in horror and rushed to her side, madly shaking her body, patting her cheeks, pressing on her arms—but alas, she was completely limp.

“Ellie! No! Wake up!” Thunderous shrieks, begs and pleads for her to wake up shook the Earth, you stroked her face, the ugly feel of her cold skin only adding to the devastation.

When she wasn't moving, you held her body protectively, didn't ever wish to let go, tried to find any signs of life, tears of mourning streaming down your face in bucketfuls.

You stayed there by her as long as you could, silently praying to whatever was out there for her to move a muscle, to open her eyes and assure you everything was alright—she was just joking around, the blood was juice she nabbed, thickened with starch she got from the kitchen, the spear tip was broken and actually just resting against her skin, held in place by a base she crafted and secured under her robe, her lifeless complexion produced by powder—likely flour—to give the chalky effect.

But no, this was reality. Your love had left you. She left you the worst way, by taking her life herself. But why? After all you had planned together?

Thinking like that pained you, the wretched feeling of grief spreading throughout your whole being, thinking of anything at all felt impossible. Did she do it because of you? That thought sent a wave of nausea through you, there was no way that was true.

There was only one thing left to do, you thought. You made up your mind, pulled the spear from her chest, wincing at the sight of her wound, and held it in your hand. You leaned forward and pressed one more kiss to the middle of her forehead, forced a smile against her, and whispered, “It's okay, I'll be with you soon, my love. We'll meet again.”

You took a few breaths in and out, braced yourself for the piercing pain, lined up the sharp tip with your own heart, and thrust with all your might.

Sweet mulberries, succulent and luscious—ended up ripening to a deep mauve hue, similar to that of blood and wine, and became the most adored fruit of them all. A plentiful treat for the masses, deemed compensation for the sacrifice of two love-sick mortals. It was the least the gods could do after all they witnessed before them today. As they watched the spectacle, their understanding of the human species only increased in wonder, in curiosity about their motivations. “That was so strange, they did not know the other was alright—merely jumping to conclusions. Fascinating. Humans are so emotional, where's the rationale?” They debated amongst themselves until the sun rose once more, the only agreement they came to was increased sympathy for humanity, even going as far as to pity.

“Never regret thy fall, O Icarus of the fearless flight. For the greatest tragedy of them all is never to feel the burning light.” — Oscar Wilde

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[interact-if]

Day 6 of our Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Featured Author Interviews, continuing with Shan!

Shan, author of Deliverance

You are the Messenger. Your job is to deliver messages. Get in, get out. Simple, really. Now, it’s time to put your life on the line to deliver the most important and dangerous message yet. A bad omen has driven the lands into a frenzy, and the Prophecy foretells that the Chosen One needs to be found and awoken to bring peace back to the lands. Embark on a quest to seek the Chosen One to help restore balance to the world, or witness the world succumb to chaos and catastrophe.

Read more about Deliverance here. Play the Demo Here. Tags: Fantasy.

[INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT UNDER THE CUT!]

Q1. Hello! Could you tell us a little bit about to yourself and your project?

Thank you for having me! I’m Shan. Writer, cat lover, and fan of all things black sesame. 

Deliverance is an Asian-inspired fantasy tale of prophecies, adventures, and possible peril. But more importantly, it’s about coming together despite our differences and finding love in all forms in the people around us. It was also created for a game jam last year. I learnt how to code an IF from scratch, came up with the plot, and churned out the prologue in two weeks as my entry.

Q2. What inspired your current project?

One word - everything. I can’t pinpoint one single source of inspiration because it’s just a mix of works - shows, games, my past writings - sparked by my itch to create and find meaning in the things I do. 

I lost the inspiration after Chapter One, actually. Had a writer’s block and everything. I was ready to set this story aside, but then one fine day, my Tumblr suddenly exploded with notifications. People were reading my story. People liked reading my story. 

My love for my IF got rekindled. I wanted to write again. But my head was still a big blank void. My heart was willing, my mind was not. Then D&D all but tumbled onto my figurative lap. It was a treasure trove that I dove headfirst into. Inspiration came flooding back in and I picked up my pen once more. And now I am already working on Chapter Five! Never would have thought, but I'm glad things turned out the way they did.

Q3. Do you pull from your own identity for inspiration? How has that been reflected in your work?

I think so. Having lived in Southeast Asia and East Asia, I draw inspiration from shared values and ideals in Southeast Asian cultures (which may also overlap with those in East Asian cultures). The community and collective spirit in times of calamity, for example. Especially since in my story, the threat of a world-ending apocalypse looms over the

characters from the start. The MC is, well, the Main Character, but I’ve always seen all the companions as the main characters too. Which is why I end up making some of the important in-game choices a collective effort. 

In terms of sexuality, my identity also shapes how I write the relationships with the MC and the companions. I want to give the MC and the readers choices, both romantic and platonic, with neither being more important than the other. It’s a conscious line of thought.

Q4. What are you most excited about your project?

Whatever that is in the works. Whatever that is waiting for me to manifest my thoughts into existence. Usually it is the next chapter, sometimes it’s a particularly good ask. It’s satisfying and wonderful to see my brainstorm scribbles stretch into coherent sentences on the website. That’s the joy of writing - the power of creation, in the palm of my hand. 

Seeing my readers excited also fuels this excitement. That’s the thing about Interactive Fiction. It is not only the fiction that readers interact with, it’s the author too. I’ve not had this experience with my other writing projects. Ultimately, I want to write something I love. But to know that there are people out there who also love something I love? It brings me indescribable joy.

Q5. What has your experience writing an IF and with the IF community been like?

An absolute delight. I would not have been so devoted to writing this IF if it weren’t for a supportive IF community. I think asks are my favourite form of interaction. The fact that they enjoy my story enough to not only take time to share their thoughts, but also come up with questions or little scenarios for the characters is so incredibly lovely. I read their tags too! Some of them are quite funny and I actually do scroll back down to read the memorable ones sometimes. 

I also appreciate feedback on coding oopsies. I jumped into this knowing practically nothing about coding, so I am learning as I go along. All in good fun, of course.

Q6. What changes in the IF community would you like to see?

I’m not very up to date with the IF scene so my two-cents might not be that relevant. So my concerns would probably be more technical? I had a tough time looking for codes that I need sometimes, even with the wiki and forums, especially since I’m not proficient at coding. Maybe a more intuitive and consolidated guide would be helpful?

Q7. What piece of advice would you give to fellow creators?

The most important reader is yourself. Write something you love and enjoy. I repeat it like a mantra whenever I find myself in a slump while writing or reading. The moment I force myself to do something about my IF, I have taken the ‘passion’ out of this passion project. Then it’s just a project. Don’t let anyone take your love for your creation away from you, not even yourself.Of course, it’s good to take in feedback and suggestions from others, but at the end of the day it is your story. A piece of your heart and soul that you have shared to the world. So cherish it like so.

[m1zu]

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*Sugawara*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

Suga’s Special Day ~ Sugawara x Reader ~

Short Stories

a/n: Sugawara is by far my favourite boy in Haikyuu!

I felt like trying something different this time! Besides, Suga deserves more than just the usual for his special day <3

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Birthday scenarios with Suga! Which one will you choose?

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⊂ʕ •ᴥ•ʔ⊃❤️← More Than You’ll Ever Know

⊂ʕ •ᴥ•ʔ⊃🎇← Light Up My World

⊂ʕ •ᴥ•ʔ⊃🎁← An Unexpected Gift

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‘More Than You’ll Ever Know’

Genre: Fluff

Warnings: none ʕ •ᴥ•ʔ

w/c: 682 - - - Reading time: 2:05min (roughly)

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Today is June 12th, and everyone on the Karasuno Boys Volleyball team knows what that means…

“SUGAWARA-SANNNNN!!!” Hinata and Noya scream while running towards the setter. With that speed, anyone would think they're about to trample over the poor guy.

“Woah there, slow down you two.” Suga chuckles lightly. “You never stop, do you?”

“TOMORROW! IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY RIGHT?” Hinata jumps and practically flies over Sugawara’s head.

“Yeah! Your gettin’ pretty old now aren’t ya? Noya jokes, a large grin painted on his face.

“That’s right” Suga replies. “It’s the last I get to spend with you guys, so I guess it’s pretty special!”

“Y/N-SANNN!!!” Hinata yells, running towards you even faster than he did with Suga.

You were close by, and heard two familiar voices screaming your boyfriend’s name. So, naturally you wanted to see what the fuss was all about. Suga looks up to see you running towards them in the distance and immediately brightens up. “Hey y/n!” He calls out to you. “Whatcha been up to bab-”

“SHOYOUUUU! HAHAHA” Noya calls out and runs to catch up to the orange flash.

“Oi!” Suga calls running after the two of them “Don’t run her over!”

You abruptly stop at the sight of them all running towards you, a worried look on your face hoping they would take it as a sign to slow down.

Thankfully, they did.

The two bullet trains stopped just before hitting you and began springing up and down, as if they hadn’t just been running.

“y/n? Are you okay?” Suga pants, having caught up just moments later.

You manage to slip out a few sentences despite your heart still racing. “Yeah, i’m fine babe” you smile, “How have you bee-”

“yy/nnn!! You know what tomorrow is, right?” Hinata interrupts “It’s your boyfriend's birthday!” he jumps up even higher than before, seemingly having endless amounts of energy.

“Hinata, don’t interrupt y/n please…” Suga huffs.

“You’re gonna get him a cool gift right?! Or maybe even something else..?” Nishinoya jokes again.

A blush immediately comes over your face,”I have a few things planned…” you reply shyly, turning your head away embarrassed. Suga blushes slightly at your words before snapping himself back to reality. “Alright guys, that’s enough… Shouldn't you be using your energy for practice?”

“Oh yeah” says Hinata. “Suga-san, can you throw me some tosses?”

“Sure thing” Suga reaches out for your hand.

“You know I play better when you're watching.”

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

After Practice

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

“Hinata, nice kill!” praises Suga while high-fiving the tiny giant.

“That was a good one Hinata! You really will fly high” you smile running towards the two of them.

Hinata beams at you, eyes shimmering like the sun “One more!”

“That was the last one Hinata, I gotta take y/n home now.” says Suga sounding rather worn out.

“But-”

“I wouldn’t mind if you continued, but Suga looks tired, Hinata. Wouldn't want him to be tired on his special day.” you press, winking at Hinata.

“Ohhhh! Gotcha. Well, see ya tmrw!” He replies, waving you two off.

You both wave back before grabbing your belongings, ready to set off home.

“Thanks for that, y/n.” Suga says gratefully, a small yawn escapes his mouth.

You can’t help but giggle at how adorable he is. “You know, you don’t always have to tough everything out you know. It’s okay to take a break sometimes! You put a lot of pressure on yourself when you don’t need to.” you stop walking and look up at him, his beautiful hazel eyes giving you their full attention. “Because you’re amazing, Koushi!”

The setter’s eyes widen and it’s hard to see, but a heavy blush covers his face. His heart pounds in his chests and before he has time to think about his actions, he puts a hand on your cheek, another on your waist, bends down, and kisses you passionately. Your hands reach up to hold him as his other hand drops to your waist. He pulls back for a minute and holds your chin up so your eyes meet. “I love you, y/n. More than you’ll ever know.”

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‘Light Up My World’

Genre: Fluffy fluff

Warnings: none ʕ •ᴥ•ʔ

w/c: 528 - - - Reading time: 1:58min (roughly)

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~

“Make sure your eyes are closed babe!” your call out to Sugawara from the kitchen.

“I’m closin’ em” he calls back, seated eagerly on the living room sofa.

You smile at his words and begin to walk towards him, birthday cake in hand and vocal chords ready! This wasn’t just any birthday cake, it was Koushi’s favourite. About a week ago, he treated you to an expensive cafe that specializes in desserts, knowing full well how much of a sweet tooth you had. Ironically, it seemed like he ended up enjoying himself more than you were. It’s not that you were ungrateful or didn't like the food, no, it wasn’t anything like that.

He just happened to try this cake, your cake, and it was ‘superb’.

“Babe, You have to try this! This cake is delicious!” you squeal to your bf.

“Yeah? It’s really that good huh? Then I guess I gotta try.” You placed some on your fork and gestured him to open his mouth so you could feed him. His eyes widen at the taste, “Wow! This cake is superb y/n!” he beams at you, bringing a smile to your face.

You can tell he wants more, but he wouldn’t dare ask. So you offered for him. “You want some more?”

Suga shakes his head. “It’s for you y/n, I can’t just take your cake…”

“But you do want some more?” you tease. He nods shyly, making you chuckle. “Looks like someone has a new favourite cake.” you add.

So thanks to that new discovery, you knew the perfect cake to get him for his special day.

“Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Koushiii, Happy Birthday to youuuu!!!” you positioned yourself in front of him, “open your eyes!” Sugawara gasps, switching his gaze from the cake to you for a few seconds before finally being able to speak.

“y/n… You didn’t…” he says breathily, still in shock.

“I did…” you tease.

“I can’t believe it!” he looks up at you, face slightly switching. “You forgot the candles!”

What? (whadidhesayyyyy) you stood there frozen, the look on your face was indescribable.

Sugawara bursts out laughing at your reaction and stands up, bringing both of his hands to cup your face. “That was a joke y/n” he giggles “you should see your face right now.”

“You’re hilarious Koushi..” you sigh and look up at him, trying to fight off the smirk appearing on your face.

“Thank you for the cake, love. That was really sweet of you.” he smiles down at you, placing the cake down on the coffee table before scooping you up into his arms, giggles escaping your lips.

“Did you want some candles? We do have some in the cupboard.” you joke looking up at him.

“Hmm.. Now that you mention it, they would be a nice touch.” He turns away from you dramatically, “but who needs em’ - - -"

then looks back "- - - when I have you to light up my world.” he pulls you back in and nuzzles his head at the base of your neck.

“That was really cringy Kou..” you giggled. “But you light up mine too.”

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‘An Unexpected Gift’

Genre: Fluff

Warnings: none ʕ •ᴥ•ʔ

w/c: 443 - - - Reading time: 1:33min (roughly)

Pov. Karasuno’s manager

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~

“Daichi? Have you been getting enough sleep lately? Your eyes look heavy.” you rush over to the captain, who looks like he’s at death’s door.

He looks over at you and smiles, ”I appreciate the concern but there’s no need to worry. I'm just fine y/n, I promise.”

“Those eyebags are probably from dealing with Hinata and Kageyama” Suga says sarcastically while entering the gym. “Honestly, I don’t know how he does it.”

“Suga-san!” You jog over to greet the setter, water bottle in hand, jumping up and down. “Happy Birthday!!”

“Hey y/n! Wow, you remembered huh? That makes me feel pretty special.” He laughs, one hand nervously rubbing the back of his neck.

“You are special Suga!” you state before your mind can process the words that left your lips.

Then they hit you.

You see, being Karasuno’s manager meant you took care of all the guys! And honestly you loved it. The team felt like a family! Being able to witness Karasuno in their bubble was something you were forever grateful for.

Along with this, It was clear (to everyone except you that is), that you and Sugawara liked each other. You were a scholar student, not dense in the slightest. Yet somehow, his feelings and your own had evaded you leaving you completely oblivious.

At least up until recently…

Sugawara wasn’t so much shy with his feelings, he just wanted to make sure things were mutual, in fear of scaring you off and losing the friendship you had built up. If he was confident in that, he would have no problem making the first move.

Naturally, he told Daichi about his feelings for you. So this interaction you were currently having was rather amusing.

Although over the past few weeks, you've started to become more conscious of your feelings too… (took you long enough,, thinks Daichi. ft the entire team)

“Wait- that came out wrong- im sorry!” you splutter, choaking with embarrassment.

Sugawara laughs and hands you back the water bottle you gave him. “Did you really mean it though?” he inquires.

Of course you meant it. He is special. Does he not know this? You thought.

You look up at the setter to see his confused eyes searching your face for an answer. So he really doesn’t know?

“Of course I did, Koushi” you reply, scanning his face in an equal manner. Then you add “especially to me.” and watch the setter’s eyes pop out of his head. You could practically hear how loud his heart was beating.

There's a moment of silence. Suga decides to break it.

“y/n?”

“Yes, Koushi?”

“C-can I kiss you?”

Another moment of silence. Which is now your job to sever.

No words leave your lips, instead you nod slowly while being pulled into his embrace.

You feel his warm smile greet you as he says, “What an unexpected gift.”

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~The End~

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a/n: hope you enjoyed! once again, Happy bday to our favorite Haikyuu mom ;) sorry if there were any mistakes and that the stories progressively got shorter haha I do continue to check on my stories post being uploaded so I'll edit anything I spot.

[taeheyhey]

Hi! I have so much to say! This is gonna be like 80 asks long lol. I've said it a few times and I have to say it again, Close to Normal is the absolute best! But I read that on AO3 months ago when I was to impatient to wait for you to release it on here haha. So, it's been a while since I read your stuff. But I just read your newish other two stories on here, and OMG? God your writing is so good! I'm so impressed! I have read so much fanfic in between Close to Normal and now (tbc)

1/8 Asdfgfdsdadhssff!! Hi sweetie, I wasn’t sure how best to do this to make sure I fully express how much your kind words have meant to me, but I’m gonna try my best, so here goes: When I decided to begin releasing CtN on here I was a little nervous, it had done well on AO3 and I was very surprised, but there were just bits I wanted to tidy up and edit a little when I reposted it on tumblr. I know you have been very supportive and lovely to me since very early on and I am so grateful to you for that...

2/8 Well, your fic was the first multi-chaptered one I ever read, which inspired me to read others, which I also thank you for that, but I have read like literally probably over 100 fan fics since then like 3 months ago. Your writing is still some of the best writing I have ever read. You give just enough detail to set the scene, just enough dialogue, everything about it is amazing. I'm so in awe of just the way you structure your sentences, pepper in vocab(?) words. (tbc) 

I think sometimes huge multi-chaptered fics can be a little daunting, both in the reading and the writing, I feel incredibly honoured that you took a chance with mine! There is some absolutely breath-taking fiction out there and for you to be so sweet about mine is indescribably touching, thank you so much.

3/8 Idk I'm just amazed and I needed to gush about this for a bit. I've also attempted fanfic since I first read your stuff, so I have a much better appreciation. Things I struggle with you succeed so seemingly effortlessly (although I now understand and I am sure it is very hard for you). Thanks for putting so much work in and writing these wonderful stories. (tbc cuz imma have an ask for each of those other writings lol)

I hope you continue to write if it is something that makes you happy! It took me a long time to start writing again, after not doing it for years, and even now I don’t get anywhere enough time to dedicate to it as I would like to! I’m a little obsessive when it comes to writing my stories, I spend half of my time googling “synonyms for eyes” before realising for the umpteenth time that there really aren’t any! A lot of the time the things I am proudest of writing is stuff that just comes out when I get in a bit of a zone and the old writing-trance kicks in (but “wonderful”?! – my dear you are far far too lovely!) 

4/8 Okay so Tell 'Em You're My Lady is so great!!! Hoseok is such a whole ass cutie in this. Also I love how you portrayed Jin! I knew just from your description of him that her bf was gonna be him. It was so accurate! The interactions in general are so cute. I love that her ex's girl interacted with her in the bathroom, and their whole little girls looking out for girls situation. I've read fics similar to this plot but this still seemed so unique. Hobi is my wrecker so my heart is just like ♥

So this Hobi fic was just stuck in my head and I don’t even know where it came from. It was the first time I had tried a one-shot and I just really wanted to make it a little bit of fun! I was very surprised by the response it got!! Kind of still playing around with ideas for a follow-up to this but have a few more pressing ones to get to first! I think it’s really important to show girls supporting one another and this was the best way I could think to do it! I have had some real life-affirming interactions in the ladies restrooms as well! Also, Hoseok became my temporary wrecker when I wrote this, but Jin is my usual bias-wrecker so I am over the moon you liked my portrayal of him!

5/8 Okay Please Pull Me In was such a whirlwind for me! Deep in my heart I really hope that her and Tae end up together. The timing ughhhh. Regardless I'm happy that she left that relationship. Talk about toxic. Idk tho Rebecca seems like a sweet girl tho. Ugh Tae and her are just so cute with their sandwich shop times. Clearly they would be so good together. Maybe she ends up with JK? Idk but this one was also just so well written. I never catch myself skipping parts or losing track of what's (tbc)

It was a whirlwind for me too!! BELIEVE me! As the person who requested it wanted angst and a bit of heartbreak, I wrote it in a way where it could be left as is, while still having a part 2 in mind. I usually try and not write anyone who is an outright “baddie”, but honestly Paul is such a tremendous douche! I don’t want to give too much away but I really hope you like the end, and I really hope to get it uploaded by the end of the week – but I’ve been wrong before!!

6/8 going on. I really liked it even though the ending hurt meee. Anyways!! I feel like I'm awful at leaving feedback, but I really wanted to take extra time to leave you some hopefully really good feedback. I know you feel like Close to Normal hasn't been doing as well lately cuz of notes and stuff, but PLEASE don't be discouraged!! I tell you 100% sincerely that you're amazing as hell at it. Like write a book and I will buy the hell out of it! (If you're even interested in this as a career) (tbc)

How could you think you are awful at feedback?? It is honestly so sweet of you to do this, and I am endlessly grateful for you! I felt sort of awkward expressing my insecurities about the decrease in notes, because honestly, that isn’t at all what I enjoy about writing and posting on here. It’s interacting with wonderful people like you who like the same things I do! It’s my favourite way to fangirl!! I can’t express how encouraging and motivating your generous words are – as long as I can write more stuff that you enjoy, I will be ludicrously happy!

7/8 Okay so this has been so long I am so sorry!!! I briefly mentioned this but I have you to thank for introducing me to this whole world and I couldn't be happier for it. Real talk fanfic made me realize how shitty of a relationship I was in and I may not have ever left without it. (as weird as that sounds) (it seriously changed my life) Close to Normal will ALWAYS hold a special place in my heart. Not just for introducing me to this, but just for being so good. Shit I need to do one more ask jeez

(Please don’t apologise sweetie – I literally teared-up when I read these!) I feel incredibly honoured to have been your introduction to the world of fanfic, and for it to have had such a positive influence in your life! I don’t think it sounds weird, I have been positively influenced many times by words I have read, both fictional and factual. Most of all it’s wonderful that you were able to get yourself out of a crappy situation – whatever the impetus for that may have been – but to think that I might have contributed to that in some way is unbelievably humbling. (The way you ended this ask has me s c r e a m i n g though!!)

8/8 Last one I promise!!! But idk I just find it super funny that what I imagined in my head for meeting Taehyung is pretty similar to Close to Normal. Like he is in a hotel separate from the others, but in mine I'm getting snacks at the vending machine when he comes up to do the same lol. Just thought it was a funny coincidence!!! Anyways thanks for coming for my TED talk. Love you and your writing always ♥

I said it a few times before but I tried really REALLY hard to keep an element of realism – no matter how small – when I wrote CtN, and I am so so glad you were able to relate to it in that way! It’s a whole lot of wish fulfilment from my side I can tell you that!!

I sincerely cannot say thank you enough times to express how truly grateful I am that you took so much time to do this. I have been walking around with the hugest grin on my face all day! I hope more than anything that I have done your amazingly generous comments justice with my responses. I am really overwhelmed with gratitude...thank you so much, you are an absolute sweetheart!! Lots of love, Ally ♥♥♥♥♥