#i'm so soft for malum ):

[notinmyvocab]

Woe Begets Misery

Larissa x OC

I just miss Larissa. So have some sweetness and angst

It was raining. Large, heavy drops clanked against the kitchen window. Isabel stared at the rivulets as they snaked down the panes, her sight slightly obscured by the steam that rose from her mug of coffee.

There was nothing she loved more than a lazy, rainy morning.

Arms slid around her waist, and Larissa pulled Isabel close, resting her chin on the shorter woman's shoulder.

"Fresh pot of coffee?"

"French press, actually."

"Well aren't we fancy this morning," Larissa teased, pressing a kiss to Isabel's cheek. She straightened up and grabbed herself a mug from the cabinet.

Isabel turned her back to the window, leaning against the counter. Of course, Larissa was already dressed and ready for work. So professional in her stockings.

"I can feel you staring." Larissa glanced over her shoulder with a smirk.

"Hard not to. Not my fault you're hot."

Isabel watched Larissa's cheeks turn pink, and couldn't help but grin.

Larissa took a sip of her coffee, using it as an excuse to gather her wits for a brief second. She turned to face Isabel, lipstick perfect as always. "Oh, so you think I'm hot?"

"Totally. You single?" Isabel joked.

Larissa pouted and walked over to Isabel with her coffee mug. "Unfortunately, yes. In fact, I'm engaged."

"Well, your fiancee is an incredibly lucky lady."

"You think so?"

"I do think so. I also bet she's incredibly attractive too."

"I suppose she's alright."

Feigning offense, Isabel pulled away from Larissa, free hand pressed against her heart. "Rude." But she immediately dropped the exaggerated act and leaned forward to press her lips against Larissa's, standing on her tiptoes.

Her gaze brushed along the scar lines around Larissa's neck. Claw marks long healed. But they had been so deep. So deadly.

Larissa cupped Isabel's cheek. "What's wrong?"

Her eyes were so blue; Isabel wanted to drown in them. "I wish this was real," Isabel murmured, taking the hand against her cheek and pressing a kiss to the palm. "I miss you a lot. Even though you never existed."

Just a fantasy created by taking a bit of a malum malus.

"I know you do. Even though I never existed."

Isabel blinked, and the kitchen disappeared. No French press coffee. No rain against a window, creating a soft instrumental to the morning. Just a darkened bedroom. A bed that was half empty.

She remained there, staring at the ceiling, making shapes out of the shadows. It had felt so real. So, so real.

Her fingertips traced along her lips, feeling the ghost of Larissa's kiss. On her left hand, she could have sworn that she felt the weight of an engagement ring.

She turned over onto her side, desperate to forget the woman who never existed.

[storiesandthingsofthatnature]

To Feel Adrenaline

Part 2

Summary: Pino ventures to a district that is new to him and meets a stalker that is quite the character

Word Count: 1.3k

Pairing: Pinocchio x G!N!Reader

Warnings: Violence but that's about it :3

Disclaimer: Nothing to report~

A/N: Hey there! I'm back with a Lies of P fic! This is going to be a series based on feelings so if you guys have an idea for a prompt around a feeling do let me know and I could add to the series ^^ As for the Leon x reader series, I don't think I will be continuing with it. I dunno, it all depends really. I just don't have any further idea for it and I honestly don't like how the writing came out. But, like I said, we shall see.

Btw, the district I mention is just one I added. Gemini talks more in here because he deserves more lines, the reader is a very...Interesting character and just know that this is set after the puppet king defeat as that's where I'm at in the game so no spoilers please :'D

Anyways, enjoy! And do let me know what you think ;; Comments, reblogs and likes are always appreciated as well <3 Thank you!

Pino walked on soft footsteps, the puppet trying to evade the more basic frenzied puppets to preserve his stamina. He was currently out scouting an area that he hadn’t traversed yet, Gepetto wishing his son a safe trip but not before leaving him with a warning. “Rumor has it that there is an elite stalker in that district. I hear they keep to themselves and don’t really associate with anyone, but I have no idea how they will react if they figure out who you are and who you are with. Please be careful, my son.”

So far there were just the usual maid and butler puppets with the occasional harder opponent. But it was nothing that Pino really had to worry about, his swordsmanship and defense sharpening evermore with each battle. Each encounter something that he kept with him, memories that helped him along the way. However, he was not lax. His father’s words were still in the back of his mind and it seemed that Gemini was thinking the same thing as well. “What do you think they’re like, this “elite stalker.” Gemini mimicked Gepetto. “I’ve heard about that one woman who is supposedly the best of the stalkers, but I didn’t know that there were others. Hmmm, we shouldn’t take this lightly, huh?” 

They had only just beaten The Puppet King not too long ago, Gepetto practically forbidding Pino from continuing on his journey for the moment. “My son needs his rest. And I just want you to be safe, for once.” His father had said and Pino had agreed reluctantly but on the condition that he was still helpful to Gepetto and the others in other ways. So here he was, scouting out a district that was a little bit past Malum district. He knew he shouldn’t go out too far and go to places that aren’t really necessary, but was mostly curious as to what was out here. 

Pino wondered if he would actually stumble upon this stranger but suddenly, the amount of puppets in the area began to dwindle as he traversed further into the district. Further until there were none and just the sound of the sprinkling rain pattering against the cobblestone street was all that was left. A nervous chirp sounded from Gemini,” I dunno if I should be grateful that there are no more puppets or suspicious…Be careful, pal.” For assurance, Pino reached back and gently patted against the top of Gemini’s lantern. He may get annoyed with the cricket puppet at times but he was still a very beloved companion. 

Suddenly, fast approaching footsteps crept up from behind Pino, the puppet jumping to the side to dodge an incoming attack. “I thought I had rid this place of you guys. Ya’ll just don’t quit!” The newcomer said, obviously annoyed at Pino’s presence. They shouldered their weapon as they recentered themselves from their attack and turned to Pino. “Well, you’re an interesting one! You’re obviously not like the others either.” While they mulled over this, Pino couldn’t help but tilt his head as he observed the stranger’s animal mask. He knew that stalkers usually wore masks to show rank but he had never seen this animal before!

“Hm?” You question the puppet’s curious look, your free hand aligning with his line of sight and you meet your mask. “Oh! Ah yes! Not the usual get up, right? I thought - Donkey mask? Bunny mask? Those are quite boring. I had to go for something more, well, me!” It was a dinosaur mask that you adorned. More specifically a T-Rex mask. “I would have gone with a velociraptor, but I found out that they’re smaller than I originally imagined so, T-Rex it is!”

There was a moment of silence and Pino could swear that this was probably one of his most strangest encounters. “Eccentric. The answer to my earlier question is eccentric.” Gemini chirped, Pino giving a small nod in agreement. You give a hum,”I’m actually quite curious as to why you’re not attacking me right now. I had heard a rumor that there was a puppet made by Geppetto that is actually good but…I just don’t know. Sorry, but, do you mind if we have a sparring session? I see a person’s character better that way.” You bring your weapon back to hip height, the candle light from the street lanterns creating a gleam across the blade. 

It was nothing spectacular in appearance but when you wield it, it didn’t require aesthetics. “Well at least they were kind enough to ask.” Gemini surmised, Pino giving a single tap to the glass. A sign that he needed Gemini to be silent from here on so he could concentrate. “Good luck, pal.” Was what he left Pino before settling into his lantern further for the fight.

Pino unsheathed his weapon as well - The Puppet Ripper that he had received from Alidoro after defeating The Puppet King. He wanted to try it out and now seemed like a good time. You hum in amazement from the looks of the scythe. “Woah, that looks terrifying. Please mind that thing would ya?” You laugh and Pino couldn’t help but knit his brows at your odd wording. But suddenly, he felt your presence behind him. He noticed just in time to block your advancement, you giving a small sound of amazement. “You actually blocked that! Impressive!” You praise and then jump back, landing lightly on your feet.

Pino had no idea how you had gotten behind him so quickly, but he didn’t have time to think it over before you were coming at him with another attack. Your jabs were super sonic, your slashes nearly invisible. Pino was having a hard time keeping up, receiving small hits of damage as his blocks weren’t perfect. “I wonder how long you can keep up with me.” You say as you hit him with a heavy blow, Pino sliding back until he hits a wall. You advance quickly, hot sparks of iron lighting the area you two fought in as your blades hit with such ferocity and determination. 

Pino could feel his stamina reaching its max, the puppet needing to find a break in the fight to have a small rest to regain it but you were adamant on keeping him from doing just that. He had no idea where you kept all that energy but he really wished he could tap into it somehow. He could feel the ergo that surged within him pulsing rapidly, like a heart rate that was skyrocketing. Even with the pupper king he hadn’t felt this sensation before, the fear that he may not be able to pull through this if this keeps up. 

However, your hits subsided and your blades crossed, scratching metal a cacophony in both of your ears as you created a stalemate. Your eyes looked deep into Pinos’, [e/c] meeting iridescent blue that held hints of worry yet shone with a burning fire that screamed “I will fight until I can no longer move.” You give a breath of a laugh and jump back, the young puppet practically collapsing from the broken tension. “You have some sharp skills there.” You praise once more as you sheath your weapon. “Thank you for the sparring session! I really needed that.” You walk over to Gepetto’s puppet, Pino swearing that if he held the ability to breath he would be doing so very heavily right now. You hold out a hand, a small smile gracing your lips. “Nice to meet you. My name is [Y/N] The Fossil. I hadn’t thought that I would meet a well mannered puppet ever again but here you are.” 

Pino felt like he just experienced whiplash, the sudden change in conversation throwing him off. But yet, he took the outstretched hand, a small shake creating the catalyst for you and Gepetto’s puppet.

[wibzenadarksiderwithasoftheart]

Stubbornness and unicorns

I did something, or rather this post made me do it.

I blame @prahacat 💜

I'm actually grateful, because it finally got my stubborn muse in gear to work on a story that has been haunting my brain for some time.

This is shameless fluff, mpreg, pregnant Obi-Wan (Anakin is the father), and Obi-Wan and Dooku having a moment in Serenno's castle garden.

And maybe there are unicorns. 🦄

***

Obi-Wan walked slowly along one of the many well-landscaped paths in the sprawling park surrounding Castle Serenno mindful of his condition. His stately dressed companion graciously matched his speed to his slow pace, mercifully ignoring the small sighs of frustration that escaped him, kindly lending him an arm to lean on as they made their way.

Only when they stopped in the shade of a large tree did he speak while Obi-Wan rested a hand over his bulging midsection, rubbing reassuringly over the spot where one of his children was eagerly kicking at his taut skin.

"While I'm sure it would be hopeless to tell you once again that I don't think these long walks will benefit you when you are this far along, I'm sure my words will be ignored as always," his stern-looking companion declared with an undertone of resignation.

“You are correct in that assumption,” Obi-Wan replied, flashing him one of his most charming smiles.

"As I am sure you are fully aware of, it is a well-known truth that stubbornness is an inherited trait in your lineage, Count."

"It seems so," the older man admitted with a heavy sigh, "and please, Obi-Wan, how often may I ask you to call me Yan?"

"At least a few times more."

Count Dooku of Serenno let out a small frustrated sigh. His lineage was a constant headache that he was convinced would be the end of him one day soon.

Sensing that it would be fruitless to try to persuade his grand padawan to return to his comfortable chambers, determined as he was to wander, he chose not to argue further as they continued.

They walked in pleasant silence under the bright autumn sun who cast its glow over the wide expanse of the castle gardens that was laid out in the imposing shadow of Castle Serenno. The high, already snow-covered mountains rose in the background and in the pale blue sky above them, both moons were clearly visible, Mantero almost full where it stood low above the horizon.

The park was an oasis of green and lush life, where plants native to the planet and imported species were tastefully arranged in a well-organized style with clean lines that reflected the planet's ruler. Paths and small streams ran between tall trees and bushes, creating intricate patterns and a pleasant background sound with their muffled gurgling. In some places, large open lawns were replaced by small groves of trees, both evergreen and deciduous, in their golden, red and orange fall splendor. Beds of late flowering herbs gave off a pleasant spicy fragrance that mingled with the ripe scent of malum fruit.

Obi-Wan and Yan had just stepped into a small clearing surrounded by tall spruces when a group of slender and elegant creatures surrounded them, only slightly shy to get close to the bipedal creatures.

They were an extremely rare species, reminiscent of equus in their appearance, and thought to be extinct. But a small group still existed, their existence a well kept secret. The beautiful creatures with their gleaming pearly white skin and long elegantly twisted horns had long been sought after prey, not so much for their beauty or rarity, but because they were highly force sensitive and were believed capable of healing and granting eternal life.

Gently they nudged their soft muzzles against Obi-Wan's bulging belly, neighing low in greeting to the unborn children resting there, attracted by their innocent but already powerful signatures. Honored by their closeness and trust, Obi-Wan gently stroked his hands over their soft ears and smooth horns.

Yan also got his share of attention, though more hesitantly, as some darkness still lingered like shadows around him. But the largest stallion, his horns gleaming golden in the sun, allowed him to stroke his neck in a gesture of trust offered to the one who had originally prevented their final extinction.

Against the wishes of his former Sith Master, Dooku had chosen to save these magnificent creatures when he had tracked down the very last of their kind, starved and scared. Under the influence of his former padawan and his young apprentice, he had brought them to Serenno where they now thrived and multiplied.

Five slender foals romped playfully among the adults eagerly seeking Obi-Wan's attention.

TBC

[5sosfanfictioncatalogue]

Platonic Cuddling Masterlist

Go Ahead Rip My Heart Out (ao3) - spacepixie michael/calum, luke/oc M, 33k (WIP)

Summary: “You waste your money on the dumbest shit.” He murmured under his breath hoping Calum didn’t hear him. But alas the other man did as he shoved Michael roughly in the chest before grabbing his coffee cup and exiting the shop leaving Michael dumbfounded. 

Or 

Angsty Malum & road trip(s)

holding on (ao3) - citiesbelow michael/crystal, mentioned sierra/luke T, 1k

Summary: After their first headlining shows in years, the boys don’t want to split up to go to bed. This is just shameless fluff.

Just Know That It’s The Same For Me (ao3) - slashter michael/luke, calum/ashton, michael/harry E, 5k

Summary: Luke doesn't get what exactly happened between them at the dinner, replays the conversation over and over in her head but to no avail. She's stuck, completely lost, and, to top it all off, still so fucking in love with the one person who won't give her the fucking time of day.  It's absolute shit.

[Or the one where Luke is head over heels for Mikey but Mikey doesn't seem to feel the same way]

Keeping Us Together (ao3) - Strength_in_pain T, 91k (WIP)

Summary: Twenty-two year old Ashton Irwin is the older brother and guardian of his three younger brothers: Michael, Calum, and Luke. He and his brothers are coping with the death of his parents. Ashton has too much responsibility with bills, work, keeping the house in order, and being a full time parent. His three brothers aren't making it easier for him. Ashton is struggling to keep his family together.

maybe this is just as good as it gets (ao3) - bellawritess T, 2k

Summary: "Do you guys like me?"

For a minute there's no response. Then Calum, sounding moderately confused, says, "Are you talking to me?"

"Yeah," Luke says.

miserable at best (ao3) - orphan_account luke/ashton T, 622

Summary: "I've never been so happy and so heartbroken at the same time. it's like he enjoys seeing me upset." -Ashton Irwin

Puzzle Pieces (ao3) - allsassnoclass (brightblackholes) michael/calum T, 19k

Summary: Michael has wanted a soulmate ever since he first learned what the blue on the back of his mother's neck means. This is the story of how he gets three, and how he figures out what that means to him.

Softer (ao3) - ashton_cuddles94 M, 1k

Summary: @/twitteruser: "I'm not really into 5sos, but the pudgy drummer is so cute".

"Pudgy?", Ashton thought to himself, putting his phone down in his bunk.

He placed a hand on his stomach, not expecting his fingers to sink in as much as they did. His eyebrows shot up in concern.

"Have I really gotten that soft?"

So Much Better (ao3) - cashcakeplz calum/ashton, michael/luke, bryana/ashton N/R, 84k

Summary: This is good, good for Ashton. He works so hard, always taking care of the boys, he deserves someone who will take his mind off of things, even for a couple of hours to get coffee. Maybe it’ll make him better, and by extension, the band better. Maybe Bryana is a good thing for everyone. Yet, even now, as Calum tries to think of how great Bryana could be for Ashton, he can’t help but think that he would be so much better.

Or the one where Calum and Ashton have been Friends With Benefits for years, and Calum thought his feelings for Ashton were simply sexual until Bryana came into the picture.

Sweater Weather (ao3) - allsassnoclass (brightblackholes) pre michael/calum G, 1k

Summary: Michael spends Christmas Eve of 2012 with Calum, waking up late, playing video games, and opening a package.

[igarbagecannoteven]

hi megs :) i can't believe you scheduled that ask game for over a year ahead but I am here to ask if you are so inclined to answer! 3, 11 (i know you try to be equal opportunity, but i'd love to know if you think you do have preferences despite that), 14, and 18 for fear the fever if you'd like -hazel

hiya hazel! thanks so much for sending these in i love you and hope you're doing well 💙 hopefully you still want to hear the answers to these lol

3. what are some tropes or details that you think are very characteristic of your fics? pining, completely off-the-wall premises, people being covered in blood, cars, friends to lovers, & general sillyness broken up by characters being emotionally devestated :))

11. are you partial to a certain character/pairing or are you more equal-opportunity? If you are partial to any character/pairing, why do you think that is? i do try my best to distribute my love and fic writing across all the pairings, but i am human i am willing to admit that i occasisionally truck with favoritism (shh don't tell anyone) i have always had a soft-spot for writing lashton and malum, partly bc of what was going on in the fic community when i joined & bc i think their dynamics are pretty natural for me to write. like i can't imagine writing malum as anything other than friends to lovers which is one of my favorite tropes, and lashton are very easy to emotionally devestate bc i have a pretty clear idea of what my fictionalized versions of them would do in response to x thing happening to the other. but i also go through spirts of favoring other pairings! there was a period of time where all the wips i started were mashton (and someday i will finish them,,, someday)

14. are there any tropes you would only read if written by a trusted friend or writer? oh definitely! i think anything that starts to enter the morally grey area (ie fics involving violence or sa or sh) are ones that i don't tend to read unless i know the author's work, just bc it can be really easy to butcher a darker-themed fic, either making it unrealistic or overly romanticized or too preachy for my tastes. i also tend to be pretty hesitant to read fics that are written in a non-au (or in an au very similar to our world), and i like to be familiar with what the author thinks of each of the band members before i dive in. it's fine if their interpretation is different from mine (and it often is lol) but i like to know what to expect and know that they aren't going to be portrayed in an incredibly flat manner. what can i say i'm a bit of a writing snob lol

18. if you wrote a sequel to [fear the fever], what would it involve? welll i may or may not already have a doc with sequel ideas for this fic sooo 👀 i'm still deciding exactly how i want to handle it, but the idea currently in the lead is following them on their roadtrip to malum's wedding and exploring all the struggles that would come with that (only being able to travel when the sun's down, dealing with luke's craving and being regularly trapped in smaller spaces together like the car & motel rooms) and *meanwhile* we'd be following mali koa, who is also on the way to the wedding but she's a secret vampire hunter *cue dramatic music* who picks up on signs that a newborn vampire is heading the same way she is and decides to track it down along the way. the drama! the suspense! the potential! i would love love love to write this and it may be the next long(er) fic i write after i finish my monstrosity of a wip

[5sosfanfictioncatalogue]

Swimming Masterlist

Bittersweet - @daydadahlias (cornflowerblue (daydadahlias)) luke/ashton T, 20k

Summary: It’s not growing older that scares Luke. It’s that everyone else will outgrow him before he catches up.

Hearts, Chlorine and Valentine Lovers (ao3) - ethereal_larry (ttmngx) luke/ashton G, 2k

Summary: Luke's body was bubbling with anticipation. It flooded his mind and pumped through his veins. Every single cell forming his brain was full of excitement. He wasn't really sure of how much more he was able to wait for anything. It was his favourite time of the year.

He liked summer February in Australia.

He loved Saturdays more than his brothers.

And he completely, undeniably adored Valentine's Day.

If I'm Lame Then You're Beautiful (ao3) - ashsparagus michael/luke N/R, 4k

Summary: Luke doesn't think cheesy stuff can be cute. Michael takes that bet. They never thought they could fall deeper in love.

I Would Hate You If I Could (ao3) - CliffordAffliction luke/ashton, michael/luke, michael/calum E, 23k

Summary: Luke’s been in love with his best friend Ashton for years, to the point where it’s driving him insane how much he wants to be with him. Out of the blue Ashton starts to treat him like they aren’t even friends anymore and Luke doesn’t know how to handle it so he tries desperately to get his mind off of the boy…and fails miserably.

Just Me, Her, and the Moon (ao3) - orphan_account calum/ashton G, 4k

Summary: Ashton and Calum have had enough of the garbage weather and atmosphere of LA, so they book off to the middle of nowhere for the weekend.

Lake effect kids (ao3) - petalrock luke/calum, michael/ashton T, 10k

Summary: The dock house door flies open and a boy comes bouncing out. 

“Another day, another dollar!” Luke hollers. He’s wearing giant aviators, board shorts, and a life vest, even though he was just indoors, and the water around the petro dock is six feet deep, at most. Calum cracks a smile. Luke beams back with enough force to burn Calum’s retinas. 

God, he’s gorgeous.

lost in the swirling sea (ao3) - irwah michael/calum/ashton E, 3k

Summary: '“Adventuring is my thing. Skinny dipping is my thing. And you went without me.” Ashton muffles into the pillow.

Calum rolls his eyes, stroking Ashton’s hair. But Michael smirks.

“We can skinny dip into your bed if you want?”'

Or: mashlum sex, inspired entirely by malum's antics and ashton's jealous tweet

Never Gets Old (ao3) - louluke luke/calum G, 1k

Summary: Luke is on the swim team and Calum is always there cheering him on. They hangout after the meet, blah blah blah. This is basically just Cake fluff so hope you enjoy!

Splash (ao3) - Branithar michael/ashton, luke/calum G, 1k

Summary: The boys have fun at the beach.

Thunderstorm (ao3) - outlawofideal michael/luke M, 15k

Summary: Or the one Luke loses his hope of his swimming career, Calum is a impeccable medley racer, Ashton and Michael are really close friends.

We Are Strange, In Our Worlds (ao3) - fourdrunksluts michael/luke N/R, 84k

Summary: Luke's an aspiring artist, and Michael's a traveling musician. They cross paths in Hillvue in the summer of ‘95.

why don't we be friends? (why don't we make out?) (ao3) - bellawritess luke/calum T, 2k

Summary: “You’re staring again,” Luke says quietly. Calum smiles and floats nearer to him.

“Yes I am,” he says easily. “You’re very easy to stare at.”

Your name is written in the sand (ao3) - screamtobeheard (orphan_account) michael/luke M, 4k

Summary: “Luke, what are we doing?” he asks, some slight panic in his voice. Luke places his hand on Michael’s shoulder. It’s a completely normal touch, something all of them do daily but right now, in the dim light of the pool and the only heat he feels is coming from Luke, it makes him melt. Luke’s thumb strokes once, twice up and down before he makes eye contact again. “We’re just skinnydipping,” he says, reasonably. His hand doesn’t move however. It slides from his shoulder over his arm, till his soft fingers trial over the palm of his hand. “Just swimming,” Luke says softer as he carries on.

Or a summer fic

You Saved Me (ao3) - CliffordAffliction luke/ashton M, 5k

Summary: After a boy from school causes harm to Luke Ashton's protective instincts kick in and all he wants to do is make sure Luke feels safe and loved