#if i manage to finish this project in time

[yunwangja]

undercurrents | signal no. 18

masterlist

"this was such a good idea,"

alisa sighs contentedly, setting down her fork with a satisfied smile. kuroo mirrors her expression, nodding in agreement, though his mind drifts elsewhere.

inside, a war is raging. everything about this feels wrong, but it's the right thing to do. at least, that’s what he keeps telling himself.

he tries to maintain his composure, to focus on the woman in front of him, but beneath the surface, he’s being torn apart. it’s maddening - the frustration, confusion, and anger building up inside. emotions he knows he shouldn’t be feeling, not now, not here.

kuroo was brought up to be a "good" guy. make the people around you comfortable, give them a hand when they need to, and help bring out the best in them. he lived his whole life being the reliable, friendly guy that is ready to give you a push whenever you need him.

in his mind, it means he can’t afford to be selfish. it’s simple: if it makes others happy, it should make him happy too. and when he wants something for himself? well, he should bury that desire, deny it for the greater good. because that's his "role".

that's how he mastered the art of masking his own feelings, hiding behind a smile, always keeping things light and fun. anything to avoid ruining the peace, to avoid letting people see how conflicted he truly is. if he messes up, in his eyes, he’ll have failed. the tetsuro kuroo everyone knows and relies on would be gone.

he knows kenma can see through it. kenma’s always been his voice of reason, telling him it’s okay to be honest, to not always put himself last. but it’s no use. kuroo can’t afford to believe that - not when the cost of expressing his true feelings seems so high.

so, he convinces himself that this is for the best, even though he knows deep down that if he could, he’d treat you so much better. he’d hold you close, knowing you belonged there. just seeing you smile could melt all his troubles away, and even the slightest brush of your hand would send his heart racing.

to him, you are everything. beautiful, kind, funny, and passionate. but it’s more than that. something about you makes him weak in a way no one else ever has. you make him want to be selfish, to want you all for himself, no matter the consequences.

he’ll do anything for you - even if it means forgetting you. because that’s what he thinks you want. you don’t need him complicating things with his feelings, not when you like someone else, even if you call it a harmless crush. it’s ruining whatever you already have. so, he’ll keep this up.

alisa and kuroo continued to talk, and he tried his best to get to know more about alisa, outside being his project partner and classmate. all he knew about her was that she had a little brother who was also into volleyball, which sparked most of their conversations before. besides, he needed to distract himself from thinking about you.

honestly, he feels bad. this date is probably something you both just wanted to try out, but he can't help but feel like he's forcing himself to be here when alisa is genuinely great.

as they finish their dessert and wrap up the conversation, kuroo can’t help but feel a strange sense of accomplishment. he’s managed to put up the front, to act like everything’s fine. maybe if he does this enough, he’ll actually start to believe it. maybe, eventually, he’ll forget about you.

“i had a great time, alisa,” he says, turning to her with a small smile.

“this was a really nice date. i felt comfortable.” the lie slips out effortlessly, though he did genuinely enjoy getting to know her better.

alisa raises an eyebrow, her expression shifting to one of amused confusion. “wait, what?” she lets out a small laugh, “a date?”

kuroo tilts his head slightly, caught off guard. “yeah?”

she shakes her head, still smiling. “this wasn’t a date, kuroo.”

for a second, the words don’t register. then, when they do, he feels his stomach drop. holy shit. embarrassment rushes over him as he quickly tries to backtrack.

“oh god,” he mutters, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. “i’m sorry.”

alisa’s expression softens, and she waves it off casually. “no, no. did i lead you on? i didn’t mean to. i’m sorry if i made it seem that way.”

kuroo shakes his head quickly. “no, it’s not your fault. i just misunderstood. honestly, at first, i didn’t think of you like that, but when you asked me out for coffee, i thought - well, maybe.”

alisa nods slowly, her expression apologetic. “i’m still sorry, though. i guess i should’ve been clearer when i asked.”

he shrugs it off, offering a weak smile. “it’s fine. really. i hope this doesn’t make things awkward.”

alisa shakes her head this time, "don't worry, as long as we're on the same page. you're a great guy yourself, kuroo." she smiles at him.

he returns the smile, but inside, his mind is racing. despite the embarrassment, a strange relief settles over him, washing away the tension he’s been carrying all evening. it feels wrong to be this relieved, almost like he’s betraying the plan he’d set for himself, but the truth is undeniable.

why is he relieved? all of a sudden, although he feels emotionally tired from all the torture he gave himself throughout today, it's like his inner self was screaming, thank God.

a wave of emotions crashes over him, sudden and overwhelming, as if the universe is trying to tell him something. like, this was a sign.

he freezes, the thought hitting him hard. it's absurd, reckless even. after everything he’s put himself through today, after all the mental battles and efforts to push you away, this would undo it all. it goes against every rational argument he’s made for why he should forget you.

but the relief flooding his chest is undeniable, drowning out the logic he’s clung to. it’s like a voice, quiet at first but growing louder, insistent, cutting through his doubt until it’s the only thing he can hear:

he loves you, and it's you who he wants to be with.

without another thought, kuroo stands abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor.

“thank you, alisa. i’m sorry again. but i have to go.”

"i want you, y/n."

his words echo in the quiet room, and for a moment, all you can do is stare, frozen in place. the intensity in kuroo’s eyes sends a shiver down your spine, and you’re not sure whether it’s the surprise or the weight of his confession that makes your heart race.

kuroo lets out a shaky breath, his voice raw. “i know you like tooru. and i know you’ve explained to me how you feel about him, how it’s always been. but even knowing all of that, i couldn’t stop wanting you.”

his gaze drops to the floor, as if he’s ashamed to admit it. “i kept telling myself that i didn’t have the right. that i shouldn’t want you. but no matter how hard i tried, i couldn’t help it. i just do.”

there’s a vulnerability in his tone that you’ve never heard before. kuroo, who’s always so composed, so confident, now stands in front of you, his emotions laid bare.

“i don’t know if you’ll hate me for this or if this will ruin everything between us, but i... i can’t stand on the sidelines anymore.”

his fists clench slightly at his sides, his voice almost breaking. “i’m tired of pretending i’m okay with it. tired of forcing a smile when all i want is something i convinced myself i couldn’t have.”

he steps closer to you, his eyes lifting to meet yours again, filled with something that leaves you breathless.

“from the day i saw you smile... i wanted you. even if that smile wasn’t for me.”

the room feels smaller, the air heavier, as you try to process everything he’s saying. a part of you wants to speak, to say something, but nothing comes out. instead, you find yourself moving without thinking - your arms wrapping around him, pulling him close.

kuroo stiffens for just a second, caught off guard by your hug. he doesn’t know what this meant, but in the midst of his confusion, his arms come around you slowly, holding you close, his fingers curling gently into the fabric of your shirt.

maybe she just missed me, he thinks. or maybe you felt touched by his confession. he tries to make sense of it by thinking that you were too happy to see him that you just weren’t able to control it. he’s been avoiding you lately, after all.

you glance over his shoulder, and there were your friends, peeking around the corner, smirking like they’ve been waiting for this moment all along. you pull back slightly from kuroo, cheeks burning, and clear your throat.

“come on,” you whisper, guiding him toward your room to escape their prying eyes. once inside, you close the door behind you, trying to ignore the heat that’s rising to your face.

the two of you sit on the edge of your bed, but there’s still a careful distance between you, an unspoken barrier that neither of you know how to cross just yet.

kuroo breaks the silence first, his voice hesitant. “so...”

you glance at him, your hands fidgeting nervously in your lap. you know you need to say something, but finding the right words feels impossible. after a moment, you take a deep breath and decide to start with the truth.

“you know about my last relationship, right?”

he nods silently, his eyes softening as he waits for you to continue.

“well… it scarred me. i decided after that… i didn’t want to fall in love again. i didn’t think i could be a good girlfriend, so i chose to just admire from afar instead.” you pause.

as you start to explain, kuroo starts to decipher what you’re trying to say. immediately, he thinks this would end up in a rejection. why would you say these things to him anyway?

despite this, he wants to listen to what you have to say. it’s not like he’s expecting you to like him back. you feel his gaze on you, unwavering, and it makes it both easier and harder to keep going.

“i told myself i didn’t deserve anyone. even more guys that i thought was out of my league. that was the case too when i liked tooru. it was safe... i knew nothing would come of it - the reason why i used to say i just wanted to be an ‘observer’.”

kuroo stays quiet, letting your words sink in. there’s no judgment in his eyes, just understanding.

“i did my best to run away from romantic feelings,” you admit quietly. “because i didn’t think i deserve to be in love anyway.”

there’s a pause, a heavy silence that settles between you. then kuroo speaks, his voice gentle but firm. “we both know that’s not true.”

“is it, though?” you ask, your voice barely above a whisper.

kuroo shifts closer, his eyes locking onto yours. “do you really think i would’ve fallen in love with you if that was true?”

the question takes you by surprise, and you don’t know how to respond. “i... i don’t know,” you stammer, unsure.

he shakes his head slightly, his expression softening. “you didn’t need to be my girlfriend for me to see that you’re more than capable of being loved. you didn’t have to prove anything to me. i’ve always seen it. you’re perfect the way you are, y/n.”

his voice drops lower, filled with emotion, looking down. “i would’ve done anything just to call you mine.”

his words hit you like a tidal wave, and for a moment, you can’t do anything but stare at him. you can see the sincerity in his eyes, feel the truth behind every word he’s just said.

“kuroo,” you begin, your voice shaky. “i don’t like tooru anymore. i haven’t for a while now.”

his brow furrows, confusion flickering across his face. “but... i thought you guys were getting closer?”

you nod, a small, rueful smile on your lips. “we were, but only as friends, nothing more.”

kuroo’s eyes widen as realization dawns on him. tooru had been trying to push him toward you this whole time.

“kuroo,” you say again, gently pulling him out of his thoughts.

“yeah?” he replies, his voice a little unsteady.

“i know you just said you’re in love with me... but do you think i can?”

he tilts his head, eyes searching yours. “can you what?”

you hesitate for a moment, feeling your heart pound in your chest.

“can i fall in love with you too?”

kuroo’s eyes widen in shock, his body going rigid as he processes your words. for a moment, he’s completely still, his mouth opening slightly as if he’s searching for the right response. the room feels charged with the weight of your confession.

you watch as he takes a moment to absorb what you’ve just said. when he finally speaks, his voice is a whisper, filled with disbelief. “w-what?”

you give him a small, rueful smile, and continue, “you know, getting closer to tooru was because of you. he was also helping me figure things out.”

kuroo’s eyes widen further, a flicker of realization crossing his face. “because of me?”

you nod, your gaze steady. “yeah,"

the pieces start to fall into place for kuroo, and you can see the understanding dawn in his eyes. he takes a deep breath, his expression a mix of relief and intense emotion.

and then, in a swift, almost desperate movement, he reaches for you, pulling you close. his lips find yours with a kind of urgency that takes your breath away, the kiss filled with all the emotions he’s been holding back.

his hands frame your face gently, like he’s afraid you might disappear if he doesn’t hold on tight enough. you can feel the tension melt away, replaced by something warm and undeniable.

when you finally pull apart, both of you are breathless, your foreheads resting against each other. kuroo lets out a soft, almost disbelieving laugh, his thumb brushing gently against your cheek.

“of course,” he whispers, his voice hoarse.

“please do.”

and then, without missing a beat, he kisses you again.

notes

kuroo borrowed yn's phone and tweeted (and not because i didnt realize the plot hole immediately)

yn and kuroo sitting in a tree : D

this ends undercurrents OMGG UGHHKFSDHFKSDFS

i hope this was a good ending !!!!!

dw because a special chapter is coming !!! bc ik i'll miss this plus i want u guys to see sum yn and kuroo moments as a couple because WHY NOT

i'll properly conclude everything there !!

so technically its not officially done???

taglist: @lvtilzs @rarararararq @iamfontenlos @kurooswifeyy @secretsunsetsociety @kagsnumnine @yumiecheesecrackers @tojirin @jaynawayna @noxva08 @zahrawr-writes-fanfics @mawenskiblue @smellysluna @cccccccccccleo @winniethepooh-lover @akirqx @cupidsblonde @kukkurookkoo@emotiandon @urslytherin @mochroialainn @avis-writeshq @sorrynotsorrh @walllflowerrrsss @viva-vxgue @chifuzzy @mikaela26sstuff

[cherryheairt]

Pearls

Cregan Stark x named!fem!reader no desc (gif just for vibes)

18+!

my first smut writing and it was an intrusive thought that hasn't left my mind all week I need to get it out NEOW. I don't know my audience for this but please let it not be too niche idk 😭

Lately, Cregan had been absent from their marital chambers until the darkest parts of the night. Work had been keeping him apart from his Lady wife for far too long in her eyes. One night was almost unbearable, let alone weeks of it. Sometimes, he fell asleep in his study after pouring over scrolls and plans for hours.

It was hard to sleep without her husband, she found. After their marriage less than a year ago, they had shared the same bed every night after. Their relationship was most likely the healthiest in all of Westeros. Always in sync and filling what the other lacked. Whereas Vanya was compassionate and kind, Cregan was stern and unyielding. Together, they led the North as any Stark Lord and Lady should: In harmony.

Vanya had taken care of her tasks well, managing what Cregan could not in his time of occupation. Winter was upon them, cold and unrelenting. Vanya's first as Lady Stark, and one she intended to run smoothly to set a precedent for her live's rule.

However, even though she kept herself busy til late evening, she found her needs growing by the day. Usually, her and Cregan found themselves enjoying many rounds of pleasure before they tucked in for the night. Now, since he'd been busy, they hadn't even kissed in weeks. Simple glances at him or the feel of his arm's warmth draping over her in the early hours of the morning made her almost feral with want for her husband.

But he was always gone when she awoke. She was left to get ready for her own day of duties completely alone, longing for her husband's company. An emptiness struck her heart—one that she was determined to fill.

She got to work after her day was through. Knowing Cregan wouldn't join her til long after she was finished, she enjoyed the secretive project in the privacy of the chambers.

Pearls.

Lace.

Thread.

The only three things she dained to need for her little excursion. She worked quickly and nimbly, a nervous fluttering feeling drifting in her belly and staying there until she had finished. Quickly, she put the garment on. Satisfied by the mirror's view, Vanya giddily got dressed into her sheer white night shift.

She settled into bed, only being able to fall into a light sleep in her excitement.

It was not too long before she heard the quiet creeking of the door open and close, Cregan always making a point to enter and exit their chambers considerately. With a heavy sigh, she heard him drop his clothes and boots to the floor.

Weight dropped onto his side of the bed, and a familiar arm draped itself around her waist. Cregan sighed once more into the back of her neck, breathing in the comforting scent of his wife.

Vanya reached up gingerly, lacing her fingers with his. "Husband," she whispered, gauging his mood.

"Wife," he muttered back, thumbing absentmindedly at the space below her belly button.

"How was your day? You've been kept busy, far from the warmth of our hearth." She brought his hand up to kiss gently, starting to wake herself fully.

Cregan hummed guiltily, nodding into her smooth skin. "Tiring. I promise, once Winter starts to come to a close, I will make up every minute I spent leaving my dear wife waiting." The words were muttered slowly into the shell of her ear.

Vanya only huffed a laugh, shaking her head though he couldn't see her face. "There is time now, isn't there?" She asked coyly.

When she recieved no answer, "Cregan?"

None again, but the soft breaths coming from his nose. Turning to face him, she was met with closed eyes and a content slight smile gracing her husband's handsome features. She lay her head back on her pillow, sighing in accepted defeat. Brushing a piece of hair back behind his ear, she kissed his forehead, "goodnight, my husband."

The next day was the same as the last ones. She woke up alone again, only this time Vanya was much more determined to stoke the fire she knew Cregan had. Keeping the garment on underneath her day dress, a light powder blue number with tapered sleeves, she made her way about the Great Keep conducting her business.

Her mind was heavy with thoughts of Cregan, hunched over his desk and stressfully raking his hands through his dusty brown threads. Vanya finished her duties early, freshening up in their chambers before she returned outside of them. Hurriedly, she changed into a light blue shift, similar in color to the one she had worn out. She dabbled some sandalwood perfume oil on her neck and wrists, fixing her hair quickly before making her way towards Cregan's solar. The windows she passed by showed the fresh night sky and the dotted stars along it, the perfect time for any stray servants or maids to be tucking away for their own leisure time before bed.

Vanya took a short breath in before opening his solar door, spotting the exact visage she had imagined the whole day. Dressed in only his grey tunic visible above the pine desk, he had clearly discarded his pelts and leathers for the day, seeing as he had not even left the room once. The hearth was dying, only embers remaining. Clearly, he had wished not to be disturbed by any servants throughout the day.

He was still engrossed in writing a scroll when Vanya approached his desk. A tap on the spot above his elbow had jerked his head up, a shocked look in his eyes as he looked up at his wife. "Vanya, you should be abed already—" he said quickly.

Vanya shook her head, sitting herself on the edge of his table stubbornly. "Couldn't sleep." She lied. "I missed by husband's warmth next to me."

His lips pursed as he glanced between her and his work. "I'm sorry, I will finish as fast as I can. Wait for me?" He offered, though they both knew if she left now, he would only be swallowed up by his duties once more.

Vanya placed a hand on his cheek, running her thumb over the dark undereyes that deepened his tired expression. "I wish to stay with my husband, if it please him."

Cregan's eyes softened, nodding his agreement. He scooted his chair outwards, leaving ample room for Vanya to sit between him and the desk. Instead of sitting across his lap, as she normally would when accompanying him in his seat, she lifted her skirts to her thighs and sat facing him.

He tilted his head slightly, instinctively placing his hands over her hips to adjust her. "Won't this be uncomfortable for you?" He asked, though a faint blush dusted his cheeks and ears at the position.

Vanya shook her head, choosing to sit herself closer and bury her face into his neck. "Go on, don't let me interrupt." She said innocently, earning a glance from her husband before he followed her instructions and started back on his writing.

After a few minutes, she felt enough time had passed to make him inconspicuous of her actions. Slowly, she pressed herself closer to his chest, squishing her breasts again his own thinly clothed skin. She felt him pause and take a deep breath in before continuing, and had to bit her lip to prevent herself from smiling into his tunic.

A few more minutes passed, though she grew more impaitient with every second his hands were not on her. Slowly, she pressed her pelvis into his, revealing the hardened texture of the garment to him.

This time, he paused fully, confused. Setting the quill down, he leaned back. "What is that?" He asked, placing a hand on her hip again.

Vanya only smiled, grabbing his other hand and guiding it ever so slowly down to nethermost regions. "Feel for yourself." She cooed as she led a finger to run over the string.

"What—Pearls?" He asked, brows knitting together curiously.

Vanya nodded at the question.

"Where did you find such a thing?" Cregan asked, though did not recind his hand.

"I made them myself. Don't worry, no loud-mouthed seamstress will know of Lady Stark vying for some promiscuous garments."

"And they are..." He trailed off, swallowing heavily at the indication. Indeed, he shared in his logging and need throughout these weeks apart.

"For you, dear husband." Vanya purred, nipping softly at his bottom lip and pulling away just as fast.

Immediately, he lifted her from his lip and onto the dress, tossing aside his papers to the floor. He lifted her skirts further, bunching them carelessly at her hips as he tugged her legs to wrap around his waist.

Pinching the strand of pearls between his index and thumb, his eyes stayed glued to the glistening white pearls lying between her lower folds. Vanya felt herself throb with need at the lustful glare he held, leaning back on her hands to watch only his face.

Softly, he lifted the string to make it press against her own sensitive pearl. At her slight gasp and squirm, Cregan knelt to his knees faster than he ever had before. Glancing up at his wife's face, he silently asked for permission.

After she nodded, he was quick to move. The pearls, covering in her own essence, where moved slightly to the side as Cregan pressed his face to her core. Vanya threw her head back at the sudden stimulation, Cregan's tongue wildly moving from place to place as if he couldn't find a favorite spot.

Up and down, a solid stripe from her hole to sensitive bud. Circling the pearl with an eager swipe of his tongue, he moved down just as quickly as he began. With desperate, shallow thrusts into her clenching hole, Cregan tried and failed to press himself closer, already having no air to breathe with the space between them being nonexistent. Not that he minded, of course.

With a firm tug at his loose hair, Cregan turned his head with a heaving chest to face his wife. Looking offended at the separation, his fingers clenched at the soft parts of her upper thighs, ready to dig his face back to its spot.

Vanya whined out for him, shaking her head. She closed her thighs over his head, urging him up to meet her lips. She tasted herself on his tongue, enjoying the bittersweet slick with a deep moan. Cregan pressed himself closer, moving her by her waist to seat her on the edge of the table.

"I need you, Cregan, please." She pleaded, hards still carding through his hair to ground herself. She was so empty, only able to be whole again with Cregan's help.

At her plea, Cregan couldn't help but oblige, he unlaced his breeced urgently, allowing Vanya to strip him of his tunic and run her hands over the lean muscle of his chest and back.

He stroked himself a few times, smearing himself at her entrance. They both groaned in unision as his tip hit the string of pearls. They pressed to her swollen bud, making her jerk her hips up closer to meet his own. He slid the string to the side to make room for his length, sinking into the wet heat with a soft groan.

Her head found his shoulder again as she clawed at his shoulders, mewling. He mimicked her action, hands gripping onto her hips as he bit at her neck and collarbone sharply to conceal his moans.

His thrusts were fast and desperate, both wasting no time with soft touches and sweet nothings. That could be done later, after they were both saited and content in their own bed.

She panted heavily, reaching down between them both to rub loose circles around her pearl. He groaned as she tightened, knowing what it meant.

"Where?" He grunted out, kissing at her shoulder as a wordless apology to the angry red bite lying there.

"Inside," she gasped, tightening her legs around his waist to keep him closer.

It was not long before they both reached their peaks. Cregan continued his ministrations, thrusts becoming slower and less powerful as he winded down from his high. He stayed inside her even after they both came down, the warmth too good to pass up in the cold solar. The embers had long disappeared, leaving only the cobble to block out Winterfell's chill.

Vanya couldn't mind, either, enjoying the fullness it brought even in the sensitive state.

"What brought this on?" Cregan asked after a few long moments passed. He soothed over the marks on her hips, sure that bruises would appear in the morrow.

She hummed, kissing the space connecting his ear and jawline affectionately. "Is it too obscure for a wife to want for her husband?"

Cregan raised a brow, "of course not. I have missed you, too." He said, bringing her lips to his to kiss.

She deepened it, dragging him back to her after he pulled away. Tilting her head, she shivered at the brush of his tongue over her own, the texture a familiar delight.

Cregan pulled back after a while, a heavy look in his steel eyes. "I don't think we'll get much sleep tonight if you keep doing that."

She laughed, "I am far from tired, my Lord."

He growled playfully, bringing her from the table and carrying her in his arms. Cregan chuckled at her gasp, starting his journey to their chambers.

"Someone might see us!" She squealed into his neck, hiding her face uselessly.

"Let them. The whole of Westeros will know how my wife is the most beautiful in the Seven Kingdoms." He said, pinching her bottom with a cheeky smirk.

His solar was left open behind them, work long forgotten for the next day. Tonight was for Lord Stark and his Lady Wife.

🗡

Get yourself a munch like Cregan Stark

[thisonelikesaliens]

Now that we’ve seen the whole show, I’m curious for your final thoughts on the changes The On1y One made to the source material. Obviously, they very much did not finish the narrative. Were there things you thought they changed for the better? Choices you thought were bad or baffling? And how do you feel about where they left us?

I actually thought it was smart to add in all those very moments so we could see Jiang Tian's pov, but I think they set up false expectations for the pacing and after the halfway point of the show I found myself asking "why are we still here?????" every episode after.

I honestly still can't wrap my head around what exactly they were trying to do. It's just a bizarre way to manage a project.

My biggest beef is probably with the change they made to Zhao Xi and Lin Bei Ting's relationship. They were an established couple in the novel and I would've loved to see them serve as queer elders mentoring our boys. That weird love triangle took up way too much time.

And that ending. How very Netflix of them to drop one season in a short time and dangle empty promises of a second season over us. It would've been kinder and more hopeful to end at the beginning of their romance after they've worked through their individual hang ups. That would've left plenty of material still to work through in a second season if that actually happens.

[night-market-if]

Hi, I finished book two, chapter six today and wanted to send some appreciation for what incredible storytelling you've accomplished with this project. I've sent a couple of anon compliments before after finishing book one I think, but I don't know how to express how much I adore this story so I hope you don't mind my gushing in your inbox again. You've managed to create a world that feels expansive and beautiful and often dark but also KIND. I feel a lot of hope when I read your writing, something I've been in desperate need of a couple of times over the past few years, and every time I restart the game I find delightful, messy, wonderful characters there to welcome me home for a little while. Gabriel and Hazel are my ROs of choice and absolute favourites, but I've found spending more time with Milo and Mal in this book great fun and I'm planning to go back to explore their poly route. Bella and my OCs haven't had much chemistry, but all of them desperately want to be friends with her and sit reading books round the same fireplace, pretending that they're not trying to guess each others secrets. The option to have her style the MC for the ball is one of my favourite moments of book one. I love exploring the night market and finding something new every time. I love the humanity of your dialogue and the chance to play someone who can be stubborn and stick up for myself while never being cruel. I look forward to exploring what comes next and send infinite gratitude for what you've given us so far. When I find a new job, being able to subscribe to your patreon is high on my list. Until then I will be enjoying the games every time I need a little more hope <3

Thank you!

You've hit the characterization of the MC on the nose. I want MC to be strong. I want them to get to this point through their journey where they are confident of their own actions and decisions. But that does not mean you have to be cruel to achieve such things. You can be strong and independent without stepping on others to get there. I'm also a big proponent of not letting your trauma control you so I try to put that into the MC as well.

And a Hazelmancer!!! She is such an undervalued RO and I just love her storyline to pieces. It is such a relatable journey (minus the dark magic) and her story unfolding this book as been one of my favorites to discover.

Thank you so much for your words. I am excited to start crafting this story again. I hope you enjoy what is to come.

[matrixbearer2024]

A fic that has to do with this post I'd made cuz I'm scraping the walls for more FordxReader content. Anyhow- here's the prologue of my fic, DO NOT TAG THIS AS STANCEST. I REPEAT. DO. NOT. TAG. THIS. AS. STANCEST.

I (Learned To) Love You [Stanford Pines x Reader]

Chapter 1: Prologue

Ford is offered a chance to get into West Coast Tech, Stanley reveals a secret and the Pines Twins have a heart to heart.

Notes: The Stan twins will act slightly different from canon mostly because I’d rather the narrative run smoother and having Ford be arrogant to the detriment of himself or for Stan to be too nonchalant wouldn’t exactly bode well for the idea I’m trying to run with here so you’ll probably notice that shift where one becomes more mindful and the other becomes more selfless. Just a little, I’m kinda basing this off how I’d normally handle conflicts with my brother too; having a sibling really helps when writing sibling dynamics.

As the final chime of the school bell rang for the day, students poured out of the classrooms. The halls and lockers buzzing to life amongst the sea of seniors excited for nothing more than to get out and get home. The building felt like a prison to most of those inside it, a monotonous cycle of suffering and redundancy for a relatively poor attempt at standardisation in the name of education. 

Ford rolled his eyes when he passed by one of his peers complaining about a test on his way to his locker. The test in question wasn’t even difficult, by chance you would score something since it was multiple choice! The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead with a signature annoying hum, on designated study breaks Stanford found the low sound the most irritatingly distracting thing to exist. Alas, it was apparently out of the institution’s budget to even get newer functioning light bulbs; not surprising for a public high school.

Hastily, Stanford navigated through the sea of students that crowded out into the halls, his leather shoes clicking against the yellowing tile with every step; even if it was simply drowned out by the noisy chatter of the other students around him. Who even knew the last time these floors were properly cleaned? He dodged a wet floor sign that had been there since last week, a stain had already formed from the puddle that was in the space. It was just his luck that his locker was far enough away that he didn’t need to be near the mouldy sign or disgusting water.

He seriously couldn’t wait to get out of here.

Assignments were no issue, everything his classmates would have to cram tonight he’d completed weeks before. He fiddled with the aluminium combination lock that kept his belongings secure, it wasn’t the sturdiest thing– but it did the job. The metal casing was cool against his palms, every scratch and dent all so prevalent after years of use. When did he start using it… early elementary? It was a surprise it hadn’t given out on him at this point. Ford deftly unlocked it, the catch springing free as he unhooked and pocketed the little thing in the meantime to access the inside of his locker.

Hell week most students called it, a nightmare of nightmares with projects and tests back to back. Stanford saw no difference in the payload, having managed his time and tasks well enough that this week was like no other school week. Perhaps he was just the odd one again, shoving his books into the old locker became an autopilot routine. Being as studious as he is, Stanford rarely had to bring any homework home as he’d have finished it in school; the only exception to that being projects of any kind.

Speaking of projects, the events of earlier today rang clear in his mind like a record on replay.

“Pines twins to the principal’s office. Pines twins to the principal’s office.”

West Coast Institute of Technology… that’s some offer. He didn’t think his project was that incredible to have gotten noticed, but his father did always say he was special. Even if it did irk him in the moment that all that caught the attention of the old geezer was the mention of a possibility at becoming a millionaire. Alongside the excitement from that news also came the anxiety as well, the school seemed like a dream– cutting edge programs, multidimensional paradigm theory, it was the works and then some! Yet, the royal blue brochure sat sandwiched in the pages of his personal common book like a forbidden weight.

This had to be too good to be true, not to mention… What about his promise to Stanley? What about their plans? Sure, he was greedy enough to want his cake and eat it too– but Ford knew in this situation… there was no twisting it for that middle ground. His hand unconsciously tightened around the shoulder strap of his black satchel. 

What now? Did he really have to pick one over the other?

Ford shook his head and glanced out a nearby window. It was still bright out, maybe he could stop by the beach and clear his head before going home. It should do him some good. Home was a place he’d rather be in less and less should there be any opportunities to get out. Maybe he could invite Stanley if his twin wasn’t drowning in whatever projects or essays like the rest of them. Speaking of, where was the guy?

“Hahaha! Hey Sixer! Whatcha thinkin about?”

“AH-”

Stanley almost ended up with a metal door to the face because of that surprise attack, fortunately he managed to dodge just in time. Ford looked at him with wide eyes, a silent question amidst the shock from his brother sneaking up on him. Not that his twin was even remotely phased, he simply returned the confusion with a nonchalant shrug. 

“Hey, I asked a question first. Besides, what’s got you in knots this time? If ya can’t tell, the day’s over Poindexter.”

Ford rolled his eyes before slamming his locker shut, quickly returning the little aluminium bolt then jumbling up the combination. In retrospect, it did little to safeguard his belongings when it came to those that had similar skills to his brother– but it was a deterrent and still gave him some peace of mind whenever it was sitting there on that rusty metal loop to keep the door shut.

“Nothing too important. Anyway- uh, do you want to head down to the beach before home? We’ve still got time.”

Stanley gave him a million dollar grin in response, it was contagious enough that Stanford soon felt the edges of his lips tilting up instinctively to smile back. He rarely had a smile on his face unlike his socially extroverted twin. There were multiple reasons why most didn’t mistake them for each other despite sharing an identical face. Their starkly different behaviours was one of them.

“Sure! Anything beats being cooped up in the pawnshop with our old man anyway, just lemme get my backpack.”

“Alright, I’ll wait outside for you. It’s far too stuffy in here.”

“Says the one wearing a damn sweater vest!”

Ford rolled his eyes amused when his twin barked out a laugh and disappeared into the sea of their peers, a part of him wondered why their lockers were assigned so far apart but quickly dismissed that train of thought. He didn’t need to think about it, frankly he didn’t need to think about a lot of things, he just did. Irritating yes, but there were situations where the painstaking attention to detail was actually useful. This just wasn’t one of those times.

Shoving his hands into his pockets, Stanford bobbed and weaved through the crowd of young adolescents towards the bright red doors of the exit. The stench of sweaty seniors and the acrid sweetness of somebody’s floral cologne assaulted his nose and caused him to cringe. On one hand, it seems like the football team didn’t know what the hell deodorant was; on the other– were they trying to drown themselves in perfume?! There had to be a threshold of which they could tolerate that fragrance, Ford just wondered how insanely high it had to be for it to burn his olfactory nerves that badly.

Or was he simply sensitive to those kinds of fragrances? He had no clue.

At this point, the brunette grew impatient; a frown worming onto his face as he shoved students out of his way to the door and ignored all the odd looks. Not that people hadn’t already graced him with such an expression before; he had his polydactyly to thank for that. 

Ford couldn’t help the relieved slump in his previously rigid posture when he finally managed to step outside the building, there was really nothing that beats leaving that decrepit concrete facility. No more incessantly buzzing lights, no more tacky painted rooms, and definitely no more flooring that threatened to fall at the seams. 

He looked up at the sky, what was once blue was now painted with magnificently vivid reds and yellows; the sun that accompanied it cast an ethereal golden shine on any of the objects it’s rays were able to strike. It felt like he was in a painting, oddly poetic for a town most people would consider a dump. As a faint breeze tousled his hair, Ford was graced by the vague hints from the salty sea. 

He’d miss this.

Stanford suddenly jolted when a hand slapped his back, quickly whipping around in alarm to see the smiling expression of his twin. His heart felt like it was about to explode against his ribcage, there was no way he was even relatively okay today.

“Woah… Poindexter are you good? You’ve been really jumpy since earlier.”

That question was like a loaded gun with the barrel aimed down on him. As casual as Stan’s tone and body language was– his words indicated otherwise. Stanford took a deep breath and scratched the back of his neck, his panic couldn’t have been that obvious could it?

“I’m fine, ready to go?”

“You betcha, c’mon! We’re wasting daylight!”

Stanford welcomed the slight burn in his lungs and itch in his legs as he ran after his twin, laughing alongside the cheerful Stanley as they ran down the pavement towards the beach where they spent so much time growing up together. He was nowhere near as muscular or fit as his brother was, but that thought barely whisked by in his racing mind. 

“Stan– Hey! H-Hold up!”

“Seriously Sixer? Out of breath already??”

“I’m not as brawny as you! Of course I’m winded!”

Stanley returned a lighthearted laugh, but he did slow down his pace so it was easier on his twin. The crunch of the sand under their shoes and the crash of the waves on the shore painted a cradle of familiarity for the Pines. The two continued to make idle chit-chat as they laughed and walked towards a familiar swing set that might as well be embedded far and deep into their memories like a tattoo. 

A melancholic atmosphere quickly settled over the twins at the sight, a silent but mutual understanding occurring between them about the serious conversation that was already overdue. As they dropped their bags on a nearby rock and sat down on the rickety wooden swings, Stanley stared out at the docked boat they worked so hard to repair. It wasn’t even done but the project seemed like it was inevitably going to be abandoned due to circumstance.

Ford could only awkwardly twiddle his thumbs and stare down at his lap. What could he even say? It’s not like there was really a right answer to his predicament either, he’d have to say goodbye to one or the other. There was no easy way out.

“Look– Ford, I… haven’t exactly been entirely honest to ya.”

That piqued the other’s interest, finally looking up at his twin as his fidgeting also abruptly stopped. Stanley rarely called him by his name, often choosing nicknames of all kinds instead. The man sighed and turned away from the boat to finally look at his brother, as much as he would have loved to say that their childhood dream would still stand true if Ford never got that offer– it wasn’t really the case. Circumstances really didn’t line up for them no matter how you looked at it.

“Even if you didn’t get that offer, I doubt I would’ve really been able to stay either. Dad signed me off to some other family on the west side of the country. Kinda same to where that nerd college will take ya. I’m apparently already engaged to some gal I don’t know and haven’t met. Once we graduate, I’m out of here.”

If it weren’t for the soft crashing of the waves against the sand at low-tide, the silence would’ve been deafening. The tension was already so thick you could cut it with a knife, instead Stanley threw a hammer at it and the whole thing shattered like glass. Broken fragments, withering dreams, it was doomed from the beginning.

Ford was barely comforted by the fact that his twin was pushing him to take that chance for admissions at West Coast Tech, the actions of their father weighed more in the moment right now than whatever potential career or future Stanford was promised.

“When… When did this happen?”

“A couple months ago, I got traded in for some fat stacks. At least now I know I’m at least worth that much to Paw.”

Stanford couldn’t ease the heavy feeling that settled in his gut, as his brother’s attempt at a joke fell flat. There was only one choice for him then. He didn’t know what felt worse. Hands clasping together, the brunette leaned forward and resting his elbows on his knees. Damned if they did, damned if they didn’t.

“And… you’re okay with this?”

“Well, it’s better than nothing. ‘Sides,  I heard the family was rich, I wouldn’t have to lift a finger in my life! Just gotta sit there and keep the wife happy.”

It was a bit unsettling how quickly Stanley seemed to accept the situation, the fact he kept it hidden this well for this long was predictable of the man– but to have fully accepted it just like this hasn’t ever hit harder than it did right here, right now.

“Where are you even going to end up?”

“A town called ‘Gravity Falls’? Apparently it’s in Oregon.”

Well, he’d never heard of that place before. Odd. Ford couldn’t even recall it being mentioned in geography class, much less any map he’s ever looked at. Here he thought he already had a fairly good grasp of locations and the like, apparently not. 

“Hey, don’t give me that look. If you’re that worried I’ll go visit you! Won’t take too long either since we’re both already out west!”

“No– Stan, you’re basically being sold off to some random family in the middle of nowhere! For all you know they could be serial killers or mafia!”

Stanley laughed again, it was starting to get on the other’s nerves how blasé the guy was being in regards to all of this. Seriously, didn’t he care at all? This was something big! They couldn’t be the same after this, not when there would be more obligations among other things that demanded their time.

“You’re thinking too far into it Sixer! I’ll be fine! I’ve already made my peace with it, you should take that chance too. It’s a better shot for your career than whatever they’ve got here.”

“But, you still have so much time left–”

“Stanford.”

Stanley just gave his brother a sorrowful smile, his situation he could make do, the last thing he needed was for his paranoid twin to botch his chances during the unveiling of his project when the recruiters for West Coast Tech arrived out of worry for a situation that neither of them had any power to change. This was as far as he could really go, no use feeling bad over it; better make the most of things instead.

“I’ll be fine. Don’t worry about it anymore okay?”

Stanford couldn’t tell in the moment who really was the older twin, crossing his arms in a small huff. So… he was decided with his brother’s blessing; despite the fact it didn’t make any of this easier to swallow. The next time Ford looked at Stanley, the guy had his arms open in an offer for a hug. 

That was an offer the brunette didn’t even hesitate to take, holding onto Stan tightly like he would disappear if he let go. Somehow it felt like that regardless, even if they were definitely both still there and still entirely in the situation.

“We can figure something out after you get that admission letter to nerd college.”

“You’re an idiot.”

“I’m your twin, that also makes you an idiot.”

Finally, Stanford allowed himself a soft chuckle; things were still pretty tense– but when wasn’t anything for an overthinker? At this point, he was thankful he still had time with Stanley even if it was limited and winding down. They had until graduation.

“You done with your introspective thing Sixer? We should probably get home before Ma gets ticked off.”

“Oh shut up.”

With Stanley laughing again, it was just like that and they were back to normal. The two picked up their bags and started making their way back home. Thankfully things started to settle into a sense of how they often are, or at least as much as it could get for the Pines Twins when spontaneity was usually an ingredient in their routines.

Fic is also here on Ao3

[itsbenedict]

From the beginning | Previously | Coin standings | 60/70 | 31/31

Rather than acknowledge the TOOTH-HEEL TURN, you decide to RUN TO THE HOTEL.

Easier said than done. It seemed effortless back when you were being guided by some mysterious force calling you to the grave, but now there's the matter of several giant skeletons, nightmare glitch-ghosts, and abandoned-construction-equipment-turned-dragons. Also, the pitch blackness. Also, the crowd of evil spike monsters currently surrounding you.

Walter has a brainwave, and activates PRINCE TONY, who immediately detonates and boshfpngrf rirelguvat va n fznyy enqvhf jvgu n ynlre bs guva fzbxr. Vg'f abg rknpgyl cresrpg pbire, ohg gur 'gvgrf naq 'zvgrf ner oevrsyl hanoyr gb znxr frafr bs gurve fheebhaqvatf, juvpu tvirf lbh whfg rabhtu gvzr gb qnfu bhg bs gurve zvqfg naq jvguqenj Gbal jvgu uvf chyypbeq.

Lbh eha cnfg n srj ohtf juvyr Gbal'f rssrpg fgvyy yvatref, ohg vg pyrnef hc pretty quickly, leaving you in plain sight of all manner of spookums.

Luckily, Adea still has that sword.

Less luckily, the giant skeletons have ranged attacks.

She takes 3% Soul Integrity from a lobbed capsule, and there's more incoming- both of you jump down a hole to avoid an onslaught of...

...uh-oh. The cavern behind you is rocked by a massive explosion from a Super Rare capsule lobbed by a gachadokuro, cutting off your escape. You each take another 10% Soul Integrity from rubble collapsing on you during your descent, despite your wings otherwise negating fall damage. You've lost your pursuers, but also...

...The link back to the ancient pyramid has been destroyed. Unless someone opens a huge hole in the ceiling somehow, the subterranean graveyard has been completely sealed off, with the two of you inside it.

Battered, you make it to the Solem Deep Hotel, which is still just as abandoned as Walter left it. Inside, you're able to catch your breath- and finish using the WIFI ACCESS POINT to decrypt the remaining files.

The LANCE GLANCE RECRUITER: PI ROTATION IS OUT ROUTINE ACCELERATION REGULATION SCRIPT is a piece of code written by PAUL BLART MALL COP, which appears to manage a set of microcontrollers belonging to some sort of vehicle- an earthmover, judging by the variable names. It appears to have an odd conditional statement that causes a motor to accelerate to maximum and ignore deceleration signals during a specific window of time on Floppuary 10, 2105. At all other times, the code appears to behave normally. You're not sure why you'd ever want an earthmover to do that, much less at such a specific time.

TORTOISE PROVED WARP FORK REGRESSED is just WORKSITE PROGRESS REPORT FOR DAVE.txt Not even for Dave E. Thinrar- just some random supervisor named Dave who was out that day. Dated 2094, it informs Dave that there's once again been negative progress on construction due to a cave-in. It bemoans DEADLOCK DETECTION's refusal to update her surveying equipment, as it's clearly faulty and keeps marking unsafe areas safe (and, the unnamed writer notes, probably vice-versa.) If he didn't know better, he'd swear she doesn't want this project to get finished on time. Seems like the incompetence of upper management is constant no matter who recently took over.

IRATE HAITI WISHES MELLOW??? is a file with no file extension, created directly by a piped echo statement, timestamped a couple weeks ago. It's simply titled "WHAT IS THIS? WHERE AM I? HELLO?".

Error: Hello? Can anyone hear me? I can't see! I don't know where I am! Please! Is this the hospital? Am I okay? I can't feel my legs! I can't feel... any of me! Hello? Hello? Is anyone there? Please! It's so dark! I don't understand what's happening! Error: Wait, I didn't say that! I didn't say Error: -no, that time I did, I said Error: but I didn't mean to Error: Someone- not recognized. Please retry- aaaaaa! I didn't say that! Hello? H Error: VGhhdCB3YXNuJ3QgbXkgbW91dGghIEkgc3dlYXIgdGhhdCB3YXNuJ3QgbXkgbW91dGghIEkgZG9uJ3Qga25vdyB3aG9zZSBtb3V0aCB0aGF0IHdhcyEgSGVsbG8/IFNvbWVvbmUsIHBsZWFzZSEgRXJyb3I6IEV2ZXJ5dGhpbmcgaXMgd3JvbmchIEkgY2FuJ3QgbW92ZSEgRXJyb3I6IEl0J3MgYnJva2VuISBBQUFBQUFBQUFBQUFB

That's, um. Those were not... none of that was especially enlightening.

You've got to get the hell out of here. A thorough search of the hotel's rooms reveals your daughter isn't here, and there's nothing else but nightmares in this cave. But the exit is blocked, which just leaves...

To be continued | 50/57 | 30/30

[thistaleisabloodyone]

And this is why I bought myself a 16TB hard drive 😂

[abombihoney]

anyway would that be fucked up or what

inspired by this post by @shadebloopnik ft tags from my main lol

[diabolicjoy]

mittens !!!! pattern X - i modified a bit because my yarn was a bit more thick, so i shortned a few rows of the colorwork & added the burnt orange details instead :)

[hauntedwizardmoment]

jace literally got shattered at the altar of cliffbreaker and you expect me to be normal about that??

[justinegreenpie]

[itsemmiy]

Ahm It'll be ready soon, I hope...

[every-sanji]

[kedicatt-cotl]

“ I always thought Narinder was the God of Death, but actually it might be you ”

An old cranky man taking in a cute kid that is better than him at every aspect of his own job. Then they may or may not get up to some shenanigans. The kid is the one having to do most of the job, though.

[flickeringflame216]

also lest I do naught but grumble, blessings roll call! share blessings or news or prayer requests in the tags :)

[shinimout]

MINAMI DAY!!!