#if it is romantic you bet its going to be a poly relationship

[the-odd-shu]

Lab shenanigans

Characters: Viktor, Jayce, Reader

A thread following the chaotic trio that is, laboratory illustrator!Reader, Viktor and Jayce being unsupervised in the lab.

Note this takes place during season 1:

Gender Neutral!Reader who got hired as the lab illustrator because neither Jayce nor Viktor can draw and they need an illustrator to document all their official papers with recognisable diagrams of their inventions.

The next part

Masterlist

Reader who was just freshly been employed as the lab illustrator, sitting diligently at their new desk whilst Jayce fetches the research folder and Viktor tinkers away in the background.

Reader who lets Jayce set down the heavy folder on their desk, which holds all of the pair's research as well as hundreds of cruedly drawn sketches of inventions such as the Hexclaw and early drafts of the Hexgates, drawn by both himself and Viktor. (They are not drawn well, and it is only because most of the drawings are labelled with big, obnoxoious arrows that you actually know what you're looking at).

Jayce pausing in his explanations of the tech on each page and his promises to pull everything out of storage when you need it for a refence, slowly trailing off when he catches sight of your reaction to the drawings: "Why are you making that face?"

Reader who is diligently flicking through the pages and trying not to crack up at the poorly drawn stick figures, and the messy, uneven parallel lines of wires and robotic arms, and the scribbled oblong that is supposed to be one of the gemstones. They're not half bad attempts from people who focus their energy and time into math equations and flowery research papers, but that doesn't mean they're not amusing to look at.

"What face? I'm not making a face."

Reader turns all of their attention down to the pages and proceeds to fail at smothering their snort as the concept sketch of one of the Zaun suits. They set push the folder back along the desk, to create enough space to prop their elbows on the table, to pinch the bridge of their nose hard to try and school themselves into some form of calm.

"Why are you laughing?" Jayce asks, sounding geniunely confused.

Whilst Reader tries to save face by responding, "I'm not. I'm just- uh, coming with terms with how much work I have ahead of me."

Jayce frowns.

The commotion has caught Viktor's attention.

"Well, it is a lot." Jayce allows, "but we won't rush you. The deadline is months away after all, and if-"

His words fade into the background in your mind as Viktor chooses then to roll over on his wheelie office chair to see what's going on, only to immediately grin in understanding. He rolls his chair up on the adjascent side of your desk, mouth pulled into a wicked smirk as he points to a particularly wobbly zaun suit drawing. "That would be one of Jayce's masterpieces."

Jayce lets out an offended noise, whilst Viktor takes malicious joy in flipping through the folder to point out which other drawings were done by Jayce. Most of them are wobbly and uneven, but have clearly been mapped out with steady, slow care.

In retaliation, Jayce swipes the folder out of Viktor's gleeful hands, and pointedly flips to a fresher page dated back to a couple of days ago. You catch a glimpse of the title 'hexcore', scrawled across the top in confident letters, before Jayce is turning the folder back to you and loudly proclaiming the work of art as Viktor's.

[The ‘hexcore’ has been drawn with wobbly, uneven lines that lacked the sleek, parallel look of the actual subject, with poorly recreated runes that did not at all take into account perspective or foreshortening.]

Reader loses it at the attempt, whilst Jayce and Viktor continue to squabble with one another in the background.

I just NEED all three of them to spend countless hours in that laboratory getting stuck in their respective tasks (creative Vs Scientific) and all three of them come out aching and satisfied by the time the janitor comes round to kick them out for the night, despite doing jobs that require different parts of their brains. The overlap of countless, almost unsolvable equations, with the hours of staring at a blank page and slowly but surely coaxing out an image, it just so precious to me somehow.

Bonus points of course, if Jayce and Viktor are getting really into a scientific debate across the room by the chalkboard, flinging enormous words back and forth at one another, whilst Reader slowly dies inside trying to make the metal part of an invention LOOK like metal.

I just need Reader allowing the background muttering and excited exclamations to sooth them as they carefully draw another diagram above a neatly scrawled out text box of the pair's latest concept.

Jayce: “Yes! That could work! What do you think, Y/n?”

Reader: Head snaps up at being addressed. “Uh…”

They blue screen as they come back to reality and realise they haven’t moved in hours and their back and neck desperately ache from the movement. They're suddenly starving, and hungry, and really need to pee, but didn't notice before because they were so engrossed in their work. Kind of like how the other two get about their research.

Viktor being a night owl and working on projects late into the night.

Jayce being smart and taking cat naps on his desk because he's an early bird, but a deadline is coming up and he refuses to be defeated by exhaustion.

And then you have Reader. Who is not being supervised in the kitchen, where they've made their fifth coffee and with shaking, caffeinated hands, they begin pouring in a generous helping of a Piltover energy drink.

Viktor hears the can pop.

He says your name warningly. "You better not be making that culinary monstrosity again."

Instead of responding, they knock back the whole mug in desperate gulps, ignoring the rancid taste and shivering from the mix of burning liquid with the pop of hundreds of tiny bubbles.

The mug gets slammed loudly back on the counter. Viktor sighs heavily and pushes his wheelie chair towards Jayce's desk.

He wakes him up, with a prod of his cane into his side.

"I'm about to have a breakthrough." He explains quickly motioning to his desk. Blary eyed and clearly not fully awake yet, Jayce nods along. Viktor points dramatically to Jayce and then in the direction of the kitchen. "You're on assistant duty for the next half an hour."

The tiredness leeches out of Jayce's face. "They didn't-"

"They did."

"But they've already got caffeine shakes!"

"Tell that to the sound of the kettle bubbling away and the pop of a can lid. It has already happened Jayce. All we can do now it keep the damage to a minimum."

On silent feet, Reader's shadow appears on the other side of the desk. Both men jump. The light overhead casts their face into shadows and somehow makes their eyes glow. It is a terrifying sight.

Viktor recovers first. "We need to put a bell on you!"

"Kinky. Now, whatdoyouwantmetodrawnext?!" Their assistant rushes out in a single breath.

And both scientists pale. It was already beginning then.

The next four hours consists of Jayce struggling to keep his eyes open whilst Reader pokes fun at him and offers up their 'creation', Jayce firmly declining and trying to get on with his work, whilst Viktor keeps to himself and snorts periodically at the banter.

Reader draws and draws and then rubs out, before diligently getting back to drawing again. There is a frenzy to their marks. A wildness to their eyes. The scratch and scritch of their pen, getting lost amongst the sound of cogs turning and screws tightening and Jayce's yawning. So much so that when it suddenly ceases, neither of the scientists notice at first.

Not until Viktor asks for a warm tea, only for the previously eager assistant not to respond. He lets out a fond sigh, Jayce straightening up from his own work.

Reader is passed out on their sketchbook, having FINALLY crashed.

Viktor gets up to make his own tea.

Jayce shrugs off his jacket, and puts it over their shoulders as a makeshift blanket. The man has such broad shoulders that it practically swallows the assistant from sight, but they do not stir.

"That'll give them an awful neck ache tomorrow." Viktor observes aloud.

Jayce snorts. "Maybe it'll be enough of a punishment to stop them making that foul concoction."

"Unlikely."

Jayce just shakes his head and collapses back onto his desk and lays his head down on his arm. "Ten minutes." He mutters out before closing his eyes.

Viktor hums. And by the time he gets his tea back to the desk, his partner is out like a light, just as he had predicted.

"I CANNOT believe you're making me do this Jayce." Viktor exclaims sarcastically.

"Viktor. Please let me get that cog for you. Just this time. Please!"

"Oh no, no, do not get up on my account." Viktor firmly dismisses as he shimmies down his cane, one hand over the other all the whilst making exaggerated groaning noises.

Jayce is practically vibrating in place. "Please! It is literally all the way under that side board. Can I just slide it out for you? You can pick it up yourself."

"Oh no, do not strain yourself!" Viktor insists, sitting himself down on the floor, one hand holding his cane up as he shoves his other arm under the side board.

"VIKTOR!" Jayce all but whines, and takes a step forward.

"Ah!" Viktor immediately reprimands. "Y/n get the spray bottle!"

You've been watching the entire scene in amusement from your desk. Quietly giggling at Viktor's ribbing and Jayce's desperation to be useful. They make a rather amusing duo.

Jayce's eyes have jumped up to you. Frozen mid-step, eyes pleading.

You grin, pointedly reaching across the gap between yours and Viktor's desks to grab said spray bottle.

On the floor, Viktor makes a triumphant noise, before straightening up and brandishing the cog above his head. "Got it!" He exclaims, before slamming the blasted thing onto the side board. Then he tries to clamber back up his cane to his feet. He is unsuccessful as his leg decides not to co-operate this time.

He sighs. "Jayce." He says heavily, "as punishment for making me get down here in the first place-"

"What?! I've literally been-"

"As reprimand for your dastardly crimes. You are obligated to offer me one hand. But ONLY one, or your punishment shall evolve into death by spray bottle." Dramatically, he holds out his hand to his exasperated partner.

In support, you give the spray bottle a little squeeze in Jayce's direction, to which he shoots you a dark look. You merely grin back.

Then Jayce offers Viktor his hand, their fingers wrapping around the others wrist. "Slow." Viktor instructs, as he readjusts his legs into the right position. Jayce nods.

Then Jayce gently pulls Viktor up as Viktor balances between his feet and his cane.

"Thank you." He says, patting Jayce on the cheek, before promptly turning on his heel to retreat back to his desk.

They're so silly, I love them so much.

The next part

[polyamorousmood]

This might be a little silly question but how exactly do we start seeing someone and tell them were poly?

I myself am not in any relationship atm never were, but I feel like If I were to get into one I should tell my s/o, how do you exactly do that?

(Of course there is a chance I'll be the one joining a polycule but still i would like to know how to tell someone intrested in me that)

So general advice is, "the sooner the better" and I tend to agree. Having to break up a relationship of months or years over a fundamental incompatibility here hurts and might even make the other person feel lied to 😬

How depends on what this relationship looks like prior. I just put it in my dating profile with I'm using an app 🔥 to find people. Saves the drama of having to say it myself, because people that aren't interested just swipe away.

If you're friends first, I would handle it as telling a friend. I've always had the types of friendships where I can text "yo I know i haven't dated anyone but I think I'm poly??" to them at a quarter till midnight and have them respond "1 how could you possibly know (genuine question) but 2 heyyy congrats that's sick". If that's not your situation, your mileage may vary, but I still think that's the better way to go than asking them out first and then opening yourself up to a second possible point of rejection by only telling them you're poly after.

If its someone you met IRL and you're flirting a bit but you're not really dating and you're not really friends so you're not sure what you're doing❓That to me is the hardest place to tread. I have traditionally gotten to a "so what are we" point and then if we agree we're something romantic, I respond that I'm stoked but I do wanna be clear ahead of time that I'm poly. Otherwise, end of the first date (if you want a second) is a safe bet. Just a "this went really well, but I do want to make sure we're on the same page📑 about what we want" and make it part of that discussion along with anything else that falls into that category.

I hope that helps!! Happy dating! 💌

[luwritesomething]

can you do dating headcanons for stu? its fine if not 🫶🏻

Stu Macher Heacanons: Meeting and later Dating Stu Macher.

Warnings: Swearing lol, probably typos or bad constructed english

Edited?: Like always, no.

Reader's pronouns: Not stated, gender neautral.

Summary: Dating Stu headcanons!!

Author's note: STU i love stu. i've never written for him without it being a poly relationship with billy, so let's see how these turn out. hope you like them!!! i added the meeting him part because it's the way i like to read them. also, have this great song.

criticism, comments and reblogs are always appreciated! requests are open, especially for scream! hit that anon button and tell me your ideas.

in the scream fandom, i write for billy loomis, stu macher, mickey altieri, chad martin-meeks, mindy martin-meeks, tara carpenter, anika kayoko, laura crane

i was gonna say you probably met him in high school (like, the building) BUT NOPE

you know how he's always listening to music with his silly little headphones? well, he has to get his music from somewhere.

lets say you work the afternoon shift in one of woodsboro's music stores!

there's probably not a lot of them, anyways, given how woodsboro is supposed to be rather small.

so, even though you had been years together in the same school and all, the first time you guys talked was at the music store.

let's face it, stu's charismatic. i would even go as far as to say he's even more liked than billy. billy looks menancing, and although popular --- bc of his good looks and that misterious aura he has that WE love ---, stu is more easy going.

like, the dude's so fun to be around with. and he's also funny. i would befriend him so fast, honestly.

anyways,,,

he goes a lot to that specific music store after some casual convos with you, and you can BET it's because he likes you.

he strats calling you "my music dealer". it's funny. laugh.

you actually start getting excited whenever he crosses the door --- peak moments of your day, to be honest. and luckily for you, he always comes alone, so all his attention is reserved to you and your conversation.

after the first times you talk and begin getting along, you start seeing him everywhere.

i mean, it's normal that, after you've met someone, you start noticing them more.

but this is because he forced it. he's lowkey enough to make these encounters look like casualties, so it seems normal.

and soon, you start to talk at school too. not much, though because his friend group is big and requires his attention and it's not like you don't have to go to classes or anything.

the first time he's very obvious about wanting to be with you, though, it's one day in the biology class you guys share. stu comes into the classroom and he just steals the seat by your side.

his smile leaves you too dumbfounded to even do anything else other than smile.

i don't know how outgoing you are, but he's definetely asking you out first. and it doesn't even have a romantic undertone, but you two end up kissing for the first time then and well....

boom, dating!

he's big on petnames. like, the most annoying and corney petnames to make you embarassed. i won't elaborate.

he's a very chill boyfriend, i think. i'd like him to be my boyfriend.

he's the kind that loves to spend time with you, as long as you guys are doing something. the boy can't sit still, have you seen him?

his love language is quality time and physical touch. also he gossips a lot, for some reason, and stu likes sharing what he's heard with you, even if you don't care.

if you don't like scary movies, he won't force you to watch them too often. stu rathers watch something that will guarantee you two have a good time, and that includes clueless.

playing video games with him !

listen to me. BAKING with stu. that'd be such a ride (want me to elaborate? hit that req button!!!)

he's goofy. so, goofy boyfriend.

staining your nose with his ice cream. every. damn. time.

stu's nervous when you finally meet the others, especially billy. he needs you to like his friends, especially billy.

luckily enough, you all get along.

staying for the night at his house !!! a lot. since his parents are out so much, he feels lonely and always invites you.

not gonna lie, the first time he meets you family it's probably a disaster. the boy's a sweetheart, but also hella nervous.

since he lives on the outsides, he probably drives to school. i'm guessing he uses that bigass truck --- although i can see him walking to school, occasionally.

he probably insists on taking you to school. unless you live really close to it, he probably convinced you to let him take you to school.

CARPOOL

very loving boyfriend. have you seen him with tatum? stu's cute as hell.

he's probably jealous. won't intervene unless you actually call him, but he gets jealous as hell.

stu distracts you a lot in the classes you share. he gets bored and tries to talk to you or throw you little notes if you don't sit together --- it's a miracle you're still passing your exams.

staying by his side during his parties, especially if you're not an extrovert. he always makes sure you're comfortable, and never forgets to give you attention.

i think stu would be a great boyfriend. with his flaws (& the murder tendencies & the homoerotic relationship with billy & the crazy amount of misoginy) but still a good one.

he'd probably run away from arguments, and he's bad at taking things seriously.

and never forget, stu is as manipulative as billy is. he won't hesitate to manipulate you if he must.

well. that took a dark turn (pls never fall for someone like stu or billy in real life. this is just cute fiction! it should stay that way)

ALSO.

lots of cuddles.

he's the best cuddler!!!

bear hugs, and he won't let go if you ask him not to. he's the best if you're feeling down-

[sewers-headmates]

full creators choice. go fucking wild.

bet! i doubt you know this media but i REALLY wanted to make them for a while!

I ended up making a GoT alter from my au he doesn’t need to know source or anything but if you want i explained it in a past post here

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Info

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Name: Ramsay

Last Name: Snow, Bolton

Age: 17

Pronouns: he/him, it/its

Height: 5’5

Species: human, with abilities

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Labels

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Gender: male

Sexual Orientation: asexual

Romantic Orientation: biromantic

Mono, Ambi, Poly: ambi

cisIDs: black hair, feels no pain, rotting skin, bastard, slit pupils, northerner, ASPD, low emotions, low empathy

transIDs: transEmotionless, nullHuman, transObject, transWeapon, permaViolent, transYandere, transObsessed, transGuardDog, transCorpse

Paraphiles: autonecrophile, sadist, he will mirror his current partners but in reality he doesn’t care

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System Info

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Roles: symptom holder, avenger

Source: game of thrones au

Notable Source Memories/Details:

- trained since a young boy to be a perfect killing machine, this was obtained by extensive amounts of training and torture basically doing their best to break him

- doesn’t feel any physical pain and feels almost no emotions despite this he’s less evil and more silly

- to escape his father he ended up saving Theon and ran away together, each with their own motives, after a bit Sansa Stark ended up joining them and the three kinda became a found family situation

- has done horrible things and feels basically nothing about them, though wouldn’t hurt his found family

Front Triggers: snow, theon, sansa, nature, the cold

Sign Offs: -🗡️🪦, -❄️🪦

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Personality

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Summery: Ramsay is a cold and emotionless alter who has a soft spot for those he truly can bond with (Theon & Sansa as examples from source). He loves people he connects with on this level deeply. To the point he can do questionable things to keep them safe. Ramsay isn’t a monster he just struggles to care about most of humanity.

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Fun Extras

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Typing Quirk: none

Playlist: not mine, 5h24m

Appearance: his canon appearances are pretty inaccurate to this au due to the fact he’s aged down + rotting skin/patches missing and his pupils are slit so gonna use 2 canon images + a picrew

Appearance Description: a pale skinned and rotting boy with curly black hair (length can depend though normally it’s choppy as he handles it himself) he has many scars and injuries due to his lack of pain he doesn’t care for them to well. Lanky and small he’s bellow average for a northerner boy mainly due to malnourishment.

second one!

—————————————————————————————————————

Info

—————————————————————————————————————

Name: Theon

Last Name: Greyjoy

Age: 17

Pronouns: he/him

Height: 5’8

Species: human

—————————————————————————————————————

Labels

—————————————————————————————————————

Gender: male

Sexual Orientation: gay

Romantic Orientation: demiromantic

Mono, Ambi, Poly: poly

cisIDs: brown hair, ironborn, house greyjoy, bright blue eyes, gills, water breathing, PTSD, OCD, adhd, asthma

transIDs: transNeurotypical, transHealthy, nullChildhood, transFoundFamily, transBPD

—————————————————————————————————————

System Info

—————————————————————————————————————

Roles: symptom holder, soother mainly for Ramsay

Source: game of thrones au

Notable Source Memories/Details:

- was taken as a hostage by the Starks though eventually became a ward, during this time he got extremely close to Robb the two starting a very hidden relationship

- he was still blinded by his need for approval and betrayed Robb, though ended up betraying his father also and went on his own

- ended up getting saved by Ramsay, the two eventually saved Sansa from King’s Landing. The three ended up forming a found family dynamic

- daddy issues for real aka his dad gave him up and hates him

Front Triggers: water, ramsay, sansa, source content

Sign Offs: -🌊🦑

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Personality

—————————————————————————————————————

Summery: Theon is a bit of a hothead and maybe a bit dumb and short sited but he is fiercely strong willed and has a deep care for those he connects with. Though he can be blinded by his own ambition when he calms down or is grounded he can be smart, loyal, and clever. In conclusion he’s an ambitious alter with good intentions but sometimes not the best execution.

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Fun Extras

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Typing Quirk: none

Playlist: not mine, 1h46m

Appearance: + inhumanly blue eyes and gills

thank you for letting me indulge in my fixation of my own writing. if you’re ever interested i do plan on posting this fic

-mod richie

[tmnt-obsessed-ace]

Three year ao3 user here!

I gotchu

I know it can be really overwhelming at first so I'm just gonna explain one section at a time

The first things you see when posting are Rating, Archive Warnings and Fandoms.

If you click that drop down box you'll be presented with five options

Not Rated, General Audiences, Teen, Mature, and Explict.

Not Rated means exactly what it says on the tin, the story has no rating. Whether that could be because of spoilers, you dont want to rate it, etc. This one is selected by default

General Audiences means that this fic is appropriate for all ages, including users under thirteen, to read. Will have no or very little swearing, non graphic violence etc. Like movies that are rated E for everyone.

Teen is the PG-13 of ao3. It means that this fics contains things that are inappropriate for users under 13. Like swearing, more violence, etc. Its more suited for Teenagers to see is what I'm saying.

Mature is the R rated stuff. More graphic violence, sexual themes that arent as graphic as Explicit.

Then theres Explicit, the X rated tag because its either used for straight up porn or extremely graphic violence.

So I dont know how hard on the violence you want to go with your fic its a 2012 version of LFLS so I think Teen might be your best bet, maybe Mature but if you also dont know or dont want to rate it then go with Not Rated

Now the archive warnings. These are very important because they warn fellow users of what potentially triggering things could be in the fic, and if the readers do not want to read about those things they can simply filter them out. I dont think most of the warnings require explanation they are pretty straight forward, except for one

Choose not to use archive warnings. Authors on ao3 use this one when one or more of the archive warnings are spoilers for the fic. (Like Major Character death for example) which means the author is basically saying "One or more of these warnings could apply but Im not gonna spoil it and ruin the story so read at your own risk"

Now for Fandoms. Pretty straight forward this is where you put in what fandoms your fic belongs to.

See I just typed in Teenage and got a full list of tmnt fandoms. You would just pick tmnt 2012 and move on (optional but you can also add Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles-All Media Types. This one includes all tmnt iterations and even original tmnt iterations. So if you add this one you'll potentially get your fic to a wider audience, you dont HAVE to but you can if you want to)

Ok next section

Categories is first. All those options are potential ships you could include in your story. F for Female M for Male. (So if its a guy and a girl F/M, two girls F/F etc)

Now for the three that might cause confusion. Gen, Multi and Other.

Gen means that there are no romantic relationships in the story, and if there are they are very minor and not important to the story at large, so if you dont want to include ships this is your best bet

Multi means that theres more then one kind of relationship (like f/f and f/m for example) or that there are poly relationships (like a relationship between three girls)

Other is for other types of ships like ones involving nonbinary characters for example

Now before moving on to the relationship section I need to make something VERY clear

You use a SLASH ( / ) for ROMANTIC OR SEXUAL RELATIONSHIPS.

You use the AND symbol ( & ) for PLATONIC OR FAMILIAL RELATIONSHIPS

DO NOT USE A SLASH FOR PLATONIC OR FAMILIAL RELATIONSHIPS ESPECIALLY FOR THE BROTHERS.

With that out of the way this is where you can tag relationships whether they be romantic or platonic and familial.

Whether you are including romantic relationships or not is up to you but if you want to include the bond between the four brothers or their bond with April, Casey, Splinter etc here is how I do it

I start typing in the names of the turtles and an & symbol and usually the first option will be that really long one which includes the bond between the turtles.

If you want to include April, Casey or Splinter in that just type their names an & symbol and one of the turtles' names and you'll get some more options

The first one includes April, the second one includes Casey and April and the last one includes April, Casey and Splinter

Next category is characters. Hese are the characters that will be involved in the story.

This one is really simple just type the names of the characters who will be involved in your fic. Like obviously the turtles, maybe April and Casey and Splinter, whichever villains you're using, etc

The last category for this section is additional tags. this is where you add any other tags you think apply to your story. Is it an au? Like what elements are in your story what themes are you exploring. Since you are writing a LFLS fic I'd assume some that apply are, Alternate Universe-Canon Divergence (which basically means that this since this is an au its different from the canon events of tmnt 2012) PTSD, Electrocution, shock collar, hurt comfort, brainwashing, etc. I recommend looking at the additional tags for Like Father Like Son to get a general idea of what to include.

And if you dont know which tags are the additional tags here's an example from one of my own ao3 fics When The World Crumbles.

Everything in the red box are the additional tags.

You just type in what tags apply click on the one you need and keep typing. Now if you are unsure what tags to use or if you come up with new ideas that need tagging there is a very good tag you can use

Other Additional Tags To Be Added

It basically tells the readers that the additional tags may change or there might be more, very useful.

We dont have much more left now :D

Now this section

Its all pretty straight forward, this is where you put the fic's title and a short summary to draw the reader in.

The summary doesnt need to be amazing or groundbreaking it can be as simple as a quote from the fic you like or just saying a tmnt 2012 version of Like Father Like Son

Just put something there and you'll be fine

Above the summary box is the Add co-creators option. If you are writing this fic with another person and they also have an ao3 account you can check that box and put in their username so you are both authors of the fic

now the notes, these are just authors notes that can put at either the beginning of the chapter or the end, 100 percent optional but if you want to go ahead (just a warning though, if you put a note at the END of chapter one then that end note will be at the end of EVERY SINGLE CHAPTER unless you delete the chapter one end note. I dont know why ao3 does this, it doesnt do that with beginning notes so idk. Just be aware of that)

Second to last section before the actual writing section.

Now the only mandatory thing you need to include from this section is Language but I'll go over all the others as well

Post to collections or challenges means you can add this fic to a public collection (either started by you or another user) its basically a compilation of all kinds of fics sharing similar themes, like works created for a challenge (whumptober is one of them) works all made in the same year etc. Completely optional. I dont use collections myself so I dont know that much about them.

Gift this work to is self explanatory. If you are writing this for someone and they have an ao3 account you can put in their user name and when the fic is published it will show up in the "Gifts" section of that user's dashboard. If this isnt a gift leave that box alone. (sidenote if you want me to explain how the dashboard works as well as how to filter fics I would be more than happy to)

Now before continuing you notice how all the boxes for the options are listed ABOVE them. Yeah always pick the box ABOVE whatever option you want. Took me two years to learn that :/

This work is a remix, a translation, a podfic, or was inspired by another work. Pretty simple, if your work is any of the above you would put in the name, url, and author of the original version to give credit. That way you are not taking credit for other people's work. Now since your fic will be based on Like Father Like Son you could put that in as inspiration for this section

If the fic is already in the archive you only need the url

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How do you write stuff on Ao3

I wanna make a garbage lfls x 2012 tmnt fiction

I can't do shit

[lucaawrites]

our angel | r.l x s.b x j.p x male reader

masterlist

requests are open!

pronouns: he/him

warnings: romantic relationship (if i missed something please let me know!)

summary: just a lazy morning with your boyfriends || fluff, pre-established relationship, poly!marauders, modern!au

word count: 324

note: this is my first fic so feedback would be appreciated! <33

❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀❀

"good morning, angel" james gave you a gentle kiss on your forehead as you woke up, smiling down at you and standing up to go to the bathroom

"morning"

a smile started to make its way to your face as you felt remus' smile against your shoulder, not making any intention of getting out of the bed, tightening his embrace on you as he moved his legs to be above yours

"rem, we have to get up” he didn´t move “come on, the boys are probably already dressed" when you finished to say that a very tired james and sirius came out of the bathroom only in underwear

"we are ready to go back to bed, angel, so don't bet on it" 

sirius smirked at you as he threw himself behind remus on the bed "hello, my loves" he gave a quick kiss at your lips before giving one to remus' as he hugged him by the waist

"and now I really don't want to wake up" you looked at remus while he just smiled at you, holding you against him strong enought so you wouldn’t stand up 

"and we don't really have to, any of us work today" james made his point while laying beside you 

“agree” said sirius from his place pressed up against remus’ neck “im very comfortable right now” he smiled “and warm”

remus was always warm, but some way his hands and feet were always cold

you tried to not smile so they didnt knew that they already had convinced you “but we have to do stuff”

“no, we don’t” the three of them said as fast as you finished the sentence, all of them smiled softly at you, also knowing that they had already convinced you 

“come on, angel, you know that you want to stay too” james snuggled closer to you, making his point 

you didn’t say anything but you pressed yourself against the pillow while you allowed your boyfriends to hug you as all of you fell asleep again

[sunnysunnyrose]

poly!bowers gang headcanons

poly!bowers gang x fem!reader

warnings: nsfw (obvs).

(this got rlly long rlly quick i am sorry, i got carried away but ive got a lot of ideas for poly!bowers gang x reader stuff, requests are open too - although i am a bit slow. i hope the IT 2017 fandom still alive < 3)

(how you join them and meet them is up to you but you are richie’s cousin from another state/country living with him n his parents because your parents divorced and are trash and basically didn't want you)

you guys never have a name for your type of relationship, and you’re not sure if any of you guys would put a label on it, you guys just hang out with each other, kiss each other and fuck ya know?

no one at schools knows that all five of you have something going on but also everyone is literally too scared to ever go up to one of you lot and ask or try to figure something out

you always come home super late, im talking like 3/4a.m (even when you have school in the next few hours), sometimes you don't even come home

there’s been a few times where you’ve climbed in through the bathroom window on the second floor (its the window that opens the widest for some random reason) and richie’s standing on the landing and you both just sorta freeze

like, the first time -

it was around 3am and belch had dropped you off back at your house, richie was watching through his bedroom window, loud talking and muffled music from the car making much noise on the street. they drove off and a few thirty seconds later richie watched from his bedroom door as you began walking out the bathroom. the two of you stared at each other, “this stays between us okay?” and richie nodded before seeing the hickeys on your neck which he grimaced at before you disappeared into your room.

monthly pregnancy scares lol; the tests always come out negative (thank fuck) but none of the boys ever really like using protection and neither do you so thats the risk you take

patrick has a thing for grabbing or slapping your ass anywhere, like he’ll do it in front of anyone, he doesn't care, you belong to him <3 he finds it funny when you tell him to stop

like you’ll be walking out of school or something like that and all of a sudden theres a hand on your ass and you know its patrick but it makes you jump a little, patrick laughs and puts his arm around your shoulders

the very very rare moments when henry sneaks into your room and breaks down cause of his dad (this happens rarely tho). he’ll threaten to kill you if you tell anybody (romantic isn't it), you’d never tell a soul but you know henry wouldn't actually kill you.

although you guys all hang out, you’ll spend a lot of nights with each of the boys individually, ya’know, fucking (to put it simply).

patrick makes you discover a bunch of kinks you don't know you had before you met them all, (he’s the kinkiest and you always leave his with marks on you, not just hickies).

henry, like patrick, loves your ass but he’s more private about it, like when it’s just you two he loves spanking the shit out of you, he bends you over his knee and everything. he loves being a dom to you; he loves the power.

tbf all the guys really love your ass, they all enjoy spanking you a lot ehe <3

when it comes to sex, vic and reggie aren’t as rough as the others two but that doesn’t mean they’re all vanilla.

vic really loves to grab you by your throat and be on top, although his grip isn’t like patricks which you’re thankful for sometimes ehe

and reggie loves your ass too like he loves you from behind : )

that one time you, patrick and henry had a threesome - jesus christ you dont think you’ve ever came that hard before

and that one time reggie walked in on you and vic making out with you in his lap and things progressed and reggie joined in

none of the boys are brilliant at like being emotionally romantic, y'know? its something they all struggle with but vic and reg are definitely better at it than patrick and henry

like vic and reg call you pet names sometimes, not just baby but like ‘princess’ n stuff, not always but if you are alone with either of them they’ll call you that

you sit on one of their laps a lot but be careful if you sit on patrick’s lap you bet your ass he’s grabbing your throat from behind at random times

henry gets jealous quickly, anytime one of the others touches you, he’s like ://////

richie has definitely hears some noises from your room really late at night

eddie jokes about how hot you are to him and it pisses him off

and unfortunately for him one time henry heard him and well yeah you can imagine what happened

[quinnofthedawn]

Title: Poly! Gajeel & Laxus w/ smol! reader

Request: No

Fandom: Fairy Tail

Type: fluff, romantic

Warnings: Mention of reader wearing skirts, but can still be read as gn

Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters. All rights go to their original creators.

A/n: This is for all my 4'8-4'11 bitches😔 If ur over 4'11 I dont wanna see you/j

This isnt as good as i hoped, but since its my first time writing it'll do

Tagging @rosetheshapeshifter cause you said you wanted to see this

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

☆Congrats! You just bagged yourself two bodygaurds

☆No but seriously, these two are so protective of you, even if you are a wizard

☆They just really care abt you and dont wabt you getting hurt :(

☆They can be very stubborn (as all dragon slayers are), especially when getting into arguments, so you're gonna have to play moderator

☆On the occasion that YOU are the one mad at them they WILL put everything on the top shelves just so you'll talk to them

☆Lol I'm saying this as if they don't already put everything on the highest shelves

☆They love you but they're MEAN

☆If you're part of the guild, you guys will occasionally go on jobs together, much to the chagrin of the Thunder Legion (coughFreedcough)

☆If you arent part of the guild you might as well be, with how much time you spend in the guild hall

☆You bet your ass no one is gonna try to mess with you when these giant fuckers are around

☆If you think they won't throw you over their shoulders and haul you around like a sack of potatoes, think again (god i hope you don't wear skirts)

☆SHORT JOKES

☆SO, SO MANY SHORT JOKES

☆ESPECIALLY from Gajeel

☆But if anyone else even dares make a short joke abt you (Natsu) they'll have two angry dragons on their tail

☆These two are so competitive when it comes to you

☆They will do literally ANYTHING to be the "favourite"

☆(Come on boys ur not children)

☆Hungry? Gajeel has prepaired a fucking 5 star meal (i headcanon that Gajeel is a great cook okay let me have this)

☆Sore? Laxus is already there giving you a massage

☆Need one of them to open smth or get smth from the tope shelf? They're practically falling over eachother

☆They're just so whiped for you okay? :(

☆Cuddling can go one of two ways:

1)Everyone takes turn being the big spoon, middle spoon, and small spoon

2)Both of them want you for themselves

☆If it's the first scenario everything is nice and calm (for once)

☆If it's the second..... all hell is gonna break loose, it will most likely end with both of them being forced to sleep on the couches (yes, there are more than one couch in ur house cause for some reason half the guild thinks your house is a good place to hang out :/)

☆Overall it's just a really nice, if sometimes chaotic relationship

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Reblogs>Likes

[charming-2d-boys]

I saw someone asking about poly ships and all I can imagine how chaotic a poly relationship with Chrollo and Hisoka would be 💀

Still wonder why no one requested this before - I honestly had the feeling that I wrote this before, but nope 🤔

So here it is! Thank you and I hope you’ll like this! 🙇💕

A/N: a little bit long

(Y/N): *chuckles* I’m in danger

okay, not really

they’d never truly hurt you

they accepted “sharing” you – Chrollo being less enthusiastic about it – because they both care about you

and neither would back down any time soon

and by sharing I mean you proposing the poly relationship to avoid a fight between the two of them

despite this, they won’t really try to interact much with one another

well, Chrollo won’t

Hisoka will be his annoying self, as always

that meaning that he’s annoying both you and Chrollo

of course, he wants to fight Chrollo

you and Chrollo are most probably the calmer ones

and probably the closest to the voice of reason

Hisoka just likes seeing the world burn

and you almost always dissuade them from fighting over you

they both try to annoy the other by being close to you

they both take advantage of the other leaving

usually Chrollo leaves, which makes Hisoka both smug and also disappointed

he doesn’t get to fight Chrollo

but he gets to stay with you and have you all to himself

also takes on some crazy, but fun dates

shopping sprees or even helping him train

kisses are the reward for him doing well – he loves that because he always does well

would fulfil your craziest ideas and fantasies if you ask him

there are very few things that he won’t do for you

that’s why he’s the very adventurous side of the relationship

though he likes spending some quiet time and have indoors dates as well

Chrollo is the same when Hisoka leaves – usually because of a strong opponent or Illumi meeting with him

it’s not that he’s not adventurous like Hisoka

but he prefers spending some quiet quality time with you

either at home or going for a romantic evening out

likes those moments where he can just hold you close, talk with you and relax

he truly feels like you’re his safe haven

with how much they despise each other, they balance one another in the relationship

they can be very childish when the three of you are all together

like when you’re all cuddling on the couch, Hisoka on one side of you and Chrollo on the other

with both clinging to you

until one of them moves closer to you or pulls you further into their side and away from the other

they both start bickering, throwing snarky remarks at one another

they even started kicking or shoving one another off the couch

they’re very childish and immature sometimes

and you just heave a sigh

because really, what can you even do or say?

they both want you for themselves

you become a reason for them fighting in the end because they can’t just give up and push you into the other’s arms

so you’re plenty spoilt and pampered with whatever you want and need to make up for whatever they’re lacking or do wrong

they can both get very affectionate and aren’t really afraid to show it

plenty of hugs and kisses for you, that’s for sure

and they’re both so smug and happy and in the other’s face when they receive attention and love from you

Chrollo usually has an advantage because of those few moments when Hisoka’s teasing gets on your nerves

and you just need to get away from him for a little to cool down

you’re ignoring Hisoka – who’s taken to making card towers

while Chrollo is just pulling you onto his lap, hands rubbing against you back as he tries to make you laugh, even with bad jokes or stories about the Spiders’ shenanigans

Hisoka just grits his teeth until he catches you by yourself and hugs you, quietly apologising

it takes a lot for him to admit to being wrong, so you can bet that it’s pretty sincere

now, don’t imagine that Chrollo is an angel here

there are moments where you get angry at him as well

especially when he stands you up or ignores you in favour of the Troupe and its next plans

you can ignore him too and that’s exactly what you do

he doesn’t really notice or he chooses not to because he’ll make it up to you

and that’s when Hisoka is the one insisting on forgetting that meanie

now this guy can actually crack some great jokes

usually at the expense of others

you’ll be laughing in no time

which is probably what greets Chrollo when he returns

well, he’s going to be torn

on one hand, he’s happy you’re feeling a little better

on the other hand, he’s feeling guilty and annoyed that Hisoka was the one making you laugh

he’ll definitely shoo Hisoka away and apologise properly

he hates it when you’re upset, especially because of him

now imagine if someone else upsets you

oh lord, they’re dead

this is where the two of them work together perfectly

only when it comes to you, your safety and happiness

you’d always be safe, one way or another, even if they aren’t really next to you

and if they are, no one dares to come near you at the sight of their glares

they just love you too much, of course you’re one of their priorities

so make sure to give both of them love and attention, lest you want a fight to take place between them

[gloster]

FAVORITE FANFICS OF 2020

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

I know I speak for all when I say....I cannot wait to toss 2020 out the door the way Uncle Phil constantly did with Jazz. One of the things that got me through this rough year, besides family & friends & BTS, were fanfics.

It’s that time of year again where I make a list of all the fanfics that I absolutely adored. Some are by veteran favs of mine, others are new to me who just knocked it out of the park. If you’re interested in past lists, here is 2019′s list and 2018′s. If y’all are interested in doing your own fanfic favs of the year, please do so and tag me. Always on the hunt for new favs. 

So without furhter ado, my fav fanfics of 2020:

1). Another Word for Forever series by stardropdream (sheith)

Summary: Shiro knows better than to expect love in an arranged marriage. This is all for the sake of universal peace, after all, and solidifying a Terran-Galran alliance. At the very least, Shiro can hope to make a friend out of this. Becoming friends would be much easier, though, if he and his husband could actually communicate. 

With a language barrier and a mountain of cultural differences between them, getting to know Keith proves to be a challenge. Luckily, Shiro's always worked well with challenges.

2020 shockingly became the year of sheith. I ended up rewatching the show w/my bestie @littlenightdragon​. Diving more deeply into it w/my other bestie @kila09​. She and I spent the better half of this year devouring so many fanfics of them in various AUs. I came across new fanfic authors, and stardropdream is among them. 

If I could describe this series & stardropdream, I’ll take a cue from Lady Gaga: “ talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique, completely not ever been done before, unafraid to reference or not reference, put it in a blender, shit on it, vomit on it, eat it, give birth to it”

This series was just PERFECTION. I’ve gotten into arranged-marriage AUs and this has been one of the best I’ve read. It was just perfection. The language barrier definitely added an extra charm to it, in which Shiro finds his own ways to get to know his husband better: both creative and funny ways. So many cute moments, so many funny moments with Hunk being the translating middle man between them, and the smut. THE SMUT. THE SMUT. THE SMUT. Just *chef’s kiss* Incredible. It was just so so sweet, and such a comfort read. I reread this series 5 times already and hope Robin (the writer) does more stories in this AU.

Please read this series. You’re not gonna regret it. It will MELT your heart. 

Honorable Mentions:

If I Called You Mine

Sail Across the Sky Just to Get to You

Finding Shelter (The Alien Baby Remix)

Say You Do(n’t)

2). The Golden Hour by @goldentruth813​ (sheith)

Summary:  After a space mission failure, Shiro loses his arm and his career. Two years later he's settled into a quiet and simple new life on his farm, but when a beautiful alien crashes in his field, he discovers the answers to his questions—and possibly the keys to his future—will come from the stars.

I’m sure no one, least of all Janel the writer herself, is surprised to see this author featured on this list. For now the 3rd year in a row. WOOOW  👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿 She is the reason I got into shieth, and she just continues to put out amazing conent with them. This story by far has been the best she’s done this year-possibly one of the best ever. 

We have Shiro trying to have a simple life at the farm with his dog and animals. A curious BOM Keith who shakes things up with his boldness/innocence-and questions bound to test blood pressure, especially Shiro’s. Loads of cute moments, loads of funny moments, and also loads of oreos. 

If summary and my thoughts don’t sell you, only one thing will: reading it for yourself.

Honorable mentions:

Two Hearts in Bloom

Mountain Men

Home is in Your Heart

3). Spun like Gold by Neyasochi (sheith)

Summary: Though Shiro is currently operating his fledgling bakery business out of a decrepit food truck he got for cheap in a repossession sale, he dreams of something more: a cozy bakery and cafe on a tree-lined street somewhere, filled with the smell of fresh coffee and sugar glaze instead of diesel. A little money could go a long way to helping him get off the ground-- and luckily, Keith has money to burn.

Or: Keith takes care of Shiro’s financial woes, in exchange for a little sugar.

OMG, OMG, OMG was this story so sweet. Neyasochi already sold me with the baking/baker Shiro trope, but went a step further throwing in sugar-daddy Keith who knows his way around his manic family and cars, but when it comes to asking a cute guy out? What better way to make an impression than becoming his best paying customer?  

Honorable mentions:

oh, devour me

Healing Touch

on your hand of gold 

4). The Destiny You Sold by @tryslora​ (drarry)

Summary: In which Draco knits, Harry makes wands, and things get very tangled up between them.

If there’s one thing I love about fanfics is how they introduce you to tropes you never would consider before. Draco and knitting was a combo I didn’t realize how much I needed until now. And I love the fact knitting played a big part of the accidental bonding. Also loved the fact everyone in their friend group shipped them like crazy. Highly, highly recommend 

5) What’s My Age Again? by @lazywonderlvnd​ (drarry)

Summary: Harry Potter has had enough of pleasing the public, and his reckless tendencies are finally getting out of hand.

The Quidditch World Cup is only a week away; as Captain of the English National Team, Hermione has assured him that his immaturity won’t be tolerated by the Ministry.

And then Malfoy shows up.

(Inspired by the blink-182 song of the same name.)

It’s no secret that I’m such a fangirl of @lazywonderlvnd​. Any drarry story I read, I always love. Last year, I ADORED The Changing Lights, which was one of my favorites last year, and her updating/finishing the story was a massive highlight for me. I thank ya for that. 

This story was honestly refreshing. I’ve grown so used to Harry being responsible, always doing what’s right, that seeing a story where Harry pretty much has his middle finger in the air to “good reputation”, “being responsible,” because as he brought up: “I’m 25. I’ve been fighting all my life. I’ve earned my life to have fun.”

Okay, granted, it wasn’t quite like that but it was along those lines. And I agree. After all he went through, Harry deserves to have fun. He deserves to be reckless and make stupid decisions.

Also, it was such a blast reading a story where Harry is the brat & Draco has to keep him in line. LOVED.

Honorable mentions: 

Inside Your Mind

Aletheia

6). Chocolate and Pastry by agentmoppet, anemonen (drarry)

Summary:  When Pansy bets Draco that there is no chance he and Harry could carry out a genuine romantic relationship, he and Harry form a plan. But as their fake relationship progresses, Draco sees a side of Harry he never expected. Harry is struggling with something, pushing it far down inside him where he doesn't have to acknowledge its existence. Draco starts to worry, and then he starts to care, and then... horribly... he starts to fall in love.

Do not let the title fool you like it did me. Title alone, I was thinking it was going to be a fun, fluffy story involving baking, maybe chocolate crafting. However....it was not that at all. It was more. A lot deeper. A lot more angsty. It explored mental health, PTSD and the dangers of loved ones ignoring the signs, and contained an important message:

You can’t love someone out of their illness/disease/ addiction. Which is true and this story showed that. 

7). i’m still here by owedbetter (zutara)

Summary: "You see me."

And somehow, that makes all the difference.

If there’s one of the few good things 2020 has brought, it was Netflix bringing back ATLA to their library. Which in turn ignited my love for zutara & had me drag @kila09​ into that ship. 

This story was just incredible. The way it was written, it really felt like it could have been canon. Deleted scenes that a certain creator didn’t want us to see. The way Zuko and Katara came together, starting from their peaceful friendship after the Southern Raiders episode up, becoming closer along the way. 

I dare y’all to read this and not think OMG...is this secret canon bonus material? I definitely plan to read more by owedbetter. 

8). all the what ifs i never said by rosegardenlake (sheith)

Summary:  Keith is nine when he first notices Shiro. Shiro is gentle and quiet, always keeping to himself. Keith is rough and loud, running wherever his feet will take him, screaming on the top of his lungs into the wind. But despite that, they're a constant throughout each other's lives...if only that could be enough. As they grow, Keith just wants them both to be happy, but instead, he's falling apart.

Rosegardenlake is another sheith writer who I adored last year & adore this year as well. This was a story that I read during the beginning of quarantine-life and when I tell you the number of times Keith’s emotions of loneliness got to me, it’s a big number. 

Keith’s struggle with life after high school, after peaking in school, and his mental health reminded me too much of where I was at 2018, which wasn’t a good year for me at all, especially mentally. So that was triggering but it was also helpful since I saw how far I came. And it was beautiful seeing how far Keith came. 

Also the relationship between Shiro and Keith was just beautiful. It’s very funny how Keith was Shiro’s protector growing up and Shiro became Keith’s later on in life. There’s a chance your heart may be heavy, but will also be so swelled up with feelings these two bring it. 

Honorable mentions:

Where the Light Doesn’t Reach 

9). When Night Comes by Oh_Hey_Tae (BTS; poly ot7)

Summary: Jungkook’s tipsy, but he’s not buzzed enough to miss that he doesn’t recognize any of the four dozen people here. And seeing as his friends aren’t ones to ditch and there’s no way they’d play a prank this mean on him, Jungkook reaches the conclusion that he just walked into a stranger’s very expensive home, uninvited, and started eating their food and petting their well-dressed dog.

(Or: Jungkook shows up to the wrong Halloween party and meets the most powerful family in Seoul.)

I can easily say Oh_Hey_Tae easily one of my favorite BTS fanfic favs. Always come through with the stories, and this one was just amazing. We have Jungkook stumbling into a Halloween story, and soon enters into a intense, insane relationship with all six guys, who are already in a relationship with each other. Oh, and supernatural creatures at that. 

You do see certain relationships are stronger, deeper. For example, a lot of moments between Jin and Jungkook. Vmin has their own story and moments. But it was just so amazing. 

Fair warning. Halfway through, things get darker and Oh_My_Tae really loves playing readers diirty with the angst, but it’s so good. 

10). peace-weaver by magisterpavus (sheith)

Summary: You will be the peace-weaver, his mother told him, smiling though her dark eyes welled with unshed grief. The one who brings two bitter enemies together and ends the bloodshed and death between us, once and for all.

But men will always crave war. The Galra, most of all.

Yet another arranged-marriage AU that I loved. This particular one is well-loved in the sheith fandom. I can definitely say it’s considered one of the classic fanfics that’s been read or shared at one point or another. 

The story itself reminded me a lot of Macbeth, involving murder and dark forces at bay. The dynamics between Shiro and Keith reminded me of Drogo and Daenerys from GOT, one of my fav couples there, which only made it all the more better for me. 

I do credit the author for the creative approach they took with quintessence and Shiro’s role/persona as the Champion

Honorable mentions:

The Boy in the Window 

Sheith Demon/Priest AU

A Matter of Scale

Directive 

Honorable mentions that I seriously wanted to add to the list but this post is already lengthy. All amazing, all greats reads by various writers y’all should check out:

Hold Me Tight, or Don’t by snowfallen (yoonmin with a Mr. & Mrs. Smith AU featuring assassins and hitmen, secret identities, fake marriage, and a lot of smut)

The Prince and Pirate by Maniacani, @nerdherderette​ (drarry with a splash of royalty and pirates. Perfect if you’re needing to fill in any Pirates of the Caribbean or Black Sails cravings)

First Kisses are the Best Ones by SashaDistan (sheith in a 50 First Dates Fusion heartfelt/heart-gutting story)

freely, as men strive for right by @bixgirl1​ (drarry w/Harry explaining the many ways why Draco’s the love of his life. we love to see it)

The Sacrificed by SasuNarufan13 (sasunaru w/ dark fairytale elements similar to Little Red Riding Hood & Beauty and the beast + feat. mpreg)

Chasing Treacle Tart (and Draco Malfoy) by xErised (drarry feat. lunch lady Draco + scheming Harry + loads of fun w/sweets & more)

Red Desert by @beatitudinembty​ (taekook in a unique sci-fi AU; hard to explain but so worth a read

one way ticket to another life by starboykeith (sheith Hades x Persephone background)

Even So by lewilder (zutara; arranged marriage+ language barrier +soft strangers to lovers)

Well, lovely people, there you have it. My top 10 favorite fanfics of the year. I do notice a certain ship shows up a lot on this list, but I wasn’t kidding when I said they took over this year. Still, I tried to mix the list up with other fav ships/fandoms of mine. To the writers who created these incredible stories. I applaud you. I thank you for creating and sharing these wonderful stories. Anyone interested in doing the tag, please do. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR, GUYS

[savrenim]

i am running thru ur tumblr to find ONE POST to cite for tvtropes, and i agree so hard with the soulmate stuff. what if my soulmate is an awful abuser, i want the choice to NOT be with them without some painful physical consequence or loss of perception if i don't date them just because the universe said we were "meant to be"... plus if it's just a magic thing it "feels" more justified in-universe that soulmates exist and less like an ass pull so you could justify getting 2 characters together

oH gods this is something that I have SO many feelings about that probably is slightly informed by my own orientation and preferences, but. feelings. this got long so it's going under the cut

so there are three and a half major things that I have a problem with in terms of general soulmate tropes that are "there is one person who is your perfect romantic partner" (which to be fair I've seen a number of soulmate AUs do that trope with the addendum "although it only applies to a certain percentage of the population / not everyone has soulmates / everyone has soulmates but not everyone has SUPER PERFECT ROMANTIC soulmates" which at least somewhat avoids the statistic inevitability of abusive soulmates if combined with Fate Can See The Future And So Your Fated Soulmate Just Won't Be) and these complaints aren't even from the "I'm poly where's my poly rep" kind of place which is a whole 'nother bag of worms, but let's go:

1. I aggressively believe that love is a choice. Love is something that is built, not predetermined before you meet someone. There might be initial compatibility aspects going down when you first meet someone, but, like. statistically there are more than seven and a half billion people on this planet. If there is only a single person perfectly meant for you, again, statistically, you are not going to meet them, I've seen the figure thrown that on average a person will meet on the order 10,000 people in their lifetime but let's even go 100,000, you will meet 0.001% of the world's population. Unless you think some sort of divine coincidence or fate is guiding you to a soulmate which throws free will out the window and then I can't help you but, like. discarding the math, I think it is actively harmful to a relationship to believe that it can be sustained on chemistry or predetermined 'but we're perfect for each other' alone. It requires work. You choose who is in your life, you choose who stays in your life, you choose who you want to be important to you based on what they contribute to your life and what you contribute to theirs.

(I am assuming this ask is at least partially in reaction to my soulmate post, which actually the fic in question, a buried and a burning flame, has since gone up. I highly recommend reading Hands of the Emperor by Victoria Goddard first, but besides the setup for arson wizards that alas is never used because the fire mage with a soulmate in question is Responsible, I decided to both tackle 'okay soulmarks trope too let's throw it in', which leads to the not-really-a-spoiler passage that appears fairly early on about actually the full layout (albeit with less detail on the 'yeah for mages it just helps ground their magic, nothing romantic about it' part) of my Soulmate Rules:

Soulmates existed, both in the Empire of Astandalas and across the Wide Seas. They just worked slightly differently in Vangavaye-ve than the rest of the worlds.

The rest of the Empire seemed to view soulmates as a monolith. From what Cliopher had been able to glean, the tradition was grounded in their magic. Magi had soulmates, or rather, magic-workers would each have a soulmate. Cliopher wasn't clear if all magic-workers had a soulmate, or if magic-workers simply could have one, but there was always a mage in soulmate pairs, and it was always a pair. There were no marks, no visible signs involved, as soulmates were something that were sensed with magic. They were permanent, intrinsic, and to be recognized immediately.

To Wide Sea Islanders, soulmates were a choice.

The soul-marks, lana and lani-voa, would appear the first time you touched someone that you had chosen to love, with the full knowledge that you loved them. Cliopher had the marks of his mother and father, his sisters, Basil and Dimiter, Bertie and Ghilly. His skin was covered lovingly with the colors of his love, marks that he had gotten used to concealing with long sleeves in Astandalas when he had gotten tired of the constant staring at his 'primitive tattoos'.

Buru Tovo had been the only one to give him lani-voa, a greater mark of the soul. The pattern, with its thick lines and twisting design in a deep blue, extended over the entirety of his left arm and shoulder. They were the dances of his family pressed onto his skin, and he had traced them over with reverent and feather-light touch for months after he had received them. A lani-voa marked someone who had changed your life for the better in a deep and irrevocable way. It was a great honor to have even one.

And now, with the gold stretching up his right arm, new patterns that he didn't recognize stretching up from a handprint of pure gold that was expanding the longer he held that first contact with Tor—

now he had two.

(Buru Tovo is Cliopher's great uncle, for context. In fact, everyone listed there is either a familial or platonic relationship, with a single relationship that used to be romantic but settled into platonic.))

so. yeah. Love is a choice! The Biggest Of Moods! any soulmate lore that undermines that is a Bad Message, in my opinion.

The emphasis also on platonic soulmates leads into my second point:

2. I have found in my life that platonic relationships that I have are and have always been as important if not moreso than the romantic relationships. the emphasis of a single romantic relationship as the most important relationship that you can be in maybe fits for some people, but as a generalization to absolutely everyone I think is toxic and harmful. and not just for aro people! I'm not aro, but I would be miserable to write off my friends as Less Important And Meaningful to me than my parter, whom I love with all my heart! (I've actually ended up in my life settling into what I call the red/blue/gold system for 'relationships that I treat with the importance that society treats romantic relationships', but that's a personal thing). The standard soulmate trope tends to really solidly deliver the thesis of "there is a single romantic relationship that is the single most important relationship in your life" and I just think that's a very bad thesis.

3. Finally, I think the emphasis on permanent/forever is a harmful one for relationships in general. People change. you drift closer to people or further away from them. you move, they move, your schedules change, your interests change, your life changes. if you are living with a romantic partner you're going to keep seeing each other every day, but that doesn't stop you from changing as a person, which means see Point 1 Love Is A Choice; but even if you choose to remain together, you are probably eventually going to Ship Of Theseus your entire relationship. I think it is an important message that if that happens and it is no longer a relationship that is as deeply positive as it once was in your life, you don't...have to keep it out of loyalty to what it once was.

It's okay for people to drift out of your life that were once the most important person in your life. It doesn't invalidate how important and meaningful that relationship used to be, and it isn't a betrayal to let yourself and them and your relationships change and evolve. The idea that something has to be forever for it to matter I think is the idea about soulmates that I disagree with the most. Probably because that was the hardest lesson for me to learn as a kid and a teenager, and the life lesson that I am proudest for learning.

3.5 your point 'plus if it's just a magic thing it "feels" more justified in-universe that soulmates exist' is exactly on the nose, literally I am unable to write anything without attempting to write down a universal theory of everything for How The World Works. if something soulmate-wise is going down even if it never appears on the page you bet your ass I have either figured out the general cosmology and theology of "are there gods or divine forces who have instituted this policy? if so, why? what purpose does it serve", or in the case of abaabf which already has such interesting magic rules in the original canon of "is there an evolutionary reason for soulmates to exist" which I don't go tracing out full evolutionary biology for a fic necessarily mostly because I would want the full evolutionary biology in canon to make sure mine is compliant enough but that sure as hell does translate to "if soulmates exist and it's not for the reason of Because Godlike Beings Said So, there better be a practical purpose". I find at least long-form soulmate fics (ie things With Plot and a Developed Setting that aren't just "let's do a ficlet with this well-known trope") that Do Not Feel Like They've At Least Thought About Why Soulmates Happen To Exist hurt my soul. which I think slightly intersects with my "I hate it when the rules of the universe/ laws of physics are human-centric" instead of "the base rules which were not designed for humans came first, and how the human world works arose in reaction to them" and. yeah. consistent desire to know at least for myself why things are set up the way that they're set up which gods ifmlam is wild and completely bullshit and pulls from quantum multiverse philosophy I started writing that thing when I was like. eighteen? nineteen? but at least it's there so I can be consistent.

as a caveat for everything above: I don't actually think that fiction, fanfiction in particular, needs to perfectly reflect what A Good Relationship or A Good Message About Relationships should be. it is a very human desire in a chaotic and confusing world to want a simple, absolute, binary thing to hold onto. fiction is a place for escapism or wish fulfillment or even exploring things that you wouldn't actually want in real life, I think that the movement in fandom/fiction that all of the messaging in your story should match the advice you'd give for a real-life setup is a bad and harmful one. mostly my opinions on soulmates and hence desire to do inversions of the soulmate trope in my fic and things like the red/blue/gold system and heavy emphasis on platonic relationships in original work that I'm writing is about a desire to see representation for me and the things I love and find important and my sort of relationships in the stories that are a big part of my life. but I am really glad that in doing so I seem to have struck a chord in other people, who maybe want to see the same thing!

[stereksecretsanta]

Merry Christmas, outtoshatter!

Dear @outtoshatter​. You requested fluff, getting together, alternate first meetings, and something!Stiles. This was so much fun to write, and I’m thrilled to have the chance to create something for you. I hope you have the loveliest of holidays!! <3

Read On AO3

*****

Derek is a romantic. He dreams of finding his mate, of connecting with that special someone who will make his heart swoon.

"How did you know Dad was the one?" Derek asks his mom as he digs out a pink, glittery bear from beneath the pile of loose-limbed plushies. "Were there fireworks when you first met, or—?"

His cheeks flame. He can't tell his mom that the spun-sugar scent of Jenna's hair makes his heart race, or that the smell of Mark's baseball jersey gives him a boner. In fact, Derek's embarrassment is so thick she probably scents it despite being surrounded by a bunch of seven-year-olds with sugar highs from birthday cake and soda.

"The first time you meet your mate will always be significant,” Talia says as she hands the bear over to one of Cora's classmates. “It might be passionate and explosive, or it could spark a bond that builds and grows. It's influenced by who you are and where you are in your lives. But deep inside, you'll know. Your wolf, especially, will know."

"But what if my mate isn't a wolf? What if they can't sense the connection?"

"Humans cherish the notion of 'true love' as much as we do. And I bet your mate is someone who's sensitive and wise." She leans down and ruffles Derek's hair.

Derek wriggles out of his mom's touch. He's thirteen, not three.

"You think?" he asks. Maybe it is Jenna or Mark, although he was hoping his mate would be someone more… well, special.

"You'll see." Talia's smile disappears as she studies the line where Cora and her friends are waiting at the stuffing station. She counts their numbers under her breath and shakes her head. "Someone's missing. Will you help me find them, Der?"

Derek sighs. It might be Cora's birthday, but he's missing practice to babysit a bunch of second-graders at a Build-A-Bear. "Seriously?"

"Seriously. I know this seems like an unbearable chore, but it means a lot to your sister that you're here. And to me, as well." His mom runs a hand along the back of Derek's neck and gives him a gentle squeeze.

Perhaps it's because it's close to a full moon, but Derek feels restless and edgy. Guilt washes through him at his snappishness, and he apologizes to his mom, giving her a quick hug before starting his walk-through.

There are bins of bears and cats and dogs and dragons in every color imaginable, their limp bodies waiting to be plumped up with poly-fill. He’s surprised Cora wanted a party here; her interests run more along the line of laser tag than dolls or stuffed animals. Although there's a backstory, he's sure; Cora had mumbled something about wanting to invite her whole class 'unlike that Lydia Martin', whereupon Mom's fangs dropped and her eyes flashed red. The next thing Derek knew, they had made a reservation for all twenty children.

It's not until Derek passes the displays of the Marvel and Star Wars bears that he finds the errant partygoer. Unlike the other boys in the class who dress in athletic wear stamped with Nike and Under Armor logos, he's wearing a faded t-shirt and a plaid overshirt, topped off by a pair of worn trainers.

Derek looks down at the limp plushie in the boy's hand. "Hey. Are you here for Cora's birthday party?" he asks softly.

The boy raises his eyes. They're ridiculously large for his face, amber orbs framed by long lashes and a buzzed haircut that make them look even bigger. Suddenly, they narrow as he looks Derek up and down.

"I'm not supposed to talk to strangers."

Derek frowns, the defiance taking him by surprise. "Maybe I work here."

Any shyness the boy may have seems forgotten as he takes a step closer.

"No, you don't," he says, his tone raised in challenge. "You don't have a nametag and you're not wearing a vest."

The kid's smart. Derek is filled with the weird urge to push his buttons and protect him at the same time.

"You got me," Derek says, holding up his hands. "I'm Cora's brother, Derek." He points to the animal in the boy's hand. "Don't you want to wait in line with the others and get your bear stuffed?"

The boy straightens out his arm. "It's not a bear," he says. There's a slight hesitation, then he's turning the animal over. Derek sees that it has a long muzzle, pointed ears, and plastic blue eyes. "It's Can… um, Canis…”

"Canis Lupus. A wolf," Derek says, surprised.

The boy nods vigorously. "Is that okay?"

"Yeah, sure. Why wouldn't it be?"

"I didn't know if I was allowed to get something that wasn't a bear." The boy hangs his head, his fingers digging into the wolf's ample fur. "I've never been to one of these parties before."

Ah. Another reject from Lydia Martin's party list. The news makes Derek inexplicably angry.

"If I was getting one, I'd get a wolf, too," Derek says.

The boy looks up, his earlier disapproval of Derek apparently forgotten. "Yeah?"

"Totally." Derek crouches down and strokes the wolf's fur. "It's pretty skinny though," he says as his hand lingers on the nape of its neck. "We'd better go and fatten it up. Maybe get it some clothes?"

The boy shakes his head. "Wolves don't wear clothes," he says, his exasperation plain. "Duh."

Derek snorts. "Well, how about one of those scent things?" The discs seem to be popular; most of the other kids have one in hand.

The boy lifts the wolf to his face and buries his nose in its fur. "Nah. He smells good the way he is. But he needs a heart."

"Okay. Let's get one, uh—"

"Stiles," the boy answers. "Stiles," he repeats with a small scowl as Derek stares, bemused. "That's my name."

"Oh. Okay, Stiles." Derek stands up and holds out his hand. "Let's go. We've got a wolf to build."

Stiles places his hand in Derek's. It's small and a bit clammy, but Derek doesn't mind, surprisingly. They head towards the front of the store where Stiles takes his time in choosing a red heart out of the bin of hundreds. There's another display close by filled with a selection of noisemakers.

"Do you want one?" Derek asks as Stiles stares. There's a lot to choose from. "They have some songs and animals noises, and—"

"They don't have any wolf ones, though," Stiles says, seemingly put out. He pushes one of the buttons, rolling his eyes as a dinosaur's roar breaks through the tiny speaker. He chooses the dog button next.

God, no, Derek thinks.

Thankfully, Stiles passes on that one, too.

"What about this one?" Derek asks, pointing to number eleven. When Stiles presses the button, they hear the lub dub of a human heart, steady and true.

Stiles' face breaks into a huge grin. "That's perfect."

Derek opens the drawer, takes out the sound chip and hands it to Stiles, who curls his fingers around its edges and holds on tightly. By the time they make it to the stuffing station, Stiles is bouncing on his feet, a bundle of barely contained energy. He's also staring with a horrified expression at a boy who's twirling in a circle while rubbing his bear's poly-filled heart across his chest and down to his belly.

"Uh, Derek? Do I have to do that?" Stiles whispers as a Build-A-Bear employee eggs the boy on.

Maybe it's the vulnerability in Stiles' face, or the wobble in his voice, but Derek wants nothing more in that moment than to soothe Stiles' worry. He leans over and whispers, "You mean, act like something's crawling up your butt?"

Stiles lets out a half-gasp, half-laugh. "I can't move like that! What if I do it wrong and his heart won't work?"

"Listen to me, Stiles. I'm thirteen and I know a lot about wolves. Rubbing your wolf's heart on your pants or doing ten jumping jacks isn't going to make him come to life. What he needs is for you to care for him. To love him, and believe in him with all your might. Okay?"

"Okay." Stiles gives Derek a grateful smile, his face radiating his happiness.

Derek stands a bit straighter and catches his mother's eye. He's sure it's his alpha's approval and nothing else that makes him feel warm and tingly inside.

~*~

Derek used to be a romantic. He once dreamed of finding his true love, of meeting that special person whom he could care for and be cared for in return. But a series of bad relationships with people who either wanted different things in life (sorry, Braeden), or were only interested in him for his family's powerful connections (thanks, Jennifer), or who were, to put it bluntly, vindictive, psychotic stalkers (hello, Kate) has left Derek realizing not everyone is destined to have a mate. Of course, that also means one of the great Hale legacies has come to an end, although he's not sure why the Fates decided to pin that dubious distinction on him.

He doesn't want to end up like his Uncle Peter who, after losing his mate, creeps around with people half his age, filled with snark and cynicism. So Derek tries to settle, without success. His friends and family blame his inability to have a meaningful relationship on 'being too choosy', or 'not trying', or his 'emotional constipation'. He supposes it's a damning statement when even his best friends have given up their matchmaking attempts and relegated him to babysitting duty.

Derek's trying to decide whether he has time for a quick run before he goes grocery shopping, or whether he has enough milk and butter to postpone the errand altogether, when an EMT kit lands by his feet.

"Any plans for tonight?" Erica asks. Her smile is a bit too bright, her tone a shade too innocent.

Derek frowns and gives his co-worker the side-eye as he tries to figure out her angle. He can't believe there was a time where he thought he and Erica could be anything more than friends. She's gorgeous, of course, but she's also too perceptive and blunt as hell, and she calls Derek out on his bullshit more than anyone else aside from his own sisters. She feels like safety—like pack—but his wolf knows there's nothing more. Besides, she's snagged herself a handsome and brilliant ED doctor in Boyd—along with a ring, a two-bedroom Murray Hill apartment, and a five-year old daughter.

"Catching up on the second season of The Mandalorian?" Derek grins, baring a toothy smile of his own.

"Are you thirty-five or sixty-five, Derek? Because seriously, I can't tell. And since you phrased your answer in the form of a question and this isn't Jeopardy, I'm assuming those plans aren't set in stone."

Fuck. Erica had promised after the last disastrous blind date that she wouldn't try to set him up again. "I'm really not in the mood for company—"

"Even if it's a little girl who loves her godfather more than anyone else in the world?"

Derek sits up straighter. "You need me to watch Hailey?" He couldn't love Erica and Boyd's daughter any more than if she were his own.

"If you're up to it," Erica says, actually looking contrite. "I know it's your first day off in almost two weeks and I normally wouldn't ask, except… Well, the New York Public Library's doing this Children's Authors series, and her favorite writer's going to be reading today."

"The Fox and the Spark? I'm somewhat familiar," Derek says drily. He's read the story so many times he could recite it in his sleep.

"Yeah." Erica lets out a small laugh. "So, there's a second book that's coming out and the author's signing copies. Boyd was supposed to take her, but he has to cover for someone who called out with a family emergency. Greenberg won't let me change my shift, and I know you just finished yours, but—"

Derek puts a hand on Erica's shoulder. Next to Laura, Erica's his closest friend, and it's not like he really had plans.

"Don't give it another thought. Of course I'll take her."

A wave of relief sweeps over Erica's face. "I owe you one, Hale."

Derek lets out a small huff. He's pretty sure that if they were keeping tabs, he's going to come out on the short end when it comes to Erica and Boyd. Besides, an afternoon out with Hailey is bound to be better than his last several dates, even if he has to put up with a bunch of screaming kids.

~*~

As it turns out, there are a bunch of kids, but none of them are screaming because the man in front of them's woven some kind of crazy magic and has them in his thrall. He has thick brown hair that's the epitome of hipster chic, a wide mouth that pulls into an easy grin, and is wearing a heather grey t-shirt paired with khakis and a red hoodie. He looks young—young enough that Derek thought he worked for the library at first, a notion that's dispelled once Mrs. Purcell, the head librarian, gathers everyone together. His smile is bright and engaging, although it falters a bit when Mrs. Purcell stumbles over his name.

"Mieczyslaw," the man says with a self-deprecating grin. "Like 'mischief'. But I'll tell you a secret. No one calls me that, not even my family. You can just call me 'M'."

The news seems to delight the kids, who shout "Hi, M" in a loud chorus. M shows his appreciation by running across the front of the room and handing out high-fives.

"Is that really him?" Hailey wriggles in Derek's arms and cranes her neck, trying to get a better look. The construction-paper fox ears that they super-glued to her headband earlier that afternoon gets pushed aside at a precarious angle.

"That's really him," Derek affirms, which earns him an excited squeal.

"Put me down, D!" Hailey says with all the imperiousness of her mother, and it's all Derek can do, even with his superhuman strength, to keep her from toppling over.

"You can find a spot up close. No pushing or shoving, and if you can't see, ask politely. I'll be back here, okay?" He leans in and nuzzles her cheek to let her know she's safe and protected.

"Okay!" Hailey gives him a quick squeeze back before making her way up front. Derek is glad to see one of the other girls make room for her as Hailey sits down in the second row and clutches her book happily.

Derek straightens and runs a hand through his hair. He feels someone watching, and when he looks up, he suddenly locks eyes with M.

M rubs the back of his neck as a light flush spreads over his cheeks. It doesn't help to diminish his already-youthful appearance; in fact, it makes him look vulnerable—like prey—and the thought causes something to flare hot in Derek's belly. It's only when someone nudges him impatiently that he realizes that he's gawking in the middle of the room, surrounded by a restless audience that comes up to his knees. Derek mutters his apologies, then takes his six-foot frame to the back of the room where he watches from behind a row of brightly colored, miniature plastic chairs.

M starts off by saying that his best friend Scott is a veterinarian who works at a wolf sanctuary, and that M always thought wolves were the coolest. The tidbit makes Derek straighten to his full height and he puffs out his chest, inordinately pleased.

Most of the children already own copies of M's latest but choose to watch as M holds up a giant book that's nearly a foot-and-a-half tall. The pages are filled with illustrations—courtesy, M says, of his friend Isaac. The pictures are warm and soft, and detailed in a way that appeals to both a young and older audience. But even though they're beautiful, Derek finds his attention drifting elsewhere. He's mesmerized by the way M's fingers dance across the pages as he reads, how his eyes grow bright and animated when he hears the children laugh at his vocal impressions, and the way M's mouth—god, his mouth—turns down at the corners when he reaches a poignant scene. His voice defies categorization: it's raspy yet young, melodious but slightly off-pitch, and serious yet mischievous, as if an old soul had somehow merged with an adolescent’s energy.

The truth is that Derek's too distracted by M to pay close attention to the story. But after his brain momentarily shorts out from watching M lick his thumb to turn the page, it manages to reboot and catch the his next words:

"You need to care for him," the fairy said as Milo hugged his wolf. "You need to love him and believe in him with all your might."

Derek listens in a daze as M tells the group how Milo's wish for his wolf to come to life comes true. His own wolf perks up, and against the stench of the colognes and soaps and sweat of the crowd, he can pick out the welcome scent of citrus and cottonwood from back home. It's intoxicating, yet soothing and breathtakingly familiar, and in that moment the thread of hope that Derek's long thought cut manages to wriggle into his heart and take hold.

~*~

Derek absolutely does not push his way towards the front of the line. He just has longer legs.

His heart is in his throat and he's holding tight to Hailey, who's clutching her copy of Build A Wolf close to her chest. Derek doesn't understand how he could have missed the signs: the smattering of moles that grace M's cheek, the adorable tilt of his nose, or the warm intelligence of his eyes.

"Hi," Derek says when they reach the table where M's seated, his voice catching.

The Sharpie that M's twirling lazily between his fingers falls with a clatter. M stares at Derek, seemingly lost for words. A beautiful pink flush highlights his cheeks that Derek wants to trace with his thumb.

"You're a bit older than my usual fan. Bigger, too," M croaks. His face turns even brighter, and Derek can smell his surprise and the faint spice of his arousal.

"Stiles?" Derek blurts out. Upon seeing M's shocked expression, Derek tries to backtrack. "I'm sorry, it's just… well, you remind me of someone I knew from back home." When M doesn't deny the assumption, Derek continues, "I'm Derek Hale. Cora Hale's brother?"

M scrubs his face. "Wow, dude… wow, yeah, I am." He looks around and lowers his voice. "I'm surprised you recognized me. Or that you even remember who I am." When he smiles it's small and embarrassed, but Derek can also detect the happiness that colors his scent.

"I know you're probably busy, seeing as you're on a book tour and all, but do you want to grab a bite after you're done?" Derek feels breathless, and it's totally unlike him to be so forward, especially in the midst of an increasingly antsy crowd, but he feels like he's been waiting for this moment forever. "I mean, it can be something low key," he adds hastily, in case he's laying it on too strong. "I haven't been home in a while and it would be nice to catch up, and—"

There's a strong tug on his shirt sleeve. "Hi, Mr. M," Hailey pipes up. She's wearing a sweet smile but her eyes are impatient and determined. "Can you sign my book for me?"

"Sure, I'd love to." Stiles gives Derek an apologetic look. He greets Hailey with a complicated fist bump after commenting on her fox ears, uncaps his Sharpie, and opens the book to the front page. "Who should I make it out to?"

"To Mommy and Daddy and Hailey," Hailey decides. She tugs on Derek's sleeve more forcefully. "Do you think Mommy will like that?" she asks in a loud whisper.

Derek bends down and kisses her forehead. "I think she's going to love it," he says, nuzzling her neck. When he stands back up, Stiles has finished signing, but his smile seems a bit forced. "So, about dinner..." Stiles doesn't answer immediately; Derek falters as he takes back the book, his hopes sinking with each passing second.

Stiles' eyes lower, his once-happy scent souring. "Sorry," he says, his expression unreadable. "I'm on a tight schedule."

Both the human and wolf sides of Derek are confused by Stiles' sudden rejection. "Maybe a drink?" he tries again, desperate. He may have been a terrible judge of character in his previous relationships, but he can't be wrong, not about this.

Stiles shakes his head. Before Derek can press his case, there's a cough as the father and son behind Derek fix him with matching glares. Derek and Hailey get shuffled towards the door, and by the time Derek regains his bearings and looks back he discovers that Stiles is posing for a selfie with the kid, his scent now off, his smile a bit too forced.

~*~

There are several truths about the holidays—and the end of the year in particular—which are that the crowds are larger, the stress is higher, and people tend to avoid hospitals as much as possible. It also means that Derek's unit is flooded with calls, from decorating mishaps and drunken shenanigans to medical emergencies that are so far gone they can no longer be handled by an urgent care. He hasn't hung out with both Boyd and Erica in nearly a month, and even though it's for a quick bite in the hospital's cafeteria, he'll take it.

"Seriously, Hale. You'd better have a smile on your face after your PTO."

Derek looks up from his burrito, his brows furrowed.

"I don't know why you think I have PTO, Erica, but I don't," he says, grimacing as a glob of beef and avocado drop onto the wax-paper wrap. He's never requested a holiday week since he started with the FDNY eleven years ago. His family's all on the West coast, and he'd rather leave the prime vacation weeks to his co-workers. It's not like he has someone special to share the holidays with, after all.

He ignores the ache in his chest as he thinks of Stiles.

"Yeah, well the thing is, now you do. The week between Christmas and New Year's," Erica clarifies as she takes a bite of her burger. "You never exercise the perks that go with your seniority, and don't think it's gone unnoticed. It's the department's gift to you. "

Derek stares, flummoxed. "Greenberg will never go for it."

"Are you kidding me? He was the first to say 'yes'. Said he's tired of seeing your grumpy mug whenever he rings in the New Year."

Boyd grins at Derek's obvious discomfort. Derek gives him the middle finger, which makes Boyd chuckle out loud.

"I don't even know if my family's around," Derek protests. Laura often spends the holidays with her husband's family in Sun Valley, and Cora's hard to pin down any time of year.

Erica and Body give him twin looks of guilt. "They are," Boyd says as he takes something out of his coat pocket and hands it to Derek. "We already spoke to Laura. She can't wait to see you."

"Ho, ho, ho." Erica grins.

"What's this?" Derek asks as he stares at the envelope in Boyd's hand.

Boyd shrugs but Derek's not fooled by his casual stance. "A first-class plane ticket. An early Christmas present from us to you." His usually placid expression grows sheepish. "Look man, we don't want to put you in a bad spot. If you really don't want to go, use the credit for another trip. But we knew that if it were up to you, you'd be spending Christmas alone, eating leftovers and watching It's a Wonderful Life for the hundredth time."

"Who says I need to be in a relationship to be happy?" Derek asks, his hackles rising. Besides, Boyd has it all wrong. Derek has Die Hard on his Christmas queue.

Yippee ki yay.

Boyd holds up both hands. "Not me. If you want to be a bachelor forever, I'm not one to judge."

"But I am," Erica says. "You don't date anymore, Der. Hell, when's the last time you even got laid? Which would also be fine, except it's not, because you're miserable and it's obvious that's not what you really want."

Sometimes Derek has a hard time following Erica's logic. Unfortunately, this is not one of those moments.

"It doesn't matter," he says, digging the excess rice out from his wrap. "I'm better off alone."

Erica and Boyd share a look. Derek feels a pang of envy at the way they so easily read each other's thoughts and their mutual love and support. He'd always fancied himself a romantic, but to finally find his mate only to be rejected flat out hurts worse than anything Kate had put him through. Which… well, it says a lot.

Boyd nudges the envelope towards the remains of Derek's burrito. "Do what's right to you." And just like that, he changes the subject as they argue over whether Brees or Brady will end the season with the most touchdown passes and have the better chance of securing a berth in the Super Bowl.

~*~

Minutes after Derek sets foot inside JFK, he remembers why he hates flying. It's the noise and the stress, the smell of impatience and sweat, and the lack of personal space as he waits to clear security. He jams his beanie down to cover his ears, and the glower he's wearing doesn't help the dubious looks being cast his way. By the time he reaches the concourse, he has to duck into a coffee shop to catch a break from all the commotion.

He's standing in line, trying to decide whether he'd rather have a green or carrot smoothie, when someone's suitcase catches his heel.

"Shit! Oh my god, I'm so sorry!" The stranger pulls back the offending piece of luggage, and Derek suddenly catches a whiff of a familiar scent amongst the flurry of clothing and limbs. "Are you okay?  I'm not exactly graceful on most days, but I'm working on like two hours of sleep and… " The man's voice trails off as he meets Derek's gaze, his whiskey-colored eyes widening further. "Derek?" he squeaks.

"Stiles," Derek answers, his voice equally strangled.

Stiles blows out a deep breath. "Oh, wow. What are the chances?" he mutters. His face turns blotchy.

Derek's wolf is pawing at his chest, begging Derek to not waste this second chance. "Uh… seeing as we're both here, I'm going to repeat my offer. For the drink. And a meal, if you'd like. Although I guess it's more like a grab and go." He's stumbling over his words and he feels the tips of his ears heat.

Stiles glances at the breakfast wraps and fruit bowls displayed behind the plexiglass counter. He pastes on a grin, although it seems strained at the edges. "Yeah, okay. Thanks, man; that'd be great." He orders an OJ and an egg wrap, while Derek finally decides on the green smoothie.

"Is that all you're getting?" Stiles asks after an awkward moment of silence.

Derek shrugs. "I ate before I got here. But you can order something else. I'm in a generous mood."

"Haha, big spender. I mean… " Stiles ducks his head and bites his lower lip. Derek watches helplessly as it reddens and swells. "Doesn't your daughter or wife want something, too?"

"I don't have a daughter or a wife," Derek says, his brow furrowing. "Or a girlfriend or a boyfriend, for that matter."

Stiles' mouth drops. "But who was the girl you were with at the book signing?"

Everything starts to slot together. Derek lets out a small chuckle of relief. "Hailey? She's the love of my life. She also happens to be the daughter of my best friends, Erica and Boyd, and my goddaughter. They couldn't make it to your signing because of a scheduling conflict, and I jumped in as a favor." He hands over a twenty to the cashier and deposits the remaining change in the tip jar, his shoulders suddenly lighter.

"Ohhh." Stiles wheels his bag around as they head out towards the gates. He stays close to Derek and his scent grows brighter and sweeter. "I totally jumped to the wrong conclusion," he confesses with a rueful grin. "And I don't want to make the same mistake twice, so I'm going to ask you straight out: are you heading back to Beacon Hills? Because if you are, I'd like to take you to a real dinner. If you're interested, of course," he hastens. "If not, that's cool, too—"

Derek stops and places his hand on Stiles' arm. "I happen to be going back to Beacon Hills. And I'm definitely interested."

A quick check of their tickets shows they're on the same flight into Sacramento International. When they reach the gate, Derek marches up to the counter and trades in his first-class ticket for a business-class seat next to Stiles. He hurries back to the waiting area, flashing a 'thumbs up' sign and grinning like a loon. The look of pure joy that lights up Stiles' face makes Derek's wolf howl with glee.

"So I was curious... why did you choose Mieczyslaw as your nom de plume?" Derek asks as he sits, resting his bag on the floor between them.

Stiles huffs out a laugh. "Mieczyslaw is my name—at least, it's the one I was born with. But it was too complicated to say, so my best friend Scott nicknamed me 'Stiles' when we were younger." He shrugs, as if to say, the rest is history. "Anyway, I wrote The Fox and the Spark for Scott and Allison's son and they finally convinced me to submit it to a publisher. I really didn't think it would go anywhere, and it seemed like it would be less of a rejection if I sent it as 'Mieczyslaw' instead of 'Stiles'."

"And then you ended up with a best-seller," Derek finishes with a grin. He stares at the label on his cup, rubbing an edge that's grown worn from condensation. "Hailey's favorite book is The Fox and the Spark. But I think I'm partial to your latest. The one where a boy builds a wolf out of snow and wishes he'd come to life."

Stiles sucks in a deep breath. "It's based on one of my greatest memories."

"The memory of a wolf? Or someone else?"

Stiles' cheeks stain a beautiful pink. "Uh, a little bit of both? I've always been drawn to wolves, but I've also never forgotten how nice you were to me at Cora's party. I mean, you're Derek Hale—Cora's cool, older brother. I kind of built you up after that, turned our meeting into some kind of mythos, but even then I hadn't been prepared for you to be so…" He gestures with his long, graceful fingers up and down Derek's torso. "I mean, look at you. You're ridiculously hot, plus you were so amazing with your goddaughter. You probably work saving kittens or puppies or endangered wildlife or something—"

Derek coughs. "People. I'm an EMT."

"See! I mean, your fucking perfect. It's a good thing I didn't know all these things before, because otherwise, like, mind blown." Stiles mimes an explosion with his hands.

"I'm hardly special. Although I do have a book written about me. How many people can say that?" Derek teases.

"Yeah." Stiles' grin fades slightly, his hands falling to his sides. "About that. I know it must seem weird, but I'm not some obsessed fan, I promise."

Derek shakes his head. It's too early to tell Stiles about werewolves and their mates, but he wants Stiles to know that the feeling is mutual. That Stiles' story is the same one Derek's been living in since they first met.

"It's okay, Stiles. I feel the same way, too." Emboldened, he takes Stiles' hand in his, his eyes dropping to Stiles' mouth as his mate licks his lips.

"Dude," Stiles whispers, awed.

~*~

By the time they touch down in Sacramento, Derek's learned all about Stiles' closest friends. He learns that Scott is a werewolf as well, though bitten and not born, and that Stiles is considered part of Scott's pack. He's surprised to know that the infamous Lydia Martin is now one of Stiles' closest confidants, and that they'd briefly dated before deciding they were better off as friends. He also discovers that the Sheriff who busted Derek and his friends on Senior Prank Day (and let them off with a warning) is none other than Stiles' dad.

Derek and Stiles eventually connect the dots and realize that Stiles' friend Isaac went to the same college as, and remains friendly with, Erica and Boyd. He's happy to know that Stiles also lives in New York, on the Upper West Side near Riverside Park, which happens to be one of Derek's favorite places to jog. And he discovers other things about Stiles—like how Stiles is ticklish along his sides (just below the curve of his lowest rib), and how his lips are just as soft as they look, and how Stiles goes absolutely crazy when Derek scents and mouths his neck.

In fact, by the time they disembark, their mutual attraction is pretty much apparent to everybody—including the Sheriff, who pointedly avoids looking at Stiles' neck, and Laura, who just laughs.

Stiles lifts the hem of his scarf to hide the evidence, his cheeks flaming. Derek's just glad that neither the Sheriff or his sister can see the other places Derek's marked.

"Looks like you've finally found a flight you enjoyed, baby bro," Laura says as she wraps her arm around his shoulders and squeezes. "I'm so glad you're home."

Derek closes his eyes and breathes Laura in, his wolf settling at the smell of her shampoo, the warmth of his skin, and the feeling of home. "Me too."

Laura nuzzles the crook of his neck. "You smell different," she says as she leans back, her gaze sharp and assessing.

Derek glances at Stiles, who looks over to Derek at exactly the same time and waves at him with a blinding grin. "Um, yeah. About that..."

"I don't mean in that way," Laura says, wrinkling her nose. "Although he is a cutie. What I mean is that you smell... happy."

"I am," Derek says, realizing he means it. He can't wait to introduce Stiles to the rest of his family and begin formally courting his mate. But for now, he and Stiles know they have something special. They've entered the next chapter of their lives, one that already has a great beginning.

And the romantic in Derek knows this story will have a happy ending.

[aspiestvmusings]

ZEP S2 WISH LIST

Here is my wish list for ZEP future season(s):

This is based on a list I posted on another site after the finale. I've just expenaded on it. And added more things to the list: 

One: Joan = CEO.  Zoey or Max = Joan’s job (Zoey = Joan & Max = Zoey OR Max = Joan). -- Because they gotta keep Max around on the 4th, since it’s workplace centered show. And he’s free & looking for a job & he has loved working there & has been for 5 years, but he doesn’t want his old job back as a coder. This would allow them to deal with this the best. Without casting anyone new, and having the main cast all together in scenes, while also creating new dynamics... Because Joan is the new CEO (cause DMD is gonna be away for 6-19 months, so Joan is possibly not gonna be around as much for a while... a storyline written because of the actresses LG’s filming schedule conflict). So it’s either gonna be that Zoey takes Joan’s job (and Max Zoey’s job) or Max takes Joan’s job (and Zoey remains in hers...cause she has too manhy things to deal with currently to handle the responsibility of Joan’s job)

Or as an alternate option: Max does continue on his own path, and part of his character development (and part of more backstory for him, and his growth) will be his new career path. And I hope it won’t be on the 6th floor/at some other SrpkPoint team, but that he’d go on and start his own business or something. That’d be interesting, and source for many storylines. 

Two: Abigail returning from Africa & getting that internshop at Sprk Point. Tobin + Abigail (since KT has said he wants Tobin to fall in love) -- I really want to see Abigail again. and they did set up the possibility of that in S1. Also... this would allow Howie to return, too (as her dad now, not as Mitch caregiver)

Three: Max & Mo friendship. More of that. Team M&M being there for Zoey...at this time of grieving. The only two people who know about her superpower (the only two she’s told...cause the MRI technician might be “on the know” too? The third person who knew is not physically there anymore) 

Four: Max’s new look: beard (and locks). See: Skylar Astin’s social media posts during quarantine for the visual of the look. I mean... if we already had Tobin, David & Simon... all have a beard or a shadow of a beard...in the shows Pilot, then how/why would they (read: the network/studio) not allow Max to have one? The network made the actor shave for the show/S1, but... times they are changing. And the new look would fit... perfectly into the storyline. I mean.. Max is unemplyed for now, staying at home (not going to the offfice, so no “reason” to shave). Plus he said it himself... he’s looking forward to trying new things..etc. So it would make sense storyline wise, too. 

Five: Max & Tobin friendship - exploring more of this. It’s one of the dynamics we haven’t seen much in S1. But both Tobin 2.0 & Max 2.0 are extra great, and they’d work well together. 

Six: Tobin’s squirrel! Can he bring his pet squirrel to work again, please? 

Seven: More Team SparkPoint! More scenes, more songs for, more interactions with, more backstory of other member of the Team (Tobin, Leif, and everyone else) I really need there to be more song for Tobin/Kapil. 

Eight: The Max & Zoey office pool: Tobin being in charge of the bet “when will they get together”. Since everyone knows that Max has had a crush on Zoey for the longest time, and they’ve seen her sing “I’m Yours” to him (and probably more)... it’s time for this storyline. Because there is definitely some betting been going on about Zoey/Max, and if/when they will be together. 

Nine: More backstory to all (side) characters: The Clarke’s (Maggie, Zoey, David, Emily), Mo, Tobin, Leif, Joan, Max... How/When they started to work at Sprk Point. Their family. Their “outside work” life. Their personal experiences with grief (Zoey & Simon may be the only ones who have lost their dads, but Joan is defintely not the only person Zoey knows who has lost someone close... and she/we are just not aware ogf it yet)

Ten: Max & Simon: Both men agreeing to take a step back & take themselves out of the competition in Zoey’s mind, letting her have her alone time & family time after the funeral. Zoey taking time to think, and reflect...on things. And then sitting down to talk with both men (either all three together, or with each separately), and telling them everything/the truth. Telling Max about her connection with Simon and what happened on her “anger phase day”. Telling Simon about her connection and history with her best friend, Max and what happened on the day when the bad moon rose. And then either choosing one of them...or...if they are all open to it...then they could all be in a poly relationship... In other words: honesty from all. And no love triangle, cause that doesn’t work or fit anymore after S1. ETA [Dec 11th]: Oh, well...we all knew this wish of mine wasn’t fully gonna come true in early S2. The “triangle” is still there & both continue with their “heart songs” apparently, but we got a bonus out of it all: the two men are “best buddies” now. That’s something at least...

Eleven: Exploring the Max & Zoey relationship (co-workers, friends, romantic couple) through the eyes of others/people around them: We’ve seen Simon, who was an outsider & didn’t know them much, notice the connection between Max & Zoey. We’ve seen him say that he’s noticed how close the two are, and it’s also noticable when they are spending less time together. He’s even asked if the two are/have been a couple. So... he’s been aware that there is more to Max & Zoey than she has told him. Cause she keeps telling him they’re just friends & he has no reason to be jealous..etc... when he can see/sense that there is/was more... (and it’s possible that had she been honest with him from the start, he’d not “come between the two”...though IDK). How others see them. 

Twelve: Zoey admitting to herself that she hasn’t been fair with the two men in her life. Telling both the truth. Being open about her real feelings..for each. Zoey being more open with her own feleings, not running away from deep emotions. Not being scared of “what if-s”. Taking her own advice...to not keep it all (the grief) inside her, and instead talk about it...with loved ones. Dealing with it. And looking at things from a new, different perspective. Going after her joy... and realizing it’s not as far as she thinks. Realizing that she can live and love again after her dad is gone. Zoey admitting to herself that she formed an emotional grief bond with Simon only/mainly/mostly because she had a crush on him and wanted him for his body. That that was her motivation. Cause that was why she was so eager to help him, and why she continued her emotional affair with him. 

THIS IS WHAT HAS TO HAPPEN...FOR ME TO “LIKE” THE MAIN CHARACTER. Until she claims it’s all due to the powers or grief & won’t accept it’s her own choices & doing, I’m not gonna be able to fully enjoy the storylines. She may be grieving, she may be “stressed out” due to the power and she may have a “hot mess” personality in general, but since for me none of it is logical & I see her behaviours and all as irrational & controversial, I can’t “get” the character. To me her behaviour and all don't match up (and s much as I try convincing myself it’s cause of grief or powers or...) I cannot convince myself that those explain it. Hence she seems “OOC” to me... back & forth, all depending too much on the seasons set up (things happen in premiere, for sweeps, for finale... cause there have to be twists then, so even if they don’t add up or aren’t logical, they happen...) 

As Maggie put it, when Zoey lashed out on Howie: “We do not talk to people like that.” AND as Mo out it “don’t blame it on the power, this one’s all on you”. Meaning... she cannot claim that all of it is due to her grief or powers. And  personally need her to stop being in denial & claiming it’s “due to grief/powers”, when its been made clear she’s aware she is actually just trying to stay in denial.... 

Thirteen: Zoey + therapy & Simon + therapy: both taking time to properly grieve, and heal. And acknowledge their mistakes: Simon (emotionally) cheating on Jessica (he may not be a bad person, but he did a “bad thing”). Zoey leading both men along and being dishonest.

Fourteen: Maggie going back to work, continuing her landscape/floral business...without Mitch. But shell need someone to help her. The perfect candidate would be Autumn. She loves all things nature! Also...any excuse to have her (Stephanie) back. 

Fifteen: Paul (the family friend, who we saw in 1x06 & 1x12) being back. He’s the most likely candidate for a possibly romantic storyline for Maggie. IF they decide to write one. (and we all know TV shows like to write all that)

Sixteen: Mitch still being there... even if he’s not. In their dreams. In flashbacks. In Zoey-ality...singing to her. Any excuse to have Micth (Peter) back...as much as possible. And the “Mitch effect”: how he’s shaped everyone (Maggie, Zoey, David, Emily, Max...) who knew him... his “ideas” living on through them. Big Moments... 

Seventeen: Baby Mitch [cause, let’s be real, David & Emily are gonna name their baby boy after his grandpa...in some way or form)! David & Emily as parents. David as a father... even if he’s had doubts about himself as a dad [the whole “I dont think I’m manly enough” plot they did] 

Eighteen: Aunt Zoey -- Zoey as an aunt to “baby Mitch”. David & Emily asking Zoey & Max to be the babies godparents (they would...cause he’s like a family, and they have no idea about any of the triangle drama...probably). Zoey babysitting baby Mitch. Zoey & Max babysitting baby Mitch. Cause let’s face it - they would  not let Zoey do it alone - she’d be too anxious/nervous... #classictrope

Nineteen: Throwbacks to: The day that Max & Zoey met..5 years ago..a the company orientation day, and to other big moments in their friendship (how the movie nights started...). Leif’s first day...which was 7 years ago... sao hes been there longer. The day Max met Zoeys family, and seeing many of the moments they had together (any excuse to have Micth/Peter back) - the holidays, the summer barbeques...  and how everyone knew about Maxs feelings for Zoey. 

Twenty: More Zoey/Mo friendship. And more about her other neighours. Maybe her shy downstairs neighbour is ready for that moonwatching adventure on the roof? Speaking of which...can we get some astronomy/math storylines (backstory and expansion of Zoey’s interests - how it started, what she’s doing now...)

Twenty-One:  More singing & dancing...in whatever form. In Zoey’ality/Zoeys head, in dreams, in the form of karaoke or flash mobs. And one thing’s for sure... we need Zoey to SING...for real...to Max..once she’s made up her mind and chooses him. Whether it’s a flash mob, or karaoke..or just... “serenading” him... but she is her fathers daughter, and to parallel Max’s flash mob love confession & honouring her dad’s love for big moments, bigger memories...her “confession” should also be in the form of song...and dance.

Twenty-Two:  More people finding out about the power...though I don’t really see her “trusting” this secret to anyone but the people she already has told. Except for, maybe, her mom. It could help her if she’d know that Mitch communicated with her/them in a way...during his last months. And maybe she’d tell Joan. But... I actually do not see her telling Simon... even if they do make her choose him for now...cause she’ll make bad choices due to being a grieving mess. And unlike with her best friend, where she can request any feelings/heart song..or none at all... I don’t see her doing the same with her office crush, so any possible make out session will be ruined...as now it seems he is emotionally available, and “likes her back”, so he’s about to sing to her...during such moments. Yet...if they do get closer and she doesn’t tell him... that alone will drive them apart..the secret(s). And yet...if she will tell him...then I do not see a scenario where he will be okay with it, and as chill as Mo, or even as mildly chill as Max was. Because his entire belief in them is based on his belief that she has this natural connection with him...when in fact she’s using a CHIRP style device that helps her read his mind/heart. And unlike others, I do not see the possibility of him being chill or OK with her power, and her not telling him.

Twenty-Three:  CHIRP vs ZOEYALITY...the parallels between the superpower & the new tech/gadget

Written: over summer 2020 & updated with a few ETAs: Dec 11th, 2020

[whetstonefires]

i just saw an argument about polyamory and trust go by and it actually ties into some of the things i was saying about romance yesterday so i want to chase this thread a little----

the thing is it seems to me that the premise behind monogamy (behind marriage, to which it is deeply tied) is codependency.

you’re putting a huge investment into this person and they’re putting it into you, and in theory this means that it’s not in their interests to betray or abandon you.

(the historical gendered power imbalance in this system is one of its many fairly obvious potential failure states.)

sexual monogamy is valued therefore partly because men got invested in knowing for sure that the kids they were responsible for were theirs personally, but largely (especially now) because it provides a (limited) security system on the relationship.

if having sex with anyone but you means your partner has transgressed the contract between you, then it’s harder for them to get away with lining up your replacement without your knowing. which means they are more likely to remain reliant on you for a sexual and sexuality-ambient-emotional-interaction outlet, as well as for whatever practical logistical needs your partnership fulfills in their lives.

which means they’ll be taking more of a risk by abandoning you, leaving themselves between partners, with all those needs unfulfilled.

which means that they’re both less likely to do it, and more likely to give you clear behavioral warnings before doing it, so you can take measures to lessen the impact.

if the terms of your relationship mandate sexual monogamy.

when your financial security, housing, and other survival-related things are tied up with the stability of your romantic attachment, everything that decreases the risk of being dropped without warning is important. it can literally mean the difference between life and death.

so a lot of people are really, really attached to that security device, faulty as it may be on a variety of levels. enforcing that social norm has centuries of not wanting to starve to death or otherwise be disposed of behind it.

and this is also why so many people have the polyamory story of being used and discarded, and consider this to be the defining feature of polyamory.

because if you build your romantic relationships on the monogamous model, the fact that outside of its constraints your partner does not need you, you-specifically, you personally, and is free to discard you without undue disruption to their lifestyle, creates a huge vulnerability. which is going to be taken advantage of both by accident and very much on purpose, just as the dependency in an imbalanced monogamous relationship tends to be.

you cannot rely on logistical or emotional codependency to protect your investment in the relationship, in a poly scenario, at least not in the same way. but at the same time, of course, as long as both of you have diversified portfolios, as it were, you have a much greater safety net than if you were exclusively codependent on this one person, and had to hold onto them at all costs.

(of course getting broken up with by all your significant others at once sounds so horrifying i start gibbering at the concept, it’s a good thing i’m never going to date anyone.)

anyway the risk-assessment and investment strategies are fundamentally different. you have to structure the basic assumptions on which you base your trust differently, because this is not a system where going all-in forces the other players to ante up all they’ve got, or at least pretend to, or fold.

and if your relationship strategies and social expectations and so on are still reflexively focused around the assumption that it is, you are going to make a lot of bad bets, and fail to hedge them in ways that will actually help you.

trying to bolt polyamory onto the side of a what is, philosophically, basically a monogamous relationship has in fact got a pretty large set of unique failure states, which is something i see discussed remarkably rarely when these arguments go sailing by.

[sergeantjbuckybarnes]

 Poly!Tomdaya x F!Reader Headcanon # 7

masterlist here: x

NOW TAKING REQUESTS FOR THIS PAIRING

*check my endnotes for some clarity. 

firsts part 2: first I love you’s 

love can either be complicated or simple

it depends on how you look at things

but for you at least love is love

and it makes you incredibly happy 

so for the first time, you’ll say I love you

it’s gotta be a special moment 

with tom, i’d like to think you both say the first i love you

it’s probably in the most cheesy way

like later 6 months into the relationship

and maybe the two of you are on a date

its the first of three dates planned

anyways, maybe you and tom are eating ice cream after dinner

sitting under fairy lights and hidden away from anyone else

it doesn’t really hit you until,,,

tom’s laughing at something you told him

and his hair’s all floppy and soft 

and he looks so happy and oh boy,

you’re in love.

and it’s not this basic love, but

a more like this is it, this is what the movies all talk about.

it makes you all smiley and happy

the stupid grin on your face

and you didn’t really intend on saying i love you

but you’re both dumbass so,

you’re probably staring each other in the eye and just slips out

“I love you” “wait what”

dumbasses I swear

now with zendaya, 

you bet a whole bottom dollar she says it first 

and she has it all planned out too

dinner in her home

candlelit dinner

your favorite flowers on the table

your favorite movies lined up on a projector screen 

it’s l i t f a m

cuddling under a bunch of soft pillows

and blankets,

under the stars and mini lights

got a whole ass ambiance going on

she lets you lay on her chest

because she knows it's your favorite place to cuddle

you’re content and it shows

for you at least, you’ve known for a while that you love zendaya

you can’t place a time when you haven’t

it just feels natural to you

it makes your heart race

so, she waits until the movie has some type of music playing

wherever its’s romantic happy music or

a ballad or an action moment

she takes it, using her fingers to get your atttention

when she tells you she loves you,

it’s like a bubble forming in your chest

full of happiness and all that good stuff

you tell her you love her too, 

all is good.

* I’m sorry this is late. With the all that’s been going on, I wanted to give everyone some leeway before I posted again. I wrote a whole post on what has happened if you want to look for my opinion. Also, this non-tomdaya, but if there are any harry potter fans here, I want to write poly! Drarry x original female character, but I am unsure if anyone would read it, please let me know!

*this was high-key hard to write, I don’t get how writers do this. Anyways, I will have to start slowing down the number of posts per week, as I’ll be going back to work and stuff so I’ll get harder for me to post once august comes around.

[jadekitty777]

Who Needs Tradition When We Have Each Other?

Hi, hello! It’s been a bit – but yes, I do still write. Amazing, isn’t it?

So this is going to be a short, four part mini-series of Summer/Tai/Qrow stories. Why? Because apparently, I have a thing about writing fluffy snippets for underappreciated poly-ships that I secretly adore. Three of four of the stories are complete – with, naturally, the second chapter being the incomplete one. Hopefully… the probably extremely small pool of people who will read these will enjoy them!

Rating: K

Word Count: 2,600

Pairing: Summer/Tai/Qrow

Ao3 Link: Who Needs Tradition When We Have Each Other?

Summary: Qrow wore three rings on his right hand. Only one was actually his.

~

Originally, Qrow was only supposed to have one ring.

“Pick one out, pick one out!” Summer was leeched onto his arm, hopping on her heels. She’d been practically flying on cloud nine ever since the engagement, going full bridal mode with planning it all - decorations, catering, guest lists, clothing. He wasn’t exactly sure all the activity was good for her, especially considering her condition (“It’s a baby Qrow, not a hernia.”), yet her enthusiasm was too infectious not to get swept into.

That’s why he allowed himself to be dragged out of bed at eight on a Saturday morning to decide on wedding rings.

“Aren’t they supposed to match?” Taiyang called from where he was peering into another set of cases. Qrow suspected from his distant expression that he was only pretending to look. Probably for the better, considering his sense of fashion equated to ‘if it’s clean, it can be worn’.

Summer wiggled, bumping her hip into his own. “Only if we want to be traditional. But if we’re going to wear something for the rest of our lives I’d rather it be something we like for ourselves.”

The sentiment brought a smile to Qrow’s face. The rest of their lives, huh? After so many years of never having anything permanent or feeling like he was unwanted, he couldn’t begin to describe just how the promise of such a complete commitment made him feel.

“Oh well, then I’m good.” Tai said as he walked over, wheeling Yang’s stroller between the displays. The infant had her chubby little hands clutched around her favorite teddy bear plush, occupying herself by gnawing at one of its rounded ears and growling like she was the bear.

“Really? Which one did you pick?” Summer asked, practically vibrating with excitement.

“None of them.” He replied.

“Wait, what?! You can’t pick none.”

He arched one brow. “Sums, I punch Grimm in the face for a living. Pretty sure wearing jewelry isn’t good for my hand. Or the jewelry for that matter.”

“Oh.” She deflated as she considered that. Then her eyes lit up again. “What if we turn it into a weapon?”

Qrow barked out a laugh. Typical.

“I’m serious! I bet they make those; Huntsman-specific rings that have poison barbs in them or, or – oh!! Mini guns!!”

Tai snorted, shaking his head. “Think I’ll pass.”

“Ah, come on it would be rad!” When he continued to shake his head, her pout only grew more pronounced, “But Taai-”

Qrow curled his arm over her waist, dropping a kiss against her temple. “Babe, it’s fine. But maybe we’ll get that for your ring.”

“Yes!”

They continued to explore the store while Summer tried to talk the shop keep into customizing her ring with spikes (Unsurprisingly, it wasn’t going well). Qrow ghosted a hand over the top of a case full of silver bands, wondering if that was possibly too tacky. Just as he was about to turn away, he spotted one that had potential – a ring of both silver and gold, the two metals weaving around each other like vines. He lent closer to get a better look, only for his view to get obstructed as the glass started to break, cracks spiderwebbing across the top.

He straightened up, hurrying away from the scene of the crime.

As he joined Tai’s side, the blond pointed out the white rings he was admiring. “These ones are nice. Really Team STRQ-ish.”

Qrow bent over as if he was trying to see better, but he was peeking at the other from the corner of his eyes. Despite his previous deflections, Tai seemed rather despondent. It was hard to gather why; his logic was reasonable and he knew, culturally, rings weren’t really part of the wedding tradition in Vacuo. For that matter, they weren’t part of Mistral’s traditions either – probably for the same reason: only richer kingdoms like Vale and Atlas could afford such luxuries.

Still, when Summer had declared she wanted rings for the ceremony, Qrow hadn’t argued the matter because he had no argument to give. He knew part of it was because he was selfish. He’d grown up with so little that the idea he could purchase something so frivolously expensive and be allowed to keep it forever was oddly thrilling. More so, that he would be able to display it, with no one around to tell him he was foolish or threaten to take it and trade it in for lien. The other part of it was he’d grown soft over the years away from the tribe and liked the idea of having something physical affixed to himself that symbolized his marriage.

Knowing Tai was even squishier and sappier than he was, he had to wonder if it wasn’t the same for him?

“You know,” He started off casually, “For someone who doesn’t want one, you sure are looking hard.”

“I mean, I wasn’t lying. It probably isn’t a good idea for me to wear it. But well-” Tai looked over his shoulder, making sure their other partner was still distracted, before looking back down but he seemed to be staring far beyond the jewelry. “Look, it’s, stupid? I think? When Rae and I talked about rings, she just said we weren’t getting any. At the time, we’d just put the down payment on the cabin so I just brushed it off; but it always kind of bothered me she never asked my opinion.” He rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed like he usually was whenever he shared his feelings. “I guess I’m just trying to say it’s nice that you guys are giving me a choice.”

“It’s not stupid.” Qrow told him, taking his hand within his own. “Raven’s always been like that. It was either her way or no way. She’s never been the type to do anything that doesn’t specifically benefit her.”

Tai’s expression was as hesitant as his voice. “I guess you’re right?”

“Believe me, I am.” He assured, thinking of all the times his sister had tried to pull similar stunts on him. It hadn’t really ever been a problem, because he tended to stand his ground or even played her own game against her. It was only after he’d started to date Summer that he understood just how vital compromise was to any kind of relationship – and it was only after Raven left that he was able to see just how damaging what refusing to compromise could do to your partner.

Tai didn’t talk about it much, probably because it injured his pride too much, but it wasn’t hard to see just how much Raven’s actions had cut through his confidence. He wasn’t a pushover by any means but he was bright, like the sun itself, determined to speckle through even the darkest of places and bring light and warmth to whatever he could touch. It was a quality that terrible people couldn’t help but take advantage of.

Qrow would be the first to admit his record was anything but stellar in that regard – but exploiting his teammates’ who had welcomed him so readily, even after learning about his shit semblance, felt almost taboo. It infuriated him to think his twin not only didn’t agree with this thought process but deliberately was abusing it. Yet he’d been so caught up with his own life, he never even noticed what was going on right in front of him until Raven was already running out the door.

It felt like it was just another tally to add onto his growing record of things he’d done wrong and had to try and fix. Summer told him that was probably normal, since she shared the sentiment and even admitted she sometimes felt responsible, as if being their leader meant she had to be in charge of everything in their lives. When he asked her how she dealt with it, she’d said, “It’s not our job to fix Raven’s mistakes. Our job is to make this new experience for him with us a good one.”

That’s what he was thinking of when he commanded, “Tai get a ring.”

“What? But-”

“If you want one, then get one.” He urged. “And don’t pull the ‘it’s too much money’ card on me. This whole ceremony is an overpriced theater show – a few extra hundred ain’t gonna be missed.”

Again, Tai was quick to disagree, “Qrow, that’s dumb. Why would I get something I’m almost never going to wear?”

“Then I’ll wear it.” He declared. When Tai only shot him a bewildered look, he explained, “Our ring sizes aren’t too different; I bet it’ll fit on my index finger. That way you have one, but I’ll be holding onto it.” He reached out, tenderly running the back of his hand along his cheek. “Kind of like how I’ll always hold onto you, no matter where I am.”

“Wow…” Tai breathed, eyes wide, “That was oddly romantic. Sure you thought of it?”

Qrow dropped a kiss on his nose, murmuring, “Shut up and pick one already.”

His laughter was soft and warm. “Alright.”

By the time Summer rejoined them, he’d made his choice.

“This one.” Tai said, pointing at an ivory ring that had a groove in the middle of it filled with obsidian rock that shined nicely in the light.

He smiled. White and black, huh? “Yeah that’s a good one.”

“What are you guys doing?” Summer had the dejected look of a girl who had been told that she was not allowed to have a gun installed into her wedding ring. It was gone the moment they told her what they had negotiated over. “Oh Qrow!” She gushed. “That’s so sweet! I’m surprised you thought of it.”

“It’s nice to know neither of you have any faith in me.” He grumbled, ignoring the teasing grin on Tai’s face.

She pat him placatingly on the back. “It’s just not your style hon.” She bounced over to the blond’s side next, pushing him towards the counter. Though, it was hard to say if her urgency was from excitement or because she was worried he’d change his mind. “Go tell the jeweler which one you want so they can get it fitted!”

“You guys can handle Yang?” Tai asked, sparing the stroller a look equal to one a person might give when staring at a minefield.

She saluted him. “You can count on us. Well, mostly me.”

“Hey!” Qrow protested.

“Oh sorry. Only me.”

“That’s better.”

Tai laughed. “You two are too much.”

Still, it was enough to convince him, and Summer happily took up baby duty, rolling her along with them as they continued to scope out the shop. From gold to platinum, from gem-encrusted all the way around to fat diamonds squarely in the center, there were hundreds of styles, all for a particular taste. Even after he eliminated anything with a gemstone on it, it still left him with what metal he’d prefer, the thickness and design of the band, whether it would or wouldn’t have imprinted words or patterns.

“You see any you like?” Qrow asked, rocking on his heels, mesmerized by the way a set of anodized rings changed in hue. They were neat, but they probably stood out too much. Not exactly suited for a spy.

“Not quite.” She was by the titanium case. He wondered if she was trying to find something to match her brooch. She moved away, not seeming to find anything of interest and headed back his way. “You know, I was thinking…”

“About?” He asked, still swaying, watching the greens and blues shift to yellows and purples.

“We have the same ring size.”

He fell flat on his feet. Looked at her. Her lips were set in a firm, pensive line. “You want me to wear yours too?”

“Oh, no-no! I definitely want to wear mine!” She pushed some of her hair behind her ear, looking everywhere but at him. “But, when you go on missions, maybe I can wear your ring until you get back? Keep it safe. And when…” She bit her lip. “When I go back on mine, you can do the same for me.”

He sucked in a sharp breath. Oh. “So, you decided then?”

“Yes. No? I don’t, I’m not.” She placed a hand over her stomach. It was barely more than a little bump. “I don’t know what I want.”

By now, it was an exhausted topic. One they’d stayed up late multiple nights just looking at every angle of. And every time, Summer felt even less sure than the day before. She was crucial to the war Oz was trying to wage, she felt obligated to jump back in as soon as she was able; but wasn’t their child crucial as well? Perhaps not to the world, but to her. To their family. It was with the announcement of Summer’s pregnancy the three of them decided to officially tie the knot. Their entire dynamic was changing for good because of this one little life. But did that mean Summer’s life should change for good as well?

Qrow didn’t have the answer; after all, it wasn’t his decision to make.

But, as he placed his hand over hers, he told her what he did know. “That’s okay. There’s plenty of time to think about it. Just know, whatever you do decide Tai and I will support you, no matter what.” He rubbed her thumb across her knuckles. “But I’ll promise you now, if you do go back to being a Huntress, I’ll wear your ring while you’re gone.”

“Thank you.” She looked up at him, and he was overtaken by her beauty in her soft gaze and sweet smile.

He couldn’t help but kiss her.

It went without saying that when Tai heard about their silly ring trade-off idea, he was practically moonstruck over it. Corny, fairytale-esque stuff like that was always the easiest way to his heart.

They ended up choosing a pair of thin, silver rings with an opalescent finish to give it a pure white look from afar, but when held up close and in the light, had an array of colors shining across the gemstones. Elegant, but simple, matching well with Tai’s and easy for them both to wear on their ring fingers at the same time. The final touch, after getting all three fitted, was to have each one engraved with their own names on the inside of their respective rings.

When they got home, Tai worked on an early lunch while Summer put Yang down for her late morning nap. With them distracted, Qrow snuck away to the bedroom and pulled out the three velvet cases from the bag, opening them one by one.

He put on his first, where it fit snug and secure on his ring finger.

Then Summer’s, right above his. It held on just a bit tighter than his own and assured it wouldn’t fall off.

Lastly was Tai’s, slipping nice and easy onto his index finger.

Suddenly, everything felt more real than ever before. Qrow turned his hand to and fro, getting used to their presence and their weight. Held them to the light and was blinded in their luster. Settled with the idea that this was soon going to be a more consistent addition to his wardrobe.

It was a change he was looking forward too.